Title: Opposites Attract
Chapter 25 - Welcome to my Parlor, Detective Taylor

I head back to my office in miserable silence. She's gone; Stella is gone. Out of my life but not out of my mind and heart. How can I forget her, I am in love with her that I know for sure. Why didn't I just tell her? And as soon as I am alone in my office my quiet sorrow starts to consume me. I miss her smile; her laugh; her witty comebacks and her snide remarks. I miss her fire; her zest and the handcuffs; especially those.

I look at the files before me and frown; I know I'm right and never back down from a fight. But she was right too; I did back down from a fight; the fight for our future together, as friends; partners and lovers. That was the real fight I lost; a fight I wonder if I'll ever get the chance to engage in once again and win her back.

"Damn it!" I curse angrily as my phone rings. "Taylor," I answer with a weary tone.

'Did you sleep well Detective Taylor?' My stalker taunts yet again.

"What do you want me to say?" I snap in anger.

'You know your place is very clean. How disappointing.'

"I knew it was you!" I growl.

'That's because you are a smart man. Stubborn but smart. Are you alone now?'

"Meet me already. Let's end this!" I demand. "What do you want?"

'I want you to find me!'

"Then just tell me where you are!"

'Oh that would be too easy for you and no fun for me. You have everything you need right before you to find me. Since you have no more distractions it should be easy for you. Live up to your name Taylor...but then again, what's in a name? Oh that's right, I am. See you soon.'

I hang up my phone and curse angrily into the room. I look at the files before me and know what he means. "These files, these cases; he's in here, I just need to find him."

I push myself up out of my chair and walk to my writing board. Part of me regrets the package I sent her this morning, but figured I would never really see it again anyways so why delay the inevitable.

"Okay you sick bastard, who the hell are you?"

XXXXXXXX

The ride back to my lab is also one of quiet reflection. Sheldon is on the phone trying to arrange an after game dinner for the girls he and Cyrus will be taking to the basketball game and Danny is off with Lindsay and I dont have to wonder what they're doing.

I do however, wonder what Mac's doing. It hurt so much to see the tormented expression on his handsome face when the elevator doors took me away from him, but what else could I do? When Lindsay asked if we would ever work together again, I was going to say, if they were lucky they'd see us on the next call; but Mac beat me to it and his words still ring in my head. I guess he really does want to go the rest of this alone.

Part of me wants to go back and yell at him for being so thick; but the other part of me wins out by telling me to just let it play out for now and let him calm down. But what if he does get himself killed? What if his stalker is still around and he dies alone? Oh Stella, I quickly chide myself. Now you're sounding just as paranoid as Mac. The case is over; let it go.

As I head toward my office I slowly walk past the spare office, which of course is now empty. True to his word, Mac has removed every trace of himself from the spare office and unless I had seen it for my own eyes, I wouldn't have believed that he was ever here at all. I lean against the door and feel my melancholy mood starting to cover me. I miss his smile, his wit, his charm and the fire in his eyes whenever he was up to whatever challenge I threw at him. His playful mood and the way his arms held me close. I miss him!

"Was kinda nice having that office occupied," Sid tells me in a kind tone.

I quickly swallow my sorrow and turn to face him with a tight lipped smile. "Just a thought."

"You said that one time before," Sid reminds me.

"And I was right, it will remain only a thought," I offer in a sad tone.

"Men are funny creatures," Sid starts as he slowly walks back to my office with me.

"In a specific way? Or in general?" I question.

"When they're threatened," Sid answers.

"By who? Women or life?"

"Take your pick."

"And how do we get past that?"

"Depends on what you want?"

"And what do I want?" I ask in remorse.

"I think only you know that," Sid smiles. "Gotta be tough on a guy to lose his best friend and have no one back him in a fight to the death."

"His best friend is uh, she's..."

"She's right in front of me," Sid tells me warmly. "And I've never known you to back down from a fight. Just a thought."

I watch him leave and then offer a small curse as I head back into my office. But as much as I try to ignore them, Sid's warm words of encouragement give me hope and for a split second I want to call Mac and tell him even if I don't believe him, I'll help him.

But as I walk to my chair I see a package on my desk and a smile starts to cross my face; especially when I see it's from Mac. I quickly pull it open thinking he's sent me something to say he's sorry but when I see the item my smile instantly disappears.

"My green dress," I utter in misery as I reach for the small note card.

Stella 'Never thought I'd be lucky enough to see you in this again. I hope someday you'll be able to forgive me,' Mac

My eyes instantly water as I clutch the dress to my chest and slowly slide into my chair and turn my back to the door and stare out the window in misery. I notice Flack's reflection in the window but I don't turn around. I can't; I'm too sad.

"Mac?" He asks in a soft tone as he comes closer. I simply nod my head and hand him the small card.

"It really is over," I utter in a dead whisper.

"It was him who sent those pink cuffs right?" He asks in a low tone. "A few weeks back?"

"It was nothing," I reply quickly. "Especially now."

"Stella, he's worried and scared. Worried that he's made the wrong choice and scared that Paula will die and he'll feel responsible even though he's not."

"He doesn't care about me," I whisper in sorrow.

"Doesn't care? Stella, I don't think he could care for a person more than you," Flack tells me as I finally turn to face him with a defeated expression.

"I talked to him last night; it's over," I frown. "And after his comments today and now this, he's gone; I'm out of his life."

"Give him a day, this will die down and he'll wrap his head around the fact that we caught the guy. Hopefully Paula will come out of her coma and then you two can focus on you two again."

"I'd like to believe that," I tell him.

"Trust me he's a guy. He'd like to think he's complex, but he's simple. A day Stella, give him a day. Knowing you, however, it will be less. He's lucky."

I watch Flack leave and then look back at the note card in my hand. I lean back in my chair and offer a heavy sigh. I want to believe Flack, I really do. But part of me just can't bring myself to think anything other than Mac is going to force himself into a world of trouble; not caring who he hurts as long as he's right.

"But can I just watch him self destruct?"

I quickly put the dress on my side table and turn on my email. Maybe I will give it a least a day but I will stop by to see how Paula is doing. It's a harmless excuse I tell myself. He'll appreciate that right? He has to, I tell myself. I have to believe I haven't lost him for good.

XXXXXXXX

I have gone through all the old case files and am getting only closer to frustration. By now Stella will have found the dress and note I left for her. I know if I do pursue this and something happens to me then it's better to end it clean and not have her wondering if she should come over and get it and cause herself undo heartache.

Even now, my heart and mind are filled with anguish and misery. I need her here with me; she'd figure it out. But I just can't bring myself to drag her back into my paranoid fantasy; I care too much to put her into that position again.

"Okay back to business," I tell myself as I head back to the board; the sun starting to set. I have all the files lined up. "Okay so let's start with the names of the victims."

I take my marker and start to write the first and last name of each young man found murdered. Joshua Bryce; Adam Collins; Caleb Bryce; Oliver Day; Bruce Greenfield; Garry Parks; Ian McShane; Billy Ryland; Brent Lopez; Ozzy Capenin; Nickolas Spartan; Shane Westin.

"Okay so they were around the same age but that's about it. All from different walks of life and backgrounds. Some employed; some not. What am I missing? Mac, what aren't you seeing?" I ask myself in anger.

"In order...what order. Has to be date order," I tell myself as I look at the files on my desk. I try date order and nothing. I try age order and nothing; ethic order and nothing. Finally my eyes rest on something and I feel a sinking feeling starting to cover me.

I turn back to board and start to write once again; this time with a different strategy in mind. And as I start to write the names my world slowly starts to cave in on me.

Joshua Bryce
Adam Collins
Caleb Bryce
Oliver Day
Bruce Greenfield

Garry Parks
Ian McShane
Billy Ryland
Brent Lopez
Ozzy Capenin
Nickolas Spartan
Shane Westin

"Oh, my, god," I utter in horror. "It's Charles Gibbons!" I hiss in anger. I pick up my phone and call Ralph. "I need anything you can find on Charles Gibbons. He might go under the name Charles Simpson or Chuck Rogers."

"Gibbons, wasn't that..." Ralph starts.

"Yes the father whose son was knifed to death and who vowed revenge against me. And the date of the Bryce boys' murders was the same as Jacob Gibbons' death. I need to know where he is."

"He was arrested and he and his wife were committed to the DC Psychiatric facility. Even I remember that. Suspicion of those cruel deaths a few years before Jacob died. Mac he's..."

"He's out!" I hiss. "Find me Charles Gibbons!"

"Right away boss," Ralph tells me as he hangs up.

I slump back in my chair and stare at the board in horror. My mind quickly drifts back two years ago. It was a case that, as I was just leaving DC I wrapped up when I took my post here. Charles had paid me two visits when I first started and thats how Ralph knows him. But then everything stopped and so I figured he had just given up. But it has haunted me ever since.

-----
'You promised me Taylor! My son is dead because of you!'

'I didn't know.'

'Yes you did. You and your damn Taylor oath. You said you'd give your life. Well it was his life that was taken. My boy was knifed to death because of you!'

'I did everything I could.'

'One day Taylor. One day you will know what it means to lose someone you care about and I'll be there to see it.'

'Charles..."

'Forget it Taylor, you had your chance to save him and you failed.'

'Ryland tricked us all.'

'You said you knew who it was!'

'I did. I stand by'...

'He's dead because of you. My boy! I held him while he died!'

'Charles...'

'We're done here Taylor. I will come back into your life one day; and then I'll have your blood! I will avenge my son! You will be sorry!'

-----

After that I was told that Charles and his wife were both arrested for some grisly murders they committed and that they would be sent away for a long time. The murders were the same as their son; young men, knifed to death. Then I never gave them a second thought; until now.

"And he's right, I am sorry," I offer in anguish as I pick up the phone. "Ralph? Anything on Gibbons?"

"Just a sec boss I'm on with Adam Ross, he's found a few things on them too."

"Fine, just hurry," I lightly snap as I hang up the phone. I stare at the name before me on the writing board and it all makes sense. Since that case Charles was watching me, learning how I worked and what my routine was; playing his stupid game; slowly sucking me in. The man who killed Jacob was a drifter and we found a suicide note and the evidence. I never believed it, but the case was closed and we moved on. I always thought it was just harsh words from a grief stricken father. I have been threatened before but I've always brushed it off as a parent who needs time to grieve and then uses time to try to heal.

Charles obviously never let it go; he allowed his revenge to consume him. Looking back it all makes sense. Jacob wasn't allowed to go to University as his grades were terrible and the only job he could get was at an amusement park. A few other things rounded out the complete picture; such as the museum and the cheap parlor tricks. Jacob too was taunted before he was killed by the same means.

However, this is also just theory as I don't have any proof other than a few things that fit the profile. I need hard evidence. And since I don't have any evidence that it is Charles, why take back-up or drag anyone else into this until I am sure? Part of me is tempted to call Stella and try to once again explain to her what I think I found, but another part of me says to go to Charles first and see what he says then take her and Flack back and put this case to rest for the last time.

I walk back to my chair and slowly sit down. I allow my hands to reach for the small tin of mints and a small smile starts to form on my lips. I know now I'll never see those cuffs again and as I put the small tin into my top drawer I realize that I'll probably never see Stella again.

How could I face her now? I was so cold and uncaring? I can't take her for granted and expect that she'll just be there when I need her; that I can basically tell her it's over but then beg her for help when I need it? I care too much to do that to her. "Mac, you screwed up big time!" I curse myself as I turn to my computer.

XXXXXXXX

I slowly move around the lab, closing off the part of the Bryce case that I was working on. I look up; almost expecting to see Mac standing there asking to help or just looking at me with his cryptic smile. I miss his smile; I miss him!

"Oh Stella," I chide myself in silent misery. "What are you doing?"

I walk past Adam's desk and am about to just continue when I hear Mac's name and quickly stop.

"That's right Ralph, this place has that. I know odd. How much does Mac want? Okay. Tell him to hang tough for a few more minutes. Yeah I like that about him. That's funny," Adam laughs. I feel myself smile as I hear him talk a bit more and am very tempted to ask what it's all about. But I just can't; to walk down that path now would be too painful.

With a quick swallow of guilt I hurry away and back to my office. I look at the time and frown. I would like to go and see Paula and maybe since it's later in the day I will do just that. I walk past the empty office once more and silent misery starts to consume me. I can see him look up and offer a nervous smile; like he wasn't sure he belonged there but was hoping I wouldn't ask him to leave.

Sadly he left no trace of him; true to his word as always. Okay Stella snap out of it already! With a firm nod to myself I walk into my office; write up my final report and close the file on the Bryce boys.

I head for my coat and then am on my way to go and see Paula. I can't just give up on us; can I? What if he doesn't want me back? I can't believe that. I have to believe it will work.

Oh why isn't life as simple as it was before I met Mac Taylor? Would I go back if I had the chance? I would like to say yes, but in my mind and heart I know I wouldn't. I wouldnt trade one second with him for anything else.

"Where is that damn bat?" I ask with a small smile.

XXXXXXXX

"Ralph!" I ask impatiently.

"Okay so Adam found some surveillance tapes and," he starts. "Odd that he has them but we found them and..."

"I just want to talk to him and then I'll take the boys in blue with me," I tell Ralph. "Record what you want until you hear from me."

"You shouldn't go alone," Ralph reminds me.

"Ralph, this is a theory and we have no facts, so I can't take anyone with me on a damn hunch. I'll be back shortly."

"Okay by the time you get back I'll have them for you on your desk."

"Where is he?"

"235 Cross Street."

"Thanks. I should be back in an hour," I tell him as I quickly stuff my gun into its holster and reach for my coat. Hopefully this will all be over very soon; then I'll stop by and see Paula and then work on my groveling speech to Stella. I wonder if she'll still want me? I have to believe yes, right? If I tell her I love her, will she believe me then?

The drive to the Gibbons is one of tormented misery. I keep seeing Jacob Gibbons carved up body and his father holding him, begging him to wake up and telling him that everything would be okay. I remember the look on his face as he glared at me in hatred and vowed revenge for his son's senseless murder. I keep hearing myself trying to tell him it wasn't his fault and that we didn't know; but he didn't care to listen. I never quite got the connection between the murders the Gibbons were accused of and the fact that these murders were the same. Would they murder their own son? Or was he a part of it all along? Did they involve a third person and he turned on them, killing Jacob as revenge? So many questions dance around in my brain that by the time I reach their house, my mind is in pain.

But as I pull to a stop in front of their place my heart starts to pick up the pace. Mac, what are you doing? I'm only here on a fact finding mission; just to ask a few questions and then go from there.

XXXXXXXX

I reach the hospital and my nervous tension starts to rise. What if Mac's there? Just play it calm and be normal. Normal! Oh boy, do I even remember what that is any more?

I slowly walk into the hospital and see that Ed isn't there. With a frown I hurry to the reception desk; my mind already assuming the worst. She can't be dead; please don't let her be dead.

"I'm looking for the room for Paula Watford?"

"She's been transferred to the ICU," the front desk clerk tells me. "Room 3C. But you'll have to talk to her doctor before you are allowed in."

"I understand," I answer in a numb tone as I head for the elevator. My heart is now beating faster at the thought that I'll see Mac waiting as I arrive. But when the doors open, my heart sinks. He's not there.

I offer a timid smile as I walk toward the two small girls, sitting one on either side of their father. Ed, himself, just survived an attack and I am wondering how he's holding up.

"Ed?"

"Stella," he smiles at me.

"How is she?"

"She's finally starting to breathe a little better on her own and is off the ventilator. They have her on a Ringers solution to help build her blood volumes but she's still in the coma. The doctor says thats a good thing as this way her body can start to really heal itself. But she's pale," he offers with a slight smirk. "If that's possible to believe."

"Has Mac been here?" I can't help but wonder.

"For a few minutes this morning," Ed huffs. "Says he's working on bringing the real guy down. I told him to let it go but we won't listen."

"Has he always been this stubborn?" I ask softly.

"Yes. I tell him it will be his downfall but he just smiles."

"Ah yes the smile," I frown as I look at the door to her room. Where are you Mac?

XXXXXXXX

I head up the steps to the darkened house before me and my heart is ready to explode. Why am I doing this? Why am I here alone? Why am I questioning myself? I haven't before. Stella! Okay just calm down Mac and knock on the damn door already! Get this over with and then you can go and see her!

I hear someone walking to the door and take a deep breath.

"Hello Detective Taylor," he smiles; his voice isn't the same as one on the calls but then he once said he was using a voice enhancer. His tone is very calm and has a somewhat expectant tone in it. This has to be him. "What can I do for you at this hour?"

"Charles Gibbons," I offer slowly. "When did you get out?"

"Ah I like a man that gets right to the point. Well you left just after Marla and I were arrested for those murders, but funny thing about evidence, it pointed to someone else, so we never went in. Just lucky I guess."

"Seems to be your motto," I state in anger.

"What brings you to my humble home at this hour?"

"Evidence."

"Whatever. Is this a social visit or are you just here for some routine police harassment?"

"I know it was you so you can STOP PLAYING GAMES!" I shout in anger.

"What did I do?" He asks with a growing smile and my patience is wearing thin; drawing me further into his trap just as he wanted.

"You killed those boys and shot her you sick son of a bitch! And I'm here to take you in!" I accuse. Yeah Mac, so much for asking a few questions and then come back with help.

XXXXXXXX

"Do you think she'd mind if I just went in for a few minutes?" I ask Ed with a timid voice.

"Sure Stella," he smiles warmly at me. "I think she'd like that. She said she liked you right away and I know Mac wouldn't mind."

I slowly push myself up and quietly enter her room. She's so still and quiet. Very different from the vibrant, energetic woman I met about a few weeks ago. My eyes instantly water as I sit down beside her. What do I say? I need help! But I have to be positive, I tell myself.

"Paula, it's me Stella. You know the woman attracted to your stubborn partner..." I start.

XXXXXXXX

"Okay so since I don't want you to cause a damn scene, won't you come in?" He offers.

"Charles..." I start.

"I'll answer your questions if you step into at least my doorway and we can talk like grown men."

"Fine," I utter slowly as I carefully step into his entrance way. The house is modestly furnished and I am at a loss to suspect anything other than a normal man trying to make a living and support a family.

"It was you right? The attacks, the museum, the amusement park? My apartment? Paula! Why the hell did you shoot her?" I growl in anger.

"You know Taylor, I'm surprised it took you this long to figure it out," Charles tells me with a low mocking voice, taking a few steps further into his lair.

"Why the games?" I demand, taking a few unsuspecting steps toward him, walking into his trap as he wants. I would remind myself later that allowing anger and hatred to get the best of me was the worst decision I could have ever made as an adult.

"Don't you remember? Jacob's killer? The museum, the college, the park," he smiles. "I took my time with you just like Jacob's killer took his time with him. How did you figure it out by the way? What was the solid clue?"

"The names of the boys you butchered; they spelt his name. It was revenge right? For Jacob? You always blamed me for his death."

"IT WAS YOUR FAULT!" Charles shouts at me and I cringe. "You gave me your word that night, remember the Taylor oath. I cursed your name as I held my dying son in my arms!"

"I was out of time," I try. "I tried to prevent his death and you know it! Your personal vendetta is taking..." I start.

"TAKING AWAY THOSE THAT MATTER TO YOU!" Charles shouts again and then I notice him quickly calm down. "That's what I wanted."

He looks at me with a knowing smile and for the first time in a while I am starting to feel a bit unnerved by the man before me. In a fight to the death I know I would win; but his eyes are cold and I can't figure out what ACE he has up his sleeve that could lead to my demise. Time to take my leave and come back with backup.

"I need to g..." I start only to have him cut me off with a question that makes my blood run cold.

"Tell me something Detective Taylor; did you come here all alone?" He asks me.

Of course, because I'm stubborn, I inwardly acknowledge. "My partner knows I'm here," I lie. Stella is going to have my ass for this, I inwardly cringe. That is if I make it out of this alive.

"I think you're lying Detective Taylor," Charles smiles at me; once again giving me the feeling that he has the upper hand. "I'm the wrong man to lie to."

XXXXXXXX

"I really could use some insight into Mac's head right now," I start in a soft tone; looking at Paula and praying she'll wake up and answer me.

"Why doesn't he know that to show weakness to someone you care for is a sign of strength? I wanted to believe him about this vendetta he has but I also just wanted this case to be over so we could concentrate on more important things, like us. Me and him and our hopeful future together."

I offer a small sigh and lean back in the chair; thinking that at any second Mac is going to walk into the room and tell me everything is okay. But as the minutes slowly tick past I wonder if he's going to show up at all. "I really need you to wake up and tell me what I am not seeing. What is he not showing me that I can use to penetrate his outer shell for good?"

Oh Mac, I inwardly lament. Please come and find me; I know we can make this work.

XXXXXXXX

"I don't care what you think," I answer in anger. "My partner..."

"Ah yes the lovely Stella Bonasera. Never figured a woman like that would go for a man like you. I mean you're lying now and women hate men who lie. She doesn't know.; in fact I'm willing to bet that no one knows you're here," Charles laughs and my body instantly tenses up. I hate that this man can tell I'm lying. "You always did things alone. Always went your own way and spat in the face of those who wanted to help! You're alone now. No one is coming to your rescue. Think on that!"

"I want to know why?"

"You know I admire your stubbornness in coming here alone," Charles continues, ignoring my question. "You like to do things alone don't you? You never learned from Jacob's death," he frowned, shaking his head at me.

"You murdered and butchered those boys for no reason!" I half shout. "And for what? Revenge? You think Jacob would have wanted that?"

"Jacob would have wanted me to avenge him! He begged me with his dying breath!" He shouts at me. "And I did that! Yes I killed those boys and I shot your black bitch and I don't care! So what are you going to do about it?"

"You're under arrest," I state in anger.

"Oh, sorry Taylor, I don't think so," he tells me as the door behind me suddenly slams shut and I know I'm in trouble.

XXXXXXXX

"You know when I first heard his name I was intrigued," I slightly smile. "That might sound kind of stupid but it's true. I would hear his name in the news and although it was usually followed by curses from me; I also was forced to admire his dedication and integrity. I couldn't wait to meet him in person. I think mostly to tell him that I was there to give him a run for his money and to be warned. I at one time thought he might have looked like Hitler," I continue with a small smile. "But when I first saw him; looked into his blue eyes and saw the smile on his handsome face I knew meeting him changed my life forever."

I breathe in deeply and allow myself to exhale as fresh tears form. "I don't want to lose him. Paula please wake up and tell me how to get him back. You know him better then anyone; what do I need to do to convince him that he's not alone? To convince him that I don't care what he has to face that I want to be at his side and help him? I'm almost afraid too pick up the phone and tell him as I know he'll just shut me out. What can I use to make him believe me?"

XXXXXXXX

"Whatever game you are playing," I start. "Ends right now."

"Oh but I like games Taylor," Charles replies. "Don't you?"

"My patience is wearing thin. Now let's go."

"I'll make you a deal," Charles smiles at me. "If you can open that door you can leave."

I quickly turn to the side; not wanting to offer my back to my enemy but I look at the door in shock; there is no handle and I turn back to him in anger. "Open that damn door before I shoot it open!" I shout; not realizing that a second person is stepping from the shadows to help block my escape.

"I'd ask if you'd like to be our guest for the night but I dont think you'll have a choice," Charles replies slowly.

I reach for my piece, but in doing so I have just sealed my fate. I feel a gun in my back and hear the unmistakable 'click' of a weapon being readied, and I know I'm trapped. The color in my face drains as I realize that this man's accomplice, his wife has just turned the tables on me and I have been caught by them; just as they had planned. I was so busy trying to justify his actions to myself that I allowed my distraction to be my downfall; not even hearing her step from the shadows until it was too late.

Damn it Mac! I curse myself. They set the perfect trap and you have no way out. Maybe I really will die alone. Would serve me right! Oh Stella, if there was ever a time I need you it would be now.

XXXXXXXX

I offer one more smile at Paula and know it's almost time to take my leave. "I really need you to wake up and help me. It's nice for me to have someone like you around that knows him so well. To be honest I am a tad envious of all the inside secrets you have of him and I wonder if I'll ever have that close a bond or if you'll tell me them. I care for him and I would be lying if I didn't acknowledge that I was falling in love with him. He'd probably laugh and tell me I was crazy."

"But I am crazy crazy about him. Well I think I love him. No, I know I love him," I offer in soft misery. "I don't think I would have confessed this to anyone other than you outside of Mac. Don and I are close friends but I just wanted to tell you," I offer with a smile. "I love him, with all my heart. I have for a while but was too scared also to just tell him. Silly right? Me scared to tell him how I feel? Please wake up and tell me what he'll say. Please? Is my love in vain?"

XXXXXXXX

"Marla my darling, please alleviate Detective Taylor's heavy weight by bringing me his gun," Charles directs his wife. I feel her reaching under my suit jacket and just as I twist around and reach for her wrist, hoping to use the same move on her as I did Stella not to long ago, I am hit in the back with a small shock of electricity. It lasts only two seconds but my brain sends an automatic cry of pain to my lips as I slowly falter to my knees; my whole body shaking in an instant. Charles walks up to me and takes advantage of my fallen condition to punch me hard in the back, further adding to the pain of the taser. I offer another heavy gasp for air but refuse to back down to this man.

"Next time please try to listen, Detective Taylor," I hear Charles scolding. My breathing is a bit winded and my eyes start to see small circles. Hopefully he doesnt use that weapon again but I know now I'm not going to be making it out of this house without some help. I instantly reach for my phone and press Stella's number only to have my hand slapped and the phone snatched just as it connects. I hope it sent my number to her but dont know for sure. Damn it! I curse angrily.

"Ah trying to call for help," Charles mocks as he slowly circles me. "Stella Bonasera. Sorry Mac, but I'm pretty sure she's not going to help you. SHE DOESN'T CARE ABOUT YOU!" Charles shouts down at me as he lands a hard blow to my stomach. Then he throws my phone to the floor and stomps on it, smashing it into pieces; instantly shattering my lifeline.

"You want to know the reason I shot her? It was Marla's idea really," Charles smiles as his wife. "She told me that if I took out one woman then you'll turn your back on the other until you've found who shot the first one. And she was right. You should never argue with women Taylor, they are always right."

"You won't...win this," I try with a slight gasp of pain.

"I will win and you will pay for your insolence!" He shouts as he shocks me again.

I feel another quick electrical shock and am taken down to the floor. I cry out once more in pain as my body starts to tremble; I'm on my side and the room is spinning. Despite the pain my body is experiencing I painfully push myself back up to my knees. I have to keep trying, I tell myself. Stella wouldn't let me give up.

XXXXXXXX

"I guess I should go," I tell Paula as I gently squeeze her hand. "I was hoping that if I lingered that Mac would walk into the room and tell me that he's given up his silly campaign and that we could start all over again. But I guess I'll have to go and find him. I still have that bat you told me to keep handy," I tell her with a small laugh. "Course I think he'd prefer handcuffs."

"Did he ever tell you what he sent me? They were pink; you'll have to bug him about them sometime. Part of me was hoping they'd find their way on to him but now part of me doubts they ever will."

I quickly brush away a few more tears. "I have no idea if what I just said to you made any sense at all. But it's really helped me to be here and just have you to talk to. Please, Paula," I lightly beg. "Please let us have the next conversation in person? A little girl talk? I could use a close friend like you in my life."

XXXXXXXX

"Try to behave at least a little, Detective Taylor," Charles scolds me. "Marla if you please."

I feel his wife tugging my jacket from my arms which are now just hanging at my sides, the electricity still burning my insides. I am now on my knees when I see her walk around me to stand beside her husband. I have now two guns plus a taser pointed at me and know this is the moment of truth. Damn it Mac! I curse myself again.

"Well Detective Taylor, I guess you will be our guest for at least a little while. That is until you die," Charles smiles at me. I hear his words but my brain is still trying to process the last electrical shock and why the hell I'm still breathing!

"Time to make you a little more comfortable," Charles mocks me. His wife nears me and presses my gun into my sweaty cheek. "Please don't move."

I can only watch as Charles hurries behind me, painfully pulls both arms behind my back and then ties my wrists tightly together with rope. But thanks to the damn electrical shocks, I have no fight left in me which is what he wanted. I offer a small yelp but he just laughs and ties them tighter; obviously not caring that the harsh rope is now biting into my tender flesh. If I would have been able, I would have at least flexed a little to give myself some working room; but sadly my brain is in no condition to tell my body to do anything other than just breathe.

"You'll never get away with this," I warn; trying to find some give in the tight ropes that I am now bound with. But sadly there is no give; the only way I'm going to get free is if I'm saved. Sadly I only receive a hard back hand to the face which snaps my head to one side; the room starts to once again spin. But I quickly turn back; trying to swallow my fear.

"I already have. I knew you'd never give up on finding me."

"Why now? After all these years?" I ask in quiet anger; my strength no where near what it should be.

"Timing, much like good wine, gets better with well time. Like watching you and learning how you operate. You always like to do your own thing; prove that you are the best and that unless you say so, something isn't finished."

"They know I'm here," I try to stall for time; praying that Stella will notice my missed call.

"Your defiance is admirable. But I think that even Jacob would agree with me when I tell you that you will die very soon; you will die and it will be slow and you will feel every last minute of pain that I inflict on you. One knife cut for each boy that I had to take in order to try to erase the memory you created!" He shouts in anger. "And a few more for my own peace of mind."

"If I could have died for Jacob I would have!" I snap in return to which I only again receive a backhand to the face, forcing me swallow some of my own blood from my cut lip. The coppery taste makes my stomach instantly lurch but once again I refuse to show pain or weakness to my captor.

XXXXXXXX

"Well I should go," I tell her finally as I slowly push myself up. I lean over and gently place a soft kiss on her cheek. "Please get better. He's not the only one who needs you in his life."

I head back outside and see that Ed and the girls are just leaving to get something to eat.

"Stella, did you want to join us for dinner?" Ed asks me.

"Thanks, but I need to finish some stuff up," I tell him with a slight smile.

"Don't worry, he'll come around," Ed tells me. "Mac needs you."

But that moment in time I fail to realize the full meaning of his words; not knowing that Mac's very life is now the next one to be in peril. The man I know I love is now in the hands of the man that wants nothing more than to end his existence in a slow and painful way.

I offer a smile and a quiet thanks and turn to leave. "I'll try to drop by later," I tell him as I head outside. I reach my truck and stop and quickly scan the parking lot for Mac's truck.

"Oh Mac, I guess I'll see you tomorrow," I whisper into the cool night air. I get into my truck, not looking at the phone that is tucked away in my purse; a missed call from a man in trouble, a man who needs me now more than he ever did before.

XXXXXXXX

"Stop lying to me Taylor," Charles hisses as he walks behind me. "You came here alone and you'll die alone, just like I promised. Thanks for helping out by the way."

"But..." I start only to have Charles stuff a thick cloth between my lips and tie it tightly behind my head; effectively silencing me. I try to protest but all that escapes my trapped lips is muffled sounds to which my captor mere laughs at.

"I'm now sick of hearing your lies Taylor," he growls in my ear.

My panic starts to rise as Charles comes and stands before me, gun raised; looking down at me on my knees bound and gagged. I lightly struggle but know it's useless; I'm trapped, alone and in trouble. And unlike being caught by Stella, this man means to kill me. And unless a miracle happens really fast I really will die at his hands, slow and alone; just like he promised.

"Well Detective Taylor, welcome to my parlor, welcome to hell."

A/N: Hmm Mac in peril? Oh just a bit...what do you think is going to happen? Think he'll suffer? Think Stella will get him before that happens? What with both have to endure? Please hit the little green button and let me know!