Michael Baden - Skeleton justice

"Ah, you're awake. I just went out to get us some dinner. Your favorite."

Mycroft sprang off the sofa and began to sniff the bags. "None for you, mister. You have dog food in your bowl in the kitchen." Mycroft continued to stare. "Do you know what they do to guys like you in the joint? Can you say rottweiler?" Jake pretended to growl.

Offended, Mycroft jumped back into the protection of Manny's arms. "Ignore his petulance, Mycroft. But I am afraid he's right, Mikey. We can't take any chances with your stomach. Remember, you're currently without a vet," she said.

As Jake arranged the carryout dinner, Manny told him about her conversation with Monserrat Sandoval. She still was troubled by Dr. Costello's involvement, and she came back to that point with Jake. "So, I can understand why Elena was so crazy, but why did Dr. Costello go along? He seemed a genuinely kind vet. How could he have helped Elena torture and kill?"

Jake gave Manny a fork but did not release her hand. "Sometimes, when two people get together, they can assume different personalities. One without the other would have never committed crimes. Put them together and he becomes Jack the Ripper, and she, Elizabeth Bathory. It's a phenomena we have seen in the past."

"Really?"

"Love for a beautiful, passionate woman made the man lose his good judgment and his mind a little. I can relate."

Manny pulled her hand away and tapped Jake's forehead. "Your mind's right where you left it."

"You should have seen me when I was watching you on that Web cam, powerless to help you. It wasn't one of my more scientifically impassive moments."

"But you still managed to help the police figure out who the Vampire was and where we were being held."

"Based on your hunch about Nixon's coffee mug being bought on eBay."

Manny grinned and dug into her comfort food. "Forensic pathology, law, shopping, and Mycroft. It's an unbeatable combination!"