When Spike left Casey he left her more thoughtful than ever and not just about her relationship with Derek. When she had fished around for a topic to change the subject away from her love life, Spike's earlier words suddenly hit home.

Her eyes widening, she leaned forward. "I'm sorry. Did you say that you discussed the increased threat-level with George?" Casey frowned. "I thought George didn't know about Sal. I mean none of us did until I started talking to Derek again."

"Oh George knows about Sal. He just doesn't know his name – or that we know his name." Spike said casually. "However, he has known some of the details of what went on back then, right from the start."

"But I…" Casey started she could feel the tears coming that George had kept something from her. But then she didn't really have a right to know…did she?

Spike put his hand on hers. "Casey, it served no purpose for the entire family to be aware of what was going on. We told George because he started kicking and screaming about us finding his son's killer. He had started throwing his weight around, pulling favours left, right and centre. He was getting a bit too close for comfort. So we told him enough. We told him that it appeared Derek had walked in on something sometime and had been on his way to do the right thing and inform the authorities but that someone got to him first. We gave him a truth – a half-truth – but it was more about what we left out than what we added."

"So you gave him a lie."
"I gave him what he needed…a heroic son. Let's face it what Derek did was heroic in his own way."

"I don't think he sees it that way."
Spike shrugged. "I know. But it should help him to know that after his "death" the sudden publicity made it impossible for that racket to continue in Canada. They knew that we would be watching the college level sports, increasing random dope testing and so on. We might not have got Sal, but that side of his organisation faltered."

"He's building it back up though. I mean Papillion…?"

Spike nodded. "He has grown more daring. We think that the reason he's been quiet is because he has been lying low abroad. We are taking the Papillion case as a sign that he's moved back home."

"And in time, Derek will be at risk again."

"Yes. It's not "if" but more a question of "how long" it will be. Maybe one month…one year…who knows."

Casey fingered the paper napkin in front of her. "I can't leave him, Spike. And I know he thinks he can leave me, but I can't let him. It's not even a question of me not wanting to let him leave. I can't let him leave."

"I know Casey. But he needed to know that he had tried. We all needed to know that he had tried."

"So what's the next step?"

"Can you come in tomorrow and we will talk about how to protect you here in Ottawa. There will be restrictions on your movements and a few housekeeping rules." Casey nodded.

"And…" Spike leaned forward. "On a personal level, we talk about what you need to do to keep Derek sane."

When she returned to the hospital, Robin was waiting for her. Concerned that she was about to be reprimanded for taking her break, Casey was quick to point out that it was already three hours overdue. Her boss was equally quick to reassure her, putting a staying hand on her arm and flashing attractive eyes at her.

"Relax. I'm just here to find out when I get to take you out for that dinner I promised you."

Casey frowned, confused, because with everything that had gone on she really had forgotten about his invitation. Eventually the fog cleared.

"Oh…sorry Robin. Yes of course."

"So?" Robin prompted.

"Erm…I don't know."
"Are you free tonight?"
Casey looked thoughtful.

Was she free tonight? Probably. The alternative was an evening either on her own or spent avoiding Derek. Whilst she wasn't happy about the situation between them, she wasn't ready to forgive yet. She wanted some sign from Derek that he understood her point.

Or did she?

Understanding that Casey was upset because he didn't want to be with her was okay – provided he really wanted to be with her and was just being stubborn – and that unfortunately was unlikely.

Having Derek realise that Casey cared about him like that would be excruciating if he didn't feel the same way. And she wasn't sure that he had shown any inclination, despite what her heart thought.

Or what Marti had said.

"Casey?" Robin interrupted her thoughts again.

Casey shook her head free of the Derek-fog.

"Erm…yes. Sure. Dinner would be lovely."

"Great! I'll pick you up at eight."

"What? Oh…no!" Casey realised that really wouldn't work. Robin picking her up from home would not only run the risk of Derek seeing him but also Robin seeing where she lived. He might well be her boss but she wasn't sure that advertising where she lived was a good idea especially in the current climate of fear surrounding her life. Besides, she liked how her home life was something private between her and Derek.

"Tell me where to meet you and I'll make my own way there." Casey said. This also wasn't a date and she wanted him to remember that.

Robin didn't bat an eyelid.

"I'll make a reservation and let you know." He said, lifting her hand to kiss her fingers. "I'm looking forward to it."

The Derek-devil on her shoulder broke his trident in half and stormed off.

At seven pm that night, Casey was looking at her reflection in the bedroom she shared with Derek – shared when they were talking to each other.

She had chosen a blue dress tonight: conservative, yet flattering. She had purchased it in London soon after her arrival and before her trip to Sam and Ruth's house. She had planned to wear it to Spike's house because Derek had commented that at some point they would probably get a dinner invitation. Casey was a little nervous of meeting Mrs "Spike", particularly on the arm of her step-brother.

The invitation hadn't arrived yet, but the dress would do just fine for a dinner with her own boss.

She was alone in the apartment because Derek was still working late. A text message earlier had sort to reassure her without building bridges. It said "I'll be late".

The brevity of the message was just the same tone as her own text to him when she arrived at the apartment earlier, which had stated simply, "Home". It was shorter than the normal text messages which would read more along the lines of: "I'm home. If you get your backside home before eight I'm cooking."

It had now been two full days since Casey had last spoken to Derek. She hadn't slept next to him for two nights, either. Every hour that their fight dragged on hurt, even though technically it was Casey that was perpetuating the disagreement.

In the hours since she had met with Spike the hurt preyed on her even more. Now she wanted nothing more than to be able to forgive Derek for his over-protectiveness, but she had no idea how to take the first step. Sitting down heavily on their bed, Casey sighed. She needed to do something and she needed to do it soon.

As she thought about how to go about this task, she heard the front door open and froze. Derek had said he was going to be late and yet someone was coming in the front door!

Casey reached across to her bedside table and opened the drawer.

Nestling inside was a .38 Smith and Wesson and though she hated its very presence in her life, it belonged to Casey. After the drama of Papillion, Derek had decided that Casey should be able to protect herself from firearms. He drew the line at her carrying the weapon on her person, instead relegating it to the bedside, but he made sure that she understood the gun and how to use it.

For several weeks now, Derek and Casey had spent a portion of their weekends at the department firing range. Begrudgingly, Derek had to admit, Casey was already a decent shot.

Now it appeared they were going to find out exactly how good a shot.

She lifted the gun silently from its resting place, expertly checked the chamber and removed the safety. When she first received the gun, she had held it gingerly between her finger and thumb, swinging it uselessly (and also as Derek pointed out, rather dangerously.) Her grip now, however, was sure, educated and lethal. She stood up, crossed on stocking-ed feet to a place behind the door and readied herself.

"I don't know what's more dangerous." The voice said. "Are you more likely to shoot me if I walk in unannounced or if you know that it's me that's coming?"

Casey let out a breath, rolled her eyes and re-placed the safety. Then she stepped out from behind the door.

Derek was standing in the doorway.

"Ass-hole." She muttered. "I thought you were going to be late?"

Derek looked uncomfortable. "I couldn't stand the fucking silence." He said. Casey frowned. "Aren't the skeleton crew there?"

"I wasn't talking about the office." Derek said, sighing. He motioned between them. "I meant our silence. There's not a lot on in the office tonight and originally I was trying to avoid talking to you, but we can't carry on this way."

Casey looked down. "We need to talk, don't we?"

"Yes. We do."

Casey turned and walked the short distance to the drawer and replaced the revolver, closing the cabinet carefully.

"Derek, I…"

"Case. I care about you. It's not about that. I caught a really tough break with this and I know I am going to regret it, but I do like this set-up. I like you being here. It's fun, it's convenient it's…"

"You regret the fact that you like me living here?" Casey interrupted, unable to believe what she was hearing. "I'm "convenient"? Why? Because I'm cheaper than a maid service or a personal chef?"

"That's not what I…"

Casey was shaking her head. Nora used to call her a drama queen, and she was demonstrating exactly that right now. It was so easy to fight with Derek. At the moment, even more so, he couldn't get a word in.

She began to raise her voice. "I am insane! What the hell am I doing here? You don't see me at all, do you? You see a step-sister, a cleaner, a cook. You see someone who makes sure you have clean clothes, food on the table and that you don't trip over your own crap when you get in from work."
"For fuck's sake! Stop putting words in my mouth. I just want…"

"Yes, well, it isn't about what you want anymore, Derek. It's about what I want. And I think I want a break, from you and from this ridiculous situation…starting right now." She grabbed her purse from the bed.

"Casey, the only ridiculous thing about this is the way you're flying off the handle. Will you just sit down and let me finish?"

Casey's eyes flashed.

"So I'm being ridiculous now? Well, I'll go and be ridiculous somewhere else. I'm going out. I've no idea if there's any food in the fridge you'll have to sort yourself out. Oh and the laundry needs doing. You can fold my stuff neatly and leave it on my bed. Don't bother putting it away. I'll probably just pack it straight from the bed."

"Pack?" Derek asked, the fear creeping to the edge of his voice. In a rather twisted way, Casey sort of liked it.

"Maybe Robin's right. Maybe I should live closer to the hospital. I'll ask him about it tonight."

"Tonight?"
"Yes. I have a date with him. It's in a nice French restaurant where you can have a conversation without it being interrupted by Dean Martin crooning away in the background." She stomped to the front door.

"Don't wait up." She called over her shoulder.

"Wait! Casey!" Derek called. He wanted to tell her not to go, to stay home and work this stupid argument out with him, but he knew the mood she was in she wouldn't hear him.

Instead he caught her arm. "How are you getting there?" He asked weakly when he succeeded in getting her to pause, his need to protect her over-riding his anger at their argument; their inability to function in a normal relationship.

"Cab. I'm walking to the main road and hailing one."

"I'll take you."

"No. You won't Derek. I've spent more than enough time in your company over the past few weeks. What I need is some decent Derek-free time. Goodnight."
And with that she left the apartment.

Derek looked at the front door, still rattling from the way she had slammed it. Dammit Casey!

I could have handled that better. Derek told himself with a groan.

Then he took out his cell and dialled a number.

"Hey Jazz. I need a favour."

"You look beautiful." Robin said standing as the waiter held Casey's chair out for her. Casey, still flustered from her dramatic exit from the apartment, smiled weakly.

"Thank you." She said quietly.

"Is everything okay?" Robin asked. Please let it be that the moron fucked up.

Casey sighed.

"Everything is fine." She started. "Well, not "fine" exactly, but it's just Der - Mikey so that's nothing new."

"He's upset you? The guy's an idiot!" Robin said heatedly. He's a complete moron for failing to keep this one out of my reach.

Casey shrugged and fussed with the menu and her purse.

"He's just Mikey." She said by way of explanation. Frustrating, annoying, affectionate, caring…

"I don't know why you put up with him. You should move out. You can't keep living with your brother forever." That's it. Remind her that it's ridiculous for her to even contemplate dating him. It's against the law of nature; morally wrong.

Casey wondered why she didn't correct Robin. Derek was most definitely not her brother.

She shrugged again.

"I could look into hospital accommodation for you." Her boss said. "If I had a word I could get you moved up the queue. You could be out of Derek's apartment within the week." And right on my doorstep!

Casey looked up at the man in front of her. "It's complicated." She said, because it was. She wasn't sure she wanted to move out of the apartment, even after Derek's comments and despite her threats. Contemplating the idea was painful. She knew if she took that step, all the closeness they had built up over the past few months would disappear. Everything that she had (re)gained since Derek's re-appearance would be gone. She knew enough about their relationship to know that something like that, once discarded, would be irreplaceable.

Plus, in the cab she had replayed the little scene over and over in her head, and she wasn't too happy with the way she had behaved. She had not given Derek chance to finish what he was saying. She had just taken offence at the first thing he had said, which, given that he implied she was there for his convenience, was understandable, but all the same…

"Casey?" Robin's words pulled her back to the here and now.

"Sorry. Miles away." Casey said picking up the menu and starting to look. It was totally in French but though Casey had concentrated on her Spanish in school, she knew enough French to get by.

"So what do you think? About a hospital apartment?"
She smiled weakly again. "I'll think about it, Robin. Okay? I've just got a lot on right now."

Robin sat back. "Okay. But I think you'd have a clearer mind if you weren't stuck kow-towing to Mikey." He said Derek's alter-ego's name in a mocking voice.

Casey groaned inwardly. She didn't know which irritated her more, Derek moaning to her about Robin or Robin moaning to her about Derek.

Actually she did know what was worse. It had been the never-to-be-forgotten evening where all three of them had gone out to dinner, together. That had been excruciating: all subtle jibes at each other and frosty stares, while Casey had sat in the middle feeling like a roadrunner standing between two coyotes. There was no way she could hold either of them off and could really only survive by running away as fast as she could.

The meal progressed, but whilst the restaurant was very smart and expensive, and whilst Robin tried his best to charm her, Casey's heart wasn't in it. She kept thinking back to life without Derek and the emptiness of her old apartment in London.

Robin returned to the subject of the accommodation a couple more times, offering to get her a guided tour, and even a recommendation for a place in his own block which was strictly for senior management. (Apparently he knew someone on the board.)

He flattered her with praise for her work, complimented her on the rapport she had developed with both staff and patients, and moved on to talk about management boards she should apply for.

For his help with that work aspect, Casey was grateful that she had come tonight, but otherwise her mind and heart were elsewhere.

After the dessert, she decided she couldn't torment the man in front of her with her company anymore.

"It's been lovely tonight Robin." She began. "But I don't think it's fair on you for me to stay longer. My heart's not in it. I probably need to go home and throw something at Mikey."

Robin looked disappointed and slightly annoyed. "Aw! Come on, I know a nice little place for coffee."

"I'm tired. It's been a stressful few days."
"One coffee." He insisted. "One coffee and then I'll take you home, I promise."
Casey sighed. He had just spent something in the region of $400 on the meal and even though she would make him drop her several streets from where she actually lived, maybe she could just go and get one cup of coffee with him.

"Okay. One coffee and then I really must go."

They left the restaurant and made their way a couple of blocks to the small independent coffee bar Robin had recommended. It was a tiny place set in a building that was much older than its surrounds. Small booths lined each wall, lit with tea-lights and a live band played softly in the corner.

Starbucks it wasn't.

Casey liked the place a lot. She ordered a plain hot chocolate rather than a coffee, and when it came she was pleased to find it wasn't made from a powder but instead from a rich chocolate cream.

"I think I might come here again." She said with a smile. "This was a nice idea, thank you."

Robin inclined his head. "Would you come here again with me?" He asked intently.

It was a leading question, but Casey, her mind still on hot chocolate and Derek, missed the signs.

"Sure." She said. "I…"

What she was going to say was swallowed immediately as her boss leaned close and kissed her on the mouth. She gasped in shock and surprise, and he mis-interpreted her reaction as an invitation to stick his tongue in Casey's mouth.

Casey pushed him away with difficulty.

"What the hell was that?" She asked indignantly.

"Oh come on Casey. Surely you realised I didn't just ask you out to talk work?"

"What?" Casey spluttered.

"I made it clear I fancy you - that I was hoping we could develop this attraction into something more physical."

Casey's eyes widened. "What attraction? I made it quite clear that I wasn't interested in dating my boss. Besides, I live with someone. What on earth gave you the idea I was interested in you like that?"

"You live with your brother, Casey."

"No I live with my step-brother and you know that. For the record, I also sleep with him. Before you say anything, it is perfectly acceptable in society."

She stood up and grabbed her purse. "Thank you for dinner, Robin, It was nice, but I think it would be best if we didn't repeat it. I'll write you a check for my half of the meal as soon as I get home and I'll make sure that your secretary has it first thing in the morning."

"This was all about your career wasn't it?" Robin shot back at her. "You led me on to get better promotion chances."

"I'm not even going to dignify that with an answer." Casey said her face screwing up as though something distasteful was in her mouth. "Just try repeating that at work, Robin. I'm not the one who invited the new girl out for a $400 dinner to discuss her "career" options. Maybe a few of your "committees" might like to hear about that."

Casey squeezed her way out of the booth and made for the door. She needed to get out before the tears started to fall, but she had no idea where she was going.

In her hurry to leave, she didn't notice the person standing just outside the door of the coffee bar and she ploughed into them.

"Oops!" apologised Casey without looking up.

"S'ok, Case. I got you." A familiar voice said.

Casey looked up and seeing Jazz's understanding face burst into tears and fell into his arms.

"I'm sorry if I ruined your evening." Casey said when she finally stopped crying. By now they were in Jazz's car and the streets were flying past as he drove her home.

"You mean my evening tailing you?" He asked with a smile.

Casey looked confused so Jazz explained.

"I was there because you were." He said.

She frowned. "Because of Spike?"

Jazz shook his head.

"Just because you're arguing right now doesn't mean he doesn't care about you…a lot."

"Derek." Casey said with certainty.

Jazz nodded. "He wasn't trying to interfere when he suggested he took you to the restaurant. He was trying to protect you. When you stormed off, he called me because he knew you were on your own. Fortunately, I wasn't far away and I saw you get in the cab."

"Oh. I forgot about the whole Sal-thing." She didn't mean to sound like an air-head, but she honestly had forgotten about exactly what they were arguing about.

"Sal's a dangerous person to forget about, Casey."
"I know. I'm sorry." She said.

After a moment's pause, Casey turned to Jazz again. "Do you think I should go back to London?"

Jazz snorted. "Are you fucking kidding me? And leave me to deal with a pre-menstrual Venturi? Oh no, Babe. You're staying exactly where you are. Since you've been on the scene, he's become bearable."
"I thought he was one of your closest friends." Casey pointed out, frowning.

"Doesn't mean the guy doesn't piss me off on a daily basis." Jazz explained. Casey chuckled.

"You and me both." And they laughed together.

"Look. It's none of my business or anything, but do you think you two could hurry it up with the making up? Only he's back to being a pain in the ass and it's only so long before one of us smacks the other in the kisser. Is it so bad that he wants to protect you?"

Casey took a deep breath. "I have no problem with protection. I just don't want him to push me away in the mistaken belief it makes me safer."

"You know, if you two stopped fighting each other and started fighting the bad guy, you'd be one hell of a team."

"Where's Derek?" Casey asked as she let her and Jazz into the apartment.

"Gone to clear his head apparently."

They looked at each other and chorused. "In a bar."

Jazz chuckled. "Actually I don't know where he is. I'll call him when I leave here. Are you going to be okay?"
Casey nodded. "I'm going to take a long soak in the bath and get an early night." She said. "No more fighting tonight."

Jazz smiled. "In that case, do yourself a favour…don't tell Derek about Robin and what happened.."

She shivered. "OOOooo definitely not."

"Well I'd best be off." Jazz said.

"Thanks. For everything. For bringing me home, for giving me a good pep talk and for being Derek's best friend."
"I think that's more in your job description, but thanks for the compliment, Casey." He paused at the front door. "Cut him some slack okay. Derek's not big on romance and us guys when we fall it's a bit like those clowns in the circus, you know…comical, noisy and rather messy."
Casey laughed. "Fall?" She said narrowing her eyes.

"In love."

Casey lost the laughter immediately. "Whose Derek in love with?" She said, suddenly finding air in short supply.

"You, honey. Only you."

Casey closed the door behind Jazz with a heavy heart. Much as she liked Derek's friend, and he had been so helpful to her tonight, she knew he was mistaken. Guys like Derek don't fall in love easily and they certainly don't fall in love with high maintenance girls like Casey – no matter how much she wished it was so.

She locked the front door, but not so that Derek couldn't get in, checked the doors to the balcony and that everything was off in the kitchen, and then she ran a bath.

The warm water was soothing to muscles tense with emotion. She cleaned the streaked make-up from her skin and allowed herself to sink quietly beneath a cloud of bubbles. Heaven.

When Casey emerged from the bathroom, she felt like a different person: not only clean and fragrant, but also relaxed and calm. She made her way to Derek's bedroom and dressed in one of her favourite satin nightdresses. She was going to be more forgiving. she was going to avoid the arguments. She was going to make her peace with Derek.

The trouble was he was in a bar, no doubt getting drunk and in all probability, getting friendly with an attractive blonde in the corner. Pushing down a spike of jealousy, Casey told herself that was just Derek and she had to accept it. The problem between them was not jealousy but one of miscommunication. They always seemed to start off on the wrong foot; one would open their mouth and say something obnoxious before the other even noticed the fact they were speaking. What they needed was communication without speech: A conciliatory action.

Casey walked in at the open door to the spare room – the room she had been sleeping in. She could see in the half-life the air mattress she had slept on the previous two nights. It wasn't particularly comfortable but at the time it had served its purpose.

She knew that purpose had gone.

Casey turned around and walked back to Derek's bedroom.

Derek wasn't in a bar and he most definitely wasn't with someone else. He was sitting in his car in his favourite part of Ottawa watching the lights of the city against the dark night sky. Before Casey came back into his life he spent long hours in the peaceful spot, nestled between a disused warehouse and the flood plain. He came here to think. Here where the lights sparkled and the world looked so small, he could almost believe in magic.

He was sick of fighting with Casey. Hell he'd probably fought more with her than he ever had with everyone else put together; which was ironic considering how he felt about her. Life for the past few months had been almost perfect and he had known it couldn't last. Deep down he knew the disintegration of their relationship was his own fault, but he couldn't bring himself to pretend that he wouldn't behave the same way if it happened again. You do everything to protect the people you love…don't you?

So what did he do now? He'd been sitting here since she left to go on her date and he still wasn't any clearer as to how the whole shit storm was going to go. He'd had advice from almost every quarter but the one that counted.

He couldn't ask Casey how to deal with Casey or how to change the world so that he got what he wanted.

He groaned and banged his head against his headrest. Amazing, beautiful, intelligent, warm insane female!

Derek's phone vibrated and he pulled it from his pocket to read the text.

She's home. She's safe. And you my friend are a lucky fucking sod. Stop drowning your sorrows and go home to your woman before she stops seeing the good in you.

She needs you Derek. Be honest and need her.

Jazz

P.S. I'll get in early in case you need me to cover your shift. *wink*