Part 20
Caitlin was in her kitchen finishing up cooking dinner when Barry walked in. He smiled when he saw her.
"Hey Cait. How did your appointment go?"
"Well my arm has fully healed and ribs are nearly fully healed. I am going back to work on Monday."
"That's great. But are you sure you're ready?"
"Barry, I can't hide in this apartment forever. If I did then Hunter wins. He may have broken me. But he didn't shatter me. I am pulling myself together. You have helped me more then I will ever be able to thank you for."
"I since a but coming."
"That's because there is. But you can't protect me from everything. I need to learn to stand on my own once again."
"Caitlin, I can't take it if you get hurt again."
"Barry, then I won't be living. The only way I can't be hurt is if am dead."
"Cait, don't talk like that."
"Why it's the truth. Not that I am in any hurry to die. Barry, men like Hunter live to be in control, especially women. They hate strong independent women."
"Which is what you have always been from the day I met you. It's what made me…."
"Made you what Barry?"
"Nothing. It's not important."
"Bartholomew Henry Allen, made you what? Answer the damn question!"
Barry stared into Caitlin's eyes and knew that she was serious. So serious that it scared him. Taking a deep breath he looked into the warm brown eyes of his best friend.
"It made me fall in love with you. Caitlin Danielle Snow, I am hopelessly deeply in love with you." Said Barry
"I'm in love with you too. But the fact is I am not ready for that kind of relationship."
"I totally understand that."
"Barry, have you wondered why I never slept with any of the guys I dated?"
"You only wanted to be with someone you love."
"It's kind of hard to love someone you are going out with when someone else already owns your heart. Think about it Bare, you know I hate nicknames. I don't let anyone other than my mother call me Caity, you are the only one that can call me Cait. Everyone else I tell not to call me that. Even Ronnie who was the sweetest, kindest guy I know next to you."
"Cait, if you are willing to try this we can go as slow as you want."
"We can't start anything until you go home."
"I don't like the idea of leaving you alone."
"Bare, I live in a secure building. Joe has a protection detail outside. They aren't as subtle as they think they are. Besides Hunter is locked up waiting trial."
"Cait, he had help from one of the guards at STAR to get to you."
"I know that. Dr. Wells fired him and he is facing charges for aiding in the commission of a felony. Alex told me that until further notice no female employee is to walk to or from their car alone. That a guard will escort them."
"Knowing Alex, she can't be happy about that."
"She isn't. But she also wanted to warn me about the new lab tech in our lab. David Turner, apparently he is a bit of a messing worker."
Barry chuckled. He knew that wouldn't last long. Or the poor boy would find himself banished to some dark corner of STAR labs. He remembered back in high school how no one wanted to be her lab partner in science. Not because they didn't like her. But because they couldn't deal with her OCD tendencies.
"Alex has warn this guy that you do have OCD right?"
"I do not have OCD!"
"Yeah you kind of do. But, I love that about you. Cait, it is part of what makes you, you."
"I just like things clean and in their right places."
"Which is why I kept your kitchen just the way you like it."
"I appreciate that. Now how about we sit down to the dinner I cooked for us."
"Sounds good."
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David picked up the phone as Hunter sat down behind the glass in front of him.
"Tell me what is going on." Demanded Hunter
"She returns on Monday to STAR labs." Said David
"Good. Remember you are to keep me informed about her. You are also to make sure that she keeps her mouth shut. That when it comes time for the trial that she can't testify. I don't care how you do it. Just don't kill her. I still have plans for that stuck up bitch."
"I know the plan Hunter."
"Good. Now as for that friend of hers that works with her, you can kill for all I care. Just make sure that you leave Caitlin for me to deal with. Scare her all you want. But do not kill her."
"You know I know what to do big brother."
"Good."
Hunter was returned to his cell and David got up and headed out of Iron Heights prison. He sighed. He didn't share his brother or father's views on women. In fact Hunter could rot in this hell for all he cared. But he was the only family he had. So he was torn between doing the right thing and his loyalty to his family.
"Mr. Turner, we need to talk."
David turned to see detectives Joe West and Eddie Thawne waiting for him.
"You do know that other then conversions between attorneys and clients, as well as clergy are monitored. We were informed of your visit with Zolomon." Said Eddie
"We were here on another case. But were told about your visit." Said Joe
"Look I don't know what he has against that woman!" said David
"Let's head to the station and talk." Said Joe
David nodded. He needed to tell them what he knows. That Hunter wants to do more harm to Dr. Snow. That he wants to destroy her life. He didn't know why just that he wants to do much more to the woman than he already had.
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After dinner Barry sent Caitlin to the living room so he could clean the kitchen for her. She tried to protest but he pointed out that when his mom cooks, his dad does the dishes so she gave in. Not that she was really fighting him. She didn't really mind that Barry wanted to take care of her. It was one of the many reasons that she loved him so much. After he finished cleaning the kitchen they curled up on the couch together to watch a movie.