Title: Opposites Attract
Chapter 5 - Prelude to Destiny?

A/N: thanks for the amazing reviews. I'm sure glad people want me to continue this story as I'm having fun writing it. Hope you enjoy this chapter also and leave me some feedback. Thanks!

I wake up this morning and my playful mood is gone. I was too restless to sleep once again and so I'm very tired. Plus I got a call from Paula very late last night that Hank Watley wants to press charges and so I'm pissed at him and myself. I shouldn't have grabbed his neck but hate people who abuse the innocent for no reason and make racial remarks. I know that Paula has always had a calming effect on me but wonder if there would ever be someone that would force me to reevaluate my actions; someone else I'd have to worry about other than my own pride. It's almost light but I am dressed and out the door. I have already called Cyrus who was trying in vain to sleep off last night's hangover.

The playfulness from my romp with Bonasera is trying to become just a memory as I hurry into the traffic and then head toward my scene. As much as I'd like to think it would happen again, I know I'm not that lucky. And while those pink handcuffs dance around in my tired brain, I know it's another man who'll be using them. I hate that guy! Why Mac? You have no claim to her. I know, damn it! Wait? Why am I upset? Because I sent them! I need sleep.

But if Watley wants to take things to a higher level I'll need something on him so that he has no leverage, hence why I'm up at such an early hour. I reach the scene and notice Paula is already waiting.

"Sleep well?" I ask her.

"I'm like you, I dont sleep," she answers me with a frown.

"Ed?"

"Recovery is slow because of his heart," she sighs.

"Then why the hell are you here?" I ask firmly. I notice her look and dont mean to be sharp. Especially with Paula. "Sorry," I frown.

"I got a call from Andrea," Paula tells me as we head into the building.

"Does she hate me?" I ask casually, not really caring inside though if she does.

"Do you care?" She asks me.

"Not really," I reply in truth.

"She'd like you to give her a second chance."

"Not interested," I answer quickly and the look at her square on. "And Paula, no more blind dates. That's not a request, it's a statement."

Paula stares back in frustration and then finally shrugs her shoulders. "I think I'll give up on you. Besides, she wasn't your type. Too passive."

"Passive?" I arch a brow in wonder. "What does that mean?" I ask as we round the corner.

"Please, Mac, unless a woman knocks you on your ass you dont notice. The trouble is if she's anything like you, you won't know what you have until you lose her."

"That's comforting," I grimace as I stop. Much to my horror, Bonasera is standing by her crime scene door waiting for someone. What! What do I say? Hello? That seems lame. But I dont owe her anything and dont want to show Paula anything, so I offer a small nod and a tight lipped smile. My eyes are still held captive by her hers once again and she looks at me and winks. Damn it, did Paula see that? Is she trying to get me in trouble? Yes, that's what this woman does best! Still reeling from last night, I am not sure what to do so I only offer a slight smirk and then quickly look away pushing the door to my scene open and stepping inside. My eyes instantly replay last nights scuffle with Bonasera and I offer a faint smile. Sadly not lost on Paula.

"Care to share what that was?"

"What are you talking about?" I ask, trying to sound innocent. Can she hear my heart beating faster? Bonasera! She's not even in the same room as me now and already she has me flustered. Damn this woman is driving me crazy! Then why am I smiling? Mac, stop it!

"Mac, I'm not blind and I'm a woman. You and Bonasera just now. Want to tell me about it?"

"Nothing to tell," I reply. Thankfully I hear Cyrus and Monroe coming and it's time to get started.

"Gosh Mac one of these days you need to learn what the word sleep means," Cyrus moans as he offers a small yawn.

"Watley wants to press charges against Mac," Paula tells the team; still eyeing me in suspicion over what I wouldn't tell her about Bonasera. But she's smart; I'm sure I'll be in trouble soon enough. Women!

"We dont have much time. I'll take Deans room. We have proof of a struggle and need something more than the word of an eleven year old that something happened," I tell my team. "Bonasera's team will be working next door. Will that be a distraction for anyone here?" I ask, looking directly at Lindsay.

"No," she answers quickly. "I didn't tell Messer anything," she confesses.

"Keep it that way," I reply in a sour tone as I head for Dean's room. Determined to finish what Bonasera interrupted last night.

XXXXXXXX

I look at the clock and know it's time to get up. Today is going to be interesting but I tell myself that my little interaction with Taylor last night meant nothing more than a way to pass the time. However, the picture of those damn handcuffs keep weeding its way into my brain and I can't help but smile. However, I quickly push myself out of bed and hurry to get ready. I have already gotten a page from Flack and so this day needs to start. A follow up message said that my attacker is a James Rioux who is Susan Bowers adopted brother. Our vic from yesterday.

I hurry to the scene and arrive before my team. I hurry upstairs to wait for them and reach the end of the hall and stop. I hear voices but when I turn around I dont see my team, I see Taylor and Watford. What do I do? Oh this is awkward. I nod a hello as Paula locks eyes with me but when Taylor does I wink. Why did I do that? Stella, what are you thinking? Paula's a woman. Oh well, she'll just bug him! Not my problem. Is it? What if he gets in trouble? Do I care? Maybe.

Thankfully I hear Sheldon and Danny approaching and my mind is instantly back where it should be. "Flack wants to see you outside," Sheldon tells me.

"What a zoo," I hear Danny tell me as he walks up to me with a smile.

"That's because the whole force is here," I frown.

"Did you have fun last night?" Danny asks me as I push past.

"Doug was okay," I offer, more interested in knowing what James Rioux has to offer.

"Doug says he's smitten," Flack mentions as I push my way back outside; just as a distinguished man hurries past me with an angry expression.

"Not really my type," I reply in a low tone.

"Too boring right?" Flack smiles to which I just agree. Well after Mac Taylor anyone is boring. Stella! Watch it.

"Was that Chavez?" I ask Flack, hoping to deflect the conversation away from my love life.

"Yeah apparently some guy wants to press charges against Taylor. Guys talk," Flack frowns. "And Chavez is mad. I found this," I show her.

"Thanks, I'll see if it matches anything inside," I tell Flack as we turn and head back inside.

But we stop as we enter back inside, arriving in time to hear Taylor and his superior squaring off.

"Damn it Taylor! He wants to press charges against you!" I hear his superior hiss. Chief Mario Chavez isn't a man I have met personally, but from what I hear from my own superior, Chief Robert Sinclair I know he's not a man to suffer lightly. I wince as I hear what Taylor's in for and frown. So much for a good day. And for the first time since I heard his name first uttered I actually worry that he'll be okay. Stella! He's a big boy, let it go.

"He beat his son to death!" I hear Taylor retort in anger. I look at the two of them standing face to face in heated anger, neither willing to back down or give in. I wonder if Taylor would ever give in first? Doubt it.

"Do you have proof?"

"Yes!" Taylor replies as he holds up an object for his superior to see. "Are you going to arrest me?" He dares and I look at Flack who simply shrugs.

Arrest him? For what?

"No, and only because your too damn good for your own good!" He huffs. "Now just get that temper under control and get your ass back to the lab and get started."

Taylor offers no reply only turns his back to us and storms out of the back of the building, offering a curse we all can hear.

I only shrug my shoulders and then head for the stairs to go up. I pass Paula on the way down and offer a polite smile. She takes Flack aside to discuss something but I just push on. We reach the stairwell and I pass the room I was in only a few hours ago. I want to offer a smile as Taylor's blue eyes are still burned into my memory, but after this morning's episode I offer only a frown.

"He must be very hard to work with," I mention as we walk past Taylor's crime scene.

"Yeah no thanks," Danny offers. "I doubt I could work with that guy. Maybe her though," I hear him say as he sees Monroe once more. I hear him call a hello and notice the young woman look up and immediately smile.

"Sheldon, I expect details on this little love affair later with the enemy," I tell him, which makes Danny quickly snap too. We reach our scene and I slowly push the door open. "Okay let's get to work," I say as Flack follows in after us.

"James Rioux says he didn't do it," Flack informs us.

"Let's see if he's telling the truth," I tell my team.

XXXXXXXX

I reach my GMC and slam the door shut in anger. Paula always told me that my anger would garner me charges but I just can't seem to listen sometimes. I have the blood and other samples in my kit and I slowly push the truck around to the front of the building. I see Bonasera's Avalanche and offer a light frown. I wish I could have thought about our chance meeting last night but in my present frame of mind, there are no happy thoughts occupying it right now. I'm mad!

I speed back to the lab; eager to prove that my actions, while out of line, weren't totally without merit. I offer a curse as I head into the lab and look at my lab tech Ralph Simpson.

"What's up boss?" He asks me eagerly.

"I need this done" I say as I take out my items and hand them to him. But I only give him half; as I take the other half. I do enjoy this part of my job as it forces me to look at things from a new perspective. I start into my work but part of my mind wonders what the look on Bonasera's face will be when the item I sent her arrives.

XXXXXXXX

Flack has already gone back to the station house to talk to Rioux one more time and I am almost done with my collecting. Sheldon is going to wait for a few more things so Danny rides back with me.

"How come you left so early last night?" He asks.

"Wasn't my crowd," I reply simply. I dont want to reveal any details to Danny. I know he can keep professional secrets but its personal tidbits that he has trouble with at times. The last thing I want him to know is that I spent time with the enemy, especially when I get after him!

We reach the lab and I want to go and see Sid. He usually is able to shed light on what I have been missing. I make a quick stop to my office and notice a package on my desk. A slight smile tugs at my lips but I'm sure Taylor didn't follow through. Doesn't strike me as the kind of guy that would do that sort of thing, too playful?

But before I can open the package the phone rings and I am immediately distracted. I pick up the phone and turn to the window for some privacy and start the call. When I turn back I look in horror as Flack has the package open and is pulling out the contents.

"Drop that!" I order.

But it's too late; Flack has pulled out the package of fuzzy pink handcuffs and looks at me in surprise. "I have the key," he reads the small card.

"Give that to me," I hiss as I jump up and snatch the package and box from his hands, the card is next. Thankfully he's laughing too hard to be able to stop me.

"Who has the key?" Flack asks in amusement.

"What did James Rioux want?" I asked, my face flush and my heart rate elevated. I quickly stuff the items into my bottom desk drawer and turn back to Flack who isn't buying anything I say.

"No way, what was that all about? Who's the mystery man? Doug? Or someone new?"

"I dont answer to you and dont owe you anything," I reply with a firm smile. Thankfully his pager goes off and I am saved by the bell. "I'm going to see Sid and then I'll be over."

"You know I won't let this rest," Flack tells me as he turns to leave. And he's right, I'll hear this before long. I'm hoping he won't tell Danny, but know that prayer won't be answered. He tells him everything.

I wait until he gone before I slowly pull my bottom drawer open again. I can't believe Taylor! How could he send these to work? I once again have figured him wrong! Damn it! I curse, I usually know men so well. How does he always manage to surprise me? And why is that now a good thing? If he didn't have such a bad start to the day I would assume he'd be laughing his ass off right now at my expense. But I know when I have a bad start the last thing I want to do is laugh so I pass on the nasty reply. Why do I care if I hurt his feelings now? Just do for some reason. And these aren't helping me to forget him!

'I have the key.' Was all the note card read. I guess in case anyone other than myself opened the package, he didn't want to give himself away. Smart guy, I sigh. I look at the pink fuzzy handcuffs and feel my cheeks slightly flush. He thinks hell get the upper hand on me because he has the key, but he might be in for a surprise. I doubt they'll see their way onto Taylor anytime soon, but it would be sweet revenge; to see him captured by his own doing. That last thought does make me smile.

I quickly lock the bottom drawer and keep the key in my pocket. There is no way anyone else is getting those things. I hurry to find Sid, trying to keep my smile under wraps, but I am no match for Sid's insights. Taylor's fault!

"Must have been a fun date last night," he notes. "You're still smiling. Haven't seen a smile that genuine on you for some time now. Flack's friend?"

"Not exactly. Just a passing thought," I offer.

"Those are the best kind. You know sometimes a thought can develop into a lot more," he tells me.

"This won't. I promise because I won't let it," I reply. "What did you find on Susan?"

"Something very interesting," Sid says as he connects his examination spectacles. He shows me a part of her body that isn't where she was stabbed and I lean in closer.

"How did," I ask in wonder.

"Whatever it was it might have been the initial cause of death. It was angled upsliced the jugular under the skin, causing her bleed into the lungs and drown on her own blood."

I quickly open my phone and call Danny, giving him instructions on the small instrument to look for.

"So the stab wound was just to cover up the other," my voice trails off in sorrow as I look at Susan and frown as Flack walks into the room.

"James Rioux just found out about his adopted sister Susan," Flack starts. "He stated that she told him that she was the biological daughter of their parents and he was adopted and then given away because he wasn't wanted," I listen to Flack's explanation and feel sorrow starting to cover me. Having grown up a child of adoption my heart always goes out to those who are victims of the system, in the system. This situation is no different.

"Stella?" I hear Flack.

"Did he confess to killing her?" I manage in sorrow.

"Not yet," Flack huffs.

"I need Danny," I tell them as I hurry from the room, leaving Flack and Sid to wonder.

XXXXXXXX

I look at my watch and offer a slight smile. By now Bonasera should have received the package and part of me wishes that she wouldnt be the one to open it. I spared myself the gossip if that did happen by not identifying me in any way. Thankfully the company agreed to not putting on a return address but I know she'll know it's from me. I kept the key and have it safely tucked away in that small tin of her mints that I still havent returned, just in case. I was able to call the company and tell them it was a joke on my girlfriend. Yeah right! Like Ill ever see those again! And why am I upset about that? Because another man will be having your fun. I need a life.

"Taylor," Wally calls my name and I quickly turn back to my ME as he shows me something else on Dean's body. "We have a new murder weapon."

I watch as he shows me the hand print of Hank Watley around Dean's neck and then around his arm.

"And his hand killed him?" I ask in surprise.

"Blood clot. Apparently an old sports injury resulted in,"

My mind wanders to a mental image of Hank, harshly squeezing Dean's harm so hard that it causes a blood clot from an old wound to make its way to his heart, causing Dean to go into cardiac arrest. I see Dean's body writhing in his father's mean grasp as he dies. His father doing nothing.

"Thanks," I mumble as I go in search of Paula, who has Hank Watley in lock up.

Paula looks up as I approach her office and lightly frowns. "Find something?"

"Hank Watley killed his son," I offer in sorrow.

"I know," she tells me. "I talked to IAB and they won't pursue the charges that Watley wants to file against you. Apparently they got a call from the FBI who said that Watley is being fingered in a local money laundering scheme and to drop it."

"So all this was for nothing?" I ask in anger.

"Sometimes you lose," she tells me softly. "Sorry Mac."

"Damn it!" I curse as I turn away from Paula and head toward lock up.

"Mac," she warns as she rushes after me. She grabs my arm and pulls me back.

"I just need a minute alone with him," I tell her angrily. "One minute. Turn your back."

"Your ass was already on the line once today. You go in that room and I can't help you."

I look at her and lightly curse. "Fine."

"Mac, he's going away for a long time," Paula reminds me. "Go home and rest. I know you didn't sleep well last night because of your mood this morning."

"My mood was due to the message I got from you last night. I never sleep," I sigh. In truth I am tired but there are some things I won't admit to Paula, my weaknesses are one of them. She just seems to know what they are all on her own.

"Go and see Ed," Paula tells me with a smile. "And then go home."

I know I am not going to win this round and so I offer a nod and turn away from Hank Watley, the man I would love to get my hands on right now. I head for my office and grab my coat and then head for the busy street once again.

What I fail to realize is that I am being watched right now. At this moment in time I dont know just how great a threat this watcher will be to my very life and future.

XXXXXXXX

"Stella, you're on," flack whispers.

"Why?" I ask James Rioux. "Susan rub in your face that you didn't belong? That you were just there to amuse her parents when she was busy?"

He looks at me in contempt but I dont back down.

"She tell you that no one else wanted you? That the Bowers did you a favor? Tell me!" I half shout.

I feel Flack's arm on my shoulder but I dont stop. "Is that why you had to get rid of her James? She started to make you feel like second best? We found those cards you sent to Mrs. Bowers. Must have been a real kick in the face when Susan sent them back."

"YES!" He shouts at me. "And I wanted that bitch dead for it! I'm glad I killed her!"

I lean back in my chair and smile. "And that's why you will spend the rest of your life in jail."

I quickly take my leave, my heart is racing. I walk outside the door and let Flack finish up. My face is flushed and I need some air. Cases that involve children of the system always affect me hard and my mood has now dropped. I remember seeing the pictures of Susan Bower from her apartment. Young, happy, vibrant and alive at the time they were taken. Now all I see is her dead and cut up on Sid's examining table.

I offer a small curse as I see Doug heading my way. I really dont want to see him now as I am not in a mood for anything other than my own sorrow. So instead of waiting around I push my way past a few officers and head outside to the front entrance to get some air. I take a deep breath and close my eyes. Just as I open them I lock eyes with a man waiting in a dark GMC at the light.

Taylor! What? Once again his eyes hold me captive on the steps of my station house and until I feel Doug's hand on my shoulder, Taylor holds me against my will in his gaze and I offer a slight smile. He smiles in return but I notice an immediate frown as Doug kisses my cheek and my smile fades. I quickly turn to face Doug, but when I look back for Taylor he is gone.

Was he coming to see me? Not likely? Maybe to rub it in my face about the cuffs? Doesnt seem his thing! Maybe I just imagined it and am losing my mind. I think the latter is true and so offer Doug a smile and a quick hug. I need a drink.

"Don told me you had a tough case," Doug says softly. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah I'll be fine," I reply with a slight smile as I turn to go back inside.

"I was going to ask for dinner but how about a drink instead?" Doug offers.

"I could use a drink," I tell him in resignation. "In an hour?"

"Done," he smiles eagerly.

XXXXXXXX

I hadn't expected to see Bonasera at that moment, but when those green pools lock into my soul I am instantly captivated. I can't help but offer a small smile despite the fact that I've had a day from hell. Why does she affect me this way? Make me feel better instantly? I am tired, that's all it is. I am almost tempted to stop and make a remark about the package I sent but when I see the same man approach her from the reception I know that will never happen. I see the kiss and know my time is up and quickly push the gas pedal and am gone. My mood still hasn't improved.

I reach the hospital and slowly make my way inside to see Ed Watford. I respect this man immensely and know I'll need to be on my best behavior. I near his door and listen to make sure I am not interrupting anything.

Silence.

I poke my head inside and he looks up and offers a lazy grin.

"Mac," he greets me softly.

"Ed," I reply with a small smile. "Paula told me to stop by."

"And when that woman says jump," he starts.

"We say how high," I finish as I settle into the small chair beside the bed. "How are you feeling?"

"Should be going home tomorrow night," he lightly grimaces.

"Good," I offer quietly.

"What's on your mind Mac?"

"Tough day," I answer in truth. "Some guy beat his kid to death but the DA won't press charges because the FBI got to him first about a money laundering thing. I went too far and threatened him, but IAB dropped it," I sigh heavily. I'm tired and it's starting to show.

"You've had tough days before Mac, what's the real problem?"

"Not sure," I huff.

"I think you know," Ed tells me.

"Old memories," I frown. "Ones I try to bury but as of late have resurfaced."

"You know when I am lying here alone," Ed starts. I know what he's going to say and for some reason I just can't bring myself to stop him. "When the silence finally gets too much and Paula's not here telling me snap out of it, I think about all the things in my career where I made a mistake and what I would have to atone for and my mind always settles on one thing. One case. One situation that I failed to solve."

"Jared Cable," I mention softly.

"No matter what you do, you'll never be able to bring her back. Carla's outcome wasn't your fault."

"I told her I'd keep her alive," I frown. "I cared about her. If I should be able to save anyone it should have been her, those I care about."

"I think the same thing about Paula. And when I am lying here like this, for a split second I think I've failed her."

"Ed," I start. "Give yourself a break."

"Good advice. Maybe you should do the same," he tells me softly.

I look at him and offer a slight smile. "She's rubbing off on you."

"That's what she tells me," Ed smiles. "You met someone right?"

"No. Why do you say that?" I ask quickly. Now Ed can read me too? Man I'm failing or something! It's Bonasera's fault! Why? Dont know, just is. Yeah Mac, that's grown up!

"Because you have only thought about Carla once since it happened. And the only time you think about past emotional mistakes is when you think you might have found someone worth pursuing. Have you?"

"It's just a thought," I grimace. "Trust me nothing more."

"Paula too was a thought at first," Ed replies softly. "Maybe just once you should listen to your heart. As we all know that head of yours is sometimes too thick to allow reason to pass," he tells me and I lightly smile.

I chat a bit more and then know he needs his rest and so take my leave. I stand up to see Paula standing in the doorway with her arms crossed but a smile on her face.

"Feel better?" She asks.

"A little," I reply kindly. I offer a small kiss on her cheek and then whisper goodnight and take my leave so they can be together. Going home alone; now I do envy them.

I pass by a bar and since I know that I have nothing in the fridge I finally stop by to have a drink and order a meal. But as I am finishing my meal I notice in the corner Bonasera and her cave man boyfriend enter and take a table; thankfully they don't see me.

Damn it! So much for me peace of mind. But they dont see me and so I choose a small table in the back. I order a beer; funny my favorite beer is Stella. I frown as I look at the label and then quickly turn it away from me. I try not to look over at them but for some reason just can't help it. The man she's with is interested but also offers a passing glance at the football game on the TV. Idiot! You're with a great woman, how is it she doesnt hold your interest? Maybe it's all for show? Maybe when you get to know her she has no substance? I doubt it, but maybe? It is possible she is all show and no depth. But when I see him smile at another woman I frown. No other woman in this room can measure up to her. Why do I even care? I am tired, that's all. At least that's what I keep trying to tell myself. I need to listen to myself. Who cares if she's the most beautiful woman here! Mac, you need sleep and fast.

Oh I'm really sad, I sigh as I take the last swig of my beer. But as I see her excuse herself and head for the bathroom, an evil idea pops into my head. I give her a few minutes and then follow after her. This might be a bit childish but I do owe her for the handcuff fiasco and always like to have the upper hand. I pay my tab as I have no intention of sticking around after this goes down.

I spy a sign that says closed for cleaning and then hurry to the door and lock it from the outside. I hear the sink finish and then footsteps approach.

I hear her pulling on the door and then offer a small curse before she calls out hello.

"Sorry it's closed for cleaning," I offer.

"Taylor!" She hisses and I cant help but smile. "Open this damn door!"

"Any way to talk to a gentleman?" I counter. Mac, stop smiling!

"When I find one I'll remember that. Open this now!"

"Maybe you can get Mr. Universe to break down the door. See you around Bonasera!"

"Open this door," she yells at me as she tries in vain to pull the door open. "Taylor!"

I quickly take my leave via the front door and am back on the street, a smile on my weary face.

XXXXXXXX

I can't believe he just locked me in the bathroom! And no windows. Damn him! I want to hurl curses but then I realize he did owe me one from the night before and he's getting even. Now that we are even this childish stuff should stop right? And why am I smiling? I'm tired, that's all!

With a heavy sigh I pull out my phone and dial the front hostess. There is no way I'd call Doug. How embarrassing! If there had been a window I would have crawled out, but I didn't even have that. Ohh I'll get him back for this! Why? It's even let it rest. No way I'll let him have the last laugh!

"Sorry," I offer the lady as she pulls the door open. She makes a comment about the cleaning sign being in front of the door and I curse Taylor's name once more. But something inside is once again caught off guard by his playful revenge. Another side of him I never would have guessed. This man is continuing to surprise me at every turn and it's very annoying. Are you sure? Yes!

Thankfully our scene is now cleaned up and I won't have to bump into him again. But as I walk back to Doug and offer a smile, I realize that Doug is just the same as every guy I have gone out with in the past. Taylor is in a different league altogether. A league I assume he created for himself! He's amazing. Stella, give your head a shake! Doug at least likes you and isn't trying to run your career into the ground. And so I remind myself that these small playful encounters will have to take a backseat to my professional life. Thankfully that and Taylor dont cross too often.

XXXXXXXX

I reach home and I'm still laughing inside at what I imagine the look on Bonasera's face when her date had to come and unlock the door. But knowing her, she'd do something practical and call the front desk. I'm betting if there was a window she probably would have crawled out of that. I try to place her into the same square peg as every other woman I have dated, which is kinda rare, and those I have been interested in, rarer still and she still comes up in a slot all her own. Like she announced to the world she's oblong and made her own space to fit.

If she wasn't in my professional warpath I probably would have gone a bit further. But thankfully I won't have to see her tomorrow as our scene is done and I can go back to my own little corner of the world; not mattering to anyone. And despite the fact that I might have played a small trick on her, she still went back to the man at the table, the man waiting for her, she didn't come to me. Mac, she's not coming to you! Ever! Got that?

But my perceptions have once again been put to the test when I round the corner to my apartment and spy a small package sitting by my front door.

"What the," I start as I bend down to examine what is left for me. I look at it suspiciously but when I see a name where the return address should be, I smile. 'Stella'

I quickly pull open the package to reveal her green dress from the night before.

Mac 'Think you could get away with the token handcuffs? You can afford this too.' Stella.

A smile starts to form as her faint scent starts to play with my tired brain. I carefully put the dress over my arm with a note to drop it off first thing tomorrow. I head into my apartment and once again listen to the silence. I'm sure Bonasera will be having company for the night and that thought quickly dashes any happy thought I was forming.

With a heavy sigh I head for my bedroom to get changed. As I lay down to sleep I tell myself that as of tomorrow Bonasera will be out of my professional life for good and my once again mediocre life will be back on the track it was before I was slightly detoured. Boy would I be wrong.

Never would have worked, I whisper into the darkness as sleep finally consumes me.

XXXXXXXX

I finally reach home, another excuse to Doug as to why he can't spend the night. I am tired and sex with Mr. Coppertone just isn't what I had in mind to end the day's events. As I slowly wander around my place to get ready for bed, I wonder what Taylor does to unwind.

"Probably watches war and peace," I scoff. "Or reads guns and ammo."

But something else tells me that maybe he's not the same man I stereotyped since I first heard his name. I hate the fact that he's breaking down every assumption I have and I find myself in wonder. But as I finally crawl into bed, I tell myself that as of tomorrow Taylor will be back on his side of the city and our professional paths won't need to cross. I dont see him on a social level so my life without Mac Taylor is one again back on the path it belongs. I would however, be proved wrong.

Never would have worked, I whisper into the darkness as sleep finally consumes me.

A/N: so dont worry who Carla is. I said at the outset Mac didn't have a wife and that's true but he just fits "brooding" so well that he had to have a catalyst in his past. Details about her will be revealed later in the story.

Okay so guess what tomorrow is? That's right the start of the case! Think the tension will drop or rise? Think there will be anymore sexual tension? Think they'll butt heads? Oh just a little to all of those questions. Hope thats okay and thanks for the amazing reviews. The more I get the faster I write so keep em coming!!