Adam looked up from where his head was resting on his arms, to see Mac looking down at him. Blinking repeatedly, Adam saw Mac smirk.

"What time is it?" Adam asked quietly.

"It's 7am," Mac concealed a chuckle when Adam's eyes widened. "Have you been here all night?" Adam nodded slowly.

"I was waiting for results," Adam trailed off to look at his computer screen. Results were flashing at him and Adam quickly stood up to retrieve it. With a smile that covered the tiredness in his eyes Adam turned to Mac.

"I believe we have a suspect," Adam beamed, standing aside to reveal the results. Mac looked at the screen before turning to Adam with a genuine smile.

"I'll call Flack." Adam watched Mac leave in a rush. Adam's stomach fluttered as he watched the determination in Mac's stride. Taking a deep breath, Adam turned back to the computer and printed the results.

(~*~)

Mac walked out of the interrogation room, frustration clear on his face. All the LEOs got out of his way; having heard what happened inside the room. Flack followed on Mac's heels, a similar scowl in place.

"I don't get it Mac," Don spoke eventually. "How can he not be our guy? I was sure we had him."

"So was I," Mac answered, stopping to look at Flack. The weariness in Mac's eyes was clear and Don placed a hand on his friend's shoulder.

"We'll get the guy," Flack assured, although he wasn't sure himself. "There's gotta be more evidence, right?" Mac nodded slowly. Then a thought dawned on him. Shrugging out from under Don's hand, Mac gave a small smile.

"I think I may have an idea." Without another word Mac was gone, leaving Flack to look on with confusion.

(~*~)

Adam felt like the whole lab was looking as he made his way through the corridors. He had been called into Mac's office; his boss had a determined look on his face when he'd spoken. It worried Adam and thrilled him at the same time. Stepping into the office, Adam closed the door behind him.

"Mac?" Mac turned at the sound of Adam's timid voice.

"What do you know about Club Paradise?" Mac was getting straight to the point, and Adam surmised the interrogation didn't go the way he wanted.

"The club is owned by an anonymous backer. It was established in 1995…"

"No," Mac corrected, leaning against his desk as Adam fidgeted in front of him. "Tell me what you know about Club Paradise, from when you were a member." Adam flushed bright red and he turned a little away from his boss.

"How do you know about that?" Adam's voice was hushed, and Mac felt a little dirty for going behind his back.

"The bar manager said he knew you." Adam nodded jerkily before turning back to Mac. The older man was looking expectantly at him and Adam knew he couldn't deny Mac his request.

"I used to go there… with a boyfriend," Adam was expecting Mac to react to this but his face remained expressionless. Adam continued carefully. "The place caters mostly to couples, and submissive safety is paramount. If you're single, you have to be a sub to get in alone. The only way single dominants get in, is if they come with a couple who can vouch for them, or on the rare occasion they were members with a partner, but the relationship ended." Mac was nodding along encouragingly and Adam sat down before continuing. He relaxed a little when he realised Mac wouldn't judge him for what he was saying.

"Regular members are known by Rick, and he knows everybody's safe word. He'll make the rounds a few times an hour, and if he hears anyone's safe word, he makes sure things are stopped right then."

"How do you identify if someone is single?"

"Collars," Adam offered. "Or markings of any kind. Some subs will be leashed; some doms like to leave the leash hanging to show how good their subs are. I've met a few couples who have matching tattoos, but for public places like the Club there's usually some physical symbol; like a necklace or bracelet." Mac nodded; he didn't know what to ask next. There were so many questions running through his mind, but most of them were too personal to Adam.

"You said safety is paramount?" Adam nodded in confirmation. "Do you think Rick would be receptive to having an undercover team put in place at the club?" Mac was serious as he spoke but Adam looked at him incredulously. Covering quickly, Adam ran the idea through his mind.

"Who did you have in mind?" Adam asked, elaborating before Mac could ask. "The people who attend the Club are very private, and they'll be able to tell if anyone is out of place."

"To be honest, I hadn't thought about that yet," Mac answered; his wry smile putting Adam at ease for a moment. "I'll call a meeting and see who's willing to do this."

"I'll do it." The words were out before Adam could think of what he was offering. Mac looked at him carefully, seemingly waiting for Adam to change his mind.

"Rick knows me," Adam spoke slowly; thinking it through as he talked. "He trusts me. If I go in he's likely to be a lot more cooperative." Mac searched Adam's face and the younger man forced himself not to gulp. Adam met Mac's gaze steadily. He wanted to help the case and if the thought of kneeling at Mac's feet made his stomach flip, that was nobody's business but his own. After what felt like an age, Mac nodded.

"Alright, Adam. But you're not going in alone. Call Rick and tell him you and I will be staking out the club from tomorrow night." Adam nodded, ignoring the pounding in his chest as he pulled out his phone and dialled the familiar number.