Hello again! Thank you once again for the kind words of encouragement for the story and now my pregnancy lol. Much love to you all , you don't know how much it means to me.

A new week a new drama filled episode. I'm debating if I want to finish this story and do a sequel with the next case or just continue here, what do we think? Let me know, thank you again for reading

Late night, and passing, mention it flipped her Best friend, who knows saying maybe it slipped But the slip turns to terror and a crush to light When she walked in, he froze up, believe its the fright.

Its cute in a way, till you cannot speak And you leave to have a cigarette, your knees get weak

It's only just a crush, it'll go away

It's just like all the others it'll go away

Or maybe this is danger and he just don't know

You pray it all away but it continues to grow

Tear you apart by she wants revenge

"Sadly for your friend, that leaves the rather unfortunate option of what I think this case is concerning…"Gillian looked from Perry to Cal's watchful eyes. With a deep inhale, she continued.

"Another suicide case, Cal?" she asked, furrowing her brows together and waiting for him to answer.

"How'd you know?" Perry quickly asked with curiosity.

"Lucky guess." She answered him, not breaking eye contact with Cal.

Cal reached his body forward on the table, placing his elbow on the table, and rested his chin on the palm of his hand.

"In all fairness, darling, I didn't search this one out. Perry brought it to me. We had a discussion, and I haven't even agreed to take the case….Not before I could talk to my partner and all." He placed his other arm across the table, pointing his open hand at her.

"You don't need my permission to take on cases, Cal; bring Torres on, I'm sure-"

"Need you on it." He interrupted quickly and firmly, receiving a frustrated huff from Gillian.

Need her? Not necessarily; Torres would do a fine job. Want her? Always.

"A man is dead, Fosta. And I think this case might benefit from having a shrink around." He added matter of factly.

That sounded like a pretty reasonable reason, if I don't say so myself. She is far better with people then myself or anyone here ever could be.

Exhaling again in frustration, Gillian closed her eyes. Turning her head to Perry, she Opened her eyes to look at the large man sitting before her.

"What's the case?" she asked leaning back in her chair as she waited for his response.

Perry took hold of his glass of wine and took a large sip before speaking.

"My old friend Malcolm's father recently died…His father owned several rather high-end hotels across Europe. I met Malcolm when we were kids. At that time, his dad owned a rundown hotel in the city I grew up in. Malcolm's family was fixing up the hotel, trying to make it something …grand…much like the hotels he would later form. I hated being at home, so I would go out exploring the city. I snuck into the hotel to see what they were doing with the place one day and met Malcolm….We have been friends ever since." He gave a soft smile to Gillain, and she gave him a kind, assuring smile. He looked over at Cal, who gave him an unamused look, waiting for him to finish.

"Anyway… his father built quite the empire over the years. Then all of a sudden, his father, who we have never known to be depressed, suicidal or anything of the sorts…kills himself. No suicide note, no failed attempts over the years. Nothing…He just shoots himself." Perry's eyes brimmed with unshed tears. Clearing his throat, Elizabeth reached over and rubbed his back softly. Giving him an assuring little smile.

"Per his father's will, or rather, what his father told him would be in the will, Malcolm was to inherit the company. But of course, where there is money, there is drama—hateful employees, a new stepmother—you get it. They are preparing for the reading of the will. Malcolm is not concerned with the context of said will. But with the matter as to why his father is dead to begin with. He called me a few days ago, and I informed him of your company. How thankful I was to finally have answers. After we talked, he asked me to discuss his potential case with you and see if you would be willing to take it on."

"I'm sorry for your loss, Perry." Gillian gave a soft nod as he quickly shook his head, giving her a questioning look and smile as he asked.

"After everything, I just said… you are sorry for my loss? Not asking how much will Malcolm be paying? When he needs your services by?...your first though is… you are sorry for my loss?" His brows netted together in curiosity, smiling widely as he looked down at her.

"Shrinks, am I right?" Cal remarked flippantly, sitting back dramatically in his chair. Receiving a look of annoyance from Gillian.

You doing an excellent job at apologizing to her for your assness. You bloody wanker. She is going to want to tear you a fucking part if you keep this up.

"You seemed to care a great deal about his father when you spoke of him. You showed great affection and admiration." She affirmed before continuing.

"You did have some rather good questions just now, I might add."She nodded as he grabbed his phone from his pocket.

"Malcom texted me something for you and Doctor Lightman. Il read it now: Tell the Lightmans; eh, my apologies, I think he assumed you are or where married based on the company name….Even though I told him that was not the case, you two are most definitely not-"

"On with it, Pera!" Cal interrupted in utter frustration, both at his ramblings and his implications.

"Apologies I was reading: tell the Lightmans to name their price. The will reading is in a few months. Because of the sheer amount of my father's fortune, the lawyers need amicable time to get everything prepared. My father also gave specific instructions that everyone must be present in person for the reading and that takes time to assemble everyone. I'm hoping with this much time as a lead, you can do your background research on all listed beneficents in preparation. Then you join me for the reading at my father's home in London. I have no doubt whoever is responsible for my father's death will be present." Perry stopped reading and closed his phone screen. Looking between the two partners he asked.

"So what do we think, docs? I can pass on his information to you if you are interested. If not, I can let him know-"

"You didn't say this was in London, mate; he expects us to get up and leave the country for a case?...That's going to be an additional charge mate." Cal interrupted, folding his hands across his chest.

"This is not the first time you have left the country for a case, Cal…There are far more potential issues with all of this." Gillians' voice softened at the end of her sentence as she looked down deep in thought.

"Nothing we can't handle, luv. We could make an even bigger name for ourselves on an international level; think of all the opportunities that could give the company. We are also not in a spot to turn down business."

"We are finally turning a profit, so yes, we are in a place where we can be more selective…. We need to think before we just say yes. We don't know how long we would need to be in London. That would also leave the company without either of its bosses for an undetermined duration, which could be problematic….On top of that is the subject matter of this case…we don't even know if this is a legitimate case."

"First of all, you are the one that says to let Loker and Torres take the reign on more cases." He pointed his finger at her.

"Cases yes… not the entire company." she shot back quickly, her voice raising above its normal calm level.

"Second of all, I think this is a legitimate case," he countered, continuing to point his finger at her.

"Of course you do," she interrupted, shaking her head in annoyance.

"Either the man didn't commit suicide and was murdered…. or he did; either way, we can give this Malc'm lad some much-needed answers. Ontop of making the company even more profitable this year." Cal's voice escalated, watching her face, he could see the frustration ever present on her features. He watched as her chest rose and fell in deep breaths.

Stifled laughter caught his and Gillians' attention as they both looked at Elizabeth. A look of amusement was present on her face as she took a sip of her wine.

"Well, this is unexpected; here I thought tonight was going to be a rather calm affair…. Sign some papers, eat a little, drink a little… but wow, such tension… You two should really just fu-"

"Elizabeth!" Perry snapped at his partner before she could finish her sentence.

"What?!I'm just saying…" Elizabeth shrugged her shoulders in fiendish innocence.

Gillian huffed in annoyance and disbelief, shaking her head as she reached forward to take a sip of her wine.

Cal watched her actions follow suit, reaching forward as he sipped his own.

Perry stood up from the table, brushing his hair back, reaching his hand into his pocket, and pulling out his cigarettes.

"If you will excuse me for a moment," Pulling one out and turning to look at Elizabeth, he pointed the unlit smoke at her.

"Play. Nice." He said sternly, receiving a smug grin from his partner.

"I always do." She placed her hand on her chest with fake sincerity. Perry rolled his eyes and looked back at Cal and Gillian. Gillian stared deeply into her wine glass as Cal looked at her.

"Gillian… Would you like to join?" He held the cigarette out, offering it to her. Gillian looked at the cigarette, then at the man, before biting her lower lip softly and shaking her head.

"Im good…" She said with unease.

"That you are." He grinned widely at her, and Gillian bit both her lips back and looked down shyly.

Cal watched as Perry turned and left the conference room.

"interestin that was…Did you smoke with him?" Cal blurted it out in accusation. Staring at her with wide eyes full of disbelief and jealousy.

Elizabeth opened her mouth wide in amusement and shock.

"Here, I thought you were a good girl." Elizabeth coyly remarked, licking her lips and smiling at Gillian.

"I… had a couple drags drag off of his cigarette at the party in New York." Gillian held her palm out in a defensive nature.

"Had a couple drags, did ya now?" His tone cut through the air, biting and ugly. Receiving a shake of the head and an eye roll from Gillian.

What happened at the party that made her want to smoke? If it was after that horrific bloody dinner, I wouldn't blame her, but it wasn't. It was after the party?

"Now, I've only seen you pick up one of those buggies on two occasions in the past, darling. The first time was when you were still working at the Pentagon and one of your patients died... And the other was after you and Alec got into a rather large fight on the phone when we were working a case in Delaware…Which means you only do it when you're incredibly upset or incredibly pissed….So which was it that night, huh, luv?" He questioned her, searching her face.

"Or… I'm an adult; I allow myself one a year. I choice that night as my one this year…And your, dare I say… fathering me." Putting much inflection on the word "fathering." She waited for his reaction, knowing exactly what she was doing by saying those words.

Damn it, points to her on that; that was a good one. How many times have I told her she's mothering? Only took her this many years to fight fire with fire. Cant say I rather like the taste of my own medicine.

"Ohhhh," Elizabeth sounded off, leaning forward in her chair. A large grin spread across her face as she looked at Gillian and then at him.

"Nuff out of you." He snapped his fingers at Elizabeth, his anger at her going undeterred as she chuckled at his actions.

"I gotta say, I'm going to miss the free entertainment." She smiled coyly, taking a sip of her wine. Cal raised his finger in annoyance, about to speak, before she continued. "Not that we won't be seeing you two again... just in a different capacity…. Perry has already been looking at homes here in town, after all." She smiled wider, looking at only Cal, raising an eyebrow in challenge.

"He's what?" Gillian asked, looking from Cal to her in surprise.

"I wasn't going to say anything until it became official." Perry opened the door as the group looked up at him. Clasping his hands together, he grinned, adding.

"But yes, I have been looking at homes here… I actually just got off the phone with Mrs. Landau while I was outside; she just finished signing for my new purchase." He pulled his chair out and sat down, smiling happily as he reached forward to drink his wine.

That son of a bitch was 'just looking' this morning, and now he's already bought a new bloody home? I'm never getten rid of this wanker.

Cal balled his hand under the table as his other reached forward, grabbing his wine glass. Holding it in the air in a show of fake cheers for Perry, going unnoticed by the other man.

"Congratulations mate." Cal said as Perry raised his glass along with him, both taking a drink. "Who doesn't want to be in a city full of lying politicians and corrupt public officials?"

"It has its charm, Docta, but it is still quitter than what I am used to." Chuckling to himself.

"I feel my creativity coming back the further I am away from New York. I was going through a bit of a creative dry spell, I think." He smirked, taking another sip from his glass. "And of course the city has other reasons for me wanting to stay." Perry's eyes cut quickly to Gillian, then back at him.

Cal watched the quick interaction balling his fist even tighter in anger.

"And nothing's worse than a dry spell, am I right?" Elizabeth said with a wide grin, putting her elbows on the table and leaning forward to look at Cal. "That does have me thinking: where is Mrs. Landau? I thought she would be here…If not for Perry…then for you." She kept her eyes on him, unwavering, challenging him.

Cal inhaled, trying to cool his temper before speaking, but before words could be formed, Gillian spoke.

"Oh, she was here earlier." She said looking at Elizabeth, then away.

Elizabeth arched a brow and looked at her intently.

"Well, that's interesting. She didn't want to stay, then, huh? Got what she came here for maybe?" She looked from Gillian back to Cal with a smirk, giving him a knowing look.

"Liz," Perry said with a warning tone.

"I should really get all of this processed before morning." Gillian deflected from the current conversation, gathering the documents off the table.

"Gillian, it's ten thirty at night; I'm sure it can wait." Perry chuckled softly to him.

Cal watched the uneasiness on Gillian's features with Elizabeth's question.

It's not that she wants to process the bloody papers; she wants to get the fuck out of this room. Away from me and away from Elizabeth's bloody awful prodding I can't blame her for the later. I can't blame her for not wanting to be around me either, come to think of it. Not after what happened earlier.

"Telling her to put something off for another day is like telling a mantis not to kill its partner after mating." He said, looking between Perry and Gillian, receiving another look of annoyance from his partner.

"Did he just compare you to a violent insect?" Elizabeth quipped laughing as she looked at Gillian.

"Yes he did and with that lovely comparisons, I will be leaving." She stood, holding the documents at her side and holding her hand out to Perry as he stood quickly.

"Pleasure doing business with you Mr. Lavigne." Shaking his hand firmly, he smiled in return. Elizabeth stood and walked quickly to Perry's side, taking Gillian's hand next.

"Doctor Foster, the pleasure has been ours; if only you'd bless me… with even more pleasure." Elizabeth winked as Gillian laughed to herself and shook her head.

"Have a good night." She smiled warmly to the partners, and looking over at Cal, he noticed her smile falter slightly at the sight of him. With a curt nod, she left the conference room.

Cal and Perry both kept their eyes on the door that she walked out of.

"Female mantises only kill after mating if they haven't eaten." Elizabeth's voice broke the men's trance.

With a complete loss for words, Cal stared at Elizabeth in disbelief at her statement.

Who the fuck knows that fact? Wo would say that fact? Who would compare there business partner and best friend to a killer insect…you bloody moron.

"We…. should probably start cleaning up and heading out ourselves; I have a new home to go to after all." Perry brought his hands together with a grin.

"there's certainly going to be a lot of left-overs…you can stock up your fridge at your new home." Unable to keep the bitterness from his voice at the mention of the words "new home." Cal reached forward, drinking the last remnants of wine.

Cal walked Perry and Elizabeth to the elevator; the Lightman group's fridge was stocked to the brim with untouched food. Perry and Elizabeth's arms were full of bags as well to take home to Perry's new home.

After saying his goodbyes, Cal walked down the hallway. Looking at his watch, he checked the time, eleven p.m.

He continued walking until he saw the light in Gillian's office.

We haven't kept hours like this since we created this place. I miss those days, when we were just together night after night. I don't miss the fights coming home to Zoe after. Or the idea of Gillian leaving to go home to her husband, whom she was too good for. Times change, thank God. But I really messed it up today. Well, not entirely, Zoe messed it up for me. But who am I kidding you could have stopped her right away, and you didn't. You could have told Gillian the truth—that you hadn't bloody well talked to Zoe yet. Who am I playing? I messed up.

Knocking softly at her door, he walked in and watched as Gillian's eyes remained on the documents at her desk.

"You almost done, darling?" he asked, shoving his hands into his pockets and waiting for a response.

"I have some stuff I want to finish up first. You should go; I'll see you in the morning." She glanced up for only a second to look back down at the documents.

"It's rather late luv-"

"Im aware." She said flatly

"Then I shall wait here until you are finished."

"Cal." She finally looked at him longer then a micro second; he could see the hurt, frustration, anger, annoyance, and tiredness. All of it laid out on her features, open and unguarded.

She doesn't want you here; your staying is going to serve as more reason to piss her off. She needs time and space. And she needs it from you.

"I get it… You're still pissed. Rightfully so… I'm telling you nothing happened other than what I said. Not that it's right that any of that did happen… or the fact I did lie—"

"Cal, I just-"

"I get it. I'll leave you be….Let me know when you get home so I don't have to worry." A light smile edge its way on her face as she looked away from his gaze. The frustration and anger still ever present.

"Have a good night, luv." He gave a soft smile before turning and leaving her office. Looking back at his partner, she put her hand on her forehead and looked down at her desk.

Cal arrived home, looking at his watch as he walked in, he checked the time, eleven thirty. Sitting down on his couch, he pulled out his phone, checking to see if any text messages had come in yet. He had spent the entire drive home looking at his phone, waiting for anything from his partner.

Alright, so either she is still at the office or she left and didn't text because she is that pissed at me.

Grabbing his laptop, he opened the screen, doing his best to distract his mind by writing more of his book.

Checking the time and his phone for texts every few minutes. Looking at the clock again, it showed eleven fifty.

Just call her mate and see if she's still there. See if she's OK….She doesn't want to talk to you. Not after today. She just needs time away from you.

He hovered his hands over his keyboard to try and write more for the chapter he was working on when the bottom of his screen showed an alert. The security cameras for the Lightman group.

That's probably her leaving now… or someone is coming into the building. No one would be coming in, mate. You're overthinking it; she's a grown woman, for Christ's sake. Stop fathering her…. I could just check the camera feed.

Opening the tab on his computer for the security cameras, Cal played the video feed. His heart sank and his anger bubbled within him as he leaned forward to watch the live video feed…