Nobody's Fault But Mine

Chapter 14 – The Mark Has Been Made

All eyes fell on Lucas as he entered the interrogation room. An uncomfortable silence filled the tense and motionless scene. Mitch was standing in front of the table with his palms down upon it. His normally calm exterior threatened to crack at any minute. "Nice of you to join us Detective Scott," his voice held not a hint of pleasantry.

Antonio Garcia sat reclined and smug across from Mitch. Even though his nose was covered over with white plaster and his eyes still blackened at their sockets he still looked so superior. The man seated at his side and wearing a pin striped suit could only have been his lawyer. Antonio lent to whisper something in the man's ear.

"Well Mr Cassidy I think that now we have established that my client was indeed at home with his wife on the night Callie Sharpe was murdered he should be free to go."

Lucas looked to Mitch who wordlessly agreed. "You do realise we have an eye witness who places your client at the murder scene Mr..?" He sure as hell wasn't going to let Antonio walk out just like that. And if Mitch was playing their game he wasn't getting caught in that either.

"Mr Vaughn." The ginger haired lawyer was impatient. "And if I'm right in thinking the witness is my client's rejected mistress. That is hardly concrete now is it Detective."

"Really?" Lucas countered. "I'd say it holds weight considering the fact that she made a statement two weeks ago and was then run off the road. But I suppose you'd say that's circumstantial. It couldn't possibly be an attempt to intimidate a witness?"

Antonio snorted loudly as his lawyer retorted, "These are the facts Detective. My client had his nose broken by you. He is well within his rights to press charges against you. Your career is in jeopardy so maybe instead of throwing accusations you should start to conduct yourself with a little professionalism."

Before Lucas could even retaliate; Mitch held up his hand to silence him. "You are free to go Mr Garcia."

Antonio cast a look at Lucas as he stood up. He exited the room confidently.

"You might want to try and control your subordinates Detective Cassidy," Mr Vaughn warned.

With just the two of them now left Lucas turned to Mitch. He raised his voice a fraction, "How can you just let him go like that?"

"I let him go? This is because of you Lucas. If you had handled yourself properly we could have taken this further. Because you went and punched him in the nose he has us over a barrel. If we keep investigating him it looks like harassment. So he walks. There's nothing I can do about it."

"That's bullshit and you know it."

"Lucas we are on the same side you know. Maybe you want to try working as a team instead of going all gung-ho on me."

At that Lucas turned the handle on the door. The more he learnt from the way this city conducted itself the more he trusted no one. He certainly did not trust the man standing before him. He pushed himself silently through it without even as much as a glance at Mitch.

-- --

Lucas returned home from the disastrous interview and once inside he leant up against the door and let out a long loud sigh. Peyton looked across at him from her place curled up on the couch. "I take it didn't go so well."

"No." Lucas massaged his temples trying to ease the tension in his eyes and head. "Antonio got off. His fancy pants lawyer could only spout on about how I attacked him. And he sat there quite happy to play the victim. Apparently I'm the one harassing him. He got to just walk out."

Peyton felt bad for Lucas, felt bad he was being drawn into this web. She walked over to him and placed a hand on his shoulder. "I'm sorry."

"Me too. You know as a cop you just hope that you are smarter than the bad guys and that you get to call the shots. I don't like it when they get to pull the strings." They both knew by now how Antonio Garcia liked to work: he was a master manipulator. He took pleasure out of having control over individuals and even more so having it over organisations of power. In truth Lucas did not like Antonio because Antonio reminded him of his father. This man was the same kind of bad guy as Dan.

"Luke, maybe I should just....."

He cut her off knowing all too well what she was going to suggest. "No. Believe me you're the only thing that makes sense to me right now." He gave her hand a little squeeze. "Look, um I have to go to the Knicks game tonight. I always go to every one of Nate's games. But I can stay if you want?"

"No. Of course go to the game. You deserve some fun." She offered him a smile, "it's cool."

Lucas looked down at his attire and disappeared in his bedroom to change as Peyton leant against the door frame. He used the closest door as a divide for privacy. "We're going to catch him though. Even if I have to work this by myself out of hours."

"I know. I believe in you Luke."

Smiling he came out from the door fully changed now. He looked good she decided in his ripped blue jeans and Knicks jersey. His frame was athletic and muscular. She rarely saw him at ease and casual but it suited him. He was cutely boyish with his slightly spiked blonde hair. She tried not to stare too hard then, tried to hide an obvious attraction.

The sound of the front door rattling sent them both into alert. Had he been followed from the station? He allowed himself to consider the possibility that Antonio may have been angry enough to do just that.

"Stay close to me," he whispered. He was vigilant and quiet as he crept along the hall with Peyton behind him. He took a cautious look through the peep hole to see Haley, Jamie and Brooke. He opened the door relieved.

"Uncle Luke," Jamie shouted excitedly, jumping up as Lucas took him into his arms. His little nephew was getting bigger by the day.

"Hey there Jimmy Jam."

"Hey," his petite sister in law said then. "What's with all the new security?" Haley had always had a key to his apartment. She was well accustomed to being able to walk straight in.

"New York City," he tried to reason. "You can never be too safe."

Lucas knew it was coming. All eyes fell now on the curly haired blonde standing next to him. He suddenly felt himself almost wishing it had been Antonio at the door. "Everyone this is Peyton." He knew his voice betrayed his discomfort. "Peyton this is my sister in law Haley, my nephew Jamie and Brooke."

Brooke raised one of her perfectly sculpted eyebrows, "we've already met."

Haley, always the peacekeeper and over welcoming, shook Peyton's hand. "Nice to meet you Peyton. We didn't mean to ambush you both but Lucas is always late when left to his own devices. So we decided to surprise him and take him to the game." As much as she tried to be friendly it didn't stop her from throwing a questioning look in Lucas's direction.

"Well we don't want to be late. We should get going," Lucas said. He was eager to defuse the situation before questions started to be asked. He turned his attention to Jamie. "Let's go watch your daddy bring down the Celtics."

-- --

Antonio Garcia sat in the VIP lounge with a Martini in hand. The atmosphere in the stadium was electrically charged as the pre game entertainment began. The music pumped and the crowds cheered. Antonio felt good. He was a man free and unstoppable. He was above the law. He was the law. Looking down at the supporters that gathered to watch the New York Knicks he felt larger than life. People went about their daily lives, making an honest living and were so completely unaware of what truly went on around them.

The door to the VIP lounge opened and Antonio motioned for Vincent to leave as he saw who had entered. His visitor stood before him, his expression was all business. But Antonio's tone was jovial. "Hello old man. Have a seat, let me get you a drink."

"I'd prefer to stand," the man's tone was on edge. He normally wouldn't risk being seen at such a public event associating with Antonio. They as a rule would converse over the phone, so for him to come down here it must be considered as of high importance.

Antonio sank back into the soft leather chair, "so what can I do for you?"

"You're getting sloppy Garcia. Your little crash stunt caused me a lot of problems. I can't keep clearing up after you."

"I understand that but the girl needed to be silenced. She still does."

"This isn't about the Sawyer girl this is about your damn pride. There is a bigger picture here. We cannot afford any more mistakes."

"No one escapes me." Antonio bit back. He needed control, he fed off it.

"We've been through this scenario once before." The man was impatient now. "And the last time caused enough of a mess. Forget her, move past this. I won't jeopardise my position in the city because of your oversized ego."

Antonio let out a sigh of annoyance. He did not like to give in, but his mind ticked to a compromise that he found agreeable. "What about Scott? I want him off the case."

"Already in motion," he walked to the door again indicating their conversation was over. "But remember what I said, we can't afford any more mistakes. You cause me any more problems and you will regret it." With his warning made, the man let the door slam shut behind him.

-- --

Despite the overly excited people at the home stadium of the Knicks the tension between Brooke and Lucas remained. During the cab ride over they had traded bitter looks and occasional jibes. Even Jamie, the ever so astute five year old, had commented that they behaving childishly. The four had found their seats and Brooke had taken Jamie to get some candy.

"Well this should be a fun night," Haley attempted to joke but then turned her attention and full concerns to her best friend. "So what's going on Lucas? I mean this girl, Peyton, is staying at your apartment?"

The little blonde had listened as he recounted the events of the past few weeks. He didn't like to keep things from her so told her as much as he could without giving away confidential details. He had hoped that she would understand his plight and need to protect Peyton especially given that she knew his history. But she wore a look of apprehension.

"Lucas," she said cautiously. "I'm your friend and I only have your best interests at heart. You know that right? It's just that I just don't think that you have thought this through. You've worked so hard to get where you are today. You know you shouldn't be harbouring a material witness no matter what the circumstances. I mean you should be putting your career first."

"Ahead of someone's safety?"

"I just think it's an awful lot of her to ask you. There are plenty of shelters that she could go to."

Lucas ran a hand through his hair. He knew Haley was just being fair and objective but he was still so tired of having to defend and explain himself. "You know what Hales you are probably right. But I've had enough time and lectures to think this through for myself. And you know me, we have been friends since we were in kindergarten. So please trust me and trust my judgement. I couldn't bear it if anything happened to her."

She had opened her mouth to express further concern but she decided against it. Lucas Scott would always go out of his way to protect the people that he cared about. That was one of the reasons she loved him so dearly. He was a good guy and there weren't many of those left in the world. Haley simply patted his hand then, she would still worry but she would not press him further.

Lucas smiled and turned his attention back to the court below. The game was about to start so he went to go find Brooke and Jamie. They were by the concessions stand. Jamie was armed with a big bag of candy and Brooke, to his horror, was talking with Antonio. He hurried over. As soon as the dark haired man saw Lucas's rapid approach he handed Brooke his card, flashed a smile and went over to the bar.

"The game's about to start," he said. The sassy brunette went to pass him but he took hold of her arm. "If you want my advice don't call him."

"Excuse me," she said venomously.

"You don't know what you are getting yourself into."

"Oh come on Lucas," Brooke pulled his arm away from her shoulder. "Ok then let's have it. Why can't I flirt with the mysterious dark hottie?"

"Because he is someone you don't want to get to know."

"Jealous?" she let a gloating smile pass her lips.

"Just trust me on this one Brooke."

"I'll trust you when I don't keep seeing you with that girl."

"He's dangerous Brooke," Lucas said as a last ditched effort. "You want to play games fine. But do it with someone who doesn't hit women."

Brooke pursed her lips. She placed the evidence together in her mind. She didn't say anything further but she did back down. She turned, with Jamie in tow, and went back to watch the game.

Lucas walked over to Antonio who was propped up against the bar watching intently with a Martini in hand. "Stay away from my wife."

Those dark eyes glared at him, threatening to stab straight through him. But that damn smile still remained. That was when Lucas realised that the guy was able to mask his wrong doings because he blended in as a charmer. On the surface Antonio was rich, successful and handsome. But his hatred was always there. His eyes betrayed his evil soul.

"Can I really help the fact that we share the same taste in women? I mean you took Peyton from me so it only seems fair that I have the soon to be ex Mrs Scott. You could consider it a trade."

"You know for someone who is such a control freak it must just eat you up that she left you. You aren't used to it are you? Not having full control? You're slipping Garcia. Your time is running out so you have to stoop low enough to goading me into your pathetic attempt to make me jealous."

"Is she really worth it?" Antonio said quietly now. "I mean is she worth risking your career over? You can't deny the truth of who she is. She gave herself to me in exchange for a home, for money. There's a word for women like her."

"No, Garcia. You took advantage of someone who was alone and vulnerable."

Antonio swallowed his drink in one gulp. He placed the glass down at the bar, "you keep telling yourself that."

-- --

After a win for the Knicks Nathan and Lucas went for a couple of drinks with some of Nathan's team mates. It was kind of a tradition now, Haley would go on home with an exhausted Jamie and they would get to have some good old fashioned guy time. But as both of the brothers busied themselves with work and family they realised they were not as accustomed to long drinking sessions. They said their goodbyes and then walked out into the night.

"Another winning free throw little brother," Lucas said with a playful slap to Nathan's shoulder. "You should be real proud."

"Yeap. Guess I have good old Dan and his whipping my ass into shape to thank for that." The dark haired man said it without thinking. He saw Lucas's expression but before he could say anything further they heard the close footsteps of someone following them.

"Hey Scott," a voice commanded for attention. "Hey Scott you suck. And you're a cheat."

Nathan rounded then as Lucas tried to urge him on. If there was one thing that Nathan hated it was to be called a cheat. He worked long and hard to get where he was. He'd had to even tolerate his father to get to where he was. He took pride in his ability to get to his level of sought after success and this drunken youth wasn't about to throw insults without consequences.

"You want to say that to my face?" he spat. The old Nathan from High School was raising his head. That boy was arrogant and reckless.

"Nate," Lucas uttered his warning. "Walk away."

The Celtics' supporter just laughed and threw a look at Lucas. "What are you his gay lover?"

"Nate this punk isn't worth it." He said then.

The drunk's attention was all on Lucas now and he swung a punch. Despite being under the influence the hit was sharp and precise. His fist connected at the blonde man's brow and being that he wore a ring he sliced at the skin.

"Not the smartest of moves buddy," Lucas said as he wiped blood from his brow. "As now I can arrest you for assaulting a police officer."

At that statement and the brandishing of handcuffs the guy's face fell.

Lucas force him face down on to the ground to cuff him. The guy elbowed him in annoyance and managed to split Lucas's lip. With a grunt Lucas hauled him to his feet.

Once they had taken the drunken supporter to be locked up over night before he was charged Lucas and Nathan finally made their way to Lucas's place.

"And you told me to walk away," Nathan jested. "And you knew he was going to hit you. Why didn't you move?"

"Because I've had a crappy day and the look on that guy's face when he realised he'd hit a cop made it slightly better."

Nathan grinned. "You sure you don't want to go to the ER though? Get your head looked at."

"No." He touched the bloodied area. "It's just a scratch."

The two made it inside once Peyton had undone the deadbolt. Nathan smiled warmly at her but her bruises and bandaged wrist didn't go unnoticed. He excused himself to go and call Haley.

Lucas quickly shed his jacket and shirt as he entered the bathroom. He intended to quickly shower and wash the blood from his wound. Peyton, armed with the first aid box from the kitchen, had other ideas. "I'm fine really," he uttered.

She ignored his protest; her look was firm and unyielding. If he wasn't going to go to the hospital she was going to make sure he was alright. She opened the box taking to the task of cleaning Lucas's wound.

She was stubborn as hell. He had to admit he liked it.

"This might sting a little," she said as she stood up on her toes to tend to him. Lucas winced as the antiseptic made contact. "Sorry."

Her touch was so soft and gentle as she dabbed at his brow. She bit her lip in concentration. "It's not deep," she told him then. "You'll be fine."

Lucas felt her breath ticking at his neck, the warmth of her body so close to his bare skin. Aside from their holds of comfort this was the closest the two had been since their first night together. It shouldn't have been any different but as the fabric of her tee brushed his torso he felt those dormant desires reawaken within him.

Peyton bent to take a band aid from the kit to protect the gash whilst it was still healing. She was then back up on her toes, her nimble fingers applying it to him.

It was only as she attempted to clean his lip that he saw her own nerves starting to show themselves. He watched as her hand shook ever so slightly as she tended to the sensitive split. It provoked an "ouch" from his mouth and she allowed her eyes to meet his.

She felt her pulse quicken as Lucas's hand cupped her cheek whispering her name. She raised herself back up, the tip of her nose touching his.

Lucas broke from the clinch. To kiss her was so very tempting. She was the girl who managed to make the rest of the world fall away. But she was also hurting and as much as it pained him to start something now, it was not the cleverest thing he could do.

She seemed to understand, there was a look of disappointment, but her hushed voice conceded that it was "too soon."

Peyton shyly looped her curls behind her ear, her gaze falling on his all too perfectly defined chest. "How did you get that?" she asked then. Her fingers tracing along the large scar located on his abdomen.

As soon as she had done this she wished she could rewind and take it back. Lucas instinctively moved away from her touch as if she had shocked him. His eyes blackened as he exited into his room wordlessly. She drew her arms around her body as she tried to fathom what had just happened and then Nathan came into view. He gave a look of commiseration.

A/N – Sorry the updates haven't been as frequent as I would have liked. But now that I have the rest of the story all planned out I am hoping to update much more quickly.

I hope that you enjoyed the latest chapter. Let me know what you think. Thanks for the reviews and alerts. You guys are awesome. Bye for now. :)