Disclaimer: I don't own any of these characters!

Chapter 2, Part A

I groaned and rolled over to look at the clock. Shit 6:30 what am I doing awake?

I rolled back over and caught sight of Joe. He looked so damn sexy when he was sleeping. I moulded by body around his and he sub-consciously did the same and I fell back to sleep. The next time I woke up it was 9:00 and Joe had left for work already. I had a funny feeling in my stomach but I decided to leave it until I had eaten breakfast. I slowly made my way downstairs into the kitchen and found a note from Joe.

Morning Cupcake

I had to leave for work early and I might not be home till late sorry.

Don't forget about my mother's surprise birthday party tomorrow night, I'd appreciate it if you could pick up a gift for her. Don't worry she'll love anything you get.

Don't wait up

I love you, Joe

I felt another funny feeling when I read that Joe wouldn't be home tonight. Geez Steph get a grip.

I rummaged through the fridge and found nothing good to eat so I decided I'd stop by the bakery and get some Boston Cremes on the way to the office. I walked back up the stairs and took a shower; then proceeded to try and control my hair. I eventually succeeded to an extent and then put on the minimum amount of make-up for a jersey girl to wear and headed out of the house.

I hopped into my latest car, which was a really cute little blue Corolla. Since my cars tend to get blown up I tried not to get too attached, but I'd had it for a few months now so I was feeling pretty confident.

After I had my Boston Creams I headed to the office where I found, Lula, Connie and to my surprise Ranger.

"Yo Babe"

"Yo yourself, I thought you were in Miami until Tuesday" (It's Thursday)"Everything went smoothly so I came back early"

Just like Ranger keep to the minimum possible

"Cool"

"I gotta go Babe"

"Bye"

That was pretty much how it was with me and Ranger, just short conversations that didn't really mean anything and he never told me what he was doing or where he was going.

I turned my focus back to Connie and Lula who were fanning themselves and staring at the spot where Ranger had stood.

I laughed, "Any new FTAs?""Just one, but I wouldn't recommend it to you"

"Who is it?"

Joe's POV

"Roger Matthews"

"Christ"

"Otherwise known as Ice... Are you alright Joe?" The uniformed cop asked since Joe had sat down in his chair heavily and put his head between his knees.

"Shit... yeah I'll be fine just give me a few minutes on my own"

What on earth has she gotten herself into this time? This isn't good.

Okay I've got to calm down and not panic, it will just make her angry.

Knock, Knock

"Yep"

"Are you feeling better?"

"Yeah... have you got any other information for me?"

"Uh not really" he said slowly knowing full well that this would piss Joe right off. "Except that he's FTA after being picked up for B&E"

"Breaking and entering?... That seems way too simple... Who bonded him?"

"Vinnie's..."

"Oh crap... I've gotta go I'll call you later, thanks for the info Jeremy"

"Sure no problem" he yelled to Joe who was already running down the hall.

Oh for god's sake please don't let Connie give Steph his file! I've got to call her.

Come on pick up, please. "Steph?"

"Hey Joe what's up?"

"Are you still at the office?"

"Yeah, just picking up some new FTA's"

Oh shit "Anyone interesting?"

"Nah there was only one and Connie said it wasn't a good idea for me to take him anyway"

Stay calm... "huh why's that?"

"Something about him being dangerous... doesn't matter anyway, so have you got lunch plans?"

"I'll meet you at Pino's in 20 minutes?"

"Sure see you then"

Ok so at least she hasn't taken on him as a FTA.

20 minutes later Steph's POV

This is turning into a really weird week. Let's think about this for a second. Why would Joe be so interested in what FTAs I'm picking up? One of them is probably involved in one case he's working on, why can't he just tell me straight away?

When I arrived at Pino's Joe was already sitting at the table.

I walked in, gave him a kiss on the cheek and sat down.

"So..." I said "Do you want to tell me why you were so interested in FTAs?"Joe sighed "Steph we have a suspect..."

"Yeah..."

Silence

"Come on Joe... I don't need you to protect me, I can look after myself"

"Yeah I know, but I just wish you'd let me protect you sometimes" He sighed.

I smiled at him. Aww he's so cute.

"So we don't know much but we think the prints match a hitman that goes by the street name Ice."

I gave him a blank stare.

"His real name is Roger Matthews"

Oh shit. I think I'm going to be sick

"Steph, are you alright?"

"No... Connie told me about this guy... He was an acquaintance of one of her cousins."

"Here have some water" Joe put his arms around my shoulders and handed me a glass of water. "Steph... just look at me for a moment. Do you know which cousin of Connie's it was? We may be able to get some information out of him."

I looked at Joe, straight into his chocolate brown eyes. "He..he's dead"

"That's..wh..why Connie said I shouldn't take it. She thinks that Ro..Roger killed her cousin."

A/N Sorry it's not very long this is just part A of chapter 2, but I figured I should give you something. I'm having trouble finding time to write but I'll try and update really soon.

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