It had definitely been one hell of an evening. Erin Bradshaw thought to herself as she sat back in the convertible Jaguar as it raced through the streets of Miami into the night. She glanced over at the woman beside her and took in the woman’s beautiful profile as wisps of black hair covered it.

How the hell did you get here Erin? The night had started off with her accepting Leigh Sinclaire’s invitation to go out. Erin had deemed it a good opportunity to the talk to the woman and somehow further her along in proving her theory that Leigh was in fact the Rhine Ruby thief. Well the evening seems to be heading in a different direction.

There she was an investigator for an insurance company…drunk and sitting in the car…with the prime suspect in the case she was investigating. If the folks at Prenhall and Winemen could see me now…

She looked at the speedometer and squinted.

My God she has to be doing at least 90. “You sure you don’t want to slow down.”

Leigh Sinclaire laughed and looked over at the blonde. “Haven’t you noticed that I don’t do anything slow. “ A perfectly arched dark brow rose to compliment the sly smile on the CEO’s face. “Well there are some things that I do slow…but hey that’s a totally different conversation.” She added before she turned her attention back to the road. Damn it Leigh. Does every comment you make to this woman have to be an innuendo. Leigh chastised herself as she felt Erin’s eyes on her.

Should I comment? Erin rubbed her temples to try to ease the pounding that had started a few minutes before. Too drunk to think of any kind of smart comeback. “I am definitely not a drinker.” She muttered as she sat up straighter.

“So I’ve noticed.” Leigh drawled.

“My goodness…how much have I had to drink?”

“I have no idea.”

“Yeah you were too busy all night warding off advances from every man and woman in the place. Either that or kicking their ass.” Erin giggled a little, but quickly stopped when her headache became even worse.

“Cute.” Leigh responded. “Well I’m famished and it looks like someone in this car is in desperate need of a cup of coffee… so if you’re not ready to go home and file your little report about little ole me…there is a place not too far from here where we can grab a bite to eat. Interested?” Despite Leigh’s speeding, she managed to pull the Jaguar to a smooth stop at the stoplight.

“I don’t know…” The ringing of a cell phone interrupted Erin. “Is that you?”

“Where the hell would I hide a phone in this outfit.” Leigh slapped her leather-clad thigh and then reached behind her and retrieved Erin’s jacket. “Besides my phone doesn’t sound like that…looks like it’s you.”

“It’s 12:30 in the morning…who could be calling me?” Erin fumbled through her jacket pockets until she found her cell phone. She took a deep breath before answering. “Erin Bradshaw.” It sounded more like a long sigh than her name. Leigh thought as she pulled off when seeing the light turn green.

“Bradshaw where the hell are you?” Erin recognized the very loud voice immediately as McNeil’s. As a knee jerk reaction to the loud noise, Erin pulled the phone from her ear.

“You OK?” Leigh asked.

Erin nodded with a slight frown on her face and then put the phone back up to her ear. “I’m right here McNeil and I would appreciate if you would talk as if you knew that minor detail.” Erin snapped before rubbing her left temple. Her elated sense of intoxication was slowing during in to a buzz gone bad.

Seems like someone is getting ready to be grounded for staying out pass her curfew. Leigh said to herself when she’d heard Erin say McNeil’s name.

“And exactly where is here.” McNeil asked in a calmer tone.

“Why are you interested in my whereabouts all of a sudden?”

“Because it seems that there was a little altercation at the Lion’s Den this evening and I hear that you and Ms. Blue Eyes were in the middle of it.”

“And how did you hear this?” Great…

“Remember the two guys that I have following your suspect…well when you’re with her…they follow you too. And it seems you two did a little more than….”

Quickly flashes of she and Leigh and the whole body shot incident played before her eyes. Did I just do what I think I did? I am never going to live this one down.  “McNeil can’t all this wait until I come into the station. I’m really not in the mood to justify my actions at this moment. After all I’m working with you all not for you.” Erin said irritably.

“Well well aren’t we in a snappy mood this evening.” He responded by chuckling on the other end of the phone. “Are you still with her?”

“You tell me…aren’t you tailing us?” Erin glanced in the rear view mirror.

“Actually I left Bert and Mac at a light a couple of blocks back.” Leigh interrupted. “You might want to tell Detective McNeil to give them faster cars if they’re going to tail when I driving.”

Erin merely smirked. “It seems your boys can’t keep up tonight.” Erin giggled a little and again rubbed her temples.

“Bradshaw are you OK…you sound kind of funny.” McNeil asked.

“Yeah…I’m fine. Now if you don’t mind I’m working and you’re interrupting….”

“Are you saying all this in front of her?”

“Of course I am. The woman is right beside me.” She looked over at Leigh who was grinning slightly and moving her head to the music.

Why do I suddenly feel like she’s on the phone with her parents…and I’m the rebel without a cause that she shouldn’t be dating...Leigh mused…and her grin broadened.

“Well you could be a little less obvious….” McNeil said quietly, as if Leigh could hear him, which caused Erin to roll her eyes.

“And you could have not called me.” Erin retorted quickly. “What are you doing anyway …checking up on me?”

“Well…” McNeil stammered.

“Exactly…I’m a grown ass woman McNeil…and” And before Erin could finish her statement Leigh grabbed the phone from her and hung it up. “What the hell is that about? Erin demanded.

“Its about me making sure you don’t put your foot in your mouth. If you haven’t noticed…you’re not at your most sober and I don’t think you want the Miami Police Department to know that.” Leigh explained as she then cut off the phone.

Erin reached for the phone, but Leigh kept it out of her reach. “What do you care?”

Good question. Leigh why do you care? Leigh threw the phone in the back seat.

"I think you better pull over." Erin strained to say before she covered her mouth with

her hand.

"What?" Leigh looked over at Erin, whose complexion had suddenly started to resemble

the color green. "You've got to be kidding me." Was Leigh's response.

Erin vigorously nodded "No".

"Well at least lean over the side of the car until I can...." But Leigh's advice came

a little too late. With a pained expression on her face Leigh watched Erin Bradshaw

"redecorate" the floor of her Jaguar. Oblivious to the traffic around her, quickly

Leigh swerved the car off the road and to a screeching halt.

After a few more seconds of nothing but Erin's agonizing groans and moans, Leigh finally

spoke.

"Damn Kansas...is that a boot I just saw come out of you?"

"Stanley my man I really appreciate you doing this for me." Leigh said as she watched the middle aged black man dressed in overalls crank her car up. After Erin's accident, Leigh had headed over to the restaurant she had mentioned earlier. It just so happened that next door was a car wash, Stan's Car Wash, and Leigh knew the owner. On the way there, Leigh had called Stanley Atticks and called in a favor. Much to Leigh's relief he had shown up at the car wash at 1:00 in the morning.

"No problem Leigh. You know I was going to be next door at the diner anyway." Slowly he started to swat at the air. "You're telling me that little lady over there did all this."

Leigh looked over at Erin, who was sitting on the curve with her head in her hands. Poor baby "Afraid so."

"Well I'll give this pretty car of yours the deluxe detailing in the inside and out. So why don't you go ahead over to the diner. And I'll come get you when I have this car looking showroom new again." He smiled and then pulled off.

Leigh sighed and then walked over to where Erin sat. "Feeling any better?" Leigh asked.

"A little." Erin said quietly as she looked up. "I'm sorry about your car." Damn it Bradshaw you just keep embarrassing yourself tonight don't you...

"No problem. Hey it was due for a cleaning anyway. Granted not as much of a cleaning as it needs now. But still a good cleaning." Leigh winked and then offered her hand. "Let's go get some grub."

"Do you really think I should be eating?" Erin took her hand and Leigh helped her up.

"Well they say eat, drink, and be merry right? And since you've already done enough drinking for the both of us, I say let's be merry as hell and eat." Leigh placed an arm around Erin's shoulder." Also I'm thinking your stomach should definitely be empty after all that." She added with a grin. "Come on."

They walked in the diner and immediately Leigh was greeted warmly and oh so loudly by most of the clientele. The chorus of voices could be heard over the Oldie but Goldie tune that played on the jukebox in the corner. Erin recognized the song playing as a song recorded by Diana Ross and the Supremes.

"So do you own this place too?" Erin casually asked as she squinted to accommodate for

the drastic change in lighting compared to the outside.

"No, why would you ask that?" Leigh waved and smiled at her greeters.

"I don't know...I just get the feeling that you've been here quite often. And you tend to acquire places that you frequent." Erin said sarcastically.

Leigh smiled. "Good point...but nope I don't own it."

"I know that is not Leigh Antoinette Sinclaire walking up in here." Came a loud voice from the back of the diner. Both women whirled around. And there stood a stout black woman with a white apron wrapped around her...and she didn't look too happy at all.

"Who's that?" Erin asked.

"The owner." Leigh responded dryly and folded her arms across her chest.

"You've got some nerve. Calling my husband in the wee hours of the night and coming in here wearing next to nothing." Slowly the distance between Leigh and woman was shortened.

Erin stood absolutely still. Great an angry wife to deal with. The evening just gets better and better. She stole a glance at Leigh and decided that if her husband had received a phone call for the gorgeous CEO in the middle of the night…she would be miffed as well. I do know this though. Erin rubbed her head that was still pounding. There is never a dull moment with this woman.

The angry wife in question was now standing inches in front of Leigh with her hands on her hips. Leigh was much taller that she was, so the woman had to look up to her.

Well once again we know how to draw a crowd.  Erin looked around and noticed that all eyes were on them. I hope she doesn’t take a swing at Leigh…I would hate to see her beat up a woman twice her age.

Leigh stood there nonchalantly as if nothing was wrong.

Slowly the woman’s frown turned into a huge dimpled grin. "LeLe I've missed you." And then she pulled Leigh into a huge hug.

"I've missed you too Mabel." Leigh returned the hug heartily. Everyone in the diner joined into a loud chorus "AHHHHHHH" and started laughing.

LeLe. Erin mouthed the name as she said it in her head. She's got another nickname.

And then she stared at the two women embracing each other. No exactly what I was expecting. But I guess it’ll do….

The woman pulled back and continued to grin. “Girl it has been too long. I see you’re looking good.” She looked Leigh up and down. “But then again I wouldn’t expect anything less from you. And let me see those baby blues….” She affectionately tilted Leigh’s chin down so she could get a better look. Leigh playfully batted her eyelashes and chuckled slightly. “Yeap…still pretty as ever.”

“Mabel please you’re embarrassing me.” Leigh half joked at as she glanced over at a watching Erin.

“I seriously doubt that LeLe. So how is that good looking Daddy of yours these days?”

“Fine and still talking about how much he enjoyed your food the last time he was here.” Leigh answered and saw that the woman’s gaze was now directed passed her.

“This here must be the one who had the accident.” Mabel said slowly. “I just finished a new pot of coffee just for you honey.” Erin looked down at the floor with a bit of embarrassment and Mabel laughed. “Look its no big deal suga…things like this happen to the best of us.”

Erin looked up into the smiling woman’s face. “I guess…”.

“I know so.” Then Mabel turned to Leigh and playfully smacked her on the arm. “Have you lost all manners girl, you haven’t introduced me to your friend.”

"Manners? What in the world are those?" Leigh teased before laying a hand on Erin's shoulder. "This here is Erin Bradshaw." I guess I could add that she’s also the woman who somehow figured out that I stole a fifty million dollar ruby. And is trying her damnedest to prove it. And if she does I could be spending quite a bit of time behind bars. But Mabel I don’t want to bore you with all the details…. She nodded casually towards Mabel. "And this is Mabel Atticks...wife to Stanley and owner of this fine diner."

"Nice to meet you Mabel." Erin extended her hand.

"Same here. And these are for you." Mabel reached in her apron pocket and handed Erin a bottle of aspirin.

“Thanks.” Without hesitation, Erin opened the bottle and swallowed two pills without any water.

“Whoa there partner.” Leigh laughed and took the bottle from Erin. “No more for you young lady…what would your mother say if you turned into a pill popper?”

“Well I don’t think she would say anything…probably just pass out from the embarrassment.” Erin remarked wearily and waited impatiently for the aspirin to kick in.

“Let’s get you two seated shall we.” Mabel said as she picked up two menus and a cup of coffee off the counter. “This is for you as well honey.”

“Thank you again.” Erin said graciously and sipped it as they walked.

Leigh looked at the look of contentment on Erin’s face as she tasted the coffee. “Damn don’t tell me you’re a coffee junkie too. It’s a cup of coffee Kansas…not the last drop of water on earth.” She teased and she slid into the seat of a nearby booth.

“No. This…” Erin pointed to the coffee.” Has a lot of power. It has the power to change my state of intoxicated hell into bliss.”

Leigh playfully pouted. “Hey I thought that was what I was here for.”

“Please.” Erin mumbled and sat down as well. She took another sip of her coffee. “So tell me Mabel how is that you know Leigh Sinclaire?”

“She followed me to work one day, I fed her, and I haven’t been able to get rid of her since.” Mabel answered as she reached over and ruffled Leigh’s dark tresses a bit.

"I use to come in here a lot during college after I would get off work from the Lion's Den." Leigh shrugged.

"This girl here did more than just come in. Sometimes she would come in here screaming that she needed some coffee because she had an exam in a couple of hours. Everyone would clear out of her way...and leave her to her own devices in that corner. And if her food wasn’t right…she was marched her behind in the kitchen and fix her own." Mabel pointed
to a booth in the back of the diner. "Or she would bring that wild bunch that worked with her at that club...and cause all kinds of chaos. I can't count the number of fights that LeLe started and ended here. Boy have I missed you..." Mabel said with a huge grin. "Things have been quiet around here the last few months...without yah. Probably been traipsing around the world again with whatever good-looking man has managed to catch your eye...speaking of which I heard about you and that pretty blonde boy...whose heart you broke. And according to those papers...you broke up his career as well."

Leigh sighed. "Mabel...please I don't want to talk about that."

"I guess not...Ms. Heartbreaker." Mabel turned to Erin who had been listening intently. "LeLe had so many men sniffing after her...that they used to come around here looking for her so much that they eventually became regular customers. Oh and when summer came and she would come walkin' in here in those jean cut-off shorts that she loves so much...everybody was tripping over the tongues that were dangling to the floor." She laughed. "Yeap... she has been good for business but hard on the furniture."

Leigh looked up at Mabel. "Now are we going to get some food...or will I have to throw on an apron and go cook the food for myself."

"Don't get sassy with me Leigh Antoinette Sinclaire." Mabel took out her order pad. "I guess I'll assume you'll be having your usual."

"Yeap." Leigh answered.

"So that's a double cheeseburger, chili cheese fries, and a Mountain Dew." Mabel turned to Erin. "And what would you like besides that cup of coffee there."

"I don't think I should eat anything...given the circumstances." Erin offered with obvious embarrassment.

"You sure...not even a salad?" Mabel asked.

"Yeah...I mean I think you're going to get bored pretty quick with just watching me eat." Leigh said.

How could anyone be bored watching you? Erin asked herself and quickly gave herself a metal slap for thinking such a thing. "Yeah...I think I'll have a small garden salad." At least then I can pick at my food and instead of just staring at her....

"Good. It shouldn't take too long to fill this order...I'll be right back." The older woman left.

"So you're a short order cook as well." Erin asked with a raise eyebrow of her own...and she
half wondered how this gesture looked on her compared to when Leigh did it.

"Yeap... I guess that's another item you can add to your ever growing list of what you think I'm capable of doing." Leigh smiled. "Speaking of skills Mabel was exaggerating about my power when it comes to the opposite sex." Leigh said as she blushed lightly but her tan helped cover it well. Why are you telling her this? I’m pretty sure she doesn’t give a damn about your sexual prowess.

What about your power when it comes to the same sex? Was what Erin really wanted to ask, because the raven-haired woman across from her had definitely had some affect on her. But she thought better than to ask that. "Really?" Erin finally spoke. "The bouncer at the club...said he would leave his wife and kids if you even winked at him."

Leigh laughed. "Are you talking about Mike?"

"Yeah...that sounds like his name."

"Kansas he isn't even married. And I doubt he could fit me in his schedule any way. He's something of a ladies man."

"He talked as if he would make time." Erin said suggestively.

"Yeah...Mike's been talking for years...but believe me nothing will ever come of it."

“So you’re not the 20^th century's female Don Juan?”

“Ah yes….” Leigh said with a slight chuckle. “Yet another rumor that I have not been able to live down. You shouldn’t believe everything you hear.” Leigh often found it funny that the media seemed to have her covered on every angle. They portrayed her as an intelligent yet ruthless executive with a hot temper and even hotter libido. Well admit it Leigh sometimes your “appetite” has gotten you into some complicated situations. Hey why don’t we leave that for Dr. Duncan to figure out….

“So I shouldn’t believe it when people say that the mere mention of your name breaks up happy homes.” Erin said and remembered how she had thought that statement was a grand over exaggeration. But the moment she set eyes on Leigh Sinclaire… she didn’t doubt the statement at all.

Again Leigh chuckled. “Now I must admit that I do like the sound of that but it’s not exactly true.” Leigh spread her arms out along the back of her seat. “Now I’m not going to lie and say that I live the life of a hermit. Honestly I think the whole idea of abstinence is overrated.” Leigh raised an eyebrow and smiled slyly. “When I meet someone and there’s an attraction…I tend to explore that attraction. And exploring can be anything from harmless flirtation to well you can fill in the rest.”

I most certainly can.  “Interesting…so you’re not one of those women who are always trying to remember a man’s name over a cup of coffee.”

Suddenly Leigh’s expression went blank and she looked at Erin’s cup of coffee. She smiled and then she snapped her fingers. “Enrique…I knew it would come to me. Thanks for the suggestion.”

“You are absolutely a brat sometimes….” Erin said as she began to laugh.

“I know…but a girl’s got to have her fun when she can.”

“Then you have expensive taste…the last time you had fun…it cost someone fifty million dollars.”

“Not that this is an admission or anything…but sometimes fun knows no price.”

“But some times it does. What about five to ten in the nearest women’s state prison?” Erin asked.

“Not exactly a place where I would want to spend my vacation. Although I think I would good in that orange jump suit. I don’t know about the stripes though.” Leigh shrugged.

Erin shook her head. She is such a smart ass.

Once again Erin saw blue eyes studying her intently and again she felt something in her stomach that she couldn’t explain. “But enough about my ever so public social life and your suspicions about my extra curricular activities …what about you? “

“What about me?”

“Kansas you’re a very attractive and beautiful woman…why hasn’t some man snapped you up and married you? I’m sure your dance card is full. And please don’t give me any of that bullshit about your career making if difficult. I’m sure you can be more creative than that.” Leigh said.

She thinks I’m beautiful…but why does that mean something to you? Erin pulled herself from her thoughts and realized that Leigh was waiting for an answer. “How do you know that some man hasn’t snapped me up already.”

“I guess I don’t know.” Leigh conceded. “But I do know this. There is a certain something that a woman carries with her that comes out in her smile, laugh, the way she talks, and the way she walks that tells the world she’s in love. And frankly Kansas I don’t get that vibe from you.”

“Really…”

“Yeah…I mean correct me if I’m wrong.” Oh, but Leigh you’re wishing you’re right. You’re hoping that Erin Bradshaw doesn’t have anyone in her life right now aren’t yah? But tell me this Leigh…why do you even care?

“No you’re not wrong.” Erin finally admitted. “I’m not in love…nor am I on the verge of being in love.” Leigh heard something in Erin’s voice that told her that the blonde wasn’t all too happy with her current status. “But to make a long story short…I just haven’t found the right guy.” Which was true. Erin was no innocent when it came to sex and men. She had several relationships that had all have something in common…they’d all came to an end.

“Well then we have something in common…I haven’t found Mr. Right either.” Leigh said with a nod. “Although I admit I haven’t been looking too hard.”

Just then Mabel returned to the table with their food.

"That was quick" Leigh commented.

"I guess so. When I told the cook that you were out here...he made you his top priority. I figured he remembered how you made the other cook cry when you criticized her chili."

No one ever let's me live anything down do they. Leigh held up her hand when she saw the way Erin was looking at her. "Wait a minute all I said was that her chili needed a little more seasoning. I can't help that she was so damn sensitive."

"No Leigh what you said was that you hoped she didn't quit her day job because her chili tasted like sh..."

"Please Mabel. That was back in my younger days." Leigh interrupted.

"LeLe that was just two months ago." Mabel said with her hands on her round hips and Erin giggled.

"Two months is plenty enough time to get my act together." Leigh confidently.

"I’ll have to see that to believe it." Mabel turned to Erin. "Do I need to worry about you too?"

"Me." Erin smiled slightly but was a bit confused.

"Yeah...I'm thinking you must be hell on wheels to be hanging around with this one."

"No Mabel what we have here is a feisty goodie two shoes." Leigh commented sarcastically.

"If that's so...why in the world is she hanging out with a mischievous minx like you?" Mabel asked.

"Believe me...I've asked myself that question a million times tonight." Erin smirked at the two women. Well I could give the woman the short version...but I don't think she wants to hear about how her precious LeLe here is a criminal.

"Well my advice to you" Mabel pointed at Erin. "is don't let this girl over here get you into trouble." Mabel playfully thumped Leigh on the shoulder.

"Hey!" Leigh laughed. "Don't damage the merchandise."

"She's got a temper hotter than fire, and a tongue sharper than any of the knives I got back there in the kitchen."

"Not to mention a mean right punch." Erin added and noticed how Leigh had rolled her eyes at the comment.

"LeLe don't tell me you've been fighting again." Mabel boomed. "Put both of your hands on the table right now!" Erin laughed as she watched the mighty Leigh Sinclaire begrudgingly place her long smooth hands on the table. Her knuckles on her right hand were red. "Now how many times have I told you that nice girls don't fight?"

Leigh sighed and Erin smiled. "About a millions times. And how many times have I told you that I'm anything but nice. "When Leigh made the comment, her eyes had locked with Erin's. Neither woman noticed how Mabel had been studying their interaction that moment.

Interesting. The older woman thought, but decided not to say anything about it. "You may be known as the Tech World's Bad Girl in those papers and I know you're enjoying every minute of it...but if you keep letting that temper of yours lead you around...you're going to wind up in hot water LeLe."

"Well Mabel..." Erin started when she started to feel sorry about the lecture that Leigh was receiving. "She was defending my virtue."

"Is that right?" Mabel crossed her arms.

"Yeah..." Erin sipped her coffee. "Some guy was bothering me so....".

"Old blues eyes over here knocked him on his ass." Mabel interrupted.

"No." Erin put her hand up. "Some guy was bothering me, Leigh intervened and tried to handle the situation calmly." At least that's what I think...It was a minute or two before I saw the man hit the floor.

Mabel smiled. "And....."

"And when calm didn't work...well yeah she knocked him on his ass." All three women laughed.

"See Mabel...for once I wasn't starting the trouble...I was trying to put an end to it." Leigh said smugly.

"There’s a first time for everything LeLe, but I'm sure you started some type of trouble since I've last seen you." Mabel eyed the CEO with suspicion.

Mabel, you have no idea.  Leigh thought and again Leigh looked at Erin and they shared a knowing smile.

Mabel looked between the two women. "Yeap, you two know something that you're not telling me. And you know what something tells me I'm better off not knowing." Mabel glanced over her shoulder. "Well as much as I would like to stand here and talk all night...I do have other customers." And on that note Mabel walked off.

Leigh began to chuckle. "I tell ya that woman sure does give me a hard time. If she had any idea why you were really hanging out with me...it would be worse that having the FBI, CIA, Miami Police Department, and you on my case."

Erin reached out and touched Leigh's bruised knuckles gently. "I never did say thank you for that you know." Erin said quietly.

"Oh...it was nothing." Leigh said a little uneasily when she felt Erin's thumb slightly rubbing her hand.

"It wasn't anything...and thank you." Their gazes locked and they both smiled. Erin awkwardly pulled her hand away and cleared her throat. "But that doesn't mean you're off the hook. " She grinned. "I haven’t forgotten my mission…even though right now I can’t seem to be remember my home phone number. You're still my prey Sinclaire and I'm still hunting you down."

One dark perfectly arched eyebrow rose. "Believe me Kansas I wouldn't have it any other way."

Erin smiled at the remark and popped a crouton from her salad in her mouth. "So you think I'm a goodie two shoes huh?" Erin asked.

"In a way yeah." Leigh answered nonchalantly then taking a huge bite out of her cheeseburger.

"What makes you say that?" Erin leaned forward.

Leigh swallowed and then wiped her mouth. "Well first of all you're from Kansas. And the only two things that come out of Kansas are corn and perpetual do-gooders." Leigh saw Erin's expression of disagreement. "I'm serious...I mean take Dorothy for instance."

"You got to be kidding me…you mean Dorothy of the Wizard of OZ, she's fictional."

"Doesn't make a difference...she was from Kansas. Right?"

"I suppose so." Erin gave in wondering what kind of colorful explanation Leigh was conjuring up.

"Okay thank you. Now Dorothy was from Kansas right...and she killed a woman, granted the woman was a wicked witch, but still a woman. Hell the Munchkins thought she was the best thing since color TV."

"It was an accident."

"Exactly. No matter what, do-gooders do good. And that's you." Leigh smiled. "I bet in high school you took all the right classes, dated all the right boys, I bet you were even head cheerleader and class president."

"No that's not true." Erin disagreed. "I was only co-captain of the cheerleading team."

"Oh…my mistake. That's totally different" Leigh offered but not without a smile. "Why is it that good girls can't stand being called good?" Leigh asked with a sigh.

"Because so called bad girls like yourself...tend to make it sound like a smack in the face."

"Well that's not my intention."

"Then what is your intention?" Erin snapped a little harshly.

"Whoa now Kansas...you're taking this a little too seriously." Looks like I’ve hit a sore spot with Ms. Bradshaw.

Perhaps she was...Erin thought. But the truth was that ever since she was little, she had not been able to shake the good girl image that she projected. Maybe if I died my hair...I wouldn't have this problem. Though headstrong, feisty, and sometimes stubborn, Erin Bradshaw always found herself in the goodie two-shoes role. And when you're seen as good and always obeying the rules...you could never been seen as cool. Being the oldest child between she and her younger sister, Erin always felt like she had to set a good example.

"Sorry...its just that being good can be a burden if you know what I mean. " Erin said.

"I wouldn't know...there are not too many people that will associate the words good and nice with the name Leigh Sinclaire."

"And you enjoy that don't you?" Erin pointed to Leigh accusingly.

Leigh nodded. "I admit at times that it amuses me. But hey I'm not all bad. I do cut up sometimes but who doesn't. Every now and then I do a little good." Leigh's eyebrow rose slightly. "Have you ever done anything bad at all?"

"Of course...just this morning I got read the riot act for breaking and entering into a certain CEO's house."

Leigh shook her head. "That doesn't count."

"And why not...technically I was breaking the law." Would you listen to yourself Bradshaw...its like you trying to prove yourself to her...What are you going to be do next ask her to go into the girl’s bathroom and show her that you know how to smoke?

"There you said it yourself...technically. I believe that is as far as you would go."

“Really?”

“Yeah…you did break the law with the little stunt you pulled to get into my house.”

“Exactly.”

“But I suspect that’s as far as you would go to break the law. See you think I’m guilty….”

“I know.”

“How could I forget that you know I’m guilty…which I might add has yet to be proven. But I digress. But you would never fabricate evidence against me to land me in jail…even though you know I’m guilty.”

“That wouldn’t be right.”

“See Kansas that’s all I’m saying. You’re bad only when the situation calls for it and only then will you go so far.”

“So what you’re saying is if they're is nothing important to be gained from it...I won't do it."

"Exactly..." Leigh smiled slyly. "To be truly bad...you have to do something for the hell of it...just for kicks."

Well we both know you have plenty of experience at that...don't we?  "That sounds childish."

"Childish, fun, everything is relative." Leigh took a swig of her soda. "Like back in school, did you ever use a fake ID to get into a club or buy beer?"

"No."

"That doesn't surprise me...so I guess I shouldn't even ask if you have a tattoo."

“Nope”

“Ever thought about getting one?”

“Of course.”

“So why didn’t you?”

“First of all my parents would have killed me. And secondly as I got older I didn't see the point.”

"Well some people think they're sexy." Leigh wiggled her eyebrows.

"And I suppose you're one of them."

"I guess I am. Also I never heard anyone complain about mine."

"You have a tattoo?"

"Yeap."

And before Erin could stop herself she found herself saying. "Show it to me."

Erin watched full lips form into a smile...that bordered on seductive and sensual. "I see I've peaked your interest on the subject of tattoos or at least the subject of my tattoo." Damn it Leigh...maybe Dr. Duncan was right...you do have a problem with flirting because that is exactly what you're doing...and need I remind you that she's a woman...I know I know...but I can't seem to help myself....

Quick Bradshaw, think if something witty to say.  But it was too late, Erin's mind was already starting to wonder where the tattoo was on Leigh's tall and slender body. And because the tattoo had never been visible at any other of her encounters with Leigh...the images that flashed in her mind were of a tanned back, thigh, breasts...whoa there Erin...when is that alcohol going to wear off already. "Well you were the one who brought it up. I could care less." Erin tried to sound disinterested, but her eyes were already starting to wonder over Leigh’s body with peaked curiosity.

"Fine...then onto another subject." Leigh offered.

"No wait" Erin said before she had a chance to catch herself.

Thought so..."Yes?" Leigh had dragged out the short word in the rich tone that Erin was becoming to know all to well.

Erin opened her mouth to say something and then shut it. Then she playfully glared at the woman across from her and sighed. "So you're not going to show me or tell me?"

"I thought you said a tattoo was childish and that you could care less about the one I have?"

"Come on Leigh if I told you that I had a tattoo wouldn't you want to see it."

"Most definitely." Damn Leigh could you sound anymore enthusiastic.

"Okay" Erin answered slowly. She then placed her elbow on the table and cradled her face in her hands. "So show me or at least tell me where it is.  I would do the same for you."

Leigh bit on her bottom lip before grinning. “I guess I’ll have to tell you about it then because I don’t think Mabel would take too kindly to me to me dropping my pants in here. See the last time I did that she almost banished me from this place.” Leigh winked.

“So are you saying its on your….” Both of Erin’s blonde eyebrows went up in a question and almost disappear under her bangs.

“What…on my sweet ass?” Leigh asked with a chuckle. “No nothing that dramatic...it’s on my lower back. Sometimes when I wear hip huggers, you can see it trying to peek out to the world.”

“Really? Those pants you have on tonight leave little to the imagination…and I didn’t see any tattoo.”

“Now Kansas does that mean you were watching my behind?”

“No…I mean yes…but you know what I mean?” Erin began to blush and Leigh laughed.

“It’s ok.” Leigh took a long sip of her soda. “If it’s any consolation…I checked out your ass too.” Erin’s mouth fell open. “What? A girl’s got to keep her eye on the competition right?”

“I guess.” Erin agreed hesitantly. “So what kind of tattoo is it?”

“A dragon…done in black, silver, and light blue.”

“Like your eyes.” Erin found herself saying and for the umpteenth time that night…she gave herself a mental slap. Since when have you decided to define the color blue by Leigh Sinclaire’s eyes?

Leigh smiled slowly. “I suppose so…but hey it’s on my back. Every now and then I check it out in a mirror.” Erin frowned a little. “What?”

“Well I was just wondering…why would you get a tattoo in a spot that you can’t see.”

“Seemed like a good idea at the time. Also just in case the guy really fucked up I wouldn’t have to look at it the rest of my life.” Leigh joked. “What…you don’t think it’s the right place for it?”

“Honestly…I don’t know if any place on the body is right for it. Its so permanent….”

“To scary for you huh?”

“What do you mean?”

“Nothing.” Leigh said before popping another french fry in her mouth.

“Ahh huh…” Erin ignored the comment. “So tell me did it hurt when you got yours?”

“Kansas, if you’re so interested in what my tattoo looks like, where it is located, and how it feels….”. Leigh leaned in until there faces were just inches from each other. Neither noticed how Mabel was looking at them from across the room. “why don’t you get your own?” Again there was that seductive smile that made the dare all but totally irresistible.

“Fine.” Erin answered quickly and smiled when she saw that she had caught Leigh off guard. There was just a flash of surprise in those liquid blue eyes before shining over with amusement.

“Excuse me?” Leigh asked as she leaned back from the table and crossed her arms.

“I said fine….I’ll get one of my own.” Erin hunched.

“Are you serious?”

“Yeah.” Erin thought for a second and then nodded her head. “Yeah I’m sure. I mean I want a panther on my thigh. Or maybe a snake on my arm. Hell I might even go all out and get a cross and bones on my breasts.” Her green eyes were dancing as she playfully cupped a breast and giggled.

Yeap… I’ve definitely created a monster.  Leigh grinned and took another sip of her drink. “Kansas I think you’re still buzzing…..”.

“No I’m not.” Erin quickly jumped up from the table and swayed just a bit. “Okay maybe a little…but that Leigh Sinclaire is beside the point.” She pointed her finger.

“Enlighten me….the point is….” Leigh motioned with her hands for Erin to continue.

“The point is…that you were right. Damn it I’m 27 seven years old...and I’m tired of being a freakin’ goodie two shoes. Because it gets you absolutely nowhere. I mean look at you…you’re as bad ass as they come and you’re a multi-millionaire.”

“Well I can’t disagree with you there.” Leigh conceded with a nod and smile. Then playfully raised her glass in a mock toast to the comment. She sat the glass down. “But I thought you said that tattoos were childish and pointless.”

“I did and they are. And that’s why I think I should do this. It’s about time that I did something for the hell of it.” Erin lifted her shirt just a little. “Maybe I could get a rose that looks like its growing out of my belly button.”

“Now why would you go and ruin a perfectly sexy stomach with something like that?” Leigh asked before reaching out and pulling Erin’s shirt down. She looked around and saw that more than a few eyes were on them…including Mabel.

“No good huh?” Did she just say that your stomach was sexy? Erin thought and reached out her hand. “Come on blues eyes before I change my mind.”

Not hesitating at all, Leigh took Erin’s hand and rose to her feet. “Are you sure about this?” Leigh asked quietly.

“For the last time yeah…I mean it’s not as extravagant as stealing a fifty million dollar ruby or anything…but I guess it’ll have to do.” Erin smiled and winked. “Now come on.” Erin walked off and then out of the restaurant.

Leigh was still standing there watching the door when Mabel walked up to her. “Where is she going?” Mabel asked.

Leigh placed her hands on her hips and grinned. “To be bad Mabel…to be bad.”

The tattoo parlor had been a ten-minute walk from the diner. When Erin had a questioned their safety…Leigh had insisted that they were beyond safe and had made a comment about her hands being registered as lethal weapons in at least three countries. Erin didn’t know if she was kidding or what, but secretively found the idea very fascinating.

To Leigh’s amusement and somewhat state of anxiety, she was not able to talk Erin out of getting a tattoo. The normally easy going bad girl who wouldn’t think twice about getting a tattoo or something even worse…did not want the blonde to do something that she would feel sorry for later. But Erin insisted that she knew what she was doing and even started talking about what the tattoo should be. Leigh had finally given up and joined her in the discussion. Somewhere between the diner and the tattoo parlor…they had decided on a butterfly. The idea had actually been Leigh’s.

Leigh had stopped Erin and began looking at her closely while rubbing her chin.

“What?” Erin asked a little uneasily. She’d come to realize that her pulse always quickened when Leigh looked at her for more than a few seconds.

“A butterfly.” Leigh said finally and then smiled slowly. “Yeap…a butterfly.”

“Butterfly?” Erin asked. “You think I should get a tattoo of a butterfly?”

“Yeah…see I got the dragon because at the time I thought it represented me. It’s was dangerous and the stuff legends were made of.” She saw Erin smirking. “Yeah…I know that’s a bit cocky of me…but at the time that was my thinking…”

“From what I’ve seen it’s still your thinking.”

Leigh simply sighed and put up her hand. “Kansas please…I’m really not in the mood to explain that while at times I may come off as arrogant and cocky…it is nothing but a misinterpretation of my healthy level of self-confidence.”

“Then it’s a very healthy level of self-confidence. I’d be really interested in seeing the actually measurements of that one. I bet it’s off the charts.”

“Very funny” Leigh muttered and playfully poked Erin in her side. ”But all this is besides the point. Do you want me to tell you why I think it should be a butterfly or what?”

“Yeah…go a head and give it to me.” Erin said

“See butterflies aren’t always butterflies.”

“Really. Now I see why you graduated at the top of your class.” Erin said sarcastically before giggling a little.

Leigh continued as if she hadn’t heard the comment. “They start their life out as something totally different.”

“Yeah a caterpillar. So what is your point?”

“You my friend are on the verge of being who you are suppose to be.” Leigh saw that Erin was about to interrupt. “Don’t get me wrong I like you just the way you are.” Leigh added and found herself catching her breath when Erin smiled at her statement. Watch it Sinclaire… so what if she has a nice smile.“ Its just that I get the feeling that there is someone lurking behind that pretty face of yours that is just itching to get out.”

“So I’m in a cocoon?” Erin asked dryly.

“Kansas I’m not a poet…so the metaphor isn’t going be to something you write down and compare to Emerson.” She laid her hands on Erin’s shoulders and looked into green eyes.

“What I’m saying is that when I look at you, I can’t help but think that the best is yet to come.”

“That’s funny” Erin said quietly as she cocked her head to the side. “I think the same thing every time I look at you.” Leigh nodded once and then there was that seductive smile that Erin was growing to like more and more. My God that smile could sell a camera to a blind man.

 “Well then we have something in common. This is definitely going to be interesting.” Slowly she slid her hands down Erin’s shoulder’s and her arms until she grabbed her hands. “Let’s go get you a tattoo.”

“So where do you want it lady?”

Erin unsure looked over at Leigh, who had been watching in silence for the last few minutes. She was leaning lazily against the glass window when her legs crossed at the ankles. “What do you think?” Erin asked.

After looking Erin over for a few seconds she walked up close to her. Without saying a word, she reached out and touched the waistband of Erin’s pants. She looked down into Erin’s green eyes and smiled. “I think….” She began to unbutton them. Erin felt her pulse start to race when Leigh slowly unzipped them. Leigh slid snug smooth leather down about an inch or two before moving to the top of Erin’s white panties. With the tip of her finger, she moved them down until she could see the very top of Erin’s hip. Erin jumped slightly when Leigh’s hand made contact with her skin. “Right here.” Leigh said barely above whisper.

“You think?” Erin said back, never taking her eyes off Leigh. She moved her own hand down until it rested over Leigh’s. “Right here huh?”

“Yeah…I think it’s a good spot” Leigh said a bit shakily and nodding her head “Yes”. Damn it Leigh why couldn’t you have just told her where. Did you have to touch her? Leigh thought for a split second. I can’t believe I’m admitting this but….yes I did.

“Do I need to leave you two alone?” A raspy voice said making both Leigh and Erin simultaneously look up at Paul.

Slowly Leigh pulled her hand off of Erin’s hip, but not before winking. “No need.” The blonde in front of her was blushing.

Erin was still trying to compose herself. She still felt Leigh’s touch on her skin. Erin what the hell is going on? This little outing stopped being official Prenhall and Winemen business a long time ago. If I put any of this in my report…

“I’ve decided that.” She tried to pull her thoughts together. “that I want it right here.”

Erin touched the spot where Leigh’s hand had been only seconds before.

“The butterfly?” Paul asked.

“Yeah, the butterfly.” She looked at Leigh. “I want the colors to be blue, black, and silver.” She was pleased when she saw Leigh’s raised eyebrow expression. The colors she had chosen were the same as the one supposedly on Leigh’s tattoo. Erin shrugged. “Just seemed like the right choice I guess.”

“What the lady wants she gets…sit on down right here.” He playfully dusted off the leather chair in front of him.

With a bit of hesitation, Erin sat in the chair.  Bradshaw what the hell are you doing? Have you lost your mind? A tattoo? You came tonight to help catch a thief, not to indulge in a girl’s night out. Well I guess it goes with everything else you’ve done this evening…getting drunk, doing a body shot in public with Leigh Sinclaire, losing your cookies in her expensive car…why the hell stop now?

Erin gave a quick glance at Leigh and saw a question in her blue eyes. “You don’t have to do this you know.” Leigh offered with genuine sincerity in her voice. “You don’t have to prove anything to me. Believe me from the moment I laid eyes on you…I knew that you were one bad ass determined broad. And I knew to be beware…” Leigh grinned. Every time I look at you Kansas I hear warning sirens going off in my head.

Erin laughed. “I know…that’s why I’m doing it.”

“For the hell of it.” Leigh said with a smile.

“Damn straight.” Erin replied and giggled a little. She sat back in the chair. Paul walked over and rubbed alcohol on her hip.

“Miss this may sting a little….”

“OK…” I should have enough alcohol in me to numb the pain. Erin flinched slightly when the needle first made contact. Oops apparently not enough.  It hurt like hell, but she would bare it.

Leigh saw the look of repressed pain on Erin’s face and felt a pang of concern. Remembering her own experience when she got her tattoo, Leigh walked over and stood near. “Are you OK?”

“Yeah.” Erin said and let out an exhausted sigh. “Just peachy.” She raised her hand and made an OK gesture with her fingers.

“Liar.” Leigh smirked and then reached out and took Erin’s hand into her own. She intertwined their fingers. And then suddenly the situation between the two became intimate. When Erin would feel a sting of pain, she would squeeze Leigh’s hand. Leigh would in turn look down at her and smile. It continued that way for little while. They exchanged glances and stares that were saying more that either woman understood.

Leigh couldn’t ever remember being involved in a moment that was so empty of sound besides the buzzing of the needle. But so full of other quiet things…like awkward smiles, looks, and the gentle touching of their fingers. She half wondered if anyone looking at them could even guess at the circumstances surrounding their “relationship.” A thief and the very woman trying to catch her.

Erin watched thick ebony tresses fall forward as Leigh leaned in to get a closer look at the tattoo. “Looks good Kansas.” She said cheerily when she saw the fine outline of a butterfly on Erin’s creamy colored skin.

Just then Leigh’s cell phone rung and Leigh unclipped it from her waistband.

“Hey I thought you said there was no room to clip your phone with those pants on.” Erin commented.

“Apparently I was wrong.” She answered it without letting go of Erin’s hand. “Leigh here.” She answered.

“Leigh darling…” Boomed a silky familiar masculine voice and instantly Leigh found herself grinning.

“Rory is that you?”

“The one and only darling and how has my blue eyed goddess been?”

Without thinking Leigh looked down at Erin and smiled. “I couldn’t be better. What about yourself?” It was Rory Carmichael, owner of a chain of Miami’s hottest boutiques and salons. He was rich, handsome, and was gay as the day was long. Though he claimed if any woman could make him straight it would be Leigh Sinclaire. Although Leigh and Rory had traveled in the same circles, they hadn’t officially met until a fashion show a few years before and had been friends ever since.

“Splendid…but I could be a hell of a lot better darling. See I’m having a party and one particular woman is not here. And you know I am not in the habit of looking for women.” Leigh heard him chuckled on the other side of the phone. “So what do you say? Are you going to be bring your ultra beautiful ass over here to make an appearance or what?”

Rory was notoriously known for his parties that had been rumored to last for days. “Well.” Leigh started and felt Erin squeeze her hand. “I’m kind of tied up.”

“Ahh huh, by what man this week. I heard about the break up with Brent by the way. I must say it’s about time. Yeah the boy was cute, but had the brains and personality of a piece of cardboard.”

“Rory.”

“Don’t Rory me. You know its true. Never understood why you were with him anyway. And Leigh what’s this about you getting in a fight at the Lion’s Den?”

“Excuse me.” Leigh half laughed. She let go to Erin’s hand and half turned. Damn news travels fast. “You’ve got to be kidding me…that just happened a little over an hour ago.”

“Exactly darling its ancient news. I half expected for you to tell me you were in a jail cell when you answered your phone. You are such a bad girl Leigh Sinclaire. But look we’re getting off subject. Are you coming? You can even bring that blonde that seems be traveling with you this evening. And Leigh I’m not even going start with the questions I have about that.”

Well Rory I have many questions about this whole situation myself.  Leigh figured if Rory knew about her fight…it made sense that he would know that Erin was hanging with her. “Ok…but I’ll have to see.”

“You’re breaking my heart here honey. Look I expect you see and your little friend…whoever she is here in no less than an hour. And if I don’t your name will be permanently at the top of my shit list.” And before Leigh could answer, Rory hung up.

“Hot date?” Erin asked. Why am I hoping so bad that she says no? I mean what did you expect Erin for her spend the whole evening with you? She had remained silent during the Leigh’s whole conversation. Due mainly to the pain of the needle and being quiet usually helps when you’re ease dropping. I wouldn’t say ease dropping…who are you kidding Bradshaw of course you were ease dropping. All she could gather really was that Leigh had been talking to a guy.

“Hardly.” Leigh muttered and then shrugged. “It seems that I or rather we have just been invited to a party. And not just any party mind you…but a Rory Carmichael party” It was obvious that the name meant nothing to Erin, and Leigh hadn’t expected it to since she wasn’t from Miami. “He’s a friend of mine and his parties are practically always A-list.” Leigh looked down at Erin’s slowly emerging tattoo and smiled. “So how much longer do you think this will take?”

Paul looked up. “About another forty-five minutes or so.”

“So Kansas you interested in attending this little fiesta. Or are you ready to call an end to this wild night that we’ve shared. I mean I’m sure you can’t wait to get home to write up all your notes about tonight’s surveillance mission. I think the boys in the station will love reading about all this. Or you might want to call back Detective McNeil…I betcha he was real pissed off when you hung up on him earlier.”

“Wait a minute…you hung up on him.” Erin remarked pointing her finger and shifted slightly in her seat.

“Hey lady, hold still will ya.” Paul lifted the needle.

“Oh sorry.” Erin said and saw that Leigh was smiling.

“He doesn’t know that I hung up on him.” Leigh winked. “Must I remind you that you were about to lay into him with words I’m sure you would turn your poor mother’s hair white. I saved you Kansas.”

“Whatever. What you’ve done is get me in a lot of trouble. Which I beginning to think is your middle name by the way.”

“Actually its Antoinette, but I can see how you could get the two confused. Kansas when are you going to cut me a break? Now I know this isn’t exactly how you planned to interrogate me this evening…but you must admit its been fun. Probably a lot more fun than talking about you know what.” Leigh had teasingly whispered the last few words as if she was trying to hide its meaning from Paul.

“I don’t think that everyone will see it that way.”

“Who cares what they think? Is everyone here?” Leigh did a slow turn as if she was surveying the room for others.

“No…you left the police officers following you somewhere on the other side of town.”

Paul’s head snapped up. “Police officers? Hey you two aren’t running from the cops or anything. I mean I don’t want any trouble in here.”

Leigh reached out and patted Paul on the back. “Relax. We’re not Thelma and Louise.”

“At least I’m not.” Erin muttered under her breath.

“Very funny.” Leigh deadpanned. “Paul get back to work…we’ve got somewhere to be. That is unless Kansas here is calling an end to this evening.” I hope not…because I’m not ready to let me go. Really? And just what are you planning on keeping her for?

Then Erin noticed she had two people waiting on an answer. She glared at Paul and quickly he began finishing the tattoo. Which then only left one set of eyes…one set of liquid blue eyes. “Why do I get the filling that I am going to regret this?”

“I don’t know you tell me.” Leigh answered.

“Well I’m thinking I should get out of this while I can.” Why do I get the feeling that I’m talking about more that just going home tonight. “You know before I’m in too deep.” Yeap… talking about something more than a party.

“Really?” Leigh asked.

“Yeah…really. This evening has been anything but by the by the books.”

“My God Kansas this whole situation has never been by the books. So why start now?”

“Leigh…”

“Kansas…” Leigh leaned in closer until her lips were just inches from her ear. “You know you want to…so do it.” She slowly moved back until she was staring into green eyes. “Besides I promise not to let you do anything that you’ll regret.” Her azure eyes were twinkling with nothing less than mischief and mayhem.

Uh oh…looks like I’m already in too deep.  Erin was thinking.

“Are you sure you two don’t want me to leave you alone? Because I can.” Paul asked again when studying the interaction between the two women. If there aren’t dating each other….they definitely want too. Paul thought to himself.

Again they both turned and looked at him. Leigh moved away and Erin spoke first. “No. We need you to finish this tattoo because like the lady said we have somewhere to be.” Then she looked up at Leigh who was smiling. “Right?”

“Right.”

 Part V

If you liked it, if you hated it, or if you just want to send email about it:fire_ice82@hotmail.com