Chapter nine:

"Jesus, what's with you? You're acting like a damn teenager that's head over heels." Rolling her eyes, Beth ignored her partner and continued to process the information into her computer. When had a smile been on her lips? Hell, it was the first time that she'd caught herself smiling for no reason in a long time. She'd spent the morning entwined at the mouth with her girlfriend (was she that?) (maybe her lover? Lover sounded nicer. Either way Alison was hers) which summited her mood and endorphins beyond imaginable. Shaking her head, Beth fought back her grin, trying to contain her thoughts.

"I'm just about finished here."

"Yeah?"

"You and Angie want to hit up Fong's (¿Phong's?) after?"

"I'm down for that." Angie chimed in from her corner as she leaned back in her chair, swiveling it to look at the other detectives.

"I can't. Maybe next time."

"Next time? Beth we caught the guy, that calls for some sort of a celebration."

"You disappear from the radar for two days and now you've suddenly got a date?"

Fighting off a blush, Beth turned around as well to face Angie and Art. "Sort of, yeah. How else do you think I was gone for almost three days? You didn't think I spent it alone, did you?"

"Are you back with that asshole Paul?" Angie asked. Not that she actually cared about Beth's sex life, or for Beth in general, but she was in a good mood after being the one to make the arrest.

"Fuck no. Shit went sideways with him; he'd screwed me over enough times."

"Good."

"Fucking douche." Art chimed in, typing away.

"Drinks are on me next time, though."

"Damn, Childs. I'm holding that to you."

Within minutes the three went their separate ways. Actually only Beth went away alone, Art and Angie decided they both still wanted to eat. Beth felt as ease as she drove to see Alison. The fog of paranoia that clouded her was gone, instead Beth was noticing life around her. Crime still existed, but she knew for now that Alison was safe.

Being greeted at the door with a kiss (quite a few, actually) felt more right than any minute spent with someone else. When Beth held the precious woman she felt grounded. Alison made her strong enough to face anything, anyone.

A/N

Sorry I ended this chapter short, I felt it didn't need more.