Title: Opposites Attract
Chapter 17 - Don't stop Believing
A/N: Okay so hopefully they aren't too OOC the last chappy and I hope this a little more on track. And although it is AU I am trying to keep them in character so thanks again for the feedback and hope you continue to enjoy.
I offer a small curse in Doug's name as I head back to the spare office and get my things. I quickly put on my suit jacket and coat and then head back into the hallway, however, I don't want to just give up altogether but when I hear Stella talking to Doug I don't want to involve myself in another heated debate and so take my leave without notice. I was really looking forward to a quiet dinner with her; now thanks to my hot temper, that might never happen again. But I don't want to end the evening on such a strained note so settle in my mind that I'll just call her later and offer another apology and hope that works.
I slowly drive my truck into traffic but am still too wound up from the day's events to sleep so I head for my lab and my mind finally wanders back to the case. Four young men, carved up but no signs of force or restraint. I have worked a few cases like this in the past and always found them troubling. I often wonder what a person would be thinking as they faced death. What would my last thoughts be? I shudder at that last thought as I feel my empty stomach start to lightly churn. I missed breakfast and didn't have much of a lunch; a quick snack on the way back to Stella's lab doesn't really count but I'm feeling the effects right now. Maybe I should eat first?
"Paula," I answer my phone with a smile.
"Hiya honey, what are you doing for dinner?"
"Nothing," I reply with a slight frown.
"No date with your new partner?"
"No. We had a fight," I frown.
"About?"
"The ex-boyfriend," I lightly wince.
"What happened?" Paula asks.
"Ah the idiot staged a fight and I fell for it. Course it didn't help at the moment I threw my punch she walks in and he claims it was me. She believed him, I think. Oh maybe I just need a break."
"Better bring flowers tomorrow," Paula tells me.
"For her?"
"For your funeral," she smiles. "Don't let it eat away at you. You'll go in tomorrow and I'm sure all will be okay."
"No it won't," I huff. "I went and saw Jack today."
"Damn it Mac! I told you to stay away from him!" Paula offers a curse to me.
"I had to go and rattle a few cages. I need this to end; I'm sick of his games!"
"And let me guess, you got mad and she got to see you in a heated fit? And now after Jack and the fight, you are afraid she'll think you have a short fuse all the time?"
"Damn you're good," I frown.
"No, I just know you. Come on over and we'll talk this through. I set an extra plate for you."
"Not hungry," I huff.
"Mac, when did you eat last?"
"Yesterday," I frown.
"Then get your ass over here before you drop dead from malnutrition," she orders.
"Shesh you sound like Stella," I lightly smile.
"Told you she was good for you. Now are you coming or what?"
"Okay fine I'll be there," I tell her with a smile. "See you soon."
And the evening I thought I would spend alone in silent misery was just thrown a much needed lifeline as I turn my truck toward Paula's home and feel a small amount of relief starting to cover me.
When I first met Stella I was intrigued mostly by her work ethic. I mean anyone who can make and keep headlines like myself is worthy of some kind of mental attention. But over the past week, just having her make such an impact in my life has changed my viewpoint of her.
I would be lying to myself if I thought that nothing further would develop; well at least on my part. I know I'm attracted to her and it's not just her looks. Maybe how amazing she feels in my arms; or her lips on mine. Maybe her stubborn refusal to always take the safe path. Maybe the way her mind always seems to trick me without being mean or nasty. Maybe it's the way her mind wraps around things and forces me to look at things from a new angle. Maybe the way she manages to trap me and make me beg for more! Maybe, maybe it's just her, all of her. Now I fear, after today's stupidity that I've lost her for good.
I pull in front of Paula's house and stop and just look. The house is in a nice quiet residential area and I smile. I would like this. A quiet home; a loving wife, not sure about the kids but someone I can just come home to at the end of the day. Someone who wants to see me; someone who wants to love me; might never happen now. So with a heavy sigh I push my morbid thoughts out of my head and walk for the front door.
"Hey Mac," Ed greets me warmly as I slowly enter.
"Ed?" I ask in surprise. "Why aren't you resting?"
"What do you expect from a stubborn man?" Paula asks with a smile as she wraps her arm around Ed's waist and helps him stand. Paula looks at me with a frown. "Speaking of stubborn men..."
"She means you this time Mac," Ed smiles at me. "Rough day?" Ed asks me.
"Could say that," I reply giving her a hug. "How are you feeling Ed?"
"You know it's amazing what the love of a good woman does for you," he winks at Paula.
"Well Paula is a good woman," I smile as I follow them into the kitchen and sit down at the table.
"Don't have to convince me of that," Ed smiles. "So Paula tells me you have quite the case on your hands."
"Well it's a political mess," Paula frowns. "I think Flack will do well," she tells us. "He's young but weren't we all once?"
"And she tells me you like your new partner," Ed tells me.
"What?" I ask in surprise, looking at Paula in shock. "I do not."
"Oh please you're a bad liar Mac," Paula smiles.
"She drives me crazy," I lightly stammer.
"She's what you need Mac, to keep you human."
"I am human," I huff.
"Not after what you told me today," Paula counters and I lightly grimace.
"Right and after today she'll hate me," I frown.
"She won't hate you," Paula assures me.
"Do you like her?" Ed asks directly and I can't help but offer a small smile; not lost on either of them.
"Well that's a yes," Paula smiles, patting my hand. "Bout time."
"We almost gave up on you Mac," Ed tells me in a slow voice.
"Can we please talk about anything other than me?" I lightly beg.
Paula just smiles and calls the girls to help set the table and get dinner on. I watch them hurry into the room and after they have offered me their hugs they quickly are at their mother's side to help. Ed, is just recovering from being in the hospital for the past few days and has to take it easy or I know he'd be helping her.
We all sit down and in no time we are all enjoying the meal that Paula made, laughing and talking. As I sit back and finally relax I wonder how Stella would fit in with them. Mac! Did I just think that? I haven't thought about another woman fitting in with my friends since Carla. Oh I need sleep. I watch Paula say goodnight to Ed and then she comes back and sits down across from me with a concerned expression.
"Mac?" Paula finally breaks my thoughts and I am forced back to reality. "You okay?"
"Tired," I frown.
"You've been tired before," she reminds me in a soft tone. "Which is more tiring? Trying to convince yourself you don't need her in your life or trying to convince yourself you do? Or is it the case?"
"All three," I huff. "I am sorry about Jack but I just had to know. Who else could it be?"
"You should have waited for me Mac," she frowns.
"I know," I sigh as I offer a small frown. "It's this damn case. Every road is a dead end. Sheldon Hawkes thinks it could be a forensic nut and I'm starting to agree with him. Whoever this guy is, has this down to a science. Everyone we suspect he has taken out by their own doing. Have you found anything substantial?"
"Nothing," she huffs. "Flack and I have looked at every major political angle and much like you are behind the eight ball once again. The mayor wants updates every hour and I'm just as angry as you that I can't do anything about it and have nothing solid to tell him."
"I should go," I tell Paula.
"You going home to prepare your groveling speech?" She asks with a soft nod.
"If I just walk away now, do you think she'll kill me?"
"Do you want to walk away?" She asks seriously.
"Part of me tells me, it's what I have to do. The other part knows that I don't think I could even if I wanted to," I answer in truth.
"And that scares you right? Mac you have to let go of your fear and take the next step," she urges in a kind tone. "I've known you long enough to know when you say you don't want something and mean it; and when you say you don't want something but know inside you really do."
"Am I that transparent?" I ask with a small smile.
"To me you are," she winks. "And don't worry about Stella. She'll forgive you."
"She might not," I frown.
"Trust me, she's a woman and you're a man. It's in the manual for you to be thick headed and a stubborn ass sometimes," she smiles.
"Thanks," I offer dryly.
"Mac, take a look in the mirror and tell me I'm wrong. You haven't yet had a good woman in your life to provide that balance."
"And I might never," I sigh.
"Don't sell yourself short. Much like you she probably just needs to cool down. She's probably never faced this situation; she's worked with these guys longer and you are new in her life and she's just getting to know you. Just give her the night to unwind and get things straight again in the morning. I know what I'm talking about."
"Well I hope you're right," I admit. "I think I care for her."
"Then tell her the next chance you get. Women can tell when a man is interested. But honey if you never say it; she'll never believe you mean it."
"What would I do without you in my life?" I ask with a smile.
"Oh you would have been dead long ago," she smiles. "Now go home and get some sleep. Tomorrow you'll go in and show her the real you. The one that's not so big and scary all the time."
"Thanks for dinner," I offer in hesitation.
"Goodnight Mac. And don't worry about Stella, it will all work out. Trust me. When I have been wrong," she hugs me warmly and I just smile. I quickly take my leave and then head back to my lab. I just want to check on the bodies and then will head for home. I pull into the underground parking lot; stop and get out.
My phone rings and I quickly answer it. "Taylor."
'Figure out who I am yet Detective Taylor?'
"Who is this?" I demand in anger.
'You will know soon enough.'
"Tell me what you want!" I snap.
'I want you to suffer...like I am. Goodnight.'
Once again the number is restricted and then hangs up in my ear; me offering a heavy curse into the quiet parking lot. Has to be Jack! "Damn that guy!" Probably payback for the stunt I pulled today; I fasley reason.
With a heavy sigh I hurry into the lab and into my office. It's so quiet and I now wish I had Stella here to fill the void. I actually miss the sound of her voice. I look at my emails and am disappointed that there is nothing from her; but after my major screw up today, why should I be surprised? I lean back in my chair and huff. I hear laughing and talking and look up to see Danny and Lindsay walking past my office door.
"Working late?" I question them.
"My lab was full so we came here for the afternoon, hope that's okay?" Danny lightly asks me.
"If you did work then that's okay," I smile.
"No glass walls here," Lindsay smiles and I just frown.
"Yeah I like your place Mac," Danny tells me. "Any openings?"
"Stella would kill me for taking a staff member," I frown.
"Somehow I think you're in her good books," Lindsay teases, not knowing what happened today.
"Where are you off to?" Why did that sound like a parent asking their child where they were going?
"Lindsay's taking me for drinks to Maloy's pub," Danny smiles. "Do you want to join us?"
"Already ate, but thanks. See you tomorrow," I offer. I am not a parent and they don't answer to me and I'm not going to play chaperone. Still as I watch them leave and hear them laughing and talking, I am filled with a sudden twinge of envy. That should have been me and Stella!
I let myself into my lonely apartment and close the door. Once again no one to greet me and I'm almost wishing I had a voice message from Stella telling me not to be late in the morning or she found something that I forgot and was gloating about it.
"Nice try Mac," I tell myself. "She's mad at you!"
I head into my bedroom and see her beside me on the bed taking care of me and I feel my eyes slightly water. I curse myself once more for driving her away, but in my defense it wasn't entirely my fault. I slowly take off my work clothes, change and wander back into the living room and flip on the TV. The only thing on the local news of course is the murder and how the whole city is grieving for the mayor and offering prayers and thoughts for their families.
I remember meeting Joshua and Caleb at a mayoral event that Paula arranged when I first arrived in the city a few years back. They were younger then but full of life and promise. "What a waste," I state angrily as I turn the channel to the sports channel and let the mindless dribble fill the empty apartment with chatter as I slowly wander around and get ready for bed. I normally take a shower in the morning, but after the tumbles today I need to unwind a bit.
XXXXXXXX
After a few more minutes of arguing, and me laying it on the line, Doug finally gets the picture and leaves; then I call Flack and tell him about Doug. I hurry into the hallway and notice that the spare office is dark and Mac has left. With a deep sigh I head back into my own office and offer a frown. As I can no longer stand the silence and wishing I was having dinner with Mac, I just need to leave this place. I finally finish what I have to do and notice that Cyrus and Sheldon are hatching some kind of plan for their after work activities. Danny and Lindsay were at Mac's lab and were heading out to get a bite to eat. They asked if I wanted to join them but I hate to be a third wheel and so politely declined.
I get my coat and head outside into the hallway. I take one more look at the empty office and frown. What if it was occupied on a regular basis? By him? "Not going to happen Stella," I tell myself. "Much like myself he'll never give up full control of his own lab. And after today he might not want to work with me on a regular basis."
I quickly push the thought of my head of Taylor and I co-running the facility and head back to my office; turn off the lights and prepare to leave. I head for the door and just about to escape when Flack calls me back.
"Stella," he calls to me.
"Don, what's up?" I ask with a slight frown. "I thought you were going to the Mayor's tonight?"
"On my way there now. You okay? What's wrong?"
"Tough day," I reply.
"Thanks for telling me about Doug," he tells me. "Trust me he'll be hearing from me and he won't be bugging either of you again. Sorry Stella, Doug was my call. Didn't think he'd act like that. How's Mac? Was he upset? I heard he lost his cool."
"He was angry alright," I frown.
"I sense hesitation in there," Flack is quick to note. "You worried about his temper? Trust me from what Paula has told me, it's not a regular thing."
"I know but," I start. "Well I guess today also brought up some painful memories of some old skeletons that I thought were long buried and, and I guess I'm just tired."
"Stella, Mac's not like Ryan. I know I haven't known him for very long but trust me he's not that guy," Flack tells me in a soft tone. "He'll never hurt you like that."
"Up until today I wanted to believe that," I huff. "He said he would never hurt me and when I'm with him I want to believe it."
"Is that why you didn't go after him?" Flack asks in concern and I nod my head yes.
"Partly. Ryan was also in the army before he joined NYPD. Don, it's just such a coincidence and yes I was scared when I saw that side of him; although I lied and said it didn't scare me. Oh I don't know what to think anymore," I offer in misery.
"Ryan was mean and hurtful toward you on a regular basis. Mac was a typical man, who fell prone to jealousy today. Trust me if you guys had plans for tonight and they were ruined because of this, I'll bet he'll never get angry again," Flack tells me and I just smile. "He's probably mad at himself right now."
"So you're saying I should give him another chance?"
"He might need a few more," he tells me with a slight smile and I smile too. "Did he leave already?"
"Snuck out, while I was yelling at Doug," I huff. "I tried to call him but there was no answer."
"Paula said he's over there so he might just be away from his phone," Flack tells me. "Probably just cooling down or sulking. We guys do that well."
"Thanks for letting me know."
"I know Jessica is better with this emotional stuff, but I'm sure it will all work. Mac likes you, that much is obvious. If he didn't he wouldn't have been jealous enough to even give Doug the time of day," Flack offers with a slight smile. "He's a guy; he's stubborn, remember?"
"I know," I offer and finally feel my angry tension starting to subside. "Thanks. So what did you need? Just to talk?"
"It was a new lead, but it can wait until morning," Flacks tells me.
"What's the lead?"
"Stella, you can't do it alone," Flack reminds me. "Wait for Mac. Do it tomorrow."
"I'm a big girl and this is my turf," I tell him in a firm tone.
"Just promise you'll call him and do that together?" Flack warns me with a slight frown.
"Sure." I take the slip and only offer a smile as Flack takes his leave; just shaking his head. I am just about to head out once again Adam comes up to me with a frown.
"How did the fight turn out?" He asks me quickly.
"What fight?"
"Oh that idiot Doug said he was going to take on Mac," he lightly laughs. "I mean Mac was a marine there is no way he could beat him. Right?"
"How did you know about this?" I question.
"I over heard him and Frank talking. Didn't know Frank was his friend but I guess money goes a long way."
"Money? Doug paid Frank?"
"Yeah. It was kinda stupid but I just want to know. Mac, right?" He asks with a smile. "I mean even though it was a setup?"
"What was it a set up for?" I ask in growing anger.
"I just remember Doug telling Frank to make sure she's in place when I need her. Who's she?"
"A blind fool," I offer freely about myself. "Thanks for telling me this."
"So did Mac win?"
"Yes," I resign in sorrow and Adam whispers 'right on' and makes a happy face and walks away. I hurry back into my office and call Doug.
"Stella?" Doug asks in surprise. "Changed your mind?"
"You know Doug, the next time you want to challenge someone to a fight, pick me. I'd gladly kick your sorry lying ass any day of the week. I know about your stupid set up and trust me you will rue the day you ever decided to play me for a fool. And just to set the record straight, I like Mac Taylor and nothing you can do will change that! Goodbye!" I slam down the phone and take a deep breath. I try Mac again but no answer.
I'm glad that Flack is going to talk to Doug but I just had to let him know that I wasn't a fool and that to mess with me again will mean trouble! But now thanks to the past few minutes my adrenaline is rushing and I need a viable distraction. I look at the slip in my hand and frown. Mac is at Paula's and probably just needs to cool down at Flack told me. "I can do this alone."
Jeremy Frost. #5 329 3rd, I frown. I know the area and it's not exactly the best for a woman to be going alone but I'm sure Mac is resting and he needs it. After today another heated showdown is something he should avoid and I dont want him getting into any trouble. "Jeremy was the guy who catered the party. Well Jeremy, I think I'll pay you a visit. I know Mac will be pissed but I'm not a wilting flower and I dont need his help all the time." Besides I tell myself inside; I need work to clear my head and am used to working alone so this will be no big deal.
I get into my truck and head for a part of town I'd never venture without my gun. Part of me feels bad for not telling Mac and I know there will be hell to pay tomorrow but I just need to feel I can do some investigating on my own; to feel like I can do my job again without checking with someone else. I stop the truck in front of the rather seedy building and frown. I quickly get out of my truck and hurry into the building. I slowly look around for apartment five and then slowly head up the creaky stairs. As much as I like to goad Mac, right now I think I should have him at my side; but I've come this far and won't turn back until I have some answers.
I get to the top of the stairs and stop; trying to calm my rapidly beating heart. I head for apartment number five and gently knock on the door.
"Yeah hold on a sec!" An angry voice growls at me. My hand is instantly on my hip and my gun is ready. Damn it Stella! I curse myself. Why didn't I wait for Mac? Because I'm just as stubborn as he is. Oh well, I guess it will be his turn to say I told you so tomorrow.
Jeremy opens the door and offers me a grimy smile. My skins crawls as his creepy eyes start to look me up and down. "Hey babe, here for a good time?"
"Here for work," I frown. "NYPD. Are you Jeremy Frost?"
"If I say yes, will you come in?"
"Ah no," I reply quickly. "Did you cater the Bryce boy's party?"
"Yeah those dudes on the news. Babe I wasn't there when it happened, I swear," he tells me firmly.
"What time did you leave?"
"When they were all still alive and partying with those strippers," he answers. "They told me to set up and haul ass outta there and since they tipped me well I listened."
"What did you give them to drink?"
"Beer, pop, water, whatever they hell they wanted," he frowns. "Are you guys trying to pin this on me?" He asks angrily.
"I am just asking," I start.
"Did you come here alone?"
"My partner is waiting for me," I lie. Oh Mac is going to kill me.
"I think you're lying," he tells me with a slow smile. And then before I can react, he grabs my hand and pulls me toward him; into his apartment. I offer a small cry for help but he quickly slams the door shut behind me and fairly throws me to the floor.
I try to reach for my gun but he lunges at me; knocking my gun to the floor and out of my grasp. I manage to roll out of his attack but I lose my badge in the process. He grabs my hair and painfully pulls my head back; I yell out once more but he covers my mouth with one hand. I used my free hand to grab his groin and squeeze and his grip temporarily loosens and I'm able to quickly roll away. I kick him in the knee with my heel and he yells out in pain but kicks at my foot and I stumble back to my knees. I grab at the table but he grabs my arm and pulls me back. He tries to kiss me but I manage to slap his face. Sadly he slaps my face really hard, breaking my lower lip and my head snaps back in pain. I punch him in the eye and he once again let's go.
I finally get to my feet and go for the door but he is faster and blocks my path.
"Nice try babe, you're here for awhile. And don't worry, I like it rough too," he smiles as me. I eye my gun on the floor and fake like I'm going for it. I had seen a window behind me and know these places have balconies and it's only up one story. Jeremy follows my eyes and rushes for my gun. I quickly turn and rush for the window; hoping at least to get onto the balcony and get some attention to my situation. But just as I reach the window, Jeremy grabs my foot and I crash into the glass; thankfully not cutting my face but cutting a few other things in the process.
I kick at him with my other heel and then try to push myself all the way out the window. What I don't realize is that there is no balcony and below me is a rotten grate into the underground. I manage to get myself free but instead of grabbing my legs he pushes them; forcing me to offer a cry for help as I feel myself grasping onto thin air while I plunge through the cold night air, smashing through the rotten wooden grate, thankfully landing on an old rotten mattress but winding myself and then hitting my head as I finally come to a stop beside the wall a few feet away from the opening of the hole. Then my world goes dark.
XXXXXXXX
I finally finish my shower and head into the bedroom; my mind determined to call Stella when I glance at my phone and see a missed call from her and try her back. No answer. "Stella, its Mac. Notice you called and sorry I was in the shower. If you want to talk please call me at any hour. You know I don't sleep and I want to talk to you tonight." However as the minutes tick by and my phone doesn't ring I can only offer a heavy sigh and I assume she's probably gone to bed and so tuck my phone into my coat pocket and head for the bedroom. But when my home phone rings, I assume it's her and I am wondering what kind of defense I'll have to come up with.
"Mac?"
"Detective Flack?" I ask with a slight frown. "Everything okay?"
"I know Stella is probably not with you but did she call you?"
"No, I haven't talked to her since I left the lab. Why what's wrong?"
"I have tried to call her for the past hour but she's not answering. Did you talk to her?"
"I got a missed call and left a message but she hasn't called me back. Do you think something is wrong?" I ask; a sense of panic starting to build.
"I ran into her before she left the office and I gave her a lead for the two of you to check tomorrow but,"
"But you think she went on her own anyways?"
"Well that's what she's used to and if the situation were reverse, wouldn't you?" He counters.
"Yeah I guess I would. Are you going to check it out?" I ask Flack.
"I can't and that's why I called you. I'm still with the mayor's office in Paula's absence. I hate to ask as this is supposed to be my job but..." Flack's voice rambles off.
"Of course I'll check it out. Tell me where she went!"
I hang up with Flack, not allowing him to tell me about Doug and quickly throw on a pair of jeans, sweater and grab my coat and gun and am gone out the door. Of course I'm mad that she didn't tell me or didn't wait but I know if the situation was in the reverse I'd probably not disturb her either and take the call alone. Did she do this to get back at me? Probably! But if she's in trouble then I can't be mad. I feel my heart start to beat a bit faster as I push my truck further toward the edge of the city. I keep trying her phone but she won't pick up and my heart is now racing with panic. She better be okay. And she calls me stubborn!
I finally reach the building and see Stella's truck parked out front. I offer a small curse but feel my panic starting to rise as I run into the building. I run up to the first landing and up to Jeremy's door and pound on it in anger.
"Jeremy Frost!" I demand in anger; my gun ready. She better be okay, I tell myself in a panic.
"What the hell is the matter?" He asks as he opens the door. I look at him in suspect and notice lipstick, some blood and a bruise on his face. If he hurt her, I think I'll kill him! "Who the hell are you?" He asks in anger.
"I'm looking for someone."
"Who are you?" He demands again.
"NYPD!" I growl as I push him into his apartment. "Where is she?"
"Who the hell,"
"Don't push me! Where is she?" I growl.
"WHO?" He shouts back. He moves to the right and then suddenly my world stops as I see her badge on the floor.
"Where is the owner of that badge?"
"You're her partner?" He sneers. "Yeah she put up a good fight," he smiles at me. "I like it rough."
I finally lose my temper once again and rush at him, my hand on his throat. I'll be damned if he presses charges against me, if he hurt her. But he manages to kick me in the knee and my grip loosens. I punch him in the side of the face and his head snaps back. I hit him again in the side and he falters to one side; one more to his ribs and he's winded. He finally hits me in the side of the face and then elbows me in the stomach and I temporarily stumble back; allowing him to rush out the door and away from my grasp.
I quickly rush for her badge and then spy her gun and my panic is almost near critical. "Stella!" I call out loudly. "Stella!"
I rush into his bedroom and nothing but a messy bed greets me and my heart wants to explode. I hear tires screeching and rush for the window and pull up the shade. Much to my horror I see the window is broken and there is fresh blood around the glass edge. "Oh no," I manage in a terrified whisper as I finally look below and see the splintered grate. I rush back out of the room and nearly fall down the stairs, not able to get down them fast enough.
I race for the grate and kneel by the opening. "Stella!" I call, but hear nothing. I run back to the truck, grab my flashlight and then hurry back. I quickly shine my light and then it rests on a mass of curly hair.
"Stella! Oh my god, no," I state in a panic as I look for a way down. Not seeing another door or anything other way to get down I run back to the truck and grab some rope that I keep in the back for emergencies. I tie it around a telephone pole and then carefully lower myself down the opening Stella fell through. "Stella," I exclaim in a panic as I rush for her.
I gently turn her over and feel for a pulse. I notice the blood and smeared lipstick on her mouth and curse angrily. When I find Jeremy Frost he and I are going to be alone for a few minutes! I feel her face and it's warm but not critical. I gently feel her arms and legs and breathe a sigh of relief when nothing is broken. I spy the mattress and am thankful that it was there; but I hear some shuffling and quickly draw my gun.
"Was dat?" An old voice asks me.
"Who are you?" I ask, moving myself so that I can protect her.
"She fell from da sky," an old man tells me as he finally moves himself into the light and I can see him.
"Are you alone?" I ask quickly.
"Yes. Is she dead?"
"She better not be," I growl. "How the hell did you get down here?" I demand in anger.
"Back door," he frowns, pointing to another darkened area.
I finally feel her starting to stir and look back quickly. "Stella?" I ask her. I am finally rewarded with her eyes slightly fluttering open. "Hey welcome back."
"Mac?" She asks in an almost inaudible whisper.
"Hold on," I tell her as I very carefully gather her into my arms and push myself upright. "Show me the way out of here now," I demand the old man. He simply shrugs at me and then turns and allows me to follow.
"Sorry," Stella whispers to me once more.
"Just hold on, okay. You're safe now, I've got you," I gently tell her as I hold her in my arms and then follow the man in the dimly lit hallway. Thankfully it's not completely dark so my eyes can actually see what's around me as I have to make sure that I don't drop my precious cargo.
I finally reach the surface and walk briskly to my truck and although she's still in my arms I am able to pull the back door open and gently lay her on the seat. I quickly radio dispatch and tell them to come and pick up her truck and deliver it to her lab for the morning. I then call and get an APB put out on Jeremy Frost; I'm personally hoping they don't bring him in as I want that pleasure all to myself.
I get into the front seat and then turn on the truck for some warmth and then flip on the internal light switch and I look at her with a frown. And while I tell myself that I'm not going to care about her any more than I have to, when I look at her face and see the tormented look in her eyes begging mine for help, I can't help but want to care. Damn this stubborn woman!
"And you call me stubborn," I offer in a soft tone.
"You are," she offers with a slight smile.
"I'll take you home," I tell her as I slowly pull away.
"Aren't you going to ask me why?" She manages.
"No. Oh trust me I want to be mad," I tell her in a soft tone. "But I just can't bring myself to blame you. I'd do the same. And I guess it's a good thing I'm here because you wouldn't be able to carry me. Plus you probably did it to get back at me for the stupid fight thing."
She says nothing and I'm immediately heart sick.
"I'm sorry," I offer. "I wasn't meaning to sound gruff."
"You're not."
"Did he hurt you?"
"Yes," she tells me and my heart breaks again. I stop the truck and turn around to see her lightly crying.
"Stella no," I offer with a tormented expression. I gently touch her face and offer a frown. "Tell me what do to," I lightly beg. "Please? What can I do?"
"Take me home," she whispers.
What else can I do? I'm not good with stuff like this; but I hate to see her in such a state and can only comply. "You're almost home."
She offers me a nod and I once again am back on the road; my mind a mix of anger and frustration. When I get my hands on him; I vow inside, I probably will kill him. We finally reach her place and I once again won't allow her to walk as I very carefully gather her into my arms and then close the door with my foot.
"I can walk," she whispers to me.
"You're not heavy," I tell her in truth. I look down at her and frown. "Told you you'd be the death of me," I offer with a slight smile.
"Sorry," she frowns as she once again nestles against my chest; as we finally get into her building and in the elevator. I hear her heart racing fast. Or is that mine? Could be both.
We finally reach her place. "I can stand," she tells me softly. I gently put her down but her legs buckle and I quickly wrap my arm around her waist and hold on while I take her key and open the door.
"So this is your excuse to get into my apartment," she tells me with a slight cough. We get inside and I close the door and then help her into the bedroom and then onto her bed. I turn on the small light and then gently sit down beside her.
"What happened? When I saw his bed it was, did he uh, it looks like he," I try, but actually unable to bring myself to ask.
"He didn't rape me if that's what you're asking," she tells me in a sad voice.
"Thank god. Are you hurt anywhere?"
"A few cuts, but not much. I was just winded from the fall and my head hurts and I'm sore, but thankfully nothing is broken," she lightly whispers and my heart breaks again. And now I know how she felt the other night, as guilt has latched itself into my heart and refuses to let go.
"Tell me what to do," I lightly beg. "I'm not good at this, but I want to help."
"You already did," she smiles but says nothing more. I look at her with a frown and plant a soft kiss on her cheek; thinking she's still angry with me for the fight earlier and that I should just go.
A/N: Ah a little role reversal. hmmm think Mac will stay? So better characterization? Thoughts? And Doug is gone for good! Three cheers? And yes you will find out more about Carla is and Mac will learn about Ryan in the upcoming chappies! Feedback is welcome and you know the reward :) thanks!