Later that day, Peter cautiously approached Megan with some information he had on their case. DNA besides the victim's had finally been found at the crime scene, and he figured she'd be willing to put aside their personal differences long enough to get a hold of it.

"We found this in the closet." He handed her a small baggie of hair.

"Finally," she sighed, then looked up at him briefly. "Thanks."

"No problem." He lingered for a moment, wondering if he should say anything more. The tension in the air was almost suffocating.

"Megan, I…"

"Let's not talk about it right now. It's been a very long day."

"I understand. I just want to…is everything okay with…"

"Yes, Kate and I are fine. We talked about it. I'm just not ready to go there again right now, okay?"

Peter gave her a weak smiled and nodded. "Okay. See you around."

"See you."

That week, things only got more intense as the case led to a double arrest. The victim's business partner and mistress had indeed set up the body to make it appear as though it had been auto-erotic asphyxiation, which was discovered after the sordid love-triangle/extortion affair unfolded before them. To reward themselves, Kate decided they would go to the Eagles game with Lacey. Megan wore the t-shirt she had previously borrowed and had no intention of returning. After she and Lacey picked her up, Kate insisted that that they allow her to smear green and black paint on their cheeks. Lacey thought it was cute, but Megan refused to smile while Kate applied the make-up to her face.

"How do I even know if I'm an Eagles fan? I've never shopped around for a team."

"You grew up in Philly. You don't care, I do, and so…you're an Eagles fan."

Megan rolled her eyes as she sat on the back bumper of her car getting her war paint on, and Lacey giggled.

At half time the score was tied, and the three sat in their box seats finishing up their burgers. Megan thought she hadn't seen Lacey this relaxed in a long time. She'd have to thoroughly thank Kate for this later.

"This is pretty fun," Lacey said. "I can see now why the guys like it so much."

"What guys?" Megan nudged.

"Just some guys at school that I'm friends with."

"Uh huh," Megan teased.

"Mom," Lacey pleaded.

"Are those the friends you were mentioning before? The ones who like football?" Kate asked.

"Well, yeah…I mean. My friend Natasha knows a lot about sports, and I don't. So when we all hang out, it just seems like… maybe they like her more."

Kate nodded and smiled.

"I've known men like that. Just don't feel like you have to like sports in order to get their attention. Any guy who insists that a girl has to like sports in order to be cool obviously doesn't like a girl who thinks for herself. The ones who are worth it will like you regardless."

"Yeah, you're right I guess," Lacey conceded.

Megan was in awe of how much Lacey seemed to listen to Kate. For a second she felt a little jealous, then returned to being relieved.

"But I'm glad you're enjoying it," Kate added.

"I am. Thanks for inviting us. Even though I'm sure my mom would rather be doing something else."

"Hey! You know what, I'm trying. Didn't you hear me yell foul ball at the end of the last quarter?"

"Yes, and considering that's a baseball term, I'd suggest holding off on the overzealous cheering until you've taken in a few more games," Kate laughed, and Lacey joined her.

Megan felt a little ganged up on, but she smiled as Lacey put her arm around her and squeezed. She couldn't have asked for a more perfect day, face paint and all.

When the three pulled up to drop Lacey off that evening, Todd was waiting on the front step. When he saw that Kate was driving, he appeared flustered. As Lacey opened the back door, he stood and motioned for her to hurry.

"Lacey, get in the house."

"What…why?"

"I need to talk to your mother and her boss."

"Her name is Kate, dad. And she's not just mom's boss."

"Yes, you've told me. I'm well aware."

"Todd, don't do this," Megan spoke from her rolled down window.

"All I ask is that you not flaunt your…lifestyle…in front of our daughter."

"Dad, please! I love mom, and you know what, Kate is great too. We had fun today."

"Lacey, you are twelve years old. You don't know…"

"I know enough that I can think for myself. I don't have a problem with it, and I'm surprised that you do."

Todd turned bright red, appearing to be embarrassed at the education he was getting from his daughter. Clearly, he knew he had to do what was best for Lacey, and if he stood a chance of keeping her living with him and staying on her good side, he wasn't about to continue to show his true colors.

"You're right, sweetie. I'm sorry. It's just…different, that's all."

Lacey patted him on the shoulder. "You'll get used to it."

Kate tried not to chuckle too loudly from the driver's seat.

"Bye guys, thanks again. Love you mom!" Lacey called as she went up the steps into the house. Todd followed her, but turned around to look back for just a moment. He stared at the women in the car, who smiled victoriously and waved at him. He hesitantly waved back before closing the door.