Author's note: You cannot go into this story without having read Skin Crawl and Malice, if you do, you'll be lost. My stories in this fandom feature more emotional interplay between the characters and we see a whole lot more of their personal lives compared to the shows. My version of these specific Law & Order shows would air on FX instead of NBC and USA, so there's some mature language. For SVU the events of "Cold" did not happen. In CI, "Kissinger" is the last episode that is canon in this timeline. For Law & Order "By Perjury" will be the last canon episode. This specific story also features a CI character named Lewis, he is Goren's longtime friend and he's a car mechanic who owns his own shop. He only appeared on CI twice, he is energetic, funny and he has an obvious, humorous and adorable crush on Eames. He is portrayed by actor Kevin Breznahan. There is an original character; her name is Thea it is pronounced as tee-uh. Milo is her dog, he's the cover image for the story that preceded this one, it's titled, Malice.

A delightful gasp came from Pamela Shaw's mouth the moment her son opened a square black velvet box. The silver charm bracelet sparkled underneath the lights of their small kitchen.

The 18-year-old asked, "Do you think Brie will like it?"

She cupped his light skinned face, "Jeff, of course she will! Because she'll know that you worked hard for it, you really thought about what charms to put on it and it's beautiful!"

His thin lips pulled into a wide grin as his green eyes lit up, "Thanks Mom! I can't wait to surprise her tonight. She thinks I'm working."

Dressed in a black and white maid's uniform, Pamela picked up her black winter coat and purse off the kitchen table while she spoke, "Even better! Back when your father and I were dating, he would surprise me all the time and I always loved it. Anyway, we better get going, I don't wanna be late for my shift," she put on the coat and placed her large black purse over her left shoulder.

"OK, are you sure you don't wanna take the car tonight?" He asked as he switched off the lights.

They left the kitchen and entered the hallway. He opened the door for her.

She waved him off and walked past him, "I'll be working all night and I don't mind getting a ride from Suzy. Besides, you and Brie should have a special night."

With a grateful grin and tone to match, he replied, "Mom, you're the best."

In a playful and smug voice she remarked as she locked the door, "I know. But don't have too much fun…I am still too young to be a grandma."

A disgusted groan came from him as they walked to the elevator, "Ugh, gross! Come on Mom!"

She chuckled at his reaction and pulled her long dark hair out of her coat's collar, "What? I want you to be safe."

"No one wants to talk about sex with their mom and besides, you already know that Brie isn't ready yet."

"I know but I also like making you uncomfortable, it's so fun." She briefly smirked before pressing the elevator's call button.

"Well…job well done." He rolled his eyes and watched the elevator's doors open.

"I try! Oh! And don't forget, after you give her the bracelet I want pictures!" She lightly poked his chest as they stepped onto the lift.

He looked straight into her deep brown eyes, "I'll text them to you right away, I promise!"

"Good," she smiled before planting a kiss on his forehead and brushed her hand through his short dark hair, "you have a good night and don't forget to-"

"Text you and Dad once I get home at 11:30, I know and I will," he answered.

"All right, I love you." She gazed at him.

He smiled then kissed her cheek, "I love you too, Mom."

Alejandra's Restaurant was almost at full capacity; Eames and Munch occupied the back right corner's booth and were enjoying their desserts as they talked about their most recent dating disasters. Munch was discussing his encounter with a lovely blonde who turned out to be a huge Dick Cheney fan.

Eames laughed at her friend's jokes and witty comments. Three months earlier he had asked her on a date and she politely declined. Although she wasn't surprised at his calm reaction she was relieved. She truly did enjoy his company and to his credit, he hadn't really discussed his partner, Thea, during their time together. He only mentioned her when they talked about their cases. Admittedly, she did her own research into the 28-year-old detective on the day Goren told her that he and Thea started their morning jogs. After finding every bit of information about her partner's new running buddy, Alex determined that she had been unfair and quick to judge her fellow detective.

"So, how was Doctor Sweet Tooth?" Munch asked before taking a sip from his glass of wine.

A brief scoff came from her, "Well, he seemed more interested in having me as a new patient. He asked me how often I floss, the brand of mouthwash I use and if I overbrush."

"He sounds like an utter delight. Did he try to examine your mouth before dessert?"

"No…but I think he may have if I had agreed to take a bite from his tres leche cake."

"That was a close call. But luckily for me, I was pulled away from Cheney's number one fangirl because of a case. As morbid as this sounds, looking over a dead body with Thea made my evening very enjoyable."

"I can relate to the feeling just swap out Thea for Bobby."

"Or, you could go to one of her girls nights…"

She blinked, "Smooth Munch, real smooth."

He shrugged, "Give me some credit; I didn't bring this up until now. And believe me it wasn't easy. Every couple of weeks she asks me what she can do to get you to like her because she's of the firm belief that you despise her."

A long and guilty sigh escaped her mouth, "Well, I don't, OK?"

Munch tipped his head forward, "Then what's the problem? Because from what I know, you two would get along swimmingly."

She knew this conversation was bound to happen and it was about time she rip off the Band-Aid instead of avoiding it any further.

A deep breath came from her, "I don't have a problem with Thea. Bobby went on that rogue undercover mission at Tate's Corrections where he almost lost his job and life to save his nephew, Donny…and he exposed those pieces of shit guards and their warden. Then he went undercover again to get his job back but didn't tell me! He shut me out until our cases collided and I had to arrest him. And well, since then, things have been tense between us."

Nodding, Munch shifted his seat, "I get it and you were right to be pissed off at Goren. But that happened before Thea even came into the picture. There's a missing piece here, Alex."

She exhaled and briefly looked down at her plate before returning to his stare, "Years before the mess at Tates, I was the surrogate mother for sister's baby/my nephew Darren. So, Bobby was given a temporary partner. But he doesn't adapt well to change and you've met him, he's different, an acquired taste."

"I noticed." There was a ghost of a smile on his lips.

Eames nodded, "So, he and his temporary partner, Bishop, they had difficulty adjusting to each other. It was hard to watch but it…it also made me realize that I liked being able to work him without those same problems. As dumb as this might sound, it made me feel special to be…"

"A Goren Whisperer?" He smirked.

She chuckled, "Uh, I wouldn't put that way but yeah, pretty much. Bobby's like my brother and I felt like I was the only family member who understood him. But when I saw him and Thea instantly hitting it off…"

Holding up his palm he said, "All right, say no more. Eames, it sounds like being able to successfully deal with Goren is a unique honor but sometimes; it can be a major pain in the ass."

A dry laugh came from her, "That's the perfect description."

"OK…so, shouldn't you feel a bit relieved that you're now sharing the burden with Thea?"

Eames never considered that perspective before but it made sense, "Yeah…I should…and I should-I will, give Thea a real shot. Ever since we worked the Ackerman case together, she's been good for him. He's lost weight, he's been sleeping and he's been more upbeat. And sometimes he brings her spring rolls as his lunch and they're perfect."

"I know, right? They're like little delicious mood boosters."

She nodded, "And when he doesn't bring them for lunch sometimes Logan will. And I'll steal a few from him."

He cracked a grin, "And how does the infamous Detective Logan feel about that?"

With a smug look, she explained, "Oh he doesn't know that it's me and he can't figure it out. Bobby thinks it's hilarious."

Amused, Munch commented, "Well, it is. Logan's been a detective for over twenty years and this is the one case that he can't solve!"

They shared a laugh and continued to enjoy each other's company.

In Barelli's Ristorante, ADA Connie Rubirosa leaned forward in her chair and asked, "What did you just say?"

With a confident look and voice, Casey answered, "You heard me, counselor."

Enthralled, Olivia's dark eyes shifted from Casey to Connie as she drank from her glass of wine.

Connie folded her slender arms, "Mike Cutter does not have a crush on me."

Casey tipped her head to the left, "He looked absolutely crushed at Thea's Halloween party when Lake asked you to dance and you agreed."

The Latina lawyer blinked clearly not expecting that response, "He did?"

"Yes-Olivia, back me up."

The brunette held up her hands, "Don't drag me into this."

Connie turned towards Olivia, "You're a detective, you're very observant. So, is Casey correct or is she full of it?"

She released a quick breath, "All right, Cutter looked…devastated."

Connie's mouth dropped open before she closed it and shrugged, "So what?"

An incredulous scoff left Casey's lips, "So what? When that creepy juror emailed you to let you know that you were smart, had great legs and were the 'whole package', Mike told you that he agreed with him!"

Interested, Olivia leaned forward, "Well this is news to me."

She narrowed her dark eyes at Casey, "I really regret telling you that. I knew it would come back and bite me in the ass."

Casey grinned, "…Anyway, he's clearly into you. The real question is, do you feel the same way?" She took a bite out of her chicken alfredo.

The dark haired attorney sighed and said, "He's my boss! Even if what you two are saying is true, neither of us are going to do anything about it because it would be a disaster."

Olivia nodded, "I'm with you on that. It can get complicated and so messy. And since you're a woman, it's gonna make it harder for you to be taken seriously if you're seen as sleeping your way to the top."

"Thank you Olivia. You bring up a valid point and let's not forget about the double standard. I respect and admire him, but if Jack McCoy were a woman he wouldn't have become DA with his checkered past."

Casey reluctantly nodded, "You're not wrong…but things are slowly changing. The NYPD used to have an anti-fraternization rule and so did the DA's office but it was rescinded almost a decade ago."

Connie tipped her head to the right, "Casey, ever since you and Logan moved in together last month you've been trying to fix everyone up. I appreciate the thought, but please stop."

The blonde shrugged, "I just want everyone to be as happy as we are. By the way Olivia, how did your date with that furniture designer go? I forgot his name."

Olivia answered, "Edwin and he was a nice guy - but there wasn't any chemistry although I was tempted to accept his offer for a second date just so I could get discount on his furniture. He's unbelievably talented. Anyway, my friend Kelly, she set me up with an old college friend of hers. We're having dinner this Saturday."

Connie chimed in, "For now you do, there's a bug going around. Cutter and I taking on more cases…some are even from Major Case."

"I know and I'm a bit jealous. I'd love to work with Logan again." Casey admitted.

Olivia offered, "Maybe you will. I had to reschedule an appointment because even my dentist got sick and Elliot's kid, Dickie, he caught the bug too."

With little Eli and his older brother Dickie upstairs sleeping, the Stabler home was not the usual bustling loud hub of activity that it usually is on a regular night. Kathy and Elliot were downstairs in the living room lounging on the sofa. Neither of them was speaking after Kathy revealed the truth to her husband. He finally turned to her and broke the uncomfortable silence.

"So, how long have you been seeing him?" Elliot asked. There wasn't any bite in his words or even shock, only genuine curiosity.

The blonde exhaled, "Elliot it's not like that-we…we've only been talking. He's a regular at my sister's bakery."

He slowly nodded, "You literally just said that you have feelings for each other."

"I know and we do. Why-why aren't you upset or even angry about this?"

Elliot looked into her eyes and spoke honestly, "Come on Kathy, we've been drifting apart for months now. Sure, we're married but we haven't acted like it for a long time. And uh, things were good for a while, after Eli was born, but it didn't last."

She pulled her head back and nodded, "You're not wrong. We were so young, kids really, when we got married, but I still love you. It's just that, we're different now."

He reached out and grasped her hand, "We are and I love you. You're my first love and the mother of my children. Nothing will ever change that…"

Her head leaned to the left, "I feel the same way. So…when are we gonna tell the kids?"

He took a breath, "In the New Year. We shouldn't make Christmas awkward for them."

A small smile spread across her lips, "I completely agree. Is this one of those amicable breakups that I've heard about?"

Elliot cracked a grin, "I think it is…at least we'll get it right the second time around."

A light scoff came from her then she heard Eli crying on the baby monitor, "I got it."

"Thanks," he then quietly watched her get off the couch and leave the room. A deep breath came from his mouth; he felt as if one hundred tons had been lifted off him.

There was a noticeable bounce in Jeff's walk as he approached the stunning brick townhouse and walked up its front stoop. He rang the doorbell and felt his heart jump once Brie opened the door.

An enormous smile spread across Brie's fair complexion the moment she saw Jeff, "Hey Baby! I can't believe you're here, I thought you were working at the store tonight?"

He wrapped his arms around her trim figure, "Yeah, I lied, I wanted to surprise you!"

The honey blonde pecked his lips, "Mission accomplished. Get inside it's freezing!"

Jeff followed her into the luxurious home and then asked her to cover her eyes. She obliged.

"OK, open them!"

An excited gasp came from the 17-year-old, "Oh my god Jeff! I love it, it's so beautiful!"

With a relieved smile he asked, "Really?"

"Yes! It's perfect, I love you."

He happily kissed her lips, "I love you too. But that's not all, if you're up to it; I was thinking we could go to Bess's Burgers and then catch a movie at the Starlight?"

"Sure! I need to get my things and then drop by my neighbor's place, Iris, to let her know. My parents left for Florida this afternoon because my dad has a work thing in Miami."

"OK, I'll just wait right here."

She pressed her lips against his, "I'll be right back."

The delicious aroma of freshly baked coffee cake filled Thea's apartment. With small plates of the delectable dessert in their hands, Logan and Thea walked over to the living room.

Logan sat down on an ocean blue three-seat modular sofa and took a bite of the dessert. The cake's sweetness, slight tang and cinnamon crumble topping hit all the right spots. A light sight came from the detective's lips. He gave his longtime friend a grateful nod as she set down a cup of coffee and napkin on the glass coffee table in front of him.

"I'd ask how the cake is but your answer is pretty obvious, Logan." She said with a sweet smile and voice that had a hint of arrogance.

He took a sip of coffee and then said, "Kid, you have the best coffee cake I've ever had."

"Thank you but you used to say it was Staten Island's best."

"Yeah, well, I've been here long enough to know what's what."

Just then, Milo walked into the room and his dark eyes lit up as his short tail wagged.

Logan's face slightly brightened as he began to break a piece of his cake, "Hey there Milo.."

She pointed at Logan, "Don't give him a piece of your cake and don't pet him because he'll lick your hand. I saw you sneak him a small piece of beef from your pho earlier tonight."

He let go of the piece of cake and shrugged, "So what? Are you gonna arrest me?"

Thea rolled her eyes, "No but I should because you insist on wearing that horrible green suit to work." She then took a sip from her Catwoman mug and savored the white hot chocolate on her taste buds.

"Well Casey likes it."

"I guess love really does make some people blind."

He cracked a wry grin and then questioned her, "Thea, you and I are close, right?"

Her left brow curiously twitched as she spoke, "Yeah, definitely. Why would you even ask?"

"Just making sure…"

"Logan, just say it."

"All right, is there something going on between you and Goren?"

Thea was relieved that she hadn't taken a bite out of her cake because she would have most definitely choked on it.

Wearing an amused expression, Logan watched her dark almond eyes briefly widen as she uncomfortably shifted on the loveseat.

"No, there isn't and what makes you think there is?"

"Ever since you two became running buddies he's changed. He's lost some serious weight, he doesn't look so exhausted all the time and it's easy to tell when he's spent the morning with you. He acts all and I can't believe I'm about to say this, he acts all…peppy."

"Peppy?"

"Yep and for a big guy, he's pretty light on his feet."

She shook her head, "Logan, you're reading too much into this…"

"My gut says I'm not. He's making big changes and a guy his age, he only does that after almost getting killed or he's met a great woman."

Thea knew that Logan had a point but she wasn't going to admit it, "Or, he just got tired and needed a change in his life which is what he told me, OK? Going to the gym, changing his diet and sleeping…he made those choices without any input from me…save for some recipes."

"Yeah, well, he's a pretty smart guy he could have done all of that before you came along but he didn't. And, I saw how giddy he was working the Ackerman case with you and Munch. Kid, he's interested in you…so, is the feeling mutual?"

Her full lips dropped open then slowly closed. A pensive look came to her caramel complexion as she spoke, "Assuming that your observations are correct, which at this point is still very unlikely…then, yes, it is mutual."

A cocky grin and chuckle came from him, "I knew it! And really?"

A hint of annoyance was in her tone, "Yes. Bobby is a very attractive guy on top of being brilliant, funny, empathetic, eccentric, nerdy, intense and kind…And it doesn't hurt that he helped saved you and Gina when you guys were in lockdown at Brooklyn Fed surrounded by those evil prison guards. You guys were outnumbered and unarmed but he got you all out using only his profiling skills to talk down those monsters, it's impressive. And I still can't believe how much you downplayed that to me and Mom when that happened!"

He simply shrugged, "I didn't want you and Sambath to worry. So, you're clearly interested."

"And what? He probably wants a woman closer to his age and one that's more…."

Rolling his dark eyes, Logan commented, "Don't tell me you're one of those good-looking women who thinks that she isn't."

Her dark straight shoulder length hair moved as she shook her head, "I'm not, all right? On a normal day, I'm cute and when I put in real effort and glam myself up I'm…...pretty."

In an earnest tone he said, "It doesn't matter what kind of a 'day' it is, you're a stunner just like your mother and any guy that says differently is a moron."

An appreciative yet small smile came to her mouth, "Thank you but you're wrong about Bobby."

"But here's the thing, I'm not." He finished the rest of his cake and watched her reaction.

An irritated huff came from Thea before her gaze went to her lap then returned to him, "Logan, he would've asked me out by now…he's not exactly shy."

Logan cleaned his hands with the napkin and tapped the sofa; Milo jumped on and settled on his lap. He petted the Border terrier while he talked, "True, but there are always exceptions. You're not some ordinary woman off the street, Thea. You're good-looking but also Captain Cragen is basically your father, that's gotta be intimidating for any guy, let alone a detective. And, maybe he's like you; he thinks that you're not interested in him."

She considered his points and knew that they were valid but she groaned, "Logan, I'm running with him tomorrow morning, why the hell did you have to bring this up?"

His large fingers gently threaded through the soft light brown fur on Milo's back; he smirked, "I didn't mean to rile you up, Kid. But this has been knocking around in my head for some time now."

"Well…it should have stayed in there!"

"Look, there's an easy way to sort this all out…why don't you just ask him out? You call yourself a modern woman and feminist, break the ice. I mean - the age difference between you and Goren is almost the same as the one between me and Casey. If she had asked me out first, I wouldn't have turned her down. Hell, no guy, at any age would have. Unless he's a total idiot and Goren definitely isn't one."

Her eyes narrowed as she placed her hands on her slender waist, "Are you serious? I've asked out four guys and they all ended in utter disaster, remember?"

His thick dark brows crinkled, "Oh right…sorry about that…but Goren will be the exception."

"…I hate you for bringing this up! I was taking a nice break from dating where I was just enjoying time with my friends but now…"

"Now you might have to put yourself out there and maybe face rejection. Although I really doubt that Goren will turn you down."

Instead of responding, she grabbed the pillow next to her and threw it at his handsome face.

He chuckled as he easily caught it and said, "Nice try, Kid."

She feigned anger then broke into a grin as she shook her head at him.

In Deckard's Diner Bobby Goren stood up from the booth and smiled at sight of his friend Lewis walking towards him. After they exchanged a warm hug, Bobby told him that he had already ordered for them; his friend thanked him.

Lewis spoke as he removed his dark brown leather coat, "Bobby, you're looking good!"

He shrugged, "I cut my hair and I've been running in the mornings and I go to the gym when I can...I've lost 25 pounds."

"Good for you man, that's so awesome! And you also shaved; you look much more well rested since I last saw you in July-oh my god, Bobby… what's her name?" A large smile formed on his mouth.

Surprised, Bobby shook his head and said, "What? No-no, I'm not seeing anyone."

Unconvinced, his best friend remarked, "Oh come on, who do ya think you're fooling? Not only are you taking real care of yourself again but there's a little glimmer in your eyes and I've only seen that when there's a new woman in your life. So, come on, tell me all about her!"

With a small sigh of annoyance he replied, "I'm telling you Lewis I'm not seeing anyone…but I've-I've made a new uh, a new…friend."

Lewis adjusted his rectangular black frame glasses and leaned forward, "Ah, I see and does this new friend happen to be a woman?"

"…Yes but again, she's only a friend. We worked a case together back in August."

"Oh, she's a detective in Major Case too?"

"No, she works in SVU, sex crimes."

"OK, that's heavy."

"Yeah, it is but she's great at it and she finds it really rewarding."

"So…you just worked with each other only once and that's it, you're already friends?"

He shook his head, "No, actually, I bumped into her a few weeks before the case but after we caught the killers she invited me on her morning run and now we're running buddies."

"All right, so are you gonna tell me her name?"

"Right, sorry, Thea-Sothea, she's Cambodian. I have a picture of her because um, we celebrated me losing weight by watching a movie and I told her I had a new phone and she snatched it from me," he went through his phone's gallery and then handed it to Lewis.

His deep blue eyes carefully examined the photo where Bobby and Thea were casually dressed in jeans and sweaters while sitting on a red sofa in the theater's lobby. Big smiles were on both of their face and Bobby's eyes were on her while the side of her head leaned against his.

"Bobby, she's really pretty and she's what? Twenty-four?"

He took his phone back, "She'll be twenty-nine next month."

"OH! She's practically thirty. So, why haven't you asked her out yet? Does she have a thing for daddies?"

In a defensive voice Bobby explained, "No, she doesn't have a daddy fetish! Jesus Lewis!"

He laughed and held up his hands, "Sorry Bobby. Wait, is she a ditz?"

A dreamy smile came to his face as he answered his friend, "Far from it, she's really smart, funny, sweet, generous, geeky, and honest…what?"

Lewis pointed him and grinned, "Bobby, you look adorable right now…you're really into her!"

His dark eyes briefly widen, he was used to reading people and being accurate so it caught him off guard to be on the receiving end. "Oh come on, I just find her interesting as a….friend. And I'm too old for her."

"Really? You've dated women her age before. There was Tammy, Heather, Crystal and that waitress from Sal's, the one with the veal parm? What was her name? Mara, Mary, Marissa.."

"Her name was Marianna and those were either flings or one night stands not relationships. And they all happened a long time ago."

"Bobby, you dated Marianna only five years ago."

He blinked; it felt like a lifetime to him, "Well, I was different back then. I wasn't looking for anything serious and she thought I was younger than my age. My hair was still one color."

Rolling his eyes, Lewis stated, "Plenty of women dig the whole salt and pepper look Bobby, I mean, look at George Clooney! And since you're good friends with Thea you should be able to answer this question, who's her celebrity crush?"

Bobby paused and fiddled with his hands as he reluctantly admitted, "Um…Jon Stewart."

He scoffed, "You gotta be kidding me! Out of all of the famous, successful and rich men in the world, she chooses Jon Stewart! Like you, he's crazy smart, hilarious, charming, has salt and pepper hair and last but definitely not least, he's your age!"

"That-that doesn't matter because I'm not a celebrity Lewis. If I get with Thea people are gonna see us and think, 'Look at that old guy with his…uh-adopted daughter.'"

He pulled his head back, "Bobby, when did you start caring about what people think of you?"

"I-I don't but I don't want people to think low of her because of me."

Lewis folded his arms, "First off, don't sell yourself short. And shouldn't that be up to her? And really, those people can kick rocks. What matters is how you two feel about each other."

Bobby knew that Lewis was right but he countered his statements, "Even if I uh, I asked her out. She would say no because she's currently taking a break from dating. And besides, I'm far from being ready to date again…I need to hit my goal weight and I'm fifteen pounds short of it."

He gave him a cheeky smile, "Oooohh, you wanna look like old school Bobby."

The detective grinned, "I wanna feel like me again and yeah, I have more energy and I feel lighter…but I don't feel done yet."

Lewis nodded, "I hear ya, man, I do…" he pointed at Bobby's phone, "but don't take too long because Bobby, women like Thea, the whole package, they don't stay single for long."

Bobby sighed and asked, "Can we please talk about something else?"

"All right," a playful grin touched his lips, "how's Detective Alex?"

He shook his head and chuckled, "You dog, I thought you were with Sharon?!"

Shrugging, he answered, "We broke up last week. Because of her job she moved to Montreal but we were only together for like two months so I'm not too torn up over it. You should really return my calls. Anyway, is Alex still single?"

Bobby couldn't help but laugh at his best friend.

In their Brooklyn apartment, Barek and her fiancé Josh had just finished dinner. The ER doctor talked about one of his patients while they walked over to the sink with their plates and flatware in their hands.

"She was college age, blonde and a little bit taller than you. For legal reasons I'll simply call her Jessica. So, Jessica walks in bleeding from her forehead from a really small but odd shaped wound. Apparently, her boyfriend was partially responsible for her injury," he set down the dirty plates and flatware in the sink then brushed his hand through his short chestnut hair.

"Was it a domestic violence situation?" Barek ask as she turned on the faucets.

He shook his head, "Nothing like that, they had been celebrating their six-month-anniversary and were having a really great night. So, they decided to top off the evening by doing one of those romantic movie kisses where the woman runs and jumps into the man's arms and they passionately kiss."

A small grin came to her lips, "Oh no, it couldn't have ended well for either of them."

"You would be correct, my dear Carolyn. As Jessica was running to her boyfriend a big gust of blew an empty water bottle in her path and she didn't see it. So, she tripped just as she was about to jump and her boyfriend tried to help her but instead her forehead crashed against his mouth knocking out a tooth that also cut her! Thankfully, there's a 24-hour emergency dental office next to my hospital," he chuckled.

Barek laughed, "God, I remember being young and in love like that…although I never once tried to do the running jump kiss."

"It's still not too late to try. We could give it the old college try before we watch the movie tonight?" He winked at her with his green eyes.

She scoffed at his corniness, "Thanks but I'll pass. If I wanted to be with a man with missing teeth I would have stayed with my boxer boyfriend, Angelo."

"Well his loss is my gain," he leaned over and kissed her mouth.

"Oh it is," She returned the kiss with one of her own but stopped once she heard a knock at the door.

"Please get that? I'll take care of the dishes."

"Sure." She pecked his mouth before leaving the kitchen.

After looking through the door's peephole, she smiled and opened the door. A delivery man from Mattea's Bakery handed her a medium sized box.

"Thanks, hold on a sec," Barek turned towards the coat rack and removed her wallet from her coat pocket. She generously tipped the man and wished him well before closing the door.

She took a moment to open the box and breathed in the wonderful scent of freshly baked chocolate biscotti. The rich nutty aroma caused her mouth to water as she returned to the kitchen.

"Ah, they arrived just in time!" Josh said as he finished washing the dishes.

Her dark eyes then narrowed in suspicion, "You only get these for special occasions and I know I didn't miss an anniversary."

He dried his hands with a dark blue tea towel, "Why can't I just do something nice for my very lovely fiancée?"

She set the box down on the table and folded her arms, "Only one of us is a shitty poker player and it sure ain't me."

Josh exhaled, "That's what I get for trying to butter you up, detective."

"So..you're working the whole weekend?"

"No…but I did promise my mother that we'd have lunch with her on Saturday."

She sighed and then placed her hands on her hips, "Josh, you gotta call me before you make promises like that. Five detectives in my squad are out sick with that bug that's going around. We're shorthanded, Logan and I are gonna catch a case tomorrow."

"Well," he embraced her small waist and gently pulled her closer to him, "you don't know for sure.."

Barek placed her hands on his chest, "My gut tells me otherwise. And your mother keeps on telling me how beautiful our children are going to be when she knows that we don't plan to have any."

"She doesn't mean anything by it."

"Well she keeps bringing it up every time we see her."

He nodded, "All right, I'll tell her again when we see her for lunch and I won't be polite about it."

She lightly poked his chest, "You better wise guy or else…"

"Or else what?" He moved his face closer to hers.

Barek held his gaze with a menacing look, "You do not want to piss off an Italian woman."

He gulped, "No, I do not. But for tonight, I'd like to share this delicious box of biscotti with you while watching a cheesy rom-com…if you'll have me, my lady?"

After a beat, she cracked a grin, "You're so corny, come on."

She held his hand as he carried the box and together they exited the kitchen.

The last thing Jeff and Brie remembered was getting into his car after leaving Bess's Burgers. After they entered the vehicle they felt a sharp prick in their necks as they fell into unconsciousness.

Brie felt groggy as the sound of Jeff's voice came from beside her. When she opened her eyes she discovered that she was blindfolded. Her thick red coat had also been removed and now, only her blue cable knit sweater and jeans protected her from the harsh winter weather. A cold breeze swept through the empty room they were in and she shivered. Her hands and feet were bound to a hard cold metal chair that she felt beneath her bare hands.

"Brie, Baby? Are you OK?" Jeff asked her.

"Yeah…I feel a little woozy but I'll-I'll be fine. What happened? Where are we?"

"I think someone took us and injected us with something that knocked us out. I heard some footsteps above us and some doors. We're in a building but there's no heat. I've been getting the ropes loose…just a…little bit more and…I'm free!"

Next to her, she heard him shuffle as he continued to speak, "After I untie my feet I'll free you…this place, it's old and in shambles…"

"OK, we're gonna get out of this, Jeff. We are.." She nodded.

"I know we are, I'm done!"

She felt his hands on her face but then he backed away at the sound of a door swinging open from behind them.

A young male voice came from the far corner of the room. He sounded like he was their age, maybe a bit older. There was a noticeable quiver as he spoke.

"Why-why did you do that? Jeff, I was gonna let you go!" The unknown man spoke.

"What? Who are you? And why just me? Let us both go! We're good people and my parents don't have a lot of money but-.."

Brie cut him off and pleaded, "But my parents do! OK? They'll pay any price for the both of us! Please, call them and they'll give you whatever you want!"

He tried to desperately reason with the man, "Yes, please listen to her! I'm not gonna tell anyone what you look like because I don't wanna die! Oh my god! Please, put down the gun!"

To her shock, she heard the stranger begin to cry, "I can't risk it. I'm so sorry…I really am."

A second later she heard a gunshot followed by a loud thud right next to her.

"Jeff? Jeff…" When he didn't respond to her she began crying and asked, "Oh my god, why did you kill him? Why?! Why are you doing this?!"

A few hours later, Jeff and Brie's lifeless bodies were discovered by a group of kids in the courtyard of the Taft Housing Projects.