By the time Mac got done with his meter maid duty, he was more miserable than before. He was wet, although he had his coat on, raindrops just seemed to be able to find a way down through the collar and anywhere else they wanted to slide down. It was cold rain too. Mac sneezed as he got in a cab to go back to the DMV with his ticket book. He turned that in and started to leave.

"Detective Taylor," the supervisor said.

Mac looked at her. "Yeah?"

She gave him a yellow rain poncho with a hood on it. "You could have asked for that today."

"I didn't know it was going to rain. I haven't had much time to think about the weather forecast."

"See you tomorrow."

Mac went on out the door and got a cab home. He sneezed again as he walked in the door of the building. He picked up his mail and went to his apartment. He wanted to get out of those wet clothes before he looked at any mail. He took a hot shower and got into a t-shirt and sweats. Then he sat down at the table to look at his mail. Most of it was junk mail. However, he had one bill and another letter from Quinn. Mac stared at the envelope. He thought he shouldn't even open it; maybe he should just tear it up and burn it. He leaned on the table. Why should he let her torture him like that?

Mac went into the kitchen and looked through his junk drawer to find his box of matches. He hardly used matches, but he kept a box around in case he needed some. He held the letter over the sink and struck a match. He stuck the match to the letter and let the fire eat the paper and turn it into black ash. He dropped it into the sink and let it burn completely, and then he just washed it away down the drain. He leaned on the sink. He would call that prison tomorrow and ask them to stop her from sending letters to him. She was harassing him.

Mac went to the living room and lay down on the couch. He was glad to be home, although he liked being with Stella. He pulled a blanket over him and turned the TV on and then he ordered some Chinese food. He fell asleep before the food arrived. He dreamed that Quinn told him she was pregnant with his baby. He sat straight up on the couch. Then he heard a loud crash of thunder outside. He looked out the window. The rain was still pouring and lightning was flashing. He thought of that dream he had. He knew it was possible. What would he do? She would broadcast it to as many as she could so she could humiliate him all over again. Mac realized his hands were shaking. He waited for his food to arrive while he watched an episode of "The Andy Griffith Show". Sometimes he wished things were simple like those days. Everything was so complicated now, everyone was running to keep up and had no time to live life like they wanted.

The doorbell rang. Mac went to the door and paid for his order. He sat on the couch and ate while he watched more TV. It had been a while since he had gotten to just sit here and watch TV. He took one of his pain pills and finished eating. Then he just lay down on the couch.

At around Midnight, the doorbell rang again. Mac just barely opened his eyes. "Go away," he said, not loud enough for anyone to hear. He did not want to get up. He just drifted back to sleep. Then he was startled awake again by someone knocking.

"Mac, open the door! It's Stella."

Mac stared at the door a moment. Stella. He got up, keeping the blanket around him and went to the door. He opened the door and looked at Stella a moment. "What are you doing here?" he asked.

"I couldn't sleep," Stella said. "I wanted to see how your day went on the street."

"You could have called."

"I'm sorry. I just miss you."

Mac just looked at her a moment. "I don't want to be forced into this, Stella."

"I'm not forcing you. Can't we just talk a while?"

"At Midnight? Stella, I'm tired."

"I noticed you had to work in the rain."

Mac nodded. "Yeah, it was miserable."

Stella could see Mac was about to fall asleep on his feet. "I'll see you in the morning," she said.

Mac nodded slightly. He barely knew he closed the door. He went on to bed this time and was asleep before he even got settled. Stella realized Mac did not lock the door. She turned the knob slowly and opened the door. She looked into Mac's bedroom. She could see he was asleep. She locked the door and lay down on the couch. She would never want to admit it to Mac, but she was afraid to stay alone now. She had gotten used to Mac being there. She felt safe in his arms. She pulled the blanket over herself and went to sleep.

Mac woke up the next morning as a bright flash of lightning invaded his vision from outside his room. He opened his eyes and looked out, then he just pulled the covers over his head. It was still storming out there. He would stay here in bed until they called him today. He had no cases he was working on.

Mac raised up as he heard something. He thought it sounded like the front door. He got up and looked out the bedroom door. "Stella!" he said.

Stella almost screamed. "Mac, did you have to startle me?" she asked.

"Startle you? I could have shot you! What are you doing here?"

Stella locked the door back and leaned on it and folded her arms. She didn't want to tell Mac she was afraid, but she supposed she would have to now. Mac came on into the living room. She thought he looked so good in those clothes, she would like to just attack him. He didn't look too excited or happy though. "Well?" he asked.

"I'm afraid to stay by myself, Mac," Stella said. "I came last night because I was hoping you would invite me to stay. When you didn't, I realized you didn't lock the door, so I just came back in."

Mac just stood there a moment. "Why haven't you already told me that?"

"I was ashamed."

"Ashamed of what?"

"Being afraid." Stella wiped tears off her face. "I'm a cop, Mac! I'm not supposed to be afraid."

"Fear is a part of life no matter who you are," Mac said. He walked over to Stella and hugged her. "You should have told me."

"Why? So you could feel sorry for me and let me stay with you even when you're uncomfortable?"

"You stayed anyway. I could have let you stay instead of you sneaking in."

Stella put her arms around Mac's neck and just melted into his arms. "I feel so safe in your arms," she said.

Mac held her tighter. "I'm sorry I was insensitive," he said.

"It's not your fault. I should have just told you."

Mac wiped tears off her face. "Don't cry," he said. "Go on in there and get ready. I'll fix some coffee."

"No, you get ready first. I would rather fix the coffee myself."

"Are you saying I don't fix good coffee?"

"Mine is better."

"Alright, you win."

Mac went to his room. Stella sighed. She was glad he wasn't mad at her. She went into the kitchen and started breakfast. She liked cooking anyway.

Mac came back into the kitchen wearing a sweater and jeans. Stella looked at him a moment. "You going casual today?" she asked.

"Yes," Mac said. "Look out there. It's pouring down rain. I have meter maid duty this morning too since I don't have a case to work on."

Stella set a plate on the table. "There you go," she said. "That should warm you up."

Mac sat down and Stella sat across from him. Mac took a bite of his egg. "Very good," he said.

"Thanks," Stella replied. "I'm sorry if I intruded last night."

"No, but I wish you had just told me."

"When I'm in my apartment, I just feel like someone's watching me all the time."

Mac sipped his coffee. "I got another letter from Quinn yesterday."

"What did she say?"

"I didn't read it."

"Why?"

"I don't want to know what she has to say."

"I don't blame you. What are you going to do?"

"I'm going to call the prison and block her letters to me."

They ate in silence for a few moments. "Stella, if you want to, you can move in here with me," Mac said. "There's no need to have two apartments if we're going to stay together all the time."

"Are you sure you're okay with that?" Stella asked.

"I have another room in there. We can put your bed in it."

"Sounds fine to me."

Mac looked at his watch. "I have to be down there by eight," he said.

"I'll drive you," Stella said. "Just let me get a quick shower."

Mac waited in the living room while Stella got ready. He watched the weather. It was expected to rain all day. He sighed. He hoped he didn't get sick from this. At least he would have the poncho today. He went over to the coatrack and took the poncho out of the plastic bag it was in. Mac supposed it was brand new. He put on his overcoat and then the poncho. Just then, Stella came from the bedroom. "Wow, you look bright," she said.

"Thanks," Mac replied, sarcastically.

"Cheer up. At least we don't have a case this morning."

"I would rather have a case than to do this all day."

"How are your feet?"

"Better, I guess. They don't hurt near as bad as yesterday."

Stella kissed him on the cheek and started for the door, but Mac caught her hand. "Now, come on, you can give me a better kiss than that, can't you?" he asked.

Stella gave him a seductive look. "Pucker up, Taylor."

Mac put his arms around her waist and they shared a long, passionate kiss that left them both breathless. "I might make it all day with that," Mac said.

"Just in case…" Stella kissed him again. "Do we have to go in right now?"

Mac stared into her eyes. "I think we should," he said. "You can get your bed moved in here today."

"Okay."

Mac turned and went on to the door. Stella put her coat on and they went outside. It was colder this morning. "Wow, they weren't wrong when they said it would be colder today," Stella said, as the cold wind hit her face, along with a few drops of the cold rain.

Mac shivered. He dreaded walking that street all day in this. Stella drove him over to the DMV. He started to get out of the truck, but Stella grabbed him by the collar and kissed him. "Maybe that will keep you warm today," she said.

Mac thought it might. "I'll see you later," he said, and got out. He blew out a breath. He hoped he didn't make a mistake by telling her she could stay with him. He didn't want her to be afraid though.

Mac went into the building. The supervisor was waiting for him. "It's a cold one out there," she said. "I hope you dressed warmly."

"I did," Mac replied.

"Well, you won't be only writing tickets today."

"What am I doing?"

"You're going to ride with Al out there and help him round up all these unpaid parking ticket holders. You'll put wheel locks on their vehicles until they pay the fines."

"I've never done that before."

"You'll learn fast. You'll meet a lot of angry people today, especially in this weather."

Mac sighed. He couldn't believe he had to do this. "So I guess I'll be arresting people today too?"

"If they assault you."

Mac took his badge off his belt and put it on the pocket of the poncho. "Where is Al?" he asked.

"Out back with the truck."

Mac went out the back door. He was glad it wasn't just pouring down rain. It had slacked off just a little. He found Al loading wheel locks into the back of the truck. "Morning!" he said, loudly.

"Morning," Mac replied. He looked at the wheel locks. They were big, yellow locks with hubs on them. "Are those heavy?"

"Of course they are!" Al handed one to Mac.

Mac almost dropped it. It was very heavy. "We're going to be putting these on cars all day?"

"Not all day. My partner will be in at lunch. She had to take her kid to the doctor this morning. That's why you're helping me."

Mac nodded and put the wheel lock in the truck. "You know, I didn't really realize what all you guys do in this city until I got down here."

"Most people don't. Most people wish we were dead. They want to park where they want, but you can't do that. There has to be rules."

They got into the truck and headed out. "So, you're a detective," Al said.

"Yes," Mac replied. "I'm the head of the crime lab."

Al looked at him with a puzzled look. "Why are you down here doing all this?"

"Punishment."

"Oh, so our job is a punishment."

Mac looked at him. "Well, the Commissioner thinks it is for me. I don't get paid for it."

It was an hour before they found the first car on their list. "Hey, look, you get to write a ticket and put the hub on," Al said. "He's parked illegally this morning too."

Mac got out of the truck and got his ticket book. He knew this was going to be a long morning when he saw the guy coming out who owned the car. Mac thought the guy must be more than a foot taller than him and he was a huge guy. "What you doing?" he asked.

Mac tried not to be intimidated. "You're parked illegally, and you have a whole lot of unpaid parking tickets," he said.

"You know how hard it is to find a parking place in this city?"

Mac didn't really. He always had reserved parking in the garage and when he went to a crime scene he didn't have to worry about where he parked. "I'm just doing my job."

The man stepped closer to Mac. "What if I don't want you to do it?"

Mac looked up at him. "Don't try to intimidate me. I'm also a decorated detective in this city. Maybe I'll call my office and have them see what they can dig up about you."

He stepped back from Mac then. "Fine. Go ahead and take my car."

"I'm not taking your car. All you have to do is go down to the DMV and pay your fines."

"With what? I do good to keep the rent paid."

Mac wrote out the ticket and gave it to the man. Then Al came over with the hub. "How do you think I can get down there to pay the fines with that on the car?" the man asked.

"Take a cab," Al replied, coldly.

Mac looked up at the man. He didn't think the guy had any real violent tendencies. He was just frustrated. Mac supposed he would be frustrated too if someone was putting a restraint on his vehicle. Al got the contraption on the car and went back to the truck. Mac looked at the man. "Just go pay your fines and it'll be over," he said.

Mac got in the truck. He hated this job already. He didn't like making folks suffer more than they already were when they were not guilty of some murder or other crime. Although, he supposed it was a crime to park illegally.

"You can't have pity for people on this job," Al said. "You need to go back to the crime lab."

Mac looked at him. "There's nothing wrong with having a little compassion," he said.

"Maybe in your job."

Mac was glad when lunchtime came. He was ready to get out of that truck. He hoped he never had to do that job again. They had been cursed at, someone shot at them and one even tried to hit him. He still had not received a call about a case. He hoped maybe people would stay in out of the rain. It was raining hard again. Mac got a cab to the diner to eat lunch. He was tired. He hung his poncho on a coat rack and sat down at a table and wiped his face with a napkin. The waitress came over to him. "You look like you could use some hot coffee," she said.

"Yes, thank you," Mac said.

"What'll you have?" She poured a cup of coffee for Mac.

"I think I'll have some of that vegetable-beef soup you have on the menu."

"Coming right up."

Mac wanted something hot to eat today. He was cold and wet. He put sugar in his coffee and sipped it. He shivered. Mac thought his feet were soaked. He had walked through a lot of standing water today. Soon, the waitress brought him a steaming bowl of soup and crackers. "Thanks," Mac said.

"Anything else?" she asked.

"Not now. Thanks."

Mac sipped the soup. It tasted good. He finished eating and then sat there and read the newspaper while he tried to let his muscles relax. He was dozing when Stella came in the door. She slapped him on the back. "Wake up!" she said.

Mac jumped. "Stella," he said. He rubbed his eyes. "What are you doing?"

"I figured this is where you were."

"I've been cold all morning."

"You ate soup? Is it good?"

"Delicious."

"I think I'll have a bowl."

Stella ordered her meal, then she looked at Mac. "Everyone is wondering where you are this morning," she said. "I've avoided telling them you're serving out punishment so far, but they know you're not just taking the morning off. You've been disappearing."

"You might as well tell them. Then I guess they can all come down that street and laugh at me. I have to write tickets in this miserable weather this afternoon."

"It's been quiet at the office. I've been going over files and writing out reports, catching up on paperwork."

"At least you've been dry. I think my feet are shriveled."

"How long do you have to do this?"

"Two weeks."

"Two weeks? That's a long time."

"Yeah. Tell that to the Commissioner. And any day that I don't have a case, I have to be out there."

"I'll give you a good massage tonight. How does that sound?"

Mac didn't know what to say to that. "Good."

Stella leaned on the table. "Mac, what's wrong?"

"Nothing."

The waitress brought Stella's food to her. "Is it because Quinn is harassing you?" Stella asked, as she took a bite of the soup.

"Every time I get one of those letters, I relive it all over again. I don't know. Am I crazy?"

"Being held hostage is a horrible experience, Mac."

"How do you ever get over it?"

"You do what you want, I guess. You take back your life."

Mac looked at his watch. "I have to get going," he said. "Let me know if anything happens."

"I will."

Stella watched Mac leave. She thought she was more in love with him now than she had been before. She wanted to take his fears and hurts away. She would definitely give him that massage tonight. She would fix a romantic dinner for them if she had the time. She would make him forget Quinn.

That evening, Stella was home first. She took a quick shower and put on a red dress that accentuated her figure. Then she went to check on her dinner. She had the table fixed with candles. She wanted Mac to feel that it was a special night. She hoped she wouldn't need her bed that she had moved into the extra room. She had gotten used to sharing a bed with Mac, and she wanted that to continue.

Soon, Stella heard Mac coming in the front door. She felt sorry for him when she saw how weary he looked. He dropped his wet poncho in the floor and his coat and everything else that wasn't attached. "I'm home," he said, with a frown.

"You poor darling," Stella said. She went to him and kissed him.

Mac noticed what she was wearing. "What's going on?" he asked.

"I've fixed you a special dinner. Go and get a hot shower and then come to the dining room."

"I think I want to just collapse on the bed."

Stella took his hand and led him into the bedroom. "Whatever you've cooked smells good," Mac said.

"Get a shower," Stella said. She helped him get his wet sweater off.

"That poncho does no good with rain that is falling sideways."

Stella kissed him. "Come on."

"Alright. I'll be out in a few."

Stella left the room. Mac took his wet shoes off. He poured water out of them. He was glad when he got into that hot shower. He let the warmth soak in. It made him even sleepier. He was always sleepy when the weather was like this and he was cold all day, and today, he didn't even have coffee to drink to wake him up.

Mac soon came into the dining room wearing a long sleeved t-shirt and sweats with socks. "I'm sorry," he said. "I don't feel like dressing up again."

"That's fine," Stella said. "I dressed up just for you."

"You look beautiful."

"Thanks."

When they were done eating, they went to Mac's room. "Now, it's time for your massage," Stella said. "Take that shirt off."

Mac didn't even want to argue. He took his shirt off and lay down on the bed. He was relaxed until Stella sat down on him and began to massage his back. He felt like he was fully awake now. Her fingers sent tingles all over him. She kissed his back and then his neck. Mac was glad she couldn't see how much desire she was provoking in him. Stella knew exactly what she was doing. She reached for the lotion on the nightstand. She kissed him behind his ear while she rubbed the lotion on him.

"Stella," Mac said. "I think that's enough. I just want to go to sleep."

"Mac, why can't you give in to me?" Stella whispered in his ear, sending chills all over him.

"You're trying to seduce me. I told you before, I don't want you to try to seduce me."

Stella slid her arms around him so her hands were on his chest while she lay on his back. Mac finally rolled over, and Stella was still on top of him. "Don't do this to me," he whispered.

Stella thought it was exactly what he needed. He was letting Quinn control him like she wanted to do. Stella rubbed his chest and kissed it. She knew Mac was full of desire, she was herself. She kissed his neck until she heard him breathe out a silent moan. She moved to his lips then. She thought he would give in, but just as she thought their passion was reaching a new height, Mac pushed her off him. "Go to your own room," he said, breathlessly. He turned his back to her. "Just go, Stella."

"Mac, why?" Stella asked.

"I don't want to do this. Okay?"

"You 'do' want to! You just won't let yourself."

Mac sat up and stared at her. "Fine! If you're staying in here, then I'll go in there!" He got out of the bed.

"Mac!" Stella stood up. "Just so you'll see what you're missing." She pulled her dress off.

Mac glared at her. "I knew this was why you wanted to stay here! You thought you could seduce me!"

"I did not! I thought we were in love! I love you, Mac."

"Well, I don't love you!" Mac went to the other room. He was surprised at himself. Why did he say that? He loved Stella, and he knew it.

Suddenly, Stella came into the room and walked up to him. "Say that to my face," she said, with tears in her eyes.

Mac stared at her. "I can't. I didn't mean that."

Stella put her arms around his neck. Mac put his arms around her and rubbed her naked back. His body was screaming for him to give in, but his heart didn't want it to be this way. He dropped his hands to his sides. "No," he said. "I don't want it to be this way."

"What way?" Stella asked.

"I'm going to bed. Don't follow me."

Mac went to his own room and got into bed after he put his t-shirt back on. He was cold again. He stared out the window. Times like this made him think of Claire. He wanted love like that again. He pulled the covers around him tighter. He was surprised at himself. One minute, he was happy with Stella and the next, they were fighting about sex. He felt like she was trying to force herself on him. He figured she thought it was his way out of his prison he had made for himself with the help of Quinn. He knew Stella loved him and that was what made it different. Maybe she was trying to seduce him, but she wanted him because she loved him, not because she wanted to force him or possess him.

Mac sat up and looked toward Stella's room. He had to admit it was much warmer in bed with her than in bed alone. What would she say if he went in there now? He supposed there was only one way to find out. Why did he have to feel nervous? He got up and walked over to the doorway. Stella was in bed with her back toward the door. He could see she had put on a nightgown. He halfway wanted to run back to his own bed. He turned to go back to his bed, but then he heard Stella say, "Mac."

Mac looked in the door. Stella moved over so he could get into the bed. "Come on," she said.

Mac paused for a moment, but then he went to her and crawled into the bed. "I was cold in there by myself," he said. "I think I've gotten used to sleeping with you."

"I know I have gotten used to sleeping with you."

They stared at each other for a moment. "Well, good night," Stella said. She turned over the other way. She felt Mac settle in behind her and his arm slid around her waist. She had definitely gotten used to this. Mac smelled of her hair. He didn't think he could live without that anymore either. He didn't like smelling his own cologne anymore. He wanted to smell sweet flower fragrances that only women wore. And there was only one woman he wanted. He pulled her closer to him. He would marry this woman and they would have the love he and Claire once had.