Golden Shields ( Katy1008 & CrimsonMaster )

As Tom brought the car to a stop, Evie climbed out, joining Tom at the driver's side and then walking with him toward the small crowd. She stood with him and listened to what Mr Lu was saying but it was hard to keep her gaze off of the body laid out a short distance away. When they got his report, the two of them walked away leaving uniform to take the witness statement. Evie listened to Tom's instructions understanding what he wanted.

"Are you thinking what I'm thinking?" She saw his questioning look. "I know this is straight out of the movies...but the witness at the first crime scene said they heard a fight...sounding like it was fighting animals. I don't think there is much doubt about how our first victim got her facial injuries. Maybe it could have just as easily been the other way around. Something made this guy and our first victim lose it...and I mean really lose it. They both got that thing with their eyes. Something made them as craxy as each other...almost rabid! You think this is some kind of infection?" She was fairly sure that was what was in his mind... Getting the sightseers further back. Wanting to speak to the coroner. It kind of made sense...but she wasn't sure that anything about this case made sense right then.

Tom listened as Evie spoke and it was like she was reading his mind. They'd been together long enough as partners and lovers for Evie to know what was inside Tom's head. He didn't even have to speak, Evie laid it all out. Tom wasn't sure what happened with Elizabeth & Brad. He couldn't think of anything which could turn two peaceful people into rabid animals. It could be an infection, some type of chemical, some type of terrorists attack, maybe even little green men were behind it. Tom told Evie she was dead on with her thoughts. Just to cover all the bases. Tom asked Evie to call Callen & Sam from the NCIS Los Angeles office. He wanted her to find out if they had any information on possible terrorists activity in the Venice Beach. It was a long shot, but at this point, they didn't have any leads. Tom called James and told him & Kim to return to the office once they were free. James & Kim would be calling Homeland Security and the FBI for any information they may have.

Tom & Evie traded thoughts while the crime scene techs did their work. After word of these deaths got out, Tom knew it the internet would be alive with conspiracy theories. Everything from UFO's to government testing of some new weapon. Tom remembered a case in Miami, Florida were a naked man attacked and savaged the face of another man. He couldn't remember when it happened, but it was only a few years ago. Tom said the police had to shoot the suspect several times before bringing him down. The man was high on what the media called "Bath Salts." This only added to the list of possibilities. Tom suggested Evie call Kim and have her contact the Miami Police for information on that case. It was another shot in the dark, but until some answers started coming in, it's all they could do. Once the coroner's office picked up Cohan's body, Tom & Evie followed them. They didn't have a long wait for answers after that. Doctor Quincy, the Chief Medical Examiner for Los Angeles County was waiting to greet them.

Quincy took Tom & Evie into the room where the bodies of Elizabeth & Brad were laid out. He spoke of blood in the eyes of the victims. Quincy said this was due to a massive dose of heroin and PCP. A mix of the two drugs in a lethal cocktail. Quincy said their adrenaline was so jacked up, neither could think straight. He doubted either of them would have known their own mothers. Quincy then said the victims all had a massive hemorrhage which caused their eyes to fill with blood. Tom was amazed by how much information Quincy had in such a short time. He knew Quincy was the best, but Grace's body had only been here perhaps 40 minutes before Cohan was brought in. There was no way Quincy could have done a check on their blood so quickly. " Quincy?.......How can you know so much when these two just came in? " Tom's question made Quincy motion for him and Evie to join the doctor. They left the exam room and entered the cold storage room where bodies were kept. Quincy revealed that Grace & Cohan weren't the first two victims. They were victims three and four. Quincy said victims one and two were brought in last night. He said LAPD Narcotics got the call because victim one's apartment was filled with drug paraphernalia. William Lester was his name and he was well known as a big time user. Quincy said the second victim was Joann Kisselback. He spoke of her howling at the moon from atop her house. Witnesses stated she leaped from the roof, like she was trying to fly. Quincy said Lester and Kisselback were both alone when they shot up. This was the reason why they didn't lash out at anyone else.

Evie made the calls. She spoke to Deeks as Sam and Callen were out and told him what they had. Deeks confirmed there was nothing they knew of... no warnings...no alerts... nothing at all for California. While Tom was on the phone to James, Evie also added the CDC in Atlanta but they weren't aware of any infection that could cause anything like the symptoms she described. After they made their respective calls. Evie used her phone and went on line, looking for the report in Miami that Tom was talking about.

"Wikipedia is saying 'May 26, 2012, Rudy Eugene assaulted Ronald Poppo, a homeless man, in Miami, Florida. During the 18-minute filmed encounter, Eugene (who was himself stripped nude) accused Poppo of stealing his Bible, beat him unconscious, removed Poppo's pants, and bit off most of Poppo's face above the beard, including his left eye, leaving him blind in both. As a result of the incident's shocking nature and subsequent worldwide media coverage, Eugene came to be dubbed the "Miami Zombie" as well as the "Causeway Cannibal". The attack ended when Eugene was fatally shot by a Miami police officer. While police sources speculated that the use of a street drug like "bath salts" might have been a factor, experts have expressed doubt toward this speculation as toxicology reports were only able to identify marijuana in his system, leaving the ultimate cause of Eugene's behavior to remain unknown.'" Evie looked across at Tom for a moment. "Well I guess infection has to be ruled out for this one. If it were some kind of virus then... you would have thought more than one case. Drugs angle is interesting though. Been a while since Ive heard of any significant bath salts issue. Could give Dad or Steve a call. If anyone would know, it would be them."

Evie called Kim and asked her to check out the Eugene case and she called the Narcotics division, leaving a message for both Jack and Steve. By the time she was done, Jack was pulling up at the ME's Office and a few minutes later they were standing in the morgue looking over the body of Brad with Elizabeth on the table next to him. They both listened to what Quincy had to say.

"So... drugs... not any kind of infection... nothing where we need to worry about quarantine or getting the CDC down here?" Evie asked. Quincy shook his head and confirmed that there was no sign of infection. She looked at Tom. "How much do you want to bet that my father and my oldest brother are gonna say this is their case?" She smiled, almost hearing the likely argument that was in the offing.

Truth be told, Tom wouldn't mind letting Jack, Steve and their narcotics team handle this case. Since drugs were involved, it was part of their normal case load. However, the MCU had jurisdiction everywhere in the state of California. Any case that came their way, was technically theirs. No matter what police department or divisional bureau was involved. This power came from the governor as the MCU was also apart of the highway patrol. None of this meant Steve wouldn't hold back from starting a friendly argument over who was in charge. Tom could always say there was no need for his team to be involved and narcotics could handle it. Which was true. Jack and his team were damn good at their jobs. Tom did believe that with the nature of this case. Jack wouldn't mind sharing the work load with his former partner and the MCU team. This case wasn't normal, even by narcotics standards.

Tom & Evie left the exam room after their briefing with Doctor Quincy. Tom suggested Evie give Jack a call and let him know the MCU was working the same case. It was possible, Jack already got wind of Tom and the MCU being brought in. Ether by internal channels, or by Steve. Tom asked Evie to have Jack & Steve at the MCU squad room when they arrived back at the station. If both teams would be working together. It would be helpful to start off on the right track. Going over the information at hand before striking out to find who was behind these deaths. Tom & Evie climbed into the Mustang and headed for the station. While driving they heard a call come over the radio. Dispatch was calling units for a report on a man with a chainsaw. This man was near an intersection swinging the chainsaw at people and acting like an animal. Since the address given was only a few blocks away. Tom decided they should swing by and check it out.

Upon arriving at the scene, Tom & Evie spotted a young man, in his late teens. He was swinging a chainsaw around while acting like a trapped animal. Several groups of onlookers were watching. One hysterical woman was pleading with the young man to stop. Tom pulled the car over. He and Evie got out before making their way towards the young man. Other officers formed a large circle around street corner the young man stood on. He was snarling and snapping at anyone who came close. Tom & Evie pulled their weapons as they approached. Waving the officers back, Tom tried to calm the young man down. He said everything was alright and they were here to help. This only made the young man swing the chainsaw back and fourth as Tom & Evie slowly moved forward. Their weapons were ready, but pointed slightly down. Tom crept forward, slowly moving inch by inch. He knew Evie had him covered in case this suddenly went south and Tom found himself in deep shit. The young man dropped the chainsaw which stopped running. He grabbed his head with both hands, let out a groan of pain, then fell to the ground. Tom moved quickly. He knelt down and rolled the young man over. His eyes which looked normal a moment ago, were now full of blood. " Victim number five. " Tom said while looking at his watch. It wasn't even 10 am and they had three deaths this morning. All from the same stuff which could be all over the city by now. This may not be an infection, but it could just as bad. They needed to find who was pushing this junk and who was making it.

When Tom and Evie walked into the MCU, James and Kim were sitting at their desks. Jack was sitting opposite Kim but it wasn't until they were fully into the squad room that they saw Steve sitting in Evie's chair. Evie walked over. "Make yourself comfortable why don't you."

"Thanks. A coffee would be good seeing as you're on your feet?"

"In your dreams."

"Hey... olders and betters..." As he spoke he pointed to himself. "Remember what Dad taught you... not to mention the rank... Detective." Evie chuckled a little softly and shook her head in disbelief. She said nothing in response to the teasing but lifted one finger to Steve... silently giving him the bird unseen by her father. Steve feigned a look of shocked indignation. Behind Evie, Kim laughed and got up out of her own chair and headed over to the coffee pot. Steve carried on regardless. "I would have thought seeing as you're looking to steal what is clearly a Narco case, you should be a lot more hospitable." Evie looked at him, grinning, and then at Tom as she sat down on the edge of her desk just behind Steve.

"See. Told you. You owe me money." Tom shook his head. "I didn't take the bet Evie. And Steve... we're not 'stealing' anything."

Kim brought a coffee over for Steve, handing Tom one on her way past him. Evie looked at her. "Traitor." Kim took no notice. "There you go ... Sergeant."

"See... " Steve looked at Evie. "You should learn from Detective Gonzales."

Jack ignored his kids and looked at Tom. "Of course you're not. Ignore my... Sergeant.' He threw an exasperated look across to his oldest son. "Obviously though we need to work out who is doing what. There is no point in both the MCU and Narcotics looking at this independently. Either we work together, pool what we know or one of us takes it." Tom nodded in agreement and he looked over a Steve who look back sipping his coffee. Steve smiled and nodded. "What he said... Four deaths gives us plenty..."

"Five" Tom and Evie said in unison, causing everyone else in the room to look at them in surprise. Evie reached out and took Steve's coffee and as she took a drink, she held up her free hand, her five fingers splayed. Tom explained their detour on their way back from the ME's office and then explained what Quincey had told them.

"So... five deaths... we know its a lethal cocktail of heroin and PCP. We don't know the source and we don't have the delivery mechanism." Evie added.

"We're chasing down the obvious suspects we know. Nothing yet" her father answered.

"So... Jack... you want this as a Narcotics case... the MCU will give you a little extra manpower. Otherwise, we'll be happy to have your expertise with us." Tom let Jack decide whether the Narcotics Division wanted the lead.

With five deaths and the possibility of more coming. Jack decided the narcotics team could use the help. It was like nothing they had worked on before. Jack announced both teams would work together. It would be a joint Narcotics/MCU case. This was okay with Tom. He was about to speak when Gregg came into the squad room. He greeted everyone, but stopped and stared at Evie. Gregg was infatuated with her and wore a smile as he looked into Evie's eyes. There was a long moment as everyone sat or stood around waiting for Gregg to say something. Give a reason why he came up here. Tom finally snapped his fingers in front of Gregg's face. " Hey......You got something for us? " Tom asked which made Gregg look at him and nod his head. " Ah......Yes!......Yes I do Lieutenant. " Gregg said while clearing his throat and fumbling with a folder which was under his right arm.

Gregg opened the folder while say he was glad everyone was here. It would save him the trip of going up to narcotics. Gregg said they just got done running the tests on those small bags with the smiley face stickers on them. He said the tests showed PCP mixed with Fentanyl in powder form. Tom pointed out that the coroner said heroin. Gregg nodded while saying both drugs were close on tox screenings, it was easy to mis-read the difference. Gregg said Fentanyl's base form was liquid, but it could be made into a gas or powder. He spoke of the Russians using a gas form of Fentanyl to incapacitate people when a group of Chechens took hostage in a theater. Gregg said 130 hostages died due to the use of the gas. Steve spoke of cookers, a term used to describe those who make the drugs, would normally cut there product to maximize their profit. Gregg nodded his head, but said not in this case. He said this stuff wasn't cut. James asked why anyone would make this stuff and not cut it. It didn't make sense if they person or persons behind this wanted to make money. " Normally that would be true Sergeant........However.......This stuff wasn't created to make money.......It was created to kill. " From what Gregg said, both Jack & Tom believed the cooker was someone new. Someone who wasn't on the narcotics team radar at the moment.

They needed to find the dealer and the cooker. The two teams were about to get the break they needed. Steve got a call from upstairs. It was Arron who was apart of Jack's team. He told Steve they got some information off of Lester's cell phone. A pager number which match one used by Sergio Perez. A known drug dealer who often did business in the Venice Beach area. Steve was smiling after hanging up with Arron. He spoke of having a lead. Steve asked his father if he remembered Sergio Perez? Jack nodded his head before asking if Gregg had a list of numbers from the other victims. Gregg went through his folder before pulling out a sheet of paper. Steve took the paper, looked it over and his smile became wider. He announced that Sergio's pager number appeared on each victim's cell phone. All the calls were made within the last 24 hours. " Let's go pay Sergio a visit. " Tom said as everyone started moving to leave. Jack & Steve had an address on Sergio. They would lead the way while the MCU team followed, after picking up a search warrant.

When Greg came in and stared at Evie for that long moment, grinning like an idiot everyone looked at him and then at Evie. Whilst the members of the MCU were used to Greg's usual response when he saw Evie it was the first time Steve or Jack had seen it. Jack looked puzzled not really understanding what Greg was waiting for; Steve on the other hand recognised the love sick puppy dog look pretty quick and realised this was going to be a source of fun. Before he could say anything Tom clicked his fingers and broke Greg out of his private day dream. All attention was then turned to what Greg was saying. Evie balked a little when Greg said that the stuff had been created to kill. It certainly wasn't a statement that a crime tech would be able to make in court.

"Is there any other reason why this stuff might be made so pure. I mean could it be accidental. Dealers don't usually want to kill off their clients, Greg. They want them alive and hooked." Greg looked at her. Transfixed for a second. "Erm... might have been a mistake but then it would have to be a pretty green cooker. Usually they tend to go the other way. Cut the stuff with so much crap that it's near useless."

"Could they have assumed that the fentanyl was pretty harmless... Used that to cut the pcp?"

"Maybe but fentanyl isn't that easy to get hold of or to make." Evie nodded a thanks as she processed what Greg was saying. Her thoughts were then interrupted as Steve's cellphone rang. Jack and Tom were already starting to put a plan together while Steve took the call after which he let them know about Perez. When asked, Greg walked over to Evie's desk and gave Steve the pieces of paper. As Steve looked through them as Evie looked at the papers too, Greg was looking at Evie. Close enough to smell her perfume. When Steve announced to the room that Perez linked all victims, everyone got up and started to move. Evie thanked Greg as she moved past him heading for the door. With a couple of moments, Greg was in the room on his own smiling, then realising that he should probably get back to the lab. He knew he didn't have a chance of a shot with Evie...but a man could dream - and he enjoyed his dreams.

They headed down to the garage. Jack headed for the mustang whilst Steve went with James and Kim. As Tom Jack and Evie walked to the car, another pulled up along side them making them wait a moment until it had pulled into the bay. Herb McWilliams climbed out of the driver's seat. Jack and Tom both greeted him in a relaxed friendly manner. Evie was a little more formal in acknowledging the Sergeant as he looked at her whilst shaking hands with Tom who was asking what he was doing here.

"I'm here to see your partner." He looked at Jack for a second. "I need an experienced officer again for the academy class and Lieutenant Taylor volunteered Evelyn here." Jack of course knew nothing about the history between McWilliams and Evie; he had just suggested that he was sure his daughter would be happy to help out. Tom smiled and patted McWilliams' shoulder whilst looking at Evie.

"I'm sure she'll be more than happy to serve. I happen to know she really enjoyed the last time she came to see you.... And the cadets." Evie stared at him, feeling her cheeks flush. Her dad had already headed round to the passenger door of the mustang but she knew he could still hear.

"Erm... Of course... But... Tom is the better shot. I thought your cadets usually saw the best."

"They like seeing you for some reason. And it's good having someone who isn't quite that perfect."

"You mean you want someone you have a chance of out shooting on your own courses."

"That is something of a bonus."

"Herb. We'll sort something out. I'll get Evie to call you as soon as we're done with this case." Tom and McWilliams shook hands and then Evie and Tom moved to the car. As Evie moved past McWilliams, he held out his hand. She took it. Neither one said anything but Herb grinned as he gave her a quick but no less obvious once over. Then he moved on to see others in the station house, not looking back as Evie climbed into the back of the mustang.

The request Sergeant McWilliams made wasn't really so odd. Evie was a former shooting champion. Having defeated Tom for the title once on the combat course. Tom had been up to that time, unbeatable on that course. Combat was where he ruled. Walking down the makeshift city street. Take shots at the bad guys. For anyone to beat Tom at his own game, they had to be damn good. Evie was certainly that damn good. James, Kim and Steve already left the garage ahead of the others. They went straight for Sergio's apartment where they were to watch over the place. Tom, Evie and Jack swung by the courthouse before joining them on scene. Several black n whites also arrived at the scene. Tom set cars up on both ends of the street. Keeping people away from the area.

After arriving, Tom had James, Kim and a couple of uniformed officers head around back. Other uniformed officers were positioned to watch the sides and the front. Tom, Evie, Jack and Steve headed for the front door. Jack was there first and was going to open the door on his own. Steve stopped his father while saying they should let the "big gun" go first. Steve smiled as he pointed towards Tom. His Desert Eagle held in his right hand. Tom just smirked while moving towards the door. Evie stood at the top of the steps. The warrant was inside her coat pocket. Jack & Steve moved to give Tom some room. Tom positioned himself in front of the door. A second later, his foot made contact and the door came flying open. Sergio was sitting a few feet from the door when it came open. He jumped from his chair as Tom yelled out "LAPD"!

Sergio made a run for it, but Tom was faster and caught the man before he could take more then a few steps. Tom tackled Sergio hard, knocking him to the floor. Steve let out an "ooo" as he watched the impact and the fall. " Did that hurt Sergio?.......That looked like it really hurt. " Steve smiled while speaking. Sergio was yelling that they had no right to be here. He spoke of being clean and no longer selling drugs. Steve just laughed while saying they would see. He got the warrant from Evie and tossed it down on the floor. Steve said they would be checking everywhere. Jack had Evie join him as they started the search. Tom & Steve took Sergio out to patio of his apartment. It wouldn't be long before Evie would find a large plastic big filled with 60 smaller bags. Each bag would have the same blue smiley face stickers and sixes were the eyes should be.

Evie laid out the evidence for Judge Hardcastle. Tom wasn't daft; he could have made the case and in all probability he would have gotten the search warrant. Tom got on well with Milton Hardcastle; they had the same basic philosophy when it came to criminals, but Tom also knew that 'Hardcase' responded well to a pretty face. He knew Evie would have a much easier time of it and they needed to try and get the warrant quickly so that James, Kim and Steve weren't sitting around so long that they got noticed. Sure enough it took a matter of minutes. That Evie was able to quickly and concisely outline the key points didn't do any harm. She knew exactly what buttons to push.

Tom parked the mustang around the corner from where James had parked up and then had the street blocked and cleared. They waited in their respective cars until uniformed support had arrived and then Tom positioned James and Kim before heading in the front with Jack, Steve and Evie. Evie brought up the rear and she couldn't help smiling at Steve getting her dad to let Tom go in first. The four of them worked the arrest well. After handing Steve the warrant, Evie let Tom and Steve manage Sergio - and they seemed to be enjoying themselves - whilst she and Jack started to look around having first decked themselves out in surgical gloves. Evie started in the kitchen. Cupboards. Drawers. Cabinets. Even the oven and the microwave. As she worked through one cupboard she came across a large canister, meant for cookies. She opened it and was practically putting the lid back on when she suddenly realised that there hadn't been cookies in there. She looked again, then - putting the lid down - she reached inside and pulled out what initially looked like clear plastic with something blue inside. She put down the now empty canister and found that what she was holding was a plastic bag. She started to smile when she saw what was inside. She headed out of the kitchen and onto the patio. Sergio was sitting down, smoking a cigarette with Tom and Steve standing over him. Steve was asking the questions, knowing the man's past, but Sergio was denying everything. Trying to convince Steve that he was clean. That he had a new life. That he didn't do that shit anymore.

"Really?" Evie asked as she came to stand next to Steve. She smiled knowingly at him then at Tom. "So what are these Mr. Perez?" She held up the plastic bag inside which it was possible to see lots of blue smiley face stickers with 6s for eyes. "Why would you have something that links you to two different crime scenes and I'll put money on the fact that by the end of the day it will be three." Steve and Tom looked at the bag and then looked at Perez.

"That... Sergio... That is what we call reasonable suspicion... That gets you a free ride down to LAPD." Steve reached down and took hold of Perez's arm and lifted him up to his feet.

Tom & Steve were pleased when Evie appeared with the evidence. It was now clear how dirty Sergio was. Steve pulled the man to his feet. He told Sergio that five people were dead because of the junk he sold them. Tom warned that was five murder charges hanging over Sergio's head. Sergio pleaded that he didn't know the stuff was bad. He was just the seller and didn't make it. Tom asked who the cooker was? Sergio said he didn't know. Steve spoke of how bad death row would be. Five murder charges with who knows how many more. They had already taken Sergio's pager. James & Kim were currently working on pulling the numbers off for the last 24 hours. They would soon have a list of everyone who called Sergio since yesterday. Tom asked one more time who the cooker was? Sergio said he didn't know. He spoke of his cousin being the middle man. The person who dealt with the cooker. Steve asked where Sergio's cousin lived? Sergio said in the apartment around back.

Tom said he and Evie would check it out. Jack returned to read Sergio his rights. Tom & Evie took a couple of uniformed officers with them. The small group moved around the building, quickly finding the rear apartment. Tom took the door with a swift kick. He and Evie entered the apartment only to find Sergio's cousin was dead, his eyes blood red. He over dosed on the same shit which took out five other lives. Right near where the body laid, was a small plastic bag with the same blue smiley face. The bag was empty. It was clear he was victim one. The man was stiff as a board. Sergio's cousin took the shit before anyone else did. Tom had Evie call Jack upstairs with the news. One of the uniformed officers was told to call the coroner's office. After hearing of his cousin's death. Sergio spoke of the cooker being someone his cousin worked with. He couldn't remember where his cousin worked, but it was as a janitor. Jack asked Tom & Evie to search for a current pay stub. Dawning gloves, Tom & Evie started their search. The apartment was already trashed. Obviously done when Sergio's cousin flipped out. Tom sighed before he knelt down and began his search. Kim appeared with news on the pager. She said they took down 11 numbers. All from this morning and all were confirmed pickups by Sergio. This meant they had 11 more possible victims out there. Evie continued to search while Tom told Kim to get James and head back to the office. He wanted a statement typed up and passed on to the press. They needed to get a warning out about this stuff. Hopeful they could save someones life.

Tom and Evie left Jack and Steve to make the arrest whilst they headed to the neighbouring block. As soon as Tom kicked the door open they were hit by the unmistakable smell of death. Once smelled, never forgotten. There was no question that he had died in the same way as the previous victims and it was fairly clear that this was their first victim. Both of them moved through the apartment, trying to breath through their mouth. Evie stepped outside to make the call to Jack and Sergio was told of his cousin's death. Evie could hear bits of the conversation that then took place ... Not all clearly...muffled comments with her Dad's points being clearer than anything Sergio or Steve said. Then Jack was back on clearly asking Her to see if the could find a pay stub or anything which indicated where their first victim worked. Evie hung up the phone and braced herself to go back in.

In took 15 minutes for her to find what they needed.

"Here we go." Evie opened up the folded piece of paper as she walked over to Tom. "D Y Cleaning Services. 633 Boylston Street."

The two teams gathered after the second apartment was searched and a pay stub found. Jack said he and Steve would run Sergio downtown. He asked Tom & Evie to check out D Y cleaning service. They made a stop at the station before heading for the cleaning company. Jack's narcotics team already ran a list of the stuff used to create this killer drug through the DEA. The government department checked records and found D Y cleaning received everything used on the list. Armed with the list and with a copy of the DEA records, Tom & Evie headed acrossed town. They arrived at DY cleaning shortly after noon. Tom & Evie met with the on duty manager. The man was skeptical that someone within the company was making drugs. Despite the DEA records which Evie showed him. The man gave in when asked to do a search of the company's records on who placed the order for the chemicals.

His records showed a man named Bill Cutler placed the orders and took delivery. The man said Cutler was a quiet, bookworm type. Before leaving, Tom & Evie got the last known address. Evie called Jack with the news on their suspect. The last name of Cutler was familiar to Jack. He made a check through narcotics and found a Joanna Cutler, 23 years old with a father named William "Bill" Cutler. Joanna had been busted twice in the last 4 years for drug possession. She was a heroin user.

Jack & Steve would go track down Joanna while James & Kim grabbed a warrant for Tom & Evie. The warrant arrived, Tom's team then moved on the house. They found Bill Cutler's mother at home. She was given the warrant before the place was searched. Tom found a filing cabinet. One of the folders inside held a list of supplies used for cooking drugs. Tom and his team headed for the second address. There was no sign of life inside the house. The MCU took the house quickly. All the equipment on the supply list was there, along with the empty containers which held the chemicals. There was no sign of Cutler. However, white powder laid all over the floor and table in the middle room of the single story home. Tom asked Evie to call for a hazmat team. The crime scene techs would need their suits for this job.

Jack & Steve found Joanna living with another girl in a rundown apartment building. During a search, they found she was holding a small amount of heroin. It was enough to send her back to jail for a third time. Jack had an idea. He was willing to make a deal. He do everything in his power to try and get the charges dropped against her. All she needed to do was help trap her father. With no trace of Bill Cutler anyway, Jack did what he thought was best. Joanna agreed to help the police after they showed her pictures of her father's victims. She used her cell phone to call her father asking for him to call her. Joanna spoke of being inb a bad way and needing help. Jack would then have her set up a meeting. Instead of Joanna being there. Bill Cutler would find the MCU waiting for him. Jack thought it was best for Tom and his team to make the bust. If Cutler spotted Jack or Steve anywhere, he may bolt.

The meeting was setting up for 3:15 pm in a downtown garage. Tom & Evie waited in the mustang on the first parking level. James & Kim watched the entrance, they spotted Cutler coming in. Kim said Cutler was driving a grey Chevy. Tom & Evie picked him up and watched as he parked and climbed from his car. " Let's make out move. " Tom said to Evie as he pulled his weapon. James & Kim came in to cut off any chance of Cutler making a run for the main entrance way. " MCU!.........Put your hands in the air! " Tom yelled out as he and Evie positioned themselves to block Cutler. Seeing he was caught, Cutler raised his hands. Tom moved behind Cutler and searched him while Evie told James & Kim the suspect was in custody. After getting cuffed, Cutler was placed in the mustang for the drive to the central station.

Everything was fitting into place. It had only been a few hours since Tom and Evie had been pulled from their bed by an early morning phone call and Evie was beginning to suspect that by the end of the day, the whole thing would be finished... maybe even the paperwork. The search of the records at D Y Cleaning and the conversation with the duty manager had given them a name and an address. Jack's knowledge of his old cases had then given them another name who he felt they could use to get the first.

Doing the search of Cutler's place, Evie thought they were both lucky not to home out of there high as kites. The got a couple of bottles of water and drank them in the car waiting for Jack and Steve to report back to them on their conversation with Joanna. Evie had suggested that if Joanna was strung out, it might take some time but Jack came back to them more quickly that she expected and he came back with a plan.

Tom drove to the parking garage and they waited for James and Kim. After that the arrest was quick and simple. Cutler didn't put up anything of a fight and Tom had arrested him, read him the Miranda rights, and was putting him to the back of the car almost before Evie had ended the call telling James that they had him. By 4.00pm they were pretty much done.

It maybe be 4pm and the case may seem closed, but it wasn't. Jack & Steve had taken Cutler once he was brought to the central station. Tom and his team thought their day was over. Being a Saturday, they all got called in on a normal day off. Every officer knew it was possible to get called into work at anytime. This day had been overtime for the MCU team. Paperwork had already been started when Greg called from the lab. He told Evie that with the amount of chemicals Cutler had and what had been taken off the street, there should be more of the stuff. At least twice as much as what they had. This meant that there was still poison out there on the streets. Enough to make the body count skyrocket. Out of the 11 numbers on Sergio's pager. 4 more had taken the drug and died. The death toll came to 10 with 7 others surviving. It became suddenly clear that Cutler wasn't done ridding the world of addicts.

William Cutler had been a model citizen up to this point. He once had a wife, family, job, everything most people desire in this world. He was now living the life of a drug cooker, expect he was creating death, not a high. Cutler had left his job when the chemicals came in. He planned this all out carefully. Even to the point of being caught by the police. He seemed happy while Tom & Evie took him back to the station. He never spoke a word, not even when Jack started questioning him. Cutler would just smile while saying he would wait for his lawyer. Once Evie spread the news of Cutler creating double of what they had. Jack tried to question Cutler again, this time with his lawyer at his side. The attorney painted his client as an innocent man who'd been through hell because of his druggy daughter. The lawyer said Cutler lost his wife, his home, his good paying job. He claimed Cutler was just trying to make ends meet any way he could. Being forced in the end, to create drugs.

Jack was getting nowhere with Cutler. Tom decided to question Joanna since she was still being held. He and Evie had Joanna brought to one of the interview rooms. Tom was able to find out that Cutler volunteered at a methadone clinic, the same one which his daughter went too. Methadone is used in the treatment of narcotic drug addiction. Tom found out that this form of methadone is given in liquid doses. A call was placed to Greg at the lab. He was asked if the rest of Cutler's killer brew could be in liquid form. Greg said it was very possible. Tom & Evie got the address of the clinic from Joanna. Jack & Steve were informed of the news. They would meet Tom & Evie there after picking up a methadone test kit. Tom & Evie arrived to make sure nothing was handed out. It was just before 5pm. The director of the clinic said the window didn't open until five. Those waiting for methadone would have to wait a little longer.

Jack & Steve arrived about 30 minutes later. Every dose of methadone was tested. It all tested positive for methadone and only methadone. None of Cutler's drug was mixed in. However, the director admitted this wasn't all they had. She spoke of some going on a truck a short time ago. A delivery van which Cutler helped to load several hours ago. The delivery truck made stops around the area. This allowed addicts to get the help they needed when they didn't live close to a clinic. An APB (All points bulletin) was broadcast. All LAPD units were to search for the clinic's van. It was found at the place of the first delivery. A shopping center in the valley. Tom & Evie rushed there with another test kit. Tom watched as Evie tested the liquid and found it wasn't methadone. It was in fact, the liquid form of Cutler's killer drug. This stop had 30 addicts waiting. It could have turned into a riot had these people taken the drug and gone crazy. Tom announced that this dose was bad and more methadone was on it's way. The case and the day were finally over.

The satisfaction in clearing the case so quickly was immediately dispelled with the single call from Greg. Evie tried to explain to Greg how much stuff there was just lying around, but Greg was steadfast... they had not retrieved anywhere near enough to account for everything that had been ordered by Cutler. And so the MCU and the Narcotics Division began the chase. Tom and Evie had been outside the interview room, watching through the one-way glass as Jack and Steve questioned Cutler, first on his own and then with his lawyer. Then Tom and Evie tried Joanna with a little more success. They all made it to the Clinic with a few minutes to spare although as it turned out, there was no rush; the vials that were at the Clinic all tested fine. Then came the wait for the APB to lead them to the van and the race to its location. By the time they were done, the last piece of paper which went into the full report file was dropped on Jack's desk at a little after 8.00pm. Jack would have it sent over to the DA's office so that it was waiting for an unsuspecting ADA first thing Monday morning. Not that it was going to be a difficult case for them. Between them, the cops have covered everything... crossed T's and dotted I's. It was as clean as it got for a multiple homicide case.

There was some talk about heading to Malone's but Tom and Evie decided that by the time they all got there, they probably wouldn't have time for more than one drink before needing to drive back to the boat if they were going to get there before midnight. So while Jack and Steve headed there with James and Kim, Tom and Evie headed home. They picked up pizza on the way and settled down on the couch to eat it out of the box with cold beers from the fridge. Tom reminded Evie that she needed to call McWilliams and arrange her visit to the Academy. Tom said he was thinking about spending the following day - the Sunday - with his daughter and his father. He suggested that Evie head over to Herb's in the afternoon and stay with him. He could then drive them both into the Academy on Monday morning. When she had made the call, Tom had wrestled the phone from her to make sure that McWilliams knew what he had suggested. Herb thought it was a great idea. He would get Evie to himself Sunday evening/night and no-one would give a second thought to the two of them arriving together in light of the fact that she was doing him something of a favour.

After they had eaten and cleared the empty boxes, they watched a little TV and made out on the couch with Evie climbing onto Tom's lap - one of her very favourite places to be. She moved rhythmically, taking her time, riding him slow and Tom enjoyed her taking her time. It was all in all a perfect Saturday night.

Tom dropped Evie off at McWilliam's place. It was here Tom learned that Herb wanted to keep Evie longer. There were a few groups of cadets at the level he was teaching. Instead of lumping them all together. Herb wanted to take each class one at a time. This required Evie to spend two, maybe three days living with McWilliams. It did take Tom by surprise, but he it made sense. The cadets would learn better in smaller groups. Tom said be would bring some more clothing for Evie later. Herb told Tom to only bring outfits she would need at the academy. He spoke of Evie not needing anything around his place to wear. In fact, Herb was looking forward to seeing Evie running around naked. This was a chance for him to live out a dream. Evie would be his for the next three days. Herb planned on making it very memorable for Evie. Something she could think back on and smile about in the future. Herb looked Evie up and down as he took the bag she brought with her. Tom said his goodbyes before leaving. Herb guided Evie into his place, shut the door behind him and told Evie to strip. He said in this house, she wouldn't be wearing anything. Herb planned on fucking Evie all over his place. His bedroom, his shower, his kitchen, his living room. Herb wanted to be able too look at those places in the future and remember how he took Evie. He told Evie they would start in the bedroom. Herb moved passed her carrying her bag. He told her to follow once she was naked. This was going to be a great three days for McWilliams.

Tom left Herb's place. He went to Alyssa's apartment, which once belonged too Evie. Tom picked his daughter up before they went to Bell Air. Alyssa thought it was odd that Evie wouldn't be joining them. She thought of Evie like a big sister, even though Evie was fucking her dad. Tom would only say that Evie had something else to do. Alyssa found this troubling. She hoped her grandfather would get more information. Alyssa spent enough time on the streets to know when someone wasn't telling her the whole truth. Tom & Alyssa arrived at Rick's house, ready to spend Sunday afternoon in style. Rick was just as surprised as Alyssa was after hearing Evie wouldn't be joining them. He began wondering if Tom & Evie were having problems. This was a clear signs of such things. Tom & Evie may only be dating at the moment, but everyone expected them to marry at some point. She was already like a member of the family without the wedding ring. Tom assured his father everything was fine. He said Evie just had something to do. Tom said Evie would have loved to come here. She was always here on Christmas Day. Like Alyssa, Rick felt as if the whole story wasn't being told. He wondered just what she had to do?

Sunday passed without anymore questions. The Reed family enjoy their time together. Tom dropped Alyssa off at her place before returning to the boat. He packed a few more outfits for Evie to wear while working at the academy. Tom planned on dropping the bag off there before coming into work on Monday. He didn't want to drop by McWilliams place. For the next three days, Evie was his cunt to use. She belonged to him, they would be lovers. Tom settled down for a night alone. He watched the news which featured a story about some cop killings in San Francisco. Tom didn't know it at the time, but he and Evie would be heading for San Francisco to help catch this new killer. Whom the press had already dubbed the Numbers Cop Killer. Later on that evening, Tom went to bed. Monday morning came, Tom was up, showered, dressed, drank some coffee, grabbed Evie's extra bag and headed out. He needed to leave a little earlier this day. The drive to the academy would take him out of his normal route to the station. Tom dropped Evie's bag off at McWilliams' office. Neither was there at the moment. Tom was left smiling as he wondered how many times Herb fucked Evie last night. Leaving the academy, Tom headed for the Central Station. Tom was about half way there when he noticed two men entering a liquor store wearing long dark overcoats. It was to damn hot for that type of dress, even so early in the day. Tom pulled his unmarked over while calling for backup. He left the car and moved back towards the store. Tom took a quick look inside the front window. The two men were holding the place up. One man held a pump shotgun on the owner of the store. The second man was forcing the owner to put his money in a bag.

Since Tom didn't have Evie with him. He decided to wait out front for when the men came back out. Tom would take them on the street. He looked around for his backup, but they hadn't arrived yet. The two men started exiting from the store. Tom ready himself, near a parked car. " MCU!........Drop your weapons and raise your hands! " Tom yelled out as the men came out on the sidewalk. The man with the shotgun turned and fired at Tom. His fire was returned as Tom took him down. The loud crack made by his Desert Eagle filled the air. The second man dropped the money bag and raised his hands. Two black n whites roared from both ends of the street while Tom approached and kicked the shotgun aside. The uniformed officers rush over and took control of the scene. Tom told the officers to call an ambulance for the man on the ground. He left them in charge at the scene before returning to his car and leaving for the station. Tom arrived there a short time later. News of his extra work was already making the rounds.

Evie said her goodbyes to Tom and followed McWilliams inside. Still holding her bag, he stepped up close to her, the hint of a smile playing around his mouth. He towered above her, lifting his free hand to her cheek. He drew his fingers down, then around the curve of her chin until he had hold of her chin. He tipped her head up and they looked at each other for a moment. He took a step forward and because he was already stood so close to her, Evie had no choice but to step back. Two more steps from McWilliams and he had Evie backed up against the wall with him still holding her chin.

"Three days Evelyn. You are mine for three days." He leaned in to kiss her and felt Evie moving to him in response but then he pulled away. He smiled. "Still the hungry little whore aren't you? Don't worry I'll keep you well fed." Then he stepped back and told her to undress. He turned and started to head through to his bedroom. Evie watched him leave for a moment then did as he asked, removing her clothes, then taking them with her as she followed him. The bedroom was a big light spacious room with glass sliding doors leading outside to the very private patio area around the pool and a newly acquired hot tub. McWilliams was changing into shorts as she stepped into the bedroom. He pointed to a drawer where she could put her clothes and then told her to follow him when she was done unpacking. When Evie did walk outside she saw McWilliams in the hot tub, with a cold beer in his hand.

"Come on then... Come and be nice to an old man." She walked over to him and climbed into the tub. He was old by comparison to Evie... Twice her age... But his age belied his fitness and his strength. She moved close to him in the water and felt his body against hers as his right arm curved around her. She realised his shorts were now on a nearby chair. He looked at her, his hand caressing down over her shoulder and upper arm, enjoying the feel of her against him. He took a drink.

"Are you expecting a written invitation or what?" Evie smiled and eased one hand down under the water to find his semi-hard cock. For the next 10 minutes, McWilliams sat relatively impassively as Evie kissed at his neck and chin, her hand working his cock under the water. When he had finished his beer and put the bottle down, he had her move round in front of him and ease herself onto his now hard cock. McWilliams still did little as he let Evie fuck him. He said little other than to comment on how much of a whore and a slut she was and to remind her that she wasn't to cum until he told her to... Something he wasn't going to do for a while.

Even while at work, Tom couldn't help but imagine what Herb was making Evie do while they were alone together. He knew the Sergeant would make the most of this chance. It wasn't everyday he could get his hands on Evie. Since she was his for three days, the sky would be the limit on what he'd make her do. Herb was a good man who never married. He hadn't found the right woman. Well, he did, but she was with Tom. Evie fit the bill of what Herb thought was the right woman. He was going to enjoy the time the would spend together. It reminded him of that great weekend they shared in that hotel room downtown. Evie spent her time with Herb while Kim got closer with Tom. Thinking of what Herb was making Evie do at night made it difficult to focus on work. Tom managed to make the best of things. Evie would have a wild tale to tell once she returned.

With Evie temporarily reassigned to the academy, life continued for the MCU. They were a team member down, but that didn't stop them. Such things came up when members were on vacation, on assignment, sick or injured. A kidnapping case came in which Tom gave too James & Kim. He decided to let them handle the case as they were currently partners. If they needed help, he would be in the office. The downtime gave Tom a chance to catch up on paperwork for the governor. Everything the MCU did needed done in triplicate. One copy for the LAPD, one copy for the CHP and one for the governor. As the days passed, Tom got caught up and sent all pending reports out. He took sometime to work on where he and Evie would go for their next vacation. Thought they hadn't spoken about it, Tom had a few ideas.

Herb's three days with Evie came to an end. She had given him so many great memories during their time together. Herb was grateful and looked forward to spending more time with Evie when there was another chance. Evie returned to the boat after her last day at the academy. Tom picked her up on his way home from the station. He told her that James & Kim were working a kidnapping case, but they were free. Which was good because a friend came into town for a visit. Back when the MCU was in San Francisco helping to track down "The Butcher", Tom & Evie became friendly with many officers. One was Sergeant Lou Cullen. He was currently in Los Angeles on a short vacation and looking too see his friends again. A dinner date had been set up for later that evening. Tom & Evie would be meeting Lou at Pampas Grill, 6333 W 3rd St. It was a fine restaurant with great food. Tom & Evie had plenty of time before meeting with Lou. Evie certainly had time to tell Tom everything Herb did with her. There was even time for them to mess around before dinner.

Evie's time with Herb was obviously split between the time they were alone together and the time they were at the Academy. At the Academy, Evie spent most of her day in well fitted black sweat pants which made her ass look great and and even better fitted LAPD white tee. More than one cadet in the class had to work hard to keep their minds on what McWilliams or Evie were saying rather than letting their imaginations run away with them. Each morning started in the classroom, talking about police procedure primarily on the street. From there they moved on to self defence classes. McWilliams worked with Evie showing the cadets particular moves. Evie was gracious in allowing McWilliams to lead meaning she was always the attacker but was always the one taken down. With the training she had had from Sam and Callen, Evie probably could have taken McWilliams down on every move and certainly if the fight had been real. That's not to say that McWilliams wouldn't have made her work hard for it. But it was important that McWilliams retain a certain standing in front of the class. When it came to working with students, some of whom were rather quick in go,unswerving to go one on one with Evie, Evie was the one defending herself ...and succeeding in putting the attacker down. McWilliams and Evie then had lunch together, sitting outside. McWilliams liked being seen with Evie even when it was as two colleagues just enjoying lunch together. After lunch, they were at the range. Fixed target shooting as well as walking through one of McWilliams' street set ups.

McWilliams then drove Evie home. McWilliams had recently bought a new truck - a Ford F-150. It was big, spacious and powerful and suited the man well. They did nothing illegal on the way home, nothing that would constitute any kind of driving or indecency offence but MCWilliams spent the trip telling Evie what he was going to do to her or what some of the cadets would have been thinking...or talking about over lunch. He reckoned maybe even a couple of the girls had been imagining spending a little one on one time with her. When they arrived home and stepped through the door, McWilliams waited while she undressed at the door and from then on it was Evie's job to attend to the Sergeant. Their first night on the Sunday had been sharing a shower during which McWilliams made sure Evie remembered how to suck and choke on his cock before he fucked her hard against the shower wall. Evie, still naked, had then prepared them a light supper before she spent the evening on McWilliams lap outside in a lounge chair set in the yard. On Monday night, they showered off the day and then McWilliams took her out. He had her dressed up in an extremely tight, short, low cut red dress and 5inch heels and they headed downtown to a seedy lap dancing club McWilliams had heard of. Neither one of them were known in that part of town. McWilliams had paid for one of the girls to give Evie the lap dance and he had very much enjoyed seeing the women clearly having fun teasing Evie. After that it had been Evie's turn to give McWilliams the dance while plenty of other customers looked on. By the time they left the club, Evie was hungry for McWilliams' cock but McWilliams was going to make her more so. When they got home he made good use of her mouth, fucking it hard and cumming in her mouth and on her face and tits. But he wasn't ready to let her cum yet. The following day they had headed to the Academy with Evie still hungry. McWilliams had been pleasured twice but he left his temporary whore in need. After their shower on Tuesday morning, McWilliams had also been somewhat mischievous. He had presented Evie with what looked like a large silver bullet. He had then inserted it deep inside her pussy. Only then did her show her a small black box which he had in his pocket. The box had three small buttons on it. He pushed one and Evie immediately gasped as the bucket inside her sprang into life, vibrating. McWilliams was going to have a little fun with his slut through the day. And by the time the day was over, Evie was soaking wet and desperate for some relief. McWilliams had obliged as soon as she had stripped on walking into his house. He had fucked her hard against the wall, taking her ass as well as her cunt. They fucked twice more that night and then in the shower the final morning.

It had been a good three days. She got back to the boat late afternoon and found Tom already there. He wanted all the details of how his friend had enjoyed his girl and after Evie had described her days, sitting in Tom's lap, sipping wine, his hands on her body, the two of then got 'reacquainted' with Tom reclaiming her.

In the shower after, Tom told Evie about Lou's visit and that they were meeting him for dinner. Evie had moaned a little saying that she had just wanted to spend the night together with him. Tom gave her ass a firm but playful slap telling her to stop whining and to do what she was told. Evie laughed and kissed him.

She dressed in one of the designer dresses that the King had given her the year before. The perfect Chanel 'little black dress'... Perfectly fitted to show every curve but not in any way slutty. The two of them had then headed out in a cab to the restaurant.

The story which Evie told of her three days with McWilliams made Tom smile. He was happy she enjoyed her time with Herb. Tom was sure Herb had some great memories. There would come a day when Evie was no longer shared openly, even with friends. That would be the day when she and Tom finally married. The two hadn't spoken of that day or when it would happen. It was still a long ways off in the future. Tom & Evie weren't at that point to settle down just yet. The current future still had Evie being free to engage in sexual adventures. Both on and off the job. Tom was still planning on a special party. Kim & McWilliams would be there along with one or maybe two guests. The party was still in the early stages and Tom was working on the guest list. Evie only had hits of what was to come. It wasn't easy to make each party more special then the last one. Tom had to come up with new ways of giving Evie a surprise.

Tom found Evie's afternoon self-defense interesting. He knew how good McWilliams was, but Evie had seal training thanks to Agent Sam Hanna of the Los Angeles NCIS Office of Special Projects. As good as McWilliams was, Evie was better. Not every LAPD officer is lucky enough to get such special training. Tom would certainly beat the boat on Evie's fighting skills. They spent the remainder of the day together. Tom missed having Evie around. The nights on the boat seemed longer without her. Absence really does make the heart grow fonder. He knew how much she would be looking forward to spending some alone time with him. Sometimes, unexpected things happen. Having Lou come into town was one of those things. No plans had been made for a visit and Lou hadn't planned on making a trip to Los Angeles. However, he became the newest target of San Francisco's cop killer. Police Commissioner McMillan and Chief of Detectives Ironside, felt it was best for Lou Cullen to leave town. In fact, they ordered him out or he'd be sitting locked up in a jail cell for his own protection. Since Lou had some vacation time and since Tom said he could stop by if in The Los Angeles area, Lou decided to pay his friends a visit.

Lou wasn't a drinking man. He never touched the hard stuff. Lou left his motel room in his rental car. He was meeting Tom & Evie at the restaurant for dinner. It was Lou's first time in LA and his first night in town. Tom promised a tour of the central station the following day. A look inside the day to day operation of the MCU would follow. Lou arrived at the restaurant about 30 minutes ahead of his friends. Tom had made reservations for dinner. Lou decided to wait at the bar. He ordered a club soda. Outside, another rental car drove slowly passed the restaurant. The driver of this car watched from just down the street as Lou parked his car before going inside. The car passed unnoticed by those around on the street. A short time later, Tom & Evie arrived in the cab. They left the yellow taxi and walked inside. Tom was told his guest was already waiting. Once the three friends were reunited, they were taken to their table. It had been a while since they last saw each other. Lou spoke of not remembering Evie looking so ravishing. He said she didn't dress like that during her trip to San Francisco. The friends shared some laughs while talking over recent events. Tom & Evie spoke of cases they worked on since their last meeting with Lou. It was long after that the reason for Lou's sudden trip to Los Angels came up. Lou admitted to getting a letter from the cop killer. He said the letter spoke of his time coming and his number was 6. Lou said the cop killer had everyone on edge. It seemed this person was sending notes of a pending death to certain officers. A number was assigned to that officer. No one understood the meaning of these numbers. The news media dubbed person committing the crimes the Numbers Cop Killer because of this. So far, two police officers had been killed. Officer Spinali and Detective Urban. Their numbers were 3 and 9. Each officer received a letter which stated their time was coming. All the letters were created from using newspaper and magazine cut outs. No hand writing was used. Tom could see why Lou showed up so suddenly. Getting out of town seemed like a good move. Lou was certainly safer here in LA then in San Francisco.

Tom had booked the table at Mastro's, (http://www.mastrosrestaurants.com/Locations/CA/31-Beverly-Hills-Main/Default.aspx) a Steakhouse on North Canyon Drive that he and Evie had been to a couple of time and had really enjoyed - although it was definitely not the kind of place you went everyday - unless you were Rick Reed and had a lot of money to spend.

They were led downstairs to where Lou was already at the table. He stood up as they arrived - smiling on their approach. Lou and Tom exchanged a friendly handshake whilst Evie and Lou shared a brief hug and a soft kiss on the cheek. Evie smiled at Lou's comment.

"Im not sure this is quite the dress to wear on the street. Apart from the fact that it cost more than a months pay, where exactly do you think Im gonna put the Glock?"

(http://www.sodahead.com/living/which-little-black-dress-is-closest-to-your-style/question-4552663/?slide=0)

She eased into her seat as the waiter adjusted her chair with the two guys sitting a second or two after her. The ordered wine and food and spent a couple of hours catching up. At one point, Evie got up to use the restroom, and Tom couldn't help smiling a little to himself when he saw most of the men on the surrounding tables watching her walk through the room. The dress didn't hide much of Evie's toned body, even though she hadn't really been training that hard recently - much to Sam's annoyance. When she returned and when the conversation turned to Lou's reason for being in LA at that particular time, Tom and Evie listened with interest and concern. It was in truth something of a downer on the night, but none of the three of them particularly considered that Lou was in any danger whilst in LA and hopefully the SFPD would catch the guy sooner rather than later. Identifying someone with a grudge against the police in general through was a pretty hard task... it would not be a short list.

After dinner, Lou headed back to his hotel and Tom and Evie got a cab back to the boat. Evie changed out of the dress while Tom made poured a couple of nightcaps and then the two of them got comfortable on the couch in front of the TV news, still talking on and off about Lou and his situation. Evie fetched a refill of their glasses and the conversation drifted off of Lou... with Evie starting to pay Tom a little of the attention that he hadn't been getting whilst she was away. Evie's kisses were soft and slow on Tom's neck... she felt relaxed by the evening, the wine and now the scotch. It might only have been three nights but it was long enough.

While Evie & Tom were settling in for the night on their boat. Lou was making his way back to his motel. He was already looking forward to the tour Tom & Evie would give him the following day. Lou wore a smile on his as he drove towards the motel. He was remembering the dress Evie had on and allowed his mind to wonder what she looked like with it off. Lou took several chances to check Evie out. That little black number she wore was very nice. It showed off more of her body then her normal work clothes did. Lou thought Evie was very attractive. He admired the look of her body. She may not have been working out regularly, but you couldn't tell. Evie was very fit. Lou was very professional while on the job. He never noticed how hot Evie was back in San Francisco. They were all working to catch a killer back then. There was no time for extracurricular activities. Now was a different story. Lou thought about pleasuring himself with thoughts of Evie. He would never make a move on Evie without her and Tom giving their okays. It never crossed Lou's mind that his friends might be swingers. Willing to share with friends. Lou knew there was no harm in jerking off while thinking of Evie. As he pulled into the parking lot of the motel, Lou planned on jerking his meat to whatever dirty thoughts came into his mind.

Lou was so consumed with thoughts of Evie and his plan for jerking off to her. He never noticed the car following him. Lou was way to relaxed to be a cop at the moment. The car slowed down in front of the parking lot as Lou pulled into a parking space. A gloved hand raised up a remote detonator. A finger on that hand flipped a switched which caused Lou's car to explode with him still inside. A fire ball rolled into the night sky as the car on the street slowly drove away. It wouldn't be until morning when Tom & Evie got the news. It would take that long to homicide to figure out just who died and that he was linked to Tom & Evie.

It didn't take long before Tom and Evie moved to the bedroom. Tom lifted his t-short off of Evie and then got undressed himself before the two of them half climbed and half fell into bed. Evie started on top, riding Tom slow and steady. It finished with Tom on top fucking her hard and slow. In the end he collapsed on top of her and the two of them were asleep in each others arms within a few minutes.

The following morning, they let the alarm wake them. Evie decided to go out for a run, while Tom showered and made breakfast. When Evie got back, it was her turn to shower. She came back upstairs dressed for work - black pants and a light blue t-shirt. Tom was sitting at the table, watching the early news as Evie fetched her gun from the drawer and set it on her waist. When she had first gotten her Gold Shield, she wore a shoulder holster but increasingly she wore her weapon at her waist. As she positioned the gun, she looked over to what Tom was watching. A news story of an explosion in the early hours. A car. A rental so the news station were presuming it was a tourist. The police had given no indication as to identification or motive but it was clear that this had not been an accident. As they were watching the story, Tom's cell phone rang. As he reached out for it, Evie poured herself a coffee and sat down to the scrambled eggs that Tom had made.

The news of the exploding car first came over the tv while Tom was making breakfast. The first flash just spoke of the explosion happening. The reporter didn't have many details at that time. Slowly, more details came in. However, Tom hadn't got the name of the motel Lou was staying in. Still, he was getting a bad feeling about this. An exploding car took out a tourist at a motel. Seemed rather coincidental since Lou was targeted by a cop killer. This left Tom wondering if a killer would track his target from San Francisco to Los Angeles. How would the killer even know Lou was gone? He or she wouldn't unless they were following Lou from the moment he was targeted. Tom thought about calling Lou on his cell phone. He always stopped himself with the thought that Lou would think Tom was trying to be his nanny. Lou was able to take care of himself. Plus, Tom felt Lou would call any moment now. Lou said he'd call Tom so they could pick him up on their way into the office.

Once Evie returned from her run, Tom told her what was going on. No report of a name, nor was their anything on the type of car used by the victim. The news only said a rental car was destroyed last night. Evie just sat down when Tom's phone went off. Tom breathed a sigh of relief. He expected this would be Lou, making that promised phone call. Tom answered his phone only to find Sergeant Nick Bales from homicide on the other end. Bales asked Tom to come down to the crime scene. The same crime scene he and Evie were watching on tv. Bales wouldn't say why over the phone. He just said Tom & Evie needed to get there asap. Tom hung up his phone while telling Evie they needed to get going. He pointed at the tv saying they were needed down there. Tom grabbed his shoulder holster, slipped it on, then put on his sport coat. He preferred the shoulder holster over the one worn on the hip. Since Tom didn't use a standard Glock like other officers, including Evie. Using a hip holster was uncomfortable with a Desert Eagle. It was easier to carry under the arm. Using such a holster gave Tom an old school look. Most detectives used the hip holster like Evie.

Tom & Evie left the boat, headed for the unmarked Crown Victoria. They switched cars every other day. Using the Mustang one day, then the regular unmarked police car under Tom's name. Today was the Crown Vic's turn. Once inside the car, Tom started it, switched on the red & blue lights, then headed out. There was no need for the siren. The crime scene wasn't going anywhere. 45 minutes later, Tom & Evie pulled into the parking lot. The body of the victim was already gone to the coroner's office. Tom & Evie were greeted by a somber looking Nick Bales. He pulled a note pad from his coat after apologizing for getting them down here. The crime scene was almost ready to close down. The crime scene techs were getting the chard car onto a flatbed truck. They were taking what was left down to the main garage at the central station. Bales asked if Tom & Evie knew a man named Lou Cullen? Tom gave Evie a look. The type of look which expressed pain for what they both now knew was coming. Tom said he and Evie were friends with Lou. He spoke of Lou being a fellow officer from San Francisco. Bakes nodded his head before telling Tom & Evie their friend was inside the car that blew up. He spoke of an explosive device having been attached to the underside of the car. Bales said the crime scene techs were already working on what type off explosive was used and how it was set off. Bales said the body was already down at the coroner's office, what was left of it that is. He spoke of the device being placed right under the driver's seat.

Tom thanked Bakes before the sergeant walked away. He turned towards Evie while shaking his head. Tom admitted to Evie that he thought about inviting Lou back to the boat last night. He'd noticed how Lou looked at Evie whenever she walked away from the table. It was the same looks she was getting from other men within the room. Tom spoke of his thoughts of letting Lou have some fun with Evie last night. He decided against it because Evie just came home after spending three days as McWilliams fuck toy. Tom thought Evie may not want to be shared right then. He could have and should have asked her. The choice would have been hers anyway. Tom sighed while walking back to the car. He stood near the passenger side door. Reached in through the window and opened the glove box. Tom pulled out a pack of cigarettes kept in there just in case. He lit one up then offered Evie the chance to do the same. This was one of those moments when a smoke was needed.

As soon as Bales mentioned Cullen, the look between Evie and Tom said it all. Evie let Bales finish his report, casting a look over at the remains of the car as it was being loaded onto the truck.

"There can't be much left... How do you know ... I mean for sure... that it was Cullen in the car? Maybe someone else was driving it. Maybe... I don't know, maybe it was stolen."

Bales looked at Evie. Both of them knew she was grasping at straws.

"Maybe" Bales said eventually. "At the moment there is no reason to believe that it's anyone else and we've checked out the hotel Cullen was staying in. He didn't return to his room last night. Bed hasn't been slept in." Evie sighed and nodded. Evie walked with Tom back to the car. She was a little surprised when he went around to the passenger side, but quickly realised what he was doing. She shook her head when he offered her a cigarette. She had promised Sam that she wouldn't smoke any more. Even at times like this. After Tom admitted what he had been thinking the previous night, she moved close to Tom and slipped her hands around his waist. They had been lucky in their time as partners. They had only been to one cop funeral. Lisa Tataglia. This would be the next, even if it finished up being in San Francisco.

"There no reason to think that it wouldn't have happened here. We don't know when the device was attached. My bet is... while he was with us at the restaurant. So... it would have happened at the harbour. I don't think inviting him to stay the night would have changed things. And... I would have probably said no... I wanted it to be just us last night."