Apologies: Sincere and many. Sorry, sorry, sorry to all who have been waiting for this...thanks for your patience and encouragement.

And Finally: This isn't the end...but it's coming. I just hope you're still interested! As usual, thanks go to fellow Brit, Ruth. Girl, you're a star. I'd also like to say a big thank you to my new buddy, XwpFanatic, who bullied me mercilessly into getting on with this. Ladies, you're the best

Comments, bribes etc, as usual to Dopam@aol.com

Part 5a: To Catch a Thief

Jen cried herself to sleep in Alex's arms, leaving the psychologist staring out of the window at the gray and overcast evening sky. They were curled on the hotel bed, a thin sheet pulled over them for warmth. Beside them, on the nightstand, was an empty miniature bottle of brandy from the minibar, and an empty tea cup. Alex had poured the brandy into the tea, hoping that it would induce sleep.

Jen had, understandably, been devastated at the news.

Alex had driven like a maniac to the museum, and had found her lover slumped in a chair in the reception area, a large security guard desperately trying to comfort her. He had looked pathetically grateful when Alex brushed him aside and squatted down beside the weeping woman, taking her into her arms. She didn't speak for a long time - there was really nothing to say - just held on to her and let the sobs shake them both. When the tears slowed a little Alex kissed her hair, then gently tugged her to her feet. Murmuring a word of thanks to the guard she lead Jen back outside and got her into the car. The drive back to the hotel took almost three times as long as the drive there, and still they were silent, Alex merely holding onto Jen's hand across the handbrake that separated them. Stuart and Ian were waiting in the hotel reception, and when they saw the two women enter both got to their feet, but Alex had shaken her head, leaving them behind as she guided Jen into the lift, and up to her room.

There was little talking done - Jen just lay down on the bed and cried, her whole body shaking. Alex feared she would go into shock, and after forcing her to drink the tea, she had crawled onto the mattress beside her, wrapping her arms about her protectively. Eventually, thankfully, she slept. Alex lay beside her for almost an hour, listening to her breathing shift from sobbing hiccups to the familiar deep, regular pattern of dreamless sleep. Only when she was sure she wasn't about to wake did she slip from the bed, reaching for the phone.

She met Stuart at the door, lead him over to the small table by the window from where she could keep an eye on Jen whilst they talked. Only then did she find out exactly what had happened, the detective's voice soft and measured as he recounted what Chris had told them.

' The curator found him at lunch time when he went into his office to look for something. He was sitting at his desk, his throat cut. ' Stuart slid a slim manila envelope onto the table and pulled out a photograph. Alex stared at the scene it depicted. A slender, dark haired man, sitting behind a cluttered desk. Blood soaked the front of his clothing, had pooled on the desk before him. The gaping crimson wound at his throat was the only colour in a body drained of life.

' Anyone see anything? Any visitors? ' She asked eventually. Stuart shook his head.

' The museum was quite busy that morning - a tour bus had shown up. They have video surveillance in the entrance and in the rooms where the displays are, and the staff are working with the police on trying to identify everyone, but..' he ran a hand through his hair, ' the tour bus was operated by a German company, and when the local police checked with the firm they found that it had already moved on toward Crete. They're liaising with the police down there in order to get everyone on board identified and to conduct interviews. It could take some time though. '

' Forensics? ' She asked.

' All they have is that the wound was probably inflicted by a cut-throat razor. The office was full of prints, so far most have been ID'd as belonging to staff. ' He glanced at the sleeping form on the bed. ' We'll have to get Jen down to the police department in order to eliminate hers too - she was in the office with him, I believe. '

Alex nodded, fingering the edge of the gruesome photograph. ' They won't find anything. We know that. '

Stuart nodded, rubbing his eyes wearily. ' I spoke to Geoff earlier. He wants us to come home, Alex. I don't think we can do much more out here anyway. '

' You're right. ' She looked at the bed, and the pale face of the woman that lay there. ' See if you can get us on a flight this evening, Stuart. It's time we stopped playing this game by someone else's rules and made a set of our own. '

The dark haired detective frowned at her curiously. ' You have a plan, Alex? '

' Not yet. ' She leaned back in her chair. Sunlight broke through the clouds outside, was swallowed by pale blue eyes. ' Not yet. '

Manchester was dark and wet when they landed. Geoff was waiting for them in the arrivals lounge at Ringway, and when he first caught sight of the small party coming through the sliding glass doors he felt his heart go out to the young blonde. Alex walked beside her, one long arm wrapped about her shoulders. The two detectives flanked them, each pushing a trolley bearing luggage. All four looked exhausted.

' Welcome back. ' He said softly. ' I'm sure you're all tired and just want to get home, so I have cars waiting outside. Jen..' he shook his head, ' ..I'm so sorry. '

She met his gaze with eyes that were bloodshot and flat.

' Don't be sorry. Just catch this bastard, Geoff, then he can get what's coming to him.'

Alex sighed, pulling her a little closer. ' Geoff, mind if we leave the debrief until tomorrow? '

' No problem. I just wanted to see you all back safe and sound. Come on, let's get you out of here. '

They were ushered into an unmarked, dark-coloured sedan, and soon the lights of the airport were receding behind them as the driver turned the car toward the motorway. Once they were off the slip-ramp he floored the gas pedal, ignoring the speed limit and easing the big car up toward 90mph. Geoff, who had accompanied them without comment, was seated up front, and kept his eyes on the road ahead. In the spacious back seat Alex and Jen sat a small distance apart, each staring out at the high yellow sodium lights as they sped past.

The journey took a good hour, and when they pulled up in front of the stone cottage Geoff climbed out with them, moving around to the car's boot to tug out their luggage. Alex didn't comment - she'd suspected he would have had men posted up at the house whilst they were away anyway - and when he opened the door for them using a brand-new key, her suspicions were confirmed.

' Sorry, ' he commented, ' I had the locks changed whilst you were away, just in case.'

She nodded, suddenly very weary. As they entered the hallway two men came out of the living room to greet them. Both were dressed in casual clothes - jeans and sweatshirts - and both, she noted, were armed. There was another surprise; from the kitchen came the sound of paws scrabbling on tile, then the big gray shape of Gaeled came hurtling at them, his tail whipping from side to side in a frenzy of greeting. He flung himself at her, his paws coming to rest on her shoulders, and proceeded to lick her face clean. Jen smiled, reaching out to ruffle the wiry fur between his ears, and he twisted to one side to bestow the same greeting on her, his tongue swiping at her face.

' Missed us, huh? ' She said softly. He dropped back to all fours, then nudged her hip with his nose. She lowered herself to kneel before him, and put her arms about his thick neck, burying her face in his warmth.

' Alex? '

The dark haired woman looked away from the scene to Geoff, who was standing by the foot of the stairs.

' Yeah? '

' Jim and Gary are just dumping your bags upstairs. I'm sorry I didn't tell you about this..'

She waved it off. ' I guessed as much, Geoff. Don't worry about it. '

As she spoke the two plain-clothes officers came back down the stairs. Geoff nodded toward the hall stand.

' New sets of keys. '

' Thanks. And thanks for having Gaeled picked up. I'm surprised he let strangers get him into a car. '

' Ah..' he smiled ruefully, ' ..actually, he wouldn't. I had to go out to Nik's and get him myself. Seems he trusts me. '

She returned a slight smile. ' He's a good judge of character. '

' Yeah, well..' he glanced questioningly at his two officers, who nodded slightly, ' ..I guess we'll get out of your hair then. If you'd prefer, I could come out here tomorrow instead of you making the trek into the shop. '

Alex shook her head. ' No, we'll be there. But thanks for the offer. '

' No sweat. ' He opened the front door, ushering the two police men through. On the threshold he paused, looking back.

' Night, Alex, Jen. '

' Night. '

Jen looked up from where she knelt, gave him a brief smile. ' Night, Geoff. Thanks for the lift. '

' Anytime, love. ' He smiled at her, nodded to Alex, then disappeared into the night, the door closing softly behind him.

' Well, ' Jen climbed to her feet, pushing lank hair back from her face. ' I don't know about you, but I could sure use a shot of something from North of the border right about now. '

Alex smiled, reaching out to caress the side of her face.

' Sure. You go sit down and I'll get us a drink. '

' Actually, ' Jen screwed up her face, ' I think I'd be better off having a bath. I still feel like I have half of the Greek countryside adhered to my skin. '

' All right. ' Alex leaned in to kiss her brow. ' Go on upstairs and have a soak. I'll bring your glass up. '

Jen lay back in the scented bubbles, letting the hot water and lavender oil wash away the grime of the last two days. She hadn't managed to shower before leaving Athens, Alex leaving her to sleep until it was time to leave for the airport. At the time she had been too overwhelmed with grief and guilt to worry about her appearance, but now she wanted nothing more to feel clean again and slide beneath the thick quilt on Alex's bed. She closed her eyes, letting the thoughts of George flood into her mind, and felt her gut tighten. If only she hadn't called him...if only she'd left him out of this mess.

If only she hadn't got involved herself.

It was a tempting thought, she had to admit. She'd be finished with her thesis now, without doubt, and be sitting back waiting for the feedback from her supervisors. Andi wouldn't be living with the memory of her near-brush with death. And George....

George would be alive, and well, and looking forward to the rest of his life.

She opened her eyes and stared at the ceiling. And that would mean, for her, a life without Alex. A momentary panic gripped her, making her already tight stomach churn nauseatingly. She tried to reason with herself - if they'd never met, if she'd never got to know her, she'd be none the wiser, wouldn't know what she was missing - but it was a futile gesture. A life without the tall, incredibly beautiful woman in it was just...unthinkable. Looking back, at her time before Alex, was like looking through a darkened window. Everything seemed devoid of colour, without meaning or purpose. Had she been happy? Yes. She'd been happy enough in her life, even had plans for a future, but it had been an existence without love, without passion, and nothing had prepared her for the emotions that a chance encounter in a dark street would eventually evoke. Nothing in her experience had even hinted at the feelings that had rushed through her body at that first kiss, the way her whole being had seemed to come alive. Something had awoken in her that night, something powerful. More than lust, more than passion, it had resonated through every cell of her body, whispering at her consciousness like a deeply buried memory surfacing at last.

One that would, could, never be repressed again.

The bathroom door creaking open brought her out of her thoughts. Alex, wrapped in a terrycloth robe, stepped into the room bearing two crystal glasses, each holding a generous measure of golden liquid. She gave Jen a hesitant smile, and the blonde reached out a sudsy arm to her.

' Come over here. '

Alex readily complied, padding across the tiled floor to crouch beside the tub. She placed a glass into the waiting hand, but Jen lifted it across her body to set it on the tiled shelf beside the bath.

' How're you doing? ' Alex asked softly. Jen shrugged.

' I'll survive. '

' You up for something to eat? '

' No...not yet. '

Alex set her own glass onto the floor, then stroked Jen's hair back from her forehead.

' You want me to leave you alone for a while? If..' she hesitated, ' ..if you'd prefer, I can make up the guest room for you. '

Tired green eyes swung to meet blue, softening considerably.

' I'd prefer some company. Think this tub would hold us both? '

Alex smiled, leaned over to press a gentle kiss against a damp brow.

' Thought you'd never ask. '

She stood up, loosening the knotted belt at her waist. Jen watched the white robe slide from her shoulders to pool against the floor, leaving her standing naked beneath the soft lights. Jen let her gaze travel the impressive frame from head to foot. Her face, a study in both strength and beauty, framed by midnight hair that fell like silk against broad, muscled shoulders. Her arms were lent an appearance of slenderness by their length, but were sculpted with solid muscle. Perfect, rounded breasts stood out on a broad torso that tapered down to a slim waist and flat belly, outlined by more toned muscle. Her hips flared out from that long waist, the bones prominent and surprisingly delicate looking through pale bronze flesh. And her legs, long, toned, powerful...

' Jen? '

She blinked. ' Uh..yeah? '

Alex frowned slightly. ' You okay? '

' Yeah...I'm fine. '

' Well...scoot forward a bit. '

Jen complied, and Alex stepped into the bath behind her. As she slowly lowered herself the water level rose until it splashed over the lip of the deep tub, suds and water splatting against the floor.

' Whoa! ' Jen laughed. ' Maybe I should let a little water out..'

Alex slid her arms about the waist in front of her, pulling the smaller woman back against her body.

' Forget it, ' She whispered into blonde hair, ' the floor won't melt. '

Jen sighed, leaning back into the solid body behind her as long legs tangled with hers.

No, she thought, but I might...

The night held some comfort in the depths of a dreamless sleep, but with the morning came the reality of their situation, and all that it entailed. Alex tried to persuade Jen to accompany her into the shop, not wanting the young woman to be left alone in the house, but Jen firmly declined, stating that she needed to prepare for the interview at Southampton, which was to be the next day. At last, and with great reluctance, Alex conceded, making her promise to ring at least every couple of hours. Jen finally waved her off from the front door, Gaeled standing patiently by her side. Only when the Land Rover had crunched off the drive and onto the black top of the road did she finally close the door and find herself alone.

And regret it immediately.

The house was miles away from any other settlement, the nearest being a small farm across the moor. Stark, horrifically vivid images crept into Jen's mind unbidden, terrifying reminders of just what they were up against. A ruthless killer, a mad man intent on a spree of destruction and death.

A killer who knew who she was, and where to find her.

Goose flesh broke out across her body, and she shivered. The press of something cool and wet against her palm made her jump, and she looked down into warm brown gaze of the giant dog. He wagged his tail a little, nuzzling her hand again.

' Sorry, fella. ' She murmured, scratching his muzzle lightly. ' Guess I'm not so alone after all, huh? '

The tail swished again, this time with more conviction. She smiled at him, stroking one long ear.

' Come on, ' she said, taking a deep breath and forcing herself to gain control of her active imagination, ' you can listen to my presentation. '

By lunch time Alex's stomach was a bundle of nervous knots. She, Stuart and Ian had spent the morning being debriefed by Geoff and his team, and she had been on edge the whole time, wanting nothing more than to jump in the Discovery and speed back home. After what had happened to George she had resolved not to let Jen out of her sight until this whole sorry mess was finished, but the quiet determination she had shown that morning was something Alex had been entirely unprepared for. Finally, realising that she could not coerce a grown woman against her will, she had conceded to going to work alone, reminding herself that the house was practically a fortress now, and that Jen had instant access to her via her cell phone, and to help, if necessary, via the many panic buttons which had been installed around her home.

Jen had, as promised, rung her twice already, reassuring her that all was fine, and that she was making headway with her preparations for the following day. And there lay another problem: the interview. Jen would have to travel the length of the country and back within the same day. Alex wanted to go with her, but Geoff had told her that she couldn't have the time off. She had shouted, swore like a trooper, called him every derogatory name she knew, but still he had been unrepentant. She was needed there, her report of the incidents in Greece, along with her insight, being of vital importance to the continuation of the investigation. Only when he had offered to send along a plain clothes and well-armed TAG member with her had Alex backed down. Still unhappy about the arrangement, but knowing it was the best substitute for her own protection, Alex had grumpily agreed. The TAG team were renowned for their expertise in both hand-to-hand and armed combat. Jen wouldn't be happy, but there was no way on earth she could allow the young woman to travel alone right now. Not with a killer on the loose.

She swiveled her chair about to gaze out of the window at the gray, rain-slicked dockland in the distance. Time to work on bringing this sick bastard out from beneath whatever rock he was hiding under. Even Geoff agreed that the traditional methods of investigation were proving futile in this case. The perp was playing with them, no doubt gaining great satisfaction at their inability to pin him down. He was obviously following their moves closely, and that didn't please Geoff any more than it did her. That meant inside information, and the thought made Alex's blood run cold. It could, she had reasoned, be unwitting on the part of the informer. Everyone talked to their partners or spouses, even to the point of revealing heavily classified information. After all, what's a little pillow talk between lovers, right?

Maybe now they could use it to their advantage. Maybe, just maybe, this was a link to the killer that could be exploited for their own ends. But how to go about it? And with what would they bait the hook?

Reaching blindly, Alex took a pencil from her desk, then twirled it between long fingers. Her gaze remained on the view from the window, but her mind was moving in a very different direction. It was time to get inside the head of a killer, time to put herself in his shoes, and make them fit.

Time to do her job.

Geoff slammed down the phone, cursing beneath his breath. It had taken more clout than he alone had to requisition the services of a TAG officer, not to mention the calling in of several rather large favours, but now, finally, all was set. He allowed himself a moment of calm, sitting back in his chair and reflecting on the day so far. The debrief had gone well, and he had confidence that the individual reports would be ready by the close of business the following day. His argument with Alex had not been one of the highpoints of his week - the tall woman had, at one point, looked like she would cheerfully throttle him, and when her eyes had darkened beneath those midnight brows he had felt a brief tingle of fear shoot down his spine. But she had opted instead for a verbal assault, employing every colourful phrase she knew to harangue him with, some of which were entirely new even to him, a man with almost twenty years in the service. And as for what she had threatened to do to him if anything happened to the younger woman...

He shrugged off the creeping unease, pushing himself to his feet. Time to go make peace with his colleague, and let her know that Jen would have the best protection available within the force. The officer assigned to accompany Jen the following day was a five year veteran within the elite squad, a black belt in several martial arts, and a champion sharp-shooter. A man of impeccable character and calibre, and unquestionable combat skill. Although, he suspected as he closed his office door on his way out, it wouldn't come close to what a certain tall, dark and dangerous psychologist could offer.

He found Alex's door closed, but the lights were on inside the office. He knocked softly, and when he got no response, tried a little harder. Still no response. Reasoning that she must be elsewhere in the building, he decided to go in anyway and leave a note on her desk, knowing he was likely to be tied up for the rest of the afternoon in yet another meeting with the superintendent. He turned the doorknob, pushed the door open, stepped inside, and stopped dead.

Alex was crouched on the floor before her desk, staring down at the array of photographs she had spread out on the worn carpet. The pictures were gruesome, a record of the exploits of a killer. Geoff doubted he had ever seen a more macabre collection, and hoped he never would again. But it wasn't the photographs that made the hairs on his arms stand up and cause his heart to thump against his ribs, but rather the woman who had slowly raised her head to look at him, pale blue eyes narrowing slightly, curiously, her head tilting a fraction to one side. She regarded him as an entomologist might study a particularly fascinating species of lepidoptera, right before she pinned it to a board. Cold, stark fear radiated from his spine, and his muscles bunched in readiness to fight or flee, a primitive response to a perceived threat. His higher brain battled with hard-wired behavioral impetus, and he forced himself to speak.

' Alex? '

His voice came out rough, shaky, quiet. He felt like prey before the most deadly of hunters. Her face, so familiar, was somehow completely alien. Even the way she held her body, usually so poised and assured, was wrong. For one brief, frightening moment he considered the possibility that the killer had been here all along, residing in the subconscious of a woman more than capable, in intellect and physical ability, to outwit them all. But he quashed the thought before it took root, knowing instinctively that, of all the things she might be, Alex was no cold-blooded killer.

Taking his conviction in that fact in both hands, he placed one foot in front of the other and took a step forward.

She was on her feet in an eyeblink, staggering back until her thighs butted against the edge of her desk. One hand came up as if to hold him off, and her head shook slowly from side to side.

' Don't. ' She rasped, not meeting his gaze. ' Just...stay there. '

He frowned, took another step forward despite her protest.

' Alex? What the hell is wrong? '

She blinked rapidly, then squeezed her eyes shut and shook her head quickly. After a long moment she reopened her eyes. Geoff was enormously relieved to recognise the woman looking at him.

' Sorry..' she sagged at the knees, letting the desk support her weight.

He licked dry lips. ' What...what happened there? '

Alex ran a shaking hand through her fringe, lifting it off her forehead for a moment.

' I was trying to see through his eyes. Trying to feel what he feels when he looks at his victims. '

The Inspector grabbed a nearby chair, pulling it closer to himself. He sank into it, grateful for the support to his suddenly rubber-like limbs.

' You scared the shit out of me. ' He mumbled. ' Is that how you do it? '

She frowned. ' What? '

Geoff waved his hand vaguely. ' This profiling stuff. '

' Not always, no. ' She drew a ragged breath, lowering her gaze to the carpet. 'Usually it's a last resort. '

He leaned forward now, resting his elbows on his thighs and knitting his hands together. ' You think we're at that point? '

Her head came up, her eyes piercingly blue beneath harsh florescence. ' You think we have another option? ' She responded sharply.

Moments of silence passed, the clock ticking quietly on the wall. At last he cleared his throat, spoke.

' Alex...I know I'm stating the obvious here, but you already provided us with a profile for this nut. You looking to revise that? '

' No..' she shook her head again, ' ..no. Everything I originally said stands. What I'm looking for is an angle on how to lure him out into the open. ' She leaned back, bracing her hands against the desktop, fingers curling round its edge. ' We can't get to him, so we'll have to bring him to us. '

Afraid to ask, Geoff did so anyway.

' You come up with anything? '

' Not yet. I need to think about it. '

He glanced down at the photographs scattered across the carpet between them. ' More of that? '

' No. ' She shivered. ' God, no. '

He studied her face, noting the dark circles forming beneath her eyes, the pallor of her skin. She looked worn out, drained, fragile.

Vulnerable.

Geoff suppressed a shudder. In the two years he'd known her, he'd seen her exhibit many emotions, many reactions to their daily jobs. Laughter, tears, anger, frustration, exhaustion, elation. She'd yelled at him, hugged him, backed him up in showdowns with the brass, even gone out and got fall-down drunk with him. But he'd never, ever seen her like this.

It scared him more than shitless. It scared him to death.

He made a decision, and got to his feet.

' Come on. ' He said.

Alex frowned. ' Where are we going? '

' Anywhere but here. '

Wordlessly, gratefully, she slid off the desk and followed.

It was a working man's pub, dim and smoke-filled. The tables were scratched and stained by years of spillage, and the walls, once cheerful magnolia, were brown with nicotine. The carpet was threadbare and uneven, and its original pattern and colour were mysteries known only to the past. Without asking, Geoff marched to the bar and ordered a large whisky and an orange juice. He handed the whisky to Alex, and together they went and sat at a small table by the door.

' Nice place. ' Alex commented after taking a swallow of the fiery liquor. Geoff grunted, shrugging slightly.

' It's quiet, and it's far enough away from the shop to ensure we won't be disturbed. '

She plucked a beer mat from the table, scratching at it with her fingernail. ' You make it sound like we're having an affair. '

He chuckled. ' Sorry. I just thought you could use some time out. '

Alex nodded. ' Thanks. ' She lifted her gaze to meet his. ' Sorry if I scared you earlier, by the way. '

' You did. ' He replied bluntly. ' But I'll get over it. ' He took a mouthful of OJ, crunching on an ice cube. ' They train you to do that? Get into their heads? '

She took a deep breath, then shook her head slightly. ' No...not really. It's not something everyone can master. I guess it takes a certain...level of understanding. ' Her fingers were still shaking, so she set the beer mat back on the table, choosing instead to wrap her hands around the whisky glass. ' I learned in the service to detach myself from my own feelings. It was a matter of survival back then, both emotional and, sometimes, physical. When I came out, and started clinical training, I found that I could use that skill to other advantages. ' She took another swallow of whisky, welcoming the familiar searing heat of it against the back of her throat. ' It also helps that I have first-hand experience of killing, of course. '

Her voice was bitter, hard, and Geoff swallowed his knee-jerk reaction of disgust.

' You're not him, Alex. ' He said softly. ' What you did, back then...I can't begin to imagine what it was like. But I know what kind of person you are. I see how much you care...not just about Jen, but about what's right. ' He reached across the table to lay a hand on her wrist. ' Don't let him do this to you. You're strong, Alex. Use that strength against him. '

She sat back, pushing her hair out of her face. ' You know what I can't figure out, Geoff? Why he's focusing this on us. Why here? Why Manchester? '

He shrugged. ' I've been wondering about that myself. After all, he's been playing on a rather large stage, up till now. '

' Right. So why drop the challenge into our laps? That girl, the one we found at Smithfield. She was the gauntlet. The 'catch-me-if-you-can' calling card. ' She chewed her lip. ' Why? Why do it? '

' I though all serial predators did it eventually - looking for recognition, reinforcing their own ego, that kind of thing. '

Alex shook her head. ' No. He's different. His killing serves an agenda. He's not doing it to get a kick, to make himself feel powerful. It's purely ritualistic to him - a means to an end. '

' Taking over the world? '

She actually managed a small smile at that. ' Yeah. Maybe we should just send him the number for megalomaniacs anonymous. '

He chuckled, then grew serious again. ' Look, Alex, whatever this started out as for him, it's become personal. I hate to say this, but...it looks like he's fixated on you...you and Jen. '

' Yeah, but why, Geoff? Why us? '

' Because you and she figured out what he was doing? ' He shrugged. ' Maybe he thought it would be fun to jerk you around, once he knew you were onto his agenda. '

' No..' she frowned. ' No, it's more than that. I think he's trying to use us...but I don't know why. '

' How so? '

' Well...he hasn't made a move on either of us, has he? He knows where we live, must have had plenty of opportunity to do us harm. Everyone else who has strayed across his path, learned something about what he's doing, has suffered because of it. Carruthers, the American archaeologist who sold him the scrolls, and now George. '

Geoff shook his head. ' We don't know that the American's death was anything more than a coincidence, Alex. '

' Sure...' she laughed bitterly, ' and you actually believe that? '

He sighed, lowering his gaze. ' No. But either way, it still doesn't bring us any closer to catching this bastard. '

' Agreed. ' She downed the rest of the whisky. ' And it brings us back to my original question; why us? '

' Hell, Alex, I don't know! ' He huffed in exasperation. ' Maybe you remind him of someone - his wife, his Goddamned mother. Maybe Jen's the sister he never had, maybe she looks like his first girlfriend...what?'

She was staring at him without focus. His words had brought back a memory of standing in a dim cavern beneath a hillside, looking into the faces of two figures from the past. Faces that were almost uncannily familiar...

The pieces fell into place like a jigsaw puzzle.

' Geoff...you're a fucking genius. ' She finally whispered.

He frowned. ' What? What did I say? '

She shot to her feet, almost sending the table toppling over in her haste.

' Come on. ' She grabbed his arm, hauling him out of his chair. ' We have to get back. '

Geoff allowed her to pull him toward the door, but stopped in the entrance, holding her back.

' Wait...Alex, what is it? Talk to me. '

She flashed him a smile, the first genuine one-hundred watt dazzler that he'd seen from her in a long time.

' I know what he wants, Geoff. I know how to trap the bastard. '

They sat in the canteen, cups of milky tea resting on the table between them. The small dining area was almost deserted, it being well after lunch, but the rattle of pots and pans from the kitchens indicated that preparations were afoot for the coming tea-time meal.

' Okay, ' Geoff said quietly, ' why are we having this discussion in here rather than my office? '

Alex looked across the table at him, challenge in her eyes. He sat back, shaking his head slowly.

' Please tell me you're not insinuating that my office is bugged. '

A shrug of broad shoulders, a non-committal shake of the head. ' Tell me it's not. '

The Inspector opened his mouth to protest, then closed it. He folded his arms on the table in front of him, leaning forward slightly.

' Alex...that's ridiculous. This is regional headquarters, not MI5. '

' Look..' She leaned in, elbows jutting out beside her, ' ..all we know is that this guy has some means of getting hold of inside information. Now, I don't see you launching an internal investigation..'

' Alex, I intend to do just that. '

' What?! ' She blinked. ' No...just hang on a second. ' She rubbed her forehead, screwing her eyes shut. ' When...have you done anything about this yet? '

Geoff took a deep breath. ' No. But I thought that I'd take it to the Commissioner at the end of this week. I wanted to get a dossier together on the facts - '

' Don't. ' She threw a look off to the right as a canteen assistant meandered by, clutching a tray filled with empty tea cups and coffee mugs. As the woman disappeared behind the counter Alex shifted in her seat slightly. ' I think we can use it, Geoff. It's our link to the killer, and with the right bait, we might just end up catching ourselves a very big fish. '

It was Geoff's turn to rub his temples. ' Fishing metaphors....now I know I'm in trouble. '

' Do you want to hear this, or not? '

' Sure..' he sat back again, arms crossed over his chest, ' I'm all ears. '

' All right. ' Alex folded her hands together on the tabletop in front of her. ' Let's start at the beginning. Our perp starts accumulating the Scrolls of the Damned, intending to use them for his own ends. He carries out a series of ritualistic killings, each corresponding to one of the scrolls. '

Geoff shook his head. ' Speculation, Alex. We can't confirm that those murders were down to him. '

' We're not denying it either, though, are we? ' When he didn't respond, she continued. ' Okay. So...he makes his final kill, according to the scrolls, right here on our turf, but instead of just leaving the body in-situ, no clues, no trace evidence, as with all the others, he carves out a pattern on her back. Why? '

Geoff shifted in his seat. ' To gain attention...to challenge us, call us out. I believe that was your summary, by the way. '

She nodded. ' And I still stand by it. But with one rather significant amendment. I think he did it to draw me into the investigation. '

Geoff's eyes widened. ' You? But...you were already on the scene before we knew about the mutilation. '

' Granted, but if we hadn't had the glyphs to work on, you know my involvement would have been minimal. One death, no witnesses, no evidence - could have been just a random killing, a result of an argument with some guy who followed her out of that club she'd been in. The glyphs turned a routine homicide into something much more high profile. '

' All right...but why you? You think he has a grudge? Maybe he's someone with a relative you helped put away? '

Alex shook her head. ' No. I think that, for some reason, he needs me. You know about the connection with the Xena Scrolls, right? '

He nodded.

' The scroll that Jen brought back from Athens explained how this Xena character was responsible for scattering the Scrolls of the Damned throughout Greece, effectively neutralising their power. I think that the killer believes he needs one final sacrifice to fully empower the scrolls once more. He needs Xena. '

Geoff stared at her. After a moment he gave a short, barking laugh. ' Alex, this...woman has been dead for over two thousand years! '

' Remember I told you about the cave, where they found the Xena scrolls that were sent to Jen? '

' Yeah.'

' There were paintings on the walls, Geoff. Paintings of the warrior, and the bard who wrote about her. '

He frowned slightly. ' So? '

She sighed, ran a hand through her unbound hair. ' Maybe I should just show them to you. ' She reached beneath the table for her bag, coming back up clutching a white envelope. ' I had Ian take these whilst Jen was passed out. I didn't want the dig team knowing - I don't think they wanted any evidence leaving the site. Sam developed them for me this morning. ' She slid the envelope across the table to him.

Geoff took the slim packet, then lifted the flap. He slid the glossy prints out of the envelope, leaning over them slightly as he peered down. The first four were of the faceless freezes, and he flipped through them fairly quickly. The he came to a picture of the larger, more detailed portrait, and blinked. After a long, long moment his eyes came up to meet Alex's steady gaze.

' This is...uncanny. '

She nodded. ' Quite. ' She raised one eyebrow. ' Too much of a coincidence, in my view. '

He glanced down at the photograph again. ' You think he's identifying you as her? '

' I do, but that's not all. Look at the next one. '

He placed the picture on the table, and almost dropped the pile still in his grasp.

' Holy shit....'

A two-thousand-years-dead bard gazed out at him from Kodak paper. A bard with gold hair, green eyes, and a faintly amused expression that he recognised all too well.

' Same cave? ' He murmured.

' Same cave. Try the next picture. '

The last photograph showed the two portraits as they had been painted. Side by side, shoulders touching, two women immortalised on a stone wall beneath the earth of their homeland.

Geoff finally let the pictures fall to the table and stared at Alex.

' I think I see where you're going with this. ' He said softly. ' You think he targeted you before killing that girl? '

Alex nodded. ' That's my guess, yeah. He could have seen my picture in the evening news from the prostitute killer article they ran, or even caught that Crimewatch broadcast on TV I appeared on last year. Jen, however, is another matter. As far as I know she hasn't had any media exposure whatsoever. I can only assume that this is a fortuitous coincidence, as far as he's concerned. '

Geoff raised an eyebrow. ' I thought you didn't believe in coincidences, Alex. '

' Not usually, no. ' She smiled a little grudgingly. ' But how else would you explain it - kismet? Fate? '

He grunted. ' I dunno...maybe it is at that. Not many people run into their other half whilst fighting off car thieves. '

' Other half? ' It was her turn to raise an eyebrow, this time in amusement. ' Is that the politically correct term for it nowadays? '

' You know what I mean, ' he groused, ' but something doesn't fit here...what about Andi? If he'd done to her what he's done to his other victims, surely he had to realise that Jen would have been pulled from the case, may have even walked of her own volition? '

' I've been thinking about that. ' Alex let her hands settle about the cup before her, but didn't drink from it. ' I think he took Andi to make sure that we followed him to Greece. I think he was planning to leave a trail of breadcrumbs that let us know exactly where he'd taken her. '

' But...we were already planning on going anyway. '

' True, but having Andi with him would have guaranteed my involvement. Who's your most qualified hostage negotiator? '

' You are. '

' Right.'

' But there's no way we would have let Jen go under those circumstances. '

' You honestly think you would have stopped her? She would have swum there if she'd had to. '

Geoff sighed and shook his head, leaning back wearily in his plastic chair. ' I dunno, Alex...so far this guy has played us like a bunch of fools. He pulls the strings, and we jump to attention. '

' Past tense, Geoff. ' Blue eyes glittered at him across the short distance. ' It's our turn to call the tune now. '

' Yeah, well, I sure hope you can read music, 'cause I'm all out of ideas. '

' Don't worry. ' A slow, dangerous smile. ' I have a few suggestions. '

' Contact or Fried Green Tomatoes? '

Jen slid the last plate into the dishwasher and clicked the door closed.

' Um..Contact. I don't think I need another crying fest after the last few days. ' She called back, switching the machine on and hearing it hum to life. She grabbed the two wine glasses from the counter top and the half-drunk bottle of pinot noir then headed off to the lounge. Alex was just inserting the cassette into the VCR, and they collapsed on the sofa simultaneously, both emitting sighs of relief.

' Here - ' Jen handed Alex her glass and poured more wine. ' - so tell me about your brilliant plan. '

Alex sipped at the pinot, reaching for the remote, which rested on the sofa arm, with her free hand. ' I'm not so sure I have one yet. Well, at least nothing workable. '

The intruder alarm beeped to life in the corner, and she shot to her feet, closing the distance to the bank of monitors in long strides. She set the wine glass down on the plastic-and-aluminium trolley that housed the various items of security hardware, and peered at the monitors. After a moment something moved on one screen, and she saw a blur of something in motion, then the green night-vision image steadied to reveal a fox, standing in the center of the lawn. The animal looked about itself, sniffing the air, then trotted out of range. Alex reset the alarm, grabbed her glass, and headed back to the sofa.

' Fox. ' She explained, reclaiming her seat. Jen's eyes went wide.

' Ooo - I've never seen one in the wild before. '

' No? ' A smile curled Alex's lips upward. ' Wait 'till Spring hits us - when the lambing season starts, you'll be falling over 'em. '

' They take the lambs? ' Jen sounded horrified.

Alex shrugged. ' Lambs, rabbits...anything they can catch. ' At the blonde's stricken look, she sighed, reaching out to ruffle her hair. ' C'mon, Jen, it's nature. The foxes have to eat too, y'know. They only take what they need - they hunt to live, ' her eyes darkened a little, ' unlike some. '

Jen relaxed under the caress of fingers in her hair. ' I take it you belong amongst the anti-hunt lobby, then? '

' Let's just say that I don't agree with killing things for pleasure. ' She shivered slightly, despite the warmth thrown out by the fire. ' It's not a healthy attitude. '

' Hmm. ' Jen curled her legs beneath her, snuggling into the warm body beside her. ' I have to agree. Maybe we should join a group, become sabs. '

Alex frowned, shifting slightly to look down at her. ' Sabs? '

' Yeah, you know...hunt saboteurs. Lay down false trails for the dogs, disrupt the hunt...I knew a chap once who was into it. He said it got quite nasty sometimes. '

' So I've heard. ' Alex chewed her lip. ' I think I'd feel just a little hypocritical, though. I mean, with my past... '

' Rubbish! ' Jen protested. ' Just because you had to do things that...that most of us couldn't, doesn't make you into a monster, Alex. And it certainly doesn't mean that you can't have principles. You're one of the most decent people I know. '

Alex smiled a little. ' You're biased. '

' Maybe. ' The smaller woman returned the smile, and it warmed Alex's heart. ' But it's true. '

Uncomfortable with thoughts of her past, Alex changed subjects. ' You ready for tomorrow? ' She asked softly. Jen nodded, settling back against Alex's shoulder.

' Mmm. Although I'm not sure why I'm doing this. '

' Why? '

' Because I don't want the job, Alex. ' She moved her head again to look up into the face above her. ' Not now. '

Alex felt herself drowning in soft green eyes. When she spoke it was a struggle to get the words past the sudden lump in her throat. ' Jen...' she swallowed, ' ...you can't just throw away your career for...for this. You've worked too hard, invested too much of your life, you -'

Gentle fingers stilled her lips, halting her words. ' I'm not throwing anything away, Alex. There are plenty of colleges in the North West, and sooner or later one of them is going to need a new lecturer. Until then I can get other work - I'll scrub toilets if I have to - but I'm Not. ' She leaned in and kissed her softly. ' Leaving. ' Another kiss. 'You. '

Time spun out around them, the third kiss lingering in a slow burn that eventually had them both breathing hard when it broke. Alex finally relinquished her glass from unsteady fingers to the safety of the coffee table, then settled back against the cushions with over five feet of amorous blonde draped across her.

' I love you. ' Jen whispered, her hands smoothing dark hair back from the tanned face beneath her. ' And if you'll have me, I plan on sticking around for a very, very long time. '

Alex let her hands slide beneath thin cotton to caress the warm back beneath. ' I think I could live with that. ' She murmured. Her eyes flicked to the TV. ' You want to watch this video or not? '

Jen shook her head slightly, closing the distance between them. ' I've seen it. ' She murmured, then let her lips capture those beneath her, leaving Jodie Foster to discover alien life without them.

A chill wind made for uncomfortable waiting on platform three. Piccadilly Station was alive with the early morning commuter bustle, and there was a steady stream of people moving down the platform on their way out of the train station, and into the city beyond. Alex and Jen sat on one of the benches, waiting for the 7.45am InterCity to open its doors to the waiting passengers. Just to their left, looking as inconspicuous as a six-foot-four mountain of muscle could, special unit officer Ray Wilson stood and let the tide of people part around him. Clad in black denims, leather jacket and boots, he was a rock of composure amidst the hustling throngs. Only his deep brown eyes moved, constantly scanning the platform, the faces that passed by.

Jen picked nervously at the hem of her skirt, uncomfortable in the plum coloured suit and heels that hadn't been worn since her great-aunt's birthday dinner the previous Spring. Beside her Alex was fairly radiating waves of tension, despite the reassuring smiles she kept cracking for her benefit. At last the cleaning crews began to file off the train, and a guard began to make his final checks of the waiting carriages. Alex released a shaky sigh, and turned to her lover.

' Promise me - '

' I'll be careful. ' Jen said, flashing her a smile. She stilled her fidgeting by taking Alex's hand between her own. ' I promise. '

Blue eyes bored into green. ' Anything....and I mean anything suspicious, Jen, and you run first, ask questions later, okay? '

She sighed, reaching up to brush back an errant strand of dark hair from Alex's cheek. ' It's a deal. Although with man mountain over there accompanying me, I don't think I'll encounter much trouble. '

The taller woman glanced toward the big man, frowning slightly. ' I wish I'd had more time to check his credentials..'

' Geoff said he's the best, Alex. ' She said softly. ' I trust his judgment. '

' I know, hon, so do I, it's just...' she sighed, shaking her head. A small smile appeared, and she glanced sidelong at her. ' I'm doing the over-protective thing again, aren't I? '

' Well...' Jen grinned. ' Maybe just a little. '

' Sorry. '

' Don't be. '

The guard was opening doors, and people were beginning to board. Wilson turned slightly and cast a look at the two women, and they got to their feet, Jen shouldering her bag and hefting her briefcase in her right hand. The big man's dour expression softened at her obvious nervousness, and he held out a hand to her.

' Miss Gordon, let me take that for you. '

She smiled, handing him the case. He moved toward the open door of the nearest carriage then paused, waiting for her to join him. Jen hesitated.

' Um...I'll just be a minute. '

He nodded, but made no move to board without her. Alex tuned out the people around them, the man waiting at the edge of the platform, and turned to Jen. She placed both hands on her face, cupping it between warm palms.

' Be safe. Be you. ' A smile. ' You'll knock their socks off. '

Jen reached up and covered one of Alex's hands with her own, leaning into the touch. ' I'll call you when we arrive. And after the interview. '

Alex nodded. ' Good luck. ' She leaned in and placed a gentle kiss against the warm lips before her, surprising Jen with the display of affection. For a long moment blue eyes held green, until the sound of doors closing echoed along the platform. Jen stepped back, leaving Alex's hands to fall to her sides.

' I'll be right here when your train gets in tonight. ' The psychologist said softly. Jen smiled, lifted a hand to touch her fingertips to Alex's lips, then turned and stepped onto the train. Alex let her gaze meet that of the police officer, and she nodded slightly. ' Anything, anything at all, you call me first. Okay? '

He let his lips curl up into an almost-smile. ' Sure, Dr. Perry. '

She watched as they made their way down the carriage to an empty table, her eyes remaining fixed on the slender figure seated beside the big man until the doors were all closed, the guard blew his whistle, and the train slowly began to pull out. She watched until the train grew smaller down the track as it picked up speed, until the red rear lights disappeared around a bend, and she was alone. A fresh wave of commuters milled about her, bringing with them an early morning blend of cigarette smoke, aftershave and perfume, the smells vying with the lingering stench of oil and diesel fumes that clung to the station like a shroud. The chill intensified with another gust of wind. Shivering slightly, Alex pulled her overcoat tighter around herself, then turned and joined the masses headed for the station exit.

Jen stared out of the train window, watching the skyline of Manchester roll by. Her case lay on the table before her, interview notes held within and still waiting to be read. Across from her, his huge hands folded together on the table top, officer Wilson sat in silence, leaving her to her thoughts. Outside the morning was grey and cold, the heavy leaden sky promising rain to come. Jen watched the scenery until the industrial units and suburban housing estates gave way to the green fields of Cheshire, and a small, polite cough drew her attention back to the carriage.

' Miss Gordon...would you like something to drink? '

She blinked, realising that there was a service trolley standing in the aisle beside their seats, and a lanky, pimple-faced attendant was gazing expectantly at her.

' Um...tea would be nice. Thanks. '

Wilson nodded at the dermatologically-challenged young man. ' Make that two. And I'll take a bacon sandwich with that as well. '

Their breakfast was served, and the young man and his trolley moved on down the carriage. Jen prised the plastic top off the cardboard cup that held her tea, and tipped the contents of a sachet of sugar into the hot drink. She stirred it slowly, watching from beneath her lashes as Wilson efficiently dispatched his sandwich in three bites. When he was done, he sat back, nursing his own cup of tea.

' You can call me Jen, you know. ' She said softly.

Brown eyes fixed on her, scrutinising for a moment, then he smiled slightly.

' Shorter than Miss Gordon, I suppose. '

' Right. And if we're going to be spending all day together, I'd really prefer it. '

He nodded, then after a moment's hesitation, offered her his hand across the table top.

' Guess that means you'll have to call me something other than Officer Wilson. How about we stick with Ray? '

She smiled, shaking the proffered hand, conscious of how her own was all but engulfed by it.

' Ray sounds good to me. '

He settled back against his seat again. ' So...I was told that this is an interview you're going to? '

She nodded. ' That's right - it's a post-doctoral position in the history department at Southampton University. '

One eyebrow jerked upward. ' Woo - a boffin, huh? '

She laughed. ' Hardly. '

' And you'd have to move the length of the country for this job? '

' Yeah..' she pulled a face, ' ..that's the down side. '

' You'd rather stay up North? '

She shrugged. ' It's home. I love the North West. The people, the cities; all my friends are here. '

Ray chuckled. ' Seems to me you have a whole lot of reasons for not taking this job, Jen. '

' True. '

' And maybe one big reason too? '

She felt the beginnings of a blush warm her face, but couldn't stop herself from smiling slightly. ' Well..' she cleared her throat, sipped her tea, ' ..I can't deny that. '

She shifted uncomfortably in her seat, and Ray leaned forward a little, his hands resting on the table top between them.

' I don't know about attitudes in your environment - I expect they're pretty tolerant, compared to some - but the force is a hard place to be if you don't exactly conform to 'the norm'...whatever that may be. ' He smiled a little. ' I don't know Dr. Perry personally, but I've heard a whole lot of the things which have been said about her, good and bad. '

' Bad? ' Jen felt her hackles rising. ' Like what? '

Ray shrugged. ' Mostly it's personal stuff. She's never pretended to play the game...put on a front, that kind of thing. I, for one, admire her for that. To be honest, I think a lot of it is just jealousy. She's a woman doing a difficult job. She's not a trained police officer, and yet from what I've heard, she could kick most of the arses in Chester house from here to Edinburgh. ' He shrugged. ' She's smart, she's strong, and she's a woman. Not everyone can reconcile themselves to that. And the fact that she's gay...well, that's just the icing on the cake, as far as some people are concerned.'

Jen met his gaze steadily. ' How about you? Do you have a problem with that?'

He stared at her for a long moment, then tilted his head back and let out a long, deep laugh. Eventually he met her gaze again, his eyes twinkling with amusement.

' Well...let's just say that, if I did, I'd be the biggest hypocrite outside of Westminster.'

She stared at him, her eyes growing round as realisation sank in. A smile tugged the corners of her mouth upward, until she was giggling.

' Sorry. ' She said eventually, when the giggles died down. ' Guess I should learn not to judge on appearances. '

He waved a hand dismissively. ' Nah. Forget it. Take as you find, that's my motto. '

' Well, I think I find I like you, Ray Wilson. ' She smiled broadly at him. ' So..' she settled back in her seat, getting comfortable, ' ..tell me where that strange blend of Mancunian-and-something-exotic accent comes from. '

He grinned. ' Good catch, professor. Most people don't notice. My parents are from Trinidad - I was born there. Emigrated when I was eight. '

She nodded. ' Brothers, sisters? '

' Oh, don't get me started. There's seven of us. A real mixed bag. '

Jen shrugged. ' We have a lot of time to kill. Tell me about them. '

' Okay. ' He shifted a little in his seat, getting comfortable. ' Eric is the eldest. He's thirty five, and works down in London...'

It was after twelve. Alex sat at her desk, trying to massage away the pounding headache that had taken up residence in her temples shortly after Jen's departure that morning. Gaeled was flat out on the floor beside her, snoring lightly; with the early start, and the no-doubt late finish in store, there was no way she would have left him at the house alone all day. Fortunately no-one had seen her bring him in, but she knew he would be needing a bathroom break sooner or later, and was having a hard time thinking of ways to smuggle him out of the building. Resigning herself to the fact that she would get caught out - again - she turned her mind to the only other thought that she seemed capable of processing that morning: awaiting Jen's phone call.

Staring at the piece of molded black plastic didn't help; it still wasn't ringing. She knew that there was another, very pressing issue that she needed to address, but right now all she could think about was Jen. Sighing in frustration she fell back against the padded back rest, willing her stomach to stop turning nervous somersaults.

' Hey.'

The voice almost made her launch out of her chair with shock. Looking up sharply she saw Geoff's bemused face peering at her from the doorway.

' Jesus, Geoff! ' She breathed. ' You trying to get rid of me? '

He grinned, stepping fully into the office, and stopped short of her desk when he saw the long, grey, furry back legs sticking out to one side.

' Awww, Alex..' He shook his head, ' how many times am I gonna have to tell you about that damn dog? '

She shrugged. ' He's not bothering anyone. It's going to be a long day, Geoff. You want him stuck in the house alone? '

' I want him out of this office. ' He took a seat, pulling the chair closer to the desk. ' I start allowing you to bring him in, and suddenly I'll be running a boarding kennels. '

' Well, he's here now. ' She picked up a pencil, began twirling it between her fingers. ' To what do I owe this visit? '

He leaned on the desk. ' Had any ideas? '

She sighed, shaking her head. ' Nope. You? '

He frowned. ' I was kind of leaving that to you, Alex. What's wrong? '

' What's wrong? ' She gave a short bark of laughter. ' My partner is traveling the length of the country today in the company of a total stranger whilst there's a serial killer and bonafide nut-case out there who knows every move we make, and just happens to be baying for our blood. ' She shrugged. ' Other than that, everything's just peachy. '

' Come on, Alex, ' he shook his head, ' I explained to you why I couldn't let you go. Besides, it was you who suggested that whatever he has planned will require both of you. He's not going to risk it now by making a grab for Jen, is he? '

She gazed at him steadily, knowing that what he said made perfect sense - she'd said it herself - but finding it hard to reconcile that with her exponentially growing anxiety. Eventually she just sighed, letting the pencil drop back to the table, where it rolled for a moment, then stopped.

' I can't help worrying about her. ' She eventually said, her voice almost a whisper. Geoff's expression softened; he reached out across the desk to lay a hand on her arm. ' She'll be all right, Alex. Ray Wilson is a fine officer. He'll make sure nothing happens to her. '

' I know that, but..' she shook her head, ' it's just not the same. '

' Hey...come on. How about I buy us lunch? Try and shake you out of this black mood? '

Her lips twitched. ' Thanks, pal, but I'm waiting for her to call me, let me know she's arrived okay. And besides, how many places in town cater for the canine market? '

He laughed, leaning back again. ' Alright. I'll fetch you a sandwich back then. ' He pushed the chair back from the desk, getting to his feet. ' In the mean time, try and get that report finished. I promised them to the Super by five thirty. '

She nodded absently. ' Already done. If you ever bothered to check your e-mail, you'd find I'd sent it over an hour ago. '

' Bloody computers - what's wrong with good old-fashioned paper, huh? '

Alex smiled. ' Go back to your cave, you old dinosaur. If I need you I'll bang a couple of rocks together to let you know. '

' Ha-ha. ' He said dryly. At the door he paused. ' Oh, and Alex? '

' Yeees? ' She drawled, knowing what was coming.

' Try and keep ol' furry face out of sight, okay? I don't need another lecture from my superiors about health and safety in the workplace. '

She grunted, waving him out. The door closed behind him, and once more she found herself alone.

Waiting for the phone to ring.

' You can wait in the cafeteria, if you'd rather. ' Jen said, nervously tugging at her jacket in an attempt to straighten it.

Ray gave snort. ' What - and risk getting my arse kicked by the ninja lady? I don't think so. I'll be right outside that office...if we ever find it. '

Jen peered at the numbers on the doors nearby. ' The woman on reception downstairs said it was definitely this floor...but these rooms don't seem to correspond with the number I have. '

' Here - let me see. ' Ray took the letter from her hands with a gentle tug, frowning down at the bold typeface. ' Fourth floor, room 436-O. '

' O-h? ' She frowned, craning her neck to look at the page. ' You sure - I thought it said 436-zero...'

The big cop shook his head. ' And you are about to start teaching kids? ' He grinned as she blushed. ' Come on, Einstein, it's back this way. '

As they walked briskly, retracing their steps, Jen glanced at her watch. ' I have a good fifteen minutes - mind if I make a quick call? '

' Sure. ' He paused. ' Want me to give you some space? '

Jen grinned. ' No...I just want to let her know we got here okay. '

' All right. ' Ray smiled. ' Go ahead. I'm sure she's sitting by the phone. '

' You think so? ' She replied, digging in her bag for the cell phone.

He winked. ' I know so. '

To Be Continued...