Carol spent most of the day unpacking small boxes, playing with Sophia and stocking her kitchen with all kinds of foods they had gotten grocery shopping. Ed had a very traditional pallet, so she was only allowed to cook meat and potatoes kinds of dishes.

"I think we will have BLTs and chips for dinner tonight, Soph," said Carol as she watched her daughter play in her big girl kitchen set.

"I like Ts momma!"

Laughing, Carol walked over and knelt down as she said, "I know you do, my girl. What are you cooking?"

Sophia stuck her tongue out as she concentrated on stirring what was in her bowl. "I cookin chokit pisa!"

"Chocolate pizza sounds very yummy!" Carol stood up and walked over to the sink. Looking out the little window above the sink, she noticed her neighbor was home from work. He turned the gas on as he placed his steak on the shelf next to the grill.

As he turned to go back into his house, he looked up and his eyes met hers. He smiled and gave a small wave as she tried to look away and pretend she wasn't watching him. She felt herself blushing as she began to wash the lettuce.

Carol was checking the bacon in the oven when she heard Sophia's footsteps head towards the back door. She closed the oven door and turned to quickly find out where her daughter was off to. Sophia smiled as she looked up and began to wave. Daryl was standing at the screen door and said, "Hiya, Sophia."

"Daryl, hi," said Carol as she walked over to intercept her daughter. "Everything ok?"

"Yeah, sorry to bother you ladies but I am hoping you have some spices I can borrow for my steak. I hate shopping and have literally used up every spice I had."

She was hesitant to open the door, but realized she was probably overreacting. Opening the screen door she answered, "You're in luck. We went to the store today and I stocked up." She pointed to her spice rack on the pantry door after she guided Sophia back towards her play kitchen. "What kind do you want?"

Walking up behind her he looked over her shoulder as he answered, "What do you have?"

"Lemon pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, steak seasoning, salt, or pepper. I don't think cinnamon will work for your steak." She smiled as turned to face him and was surprised by how good he smelled. Like soap and outdoors.

"Steak seasoning would be great. Also, garlic powder for my garlic butter sauce." He watched her as she turned to grab what he wanted. He was surprised by how petite she was. Anger filled him as he thought about her husband beating her and putting her life in jeopardy. He shook the thoughts off as she turned back and handed him what he needed.

Their hands briefly touched and he was surprised by the warm feeling that passed between the two of them. He knew he wasn't alone as he heard a tiny gasp escaped from her lips. Their eyes met at the same time the timer went off on the oven reminding Carol the bacon was in the oven.

"I better get going. I will bring them back a little bit later," he said as he held up the spices. Bending down by Sophia he tousled her curly hair as he said, "Your cooking smells good, peanut."

"Tank you. I makin chokit pisa," Sophia answered as she pushed her purple pot onto the burner that was 'heating up.'

"Good luck with that. Bye, ladies. Thanks again." The screen door closed with a quiet bump as he walked towards his grill.

"You're welcome." She walked over locked the screen door as he made his way back across their adjoining yards.

After Carol had finished cleaning up the kitchen and tucking Sophia in bed, she was relaxing out on their tiny porch with a beer when she noticed Daryl making his way towards her.

He smiled as held up the spices. "I wanted to get these back to you before they ended up in the back of my pantry never to be seen from again."

"I appreciate that, thanks. Would you like a beer?," Carol asked as she grabbed the spices and pointed to the other lawn chair.

"Sure." He sat down as she slipped inside. "I think you will like it here," he said as she stepped back out and he took his beer. "It is pretty quiet and there are children that Sophia can play with."

"That sounds great. How long have you lived here?"

"It will be two years next month."

She nodded as she lifted the bottle and swallowed a sip. "How long have you been a police officer?"

He didn't correct her about actually being F.B.I. as he answered, "Fourteen years, but a detective the last six. What about you?"

"I am a school librarian. I will be starting at Newcastle Elementary school next week."

"Wow, that's a busy job."

"It can be, but I love watching the student's excitement as they check out new books." He liked the way her eyes lit up when she talked about the kids. "A really nice thing is my campus has the employee day care for the district, so Sophia gets to be close to me while I work."

"That sounds like a great setup for the both of you."

She smiled as she nodded to him and fell quiet. They sat in silence for a few minutes, just enjoying the night sky and cool breeze.

Daryl took a final sip of his beer and stood up. He found himself realizing how really beautiful she was as he glanced at her profile. "I better get going, early day tomorrow. Thanks for the beer."

"You're welcome. Have a safe day tomorrow."

"I will. Goodnight, Carol."

"Night, Daryl." She watched as he walked away and shook her head when she realized she was ogling his ass. "You don't have time for that," she mumbled as she walked into her house and locked up for the evening.

"Well isn't that interesting." A man in a dark blue Armani suit leaned over and looked at the computer screen with a picture of Carol on it. He took a screenshot of the information, shut off the computer and stepped over the body of the agent he had just killed.

"Yeah, get a message to Merle on the inside. I finally got the information we were looking for in regards to "his case."