'Dad are you there?'
Steve's voice, still rough with the cold, floated across from the living room.
'In the kitchen son!' Mark replied from his seat at the kitchen table, where he was busy slicing a carrot. 'Ouch!' he yelped as he nicked his finger with the knife.
Jesse looked at his mentor sagely 'You know you really should leave the cutting to the surgeon' he said.
Mark sucked on his injured finger and then smiled ruefully at the young man beside him 'Jesse, if we left it to you there'd be nothing left. You do kinda have this tendency to eat as you're going along'.
'Me?' Jesse said pretending to be deeply wounded 'Mark I think you're mixing me up with somebody else'.
'Mmm hmmh' Mark said, clearly not believing a word of it.
Jesse opened his mouth to reply, but was saved from having to defend himself further, by Steve, who entered the kitchen with Tanis Archer close behind him. Both were soaking wet, the rain running in rivulets down their heavy police issue water proofs. Jesse hadn't seen Steve in a couple of days, as both men had been incredibly busy. Surreptitiously, he swiftly appraised his friend.
It was clear that Steve was still suffering from a heavy cold. He was also favouring his right side when he walked and the dark circles that ringed his eyes told of too many sleepless nights. Jesse frowned; this case was obviously costing the detective dearly. There was an air of tension about Steve, in the set of his jaw, the tightness around his shoulders. Here was a man who really needed to relax.
For his part, Steve took in the domestic scene before him and sighed contentedly. His father and Jesse were seated companionably at the kitchen table, respectively chopping and eating vegetables. Amanda Bentley stood just beyond them, talking animatedly on her cell phone. Despite her hectic schedule, her brown eyes still sparkled with vitality. Steve had long marvelled at Amanda's innate ability to look perfect even under the most trying of conditions.
The kitchen was warm and welcoming. The oven was on and various pots were on the hob, their contents bubbling merrily. Steve was sure that if his sinuses weren't so blocked, he would be able to smell the tantalising aroma of roast lamb. His father's annual New Year's dinner was exactly what he needed right now.
Outside the weather was still grey and forbidding. Although the weather had improved a little and more people were now venturing out of their homes, it was still as much of an opponent as the bomber. The high winds and torrential rain dogged their every move, slowing up forensics, and door to door, and pulling cops off the case to patrol the streets and direct the traffic. Even driving was hard work. His truck, although suited to harsh conditions, couldn't help him to negotiate the backed-up traffic.
Since talking to Jack Tandy, they'd spent the last few days on the streets, trying to get more information on the mysterious recruiter. But no one was talking. Perhaps most worrying about this latest round of questioning was the look of fear that appeared in the eyes of men hardened to the horrors of organised crime. Steve knew it wasn't the police presence they were afraid of.
As for working relations, Tanis and Ron had settled into an uneasy peace, but their constant niggling at each other drained his energy. Steve thought guilty about his own relationship with each of the Detectives. He was finding Ron's unshakeable confidence ever more irritating, and although loath to admit it even to himself, couldn't help the insidious resentment that had been bubbling below the surface ever since the FBI agent had been assigned to the case. His relationship with Tanis was no better, in fact if anything it was worse. Their fundamental disagreement about the Task Force had never been so apparent, and current conversations were at best strained, at worst non-existent.
'Hey Dad, Jess' he said tiredly, shedding his dripping jacket and gingerly lowering himself down into the seat across from his father. Despite the added protection of the jacket, the lower half of his body was soaked. His shoes in particular were water-logged, his feet adrift in what felt like an ocean of rain water.
Mark looked up and beamed 'Hey son' he said, placing an affectionate hand on Steve's shoulder 'You're just in time'.
Spotting Tanis hovering uncomfortably by the table, Mark immediately jumped up and pulled out a chair for her, indicating that she too should sit down.
'Tanis, I'm so glad you could join us' Mark said genially. 'Please make yourself at home' he gave his son a disapproving glance 'and excuse my son who seems to have completely forgotten his manners.'
His face warm, Steve got up and relieved Tanis of her jacket 'Sorry' he muttered, as he headed past her to hang up both coats in the hall.
'It's fine' she replied under her breath, wondering for the hundredth time if she should have just cancelled tonight. It seemed pretty obvious that Steve felt as awkward about all this as she did. Despite their breakdown in communication this week, having made the invite he was too much of a gentleman to withdraw it. She should have cried off, saved them both the embarrassment.
Once out of sight, Steve lent against the wall and closed his eyes, wearily rubbing the bridge of his nose. How had things between them gone so wrong so quickly? He wanted to make things right, but he wasn't sure that he knew how.
'Dinner should be ready in about a half hour' Mark said cheerfully 'Tanis, can I get you a drink or something? Coffee? Wine? Beer?'
His voice startled her, but she quickly recovered her composure.
'A beer would be great Mark' Tanis replied 'and thanks for the invite, dinner smells wonderful.' She smiled determinedly 'It sure beats the left over Chinese food I have in my refrigerator back home'.
Mark beamed at her encouragingly and then reached into the icebox, to pull out a bottle of beer for the female detective. Once hidden from view, he frowned worriedly. As much as they were trying to hide it, there seemed to be more than a little tension between Steve and Tanis tonight. He knew his son could be tough to handle, especially when he was sick, but there seemed to be more to it than just Steve's inherent grouchiness. Mark sighed; if only Steve would talk to him, maybe he could help. He heard footsteps and withdrew his head from the refrigerator.
'Steve, beer?' he queried as his son reappeared.
'Love one' Steve said and then sneezed loudly.
Mark looked sternly at the two detectives as he handed over the beers.
'You know, you two really need to get out of those wet clothes' he said with concern 'especially you' he said to Steve 'If you don't take better care of yourself you could end up with pneumonia'.
Steve rolled his eyes 'Dad, how many times do I have to tell you, it's just a cold' he said, sneezing again.
'For now it is' Mark said 'but it's amazing how quickly these things can take hold and you know how susceptible you are' he turned to Tanis and sighed 'You know he's never had a very good immune system, even as a child he was always coming down with something. His mother and I used to …'
'Dad please' Steve interrupted hastily, noticing the first twitchings of a smile on Tanis' face, as well as Jesse's full blown smirk.
'Well I still think you should change out of those clothes' Mark said firmly 'Tanis I'm not sure how we can accommodate you, I have plenty of sweaters you can change into but …' he frowned 'I'm not sure that any of my other clothes will fit you'.
Tanis blushed slightly 'That's okay' she said 'I have some clothes here already'.
'You do? Really?' Mark said with a beaming smile. Catching a look from his son he blushed, as the meaning behind her words dawned on him. 'Oh' he said subsiding 'Of course, yes .. sorry'.
'You can use my bathroom' Steve said a little stiffly.
'Don't you want to use ..?' she began
'No it's fine, you go ahead' he said gruffly.
'Okay then' she said getting up from the chair and giving an awkward smile 'I guess I'll see you all later'.
After Tanis had gone, Jesse shot Steve a meaningful glance 'I'm surprised you didn't offer to go scrub her back for her' he said with a grin, raising his eyebrows wickedly.
Beside Jesse, Mark winced and glanced over at his son, wondering how he was going to respond.
Steve smiled tightly and cleared his throat self-consciously 'I think she can manage that herself just fine Jess' he said, failing to meet Jesse's eye and instead reaching over to help himself to a handful of carrots. He received a smack on the hand for his trouble.
'Hey!' he yelped looking at Mark indignantly.
'See' Jesse said self-righteously to Mark 'I told you, you were confusing me with someone else'
Mark snorted with laughter, whilst Steve looked from one to the other with a puzzled look on his face 'Does somebody wanna tell me what's going on?' he asked.
Amanda, who had finally finished her call in time to catch the tail end of the conversation, placed soothing hands on his shoulders.
'I'm sure you don't wanna know' she advised. As her fingers began massaging his shoulders she frowned 'All you need to concentrate on right now is relaxing; these shoulders of yours are way too tight.'
He sighed, instinctively responding to her skilful touch, as her fingers worked the tension from his knotted muscles.
'Thanks Amanda that feels great' he said with a groan.
He was just beginning to relax, eyes starting to close, when another sneeze took hold, so violent he almost sent Amanda flying.
'Okay that's it' Mark said sternly 'You need to change out of those wet clothes right now'.
As Steve groaned again, this time in protest, Amanda patted him on the shoulder.
'Your Dad's right' she said with a smile 'and besides my time as a masseuse is up. CJ is settled over at my friend Joanna's and I have a hot date to get ready for'.
'You're not staying for dinner?' Steve said in surprise. He felt a twinge of disappointment in his chest. Without realising it, he'd been looking forward to Amanda's calming presence tonight.
'Not this time' she said 'Ron has the night off and he's cooking dinner for me.'
Pushing back his disappointment, Steve snorted 'You'd choose Ron Wagnor's cooking over my father's speciality New Year's roast?' he joked.
'Madness' Jesse agreed solemnly.
'You're sure we can't tempt you to stay?' Mark chimed in 'You know we'd love to have both you and Ron.'
'I know that Mark' Amanda said gently 'But as much as I love you all, Ron and I hardly get any time to be alone together'. She shrugged 'so when an opportunity arises it's just too good to miss'.
She reached over and gave Mark a peck on the cheek 'Now remember that the roast has another 15 minutes to go and the pecan pie for dessert is in the refrigerator. You need to take it out about 20 minutes before you serve it'.
Mark smiled fondly 'I'll remember; now you go and have a good time and drive carefully, it's still wild out there. You'll call me as soon as you get in so I know you're safe?'
'I promise' she said.
'I'll drive you' Steve said, immediately getting up from his seat 'I don't like the idea of you out on the roads alone in this weather'.
'Oh Steve, don't be silly' Amanda said 'I'm perfectly capable of driving myself back to my apartment. And besides you've only just gotten in and you really should go change, you're soaking'.
'Exactly' he said stubbornly 'Since I'm already wet, I may as well take you home before I go change'.
He sneezed again and Amanda shook her head. She was surprised and touched by his concern, but he was obviously exhausted and she wasn't gonna add to his condition by dragging him out into the storm.
'Nice try' she said 'but I'm not gonna be the one responsible for you catching pneumonia.'
'Let me take you' Jesse offered 'I'm in perfect health!'
'Nobody is taking me' she said firmly 'I am taking myself and before anybody else gets any crazy ideas I'm going'.
She turned on her heel and headed for the door calling 'good night' to the others over her shoulder. Jesse and Mark each raised a casual hand in farewell, Mark gesturing to her to call him. By the time she'd gotten her coat, the two of them had turned back to the food, but Steve had followed her into the hall. She smiled at the concern in his deep blue eyes.
'Promise me you'll drive carefully?' he said.
'I will' she said 'Promise me you'll change out of those wet clothes?'
He smiled 'I'm going right now'.
'Right now?' she said, her arms folded and a smile playing across her face.
Steve sighed, 'Okay, okay I get the message' he grumbled 'You know you and Jesse are getting as bad as my Dad'.
Giving her shoulder a quick squeeze he turned and headed back to the kitchen. Shrugging into her raincoat, Amanda struggled to tie a scarf around her head. Finally successful, Amanda reached for the door.
'Amanda, wait'.
Startled she turned to see Tanis Archer. The female detective had changed into a pale blue sweater, her blonde hair still damp from the shower, hung loose around her shoulders.
'Look Amanda' Tanis said, shifting awkwardly 'I hope you're not dropping out tonight on account of me.' She offered the other woman a rueful smile 'I know myself and Agent Wagnor have a difference of opinion over this case, but I'd hate it to come between old friends celebrating New Years'.
Amanda smiled at Tanis, finding the other woman's honesty refreshing. She decided to return the favour – Tanis Archer wasn't the type to be fobbed off with false excuses. Taking a deep breath Amanda sighed 'I have to admit that it probably wouldn't be the most comfortable evening for any of us, having you and Ron at the same table right now, but that's not the reason we're not eating with you tonight'. She looked at Tanis and winked 'As a woman, I'm sure you'll appreciate that sometimes you just want to be alone with your man'.
Tanis tossed a quick glance back at Steve, who was now deep in conversation with his father. Before she turned back to Amanda she arranged her face into a smile
'Oh I think I can relate to that' she said.
Amanda placed a hand on Tanis' shoulder and smiled back 'Do me a favour will you and make sure Steve takes care of that cold of his. I know he seems tough on the outside, but he's just as vulnerable as the rest of us, no matter how much he tries to hide it.'
Tanis nodded stiffly, her smile still in place 'I'll give it my best shot' she replied. But as she turned back towards Steve, her smile disappeared 'What are we doing to each other Steve?' she thought sadly.
Wrapping her coat tightly around her, Amanda bid Tanis farewell and pulled hard on the front door, shivering at the blast of cold air that assailed her. Already turning to make her way back down the hall, Tanis noticed Steve look up as he heard the front door open. Tentatively she smiled at him. The look in his eyes filled her with a sudden burst of happiness. His face was for once completely open and the affection he felt was clear to see.
And then she froze as the realisation hit. He wasn't looking at her.
TO BE CONTINUED …..