Title: Opposites Attract
Chapter 6 - First step toward Tomorrow?
A/N: Okay so since the reviews dropped by half from the chapter 4 to 5 I'm really hoping people are still reading this story and want more.
Note1: this is first person I dont want to confuse anyone about who's talking and who's thinking when I put 8 XXXXXXXX's before a paragraph it means a new person talking. A short paragraph in italics means thinking and down the road the bad buy talking. Hope this makes sense. Thanks again and enjoy!
My sleep last night wasn't as bad as I finally wrapped my head around the fact that Dean's father was still going to jail; sadly it wasn't my doing, but this time I have to bow to justice. I open my eyes and offer a sigh. Still dark but then again I haven't ever been afforded the opportunity to sleep past the first minute of sun up. I wonder what that would be like. But lying in bed all alone to me seems a waste, so sleeping in is a luxury I can't afford. Maybe if I had a beautiful woman handcuffed to my bed; now that would be different. Mac! I scold myself. That will never happen! Ever! How about just in my bed? Definintely never going to happen. Ever? No! Damn it! Well I could have had Andrea. Yeah but she's not. Oh dont go there. She won't happen for sure. Ever! Get it? No!
I glance at the small tin on my dresser and slightly frown. I want to smile and I think I would have a chance if I hadn't seen Bonasera kissing her Neanderthal boyfriend on the steps outside her building. Get a grip Mac! I tell myself. Why do you care? Are you jealous? Can't be! Course the bar bathroom incident didn't help my peace of mind either. Something about her just fascinates me as of late.
Maybe as Paula said it would take a certain kind of woman to put me on my ass before I would take notice. But I'm not about to walk into the middle of a relationship and remind myself that her headstrong ways would probably wear on my nerves pretty fast and I'd end up killing her.
I offer a slight laugh at that last remark and push myself out of bed; still dark outside as I head for the bathroom; but just as I reach for the door my phone rings.
"Paula? It's not even seven yet," I moan. "Everything okay?"
"No, Mac it's big and it's bad and it's going to take every resource we have. How soon can you meet me?"
"Where?"
"NYU, campus house number twelve."
That's close to neutral territory but I'm confident that this one will be mine. "Be there soon," I huff as I race back to the bathroom and hurry to get ready. Much like me, Paula's dedication sometimes comes at too high a price; like sacrificing family time just to make a difference. Another reason I'll stay alone; how could I ask my family to share their time with work? And to me work comes first. Course I haven't had anyone yet in my life that I'd want to make time for.
"Oh Taylor, you're sad," I chide myself as I finish my shave. After a quick shower I head into the bedroom and am dressed and ready to go in no time. I call Cyrus on the way and he wakes up Lindsay and soon we are all starting to converge on NYU. I dont see Bonasera's truck so assume that this is mine; this will be a good day after all.
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I hang up with Flack and now rush to finish getting ready. I sometimes wonder what a spouse would say about me dashing out when it's still dark. I wonder what kind of man would make me want to linger in bed; perhaps one thats trapped to my headboard with pink fuzzy handcuffs. Stella! Dont even go there. But as good looking as Doug is, I dont have the same fascination of having him trapped and at my mercy as I do Taylor. I guess because Doug would do it willingly; Taylor would resist - at first. It was the look on his handsome face when he was trapped the night before. Like he didn't want to be caught but at the same time he wasn't upset it was by me. Could that be true? Stella! I snap myself too. That's not going to happen. Ever!
It's time for your real love, work and work comes first. And that's why I dont have a spouse. Someone would worry about me putting work before them and leaving for my career. This is better I tell myself. Work can't hurt you. Can it? No! I grab my coffee and hurry out the door.
My mind is now wondering what this new case is. Flack said it was big and would garner lots of attention, good and bad. In fact my mind is so distracted that I dont hear my name until Danny calls it a third time.
"Must have been a fun night," I hear him mention.
"It was alright," I frown. Doug was okay but he must missed that "thing" that I need from a male partner. That 'thing' that Taylor was now forcing me to reevaluate with every man I came in contact with; laughing at me because he knows no one will ever measure up to him. Damn him!
"What's Doug like?" Danny asks me as we near NYU, unaware that on the opposite side of the building my main nemesis has just entered the same area I'm about to.
"A little boring," I reply. "It's Flack's doing."
"So he told me about the uh package," Danny mentions.
"WHAT!" Damn it Flack! I curse inside regarding the pink handcuffs. I try to hide my sudden warmth but Danny is quick to catch it.
"Are you actually blushing?" He notes.
"No," I shoot back. "It was a silly joke and nothing more." Besides he got me back with that stupid bathroom prank I tell myself.
"Right," Danny concedes, but not really believing me. I guess it was the tone in my voice; as I know it wasn't anything more.
But as I spy Flack and Sheldon heading my way, my mind is quickly pulled back to the job at hand. I dont see Taylor's truck so am happy this one is mine. I like the big complicated cases; always makes me take my game up one notch. Plus I'll have something to hold over Taylor. HA!
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"Paula what is this all about?" I ask with a frown as Cyrus and Lindsay walk up and stand at my side. "Why is the Chief here?"
"The nature of this case," she frowns.
"And do I get details yet?" I ask in growing annoyance.
"In a minute Taylor," Chief Mario Chavez overhears and tells me. "Just waiting for the other team to get here so I can give you both the same instructions."
"What other team?" I ask in wonder. But as the door is pulled open and I spy Bonasera step through the door my question is answered. "Sir? Her team is the other team? You're kidding right?"
"Sorry, Taylor, I'm not. Orders from the mayor himself."
I offer a small curse and then force myself to look at Bonasera one more time. Obviously just as mad and confused as I am. This is not how I had pictured this playing out. I can't work with her! Maybe this is just a prank? Yeah right! You are so screwed!
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I spy Taylor as soon as the door is pulled open and lightly curse. Damn it! I lost to him again. But as I hear his question, I can't help but wonder what's really going on? He looks mad and I think it has something to do with this case. Or he's just that pissed to see me here? Either way this isn't exactly how I pictured this case proceeding. I can't work with him. I just can't!
I look at Flack who only shrugs his shoulders. I offer Taylor a sideways glance but he's talking to Paula, probably asking her the same question I wondered of Flack. But I watch her disappear and then Taylor locks eyes with me again.
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"At four AM this morning four young men were found stabbed to death in campus house number nine. We are meeting here because this building is directly across and big enough to house all the people who will be working on this investigation," the mayor's chief of staff starts. "This will be a joint effort between both precincts and CSI teams."
WHAT! My mind yells in shock. I am not working with her team.
Taylor? No way I'm sharing this with him!
"We know the identities of the four boys and they include Joshua and Caleb Bryce," he continues. At the mention of the two names of the Mayor's godson's the room is instantly quiet. "They along with two close friends were found by a member of the cleaning staff about four. Thanks to the diligent work of Detective Watford just shortly thereafter we were able to contain the scene. But as you can imagine the damage has been done. The press is going to have a field day with this because of who the victim's are. Chief Mario Chavez will be the mayor's point on this with Detective Watford as lead. The two CSI teams will work under Chavez's direction. At this point while we know that speed is important, attention to all the details is key. Chief Chavez," he stops.
I watch my superior stand in front of the wondering group and frown. What the hell is going on?
"Detective Flack, you can get your details from Detective Watford whom I'm sure you'll have no problem taking direction from or working with."
"None at all sir," I see Flack smile at Paula, who simply nods a smile in return.
"Mac, Stella, a word," Chavez states. "The rest just hang tough for a bit."
I look at my team and tell them to just hang back for a bit while I clear this up. I offer only a small hello to Bonasera and then we follow Chavez into a small private room.
"What's this about Mario?" I ask directly, not allowing Bonasera to beat me on this one.
"Her team is joining yours Mac," Chavez tells me.
What! My mind screams, there is no way I'm taking orders from him! "But sir," Stella starts in protest.
"Sorry Stella, the Mayor needs all four of your CSI's and as you both know your teams and your houses are the best in the city. Mac you'll be lead on"
"What?" I hear her ask in anger. "I and my team are not taking orders from him," she tries in a panic.
"Sir, my team is more than capable of handling this on our own," I tell him; myself not pleased that I'll have to share my case with her. "I don't need her."
"I don't know why you two are mad, neither of you have a choice or any say in the matter. That part is not open for discussion or debate. Now I can see that both of you are less than thrilled to be working together but I don't care. I care about the state of the man in charge of this city and the fact that he just saw his two young godsons carved up. Mac, you will be the point of contact for me and the information that goes to the top. Bonasera you will still maintain control over your team and what they do in this investigation; Taylor the same for your team. What I don't want to see is anyone doing their own thing when it comes to talking to anyone outside their team," he finishes looking directly at me. I feel Bonasera's eyes boring into the back of my head but I feel I'm just as angry as her about all this.
"Any questions?" Chavez asks us.
"So I don't have to take orders from him right?" Stella asks my boss.
"Look at it this way, the faster you get started the faster you can separate," he offers with a slight frown before he turns and leaves us alone in the small room.
I offer a curse and then hear Bonasera add her own in another language and look at her in surprise.
"Greek," she frowns. "This is not fa,"
"I'm just as frustrated as you," I tell her.
"I am not taking orders from you," she snaps at me.
"I doubt you'd listen anyways," I huff in her direction.
"Well you're not exactly a model in the listening department either!" She shoots back. Both of us stand in silence a bit longer; the tension growing in the small room. I look at Bonasera and feel I must play the mature adult card first. The fun from the past few days has all but dissipated. I am going to kill her, I just know it!
"We are mature adults and I'm sure that we can handle th," I start in a firm tone; not wanting to yell at her, even though I'm very close to shouting. I really dont want my team to hear us bickering at such an early stage in the game. "How about this, we each take one of the godsons and one of the friends and then compare notes."
"Sounds fair," she answers with tight lips. "If you patronize me or my team in any way," she starts.
"You'd probably put me on my ass if I did," I tell her a slight smile.
"I already did that," she retorts.
I look at her in amusement but my anger is quick to return. "I don't answer to you about everything I do."
"Well I don't answer to you! So you do yours and I'll do mine and whatever I find I'll give you and you can put in your report. Sound fair?" She asks me.
"Works for me. We take the leads and go our separate ways. You investigate yours, I'll investigate mine and you send me what you have, I'll put it in the report and we'll both live to walk away," I tell her. "Agreed?"
"Agreed," she answers.
Sadly that thought is short lived for both of us.
"Yeah nice try Taylor," Flack says as he and Paula finally join us. I look at him sideways and offer a frown.
"Not how it's going to work Mac," Paula tells me. "You two have to work together."
"Like hell," I reply in anger. "I don't have a partner."
"I don't answer to him!"
"Children," Paula warns and I shoot her a warning stare. "Forget it Mac, I have my orders also. I was sure you both would have come to some mature understanding about this whole thing but I am guessing that it's not agreed upon?"
"We're working on it," I tell Paula, not wanting to venture another glance at Bonasera. She's going to kill me for that lie. And how can I do this? After our shenanigans? This is going to be bad! For me!
"Paula and I will handle this at a top level, but local leads you two have to take together," Flack finishes.
"What?" Stella asks in shock.
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This is not going well. So much for hoping that I wouldn't have to spend more time with Taylor than necessary. I can't work with him. Not after the stupid things we did to each other. That will kill me. I'll kill him!
"Sorry Stella," Flack tells me. "We just can't afford to have you two doing your own thing on this. There is going to be a lot of press from the minute the press will be informed, which," he says looking at Paula. "Will be very soon. And the last thing we need is two of our top people telling two different stories."
"We'll be discreet," Mac offers Flack, hoping for once I will agree. And I do. I want to work apart from him.
"We'll compare notes," I try, hoping Flack will listen to me and not Taylor.
"I won't take a back seat to her and let my team do all the dirty work," I hear Taylor tell Flack and Paula.
"Well that goes the same for my team," I shoot back at him.
"Mac, there is no discussion on this," Paula tells him. "There is no debate. If I dont see you two out on the calls together I can have you both fired."
"Tough woman," Flack smiles. "Now you know why I admire her."
"Paula,"
"Mac, dont bother. This conversation is over," she tells him firmly. And that's it. That look and her tone and Mac knows not to cross her. That woman is amazing; I praise.
"You two can go and brief your teams and get started. Don and I already have some leads to follow up on but we'll probably spend the day with the press team, making sure that they dont leak anything we dont want them to," Paula tells us. "I'll give you another five minutes and then you need to get both your asses in gear."
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"Yeah, she's with me," Flack offers in admiration followed by a smirk and then follows her out of the room, Bonasera and I are once again alone; the tension once again thick.
"Damn it!" I curse angrily and then look at her with a frown.
"Look I'm just as upset as you," she tells me angrily. "I work alone and answer to no one, least of all you."
"Well I also work alone and worry about myself first and foremost," I shoot back at her in anger.
"Sometimes it shows," she throws at me.
We both hear talking outside and then step back and breathe heavily.
"Truce," I finally offer Bonasera with a sigh. "We need to keep it together for our team's sake at least."
"I agree," I hear her huff.
"Okay so let's get this started and work on the details about our calls later."
"It's the marine in you that wants to take the lead right? Be in charge all the time? I work alone," she tells me
"I work alone also. And if it makes you feel better I dont answer to you either! But we have been through this. I am not trying to threaten your independence. Although I'm sure it will be the death of me," I tell her with a frown.
"Well on my tombstone they can put that your stubbornness was the death of me!" She snaps back.
A few more minutes of heated silence and then we both start to calm down and finally focus on the dead men in the other room instead of needing to both be right and heard.
"Please? Can we get started?" I ask her.
"Fine," she finally agrees with me as we walk out of the room.
I head back to my team and Cyrus is the first to approach. "So we have been given our orders from the Mayor and here they are. Cyrus you will work on Joshua Bryce and Lindsay you'll take one of the friends. I'll assist with both if I can." I stop and look at Bonasera. This is going to be hard enough without me stepping on toes in the first five minutes. This is her team; better let her have her say or I'll probably be the next one killed.
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Taylor looks at me to give direction to my team and I am somewhat taken aback. But I offer a sigh and figure he probably doesn't know my team that well and so I continue. "Sheldon I want you to work on Caleb Bryce and Danny on the other friend. The final report will come to me and I'll give it to Taylor to send to whoever he needs to."
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She finishes her sentence with a biting tone and I know this is going to be one of the longest and toughest cases I will work on to date. But my team has their direction and very quickly disperse to get their equipment and get started. Why dont they seem as disturbed by this as I am? Because you are both in charge, I remind myself. They don't have to work with her. You do!
Hopefully all the contacts will be handled by Flack and Paula and my alone time with Bonasera will be limited. The night in the apartment had no meaning and therefore was nothing more than an amusing memory. Okay an amusing memory that won't fade. This was real and if she didn't want to work with me as much as I didn't want to work with her, that amusing memory would remain an anomaly. A reoccurring anomaly? Mac, snap out of it! She hates you!
I offer her a small frown and then hurry after my team who doesn't seem all that affected as I am.
"So this is odd," Cyrus notes as we near the truck for our gear.
"Don't get me started," I huff.
"I don't think it's going to be that bad," Lindsay pipes up.
"If I see you making more eyes at Messer than the body, I'm going to fire you," I state sourly. I notice her expression and my face quickly softens. "Sorry, just not what I thought would happen when I got up this morning."
"Us either," Cyrus quips as he grabs his kit. "But it will be interesting to see them in action."
I grab my stuff and then follow my team to the crime scene. My mind can't help but wonder what the next few hours and days will hold. Why is it that when you least expect it life throws you a curve ball that you just can't handle? I want to give her a chance so I don't seem like an overbearing dictator. But I just can't see her allowing me any breathing space and that might prove to be a real challenge. Oh today is going to be hell on my mental sanity.
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"So they thought we couldn't handle it alone?" Danny asks me as we head to our truck to get our gear.
"I guess because of who died and the amount of dead, he thinks we need help. And I guess with Watford's pull, that would put Taylor's team as lead for the reporting stuff," I tell them.
"Don't think it should be too bad," Danny mentions and Sheldon just rolls his eyes.
"Yeah and if you screw up we can blame the starry eyed stares you and Monroe will be making at each other instead of at the victims," Sheldon teases Danny.
"Grow up," I hear Danny huff.
"Seriously Danny, no distractions on your part," I warn as we near the crime scene. I spy Taylor already walking into the building and I just shake my head. Not exactly the curveball I expected life to throw at me. I really want to give him a professional chance but I think we'll be butting heads before we are offering hugs. This is going to be a very long day.
As soon as we enter the crime scene we are struck with the pungent smell of death and very quickly the junior CSI's disperse and are busy at their respective bodies. I watch his team and notice they are just as expert and efficient as mine; in fact they all seem to be getting along a little to well which is very unnerving. I watch as Taylor pulls out his camera and starts to document whatever is not captured. Since this room is taken care of I want to see what else could be waiting for us in other areas. I dont answer to him so why would I check in to see if it's okay?
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I notice Bonasera leave the room and frown. What's she up to? Probably checking the surrounding area. My other junior CSI John Berg has arrived on the scene to help with the transport details to our respective ME's but I hand him the camera and go in search of Bonasera. I quickly round the corner only to see her disappear into another room. I pull my small flashlight and start to follow, my eyes examining the area around the entrance. I hear shuffling and when I look up I see a man come out of the room Bonasera just went into.
What? Damn that woman attracts trouble! But he spies me and darts back into the room. I rush down the hall and into the room that connects to another one. I see him at the far end and hurry toward him.
"NYPD, freeze," I command as I quickly pull my gun. But I hear a noise to my right and while I am momentarily distracted by it, the man escapes my view. I see Bonasera reappear and curse. She looks at me in surprise but I push past her, determined to follow after the man I just saw.
"Come back," I yell out as I nearly catch up with him. We reach a small landing and just as I think I have him cornered he turns, rushes me and we both tumble down the stairs in a jumble of arms and legs.
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I quickly emerge from the secret passage that I have somehow stumbled upon only to see Taylor with his gun drawn, looking at me in surprise before he runs the other way. I watch in horror as he and a strange man go tumbling down the stairs and I rush after them with my gun drawn. I race for the bottom and stop short when I see Taylor laying a little dazed on the floor.
"Mac," I say as I rush up to him, not realizing that this is the first time I have ever used his first name. He slowly lifts his heads and frowns. "Are you okay?" I ask in concern. Why am I concerned? Just am.
"Yes," he huffs.
"Anyone ever tell you you have a way with people?"
"Yes you," he replies as he pushes himself up. I am not going to tell him to take it easy as I know he won't listen and so can only follow him out back. Stubborn man!
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"Damn it!" I curse as I reach the outside and see that my attacker has left. I turn back to Bonasera with a frown. I want to be angry but her eyes are searching mine to make sure that I'm okay. She doesn't have to say a word but I know that she's concerned about me. As I said damn it! Why does she look like she cares? She's a woman, it's an act! Dont fall for it. I think I am!
"Where the hell did you go?" I demand of her.
"I was checking things out."
"Did you as"
"Ask?" She quickly calls me on it and I stop. "Oh so now I have to ask you permission? To do my job? At a crime scene? You're kidding right?"
I look at her and frown. Of course she doesn't have to ask, I sigh inwardly. "No. I was, never mind. What did you see?" I resign.
"I wanted to examine the surrounding area for anything useful as the room has more than enough bodies in it when I heard a noise. I went into the room you rushed through. Pushed a panel and found myself inside another room. I heard your voice and when I came out you were rushing past. I never saw anyone, I swear."
"This is Detective Taylor," I grab my phone and call a nearby officer. After giving a small description of the man I turn and follow her back toward the door we just came through. Bonasera stops me and I look at her in surprise. "Hold it," she says quickly.
She gently lifts a piece of hair off my coat and holds it up; like showing off a trump card. "Do you always take such liberties with your attackers?" She questions as she quickly bags the piece and hands it to me.
"Thanks," I reply with a lessening frown as I take the bag and hold it in my hand but then turn to go inside again.
"Boy you're stubborn. Come here right now," she tells me in a calmer but firm voice to which I quickly snap too; as she quickly pulls a small cloth from her pocket, gently turns my face to her and touches a spot on my cheek. It comes away with a bit of my own blood and I look at her in surprise. Why does she care? And why did that feel so right for her to care? Mac, get a grip!
"Well we already have four dead bodies to deal with, why add yours?" She quips and then turns and walks past me to go inside.
I follow her in wonder. Every rule I try to follow this woman breaks! Every barrier that I try to put up she is rapidly breaking down. Damn it! But without a word I follow her back inside. I hate the silence that is growing and didn't mean to be harsh earlier. How do I make amends? "Good thing I have a hard head," I offer as we step back inside. Did that sound stupid? Probably.
"I've noticed," she offers casually as she starts to study the surrounding area. "This place is sort of creepy. What's with all the secret passage ways?"
I look around and can only agree. "Not exactly a place to come alone," I tell her.
"You would of course be saying that for your benefit right?" She retorts.
"At least I wasn't in a ball gown," I shoot back.
"At least I had my gun," she reminds me.
She's trying to push my buttons once again and it's working. I frown slightly but tell her we best be getting back upstairs. I reach the top of the landing and Paula pulls me aside as I watch Bonasera walk back into the main crime scene.
"Well?" She asks me.
"How much do you think a good hit man is worth?" I frown and she smiles.
"Not even five minutes and already she's got you, doesnt she?" Paula winks.
"She does not! So what's going on?" I ask trying to sound annoyed and ignoring Paula's statement.
"You know Mac, for a man that puts up a lot of brick walls, sometimes they are very transparent," she smiles at me. So busted, I sigh! Women! "Flack and I are going to check in with the press command station. Mac, this is going to be big and ugly. I know I dont have to talk to you about discretion but I am going to give you my ten second Watford warning. Watch your ass and keep your temper in check or I'll fire you myself," she warns me. I arch my brows but offer nothing in return.
"Fine," I huff. "Is that all?"
"No, I have the first lead for you and Bonasera to check out," Paula tells me.
"I can tak"
"Mac, forget it. You go off like the Lone Ranger and I will arrest you," she lightly warns, but I know she's serious. "Just remember, this came from Chavez. You don't need another reason to piss him off. The team can handle the clean up here. Besides, from the look of everything, I don't think they'll be done before you get back."
"Who is it?" I ask as I see Bonasera step back into the doorway and look at me with a look of wonder. "Who do you want us to check out?" I ask a bit louder so that Bonasera can take the hint and come join us. Man I'm whipped already and it's not even noon!
"How very grown up of you Mac," Paula smiles as Stella joins us.
"Clayton Davis. He was supposed to be with the boys last night but at the last minute decided to stay in a hotel and do his own thing. Flack and I would check him out but we have to go to the press conference which is about to make the announcement and I need to make sure the Boy Wonder knows what he's going to say," she smiles. "Good luck Stella, you have your hands full with this one," Paula adds, much to my shock and dismay.
"Oh I know that," she smiles at me. I grit my teeth but offer no reply as I call Cyrus and Hawkes over. I have quickly resigned myself to the fact that if I dont at least make it seem like I want to include her I'll be less likely to go postal by the end of the day.
"Cyrus, I'm leaving you and Sheldon in charge," I direct, looking at my seasoned CSI. "Stella and I have to check on our first lead and I need all hands on deck here. I want two bodies to our place and two to hers and get John to arrange the bus to transport them. Monroe and Messer can finish up here but I doubt they'll be done by the time we get back," I stop and look at Bonasera.
"Team meeting in the morning?" I ask her to which she nods. "That is if we don't finish up here. Be back soon."
I turn and leave; Bonasera right beside me. I hurry down the stairs and feel my nervous tension starting to build. As I reach the bottom I stop.
"Thanks for calling me Stella," she mentions.
"Had to return the favor," I offer, not looking at her.
"You like to do that a lot don't you?" She quips.
"Seems like more and more as of late," I huff as I stop before my truck.
"So why are we stopping?" She wonders. "Oh let me guess you want to drive but don't want to piss me off because you are sure that I am the type of woman that doesn't always like to be a passenger?" She challenges.
How is it this woman sees right through me? I guess the look on my face says it all as her firm demeanor starts to soften and she offers a slight smile. "You win today and I'll win tomorrow. Deal?"
"I somehow get the feeling that I won't be winning a lot of arguments with you," I frown as I head toward my truck.
She adds no reply as there is nothing that needs to be said; she knows I'm right. She will win every time.
Just as we reach the truck I spy my CSI Berg walking toward the ME's van. "Stella, hold on a second," I tell her as I dump my coat into the backseat and head for Berg. "John," I call to him; wanting to give him instructions about the hair of my attacker.
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I get into his truck and notice when he dumps his coat that something falls out of the breast pocket. "What on earth?" I ask out loud as I pick up the small object. "My mints!" I exclaim. But as I open them I see a small handcuff key inside and my face slightly warms. I had wondered where my tin of mints went and never would have guessed that he found them and kept them. But that was when? Before the party? He kept them since then? What? No need to wonder about the key as I know exactly what that belongs to. But I see him coming back and stuff them back into his coat. I am tempted to take the key but know I won't ever need to use it. As I told myself before, using those handcuffs on him just won't happen. Especially now. But damn he looks good in that suit. Oh I'm sad. But why did he look like he was happy a few minutes back when I cleaned his face? He wasn't it's in your mind! Really?
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I get into the truck and once again the air is filled with tension. What do I say? Glad it was fun to tease you a bit but now I think you're a bit of a pain to work with? Still the nearness of her beside me is a bit unnerving. It's different than Paula, as now I'll have to be on my best behavior and watch what I say and do. Damn it! I curse inside. Why did I get out of bed today? Still I have to wonder if the events of today, which hasn't even started yet will affect me or even us for better or worse? Will she drive me nuts? What if I like it? What if I hate it? What if I drive her nuts? It's possible; I'm not good around women. And worse around this one! She drives me crazy.
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I offer a sideways glance at Taylor as he pulls away from the university and then turn my gaze back outside and frown. What do I tell him? Thanks for the fun time, but it won't happen again? So many questions go through my head as he directs us into traffic. What if he doesnt like working with me? What if I hate working with him? So far it's gotten on my nerves and the day hasn't started. What if I do kill him a few hours from now? He drives me crazy!
But I have to be here so I figure the best way to break the silence is to talk about the case.
"So Clayton Davis," I start and notice that his hardened grip on the steering wheel immediately loosens.
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"What do we know about him?" She asks me; thankful for the distraction. I wanted to say something first but for some reason when this woman is near my brain decides to take a much needed holiday. Oh Mac, I sigh; the day hasn't even started and already she has you in a down ward spiral. There is no hope for me. And if there is no hope for me at the start of this case, what happens when this case comes to a close and we have been stuck together all this time?
I offer her one more sideways glance and know the ride I'm in for, was the last thing I expected when it took the call this morning.
A/N: okay so the case is just getting started. As you know I'll throw in lots of danger, twists, action and of course sexual tension and romance as they draw closer. Please let me know what you think.