Karen Rose - Count to Ten

"Mia, how did Carmichael know where to find Getts and DuPree?"

"She said one of her sources had told her."

"What if she's the source?"

"You mean, what if she was there that night you got shot?" He nodded and she considered the possibility. "She could have followed them then. But that would mean she knew where they were the whole time and said nothing."

"It would mean she waited until the day you came back to share the information."

Mia could hear her temper pop. "Dammit. She wanted the story of me taking them down and I gave her half of what she wanted when I took DuPree."

"And it was a front-page story when you did. Don't trust her, Mia."

"Shit." She stood on shaky legs. "This day has sucked all the way around."

"Stay a little longer. You look tired."

She blinked hard. "I am tired. But I've got to get through Burnette's files. We don't have…" She hesitated, then shrugged and used Burnette's own words. "We don't have jack shit in terms of physical evidence. We've got to find the link."

"But if you don't know his real name, then what are you looking for?" he asked.

She rubbed her aching forehead. "You're trying to trick me with logic," she grumbled. "I'll get some sleep, then hit the files." She headed for the front door.

He followed, moving slowly but steadily. "Bring me some of them. I can help."

She shrugged into her coat, wincing at her shoulder. She'd be lucky if Burnette hadn't left a bruise. "You're on disability, pal."

"I can sit and read. I'm going nuts here all day." He tilted his head. "Pleeease?"

She laughed. "Now I know where Kara gets it. If Spinnelli approves it, consider yourself hired. I'll call tomorrow. Thank Kristen for dinner and kiss Kara for me."

As she pulled away from his house, she could see him standing in the window, watching, just as Dana had watched her drive away the night before. Once again, she felt the unwelcome tug of jealousy mixed with resentment. But she didn't resent Abe and Dana. Not really. It was the closeness they had with their new families. This she could admit to herself. It was coming home to a noisy house, with people who loved you no matter what. It was not having to drive away alone.

And even though the location had changed, she'd still be alone tonight. She'd be staying in Lauren's house, while Reed's family gathered on the other side. She thought of her own family. Kelsey in jail. Her mother… after the funeral they hadn't spoken. Annabelle had ordered her not to return, which wasn't hard to obey. She thought of the mystery blonde, wondered who she was and if she had a family. If she liked her mother.

She still hadn't run those license numbers. When everything died down, she would. When everything dies down. When everything settles . They weie the words she used to put off things. To put off buying new furniture, painting her bedroom. To put off moving in with Guy last year when he'd asked. Marrying him. When everything settles down…

And when will that be, Mia? How old will you be when that happens?

Out of sorts, she pushed the thoughts from her mind. She had more important things to worry about now. She was going to her apartment to pack a bag, so she had to have her mind clear, her attention sharp in case nasty people with guns lurked about. She'd think about all the angst later. She laughed aloud, the sound brittle and bitter to her ears. When everything settles down .

Thursday, November 30, 8:15 p.m.

"Good dinner, Lauren," Reed said, helping her clear the dishes from the table.

Lauren looked at him shrewdly. "I'm surprised to hear that. You looked like you were punishing the food the whole time."

More like he'd been punishing himself. He'd completely mishandled that whole thing with Mia. "Sorry. I have some things on my mind."

"I guess you do." She squeezed his arm and took the plates to the sink.

"Whoa!" He stopped Beth who was leaving the room without a word. "Where do you think you're going?"

Beth gave him the look. "Upstairs," she said, like he was mentally infirm.

She'd been silent through dinner, a petulant scowl on her face. Once again she'd asked to go to this sleepover on the weekend. Once again he'd said no. It was getting old. "Get back here and help your aunt. I just don't know what's gotten into you, Beth."

Setting her teeth, she started tossing silverware onto plates with a clatter. "Beth!"

She looked up and he was shocked to see tears in her eyes. " What ?" she said through her teeth.

"Beth, honey, what's wrong?"

Viciously she wiped crumbs from the table. "Nothing you'd understand." Throwing the crumbs at the trash can, she ran from the room, leaving Reed staring, dumbfounded.

"What was that?" he asked.

Lauren took the broom and swept around the base of the trash can, where most of the crumbs had fallen. "Something's been bothering her this week. Maybe it's a boy."

Reed closed his eyes and shuddered. "She's fourteen, Lauren. Don't say that."

"She's fourteen, Reed. Get used to it."

"I'll go talk to her."

"Give her time to pull herself together." She leaned on the broom and gave him an appraising stare. "You haven't been with it the last few days, either. Need to talk?"

Reed looked over at her. Of all their siblings, he and Lauren were the closest. He loved the others, but he and Lauren had always shared a bond. "I don't know."

She smiled. "When you decide, you know where I live."

"Ahh, that." He rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly. "I kind of volunteered your house. For a worthy cause."

She nodded, eyes narrowing. "You volunteered my house. Why?"

"Mitchell needs a place to stay for a few days. I offered the other side of the duplex. I figured you wouldn't mind staying in the spare room since most of your stuff is here."

She considered this in silence for a moment. "Why can't she just share with me?"

He opened his mouth. Closed it again. He'd thought of that after he'd made the offer to Mia, then pushed the thought aside. He wanted her alone. He wanted her naked. He wanted to hear her cry out when she came. Without worrying about his sister overhearing or leaving his daughter alone. Understanding filled Lauren's eyes and heat filled Reed's cheeks.

"You're finally taking my advice."

"No, I'm not."

"But-"

"Lauren, it's none of your business, but now that you know, it's temporary. Just like the partnership."

Her eyes shadowed. "Do you know what you're doing, Reed?"

He blinked. "Excuse me?"

"I don't mean technique-wise. I assume you have that down pretty well."

"Lauren," he warned, but she ignored him.

"I meant this… thing. With Mia. Just remember that slinking around in secret doesn't make it less important. Telling yourself it's temporary, doesn't make it true. And even though she seems like a tough cookie, the woman's got feelings."

He knew that. "I don't want to hurt her."

"If wishes were horses." She whisked the crumbs in the trash. "I'll get her room ready." Her expression pained, she ran her finger down his shirt, tracing the chain he wore beneath it. "You took it off last night."

"You were in my room?"

"Looking for some aspirin. It was on your night table in plain sight. Be careful, Reed. No woman wants to live in another woman's shadow. Even temporarily."

He didn't know what to say and the ringing of his cell phone saved him from saying anything. He didn't recognize the number. "Solliday."

Lauren shook her head and with a backward look, left to prepare Mia's room.

"This is Abe Reagan. Mia's partner."

Reed's guard went up. "Nice to meet you. Just curious, how did you get my cell?"

"Got it from Aidan who got it from Jack. Mia just left here. She said she was staying at your place, but I know she's stopping by her apartment first. If I could, I'd go cover her."