All recognizable characters in this fic are property of Showtime. I claim ownership only to the story written and any characters not recognized (OC).

Season 8, Episode 6: Requiem of the Code

"Blood Spatter analysis. Not only my day job, but also my escape from the outside world."

Dexter sat at his workstation with the shades drawn. He had finally made it to work after an eventful morning. Thankfully, there was no sign of his sister when he arrived at Miami Metro. After what had transpired, he couldn't face her; not now anyway.

"Just me and blood. Crimson, vibrant strokes on a blank canvas, the blood tells an elaborate tale. I can look at a crime scene and know the last moments of a victim's life. It's clear-cut. Just like my life used to be."

Brian appeared seated on one of the metal forensic stools. He spun himself around a few times before coming to a stop and peering over at his brother.

Brian: "You're sulking, Dexter. Playing with your little blood slides isn't going to make it all go away. Come on, talk to big brother Biney."

"I could have hurt Deb today. I reacted on instinct when she went after Hannah. It's like I wasn't even in control."

Brian edged the stool forward a few times to be closer to his brother before he responded back to him.

Brian: "No, Dexter, you are finally taking control of your life. You're not letting Debra manipulate you into putting her needs before yours. You were protecting your real family. Hannah, the unborn baby: your blood, not any of that foster family bullshit."

His older brother's words caused Dex to sigh. His mind thinking of what could have happened to his pregnant girlfriend if he had not intervened when she grabbed her by her hair.

"She could have really hurt Hannah, causing her to miscarry. This feud between them has gone far enough. I have to do something to defuse it."

Brian shrugged his shoulders and offered his suggestion:

Brian: "Or you could just let Hannah do what she does. A sweet little dose of aconite and it's bye-bye Debra, problem solved."

"That's not going to happen. If I could do something for Deb to make up for what happened today; a peace offering of some kind."

Morgan's eyes fell upon his Carlos Melendez lab report. He flipped through the crime scene notes as his mind began to formulate a possible solution.

"I could get Deb the evidence she needs on Angus Gibson. The murder weapon wasn't found at the scene nor the police cruiser's dash cam. If evidence comes to light that proves his guilt, then Deb can make the arrest. If I can give my sister a cop killer gift wrapped, then maybe she will repay the favor by backing off of Hannah."

Brian: "That sounds a lot like when you let her arrest the phantom arsonist. That wasn't enough to persuade Deb from investigating Hannah."

"This is different. Angus Gibson killed one of Miami Metro's own. It hits close to home. I know Deb, there's nothing she hates more than a cop killer. Let's not forget Ray Speltzer."

Dexter pulled up his netrangler search engine and searched the website of the motorcycle club that was associated with the Angus' white supremacist group.

"Looks like Angus and his buddies have an event tonight. Angus lives alone, no wife and children. With him at this event, I can easily sneak into his place and look for evidence that ties him to the Melendez murder."

Dexter quickly closed his browser when he heard his lab door open. He turned to see Batista entering. He gave a nod and a weak smile.

"Hey Dex, sorry to bother you. I just wanted to make sure you were still coming to the service for Maria tonight."

"Oh, yeah sure, of course, Angel." Dex responded, being caught a little bit off guard because the funeral service had completely skipped his mind.

"I wanted a morning service, but the church was booked up, do you believe that? Anyway, it worked out as you had to take the morning off, and we had to cross examine Gibson. If you see Deb, remind her for me."

"Actually, I don't think she's going to be able to make it. She was feeling kind of under the weather when I saw her earlier."

"Well, she did take Maria's death pretty hard. She might want to attend for closure, so just mention it to her. I'm having a get together for all of us at Papa's after the service."

"I'll be there." Dexter promised with a slight smile that quickly faded when Batista left the lab.

"Just what I need to end my day: having to play the grieving friend and co-worker. I'll wear the mask, just like Harry taught me. Then I'll slip away to do my own investigation on Gibson."

Hannah sighed contently as she finished fixing herself a cup of peppermint tea. She loved the fact that the mint in her tea came right from her garden. It would provide an herbal remedy for the nausea she found herself experiencing. She brought her herbal beverage into her main dining area. The double doors in the room were wide open looking out into her lush garden. The sounds of nature provided a backdrop to her serenity.

McKay seated herself at her round table where she had set the ultrasound picture the doctor had given her and Dexter. She must have studied it a dozen times since it had come into her possession. There wasn't much for her to see, but the idea that it was the first photograph of her child made it so special to her.

Taking a sip of her tea, Hannah glanced up at the wall where her calendar was hanging. The picture of Argentina for January 1996 was still displayed. Argentina: The concept of being able to have a nice and happy home. It was all she ever wanted for herself, and now, it was also the dream she had for her unborn child. Unlike Wayne and Jake, Dexter was going to make that dream a reality. Her and Dex were stronger than ever, having finally overcome the obstacle that was his foster sister, Debra. Finally, he was choosing her and the life that they could have together.

Her cell phone vibrating on the table beckoned her response. She reached for it and saw that it was Dexter texting her:

'Laguerta's funeral. Be my date?'

Captain Laguerta's funeral was being held at The Sacred Blood Catholic church that was in the heart of Miami. Dexter was wearing his black suit, the one that he wore to all funerals and court appearances. Hannah, who had taken up on his peculiar offer, was dressed in a simple black dress complete with matching shoes.

"Remind me again why you asked me to come with you. I've never even met Laguerta. All I need is for Deb to make a scene in front of a church full of people." Hannah commented when she took Dexter's hand so they could walk into the church together.

"I'm trying to keep up appearances. You're not going to have to worry about Deb showing up." Dex replied raising his eyebrows as an unspoken way to remind her about the circumstances surrounding Maria's death.

"Oh, yeah, that's right. Still, are you sure that you want Miami Metro to know that you are back to dating the infamous Hannah McKay?" She asked looking a little uneasy at the many guests who were already entering the church.

Dexter slowed to a stop. He then took her other hand into his before speaking back to her:

"That part of your life is over. You're with me now; Dexter Morgan: blood spatter analyst by day, Dark Avenger by night." joked Dex.

"Dark Avenger, huh? Is that like the sidekick of the Dark Passenger?"

"Something like that."

She smiled wide and chuckled before taking him into a loving embrace. The hug ended with a peck on the lips. They continued into the church where they saw how big of a turnout the funeral service was getting. Laguerta had been very involved in the community and it definitely showed.

"Along with her fellow officers in blue, the entire Latino community has come to show its support for Captain Laguerta. Just like Doakes, Maria never fit my code, but paid with her life to keep my secret. I'm glad that Deb isn't here. As unpredictable as my sister has been lately, she might have thrown herself on the casket and begged for Laguerta's forgiveness."

Maria's coffin was closed and adorned with an array of flowers. A picture of her was displayed next to her remains. Dex saw everyone from the homicide department who were seated toward the front of the church. Masuka caught sight of him and McKay and gave Dexter a wink and a thumbs up.

Morgan led Hannah to one of the pews in the back of the church. As soon as they sat down, she leaned close and whispered in his ear.

"Do you think we have to worry about the church caving in on us?"

Hannah and Dexter both chuckled and exchanged smiles.

"No more jokes, I have to look mournful over the loss of our dear Captain." He muttered back in a whisper putting his serious face back on.

There was a few moments of silence between them as Morgan made it clear that he needed to look the part of a grieving co-worker. It was during that time that Hannah decided to share with him her experience of having to play the part of a mourner.

"I'm wearing the same dress I wore to Jake's funeral. I had to pretend to be so distraught. As if I would miss the man who wanted me to abort my child. The real grief came a week later when I lost the baby." She admitted in a hushed whisper.

McKay lowered her head as her eyes fixed on her flat abdomen. She had been pregnant with Jake's baby the last time she was in that dress.

"I should say something; give her a response of some kind to comfort her. I've told her on more than one occasion that I'm nothing like Jake yet she keeps bringing him up."

The start of the service curtailed Dexter's opportunity to give his girlfriend a verbal response. Not wanting to let her moment of sadness go unanswered, he took her hand into his and gave it a gentle squeeze to which she reciprocated.

The majority of the funeral mass was led by the Priest. Toward the end, there was an opportunity for people to approach the podium in order to express their remembrance of Maria. It was Batista who took the longest giving his thoughts and memories about his ex-wife.

"Giving a eulogy for the woman you had once called your wife. I've been there. Funerals are not so much for the deceased as they are for the living who are left to pick up the pieces and move on without them. The ritual provides a sense of closure for those in the midst of bereavement."

When the service ended, Dexter did his best to slip out of the church without being approached by anyone. He would have been happy to completely skip the gathering at Batista's restaurant, but Hannah insisted that they attend. She reminded Dexter about his ritual of keeping up appearances.

The sun was beginning to set by the time everyone rendezvoused at Papa's. To Dexter's surprise, Jamie arrived with Harrison so that she could be a part of the gathering. Perhaps she had not wanted to be by herself after her breakup with Quinn with only a three year old to keep her company.

"Looks like someone conked out early." Dex commented when Jamie approached with his son asleep in her arms.

"He was so excited to come when he got in the car and by the time we got here he was out like a light. I swear, he's getting so big and is not so easy to carry him around anymore."

"Here, I'll take him for you so you can go and spend time with your brother." Hannah offered with her arms outstretch for the child.

The nanny immediately took McKay up on her offer. Once she had Harrison, Hannah sat down at one of the tables causing Dexter to follow.

"Since you seem to have your hands full do you want me to get you something to drink?"

"Water would be fine." She responded, shifting the child into a position that was more comfortable for her.

When Morgan ventured over to the bar, Tom Matthews was there to meet him. The old family friend gave Dexter a swift pat on the back before putting his order in to the bartender.

"Dexter, must say it's a hell of a circumstance that brings us all together, but it's good to see you. Did you come with Debra? I didn't see her at the service."

"No, actually Deb was feeling under the weather, she couldn't make it. I just came with my girlfriend." Dex explained nudging his chin in the direction of where Hannah was seated causing Matthews to look in her direction.

"I didn't know you had taken up with Hannah McKay. She's quite the dish, isn't she? What a royal fuck up that Price case was for Miami Metro. Poison laced pen cap, my ass. What an embarrassment. Let's hope we don't screw up the Melendez case too."

"I know Deb has become obsessed with the case. She's been having a hard time with Laguerta's death and now the death of yet another cop."

"Yes, she's a lot like your old man. Harry really took the death of a fellow officer to heart. I said it before, I'm always here for you and Debra."

"Yeah, I know, and I appreciate that."

As soon as the bartender provided Dexter with his and Hannah's refreshments, he returned to their table. McKay gladly accepted her glass of ice water and immediately began to drink quite a bit. The minute Morgan took a seat next to her, he heard Batista calling him over.

"You're a pretty popular guy, Dexter Morgan." commented Hannah with a smile and eyebrow raise.

Dex gave her a quick wink before getting to his feet. With his beer in hand, he ventured over to where Angel was standing alone at one of the low railings that went around the perimeter of his restaurant. He was looking out at the ocean tide.

"Hey Angel, it was a really nice service." Morgan began, trying his best to sound supportive to his long time friend and colleague.

"Yeah, it was. I wish Deb could have come, but I understand why she felt the need to stay away. She's not the only one who's having trouble moving on. No matter how many times I play the facts over and over in my head, something just seems a miss. I'm confiding in you because you know what it's like to lose a loved one." Batista admitted while Dexter took a drink of his beer.

"Yeah, that's definitely a part of the grieving process. When Rita died, I kept questioning everything, thinking that I could have done something to prevent it. But time definitely does heal wounds."

"I don't think time alone is going to do it for me, bro. I decided to hire a private investigator to look at the case. I thought maybe a fresh pair of eyes could help make sense of what happened. I just feel like it's the only way I'm going to get any kind of closure."

"It's worth a shot, right?" Dex agreed, shrugging nonchalantly.

"Unfortunately for Angel, there's nothing for him to make sense of. I'm confident that I've disposed of all of Maria's evidence against Deb and me. The only story the crime scene tells is the one I fabricated. I easily allured the FBI, a private investigator is nothing to worry about."

Jamie had ordered a drink from the bar. She noticed her older brother talking to her boss and decided that she would chat up Hannah, since she seemed to be just sitting there holding a sleeping child.

"Mind if I sit?" She asked approaching the empty chair next to McKay.

"No, go ahead."

Not a moment after Jaime sat down did Joey decide to make his presence at the restaurant known by approaching the table with his hands stuffed in his pockets.

"Hey Jaime, can we talk?" Quinn asked in a soft voice.

"There's nothing to talk about."

"I just don't feel right how things ended between us and-"

"Really, Joey? You want to bring this bullshit up after a funeral? I told you last night, we are over. I don't want to talk about it. I just want to forget that you even exist."

Her venomous words caused Joey Quinn to sigh and shake his head. He really was trying to do the right thing and smooth things over between them after the bad break up. He didn't want her to hate him. Perhaps he should have put some distance between them for longer than a twenty-four hour period.

"Wow, I'm sorry to hear that you guys ended things. Did it have something to do with him standing you up last night?" Hannah inquired out of curiosity the moment Quinn left their table.

Jamie cut her eyes before taking a drink of her alcoholic beverage. It took her a moment before she responded to McKay's question.

"Debra Morgan happened. Joey and her hooked up last night when he was suppose to be on a date with me."

Hannah's mouth parted. Not only did Deb want to break up her and Dexter, but she had also been the reason for the break-up of Jamie's relationship with her boyfriend. McKay wondered how many other scandalous secrets Debra Morgan had in her closet. Deb was a liar, killer, and now a home wrecker.

"Oh my God, that's awful." Hannah replied empathically before continuing, "Does Dexter know?"

"I didn't want to bother him with my drama. I don't even think I've processed it yet. I've just been keeping my mind focused on taking care of Harrison."

"You should really take some time for yourself."

Jamie began to get a little teary eyed when she thought back to the night before; the look on Joey's face when he admitted to having an affair with Deb, the fact that he could just throw their relationship away like it was nothing.

"I just feel like such a dumbass, I should have known that Joey was never going to get over Deb. I mean, he had asked her to marry him for God sake and when she said no it sent him into a complete downward spiral. And I thought the Ukrainian stripper was his rebound, but I guess it was actually me."

"Oh I wouldn't put it all on Joey. It seems that when Deb wants something she doesn't stop until she gets what she wants. I mean, look at what she did to me. As soon as she found out Dex and I were together she's tried to do everything in her power to keep us apart. My arrest for the Sal Price murder was her doing."

"What a bitch! Does Dexter know that Deb did that to you?" Jamie quickly questioned leaning forward in her chair. Her sadness had been replaced with complete outrage.

"Of course he does, but Debra is his sister." Hannah responded with a sigh.

The ladies ceased their conversation when they saw Dexter coming back to the table.

"I didn't mean to take your seat, Dex." Jamie said with a smile as she started to get up.

"Actually, I think I'm going to need to head out. I've got quite a bit of a back log on other cases with the Melendez case at the forefront of Miami Metro." He explained glancing at his wrist watch.

"Dexter, I figured you were going to take Harrison home. I was looking forward to an evening to myself." Jamie admitted without hesitation.

Before Morgan could answer back, it was Hannah who chimed in with an offer:

"I'll take Harrison home with me. You can drive us to my house and I'll have him for the night."

Dex shrugged his shoulders and then gave a nod as a nonverbal agreement with his girlfriend's suggestion. He had no problem with his son staying at her place overnight, at least then he wouldn't have to hear from his nanny about how many late nights he had been working lately.

"Great, guess it's all settled." replied Jamie as she arose from the chair and left the couple.

Dexter made sure to say goodbye to Angel before he and Hannah left with little Harrison. He wanted to move quickly. He had to drop off his girlfriend and son, go home to change and grab his gear, and then get over to Gibson's place.

"Going hunting tonight?" Hannah asked with an eyebrow raise as they drove in silence with Harrison asleep in the back.

"Sort of, not a kill, but for evidence."

"What kind of evidence?" She questioned inquisitively leaning her head back against the seat rest.

"Evidence to convict Angus Gibson of the murder of officer Melendez. I figure I'd give Deb a peace offering of nailing Gibson then she might give us some space."

"I suppose it's worth a try..." Hannah sighed folding her arms in front of her. She didn't seem convinced.

Debra laid sprawled out across her unmade bed. She had completely covered the windows of her bedroom shutting out all the daylight that had come and gone. Thanks to her Xanax and beer, she had successfully slept the day away after the morning confrontation between her brother and McKay. Sleep was her only escape from her mind as it was constantly dwelling on the fact that her own brother had pushed her to the ground in the defense of a cold blooded killer.

Deb's cell phone chirping beside her on the bed was what jolted her back to reality.

"The fuck?" She croaked, moving her hand to feel for where her cell phone was laying.

When she found it, she brought it to her. Lighting up the display caused her to squint in the darkness. Her eyes were trying to adjust so that she could see who had sent her a text message. It took a few seconds before she was able to make out the text message from Joey through her haze:

Deb u ok? U missed Laguerta's funeral & the get-together at Papa's after.

Maria's funeral. There was no way she would have ever been able to attend. It was bad enough she was still haunted by her death, but seeing her in a casket and being around all of her friends and colleagues would do nothing but make it worse.

As soon as she read the short message, she hit the delete button. After tossing her phone carelessly across the room, she rolled over and pulled the covers over her head. It was all she could do to escape her life.

The Ford Escape came creeping to a stop as Dexter looked on at the Gibson residence. Morgan put on his black gloves without taking his eyes off of the home he was about to silently break into.

"The house is dark. Gibson's motorcycle is missing from the driveway. It looks like he's at his brotherhood meeting. I'll be in and out before he comes back."

Brian: "And if he just happens to return in the middle of your little sneak and peek then we can do things big brother Brian's way."

Brian was sitting in the passenger seat next to his brother. In his hand was a decent sized hunting knife that he was eyeing with a smile on his face.

"We're not here for a kill, remember? I'm doing this to get Deb off my ass."

Once out of his SUV, Dexter moved quickly across the street and used the shadow of night as cover. He was careful to make sure he wasn't being watched by any of the surrounding neighbors, but the street was quiet, everyone seemingly tucked in for the night.

A couple of seconds of lock picking provided Morgan entry into Gibson's abode. With the click of a small flashlight, a small cone of light scanned Dex's immediate surroundings. The place was cluttered with beer bottles and other debris. The walls were adorned with swastikas and other Aryan Brotherhood propaganda.

The living room was where Morgan found a laptop along with what he immediately recognized as the busted police cruiser dashboard camera that had been missing from the crime scene.

"Did Gibson keep the footage of him killing Melendez as a trophy that he could show off to his buddies?"

Dexter opened the laptop lid and powered it on. Brian walked over to the laptop to see what they could uncover.

Brian: "What moron keeps evidence of his murder right here in his living room? This is too easy. I bet you his laptop isn't even password protected."

"You'd bet right."

Dexter smirked as he was able to access Angus' desktop without needing a security pass code. Right there on the desktop, next to the recycling bin, was a video file that was titled 'PIG'.

"And here it is, right on his desktop. 'Pig', the same word that was written in blood on the police cruiser's windshield."

Morgan double clicked the file. It opened and began to play the footage from the dashcam. It clearly showed Gibson stabbing Officer Melendez and then beating him with the officer's nightstick. Once the footage finished playing, Dex withdrew a flash drive from his pocket and inserted it into the laptop to make a copy of the file.

Brian: "What about the nightstick, Dexter? It has to be around here somewhere. He's obviously not smart enough to get rid of it."

"It would be a trophy. He would want to display it in a place of prominence."

Dexter began to quickly scan the living room with his flashlight. The scope of light finally settled on the mantle of the fireplace.

Brian: "There it is, right next to the deer head."

Brian chuckled as Dex took the nightstick down from the fireplace mantle. He studied it for a moment.

"I doubt he took the time to clean this adequately. Miami Metro will surely find DNA and prints matching Melendez."

Morgan's focus was shifted when he heard the sound of the front door unlocking. With quick agility, Dexter moved to a closet that was nearby. He had not concealed himself a moment too soon as Gibson came through his front door. Dex could hear Angus shuffling around in the dark until the light came on in the living room. Brian appeared next to his brother in the shadows while Gibson's footsteps were heard coming closer. Instinctively, Morgan reached into his cargo pants pocket and grasped his syringe.

Brian: "Do it, Dexter. Take him out before he tries to take you out. You have proof that he fits your code. Use the element of surprise and take him out."

Dex slowly backed away from the slight opening of the closet door. He hid in the shadows, staying completely silent as he watched Angus walk right past the closet into another part of the house.

"I need him alive for Deb to make the arrest. I have the evidence she would need."

Morgan was cautious. He waited several minutes before emerging from his hiding spot in order to exit Gibson's residence with the evidence in his possession. Dexter was going straight to Deb's with his findings, regardless of the hour.

Debra's beach house was completely dark; not a single light was on to indicate she was awake. Not wanting to waste time knocking, Dexter used her spare key under the mat to let himself in. With the bagged evidence in hand, he made his way through her beach abode toward her bedroom.

"Deb?" He called out the minute he flicked on her bedroom light.

The disruption caused Debra to moan and then pull her covers up over her head to shield herself from the intrusion of both her brother and the lamp light.

"Hey Deb, I've got something that you will be very interested in." Morgan began to explain as he approached her bed with the evidence.

Dex couldn't help but smile at the prospect of giving his sister something she wanted desperately. He sat down on the side of her bed.

"Fucking fuck off." She finally muttered turning away from him with her face still covered with the bed sheet.

"Trust me, Deb, you're going to want to see what I've brought you." He insisted placing a hand on her back.

"Jesus Christ, what do you want, Dexter? You threw me out of your apartment this morning and now you're up my ass!" Debra yelled finally throwing the covers off and sitting up.

"You know I didn't want what happened between you and Hannah today to happen. I'm here to make it right." explained Dex as he showed her the bagged nightstick.

Her brown eyes widened as they focused on the murder weapon. Her mind playing catch up with what she was seeing in her brother's hands.

"Is that what I think it is? The fucking murder weapon in the Melendez murder?"

"Yeah, it is. And that's not all," he held up the flash drive before continuing, "the dashcam footage of Gibson killing Carlos."

Debra's eyes were wide. Her brother had definitely gotten her attention. She sat up straight, tucking her brown locks of hair behind her ears. Her next move was to accept the evidence from Dexter.

"How did you get this?"

"I searched Gibson's place while he was out. It took no time at all to find it. He's not the smartest killer by any means. With the murder weapon and footage of the crime recovered, you should have no problem making the arrest."

"Fuckin' A." She agreed, giving him the first smile he had seen from her in what felt like forever.

"Well, you've got Gibson..." Dex began with a sigh. He paused for a moment as he tried to figure out the best direction to take when explaining to his sister that she now owed him a favor.

Debra picked up on his hesitation. Her smile faded as she placed the evidence on her bed before studying her brother.

"You know this doesn't change anything, right?"

Dexter narrowed his eyes. He turned his head sideways before letting out a long exhale as he got to his feet. She was already rejecting the idea of a reciprocity between them.

"I figured if I went out of my way to give you what you wanted then you would at least extend me the courtesy of leaving Hannah alone." Dex divulged looking a bit puzzled.

Deb let out a forced laugh. She folded her arms in front of her before shooting her brother a look of contempt before rising to her feet.

"Are you fucking kidding me? How could you ever expect me to accept you being with her? She tried to kill me, Dexter! And yet you were so hell bent in protecting her over me just because you like fucking her! I'm your fucking sister! She's-"

"Deb, I love her!" Dexter blurted out, cutting her off mid-sentence with his proclamation.

His words caused Debra to mutter an obscenity under her breath as she began to get emotional. She was doing her best to stifle her forming tears. It took her a moment to collect her composure enough so that she could croak a response:

"And what, you don't love me?"

Her inquiry caused Dex to close his eyes and take a deep breath. He hated how his sister would always make everything about her and their relationship.

"Not like I love Hannah. It's different. She understands me, accepts me and my kills. She's there for me in ways you can't be." breathed Dexter.

His profession of love for Hannah McKay sent her over the edge as she let out a strangled cry. She allowed herself to plop down on the foot of her bed. She was an emotional wreck, while she brought her hands to her face. Dexter felt so uncomfortable. He had been honest with his sister and the truth was just too much for her to take.

Debra sniffled back her congestion. Her anger began to take over as she finally replied to his words with her finger pointed directly at him:

"I killed Laguerta for you! Because of it I can't even live with myself! And it's all because of you!" She screamed getting up from the bed again as she got in his face.

Dex's mouth parted as he sucked air in. He blinked his eyes a few times. Dexter was taken aback by the fact she was putting all the blame on him.

"I never asked you to do that. I gave you a choice in that shipping container."

Their eyes locked. There was a moment of silence between them. Deb's bottom lip trembled as she looked to be working up the nerve to reply to him. And when she did, it shook Dexter's world:

"Maybe I made the wrong choice..."

Dexter had to get out of there. It felt completely surreal as he walked out of Deb's beach house. His mind replaying over and over again her admission that she thought she should have killed him instead of Maria Laguerta. Brian was waiting by his brother's Ford Escape.

Brian: "Deb is becoming a liability. That peace offering of yours did nothing. You don't need her anymore, Dexter."

Slowly Dexter got into his driver's seat and paused before starting the engine.

"I can't imagine my life without Deb in it. She's the only family I have left. Harry always wanted us to look after each other. He said so before he died. I'd be lost without her, alone."

Brian sat in the passenger seat next to his brother. He touched his shoulder and sort of shook him in an attempt to snap him out of his nostalgic gaze.

Brian: "Hey, I told you, the pretend foster family was okay when you didn't have anyone else. But now you have me, your real brother. You have a girlfriend who lets you be free to be who you are. So be free, little brother."

Morgan sat there a in silence for a moment. He then let his head fall back into his seat rest while letting out a long sigh.

"I need a kill."

Brian smiled wide in response to his brother's admission. He nodded profusely before responding:

Brian: "Yes! A kill to take the edge off. It's been too long since you satisfied your need to watch the blood flow. You owe it to yourself, Dexter. Forget Debra, put your own needs first for once."

Slowly, Dex lifted his head from the seat rest. His mouth pulled taunt as a smirk formed on his face. He started his car and drove off into the night.

Angus Gibson sat in his living room heating up a dose of crystal meth in a spoon. It was his usual routine to end his night. Before he could bring his syringe to the spoon, his power cut off.

"What the fuck?" Gibson said aloud with annoyance.

In the darkness, he felt for his lighter that was on the table. Once he had it, he flicked it on providing himself with enough illumination to navigate through his house to his basement steps. Angus flipped his light switch to the 'on' position, so that he would not need his lighter once he fixed the electricity. He descended the stairs. A quick reset of the breaker would fix his electrical problem.

Dexter awaited patiently in the darkness. He watched for the moment to strike with his dose of M99. It was when Gibson reached the breaker box and opened it that Morgan began to silently creep toward him. Just when he flipped the switch and the lights came on, Dexter reached for him to slip the syringe needle into his neck. Much to Morgan's surprise, Angus must have sensed his presence. Gibson whipped around and caught his arm. Angus' strength was apparent as he immediately sent Dexter to the hard basement floor.

"What the fuck you doin' in my house, boy? I'm gonna fuck you up!" hollered Angus as he quickly grabbed a sledgehammer from his workbench that was right next to the electrical breaker.

Before Dex could even make it to his feet, Gibson attempted to bring the sledgehammer down on him. He rolled out of the way each time, as the hammer smacked the concrete floor. Dexter then used his legs to sweep Angus' feet out from under him. The biker fell to the floor giving Morgan enough time to get to his feet. Quickly, Dex scrambled over to where his syringe had fallen in the struggle. Gibson was back to his feet quickly. He immediately charged at Dexter with the sledge hammer over his head. Instinctively, Morgan evaded him at the last possible second. The biker's own momentum sent him crashing into the cinder brick wall. He dropped the hammer on impact, and Dexter quickly moved in to give him his dose of M99 that ended the altercation.

Angus Gibson awoke to the sight of Dexter standing over him with the sledgehammer. He attempted to move only to find out that he couldn't. Only his eyes could dart back and forth as his head was tapped stationary with silver duct tape. Around his body were steel chains holding him in place against his own wooden work station table. He let out a muffled scream through the piece of tape that covered his mouth.

Other than the traditional kill table, all of the kill room plastic was missing. This kill was not planned. It was all spur of the moment. He wasn't worried about concealing it. He just wanted it to happen.

"This would usually be the part of my ritual where I show you pictures of Carlos Melendez, his wife and young children so that you know what you've done." Dex explained pointing to a blank wall of the basement.

"But this kill isn't for them. It isn't about serving justice. If it were, I would have let Miami Metro bring you down." He continued bringing his face close to Gibson as he placed his index on Gibson's forehead.

"No, this is just for me...To pacify my own selfish need..."

Every muscle of Gibson's body was flexed as he was still trying to shout at Morgan through the tape over his mouth. Unlike his usual kills, Morgan had no intention of removing the tape so that his prey could speak. He had no desire to dialogue with him. All he could think about was the actual act, the kill. He wanted it.

Dexter slowly stood back upright. He then spread his feet shoulder width apart and raised the sledgehammer over his head. A sadistic smile formed on his face as he watched Gibson screaming and squirming. Angus knew the end was eminent and it was Dexter who had the control over the moment his life was over. The deciding power over life and death excited Morgan. The act was no longer wrapped up in Harry Morgan's code. Sure Gibson deserved to be on his table, but that wasn't the driving force that put him there. Dexter wanted to take him out, because it would mean that Debra couldn't have him.

With all his might, Dexter brought the sledgehammer down on Angus' head. The sound of his skull breaking upon impact along with the misting of blood across Morgan's face elicited a rush of pleasure. It compelled Morgan to lift the hammer again over his head and bring it down again. More blood painted a thin mist on his green thermal shirt. He repeated his actions a few more times, before letting the bloodied hammer crash to the cement floor, its sound echoing in the basement that was now silent. Dexter's chest was heaving. He felt fantastic, still riding the high of his kill. All that was left to do was stage the crime scene. Biney would be proud.

Hannah quickly made her way over to her entrance way when she heard repeated knocking from her front porch. She peered through one of the narrow windows in her front door and saw that it was Dexter. She quickly unlocked the door and opened it for him.

"Dexter, hey, I was worried-"

Hannah stopped mid-sentence when she saw the blood stains on Dexter's thermal shirt. The porch light allowed her to see the dried blood specks that were painted across his face. Had something happened?

"Is that blood, what happened? Are you hurt?" She questioned with concern in her voice.

"It's Gibson's blood. The peace offering to Deb is off the table so I did what I do." Morgan explained in a low mutter as he entered the house.

McKay looked a bit puzzled. She had always known Dexter to be a neat killer. She knew first hand that plastic sheets were a part of his killing ritual as well as a smock. It wasn't like him to still be wearing the victim's blood on his clothing. Had there been a struggle? She didn't want to bombard him with questions as he was quick to move further into her house.

Hannah decided to give him a few moments of privacy, which she used to check on Harrison who was asleep on her bed. When she did finally go looking for her lover, she found him in her bathroom. His cargo pants and shirt lying in a heap on the tile floor. Dexter was in the shower scrubbing off all of the blood and grime from his kill. Morgan's eyes were closed as he stood in the steady streams of water.

"The serenity after a kill. All of my anger and frustration channeled into each and every blow I gave to Gibson's skull. My version of conflict resolution satisfies my dark urges and brings a sense of control to a world of chaos."

McKay, who had disrobed, slowly entered the shower. She brought her hands to his back and gently caressed him before placing a small kiss between his shoulder blades.

"Brian was right. I'm not alone. Hannah continues to stand by me despite everything we've faced. Unlike Deb, she loves me unconditionally; no fear of judgment or rejection, pure acceptance. Deb can't ask me to give this up. I won't."

Morgan turned to face his love. He kissed her once tenderly. McKay brought her hand to his face in order to wipe away a small bit of dry blood that the water had not washed away. He reached out and gently grabbed her hand before it left his face; turning his head, he kissed it softly.

Hannah wrapped her arms around his neck, closing the space between them. Their mouths came together for a sultry kiss as Dexter guided her into the warm shower streams. And then Morgan lifted her off her feet, compelling her to wrap her legs around his torso. Her back pressed firmly against the shower wall while their kissing continued, the shower steam billowing around them.

McKay drew in a sharp breath when he swiftly penetrated her. Dexter seemed overzealous to increase his force and tempo, but Hannah brought him back into her focus by placing both her hands on his face.

"Gentle..." She whispered holding her mouth to his.

Her request caused him to pause. When he resumed, he made love to her tenderly. Dexter loved the intimacy; being one with her. She was his safe haven; his Argentina in the midst of his tumultuous relationship with Debra. Where Deb was willing to forsake him, Hannah was accepting him with arms wide open.