A/N: Wow! People are reading my crime drama! LOL And here I thought I'd come off boring with the little details I tossed right in there. Details which, by the way, I hope y'all are keeping track of because they are in there for a reason... they are quite vital...
Oh, and a special cookie toss to RoswellianKitten for being the first in guessing my shout-out! I indeed paid slight homage to my favorite Sammys from Silk Stalkings.
Admiral Lily, tell you what, if you can somehow manage to kidnap Kris Lemche for me, I'd gladly offer you an advance sneak peak of not just the next few chapters, but maybe even let you in on the ending (which I hope is quite a whopper of an ending).
Which by the way, as the story progresses, I hope some of you are keeping tabs of the characters. I've already added subtle hints concerning the true nature of some of these characters. Now, enough small talk... on to the show!
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CHAPTER TWO
Maryland - Arcadia - Downtown
April 14 2006 - Friday
Downtown Arcadia was no stranger to the familiar hustling and bustling of afternoon activities. From cars and city buses traveling as one, to young people enjoying the after school freedom. The latter provided the four individuals currently strolling the inner downtown streets. At first sight, one would be convinced that they were two young couples -- however, one would only be half correct.
A young woman, with her long brown hair tied up in a simple ponytail, started laughing upon something whispered into her ear by a young man, who was wearing a Anaheim Angels baseball cap. She squeezed his hand affectionately, giggling as her eyes twinkled in amusement. The young man, a few inches taller than her, joked a bit more while taking it upon himself to guide his arm around her shoulders. One would think that they were in their own little world, but on the contrary, they were equally aware of everything around them. Including their companions following from behind.
Though the young man, with a light gray hoodie, and woman, with a black leather jacket, were not a couple themselves, they in fact had a bond that could rival the others. They walked together in an unusual sync way and with an air of comfortable confidence that no words need be exchanged between the two.
The young woman with the ponytail glanced behind her, laughing and encouraging her companions to keep up the pace. The young woman with the leather jacket quipped a comment, which provoked the other to laugh further. The young man with the baseball cap thus turned his own head, bantering with the other girl. The young man with the hoodie merely nodded, his eyes never affectionately leaving sight of the woman ahead of him.
And witnessing it all was a man... "The Shepherd is not too far from His flock..."
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"Who'd have thought."
Adam Rove blinked upon hearing his best friend, Grace Polk, muse. He gazed over at her, raising a questioning brow.
With her eyes steady upon the young man walking ahead of them, "Us hanging out, well... with a Price." Grace made a face, one in which brought a thoughtful, if not only amused, smile to Adam's lips.
He gave a slight shrug, to which Grace saw, "And this does not bother you in the slightest? C'mon, Rove, this is Jane we're talking about. After all the adolescent angst you two stirred up two years ago, you're actually okay with the fact that Girardi is dating someone else? And not just anyone else, but a Price no less!"
"Technically an Aramis." Adam slightly corrected Grace, who merely rolled her eyes at him. "What? That is his birth name, isn't it? Dane Aramis."
"Not that this is relevant to the conversation at hand, Rove, but according to him, his mother legally arranged for him to share her maiden name. So technically, he is a Price. And now, before I get bored with this topic, you really are okay with Joan dating Price's nephew?"
Adam regarded Grace and a small knowing smile appeared on his lips. Despite the rough exterior that his best friend carried around herself, he knew the true extent of Grace's heart. Especially her concern towards the only two best friends in her life; himself and Joan Girardi.
Wanting to ease her doubts, "Unchallenged. I mean, when it comes to Jane, I'll always love her... it's just that... life takes some unexpected twists, yo. Remember, we both agreed that breaking up was the best thing for us... I mean, at the time, it felt right... felt like something we both needed to do..." Adam trailed off, his eyes landing upon Joan, just as she gave a playful slap on Dane's arm and her laughter filled the air around them.
Grace found herself smirking knowingly at Adam, especially noting the particular look in his eyes as he stared at their best friend. She had seen that look all too clearly two years ago... "At the time, huh?"
With his eyes still on Joan, and his voice tinged with both sincerity and sadness, "She's happy, Grace. That's all that matters to me. Jane's happiness."
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"Y'know, Joan," Eighteen year old Dane Aramis Price mused, just as he gave her shoulders a gentle squeeze. "Are you sure that there's no way I can talk your father into letting me take you out tonight? I happen to be a very persuasive speaker. I mean, you should know first hand considering that if it wasn't for my arguments, you wouldn't have agreed to go out with me in the first place."
Joan Girardi smiled coyly at Dane, "Hmm... and here I thought the only reason I said 'Yes' was because your desperation came off as adorable. I am, after all, a sucker for big blue eyes."
"I guess that makes me a desperate sucker for enchantress much like yourself, huh?" Dane flirted right back, causing the young woman to laugh and playfully slap his arm.
Though the afternoon started off a bit weary for Joan, at the present moment, especially with the company she was keeping, it made her talk with her father earlier a lot more bearable. Her father had called Joan on her cell phone right after school, practically demanding that she not make any evening plans because she was to spend it at home with her family. Why? According to her father, the police officer, it was because he was having some important company over for dinner and were she to intentionally skip out, Joan was to look forward to spending the rest of the month dating online instead of actual dates with her boyfriend. Needless to say that the conversation had placed the young Girardi in a very fowl mood.
However, all thoughts of the impending possible dinner from "boredom hell" escaped her mind as the afternoon with her friends progressed. Dane had encouraged the four of them to an after school outing in downtown Arcadia. Just a brisk afternoon stroll and maybe even grabbing a small snack down at the local cafe. Adam agreed, merely because he too thought that the outing might cheer "Jane" up. Grace reluctantly agreed, if anything because she had nothing better to do. Joan happily agreed, for all Dane had to do was smile at her and she would practically do anything for him.
Which was a completely new feeling for her. Upon her surprisingly amicable break up with Adam, Joan believed that she could never find another guy that could make her feel anything short of warm and butterfly funny. That all changed when Dane Price, her Vice Principal's nephew of all people!, showed up at Arcadia High that September afternoon this past year. He was not only sweet, though not Adam Rove-sweet that she was used to, but charming and funny in a.... well, Joan silently thought, she supposed that if she were to compare this particular nature, it would be to--
Suddenly, Joan slightly stiffened as her steps came to a halt. Her sudden movement caused the others to look upon her with concern. Both Adam and Dane regarded Joan in almost the exact same way that it nearly caused Grace to snicker. Though, she did snort back a chuckle upon Adam and Dane simultaneously saying;
"Joan?"
"Jane?"
She blinked, realizing that she was surrounded by her best friends, despite being overwhelmed by this feeling that she was being watched. Her eyes started to scan the proximity and just when she was about to scold herself and her paranoia, Joan spotted him... make that Him with a capital G.
Leaning, it's funny that she would often or not find Him doing that, against a phone booth across the street was God in what she had dubbed in her head as the "cute guy in the brown jacket" form. They managed to lock eyes and as He gave her a slight smirk and a nod, Joan exhaled a small frustrated groan. It was a noise that the others caught.
"What's wrong, Girardi?" Grace asked, her eyes searching the area that Joan found herself preoccupied with. Upon seeing "that guy" Joan often or not would talk, more or less arguing, with, Grace said, "Oh, him..."
Hearing Grace's comment, both Adam and Dane stood at attention to turn their gazes across the street.
Adam slightly turned away and hid his dismay. He had seen that friend of Jane's many a times before, and often felt... weird by his presence. Maybe it was the way that Adam couldn't help but feel small compared to him. Maybe it had to do with the fact that whenever he appeared, Jane immediately joined his side. Or maybe because he can't, in the course of his relationship with Jane, get a straight answer out of her regarding her "friend." Whatever it is about this guy, it actually caused Adam to be grateful that Jane was currently with Dane instead of him.
Dane, meanwhile, started staring down at the guy in the brown jacket. During the past year that he was dating Joan, Dane grew to realize that he would be competing with two other guys for her. With Adam Rove, Dane immediately felt a mixture of ease and fear. Ease because he knew Adam was one of those rare "nice guys" that actually respected Dane enough to trust him in being there for Joan. However, he also felt fear because he himself could not compete with the bond, the history, that Joan and Adam share. Fear in knowing that one day, he would lose Joan to Adam. Now with this guy, Dane felt, if anything, distrust. Maybe it was the way that this "friend" of Joan's, someone she would continue to defend and dismiss to Dane, would look at her. Maybe it was the way that he always felt smaller whenever the guy was within proximity. Or maybe because everytime that he showed up, Joan would always go to him. Whatever it is, Dane knew that he would rather lose Joan to Adam than to this guy.
Joan broke her gaze with God as she turned towards the others. Out of pure reflex, she tossed them a feeble smile, shrug, and a flighty excuse. Knowing the drill, and chalking it up to being one of Joan's greater mysterious that they'll never figure out until she starts talking, they nodded at her approvingly. Joan inwardly winced for she wasn't blind and knew that this "Need to leave, be right back" routine was starting to weigh its toll on her friends, but on her defense, it certainly sounds better than "Okay, excuse me while I go talk to God in one of His--Her--It's many forms."
Within a moment's time, the eighteen year old found herself across the street and a few feet away from God. He straightened up a bit just as she cornered him with crossed arms and a teasing glint in her eyes.
"Wow... you're here. It's been a while, hasn't it?
He gave her a particular knowing look, one in which she often could do without. "Joan, I'm more than just here. I'm everywhere. You've been talking to me how many years now and you still can't grasp that concept?"
"You know what I mean. You haven't showed up for a few weeks that I was starting to get worried that you found yourself another lackey."
Replying with a shrug, though His smirk was as evident as ever, "I've been busy."
"Right... because being a deity requires you to rule the entire universe and then some. It's not like you belong to a Union or anything like that." She slightly bantered, which was something she found herself getting involved in with her conversations with God. "But seriously, what is it this time? And make your suggestion quick because Dane and the others are waiting."
God's "youthful face" regarded Joan evenly with a look that caused a small chill down her spine. Looking at her with a mixture of solemn reserve and even... concern?, He replied with a cryptic tone, "Fear not, Joan. I will never abandon you."
Joan stared at Him, confused and startled by his words. Not just his words, but also by the delivery and the way his eyes held onto hers, as if wanting His message to never be forgotten. She was especially thrown off as He suddenly reached over and grasped her hand into his own. Finding her voice, though a shaky one to say the least, "God, wha-- what're you talking abou--"
He squeezed her hand, his eyes still holding onto hers before releasing all grasp, "Remember that." With that soft spoken note, God tossed her a small reassuring smile and turned to walk away.
Once more, she watched him leave... and once more found herself confused by His words. However, the exception in this case was how she felt by God's departure. Though often she was left with the following range of emotions; frustration, confusion, sadness, pride, and even awe... For the first time ever, Joan Girardi felt a new emotion.
She was afraid.
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Maryland -- Arcadia -- Home of Will Girardi
April 14, 2006 -- Friday
"Helen... Helen... honey..."
Will Girardi stepped back, regarding his wife and her current state of avoidance. He watched as she paced back and forth within the kitchen area, tending to her cooking instead of to her husband's incessant plea for her to look at him.
"Sweet heart?" He began once more, his voice level dropping to a softer tone than the norm.
"Y'know," Helen Girardi finally spoke up, with her Southern voice mildly annoyed and her concentration solely on the mashed potatoes. "For an experienced detective like yourself, you sure aren't taking the obvious hints that I'm upset."
Will sighed, knowing that he truly was the cause for his wife being angry at him. He glanced over at the wall clock, 5:49 PM, and realized that they -- as in the three unexpected guests he had invited over for dinner -- would be here shortly. Which was the point of Helen's current state of annoyance -- the fact that Will had unexpectedly invited his colleagues over for dinner without properly warning her ahead of time. In less than two hours, Helen had to prepare enough food for eight, which was twice as much as she had grown accustomed towards this past year, with her eldest son, Kevin, moving out and all.
"Helen," Will's voice swiftly became agitated as well. "If I had known you would be this upset, I would have just insisted on going out somewhere for dinner."
She started to grind the potatoes harder with each sentence. "Will, it's not us not having enough food for the seven--"
"Eight."
"Eight? You said you invited three guests over?"
"I also told Kevin to have dinner with us tonight." He explained with a sheepish smile, which only prompted a groan to escape Helen's lips.
"That's what I'm talking about! It's the fact that you had dropped this on me at the very last minute! I don't mind having people over, Will. I would just like to be told ahead of time so that I could have enough time to prepare a good enough dinner for eight people."
Deciding to use the old flattery technique, Will shrugged, "Honey, honestly, can I help it if I couldn't stop raving to my colleagues about my beautiful wife's gourmet cooking skills? Thus evidently inviting them over to sample such fine cuisine?"
Helen could only roll her eyes at her husband, especially more so as he tossed her a flirtatious grin. "Well, if my gourmet cuisine encompass garlic mash potatoes straight from a box and a bucket of fried chicken from KFC, then boy are they in for some fine dining!" She dropped her sarcasm -- and the act of mashing her potatoes -- for a moment to call out to her younger children. "Luke! Can you come downstairs and help set up the table? Your brother will be here any moment with the food! Joan! Will you get off the phone and come down here to help your brother?"
At the sound of a pair of footsteps descending the stairs, Helen turned her gaze back onto her husband, whose eyes remained solely on her. Seeing the sad, helpless look in his eyes, a small reluctant smile played on her lips. "Oh Will..." Helen sighed and placed her hands on her hips, her eyes twinkling as she teased, "Y'know, the kids got that puppy dog pout from you."
Smiling softly at her, "So, you're not mad at me anymore?"
Helen handed him the mixing bowl as she started walking towards the refrigerator. Returning his soft smile, "Not if you don't start mashing those potatoes while I get started on preparing dessert." She turned her gaze from Will and towards the dining room where she spied her youngest child, Luke, setting the table... alone.
"Luke? Where's your sister?"
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"Dane, I'm not kidding. There is absolutely no way I can get out of this dinner without serious ramifications on my end! And I'd rather suffer through meeting my father's friends than go through two weeks without seeing you outside the halls of Arcadia High!"
The eighteen year old adjusted the cordless phone to her other ear, just as she started to hear the sounds of Mother Lion from below.
"Luke! Can you come downstairs and help set up the table? Your brother will be here any moment with the food! Joan! Will you get off the phone and come down here to help your brother?"
She rolled her eyes, knowing full well that setting the table wasn't the only reason why her mother wanted her off the phone. To her boyfriend, "At least I know I'm not the only one that's going to suffer tonight. You should have seen my mother when dad once more dropped his unexpected 'Guess whose coming to dinner' bombshells. Ever since Kevin moved out, my father manages to do that at least once a month, though he swears that it's unintentional."
Speaking of her big brother, Joan silently remembered that there was an old sweater of Kevin's that she had been meaning to borrow. She made her way towards his bedroom, that now served as a guest room despite half of his closet space was still dedicated to his clothes. Once Joan found what she was looking for, she walked over towards his window as she began listening to Dane encouraging her that those "surprise dinners" couldn't be all that bad. She would have countered that he's lucky that his uncle, Gavin Price non the less, wasn't that sociable to pull a stunt like her own father -- but found herself biting back the comments. Joan was aware that despite Dane finding a father figure in Mr. Price, it must've been hard for him growing up nearly all his life without a dad. As much as she herself would complain about her father, Joan couldn't imagine a life without him.
As her eyes regarded her neighborhood from the second story view, Joan softly sighed, "I really wish I could be out spending time with you." That's when she noticed two cars pulling up along her street, each approaching from opposite sides. In a blue Nissan, two people, a man and a woman, exited out and began walking together up her lawn. They stopped, however, upon seeing the black Porsche parking itself behind their Nissan. Once steering and parking his car, another man got out and paced his way towards the couple. Joan could only assume that the suit wearing officials were the three guests her father invited over.
She turned her gaze away from the window as she began speaking to Dane, "Listen, I have to go. Dad's guests have arrived... Okay, I'll call you later... bye."
Just as the doorbell rang, Joan, on cue, heard her mother cry out, "Joan! Will you at least get the door?"
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"Tell me, partner," Det. David Christian began, as he pulled the rental car into park right in front of Will Girardi's two story house. He glanced over at Det. Rita Samstone, who was currently unbuckling her seat belt. "Is it just me, or does this not seem... I don't know, not right."
With a nonchalant shrug, "David, since when have any of our homicide cases been defined as right?"
He gave her a look as they got out of the car. "Y'know what I mean. There's something about this lead that-- I don't know what it is, but... it just doesn't feel right."
Rita joined David's side and regarded him. As they slowly made their way up the front lawn, "What do you mean?"
"Well, for one thing, we're looking for a criminal that obviously knows his victims."
"Uh huh... a good percentage of serial killers usually stalk their vics. Getting to know their daily routine enough to find a perfect opportunity to take advantage."
"Right. So honestly, Sam, you don't find anything, say, off about this particular potential?"
Rita paused for a moment, considering every single detail of this entire case so far. "We know that Joan Girardi of Arcadia, Maryland does exist. And that she does fit the age range."
David stared down at Rita, emphasizing, "She's a daughter of a cop. And according to her father, other than both parents being raised in a church-minded upbringing, his children and spirituality go together like peanut butter and onions!"
She made a face, "Thanks, Chris, for that stunning visual. Now I'm really hungry."
He ignored her comment, "The point is, all these other girls had some kind of spiritual connection... and now we have this potential target whose only religious tie is, what?, worshipping her iPod? I mean, does she even believe in a Higher Power?"
At that moment, the two detectives turned their attention to a black vehicle parking itself right behind their Nissan rental. They regarded the driver, especially with mild surprise upon seeing Special Agent Jonathan Michaels emerging from within.
As Michaels stepped out and began pacing himself towards them, David looked on wearily. "Ah, Junior. So glad you could make it. We were getting worried for a moment, considering that you left the station house before us. And in a rather quick manner too."
Michaels gave a slight shrug and attempted to pass his two colleagues, but was cut off by David as he stepped in front of him. Rita rolled her eyes at her partner's not too subtle accusing nature. With a slight grin, though David's eyes were without amusement, "Where you been hiding all afternoon?"
Not intimidated by the taller detective, Michaels returned David's stare. "Running an errand."
"Where?"
"Downtown."
"Why?"
Michaels softly slanted his glare, though mirroring David's smile. "You ever heard of the expression 'curiosity killed the cat'?"
David's face hardened upon Michael's words. He was about to comment when Rita literally stepped in between the two. "Children." She snipped, slightly placing a hand on each of their chests. "Behave. Or do I have to place you in your respective corners?"
While David's eyes remained on Michaels, the agent softly turned his gaze to look upon the Girardi's house. Finally, David, who was now silently being stared down by Rita, relented and averted his gaze. Rita sighed, "Now, let's try to work together as a team. How about starting off with something simple, huh? Like walking up those steps and ringing that doorbell?"
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Just like the doorbell, Joan's footsteps began to echo throughout the house. The young woman paused in front of the door, taking a quick peek outside, then opening it. With a welcoming smile, "Hi. You must be the fellow detectives my dad invited over for dinner. Come on in."
The mere sight of the young woman, whose brown hair was tied up in a neat little ponytail and was radiating more than just natural beauty, caused the three officers to pause in regard.
David quickly glanced over at Rita before turning his gaze back onto the young woman. It didn't take a scientist to realize that this girl standing before them was obviously Joan Girardi. Nor did it take a genius to realize that, as far as MOs went, she definitely shares more than just the age range and the letter G in the last name.
Joan bit her lower lip, especially noting the stares she was receiving from the two detectives. She tossed them a nervous smile and a timid laugh. "Oh, sorry! My mom would kill me for my bad manners... I'm Joan." She held her hand out, jokingly adding, "And whatever story my father has said about me, it's not. True."
David and Rita each gave a small laugh, while Michaels softly smiled. Taking her hand, David started the introductions as they began to step inside. "It's nice to meet you, Joan. I'm David Christian. This is my partner, Rita Samstone. And that's Agent Jon Michaels."
The young Girardi turned to Rita, shook her hand, then turned towards Michaels. With a sudden instinctive burst, David found himself watching Michaels, especially taking note of the fact that the agent's eyes never left Joan's sight. Michaels took Joan's hand, giving it a kind squeeze as he softly said, "Good to see you, Joan."
Rita hid a smile, while David rolled his eyes, as both detectives caught a hint of blush appearing on the young woman's face. Joan held onto Michaels's hand a lot longer than anticipated, for upon noticing her audience, she pulled back and looked away. With another nervous laugh, "Uh, yeah, come on in! Dinner's almost ready and... uh, well, let me give you the dime tour while we're waiting. Follow me, if you will."
As Joan walked ahead into the living room, and with Michaels following close by, David reached for his partner's arm and gave it a good yank. He pulled her to the side, much to Rita's surprise, and held a finger up for silence. Upon watching Joan and Michaels disappear together into the living area, and making sure that they weren't within listening distance, did David finally explain himself to a perplexed Rita.
"Give me a reason not to break your arm, partner." Rita quietly growled at David, who once more looked over his shoulder. "What're you doing?"
Ignoring her question, "Did you see that?"
"See what?"
"What happened between Joan and Michaels? Did you notice the way he was looking at her?"
Rita gawked at her best friend, not knowing whether to be afraid or annoyed at his current state of suspicion towards the young agent. Opting for the tried and true sarcasm, "You bet I did! Why, I say that's grounds for having him arrested! The audacity of a grown young man checking out a pretty -- not to mention also legal -- young woman out? And not just that... They were on the cusp of flirting as well! Let's just straight book him for life!"
David crossed his arms, glaring mildly though tossing her a half smile. "You're mocking me."
With a wink and a good pat on the arm before joining the others, whom have made their way into the dining area, "Nothing gets by you, Chris."
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Nearly an hour and a half later, Will Girardi excused not only himself, but also requested the attendance of his three guests into the den area for a brief "business discussion." His children bit back not just a knowing look, but a giggling fit for they knew very well how Godfather-ish their own father sounded, very much so to his awareness.
Dinner with the Girardi clan, the detectives and agent found, was quite a pleasant experience. In between what David truly considered "fine home cooked dining", there was much small talk exchanged. Mainly random humor stories which prompted genuine laughter.
Despite himself, when he wasn't finding himself entertained by Will's stories about his children, some in which garnered much groans and protests, David would silently observe Michaels and Joan, whom were not just sitting next to each other but across the table from himself and Rita. Though he found their exchanges interesting -- slight private talk here, slight flirtatious laughter from Joan there -- David couldn't quite get his partner to take note as well. However, she did manage to roll her eyes at his incessant nudges. He didn't know what was more frustrating; the fact that Rita didn't take notice of what he was seeing or that he himself couldn't figure out why Joan and Michaels together bothered him so much.
As Joan and Helen got up together to start clearing the dinner plates, thus making room for dessert, Will called upon having a brief "business discussion" with his colleagues. Once the officers were behind the closed door of the den, Will's "family man" face shifted slightly to that of the "cop" exterior.
With his arms crossed, concerned yet his voice stern and gruff, "Okay, what now?" He noted that they tossed him equally confused looks, to which he continued, "I mean, we're clear on the matter that the main reason I invited you over was so that you could help explain to my family about this-- this... well, complicated situation. You folks have to understand that I usually, if anything, keep my work away from this part of my life... away from my family."
Will turned around, his back facing the officers. Thoughts, images, and fears ran through his head. Earlier that day, at the station house, Will Girardi the cop was informed of this vital investigation. Informed of a serious string of homicides that was about to hit extremely close to home. Will Girardi the cop knew he could handle this particular case. However, Will Girardi the father of what could be this killer's next victim... He turned back towards them, his rough cop exterior beginning to crumble. "But now it seems like I-I... I can't protect my family from my work this time. Because now, there's this bastard out there! And he's after my daughter! My little girl!"
Michaels sadly regarded Will. His eyes was shining with sympathy and quiet pain. So much so that he began looking away and avoiding eye contact with him.
David tucked his hands into his pants pocket, also refraining eye contact. Seeing Will in this state, confused on whether to handle this ordeal as a cop or a father, caused David to be somewhat thankful he himself had never gotten married or had kids. Though, David reflected, that could be a mixed blessing.
"Will," Rita stepped forward, placing a calm hand on his arm, her pained eyes looking upon him. "We don't have to let them know tonight. You yourself had only found out about all this a few hours ago and, to me, it looks like you're still allowing the revelation to sink in."
"It's up to you, Will." Michaels added, to which David surprisingly agreed.
"Junior's right. We don't have to tell them tonight... or even the next day. In fact, we can pretty much keep this all in the dark and you'll still have that line you wanted. You can still be able to keep your work and home life separate from one another."
"David's right." Rita said. "Michaels, David, and I can handle this case without your family -- without Joan -- knowing. We'll keep round the clock surveillance, constant updates, whatever is needed to make this situation easier on you and your family as possible."
David stepped in front of Will, allowing the two to lock eyes. With as much sincerity and strength, "But again, it's your call. I speak for the three of us in saying that whatever decision you make, either way, we will do anything we can to keep your daughter -- your entire family -- safe."
A heavy silence fell upon the four officers. The brooding quiet especially got to Will as internally he debated not just their words, but his next move. Finally, he regarded each and every one of them, noting and being moved by the sincerity in their eyes. Will gave a small nod and a half smile at them before making his move towards the door. His eyes looked upon them as he softly said "Thank you," to which Michaels, David and Rita each returned the smile.
As Will started to open the door, he looked over at David. Giving him a questioning, yet amused, glance, "I'm surprised you didn't add the phrase 'And that's a promise.' Or something to that effect."
In reply, with a slight smirk, "Well, I would have, but it would have come off too Clint Eastwood, Dirty Harry-like."
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A/N: Heh, bet I know what you're thinking (at least some of you): WTH? Joan isn't dating Adam?! Why?! And who the hell is this Dane guy? Well, my JoA fanfic readers, you'll probably want to kill me because all I can say is -- All will be revealed in good time. There's a reason to my madness... and a madness to my reason... so says some genius... R&R, please grins