Sam stepped into her new office with excitement and a little fear in her heart. This was hers. The first step in gaining her independence on the right side of the law. She had found someone willing to partner with her who who subsidize her and help her acquire the experience she needed for full censurer as a PI. She swirled around in her chair and giggled. Something very UN-Sam McCall like. The door suddenly opened.

Her mouth flew open in surprise.

"Um yes, Can I help you she stammered , caught unaware by the intrusion"

"First rule of a PI is to always be aware of your surroundings".

" Did you need anything Mr.....?

" My name is Gabriel Daniels." I am your new partner.

"How do you know who I am ? Sam asked.

" I make it my business to know everything about the people I work with Samantha".

Sam resisted the urge to roll her eyes. "That's nice" she replied. "You can call me Sam. It is what everyone else calls me. ''

"Thanks, but I like Samantha just fine."

"Sam was immediately annoyed and instantly regretting taking on a partner, especially this one

Well Mr. Daniels, Your desk is over there. Make yourself at home."

"Call me Gabriel, Mr. Daniels in my father, he grinned."

"Very well Gabriel make yourself at home. I will brief you on the case that just came in. The client Raina Daniels came in and she is asking us to help in the disappearance of her daughter."

"How old is she? "

"She will be 7 next week."

"Are the police involved? How long has she been missing?"

"She has been missing since was three, the police have her in the missing files case but have in all essence given up finding her alive. The mother has always maintained her ex-husband had something to do with the disappearance."

"What leads her to believe this?"

"He is powerful, Comes from a rich family and has high connections in society. He moved from the area, right after the little girl went missing. Police interviewed and watched him and found nothing."

"So what makes you believe that this case is worth taking on the thought of a mother's suspicion?"

Sam sighed. "The mother received a call telling her that her daughter was alive and well and living with the father. Given the history of the woman and law enforcement you can imagine how well that went over."

"So what is motivating you to help?"

"Does it matter? I want to help. If she alive, then a mother should be wither daughter, with her child. That is too precious of a bond to severe Sam ,said fiercely."

"You seem extremely passionate about it. Is it the loss of your little girl that prompts this?"

Sam felt something slam into her chest and was immediately angry. "Oh so , I guess you REALLY did do your homework huh? Did you do it better than the last people who said they looked into my sordid and lascivious past? Did you get all the nasty, horrible details? Did your squirm when you found out your partner was a convicted whore? That she married men and skipped town with their money? That she sleeps with her family members husbands and any other man that she sees available?"Sam could feel herself on the verge on losing what little control she had left. She watched him as he stared at her from those cold gray eyes that were essentially emotionless. "Well?" She demanded!

"Are you finished with your tantrum?" he asked softly.

Sam was stunned momentarily into silence. A rare thing for her.

"Good. Yes Samantha , I know all about your past. Every little detail. Yet none of it matters , we are partners and at the end of the day how you do this job is all that matters and those are the skills I am counting on. Oh and a little advice."

"I don't need your advice." she told him defensively.

"Well take it anyway. Not everything is an attack. Not everyone wants to hurt you. Sometimes a question is just a question. He stood up and headed for the door .I am going to go get lunch, do you want anything ?"

No!

As he walked out the door, he turned.

"Samantha?"

Sam turned and looked at him still fuming. "What?"

"You are quite beautiful when you are angry" , he laughed and walked out.

Sam sat there and her mood of happiness had vanished to be replaced by a feeling of unease. "He is such an ass, she fumed."

Who is? Maxi said as she entered the office. Looking around she said NICE!!!

"My new partner"Sam sighed.

"Ohhh, Is he the sexy hunk that just walked out?!"

"I don't find anything remotely sexy about him"

Then you weren't looking , he oozes it. Anyway it is time you got back in the game. Just give him a ride just to get the juices flowing again

"MAXI! " Good grief! I am not interested in that. I have sworn off men and all that they entail. My heart will not be getting out of it's casing for a very long time. It is tucked away safely . Besides I don't believe in love. It is just something people say to each other because they are sleeping together."

"Maxi looked at her friend and felt a hint of sadness." She didn't know what to say. It pained her to hear her speak of love with such a defeated and negative attitude." She wanted her to find what she had with Cooper.

"Sam noticed Maxi's quietness. Oh don't get maudlin she laughed. I am quite happy. This is the way I should have always been. It never turns out well when I let emotions rule, so I just don't anymore."

"Sam, one day I hope you will eat those words because I want to you to fall in love, deeply with a man that will heal all those doubts and fears you have about your past. Show you that you can move past the mistakes you made and still find unconditional love. I want that for you because you are my best friend and no one deserves it more."

Sam looked at Maxi. "Thank you Maxi for being my friend and wanting that for me." I appreciate your friendship more than you know."

Awe, "Give me a hug". Sam laughed, and they hugged." I will see you later "Maxi said.

Sam sat back down and stared into space. "A tiny part of her heart still wished for what Maxi spoke of, but she ruthlessly shut it down". She wasn't meant for love. She had been shown this time and time again. "I will never open my heart to anyone else to stomp on" she murmured to herself. My life is better this way"she said trying to convince herself as she felt moisture gather at the corners of her eyes.