A/N: Apologies for the long update, there's this stupid thing called RL that gets in the way at times. Anyways, here's the next chapter. Enjoy!
Days turned into weeks, and I slowly found myself becoming attached to the new girl. She was a feisty character, apparently having taken down a suspect on her first day. Despite not seeing it, I was impressed. Lindsay was quickly making herself known within the lab and field. We often worked together, and I teasingly called her 'Montana'. This annoyed and she constantly told me to use her real name, but I knew she secretly enjoyed it. That and I liked her.
I was never one to fall in love. Sure I would have a few dates here and there, but nothing ever lasted for me. That all changed when I first (and hopefully not last) saw Lindsay in a dress. I was coming home on the subway when I noticed a body splayed out on the tracks. Mac arrived on the scene in a tuxedo; apparently he came from a mayor's party. Then Montana arrived, and I was blown away. She was wearing this gorgeous turquoise dress, her silver necklace shimmering in the white lights that lit the tunnel. I swear that my jaw hit the ground the moment she walked into my view. Never had I seen anyone that stunning, that graceful. I knew then that my feelings for her would only grow.
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As time went by Lindsay seemed to become closer to me. She became more open and responsive towards me, but deep down I could see a dark pool swirling. She very rarely hinted at this, but when she did I couldn't help but wonder what it actually was. I had never felt this way about a woman before. Whenever I saw her my spirit soared to unsurpassed heights and my heart always skipped a beat.
Our friendship was tested to the ultimate limit when my past revealed itself once more. You see, my brother Louie and I never quite got along. We had our fights, and Louie got involved with the Tanglewood Boys, a gang of young men who terrorized the streets of New York. I won't go into too much detail, but I witnessed a horrific event that night on the way to Atlantic City. The leader, Sonny Sassone, was a dangerous man with a wicked temper. I always tried to stay well clear of him.
I was implicated into a 15-year-old murder case when my DNA was found on a cigarette butt buried with the victim. I could feel the stares and hear the whispers; everyone knew my previous history with getting into trouble. Lindsay, however, was there for me every step of the way.
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"What's up Montana? You beeped me 911, are you alright?"
She turned as I approached, face etched with concern. "I got the results from the DNA off the cigarette. It came back to an Internal Control Sample."
I was initially confused as she handed me the paper. "What, so the smoker works here in the lab?"
Not a work was breathed as I read the results. My heart plummeted to my feet, and I stared hard at her through narrowed eyes.
"Did you tell anyone else about this?"
She spoke in a low tone. "No, just you."
Giving a nod of thanks, I walked off, sweating at the thought of what this might do to my career and life.
---
Not only was my friendship with Lindsay pushed to the edge, but also my insanity. I could feel myself creeping closer over the cliff, ready to jump blindly into the abyss. Mac ordered that my badge and gun be temporarily taken away until the evidence proved I was innocent.
I still remember everything playing out. My co-workers stood outside Mac's office, watching with grey eyes as my honor was stripped away from me. I shifted my gaze and locked eyes with Lindsay. Even under the tense circumstances, I could see that she was not willing to give up on me. In her eyes I saw all the love I needed, all the trust one could give.
I realized then that I loved her.