Thanks for all the very kind reviews. Sorry it's taken so long to update but haven't really been sure where this story is going, but if you guys keep saying you want more then I aim to please. This chapter is quite short but I will update it again soon ;)

As before I don't own Cold Case, if I did I wouldn't be writing fan fiction. Also I'll say it again, love Kathryn Morris she totally rocks!

Chatper 8

Within the hour Stillman and Vera had arrived at the prison after receiving a phone call from the warden.

They went to Lilly first who had been tended by the prison medic and was waiting in the warden's office, along with a guard.

As they walked into the room, Lilly looked up at them both. Both Stillman and Vera were momentarily speechless; the reality of what Scotty had done settling in. Her lip had been split, it was slightly swollen and her cheek was very red. She looked paler than normal and very vulnerable.

"Hey, Lil. We got here as soon as we could," a concerned Stillman said. He walked closer to Lilly and placed his hand on her arm as she stood up to respond.

"I'm fine boss, you didn't need to come," she replied trying to sound strong.

"What the hell happened?" Vera questioned with anger in his voice.

"We'll hear about it later Vera, right now I'd like to get Lilly back to PPD, then home," Stillman announced sternly. Vera nodded in response and looked towards Lilly smiling sincerely.

"Have you seen Scotty?" Lilly inquired frowning but concerned.

"I'll be going to see him now." Stillman answered pressing his lips together and releasing his hand from Lilly's arm, only for Vera to place his hand in the small of her back and guide her out of the office, to the car.

The guard that was watching Lilly directed Stillman to wear Scotty was being held to calm down.

Scotty was looking highly-strung, pacing up and down the room when Stillman entered. He maintained a disappointed expression despite being all too aware the reasoning behind Scotty's explosion.

"Where is she? Is she okay? Boss, I'm so sorry. They won't let me see her. Is she okay?" Scotty said with urgency.

"God, what have I done?" He looked truly devastated, sinking down into a chair and burying his head in his hands. "I'll never forgive myself for this boss," he said nodding his head. "How am I gonna make it up to her?" He added looking up at Stillman, searching for some kind of answer.

"I don't want you any where near her, you hear," Stillman responded firmly.

"But I need to tell her I'm sorry."

"Scotty, I'm serious."

"Yeah, okay, sure boss, you're right." Scotty answered disappointedly.

"I really think you need some time out Scotty. Proper time. You gotta sort yourself out cos you're hurting the people the around you. I don't wanna see you like this, and nor does Lil or the guys."

With that Stillman jerked head towards the door signalling it was time to get out of there.

Scotty knew what Stillman had said was right. It wasn't fair that his state was affecting everyone else, especially Lilly. She didn't deserve that. He cared about her and the last thing he wanted to happen was this. He did need time: to accept Elisa's death and to think about his intentions towards Lilly. Not that Lilly would ever want him now, after what he had done, he thought to himself. She deserved better, he thought: not him, who slept with her because he needed to feel comfort. Sure, he did have feelings for her, pretty strong feelings, but he wasn't sure how appropriate they were. After all she was his work partner and what they had done was certainly 'ill-advised.' He knew Lilly was all about the job, and was always careful to try and separate work and her personal life. Because of him she had compromised that and for that fact he knew he would do as Stillman asked.

On the journey back to PPD Lilly and Vera hadn't said much. Vera's opinion on the whole situation had been made obvious though. He had huffed, puffed and sighed a lot and said something to the effect of 'damn that Scotty' several times over.

Vera considered Scotty a friend, but Lilly was like a little sister. He always teased her and she'd always bite which made her more fun to tease. He'd banter with Lilly and treat her like one of the guys but at the same time knew her vulnerable side. He knew what the deal was with Lilly's mom and sister and knew that work was her life; she had nothing else and for that he did feel protective of her. Her personal life was screwed up enough, she didn't need Scotty messing with her work life.

"I'll take care of him, if you want me too?" He stated to Lilly as the pulled into the parking lot.

After a pause, mostly because of shock, Lilly answered, "I don't think I need you to do that…..but thanks." She was touched at his offer but didn't need Vera getting all macho and threatening Scotty.

"If you're sure." Vera said shrugging.

"Look, he's going through tough times s-"

"That ain't no excuse Lil," he interrupted.

"So" Lilly said firmly, "cut him a break. It's not like he did it on purpose." She gave Vera a stare that said very clearly she didn't want him to be her hero.

"Okay, but I ain't happy."

"I know Vera, but I'm sure you'll get over it." Lilly answered will a slight giggle. Vera was unconvincing as he tried to keep a serious face that was supposed to hide a smirk.

Lilly got a few stares when she walked into PPD, but she pretended not to notice and just strolled in like she normally did; like there was some kind of urgency.

Will was at his desk shuffling through bits of paper when he caught sight of Lilly's face. He stood up sharply and looked at Vera, wondering what an earth had happened. He hadn't been around when the call came in and just been left a message that they were called out to a 'situation.'

"Scotty," Vera announced jerking his head towards Lilly, with a very displeased look.

Will's mouth just hung open, eyes wide as his gaze fleeted between Vera and Lilly. He knew he wouldn't get any explanation from Lilly who was already sat at her desk searching through files and looking at old reports. Vera just shook his head.

Will was a patient man, and knew that he'd get the story of what went down. He knew not to press for information. He was concerned though, as to why Scotty would be responsible for Lilly's face being bruised up.

"Hey, you're meant to be going home." Vera said taking a report out of Lilly's hand and dropping it on the desk.

"I just gotta look through this," she answered innocently.

"Boss's orders Lil." Vera added with raised eyebrows.

"Yeah, and I will, I just need to do this first." She said sternly, picking up the report again.

Vera mumbled something as he walked towards the break room, coffee mug in hand.

Lilly simply rolled her eyes and returned to her report. Will caught Lilly's response and just smiled returning to his work, whilst still wondering what had happened.

Lilly was still at her desk half an hour later when Stillman and Scotty returned. She was so engrossed in her work that Stillman and Scotty had both noticed her before she had noticed them.

Scotty stood there frozen, taking in just what state he had left Lilly's face in.

Stillman had marched right on over to her desk, and quietly demanded why she hadn't listened to his orders to go home.

On looking up at Stillman, she just caught sight of Scotty in the background staring at her, looking pale and devastated.

"I – I just wanted to look over these before I went." She said defensively.

Stillman sighed, "you get yourself home Lil, this can wait."

"But boss –"

"No but's Lil. I've ordered Scotty to keep away from you, but you need to follow orders too."

Lilly looked past Stillman towards Scotty, gazing at him for a few moments before dropping her head into her hands.

So, I need some ideas here, it could go in several different ways. Should Lilly ignore Sillman's advice and talk to Scotty or should she leave as she's been ordered?

Feedback is appreciated, and sorry again for keeping you waiting for so long.