ONE DAY EARLIER

Don't stick me with that. Bo Buchanan said, standing before the tailor in a black tuxedo. It doesn't need to be taken in that much, does it?

Don't be silly, darling, Gabrielle said, sitting back, watching Bo fuss over pins and needles. He's taking it out.

How is it that women say whatever they want about men's figures, but men never say a word about women's?

Because you know better, Gabrielle smiled. Just relax. You are going to be the sharpest dressed guy at this party.

Well as long as I've got you on my arm I think I'll be able to manage.

Looks good Commissioner, the tailor said, standing and taking a look at the alterations. How's it feel?

Like if I move I'm going to become a human pin cushion.

You're complaining again, Gabrielle said. I think it looks wonderful. You'll be the talk of the evening.

That's a good thing, right? Bo laughed.

Why are you fretting? Gabrielle asked. You act like you've never been to a Governor's Ball. Gabrielle stood, approaching him. This is supposed to be fun. Loosen up, Bo.

We can have this ready for you tomorrow, the tailor said. You can pick it up in the morning.

Bo looked over at Gabrielle. You have to go pick up your dress? She nodded. you want to meet for lunch? She nodded again. he laughed, gently brushing her lips with his. I'll meet you at twelve o'clock.

Twelve o'clock, Gabrielle repeated, having this strange feeling that he would cancel on her again. She was use to it by now though, It was a surprise that she had gotten Bo to take the day off at all.

It had been quite some time since the last black tie' event. It was certainly well before Bo and Gabrielle had established themselves as a couple'. Gabrielle had her heart set on attending the party even if she had to drag Bo by the ear.

She stepped out of the tailor's, beginning to walk down the street a bit. There was a cold breeze. Gabrielle held her coat closed, her arms folded around herself as she stepped into the boutique.

Morning, Miss Medina, the sales clerk said. Your dress is in the back, just one moment.

Gabrielle nodded, beginning to browse the boutique. Miss Medina? Marcie Walsh said, approaching her shyly.

Hello Marcie, Gabrielle said, turning to face the girl. You're here very early.

We have midterms today, Marcie explained. I don't have class until this afternoon and I'm meeting Al in an hour... thought I'd just look around...

Your dress, Miss Medina. the salesclerk handed the dress over the counter, It was a simple black dress, but even so, was beautiful.

Marcie said. That's gorgeous. Is it for the party? Marcie had been hearing the buzz about the Governor's Ball for weeks from working at the police station.

Gabrielle said. Tomorrow evening.

That sounds like it's going to be so much fun, Marcie said as Gabrielle's phone rang.

Gabrielle excused herself to answer it, listening. Bo. it's Nora. Gabrielle was silent. She looked down at the phone quickly, realizing the error she had made, picking up the wrong phone that morning. Nora said. We're going to need you down here. She paused. Are you there?

Gabrielle said reluctantly.

"Gabrielle... is Bo there? Is he with you?

Gabrielle replied plainly.

Nora sighed. Well do you know how I can get a hold of him? This is important, Gabrielle.

Gabrielle was about to get conveniently disconnected' when the door to the boutiques opened and Bo entered.

I know, she sighed handing him the cellphone. It's Nora.

Bo drew his eyebrows together in thought, answering. Yeah, Nora. What is it? Gabrielle stood back, taking her own phone from him.

Oh thank God, Nora said. Are you alright?

Bo laughed. Yeah, I'm fine. What's going on?

You need to get down to the station, Nora explained. We just got a letter... I think you need to get down here. Now.

Did something happen?

Bo... you need to get down here.

Bo said. Alright, I'll be right there. He hung up the phone, turning to Gabrielle. I'm going to need to take a raincheck on lunch.

Gabrielle sighed. If she had a nickel every time she heard him say that, she thought. I understand, she said. I understand. It sounded important. Go.

Are you sure you're OK.

Gabrielle nodded.

We'll do dinner. OK? I swear. Dinner. Tonight. Something nice.

Bo. Go. Go to work. He kissed her quickly and hurried out of the boutique. Gabrielle sighed. she thought, shaking her head. She wondered about the phone call and how important it actually was. She got that strange feeling again that she'd be eating alone that evening. But then again, she was used to it by now.