Disclaimer: I don’t own the characters I write about. They belong to JER and NBC’s Passions.

Chapter 1:

Sheridan Crane walked down the road. She was minding her own business reading the morning paper. Well she wasn’t exactly reading she was people watching. It was sunny today and people mulled about main street following their Saturday routine. She watched three men and a woman come into view. These were the people she came to watch, to observe, to scrutinize. She was surrounded by actors and agents, but she wasn’t exactly an actress in some soap opera. She was a FBI agent, a special agent in fact. She had just been given her own unit and she was looking to fill some slots. This sunny place was none other than Hogan’s Alley in Quantico. Where FBI agents are molded and trained. The four agents Sheridan had her eye on now were about to graduate and she had heard they were the best of their class. She had read their files and was very impressed. The agents were George Clive, Ali Doyle, Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald, and Mark Knight. They all had their strengths and their weaknesses and the final test was to see them in action. Today there was a killer on the loose and they had to hunt the suspect out with limited evidence. The fingerprints at the crime scene turned nothing up. This person didn’t have a past criminal record. The only other evidence received was some hair the suspect shed. Shed was the keyword meaning no follicle and no chance for DNA testing. But the hair was blonde. And there seemed to be a lot of blondes out today.

They four split up and made their way into the crowd. They really didn’t know what they were looking for besides a blonde that looked able to kill a man, by strangulation. Ali got this strange feeling she was being watched she instantly got in touch with her partner.

"Luis?"

"Yeah Ali, you got something?"

"No nothing yet, but someone is watching me I can feel it"

"Where are you?"

"In front of the post office"

"There is a blonde reading a newspaper across the street from you and you’re right. She seems to be more interested in you than her newspaper. Stay put I am going to check it out"

Ali pretended to search people with her eyes in front of the post office. She wanted to look busy and nothing out of the ordinary was going to happen. Luis made his way to the suspect. He had been busy focusing on the woman behind the paper that he didn’t see that he was on a collision course with another woman. He plowed her over sending her on her butt. When she hit the ground the impact jostled something in her pocket. Luis thought he could make out a butt of a gun. What luck! But she followed his gaze to her pocket and jumped up and grabbed a kid that was passing by. She pulled out her gun and placed it at the kid’s temple. Luis tore out his gun and aimed it at the woman.

"Let him go!" he yelled.

"Don’t you come any closer or the kid gets it!" she hollered back. Now the town’s people saw what was going on and began to scream and run in all directions, but Luis kept focused.

"I’ll put a bullet through your head if you so much as look at that kid the wrong way"

"Fine you don’t want the kid hurt, take him!" she pushed the kid towards Luis trying to throw him off. The kid scrambled on the ground and crawled away as quick as he could.

"Freeze!" Luis demanded.

"Not a chance fly boy" she started to back away from him. He could hear Ali in the distance yelling at him to shout her but he couldn’t. She was a woman. He couldn’t shoot her. "See you on the flip side agent man"

She continued to back away. Then things got hairy. She yelled something about already killing one good for nothing man today, why not another. She pulled the trigger and shot Luis. Red paint splattered on his chest. The suspect started to run and the other agents stepped in shooting holes in her. She was covered in red paint when the Agent in charge called the exercise over. Luis pounded his fists into the ground mad as hell that he let himself get killed. This wasn’t good when he had a meeting with personal later to find out his first assignment. After this he was sure to be a desk ten floors below the ground. He wouldn’t be seeing any action anytime soon.

Sheridan closed her paper. She had seen everything she needed to do. She was disgusted an agent was killed especially when the suspect let the kid go. It couldn’t have been easier to take her out then but that didn’t happen. She went to personal to talk with Eddie Turner, the director. She wasn’t a happy camper but she needed to fill her unit. They were spread to thin as it was. She walked into Eddie’s office and plopped in a chair. He looked at her curiously she was showing no sign of emotion. FBI agents were good at that.

"So what’s the verdict?" he asked as he clasped his hands on his desk.

Chapter 2:

Sheridan exhaled loudly and let her frustration show. She didn’t want to fill her unit with just anyone but right now anyone would do. She had too many cases and not enough people.

"I thought you said they were the cream of the crop Eddie?"

"I heard what happened Sheridan. Lopez-Fitzgerald has never been able to shoot a woman, but he has usually been able to talk them down"

"What is he some macho man? A mama’s boy was taught to respect women even if they are crazed killers?"

"Something like that I think. He has been known to say woman are too fragile to be here. But his partner is a woman, go figure. So what you have three spots to fill?"

"Yes. And Ali is a very striking woman, that might have something to do with it. See if Agent Trenton wants to get out of the offices. I know he is sort of a loose cannon, but he is smart"

"You like to take chances on people don’t you?"

"I haven’t been wrong yet. And get me Ali Doyle. She knew I was watching her, she’s intuitive. And her partner too I guess"

"Lopez-Fitzgerald? The sexist who got killed today? Why?"

"You said it, I like to take chances on people. Besides someone needs to break this guy and why not me? It is going to drive him nuts to have a woman boss isn’t it?"

"It’s not going to be easy on him that’s for sure"

"Talk to you soon Eddie"

Sheridan got up from her chair and left the office. Agent Lopez-Fitzgerald was in a suit waiting to go inside to find out his fate. He really wasn’t looking forward to the office job he was going to receive. Sheridan walked towards him and gave him a small smile, trying to act like the fragile woman she was.

"Hey I saw you earlier. You were in Hogan’s Alley" Luis stated.

"Yep I was a town’s person today" that was all the information she wished to give him.

"Fun. Did you get a good assignment?" he asked her as he passed on his way to see Eddie.

"Not bad" she said simply.

"I’m sure it’s better than what I’ve got coming to me" he lowered his head and walked up to Eddie.

"You’ve got a lot coming to you alright" she said to herself as she made her way to her suite of offices.

Eddie Turner eyed Luis as he came in. Luis wasn’t hiding his emotions that was for sure. He was expecting the worst, a desk job. Only Luis didn’t know there was something worse for him. Eddie couldn’t wait to see his reaction. He motioned for Luis to take a seat and he did immediately.

"Hello Agent Turner" Luis said politely.

"Agent Lopez-Fitzgerald. I hear you had a little trouble this morning"

"Yes sir. I guess I’m just not ready yet"

"That might be true, but Agent Crane is going to take a chance on you"

"Agent Crane? I’ve never heard of him. What is the unit"

"A new unit. It is tagged as FBI for hire or FFH. Rich families and corporations sometimes need help sorting through threats and such. Local police don’t have time for such drivel as they call it. We tell them we’ll help and usually find some shocking information while doing so. It was how we uncovered the Hanson Drug Ring. It was being covered by Olharp Corporation which was threatening a hostile take over of Peterson Construction. Mr. Peterson hired us to do a little digging and look at what we found. This doesn’t happen all the time but Agent Crane can give you more information"

"Thank you sir" Luis reached across the table and shook his hand.

"Don’t thank me you have Agent Crane to thank"

"I’ll be sure to buy him a beer" Luis joked as he rose.

"Oh and Luis the reason you haven’t heard of Agent Crane is because he is not a he. Agent Sheridan Crane is a she"

Luis smacked the doorframe as he walked out. He was going to be working for a woman? This was worse than being behind a desk. He respected women, really he did. He just thought they should be at home cooking and such. This line of work was too dangerous for them and they could easily be hurt. That is why he took Ali on as a partner. She needed to be protected. But then he thought about it, she didn’t get shot today he did. He groaned he didn’t think there was anything worse than having a desk job, but boy was he wrong. He walked into the suite of offices that was to become his work place and took it all in.

"Agent Lopez-Fitzgerald" Sheridan called to him from inside her office. He made his way over and knocked on the door to be polite. "I called you in here you don’t have to knock" she informed him and he went inside closing the door behind him. His jaw dropped when he saw the woman, his boss, before him. Why didn’t she say anything to him earlier? This was going to be trouble. He could already feel it.

Chapter 3:

Sheridan sat in her leather chair leaning back. She had her arms across her chest and a mean as nail look in her eyes. Luis was not looking forward to this conversation. He was sure his reputation preceded him. She didn’t like happy in the least to see him there. He walked over to a chair and her icy eyes never left him. He could feel the daggers she was shooting at him. He tried to give her his best innocent puppy dog eyes to try and kill the tension between them.

"You can quit with those eyes they aren’t going to work with me" Sheridan stated harshly.

"Right, so um. Can I ask you why you wanted me in your unit? I know you saw me in action this morning. You couldn’t have liked what you saw"

"I saw you as a challenge. Don’t disappoint me Agent"

"No ma’am"

"Quit the ma’am crap. Do I look forty to you? I don’t think so. Now look we need to set something straight I am your boss. I will decide which cases you work and with whom. You will clear things through me and will not proceed without my ok. Do you understand me?"

"Yes ma’am" She shot him the look of death. "You didn’t tell me what you wanted me to call you" he quickly recovered.

"Sheridan will do just fine" they were interrupted by a knock on the door. It was Agent Nixon, another worker in the FFH.

"Sheridan, we have a break in the Harper case. It needs your attention" Nixon said with just his head popped through the door.

"I’ll be out as soon as I am done here Nixon. Thank you" Nixon disappeared as quick as he came. "Now Luis, I am going to hand you over to Leslie" he rolled his eyes, not another woman. Sheridan took notice. "And HE is going to show you the ropes. I am not going to pretend I like your attitude. You should be grateful I kept you from filing all day. Now smile it’s your first day" she gave him a Cheshire grin. And he looked like the dentist just gave him a root canal.

"Can I ask you one thing?" he wasn’t ready to leave. She nodded and he opened his big mouth.

"Are you always such a bitch?"

He looked at her and finally saw a different expression. She looked like she swallowed her tongue. And this amused him. Before she could answer or reprimand him and raven haired beauty waltzed into the office in a designer dress. This woman was obviously not FBI and he was instantly attracted.

"Sloan how the hell did you get in here this time? This is FBI headquarters, it is supposed to be secure"

"Aren’t you happy to see me love? And I made out with the guy at the guard booth. It was kind of nice he had a tongue ring" Sloan moved around the room like a model floating on air, Luis was almost positive she was one.

"Come give me a hug" the woman embraced and Luis saw an actual smile on Sheridan’s lips. There was a first time for everything. "What are you doing here?"

"What I can’t come see my best friend?" Sloan argued.

"You always have an ulterior motive. What is it this time Sloan?" And the old Sheridan was back. For a minute there Luis thought she almost looked human. "Did my father send you?"

"No of coarse not love" she sat on the edge of Sheridan desk and Sheridan continued to become unnerved.

"Look Sloan, I don’t mean to be rude. But Luis and I were talking and I have a case to work on" Sheridan pointed to Luis as she said his name and Sloan’s ears perked. The man was delicious.

"Oh hello darling" she made her way towards him. "Sheridan you chose quite a fine looking man"

"He isn’t my boyfriend if that is what you are implying. He works for me" Sheridan explained.

"Oh, even better. A taboo romance"

"Sloan leave!" she demanded.

"Fine, fine dear. We will have dinner tonight yes? I’ll pick you up at 8. Bye love. Nice to meet you Luis" and like a whirlwind Sloan was out the door. Sheridan shot her cold eyes back to Luis.

"I don’t know who you think you are. But you are never to talk like that to me again. Do you understand me?" she fired at him.

"Yes ma’am er… Sheridan"

"Now go find Leslie" she ordered pointing to the door. And he left as quickly as his feet would take him.

Sheridan opened the door and told Nixon and his team to quickly come inside. They looked over the case. They went through everything over and over again. It just didn’t seem to make sense. The Harper Company had a revenue 3 times what it should be according to their books. But everything in their books was legit. It was proving to be a real nightmare. Sheridan ordered everyone to leave her alone for a while she did her best thinking when she was alone. She didn’t like people watching her. At six she had had enough and was ready to kill. She burst through her office door and everyone looked at her hoping she had a solution.

"I’m going to work out. Who’s coming with me?" Luis noticed the eyes shift from her quickly. All of a sudden work seemed obsessively important to everyone. "No takers?" She asked again. What did everyone else know that Luis didn’t?

"I’ll spot you" Luis said cockily as he came out of the corner and marched up to her. She refused to acknowledge him.

"Any other takers?" she prayed for someone else, anyone else, but no one volunteered. "Fine!" she grabbed his wrist and dragged him out the door.

Chapter 4:

Sheridan walked out of the locker room in her normal outfit, a pair of Adidas biker shorts and a matching halter tank. Luis was stretching on the mats when she started towards him. His eyes were glued to her body. She wasn’t rail thin like most women wanted to be. She was defined and curvaceous. Luis shook his head he couldn’t have these thoughts about his boss. It wasn’t right and she was a bitch and hated him. It was never going to happen. When she got closer he managed to tear eyes off her body and raised it then to her head. He cracked a smile when he saw her hair.

"You should wear your hair like that to work. I knew you were the devil incarnate" she growled at him. Her hair was in two half pigtails but her hair was too short and it made it look like she had horns. "I’d be sure to respect you then"

"Shut up, get up, and hold the bag" she pointed to the open punching bag.

At first Luis held the bag loosely. He didn’t think that she was that tough. But she began to prove him wrong. She punched the bag with every ounce of emotion she had in her body and that he could handle. But then she side kicked the bag and it swung out of his hands. He looked embarrassed as he stopped. She then began to kick it into his stomach and a couple times she was sure she heard him groan. This only made her fight harder. After about twenty minutes of relentless kicking and punching Luis looked around the bag she didn’t look like she was going to stop any time soon. She had what he judged to be pure hatred in her eyes.

"Hey Rocky, don’t over do yourself"

But she didn’t seem to hear him. She continued to throw punches. The incredible hulk passed by and Luis asked him to hold the bag for him. Luis circle around Sheridan calling her names numerous times and she just continued to beat the bag harder and harder. Finally he snuck behind her and grabbed her. He pinned her arms to her sides and for a moment she still tried to kick.

"Hey, hey" Luis tried to bring her back to this planet. "Sheridan stop!"

"Huh?" she shook her head. "Let me go Luis!"

"Not until you calm down. Stop fighting me" She took a deep breath and stopped her struggles.

"There. Now please let me go"

"You got it" and he released his arms. "You look like you could use some water. Let’s go sit down for a minute"

"I don’t take orders from you!" she barked. "You do from me remember. Now hold the bag I’m not done yet"

"I don’t think so. When are you planning to stop, when you pass out or puke? It’s not healthy"

"So now you’re the health police? Hold the bag!"

"No!"

"Fine than I will get someone else to" she looked around the gym for someone she knew. "Hey Barney, hold the bag for me please" she asked sweetly to a guy across the room.

"Barney touch the bag and you’ll be sorry" Luis informed him.

"What the hell do you think you’re doing? Stop pretending you care"

"I don’t need my boss dying on me on the first day. I don’t want to be sent back to a desk. This is purely selfish. Now come on, we’re getting you some water"

She fought with him the whole way to the lobby. He sat her on a bench and got her a bottled water. He took off the cap and put it up to her lips, determined that she drink. She sat there defiantly at first but then ripped it from his hand and downed half the bottle.

"Now do you mind telling me what was going on in there?" he gave her a towel.

"Nothing was going on" she insisted.

"Yeah and it is normal to beat a bag to a pulp and space out at the same time"

"This is neither the time nor the place and you aren’t the person to talk about this with" she stated coldly.

"Fine, whatever. I am going to work with the free weights for a while"

"You don’t want to box or something?"

"With you? Hell no! One, I was taught never to hit a girl and two, I don’t want to see what I would look like tomorrow. You hit well…"

"If you say for a girl I am going to deck you" she stood to face him.

"I was going to say, you hit well ENOUGH to scare me. I’m not stepping in a ring with you" he saw her give him a hint of a smile.

"I’m going to run for a while then I guess. Treadmill here I come" she started for the gym again.

"Hey" he called out to her and she turned back around. "Your horns are crooked Lucifer"

"Shut the hell up Luis"

She glared at him and then found an open treadmill. Luis walked to the free weights and started to do bicep curls and power squats. When he had worked up a sweat and was satisfied he went to look for his lady boss. He found her right where he left her, on the treadmill. He walked up to her machine and leaded against it. She refused to look at him. He waved his hand in front of her face but she didn’t so much as flinch. Finally he resorted to sabotage. He placed his finger on the control and sped the track up. At first it didn’t faze her but soon it was too fast for her legs to keep up with and she hopped off.

"What do you want?" she said with her voice filled with annoyance.

"You’ve been running for 45 minutes. Don’t you ever take breaks?"

"I don’t need them. I was just about to stop anyways" she started to walk away from him.

"Where are you going?"

"To shower and then to grab a bite to eat" she continued her path to the locker room.

"I’m coming with you"

"Excuse me? You most certainly are not. You are not my friend. You are barely a colleague. I think not"

"Oh don’t worry ma’am you are not on my list of favorite people either. I am just coming along to make sure you eat and don’t throw it up afterwards. I am doubting your sanity after that workout"

"I don’t need a babysitter and I am neither anorexic nor bulimic. Go home Agent"

"No I don’t think so. See you after your shower Lucifer"

Luis ran into his locker room determined to get out before she did. He knew if he didn’t she would leave without him. He might not like her but she was having some sort of battle in her head. He liked the unit he was in, he didn’t need the boss wigging out on him. Like he said before this was totally selfish.

Chapter 5:

Luis walked out of the locker room showered and dressed back in his navy suit. He was very surprised to see Sheridan sitting on a bench waiting for him. She had on jeans, and FBI sweatshirt and a hat. He thought about the unfair situation they were in. He was still dressed in his monkey suit and she looked ready to watch a football game. He wondered if she even knew what football was.

"You waited" he was flabbergasted.

"Well you asked so nicely" she said sarcastically. "Besides it is your first day I should have taken you out to lunch or something"

"Great now I think we should go …"

"Oh wait there fly boy" she interrupted. "I get to pick the restaurant. I am the boss remember?"

"How could I forget"

They walked out to their cars and realized that their two cars weren’t really necessary. Sheridan pointed out that her house was only a couple of miles away and they could drop one off there. Of coarse it would be Luis’s car they left behind. She wasn’t about to let him drive her anywhere. They drove in her gate and she waited for him to exit the car. He looked around at the house and the grounds and was amazed. The bureau paid her entirely too much. He finally got in her black BMW and just looked at her.

"What? Do I have something on my face?" she got defensive.

"You live here?"

"I have a trust fund. I didn’t buy it with government money"

"Trust fund? It figures" his voice got tough.

"You like pizza?" she changed the subject before he got hostile.

"Who doesn’t?"

"Great. Gino’s it is"

Sheridan backed out slowly and then pressed the pedal to the metal. She was going to continue to scare this man. He needed it. He deserved it. They arrived at the restaurant quickly. It was close to her house. They were seated in the back in a comfortable booth. It was covered with a red and white checked tablecloth and candles. It was comfy. The waitress bounced over to them obviously happy to see Sheridan.

"Hi Claire, it’s busy tonight" Sheridan welcomed her.

"I know, hardly a moment to rest. When are we going to run again?"

"Soon, I promise. Its really busy at work"

"You don’t have to explain. What can I get you and your date to drink?"

"He’s one of my Agents and I will have a water with lemon"

"Yes I am just one of her lowly agents and I’ll have the same" Claire went off to get their drinks.

"I never said you were lowly" Sheridan retorted.

"But you implied it. I know you don’t think highly of me"

"As an agent I do. Your credentials are impeccable, except for your performance this morning. As a person you’re right I don’t care for you at all. You are one of the few remaining chauvinist pigs"

"You really shouldn’t jump to conclusions"

"Oh really then prove to me you aren’t a macho jerk" she challenged him.

"I grew up without a father. I had my mother, brother and sisters to take care of. I have the utmost expect for my mother. She had to work two jobs to support us. I respect all women. I have just learned that from personal experience women are the weaker sex. Maybe not physically, as you proved earlier, but emotionally. My sisters have had so many broken hearts and Mama used to cry herself to sleep. I can’t help that I feel the need to protect them. And I will never be able to shoot or harm a women, intentionally that is"

"Well that seems honorable, but Luis step out of the dark ages. You seem to think women can’t tune out their emotions. But isn’t that what you’re doing right now? A criminal, that is a woman, is still a criminal. You’re letting the emotion to protect at all cost get in the way. You need to tune that out before you are going to get anywhere in the bureau"

At this time Claire had brought their drinks and asked for their order. Luis felt like he had just been sucker punched. What Sheridan said had hit hard, it was true and he knew it. That’s what stung more, when was this woman ever wrong?

"I’ll have the usual Claire. You like veggie pizza Luis?"

"Yeah, yeah whatever" he stammered.

"Make it a large then. And Claire I promise I’ll call you soon" Claire left them alone again. "Cat got your tongue Luis?"

"You’re right you know"

"Yes, I know" she smiled.

"I’ll work on it"

"You better"

"Now my turn to throw you for a whirl. Who’s Sloan? And does she have anything to do with your maniac workout session tonight?"

"Oh shit!" Sheridan exclaimed as she pulled out her cell phone. "I was supposed to have dinner with her tonight" she dialed frantically. "Hi daddy, it’s Sheridan. Where is Sloan staying? I was supposed to have dinner tonight and I got too caught up in work…Don’t start in on that daddy, you know I love my job…I don’t want to hear it…FINE! You call Sloan and tell her I am busy" she hung up the phone and threw it back in her purse. Luis just started at her waiting for her to divulge information. "Sloan is my stepmother"

"I was guessing sister but ok, but she said she was your best friend at the office"

"Yeah, we were in high school together and we were best friends. But then my father met her and took her under his wing"

"Among other things I bet"

"You got it. She is his little speedster. But there are both about as faithful as a hooker. They are a match made in heaven"

"And you don’t like her anymore because…?"

"She’s a bitch"

"Seems like you’d be buddies then" he snipped at her.

"Touché. Do I get a chance to explain myself?"

"Do you want one?"

"No" she sat back happily knowing she was driving him crazy.

Sheridan and Luis’s conversation was interrupted by a conflict by the bar. Some guy had come in with his girlfriend and was having drinks but now his wife was there too. And neither the girlfriend nor the wife was really happy at the moment. They were ready to kill each other. They started grabbing at hair and scratching anything they could. Sheridan tried to step in but they both went after her and sent her tumbling to the floor. She stood right back up and a girl took a swing at her. Luis reacting quickly pushed Sheridan out of the way but took the punch for her. Directly in the eye. It started to puff up right away. Sheridan had had enough. She reached down to her ankle and took the gun out she had holstered there. She then whipped out her badge and told them to stop or she would have to do something drastic. They instantly froze and were asked to leave the restaurant. Sheridan and Luis asked for their pizza to go and left also. They didn’t need anymore action tonight and Luis’s eyes was already almost swollen shut. They were back in Sheridan’s car when she just burst out laughing.

"What?" he asked kind of annoyed. He knew she was laughing him.

"I’m sorry Spot. But you do realize that the people in the office are going to think I did this to you"

"And you are going to let them aren’t you Luce?"

"Oh hell yeah. No one is ever going to mess with me again" she smiled brightly as she pulled into her driveway. They got out of her car and Luis handed her the pizza. He then headed towards his car as she went to the door. "Aren’t you going to come in to eat?"

"You’re inviting me in? You don’t like me remember?"

"You’re wounded and hungry. I think I’ll take pity on you this once. Come on Spot"

Sheridan walked back and grabbed his arm. He was going to eat with her whether he wanted to or not. She felt kind of guilty that he got hit. But it serves him right for trying to protect her. She was ready to defend the punch and whirl the girl’s arm behind her back but he had to go into macho mode. It was his biggest fault and she was going to break him of it yet.

Chapter 6:

Luis’s eyes wandered around the house in amazement. He had only heard that houses this big existed, he had never seen it before. Sheridan had to call his name three times before he snapped back to reality. He followed her into a kitchen that looked to be industrial sized but too clean to look used. She threw the pizza on the breakfast bar and ran around and got some plates. She was now half bent in her refrigerator rummaging around for something for them to drink. He couldn’t help but look at her cute little butt but he about hit himself when he realized what he was doing. She was his boss and she hated him. Not to mention he thought he was a bitch. But he was beginning to doubt that was her real personality. The more time he spend with her the more he believed it was a front she used towards men.

"I’ve got water or beer. Take your pick Spot"

"The princess has beer? I would thought it would be all wine" she stood up and bent around the door sending him a nasty glare. "I’ll take a beer" she smirked at him and came back with two cold ones. She pulled up a stool and they opened the box.

"I happen to like beer thank you very much" she said cockily as she twisted off her cap.

"Sorry. I shouldn’t stereotype. Do you ever use this kitchen? The chrome shines so much I think I am going to be blind"

"I can’t cook" she admitted. "I’m buds with the Chinese delivery guy"

"What you don’t have a cook?"

"No sorry, but a do have a maid" she retorted.

"Look, I don’t mean to sound mean. I’m just curious"

"You don’t have any reason to be interested in my personal life. We are professionals" she said flatly and took a bite of the now cold pizza.

"Professionals who work out together and professionals who are sharing a pizza in your enormous kitchen, huh?"

"Ok, point taken. Look this house was given to me from my father. I didn’t ask for it but when I graduated from the academy this is what I got. I use my trust fund for the property taxes and upkeep. My trust fund stay closed otherwise. Do I look like a rich socialite?" she swung her foot onto the counter. "I’ve had these sneakers for about three years and am not about to part with them because they are out of style"

"All right, enough! I get the picture now. You have all this money but you refuse to use it because you hate your father" she about choked on her beer when he said that.

"How did you know that?"

"I took a couple courses in profiling" he took a swig of his beer. "And that is why you hate me, because I am a man. You have a problem projecting your hatred of your father onto all men"

"I hate you because you are an arrogant bastard, and I do not have a problem with projection. Do you want some ice for your eye? Sorry I don’t have any steak"

"It’s about time you asked me. And yes that would be nice seeing as my eye is now swollen shut" Sheridan got up and looked in her freezer. All her ice trays were empty.

"Unbelievable" she commented. "She came back with a bag that didn’t look a thing like ice.

"What’s this?" he reached for the bag.

"Peas, sorry no ice but this should work"

Sheridan sat down and they continued to eat. Luis decided that talking about work was the only safe territory between them. He asked questions about the unit and she happily answered. The pizza was quickly consumed and was now getting on to midnight. Luis moved to get up.

"Luis, before you leave I need to do something" she moved right in front of him so close that her perfume was lingering in his nostrils. He thought she was going to kiss him and he almost wished she would. Instead she brought her hand up and slapped him below his bruised eye.

"What the hell was that for?" he backed up from her.

"You have no peripheral vision. You aren’t driving anywhere"

"I’ll be fine. You don’t expect to me to stay here do you?"

"You can call a cab if you want but you aren’t to get behind the wheel and that is an order Agent. I have a guest room or two you can use if you so desire"

"I’ll call a cab"

"It’s your choice" She waited while he dialed knowing her would need her address. He hung up the phone without asking.

"Where’s that room?" he asked obviously not happy.

"How long was the wait?" she smiled knowing that it would be hard to get a cab on a Friday night.

"An hour"

"I’ll show you"

She got Luis settled in one of her guest rooms and then went on to her own bedroom. She dreamed pleasant dreams that night and so did he. She was woken in the morning but the ringing of her phone in her ear.

"What?" she groaned as she picked up the phone.

"Sheridan, it’s Nixon. There is something going down in the Harper case. You need to go to Minneapolis right away"

"I’ll meet you at the airport in an hour" she continued to mumble as she woke up.

"It’s Ashley’s birthday today Sheridan. I can’t leave" Ashley was his daughter and she wasn’t about to break the little girl’s heart.

"Then tell me who is available?" she stretched now fully awake.

"Umm…"

"Out with it Nixon"

"Lopez-Fitzgerald has the best qualifications" he was glad he wasn’t anywhere near her.

"Fine. I’ll get his ass out of bed" she said without thinking about it.

"We’ve already tried to call him. He isn’t home"

"He’s here" she slipped again.

"OOOOHHHH" he sang in her ear.

"NO! There was an accident last night and he couldn’t drive home" she quickly tried to recover.

"Sure there was. You two have that love hate thing going for you, I understand"

"No we have a hate-hate relationship. I do not date my agents"

"I didn’t say you were dating him, just having a little fun on the side"

"Drop dead Nixon. Have the information waiting for us at the airport"

Sheridan then hung up the phone and threw he covers from her body. She was a beauty in her white silk nightgown and now it was time to go wake the beast. They had a case to deal with.

Chapter 7:

Sheridan entered the guest room without knocking. She hoped that he didn’t sleep naked, or if he did he was sufficiently covered. Well they more she thought about it the more she didn’t mind if she snuck a peak. She might not like Luis as a person but she had to admit he had a nice body. Not that she would ever tell him that. His head was big enough already. The room was dark because the heavy drapes and blinds were closed. She noted that he didn’t look half bad while he was asleep, too bad when he was awake he was a monster. She walked to the drapes and ripped them open. She twisted the blinds open and sun poured in.

"Wake up sleepy head" she said in a fake sing song voice, the sole purpose to annoy him. His only response was a groan. So she jumped on the bed hitting him squarely on the stomach on the way down.

"What are you doing? It’s too early" he tried to roll away from her. She took a hold of his face and jerked it towards her.

"Your eye looks much better today. You’re a fast healer spot" she patted him on the tummy some more. "Now come on, time to get up" she rose up off the bed.

"Why? It’s Saturday" he pulled the covers over his head.

"We’re taking a trip you big baby. Now get up!" she yelled him.

"A trip?" he said from under the covers.

"We have a case"

She had never seen anyone get out of bed so fast. He was standing in his boxers with an eager smile on his face. She made a mental note of his preference of boxers before she could realize what she was doing. Luis was so excited. It was to be his first official case. He started firing questions at her, the who, the what, the why? She just laughed until he stopped for air.

"Luis, simmer down. I don’t know all the gory details right now. We have information waiting for us. We can talk more in the plane. Now you need to home and pack"

"How long are we staying? Where ever we are staying"

"We are off to Minneapolis, my guess is for no less than a week" she started towards the door but stopped under the doorframe. "By the way, nice boxers"

And then she was gone. She hadn’t meant to make that comment but she couldn’t help herself. She was also sure she saw him blush at her comment. That suited her just fine. Anything to get to that man. Luis looked down at his boxers and then back to her. She had a seductive smile on her face as she left he was sure about it. What exactly was happening between them anyways? He pondered that thought as he was getting dressed. He left her house without saying goodbye. He heard the shower running and although he was tempted to get back at her for the boxer comment by accidentally walking in on her shower he decided it against it. He went out to his car after leaving a note saying he would be back after he packed. He got behind the wheel and checked his eye. It was no longer swollen shut but it was pretty shades of purple and green. He opened the gate that protected the estate and went to his small apartment. He showered, packed and was back at her estate before she had one suitcase filled.

"I’m almost ready" she said as she opened the door to let him in.

"I bet" he chuckled. "You may be a FBI agent, and my boss but you are still a woman and I’m guessing you are no where near ready" he challenged.

"I’ll be ready in five minutes" she shot out of the room and packed with a vengeance. She returned coat on and two suitcases in hand.

"That was seven minutes. You failed your assignment Agent"

"Don’t give me that Agent crap Luis. I am your boss"

"Don’t worry you never are going to let me forget it"

There was a buzzing sound and Sheridan opened the gate for the taxi she had called for. They arrived at the airport in no time and found Nixon waiting for them by the entrance door. He handed them each a folder, said good luck and left. Sheridan opened hers and pulled out her plane ticket and new driver’s license. Luis wasn’t sure what to do at first but followed her lead. They checked in, boarded the plane and found their seats without a problem. The government had them flying first class. Sheridan reminded Luis not to talk much to other people until they had a chance to study up on their new identities. This was an undercover operation and she didn’t want anything compromised. The plane took off and they were offered drinks before Sheridan pulled out her envelope again to find out who she was going to be this week. Luis studied her reaction as he pulled the information from his packet.

"I’m going to kill Nixon" she fumed.

"What don’t like your new profile?" he teased.

"Look at yours" she slowly sipped on her water as she watched him.

"You’re kidding me right?"

"I’m afraid not dear"

"How is this going to work sweetums?"

"We’re professionals. We’ll make this work. Got that hubby?"

They both sat and sulked the rest of the flight. They left the case details alone for the moment and just worked on memorizing the personal ones. Sheridan and Luis Whittier were newlyweds. And were going to the Twin Cities because Luis was looking for a new job. He hoped to land one at General Mills or the Carlson Companies. Sheridan was an art fanatic and was going to try and get a job at one of the art museums in the cities. They arrived at the hotel they would be staying in and got settled in their room. Luckily it was a suite, complete with a couch. Sheridan thought about what luck Luis had. If there hadn’t been a couch he would have had the floor to deal with. She wasn’t letting this man near her. There was something weird going on between them and she wasn’t about to do something stupid and sleep in the same bed as the man. They settled at the table and had out their folders intent on researching the case until they couldn’t see straight. They had ordered room service and munched on their food as they found out the details of the Harper Case.

"I can’t believe this" Sheridan exclaimed. "How are they pulling this off?"

"Now let me see if I get this straight. Someone has an obsession for the artwork of Simon Vouel. And according to the computer searches the day after each one is stolen the Harper Company always has five million dollars less. As if someone is paying off the thief. Couldn’t that be just a coincidence?"

"Yes but there is also the insurance policy that is purchased on the same day, for varying amounts to protect the paintings"

"And how did we obtain this information?" Luis questioned.

"IBM wants to acquire the Harper Company and they asked us to check them out for them. It was by accident but we just might be on to something"

"So why Minneapolis? Isn’t the Harper Company based in New York?"

"Yes, but you see The Minneapolis Institute houses one of the last Vouel’s in the United States"

"Angel with an Attribute of the Passion" he looked at the picture of the painting he had in his hands.

"Correct"

"So are we here to prevent the theft or to set a trap?"

"Setting a trap is prevention" she continued to knock him down. "And yes we are going to set one"

"Where do we start?" his eagerness was back and it made her smile. He really seemed to enjoy his work. She did too, but not the way he did. She started off at the academy simply to piss her father off. But she learned she was good at it and ran with it. She admired how passionate he was about it.

"We get a good nights sleep and then go to the institute tomorrow"

"Sounds good to me. The couch has been calling my name for an hour"

"What a gentleman. I didn’t even have to tell you where you were going to rest your head"

"Yeah right, tell me" he got up from the table and started to walk away from her.

"Luis, I am your boss. I am going to tend to tell you what to do" she stood up to him defensively.

"Yes I know you are my boss. You seem to like to point that out" he grew angrier with every word. "Have I ever tried to undermine your authority? No! So why are you still treating me like the scum of the earth?"

"I’m not sure" and she wasn’t. She had no reason for treating him the way she had.

"Whatever. Night ma’am"

He walked away and fell on the couch without removing his clothes or anything. He would wait until she was in bed before he moved a muscle. They had known each other for less than two days and he for one was already sick of the games they were playing. Sheridan readied herself for bed. She kept glancing out of the bathroom at the back of the couch. Luis hadn’t moved. She wondered what was going on. She was sick of the dancing around they were doing. She was his supervisor. It was clear what their relationship should be. But why did she have this nagging feeling there was more to it than that?

Chapter 8:

Sheridan woke up in the morning feeling refreshed and ready to take on the scoundrels. She looked over to the other part of the suite and didn’t think Luis was up yet. She wasn’t looking forward to dealing with him today. She had been such a child last night, rubbing her authority in his face. And for the life of her she still didn’t know why. She rose from the bed and crept over to the couch. She wanted to see if he was still asleep. She remembered yesterday morning and from that she guessed he wasn’t a morning person. It would be safe to take a peak at him. She leaned over the back of the couch first, testing the waters. He looked to be fast asleep so she moved around the couch and sat on the coffee table in front of him. Her fingers itched to touch him, but she kept herself in control.

"I know this is weak Luis, but I won’t be able to say this if you are awake" she said lightly. "I’m sorry for last night. I don’t mean to rub my position in your face. But whenever you are around I can’t seem to control myself, well my mouth that is. I have no reason why you bring out the worse in me. I don’t mean it, I promise" she said sincerely. "You look so beautiful lying there" she lost herself for a moment. "Oh my, I can’t believe I just said that. Thank God you’re asleep. I’m going to shut up now" she rambled.

She left him to his sleep and went to take a shower. Luis rolled over when he heard her shut the bathroom door. He let out a frustrated sigh. At least he was getting to her as much as she got to him. He stared at the ceiling for a while deciding whether or not he was going to tell her he heard her. It might make their relationship a bit more tolerable but it could also make it really uncomfortable to work this case together. He decided not to take a chance on the case. He could always tell her he heard once the case was closed. He got up and started rifling through his bag for the day’s clothes. He didn’t realize he had thought about the situation for so long nor did he notice the water had stopped running. She came out of the bathroom wrapped only in a towel. He about had a heart attack when he saw her. No one had the right to look that good in a towel.

"I didn’t think you’d be up yet" she said as she walked to her suitcase. It was stupid of her not to take her clothes with her. She could feel his stare penetrate through her towel and it unnerved her. It didn’t help the situation either that he was standing there in just a pair of jeans. "I trust you are ready for today" she said anything to try and crush the thoughts in her head.

"Yes. I stayed up after you went to bed and studied the floor plan of the museum"

"You didn’t have to do that" he had shocked her and she then realized she had been taking out her bra and it was now hanging midair. She shoved it in her pile of clothes.

"I couldn’t sleep. What are our plans for the day Mrs. Whittier?"

"Well Mr. Whittier" she played along. "We need to go to the museum and look around for awhile. We will find the best places to put extra cameras that don’t work on the same system. The equipment has already been delivered to the museum security guards. Then we have the rest of the day to ourselves to enjoy what the Twin Cities have to offer"

"We aren’t going to install the system?" Luis was a whiz at electronics and was disappointed he wasn’t going to get a hands on experience.

"No Luis we don’t want to be there after hours. They could have spies. They will think they are just stepping up measures. But we are hoping they will also assume it all runs on the same system. I know you are talented in the electronic field but it is the best. You will get to show your stuff another time. Just be patient"

"Well go get dressed. I want to start in on the case"

The eagerness she admired in him was back. He was like a little kid on Christmas, so excited. She nodded and went into the bathroom and got ready. She came out in jeans and sweater. Her hair was done and her teeth were sparkling white and he was ready to forget she was his boss and make use of their wedding vows. Too bad they weren’t real vows and just fabricated by the FBI. They left for the Institute of Arts and were enamored when they saw the building. It was simple yet beautiful. It was a large white building with columns like roman temples. They walked inside and pretended to gaze at the paintings when in reality they were studying the rooms themselves. Angel with an Attribute of the Passion was on the second floor and in a room with other European paintings. There were three doors in the room, each on a different wall. The opposing doors led into rooms that held more paintings the other led into a main hallway. They decided to put some mini cameras in the doorframes. They would also put some motion detectors there. They also decided a camera in the frame of the painting would be useful. They hoped it wasn’t an expensive frame, but then again what did they really care. The government would compensate for the damage. They finished casing the room and were in the lobby retrieving their coats when they overheard the receptionist talking to a couple. They couple was well dressed and had an air of importance to them. They put on their coats as slowly as possible and stained their ears to hear the conversation. They could only make out that they wished to arrange a private showing. Sheridan gathered that their secretary was turned down so they decided to put in a personal appearance. They saw the museum curator walking down the corridor towards the front desk. Luis moved to talk to him before he went to the wealthy couple. Sheridan and Luis had met Mr. Jacobs when they were on the second floor studying their surroundings. He knew exactly why the Whittiers were in town and he planned to make it as easy as he could for them.

"Mr. Jacobs, we need your help" Luis said quietly.

"What can I do for you Mr. Whittier?" Mr. Jacobs asked politely.

"Who is the couple at the counter? They want to arrange a private showing" Luis explained.

"Ah yes, that is Mr. And Mrs. Harper"

"As in the owner of the Harper Companies?" Sheridan questioned and Mr. Jacobs nodded in affirmation. "I thought they lived in New York"

"Oh no, The Harpers have been residents of Minneapolis for some time now" he corrected.

"Mr. Harper is the CEO" or so Sheridan thought.

"You are right. Mr. Royce Harper is the CEO of the company, the junior version that is"

"Mr. Jacobs you have to introduce us" Sheridan urged.

"As you wish Mrs. Whittier" he escorted her and Luis to meet them.

The introduction had gone smoothly. Luis and Sheridan played up their common interests with Royce and Gina and soon found themselves invited to dinner. They graciously accepted and planned to meet them at the restaurant at eight. They returned to the hotel to rest and change. They went to dinner with the Harpers, but it was a bust. All they talked about was art. Nothing at all was helpful to the case. In fact within a half an hour they were both bored out of their skulls. They resorted to sipping, rather quickly, champagne. They took a taxi back to their hotel room. They were both rather giddy by this time. Sheridan was leaning on Luis for she could hardly walk at this point. He was still able to control his body. Sheridan flopped down on the bed as soon as she entered the room. Luis chuckled as he passed her on the way to the couch.

"You know Luis, you can sit on the bed with me. You don’t have to keep your distance. I don’t bite"

"Are you sure about that?" he started to move back towards her.

"I will keep myself under control if you promise to be a good boy" a sly smile crept onto her face.

"Will I get bitten if I’m naughty, because I might like that punishment" he was about to crawl onto the bed when he realized their banter was seductive and it scared him shitless. "I think I am just going to the couch" he stiffened and started to backup.

"No Luis. Please I want to talk" she whined.

"What about?" he refused to move.

"Work of coarse" he figured that was a safe subject so he sat with her.

"Do I really act like a bitch?" she asked innocently. "I don’t mean to"

"You’re not a bad person Sheridan. You just need to loosen up"

"Will you help me?" her eyes were wide and pleading, how could he say no.

"Sure, we’ll work on it sometime"

"Thank you Luis. And I am sorry I have been such a jerk"

"I know"

"How do you know?"

"I heard you this morning"

"You heard me?" she buried her head in a pillow in embarrassment. "Did you hear everything?"

"Yes I know you think I am beautiful" a cocky grin was plastered on his face. "Did you mean it though?" he was never insecure before, but he had to be sure. She uncovered her head and looked him straight in the eye.

"Are you kidding Luis? Look at you. You are incredibly yummy! You are like my favorite Popsicle. I want to lick you all over and never stop" the alarm bell started to go off in Luis’s head after this comment.

"Sheridan, you’re drunk and so I am. We need to stop talking and go to bed" he needed to get away from her before he did something stupid. He didn’t know when things changed between them, but he was glad. Or was he scared. He was confused and he left it at that.

"Ok then come to bed" she purred and pulled down the sheets inviting him to join her. He was damn tempted and almost threw caution to the wind but he managed to stay in control.

"Not tonight Luce, not tonight" frustrated Sheridan struggled to get under the covers. She didn’t even care she was still fully dressed shoes and all. She gave him a nasty look as he walked away.

"I think you are the one who needs to loosen up Spot" she shot at him. He was about to reply to her comment but when he looked back he saw her eyes were closed. He called her name but got no answer. She passed out on him thank God. He didn’t know how much more of it he could take before he jumped into bed with her. He decided to take a shower to cool down and then he too would go to bed.

Chapter 9:

Luis was in the shower when he heard her screams. He tore out of the bathroom, gun in hand, body dripping and quite uncovered. He saw Sheridan still in bed and no signs of an intruder. She was tossing and turning in her sleep and her arms were thrashing all over the place. Tears were also flowing steady down her face. Luis panicked and jumped into bed with her and cradled her head into his chest. He stroked her hair trying to calm her. He had never seen anyone react in such a way to a nightmare. Her sobs finally subsided and Sheridan awoke to this eerie feeling of being safe. Never after anyone of her nightmares had she ever felt safe.

"What’s going on?" she blinked making her eyes focus.

"You were having a nightmare, I think. Are you ok now?"

"Yeah" she jumped out of his arms and wiped the remaining tears off her cheek. "I’m fine" she stiffened.

"What was that all about?" he pushed.

"Nothing" she lied and turned away from him.

"Yeah right. I have never seen someone that shaken up"

"Drop it Luis, okay? It was nothing"

"You don’t always have to act all strong and tough. It’s okay to have fears" he wanted so much for her to open up to him.

"I do have fears. I creep out whenever I see a spider. This was nothing"

"I don’t believe you"

"Fine. Believe what you wish, but…why am I all wet?"

"I was in the shower when I heard you scream. And before you turn around, no I didn’t have time to grab a towel"

"You’re naked" she fought to keep her head pointed the way it was. She wondered if this is what being tortured felt like.

"Well I have my gun" he joked. "Why don’t you just sit there staring at the wall and I’ll go finish my shower"

"I think that is a wise idea" she wished she had the courage to ask him to stay, she felt so safe in his arms. Nothing would ever hurt her while she was wrapped in his arms. But there was no way she would let herself feel this way about someone, especially someone she worked with.

"You’ll be ok right?"

"I’m fine Luis. Now go"

"You’re not going to turn around right?"

"If I wanted to sneak a peak at you don’t you think I would have done so by now?"

"True. I’ll be back and then we’ll talk"

"There is nothing to talk about Luis. It was just a silly nightmare"

"You keep saying it was nothing but I have yet to believe you"

Luis finally made it back into the bathroom. Sheridan fell back against her pillow. Why was he being so nice to her all of a sudden? She decided not to think about it because she didn’t want to analyze her own feelings for him. She decided to go to sleep instead. Before she closed her eyes though she kicked off the covers and looked at her feet. Why did she still have her shoes on? And she still had on her skirt and sweater too. Come to think of it, she didn’t exactly remember how they got home from dinner with the Harpers. She wondered what else she didn’t remember. She heard the water turn off and she quickly scrambled to her suitcase. She dug out her nightgown and was in it in record time. She tried to get in bed and close her eyes before Luis came back out. And she thought she accomplished this but she didn’t.

"I heard you running around out here. I know you’re awake" Luis said as he walked past her bed.

"I hate sharing a room with other Agents. You can’t get away with anything" she groaned. "Luis how drunk was I earlier?"

"Drunk enough that I am assuming you don’t remember anything"

"That would be a good assumption. I didn’t do or say anything stupid did I?" she prayed she behaved herself.

"Nope not that I can think of. But do you remember the Harpers inviting us to their private showing tomorrow night?"

"They did? They must have liked us huh?" she giggled.

"I guess so. They were amazed by your knowledge of art, which just got richer as you got drunker"

"I probably made a lot of it up. I have no art history background. I can’t believe they bought it"

They were laughing about their conquest with the Harpers when the phone rang. Sheridan reached over to answer it. It better be something damned important seeing as it was 3 in the morning. As Sheridan talked Luis noticed her facial expression turn graver and graver. This wasn’t going to be good news he was sure of it.

"That was the security guard at the institute" she struggled to hold back some tears. "Umm. There was a shooting"

"Who got hit Sheridan?" he watched as she began to hurry around the room to find her clothes, shoes and gun.

"That’s the awful thing Luis. You know how the children’s theatre is connected to the institute. Well it was opening night and they were having a cast party, with investors and stuff like that"

"And?" he decided he should get dressed too. So he gathered his clothing while she continued to talk through the bathroom door.

"Three kids went outside to get away from the party for a while. They were found an hour later on the steps, all shot, all dead"

"Random act of violence?"

"No. The slugs recovered were the expensive crap imported from China. Local thugs wouldn’t have the money for that"

"Let’s go. We have some work to do"

Chapter 10:

Sheridan and Luis arrived at the site within half an hour. Police had already taped off the steps of the museum. The bodies of the children had already been removed and now cleaning crews were hosing down the steps with bleach water. Luis and Sheridan were out of uniform trying not to draw attention to themselves. They walked around until they found the local police chief. Not that they expected that she knew the FBI were in town, but they were hoping for a chance to flash their badges.

"Excuse me, are you the police chief?" Sheridan asked as politely as she could.

"Yeah, I’m Chief Tarpin. You witnesses?" she asked but didn’t take her eyes of the clipboard she was studying.

"No…but" Luis started to say.

"But nothing. If you aren’t a witness I don’t have time for you" she said harshly.

"I think I you might want to make time for us" Sheridan said not wanting to spend more time than she had to explaining themselves.

"And why is that?" she looked them both over.

"Can we talk some place private?" Luis asked not wanting to flip open his badge where the reporters could see him.

"This better be good" Chief Tarpin said angrily.

Chief Tarpin took them inside to the Museum lobby. It was there they explained the Harper case and told her they were FBI. She didn’t drop her attitude with them though. She didn’t want anyone taking over her case. They tried to explain that this could be part of their ongoing investigation. She wasn’t buying though. They could definitely see that she was going to be a thorn in their sides.

"Oh come on Chief Tarpin. How many thugs do you know that can pay a thousand dollars a bullet and I am doubting the guy used one bullet to kill three" Luis protested in frustration.

"We think that the thief came to check out the museum tonight if he hadn’t already. The kids were just at the wrong place at the wrong time. We want to catch this guys as much as you do, but you are going to have to work with us" Sheridan explained.

"I do not answer to you Agent Crane. Now if you’ll excuse me I have an investigation to run" and she left them standing dumbfounded in the lobby.

"I can’t believe that woman" Sheridan remarked.

"Reminds me of someone I know" he stared harshly into her eyes.

"Focus on the case" she replied blatantly.

"Yes Ma’am" he saluted her.

They left the lobby for the security room to check the tapes of the security cameras. Maybe if luck was on their side the man had already been inside and was on his way out when the murders occurred. At least then, they might have a picture of him. They studied the tapes for hours and came up with nothing. At least the painting was still hanging in its spot. They decided to check the log of the motion detectors.

"Look at this Luis" Sheridan shoved some papers in his face.

"How is this possible?" he asked.

"I don’t know but at 10:14 the door that leads into the hallway detected movement and then it did again at 10:23"

"But there is nothing on the tapes from that time"

"I know but something went in there and came out nine minutes later. I have no idea how they got past the numerous cameras we put in there. We need to find out the estimated time of death from the medical examiner. I’m guess it is not long after 10:14"

"It will all be in the police report by the morning" Luis pointed out.

"Yes but what are the chances that Chief Tarpin is going to help us and willingly give us the report. We are going to have to call headquarters and get them to get it for us off the computers"

"I want them to feed some information into the computers for me too" Luis said with a small smile.

"What’s going on in that cocky head of yours Spot?"

"I’ll tell you over breakfast Luce. I can’t think of anything more we can do here"

"Me either. Let’s get out of here. Is it really time for breakfast?"

"What does that tell you?"

Luis asked as the walked outside. The sky was no longer black and the stars had vanished. Dawn was upon them. They got in a taxi and headed back to their hotel room. Luis ordered room service for the two of them complete with two pots of coffee, one for each of them. Meanwhile Sheridan rummaged through her suitcase looking for something more comfortable to wear. She saw a plain white t-shirt that looked like heaven, but no shorts or sweats. Then she got idea. She crept over to Luis’s suitcase while he was still on the phone. But he had just finished ordering while her arms were still elbow deep in his clothes.

"What are you doing in my suitcase?" he asked her she quickly hid her hands behind her back.

"Nothing" she gave him a guilty smile. "I’ll be right back" she ran into the bathroom. She came out of the bathroom completely satisfied with her suit in hand.

"You’re wearing my boxers" he pointed out.

"I know" she said flippantly. "What’s your point?"

"Is there a reason you are in my underwear?"

"I didn’t have anything to wear" she said shyly. "I didn’t want to put on a nightgown, and I didn’t have any sweats or shorts"

"So you decided to steal mine" she smiled brightly. "I see how you are. How do you know if those were clean?" he teased and she looked down at them deep in thought. "They are clean" he said after letting her squirm a little.

"If you really mind, I’ll put something else on"

"No!" he said too quickly. "I mean, you can use them if you want" he finished nonchalantly.

"Ok so down to business. What do you want to send to Washington?" she sat Indian style on the couch.

"I was just curious if this was some Thomas Crown Affair deal where the rich guy does the stealing himself or there is a goon. Or is there a different good for each city. I want the computers to check flights in the orders of the cities robbed. And I want the profiles to work up a new profile on this guy taking into account the murders of the children"

"I like how you think Lopez-Fitzgerald. Call them up!"

"Don’t you want to?"

"You thought this up. You should call"

"But you are the boss"

"I give credit where credit is due"

Sheridan smiled proudly. Her little protégé was turning into a gem. He was quite the find. He called headquarters and relayed the information. By the time he was off the phone their food had arrived. The cart was pushed in and the waiter left, only after he received his tip. Sheridan pushed the cart next to the bed.

"What are you doing?" Luis asked as his nose directed him towards the food.

"I want to eat in bed. I’m exhausted" she explained.

"And where am I supposed to eat? On the floor?"

"In bed with me silly"

This threw Luis for another loop. First she said he was yummy and wanted to lick him, she was drunk then but the truth comes out more easily in that state. Then she wears his clothes. And now she wants him in bed with her.

"Okay" he said skeptically and slowly crawled into bed next to her.

"Don’t forget to set the alarm we have that showing to go to tonight"

"Do you think there is still going to be a showing tonight?"

"Yes I do" she smiled but the look in her eyes told him she knew something he didn’t.

"What is going on in that mind of yours?" he probed.

"Wouldn’t you like to know"

She smiled as she passed him a tray of food. He wanted to groan. Hell yes he wanted to know what was floating around in her head. And it had nothing to do with the Harper case.

Chapter 11:

With the food sitting warmly in their stomachs it didn’t take either of them long to fall asleep. Luis had managed to stay on his side of the bed, even in his sleep too scared to get close to her. But Sheridan was a whole other story. She had found her way to him and nuzzled up next to him. Not knowing what he was doing he gave into her and put his arms around her pulling her closer. They slept soundly like that until the alarm went off. The noise sent them both jumping. Luis rolled over and hit the snooze bar and then returned to his position of spooning with her. When his arms came around her Sheridan fully woke, quite quickly actually. She flipped over in his arms and stared at him intensely.

"What are you doing?"

"Sleeping" he groaned not opening his eyes.

"Luis, wake up" she ordered shoving both arms into his chest. He opened his eyes quickly and they bugged out when he realized the position they were in.

"What are you doing on my side of the bed?" he gasped.

"I don’t know" she whined. "What are you doing holding me?" she shot back with the forcefulness back in her voice.

"I don’t know" he replied frustrated as hell and he took his arm from around her. She felt a sudden loss that she couldn’t explain and grabbed his arm midair.

"I didn’t say I wanted you to move it" she placed his arm back around his waist.

"And I didn’t say I didn’t want you on my side of the bed"

Their faces inched closer together until they could each feel the other’s hot breath tickling their lips. They were both hungry for what was about to happen and both were going to let it happen. That is until the alarm sounded again forcing them back to their senses. Luis rolled over and turned it off as he got up from the bed. He knew that if he got back into bed he was going to kiss her silly and they had work to do. It wasn’t the time to give into his hormones. She lied flat on her back looking at him with smoky eyes. She rolled out of bed behind him after figuring out he wasn’t going to come back. It was then he noticed she was still in his damn boxers and was now quickly losing his grip. Sheridan saw his eyes darken when she stood in front of him and she was elated. But she never let that emotion show on her face. She coolly walked by him and asked what time the party started.

"Eight" he informed her.

"I’m guessing you didn’t bring a tux because I surely didn’t bring a dress so we are going to have to call headquarters and have them get someone to deliver us our clothes for tonight"

"What do we do until then?" he asked suggestively and she knew exactly what he was getting at.

"I am going to take a shower and get ready and you are going to call for the clothes" she pranced into the bathroom leaving him in her wake.

Luis didn’t know how much longer he was going to be able to be in the same room with her and not touch her. He was ready to throw her over his shoulder and bed her. But he was also afraid that if he did that she would kick his ass. He needed her to take down the wall she put up for everyone. He knew there was a reason she acted as tough as she did. But he also knew there was something buried deep inside her she needed to get out. That wasn’t just a nightmare he had seen her experience. It shook her to her core. But how was he going to get the tough FBI agent let herself just be a woman. He was beginning to think it was an impossible mission. Sheridan let the warm water cascade down her. She didn’t know how she was going to concentrate tonight, not with that man in a tux. It was going to be too much. She was already in trouble as far as she was concerned. Her feelings for him ran too deep. She had promised herself long ago she was never going to be taken in by a man. She wouldn’t let it happen now, no matter how alive he made her feel. She wouldn’t, she couldn’t. Or so she thought. She was so deep in thought she didn’t hear the bathroom door open, nor did she realize he slipped in the shower with her until his arms pulled her back against him. She was surprised and he was scared she would castrate him, but he couldn’t take the image of her he had dancing in his head as he heard the water run. To his surprise she turned around in his arms and kissed him with all her might. She was tired of fighting him, tired of playing games. She wanted to feel. Somehow after they shared one kiss they knew this wasn’t going to be some interoffice fling. They were in for the long hull. It was something that should have scared both of them but it didn’t. She felt safe and he felt like he was the king of the world. Nothing could be better. They lay in each other’s arms in bed the afterglow of making love apparent on both their faces. The knock on the door interrupted their bliss. It was the delivery boy. Their clothes had arrived. Luis kissed her cheek and rose to answer it.

"Your dress my lady" he laid the garment bag across her lap.

"Thank you" she smiled sweetly. "I think we should get ready" she said as she pointed to the clock it was already seven thirty.

"Isn’t it protocol to be fashionably late?"

"At this pace we will miss the party completely. And I have this feeling something is going to happen tonight"

"How do you know?"

"Call it intuition"

"Why is that women can do that?"

"It’s my FBI instinct. It has nothing to do with me being a woman" her toughness was back.

They got dressed and managed to be ready by quarter after eight. Luis thought she looked incredible in her red dress. It was long but had a slit up the left side that left little to the imagination. Sheridan smiled as she looked at Luis in his tux. She didn’t think it was legal for someone to look that good. They walked hand in hand as they left the room. They chatted while they waited for the valet to get them a taxi.

"That dress is…" he paused to think of a word to describe it. "Amazing"

"And it is fully functional" after making sure no one was looking she used the slit and opened the skirt reveal a gun holstered on the inside of her right leg.

"You’re not being nice"

"What?" she asked innocently.

"Mr. And Mrs. Whittier, here is your cab" the valet informed them.

"Thank you" Luis said as Sheridan climbed in. The door was shut behind Luis. "You know I like the sound of that"

"What?" she looked at him curiously.

"Mr. And Mrs. What do you say we make that a permanent thing when we get home?"

"I think I would like that" she kissed him softly on the lips and snuggled into his arms, leaning her head on his shoulder, as they made their way to the Institute of Arts.

Chapter 12:

The taxi pulled up to the steps of the Minneapolis Institute of Arts. They walked up the steps solemnly as they remembered the occurrence of last night. They were very surprised that the Harpers had the gull to still have the private showing tonight. This is what made Sheridan suspicious. Their hosts greeted them at the door. They were all smiles, both couples. Everyone was having cocktails in the lobby and Sheridan and Luis joined them, doing a great job of blending in. When all the guests had survived Mr. Harper announced that a tour was about to commence. Gina Harper led the tour pointing out all of her favorite paintings. They had quickly moved through the special exhibits on the first floor and now were ascending to the second floor. Sheridan and Luis had been holding hands and giggling on the first floor but now it was time to get serious. They split up so they could watch more things and kept a close eye on all the partygoers. Still nothing had happened. Gina led them into another room and quickly moved over to a roped off painting. She got really excited saying this was beyond a doubt her favorite painting here. It was Lucretia by Rembrandt. It was easily the most expensive painting in the permanent collection. She was reaching over the ropes to point out the color blood staining the white dress when she lost her balance. She tripped the alarm and sirens started blaring around the institute. Sheridan and Luis glanced at each other for a split second realizing the same thing. They back away from the group unnoticed and once in the hall they ran to the room containing Angel with an Attribute of the Passion. They were met in the room by Chief Tarpin. She was walking out of the room as they were walking in.

"It’s already gone" She informed them as the rushed in the door.

"How can it be gone?" Luis asked.

"I don’t know it just is" she said coldly. She still wouldn’t warm up to them.

"Listen Chief Tarpin, anything you know you need to tell us now" Sheridan said sternly. "This is a national case and is out of your jurisdiction. Now talk"

"I have to call my detectives. If you’ll excuse me"

"You have the crime kit in your hand why don’t you start?" Sheridan asked.

"I have people below me to do this. I can’t waste my time on nonsense like that"

"Investigating a crime is nonsense Chief Tarpin?" Sheridan couldn’t believe the nerve of this woman.

"Nonsense wasn’t the right word, but you catch my drift. Now please"

"No I don’t think so"

Sheridan stood in front of the door blocking the path of Chief Tarpin. Luis had been looking at the spot on the wall that used to house Angel with an Attribute of the Passion when Sheridan began to dig into the Police Chief. He watched them dispute for a minute more before he thought he should step in. He had known if he tried to say anything Sheridan would rip into him later for not thinking a woman could handle her own. So he waited. That was until Chief Tarpin swung her arm holding the crime kit and knocked Sheridan unexpectedly into the wall. She was stunned but managed to stick out her foot and trip her. Tarpin went sprawling onto the floor. The kits slid to the other side of the hall. Tarpin jumped to her feet and drew her gun. She pointed it directly at Sheridan.

"Get your arms in the air" Tarpin ordered. Sheridan didn’t have time to unholster her gun. So she did as she was told.

"Look don’t do anything stupid Chief Tarpin. You’re in enough trouble already"

"What do you mean Agent Crane?"

"I know you had the painting in the crime kit of yours. Why else would a pompous woman like you even touch it?"

"You have no proof" she said smugly.

"Oh no? Turn around" Sheridan smiled. Chief Tarpin turned her head quickly to see Luis behind her holding the painting. He also had his gun on her.

"Now drop your gun" Luis ordered her.

"No!" she sounded desperate. Her gun was still pointed at Sheridan. And she was now getting closer to her.

"Stop" Luis commanded, bust Tarpin didn’t.

"Luis shoot her!"

"I can’t" Luis struggled he might now think that woman could be empowered but he still couldn’t shoot one.

"Luis I am still your boss and I am telling you to shoot her"

Luis struggled inside himself. He didn’t want to shoot a woman. But this woman, Chief Tarpin was getting dangerously close to the woman he wanted to marry, the woman he was now sure he loved. But Chief Tarpin was standing in front of Sheridan. If the bullet left Tarpin’s body he could hit Sheridan too. He didn’t want to ever hurt Sheridan. The thoughts swirled around in his mind. They cluttered his concentration and he fought to make a decision.

"Do it Luis"

Sheridan yelled across the hall. He had no choice he could let Tarpin get any closer to Sheridan. If Tarpin had a hold of Sheridan she could use her as a body shield and get the painting a leave. The case would be down the drains and he would never be put on another case, that is if Tarpin didn’t kill him in the process. He decided it was best for the case to pull the trigger and forget the gender of the thief. He squeezed the trigger hoping to god nothing would happen to Sheridan.

Chapter 13:

The force of the bullet hitting her sent Chief Tarpin tumbling back into Sheridan. They now both lay in a heap on the floor. Luis approached them both slowly his gun still pointed at the former police chief. He could care less about her though he was worried about his boss who was under the injured chief. And what made it worse was that the bullet could have hit her too. By this time guards were running down the hall to investigate the gunshot. Luis shouted at them to stop where they were. He kicked at the chief’s feet and was satisfied when she remained motionless. He picked up her arm and rolled her off Sheridan. He called the guards over to tend to her. He looked down at Sheridan and all the blood on her dress. It was weird, she was wearing a red dress, but the blood still stood out. He dropped to his knees and Started to move her dress around looking for an entry wound. As soon she felt his touch she shot up into a sitting position.

"Took you long enough to get her off of me. We are going to work on your time management skills when we get back to Washington. Now help me up" She griped.

"You’re not hurt?" he had to make sure as he pulled her to her feet.

"Do I look like I am hurt Spot? Do you want me to do a little dance for you? Because I will" she started to do a little Irish jig. "Satisfied?"

"No"

He moved over to her and patted her stomach and then down her sides. Sheridan flinched when hi hit a certain spot on her left side.

"So she elbowed me or something. I am fine Luis"

"Stop being so pigheaded and humor me. I just want a look"

"You can look at every inch of my body later Luis" she whispered in his ear. "We need to find out the extent of Chief Tarpin’s injuries and we also need to question Mrs. Harper"

"Not until you are checked out. This could be your blood too"

"Fine" she threw her arms in the air and shrugged. Her side did kind of hurt.

"Thank you"

Luis pulled at Sheridan’s dress again, stretching the fabric. Not to his surprise there was a hole on the left side. He slid his finger inside the hole and tore open the dress.

"God damn it! You’re bleeding. Don’t even try and tell me you didn’t feel it. Why do you always have to be so tough?"

"It’s nothing really Luis. We have work to do"

"How do you know it’s nothing? You haven’t seen it"

"Well tell me then. How do I look Doctor Spot?"

"You were just grazed but …"

"Grazed? You got all worked up over grazed?"

"Don’t you understand that if anything would have happened to you I would…"

"Shhhh" she placed her finger to his lips. "I’m fine really. Just a little nick. But if it will make you happy lets go down to the ambulance and get me a Band-Aid"

"You only want to go down there to check on Chief Tarpin and make sure I didn’t kill her"

"Yeah well at least I am willing to go"

Sheridan felt fine, like maybe she cut herself with a knife, at the worst. But she let Luis help her down the stairs. He put his arm around her waist, careful to let his hand fall below her wound. She felt invincible being in his arms and couldn’t wait for this to be a permanent thing. She let him explain the situation while she looked around and surveyed the area. For the second night in a row they were on the front steps of the Minneapolis Institute of Arts and neither time had been for pleasure. She let the medic tend to her and Luis kept a careful eye on her. Making sure she was taken care of properly. She wondered if he had any medical experience or he was just playing the role of the protector. She didn’t really care either way. When she was mended she looked around again.

"Where are the Harpers?" she questioned Luis who had just returned from talking to a local FBI agent. She had ordered him too and he had no choice but leave her.

"Already at the Hennipin County Police Station for questioning. And before you ask Tarpin is going to live. I only shot her in the leg. It must have changed trajectories in her leg and then hit you in the side"

"So let’s go to the station"

"We’re going back to the hotel. They don’t need us"

"This is MY case Luis. I am going to be there"

"Sheridan, your dress is torn, you blood all over you. Nothing is going to happen tonight" Sheridan looked down at herself and knew he was right.

"You’re right I do need to clean up, but then I am going to the station"

"If you insist"

"I do" she nodded triumphantly.

Luis knew as soon as she got back to the hotel room and took a nice warm shower and changed if he got her to sit with him for a moment she would be out like a light. She got mashed into a wall, grazed by a bullet, and thrown beneath a not so light woman. That was enough to tire superman. She didn’t even make it as far as he expected. She came out of the shower in just a towel and fell over on the bed. She curled into a ball and rested her head on a pillow. Luis walked over and pulled the covers over her.

"I’ll be ready in a couple of minutes Luis. I just need to rest a second"

"Okay, you do that Luce"

"Spot, will you wake me up if I fall asleep?"

"Nope, but I will crawl in bed with you and hold you forever"

"Okay"

Her breathing evened out in seconds and Luis stripped to his white and blue striped boxers and gathered her in his arms. It wasn’t long after that, that he too was asleep.

Chapter 14:

Sheridan and Luis slept soundly until morning. Usually when Sheridan was working late and agitated she had nightmares but not tonight. She was tucked in Luis’s arms and even in her sleep felt nothing could hurt her there. They opened their eyes at the exact same time and shared a special smile. Luis pulled her closer pressing her chest to his.

"I could get used to this" Sheridan gushed.

"You better. You’re going to wake up like this for a very long time" he placed a soft kiss on her lips.

"You still mean what you said in the cab?" she hoped he did, she prayed he did.

"Yes, and I even have a surprise for you later, but we need to have a talk first"

"About what?" she asked nervously.

"Later" was all he said about that subject. "Let’s get up and call the Police Station"

"Good idea I think. You are avoiding talking to me now. Why?" she probed.

"A simple reason actually. I want the case out of the way so I have you undivided attention. No thoughts of the case lingering in the background"

"Important stuff huh?"

"Very, but it is nothing to worry about I promise" he kissed her forehead and rolled out of bed.

"Luis?" she batted her eyes. "Come back to bed. We don’t need to work on the case right now do we?" she paused for a moment but then remembered something. "Oh wait, I am the boss and I saw we don’t have to work yet!"

"Miss Workaholic wants to take a break from work? Alert the media!" he teased for which he got a pillow thrown at him. "But get out of bed. We have plenty of time for fun later"

"What kind of fun?" she hoped getting him thinking about the fun would make him not want to wait.

"Sheridan Crane, get out of bed before I…" he yelled trying not to smile.

"No" she pouted. "Not unless there is an incentive to getting out of bed"

"I’ll give you an incentive"

Luis moved back over to the bed and bent over to kiss her as passionately as he could. She threw her arms around his neck which only made this easier. He scooped her up into his arms and twisted around so she was no over the floor. He then left her feet drop and slowly ended the kiss. Sheridan was so lost in him that she hardly noticed she moved.

"Of all the nasty tricks" she griped.

"Yeah well I got you out of bed didn’t I? But um, Luce, you might want to put something on. You might get cold while we work" she had forgotten she went to bed in her towel. A towel she must have lost in her sleep last night.

"You don’t like what you see?" hurt was feigned in her voice.

"Every inch of your body is beautiful and you know it. BUT we have to work. So go put something on" she stomped into the bathroom and put on a hotel robe.

"Happy?" she grumbled. "For the first time in a long time I don’t want to work and what does he want to do? Work. I thought you were going to be a good influence Spot, but it turns out you are turning out like me. Just what we need"

"Would you cut the theatrics? I know you’re the boss and everything so I mean this in the nicest way possible because I don’t want to lose my job, but get your act together. We aren’t on vacation"

"Thank you. I guess I needed that"

Sheridan dialed the phone number and when the got to talk to the FBI agents who worked in Minneapolis she put it on speakerphone. They were told that the slugs from the bodies of the children matched the gun Chief Tarpin carried. Tarpin herself refused to say a word, even when her lawyer was present. But here was the shocker. After being told about the children, Mrs. Harper confessed that her husband hired people to steal Vouel’s paintings for her. But it was always in the thief’s contract that no one got hurt. If there was trouble you were to pull out. She felt so guilty that three innocent children were killed that all of this just poured out of her mouth. She told them they could find all the other paintings in their summer home in Martha’s Vineyard. Also to protect her son and the Harper Company she said he had no knowledge of the art heists. Royce Harper Sr. always went back for a visit after a painting was stolen and made the proper arrangements. It was checked out and everyday after a painting was stolen Harper Sr. took a flight from Minneapolis to NYC. So it appeared that Harper Jr. and the Harper Company were in the clear. Sheridan said thank you and hung up the phone.

"Well Luis it looks like we get to go home. I’ll call Nixon and have him arrange for our flight back to D.C."

"Already taken care of" he smirked.

"What are you talking about?"

"I woke up earlier this morning and called and arranged everything. I was bored"

"I don’t believe you but ok" she wanted to wipe that smirk off his face and find out what was really going on. Luis had also arranged for room service to bring breakfast. It arrived then. They sat down to eat, all the while Sheridan was staring at Luis wondering what he had up his sleeve. "So you said you wanted to talk after we wrapped up the case, so talk"

"I was wondering how long it would take you to remember that"

"Well…"

"I need you to tell me about your nightmares" upon hearing this she dropped her fork to her plate and a clanking sound filled the room. "And before you say it is nothing. I can tell it’s not"

"It doesn’t really matter" she picked up her fork again and started to swirl it around in her food.

"It does to me. I don’t want to see you hurting"

"That is really sweet Luis, but I can’t tell you" she said softly.

"Why not?"

"I just can’t ok?" she was getting more emotional by the second.

"I want you to be my wife Sheridan, but you have to open up to me or it will never work"

"I want to be your wife too Luis. And don’t you see it is because of that, that I can’t tell you"

"Please" he begged not wanting to be shut out.

"No!" she said forcefully.

"Then I can’t marry you" Luis got up went on the balcony and shut the door behind him. He couldn’t look at her right now. He was afraid he would see tears in her eyes. But there weren’t. Her eyes were just filled with disappointment.

"I am just trying to protect you" she whispered as he left her.

Chapter 15:

Sheridan sat at the table tapping her fingers rapidly. She was trying to figure out a way to get around telling Luis about her nightmares. She couldn’t tell him, it would put him in danger and she couldn’t do that. But this separation thing they had going for them right now was not an option either. She wanted him in her life and she’d be damned if he just walked away that easily. He was the first man she looked at for more than a night of satisfaction. He was the only one she ever trusted. So why was it so hard for her to talk about her nightmare with him? That was a no brainer. It was because the nightmare wasn’t just a nightmare, it had once been real. Luis paced back and forth on the balcony. He couldn’t believe what a jerk he was being. He didn’t mean what he said. He still wanted to marry her. He was just hoping that statement would get her to open up to him. How stupid could he be though? He should know by now that she never did anything she didn’t want to. And now he had to apologize. He didn’t want to leave her in there alone for much longer so he opened the door and just stood there staring. He watched her as she drummed her fingers of the left hand on the table. Her head rested in her other hand and her eyes were closed. It didn’t appear that she noticed him come in at all. He walked up behind her and put a gentle kiss on the top of her head.

"I’m sorry" he said as he sat back down.

"I know and I am too. I’m ready to talk now"

"You don’t have to tell me anything you don’t want to"

"I want to, but please will you hold me while I talk?"

"Anything for you" he got up and led her to the bed. He sat up against the backboard and she snuggled into his shoulder. "Better?"

"The best" she sighed taking in a deep breath to prepare herself. "You were right my nightmare wasn’t nothing"

"I didn’t think so"

"I watched my mother die Luis"

"What?" he asked shocked.

"She was murdered, I found her" she began to tremble reliving the fear.

"It’s ok. I’m here. Nothing can hurt you now. Okay?" she didn’t answer she just nodded her head. "How old were you?"

"I was in high school. It was the week before my sweet sixteen birthday party"

"I’m so sorry Luce. That must have been so awful for you"

"I can still see her so vividly in my mind. She told me she would look over my from heaven and that she loved me and that was it. She was gone so fast"

"Did they ever find out who did it?"

"No" she whispered quietly. They didn’t know but she did.

"Is that why you became an agent? To find justice for your mother?"

"No, I became an agent to piss my father off. He didn’t think I could be anything more than a socialite. He seemed to think going to parties was all I could handle"

"So you chose the FBI? Why? There are so many other professions"

"My father’s company was the my third case at the bureau and the first I found illegal activity in. He was into weapon trafficking"

"Is he in prison?"

"No of coarse not. He had it set up so some of his associates took the fall. But most of his fortune was frozen and still is until the investigation is over. Of coarse he can still live his life of luxury thanks to his wife and Swiss bank accounts"

"Sloan?"

"You remembered"

"Yes, is that why you hate her so much? She kept your father going to the poor house"

"It’s just one of the many reasons"

"I think we’ve talked enough for awhile. Time for a little happiness ok?" he smiled brightly causing her to melt in his arms.

"What did you have in mind?"

"Wait here"

Luis jumped out of bed and ran around the room. Sheridan watched relieved that he bought her story. It wasn’t exactly a lie, but it was exactly the whole truth either. She would never be able to tell him the whole truth. It would put his life in danger and she didn’t want to be responsible for that. Being an FBI agent was perilous in itself. He didn’t need this on top of it. She watched him disappear around the corner and into the sitting area. He came back with his hands behind his back and angled his body so she couldn’t see anything he had in his hands. She tried to crawl around on the bed to see what he was up to be he kept changing his positions so she still couldn’t see. He was now standing on the side of the bed and she was right in front of him on her knees.

"This is for you" he gave her a single red rose.

"Thank you" she brought it to her nose and took in the heavenly scent. She then stretched herself to kiss him on the lips. She tried to look over his shoulder be he realized what was doing and used his shoulder to push her down on the bed.

"Behave" he tried to sound stern. She got up off her back and sat Indian style in front of him.

"I’ll be good! I promise. Now what else do you have behind your back?" she was literally bouncing on the bed with excitement.

"What the rose wasn’t good enough for you?" he gave her the saddest puppy dog eyes he could muster up.

"No Spot, I love it. It is beautiful"

"Not as beautiful as you are"

"Oh Luis, don’t be so trite. The first day I met you, you called me a bitch. I kind of like that"

"You want me to think of you as a bitch?" as asked her with confusion bore in his eyes.

"No! I don’t want you to think that" she was quick to say. "I want you to be the you who keeps me in line and doesn’t take any of my crap. Don’t go getting all mushy gushy on me"

"Oh, I get it. So I am not allowed to tell you you’re beautiful, or that your smile can light up a room, or that I love you. Is that it?"

"WAIT! Did you just say what I think you said?"

"What?" he faked innocence.

"You love me?" she asked finding it hard to breathe.

"Of coarse I love you. What did you think I was going to marry you for the sex? Cause I can tell you this right now we still have a lot to explore in that department. And most of the time I want to kill you but I think that is because I love you so much"

"Do you really mean that?"

"Yes. I love you Sheridan Crane. Hasn’t anyone ever told you that before?"

"Not a man, no" she tried to look away from him but he placed his finger under her chin and made her face him.

"Well then I am going to have to make sure I tell you as much as possible" he lightly kissed her cheek. "I love you" he whispered against her face.

"I love you too Luis, so much"

She flew up into his arms and squeezed him so hard he was afraid his head might pop. His arms automatically went around her waist to pull her closer. She used this to her advantage and flipped him onto the bed. She pinned his arms above his head before he realized what she was doing. She tried to grab what was in his hand but he flipped them both over his head and onto the floor. They rolled on the floor both trying to gain an edge. At on point Sheridan had him in a headlock but he managed to escape. After about fifteen minutes Luis was sitting on Sheridan’s legs but left her arms free to flail around.

"Damn girl. Would you stop clawing me?" he grabbed one of her hands and inspected her nails. "You are so getting those cut"

"I am not"

"Would you stop struggling?" she went limp. "Now are you going to be good?"

"No!" she said in a childish tone.

"Fine brat if this is the way you want it so be it. If you want to tell our children I had to hold you down like this it’s up to you" he fought with her and managed to pin both her hands above her head with just one of his. He then looked on the bed for something he left there when they went tumbling to the floor. He found the black velvet box and brought it to her face. He managed to flip open the top revealing a beautiful solitaire diamond. "I wanted to make it official. Lucifer…I mean Sheridan, will you marry me?"

"Yes Spot I will" she said sweetly but that wasn’t long lived. "Now get off of me!"

"Are you going to be nice and let me put the ring on you?"

"No, I am going to slug you and then I am going to kiss you until you turn blue. Then I will let you put the ring on me"

"Okay, fair enough"

Luis moved to the side allowing Sheridan to get to her feet. And she made true on her promises. She gave him a slug in the stomach and then kissed him silly. She wouldn’t let him up for air. She couldn’t get enough of him. After a good clip of time she allowed him to part from her and they both gasped for breath.

"Marry me?" he managed to say between labored breaths.

"Yeah" she exhaled. He slipped the ring on her finger and they fell back onto the bed.

THE END