Healing Hands

Chapter 6

"Are you sure you don't want to go out and party with us, Raines?" Mirror Man grinned mischievously.

He had decided not to leave the garage as quickly as Sphinx had. Then again, the large British man did have a job outside of what they do and had just gotten off work when they had that meeting. He also thought it weird that Sphinx would leave before Ripley. Usually the man would be at her side or just wait for her. But there was Ripley talking with Sway about God knows what. Mirror shuddered to think what those two have planned or are planning…

"I'm sure man, I just want to go home and relax." Kip replied from beneath the red '66 Ford Mustang GT.

He loves his friends, he did, but lately he's been restless. The partying, the drinking, and the women every night just wasn't working out for him anymore. Yeah, boosting still keeps up his adrenaline, but when he was home it just didn't feel right anymore. He felt almost…alone? He had noticed how much time he's been spending with others just so he wouldn't be home alone. But it was getting old, too; he wanted some peace and quiet.

Hearing quick heels on the cement floor–even over all the damn noise–Kip shook his head to rid of the thoughts as Mirror turned to see Essence walking briskly from the paint area in the back. He whistled low, Kip grunting and shoving from beneath the classic.

"Damn, I seriously wish I can tap that! What the hell is Atley waiting for?"

Glaring at the shorter man, Kip stood and cuffed the back of his head, making Mirror cry out. Serves him right to be speaking about Essence like that around him. Hell, he and Tumbler should know better. Luckily for him the only other ones that have his back is Toby and Freb…but Freb is kind of weird. Shaking his head Kip went to greet the younger woman when he noticed the distress look she wore.

Frowning himself Kip called out to her, wiping his hands on an already dirty rag. Essence skid to a stop, turning to him. He motioned her over, wondering if he can try and make her happy–and to see how the bruises looked. How much he wanted to beat the mechanic that did that to her, Kip was just glad that it was Sphinx that took care of it. Thank God, Sphinx was the best at knowing how to torture a man…aside from Ripley. Actually they were both up there in torturing someone.

With a shake of his head Kip smiled, watching as Essence looked down at her hand holding some crumble papers, her distress look became a glower look as she turned in his direction. Uh-oh, now's he done it, Kip knew as his smile faded. And he knew damn well what he was in trouble for.

Damn.

Seriously, what was the matter with her? She was acting like a damn teenager that found out her crush knew her existence! With a sigh Essence decided to just hide out in the office and until the two detectives leave. That's what she was good at, wasn't it? Hiding away like a coward? God, she needed to stop thinking like her ex wanted her to think! She was free of him, she started a new life! But she really was embarrassed for that hot Detective to have noticed the bruises on her neck and face.

"Essence!"

The woman nearly slipped in her heels as she came to a quick stop from her name being yelled out. Turning she saw Kip and Mirror Man–what was his real name?–standing by a gleaming red '66 Ford Mustang. Kip motioned her over, but all she wanted to do was go to the office and work away. It wasn't really hiding…right? Her left hand fisting Essence looked down to see the stained paperwork. With a glare, she looked towards Kip and beeline towards him.

Thank God he reminded her why she was on the ground floor. Oh, he was going to get a piece of her mind because this was just getting ridiculous! Kip gulped visibly and took a step back when she got in his personal bubble. Good, she wanted him to be as uncomfortable as possible, maybe then he will learn and remember!

"How hard is it to wash your damn hands or even wipe off the grease on a damn rag before writing out the paperwork?" Essence stabbed her finger into his chest after every word. "It takes twice as long to finish my work because of yours and every other man's forgetfulness to wash and wipe your greasy hands!"

Kip bumped back into his toolbox, rubbing furiously at his chest as he stared wide eyes at Essence. Who the hell was this woman and what happened to the sweet, shy and quiet Essence? He wanted her back, not this crazed woman! She thrust his sheet of paperwork into his chest–Kip scrambling to take hold of it–and placed her hands on her hips.

"Next time the paperwork better be clean, Kip. I mean it, there will be consequences!"

At his frantic nod Essence turned around to scan the other mechanics as both Chaosia and Sway laughed, leaning against each other. Her lips twitched but made sure to keep the amusement from her face; perhaps the other mechanics listening will take note and not stain the damn paper anymore and make her life easier. Perhaps her nervousness and the way her emotions whirled in confusion with Detective Rivers is what was helping her act like this?

Whatever the reason she liked being in charged and mean towards these men.

"Where's Donnie?"

A tool dropping was heard right next to Kip's station, Donnie poking his head from the other side of the black '55 Chevrolet Nomad with a sheepish look. Essence raised an eyebrow, holding back her smile; oh, watching a man squirm was truly a great thing to see.

"Look, I'm sorry kid, but you know my wife's pregnant, right? And she gave me a scare yesterday. You know this is the first time my paperwork was stained…" Donnie had the decency to flush at Essence's other raised eyebrow, "More than usual."

Walking towards the older man Essence did smirk when the older man flinched as she held out his stained paperwork. Oh, she does love having some power over men; even if it just means for a little bit. However she softened at the mention of his wife. It was their first child and Donnie was a nervous wreck. Essence smiled sadly at that; he reminded her of Troy whom she had lived with since leaving her ex and pregnant with her treasure.

"How is Sheila doing?" she asked softly.

Donnie sighed with relief as he took the sheet of paper. Damn, even shy, quiet Essence was scary when pissed off. He was just glad that she didn't drill him as she did Kip–must be a woman thing when it comes to other women being pregnant.

"She's great, just anxious to see her feet again."

Essence laughed, brushing her bangs over her left side. Oh, the joys of being pregnant…a better joy would be pregnant and in love. She knew better, yes she did. She now knew the difference between smitten and real love…because love she's never experienced just read them and seen them in other people. Essence mentally shook her head. Man, she needed to get a grip of herself. She did notneed a guy to make her happy. That's why she has her treasure and her brother…and her hyper dog Angel.

"Tell her as soon as she gives birth her feet won't matter anymore. That all she'll ever care and worry about will always be her son."

Donnie smiled but frowned with curiosity. How would Essence know about that? He looked at her closely. There's no indicating that she ever gave birth before–then again she does run in the mornings. They've seen her run by the garage–which was a couple of good miles away from her home–every day before coming into work. Maybe she just knew someone who had given birth?...Or maybe it was another woman thing.

"I'll tell her," Donnie responded just as softly.

With a smile and a nod, Essence quickly moved towards the stairs, mentally kicking herself. Of all the things to say! They can't know about her treasure, for all she knew they might know about her ex. Essence stopped within the office with a frown. Of course they don't know about her ex or else they would have threatened her already. She just needs to calm down, she's just anxious…right?

With a sigh Essence went over to her desk, noting that Atley has left. Feeling dishearten, the young woman straighten her shoulders and went to work. He does have a life outside of the garage, and perhaps a job; so why would he stick around? For her?

Yeah, right.

Atley went into the private office after Essence showed the GRAB Detective Castlebeck to the back–most likely he wanted to speak with either Otto or Memphis or both. He frowned as he stared out of the windows in the private office to see Essence had returned flushed and preoccupied. Then he grinned when he heard her giving Kip a good scolding for whatever reason, laughing at how scared the boy looked. Who knew the small woman would look so fierce scolding–and very attractive to him.

Of course the latter didn't register to Atley as he was too amused by what was happening–and rightfully ignored. He returned back to the chair and stretched out his long legs, drinking the beer he opened. He didn't want to go home–it was starting to get lonely in his apartment. There was no way he was going to bother Sphinx, the man looked dead on his feet at the meeting. Even Ripley knew it since she was still hanging around there and talking with Sway rather having followed her lover back to their home to be with him.

By noon Atley decided to take Essence out for lunch, his treat. Throwing away his fourth empty beer bottle Atley rose to drag Essence out of the office when Ripley pushed him back inside, closing the door to a crack. She had a grin he did not like upon her lips as her eyes shone brightly. God, she was becoming too much like Sphinx! They did not need another one like him.

"Unless you value your privacy I suggest you stay put."

"What?"

Atley frowned confused. What the hell is she talking about? He's known Memphis as long as Otto and even they don't know half the things in his life.

"A detective from GRAB had returned but to speak with Essence."

Atley froze, his look darkening. Not too long after the detectives left did Memphis come up to the private office and told him about Castlebeck and some other detective had come that morning to see where they were two days ago. And since Essence took them to both Otto and Memphis, maybe they think she was part of the boost world, especially since they don't recognize her?

Damn, he hoped that wasn't the case!

Essence was filing away when she heard a knock. Calling the person to enter, she found the folder she was looking for and put in the two documents. Plastering a smile she closed the drawer and turned to the person only to freeze on the spot. Smiling, oh so sexy, and leaning against the door jab was Detective Rivers, his hands in his pockets. Essence gulped at the sight of how muscular he really was and how much she wanted to just run and hide. Consciously she brushed her hair further around her neck to hide the bruises. Why does this man make her so damn nervous?

"Detective, what can I do for you?"

She felt, and saw, his eyes roam over her face before they settled on her neck. Feeling her face begin to turn red she cleared her throat and moved towards her desk, quickly locking the computer. It was a habit she had picked up while living around her concerned–and noisy–older brother; plus she didn't want cliental information out in the open.

"I can show you to Otto if you like. I believe Mr. Rains had left for lunch already." she trailed off at the raised eyebrow he had, "Habit. I lock the computer so no one can see the cliental information."

Mars nods, knowing that that was a good explanation. Plus it seemed that the woman was sincere about keeping other's information private which was good for business…and not just the legal one too.

"I actually came to see you."

Essence looked up at him startled, frowning. "Did you have questions for me?"

Mars smiled, "Just one: Want to go to lunch with me?"

Essence could feel her confusion, as well as a bit of excitement. This man, who was out of her league, was asking her to lunch? She wondered if she had fallen asleep and was having a nice dream about this man. Oh, if only. She bit her lip, glancing towards the garage below before she shrugged; nodding to him once as she smiled to him bashfully. What the hell; she had to eat right? And if all of this really was some kind of dream then she'd wake up to some drool covered paperwork and no damage done.

"Sure, Detective . . . just let me get my things."

Mars couldn't help the grin; looked like luck was on his side for once. Sitting at a table in the mom and pop restaurant, Mars watched as a fascinated Essence continue to look around her. The small building was out of the way from the main streets with a friendly staff service and great homemade food that was quick and fresh (they buy fresh produce every morning), the recipes a family secret and handed down for generations. Inside held many black and white photographs of ancestors dating back to the Wild West and gold rush eras. There were also a few antique items that were both personal and priceless in cabinets or hanging on the wall for all to see.

Mars found the place when he first moved to Long Beach and got lost, having ended up in Palos Verdes. And he remembered the place ever since. Although it was a bit off from where Halliwell's Restorations was, it was very popular all the same. It not only gave off a homey feel to it, but it also gave the sense of privacy without so much effort. Like some of the high-end restaurants in L.A. Mars smiled warmly when Essence sighed almost wistfully, a bit deep in thought.

As soon as they were seated they spoke about themselves and the move to Long Beach. However he did noticed that Essence was vague on some of her answers and felt almost uncomfortable. But he didn't pry any further; wanting to gain her trust and–hopefully she wasn't involve–get a person inside the Halliwell operations.

"This really is a lovely place, and I'm grateful you brought me here." Essence told him softly sincere.

Mars smiled back, leaning back, almost relaxed. "Not a problem, I'm glad to share it with a beautiful woman."

Essence snorted with a roll of his eyes, "You already convinced me to come out for lunch with you, Mars."

The detective smiled wider at the sound of his name coming out of her lips. He liked it. They both thank the waitress for clearing their plates and ordered coffee as they still had time. And Mars really wanted to ask about the garage. He wanted to catch these boost of thieves, especially the infamous Randall 'Memphis' Rains. Through hell and Castlebeck he will get some answers.

"Did your employers really deal with the guy that hit you? Do you know how?"

Essence started at the question, flushing and unconsciously moving her hair in front of her bruises. "All I remember was them saving me; I don't remember much after." she told him truthfully, a bit tense from the question.

Mars frowned but continued to push his way anyways, his mind set already in getting some answers. "Have you ever noticed anything suspicious or weird going on around the garage?"

Essence frowned herself, her back stiff as a board, as her thoughts went to the group being at the garage so early or Atley coming to see Otto in the afternoon or close to locking up. They even stayed there after closing, Otto and/or Chaosia assuring her that they will close up.

"The only thing weird I've seen would be some of the men–and, sometimes, women–coming in to drop off or pick up their car, that's all."

Mars shook his head in disbelief, leaning forward and begin to demand the answers he desperately wanted. "Are you aware of what these people are alleged to be involved in? Surely you can't have any real reason for staying there?"

Why couldn't the woman see the danger she's put herself in? If they ever get the chance to prove what the group has been doing they can raid the garage–arresting everyone inside. Mars didn't want that for the younger woman. He wanted to protect her and make sure she was safe. Angry and annoyed with the detective before her, Essence opens her purse and takes out a few bills, deciding not to wait for the coffee. She slaps them down on the table as she stands up, glaring down at Mars–feeling a bit humiliated that the only reason he asked her to lunch was because he wanted to know about Otto and his friends.

She should have known a man out of her league wouldn't have any interest in her.

"Thanks for lunch, I can get my own ride back to the garage." she leaned over the table to glare even harshly at Mars, "And you're a detective, do your own damn work! But I doubt you'll find anything."

Mars stared wide-eyed at the woman's retreating back, wondering what the hell had just happened. Snapping out of it Mars quickly got up, taking out a few more bills, and ran after the younger woman.

Essence shook her head, as she walked out of the restaurant. What an idiot she was! She stopped and closed her eyes, inhaling deeply. Oh, can her life be any more miserable. Tears started to form behind her closed eyelids. Seriously, what the hell was wrong with her? Essence was used to rejection–she shouldn't even have thought that they could have something more from this one lunch date. If you can even call it a date! She exhaled sharply when she felt a hand go down on her shoulder, knowing exactly who it was that was standing behind her. She really didn't want to make a scene, nor did she want to deal with the man at that moment.

"I'm sorry, Essence. Please, let me take you back to the garage." Mars pleaded quietly, hating that he had pushed his ambition onto this woman that he had taken an interest in so quickly, especially now that they got to know a bit about each other. "I promise I'm not going to push you any further about your employers or the garage, okay?"

Opening her eyes–thankfully, now dried–Essence turns to face him, making him drop his hand back to his side. Although she had shut down on him she was slightly opening up again, if reluctantly. Looks like he had a ways to go to regain her trust again.

"Fine," she whispered just as quietly.

Nodding Mars motioned his car, a 69 Charger that Essence would love to drive. Of course with all that's happened in the last ten minutes or so she couldn't really ask now. They drove in relatively silence back to the garage, Mars glancing at the other woman more often as they got closer. He was getting nervous that Essence might not want to see him again, and he didn't want that to happen. Not that he would, like his ambition to retrieve information what he needs, he will pursue the woman whether she likes it or not.

Mars parks next to her Torino, shutting down the Charger and taking off his seatbelt. He sighs quietly and shifts to look at Essence. She was looking towards the open doors of the garage, her hair still covering her face. He went to reach out but Essence looked back towards him, giving him a strain smile.

"Thank you for lunch," she told him before quickly getting out.

Mars also quickly gets out and moves around his car to take hold Essence's arms. He brings up a hand and moves her hair from her face and neck. Despite the anger he feels Mars looks her over more closely, liking what he was seeing much more. He couldn't help the grin when he sees Essence blush darkly, her distrust for him falling just a bit more.

"How about we try a dinner date, this time?" he asked, surprising the woman. "I really do like you, Essence, and I want to keep on seeing you."

Essence blushed even darker, if that was possible, wondering what she should do. She hasn't told him about Ava–well, actually, she hadn't told anyone about Ava and she was due to come soon, along with her brother. Oh, her brother! How angry he would be if he ever saw the bruises on her face and neck. Hopefully they will leave her skin before he gets there…if the judge ever lets him come with Ava, that is.

Smiling shyly, Essence nods. "Alright, but how about we make it my house? I still don't like to go out with these bruises still visible."

Mars grins as he stares into her eyes, "What bruises?"

Shaking her head, Essence gives him her number and does a bold move she's never done before. She quickly went on her tip toes and kissed the man on the cheek, hurrying back inside. Mars smirks as he watches after her, neither of them noticing the dark look Atley held while Chaosia grinned with triumphant. Serves Atley right for taking so damn long in taking Essence out, and now it looks like someone else has beaten him to the punch and he wasn't going to let her go any time soon. At least from what Chaosia could see, the GRAB detective was as smitten with Essence as she was with Atley. Hopefully this doesn't go downhill and blows up in their faces because this could potentially go from bad to worse in less than a second.