"What ever happened to him?" Sly asked solemnly.

I walked back into the room and sat at my window. "There was a drive-by shooting in one of the neighborhoods that Tyga was patrolling. He went to see if all the people in the basketball court were okay when it was over. Another car came by with more gunman. He was shot five times in the back protecting one of the other teenagers. We didn't get there in time to help him. He died in my arms that night…"

I looked at Sly when I had finished. He had a look of a cross between mad and upset. I couldn't quite read it. He hadn't drunk any of his cocoa the whole time I had told my story. He noticed me looking at him.

"Sorry. I don't really know what to say… I'm sorry for what happened to your friend."

I shrugged. "It was kinda funny actually. After the funeral, I went into the stores the next day to shop for men's clothing. I had worn them so long that I couldn't be without them. That's why I have them."

He smiled. "So you stayed with being a cop? But if it didn't feel right, why did you continue to do it?"

"I don't know… I guess it's because Tyga had worked so hard to get me where I am now. I don't want to let him down."

"I think that's your problem," Sly said bluntly. "You're keeping yourself in the past. If you don't work toward your future, where do you expect to end up? You won't get anywhere by wallowing in your past." The whole time he told me this he was just looking down at his cup, tracing the rim with his thumb.

"And what about you?" I asked. "I've told you my story. I think it's only fair that you tell me yours."

He grinned. "My story is boring. I'm sure I would put you to sleep."

I smiled too. "Try me. I'm sure the great thief has an interesting tale."

"Well, it really isn't all that great. You already know it's in the family. The Cooper Clan was actually quite well known for their thieving reputation. My parents weren't any better off than yours unfortunately. The Fiendish Five came into my home and killed my parents, putting me into an orphanage. I guess it wasn't all bad. That's how I met Murray and Bentley. We've been best friends ever since."

"I'm jealous. I only had Tyga as a true friend in New York. The others were friends too but, not as much as him. I'm lucky Kaylita came around when she did. And Carmelita as well. I don't know what I could've done without them."

He finished his cocoa then took it into the kitchen. I followed him in.

"So… How do you want to go about this?" I asked. "Do I have to let you stay the night or do you want to leave now? I'm sure your clothes are dry."

He chuckled. "Is the Police Girl offering me to stay? How sweet."

"I could always throw you out along with your cane and clothes. Or better, I could call Carmelita right now and tell her where you are."

"You're technically still on probation."

"But you never know when Kaylita will drop by. She is my best friend. She gives me unexpected visits sometimes."

"Well, would you rather me get sick after I had been in the rain or get caught by Interpol? Your choice."

He plopped down in a chair and kept that playful grin on his face. I wanted to smack him so that grin would go away.

I finally gave up. "Fine. Stay if you want. But you're sleeping on the couch. Don't even think about coming into my room either. I'm off probation starting tomorrow. I won't hesitate to arrest you."

I went into the hall closet and brought out some blankets and a pillow for the couch. I threw them at his face.

"There. Now go to bed."

"That's no way to treat a guest."

"Did I hurt your feelings? I'll be sure to call an ambulance in the morning."

I shut the door to my room and went off to bed.

~Sly

Even after she went to bed, I couldn't get to sleep. I didn't know what could be keeping me up. Guilt, maybe? Was I guilty because I could say nothing more to her? She told me something that she hadn't told anyone else -a hard, sad memory- and I could say nothing more to her? Geez… Could I be any more heartless?

I got up from the couch and went to the laundry room to get my clothes. I then went into her room to find my cane. There she was, lying in her bed fast asleep. My cane was at the end of her bed. As I reached for it, she shifted. When she stopped, I grabbed it and stepped out of the room. I tiptoed over to the window and undid the latch. Before I could leave, I noticed her standing at her doorway.

"I hope you didn't come to stop me Police Girl," I said harshly.

"So you're really leaving. Even while it's still pouring outside?"

I stepped down from the window sill and sighed.

"Are you really that desperate to keep me here?"

She shrugged sloppily. She was still half asleep. "Not particularly. I was just wondering if you were that worried about me arresting you tomorrow."

"Not really."

"I see… Have fun then."

She walked back into her room.

Come on, say something to her!

"Annika," I called.

She came out of her room. "What?"

"Thank you… For your hospitality. And for not turning me in."

Her eyes widened. She regained her composure quickly. "Don't get any ideas. And don't think that I will let you do this again."

I grinned. "I wouldn't dream of it." At that I leapt out into the stormy night.