Disclaimer: I only own Scarlett Monroe!

Chapter 10: Protect Me

Twenty minutes later, it looked like just another crime scene in front of that gruesome apartment door. Scarlett slumped back against the stairs, trying to keep back from all of the commotion. The stress was getting to her and she felt a migraine coming on. She leaned her cheek against the cool wall next to her, still trying to shake the fear she was feeling.

Shortly after Flack's phone call, Mac and Stella arrived at the scene. Mac went straight to work, expertly processing the scene. The substance on Scarlett's door tested positive for human blood, just like Scarlett had thought it would. As she watched him take samples of the blood, Scarlett felt a little bit better knowing Mac was taking a personal interest in this. He was thorough and experienced and would definitely find any shred of evidence, no matter how small or insignificant it would have seemed to someone else.

Stella walked over to where Scarlett was sitting and gently placed a hand on her shoulder before sitting down next to her. "How are you feeling, kid?" she asked her kindly.

Scarlett shook her head, "Scared? Worried? I don't even know."

"You know, we're going to find out who did this, Scarlett. And, we're going to keep you safe in the meantime."

Scarlett couldn't help but smile at Stella. "Thank you, Stella. I really mean that." She reached over and squeezed the older woman's hand suddenly grateful that she had such an awesome team of people behind her.

"You know, you're probably going to need to stay somewhere for the next few days. This is a crime scene and if the perp knows where you live, we definitely don't want you anywhere near here."

Scarlett nodded, "Yea I might check in to a hotel for a few days."

"You can stay with me for a few days if you'd like. It's always better being with a friend," Stella said smiling kindly.

Scarlett was about to answer her when Flack interrupted, "Stell, she's staying with me." Scarlett knew better than to argue with him, especially now. He'd been walking around from door to door asking her neighbors if they'd seen anything.

Stella stood up and walked over to where Flack was, out of Scarlett's earshot. "You sure about this?"

Don nodded, "I'm sure and it's not a problem. I'm not letting that girl out of my sight," he said, looking over at Scarlett, his blue eyes flashing with a sort of protective fire.

"You're a great friend, Don" Stella said to Flack, giving him a small smile. "Did the neighbors see anything?"

Don smirked, "When does anyone ever see anything?"

"Good point," Stella said with a small smile before walking over to help Mac finish up processing.

Flack went over to Scarlett and sat down next to her. He wrapped an arm around her and she sunk into his embrace. She didn't care if anyone witness their little public display of affection. All she cared about at this moment was figuring out what the hell was going on.

"I'm going to keep you safe, Lett. I promise," Flack said sincerely, pressing his lips to her forehead.

"I know, Donnie," she said and stood up when she heard loud footsteps on the staircase. A few seconds later she heard Lindsay calling her name and she stepped forward to meet her cousin in a tight embrace.

"I'm okay, Linds. I promise I'm okay," Scarlett whispered to Lindsay. "I thought something had happened to you when I saw all of the blood and then I just -," she started to say, but couldn't finish because she started crying.

Mac walked over to the cousins, a triumphant smile on his face. "I've managed to lift a few prints. With any luck, we'll get a match. For the time being you two obviously know you can't stay here. It's best if you both take the rest of the day off. Go get some rest, you guys look like you need it."

Scarlett was about to protest when Lindsay cut in, "We'll see you at the lab tomorrow, Mac."

Scarlett gave her cousin a look. She wanted to be at the lab as soon as possible because she knew there was a lot to be done. She sighed, knowing her cousin was right. There was no use in protesting, Mac had already given them the rest of the day off.

Finally, only Danny, Lindsay, Flack, and Scarlett were left in the apartment. They made their way out of the building silently, each one feeling the exhaustion of the day set in.

"You guys up for some beers?" Danny asked the group, shoving his hands in his pockets.

Scarlett shook her head, "I'm not really in the mood for anything."

"I think I'm just gonna take her back to my place," Flack said to Danny. "If anything, we'll catch up with you guys later."

Scarlett watched Danny and Lindsay walk off, a sly smile forming on her face. "What's funny is those two are finally gonna be spending the night together."

Flack managed a laugh, "I'll make sure to give him crap about it tomorrow." He pulled Scarlett toward him, "Everything's gonna be okay, I promise. Let's go back to my place."

Wordlessly, she nodded. She knew he was right. Besides, there wasn't any other person in the world she'd trusted more with her life and her safety.