◦ ◦ Cayden's POV ◦ ◦

Eric is SciencePrince! OMIGOD, how is that possible?! What's the chance?! I have to stop thinking about it. Then this voice kicked in, remember all those things you told SciencePrince, about Eric. I tried to remember but nothing was coming to me… So I cheated and check my email and looked under the 'Sent' section and roamed through the emails.

One of them :

'Dear SciencePrince,

That's great, love that you thought of me *big smile*.Wow, already a cop before me. Not surpsised, you seem so smart, you're passion for justice is almost as great as mine *giggles*...

-NYGradGirl'

And

'Oh SciencePrince,

If you've only heard the hazards I've heard about the internet and the people you meet via internet. I don't want to end up like any of them. I'm not saying your some stalker, serial murderer but I just can't take any chances. Whether you will kill me, or someone who's stalking you will kill me, or someone who is watching you will kill me. There are millions of possibilities and they don't end well. I'm sorry, I really wish I could. I would love to know the you I read messages from all the time, you seem so sweet and passionate about what you love but I am one of those girls that over do anything that involves the possibility of death...'

OMIGOD, I called him a potential serial killer. I am such a loser, but yesterday he didn't seem to think of me as a loser... I saw him glance at me in my yellow bikini quite a few times at the beach. Not to mention he really wanted me in the parking lot against the palm tree. Maybe I'm not too bad. I decided to forget about what I told Eric through email, it doesn't matter anymore. He evidently knew how I felt and there's nothing I can do about it.

I started thinking about yesterday, in the parking lot. I really played him; I had him in the palm of my hand. I knew how he felt, too. I wanted to hang out with him some more, but figured I would make it look like I was hard to get. Plus, he was working his first day with the Miami Dive Team and he was really excited. I got a call at like, four in the morning, him telling me all about what he thinks he's going to do at work and how well he was prepared. Fifteen minutes later he hung up and I was almost wide awake.

So, like any other morning, I made some coffee, ate half a bagel smothered in Nutella. Yumm... Chocolate and that nutty taste mixed together making a heavenly spread in a twisty cap jar. Apparently, it had a super lot of good things in it too, if you ignore the table spoons of sugar. Plus, it tastes like chocolate. Yumm...

Duke needed to poop, so I also took care of his daily walk, came back and took shower, chatted with Linda, emailed Aurora and Tristan. I put on a pair of boot cut jeans, a tight white tank top, a light grey long sleeve hip length cardigan with random blue and yellow stripes, and a pair of brown Gizeh Birkenstocks. Then, I drove my clean and clothed body to my soon to be work place. It took me a while to figure out how to get there, but I made it and so did my new car.

It was a plain building, quite a few windows all over, maybe fifteen to twenty floors, not a lot of room to park though. Bummer. I parked a few blocks away and walked to the big glass front doors. The receptionist was in work clothes and she had pretty blond hair tied up in a preppy ponytail. Her blond hair was pretty, probably natural. Mine was already starting to grow out and it was plain old platinum. I looked like Pamela Anderson, without the boobs, the eyes, her old-ish age, and big bum. In other words, I look like her except for everything, but her hair. Don't get me wrong, I have boobs, just not as big... And I have a bum, but not as plastic... Oh, and I am not as old as her, I'm in my early twenties, still wrinkle free! Plus, I think my eyes are prettier.

The receptionist called my boss, to make sure I wasn't lying about working in the building eventually, and gave me a visitor's pass. She told me that my boss said it was alright to explore the building, only he wasn't there to assist me. But, there was a detective he would give a call to meet me by the elevators for a quick tour. So, I did as she and he told me and waited for a old, bald, fat detective with donut and a gun in his hand to escort me throughout the building for the next hour. I felt bad when I shot an annoyed 'What!' at a not too tall, not too blond, not too tanned and not too bad looking man. He had a gun, on his hips, and the guy look like he never had a donut in his life... NO FAT! Reality really changes your perspective on life. Who would have thought TV was wrong? I only thought of cops that way though, CSIs were always sexy people to me, you know, like on CSI Las Vegas and CSI New York... but I guess some detectives can be pretty sexy too. Or maybe there is just this one...

"I'm guessing you're our new CSI..." He was smiling, I amused him. That's nice to know, first impressions are important and I just gave this guy the impression I was a mean clown. Good going Cayden.

"Sorry, I just didn't think you w- Hi, I'm Cayden." I shook his hand.

"Vince. Homicide, you'll see me around, a lot."

"Well, that's good to know. So, where do we start?" I let go of his hand and starred away from his eyes.

"Well, let's start with my favourite place, the morgue."

"Ugh, ok..." I hated dead bodies. I don't mind bloody people, or gutted animals even but dead bodies just creeped me out. It has nothing to do with what they look like; they just create this atmosphere that makes me really uneasy.

So, I followed him into the elevator and we both stared at the closed doors.

"Don't like dead bodies?" He asked. He had the gigantic smile on his face, as if he thought my scaredy cat-ism was extremely funny.

"I don't like the fact that they are dead people. I don't mind blood and guts, honestly. But it's the fact that the person is dead… I don't know how to explain it." I tried. The problem is, that stupid comment I just made, just made everyone's mood a little sadder. If that's a word.

"Yeah, I guess that would do it for about anyone." Then everything went quiet. Stupid, Celine, just plain stupid. I'm not a serious, depressing person. At all.

"I'm sure." He said. Can he read minds? Then I realised I must have said that out loud. Huh, has that ever happened to you?

"I didn't realise I said that out loud." The elevator dinged. He smiled and showed me over to the morgue. I was going to get lost so easily for the first few weeks I was working here. I was so caught up in my own thoughts that I didn't even take note on which floor the morgue was… Crap.

"Alright, so that is the morgue…" He said, looking through a big glass window. I followed his eyes and I was looking at a big silver room. Everything was silver, and stainless. There were two long tables, which I was sure bodies were normally lying on. There was a sink and some counter top to clean stuff. Lot's of pointy and painful looking tools on a rolly tray. Then there were a lot, maybe a dozen, stainless steel doors with handles along one wall.

"Wow, shiny." That's all I could come up with. Lame, I know.

"There's that. The doors, that's where we store the bodies. It's almost like a giant refrigerator. Through those doors over there," He pointed to two frosted swinging doors. "That opens to a hallway that leads to an exit where we bring in and out bodies."

"I don't see any bodies…"

"It's a slow day." He smiled then we walked back over to the elevator.

"That's not funny."

"I know. But it is. If it were a normal day, I wouldn't be here. You wouldn't have met me. And that would be a shame." He's cocky. Great… That was sarcastic.

"Score one for me." I said sarcastically. He just smiled and pressed the elevator button for the 9th floor. He moved around, slightly, with nervosity. "Is someone afraid of heights?" I had the huge smile on now. I'm the one who found this amusing now.

"I'm a guy, I'm afraid of nothing."

"Ok." He shoved his hands in his pockets bit his lips. I think he even squeezed his eyes shut for a few seconds, when the elevator adjusted to the right level. Of course, he was afraid of nothing… Yeah right!

"Alright, this is the lab. This is where you work." He walked me through think hallways with windows for walls. I could see glass tables, hard black granite tables and machinery in every room. This wasn't your typical machinery, no toasters, no washing machines, no chainsaws… No, this was high tech, DNA finding, chemical enhancing, super expensive machinery for top notch scientist. Like me, now. "This is your break room. Small, sure, but very comfy and there is this amazing coffee machine. I'm telling you, this is good compared to my shit hole break room. It's pretty much a janitor's closet with a brown couch full of food stains. That's it. Not even a little TV. You've got it good." He said, hands on hips. He sighed then started walking again. Man this place is big.

We walked back to the elevator and he hit the button for the second floor. I watched him closely again. Hands back in his pockets, biting his lip, eyes squinted when the elevator adjusted to the 2nd floor. He's got the hibbie jeebies bad. I laughed at him internally, and just smiled externally.

"And this," He said, opening a door. "is the locker room."

"I have locker number…" I reached for the paper the receptionist gave me. "14." We walked over to number 14 and I was proud to see my name engraved on the locker. "Cool, there's my name."

"Brias." He read. "Spanish, South American?"

"Portuguese…"

"Really?"

"Well, I'm Portuguese. I don't know where Brias comes from…"

"It's cute. I like it."

"Good, cause I don't plan on changing." I was just making myself clear. I wasn't up for a marriage and honestly, if I do get married one day, I think I still want to keep Brias. I like it. It's me.

"You sure you don't want Palermo?"

"Positive. Not now anyway. Your Italian?"

"Yeah."

"You don't look it. I think it's the blond hair, blue eyes…"

"My mother was German and my father is full out Italian."

"Oh, ok." He brought me back to the lobby of the big building. "Where are the interrogation rooms?"

"Those are at the Police Department. My territory." He grinned. Oh, as much as I hated it, I sort of, kind of, liked it too. But I would never tell him, it would boost his ego too high for my liking.

"And where's that?"

"Why? You planning on visiting?"

"No, but if I ever have to do an interrogation, I think it would come in handy."

"Ok, cover story, I'll go with it." He walked me to the big front doors. "It's by the ocean."

"I was thinking a little more specific…"

"Call me when you have a guy in hand cuffs in the back of your car. Maybe I'll tell you." I huffed and smiled.

"It was nice meeting you." I shook his hand. His big, warm hand. He honestly didn't have one characteristic that matched his Italian background.

"You too. If you need anything," He handed me his card. "Call me. I will see you at work…"

"Next week. Monday."

"Monday. Alright, have a nice day." He walked out the door and he was gone in the crowd of people.

"Vincent L Palermo." One characteristic, his name. Very Italian name. And somehow, it suited his non Italian self.

Well, today was amusing. I met a very good looking detective who I will be working with in the near future. I got to see my work place and Vince is afraid of heights. Haha. Still cracks my evil left shoulder self up.

I completely lost track of time though. It was nearing two and my dog has been cooped up in the condo for too long. So I rushed over to the condo and let him out in the front yard of the building just in time for him to pee, and make a couple poops. Gross, but I'm glad it was all normal. Didn't want to add sick dog to my things to do this week.

I brought Duke back into the house and promised I would be back soon. I went to the little produce store Eric introduced me to, picked up some more veggies and fruits. Then I headed for a close by supermarket to pick up the other essentials : Cookies, Kool-aid, more Nutella, frozen bag of French Fries, frozen bag of fruit for smoothies, milk, eggs, butter, bread, your basics and lots of coffee. Oh, and a couple pop tart boxes for Duke, and maybe a couple for me too. Plus, some dog food for Duke. The good stuff because I know he likes it a lot more. All in all, my bill came up to about one hundred and fifty dollars. But that one hundred and fifty dollar receipt is going to last me about a week to three weeks, depending if it was my time of the month or not. Lucky for me, this one hundred and fifty bucks wasn't going to waste. Maybe in two weeks. Anyway, I made a quick stop at a local liquor store, picked up a couple bottles of wine and a case of corona then took the long way home. I past by a shopping strip, two beaches and park full of tents. Something was going on.

Since I had nothing else planned for the day, I got change into a my jean shorts, and a purple tank top. It was a little cool so I threw on my hoodie and walked Duke over to the park with the big white tents. Turns out it was like a little market thing. Under each tent was someone selling something. It ranged from Massage Therapy sessions to chairs made from tree stumps with pictures of horses running or sharks swimming. I thought the stump chairs were really cute, I even contemplated buying one but thought Duke would destroy it within the next week or so. Not a great investment when you have a great, big, adorable dog living in your condo.

It was a 15 minute walk through, if you ignored all the tents. But since I was me, I stopped at every tent and the person on the other side of the table with random objects would try to sell me stuff. I would bargain with them for fun sometimes, and other times I would actual buy the things for more then they were worth. Yup, that's me, the economy of Miami contributor. I know, I'm such a great person. Anyway, my whole trip took me an hour walking to one side and another hour walking back.

Once I got back to my apartment, I put away all the junk I bought and started on dinner. I was thinking French fries and a ceaser salad. The fries are made of potatoes, which is good or you, and the salad is made with veggies. If you ignore the junk added to the potatoes in order to make the fries taste good, and the crap that's in the ceaser dressing, I ate very healthy.

It was a very good dinner, but it was very quiet. I am so used to having Eric around. Stealing my beers, eating my food, taking up all the space on the couch… Or, his couch, his beer and stealing his own food. Doesn't matter, I felt lonely without him. Well, maybe it wasn't him, maybe it was just a lack of company in general. So, I called Eric but there was no answer. I thought about going to a bar, meeting people. But it didn't feel safe, I didn't know where to go, or what I would get into here in Miami. I thought about clubbing, but it's too early. Plus, I didn't want to leave poor Duke all alone, so I called the only other number I knew.

"Hello?"

"Hey Vince, it's Celine."

"Wow. You really want to know where the department is, eh? Well you know V-"

"Actually, no. I was wondering if you wanted to go get a drink somewhere. If your not working… I'm new in Miami, I thought maybe you could show me a good place to go."

"Ugh," I heard him pep up a little. "Yeah, of course. Umm, you know what, I'm just leavin the department now. I'm gonna head home and change. You want me to pick you up or…?"

"I'll pick you up. I'm dying to drive my car a little longer."

"Ok." He sounded a little surprised, obviously didn't understand why I was so excited to drive my car. "I'm on Stella Drive. The peach coloured stucco bungalow on the right. It's the only one."

"Alright, I'll be there in an hour? Is that alright?"

"Perfect."

"Alright, bye!"

"See you soon." And I hung up. Not sure if he was still talking but I don't think it was something I wanted to hear. Probably trying some sort of line on me. Or maybe I just liked to think he was. Either way, I tossed my phone on the counter and rushed to take a quick shower.

I got out, dried my hair, straightened it and added some mascara, eyeliner and lip gloss. I put on the cute red number I told you about before. It was a hot dress but I played it down with my gold gladiators and a big gold bracelet and a pearl white clutch. I looked to cute. But still somewhat sexy at the same time.

I know I didn't want to leave Duke alone, but this would only be for an hour, an hour and a half at the most. He wouldn't mind. So, I locked up, looked at the time and rushed over to Vince's bungalow. I only got lost once, but it wasn't the GPS's fault, I just can't read a map right. And I couldn't find the button for the volume so I couldn't hear the GPS talking to me, telling me where to go. I can't multi task so without the voice, the GPS is almost useless. Note to self, I had to get Eric to show me the volume button. I made it on time and saw Vince step towards my new car. He was wearing jeans, a black button down shurt with tiny gold vertical pin stripes and nice shiny black shoes. His blond hair was spiked and his big blue eyes were lit up. Did I ever mention my car was a hard top convertible? By the way, it is and the top was down at that moment.

"Nice car!" He smiled and looked it over, he scooted around to the passenger side, sat and looked me over next. "You look even better though."

"Nice." I looked at the road and put the car in drive. "I like the shirt." I smiled but never looked at him. "So where are we going?"

"It's a bar downtown near Five Points. You know how to get there?"

"Umm, I no how to get on the Expressway."

"Turn left on the next street."

So, the whole ride he was giving me directions. Miami was going to take some getting used to.

"That place, right there." He pointed to a blue sign with big slick white letters above two tinted doors. It read, SkyBank Lounge. It looked secluded, but then I saw part of a bar and a couple of tables with people sitting. I realised that it wasn't only a lounge, but it was two lounges. There was one on the roof! It was so cool. Anyway, I parked my shiny new car along the curb on the other side of the block. We stepped out and walked our way over to the line waiting to get in.

"This place looks great but I'm not exactly a patient person." I pointed out.

"It's only a couple people."

"Are you kidding me!" I sounded hysterical. I'm not crazy, I promise. It's just, sometimes when my attention span was short and I needed a drink, anything could make me blow. And, sometimes it was a hint that my time of the month was on its way. "There's gotta be at least more then a dozen couples..."

"If you yell any louder, you'll crack all the glass in Miami."

"My voice isn't that high pitched."

"Sure... Look," the line moved about a foot. "It's moving."

"Ugh!" I whined. "Can't we just go somewhere e-"

"Hey sexy..." This really hot Latino guy said, he looked me up and down. I smiled, and fluttered my eyelashes. Damn this dress, it made guys interrupt my tantrum moments.

"Hi." I flirted back.

"That's a pretty dress." He said, looking at my dress, then his eyes finally settled on my chest. "Why are you standing out in line? Come' on, let's go get you a drink."

"What about him, he's sort of tagging along with me..."

The latino guy looked Vince over and smiled.

"He looks like an ugly puppy. Alright, as long as you let me buy you all your drinks."

"Deal." I smiled and took his hand. What girl would turn down a night of free apple and strawberry martinis? He pulled me over to the doors, where of course, there was a big buff guy blocking it.

"Sam." The Latino guy said.

"Antonio, sir, how are you?" The buff guy said.

"I'm good. If Tiffany comes, don't let her in. She's getting scary now."

"Yes sir."

"Your doing good." The latino guy, or Antonio, I guess, lead me and Vince through the doors and into the dim lit lounge. Music wasn't blasting but it wasn't a whisper in the background either. I whispered a long 'Wow', looked at Vince and he winked. The latino guy was still pulling me, till Vince and I reached a booth with a big round couch with two round tables on opposite ends. I sat down and Vince stayed standing. "I would stay with you, but I have business and I think your boyfriend wouldn't be too thrilled." He looked at Vince and Vince had a big smile. Either Vince was a very, very happy person or he was thinking something. "If you need anything, let the bartender know. By the way," He kissed my hand. "I'm Antonio."

"Cayden."

"Cayden. Beautiful, sexy Cayden... I like it. Have a great night." He snickered at Vince then left.

"You're smiling. I know I'm not the most gorgeous date but normally guys would be pissed." I said to Vince, who was still standing.

"Were not in line, I don't have to pay for your drinks and I don't have to listen to you whining." He was right. Wow, I bet he planned all this. I bet the latino guy owned, or runned the place. Vince was a cop, I wouldn't be surprised if he knew Arnold Swarchenegger. Oh well.

"Hmm..." I squinted my eyes in a suspicious way.

"What?" He laughed.

"I'm trying to figure you out. Your either superman or lucky."

"Keep trying. What do you want to drink?"

"Strawberry Martini please." He nodded and left to the bar.

The night was fun. I talked on and on about home, well home in New York. He told me about his work, what my work will be like. The he told me how great Miami life was. The night went on till about one in the morning and Vince declared his official bedtime. I dropped him off and we made a promise to have another night out or day out but since Vince apparently was busy all week from then on, it wasn't going to be soon.

I headed home and found that my answering machine was filled with messages. Ok, I lied. There were two. But, I didn't feel like listening to them, it was too late anyway. So I took a shower, got in my PJs and fell asleep with Duke at the end of the bed.