Chapter 13: First Step

~ S ~ B ~

The first day of the week went by without any special events or any trouble. I started to do some research about that Cody person, but of course not knowing his full name I didn't find anything that could have helped us. I also checked if Allyson was registered in the system and if I was able to find anything else about her, but again that was in vain. She wasn't in any of the systems and also I didn't find any other useful information about her. Mac told me that he met an old school friend of his when he started working at the Music School.

"So, how was your first day at work, Mac?" I asked him.

"Quiet, unusual but nothing out of the ordinary. But I found out that my boss is an old school friend. His father was the director of that school when I took my guitar lessons there." He told me.

Now it Tuesday already and I was meeting Michelle in a few minutes and hopefully would get a few more information that we could use to solve this case. I knew that I had to play Mac's wife in front of everyone else and I quickly found that it actually wasn't much acting and it felt just so natural that I sometimes caught myself dreaming about us being married and having a family together. I also found myself believing that if I ever wanted to start a family it was Mac I wanted that with. On the other hand that thought was somewhat frightening. But every time I looked down at my hand and saw that lovely wedding band it just felt so real and I actually liked the feeling of the band of gold on my finger.

I quickly shook my head and finished to get ready for my meeting with Michelle. She had invited me over for brunch and I had to leave in a minute and so I grabbed my keys and left the house to walk over to the house where Michelle lived with her family. And as soon as I reached the house Michelle opened the door, I didn't even had to ring the bell.

"Hey!" Michelle greeted me as she let me step inside.

"Hey. Thanks again, for the invitation."

"Best way to get to know each other and your new surroundings. How's Mac?"

"He's doing fine. Enjoyed his first day at work." I replied as we walked into her living room and then onto the patio, using the fact that it was warm outside and the sun was shining.

We sat down at the table she already set with some nice things for the brunch and started to talk about the BBQ, our neighbors and of course family. Of course she wanted to know if we wanted to have children and I had to tell her that we didn't think about that yet, as we just got married and moved here, but both of us said we'd like to have children one day.

"Can I ask you something?" I asked when we were quiet for a bit.

"Of course."

"You know, it's just that I've heard about the three couples that were killed in that area… not that I am afraid or anything, but I'm curious."

Michelle looked at me with a small frown, obviously not prepared for that topic and not sure what to say at first, but her expression quickly changed into a sad smile.

"That was some kind of a tragedy for us. There was a time when people got scared and feared they could be next and the police didn't give away much of their details, I know they can't. Sad thing about that whole story is that we knew them. All three couples were friends of mine." She replied with a sad glance at me.

"You knew them all?"

"Yeah. They had their similarities and were killed in their homes, as far as I know. They also knew each other, but they weren't close friends. More like a loose friendship, you meet and talk and say goodbye till you meet again."

"I know I might sound insensitive or overly curious, but could you imagine who did that?" I asked. I knew I had to keep my curiosity in check and needed to proceed carefully as she didn't know that I wasn't just some lab tech, but she really got my attention now. Michelle let out a small sigh.

"We all had our suspicions, but honestly, it made no sense for us, why they were killed. Maybe this was revenge, maybe not. I can't tell." She said and sighed again. "Can I ask why you wanted to know that?"

"I was just curious. Sorry, I didn't mean to bring up those sad memories."

"It's okay. It's just that nobody ever asked about it. This was senseless and just violent. They were nice people and I can't imagine any motive or reason why they had to die. It's just unfair."

"Every death caused by another human being is unfair." I commented quietly.

"I know." Michelle sighed sadly, just as her daughter inside started to cry. I looked at the small watch on my wrist and got up with Michelle.

"I think I should leave now. Gotta make dinner tonight." I said with a small smirk as I followed her inside. She led me to the door.

"Thanks for coming Stella."

"You're welcome. Glad I was allowed to. Oh… there's something I almost forgot. Mac told me that the men were talking about a friend named Cody… is he one of the victims?"

"No. Cody's Allyson's ex-husband, Amy's father. He used to come to our BBQs and spent time with my husband and the other men."

"Okay, thanks."

"Bye Stella. I hope you'll come over again, soon."

"Definitely" I replied with a smile and then started to walk towards the small fence.

"Say hi to Mac, okay?"
"Will do. Bye!"

I slowly walked back home, thinking about what Michelle just told me about Cody and also about the connection to the couples. I never figured that she might know all of them. Maybe she was the connection we were looking for? But did that mean she killed them? It was hard to believe that, as she seemed to be really affected by their deaths but then she could be a good actress? I shook my head and unlocked the door, noticing it wasn't locked anymore I knew Mac was already home. A smile appeared on my face as I step into the hallway and then close the door behind me.

"I'm home!" I called out, not knowing where Mac was. But just in that moment he appeared on the stairs and came walking down with a small smile on his face.

"I like the sound of that." He said quietly and gave me a small hug as he reached me. I offered him a loving smile when he pulled away.

"Me, too." I whispered in truth. "And I might have a connection between our three dead couples."

"I'm all ears." Mac said in an intrigued tone as we walked to the living room and sat down in front of the fireplace. I sat on the couch and he chose the arm chair and then looked at me, waiting for me to tell him what I just found out.

"I asked Michelle about the victims… turns out she knew them all." I told him and locked eyes with him. I could see that at this moment he had the same thoughts and questions running through his brain as I had when I walked the short way home. "I also asked her if she has any idea who could have done it, but she said she has no idea."

"And do you believe her?"

"I don't think she was lying."

"So if she's the connection between the victims then maybe…"

"No way Mac. There's no way she's done any of that." I stopped his words, not realizing that he wanted to say something totally different.

"Stella…"

"No Mac, she's just not the kind of…" I started to argue but as I saw the amused look on his face I quickly stopped my words. "I'm overreacting again, right?"

"Yeah, but I don't take that personally." He replied with a small grin on his face.

"Sorry." I said remorseful. "What did you want to say?"

"I wanted to say that maybe she knows the killer, too."

"I guess that's possible. Do you think she knows it?"

"I don't know. She doesn't know we're detectives and she probably wouldn't tell anybody."

"Do you think Allyson could…?" I started but again I stopped my words, knowing exactly what Mac would answer now.

"Well, she seemed suspicious, but then it could be her personality against strangers, but on the other hand we have no evidence to prove that she could be involved in all this."

"I knew you'd say that." I said and smirked.

"You know me too well."

"Scary, isn't it?"

"Depends." He stated with a hint of uncertainty in his voice.

"On what?"

"Your point of view." He said and looked up at me. "So… anything else you found out?"

"I'll come back to that, Taylor." I teased him, before I continued in a more serious tone. "I also asked her about Cody. Well, that was just a moment before I left so I don't have that much, but he happens to be Allyson's ex-husband and Amy's father."

~ M ~ T ~

I looked up at Stella in surprise. I didn't really expect that twist, but then it made sense. I locked eyes with Stella and saw that in that moment she had the same thoughts as I had. It didn't look good for Allyson although we didn't have any evidence, but she somehow seemed suspicious right now. But how should we prove that? And was it really adding up or were we just running into something because we wanted to close this case? How could we get evidence to prove or bust our theories?

"What ya thinking, Mac?" Stella got me out of my thoughts.

"I don't know… this all seems to make Allyson suspicious. Even more than before. But we also have to consider that if we tell Steve about Michelle knowing all three couples than he might look at her like she was a suspect."

"In some way she is, Mac. I can't fault any cop to do that, as I would just do the same. I mean they don't know us as well as we know each other. Even though I'm sure Michelle didn't do anything."

"I like to trust you in that. I know you know how to do your job, just don't scratch that thought from your mind for now."

"I won't Mac. But we need to find evidence and that is exactly the point where we are kinda stuck now. We can't go and ask questions. They'll be suspicious and our cover will be blown up."

"The only thing you can do is collecting information when you're at the lab and I could try and speak to Julio on Thursday." I said thoughtfully.

"I guess we should stick to that. I'll try to get information about them tomorrow and you see what you can find out." Stella agreed. I gave her a nod in agreement and then let silence grow between us.

"So…" Stella started a few moments later. "Any ideas for dinner?"

"Uh… how about I'll play the good husband I am and take my amazing wife out for dinner tonight? I know a nice place not far from here." I suggested a bit uncertain and nervous.

"Mmm… sounds good…" she replied but didn't really sound convincing.

"What it is, Stella?"

"I was wondering if you were brave enough for dinner and dancing."

"I think I also know a place for that, but it's more music for Samba, Salsa and Mambo."

"You're in?" she asked with a surprised look and I just gave her a shy smile.

"Well, I was surprised when you suggested that, but I actually like the idea. It's been a while since I went dancing." I replied in a firm tone.

"Don't get me wrong, but you dance?"

"Yes. Took lessons with a childhood friend of mine and went dancing with Claire sometimes."

"What's your favorite?"

"Samba and Mambo were my favorites when we went to that place."

"Mambo, like the dance from Dirty Dancing?" she asked surprised.

"Exactly."

"Well, if you're game I think I need a dress then." Stella smiled. "And I guess you know where I can get one, right?"

"Actually… yes."

"Good, you go and change into a pair of jeans and I'll fix my hair a bit." Stella said and got up from the couch, me following her suit. As I walked up the stairs I felt my nervousness starting to grow. We never went shopping together and we also never went dancing, but a part of me is also looking forward to it. I hadn't been dancing for years, but I always enjoyed those times I was and although it's been so long I knew I still would be able to get into it again. What neither of us knew was that tonight would be the first step into a future that soon would change into our future as a legally married couple.

xXxXxXxXx

Much to my surprise the shopping for a nice dress didn't take as long as I suspected. When I walked into the small shop, especially for women and special occasions I felt a bit out of place, because the only people I saw were female, but as I turned around to Stella and saw her satisfied and curious smile I knew I chose the right place and this strange feeling was worth it. We walked through the shop together, side by side, like a normal married couple and looked at a few dresses before Stella found a dress she thought was perfect for tonight. They had it in different colors, but the dress Stella liked most was the white version. And so she went to one of the cabins, instructing me to wait outside and then tell her what I thought when she came out.

And when she did I instantly smiled. The dress was stunning and she just looked gorgeous. It was made of white chiffon, removable straps as well as a removable satin sash. The sash was made of black satin and fitted quite well for the occasion. I thought that without it the dress could have been used as a wedding dress, if you like it modest and simple. What I didn't know was that this dress would actually be used as just that: a 'wedding dress'. And the dress also had a ruched bodice along with a nice flowing skirt, perfectly made for dancing. The skirt ended just under Stella's knees and I actually found myself wanting to say that she looked gorgeous. Of course Stella would take a close look at her reflection in the mirror and much to my surprise she instantly loved the dress, although she said it was looking better without the straps and would remove them tonight. As we went to pay for the dress Stella got a matching chiffon shawl to the dress. The clerk said it belongs to it, but they had to remove it from the dress because they found some were stolen.

"Let me guess… shoes?" I asked her as we were outside again, walking to our car.

"I actually have perfect matching shoes for this one, Mac, so if you don't need anything else I'd say we can go home." She said, much to my surprise, but since I didn't need anything we made our way back home.

xXxXxXxXx

Time passed quickly when we were home and now we were in the small restaurant that offered dinner on the ground level and matching dance floor above the restaurant. It was a small, but nice location and only those who wanted to dance came here and just enjoyed the music and the feeling. Stella and I were sitting at the table, talking after our dinner and just relaxing a bit before we wanted to go upstairs. She wore her new dress with matching stilettos, her hair put up, but falling onto her back and shoulders. She just looked amazing and I noticed a few men passing our table and giving her those wow-looks. But she didn't even paid attention to one of them, something I found putting me at ease, though we weren't married I somehow felt some kind of jealousy and I did notice that over the past few days we've been here our relationship started to change a little. We were more comfortable around each other on the daily basis and we were actually flirting and teasing, like we always lived like that.

We sat there for a while before I paid for dinner and we both walked upstairs, me holding her hand, using it to lead her where I wanted her to follow me to. I actually enjoyed the warmth our connection was creating and I thought I never wanted to let go of her hand, but knew I had to some time. We were walking close to each other and I felt my nervousness starting to rise, now that we were here to actually dance together. She pointed her other hand to a more private corner where just a few couples about our age were dancing and we decided to join them. Luckily Stella suggested to try those steps at home before we'd go here and try it in public so we both new the steps and I also knew a nice choreography we could try. At least I knew how to lead a woman while dancing.

Our first steps were a bit slower than the actual rhythm of the music, but it didn't take us long to get into it. And seeing the delight on Stella's face as we shared those moments my mind and heart were put at ease and I started to enjoy the dancing again. The song was almost over when we started our first moves so the DJ was now starting to play another song that was perfectly fine for Samba, although I feared I'd get out of breath in between, because it was a real fast rhythm, but I made it through the song perfectly fine as I would learn afterwards.

Knowing the steps and moves like I knew to play my bass I used the time to watch Stella's moves while I lead her to the moves I wanted her to make and every time our eyes would lock she'd give me a happy smile.

And right during the first dance Stella proved to have a good taste in dresses that are made for dancing. The light chiffon was flowing perfectly with every move and would create a stunning flowing circle whenever Stella would turn on my lead. I found myself being amazed by her, how she moved and how she seemed to feel the music just like I did.

After the fast Samba rhythm the music became quieter and the rhythm slowed down. That was a rhythm for people in love to dance very close to each other and calm down after spending much breath and energy. When the Samba song was changing into the quiet rhythm of a love song, they played occasionally, I automatically pulled her closer to me and she surprised my by moving even closer to me our bodies almost touching, and locked eyes with me, her hand resting on my upper arm, the other firmly held in mine. I had my hand gently resting on her shoulder. We were slightly moving to the slow rhythm of the song, with locked eyes and I wondered what thought she had as she looked into my eyes. A few moments passed before her hand moved to my shoulder and she lightly rested her arm on mine and slowly leaned in a bit more, eyes still locked, faces only inches apart. Of course my male body parts wanted to make themselves known and I really felt the electrical sparks. And it was the very moment I noticed just how much in love I had fallen with her already without noticing. But just before our lips could connect, she slightly moved away and placed a soft kiss on my cheek instead, resting her cheek on her hand on my shoulder. I removed my hand from her shoulder and gently wrapped my arm around her waist, just holding her close, while we moved to the music.

So? How did you like this chapter? I know it was long, but hope you didn't get bored in the end, though it didn't have much talking in it at the end. Sorry for that, but there was just nothing I could think of. Hope that's okay for you. PLEASE let me know what you think! :)

blackrose538