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If I had you and I could give you your dreams – Dave Matthews Band

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"So, Mr. Jenkins, how are you enjoying your stay?" the Waif asked easily, as she took the seat proffered by her partner.

"Yes, do tell," the Hulk mumbled as he tossed his apparently ever-present portfolio on the table, "Bringing back memories?"

"Oh, come on, Detectives," I purred, leaning back, settling into my seat, "Surely you know the answer to that. Or else, why would you have asked?"

I watched as the Hulk lumbered around the room, circling like a giant, misshapen vulture awaiting the death of his next meal. I smiled, I knew this part well.

"Detective, do I look better from the back?" I chuckled, "Or are you trying to intimidate me?"

"Mr. Jenkins, I understand you used to work for the Atlantic City Police Department," Eames inquired, "and that you were fired for taking bribes. Is that correct?"

"Again, with the questions that I know you know the answers to. You have my file, wouldn't it just be easier to look in there rather than wasting your breath asking?" Leaning forward, I summoned up my most charming smile and waited for the next question.

For all the years I sat on the other side of the table, all the partners I worked with, the skells I collared, I still wasn't quite prepared for what happened next. One minute, I'm all smiles with the Waif, putting on the charm, the next minute, the Hulk is in my face, his massive bulk curled over my shoulder, his mouth inches from mine. I didn't know if he was going to kiss me or bite me.

"Answer the lady's questions," he whispered, "and cut the Casanova act. You aren't fooling anyone."

So, the Hulk thought he was in charge. Okay, I can go along with that, for now. "Yes, I used to be ACPD. Yes, I was fired for taking bribes. And yes, I am enjoying my stay. Happy?"

I couldn't help smirking as he unfolded himself from around me and resumed his pacing. Judging from the ease with which he found his pace again, I was not the first suspect he had used this ploy on before.

Defiantly, I began smiling at the Waif again, her partner and his theatrics be damned. What was he going to do, rough me up? Well, he could go right ahead, it would ruin their case and he knows it. I've got nothing to fear in this room, except the bad coffee.

"Detective, I'm sorry, I seem to have forgotten your name." My voice, all honey and butter, was sure to win a smile from a lady. And this one was no exception.

"Eames. And, in case your memory lapse isn't limited to myself," her eyes moved quickly to the Hulk by way for introduction, "that is my partner, Detective Goren. But, I'm sure you already knew that."

Well, turn about is fair play, after all. And it seemed only right that she would use my own words against me. Chuckling, "Yes, I did."

The Hulk took that as his cue to get back in my face, eyes locking onto mine. At least, this time, he didn't come over the top, opting, instead, to come at me from the left. "So, Mr. Jenkins, where were you on April 23rd," he asked, quietly, "around nine in the morning?"

Shaking my head, biting back my smart-ass answer, I gave him my very expensive alibi. "I was at a friend's place."

Pulling a chair over to sit next to me, he continued, "Really? And wh-what type of friend would this be? A female, per-perhaps?"

As the Hulk said this, I saw his eyes flash to the Waif and I thought I saw my chance. Well, here goes, nothing ventured, nothing gained.

"Why yes, Detective, a female friend," leaning towards the Waif, I continued, "a lovely lady that I see from time to time. Although, she is nothing compared to your partner."

I watched for a reaction from the Hulk and was quickly rewarded. Anger started to burn in his eyes. I knew I had him on the ropes and now was the time to push.

"Goren, your first name is Robert, right? May I call you Robert?" I steadied myself, preparing for his response to what I said next, "How about Bobby, may I call you that? You look like a Bobby. I'll bet the luscious Detective Eames calls you Bobby. How does that make you feel? Do you get a warm, tight feeling in your stomach? I know I do, just sitting here looking at her."

The Hulk was up, his chair flying out from under him. In his anger, his size seemed to increase, filling the room. I swallowed hard as he yanked me out of my seat by my collar and slammed me against the wall. Holding me there, my feet several inches from the ground, he leaned in close, baring his teeth.

"You will NOT speak of her that way," he growled, covering my face with spittle, "or, so help me, I wi-will…I'll…"

He dropped me then, turned and brushed past the Waif, seemingly oblivious to her presence for the first time since they had entered the room. She threw a penetrating look at me, and then followed him out, a puppy on a very short leash.

As I say back down, I started laughing, long and hard. That has worked out better then I thought. A home cooked meal appeared to be in my near future after all.

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TBC