The inside of Alice Harvey's house was nothing like the outside. Inside it was still small, but warm and homely. Full of books and scientific journals. A pile of unwashed dishes sat at the sink and a grey tabby cat was lounging on the only chair in the squished lounge room.

"Off you get Artemis" Alice scooped up the cat. "The superintendent needs to sit" she cuddled the cat to her chest. "Sorry about the mess. I don't often have people visiting. In fact I never have anyone visiting."

"You have a cat?"

"Should I not? You're not allergic are you?'

Matthew shook his head. "No, I love cats. I just never thought you would have one"

"Well truth be told it might be more accurate to say she has me. We kind of adopted each other. I found her crying in my yard as a kitten on a freezing winter night years ago. I let her in that one night and she hasn't been outside since." She turned the cat to look at her face "Artemis, this is a good friend of mine, Matthew Lawson. He's a policeman, but don't hold that against him. Be nice." She passed him the cat "We keep each other warm, and she's good company. She never answers back. She probably eats better than I do most days." She laughed lightly as she took a few steps away, "Excuse me while I just get changed" She walked in to another room and closed the door.

Artemis looked at Matthew with interest. This was a first. Her human bringing someone back to the house.

Matthew reached out and let her sniff his hand, then scratched her behind the ears fondly.

Artemis leaned into his hand and then deciding he was alright to stay, settled into his lap.

A few minutes passed as Matthew looked around the room. There were no family photographs or artworks on the walls, instead Alice's doctor certificate was framed, as was what looked like suspiciously like a Christmas card and a birthday card. There was no television, just bookshelves and a small radio.

The door opened and Alice came back out in a bottle green dress with a demure split at the neck and white winged collar. It had a small buckled belt at the waist and in her hands she held a small black clutch purse. She spied the cat in Matthews lap and smiled brightly "Oh look, she likes you" she leant over him to press her face against the cat who rose her face up to meet hers. She petted Artemis and then turned away.

Matthew was speechless. She looked stunning. "Wow!" he finally managed

Alice was at a mirror applying lipstick. She caught his eye in the mirror. "Wow what superintendent?

"You look beautiful"

She looked at him sharply through the reflection.

"It's another compliment. The correct response is 'Thank you'" he smiled at her.

She looked his reflection in the eye unsmiling "No one has ever called me beautiful before" she admitted quietly.

"Well then they must be blind"

Alice turned to face him, her mouth set and eyes hard "Listen Matthew Lawson, I don't know what you're playing at but if you and Lucien are going to laugh hysterically about this later, you can stop right now"

Matthew was taken aback "Why on earth would we do that?"

"Isn't that the kind of thing boys do? Dare each other to string the weird girl along, and then make fun of her when she believes you?" her voice quivered as she looked away. "That's what they always did in school."

"Honestly Doctor Harvey, I'm just trying to tell you, you look lovely" Matthews voice was gentle "and you're not weird"

Alice still looked unconvinced. But didn't pursue it.

"So, er. No TV?" Matthew ventured, changing the subject.

"No" Alice answered defensively, "I've never had one. I prefer to read. And listen to music." She reached down to pet Artemis who let out a soft 'meow' of contentment. "Shall we go?" She lifted the cat out of Matthews lap and placed her on the ground, Where Artemis delicately picked up a paw and started licking it.

Matthew nodded and then as he rose from the chair let out a pained cry and sat heavily back down again. "Cramp" he grunted through gritted teeth.

"Would you like me to take a look at it for you?"

Matthew froze.

"I am a doctor, Superintendent."

He faltered. "I, er, yes I'm aware of that" He was torn. On the one hand the thought of having some possible relief for the pain, but on the other, he was ashamed to show her the twisted mess that was his leg. He rubbed his leg and he thought quickly. "alright" he admitted gruffly.

"Where is the cramp" Alice enquired as she bobbed down in front of him

"Behind my knee. He grimaced again

"Well I'm not going to be able to work on it with you seated in that chair." She stood. "You'll have to come and lay on my bed." She pulled him up out of the chair and put his arm about her shoulders

Matthew stared wildly at her as he pulled his arm back. "What?"

"On your stomach please superintendent. Oh and trousers off please"

"What!?"

"Do you have a hearing problem?

"No, But…"

"My patients never complain this much"

"Most of your patients are dead Doctor Harvey!"

"Fair. Look if you're feeling embarrassed you can cover your arse with my towel." She reached over and grabbed a towel from the washing basket and threw it at him.

Matthew fumbled catching the towel as he stared at her. The word arse seemed such a crude word to be coming from such elegant lips. He stared at her lips wondering what it would be like to catch them between his teeth.

"Earth to Lawson! Come in Lawson!"

He looked at her and she pointed toward her bedroom. He limped towards the door and closed it behind him.

Alice looked at Artemis who had been watching the scene with interest. "Men are such babies Artemis." She walked over and knocked on her own bedroom door "Are you decent? I'm coming in."