The music being piped through the sound system at the exhibit reminded Jordan of how much sleep she's had in the last week...or more to the fact, lack of it. She slowly laid her head on Louis's shoulder making a mental note to ask the curator for a copy of the CD. She could use it for her next bout of insomnia. She straightened up when yet another patron approached them. Louis whispered softly that this was the infamous art critic as he shifted from foot to foot. Jordan flashed what she hoped was a charming smile.

"You're palette is softer in this collection Louis. Interesting, very interesting...and who might this be?"

Jordan's mouth arched into a rehearsed smile at the Boston globe art critic, who, true to Lois's prediction, was well past his fifth glass of wine. Louis placed a hand on her back and introduced her. She unconsciously leaned in to give her support. She knew the last couple hours had been taxing for the acrophobic. He subtly reached out to her when he needed her support.

"Dr. Jordan Cavanaugh, from the Medical Examiner's office?"

Jordan's smile turned into a nod. It wasn't the first time that question had been asked that evening. Jordan's own notoriety had caused a minor buzz in a crowd that needed something to liven it up as far as she was concerned.

"Yes."

"Interesting, interesting..." the critic mumbled when he realized his glass was empty. "If you'll excuse me..."

Louis laughed to himself as he relaxed with the added personal space and whispered in her ear, "I can see the headers under the pictures in the paper now: Eccentric local artist set the inner circle on their ears this evening at his MASSMuCa opening by attending with the beautiful medical examiner, Jordan Cavanaugh, in his arm. The sexy coroner added a certain fascination to the event for many of attendees..."

His hand moved from the curve of her waist over the back of dress to cup the back to cup the exposed line of her neck, Jordan fought a growing discomfort. It's not like he hadn't touched her face before. Louis Jefferies was one of those touchy people. Even with all his issues, Louis was very tactile. She assumed it was the artist in him. Even in the few times they had been together ,Jordan was used to him brushing back her hair or touching the back of her hand, but that was in more casual locations like his studio or even the park. That evening she was hypersensitive. She chalked it up to the fact that he was not only the center of attention, but the closeness of they way they were standing all evening. She was there to be his life line. It was the whole reason she agreed to do this. Or was it? When Jordan could feel the brush of his pant leg through the thin silk of her skirt, she began to pull away...

"Louis...I"

There was a loud laugh from the other side of the room as more people began to arrive. Louis pulled away from her stiffly. Jordan stopped thinking about her own discomfort for a moment to notice the thin veneer of his control was starting to slip.

"Louis, are you alright?"

He smiled uncomfortably and looked at his watch again. "You know, we've been on display long enough. I think it's time to go if you are ready."

"...surely."

As gracefully as they could, Louis and Jordan slipped through the crowd toward the exit. Louis stopped to ask security if they could find his car and driver while Jordan looked out the windows toward the drive.

"Jordan."

From the glass lined entrance way, Jordan turned to see Renee Walcott calling out to her. It was still a little unnerving to not to hear a note of total distain echoing in it.

"Renee...I didn't realize you were here."

"I just arrived a few minutes ago. Just between you and I, I'd rather be home wearing my slippers right now instead of this girdle. Whoever said you can snap back from childbirth in a matter of weeks never had a child over forty."

"You look beautiful Renee..."

"Thank you for the compliment. I have to admit I surprised to see you here..."

"I'm just getting ready to leave right now..."

"Jordan..." From the security station, Louis walked over and wrapped an arm around Jordan's waist. "Ms. Walcott, what an honor to have you here."

"Mr. Jefferies," Renee said looking between the two before holding her hand out. "It's nice to finally meet you under more pleasant circumstances. I've been looking forward to this evening all week."

"We'll see how pleasant the circumstances are after this weekend's review in The Globe." Louis said politely but still craning his head around Renee to look for the car.

"Are you leaving?"

"I...I have some work to take care of..."

Jordan piped in as Louis began to sweat. "...besides my feet are killing me. New shoes."

Louis held out his hand again. "The car is here Jordan. Ms Walcott...it was a pleasure to meet you again. Please enjoy yourself and I look forward to hearing your opinions someday. Jordan shall we..."

Waiting just long enough for Renee to say her goodbyes, Jordan let Louis usher her outside and into the limo. She reached for a bottle of water out of the mini bar.

"Here."

After taking a long drink he said, "Thanks. I'm so sorry about that Jordan. Sometimes I think I have it mastered and then it just sneaks up out of nowhere."

"It's alright Louis. You did great. That was a lot of pressure for anybody." She kicked her shoes off as the car pulled away from the museum. "...And my feet do hurt."

As Louis regained his composure in the enclosed space, he wordlesly pulled Jordan's legs across his lap and began to massage her feet. The driver intercommed back to ask where they were going. Louis started to say Pearl Street and changed his mind sending them to his high-rise.

"I thought maybe we could have a drink and relax, unless you'd rather call it an evening." Louis's touch turned light as her stroked his hands over her ankles.

Drinks. At least the was a euphemism she was used to. Jordan knew all she had to do was open her mouth and the limo would be dropping her at her place...alone, with no questions asked...and no regrets. From the moment she had met him there was something there, an attraction that they both could have explored months ago. Then they got to know each other There was always the unspoken invitation from him that said he's be more then willing to have something more with her. More than just scratching that proverbial itch...but it would only be under her terms. It was an in-your-face connection that she never felt before. She just wanted a perfect evening. Something special. From all accounts, this was a successful evening for Louis in many ways. Why not tonight?

How long had it been? If anything she was passed due. And this talented, educated, urbane man was what she wanted.

"No," Jordan smiled. "Relaxing drinks sound like just what the doctor ordered."

By the time they arrived downtown Jordan was as nervous as a girl on her prom night. Just an hour ago she was ready to fall asleep now she was wired for sound. In the months following the Perry case she had visited Louis a number of times. Enough so that the night doorman greeted her by name. Once in the elevator Jordan stared at the numbers counted the floors to Louis's floor.

1...2...3...4...

The closer they got the more she felt the walls close in. The urge to run was almost over whelming. Her fingers traced the shape of her phone in her small evening bag.

Star 4.

Star 4 and Woody and she could escape if she wanted to. Only if she wanted too...and she didn't. Speed dials 1-3 would work too. The morgue switchboard, Garret's office and Garret's cell. After all, he had given her an out. Her fingernail tapped at the case. How did Woody's number become Star 4? She called the Chinese place around the block from the office more then she called him and it didn't even rank a button. Her foot began to tap with her fingers. Why didn't she suggest a late dinner instead of agreeing to "drinks"?

She didn't realize the elevator doors were open.

"Four? No, it's the tenth floor. Jordan, are you alright?"

Louis's voice made her jump. Jordan blushed, "I'm sorry, just thinking out loud I guess." She looked up when he held out his hand to her. With an apologetic smile, she took it. Woody is the last person she wanted to think about right now. He was her safety net...one that sometimes didn't feel so safe.

Lately, more then ever.

"If you'd rather..." His hand was warm. A chill went up her back. She told herself that was a good thing.

"I'm fine."

"Good."