Nicole got out of being questioned more about her shoplifting and tried to forget about her growing attraction to Bruce.

" Why did I have to run into him in the first place," Nicole asked herself.

Nicole went home and sat down with a sigh and began thinking about the day she met Bruce Nelson.

Backflash Scenario

Nicole sat in the food court of the local mall and looked around, people were rushing and talking, but Nicole sat in silence. Nicole then got up and headed out the door.

" Are you going somewhere?" she heard.

Nicole turned around to see a security guard on her tail.

" Are you talking to me?" Nicole asked.

" I don't see anyone else," the fellow answered.

Nicole then takes off, and ran as fast as she could.

" Hey," the officer said running after her.

Nicole ran out the door and down the parking lot.

At that moment two California Highway Patrolmen also went through the parking lot, only to see Nicole running.

" Come back here," the security officer said.

Nicole stopped when she saw the two CHP officers, who also stopped.

Nicole tried to catch her breath.

" What's going on here?" one of the officers asked,

" I'll tell you what's going on?" the security guard said, " Shoplifter."

" I am not," Nicole said.

" Oh yeah, then why did you run?" the security guard asked.

Nicole said nothing.

" You see," the guard said, " I guess I'll let you handle this Officer Poncherello."

The guard then walked away and the two CHP officers looked at her.

" Officer Poncherello," Ponch said, " My partner, Bruce Nelson."

" Nicole," Nicole said, " I don't know what he was talking about."

" Running didn't help," Bruce said.

" I know," Nicole said, " But where's the proof?"

" We'll need to investigate," Ponch said, " Until then you have to come with us."

" Do I have to?" Nicole asked.

Ponch and Bruce just looked at Nicole.

" I guess that means I don't have a choice?" Nicole said.

" No you don't," Ponch said.

" Oh yes I do," Nicole said running away.

" Great," Bruce said running off to catch Nicole.

Nicole kept on running and so did Bruce, who ran faster then Nicole did.

" Stop," Bruce shouted, " Now."

Nicole then did stop and stared at Bruce as he came up.

" Boy you don't give up do you?" Nicole asked.

" Turn around and put you hands on your head," Bruce said.

" No," Nicole said calmly.

" Now," Bruce demanded.

Nicole then just did what he said.

After Bruce handcuffed her, Nicole just stared at him.

" Don't look at me that way," Bruce said.

Nicole said nothing.

Nicole was brought to CHP headquarters and still said nothing.

" She's playing with us," Bruce said, " I don't think she has anything to hide."

" Then you talk to her," Ponch said, " I think she likes you."

" She's too young," Bruce said, " At least she looks that way."

" Bruce go talk to her," the Sarge said, " Maybe we can get some answers."

" I'll see what I can do," Bruce said, " It may do no good though."

Bruce went into the Interrogation room a few minutes later.

" Hi," Bruce said.

" Hi," Nicole said softly.

" You want to talk to me?" Bruce asked.

" No," Nicole said, " I want to go home."

" Not until you tell me," Bruce said, " Running away doesn't solve anything."

" I'm a kleptomaniac," Nicole said, " Does that answer your question?"

" Not really," Bruce said.

" This isn't helping me either," Nicole said, " I don't know then, okay?"

" If you say so," Bruce said, " Wait here."

" Do I have a choice?" Nicole asked.

Bruce then left the room and Nicole smiled she was in heaven.