A/N: I apologise to anyone, especially you Ellen, if you're finding these chapters a little too long…not every chapter will be as long as this one or the last, I promise. And the romance is coming, peoples, I just have to set it up a little.
Thanks to those who reviewed and I hope you enjoy this next chapter (even if you're not really a fan of this couple...).
Deception
Chapter 2: One Long Night
He was nervous. Very nervous. He hadn't done this since…high school. And even then he hadn't been this nervous. A beautiful woman was about to accompany him on one of the biggest nights of his life and he couldn't even form the very words he had recited for so long in front of his mirror. His speech was almost lost to him and as he tried desperately to recollect the exact words he had prepared he found himself forgetting them even more.
Woody paced outside Devan's apartment, waiting for his que to knock on the door. She had told him to pick her up at eight, and it was five minutes to the selected hour. He fixed up his tie impulsively and looked down once again at his tuxedo. The same tuxedo he had dry-cleaned a week ago after a tragic accident had occurred; a dead man had started dripping old blood…onto his brand new tux. It was clean now, of course, but the remnants of that night still haunted him. And that included the kiss. Yes, the kiss. The kiss he had classified as something that bordered along the edges of a mistake simply because he had pined after one woman for so long, and suddenly another one had come along. Another one who was willing to take a chance and not be so guarded.
Another minute ticked by and anxiety clutched at Woody's stomach once again. He was aware that he no longer had the comfort of being 'just friends' with Devan, and it was because of that kiss that the two of them shared a mutual awkwardness around each other. An awkwardness that was not so much spoken, but…felt. And there was only one way to sooth that awkwardness: talk. They had to talk about it, and tonight was the perfect opportunity to do so.
Woody took a deep breath and brought his fist up to the modern apartment door, preparing to knock twice on it. But it didn't come. He was completely frozen…and what was worse was that the door opened from the other end. A startled Devan raised her eyebrows as her eyes met with Woody's extended fist…and his dazed expression. The two just stared at each other, the awkwardness growing, until it was broken suddenly by Devan's laughter.
"You were pacing, weren't you?"
Woody dropped his fist and exhaled loudly, releasing his nerves. "Yeah."
Then he saw her completely. She was no longer Devan Maguire from the Medical Examiner's Office. She was Devan Maguire dressed for the occasion. A bright red satin dress flowed down to just below her knees, held up only by the halter strap that ran across and around her neck. The ends of the dress were slightly pleated while one satin lace hung from where the halter strap laced around to meet the top of the dress. Her golden hair was left spilling past her shoulders, however it was brushed slightly to one side. Woody almost lost his breath.
"Wow," he managed. "You look…amazing."
Devan tilted her head and closed her door. "Thank you," she smirked. "So do you. But…would you like blood with that tuxedo?"
Woody laughed. She hadn't forgotten. "Very funny. You ready?"
Devan held up her matching red leather handbag. "Sure looks that way. Take me away, Braveheart."
Woody held out his arm in a loop and Devan laced one arm over the top of it and the other arm underneath it. "This could be a long night," Woody breathed.
Devan nodded. "Yeah.
Jordan cupped her hands around her forehead. The printed words on the paper in front of her made no sense and began to blur into one monotonous swirl. She made out a word she vaguely recognised as 'shot', but everything else was just an ocean. A black ocean of print. Bullshit she had a lot of work to do. Sure, she had a little but no more than anybody else. And she knew she should be with Woody right now, not stuck at the morgue. But…then again, Devan was with Woody wasn't she? Devan, her 'replacement'. And in so many ways. What did Devan have that she didn't have?
Jordan was soon interrupted by a knock on her office door, which was wide open. Snapped quickly out of her reverie, Jordan waved Sidney in. "What's up?"
"Doc, you done with that autopsy report?" Sidney walked up to Jordan's extremely…unorganised desk.
Jordan looked down briefly at her computer notes. "Uh…almost. Just give me ten minutes."
Sidney nodded and began to turn around, but was stopped suddenly by a gnawing feeling in his mind. "Something wrong, Doc?"
Jordan looked thoughtful for a moment before wistfully brushing the thought off. "No. I'm just tired."
Sidney gave her a strange look before smiling. "I can finish up here, if you like. You just go home and get some sleep."
Jordan smiled appreciatively, but shook her head defiantly. "No I'm fine. I have a bit to do here, anyway."
That was a lie. She had practically nothing to do after this report. She just didn't want to go home after telling Woody she couldn't go with him because she had a lot of work to do. Yes, she felt guilty. But she also felt betrayed because Woody was with her. Devan. They were hanging out again, all at the expense of Jordan's social life. But it was her fault that she wasn't the one with Woody, wasn't it?
Sidney nodded and waved a quick goodbye. "I'll come back in ten."
Jordan smiled her goodbye and wavered her eyes until they reached her boss' closed office. Garret was inside reading over some papers and listening to soft jazz, that of which she could faintly hear from her own office. She thought for a moment about talking to him for a while, being comforted by someone older and wiser, but eventually ignored it and went back to her report.
"This could be a long night," she whispered to herself.
Woody stood proudly at the microphone, his medal shining brightly around his neck. "First of all," he began, "I would like to thank the Governor for this prestigious honour."
He looked around the large hall. Many honourable people were there, various heroes who had sacrificed so much for their country and for the safety of those they loved. They were all hanging on his words. "You know, I came with a speech prepared, but someone made me forget it all…and I'm glad she did," he glanced a look down at where Devan was sitting and flashed her a smile.
"Because tonight we are all here for a purpose, and that is to put everything on hold in order to thank the people who risk their lives everyday. Many of those brave men and women have indeed lost something in their lives, but sometimes we can't have exactly what we necessarily want. However, we can achieve something of great importance and hold on to that, because tomorrow isn't that far away. And anything can happen in a few seconds, and anything can be something that makes us realise life really is too short to be balancing on a beam. A beam that can fall at any time. Thank you."
The entire hall filled with applause. Guests and retired officers stood immediately and clapped loudly, adding to the already echo-filled uproar. There was not an occupied seat in the entire hall; everybody was standing and clapping, while Woody smiled at the people he could. His eyes at last met Devan's and the two had an unspoken understanding. What he had said not only applied to police work, but to other matters as well. She returned his smile and watched as his chief escorted him back into the row of other rewarded detectives. Devan understood that while Jordan was what Woody really wanted, she was unreachable. Just out of his reach. But Devan herself was right in front of him, inside of his reach. She was what he needed.
The men on the stage, including Woody, began to turn around and walk methodically down the few stairs leading to the floor. Then they broke their line and each individual walked in the direction of their table. Woody made it back to his table, that of which he shared with a few other detectives as well as his chief, and gave Devan a quick wink before sitting down next to her.
Devan leaned in close and whispered in his ear. "You were great."
Woody sighed and shook his head. "That was a disaster."
Devan gave him a scathing look. "Yeah, that's why everyone stood up and applauded you."
Woody laughed. He put his arm around Devan's shoulders and quickly kissed her hair. "Thanks."
"For what?"
Woody pulled her in closer and whispered calmly into her ear. "For making me forget my speech. And helping me think up a better one."
Devan countered his smile with one of her own. The Governor immediately took the stand then, thanking each honoured policeman individually. He then invited everyone present to stand and make their way to the dance floor. Many members of the banquet stood with their partners and walked over to the large floor reserved for the dancing. However, there were those few people who preferred to sit rather than dance, but Woody was not one of those.
He took Devan's hand and stood abruptly. "Dance?"
Devan smirked. "You can dance?"
Woody nodded emphatically. "Yeah, I can dance."
What was a girl to do? Devan stood slowly, almost doubtfully, and took quite a large sip of her red wine. "Ok."
The pair walked hand-in-hand to the dance floor, and a slow song began playing softly. It was a piano medley with a slight hint of soft jazz, but still very good to slow-dance to. They found a spot somewhere just a little outside the middle, always a good spot to start off. Woody let go of Devan's hand and placed his just below her waist, while she placed hers around his warm neck. She came up to just above his neck in height, so that's where she looked. She didn't want her eyes to meet with his, like that night they kissed when she had been mesmerised by them. Those intriguing blue orbs that had her stilled to the ground, immobilised, unable to move. Almost unable to breathe. That was the reality of it; she was so taken by his eyes that she feared looking into them. Ever since they had kissed that one night.
-I've been staring at the sky tonight
Marvelling and passing time
Wondering what to do with daylight
Until I can make you mine
You are the one I want-
The song progressed slowly, its soft piano notes humming in the background of the female vocals. Devan realised she hadn't looked up from Woody's neck, and that he was looking down at her curiously. She gave him a quick smile when she did look up and tried desperately to avoid his eyes. Oh, his eyes. Why did they have to be so captivating?
-I've been thinking of changing my mind
It never stays the same for long
But of all the things I know for sure
You're the only certain one
You are the one I want-
Woody could see the distracted look in her eyes. "What's wrong?"
His whisper drifted into her ears and she was forced to look him in the eyes. "Nothing," she replied. "I'm fine."
As they swayed gently to the music, Woody's grip on Devan's waist loosened, making the dance slightly less uncomfortable and restricted. Devan allowed herself to fall back into Woody's embrace, and she relied on it to support her.
-I've been counting up all my wrongs
One sorry for each star
See I'd apologise my way to you
If the heavens stretched that far
You are the one I want-
Then she looked at him in the eye, revealing everything she had wanted to keep hidden. And he saw the flicker of fear and doubt before it disappeared altogether. Woody wondered fleetingly what that was but quickly forgot about it when Devan tightened her grip on his neck, forcing him to do the same with her waist. Devan leaned forward and looked at Woody's lips, licking her own.
"We're just friends, aren't we?" She whispered when the song turned instrumental.
Woody stared at the small smile that was tugging at the edges of Devan's mouth. "Yeah, just friends."
Devan gave a small nod. "Ok, good."
She leaned in further, nearing his lips.
-I won't find what I'm looking for
If I only "see" by keeping score
Cause I know now you are so much more
Than arithmetic-
Devan flicked her eyes up towards Woody's and gave him a sly smile before planting a light kiss on his mouth. Woody looked down at her and smirked.
"Just friends, right?"
Devan nodded seriously, then grinned. "Just friends."
-Cause if I add, if I subtract
If I give it all, try to take some back
I've forgotten the freedom that comes with the fact
That you are the sum
So you are the one I want-
Devan's hands drifted slowly away from Woody's neck and she lightly picked up his bravery medal and looked at it. Around the edges of it the name of the precinct was engraved and encircled the entire medal. In the middle Woody's name was engraved, quite a bit larger than the print that was written to identify the award as one of bravery. The Boston police badge symbol was imprinted below that, as well as a small outline of a lion. Devan smiled. Bravery indeed.
-When the years are showing on my face
And my strongest days are gone
When my heart and flesh depart from this place
From a life that sung your song-
Woody stifled a laugh. "You know, I really hate to break up this bond you have with my medal but I think we should get out of here if we're going to get those fingerprints."
Devan had completely forgotten. After the ball they were supposed to go back to the crime scene and collect a series of prints and see if they could find anything that leaked to their main suspect. She sighed and let go of the medal, giving it a slight flick so it made a dull thud against Woody's chest upon landing.
"You sure it's ok to leave?"
Woody nodded. "Yeah," he gave Devan a sly look. "It was getting boring anyway."
Devan laughed. "Oh really? So," she paused dramatically, "I bore you, do I?"
Woody made a gesture with his fingers, placing his thumb and forefinger about an inch apart. "Just a little."
Devan looked at him seriously. "Ok. Just let me change first."
Upon leaving, Devan looked behind her to hear the final words of the song…
-You'll still be the one I want-
"So Jordan," Garret peered inside of his employee's office. "You going to tell me what's bothering you or do I have to start guessing?"
Jordan looked up from her desk, a slightly dazed look challenging her denial. "Nothing's wrong, Garret. Seriously, I'm just finishing up here."
Garret nodded a few times before taking up a seat in the chair opposite to Jordan's desk. "And that's why you're avoiding the Pogue, is it?"
Jordan sighed. "Listen, Garret, my dad has other staff besides just me. And anyway, I'm not avoiding anything."
Garret searched Jordan's face before locking her eyes with his. "That's not what I'm talking about. I meant that you're avoiding hanging out with Nigel and Bug. They're at the bar waiting for you."
Jordan flicked her eyes distractedly over her desk before finding Macy's once again. "Tonight's Woody's Governor's Ball."
Confusion flicked in Garret's eyes. "Wasn't that last week?"
"Ah," Jordan waved her hand impulsively, "long story. Anyway, as you can see, I'm not there."
Garret frowned. "He didn't ask you?"
Jordan's eyes widened. "No, he did. I just didn't accept."
Garret nodded. "Oh. Devan?"
Jordan took a lock of her hair and placed it behind her ear. "Yeah."
"Well," Garret shrugged solemnly, "you can't really do much about that."
Placing a hand on her forehead, Jordan nodded. "I know. It's just, I don't think I can accept it. You know, let him go."
Garret watched as Jordan laid a ginger hand down on her desk. He couldn't watch her tear herself apart, he just couldn't. "Jordan, if you need anything at all, I'm here. You know that, right?"
Jordan nodded, and smiled appreciatively as her boss. "Thanks, Garret."
"Good," Garret stood from the chair. "Now get out of here. Go play pool with Nigel or something."
When they reached her apartment building, Devan and Woody both stepped out of the car. A spark of familiarity flickered between them before Devan smiled.
"You can come up. Catch the last five minutes of the baseball game."
Woody laughed and allowed Devan to take his hand and lead him up to her room. "Can't resist that offer."
They entered the building and Devan immediately spotted a familiar face. "Hey Harrison."
A tall man with brown hair and blonde highlights turned around from looking at his mail he had just collected. His blue eyes probed Devan's light green ones and he smiled. "Hey, Devan."
Then he noticed Woody. The smile faltered slightly and the man looked down fleetingly. "Big night?"
"You could say that," Devan tugged lightly on Woody's hand. "Harrison, this is Woody. Woody, Harrison's my neighbour."
Woody could only manage a wave. "Hi."
Harrison nodded in reply. "Hey."
Sensing the awkwardness, Devan's grin grew. "Ah, we should get going. Take care, Harrison."
Harrison perked up immediately and waved. "You too," he flashed Woody another look. "Nice to meet you."
Woody gave a friendly smile. "Likewise."
The pair made their way up the many stairs that led to Devan's room, Woody still being led by her. When they reached her room, Devan took out the keys from her bag and twisted them in the lock, ultimately opening the door. It was a small apartment, and one of those where immediately inside you will find the couch and television. The kitchen was on one side of the makeshift living room, while the bedroom was on the other. There were several other rooms that led to bathrooms and such but they were irrelevant in the end. Devan took the remote off the small glass coffee table and switched on the television, handing the device to Woody.
"Make yourself at home," she walked over to her bedroom. "I'll be out in ten."
Woody sat immediately down on the blue suede couch, already engrossed in the baseball game that had five minutes left of play. The scores were even and Woody watched for a few minutes before tuning out.
"So, what was with your 'neighbour'? He seemed…disappointed," he called over his shoulder to Devan.
He could faintly hear Devan's unmistakeable laugh. "He liked you," she said sarcastically.
"So," Woody shifted on the couch, "do you make it customary to flirt with every guy you meet?"
"Very funny," Devan pulled her hair up into a messy ponytail. "Harrison and I are just friends."
Woody nodded. "Right. That's why he was so discreet in his disappointment."
"His girlfriend dumped him a while back," Devan said uncaringly while smoothing out her dress.
Woody stole a look behind him at Devan. "Oh, so he's on the rebound."
Devan flashed Woody a glare. "Why are we even talking about this? What about your ex-girlfriends?"
Woody thought back to when he was living in Wisconsin. "Point taken. They've all dumped me."
Devan laughed and walked out into her small living room with a laptop computer. "Ok, let's do this."
Woody jumped up from the couch. "You said ten minutes. That was seven."
Giving him an irritated look, Devan glanced at the television. "Close enough. Who won?"
Woody flicked off the screen with the remote. "The reigning champions, of course. Sox until the end." Then he looked at Devan. "Don't we need a laser?"
Reaching into her jean pocket, Devan pulled out a thick pen, the same pen she had used back at Adam Moore's house. "It has a laser in it, and a small camera. Pretty expensive, but very impressive. And handy."
Jordan heard the unmistakeable sound of ceramic balls clanking against each other. Other than the two occupants she was expecting to find, the Pogue was empty. She found Nigel and Bug at the pool table, their large beers resting on the wooden edge. Nigel looked up and saw Jordan walking over.
"Hey, Love. We were just going to send out a search party. We don't need to now."
Jordan flicked out a hand impulsively. "Yeah, I had a lot of paperwork to do. So, who's winning?"
"Me," exclaimed Bug. "Fourth in a row."
Nigel looked indignant. "You haven't won yet."
Bug looked down at the table then back at Nigel. "Well just about."
"I'll play the winner," Jordan walked over to the inside of the counter. "But let me get a drink first."
Nigel looked fleetingly over his shoulder before he took his shot. "You not with Woodrow?"
Frothy beer began pouring out of the machine. "Ah, no. He's with Devan."
Nigel winced as another wrong move cost him the game. "Too bad. Bug here could have whipped his sorry butt, too."
Jordan walked over and glanced at the empty pool table. "Oh, I guess I'll be playing Bug then."
"So, what about your past boyfriends? How did they fair with you?" Woody tried to make friendly conversation as he and Devan picked their way through the darkened local park, trying to find the proverbial crime scene.
"Nothing special. A basketball player and a quarter-back," Devan replied as she found the tape and ducked underneath it, Woody following close behind.
"What," Woody gave a confused look, "just two?"
Devan ran her pen strategically down the tree, lighting up several fingerprints with the thick stem of blue illumination. "No, but they're the only two worth mentioning."
The blue laser light lit up a fingerprint that interested Devan so she clicked the top of the pen, taking a photo in the process. Woody stared at it.
"So, how does that thing work?"
Devan clicked the top of it a few more times. "It has a memory card stored in it. Every picture you take gets stored in there until you upload them onto a computer."
"And it's also a pen?"
Devan nodded. "Uh huh. Just flick the little switch on the side and it changes to a pen."
She took another photo and stared at the print carefully. It was a left thumb, another one to that she had just taken a quick photo of. Trailing the laser slowly along the slight ridges of the bark, she noticed another left thumb print; this one having a scar in the middle of it. She took a photo of it before walking briskly back to where they had placed the wireless laptop. Woody followed.
"What have you found?"
"Three different left thumb prints, all of them fresh and impartial," she replied distantly.
Linking her laser pen into the side of the computer, Devan pulled up all the new pictures from the camera. Running them simultaneously with already stored prints, Devan found a match. The left thumb print of Adam Moore.
Devan glanced up at Woody. "Well now. Still think he's just a target?"
A/N: Heya, hope that wasn't too long for y'all to take. And those pens do exists, it is not just my imagination running from watching a lot of Alias. Harrison really had no point being there, I just thought it would be funny…
The next chapter will be much shorter, so Ellen…relax. But until that time, later!
