Title: Under your skin
author: Cindy Ryan
category: missing scene
notes and summary : see part one
Just before seven Sam exited her beachhouse. She saw her partner leaning against the driver's side of the SUV his arms folded across his chest. His expression was angry and tired. Sam sighed bracing herself for the lecture that was coming. Reaching Eddie the actress handed him one of the to-go cups of coffee that she was carrying. Sam's coffee maker could rival any Starbucks. It'd been a splurge and worth every penny. Eddie nodded as he accepted the coffee before turning and placing it on the roof of the SUV. Sam sighed and braced herself for the oncoming lecture.
"The reason most partnerships fail is trust or lack thereof."Eddie said quietly.
Sam opened her mouth to speak but Eddie held up a hand and Sam closed it.
"I put my reputation on the line for you."The PI continued. "Not to mention kept you out of jail."
He had a right to be angry, Sam knew. Even though they'd gotten a solid lead out of last night's events some how it didn't balance things out. She ducked her head.
"I really want to trust you, Sam."Eddie stated as he ran a hand through his dark hair. "I know you're trying to turn your life around."
Sam remained silent but raised her head to meet her partner's gaze.
"I get why Piper didn't want me around last night."Eddie said. "But if you're going to take this seriously you need to be aware of situations. PI's that don't
know when to call for help end up dead. I've seen it happen."
Sam waited and Eddie realized he'd silenced her nodded grudgingly.
"You can speak now."Eddie commanded.
"Piper reasoned that you would've stood out like a sore thumb."Sam began. "She was right. No offense but you never would've blended in."
"Yeah because I've arrested too many of those patrons too many times."Eddie countered.
"Point in our favor."Sam commented with a small smile.
"Still I could've waited in the car; been backup which you clearly needed."Eddie admonished.
Sam nodded her smile fading. He was right; that would've worked too.
"You would've kept me from riding with the boys."Sam pouted as she leaned next to him against the SUV. "Would've missed the wheelie on the PCH."
"Yes I would have."Eddie admitted. "Need you in one piece to bring in clients."
Sam sighed.
"You two were lucky that your fame worked in your favor."Eddie continued softly. "Do you realize what could've happened if he hadn't been?"
Sam nodded she'd probably have nightmares of that moment and of them grabbing Piper.
"Yes."Sam acknowledged. "Lecture over?"
Eddie sighed
"I think I made my point."Eddie responded as he turned and grabbed the coffee off the roof. "Let's go; going to be a long day."
Sam smiled in relief as she opened the passenger side and got in. For half a second she'd thought he was about to kick her to the proverbial curb. Sometime she was her own worst enemy and Sam had to be careful about that trait in the future.
"For what it's worth I'm sorry you were angry."Sam said quietly a few minutes later as they maneuvered through early rush hour. "I thought Piper could handle anything that might happen."
"Let's call it a learning experience and move on."Eddie said tiredly. "Somebody reminded me I haven't worked with a partner in a long time. I need to get used to working that way again."
Sam nodded as she settled back in her seat and drank the coffee. Eddie was right it was a learning experience. She was grateful he'd let her learn from the situation instead of ending things and letting her suffer the consequences from it. Sam had to remember this was a chance to turn her life around. She'd made progress in recent weeks but she still had a long way to go. Working with Eddie let Sam help people but it also allowed her to help herself; by making her a better person.
end
