Title: Opposites Attract
Chapter 10 - The Adventures of Science Guy & Sorority Girl
A/N: okay so this story is going to build toward Mac's kidnapping but lot's of action, hurt, romance before that. Hope that's still okay.
"I somehow get the feeling that you are going to be my downfall," I answer her with a small smile.
"I guess that depends where you fall," she counters. Again, she's got the last word! But she did figure out the pictures and once again this amazing creature beside me has me completely captivated by her; wanting and waiting to see what she'll come up with next. Oh part of my demise, I think.
About an hour later; after staring at the grisly photos for so long and finally figuring out the body placement I need a break. I look at the time and frown. I glance over at Bonasera who is talking to another co-worker and I need something to pick me up. I'm still afraid to drink the coffee, so I slowly take my leave and start to venture around her lab. Most people look at me with a frown; she's obviously made me into some kind of enemy, probably from all the news casts before this case. Can't blame her; when this is all over, I'm sure I'll go back to being public enemy number one again. And why now is that very unsettling?
As I finally wander back, I notice Bonasera is now missing. Most of the staff has called it a night and it's just me and Adam left alone in the room. I look at the time and realize that her staff is just as hard working and dedicated as mine. I offer a smirk at the thought that I could very easily work with these people on a regular basis. Shake your head Mac, that's not going to happen! Ever? I couldn't help but think of the empty office I was using. Whose desk is that? Just a spare? Did she have a partner? Another person to co-run the lab? What happened to them? Is it still vacant? Mac! Right.
It's getting late and this day is finally starting to take its toll on me. But I am impressed by her seemingly boundless amount of energy; and if she's not quitting then neither am I. I could have sworn she had a date and so I know I must take my leave; I don't want her to feel obligated to me in any way. This is her life and her world; right now I'm merely a visitor on a mission. Yeah like she'd feel any differently after one day!
And while I think it would be interesting to get to know her a little better away from the setting of work, I know that won't be tonight. Like I would ever expect to come into her life and after just one day expect her to leave her boyfriend for me. Mac, give your head a shake. But then again I remind myself that although I'm not the kind of man that takes chances on loves or risks with women I just met, I feel compelled for some reason take a chance with her. I'll just find her and see if she needs help wrapping up and go from there.
I slowly head out of the working area in search of her. Ask her at least for a light snack, I tell myself. Okay, I will. I reach her office and she's on the phone; her back to me. I watch her lively expression as she talks to the person on the other end of the receiving line and smile. I would never admit this to a living soul; or even a dead one, but today was one of the best days I've had at work, or even outside of work, in a long time. Ever? Maybe ever. And I'm afraid that when she turns me down, as I suspect she will, that tomorrow I'll wake up and all this will have been a dream. A really hot dream with me at her mercy. Mac! Okay back to reality.
She finishes her call and I'm about to ask her something, when --
"Stella," I start just as I see Doug approaching. Damn it! Not that guy again.
"Yes?" She asks with an eager smile.
"Would you like t,"
"Stella!" Doug exclaims as he barges past me, offering only a grunt. Loser! I offer in my mind. Sadly I only nod a hello; trying to swallow my guilt.
"Hey babe, let's go," he greets her. Stella looks at Doug with a frown and then at me with anticipation. In truth I was here first, but he has claim, I have, well, nothing. What did I expect after one day? Nothing really.
"Mac, what did you want?" She asks, almost with an eager tone. I think I'm wanting it to be that, but know I'm not that lucky. She's just being her friendly self.
"Nothing, I guess," I reply in remorse as Doug just glares at me. Oh I'd so like to punch that guy right now. Calm Mac, I remind myself. You attack him and you'll just make her feel sorry for him. Can I get him to attack me? Then she'll feel sorry for me right? Oh grow up.
"Are you sure?" She presses.
"He said it was nothing," Doug huffs to which I scowl. "Let's go."
But I have no hold on her in any way. "See you tomorrow," is all I offer in a glum tone as I turn to leave.
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Damn it Doug! I curse inside. Taylor was going to ask me for dinner right? I look at Doug with an angry glare.
"What?" He asks quickly.
"Nothing," I sigh. I'll make it up to Taylor tomorrow. He'll say yes tomorrow right? Why do I care? I just do. I for some reason now want to get to know him better away from a work setting. After one day? Yes!
"So Stella, dinner?" Doug presses.
At this point in time I really dont want to have dinner with Doug. "I've had a hard day and I'm just going to go home. Sorry."
"You sure?"
"Yes I'm sure," I offer weakly. What if Taylor wasn't going to ask me? I'm just assuming he was because I want that. I do? Yes! Oh I need sleep. And a drink to drown my sorrows.
"Tomorrow?" Doug presses.
"See you tomorrow Doug," I reply absently. I push myself out of my chair and slowly walk to the office next door and lean in the doorway; picturing Taylor still at his desk. A smile tugs at my lips and I cant help but wonder what I'll be in for with the rest of this case. Oh I have no doubt we'll find our killer as Taylor and I have the same never give up attitude. But I wonder how my heart and mind will fare when this is all done. And when it's done, will I be able to let Taylor just walk out of my life? Will I even have that choice?
I walk back to my office and lean back in my chair and can't help but pull my bottom drawer slightly open. I let my eyes rest on the pink handcuffs and I smile. I close my eyes and pretty soon I am back in the hotel room and Taylor has his strong arms trapped above his head with my pink cuffs. I feel my core instantly warm as I force my eyes back open before I can allow my fantasy to play out.
Stella, I scold myself. I need sleep. I quickly lock the drawer once more; head for my coat and then for home, a happy smile playing upon my lips as my mind once again wanders back to that hotel room with Taylor. Oh I think I'll sleep well tonight.
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Damn that guy Doug! I curse inside as I reach home. She would have said yes. Wouldn't she? Course I just assume she would, but if he was there then I guess not. Tomorrow? She might tomorrow right? Mac, give it a rest! I need sleep. I let myself inside my lonely apartment once again and quickly shed my coat. As I drop my handcuffs and gun on the table my mind instantly sends me back to the hotel room with Stella. This time I am trapped on the bed and she's smiling down at me. I feel my weary body instantly warm and quickly snap myself back to reality. But as I look at my reflection in the mirror and touch the small bruise on my cheek that she touched earlier I can't help but smile. I think tonight I might actually sleep well.
I reach for my black berry and can't resist the urge to send her a text. Stella, 'good job keeping up today,' Mac.
But as soon as I blink I get the same message back. "What?" I ask quickly. However, I notice it's from her. "Sent at the same time?" I ask, my smile growing. Mac, 'good job keeping up today,' Stella. Well maybe there is hope yet, I try to assume as I put my blackberry onto my table. And as I turn on the shower my phone buzzes to life. Thankfully I won't read the message until the morning or my sleep would be disturbed by the words that read:
'Taylor, their blood is on your hands.'
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For the first time in weeks, although still a bit tired I wake up with a small smile on my face. Part of me just can't help but wonder what having her in my life in a daily basis would be like. Get a grip Mac, I warn myself. She was taking you up on a dare and nothing more! I offer a small grunt as I realize that is probably true. After all she did go out with her stupid boyfriend last night. I offer a small laugh. Stupid? I dont even know the guy and already he's branded in my mind. Course every time I see him I'd like to challenge him to an after school fight. Very grown up of you Mac, I tell myself with a slight laugh. The science guy versus the jock. Gee I wonder who would win? But I was a Marine, so probably me!
Telling myself that nothing will ruin today I push myself out of bed and slowly head into the bathroom. My face has a slight bruise on it from the tumble down the stairs but I quickly push it aside as I reach for my razor. After a quick shower and shave I head into the kitchen to get some coffee.
I notice my phone has a new text message and I'm hoping it from Bonasera. Sadly when I look read the words my good day has just taken a turn for the worst.
"What the hell?" I ask in quiet anger. I quickly check to see who it's from but it's 'restricted' and I'm in the dark! 'Taylor, their blood is on your hands.'
"Whose blood? The boys?"
I quickly dial Paula. "We have a problem."
"Bonasera?"
"No, worse. I got love note."
"About this case?"
"Says their blood is on my hands," I frown.
"What?"
"I think its Jack."
"Well he has motive. But you know I can't start a separate investigation into him right now. And if you are a target,"
"I know I'll be pulled off the case. Paula, just keep your ears open. You can get into that inner circle. If someone knows something, you'll find it."
"I'll get back to you. Watch your back," she tells me.
"Thanks," I reply as I hang up.
I look at my phone and my playful mood is gone. My mind is now racing with panic. I have a big case to solve and a man obviously out for revenge. Are the two connected? No, I'm sure it's just Jack playing with my head.
"I have to go and see him!" I wrongly tell myself. I grab my coat and head for the front door. I reach downstairs only to see a black Avalanche waiting for me. What on earth? Bonasera? She smiles at me as I walk toward her. Why is my heart now starting to race? What is she up to?
XXXXXXXX
As I wait for Mac outside his apartment my mind wanders back to when I first got up. I was actually rested; despite my sore arm and the fact that I fell down a laundry shoot. I think the shenanigans in the hotel room worked to clear my head and my mind was actually at rest most of the night. The other part of the night was filled with fantasies I know will never happen.
But the fact that we both sent a text message at the same time that said the same thing tells me that something might happen. The fantasies? Get real, Stella I scold myself. But it's still hope, right?
Flack called me just as I was heading out and said there was another lead to follow up on. Jessica Brown, Joshua's girlfriend, also helped to arrange the party and was there just before it got started and said we needed to talk to her. I had tried Taylor's number but when he didn't answer I just decided to take my chances and go to his place. Maybe he was in the shower? Oh Stella, give it a rest! Can't help myself, it's his fault! He just makes me want to think naughty things. I guess because he tries so hard to lock himself away; I find it appealing so much that I want to just peel away all the layers and see what else he has to offer.
I watch him approach and offer a wave a small smile.
"Surprise," I tell him as he opens the door.
"To what do I owe the pleasure of this lovely chauffer?" He asks with a nervous grin.
"Come on get in," I smile. And he hesitates; looking at me in suspicion. "Worried I'll take you for a ride?" I tease.
"I'd probably like it," he frowns as he looks at me in suspicion. "But given your history,"
"Oh I'm not going to do anything," I roll my eyes. But I'd like to, I tell myself. Stella! Right, back to work. "Flack called and wants us to check out the girlfriend of Joshua Bryce. It's on the way so hop in."
"One condition?"
"I get to drive today remember?"
"Oh I did forget that," he frowns. "But I need to stop by my lockup if we have time."
"Sure," I answer with a smile. He gets in and suddenly I'm once again hit with the nearness of him and how my brain starts to play funny tricks with me. And why does he have to smell so good! Damn him. Doesn't he know what his quiet appeal does for me?
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Stella pulls away from the curb and I feel my nervous anxiety starting to grow a bit more. Just being this close once again; in this confined space is making my heart beat faster.
"Have fun last night?" I ask softly. Mac, are you prying? Yes!
"Not really. I had to have dinner alone so at least I have leftovers."
Alone? I ask inside. What happened to Mr. Universe? "Oh," I only offer with a frown. Damn I should have asked!
"How about you?" She asks me.
"My nights are pretty boring," I reply with a slight frown. I dont want to tell her that I frequent Paula's place as that would make me sound too pathetic. And women aren't impressed with pathetic men, much less one who wants just a simple, happy home life, like I desire. She'd laugh.
"You don't unwind watching war and peace?" She throws at me.
"Funny," I reply dryly. Is that what people think? It's the marine thing right? "Actually I like to unwind by playing music." Why am I telling her this? Because I want her to think I'm at least a little bit cool.
"Really? What do you play?"
Well she sounds interested. Here goes. "Base guitar. I try to play at least once a week in a small band."
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I look at him in shock and wonder. He did it again; broke down another rigid assumption I had created about him. Damn this man! Why is he making himself more appealing to me with each thing he reveals about himself?
"I'd like to hear you play sometime," I casually toss at him.
"Only if you promise to behave," he warns me in a light tone.
"Can't I join the rest of the groupies?" I offer with a slight pout.
"Ha, groupies," he frowns. "None of those."
"Not even one?" I ask him.
"No one special," he huffs and I am once again filled with sorrow. Is he just waiting for the right one? How could no one want him? Unless it's all show and no substance? But the more I listen to him I realize that I want to like him. Oh this wasn't supposed to happen.
"So about Jennifer?" He asks, changing the subject. Once again he has me in wonder about his life, offering me only enough tidbits to keep wanting and coming back for more.
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Oh why did I tell her all that, I moan inside. Of course she doesn't care! She's just looking for more stuff on me. But what if she was really interested? I wonder if she'd come to see me play if I asked her. Yeah her and her boyfriend, I remind myself. Oh right. Damn that guy! That would be real torment; the two of them in the intimate club making out while I have to watch from the stage. Mac, you are so screwed! Change the subject and put yourself out of your misery already!
Stella answers me; telling me what Flack told her and once again my brain is back where it should be. Thankfully for me the rest of the trip is spent talking about the case and the relationship between Joshua and his girlfriend.
We reach the part of the university where Jennifer is housed and I get out. I look at the place before me; great all women. Now I'm really going to be in trouble. Bonasera looks at me in amusement and I know she'll be the one doing the talking. Oh Mac, just try to give your overworked brain a rest.
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Taylor looks at me and offers a frown. Obviously walking into a lair full of women is something a bit unnerving to him and I can't help but smile. "Detective's Taylor and Bonasera to see Jennifer Brown," I tell the bubbly young girl as she opens the door to us with a smile.
"JEN!" The girl shouts loudly. "Yeah come on in. Says she's expecting you," the girl tells us.
"Thanks," I reply as I lead the way into the sorority house.
"Upstairs, second door on your right."
We both head up the stairs and I nervously look around. I was never asked to join a sorority and for some reason I think dont missed out on anything. Having no privacy growing up, this reminds me a more expensive foster home; and I've had enough of those. I wonder if Taylor notices that I'm uncomfortable. Get real Stella, he's not looking that close. I wonder if Taylor was ever a frat boy? Doesn't seem the type but with him I'm not sure any more.
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I glance over at Bonasera as we walk up the stairs and notice that she seems a little on edge. Was she a sorority girl? Doesn't really seem the type but then again I was never a frat boy so I really have no frame of reference. I remember in university that all the hot girls were in a sorority so I just assume she would be also.
Still I can't help but notice her sad expression and I am once again wondering what she's thinking. Oh how this woman fascinates me. I just want to know more as each minute passes.
"Jennifer?" Stella asks, breaking my thoughts. A young woman offers us a small smile and asks us to come into her room. My eyes nervously dart around; like I'm entering forbidden territory and will be ambushed at any second by the enemy. Shesh even Beirut wasn't this intimidating!
"Sorry to make you guys come here," she starts. "I just didn't want to go into the police station."
"What can you tell us?" I ask in a firm tone. Stella takes her by the arm and leads her to the bed and sits down beside her. I just hold back; this is way out of my comfort realm. Just being in this room makes me nervous.
XXXXXXXX
"The night of the party I went to see Joshua. We had been fighting," she starts in a small sob.
"What about?" I ask. I am glad that Mac is holding back. I can sense his discomfort and with the weepy young woman before me I know this mushy emotional stuff is just too much for him. He's just too much a guy to be into this stuff in a rash way.
"Typical relationship stuff," the young woman tells me.
"Another guy?"
"How did you know?" She asks me in surprise.
"That's what most young couples fight about. What happened?"
"He was jealous and thought I was seeing another guy," Jennifer sobs.
"Where you? Was he perhaps jealous also, this other guy? Say enough to kill Josh or even plan something like that?"
"I am seeing someone else. Have been for a few months. Josh knew and we fought a bit when he found out. But Mike's not jealous, he's too practical he tells me," she lightly laughs. "He's a science guy," she tells me. "Stupid right? Me, queen of my sorority, dating the football quarterback, dumping him for a science guy?"
"Actually I think I could believe that," I answer warmly; throwing a sideways glance to Taylor who just looks at me in wonder. "So what happened?"
"They were getting set up for the party and I just went to give him back his ring. I thought that he could at least enjoy the party as a free man."
"So there were other girls there?"
"Oh just a few strippers," she laughs. "Mike's so not into that. I guess that's another reason why I like him. He's uh, well I mean when I'm busy he'd rather spend his nights reading instead of hanging with the jocks or hitting the bars and such. Want to see a picture?"
"Sure," I tell her. I look at the picture and smile. "Cute. Dark and brooding, just like I like," I tell her in a soft tone, thinking it's lost on Taylor. "Then what happened?"
"We argued a bit more; called each other stupid names and then I left. The strippers were only there for two hours as the campus has some rules. Then I spent the night with Mike. We watched silent movies and just laughed. It was fun," she tells me with a soft smile, brushing away a stray tear. "But I never wanted to see anything happen to Josh."
"Did you notice anyone else besides the boys that night?" Mac finally joins in.
"There was one guy setting up the food, but I swear I don't remember his name and only saw him in passing. A bit taller than you and heavier," she nods to Mac. "But kind of a sleazy looking guy. You don't look like that."
"Thanks, we'll check that out. Anything else?" I ask her softly.
"Not right now," Jennifer sniffles. I offer her a small hug and then push myself up to leave.
XXXXXXXX
My mind is playing tricks again on me. Like she'd leave her jock boyfriend for me the science guy. But she said she liked dark and brooding and Doug is blond. I'm dark, brooding? Paula says I am. Oh Mac, give your head a rest. You'll never figure out what women are thinking.
I lead Stella out of the room and sigh. At times like this it would be nice to have a regular female partner. Cyrus and I would have been totally lost back there. "Good job," I tell her. "Sorry I didn't mean that to be condescending. Just Cyrus or I would have been lost and," I start.
"Thanks," she replies quickly. "I think she's telling the truth. She's too broke up to make that up."
"I agree. Lovers spat; I don't get those," I tell her with a frown.
"What? Why? Don't believe it could happen?" She asks me.
"What?"
"That the prettiest girl could leave her jock boyfriend for the science guy?" Stella asks with an amused smile.
Are you asking me if I'd believe that you'd leave Doug for me? No, I want to tell her. "Not in real life, these are kids," I huff. "They don't know what love is. It'll wear off for that girl."
"Oh don't sell yourself short, science guy," she throws at me. I look at her dumbfounded once again. When I get back to the lab I am going to make sure there isn't a hole into my brain that forces her to know what I'm thinking.
"I'm a realist, sorority girl," I tell her as I look at my watch and call Cyrus. "Cyrus, where are you? Okay when you are done leave the truck at the campus and I'll drive it back. I just want to lock the scene down. Right. Funny. Bye," I tell him with a frown.
"Everything okay?" She asks me as we near the truck.
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"Fine," he answers quietly. I know something's bothering him. I haven't know Mac Taylor for very long but as much as he tries to come across as a mystery, he's very transparent at times. I'm sure he thinks of himself as the science guy and has probably written himself off the prettiest girl. Stella, are you bragging? Well I do have a jock boyfriend. Oh I need to dump Doug! And go for the science guy?
We near my truck and I see a guy just hovering around; his back to us. "Hey buddy do you have a problem?"
Then without warning he turns and rushes me; grabbing my sore arm, the one I cut the day before in the hotel laundry area. "Ow!" I offer angrily as I try to yank myself free.
However, before I can react, Taylor has once again come to my rescue. With a strong hand he grabs the guy's jacket collar and with a swift pull, he's off me. My arm jerks free but Taylor has a good hold on him.
"What is your problem old man?" The guy growls at Taylor.
"My problem is punks like you. Now what did you want with our truck?" Taylor demands in anger. The guy tries to punch Taylor, but he easily sidesteps his attack and lands a fist to his side. One I'm sure he held back on a bit or I'm sure he could do real damage. So far everything about science guy impresses me.
But he looks at me and frowns and doesnt hit him again.
"Dude I was just looking," the guy pants. "I swear it's the wrong truck."
"Get lost and don't try that again or I'll arrest you," Taylor growls and then turns to me with a look of concern. "Are you okay? How's your arm?"
"Did science guy do that to impress sorority girl?"
"Football guy has nothing on science guy," Taylor boasts with a slight smile. "Are you okay?" He asks me again.
"I'm fine. You know a girl could be impressed by you," I tell him with a smile.
"Don't tell anyone else," he frowns. "Or my social calendar might fill up."
"And thats a bad thing?" I counter.
"Could be," he replies with that cryptic smile.
"And what would make it bad to have a full social calendar?" I press.
"What's your calendar like?" He counters. Damn! He's learning fast and I know I need to take my game up a notch if I'm to keep the upper hand.
"Probably just the same as yours," I smile and he frowns. Ha! Got him.
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I doubt that, I tell myself. I'm sure every night of hers is filled with something exciting. As I said women don't want a man who wants a simple life. We reach the truck and my phone rings. "Paula," I smile.
"Mac, if you were thinking of going to talk to Jack Harvey, don't," she tells me.
"Why? What happened?"
"He's had some visitors today and if you show up and start rattling cages you'll get us both in a lot of trouble."
I look at Stella and frown as I open the door. "I would never do that to you," I tell her as I quickly step out and close the door for privacy.
"Mac, I know you want to blame him and right now he seems the most likely candidate but he's being busted for other stuff and trust me has a lot more powerful enemies that he's vowing revenge on. No offense but you are small compared to the guys he wants to really target."
"So in other words back off?"
"Back off," she tells me. "How's it going today? You two still making eyes at each other?"
"She hates me," I frown.
"Yeah right," Paula laughs. "Honey you are a bad liar."
"She has a boyfriend," I huff.
"So did I, remember?"
"Bye," I tell Paula as I hang up and head back into the truck. "Had to take,"
"Yeah no worries, where to?" She asks me stiffly.
"I guess the other side campus," I tell her. I expect her to question why I've changed my mind but she won't play the game.
"Fine," she replies, starting up the truck and pulling out of the vast campus parking lot.
"Okay so what did I do wrong now?" I ask in exasperation. Why am I so bothered that she's mad at me? Just am.
"You don't trust me now?"
"It was a,"
"Private call?" She lightly laughs. "I understand."
"Sorry I just, I'm just not used to having someone else around," I frown. I didn't want to hurt her feelings and I thought we were having a good day. Good going Mac, I scold myself. Science guy really screwed up.
"Yeah me either," she tells me stiffly.
The ride to the other side of campus is one of tormented silence. I spy my truck and am thankful that at least I'll have my own ride home and won't have to endure anymore quiet torture. So much for asking her for dinner tonight; I think this woman lives to torment me. Then why do I think that's a good thing? Because I need help! Sometimes science guy is really dumb!
"Thanks," I offer softly as I get out of the truck.
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I hadn't expected myself to play the silent card but sometimes science guy is just so frustrating. I know he's upset that I listened to his calls but am now bothered even more by the fact that he doesn't trust me. I watch him head toward Cyrus and I head back inside.
The scene is finally being cleaned up but there are still a few hours of work ahead of us. Maybe the quiet time is what we both need. We do right? Sure, Stella, keep telling yourself that. Maybe I'll believe it. Nah! Sorority girl is now upset at herself!
Still, I couldnt help but steal a few looks at Taylor as he would work. I would watch as he'd pick up a piece of evidence, look at it and then bag it. Oh this day can't end soon enough. Just as I go to back for something else my phone rings.
Doug! Damn it, I silently curse as I answer it. Oh well after the silent treatment I guess Taylor wouldn't have gone out for dinner if I had asked. "Hi Doug," I start with a less than enthusiastic voice.
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As I work to close down my part of the scene I would glace at Bonasera when she thought I wasn't looking. I have to make it up to her; I tell myself, referring to the stupid silent treatment over the phone call. She probably thinks I dont trust her. And if she thinks that then there will be no hope for anything to grow. Do I want that? Yes for some reason. Come on science guy you can do it.
I push myself up and am about to walk over when her phone rings. Doug! Damn that guy. Oh well, she has a date and I am once again left in the cold. Mac, give it up already. She's not worth the pursuit. Yes she is.
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By the time we both finished up with the scene, got everything tagged and bagged, it was dark and all that was left of the CSI clan was the familiar yellow tape. Time to lock it down for the second night. The vans were back to our respective labs; the press was shut down for the night. The police had cleared the area and posted guards around the entrance to the campus area and this crime scene had been personally checked to ensure nothing was missed. The mayor wanted every inch dissected and that's what he got. Funny what money can buy?
It was finally time to call this long day quits! I stop and think of the last two days events. I haven't had this much excitement in a case yet. Excitement? You mean stress! Oh this day can't end soon enough, I moan inside. I need a drink! Maybe two? But as much as I would like to tell myself that there is the small possibility that she might like me; I can't believe it. That kind of stuff only happens to kids. But maybe she'll join me for a drink? She has a boyfriend and a date! Want to be the third wheel? No. Then go home already. Alone? Sounds so, so unwelcome right now. I give up.
I walk back into the main room to see Bonasera finally packing a few things up. Not knowing how to end the day as I have never had a partner before; never had to tell anyone what the plan for tomorrow was, so my nervousness starts to grow. A very unwelcome feeling for me.
"So I'll see you tomorrow?" I offer, trying to sound casual.
"Quitting already?" She questions.
"Me? No, but I'm sure your boyfriend will be waiting for you," I answer. Did I sound disappointed? Why? I have no claim to this woman. Just because you are working with her doesn't mean she's going to change her life for you, I scold myself. Do I even want that? Am I jealous? No, I'm too practical. Oh man I'm jealous! Stupid science guy.
"It's early," she tells me and I can't help but smile.
"But there is only allowed to be one workaholic on this team and I already own that title," I frown. "So just finish what you can and then," I start.
"Are you quitting?" She counters.
"I don't have a date," I reply in return.
"Well neither do I," she tells me.
Oh now what's her game? I know she does, I over heard her talking to that loser about plans for tonight. Loser? Wait did I just think that? Oh I did. Mac! I was about to offer something more when she asks me an interesting question.
"What are you doing for dinner? Do you even eat?" She asks me.
I look at her with a frown. Okay, whatever game she is playing it ends now. "So you are wanting to make me feel bad for the phone call incident earlier?"
"Can't I play the mature adult in this partnership for once?" She challenges with a smile. "You know I'll bet that besides Paula, you're not used to people standing up to you and actually telling you no; especially another woman!"
Oh this woman is impossible, I moan. I know that whatever I offer right now, she'll just twist around so I come out on the losing end of this. But thankfully her phone rings and I'm off the hook.
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I answer the call from Doug with a small curse. I'm sure Taylor would have agreed to dinner but thanks to my Neanderthal boyfriend; who I need to dump like now, that plan is moot. I see him walk away with a sigh and I add my own into the now quiet room. In truth I just wanted to get to know him a little, better, so I know which other buttons I can push. That's it, are you sure Stella? That's all you wanted from him? Maybe a chance to get even? Hmm does pink enter the picture? NO!
I hang up with Doug and look at the time. It is late and I assume he's packing up to go home. Alone? Or is someone waiting for him and he won't tell me. I quickly pack up my kit and go in search of him. Who does science guy spend his nights with?
"See you bright and early tomorrow," he tells me as we duck under the yellow tape and head for the stairs.
"But you're not going home right?" I ask him.
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"Yes," I lie to her. If I told her I was going to walk out with her and then come back here, I'd never hear the end of it.
She looks at me in suspect and I know she's working on something inside that never ending brain of hers. But I'm tired and she has to go. "I have to lock the back. Where do you want to meet tomorrow?"
"My lab?" She offers. "That office is already used to you; would be a shame to let it go to waste now. Besides you know that's where your team will be. I have more toys," she flirts with me.
"Anything in pink?" I tease her in return.
"A few things," she winks at me.
"Sounds fair," I reply to her. In truth I like being in her lab. The glass walls, the new equipment. Her! Oh Mac, get a life! That's the science guy talking. And the 'guy' part? He wants to see the pink again. Okay now you need to go home!
I offer a smile and then quickly turn to leave. I'm not big on sentimentality and although I wonder what it would be like to have dinner with her; I'm not that lucky. I heard the last call from Doug. I call out goodnight and then reach my truck. Why is my heart beating faster? Am I sorry we're parting ways? No! Liar. Okay I am. I watch her get into hers and then I stuff my things in the back and get my flashlight. If she sees me leave my kit here then she'll buy my story. I look at her once more and then disappear into the shadows.
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I watch Taylor leave and then start my truck. But just as I am about to backup I glance to the window on the second floor, I see a face looking at Taylor. What on earth? I have to warn him. I quickly grab my flashlight and make sure my gun is ready; shedding my coat as it just weights me down. I watch as the face disappears and I assume they'll be ready to ambush him. I can't let that happen.
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In truth I wouldnt have minded to get to know her a little better but then figured she probably wanted dinner with me so she could have more stuff to goad me about. Or make me feel bad about the silent treatment. In fact my mind is so focused on her that I fail to see the strange face in the window watching me closely.
I pull the back door open, not hearing my name being called by Bonasera as the large door slams shut. This place is kinda creepy at night but I am used to working alone and have been in darker areas so figure I have nothing really to fear. This place was checked before the police left so I assume I am alone. I reach the top floor and walk into the room where the murder occurred.
"What am I missing?" I ask myself. I bend down to get a closer view and then spy something silver on the floor a few feet away. I reach for it when I feel a gun pressed into my back.
"Stella," I huff. "Cute but you need to go. I'm out of play time."
"Up," the harsh male voice commands and I know it's not her.
I feel a bit of nervous tension starting to build as I realize that it could be the same attacker as this morning. Has he been here the whole time? Where was he hiding?
"UP!" He demands again, pressing the gun further into my back making me feel a twinge. I slowly start to stand up and am about to turn around when he wraps his arm around my neck and starts to squeeze. I hear Bonasera calling my name and I hear my attacker curse as I try to pull his arms free.
"We will meet again Detective Taylor! Your future is now being re-written!" He hisses as he finally let's go. I am coughing for air when he uses something hard to hit me on the side of the head; forcing me to the ground in a dizzy heap.
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"Mac!" I shout once more as I reach the top of the stairs. If he was okay, he'd answer I tell myself. He better be okay! Why am I so worried? Just am.
I round the corner only to see him lying on his stomach, not moving. I rush to his side just as I hear the front door slam shut. I push myself back up and head for the landing and look down. Nothing! I quickly call the nearest officer but just like last time they fail to see anyone in time. Offering a small curse, I rush back to Taylor, who's still not moving. "Oh no!"
"Mac?" I ask in fear, feeling for a pulse. I finally feel one and then kneel down and gently turn him over, cradling his head in my lap.
"Stella," he finally whispers softly.
"I'm here, Mac. I've got you."
"Don't let go," he manages weakly.
"Wasn't planning on it," I whisper in return, offering a small smile as his blue eyes finally open and lock with mine and I realize something that I haven't for a long time. I dont want to let go. Ever?
And as I hold him in my arms, keeping him safe, I look outside and frown; letting my mind wander. Why do I have a feeling things are about to get a lot more heated up, for both of us?
A/N: hmm so still want some more? want to know what trouble the attacker has for Mac? Want to see Stella send Doug packing for good? Please review and let me know whatcha think. Depending on the feedback I might be able to get something up before the weekend ends! enjoy