AN: Thank you once again for the reviews, love to read them! I have been a bit busy this last week, so I still need to answer some questions. Sorry I did not get to you sooner. Hope you will enjoy the upcoming chapter. Would love to hear what you think!

Oh and one of our old friends is back for this chapter ;)

Disclaimer, these are not my characters, just playing with them. Also rated M for violence.

Chapter ten

Sharon wiped her mouth, with the washcloth lying on the corner of the sink. Her other hand already occupied, reaching for her toothbrush standing next to Andy's in the porcelain cup. She wanted to wash the sour taste in her mouth away. Not sure why she even attempted having breakfast. This stomach bug bothered her for weeks now, no matter what she ate, she ended up hovering over the toilet bowl.

Hopefully Andy hadn't heard her. He was worried enough already. She knew he really tried to give her space, but he had his limits as well. Andy already made it clear to her, that he wanted her to see a doctor. It probably was nothing. Not even a stomach bug, but stress related. She didn't have to go to a doctor and hear she was perfectly fine. That the cure was for her to relax. There was no such thing though. There wasn't an LAPD officer, who was able to relax, not while this killer was still using them as targets.

She didn't want anyone to believe, she couldn't handle this weight on her shoulders. Her father already was convinced she should stay home. Andy wanted her to decide for herself, but for how long would he think like that if this would affect her health?

A nervous smile formed on her lips, as she sees him standing behind her in the mirror. She hoped he wouldn't smell, she just threw up.

Andy allowed his fingertips to stroke her neck. It felt warm, clammy, like it always did after she threw up. He didn't want to smother her, but this was taking too long. This wasn't a simple stomach bug and he wanted a doctor to examine her. Turn her inside out, as long as they would find out what was wrong with her. She wasn't able to keep breakfast in her stomach and she wasn't herself lately.

He waited patient for her to spit out the last remnants of her tooth paste. His fingertips still brushing the skin of her neck. Waiting for her until she was finished.

Sharon could feel his lips on her skin, the touch warm and soft. She turned her head a bit, seeking more contact. Sharon loved the smoothness of his freshly shaved skin, always inhaling the scent of his aftershave. It spread a warm and fuzzy feeling inside of her. Feeling loved, safe, at home. Andy meant home to her. Jack never had. She had believed then that the feeling would grow. Now she knew it should feel right from the start.

Sharon exhaled while he wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her to his chest.

"Feeling better?"

Sharon knew he would notice, a faint smile was all she could give him.

Growing despair seeped in his voice. "Please go see a doctor."

"Andy…"

"I'm beginning to get really worried. This isn't a stomach bug, it's been going on for weeks now."

"It's probably stress."

That didn't necessarily reassure him. At least today they were off the streets. A day in court suddenly sounded a lot more appealing than it used to be. No one would target them today, other than the defense attorney from the prosecution. One day of not being this psycho's bulls eye.

"Andy, I will call the doctor during our lunch break, okay?"

Sharon knows how worried he is. It was all give and take in a relationship, she could at least do this for him. They all had to be on top of their game, while this killer was still on the loose. She didn't want Andy to be distracted, because he was worried about her. Sharon already watched him get shot once, she didn't want that to ever happen again. He'd been okay, but in the mean time she'd been so worried. The thought of losing him had paralyzed her. Andy was such a big part of her life, he owned her heart.

SISISISISISISISISISISISISISISISISISI

Their day in court meant they would have a little longer at home, but it didn't mean Andy could try out three different outfits.

"Andy, honey, we don't want to be late."

"I need to wear a tie, Sharon, these aren't right."

Sharon rolled her eyes, while looking in the mirror to fasten the clasp of her pearl necklace.

"Just take the blue one."

"You're not even looking, Sharon."

"Because I know what looks good on you."

Sharon was always right, especially when she sounded like that. He wrapped the tie around his neck and looked over at Sharon. Andy didn't recognize her outfit. Sharon had brought it over earlier this week, probably with the intention of wearing it today. It was a white dress, tight fitting, showing enough of her curves, but conservative on the cleavage. A thin navy blue belt, accentuated her small waist. Her matching blazer was still draped over his bed. Now she had closed her necklace, her hands pulled her hair together, twisting it, looking into the mirror whether it would be the correct style to wear with her outfit.

"Leave it down."

Sharon tuned towards him, her brows slightly wrinkled, her hands still wrapped in her hair.

"I like it better down."

Andy smiled as he walked towards her. His hands brief on hers, before she dropped them, allowing him the access he wanted. Sharon looked him in his eyes, while his hands arranged her hair over her shoulders. Andy fidgeted with the thick luscious locks. He loved the feel of her hair, so soft. The wavy texture of it . Andy liked how it shone in different shades of auburn, when the light fell upon it. Today it seemed even more shiny than usual, maybe she was using a new brand of shampoo. Andy bends in to her, his nose smelling her hair, while his lips sought out the skin right beneath her ear lobe. Her head dropped back a little, her eyes probably closed. Andy knew which buttons to touch.

Sharon closed her eyes, her breathing pattern hitching, as Andy's lips sucked gently on her pulse point. She could not allow him to continue like this, they would be too late for court. Although a hum escaped her throat, she placed her hands on his chest. Sharon felt his muscles tighten underneath her touch and that wasn't all. She knew exactly what she did to him and he to her, as the butterflies fluttered in the lower pit of her stomach. She would have to be the one with reason. The palms of her hands pushed on his chest.

"Andy, … Andy, honey, we'll be late, we'll go home early tonight, okay?"

"Sounds good to me."

His voice was lower, huskier, making her muscles tight and almost grab his jacket and pull him close to her. Tonight. There would be more than enough time for this and more.

SISISISISISISISISISISISISISISISISISISISISISISI

Sharon glanced up at Andy, as his hand slowly stroked the small of her back. Their eyes met in silence, smiling, while listening to Cohen and Zygerski bicker in front of them. Sometimes partners began to sound like an old married couple.

Cohen and Zygerski didn't even have to testify. This wasn't their bust. With this killer on the lose there was still the precaution that they went out in fours, even if it was only a day in court. Today was a bail hearing, so she wasn't even sure why they were called in. Normally they were only called to the stand during the trial. Sharon read the case file the evening before. It was a burglary gone wrong. The guy had been caught on scene. It was a done deal, it shouldn't be difficult for the DA to convince the judge to deny bail.

Andy frowned as he saw the man walk up to them. A bit gangling, brown curly hair, glasses. Andy raised his eyebrows though as the man sought out Sharon's attention by putting his hand on her shoulder blade.

"Hello Sharon."

"Daniel, hi…." Sharon smiled welcoming, leaning in for a kiss on the cheek. "It's been a while. Are you the DA on this case?"

"Yes."

Sharon felt Andy's presence, as he stepped closer towards her. "Oh sorry I don't believe you two have been introduced yet. Daniel Grove, this is Detective Andy Flynn." Sharon looked over her shoulder at Andy. "I know Daniel from law school."

"I still believe you would have made a terrific lawyer."

"I rather put the criminals away, Daniel. So why are we here?"

"I don't know to be honest, the Defense put you on the list."

"Oh."

"It could get ugly, Sharon."

Questioning she looked up at him.

"Jack's hired to do the defense."

She could imagine Jack simply calling her to the stand to play one of his games.

"Great."

Andy tensed, his hand touching her back, making circular motions.

Daniel raised his eyebrow at the intimacy. "Sharon will be called first. You'll be called in, once Jack's finished with her."

Andy knew those were the rules, but only grudging released contact.

"I'll be fine."

Andy gently squeezed her cheek, his thumb stroking her soft skin. Still too pale. He hoped she was up for Raydor after the rough morning she had.

Daniel waited for Sharon to follow him. "You're… close."

Sharon smiled. "Guess you haven't spoken to Gavin in a while either, he's all for spreading the latest gossip."

Daniel looked unbelieving. "Really? Detective Flynn? I've heard he's got quite the reputation."

Sharon looked serious at him. "I love him Daniel. A lot. Andy's good to me."

There was a quick nod exchanged between the two of them, before Daniel walked out to the front.

Jack was already there, turning around towards her, smiling. A shiver ran down her spine. She didn't like the games he was playing. Especially not when it meant a criminal would get out of jail.

Sharon sat down gracefully, after stating her name. She politely smiled at the judge, although she didn't know him. Then her eyes fixed onto Jack's , she wanted him to know she wasn't afraid to be challenged by him.

"Officer Elliot…."

"Detective, Mr. Raydor."

Their eyes locked for a moment, a tiny nod of Jack's head and a smile only she detected.

"Detective Elliot, you were one of the arresting officers?"

"Yes I was. We caught Mr. Fox on scene."

"My client was present. You saw 'we'?"

"My partner and I."

"Detective Flynn, right? Or was he promoted as well?"

Sharon smiled tight as she shook her head.

"And you arrested my client why?"

"Because he was on scene, holding a knife in his hand with the victim's blood on it."

"Did you see my client stab the victim?"

"No, but…"

"No was enough, miss Elliot."

Sharon bit her lower lip annoyed.

"Did my client confess?"

"Yes."

"After some persuasion from Detective Flynn."

"No."

"You wouldn't say excessive force was used, Miss Elliot?"

"No excessive force was used, Mr. Raydor." Sharon emphasized his name, beginning to sound annoyed.

"And you can be objective about that?"

"No force was used." Sharon's voice raised, but Jack cut her off.

"And you are in a sexual relationship with Detective Flynn."

Sharon's eyes hardened. She couldn't believe he just said this in open court.

"Aren't you Miss Elliot?"

Sharon felt like she was slapped in her face, she blamed herself for believing Jack would play fair.

"Would you please answer me, Miss Elliot?"

"You know I am."

"So that's a 'yes'?"

"Yes that is a 'yes' I don't know why that is relevant though."

"It is relevant, because my client says a confession was beat out of him. You can't attest to Detective Flynn's side of the story, you're biased."

Sharon huffed, speaking under her breath. "That's rich."

"What was that, Miss Elliot?"

Her eyes shot daggers, angry enough to forget they were in court. "I said, 'that's rich', coming from you, I mean."

"Your honor, would you remind, Miss Elliot, we're in court?"

Sharon bit her lip, she felt like a little girl being punished. Her foot tapping on the ground so she could keep her body from trembling in anger.

"Detective Elliot, would you only answer the questions, please."

Sharon nodded, forcing a smile, before looking at Daniel, willing him to ask her the questions that needed to be asked.

"Was excessive force used, Detective Elliot?"

"No."

"You're under oath."

"I know I am. If excessive force had been used, there had been an Internal Affairs report, believe me they are not biased."

"And the bruising on Mr. Fox face?"

"Was already there when we arrived on scene."

"Thank you, Detective Elliot… Your honor now the matter of the bruising is cleared, I suggest we get on with the bail hearing."

"Who said it was cleared already? I want to hear my other witness."

Sharon's eyes shot towards Jack. She knew how he would try to provoke Andy. There were limits to Andy's calm. The moment Jack would make this personal, about her, Andy would get angry.

"Your honor, Mr. Raydor is using this court and his client to fight his personal battles."

"Approach the bench."

Jack looked like a naughty schoolboy as he walked closer. By now Sharon felt like slapping him.

"Will someone tell me what's going on here?"

Jack played innocent, wiggling from the balls of his feet to his heels.

"Mr. Raydor and I used to be engaged."

"Don't think so high of yourself my dear."

"That's enough, Mr. Raydor. I don't like to be used. Detective, you're allowed to leave the witness stand. I'm ready to determine bail."

As soon as Sharon sat down in the bench, she heard how bail was denied. Jack's response was a simple shrug of his shoulders. It wasn't like he had anything to lose, used his client for one of his games. She'd better leave, she couldn't stand the sight of Jack anymore. His voice was faster than her being able to leave the room though.

"Sharon."

She whirled around, her eys blazing fire, while they changed their color in this cool mixture of light green and grey. "You better stay away from me for a while, Jackson Raydor. You've gone too far." Her finger pointed at him. Sharon would not allow him to ruin Andy's reputation. She turned around fast, too fast. The room began to spin. Not now. She shouldn't make these sudden movements on an empty stomach.

Jack saw her lose her balance, frowning worried, quick to hold her. "Are you alright, Sharon?"

It took her a moment to pull herself together,. Her anger flaring up, as she realized she was in Jack's arms. His worried look not softening her up at all.

"Let go of me."

"No. You're not well."

"I'm angry, Jack and this is not helping. Now let go of me."

As he was assured she could stand on her own, he let go of her, although he rather didn't. For the first time he noticed how pale she looked and regretted calling her on the stand.

Andy looked up, as he heard the staccato of Sharon's heels. He could tell she was angry, even before he saw her face.

Cohen's eyes widened. "I don't want to be the person she's angry with."

"I think we're in the clear, Cohen." Andy knew Sharon could only get this angry over something very important to her. "Hon?"

"Can we get out of here, please?"

"Hon, I still have to…"

"Bail was denied."

"Than what's with the thunder cloud? That was good news, right?

Sharon ignored Cohen, putting her hand on Andy's chest. "I just want to get out of here."

Cohen shrugged and they followed Sharon through the corridors. Andy looked beside him, while he tried to keep up with her pace. "What did Raydor do?"

"He made it personal, Andy."

That was to be expected of Raydor.

"I won't let him attack you, to get to me." Sharon all of a sudden sounded very protective.

Usually Sharon was the one calming him. Now ut was the other way around. "Don't let him get to you so much. I can handle the guy."

" You wouldn't have been able to keep your calm, if you'd been in there, believe me."

By the sound of her voice, she hadn't been either.

Andy squinted his eyes the moment they walked outside. The sun was so bright, reflected by the white marble steps that led up to the courthouse.

Cohen rubbed his rumbling stomach. "I'd say the next stop is lunch."

Andy smiled. "You only think about one thing, Cohen. How you stay that skinny, I wouldn't know."

"It runs in the family. My dad is just like me and he's already in his late fifties… So tell me Elliot have you already met Flynn's pops? It will be like stepping in a time machine to see what you'll end up with. "

Sharon smiled.

"Finally a smile, but now your other half looks grumpy."

"I don't look anything like my dad, I'm more like my mom's side of the family, and you know what they say about Italians. …"

Cohen's return remark was overshadowed by the sound of gunfire and screaming people. It all happened so fast. There was no place to hide, no other choice than lay flat on the ground.

Sharon laid as flat as possible. She could not get a clear look on the road. Only flashes of colors, people running. Sharon looked next to her. Andy had been walking right beside her. Frowning confused, as he laid on his back. She stared, feeling something weighing down on her stomach, making her heart clench, something was wrong. A panic slowly building.

"Andy? ….Andy?! Sharon got up, not thinking about the shooter anymore, unaware of what was going on around her, her only focus on the man that she loved. She ignored her stomach turning, while she looked at the crimson red spreading on Andy's chest. "Oh my God…"

She was about to step forward, as another round of gunfire erupted.

EN: yes of course I am going to end this chapter here and you will probably curse me for it. I like a good amount of angst though as well as cliffhangers and what is more angsty then not knowing how this will continue. Next chapter, next Friday at the latest.