Title: Opposites Attract
Chapter 16 - High School Politics?

I head back to Mac with nervous anticipation. For some reason, rushing back to find him waiting for me, still trapped is such a turn on. However, I know when I let him go; he's going to kill me. But as I get closer instead of expecting another hot make out session, I see that something isn't right and I think I'm in for a mental brow beating.

"Mac?" I ask quietly as he finally looks up. I notice his face is once again flushed but filled with anger, his eyes are slightly watery and his shirt is untucked. "Something happen while I was away?" I lightly ask.

"You know if I didn't know any better I would say you planned this!" He almost shouts.

"What on earth are you talking about?" I counter.

"Who was that?" He demands. "Who did you just talk to?"

"Just an officer about a matter?" I reply in haste. To be honest I am not sure why I was called as it wasn't to do with the case.

"A friend of Doug's?" Mac throws at me.

"Doug? What are you talking about?" I ask in shock.

"Doug! You know your ex jock boyfriend! Who, thanks to you probably got someone to lure you away while he took advantage of my situation and decided I needed to be warned about being here."

"What are you talking about? I didn't see Doug," I offer in my defense; my anger starting to rise.

"Let me out of these damn things so I can go and kill him!" He snaps in anger.

I offer a nervous glance and his face immediately softens. But when I move close I notice him flinch and I instinctively pull back.

"I am not going to hurt you," he huffs; searching my eyes for some relief. "Now let me go."

"I really want to but if I do, what guarantee do I have that you'll leave him alone?"

"You are defending him?" He asks weakly.

"I am trying to save a disaster from occurring. One that I now have seem to have caused," I frown. "And your arrest! He'll have no trouble pressing charges or having you written up just to get even."

"I won't kill him. I'll just kick his ass!" Mac snaps. "A little."

I cross my arms and look at him with a frown. "No way. You are going to stay here until you calm down."

"Stella, I'm in pain," he tries.

"What did he do?"

"He punched me in the back. Now let me out of these damn things!" He growls.

"I'm sorry he hurt you," I tell him in sorrow, telling myself that I'm going to kick Doug's ass for Mac! "But I'm afraid to come close," I offer weakly and I notice his body finally loosens up a bit.

"Stella, I would never hurt you, I give you my word," he tells me in truth.

"I will let you go on one condition," I tell him as I finally take a few steps toward him. "But you better promise."

"What not to kill Doug or to seek him out," Mac starts.

"And do something stupid!" I finish firmly. "That's just what he wants."

"Trust me I didn't seek him out; he found me! He's jealous," Mac stammers.

"Are you?"

"I want to kill him, what the hell does that tell you?" He snaps and I just roll my eyes. Still I'm kinda flattered that they both want to fight for me. Stella! Give your head a shake and let him go already.

"It tells me that you're a typical man," I lightly offer as I move in a bit closer. He has finally stopped pulling on his wrists and is just looking me with a pensive frown.

"Please?" He almost begs.

"Promise first," I urge.

"Okay fine I promise," he finally huffs.

"I am sorry he hurt you. This was supposed to be my fun not his," I sigh as I gently touch his face with my hand. He presses my hand with his head against his arm and smiles.

"But I would like to kill him," he whispers.

"You're bigger than that Mac," I tell him as I finally offer another soft kiss on his warm lips. "Besides if you get arrested you're on your own. I don't do conjugal visits." He finally smiles and his body is once again relaxed. "Do we have a deal?"

"I promise I'll avoid him the rest of the day," he frowns.

"And truste me, Doug will get what's coming to him."

"Fine. I believe you. I give you my word I won't seek him out."

"Okay that sounded sincere," I smile as I reach my hand up; resting my fingers on the cuffs but not undoing them.

"Stella?"

"I like you like this," I tease as I lean in for a kiss.

"Well if we were someplace private I might like it too," he smiles.

"You aren't turned on? Even a little?" I ask with a frown.

"I was until the idiot showed up," he huffs in anger.

"Hmmm don't sound like you've learned your lesson," I whisper as I brush his lips with mine but then pull back before I can kiss him.

"You're a cruel woman. You know that right," he offers lightly and I smile. But sadly as much as I'd like this to last I know we have to leave so I with much regret undo the cuffs and allow him his freedom. I quickly stuff the cuffs in my pocket and look at him with a slight frown. "You promised," I remind him.

He quickly tucks in his dress shirt and then turns to leave. But he fakes a step, turns to me, pulls me close and offers one of the most passionate kisses I've ever felt in my life; leaving me almost breathless.

"Wow," I breathe. "I'll have to do this to you more often."

He offers a slight frown and then tells me we should go. "As it is we've probably already created a stir with our absence," he offers as we head down the dimly lit hallway.

"Trust me they are probably still talking about this morning," I throw at him. Doug! Damn you! If this is true you will be hearing from me! This isn't over by any means.

XXXXXXXX

I just look at her and frown. Was I turned on? Is she insane? How the hell could I not be turned on! I was at her mercy and she could have had her way with me, um hello I wish I was still there! Mac, you're sad. I know. But I really want to kill Doug! That ass! Sadly if I do go after him right now I'm sure I'll actually force her to feel sorry for him and I want her attention on me so I'll just leave him alone; much to my chagrin. If I offer another wince in pain maybe she'll feel sorry for me? Uh speaking of grade two! But once again her playful attitude has me completely distracted and won't even allow my brain to look at another woman much less wonder what I'd be like with another woman; and I know there will never be another woman for me! I'm forever doomed. We reach the elevator and finally get in; my heart is still racing.

"Are you okay?" She asks again. And as much as I want to really play up the guilt card I just can't.

"Will you nurse me back to health if I said I'm not?" I tease.

"Now who's distracted," she throws at me.

"Oh trust me, around you I'm always distracted," I frown and she just smiles. "But I'll be okay."

"Mac?"

"I just won't sit down for a while," I huff. Is this milking it? Yes! Okay fine already.

"Are you trying to make me feel guilty?"

"If it saves my mental sanity then yes I am," I tell her firmly.

"Okay then I feel guilty," she answers with a glum expression. "I'm sorry Doug hurt you."

"Well maybe to get even, I'll make you buy me dinner," I toss at her.

"Brave man but you're on," she smiles and I'm once again at east.

"Did you want to know about Myron Fields?" I finally ask, offering a small frown, quickly wiping any trace of lipstick off my face. Damn I'd never live that one down. As it is my stupid brain just wants to paste a smile on my face for the rest of the day.

"Well we do need to have some fun today," she throws at me with a smile. "It can't be all work."

I look at her with an amused expression but feel my tension starting to ease. Thankfully when the doors open it's only Adam offering an amused smile but says nothing at first. However, as we walk by he whispers to me, 'my hero' and I can't help but offer a small smile in return.

We head into her office and thankfully the walls are glass as I'm sure people would just think we went inside to make out once again. Will I ever live today down? Probably not, but I think I'll sleep well tonight for the first time since I can remember. I start into my explanation from Flack and hand her the file that I had originally wanted to give her before our detour downstairs. Detour? Mac, it was foreplay and you were once again denied! Damn it! But it was some of the best I've ever had. You're sad! I'm a guy who's gone out with lame women before, can I help it? This woman is smart and sexy and for some reason turned on by me! I think I'm in love.

"So he just wanted some extra cash but once again another dead end," Stella frowns. "Why is it that every suspect is discounted by his own honest actions?"

"Because we haven't found the dishonest ones yet," I huff as I look at my watch.

"Am I keeping you from something?"

"Jack," I reply softly.

"Mac you just had a run in with Doug, are you sure you want to go there in such a heated frame of mind?"

"Stella, I am a mature adult," I tell her.

"You're a guy," she shoots back.

"Trust me, it's in a room with a lot of officers, I'll behave."

"Fine," she frowns.

"And I need to be there before I'm denied visiting privileges. Just a few minutes, I promise. I just need to know if it's him behind the two attacks."

"But you're sure it's a good idea?" Stella challenges.

"You don't have to come," I offer. In fact I'd rather she didn't. That way if I lose my cool, as I suspect I will, she won't have to witness my dark side.

"Let's go before I change my mind and really do ship you off to Brazil," she smiles. I offer a look of amusement as we slowly head back outside and into the lab part of the building. I see Danny and Lindsay still working on various pieces of evidence and I frown. "I do wonder if those two get anything done?"

"At least they are in public," she smiles.

"Not funny," I retort.

"Well we manage to get things done and we're just as distracted as they are. Well that is at least you are," she throws at me and I'm once again left without a comeback. I wonder if I can buy a book on how to get and keep the upper hand on women. Nice try Mac, that kind of thing doesn't exist. Damn it!

We get our coats and then head back downstairs thankfully talking about the case and not the fact that once those elevator doors closed we are going to be the talk of the day. I am still unnerved by that but at least I won't have to see Doug for the rest of the day and perhaps my anger toward him will finally die down. Yeah right, when I see him next, I'll kill him then!

"When did you first suspect Jack was doing, well what he was doing? Preying on young women right?" Stella asks me as we get into my truck and head for my part of the city.

"Mostly by accident to be honest," I frown as I direct us into traffic. "I had just found the first girl and it appeared to be a simple robbery. She was a street walker and didn't have much in the way of a credible reputation but apparently was good and always pulled in a lot of money."

"Is that where your Mistress friend comes into the picture?" Stella asks. But when I look at her I see her face is one of a serious question instead of a goad. "Mac, seriously? I didn't mean it as in yours personally."

"Yes. She runs a, uh, business out of her apartment," I manage and Stella just smiles.

"You've been there?"

"Yes. But only on a professional level."

"Really?" She arches an amused brow. "Anything of interest in there? Any handcuffs you tried out?"

"Oh please," I reply as I just roll my eyes.

"Not even temped a little?" She smiles.

"No one I wanted to try them on," I shoot back and she arches a brow.

"Good answer," she praises and for some reason I smile.

"Can I finish?" I ask in exasperation.

"Please do."

"Moira told me about the girl that I found and said she was murdered by a high stakes politician. She didn't know his name at the time but I knew if there was corruption inside the mayor's office I had to route it out. Then two more deaths and I knew he upped the stakes. I couldn't figure out why until Moira told me that he had something on each of them other than he paid them for sex."

"What did he have?"

"Various things on each girl; something personal," I sigh. "It was a draining case and one with such a waste of life. But when Moira agreed to help Paula set up Jack I couldn't say no. Boy was he mad when I went to arrest him," I finish.

"And now he's vowing revenge?"

"Well that's what I'm hoping I'll be able to goad him into confessing," I huff. "Most likely you'll have to stop me before I kill him."

Stella only offers me a nervous look as we reach the police lockup. "Great," she sighs and I just frown.

"Ah so this is your lair," she throws at me as we walk into my building. "Will you give me the grand tour?"

"Not much to see. As I said my life is simple in all aspects," I offer casually as we head up the front steps. I feel my nervous tension starting to grow as I near lockup. Paula told me not to go and see him, but after the museum attack and phone calls I can't help it. My anger is now starting to get the best of me and I am wondering if Stella even being here will help make any difference.

I nod to Officer Darnel and sign in. "I just want a few minutes with Jack Harvey."

He looks at me in suspicion. "Are you sure Mac?" He asks in a low tone. "You put his ass in here in the first place. I don't think you'll get anything."

"Just a few minutes," I insist.

"Very well," he sighs as he hands me the register to sign and then calls for Jack to come out. I look at Stella with a pensive frown and then slowly enter the waiting area; my heart is now starting to pick up the pace. I take my seat and then watch as Jack finally enters the area. He locks eyes with me and snarls; before he sits down in a huff and grabs the phone so aggressively I was sure it would come off the wall.

"You got a lot of nerve coming and seeing me like this. What the hell do you want!" He growls in a loud tone that I'm sure was heard in Long Island.

"How are you Jack?" I ask in a casual tone.

"Cut the crap, Taylor. What the hell do you want?"

"I want to know what you have been up to Jack!" I lightly hiss.

He leans back in his chair and offers a slow smile. "Have to watch your back Taylor? Always looking over your shoulder? Thought that would have been second nature to you by now."

"I know it was you!" I lean in close and talk in a low tone.

He leans in and offers on a sneer, followed by a heavy curse. "If you have something to say to me then just come right out and SAY IT!" He finishes in a yell; finally garnering some attention from people sitting around me.

"Fine. Who did you pay to be my new best friend?" I demand in anger.

He looks at me and offers a cryptic smile. "I'm flattered that you think I'd care enough to come after your sorry ass! But trust me when I tell you, my money is better well spent!"

"You're going down you son of a bitch!"

"I ALREADY AM TAYLOR! And maybe you're NEXT!" He shouts and I push myself up out of my chair.

"I KNOW IT WAS YOU!" I shout in return.

"PROVE IT!" He shouts back; standing up to face me, our faces stopped by the thick glass partition.

But just as I am about to hit the glass, Stella's hand touches my arm and I instantly calm down. I look at her and know she sees anger and hatred in my eyes. But I offer a deep breath and then turn back to Jack.

"I did that once and will do it again. Count on it!" I snap in anger as I slam the phone down and turn and storm out of the room. I walk a few more feet until I am in a quiet hallway before looking at Stella.

"Why did you come with me?" I snap and she slightly pulls back. I watch her body posture and immediately feel guilt. Damn! I dont want her afraid of me.

"Mac?"

"I told you it was a bad idea!"

"You told me to come and keep you in line. Didn't I do that?" She throws at me.

I look at her with a slight frown; my anger once again subsiding. For some reason when I lock myself with those green eyes, I can't help but feel I want to be a better man in front of her. Oh I sometimes wish life was as simple as it used to be. But if she wasn't here, I'd probably be arrested today. As it is, I know I'll hear it from Paula.

"Yes, you did," I huff in resignation as I turn away. But once again she places a soft hand on my arm and gently turns me back to face her.

"Were you afraid Id see the real Mac Taylor and be scared away?"

"Yes. Just not used to having someone around that I want to impress," I concede.

"Impress?"

"Or force me to be a better person, ah I hate this touchy feely stuff," I tell her as I shake her hand off and turn away. "I sometimes let my temper get the best of me and I didn't want you to see that. Doug was bad enough and you didn't even get to see anything in action."

"Mac, if you aren't honest with me, then what? Do you want me to hide parts of myself to you when I'm angry?" She asks, forcing me once again to look at her in wonder.

"No, because it was me who spouted off on the whole damn honesty thing in the first place. I was honest, in that room. And?"

"And what?" She counters. "Mac, I know you were in the marines, I know you had charges filed against you for being hard on a suspect. I would like to think that I have some effect on you now, but why dwell on things in the past?"

"Thats all I have," I admit in quiet defeat. "That's all I'll ever have."

XXXXXXXX

I look at him in surprise. So maybe inside he doesn't see more for us. Do I just give up now? Do I just up and walk away? Hard to say at this point; but I see torment in those blue eyes and for some reason am compelled to stay.

"Come on let's get back to the lab and change our perspective a little," I offer him.

"Don't you want the grand tour?"

"I will another time," I tell him softly. "But the longer you stay here the longer your anger will boil."

He looks at me in surprise, probably wondering how I can so easily pick out what's inside his brain. I'm a woman, isn't that obvious?

"Okay," he finally gives in. In truth I want to see his lab up close and personal but I know I'll have the chance another time; this case is far from over and I know he needs to calm down. "Give me the keys," I tell him as we head for the elevator to take us back to the parking lot.

"What? Stella I can drive," he frowns.

"Stop being so stubborn and give me the damn keys already so I can drive," I insist. We get into the elevator and the doors close and I lean in close. "Don't make me use other means," I smile at him.

XXXXXXXX

Once again, having her this close is such a distraction that my stupid brain can only comply. I feel her hand on my chest as I slowly reach for my keys and finally give them to her waiting hand. As she goes to pull away, I finally reach out my arm and pull her back against me.

"Thank you," I whisper in her ear as I plant a soft kiss on her cheek. "Thanks for being here for me."

"Anytime," she whispers back, planting a small kiss just below my ear and sending shivers down my spine to my feet. But I pull back and look at her in surprise.

"What?" She asks quickly. "Were you afraid I wouldn't want to come near you when I saw you like that?"

"Yes," I admit in a small voice.

"You don't scare me Mac Taylor," she tells me firmly. "I know your anger wasn't directed to me."

"And it never will be. I give you my word on that," I admit to her.

We finally hear the doors open and once again resume our professional stance. Inside my heart is racing; I never would have thought her that daring, especially after seeing me in such a nasty frame of mind. As I said, this woman makes me think I can do just about anything.

We head back into traffic and while I hate to admit this I'm glad it's not me behind the wheel. I hit the side of the door in anger and then look at her quickly. "Sorry, just pissed at that guy."

"What did he say to you?" She asks.

"It wasn't so much as what he said but how he said it," I offer in frustration.

"Don't think this will just fuel his vendetta against you?" She questions.

"At least if it does then I'll know who's behind it," I frown. "I don't back down from a fight. I never have and never will."

"Personal fight or professional fight?" She wonders.

"Personal fight? What does that mean?" My turn to wonder.

"You always say you fight for something you believe in, how about someone?"

"Okay so where are you going with this? I'm lost," I admit. "If I believe in someone I will fight for them."

"Do you believe in me?" She asks directly.

What? My mind asks. Of course I do. Does she expect me to fight for her? Hello, yes! Fight Doug? Maybe, if that's what it takes! "Yes I believe in you," I offer. "Why do you ask me that?"

"Just wondering," she smiles.

I don't get her game and I fear that if I walk down the path into further questioning I'll end up on the short end of the rope. Time to quit while I'm ahead. "So when we get back," I start. And once again both our minds are back on the case at hand.

When we finally get back, Stella tells me she needs to talk to a team member just as my phone rings.

"Taylor?" I ask. I have resigned myself to the fact that she is going to listen to my calls and for some reason am not bothered by that as much as I used to be. "Ralph, what did you find on that DNA sample that Stella sent?"

"Much like the hair you sent the other day, no current system match. Could be a match to an older case. Shall I start looking?"

"Might not hurt," I frown. "Thanks."

"What?" Stella asks me.

"That skin sample from the hotel is not a match to anything current. Could have just been something that was picked up on the floor of the laundry room. But in any case he's going to do some digging and get back to us."

"Okay, so I have to talk to Martha Beck for a bit and wrap up a few other things. Meet back here in an hour?"

"So dinner on you tonight?" I tell her with a smile.

"That was the deal," she tells me. "But you can pick the place."

"Are you sure you want that?" I ask quickly.

"No more African?" She throws back.

"No, something more simple. Is that okay?"

"Depends," she tells me in a playful tone.

"On?" I dare to ask.

"Can you keep yourself out of trouble until then?" She challenges.

"I better or you might handcuff me to the chair until you get back," I frown.

"Hmm hadn't thought of that but thanks for the suggestion," she winks and I just roll my eyes.

"Whatever Taylor," she starts. "I know you like that about me."

I have no words as she knows she's right so I can't help but smile as she turns and walks away.

I head back into the lab with a smile on my face. My anger has subsided and I'm once again the frame of mind to concentrate on the task at hand; not even caring that I'm still the topic of today's gossip. I head into my office and get started. About an hour later I finally finish up and go in search of Stella. I see Doug walking out of her office and he looks at me as I approach. I tell myself to keep my anger in check but when I see him, I just want to take this guy outside and pummel him; especially after what happened earlier. I clench my fist, knowing there is no way I can avoid him right now but I need to keep myself under control. For Stella I tell myself.

Mac, be an adult, dont say a word! Fine. I offer a small nod as I walk past him and into Stella's office.

"Hey loser," Doug calls and I just roll my eyes.

"Yeah very mature," I huff as I turn to leave. So much for just saying nothing.

"She's not here," Doug tells me in a firm tone.

"You know you're as perceptive as Helen Keller," I throw at him.

"What the hell does that mean?" He growls.

"Her office has glass walls," I offer as I try to walk past. He blocks my path and I feel my anger starting to grow once again. Is he seriously looking for a fight? Not sure, but when he doesn't move, I start to get annoyed. And today has already been a bad day for personal showdowns.

"Told you we'd meet again," he snarls.

"Thanks for the insight," I offer dryly. "Did you want something Officer Bilson?" I ask firmly.

"Yeah from you Detective Taylor," he sneers down at me. "To give you this fair warning. That little scene this morning was cute but you can forget it; next time the fun is mine. And if you continue with this stupid little crush, the warning in the archive hallway will become a harsh reality."

"Are you serious? How old are you?" I counter.

"Stella and I are steady and," Doug starts.

"She has made up her mind and it's not you. So get a life and move on," I interrupt as I try to move past. Mac, walk away now, I tell myself. Don't do something stupid.

"If you ever think she'll go for a science geek over me long term, get real," he laughs and I just roll my eyes. "You're a passing amusement."

"Whatever. Now move," I snap.

"Have a problem with that?" He demands, poking me in the chest.

"Look Doug, I'm the wrong guy to piss off. You caught me in an unfair advantage this morning. However, that won't happen again. Now back away or you will be sorry," I warn him in a low tone; taking his hand and pushing it away. Too late! I'm going to do something stupid. Damn it Mac!

"Oh really? Tough guy huh," Doug laughs as he stands is ground.

"Yes now move," I lightly order and he finally steps aside. However, as I am finally allowed to pass I see two other large officers blocking my path.

"Going somewhere?" Doug taunts from behind me.

"Very mature boys," I huff as I try to move past. Unfortunately for me, each of them takes one of my arms and drags me to the elevator. Fine I'll kick their asses downstairs. Little do I know that this is all a set up.

"Okay this is all very amusing," I snap as I try to yank my arms free and push the stop button. But they hold me fast and my anger starts to rise. I really don't want to hurt these guys but they are asking for it.

"Look guys I'm getting really angry," I huff as I try again to yank myself free. Then I watch in shock as Doug pulls a gun.

"Sorry Taylor," Doug sneers at me. "But you're coming with us. I insist."

"Doug, what the hell are you doing?" I ask in anger as I try to pull myself free of the two goons holding me in their grasp.

"I'm going to teach you that you don't belong around here," Doug throws back at me. "And that my girl is mine."

I just roll my eyes. "This is very high school."

"What's the matter old man, afraid you'll get your ass kicked by a bunch of jocks?"

"More like afraid I'll kill you," I offer in contempt as I finally jerk myself free. We reach the parking lot and I am pushed out of the elevator and forced to stand before Doug. "This is a very bad idea," I warn him. It will take everything in my power not to give in to this idiot. Little do I know, this is a set up that will lead to the demise of my mental peace.

XXXXXXXX

"Hey Frank have you seen Mac?" I ask as I finally reach my office and he's not there. "He just left me a note that said he'd be here."

Frank, a plant from Doug, looks at me with a frown. "Stella, Mac told me not to tell you but he got mad at Doug for leaving you something and is going to fight him downstairs," he lies to me.

"What?" I ask in shock. "Mac wouldn't."

"Well he was mad about something and was yelling at Doug about who knows what. Maybe he had a bad start to the day, no idea. Anyway don't go down there, okay?"

"Oh like hell," I offer in anger as I push past him and storm for the elevator, not seeing the smile on his face as I get into the elevator. However, someone did see.

XXXXXXXX

Doug takes one swing at me which I easily duck; if he's wanting a fight he's not doing much to prove it and this is just wasting my time. Sadly with my back turned I am unable to see the elevator coming toward us that will deliver the one person I was hoping wouldnt see this stupid display.

However, Doug finally lands a blow to my side and I can't help but counter. I swing at him and catch him in the chest; winding him.

"That all you have old man?" He goads as I charge him; my anger finally getting the best of me. I hit him in the side and he finally gasps in pain. Another blow and he's on his knees. Another and he's down.

But just as I am about to push myself off him, I offer another heavy hit to his side and stop; hearing my name being called and my world stops. Doug is now curled into a defensive position; his plan unfolding just as he wanted; his words about him having the upper hand are coming true and my world is rapidly dissolving.

"Mac?" Stella asks in shock.

Oh no! What the hell have I done? I turn to her and see anger in her green eyes; horror at me for hitting the man I'm not top of. Oh I'm so dead.

"Stella," I try in desperation, once again not seeing the smug look of satisfaction on Doug's face. "I can explain."

"Whatever," Doug starts in a weepy tone; offering a fake gasp for air. "You can challenge me to a fight all you want, Mr. Marine, I just wanted to give her a note on the case," he lies as Stella walks up to us.

"That's a lie," I state in anger.

"Who started this fight?" She demands.

"He did," both Doug and I say at once. Why do I have a feeling science guy was just played by the jock and lost? Damn this guy! How the hell does he have the brainpower to pull this off?

"Mac, a word," Stella tells me in a firm tone.

"Told you I'd get the upper hand," Doug whispers and I just scowl.

"Mac!"

"Fine," I offer her as I push myself up off Doug and hurry after her, once again failing to see the smiles on their faces when they know I'm in trouble; hoping I just blew it with her. Stella stands beside me in stony silence until the elevator doors open and we are taken inside.

"Stella, let me explain," I lightly beg as the doors close us from their view.

"First of all you promised me this morning; looked me in the eye and gave me your word that you would not go after Doug!" She starts in anger.

"Trust me this wasn't my doing," I try again.

"And what was that all that talk after we saw Jack about you wanting to impress me? Be a better man around me? Have me there to keep you in line? Another line you toss around but don't really mean? Maybe you do need anger management classes!"

"Stella, I was set up!" I try in frustration. "You said you broke up with him."

"I did!" She snaps back.

"Do you want him back?" I demand.

"What? No! But that doesn't give you the right to just go and challenge him to an after school fight!"

"After this morning can you blame me?" I scoff. "I'm not a pushover either."

"Are you the bigger man or not?" She counters.

"He came and challenged me. This was all staged," I once again try to offer her the truth; telling myself that when this is over I really am going to kill Doug!

"Mac, give me a break. And you just agreed?"

"Was kinda helped in that regard."

"You were a marine, I doubt those guys bullied you into it," she huffs as we finally reach our floor and head for her office. She walks up to her desk and spies the case notes that Doug left. She holds it up for me to see and I offer a curse. "This is what you wanted to kill him over? It's about the case!"

"You have to believe me," I lightly beg. "This is all a set up."

"I've seen your idea of keeping your cool," she frowns. "Maybe you just need to listen to your own advice for once. Maybe today was a mistake."

"Which part?" I dare to ask.

"Haven't decided yet," she tosses at me.

"What?" I ask weakly. "So that's it? You're going to take his word over mine?"

"It's not just his. I ran into Frank in the hallway and he told me he overheard you challenging Doug to a fight."

"What? He's lying," I try again.

"So everyone is lying but you?" She counters.

"Yes!"

"Mac, you've had a rough couple of days and said that Doug hit you this morning. I'm sure you wanted to get even."

"Of course I thought about it," I huff. "Im human!"

"You also gave me your word and I wanted to take that at face value. What else will you tell me that I might not believe?" She offers in regret.

"Stella, please tell me you're not going to listen to a jealous ex?" I ask.

"As I was saying. You said you were attacked by Doug this morning and had a pleasant visit with Jack after that. I'm sure some of your anger was still held up inside and you needed an outlet. Doug was nearby and you took it. Probably justifying in your mind it was payback for what he did to you."

"You are so way off, but if you don't believe me then why should I bother?" I finally resign.

"Maybe you should just go home and get some real rest," she tells me in a firm tone.

"Dont friends trust each other?"

"Mac, don't play that card. I saw how you snapped at me after I came back to see you this morning and then again after your visit with Jack. Remember? I was afraid to come near!"

"I would never hurt you," I tell her in truth. "Do you at least believe that?" I beg.

"I want to," she frowns.

"Stella, please."

"Mac, you just need to go and relax."

I stare at her in disbelief. But maybe she's right; maybe I do need a break, from her and this place. "Fine," I offer in defeat. "If you don't want me here then maybe I shouldn't be here."

XXXXXXXX

I see the torment in his face but dont know what to believe. I have known the guys I work with longer than Mac and want to believe he's telling the truth; but I also know that Doug could be jealous. But why would Frank lie? He's not fast friends with Doug, what would he have to gain? But I know that Mac has gotten into trouble for not keeping his anger in check and maybe he just faced too many emotionally charged situations today. Part of it my fault! Damn it Stella. I know, now I feel bad. I know Mac's anger and his strength and know he can be a force to be reckoned with when he's angry. Maybe we both just need a break.

"Maybe we both just need a break," I sigh heavily.

"Goodnight," he offers in a sad tone, offering me one more anguished expression before he turns his back; offers a heavy sigh and leaves me alone in my office. And while my office might have glass walls, right now it feels like I'm being enclosed by dark walls of suffocating concrete. Did I do the right thing? If so then why do I feel such doubt? Do I go after him?

A/N: so what should Stella do? Will Stella learn the truth? Will she get even? Will Mac? Don't worry Doug will get whats coming to him!