Haley wandered around the house as if she had been touring a museum. 48 hours had come and gone in a hurry. After some much needed rest, she had thrown herself immediately into the job. The first order of business was to become acquainted with her surroundings. She had studied the blueprints from the Scott case file over and over. Once physically inside the residence, she was free to inspect the grounds. Appearing to be an awe struck nurse, the savvy federal agent made precise mental notes of each nook and cranny of the property. Awareness was key and she made it a point to know not only where she was at all times, but the other members of the family as well.

She had spent the most time with Deb, a seemingly sincere and friendly woman. They had talked, mostly on the casual side as Haley had answered her many questions. It had been a struggle at first, trying so hard to remember the background and play the role of "Haley Webb" and at the same time be Haley James, investigator. But she had managed and things had been going as well as expected. Brooke and Dan Scott had made themselves scarce for the most part but Haley had paid particular attention to a series of muffled toned, closed door, late night phone calls the senior Scott had been receiving. He had seemed annoyed by Haley's presence often scoffing and trying to intimidate her. Lucas had been the polar opposite, warm and genuine, making sure she was okay and properly settled in. From doting on his wife to worrying about his stepmother, to keeping his father contained, to overseeing his brother's life, it seemed like the handsome blonde had his work cut out for him.

Spending most evenings late into the night, Haley mainly worked on her case. The first order of business was to scour the room for bugs and hidden cameras. Only when she was confident it was safe did she lock the door and pull out her locked brief case. Her only communication to the FBI was a local contact from the Boston division and of course the surveillance kit she had been armed with, that included a secure, two way pager and the inconspicuous wire tap she was to wear at all times.

Aimlessly walking the grounds, she passed by the pool, Jacuzzi and tennis court. The outside sky was growing dark and she was headed in for a glass of water when she saw it. The entrance to his private basketball court, the court she had been warned from Peyton to stay away from. Haley stared straight ahead, pondering all the information she had on Nathan Scott. He was one big mystery and she found herself in the one place he seemed to find solace. He spent a lot of time on that outdoor court with its perfect asphalt top and iron gate. In the corner was a basketball. With the house quiet, she walked over and picked it up. It was his ball, the ball of a superstar. A superstar with an amazing physical talent and even more incredible fan base. In a little more than a week, she had managed to research Nathan Scott's entire life. He had become sort of an enigma and suddenly she felt oddly strange in his house on his court.

All her life she had been plain Jane, sarcastic, klutzy bookworm Haley James. Her professional background was impressive on paper but she had never done anything significant to stand out among her peers or even her brothers and sisters. Haley had always been in the background wanting to do something remarkable, wanting to show she was indeed worthy. What must it be like for someone like Nathan Scott? Every night he walked out in front of a sold out crowd to put on a show like only he could. He was already being hailed the heir apparent to Michael Jordan's throne already so early in his career. He was a household name with respect and adoration from millions. What was that like? How did it feel? The feeling must be indescribable, orgasmic, she thought. Knowing she was all alone with no one looking, Haley unsuccessfully began dribbling the ball. Already she tipped her hat off to Nathan…even the bouncing part was hard.

"And now, making her way to the court, five foot three inches of hot stuff, I'm talking about nothing but net, the greatest WNBA champion to ever step foot on the court, the great, the beautiful, the talented, the magnificent Haley!"

She made a sound to indicate loud applause from the imaginary spectators as she stepped in front of the basket. It looked a lot higher when you were that close. Bending down, she gave it her all, thrusting the ball into the air Granny style. It missed the net, bounced off the backboard and ricocheted, landing hard against the side of her head as she toppled to the ground.

"Who the hell are you?"

The unrecognizable voice behind her startled her more than the inadvertent blow to the head. She looked up and gasped as she saw a figure towering above her. The long legs were clad in jeans and he wore a long sleeved black shirt. Arms folded, diamond Rolex glistening, he stared down at her with a familiar scowl. Haley scrambled to her feet, only to trip on an untied lace and go down again.

"You must be Nathan", she managed to squeak, finally standing as she extended her hand.

His steely eyes bore into her, jaw line tightened as he made no attempt to shake it.

"Yeah, I'm Nathan but that doesn't explain who the hell you are and what the hell you're doing here."

Haley nervously cleared her throat. Her heart began to pound loudly. There was the object of her investigation, her very reason for going undercover. She had spent many a night reading about him, desperately trying to understand who he was to get to the bottom of the things he was accused of. It was no longer an unsmiling face in a picture. Now the unsmiling face was just a few feet away.

"Um, okay, I, I know this looks bad. This probably looks really bad but I can explain."

She paused for a while and he frowned.

"You want to get around to that sometime tonight?"

"Huh? Oh. Oh yeah. See I work here. I work for you actually. My name is Haley. Haley Ja…Webb and I am the new traveling nurse you and Peyton Sawyer hired to um, to help you, I guess with like whatever you need help with. I got in town two days ago."

"What are you doing on my court?"

What was she doing on his court? There was no real explanation.

"I…I was just taking a walk and…"

"And…"

"And I saw the ball and I just, I…"

"You wanted to play?"

"No. Not really."

"So what was all that crap about the five three hot stuff greatest WNBA champion?"

Her face turned beet red.

"I was just messing around."

"That's good to know. With that shot I wouldn't count on any NBA scouts knocking on your door anytime soon."

Still blushing she smiled.

"It was that bad, huh?"

"It was worse than you can imagine but that's beside the point. This is private property. Yeah, it was Peyton's dumb ass idea for you to stay at the house but this place is off limits. There's no need for you to be hanging around my court."

"Yeah, um, okay. I, I'm sorry about that. Really. Peyton told me not to and I did anyway and I don't have a reason and I'm totally sorry and I assure you it won't happen again."

"Whatever", he rolled his eyes walking off.

"Nathan, there you are", Peyton rounded the corner with Dan, Lucas and Brooke. "I wanted you to meet…well, it looks like you've already met."

Nathan scowled.

"Yeah. We met."

"Haley?" Peyton looked confused. "What's going on?"

"I, I, um…"

"She was just practicing her jump shot. She's the WNBA's next big thing", Nathan offered sarcastically.

"What?" Peyton asked.

"Nice", Dan smirked. "Way to pick another one, Sawyer."

"It was a misunderstanding and I'm very sorry", Haley apologized again. "I feel like a complete idiot. Can you, can we, I don't know, start over again. I'm your newest employee, Haley Webb. Nathan, it's very nice to meet you."

He looked at her and shook his head.

"This is lame. Peyton get rid of her. I don't need a nurse."

He began walking back into the house, his grinning and gloating father close behind.

"Like I said, good luck", Brooke shrugged, following them.

"What did you do?" Peyton asked when they were gone.

"I, uh…I, I played basketball."

"Played basketball? Why? What the hell for?"

"I didn't plan on it happening. I was taking a walk and I don't know. It's stupid but I saw the ball so I took a shot. I didn't think anyone would see and I didn't think it would be a big deal and…"

"What did I tell you earlier? Haley, did you think I was kidding? Well, I wasn't. I'm not. The master bedroom and this court are off limits at all times, no exceptions. Are we clear on that?"

She sighed.

"Yeah. Um, yes, I am. I apologize."

"Great", Peyton muttered. "This is gonna be a long and fun night. I'm sure Nathan is in there having a seizure right about now."

"Look, I know I messed up bad and I can't say I'm sorry enough. I didn't mean to get you in trouble either. But did I blow it completely? I mean, is he that mad? Am I really fired or can you, will you go talk to him."

Peyton let out a breath.

"That's my job. I'll go calm him down. For now, just pay attention to the rules and please, at least for tonight, stay out of his way. I'm serious."

"I will. I promise. Sorry. But do you think...well, is he gonna hate me?"

"Probably but whatever. He hates everybody. Eventually he'll get over it."

"Peyton, I am really sorry."

"I'll take care of it. Just don't let it happen again", she turned and left.

Cursing herself, Haley sheepishly returned to the main house as well. Passing the office she cringed as she heard muffled voices arguing. Her name was mentioned several times, father and son angry and defiant, a relentless Peyton arguing her case. Haley wanted to die. First impressions were everything and she had managed to bungle that with Nathan in the worst way. Playing granny basketball on his private, forbidden court. How humiliating! She prayed the ground would open up and swallow her. Somewhere Agents Bailey and Alston were listening in and surely squirming in their seats as well.

"You okay?"

The voice was coming from the kitchen. It was Brooke.

"Hi", Haley answered, mortified.

"Tough break out there, huh?"

"I'm a moron. Look about that…"

"Don't apologize to me. I could care less. Besides, it wasn't that big of a deal. Nathan's just on his period and Daddy Dan loves to fan the flames."

"I feel like a fool."

"Don't. They'll calm down. Peyt has a way with words and people in general. It's okay."

"Thanks", she began to head back to her room.

"So I was thinking. I know you spend an awful lot of time holed up in that room and since my hubby is gone and I'm utterly bored beyond belief, I was gonna go in the TV room. Wanna join me?"

"Really?" Haley smiled.

"Why not?" Brooke opened the fridge door and tossed her a Dr. Pepper. "I notice you like these."

"Can't live without at least a six pack a day. Thanks."

"It's bikini season and soda bloats me like a stuffed pig. I'll stick to the Crystal Light."

"Cool", Haley said as they began to walk. "What are we watching?"

"Law and Order: SVU. It's my favorite. Is that cool? It's pretty good, you know, if you like cops."

Haley couldn't help but smile.

"Yeah", she reluctantly agreed. "If you like cops."