Title: Opposites Attract
Chapter 8 - Friction = Flirting?

"Who are you?" The large man asks me.

"I asked first," I demand in anger. Although I have no authority as I am the one in trouble here; I still have to feel like I have some kind of control.

"I'm Dan. I was told to come and clean this room," he frowns.

"Well Dan, I'm Mac Taylor, NYPD. I just need you to bring me my jacket."

"How did you get like that?" He asks in suspicion.

"A silly prank," I huff. "Please? My jacket?"

"But," he pauses. "Will I get in trouble?"

"No. I give you my word. My jacket," I direct in annoyance.

"I guess so," he says as he slowly heads for my jacket. But just as his hand reaches it, Stella walks back into the room.

"Damn it!" I lightly curse.

"Nice try," she smiles at me. "I'll take that jacket," she tells Dan.

"What happened to him?" Dan asks Stella.

"Couples therapy," she tells him to which I nearly explode.

"What?" I ask in shock. "Don't believe her."

"She said," Dan starts.

"Dan we are not a couple," I try to explain.

"Oh come on now honey," Stella smiles sweetly and I seethe.

"You know I tried that once, you know couples therapy," Dan smiles at Stella to which I just roll my eyes.

"And how did that go for you?" She asks, much to my shock. Why is she acting like this is normal?

"Yeah it was okay," he frowns. "She didn't try this hard though."

"Dan, you have to believe me, this is not couples therapy. Now bring me the jacket!" I offer with a light hiss.

"Women know what's best," he tells me.

"No they dont," I reply firmly. This guy is an idiot!

But sadly for me Dan complies, he too under her captive spell, and hands Bonasera my jacket and then leaves.

Stella turns to me with a wide grin. "Nice try Taylor," she says walking up to me.

"And if something happened to me? Would you just laugh and say, gee you should have been able to fend for yourself!" I snap harshly.

"No, of course not," she frowns at me. "Trust me I wouldn't want to ever see you hurt, especially if I was the cause."

"You know I'm now under the impression that you can make any man do or believe just about anything."

"And thats a bad thing?" She smiles.

"Couples Therapy?" I snap. "Bring me that damn key."

"You know you are a very slow learner," she smiles.

"Fine. Please bring me the damn key," I try again and she just rolls her eyes.

"Don't you want to know where I went?"

"First I want to be free of this room and you!" I huff.

"Are you sure?" She counters.

"Yes!"

"So no more partners?" She asks me, almost with a hint of disappointment. I look at her with a frown but have no answer. "Oh okay, let me call," she starts.

"Stella, I was, don't worry about it," I frown in resignation. "What do you have?" Why am I giving in!

"It was about the case. A piece of evidence for Davis."

"Okay fine," I resign. "What was that all about? Where did you go?" I lightly demand as she walks up to me and sits down on the edge of the bed.

"The front desk said that Clayton Davis was here, paid and gave me his VISA slip," she holds it up for me to see. I fake like I'm going to take the slip to examine it when I reach for my jacket and grab it out of her hand.

"Hey!" She states as she tries to grab the jacket out of my grasp. But I offer a firm yank and I end up pulling her over the bed onto the opposite side of me. My wrist slightly twists and I wince in pain which finally makes her take notice. She snatches my jacket and then fishes around for the key.

"Sorry, I didn't want you to get hurt," she tells me softly as her hand lingers on my trapped wrist.

"Just fell oddly," I reply. Why am I justifying her actions? Oh this woman frustrates me. She locks eyes with me once more and once again I feel held captive by her. Of course I wish she'd do more but I can't allow myself to be distracted by her as this is not the time or the place. When is this case over?

XXXXXXXX

I hold the key in my fingers, my hand lingering on his and look into his blue eyes; which are searching mine for a reason for my playful mood and why I won't take things further. I have the power; he's trapped and I have the key. And I'm tempted; oh I'd be lying if I were to deny any feelings that were starting to grow. But they can't I tell myself. This is harmless flirting and nothing more. So why dont you flirt like this with Doug. Who? Okay back to the case.

"You like having fun at my expense?" He asks as I undo the cuff and let him rub some feeling back into his wrist.

"Yes," I smile.

"Why?"

"Because you want me to," I answer and he looks at me in shock. "Please Mac, you try very hard to close yourself off and try to pretend you're mad, but I know you're having just as much fun as I am."

"What? I am not."

"Yes you, having fun at a crime scene," I offer.

"Work and play should be separate," he tells me firmly as he pushes himself up to standing position. To which I lightly laugh. He looks at me in shock. "What did I say?"

"Didn't think you ever used the word 'play'," I smile.

"Oh trust me there are a few things about me that might surprise even you," he tells me with a smile he's trying to hide. Nice try Taylor, I smile inside. You can't hide yourself from me.

"I'll be waiting for those," I tell him as I hand him the VISA slip. "Now get back to work."

He looks at me in amusement but takes the slip and lightly shakes his head.

XXXXXXXX

I really don't want to like this woman any more than I have to but by each passing second she is forcing her way into my heart and my head. And not just her playful side; which I'm almost embarrassed to admit, is making her me want her in an unprofessional manner and at a crime scene no less! I quickly stuff my handcuffs into my pocket and try to get my brain to focus on the piece of paper in my hand. I hurry back to the desk and stuff my gun back into its holster and turn to her with a frown.

"That'll teach you to undress in front of me," she teases me. Oh why does she like to torment me? I look up at her in shock and she smiles.

"Yeah I guess Mr. Universe has that role covered," I offer and her smile quickly fades. There, now both our minds should be back at work! The old boyfriend trump card means I win every time. So then why am I not happy about that? Because it was the boyfriend card! Oh well, she's better off with him. Get a grip Mac, you know you want to be back where you were, handcuffed to that bed with her beside you. I see her frown and know I can finally pull myself back out of my silent fantasy. Damn this woman!

XXXXXXXX

"Okay so we know that Clayton Davis got this room and paid for it. He checked in but we can't confirm if he stayed in it," I hear Mac explain. I guess the comment about Doug instantly deflated my sails and my mood dropped. But as long as Doug is around, Mac will always have that over me. Why do I care? Because as much as I tell myself I dont want to like this man, I'm starting to feel an attraction growing! And it's only the first day? Stella, there is no hope for you. And not just having him at my mercy; although that was fun! Oh I need to get away from here. But how? I have to work with him. And now he'll be plotting his revenge. How on earth am I supposed to focus on work? Maybe he's right, maybe partners isn't such a good idea after all!

My brain tells my face to try to offer at least a small smile after the Doug comment but for some reason all I offer him is a frown. Oh I'm going to kill him. Who Doug? Yes. Taylor? Yes!

"Stella?" He asks softly.

"Right, I agree," is all I can manage. Okay you're a professional and that was sad. Get your head back in the game and forget Mac Taylor!

XXXXXXXX

"Okay so we are told by a student that Clayton Davis was supposed to come to the party but chooses to go to a hotel instead. We are at the hotel and he didn't stay here."

"So where did he actually go?" Stella asks. I can tell she's all business now and maybe that's a good thing. Yeah for me! I can finally concentrate. I'll have to thank Doug later; yeah after I kick his ass! Oh grow up.

"We need to know if he was in that university room with the others," I mention to her as I grab my phone. "Monroe, pull yourself away from Messer and help me with something," I start, looking at Bonasera with a slight frown. "Have all the bodies been moved? Great, okay so I need you and Messer to start looking for prints. We are particularly after Clayton Davis. We need to know if he was in that room at all. Right, call me back."

"You might lose your CSI before this is over Taylor," she goads me. Her mood has once again returned and I for some reason am relieved. I hate to see her silent and upset. Why is that?

"If anyone is going to defect to our side, its Messer," I shoot back as we head out of the room.

"Yeah right, my lab is bigger and newer than yours," she smiles at me.

"Lindsay's a woman, poor guy doesn't have a chance," I tell her. "Trust me; she has the upper hand on him, don't you all?" I counter to which of course she has no comeback, she knows I'm right. We reach the open area again and head for the annoying concierge. Thankfully there is on room remark and I can finally get back to why we're really here work!

"Who would be able to tell us what, if anything, Clayton Davis did while he was here, if he was here?"

"I'll get Lou, he worked the shift last night and is on right now. Be right back."

I watch him leave and then turn to Bonasera who is now looking at a text on her black berry. I can't help but notice that it's a personal text.

"Boyfriend beckons?" I ask her, making her quickly put her phone away. Why do I sound jealous? After the handcuff incident dont I have reason? No! Well maybe a little.

XXXXXXXX

"No, just a friend," I tell him with a bit of nervousness. Why do I have to defend myself now? Um hello you handcuffed him to the bed earlier. So it was nothing. Are you sure? No.

Yesterday I would have had no problem talking about Doug in front of his face, what has changed? He doesn't care for me, so why am I so worried about his feelings with regards to Doug? He saw us together last night! He gets the picture right? But why don't I like the picture any more? Oh Stella, snap out of it!

"A friend," I hear him say as we stand once again in silence as we wait for Lou. Lou walks up to us and I can't help but smile as he ignores Mac and stares right at me.

XXXXXXXX

Of course he's going to stare at her, I do, I moan inside. But in any event I know that whatever I say will be lost so concede defeat and let her take the lead. I listen as she starts into her questioning and can't help but be impressed. She's keeping him on topic and still has him eating out of her hand. But she doesn't take no for answer and I'm once again fascinated by watching this woman in action. Oh I'm fascinated by everything about her. Especially when she traps you? Especially then.

Once she's done we head back outside to the truck. "Okay so we know that Clayton Davis, a friend of two high profile University members, comes to New York to visit friends. Pays for a room for a week, checks in, but never stays. Says he's going to the university to party, never shows up. Where does he go?"

"We need to know if he visited those guys at all and where he really stayed," she tells me. "If we can put him in the room we can start to develop a timeline. He's our only lead right now. And we need to know what if anything those boys or their families had on him or his family enough to make him do that much carnal damage."

"Yeah but where is he?" I offer, not really expecting an answer. We reach the campus and I notice Paula waiting for us and a lot less cars.

"I am going to go back and check with the team and look in the room you first saw the man," she tells me as we exit the truck.

"Right, I'll be right there," I offer as I head over to Paula. I watch Bonasera enter the back door of the building and then look at Paula who is looking at me with an amused expression.

"How was your first call? You are still alive?" Paula questions.

"Funny," I reply dryly. "Monkey show over?"

"For now," she replies.

"You guys find Davis yet?"

"Flack is still checking on a few other leads. But that boy's sharp, he'll find Davis for you. You okay? You seem more nervous than usual?"

"A few tumbles today and this case, plus Bonasera is driving me nuts," I confess. "I don't like having a partner Paula. What can I do to make us go our separate ways?"

"Mac, give it a rest. It's not my call. Besides maybe it's about time you learned to play nice with the other children."

I look at her and frown. "I can't concentrate with her around."

"Why?"

"Just not used to it," I huff.

"Has she put you on your ass yet?" Paula goads. I offer only a cryptic smile but she knows I am not offering her the whole truth. "Mac? Is it possible?"

"She's a professional colleague but too headstrong for my liking," I try but I know that Paula doesnt buy it. Am I really that transparent? "How are you? You got the call at four this morning?"

"The girls were at Marie's for the night and Ed comes home tonight," she informs me. "When I got the call I knew I couldnt be late. Flack is a good man Mac, I think you'll get along well with him. With Ed coming home tonight I'll be a little MIA until the day after tomorrow."

I lean in and kiss her on the cheek, unaware that my very actions are now being photographed. "Take care of him," I whisper. "And watch your back. Something is wrong here, I can feel something is off," I tell her as I pull back. "Just be careful."

XXXXXXXX

I let my eyes watch Taylor and Watford a little longer. If I didn't know that she was happily married and how close they are, I might have been inclined to feel a little jealous. What? Me? Over him? Not possible. Is it? Well maybe over the hooker. Stella! Stop it. Right, back to the case. But I just can't erase the look on his face in the hotel room. Yeah like that will ever happen again.

XXXXXXXX

"Don't you think you should take that advice?" Paula smiles as she turns to leave. "And give Bonasera a break will you. I've seen the way she looks at you."

"Yeah like I'm a royal pain in the ass," I snide.

"Well we already know that," Paula smiles as she takes her leave.

Bonasera looks at me? How? Am I seriously that blind? Must be! I mean I'd like to think it was more than just a friends or colleagues but inside I just dont buy it. She's beautiful and amazing and dating a jock. I'm just, well, me; a science guy. Not exactly Mr. Exciting. But she makes me think I can be. Oh this woman is going to be the death of me! Shesh it's only been one day and I dont believe in anything at first sight. What about the day you rescued her purse? You knew that instant you were smitten. Oh shut up, I tell myself!

I watch Paula leave and then quickly head back inside to find Bonasera and check on my team. As I suspect Lindsay and Danny are getting along; a little too well for my liking, but I am also pleased that they are doing actual work and things are getting done. Maybe I misjudged Messer?

"What do you have?" I ask as I approach them. "Anything on Clinton Davis?"

"We have a few unknowns," Lindsay tells me. "But nothing for Davis so far. Both Adam and Ralph rushes whatever we send but in this room and all those wild parties, it could take a while. And of course even if we do get them it might not prove he was here yesterday, especially if he has been here before. What's it like working with her?" She asks me in a low tone.

"Not as bad as I thought," I answer in truth not looking up. I see Bonasera walk into the room and offer a slight smile, but as Lindsay looks at me I quickly frown. "We'll keep looking," she mentions as Bonasera comes and stands beside me. Sadly for me I once again think that Lindsay saw something more and I'm at a loss to try to comprehend how to stop the female brain from trapping us poor saps!

"I'm going to start in the other room," she says going for her kit.

"Right, I'll meet you there," I reply as I call John Berg. "John, that hair from this morning? Any match to Clinton Davis?"

"No sir," he answers. "It's an unknown. No current system match. Sorry. Did you want me to go back to unknowns in the system?"

"No, I'm sure it was just an anomaly," I reply. "We need to focus on this case at hand. However, Stella is going to be sending over another sample from the hotel. I want you to try to match it to Davis or anyone else related to this case and call me back."

I finish my call and walk into the room where Bonasera is already at work. "You didn't have to tell me where you were going, I would have figured it out," I tell her. "I dont want you to feel like you have to check in with me for everything."

"Excellent," she smiles. "And I'll return the favor. You dont have to check in with me for everything."

I just frown and head to the revolving hidden door that she had ventured into earlier; not realizing she was following. "How did" I call out and then turn around only to bump into her. "Sorry," I offer as I quickly pull back. I am very aware that the nearness of her is starting to make me warm and I just wish for once my body would do what my brain tells it. But when it comes to her it hasn't so far so I dont expect much of my brain any longer.

"Shall we see where that goes?" She asks.

"Thought you'd never ask," I smile.

"I could use another adventure," she tells me.

"I think your whole life is an adventure," I mention casually as I pull out my flashlight and lead the way into the small dark hallway.

"You were in the marines," she tells me. "That doesn't sound that boring."

"How did you know I was in the marines?" I ask in surprise. Was she checking? No, it's common knowledge Mac! Oh right. But part of me is sort of hoping she was.

"Oh you'd be surprised at the things I know about you," she winks.

Damn this woman! I am trying to just make small talk, trying to be friendly and give her a break as Paula told me to. But she's pushing my boundaries and I'm starting to think that in this partnership I don't stand a chance. Did I ever? No!

"Probably pretty boring," I offer, hoping to steer her away from the topic of my life.

"Not from what I've seen so far," she throws back at me and I can only smile. As I thought, this woman can make me feel like I can do anything.

We reach a small landing and then stop and I peer down. "Long drop," I frown. "But the trail ends here. So if our guy was here, he'd have to enter where we did. Did he just lay in wait for them? I dont get why he'd hang around after he killed them?"

I feel Bonasera step around me to examine the other end of the landing, when I hear her offer a small cry as the floor beneath her starts to give way. I quickly reach out, grab her arm and yank her back to me, my arms wrapping around her; holding her tightly against me. My heart is racing as she stands inches from my body. Why does this feel so right, I inwardly moan? Why does holding her just feel so natural?

XXXXXXXX

I feel his arms holding me and look up with a smile; his arms are strong. Damn this man! Why is he forcing his way into my good books? And the worst part is he's not even trying. "Don't let go," I tell him, as my legs are still a little shaky. Why when I say don't let go do I mean like forever? Oh Stella, it's just the adrenaline talking.

"Wasn't planning on it," he whispers to me as pulls me back a few feet, away from harm. "Are you okay?" He asks. Is that professional concern or genuine worry in his voice?

"Better now, thank you," I manage. I'm sure he can hear my heart but thankfully he can't see how flush my face is. It's a good thing I can use the close call as my excuse but in reality it was the way he held onto me that has my heart racing.

XXXXXXXX

"I won't tell you to go back while I look at this as I know you won't listen to me anyways," I frown in the dimly lit area. "But just hang back a bit." I am surprised when she actually listens to me as I bend down and examine the floorboards she was just on. "There is a cut mark heresomeone wanted to make sure that whoever went looking in this area didn't come back in one piece."

"Good thing then it was me standing there and not you," she tells me.

"But my head is harder, remember?" I shoot back, making her smile.

Stella bends down beside me and I'm once again distracted from my original mission. I offer a heavy sigh and I feel her stiffen beside me. "I'm not mad at you, just such a waste for these four young men."

"Ever work a case this costly?" She asks me. Why does she actually sound interested.

"A few," I tell her. "Mostly in DC. Which I'm glad I left," I answer as I look around the cut marks for finger prints and other traces of DNA that might tell us who we are after. "Someone wiped this clean."

"Just like the hotel," she mentions. "If it's Davis, then his guilt is starting to build by the minute."

"We need to find this guy."

"What was DC like?" She asks me.

"Not that different from here, but more political. I'm glad I left. I'll tell you sometime if you're interested," I offer. Mac! Why did you do that? Like she'd ever take me up on that.

"I'd like that," she tells me and I smile. Did she just agree? She's just being nice!

"You? Ever have a case like this?" I ask her.

"Three girls," she huffs. "They were orphans and a street bum murdered them. It was a real tough one for me," she tells me. I hear more than just strain in her voice and wonder what she's hiding. Oh Mac, stop thinking everyone has a secret agenda. Well don't they?

"Sorry," I offer in a mild tone.

"Oh it's nothing," she replies quickly. "But if you're interested I'll tell you sometime."

"I'd like that," I tell her with a slight smile.

"Careful what you wish for," she smiles at me.

"So if Davis was our killer and was in here, there is no trace of him," I sigh as I push myself up. I turn for my kit and dont realize she's that close and once again bump into her. "Sorry," I offer with a frown that I hope she can't see.

"I have two left feet today," she tells me as we once again stand inches apart.

I want to make a comeback but figure that since she's had a close call I'll let it slide.

"No comeback?" She calls me on it.

Damn! Can she read minds? "Thought about it," I tell her as we head out of the secret passageway.

"And?"

"And I thought I'd give you a break," I tell her to which she just smiles. My phone rings and I look at the name and turn my back to her. "Paula, what did you find?"

"Not much I'm afraid. The Bryce boys along with their friends have already been taken to the labs and I talked to their parents. Nothing in the way of a threat or blackmail or even a nasty email. Still looking for Davis."

"So we have nothing?" I ask in exasperation.

"So far," she tells me. "How's Bonasera?"

"Driving me crazy by the second," I huff. "Right. Take care of Ed, bye."

"I'm driving you crazy?" She asks me as I turn around to face her.

"Do you listen to all my calls?" I ask in small annoyance.

"For the most part," she smiles.

"That's how you knew where I was the night of the party, right?" I ask gruffly. "That I was unarmed?"

"It's not my fault you talk loud," she throws back at me.

"So in other words privacy means nothing to you?" I look at her squarely. Mac, what are you doing? Getting annoyed!

"Mine does," she answers firmly to which I just grit my teeth.

"As of right now, no more listening to my calls," I tell her in a firm voice.

"You, are giving me an order?" She arches a brow.

"No, you dont listen to orders. It's a,"

"Suggestion?" She goads.

"And why won't you let me finish a damn sentence?" I counter. Why does this woman like to push my buttons? Why do I let her?

"I know what you're going to say," she smiles at me. "You'd like to think youre a mystery but you're not."

My phone rings again and I know I need to talk to Paula once more. I look at her in suspect and then for some reason my brain tells me to do something stupid.

"I have to take this," I tell her.

"Sure," she answers.

"And to make sure I have no eavesdroppers," I tell her as I fake to turn around. But before she can react I whip out my handcuffs and quickly capture one of her wrists and fasten it to the shelf ledge to her left.

"Mac!" She hisses in anger.

"Told you, this call is private and I told you I'd get even. Course never thought it would be this soon but I'll take what I can get," I smile; thinking for once that I have the upper hand. "And since those are mine, guess what I have?"

"I'll get you Taylor!" She growls at me as I walk a few feet.

"Mac?"

"Paula," I smile.

"Why do you sound happy for once? And why is Bonasera cursing your name?"

"She's mad at me, what else is new," I reply as I take a walk a few feet and round the corner. This way I can take the call in private and not worry about Bonasera throwing a line back in my face.

"The Chief wants an update Mac. What do I tell him?"

"So far, we only have the ID's confirmed. Paula, our team just got started on this. We came across a guy hanging around here today but it could have just been an odd coincidence. Plus there was a guy at the hotel that Stella and I went to check out a room who sort of pushed us down the laundry shoot."

"Why didn't you tell me about your attacker?"

"Paula, it could be nothing. Probably a college prank or something else stupid. Trust me I'm not going to worry about it," I sigh. Thankfully I didn't tell her about the phone call. "Tell the Chief that we'll update him in the morning. The press will have to hang tough until then."

"Mac,"

"I am not going to argue on this. I'll call you in the morning."

"Mac?"

"Yeah."

"Give her a break will you? You're not the easiest person to work with."

I hang up on Paula and turn to head back into the room and smile when I see Bonasera still trying to pull herself out of my trap. "And you told me not to pull," I tell her as I walk up to her with a small smile. "Can we finally call a truce now?"

"No, next time you will wake up in another country!" She snaps to which I just roll my eyes. "You're stubborn," she snaps at me.

"And you're not?" I counter.

"What if someone walked in?" She demands of me.

"Kinda like the guy in the hotel room walking in on me? You know a little couples therapy? Yeah like that wasn't embarrassing for me?"

"Fine, whatever, now undo this!" She frowns.

"Actually I'm very tempted to leave you like that until this case is over; because maybe then I'll be able to concentrate on getting some work done around here, without worrying what youre up to!"

"We are getting work done and trust me as soon as we start looking at all the photos of those boys carved up to shreds and start really digging into this case, this playfulness will be over!"

I offer only a frown. "Today is not going as I planned."

"And do you plan everything?" She wonders of me.

"Yes," I reply.

"Fine, what isn't working?" She asks in annoyance. "Oh I know, when you first saw me walk through the door this morning you probably thought the same thing I did. Great, my professional enemy and after all the silly pranks we pulled on each other, we'd end up bigger enemies, instead of having a few smiles, and growing - a friendship of sorts. Well I'm sorry you don't like working with me and I'm sorry you aren't having as much fun working with me as I am with you."

I look at her with a frown. She thought the same thing of me this morning? Now I feel like a real heel. Of course I'm smiling and having fun; and I know there is something starting to grow. I hadn't counted on it after one day and it's a little unnerving and that's why I'm defensive. I notice the red marks on her wrist and gently touch her arm making her stop pulling.

"You are going to hurt yourself and you already hurt your other arm today," I tell her.

"Do you want another partner other than me?" She asks softly; hurt in her voice. I am a bit taken aback by her question but I guess I struck a nerve and so need to justify my stupid comments. Of course I dont want another partner and would be lost in many ways if she left now.

"No, of course not, that would be unfair," I huff. I'm not good at this and it shows. Can she tell I'm nervous? "Just you are a bit of a distraction and I'm not use to that. I didn't mean to be harsh."

"Well you are a distraction for me but I'm getting work done," she counters. "I am guessing you've never worked with a woman before?"

"None like you," I tell her and she smiles. "And why are you smiling? That wasn't meant to be a compliment. Can't you hear I'm frustrated?"

"Okay if I promise no more shenanigans will you believe me and undo this damn thing?"

I look at her oddly. Of course I dont want her playful attitude to stop and I'm more than flattered by her comments and actions but I know it's just this case and I can't afford to think anything else. Plus I don't believe she'd stop.

"Mac?" She asks me; quickly breaking my thoughts as I move in closer, ready to undo the cuff.

"I," I start.

"What are you waiting for?" She asks quickly. I am once again aware of her nearness to me and as I watch her mouth am once again very tempted to kiss those perfect lips. Thankfully I hear my name being called and I'm back to reality.

"I can't do this," I huff.

"What? Agree with my promise?"

"I," I try again.

"Mac," she starts.

"I'll be right back. Hold on a second,"

"Taylor! You can't leave me here," she lightly hisses; also not wanting to draw attention to herself. I head out of the room and close the door; hoping that no one will go in and find her like that. Oh there would be hell to pay if someone found out I did that to her.

I head for the officer who called my name and talk to him for a bit. My mind however, is now even more distracted by wondering if anyone is going to find her. What I fail to notice is that someone has already entered the room she's in. I finish my conversation and then head back to the room where I assume I left Stella trapped. But when I open the door and round the corner, she's gone.

"What the hell!" I state in anger as I see my set of handcuffs still hanging where I left them. Why is it that whenever I think I have the upper hand on this woman, she one up's me? And where did she go? And why now not only do I have to worry about a murderer and a stalker, my rapidly failing peace of mind, but a woman out for revenge? Mac! You are in big trouble!

A/N: So what do you think happened to Stella? Please review and let me know what you think. Please don't make me beg for some feedback, but it will help! And I like to write long chappies so hopefully my hard work will also get a note of appreciation! thanks