s02e06: Posers and Promises

Author: Evilous

Beth is working away at her desk reading over reports, and is startled when Ben literally drops a file in front of her.

"Jesus, you scared me," Beth looks up at him.

"Sorry, didn't mean to. I'm just in a hurry, I have to be in court soon. I want you to look into this for me, all the notes are inside just see what you can come up with."

As Beth starts to look at the folder, Ben is already making his way out of the office. He is in a hurry, must be an important case, Beth muses to herself.

Startling her all over again, her phone rings, "Beth Turner," she answered.

"Hey, how is your day?" Mick asked.

"Good, just got a case."

"I was wondering if you were still going to come over for dinner tonight." Beth couldn't help but smile at how nervous he always sounded, like a boy asking out his first crush, half expecting her to turn him down.

"Of course, if you still want me to."

"Yes," he answered a little too quickly. "Any special requests for dinner?"

"Surprise me."

"I’ll see you tonight."

"See you then."

Beth hung up the phone, ready to get through the day and over to Mick's later.

MLMLMLMLML

With her personal security detail in tow, Beth made her way to the home address of the most recent attack. Taking advantage of her personal security meant she didn't have to drive, leaving her time to read over facts during the ride, which made for better company than her silent protector.

Arriving at the first home, Beth tried to convince Oscar to wait in the car but it seems that he is just as stubborn as she is. Oscar walked with her up to the home and as silent as ever, they waited at the door.

"Hi, my name is Beth Turner, I'm with the DA’s office. Are you Bryon Fletcher?" Beth presented her ID badge to the man at the door.

"I'm Bryon Fletcher, how can I help you?"

"Would you mind if I came in and asked you a few questions about the robbery?"

"Come on in," he motioned for her to enter, eyeing the silent Oscar behind her.

"Don't mind him, he is here to provide protection, company policy."

"What can I do for you? My wife and I have already talked to the police. We didn't see anything thing we were out of the house, it was date night."

Beth smiled at something so simple and sweet. "Is your wife home?"

"Yes. Have a seat. I’ll get her, she is doing her workout tape.”

As he went up the stairs to gather his wife, Beth walked about the room looking at the pictures on the wall; looking for anything that seemed out of place. Nothing, the pictures of them throughout the room were of a couple completely in love.

A few moments later, Mr. Fletcher came back down stairs with his wife, who was wearing her sweats and had a towel thrown over her shoulder. It was clear she wasn't expecting to entertain anyone at the moment.

"Miss Turner, this is my wife Julia."

Beth extended a hand to the woman, which she happily shook, before they all made their way to the couch. Oscar had moved to stand guard by the door.

"Can we get you anything to drink?" Julia offered.

"No, thank you, I would just like to ask you what happened. I know you went over it with the police, but I would like to hear about it first hand."

Mr. Fletcher put his arm protectively over his wife’s shoulder as he began, "We came home and nothing seemed wrong at first. Then we got further into the house and there were drawers pulled out and the TV and our sound system gone. We didn't know if they were still here so we ran next door and called 911."

"Where were you?"

"It was our weekly date night. We go every Wednesday to dinner, a movie, something just for us."

"Does anyone know you always go out on Wednesdays?"

"Everyone, we never thought it was something to hide."

"How long were you gone?" Beth scribbled some notes onto her pad.

They look at one another, "We left around what, 6?" Mr. Fletcher asked his wife.

"Yes, because we were almost late for the 6:30 movie," she confirmed.

"You're right. After the movie we grabbed a late dinner, got home around 11."

Beth took a few more notes then stood, "Thank you for your time."

"Anything to help the investigation, I just thank God that we weren't home. If anything had happened to her I..."

Mr. Fletcher held his wife closer, it was clear to anyone just how much in love they were. Beth just stepped towards the door where Oscar awaited her. As they walked out Beth noticed some brochures for Whitmore Reality on the table by the door, swiping one on the way out.

MLMLMLMLML

The drive to the next address was short. Beth didn't even bother trying to get Oscar to stay in the car this time. They made their way up to a house quite like the first, two stories, 2 car garage, beautiful front yard with a picket fence, a small garden; only this home had children’s toys littering the yard.

Stepping over a large Tonka truck on the porch Beth knocked on the door.

"Mrs. Vickers?"

"Yes, can I help you?" The petite woman asked looking at the two strangers at her door. "Are you here to see the house?"

"My name is Beth Turner; I'm with the DA's office. I would like to ask you some questions about the robbery."

"Oh yes come on in. Please excuse the mess but we are still working with Aaron on the concept of picking up your toys when you are finished with them."

"You have a lovely home," Beth commented as they made their way in, past the scattered toys and to the living room.

"Thank you. Have a seat," Mrs. Vickers sat on the couch pushing the hot wheels from the arm of the couch. "What about your friend?"

"He is part of company policy; he will just wait by the door." Beth was growing tired of explaining Oscar's presence.

"What can I do for you?"

"Is your husband home?"

"No he is at work."

"Can you tell me what happened the night of the robbery?" Beth had pen and paper ready.

Mrs. Vickers takes a steadying breath releasing a heavy sigh, "No one was home, Todd, my husband, was out of town on a business trip, Aaron was at his grandparents, and I had the monthly PTA meeting Aaron's school. When I came home the front door was open, I was scared so I called the police."

"That must have been horrible, I'm sorry that happened."

"I'm just glad Aaron wasn’t home, our things can be replaced."

"Mrs. Vickers--"

"Please call me Lisa."

"Lisa, when I arrived you asked if I was here to see the house, are you selling your house?"

"Yes, Todd was made partner and we are moving to San Francisco."

"Have you had any showings?"

"Yes, we have had one the day before the robbery. Why?"

"No reason. You have a beautiful home, I am sure someone will snatch it up."

"Thank you. Is there anything else?"

"No, I think that’ll be all. I can show myself out."

Beth made her way out the door, Oscar waiting for her. As they made their way to the car Beth was rechecking the police reports.

MLMLMLMLML

Arriving at Mick's, her overnight bag in tow, research in hand. Mick had ordered her dinner from a little bistro down the road from his place that he enjoyed those few days as when he was human.

Beth made herself comfortable, taking off her shoes and setting her bags aside while Mick poured them both a glass of wine, and set the table with her dinner.

"You're not having dinner," Beth motioned to his glass of wine noticing he wasn’t drinking his usual dinner.

"I ate before you got here. So, how was work?" Mick asked knowing she had a case, files in her hand and that look in her eye always gave her away.

"Good, I got a case. A string of home invasions. I think I have a lead."

"Want to talk about it?" Mick asked as he watched her eat sipping on his own wine.

"Sure, the file is on the couch if you want to sort through it."

Mick got up from the table and retrieved the file before returning. Mick spent the rest of the meal reading over her notes commenting on some of the things she had picked up on.

As Beth started to clear her plates Mick stopped her and took over, "Why don't you tell me what plan you have?"

Beth grabbed a towel and joined him as they cleaned up. "All the houses that were hit had a home showing one or two days prior to the attack. I thought what if one of the potential buyers who came to see the house was planning the crime. They could get a good look at the floor plan, security and each of the homeowners said they talked with all the visiting couples and mentioned they would be out of the house on specific days and times. One couple had movie night, another PTA, so..."

"What’s your plan?" Mick loved to watch the wheels that were turning in that head of hers.

"Go to a couple open houses see who shows up, then run some names." Beth said innocently as she took the cleaned dish from him and dried it.

"You just want to go and pretend to be an interested shopper? Do you think they will believe you?"

"Yeah," she shrugs taking another sip of her wine. "Although a couple of newly weds does stand to be more believable, but where would I find someone interested in helping me?" She looks up at Mick with a knowing grin.

"I think I know someone who would be willing to help."

Dishes now done, Mick takes her hand and leads her to the couch to sit. They continue to talk about little things, his day, his music choices since Dashboard Confessional was out, he told her some of his favorite bands and promised to give her an education in good music.

Growing tired, Beth made her way up to get ready for bed as Mick prepared the air mattress. Soon they were both snuggled together on it, both always aware of the way their bodies seemed to fit together as he held her she drifted off to sleep.

MLMLMLMLML

Beth is working at her desk, looking up a list of houses on the market that would match the description of the previous crimes and also had open houses that day. Finding only two with showings later in the day she prints off the addresses and other information. Being a good investigator, Beth researches other houses in the area and put together a list of questions to ask about the house, things a normal interested couple would ask.

She rubs her neck, trying to work out a kink some passerby might mistake for stress. No one would suspect her aching muscles were from spending her nights on an air mattress instead of her nice comfy bed. It almost made her laugh, it was still better than his couch.

Still a nagging feeling of doubt lingered in her mind, did he ever plan on getting a real bed? An air mattress is not intended for a lasting fix, did he think of their relation as temporary? They always seemed to end up at his place rather than hers due to his need for a freezer and the contents of his hidden fridge. Not that she minded staying at Mick’s she liked it there, just not his choice of sleeping arrangements for her, after he left to go to his freezer the small comfort of the air mattress was gone with him. Taking a drink of her now cold coffee she pushed the thoughts aside.

Looking once again into his office to see if Talbot had returned, with no luck, Beth left Ben a note telling him she was going out of the office to follow up a lead. Leaving the note on his computer screen, Beth grabbed her things and headed out to meet Mick.

MLMLMLMLML

Mick parked across the street of the office to wait for Beth and their day of house shopping. He wasn't waiting long before he saw her bounding across the street to him with Oscar close behind.

As soon as she was safely in Mick's protection, Oscar nodded to Mick to head home for a few hours of freezer time. Mick leaned over to Beth greeting her with a soft kiss.

"Are you ready to go house hunting?" Mick asked with a playful grin at the idea of it as he pulled out.

"Yes, honey," Beth gives him a smile batting her eyelashes.

Mick can't help himself and laughs at her little display, "So do we have a story or are we just improvising as we go?"

"Basically we are newly weds just back from our honeymoon in Fiji, looking for our dream house to spend our blissful married lives in."

"Ah, so naïve lovers is the cover," he teased.

Hitting his arm playfully, "Yes, I suppose so. Everything else we can come up with as needed, will sound more natural."

Mick reached across the seat taking her hand in his, stroking her fingers. The realization hit her suddenly, how could she have forgotten it.

"Rings," she blurted out. "We are a playing newly weds with no rings, that is a dead give away."

Mick thought to himself where would be the best place to get rings on such short notice. He could go into any jewelry store and buy a ring for others to envy, one that was worthy of her, but when he gave her a real ring he wanted it to be more than just something from a case. Thinking back to his childhood, when the boys would give the girls the rings out of their cracker jacks, he got an idea.

Pulling off into a grocery store, Mick turned to Beth, "Stay here, I will be right back."

Having no idea what he could need from a grocery store, now of all times, Beth focused her attention on reasons she wouldn't have a ring. It was being resized; she left it on the bathroom sink, something.

A few minutes later, Mick comes strolling out not even a bag in his hand but a smile on his face.

"What was that about?" She questioned after he was back in the car.

"Hold out your hand," she did as he said. Holding his hand over hers Mick placed a small plastic container. Beth gave him a strange confused look and pulled it closer.

It was a ring, a ring from a bubble gum machine in the cheap plastic case. Opening it she took in the childish toy and found that oddly enough could work as long as no one got to close. Mick took the ring from her hand and slipped it on her finger looking up at her with that boyish smile.

"You didn't get yourself one," she asked.

Mick simply took off his ring he always wore and held it out, "The selections were not for little boys so much as that for girls and I have one."

"That you do," Beth took the ring from his hand and slid it onto the correct finger.

Pulling up at the first open house Beth notes that it is the same style as the others, two stories, two car garage, nice neighborhood, a place to raise a family. Mick quickly helped Beth out of the car lacing their fingers together as they walked inside. There were a few couples standing around, none of which looked like criminals but then again how often is it that easy to recognize a criminal?

Mick pulled Beth in the direction of one of the couples, "What do you think honey?"

"It's beautiful," Beth turned to the couple beside them. "This is beautiful, there has to be a catch."

They continued with small talk and exchanging tips on how not to get scammed for about 10 minutes when Beth ventured away to find the ladies room. When Beth returned the realtor was showing Mick around explaining the neighborhood and all the wonderful aspects of the house.

Walking up behind Mick, Beth put her hands around his waist her chin on his shoulder, "You started without me."

"Mr. Randall was just telling me about the house," Mick turned pulling Beth in his arms and giving her a passionate kiss.

"Newly weds?" Mr. Randall estimated by their contact.

"Is it that obvious? I just can't help myself around her." Mick smiles at Beth, their noses still touching.

"It's a good thing. How long have you been married?"

"One month," Beth answered quickly. "Just got back from Fiji last week."

"You don't look like you have been at the beach," Randall laughed.

"We didn't leave the room very often," Mick informed the man placing another kiss on Beth's lips as her checks blushed at the idea.

"With a beautiful wife like yours I understand. Now are there any questions I can answer for you about this house?"

"Why is such an amazing house on the market?"

"The couple who is selling is right over there talking to another couple," Mr. Randall indicated 2 couples laughing. "They are moving to the country, getting out of LA."

"Thank you, Mr. Randall. We would like to look around some more, if we have any questions we’ll come find you."

Mr. Randall nodded and backed away to find another interested buyer. Mick was still holding Beth close moving to stand behind her whispering in her ear.

"The brunette and the man in military uniform are Robert and Michelle Copeland, he just got transferred near here and she is a writer. The other couple are the homeowners, like Randall said they are just looking to start fresh away from everything, they bought some land in Wyoming."

"Wow, vampire hearing is really useful," Beth whispered as she leaned up and kissed his jaw.

"It comes in handy."

Mick and Beth continue to walk around a while longer holding each other giggling and point out things about the house before making their exit. Mr. Randall simply laughed as they passed him on their way out, a young couple in love.

MLMLMLMLML

"I’ll be fine for a couple of hours alone. I am in the DA's office so I’ll be safe," Beth argued against waking Oscar to come watch her for a few hours.

"He does need his freezer time," Mick agreed. "Promise you won't leave?"

"I promise I’ll be in the office until I come down to meet you for our next showing."

"I’ll see you in a couple of hours," Mick leaned across the seat placing a lingering kiss on her lips.

Beth gets out of the Benz and heads up to the office as Mick watches until she is long out of sight. Beth arrives at her desk and phones in an order for takeout to be delivered.

As her food arrived about 30 minutes later, she was already hard at work checking out the names of the people at the first showing. Nothing more than a few minor spots, traffic tickets mostly. Robert Copeland did catch her eye though, he had said he was in the military and had been transferred into the area but she couldn't find any record of him being in any branch of service.

Beth saw Ben approaching her desk just as she finished her lunch.

"How is the case going? You got a lead?" Ben asked pulling up a chair to her desk.

"Good, we have another showing to go to but I think this could be it."

"We?"

"Mick and I."

"You know Beth I hired you not your PI boyfriend."

"I know that but I needed a man to help me, and you have been busy with court. I left you a note."

"Why did you need a man?"

"Turns out all the houses hit were on the market and had an open house within 2 days prior to the home invasion. I thought it would be good check out some of the houses that fit the profile with open houses. They are larger homes, more for a family so a husband and wife blends better than single woman."

Ben's phone starts to go off he takes a moment to look at it then at Beth as he stands up, "Keep me informed. From now on, just talk to me before you involve St. John."

Ben answered his call and walked towards his office in a hurry. Beth rolled her eyes, "Men," letting out a frustrated sigh.

MLMLMLMLML



Mick made his way into Josef’s office, hearing him from all the way down the hall yelling at some poor soul on the phone. Josef ended his call as Mick entered already heading to his bar.

“Mick, to what do I owe the honor of this visit?”

“I was around, had some time to kill and thought I would come by. Any news on the Legion?”

“Around? The DA’s office is around? Would you be waiting for Blondie to call you?” Josef teased him as he poured him a glass of A+.

“I am helping her on a case. She had to go into the office run some names and fill in Talbot before the next showing.”

“Showing?” Mick now had Josef’s full attention.

“We are looking into the recent string of burglaries. All of the houses are for sale and had showings within 2 days prior.”

“So you and Blondie are playing happy married couple house shopping. If you are helping her why are you here, not with her…helping?”

“She needed to talk to Talbot and we don’t get along so well, so…”

“So you decided to be the bigger vampire and come kill your time here. I’m honored.” Josef tossed back the remainder of his glass.

“Have you been able to find anything more out about the Legion?”

“Talk abroad is troubling, they are bad news, professionals prepared to go up against vamps but since the Foster boys we haven’t had any problems here in LA.”

“Do you think their attack in LA was strictly personal? Revenge for his brother’s death?” Mick knew the answer but still held out maybe they would get lucky and the Legion would show their hand.

“Not likely. The attack to draw you out may have been personal but that is not the end of them, of that I am sure.”

MLMLMLMLML

Mick picked Beth back up in front of the office and they made their way to the next showing. She filled him in on what she had found on the names. Arriving at the house Mick and Beth made their way up towards the house, hand in hand just as before.

“Round 2,” Mick joked into her ear.

Beth giggles as they make their way in greeting people along the way. This house had a few more people, probably due to the later hour. Across the room Mick spotted a couple from the first showing, Robert and Michelle Copeland.

Pulling her closer Mick kisses her softly on the lips before moving to her ear, “On your right by the window, look familiar.”

Beth pulls back smiling getting a glance in the direction spotting then right away. “Lets go say hello shall we.”

Beth leads the way pulling Mick behind her, Mick pulls her aside and down the hallway before they are seen. “What are you doing?”

“Beth we don’t want to spook them. If they know they have been recognized they might move on to another house.”

Beth laughs, “You’re right and here I thought you just wanted to get me alone.”

“That is just a perk,” Mick placed a kiss to her forehead.

“Okay lets get your ears working find out what they are saying.”

“You only love me for my hearing.”

“No its just a perk,” throwing his own tease back.

They make their way back out into the room, looking around making small talk with a couple of the people in the room, while Mick whispered to her the conversation being had on the other side of the room. Having had enough they make their way out and back towards the Benz.

Before Mick starts the engine he looks over at her, smiling at the butterflies he got in his stomach every time he asked, "Are you coming to my place tonight?"

Looking over at him Beth couldn't stop her heart from skipping, there was just something so adorable in his smile. It hurt her to have to turn him down.

"Not tonight,” I need to sleep in a real bed.

Beth could see the light leave his face and the look of disappointment. Mick gave her an understanding smile and started towards her place.

The rest of the ride had been silent as Mick walked her to her door. Beth had time to examine her thoughts, thoughts about Mick and what their relationship meant to him. Yes he loved, her but what did that really mean to a vampire?

At her door Beth quickly opened it and stepped inside quickly, practically shutting the door. Mick was shocked she didn't invite him in even more confused when she almost shut him out.

"Are you okay?" He asked her cautiously not sure what was going on with her.

"I'm fine, just tired. Good night Mick, thank you for your help."

"You never have to thank me Beth, we're a team remember," Mick showed her his lopsided smile.

"Yeah we are, good night."

Beth goes to close the door but Mick stops her, putting his foot in the way.

"Something is bothering you," he declared putting his hand on the door.

"I'm just tired, I will see you tomorrow."

Beth opened the door fully leaning out to kiss his lips, the kiss was soft and gentle. Mick took the opportunity to pull her closer so her whole body was touching his as he deepened the kiss. Pulling back only when he felt she needed to breathe, placing softer kisses on her lips.

Beth was breathless her hands on his side, his body against hers she could hardly stand. Mick relented, easing the intensity of his kisses slowly, leaving her body aching for more.

"Get some sleep." Beth nodded. "I love you."

"I love you too."

Mick allowed her to close the door as he went to the stairs. After shutting the door Beth went and collapsed in the comfort of her bed thinking how much better it would be if Mick were in it too.

MLMLMLMLML

At the office the next morning Beth sees Ben heading to his office. Grabbing her notes, she heads in to fill him in.

"Hey, is this a good time?" She asked cautiously from the door noting the serious look on his face.

"Yeah, come on in. What did you and St. John find?"

"We went to two showings and only one couple was at both." Beth sets their pictures in front of him on his desk, "Robert and Michelle Copeland. They are both clean, well after they turned 18 anyways. Their juvenile records are filled with petty theft reports."

"Do I even want to know how you got their juvenile records?" Talbot asked shaking his head at the legal ramifications of opening sealed juvenile records.

"No and I know they can't be used as evidence but it helps to know who you're dealing with. Both homeowner couples had plans they discussed in casual conversation at the showings. Meaning, if these are our guys there is a good chance they will hit one of these houses tonight."

"Beth, this is good work and I think you’re right but we are short staffed right now and I can't justify ordering surveillance based on what you have."

Beth lets out an exasperated sigh, "I’ll go myself."

"No, you will not. Beth it's--"

"I’ll just stake it out, if I see anything I’ll call it in."

Ben gives her a stern look and she doesn't flinch, he knew he would not win this battle. Deciding to compromise Ben strikes a deal.

"Fine, go, as long St. John will be with you and you give me your word that you will call the minute something happens."

Beth lets out a huff, sick and tired of everyone thinking she needed a babysitter, "Deal."

With that Beth walks out of his office. Ben is left looking at the pictures she had left in front of him. He may not understand or trust St. John but it was clear he went above and beyond what was necessary to protect Beth, that would have to be good enough for now.

Beth is looking over her notes of the two homes they visited trying to decide which would be the better choice to stake out waiting for Mick to arrive to pick her up. When right on cue he there was a knock on her door. Taking a deep breath she went to the door opening it.

“Hey,” she greeted as she moved to let him come in.

“Hey,” Mick leaned in and gave her a kiss. “Sleep well?”

“Yeah, now I am trying to decide which house would be better for us to stake out, any ideas?” Beth walked back over to the counter where she had her notes spread out.

Mick walked up behind her and wrapped his arms around her, “I missed you last night.”

Beth pulls away from his arms grabbing a bag and checking its contents in almost a whisper she adds, “You’re going to have to get used to it.”

Mick looks hurt, unsure what was wrong, everything had been going good with them. Before he can question her she is back focusing on her notes.

“Why don’t we watch both?” Mick chooses to focus on work for now, he can question her later when she can’t push him away.

“How? I promised Ben I would be with you since apparently, I am helpless,” her irritation at the assumption clear.

Mick pulled out his phone, looking at the location of the two homes he dialed Josef. After two rings he picks up, “Mick you are interrupting my snack.”

“I need a favor.”

“What is it, are you and Blondie having a lovers spat?”

Mick furled his brow at that, he honestly didn’t know if they were or not, so how could Josef. “It’s for the case. We are going to stakeout one of the houses, I need you to watch the other.”

“Why do I want to do this again?”

“Josef, are you going to help or not?”

“Yeah, yeah don’t get so touchy. Give me the address.”

Mick rattled off the address for Josef.

“If I have to do lackey work I plan on bringing my dinner with me,” Mick could hear Josef licking his lips.

“Just stay focused, I know how you are distracted when you eat. I’ll send the pictures to your phone if you see them show up call us.”

“Yeah, have fun on your little stakeout. Don’t get yourself distracted with Blondie.”

“Goodbye, Josef,” with that Mick hung up. Turning to Beth, “Now both are covered, you ready to go?”

Beth grabs her bag and heads to the door, Mick right behind her.

MLMLMLMLML

Mick parks the Benz a few houses down the street where they have a good line of sight on anyone approaching the house. After shutting off the engine the car fills with silence. Mick reaches over to take Beth’s hand but she pulls it away, reaching in her bag, pulling out a bottle of water and a book. Beth situates herself with her back against the door and starts to flip through the book. Mick’s eyes never leave her, she was avoiding him and he had no idea why.

“What’s wrong?” His voice full of his uncertainty.

Not even looking up from her book, “Nothing.”

Mick reaches across the seat and takes the book from her hands setting it on the floor board getting her to look up at him, Mick takes her hands in his. “No, there’s something wrong. You are mad, mad at me and I don’t know what I did.”

Beth is ready to let him have it, ready to get her answers, “Where do you see this relationship we have going?”

Mick looks like a deer caught in headlights, “Beth, what do you mean?”

“Do you plan on us being together in say 3 months?”

Mick pulls her hands to his lips holding them tight as she tries to pull them away. “I love you; I will love you as long as I live. I want to be with you as long as we have no matter how long that is.”

I want to spend your life with you, I even find myself wishing for eternity with you. I don’t know what my life would be without you in it.

Beth blinks back a tear, “Well it doesn’t seem like you want me around for very long.”

Mick goes to say something when Beth reaches for the long range camera she borrowed, “They’re here.”

Beth hands the camera to Mick as he snaps a few pictures, Beth pulls her phone out and dials Ben.

“They showed…yes, I will stay in the car…just get here and arrest them.”

Beth hangs the phone up frustrated at being told to wait in the car. Mick can hear the sirens off in a distance.

“I’m going to go watch the back make sure they don’t make a run when they hear the sirens.”

Beth nods, “I’ll be right here waiting in the car.” Mick cant help but laugh she was so cute when she was being sarcastic.

MLMLMLMLML

The police arrive and arrest Robert and Michelle Copeland with no problems. They are informed of their rights and taken downtown. When Mick makes his way back to the car Beth is not there. His panic is eased when he spots her talking to Ben surrounded by cops, at least she was safe.

Seeing Mick watching her she tells Ben she will be right back and heads back over to Mick.

“We got’em,” Mick flashes is boyish smile.

“Yeah, we did. Hey I have to go into work, I want to write my report while it is fresh on my mind. I am just going to ride in with Ben.” Beth grabs her things from the passenger side of the Benz.

“I can give you a ride,” Mick still wants to finish their discussion.

“No, its okay it will be easier for me to ride with Ben he needs me to fill him in. It might take a while I don’t know how long I’ll be, I can just get Oscar to give me a ride home.”

Beth looks over to Ben who is waving her to come on, she starts back towards him, “Thanks for your help, Mick.”

Mick is left leaning on the hood of his car, trying to figure out what just happened. Realizing Josef was still watching the other house he decided to relieve him.

“So did we get the bad guys?”

“We got them, you can go home.”

“Don’t sound so happy.”

“I’m coming over for a drink.”

MLMLMLMLML

Mick makes his way into Josef's, pouring himself a drink. Lost in his own thoughts he doesn’t acknowledge Josef.

Josef waves his hand in the air talking to himself. "Thanks for your help Josef, and your Scotch. You are welcome Mick, no problem at all to help a friend."

Mick downs the drink in one gulp. "Thanks Josef."

"Now Mick, if you got the bad guys why are you in such a bad mood? Playing house with Blondie not turning out so good?"

"Yes...No....I don't know." Mick throws his hands in the air in frustration. "Beth is mad at me for...I don't know."

"What did you do now Mick?" If looks could kill Josef would be dead, with the look Mick was shooting him. "Okay what happened?"

"Everything was great, we were happy then she got all pissed off."

Mick threw himself into Josef's couch; Josef joined him bringing their glasses and the bottle. After pouring them both a glass Josef hands one to Mick.

"Think about it when did she get pissed off? What was the first sign?"

Mick took a small drink, "Last night I asked her is she was coming over and she said no. It seemed like she was upset about something but she said she was tired. Then I get there today for our stakeout and she...she pulled away just focused on work wouldn't look at me."

Mick finished the glass, "When we were in the car I tried to ask her about it and she starts asking me where I see us going, do I see us together in 3 months. I have no idea why she would ask me this but when I tell her how much she means to me she gets even more upset saying it doesn't seem like I want her around. What is that supposed to mean?"

Josef finishes his glass and refills both.

"Mick I have learned a lot about women in my years, one thing I have learned is no one will ever completely understand women."

Mick rolls his eyes, "That isn't much help Josef."

"It's just the truth but let’s see if I can figure out what you did wrong." Josef takes a drink and thinks it over for a moment. "She declined your invitation to come over in favor of sleeping in her own bed, that's not good. Blondie can’t be comfortable sleeping on your couch."

“I have an air bed for her,” he replied indignant.

Josef looked Mick straight in the eyes and started to laugh. His laugh was loud and deep, tears could be seen in the elder vampires’ eyes.

"Mick you have to be kidding me. It's a wonder Blondie hasn't left your clueless ass high and dry."

Mick still failed to see what was so funny, regretting bringing this subject up.

"What is so funny Josef?"

"Mick an air mattress are you serious? I still don't see how you went all these years without a bed."

"I'm a vampire I don’t need a bed," Mick answers defensively.

"A bed is good for more than sleeping Mick."

Mick stays silent and downs the last of his drink. Josef follows suit and pours them another.

"Are you saying she is mad at me for not having a bed?"

"I would be. Mick she has come to accept you, the things that come with you. She has made changes to be a part of your life and you are still keeping her at arms length."

"What? I have not.”

“How much have you really told her about us? I’m guessing you have only told her what she figured out for herself.”

“I have tried to make her welcome. I keep food, my bathroom is full of things I have no idea what they are for."

"That's all well and good Mick but the bed. One it's not comfortable and two an air mattress is supposed to be a temporary thing Mick, your keeping one instead of getting a bed could make her feel like you don't expect her to be around long enough to have a bed."

"I...I never..."

Mick starts to think of everything Beth had said along with everything Josef just said and starts to realize he was right. Mick gets up finishes his drink and walks out.

"You're welcome," Josef shouts after Mick.

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Mick makes his way around his apartment; it had never been anything more than an office and place to sleep now it felt like a home. Beth was able to do that, he could smell her all over his loft; in every room he had memories of her, well almost every room. Opening the gray door, his bed room, Mick leaned on the door frame. No memories of her in here. Not a suitable place for her to sleep for obvious reasons, he had to sleep alone.

Pushing off the door frame Mick shut the door and walked down the hall to another room that Beth had never seen. Opening the door the room was almost empty, only boxes of old files and things from the past which he had kept including his old army chest. Looking at his watch he looks at the room once again a smile tracing his lips.

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It is a quarter after 11 when Mick pulls up outside of Beth’s apartment. It had taken him longer than he thought to get things ready but her light was still on. Steadying himself Mick makes his way up to her door silently praying she would agree. Knocking softly he hears her inside as she comes to the door.

“Mick, what are you doing here?”

“I needed to see you.” Mick pulls her hands into his still out in the hallway. “Come with me.”

Beth quarks an eyebrow, “Its late Mick.”

“I know. I’m sorry. Will you come with me though? Please Beth.”

When Mick gives her his pleading smile she is unable to resist. She has him come in as she changes, which allows Mick with his vamp speed to grab her overnight bag sitting by the door and drop it in the car before she is changed.

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The ride had been silent after Mick refused to tell Beth where he was taking her. As they pulled into his parking garage she eyed him up and down, then she noticed her over night bag in the back seat. Silently Beth struggled with herself, on one hand she thought his determination to get her to come over was sweet; on the other hand it was presumptuous of him to assume she would just stay.

As they got off the elevator and to his door she couldn’t hold it in any longer, “What are we doing here Mick?”

“I have something to show you.”

Mick opened the door and extended his hand for her to come in. She looks him in the eyes trying to read him, her eyes giving nothing but a look of irritation, but she comes in. To her surprise the air mattress isn’t ready, no candles, no music playing, nothing.

Setting her bag down on the couch Mick takes her hand in his, “Follow me.”

Beth allows him to lead her up the stairs and down the hall towards a room she had never seen before. Her heart starts to race as he stops just in front of the door. turning to her, taking both hands into his, bringing them to his lips and placing a kiss on her knuckles.

Holding her eyes with his, “I never want you to think I don’t want you around. I want you in my life…for a long time. I know sometimes I screw up, I am still getting used to this…to us.”

Mick pulls one of his hands from hers he reaches down and opens the door. Beth’s hands drop from his as she looks inside the room. It is simple nothing fancy the corner piled with old boxes but what was in the middle of the room brought a tear to her eyes. A simple king sized bed. The only other furniture was a nightstand with lamp and alarm clock to the right hand side. As Beth looked speechless at the room, Mick wrapped his arms around her waist leaning into her ear.

“Forgive me for making you sleep on that air bed all theses weeks. Given my normal sleeping arrangements it was a vast improvement I never thought about anything but you in my arms. I want you in my life. Stay the night with me Beth.”

Beth turns in his arms tears falling down her checks; Mick brushes them away with his thumbs.

“You bought a bed for me?” Beth asks in astonishment at his sweet gesture.

“No.” Placing a soft kiss to her lips, “I bought a bed for us.”

The smile on her face made Mick’s undead heart jump, in that moment the hours he spent rushing to clean the room, buy a bed and other simple furnishings and have them set up was worth it. Mick leaned down feathered his lips across hers, she sighed pressing her lips to his harder deepening the kiss. Their teasing kisses continued for long moments, both lost to how perfect the moment was. Mick pulled back causing her to pout sticking her lower lip out slightly, a move Mick found incredibly irresistible.

Mick looked into her eyes, “Stay the night with me.”

Beth smiled wider, nodding her head yes, before bursting into a giggle, “Yes I will stay the night with you Mick.”

Mick kissed her lips soundly again taking in her words, music to his ears. Mick released her so she could go down and grab her bag and get herself ready for bed for the second time that night, Mick did the same running to his freezer room grabbing his red silk bottoms. When she returned from the bathroom Mick had the covers turned down.

Beth set her clothes down in a pile to the side before joining Mick by the beds edge. Beth was the first to crawl under the covers of the comfortable bed, Mick sliding in right behind her. Beth turned into him using his chest as her pillow as her hand absently traced small hearts and other shapes while he did the same to her shoulder. Beth sat up pulling his left hand into hers, slipping his ring off and put it back to its rightful place on his right index finger.

“Back where it belongs.”

Mick smiled at how well she knew him, down to which finger he wore his ring. Taking her hands in his he started to take her ‘wedding’ ring off when she pulled her hand back.

“What are you doing?”

“It’ll turn your finger green,” Mick teased as he took the ring off her reluctant finger.

“I want to keep it, a memento for our case.”

“I’ll get you a chain for it,” Beth nodded.

Mick set the ring on the night stand and turned off the lights as they settled into each others embrace. Back to front Mick held her close listening to the sounds of her heart, her breathing soothed as she fell asleep. He followed soon behind her placing a kiss to her shoulder.


Author: Evilous

s02e05: What Goes Around

Author: Photosue

Mick stepped out of his car, closing the door and reaching for his large maroon golf bag. He turned sharply as a cart came flying around the corner, Ted behind the wheel and James holding on tight. The small tires screeched to a halt at Mick's feet.

"Hey man, glad you could finally make it." Ted said waving at Mick, James nodded his agreement.

"Where’s Josef?"

"He’s waiting at the first tee."

Mick secured his bag on the back of the cart, and took a seat, holding on tight to the railing. The course was pitch black, at Josef’s request, he said it gave a different edge to the game. They rode up and over the perfectly manicured landscape until they reached the first tee. Six giggling freshies stood around Josef, eyes wide and fumbling in the darkness. Josef was moving around between them enjoying his advantage over them. Pinching, whispering, nipping, moving the girls together to watch them fumble their way around. Games, Josef declared, were always more interesting in the dark.
"Mick!" Josef grabbed a very familiar freshie and walked towards him.

"Freshie Golf?" Mick raised his eyebrow in agitation.

"Well, since you’re here, you might as well play." Josef kissed Simone on the cheek. Mick sighed, tonight eternity would seem like a very long time.

"Hi Mick," she peered into the darkness trying to focus on his face, but ended up facing Ted.

"Hello again." Mick smiled at her, then turned to glare at Josef.

"Relax, it's not like I brought you any freshies," Josef eyed a tall blond bending down, and in a low tone added, "C'mon be a sport," Josef clapped Mick on his shoulder. Mick rolled his eyes and shouldered his bag.

The night carried on with Cuban Cigars burning and MacAllen Scotch flowing. Josef was surprisingly well behaved, given that Simone was there. She couldn’t see, but she could hear, and that kept most of Josef’s attention on her. It also gave Mick someone intelligent to talk to.

Ted was thoroughly enjoying himself, more than once he had grabbed one of the girls and proceeded to play rock the cart with her. James played Freshie golf with a little more finesse, at least he pulled them out of sight, when he wanted more than blood. It wasn't like he hadn't seen it all before. In fact that was the problem, he had seen this all too many times before. It made it a very long game, if you could even still call it a game. Mick was the only one keeping score, and Josef was still beating him. Simone walked over to Mick, using one of Josef’s putter as a walking cane.

"Hey, Mick?" She said, stepping a little too close to him. He could smell the actions and boundaries of her relationship with Josef.

"Hi," he responded, causing her to startle at their closeness, and quickly move back a step.

"I was just wondering, where Beth is?"

"Well, Josef had me under the impression that tonight, we would be playing a gentlemen’s game."

"No gentlemen has even played this game, I can assure you!" Josef barked back, then began feeding again.

"I was talking about the Golf." Mick replied.

"So was I." Josef answered.

Simone was giggling at their exchange. Mick guided Simone back to Josef, "he’s going to need that club soon," Simone nodded in his approximate direction.

The game was quickly loosing it’s players, and Mick was surprised that they had actually made it to the 9th hole before half the team had started playing "Hunt the Freshie" and "Seek n' Sex" around the course. As much as the women giggled and squealed there was always an element of real fear and the requirement that they trust Josef to control his friends. This set Mick on edge until he finally packed up his bag and drove back to his car. At least he got a little practice.

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It was a quiet neighborhood, full grown trees and cared for lawns. The kind of place you would want to buy a home and start a family, except for all the crime scene tap and police cars. Beth pulled her car across the street and walked up to one of the officers fending off the press and nosey neighbors. She flashed her badge and he lifted the tape. The Coroners were wheeling the body out the front door when Carl walked up to her.

So working alone again, where’s your friend?" Carl asked.

"Who, Mick?" she asked, on guard.

"Yeah, Mick, seems like you two have been joined at the hip lately." Beth thought, God, Carl is in a mood.

"He’s busy." She tersely replied.

"Yeah, right. When he's not all over our crime scenes the master P.I. must be in high demand for finding cheating spouses, and false insurance claims." He replied, "I thought I warned you about that guy, I hear he is still around. Ever think that you're dating a guy who's an expert on infidelity."

"C'mon, Carl, why should I listen to your advice."


"Yeah, well, I just had my annual review and a comment was made about the number of times you and St. John appeared in my reports. If you like your job, you should distance yourself. Do the job on your own."

She ignored his bitter comment, pulling out her note pad and walked away. Carl wanted to push buttons, and she wasn’t going to give him any satisfaction. "So are you gonna give me the grand tour, or should I call Ben to explain my authorized appearance in your report?" she crossed her arms, "We're on the same side."

"Right this way… Miss Turner." He motioned her towards the door. Beth pulled some booties over her shoes and put on a pair gloves. Carl escorted her through the front door stopping just inside.

"Victim was found laying here," he motioned towards a large brown spot on the carpet just inside the door, "gardener found her and then called it in."

Beth looked around the house, everything seemed to be intact. Shelves of figurines, small tea sets, and doilies adorned every square inch of usable space. Lacy pillows were neatly aligned along the couch and matching chairs.

"No sign of a struggle." She commented. Carl nodded.

"Yeah, wait till you see the bedroom." He walked her through to the back of the house.

The crime scene investigators were working the room. The mattress of the bed was leaned up against the wall, ripped open. Stuffing and bits of fabric littered the floor, blankets from the bed piled in the corner.

"Wow." Was all she could say.

"Yeah, the killer seems to of had an agenda."

"Did she keep her money in the mattress?"

"Good guess, it’s not uncommon for children of the depression to do that and CSI found a money wrap on the floor. They bagged it for prints." Carl motioned her back down the hall.

"We think the victims name was Vida Ingles, according to neighbors she lived alone, no known relatives, age around mid eighties. I need you to help the officers interview the neighbors."

They walked out of the house, Beth pulled off her gloves and booties sticking them in an evidence bag.

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Beth walks down the familiar corridors of the LA County morgue, Oscar close behind, texting on his Blackberry. She smiles at Guillermo as she walks into the exam room. He gives her a friendly smile and walks her over to the body of Vida Ingles.

"Hey, where’s Mick? I thought you two were joined at the hips?" his waggles his eyebrows at her.

"He was doing some male bonding with Josef last night on the golf course." She chuckled. "He’s sleeping in."

"Ah, oh, ok." Guillermo nods and sighs as he pulls the report. "She was stabbed up close and personal, looks like a steak knife," he chuckles at the pun.

"Is this a… vampire crime?" she whispers the last part, Oscar briefly looks up from his phone.

"No way, besides, you know I’d drag Mick’s frozen ass down here if it was." He points back at the body, "she died of blunt force trauma, even before she bled out. The rest is in the report. Shame, really."

"Wow, I didn’t know you had such a soft spot for little old ladies?"

"No, I just don’t like wasting food." He gives her a fanged smile and she giggles.

Oscar shifts to stand alert just before Terrance walks into the room,

"Hey, Beth. Didn’t think you’d be among the living today."

"Why would you say that?" She cocks her head to one side.

Guillermo is shaking his head trying to shut Terrance up, but he’s not getting the hint.

"You and Mick, golfing with Josef last night, heard it was really wild! James had this chick, oh, man, Par Four! Do you guys even play golf?" Terrance was laughing and his face fell slowly as he looked at a very curious Beth and a stunned Guillermo.

"Um, what’s up?" He asks in a shallow voice.

Beth crosses her arms, "Wild huh?"

"Uh, you are his freshie, right?" Beth shakes her head. Terrance swallows hard, "I’m gonna… go do something." he vamps speeds out of the room.

Beth turns on Guillermo, "Did you know?"

"Beth…"

"Just give me the damn report." She snatches it out of his hands and leaves the room. Oscar walks silently behind her.

Beth stops before she gets to her car, turning on Oscar, "Did you know?"

Oscar folds his arms and takes a defensive stance.

"Of course you did! You all fucking knew!" She slams the car door and jams the key in the ignition.

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Mick stepped out of his freezer, scratching frost off of his face and out of his hair. He grabbed his robe and headed downstairs, tying the strings on his pants. He had slept much longer then he intended, grabbed his phone on the way to his kitchen. Beth had called, and left a message. "Hey, I’m working late at the office, I’ll talk to you tomorrow." It was quick and cold. He played it again. [em]Working late? Since when did that make a difference?[/em] He ran upstairs to dress, and then go see Beth.

Files and notes were spread all over the large conference table. Photos in one pile and the various notes from officers in another. Ben walked in carrying take out bags from a Chinese restaurant, placing them on the table. He looked at Beth, she was absently picking at her fingernail, holding a statement but not reading it.

"Hey, are you OK? You seem a little distracted?" Ben asked, handing Beth her styrofoam box dinner.

"Yeah, I’m fine. Just focused on the case," She lied. Images of Mick and orgy golf had been clouding her thoughts since the morgue. She didn't want to think that anything had happened, she trusted him, but then again, she was just too angry to talk to him about it without overreacting.

"Sure... Well, did you get any leads so far?" he opened his own dinner and dug in, taking a huge bite of noodles. Beth watched him, transfixed.

[em]When had it become strange to see another person eating?[/em] She wondered.

Ben stopped chewing. "Do I have something on my face?" he asked.

"What? …Oh, no, sorry, just used to eating alone." She smiled and began eating, flipping through reports.

"Mick doesn’t eat with you?"

She swallowed. Hot needles prickled their way down her spine. [em]God! Why did I say that?[/em] Her mind filled with a dozen stupid answers and none of them sounded even remotely plausible. "Of course he does," she said casually "We eat together... when we have time," she bit her lip, "Here’s something," changing the subject, she pulled the page up, "Carla Johnson, neighbor three doors down, says that Vida tried to poison Tim Carson’s dog, Tim lives behind Vida."

"Yeah, well, Tim is currently out of town on business." He rolled his eyes. "Another neighbor ratted him out already. But a Cyndi Lewis says that Vida was having sex with the UPS driver, the mailman, and her gardener. There’s a few jealous lovers." He took a bite of his spicy orange chicken, and let out a moan, "Damn that’s good! How’s the kung pow?"

"Mmmm, it never disappoints." Continuing to make satisfied eating noises, she stops to say. "Yea, well, the same Cyndi Lewis says that Vida would walk around on her roof at night in the nude." They both let out a laugh.

Mick could hear Beth and Talbot laughing as soon as the elevator doors opened. [em]Certainly didn’t match the abrupt tone of her voicemail[/em]. The lobby doors were open, and he could see the lone office light on, and it’s occupants. Oscar hovering nearby in the darkness. Beth was eating and flipping through papers. [em]Talbot sitting there, watching her, fondling her with his eyes[/em]. Mick walked closer, then stopped just before the doorway, still in the darkness.

"Here, try the chicken. You'll love it." Ben spears a piece with his fork and holds it up to her. She hesitates, then grabs the fork, pulling the piece off with her own fork, then handing the utensil back to him. She almost thought for a moment that Ben had intended to feed her. It was odd, but she smiled and tried to stay polite. She was just beginning to wonder if staying late was such a good idea when she noticed that Mick was standing in the doorway. Arms crossed, brow furrowed and staring straight at Talbot. Ben was still looking at Beth when his eyes also moved to the doorway.

"Mick?" Beth breathed. Her heart skipped and she wondered if he noticed. She stood up to hide her sudden, unfounded embarrassment.

His look softened and he walked over to her, placing his hand possessively on her back. "I got your message and thought I’d come down to see if you needed any help." He leaned in and placed a kiss on her cheek. [em]Did she pull away?[/em]

Trying to remain professional, Beth grabbed Mick’s wandering hand, and took a step back. "yeah, well, I think we have things under control here… just paperwork." She gives him a half hearted smile.

Talbot leans back in his chair, and folds his arms. "You know, Mick, she’s perfectly capable of doing her job." he smiles sarcastically. Mick lets out a deep breath slowly, and thinks about throwing Talbot into the next zip code.

Beth squeezes his hand, pulling him out of the office, glaring at Ben as she passes him.

She turns to him when they are far down the hall, "Why are you here?" dropping his hand.

He reaches out to touch her arm, "you sounded upset in your message."

"I told you I’d talk to you tomorrow."

"I just wanted to make sure you were alright." He reaches out to caress her shoulder.

"Look, I have a lot of work to do," she stands unresponsive in front of him.

"Really?" He cocks his head, and pulls his touch away.

"…and I have to get up early tomorrow," she continued.

He puts his hands on his hips. "What the hell is going on?"

She crosses her arms and adjusts her stance, "Just be honest with me, what [em]exactly[/em] does golfing with Josef really entail?"

His expression dropped from concern to dread. She noticed the change, a secret revealed, and he looked shocked that she knew. Before he could answer her, Beth put her hand up shaking her head, "I have to get back to work."

She turned and started to walk away, "Beth... wait... Call me." he pleaded.

She nods turning the corner to the office. Mick runs his hand through his hair, [em]Fuck![/em]

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Mick sat at his desk, drumming his fingers, and trying to think of any one that might have talked to Beth and given her the wrong idea. He picked up his phone and called Josef. After several rings, he finally answered.

"What?"

"Did you talk to Beth?"

"Why would I want to talk to Beth?" Josef was annoyed.

"Did you?"

"No, why?"

"She heard about last night from someone and now she’s got the wrong idea…"

Josef burst into laughter on the other end of the line. "No, man, she didn’t hear it from me," he laughed.

"Give me Simone’s number." Mick demanded.

"She didn’t talk to Beth either," suddenly humorless

"Give me her number."

"Look, I’m sorry you’re in the doghouse, so I’ll call her and make sure she didn’t say anything to Beth."

"Your still with her, aren’t you?"

"Damn you’re a good P.I.!"

"Ok, yeah, whatever. Call me later." Mick hangs up.

Josef rolls over and puts his phone back on the night stand. Simone comes walking back into the room, bowl of ice cream in her hands.

"What are you going to talk to me about?"

"Mick’s in trouble with Beth again."

"Hmm, that seems to happen a lot to him, and he’s such a gentlemen?"

"Yeah, well he could save himself a lot of trouble if he just sat her down and explained a few things about vamps."

"I don’t think he could have explained last night very easily to her." He nuzzled into her neck and the sex play began all over again.

Mick scrolled through his phone and dialed Oscar’s number. On the second ring he answered.

"My shift is over." He declared

"Who did she talk to today?"

"Don’t get me involved with your little affairs. Sort out your own mess." And he hung up.[em] Fuck![/em]

Mick wanted to throw the phone across the room, but instead he was back to drumming his fingers. [em]11:42pm, she’s not going to call[/em]. He held his phone, silently willing it to ring.

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The next morning, Talbot knocked on Mick’s office door. Nothing. He knocked again, and this time Mick answered. He stood there, arm on his door, regarding the early morning visitor.

"Hey." He said looking around the hall.

"Hey, Mick, I uh… Can we talk for a minute?"

Mick pulled his door open, allowing Talbot to enter his loft.

"Sorry for the early visit, but I was in the neighborhood…"

[em]Beth’s boss, be nice,[/em] he reminded himself.

"Not a problem, can I get you something?"

"Yeah, coffee, please, if you still have some… late night." Talbot looks around the open loft.

Mick gives him a sidelong glance, "Sure." He grabs the French press. "So… big case?" Mick asks.

"Beth didn’t tell you about it?" Talbot pretends to look surprised.

"No," Mick replies, slamming the press down to brew the coffee. "Not yet."

"Surprising," Talbot responds.

Mick hands him a cup of black coffee.

"Cream?" Talbot asks before taking a sip.

"Sorry, I’m out."

"Not a problem." He takes a sip, gives a smile "That’s good."

"So, are you going to tell me why your here? It can’t be for the coffee." Mick turns around to place the press in the sink. Talbot delicately tips his cup, letting the dark brew dribble down the front of his tie.

"Damn," he says "Murphy’s Law, always happens before work. Can I use your restroom?" Talbot’s heart rate suddenly spikes.

"Sure, up the stairs and to the right. Door’s open." Mick gives him a suspicious look.

Ben sets his cup down and heads up the stairs. He closes the door behind him and looks around. Mick’s bathroom was as big as his office. He walked over to the sink, pulling off his tie and splashed some water on it. He pulled on the mirror above the sink, swinging it forward. Toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash, other than being almost empty, there was nothing extraordinary. He opened some drawers, same thing, normal stuff, soap, comb, nail clippers. Ben wasn’t sure what he was looking for, maybe he just wanted to see that Mick was a normal guy.

He opened up the cabinet, towels and sunscreen. Lots of sunscreen, about 12 bottles, all SPF 80. Skin problems? Ben stared at the bottles, all various brands. He opened the mirror again, then the drawers. Something was wrong. Something was missing. He began to do a mental check list of his own bathroom, when it hit him. Medicine. No bottles of Tylenol, Tums, old prescriptions, nothing. The guy didn’t even have band aids. Nobody is that healthy. He dried his tie, loosely putting it back on and headed back downstairs. Mick was nowhere to be seen. Ben walked back to the kitchen, grabbing his coffee and taking another sip. Still no Mick. He walked over to the refrigerator and peeked through the glass door. Apples, soda, and some kind of take out food container. He opened the nearest cupboard and began to peek inside…

"Need something?" Mick asked from behind him.

Talbot’s heart rate shoots through the roof. Mick smiles.

"Hey, there you are." Talbot tried to calm himself. He took a few slow steps away from Mick.

"Look, I know you’re Beth’s boyfriend and you're good at your job. The Department doesn’t mind P.I.’s helping with cold cases, but when it comes to an ongoing investigation, we just can’t risk it. I appreciate your help in the past, and if we need you, we’ll call you. You’re top of the list, promise." He took one last sip of his coffee, "And about last night," Mick stiffened at the memory, "don’t ever bring your relationship issues into my office again. I’ll see myself out."

Talbot turned and walked out of the loft. Mick stood rooted to the spot. His chest was constricting, painful spasm with every breath, Did Beth tell him? Mick growled at the thought of Talbot giving solace to Beth, last night, …in his office, …alone. [em]Fucking Oscar, why was he being so tight lipped[/em]? He tried her cell phone, straight to voicemail, [em]Damn it! [/em]

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"Thank you Miss Goldstein, for meeting with me." Beth smiled at the elderly woman who sat at her desk.

"Not a problem, deary, I couldn’t believe it when I heard the news last night. Cyndi came over to my house and told me all about it. Was she found in the nude? Anyway, I thought the least I could do is come down here and talk to y’all… what a way to end a vacation." Miss Goldstein rambled on. Beth sipped her coffee and took notes.

"Well, Actually we wanted to know if Mrs. Ingles had any strange visitors, problems, anyone that might want to cause her some harm?" She inquired.

"Well, she wasn’t exactly the socialite of the neighborhood, but I can’t see why anyone would want to kill her."

"You said ‘Mrs.’, was she married?"

"Oh, darling, that was years ago, she was a late bride, and an only child too, I believe, but she married Bruce, and he had plenty of family to fill her heart."

"Married? We didn’t hear about that from any of the other neighbors."

"Well, like I said, she wasn’t exactly the social butterfly of the block. But she and I did become friends. I’ll miss her, but that’s what happens when you get as old as me I guess, everyone you love goes away."

The comment struck a chord with Beth, she gazed at the old woman’s tired eyes, her age close to that of Mick’s. Even immortality didn’t protect you from loss and Beth wondered what the difference would be; living forever, or living to old age, you still lost in the end.

"Is there any family from her late husband’s side that you know? Someone we could contact?"

"Well, after Bruce died, they stopped coming around," she looked down for a moment and fiddled with her purse, "but there was Gregg."

"Who is Gregg?"

"Gregg is, well, I guess her step-nephew, he would come by every now and then. I didn’t like him much, but he would come over and spend time with her. She would dote over him. I found out she was giving him money, so I told her he was young enough to go out and get a job and to stop giving him money. She did and he stopped coming by."

"How long ago was this?" Beth put her pen down.

"About three months ago, I think."

"Do you know his last name?"

"It’s Bruce's brother’s son, so I assume the last name was Ingles, but nowadays you never can tell."

"Thank you, Miss Goldstein, here’s my card. Please give me call if there’s anything else you can think of."

Miss Goldstein gathered her purse, smiling at Beth and walked out of the office.

"Ben!" Beth rushed into his office,

"Get this, Vida had a nephew! I looked him up and I think the detectives should go and check him out."

"Ok, I put it on their docket" He threw the file down on his desk and turned back to his computer. Beth shifted her stance and crossed her arms.

"Um, are they going to get to it anytime soon?"

"They’re busy right now. In fact, all of our homicide detectives are being stretched thin, it seems there have been a rash of murders lately." He leaned back in his chair and gave her a challenging look.
"Well, then if you don’t mind, I’ll just look into it myself." She grabbed the file and headed out of his office. Ben jumped to his feet and caught her.

"Beth, wait! Don’t go by yourself," Beth looked down at his hand holding on to her forearm, he released her. "I mean, take one of the uniforms with you."

"I’ll see you later," and with that she walked out of the office.

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He had to get out of the loft, even if it was just for an hour. Walking down the familiar green corridors of the morgue was a small escape and seeing friends might do him some good. He pushed open the door to Guillermo’s exam room and greeted his friend. He could smell her in the room, amongst all the blood and chemical, Beth’s smell was still strong there.

"Was Beth here today?"

"Uh, …no, yesterday. She came in to see a body and get a report." Guillermo suddenly found himself extremely busy.

"Really?" Mick followed him to another table, "So, did you guys talk?"

"Talk? Of course we talked, we talked about the body, we talked took about the report. Did we talk? Really, Mick, you sound paranoid." Guillermo pulled out a bag of blood. "Want a drink? Blood Alcohol Content is 2.5"

"No, thank you." Guillermo didn’t like the tone of Mick’s voice or the way he was looking at him either.

Guillermo was just about to make a break for the door when Terrance walked in, whistling, the poor bastard. Terrance took one look at Mick, scented the anger in the air and started to run for it. Mick chased him down the halls and pinned him on a gurney.

"Why you running, Terrance?" He snarled.

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Beth rode in the cruiser with Officer Daniels, looking in the mirror she could see Oscar following behind. She felt silly asking an officer to take her to a suspect’s house knowing that Oscar could dismantle any person that posed a threat to her. Her second guardian. That’s when her phone rang, it was Mick again. Daniels looked over at her as she turned her phone off.

"Avoiding someone?"

"More like still cooling off." Beth took a deep sigh.

"Yeah," he chuckled, "My wife does the same thing to me when she’s mad. Hey, go easy on him, he probably doesn’t even know what he did."

Beth chuckled then rolled her eyes "[em]he knows alright[/em]!" she thought. But she wasn’t about to let Officer Dildo into her personal life.

They walked up the steps to the apartment, loud music playing inside and a sweet smell lingered. She looked back and saw Oscar leaned against her car across the street.

Officer Daniels knocked on the door, a shuffle of movement was heard. He knocked again with more force. A sleepy blonde answered the door, shielding her eyes from the sun. Beth wondered momentarily if she was vamp, then thought better of it when she saw the track lines on her arms.

"What the fuck do you want!" she barked.

"We’re with the District Attorney’s office, is Gregg Ingles here?" The Officer asked.

She slinked away from the door, "He’s on the couch," leaving the door open she walked down the hall and out of sight. Beth and the officer exchanged looks.

"You’re the civilian. Take a look."

Beth peeked inside the apartment. It was dark and smoky; trash littered the floor and every available surface. Dirty laundry was laying around, old dried food stuck to dishes piled in the sink and along the counter. But in the living room, the source of all the loud music, was a brand new stereo system. Squinting her eyes she could see iPods and a large pile of heroine sacks next to the largest bong she had ever seen. Cozy.

"I think you might want to take a look at this." She called to the officer. He peeked in the door, and nodded to her.

Stepping back outside, he called into his radio for backup.

Beth waited outside the apartment until the backup units arrived. The occupants were all arrested on drug charges and Gregg was being taken in for questioning. As Beth started to make her way back to the office, Oscar sat next to her.

"You’ve been in a foul mood." She chided him. It was a game she began to play due to his lack of conversation. "I at least expect you to nod or smile or do something besides…nothing."

He turned his head and gave her a great big fake smile and held it until it began to make her uncomfortable.

"Ok, you can stop now! You’re much prettier when you do nothing."

Oscar smiled inwardly

"You don’t like humans do you?" she asked.

"Oh, I like humans."

The remainder of the ride back to the office was in silence.

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He kept glancing at the clock, then pacing, then angrily staring at his phone, only to return to the file sitting in front of him. Josh had been very close to the truth, he only needed a gentle nudge to find it and he probably would have. He had a statement from Leni, and made remarks about Beth’s arm. Notes about Lola’s factory, Black Crystal, and Beth's cell phone record. But it was the older records and files that Lindsay had pulled, cases Mick had worked on before Beth, even notes about his so called father Mick St. John Sr., that made him wonder how close Talbot is to the truth.

The visit this morning was unsettling on many levels. On one hand the guy seemed like he was vying for her, then on the other, he seemed out to discover his secret. Maybe both. Mick sat back in his chair, looked at the clock, then to his phone. He closed the file and began to pace his office. When his phone rang he nearly lunged for it. "Josef." He answered, his tone one of disappointment.

"Really! Don’t tell me you're still in the doghouse?"

"What’s up?" Mick asked exasperated.

"It can wait. This is far better. So how’d she find out anyway?" Josef could have been a school girl with the glee in his voice.

"Vamp at the morgue, Terrance."

"Want me to take care of him?" his tone almost hopeful.

"What?… No!" Mick slammed the file shut.

"Well I’ve had my fair share of trouble with the ladies, so I’ll give you a little piece of advice; just go to her, explain your lack of… actions, and she’ll forgive you for being so boring."

"Very funny." Mick scoffed, " But I'll give it a try."

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Beth plopped down in her chair, and wiggled the mouse to wake up the computer. She had most of her report written and it would only take a hour to finish it off. Ben appeared at her desk, pulling a chair up beside her, effectively blocking her in the cubicle.

"Good job on the Ingles case." He said with praise.

"Thanks, I’m just finishing up the report." She replied tired.

"Glad to see you're in the swing of things."

"Thanks again." She gave him a doubtful look.

"Listen, a bunch of us are going down to the San Juan Club for drinks and I’d like for you to come, with me." He was playing with a paper clip on her desk.

Beth’s eyes widened.

"Oh, well, that’s a nice offer, but really I just want to go home." [i]To Mick[/i].

"Sure, I understand." Ben stood up and pushed the chair back. "So, who’s the guy?"

"Guy?"

"The guy that’s been following you around. Officer Daniels said he followed you two today."

[em]Shit.[/em]

"That’s Oscar."

"Oscar?"

"Yeah, I was going to tell you about him. He’s interested in being an investigator, I told him he could tag along, so long as he stayed out of my way, you don’t mind do you?"

"A groupie, eh?" he questioned.

"Yeah, well, he’s more of a glorified intern really." Beth voice raised, wondering if the vampire could hear her.

"Sure that’s fine, just keep him out of classified information."

"Will do, Boss."

Ben turned and walked back to his office, glancing back to ponder the mystery that seemed to surround Beth. He had seen Oscar before and the guy definitely did not look like the intern type. She didn’t seem to even acknowledge the guy when he was around so he couldn’t be a lover. No. One thing for sure, whoever he was Beth felt she needed to lie about him.

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Beth walked up the short flight to her floor, she rounded the corner and found Mick pacing in front of her door. He turned to her and dropped his worrying hands to his sides. She took a deep breath and continued down the hall. Walking up to her door, she didn’t say anything, just unlocked her door. Mick stood there watching her, giving her space. She opened the door, a few steps inside she turned to Mick still standing in the hallway. "You coming?"

He didn’t think twice, stepping in with one long stride and closing the door behind him. He stood in the foyer watching her place her purse on the counter, dock her phone and grab a bottle of wine. "Want some?" she offered.

[em]Ok. Maybe she’s not as pissed as I thought[/em].

Mick nods his head, walking into the living room and taking a seat on the couch. Beth walks in with two glasses and sits down on a chair across from him, setting his glass on the table. She leans back in the chair and folds her legs under her. Mick shifts in his seat, he had half expected her to share the couch with him, and now it felt huge and lonely. He grabbed the glass and took a nervous sip. Beth just stared at him.

"I didn’t see your car on the street." She spoke.

"Yeah," he studied the floor, "I didn’t want to scare you off."

He smiled, she didn’t.

"We have to be honest with each other, Mick." He felt like a little kid in trouble. "I find out about this at the morgue, Mick, the fucking vamps are gossiping about it," she motioned her hand through the air between them. "about you and me. What the hell happened that night?"

"Nothing happened…"

"[em]Something[/em] happened."

"Yeah, ok, something did happen," he stands up and hears a hitch in Beth’s heartbeat, "I stayed, despite my better judgment, played a lousy game of golf, and I fucked up with you. And that’s all that happened." Beth rises from her chair and walks over to stand next to him. Mick inspects his wine glass, then shoots back, "Now, what did you tell Talbot that made him so anxious to come over to my house at seven in the morning?"

"What? I didn’t tell him anything. He did that on his own." She sets her glass down. "Why would you think that I would talk to Talbot about us?"

"I just… well… he…"

"He gets under your skin."

"Yes." he sighed. [em]More than you can imagine[/em]. "Talbot's file on me is pretty thorough... it doesn't take much before I want to cause him bodily harm. My mind went crazy with the idea you were talking to him about us...

"About us... You didn’t fuck up. I was angry when I heard about the freshie golf; I just needed time to cool down…"

"I’m sorry. I should have just left. I did stake Terrance for being a gossipy bastard. He had to slurp down two pints of blood before the bruises went away. I hope it cut into his profit margin."

"That's supposed to make me feel better about the whole thing?

"No," [em]I'm fucking up again.[/em]

Beth steps forward and with a hand on Mick's chest pushes him back toward the couch. Forcing him to sit down or fall over the couch, Mick sits and Beth plops down on his lap. "You're cute when you’re busted, I over reacted, I should have trusted you..."

"Well me too..." Mick angles forward to kiss her, pausing a fraction of a moment to listen to the sound of Beth's pulse for signs of anger. Before he can move forward Beth closes the distance. Lips meet and loneliness retreats, for now. His mouth pulls at her lips, nibbling requesting entrance until it is granted...

"So..." he nibbled and kissed his way down her neck.

[em]"Mm-hmmm"[/em]

"...the next time you play golf with Josef"

"I’ll tell him where he can shove his clubs." He breathed against her skin.

"No, I want to be your caddy." She giggled.

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Music: Stop and Stare

It was strange. Talbot sat back and studied his notes. He had made a new list and taken notes from memory, to replace the files that had gone missing. Mick’s file had somehow disappeared, and he only had one suspect. Beth. There were secrets there, and not the bedroom kind.

[em]Uninjured when hit by a car…
No medicine in house
Aversion to sunlight
Doesn’t eat
Seemingly psychic
On the list[/em]

His phone rang. Unknown caller. He looked at his watch, almost eleven, who would be calling now?

"Ben Talbot" he answered, rubbing his eyes.

"By now I’m sure you have some questions, [em]strange[/em] questions?" The raspy voice asked

"Yes." he answered. Ben knew this caller, remembered his voice.

"Good. We’ll be in touch." The line goes dead.


Author: Photosue