Chapter 8: So Close to Knowing

"I know he is, Mac. He told me he was. And he killed my mother last night," Stella climbs into the car. "He… he said she talked to the father at the orphanage. She still kept track of how I was doing all these years."

"He didn't say anything about her visiting."

"What? Who's he?"

"The father at the orphanage. I went to see him and get your file. I thought the information could've helped in some way. I'm sorry for invading your privacy," Mac continues to drive the route to the lab.

"It's okay. You just wanted to save me. What exactly did you find out?"

"Nothing real useful in finding you. I… I know why they left you."

"My father left my mother when he found out she was pregnant. She couldn't afford to take care of me. I know it's evidence but can I read what's in there? My whole life I've wondered about it, and now it's so close."

"We didn't use it. I'll let you read it if you go visit the father at the orphanage. He said he hasn't seen you in a long time."

Stella, not wanting to talk about herself, changes the subject. "Why didn't you tell me she was dead?"

"I was going to tell you; that's why I called. It seemed like a thing to talk about in person, not over the phone." He parks the car and goes around to help her out. "I'm sorry I wasn't the one to tell you; you didn't need to find out like you did. And I should have at least warned you so you'd be on the lookout."

"It's okay, Mac. I understand. I didn't get hurt or anything so don't blame yourself," she puts a hand on his cheek.

Embarrassed, he starts to blush. "I'll try not to. I have to call Danny and tell him you're with us now; he was frantic when you went missing. How about we meet in my office in five minutes?"

"Sure," Stella heads to the bathroom while Mac takes out his phone.

"Hey, Danny. Just wanted to let you know we found Stella. She's fine, a little shaken, but okay. We didn't catch her father though. Give me a call if you have any other questions," he leaves a message and heads to his office.

"Sorry I'm late," Stella enters a few minutes later.

"I want you to stay with me until we catch him," Mac says, moving to sit next to her.

"Huh?"

"You know, at my apartment for the next few days. I'm sure he knows where you live so you're not safe at home. And take the rest of today and tomorrow off."

"Okay," she says slowly and looks at her watch. "Actually, Mac, work is over."

"You can be such a pain sometimes, Stel," he smiles. "I think the report can wait. You need a break."

"Okay," she repeats. "I need clothes for tomorrow."

"We'll stop at your apartment so you can get what you need. And we can stop for dinner too."

"I can't go like this. I need a shower."

"Women are such a pain. Stella, you look fine."

"No. I just need to… get him off me."

"Fine. I'll order something when we get home. Oh, and Hawkes kind of found out you might have HIV. I told him not to tell anyone else."

"That's fine."

"Ready to go then?" he stands, leading her to the door.

"Yeah."

Family

Mac walks into her closet as she gets a couple outfits for the next few days. "Why do you need all this stuff? Or rather so much of it?"

"I don't know. But I've seen your tie collection, Mac; you've got to have at least a hundred of them."

"I do not. Maybe fifty, at most."

She rolls her eyes, "That's still way too many."

"What is your fascination with my ties, Stella?"

Instead of answering, she just smiles.

"I don't get it."

"You never will, Mac."

A/N: Stella really does have an obsession with his ties. My band got a two at states today; the other three bands from our school got ones. We didn't do very well at sight reading the one song. Nothing else happened today. I took a nap, sort of, while listening to my iPod. And I fell asleep watching Bones and Numb3rs last night. It wasn't one of those times were I fall asleep halfway through and stay asleep until the credits; I woke up every few minutes and was very lost. Neither of the shows were too interesting though. I don't fall asleep watching Housewives or Providence or NY or Bones when it's on normal time; sometimes I do during Veronica and CSI and always during Criminal Minds after I get a shower. Maybe that's why I don't sleep during NY. I just watched Of Mice and Men with Mac in it. It was so sad; he killed his friend at the end. Sorry to those of you who I just ruined the book for. I don't think I have to read that unless it's summer reading. The lower English class next year reads it, and they read To Kill a Mockingbird. I read that last year for English; it was one of the best books we've had to read for school. Lord of the Flies, which I have yet to finish, is really stupid. Everyone says the end sucks. I need to read that this weekend. Please review and thanks for reading.