It was a cool October night. Two lovers walked through the park, trying to find a place to fullfill a fantasy: public sex. They spread the blanket near some bushes off the beaten path. Entwined in their embrace, they rolled each fighting for the dominant position. They got carried away, and rolled off the blanket, then through the bushes. The young woman let out a blood curdling scream as she came face to face with a man's corpse.

*********************************

An hour later, the area had been cordoned off by police tape. The blinking red and blue lights were no help for the crime scene investigator and her new recruit. "CC, can you turn on the headlights? I can't see a damn thing."

"Sure." She went back to the truck, then turned them on. "Let's see what we have," she said as she walked back over to the body.

"Male victim, about 25-30 years old. Bruising around his throat indicates he was strangled. What was the weapon?" Jade asked.

CC studied the throat area. "Bare hands. Finger shaped bruising, thumbs over the Adam's apple."

"Very good."

"I suppose dumping a dead body would be one way to get two women on their knees for us," a man laughed from the victim's feet.

Jade didn't even look up. "You are the biggest pig I have ever met, Nash." She looked up at him. "Don't let anyone else inside the tape. We haven't had a chance to get a good look around yet." She turned her eyes to the more business-like of the two homicide investigators. "Callaway, male, 25-30, no i.d., strangled. I'd say by a man. These are some really big finger bruises."

He smirked. "Good evening to you, too, Jade. Mind introducing your new assistant?"

"CC is not my assistant. She's the new addition to the field team. CC, these two are the biggest pigs in the homicide division, Kevin Nash and Mark Callaway."

CC craned her head up to them. "Hello."

"Atleast she greets us. You should try being nice, Jade," Kevin teased.

"Once she gets to know you, she won't want to say anything to you or Mark."

"What would you say is the TOD?" Mark asked.

"The body is cold, rigor mortis has started to set in. Today, at some point. I'll get a better idea when we get the body back to the lab. Hopefully, John Doe is on record." She motioned for the coroners to bag him, and take him to the lab. She grabbed her flashlight out of her case, and turned it on. "I don't see any sign of struggle in this area. CC..."

"He could have been dumped here, or the struggle wasn't in the immediate area."

"Hey, Sherlock, there are boot prints over here," Kevin said. "And our vic was wearing boots."

She went over to look. "You want to take this, CC?"

"Sure."

"The print points in this direction. By the depth of the depression, I'd say he was an incredibly heavy man, or he was carrying our John Doe. Unlike you, Nash, I can't say that it is a boot print. It could be a dress shoe, or a loafer."

"I'll bet dinner on it."

"You can pay for it, as long as I don't have to sit with you."

Mark laughed. "Come on, man. Let's let the ladies work."

"Yeah. Why don't you two... I don't know. Talk to the couple that found the body?" Jade said sarcastically. "CC can deliver our findings with the body."

Mark laughed and slapped Kevin on the back as they walked away. "You know, if you ever want in those size fours, you might want to try being nice to her, or shutting your mouth all together."

"How do you know what size she wears?"

"Her hips and ass. The new girl, CC... She's a size three. Smaller frame, smaller ass, smaller size."

"You're full of shit."

Mark turned around. Not wanting to press his luck with Jade he said, "CC, what size jeans do you wear?"

She looked up from the mold she was making of the foot print. "Three."

"Jade?" Kevin asked.

"It doesn't matter. You can't get in them."

"A four?" he asked.

"Yes. Now will you leave?"

As they walked off Mark smiled and said, "damn I'm good."

**********************

Back at the lab, Jade and CC made it just as Doc was finishing the autopsy. "Well, what did you find?"

"His Adam's apple is crushed. He has a couple boot prints on his ribs..."

"Shit..."

CC smiled. "You owe Nash dinner."

"Thank you, smart ass. Time of death?"

"Around eight this morning. His clothes are bagged up for you two to do your magic with. Here are his prints." He handed CC the card with his finger prints. "He had a thing for tribal tattoos. All across his shoulders, on his arms..."

"He doesn't look indian... Just another kid doing what everyone else is." Jade looked at Doc. "Thanks. We have to get to work."

"If I find anything else, I'll let you know. See you later."

Jade grabbed the bag with his clothes inside. Once outside the door, she said, "I'll see you in the lab. Go ahead and run those through the system. I have to tell jackass he won the bet."

"I could tell him when I drop off the notes," CC offered.

"I'll spare you the celebration. Besides, I'm used to him by now. I'll see you up there." Jade took the stairs up to the second floor. Begrudgingly, she walked over to Kevin's desk. "Alright, Nash. You won. It was a boot. Doc found boot shaped bruises on the vic."

He smiled as he continued to flip his pen on his desk. "Where are we eatting tonight?"

"Not tonight. I have to work on what evidence we have. CC is running the prints." She looked at Mark's empty chair. "Where's Callaway?"

"He went to the lab. He thought it would be good for my health if I stayed here. He knows I just piss you off."

"Well, atleast one of you knows that. Keep your partner out of my lab. When we find something, we will come to you guys." With that, Jade went to the lab. As she looked through the glass at CC, Mark was smiling down at her. She reached up and slapped him. She grinned as she walked in the room. "I think that was a hint for you to leave."

"She's just as stubborn as you are," Mark growled.

"And that is why I chose to take her as my understudy. As I told Nash, stay out of my lab. We will come to you with any info we get."

CC turned back to the computer screen. "Guys, we have a hit. Randy Orton, twenty-six. He was brought in for assault and battery a year ago, but the charges were dropped."

Mark looked at the address. "I know that place. Nash and I will check it out." He looked down at CC. "I don't suggest slapping me again, darlin'." With that, he left.

"Fucking jerk..." CC muttered.

"You'll get used to them. They may be total dicks, but they are good at what they do." Jade's cell phone rang. "Yeah?"

"Jade, I just scraped the vic's nails. I found epithelials. I'll have them sent up."

"Thanks, Doc. By the way, we have a name. Randy Orton."

"I'll mark it on his tag. Bye."

She hung up. "Well, we have some DNA to work with now. Doc found skin under the vic's nails."

Chapter 2 - CC

The air was cool and crisp as Nash handed his palm out to Jade, "Me
Lady", he said with a smile. Taking his she replied, "Don't get any
ideas Nash." Chuckling he told her, "You said that about dinner, yet
here you are." Yanking her hand out of his she said in low and deadly
tone, "The only reason I'm here is because there were some technical
difficulties with the equipment, that's all. Don't mistake my
generosity for a woman wanting more, rather see me as a woman who
wants to get this bet over and done with." And with that she
sauntered in to the restaurant leaving him alone in the chilly air.
Admiring her firm rounded ass he thought to himself, "By the time I'm
through with you, you'll be begging for this bet not to end." He
followed her into the cozy warm establishment.
**************************************************
Frustrated and starving, CC was sitting in the dimly lit lab, waiting
by the phone, working on some paperwork. She was so engrossed in her
work that she didn't even sense the huge figure looming in the
doorway. BBBBBBRRRRRRIIIIIINNNNNGGGGGGG.
Jumping five feet she yelled, "Jesus", and grabbed the
phone. "Hello?" she answered in a shaky voice. "CC? It's Lance from
Tech, where's Jade?" Not knowing what to say and not wanting to get
her into trouble, CC stammered, "Uh, she stepped out just for a sec."
Frustrated Lance replied, "Alright, but tell her to call me ASAP, I
have some information on the equipment and it's not good." "Sure,
yeah, okay." And she hung up. "Well, looks like someone's in
trouble," boomed the big man from behind her. Startled, CC whipped
around in her chair and relaxed once seeing who the big man was. "You
are such an asshole. I'm busy. What do you want?" Pushing himself off
the side of the doorway, he slowly came towards her. With a gleam in
his eye and a bag of hot steamy food in his hand, he suggestively
whispered, "You look hungry." Willing to play along with his game,
she seductively smiled, "I certainly am, but not for you." And she
grabbed the bag from his hand. Taking a deep breath to calm the anger
that was slowly rising, he told her in a demanding tone, "You really
are cute, when you're not such a Bitch!" he grabbed the bag from her
and as he was walking out the door he scolded her, "By the way,
you're not allowed to eat in the lab." With a shocked look on her
face she watched him leave thinking to herself, "Thank God I don't
have to work with him!!!"
*****************************************************
"Now that's what I call a Filet Mignon!" Nash said leaning back and
patting his stomach. "Thanks for everything, the dinner, the wine,
now what about the dessert?"
All of a sudden Jade's pager went off. Smiling she said, "Saved by
the Pager." Looking down and seeing that it was CC with the infamous
969 after it, indicating it was an extreme emergency, Jade couldn't
help but think, "God bless you, CC". Seeing the look of relief on her
face, Nash shook his head and said, "No way, our dinner isn't
finished, therefore the bet isn't over." Getting up from the table,
Jade smiled, "As your partner always says, Sorry darlin' but duty
calls. I'll catch a cab. Oh, by the way, it's been fun." Her face
turning serious. "So much fun, let's not do it again for quite some
time." And she left. He got up and began following her, "Hey, you're
not leaving me with the check." The head manager saw him beginning to
leave and caught his arm as he began to open the door. "Sir, you have
to pay before you leave." With an evil glare, Nash looked down at the
manager's hand holding his arm and then back into his eyes, the
manager cleared his throat and slowly let go of Nash's arm. Looking
outside the door watching Jade get into the cab, he growled, "Fine."

chapter 3 - Jade

"Thank GOD you paged me, CC," Jade said as she set her purse on the counter. "That man thought sex came with the meal."

"What did you do?" CC laughed.

"Stuck him with the bill. What did you need?"

"Lance wants you to call him about the machine."

"I'm sure Nash is hot on my heels, so I'll just go see him."

**********************

Twenty minutes after Jade left, Nash came in. He was so angry his face was red. "Where the hell is she?" he growled.

CC smiled. "Well, now I know why she's hiding."

"Is she in the building?" he asked in a deathly tone.

"Yes, but I won't say anything else."

Kevin glared at her as he opened his cell phone, and called Mark. "Jade's in the building. Help me find the bitch."

"Check with Lance. He was working on that machine."

"Thanks."

He gave her an evil grin. "She's so wrapped up with work... Maybe she's with her precious machine." CC's eyes went wide. "I guess she is." With that he left.

"Shit... She's gonna kill me," she muttered.

**********************************

Jade stood behind Lance, looking over his shoulder as he showed her the problem. "Damn it... How soon can you get me another one?"

"If I put a rush on it, in the morning."

"I have to have that so I can run some samples. Please, rush it."

Just as she was about to turn around a large hand clamped on her arm, then spun her. "You welched."

She looked up into Kevin's glaring eyes. "I did not welch. There was an emergency."

"You walked out before the bill came."

"Oh, bitch, bitch, bitch... What do I owe you?"

"Another dinner. No cell phones, no pagers... Just the two of us."

"Go to hell, Nash. I had dinner with you, and that was more than enough time with you. This machine... This JOB is priority, and you know it. I need that machine so I can run samples for YOUR case, so YOU can catch the bad guy, and be the big hero."

He raised his hand as if to hit her, but she didn't flinch. "I hope you can run fast," Lance said.

"Stay out of this, Hoyt."

"If you hit her, and she doesn't catch you, I will."

Kevin lowered his hand. "I even put on a suit, so I'd look nice for you."

"When was the last time you saw me in a dress, you cocky bastard?" she asked as she pointed at the strappy black material. "Some things are more important than paying up on a bet."

"I paid this time, so you still owe me." With a wide smile, he walked away.

"Grrrr.... I HATE THAT MAN!"

"Boyfriend troubles?" Lance laughed.

"Oh, God... Not in this lifetime!" She shook at the thought. "Put a rush on one of those for me. I'll be here in the morning to use it."

"No sweat."

"Thanks." She went back to her locker to get back in a pair of jeans and a shirt. Then, she went back to the lab. "Well, we have time to kill. Do you want to go over the clothes with me?"

"I am starving! I want food!" CC whined.

Jade laughed. "Alright. Go get some food and some rest. Be back bright and early."

"Fucking Callaway teased me with food earlier..."

"I told him not to come back in here."

"Well, he snuck up on me..."

"Before you go, you want to go down to his desk with me?"

"Nah. I'd rather not see him again before I eat. I'll see you in the morning."

"See ya."

CC went to her locker, grabbed her purse, and headed down stairs to the door. Before she reached it, a large hand gently grabbed her arm. "Look, CC, I'm sorry for calling you a bitch. That was uncalled for."

She was taken aback for a moment. "Apology accepted, Callaway."

He smiled at her. "Mark." He released her arm. "Do you need a ride? I was just leaving."

"No. My car is out front. Thank you, though."

"Ok. See you tomorrow."

He stood and watched her rear as she walked out the door. "You actually apologized to a woman?" Kevin laughed.

"You catch more flies with honey than with vinegar." He slapped the other man on the back. "I'll see you tomorrow, Nash."

Mark's words hit Kevin like a ton of bricks. "Kill her with kindness," he thought to himself.

*****************************

Jade had sat down at her desk with CC's notes. She wanted to read them before she started on the clothes. She was halfway through the first page when there was a knock on her office door. She looked up to see Nash.

"I brought you some coffee, and an apology."

"Tons of sugar?"

"And four creams."

She looked at him quizzically. "Who are you, and what did you do with Nash? The Kevin I know has not done a single nice thing, or given me one apology in the two years I've worked with him."

"Alright, I get the hint. I'm an asshole. If I promise to behave, and you agree to leave your pager and cell behind, can we try dinner again?" He chuckled as he set the coffee in front of her. "I'll pay."

She caught her jaw before it hit the floor. "You can behave?"

"Like a gentleman, when I want to," he said with a smile.

She thought for a moment. "Alright, but if you start actting like an ass again, I'm outta there. And, just because I have dinner with you, don't expect dessert to be in either of our beds."

"What about in the car?"

"For Chrissake..."

"I was just joking. Tomorrow night?"

"Unless something comes up in the case."

He took her hand from the desk, and kissed her knuckles. "That's why we have partners."

chapter 5 - Jade

Jade called Nash and Callaway down to the lab. "I thought we weren't allowed down here?" Mark said.

"DNA under the vic's nails matched his. Since I didn't see any scratches on his body..." She noticed Kevin was too busy staring at Bryan to pay attention. She waved her hand in front of his face. "Paying attention, Kevin?"

"Who's he?" he whispered.

She looked over her shoulder at Bryan. "A friend. He used to work here. Back to the case." When Kevin turned to look at her, she continued. "CC ran the test three times, a match every time. Did you guys find out about any close relatives?"

"His father has been living with him. He went out of town on business yesterday. He comes back tonight," Mark said.

"You guys may want to talk to him."

Kevin cleared his throat. "Mark and CC can. We have plans."

"Right. You two won't be able to reach us tonight. CC, take your kit. Nail scrapings, prints, DNA sample... Look for anything destinct to the wounds."

"I know what to do. You should get some rest. What did you do? Stay here all night?"

"Yes, I did. I'm fine, really. I'll finish my paperwork, then go home and take a nap..." She looked at Nash, and raised her brow. "...alone."

He put his hands up. "I'm being a gentleman, remember? I'd never suggest..."

"Bullshit." He chuckled as she rolled her eyes. She turned to CC. "Can you handle things around here today?"

"If I have any emergencies, I'll call you."

"Ok." She sighed as she looked over her shoulder at Bryan again. "I just have to get rid of him."

"I'll meet you at your desk," Kevin said to Mark.

Mark gave him a sideways grin. "Yeah... CC, you wanna grab some coffee?"

Taking the hint, CC smiled and said, "sure."

Once they were gone, Kevin stepped up to her and laid his hand on her cheek. "Do you want me to handle him?"

She gave him a tired smile. "No, I can handle Bry."

"Are you sure?" He slid his thumb down to trace her lips.

She gently grabbed his wrist, as her smile widened. "I really need that sleep. You almost seem sweet."

"I'm trying," he said with a grin.

****************************************

CC smiled as she walked out of the lab with Mark. "Do you think... Nevermind."

"What?"

"Do you think it's safe to leave them alone? She may kill him."

Mark chuckled. "They've been fighting since she came here. That's the calmest I've ever seen them together."

His cell phone rang. He took it off his hip, and answered it. "Callaway."

"Hey. This is Jackie in missing persons. I have a woman here about your guy, Randy Orton."

"I'll be there in a minute." He closed his phone and put it back on his hip. "A woman just showed up looking for our victim." He looked through the glass at his partner, then at the smile on Jade's lips. "They look busy. How about if you come play good cop for me?"

"Uh... Okay."

They met the woman in missing persons. As she stood from the bench, she looked up at Mark, ignoring CC. "You must be Detective Callaway," she said as she extended her hand to him. "My name is Stacy Keibler. I was told you could help me find my Randy."

He shook her hand firmly. "Yes, I can. I'm sorry to inform you, Ms. Keibler, but a couple found Mr. Orton's body in the park. If you don't mind, could we ask you a few questions?"

"Certainly."

As they walked to the interrogation room, CC noted that Stacy seemed stoic when told that Randy is dead.

Once inside the room, Mark said, "please, have a seat."

As she sat down, she asked, "how did he die?"

"He was strangled. Do you know of anyone that would want him dead?" Mark asked.

"Most people that met him. He wasn't easy to get along with."

"What is your relation to him?" CC asked.

She picked at her nails. "We've been dating for over a year."

"Yet, not even a quiver of the lips when we tell you he's dead. That doesn't seem right," Mark commented.

"As I said, he wasn't easy to get along with. His attitude and arogance was given to everyone, including me."

"What was his relationship like with his dad?" CC asked.

"Typical father and son for the most part. Randy recently took his father in to his house, and has been taking care of him."

"Why?"

"Well, his father has been managing him. They thought if he was closer, things would be easier."

"Why did he need a manager?" Mark asked.

"He was a fighter. A very good one at that. Bob thought he was ready for the big time."

Mark ran his hand over his face. "Alright, Ms. Keibler. You are free to go."

Before she got up, she dug a card and a pen out of her purse. She scrawled something on the back, then handed it to him as she stood. "Here's my number." She smiled at him suggestively. "In case you need anything," she said, drawing out the final word.

Once she left, CC mumbled, "horny minx..."

Mark smiled at the hint of jealousy in her tone. "She's about as appealing to me as a pile of horse shit. As for the case, she's on my list of suspects."

"But the hand prints were too big to be her's."

"True, but she could have hired someone to do it for her."

chapter 7 - Jade

Once at the restaurant, the limo driver opened the door for them. Kevin stepped out first, then held out his hand to help her. Jade smiled as she took his hand. He placed her hand on the inside of his bicep to lead her inside. He smiled down at her as he realized she was feeling his muscle through his suit.

He leaned down and whispered, "don't worry. I won't tell anyone you felt me up."

She may have rolled her eyes, but he saw the color rise in her cheeks. "Kevin..."

"I know. I'm sorry. Old habits die hard."

"You will, too, if you don't knock it off."

"Hey, I gave you a chance to get out of this."

"And if you weren't good looking, I would have taken it." He raised a brow at her. "Oh, don't you read anything into that. I paid you a compliment. End of story."

Once seated inside, Kevin ordered a bottle of wine. As they looked over the menus, she would peek over at him from time to time. "I told you. I'm boring when I behave," he said without looking at her.

"I didn't say anything."

"I know, but you keep looking at me."

She closed the menu, and set it down. "I'm trying to figure you out."

"You mean profile me."

"I've had you profiled. I want to know how much of it is right."

He closed his menu, set it down, and turned to her. "Okay. Lay it on me."

"You are an egotistical man, lives alone, though probably has had several bed-mates, you crack jokes to hide an inner demon, or past rejection. You dye your hair to hide your age, because you fear growing old. And, you are a step down from a sexual predator."

"Ouch... Okay. You had me feeling bad enough already." He sighed. "Almost right. Past rejection and I don't fear growing old. I fear growing old alone. But, I dye my hair because I hate the gray showing. And, I'm "close to being a sexual predator"?"

"I don't think gray hair could make you look any less handsome." She reached across the table, and laid her hand on his. "Prove me wrong on the rest."

"I've done my own profiling."

"Oh, really? Do tell."

"You are a nose in the air scientist, with little faith in anything but cold hard facts. You live alone, because your mother is no longer alive. You can be genuinly sweet when you want something, otherwise you are suspicious. And, you would rather spend the rest of your life in the lab, than actually date a man."

She laughed. "I probably deserved that. My mom is alive." She sighed, and released his hand. "As for the rest, you're right. I've been walked on a lot, so I'm suspicious. And, I've kissed a lot of frogs, and still no Prince Charming." She looked down, and picked at the table cloth. "So, rather than being used and abused again, I stay in the lab."

"And I thought you just hated me," he joked.

She smiled. "I don't hate you. Just your method of coming after me."

The waiter returned with the wine. He opened the bottle and poured their glasses.

"And, I'm sorry for the sexual predator comment, but you have to admit you come on strong."

The waiter gave him a suspicious look. "Don't bother calling the cops. We work for DCPD," he told the waiter. When he walked away, Kevin glared at Jade. "You did that on purpose."

"I apologized for a comment. I'm trying to get my nose out of the air."

He chuckled. "Maybe we should put the profiles behind us. Otherwise this date is doomed."

"Agreed." She lifted her glass. "To an end to the fighting."

"To giving this frog a chance to show you he can be a prince."

*************************************

"Okay, take south I-95 to Miami, Florida. They have a big show this weekend," CC said.

"Alright."

She looked over at him. Her brows furrowed. "Um... Mark, it's dark out. Shouldn't you take off the sunglasses?"

"The headlights bother my eyes. So does the computer."

"Well, I found profiles on our victim and his father on this site. Randy Orton: third generation wrestler, youngest world champ, reputation as a legend-killer, attacking stars from decades ago."

"That would make him a wanted man, and add to our suspects."

"Cowboy Bob Orton: second generation superstar, one time bodygaurd and friend to "Rowdy" Roddy Piper, now his son's manager."

"Maybe he got tired of playing second fiddle."

"What do you mean?"

"Well, he used to work for this Piper character, so he would be in his shadow. Now he works for his son, and in the shadow again." He yawned. "We have a long ride. You might as well get some sleep."

"The way you just yawned? Are you nuts? I'm going to make sure you stay awake."

"It's that damn thing. Shut it down. We can look at it later. I'll turn on some music to keep me awake." He turned on the radio, and the cd player kicked in.

After a moment, CC was forced to cover her ears as Pantera's "Southern Trendkill" blared through the speakers. She reached out, and turned it down. "How the hell do you expect me to sleep with that noise?"

"That noise is going to keep me from running off into the ditch."

"Pick another noise!"

He slowly turned to look at her. "I like this cd," he growled.

Intimidated by the sound of his voice, she said, "atleast keep it down, so it's not rattling my eardrums."

He turned back to the road as she put her seat back, and got comfortable. It wasn't long before she was asleep.

CC awoke when he slammed the car door. "What the..." She looked at him, then relaxed. "What's going on?"

"It's one in the morning, and we're in Miami. Every damn hotel is booked for this show, and a convention in town. I got us a room, but it's a single bed."

She groaned. "I knew I didn't want to come with you."

"The way you snore, I'm not looking forward to this either."

"We can sleep in shifts. You go first."

"Fine."

She followed him up to the room, then took the key as he went in. "I'm going to find some coffee."

"Be careful."

"Go to sleep."

She went back down the stairs, and looked around. The only place open was the bar. She went in, sat at the bar and called the bartender. "Where can I get some coffee around here?"

"You're in luck. I just brewed a pot."

"Oh, thank gawd."

He chuckled as he fixed her a cup.

Up in the room, Mark tried to sleep, but when he closed his eyes, all he could see was CC in some sort of trouble. "Damn it, Callaway, why did you let her leave the room?" he scolded himself. "You dragged her here from DC. She's your responsibility."

He punched the pillows as he sat up, and pulled his pants back on. He went down the stairs, and found her sitting at the bar. The guy on the bar stool next to her tried to put his arm around her, but she pushed his arm away. When he grabbed her arm, he made a beeline for the drunk. Mark grabbed a handful of his hair, and pulled him off the bar stool. "Touch her again, and I'll break every damn bone in your body," he growled. "Got it!?"

"Yeah, sure!"

"Go sleep it off."

As the drunk left, she looked up at Mark. "Thanks."

"No problem, darlin'." He looked at the bartender. "You got a cup she can take to the room?"

The bartender looked from her to him. "You know this guy?"

"Yep. He's my knight in shining leather." She laid a few dollars on the bar. "I've had enough coffee. Thanks." She hopped off the bar stool and let him lead her back up to the room. "How did you know..."

"I couldn't sleep. I was worried about you."

"That's sweet."

"Take it as you will. I would just feel better if you were up here." He pulled the covers down on the bed. "Besides, we're adults. We can handle sharing a bed, can't we?"

"I... I guess so."

"Good." He took his pants back off. CC turned away quick. He smiled as he crawled under the covers. "You didn't think I was going to sleep in my leathers, did you?"

"I guess it would get pretty hot in them." She turned back around. She looked at him, then the empty side of the bed. "Oh, turn over."

He chuckled as he rolled onto his other side. When he heard the zipper on her jeans, he asked, "are you a little shy?"

"Oh, shut up," she said as she slid under the covers. She curled up and pulled the blankets around her. "It feels like a meat locker in here."

Mark smiled to himself. "Want me to warm you up?"

"I'll be okay."

He rolled over and gathered her in his arms. "Learn how to take advantage of a man." She laid stiff as a board. "Don't worry. I'm not going to attack you."

She relaxed against him as she felt the warmth radiating from his body, and quickly fell asleep.

Chapter 8 - CC

"That was delicious," sighed Jade as she leaned back in her chair.
Smiling, Kevin observed the content, yet slightly drunken look that
shimmed across her face. Noticing his sexy silence, Jade became a
little apprehensive. "What?" She questioned.
Still smiling, he said, "Nothing." Laughing out loud Jade leaned
forward and said, "I know you too well, you want to get me into one
of those empty rooms upstairs. Don'tcha?"
Remaining in his seat, calm as can be, and still smiling he
replied, "I promised I'd be a good boy." Shaking her finger at him,
she reminded him, "pppft, please, you were born to be bad."
The smile dropped from his face and after a few seconds of silence,
he leaned forward, brought her finger to his lips, and lightly kissed
it "We have an agreement."
Her eyes were locked on his full lips as a jolt of electricity shot
through her body with an intensity she never felt before. Jade was
rendered silent.
Kevin leaned back and with an evil grin asked, "Cat got your tongue?"
Jade cleared her throat and glanced at her wine. After taking a sip
she quietly answered, "No."
He tilted his head and took a few moments to study her. "It isn't
fun, is it?"
"What?"
"Being alone." Shaking her head and looking down she quietly
responded, "No, it's not." Sensing her vulnerability, Kevin leaned
forward and gently responded, "Then why are we?"
Looking up into his crystal clear eyes, she shrugged her shoulders.
The room became filled with an icy chill of desire and Jade couldn't
remember the last time she felt so alone. Not knowing or caring
whether she was going to regret tonight, she found herself wanting to
be with this man. To feel and be loved. Having his arms wrapped
around her like a child's security snuggled in a favorite blanket.
Feeling his whiskers brush across her cheek as she gently tastes his
lips.
His hands caressing her....
"Penny for your thoughts,"
Jade snapped out of her own private world, "Mhmm,"
Looking a touch confused Kevin replied, "I said, penny for your
thoughts,"
Thinking back to her dream, a faint smile crossed her lips and she
whispered, "Get the check."
**************************************************************
Slamming her back into the wall behind the door, Kevin proceeded to
kiss her with a passion neither had ever felt before. Jade's arms
snaked around his neck and held on tightly. Their tongues hungry for
affection. Jade felt her lungs begin to expand as her desire for air
continued to grow. Sensing her need, Kevin pulled away. Breathing
hard and in a husky voice he asked, "Are you sure you want this?"
Opening her eyes and feeling blissful she replied by slamming the
front door shut. She grabbed a fistful of his hair and brought his
lips unto hers. Losing all self control Kevin guided her to the bed.
Jade felt her legs give when the mattress hit the back of her knees.
She fell backwards and Kevin watched her through his predatory haze.
She propped herself up on her elbows and gasped as he took his shirt
and ripped it open. He slowly moved up her body and lightly kissed
her nose. His spicy scent swirled in her head as she tried to
comprehend what was happening, yet nothing came to mind. Nothing.
Nothing mattered. Only them. No fear, only pleasure. Pleasure that
would last through out the night. The two bodies merged into one as
he took her to heights she never thought possible. Screams of passion
filled the room. As he regained his breath, he slid off of her and
took her into his arms. Upon hearing the pounding of his heart, Jade
slowly opened her eyes and saw the approach of dawn through the
transparent curtains.

chapter 9 - Jade

Mark awoke with a smile on his face. He tightened his arms around CC before opening his eyes. The sun tried to shine through the hotel window, but the heavy curtains blocked it out. "Good," he thought as he nuzzled her neck. "I'm not ready to get out of bed." His eyes drifted shut as he deeply inhaled the sweet scent of her shampoo. He lightly slid his lips along the curve of her neck, then nibbled her collar bone.

CC moaned and shifted. Mark slid his hand over her stomach to grab her hip. He pulled her flush against him, then ground his hips into her rear. He saw the smile on her lips as she sighed his name. He dipped his head and traced the shell of her ear with his tongue. She stiffened in his arms just before she turned on him. "Mark! What the hell?"

He laid his hand on her thigh, then followed it up to the curve just below her bottom. "If you can tell me honestly that you don't want this, I'll stop."

She pulled her hand back and slapped him. He grabbed her wrists, and quickly pinned her to the bed. "Let me go," she growled.

"You didn't say it."

Her piercing eyes softened slightly. She swallowed against the lump forming in her throat. Her mouth felt dry as she whispered, "I can't."

"Then don't fight me." He leaned down, and claimed her lips, teasing at first, then exploring the dark recesses with his tongue. He released her wrists to remove her shirt. Once thrown to the floor he continued his assault on her senses, moving down her body to suckle her breasts.

She slid her fingers through his long dark hair as she arched her back. He made a trail with his tongue down her stomach as he pulled her panties off. "Oh, gawd, Mark..." she moaned as his lips closed around her swollen nub. "You're torturing me."

He stalked his way back up her body. "I'll make it worth the torture." He took off his boxers, and tossed them aside. He positioned himself between her legs, and aligned his length for entry. She savored every inch as he slid inside her wet tunnel. His thrusts were slow and deep, driving her on to multiple orgasms, leaving her limp under him.

He wrapped his arms around her and rolled onto his back, taking her with him. He sat up as she began rocking her hips. He grabbed a handful of her blonde hair, and roughly claimed her lips as she rode him faster, pushing them both over the edge. Once spent, he placed a kiss in the middle of her chest.

"As much as I'd like to go for another round, we have a suspect to interview," Mark said.

She gave him a wry grin. "I need a shower first."

He chuckled as he patted her backside. "I'll meet you in there."

Chapter 10 - CC

Several hours had passed since the dawn. Jade's eyes slowly opened as
she became aware of where she was. Turning slowly over she felt the
stabs of last night's binge. "I'll never do that again." she thought
to herself as she slowly brought her hands to her forehead. Suddenly
she felt something in the bed shift. Glancing over she saw him.
Groaning she thought to herself, "God what have I done?" She watched
him as slivers of his silky chestnut brown hair fell to the side of
his well chiseled face. His long black eyelashes covered those oh so
expressive hazel eyes that darkened with desire the night before.
Bare muscular shoulders beckoned to be touched. His lips feather soft
daring to be kissed. Jade couldn't help herself, with thoughts of
last night running through her head, she dipped her head to taste
them one last time. The blood red numbers of the digital clock glared
out at her. "Shit!" Forgetting everything else she threw the covers
off of her and proceeded to get dressed.
Startled Kevin asked, "What the fuck is going on? Where do you think
you are going?"

Hurriedly dressing Jade didn't waste anytime to answer, "It's 10:30
in the morning. I should have been in the lab hours ago. CC is
probably wondering where the hell I am. Why hasn't she called?"

Grabbing his keys on the night stand and jingling them, he looked at
her, smiled, and asked "Aren't you forgetting something?" Jade's
mouth dropped open. She didn't have a way home.
Kevin continued smiling and explained, "Don't worry, I'll make sure
you get home. And as far as CC is concerned, I'd say she's in very
capable hands, if, ya know what I mean." And with that he gave her
his infamous subtle sexy wink.

Throughly confused Jade asked, "And how do you know?" Chuckling he
answered, "I talked to Mark, he's in Miami. With CC." Jade was
thunder struck. With his eyes dancing with devilish delight, he
patted the space on the bed beside him, and whispered, "Now why don't
you come over here and I'll take away your pain."
****************************************************************
Silence filled the car as the two strangers drove to the arena. CC
thought to herself, how did this all happen? One name came to mind.
Jade. I'm gonna kill her for making that bet. She noticed Mark
through her pherial vision and suddenly a range of emotions began to
surface. CC was helpless and all she could do was listen. She
couldn't get over the fact that she slept with this man. Yeah he was
gorgeous and well built, but she's never had a one stand in her life.
And on top of that, she's working with him now. How could she have
lost her senses so easily? CC always prided herself in the control
she had over her life. Hell, everyone, all the way down to her ex-
boyfriend, called her a Control Freak. Never one to let go and have
some fun, CC wondered what is it about this man? I mean he's
arrogant, pushy, domineering, and what's with all the tattoos?
Someday, I'll have to ask him. What are you thinking!!! He probably
thinks every woman wants him and he rules the bedroom. Well, maybe
he's right on that one, but how dare he try and manipulate me the way
he did. A little voice belted out, "C'mon CC you wanted it and you
know it." " That's besides the point, he should have stopped." "Did
you ever say no?" Disregarding that question she shook her head
berated herself. What was I thinking?

Mark looked over at CC and noticed something was troubling
her. "What's the matter?"he inquired.

Looking out of the window she quietly answered, "Nothing."
"Now how come I don't buy that?"
"Think what you want." Mark was beginning to get perturbed by her
coldness and pressed on. "Did I do something wrong?"
Continuing to look out of the window she whispered, "It's not you."
Raising his voice he asked, "Then why do you refuse to look at me?"
Rolling her eyes, she turned, faced him, and with her dark shades
covering her tear filled eyes, she asked, "Are you happy?"
Shaking his head in disgust, he said, "No, but what does it matter."
And with that he shoved in the tape of Metallica's Master Of Puppets.

chapter 11 - Jade

Jade looked down at Kevin in disbelief. "Last night was great, but now it's the morning after. It's time to think with the head on your shoulders again. Whether CC is there or not, I have to be at the lab. Your case isn't the only one I'm working on, and without her, I'm going to be pulling double duty."

"Then, let's do it again tonight."

"Do what? Go out or have sex?"

His brows drew together. "Go out. What is wrong with you? Last night you wanted this as much as I did."

"Last night I was drunk on the wine." She sighed as she found her purse on the floor. "And, I don't think we should see each other again on a personal basis."

Kevin threw back the covers and stood. "Hang on... Who's using who now?"

"Excuse me!?"

"What would you call it? I get all dressed up, rent a limo just to take you out to a nice dinner. I even behaved myself! You told me you don't want to be used or abused again. I don't want to use you, but you sure as hell make me want to hit something sometimes!"

He stared into her eyes as his chest heaved with pent up anger. Slowly, tears formed on her lower lashes. "I'd rather it wasn't me," she gently whispered.

Her words nearly floored him. "You think I'd..." He reached out to lay his hand on her cheek, and she flinched. "I could never hit you, no matter how angry you make me."

He gave her a small smile when she looked up at him. He took her hand, and led her back to the bed. He sat at the foot, and pulled her onto his lap. She looked down at her hands in her lap. "I'm sorry. I just don't know who I can trust."

He tilted her chin up to look into her eyes. "Everything I have done since we met... I may have been an ass to your face, but the things I did that you didn't know about... I wouldn't throw my chances away by hurting you in any way."

"What things I didn't know about?" As she waited for his answer, he turned red.

"The red and white roses on Valentine's Day, the little boxes of chocolate that appear on your desk..."

"That was you?"

He nodded. "I realize I can't always say the right thing, but I know what to do to make up for it."

She gave him a smile before softly kissing him. "Alright. Tonight, my place, eight o'clock. I'll cook."

"So, I don't have to wear a suit?"

"You could show up like this, but I don't think the neighbors would like it."

"I don't care what they think. What would you think?" he softly asked.

"That we need to slow down. You have an amazing body, but I don't feel the urge to see it unclothed at all times." She bit into her lip as she felt the heat rise in her cheeks. "I, uh... pay more attention to your eyes, anyways."

He kissed her slow and deep. Once he ended it, he said, "let me get dressed, and we can share a cab."

***********************************

Mark and CC arrived at the arena in the midst of chaos. The crew was running here and there setting up equipment. The athletes and managers were gathered in a room with the head of the company, going over last minute details.

They were leaned up against the wall, waiting for the meeting to end. Without looking at her he said, "you regret this morning, don't you?" He didn't get an answer. "Look, if you do, just tell me. I'm a big boy. I can handle it."

"I'm not sure this is the time or the place, Callaway."

"Back to last names, huh?" A sideways grin formed on his lips. "I like the way you moaned my name better, but..."

She was about to unleash a torent of words that would make a sailor blush when the door opened, and the talent exited. Mark reached out, and grabbed an old man wearing a cowboy hat. "Bob Orton?"

"That's me. What can I do ya for?"

"Detective Callaway with DCPD. We need to have a little chat."

"Yer kinda out of your territory, aren't ya?"

"Miami PD granted me clearance to haul your ass back to DC. Now, we can talk here, or back there. Your choice."

Bob sighed. "Alright. Follow me." He led them down the hall to a door that said "Randy Orton" on it. Once inside he asked, "what's this little chat about?"

"Your son, Mr. Orton," CC said.

"What did he do now?"

"He died," Mark said.

Bob sat down, and covered his mouth as he tried to take it in. "How?"

"He was strangled, bare-handed. When was the last time you saw Randy?"

"The other night. He came home drunk from the club, thought he was ten foot tall and bullet proof. Wanted to tangle with me. I told him to take his ass to bed, and sleep it off."

"Why did he want to fight with you?"

"Oh, some stupid crap... "My life sucks because of you," and all that. That boy never grew out of the teenage years."

"Where were you a eight AM the next morning?"

"On my way to the airport. We had a show in Orlando that night. When he didn't show up, I thought he was throwing a temper tantrum."

"What was your relationship like with your son?" CC asked.

"It was ok as long as it was for work. Personal... that boy thought everything was my fault, and he did nothing wrong."

"What was his relationship like with Stacy?"

Bob smiled. "That girl was the best thing that ever happened to him. He was just too pigheaded to see it. He'd still run off with a ring rat if she wasn't paying attention."

"A ring rat?"

"One of these girls that would go back to the hotel with any wrestler that wanted her."

"Do you know of anyone that would want him dead?" Mark asked.

"Most of the locker room. He was a young up and comer. The older guys like to squash them. Randy met them head on, and whooped most of them. Even made a few retire."

"Name'em."

"Mick Foley, Sergent Slaughter, Roddy Piper, Hulk Hogan... I'll let you know if I can think of any more."

"You do that. Before we go, she has to take some samples."

Once finished, and the door closed behind them, she said, "well?" He didn't answer her. "Do you think he did it?"

"I'm not talking to you."

"Oh that is so childish!"

"You didn't want to talk to me."

"I was thinking." Not paying attention to where she was going, CC ran into a brick wall, or so she thought. She looked up into bright hazel eyes and a wide smiling grin. "I... uh... Sorry."

"It's no problem. I've taken worse hits." He stuck his hand out to her. "The name's Paul, but they call me Hunter around here."

She laid her hand in his. As he brought it to his lips she sighed, "I'm CC."

Mark pulled her away. "And I'm getting you the hell out of here." He looked up at Paul. "You... Where can I find Vincent McMahon?"

"You looking to join up?" he sneered.

"Maybe. What's it to you?"

"I hope I get first shot at you. Down the hall. Look for his name on the door." He smiled at CC. "And I hope I get to see you without him."

As she smiled at Paul, Mark released a growl. He half dragged her down the hall to Vince's office.

Chapter 12 - CC

The sun shined brightly and the air was layered with a blanket of
mugginess that covered the city. As she entered her office something
wasn't right. She tried as hard as she could to figure out what was
troubling her. She thought to herself, "I don't have time for this."
She sat down and began to tackle the paperwork scattered all over her
desk. Hearing a quick knock on the door jam she looked up. Smiling
she said, "Hey. What are you doing here?"
"I thought I'd come by and check to see how the machine is working.
Everything okay?"
Smiling she nodded. He slowly made his way over to her and asked, "Do
you have a second?"
"Lance, I always have time for you."
Throughout the rest of the morning and into the afternoon Kevin
couldn't get his mind off of what Jade had told him earlier. And why
did I tell her it was me who sent her all of those gifts? He was
happy about last night and thought he had finally broken through that
callous skin of hers, then, she turns around and does a 180. Yeah,
she offered to cook him dinner and everything, but what made her so
cold? Shaking his head as he was walking down the hall something made
him look up, and there he was, again. Once again he was talking to
Jade. His eyes began to see red as he thought to himself, "Not this
time."
*******************************************************************
"You're hurting me." CC exclaimed as Mark had a tight grip on her
upper arm. He never said a word and when they got to a door
labeled "Vincent McMahon", he roughly let go.
Rubbing her arm CC asked, "Do you mind telling me what you're problem
is?"
Mark looked at her disgusted and told her flat out, "You." and banged
on the door.
A voice from inside yelled, "C'mon in."
They walked in and as they did Vince looked up from his desk with his
black rimmed glasses hanging on the end of his nose. "Who are you and
how in the hell did you get in here?"
Reaching for his badge Mark replied, "Detective Callaway with DCPD."
Vince looked at him, swallowed, and in a shaky voice asked, "Is
there a problem?"
Putting his badge away Mark walked right up to him and told him, "You
could say that."
Motioning to the chairs in front of his desk, Vince said, "Please,
sit down."
Mark and CC sat down as Vince eyed them carefully. Clearing his
throat he asked, "What seems to be the problem?" Mark just stared at
him. Vince continued, "Was it one of the guys? What have they done
now?'
Mark's senses were working on overload. He immediately disliked this
man, but didn't know why. So, he did the next best thing, he played
with him. "You could say that."
Laughing nervously, Vince said, "Okay. I'm sure we can work this out.
Just tell who it is, what they did, and I'll take care of it."
Mark took a breath and with a demonic glimmer explained, "I'm not so
sure anything can be done." CC looked at Mark and wondered what the
hell he was doing. Why wasn't he telling Vince what happened. CC
became extremely uncomfortable when she noticed the evil dancing in
Mark's eyes.
Vince shifted in his chair and shrugged his shoulders, "I don't
understand. You're from DC. Is this about Randy and Washington?"
Slightly lifting his eyebrow Mark quietly said, "You could say that."
Beads of sweat began forming on Vince's forehead. Licking his lips he
tried his best to conceal the rage that was building within. "Ok,
look I paid for everything that little scumbag damaged. What more do
you want?"
Mark leaned over in his chair and in a deadly tone said, "His killer."
Several seconds went by as Vince tried to comprehend what he just
heard. Mark slowly straightened and pulled himself back in his chair.
CC glanced over at Mark noticing the intense look covering his face.
It was as if he was studying Vince. Looking for something more than
just a reaction. The air was thick with tension and Vince was its
victim. Taking off his glasses Vince took a breath and assured
himself everything would be alright.
Gathering up enough strength he asked "Are you trying to tell me,
Randy Orton is dead?"
Mark nodded. "I need to ask you some questions, but first, what
happened in Washington?"
Wiping his brow Vince explained, "Randy went to this club, the Bayou.
Apparently there was a fight and damage was done to the place. We
settled out of court."
"Does he have a habit of fighting in clubs?"
"No. He has a temper, but he's a good kid."
"What about his relationship with his co-workers?"
"Well, not everybody can get along, but we are a business and
maintain a professional attitude."
Mark didn't care for his aloofness, but he let it go, for now.
"What about his father?"
Relaxing Vince asked, "What about his father?"
"They worked together. How did that come about?"
Looking confused Vince questioned, "I don't understand?"
Slightly smiling at the transparency of this man Mark explained, "How
did father and son end up working for the same company?"
Playing dumb and grinning like an idiot, Vince went on to explain
that Bob was a wrestler way before his son was even born. Then, as
Randy grew up, he wanted to be just like his dad. "I guess the apple
doesn't fall far from the tree. He came to me and I hired him on the
spot. No questions asked. Then later, about a year or two, he asked
if his father could come back and I said of course. So, we developed
some storylines, and the rest is history."
Hanging on every word he said, CC knew something wasn't right. There
had to be more to the story than just that. Consumed by her thoughts
she jumped when Mark's voice broke the eerie silence.
"How did they get along?"
"Like normal father and son. They fought at times, but deep down
inside they really loved one another."
Mark had had enough of this man's attitude. It was sticky sweet and
Mark's aversion to chocolate was making him sick. Standing up and
pulling out his card Mark said, "Alright. That's all for now. I'm
going to need a travel schedule for your company and here's my card
in case you think of anything else."
Vince raised to his feet and took the card, "Of course. Linda's just
down the hall, I'll have her get you a copy."
As Vince escorted the pair out of his office and down the hall, CC
couldn't help but feel a pair of eyes burning a hole right through
her back.

chapter 13 - Jade

Lance squatted down beside her, wanting to be at eye level when he spoke to her. "I, uh... I was wondering if you'd like to go out sometime? Maybe catch a movie, or something."

She felt the heat creep up her face. "I'd love to, but..."

"What's going on?" Kevin asked.

She turned to him. "Just a sec." She turned back to Lance. "I'm kinda seeing someone right now." She didn't have to look at Kevin to know he was smiling.

Lance slid his thumb along her jawline. "If he ever does you wrong, I'd gladly kick his ass for you."

Kevin folded his arms over his chest, and raised a brow. "If I ever do her wrong, I'll kick my own ass and save you the trouble. Now, if you don't mind, get your hands off of my woman."

He looked at Kevin, then back at Jade. "Him?" he asked incredulously.

"Yeah, him."

"You two were at each other's throats the other night." Lance shook his head, his long hair dusting his shoulders. "Just remember what I said."

"I will." With that, Lance stood and left. "You wanted something?"

"I wanted you to stay in that bed with me this morning. Why did you want to leave me so fast? Was I terrible? Did I snore? What?"

"Does it bother you that bad? Can't you just be happy that I'm giving you another shot?"

"No, because if I did something wrong that I can fix, I want to."

She sighed. "I was scared. I told you about my track record with men. I always pick the bad ones."

"You didn't pick me, remember? I picked you. I've hounded you for two years to give me a chance. When you finally do, you want to run away."

She stood, and went over to him. She toyed with the buttons on his shirt as she said, "it scared me to know that when I woke up next to you, I wanted to touch you again, kiss you again, run my fingers through your hair... I don't like to lose control of myself."

"I intend to make you do it again." He leaned down, and brushed his lips over her's. That's when the phone rang. They both let out a groan at the interruption.

"I have to get it." As she went to the phone, Kevin closed the shades over the glass walls. "DC Crime Lab, Jade speaking."

"I'm glad you made it in to work today," came CC's teasing voice.

"How are things in Miami?"

"I'm going to Fed-Ex some samples to you from Bob Orton. Hand print, DNA, the works."

"Well, what did you gather by seeing him?"

"Hey, put it on speaker phone," Kevin said.

"Hang on. Kev wants to hear this, too." She pushed the button, then hung up the head set. "Alright."

"Since when is it Kev?"

"The case, CC. We can have girl talk when you get back."

"He was wearing the boots. He must have cleaned them up. Not a single bit of trace on them. The dark spot along one of the prints on his neck could be a hickey or if it's Bob, it could be his ring. Speaking of hickies, how many do you have?"

"CC!!"

Kevin laughed. "I'm too much of a gentleman to leave a mark on her."

"Yeah, right. Listen, Jade, we're going to follow the company for a few days. There are a lot of people to talk to. Can you handle things by yourself?"

"If I have to, I can have Lance come help me." She turned devilish eyes on Kevin.

"Over my dead body," he growled.

"Did I miss something?"

"It's nothing," she laughed. "Stay with Callaway at all times. I can't afford to have anything happen to you. I need you back here ASAP."

"You got it. I'll check in with you tomorrow."

"Okay. Talk to you then." She pushed the speaker button again, hanging up the phone. She smiled as she turned to Kevin. "Where were we?"

As his arms went around her, his cell phone rang. "For chrissake..."

"No phones again tonight." She kissed his cheek. "That's all you get until then."

"Alright." As he left her office, he pulled his cell off his hip. "Nash."

"I don't like this one bit," Mark said.

"What's up?"

"This damn list of suspects keeps growing. I need you to look into a few for me."

"Hang on. I just left Jade's office." Once he got to his desk, he took down the list of legends Randy had defeated. "How did it go with the father?"

"He's hiding something. I talked to the boss, too. He seems a bit shifty."

"I'll get back to you as soon as I know something."

"Look into Roddy Piper first. Bob Orton used to work for him."

"You got it."

"And what are you doing tonight?"

"Having dinner at Jade's. Why?"

"This show tonight is on pay per view. I want you to get it, and record it for me. The department will reimburse you for it. Maybe you two can watch it and see what you think of this mad-house."

"Will do."

As Mark hung up his cell, he watched CC. "Damn it. What is it with her and that guy?" he asked himself.

She was deep in a discussion with Hunter, smiling up at him, laughing at his jokes. He wanted that smile to be towards him. He wanted that laughter filling his ears. Yet, she had tried everything to avoid him when she could. He ran his hand over his face as he thought, "I shouldn't have pushed myself on her this morning."

He looked back at them, and saw Hunter lean down, and kiss her. All expression on Mark's face dropped, save the eyebrow raised high. "Oh hell no," he thought. He marched over to her, and grabbed her arm. "We're not here for you to get laid."

Hunter smiled. "But if she wants to, I can handle it for her."

Mark punched him square in the nose. "Show her some respect, jack ass."

"Son of a bitch!"

"Yeah, and it was a hell hound that spat me out." He took hold of her arm again, and pulled her down the hall.

She pulled her arm out of his grip. "What the hell is wrong with you?"

"Don't play with me, girl. I deserve some goddam answers before you go kissin' him again."

"It was just sex! Not a fucking commitment."

"Just sex, huh? Nothing else?"

"Ooo... The big badass detective is finally catching on!"

"Are you okay, CC?" Hunter asked.

Mark didn't even turn to look at him. He reached out, and punched him in the nose again. He glared at CC. Through Hunter's moans of pain, he said, "find somewhere else to sleep tonight. Cause when he tosses your ass aside like Bob said these guys do, I don't want you crawling in bed beside me."

chapter 15 - Jade

"Come sit down," Kevin said as he turned and went back to the kitchen.

That's when she realized there was nothing under the apron. She covered her mouth to try to keep from laughing as she stared at his ass. "Oh my gawd..."

He turned and looked at her. "Something wrong?"

"I uh... I thought I asked you not to be naked."

"I'm not. I have the apron on," he said, giving her his sexy smile. He went to the table, and opened the wine. "I wouldn't be offended if you wanted to join me. I'd even help if you asked."

"If I asked, we'd never eat, and I thought you were hungry."

He smiled as he filled the glasses. "I can control my urges while I view a beautiful woman."

She laughed as she kicked off her shoes. "I can't believe I'm doing this..."

"Oh come on. You live alone. Like you haven't done it before."

"I haven't." She stripped out of her clothes, then went over to him. She reached behind him, and untied the bow at the small of his back. "I don't know what you did with the Detective Nash I knew, but I think I'd rather have you around."

She stood on her toes and leaned toward him for a kiss. He smiled down at her. "What happened to telling me we need to slow down? I mean, I already have a key to your place."

She grabbed the short hairs on his chin, and tugged. "Shut up and kiss me."

He leaned down, and obliged her, softly kissing her at first. As her body pressed to his he desperately saught out every dark crevice in her mouth. With his hands under her bottom, he lifted her off the floor, and set her on the counter. With his hand buried in her hair, he tilted her head back to kiss down her throat.

A smile was plastered on her lips, even though she was out of breath from the kiss. "I thought you could control your urges," she whispered.

"When I look at you, yes. I didn't say anything about touching, tasting..." He ravaged her neck with licks and nibbles, sending lightening coursing through her veins.

She locked her ankles behind his back. "Then, what are you waiting for?"

**********************************************

CC waited in the hall, while Hunter was with the medic. She could faintly hear people talking in the room across the hall. As the voices grew louder, she recognized them. When she heard the doorknob jiggle, she turned in hopes of them not noticing her. As it opened, she heard, "now, everything's gonna be alright, Stacy. Don't you worry your pretty little head about it."

CC faintly heard her say, "okay. I'll see you later."

"See you at the hotel." She heard a kiss, but didn't know who did it, and where it was planted. Then, she heard Stacy's sandals clicking as she walked away. Just then, Hunter came out of the medic's room.

"All fixed up. Are you ready to go?"

CC could feel Bob's eyes on her. She looked over her shoulder, and his blue eyes looked back at her. "Yeah, I'm ready, Paul."

***********************************

When Mark left, he only had one thing on his mind; alcohol and lots of it. "Damn that woman," he said to himself. "I haven't touched a drink in a year, but after twenty-four hours with her I need one." He had gone back to the hotel, and straight into the bar.

The bartender remembered him from the night before. "If it isn't the dark knight. What can I get for you?"

"Three doubles of Jack and a Budweiser."

"Comin' up." He set three glasses in front of Mark, and filled them, before going for the beer. When he got back with the mug, the Jack was gone.

"Refill these, would ya?"

"Uh, sure." He refilled them, then watched as he drank them down. He shook his head. "Must be troubles with your damsel."

"What?"

"The chick last night. You two get into an arguement?"

"You could say that."

"Well, I hope you know I can't give you anymore Jack. You just had the equivilent of 12 shots."

"That's alright. I'm good with the beer." He quickly drank the first, then nursed his second. As he took the last drink of it, he saw them pass by the front of the bar. He laid some money on the bar, then went after her.

He came up from behind, and grabbed her arm. "CC, we need to talk."

"I think you've done enough talking." She took an audible sniff. "And drinking. Sober up, then we'll talk."

"No. We're going to talk now."

Hunter gave him a good shove in the chest. "Leave the lady alone."

Mark smiled at CC. Her eyes went wide. "Don't you do it, Mark."

"He started it this time." He hauled off, and punched him in the nose again. "Now, are you coming with me willingly, or do I have to carry you?"

"OW! My fucking nose!"

Mark gave him a disgusted look. "I'm sure he can find someone else to nurse him. Come on."

"Damn it, Mark! I can take care of myself!"

He shook his head before leaning down, and tossing her over his shoulder. "I gave you a chance..." He carried her up the stairs, kicking and screaming the whole way. He didn't set her back on her feet until they were inside the room. He pushed her back toward the bed, then made her sit. "About this morning..."

"There's nothing to talk about."

"This is hard enough for me to say, so if you don't mind, shut up and listen," he bellowed. She crossed her arms over her chest and waited for him to continue. "I don't make it a habit to have one night stands with women I work with. It makes everything awkward."

"Well, you don't have to worry about that with me. Now, can I go check on Hunter?"

"Would you forget about him!? I'm trying to tell you this morning wasn't about getting laid! It was about letting you know that I want you!"

"Oh, bullshit! You just don't want to see me with him."

He picked her up under her arms, and tossed her back on the bed. He grabbed her wrists, and pinned her between his body and the mattress. She could smell the whiskey on his breath as he looked down at her. "You're right. I don't want to see you with him. I'd rather you were with me." He muffled her cries as he roughly claimed her lips. As she relaxed beneath him, and responded to his lips, he released her wrists. Her arms snaked around his neck. Her tongue danced with his, each fighting for control.

When the kiss ended, she stared up into his pale green pools. "I want you, too," she whispered.

Chapter 16 - CC

The afternoon sun beat through the window as Jade was busy in the lab working on the tests that CC had sent her. She kept thinking about her conversation with CC earlier that morning, "I can't believe she slept with Callaway" she thought as a smile crossed her lips.

"Now that's how I like my women, smiling and profiling."

Laughing and not even looking up from her work she said, "Go to hell Lance. Can't you see I'm busy?"

"Yeah, but surely you can spare some time with me and a cup of chocolate Joe."

Glancing up from her microscope, she said, "Well, since you put it that way."

They walked over to her desk and Lance's face became serious.

"I've got some information for you."

Jade look bewildered. "What information?"

"It's concerning the Orton case. Now, I know it's not my job, but I have a friend who happens to know the owner of a club in Florida."

Sipping her coffee and nodding, Jade replied, "Go on."

"Well, he happened to be there the night that Orton was there. Supposedly a fight broke out and damage was done. The owner of this wrestling federation, I think his name is Vince, settled out of court with the owner of the club."

"What's the owner's name?"

"Tony. Tony Macio."

Shrugging her shoulders, Jade was wondering where this was going.

"I don't understand. People fight in clubs all of the time. Damage is done and it gets paid for, what's the big deal?"

"The big deal is the man fighting Randy was Bob Orton, his father."

Jade's eyes widened as she put her coffee down. She went through the file and found Bob's statement that CC had sent her. Her eyes scanned the report, holy shit she thought.

Giving him a big kiss on the cheek, she said, "Thanks!" and ran down the hall to Kevin's office.

*******************************************************************

"Are you sure about that?" Mark asked into the phone. "Yeah, okay, we'll check it out. Talk to you later."

Coming out of the bathroom, CC was wrapped in a towel. Lying on the bed, Mark whistled at her. Blushing CC quietly said, "Shut up."

He glided over to her. Slipping his muscular arms around her and gently kissing her, he whispered, "That's not what you said last night."

Punching him in the arm, she exclaimed, "Fuck off!"

Grabbing her towel and pulling her to him, he slid his hands through her hair, "With pleasure" and violently kissed her.

Robbing her lungs of air, Mark had this control over CC that she just couldn't understand. No man has ever had this effect over her before. Yeah he was beautiful, muscular, and fantastic in bed, yet, there was something about him that terrified her. Remembering the way he was with Vince and the evil that danced in his eyes. The way he was so quick to punch Paul, three times, mind you. No, this was a side CC never wanted to meet. Coming up for air she lightly pushed him away and said, "C'mon, we are not on a vacation. We have work to do. Who was that on the phone?"

Groaning with disappointment, but knowing she was right, he explained, "It was Kevin. We need to check out this club. It's called The Bayou. Apparently our friend Bob Orton lied in his statement."

Towel drying her hair CC asked, "What?"

"Yeah, he was at the club when Randy had this fight and supposedly the fight was with Bob."

Raising her eyebrows she inquired, "He physically fought with his own dad?"

Grabbing his wallet off of the dresser, Mark simply stated, "Yep."

Pensive silence filled the room while CC finished getting dressed.

Struggling with the zipper on her blouse, she asked, "What about the other wrestlers? Were any of them there as witnesses?"

Mark sauntered over to her, turned her around, moved her blonde mane to the side, and zipped her up. "That's why we have the company's travel schedule." Lightly kissing her neck he continued, "First, we check out the club," another kiss, "Then we move on to the company," another kiss, "and interview more wrestlers." CC closed her eyes lost in the sweetness of his lips.

Then he abruptly stopped, patted her butt, and said, "C'mon we have a busy day and it's already 3:30PM."

chapter 17 - Jade

Jade felt a presence behind her as she looked at the projector screen. "Do you see what I see?"

"I see a woman that needs to get a little sunlight," Kevin replied.

"Maybe tomorrow. I'm on a roll here. We are getting somewhere on this case."

"What do you have?"

"Well, we have a reason for why the DNA came out the same. Being father and son, of course their DNA will be close. But, look at this..." She punched a few keys on the keyboard, and set the animated hands in motion. "The hands on the right are a scale model of Bob Orton's hands, including his ring. The hands on the left are from the bruises on Randy Orton's neck." The hands merged on the projector screen.

"So, you think he did it?"

"I think we have enough to tell Mark and CC to bring him in. We don't have motive, and according to his statement, he was on the way to the airport when he died."

"Yeah, but he was already caught in one lie in his statement. I'll see if I can get a flight manifest. See if the old man ever checked in for his flight. Mind if I use your phone?"

"No. Go ahead."

As he was talking she caught bits of the conversation. "Are you sure he wasn't on that flight?" "Ok. Was he on any flights that day?" "The next morning, huh? Well, thank you, sir."

Jade turned as she heard him hang up the phone. "So?"

"What a tangled web Bob wove... I have no doubt he's our man."

"Well, I have one more animation for you. I think you'll like it."

He grinned. "Oh, I always love cartoons."

She punched a few keys, that set the picture up on the projection screen. "Same as before, boot prints on the right are the samples CC sent me. The left are the bruises from his ribs." They merged together. "Perfect match."

He punched the button for the speaker phone, then dialed Mark's number. "Yeah?"

"How close are you to the dad?"

"Same hotel. Why? What's up?"

"Jade matched his hand prints to the bruises on the son's neck. That along with the boots matching the bruises on his ribs, is enough to drag his ass back here."

"I'll keep an eye on him. Seems something is going on with the dad and the girlfriend. CC caught them talking last night. They may be in this together."

CC tapped Mark on the shoulder. "I'm gonna get us some food," she whispered.

He nodded as he returned his attention to Kevin.

CC walked out of the room, then down the hall to the elevator. As she got in, an arm went around her neck. A rag soaked with chlorophorm robbed her of oxygen, until she relaxed against her assailant.

Chapter 18

As Mark was pacing the floor with his mind screaming, "Where the hell
is she?" CC had been gone for over an hour and he was starving. "Fuck
it." he said out loud, violently opened the door, and headed
downstairs.

The smells of the hotel's cafeteria made his stomach growl and after
scanning the room with his target nowhere in sight, he swore he would
get even with her. "Let me talk to your manager." he scowled at some
poor waiter. Looking up at him in fear the waiter did as he was told.
The manager, a jolly heavy set man, stopped in his tracks as he
noticed the 6 ft 8 muscular man who wanted his attention. Clearing
his throat, taking a deep breath, he continued towards the big man
smiling, "Can I help you?"
"Have you see my partner? She's 5ft 7, blonde, thin build, and talks
way too much?"
"Oh yes, you were both in here awhile ago. I remember seeing you two
together, but in aswer to your question, no she hasn't been in today
and I've been here since 6AM."
"Thanks."

Mark was shocked. Where the hell did she go? We promised we would
never leave the hotel without each other. CC may be a little dingy
and slow at times, especially when she's dead tired, but she's not
stupid. She wouldn't leave without me. As he stood there, flashes of
their conversation with the owner of the Bayou came flooding in:

"They were drunk and extremely angry, yelling at one another."
"The next thing I knew, he punched the other, and a fight ensued."
"There was a tall blonde standing next to him, trying to calm him
down."

Then, bits and pieces of Kevin's call was added to the flood:
Matching hand prints. Matching boot prints. The blonde.

"Holy shit!" he whispered and ran back towards the elevators.
*****************************************************
"Now, that everything is taken care of, why don't you come with me
and get some of that ol' Vitamin D?" Kevin seductively suggested as
he gently closed her laptop. Staring at his lips, Jade couldn't help
her herself, and leaned into a soft and subtle kiss. With her eyes
still closed, she murmured, "Let's get out of here."
Jade leaned her head back against the seat and relished in the wind
caressing her scalp. Kevin looked over at her and rested his hand on
her thigh. Jade smiled and asked, "Yes?"
"You look peaceful."
"For the first time in months I am."

Kevin slightly moved his fingers further up her thigh, forcing her
skirt to follow. Jade made no attempt to stop him. Concentrating on
the road, he continued to slowly move his way up. He glanced over at
the black lace that was now peaking through. His heart began to race
and he licked his lips. Opening her eyes, Jade glanced over and
said, "Is there a problem?"
Chuckling he said, "no problem here."
"I hope not." she purred and slid over to him. As she began to unzip
his pants, Kevin stammered, "What are you doing?"
"Lean back and enjoy. Just don't crash the car." And she proceeded to
lick and lightly suck his hardened member. Kevin did as he was told,
praying to God that he could keep the car on the road.

chapter 19 - Jade

Mark went back upstairs, up to the floor Bob was on. He got to the
door, and pounded on it. When the door opened, the leggy blonde
looked up at him and smiled. "Detective Callaway," she cooed. "To
what do I owe the pleasure?"
"Where is Bob?" he nearly growled.
"He had some business to take care of." Stacy ran a single finger in
circles over his chest. "Is there anything I can do for you?"
Mark growled, then reached out and wrapped his fingers around her
neck. "Tell me where the hell he is!"
"He didn't say! He didn't say! All he said was he had to take care of
something, and that he'd be back tonight."
"My partner is missing. If you see her, call my cell. If I find out
Bob has something to do with her missing, I'll kill him myself."
Mark went back to the room, just to be sure she hadn't come back.
When he didn't find her, he placed a call to Nash. Kevin didn't even
get "hello" out before Mark said, "CC's missing."
"Since when?"
"She left to get lunch while I was on the phone with you. The
restaurant manager said she never made it in."
"What do you think..."
"I DON'T KNOW," he boomed. "If I had any idea, do you think I would
have called you!?"
"Calm down, man. Look, Jade and I will catch the next flight down
there. She's got some kind of connection with the crime lab down
there. Maybe they can help us."
"Alright. When you get into town, call my cell. I'll pick you two
up."
After Mark hung up, he sat there, thinking. "I wonder if that blonde
bitch-boy knows anything. I hope she didn't go to see him."
**********************************
When CC came to, she was sitting in a chair, her hands tied behind
her back. A rag had been laced through her mouth and tied behind her
head to keep her from yelling. She heard foot steps coming her way.
She tried to scream and free herself, but barely was able to shake
the chair.
"Such a pretty little thing..." the man's voice said. "It would be a
shame if anything bad happened to you. I bet that big guy you've been
with would get pretty mad." CC mumbled something incoharent. "What
was that, hunny? I couldn't understand you."
He pulled the rag away from her mouth so he could understand her. Her
voice was like venom when she said, "Mark's going to kick your
fucking ass!"

Chapter 20

Jade kept fidgeting in her seat. "I hate airplanes," she mumbled.
Kevin looked over at her and smiled, "There's nothing to worry about.
Flying is the safest mode of transportation there is."

"Tell that to my brother." Looking puzzled, Kevin waited for her to
continue. "My father was sick and in the hospital. Mom called us and
said if we wanted to see dad again, we better catch the next flight
to Reno, so we did. One problem, there was only one seat left, so, I
told Frank to take this flight and I'll catch the next one. He
wouldn't hear of it. So, we went back and forth, until finally I put
my foot down, and well, you know how I can be when I put my foot
down," Kevin chuckled.

"Well, no sooner had the plane leveled off, the engine began to fail,
and it crashed, exploding into a million pieces," she slowly closed
her eyes and saw the fiery crash behind a veil of black tears. "No
survivors, no bodies, just burnt luggage spread out for miles."
Kevin's smile faded and laced his fingers through hers, trying to
ease her pain. He knew no words could take away the loss she felt,
so, he leaned over and softly kissed the side of her head. One single
tear slid down her cheek as she softly said, "God, I feel so
lonesome."
**************************************************************
The banging on the door was giving Paul a headache, "You're dead,
mother fucker," he quietly grunted as he threw the covers away from
his body. Swinging the door open he shouted, "What!"
Balling his fist into Paul's t-shirt, Mark forced his way into the
room, slamming the door shut with his other hand. "Where the fuck is
she?" He demanded.

With his back slammed into the wall, Paul asked, "What are you
talking about?"

Shaking his head and slamming him into the wall again for effect,
Mark loathly said, "Don't fuck with me man. Where is CC!"

As a sickly smile crossed Paul's lips, he whispered, "What's the
matter Mark? Not man enough to keep your woman?" And with that Mark
punched him as hard as he could in the face.
Flicks of blood sprayed onto the wall beside Paul's head. He slowly
turned to look back at Mark. "I guess the answer's no."

Grabbing onto his shirt again Mark yelled, "You son of a bitch! Tell
me where she is, now, or I swear to God...."

"Or you'll what? Kill me? Go ahead, make my day." Paul said laughing.

Mark glared at him not knowing what to say. For the first time in his
life he had let his emotions get in the way of his work. He was out
of control and he knew it.
"I have to get out of here before I kill this bastard." He thought to
himself. Mark slammed him into the wall one last time and headed for
the door.

Paul closely watched him as he wiped his bloodied mouth with his
fist. "Hey!" Paul shouted. With his hand on the knob, Mark turned to
look at him. Paul continued, "Honestly, I have no idea where she is."
Mark nodded and flung the door open, slamming it as he left.

Jade was thankful when the plane landed safely at the airport. But, just when the tension eased from her body, she laid eyes on Mark, and became uneasy. Taking in his disheveled look, she said, "what the hell have you been doing?"

"Going nuts. I let my worry for her get to me."

"It's understandable, man," Kevin said. "Let's get our bags, and get going."

Once the bags were safely stowed in the trunk of the car, and they were on their way, Mark filled them in on what he knew. "The girlfriend was in the father's room this morning, so it's a given that they have something going on."

"Do you think that's why he killed his son?" Kevin asked.

"Could be, but from what I've been hearing the boy had some problems holding his drink and his temper." Mark sighed. "Bob took off this morning. Told Stacy that he had some business to tend to. I just hope he didn't mean CC."

"She's a strong girl, Mark. If given a chance, she could probably take the old man," Jade said.

"I don't think he'll play fair, though."

Jade got on her cell, and placed a call to an old friend. A friendly female voice came on the line. "Miami-Dade Crime Lab."

"May I speak with Detective Cane, please?"

"One moment."

After a few seconds, he answered. "Cane speaking."

"Horacio. How nice to hear your voice again."

"Jade. This is a nice surprise."

"Remember how you said you owe me for helping with that missing girl a few months back?"

"Of course. What can I do?"

"A detective and one of my CSI's followed a murderer down here. My investigator went missing this morning."

"Give me the info. I'll get the word out."

*******************************************

An hour later, Paul pulled up to the abandoned warehouse. Then, the door opened, and Bob stepped out. Paul got out of the car, and walked over to him. "Hey, Orton."

Bob gave him a cheesy grin. He led Paul into the building. They walked up a set of stairs, and into a dusty, dirty office. In the middle sat CC. "Keep her company, while I take care of her partner."

"Gladly." Bob turned and left the office. Once Paul heard the door close that led outside, he walked over to her. "We're going to have some fun."

Chapter 22

"How did things get so complicated?" Stacy whispered at her reflection in the bathroom mirror. She pooled the water in her hands to wash her tear stained face.

"Stace, you okay?" Bob asked as he was zipping up his pants. She tried to compose herself as best as she could. "Yeah, I’ll be out in a minute." She yelled.

Bob patted the space next to him on the bed as she came out of the bathroom. She smiled and sat beside him. His arm snaked around her shoulder and he gently kissed the side of her head. "Everything is going to be just fine. You know what to do, so just do it and we’ll be home scott free."

Shaking her head she looked up at him and said, "This wasn’t part of the plan. Why? What happened?" Taking his arm off her shoulder, he looked deep in her eyes and explained, "Shit happens and when it does, ya need to clean it up before it reeks to high heaven. If ya don’t, before ya know it, you’re trapped knee high in stinky shit. Ya understand?"

Stacy nodded. Patting her thigh, he replied, "That’s my girl. You just do what I say and we’ll be fine and out of this mess in no time." Bob headed for the door and Stacy watched as he never looked back, "Like father, like son," she thought.

**************************************************

"This is bullshit, we’ve been working for 4 hours and still no leads. I got to get some air!!!" Was the last thing Mark remembered saying as he found himself downing Jack with CC on his mind. Kevin and Jade knew better than to go after him, so they left him alone to figure things out for himself.

Sitting at the bar, Mark began scolding himself, "Damn fucking women!!! I promised myself I would never get emotionally involved with another woman ever again, but here I sit with CC on the brain. Shit!!!"

Her heels clicked as she tossed her blonde mane over her shoulder. Noticing the hulking figure at the bar, she stopped and straightened her little tight dress. Wetting her lips and putting her best seductive smile on, she headed for the bar.

"Jack and Coke," she said to the bartender. Mark’s head turned and rolled his eyes when he felt her leg brush against his. "Isn’t it past your bedtime?" he grumbled.

Glancing over at him she smiled, and simply said, "I’m allowed to stay out past midnight on the weekends." Mark couldn’t help but chuckle.

They sat with tension in the air. About two minutes had passed and Stacy made her move, "So, where’s your partner?" she innocently asked. Mark’s venomous eyes slowly turned from watching the bottom of his glass to her. "Why?" he asked with a deadly tone. A shiver went down her spine as she saw his penetrating look. "Nothing, it’s just you two are hardly ever apart." And she quickly looked away.

His brain was clouded with alcohol, but his senses were reeling with discovery. She was hiding something and it could possibly lead him to CC. Mark knew what he had to do. His thick fingers reached out and began to play with a strand of her hair. "You really are a pretty thing aren’t ya?" he said as he began to slowly sway. Stacy was no fool, she knew what he was doing, but he was the one thing she needed now more than ever. "What about your partner, won’t she mind?" Mark began to laugh and said, "I don’t think she’ll be a problem. Ya see she’s being taken care of REAL good by someone else."

"Then, why don’t we get out of here," she whispered and she got up leaving Mark with a smile.

Chapter 23

Jade went through CC's things while Horacio's team covered the hallway and elevator. Kevin had discussed the case they were working on with the local detectives, and had just finished. He walked into the room where Jade sat on the bed. "Find anything?"

"A phone number for a guy named Paul Levesque. I have no idea how he fits into all of this." Jade looked around Kevin at the much shorter red head that had entered. "Did you find anything, Horacio?"

"One of the guys found foot prints made from a mixture of dust and oil that lead to your suspect's room then back to the elevator. Another ran "the nose" in the elevator. It detected trace amounts of chlorophorm." He played with the arms on his sunglasses as he looked at them. "It's not looking good for your partner, but there is a chance we will find her alive."

"I found this number with some of her things. Could you get one of your guys to run it for me?" she asked as she handed him the slip of paper.

"Sure." He got on the phone, and called one of the techs at the lab. After a few minutes, he hung up. "It's a cell phone number based out of Grenwich, Connecticut. Guess who's paying the bill."

"Paul Levesque?"

"Your suspect, Bob Orton."

"What the hell's going on here?" came a voice from the doorway.

They all turned to look at the man wearing the black Stetson. "You. Come here," Jade said. As he came closer, she said, "I recognize you from the wrestling shows. You're JR, right?"

"Yes, ma'am."

"Would you happen to know who Paul Levesque is?" Kevin asked.

"Sure do. The Game, Triple H."

"Do you know where we can find him?" Horacio asked.

"He's staying in the same room, one floor up. Dunno if he's there or not."

"Thank you, sir. You've been a huge help."

*********************************

Paul petted CC's cheek before untying the gag in her mouth. She gasped for breath as he took it out. "Paul! Please let me go. PLEASE!"

"Why would I do that?"

"That man is crazy! You don't know what he's done!"

"You mean like killing my competition?" Paul shrugged. "He did me a favor."

"Let me go, and I'll do anything you want me to."

He chuckled. "I dunno. As long as you're tied up, I can take whatever I want," he said as he petted his growing member through his jeans.

CC swallowed hard. "You wouldn't..."

"Oh, I would." He leaned over to kiss her. CC pulled back, and head butted him in the nose. "GODDAMN IT!!!" He backhanded her. "What is it with you and that big guy and my fucking nose!?"

He lifted her out of the chair. As she hit the couch still draped in cloth, a plume of dust rose around her, making it hard for her to breath. While she was still gasping for breath, he quickly worked her pants loose, then pulled them off. He then worked his own loose, and pushed them down to his knees. He covered her, then roughly entered her.

As he thrust hard and deep in her, she tried to fight him off, though her arms were still tied behind her. He wrapped his hand around her neck, and put just enough pressure on her throat, so she would get the hint. "I get mine, or you die."

Chapter 24

The room was pitch black as Stacy felt for the light switch, "Come on in, make yourself comfortable." Mark walked in behind her with his hand on his concealed ‘38. Looking around the room for any clues, he said, "Nice room."

"It’s alright, but the view is the best part." He looked at her confused until she playfully smiled and pulled on the curtain rod cord, revealing the most gorgeous view of city lights that Miami had to offer.

Mark walked over to the bay window and nodded, "Beautiful" he mumbled, his mind drifting back to that first morning he shared with CC.

"Are you okay?" Mark never answered her. Seeing the faraway look in his eyes, Stacy turned and walked over to the bar. She came back with a stiff shot of his best friend Jack. Handing him the drink she said, "Here, this will do you good." He glanced over at her and said, "Thanks. Aren’t you drinking?"

"I’m too young to drink, remember?" She sarcastically said.

Mark looked into the glass and then back at her. He knew he could trust her, but something inside of him wouldn’t allow him to taste the wetness he held. Putting the drink down on the table, he looked out of the window and wondered if CC was okay. Stacy took his hand in hers and led him to the bed. Mark followed willingly, lost in his worry for CC.

She sat him down next to her and brushed her lips with his. "I need you" she whispered against his whiskers. Feeling her hot breath on his lips, he pulled her to him and deepened the kiss.

Suddenly his whole body was shaking with fear. Something was wrong, terribly wrong. He could hear CC crying out for help, his help. Mark had no choice but to push those feelings aside, for now, and re-focus on his task. He continued kissing Stacy as he slid her body up the bed.

He gently held her wrists and placed them over her head. He worked his way down her neck as he reached into his pocket and in one shot handcuffed her to the bed. "MMM, you bad boy,"

Stacy cooed. He stared at her with death in his eyes. "Tell me where CC is."

"What?"

"You heard me. Where is she, tell me now."

Shaking her head, she was dumbfounded, "I can’t believe this. You set me up."

"Look I don’t want to get rough, but I need to know where she is."

Several seconds went by with the realization setting in that it was over and she lost, again. With tears in her eyes, she asked, "I’ll tell you everything, but can you at least take these cuffs off?"

Mark did as she asked and she began her story.

"I met Randy when he first came to the company and he swept me off my feet. He was so loving and attentive, I thought maybe he was finally the one. Like I said, we started seeing each other, but I guess after time I wasn’t enough."

She got up and walked over to the bar. Pouring herself a good long drink, she continued. "I knew he was seeing other women, but I couldn’t let go. I confronted him one time about it. He looked at me in disgust and said I was just being paranoid. I tried explaining how I felt, but he didn’t want to hear any of that. Finally I couldn’t take anymore, so I told him I was leaving, and he hit me over and over and over again, telling me no one leaves Randy Orton."

She closed her eyes and took a long drink. Mark watched her as she found herself reliving the past. "He left me in the parking lot, beaten and bloodied. All of a sudden I felt a hand slip around my waist and lifted me off the ground. It was Bob. He took me to the Medic and helped me get cleaned up. I don’t know how it happened, but we began secretly seeing one another. I guess misery loves company."

"So, you never left Randy." Mark stated. Stacy just shook her head.

"As time went by Randy was becoming more and more arrogant with fans, women, management, his ego was out of control. Bob would try to help him, but Randy would just tell his dad to fuck off. Randy accused Bob of being jealous cause his career never went anywhere and that if it weren’t for him, Bob would never be in the Hall of Fame. Well, that was the beginning of the end. They started fighting continuously and it all came to a head at the Bayou."

Mark inquired, "What do you mean?"

"Randy was financially supporting Bob and well, Randy finally found out about us. I don’t know how, but he did, and was furious. He came up to me, grabbed my wrist, and confronted Bob. Before any of us knew what happened, Randy threw the first punch and swore Bob would never see another penny." Mark nodded. "That night, Bob told me he couldn’t survive without Randy’s help and came up with the plan...." Mark interrupted her. "To kill him and collect the inheritance." She nodded again.

"But I had no idea he was going to kidnap your partner."

Mark’s eyes became wide. "What did you say?"

Stacy became scared and didn’t know what to say. Mark growled, "I asked you a question, you better answer it, now!"

"She’s in some old abandoned warehouse, on 69^{th and 3rd, but I didn’t know anything about that, I swear." Mark whipped out his cell phone and called Kevin.}

"Hello."

"Kev, I’m here with Stacy in Room 352. Bring Jade, I know where CC is."

"We’re on our way."

Mark relayed the conversation to Kevin and Jade. He put the cuffs back on Stacy, then handed her over to Jade. "Can you go with her and one of the locals to the station?"

"Are you fucking kidding me!? I'm going with you two. I'm just as worried about CC as you are."

"One of us needs to be with her, and I need Kevin to watch my back."

"Horacio can hold her for us. I'm going!"

Kevin put his hands out to keep them apart. "Look, we don't have time to argue. Jade is right. Her friend can watch Stacy. CC may want a friend she can trust. Now, let's hand Stacy off, and go get her."

***************************

As Bob walked into the building, he could hear screams coming from the office. He hurried up the stairs. As he walked in, he saw Paul dismounting CC after the third offense. "What the hell!? This is why you wanted her? So you could get your rocks off?"

"Why else?" he asked with a smile as he fixed his jeans.

"I won't have anything to do with rape."

"If you turn me in, I turn in that tape of you killing Randy." He sneered. "And the reason why is on the same tape."

"What?"

"I'm the one that showed Randy the tape of you and Stacy going at it in the Bayou bathroom. Vince sent me out on the streets to follow Randy. He wanted me to tape some candid stuff for Raw. When I saw how close he and Stacy are..." He smiled. "...WERE, I followed her. Got a real nice shot of you banging her in the stall."

"You son of a bitch!!!" Bob charged for Paul, his boots clapping on the floor. His hands wrapped around Paul's throat, then backed him into the wall.

The door slammed open. "Freeze!" Mark and Kevin yelled, their weapons drawn and aimed at the men.

Bob looked over his shoulder at the men. He smiled as he released his fingers from Paul's neck. "This is all just a misunderstanding."

Mark's gaze turned down to where CC lay. His eyes were cold green pools when they turned on Paul. "Which one of you fuckers violated my lady?"

Jade was told to stay outside the office while they handled Bob and Paul. When she heard Mark, she had to peek into the room. When she saw CC, her mind flooded with the horrible memories of when she herself had been raped.

After a moment of silence Bob said, "it was Paul! He wanted me to kidnap her. I didn't know why until just now."

Jade grabbed the gun out of the back of Kevin's jeans, took aim and shot Paul in the middle of his chest. Mark and Kevin turned to look at her. With a scowl on her face she returned their looks. "He lunged at me?"

Mark gave her a slight nod, before turning his attention to Bob. "Bob Orton, you are under arrest for the murder of Randy Orton." He pulled his cuffs out of his pocket, and began reading Bob the "miranda rights" as he placed them on his wrists.

Chapter 26

The police station was a madhouse, people screaming, detectives scrambling to get people calmed down, and in the midst of everything happening, Mark spotted his prime target in the interrogation room.

"..And that’s everything." she said with her head hung low.

Barging in the room Mark quietly asked, "Can you excuse us for a minute, I need to have a word with the suspect."

She raised her blonde head as her mascara tears trailed down her face.

Looking from one to the other, the young rookie skeptically said, "Yeah, I’d say we’re about done here, just make it quick." Mark nodded and watched the annoying punk leave. He took a seat across from her and inquired, "Are you okay?"

"Yeah, I’ll be fine. This is my life ya know?" she tried to smile.

Looking stoic, Mark informed her of everything that happened. When he was finished she weakly questioned, "Is she going to be okay?"

Mark sat there quietly, not saying a word. She knew no matter what she said , in his mind, she was partly to blame. Finally he spoke, "Time will tell. That’s not why I’m here though. I just wanted to thank you for coming clean. My superiors and I are doing our best to cut a deal with the DA. I don’t know what’s going to happen, but considering this is your first offense and not knowing about the kidnaping beforehand, it looks pretty good."

Stacy couldn’t believe what she was hearing. Was somebody actually going to bat for her for once in her life? All she could do was smile and nod. For a few seconds, Mark watched her, nodded, smiled, and left the room.

***********************************************

Kevin poured a stiff drink for Jade. Once the glass was full, he observed her on the sandy beach, just standing there stiff as a board as she surveyed the wavy waters. He slowly walked towards her without knowing what to say. He handed her the drink, she took it without a glance in his direction. The chocolate liquid burned her throat while coating the numbness that encased her soul. They stood there watching the waves for 10 minutes before anything was said. She finally spoke, "I know how the rocks must feel, being attacked by such deceiving waters."

Kevin looked at her with sadness in his eyes. She continued on with her sordid tale of a naive girl and her youthful days in High School. Her love for a football player and the night he asked her to the prom. The days leading up to that fateful night, filled her with excitement and rapture of getting the perfect dress, having her hair and make-up done just so, all for the love of a teenager filled with rage and lust. He picked her up in his Chevy looking mean and lean, ready for anything and she was as radiant and innocent as a deer caught in headlights. They danced under the stars and she couldn’t stop looking at the colorful corsage he presented to her as a token of his devotion. He wanted some privacy to ask her an important question and they took a walk. Then, it happened. The 50 yard line and a circle of players ready to score. Panic stricken she froze, not knowing what to do. They each had their way with her. Her beautiful gown torn to shreds, her hair messed by perverse hands, and petals of the corsage lay by her broken side.

A tear escaped Kevin’s eye as he stood still by her side. Jade continued. "Later that year, I met Jill. She saved my life. She made me see that I wasn’t to blame for that night and taught me self defense. From that day on, I swore no one would ever hurt me like that again. And no one has."

Kevin weakly smiled not knowing what to say.

Still glancing at the jagged rocks being battered the tumultuous waves, she strongly, but gently said, "I love you." Kevin glanced at her and put his arm around her shoulder as she finished her drink.

*************************************************

Holding her hand, Mark intently watched as CC was having another nightmare. She began to scream and Mark tried to hold her, but CC began punching him. He grabbed onto her wrists and told her, "It’s me, Mark.

She looked at him with wide eyes and began to cry. He held her and gently rubbing her back.

A worried looking nurse came in, "Is everything okay?" Mark told her yes.

CC pulled away from Mark and after noticing the nurse questioned, "What are you doing?"

Holding up a syringe she said, "Just a little something to help you sleep better."

CC immediately backed away and shook her head. Concern covered Mark’s face as he witnessed his love’s demise.

"No!" She emphatically stated.

The nurse glanced over at Mark. He swallowed and softly said, "CC, honey you need your rest. No one’s going to hurt you. You’re safe." He slowly pushed some loose strands of her hair off of her face and suddenly she grabbed onto his forearm.

"Don’t let them put me to sleep, please." It broke his heart to see her this way. Stroking her hand with his fingers he whispered, "I’m here and I promise you, no one will ever hurt you again."

She lunged at the nurse and tried to get away. Mark tried to grab CC, but to no avail. The nurse rang an emergency button and some orderlies came charging in. Mark’s back was in the corner as he helplessly watched them strap CC down. The nurse thanked them and began injecting CC’s vein with the toxic venom she so desperately feared. CC turned her head and locked eyes with Mark’s. Pleading with him over and over again, "Please don’t let don’t let them put me to sleep."

Finally she fell asleep, while Mark sat by her side, wishing he was the one who pulled the trigger that ended Paul’s life.

THE END