Title: Opposites Attract
Chapter 12 - Some much needed down time?

A/N: Wow can't believe all the amazing reviews! They are what make me want to write faster so keep em coming! I am having a lot of fun with this story and hope you'll continue to like it as much as you do so far. Enjoy this chappy. Some SMACKED humor, hint of romance and a few smiles!

I look at her in surprise almost waiting for her to tell me she was joking and I'm back at square one. When it comes to her I just don't know anymore and I think that's part of the attraction. However, I watch Doug leave; offering me sneer no less and assume he's busy and so just tell myself that this is nothing more than getting to know a professional acquaintance and not to get my hopes up too high. But as I slowly walk back to the office I am borrowing I can't help but feel a smile start to tug at my lips. Ha! Chalk one up for science guy. I know if she had said no, I would have just gone home and sat in silent misery in front of the TV. But tonight I'm a bit lucky and I want to enjoy it. Then stop thinking already, my brain chastises and just go! Right.

I grab my suit jacket and then head out to Stella's office. She is hovering around her desk looking at something and I can't help but smile. Yesterday she forced me to take it easy. I would like to think it was genuine concern but for the most part I think it was just her being stubborn. I won't dare mention the dress as she'd probably think me the biggest loser on the planet to turn down a date and eat dinner alone and have her dress dry-cleaned. Good thing she doesn't know about Andrea, I falsely reason. I really need to get a manual on women. But I quickly remind myself that she's not like any other woman I've ever known and so probably threw away her manual long ago. Oh I'm back at square one all the time.

But she looks up and smiles and I'm once again at ease. "All set?"

"Yeah hold on a sec, you can come in you know."

"These glass walls are unnerving," I mention with a slight frown. "How do you just put aside all the white noise from outside and get work done?"

"You just do," she tells me as I near her desk.

"So do I get to choose the place?" I ask in a nervous tone.

"Afraid that I'll send you on a wild goose chase?" She smiles.

"More like I'll wake up in Brazil," I reply quickly and she just laughs. "That doesn't instill confidence you know," I offer.

"Trust me I'll be on my best behavior," she tells me.

"And you're leaving the hardware here right?" I ask referring to her handcuffs.

"Nice try Taylor," she smiles. "I don't leave home without them."

"Right," I huff.

XXXXXXXX

"Okay so if it makes you feel any better you can pick the place," I tell him; smiling at his nervousness. It makes him seem so real; more human, and much less the harsh unapproachable workaholic my mind had labeled him. But then again, long ago I just surmised that most men were an open book; like Doug. Simple and easy to read. Mac on the other hand, keeps surprising me when I least expect it; hence part of the attraction. Stop trying to analyze him, my brain tells. Just go already!

"Well I don't really know this area very well. It is forbidden territory after all," he informs me.

"What do you like to eat?" I ask.

"Anything really," he mentions simply.

"What did you have last night?" I ask, trying to see if he'll fess up to what he really did, even though I know I saw him at the pub alone and heard him turn down a date!

XXXXXXXX

Yeah like I'm going to tell her what I did last night. Ate alone and got your dress cleaned; oh very exciting Mac. She doesn't want simple so just lie. But I can't. I hate lying. But you did lie to her, my brain reminds me. Fine!

"Something simple," I frown. Was that a lie? Chicken, my brain scoffs. "So in truth anything would be better."

XXXXXXXX

I look at him with a frown. Well he didn't lie but I really didn't expect him to just confess either. I don't know if what Andrea said about him last night was true and so I am not going to bring it up. Should I mention I broke up with Doug? Too soon right? Much too soon. I want to tell him. Tomorrow? Maybe, if the timing is right. Okay so pick a really great restaurant, I tell myself. He had pub food last night and I want to make sure he can't compare me to any other woman he's gone out with. This isn't a date I remind myself. Just dinner. Right, just dinner. But still, how do I make myself unforgettable? Ah I got it! Poor guy, won't know what hit him. And that's a good thing? Yes.

"Is there a pub nearby?" He offers.

"Nice try. Too ordinary," I smile.

"Ordinary?" He asks weakly.

"Yeah ordinary. How are daring are you?" I ask.

"What? What do you mean?" He asks in shock. "You want me to cook? Then you'd die. Is that daring?" He asks and I smile. "Okay fine, you pick."

"Okay well there is this great ethnic restaurant just around the corner."

"Greek?" He questions with a cryptic stare.

"Ah much too predictable," I retort. "How about African?"

"Pardon?" He asks in skepticism.

"Never had African?" I ask as I walk toward him to get my coat.

"What kind of food is African? Water and a toothpick? Nice try," he chides.

"Oh yee of little faith," I reply with a smile. "Are you game for something new? A dining experience you'll never forget?"

"I'd like to say no, but for some reason I just can't," he admits with a frown and I just smile.

"Good, let's go."

XXXXXXXX

I let her lead me out of her office and into the less busy hallway. African? Is she serious? This is way out of my league. Good thing it wasn't my suggestion. Oh this woman is fascinating. There is no way she'd be interested in me long term; I'm too simple! I suggested a pub. Way to go Mac!

But she asks me another question and instantly my mind is back where it should belong. "What do I think of this place? Once I get past the privacy factor I think there are a few things I'd like to take back to my place," I offer.

"People or equipment?" She challenges.

"Maybe both," I smile. I like to make her think once and awhile, and while I know I'm now where near her league when it comes to keeping people guessing, I'd like to think I can hold my own when I need to.

XXXXXXXX

Oh a zinger! I like that. Hmm I hate to ask which people as I'm sure I know the answer; it's not me, I'm in charge. But maybe? Oh Stella, grow up.

"But you just got all that funding? So you want to keep your money and steal from me?" I ask as we get into the elevator.

"Yours is newer," he huffs. "With this case I haven't had time to even cash the damn check. Oh I'm sure our accountant has but I haven't seen the money yet myself."

"Well you'll just have to make time for things you want."

"I am now," he blurts out and then looks at me in shock. I can only smile. Once again he has tried so hard all day to keep his emotions in check but when he accidentally lets them out I just can't help but want to draw closer to him. And while I selfishly want to think it's me he wants to draw closer to; I'll play it safe.

"Ah you mean my money?" I lightly tease; giving the poor man a break.

XXXXXXXX

Oh man was that out loud? Mac! I know, but she has that effect on me. I am now? That was stupid! Okay play it cool. She tossed you an easy lifeline; take it and just shut up already!

"Yes the money to buy equipment to keep up with you," I offer. Did she buy it? No, she's a woman. You are so lost, my brain reminds me. I know that!

We finally reach the busy street and stop. "Change your mind?" I ask quickly. Maybe she doesnt want this after all. Stop rushing to conclusions. Right!

"Afraid this is the last supper?" She throws at me.

"I would have, if you said the cuisine was Brazilian," I retort and she just smiles. She simply loops her arm in mine and drags me down the street. Her playful attitude is so refreshing from other women I have known and it's almost unnerving. Most would just agree with the pub; as if to please me they just had to agree to everything I said and that is why none have lasted. I don't like easy. But Stella, challenges my very perception on, well, everything, and that is what makes me want her all the more. Sadly she could have offered me bread and water and I know I would have been happy. She can go from looking at carved up bodies; to showing me a new piece of the puzzle, to an intense interrogation, to offering me a meal I'll probably never enjoy with another woman ever again, all in the same day. As I said amazing.

But as we near the restaurant my nervousness starts to grow once again. What do I say? I'm not good at personal small talk, and women like small talk. I'm private; I don't open up. Will she want me to? All women want men to! I can't tell her everything about me? What's to tell? I'm not much, that's the truth. Can I make myself sound exciting? Oh shut up already, I scold myself. Just enjoy right now!

We head inside and it's a little too intimate for my liking and I'm once again feeling lost. No sports; no TV; no. Mac! Right.

XXXXXXXX

"You seem nervous?" I ask him; after I felt him tense up in my grasp.

"Never been to a place like this," he frowns.

"Look if you really don't want to stay we can leave. I do want you to enjoy yourself, but I wanted you to try something new," I tell him quickly. I mean it's our first dinner and I do want him to enjoy it. But I'm sure when he looks at my face he can tell that if he walks out now I'll be disappointed and for some reason he acts like he cares what I think. Is that a good sign? Yes.

"No, its okay," he replies slowly. "I'll try this."

"I just wanted to do something the other girls haven't," I tease. Is that flirting? Yes. So? So stop already. No way! He's too much fun to flirt with.

"Oh trust me Stella, you're a tough act to follow," he tells me softly and my heart starts to beat faster. Tough act. That's good right? As in unforgettable? Is he flirting with me? Yes! Excellent!

"But I'm almost afraid to let you order," he tells me and I lightly laugh.

"I promise I'll be on my best behavior."

"Right," he replies slowly. I let the hostess guide us to a small booth.

"No chairs?" Mac asks me, again with the nervous glance. "What?"

"And no forks if you're game," I smile. "As I said, a dining experience you'll never forget."

XXXXXXXX

I look at her in disbelief. Is she nuts? I can't sit on the floor and eat with my hands. This is a joke right? A set-up? I have a funny feeling like I'm going to see my picture plastered all over her office tomorrow when I arrive. But I don't want to seem so uptight so I offer a small huff and slowly lower myself to a seated position across from her.

"Where's the hidden camera?" I dare to ask.

"In the salt shaker," she smiles as I try to calm my heart and appear normal. "Better?" She asks me; now her voice sounding a bit nervous.

"Ask me when I manage to get any of the food in my mouth," I frown and she finally laughs. I pick up a menu and frown. "So," I start.

XXXXXXXX

I watch Mac and can't help myself but offer a smile. He once again is trying so hard to keep himself in check. Why won't he just loosen up? Maybe he's always this uptight? But some of the things he does, tell me he's enjoying himself so far, so maybe he's just nervous and I'll go with that. Well you picked kind of a hard place, I remind myself. So? So give him a break already!

"Okay if I give you my word that you won't end up in a strange motel or Brazil or even on the floor, will you trust me enough to let me order?" I ask him directly. "And I promise you won't see your picture on the staff wall of shame tomorrow."

He looks at me with some skepticism but then finally nods his head in agreement. "I trust you."

"Good," I smile as the waitress returns. I order what I think we'll both enjoy and then offer the menus back to the girl. I turn back to him with a nervous glance. Just be yourself, my brain orders. Why am I suddenly nervous? So is he! He is? He's a guy, of course he's nervous.

"So," he starts again. "Come here often?"

"Actually only my second time," I admit. "I was here once with Danny and Flack and Jessica. Trust me Flack and Danny were just as nervous as you to try something new. It's a guy thing right?"

"We're simple creatures, sorry to disappoint," he frowns.

"Oh I'm not disappointed, I like simple too," I tell him and he smiles. Is that a good thing? I just wanted to assure him that I can do both.

"Simple can be fun," he tells me.

"It just depends on who you're with right?" I challenge.

"Exactly," he agrees, as he tries to lean back. But in doing so pushes the small cushion behind him and falls backward.

"Mac!" I exclaim with a small laugh as I quickly help him up. My hand lingers a bit longer on his than it should and he looks at me in wonder. "Here," I tell him softly as I help pull him up. Why when his hand lingers in mine do I feel a small tingling sensation?

"Think they'll kick me out?" He asks with a frown as he quickly tries to fix what he messed up. I once again mind myself lost in the pools of blue as he turns back to me with a perplexed gaze.

"Well McDonald's is next door," I tell him and he finally smiles.

XXXXXXXX

Great Mac, way to go! You just had to embarrass yourself right? And I only touched her hand for a few seconds and already that side of my body is warm. Oh that's lame. Just don't admit that to her. "Not really my type of food," I tell her as our drinks arrive.

I look at the color of the liquid in my glass and then up at her with a frown. "It's yellow."

"It's South African. Has kind of a honey taste to it. Just try it, Mr. Skeptical."

I look at the liquid and then try some. "Very odd."

"Trust me, things that are odd at first, grow on you after awhile," she tells me.

"Kinda like me?" I offer and she looks at me in surprise.

"Odd? Well I guess I might call you odd, but not really," she answers. "Stubborn yes. Odd, not really. Maybe, I'm odd," she mumbles on.

I can only smile at her once again. And as she starts to talk about the history of whatever I am drinking I can't help but feel myself start to relax once again. If anyone had told me to suggest a place like this I would have laughed at them and walked away. But now being here with her; listening as she starts to relax around me and open herself up; I once again feel myself starting to believe that I can become that type of guy; the type of guy who actually starts to enjoy something different in life other than the same old boring stuff I'm used to. Is this what having a good woman in my life on a regular basis would be like? If so, it's different but very welcome. But then I have to wonder if she'd be happy with simple? She said so, just matters who you're with. And I think with her, simple would be fun. But is she telling the truth? Mac! She's just saying that to make you feel better. But could I prove to her that simple can be fun? Probably not and that keeps me in perspective.

The food arrives and with no forks in sight my nervousness starts to consume me once again. Stella, of course is perceptive and can pick up quickly what I'm feeling. "How do we do this," I start.

XXXXXXXX

"Just watch me. If you don't like it you can always ask for a regular fork," I tell him with a kind smile. I take one of the small pieces of bread and dip it into the pot, scoop up some food and then eat is. "Easy."

"Right," he frowns as he goes to try; making a small mess to which I just offer a kind smile. "Sorry," I offer as he looks up at me. But instead of seeing anger or frustration in those blue eyes I see determination and he tries again and does it.

"Told you I'm a fast learner," he tells me.

"Oh that I have no doubt about," I reply in a low tone. A few minutes later he finally gets the hang of it and I think I can start to talk about other stuff; but I'm still amused at the way he does things.

XXXXXXXX

Watching her in this setting is fascinating and somewhat unnerving once again. Why does she make everything look so easy? I sit here, my heart racing at the thought I'm going to make a fool of myself but she doesn't say anything but positive words. As I said before frustrating! Thankfully she switches the topic back to work; a subject I have no trouble discussing. But then it's her next question that makes me stop and think.

"What drives you on a case?" She wonders.

"Justice," I easily reply. "To see justice done to those that had no chance to take it themselves."

"And do you always have to be right?"

"Usually I am," I counter.

"Really?" She asks with an arched brow. "So you've never made a mistake?"

I look at her and frown. Now what's she up to? "Oh I'm sure like you, we've come across the odd case now and again that will forever haunt us with something we might have missed or overlooked."

She looks at me in wonder. Did I say the right thing? Probably not!

"Ever failed at anything?" She questions again.

Yeah in my personal life, I want to tell her. But since that would make me sound really pathetic I just can't be that open. "Again, like you, probably at a few things."

XXXXXXXX

Okay so he doesn't want to open up and obviously whatever I throw at him in the way of a personal question will just be thrown back at me with the same line. However, I just can't help but wonder what he's hiding. Someone from his past perhaps? Someone special?

"Tell me about Paula," I mention. Neutral topic and it'll give me a chance to see what he admires about her. That kind of insight in his brain will prove useful and let me know what kind of woman he likes. Me, right? Stella!

"Oh where do I begin," he starts and I finally see him starting to ease once again. I hate to see him rigid and uptight. Why do I care? Just do. I listen as he talks about how they met and how he at first didn't think she could keep up. But she surprised him at every turn and that was a good thing.

"So you like a woman to keep you guessing," I mention in passing. "Is that why you're not married?" But I look up in shock. Stella! Oh that wasn't supposed to be out loud. Damn it! "Oh sorry that was," I start.

"Neither are you," he shoots back. "What's your reason?"

"Well I did ask first, but fine," I resign. "Haven't found a man that can keep up; to my high work standards and my personal wants."

"Sounds like an exhausting job," he frowns.

"Well for the right man I'm hoping it's a rewarding challenge and the right fit," I offer with a smile. "And you? What's your reason?"

"Sadly much the same," he admits and I smile.

"What kinds of personal wants?" I ask and I lightly see him squirm. Oh Stella, give him a break. No I want to know what kind of woman he wants!

"She has to keep me guessing," he replies.

"Three things in common," I tell him and he finally smiles. Well he does keep me guessing. He thinks he's simple and boring and probably an open book, but Mac Taylor is anything but. Hence the draw. Does he get that? He's a guy, probably not!

XXXXXXXX

Every wall I try to put up, this woman is rapidly breaking down. It's very odd and very unsettling. No other woman has tried this hard to get inside my head. What's her game? Can't be genuine, can it? Mac, no way! And as much as I think I'd like it to be, I just can't afford myself that luxury. A man who can keep up to her? Does he exist? Probably not. I'd like to think I could be that kind of man; and I'm sure with a woman like her at my side I could be. However, I'm not that lucky. And personal wants? Should I ask what she wants personally? Do you want to die? No! But she said rewarding challenge? What kind of reward? Personal reward? Mac! Right, back to reality.

I start asking her about how she got her start and am once again captivated by her way of expressing even the smallest detail that someone else might find boring. But much like me she doesn't offer any personal family history or many emotional details and I can't help but wonder why she too is locked away. What's she hiding?

"And what drives you?" I finally ask.

"Oh a lot of things," she smiles at me.

"Okay you get after me for being vague, nice try, now fess," I urge.

"The simple satisfaction of being able to tell myself at the end of the day, Stella, you put away another bastard and the streets are safe because a woman like you carries a gun."

I look at her in amusement and she just smiles. "Never leave home without it?"

"Never!"

"Nice answer," I tell her. And pretty soon we are sharing stories about our best and worst cases. I want to ask what she thinks of me, but I better not. She'll probably just tell me what I want to hear and not what she really feels. Probably thinks I'm some kind of dictator! I notice her look at her watch and frown. I guess I'm keeping her from her real interest -- him. Well I don't want overstay my welcome right?

XXXXXXXX

"Am I keeping you from something? Or someone?" He asks me quickly. What? I just dropped something on my sleeve and now he thinks I want to leave. Oh Stella, why did you do that?

"No, I just dropped something on my sleeve," I offer quickly; showing him the spot.

"Well I guess we should call it a night," he lightly frowns and I immediately feel guilty. Now if Doug had said he wanted to quit early I would be happy. Damn it!

"Okay sure," I offer softly as I pull out my wallet. I can tell he too is disappointed but I don't want to push my luck if he doesn't want to be here.

"Stella, I'm paying," he insists. "This might be your neck of the woods but this was my offer."

"But," I try in protest.

"On this I win. End of story," he announces as the waitress approaches.

"Thank you," I smile.

"It was my pleasure," he answers and I beam.

"So bright and early tomorrow?" I ask weakly as he hands the waitress his VISA.

"Always," he offers with a casual smile. "And thanks, it was a very interesting evening."

"Interesting in what context?" I wonder.

"In a good way," he replies. So is there hope for more? Possibly. Stella, right. But maybe?

"And hopefully this was a first?" I dare to ask him.

"To say the least," he offers. Yes! Ha, take that other women. Stella. Yes? Grow up!

XXXXXXXX

So how do I end this night? I can't kiss her that would be too forward; and I'm not ready for that. Is she? Get real, she's going home to her boyfriend! Right. Him again. Damn it! Just be casual. I get my VISA back and we slowly head for the door.

"So you're still alive right?" She smiles.

"Ask me in an hour," I counter with a light smile. "Actually it was fun; a little embarrassing but I survived right?"

"Oh I think you'll survive pretty much anything thrown your way," she turns and looks at me with an inviting gaze. Then much to my surprise and delight she leans in and plants a soft kiss on my cheek. "Thank you," she whispers and pulls away with a warm smile.

Did she just kiss me? She did. Did those perfect lips just touch my face? They did. It was on the cheek stupid! So? So I'll take what I can get. And why the hell am I so warm all of a sudden? Sadly, once again my well educated brain fails to send my body the right signals, so instead of taking her into my arms and returning the favor I just smile and stand still. Way to go Mac, I scold myself. Way to impress her.

What do I do now? Just leave? But I don't want to. I must. Thankfully we make small talk about tomorrow's plans until we reach the entrance to her building. "I'm going to just put a few things away before I leave. You don't have to wait," she tells me. "I'll see you tomorrow."

"Goodnight then," I offer with a smile. What else do I do? Shake hands? No that would be stupid! Kiss her? I would like to but better not. I don't want to embarrass her if she's just going home to him. Still I'd like to think that maybe things are strained with her and the jock, unless she just kisses everyone? Oh Mac, stop trying to analyze things and just leave already! Right.

"Goodnight," she offers me with a nervous tone.

XXXXXXXX

Did I just kiss him? It was just a kiss on the cheek but my lips are still warm. And why did he smell so good! Damn this man. I've kissed Doug and, and, it just wasn't the same. And while I didn't expect him to return the favor, the look on his face tells me it was worth it. Maybe he'll return the favor tomorrow? Stella! Right back to reality. We reach the building and now it's time to say goodnight. Now what? Should I kiss him again? I'd like to but better not push it. I don't want him to think I'm easy! Damn I want to taste those lips of his. Stella! Right.

So to put him and myself out of our misery I offer a small goodnight and then head inside. But when I turn around he's still looking, so I smile and offer a small wave. Was that lame? Probably. I reach the elevator and my heart is still racing. Not even a goodnight kiss on the lips and my brain is still in limbo just from being close to him. Damn his commanding presence! I hurry upstairs to put a few things away but a smile is permanently pasted on my lips. Not lost on those around me, however.

"Must have been a fun night," Sid tells me as he walks slowly past.

"One of the more enjoyable in a long time," I answer in truth.

"Just a passing thought?" Sid offers and I look at him in surprise. He offers me a kind smile and continues. "Never give up on those," he calls out; his back still to me. "Those are usually the best and just what we need. Goodnight."

Good advice I tell myself as I wander into my office. An hour later I'm finally back on the road; heading for home; once again my perma-smile still attached to my lips. Maybe there is hope for science guy and sorority girl? And who came up with those silly names anyways? Oh yeah I did. And I wonder if I told him too much about the kind of man I want. I wonder if he could keep up with me. Certainly on a professional level, that much is certain. But on a personal level? Oh I'm sure he could fulfil whatever I wanted. Stella! Too soon to even be thinking that? Probably. Stella. What? You need sleep. Right. And tonight I think I'll sleep very well, my brain telling me tomorrow he'll take me in his strong arms I'll get my kiss. Hey a girl can dream right?

XXXXXXXX

I let myself into my quiet apartment once again, but this time the silence isn't so offensive. I guess because my mind is still replaying the night's events. I never would have suggested a place like that but I'm glad I didn't turn it down. Her laughter; her sparking eyes; her energy, all have me captivated and once again leave me wanting more. So she wants a man who can keep up. Well I know work-wise I'm more than up to the challenge. But personally? She'll get bored, I just know it. But she said she liked simple too and I have to cling to that. And she did kiss me first. It was just a peck on the cheek, my tired brain reminds me. And? And while I have kissed other women before, for some reason that small gesture, forced me to want more. Maybe I should return the favor? Tomorrow? Too soon? What about her boyfriend? Oh what the hell! Should I just go for it? What do I have to lose? My sanity. Oh wait, that's long gone.

However, as I get ready for bed I try to think on ways that I can make myself seem more appealing. Sadly I just offer a frown and put that thought aside. I'm not that guy. I'm plain old science guy. And science guy needs sleep. I send a quick text to Paula to update her and then finally get some much needed rest; this time without any strange phone calls or text messages. Had to have been from Jack, I tell myself of my attacker. But as I refuse to let Jack Harvey be the last thing I think about before I fall into sleep, I allow my mind to create a scene where I find enough nerve to take Stella in my arms and kiss her lips; and finally I fall asleep with a smile on my lips. My face; the spot where she kissed will stay untouched until morning.

XXXXXXXX

"Okay so we talked to Cecilia Beckon and Grace Kee, the girlfriends of the two other boys and they basically tell us the same story as Jennifer Brown," Flack tells the team the following morning. "They knew about the party, talked to the boys that night, they were alive. Cecilia talked to Bruce Greenfield; her boyfriend when the strippers were still there. No other people at that time. Grace talked to Billy Ryland; her boyfriend, just after they left and again no one else was there."

"So someone knew to wait until only the four were left; obviously targeted," I mention with a frown; looking at Stella.

"Someone who knew were to wait on campus?" She offers.

"Yeah we're rechecking that place now," Flack informs us. "Still trying to get a lead on our two maintenance workers. So far we can't find these guys. We are assuming they used false names which leads us to believe they are our guys."

"Lindsay and I looked over that whole campus; at least the best we could and no knives that match what we need," Danny pipes up.

"The killer obviously took them," Lindsay frowns.

"And no blood drops outside or around the campus house itself, so he must have bagged them inside," Cyrus mentions.

"Could be a forensics nut," Sheldon frowns. "I mean if this guy wanted to get away with the near perfect crime he might have."

"I won't settle for that, sorry," I huff. The team discusses a few more details and then has their given tasks and soon the room is just occupied by me and Stella.

"What is it?" She questions.

"We are missing something very basic," I offer. "But it pisses me off that I can't see it."

"Usually right in front of you," she mentions absently.

"What is?"

"What you are looking for most," she offers.

"I, what?" I start in wonder. Is she talking about the case or something more? Get a grip Mac, the case! Not you. Oh right.

"Come on let's go back to the drawing board," she tells me, pushing herself up off the chair. "And if you want coffee, Lindsay made it this morning. I think she likes it here."

I can only offer a small smile as I follow her out of the room.

XXXXXXXX

Mac's determination for a case is very refreshing. He refuses to accept the obvious or believe the given truth unless he's proved it to himself. And what was that comment about right in front of you? Oh Stella, give it a rest, I chide myself. We head into the coffee room and I notice him hesitate as he reaches for a cup.

"Seriously, the coffee is Brazilian and nothing else. It's just an odd coincidence," I tell him quickly; offering a cryptic smile. I can't help flirting with him.

"That's what I'm afraid of," he mentions as he slowly pours himself a drink. He looks at me in wonder and I just roll my eyes. "Want mine?" I offer quickly as I hold out my cup for him to take.

"I'm not that gullible," he throws at me as we finally leave the room. Once again we are back in the lab; trying to piece together what we are missing. But an hour later we are back at square one.

"I'm wanting to go with the, this guys knows forensics bit," I offer. "We have been through everything. What are we missing?" I moan.

XXXXXXXX

"A new suspect," I tell her as I see Paula's name. "And we might have one. Paula," I look at her before I press talk.

"Yeah I'll leave," she tells me in a sad tone.

"Stella," I call her back. "It's not a private call. Trust me the last thing I want from you today is the silent treatment," I tell her to which she smiles and I know I said the right thing. Oh why do I try so hard to please this woman? Because I like her. Right! "Paula, I thought you were off today?"

"You know I'm never off," Paula tells me. "I'm like you."

"What did you find?"

"Flack just told me about Ames, nice work. Was she impressed?"

"I think so," I reply with a small frown. "So what's going on?"

"Found a new lead for you two to follow up on. Megan Salish. She's currently a museum curator and apparently owed Martin Bryce a lot of money. I was able to get a warrant and one of Flack's men picked up her computer."

"Did she leave death threats?" I ask, making Stella look at me in wonder.

"Of sorts. But Bryce did threaten to pull her funding and she threatened to get even. Mac you need to talk to her today. We found lots of financial information to suggest she's a viable suspect. Plus she paid for their little party. Not sure if it was a show of good faith to Martin Bryce or a way to ensure she got her killer inside. Flack is going to talk to her lawyer as there are a few love notes from him."

"I'll check with Lindsay and see if her prints were anywhere in that room," I frown.

"Flack is also going to be busy with mayoral stuff without me there. Can you two handle this?"

"Yes we can," I reply. "Talk to you later."

"What?" Stella asks me.

"New lead, Megan Salish, museum curator."

"Ah an intellect," she smiles.

"Or a murderer," I quip. "Feel like taking in a little bit of culture?"

"Lead the way."

A/N: Culture? Yeah right! More like trouble at the museum ahead for the dynamic duo! I mean this is my twisted brain we are talking about! Mac hurt just ahead; maybe a little Stella guilt and comfort? Leading to something (no not that major! not yet Lol) ??? Hmmm want it? Please let me know.