A/N: Hope everyone is enjoying their summer (winter for those below the equator ;-)). Can't believe I'm up to chapter 20 already. This story will go up to chapter 25. Maybe 30. Not sure yet. Thank you so much for reading and taking the time to review. Love hearing from you.

Brittany looked around the dinner table and could feel the tension in the air. She, Quinn and Puck had been living in the penthouse for two weeks. Two weeks of waiting for Artie and his men to make their move. Two weeks of being on edge.

Brittany's Audi was fixed and was now officially registered in her name.

After the car chase, there had been no other similar incidents. No one connected to Quinn had had any trouble of any kind. Brittany had managed to memorize the black SUV's license plate and when they traced it they found it was a rental. The rental company provided the information of the person who rented the SUV but it turned to all be fake.

Jerry was convinced this was connected to Artie. The mayor had been furious. She was on the verge of almost confronting Artie but Jerry had told her she'd be ruining the investigation and instead suggested she assign Artie some harmless project that would keep him busy.

Brittany had been able to make time to lunch with Rachel who had filled her in on what was going on in city hall.

"The mayor assigned Artie the most boring project," Rachel had told her, "He's drowning in paperwork and he always looks mad."

"How about you?" Brittany had asked.

"I'm getting all the good stuff," Rachel had replied, "I'm her number one! It's great."

"Stay away from Artie OK?" Brittany had warned.

"Don't worry I am. Besides with this new projects he's stuck in a room all day by himself," Rachel had said, "I don't now what's going on, but I am avoiding him, just like you said."

Brittany knew that the chances of Artie going after Rachel weren't that high, but she still worried. After the car chase no one was completely safe.

They had thought that Artie would make his move a couple of days after they had all officially moved in. But he hadn't. It was just a waiting game now and Artie was winning.

Brittany had hoped this would be over soon after they moved in to the penthouse because she really wanted to spend more time with Santana.

Brittany thought back to that day in her bedroom with Santana and wished nothing more than to go back there. It had been the first and only time they had been together. With Brittany having to stay at the penthouse every night and Santana swamped with investigating Artie's background, there just wasn't enough time. With the penthouse under constant surveillance, Brittany knew Santana couldn't stay over.

When Santana had time off, Brittany didn't and vice versa. But they did call each other. Every night.

"Fuck!" Santana had cursed one night over the phone, "I swear Britt, I think the department is conspiring to keep us apart!"

Everyone was tired of waiting.

Even Sugar was getting impatient. Somehow she had found out all about Artie.

"Who the fuck is your source?" Santana had asked her one day over coffee.

"I won't tell you so just let it go!" Sugar had said, "Look I'm already sitting on the biggest story this city has seen in ages because I don't want to put Quinn or her mom's life in danger."

"We know," Brittany had said, "You'll get your story but not yet."

Brittany wished these robbers would just strike already. She looked around the dinner table once again.

"I can't take this anymore," Quinn said dropping her fork on her plate, "When is Artie going to do this?"

"I really thought he'd strike by now," Puck said, "It's hard just waiting when we can just confront the bastard."

"We need more evidence," Brittany reminded, "It'll happen soon. Quinn's been treating Artie like shit this whole time. He's bound to snap soon."

"It's the easiest part," Quinn said, "I can tell he wants to tell me to fuck off, even hit me. He definitely hates me."

In the almost three weeks they had discovered the assistant's plan, the department had found quite a bit of information on Artie. Mostly thanks to Santana. Apparently his family had worked for the Fabrays a long time ago, when he was a kid in London. Artie Abrams's family had been fired amid accusations of stealing.

"Guess it's a family trait," Judy had said.

The Abrams' had been pretty much blacklisted throughout all of London's high society and couldn't get a job anywhere. The family had gone into debt and forced to move out of the country.

"So he's trying to kill me because we fired his family?" Quinn had asked, incredulous, "That's insane!"

"I think it's more than that," Santana told them, "I think someone else is calling the shots. They just managed to get Artie to work for them because of his hatred for your family. I really think in the end it's about getting your mom. Not you. You may just be collateral damage."

Quinn wanted to know who.

"I'm working on that," Santana had said.

But still nothing.

"We have to be patient," Brittany told Quinn.

"Maybe he's waiting for me to be alone in the house," Quinn said, "This whole time you two have been staying in with me. Maybe I need to be alone."

"No way," Puck said, "We're not going anywhere."

"I won't be alone," Quinn said, "There are cameras everywhere and the control room is a few doors down," Quinn said.

"She's right," Brittany admitted, reluctantly, "Maybe the three of us in here every night is scaring them off."

"How about with just two of us here," Quinn suggested, "One of you could stay in the control room, you know, make it seem like you stayed over at a friend's place."

"I'll do it," Puck said, "I wouldn't be able to sleep anyway. I'll stay in the control room. I'll pretend to leave with a suitcase or something in case they are watching the entrance to the building. Then I'll just sneak back in."

"Let's try that tomorrow then," Brittany said.

They finished dinner and watched a movie. At around 11, Brittany started yawning.

"Mmm...OK," Brittany said, "I'm off to bed. Keep an eye out."

"Good night," Puck and Quinn said.

Brittany looked up in the direction of the small hidden camera in the ceiling fan and winked. She knew officers were watching their every move.

She went to her room and let out a breath. At least in here she knew she had privacy. She went to her bed and reached for the phone.

After two rings, there was an answer.

"Perfect timing," Santana said on the other end of the line, "I just got into bed."

"Hi sweetie," Brittany said, "How was your shift?"

"Alright," Santana said, "It did seem like everyone was drunk early tonight."

"It is the weekend," Brittany said with a smile, "People are out partying."

"We should be out partying," Santana said, getting comfortable in her bed.

"I thought we had the homebody thing in common," Brittany said, "What's this party talk."

"I meant partying in my house or your bedroom," Santana teased.

"I like that kind of party," Brittany said.

"I miss you," Santana said, her voice full of meaning.

"I miss you too," Brittany said.

Even though they had not seen each other as much as they wanted, they both felt like their bond had gotten stronger. Especially since that day in Brittany's room.

"Any movement on the penthouse?" Santana asked.

"No, nothing," Brittany said, "I wish they'd just do this already."

"Me too," Santana said, "I mean, I don't want any harm to come to Quinn or you or Puck, but I want my girlfriend back."

"Girlfriend?" Brittany asked, her whole body seeming to tingle at the sound of that word.

"Well, you are my girlfriend, right?" Santana asked, a bit panicked.

"Yes I am," Brittany assured, "That was the first time you've called me that. It's awesome."

"Yeah it is!" Santana said, smiling, "I don't want to scare you off, and this is going to sound so cliche..."

"What?"

"I've never felt such strong feeling for someone, not like I have for you," Santana admitted, "And definitely never this fast."

"I'm not scared off," Brittany said, enjoying the warm feeling that had suddenly spread through her body.

"No?"

"No," Brittany said, "I feel the same way. I know we've only known each other for a like less than two months, and have only been dating.. what? Two weeks?"

"Sounds about right," Santana said, "But you know what they say, quality over quantity."

"Right," Brittany said laughing, "But this feels right."

"I know," Santana said, "I know. Maybe we should slow it down. Go out on a second date at least."

"Oh that second date," Brittany said, "Seems like it will never happen."

"It will," Santana assured, "And you promised to stay a couple of day at my place too."

"I did," Brittany said, "To party."

Santana laughed, "You can even bring Lord Tubbington."

"Really?"

"Yeah, I've been dying to meet him," Santana said, "Which is pretty strange, wanting to meet a cat. If Kurt didn't live in the fucking Valley, I'd go visit Tubbs on my own. It's weird, right?"

"Not at all," Brittany said, excitement in her voice, "I'll bring him to your place. I've told him all about you and he can't wait to meet you too."

"Ugh, why are you so adorable?"

"It's easy," Brittany said, "I do miss him. I'm afraid he's going to think Kurt is his new dad or something."

"He won't," Santana said, "And honestly, when you bring Tubbs to that fancy penthouse he's going to forget all about Kurt's messy dingy apartment."

"You're the best," Brittany said, "Thanks for reassuring me."

"I'm just telling truths here," Santana said, "And speaking of Tubbs, I just realized you haven't even shown me a picture of him."

Brittany laughed. She loved that Santana already had a nickname for Lord Tubbington.

"Blame this case," Brittany said, "Hold on. Let me send you a video of him from last Christmas when Quinn got him a tie for his present."

Santana chuckled and shook her head. She heard silence on the other end, no doubt Brittany was searching for the video. Santana couldn't believe how much Brittany had changed her. Not to long ago she would be the first one to mock anyone who dotted too much on their pet. She couldn't even count the number of people she had made fun of for carrying their dog in a stroller or purse.

But she knew that if Brittany told her she put her cat in a stroller and took him out to the park, she'd say it was cute and ask to join her.

Maybe Mercedes was right. Maybe she was a little whipped. Just a little.

"OK I sent it," Brittany said, "Check your notifications."

"Hold on Britt," Santana said as she checked her phone.

She saw the video notification and clicked on it.

"Holy shit!"

"What?" Brittany asked, "Is something wrong with the video?"

Santana was at a loss for words. On her screen she saw the biggest cat she had ever seen. And he was wearing a little red and green stripped tie. The cat, sitting on a red couch, looked pissed.

"Umm," Santana began,"Wow Britt, ummm, he's so fat."

"Big boned!" Brittany corrected, "I'm pretty sure he has a thyroid problem."

Santana wondered if cats even had a thyroid. The way Brittany went on and on about her cat, Santana was expecting him to be a cute fluffy kitten. Instead he was a beast.

"He's cute," Santana said.

Santa was telling Brittany the truth. Tubbs looked like he would kill you if he could, but he there was something cute about him.

"He's cuter in person," Brittany said.

"I'm sure he is," Santana said as she closed out the video.

"You'll love him," Brittany said, "OK. I'm going to let you rest. You must be tired."

"I wish you were here next to me," Santana said, surprising herself at how open she was with Brittany.

"I will be soon," Brittany said.

Both women hung up, wishing for each other.

###

Santana pushed the elevator button to go up and waited. She was on her way up to visit Sam and surprise him with an invitation to lunch. She had been so busy with the Artie Abrams case she hadn't had any time to see him. She hadn't had much time to see any of her friends. Santana really hated this guy. Her hatred boiled over when he thought of how he had put Brittany's life in danger.

Brittany.

Every time she thought about that day the SUV had almost chased her off the road it took all her might to to march into the mayor's office and grab that little creep by the balls and throw him out a window.

Santana pushed the elevator button again.

"Why do people do that?" came a voice from behind Santana.

She turned around and when she saw who it was, clenched her fist.

"I do it as well," Artie said, "But the light is on so you know the lift is on its way."

Artie stood holding a pile of manila folders at least a foot tall.

"Lift?" Santana asked, picking up on his slip.

"Uh, elevator," Artie corrected, "I've been watching a lot of BBC America lately. It's a great channel. You watch?"

"Not really," Santana said, narrowing her eyes.

BBC America my ass, Santana thought.

Now that Santana knew the truth about Artie, she began to notice the little inflections in the way he said some words. It wasn't much, his American accent was very good, she noticed.

"You're Santana Lopez right?" Artie asked, "I've met you before and I saw you at the mayor's dinner."

"That's me," Santana said, forcing a smile, "You are Artie Abrams, assistant to the mayor."

"That's me," Artie said with a smug smile.

A ping announced the arrival of the elevator.

Santana stepped in, followed by Artie. She pressed the button to the mayor's floor.

"Cool, we're going to the same floor," Artie said.

Santana forced another smile as the elevator door closed.

"Any news on the robberies," Artie asked in such a casual way that it surprised Santana.

"Uh, no" she lied, "No leads really. We're kind of at a dead end."

"Is that right?" Artie asked sounding a little smug.

"Yeah," Santana continued, "We're kind of stuck on this and I don't see us solving this any time soon. But hey, keep that to yourself OK? Can't have the news we're at a loss spreading around the city."

"Don't worry about me," Artie said, smiling, "I'll keep it to myself."

Santana just nodded.

The elevator came to a stop and the doors opened.

"Ladies first," Artie said, adjusting his pile of folders in his hands.

"Thanks," Santana said stepping out.

"Are you here to see the mayor or Sam?" Artie asked.

"Sam," Santana said.

"Ah well, then this is where we part ways," Artie said, "Have a great afternoon. And good luck with that case. I'm sure you'll catch a a break sooner or later."

"Hope so," Santana forced herself to say.

Artie smiled and turned to the left. Santana turned to the right.

"Fucking asshole," Santana angrily whispered.

She managed to get to Sam's office without turning around and running after Artie to punch him in the face.

"Hey Santana," Finn said, "Nice to see you here."

"Hey Finn," Santana greeted Sam's assistant sitting behind his desk.

"You OK?" Finn asked, "You look really…tense."

Santana took a calming breath. "I'm fine, just a bit stressed."

"I hear ya," Finn said, "These robberies huh?"

"Yeah."

"Then there's the whole Artie thing," Finn said softly.

Santana blinked in surprise, "What? How the fuck do you know about that?"

"Oh, uh," Finn stammered, "It's just that…"

"'Just that' what?" Santana demanded.

"It's hard not to hear things, piece things together when you're Sam's assistant," Finn explained, nervously.

"How much do you know?" Santana asked placing both hand on the desk, glaring at the assistant.

"Not..not a lot," Finn explained, "Just that he's a possible suspect. The weird way the mayor, Rachel and Sam have been acting towards him. And some detective had me go to the satiation for questing and he asked me about Artie."

Santana looked at the blubbering giant and slowly stood up straight. He seemed to be telling the truth. Santana knew Jerry had called him in for questioning a few days ago since he interacted with Artie on a regular biases as well.

"And did Detective Fox tell you to not talk about what went on in questioning?" Santana asked.

"He did," Finn said, "And I haven't said anything. But you're on the case, I figured I could mention it to you."

"Just," Santana began, "Just don't mention him or the case in this office. Got it? Forget about it unless an officer who is working the case asks, OK?

"Yeah, sure," Finn said nodding, "No more mentioning it."

For it being an undercover operation a lot of people seemed to know about it, Santana thought.

"Good," Santana said, "Anyway, is Sam in?"

"Uh no," Finn said, "He had a lunch meeting."

"Shit," Santana said.

She knew she should have called but this really was a last minute decision.

"Did you call and make an appointment?" Finn asked, "I don't see you on his schedule."

"No, no. I was just stopping by," Santana said, "It's fine. Tell him I dropped by and that I'll see him soon."

"OK, will do."

Santana turned to leave and head back to the elevator. Although she hadn't seen Sam, the trip hadn't been a total waste. She had managed to hopefully convince Artie that the police were nowhere near close to catching him. That had to have increased his confidence.

Santana thought that the reason Artie had yet to put a move on the penthouse after two weeks was because he wanted the trail to cool. He must have gotten scared after the car chase where one of his men confused Brittany for Quinn. And now that he had confirmation from an officer on the case that there were no leads, Santana hoped that would push him to put his plan into motion.

Santana decided to head straight to the station to talk to Jerry.

###

Santana had gone straight to the station to talk to Jerry to tell him about her encounter with Artie.

She was sure that after their little talk in the elevator, Artie would try something tonight. But Jerry wasn't convinced. He thought the opposite and told Santana that he most likely would wait a little longer.

After a few moments of discussion, Santana had convinced him to let her do some surveillance on the penthouse tonight. Not only would she see if she was right about Artie, but she would get a chance to see Brittany. Even if only through a TV screen.

On her way out of the station she ran into Tina.

Tina had been chosen to be on the task force and had clocked in a few nights watching the penthouse. Tina was actually scheduled to pull a shift at the penthouse tonight.

"I have good news for you," Santana told her with a big smile.

"Are you finally returning my tent you borrowed almost six months ago?" Tina asked, her hands on her hips.

"Oh! Umm," Santana said suddenly remembering Tina's tent, "I'll get that to you. It's in my closet."

"Mike and I want to go camping next month," Tina said, "I need it back!"

"Alright, alright," Santana said, "I'll get it to you soon. But about this good news."

"What?"

"You're off tonight!" Santana said happily.

"What?"

"I'm taking your shift at the penthouse," Santana explained, "I had a run in with Artie."

"What?" Tina asked surprised.

Santana went on to explain what happened.

"So you think he'll try something tonight?"

"Maybe, I'm not sure," Santana said, "But I want to be there tonight. And I want to see Brittany. This fucking case has kept us so busy I hardly get to see my girlfriend."

Santana saw Tina smile.

"What?" Santana asked.

"I love that you're so happy," Tina said beaming, "I love this Santana."

"Oh shut up," Santana said rolling her eyes. But she couldn't stop the smile that formed on her face.

"We need to double date soon," Tina suggested.

"That sounds like torture," Santana said.

"It'll be fun," Tina insisted, "Anyway, if you say no, I'll just ask Brittany and I know she'll say yes."

"Fine, fine," Santana said, "Double date."

"Yay!"

"Anyway as I was saying," Santana said, "You and Mike have a date night or whatever and I'll take your shift."

"Are you taking this shift cause you think Artie will really try something or to see Brittany."

"Mostly to see Brittany," Santana admitted, "Even if only through a surveillance camera."

"Isn't that a bit stalkery?" Tina asked.

"Maybe a little," Santana admitted, "But it's also work."

"Well, I'm not going to turn down a night off," Tina said, "But you call me if anything happens."

"I will," Santana said.

After they parted ways, Santana considered calling Brittany and telling her she'd be pulling penthouse duty. She decided to surprise her girlfriend instead.

###

Santana greeted the building attendant at the entrance who was also an undercover cop. She went straight to the elevators and up to the top floor.

Santana hadn't told Brittany she would be on the surveillance team tonight for fear that she, like Tina, would think it was a bit stalkerish. But she did have have the surveillance officers on day duty tell Puck, Quinn and Brittany about her encounter with Artie and to be extra cautious tonight.

Santana arrived at the top floor and stepped out. There were two penthouses on the floor, and the other was currently unoccupied as the owners were on a long trip to Europe. Quinn had arranged for the owners to let the LAPD use their place for surveillance.

As Santana stepped out of the elevator she saw the main reason for her taking this shift. She smiled.

Brittany stepped out of her penthouse with a small laundry basket. The floor had it's own laundry room down the hall and she figured that she'd get some done while waiting for another long night.

As she did, she spotted Santana walking towards here.

"Sant…"

"Hi," Santana interrupted, "I'm thinking of buying here. How's the neighborhood."

Brittany tilted her head to the side and smiled, "Umm, it's good."

"Laundry?" Santana asked, pointing to the basket.

"Yup," Brittany said, her smile bigger.

"I'd love to see where the laundry room is."

"I'd be happy to show you," Brittany said as she walked past Santana.

Santana followed Brittany down a short corridor then into a room. Brittany turned on the lights to reveal about five machines.

Santana closed the door and leaned against it.

"What was that about?" Brittany asked placing the basket on one of the machines.

"Hey, you never know who's watching," Santana said, walking closer, "There are cameras everywhere."

"How do you know there aren't cameras in here?" Brittany asked.

"Because it's not in the paperwork," Santana said, reaching Brittany and putting her hand on Brittany's hips.

"You checking up on me?" Brittany said, wrapping her arms around Santana's neck.

"I'm you're watchful eyes for the night," Santana said.

She leaned in and placed a kiss on Brittany's lips. Soft and sweet.

"You're on surveillance tonight?" Brittany asked, returning the kiss. She felt like it been forever since she'd last kissed Santana.

"Mmm..hmm," Santana said as she moved her mouth to Brittany's neck, "I figured this was the only way to get to see you."

Santana lightly ran her tongue up Brittany's neck.

"That's, uh," Brittany began, enjoying the feel of Santana's lips and tongue, "A bit creepy."

"Just a little," Santana said, moving up and capturing Brittany's lips into a long, deep kiss.

Brittany melted into Santana, relishing the taste of her. That tingling feeling she felt whenever she was close Santana was back in full force. Brittany moved her right hand to Santana's cheek while she let out a small moan.

Santana was so glad she had taken this shift. She tightened her grip on Brittany's hips and pulled her closer. She loved how Brittany tasted and have been craving for a taste far too long.

Brittany slowly pulled back, giving Santana's lower lip one last nibble before breaking their kiss.

"Are you really here for a shift?" Brittany asked.

"Yes," Santana said, slowly opening her eyes.

"I'm glad," Brittany said going in for another kiss.

Santana gladly closed her eyes again and let Brittany take control. She felt her girlfriend's sweet tongue looking her hers. Santana was happy to oblige.

"Mmmm," Brittany moaned.

Santana felt Brittany hand cup her right breast.

"Careful," Santana said, her breathing a bit haggard, "We are still on the clock."

"I miss you boobs," Brittany said, squeezing again.

Santana loved that, "Just my boobs?" Santana asked with a smirk.

Brittany looked into Santana's eyes,"And your abs."

Santana laughed.

"But mostly you," Brittany said seriously, "I miss being with you, talking to you in person."

"Me too, Britt," Santana said softly, "Me too."

"I want to take you back to my room and lock us in there," Brittany said.

"Yes please," Santana said, leaning in to kiss Brittany again.

They kissed and held each other for what seemed like forever.

"Wait," Brittany said, pulling back, "We have to stop."

"Yes we do," Santana said, breathless.

"Once this is all over, I'm having my way with you," Brittany teased.

"God, I can't wait," Santana said, "OK, I'll go. I have to check in. Did you read my briefing?"

"Yeah," Brittany said, "We're all ready. Just in case."

"Good," Santana said, "I guess I'll be seeing you."

"I'd give you a show for the camera if it weren't being recorded," Brittany said.

"Damn," Santana said softly, as she turned to leave.

Brittany watched Santana leave and hated it. She was serious about taking Santana in her room and locking them in there.

Brittany sighed. She turned to the machines and tried to distract herself from thinking about Santana by doing her laundry.

She really hoped Santana was right and tonight was the night Artie would strike. She just wanted this to be over.

-tbc-