Nigel left closing the door behind him.
''What the hell do you think you're doing Miranda?'' Andy demanded. She knew Miranda was doing this to be petty.
But choosing Cutter to head her case might as well assign Officer Dibble or Officer Krupkee.
''I believe Detective Sachs you now answer to a Senior Detective Cutter. Since you are no longer leading this investigation.''
''Cutter is an absolute prick. His police skills he sits on. This is…was my case.'' Andy declared greatly offended. Damn Miranda, no way in hell she was going to start licking Cutter's boots with Miranda's life on the line.
Miranda was deliberately looking through a lens at each of Nigel's latest shoot slides not meeting Andy's eyes. Her tone silkily barbed. ''There are certain reasons I've decided this is for the best. You are simply not the best for protecting me. Cutter's file seems very professional not a risk taker like your record indicates. Andréa.''
Andy saw the icy smirk on Miranda's face, curled her lip, sparing a glance at riled Andy Sachs, lilted her head up to the side, eyes cold and her haughty face pinched with distain.
Andy fumed like hell she wasn't the best person to keep Miranda safe from harm.
'' He's a by the book, muscles between his ears moron. Cutter is going to get you killed.''
Andy almost blurted outloud more of what she felt. ''I won't let that happen to you. I can't let anything happen to you.'' Miranda didn't realise how much she meant to Andy, Miranda had no idea how much she meant to her. Just because Andy had stopped herself from sleeping with her didn't mean she didn't want her or love her.
''Oh and Andréa, I would like you to leave Runway's offices right now and perhaps have Dt. Rizzoli assigned to liaise with me. That's all.''
''I can't do that for you Miranda. Cutter wants me in the words of City Hall to keep you nice and safe by my side and Cutter has assigned me to be with you 24/7. I'm protecting you, yes me so like it or not Miranda you'll have to endure me. I will be right beside you and Miri, just allow me to protect you.''
Andréa hid her smile, watching her former boss fume, the familiar lip curl of unhappiness at this arrangement. She silently added you can't get rid of me that easily. Yes Miranda was going to stay nice and safe beside her.
Calling her Miri did not endear the frosty Runway Editor.
Prickly Miranda had to acquiescent to Andréa. Wanted to wipe that cat that swallowed cream grin off of Andréa's face.
Backfiring on Miranda immensely she'd wanted Andréa Sachs kept away from her and that was not going to happen today or anytime soon. Andy's longer frame with her arms folded blocking her exit.
Hissing. ''Fine Andréa now I have work to do.'' She waved her away dismissively.
Wonderful Andy Sachs was her shadow. Her very unwanted shadow.
Runway's staff were in for The Dragon Lady's inferno distemper with the surly vitriol mood she was in. Andy accompanied Miranda around her office and was basically looked at like she was the enemy.
Loathed Andy so close to her. Sat in her office with her, like a stuck like glue significant other. Miranda was relieved she was free of her in the bathroom for a few minutes. Running tapered fingers through silver hair, she might decide to retouch her makeup every hour.
Acerbic to all her staff in general, Andy flinched at a few dressing downs several workers received from Miranda about presenting floral and chiffon themed ideas for the next issue. Andy was privately glad she no longer worked here. Wouldn't have been able to handle the mood the Dragon was in.
Andy knew her actions and forced inseparableness hell Andy's very presence or breathing near The Ice Queen had everything to do with it.
New York Fashion Week was beginning tomorrow. Miranda schedule was hectic, as Beatrice ran through the diary with Miranda. ''I do hope you can keep up Andréa? I do recall your legendary absconding in Paris during its fashion week and I trust it won't be repeated.''
Andy warm brown eyes met Miranda's narrowed cold blue eyes. '' I'll be right there with you. Every step of the way.''
The day seemed like an eternity. Together.
Andy saw Miranda was limping, it was those blasted new red Louboutins. Pinching and hurting her.
Sitting down failing in hiding her pain, startled by Andrea's fingers on her stockings trailing her foot lifting her heels off. Found her voice which had dried from Andy's uninvited touch, in a low warning tone. ''Andrea.''
''Relax it's not like I have a strange foot fetish.''
''I took a course in reflexology once.'' Kneading the tense sole as Miranda gave in to Andy's heavenly fingers.
Nigel caught a glimpse thought it was adorable. Foot spa at Runway. Miranda had certainly retracted her claws as he heard a very contented dragon.
Watched them, especially Miranda's rigid frame slowly timidly relaxing into Six's touch. That's right Miranda let Andy in a little. She's not David. Won't hurt you.
Had to interrupt them with a delivery from the Closet for his Editor.
''Six I've already had my polish and pedicure.'' Andy let go of Miranda's foot swiftly.
''Miranda's heels were troubling her, needed my help.'' Six was cute when she sputtered went all red faced.
Nigel seriously shook his head. ''Those pesky Louboutins requiring an NYPD hands, when Miranda wears Blahnik this week she may need you. Have Beatrice put you on speed dial.''
''I don't mind, hands whatever Miranda needs me to extend on…to her.'' Andy wanted to face palm herself.
Didn't miss it, did Six make Miranda's ivory skin blush. Winked at Andy with a bemused wry full smile.
''Six there's a cape in the closet I'll loan you for puddles.''
Miranda's directed glare made him scurry, Nigel still wanted to be employed at Runway and head of his department.
Andy turned back to Miranda who had placed her Louboutins back on and had her head bent over proofs pretending Andy was an inanimate office furniture. Andy slumped down her fingers still tingling from Miranda's warm skin.
Later Andy was sitting across from Miranda's modern glass desk, flexing her good arm, stifling a hidden yawn, it was almost 7:30pm.
''Follow me before I'm late, I have to be at Daniel on 65th for 8pm.'' Andy saw she'd changed in just ten minutes. Miranda looked elegant and sensational. Always did. Andy had seen Miranda wear beautiful gowns but she liked this, very similar to the black dress in The Honourable Woman, a TV show Andy had been watching.
Andy furrowed her brows it wasn't work related because Beatrice hadn't mentioned it on Miranda's appointment diary it was personal not Runway related. Groaning if it was a romantic dinner with Stephen, she'd have to grin and bear it and sit through it.
Accompanying Miranda to share an elevator together. An empty elevator, not a word spoken from Miranda. Andréa cast her a sideways look she was being completely ignored and it was one long ride from Runway to the lobby. 17 floors down.
Daniel Restaurant on East 65th Street
He wasn't Stephen. She was in that dress for him.
''Good Evening Randa.''
Who was he? Andy watched him greet Miranda with a kiss on her neck and his hand stroked on the small of her back which seemed possessive. A course of hot jealousy ran inside Andy. She had made Miranda give her a list of all personal and business contacts with photos she definitely knew he was in the files. Beatrice had compiled it for Andy.
Her fingers traced her holster, waiting.
David Sayers turned back to Andy, he looked like a silver screen movie star, and David extended his palm to shake hers strongly, seeing her sling he took Andy's left hand in his given a firm shake. ''David Sayers. DA so you're protecting my ex-wife here. Sachs right.''
''Detective Andréa. Sachs.'' Andy introduced herself to Miranda's former husband. The Ex.
Andy had no idea Miranda's first husband was DA David Sayers, his family were political legends. She watched Miri speculatively. She wouldn't have thought of them as a couple.
Miranda swallowed hard, her night was indeed odd irony, having a tense dinner with her narcissistic ex-David and Andréa. Table for three.
Miranda remembered how charismatic David was when they'd first met, he'd pursued her, wanted her and got her in his life, when they both began dating had been declared by the press, a power couple, during their wedding dance he'd told her. ''You're going to make me babies.'' Everything with David was my. My career, my family, my political future, my girls, my daughters never we or ours.
By appetisers their conversation was fraught with something Miranda was adamant not to give in to. Why did they have to discuss this here with Andréa present? She played with her crisp napkin, nervous angry and mostly embarrassed.
Andréa was trying not to eavesdrop but it was kinda hard not to. She was sitting back in a chair between them it was hard not to comment on this conversation. It was getting more heated by the moment and political heavy weight or not she was growing to really dislike David Sayers.
Andy had read he'd be a Senator soon.
Didn't like the look in Miri's eyes, the pleading tone she had never heard. David was pushing her around. He was playing with his ex-wife like they were at a chess game.
''Please David reconsider.'' Miranda never begged but taking her girls away from her was making her begin to. David normally dimpled megawatt smile was stern, not giving into his ex-spouse.
''No Randa until this suspect is caught, I know it will be safer for the girls to stay with me. It's better that way.''
''David don't do this to me. Please David.''
David shrugged. ''Miranda it's not indefinite or permanent and you do want Cassidy and Caroline kept safe from all this. What if he came after them? What if he hurt them to get to you.''
Miranda twisted the napkin fully in her lap. David had won. ''Yes there's nothing I want more than our daughters kept from harm.'' How could she argue with that? It would play right into the legal battle he wanted She could hear it on his lips already 'She put her – our children at risk.'
Andy read Miranda's face this was killing her. Losing the twins. As she reluctantly nodded at David.
''Take Cass and Car with you tonight, David. You remember my mother Liat, we've had a reconciling reunion. The girls will want their Grand-mère with them. It will make them feel safer you want that don't you?'' Smiling that wicked crocodile smile Andy was beginning to start to appreciate. Andy silently applauded. 'Checkmate.'
Sipping her wine gracefully.
David's chiselled face fell at Miranda's carefully chosen words. Her mother would be his guest as well. Liat with him for more than an hour. Miranda had made sure he couldn't refuse. David remembered Liat all too well. His former mother in law couldn't stand him.
''Excuse me. The Maître d' interrupted approaching their table.'' Is one of you Andy Sachs?'' Andy nodded.
''This was left for you.'' Holding a package with an envelope typed Detective Andy Sachs.
Andréa looked at the package, black non-descript typed name, nothing identifying. She already had a prickle down her spine. The Killer had sent a message addressed right to her.
Demanded who left this to the Maître d who replied snootily. ''I don't know it was left on the reservation table, my hostess found it.''
Andy took it. Carefully pulling the card out with a napkin. The note read. Hope your arm is recovering Andy? Open me. Compliments of the Artist.
Using a butter knife she sliced the brown paper, delicately pushing the wrapping open she would have it sent to the lab for prints, slowly unfolding it, Andy prayed it wasn't a body part.
It was a small figurine statue of The Three Fates by Paul Manship with an old pocket watch and two strange quotations with a burnt candle.
Andy dialled Dr Isles.
A few seconds later.
''Slow down Detective Sachs. Read that to me again.''
Andy quoted. '' Battle not with monsters, lest ye become a monster, and if you gaze into the abyss, the abyss gazes also into you.'' Maura cut her off quoting the words verbatim. ''Friedrich Nietzsche the German philologist. Detective, the killer is referring to you as a hunter of monsters but warning you not to become like them. The Zodiac Killer for instance left strange cryptic clues for the police that have never been...''
''Maura I need to know what this next quote means, Dante's love and light is?
Maura answered. ''Dante's Inferno. Beatrice''
Andy's brown eyes hardened. Miranda's second assistant name was Beatrice. '' Miranda where's Beatrice?''
Miranda was remaining calm despite being inside, alarmed knew by Andy's eyes something was unsettling her. ''Beatrice is delivering The Book tonight early with her police escort.''
Andy asked. ''Where are the twins and Liat?''
Miranda knew the package was from him. ''At a Broadway show with Nigel.'' He'd been here. Close to her.
Andy ordered David Sayers. ''I need you to stay with Miranda. Do not leave her side. Understood.'' David Sayers looked taken aback he was not used to being ordered to do anything by anybody. He curtly nodded 'Detective I can protect my wife just fine.'' Andréa bit her tongue not wanting to retort 'Ex Wife' to him, it didn't matter as long as he kept Mir safe.
''Andréa. Be careful.'' Miranda's blue eyes held hers.
Andy caught her eye. ''Will do.''
Seven blocks away, Andy sprinted. By the pocket watch's set time she had ten minutes.
The Artist had watched Miranda Priestly with Detective Sachs at dinner at Daniel restaurant on 60 East 65th Street with her ex-husband DA David Sayers. Sachs ran out the door. Good.
Miranda Priestly would soon be alone with him. Soon they'd meet.
Sachs might, might not save Beatrice in the nick of time.
Poor Beatrice. Suffered a bit of bad luck and wrong timing like Claudia encountering him.
If he'd had the time he would have sliced her like that young girl Claudia Davenport who'd found him in Miranda Priestly's townhouse that night she went missing. Davenport could have identified him as an intruder. The teenager had been so scared he was a prowler or rapist in a townhouse of a wealthy upscale neighbourhood of East 73rd Street.
Claudia was right to be scared of him.
He hadn't heard Claudia, had been upstairs smelling her things, breathing her in, touching them with reverence, lifting her perfume bottle spraying it. Inhaling her scent.
The Artist had been in Miranda's bedroom once before, had taken a locket she'd cradled once. Had to take it, because on the cameras he'd planted all around her home, Miranda had caressed it with love and wore it. Had to have what she'd stroked and had against her skin. He'd also taken other little belongings before. Small unnoticed things.
Heard someone's voice, he was discovered by Claudia who he'd tasered and had taken her. Killed her. Later Saffron had recognised him. Followed her on her day off and struck.
Observing them in Daniel restaurant, her regal silver hair turned away from him, the snobby Maître'd was grating on him. Not respecting him. Should teach him a lesson as the Maître'd scolded him for not making a reservation and gave a scornful glance at wearing such casual apparel such as chinos and a faded baseball cap in a restaurant like this. Sniffing at what he wore, told no table was available.
The Artist let him live. He had more tantalising prey to hunt.
Saw Detective Jane Rizzoli arriving walking right by him, showing her badge striding over to Miranda. Pushing his eyeglasses back onto his nose, The Artist left.
Scrolling through Beatrice's IPhone, he had Miranda's weekly schedule. Pleased with himself. Everywhere she went he knew. Ever step she took he would be right there with her.
Ten Minutes Later
Andy ran jogging for the townhouse, with her shoulder forcefully opening the door, gun unholstered and drawn, Stepped into darkness. ''NYPD.''
Trying the wall light, nothing, the lights had been turned off, Andy squinted her eyes to adjust to the pitch black, the streetlight illuminating for her a dimly lit path. Someone was here.
Her shooting stance tensing, this time he was not getting the drop on her. Aiming her gun in front of her in defence.
Patricia's growing barks were increasing, someone had locked her outside, paws scratching frantically at the glass door.
Heard a muffled whimpering and gurgling of ''Help me.'' Coming from somewhere in the house, Andy searched where the noise came from.
''Beatrice?'' Calling out for her. Andy saw a door off the gourmet kitchen ajar. Using the light on her IPhone to illuminate her path.
Cautiously stepping downstairs Andy found the basement fumbling for the fuse box. Switched on the townhouse's lights.
''Beatrice.''
Andy saw her hooded, tied and bound to a chair, squirming and writhing against it. Beatrice was alive, rushing to her, Andy pulled at the knots, ripped off the hood.
Fire ants all over her face, angry red welts all over her skin. Beatrice's breathing was laboured, her eyes rolling, she was going into Anaphylaxis shock from their venom. ''Come on Beatrice don't die on me.'' Andy searched in her jacket pocket for an epipen auto injector. Shoved the sharp needle point into Beatrice's skin hard.
Called it in. ''Get me an ambulance now.''
Beatrice was saved. Told countlessly by EMT technician responders. Beatrice was alive because of your quick thinking Detective Sachs. Beatrice was rushed to Lenox Hospital.
Andy had had quite a night tonight.
She looked tired.
The Artist watched Detective Sachs sitting on the curb with her face in her hands. Concealed within a group of onlookers from the neighbourhood with police cars blocking off traffic.
Felt a soft hand squeeze her shoulder gently.
''Andréa.''
Looking up meeting lovely blue eyes. Relief washed through Miranda, Andréa had been in time for Beatrice. Standing up, brushing off her jeans as Miranda came to her shoulder. Still in her black dress she'd worn at dinner.
''Beatrice's parents would like to thank you for saving her.'' Holding a phone out to Andréa. Who took it listening to a pair of grateful voice gushing their thanks, Miranda watched Andréa, modestly accept their praise and thanks.
Andréa was an exceptional cop.
David had taken the girls tonight after what happened, along with Miranda's Mom Liat and also Patricia, would send for their things, tomorrow.
Miranda would not stay at a crime scene even if it was her home. Told the hospital she wanted to be updated over Beatrice's condition and anything Beatrice's parents needed, to do without question or answer to Miranda Priestly.
Miranda would be staying tonight at Nigel's place. Stephen was away for a few days, Emily had an excuse she needed to run by Nigel's schedule at 1 in the morning. Andy knew like Miranda, Emily was also frightened. Offered the couch, Emily grumbled. ''Better not snore copper.'' Andy loved Em's snarky attitude.
''All yours Em. Goodnight.''
Andy would take the wingback chair maybe later. Too wired to sleep.
Nigel sat on the edge of the bed with Miranda, holding her.
Trying to lighten the mood to his oldest friend. ''Worse things have happened remember when you found the twins had tied up their first nanny and you were worried Page Six would declare your two and half year old babies, little dragon terrors taking after Mommy Editor, it all worked out because she didn't speak a word of English only Tagalog and you've never to my recollection tied up incompetent assistants yet or that unforgettable dinner party with the Board and David's very excited unneutered Labrador attaching himself lovingly to Irv's wife's leg. ''
Earning a light amused low laugh Miranda needed that. Nigel wiped his eye from laughing richly.
''Do recall when you discovered David was sleeping with the twins foreign Swedish au pair Dorte you my dear thought it was the end of the world. It wasn't. It was an end to a disastrous marriage to someone not worthy of you. Should have sent Dorte a Bergdorf Goodman gift basket and earplugs in gratitude she could put up with David's snoring and rules.''
David's rules to his wife were controlling and one of many including infidelity why Miranda wanted a divorce.
Nigel tutted his finger. ''You will crease this dress.'' gallantly unzipped her. Given one of Stephen's oversized tops to wear.
Nigel winked at her. '' Manhattan Sailing Club never looked so good on The Queen of Fashion.'' Miranda met Nigel's glance seriously. ''Nigel if anything happens to me, I've arranged with my lawyer for Stephen and you to take Car and Cass on, so David doesn't get full custody…''
Nigel's brows rose. ''Which we both would do without question but nothing will happen to you because you are going to survive this, now Miranda, I know you're scared but our little Six will catch him.''
Miranda exhaled she was petrified for herself and for Andréa who just took on danger without thinking, in a blink of an eye could be hurt like before in the woods. She could lose her and that thought frightened her.
''Fine, when Andy takes a bullet for you I expect you both especially you Miranda to finally realise Six will do anything for you. Anything.''
Miranda retorted. ''Don't say that.'' Miranda grimaced in horror at the thought of Andréa shot for her.
''Tell Six how you feel about her. Tell her what Stephen is to me or I will.'' Miranda looked unsure at his words. ''Nigel, there's no point Andréa doesn't feel the way I do about her.''
Nigel raised a sardonic brow at Miranda's uncertainty.
''Honestly Miranda you think Six doesn't have feelings for you, she does. She kissed you.''
Nigel wished Miranda would just talk to Andy.
''Miranda our Six, four years ago, every day for almost a year at Runway it showed on her face something deeply akin to love and not just infatuation or an little adoring idol crush like you abhor. Now I know, it wasn't love at first sight for both of you, hell mistakes Andy made you'd verbally crucify for less but I never missed how Andy watched you, Miranda. She softened your icy edges.''
Nigel took her hand in his gently. ''Yes, you.''
Miranda's blue eyes were huge in astonishment. Had hoped Andréa felt it between them but she was her second assistant and Miranda her boss at times like in the hotel suite Miranda couldn't deny Andréa seemingly spoke with just her pretty eyes to her especially that night in the Parisian suite together when Miranda's eyes were red and puffy from crying the way their eyes had met seen desire and want but then Andy had just walked away in Paris and she'd been beyond furious she had left her.
''Six didn't do a great job keeping a lid on it. I saw it, even Emily did, though she feels it's against all laws of fashion, by Halston even Andy's boyfriend saw it. You my dear actually had everything to do with them breaking up.''
Miranda scrunched up her nose, never met Andy's cook and she certainly did not come between Andy and Mr Fry up.
''What do you mean Nigel?''
Nigel shook his head, his relationship with Stephen was less fractious and navigable. Nigel had accidently heard them argue one evening when Andy was waiting for The Book, Nate had shown up out of the blue at Runway's offices.
Nigel recalled Nate's blunt words to Andy that night. ''One last chance Andy, Me or her and Paris. Choose.''
Andy's voice didn't hesitate with her answer. ''Nate you can't be here. I have to be there in Paris for Miranda. This is my workplace. Nate please leave.''
Nate stance was furious. ''No it's not you have to be there Andy it's you want to be there with her. You're in lust for your old married boss. Love to see how that will work out for you. Goodbye Andy.'' Nate left Andy with words of. ''I'm moving out hope The Ice Queen was worth it.''
Nigel finished his words about what he'd heard between Andy and Nate to Miranda.
Left her to rest and ponder Nigel's words.
Nigel's Kitchen
Andy peeled with a paring knife a pear with sharp precise slices into ripe sweet flesh, brought the blade to her mouth with the piece of Anjou, she would find him. The Artist. End this.
Had her IPhone on, since Maura was running all the processed evidence from tonight. Not one ping. Wiping her hands on a dish towel.
Opening her locket around her neck. Andy usually looked at her to calm down. That was futile tonight to achieve.
Nigel in a silk dressing gown brought a pillow and blanket for Andy. ''Hey Six.''
Saw her.
In the locket Andy wore. Open to a small photo. Was this who Miranda was jealous of? She was very pretty. Nigel small glimpse of her concluded she could be in the pages of Runway. Had to know her name, who was she, was Six serious about her. Nigel's four brothers could avow he was never one for not being nosy or snooping into things and other people's business.
''Who's that?''
Andy snapped it shut. Nigel mouth quirked a teasing smile. ''A lover Six?''
''No. My Mother.''
Nigel face lit. She was Andy's Mom. Should have seen the resemblance a few minutes ago. Couldn't wait to tell Miranda she was wrong. So wrong.
''She's your Mom. Where does she live? Is she proud of her daughter's dangerous career choice of NYC cop?''
Andy swallowed hard, shrugging at his question. ''I don't know Nigel. She was taken from me when I was little.''
Nigel looked confused. ''Taken?''
''She died when I was seven then I was adopted by my parents The Sachs.''
Nigel asked. ''Did your Mom die in an accident or was she sick Andy?'' Looked so young.
Emily's snoring interrupted Andy's words. Nigel decided if he left it up to Miranda she'd never confess the nature of her marriage to Stephen. Miranda and Andy would stay forever unhappy.
''Six, Andy you know I've been involved with someone for a few years now and I love them. That person is Stephen.''
Stephen was with Nigel, they were lovers. Andy's jaw dropped, finding her voice. ''Does Miranda know?''
Nigel smiled bemused at Andy's shock. ''Of course. Just so you know they've never been husband and wife. Stephen loves Miranda but as a friend a very good friend who provided a stableness she really needed over keeping custody of Cass and Car. You've met David tonight, let's just say he likes to get his way and only his way and obtain what he wants at any cost.''
Andy understood finally.
Bid goodnight quietly to Six who had a lot to digest. Miranda was married out of convenience and really unattached. Andy had a lot to think about in the next few hours.
Andy tried the front door, it was locked, looked through the peephole at the empty hallway, she sat down at the kitchen table, shrugging off her jacket, one side was over her shoulder, taking off her shoulder holster with Glock putting its safety on. Putting her feet up. A long night to stay awake.
Shutting her eyes for a moment.
Andy heard it at 3am, grabbed it to her which felt soft and let out a startled squeak of. ''Andréa.'' Turned the kitchen light on.
Andy was wide awake and Miranda was in her lap, squirming in a washed out t-shirt which was riding up, which made Andy's mouth go dry and her appreciating brown eyes avert.
Andy's voice was gruff and gravelly. ''Just don't move so much.'' Feeling her atop her, made Andy's body go rigid.
Still in her lap. ''I needed some water.'' Miranda never explained herself. Andy growled harsher than intended. ''Get off me and go get it then.''
Mirada glared at Sachs scrambling off of her fuming, hadn't deliberately deposited herself onto Sachs, into her lap, opening the fridge door with a snap.
Turning to a glass extended thoughtfully by Andy.
They always clashed. Miranda wished Sachs would just stop. Stop making her feel the way she did for her. Together they were volatile and always ready to pick a fight over everything. Then Andrea would do something lovely and caring and confuse Miranda even more. Pouring cool liquid and sipping, pulling at her t-shirt hem modestly.
''Sorry. It's been a tough night for me.'' Bringing back old demons, Andy didn't want to deal with.
''So, not for me as well Andréa.'' Miranda quipped harshly at Andy.
Andy deserved that.
One of her assistant's was dead and Beatrice who was a good person had been hurt almost fatally because of her. Lost her daughters tonight to David. The only two people who knew her, aside from her mother, the real her not Runway's ice persona.
Their Mom. The one who actually was their parent, who parented and loved them unconditionally not David who hadn't exactly invested himself in raising Cass and Car, maybe with giving fancy flashy gifts and fun outings but not in moments that mattered, might as well have been a sperm donor with his parenting participation.
The twins were a possession he could show off as she'd been once. Words of get the nanny to do that with them or buy the twins whatever they want wasn't raising children with her.
Saw Miranda's glistening irises, she was shaken to bits but putting on a brave front. ''Hey it'll be over soon. I'll get him.''
Reaching out a comforting hand, expecting Andy to almost tentively place her palm on her shoulder instead Andy ran her thumb across her ivory cheekbone.
Miranda leaned her cheek into Andy's hand, felt the warm contact, relishing in it for a moment. Andy's hand curled so her thumb drew across to her lower lip. Andy's breath fell on Miranda's face, bending to bring her mouth to Miranda's who stopped her almost kiss. Taking both of Andrea's hands.
''Don't Andréa.'' Rasping out softly. ''You're with someone.'' Andy looked confused at Miranda's words.
''Huh. Wha? With who?''
Miranda bit her lip, still pinned against the counter between Andy's toned arms. '' You're with her.'' Looking down at the kitchen tiles finding the floor fascinating.
Andy was really confused now. ''Who?''
Quietly answered. ''That pretty woman in the photo that fell out of the book, Jude.'' Miranda still looked down.
Andy lightly chuckled it rippled through her body at Miranda's assumption choking out. ''Jude?'' Dawning on Andy who Miri meant, recalling the photo Miri saw, lifting her chin up gently. '' No Miranda I'm not with anybody.'' Holding her blue eyes warmly and honestly.
''You're not?''
Andy began unsnapping her locket, opening it. ''Jude you'll have to trust me on and as for this person, yes I do love her very much. More than anything.'' Miranda saw her again, she was very beautiful. Now Andréa had freely just told her she loved her. Those words broke her heart in half.
''Because she's my mother.'' Miranda felt like a blinkered idiot. Wonderful she'd been inexplicitly jealous and envious of Andréa's mother.
''There is someone.'' Andy smiled at Miranda. ''Who I want to be involved with, more than anything who I made the mistake of turning them down when they wanted to go to bed with me. I thought she was happily married and I'd be a toy or a whim to fuck.'' Nigel. Miranda knew it. Nigel had told Andrea everything.
''You'd never be that to me.'' Miranda declared.
''I wouldn't?'' Andy's eyes crinkled at her.
''No. Because I want you to be so much more Andrea to me.''
Then Andy kissed her. Arching into it, Andy began a grazing of lips, teasing Miranda with a slow brushing of her mouth. Nipped her lower lip lightly as Miranda smiled into their languid kiss her eyes warmed delighted as she breathed in Andréa's minty scent, lifted up against the counter and Andréa's limber body. Ran her fingers delicately through thick chestnut tresses grasped closer to her, moaning against Andy's moist mouth and probing tongue. Long fingers butterflying down Miranda's spine and up her t-shirt.
Emily's snoring like a bulldog with a sinus problem broke them apart as Miranda lightly laughed tilting her face into the crook of Andy's neck.
Whispering to Andy. ''Why didn't we do this before when you worked for me?'' Andy swept Miranda closer to her. ''Because I was terrified to, paralyzed with fear imagine what you would have done to me if I laid off and kissed you senseless handing you your morning coffee. Dragon Lady. I prefer Tiger lady.''
Teased Andy. '' Hmm kissing me breathless over morning coffee, I might have reacted quite surprised by being so bold if you had. Tame me now Andréa.''
Andy was trying to let go of Miranda to slip off her sling and struggled with her shirt buttons without losing momentum and careening her in the dark to a bed.
With a low ''oomph'' made it to bed, sinking into a soft mattress together.
''I've only been with David and that's been a long time ago.'' Andy smirked was Miranda's distemper pent up sexual tension.
Long pianist fingers began unbuttoning her shirt to a sports bra, removing that, Andy bit her lip suppressing a smile, her impromptu slow stripping had made Miranda's captured blue eyes widen. '' I think you're a bit overdressed Ms Priestly.'' Lifting the t-shirt over Miri's head.
Drawing her fingertips over Miri's pert nipples Andy began to take one pink bud into her warm mouth. Miranda's own mouth bent, kissing Andy's hair as she arched more into her.
Slowly unbuckling her belt, eased off her jeans, Andy kicked off her boots, peeling down Miranda's lacy Agent Provocateur knickers, a Margot thong as she pulled them down and off ivory skin, caressed Miri's bottom to her hand.
The alarm went off, Andy let out a frustrated groan through clenched teeth. In bed with Miranda and almost together. Wanted her now. Damn. Where was her Glock she'd shoot the clock.
Miranda had asked Nigel to put an alarm on for 6:00am so they'd each have time to prepare for Fashion Week. Nigel only had one bathroom.
Heard Nigel's unwelcomed cheerful voice of '' Breakfast.'' Both heard Emily tell Nigel. ''To bugger off.'' Miranda looked apologetic and equally frustrated, given a teasing playful kiss to Andy's pouting lips. ''This is for that.''
Given one more, deeper kiss. ''This is for you to look forward to later'' as she left Andy lying in the bed wrapping herself in one of Nigel's robes.
If Nigel or Emily noticed anything between them they both didn't say a word of it.
NY Fashion Week Day 1
Miranda was already on edge from what was inflicted on Beatrice at her home, now discovered in her silver town car was left an item that Roy had no idea where it came from and who left it. Assured Andy he hadn't seen anyone.
It was creepy and unnerving The Ice Queen, left for Miranda, like the couturier's of old, a doll resembling a miniature version of Miranda perfectly with a small spindle. Words on an ivory card. ''Soon.''
Cutter's decisions for Miranda's security were driving Andy Sachs nuts. His lack of brains baffled her. Not vetting everyone attending each event or searching them individually by uniforms or have each shows security do so. Decided not to alarm attendees, Andy couldn't believe it, after what happened to Beatrice last night. Cutter wanted it hushed up.
Moving closer to Miranda's side at this event which was the first on a long itinerary of many events today. Rizzoli and Dr Isles were just as perplexed at Cutter's lack of perimeter planning.
Maura hated crude swearing of any form but declared to an amused but agreeing Jane who gave her a small smile through her phone. ''Detective Cutter is an unmitigated ass.'' Jane listened to Maura's no nonsense tone, she'd been working all night on lab results for Andy. Maura felt Codis was personally letting her down.
''Maur call me when you have something for me.''
''Will do Jane.''
The show was beginning of a new designer who was very controversial, VIP front row seats labelled for Miranda who sat down flanked by Nigel and Emily and her new assistant who Andy had suggested rather than a temp sent by HR. It was someone Andy trusted explicitly.
Andy called her early this morning after presenting Miranda with an idea over breakfast.
Dom's little sister Aitana was overjoyed although both she and Andy noticed Miranda's aloof face when Aitana hugged and kissed Andy in warm greeting this morning.
Haughtily rigid at their display together, Andy had attended so many family gatherings Aitana was like her little sibling. Andy had seen Aitana blossom from her Quinceañera to her high school graduation. Andy was proud of her.
Teased lightly. ''Dt. Sachs your dress sense…am I ever going to get you out of these garments you call clothes.'' Plucking at Andy's blazer. Aitana would fit right in at Runway, already turning her nose up at Andy's lacking attire.
''There's so many designers out there waiting for you Andy.''
Andy snorted. ''Why cramp my style it'd be a law against nature. Tana.''
''Andréa. Manners introduce me.''
''This is Miranda Priestly.''
Aitana sobered at her new by twenty minutes ago boss. The legendary silver haired Editor of Runway appraised her up and down, dressed stylishly, taking out her notebook in her bag. Aitana had a Miranda Priestly survival kit. Copious notes on what Miranda likes and doesn't.
Miranda saw Andréa had briefed her. Hiding her amusement from both.
''Hello Ms Priestly…Miranda it's an honour. I'm Aitana Cardoni. Thank you for this opportunity you have no idea how grateful I am.''
Andy privately wondered if she was that young and bubbly once if ever.
Miranda broke the ice with Aitana. '' Tell me more about Dt Sachs and yourself.''
''Andy's the best. My big brother was once her partner.'' Miranda stilled her step. Partner.
'' Yeah I've saved Andy Sachs ungrateful lazy skinny…'' Dom's rich smooth voice interrupted, he was very good looking, greeting the party. Andy had a feeling he was here to look out for Aitana.
''Dingo is a funeral missing a Hugo Boss suit.'' Lightly teased by Andy. ''What are you doing here?'' Domingo smiled. ''Newly assigned no more Narc work. Homicide for me now. Even if I answer to Cutter.''
Andy introduced Dom to everyone, Miranda was frosty to him. Andréa's once partner was gorgeous.
Stepped inside the tent, Andy was pulled aside by Dom. '' So Andy that's your Oh Miranda.'' Andy gave him a look not one word and a warning tone of... ''Dingo.''
Dom smiled in response. ''Perpetual chastity doesn't suit you Andy. Go after her.''
Andy hid a small smile, working on that Dingo. Maybe tonight she could persuade Miranda out to dinner or let her cook for her at her place and Andy would sculpture her. Shelving those distractions she had a job to do keeping Miranda safe.
A well-known rapper with a song that had just been released on ITunes simultaneously began the show, on the long catwalk as two 6ft tall supermodels began walking confidently sashaying with music blasting. Camera's clicking the preview collection.
That's when it began.
Protester in strange obscuring vinyl clear masks and black balaclavas rushed in from all directions, most holding something circular in their hands, rounded projectiles which they threw onto a few models and at the audience, bursting all over them it was fake blood, pelting the rows with it.
One threw a smoke bomb as others began hazing the crowd who began to panic in the attack.
Andy grabbed Miranda's arm hard, brought close to her. Miranda's blue eyes were watering from the smoke, felt Andréa's body shielding her.
Getting out of control, pushing through bodies to the exit, jostled Andy's grip loosened as one masked protester tried to strike her, elbowing him with full impact into his nose, Andy broke it, turned to Miranda next to her. Andy couldn't find her.
Where was she? Had been right beside her, scanning the crowd and hazy smoke Andy saw the back of silvery hair in the throngs.
Yelling out. ''Miranda.'' Coughing and eyes burning from smoke, trying to reach her.
The Artist sliced that newly assigned Detective's aorta with one jagged swipe, Cutter had dared to lay a finger on him. Demanding his id. The Artist smiled reaching into his pocket. ''It's here somewhere officer.'' Gripping the box cutter he drew it across Cutter's throat.
The Artist suffered from Haphephobia. Touching was an action he couldn't tolerate and feared, it was like it burned him, for Miranda he'd make an exception. Taking Cutter's police badge, he liked souvenirs of his kills.
The Artist had paid the small group of anarchists to cause chaos, as that began he saw his chance. Approaching Miranda, who was finally alone, grabbing her by the arm. Felt a quickening inside himself she was his to take and keep.
Heard her name called.
Miranda was about to cry out, covering her mouth with his palm. Holding a box cutter to her throat, pressing the sharp ridges to her ivory skin, no he would never mar such perfection but she had to understand he owned her, meeting her fearful blue eyes. ''Hello again Miranda.'' Smiling disconcertingly at her.