A/N: Hi guys, since here in Brazil it's already past midnight and theoretically it's Thursday... hahahaha

I think I'm more anxious than you guys to post the chapters.

Thanks for all the comments and I hope you enjoy this chapter and let me know what you think about it. ;)

I love you and have fun.

Chapter 7

When they left the office with the promise that they would be at Rachel's next activities, Sharon felt her heart sink. She tried to be professional and hide behind Darth Raydor's armor, but she couldn't. The uncertain and dangerous situation the poor girl found herself in was terrifying for both sides. And Andy sensing her quiet mood didn't say much, just held her hand and tried to be sympathetic.

The Lieutenant, on the other hand, was angry. All he wanted was to strangle the killers of the three young women they'd encountered, and save Rachel and any others who might be in their clutches. Andy just wanted to end all this and arrest all the people responsible.

As soon as they arrived at the mansion, the three officers got out of the car and went to meet Amy who had stayed to arrange the photos. As soon as Sharon walked in she felt strangely at home, now there were some pieces of art she liked, some contemporary paintings and a more subdued atmosphere than when they left. Also, the house had some darker furniture, it was clear what was hers and what was Andy's.

The Lieutenant looked around with a smile, he was as surprised as the Captain, it was clear that there was an effort to make the house look like the two of them. And what was enchanting him were the photos they had taken earlier, he and Sharon looked like a couple in love.

"I'm glad you arrived". Amy commented excitedly, a young woman was beside her and smiling too. "First of all, this is Agatha, she is an interior designer and she is helping me with the decor".

"It turned out wonderful". Sharon compliment and she was being sincere.

"Thanks". Agatha spoke a little blushing. "Amy told me a little about you and I hope I got it right".

"You sure were right". Andy commented.

"Well... I need to talk to you two". Amy started and led the two superiors to sit on the couch. "Judith behaves like a social worker, so I'm sure she will walk all over the house".

"And is that really necessary?"

"I talked to a social worker at the police station and she said yes. In this way, it is assessed whether the couple is really suitable for a child".

"Alright". Sharon shifted a little uncomfortably. "What must we do to prove that we are good enough?"

"You are doing everything right. However-" Amy was a little uncomfortable with what she would say next. "I know it's an inconvenience, but you should share the master bedroom".

Sharon and Andy looked at each other in surprise and fear, they were in enough trouble without having to share a bed.

"Do you want us to share a bed, Detective?"

"Just until tomorrow when Judith visits". The Detective spoke uncertainly. "Look- I know it sounds uncomfortable, but it's the only way. As soon as I went upstairs it was clear that the guest room was occupied. And if you were a real couple and someone saw a situation like this, what do you think they would think?"

"That we were fighting". Andy said and ran a hand over his tired face.

"Damn it". Sharon sighed. "I guess we have to do this, don't we?"

"It is advisable, Captain".

"It's all right. Let's settle it". Andy said and stood up. "Are you staying for dinner?"

"We can't, we have to update the team on what we discovered today". Julio spoke.

"And I have to prepare the next steps for you". Said Amy and in a minute the three visitors were gone.

Andy and Sharon just stood there, not knowing what to do right away, the day proved to be very tiring and they were exhausted, but they decided to go on with their daily routine. It didn't take long for them to prepare dinner and start eating in silence. However, after a while Andy starts talking.

"Did you notice that Rachel was more conscious today?"

"Yes, and she seemed happy to see us". Sharon smiled. "And I believe she is Irish".

"And how do you know?"

"She brightened up a bit and seemed to understand what I said".

"If she is a foreigner she fits the discretion of the victims of this gang". Commented the Lieutenant. "Do you think we can find her in the immigration database?"

"Maybe". Sharon thought intrigued. "But we don't have a full name. It might take a while".

"At least we'll try". He shrugged.

Nodding, Andy picked up the phone and called Provenza to let him know what they had. The other Lieutenant didn't much like the job he would have with little information, but promised to start this investigation further.

Meanwhile, Sharon went to the guest room and started to pack her things to put in the master bedroom, as it was her night in the single room, she needed to get everything tidy and sighed wearily.

Luckily, Andy stayed downstairs trying to help with the case and she had time to think about the current situation. It was bad enough having to live with the Lieutenant and hide all the attraction they felt, especially after the kiss they shared a few days ago. She just hoped she didn't wake up clinging to him.

Ending the call, Andy was oblivious to Sharon's concerns and headed for the master bedroom. He wasn't that reluctant to share a bed with the Captain, he felt the tension between them every time they were together and he was looking forward to having her in his arms.

After the busy day they had, they decided to get ready for the night. In silence they followed their nightly routines and found themselves in front of the bed.

"Which side do you sleep on?" Sharon wanted to know.

"Left". He pointed and she just nodded and headed to the right side. Sharon didn't think much, just lay down and turned off the lamp beside her.

"Good night, Andy". She whispered and closed her eyes.

Andy tried not to smile at her obvious discomfort, but he didn't say anything and lay down on the bed. For a moment the Lieutenant allowed himself to imagine that this was his life, that he was sharing a bed with a beautiful, intelligent woman and that everything was fine. Unfortunately, these were just fantasies. Sighing, he closed his eyes and let himself fall asleep, a new day awaited him.

Brenda walked into the murder room with a cup of coffee in her hand, she was exhausted after all the paperwork she'd read the night before. Finally, after Agent Cornwell's help, she gained important information about the agency's founder.

Adrian Chester Lencastre II, was a London magnate, a great businessman involved in petroleum and wind energy, respected around the world, he was above suspicion. His father, Adrian Chester Lencastre I, was as successful as his son and had died five years ago, but he left behind a large empire, including the Mo Mhíorúilt agency.

Brenda didn't like those kinds of people, they were seen as the best in society, but the past always seemed dark. It was for this reason that the Chief started looking for Adrian I and wasn't too surprised to discover his involvement with human trafficking and prostitution, of course nothing was proven, but where there was smoke there was definitely fire.

"Good morning, gentlemen". She said as she stared at the whiteboard with the new information. "They managed to find out more, from what I can see".

"Yes, ma'am". Julio stated and picked up a marker to start taking notes on the board. "This time we have more about Adrian II. I found out he had an interesting childhood, the cover story we all know is just a facade".

"Cover story? Which one?"

"According to the tabloids, Adrian II's mother abandoned him as a baby on his father's doorstep. As he was an extraordinary man, he welcomed and raised his son with love". Julio scoffed and rolled his eyes.

"And what is the truth?"

"Old Adrian took a trip to Ireland and met a young underage girl, there are still doubts whether the whole relationship was consented or not. What is known is that the young woman disappeared from the radar shortly after he left the country and a few months later the baby appeared".

"Do you think he kidnapped her or something?"

"Three months after having the child at home, he created the Mo Mhíorúilt agency, a little suspicious, especially when using the Irish name for social action".

"This is disturbing". Brenda commented. "So, to cover up a possible accusation of sexual abuse, he kidnapped and held the girl hostage while using her as a surrogate girl?"

"Big speculation, Chief". Tao commented. "And even if we start poking about it we won't have proof and probably the victim is no longer alive".

"True, so we should focus on the son, he should have knowledge of the whole scheme. He's the key to this and we'll only be able to get him through Judith. What do we have on her?"

"Only what the FBI gave us".

"Look around some more, something tells me this Judith has an Achilles heel".

Affirming, his team began the investigation. Brenda went to her office to find out more about the agency when her phone vibrated with a message from Sharon, informing her that Judith had requested their participation in a party and Julio was needed.

As day dawned, Sharon sank deeper into the covers and tried to ignore the sunlight especially now that she was so warm and comfortable. It took a while for her to realize that she was lying on someone's chest and when this sank into her mind she stopped breathing. Slowly, she opened her eyes and almost cursed herself for being literally entwined with Andy. Luckily, he was still sleeping and she tried to get free, but realized it would be almost impossible since the Lieutenant's hand was on her waist. When she moved, his grip tightened.

"Keep quiet for a moment". The sleepy husky voice made her jump in shock and when she looked up she was met with sleepy brown eyes. "It's still early, just... let's enjoy it a little more".

"Andy..." She tried to reprimand him.

"Please". The puppy dog eyes begged her not to move.

Just rolling her eyes, Sharon relaxed and tried not to overthink it, and even though she wouldn't admit it, she was comfortable in the Lieutenant's arms. Andy looked happy with her there and even kissed her forehead in a tender way, very different from what she'd ever received from Jack. But all those comparisons and confused feelings weren't appropriate at that moment, so she concentrated on Andy's breathing and smiled as she saw him begin to snore softly, the Lieutenant had fallen asleep.

Two hours later, when they both woke up again, they didn't comment on the comfort of being in each other's arms. They just started the day and went down to breakfast.

However, before they started a real conversation, Sharon got a call from Judith informing her that they had a small reception later in the morning with the future parents and they had to go, and that the visit would be for the end of the afternoon.

"Do you think she did this to catch us off guard?" Andy asked annoyed.

"Absolutely". Sharon smiled mockingly. "She wants to make sure we are who we say we are".

"Well... then let's give her a show". Andy spoke and got up to shower.

The hours passed quickly and the two officers were more than ready for one more couple scene. Julio accompanied them, but Judith asked him to stay outside along with the other security guards, which was a good thing, the Detective had the opportunity to know who the other rich people were who attended these meetings.

Andy walked in with Sharon at his side and tensed as he saw all eyes on them, in fact, all eyes on Sharon. She looked beautiful, that was undeniable, for some reason she thought putting on a tight, low-cut dress was a good idea.

"Why are they looking at us?" She whispered confused.

Looking at the woman on her arm, the Lieutenant realized that Sharon didn't know how beautiful she was, probably Jack never praised her enough. Andy just wanted to know why the Captain spent so much time married to the idiot.

"They're looking at you". He said smiling and she looked at him still confused. "You look beautiful, Shar... breathtaking".

Her surprise was captivating and Andy tried not to make her even more aware of the attention she was getting, she looked embarrassed, if the pink in her cheeks said anything.

Sharon, in turn, got a little closer to the Lieutenant, she knew that in her youth she could draw attention, but now she didn't feel so pretty, maybe the lack of praise over the years made her ignore her appearance.

"Let's just ignore it, okay?" she whispered.

"Okay, let's go find Judith and ask why the hell are we here". Andy smiled and kissed her cheek tenderly.

The two officers then began to walk around the great hall and tried to socialize with the others, but there was still tension in their shoulders, mainly because they didn't see Judith anywhere.

"What do you think this is?" Sharon asked suddenly. "It doesn't look like the other meeting we went to".

"I have no idea, but I think it has something to do with that". Andy pointed across the room, where the room was surrounded by walls of glass.

Sharon followed his gaze and tried not to make a face, inside the 'aquarium' there were some couples with babies in their arms, and next to them some young women, it was clear that they were the ones who gave birth to the children, everyone was smiling and looking happy. It was sick.

"Sharon, Andy." A cheery voice spoke from behind them and the Captain's hand tightened on the Lieutenant's arm, her shock nearly making her jump.

"Judith, my dear, I was wondering where you were". Andy spoke charmingly and the woman seemed to melt at his words. It took all of Sharon's will not to roll her eyes.

"Well... I'm here now. And I'm glad you showed up, I know it was just in the nick of time". She had a big smile.

"No problem, we had cleared our schedules because of your visit". Sharon smiled. "But you've made me curious why we're here".

"I'm sorry I didn't warn you, but today we are going to meet some people and your presence is important". The Captain feigned curiosity and joy, but she was finding it all irritating, all this mystery making her nauseous and very suspicious. "Now come with me".

Judith led them into the room they had been staring at seconds before and together with a few more couples they all crowded around waiting for the woman to speak. Even the children quieted, perhaps sensing the tension.

"Ladies and gentlemen, thank you again for your presence, but we are gathered here for one more presentation. In the last month we've had a few adoptions and some of these couples want to share a little bit about their experience".

For thirty minutes the five couples presented their moving stories and love for the children in their arms, thanked the young girls who had been their surrogate girls and after that everyone was free to socialize.

Sharon listened with a sinking heart, her attention was caught on the girls' features and body language, it was clear they were terrified to be there and it took everything for the Captain not to scream that she was from the LAPD and arrest everyone. She could feel Andy was tense too, having daughters the same age as those young women tormenting them both.

"My dears, I know you love each other, but you can talk to other people". Judith commented with a big smile and grabbed the Lieutenant's free arm. "Andy, I want you to meet some managers and associates at our agency. And Sharon I believe Mrs. Clarkson is looking for you, she heard you have Irish roots and was curious".

"Oh Sure, can you point her out to me?" Sharon smiled kindly, but Andy could see the fire glowing in her green eyes, she wasn't too happy about having to part with him, luckily, they both had mixed stories.

The Captain addressed the woman with a fake smile, and tried not to be uncomfortable by Mr. Clarkson, he was staring at her like a piece of meat. Mrs. Clarkson, however, didn't seem to care, her face was a little frozen, (read Botox) and she was chatting a mile a minute. All Sharon wanted was for this day to end.

Andy, however, was a little amused to see Sharon's irritation, he thought she was jealous and found this cute. However, having to pretend to be someone else without the Captain by his side was uncomfortable.

It didn't take long for several suspicious men to get into an argument about international business, luckily Andy and Sharon had a conversation about this days ago. For a while he even had fun, but his eyes always turned to Sharon and it was in one of those moments that he saw Mr. Clarkson smiling and touching Sharon in an almost invasive way, her surprise was written all over her face and Andy felt his blood boil at the audacity of the other man.

Apologizing to the men around him, the Lieutenant hurried towards the Captain, anger and jealousy began to cloud his rationality, noticing maybe her eyes on her, Sharon turned and her expression was one of relief.

"Hi, honey, sorry for the delay. Some gentlemen caught me in conversation". Andy spoke and his gaze fixed on Mr. Clarkson who took a step back.

"It's all right". She whispered and kissed his cheek. "I'm glad you're back. And I must introduce you to the Clarksons, they are wonderful people". Sharon smiled and pulled Andy closer to her. "This is my husband, Andy".

Mrs. Clarkson was more than happy to have one more person to hear about his stories, but Andy wasn't listening anymore, too busy giving the man a glare. He was enraged at having his wife (and yes, he didn't care that it was a lie) touched by another man.

A few hours later, Judith was walking through the Bennett mansion with a list in her hands, Andy and Sharon were waiting in the kitchen for the woman's approval. Neither of the two seemed very willing to talk, as the jealousy that rolled between them during the meeting still seemed to cloud their thoughts.

Luckily, the woman didn't take long and left with a smile and the approval that they can have a baby in the house. The two were left alone once more and that's when Andy started talking:

"What was that idiot saying that needed to touch you?"

"What?" She questioned not knowing for sure what was going on.

"Mr. Clarkson... the idiot who touched you".

"Oh... we were talking about one of his wife's surgeries". She shrugged.

"And was it necessary to touch you?"

"No, it wasn't, but it's not my fault he's an idiot". Sharon snorted. "And I don't know why you're jealous, you seemed pretty happy to have Judith by your side".

"And look who's jealous now". He snorted.

"Look, this isn't working". She spoke and headed for the stairs. "I don't know how we managed to spend so much time together".

"And what will you do? Go away? We're in the middle of a case, Sharon, we can't give up now". He followed her and they turned in the bedroom. "I'm trying, okay? But it's a little hard to keep my feelings when I have a beautiful woman by my side and I can't touch her the way I want to".

"What the hell are you talking about, Andy?" She looked at him in surprise and a little flustered.

Trying to calm down, Andy decided to clarify everything he was feeling, so he took her hands and guided her to the bed where they both sat. Sharon looked wary, but she had a glint in her eye that made him hopeful. It was now or never.

"I like you". He said it at once and averted his eyes from hers, his earlier courage starting to fade. "I really like you, Sharon. I didn't imagine that getting back together with you would bring back what I felt".

"That you felt..." She whispered in amazement. "Since..."

"Yes, since we were partners, but we couldn't back then, could we?" He tried to smile, but she could see he was embarrassed by the confession. "I never stopped liking you and seeing that idiot touching you... I just wanted to punch him".

Sharon sighed, she was speechless now. She wasn't an ice cube, she had feelings too, but she didn't know how to express them anymore. It was true that at the time she and Andy were partners, she felt safe and even started to like him, she even dared to say that she was in love at that time. But they were different situations.

"I'm not indifferent either, Andy. God knows I wanted to strangle Judith". She started off smoothly. "But it's too risky, we can't do that".

"And why not? We are not children, we know the consequences, why not take a chance?"

"We fight too much".

"And? We are good together; some fights may arise".

"I don't want to hurt you". She tried to argue, her eyes glistening with suppressed tears. "I don't know how to do this".

"Hey... We'll do this together". He said as he gently caressed her face. "I help you. Please Sharon, give me a chance. We will start from scratch, this time with no one to stop us".

"We have a police station to justify".

"I don't care, our personal lives don't interest anyone". He moved even closer to her, her faces now inches apart. "Don't resist, Sharon. I want you so much".

Not waiting for Sharon to come up with another excuse, Andy closed the distance between them and pressed his mouth to hers. The Captain gasped in surprise and the Lieutenant took the opportunity to make the two tongues duel, Sharon moaned when all her senses were attacked by the man in front of her and she found herself trapped in the sensations she felt. Without delay, she climbed into his lap and ran her hands through his graying hair, and this time it was Andy who groaned.

"That's a bad idea". She spoke breathlessly, but the greens in her eyes were more intense and brighter. "If this goes wrong I'm blaming you".

"You worry too much". He complained. "Now shut up and kiss me".

Sharon rolled her eyes but kissed him again knocking him completely onto the bed.

To be continue...