The next morning Athos was in the stables cleaning the stalls when he heard Elle's SUV pulling up the drive. When he heard her car door shut he stepped out from the barn and called her over to him.

"We need to...talk about a few things," he started.

Just then Rebecca opened the front door, "Athos, your phone is ringing. It's Aramis."

"Obviously," Elle muttered to him as Rebecca stepped back inside. "House guest?"

"Yes, that's what we need to discuss. She's...a client of sorts. Hopefully she'll only be here a few days. The guys just needed a safe place to stash her while they work her case."

"Right..." Elle said slowly.

She hated herself for the twinge of jealousy she felt. She had zero right to feel anything towards Athos. He had never given her even the slightest indication that he may be interested in her. Still, she couldn't help but think he had a certain amount of trust in her. After all, she was the only person he saw regularly day in and day out.

He allowed her into his home, his sanctuary, and now she knew she'd been foolish to think that offered her any sort of position.

"You sound angry." He said.

"I'm not angry, Athos. I'm just surprised. I know how much you like being alone." Perhaps that had come out harsher than she meant...

Athos studied her for a moment. He knew Elle well enough to realize she was standing tense, and her words were clipped. Deciding he didn't have time for an investigation into his housekeeper he let it lie.

"I do, and I'll be glad when she's gone. Although I only have myself to blame for agreeing to this."

Elle seemed to soften a bit as they walked towards the house together. "I'll do my best to make sure you're both looked after."

Rebecca was sitting at the kitchen table drinking a cup of coffee when the pair walked inside. Elle didn't like the other woman's familiarity with Athos's kitchen one bit. She swallowed her jealousy and told herself to be a grown up and knock it off.

"Rebecca, this is Elle. She's my housekeeper," he paused, "and my friend. You'll be seeing her around a lot during your stay."

"Nice to meet you," Rebecca nodded.

"You too,"

With the awkward introductions, and his morning chores finished Athos decided to return to his office and call Porthos to check on the progress of Rebecca's case.

"There's nothing on this so called boyfriend?" Athos asked.

"Not that we can find. Other than the police report she filed, and the warrant we can't find anything on anyone called Desmond Boyle." Porthos returned.

Athos grunted, and pinched the bridge of his nose. That name sounded familiar. Once more the sinking feeling in his chest returned.

"Keep digging,"

"I intend to. How's it going out there?"

"All seems fine. No strangers lurking around the property, or loitering at the gate,"

"That's not what I meant," Porthos chuckled mischievously.

"Goodbye, Porthos."

As Athos disconnected the call Elle slipped into his office to empty the trash can. He stepped back, bumping into her.

"Ouch, watch it!"

"I'm so sorry," he apologized.

She looked up into his eyes, "You look stressed,"

He scoffed, "Thank you for that."

Elle shrugged and continued with her work while Athos plopped down in his office chair. He sighed and closed his eyes.

"Hey," she touched his shoulder, "How about I stay and make dinner tonight?"

"Would you? That would be lovely,"

"Okay, then."

"But only if you'll stay and eat."

She propped her hand on her hip. Her emerald eyes twinkled. "Alright, Athos. I'll stay for dinner."

With that settled Elle made her way downstairs where she bumped into Rebecca. The woman was beautiful. Her dark locks framed pale blue eyes, and her figure was something not only Elle, but every other woman would certainly envy.

"Any requests or limitations for dinner tonight?" Elle asked as she slipped past her and walked into Athos's large pantry.

"I'm sorry?" Rebecca asked.

"I'm making dinner tonight. Are you allergic to anything?"

Rebecca's eyes arched slightly as she eyed the back of Elle. "No... Will you be joining us?"

Elle turned around holding a bag of croutons. "Yeah, I thought I might,"

There was a pause before Rebecca flashed Elle a dazzling grin, "Wonderful."

Athos watched the exchange from the loft upstairs before disappearing into his bedroom. He needed more information on this case. He decided to track down Treville's police officer friend who supposedly took Rebecca's original statement.

The phone rang many times before going to the answering machine.

"Detective Rivers, this is an associate of Treville. I'm working the case of Rebecca Green. I have a few questions about her boyfriend. If you could call me back on this number at your earliest convenience,"

He tapped his fingers on his knee. Why were there no hits on the boyfriend's name? And Rebecca didn't have a scratch on her that he could see. Again he had a deep regret for ever getting involved in this.

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