Eric reached over and touched Kate's hand.

"Sorry," Kate said, turning her attention back to her fiancé.

"A case hasn't gotten to you like this since Tim was tormenting Station 51."

"This case is driving me crazy!" Kate said. "I'm sorry, this isn't fair to you. We're supposed to be planning our wedding and I've been so distracted we haven't even managed to accomplish one thing."

"Tell me what you're thinking," Eric encouraged her. Moving the wedding magazines off the table and carrying them over to the counter. He carried back Kate's work file and the coffee to refill her cup.

"Are you sure?"

"I miss working cases with you."

That was all the encouragement Kate needed. "Okay," she said, adjusting her position in the chair so she could reach her work file and get comfortable. Eric added cream and sugar to her coffee while she flipped through the file, pulling out some pictures.

"Meg has means, motive and opportunity," Kate said. "But, I just don't see her as my arsonist. I mean, she's smart enough, but…," Kate paused.

"Go on," Eric encouraged.

"That explosion at Mike's apartment, Kevin Costas should have just left his business card. That was his classic m.o. when he was setting buildings on fire before. The detonator from the explosion at the house that damaged the engine, again classic Kevin. He has every reason to hate Mike. Mike was the witness that put him at the fires and the testimony that cinched his conviction with the jury. And then, there's Mike's girlfriend Caroline."

"What about her?"

"I just don't like her," Kate said.

"Not liking someone doesn't make them an arsonist," Eric said. "The same as liking Meg doesn't make her innocent."

"I know. I just can't figure out what Mike sees in her," Kate said. "Mike is probably the man at Station 51 that I know the least about; he's always been on the quiet side. But, I just don't see him with someone like Caroline and I can't figure out what hold she's got on him."

Eric reached over and pulled Caroline's picture out of the paperwork in Kate's file. "I know what he sees in her."

"She's not that pretty," Kate said.

"She's sexy," Eric said. "Guys are very visual; this may not keep us around for long, but it'll keep us for a while," Eric said, holding up the picture of Caroline.

"There's got to be more to it than that."

"There really doesn't. Men like sex; it's a big deal. Having a hot looking woman on your arm gives you status. Caroline is overtly sexy; she's not the girl you think about taking home to meet mom, but she is a girl you think about taking home."

"Should I be worried?" Kate asked annoyed that Eric was going on and on about how sexy Caroline was.

"I'm just pointing out Caroline can definitely get a man's attention."

"But, keep a man who's deeper than just sex?"

"Maybe there's more to her than you see?"

Kate shook her head. "There's something about her all right, but I don't think it's good."

"Okay, to recap, Kevin has the experience and skill to pull off the fires that have happened so far. He's got the motive for wanting to get back at Mike."

Caroline nodded. "Yes, but he was under observation at the time the bomb would've had to been set when Mike was injured. So, we know he couldn't have set that bomb."

"Meg, also has motive, and most likely has the skill."

Kate nodded.

"You don't like Caroline, but does she have the skill to pull off these fires?"

Kate frowned. "I doubt it. She doesn't strike me as very smart, and I can't find any criminal background."

"Is there a possibility there is a fourth suspect out there?"

"I haven't found any threads leading me to anyone else."

"Then we need to really focus in on these three. Of them, Kevin is the most likely suspect, correct."

"Except we know he couldn't have done at least one of the bombs," Kate reminded him.

"So maybe we need to start looking to see if any of our lady friends' lives intersect with Kevin's."

"Accomplices?"

"It makes sense. Kevin could do the intricate device creation, and set them when needed, but his accomplice could set those that don't require particular expertise and allow Kevin to develop an alibi for some of the crimes."

Kate thought over the idea. "It makes sense. But, how would either Caroline or Megan have met Kevin? He' been in prison for 6 years, and has only been on parole a few months."

"I think we've got to see if there is a way they interacted. Maybe they even knew each other before he went to prison."

Kate thought about it for a few minutes. "So we start with checking out Kevin's time in prison?"

"Road trip," Eric said, sliding back away from the table.

"Now?" Kate sounded surprised.

"Sure, why not? And, while we drive, we'll look over some of the wedding magazines and make some plans."

Kate laughed. "I love you."

"I love you too; now let's go hang out in a prison records room."

"If you play your cards right, maybe I'll let you sneak in a kiss between the rows of records," Kate teased.

"Yes!" Eric pumped his fist in the air.

Kate laughed again.

Eric called the prison to advise them that they were coming for a visit, while Kate packed a bag with wedding magazines and M & M's for snacking.

E

Joe changed directions from heading toward his kitchen to head toward the front door at the sound of his doorbell. He opened the door and was pleasantly surprised to see Meg standing there. She had a breakfast tray with two mugs of coffee, blueberry muffins, butter, cream and sugar.

"Well this is a pleasant surprise. Please, come in," Joe stepped back to allow Meg to enter his home.

Meg entered, looking a bit uncomfortable.

Joe took the tray from her. "You brought breakfast. Do you want to sit on my patio?"

"That'd be nice. It's already a beautiful day."

Joe led the way to the patio, balancing the tray as he opened the sliding door. He let Meg step out first, then carried the tray over to the patio table and went back to close the door.

Meg sat down and looked at Joe.

He smiled. Then took his time, giving them each a cup of coffee and a muffin. He cut his muffin in half and spread a generous amount of butter. The muffins were still warm and the butter started to melt slightly. He took a bite. "Meg, these are wonderful."

"I baked them this morning."

"Did you use fresh blueberries? This does not taste like something out of box."

"I made them from scratch. It was my mom's recipe."

Joe heard the sadness in her voice.

"What happened to your mom?"

"She and my sister were killed in a car accident when I was 16."

"I'm so sorry, Meg. I had no idea."

"I'm afraid I came over here to tell you something that isn't going to be easy to say or hear," Meg said, wanting to change the subject, but also just wanting to get this over with.

"Okay," Joe said, putting down the coffee cup.

"I was arrested last night."

"What?" Joe looked completely shocked. "Why? What happened?"

"Someone used thermite to set Mike's truck on fire. I had iron oxide at my home for a science experiment for my class. Iron oxide is used to create thermite," Meg explained.

Joe shook his head. "I don't understand; how did that get you arrested?"

Meg took a deep breath. "When you dropped me off last night, I was feeling a little confused. I went out for a jog."

Joe waited. When Meg didn't say anything else he shook his head. "I'm sorry, Meg, I still don't understand how that got you arrested."

"I ran over to Mike's girlfriend's apartment."

"Why?"

"I wanted to know if he was there."

Joe looked hurt. "I thought you told me Mike wasn't in the picture."

"Mike and I dated for about a month several months ago. I really liked him, and I thought we were heading toward something serious," Meg started, looking down at her hands that rested in her lap. "But, then my dad got sick and I had to go take care of him. I thought I'd get maybe a year with my dad and I didn't think it was fair to try to hold on to a long-distance relationship that long, so I ended things with Mike; but we were still talking on the phone. Until Mike met Caroline and he moved on with her."

"And you're not over him," Joe stated for her.

"I want to be," Meg said. "But, if I'm being completely honest, no, I'm not over him."

Joe looked down at the table.

"Yet," Meg said, reaching for Joe's hand. "I thought I was getting there. I was really excited about our first date and was looking forward to seeing you again. But, then I ran into Mike jogging and he told me he thought I was beautiful and asked me to train with him for the Thanksgiving marathon and I thought he was trying to tell me he wanted me back," Meg looked down, ashamed at her stupidity and feeling bad that she knew her words would be hard for Joe to hear, but she wanted to be honest with him.

"He's leading you on," Joe said, his voice carrying hurt and anger.

"Probably," Meg whispered.

Joe took another bite of blueberry muffin, and drank some of the coffee. His emotions were at war. He really liked Meg, but he certainly didn't want to be a consolation prize.

"Are you okay?" Joe asked, looking at Meg.

Meg nodded.

"I take it you're out on bail? Do you need any money?"

Meg shook her head. "Thank you for the offer. I didn't mean to hurt you, Joe."

"I told you I wouldn't be surprised to find out I wasn't the only guy interested in you, Meg. You're the one that said there wasn't a line."

"There isn't Joe. This isn't about Mike wanting me."

"It's about you wanting him," Joe said sadly.

Meg felt terrible. "I'm so sorry, Joe. I really do think you're amazing. You're handsome, and smart, we have so much in common."

"It's just not enough."

"I just need more time."

"I suppose it doesn't help with him still stringing you along," Joe said.

Meg pulled her hands back into her lap. Knowing that Mike was just playing games with her and hearing it from someone else were two different things.

"I'm sorry; I shouldn't have said that," Joe said, realizing he'd upset Meg.

"It's the truth," Meg whispered.

"Look, if this guy can't figure out that he's the luckiest man in the world to have you in love with him, then he's an idiot," Joe said.

Meg looked up at him.

"I appreciate you being honest with me, Meg," Joe stood up and moved away from the patio table. He looked out over his backyard. "I wish you were available for a relationship, but it's obvious you're not."

"Maybe in the future," Meg said, not sure how she wanted to end this. Joe was a really great guy, and if Mike had not been in the picture maybe she'd have been in love with him.

Joe turned to look at her. "Maybe," he said, without much conviction.

Meg stood up and Joe moved over to open the sliding glass door. He followed Meg through the house and stood at the door to make sure she got back to her house safely. Meg turned as she opened her door and saw Joe closing his door. She felt a tear escape down her cheek. She'd just lost a great guy that wanted her because she was hung up on a guy that didn't. As Meg closed the door, she realized she'd just lost something else. "I loved that breakfast tray set," she said, realizing she'd left it sitting on Joe's patio. There was no way she was going back to ask for it.

E

"I'll call Roy and he can give you a second opinion," Johnny said.

"I think I'd rather my second opinion come from a doctor," Mike said, in a huff.

"Fine, I'll drive you to Rampart. But, I'm tellin' ya, you're not gonna be able to work tomorrow. The right leg is healing well, but the left has some areas that really shouldn't have you climbing in and out the engine, moving your leg to drive and you certainly aren't in a position to do any physical activities."

Mike yanked his pant leg down. "Caroline's supposed to come see the station tomorrow."

"Well, now you'll be free to give her a tour," Johnny said, standing up and moving into the kitchen to get a cup of coffee.

"C'mon, Johnny." Mike got off the couch and walked into the kitchen after him, a slight limp to his stride.

"You're limping, Mike. Captain Stanley's gonna notice that in a heartbeat. The first thing he's gonna do is ask me if you're able to work. I won't lie."

"I'm not asking you too. I'm just asking…," Mike paused. "To not answer the question."

Johnny just looked at him.

"Fine," Mike sat down at the table, resigned to his fate.

"Call Jack, see if he'll cover your shift. That way when you call Cap, you've already got a decent replacement."

Mike nodded.

E

"Welcome to Station 51," Mike said, escorting Caroline into the kitchen.

"It's like a little house," Caroline said, looking around at the kitchen and dining table. She moved a little further into the building and looked at the couch and TV.

"We call that the day room," Mike said.

"I thought I heard someone in here," Chet said. "Looks like Mike's well enough to go out on a date, but not work."

"Knock it off, Chet. I feel bad enough about not being here."

"You look pretty good to me," Chet said, looking Caroline up and down and not Mike.

"Leave him alone," Captain Stanley said, walking into the kitchen. "How ya doin' Mike?"

"I'm healing, Cap. I'll be back next shift fer sure."

"Caroline, I'm glad you can stop by and see the station," Captain Stanley said, extending his hand.

Caroline shook his hand. "Thank you. I hadn't realized you guys had so many features of a home."

"Well, we live here for 24-hour shifts. It helps to be able to unwind in between runs."

"Can I see the engine?" Caroline asked.

"Mike's baby, do you think he'll actually let Caroline touch it?" Marco teased from the couch.

"Well, he lets her touch…."

"Kelly," Captain Stanley's voice carried a clear warning to shut up.

Caroline giggled and slipped her arm through Mike's smiling up at him.

Mike gave Chet a dirty look and headed toward the bay. "We call this the bay," Mike explained.

At that moment, the bay door began to rise. "That's the squad coming back," Mike explained, moving Caroline over by the microphone. "When we get a call, one of us comes over here and writes down the information and gives it to whomever needs it."

Roy stopped the squad and got out. "Hi, Caroline. How ya feelin' Mike?"

"I'm doing okay. I'll be back Thursday."

"Good to hear. I'm gonna grab some coffee."

"Right behind you," Johnny said, coming around the back of the squad. "Hi, Caroline."

"Hi."

Mike showed Caroline the engine and had moved her over to the squad. "Hey Roy, you wanna come give Caroline a tour of the squad," Mike called out.

Roy entered the bay from the kitchen. "Sure." He moved over to open the compartment doors. "We carry multiple different kits to help us with any medical emergency we might encounter," Roy explained. "This is the OB kit for delivering babies."

Caroline nodded.

"We have," Roy reached for the trauma kit, but the klaxons sounded.

"Station 51, multi-vehicle accident I-10 at Sepulveda. Time out, 18:38."

Mike moved Caroline out of the way and all the men came flowing into the bay. Roy moved over to the stand and wrote down the information, pulling off a sheet and handing it to Jack.

Mike hated watching Jack climb into his engine, with his men, and pull out of the bay.

Mike moved forward and closed the bay doors. He turned and led Caroline to the locker room, since he could be certain no one was in there.

"You've got a shower in here?"

"After a long fire, believe me, we need it."

Caroline rested her hands against Mike's chest. "Maybe we should try it out," she winked at him suggestively.

Mike dropped a quick kiss on her lips. "And this is the dorm," Mike took her hand and led her into the dorm.

"Captain Stanley sleeps there, I'm there," Mike said, pointing out the first two beds. "Chet, Marco, Johnny and Roy." Mike pointed out the remaining beds.

"There so little, do you even fit on that?" Caroline looked at the narrow bunks.

"Sure."

"Prove it," Caroline said.

Mike moved over and laid down on the bunk. "You can't roll around much, but we're pretty exhausted most nights."

Caroline moved over the bunk and laid on top of Mike. "Cozy," she whispered, moving in to give him a kiss.

"Caroline, this is Jack's bunk right now."

"Even sexier," Caroline said, sliding her hands under Mike's shirt as she leaned in and pulled him into a deep kiss.

Mike kissed her for a few seconds, but then pulled back. "Why don't I get you some coffee."

"Do you ever think about sneaking a girl in here," Caroline whispered into his ear as she began to nibble his ear lobe.

"What?"

"The guys will be gone for a while right," Caroline unbuckled Mike's belt and then straddled him to sit up and slip off her shirt.

"Caroline, what are you doing?"

"Isn't this so sexy," Caroline whispered as she leaned forward and nibbled his lower lip. "Next time you're on shift, you'll have a pretty hot memory." Caroline slipped off her bra and pulled Mike into another kiss.

Mike turned his head, pulling away. "Caroline, the last thing you wanna do when sleeping in a room with a buncha other guys is think about sex with your girlfriend," Mike said, trying to sit up.

Caroline leaned into him, pressing him back against the bed; she slipped her tongue between his lips, pulling him into a passionate kiss. Mike got lost in the kiss for a moment. Caroline unbuttoned his jeans and slid her hand down his pants.

"Caroline, stop!" Mike pushed her away, sitting up.

Caroline burst into tears, grabbing her bra and shirt and running out of the dorm.

"Caroline!"

Mike ran his hands through his hair and then scrubbed them across his face. He stood up, buttoned his pants and buckled his belt, tucking his shirt back in. He leaned over and straightened the blankets on the bunk. He rubbed his temples and then headed out of the dorm to find Caroline.

He walked into the dayroom to find Caroline sobbing on the couch. She'd put her clothes back on.

"Caroline," Mike said, moving to sit next to her on the couch.

"I don't understand what you want from me," Caroline cried. "When we first started dating, you obviously enjoyed the physical aspects of our relationship and we're really into me. Then, you said you wanted a deeper relationship, but you obviously weren't into talking and playing board games the other night. What is it you're looking for from me?"

"Caroline, I told you, the other night wasn't about you. It was all my fault. Please don't cry."

"It's like you're just stringing me along until something better comes along," Caroline continued to cry.

Mike grimaced. He hated when guys played games with women's emotions, he'd seen enough guys do it. But, now he'd been accused of it twice in as many days.

"Caroline, I'm not trying to play games, I swear. I'm so sorry it feels that way. I don't want to make you cry."

"I just don't know how to make you happy," Caroline looked up at Mike, her lip quivering.

"Caroline, you do make me happy," Mike said, feeling exhausted from the conversation already. "But this is where I work. At night, I'm surrounded by Chet, Marco, Roy, Johnny and Captain Stanley; not exactly a place where you wanna be getting turned on thinking about your girlfriend. Plus, that isn't even my bed tonight. It's Jack's," Mike pushed a piece of hair back out of her face.

"I just wanted to please you," Caroline pouted, taking her finger and tracing Mike's lips.

"Different time, different place," Mike whispered.

"Please don't break my heart, Mike," Caroline pleaded with him.

Mike felt a stab of guilt and pain. He didn't want to be the guy that went around breaking women's hearts; yet Caroline was crying because of him. And Ainsley had been quite clear he was causing Meg pain. Mike ran his hands over his face. May he should just be single, Mike thought.

"I'm sorry, Caroline. I'll work hard to be better," Mike promised, determined to at least not hurt one woman in his life.