With a Bit of Luck Chapter 8

A few days later the team was still working to wrap up the case. The afternoon was dragging on, but in general their case was moving forward. They had identified the victim as a missing UNLV student visiting Los Angeles for the weekend. They had tracked her back to the bar where she had gone missing, and the friends she had left behind. Also, video footage of the area had shown that the car found at the scene had been stolen from a nearby valet. The only thing still not finalized was identifying a suspect. The team was working to hunt him down via a grainy traffic cam image of the driver running a red light.

In the Murder Room half of the division was fielding calls and tracking leads while the others combed through the video footage for better identification. So far the only hits had been dead ends, but the nature of the scene - the crash and the fire - had lead some of them to think it was not your everyday citizen, or a first time offender. On that end, Chief Johnson was out working to be a bridge between the LAPD and other law enforcement agencies in the area to see if there were other similar crimes, or possible connections.

They were also searching within their own department for possible suspects or connections to the crime. In an effort to be more cooperative, Chief Johnson had called down to internal affairs to see if there was anyone or anything her division needed to be made aware of before continuing their investigation. Since Major Crimes had been working around the clock, Sharon opted to hand deliver any pertinent files that afternoon. Even though the nature of the case was very serious, as she rounded the corner into the Murder Room she could not help but smirk at hearing the reaction of the Lieutenant seated to her left.

"Oh God," Provenza grumbled under his breath as the sound of her heels neared his desk.

At hearing the comment, Sharon slowed her pace for just a moment and leaned toward him. She barely raised her voice above a whisper, "Yes, that's me. But Lieutenant don't go spilling my secret." Before he could respond she righted herself and continued her walk toward the Chief's office. Not having expected her to hear him or to comment Provenza inhaled too quickly and choked on the shock. His coughing drew the attention of the rest of the team.

"You all right, sir?" Buzz called from his chair next to Mike's desk. The two men were working on piecing together the CCTV footage of the stolen vehicle traveling through the city after picking up their victim.

Still coughing Provenza shook his head for them to ignore him and choked out, "Fine. Fine." Buzz gave him a skeptical look, but swiveled in his chair to return his attention to the video.

Provenza glanced across the room to his partner. Andy had his eyes on his computer screen, but was pressing his lips together very tightly to hold back his amusement. Sharon was seemingly unfazed by the interaction. She was stopped just on the other side of the Chief's door, poised to enter.

The Captain knocked on the office door, but was interrupted by the man seated behind her. "Chief isn't in at the moment, Captain."

Sharon turned and met his professional tone with her own, "Oh. Thank you, Lieutenant. Do you know if she will be returning any time soon?"

Andy rotated his chair around slowly and explained, "Well, she and Gabriel had a couple things to follow up on. Then I think his Holiness was expecting an update." Sharon nodded as he continued, "So, it could be a while."

"I see," Sharon hummed stepping away from the door. "Well, I guess I will just leave these here with you then." She held up the files in front of her. "Would you see that she gets them, Lieutenant?"

Andy smirked and nodded as he took the folders, "Yes, Captain."

Across the room Provenza rolled his eyes at the two and stood. He walked over to them and huffed, "Captain, you do realize we are in the middle of a case. A case that does not involve you."

Sharon placed her hand over her chest in mild offense, "Lieutenant, that hurts. After all I have done for you all over the years..." she let her voice trail as she turned to Andy and then back to Provenza, "I feel so unappreciated."

Shuffling his weight between his feet Provenza pointed at her and muttered, "That is not what I meant, but Captain we don't need you here. We haven't had any issues with false claims or officers negatively involved in this case." He tossed his head in his partner's direction, "Plus, you're only going to distract the idiot."

"The idiot?" Andy mocked, sitting up taller in his chair. "You're one to talk. You and your -"

"Gentleman," Sharon interrupted coyly. She took a step forward and grinned, "Didn't you say you were in the middle of a case? Doesn't seem like the best plan to sit and argue about which of you is the bigger idiot. Talk about an exercise in futility."

Provenza abruptly closed his mouth and cut his eyes challengingly at the Captain. Before she could add anything else the Lieutenant took a small step backward, "I do not think that is what is going on here, Captain." He crossed his arms and nodded toward his partner again, "But all evidence does point to this man having completely lost what little sense he once possessed. So, I would say that yes, he does appear to be winning on the idiot front."

Sharon had to bite down on her lip to suppress a laugh as Andy stood up and stepped toward his partner. He hurriedly looked around the room to make sure the others were still working and lowered his voice, "Look, that is not any of your business. And you know damn well I am doing my job here, just like any other day."

"Trust me," Provenza ground back. "If this were just like any other day I wouldn't be here witnessing whatever weird flirting ritual you two have going on 'See that she gets these files' yuck," he mocked. "Believe me, if I could go back into the happy state of unknowing and unseeing then I would in a heartbeat, but unfortunately that is not the case."

Andy clenched his teeth and forced his face into a smile, "I am sure if that is what you really want, it could be arranged."

Sharon reached out and ran her hand down his arm before tucking each hand into the pockets of her blazer, "Let's all calm down. Lieutenant Provenza, would you like a coffee? Or a doughnut?"

Confused, Provenza whipped his head around to her and stammered, "A, a what?"

Sharon took a step back and opened her body to the small hallway. She forced a smile and nodded down the hall, "A coffee or a snack, Lieutenant. Just thinking it could be a nice break."

"You're offering to get us coffees?" He probed, now completely distracted from the argument.

Sharon shrugged and took a step down the hall, "Not exactly. I was more suggesting you two chill out and take this little lovers quarrel down to the break room. I am sure Mike and Buzz would like to continue studying those videos in relative peace."

"Lover's what?" Provenza huffed loudly, drawing the attention of the rest of the room.

Andy tossed his head in Buzz's and Mike's direction. He shrugged tiredly as if silently saying, 'don't worry. Provenza is being Provenza.' Andy brandished his hand further emphasizing that there nothing for the others to be concerned about. Confused, but not wanting to get involved with the other men, both Buzz and Mike returned to their task.

With Mike and Buzz otherwise occupied, Andy reached out and pressed his hand into his partner's shoulder. Still frustrated with his friend's antics he guided him toward the hall and muttered, "Come on. Let's go."

Sharon restarted her trek and lead the way down the hall with the two Lieutenants falling in behind. As they walked, Andy leaned over and frustratingly whispered to his partner, "Why are you like this? You're making this whole thing so much more complicated..."

"Thing?" Provenza repeated under his breath, with his eyes on the Captain's back. "You're the one in a, a," he paused and squished his face as if disgusted by the term he was about to use, "relationship with that woman."

Andy rolled his eyes, "It is more complicated than that." He sighed, "Besides that does not mean you get to just jump in anytime you feel like it. You are the one who barged over being a total ass. We were just working." Provenza widened his eyes at the comment, but before he could comment they had reached the door.

"Gentleman," Sharon interrupted brusquely as she turned to them. She opened the door and gestured inside, "The coffee." The two men ended their conversation and entered the room.

Sharon held the door open for the two men as they silently passed through. To avoid any awkward silence Andy took the initiative to start the coffee pot. Provenza rolled his eyes at the obvious avoidance tactic, but wisely said nothing. After the Lieutenants moved by Sharon closed the door behind them.

Walking toward the counter with her hands still in the pockets of her blazer she hummed, "So, someone is being and ass, or an idiot." She paused as she leaned against the counter and smirked, "I honestly don't know how you two remain friends, or let alone employed."

"Now, Captain," Provenza reasoned. "That's not exactly correct."

"Oh really?" She drawled. "So you are saying that you two are both the ass and the idiot?"

With his back to them Andy snorted a laugh into the crease of his elbow. His partner bumped him before pointing at Sharon, "Funny, Captain. Real funny." She grinned back at him, her eyes sparkling, but he took a step toward her and continued. "I was going to say the whole bit about staying friends was wrong."

Andy turned and swatted at the other man's shoulder, "Hey!" When Provenza dramatically rubbed his arm Andy leaned back and chided, "What is this staying talk? We were never friends. Just partnered with each other and you stuck around." He turned to Sharon and baited, "Old dog and all."

"Old dog," Provenza lamented as he rounded on the other man. "Who are you calling old, pal? You're one to talk. Have you even looked in the mirror lately?" Andy rolled his eyes, but said nothing. Taking a moment to alter his approach, Provenza looked between Sharon and Andy continued with a mischievous grin, "Stuck around? All of the evidence here today would point to you being the clingy one..."

Not expecting the comment Sharon's mouth fell open. She closed it quickly, but not before Andy clipped, "Clingy? You have got to be kidding me."

"Well," Provenza calmly reasoned. "Let's be real. I seriously doubt the Captain would have risked pursuing you. So even not knowing the story, or wanting to know the story I might add, I have a pretty good feeling about what I am talking about over here." He tilted his head toward his partner and taunted, "You're not exactly a catch."

"What?" Andy exclaimed, "That's a little pot calling the kettle over here. Are you joking? You are not even close to being right." He gestured his head toward the Captain, "Right, Sharon?"

Trying to find her voice Sharon bit down on her lip before sighing, "Well..."

"See," Provenza cut in chuckling, "confirmed. Clingy."

Offended that she did not instantly back him up Andy turned to Sharon and probed, "Well, what?"

She crossed her arms around stomach and tilted her head to the side, "Well, I mean, perhaps the Lieutenant is not completely wrong."

"You can't be serious," Andy exhaled throwing his free hand into the air in disbelief. Both stood a few feet from one another, the air between them momentarily heavy with unstated words.

Standing just off to the side Provenza nonchalantly reached into the cabinet for a coffee mug. He turned back to the coffee maker, Sharon and Andy still staring cautiously at one another. Provenza stepped to his side and slowly eased his way to the coffee pot. He poured himself a cup only bumping into his partner when he replaced the pot. Andy grumbled at the space invasion, but was not paying close attention to his partner at the moment to warrant a comment. Enjoying the turn of events Provenza took a sip of his coffee and sighed contently, "Ahhh you were right, Captain, just what I needed. This is the perfect break in the day."

Andy dropped his arms and slowly rotated in the other man's direction. He fixed a forced smile to his face and bit out, "So glad you are enjoying yourself, pal."

Provenza took another sip and clapped his hand to his partner's shoulder, "Well, like I said. You're the one in this mess." He walked away and when he reached the door he lifted his mug in the air, "Captain, always a pleasure. Good luck with the idiot." With that he stepped out of the door and closed it behind them. Chuckling to himself he started his walk back down the hall.

"What's so amusin', Lieutenant?" Brenda drawled from a few feet behind him.

At the sound of her voice he momentarily froze. Provenza turned slowly and shrugged casually, "Oh, nothing, Chief. Just taking a little break." He lifted his mug into the air as proof. "And it got me thinking about something else. Nothing really that amusing."

"Oh, I see," she shrugged. "Too bad, I was hopin' for a little distraction before we got back to the case."

Still standing a few feet away Provenza reasoned, "Sorry, Chief. Not really my area."

Brenda smiled at his remark, "Not, it's not." She eyed his coffee, "but that isn't a bad idea. I could use a coffee. It's already been a long day and we aren't quite there yet." She took a step toward the closed door.

"Wait," Provenza coughed a little more harshly than he had intended.

Brenda jumped at the volume change and returned her attention to the man, "Excuse me?"

Provenza took a step toward her and reached for the handle himself, "I'll get you that coffee Chief."

She furrowed her eyebrows and drawled, "Okay... but I am perfectly capable."

He nodded, "I am well aware of that, Chief." Provenza glanced down at his coffee before returning his attention to her and shrugged, "I forgot the cream. I'll fix mine up and bring you one as well. Lots of sugar?"

"Yes, um, yes a few packets of sugar and some vanilla cream," Brenda confirmed hesitantly. "Thank you."

"Of course," Provenza nodded again. When the Chief did not immediately move to leave he indicated toward the Murder Room, "I'll be right there."

Brenda's gaze followed his eyes down the hall, "Yes, okay, sounds good." She took a step away as Provenza turned the handle. After only a few steps she stopped again as the door opened. Inside she thought she heard a pair of familiar voices. She paused her exit and turned. The Lieutenant noted the silence and froze again to listen for the Chief's movements. She took a stride back toward the room.

In the doorway, Provenza heard her footsteps and spun back around. "Something else, Chief?"

Brenda squinted at him, "is that Captain Raydor in there?"

He nodded, "Yes, she brought you the files you were needing." Provenza pointed down the hall. "I believe they are sitting on Flynn's desk."

"Flynn's," Brenda repeated skeptically. "Okay, I'll pick them up on my way to my office. Tell her thanks. I don't really think I want to talk with her right now though. I'll just be waitin' for that coffee then."

He nodded again, "Certainly." With that Brenda turned again and walked down the hall. Waiting until she was farther away Provenza let out a long breath and muttered to himself, "yes, you're the idiot Flynn."

When he reopened the door both Sharon and Andy were still standing by the counter. The only difference was they each held their own mugs, his coffee her tea, and had apparently been speaking. At the sound of the door both looked up from their spots. Andy glared at his friend, "Forget something?"

Provenza pointed down the hall and groaned, "No, as a matter of fact I did not. However, I did just stop the Chief from interrupting this little..." he paused avoiding the exact phrasing the Captain had used earlier and choked out, "Quarrel."

"Quarrel?" Andy echoed. "Quarrel? This isn't a quarrel, it's merely a discussion."

Provenza rolled his eyes and sighed, "Fine. This little discussion." He gestured between the two of them, "Just know that this is your lucky day. The Chief probably thinks I've lost my mind, but I sent her away. You're welcome."

"Our savior," Andy mocked.

"Fine," the Lieutenant countered and made to leave. "I'll just let everyone know what is going on here. See if I care what happens to the two of you."

Sharon stepped forward and placed her hand on Andy's forearm to calm him. She looked toward Provenza and smiled, "Well it wouldn't be the first time someone got close." She eyed the man mischievously in an attempt to change the mood, "I mean who knows who could be hiding behind the sofa." Despite his earlier frustration Andy let out a chuckle at the comment. His partner eyed him dangerously, but said nothing.

Provenza pressed his lips together and walked briskly to the counter to prepare Chief Johnson's coffee. After he stirred in the copious amount of sugar he turned to Sharon. "So, I am the only one who is lucky enough to not be spared the details of whatever this is?"

Sharon shrugged coolly, "So it would seem."

"Whatever." Provenza rolled his eyes, picked up the mug, and made his way back out of the room. At the door he turned, "Just so you both are aware, this avoidance and covering thing probably won't work as a long term plan. I mean if there is in fact a plan, or something long term."

When the door closed Andy rolled his head toward Sharon, "You know, I would never admit this to him, but he may be right."

Sharon glanced down at her tea and quietly agreed, "Perhaps."

He followed her eyes to the mug and stared at it as well, "Maybe, we should..."

She glanced up toward the door, "Maybe, but not here." She interrupted softly. "Finish your case and then we can discuss it."

Andy nodded, his eyes following hers. He stared at the door for a second and then glanced back at her and sighed, "Okay then. What about, um over dinner?"

"Dinner?" She wondered, her eyes meeting his. "Like a real dinner? Out?"

"Yeah, a real dinner," Andy grinned. "We could go up to Malibu. Not a long drive, but at least we shouldn't run into anyone."

She took a moment to consider the offer before nodding, "Fine. That sounds good to me."

"Great," Andy smiled. "I'll let you know when we wrap this case up." He took a half step toward her and then stopped, remembering their location, and tilted his head in her direction instead. "See you later, Captain."

Sharon returned the gesture, "Yes, Lieutenant." Once he left the room Sharon leaned back against the counter and took a sip of her tea.