Title: Opposites Attract
Chapter 18 - Open your Heart

"I should go," I whisper as I sit down beside her. "We have had a long day and you need to rest."

"Didn't think the day would end with us like this," she offers with a tired voice. "At odds."

I only frown as I start to gently clean her face with the warm cloth; very careful not to cause any more damage than has already been done. She takes my hand and holds it against her cheek; offering a timid smile.

"Yeah I wonder if we'll ever get that second dinner?" I can't help but throw at her.

"At this rate it'll be at our retirement party," she smiles.

"If I live that long," I huff.

XXXXXXXX

"Stella when we parted, I uh," he starts and then stops.

"Adam told me the truth about the fight," I offer as my eyes water again; a tear finally sliding down my cheek. "I'm so sorry I didn't believe you."

"Please don't, its okay," he offers as he gently brushes the tear away with a warm finger. "You don't know me that well yet and I guess today was an off day. Trust me I'm not like that on a regular basis. I guess I was jealous about Doug and then with Jack, well forgive me for being me?"

"Yes," I smile at him.

"Adam knew?"

"He wanted to know who won the fight," I tell him.

"Doug did," he huffs. "He won you back right?"

"Yeah right." I just laugh and then smile. "I told Doug where to go," I offer in truth.

"You did?" He asks me in surprise.

"Well I did and so did Don. Trust me he won't bother us again. I told you the other night that it was over, didn't you believe me?"

"Not really," he frowns. "I wanted to but didn't seem like it would work out in my favor. And then I saw him today and well you saw that stupid fight setup; I didn't know what to think," he admits with a heavy sigh.

"Science guy has a lot to learn about me," I tell him and he smiles.

"Yeah I know," he huffs. "Sorry for being thick?"

"Well if I don't forgive you, you'll probably just sulk all night, right?" I tease.

"Probably," he frowns.

"Forgive me for not trusting and believing you?" I ask softly.

"Stella, there is nothing to forgive," he frowns. "After the way I snapped at you after my run in with Jack, I can't really fault you for thinking anything else. Is that why you took the call? To get back at me?"

"No."

"I just wish you had called me before you went to see him," he tells me in a firm tone.

"Mac, I am just used to being alone and taking...you know I'm sorry. This is our case; our suspect and I should have waited," I offer sadly.

"Please don't do that to me again," he tells me quickly. "I nearly died when I saw you down that grate, not moving. And now like this, hurt and..."

I gently touch his face and he momentarily closes his eyes. Is this what caring about someone feels like? How come it never felt this good in the past? Because you never cared about someone like you care about Mac.

XXXXXXXX

I can't help but feel at ease when her hand touches my face and I feel myself starting to warm and I know I couldn't leave now even if I wanted to. My hand rests on her and she looks at my wrist with a frown.

"Is that from his morning? Why didn't you tell me the cuffs made those marks on your wrists?" She asks softly.

"Because I didn't want you to feel any more guilt than I thought you might," I reply with a frown. "Besides they don't hurt that much. Do believe me?"

"I want to," she offers with a smile.

"Then please do," I lightly beg. "I'm fine. It's you I'm worried about. I saw the broken window with blood on it, what else did you cut?"

She slowly pulls up her sweater to reveal some cut marks on her perfect belly. My eyes linger a little longer than they should and I quickly get the 'guy' part of my brain under control. Mac! Snap out of it and get something to help her instead of yourself.

"Do you have anything I can clean that with?" I actually manage in a coherent sentence.

"First aid kit is in the bottom drawer over there," she tells me. I quickly get the kit and hurry back to her side. Her eyes watch my fingers fumble with the items and I frown. "Sorry," I offer in a nervous tone.

"Why are you so nervous?" She dares to ask.

Because you are showing me skin, I want to yell; and you're a beautiful woman and I'm a totally distracted man. Thankfully I don't tell her any of that and save myself any embarrassment. "I don't want to hurt you more," I whisper in truth. I finally get what I need and then reach for her skin; but I quickly frown as she winces under the disinfectant.

"Sorry," I offer in anguish as I try to do the best I can without hurting her. Thankfully the cuts aren't deep as the sweater absorbed most of the blow.

"What happened to him?"

"He got the jump on me," I frown. "Flack's men will get him."

"Are you okay?" She asks me.

"Me? Yes. I have a hard head remember," I offer with a weak smile. "Can I get you something to eat? Do you feel like eating?"

"Not right now, I just want to rest."

"What can I do to help you?"

"Sit with me?" She asks. "Here beside me?"

"Um okay," I stammer as I gently ease myself onto the other side of her and very carefully pull her into my arms and hold her. I think back on what she told me about Adam and how he told her what happened with the fight set-up. I'll have to thank that guy for doing the right thing. But now for the first time I realize that I really do need to keep my emotions in check; especially my temper. I never really cared what other women thought and Paula had given up on me a long time ago, so it never really mattered. But almost losing her over something so stupid that was my at least a little bit my fault has forced me to realize that I can't let it happen again. Especially if it means that she'll pull another alone stunt like she did tonight.

But as I lean my head back on her bedroom wall I think on that last sentence. When this case is over she'll go back to being alone; doing things alone, her way as she always has. She obviously had no problem taking a call like this on her own and when I'm back in my lab how on earth will I be able to concentrate thinking about what she's up to? What if this happens again? And I'm not around to help? What if I have to hear about her misfortune on the news or through someone else and I am helpless to do anything? It would kill me. Mac, you are forever damned! I know.

I look down at her and notice her eyes are closed and she's finally sleeping. I wish I could take her pain away and make things better, but I know I can't. Oh Mac, when this is over, how on earth are you going to be able to let her just walk out of your life? How can you just walk away?

I don't answer that question as I know the realization of that future is just too painful. I'll wait as long as I have to with her and then let her get some sleep. I slowly move my eyes around her bedroom and smile. There is a picture on her dresser of a staff party, her and Jessica and another girl, smiling and looking like they are having a good time and I can't help but offer a smile in return. I wish she had been my date to the mayoral event; then I'm sure I would have stayed and enjoyed myself. I notice all the other things she has and realize that while she doesn't have a lot of clutter, the pieces she's kept must have sentimental value.

"Trying to just sneak away?" She lightly questions.

"No, but why are you up? You should be resting," I tell her as I notice her slight limp, obviously from the fall; and once again my remorse is fresh.

"Boy we are quite the guilt ridden pair," she offers softly.

"I was going to attempt to kill you by making you something to eat before I left," I offer. "I'm not much of a cook and can't promise I won't burn the place down, but..." I start.

"The fact that you care enough to want to means more than you'll probably know," she tells me. "I'll enjoy whatever attempts you make." Once again this amazing woman, even now, makes me feel like I can to anything. Can I become Emeril Lagasee? No. More like Ronald McDonald but we'll see. "Okay."

XXXXXXXX

How could I say no to him now? I see the pain in his face and it would break my heart further to turn him down. "I'll just wait over here, trust me I'm okay."

"But he hurt you," Mac offers in torment.

"But he didn't hurt what won't heal," I tell him kindly. "Besides you might not know where everything is."

"You did at my place," he frowns.

"I'm a woman. Are you really wanting to challenge me on that?"

"No way," he replies in haste.

"But if you make a domestic comment you will be in big trouble," I throw at him and he smiles.

I slowly walk over to a chair and ease myself down. My body hurts and I do need a shower but right now I just want to watch him and let him take care of me. He slowly moves around the kitchen, trying to hide his frustration over not being able to find anything; but I won't criticize him as I'm more than thrilled that he wants to help in any way.

"Did you really tell Doug off?" He asks softly; not looking at me.

"I told him to challenge me to the fight next time," I offer and he looks at me in shock.

"You what?"

"Hey I can kick ass with the best of them, maybe not tonight, but trust me I can hold my own when I have to," I tell him firmly.

"Oh I don't doubt that," he replies.

I can't help but offer a smile when he opens the fridge and stares at it blankly.

"I have some leftovers that you can just warm up for us, if that would be easier."

"Well you already survived one disaster today, why tempt fate a second time?" He answers.

I can only smile as he stumbles around the kitchen, trying very hard to keep everything in place. I have never had a man fuss so much before, mostly because I didnt want any to last as long or hang around as much as I want him to be here. He finally manages to get the food prepared and into the microwave and then looks at me with a concerned expression.

"Mac, I'm okay, really."

"When I find Jeremy Frost you better be there."

"So you won't kill him?" I retort.

"No so that when I do I'll at least have will have a witness at my trial," he replies and I smile.

"He's obviously guilty of something," I tell him with a frown.

"What did he tell you?"

"He said he was asked to supply them some basic food and drinks and then leave. He was paid well but said when he left they were still alive and partying, then all hell broke loose."

"Who came in after he did?" Mac asks me quickly.

"No, sorry, I meant with him. That's all he told me."

"But..."

"Yeah then he got rough, I mean with me," I offer as my eyes water again.

"Stella," Mac tells me as he rushes over to me, kneeling down in front, taking my hand and holding it in his. "I never want to see you hurt or upset like this. Especially if I'm to blame in any way."

"Mac, you did not hurt me. You came to my rescue. How did you know by the way?"

"Flack told me. Said he tried to call you but got no answer and so assumed the worst."

"Must know me pretty well," I frown.

"Well I told Paula about the fight thing, I guess she knows me pretty well too because she told me to bring flowers tomorrow for my funeral," he offers. "I guess we both screwed up today."

I look into his eyes and offer a light smile. "Quite the pair."

"The best," he tells me with a slight smile as he gently pulls my lips to his.

"I don't want to hurt you," he whispers as he quickly pulls back, eyeing the cut from my attack.

"I won't let you," I tell him and I am once again flooded with warm passion as his lips tenderly kiss mine. Sadly the microwave dings and forces us back to reality.

"Hungry?" He asks with a frown; obviously upset at the mechanical device for disturbing us.

"Actually yes," I smile as he stands up and heads for the food. He puts the two steaming plates down on the table and then sits down beside me.

XXXXXXXX

I can't help but feel guilt every time she offers a wince in movement. If I hadn't given in to stupid Doug, then she and I would be having a nice dinner at a nice restaurant and she would be fine. And even though I ate at Paula's I just can't be here and not eat. Thankfully I gave myself the smaller portion. Did she notice?

"How come I have more than you?" She asks.

Damn! How did she notice that? "I already had dinner at Paula's," I offer in a sheepish tone.

"Mac? You don't have to wait then," she tells me quickly.

"Actually I didn't eat much over there. I guess too upset about the fight and the day's events. Trust me this smells great and I don't mind having a bit more. I'm not just saying that to make you feel better. Well maybe a little," I finish and she smiles.

"It's Greek," she smiles.

"My favorite," I tell her in truth. "Can you cook Greek?"

"Yes I can. I can make a few other things also," she smiles at me. "We should make a meal together one time. Last night didn't count."

"Me cook? Actully I'm better at cleaning up," I frown. Thankfully the rest of the meal time conversation is spent talking about what we like to eat and what meals we have attempted at making. After dinner, I once again ask her just to rest while I clean up.

XXXXXXXX

"It's almost midnight and you really need to get some sleep."

I look at his expression and can't help but comply. The concern in his eyes and the tone of his voice tell me that it's more than just a passing interest in my welfare and that thought alone makes me want to listen. "I will under one condition," I offer.

"Anything," he tells me in haste.

"You don't spend the rest of the night wallowing in guilt and will also get some rest," I tell him in a concerned tone.

"I'll try," he answers with another concerned frown. "I can see myself out." He leans in close once again, offering a small kiss close to my ear, his breath tickling me and offering me shivers all the way down my spine. I return the favor, planting a small kiss by his ear and I am rewarded with a soft moan of desire, his scent playing with my senses once again. But he pulls back and I look into his eyes and can't help but wonder what is wrong. "Mac, what is it?"

"I want to stay," he frowns.

"Mac..."

"When I hold you; have you this close, I want you so badly. But I don't like one night stands," he offers a whispered confession, taking my hands and holding them in his. "So I am going to take my leave before I do something that might be stupid. I know you are hurting and I would feel guilty right now to force anything on you other than sleep."

"Do you always think of my needs before your own?" I ask gently.

"Always," he offers warmly.

To argue with him now might show that I don't care about his concern and that would be wrong. Flack was right; he's not Ryan.

"Please?" He begs once more. I gently touch his face and smile.

"Science guy better be careful," I lightly warn and his eyes offer confusion. "Talk like that could make sorority girl think he likes her."

"Isn't that obvious? But I guess I should say I like you; a lot, so that you know I mean it. Sorry if that sounds lame, not good at this," he whispers in return, obviously not used to intimate confessions and I offer a warm smile. But his expression turns to one of uncertainty and I immediately know why. "Well then I'm glad the feeling is mutual, I like you too so put your mind at ease," I admit and he finally smiles. He gently pushes me back onto the pillow and then very tenderly pulls the cover over me; keeping me warm. "I'll see you tomorrow," he offers in a husky voice as he offers one last kiss and then pulls back to take his leave.

I can only smile as I watch him leave the bedroom. And while I'd like to ask him to stay; it's not the time for anything more intimate. Will that time ever come? Our time? Our alone and intimate time? I would like to think so but sometimes I am just not sure. I hear him rustling around and then finally the door lock and close.

"Goodnight Mac," I whisper softly as I slowly push myself out of bed. Everything aches from the fall and I need a warm shower to loosen up and wash the dirt off. But just as I reach for the bathroom door when my phone rings.

"Stella? Are you okay? Did Mac find you?" Flack asks in concern.

"Yeah, he did and I'm okay thanks to both of you," I frown. "And before you say I told you so, I learnt my lesson the hard way, so don't bother."

"Mac put out an ABP on Frost. We'll find him. And did you two kiss and make up?" Flack asks.

"A few times," I answer with a smile and he just sighs. "Here's what Frost said..."

XXXXXXXX

I reach home in a state of concern and guilt. How on earth could Stella think that I could just leave her there and not spend the rest of the night dwelling on my guilt? My mind flashes images of when I first saw her in the basement and I feel my heart start to beat faster. What if Flack hadn't called me? What if she wasn't able to escape? What if he did rape her? What happens when this case is all over?

I quickly shed my coat and start for my bedroom. I notice a message on my blackberry and quickly pick it up.

Mac, 'better not be feeling guilty. I'm okay and going to bed, you better be also!' Stella

I can't help but smile as the phone rings. I reach for it with eager anticipation. However, the voice on the other end is far from Stella's as I had wanted.

'Good evening Detective Taylor.'

"Who is this?" I demand in anger.

'I'm hurt you dont remember me?'

"Tell me who you are and I'll tell you if I remember you."

'But you're the CSI, isn't that your job to figure it out?'

"What the hell do you want from me?"

'I want your blood. Just like those boys. Sleep well. Well meet soon. In the meantime, here is a head start, just in case you need it.'

I slam the phone down in anger and then quickly pick it up and dial the operator asking for a call trace. However, they tell me it was from a private cell phone and there is no way to trace the number. They tell me I could try to find the provider but even then it was a pay as you go phone and those aren't registered with anyone. I watch as a small picture is emailed and I quickly forward to Ralph. Ralph, 'I want this picture analyzed and trace the email address. Send to me only.' Mac.

"Damn it!" I curse in anger as I look at the picture once again. "Could be anything," I mumble in anger. I quickly look at the time and want to call Paula, but think against it. "Jack! I will get even on this. COUNT ON IT!" I yell into my quiet apartment.

I also think about calling Stella, but after what she has been through today, decide against it. She needs her rest a lot more than I do and if she's asleep I would feel guilty to wake her up. With that miserable thought I head into my bedroom and try to unwind. However, it's a losing battle as I throw myself onto the bed and turn off the light offering a heavy sigh and trying to force myself to think about Stella, refusing to let Jack Harvey once again be the last thing I think about. And while part of my brain tells me that I need to watch my ass the part that wins out is the part where I am holding Stella in my arms and my sleep isn't as disturbed as it could be; course it's not the solid affair it was like the night before.

XXXXXXXX

I finally open my eyes just as the sun is starting to poke its head through my curtains and from the sheer exhaustion from yesterday's events I actually had a solid night's sleep; mostly with dreams of Mac in my arms all night long; some of him cuffed and at my mercy; yeah I liked those best. Stella! Well I did. I hope Mac slept as well as he needed it just as much as I did. I head into the bathroom and stare at my sad reflection in the mirror.

"Thank goodness L'Oreal created makeup," I frown as I reach for my modest make up bag. I'm not one to fuss over my looks and never apply heavy makeup but today I need something to cover the damage that Jeremy Frost did the night before.

I hope that Flack finds him first as I know if he doesn't Mac will probably kill him.

XXXXXXXX

I roll over and look at the clock with a frown. "Damn it!" I lightly curse as I look at the clock; even less sleep than the night before. One of these nights, I think I'll just hit myself over the head with a heavy frying pan and be done with it. I push myself out of bed and reach for the phone.

"Mac?"

"Paula, did I wake you?"

"No. What's going on?"

"Got another call last night and a text. That's twice in the same day."

"Think it was backlash from your visit to Jack?"

"Has to be since I saw him just yesterday. I know he has bigger things to worry about but it has to be him, Paula. He has to have someone on the outside doing all this for him," I sigh heavily. "Did you hear anything?"

"Lots of chatter about guys wanting to even with him and things about him wanting guys taken out, but your name hasn't come up yet. Is Stella okay? Flack told me you came to her rescue last night. What happened?"

"She went to confront a new suspect alone. He got rough and she ended up taking a fall; out the window. She's got some cuts and bruises but I think she'll be okay. However, I am not sure if I'll ever be okay," I confess. "Paula when I saw her hurt last night it nearly killed me. How can I see her like that; draw closer, only to have us go separate ways when this case is over? If something were to happen like that again to her on the job, I'd be finished."

"Just tell her how you feel already," Paula sighs.

"I told her I like her," I frown.

"Did you tell her you care for her?"

"No," I huff.

"Do you want to lose her?"

"Trust me Paula, when this case is over, she'll be back where she belongs; in her world and I in mine. Maybe that's for the best."

"Do you really want that?" Paula counters before she offers me a goodbye and hangs up.

Do I want that? No, I tell myself as I hurry to get ready. But what else can I do? That is the only future that is available to me. Today, hopefully I'll be able to get my hands on Jeremy Frost and let him try to hit something that actually hits back and then my focus will be where it should. My mind drifts to Stella and I know I need to make this up to her. I thought about flowers but that seems too forward right now. I'll save that for Valentines. Oh get a grip, you'll never make it that far! Right. Coffee? I can do that.

I hurry out the door and into my truck and am heading for the lab on a mission. Wait the lab? Not her lab? It's not mine and I won't ever be a part of it; I have to keep reminding myself of that. I rush into the small coffee shop in her building only to see her already at the counter.

"I'm buying," I tell the lady just as Stella pulls out her money. She looks at me in surprise but offers a smile. I can tell she's done a good job of covering her bruises and cut lip but I can't help but feel my heart break once again when the smile isn't as wide as it normally is.

"Mac?"

"Well I see it's for two," I smile as I collect my change.

"You assume it's for you?" She counters in a playful tone. And I'm once again at ease as her demeanor is back where it should be.

"Yes I do," I reply firmly as I hold the door for her. "Thanks for the coffee."

"Next time it's on me," she tells me and I can only offer a nod in compliance.

"How did you sleep?" I ask her in concern as I take my coffee.

"Got up with the sun for the first time in a long time," she replies. "You?"

"I never sleep well," I offer with a frown. "How are you feeling today? You aren't limping as much."

"Oh I take a lickin' and keep on tickin'," she smiles at me.

"Stella," I huff.

"Mac, I'm okay. Much like yourself I don't dwell on my pain or play up the guilt card. I'm sore and a bit stiff and my head hurts a little; but I'll be okay."

"If you feel..." I start and she lightly laughs.

"You must not know me that well yet."

"So if I were to suggest you take it easy you'd think I was nuts?" I counter.

"A little," she replies.

"Well I am nuts about you, does that count?" I throw at her.

"No, but that was a good comeback, even for you," she retorts and I just shake my head.

"Stella," I start.

"Mac, I'm fine, really. Please don't worry yourself any more on this. For me?"

"Fine," I resign with a slight frown. We get off the elevator just as Flack rushes up to us.

"Did you find Jeremy Frost?" I lightly demand.

"We did but," Flack starts.

"I don't care what his excuse was, I just need a minute," I state in anger.

"Take all the time you want, he's down stairs with Sid," Flack informs us.

"What? He's dead?" Stella asks in shock. "How?"

"Looks like a self inflicted gun shot wound," Sheldon says walking up to us. "A .45 was all that was recovered. Berg has already dusted the body for prints and found only his," Sheldon tells us, handing us the information sheet.

"I saw this guy last night, he didn't seem like he was just about to dash out and take his life," I offer in angry frustration. "He might have been angry enough to kill, but himself? I don't buy it."

"You want another angle right?" Stella throws at me.

"There is always another angle. Was there a note or anything?" I ask Sheldon.

"Lindsay is there right now Danny searching for anything that might tell us more," Sheldon tells us to which I just arch skeptical brows.

"Where is Cyrus?" I ask.

"I was busy with Frost so I sent him back to check on a call at the University. We might have finally found those two maintenance workers who were using false names. Paula is with the Mayor right now and the joint Chiefs, trying to explain why every lead we come up with is a dead end," Flack tells us. "I am going to go back to the scene and finish up with Lindsay and Danny."

"Thanks," I huff as Flack leaves.

"I am waiting on results from the bullet to see who owes it or what we can find on it," Sheldon tells us as he hurries away.

"Thanks doc," Stella tells him as it's just us once again. I offer a heavy curse into the air and look at her in frustration. "But you don't believe it was suicide do you?"

"What reason?"

"Maybe he did kill those boys and when we both cornered him last night it was the final straw?" Stella offers. "Mac, you are always looking for a hidden angle."

"Because there always is one," I counter. "It's just like DC."

"But you said those cases were solved. Sometimes we just don't like what things add up to; but sometimes we just need to accept them," she tells me in a soft voice.

I look at her and can only smile. "Will you ever let me wallow in misery?"

"No," she tells me firmly. "Would you let me?"

"I don't think I could because you wouldn't let me," I throw back at her. "But once again we are back at square one."

"Literally," Sheldon comes rushing up to us a few minutes later.

"Found it already?" I ask in shock.

"Gun was registered to one Jeremy Frost," he says handing us the spec sheet. "No other prints on the weapon, except his."

"Okay so it only proves he killed himself," I sigh as Stella's phone rings. "Or had expert help."

XXXXXXXX

"Bonasera," she answers. "Lindsay, hi. You have? And nothing? Just as we suspected. Okay thanks, I'll let Mac know. Right. Thanks bye."

"What did they find?" Mac asks me quickly.

"Nothing to connect him to the Bryce boys murders except a small handwritten receipt to pay for some of the food. I don't get it; those guys had money, why use a two bit loser like Frost? Why not a real caterer?" I question.

"Stella, seriously you don't know that answer?" Mac asks me with an amused smile.

"Obviously not," I retort.

"You have a group of college guys having a party. They are given a large sum of money by Megan and probably daddy to spend on the night. They have the choice of either spending it on women or food. Which do you think won out?"

"Right," I frown. "Obviously strippers don't do it for me," I huff; looking at him sideways.

"Obviously. What? No way, you are not even thinking that I would ever," he rushes in his defense. "But at that age, in their shoes, I might have done the same thing."

"So you were a frat boy?" I ask in surprise.

"Yeah right, I said in their shoes," he lightly laughs as we start to wander back to the lab. "In my own shoes I was too busy thinking I wanted to be the next GI Joe when I grew up to give a damn about stupid frat parties. I majored in science because I didn't like art," he tells me and I smile. "Besides I don't think I was the kind of guy that the jocks wanted hanging around."

"Is that because science guy would steal their girlfriends?" I smile.

"Hardly. You were a sorority girl right? Would you have left your jock boyfriend for a science guy?"

"Yes. But I wasn't a sorority girl," I offer in truth to which he looks surprised. "What? All that running around; dumbing yourself down to impress a bunch of jocks and living with a bunch of oversexed teenage girls. Sorry not my thing. Too much like growing up," I tell him with a frown.

"Have a lot of sisters growing up?" He asks gently.

"A few," I reply in haste; quickly changing the subject back to where it was. "But those sorority things weren't my gig. Too busy studying and being a nerd to be even asked out a lot. And sorry to disappoint, no jock boyfriends." I finish and he throws me a sideways glance and I can't help but smile back.

"But don't worry the adventures of science guy and sorority girl will still continue," I tell him and he just smiles. We head back to the lab and then cross Frost off our suspect list.

"So back to square one," he frowns. "Everyone we have fingered so far for these boys deaths is either dead, in jail or discounted by a very credible alibi," he states in frustration.

"Well we never run out of evidence. Isn't that what you always say," I remind him. "So let's to back to it."

"Yes you're right," he answers with a slight smile. "If this guy had help then let's look and see what it was."

"Let me get the other file and I'll be right back," I tell him as I head for my office.

XXXXXXXX

I watch Stella as she takes her leave and offer a slight frown. She's offered glimpses of her past and I can only assume from what she told me that she came from a large family and it wasn't peaceful all the time. She's half Greek; dont they have big families? Thankfully my phone rings to break my sordid thoughts.

"Ralph? What did you find? Damn it! And the email address? No that's fine. But start a file, I have a feeling I'll be getting more like this. Right thanks," I hang up in frustration. I offer a small curse and a frown. What the hell is Jack up to? Why would he send me a picture of nothing? What is his game? However my thoughts are once again broken as I see Adam enter the room and know I have to say something to him about what he told Stella.

"Just wanted to say thank you telling Stella the truth," I offer in a low tone. "Appreciate it."

"You are welcome, but I was doing it to win points."

"With Stella?"

"With you," he tells me. "Would be cool to have you as co-boss around here," he admits and I can't help but smile.

"Thanks for the vote of confidence," I tell him as I see Stella coming back. But just as I leave I overhear someone asking Adam if he's going to a concert tonight and an idea finally springs to mind. I know just what I want to do for her tonight; something special that I have never done before.

XXXXXXXX

A few hours after going back over the new evidence, Mac looks over at me with a frustrated look and I look up at him in wonder. I know he is looking for the hard angle but all the evidence is pointing to a loner who took his own life. Sadly I too just don't buy the easy way out theory.

"I know, we have nothing," I frown. "Maybe Jeremy Frost did just up and kill himself," I offer in resignation; some hestiancy in my voice.

"My money is on another person," he throws at me and I frown. "We need that suspect list from Flack. Cyrus will hopefully have something for us tomorrow on our two mystery maintenance men. Maybe one of them had a hand in this. Sadly I think he was once again distracted and has left for the day," he frowns. "Funny I just might trade Danny for him; at least Sheldon somehow manages to keep him in line," he finishes and I can't help but agree. "Okay let's look at this piece."

But then an hour later Mac looks at me with a wondering glance. "We have been over this a million times."

"Then we need a break. Mac, it's past dinner time and we can start tomorrow with a fresh set of eyes. Unless you want to get dinner and come back?"

"I guess it'll have to be tomorrow," he huffs and then turns to me with a slight smile. Hmm why doesn't he want to work late?

"What?" I ask quickly.

"It's Wednesday," he answers.

"And?" I ask with a frown. What's he getting at?

"And tonight I am taking you out to a place of my choosing and in my part of the city," he tells me with a cryptic smile. He writes something down and hands it to me. "Meet me here?"

I look at him in surprise. "It's a club? You do clubs?" I ask in suspicion. Okay another part of Mac Taylor that takes me by surprise yet again. But I'm game. Actually I'd like to see him in this kind of setting; might reveal a few more hidden gems.

"It's a surprise," he offers softly. "I hope you like it."

"I'm sure I will," I smile.

"So see you tonight?" He asks with slight hesitation; almost as if he doesn't believe me that I'll show up.

"I'll be there," I smile as I watch him leave. My heart is now starting to beat faster at the thought of the surprise that Mac has planned. Once again, my assumption about Mac Taylor is wrong and I can't help but want to be drawn further into his world; wondering what surprise he has in store for me next. I quickly finish my task and head for my office. I see Mac is gone and now my anticipation for what he has in store is reaching the max. Dress nice; that I can do. And by the time I get into the cab to go home my face displays a wide grin and I can hardly get the cab to move fast enough. And no matter what happens afterward, tonight is going to be great I tell myself.

A/N: any guesses as to where Mac is going to meet Stella and what he has in store for her? feedback as always is appreciated! Thanks in advance