Author's note: In my mind, Dave was chasing unsubs while his writing career was getting off the ground before he retired.
"You certainly know how to treat a woman, ' Just sit down and shut up.'" Erin said, lowering herself into the proffered chair.
"Being the picture of hospitality isn't exactly my strong suit," Dave retorted, taking the seat at the head of the table.
"What are you doing up here anyway?" She searched his eyes, the cabin was his safe place, his sanctuary when cases turned rough and the world weighed heavily on his shoulders. "What are you running from?"
"Running? I only run when I have to chase UnSubs, I think the better question is, what are you running from? You have a kid at home, there's no reason for you to not be there."
"You left your notes-"
Dave shook his head he couldn't hide the amusement in his eyes, "No, I didn't. I'm willing to bet the folder you brought, is filled with nothing but blank paper-"
"The next time you decide to write a book, make it fiction such a wild imagination would be a terrible thing to waste." She said, as her eyes rolled heavenward.
"Look, whatever it is, you don't have to lie. And if you don't want to talk, that's fine too. We'll just sit here, eat and listen to the sounds of the storm. Sound good?" He asked, circling the bar between the kitchen and the table.
She searched his face for a trace of dishonesty, and found none. Damn him, he was an interrogator. A professional manipulator when he wanted the truth he was relentless until he got it. He wasn't about to let her off the hook, no matter how much he pretended otherwise. No matter how much she wanted to believe him.
"Sounds good," she replied, resting one hand on her belly."
Witnessing that one small gesture of motherly affection sent his heart slamming in his chest, he'd never seen her so content. It was his own damn fault really, he pushed her towards that bastard. After one week in Maryland, Dave was head over heels recklessly, in love and he didn't care who knew and it all started in a diner.
After a week in Bethesda tracking down his latest UnSub Dave could breathe freely with the knowledge that he'd taken another monster off the street. He pulled into the parking lot with nothing more on his mind than hot coffee and sandwich. He took a seat at the bar and placed his order when a familiar voice graced his ears.
"No, Cassie come back here, hold Mommy's hand."
Dave turned around, craning his neck to watch out the window as Erin walked inside, clutching her daughter's hand.
"Fancy meeting you here," he said as the waitress sat his plate down.
Her eyes widened in surprise,"Likewise, business or pleasure?" She asked, claiming the seat next to his.
Dave dropped his voice, mindful of little ears."In other words 'what the hell am I doing here?"
"Exactly."
"Business, chasing a case, and you?"
"Well it's not business, since I'm not being paid and pleasure is too strong of a word. You're the profiler turned writer, you tell me."
"Excuse me Ma'am?" Dave called the waitress over, "I've been on the road so long I've lost track of time. Is there anything special about this week?"
"Well it's Thanksgiving on Thursday."
Dave turned back to Erin, "Family reunion?"
"Yup."
"Skip it," He said, shrugging his shoulders, "Say you were hung up at work."
"My mother is expecting me besides, she said I could bring a friend."
"Oh really, what time do we leave?"
"Mother said, 'friend' she was very specific."
"Why not? We're not friends?"
"We're not lovers, either," She shot back, "If she met you, she would have a heart attack."
"Then the dinner ends early and we get the rest of the evening to ourselves," he reached for her hand.
"No."
"Then I say we skip the damn dinner and go straight to desert." He winked at her.
"The only desert you're having is the pie I'm going to shove down your throat if you don't shut up."
"Oh, Cara, a food fight. Why didn't you just say so?"
"I mean it, Dave. I'm still married and this town is too small for your stupid remarks."
"You're separated-"
"Semantics."
"There is a motel in the city over. I am sure no one knows us there. Come on, it's a day for giving thanks and over indulging."
"If you're asking me out, you need to do better than that flea-bag motel."
"Lucky for you that I have the penthouse key at the Hilton. One night, Cara. You and me. Champagne and strawberries. No fights and bad manners from relatives you can't stand. No fear of the turkey being half-cooked and that never ending green bean casserole. I'll even let you choose the movie."
"You drive a hard bargain, one night, one drink and a two-hour movie. Deal?"
"What if I want seconds?"
"I'm here for a week. No, six days. Then it's back to Quantico and we never speak of this."
"I make no promises."
"A deal, David. I don't need you on my reputation," she bit out.
"Nothing is set in stone but, one day you will thank me."
"Not likely-" Erin said, dropping money on the counter.
"Momma, we can't forget Nona's pie-" Cassie perked up, pulling on her mother's sleeve.
"I didn't forget," Erin said, grabbing the box in one hand and lifting her daughter with the other.
"Duty calls," Dave said.
"Bye, David."
"Oh my God, Dave! You're burning the damn house down!" Erin spat, beating him with an oven mitt.
The smell of smoke and singed cotton hung in the air.