CHAPTER SEVEN


Several hours later the women finally made it out of the hotel room, but only after their bodies had been completely sated. Rather than go out they had ordered dinner delivered to their suite, moving from the bed only when it was absolutely necessary. Cammy was at her usual spot behind the bar which made both women happy for the bartender seemed to be a valuable source of information.

"Hey, I didn't think I'd see you two again," the bartender greeted them with a genuine smile that turned to a frown when she noticed the bruises on their faces. "What happened?"

"We ran into some local thugs last night," Alex replied nonchalantly as she eased her lanky frame against the bar counter.

"You okay?" the woman was genuinely concerned.

"Yeah, just a few bruises," Sydney replied before lying the photograph she carried on top of the bar where the woman could see. "Is there anyone, besides Leanne Meyers, in this photograph that you recognize?"

"Yeah," Cammy pointed to a man and a woman. "That's Stuart Frost, and her name is Joanne. She
used to come in here often enough, why who is she?"

"Meyer's sister-in-law," Alex said.

"No shit," the bartender seemed plainly surprised. "That's hard to believe, I mean, there were nights when I'm sure they were in here at the same time but I can't ever remember them talking. I didn't think they knew each other. I can't believe that they were related. Doesn't that seem strange?"

"Yeah," both detectives nodded glancing at one another. "It is strange. You don't know if Joanne was seeing someone, do you?"

"She was," Cammy said thoughtfully. "A Michelle something or other. They had been going out for about four years but they broke up about three months ago. It was pretty ugly, something about another woman being involved. Or at least that's what the rumours said."

Both detectives looked at each other with the same thought on their minds. Neither wanted to hope that the case was finally falling into place. They waited until the bartender moved to the other side of the counter before voicing their thoughts.

"You don't think...do you?" Sydney said and Alex nodded grimly, her blue eyes roving around the dimly lit room.

"That would explain a few things," the tall woman said thoughtfully. They were silent as they individually contemplated the ramifications of what they had just learned.

Sydney had little experience with family but there was something about the idea of the two sister-in-laws being together that made her cringe. She glanced at her partner who was busy gazing around the room. She wondered what her thoughts were on the subject.

"Alex..."

"What?" blue eyes swivelled around to look at the smaller woman.

"Would you ever..." she was unable to finish asking her question, embarrassed by even thinking in that direction.

"No," was the emphatic answer as blue eyes narrowed. Alex somehow knew what the other woman was asking.

"Were you never interested in any of the women your brothers brought home?" the smaller woman was curious thinking of the close relationship she shared with her sister-in-law Christie.

"No," was the quiet response as the tall woman thought about the girlfriends her brothers had introduced to her over the years. Many were good looking women but the thought of pursuing them, even after they had broken up with her siblings had never entered her head. "That was never an option."

"Why?" the smaller woman was curious.

"Because there are certain rules I never break," Alex said solemnly. "I don't date women my brothers have, and I don't pursue straight women or my friends."

There was silence again and for a long moment blue and green eyes met and held.

"But you asked me out?" Sydney said softly and in response Alex reached out and tenderly stroked long fingers over the silky smooth texture of the smaller woman's face.

"You are the only exception," came the solemn reply, a large hand dropped down to cover a smaller one which was resting on the bar. She gave it a gentle squeeze and Sydney felt an overwhelming surge of emotion flood through her body. She realized again why she loved this woman so much.

"What's next?" she asked swallowing the lump that caught in her throat. She knew it was time to change the subject before she ended up doing something that would totally embarrass them both.

"We speak with Joanne Frost and then find this Michelle woman," the Captain mused out loud relieved that her companion had changed the topic of discussion. Her breathing had begun to grow ragged.

"We will have to find out where Joanne docks her boat and if she was out this past weekend. I think we better check that first," Sydney reasoned. "But what about motive? Why would she kill Leanne?"

"That's a tough one," Alex conceded. "Could be for a number of reasons. Maybe Leanne wanted to admit the affair..."

"Or end it?"

"Or end it," the tall woman agreed. "Or it could have been the other way around. You have to know that Leanne had more riding on her secret then the sister-in-law."

"Then why get involved in the first place?" Sydney wanted to know.

"Who knows, maybe lust or excitement," the older woman repeated. "All I know is that it's looking more and more suspicious."

"Cammy, do you know where we can find this Michelle?" the younger detective asked the bartender when the woman returned to their end of the bar.

"I don't know where she lives but I know she works over at Gilden's. It's a fancy clothing store on Robson St. I think she's a part owner, she's there everyday, short red head, freckles across her face."

"Thanks," the two detectives appreciated the woman's help, which had been invaluable. Sometimes in a case they just got lucky and stumbled onto someone who knew more than they realized. It was a detectives dream to have a case solved through seemingly idle conversation. They pushed themselves away from the bar.

"You're not leaving already are you?" the bartender said. "The fun is just beginning."

"Fun?" both women said in unison.

"Yeah, tonight's karoke night, it's very popular," Cammy grinned. "I know you sing Seattle because I've seen you," she paused and eyed the tall, dark woman. "And I'd hazard a guess after the other nights performance you guys could probably do a pretty good duet."

The two women looked at each other.

"You sing?" they asked each other in unison and then smiled.

"I'm not very good," the blond woman admitted shyly. Alex remembered the numerous times she had come back to the condo to find her companion stretched out on the couch, the earphones on her head, her voice warbling away over some tune that was playing on the CD.

"I don't know about that," the taller woman smiled seductively and winked. "I think I'd like to see you up there singing."

"Come on I thought you wanted an early night," Sydney baulked at the thought of singing in front of her lover, remembering how embarrassed she felt every time her lover had caught her singing along with one of her favourite songs.

"Nope, I want to hear you sing," the taller woman smiled and then turning to the bartender ordered two beers. Cammy smiled broadly. She liked the pair, they seemed to compliment each other, and it was obvious the affection between them was real. It was a natural thing that she rarely had the pleasure of seeing.

It was after nine o'clock when the DJ came out to start the karoke session and Alex and Sydney stayed at the bar, sipping their drinks and listening as the patrons took their turns getting up and singing, many trying to mimic their idols.

They were quite enjoying themselves and had not yet put in any requests, though Sydney had paged through the song book several times. Thus it was a surprise when their names were called. They looked at each other with eyebrows raised when Cammy appeared at the bar where they stood, a twinkle in her eyes.

"Hell, the evening would have been over before either one of you decided," the woman explained rolling her eyes. "Some one had to do something."

The emcee called their names again and reluctantly Alex allowed herself to be dragged up front. Silently she prayed that she knew the song and was privately pleased when she saw that it was a duet between two very popular singers. It was still currently playing on the radio. She was familiar with the tune for it was on a CD that Sydney was constantly playing at the condo.

That was another thing she had learned about her lover. While her own taste of music ran along the more classical lines with New Age thrown in, Sydney was more into the popular music that currently filled the airwaves. Though she had been aware of the music she had rarely listened to it, now after months of being forced to listen she was finding she enjoyed it.

"Are you the man or the woman?" Sydney whispered as they received their microphones.

"I guess lately, I've been a bit of both," Alex replied with a twinkle in her eyes and the smaller woman blushed before swatting her playfully on the arm.

"I'll sing the male part, I can't sing that high," the younger woman decided as the music began to play, but Alex only smiled.

Cammy had been right in her estimation. The two women not only complimented each other in appearance and characteristics, but their voices seemed to blend together perfectly and the crowded room listened silently as the two women sang.

Neither Alex or Sydney noticed, for they only had eyes for each other. By the chorus, their free hands automatically sought each other out, linking as they recited the words from memory. Finally the music ended and as it died Alex naturally leaned over and kissed her partner. Sydney responded filling her kiss with all the love she felt for her companion.

It was the loud and raucous applause that suddenly reminded them that they weren't alone. With some embarrassment they bowed before exiting the stage, making their way back to the bar. Alex made a mental note that once they got home to Seattle they would do more of the stuff they had been doing here.

"I thought you guys would sound good together," the bartender greeted them with a chuckle and both women rolled their eyes.the shower being turned on. Of course, her companion, the woman who had engrained herself into her life and who lived solidly in her heart. She opened her eyes again and stared out at the darkness. She wanted to do something special for her companion before they left this foreign city. She wanted to rekindle the romance that had been lost in the last months.

Her eyes settled briefly on the small outline of a boat as it slowly made it's way across the harbour. It seemed too idly meander as if those on board were enjoying themselves, not wanting their journey to end. It was while watching this mysterious craft that she had a sudden inspiration. A smile etched its way across her face as she reached for the phone.

They would be leaving on Saturday morning and she had every intention of making this trip a memory that her companion would enjoy. She had so many ideas but there was only one that stood out in her mind. Something that she had wanted to do for her lover for a long time.

"Who were you talking to on the phone?" Sydney asked wandering back into the bedroom just as her lover was replacing the phone.

She had been hoping that the taller woman would join her in the shower and had been disappointed when the woman hadn't appeared. The dark haired woman glanced at her companion idly, thinking that the beauty of the woman far outshone any other splendour that she had viewed. Sydney was only wearing a towel wrapped around her slender body with another towel wrapped around her hair.

"The Sheriff," Alex answered lazily.

"Oh."

"Yeah, I told him to send the plane down on Saturday," the Captain continued. "I think tomorrow will be the decisive day. Other then the two women I don't think there will be much more we can learn."

"Then you think that Joanne Frost and this Michelle woman are somehow involved?" Sydney said sitting down on the bed and beginning to dry her long blond hair. "You know I have a gut instinct that they are."

"Yeah," Alex nodded. Sometimes their instinct was the only thing they had to go on. Besides she had the same feeling. She stretched out her tall body popping a few joints before struggling to her feet. "I'm going to have a shower now."

"You could have joined me," Sydney said plaintively as blue and green eyes met.

"Yeah, but then we would still be in the shower now and as much as I like running my soapy hands over your body I'm just to tired to do anything about it," the older woman was honest and the blond woman smiled.

"That's okay, I think we covered everything earlier," Sydney said.

"Yeah and what we missed we can cover tomorrow," Alex sighed and then strolled towards the bathroom. By the time she returned to the bedroom, her companion was nestled under the covers, sound asleep.

A smile came to her lips as she settled gently on the edge of the bed and studied the sleeping woman. Her heart clutched with a pleasurable pain as she tenderly reached over and combed damp strands of blonde hair away from a bruised cheek. She allowed her fingers to linger, caressing the smooth, soft skin, feeling the warmth of her companion seep into her body.

It didn't take much for her to wonder what her life would be like without this woman. She had lived thirty four years without experiencing the pleasure of companionship as she knew it now and she had no desire to return to that state. She would move mountains if that was what it took for them to stay together. She would never give the other woman a reason to leave.

With that in mind she slipped out of her towel and into a long t-shirt before sliding into bed. Almost automatically the smaller woman turned and nestled herself against the additional warm body and Alex wrapped her long arms around the slender frame and held her close. It was only thus contented that she closed her eyes and drifted off to sleep.

By the time they arrived at the Police Headquarters the next morning Det. Smith had accomplished the task Alex had requested of her. The woman had even gone so far as to speak with several of the marina operators to see which boats had been out that weekend.

"I checked all the marine operators and they gave me a list of persons who were out this previous weekend," Sherry informed them handing the tall woman a sheet of paper. "As you can see it isn't very long."

No, Alex thought glancing at the short list, her blue eyes honing instantly on one name. At the same
instant she felt her gut clench in anticipation. She looked her partner, handing over the paper so that she could take a look. She saw the expression on her companion's face when she recognized the familiar name.

"Well, what next?" the local woman wanted to know glancing from one woman to the other, aware of an eerily silent communication that was passing between the two women.

"We need to talk to Joanne Frost," Alex said and saw immediately by the expression on the woman's face that she didn't understand.

"But haven't you already spoken to her?" the red haired detective was surprised, assuming that the interview had already been done.

"We have new information that might lead her to shed more light onto the situation," the Captain admitted reluctantly and watched at the detectives eyes narrowed thoughtfully. "Last night Sydney and I were back at the Pink Room and we learned that Joanne Frost was also a regular."

"Then..." the red haired woman began and then stopped as she tried to formulate a reasonable response.

"Then she would have known about Leanne's sexuality," Sydney finished and the detective nodded.

"Yes," Alex continued. "We expect to find out much more about Leanne's life from her and why she thought she could keep it a secret."

It didn't come as a surprise to any of the detectives that Joanne Frost worked for a prestigious Law firm whose offices were located in a downtown office tower. They were almost surprised when their request to see the lawyer was instantly honoured. The women looked at each other as they were escorted through a labyrinth of corridors to an office on the far side of the floor.

"Detectives," the woman greeted them formally not bothering to rise from her chair behind a desk as she motioned to several empty chairs across from her.

"You don't seem surprised to see us?" Alex commented as she settled her frame into the plush leather seat.

"I was actually waiting for your visit," the lawyer replied calmly, her brown eyes surveying the trio of detectives before settling back on the taller woman. There was something she recognized in these women. "After you outed Leanne, I knew it wouldn't be long before you found out I was also part of the family."

"I take it your family doesn't know?" the Captain said and the woman shook her head.

"No," Joanne was honest. "I came out to my parents along time ago. The only thing they asked of me was to keep it quiet. You see they are prominent members of society here in the city and don't wish to have any type of scandal linked to their names. I'm sure if you were in a similar situation you would understand."

"Actually, Ms. Frost, I am in a similar situation," Alex retorted, irritated by the woman's seemingly arrogant attitude. "My father is a very prominent lawyer in the States. They have never asked me to hide my lifestyle."

The lawyer was silent as she studied the tall woman. She could feel a certain energy radiate off the woman and if she had been in a different time and place in her life she would have been interested. She kept her eyes intently focused on the woman.

"What is it you want to know?"

"Were you having an affair with your sister-in-law Leanne Meyers?" Alex was blunt. She had been willing to be gentle but this woman's attitude made her testy so that she no longer cared. There was a long silence as the lawyer contemplated her response.

"Perhaps you would like to call your own lawyer before saying anything," Sydney suggested, speaking up for the first time.

"No," Joanne rejected the offer, briefly glancing at the blond police woman before turning dark brown eyes on the tall woman, receiving a physical shock as they came into contact with piercing blue orbs. She swallowed losing some of her defiance.

"What exactly was your relationship with Leanne?" Alex wanted to know not breaking eye contact.

"I have been in love with Leanne since the moment my brother introduced us to her," the lawyer admitted without emotion.

"And?" the Captain prompted when the woman fell silent.

"And nothing came of it until about six months ago," the woman confessed, her voice cracking a little, as she showed emotion for the first time. She glanced from one detective to the other expecting to see condemnation on their faces but their expressions were neutral. "Stuart was on a business trip and Leanne had gotten herself into a bit of trouble. She was drunk and needed to be bailed out of a situation. She called me and unfortunately one thing led to another."

"Was it a one night stand or an affair?" Sydney asked.

"An affair," Joanne admitted reluctantly. "I knew Leanne wasn't in love with me, but still I couldn't help myself."

"When did your partner find out about your affair?" Alex wanted to know.

"I suppose you are talking about Michelle," the lawyer smiled but it was without amusement. She looked down at the papers on the desk as she rolled her pen with her fingers. "She didn't find out for two months and when she did she left me. It wasn't much later that Leanne suddenly decided to end our relationship." The woman looked up at both detectives. "So in essence my lapse of judgment destroyed my world."

"Enough to want to take revenge?" Alex asked bluntly.

"No," Joanne shook her head. "In spite of the way Leanne treated me, I never stopped loving her. I could never have killed her. I would have killed myself first."

"What was your former partners reaction?" Sydney wondered out loud.

"She was upset," the lawyer shrugged. "It was expected."

"Upset enough to hurt Leanne?"

"She did have a temper but I don't think she would have done anything," the other woman replied.

"When was the last time you saw Michelle?"

The lawyer shrugged. "About a month ago. I ran into her at the bar and she told me she was seeing someone else. There was nothing more to say."

"Did you take your boat out this past weekend?" The Captain changed the line of questioning and watched through narrowed eyes as the expression on the other woman's face turned grim.

"No," Joanne said in barely civil voice. "Regardless what my brother says, I only co-own the boat. Michelle and I bought it when we were together and part of our separation agreement is that we share it. We have it on alternating weekends."

"Then Michelle had it this last weekend?"

"It was her weekend," the lawyer confirmed and then shrugged. "But I don't know whether or not she took it out."

"Did Michelle and Leanne know each other?" Alex wanted to know.

"They knew about each other," Joanne shook her head. "But I don't think they ever met."

"Thank you for your cooperation," the Captain said rising to her feet. Alex had all the information she needed. If she followed her instinct then she knew that this woman was telling the truth. The lawyer watched with some trepidation as the detectives rose to leave.

"Officers," her soft voice halted their progress and they turned their heads to look at her. "My brother doesn't need to know about this does he? I'm not proud of what I did and given the chance I would change the past. I know that he was devastated to find out that Leanne was interested in women."

"Don't worry Ms. Frost," Alex said coolly. "We have no intention of divulging anything of your affair unless it becomes necessary. We're police officers not news reporters for gossip magazines."

"Sometimes they go hand in hand," the lawyer said off handedly.

Sydney immediately felt her partner tense and automatically a hand went to her companions back. She didn't like the comment any more then her lover but she knew it would do no good to say anything.

"You better hope then that you aren't involved," Alex said tersely before turning and strolling purposefully out the door.

"Do you think she was lying?" Sydney asked once they were out of the building and standing on the sidewalk. Sherry watched as the tall woman paused to take a few deep breaths. She noticed the way the smaller woman's hand automatically went to her companion's back and began to rub it in tiny circles.

"No," Alex shook her head not hiding her puzzlement. "She was obviously sincere in her affection."

"But you think Michelle was involved?"

"I don't know," the Captain shook her head trying to get everything straight in her mind. She started walking down the street leaving the other two detectives to fall into step beside her.

"Alex?"

"What sweetheart?" the taller woman used the term of endearment without thinking as she looked down at her companion seeing the serious expression on the smaller woman's face. Once again the Canadian detective had the impression that they had forgotten that she was there with them.

"Can you promise me something?"

"What?" Alex felt her body tense aware that her partner was going to say something she wouldn't like.

"Promise me that if you find someone else you will tell me first and not go behind my back," Sydney said looking down at her feet. Her heart trembled at the thought that Alex might someday find someone to replace her. "I would rather have the pain of knowing the truth up front then finding out later."

"Sydney," the tall woman stopped walking and demanded her partners attention.

"What?" the blond detective looked anxiously up at her companion unconsciously biting down on her lower lip.

"There will never be anyone else," Alex breathed tapping her chest lightly, ignoring the curious glances they were receiving from people who walked passed. "You own my heart, all of it. If anything I worry that you might someone day find someone else."

"No!" Sydney gasp and in a rush wrapped her arms around the taller woman. "You're more then I ever expected to have," she confessed burying her face in the other woman's chest. "Some mornings I wake up and see you lying there and I think that I must still be dreaming. I have to pinch myself to realize that it's real. I love you Alex, more then I thought it possible to love anyone."

"Good," the Captain breathed a sigh of relief. "Because I have no intention of going anywhere for a very long time."

It surprised Alex to realize that her partner felt so insecure but then realized it was only a mirror image of her own insecurity. She had never been this happy and was half afraid that some disaster, like what almost took Sydney away, was lurking just around the corner. She realized then that this mutual insecurity was still part of the aftermath of the tragedy that they had gone through.

Sherry was surprised by the affection that the women displayed towards each other in public. It was obvious that neither of them cared what anyone thought. She thought of her own relationships and realized how closeted they were in comparison to these women. She cleared her throat to remind the other women that they were not alone.

"Sorry," Sydney apologized blushing as she disengaged her tall companion. She grinned sheepishly. "We tend to get carried away sometimes."

"It's all right," the red haired detective smiled softly, wishing once again that things had turned out differently between the blond woman and herself. "What next?"

"A visit to Gilden's," Alex announced recovering her composure.

Gilden's was a small but elegantly decorated shop located on Robson's Street. It was a shop that catered to the cities elite and Alex recognized a variety of designer gowns displayed in the front window. The prices on the dresses were enough to make both her companion's blanche.

From the moment they stepped into the place, their every movement was tracked by an older woman with dark hair who was standing behind the sales counter. The clerks eyes narrowed perceptively as she surveyed their wardrobe, finding it obviously lacking and suspicious.

"May I help you with something?" the older woman asked in a sacerine voice.

"No, we're just looking," Alex replied just as sweetly deciding that she didn't like the clerk's attitude.

"As you can see the items in this store are rather exclusive," the woman said in a haunty voice as she approached them. "Perhaps if you went further down the street you might find something better suited to your price range."

Alex despised people who made instant judgement on others solely because of their appearance. Sydney felt the temperature of her partner rise and knew that the Captain was struggling to maintain control of her anger. She watched as her tall partner took a deep breath and began to count to ten. She immediately stepped forward aware that an ugly incident was about to occur. She knew of Alex's dislike for snobs and the way people were treated because of that. She had learned to accept that as part of society a long time ago. She smiled politely at the older woman.

"My name is Sydney Davis," she said withdrawing her badge from her pocket and flashing it for the other woman to see, "and along with my colleagues, I am here to speak with Michelle in regards to a mutual friend of her's who recently died."

The smaller woman smiled pleasantly keeping her green eyes on the older woman, seeing the way her eyes widened for a moment while her skin grew slightly pale.

"Of course," the woman bobbed her head glancing briefly at the other detectives before turning her gaze back on the smaller woman. "Michelle is just in the back, if you would like to follow me."

The detectives did as requested and were led to an office at the back of the shop. There in a room cluttered with paperwork was a younger woman, of about thirty five, seated behind a desk. Brown eyes glanced up with a question in their depths as the older woman and her companions appeared in the doorway.

"These are detectives from the States who would like to speak with you?" the clerk said by way of explanation and the policemen noticed the way the red haired woman behind the desk straightened in her chair.

"Thank you," came a brisk voice as the younger woman dismissed her colleague.

The older woman glanced suspiciously at the detectives before edging out the door and returning to her post at the sales counter. The woman behind the desk made no attempt to welcome the detectives.

"How can I help you?" she asked abruptly and her manner was enough to stir the Captain's instinct.

"Did you know Leanne Meyers?" Alex was blunt, deciding not to beat around the bush.

"Everyone knew who Leanne Meyers was," came the automatic response.

"That's not what I asked," came the brisk retort.

"What do you want to know?" Brown eyes met blue and Alex felt a shiver run up her spine. She knew then that she was looking into the eyes of a killer. Yet she was smart enough to know that instinct would do nothing to bring this murderer to justice.

"Did you know that your ex-partner was having an affair with Leanne Meyers?" Sydney asked, speaking for the first time.

"If you are referring to Joanne Frost, yes, I found out about it," the woman answered in a clipped voice. There was no expression on her face. "It's a subject I don't like to discuss. It's been almost six months but it is still very painful to me."

"By the tone of your voice I take it you didn't much like Ms. Meyers."

"She screwed up my relationship," Michelle snorted with barely concealed anger. "Why would I like her?"

"When did you find out that Joanne was in love with Leanne?" this question came from Sydney and Sherry marveled at the way the two women worked in tandem, firing questions and not letting their query a chance to control the conversation.

"Almost from the beginning," the other woman confided. "The first time I met the family. I could see it in Joanne's every action."

"Why didn't you confront her with it then?" the Captain wanted to know.

"Because I thought with time and patience she would come to love me in the same way," Michelle replied bluntly. "But it didn't happen. That was painfully obvious because as soon as Leanne showed her some attention she was after her."

"You sound like you blame Ms. Meyers for what happened?"

"Joanne was also at fault, but once Leanne knew that she liked her, she played Joanne for everything she was worth. She used her."

"And you resented that."

"Of course I did," the woman almost spat.

"Enough to kill her?" Alex wanted to know and for a moment there was a long silence as blue and brown eyes met in a titanic struggle.

"I wanted to hurt Leanne Meyers for destroying my life," Michelle admitted. "But I didn't kill her. Why would I? I had broken up with Joanne six months ago, both of us had moved on."

"But you still hated her?"

"Yes, I suppose I was one of the few people who weren't charmed by her friendly presence and smile," the woman could not disguise the bitterness she still felt over the episode.

"Did you ever entertain ideas of revenge?" Alex asked astutely drawing the woman along but the store owner was sharp, aware of what the detective was attempting to do.

"I'm sure everyone at some time entertains ideas of revenge," the other woman answered smoothly, regaining the composure that she had momentarily lost. "However detectives as you are quite aware, thinking and doing are two very different things."

Not all the time, the detectives thought in unison though neither of them voiced their opinions. They glanced at each other, both trying to discern how they could get the woman to admit to what both of them believed was the truth. Suddenly an idea came to Alex. She looked down at the seated woman, reminded then that they had not been invited to sit.

"Were you having an affair with Leanne Meyers?" The Captain was blunt.

"No."

"Do you know anyone who would want to kill Leanne Meyers?"

"No," was the one word response yet there was something in the woman's voice and in her facial expression that told the detectives that she was lying. "Now unless you have anything else to say I am busy and wish to get back to work."

"Yes, thank you for giving us your time," Sydney said with a polite smile before looking up at her partner.

Alex felt her temper rise yet she felt the comforting hand on her lover on her back and without another word she turned and led them out of the store. She paused only once they had walked halfway down the block.

"She's lying," the Captain announced bluntly.

"Yeah," the smaller woman nodded, unconsciously rubbing the side of her nose in thought. It was a gesture that had become all to familiar. "But you know if we had pressed her any more she would have clammed up and called for a lawyer."

"Yeah," Alex reluctantly agreed. Taking a deep breath she allowed the tension to flow out of her body. She glanced down at her companion, wondering if her lover was as tired as she was. She just wanted to go home, to pick up their normal lives. She glanced sideways at their companion. "How long would it take for you to get a search warrant and a team of detectives together?"

"That would depend upon the urgency," the red haired woman was honest. "What have you got in mind?"

"I'd like to have that boat searched," the Captain said succinctly. "If Leanne was on that boat then maybe there is some evidence."

"I could talk to the Lieutenant," Sherry mused thoughtfully, figuring out what was needed to be done. She looked up at the taller woman. "I'm sure he could help us get everything we need."

"Good," Alex nodded her head promptly including both women in her gaze. "I want the two of you to go back to the headquarters and start work on getting us a search warrant and a team of forensic experts together. I would like to have a peek at this boat before we leave."

"And what will you be doing?" Sydney wondered out loud eyeing her companion critically.

"There is something I need to do, I won't be far behind you," her partner smiled reassuringly. "I'll see you later."

Sydney nodded and then watched as the other woman retreated back down the street and disappeared into the shop. She wondered what her partner was up too and could not stifle the frown that found it's way across her brow. She was tempted to follow the Captain but knew that she had to trust her lover.

"What do you think she's up too?" Sherry asked breaking the silence, her own eyes following the other woman.

"With Alex you never know," the blonde woman conceded with a faint smile. "Come on let's get going, because what I do know is that if she gives you a task and you haven't started on it by the time she joins us, she will be perturbed."

There was silence as the two women started walking. Sherry glanced covertly at her smaller companion and marvelled at the way the woman conceded to the other detective, knowing that it had nothing to do with the fact that the tall woman was a Captain and effectively her boss. The Sydney she had known had never allowed anyone to rule her life. She had always been the one in command of every situation.

"You really love her don't you?" it was a blunt question and Sydney turned to look at her companion.

"With everything I am," came the honest reply as the Seattle detective saw no reason to lie.

Sherry didn't know what else to say and so shoved her hands into her pockets and turned to glance at the stream of traffic that was clogging the road at this time of the day. She had her answer and unexpectedly it hurt, yet she needed to ask.

"Did you care for me at all?" she knew the answer would probably hurt but she needed to know the truth.

"Yes," Sydney was honest not wanting to have this conversation and wishing her companion was there to avoid it. "We went out for a couple of months I couldn't do that with someone I didn't care about."

"But you never loved me."

"No," the smaller woman expelled a deep breath. "I never told you I did."

"No you didn't," the red headed woman agreed. "You were always so very careful with your emotions, so hesitant to give them away, that's why it surprisies me to see the two of you together."

"There is something about Alex that just draws everything out of me," Sydney confessed and then shrugged. "What can I say, she means everything to me."

The other woman remained silent. She had the answers to all the questions she had and briefly she wondered what was so different about the tall dark haired woman. She realized that she would probably never know.

The sales clerk was surprised when the tall woman stepped back into the shop. She glanced uneasily at her boss, Michelle, who had come to the front from the back and tension once again filled the room.

"Was there something you forgot?" the younger woman asked in a tense voice and Alex smiled seductively, like she had a secret that she was not about to divluge.

"No," the tall woman shook her head and strolled casually over to a rack of dresses that she had noticed earlier. She had special plans for that evening and one of them included dressing up for her lover. She knew that she could have gone someplace else to shop but she knew from experience that her presence would unnerve the other woman. "You do sell clothes here don't you?"

"Yes, and not to sound arrogant, Detective, but I hardly think you can afford any of the items we stock," the red haired woman did not hide her animosity. "I don't know what you get paid but I do know it's not enought to include designer gowns in your wardrobe."

"You're right, we don't get paid very well," Alex conceded selecting a short blue dress off the rack. It had caught her eye. "But unlike ordinary police officers I have other sources of income." She strolled towards the women, smiling sweetly, trying not to let her anger get the best of her, and acknowledging that her presence was bothering the woman they had just finished interviewing. "Do you have a change room where I might be able to try this on?"

The woman looked like she would have liked to tell the police detective no but she was a businesswoman first and nodded to the sales clerk before turning on her heel and strolling back towards her office.

"Nadia will help you," Michelle said over her shoulder before disappearing and Alex turned to the older woman and raised her eyebrows expectantly.

"This way," the clerk said before ushering her towards a changeroom.

By ten o'clock that morning the two women were back at the Police Headquarters. They spoke first to the Lieutenant, who after a moment of consideration, agreed to their request by calling the local magistrate for a search warrant. By the time Alex came strolling nonchalantly into the busy squad room a forensic team was being assembled. Though Sydney was curious about what she had been up to she refrained from asking, trusting that her companion would tell her when the time was right.

"Hey, get everything done?" she asked vaguely when the tall woman approached the desk where Sherry and her were working.

"Yep, how's it coming with the search warrant?" the Captain wanted to know glad that her purchase was small enough to stuff into the pocket of her jacket.

"Secured," Sherry announced triumphantly, replacing the phone into which she had been speaking. "One of my colleagues is on his way right now to pick it up and will meet us at the docks where the vessel is moored. Copies are also being dispatched to Miss Armstrong and MIss Frost."

Alex nodded pleased by what had been accomplished. She glanced at her smaller partner. "Are you ready to go?"

They met the male detective and a team of forensic experts from the department at the pier where the boat was tied. The security guard on duty was quickly convinced to give them access to the property where they began a thorough search of the premises. They had only been at it for a short while when both owners of the vessel arrived. Alex looked from one woman to the other seeing the undisguised tension between them.

"We have the appropriate paperwork," Sydney said greeting them on the dock, producing the legal document that gave them permission to search.

"I know, I read the paper," Joanne replied succinctly glancing passed her to the tall dark haired woman on the boat. "What I would like to know is what you hope to find?"

"Blood, hair samples, fingerprints..." Alex shrugged casually. "Anything that might place Leanne on the boat."

"Well, that shouldn't be difficult," Michelle interjected tersely, casting her former partner an icy glance. "I believe Joanne took her out on the boat on numerous occasions."

"Yes," the brown haired woman didn't deny the truth.

"And if we find some blood?" Alex asked leaving the rest of the question unasked.

"You won't find any," Joanne replied and for some reason Sydney hoped that it was the truth but she could see by the look on her partners face that she didn't hold the same opinion. She knew instinctively that Alex thought that both these women were involved to some degree in the death of the anchor woman.

"For your sake, I hope not," the Captain replied and ignoring them turned to rejoin the other officers who were slowly going through the craft in search of any evidence.

It was late in the afternoon before the detectives were finished combing through the cabin cruiser. Alex watched sombrely as the team of officers carried their collection of goodies off in plastic bags and containers. They had lifted a variety of prints off the furnishings and she was confident that Leanne Meyer's would be amongst them. However, considering the maritial connection between the deceased and one of the boat owners, it would be hard for them to prove when they were made.

They returned directly to the Police Headquarters. It was busy with an assortment of officers rushing around in all directions. It took Sherry a while to track down her Lieutenant. Less then ten minutes later the three of them were seated in the homicide chief's office discussing the case. Alex took responsibility for outlining what they had learned. There was a long silence as Don Bailey leaned back in his chair, mulling over the situation.

"So you honestly suspect that this Michelle Armstrong killed Leanne Meyers?" he directed his question at the Captain.

"Yes," Alex was blunt. "But I think it's going to be pretty hard to prove for the various reason's that we have outlined and unfortunately we can't stay in the city forever to prove it."

"No, I suppose not," the Lieutenant sounded as if he wished otherwise. He glanced at the two women aware that he was about to commit himself to getting more involved in the case then he wanted his department to be. "What do you need us to do?"

"I don't know if there is anything more for you to do," Alex admitted racking her brains for any detail that they may have forgotten. They had only one chance at this. When they left the city and returned to Lopez Island, they would be turning the case over to Sheriff Ford and his deputies. It was unlikely that his department would think to cover any territory she had forgotten.

"Perhaps, you could have someone check the local gun shops," Sydney injected, remembering something her colleague had not yet thought about. "It should be easy for you to track, don't you have a gun registry here?"

"Yeah, but criminals can get guns just as illegally in Canada as they do in the States," the Lieutenant remarked dryly. He glanced at his younger detective glad that the woman was taking notes. It would become her responsibility to pursue once these women left the city. He turned his attention back on the Americans. "Anything else?"

"Michelle Armstrong stated that she did not have an affair with Leanne Meyer's but I had the feeling that she was lying," Alex continued after another moment of thought. "You might want to get a search warrant and do a check on her apartment. If you can establish that Leanne Meyer's indeed was in her apartment, then we might be able to establish the fact that she lied, which might help further down the line. It's likely that because of Leanne's high profile they probably didn't go out much in which case they had to meet someplace, which was probably the woman's apartment."

"Good idea," the Lieutenant nodded his head and jotted something down on the notepad in front of him on his desk. "I will have my people get on it as soon as possible."

It was more then an hour later before the two detectives were finally able to leave the station house. They bade the Homicide Chief farewell and walked quietly towards the front entrance, Det. Smith tagging along close behind. It was an awkward moment.

"You're leaving tonight then?"

"No, tomorrow morning," Sydney spoke for the both of them.

"Listen, we haven't had a chance to get together and catch up on things," Sherry said aware of the tall woman looking at her from behind narrowed eyes. "I thought perhaps, if you weren't doing anything tonight I could take you both to dinner."

"Thank you but we already have plans for the evening," Alex said hastily before her smaller companion could speak. She had no intention of sitting through a long awkward dinner with one of her partner's former lover's. There was only so much she could tolerate.

"Yeah, sorry," Sydney agreed with a weak smile. She glanced briefly at her tall lover and knew how uneasy the whole situation had been for her. She had no intention of making it any more difficult. Alex had been professional about the whole situation. "Maybe next time."

"Yeah," Sherry agreed, aware that there would be no next time. "It was great seeing you again Syd."

"You too, take care," the blonde woman nodded and watched as the red haired woman retreated back into the station house. There was silence for a long minute as the two women stood silently on the steps.

"You okay?" Blue and green eyes met and they asked in unison.

"Yeah," they responded in unison again and matching smiles crept over their faces.

"Come on let's get back to the hotel, I'm beat," Alex said and then lead the way down to the parking lot where their rental car was parked.

The ride back to the hotel was done in almost absolute silence as both women dwelt in their own thoughts. Neither were anxious to leave the city with the case unsolved but both knew that it could be weeks and even months before the evidence needed to tie the woman to the murder was found. That was the way it worked in homicide. Both knew that they had to let the case go and turn it over to some one else. They had done all they could.

"Sherry is a good detective," Sydney said once they had parked the rental car and started walking towards the foyer.

"Yeah, I know," Alex nodded, despite her personal dislike for the woman, she was fair enough to acknowledge that they were leaving the case in good hands.

The moment they entered their room Alex put a phone call into Sheriff Ford, passing along all the information that they had gathered. The man listened intently and there was silence for a long moment when the Captain was finished speaking.

"I suspect then I should be getting in touch with this police officer up there then?" Lucas was resigned to the inevitable. He knew that he couldn't keep the women indefinitely as much as he wanted to.

"Yeah, I left them your name and phone number," Alex had supplied the homicide detective with all the relative information needed to pursue the case, including those whom they needed to be in contact with down on Lopez Island.

"All right, I'll be seeing you back tomorrow then," the Sheriff said before ringing off. Alex hung up the phone and turning her head looked right at her companion who was sitting on the edge of the bed.

"What now?" Sydney wanted to know, feeling incredibly let down. The exhaustion of the long days they had put in were starting to catch up on them.

"I don't know about you but I would like to have a nap," Alex said, rising to her feet and crossing the room to where her companion was sitting.

"That sounds like a good idea," the blonde woman agreed, kicking off her shoes and lying back on the bed. She was rewarded instantly by the presence of her tall companion who settled on the bed next to her, long arms automatically wrapping themselves around the smaller woman.

Sydney was aware of a tingling sensation spreading from the base of her spine all the way through her body. Instinctively she moaned, her subconscious giving in to the pleasure that was being aroused in her when they touched.

"You like that?" a soft voice whispered in her ear as a warm breath of air caressed her skin.

"Oh, yeah," the smaller woman sighed with contentment. She wriggled around so that she could face her companion. Her green eyes were heavy with lust and it was an intoxicating sight for the older woman who inhaled a deep breath. "I love when you touch me."

"I love to touch you," Alex admitted expelling her breath, as she allowed her hands to roam along the bare skin of her partners arms. "You cannot believe the difficult time that I have at work."

"I don't think it's any more difficult a time then I have," the blonde haired woman allowed a lazy smile to spread across her lips and she was rewarded with a brief kiss. "That was nice."

"Aha," the taller woman agreed leaning in to caress the smaller woman's mouth once more with another kiss. This time she allowed her lips to linger and she felt her companion's immediate response as the blonde woman closed the space between them.

"You want something?" Alex asked raising an amused eyebrow.

"Ahem," Sydney nodded her blonde head and leaned forward to capture her partners lips in another long passionate embrace which stirred their mutual desires.

The Captain rolled over so that she was laying upon the smaller woman, her long frame pressing the girl's body deeper into the mattress. Her hands continued to wander as their lips continued to devour each other.

"Too many clothes," Sydney managed to gasp when they finally broke the embrace.

"You have that right," the dark haired woman agreed with a thick voice and then cocked a mischievous eye at her lover. "Are you going to do something about it?"

"Absolutely," the smaller woman giggled and immediately proceeded to rip the clothes off her taller companion.

Alex laughed at the way the other woman so recklessly tore her clothes from her body. One of the things that delighted her so much about her lover was the way the younger woman acted with such abandon in their love making. There was never a dull moment in bed and today was the same.

Once both their clothes were discarded, they allowed their hands and mouths to roam at will, stroking and caressing the smooth, velvety skin of their companion. Tongues circled erect nipples before white teeth nipped and pinched the tender skin, illiciting exquisite moans and gasps from both women.

"I love you," Sydney moaned when she felt her lover slip down between her legs. She curled her fingers into thick dark strands of hair as her hips began to move of their own accord, the rhythm and pace set by the gentle stroke of her lover's tongue and fingers as they slowly worked her into a frenzy.

Sydney closed her eyes and called out her lover's name as the orgasm ripped through her body and
exploded in her brain. Alex kept her mouth and fingers in place until the spasms had subsided. Only then did she slowly climb back up beside her partner, planting small kisses along the sweat sleeked body during the tantalizing journey back to her partners lips.

"Thank you," the blond woman murmured utterly content. She wanted to return the favour but Alex merely gathered her tightly in her arms.

"Sleep love," the Captain whispered in the smaller woman's ear and the green eyes closed as she surrendered peacefully into slumber.

Alex smiled indulgently at her companion, content to make her partner happy, willing to defer her own pleasure for the sake of the woman she loved. Gently she reached out and combed strands of blond hair off the oval face. She loved to watch her companion sleep, and once again she realized how close she had come to losing it all.

Tenderly she reached out and touched one of the scars that still pocked the slender neck where shell fragments had entered her body. A wave of pain flooded her senses, and automatically her arms tightened. All she wanted to do was protect and love her companion.

Briefly she thought of the sordid triangle they had uncovered. In her mind she could create the scenario. Intent on revenge Michelle had probably gone after Leanne and if what they had heard was true, then the anchor woman would not have rejected the attention. Seduction, a boat trip and the end result was death. It was all very clear in her head how it had happened, but she wondered if they would ever be able to prove the truth.

She glanced down at her sleeping partner and for a brief moment she could almost sympathize with the woman. She didn't know how she would react if Sydney ever had an affair with someone else. She trusted the smaller woman, yet no one could predict what would happen in the future. She wasn't certain how she would respond if their roles weren't reversed and Sydney and her weren't in the other women's position.

We'll never be in that position, she promised herself firmly. I will make sure that Sydney is never unhappy, that she is always content to be with me. She was smart enough to know that a relationship, any relationship, needed constant work. She would make certain that Sydney never had a reason to look elsewhere.


Chapter Eight


Alex dozed off and when blue eyes finally popped open again it was to see that it was already early in the evening. She knew that they should get going but she was reluctant to move, desiring only to lie there with her companion savouring the warmth of their joined bodies. Yet she had made all the arrangements and did not want them to go to waste.

"Hey, sleepyhead wake up," she whispered softly, nuzzling the bare skin of her companions neck.

"What?" came the sleepy complaint as the smaller woman shifted languidly in her partners embrace.

"It's time to get up, I've made reservations for dinner," Alex continued unable to stop herself from pressing her lips once more against the soft skin of her companions neck.

"Can't we just order in?" Sydney moaned, still not willing to open her eyes, content to remain in the safe and comfortable warmth of her lover's arms.

"Not tonight," the older woman was insistent and kissed her companion one last time before releasing her hold and climbing out of bed. "This is our last night in Vancouver and I think we should do something special."

Sydney rolled over in time to catch a glimpse of her lover's beautiful backside before she disappeared into the bathroom. She closed her eyes and listened as the familiar sounds drifted out of the next room and she imagined every move her companion made. It was imprinted in her brain and her heart beat a little faster at the sound of the shower as it was turned on.

For a long moment she contemplated jumping out of bed and joining her companion but then thought differently. Alex said she had made reservations and if that was the case then it was in both their best interests that she remain where she was until the tall woman was finished in the shower. If she joined Alex now they wouldn't be going out anytime soon.

She grabbed the nearest pillow and hugged it tightly to her body, burying her face in it's softness and breathing in the scent of her lover, which lingered on the material. If she knew Alex, she knew that she had planned something special. That was one thing she found most endearing about her lover, the woman's romantic nature.

"Hey, are you asleep again?" an impatient voice demanded, interrupting the smaller woman's reverie. Green eyes instantly popped open to see a rather tall and formable figure framed in the doorway of the bathroom. There was a stern look on the beautiful face.

"I'm up, I'm up," Sydney replied and to prove the point she jumped out of bed and rushed passed her companion into the bathroom. She heard her lover's chuckle follow her into the next room. It was an hour later before they were both finally ready to leave the hotel.

"Where are we going?" Sydney asked as they stepped out into the evening. The sky was still light and the air pleasantly warm.

"It's a surprise," Alex said giving her companion a warm smile before lifting her hand to reveal a red bandanna. "Do you trust me?"

Sydney knew what her companion was asking and an unexpected thrill raced through her slender frame. The Captain had never before done anything like this but she found herself liking the idea very much. She turned her back, submitting herself to her lover.

Alex felt a immense wave of pleasure at the trust that her lover displayed and she tied the bandanna over the smaller woman's eyes, intent on making this a night to remember for the both of them. When the blindfold was secure Alex captured her lovers hand and guided her through the parking lot to where their car was parked.

The Captain helped the smaller woman into the passenger seat before climbing behind the wheel. She was infinitely careful as she manoeuvred the rental out of the lot and onto the busy thoroughfare that passed by their downtown hotel.

"Where are we going?" Sydney asked once they were under way.

She briefly attempted to gauge where they were and even though she was vaguely familiar with the city she was at a complete loss towards the direction they were headed. She caught a whiff of the smell of water and pine on the breeze and guessed that they were headed towards the harbour and Stanley Park, though to her knowledge there were no restaurants in the immediate area.

"Patience dear, we are almost there," the Captain smiled seductively even though she was aware that her companion was unable to see.

"You will let me take the blindfold off to eat won't you?" Sydney asked and the tall woman grinned.

"Maybe," the single word was followed by a laugh and the blond woman was left to imagine all sorts of thoughts, some of which were incredibly erotic.

The small detectives' senses were sharp and alert, her ears listening for any sound that she might recognize, her nose smelling the thick scent of the sea. Her body was suddenly, incredibly sensitive to everything around her and she almost jumped when Alex reached in to help her back out of the car once they had come to a halt.

"I want you to put your hands on my hips and keep them there," Alex instructed once she had locked up the vehicle and guided the smaller woman across the lot to the security gate. She briefly focused her attention on the guard that was manning gate. "My name is Alex Marshall, my companion and I are expected."

"Who are you talking too Alex?" Sydney wanted to know, aware that they were no longer alone.

"Nobody," the Captain dismissed the question easily and smiled at the security guard who was methodically checking the list on the clipboard by the phone in the booth he occupied.

"Here you are," the older man finally said as he checked off her name. He reached back and pressed a button, releasing the gate, giving the tall woman a bright smile.

"Thank you," Alex nodded and then led her companion through the gate and down the gangplank to the docks.

"Alex where are we?" Sydney inquired again, suddenly feeling the ground beneath her feet become a little unsteady.

"It's a surprise," the older woman said, making certain her lover's hands were firmly clasp on her hips before leading the way. "Hang on tight."

Sydney did as she was told and fell silent, enjoying the feel of her companions hips as they swayed as the taller woman walked. Her heart began to beat just a little faster and automatically she pulled the taller woman back so that their bodies touched. Alex yelped at the unexpected gesture and the younger woman chuckled.

"Don't do that," the older detective scolded lightly, though her heart was beating erratically. For a moment the unexpected action had almost caused her to lose her balance and the last thing she wanted at this moment was for either of them to take an unexpected plunge into the cold water.

"Sorry," Sydney apologized though she couldn't subdue the tiny chuckle that escaped from between her lips.

Alex was relieved when they finally reached their destination. The boat she had rented for the night was ready, it's lights were on and from her position on the docks she could see that the rest of her requests that also been attended too.

"You have to be very careful now," the Captain cautioned and then clasped her companion's hands before carefully helping her lover on board the boat. The craft rocked gently and Sydney knew for certain that they were on a boat. A gentle smile tipped the edges of her lips as she allowed her lover to guide her across the deck and into the cabin.

"Sit down and don't move," Alex instructed before moving around the cabin to the front where the controls where.

"Can I take the blindfold off now?" Sydney asked impishly.

"No!" came the hasty response. "Stay right where you are and don't move a muscle."

"Okay," the smaller woman agreed and sat silently while her companion hustled to the front of the craft.

Within moments they were once more on their way, and Sydney sat quietly, listening to the powerful pulse of the engines as Alex patiently guided the boat out from it's mooring and into the bay. It was a quiet night without much water traffic so the Captain was able to take the boat out into the harbour and park it in a place that afforded them the best possible view of the city and its lights.

She shut down the motor and dropped anchor before moving back to the cabin where her companion was patiently waiting. She dimmed the lights on the boat before reaching for her companion, helping her once more to her feet and guiding her to the table that was positioned at the back of the boat which was illuminated now only by the candles that Alex hastily lit once her companion was comfortably settled in a chair that faced the mainland.

"Okay, now we can take off the blindfold," Alex said with a deep breath and stood behind her companion to remove the bandanna.

Sydney blinked for a moment until her eyes focused but it took only a few seconds for the area surrounding them was bathed in a glow of light that radiated from the few candles that were carefully arranged around the back of the boat. The small detective was silent as she allowed her eyes to take in the scene.

She was seated at an oval table set with crystal glasses and fine bone china. There were platters of food, their contents covered by silver lids. But that was only the beginning as her vision widened to take in the scene before her.

The sun had set and before her lay the city, it's colourful lights illuminating the dark horizon, outlining the shoreline and reflecting off the almost glasslike surface of the water of which they were upon. It was a beautiful sight and she turned to her companion who was standing at her side.

Alex smiled gently and then dropped to her knees, drawing a hand from her back to produce a single red rose which she presented to her companion. Green eyes turned misty as the smaller woman accepted the gift.

"This is beautiful, thank you," she whispered hoarsely not knowing what else to say.

"This is only a little of what I would do for you," Alex replied sincerely, her blue eyes filled with the love she felt for the other woman. "I love you Sydney."

The other woman was ready and waiting for the tender kiss that followed the solemn declaration and the electric jolt that resulted from the simple contact of their lips went through her entire body and set her heart beating erratically.

"I love you Alex," she sighed once they finally parted and a gentle smile broke across the taller woman's face as she reached out to caress the other woman's cheek with the back of her long fingers.

"I know," the Captain smiled indulgently and popped back up to her feet, slipping into the chair that she had positioned next to her companion. "We better eat before this stuff gets to cold."

At that moment the small detective didn't care what the food tasted like. Her only desire was to climb across the table and ravish her tall lover but her stomach growled in protest when she was about to enact her thoughts. Her decision to wait until after eating was re-enforced at the sight of food that was unveiled.

"When did you do this?" she wanted to know, her palate delighting in the taste of the food that was dished out onto her plate.

"Yesterday," Alex chuckled, supremely proud of herself at having accomplished this feat. She could tell by her companion's reaction that Sydney was delighted. "I called the hotel concierge and told him what I wanted and he was able to take care of all the arrangements. Remind me to leave him a nice fat tip before we leave tomorrow."

"Don't worry I will remember," Sydney replied and Alex chuckled, feeling almost giddy.

They spent the rest of the meal, conversing quietly as an intimate atmosphere settled quietly over them, the night darkening and swallowing them in it's embrace. For a while they could almost believe that they were completely alone in the world. Just the two of them.

"That was fantastic," Sydney murmured once they had finished eating. She leaned back in her chair and patted her belly gently.

"Would you like to dance?" Alex asked her blue eyes trained on the smaller woman's face.

"I don't know if I can even move Alex," a smile broke across the blonde's face as warm green eyes settled on the taller woman's face.

"Then dancing is the perfect answer to work off food," the Captain chuckled and then jumping to her feet hurried into the forward cabin.

Sydney continued to smile, allowing her eyes to travel out around the horizon before dropping closed as she savoured the feeling of being loved and cherished by her companion. The wave of emotion that filled her that moment was only increased by the faint strains of music that suddenly drifted out of the cabin towards her. It was a romantic ballad by one of the country's premier female singers and the young detective allowed her mind to flow along with the words.

"May I have this dance?" Alex asked appearing in the opening of the cabin. Sydney opened her eyes and stared up at her companion. Alex had changed into a short blue dress that revealed creamy smooth shoulders and long bare legs. Her heart began to pound inside her chest.

"Alex, you look beautiful," the smaller woman managed to squeak and a seductive smile tipped the corners of the taller woman's lips.

"Thank you," the Captain said and held out her hand. "Would you like to dance?"

It was an invitation that the younger woman would not refuse and she rose to her feet and went automatically into her lover's embrace. They clung to each other, allowing their bodies to move to the rhythm of the music, as they gently swayed against each other. Sydney buried her face against her lover's chest, feeling the soft skin of the top of her partially exposed breasts, reveling in the love she felt flowing from her companion.

The music ended only to be replaced by any even more romantic ballad and Sydney felt a tender kiss as her companion gently laid her lips on the top of her golden crown. Sydney tipped her head back and was rewarded with a gentle kiss on her lips. It was an embrace she returned.

"Alex...?" the rest of the question was left unspoken and the taller woman smiled contentedly as she ended the dance by leading her companion into the cabin where one of the sofas had been made up into a bed.

"You thought of everything," the smaller woman looked at her in wonder.

"I try," the Captain replied.

"Alex," Sydney spoke again looking up hesitantly at her companion and briefly wondering what the other woman would say about her request.

"What?" the older woman sensed her companions hesitation and saw the smaller woman blush. "Come on you can say whatever you want?"

"Can we use the blindfold?" the blond said in a rush as a flood of colour flushed her cheeks. Alex laughed, delighted with the request and relieved. Briefly she had worried that this was to much for her lover.

"We can do anything you like," she smiled and retreated to the back of the boat where she had left the bandanna.

"Would you like me to wear it?" she asked once she returned to her companion's side and then laughed when the smaller woman flushed red. "You want to wear it?"

"I love you Alex and I love to watch you when you make love to me but it was kind of neat wearing the bandanna," the younger woman said hastily not wanting her companion to get the wrong impression.

"I understand," was the simple reply as the older woman was only to aware of the heightened senses that resulted from wearing a blindfold. Carefully she wrapped the bandanna around her companions eyes.

What followed next would forever live in Sydney's mind. Alex slowly undressed her companion, following the removal of each piece of clothing with a tender exploration of skin with her hands and mouth. Only once she was completely naked, was the smaller woman lead to the makeshift bed and lowered upon it's soft surface.

"Don't move," the dark haired woman whispered in her companion's ear before kissing her lips soundly before moving away.

Sydney lay there quietly, tiny goosebumps appearing on her skin as she anticipated what her lover was about to do. She listened intently as the other woman moved around the deck. She heard the drop of cloth onto the floor and a shiver raced down her spine as she visualized in her mind the naked form of her tall lover.

"Alex," she said sensing that her companion had returned to her side.

"Yes?" came the sultry reply and Sydney felt the mattress on which she lay move as the other woman knelt on the bed.

"You smell nice," was the only response that came to the blond woman's head and Alex chuckled replying with a gentle kiss on the smaller woman's mouth.

"Thank you," the Captain said and then picked up the rose she had brought with her to the bed.

Gently she lowered the bloom onto the smaller woman's skin before lightly tracing a path with it's soft pedals across the girl's skin. Sydney gasp at the feathery touch, goosebumps rising off her skin at the contact. Her nipples pebbled and hardened when the velvety flower circled it contour. The smaller woman groaned again.

"Are you cold?" Alex asked when her companion's body shivered.

"No," the blond detective managed to shudder in a heavy breath. Her body was so turned on that she was having a hard time breathing let alone thinking. "I'm hot."

"Oh," the Captain smiled reaching for something from a bucket she had placed beside the bed. "Then I better cool you off."

"Alex," Sydney gasped, her body quivering at the next contact which was cold and sent another shiver racing down her spine.

This touch was cool and moist and Alex trailed the ice cube down her companions body leaving a watery trail which she followed with her tongue. It was a mindless action that sent her companion's senses spinning.

"Oh God, Alex, please," Sydney begged feeling the moisture between her legs begin to flow. She reached out for where she thought her companion was but only felt her wrist being caught by a larger and stronger hand which then pinned them over her head.

"Not yet," the older woman said thickly, her breathing heavy her heart pounding, her own desire heightened by her companion's reaction.

It seemed like an eternity to Sydney as her lover continued to taunt her body with the ice cube and then her lips. Finally when she thought she would not be able to take anymore Alex lowered herself between her legs and moved her tongue and fingers against her swollen sex.

Sydney groaned unable to stop the orgasm that ripped through her body, her hips bucking wildly as it encompassed her entire body, leaving her more sated and exhausted then she could ever remember being.

Alex stayed with her lover until the last twitch had disappeared only then crawling up to nestle next to her companion. She gently reached out and combed damp strands of blond hair from the smaller woman's forehead before reaching around and removing the blindfold. Blue eyes were greeted by cloudy green orbs.

"I love you Alex," Sydney whispered barely able to move.

"I love you too Sydney," the Captain responded, bending forward to tenderly place their lips together.

"Let me love you," the smaller woman whispered against her warm lips. She wanted to return the favour, to make her companion as delirious as she felt.

"Later," Alex replied and pulled the smaller woman into a tight embrace. "Sleep now."

Green eyes drifted closed and the older woman smiled to herself at the gentle sound of the other woman as her breath evened into a rhythm that said she was sound asleep. Blue eyes closed as arms tightened more securely around the smaller body in her grasp.

It was the sound of a freighters horn as it echoed off the water that finally rousted Alex from her sleep. She opened one bleary eye and stared at the table near the bed, studying the time indicated on the watch she had placed there the previous evening. It was still early so she closed her eyes and settled back into the warm cocoon in which she was resting.

She was laying on her stomach, with a warm weight of her companion, draped over her back with one leg nestled contentedly between her own longer limbs. An arm was flung over her waist and a small hand was curled contentedly around one of her full breasts. A lazy smile came to her lips at the memories of what had passed between the previous night.

They had fallen asleep but it had been only a short nap and she had woken to find the smaller woman on top of her, meticulously repeating her actions. Somehow she ended up wearing the blindfold and it was an erotic experience that she undoubtable knew that they would repeat, often.

She submitted herself totally to the younger woman, revelling in the way her body responded to the loving attention that was bestowed by her lover. By the time Sydney finally took her over the edge she was wetter then she ever remembered being.

The smile on her face continued to grow as the heat of her companion radiated through her own body and she listened contentedly as the freighter blew it's horn again, the sound reflected off the water.

"Shit," she suddenly exploded out of bed.

"What?" a sleepy blond woman muttered having been unceremoniously rousted from her peaceful slumber.

"It's after seven," Alex exclaimed as she hastily began to dress. She turned to see her companion gazing at her with a puzzled expression. "We are supposed to be at the Abbotsfield airport at ten."

"Oh," Sydney replied and then her eyes widened into round balls as she realized everything they had to do.

"Shit," she mumbled jumping out of bed and scrounging around the floor for her clothes and finding them discarded all around the cabin where Alex had flung them.

Alex didn't bother to do anything more then put her clothes on before hurrying to the forward cabin. After drawing up the anchor she set the powerful engines in motion, silently muttering to herself about falling asleep.

They were only slightly late in getting to their destination, though both of them were the worst for wear due to their hurried departure. It had taken them over an hour to get the boat back to it's berth and then back to the hotel. Sydney had hurried up to their room to pack up their bags while Alex had stayed in the main lobby to settle their bill. She did not forget to give the concierge a healthy tip and the man only managed to hide his smile until the tall woman turned her back and hurried towards the elevator. He knew by her rumpled appearance that the evening had been a bigger success then the woman herself had even imagined.

It wasn't until they had returned the rental car and were walking across the tarmac to the waiting plane that both women allowed themselves a chance to take a breath. The pilot examined them critically for a moment, noticing their appearance for neither woman had the chance to shower or change. There was only slightly harried expressions on their faces.

"Tough day?" he inquired cocking an eyebrow.

"Traffic was a bitch," they responded in unison after flashing each other a glance. They looked at the pilot and a pair of grins broke out over their faces.

"Okay, okay, forget I asked, I'm loaded and ready to go," he muttered and indicated for them to get into the plane.

Before long they were in the air and only then did both woman allow themselves to relax. Sydney glanced at her partner who was sitting silently next to her. She reached over and picked up a larger hand, squeezing it between her own.

"Thank you," she said quietly. "Last night was wonderful."

"You're welcome," Alex smiled and lifted the small hand to her lips to place a tender kiss upon the skin.

The remainder of the trip was done in relative silence and neither of the detectives was surprised to see the Sheriff waiting at the airfield on Lopez Island. He was leaning across the front of his car with his beefy arms folded across his expansive chest. He eyed them critically as they walked slowly up to him.

"Good morning ladies," he greeted them with a nod of his head.

"Good morning Sheriff," they returned the greeting in unison. "I appreciate you coming here to meet us."

"Well, I thought it was the least that I could do," the man replied, his eyes taking in their appearance but he was not of a mind to comment on it.

"Sorry, we couldn't close the case for you," Sydney felt compelled to say when an awkward silence fell over the group.

"You did the best you could do, and more then most I suspect," the man replied straightening. "Come on I'll give you a ride over to your folks place. I had Herman take the bike over there yesterday, suspected that you girl's would probably like at least a day to yourselves before you have to head back to the city."

"Yes, thanks," Alex nodded in appreciation. They had gotten little time to themselves, and last night had left her more exhausted then she cared to admit. They climbed into the car with Alex taking the seat in the front next to the Sheriff while Sydney naturally slipped into the back.

"I really do appreciate your help ladies," the Sheriff said once they were underway. "Don't know that I would have managed to do as much in as little time as you had."

"Like my colleague said, I wish we could have done more," Alex was sincere. She hated leaving a case open but she was intelligent enough to know that it was something that occurred more then she cared to admit in their line of work.

"I'm sorry that it screwed up your little holiday," he commented his eyes darting a glance at the solemn woman in the backseat.

"That's all right," the woman next to him shrugged. "Things happen."

Sydney smiled at the comment but remained silent, her thoughts harkening back to the last twenty-four hours as she conceded to herself that there was nothing ever, going to make her regret that their impromptu holiday had been interrupted.

As callous as it sounded, the murder of Leanne Meyers, had been a godsend for the both of them. If only briefly it had taken them from their everyday lives and forced them together to resolve the issues that plagued their relationship. Nope, neither of them regretted what had happened. An idea came into her head.

"Maybe the Commissioner would let us stay a few more days to wrap things up," she interjected and two pairs of eyes turned to look at her.

"I already tried that sweetheart," Luke acknowledged as he turned the police cruiser into the drive of the summer home. "He wouldn't even give it a second thought. Can't say I blame him, it's been nice having you ladies around."

"It's been a good change," Alex admitted for the both of them.

"You know that we could always use someone of your quality here. It's not a bad place to live."

"I know and the idea is tempting, but face it we're both into the murder business," Sydney was unusually pleased that her partner had included her. "And there ain't much of that going on down here."

"Thank God for that," the Sheriff snorted with a chuckle. "I love the boys that work for me, but one of you are smarter then all of them put together."

"They just haven't been exposed to everything that goes on up in the city," Alex said. "If they were it would be different."

"I suppose," the man nodded reflectively.

"How come you never came to the city to work?" Sydney asked when there was a break in the conversation.

"Don't really know," the Sherrif was honest. "George asked me often enough. Maybe I just didn't think I was smart enough for you city slickers."

"I don't know Luke," Alex interrupted in her drawling voice. "Seems to me you got a pretty good set up here and none of the bullshit that George has to deal with."

The Sheriff chuckled. "Yeah I was never one to put on airs."





Chapter Nine


It felt strange for Alex to walk into the office alone that Monday morning. In the nine days they had been gone Sydney had been constantly at her side. She missed the other woman's presence. She missed her smell and the gentle way the smaller woman put a casual hand upon her back or her arm to draw her attention.

She sighed, nodding a greeting towards the detectives in the room before stepping into her own office, tossing her briefcase unto the desk before dropping into her chair. Without Sydney she felt like an important part of herself was missing.

"Oh, you have it so bad," she chided herself, mentally speaking the truth. She was completely in love with the blond woman and falling in deeper with each passing day. She stared out the window. For once it looked like it was going to be a beautiful day.

Sydney's birthday was coming up in a few weeks and she wanted to do something really special. For a few more minutes she indulged herself, unwilling to begin her day. Mentally she plotted several scenarios, reminding herself to call Andrew for a chat. As if summoned by her thoughts the phone jangled.

"Captain Marshall!" she answered briskly, but it sounded more like a bark.

"Mother Marshall, here," Marie responded with a hint of sarcasm. "Dear, do you always answer your phone like that?"

"No...yes.." Alex was momentarily confused.

"I taught you to have better manners then that," the older woman scolded gently. "What if the Commissioner had been calling?"

"I would have said, 'what the hell you want George?'," came the tart reply. Silence greeted her response and Alex winced realizing she had gone to far but before she could utter an apology her mother was speaking.

"My, we're in a fun mood today," the sarcasm was obvious.

"I just don't want to be here today," Alex sighed.

"Oh?" Marie was curious. "Then why don't you take the day off."

"Because then I'd be taking every day off," the younger woman said. "I miss not being with Sydney."

"She's not there then I take it."

"No, she's on evening shift."

The disappointment was evident in the younger woman's voice. Marie knew how much her daughter cared for the other woman. It was becoming increasingly more obvious with each passing day. The two women were growing closer and briefly Marie wondered if things would have been different for Alexandria if they had a closer relationship. She dismissed the thought aware that it had been brought on by that old familiar pang of jealousy.

"Well, then you have no excuse for not joining us Friday night for dinner," the older woman was not above taking advantage of the woman for her own benefit. "We've seen far to little of you lately."

"Okay," Alex agreed more readily then usual. The idea of being alone in the condo was very unappealing, especially on a Friday night.

"Good, be here for dinner at six thirty," Marie said and then hung up the phone.

Alex stared at the receiver for a minute before shaking her head. With reluctance she pushed all the thoughts of her family and her lover aside. Returning the phone to it's cradle she got down to work.

Sydney walked into the station house at twelve thirty, half an hour before their scheduled appointment to share lunch. Alex glanced at her watch and then at the small blond head which had poked itself through a crack in the door.

"You're early," Alex said unable to hide the pleasure she felt at seeing the younger woman.

"I was going crazy at home by myself," the small detective admitted with a sheepish grin. "I got lonely, I guess I kinda got used to having you around 24/7."

"Me, too," echoed the Captain and for a brief minute they smiled at each other in silence. "Ready for a game."

"Yep," Sydney's smile grew. "I have a feeling that today is the day that I'm going to beat you."

And she almost did, Alex realized over an hour later as the two exhausted women retired from the basketball court. They made their way back to the locker room both quietly wishing that their lives were different so that they could spend more time like this together.

"I missed this," Sydney said when they were finished in the shower and starting to dress.

"Yeah, me too," Alex sighed and then decided to change the subject before the yearning in her heart became to strong. "Mom called, she invited me for dinner on Friday."

"Are you going?" Sydney asked curiously aware that the older Marshall woman liked it when their daughter visited them alone.

"Yeah," Alex nodded and then gave her companion a lopsided grin. "Otherwise I would just be sitting around waiting for you to get home."

"I'm glad," the smaller woman smiled. "I think you're mother likes to visit alone with you."

"My parents like you," the Captain interrupted hastily.

"No Alex," the blonde woman said bluntly. "Your father likes me because I can be one of the guys, but your mom still isn't happy about us."

The Captain was silent aware that her lover had spoken the truth. She knew that her parent was trying yet Marie was still having a difficult time getting used to them being together.

"It's because she thinks that she's failed in someway," she sighed. "I think she feels responsible for me being gay. Like she had done something wrong when I was growing up. It's nothing personal against you."

"I know," Sydney understood better then her partner realized. "She cares about you and that's really neat. I envy you for having that."

Alex stopped buttoning her shirt and stared for a long moment at her companion who was seemingly oblivious to her gaze. Finally something in the silence made the smaller woman look up and for a long intense moment blue and green eyes met.

"They are not just my parents any more," Alex said quietly. "You're part of the family now."

"Alex," the name came out as a whine.

"No," the taller woman was firm. "You are my partner Sydney and for as long as we are together, I want you to consider them as your parents as well."

"I'd like to believe that Alex, but that's really up to them," Sydney appreciated her lovers word's but inside she knew that her lover's statement wasn't quite true. Regardless of how long they were together, she would never truly be a part of the Marshall family. The pure nature of their relationship was such that she would never fully be accepted.

Alex sensed there was something that her companion wasn't saying and opened her mouth to speak but the door to the locker room opened then to admit two female patrol officers and she knew the time for any serious conversation was over.

That afternoon the tall, dark haired woman sat in her office and stared out the window at her companion. She knew that in spite of everything Sydney didn't feel apart of her family and she racked her brains to try to think of someway to change that yet she wasn't certain she could. She wanted to make Sydney a part of her family. There was only one thing that continually popped in her head. It was an idea that nagged at her for the rest of the week and it was what was on her mind when she went to visit her parents that Friday evening.

"You seem preoccupied dear, is everything all right?" Marie asked her daughter when they were sitting at the dinner table enjoying a delicious roast beef dish.

"Yeah," Alex was in no mood to discuss her thoughts.

"Well, it's nice to have you here," the older woman said. "We so seldom get to see you."

"Sydney and I rarely have any time off together," the younger woman said.

"You can come here without Sydney," her mother said and something about that statement irritated Alex beyond reasonable measure. Perhaps it was the direction her thoughts had been taking this last while.

"Do you tell Andrew, Lawrence or Charles to leave their wives at home too?"

"What?" Marie was taken aback at the fierce tone of her daughter's voice.

"Alexandria, I don't think your mother was saying that," Warren interjected loudly sensing the beginning of an argument that none of them wanted. "I think you're mother was just saying that you don't have to wait until Sydney is free. You are welcome here anytime."

Alex closed her eyes and took a deep breath. She expelled it slowly aware that she had jumped to conclusions. She looked apologetically at her mother.

"I'm sorry," she was genuinely contrite. "There was no excuse for me to jump at you, I guess I'm just a little edge," she cocked a crooked and embarrassed smile at her parents. "I think I'm suffering from Sydney withdrawal."

"What?" both echoed in confusion and the younger woman grew sheepish.

"It was so nice being together all that time," Alex admitted. "I guess I miss not having her around all the time."

There was silence as the older couple absorbed this information. They looked silently at each other in quiet understanding, and Marie felt another pain in her heart, realizing that she had truly lost her daughter to this other woman.

"Have you given any more consideration to that talk we had a few months ago?" Warren asked breaking the silence and momentarily changing the subject.

Alex looked up at her father. After her talk with Sydney she had all but dismissed the idea of leaving the police department and going into private law practice. They were still building their relationship and needed all the time together they could get, leaving the department would cut into that little time they now had for each other.

Warren watched his daughter seeing the answer before any words came from her mouth. He was looking forward to the day when she finally joined the family practice. He was proud of his sons, but his ony daughter was special, she had a personality and a force that was stronger then any of her siblings and he knew that she would be impressive in any courtroom. She had been every time she had testified for the persecution. He couldn't wait for the day when she finally stepped across the courtroom and stood for the defense.

"Yes," the girl nodded looking down at her plate and picking at the food with her fork. "I talked to Sydney like you suggested but it isn't the right time."

"You didn't let her persuade you not to leave, did you?" Marie asked a little to sharply and it made Alex uncomfortable that her parents might blame her lover for her decision.

"On the contrary, she was very supportive," was the honest answer. "The truth is as much as I'd love to start getting my hands wet, I'm not sure it's best for right now. We are still new at this relationship and we hardly see each other now, when we work in the same department, we'd never see each other if I started practicing law." She paused hoping her parents would understand. "Sydney is too important for me to risk losing."

"More important than your career?" Marie asked.

"More important then life," Alex replied quietly leaving them in no doubt about her feelings towards the younger woman.

"Don't you think it's a little soon to be saying something like that?" the older woman said quietly and blue eyes looked up. "After all you haven't known her all that long."

"No, we haven't known each other that long but it's what I have felt since the first time I met her," the tall woman paused shaking her head, glancing down at her plate for a moment to sort out her thoughts before looking up at her parents. "I know you won't understand this, and I don't suppose you ever will, but I feel about Sydney the same way you two feel about each other."

"You couldn't have explained it better," Warren said quietly, reaching across the table and squeezing his daughters hand. "But you have to give us all time to adjust. We didn't expect to get four daughter-in-laws."

"I appreciate what you have done," Alex replied. "You have been more supportive then I expected."

"Well, maybe there is more we can do," Warren said an idea coming to mind. "Andrew just landed a few big criminal cases and he could probably use some help."

"I don't know if it's wise I work on a criminal case," the Captain responded grateful for her father's attempt. "I think it would be a conflict of interest or something."

"Not necessarily," the attorney disagreed. "None of his cases involves your department and all you would be doing is research and help with preparing the case."

The idea sounded reasonably interesting though Alex wasn't certain how she would be able to fit it into her schedule. She admitted as much.

"What do you do when Sydney's working and you're not?" her father asked patiently.

"Work-out in the gym, mop around the apartment," Alex was honest.

"Exactly," Warren stressed his point. "Put that time to use. Andrew's bogged down right now and he could use the help of someone whose more than an assistant and you can come in when you're not busy."

Alex thought about the proposal for a long moment. She liked the idea and it would give her something to do rather than waste time in the condo waiting for Sydney to get home from work. She looked intently at her father.

"I'd have to clear this with the department and with Andrew," she said pensively. "And Sydney."

"I'll talk to Andrew," her father said but his daughter shook her head.

"No daddy, I want to make sure he's okay with this," Alex said. "If you talk to him, he'll think he's forced into the matter. I don't want that."

"Okay," he agreed seeing the logic in his daughter's statement.

"Okay," Alex smiled.

"Good, now mother mentioned that Sydney's birthday is coming up," Warren changed the subject aware that his wife always got anxious when they discussed business.

"Yes," Alex nodded. "Two weeks from Sunday."

"Do you have an idea of what you are going to do?" Marie spoke for the first time in a while, still smarting from her daughters misunderstanding.

"Yeah," the taller woman had been thinking hard and had come up with the perfect idea of how she wanted to celebrate her lover's birthday. "Sydney isn't big into parties, so I thought the two of us would just go out to dinner."

"You have to let us celebrate with you," her father moaned. "At least let us throw her a barbecue with family and a few friends. We could have it on Sunday afternoon."

"Yeah," Alex nodded her head a smile forming on her lips. "I don't think she would mind something like that. But you don't have to do this just because of what I said earlier."

"We're not," Warren spoke for the both of them. "I know that sometimes we don't treat Sydney like family but I expect that she is, so it's no use denying it."

"Thank you daddy," Alex was extremely grateful for the acceptance that her father gave. It gave her courage to broach another subject. "Have you guys decided where you're going this Christmas?"

"Your mother mentioned she'd like to go to Greece," Warren answered.

"They have this lovely three week cruise that tours through the Greek Islands and makes several stops in Turkey," Marie enthused, her eyes narrowing slightly when she noticed her daughter begin to figet with her napkin. "Why?"

"When we were on Lopez Island, I told Sydney about all the vacations we had spent there as a family."

"Those are wonderful memories," Marie agreed with a smile.

"Yeah, that's what she thought," the taller woman continued thoughtfully. "Sydney didn't have much of a childhood. She doesn't have many memories like that. She never really had any special Christmas celebrations."

"Are you trying to get at something dear?" the older woman prompted sensing that her daughter was having a difficult time discussing something which was on her mind.

"I was wondering if you would consider postponing your plans and spend Christmas with Sydney and myself on Lopez Island," Alex finally managed to get out. There was silence as the older two people glanced across the table at each other. The younger woman missed the quiet communication.

"I think that would be a wonderful idea," Warren spoke for them both and Alex glanced from one face to the other for confirmation.

"Yes," Marie nodded her head in agreement.

"Are you sure?" the younger woman seemed uncertain.

"Absolutely," Warren was more enthusiastic this time. "I think it's a positively great idea. We haven't been out to the Island for Christmas in to many years. It would be nice."

"What about your trip to Greece?"

"We can go any time of the year," Marie waved her hand airly, liking the idea very much. "Truth is, your father and I get lonely in the Christmas' when none of you children come home. It will be nice to spend Christmas with someone."

The more Alex thought about the whole situation the more excited she became. She waited up that night for her lover to come home waiting only until Sydney had crawled into bed with her before settling down and turning out the light.

"How did dinner go?" the smaller woman asked snuggling into her companions arms.

"Better then I thought," the Captain said unable to mask the excitement in her voice. The blond woman listened as her lover spoke, telling her about the evening and its unexpected events.

"You know Alex, if you want to go into practicing law, I think you should," Sydney said ignoring her personal thoughts and fears. "I'll support everything you decide."

"I know you will," Alex sighed, "but I'm not ready. This way I can try it out and see if I'll really like it or not. It would be crazy if I left the SPD only to find out I hated being a lawyer. Maybe I'll even be awful."

"You'll be a great lawyer,"

"You're too good for my ego," Alex chuckled and squeezed her companion in her arms. "But that's not the most exciting news."

"Oh?" Sydney twisted around in her companion's arms so that she could look her full in the face.

"I talked to mom and dad about Christmas and they think it's a great idea," the dark haired woman could barely contain her excitement. "They are looking forward to spending Christmas this year with us on Lopez Island."

She felt an immense rush of love for her partner and not knowing what to say she leaned in and kissed the other woman soundly.

"I love you."

"I know you do," Alex chuckled pleased by her partners response. "Now tell me about your day. Did you land anything exciting?"

Sydney proceeded to tell her partner about the rather boring shift she had spent. Since returning from Lopez Island she had been bogged down on several rather mundane assignments. She was happy to report that after three weeks they were about to finally close the case of Louis B. Archer the black street vagrant that had been beaten to death in an alley.

That evening she had finally found Martin Steward, a homeless man, in one of the cities drunk tanks and after sobering him up he had admitted that his partner, one Melvin Vega and himself had beaten Archer to death because the man had refused to share the rest of his alcohol with them. The whole situation had been pitiful and she had walked away from the man with a sense of incredible hopelessness for the way some of the world was headed.

"It's times like this that I wonder about bringing a child into the world," the blond woman admitted her thoughts.

"It is a tough world out there," Alex conceded, "but we shouldn't give up hope. It's only when we give up that it truly becomes hopeless."

Alex was still thinking about the conversation the next day when she called her brother and made arrangements to meet him at a local restaurant. She had never been to the place that her brother named and needed to look it up in the phone book to get the appropriate directions. She arrived early and was surprised to find that her brother was already waiting.

"The man that owns this place is a client of mine," Andrew informed her. "He's involved in a little bit of trouble so I thought to come early and talk to him before we met."

"Why? So you could write our lunch off as a business lunch?" Alex inquired drawing an embarrassed grin from her brother. "I can't believe you do that to dad."

"I don't use it against dad," the man hastily defended himself. "I use it on my tax forms."

Alex shook her head without comment before following the hostess to a table at the far end of the restaurant. She slipped into a chair and allowed her eyes to scan their surroundings.

The place was elegantly decorated and dimly lit providing a muted atmosphere. It was built in the likeness of a great hall in a distant castle with torches flickering along the wall. It was definitely a place where someone could be intimate.

"This is a cool place," Alex commented, aware that the menus where on simple pieces of paper that were rolled up like scrolls.

"Yeah I like it," Andrew smiled proudly. "I bring Christie here for our anniversary, they have some really neat private alcoves in the back, like your own private dining areas."

"Really?" Alex was definitely interested now as her mind shifted into high gear.

"Yeah, it's incredibly romantic," the man continued wagging his eyebrows suggestively. "The perfect place to take a lover."

Alex looked at him with one eyebrow cocked. "Are you suggesting something?"

"Well, mom let it slip that it was the Kindergartener Cops birthday coming up soon and I just thought..."

"What, that I needed some help in figuring out what to do?" the eyebrows disappeared beneath dark bangs.

"No," Andrew flushed. "I mean, I'm sure you know what to do but I just thought.."

"I know what you thought and I appreciate it," Alex smiled letting the man off the hook. She glanced around their surroundings. "The truth is that I was racking my brains for a place to take her. I didn't want it to be someplace ordinary."

"Well, there you go," a grin broke over the man's face.

"So, how much does it cost to rent one of those alcoves for an evening?" she wanted to know and watched as the smile on the older man's face disappeared.

"It's not more then you could afford however they are usually booked months in advance."

"Oh," Alex was disappointed, thinking that she would have to think of another idea. "Maybe you could speak with the owner, after all he is a client."

Andrew looked at his sister and a smile broke over his face. "Yeah maybe I could, however it's going to cost you."

"How much?" the tall woman wanted to know, her eyes narrowing.

"I don't know yet," the man grinned evilly as he leaned back in his chair and began to tap his fingers on the table thoughtfully. "I will need time to think about it."

"Don't think to hard," Alex drawled. "I am a resourceful woman and can find some other place on my own."

"But will it be as nice as this?" Andrew asked continuing to think that he had his sister over a barrel.

"Better," the woman smirked and the man laughed.

"I'll talk to him," the man conceded defeat. "And it won't cost you anything. Tell Syd it's my birthday present to her."

"I appreciate it," Alex was sincere.

The rest of the meal was spent in quiet conversation as the two siblings caught up on what was happening in their lives. Alex detailed what had happened during their brief visit to Lopez Island and the ensuing trip to Vancouver. Andrew sat rapt, listening to his sister and thinking that she lead such an interesting life.

"I envy you," he sighed when she was finished.

"Oh," Alex was slightly taken aback by his confession.

"Yeah," he smiled sheepishly. "You and Sydney seem to led such an exciting life. Something is always happening."

"Believe me brother I wish it was a lot less exciting," the woman retorted without amusement thinking of Sydney's shooting and the night in Vancouver when they were assaulted by the street punks. "It's not as glamorous as it seems."

"No, I suppose nothing is," Andrew agreed nodding his head. He glanced up at his sister. "I know we get along and all but you still haven't told me why it was important for us to meet for lunch."

Alex looked at her brother for a moment before revealing the reason behind this date. She related the conversation she had with their father and then fell silent, waiting for the man to respond. She saw the pensive frown burrow it's way between his brows.

"Doesn't dad think I can handle the cases?" he asked unable to mask the hurt he felt in his voice.

"Not at all, he's just worried that you are overworked," Alex said hastily. "Aren't you spending longer hours at the office?"

"Yeah," the man nodded admitting the truth. Christie had complained more then once that he was getting home later and later in the day. Truth was that he would welcome some extra help with his caseloads and the thought of working with Alex was not unappealing. He liked his sister and enjoyed her company immensely.

"Is it something you want to do?" he asked turning his blue eyes on her.

"It's something I'd like to try," the woman confided. "I've been thinking of putting my degree to use but I'm not ready to leave the force yet."

"And Sydney, what does she think of this?"

"Sydney will support anything I do," came the quietly rejoinder. "Truth is she is the reason I want to do this."

"Oh?" this confession caught the man by surprise.

"Yeah," Alex nodded her dark head. "I feel practically lost without her around and the condo seems so empty without her in it. I need to keep busy when she's working."

"Oh," the man nodded his head in understanding.

"So it wouldn't be full time and I wouldn't let it interfere with the little time I have with Sydney," she paused. "That is if you're okay with it."

"Yeah, I think it would be great," the man answered after a moment of searching his sister's face. "I'd like to work with you and I know Christie would be happy knowing that there was someone else helping out. Truth is I think she is afraid that one of the reasons I stay late at the office is because I might be having an affair with one of the legal assistants."

"Oh," this admission caught Alex by surprise. She had never known her friend to be the jealous type. She caught the slightly guilty smile on her siblings face. She never expected this from her brother. "Do you want to tell me about this?"

"There is nothing really to tell," Andrew said not daring to look his sister in the eye. "There is a new legal assistant at the office and she is eager to get ahead. Too eager I'm afraid and she has volunteered on more then one occasion to stay late and help out. She is working on her law degree and thinks anything extra will help. It will but Christie thinks the woman might have a crush on me."

"What do you think?" Alex was blunt and saw the flush enter her brothers cheeks.

"I think she might be right."

There was silence as the woman contemplated the situation. She thought back to those long moments when she had first met Sydney's former lover in Vancouver. She had been more then mildly jealous and had been unwilling to allow the two out of her sight. It wasn't that she distrusted her lover, for Sydney's feelings for her were evident, it was just that she wasn't certain the other woman didn't still hold a torch for her companion and she knew how things could go.

"Well, then my presence might just be able to cool her intentions," she paused. "That is if you want that to happen."

"Oh, God yes," the man breathed heavily. "I love Christie and I don't think about being with anyone else. I'm just not certain how to handle this woman without causing an even bigger problem."

"Okay then I will handle it for you, provided of course you do me a favour," Alex said and her brother looked at her skeptically.

"What kind of favour?" he was suspicious uncertain he could agree to what his sibling would propose.

"Get me one of those private alcoves for Sydney's birthday," Alex said and the man grinned reaching out his hand.

"Deal."

Alex was still mulling over her plans, with a smile on her lips when she arrived home that evening. It was Tuesday and Sydney was only at the beginning of her seven day night shift rotation. She hated the fact that she would have to sleep alone for another five nights before her partner rotated back onto the day shift.

She stepped into the condo, surprised to find it completely silent. Usually when she arrived home, it was to find the stereo blaring full blast as her partner went about any activity that she was preoccupied with. For a moment she felt a sudden panic but that lasted only until she found her partner in the den, curled up on the sofa with a book propped open on her lap.

Alex smiled as she leaned against the door and watched her companion sleep. Sydney usually went to bed the moment she returned to the apartment in the morning, that way she was up for when she returned from work allowing them to spend the evening together, doing whatever they wanted.

The smile faded. Alex knew that the shift work was tough on the younger woman. It was tough on all the detectives but it was the most effective rotation that had been worked out.

She glanced at her watch and decided to leave the smaller woman sleep, retreating to the bedroom to change before strolling into the kitchen to make supper. She felt in an expansive mood and it was an hour later before the casserole she had thrown together was ready to take out of the oven. She set it on the counter to cool while she finished setting the table. Only when everything was complete did she go wake her partner.

Sydney rousted slowly, drifting casually from her slumber back into reality, aware of something very soft and gentle caressing her hair. It took her a moment to realize it was a hand and that it belonged to her lover.

"Hey," she smiled lazily allowing her green eyes to slowly open.

"Hey sleepyhead," Alex smiled, leaning in to brush her lips across the smaller woman's brow. "You hungry?"

"Starved," Sydney sighed and studied her companion intently. "Did you just get home?"

"No, I've been home for about an hour," the taller woman replied. "Dinner is ready."

"Oh Alex, you should have woken me."

"Why, you were sleeping so peacefully," Alex said tenderly combing loose strands of blond hair from her partner's forehead. "I didn't want to wake you, but dinner is ready and I am hungry."

"Okay," the blond woman smiled and then with the help of her companion eased herself off the sofa.

"I had lunch with Andrew today," Alex said once they were sitting at the table. "I mentioned to him that dad would like me to help him out doing research on some of his cases."

"What did he say?" Sydney asked swallowing a mouthful of casserole.

"At first he was offended but then I think he realized what Dad is trying to do," the dark haired woman admitted. "In the end he admitted that it would probably be a good thing. It seems that there is a law clerk in the office who is showing him some unwelcome attention."

"Oh," the blond woman was surprised by that revelation. She glanced at her partner.

"Yeah, it seems she has developed a crush on him and he doesn't know exactly what to do about it," Alex continued. "I think he would welcome a third party in the office to help diffuse the situation."

"Then it could serve two purposes," Sydney said.

"I hope so," Alex sighed. "Anyway, I promised him I would pop around tomorrow evening after work so he could introduce me around his office and get me familiar with how he wants things done."

"So what time should I expect you?" the smaller woman wanted to know.

"I will be home by six," the Captain promised and then smiled. "If you're up to it maybe we can hit a movie before you go into work."

"Actually, I would prefer to spend the evening alone together if you don't mind," Sydney confessed.

"Done," Alex agreed only to willing to have the younger woman all to herself for an evening.. "What do you have in mind?"

"You'll see," the blond detective smiled coyly and then changed the subject. "I decided to go to see Anne tomorrow."

"Are you sure you're ready?" Alex was immediately concerned, reminded of an earlier conversation they had shared. She had faith in the older woman, there was something about Anne that told Alex the woman really cared for her younger sibling. She trusted that the convict wouldn't say anything stupid to her partner.

"Yeah," Sydney nodded her head. "I'm nervous but I have to see her some time. It will only get harder the longer I wait."

"I don't think you have anything to worry about," the Captain said confidentially.

I hope not, the smaller woman thought unable to dismiss the fears that she held. Immediately after work the next morning, she headed towards the state penitentiary where her sister Anne was incarcerated. She didn't even bother waiting for Alex to arrive at work, thinking how she might stay and talk to the woman and then change her mind. She shook her head, feeling incredibly fatigued, and trying to keep her thoughts focused on the drive. It didn't surprise her that her older sibling wasn't expecting her visit.

"Hey," Sydney greeted her sister as the older woman slipped into the vacant chair on the other side of the glass partition and picked up the phone.

"Hey, how are you doing kid?" Anne was genuinely concerned about her younger sibling.

"Good," the blond woman smiled weakly. "How have you been?"

"Staying alive," the prisoner flashed a cocky grin, her hazel eyes narrowing as she searched the other woman's face. She was astute enough to notice the red scars that were visible on her sisters' neck and lower chin. She sensed that the kid was reluctant to discuss what had happened and decided to bring up the subject herself. "Are you completely recovered?"

"The wounds hurt sometimes when I am overtired," Sydney conceded unconsciously running her fingertips over the scars on her neck. "They told you what happened?"

"Yeah, the Warden is a bit of a battleaxe but she's got a heart," Anne flashed another grin that disappeared almost as soon as it appeared. "She told me you were shot."

"Yeah, we went to arrest a guy in regards to a murder case and he came out firing," the detective admitted. "We weren't prepared and got tagged. It's lucky that he was a bad shot."

"Someone took care of him, didn't they?" the convict asked roughly feeling a measure of anger and hatred towards the unknown person who had harmed her sister.

"He was killed in an exchange of fire," Sydney said quietly not elaborating and unable to meet her siblings eyes which made the older woman's eyes narrow.

Anne was silent as she studied her younger sister. She knew Sydney better then anyone and there were certain traits that the girl had carried from her childhood through to her adult life. One of them was her avoidance in meeting their eyes when she didn't want to admit something. She couldn't at first think about what the other woman could be hiding and then it suddenly hit her.

"You killed him," the older woman said succinctly guessing the truth and all Sydney could do was nod her head. "He deserved it."

"No one deserves to be killed," the detective disputed the claim with a flash of anger. "No one has the right to kill another human being."

There was complete silence as the words sank into the prisoners head. For a long moment hazel and green eyes met as the two sisters stared at each other. Sydney held her breath not certain her sibling wouldn't just get up and walk out of the visitors room.

They had never talked about that night so very long ago. She knew her sister's feelings on the situation but Sydney had never confronted her about the events of that evening that had changed both their lives so dramatically.

"No, you're right," Anne agreed softly, "but there are always reasons why people end up dying at the hands of someone else."

"You mean excuses," the blond woman shook her head.

"No reasons," the convict corrected quietly. "I won't say what I did was right, but I was scared. That night when that cop came after me I was afraid of this. I didn't want to go to jail."

"So you shot him," Sydney said.

"I never meant to kill him..."

"But you did," the detective interrupted shaking her head not accepting that argument..

"Yes, but do you actually think I want to be here," Anne demanded with a hint of anger waving her free hand expansively to indicate her surroundings. "Do you think there is anyone who would intentionally want to waste their life in a dump like this?"

"No," Sydney shook her head again.

"Then why can't you accept it was an accident?" the older woman demanded.

"Because you never expressed remorse," the blond woman said bluntly and for a long moment there was a tense silence. "From the moment I realized that I had been responsible for that man's death, regardless of the fact that he had tried to kill me first, I felt horrible."

"That's why you and me are different kid," Anne said flippantly and her attitude stirred an anger deep inside the younger woman.

"I don't think we are so different," Sydney disputed the claim. "If there is one difference between us it's that you are a coward and I'm not."

"Bullshit..." the older woman was about to disagree but the detective wouldn't accept any argument.

"Yes," the blond woman affirmed. "You might have been scared when you shot that cop but you were a coward not to own up to it. You are so frightened of having someone see the real you, that you played at being the big shot, the tough guy. You always had to be the tough guy."

"Someone had to be, to protect your sorry ass," the older woman scoffed resentfully.

"Bullshit, you never protected me," Sydney disagreed thinking of all the times that she had been kicked around and beaten by the others. "If I remember correctly you stood by and watched them hurt me... when did you protect me from them?"

"Just by being there," the other woman snorted tersely. "Everything they did to you would have been worse if I hadn't been there."

Sydney was silent. She didn't want to argue with her sister. She was tired, exhausted by her long shift and the drive. She knew that in this mood she was liable to say something that would only upset the situation even more then it already was. She thought of Alex and wished the taller woman was there. She could use her strength and guidance at that moment.

"I'm not you, Syd," Anne said quietly breaking the silence between them and the younger woman glanced up. For a long moment green and hazel eyes met in a long gaze. "I will never be you."


The single knock on the door made Alex glance up from the paperwork on her desk. She was surprised at the sight that filled her line of vision. She smiled and gave the rotund man a firm nod before motioning to an empty chair. It was little more than a week since they had last seen the man.

"It's nice to see you Sheriff Ford," she greeted the man as he plunked himself down in a vacant chair. "What brings you up into this neck of the woods?"

"Hadn't seen George for awhile so I thought it was time to drop down for a visit," the man replied easily as he settled comfortably into the chair. "Figured I would pop in and bring you up to speed on what's happening on the Meyer's case. Thought you would be interested."

"I am," Alex smirked, "but I think this visit has more to do with being able to bill this trip to the taxpayers rather then bring me up to speed."

"I see now why my brother warned me to be careful with you," the Sheriff laughed not offended by the comment. He let his brown eyes wander around the room. "You've got yourself some pretty nice digs here."

"Not as good as your brothers," came the light reply which brought another chuckle from the man.

"I am thinking that he better be on his guard or you might soon be standing on his door step waiting to move in."

"Nope," Alex shook her head. "That's one thing George doesn't have to worry about. I have no ambition to go after his job, to much political crap to deal with."

"Yep, I suppose you're right there," the man agreed solemnly.

"So, anything new?" Alex was genuinely curious to know how the case involving Leanne Meyer's murder was progressing.

"Nothing major," the man admitted regretfully. "The searches of the boat and Armstrong's apartment did produce evidence that Meyer's had been at both locations."

"How did Armstrong explain it?" the woman was completely alert.

"She said that it might be from when Joanne Frost and her were still living together," the Sheriff repeated the answer he had been given. "It seems that Ms. Frost had brought Ms. Meyers there on several occasions when Ms. Armstrong was working."

Alex was silence as she contemplated this explanation. Any prosecutor would be hard pressed to dispute this claim and she had the sinking feeling that the woman would get away with murdering the popular news anchor.

"What about a weapon?"

"Nothing new on that front either," the Sheriff sighed, "but the detective from Vancouver said that she hadn't yet had a chance to visit every place where the woman would be able to obtain a weapon. We have learned that Ms. Armstrong was a member of a shooting club and had at one time owned several guns used for trap shooting. However, she said that she had sold them several years earlier."

"You might want to check with Joanne Frost to confirm that," Alex said without thinking and then remembered that she was no longer involved in the case. She had the grace to flush. "That's if you think it would be useful."

The man laughed easily, not offended by the suggestion. "Truth is I was hoping you could offer some more advice. I tried to get something out of George but he said I should talk to you."

"He would," Alex grinned aware of the Commissioners pendant for passing the buck. The smile disappeared from her lips as another idea popped into her head. "I think while you're down here you might want to stop in at the Coroners office and see whether Ms. Meyer's wound is consistent with the type that might be inflicted with a gun used for trapshooting, keeping in mind the particular type of ammunition that is used."

"Will do," the man nodded his head in agreement. He glanced about the room again. "How's your partner, I didn't see her out in the squad room?"

"She's on night shift."

"On night shift," the man was bemused by the response. "I would have thought that you would have used some pull to get her on your shift."

"That would be playing favourites," Alex replied easily knowing that the man's comments were not made with any malice intent. "And I don't play favourites, or did George tell you different?"

"Nope," the Sheriff laughed. "Fact is he only warned me not to cross you, said I would live to regret it."

"You would," Alex didn't dispute the claim. She glanced at her watch. "Can you spare enough time for me to buy you lunch?"

"I think that can be arranged," the man agreed amicably. "Provided that afterwards you accompany me over to the Coroners Office."

"I think I can arrange that," the Captain grinned.

It was suppertime when Alex finally arrived home from a rather long day. Lunch and their following visit to the coroner's office proved enlightening as Alex was not only able to have her questions answered but the Sheriff was able to collect the results of the chemical samples that the Coroner had taken earlier from the body. While no drugs had been detected in the woman's blood, it was clear that she had consumed a considerable amount of alcohol.

Alex pushed all thoughts of the deceased woman from her mind as she stepped into the condo, her senses delighted by the fragrant aroma that assaulted each breath. She could hear her companion moving around in the kitchen and immediately headed in that direction, dropping her briefcase at the door.

"Hey," she greeted the smaller woman as she strolled into next room. She walked right up to the blond woman and wrapped her arms around the slender waist to give her a hug while dropping a kiss on her head.

"Hey yourself," Sydney smiled, happy to see her companion again. "How was your day?"

"Busy," Alex sighed releasing her companion and leaning back against the counter to munch on a stray carrot she had snagged from the plate of vegetables her partner was preparing. "Had an unexpected visit from Sheriff Ford at lunch."

"Really," the smaller woman was surprised. "Did he have anything new to say?"

"Only that Michelle Armstrong had at one time competed as a trap shooter and that she had once owned several guns."

"So that puts another bit of evidence against her," Sydney remarked scooping up the vegetables and dropping them into a steam cooker, but not before Alex grabbed another raw carrot.

"It appears that way," Alex sighed, "however it is all flimsy at best."

"Yeah," the smaller woman agreed and then looked at her partner. "Hey, do you feel like going to St. Mary's tonight and playing some basketball."

"I thought you wanted to spend the evening in?" the taller woman was immediately suspicious.

"I changed my mind," the smaller woman simply shrugged her shoulders.

Truth was that since she had returned from visiting her sister she had been unable to settle down. She had been to restless to sleep when she lay down and now the adrenalin was still pumping through her body in spite of the fatigue that was just slightly at bay. Alex sensed there was more to the situation.

"How did your visit with Anne go?" she asked cautiously. She wished she could have gone with her companion but Sydney had not invited her along.

"It was horrible," the smaller woman sighed and the taller woman tensed.

"What did she say?"

"It wasn't her," Sydney sighed and smiled weakly at the sight of the confused look on her lover's face. "I was the one who was the bitch."

Alex didn't want to believe that but she sensed that her companion was dealing with several issues. "What happened?"

"I verbally attacked her," the smaller woman explained in a weary voice. "I told her because of my experience I couldn't understand how she could be so cool about killing someone."

"What did she say?"

"She didn't answer me," Sydney answered quietly and a solemn silence fell between the two women.

"How did it end?"

"We agreed to disagree," the younger woman said unable to mask the catch in her voice and Alex responded immediately by moving across the distance that separated them and wrapping her tightly in an embrace. They stood like that for a long while.

"You okay?" she glanced down at her companion.

"Yeah," Sydney nodded taking a deep breath as she watched her partner resume her position by the counter. "So you up to going to St. Mary's tonight?"

"Yeah, that might be fun," the Captain readily agreed, thinking it might be good way to get the smaller woman's mind off her visit to her sister's. It had been almost two months since they had been out to the evening basketball games. Matches that the older woman had begun to enjoy, reveling in the competition that was offered.

"Why don't you go change and by the time you're done the vegetables will be ready."

The taller woman nodded and pushed herself away from the counter and retreated through the condo towards the bedroom. Her companion was right and by the time she had washed and changed, the vegetables were done and the spicy cooked beef and rice was set on the table.

Despite their plans the Alex didn't rush through her meal, content to savour and enjoy the food that her companion had prepared. The game was just about to get underway by the time they arrived but they were greeted with friendly waves by their friends and soon they were placed on different teams.

"Didn't know if we'd see you here again," Skinny announced with a broad smile across his face. He had been the first to run across the court to greet them.

"Been tied up abit," Sydney answered returning the hug the man gave her.

"Heard," the man nodded his head seriously. "Glad to know that you're all right, we were all worried that you might not make it."

"You should know better then that," Alex chided the man goodnaturedly smiling tenderly at her lover. "Sydney is one tough nut."

"You have that right," the black man grinned. "Come on, we're about ready to play, you're just in time."

It felt good to be back on the court with her old friends and for the first time since the shooting Sydney began to think that her life could completely return to normal. By the time the game ended she was panting, exhausted by the exertion she needed to keep up with the rest.

"I feel totally out of shape," she confessed to her partner who chuckled, rubbing her head affectionately.

"That means we will just have to get you back into shape," Alex grinned and their companion's laughed.

Sydney went to work that night feeling better then she had in a long time. She had been nervous about returning to the night shift but things had been going smoothly at work and she was beginning to feel a level of comfort that had been missing for so long after the shooting.

She thought of Alex, whom she had dropped off at the condo. She wished that she could have stayed at home with her but knew that wasn't an option. She was greeted almost immediately by Lieutenant Scarifrelli upon her arrival.

"There's a homicide over on Dunn Street I need you to take," the man advised, handing her a scrape of paper with an address. "There are cruisers over there now and as soon as Norm and Roy are available I will send them over. It sounds pretty routine."

Sydney nodded, schooling herself not to laugh. Nothing in their job was ever routine. She collected a set of car keys from the desk seageant and then made her way to the address. As the Lieutenant had advised there were patrolmen already on the scene. She was happy to see the Sgt. Rob Newlie was also there.

"Hey, Rob how are you?"

"Good," the veteran patrolman announced pleased to see his younger colleague. "How you been? Heard you were working an out of town case."

"Yeah, we weren't lucky with it though," the small woman bobbed her head glancing at the battered body that was lying sprawled on the ground at the edge of a dimly lit park. "What have we got here?"

"Looks like another gang hit," Rob surmised. "Fortunately we managed to snag a witness before she got away. She was sitting on a bench in the park when it happened. She's not real anxious to talk though."

"Where is she?" Sydney asked glancing around the scene before following the Seageant's finger to where it was pointed at a rather rough looking young woman who was sitting on a bench at a nearby bus stop.

She glanced over the inert body once more before slowly approaching the woman. A quick survey and she guessed that the young woman was probably still a little bit high from some chemical stimulant. She privately wondered if there was anything that this woman could tell them that they would be able to use.

"Hi," Sydney greeted with a smile. She had found that the friendly approach usually worked. "My name is Seageant Davis and my colleagues here say that you saw what happened to this man."

"Didn't see nothing," the woman denied the claim, shaking her head vigorously. Strands of straight brown hair fell across her face as she bent her head so that she would not have to look at the small blonde detective.

"Okay," Sydney decided to try a different tactic. "Can I ask what your name is?"

"Nope," the woman shook her head, her eyes glancing nervously towards the darkness of the park that surrounded them. Then she repeated her earlier claim. "I didn't see nothing."

The young detective stared at the woman. It was obvious to her trained eye that the girl's nervousness was the result of more then just the drugs that were slowly working there way out of her system. She dropped to her hunches so that she could look up into the bent face. Gently she rested a hand on the girl's knee. It was meant as a comforting gesture.

"Are you scared?" Sydney asked, deciding to work on instinct.

"Of course, you would be too," the young woman, whom appeared to be no older then her teens, hissed quietly through clenched teeth. For a moment brown and green eyes met and the blonde detective could see a real fear in the girl's eyes. It suddenly occurred to her why the child might be afraid.

"Is the person who shot this man still in the area?" she asked, lowering her voice so that only the two of them could hear.

Sydney knew by the silence that greeted her question that the shooter was still in the vicinity. She took a deep breath, feeling suddenly uneasy, as a queasy feeling suddenly entered her stomache. She slowly stood up, stretching her body, one hand automatically reaching behind her to feel the cold steel of the gun that was tucked on her hip.

"Rob," she called the patrolman's name, summoning him to her side with the mere tone of her voice.

"Yeah, Syd?"

"Do you know this park?" she asked turning on her heel to glance casually at their surroundings. She had noticed earlier that it was ringed by a steel fence that was nearly eight feet high.

"Yeah," the older officer nodded suspiciously.

"How many exits are there?" she wondered quietly and there was silence as the patrolman contemplated his response. Sydney watched as the man's eyes narrowed.

"This is the only one," he replied softly, intimately familiar with the area from his long years of service on the force. He knew from experience that the steel fence ran down to the river and had been put up in response to the crime that engulfed the area. It was meant as a deterrent to criminals.

"I think our shooter is still in there," the small detective motioned her head towards the darkness. The officer was silent as he contemplated the suggestion and then without a word he turned and called out to the patrolmen standing around ready to assist in the collection of evidence.

"Okay guys, it looks like our killer might still be in the area," the Seageant addressed the other officers in a low voice, taking charge of his colleagues. "We are going to pair up and go into the park to do a methodical search. Officers Ernest and Sweetin you stay posted here to cover the entrance. Syd if you want to take our witness over to one of the patrol cars, we'll check the park out."

"No," Sydney understood and appreciated what her friend and colleague was trying to do, but it was not an acceptable option. She straightened her shoulders and the man nodded, glancing over towards another officer.

"Officer Seamus, take the witness to one of the patrol cars and wait with her there until I have someone relieve you."

The young patrol officer nodded and immediately took charge of the witness, escorting the young woman from the bus bench to a patrol car parked on the far side of the street. Only once the woman was safely out of the way, did the remaining officers turn their entire attention to the task at hand.

Sydney kept her hand on her gun as they began the quiet and methodical search of the dark park. The hairs on the back of her neck were standing on end and the ball in her stomach was beginning to tighten into a knot. She swallowed, narrowing her eyes as they scanned the blackness that surrounded her. On her left was Seageant Newlie and on her right another young patrol officer whose name she was not familiar.

They moved quietly, talking to each other so that nobody would mistake them for the suspect, the beams from their flashlights cutting through the darkness like a sharp knife. The tension in the air was thick and Sydney could hear the pounding of her heart, loudly in her ears.

Her green eyes followed the sweep of the lights beam, narrowing intently at every foreign object it encountered. In spite of her awareness the face that suddenly jumped out at them from the bush was startling. For a moment time froze and Sydney stood paralyzed, watching as a dark figure rose up from the ground. For one brief instant terrified eyes were reflected in the light and then an arm lifted, at the very end of it was a gun pointed in there direction. There was a flash and then nothing more.

The insistent ringing of the phone, rousted Alex from her slumber. She glanced with bleary blue eyes at the clock on the table next to the bed. It was almost three in the morning and she was perturbed by the idea of someone calling her so late. Absently she glanced over at the empty spot on the bed next to her and instantly she was wide awake, her hand plucking the receiver from the cradle.

"Yes?" she barked into the phone, her heart pounding erratically in her chest.

"It's Lou," the voice on the other end did not have to give himself a formal introduction. "There's been a shooting."



Chapter Ten


Alex barely waited for the car to come to a halt before bounding out the door. There were coloured lights of emergency vehicles everywhere but she was not interested in any of that. Her blue eyes narrowed, searching quickly through the crowd of city employees who were gathered in small groups. Her heart continued to pound fiercely in her chest as she strolled hastily passed the police barricades. She was looking for only one person and finally she spotted the blonde crown of her lover.

Sydney was barely able to turn around before her tall lover enveloped her into a tight embrace, making no pretense of the way she felt for the smaller detective. It was a hug that was returned.

"Are you okay?" Alex pushed the smaller woman away so that she could take a good look at her lover. The Lieutenant had said that Sydney was okay but she wanted to make certain for herself.

"Yeah," Sydney nodded and satisfied Alex embraced her companion tightly once more before releasing her.

"Is everyone else okay?" the Captain asked surveying the scene.

"Yes," the smaller detective said following her lovers gaze to where a pair of ambulance attendants were hurrying towards an emergency vehicle with a gurney which was occupied by an individual of unknown nature.

"What happened?" Alex wanted to know, becoming businesslike once more, now that she was reassured that her companion was all right.

"It looks like a gangland hit," Sydney replied filling the taller woman in on the details. "As a part of the initiation our shooter was supposed to hit the victim over there." She pointed to the white sheet that had been placed over the first victim. "Unfortunately, it appears he panicked once he made the hit and then raced into the park, thinking that he would be able to escape. However, he was unfamiliar with the park and didn't know there was only one entrance and exit. By the time he realized it, the police were on the scene. It appears some residents of the neighbourhood called in the shooting as soon as it happened, they have a neighbourhood watch program in effect.

"Anyway, he hid in the bushes, hoping that he wouldn't be found out and when we did a search, he panicked again jumped out of his hiding place, firing his gun."

"Nobody was hurt?" Alex asked aware that she had been holding her breath.

"None except the shooter Captain," Sgt. Newlie interjected as he moved up beside them. "Sgt. Davis took down the subject with a shot to the perpetrators shoulder and leg."

"Did we recover the perb's weapon?" Alex wanted to know.

"Yes, ma'am," Rob nodded his head. "We retrieved it from where he fell. He was just a kid to young to know what he was doing and scared shitless."

"They usually are," the Captain confirmed, relieved that the only thing she would have to worry about this night was the investigation into the shooting. Sydney was a good shot and if what the Sgt. said was true then the kid would recover from his wounds. She looked down at her smaller companion.

"You okay?" she asked gently tapping her forehead with a long finger.

"Yeah," Sydney confirmed, nodding her head. "I was afraid that I might freeze again like in Vancouver but when I saw that gun I just automatically reacted."

Alex felt an immense wave of relief wash other her body. She had been worried about her partner, afraid for the same reason as the younger woman, but in truth the woman had reacted on instinct and the Captain knew that her companion would be all right.

"How much more you got to do before you wrap everything up here?" she asked wanting to take the smaller woman home with her.

"It will be a few hours yet," Sydney conceded regretfully.

"Would you be upset if I hung around until then?" Alex didn't want to interlude upon the smaller woman's space but knowing that she would be unable to catch anymore sleep that night.

"No," Sydney didn't want to admit it but the other woman's presence gave her a strength that she didn't always feel and after what happened tonight she needed that.

"Good, what do you want me to do?" the Captain asked flashing the other woman a smile which was immediately returned.


Birthdays had never been special for Sydney. Growing up the date of her birth had been largely ignored by her father though on occasion Anne, her sister, would try to do something to mark the passage of time. However, there were no birthday cakes or parties and only rarely a gift to mark the occasion. Sydney had come to accept it as another ordinary day so when Alex had asked her what she wanted to do for the occasion, she merely shrugged.

"It's not a big deal," she replied honestly. She had learned not to get her hopes up.

"Of course it is," the tall woman had replied with some surprise, already in her mind she had the evening mostly planned out.

"No Alex," Sydney was serious, "growing up we never celebrated birthdays."

"Well, that's changing," the Captain had announced with finality. "I'm not going to let your birthday go by without doing something."

"I don't want a big deal made of it," the blond detective whined aware of her companion's tendency to get carried away when doing something.

"Okay, will you at least agree to dinner?" Alex asked seemingly disappointed by her partner's unwillingness to join in on the fun.

"Just the two of us?"

"Oh, yeah," the dark haired woman swore, crossing her fingers over her heart.

"Okay," Sydney finally agreed and received a brilliant smile for her effort.

Well, it had turned out to be more than dinner for Alex had insisted she take the day off work. Because she was pulling the midnight shift Sydney was only to happy to agree. After sending her lover off to work, she took a nap to refresh herself and then spent the rest of the day doing the odd little things she needed to do. By the time Alex came home at five o'clock she was suitably relaxed and ready to enjoy the evening.

"You know we could just stay in," Sydney remarked as they were dressing to go out. "I could cook something."

"Not on your life," Alex answered with a scowl as she stepped out of the bathroom, her body still wrapped in a towel from her shower. "I've made dinner reservations and if we don't show up I get billed for the meal anyway." She paused to look at her companion. "Come on Sydney, you're twenty nine today, let's celebrate."

The blond woman said no more, suddenly aware that this was probably going to be fun for her lover. Alex enjoyed treating her and to be honest she loved the attention and the special little things the other woman did.

They dressed up for the occasion with Sydney donning a white summer dress with blue flowers embroidered in the material. Alex wore black trousers and a matching black silk shirt with a simple gold chain around her neck.

Sydney swallowed a few times as she looked at her beautiful companion. She was always proud to be seen with her lover, aware of the sensual charm that radiated from the woman. Sometimes she couldn't believe she was that lucky to have met someone like her. It was the same way Alex felt about her, which was even more incredible.

On the outside the restaurant was a nondescript place but that changed the moment they stepped through the door. It was as if they were entering a Castle with a dark interior which was illuminated by the torches set along the wall.

It had an old world flavour with a muted romantic setting. They were led by the hostess through the main dinning area into a private alcove with a single round table and a large leather padded seat that curved around the table with a candle in the centre.

The setting was completely private as the walls surrounding the booth stretched up to five feet high and then was further obscured by the filmily white curtains on top. The narrow entry into the alcove was curved so that no one could see directly into the private area. Sydney looked at the place and a shiver raced down her spine.

"This is beautiful," she wasn't quite sure that ideally described the environment. "However, did you know this place existed?"

"The owner is one of Andrew's clients," Alex conceded. The truth was in spite of her considerable connections she had needed to turn to her sibling to secure the reservations. There were six such private alcoves all similarly decorated and they were generally all booked up to six months in advance. "He brought me here to show off and I thought you might like it."

"I do, it's incredible," the blond woman paused and looked intently across the table at her lover, their hands automatically reaching for each other, their fingers intertwining in a loving embrace. "Alex you are such a romantic."

The Captain blushed but was saved from making any comment by the timely arrival of the waiter who brought a delicious bottle of wine for their consummation that was followed by an appetitizer and then the main course which turned out to be a succulent roast beef dish cooked in a special marinated sauce with green vegetables on a bed of brown rice.

"Thank you," Sydney said, her stomach completely sated by the delicious food. She leaned back in her seat her green eyes intent on her lovers face. "This has been the best birthday ever."

"Yeah, well it's not over yet," Alex smiled nervously filling their glasses with wine before taking a hearty sip. "I haven't given you your present yet."

"I don't need a present," Sydney disagreed and then became genuinely concerned. Her lover had seemed nervous throughout the meal which was entirely uncharacteristic for the tall, confident Captain. "Alex are you okay?"

"Yes," the dark haired woman nodded and then slid out from her seat and stood up. She walked around the table and knelt down beside her companion who turned to look at her with apprehension. The tall woman grasped the smaller woman's hands.

"Alex?"

"Please don't say anything until, I'm finished speaking," the dark haired woman said with a distinctive plea in her voice. She knew that Sydney loved her and already knew the answer to her question yet it was incredibly hard asking. She wondered if her brothers had been as nervous.

"Okay," the blond woman agreed watching her companion running her tongue over her dry lips.

"I don't think I've ever made it a secret the way I feel about you," Alex began reciting the words she had repeated so many times in her head. "If it were possible I would marry you but as it isn't, the only other option I have is to make a commitment to you," she reached back into her pocket and withdrew a small box which she flipped open the lid to reveal an exquisite diamond mounted on a gold band. She swallowed in an attempt to ease the dryness of her throat.

"I ask you to accept this ring as a token of the love I feel for you. To me it represents the three things I hold most important in life. One, it's a promise to stand with you through sickness and health, through all the triumphs and tragedies that occupy our everyday lives. Two, it's a commitment to always be at your side until death do we part, and three it's a symbol of the deep love I feel for you every moment of everyday," the woman paused her blue eyes intently gazing up at the small woman.

"Sydney do you accept this ring knowing everything it entails and means to me? Do you accept that for me you are my first and last, the reason for me to open my eyes in the morning and for every breath I take? Will you stay with me and complete my life?"

"Yes," the blond woman cried, tears coursing down her face as she lunged at her partner wrapping her arms securely around a laughing and crying companion who was overjoyed by the reaction her request had received.

"I love you Alex," the smaller woman grasped her face between her hands and showered her with wet slobbering kisses. "I love you... I love you...I love you."

They clung together tightly savouring the moment until finally Alex delicately disengaged herself, watching as the younger woman gently removed the ring from the box taking time to read the short inscription which read.

"Eternally yours, Alex"

"Will you put this on me?" Sydney asked and the tall woman, still on her knees eagerly agreed, taking the ring and slipping it on the smaller woman's ring finger. It fit perfectly and for a long moment the younger woman stared at the ring admiring it's beauty. She looked at the dark haired woman.

"Can we go home now?"

"I wish we could," Alex chuckled seeing the desire in her companion's eyes. "But I promised my parents we'd stop by for a birthday drink."

"Do we have to Alex?" the blond detective complained wrapping her arms around her companion and burying her face in her neck. "I want to show you how much this means to me."

"You can, later, I promise," the dark haired woman smiled not unaffected by her lovers desire. "But I promised them." She paused and gently disengaged the smaller woman, smiling tenderly at her. "Besides I want to show off my new partner."

"I love you," Sydney smiled with tears moistening her eyes. No one had ever wanted to show her off before.

Neither woman completely remembered how they managed to leave the restaurant and make it to their car, their hands tightly entwined with each other. They continued to hold hands as they drove through the city towards the suburb where the Marshall's lived. Neither woman felt the need to speak content with the touch and the emotion that was passed between them with the simple gesture.

"Alex?" Sydney broke the silence when they pulled up in front of the sprawling mansion. Alex turned the ignition off and turned to look at her companion through the dim light.

"What?"

"When?" the blond woman needed to know. "When did you know you wanted this?"

"The moment I first laid eyes on you," the tall woman was honest. "But I was certain that night in Vancouver when we were attacked. I wanted to protect you in a way I have never wanted to protect anyone before."

"I felt it," came the corresponding whisper and Alex leaned over and kissed her companion.

"Come on," the taller woman said gently aware that the sooner they got this over the sooner they could get home. They rang the bell twice and then walked in.

"Mom, Dad, you home?" Alex called out.

"Yes, we're in the living room, just come on in," Marie called back and Alex motioned her lover forward.

The surprise was complete. Sydney stepped up to the threshold and was greeted with a voluminous roar of "Happy Birthday" from the crowd of people that were gathered. Her mouth dropped in shock and she turned to look at her lover who was standing behind her with a silly grin on her face.

"I know, I know," Alex said unable to stop smiling. "I promised but I couldn't resist. I know you said you didn't want any parties but I know you also never had any when you were a kid. I thought I would try and make up for some of what you missed. Everybody has to have at least one big birthday celebration."

Sydney couldn't speak she was so overwhelmed with emotion for her partner. Uncaring who was watching she lunged into her lovers arms, tears streaming down her face and kissed her soundly. That action brought about a flood of cheers and whistles as both women's faces flushed with embarrassment.

"Thank you," the blond detective whispered before releasing her hold.

"Your welcome," Alex smiled tenderly and turned her companion around and pushed her further into the room. "Come on time to greet your guests."

Sydney was surprised by everyone who turned out. There was Rob Newlie and his entire family, along with Norm Gage and his wife and several other detectives who weren't on duty. Even Skinny and his wife had turn up for the occasion. In one corner of the room was a small table with a variety of beverages and pastries and a huge birthday cake.

Sydney waded into the crowd with Alex's niece Kim the first to rush up and grab her hand. Alex watched happily before strolling across the room to where a table of drinks had been set up. She wasn't alone long.

"Hey, sis," Andrew snuck up behind the taller woman and casually wrapped an arm around her waist. "How was the restaurant? Did the Kindergarten Cop like it?"

"Oh, yeah," she was unable to stop the broad grin that spread across her face. "I owe you big time for that."

"How about a rematch of one on one?" he asked.

"You want to get trounced again?" Alex asked with amusement one eyebrow rising in amusement. "Do you think you're ego can handle it?"

"You bet because I'm going to beat you," Andrew promised and then added casually indicating that he had noticed the ring on the smaller woman's hand. "That's a beautiful ring on Sydney's finger, it must have cost you a fortune."

"It's worth every penny," Alex shook her head unable to stop smiling and yet blushing at the same time. "It was her birthday present."

"So, you've decided to give up the single life then?" the man said quietly, suddenly very serious.

"I gave it up the day I met her," the Captain was honest. "It just took a while to make it more formal."

"What took you so long?" he wanted to know and she arched her eyebrows.

"I suppose you proposed to Christie on your first date?"

"Well no," he flushed, "but sis, I'm glad for you. I don't think I've ever seen you this happy."

"I've never been this happy," the woman replied glancing across the room at her blond lover. "There is something about Sydney that makes me feel complete."

"I feel the same way about Christie," Andrew admitted. There was a brief silence as the two siblings looked at each other embarrassed by their mutual declarations of love for their partners. Both were somewhat relieved with Christie came up to them and wrapped her arms around her sister-in-law.

"You're such a romantic," the blond woman whispered in the other woman's ear and then stepped back. "Sydney showed me the ring and told me how you gave it to her."

"It's only going to happen once, so I figured I better get it right," Alex blushed again.

Throughout the evening the tall woman watched her lover, feeling all the love she had for the woman fill her up completely. She had been nervous proposing to her partner as that small part inside of her feared rejection. But like usual Sydney hadn't disappointed her.

It was late before they were finally able to get away from the party and head home. Sydney was happier then she had ever been and had all sorts of ideas on how to treat her companion once they returned to the condo, but Alex had other plans.

"What have you got there?" Sydney asked eyeing her companion curiously as the taller woman popped a CD into the player in the living room. She put it on before gathering the smaller woman into her arms as the words and music filtered through the room.

"This is for you, love," Alex said softly. "Listen to the words, they speak my heart."

Sydney did as her companion requested aware of the comforting arms around her body as they swayed in unison to the music. She recognized the singer and rested her head on her partners chest as she listened.

When you hold me like this
So many memories fill my eyes
The first time we kissed
The times we nearly said goodbye
But still here we are
Tested and tried and still true
And stronger than we ever knew
Love is all
The laughter and the tears that fall
The mundane and the magical
Love is all
All is love
The careless word, the healing touch
The getting and the giving of
All is love

There's me you've always known
The me that's a stranger still
The you that feels like home
And the you that never will
But still here we lie
Tender and trusting and true
With everything that we've been through

Love is all
The laughter and the tears that fall
The mundane and the magical
Love is all
All is love
The careless word, the healing touch
The getting and the giving of
All is love

All the glory
All the pain
All the passion
That turns to ashes
Only to rise again

Love is all
The laughter and the tears that fall
The mundane and the miracle
Love is all
All is love
The careless word, the healing touch
The getting and the giving of
All is love


"I love you Alex," the smaller woman whispered as the music slowly faded.



THE END


* words for "All is love" from the Marc Anthony album titled "Marc Anthony".

Copyright.. October 2002... Planet-solin