A day in the company of my aunt and her endless lectures flew by unnoticed. Evening came, and Sydney began to gather to meet with Gage. Only now she had no idea how to explain to this woman that this was absolutely not a date, but an ordinary friendly meeting. But it was impossible to leave it just like that, because it is impossible just to get out of it and leave it unclear where at that time and go unnoticed. Even she herself stopped thinking about it, because this is Frances. It is unlikely that he thought about something bad that could cause their friendship even more harm. On the whole, he was harmless. Not counting the morning unsuccessful sparring. The idea of a walk from the other side was hers too. Mentally pondering this and dressing, Sydney did not notice Aunt Eddie appear in the room with a worried expression on her face.

"Sydney, baby, maybe you shouldn't go anywhere like this?"

- Why not? You didn't seem to have slept this blouse and I buttoned all the buttons. And if you're talking about a lip, then .. It used to be worse. Not with a face, of course, but still ...

- And in general, this is not the case that you constantly leave. If you are strained by the fact that I am here, I will immediately return home.

- What are you saying ... I'm glad. Just ... We agreed, and I just can not postpone this meeting. Gage will be waiting for me.

- You can not or do not want? Good, good, I understood everything! You will not hear me today anymore! But if I were you, I would have undid a couple of buttons! - winked at her niece, Mrs. Jones hurriedly left the room, heading towards her.

- But in the morning she said something completely different ... In any case, I am already late. Even more.

Grabbing a jacket in the corridor, Sydney hurriedly left the apartment, heading off to the meeting site on her own.

Frances was surprisingly punctual and beat his partner for half an hour. He was about to call her when she appeared in his field of vision. She had to run a little. It is good that she periodically practices her heels and this is not difficult for her. Yes, yes, he did not forget to laugh it off on this matter, and now he drilled it with a waiting look. The intrigue she let out didn't give him rest all day, and he longed for details. Only now the young woman has not been in a hurry to start a conversation on a very painful topic for herself. This, in fact, also in its own way embarrassed the ranger, because they always told each other such things that could not be so easily told to someone else from their surroundings. He took the initiative. Never before has Sydney been so glad that Gage sat on his skate, and now she won't close her mouth for a very long time. In any case, until she herself asks for it. Although ... Listening to him was also a kind of pleasure. She really likes his voice. It seems that you will still have to revise your plans, and see this championship with your friends. Otherwise it can not be. He was so inspired to talk about past battles, which excerpts are preserved in the memory of a young woman. Sydney just smiled, thereby letting him know that he was listening and delving into the content of his monologue. Although it was not quite so. But she was ready to lay out to him everything that has unsettled her today. Such wounds do not heal, and after her aunt leaves, she will have to search for an outlet for a long time. Unless, of course, the first thing is not going to work with the head. In some miraculous way, he so deftly turned the conversation to the right direction with one simple question:

"And your aunt is she ... Has she always been so original?"

"She just loves me very much and doesn't want to be hurt." And you ... She seems to think that you and I have something. I, of course, made her understand that she was building all her ambiguous theories just from scratch, but how long would it be enough ... I didn't tell you what influenced my choice to go to the Rangers?

Indeed ... She had just caught herself thinking that they had known each other for a long time, and had not bothered to exchange this information. Although, Gage mentioned it a couple of times. But not her.

"I'm afraid you missed that little detail."

"You see ... The girls I grew up with were interested only in dolls, playing the piano."And I read detective novels.

"Is that why you went to the Rangers?"

- Including!

- Did your parents not interfere with your choice? Still, you are a woman who needs to be protected from all these scum, and not forced to be a hero, catching them!

- Do not interfere! My mother passed away when I was twelve. My father raised me alone. He even liked my choice. Looking at me you won't even think about it, but I was a rather complicated teenager. Neither he nor Aunt Eddie, who came to help him, could cope with me. But then I had already decided who I would become and studied. I twisted it all. Gone to the dressing .. Confused with bad company. I got a lot of bad habits ... I tried to prove that I was special. The idiot is just ... What is "i"? Dope! Somehow they tried to rape me ... I don't even know who it is ... Completely unfamiliar people to me. Near the house. My father heard my screams, ran out and began to scatter them. He was stabbed in the back. The murderer was never found, and Aunt Eddie did not talk to me for several years. I left her after a week. Yes, it is possible that it was wrong of me to leave her alone, but I could not be there. She destroyed me morally with her silence. Then at once so much leaned over ... More and the academy ... And when everything became relatively normal, I moved to Houston. What's next? Further acquaintance with you, that terrible rented apartment, which we tried to bring together in divine form. Something like that. And she comes every time ... Raises a topic that has long been closed to me. I can't talk about it ... She blames me on this until now. Let him not say it out loud, but blame him, and I know that perfectly well ... Yes, I'm sorry! I am very, very sorry that this happened, but I cannot return at that time and prevent that terrible event. She cannot imagine how I was worried ... And she turned away from me ... She did not even say that she needed me so that I would not leave. I didn't even ask if I had a place to go. I, as it turned out, didn't have any friends on whom I could count on in such a difficult period. I had no one but her and her boyfriend, who then stopped her baby and faded. We kept in touch with him for a while because I borrowed money from him a couple of times. But I had no idea that he had done so well with her. She told only now ... But with all this ... She still cared about me, I had to give her her due. Father without her would have to be quite hard.

She tried in vain to hold back the tears of resentment that rolled down her cheeks. The last thing she wanted was a partner, with whom she had a lot of work to do, to see her so broken now. Sydney buried her trustingly in his shoulder, feeling his hands begin to gently press her against her, soothingly stroking her back. He did it with caution, because he knew that it was important for her to appear so strong and independent, but he could not imagine how she needed it now. And she knew perfectly well that he understood her like no other, because she and Julie wandered around the shelters altogether, and they also got in their time. What was happening scared him, a man who had seen a lot in his path. He had no idea how to deal with female tears. And Sydney ... During their acquaintance, he had never seen her like that. Even when I saluted the whole farewell ceremony with Sidi.

"My shoulder is always at your service, shorty!" You can always count on me. Any time of the day. And I'm sorry, I did not know that this is so painful for you. Do you want to, can we go to the bar for a couple of sips of beer? - He reluctantly releases her from the arms in a couple of minutes when he feels that she calmed down a bit. In any case, her sobs were no longer audible. And only then Cook answers his question:

- We can buy coffee and go further. I don't want to see anyone else today. Yes, and I would like to preserve some privacy of our tell me how Julie and her work in San Francisco?

Gage led Sydney home, deciding that she should not be let alone in that state. But after a frank conversation, she felt much easier, and could easily return home on her own.

- Thank you for listening. It was very important to me. True!

Sid gently touches the lips of his cheeks and quickly goes away, because the awkwardness of his excessive emotionality has not gone away. Who knows how Francis will appreciate all this. Yes, the relief that Sydney felt now could not be compared with anything, but she did not want it to somehow affect their relationship and friendship in general. Now she went home and did it as quietly as possible, so as not to wake her aunt, because apparently, she is already asleep. And this could not but rejoice. It was not there. Mrs. Jones appeared so suddenly that the young woman screamed in surprise and was ready to pull out the weapon.

- Aunt Eddie, are you okay with your head? - Syd finally exhaled and hung the jacket on the hook.

- I have everything in order, but at the expense of you and your ranger, I very much doubt.

"What did we do wrong again?"

- It seems to me that you should not allow yourself such warm goodbyes to him. But he almost jumped out of his pants. I saw everything in the window.

- Do not take it so close to your heart. It was a friendly kiss on the cheek and no more.

"Does your ranger think so too?"

- I am sure that yes! Believe me, I really kiss him .. He would not only jumped out of his pants. And you so vehemently think we are one, that I will soon begin to accept his signs I'm just discharging after a stressful evening in such a way .. And you, as always, in my repertoire.

With these words, she goes to her, undressing on the go. Mrs. Jones hastily follows, watching the actions of her niece.

- She made herself another tattoo. Siddy, my girl, you have completely lost your mind .. Do you think how it will look like in twenty years? It's terrible ..

- Oh, just do not start, I beg you ... She is already there for ten years, and no one has yet complained. And yes, my ranger saw her too. Imagine, so funny. When we lived together, he accidentally broke into a shower, when I was there ... Aunt Eddie, he saw everything!

- I bet that he didn't consider what you got there, because you found more interesting details ... Okay, listen, since you'll hang around at work anyway, can you let me at least get out? No wonder your ranger moved away from you. It is simply impossible to be here. Yes, people's commissars live better in shelters than you, "Mrs. Jones waited, standing in the doorway.

- I would not brag about your knowledge in this area. And even more so did not talk about what has never happened. Yes, we lived together, but only twice. And the first was when working undercover. Keeping together was much better than singly. We then just met, and since then we know how to spend time together well. And we don't have to do what you thought. Because it will ruin everything. However, you can do everything you want here, and now leave me alone, I need to work a little. Then I will help you get settled. You lie down here, and I will move to the sofa in the living room.

Nodding, the woman quickly left the room and soon rattled in the kitchen. Sydney closed the door so as not to be distracted by extraneous sounds.

Flashback

- Fool? - she is jokingly indignant, having struck him on a shoulder.

- It was necessary to say at least something ..

- Why exactly this?

She laughed when memories of her first serious mission entered her mind. And if now it seemed funny, then before it was not a laughing matter. Fear of failing the first responsible mission took the upper hand over her, and she with difficulty suppressed a panic attack. This feeling sometimes makes itself felt now. Sometimes Sydney caught herself thinking that in places she even agreed with Sidi. And as soon as she understood what she agreed with, she quickly disposed of it all from her head. This mission was a good experience for her, and taught her to work out her versions more carefully and to focus on the most minor details.

- There are, of course, things that women do better than men! The old man concluded, placing a cup of coffee in front of her.

- For example, changing diapers, vacuuming, crying ...

- And interrupt! A woman may well become president. During my life ..

- God forbid! Do any of you have an opinion on this? Gage?

- Opinion? Of course have. My opinion is ... Let Trivett speak out.

"And they are beating the dishes in my house ..." Sydney pulls over thoughtfully when the sound of a crashing plate touches her ears. - Easy ... This is just the first day. Sooner or later, she will get tired of smashing the house and getting me with her ambiguous conclusions and everything will be fine ... I wonder how soon it will take a blow if I say that several times a month I've consistently risked flying the air along with the car, the grenades are thrown at bad uncle?

With these words, she wraps herself in a blanket and continues to be engaged in a report on the work done. The only pity is that it will take much more time, because she has to do it for two. Conscience - that's what you need to give the ranger Gage for Christmas. But once they agreed that in their companionship no one would abuse the kindness of each other. It was only one thing that pleased her; in exchange for her written work, she could ask him anything. Even about never doing his job for him again.

Having finished the paperwork closer to midnight, Sid barely found the strength to put on a shirt for sleep and go to , try to do it. Such a pleasant smell emanating from this thing brought a storm of memories and attempts were in vain.

Flashback

After dinner and washing the dishes, Sydney moved into a room that Frances graciously set aside for her for a period of time. She understood perfectly well that her decision sometimes does not make him particularly happy, but it was impossible to do otherwise. It was impossible to allow those people to finish the job. She did not miss the option that, most likely, they were being watched, and at any convenient opportunity they would try to kill Gage. The idea that it would be nice to bring here some of the clothes visited the head of a young woman only when it was necessary to go to bed. It's good that she has a friend who can easily borrow one of his shirts for a couple of nights. And her gun was always at hand. In case of a surprise attack. A feeling of embarrassment at times, too, made itself felt. Still, she was not thrilled that Gage had given her a bed, and he was suffering on a hard sofa.

Anxious thoughts woke her in the middle of the night, but Sydney quickly drove them away. Another survey ahead, you need to believe only in good. And once the dream disappeared like a hand, Sid quietly went out, going to the kitchen to drink water. She was not at all embarrassed by the fact that Gage was also awake. To be honest, she doubted that he was sleeping at all after all this. Although it may be the case is really in this terrible couch? Sighing sadly, Sydney went around the couch, landing beside her, and looked into the book, which he enthusiastically read. The doctor's words about the deterioration of the situation had a noticeable effect not only on him, but on Syd too. Why did this happen to him? She wanted to cry from such annoying injustice.

- Hey ... - She gently touches his shoulder, from which he shudders and reaches for the device. - Gage ... You need to sleep. Please go to the room, and I will stay here. Well, the instruction manual of this thing is more interesting than talking to me? You know what, you can ignore me as much as you want, but I will stay here anyway. Even if I have to sleep in the hallway on the rug. And this is not Walker's order, but because I myself decided so, understood? You do not understand what we are faced with. He can at any moment declare, and knock out your last brains.

"You are so good to me that I doubt whether I deserve it." But I think that I can take care of myself! Anyway, I have to get used to it.

- Are you able to? No, you are not able to! You absolutely do not give an account of what you say and do. Omit what you rude to me. This is normal. I at one time for such custody after discharge, I was ready to kill. But ... You shouldn't have talked to a doctor like that. You yourself agreed to an experimental technique. And there's nothing wrong with spending some time in ... Um ...

"He referred me to an institution for the deaf and dumb." How do you think I should respond?

- Well, certainly not screaming at the whole hospital. Listen, Gage ...

Sowing closer and stretching her legs under herself, the young woman covered his hand with hers.

- If I promise that I will take time off and go there with you, you will stop being angry and go with me to see how it is and what?

"Only to satisfy your curiosity," he says, finally giving up. Her gift of persuasion will be envied by any ranger. - Why do you want it?

- You're my best friend ... I promise it will be fun. And now to sleep. It's hard day tomorrow.

- I think there is enough space for two. I promise I won't bother you! He grins, catching her gaze on himself. She was definitely looking for some special subtext in his words.

- Crazy? Do you seriously think that I will lie with you in one bed?

- Sorry, shorty, in my ears ringing, I can not hear you, but here the battery has sat down!

With these words, he turns off the device, heading for the room. "I hope not all your pillows smelled pillows?"

- Oh, you ... Gad! You didn't try my left hook on yourself just because the sofa in your apartment is really spirits ... By the way, you gave them to me for Christmas ... And I like them.

And again the sound of that damned alarm that woke her at the same time as yesterday. Just a couple of minutes ago, a young woman would easily conclude that all this is a nightmare. Yesterday there was neither such a frank conversation, nor the aunt's notation, which, as always, is like snow on the head. But the loud grumbling of Mrs. Jones made Sydney return to reality. And what she did not like it in the morning? But she still did not appreciate the niece's vestments for a run. In order to avoid this, Sid decided to abstain from running in the morning for a while, deciding that he would practice better on the treadmill in the gym.

- Sydney, how much can you sleep? You're going to be late for work, "with these words, a woman flew into her niece's room. Within minutes, the curtains disperse in different directions and the first sun rays, knocking out the remnants of sleep from a young woman.

- Leave me alone! I will have time ... Gage will call in after me in an hour. I have time for breakfast. And if you stroke my blouse and don't burn it, then you will not be priced. But do not touch the badge.

Good morning once again did not work and had to get up, creating a good mood for yourself. A contrast shower quickly brought a young woman to the divine look, and a delicious breakfast from my aunt too. Sydney even caught herself thinking that she hadn't been eating at home for a long time. Yes, she cooks herself well, and moreover, my dearest companion even praised her cooking for a while. But to compete with Aunt Eddie in this was very difficult. In fact, she sometimes has no time for food at home. Therefore, in her fridge there is nothing but beer and old pizza. With the arrival of Aunt Eddie, of course, you will have to accept many changes, but this is any better than her silence and absolutely unfounded theories. In the meantime, she began to paint in order to reduce the time and, if possible, leave earlier.
"Are you sleeping in a man's shirt?" Horrible. Want to know what I think about this?

- No I do not want to! - muttered Sydney with her mouth full. Only she knows her dear aunt too well. Mentally, she counted out three seconds.

- For a long time, none of the men influenced you. And in this house it is simply necessary.

- Did you say everything? Now, let me quietly eat and get ready for work.

For the next half hour, Sydney enjoyed the silence, absorbing Aunt Eddie's delicious breakfast. The makeup she was wearing was also over. She was just going to change clothes when the sound of the doorbell spread throughout the apartment. And why is Gage so punctual when she doesn't need it at all? Grinning at her thoughts, Ranger Cook opened the door, letting her partner come in.

- Good morning, shorty! - He grins, seeing how frantic it is when he calls her that. - I thought you were ready for a long time. Wait, wait, is that my shirt?

The young woman instantly shortens the distance separating them and covers his mouth with his hand.

- Shh! Please be silent until it touches her ears. To be honest, I already do not remember how she turned out to be with me. Probably, I accidentally threw it in my bag when I was collecting my things, "moving" from you. You can pick it up if you want ...

"I'm afraid he may not be ready to see what you are hiding under this garment!" - concluded Mrs. Jones, leaving the room. - Good morning! Sydney, what are you holding your ranger on the threshold of?

- Standing! And don't worry, he already saw all my scars.

Before going to change, Sydney gave her partner a guilty smile, gesturing that she apologized and that she needed five minutes. She also mentally noted that it is impossible to joke about the relationship with Gage in the presence of his aunt. This does not lead to anything good. Yes, and meet, probably for some time they only have to work. Sid didn't understand herself when she gave the go-ahead so that people could pick her up and drive her to work. Although this is certainly nothing ambiguous There was not. Hooking a badge to her blouse, Sid left the room.

- Sydney, baby, can I ask you a question? I swear, just one! Tell me, how many times this year have you entered into an intimate relationship with a man?

Sydney almost opened her mouth in indignation at hearing this. Gage just laughed softly.

- Wh ... what? What does it matter?

- No ... I'm just curious!

- In any case, I did not have a connection with the boss. And with a senior partner too. And if there was, then he certainly would not have faded, having learned about my valet! Let's go from here, until she asked how constant my menstrual cycle is ..

With these words, Sydney grabbed her jacket and pulled her partner out of the door. She was the first at the car and made it clear to him that she was going to get behind the wheel herself. True Gage immediately protested.

- Last time you drove the car into a brick wall. I'll be driving, and this is not discussed.

- It was only once. And since it came to that, then our car was blown up, and I still have to prove my guilt. What is the matter with you? Is your menstrual cycle exactly normal? You were a little rude with your aunt. She wanted to cheer you up, and you let all the dogs down on her.

Removing the car from the alarm, he opened the passenger door, allowing the partner to sit down.

- I forgot to warn, we will work today in another place. - Gage grinned, seeing the interested face of Sydney. "I hope you still have short skirts."