A/N: Disclaimers are in the first chapter. I know it's been forever and I thought this was longer than it is. But it is what it is and I hope those of you still hanging around enjoy it. Thank you all for your reviews and thank you to those who read w/o reviewing.

Annabel burned down the hallway. Fury radiated from every step. She found Jake Berkley holding court in the break room. He was regaling several other officers with tales of his undercover exploits. His back was to the door as Annabel came in. Several of the guys caught sight of her face and scattered. Annabel shut the door. Jake turned and smiled broadly at her. The smile didn't reach his eyes. Annabel didn't return the smile. The last couple of people in the room mumbled something and scooted out the door.

"Detective Caine, what can I do for you?"

"McGinty-Caine," Annabel corrected. "You don't seriously think that Natalia killed her ex do you?" The chill in her voice caused Jake's smile to falter slightly.

"Come on. It's a slam dunk and you know it. She hated him. Or maybe not. Her DNA was in his bed. Maybe it was jealousy. Either way she's good for this."

"I think maybe you're too damn lazy to look and are taking the easy way out," growled Annabel.

Jake sat up and narrowed his eyes at Annabel. "'Scuse me?"

Annabel stepped toward him. She planted her hands on her hips and glared at the cop. "You looked for the easiest target and ran her in. Now you can sit around talking about what a big set of balls you have."

"She's one of your husband's lab geeks and you don't think they can do wrong."

"Oh, I'm under no impression that they're a bunch of innocents. You've just spent so much time undercover that you think everyone is as whacked as you are."

Jake narrowed his eyes. "Are you calling me crazy?"

Annabel stepped closer, invading Jake's space. She returned his icy glare. Then she gave him a terrible grin, "I didn't say it." Annabel's smile widened briefly then her face went blank. "I just think you forgot how to do real investigative work. I just think you're playing a role here. A variation on a theme. Instead of street-wise gang punk, you're the bad-ass cop."

Jake looked at Annabel incredulously. His mouth opened and shut. Suddenly a steel mask dropped over his features. "You think you know so much, do you?" He stood up and brushed past Annabel. He grabbed the door handle and turned back. "I can't wait to see your face when I'm right." He flashed a jackal's grin. "You should be happy I'm getting one of the pretty girls outta your husband's lab."

Annabel raised an eyebrow, but ignored the obvious bait. "Just 'cuz you're a dog doesn't mean everyone's got fleas." She stepped closer to him again. "And I can't wait to wipe that smirk off your face when it turns out you're wrong, Berkley."

"You are a ball bustin' bitch, aren't you?" Annabel just smiled. Jake scowled at her and slammed out of the break room. Annabel fished some change out of her pocket and got a candy bar out of the machine. She took a bite and smiled to herself, feeling much better.

Horatio had parked his Hummer and was heading for the condo steps when he spied a familiar figure sitting on the beach. He shook his head and walked out onto the sand. Annabel looked relaxed, stretched out on the sand, the moonlight shining on her hair. She tilted her head back and smiled as she heard Horatio's approach. He dropped to the beach next to her. They sat silently watching the waves break. Annabel slid closer and leaned her head against Horatio. He braced his arm behind her. Annabel dug her toes into the sand. Horatio leaned over and kissed her hair. He rubbed his cheek against the soft curls.

"A little late to be sitting out here," he rumbled softly.

"It looked so pretty I couldn't resist." Annabel turned her head and smiled slightly. "I think the great view and the beach are kind of wasted on us."

"We're enjoying it now." Horatio leaned closer to Annabel.

Annabel looked back at the ocean. "Mm-hmm." She glanced back at Horatio. "So did Berkley come running to complain to you?"

"I think he knew better."

"Now that's a surprise. How's Nat?"

"She's at home."

"I hear he's after Valera too now."

"He's clutching at straws. The evidence isn't panning out for him."

"I told him it wouldn't."

"Oh, is that what you told him?" chuckled Horatio. Annabel turned and looked at him. "He didn't complain to me. He talked to Calleigh. She wasn't entirely sympathetic."

"Good," growled Annabel, sitting up straighter.

Horatio sighed. "Calleigh can take care of herself, Bella."

"Maybe." Annabel looked out over the water. "Jake Berkley is trouble. He's gonna break her heart." Annabel leaned back against Horatio. "She's my friend and I don't want to see her get hurt."

Horatio kissed Annabel's hair again. "I promise when he hurts her you can kick his ass."

Annabel burst out laughing. "It would almost make it worth it."

"I think there would be a line," chuckled Horatio. "They'll both be alright, Bella." He kissed Annabel's hair. "I should be terribly jealous, you know."

Annabel sat up and looked at Horatio. "Of Berkley?"

Horatio smiled slightly, shaking his head. "Of Eric."

Annabel laughed. She leaned in and kissed Horatio softly. "You're silly. Eric is completely in love with Calleigh. Has been for a long time." Annabel Looked into Horatio's face, searching his eyes. "Come on, you noticed, right?" Annabel frowned. "You hadn't?" Annabel leaned in closer. She scanned Horatio's eyes and then dropped her gaze. She slid her fingers down his shirt front. "Hmmm. And I thought you were so ultra-observant."

"Maybe I was distracted."

Annabel grinned and rolled her eyes. "Don't go blaming me."

Horatio ran his fingers through Annabel's hair. "Oh, but you can be very distracting." He leaned in and kissed her. "Very…very…distracting." Horatio punctuated his words with kisses.

Annabel shook her head and licked her lips. "You're easily distracted, then, Lieutenant."

Horatio smiled and stood up. He held his hand out to help Annabel up. Annabel took his hand and rose off the sand. Horatio spun Annabel into his arms and held her for several heartbeats. He leaned down and kissed her. Annabel kissed him long and hard before stepping away. They linked fingers and walked in companionable silence back to the condo.

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