AN: Firstly I'd like to apologise for the long delay in posting this chapter, after the last chapter I felt like I'd made a mess of it and had gotten myself into a bit of a jam with the whole thing. I was feeling disheartened so I decided to take a wee break and concentrate on my FOL story Redefining Shakespeare. Fortunately inspiration has hit me once again regarding this story so I hope that you enjoy what I've come up with.

Secondly I'd like to say thank you to all of those who have read/reviewed/followed/favourited or checked out this story so far. It means a lot that you are supporting me and I'm extremely grateful for your patience and feedback. This chapter is unbeta'd so any mistakes are of my own making - if you find any let me know and I'll do my best to change them.

I can't say when the next chapter will be posted but I'll do my best to avoid such a long delay in the future.

Thank you

Jaxx

...

Chapter 9:

Sometimes Olivia had to question her own sanity.

Having agreed to accompany Jo to the airport to pick up Blair, her former partner hadn't trusted herself to not say or do anything stupid and Olivia knew her well enough to know that was probably a fair assessment where Blair was a factor, she now found herself a backseat passenger in the most tense car journey that she'd ever experienced. Blair and Jo had barely said anything since they had returned to the car. Of course this was more to do with the fact that despite their obvious joy at being reunited Jo had been unable to stop herself from picking a fight with the blonde debutante who, even though she was exhausted from the long journey, had given no quarter as the pair had begun a shouting match that truly had to be seen to be believed as it drew stunned travellers unable to contain their curiosity. Olivia had found herself playing referee as the verbal sparring match soon also drew the attention of security guards and curious onlookers. The only thing that had stopped the security staff getting involved was the fact that they could see both detectives' badges and therefore as a 'courtesy' had decided not to intervene in any way other than to politely assert that they 'take it outside'. Olivia had only met Blair on a couple of occasions, she and Alex had several mutual friends, but she had never seen anyone so furious. Not even with Jo, and Jo was very adept at pushing people's buttons and causing immense fury. It was something they had used may times while interrogating suspects. A furious Blair Warner however was something truly unique and Olivia was glad she was not on the receiving end. The result of this disastrous reunion had been that the entire journey had passed in unforgiving silence since they set off for Peekskill, making a 'pit stop' had been Olivia's way of trying to force her companions into talking but had fallen well short of the mark since neither woman had spoken except to place their order, Jo hadn't even acknowledged her suggestion except to pull in and park the car so they could go inside and order something. Now they were nearing the gates of Eastland School, formerly Eastland School for Girls, and the journey was mercifully over even if the tense silence wasn't.

Eastland School hadn't lost any of its grandeur since Jo and Blair had been students. In fact if anything it seemed more impressive now than it had then, perhaps since Jo now actually appreciated the architecture and the sheer size of it. Everywhere she looked she was reminded of her schooldays, of Mrs. Garrett, Tootie and Nat, more importantly she was reminded of herself and Blair. Who'd have thought after all this time the two of them would still even know each other never mind be best friends?

Olivia for her part was stunned by the place. She had heard stories about it from Jo and seen old photographs but they simply didn't do it justice. The buildings were vast, beautiful and imposing, yet there was warmth about the place that she hadn't expected. Large open areas in the centre of the grounds made the school seem more like a university than a school. It was dark now but that did little to lessen the effect of the place. It was surprisingly quiet, long past curfew for the girls and with the exception of a few rooms with lights the majority of students appeared to be asleep, at least they were giving the impression that they were. None of them want to face the wrath of Miss Warner whom they know is due back tonight.

Jo pulled the Trans AM into the staff parking lot immediately killing the engine, and found herself unable to stop tapping her fingers nervously on the steering wheel. Even the darkness couldn't take any of the strength from the memories that she finds herself awash with, if she were to close her eyes she could be sixteen again roaring up on her motorcycle and ready to take on the snobs at their own game. Boy sometimes she felt that she hadn't changed at all since those days. God she had hated it here at first, she hadn't belonged in a place like this and she had missed her Ma and the old neighbourhood so much. Then of course there was Blair. Even that first moment she had known that Blair was special, but she couldn't acknowledge it then. Instead she had hidden her feelings behind an attitude and witty comebacks. In fact it wasn't much different to the way things were now, Blair still got her riled at times. OK Blair got her riled all the time; it was the way their friendship had always operated. The difference was that now, and if she were honest for the longest time, she really didn't want to fight all the time. They were so much closer than they had been back then but she just couldn't help it, it was easier to retain the status quo than to go for the proverbial gold and tell Blair just how much she cared. Even though she now knew that Blair was more than aware of her true feelings. Somehow that knowledge made it worse and having been stupid enough to place Blair in danger meant that Jo was on the defensive. Even so she couldn't deny just how good it was to see the blonde beauty again.

'You wanna go ta the office first?' they were the first words Jo had spoken to Blair since their shouting match had ended and her voice sounded momentarily hoarse.

'Yes, I have to pick up some paperwork from Luisa's office.'

'Luisa?' Jo couldn't ignore the jealousy welling within her heart upon hearing the name.

'My secretary, you met her three years ago…'

Secretary? Jo was relieved – there was no way Blair's secretary would still be on campus at this time of night. She wracked her brain trying to put a face to the name. Then it hit her…

'Oh yeah…she's the one crashed her golf cart inta the lake right?'

'Actually that was her husband Jim…but yes that's her.'

Just like that Jo's jealousy dissolved alongside her anger and she actually smiled at Blair as they shared the memory of the Spring Charity event in question. It was almost as if they hadn't spent the last few hours in a furious stalemate. Olivia shook her head in wonder upon witnessing the surreal change that had taken place within seconds. She chuckled inwardly as she suddenly realised that this must be what she and Alex sounded like to other people, it was no wonder that Eliot got frustrated with the two of them!

'I'll take a look around Jo, see what's what.'

'Thanks Benson, I'm just gonna walk Blair to her office, pretty sure she's safe enough here but just wanta make sure…'

Plan made Jo got out of the car and walked smartly to the passenger side, holding it open for Blair who smiled her thanks. It was a small gesture, one designed to go some way to apologising for her earlier behaviour. Blair knows that – when it comes to Jo Polniaczek she speaks the language fluently. Jo placed her hand in the small of Blair's back protectively and as the two walked the familiar route to the head teacher's office Olivia watched after them a knowing look on her face, before beginning to make her own checks. She doubts whether Russo and Foley are going to be focusing their efforts to get to Blair while she's at the school, it seems like too public a target, especially given that it's an exclusive private school with all of the attention that would garner.

Jo deliberately remained silent as she walked with Blair along the familiar route towards the main office building. It's better to remain silent than to start another argument, so instead she keeps her hand at the small of Blair's back and enjoys the silence. She can't quite believe that she's here, that Blair is with her and that without her saying a word the blonde seems to have figured out the truth of her feelings. She wonders what it is that gave her away. More importantly she wonders if this realisation has changed things.

'I can read you like a book Joey, always have…'

'Princess?'

Blair leaned closer to Jo as they approached the entrance to the main office. Jo slipped her arm around her best friend pulling her closer as they walked in perfect harmony. It felt so good to be able to hold Blair so close and the other woman seemed equally content. They only separated once they got to the locked door of the main office, Blair at once taking her key from her purse and opening the door with ease.

'I'll just be a minute…'

'I'll come inside with you…'

'You don't have to…'

Jo didn't take no for an answer and truthfully Blair wasn't inclined to stop her, she had missed the fiery brunette detective too much. Within seconds of entering the office though Jo realised they had made a serious miscalculation, as the door slammed and a familiar figure was sitting at the large desk with his feet up.

'You're a predictable woman Polniaczek…'

Upon seeing him Jo instinctively put herself between him and Blair in an effort to protect her. She cursed inwardly for not having seen this coming.

'What the hell are you doin here Cassidy?'

'I'm playing by your rules…'