Hello everyone,

I'm so sorry it took me so long to update. Please don't hurt me. There were a few comments (none of them bad, I promise) that made it hard for me to get the motivation to write anything. Hopefully the motivation I have now will help me continue to write faster. If not please bear with me. Plus, I've been working and it kind of puts a damper on the writing because I'm tired when I get home. I try to at least do a little every night.

Now I would like to hear more from you lovely readers. This is another thing that has made it hard for me to get the motivation to write. If you could please say more than just please update, or I really like this chapter update soon, that would be great. Let me know what you want to see. Give me some ideas you think would make the story better. Maybe then I can get keep the motivation to type.

I hope you enjoy this chapter. I wanted it to be just right considering it took me so long to update. Please review and comment. If you're new to this story please favorite and follow.

Thank you,

-M

Chapter 16.

A Needed Night Out

The whole way home my mind kept going back to the murder scene. No matter how many times I seemed to push it out of my mind it would return; it was driving me beyond crazy. I couldn't help but wonder how many bodies would show up and how long they had been there. Were they random or did they have a purpose for something? What had happened to them before they were laid to rest somewhere someone may not find them? Who would do such a thing so another human being?

I had heard the worst of the worst in my many years as a dispatcher – men rapping little kids, women killing their babies in the bathtub, gang members murdering and remembering the bodies to get rid of them, children walking in on a loved one after they committed suicide, etc. This had to be in my top ten. I've heard of body dumps many times and most bodies being buried in the same stop, but I had a feeling this was going to be the worst one in Chicago history. If it's doesn't end up being the worst then I will be surprised.

After pulling up to my apartment, I turned off the truck, and sat in the silence. Putting my face in my hands, I let out a heavy sigh. My life has been close to hell since I found out I had a stalker. More often than not I was stressed and looking over my shoulder, and now I knew about a serial killer running free out there; it was all starting to be too much. Sadly, there wasn't anything I could do about it. I was going to have to take things as they came.

Taking my face out of my hands I grabbed my things and opened my truck door. Hopping out of the vehicle, I walked to my building and went inside. I made sure my truck was locked and then I closed the door behind me. The elevator was out of order, so I had to use the stairs, which I didn't mind.

Once I got into the apartment I locked the door behind me, kicking off my shoes as I did so. I could feel the work day and everything else slowly creeping up on me, and I felt ran down. I made my way to my bedroom so I could change into some comfy clothes, and then hopped into bed. I knew I had enough time to take a quick nap. It didn't take for the exhaustion to set in, and I was out like a light.

~J&M~

About two hours later I flew up into a sitting position, in a cold sweat. My breath was heavy and I had tears running down my face. I had woken up from a nightmare, and I took me a while to get out of it. My body was shaking like crazy, and my heart was racing. I had woken up like this a lot from same nightmare still swam through my brain and it was hard to shake.

I was running as fast as I could to get away from him, but it wasn't enough. He grabbed me and through me down on the ground, jumping on top of me. His face was angry and he wouldn't stop hitting me, no matter how many times I told him to stop. When he got tired of hitting me he started stabbing me; not enough to kill me, just enough to cause so much pain. After he left I had felt plenty of pain I watched as he grabbed my gun, pointed it at me and then pulled the trigger.

Still sitting in bed, I told myself to calm down; it took me a good five minutes, letting my breathing return to normal and my heart slowed down. I ran a hand threw my hair and breathed a sigh of relief. The dream still felt real and I didn't know how to make them stop. This nightmare was a common one for me and it was one of the worst. I always ended up dying in the end no matter how hard I fought to get away.

When I felt like I was fine I got up, and took a shower, thinking it was better to get it out of the way, so I wouldn't have to take one when Kim showed up. Once I was done, I went into the living room and sat on the couch to wait for the female cop. I didn't turn on the T.V.; I just stared straight ahead and let my mind wonder. Were these dreams ever going to stop? Did they mean anything? Or was I just way too paranoid? No matter how much I thought I still couldn't come up with any answers. Maybe I wasn't meant too.

I don't know how long I sat there in my own thoughts, but I was brought out of them when the doorbell rang. Getting up and walking to the door, I made sure to look through the peephole, and then opened it and letting Kim in.

"Hey Mo," she greeted, holding a duffle bag in one hand and her keys in the another.

"Hey girl," I said, with a smile. "How was the rest of your shift?"

"It was pretty good, but you know how slow the last hour seems to go."

"Oh, don't I know it. Sometimes I want to kill myself because the minute hand never seems to move."

"Got that right."

She started walking down the hall to the living room, with me behind her and sat down on the couch; I took a seat in the recliner facing Kim. She leaned back against the couch, closed her eyes, and let out an exasperated sigh. I could tell she was exhausted and I didn't blame her. After all the excitement of the today I was pretty tired myself, even after my nightmarish nap.

It was silent for a while and I watched as she slowly relaxed. It had definitely been a long day and I was looking forward to the girls' night we had planned tonight. Considering I didn't have to work until three o'clock the next day everything was going to work out. There was just one thing I needed to know before I got into the "carefree Mo" mindset.

"How many did they find so far?" I blurted.

The tension returned as soon as the words left my mouth. I felt bad but I really needed to know what the call I answered today led to. If I didn't it was going to bug me to no end.

"You know I can't tell you that," she said, with his eyes closed.

"Can you at least give me a hint?" I asked.

"What do you think?"

She was right; I knew the answer. Even though I had taken the call I didn't have the right to know what was going on. The only people who did were the people working the case and the cops helping them. I was neither of those people so I didn't get to know all the details. It took me a few days to know what happened to the call about the little girl and her sister after her mom was almost killed by the father. I found out when everyone else did and that was just the way it was.

"Can you at least tell me how long they've been there?" I questioned.

"I can't," she muttered, opening her eyes and looking at me. "You know this."

"Yea I know. You can't blame a girl for trying though."

Thinking about it for a minute, she finally agreed, and we laughed. We both know she wanted to tell me, she knew I was curious about what happened in those woods, but she couldn't tell me no matter how much she wanted too.

"Well," I sighed, after we were done laughing, "I guess it's time we get dressed. Do you want to take my bathroom or the hallway one?"

"You have all your stuff in your bathroom," Kim stated. "How about I just take the hallway."

"Sounds good."

We got up and went to our designated rooms, and started getting ready. I decided to wear a red sleeveless shirt the matched my hair and tight black jeans. When it came to shoes I stuck with my black flip flops and called it good. For earrings, I got what looked like red, dangly rose buds, with a matching necklace. My make-up was simple, with a red eye shadow, eyeliner and mascara; I added a light blush on my cheeks.

Once I was dressed, I looked in the mirror at my hair; when it dried fairly nice, and in the right way with the curls so I just decided to leave it. When I was done, I walked out of the bathroom and back out to the living room. Kim wasn't finished getting ready so I sat back down in the recliner to wait. It seemed like forever when Kim finally walked out.

She was wearing a dark green shirt, with flowing sleeves. Her pants were black and her makeup was gray; it made her eyes look darker. She looked amazing and there were going be a lot of eyes on her tonight.

"Wow Kim," I whistled, "you look great."

"Thank you," she smiled. "You looked great yourself."

"Thanks. You ready to head out?"

"Yep."

"I just have to grab my purse and we'll be set."

I went back to my room to grab my red purse, and walked back out to meet Kim out the door. She had her duffle back in hand; I had thought about asking her if she wanted to spend the night – I'd let her have my room and I'd take the couch – but I knew she had to work early tomorrow afternoon, and she wouldn't want to wake me.

When she saw me coming in her direction, she opened the and walked out. I followed behind her, locking the door once I was through the threshold. We decided it was a good idea for her to drive so all she had to do was drop me off and then head home. We jumped into her car and we were off to Molly's.

~J&M~

We got to the bar a little early, but considering it was a Friday night it wasn't going to be very long until Molly's was packed. Kim and I made a beeline for the bar and ordered our drinks – her a screwdriver and me a rum and coke. Not long after our drinks were given to us Erin walked through the doors. I still wasn't very happy with the way act towards me today, but before I could say anything to her, she apologized for her behavior. She told me it was just the way the case looked… it scared her. My friend didn't have to tell me why it did, because I already knew it was the same way it scared me. We hugged and decided it was time to have fun after the day we had all had.

A few hours later Molly's started to fill up and the music started to play. Kim and Erin danced, but I stood back and watched – even though they had asked me join them many times. The time I had danced with Jay ruined it for me, but I was more than happy to see the fun the two women were having without me.

The three of us drank and talked, and it was more fun than I had in a long time. There were only three things that could ruin it and one of them tapped my shoulder just as I was about to take a drink of my fourth rum and coke. I stiffened with a felt finger touch my bare skin. When I turned around, Jay was standing in front on me with an apologetic expression on his face.

I had to admit he looked good with his black button up shirt and fitted jeans. Just like always I could get lost in his intense blue eyes but I wasn't going to listen to what he had to say. It was just going to cause me problems and I couldn't risk it. I instantly glared at him and crossed my arms over my chest.

"Hi," he muttered.

The look on his face changed from apologetic to unsure; probably because of my glare and body language. I still hadn't forgiven him for what he had done, and he could tell.

"What do you want Jay?" I growled.

"I just wanted to see how you were doing," he confessed.

"I'm doing fine, thank you. Now you may go."

"I also was wondering if you wanted to dance."

I was about to turn away from him, but his words stopped me, and I shot another glare in his direction. Did he really think I going to have him touch me after what he had done? If he did he was dumber than he looked.

"I think you already know the answer to your question," I told him.

"Just dance with me," he begged, "and I'll explain everything."

"There's nothing to explain. Just go away Jay, and leave me alone."

"Grace please…"

"Don't call me Grace! My name is Monroe! How many times to have to tell you that? Now leave!"

Turning around, I did my best to ignore. I could feel him standing behind me for a few more seconds before walking off. I let out a sigh of frustration and brought my attention to my two friends. They were both looking at me funny, with smiles on their faces.

"What?" I snapped.

"What was that all about?" Erin asked.

"Nothin'."

"It didn't look like nothin'." Kim stated.

"It looks like Halstead was trying really hard to get your attention," Erin smirked playfully. "He usually doesn't act like that. I would know because I'm his partner. I work with him every day."

"Well he has his shot and then he ruined it. Not my fault he had to be a dumbass and listen to my equally dumbass brother."

I watched as both of their mouths dropped open. Evidently, I didn't tell them about everything that has been happening. The past few months had been so crazy, I guess it slipped my mind.

"What happened there?" Kim questioned.

"Jay and I hung out once," I confessed, and their eyes got the size of saucers, "and Adam didn't like it so he told Jay to stay away from me. Like an idiot, he listened to my brother. That's it."

"And you didn't think about telling us?" Erin exclaimed.

"We're your best friends!" Kim added. "How could you hold this from us?"

"I had a lot going on," I muttered.

They both opened their mouths to say something but I cut them off by holding my hand up. This was just ridiculous. I was getting a stress headache and it was annoying.

"Can we just drink and have fun?" I begged. "That's why I came here. This is one of the many thing I've wanted to forget. It doesn't help Jay is here. Just please leave it be."

The two women looked at each other for a second and then shrugged their shoulders, before turning their attention back to me. I could feel myself relax a little and figured we could enjoy ourselves now. I didn't know then how really wrong I was.

~J&M~

About an hour later Jay came around again. He didn't say anything to me but I could feel his eyes on me. When I would look around to see him, there he was staring at me. He'd smile at me and try to keep my eyes on him, but I just rolled my eyes and went to talking with Kim and Erin. For some reason, it didn't creep me out like when other men stared at me. It made me feel… protected in a way. I had a feeling if it all came down to it Jay wouldn't let anything hurt me. Of course, I didn't like the feeling, but it did bring me some piece of mind he was there watching over me.

When they would see me staring back at him they'd just smile. I waited for them to say something, but they never did. They probably knew I would walk out of the bar if they did.

By the second hour of feeling Jay watched me, he finally decided to try his luck on me again. I saw him coming this time and groaned loudly. Why couldn't I have had a quiet evening?

"What's wrong?" Erin asked.

"Let me guess," Kim smirked, "Jays' on his way over again."

"Good guess," I muttered as he got closer.

Kim and Erin turned around as soon as the words left my mouth and their popped open. By the shocked expressions on their faces they probably thought he'd take a hint and leave me alone. Even though they worked with him, but I guess they didn't know him as well as they thought they did.

The expression on Jay's face was nothing but determination. I didn't know how I felt about that – I did feel confused for sure – but I was going to try my best to stand my ground. So, crossing my arms over my chest, I waited for him to get here and tell us what he wanted.

"Hi," he said again, when he reached us.

He put his best smile on his face and I almost gave in. This was the smile I could always returned. I wanted to return it now, but there was always that nagging voice in my head telling me what he did. It just wasn't something I could forgive so easily and I didn't understand why he couldn't take a hint. I had to hand it to him thought, he was a persistent man this was for certain. Once again, I didn't know how I felt about it.

"What do you want Jay?" I sighed.

"I just want one dance," he confessed.

"I've told you once I'm not going to dance with you."

"I'll keep bugging you for one."

"It's a good thing I'm leaving soon."

He opened his mouth but didn't get to say anything, because Erin grabbed me by the arm without warning, and pushed me towards him. I almost fell, thank god Jay was there to catch me. When we both figured, I was balanced I turned around and glared at the woman who put me in this predicament. She was smirking and so was Kim. Erin shrugged his shoulders.

"One dance isn't going to hurt you," she muttered. "Just dance with him. Maybe if you do, it'll make him leave you alone."

"But–" I muttered.

"I'll take it," Jay said excitedly.

Before I knew it, he grabbed me by the hand and lead me to the dance floor. When we got there, he turns around and pulls me close; I didn't even have the time to think about protesting. Just like he did the last time he kept a hold of my right hand and put his free one my lower back; keeping me in place. I have no choice but to put my free hand on his shoulder. Then we started moving.

Once I had my bearings I looked up at him. He was smiling down at me softly, as he leads us around in a circle to the beat of Mercy by Brett Young. Like always, I couldn't take my eyes off of his, and it seemed like he couldn't take his off mine. There was just something there between us and I couldn't deny it any longer. Of course, I wasn't going to admit this to him… not yet anyway.

The electric current was still there in every place he touched me. I didn't know if it was just me, or if he could feel it too. As I stared into his lightly blue eyes, I couldn't help but get lost in them. It's something I had become used to but hadn't realized till this moment. There were a lot of things that had changed over the last few months and the thought of them scared me, but somehow, I felt safe when I was around this man. Something I hadn't felt in a very long time.

"I have some things to explain," Jay said, breaking the silence between us.

"What if I don't want to hear them?" I grumbled.

"That's too bad, because you're going to hear it anyway. You kind of don't have a choice right now."

I was kind of taken back by the gentle authority in his voice. This was never a tone I heard before from him. It made me speechless because I really didn't know what to say to this.

"You have to understand," he began, when he knew I wasn't going to interrupt him, "for years I was a soldier and I had to do what I was told. If I didn't there were consequences to the orders that were broken."

This made sense and I understood what happened when orders or rules were broken. There were many times when I got in trouble for breaking rules; sadly, there were times where I hadn't done anything wrong and I was punished. But no matter how he explains his actions, it didn't condone what he had done.

"Jay–" I sighed.

"No," he interrupted. "You're going to listen to me. I need you to hear me out."

He waited for a few seconds to see if I would let him continue. When I didn't he let out a sigh of relief. This really meant a lot to him, but I didn't see why – it wasn't like I was anything special.

"It was pushed into my head," he started again, "I had to protect the innocent with everything I had. So, when your brother demanded I stay away from you because it was for your own good, I thought he was right. It didn't mean I felt right about it, but I cared about you enough to protect you. Even if it meant I had to stay away from you to do it."

The music changed to a different song – Make You Miss Me by Sam Hunt – as his words sank in. It made sense he acted the way he did, because he had been an Army Ranger for so many years. He did have a good point, but I still couldn't forgive him considering how much he hurt me. I trusted him, but he ruined it when he decided to listen to my brother. He had good reasoning yes, but the way he handled it was wrong.

"I know it doesn't excuse what I did to you," Jay continued, as he saw the wheels turning into my head. "I should have come to you first to talk it over with you. I mean you're a grown adult and you can make decisions your brother shouldn't, but the way he explained everything it made sense to me then."

"And now?" I asked, before I could stop myself.

"Now I think, even though it seemed like the right choice to make then, it was the completely wrong one to make. If I could go back in time and take it all back I would. Considering I can't I just wish you could give me one more chance."

I could see he was begging me with his eyes, and I wanted to give him the answer he was hoping for. Sadly, I just couldn't bring myself to forgive him what he did. If he was will to cut ties between us to protect me, what would stop him from doing it again, if it came down to it? I couldn't risk getting hurt again. Even though we didn't know each other very well I still felt something when I was around him, and it hurt that he just walked all over those feelings.

Jay must have seen the answer on my face because he jumped in before I could form a sentence in my head.

"You don't have to answer me right away," he stated. "Just give me time to prove to you that I'm not going to do what I did again. I like being around you and I'd like to hang out with you again. Please, just give me time to show you."

I looked his face up and down; looking for any signs that he was lying. Unlike the night I confronted him about what he did, he looked me straight in the eyes and I could see he meant what he was telling me. This man wasn't like most of the men that has come in and out of my life. He did deserve at least a little time to show me he had changed.

"Okay," I muttered.

"Okay what?" he questioned.

"I'll give you the chance to show me what you did was a mistake."

"Really?"

"Yes really. Everyone deserves another small chance."

The expression on his face was the cutest thing I had ever seen. He was so excited it wasn't even funny. I felt him pull me closer and I laid my head on his shoulder as he continued to lead me around in circles. Even when the songs changed – to slow to lively – he didn't let me go.

~J&M~

A few hours later I was sitting at a table with Kim, Erin, and Jay; drinking and laughing. Jay and I were sitting across from the girls, and seemed like it didn't matter what sitting position we were in somehow, we were touching in some way. It didn't start to bother me until I felt someone watching me. That's when I started to look around. Sadly, I couldn't see anyone I knew looking in my direction.

"Are you okay Grace?" Jay asked.

I looked back at my companions and say they were all staring back at me. They looked concerned and I tried to give them a reassuring smile, but it fell short. There was something wrong with this place now and hadn't been there a when I showed up.

"I'm fine," I told them. "I'm just tired I think. I think it's time for me to go home."

"I can take you," Jay smiled.

"Are you sure?" Kim asked. "I don't mind taking her back home."

"No, it's fine," I said. "Jay can take me home. You can stay a little longer if you want. I'm sure Erin could use the company."

The women both nodded agreeing to my decision. We hugged and said our goodbyes, before I grabbed my purse and followed Jay out of the building. He led me to his Mustang and opened my door. I smiled at him as I slid into the passenger seat. I waited as he walked around the car and took his seat beside me. He was about to start his car when he remembers something.

"You know," he said, staring at me, "I never gave you back your gun."

"No, you haven't," I agreed with a laugh.

He positioned himself so he was leaning into his backseat. When he straightens up he had my Berretta in his hand. My smile got wider as my eyes took it in. I hadn't seen or held this gun in what felt like forever. Jay set the Berretta in my lap and then turned on his car. I watched as he pulled out into the empty lane and we were off.

We were quiet the whole way to my apartment, but it was an enjoyable silence. Half way there, Jay put his hand on my knee and I didn't flinch away. It was a nice feeling having him touch me; I defiantly wasn't going to tell him to stop. Too soon for my liking, we pulled up to my home, and he parked his car.

"Do you want me to walk you up?" he asked.

"You don't have to," I shrugged, putting my gun into my purse.

"It's not that I have too. I'd like to walk you up."

"I don't mind."

"Okay. Stay here."

Jay turned off his car and got out. I watched him walk around the car – not believing we were actually talking again. He opened my door, took my hand, and helped me out. I didn't let go of his hand once I was out and the door was closed, and it seemed he didn't want me to. When we got into the building we toot he stairs considering the elevator was still out of order, and we slowly walked in silence. It was nice to be in his company and I don't know how I went so long without it.

Once we were out my door, I turned around to look at him, not letting go of his hand. I could still feel the electric current where he was touching me, and it had spread throughout my whole body. Jay had a small smile on his face, but it was a content one. I returned the smile looking down at our hands. I really didn't want him to go, but I wasn't going to invite him either. Right now, wasn't the time.

"Thank you for driving me home," I whispered.

"It's no problem at all Grace," he mumbled.

"Why do you insist on calling me that?"

"I've told you before. Everyone has certain nicknames for you. I wanted to give you something different… something special."

"I'm pretty sure you could have come up with something different."

"I could have, but none of them was as special as Grace."

I rolled my eyes at him, but kept the smile on my face anyway. We stared at each other a little while longer. The more I stood there the more I wanted him to come into my home with me, but I knew that wasn't a good idea.

"I have to go," I sighed.

"I know," he agreed.

"I don't want to though."

"I don't want you to either, but right now isn't the time for me to come in. It's late and you should sleep."

He was right. I had to work late in the afternoon and I was going to be dragging now as it was, but I didn't want him to leave. Before I could open my mouth to say something I shouldn't, head leaned down and kissed me on the cheek. I could feel warmth spread throughout my body starting where his skin touched mine.

His lips lingered on my cheek a little long than he should have, but I didn't mind. This feeling was so much different than when Clay had kissed my cheek, and I would take the way this felt over that any day. I wanted him to stay even more know.

Jay pulled away too soon for my liking. He had a smile on his face and I couldn't help but return it again.

"I'll text you soon," he promised. "Sleep well."

"You too," I breathed.

"Good night Grace."

"Night Jay."

I felt him let go of my hand but I couldn't stop watching him leave. When he went got to the stairway he turned around to give me one more smile and then made his way through the door.

Biting my lip to hide my own smile I unlocked my door and walked into my apartment. It was dark in my home so I slowly walked down the hallway to the living room. I hadn't been in the room for a second when I heard someone moving around... Then they started talking and my blood ran cold.

"Nice of you to finally join me, Pretty Girl," the low voice growled.

A light was turned on, blinding me for a few seconds. When my eyes adjusted, I saw Clay sitting in my recliner. He looked very angry as he stared at me. My eyes widen as I watched him stand up.

I had been having so much fun tonight that I had completely forgot about this man, and I knew that was the worst thing I had could have done with someone like him following me around. So, it wasn't just me being paranoid at the bar tonight. He was really watching me.

"You have no idea how much trouble you're in right now," he muttered.

I think I did and I took a step back as he took one toward me. Just by looking into his eyes I knew this wasn't going to end very well, and I had no idea how I was going to get out of this one.