Again, thank you for all feedback! I hope you enjoy this chapter and as usual, all reviews are appreciated.

Disclaimer: Moonlight and characters don't belong to me; I'm simply a fan having fun with the characters.

The spare key flashed as it clattered on the tabletop. Beth had found it on her kitchen counter, along with several phone messages, upon her return home. She blinked back tears as she played through the messages one more time. They were all she had left of Josh. The few things he had left at her place—a toothbrush, some articles of clothing, a book here and there—were already gone. Truth be told, she wouldn't have noticed if not for the message he had left.

"Beth, hey… I wanted to call your cell but after the way we left things, I wasn't sure if you'd talk to me…I just… I wanted to let you know I'm coming by later to pick up my things and I was hoping… well, see you then?"

Ruthlessly, Beth pressed the 'Delete' button. So far, so good… this was okay. She could do this. She took a deep breath and played the next one.

"Beth, I stopped by your apartment. Got my things. Left the key. But I didn't see you. Are you avoiding me? I know it hasn't even been a day yet but don't I deserve better than that? Please, let's just talk. Maybe we couldn't make it work as a couple but we could make it work as—"

Beth jabbed the 'Delete' button again. Friends. That was what he had been about to say and frankly, Beth thought he was out of his mind. They had had a good run but when it started to fall apart, it had come crashing down quickly. Too quickly. There was too much baggage for a clean slate. Sighing, she replayed the last message.

"You were right. It was wrong of me to check up on Mick. It was petty and unprofessional of me… but in my defense, I wasn't looking to incriminate him. I was just angry. You kept telling me that you and Mick had a strictly professional relationship but I knew better. I don't know what I was trying to prove but you were absolutely right—his life is none of my business. So in the spirit of friendship, I'm sorry. Give me a chance, Beth… I'm trying…"

Beth's finger hovered over the 'Delete' button. When she had first heard the message, she had been tempted to call him back but the fear of getting sucked into something she would later regret had stopped her. Not to mention, she couldn't help but wonder at the sincerity of his words. Josh was determined and at times, ruthless, to say the least. She didn't doubt that he had dropped his investigation but now that his curiosity had been piqued, would he really be able to stay away? Especially since he blamed Mick for losing her… he had said himself that it had been an act of anger.

With a sigh of resignation, Beth picked up the phone. She would call him. But only to make sure that Mick's secret was safe; no getting herself roped into some 'just friends' arrangement. Slowly, Beth dialed the number; it was so familiar that she didn't even have to think about it. She would miss that familiarity. She pressed the last number and heard the ringing on the other end. She was just about to lift the receiver to her ear when beside her, her cell lit up and shrilled. The display flashed "Mick St. John". She scooped the cell into her free hand and glanced between the two phones uncertainly. She could hear Josh's voice, small and distorted, from the handset. Sorry, Josh. She disconnected.

"Hey, Mick," she greeted lightly. Or at least, she tried to; to Beth's horror, her voice wavered and sounded hoarse.

There was a pause, then, "Are you okay? You sound like you've been—"

Beth cleared her throat and cut him off. "I'm fine." This time, her voice came out more firmly.

"Okay…" But she heard the disbelief in his voice.

"So what's up?"

"I was going to say I need your help but…"

"Mick, I said I'm okay!"

She was answered with another pause. "I need you to come by the Williamson bank," he said finally.

"You found Gilly?"

"Not quite. I'll explain when I see you."

Normally, she would've demanded details but tonight, she wasn't in the mood to argue. "Okay."

"Oh and Beth?"

"Yeah?"

"Bring your car."