Over dinner the two detectives spent an hour discussing the case and comparing notes. Both impressed at each other's due diligence in their approaches. While their styles of policing were different in many ways, they both were extremely committed to good police work and catching the killer.

"I can't help but think about the families of the victims, that part never gets easy," Sam said.

Stella nodded, with a mouth full of penne pasta. She was starving and table manners at the moment had been put on hold due to her growling stomach.

Changing the subject from case particulars, "Tell me Sam, how is it that you don't enjoy a good bevy after a long day?" Stella, reading the puzzled look on Sam's face, clarified, "An alcoholic beverage." Pointing to the garnet colored liquid in the tall stemmed wine glass she had just taken a sip of.

He responded with a small sigh, "Now that's a story."

Sam placed his elbows on the table and leaned forward, gently resting one hand over the other and Stella smiled at him. She felt like she'd been doing that often around Sam; smiling, and she didn't seem to mind.

"I'm all ears," Stella said.

She crossed her legs and leaned back against her chair intent on providing Sam her full attention. He didn't say a word, instead he reached into his pants pocket and pulled out a bronze coin placing it on the table. Stella looked at the coin, then shifted her eyes back at Sam, then back at the coin.

Picking it up, she read the inscription out loud, "Unity, Service, Recovery. To thine own self be true ."

She turned it over and with her thumb, brushed against the raised number in the center of the coin.

"Ten years Sam, that's quite an accomplishment."

Reaching across the table, Stella placed the coin in his hand. He opened his palm to receive it then slid the coin back into his pocket. There was a moment of silence shared between the two- both knowing full well the sacrificial lambs their line of work generated.

"I hurt a lot of people Stella. I'm not sure it's an accomplishment." Mimicking Stella's posture and leaning back into his chair with a far off look cemented on his face.

"It is," Stella said, crossing her arms at her waist, "because you aren't there anymore. You are here. And alive, and probably paying penance every day for your mistakes."

"You sound like someone speaking from experience."

"I have my own regrets Sam, only I don't have a coin to carry around and remind me. I just have my dreams."

Taking another sip of her wine, "I keep a dream journal."

Feeling a bit exposed at her candor, her cheeks slightly reddened, "Sounds silly I know."

"Not at all, actually."

Sam continued, "A good friend of mine told me once he believed dreams were answers to questions we hadn't yet figured out how to ask."

"Hmm, sounds like an interesting friend."

"Yeah, great guy and was a great FBI agent too."

"Was? " Stella said with a bemused look on her face.

"He left the bureau and moved to the mountains of Virginia with the love of his life- his soulmate- if you will."

Stella smiled softly, lifting an eyebrow, perplexed at Sam's choice of words. Sam chuckled, reading Stella's skepticism plastered across her face. Shrugging his shoulders at her expression, he continued, "I'm not a hopeless romantic, but these two, if ever there were two people made for each other, it would be them. They worked so well together."

Stella interrupted, "They were partners then?"

"Oh yeah, did I not mention that? They were FBI partners before they fell in love. Anyway, she's a great woman- he's lucky- they both are lucky actually."

Sam took a drink of water, "I've never met two people so in tune with each other."

"Whoa, they almost seem larger than life."

Sam huffed a small laugh and nodded at Stella's perception, "I coincidently emailed him about the case, he was a profiler and he's been a great help."

"Well then, maybe he should come out and give us a hand."

"Oh no, they have a family now, both of their kids are miracle babies, she was told she'd never have kids, and two really cute kids later they have their hands full."

Stella, fascinated at the story, "It all sounds too good to be true."

"Actually, they had it pretty rough for a while, but that's an even longer story. All that matters is they worked it out and are together now."

"It's a bit melodramatic, the love of his life bit. Happy endings, and all that. I'm not sure any of it really exists."

Taking another drink of her wine then continuing, "I think I've seen too much evil in this world to believe in happily ever after."

Sam nodded in agreement, but contradicted her words, "Oh I don't know, I'd like to think there is hope out there for people like us. My friend and his wife, she's his wife now by the way, certainly give me hope."

Stella smiled and nodded. She didn't agree, but entertained Sam's leap toward happiness. Taking her last bite, she put her fork and knife in an x in the middle of her empty plate- wiping her mouth with the cloth napkin that was resting in her lap until now- she placed it over the plate.

Sam, still eating, watched Stella perform the after dinner ritual.

"So Sam, what's on the agenda for tomorrow? I'd like to start early, say seven in the morning?"

Sam took his last bite and chased it down with a swig of water. "Sounds good. I can be here by seven. How do you take your coffee?"

"black."

The server walked up and started clearing their table, "Any dessert," eyeing Sam first then turning to Stella, "Another glass of wine ma'am?"

Stella shook her head, "No thank you."

Sam echoed her response, "No dessert, thank you."

The server nodded and finished cleaning the table and when the young woman had left, Sam placed a twenty dollar bill on the table. It was the least he could do considering they just had a delicious meal for free.

Both detectives stood up and Sam gestured for Stella to lead the way and as she passed by him he gently brushed his hand at the small of her back, slightly lagging behind her.

As they walked out of the restaurant and into the hotel lobby, Stella turned to face Sam and extended her hand, prompting him for a handshake.

"Good night Sam, I will see you in the morning. I had a pleasant evening."

Sam met her hand with his, "Ditto. And see you tomorrow DS Gibson."

For a brief moment, they both stood in the quiet hotel lobby shaking hands slowly.

Stella released her hand from Sam's grip then turned around walking toward the elevators leaving Sam by himself. But before Sam could turn around to leave, Stella stopped in her tracks and pivoted on her heels facing him again.

flashing him a coy smile, she reminded him of the importance of punctuality.

"Oh, and yank, don't be late."

Before he could respond Stella turned back around, finishing her walk toward the elevators. Pressing the up button, the doors opened instantly.

Sam chuckled to himself as he watched Stella step into the lobby elevator. She turned around to face the doors, and they briefly held each other's gaze before the doors closed, breaking their visual connection as it did so.

Sam walked out of the hotel and under his breath he answered Stella's directive, "Oh, I wouldn't dream of it."

Once inside, Stella let out a small sigh and leaned against the mirrored back wall of the elevator. She knew the road ahead would be difficult but she was more comfortable at the notion of having a partner now that she knew more about him. There was a sincerity and frankness she found enduring in Sam; that and the fact she perceived him incredibly sexy- so much that if it were different circumstances- he would be riding up with her in the elevator tonight. Alas, history didn't need to repeat itself and besides something told her to approach the situation differently although she hadn't quit figured that out yet.

Stella kicked off her shoes and untucked her shirt as soon as she walked into her hotel room. She turned the light on, and noticed a large white clothing box on the bed with a card attached to the top of the box. Stella opened the card and read it out loud to herself.

Ms. Gibson,

Thank you for choosing the Checkers Hotel for your stay. I was able to call in a few favors and get you some items for the remainder of this week. The hotel will provide you with a clothing service during your stay with us. I have started you with a ten day supply, please let me know if any of the pieces are not to your liking and I will switch them out. Leave your unwanted and/or worn items in the bag provided and we will pick them up and replace the pieces each Sunday with new pieces. If you have any special requests feel free to call me.

Have a pleasant evening,

Mr. Browning

Concierge

Hotel Checkers

So far, Stella was pleasantly surprised at the service she had received at the hotel, of course it helped that Sam knew the hotel manager well, she had suspected his relationship with Phil was a primary reason for her royal treatment.

She opened the box and there were several intimate items wrapped in tissue paper. She unwrapped the pieces. She could tell they were high quality items and she unpacked each one placing them in the hotel room dresser drawer. Several pairs of nude bras and panties, One black set, socks and camisoles and a couple satin pajama sets completed her newly provided clothing options.

She made her way to the closet and slid open the door. She thumbed through the pieces, several well tailored suits, some dress shirts, and a couple casual pieces.

Stella yawned as made her way into the bathroom to wash away her day, suddenly aware of how tired she was.

Once showered, she changed into one of the pajama sets and sat on the bed. She had anticipated she would be ready to work when she came back to the room but as she opened up her laptop, rummaging through her files and checking her emails, jet lag and expended adrenaline from her day got the best of her.

Stella decided to go to bed, making sure her dream journal was on the nightstand next to her, she drifted off to sleep.

Sam pulled up to the hotel at 6:45 am with two to-go cups of coffee in his hand. He reached the hotel lobby scanning for Stella. He made the deduction that she hadn't made it down to the lobby yet. He made his way toward the lounge area and took a seat on the couch, facing the elevator, waiting patiently for her arrival. Within minutes, the elevator doors opened and out walked Stella. She was wearing a pair of long black pants and a light pink blouse and a black tweed blazer.

Stella approached Sam and he handed her one of the cups of coffee.

"Nice outfit," he said.

"What, this old thing?" she jokingly questioned, "Actually a wardrobe fairy appeared while we were at dinner and left me several glorious outfits."

"Hmm," Sam responded. Actually, not only had he noticed her outfit, he noticed a lot about her and the fact she looked strikingly beautiful; but he quickly shoved his thoughts to the back of his head. He certainly didn't intend on sharing them with Stella.

"I am a wee bit suspicious your friend Phil might have had something to do with it," Stella continued, secretly noticing how dashing Sam looked this morning.

As they started their walk through the lobby toward the hotel doors- Sam, took a sip of his coffee. He suddenly stopped and winced at the dark liquid and pointed to the cup he just handed Stella, "Careful, this morning's pour is exceedingly hot."

Stella concerned at his reaction, "Are you alright Sam, did it burn your mouth?"

"Yeah, but it's okay, I can handle it. I'm not that big of a baby." He said with a chuckle.

Stella returned a smile, "Oh I'm sure you're not."

They both continued their trek out of the hotel and as they made their way past the hotel desk, Sam waved at the front desk attendant. He turned to Stella and made it a point to let her walk through the double hotel doors first.

Stella smiled at his gesture, quickly switching to detective mode, "Let's get a move on then, shall we."

Angeles National Forest

The dirt road was winding and the tall trees provided ample shade as he drove toward his destination- almost blocking out the sunlight completely. He liked it that way, the defused light provided cover but enough that he could see what he was doing. His father, if that's what he would call the man, always used the woods for nefarious things, it was only fitting he did the same.

Nothing good ever happened in the woods.

That's what he was doing, up to no good. He didn't understand why they were so trusting, his victims. Why did they trust anyone in the woods, didn't they know that bad people were out there.

Things in Europe were getting claustrophobic. He needed to leave so he came back home to California. He told himself he wouldn't return; but the forest called him back. He knew these woods, it would be easy to continue hunting here.

He pulled up to the deserted log cabin. It had been in his family for years. What a fucking mess, he thought and anger welled up from within. His mother, god rest her soul, was a complete disaster of a person and an even worse mother. She was never right in the head to give a shit about him or his brothers, let alone a home. Eventually she left, they all ended up leaving. Mother. Father. Brothers. Until it was just him.

He would have to collect firewood for the night and settle in before he could go on a hunt. But he was always thinking about the hunt. It was always in the back of his mind and it never left but for a moment when he killed, then his desire for more would take over.

Never satisfied. He would go out tomorrow evening and scope out his prey.

"Impressive," Sam said from behind Stella as the target moved forward for their review. She had shot almost a perfect score: 30 rounds at 10 points each for inside mass and 8 points each for outside mass.

Stella handed Sam the Target and he tallied up the points. He removed one ear muff from his ear and Stella followed suit, "296, almost perfect. I'd say you past."

"I am a bit rusty," she said as she unloaded the gun, clearing it and showing Sam the empty magazine.

Sam chuckled, "Hey, if I was a betting man, my money is on you Gibson. No need convincing me."

Stella smirked at his reply, and with a slight edge in her voice, "Your turn Sam. Only fair."

He wasn't one to not take a challenge, "Okay, I see where this is going. Care to wager, Gibson?"

"Now your on, What's the bet?" Stella said, taking her gun and setting it down on the small ledge within the booth.

"Well considering our dinners are paid for, and I don't drink, how about Lunch?"

"Deal. God we sound dull. After this is all over, we might need to do a proper celebration." She said, smiling at Sam. Intrigued at what might be a proper celebration, Sam filed it away in his catalogue of 'Gibsonisms' he was storing as he watched his new partner reposition her ear muffs over her ears. He liked her, and he got the feeling she liked him.

Stella stepped out of the shooting bay and switched places with Sam. He pressed the button and another paper target appeared within the shooting alley. Sam took his stance and fired 30 rounds. Stella watched from behind, she new it would be close. And didn't particularly want to lose, but she had enjoyed watching him, and she was awfully close to betraying her rational side. She didn't know how much longer she could restrain herself around him.

Sam pressed the button and the target moved forward, he grabbed the paper target from the clamp and started to count up the bullet holes. Removing one ear muff again, he spoke with a tone of disbelief, "You're not going to believe this Stella."

"Let me guess, tied?" She said with a smirk on her face. taking her ear muffs completely off.

"How'd you know?"

"Eh, lucky guess."

"So I assume we'll have to do a rematch?" Sam said placing the target on the bench then clearing the gun and showing Stella the empty magazine.

"Sounds like we do."

She laughed and Sam joined in. He grabbed the targets and followed her out of the range. Pushing the door open for her and moving to the side so she could again lead the way.

"Lets get that handgun issued and then we can head over to the lab- I want to go over some evidence we found at the crime scene."