An hour into his research, the 1970's Skylark remained as the sole connection to Sarah Roberts' murder. Even though two other cars had made it onto his list briefly, a dark purple 1965 firebird that had been totaled during a car accident three years ago, and a silver 280SE series Mercedes-Benz, it was quickly becoming evident that he was going down the wrong path on that lead.

Sighing dreadfully, when he heard the door behind him open again, Steve reminded himself to stay professional, as he awaited one last batch of files he'd requested to cover all the loose ends.

One was to ensure that Jason Roberts was correct when he claimed that neither Sarah nor Luther had their own cars, and also see if Francis Thompson by any chance owned a vehicle matching the get-away car of their murder scene.

Subconsciously holding his breath when he heard the dainty footsteps approaching, Steve pretended to be deeply engrossed in the file in front of him, unwilling to do as much as look up at her, for fear she might misinterpret his actions as a sign of mutual affection.

"Well, here you go, Inspector Keller.", the secretary said and carefully placed three thin files by his left hand, "I hope your answers are hiding in these."

Nodding in gratitude, Steve kept his eyes low, as he cleared his throat.

"Thank you."

Even though he'd tried to keep his voice neutral, the lady seemed to have sensed something in his words and hesitated, before crouching down beside him again.

"I guess…I guess I owe you an apology.", she said quietly and placed a warm hand on his thigh, "I sometimes come on a bit strong. I am sorry, Inspector."

Uncomfortable with the intimate touch, Steve glanced up from the paperwork and smiled awkwardly.

"A little strong…yes."

Returning the smile, she ran a hand through her beautiful dark curls and bit her lip, suddenly very interested in staring at something on her checkered dress.

"Well, see Inspector, I have been…I've been feeling very attracted to you ever since I've first seen you down here. I just started my job two months ago and well…little did I know the benefits included eye candy such as yourself."

Raising his hands defensively, Steve leaned back a little, hoping it would give him some more distance to the unnerving lady.

"Well, ehm…see…I think there's a misunderstanding going on here, Ma'am."

"Not at all, Inspector, not at all.", she whispered tenderly and glanced back up, her brown eyes following his every move, "It's perfectly normal to experience these strong feelings, like you do just now. Two perfectly matched souls stumbling upon each other in the most unexpected type of circumstances. It can be confusing. Overwhelming even. Part of your mind is busy solving murder cases, the other one, the primal part is lusting after a mate to share your soul with."

"I can positively assure you that I am lusting after nothing but coffee at this time…", Steve winced when despite his best efforts to push the secretary away, her hand slid up toward his belt, , "Now if you could please leave, so that I can continue my investigation…"

"You don't have to be afraid. If you wish, we could keep things strictly platonic. Just you and I. In the comforts of this small office. I have the key, you know?"

"No, you don't understand. I am not interested. Seriously.", Steve reiterated firmly, growing increasingly tired of the cat and mouse game.

Between the irony of being hassled by an overzealous secretary and the fact that she was completely ignoring his repeated requests for privacy, the situation was quickly becoming irritating.

"I understand, believe me." the woman, whose name he had yet to learn, whispered as she leaned back on her heels, "The first time around, it can be pretty unnerving, eh? You look like you are very anxious. But don't worry, I can guide you through those first precious steps of…physical interaction."

Quickly realizing what she was insinuating, Steve raised his eyebrows at the remark.

"Wait…what?!"