US Marshals-Modern Day Warriors

"You are an oaf." Said Cooper.

"What is that?" Said Biggs.

"An idiot." Said Cosmo." I like the word Dani used. What was it now? Yeah, Dufus!"

"My word for moron." Said Dani.

"Good word and describes Biggs to a tea girlfriend." Said Cooper.

"Now kids let's not get so personal." Said Sam.

“Sam is there any connection between the women killed?” Asked Dani.

“I’m not sure but if you want to look into it it’s fine with me.” Said Sam.

“I’ll check things out if you will give me a list of names and where they were from. I can find the cases they were on, on my own.” said Dani.

“Well, yeah ok if you want too.” said Sam starting to smile.

“Sure, I’d be happy too.” Said Dani.

They talked the thing to death and finally quite about 5pm. They were going over to Emmits to initiate Dani as part of the Squad. She had proven herself earlier at the bust. She had done some fine work getting Jake corralled and helping the other members with the task of getting the other boys. There was also the bomb she defused and it was just her first day. Sam was already impressed with her not only as a Marshal but also as a woman.

Sam was beginning to have the startings of a crush on her. He usually didn't notice a new Marshal but Dani was an exception. With all her training and disposition she was like a female version of him. He kept his professional demeanor with her. You would have never known that he had any feeling for her save friendship.

They all piled into the van and took her to Emmit's a police haunt. It was mostly a sports bar but it did have a small dance floor and a jukebox.

"Emmit this is Major Dani Little Elk. She is a new member of my Warrants Squad. Drinks are on me." Said Sam.

"What would you like Major?" Asked Emmitt.

"Call me Dani. I would like a Diet Coke I suppose. I can't drink anymore." She said.

"I understand." Said Sam. He already knew that she would be a good addition not replacement for the Squad.

They laughed and told tall tails about old busts and Dani listened. And she told a few of her own. Then the jukebox came on. It was a country song Fast as You. Sam asked Dani if she could dance and she said she could. He then put his hand out and she went to the dance floor with him. There were others there but Sam and Dani burnt up the floor. It was a two-step Jitterbug thing and she was good. As the music stopped she was out of breath. Then a slow one came on and Sam and Dani waltzed to that. They seemed like they were made for one another. Sam was enjoying having her in his arms but Dani was a bit uncomfortable. He was her commander in her military mind and she knew not to get involved with him. It had caused her heartache before and she didn't want any more.

"So what do you think? Do we make a good team, dancing I mean." Said Sam.

"Sir, I think we dance well together but, I would be wrong to think it could go father. You are my commander. That is a no, no in the military I don't have to tell you that.” She said.

"It's Sam. Sir makes me sound like an old man. This aint the military." He said. "I like you, Dani. There is no harm in that. I‘m not coming on to you."

"Sam, I like you too, we have a lot in common but, I noticed an attachment this morning to Ms. Walsh." She said. "I make it a point never to get involved with involved people." She said.

"Cathrine and I were over years ago." He said.

Dani thought for a moment and she really didn't want to make an issue of it.

"Whatever.” She said.

"Mind if I cut in." Said Cosmo tapping Sam's shoulder.

"No. I got my dance and an answer to a question. It's ok Dani just think about it." He said.

Dani went into Cosmo's arms and they were dancing a slow one.

"What was that all about?” Asked Cosmo.

"He wants to date me I think, and I don't think that is a good idea." Said Dani.

"Do you want to?" Cosmo said a little surprised.

"No, he's almost old enough to be my father. But he and I are the same. Warriors. Something passed between us earlier, after I defused the bomb." She said.

"Dani if you will look right in front of you there is someone that would like to be your friend." Said Cosmo.

"Where?" She said craning her head like she didn't know.

"Dani, me." He said with sincerity.

"I thought that was already settled. You and I are friends. I really like you Cosmo." She said.

"Good 'cause the feeling is mutual." He said.

She smiled at him. He gave her a smile back. She did love that man's smile. You couldn't help yourself; you just had to return it. They were still dancing when the rest of the people started line dancing.

"Come on Cosmo." She said taking him by the hand and pulling him in the direction of the line.

"Dani I can't do this. I don't know how." He said protesting a little.

"Best way to learn is to do it." She said starting up the dance. Cosmo caught on quickly and he was having a ball watching her move. She really could dance. Sam was watching her too. He hoped that she would reconsider and go out with him.

After that, Cosmo caught Dani's arm.

"Thanks for teaching me that dance it's fun." Said Cosmo.

"I'll teach you what I know. I used to be base champion. A friend of mine and I were a team." She said.

"Do you want to dance this one or sit down awhile?” He asked.

"Come here." She said.

"I suppose that means that you want to dance with me." He said.

"Get your butt over here." She said pulling him by the shirt.

"Watch the shirt it's a Ralph Lauren." He said smiling at her.

"You!" She said. “Quit your bitching and dance with me.”

"Gotcha!" Said Cosmo.

Cosmo took her into his arms and it was a slow sweet song they danced to. She smelled so good. The perfume was driving him crazy. She was so beautiful. He was glad he finally got over his first assessment of her.

She was having the same thought he was wearing some cologne of his own and it smelled wonderful. Where was her mind going? Well she didn't have to wonder far. He was holding her a little tighter now and she didn't seem to mind.

"I think Cosmo and Dani got a thang goin’'." Said Savanna Cooper.

"Looks like it." Said Sam with a twing of jealousy.

"They look good together." Said Cooper.

"I wouldn't go quite that far, Cooper." Said Sam.

"Sam's jealous." Whispered Biggs.

"Yes. I think so too." Said Cooper.

Dani and Cosmo were closer now. Sam thought for a moment they did look good together and he was by far more her age than he was. They would have a similar frame of referece. She had been reluctant to go out with him. If she wanted him then it would be, but Sam, knew not to push it. She had her head on hiouldoulder and her hands locked around his neck. He had his hands locked at her back. By the time the song ended they had forgotten the steps and just moved back and forth. The rest of them were ready to go and Sam went out on the dance floor.

"Songs over we are going, you got cab fair?” Cosmo wasn’t listening. Cosmo do you have cab fare?" He said to Cosmo.

"Yeah, man I do." He said.

"Good, make sure Dani gets back ok." Said Sam. "Nite Dani."

"Sure thing Sam." Said Cosmo.

"What did he say?" She asked.

"They are going, I will take you back to the Office." Said Cosmo softy.

"Ok sounds good to me." She said. "What time is it?"

He looked at his watch it was almost 7pm.

"Almost 7 Dani. Do you need to eat?" He said.

"Yes. I really should." She said.

"Well just down the street there is a little place that serves Cheese Steaks would you like to go and get some dinner." Said Cosmo his arms still around her.

"Sure." She said.

"Ready?" He asked.

"Always." She said.

They went to pay the bar bill and Emmit waved them off. Sam had already taken care of it. They walked along the street.

"You having fun yet?" He asked.

"Yeah, I am. I haven't been out with a guy in a while." She said.

"No time huh?" He asked.

"Nope. No time at all." She said. "It's been about 4 or 5 years." She said.

"Job dedication?" He asked.

"Yes. And I just kept dating Dufus' out to get a piece of me." She said. "I gave up awhile ago."

"Well, don't worry my intentions are honorable. " He said.

"Are they now?" She said chiding him a bit.

He laughed.

"Yeah, sure 'nough." She said giving him a smirk of a smile.

"Well you did end up on top of me." He said.

"Was it good for you." She asked.

"Wonderful!" he said in an exaggerated voice. "That was the best I ever had." Then he winked at her.

"Now you’re teasing me." She said.

"You know we just met. I don't think that know each other well enough to say further." He said laughing.

"Ok, whatever." She said shaking her head and smiling herself.

They ate and talked until well past midnight. He got a cab and they sat in back talking still.

"Thank you for a lovely evening." She said.

"It was nice wasn't it? We have some things in common. We are both Southpaws and we like the same food." He said.

"You really meant what you said about calling about the apartment? If I can get one there we could ride to work together." She said meaning every word.

"I'll call in the morning, that flea trap isn't safe." Said Cosmo a note of concern in his voice.

"It is pretty bad. I had no idea that it was so bad till I got here. I sent the rent in the mail to them and I didn't know where it was. I thought it would be nice." She said.

"I don't think they have furnished apartments. Maybe we can get you some furniture." He said.

"Is there a Good Will or Salvation Army around?" She asked.

"Yes, but we can do better than that." He said.

"Your want to spend my money don't you?" She said smiling.

"Every last penny." He said joking.

They got back to the Office and paid the cabbie. There were only two cars on the lot the government POS and her '71 Mustang Convertible. When Cosmo saw it he went crazy. It was a beautiful black with maroon interior classic.

"That heap yours?" He said.

"She's hardly a heap." Said Dani.

"You know what I mean." He said helping her out of the cab and going over to her car.

"What is she a '70 or '71?" He asked.

"A '71" said Dani. "You are in love with my car. Can I get over it?" She said putting her hand to her forehead.

"Well, you didn't tell me you had a car like this!" He said with great enthusiasm.

"Start'er up." She said pitching him the keys.

"No, I just couldn't." There was a slight pause. "Alright." He said getting in and turning the key.

She got in on the other side.

"Take'er for a spin." She said.

"Dani, I really shouldn't." He thought for a moment. " Ok we can go down by the lake and walk. It took very little to twist his arm.

"I think we should just take a short drive this time. I could come and pick you up in the morning." She said.

&#ThatThat sounds good. Boy all that power!" He said as he shifted her into first gear. That was smoooth. "Said Cosmo having the best fun he had in ages.

"She does shift smooth. Easy to drive too." She said.

"Yes. She sure does." Said Cosmo.

"She tuned on the tape she was listening to. It was AC/DC Back in Black.

"Dani that is a little hard for me." He said.

"So what do you like?" she said popping out the tape.

"Boston Arrival. Yeah, you got that?" He said.

"Yes." She said putting up the offending CD and putting in Boston. "More than a Feeling came on. She cranked it.

Cosmo was having a ball. He was in a beautiful car with a beautiful woman listening to one of his favorite CD‘s.

"Cruuuusin'" said Dani.

"Steady Cruuusin' Dani my friend." He said. She had put the top down and they were really having fun they went all over Chicago. It was three in the morning when they got back.

"That was so much fun. I have never driven a car like that in my life!" He said.

"Well, you can drive to work tomorrow, I'll pick you up at 7:45." Said Dani.

"Ok, Say I don’t' have your home number." He asked.

She looked for a piece of paper and he handed her a pen and she wrote her number down.

"I'll give you mine." He said. Writing it on the back of one of his business cards.

It had been a long day.

"Goodnight Cosmo. I had fun. “She said.

"Do you feel as if you’re about 16 and on a date?" He asked holding her hand.

"I had that feeling earlier." She said.

They got out of the car and she had put the top up. She leaned against it. So did he. For the longest time they sat there not saying a word.

"I suppose I wsee see you tomorrow." She said.

"Sure." He said.

"We need to get some rest. " She said.

"Yeah, I am tired after all that rolling this morning." He said.

"Well goodnight." She said.

"Good night." He said releasing her and her hand.

Cosmo walked to his car. He was one happy guy. He really liked her. The feeling was mutual. Dani was one happy gal and she really did like him. He had wanted to kiss her, but he was a gentleman and he didn't think it was time for that as of yet.

As most relationships start out slow, this one would have to be taken slower. There were things about Dani he just didn't know yet.

She started up her car and they went their separate ways. When she got home the phone was ringing.

"Hello." She said.

"Hello Dani. It's your rolling partner." He said.

"Cosmo. Whassup."

"Nothing, just seeing if you got in ok He He asked.

"Just fine Cosmo." She said.

"Goodnight." He said.

"Goodnight." She said and hung up the phone.

They both stayed up all night.

The next morning she went to pick him up

"Hey there Gorgeous." He said.

"Hey yourself." She said.

"Ready ta go." She asked.

"Yes. I gotta turn off the TV. Just a minute." He turned off the TV and they went down the stairs.

"Here you go." She said handing him her keys.

"You gonna let me drive her?" He asked with excitement.

"Yes." She said as he opened the car door for her.

It was a bright warm morning. Cosmo was having another ball as they went into work.

"This is fandamntastic!" He said.

"She really goes doesn't she." Said Dani.

"Sure does." Said Cosmo.

They pulled up to the Federal Building parking lot and parked she put the roof up and they walked into work together. They got the strangest looks upon entering the conference room. All eyes were on them.

"What, I got my shirt on backwards?" Said Cosmo.

"No, what happened to you all last night." Asked Biggs.

"We had dinner. She has a '71Mustang convertible. Did anyone see it? She let me drive it we went all over Chicago last night." Said Cosmo.

"Soundse yoe you two had a good time." Said Cooper smiling.

"We did. It was fun." Said Dani.

Sam was quite. He still wanted her. But if that were her choice he would abide by it.

A new man Dani had not met yet came into the room.

"Hello Bob.” Said Sam. He didn’t like the man that had come in at all. But he stayed professional.

"Well this must be Major Little Elk." Said Bob. He was really looking her over.

"Dani this is Bob Watson. He is on loan from the St. Louis Office. “Said Sam.

"Names Dani." She said shaking his hand.

"Glad to meet you." He said. Not readily releasing her hand. Eye contact had been made.

Bob Watson was 6'3 blonde and brown eyed. He was handsome and he was about 40. Dani was, however, cautious. Something about him was unsettling. She was feeling like she did in Bosnia like war. She thought. He wasn't who everyone thought he was.

"What was it Bob." Asked Sam.

He looked at Dani and she felt a shudder go up her back. He was looking right into her. She hated that. Men had looked at her that way before. He wanted her and she knew it instantly.

"Oh, I have that fax for you." He said.

Dani was nervous and Cosmo saw it.

"Don't you need to get the report from the file down stairs." He said to Dani to get her out of the room.

"Yeah. I forgot to get it. Thanks." She said leaving the room. Watson was still staring at her.

Cosmo left with her.

"Thanks Cosmo. That man, there is something that is not right about him. I felt war again just now. Danger." She said. "Cosmo that man wants me."

"Bob hits me the same way. The man looks into you." Said Cosmo. "I think so too."

They walked down the hall and got a cup of coffee.

"You looked a little undone back there." Said Cosmo a note of concern in his voice.

"I was. That man is trouble." She said.

"He is higher up than both of us. There isn't much that we can do about it. Just be careful." Said Cosmo.

"I will. I had to take care of myself along time." She said.

"Maybe it's time someone took up the slack." Said Cosmo.

"You mean you, don't you?" Said Dani.

"Well yes. I know we only met yesterday but things like they are. Well what I'm getting at Dani is the fact we like each other. I don't want you to think that I'm like the other guys. Your a special woman Dani." He said.

"My goodness. You are full of words this mornin'" She said very surprised and happy about what he just said.

"Listen to the words." He said pointedly.

"I did Cosmo. We need to take this thing slow." She said just as pointedly.

"I know, I'm sorry." He said.

"No, don't be sorry. That is not what I meant." She said. "There are things about me that when you find out you may drop me like a lead balloon."

"What ever it is it's in the past. Before we met. You can't change the past. But you can the future." He said.

"Still, I...." He cut her off.

"It's ok. We have plenty of time to get to know each other. To tell secrets." He said light heartedly.

"That's true Cosmo." She said taking a sip of coffee.

"You feel better?" He asked.

"Some." She said.

"We had better go see what Watson gave Sam." Said Cosmo.

They walked back and she had a few blank pieces of paper in her hands to make show.

"Kids we have two new fugitives." Said Sam.

Watson took a seat next to Dani. This unnerved her.

"Bob tells me that they escaped capture in St. Louis. They are heading to Chicago. They are Ross and Roger Dixon. Twin murderers and they are Arians. Members of the Neo Nazi's." Said Sam.

"We have chosen this Warrants Squad because of its effect. Also we know that Major Little Elk has tracking experience. She has a record of tracking down some of the worst men in the military." Said Watson staring at Dani.

"So you think Dani can find these men?” Said Sam.

"We hope so." Saitsontson.

"Do you think you can?" Asked Sam.

"It's been 10 years since I used my tracking skills. I can give it a try." She said.

"I know you will do your best, Major." He said taking her hand and holding it.

"Mr. Watson, I will do what I can." She said extracting her hand.

"Bob remember?" He said.

"Dani." Said Dani reluctantly.

"These boys are two of the worst of their kind they will kill anything that isn't white." Said Watson not taking in to consideration that a Black woman and an Indian woman sat listening.

"Hold it Bob, Dani is half Indian. And Savanna is Black. Isn't that asking them to commit suicide?" said Sam not at all happy.

"Bait." said Watson.

A rumble of angry voices reverberated the room. Protest from all of them including Dani and Savanna.

"No, absolutely not!" Said Sam putting his hands up for the talking to stop.

"This is the best way to get them Sam. This is the way the head honchos planned it. I was part of it and I know it is going to be tough but these ladies are tough and have training. They can catch them." Said Watson smiling sarcastically.

"I SAID NO BOB. I MENT IT!" Said Sam slamming his fist into the table.

"You don't have the choice Sam." Said Watson still smiling that sarcastic smile.

"WE WILL JUST SEE ABOUT THAT!" said Sam walking out the door in the direction of Cathrine's office.

He didn't even stop to knock.

"What is it Sam you look livid?" Said Cathrine.

"Watson just told me that they are going to use my women Deputies as bait to catch the Dixon brothers." Said Sam.

"What? You’re joking?" She said startled. She put down her papers and glasses "I wish I were. Watson said that we are going to use Savanna and Dani as bait to catch them. That doesn't need to happen. Those ladies are a precious commodity and I don't think they will do it." Said Sam.

"Let me look into it Sam. It doesn't sound right to me." Said Cathrine.

"Thanks. I knew you didn't know anything about this mess." Aid Sam.

"Don't worry I will find out what I can." She said.

Dani sat there inches away from Watson. She knew he was up to no good. It wasn't over either.

Cosmo leaned over and whispered to her.

"Don't worry Dani, Sam will fix it."

"What if he can't?" Said Dani.

"We will find a way to catch them without using you or Savanna." Said Cosmo putting his hand over hers.

"I think he came up with the plan himself." She said.

"Possibly." Said Cosmo squeezing her hand.

Watson had seen the exchange between the two of them and he didn't like it at all. He wanted Dani for himself.

Sam came back into the conference room. He was still a hornet’s nest. He looked at Watson.

"So?" Said Watson.

"So, Cathrine's checking on it and if this is your plan alone you and I are going to the woodshed. " said Sam.

Watson got up angrily on the way out he looked at Dani. He stared at her again, this time with lust in his eyes. Dani saw it and began to feel uncomfortable. Cosmo saw it too and looked at Watson with almost a go to hell look.

"Kids I am sorry. That ass probably came up with this thing on his own." Said Sam.

"I kinda figured that." Said Cosmo angrily.

"I am not going to let either one of you put your lives in jeopardy for that. You are far to valuable alive." Said Sam.

"Thanks for going to bat for us." Said Cooper.

"Yes. Sam. Thanks." Dani said. “Sam how well do you know this Watson fella?”

“Not well, but I don’t like him. Why Dani?” Asked Sam.

“I don’t like him either but I think there might be a connection going on with these cases we have. It’s just a feeling.” Said Dani.

“Look into it if you want too. Like I said if you get a hunch follow it.” Said Sam.

“I will Sam.” Said Dani.

It was late on Thursday when Dani got off. It was 7pm. She walked down to Sam's office looking for Cosmo. They were going to go to dinner and a movie. The lights had been turned to late night status and it was a little din tin the hallway. She saw no lights on in the office. She went to the door and opened it. No one was in there.

"Cosmo?" She called. "Cosmo were you at?" Silence.

"Now were did he get off too?" She said going to the men's room door. She knocked.

"Cosmo?" She called. Silence again. She was beginning to get that war feeling again. She walked down the hall some more, still trying to find him. Then a hand gripped her shoulder. Her instinct intact she reached into her boot and turned around with her dagger readied.

"Shit Dani it's me!" Said Cosmo with a look of utter terror in his eyes.

"You almost became hamburger. Don't sneak up on me like that on that side." She said a little terrified her.

"Holy Shit! " He said looking at the dagger.

"I told you that there were things about me that you might not like. I know it is illegal but I feel safer with it than without it." She said.

Cosmo had turned a little pale at what had just taken place. She had almost got him with her dagger. It had the look of a Middle Eastern weapon. It was gold with a pearl handle and it had 5 sapphires in the shape of a circle on it. It was very costly. She had got it from a man she loved in Saudi Arabia.

"You alright." Asked Dani sorry that she had done that to her new friend.

"I just aged 10 years. I'll be at retirement soon, thank you." He said giving her an unsteady look.

"I really am sorry Cosmo. But you frightened me." She said retuning the dagger to her boot.

"Now that this is over do you still want to get a bite? I know you need too.” He said finally getting his composure back.

"Are you going to tell Sam?" She said.

"No, I think it best to keep this between us." Said Cosmo.

"Good. I am hungry." She said.

"Let's go." He said.

"Want to drive?" She asked holding her car keys out.

"Not this time. We may have to go by my place and let me change my shorts." He said giving her another unsteady look.

"Really now." She said.

"Not really. But you did scare the living hell out of me." He said. And she had.

Cosmo had just come to grips with one of Dani's little secrets. She had a lot of them. He looked at her while they were going to the restaurant. What was she hiding? He thought. What ever it was it wasn't pretty.

"So I got you an apartment and guess were it is?" He said.

"Were?" She asked.

"Down the hall from mine." He said.

"Do you mind?" She asked.

"No I think it is a good idea." He said. "We can move you Saturday."

"We?" She questioned.

"Yeah, I can borrow Sam's truck I think he might even help out and we can move the stuff you have ourselves." He said. "I already asked him."

"I will have to pay a fee at the old place." She said.

"I fixed that too. I called a friend at the housing authority and told them that the place was crawling with bugs." He said.

"It really isn't." She said.

"Well they don't know that and my buddy fixed it that you can leave without the fees." He said.

"Cosmo you little devil." She said.

"What happened to you Dani? Why did you do that?" He asked.

She got real quite.

"Dani I want you to be honest with me." He said.

"I suppose I should." She said taking a ragged breath. She pulled off the street and parked the car.

"When I was in the Gulf War I was taken prisoner by the Iraqi’s. It was Al Qaeda. I found out later about that. Not the ones that worked for Saddam. The plane I was in crashed after Anti aircraft fire hit and took out two of the engines. And killed most of our unit. The plane crashed in Iraq near Basra. I was the navigator. We were on a surveillance mission. I had to do a belly landing. The Captain was injured and the co polite was dead. The only ones that survived were Captain Ted Reeves and myself. I opened the door and there stood 6 heavily armed Al Qaeda members. They were about to shoot my captain. I stepped in front of him and took the bullet. It hit me in the gut. They had to keep me alive so they patched me up and threw me in a dark windowless room. I have no idea how long I was there. The bullet had missed vital organs by inches and an artery by less than that. I was lucky to survive, or at least I thought. Then after that they took me and tied me to a chair with bright lights. They asked me questions that didn't make since. I couldn’t answer them so they beat me. Later I was traded for some high-ranking Iraqi offi. Wh. When you sneaked up on me I did that instinctively." She said.

Cosmo hardly knew what to say. He pulled her over into his arms.

"That's some story Dani. It's ok." Was about all he could manage.

She let him hold her. It had been a long time since she had been in the arms of a man that cared for her. It was more for him than her. He felt sad that she had gone through that. He understood the instinct to survive. He knew that she still felt like she had to defend herself.

"It's ok Dani. That was a long time ago. It doesn't matter to me." He said.

"Cosmo, I'm glad. I was afraid that you would run not walk out of my life." She said.

"Now why would I do that?" He said giving her a smile. She returned it." Gotcha."

"You are really something special Cosmo." She said.

"Well you are too." He said.

"I'm screwed up." She said.

"Well, I will be the judge of that Dani." He said.

She laughs. And he asked if he could drive. He slid under her and took the wheel. Cosmo was enjoying himself once again at the wheel of the jet black Mustang.

"So what is the story on this baby?" He asked her.

"I bought it off a lady whose son died in Viet Nam. He died in l973 and she kept it on blocks for almost 10 years before I bought it. Look at the mileage." She said.

"30,000, you mean it aint l30, 000?" he said.

"Nope. Them's actual miles." She said.

"How long did you let it sit?" He asked.

"I took it to basic training in San Antonio. And kept it till I went to the Gulf. Then I let it sit for about 6 years. I got it checked out two years ago after I retired. I drove it here of course." She said.

"How much did you pay for her?" He asked.

"4,000. The lady felt sorry for me and she sold it for a loss. She wanted something good to come from her son's death. I had saved that much from working at a pizza place in south Dallas." She said.

"Interesting, I have that POS they loan me. I haven't got around to buying a car yet." He said.

"That is interesting, Mr. Spend." She said.

"Well I don't have to now. " He said as they got to the restaurant.

They parked the car and he opened the door for her. She was not used to it.

"Get used to it Gorgeous." He said.

"Why do you call me that? I am hardly Gorgeous." She said.

"You would look good in a wet burlap sack. You never had a man say that you were gorgeous?" He said.

"No." Said Dani.

"Dani, I hate to tell you this." He said bending to whisper. "You are the most gorgeous woman I have ever spent time with."

"Then you dated Dufus' too." She said laughing.

"I guess." He said as his words were falling on deaf ears.

"You really don't know do you?" He said.

"Know what?" She said looking very innocent.

"Dani. You are beautiful." He said.

She looked at him with the look of a person that had been hit in the mouth with a wet squirrel.

"Dani?" He said.

Dani didn't answer she had another secret she was hiding. He didn't know about her scars. Her clothes hid them well.

"I have more for you." She said. "I have scars from the bullet wound and the beatings."

"So what. That hardly matters. Look at me, I'm not perfect either." He said.

"Cosmo. I haven't. Well, I haven’t' been involved with a man in 6 years." She said.

"Holy shit!" He said more than a little astounded.

"The scars are bad and I just could not bring myself to.” She said stopping.

"I understand. Listen we just met yesterday and I think it is a little too soon to talk about getting that involved." He said to her relief.

She looked a little too relieved for him. She was really in shaky territory with this. She just told him that there might not be a physical relationship in an off hand way. She felt bad.

"Now what." She said.

"Nothing. " He said.

"I just said to you that we might not, that I might not be able to have...." He cut her off.

"No you didn't Dani, you just said you were afraid that's all. I didn't take it that way." He said lying a little to make her feel better.

"Well there will come a time when things will progress." She said.

"By then if it happens, I hope you trust me enough to make my decision and that you will feel comfortable with the situation and with me." He said.

"You are a wise man Cosmo Renfro. Here you are practicing Psychology without a license." She said. " I am truly screwed up."

"Hardly, you live a pretty sain life except for having a dagger in your boots." He said.

She chuckled. He always made her laugh.

"Now eat woman before that blood sugar of yours gets screwy." He said as the dinner came.

They went to his place to watch a rented movie. It was too late to go to one and see it. He got the movie ready and popped in the tape and plopped down beside her. He put his arm around her.

"Cosmo, I think before this gets more involved I should show you the scars." She said.

"That is not necessary." He said.

She lifted the tank top she wore just under her bra. You could see a visible bullet wound and some whip marks.

Cosmo didn't say a word. But his eyes held a look of surprise and sadness.

"I tried to tell you." She said.

He composed himself because they were bad. But that didn't matter. He put her top back down and sighed a little.

"That is what you are worried about? I have seen worse. Someday we will compare scars." He said trying to make her laugh. This time she didn't.

"They're bad." She said.

"No, nothing I can't live with." He said.

She snuggled down a little happier. It was well past midnight when she left. They stood in the open door. They held hands.

"I will pick you up tomorrow." Said Dani.

"Good. I sure do love that car." He said.

"You. " She said shoving his arm.

"Good night Dani." He said.

"Good night Cosmo." She said.

She was really happy that the scars didn't turn him off.

She let go of his hand and disappeared into the night. He looked out after her and heard the car start. Cosmo went inside. He sat down on the couch and tried to cry. The scars she had were hideous. But that didn't matter. He wondered what had happened to her. He knew that she would have a lot of trouble ever being with any man. It was secondary to him. He also worried that along with the beating might have been rape. What then? He would worry about that later. She didn't say anything about that. Cosmo called to make sure she got home.

Again her phone was ringing as she stepped into the door.

"Hello?" She said.

"Hello Gorgeous." He said.

"Cosmo. I knew it had to be you. I am in and locked." She said.

"Good night Dani." He said.

"Goodnight Cosmo." She said as she put down the phone.

Saturday came without much ado. Dani had put on a yellow tank top with a v-neck and a pair of cut off shorts they were short. She put her hair in a ponytail and put on some tennis shoes. Cosmo had on a tank top and a pair of shorts and tennis shoes and a ball cap with "JUST KIDDING" on it. Sam was dressed like Cosmo. He and Sam came to the door with the truck. It was a hot daP>
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"Hello Dani. Miss me?" Asked Cosmo.

"I suppose so." She said without much enthusiasm teasing him. Then she brightened and hugged him with a sweet smile. They had grown pretty tight in the few days that they had known each other.

"Were did that come from." He asked.

"Well you are springing me from this joint." She said.

"Yeah, and all I get is a hug." He said still holding her.

She looked at him and shook her head. She saw Sam right behind him. He walked into the apartment. Dani let go of Cosmo.

"What else do you want you warped man?” She asked.

"So I am warped now?" He asked.

"As a old LP in the sun." She said.

"Thanks." He said letting her go and picking up a box. "Thanks loads." He said smiling.

"As to the rest of the payment owed. Well we will just have to see." He said acting business like. But with a hint of playfulness.

"Cosmo quit hitting on the woman and get the boxes." Said Sam smiling at her

"Thanks for helping Sam. There isn't much here." She said

"My pleasure Dani. Cosmo said this was a bad neighbor hood and he was right." Said Sam going down with some boxes.

Sam came back in. He noticed she was about to fall. She was getting a box she had put in a closet.

"Dani watch out." He said rushing over and catching her." She fell right into his arms. He was holding her and he didn't put her down right away. He was sort of stunned at how beautiful she was.

"You can put me down now Sam." She said laughing a little. Their eyes locked for a moment and she had her arms around his neck.

"Sorry Dani. I was a little shocked catching you." He said smiling at her.

"That's ok, it's not every day you fall for your boss." She said playfully.

"Yeah, right into his arms." He said still holding her in his arms.

"So are you ready to get out of this joint." Said Cosmo coming back into the apartment.

"Yes. I will be living right down the hall." She said.

"Won't you be my neighbor?” He asked in the old Mr. Roger's tune.

"God, you are so warped." She said.

"What's going on should I leave?" Said Cosmo smiling at the fact Sam had not put her down yet.

"No, Dani almost fell off a chair I caught her." Said Sam finally putting her down.

"Sam and I were just discussing falling for ones boss in a figurative way" Said Dani.

"Don't fall to hard. Sam and I have been friends a long time and we have shared a lot of thing but never a woman.” Said Cosmo.

"You!" Said Dani shaking her head. Sam grabbed two smaller boxes and went down.

"You have a nice smile." She said. "It is a contagious smile."

"Thanks. Does it have a cure?" Cosmo said.

"I don't think so." She said grabbing a box.

"Well I suppose we should get you moved." He said.

"I suppose." She said.

They picked up a couple of boxes and took them down to the truck.

"You look pretty today." Cosmo said as he passed her.

"Thanks. I haven't got on any makeup." She said.

"Don't need it." He said.

"Your sweet Cosmo." Said Dani.

They got everything and gave the keys back. They arrived at the new place. It was bare of furniture except for what little she had. She had 25 boxes of stuff. 20 years of accumulation. She looked at the boxes and realized that her life was there. She had no permancey in her life and never really wanted it. Now she was on the cusp of her 40^th year and had no husband, or kids and the prospects for a child had vanished in the desert or so she thought.

"Whatssup." Cosmo asked her as he adjusted his ball cap.

"Nothing. Just realizing that my life is all in these boxes. 24 of them." She said.

"25 I just got the last one. The TV and cart are still out there." He said.

"It looks like rain we had better get things inside." She said.

"Looks like a toad strangler." Said Sam bringing in the TV.

A clap of thunder resonated as they got the last of it in.

"Damn, it is going to be a gully washer." She said.

"We got it in just in time. Neighbor." He said

"I'll hook up the TV and VCR for you." Sam said. Were do you want it?"

She looked at all the space and picked a place near the cable outlet.

"There. It will be easier to put together." She said pointing.

"Good choice." He said as he put he cart and TV were she said.

She sat down on the floor. She would have to get furniture and soon she was sleeping on Cosmo's fold out couch tonight.

"Well I got it done let's see if it works." He said turning on the TV. It came on then a clap of thunder and a flash of light made him turn it off.

"We will just have to wait." She said.

"Let's go over to my place and have a sandwich." Said Cosmo.

They locked her place and went up to Cosmo place. He opened the door and they all walked in.

“I had better get cracking on that sandwich I hope you haven’t' waited too long. He said.

"I am a bit hungry but I think the ole blood sugar is fine."

"Good, do you need to check it?" Said Sam.

"Nah, I check it once a day." She said.

There was a long pause as they ate. Dani brought over some Diet Coke.

"This is good." She said munching on her sandwich.

"It's a Cosmo special. I can't cook." He said.

"I can." She said.

"This just gets better and better." He said smiling.

They ate lunch and just as they were clearing the plates the lights went off.

"Damn, this is a wicked storm." Said Dani.

"Yeah. Now we are all in the dark together." He said almost in a Boris Karloff way.

"Ha Ha." She said.

"Very damn funny Cosmo." Said Sam smirking a little.

They sat on the couch playing Gin. It took awhile to get the lights back on. The rain started to dissipate and Sam asked her if she wanted to get some furniture.

I suppose we had better." She said. "I can stay with Cosmo forever." She Said.

They went to a furniture store and she set up an account. They wouldn't be able to deliver the furniture till Monday. They didn't have the bed in stock that she wanted. Cosmo told her to just stay with him for the weekend. Sam wondered to himself if he better ask her out for the weekday.

"Thanks again Sam." Said Dani. As he let them off Cosmo had gone inside.

"My pleasure." Said Sam.

"Well I guess I will see you Monday." Said Dani. She was still sitting by Sam.

"Dani, would you go out with me just once. Say Dinner, a play or something?" He asked.

"I think I might just let that Moral Code of mine rot in hell. Especially since you were so sweet to help out. And thank you for catching me" She said. "Alright once."

"Good. We can talk about our experiences. It was my pleasure to help out." Said Sam. There was a long pause. “Well I suppose I will see you Monday if something doesn't break."

"See ya later. Thanks again." Said Dani. Before she got out she gave him a small hug and a kiss on the cheek for helping her out. Sam was so startled he just looked at her for a moment.

"Did I do something wrong?" She asked.

"No, just surprised me. It's pretty hard to do that." He said.

"Ah, a challenge! I was only trying to thank you for helping me out. That is what I meant." She said explaining herself.

"I know that Dani." He said. He looked at her again and they hugged again. A little longer this time.

"I got to go see if the Goof is in over his head again." She said as he let her go.

"Better, I know too well what he is capable of. He needs a leash and a muzzle. Don't let him molest you." Said Sam.

"I wont. You know he might like that too much. See ya." She said as she got out of the truck.

Sam shook his head and chuckled. Dani had just made Sam's Day. He smiled at her and drove off.

Dani walked into Cosmo's apartment.

"So what's for dinner?" She asked.

"I don't know." He said.

"So what do you want to do tonight?" She asked.

"Play it by ear I suppose." He said.

He turned on the TV. Cable was playing a Steven Segal movie.

"I like this one. I have it on DVD." She said sitting on the sofa beside him.

"Oh, yeah?" He said. As she cuddled against him.

"I have a butt load of action flicks." She said as he put his arm around her.

"We might have some more things in common after all." He said looking at her and pulling her closer.

They watched the movie. It was late when they finished the movie.

"Let's order a pizza." She suggested.

"Can you have it?" He asked.

"Sure I just have to watch it." She said.

"I don't know a lot about diabetes." He said.

"I will teach you." She said smiling up at him.

He wanted to kiss her but he didn't .He didn't know how he was going to get through the night with her out here on the couch. The apartment she got was virtually useless right now. Where Dani was concerned he didn't want her to get the wrong idea. She had the wrong idea before and look were it got her. He knew there was a broken heart somewhere in there among all that beauty. He knew that the broke heart she had he didn‘t want to hurt again.

"Dani how are we gonna work this?" He asked her.

"You mean until I get furniture." She said.

"I can get a shower over at my place. And sleep here if that is ok." She said.

"You want I should take the couch?" He offered.

"No I can sleep anywhere. I mean I can fall asleep anywhere." She corrected herself.

"You sure?" He asked.

"Yeah." She said.

Nighttime came and it was well past midnight. He helped her turn down the couch.

"You sure about sleeping on this?" Asked Cosmo.

"I think this will be fine." She said.

"You have a night shirt or something?" He said.

"I usually don't wear one but I suppose if you have a t- shirt?” She said.

"I have one." He said. Cosmo had caught the little fact she had just thrown him.

"Ok. I will wear that then." She said.

He went into the bedroom and got her a t-shirt. He was wondering how he would sleep tonight.

"Thanks." She .

"I'm going on to bed. I'll see you in the morning.” He said.

"Good night Cosmo." She said.

"Good night." He said. He closed the door. He heard her in the bathroom. This was going to be a long night.

In the middle of the night a storm raged again outside. The storm hadn’t woke her she was having a nightmare. He heard her scream he hauled out of bed and pulled on a pair of shorts.

"Dani are you ok?" He said in the darkness.

She was crying. He could hear her

"Dani?" he said.

"I'm ok Cosmo." She said a disembodied voice in the dark.

"You don't sound ok." He said feeling for the lamp next to the couch.

He managed to turn it on and he saw her. She had been crying. Her face was a mess with tears.

"What is it Dani?" He said.

"Dreams, I have them. Sometimes they are so real I think that you could reach out and touch the men in them." She said.

"Dani what is it about?" He asked.

"I dream about the prison and..." She started to cry again.

He sat down on the pull out couch. He took her into his arms and held her.

"You had a real bad time didn't you." He said and he knew that he was putting it mildly.

"Yes I did. I feel better now." Shid aid as he held her.

Cosmo felt like she must have been raped in the prison and was too ashamed to talk about it with him.

He brushed the hair away from her eyes. She was frightened. He had never seen that look in her eyes. She was still trembling.

"You cold?" He asked softly.

"A little." She said lying a bit.

"Let me go and get a blanket." He said starting to rise.

"No. Just stay here. I am beginning to come out of it." She said starting to retaining her composure.

“Dani what can I do?" He asked.

"Just stay here a little while. Till I go to sleep." She said.

He put his feet on the pull out and got comfortable. She rested her head on his chest and he put his arms around her. She looked up at him.

"Thanks, I feel a lot safer now." She said.

"I'm glad you feel safe with me." He said holding her tighter.

She closed her eyes and fell off to sleep and so did he. The next morning she was on one side and he on the other. Nothing had happened. He rolled over half asleep and put his arm around her just under her breast. He kissed the back of her neck and snuggled a little pressing himself against her. She moaned a little when he did that.

She responded in a half sleep to his embrace and rolled over to face him. She put her free hand on around on his back. They were both still sleepy and really didn't know what was going on. He had his hand on her side. He slid his hand further in and began glossing over her breast. She began to moan a little at his touch. He was just about to kiss her when he shot up out of bed.

"Dani? What am I doin’' here?" He asked shaking the sleep from his head.

"You tell me? I just wanted you to stay till I went to sleep." She said surprised he was there.

"Well I guess I went to sleep." He said.

"That's ok. Nothing happened." She said scooting over a little.

"I just touched you!" he said.

"Was it that awful?" She said yawning.

"No, no it wasn't but it is far too soon for that young lady." He said.

"Who says." She said.

"I do." He said.

"What are you afraid of? Me?" She barked. Her voice becoming louder

"As a matter of fact, Yes." He said barking himself. With the same loudness.

"Why? I won’t bite?" She said in the same voice as before.

"I want it to be different with you. If you and I get together that's fine. But you need to make sure that I am who you want." He said in the same voice as before. The roles were reversed with them. They were shouting at each other.

"What are you afraid of CosThatThat I am not pretty enough. That you don't really want me what is it? She said.

"God no. It's not that I also have been through a divorce. 10 years ago. I married this woman because I was in my 30's and not married. All my friends had married a long time ago. So I married her and it was miserable. I don't want the same thing to happen again. " He said.

"Cosmo I don't really care if you have been married. I am not looking to get married. So if the lem lem lies with that don't worry. "She said.

Cosmo was pacing now. He didn't exactly know where to go with this. He had shouted at her and the last thing he had wanted to do was that.

"Look, I'm sorry I yelled. It's just I have been alone along time. Then Monday you came into my life and here it is Sunday and this." He said pointing to the pull out.

"Cosmo your are a big boy. You know the difference between Sleeping together and "Sleeping Together" She said.

Cosmo was one confusan. an. On one hand he had this gorgeous woman lying in his pull out with his t-shirt on and not much else. On the other hand he wanted to be proper with her and not screw this up. He had a dilemma on his hands all right. How did this ever happen? He thought. Most men would throw proper out the window and get the girl. But not our Cosmo. He had had enough of being alone and he did want her around. It had just been too soon. Dani had similar thought and it did cross her mind to wait but that all she had been doing for the last 6 years. Waiting for someone to come along and really love her. Could Cosmo Renfro be that man? It was far too soon to tell.

"Cosmo, I dated a man that I was in love with but there was nothing between us in the sex department. I'll be truthful with you it ain't pretty but it is the truth. Ammad, that is the man I was in love with he and I were incompatible. So for me it has been a lot longer than 6 years. More like 8 years. " She .

"Ouch." He said as if she had hit him.

"I don't know why I am telling you this. You and I haven't even kissed." Said Dani.

"Well, remember I am an armature Psychologist." He said smiling. "He did nothing for you. That's awfully selfish Dani." He said.

"That he was." Said Dani.

"I would never be that selfish." aid.aid. With an evil little grin.

"Cosmo you are the worlds worst! I think I am going to have to get you a leash and a muzzle." She said hitting him with one of the pillows.

"So you want to play that way do you young lady?" He said.

She stuck her tongue out at him like a little girl and hit him again.

"Alright you asked for it!!" He said picking up the other pillow and they began a pillow fight.

He reached out and pulled her down under him. They were laughing.

"Want to go steady?" He said.

"Sure got your high school ring?" She said smiling.

"Somewhere." He said.

"Got a letter jacket?" She said.

"Yes. Somewhere." He said.

"Want to go to the homecoming dance?" He said.

"I think we have exhausted this." She said.

"I think so too." he said laughing.

He was looking down at her. She was not the hard bitch that he taught she was. Dani was sweet and beautiful. He taught of waking up with her this morning. It had been a close call. He hadn’t planned on this at all. He didn't even ask her. He kissed her. She responded to his kiss. It got hot and heavy quickly. He was on top of her and they were still in their bedclothes. It seemed that his hands were doing what his mind was thinking. He hadn’t planned on this. Things were taking a turn in the direction of sex and he didn't know if she was on the pill or not. He couldn't help himself much. He was enjoying the kissing and touching but he stopped.

"What's the matter?" She asked.

"This is getting hot Dani. I don't know if I can stop if we do much more." He said.

"That's ok. We have plenty of time for that. You sure can kiss." She said.

"Your not bad yourself." He said.

&"Wa"Want some breakfast?" She asked changing the subject.

"We will have to go out. I can't cook." He said.

"Well I can." She said and she went into the kitchen and looked into the fridge. She slammed it shut.

"I'll get dressed. We need to go to the store." She said.

"I warned you." Said Cosmo.

She went into the bathroom and shut the door. She got dressed combed herr anr and brushed her teeth. Then she took out her blood testing meter and supplies and took them to the table.

"Whatcha doin' " Said Cosmo.

"Testing my blood sugar." She said. He sat down and watched.

She took out a strip and a lancet. She put the strip in the meter and pricked her finger put a drop of blood on the strip and pushed the button. It counted back 30 seconds and revealed her blood sugar was 99.

" Is that good Dani?" He asked watching what she was doing.

"Yes. Just fine." She said.

"You need to eat though." He said.

"Cosmo I have something for you." She said handing him a set of car keys.

"What's this?" He asked.

"Keys to the Mustang. Since we are living in the same place just about I thought that you might want to take the car out sometime. Just let me know if you do." She said.

"Thanks. I will Da" He" He said taking the keys.

They left in her car. Cosmo's key worked just fine. They had a good day and that night she slept better. The next morning they got ready for work. She went into her apartment and looked for the things she needed. Cosmo wanted to ask her if he should get gas for the car. He went in the lock didn't work. He got in easily.

"Shit, the lock is broken. If I go in there she will freak out. That needs to be fixed."saidsaid to himself. He called the apartment manager and told him that the lock was broken. He said that it would be fixed in a couple of hours.

When Dani got out of the shower Cosmo was standing in the living room and it did startle her.

"Jesus! Cosmo now I will have to start coloring my hair!" She said wrapping the towel firmly around her. She had been drying herself and the bathroom was steamy. She thought she was alone so she didn't have the towel secured He did get a partial look at her. What he saw he wanted.

Cosmo stood there. She only had the towel on and she was still wet from the shower. He turned around.

"I didn't want someone to come in on you that is why I am standing here." He said.

"What? I though I locked the door." She said.

"No it's broken." He said. " I called the manager and they will fix it soon." He said.

"Thanks Cosmo, you look out for me." She said.

"I don't mind." He said. "Go and get some clothes on." It took all his reserve not to go into her bedroom with her and take her. But Cosmo was a gentleman.

She did as she was told. She put on a CD as she dressed. It was Highway to Hell.

"Dani?" He said. "Dani can you put something else on. That crap really gets on my nerves." He said.

"How old are you Cosmo?" She asked through the door and turning off the CD.

"I'll be 48 soon." He said.

"That's almost 8 years difference." She said.

"Your 39?" He asked.

"40 in October." She said.

"I thought you were a lot younger. You certainly don't look your age." He said.

"Disappointed?" She said.

"No. Actually that is good. Not too much difference in our ages." He said.

"Well you are either a young 40 or an old one. I have learned that in the Marshal Service you are can't be old, the work is rigorous." She said spraying some of the perfume he liked the other night.

"You disappointed in my age?" He said.

"No. You have a point. I always got along with people older than me better than someone my own age." She said.

She came out in a hot pink v-neck muscle shirt with a tan jacket and jeans. She looked pretty and he smiled.

"You look really pretty Dani." Said Cosmo.

"Thanks, you don't look bad yourself." She said. He was wearing a pair of khakis and a button down broad cloth shirt. Lavender in color with an expensive tie. Cosmo wore designer clothes. He always looked nice.

He smiled at her. He then kissed her gently.

"Come on young lady we've got work to do." He said as they left.

Upon getting to work they were in for the ribbing of their lives.

"Whatssup." Said Cosmo.

"We might ask the same question." Said Biggs.

"Whaddaya mean." Said Cosmo.

"You and Dani." Said Cooper.

"Sam and I helped her move this weekend. She was in a flea trap on the south side." Said Cosmo.

"Sure. She is living right down the hall from you. ‘Said Cooper.

"I just wanted her to be safe." Said Cosmo.

"Yeah, with old uncle pervy living right handy.” Said Biggs.

"Biggs." Said Cosmo warning him.

"Cosmo you and Dani get settled alright?" Asked Sam.

"Yes. I am moved in I hope they bring the furniture today." She said.

"Were did you stay this weekend?" Said Cooper.

"At Cosmo's." She said.

"Whoaaa." echoed through the room.

"Dani slept on the pull out couch." Said Cosmo looking sheepish.

"There is nothing going on between us." Said Dani. "Save friendship."

"Ouch!" Said Cosmo and he plopped himself down in a chair.

"Them's the worst words you can say to a man. "Said Biggs.

"I didn't mean it that way Cosmo." She said sitting down next to him.

"You and I know that but, those morons don't need to know." He said.

Watson came in and sat next to Dani again.

"Good morning Major." He said.

Cosmo mouthed his response. He had had just about enough of this guy and so had the rest.

"Well Major are you ready to be bait?" He d led leaning in close enough to touch her.

"No. Savanna and I wont do it." She said adamantly.

"Now Major I explained to you that the two of you had no choice." He said putting his hand on her's.

"If you don't get your hand off of me you will pull back a nub. I don't care who you are." She said between clinched t.

"You play along Major and I will make it worth your while." He said taking his hand and brushing the top with his. Then he bent in and tried to kiss her.

She had just about enough. Before anything could be said Dani took his hand stood up and bent it back further than it was supposed to go and with her other hand she bent his ring finger breaking it.

He dropped to the floor with a high-pitched yell. She then hit him in the back of the shoulders dropping him to the floor.

"Bitch!" He yelled.

"Sam looked up from his papers to see Watson on the floor. He stood up.

"What did he do to you Dani?" Asked Sam in an angry voice.

"He had his filthy hand on me and told me it would be worth my while to be bait. Then he tried to me. me." She said then she stomped out of the conference room. Cosmo stood up and Watson was still on the floor he gave him a swift kick on his way out.

"Sorry, did I do that?" Said Cosmo not smiling.

Cosmo followed her out into the hall. She was fuming.

"You ok. " Said Cosmo.

"No, I am in big trouble. Court Marshal trouble. He pushed me and I let him." She said.

"I doubt that Dani. Cathrine will take care os lis little red wagon." Said Cosmo.

"I wish I hadn't done that." She said.

"I kinda enjoyed the show. My, you are a strong woman." hed.

Sam was in the doorway. He had concern on his face.

"Dani can I talk to you a minute alone." Said Sam in a concerned tone.

Cosmo patted her shoulder and went back into the room.

"Watson has a broken ring finger and his wrist is sprained. Cathrine is going to want to talk to you about this. Personally, I think you did yourself a favor and us too. This harebrained plan of his just won’t fly." Said Sam.

"How bad is it. Will they fire me?" Said Dani.

"No, don't worry about that. I will fix it so it won’t go on your record. On another personal note I have never seen a woman drop a man like that." Said Sam patting her shoulder.

"Thanks. He had it coming." Said Dani.

"He sure the hell did." Said Sam chuckling a little.

“Did you find out anything about the cases?” He asked.

“Yeah, seems like these women had gotten close to the truth on the Ramos Cartel Case and I think they bought it because they were on to something. Someone on the inside of this has to be part of it.” Said DanI.

“Humm, I guess we ought to talk this over later. I’d really like more information. So could we go out sometime soon and talk about it?” He asked.

“Sure. You want to go tonight?" Said Dani.

"Yeah." He said. “You sure it’s ok with you?”

“Yeah it’s fine with me we will have more time to talk then.” Said Dani

They left the office that night and went to dinner. Sam was glad she had relented.

"So, Dani I'm glad you relented a little." Said Sam opening the car door for her.

"They didn't bring my bed today. One more night on the pull out." She said.

"Dani is there anything going on between you and Cosmo?" He asked.

"My goodness no. He's been a real friend this last weekend." She said.

"I mean have you two well." Said Sam.

"No. He has kissed me. I will say that. And we did "Sleep Together" She said teasing him.

"Well may be we should..." He said she cut him off.

"No, not that. He was comforting me after a bad dream ae fee fell asleep on the couch next to me that's all." Said Dani giggling.

"He snores like a bull dozer doesn’t he?" Said Sam.

"He wasn't that night." She said.

They ate dinner and traded war stories. Then they talked about the case.

"That was funny Sam. Can't say the last time I hear a story like that one." She said.

“So what more did you find out on the Ramos Cartel Case?” He asked.

“The women were not connected but they each had found a piece to the puzzle. The woman in Texas I didn’t know but she found out that they were running drugs though Dallas and then up to St. Louis and then here. The woman in St. Louis found that those Hubart boys had a hand in bombing that federal judge and couldn’t alert anyone. She was killed before they found her notebook. That Judge had prosecuted those Dixon brothers. I found they were linked to Ramos as assassins too. The woman that was killed here found that out. So the Hubart’s, and the Dixon boys are all tied to Ramos. But as to what he has planned is another story.” Said Dani.

“Good work Gal. You said we might have a moll in the DOJ or Marshal Service didn’t you?” He asked.

“Yeah and I haven’t figured that one out yet. I guess we need to go and tell Ms. Walsh that.” Said Dani.

“I’ll go to her tomorrow.” Said Sam.

“That would be a really good idea.” Said Dani. “I hadn’t had time to tell anyone and I figured that you needed to know first.”

“Thanks Gal.” Said Sam. "What about a movie?" He asked.

"It will be late when I get back to Cosmo's." Said Dani.

"He's on surveillance tonight. He forgot to tell you." Said Sam.

"I don't have a key either." Said Dani.

"I have a couch you can crash there. " He offered.

"Sam, that would be a little much wouldn't it?" She said.

"Nah, Not really." Said Sam hoping to have more time with her.

"Ok. I will leave a message for Cosmo on the machine." Said Dani.

"Here you don't have a cell yet." He said handing her his phone.

"Cosmo, I am out with Sam. Listen I don't have a key. I will crash on his couch tonight. You didn't tell me you were on surveillance tonight you goof. I will see you tomorrow. Bye." She said.

"Let's go." He said paying the tab.

Dani really did like Sam. They were more alike that she and Cosmo. There were things about each one she liked. It was a lovely summer evening. They finished the movie and went for a drink at Emmits.

"Hey Emmit. Two Diet Cokes if you please." Said Sam.

He handed her one. They talked until the bar closed at 1am.

"It was a lovely evening." She said as he unlocked the door.

"Sure was. You need something to sleep in?" He asked.

"Yeah, I think it best." She said.

The light on the machine at Sam's was blinking.

"Dani, I got the message. Sorry it came up suddenly. I'm glad you have a place to crash." Said Cosmo's Voice. "Don't do anything I wouldn't do Sammy."

"Shit." Said Sam.

"He is a real goof isn't he?” Said Dani.

"You said it. You might have to get that leash and muzzle after all." Said Sam pitching her the shirt. "Here."

"Thanks Sam. I might have to get a bull whip too." She said as she went to the bathroom to change.

"You can sleep in the bedroom it wont hurt me to sleep out here." He offered.

"Nah, that's ok." Said Dani.

She came out in the T-shirt he had given her. He felt that hint of excitement again at what he saw. Surely it was just one of his t-shirts but she did fill it out marvelously.

"Catching fly’s are we Sam." She said as she came up to him.

"You are a lovely woman Dani." Said Sam turning the gape into a smile.

"You aint bad yourself Sam." She said returning his smile.

Dani looked up at him. He was a lot taller than Cosmo.

"Dani I think we should go to bed." Said Sam not realizing that he had put out in invitation.

"My Goodness. Is that an invitation?” She asked.

"I don't know. I mean no. I mean?" Said Sam a little out of character.

"Flustered are we?" Said Dani.

"A little." He said.

"Shouldn't have to be Sam." Said Dani. "Not with me."

Sam did want to kiss her. He had been fighting himself all night. Here he was. Dani was mere inches away. She was undressed and she looked about as sexy in that shirt as if she had a teddy on.

"Well?" Said Dani.

"Well what?" He said a little more flustered.

"You want to kiss me don't you?" Said Dani.

"I do." Said Sam with almost a question involved.

"Don't sound convinced." She said.

"I do." He said with more bass in his voice.

"Then do it." She said.

He pulled her into his arms. It was pure fire. Nothing less. The rockets were going off for both of them. He released her. It was hard for him to keep his hands to himself.

"My Goodness Mr. Gerard you are a pistol." She said trying to steady herself.

"Your not bad yourself." Said Sam smiling.

"I think it a bit soon for anything else." She said.

"Maybe. He said.

"Goodnight Sam and thanks." She said.

"Goodnight Dani." He said.

She slept on the couch and in the morning she dressed and he was already up in the kitchen.

"Coffee?" He asked.

"Sure, black." She said.

She noticed a picture of a young man perhaps college age. He looked a lot like Sam.

"Who's this?" She asked of the picture.

"He's my son. I was married for a short time about 23 years ago." Said Sam.

"He's handsome like his father. What's his name?" She asked.

"Thanks Dani. His name is Samuel James Gerard." Said Sam. "We call him Jamie."

"So how old is he?" Said Dani.

"He's 22. He goes to Texas A and M. He wants to be a lawyer." Said Sam.

"You must be proud of him." Said Dani.

"I am, I just don't talk much about him. I don't get to see him very often me living up here and all." Said Sam. "I suppose you want to know about the ex too?"

"No not unless you are comfortable about telling me about her." She said.

"Perhaps another time. It is a long story. We parted ways friends for Jamie's sake." Said Sam.

"That's good. I know a lot of divorced people in the military and in the Marshals Service. It can either make your marriage or kill it." She said.

"You ever been married?" Said Sam.

"No, never wanted it or had time for it. My job has been my life." Said Dani.

"We have a lot in common. I never wanted to get married again after that." Said Sam.

"For me love has been a four letter word. I always wind up getting hurt and I got sick and damn tired of it." Said Dani.

"You just haven't found the right guy yet." Said Sam.

"Funny you say that. Sam I feel like I have known you all my life." Said Dani.

"That is strange I get the same feeling." He said.

"I know we haven't known each other long and you are my boss man but I had to tell you that. I have no idea why." She said candidly.

"Don't worry about the boss thing. I am glad you felt that you could say that too me." He said.

Dani was just as comfortable with him as she was an old friend. And he her.

"You need some breakfast." He said changing the subject.

"Yeah. What cha got in the fridge?” She Said.

She looked. Sam kept a lot of things she could use to cook breakfast.

"You are not going to cook. I'll take you out." Said Sam as he took the eggs from her hands.

"I can. I do pretty good. I make a Mexican omelet to die for." She said.

"Not this time." He said getting his keys. “Come on Dani." Said Sam.

"You mad at me?" She asked. "Because we didn't?"

"No, not mad Dani. It is too soon." He said.

"Good. I was hoping that we could do this again sometime. I enjoyed being with you last night. I also enjoyed the kiss." She said.

"I did too. You know we will have to be discreet." He said.

"I know. " She said getting into the Crown Vic.

"Dani all I can say is that I know you like Cosmo too. I must tell you we are best friends." Said Sam over breakfast.

"I kinda knew that." She said.

"You ok with it. I mean well.." He trailed off.

"If you two are." Said Dani.

"Let's go. You need to get ready for work." Said Sam.

They ate and he paid the check. They got into the Crown Vic. He looked over at her. She was beautiful. He had known that since the first day.

"What Sam?" She asked.

"Dani, you are a beautiful woman. I can't lie to you. I think we are too much alike for me to do that.” He said.

"Yeah we are. I found that out last night when we were talking. I know what you are thinking too and it's ok. I know how you feel about me. There are a lot of things you don't know about me. For one I was taken prisoner by Al Qaeda ." She said and she told him the story.

"Dani, I'm sorry. I knew a lot of guys in Nam that were POW's. Did they well?" He said.

"No, the head guy told them he would kill them his self if they touched me. I never saw his face but I heard his voice." Said Dane.

"Good at least you were spared that." He said relived.

"They left scars. I can't well, I haven't been able to well do that for about 6 years." She said.

"God Dani, why didn't you tell me last night. I just thought you were not interested. I know I am a lot older than you." He said.

"It's not that Sam. I just haven't been able to do that. The scaring is bad and it would turn a lot of men right off. It has happened." Said Dani.

"Shit, I don't work that way. Never have. " He said.

"Look." She said pulling up her shirt just under her bra.

"That's all. Shit I have seen worse in Nam. Dani that is not bad at all." Said Sam almost blowing it off.

"So you think it's ok then?" She asked.

"Not a problem, Dani." Said Sam.

"Good I will remember that." Said Dani.

Sam took her to her apartment to get cleaned up.

"Thanks Sam for everything." Said Dani.

"No problem." Said Sam looking around the apartment.

"I wont be a minute." She said and she wouldn't.

She took a shower quickly. Sam was sitting on one of the few pieces of furniture she did have watching the news. She walked from the bathroom to the bedroom draped in a towel. Sam noticed it. He tried to act like he was watching the TV. My, she was beautiful. If he had been any other man he would have got up and kissed her right they’re maybe even more, but he knew it was too soon. He had a hard time sleeping with the vision of her in the t-shirt.

She came out sooner than he expected. She was lovely and he smiled.

"Well if it aint the cat that ate the canary." Said Dani.

"You look pretty Dani." He said.

"You aren't bad yourself Sam." Said Dani.

He got up and she got her keys. He stopped her.

"Yes." She asked.

"Dani, well?" He said.

"You want a kiss don't you." She said. "My you are a man of little words."

"I don't want to seem to forward with you." Sam said.

"Forward wouldn't be the word Sam." Said Dani.

"Is there one?" He asked.

"It's ok I think I would like one too." She said.

They embraced and kissed. It was fire again. He did want to be late for work. He wanted her. She was having some of the same feelings. She didn't fear Sam. He knew her secret and he had not acted so shocked as Cosmo had. The first day something had passed between them as they sat on the floor defusing the bomb. Neither one was ready to figure it out.

"Now then, feel better. I know I do." She said pulling back a bit to see him.

"No, I am flustered." He said.

"Weak are we?" She asked still in his arms.

"No that aint the word." Said Sam.

Dani and Sam kissed again.

"If we don't stop this we will be an hour late for work." Said Sam still embracing her.

"Just an hour?" Dani asked coyly.

Sam laughed. She was thinking the same thing he was. They were alike.

"Come on we will be late if we don't go now." Said Sam taking her hand and leading her out the door.

It was the weekend again and her bed was still not there. On Sunday morning Cosmo came into the living room. She and Cosmo hadn’t really done anything either. Still having her out there was a strain on his patients he wanted to but he was reluctant because he thought she had been raped. And he had been hurt. She was still asleep. She had kicked off the covers. He was trying to put them back on when she woke up.

"Sorry Dani. You were out from under the covers." Said Cosmo.

"What time is it?' She asked.

"About 6." He said.

"Little early for a Sunday." She said as he sat down on the pull out.

"Can't sleep." He said.

"Come here." She said pulling back the covers.

He crawled in were she was. She put her head on his chest again. She was still sleepy.

"You look pretty this morning." He said putting his arms around her.

"I haven't even brushed my hair yet Cosmo." She said still sleepy.

"Still." He said.

"What are we going to do about this?" She said referring to the position they were faced with.

"I just don't know. This whole thing is driving me nuts." He said.

"We can fix it." She said.

"Dani, you know how I feelut tut that." He said.

"Mr. Swave and Deboner. Gentleman my foot." She said.

"That is what I have tried to be." He said.

"You know I have desires? I haven't been able to be a woman in a long time Cosmo." She said.

"Never said your didn't Dani. It's just that you told me that you had a problem with that and I wanted to respect it." He said.

"Cosmo you have been the most patient, caring man I have known since my Daddy." She said.

"I'm not him Dani." Said Cosmo.

"I know and you don't have to be." She said.

He looked at her for a moment. Things were getting tense again. They had been hedging that direction for the last week.

"Dani." Was all he could manage before he kissed her.

Cosmo kissed Dani passionately that morning. The sun was coming up. He put his hand on breabreast under the shirt she was wearing and touched her gently. She liked the touching and kissing. Then she did some touching of her own. The tenseness was not abating. It was growing between them.

"That feels pretty good." She said breathlessly about the way he was touching her.

"Don't it though." Said Cosmo agreeing with her on her assessment. She hadn’t stop touching him all this time either.

He buried his head in her chest. He couldn't stop himself. She still had on the T-shirt but he had pulled it up.

"Dani, this is going too far again." He said into her chest.

"It has been for awhile now." She said still in a breathless state.

He just kept touching and caressing her. Cosmo would have not minded being smothered at that moment. He was really doing something to her. His hand had gone further down than he had planned to go. She looked at him with those light brown eyes. She was oking his moves. He only hesitated for a moment and put his finger inside of her thong. She closed her eyes and he bent in and kissed her while he touched her. He was so gentle, she thought as he moved his finger in and out. She was becoming breathless and dizzy. She began to moan again. Cosmo knew what he was doing to her she had moved his other hand to her breast. He was becoming a little more than excited himself. He hadn’t been the only one doing something. She had been touching him with the same vigor he had been touching her. He looked down at her and stopped.

"For God's sake Cosmo don't stop." She said almost begging.

"Dani this is going a bit far." He said a little on the breathless side himself.

"Cosmo. That was wonderful. Don't stop." She said almost begging.

"I'm glad for that Dani. I don't know if I can stop if I do it again." He said being very truthful with her.

"Shit." She said and she meant it. "Tease me why don't you while your at it."

"I'm sorry Dani. I just can't." He said apologizing to her.

"Well I'm not stopping you from doing that." She said. "I want you to make love with me."

With that all reason was gone in his mind after that statement she just made. He pushed her over on the pullout and began to drive her crazy. He was doing things to her that she hadn’t had done in years, if ever. She was in a complete lather. He hassedssed her thong underwear on the floor. Then he got up and took off his shorts. Then it was her turn to please him. She knew what she was doing too. Cosmo was about ready to give in he was loosing his mind fast at what she was doing to him.

"Dani you are. Oh, you are driving me. Shit, crazy." He said as coherently as the situation would let him. Cosmo let her finish him off.

“Dani that was some work you did.” Said Cosmo. “It’s going to be a few minutes until…….”

“I know it’s ok. I wanted to do that. You looked frustrated.” Said Dani.

“I was. But now that you took care of that. Let me take care of some things for you.” He said as he pushed her back on to her back and kissed his way down until he got to her mound. Then he started on her. He wanted her to feel the same thing she had just given him.

She began moaning and threshing. Calling his name over and over. When he finally stopped he cout tat take the want anymore. He got between her legs. Unfortunately his mind was clear enough that the thought of the fact he hadn’t any protection in the apartment stopped him cold. He knew she would be furious. He was furious too. He wanted to make love to her. Right at the moment that is all he wanted to do. Take her. Make her his. Leave Sam in the dust. He was sure that if he did she wouldn't be interested in Sam anymore. She had responded to him in more ways than just physically. But he stopped anyway. Feeling cheated.

"Shit!" He said. "We can’t do this. We still haven't got..." Said Cosmo.

"Either do it or stop right now. Your choice Cosmo. I could give a flip about the damn condoms right now. Neither on of us has been active lately." She said Angrily.

He got up put on his shorts and went into his bedroom and slammed the door. He just couldn't do it. He didn't know if she had been raped and he knew that there was a chance that it might damage her mentally further that was another good reason to stop he thought. Then there was the thought of him possibly getting her pregnant. It wasn't that he didn't want to. He did. Boy did he ever. But those facts alone had stopped him.

She went to the door. She had never seen him so upset.

"Cosmo, I'm sorry. It's just we haven't and I think that it's because of my scars you can't stand to look at them." She said thought the door.

She opened the door a crack. He was lying on his bed looking up at the ceiling.

"It has nothing to do with that. Dani, we have to be careful. Neither one of us has had an easy time at love and there is also the little thing about protection. I haven't got anything here." He said.

"I told you I didn't care about that. I suppose that they will sell us some. I can.." He cut her off.

"No." He .

"No?" She retorted angrily.

"No." He said again in finality.

Then she did some slamming of her own. She was pissed off. She got dressed and slammed the door. He closed his eyes and grief over took him. Why in the world couldn't he just do it? It had been easy all his life. It wasn't the scars. He didn't even notice them at all. Was he in love with her though? She was the most perfect woman he had ever known. An hour later he got up and noticed that her meter and purse were in his apartment. He got up and put on some jeans and a t-shirt. She needed to eat. He didn't want to risk the consequences of that.

He locked the apartment and took her purse and meter over to her apartment. He stood at her door and knocked.

"Yes." She said.

"It's me the Dufus."Said Cosmo.

"Go away Cosmo. I don't need this." She said.

"Dani you need to eat." He said.

"What the hell do you care? You don't want me so just leave me alone." She said in an angry hurt and confused voice.

He put his balled fist lightly to the door.

"Dani please. I'm sorry." He said.

"Sorry for what? Making love to me and stopping. Or are you sorry for meeting me." She said opening the door with the chain on.

"Sorry for leading you on." He said.

"Hah. You just don't want me. I understand. I know what those scars can do to a man's stomach I know they are hideous. I have waited 6 years for someone. I thought you were him, boy was I wrong." She said not budging with the chain.

"Dani, it has nothing to do with that at all. I'm afraid. " He said.

"Afraid of what?" She said her eyes still bore the pain of crying.

"Afraid of what I am feeling. It has been a long damn time since I felt like this. I got hurt last time. It was hard when she and I split. I also don't want to get you pregnant." Said Cosmo in just as much pain.

"I don't understand, when you mess with me and don't follow though. It drives me into the wall Cosmo. You are aware you were putting me into lather? That you were doing things to me that no man has. You act like we are going to do it and then you pull back. I'm not good at retreat." She said.

"No I suppose your not." He said.

She took the chain off the door and let him in.

"Will you forgive me Dani?” He said trying to apologize but for what he wasn't sure.

"I thought it was me not you." Said Dani a little surprised.

"No, it's not you. You and I have a lot of things to sort out, and I don't really know what to do about it." He said.

"Cosmo, do you want me?" She asked.

"More than anything. What you just did to me should have told you that I want you. I have since you landed on me at the Hubert bust." He confided.

"That long huh? I thought you didn't like me the way you pushed me off of you." She said.

"Yes. I'm a dog. I know it. And I didn't at first. Until I got to know you." He said forcing a smile.

"You. What the hell am I gonna do with a mutt like you." She said.

"Well, you can have breakfast with me." He said.

"I do need to eat." She said.

"I brought you your meter and stuff." He said handing her the box she kept it in.

"So you really do care." She said.

"Dani. I do care. I would just die if something were to happen to you. You have come to mean the world to me. I know it's only a week. But it has been the best week of my life. I feel like we have known each other a lot longer. " He said.

"Me too. All of it. I couldn't have said it better." She said.

He and Dani embraced and kissed. It was really there first knock down drag out fight. There are many forms of love and what they had was best friend love. Cosmo didn't know it but all the stopping he was doing was a signal that sleeping with her was something that shouldn't happen. Some times love, sex and friendship get mixed and the mix doesn’t fit. Cosmo and Dani would love each other but not that way.

Dani was still sleeping on Cosmo's couch. Her bed had not arrived yet. She was getting used to having him around and enjoying the attention and affection he so willingly gave her. They still fooled around but each one was realizing that what they were doing was wrong for both of them.

The Watson affair was closed and his plan with it. Cathrine put a stop to it. It was far too dangerous a plan. They would have to catch the Dixon brothers another way.

Watson hated Dani. He pretty much left her alone. His finger and wrist held and in a month he was out of the sling. There had been no more murders in the ladies room. Cathrine had been advised of Dani’s suspicions. She thought it wise to keep things between the squad and her. Sam had advised the Squad that Dani had these suspicions.

They had delivered Dani's bed the day before Cosmo's Birthday August 12. She was trying to figure out what to give him. Part of her wanted to wrap herself up in a yellow ribbon and say open me but the logical part said no that would be wrong he was her best friend. She decided to get a diamond pinky ring. She had off hand measured his hand and it was about the same size as her own at least the width of the finger.

One night they got into a heavy discussion about what had happened to her.

"Why haven’t you tried something?" She said.

"Because of your history and the fact that you were raped. Jesus, I would never hurt you like that. I fully figured that if I pushed I could loose you and that is the last thing I want." He said.

"Cosmo why did you think I was raped. I never said anything about it being me. I had a friend once that's all." She said.

"You weren't raped in the prison?" He said

"Well I almost was. The head honcho told the men if they touched me they would be killed. But they did beat me. The scars are from a whip." She said.

"Damn." He said. "I'm glad you weren’t raped. I wanted to wait because I thought you had I didn't want to cause anymore damage than you already had." He said.

Dani was surprised that he cared for her that much. He was trying to spare her. What a sweet and loving person she had found.

The next day was his birthday. She had the ring ready and wrapped and she had bought a card blank inside so she could write what she wanted too. That night at Emmit's was karaoke night. The squad all tried to sing. Some better than others. Then it was Dani's turn. She protested a little she hadn’t sung since high school. She had been in Acappella choir.

"Come on Dani all of us have tried." Said Cooper.

"Ok, what do I do?" She asked.

"Just follow the words on the screen and sing." Said Cooper.

She shucked her jacket. She had on a halter top on. One long enough to hide the scarring. She had changed before getting there. She got up on the makeshift stage and took the mic. The next song was "Man! I feel like a Woman!" A Shania Twain song. She knew it and liked it. The music started and she moved to the music. She started to sing and then got into it. She was good. It fit what was going on in her life. She sang it and at some point in the song she looked right at Cosmo who was grinning.

The song ended to whistles and applause. She got down from the stage and went back to were she was stilling next to Cosmo.

"That was Great Dani! You can sing too." Said Sam.

"Best birthday present I ever got. Whaddya say to another one." Said Cosmo.

"That was hard enough Cosmo." She said.

"Aw come on." He begged lighting a cigar.

"You sound a little like Alayna Miles." said Sam. "That woman that sang "Black Velvet."

"Alright." She said going back to the stage. "Thanks, she's good. I like her. What a compliment."

The next song was "Angel " A Sarah Mc Lachlan song she knew that one too. She felt the music this time and she had a beautiful voice. The whole bar was listening. She sang as if the years had melted away. Everything she had learned back then was coming back to her and she felt proud that everyone was listening to her. Cosmo almost dropped that cigar he was smoking. Her voice was a rich, Smokey, sexy alto with a small growl. Everyone was smiling. It was like she was in concert. Sam smiled he thought she could do about any thing. The song ended and there was a thundering applause. She bowed and got off the stage.

"That was wonderful. You can really sing!" Said Cooper.

"I had 8 years of choir in school. I was in Acappella choir the last two years in school." She said.

"Thanks for doin' that Dani. That was my gift." Said Cosmo giving her a hug.

"I do have a gift for you. " She said pulling out the box and the card. "Happy Birthday."

"Thanks." He said taking the box from her hand. He sat down and opened it.

He was a little stunned but smiled up at her and put it on.

"It's nice Dani. I love it." He said giving her a hug. And a kiss. "I will read the card later." He said.

He put it on and showed it around the Squad. He reminded her of a woman that just got an engagement ring. She laughed

They had gotten him a birthday cake him. She had a very small piece. Just a taste really. Finally it was going home time and the party broke up.