Goren smiled. He knew she'd been way too calm in the face of his appearance. "You're a long way from home, aren't you?"

"On an undercover assignment. I'm TAD to a Narcotics division here in New York." She got more comfortable on the couch. "Listen, I might have to stay here for a bit. I'm pretty sure the guys I'm dealing with will be watching to make sure all that in the alley was real." Her voice had a more delicate Texas drawl, "Would you mind if I got comfortable? Pulled some of these things off? They get a little cumbersome after awhile." She pointed at her ensemble.

"Not a problem, stay as long as you need to. I've probably got some sweats or something if you want to change." Bobby answered, also finally relaxing after the intensity of the moment.

She shook her head as she pulled the boots off and let them drop noisily on the floor. "No, I don't think that's necessary. I'll just stay for about an hour. That should be about right." She reached up and pulled the garish wig from her head.

Goren was surprised. Under the red wig was short, red hair, reminding him of Meghan Wheeler. Sweaty and stuck to her head, it still didn't quite mask the cute features. He would have liked to have seen Dani without all the rest of the makeup, his curiosity piqued.

"You hungry?" Goren asked.

"Well, a little but I don't wanna impose." She replied from the couch. Goren got out of the chair and headed for the kitchen. Dani could hear cupboards open and close and then the unmistakable rattle of dishes.

Goren stuck his head back out, an impish grin on his face, "Best I can do is chicken noodle soup and a PBJ."

"Beggars can't be choosers," Dani smiled back at the big detective. He nodded and went back in the kitchen. Dani took the time to look around the apartment. Obviously, a bachelor's place, she thought, there being little to no food in the kitchen. She could see the shelves lined with books. The hallway, extending just back from where she sat, probably led to the bedroom and bath.

He came back out, carrying the soup and sandwich. "What'll you have, drink wise?"

"Don't suppose you gotta Coke in there, do ya?" Dani answered, as she took a spoonful of the warm soup.

"You're in luck. I keep them stocked for my partner." And he returned with the red can, ice cold from the refrigerator. "So, tell me, what kind of undercover op are you on?"

Dani looked up from the plate, "Why?" she asked, suddenly suspicious.

"Just curious. I know several of the guys in Narco. Just wondered who you were working with?"

"I answer to Detective Brad Nettles. He sends reports back to my CO in Houston." She asked, taking another bite of the sandwich. She hadn't realized just how hungry she really was.

Goren nodded. "How long have you been here?"

"I've been under for about three weeks now, here in New York. This is a continuation of an undercover op my partner and I started in Houston. We've been under for almost two years there."

"So, where's your backup?" Goren asked innocently.

Again, Dani became suspicious, "I'm not doing anything but laying the foundations right now. I don't really think backup's necessary."

Again, Goren nodded. She certainly had all the answers, but something didn't quite sound right. He wanted to know a little more about the situation but if he continued to ask questions, he'd send Dani straight out the door. He wouldn't blame her, either. He'd feel the same way if the roles were reversed.

She finished the soup and let the spoon drop in the bowl, "I'll wash up." And she started to stand with the dishes, but Goren intercepted her.

"No, that's not necessary. I'll take care of it." And he took the plates and returned to the kitchen. Dani sat comfortably on the couch. The room was quiet, nice and cool. She was full and safe.

"Earliest I've been in since I started this," she called to him from the couch. She yawned and stretched. She hadn't thought she was all that tired, but the forces around her were conspiring to make her sleepy. I'll just close my eyes for a few minutes, she thought.

Goren returned to the living room to see Dani sound asleep on his couch. He gently pulled her down to a more comfortable position and covered her with a blanket. He locked the front door and quietly slipped into his bedroom. He had his wish. He could keep her here, safe, and find out exactly what Detective Dani Cantrell, Houston PD, was really up to.