I got this idea from watching "The Thomas Crown Affair" movie. I thought about how interesting the story could possibly be if the two main characters in the story were very similar to two other characters we all know. And since then, it's truly evolved into a story of its own. Bare with me, this is one of my first attempts at fan fiction and I hope you enjoyed it. Also please with me in the frequency in which the story is updated. I hope to do a much better job in the future.

Honor Among Thieves 

(Part VII)

By Sage Hamilton

"Now Ms. Bradshaw you do realize what could happen if you're wrong about Ms. Sinclaire in this
matter don't you?" Erin's supervisor Samuel Fritz said over the speakerphone.

"Of course sir." Erin said passively because for the last twenty minutes she had barely been paying attention during the conference call. She'd been too busy sketching on her notepad to answer any question with more than a muttered, yes, no, or of course. When she'd first started drawing, she hadn't known what the outcome was going to be. Erin had simply let the pencil guide itself. But after a few minutes, it didn't take a genius to see that she was drawing a picture of a certain dark-haired CEO.

No her mouth doesn't exactly look like that. It's a bit fuller and the corner curls just so when she smirks. She told herself as she started to give more definition to the drawn lips on the page. And lets see her cheeks are little bit higher…I mean the woman looks as if she was chiseled from stone by some gifted sculptor. Her grip on the pencil was little bit lower, so she could capture the right shading on the cheeks. Her eyes…I wish I had a colored pencil just so I could capture that incredible shade of blue. She drew the dark brows over the eyes, and even arched the one on the left. If I had a dollar for every type she's arched that eyebrow…I think I would be more loaded than her. She almost dulled her pencil completely when she added massive amounts of raven locks to the picture. She smiled when she added hoop earrings to dangle from the already sketched ears.

"Ms Bradshaw are you still there?" Samuel Fritz asked a bit irritably.

Erin attention was pulled back to her faceless conversation partner. "Yes Mr. Fritz". Guiltily she looked down at her notepad. "I was…just taking some notes that's all."

"I see. Well I think we've covered everything today. Of course I will be expecting a formal written report by email no later than by end of business day."

"And you'll have it."

"Very good Ms. Bradshaw. Have a good day."

"Same to you sir." Erin pushed the button to disconnect the call and her attention was drawn back to her sketch. "Not bad." She said aloud to herself. "Not exactly what you should have been doing…" She found herself being drawn into the familiar eyes. "What is it about you?" She asked quietly. And without thinking she reached out to touch the picture and traced the delicate cheek she'd drawn.

She'd practically ran out of Leigh Sinclaire's house like it was on fire that very morning. She still remembered how embarrassed she felt when Mary, Leigh's housekeeper, had found Erin and the CEO asleep together on her couch. "The woman probably thinks even less of me…and I don't know why I even care." She muttered. "That makes two nights I've spent with Leigh…that must be some type of record for an insurance investigator and a suspect. Well if isn't it should be." She could still feel Leigh's touch on her arm, as the dark-haired woman had tried to calm her down before she'd made her escape. 

Once again the two women had crossed a line, and once again Erin felt like there was no turning back. Or maybe there was…"I could go away for a few days a get some perspective." She rationalized and made a mental note to call Vanessa that day to tell her that she would indeed be coming to New York to celebrate her birthday. It meant she would be leaving the case for a few days and also it meant leaving Leigh for a few days. Leaving Leigh…where did that idea come from. I would be leaving town for a day or so…leaving the case…not her. So why does it seem like that's what I would be doing???

Again she looked down at her notebook at the picture of Leigh. What have you done to me? 

"You know you could make one hell of a sketch artist if you wanted to." McNeil said peeking over 
Erin's shoulder at the sketch of Leigh Sinclaire.

"Jesus McNeil! What are you trying to do scare the shit out of me?" Erin snapped as she quickly closed the notebook.

"Nope." He sat down beside her and then quickly pulled the notebook away from Erin. "But it seems someone was so distracted that they almost pissed in their pants when they realized that they weren't alone." He opened the notebook and chuckled. "And I can understand why. Can't stop thinking about old blue eyes...huh?"

"What do you mean?" Erin as curiously, hoping that McNeil hadn't clued himself in to anything that she hadn't want anyone to know.

"I'm just saying its eating away at you so much that she's getting away with the perfect crime...that you can't stop thinking about her. Hell you're sitting here drawing pictures of her." McNeil laughed. "Either that or you have a crush on Ms. Tall Dark and Beautiful."

Even though Erin felt like letting her mouth fall open and hit the table, when she heard McNeil's comment. Instead she laughed dryly. "Don't be ridiculous."

McNeil hunched. "Its not so ridiculous... kinda sexy actually."

Erin groaned. "Why is it that men love the idea of two women being together?" Listen up Bradshaw maybe you could understand your own recent curiosity about the subject… WAIT A MINUTE... did I just think that????

"I don't know...it's just something about it." Then he saw Erin just shake her head. "Oh come one…are you telling me you've never thought about being with another lady?"

Erin let the pencil her hand fall to the table. "Exactly what are you trying to say?"

"Whoa now…I'm not saying that you have potential lesbian tattooed across your forehead or anything. But I guess I just thought that all women well you know…had thought about it at one time or another."

Erin leaned back in her chair a bit and folded her arms. "So then can I assume that all men think about being with other men."

"Hell no!" McNeil said quickly.

"Just as I thought a double standard." Erin declared and pulled her notebook out of McNeil's hand. She opened it to a page that truly did contain notes she'd been taking. "Now on to a more important conversation…"

"So you've never thought about it?" McNeil asked curiously.

"McNeil I think we have more important things to talk about than whether or not I have erotic lesbian fantasies."

"I didn't say erotic thoughts… but I'm willing to listen…if you're willing to talk." He wiggled his brows.

"I'm sure you are…but we have work to do so…"

McNeil playfully pouted when he saw that Erin wasn't going to spill any information so he gave in. "Fine." He got up. "Let's talk a little trip then shall we."

"Where?"

"To a jewelry store downtown. Remember that guy I told you about that could help us figure out who made that fake ruby…well he's agreed to talk to talk to us today. So let's get a move on."

"Great." Erin said as she stood up and began gathering her belongings. She put on the dark tan suit jacket that matched her skirt. "Let's go." She headed for the door.

"Hey Erin…"

"Yeah?" She turned around.

McNeil walked closer and leaned in a bit. "So you've never thought about it?"

"Men!" She growled as she stomped out of the room. And all McNeil could do was laugh as he followed her.


"If I didn't know any better I would say that's this was made by Roman Morolta." Sid Carson said as he closely inspected the exquisite replica of the Rhine Ruby." He was the owner of Carson's Jewels. He looked to be about fifty, and Erin thought he looked very polished in his black Armani suit, Miami earned tan, and immaculately groomed thick gray hair and beard. "Yeap, this definitely looks like his work. And what fine work it is…" He obviously admired the skill it took to a make the "ruby."

"Morolta?" McNeil asked. "He wouldn't happen to be related to Tony Morolta would he?"

"Yeap… his cousin." Sid nodded.

Erin was a little lost. "Who is Tony Morolta?" Though slightly confused the name really rung a bell, but she couldn't place it.

"One of Miami's home grown mobsters." McNeil replied.

"Mobster? That sounds like something out of a 20's film." 

"Yeah maybe but…its for real."

"It certainly is." Sid added. "Anthony "Tony" Morolta is head of the Morolta Crime Family. He owns a series of legitimate business across the world, but everyone knows that something purely illegal lurking behind all of it. I guess Miami should be lucky have such a notorious man as a resident huh?" Sid chuckled. "From time to time he's even came in here to buy some jewelry. And every time a different woman. Yeap, I remember he came in here on time with this gorgeous woman. She must have had legs that went on for miles. And not to mention..."

"Ah interesting." Erin nodded thoughtfully and interrupted Sid's account of one of Tony Morolta's women." And you think his cousin… Roman made this ruby."

"That would be my guess. I mean the man is a genius. It's like he can copy anything. Anything from paintings to jewelry, clothes, or even furniture. Actually you know the knock off shops up the street that sell designer copies…he owns that place."

"So I guess we need to head over there then." Erin said.

"That would be seem logical but there is one little hitch."

"Which is?"

"Well for the last four years Roman has been in prison."

"Prison." McNeil and Erin seemed to say at the same time.

"For what." McNeil asked.

"Grand larceny." Sid shrugged. "Well after all he is a Morolta and he was unlucky enough to get caught with his hand in the cookie jar. He was caught with about 3 million dollars worth of stolen diamonds and for once his last name couldn't get him off."

"It figures." McNeil said. "The one lead we get and it looks like a dead-end."

"Not necessarily McNeil." Erin said. "Mr. Carson are you sure that this looks like Roman Moralto's work."

Sid nodded. "I'm almost positive. When was the ruby made?"

"We assumed in the last week or so."

"Then I can't see how it could have been Roman." 

"Damn it." McNeil barked. "It figures that when we finally have something that even resembles a clue…it turns out to be a dead end."

Erin looked up at the ceiling and tapped her foot thoughtfully. "Maybe not…"

McNeil turned her way and smiled slightly. "Why do I get the feeling that I need to make a phone call to the state pen to see what Roman Moralto has been up to lately?"

Erin playfully jabbed McNeil in the side and grinned. "See McNeil I knew if I waited long enough…you'd finally catch on."

"I don't know Erin, this may be where the trail turns cold. The people at the prison said that Roman hasn't had any visitors in at least three weeks." McNeil said as he and Erin headed towards his car. "And no phone calls either.

"Ummm." Erin thought. "Doesn't mean that's the end…just means that he didn't have any visitors officially. Leigh could have found some way to get to him."

"True. But what makes this man our guy, you know? I mean sure Sid said that it looks like Roman Moralto's work, but why would ole blue eyes go out of her way to use a guy that's in prison. I mean a girl rich as her has the world at her fingertips…why go through that much trouble on such short notice." 

"True…doesn't make much sense. But nothing about this case or our suspect does. I know there is some connection between Leigh and this guy…I just know it. And as far as going out of her way…I think the woman has made a career of that." She laughed and McNeil joined her.

Just then Erin's cell phone rang. McNeil motioned that he would be waiting for her in the car.

"Erin Bradshaw"

"Hey kiddo." Came a familiar voice that made Erin smile.

"Vanessa I was just about to call you. I wanted to let you know that I'm going to catch a flight to New York tonight and…"

Vanessa interrupted. "Ah yeah…that's what I was calling you about. See my agent got me a bit part in a movie."

"Well Congratulations…" Erin said a bit slowly. She was genuinely happy for her friend's opportunity at being a star; she could tell that something else was up.

"Yeah. The girl that was suppose to do it got sick and somehow Marty talked the director into flying me out to California to play the part… so"

"So you won't be in New York tomorrow."

"Yeah." Vanessa sounded disappointed. "I really wanted to see you for your birthday but this gig came up at the last minute."

"Come on V, there is no reason to apologize. This part could lead to other things. We'll just have to plan another time for me to come visit… that's all."

"Are you sure?"

"Of course I'm sure."

"So how is that case you're working on. Seems it was keeping you so busy that a few days ago you were hesitating about even leaving town…"

"I know…" Erin sighed. "But things are a little more complicated than I thought." A lot more complicated than I could have ever imagined…and it is definitely not the type of thing you can get into over the phone...

"So maybe things are working out the way they are suppose to then. You know I'm sad that I won't be seeing you, but since you have to work and I have this audition… maybe I'll become a major motion picture star and maybe you'll crack this case… then I'll have my Oscar and you'll have that big ass commission check they're going to cut you. Then all will be cool with the world."

"True anything is possible." Erin conceded with a half smile.

"Oh I almost forgot…I wanted to tell you what happened to me late last night."

"What?" Erin always enjoyed hearing Vanessa's accounts of her life. They were never boring and always unusual.

"Well I was on my way home from dance class last night and walking past the high ass hotel on Markson Ave…and there were cops and reporters everywhere."

"Really what was going on?"

"Well you know that actor Brent Landers…the cute blonde guy that played in Winter's Morning."

"Yeap." Actually I know someone who had dated him… But Erin didn't feel like giving out that information. "Hasn't he been missing?"

"Well he's resurfaced again and in a big way. Seems Mr. Landers was throwing one hell of a party at the hotel… so much so that the cops had to break it up. Well anyway to make a long story short… there were so many people in there that the fire marshal would have been screaming… and enough cocaine to put the any given city in a coma. I even heard a couple of reporters trying to confirm whether or not prostitutes were there as well. Erin I'm telling you it was a circus. And I was right there to witness it all. It should have all been on the news this morning."

"I didn't see it." Erin responded. But when she gotten home after leaving Leigh's house, she'd simply showered, dressed, and went to the police station.

"Well grab a paper at the nearest newsstand I guarantee you'll find some info about. Oh…but I didn't mention the most interesting part."

"Coked-out missing star resurfacing and gets arrested with a ring of prostitutes and that's not the best part." Erin chuckled a bit.

"I know right." Vanessa said and laughed herself. "Well right before Brent Landers got into the police car, a reporter asked what would push him over the edge like that…and the stoned bastard began to cry right on the spot and said "She broke my heart….".

Ummm… I guess I know who the SHE is in this case. "Leigh Sinclaire…". Her tone made it seems as if Erin was take a guess, but she already knew she was right.

"Yeap. The female Bill Gates…only a bit taller and better looking. I mean she looks more like a super model than a CEO. . I tell you this…she's got to be wearing contacts. No one is that lucky to be blessed with eyes like that." Vanessa laughed again. "Apparently her rejection of ole Brent is the reason for that whole fiasco."

That doesn't quite seem fair. Him blaming her for this own stupidity. People get dumped all the time… seems he just wasn't strong enough to handle it. I wonder if Leigh has heard about this. I bet her phone has been ringing off the hook all morning. Maybe I should call to see… As quickly as Erin had conjured up the thought of calling Leigh, she just as quickly dismissed it. Leigh is a big girl… she doesn't need me checking up on her. "Interesting indeed." 

"I know…but look kiddo my planes leaves in about an hour and I'm still trying to pack. I know going through security is going to be hell. But look you know I'm going to call you tomorrow to wish my best friend Happy Birthday."

Erin smiled. "I hope so you know I'm going to be waiting by the phone in anticipation of hearing your voice."

"Whatever Erin. Well I guess I'll talk to yah later. Love yah!"

"Love yah too V." Erin sighed as she hung up the phone. So much for running away from my problems for a few days. I guess its for the best… while I was gone Leigh would probably have all of Miami hopelessly in love with her, and then I couldn't get any information out of anyone. 

Then her cell phone rung again. She assumed that it was Vanessa calling to tell her something she'd forgotten during the first phone call. "Erin Bradshaw."

"I need to see you… will you meet me somewhere?" Came the smooth silky voice over the phone. A voice that Erin instantly recognized because she had been hearing in her thoughts all day. She stole a quick glance at McNeil who was waiting impatiently in the car and then without another thought she answered. "Tell me when and where."

She hadn't been expecting the movie theatre. Erin Bradshaw hadn't a clue as to where Leigh wanted to meet her…but honestly the movie theatre downtown had never occurred to her. She let the light-lined aisle lead her through the darkness, as she tried to spot a certain dark-haired woman.

"Hey Kansas over here." Someone whispered from her left. She quickly turned in that direction and smiled. There was Leigh Sinclaire in the middle of the middle row, with her feet kicked up and wearing a cowboy hat that Erin recognized. She waved for Erin to come over.

"The movie theatre? Hiding out are we?" Erin asked. 

"A little…seems I'm on the FBI's Most Wanted List of heartbreakers. Did you hear what Brent said about me when he got a arrested?"

"I heard." Erin sat down beside Leigh.

"Can you believe that shit?" She said loudly and when she saw a few people in the theatre looked her way, Leigh rolled her eyes and lowered her voice. "That bastard blames me because he can't hold his shit together. God I don't know why I even dated him." She sunk lower in her seat and grabbed a handful of popcorn out of the huge tub sitting in her lap. "I've always had a weakness for bad boys…so how in the hell did he end up in my bed." She managed to get out between chomping on popcorn. "See…" She pointed at Erin. "This is just another situation where something you do in the past comes back to bite you royally in the ass." Leigh glanced at the screen. "And damn how many previews is this theatre going to play!"

Erin smiled a bit and wanted to laugh at how the normally cool and collected woman beside her was ranting. "It'll blow over." She offered.

"I hope so. I was this close to knocking out a reporter today that ambushed me with a the other paparazzi this morning when I arrived at work." Leigh took a deep breath. "But I took the high road."

"Meaning?" Erin asked. She just couldn't see Leigh walking away from an irksome reporter.

"Watch the news tonight. Let's just say I used some very colorful language…."

"Leigh…"

Leigh grinned mischievously. "Don't worry, you and your police department buddies are still only chasing me for one crime."

"The one we know of any way." Erin added wearily. Even in the dark theater and the dark shadow, the hat was casting, Erin could still make out the clear chiseled features of Leigh's profile. Instantly she was reminded of the cover of Forbes magazine, were Leigh was dressed very similar. The woman can definitely wear a cowboy hat… "And this hat, is this to help you stay incognito?"

"It's my thinking hat."

"Your thinking hat is a cowboy hat?" Figures…

Leigh hunched. "Well yeah…I am from Texas." She said with an exaggeration of her own natural Texas drawl with make Erin smile slightly.

"So what are you thinking about?"

"Anything and everything I guess. But mostly about how Brent could trash me like that, how it's going to affect SSC, and you." Leigh added a bit softly. She had honestly felt better once she'd laid eyes on Erin. It was strange feeling to know that the woman, whom she hadn't know that long, could have that affect on her. When Leigh had first heard the news about Brent, one of the first people she'd thought of calling was Erin… Of all my so called friends in the world, I called a woman that's trying to prove me guilty of a major crime. Yeap Leigh, your teachers were right you definitely like playing with fire.

"Me?" Erin was a little shocked her hear this declaration, even though she had been thinking of Leigh constantly herself. Hell she was even sketching pictures of the woman. "And this is why I have been summoned?"

"I told you why." Leigh shrugged and took a sip of her soda. "I wanted to see you."

"That's it?"

"Does it have to be another reason?" She arched a brow. "Then too, I wanted to make sure you weren't still punishing yourself for what happened this morning."

"I'm not punishing myself Leigh, but don't tell me you can't see how that situation was awkward."

"Of course I can… Mary kept eying me until I left the house." Leigh laughed. "She's probably questioning Bernie right now."

Erin giggled too. "You think so. Well I guess this is just another reason for her to not like me. She probably thinks I spiked your drink or something to get you talk."

"And then what? You got tired with your intense interrogation and decided to you wanted to cuddle with me and take a nap." Leigh said with a grin. "My goodness Kansas you are such a hard-ass insurance investigator." Both women laughed.

"Well it won't happen again." Erin said.

"Why? Do I snore or something?"

"You know why?"

"I thought we made good sleep buddies. Hell I'm tempted right now to take home and to bed." Leigh commented slyly and almost immediately Erin Bradshaw started coughing. With a slight smile, Leigh reached over and started gently patting the blonde on the back. "Are you alright… maybe you should take a sip of your soda." Leigh glanced around quickly and saw that a few people were looking.

Taking Leigh's advice she sipped the soda and took a deep breathe. "I'm alright…" She half-sighed with watery eyes.

"Sorry about that… I guess what I said came out wrong." Leigh added with a chuckle.

"No... no... no." Erin said quickly. "I knew what you meant… I guess I just got a little choked up is all, a piece of popcorn must have gone down wrong." If you knew what she meant, why did you almost inhale a handful of popcorn down you windpipe when she said. I'll say it once again Bradshaw… REAL SMOOTH!!!!!

"Are you sure you're OK?" 

Erin noticed then that Leigh still had her hand on her back, but instead of patting she was gently rubbing in a circular motion. Heat of the innocent gesture seemed to sear through her jacket directly to her skin. It felt wonderful. "Yeah…I'm fine." She reached for the popcorn and picked up a piece. "Although I half wonder if that was your feeble attempt at taking me out."

"Deadly popcorn huh?" Leigh said as if seriously considering the blonde's outrageous accusation. 

"Yeap… I wouldn't put it past you."

"Now come on…" Leigh leaned in a bit. "Kansas you know I wouldn't do anything like that… I like having you around too much." And without any warning, her tongue snaked out to snatch the piece of popcorn out of Erin's fingers.

And even if she wanted to Erin, couldn't tear her eyes away from Leigh's lips as she chewed.
Even though the action had been done jokingly, Erin couldn't deny the jolt of electricity that went from her fingertips down through her whole body. 

"Kansas?" Leigh asked when she saw that the blonde was suddenly distracted. She touched Erin's chin and tilted her head up.

"Yeah?" Erin blinked and looked up into blue eyes that seemed to sparkle in the dark theatre. 

"See something interesting?" Leigh smiled.

I'll say… Erin answered in her head, but aloud she did nothing but swallow hard. 

"Hey Xena and Gabrielle!!!!" Both Leigh's and Erin's head snapped in the direction of where the gruff voice was coming from… the row before them. "Look the movie is starting. Pipe down will yah? I mean either make out or watch the damn movie…."

The two women looked back at each other and laughed. "Well it seems that man has given us two options." Leigh held up two fingers and her voice dropped to a whisper. "We can watch the movie or…" Leigh licked her own lips. She would like to think she'd done that because of the trace of salt the popcorn had left, but she really knew it was because of what she said next. "we could make out." 

The smiling CEO moved closer until her mouth was just inches from Erin's. "What do yah say, Kansas… feel like fooling around…."

Suddenly to Erin Bradshaw, the temperature in the cool movie theatre mysteriously started to skyrocket. Actually that wasn't entirely true, there was no mystery as to why she'd suddenly sprouted a fever. The cause was Leigh Sinclaire and the lips that were a breath away from her own. Ummmm Ummmm Ummmm was all that Erin could hear chanted in her head. 

Leigh who had been playing a joke to make fun of the comment the man in front of them had said, realized when she looked into green eyes that a joke wasn't the only thing going on just then. Like the woman beside her, her own breathing had increase a bit, and she was starting to feel a stirring in her stomach… Ooops I think I've started something… and you know what… I don't think I care…

And Leigh would have continued her course of action, had the movie not started… very loudly just then and caused both women to literally jump out of their seats. 

"Jesus!" Leigh hissed as she pulled her hat down further on her head. She sat all the way back in her seat. And Erin did the same and sipped some of her soda.

Both woman looked at each, and for once they were both at a lost for words. 

Say something Leigh… say something. I really think you need to say something Leigh. Leigh told herself, but instead she turned her attention back towards the screen and crammed a hand full of popcorn in mouth. Well now I can't say anything… my damn mouth is too full…

Unconsciously taking the CEO's lead, Erin poured a couple of M&M's in her hand then proceeded to eat them. She slumped down lower in her seat and snuck a quick glance at Leigh, who was now tearing open a bag of Twizzlers. Well I must say… that was some preview… so much so I'm scared to see what comes next. And Erin Bradshaw was not talking about the movie that she was about to watch.

"I just want to say thank you for picking that movie. I'm probably going to have nightmares tonight." Erin said with a frown as the two woman sat down at an ice cream shop that was next door to the movie theatre. To Erin's dismay, Leigh had picked a scary movie. It was hard to maintain some semblance of respect in front of the dark-haired woman when she was jumping every five minutes. But to an extent Erin was glad, with Leigh laughing at her every time she covered her eyes, it helped to lighten the cloud of tension that had settled around them from their pre-movie activities. By the time the movie had ended, Erin and Leigh were sitting shoulder to shoulder, whispering to each other, and happily sharing the same tub of popcorn. 

"Well if you need a sleep buddy… you know who to call." Leigh offered with a smile. She took off her hat and ran her fingers through the luscious dark locks. "I guarantee I'm better than any nightlight." Leigh I'm begging you please stop flirting with her…

And for the umpteenth time since meeting Leigh Sinclaire, Erin had to keep her mouth from flying open at one of the woman's comments." Thanks for the offer Sinclaire, but I think I'll be OK." Is she flirting with me?

"Fine. I know when I'm not wanted."

"Oh no…you're very much wanted." Erin replied quickly before she could stop the words from tumbling out.

Leigh folded her arms. Now who's the one flirting? "Really?"

"Very much so."

"And exactly why am I wanted."

Talk about a loaded question. And I could give a million reasons… but I think I'll say. "Your criminal activities may have something to do with it."

Leigh's smile faded a bit. Well what did you think she was going to say Leigh…"I take it we're now to the part where we talk about a certain Ruby." Leigh grumbled.

"Ding Ding. Let's give the woman a prize." Erin said. "I knew there was some reason you were running that fortune 500 company."

"Really funny. " 

Just then the waitress came over with their order. She placed a fat-free chocolate smoothie in front of Erin and a massive banana split in front of Leigh. She smiled when she saw how the CEO's face lit up before attacking the delicious looking desert. 

"You can be such a kid."

"Why because I'm actually eating something that taste good."

"Are you implying that mine is anything less that great?" Erin sipped her shake.

"I'm downright saying it Kansas and from the look on your face, I take it you agree with me." Leigh laughed as she watched the blonde push the smoothie as far away from her as she could. "It's a shame the way people can make healthy taste so bad." She ate another huge bite of her banana split. "And then make something so bad taste so good. I'm telling you Kansas..." And without any hesitation, Leigh scoop up some ice cream and held the spoon out to Erin. "You've got to try it."

"I think I'll pass." Erin glanced around them. And became very conscious of the fact that they were being watched. This will make a lovely shot for her surveillance file… her spoon-feeding me ice cream. 

"Ah come on… just taste it. If for no reason other than to wash that pseudo shake out of your mouth." She held the spoon out further until it was just inches from Erin's mouth. "Try it…"

Against her better judgment, Erin leaned forward and accepted the ice cream Leigh was offering. And Leigh had been right it was absolutely delicious. So much so, that Erin had to close her eyes to relish the taste. And when she opened them, there was Leigh staring at her with an "I told you so…" look on her face.

"So what…" Erin hunched. "It's good, but not as good as my shake." And to prove her point she took another sip of her shake.

"Liar…" Leigh accused before continuing to ravish her sundae.

"Maybe… be no where as good was you." Erin said.

"I just know there is a compliment lurking in that statement somewhere, but I can't seem to find it." Leigh smiled.

"Where did you have that ruby made?" Erin knew she had to stir the conversation back to the subject at hand or she would be engrossed with Leigh in "girl talk" and the case would never have been discussed.

"Why?"

"It was a very good imitation of the real one."

"I hope so… it was meant to fool you guys."

"I know." Erin deadpanned and felt a twinge of the anger she'd felt when she had realized the joke the CEO had played. "Well it was so good that it seems the person would have had to have the real ruby to make it."

"Or perhaps a really detailed picture." Leigh countered. Ok I see where this is going…

"So who made it for you?"

"A friend…" Leigh said simply.

"Is that all you're going to tell me… a friend."

"Yeap… seems like a sufficient answer to me…"

"Of course…every answer you've given so far has either been a smart remark or just plain vague.
Erin to change her approach and cut to the chase." Does the name Roman Moralto sound familiar?" Erin watched for some type of subtle shift in Leigh's eyes, but there was nothing. But Erin knew saw that she had the other woman's full attention. "You do know him don't you?"

Damn …did I leave a trail of breadcrumbs or something??? Leigh thought. "Yeah…he uses to own a couple of stores that sold knock-offs right?" Only give out enough information until you see where she's headed with this…but I think I already know where she's headed…

"Apparently the man is a master forger as well."

"Really?"

"Yeah."

"Interesting." Let her lead Leigh… after all she does it so well.

"What's also interesting is that he's the cousin of a good friend of yours…Tony Moralto." On the way to meeting Leigh at the movie theatre, Erin had remembered why Tony Moralto's name was so familiar.

Leigh smiled and nodded. "How did you know that I knew Tony?"

"Pictures from your 30th birthday party…"

Leigh interrupted. "The one's from People magazine or the one's on the Internet. Because if it's from the Internet, I won't to go on record that yeah that may be my face but that is not my body. I mean come on would I ever be in the hot tub with Britney Spears and Marilyn Mason."

Erin paused and bit back a laugh. "Well I meant the one's from People…" Mental note though to check out the ones on the Internet.

"Oh not as interesting as the Internet… but from what I know they are for real." Leigh chuckled.

Erin continued. "Well there was a picture of you and Tony."

"Okay."

"And you two are good friends right?"

"Yeah."

"Do I have to connect the dots here?"

"Only if you want too… but why not… I love watching your mind work." 

"Well I talked to a jeweler today that swore up and down that fake ruby was the work of 
Roman Moralto..."

"Really? It seems the world is just full of people who are helping to prove your grand theories. And don't get me wrong because I love your theories. They are more entertaining than the last five minutes of General Hospital on a Friday afternoon. So don't get mad when I point out a major flaw in this theory… Roman Moralto is in prison?"

"I know… a major glitch… its true. But I'm finding it hard to overlook the fact that he's the cousin to a good friend of yours…"

"Well Kansas see one of the funny things about life is that if you meet enough people, some of them are bound to be related to be each other. I think it's due to that whole thing about the law of averages…" Leigh hunched. "But a guilty person that doesn't make."

"So this is all just a coincidence… just like everything else."

"I suppose so." 

"Well you know what they say when you have a bunch of coincidences…"

"What? That somewhere out there they all make one big ass coincidence." Leigh said with a grin that slightly infuriated Erin, but she decided to not show it and simply smiled in return.

"Do you know Roman Moralto?" She asked again.

"I know that he's Tony's cousin and I know that he's in jail. And I also know that if you were trying to somehow insinuate that he made that ruby for me…then it looks like you're barking up the wrong tree."

"Maybe… but the correct tree is near by. I know that you stole that ruby. I know that whoever made that damn phony for you, used the real ruby as a model…but what I don't know is…"

"Who made it for me?" Leigh finished for her. "Well Kansas I'm so disappointed. From that last statement… you seemed to know so much…"

"We could put this subject to rest, if you would tell me who made that fake ruby for you…".

"Maybe… but putting things to rest isn't really my style. See I like keeping things alive."

"Believe me I've noticed… but seriously Leigh who made the ruby for you."

"What if I told you I made it myself?" The CEO asked as she neared the bottom of her huge dessert.

Talking to the woman is like playing a game of poker… is she bluffing or what??? "I would say you were lying…"

"What you don't think I'm skilled enough…"

"No… I wouldn't put it passed you, but I just have a hunch in this particular situation that you contracted it out. And since for once you want to be tight-lipped about something… I guess I'll just have to figure out on my own…"

"Things are usually more fun when you did it yourself." Leigh offered as if it were an incentive. "And I know you're up for the task." She pointed her spoon at Erin. "But let's play what if shall we."

"Why not… you do it so well."

"Thank you." Leigh smiled. "Let's say I'm guilty and that you're right this person that made the fake ruby had the real one as a model. And let's go even further and say you find this person. Do you really think they'll just roll over and tell you everything?"

Erin hunched. "I suppose that depends on how loyal your friends are. But I'll have you know that I can be very persuasive when I want to be."

"I have absolutely no doubt about that." Leigh grinned and sat back and folded her arms.

"I know I'm going to regret asking you this but…" Erin began. "But did you and a mobster become friends."

"Mobster?" Leigh laughed. "My goodness Kansas, he doesn't star on the Sopranos. Tony would cringe if he heard you call him that."

"Is there a better term?"

"How about creative businessman." Leigh said pointedly.

"Yeah right. And exactly how legal is that business he attends to."

"I don't ask…" Leigh said quickly and held up her hands. "The less I know…the less I can tell."
Leigh was no innocent when it came to what Tony Morolta did not legally and illegally. But she tried to keep her name and ears out of his business as much as possible. 

"So did you two date?"

"Me and Tony? Oh no…we've never been anything other than friends. The man is like an uncle to me." Should I mention that I dated his son though? Nah…it totally irrelevant.

"So?" Erin was a bit anxious for the story. Something told her it was anything but ordinary.

"Well let's see… Again this is totally off the record." Leigh whispered.

"Of course…" Think she knows I have my fingers crossed under the table.

"Ok… this is the short and simple answer. I won ten million dollars from him in a card game… and the rest is history."

Erin buried her face in her hands and just shook her head. Then she just looked at Leigh and sighed. "Tell me this Leigh do you ever simply meet someone by saying just "Hi".

"Of course, but those stories just aren't as interesting… now are they?" 

Leigh waited impatiently on the couch in the reception area of the law firm Sampson and Hurst. She flipped through the pages of the magazine not absorbing anything other than the changing colors. Her lawyer, Harry, had summoned her to his office. 

She hadn't been too enthusiastic to end her afternoon with Erin, but she was due for a meeting with her attorney. And if she wasn't mistaken, she'd picked up on the fact that Erin had felt the same way. Even after what almost happened…

Leigh had been joking when she had offered to make-out with Erin in the theatre. When Leigh had uttered the words, she's had no idea how close she would come to actually doing it. She reached up and touched her lips and closed her eyes. She could still feel Erin's breathe blowing across them, from when their lips had been less than an inch apart. I was only joking… you know just making fun of the asshole in front of us… but nope I think I would have actually done it. I think I would have actually kissed her, had we not been interrupted. Leigh opened her eyes and sighed. Damn it when is my next appointment with Dr. Duncan… that's right she's out of town at a symposium...we really need to talk. Seems like I'm on the verge of broadening my horizons… and I KNOW we really need to talk about that

"Leigh…" She heard a familiar voice say as she looked up to see Harry smiling at her. He was dressed, as she had expected him to be. In dress slacks, white crisp shirt with the sleeves rolled up, silk tie, and suspenders. Harry always looks so damn adorable in those things. 

"Harry…" Leigh said and got up to give him a hug.

The dark-haired attorney laughed. "One of these days you're going to walk in here and shake my hand like all my other clients."

"What? And not give that nosy receptionist of yours something to gossip about?" She glanced over at the receptionist who quickly avoided eye contact. "Now that would be down right cruel of me." 

"Come on let's go in my office…".

"Lead the way." Leigh followed Harry into his office.

"Speaking of gossip." He closed the door behind them. "Seems that your name is on the tip of everyone's tongue this morning."

Leigh grimaced. "Ah yes… that Brent incident. He has the whole world thinking I pushed him into the arms of prostitutes and an ass-load of cocaine."

"Do you want me to sue him?" Harry asked as he sat down.

"More than anything, but that would just cause more publicity. I just want to make it go away Harry. God knows I don't need to be in the paper anymore."

"Amen to that." He loosened his tie a bit. "Also thanks for not hitting that reporter this morning."

"You're welcome." Leigh smiled. "I was real anxious to show off that spinning kick you showed me the other day. But… I didn't want to make extra work for you when I didn't have to."

"Yeah, from what I hear I was that close from coming to bail you out of jail for assault charges."

"Nope I just cursed like a sailor. Guess when that gets out, I won't be the best candidate to talk to that Girl Scout Troop next week." Leigh hunched and Harry chuckled.

"You certainly are a hand full Leigh."

"So I've been told." 

Harry opened a file up on his desk. "Now on to more pressing matters. I've been trading dirty emails and phone calls with the Miami police department on your behalf for the last week about the Rhine Ruby case."

"And?"

"Pretty much the same result. I've told them to keep quiet about this investigation they insist on pursuing or we'll sue them for harassment."

"Good." Leigh nodded approvingly. "They aren't going to be showing up to my house anytime soon with a warrant are they."

"I don't think so. If they do, they'll have to have a whole lot more evidence than they did the first time around."

"Cool."

Harry folded his arms. "I hear you've been talking to the insurance investigator on the case…" He glanced down at the some paperwork. "Erin Bradshaw."

"You've heard correctly."

"Do you mind if I ask why?"

"Not at all. I have nothing to hide."

"Well according to the police and Ms. Bradshaw you have a hell of a lot to hide."

No kidding… "Everyone is entitled to his or her own opinion." Leigh said innocently, knowing that she was anything but.

"And you've been discussing this opinion with Ms. Bradshaw."

"Yes."

"Do you think that's smart… considering the circumstances? I mean Leigh you shouldn't be saying anything to these people without an attorney present."

"Don't worry Harry, I have everything under control."

"Okay…" He said slowly. "But still as your attorney I must advise you that I don't think you should continue to talk to her without me."

"And Harry consider me advised OK… I know what I'm doing." There was a tone of finality to Leigh's tone that told Harry he should drop it.

"Fine Leigh, I know better than to try to change your mind." He sighed. "But there is another matter."

"Ok… shoot"

"I think you should give an official statement to the police addressing these charges."

"Really?"

"Yes. Although I've been holding them off, it would look good for you to at least talk to them. It would prove…"

"That I have nothing to hide." Leigh finished his sentence. "Which I have been saying all along." Which is a lie. If I give a statement I will be officially lying on paper…  Just another thing that I'll have to account for on judgment day I guess. And that list is getting longer and longer…

"Yes you have." Harry added suspiciously. 

Leigh grinned and arched a brow. "You know what Harry you haven't asked me yet."

"Asked you what?"

"Whether or not I actually did it." She crossed her legs and tilted her head to the side.

"I know Leigh… and I don't want to know."

"I see."

"I think its for the best." He closed the folder in front of him and sat up straighter. "But I will tell you this Leigh, the police department isn't in the habit of randomly picking beautiful billionaires as suspects in major jewelry heists."

"I suppose not." Leigh conceded. But it seems I'm always causing the unusual to happen.

"But like I said Leigh I don't want to know."

"Then I won't tell you. After all what's a woman without a little mystery about her." Leigh smiled one of her most dazzling smiles and rose up from her chair. "Well if there isn't anything else… I should be shoving off. I think its finally safe to head over to my office. The vultures should have moved on by now. "

"I'll be in touch about when you and I will be talking to the police. So until then if you could make yourself a little less available to them I'd really appreciate it." He pointed at her sternly. "And that includes making yourself less available to Ms. Bradshaw as well."

"Harry, I'm handling it OK. Don't worry."

"Leigh with a client you, I'm always worried."

"Good…that means that you're earning those big bucks that I pay you." Leigh winked and left the office.

"I can't believe I'm doing this." Erin Bradshaw mumbled at she plopped down on her couch and picked up the remote to cut on the stereo. Her apartment was filled with the soothing voice of Sarah McLaughlin. But for once it wasn't having its calming effect on Erin that it usually did. "I would have kissed her… and if that isn't enough I wanted to!!!!" She said to the empty apartment. She closed her eyes but quickly opened them. And then pointed to the ceiling as if she was scolding it. "No… no… if that's not enough… she's a major suspect in a case I'm working on. Damn it Bradshaw for once could you not make a situation complicated… after all you are from Kansas for Christ's sake!"

"Why is this happening now? Why didn't it happen when…" Erin heard her own voice trail off as she began to remember another time and place. And then she thought about Carla, her roommate from college. They were an unlikely pair, Erin a bubbly blonde from Kansas and Carla McIvory, a brooding Art major from Las Angeles. But she became Erin's absolute best friend until one day; Carla told her that she was in love with her. Until then Erin had had no idea that the beautiful redhead with a splash of freckles across her face was even gay. Erin had told Carla, that she hadn't felt the same way, that she loved her but only as a friend. And then the evitable had happened, their friendship began to crumble. Suddenly Carla was spending less time in the room, suddenly to busy to spend time with Erin, and always moody. This broke Erin's heart because she didn't want to lose her best friend. Then one night while out with some friends, Erin had spotted Carla sulking in the corner of the club. Erin had walked over to her and asked to speak to her alone for a few minutes. Reluctantly her friend had agreed, they'd gone out the side door into the alley. After a few minutes of exchanging terse inquiries about each other's life since the incident, Carla announced that she was moving out of their dorm room. Without warning, and probably due to the trauma of losing her friend and the three margaritas she's had earlier that night, Erin had launched herself into Carla's arms and kissed her. 

Looking back on the kiss now, Erin realized she didn't know what the hell she was doing. Before Carla she'd never entertained the thought of kissing another woman, and she had no idea if she was doing it right. When Carla had returned the kiss with earnest, Erin had some inkling that she must not have been doing half bad. She remembered Carla's tongue gliding across her own, as the redhead edged her back against the wall, and muffled moans and groans on both their parts.
And despite the desperation and urgency in the kiss, Erin realized in that moment that there was a difference between kissing a man and a woman… a degree of unspoken intimacy and emotion that she couldn't explain. Then as suddenly as the kiss had begun, it ended and Carla staggered back. Erin would never forget the look in those intense gray eyes as they glossed over with tears that matched the ones streaming down Erin's own cheeks. They both knew that it was over. They both knew that it was good-bye. Without any more words to each other Carla had walked off into the night and virtually out of Erin's life forever. When Erin returned back to their dorm room the next morning Carla and all her stuff was gone. Erin heard that she had not only moved off campus but back to Las Angeles.

Until this day Erin hadn't regretted the kiss because it had given her and Carla some closure. And that in a nutshell had been Erin's brief but painful brush with lesbianism… until now…. until a certain dark-haired and amazingly blue-eyed woman literally stole her way into her life.

Attraction is a funny thing... isn't it? It cost me a good friend and now… And now what? What will this kind of attraction cost me now.

Then an image of Leigh popped into her head… beautiful, smiling, and a total smart-ass Leigh Sinclaire. 

It could have been so easy for me to give myself to Carla all those years ago…I knew her, I cared for her, I loved her, but no I broke her heart. And here it is years later and all that Carla desperately wanted from me then …I seem to be feeling for Leigh Sinclaire now.

Erin played back the scene in the movie theatre all over again. "I wonder if she felt it to? I mean her eyes are always so blue…for a second I could have sworn that…" Erin laughed again but with a slight of edge of insanity in it. "Don't be ridiculous, Leigh could have any man she wants and from all accounts she has… why would she suddenly swerve to the other side of the road and want you!"

But Erin couldn't totally dismiss the idea. "Maybe because of the same reason I'm swerving all over the damn road… some things are just out of our control. I just hope I'm not headed for a major head-on here." 

When Erin first heard the phone ring, she stirred slightly and pulled the covers up higher. The second ring, caused sleepy green eyes to open. The third ring seemed to cause a string of mumbled curse words to fill the dark bedroom. The fourth ring resulted with a very pissed Erin Bradshaw sitting up and snatching the phone off the hook.

"Hello." She growled as she looked over at the time on the clock. It flashed 12:00 am in bright red numbers. Not too late, but damn it I was sleep.

"Happy Birthday to you…" Someone sang on the other end. 

"What?" Erin asked a bit confused. Maybe I'm still asleep.

The person continued singing as if she hadn't said anything. "Happy Birthday to you..."

I must be dreaming. She briefly pulled back the phone to look at it, before putting it back up to her ear.

"Happy Birthday dear Kansas…"

Erin bit gently on her bottom lip to keep from laughing. I should have known…

"Happy Birthday to you!!!!!" 

"Thanks, Leigh." She said sarcastically to cover up that fact that she was flattered that Leigh even knew her birthday and that she called.

"What gave me away?" The CEO said on the other end of the phone with a chuckle.

"Well I don't know any other Texans and no one calls me Kansas except you. And you're possibly the only person crazy enough to call me in the middle of the night like this."

"Sounds to me like you need better friends… Did I wake you?"

"Something like that but its OK I suppose" Erin grumbled.

"I just wanted to be the first one to wish you Happy Birthday…so"

"You waited until midnight to call me."

"Well yeah… umm so am I the first." She heard the CEO say with a bit of embarrassment seeping into her rich voice.

"Yes, you're the first." Erin confirmed.

"Good… I just hate it when I fail at a mission."

"No I've noticed. But so far you've been successful."

"So far. But there is a part two to my mission."

Erin leaned back against her headboard and yawned. "Oh really… and what might that be."

"Come downstairs and you'll find out." Was the cryptic response.

"Downstairs?"

"Yeap… that's where I'm waiting for you at."

"You're downstairs? Right now?"

"Yeah…take a look out your window." 

She's got to be kidding. Quickly Erin popped out of bed and headed towards the window. And sure enough parked in front of her building was the familiar black limo. And at that moment, she saw headlights on the limo blinked on and off a couple of times.

"I guess you see the little light show we're putting on for you." Leigh said.

"Leigh why is your limo parked in front of my building?" Why do I get the feeling that I'm not getting back to sleep anytime soon.

"Duh… Kansas because I'm sitting in it and waiting for you. So move you butt and get down here."

After throwing a pair on a pair of jogging pants and a shirt, Erin had headed downstairs. The whole while she had been running her fingers through to her blonde tresses to desperately try to rid herself of "bed" hair. When she finally reached the outside, her green eyes narrowed in on the dark vehicle parked directly in front of her. Slowly she inched towards the car and opened the limo door. And she was greeted with a stream of balloons floating out and into the dark night sky.

"What the…" She said with a giggle and waited for the parade of balloons to end. And when they did, Leigh Sinclaire jumped out of the car. 

"Happy Birthday!!!!" She said excitedly and without any warning she pulled the blonde in a fierce hug. 

"Well thank you." Erin said in return and breathed in the heavenly scent that always seemed to cling to the other woman. She tentatively returned the hug, and tried to ignore all that she had confessed to herself when alone in her apartment. 

Just as quickly as she had pulled Erin into her arms, Leigh let her go. She felt a bit silly about her behavior, but when she'd saw the blonde, the first thing that popped in her mind was to hug her.
"Well yeah.." Leigh stepped back a bit embarrassed buried her hands in the pocket of her jeans. "So this makes you what twenty-eight years old."

"Yeap… practically an old woman."

"Whoa now. I'm thirty and I'm far from being old." 

"I admit for an old chick, you're in pretty good shape." Erin laughed.

"Hey if you keep those comments up… I won't give you this." Leigh pulled from behind her back a card and handed it to Erin. "Its from Bert and Mac. I told them today was your birthday…."

Erin whirled around and saw the two familiar men across the street. She smiled and waved before turning back towards Leigh. "I know that they're suppose to be working for us, but I get the feeling more and more that they're really on your side."

"Hey they're good guys. And can I help it, if we hit it off." Leigh laughed. "You should talk Detective McNeil into giving them a vacation. I mean watching me around the clock has got to be boring as hell… they probably need a break you know. Which reminds me about the rest of my plan."

Erin glanced up to the balloons still floating towards space. "So this is part two to your plan?"

"Well the beginning of it anyway." Leigh grabbed Erin by the hand. "Come on let's go."

"Go where."

"If I tell you where it will spoil the surprise." She pulled Erin towards the limo.

"I'm not so sure about your surprises."

"I guarantee you're going to love it."

"If I didn't know any better I would say I was being kidnapped." Erin make herself comfortable against the cushions in the limo."

"I'm not making you do anything against your will Kansas… if you want to go back home, I'll take you. But I'm asking you to stay." Leigh added softly.

Hearing those words from Leigh was enough for Erin to not want to be anywhere else at that moment.

"You want me to what!!!" Erin exclaimed as she stepped out of the limo.

"I want you to go to Puerto Rico with me." Leigh said casually as she leaned against the hood of the car.

"Have you lost your mind!!!" Erin said as she again looked dumbfounded at the private jet about fifty yards in front of her. The sleek machine had the letters SSC painted on the side. 

"Some people would like to think so." Leigh smiled. "But no… I want to go to Puerto Rico and I want you to go with me."

"And you don't see a problem with this proposal."

"Proposal?" Leigh said slyly and folded her arms. "Now Kansas I am flattered, but I'm just trying to take you on a trip… not marry you." 

Leigh saw green eyes narrow and half braced herself for the violent attack she was sure the blonde was going to launch. "Very funny…" Erin hissed. "I can't take a trip with you to Puerto Rico or anywhere."

"Why not?"

"Why not?" Erin asked with disbelief. "Why not? Do you hear yourself when you ask these questions! Leigh for the millionth time, I am an insurance investigator working on a case that you just so happen to be the major suspect in. There are certain rules, certain lines that shouldn't be crossed." She saw that Leigh was about to interject." Granted we haven't exactly been abiding by these rules, but never the less there are rules. So I don't think it's appropriate for us to skip out of the country on holiday together." Erin took a deep breathe and shook her head. Blonde bangs fell over her eyes. This woman never ceases to amaze me.

"I see." Leigh said quietly. 

"Do you?"

"I guess" The dark-haired woman shrugged. "But tell me this, don't you get tired of playing by the rules…."

"Oh come on…" Erin groaned. "Don't' try that whole you're such a good girl routine on me. Because its not going to work this time. Getting a tattoo and taking a trip with you are two totally separate things." She looked and saw that Leigh was grinning. "And contrary to what you believe Leigh, you just can't smile that charming smile of yours and expect everyone to melt like ice cream in the sun at your feet."

"Really?" Leigh smile brightened. Ice cream at my feet huh…I didn't know I had such power.

"Yes!" Erin screamed, and for the life of her she didn't know why she was protesting so much." I can't keep doing this. I can't keep letting you…" Her sentence trailed off.

Leigh cocked her head to the side. "Can't keep letting me what?"

"Never mind… just take me home OK." Erin looked away.

"No…" Leigh pushed herself off the car and stepped closer to Erin. "Finish your sentence. You can't keep letting me what?"

"Get to me." Erin said before mustering up the courage to look into blue eyes. "I can't keep letting you to get to me. OK."

There was an awkward pause then as they looked at each other. I hadn't been expecting that answer. Leigh thought as she looked at the pilot. She held up her hand to signal she needed a few more minutes. Leigh maybe you should just let this thing go you know. She's right you could be heading for trouble if you keep heading down this road. All I wanted to do was take her somewhere nice for her birthday… not cause a mental breakdown. "Look like I said earlier I'm not trying to make you do anything that you don't want to do. And remember I told you that I won't let you do anything that you'll regret…"

"Well that's a tall order. Especially when I'm with you." Erin muttered. "Leigh…"

"No Kansas wait." Leigh laid a hand on her arm. "You've gotten to me too. I'm not going to deny that Ok. I like you… I mean I really like you." Damn it Leigh you sound like you just tasted a bowl of LIFE cereal. "I keep thinking if we would have met under different circumstances we could have been good friends you know. But unfortunately we didn't. So I guess by doing this…" She pointed to the plane. "I'm trying to give us the right circumstances…"

"To be friends?"

"Yes… to be friends… to be closer pseudo enemies, hell I don't know. It was just an idea I had. Maybe its not one of my best." She shook her head." But it was your birthday and I just thought…" Leigh sighed and looked at the plane again. "I just thought we could have some fun that's all. But if you really don't want to do go I understand. I may not like it… but I do understand." Leigh lowered her head and suddenly found the ground very interesting just then. 

Erin looked at the bowed head and felt her stomach clenched. What the hell is going on here…
I can't believe I'm standing here and having this conversation. I can't believe I'm even considering the idea of going on this trip with her. Why couldn't she have been a fifty year old balding man instead of a beautiful, charismatic woman, who can almost literally bend me to her will with a smile and a few well chosen words. Why couldn't I have been assigned another case… Hell I could sit here all day and ask why… and I would still come to the same conclusion… 

"Look…" Leigh finally spoke as she looked up. "I'll go tell the pilot that I don't need the plane. And then I'll take you home OK." There was no denying the disappointment wrapped in Leigh's voice as she took a step towards the plane. So much for fun in the sun…

"No wait…" Leigh felt a small hand grab her own.

Leigh turned around. "What?".

"Let's go to Puerto Rico." Erin said with shy smile that slowly started to light up the blonde's face.

"Come again?" Leigh asked a little dumbfounded.

"You heard me. I said I'm going."

"Are you serious… but what about all the stuff you were saying?"

"I still believe every word that I said. From a personal stand point… Leigh this isn't appropriate at all. You know us saying to hell with the world let's have a girl's weekend." Erin smile brightened." But from a business stand point… now I just wouldn't be doing my duties if I let my prime suspect leave the country and not follow her."

Leigh nodded and arched an eyebrow. "I see… I guess for all you know I could be going down there to meet with some suave criminal to make a deal of a lifetime to sell a certain jewel."

"Exactly… I need to keep an eye on you. I doubt that the Miami Police department is going to spring for airplane tickets to send Bert and Mac after you." Erin looked around until her eyes landed on the familiar sedan that had been following Leigh. "And its much to late to get the court to render any type of order to keep you in the country so…".

"You basically had no choice but to come with me."

"Precisely… and that's what I'll tell McNeil sometime after we land. After all its only two days right?" Erin wondered why she hadn't responded this way, when Leigh had first suggested the trip. If she had she could saved them both their awkward moments of declaring a little bit about how they felt about each other. But she knew why… she wanted to go too bad and that scared the hell out of her. So she had panicked and flew off the handle. Well at least now I know she likes me… really likes me!!! Who would have ever thought a few choice words could mean so much.

"Right… two harmless little days." Leigh said with a chuckle. "Damn it Kansas I love the way you think. Come on let's go have some fun." She realized then that they were still holding hands, so Leigh pulled Erin closer and then draped an arm around her shoulder. Then the two then began walking towards the plane.

"But what about clothes?" Erin asked as they were walking up the stairs to board the plane.

"Look we'll buy some when we get there." Leigh answered simply. "Or we could chuck the clothes we're wearing now and find some real snazzy nude beach to hang out on…" Leigh looked
over and realized that Erin wasn't beside her anymore. "Kansas?" She turned around and saw 
Erin picking herself up off the steps. "Are you all right?" She walked back out and offered her hand to Erin.

"Yeah… just fine." The blonde answered a bit embarrassed. It's amazing how hard it is to concentrate when an image of one naked dark-haired CEO pops in your head. I wonder if it's similar to patting your head and rubbing your stomach at the same time… it just can't be done. I must be truly losing my mind. "Umm I just missed the bottom step is all." She explained as she accepted the hand offered to her. And with little effort Leigh pulled her towards her and into the plane.

"What is this Air Force One?" Erin said as she gawked at the lavishly decorated interior of the private jet. It was definitely the plane of a high tech CEO. Slashing colors of gray and black were the theme through out the cabin. At the front was a flat screen television and in the corner was a huge desk, with two computers. Erin smoothed her hand down the arm of the leather couch that matched another sofa and lazy boy across the cabin. Leigh was standing over by the mini bar in the corner.

Leigh walked towards Erin with a drink for each of them. "Does that mean you approve?"

"Yeah…" Erin whistled. "I approve. This is really nice. It's the company jet though right?"

"A slight technically… but yeah. It belongs to the company. I have a private plane that I fly on the weekends when I have time. But when I need to get somewhere like yesterday… this baby is the one for the job."

Erin sipped her drink and continued to look around. Her eyes fell upon a bouquet of roses propped up on the one of the sofas. "Is that for me?" She asked slowly, not really wanted to assume that the flowers were for her. But hey it was her birthday after all and Leigh was treating her to trip to Puerto Rico…flowers weren't too far fetched.

Leigh turned to see what Erin was talking about. "I didn't put those there." 

"Really?" Erin walked over and picked them up. There was a card. "Maybe I?" She asked Leigh.

"Of course, I'm as curious as you…to see where they came from."

Thanks for the use of the jet…

- Love A.

PS.  Since you're the reigning queen of the mile high club, is there any chance that you could
help me renew my membership!!!!

"What!" Leigh exclaimed as she marched over and tried to snatch the card out of Erin's hand.
But at the last second, Erin hid it behind her back and laughed.

"Leigh you have some 'splainin' to do?" Erin said with her best Ricky Ricardo accent, which made Leigh laugh.

"I let a friend of mine borrow the jet the other day and I guess this is just his way of saying thanks."

"Queen of the mile high club huh?" Erin asked slyly.

"I wouldn't say queen…" Leigh said with a smirk and took the flowers out of Erin's hand and playfully snatched the card.

"But you do admit to being a member?"

"And you aren't?"

"I don't have a private jet."

"Well you're on one now…" Hello my name is Leigh Sinclaire and I am a flirt-a-holic… if there is such a thing. 

"Are you making me an offer?" Erin said still smiling, but the butterflies were slowly taking over her stomach.

"Depends I guess."

"On what?" Erin asked curiously. 

Leigh's eyes narrowed slightly as if the question took great thought. "On whether or not you would take me up on such an offer." Instead of a snappy come back, Leigh watched Erin swallow hard.

The pilot's voice boomed over the intercom and jolted both women out of the incredible trance they had cast over each other just seconds before. "Good evening… or should I say Good Morning ladies. We're about to get on the runway… so I must ask you to please take a seat and fasten your seat belts."

Saved by the buzzer once again. Leigh thought as the she sat down and reached for her seat belt. 

Erin breathed a sigh of relief as she sat down as well beside Leigh. There was another bit of awkward silence as Leigh and Erin both dealt each of their own thoughts. 

Leigh reached for her laptop and cut it on. "I know I said we were suppose to have fun on this trip…but there are a few reports I need to look at…" And hopefully work… will keep my mind of other things.

"At 1:00 am?" Erin asked.

"Business is business no matter what time it is. But hey it won't take that long, and then I'm all yours." 

All mine huh? Well isn't that an interesting idea. "Sure. I'll just watch some TV." Erin reached for the remote and cut the television on. But after a little while and despite her best intentions, her eyelids were beginning to feel droopy and she let out a big yawn.

"I think someone is in need of a nap…" Leigh looked up from her laptop. "After all I did wake you up in the middle of the night for this adventure."

"No I'm fine." Erin insisted, but the next yawn weakened her resolve. "Okay maybe I am a little sleepy."

Leigh patted her own shoulder. "Hey for right now you can use this as a pillow. And after take off, you can stretch out on the couch over there OK?" But Leigh had barely finished her statement before Erin was snuggling up to her with her head resting on her shoulder. And Leigh had the inking that even after take off that that was where the blonde was going to remain for most of the trip. Told you, we made good sleep buddies… Leigh smiled and then turned her attention back her laptop. 

"Leigh?" She heard a sleepy voice say before she looked over at Erin, who was looking up at her with sleepy eyes.

"Yeah?"

"Well just in case I forgot to tell you later… I had a really good time on this trip." She said softly before smiling and falling off to sleep.

For a long moment, Leigh just watched Erin sleeping before she whispered back, "Me too."

Part 8

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Let me know what you think so far. Sorry about the frequency of these updates. But again today was like the first time in a month that I've had a chance to breathe without it being about work…  Any feedback is welcome: fire_ice82@hotmail.com.