Hi, people. All sorts of things happened while I was writing this chapter – including a previous version that was gone in a tragically lost pen drive.

Next chapter will be the last one. I'd like to thank all of the reviews, follows and favorites that this story received, and thank the 'non-registered' readers, too. You're great! This fandom is joyful and alive because of you and the great writers who keep me company, here.

Evidence

Chapter 21: Countdown

Niles knew his day would be interesting when he received Fran Fine's pleading look first thing in the morning.

The guilty-dog expression had started in the moment she entered the dining room for breakfast, and he had counted at least five different kinds of ways to say I'm sorry spread through the meal.

She had started by announcing she would help him serve the family, once she didn't mind doing something for her friend; then, she had spent all breakfast stating how delicious each thing was; and when the family, a bit freaked out, went off to start the day, she stayed behind to help him to clean up.

Niles turned from the serving table to tell her she didn't have to do it (there was always the possibility of her breaking something), and he was greeted by the nanny, holding her plate at him, with Sorry written with cream cheese over a pleading face drawn with what he suspected was a mix of bread crumbles and butter.

'Dear God!', he said, snatching the plate from her, 'Will you stop it?'

Fran joined her hands in front of her as if she was praying, 'Oh, Niles, I need you to know I couldn't help you! I really wanted to, but Mister Sheffield realized you were not home and suddenly he was asking to have dinner out, and what could I dooooooo?'

She was whining, and the butler grimaced, 'And then you decided the best way to solve things was calling Babcock?'

'I didn't have any other idea! I mean, I needed someone with brains and money. Who could I call?'

Niles knew she was right, but decided not to make things easy. He resumed taking the plates in piles and fitting them on a tray, 'She was really upset, you must know'.

'I guessed so', Fran took the sugar bowl and followed him when he went through the swinging door with the first full loaded tray, 'How was it? Did she pay the fee?'

'Yes'.

'And got you a taxi?'

'She brought me home'.

'Oh! Are your ears still burning?'

'What?', Niles took the sugar bowl from her, amused by her pretense of helping.

'You must have heard a lot'.

'In fact, I didn't', Niles went back to the dinner room, deciding to be dramatic, 'I was probably not worth her curses'.

Fran followed him, 'Oh, well, it's not my fault you have chosen the kinds of her to be involved'.

Niles stopped and glared at her, 'Kinds of her?'

'Yeah. You must admit she's not the understanding type'.

'What was there for her to understand? I was in jail because of you. She was doing us a favor going there to help me'.

Fran looked at Niles and realized he was defensive of Miss Babcock, and that she didn't have a chance of him siding with her instead of his nemesis.

(Former nemesis, it seemed.)

She changed her tone from critical to helping, 'Sorry, Sweetie. Do you want me to talk to her and explain everything?'

Niles was relieved she hadn't pressed him to clarify his opinions on his Ice Queen and resumed the task of cleaning up, 'I thought you had done it last night'.

Fran took the small milk recipient he used to serve the family, 'I could add details about how I dragged you with me. Do you thing she would like to know I blackmailed you in some way?'

Niles scoffed, busy with a heavy tray, 'Oh, yes, I'm sure all she wants is you telling her a long story about how you had knowledge to keep me away from her'.

The nanny raised a brow, 'Away from her? She was upset over you getting in jail, wasn't it? Or is there something I don't know?'

Niles realized he had pointed out to some kind of encounter between and CC, and that Fran really wasn't informed about it. He made a stern face and decided to insist in the guilt factor, 'I wouldn't try to bring the subject again, Miss Fine. We had a date, and she was really upset I couldn't make it'.

Fran was all wide eyed for several moments, and then she put a hand on her chest.

Niles expected her to whine again, and prepared for the loud sound.

To his surprise, what came was a low growl, 'Uhmmm, Niles... A date? Things are really getting hot between you two...', she resumed her walking after him when he rolled his eyes at her, 'Hey, it's a huge step, if you consider until now all you had was a decade of bantering and teasing and some weeks of negotiation'.

The butler put the tray on the island and looked at her, 'If you are trying to shrink your fault by depreciating my personal affairs...'

'Oh, my God!', she interrupted him, 'You're really being difficult to talk to!', she put the milk thing on the island, 'I'm better out of your way'.

He scowled at her, 'That would be enough, at this point'.

Fran put her hands on her hips, 'You don't have to be like that! I'm just trying to mend things'.

Niles looked at her with a bit of softness, 'I know, Miss Fine. I'm sorry. It's just that the occasion was promising, and the frustration is starting to wear me out', he circled the island to take the object she had put there and pointed at her with it, 'But I still blame you for this'.

Fran made a face, 'Well, I'm going to the office. Maybe there I'll find someone who appreciate my efforts at being a good friend'.

He observed she turning around and going to the swinging door, and couldn't resist, 'Go there to see him and relive the nice family dinner you had, last night. At least you ended up with everything you wanted'.

Fran stopped, turned to look at him and, seeing his mocking pout, started walking again, letting out a loud 'Oyyyyyyy'.

Niles chuckled to himself. It was fun to see Fran squirm.

He thought, for a moment, that he should call her back, tell her the night had ended quite well and that she was off the hook.

But it could wait. Especially because this situation made it improbable that the nanny would ask for his help any soon, and he had promised Miss Babcock he would be with her tonight.

(Of course, she had said she was going to take care of that, but Niles thought he needed to make sure things worked out on his side, too.)

He kept bringing things from the dining room to the kitchen, while musing if she had gone directly to the theater, today, and if she was going to come for lunch. He thought that it would be nice if she came, but if she didn't, he could go to meet her with something to eat, as he had done yesterday, just to show her they would have a second opportunity to turn the end of their day into a perfect one.

Probably Babcock would find it amusing if he appeared in the theater again, reproducing their actions from the previous afternoon and making sure they ended up differently. It would be a nice touch.

It would be nice just see her, in fact. He was starting to miss her. He craved to know what she was planning, of course, but he just plain wanted to be with her, even if it meant looking at her while she worked, waiting patiently for her to have some moments to give him her attention.

He was sure, now, that he had to find out when he would see her, today.

He started planning what to do, washing dishes and listing his options: should he go to the office and try to get some information from Maxwell? Should he call his witch at the theater? Should he send her a message through her cell phone? Should he wait for her to call him? Should he call her to ask what he could do to make things easier?

Niles sighed, arranging the dishes for them to dry – it was not the first time he made plans to discover her whereabouts when she was not at the mansion. The difference was that, nowadays, he didn't have the double challenge of getting information and hiding from her that he did it because he missed her. He still had to be discreet for the sake of the other people, but it was a glorious feeling the one he had at the knowledge that, as soon as he knew where she was, he could make sure she knew he wanted to be with her.

He finished off at the sink and took a towel to dry his hands, impressed by how great it felt to know she would be happy to see him.

He had spent years fighting his feelings for her, afraid she would realize why he really was always around and mock him. He was not ashamed of what he felt, but while he was not sure of her feelings, he could have hope. If he told her about the things he felt for her and she was able to simply joke about it and brush it away, the hurt would be too much to bear.

But now, they were close. They had given some steps into intimacy. They had almost had sex, and, most of all, they had said and done things that made sure they cherished the other. The path was finally getting clear, and Niles supposed it was a matter of time and opportunity for them to...

To what?

He got a bit confused.

It all started because he had not resisted the urge of checking her out in the Fine's couch, that fateful night they got stranded in Queen's for the second time. All he had wanted was to make sure she was all right, and suddenly she was nestling into him and he felt needed and comfortable and full of that warm feeling he had been developing for her through the years.

It was a strong form of affection, no doubt.

Niles had called it a crush, some times, when he tried to understand why he had to suppress a smile when CC said one of her absurd notions about people, or a shiver when she was really strong and forceful, or an urge to congratulate her when she won a fair prize, or the desire to praise her for being beautiful in a daily basis, or the craving to hug her when she was funny or unsure.

It was running deeply… Maybe crush didn't make it justice, anymore.

He had admitted long ago that he cared for her to the point of admiration and arousal. That settled, he tried to maintain things like this for as much time as he could.

However, his unholy alliance with her against Miss Fine had crumbled his resolve to keep his feelings at bay: it exposed him to a CC he had not got in such high doses, before. It seemed like she was indulging, letting him stay around her for pottering classes and drinks and conversation, as if she was surrendering. However, soon it was clear that the one who was being involved was him.

Thanks to Miss Grace's photographs and some bold gestures and words, they had acted on their attraction, and suddenly Niles was pondering where he wanted to take it.

It was not just sex, to him. Maybe it was not to her, too, but how could he know?

And why was he questioning what they felt for each other all of a sudden, when they had agreed that they should be spontaneous and let things happen? How did it turn out to be so important?

Maxwell's voice came through the intercom, startling him, 'Niles, are you in the kitchen?'

The butler put a hand over his heart and went to answer, 'Yes, but you almost missed me. I was just preparing to go out and relax by the pool'.

'I told you he was cranky', Fran's voice was heard.

Maxwell resumed, 'Would you come to the office? I have a quite pressing matter to talk to you about'.

'Of course, Sir. Just give me some minutes to change'.

'Ch-change?'

The butler rolled his eyes, 'Forget it, Sir. I'll be right there'.

Niles took off his apron and put his suit. He wondered if Miss Fine had told their boss he was not being the most gentle of friends, and if now he was being called on it. He found the notion confusing, because Fran would not risk bringing the subject of last night again.

He got out of the kitchen thinking that maybe this calling was the excuse he needed to ask if Mister Sheffield had any cravings for lunch, so he could ask if Babcock was coming to eat in the mansion. This sounded like a reasonable plan.

Niles knocked lightly on the office door and entered.

First thing he noticed was Fran sitting at the corner of the producer's desk, in her preferred position, and sporting a knowing look on her face.

The butler was immediately wary. Maxwell seemed very agitated, with his glasses on and his elbows on the desk, his hands joined under his chin.

Something was going on.

Maxwell took off his reading glasses and pointed to the green sofa, 'Please, Old Man, sit for a while. It is a very difficult matter'.

The butler nodded and obeyed. This was not promising.

'I must ask you something and, before I say it, I want you to know I'll respect your feelings on the matter, but I hope you'll understand my position'.

Niles nodded again. Now he was worried.

Maxwell cleared his throat and sat more comfortably on his chair, 'Well, Niles, you know how important you are to me, and how much I rely on you. I don't know what would have happened to me and my family if you haven't stayed with us at all the hard times, and I'm really grateful for that'.

Niles made a face, 'You're scaring me with all the nice words, Sir'.

'He is more into teasing and bantering, Mister Sheffield', Fran said with a smirk.

Maxwell made his I'll ignore it face at her and Niles, who had squinted at the nanny, and resumed, 'The point is... I have a partnership with CC, here, and she is, too, very important to me. She has helped me in ways you can't even imagine, and I owe her a lot'.

Niles resisted a strong urge to contradict his boss. How was it he couldn't imagine how helpful CC had been to Maxwell? Wasn't he there everyday, witnessing the ways their partnership worked out? Was Maxwell implying Niles didn't think CC was worth any respect and admiration?

Why was Maxwell saying those things? Why now, that Niles and CC were getting closer? Did he know something? Did Miss Fine – who was eerily smug – tell him what she knew?

And what the Hell the man thought he owed his woman?!

Niles breathed deeply, calming himself at the situation and at the thought of CC being his, and stated, 'Yes, Sir. I would never question her work abilities', he shrugged and smiled lightly, 'once she is not present'.

Fran shook her head as if she was seeing something ridiculous. Niles composed himself, realizing he couldn't talk about the blonde without smiling, anymore.

Maxwell looked at his butler with some surprise, 'I'm glad you feel like this, Niles. I'm hopeful it will make you more acceptable of the situation'.

Niles decided not to comment on that. The suspense was getting to him.

'CC called some minutes ago to say she wants some days off', Maxwell finally clarified.

Niles didn't hide his surprise, 'W-what?'

'She just called. To the office line', Fran pointed out, crossing her arms. She was clearly enjoying it.

'She is making traveling plans, right now', Maxwell added, 'She said she needed three days off, to get what she called a clear head'.

'She said she had a lot going on and that things in the mansion were not helping her to sort it out', Fran added.

Niles gulped down, his mind racing. They had talked about people in the mansion getting in their way, but he thought they both meant other people. 'She is going to make a trip, you said?'

'That's what she said to Miss Fine on the phone. She insisted on talking to her', the producer was visibly confused by that.

Niles shoulders slumped. Maybe she didn't want to talk to Maxwell because he was one of the people who disturbed her. Maybe she was still pondering over her attraction to him. Maybe she was confused by her recent reactions to Niles, and how difficult the circumstances between them always got, and she had decided she needed some time alone to discover what – who – she really wanted.

Niles felt like running out of the office: he had been thinking of the extent of his feelings for her, while she was probably thinking which of her options was the better.

He was not sure he could deal with that – with the possibility of being her Plan B.

He got up, 'Well, Sir, if you don't mind, I have things to do. I thank you for informing me my home entertainment center will not be around for some days. This way there will be less fun, but less food to do. I will certain enjoy not having such a big workload'.

His voice sounded formal and strained, and he decided not to look at Fran, who was following his reactions closely. He felt like she could see through him.

'Just a moment, Old Man', Maxwell asked him hurriedly, 'Please, stay. I still didn't ask you what I need to'.

Niles hesitated, but walked closer to the desk and stopped in front of it, his fingertips touching the edge of the desk.

Maxwell shot him a grateful look, 'As I said, I am surrounded by people who are extremely important to me. I am grateful to both you and CC, as much as I am to Miss Fine, and I find myself in a very difficult situation when I have to choose one of you over the other. It happened that time when you and Miss Fine wanted the same weekend off...'

'No need to remind us of that', Fran chimed in, 'Focus, Mister Sheffield'.

(Yes, Niles thought, no need to remind me of the time I decided it was a good idea to be friends with her, without thinking of how it would give strength to those feelings I had been trying to suppress…)

'All right', Maxwell agreed, 'Well, Niles, it's not comfortable to you, obviously, and it's not for me, either, but the fact is CC demanded the time off, and we have a lot of things on our hands, right now, with a play recently chosen... She said she intends on spend the days off still working, once she has...', the produced flinched, 'a companion'.

Niles paled. He had seen Maxwell having that reaction a lot of times: it happened when someone made a pass at him and he got disgusted.

It had happened all the times he realized CC was suggesting a romantic dinner, or a partnership beyond the business one, between them.

The man resumed talking, 'I hope you can understand it, Niles. I already discussed it with Miss Fine, and she told me I shouldn't worry about it. However, I feel like I must hear what you have to say on the matter. CC had made her asking, and I trust your judgement on that'.

The butler didn't know what to say. So, Miss Babcock wanted Maxwell to spend three days with her in a trip with the pretense of working? Miss Fine knew the blonde had maintained her intentions of seducing her partner, and saw no problem in it? And the producer had called Niles to ask for his opinion?

Has the world gone mad or what?

Niles was miserable. It seemed Babcock had been fooling him. Or, at least, fooling herself into believing she could pretend they were not meant to be together, and that she should try her charms on Maxwell one more time.

Why did she have to insist with the millionaire when she had him?

Oh, well, it's not like he could compare to a younger and richer man. Their chemistry was enough to get to them when they were close to each other but, when they were apart, she probably felt nothing for him and went back to pursuing what she believed was a more acceptable relationship.

Niles cleared his throat and tried to sound cool. He had done it for years, and he hoped he still could pull out the act, even after all they had gone through together, 'Sir, you know my opinion on Miss Babcock…'

He started speaking and realized he was not able to say what he had planned – that the blonde was just a snob and spoiled socialite who was not worth his boss changing his routine to spend time out of the house with.

He could not say those things because he didn't believe any of them: he would change his own routine for her (he had done it a lot of times, in fact); she was worth any gesture that showed commitment (his remarks had been to claim her attention to the fact he paid attention); she was not snob and spoiled all the time, just when she thought there were no better defense mechanisms (and he admired her for being relatively healthy despite those quirks).

Niles was too tired of his internal games and his twisted words.

So, he was truthful, and spoke calmly, 'I understand if you are not ready to admit you have feelings for Miss Fine, Sir. However, accepting Miss Babcock's invitation to spend three days with her with what is an obvious excuse is totally unbecoming', Niles looked at his own hands in an effort to make his voice even, 'We have already talked about her ludicrous interest in you, and I'm surprised you are even pondering over going ahead with this. I can't understand how Miss Fine didn't call you on it, either. You both should know not to encourage Miss Babcock into pursuing what is a horrible idea', he looked directly into his boss' eyes, 'once you, Sir, are obviously not suited for her'.

Niles finished talking, put his hands behind his back and maintained his composed face, even if he now knew that no, he had not been able to pretend he didn't care, anymore. He had started well, but then quickly lost control over his own words and sounded hurt.

(And he had said out loud that he thought Maxwell was not the right man for CC. Maybe, if he pretended things were just the usual business, he could get out of that.)

Niles opened his mouth to ask if he could get out, now that he had given his opinion, but if the wide eyes of the two people looking at him were any indication, he had already said too much.

He closed his mouth and waited for their reactions, bracing for the backlash.

The silence stretched, and the butler started getting uncomfortable. Of course, he had mentioned Mister Sheffield's feelings, and he had suggested that Miss Fine was not acting accordingly to what the situation required, but he didn't think he had said something too unsettling or even that off the mark.

Suddenly, things got in motion: Fran grinned at him, and Maxwell stood up, his mouth open in shock.

The producer frowned, 'W-what the hell are you talking about?', he stuttered, 'CC didn't demand my presence, for God' sake. She demanded yours'.

Niles blinked, looked at Fran, who made that annoying knowing face, and then he pointed at his own chest and grinned foolishly, 'Mine?'

'Yes, she offered to review some contracts if I compromised in sending you to, and I quote, serve her', Maxwell grimaced at the idea, 'She called and insisted into talking to Miss Fine, about it', he looked at the nanny, 'I still don't get why...'

'I've told you', Fran said, patiently, 'She was in a hurry, and just wanted to tell me what I could and could not do, to help her with this…', and she looked teasingly at Niles, 'arrangement'.

'I still don't understand. She is usually against including you in the business...'

'It's not about business, Mister Sheffield. She told me things have been particularly difficult between her and Niles, lately, and that knowing we're friends, she thought I could take care of that'. Fran got off of the desk and stood besides her boss. She crossed her arms smugly and looked at Niles, 'She trusts me'.

Maxwell seemed slightly offended, 'It implies she doesn't trust me, Miss Fine'.

'I don't think you would want to deal with the mission she gave me, Mister Sheffield. She said I should do whatever was needed, and I quote, too, to make sure Niles has non-disturbed time to be at my will, not Maxwell's'.

The producer stopped to think about it for a moment, then relaxed and shrugged, 'Well, I suppose you are right, Miss Fine'. He sat down again, straightened his back in a business fashion and looked at his butler, 'I don't intend to impose that you do it, Niles. Of course, it would be really important to the company that you went to make CC... well... comfortable. However, I understand if you refuse. I take it your relationship with her is very complicated, and...'

Fran interrupted her boss putting a hand on his shoulder in a patronizing way, 'Mister Sheffield, I think you didn't get exactly what the situation is', she waited until he focused on her and pointed at Niles, 'Look at him. Does it seem like he will refuse?'

Maxwell looked at Niles and finally realized the incredibly elated expression he had. He was looking into empty space, a foolish smile on his face. He was not even paying attention to what they were saying.

The millionaire grimaced and looked back at Fran, 'Dear God... Should I ask?'

'I can give you the details', she answered, smiling, 'Why don't you send him away, so we can talk?'

'Y-yes, yes', Maxwell cleared his throat, 'Well, Niles, Miss Fine told me there's a... well... that maybe you find it a good idea', he noticed Niles was still staring ahead, undisturbed, 'Niles? Have you heard me?'

He seemed to wake up, 'Sir?', he looked at his boss, then at Fran, then back at Maxwell.

The producer joined his hands in front of him and asked, patiently, 'Do you mind going to... I mean, stay with... ahn... attend to... CC?', he made a face, 'There is no way I could phrase it better'.

Niles noticed people were waiting for his answer and made that cool façade again, joining his hands on his back, again, 'No, Sir, I don't mind at all. In fact, I would never let go an opportunity to face the beast in a neutral zone'.

He spoke, excused himself and exited the office in a hurry.

Maxwell frowned and Fran threw a knowing look at him, making a gesture with her hand, 'Just wait'.

As soon as she finished talking, Niles was back, 'I forgot to ask...'

Fran interrupted, 'She will pick you up in...', she took Maxwell's wrist to look at his watch, '… six hours. In the middle of the afternoon', she looked at her boss, 'So, he won't skip our lunch, and will let things in order for the time he will be…', she looked at Niles again, 'helping Miss Babcock to sort it out'.

Niles grinned excitedly and nodded, 'Thank you'.

When he disappeared again, Maxwell turned to Fran, 'Miss Fine, really... should I ask?'

'You don't have to', she leisurely answered, looking at her nails.

'Miss Fine...', he warned.

'Oh, all right, all right', she was excited in a second, sitting at the corner of the desk again, 'I'll tell you, so you'll not do anything that could embarrass yourself'.

He made a face at her, but waited for the explanation, anyway.

Fran grinned, 'They have something going on for a while, and decided to act on it. Miss Babcock said they need to be together and alone, so they can decide what to do about it. So, she planned a short trip just for the two of them. She even gave me a phone number, so I can contact their room in case we have to talk to them. Something about making sure they didn't kill each other'.

Maxwell frowned, 'Something going on? Their room? What is it supposed to mean?'

Fran put her hands on her hips, 'Well, Mister, now it is clear why we haven't gone anywhere...', she raised her hands to the heaven at his confused face, 'They have the hots for each other!'

Maxwell laughed, 'Oh, Miss Fine, that's preposterous! They fight all the time! They even search the other to have a verbal sparring! Do you have any idea of how many times I had to ask them to stop or just to get out of the office, so I could work without them talking to each other all the time?'

'I know. It happens often'.

'Yes! I mean… Yes, they search the other quite often… Really, if I didn't know any better, sometimes it seems they enjoy spending time together…', he stopped talking and just stared ahead, his thinking process getting jumbled.

Fran just waited. The realization would hit him soon.

Maxwell shook his head, 'Dear God… I never saw that coming, but now that I talked about it, the evidences are very clear...', he frowned, 'But why couldn't they do it here... No, wait. I don't think I want to see it... developing'.

Fran made a doubting expression, 'She mentioned something about us getting in the middle, what I can't really see happening'.

'It's not like we want to meddle', Maxwell agreed.

'I know, I know. It's so strange', Fran said, looking at her nails again, 'If we did anything, it would be to help'.

'Sometimes CC overreacts', Maxwell shrugged.

'The good part is that we can have some quality time while they are away with all their crazy antics', Fran crossed her legs enticingly.

'Yes', Maxwell answered, distracted by the vision before him; then, he shook his head to clear his thoughts, 'Some family time would be great', he cleared his throat, 'It will be easier without their shenanigans complicating everything'.

'Uhm', Fran mused, seeing he was smiling at her even if he was trying to maintain an innocent face,'Maybe Miss Babcock is onto something…'