Ema was a very busy woman but that didn't mean she would ever miss a lunch date with her sister no matter how much work she had to do or how many glimmerous fops ordered her to repeat the same task a thousand times. Especially when she so rarely saw Lana. So when he told her he wanted an update on 'Fräulein Caz's condition' she'd simply ignored him and come to the restaurant she was at now. She had plans with Lana and she had every intention of enjoying herself.

She hadn't seen her sister in a very long time as Lana lived in another state and so she would not have given up his time with her for anything in the world. She missed Lana when she didn't see her (even though she kept this a well-hidden fact). She didn't want to sound like a baby but the truth was she had never really outgrown her need to be close to Lana – at times she still felt like that 16 year old girl who'd longed for a close relationship with her sister. However, as opposed to before, the distance in their relationship was only in miles and that's the way she preferred it. Being with Lana while feeling shut out had been the most excruciating experience of her life. Indeed, it had affected her in a way nobody knew – she was afraid to let anyone in, afraid to open up to anybody for fear she would receive the same treatment. Not that she would easily own up to it but this was why she had not persisted in comforting Klavier – his coldness had reminded her of Lana.

She shook herself. She didn't want to be thinking about all that when she was sitting here with her sister who she hadn't seen in what felt like forever. She was grateful for whatever reason had brought Lana here.

"Ema?"

Her eyes snapped back up to her sisters who was regarding her with amusement and Ema grinned back while secretly thanking God for the smile that now graced her sisters face. It was the memory of that smile that had made it bearable for Ema to be away from Lana during her incarceration and it was that smile that made it possible for Ema to continue on while being so far away. That smile was proof that all of the locks on Lana's emotions were completely shattered – for good.

"Yeah?" Ema said casually taking a sip of the orange juice before her.

"Are you okay?" Lana asked.

"Of course," Ema said, keeping her eyes fixed on her juice as she took another sip. She didn't want Lana knowing what she was thinking – her sister already felt guilty for everything that had passed despite the fact that it was clear none of it was her fault. Ema didn't want to add to that guilt. "I'm just wondering what's taking so long to get our desserts – we only got ice cream."

Lana chuckled. "I didn't think you could get anymore impatient, Ema. Its only been a few minutes."

"Anyway, how's Jason?" Ema said, changing the subject hastily.

"We're not together anymore," Lana sighed and Ema mentally kicked herself for not asking sooner. Lana must have been upset all this time. "I'm okay," Lana added quickly, catching the expression on Ema's face. "It was a mutual decision."

"But why?" Ema asked surprised. She'd only met him a handful of times but she had thought he was great. "You two seemed so close!" Lana seemed to hesitate for a moment and Ema's senses tingled. Since when did her cooler-than-ice, previous Chief Prosecutor, hesitate? Ema's eyes narrowed. "Is there someone else?" She would kill Jason if he'd ditched Lana for another woman.

"Yes," Lana said, sighing again as she wrapped her fingers around her own glass of juice.

That's it, Ema thought as her fingers inched towards the gun she kept on her person at all times. I'm going to shoot him where the –

"Ema?" Lana's voice broke through her thoughts for the second time and she focused on her sister's expression which looked somewhat alarmed.

"Who is she?" Ema practically growled.

"She?" Lana seemed startled. "Ema, what are you – ? Oh." Then, to Ema's astonishment, Lana giggled. "I meant me. But it's sweet of you to get angry on my behalf."

"Oh. You like someone else?" Lana nodded and Ema relaxed before suddenly getting excited again. "Well, who is it?" She was instantly curious and this curiosity heightened when Lana suddenly blushed. "Whoaaa! You're blushing!"

"Ema!" Lana protested and Ema laughed while demanding, once more, to know the name of her new interest. "Alright, alright!" Lana conceded. "It's…" She seemed to take a deep breath. "It's Miles. Miles Edgeworth." Here she paused and stared anxiously into Ema's dumbfounded face as if waiting for some sort of a negative reaction. She didn't have to wait long – Ema let out an uncharacteristic shriek of joy and ran around the table to hug her sister.

"Lana that's great news! Are you together?" When Lana gave a (slightly surprised) nod, Ema hugged her again. "I'm so happy for you! Mr Edgeworth is a great man!" She retreated back to her chair but leant over the table to grasp one of Lana's hands. "How did it happen!"

"He was visiting my workplace one day – apparently, a friend of his works there – and we bumped into each other. We went out for a coffee and it… just… kind of grew from there." Lana smiled at Ema's jubilant expression. "Honestly, I thought you'd be upset."

It was Ema's turned to be surprised. "Why on earth would I be upset? My sister and my favourite prosecutor! That's the best news I've heard in like forever!"

Lana laughed lightly. "I'm glad you approve." She paused. "There's something else."

Ema scrutinised her sister's uncomfortable face and she knew. There were a few things that made Lana's face tense like it was now and she knew all of them. "He's asked you to marry him!"

"Yes," Lana said, clearing her throat.

"OH MY GOD!" Ema practically leapt across the table to hug her sister this time. "You're getting married!" She grabbed her sister's hands to look at the engagement ring but was confused when she found them ring-less.

"I haven't given him an answer yet," Lana said.

"Why not!" Ema cried. "You two are so perfect for each other!"

"Weren't you saying something to that effect about Jason?" Lana raised an eyebrow.

"That's different! This is Mr Edgeworth! There's nobody bett – "

"Ema," Lana cut across her with a laugh. "It's nothing like that."

"Do you love him?" Ema demanded. Lana didn't reply but Ema saw the look on her face. "Then?"

"I… wanted to talk to you first." Lana's eyes locked onto Ema's seriously. "I wanted to make sure you were okay with it."

"Of course I am!" Ema exclaimed. "And even if I wasn't would you really give up the man you love just because I might have a problem with it? Don't be silly, sis."

"Ema," Lana took her sisters hand in her own now and she moved forward. Ema waited for whatever Lana was about to say but her sister simply gazed at their entwined hands as she stroked Ema's skin with her thumb. The younger Skye didn't urge the other to go on, feeling she needed a moment for whatever was going trough her head, and it was a few minutes before Lana spoke again. "Ever since Mom and Dad died, it's just been me and you." Ema's smile faded at the mention of her parents. "I've… let you down, badly – no, Ema, listen." Lana insisted when Ema seemed ready to interrupt. "I've not been there for you in the past, not the way I should have even though all you had was me. I made a promise to myself that I wouldn't do anything else to hurt you or upset you in any way. We're all that's left of our family. So yes, I would give up all the men in the world if it meant keeping you happy."

Ema's eyes were swimming with tears and she cast her gaze downwards to keep them hidden from Lana even though she was certain that her sister had already seen them. She squeezed Lana's hands slightly taking a deep breath and, when she spoke, her voice was trembling.

"Well, it's a good thing that I strongly approve of Mr Edgeworth then, isn't it?" Ema said and both sisters broke out in smiles at which point the ice cream arrived as if the waiter knew they both had something to celebrate. They both spent the duration of the dessert talking about how Edgeworth had proposed (Ema wasn't surprised to hear how awkward he was about it), when Lana planned on giving him her answer and the engagement party that they would inevitably throw afterwards. They ordered some more juice to drink and, of course, being females, they began discussing wedding plans – venue, dress, food.

"Oh drat," Lana said patting her pockets and looking guiltily up at Ema who noticed how much Lana's vocabulary and accent had changed. She now understood that it was Edgeworth's influence. "I think I've left my money at the apartment."

"Not to worry," Ema said relishing the last spoonful of her ice cream before digging around in her bag for money. She pulled out the crumpled notes and waved them in front of Lana. "See? It'll be my treat."

"Hmmm," Lana sounded as she plucked what looked like a note from in between Ema's fingers and peered at it. She looked back up at Lana and raised an eyebrow. "This certainly isn't a note."

"What is it?" Ema asked taking it back and looking at it. As soon as her eyes fell upon the scribbled HS-9, she groaned. "Not again."

"Mind telling me why you're carrying that around in your bag?" Lana asked.

"I'm not!" Ema said. "I don't even know what it is. I keep finding these everywhere. I thought it was a memo or something at first but obviously memos don't find their way into your bag by accident."

"You're saying someone is leaving you these?" Lana frowned taking the note out of Lana's hands once more. "Why would someone leave you a case number?"

"A case number?"

"Of course," Lana said. "You've probably heard of the case too. It was a pretty big one too. Involved your favourite defense attorney."

"Mr Wright?" Ema's eyes widened.

"Yes, it was a very sensational case. I'm surprised you still don't know which one it is. While most cases are unrecognisable by their official case names, this one is an exception."

"But why?" Ema asked, very curious now. "What case is it?" She ran a mental scan of all the cases she'd read pertaining to Mr Wright.

"HS-9 is the official name for the State vs Isis of Hazakura Temple case." Lana explained.

"With Mr Wright's ex-girlfriend, her sister…?"

"And Mia's sister and Mia's boyfriend, Mr Armando." Lana added and sighed. "Yes, it was a very complicated case and mostly heartbreaking. Spirits, feuding families, murder and revenge. All of it caused by one woman."

Ema nodded slowly. "Yes, Dahlia Thorne wasn't it?"

"Hawthorne," Lana corrected. "Yes, like I said it was an extremely complicated and controversial case. A lot of people got hurt. I didn't think there could be a case as bad as SL-9 but I was proven wrong." She shook her head. "I remember when Dahlia poisoned Diego. Mia was a heartbroken."

"You know him?" Ema asked, startled.

"I met him a few times when he was with Mia. I doubt you could have found a couple more devoted to one another." She stopped here as if she was paying her respects to them. "I never saw Mia as devastated as she was the day I told her I had nothing to prosecute that Hawthorne bitch with." Lana's eyes flashed and Ema gulped; she rarely saw her sister this angry.

"Why did she do all that? Dahlia I mean."

"Lord knows Ema. She was clearly unhinged. According to Miles, Iris claimed it was due to lack of love."

Ema looked at the note again. "But what I want to know is why I'm finding these notes left right and centre?"

Lana looked at Ema for a long moment. "Do you know what happened to Diego after his trial?" Ema shook her head. "He was imprisoned – for a mere 3 months. Yes," Lana nodded upon seeing Ema's surprised expression. "You see, after the trial, the press had a field day. Although this case was the State vs Iris Hawthorne, it quickly became known as the Diego Armando case. If you mentioned HS-9 to anyone now, they would instantly think of Diego – nobody else."

"Why?" Ema couldn't help but interrupt. She was usually a very good listener but now… Something impatient was bubbling inside her. Maybe it was because she had never read much on the prosecutor. Or maybe it was the fact that she was getting all these memos.

"Well, because he was a man driven by grief. His love for Mia and his proclamation of it in court was unlike anything else that had happened in the history of the judicial system. His love for Mia, his coma, waking up to find her gone, his bitterness towards Mr Wright…" (Ema's lips thinned) "Oh, Ema, don't be angry at Diego. I don't think you would take well to waking up and finding your lover murdered." Ema suddenly had a flash of herself weeping at a funeral… Klavier's funeral.

And her heart froze.

She imagined having to go to work knowing he would not be there to tease at her with that twinkle in his eyes and a horror rose within her. The smell of him, the feel of him, the – the – the…glimmerous-ness of him! Gone…? No, Ema could not contemplate it without feeling as though something had gripped her innards and yanked them out violently.

"You're right," Ema murmured.

"Many said it was cruel to punish a man after all that he had suffered." Lana shook her head. "They said all he needed was some help – not a prison cell. There were several articles, shows and even one or two protests about it. People outside the prison, the courthouse… It was quite ridiculous." She stopped to take a sip of her juice. "After so much debate and so many protests, I think the authorities were glad to let him go."

"What – they let him go?" Ema yelped.

"He's not a danger to anyone," Lana said. "They did let him go – under a few conditions like probation and counselling. I believe he's living with Mia's younger sister who, I hear, is a very good friend of your Mr Wright." She paused as if to allow Ema time to adjust to this information. "You see, after his release, his love for Mia became legendary. The press had started digging into their past and what they discovered made them crazy."

"What do you mean?" Ema said quickly.

"Oh you know," Lana waved a hand. "Statements from those who knew Mia and Diego while they were together. Pictures, diaries, e-mails, that sort of thing. In any case, Diego became something of a tragic hero – I do believe they called him the 21st century Romeo." Lana's mouth turned up into a smile. "He really didn't like that but he did say that it gave him opportunity to advertise coffee blend number 158 – said he might start his own coffee business."

"That's all really sweet and everything but what does this have to do with me?" Ema said somewhat impatiently. "I've never met him and that case was over 7 years ago…"

"So impatient," Lana said with a sigh. "I was getting to that. Anyway, like I said, he became the '21st century Romeo' and therefore… somewhat of a role model."

"You mean people have to kill to be a perfect lover now?" Ema asked disbelievingly.

"Ema," Lana said now giving her sister a stern look. "I wish you'd stop being so judgemental."

"Sorry," Ema mumbled suddenly feeling abashed.

"If you met him you'd know what it did to him. Now, back to the matter at hand; Diego and Mia's love for one another became such an inspiration for people. It spawned all sorts of things – books, shows etc. On the precinct however, HS-9 became a declaration that many employees would use."

"A declaration?" Ema frowned.

Lana nodded. "I don't know how it started but if someone wanted to declare his or her feelings to someone, they left them a small note with HS-9 written on it. It was mostly for people who were afraid of rejection or were awkward about emotions – like Miles."

"But that's stupid." Ema's frown deepened. "How would they know who it's from?"

"They left their names beneath the message."

"But why not just go up to the person and say I love you instead of beating aro – "

Lana groaned. "Ema! It doesn't matter about the why's and what's! They did this stuff. Now you're getting these memos." Ema shrugged and took a large sip of her drink – right before spitting it back out all over the table. She spluttered and her hands danced around trying to find paper. Lana magically produced some and threw it at her sister with a shake of her head. "Honestly, Ema."

"You're saying someone's leaving me a coded love note?" Ema's eyes were wide.

"Several in fact. I suppose whoever it is didn't take into account that you may not have heard of the case or the meaning behind a HS-9 memo." Lana looked thoughtful for a moment. "Do you have any idea who it might be?"

Ema was still too shocked, having learnt what she just had. What was the meaning of all this! Well, she knew the meaning but… someone in love with her? Who could it be? She barely talked to anyone at the precinct besides snapping orders or taking orders and she knew everyone thought she was far too grouchy to be approachable. So who the hell thought he knew her well enough to be in love with her? Ema stared down at the now somewhat soggy paper with those three characters and wished there was a name accompanying them.

And yet, suddenly, there crossed her mind a thought so unbelievable, so ridiculous that had it not been for a certain memory, she would have kicked herself for thinking it. Unbidden and unwanted, it floated before her mind's eye – twinkling blue eyes, a pearly smile and the scent of spicy cologne.

Ever since Klavier's physical attack (she preferred this word as it helped her mind to better cope with it) in People Park that night, she had done all she could not to think about it. Any time there was a danger of it coming to haunt her, she would simply turn her mind to another task. But in the dark of the night and the comfort of her bed, she was helpless – that memory would not leave her be. She thought she could almost feel him next to her, breathing on her neck, caressing her…

Ugh. She was doing it again. He was Klavier Gavin – rock star and prosecutor extraordinaire – and he was wanted by everyone. She had seen him flash that grin at his fans and whisper things in their ears. He was obviously just doing the same to her. She remembered the last time she'd allowed herself to believe anything ridiculous and almost kissed him – then spent the next few weeks (or was it days?) tortured by the whole ordeal. She wasn't going to be that stupid again.

"Ema?" Lana's voice cut through her thoughts. "Are you alright?" The younger Skye nodded. "Do you have any guesses on your secret admirer?"

"Ugh," Ema voiced disgustedly. "No I don't."

"What are you going to do?"

"I'm a detective aren't I?" Ema said beckoning a waiter for the bill. "I'll find who it is."

"How do you plan on doing that?" Lana said with a smile.

"Easy. I'll have a handwriting analysis done and check for fingerprints." Ema flashed a smile at her sister. "I should have done it long before. I've got a stack of them lying around."

"And what are you going to do once you discover the culprit?"

"Make him eat them."

Ema was sick to death of Dr Plaid and unfortunately for her she had to deal with him more often than she liked. He always pretended he knew everything about the patients condition but never seemed to have an answer other than 'the patient is healing slowly', 'a diagnosis at this point is impossible' or 'the patient is in need of rest'. She had received these comments just 5 minutes before when she'd arrived at the hospital to ask about Caz's condition. Not willing to go to prison on a charge of murder for this man, she had simply turned around and walked away. She had decided, before even meeting the doctor, that she would pay Tessa a visit. So, it was a few minutes later that she was knocking at the door before slowly opening it. She was surprised to find Deston already there, sitting with Tessa. However, her surprise was soon replaced by a gut-wrenching shock when she saw the woman on the bed.

"What…?" Ema breathed.

Beeps of machines echoed in Ema's ears and her wide eyes reflected the many wires inserted into Tessa's arms and hands and a mask covered her mouth. Her eyes were closed and were it not for the fact that the dead don't need a heart monitoring machine, Ema would have thought Tessa was no longer living. Her skin was deathly pale and she seemed to be barely breathing.

Deston had turned around in his chair and he stood up now. Ema tore her gaze away from her friend to focus on him; his face was pinched with distress as he moved towards her and took her hands in his. He stared at her for a long moment.

"Tessa's condition got worse last night. She…" He took a deep breath. "She almost didn't make it."

Ema inhaled sharply. For a moment she wanted to ask what exactly was wrong with her friend but she knew Tessa didn't want her knowing and really at this moment in time she didn't care about the details. All she wanted to do was talk to Tessa. She stepped closer to Tessa's bed, her hands slipping out of Deston's and stared down at her friend silently. Her blond hair usually bright somehow seemed duller and her skin... Ema had never understood the phrase 'her face looked ashen' until just now. She reached out to touch her friends hand and found it cold and clammy. Tessa stirred and her eyes fluttered open.

"I'm so sorry," Ema said softly. "I didn't mean to wake you."

She removed the mask from her face. "Is ok," Tessa murmured managing a smile. She raised a hand to rub her eyes before glancing at Deston. She smiled again. "Hey Des,"

"Hey gorgeous," Deston said coming to stand beside Ema. "How're you feeling?"

"'M good." She sounded far from but Ema admired her a lot for her strength. "I'm glad you're both here. I wanted to talk to you… separately." She glanced at Deston. "Des, would you… mind giving me and Ema a minute?"

"Yeah, sure," he murmured and he was gone in a flash, closing the door behind him. Ema frowned at Tessa wondering what it was that her friend might want to say to her.

"Ema…" Tessa smiled at her. "Please sit down, you must be tired." Ema marvelled at her thoughtfulness despite being in the state she was but silently obeyed, pulling the chair closer to the bed. "I've known you a little over a month but I know enough about you to say that you are a good woman. I'm… not getting any better."

"Tessa…"

"It's alright." Tessa smiled. "I'm not. We all know it. I consider you a very good friend and I'd hate to die before…" she took a deep breath, "…saying what I've wanted to say for a long time." Ema waited patiently, swallowing the lump in her throat. "I sense your reserve. You need to be more… confident in yourself, Ema. You can't win 'em all." Ema blinked furiously, trying to destroy the tears that blurring her vision. Tessa's hand covered Ema's where it lay on the edge of the bed. "It's okay, hon. It's okay."

"It's not okay," Ema said and her voice was shaking. "It's not fair."

"Death is a part of life that allows us to distinguish between joy and sorrow." Tessa's fingers curled around Ema's. "'Is not the lute that soothes your spirit the very wood that was hollowed with knives*?'"

"Hmph. Sounds like stupid optimism to me," Ema grumbled, sniffing. Tessa laughed.

"Oh and Ema?" When the detective looked up, Tessa was smiling at her benignly. "Look after Klavier."

Despite the situation, Ema did a double take. What was that supposed to mean? Did Tessa think Ema liked him? That was ridiculous! She didn't like him at all! She just felt sorry for him!

"Tess, what's – "

"It's okay, Ema." Tessa winked at her. "Could you please send Deston in? I need a word with him too."

Ema nodded, somewhat dazed and walked out looking for Deston. He was leaning against the wall and one look from her was all he needed. He nodded and walked in the way she'd exited, closing the door behind him. She took his spot by the wall and the bag that always remained so steadily attached to her slid a little further down her drooping shoulder.

She couldn't believe what was happening. Tessa had been fine the last time she'd seen her and now, all of a sudden, she was… she had… Ema shook her head. Why did bad things happen to good people? Why was she dying when so many out there who deserved to die lived a happy, healthy life? Ema's eyes closed against the wetness that seemed to be gathering there and yet the darkness of her closed eyes offered her no respite. She had precious few friends and Tessa was the only woman she had managed to befriend. She was a wonderful, considerate person and she was dying. Tessa was dying and there was nothing Ema could do about it.

She turned to lean against her shoulder and rested her head against the wall. She wanted nothing more than to simply slide down where she was and curl up into a ball. True, she had only known Tess for a few weeks but it felt like a lifetime of friendship. The days they had spent together talking about everything and anything had almost taken away the loneliness Ema felt at her sisters absence and that had meant the world to her.

And what had she meant by 'take care of Klavier'? To think that Tessa believed Ema felt something for him when she obviously didn't was bad enough but even worse when one considered that he was her ex and something told Ema that Tess still harboured some feelings towards him.

"Fräulein."

Ema jumped 12 feet in the air before she spun around to see the man in question standing before her with a smile. "Do you mind not sneaking up on me!" She hissed her displeasure. "Why you have to – what happened to your hand?" Her eyes landed on the thick cast around his right hand and her heart almost stopped. Against her will, her hands reached out to it and her fingers fluttered on the cast as if her fingers thought they could heal him. "What did you do to it?" She demanded looking up at him.

To her annoyance, he shrugged. "Nothing to worry about," he flashed her a smile. "It was an accident. It will be better in no time."

"An accident?" Ema repeated but her eyes were locked on his and while there was a twinkle illuminating the already bright eyes, she thought she saw something stir behind the light… a shadow that, she was sure, was not to be dismissed.

"I heard Deston is here. I assume, then, as you are here that he's in there?" Klavier pointed at the door behind her and all thoughts of concern flew right out of the window. Every alarm bell that resided in her body went off and her panic button broke, scattering all her coherent thoughts. He couldn't be allowed in there. Tessa had specifically told her to hide her condition from Klavier and Ema thought she knew why – how would he take this on top of everything else? What's more, Deston was in there with Tessa and she was certain that, given Daryan's betrayal, Klavier would assume the worst. She didn't know if Klavier still possessed feelings for Tess but she wasn't going to take that chance and find out this way.

"Ye – I mean, no!" She was going to physically kick herself as soon as she was able. "He was here but he's gone." He's really going to believe that, Ema.

Ema's panic rose, if possible, to an even higher degree when her boss started questioning her, clearly not the least bit fooled by her lies and in a moment of madness she gave in before tuning away ashamed. She couldn't help Tessa, she couldn't keep Klavier from getting hurt – she was a failure. Now everything had gone wrong and Klavier was suspicious and it was all her fault. Unexpectedly, his finger reached under her chin and he forced her to look at him and, for a moment, his sympathetic eyes offered her such comfort she wanted to collapse in his arms and cry.

"What is it, mein liebling? Why are you so forlorn?"

"I am not forlorn," she said, snapping out of it suddenly. She couldn't show weakness now. She'd already screwed up enough – she had to keep him from entering that room. She had to stop him. However, this too proved too much for her as a minute later, despite the fact that she grabbed him and pulled him, he pushed down on the handle and stepped inside the room completely ignoring her protests.

And he froze.

Ema stumbled in beside him and with one look at Deston holding Tessa's hand, leaning over her, and her stomach dropped. The two looked at Ema and Klavier and she gulped before turning her eyes up at her boss slowly and when she saw the look on his face, she wished she'd kept her eyes down. He reminded her of that night in the office after Daryan's trial – a dark aura suddenly surrounded him and his thunderous expression made her take a deep breath.

"K," Deston said straightening up slowly, his eyes fixed on his friend. He glanced fleetingly at Tessa.

"Was machen Sie?" Klavier hissed menacingly and Ema took a step away from him.

"I'm not doing anything, K. Relax." Deston glanced at Tessa again. "Look it's not what – "

"Klavier," Tessa said quietly looking at him but he raised his good hand and threw her a cold look.

"If you do not mind, Fräulein, I was talking to Deston." He turned his icy gaze back to Deston. "You are not content with one woman?"

"That's not what it – "

"Then what is it?" Klavier asked taking a step forward.

"Klavier, please," Tessa spoke up again.

"Fräulein, I suggest you remain quiet," Klavier ordered. Ema frowned, her anger suddenly kicking in. She wouldn't have let him speak to Tessa like that on a good day but today of all days!

"How can you talk to her like that?" Ema snapped.

Klavier turned his eyes on her and he looked surprised. "You are defending her?"

"Can't you see she's ill?" she demanded.

He snorted. "And yet she is still able to conduct an illicit affair with another woman's boyfriend."

Ema frowned. "What?"

"K, you've got it backwards," Deston jumped in. "There's nothing between me and Tessa. We were only talking."

Klavier didn't respond except to glare at Deston who met his friends gaze calmly. Ema looked between the two and when it didn't look like the staring contest was about to break anytime soon, she spoke up.

"You don't need to worry," she said. "There's nothing between them."

Ema's words seemed to break the spell and, with it, Klavier's temper. He looked at her for a long while and then suddenly the warmth seemed to seep back into his features. He nodded and turned to Tessa saying, "I am sorry."

"It's alright," she smiled.

Ema hadn't been expecting the pang she felt in her heart at the way the two seemed to lock gaze as if they were communicating some private message. She wasn't experienced enough to know whether it was jealousy, anger or something else and really, at this moment in time, she didn't care. All she wanted was for Tessa and Klavier to resolve whatever issues they had and, if that's where their happiness lay, get together. So, taking a deep breath, and with all the courage she could muster, she finally spoke;

"You two should make up now."

Three pairs of eyes seemed to fix on her and she was surprised to see Deston shaking his head warningly at her, Tessa biting her lip and Klavier frowning.

"What?" the prosecutor asked.

"You two can make up now," Ema said gesturing towards Tessa.

"Ema…" Tessa started but Ema was having none of it. Tessa deserved happiness.

"You've been annoyed at each other for whatever reason but it's time to kiss and make up," Ema said fixing Klavier with a stern glare.

"Fräulein," Klavier said, his frown deepening and shaking his head slightly as if he were confused. "I have never met this lady before."

Ema blinked. "You… what?" When Klavier shook his head in bewilderment again, she looked at Deston whose fingers were rubbing tightly shut eyes and she suddenly understood. Of course. She'd been lied to.

Again.

"Excuse me. I have to go," she mumbled before spinning on the spot and marching out of the door. She'd managed to round the corner when she heard footsteps behind her and Deston's voice calling her name. She ignored him, furious and embarrassed and, annoyingly enough, somewhat relieved.

"Ema!" Deston hissed and she stopped. His hand curled around her arm and he turned her around. His expression was worried and apologetic but she knew enough by now to realise that it was fake. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry we didn't tell you the – "

"I want in on your plan," she interrupted abruptly and he was visibly taken aback. Good, she thought. She'd been planning this for a while and now was the perfect time to do it.

"I – what?" Deston said and she was pleased to see that he was somewhat flustered. "Ema, what are you talking about?"

"I know you and Daryan are planning something behind Klavier's back. I heard you. I want in."

Deston's shock registered so plainly on his face that Ema would have laughed were it not for the fact that this was a potentially dangerous situation.

"Ema, what – "

"I hate Klavier Gavin," Ema said simply. Deston's eyes seemed to narrow and he pulled her into narrow, deserted hallway. "Don't try to deny it, Deston. I overheard you and Daryan in the prison."

"And what exactly did you hear?" Deston whispered harshly. Ema smiled inwardly; so the real Deston reveals himself at last.

"Enough," she said shortly. "Think it over. I'm sure you could use someone else for your plan."

"You have no idea what you're talking about," Deston said, glaring at her. "You – "

"Is Tessa in on it?" Ema interrupted.

"You are being ludicrous," Deston said coldly. "There is nothing going on. I suggest you go home and rest. You're clearly being overworked."

"We both know that's an obvious attempt at dismissing what I've heard. I've seen enough," Ema said casually pulling her arm out of his grasp. "Have a talk with your buddy, Daryan. Let me know what you decide." Without saying or hearing another word Ema spun on her heel and walked away, only letting out a deep breath when she was sure he could not hear her do so.

She had done it. She had finally set in motion the plan that had come to her on the night of the Landon murder and she was almost certain that she had rattled Deston. She knew she could get seriously hurt – if he was fraternising with a murderer then he must be capable of it too. She hoped that she had unnerved him enough that Deston would want to keep her nearby or even use her in which case she could find out more.

Or they could simply have her killed.

Just as the last thought had her shivering, a hand once again clamped around her arm and yanked on her. As she was collided with a hard body, Ema thought she had failed in her plan and that she was going to die a disgraced, good-for-nothing detective. However, her hand hit something hard and her attacker hissed in pain. She looked up at the man who had pulled her into another narrow hallway hidden from sight and was surprised to find Klavier grimacing at her.

"What are you doing?" she demanded but he pushed her against the wall hard and she closed her eyes against the discomfort the impact caused her. "Do you mind? You're hurti – "

She was cut off when he suddenly pressed against her as he had the other night but this time there was no tenderness in his movement, almost verging on suffocation. She could feel the entire length of him pushing into every nook and cranny of her body as if he were trying to meld himself with her.

"I am hurting you?" Klavier whispered and she was shaken to hear the coldness was back in his voice tenfold. She wanted to answer him, wanted to tell him to move away but there was nothing coming out of her mouth. Her lips opened and closed but all that passed through them was air. His face was so close to hers that his breath fanned her face and she could smell the mint on it. His hand travelled up her arm and rested on her neck while his lips moved closer to hers, his face lowering to her level. Oh my God, Ema thought frantically. He's going to kiss me. Yet at the last minute, just as their mouths were about to meet, his face abruptly moved to the side and his lips were suddenly on her neck, just brushing against the sensitive skin beneath her jaw and moving across to the hollow at her throat. She closed her eyes as his soft lips left trails of fire sending little shivers of delight rippling through her and a sigh escaped her. He rose a little and brushed his mouth against hers sending a lightening bolt right down the centre of her body. Unthinkingly, she parted her lips to allow him in, to let him taste her. She didn't care about the consequences of tomorrow, she just wanted to feel him, wanted him to take her….

And he pulled back.

Her eyes snapped open as suddenly she felt nothing but the freedom of emptiness around her and saw him backing away with a cold, cruel smile. She blinked momentarily confused. She had never seen Klavier exhibit such a smile in all the time she'd known him and yet there he was, smirking at her.

"Auf wiedersehen, Fräulein," he sneered as he ran his eyes down her body and with a wink he turned around and walked away. Ema didn't move until he was gone and when she did it was with a blank mind. Nothing of her journey registered and she didn't realise what she was doing or where she was going until she found herself locking her apartment door behind her. Slowly, she dropped her bag to the floor and moved to her bedroom. With a hazy mind, she unstrapped her shoes, drew her curtains and finally collapsed on her bed, curling into a ball like she'd been wanting to since going to the hospital. She pulled the blanket tightly around her and closed her eyes. She saw Tessa's ill face, Deston's harsh glare and Klavier's cold sneer. She had known that Klavier would probably never love her but she had hoped that he had felt something for her. After today's revelations, she had almost believed that there was a possibility for something else. And yet, he had just played with her emotions. Why had he done that? Why had he humiliated her? And finally, from beneath closed eyes, tears escaped, journeying down her cheeks to seep into the pillow she used to muffle her soft cries. Yes, she had known there was a very slim, almost non-existent chance that he felt something for her.

It had just never crossed her mind that that something… would be hate.

*On Joy and Sorrow – Khalil Gibran. AMAZING poem.

Was machen Sie – what are you doing?