~Dominique's POV~

"Shawn, what did Carlton want", I asked as Shawn handed me back my phone. I took another bite of my double bacon burger as I waited for Shawn to find his words.

"Lassie wants to pay me and Gus to keep an eye on you whenever he's not around", he said, rather bluntly.

"That's odd, I assumed he didn't like you, that or you two are former lovers," I said while taking another bite.

Shawn laughed.

"Please, I'd afraid he may cut me with his razor sharp stern bush. Plus, Lassie doesn't even know how to hold a man tenderly in his arms."

He took a long sip of his pineapple smoothie, pouting. I nearly choked on my cherry coke. When did all of this happen?! Shawn looked deep in thought before looking over at me.

"Actually, he sounded really worried. He said how there's a deranged killer and he killed a woman who looked like you. I'm guesting that it's Grimm Blood.", Shawn said before drinking some of his smoothie.

I paused for a moment. The woman from yesterday's crime scene also had a note found on her, a passage from the Brother Grimm's Fair Tale book. However, I would be lying if I said it wasn't a little alarming how that the woman looked a little like me as well. This new victim must have looked like me as well, other wise, I don't think Carlton would have called. I know the connection but, I don't know yet how he finds his victims. For years, I've memorized the personal history of each victim. Some where in the newspaper; other were not. Some victims were on the telly; others were not. Some of the victims were homeless with no ties to society at all. So how the bloody hell did Grimm choose his victims. There has to be something that I'm over looking, but what?

"Yes, it's possible. With any luck, she should be his last victim. I should be the first on his list then, or at least a close second. He keeps his victims for a week. However, he typically doesn't take anyone for 2-3 weeks. Finding another victim so soon, it's seems rather odd. It would be easier for me if he would just kidnap me already. At least then I'd see his face."

I kept my voice down low so that only Shawn and Gus could hear me think out loud. Something doesn't feel right about this victim. I wish that I could put my finger on it.

"I don't know, DD. I really don't think you should be doing this. I mean, what if something really happens to you and we can't save you in time", Shawn asked.

For once, he sounded worried.

"Shawn, do you know why I chose you and Gus?"

"Because of the undefinable power of Shawn Spencer and his trusty sidekick, Magic Head", his boyish charm kicked in quite fast again.

"Ying and Yang. I read your file very careful when I saw the case. You alone solved an unsolvable case her in the States. You've saved your mother, and you saved Juliet as well as an old girlfriend of yours. If I'm to be captured by a mad man, you're the only one who will be able to find me. Even if it's too late, you'll be the only one who will be able to find him. I don't believe for one second that you're psychic but, I know that you've save a lot of lives ever since you became a detective. I need you on this. And if I must personally pay for your services, I will."

Shawn took a deep breath. He looks down at his smoothies, sadly.

"The thing is," he started, "I nearly lost the three most important women in my life. I can't go through that pain again. If you're spy-napped, Lassie is going to go through what I felt when I nearly lost Jules."

Shawn looked at me with such concern, it actually made me feel guilty for my plan. I knew he was right. However, if I didn't stop this guy, women and children would continue to suffer, all because I was a coward.

"I'm not backing down, Shawn. This guy is without a doubt, the most dangerous man on Earth. However, you're right. We need to be smarter about this. I need more information about the Human Trafficking business."

Without saying another word, I picked up my phone and I dialed the one number I knew from heart.

"Who are you calling", asked Gus.

Before I could answer, I already heard the voice I longed to hear.

"Hello?"

"Hello, Darling", I said while smiling at the voice that I've missed so much.

"Dominique? Is this really you?"

"Yes, it is. I really hate bothering you but, I need a favor; a very big favor I'm afraid."

"Say no more. Where shall we meet? Shall I bring wine?"

I felt my smile widen.

"I'm in Santa Barbara, California. And no, wine isn't necessary."

"Don't be silly, wine is always necessary."

"How soon can I see you then?"

"Tonight. I'll be on the roof of the Hilton Hotel at 10:00 p.m."

Tonight?

"Darling, are you in the States as we speak", I ask.

"Of course, I am. Work does keep me busy; traveling and what not."

"I see. Well then, I'll see you then."

"I'll see you then."

I put my phone down and noticed Shawn and Gus watching me.

"And who was that? You have a man on the side, don't you! Girl, you need Jesus. Tsk!" Gus said.

Gus shook his head at me as if he was a disapproving parent.

"Yeah, how could you do that to Lassie, The Lord of Stern Bush, you're an animal DD, an animal," Shawn shouted, which caused me more unwanted attention.

I put my hands up in defense.

"Now wait a second! I am NOT seeing anyone on the side. This is strictly business."

Both boys 'tsk' at me.

"Well if you both believe me, come with me. Watch, listen, use your 'psychic' abilities if you have to, but I am innocent."

Shawn and Gus leaned away from me to bicker among themselves, if that's what they were actually doing. It was more like Shawn clicking his tongue and shaking his head. Gus was cooing like a pigeon and flapped his hands up and down as if he grown tiny wings while he was nodding his head. I have to admit, these are by far the most bazaar Americans that I've ever met. I've never felt to intrigued and slightly embarrassed at the same time before. After a minute or so, they finally looked back at me.

"Well", I asked.

"We'll stay and watch, but only because Lassie and you are both paying us to but, we have demands", Shawn spoke first.

"Demands?"

"Yes, we want a room paid in full at that the Hilton Hotel; the Presidential Suite. We want cameras and listening devices, snacks; preferable Gummies in the shape of Bears and those fancy tiny cakes. Lastly, a complete box set of the Mentalist. We like to make fun of that guy because he's clearly a fake while I am not", said Shawn.

I was speechless by the stupidity of their demands.

"Are you both serious?"

Gus leaned in closer, a dead serious look was in his eyes.

"We don't ever play when delicious Gummie Bears or tiny cakes are at stake. Take it or leave it."

I've never thought that a moment like this would happen to me but, here I am; completely dumbstruck.

"Fine! Fine."

I had to pinch the bridge of my nose. I can't believe I'm doing this.

"All right gentlemen, shall we away?"

The three of us stood up in union as we made are way out of the restaurant.

It was about 9:30 when all of the camera and listening devices where set up. Good thing government employees have their own express mailing system. Otherwise, I'd be sitting on my arse for a week waiting for a UPS shipment. Shawn and Gus was in their room, which I paid for. I stayed on the roof top, leaning on the edge while looking over at the blacken sea. I breathed in the salty cold air, missing my home in Italy. Santa Barbara was beautiful however, it wasn't home. It's been under a week since I've been in California and nearly a year since I've been in America. I've been moving State to State while trying to solves cases and catch international criminals. However, no matter where I went, no matter how long I was gone, I know in my heart I'll always long for my home; my real home in the narrow streets of Italy.

I closed my eyes as I tried to remember my old life; the narrow street side walks that were made of cobblestone and the different smells with each passing turn of a building. I still remember how sometimes I could smell fresh hot bread, baking in the fire oven. The smell was so sweet and rich that it could make the driest of mouths water. Other times, I remember smelling spices; freshly picked and just waiting to be tossed in someone pan of roasted peppers. Other times, around other buildings, I remember smelling wine: rich, crisp, and sweet. I miss the art houses. I missed the flowers of Seven Hills. I missed the sound of the opera house during the performances. I missed so many different things but, the one thing I missed most of all was him.

"Dominique, you look absolutely ravishing."

I turned around and saw two empty wine glasses in his left hand while the right hand held a bottle of Da Vinchie Red Wine.

"Despereaux, how I've missed you", I smiled at my old friend.