Chapter 2

Casey stood in the doorway of Michaela's bedroom, watching her hastily toss a few items of clothing into a worn duffel bag.

"I don't like it," he said quietly, eyeing the disturbingly real looking bruises on Michaela's upper arms.

"I know, we've never had a case where you couldn't be with me. It's not like you won't be there at all, though. The garage is just a few minutes walk from the main house."

"A lot can happen in a few minutes, though." Casey looked like he might go on, but didn't. Instead, he just watched her intently.

Michaela's heart sped up. She knew Casey's sensors would pick up on it, but she couldn't control her reactions to him.

For the past year and a half, ever since they had first met, she had fought the feelings. She was scared to death of how it might change their partnership, whether he felt the same way or not. Then there was the thought of how her mom might react.

"I know you read Mrs. Drakon's statement. How can one person do those things to another? Isn't he bound by vows to love and cherish her?" A look of confused sadness crossed Casey's face.

"In his own twisted way, he may love her, but everything he's done to her is about power and control, not love." Michaela's heart ached for Casey. "Love is supposed to be a wonderful feeling for both participants." Realizing she was treading perilously close to thin ice, she whirled around and tossed a few more items roughly into her duffle bag.

Suddenly Casey's arms were around her. His hands slid down her arms to her hands, stilling them.

He gently turned her around, trapping her hands against his chest.

Michaela hesitantly looked up into Casey's face, a low moan escaping her lips when she saw the look of hunger in his eyes.

The look was replaced by concern, as he stepped back. "What's wrong? Am I hurting you?"

"No! Never!" Michaela cried out in near anguish that he'd pulled away.

Just then, Bonnie walked into the open doorway.

"Hey! Jason was about to call out a search party for you two. He was wondering..." her voice trailed off as she registered the looks on Michaela's and Casey's faces.

Blushing furiously, Michaela spun around, hastily zipped up the duffel, and swung it over her shoulder.

"Did I miss something?" Bonnie asked.

"No!" both Michaela and Casey responded a little too quickly.

"Tell Jason we're on our way out the door right now," Michaela went on.