Lie TO Me

Disclaimer: I don't own the wrestlers I just use their names for visual puposes, this is no reflection of their true character so don't sue me. Other characters do exist but are not true reflections of the people they are - this is fiction. The story is copyrighted to me.

1.

The young woman smiled as the tall handsome man approached her. He was dressed in black trousers a blue silk shirt his dark hair was neatly tied off his face showing his tanned skin and chocolate eyes. She smiled as he sat on the chair opposite her "Hi" she said making her voice sound husky but audible over the loud music of the bar, he smiled at her "Hey there" he replied. They talked for an hour or so before he offered to walk her home. She smiled as they walked along the quiet streets in the dead of the night. She slipped her arm into his making him smile at her warmly. She led him to her apartment talking inanely about anything that came to mind. At her door she stopped sliding the key into the lock hearing it click. "Are you coming in?" she asked her eyes twinkling as she licked her soft red lips. The man smiled and hung his head "I shouldn’t" he replied softly acting all coy making her touch his arm "Oh come on Matt, I don’t bite." Matt nodded finally and followed her inside.

The door opened at five am, Matt stepped outside his bottom lip shaking slightly. He rubbed his hot sweaty palms on the backs of his trousers as he hurried down the hall. The elevator doors opened Matt looked up his eyes freezing on the woman in front of him. She smiled nodding at him as she stepped out of the elevator and walked to her door. Matt shuffled into the elevator checking over his shoulder aware of her eyes on him. He pressed the button and waited rocking on his heels for them to close. The door to the apartment was slightly ajar; inside the living room was warmly lit as soft music played in the background. Two glasses sat on the coffee table, a pair of high-heeled black shoes rested under the table dinting the pile of the carpet. The door to the bedroom was open, inside on the double bed; the woman laid on the bed her wrists bound behind her back with the silk cord of her robe. Her head lay on one side her long blonde hair in a tangled mess on the pillow her eyes were open frozen in a strange look of fear and resignation.

Blood coated the blue silk sheets, pouring out of the hollow of her throat. Her back was covered in scratch marks and welts from the whip marks of a thick leather belt. Her skin already bruised from the vicious slaps and shots her body had taken. Her skull was fractured and a small trickle of blood escaped from her ear slipping down to mingle with the blood at the hollow of her throat. The CD stopped, the changer moving round not finding another disc to play. Matt rushed out of the door and headed down the street not daring to look up at the window of the apartment before he disappeared into the darkness.

Blue lights and sirens drew attention to the apartment block Matt stood at the back of the gathering crowd watching as the coroner’s trolley came out of the building a black bag on top of it, people whispered at the sight of it questioning each other astounded someone had been found in such a quiet neighbourhood, each one wondering who it was and what gory state the body was in. Matt shivered as the trolley was loaded into the truck and the doors slammed with a loud thump. The police officer taped off the doorway while police officers made their way inside to interview the residents. Matt watched one officer intently; he wore a cheap grey suit, his brown hair greying at the temples. He nodded at the young officer on century duty before ducking under the yellow and black tape.

He made his way up to the third floor apartment; he walked in nodding and greeting the forensics pathologists with a mumbled hello. He strode into the bedroom and looked at the blood-covered bed he sighed studying the female doctor as she took swabs from the carpet and dusted the bedside cabinet for prints. "What do you think?" he said cast a cursory glance over the rest of the room, she shrugged "I’ll know more when I’ve run some test." He nodded turning and walking out of the room, he looked at the two officers standing talking in the doorway "You two got nothing to do!" he asked making the two men look sheepish. "Yes sir" they said in unison moving to look as if they were busy. Harper stepped out of the apartment and looked up and down the hall he saw his younger partner Rick Mackey talking to a woman outside her apartment. He waited until Mackey was finished and approached him he waited as Nick flipped through his notes "Mrs Lowe says a man left the apartment about two hours ago. I’m gonna have a photo fit made up." Harper nodded as Mackey continued to fill him in on their way down to the lobby.

The commotion was starting to die down; Matt turned and walked into the darkness his hands roughly shoved into his pocket. He climbed into his black sports car and drove away from the building making his way back to the hotel. "Messages Mr Devero" the receptionist said as he walked in rubbing his eyes. He walked over grinning at the petite red head "Thank you" he said softly taking the papers she handed him and heading up the stairs to his room. He opened the door and threw himself on the bed; his body was aching as he slowly sat up looking at the messages written on small squares of yellow paper. Nothing too important he thought dumping them on the bedside table he pulled of his jacket and chucked it on the chair in the far corner he closed his eyes he couldn’t wait to get out of town the next morning. He sighed as he drifted in to a deep fitful sleep.

Jayden moaned as she pushed back the bed covers it was the early hours of the morning and she had crawled into bed about an hour before hand and now the persistent knocking on her door was making sleep impossible. She cursed the phantom knocker as she made her way out of bed and through the apartment to her front door. Jayden pushed her hands roughly through her long auburn hair. She wiped her green-grey eyes hoping to wake herself up as she reached the light wood door. She turned the lock and opened it, she half smiled at Lacy "What’s up?" she asked pulling the door far enough open for Lacy to step inside. "I had to get out," she said moving into the living room dumping her sports bag on the floor beside the couch. Jayden closed the door and followed her into the living room.

"What happened?" Jayden asked sinking on to the soft leather of her couch as Lacy paced in front of the window looking out over the silent town. Watching as the odd taxi skipped through the streets on it’s way to a late night fair. "He saw me" Lacy said her voice still shaking. "Damn it!" Jayden cursed, it had been three months she was starting to think Lacy was in the clear. They had helped Lacy move to the perfect town, close enough to her friends for her to feel safe, far enough inner city for Lacy to get lost in the crowd close enough to the country for Lacy to disappear when she needed. Jayden rolled her head on her neck trying to loosen the knots. "Your sure he saw you?" Lacy turned and stared at Jayden this wasn’t something she’d get wrong. "Okay, okay I’m sorry. Look stay here tonight we’ll figure something out in the morning." Lacy nodded too tired and scared to think.

2

Early morning sunshine warmed the back porch of the two-storey house, which sat on the edge of a lake outside of the city. Jay Moore stepped out on to the warm red wood of the deck and looked over the rail at the calm waters, he smiled sinking on to the porch swing rocking it with his heels as he sipped his hot coffee hoping it would wake him up and ease the edge of a slight hangover. Party nights were fun but the morning after was kicker, he smiled to himself remembering the night was a success. He smirked and rolled his head to the side as the screen door squeaked "Morning sunshine" he said in his usual cheery tone. CJ smiled at him as she closed the door and joined him on the swing "How’s the head?" she asked casually studying her best friend. Jay smirked "Surprisingly it’s only banging slightly." CJ smiled bringing her coffee mug to her lips "You should’ve come" Jay said studying her CJ shook her head making her soft brown hair ripple in the sunlight. "Didn’t feel like it" Jay scoffed at her "You never feel like it!" CJ shrugged "Then maybe you’ll stop asking me to go." Jay shook his head "You coming to the track today?" CJ nodded "Yeah I have to go meet up with Jayden and Lacy but I’ll stop by." Jay nodded "You better!" CJ shook her head laughing slightly "Oh come on the only reason you want me there is cos I make good coffee." Jay shrugged "And you have a problem with that?" CJ chuckled as she thumped him in the gut playfully.

The road was grid locked as Matt sat behind the wheel of his car listening to the radio. The murder of Anna-Marie Stoker had been headline news. Matt groaned as yet another news bulletin detailed the gruesome murder he flicked off the radio and wrapped his fingers on the wheel wanting the traffic to get out of his way. He had places to go work to do and what he didn’t need was a traffic jam. "Come on!" he cursed as the traffic rolled a few inches in ten minutes. Matt glanced at the passenger seat at the flashing screen of his mobile phone. He smiled picking up the phone and accessing the message he felt some of the tension melt away as he read the message and replied. He sighed dropping the phone back to the plush covering of the seat. He looked back to the road and shook his head as the traffic continued to crawl.

"Well?" Harper asked Mackey as he strode into the office his shirt creased and the tails hanging over his trousers from sleeping at his desk in it, his tie loosely hanging round his neck. He handed over the computer image Harper nodded studying the man’s face. The image was perfect, a man with long black hair slicked back, dark eyes and tanned skin, he sported a small beard, which dimpled the skin under his chin. "Circulate this to all branches" Harper said handing the picture back to Mackey who nodded and headed out he was used to Harper never saying ‘please’ and ‘thank you’, he wasn’t sure they were words he had in his vocabulary. He rubbed the back of his neck loosening the pressure from the crick he had developed from sleeping on his keyboard. He checked his watch ten am, he sighed knowing he was going to have to keep catching the odd hour of sleep at his desk until this was over.

Hot fingers played on CJ’s neck as she sat on the sand she turned her head to smile at Andrew "How you doing babe" he said settling down on the sad beside her "I need a favour." Andrew raised his blonde eyebrow as he removed his shades to look at her with his cool blue eyes. "What’s up?" he asked reclining on the sand stretching out his long denim clad legs. CJ looked back at the water "There’s someone I need to talk to." Andrew chuckled "You got it." CJ looked at him and nodded. "Thanks" she said her voice soft and low Andrew smiled and rubbed her shoulder again "Hey anytime you just have to call." CJ nodded as she stood "I’ll see you" Andrew nodded as she strolled up the sand.

Lacy was waiting impatiently in the coffee shop; she hated being out on the street right now even if Jayden was at the counter Lacy still felt apprehensive. Jayden carried their glasses over to the table and sat down "Will you stop fretting!" She scolded watching Lacy destroy the napkin in front of her. Lacy dropped the torn white paper and cradled her glass in between her hands "I just cant stop thinking what if" she stopped watching as Jayden knitted her brows together "Listen up there is no what if. This is no more than a set back. It’s not a big deal I promise you." Lacy nodded wishing she could believe her friends words.

Engines squealed as the bikes took off around the track, Jay rested on the rail watching them squeal round the bend. He smiled eager to be out on the track himself. He already had his leathers on, the jacket hanging loosely at his waist, his legs clad in black leather. He turned and walked into the large garage where the ramps and tools were kept. His own bike was standing waiting for him, he wetted his lips ready to be out there breaking the speed barrier, churning up the dirty brown soil and burning the rubber of his tyres till melting point. "How’s it looking?" he asked his voice conveying his eagerness Mark stretched out his back as he stood to his full six feet nine. "Looks good to me." Jay smiled moving over to his prized possession. Mark shook his head "I still say you should buy a Harley." Jay chuckled and shook his head "Not my style." Mark rolled his eyes disdain in his mouth for the youngsters taste. He dropped the wrench on the bench and wiped his hands on an already oily cloth. "No groupies today?" Mark asked trying to sound disinterested Jay perked up at the question "Jayden will probably come by with CJ if that’s what you’re asking." Mark turned and glared at him not quite managing to look as ferocious as he wanted "It wasn’t" he said making Jay laugh as he kicked the support on the bike grasping the handle bars and rolling it out "Yeah sure!" he mocked.

"Feel better?" Jayden asked putting her hand over Lacy’s as CJ stood at the counter ordering another round of drinks. Lacy nodded "Yeah I guess. It’s just what if"

"Hey!" CJ said as she placed the glasses of juice on the table "There are no what if’s okay? I talked to him he said he’d deal with it." Lacy nodded at CJ her eyes still slightly cloudy CJ slipped into the booth next to her and rubbed her shoulders "Look it’s gonna be okay I promise you. Have I ever lied to you?" Lacy shook her head and smiled at CJ "Okay if you say so." CJ nodded "I do say so." Jayden smiled and nodded "See told you there was nothing to worry about. Now if CJ is okay about watching the store for me we’ll swing by your place and pick up some stuff." Lacy nodded glad at the offer of a place to stay she didn’t like the idea of being in her apartment alone. "Thanks for this, both of you." CJ and Jayden smirked "Ah we’ll make sure you pay us back!" Jayden mocked.

As far as hotel rooms went this one was okay Matt thought as he stepped inside the magnolia painted box. There was a desk with a small TV, a comfy chair and small coffee table on one wall while the double bed took up the other room; the bathroom was through the door on his left. He sighed dumping his bag on the bed and sighing. He pulled off his jacket and threw it on the chair before turning on the TV. He was two towns away from the murder and still it was big news. He sighed sitting on the edge of the bed studying the feed from the news cameras at the scene he watched the officers moving in and out of the building while neighbours and bystanders stood hands over mouths in total shock. Matt walked into the bathroom and turned on the shower he stripped off his clothes and stepped under the hot pounding water letting it pelts his shoulders and chest until his skin was red. He climbed out wrapping a towel round his waist before opening his bag and pulling out an outfit for the night.

Orange dust kicked up as Jay wheel spinned his bike he smiled under the guise of his white helmet. He over took the green rider on the course for the second time Jay enjoyed teasing the new blood it was what he lived for. "He’s gonna really upset someone one day." Mark said watching over CJ’s shoulder as she stood resting against the jam of the garage. She turned and smiled at him "You got that right, I just want to be there to see it." Mark chuckled as he went back to cleaning off the socket set he had been using. "So how are things with you kiddo?" he asked absentmindedly CJ sighed walking over to the bench and picking up a scrap of cloth helping him to clean the once silver tools. "Not too bad you know." Mark studied her for all he’d known this girl for the past two years he still felt like there was more to know and yet he couldn’t understand how. CJ led a simple life; she worked as a secretary at the track office with Jayden. Jayden ran the show organising the events and keeping the school ticking over for the owner CJ was her right hand man so to speak. Mark knew how good they were as a team at work and at play. CJ was the quietest of the three girls who hung out Jayden had been up front with him from day one while CJ had been more reserved she spoke when she felt like it keeping herself to herself. It took him a month to get more than a casual hello out of her. Mark shook his head "Jayden coming by?" CJ smirked "Maybe" Mark rolled his eyes CJ living with Jay was starting to have an effect. "Spend less time with tutti fruiti!" CJ laughed and moved "Yeah well tell Tutti Fruiti I’ll see him at home later." Mark waved her off mumbling under his breath.

Lacy stood watching out of the net curtains in her apartment she couldn’t help but feel like she was being watched. "Come on already!" Jayden moaned walking out of the kitchen "Pack a bag and let’s go!" Lacy nodded moving away from the window and going into her small bedroom. "You think it’s really ungrateful?" she was thinking out loud as she headed to the bedroom, Jayden sank on to the couch "Nope. How could it be ungrateful?" Lacy sighed as she opened her closet and began pulling out her clothes "It’s just he set me up here in this apartment, got me a good job and at the first sign of trouble I expect him to bail me out again!" Jayden chuckled "You think to much!" Lacy rolled her eyes she owed a lot to the mystery man. She had thought it would annoy her to not know her benefactor but now she accepted the help without question to a certain extent she expected it as did Jayden as did CJ. They all had their stories to tell and they had each other to tell them to.

"What’s this?" Harper asked as Mackey dumped a file on his desk. Mackey walked over to the water jug and poured himself a glass while Harper sifted through the papers and photographs from the crime scene. "I’ve seen these already." He said closing the file and pushing it aside. "Look again" Mackey said swigging his water. Harper frowned and opened the file again "Look closer" Mackey said Harper grumbled as he looked at the pictures wondering what Mackey wanted him to see. The black and white image of the prone bruised body was the main emphasis of the photograph; Harper’s eyes were drawn to it. He dropped the picture to the desk "Okay what?" Mackey smiled at the confusion-etched face of his partner "Look at the lamp." Harper scowled picking up the picture again; he looked at the lamp on the bedside table and knew this wasn’t Anna-Marie Stoker. His jaw almost hit the cheap melamine of the desk "Who the hell?" Mackey smiled refilling his glass "Her name is Lorna Higgins, she was found three months ago in Chicago." Harper studied the reports "No one was caught or questioned?" Mackey nodded "There were no witnesses no evidence. They drew blanks on everything." Harper sighed rubbing his stubbly chin "I think we need to talk to the Chicago PD".

The club scene was starting to get to Matt, hell the road was starting to get to Matt but it wasn’t like he could go home however much he wanted to. He slumped on to the soft cushion of the bar stool and waved at the barman, he ordered his usual ‘beer’ and waited. His eyes didn’t focus on anything his mind had been pricked he wanted to go home. He wanted to be with his friends the people that mattered to sleep in his own bed at night. He sighed knowing it was a pointless dream right now. His body ached for rest but he had to keep going and the more he pushed the sooner the end might come. He was lost in a myriad of thought when a hand touched his shoulder, a soft touch a female hand, delicate and familiar. "Hi remember me?" the lilting voice asked, Matt looked into the young woman’s face and smiled his most winning smile "Of course I do, it’s Rachel right?" the young woman smiled nodding eagerly Matt could tell she was star struck. He nodded to the bar "Can I get you a drink?"

"Oh come on!" Jay moaned standing in the doorway of CJ’s room, he was ready for a night on the town and he was starting to get irate because CJ wasn’t. "Go ahead with out me I’ll catch up!" She said chuckling as Jay checked his watch and tapped his foot impatiently "Hell no if I leave you wont bother coming at all." CJ nodded from her place by the mirror where she was brushing her hair, he was completely right she would give him five minutes to get off the drive change into a sloppy shirt and collapse on the couch with a good movie. Jay stormed over to her and took the brush "It looks lovely now can we go?" CJ couldn’t help but laugh at him he was starting to look flushed. She picked up her purse and nodded "I’ll drive"

"Aw what! Leave the car we’ll get a cab!" Jay ranted as he rolled his eyes "I’m not getting a taxi on my own Jay." Her face was resolute she knew how the night would play out. Jay’s girlfriend Carol lived on the middle of the city. He would meet her at the bar and go back to her place. CJ grabbed the keys and ignored Jay as he mumbled behind her. Jay’s relationship had been going strong for over a year now. Carol was perfect for him and CJ was ecstatic her matchmaking had paid off. Carol had been her best friend in college and when she got a job managing the multiplex in the middle of the city CJ had sent them out on a blind date. The first few moths they had been inseparable, they had of course had their rough times it was hard not to when Jay spent so much time on the road or on the track. But even though they had broken up three moths ago they hadn’t been able to live without each other for more than a week. CJ was just waiting for the day Jay moved out. He was still mumbling a protest as he sank into the passenger seat.

Rachel giggled as she missed the lock a third time knocking the key against the white wood of her door. Matt gently placed his hand over hers and guided the silver key into the snug hole. Rachel beamed up at him her head almost resting against the taught muscles of his chest. She wobbled slightly wondering if he would pick up on the invitation. He did lifting her into his arms as the door opened in on itself. She giggled in her throat as he carried her through the pink walled living room and into the even pinker bedroom. Matt knew if you staid here too long you would have a really lousy headache. He placed Rachel carefully on the bed. She kept her arms tight around his neck pulling him to her. He worked quickly to extricate himself from her grasp "Be patient I’ll be right back." He said softly making her smile wickedly at him. She watched as he walked to the door and stepped into the living room.

The bar was jumping as CJ pushed her way through the crowds to meet her friends who had taken up residence in the back corner booth. Jayden had managed to force Lacy into coming out; hell if she couldn’t relax surrounded by bikers the girl was dead meat. "Thought you weren’t coming?" Con rumbled at her, Con was tall with a muscular frame, black hair and dark eyes, he was Mark’s second in command at the garage. CJ shrugged and smiled at him, he had worked at the garage ever since it opened; he was a Texan native like Mark which made for a great working combination. CJ liked Con despite his rough attitude and harsh ways she knew he was a big teddy bear and unlike other team members he acknowledged her. "Where’s the hot shot?" he asked CJ nodded in the direction of the bar "We’ll see him in about a month." Con chuckled as CJ moved to sit beside her friends. She smiled at Lacy checking on how she was not surprised she was still jumpy and on her third shot of vodka. Jayden was a little less interested as Lacy grumbled to CJ her eyes were firmly fixed on Mark. CJ smirked at her when Lacy stopped to draw breath. Lacy followed CJ’s gaze downed her vodka and rolled her eyes "Gee go jump him already!" CJ and Jayden both creased with laughter at Lacy’s outburst. "I will not!" Jayden retorted still laughing "Not yet anyway, maybe after a couple more drinks!"

"Rach! Rach you home?" The young woman yelled as she walked into the room. She dumped her bag on the couch and pulled off her jacket her feet were aching as she kicked off her shoes. She could see a dull light in Rachel’s room she smiled "You could sleep through an earthquake." She muttered walking over to the door and pushing it open. Her eyes froze in terror "Rachel!" she yelled staring at the prone body on the bed blood seeping through the blankets and down on to the light coloured carpet. Her eyes were wide with fear her arms tethered. Her roommate stumbled back falling over against the back of the couch she screamed uncontrollably her body breaking into uncontrollable fits. Her screams rattled the building seeking attention and help for her friend who was already dead even though her blood still ran warm.

3

CJ walked up to the house surprised that it was getting light at three am. She shook her head as she opened the door, her prediction proved as Jay left with Carol at two. Lacy had soon warmed to being in the club, mocking Jayden every time she dared look at Mark. Finally Jayden had thrown up her hands and gone over to Mark and asked him to dance. CJ and Lacy smiled as they moved to a slow song, Mark wasn’t exactly the kind for jumping around he preferred something to sway to and Jayden was all too willing to step into his arms. "What did they argue about?" Lacy asked CJ as they sat at the table CJ shrugged "Things were moving too fast." Lacy nodded she understood that concept all to well, after all that’s what had landed her in trouble. CJ had left Lacy and Jayden to get take out and go home after Mark had to practically carry one of the young racers out of the bar. Con had challenged him to a drinking game and the kid lost big time. CJ chuckled as she kicked off her sandals in the entryway of the house. The stairs were directly in front of her, the lounge on the right the kitchen and dining room on the left. CJ headed to the kitchen to make herself a warm mug of tea. The night had come in cold; she could feel the wind picking up as it blew across the lake. She carried her tea into the lounge and sank on to the couch she clicked on the TV and found a late night movie to tire her eyes. As she watched the phone rang shrilly, "Hello?" she said warmly thinking it would be Jayden checking up on her. She smiled when she heard the familiar voice, "No you didn’t wake me I just got in." She giggled as she clicked off the TV and snuggled down listening to the voice she knew so well.

The tape squeaked as it rolled out cutting off the entryway to the apartment after the coroner wheeled out the gurney containing the body. Harper watched it shaking his head this was number two in two days, he didn’t like it the nagging feeling that this was another in a long line of bodies he could ascribe to one killer made his stomach churn. He pulled a sheet of ant-acid tablets out of his pocket, popped one and slipped it into his mouth. He looked around the room looking for anything similar between how the two women had lived. There was nothing as far as he could tell, the apartments couldn’t have been for different. The first was sedate, muted colours and filled with flowers the second was livid pink with cushions all over the floor cups left on the table and posters on the walls. He shook his head he hoping he would be able to catch a break when he interviewed her roommate. He walked to the door and ducked under the tape his stomach wasn’t settling he needed air and water.

Hotel beds weren’t all that comfortable when you didn’t want to sleep. Matt sat up finally tired of tossing and turning he walked over to the window and looked out watching the odd car zoom by outside. He sighed sitting in the chair all he ever wanted to do was race and he had made it he was top of the game well respected but something had happened and he wanted more, more than a life on the road of pubs, clubs and tracks day after day. He closed the curtains and returned to his bed, he thumped the pillow as he pulled it under his head. He was going to get what he wanted and no one would stop him no matter what it took.

The light in the kitchen attracted Jayden’s attention as she got up for a glass of water. She stepped inside watching Lacy as she heated a pan of milk. "Can’t sleep hun?" Jayden asked taking a seat at the table Lacy looked at her and shrugged "I think I’m going nuts." Jayden chuckled "You’re already nuts or hadn’t you noticed." Lacy stuck out her tongue as she pulled down a second mug and filled them with milk. "I was so sure it was him" Jayden studied Lacy as she sat down setting the mugs in front of them "It just scared the hell out of me the thought of him being here. Seeing where I am being able to interfere in my life again." Jayden shook her head "It won’t happen look everything is going to be okay, he’ll take care of it." Lacy chuckled "Yeah I know but what does ‘he’ expect in return?" Jayden shook her head "You know that’s not how it works." Lacy nodded she did know how things worked she didn’t understand it or always believe it but she knew she could trust it. "You ever wonder about him, I mean who he really is?" Jayden shrugged "I think it pays not to think too much about it. We’re safe here, we have good jobs good friends and one hell of a panic alarm." Lacy chuckled as she sipped her milk hoping it would make her sleep.

The office was buzzing as CJ tapped away on the computer, a new team had come in to offer a challenge, Jayden was meeting with their boss while the others hung around waiting. The office to the track was attached to the garage so the guys could come and go as they pleased. CJ sat watching as the new racers moved between the office and garage studying the set up. She smiled occasionally listening to the ramble on about what they liked and disliked about the set up. Not one of them noticed her working away at the front desk there to keep an eye on them, she often wondered if the wood of the desk made her invisible. She smiled as Jay made his way in basking in the glory of the ‘wows’ and astounded ‘that’s him’ mutterings that swept the room. Jay saunter up to the desk dumping his helmet on the light oak wood. "Ex, Excuse me" a voice behind him stuttered CJ bit her tongue as Jay turned and smiled at the eighteen year old "Could I have your autograph?" Jay smirked at the request and nodded "Got a pen?" suddenly the kid looked stunned he smacked his hands on his pockets realising he hadn’t really thought this through and he was about to make himself look a fool in front of his hero. CJ pushed a pen and paper over the desk, Jay winked at her as he scribbled on the sheet and handed it to the dumbstruck kid who stuttered a thank you and then retreated to show off to his not so daring friends.

"What’s with the kindergarten? You moonlighting on us?" CJ smirked as she continued with her work "Yeah thought I’d get some young blood to corrupt." Jay chuckled as CJ handed him the papers she needed signing. They both looked up as Jayden strolled out of her office the guest at her heels. "So if you want to give me a call in about a week we’ll see what we can do." The man nodded shaking her hand before snapping his fingers and having his team follow him out like a litter of lap dogs. Jayden waited till he was almost out of the door before sticking her tongue out "Jackass!" CJ and Jay watched her "Acts like he’s the one doing us a favour! The nerve!" She sat on the edge of CJ’s desk her attention now firmly fixed on the doorway, CJ smirked catching a glimpse of what Jayden was staring at. Mark was bending over a bike and Jayden couldn’t drag her eyes off his taught butt. "Earth to Jayden come back to the home planet!" Jay mocked making Jayden scowl at him "I’m just appreciating the look of a good machine" she wiggled her eyebrows at Jay making him crease with laughter.

Matt sat on the edge of his bed watching the news; his bag was already packed ready to go. He listened closely to the metallic voice of the newsreader, "Police say the body of Rachel Montgomery was found at approximately two am. Witnesses report she had spent the evening at the Moonlight Lounge in the centre of the city leaving with a male companion. Police request anyone with any information relating to this crime call the number on screen now." Matt shook his head as he watched the number flash. He clicked off the screen and headed out of the room. Another day on the road was looming, Matt sighed as he dumped his bag in the boot of the car, as he shut the tailgate he caught a glimpse of his refection in the glass. He stood for a moment staring at himself not sure if he recognised the man in front of him anymore. He left the garage quickly he needed the open road, the cold breeze smacking him in the face clearing his head.

The door slammed as Harper stalked into this office and started pacing. Mackey rolled his eyes standing slowly following his boss in well aware all eyes were on them right now. Mackey stood silently waiting for Harper to speak "How can no one hear anything!" Mackey lowered his head allowing his boss the time to rant. No one heard either girl scream, yet they didn’t die straight away the wound to the throat was the last one inflicted so they could’ve/should’ve screamed their lungs out. Harper couldn’t figure out why no one had heard their pleas. He sighed resting his hands on the desk pressing his palms against the cheap wood "Well?" Mackey cleared his throat "According to several witnesses she left that bar with a man, around six foot, dark brown to black hair wearing a leather jacket. By all accounts she seemed to know him." Harper turned his cold eyes on his partner hoping she wasn’t the only one who did. "The barman said she approached him and struck up the conversation." Harper shrugged "No one else recognised him?" Mackey wobbled his hand in a ‘so-so’ gesture "Two people said they recognised him but couldn’t give a name." Harper slammed his palms on the desk in frustration why did people have to annoy him so damn much. He was being to think everyone was totally ignorant of the world; it was a bad place where horrendous things happened yet they went along in almost perfect bliss ignoring all the indicators. He shook his head sometimes he couldn’t help but be disgusted.

Lacy was shopping up a storm at the mall; she had decided she was in dire need of retail therapy. As she wandered from store to store her instincts kicked in telling her someone was watching. Lacy looked over her shoulder, no familiar faces stuck out in the throng of people no one even seemed to be looking her way. She dismissed it as paranoia before heading to Mrs Field’s Cookies. She felt like indulging and she was going to make sure she didn’t do it alone. She bought a tray of chocolate fudge brownies and licked her lips as she walked away from the store towards the car park. She rested the tray on the roof of the car while she loosened the bags from her wrist in order to get to her keys. She dropped two bags to the ground cursing under her breath as she finally wrestled her keys from her purse. She quickly dumped the remainder of the bags in the boot before bending down to push the bottles of shower gel and bubble bath back into the white paper holder. She stood straightening out her back reminding herself not to forget the brownies she turned and slammed hard into a thick strapping chest.

Two strong hands clamped on her arms she looked up a scream forming in her throat. It died as soon as her eyes locked with the blue eyes of the man mountain. He was smiling at her warmly "Sorry" he said stepping back and releasing her his voice was low and soft. Lacy swayed forward then caught herself she blushed as she smiled at him. "Sorry just a bit jumpy today." The man beamed at her again making her blood boil "My fault" he offered as an apology, "Can I buy you a coffee to make up for scaring you?" Lacy bit her lip, she wondered if it was such a good idea but just looking at those warm eyes would be worth any price. She nodded slowly "Sure" she whispered making him smile at her again. He reached out an arm pulling the brownies towards him "You better not forget this" he said his finger scrapping the edge of the box where some fudge had escaped. Lacy smiled her mouth watering as she took the box watching him slip his finger into his mouth tasting the sweet sugar. Lacy mentally kicked herself dumping the box with the rest of her bags and shutting the boot quickly hoping he didn’t catch her flushing.

The cup clinked as it touched the wrench on Mark’s work bench, he glanced sideways and smiled "Thanks" Jayden leaned against the bike "Welcome" Mark studied her watching her grey-green eyes dance as the rest of her remained totally composed. He smirked as he went back to fiddling with exhaust pipe he had removed from it. "Have a good time last night?" he asked trying not to sound too keen. Jayden smiled "Not really," Mark raised an eyebrow as he stopped banging at the metal and wiped his hands on a scrap of cloth. "Oh?"

"Don’t act all innocent you know I didn’t have a good time." Jayden watched him scowl and then look completely dumb struck "Me? How would I know?" Jayden smirked sipping her coffee "Well you weren’t in my bed last night were you!" Mark spluttered as he swigged his coffee. His eyes followed Jayden as she headed back to the office.

4

Thunder clapped overhead as CJ curled up on the swing pulling her fleece around her as she watched the lightening streak across the sky tinting with it’s blue forks. "You are seriously nuts you know that!" the voice whimpered from the doorway. CJ looked up at Carol who was cowering inside the house she smirked and shook her head "Your just a wimp." Carol nodded emphatically "Hell yeah! You not gonna come inside?" CJ shook her head Carol sighed and turned tail rushing inside. CJ sighed watching the water bounce off the lake she rested her head against the swing and sighed she was tired. Jay and Carol were planning a romantic evening in town that was if Jay could talk her in to stepping out of the house while the thunder was banging and lightening flashing which meant CJ could relax and slob out with a good movie and a tub of ice cream. She had asked Lacy if she wanted to join her but Lacy had a date. CJ chuckled Lacy had quickly gotten over the fright all CJ needed now was that all-important call from Andrew.

Lacy was bouncing around the flat shaking her hands waiting for her nail polish to dry. Jayden was in the kitchen cooking herself some comfort food while Lacy prattled on about the guy she had spent the better part of two hours chatting to and was now going out to dinner with. "So what was his name?" Jayden asked as she stirred the pan slowly mixing the chocolate sauce. "Glen, Glen Thomas." She said coming into the kitchen and looking over Jayden’s shoulder. Jayden offered her a taste of the chocolate sauce Lacy smiled, as she tasted the sweet warm mixture. "And you met him in the car park?" Lacy nodded "Yeah I turned around and he was just standing there." Jayden smiled at her friend as she waltzed out of the room to go and change. Jayden wasn’t one to put a dampener on Lacy’s dramatic about turn but there was something strange about meeting a date in the garage of the mall.

The club was packed to the rafters as Andrew sat at the bar watching the whole room. He took a sip from his bottle as a slow smile spread across his face he had just seen what he was looking for. He watched the man for two hours before making his move. As the tall mousy haired man walked into the gents Andrew followed him. Andrew glared at the other two men using the urinals the quickly zipped up and moved out. Andrew smirked as he approached the other man slamming the palm of his hand in to the back of his head smashing it into the white tiled wall. The man crumpled suddenly making Andrew smile as he bent down lifting him by the hair and dragging him into a cubicle.

Andrew shoved the prone man’s head into the bowl and flushed the chain. He chuckled as the man jerked and spluttered as the disinfectant smelling water washed over him. Andrew pulled him up "What the Fuck!" the man spluttered Andrew pushed him back down "Your mother never teach you manners boy! Got to get your mouth washed out for that one!" The man struggled as Andrew flushed the chain a second time. "Now you gonna be polite?" he lifted the half drown man up and pinned him against the wall of the cubicle watching as the water poured off his face. "Now I hear you’ve been a naughty boy and I really despise naughty boys. In fact I think the world is a better place without naughty boys." The man blinked rapidly trying to clear the stinging water out of his eyes. "What the hell are you talking about!" the man spluttered failing to sound as menacing as he would’ve liked. Andrew drew back one arm using the other to hold his prey against the fibreboard wall; his hand flew quickly belting the man across the face with a loud thwack.

Blood ran freely from the man’s lip "Shut your mouth!" Andrew spat "Leave off Lacy!" The man stared at him wide eyed his mouth hanging open. "L – a – c – e- y!" he stuttered, "Where is she!" Andrew scowled "Don’t play games with me! You go near her again and I’ll kill you!" The man continued to shake his head "I haven’t seen her!" Andrew was getting tired of this; he grabbed the man by the shoulders and hurled him into the urinals sending two crashing to the floor with the force of the blow. Blood welled in the gashes to the man’s eye, forehead and cheek. "I don’t like repeating myself! So do as your told and we wont have a problem! You got me!" Andrew stood above the man feeling every inch the superior being "I – I haven’t seen her! I don’t know where she is! I swear!" The man babbled his defence while Andrew pulled a paper towel and wiped his hands. After five minutes of whimpering protests Andrew smiled knocking the man slightly off guard "Keep it that way!" he purred before kicking the man in the stomach knowing he cracked at least one rib wit the blow "Now look at that you got my shoes all wet! Task! Task!" the man cowered clutching him stomach as Andrew used him as a footrest to wipe his shoes before walking calmly out of the rest room.

Another night another hotel room Matt thought as he dumped his bag once again. He sighed this hotel he had staid in before, the woman at the reception remembered him and gave him a familiar room, it was as close to a home as he was going to get. He sighed rubbing his tight neck if things had worked out the way he planned his life would have been so different. He could imagine how it would have been he’d probably be married by now maybe have a family, a home and a life. Anything thing was better than this, he pulled at the chain around his neck feeling the small cross which hung from the chocker. Touching the plain white gold pendent made him relax. He reached into his pocket and pulled out his phone. He pressed the keys bringing up a number he pressed send as he opened the doors to the TV cabinet. He waited sighing slightly as the busy signal almost perforated his eardrum. "Damn"

"Hey" Jay said sticking his head out of the door "We’re going you want a doggy bag?" CJ smirked shaking her head "You actually convinced her to go?" Jay nodded quickly "Yeah while it’s quiet I’ll put the child lock on the door then she cant escape!" he smiled wickedly as CJ chuckled "Be good!" she mocked making Jay laugh as he winked at her "I promise to be very very bad!" CJ shook her head as Carol came up behind him and smacked him round the head "Only if I let you!" she countered "Have a good time" CJ said smiling at her friend as she pulled faces at Jay. "We will you sure you wont come?" Carol asked CJ shook her head she had played third wheel before it was not a part she enjoyed. "Go on get out of here before the storm starts up again!" Carol rolled her eyes as Jay pushed her quickly back into the house. CJ laughed as she heard Carol protesting and then the door slam. CJ sighed finally she was alone. She smirked as she heard the storm break and the drops began sheeting down accompanied by a loud crash. CJ watched as the lightening flashed she moved her head her ears pricked by the call of the phone. She moved out of her cocoon and rushed inside she picked up the handset and took a breath "Hello?" the familiar voice made her smile "Hey how did it go?"

Lacy made her way into the restaurant and looked around nervously she smiled weakly when she saw Glen sitting at the bar watching the door, he stood up slowly straightening out his shirt as he moved. "Hi there" he said as he reached her she smiled up at him "Am I late?" He shook his head as he took in her outfit, "Not at all." He escorted her to the bar and ordered them both a drink. "You look amazing." Lacy smiled blushing slightly "Thanks. You don’t look too bad yourself." It was now Glen’s turn to blush. He watched her intently as she sipped her drink his intense gaze was starting to make her shiver. "What?" Lacy asked as his eyes moved over her features he smiled at her warmly "Nothing," Lacy shook her head her eyes twinkling as she caught the look of appreciation in his. "You were telling me before you work at a race track?" Lacy chuckled as Glen tried to change the subject before he started blushing again. "Yeah I help out there my friends run the office I lend a hand when their busy." Glen smiled Lacy knew there was something more to it than just making conversation but she couldn’t quite figure it out.

The rain was pounding the windscreen as Jayden sat in her car wondering if this was such a good idea. Mark’s house was across the road but she couldn’t quite bring herself to make the dash. She knew what she wanted to say to him, she knew how she wanted to say it but actually getting out of the car and forming the words with him in front of her was another story. She sighed and turned the key in the ignition maybe tonight wasn’t the night after all. She stopped short of putting the car in gear as she looked up at the window and saw him standing there watching. She swallowed hard as she watched him move away letting the curtains fall back into place shutting out the light from inside. She felt her breathing quicken as she waited too afraid to run. The front door opened and he moved quickly through the rain his bare feet splashing the water over his jeans as he moved. He reached the car and Jayden decided she had better move. She switched of the engine and opened the door stepping out into the poring rain. "You okay?" Mark asked his face crumpled with concern Jayden smiled stepping into him she cradled his face with her hands and brought his lips to hers silencing him with a tender kiss. Mark stiffened at first and then wrapped his arms around her pulling her against his chest. Jayden didn’t want to pull away from him; he smiled down at her "Come inside your soaked." Jayden nodded as she shut the car door and let him lead her into the house.

The covers were warm around her as CJ snuggled down listening to the storm rage on outside she was just closing her eyes when the phone burst into song making her jerk. She pushed herself up in bed and reached out to the small bedside cabinet. Her room was a fair size with a double bed on one wall a large window on another with a window seat. She placed the handset to her ear and blinked a couple times to stop herself feeling sleepy. "Hello" she said her voice hushed the line was quiet for a few moments and then a soft voice replied she smiled to herself and listened as she snuggled back down into the covers. The voice washed over her soothing her it was addictive. CJ sighed she didn’t realise she had been talking for two hours until she heard the door downstairs click. "Jay’s home," she whispered.

Jay took Carol’s coat ignoring her mumbling rant about the storm. He was hanging it on a chair in the kitchen when he noticed the light on the phone to say it was in use. "You think CJ’s still up?" She asked hovering in the doorway Jay shook his head "Nah she’s having sweet dreams right about now." Carol nodded as she followed Jay up stairs to his bedroom. Carol smiled as he closed the door behind them. "Why are you grinning?" she asked as he wandered over to the window Jay shrugged "No reason." He beckoned to her and she slowly walked over to him, his fingers were just toying with the edge of her top when a loud bang closely followed by streaks of white light made her jump. Jay caught her mid flight and pulled her into him. He kissed her softly taking what little was left of her breath away. He smiled against her as she forgot about the storm and got lost in him.

Shaking off the umbrella Lacy smiled at Glen as they stood outside Jayden’s apartment. "Thanks for walking me home" Glen smiled his hands stuck in his pockets "Your welcome." Lacy smirked as he wavered nervously he smiled at her "I better go" his voice was soft and rumbling Lacy nodded watching him intently as he juggled with the idea of kissing her finally. He smirked leaning down and kissing her cheek gently "Thank you" Lacy smiled as he straightened and winked at her. Lacy nodded as he strolled away from the building she was already looking forward to her lunch date. She smiled waltzing into the apartment. She kicked off her shoes humming to herself as she opened the fridge and pulled out a bottle of water. Closing the door she pulled the note from under the magnet. "Bout time!" she muttered chuckling as she wandered into her room.

Her fingers ran over his shoulders feeling the muscles bunch and shiver beneath her touch. "Jayden" Mark whispered "sshh" she replied letting her fingers run down his chest to the buttons of his shirt. Mark brought his hands shakily to cover hers "Jayden" she looked up into his green eyes her own eyes smoky and sensual. Mark couldn’t tear his eyes from hers his breathing was erratic "I don’t think you want to do this." Jayden smiled at him her eyes growing darker "I know what I want" she whispered against his cheek as she stood on tiptoe and kissed his jaw line softly her lips barely brushing his skin. Mark wanted to be strong to back away before they got into deep but he wasn’t sure he could. He closed his eyes as she moved her lips down his neck sucking and nipping his skin making him growl low in his throat. His hands grew hot feeling her fingers flex beneath his. Jayden kissed her way to the hollow of his neck, she smiled as he let his head fall back Jayden drew the tip if her tongue lightly over his skin up to his lips, she teased him letting her tongue slip over the pink toned skin and daring him to welcome her in. He moaned opening his mouth welcoming her inside wanting her his hands moved form hers, slipping over her body to her waist and round linking his fingers together at the base of her spine. He pulled away from her making her whimper, "Are you sure?" Jayden smiled undoing the buttons of his shirt "I’m sure" she replied before dipping her head and kissing his collarbone.

His shirt slipped from his shoulders falling to the floor, Mark pulled Jayden hard against him he responded to her sensual touches thrusting his tongue inside her wanting to explore her Jayden returned his eagerness with her own wanting to taste him. Mark wrapped his arms around her tightly lifting her from the ground carrying her swiftly into his room. He lowered her on to the bed; Jayden kneeled on the cool black covers slowly letting her fingers run around the waistband of his trousers as he rubbed her neck letting his fingers move to dip under the soft material of her jumper. Jayden slowly undid the buckle of his jeans letting her fingers slip between the denim and heat of his skin. She bit her bottom lip as she pushed the denim away from him watching him kick the jeans under the bed. She smiled as his fingers teased her breast by running over the soft material of the jumper making his way to the base he smiled as she lifted her arms to ease the material from her tanned skin.

Mark smiled dipping his head and kissing her softly, letting his fingers undo the clasp of her bra as her fingers massaged his skin, he sighed against her as her fingers ran down his spine making him shiver. She smiled at the need in his eyes as he laid her back on the bed and quickly removed her trousers before lying beside her and pulling her into him his hands always caressing her skin. He kissed every inch of her skin pausing to pay special attention to her sensitive spots making her gasp and writhe beneath him. She whispered his name pulling him closer digging her nails into his shoulder. Mark smiled pulling her on top of him watching her as she lowered herself on to him moving with him slowly wanting to prolong the sensations. Mark smiled holding her tightly making her moan was desperation. Her eyes locked with his as he pushed himself deeply into her she moaned out his name her body shivering as he tensed and relaxed feeling his own climax. Jayden collapsed against him holding him tightly kissing the soft skin of his chest as he played with her hair. Jayden smiled as she closed her eyes and Mark pulled the covers around them. He lay holding her in his arms not even attempting to let her go.

5

"Meet me for lunch?" Carol asked as CJ rinsed her mug under the warm water of the faucet. CJ nodded placing her mug on the draining board and dabbling her hands with the towel "Yeah sure it might be a late one though." Carol shrugged "No problem I can wait." CJ smiled picking up her keys and purse "Come by around two?" Carol nodded sipping her tea "Yeah that’s fine." CJ smiled picking up the phone as it shrieked at her. "Hello?" she said her voice light, "Hey Jayden what’s up?" CJ smirked and assented to whatever Jayden asked while Carol eyed her waiting to be let in on the gossip she missed out sometimes with working in the city but she always managed to catch up during long lunch sessions with CJ. It also helped her to keep an eye on her friend make sure life didn’t get too complicated which it always did but CJ usually had a pretty good handle on things but once in a while she needed a sounding board and Carol knew everything there was to know about CJ’s problems.

Carol waited patiently until CJ put down the phone "Seems like Jayden and Mark got passed there little disagreement." Carol shook her head "Why doesn’t she just tell him?" Carol could never understand with Jayden kept her secret so closely guarded around Mark, they all knew he would understand but Jayden just couldn’t bring herself to say the words to him. CJ had a fair idea why but chose to keep her mouth shut most of the time. She smiled at Carol "She’ll tell him eventually. Okay I have to run, got two people to cover this morning!" Carol nodded as CJ left quickly she sighed finishing her tea and then going back to the bedroom where Jay lay sound asleep on the bed. She smiled as she lay down on the covers and snuggled up next to him. At least her love life was plain sailing and she loved it she only wished the others could have things the way she did she kissed Jay’s cheek and smiled as he stirred slightly.

The picture meant so much to Glen, it was dog-eared and fading now he held on to it so much but it was all he had left. He slipped it into the book on his desk and sighed, he knew he was doing the right thing. It had to be this way, he was sorry he had to get Lacy involved but she was the key. He sighed looking at the papers he had laid out on the desk in his hotel room if he ever had any doubts about what he was doing all he had to do was look at them. He would feel his anger rise, his blood boil the hatred would come seeping to the surface and he would be ready to do whatever it took to get revenge. He stood up moving to the bed he laid down closing his eyes playing the scene over in his head what he would do when it came down to just the two of them. "Your dead!" he whispered into the air of the hotel room "I’m gonna rip your heart out!" Sleep slowly took him pulling him into a fitful dream where his anger was vented.

Having the track all to herself was heaven to CJ no bikers rushing around yelling at each other, mechanics clanging around with their tools singing along to the songs on the radio, their voices out of tune and their imitation of oily air guitar looked like they were having a fit. But here, now the way it was before the madness was when CJ loved it most. It was her time, the time when all that she was, was really out there she smiled as her memories played in her head the way things used to be. The voices of her mentor and her tormentor she smiled she was without both of them now but life went on. She wiped a stray tear from her eye and walked to the office here she was the same as always she smirked at least her role gave her time to think. "Morning hun!" CJ jumped and span round staring at Lacy "Thanks for the heart attack!" she joked her heart slowly moving back to her chest. Lacy smiled "Least I can do."

Why was it things never seemed to go his way? Harper often pondered that question; it played in his mind at least three times every five minutes if he was honest. He sighed at least there wasn’t another girl’s file on his desk this morning he was starting to dread that sight. He sighed pulling an old file in front of him, there had to be something he was missing some clue. He rubbed his eyes studying the reports this guy had to give something up soon. He turned the pages stopping on the photo-fit he sighed sitting back as the door of his office opened he smiled as Jackie brought him a coffee. "Thought you might need this." Harper smiled as he took the mug from her "Thanks." He sipped it as she glanced at the face, "He looks familiar" Harper snorted "That’s what everyone says!" Jackie nodded puzzling it over in her head as she left the office.

The ca-thump ca-thump radiated from the wood of CJ’s private desk inside the interior of the office. She shared front desk duties with Lacy most days and worked from a private room next door to Jayden’s the rest of the time. From this office she could see the track watch the racers, it had been Evan’s office up until the accident. CJ felt closest to him in here, she kept everything the way he had it. CJ strolled in carrying two mugs of coffee "here you go" she handed one to Lacy who stopped kicking her feet against the strong cherry of the desk. "So how was the date?" CJ asked slumping into the leather chair as Lacy smiled "It was very interesting." CJ chuckled shaking her head "You mean he’s hot?" Lacy laughed nodding, "He’s taking me to lunch, he’s stopping by to pick me up do I have to parade him round?" CJ nodded pulling a very serious face "Of course, I have to vet him don’t you know." Lacy giggled the thought of Glen made her all warm inside. "Where’s Jayden?" Lacy asked knowing Jayden had arranged to be in early CJ shrugged her shoulders "Curled up in Mark’s bed probably." Lacy smirked "Bout time!" Both girls had been lecturing Jayden for weeks, everyone knew how much Mark liked her and vice versa.

When Jayden was brought in almost two years ago, Mark had fell for her straight away. But Mark had taken his time, he knew there was something going on, CJ had almost told him as much, working for Evan Mark knew not to ask too many questions. Evan was a good guy but his business interests were extremely varied. Mark had bided his time getting to know Jayden he was going to ask her out but timing was against him. He waited it out until he knew the time was right and they began tentatively dating around six months ago, CJ thought finally things were going to start looking up but something happened and Mark backed off. It had taken Jayden two months to get him to talk to her again. "If she told him things would be a lot easier." Lacy said sipping her coffee CJ nodded Lacy had a way of voicing the opinions CJ had formed before CJ did. It was a trick she learned from Jayden. "Well hopefully they will have figured it out by now." Lacy nodded and crossed her fingers making CJ laugh.

Pulling the car up outside the track Matt took a deep breath he stepped out of the car and pulled his bag from the trunk. He had just shut the boot when a little voice behind him attracted his attention. "Can I have your autograph?" Matt smiled at the small girl and crouched down "Sure honey what’s you name?" He took the pen and notebook from her scribbling as she spoke to him telling him how much she loved him. Matt smiled giving the little girl a hug "Thank you darlin." The little girl cocked her head to one side "What for?" Matt smiled "I haven’t had a hug in days and that was the best." The little girl beamed at him before throwing her arms round his neck. "I love you Matt," she giggled into his ear. Matt smiled as she pulled away "Bye" she said quickly Matt smiled and said goodbye waving slightly as she ran back to her parents. Matt sighed straightening his back he took his bag and headed towards the entrance. He never got tired of the track, or the fame but sometimes he wished he were back home before it all took over. Before the accident changed everything.

The kitchen smelled of bacon and pancakes as Jayden walked through the apartment. She had woken up to an empty bed and warm sunlight on her bare back. She smiled moving her fingers over the dinted covers finally she moved grabbing Mark’s robe she pulled it on smell his aftershave on the collar as she wandered along the corridor looking at the pictures of Harley’s on the wall before she got to the kitchen. She paused in the doorway watching as Mark continued to cook listening to the radio. She took in his broad back and tight muscles her eyes travelled down his body to the jeans he was wearing smiling as she admired his body. "Morning" he said making her jump slightly he turned his head and looked over his shoulder when she didn’t reply. Jayden smirked and watched as he wiped his hands on a towel and picked up the two plates. He nodded at the table and she sat down. He set the plate in front of her "Your house trained too!" she mocked making him chuckle "There’s a lot of things you don’t know about me yet." Jayden smiled taking the orange juice from in front of her and sipping it "I’m looking forward to finding out everything" Mark smiled and nodded then his face changed as he became serious "Me too Jayden. I want to know everything." Jayden shivered under his intense gaze she swallowed and nodded slowly "Just take it slow with me?" Mark nodded taking her hand in his "I just want you to trust me. I don’t want to lose you again." Jayden smiled at him and nodded "You wont."

Harper was filling in paper work while Mackey poured the coffee. "I talked to the neighbour again, she says there is nothing else, it was a fleeting glimpse and she wasn’t paying much attention. Harper nodded tucking in to his sandwich. "Come in!" he yelled in a reply to the swift knock. "I got your man" Jackie said handing over a magazine "Told you I’d seen him somewhere, my son is a big fan of his" Harper stared at he picture on the cover of the magazine, he picked up the photo-fit and compared them. Mackey looked over his shoulder as they studied the two faces. "Matt Moore" Harper said to himself, "Find out if he was here for either murder." Mackey nodded heading off to check every hotel, airport and car rental outlet. Harper smiled to himself "Could it be! Jackie get me all you can on this guy." Jackie nodded and headed off leaving Harper to puzzle over the pictures.

Rain bounced off the street as CJ and Carol headed towards Madam B’s restaurant in town. "I was thinking we could go shopping on Friday. Get a new outfit for Jay’s party?" CJ nodded turning off the main drag "Course we can. Just let me know when your free, I’m sure Lacy will cover me." Carol nodded smiling "Should be one hell of a party" CJ couldn’t help but laugh, "You buying him handcuffs again?" Carol chuckled remembering how she bought him handcuffs for his last birthday and used them to keep his arms by his side as they danced. "Well if he will try to deck everyone on the dance floor!" CJ shook her head parking the car outside the front door "Come on trouble I’m starved!" The girls headed inside they took a booth by the window and ordered quickly. "How’s Lacy doing?" Carol asked after the waitress left them "She’s okay got a date with her car park guy again today." Carol chuckled only Lacy could go into a multi-storey single and come out with a phone number. "What about the other thing?" Carol studied CJ’s face seeing the slight smirk "It’s been dealt with." Carol shivered slightly "And you? How are you doing?" CJ shrugged and smiled "Things are good." Carol nodded slowly not quite believing CJ, after all CJ was good at hiding things. "CJ it’s okay to miss him." CJ nodded and smiled "Doesn’t bring him back though."

Glen pulled on his leather jacket taking one last look at the papers on his desk he bit his tongue and sighed letting go of all the tension he had built up reading the notes. He had to be calm with Lacy she was jumpy he could sense it and the last thing he wanted was for her to be suspicious. He needed her trust he needed to be close to her. He opened the door to his room and headed out climbing into his car he slipped on a CD in order to chill out to the music before he reached the track. He pushed all thoughts of why he was doing this to the back of his head concentrating on being himself with Lacy, for some reason he didn’t want to hide the real him. He wanted her to trust in him as he was it was important to him even if he didn’t know why. The track was bigger than he expected, the driveway was long leading back towards the garage with its white walls and open-ended cement workroom. Glen smiled as he climbed out of the car; two young men were crouching by one bike examining it as he walked past into the garage. He could see the bikes zooming round the track outside the back of the garage. He smiled striding forward to the edge watching as two bikes battled for pole position in a game of tag. "Can I help you?" the female voice said, Glen turned looking towards the archway where a woman stood dressed in black trousers and a blue top he smiled at her "I’m here to see Lacy?" a smiled spread across her tanned features "Glen right?" He nodded and started walking over to her "I guess you must be Jayden?" Jayden smiled nodding "Guilty. Come on through she’s on the phone right now."

He followed Jayden through into the office area, Lacy was sitting on the edge of the desk scribbling on a sheet of paper with the phone chocked between her shoulder and chin. "Sure I’ll talk to him about it. Yeah I will but whatever bikes he wants it’s up to him. Okay I’ll tell him to call you." She put the phone down and then looked up smiling at Glen. "Hi there" he smiled back "Bad timing?" Lacy handed the paper to Jayden who rolled her eyes and nodded "I’ll talk to Jamie about this later you guys go on have fun." Glen smiled as Lacy picked up her jacket "Oh and tell CJ some guy from Mortens called." Jayden nodded smirking as Glen escorted Lacy out. Jayden smiled with approval whistling at the thought of Glen she could see why Lacy had been so excited. Jayden smirked remembering she had her own big man to go home to.

The door creaked as Jay stood in the shower singing to himself. The hand closed the door loudly down stairs. Jay turned off the shower and stopped singing; he could hear heavy footsteps moving across the wood floor down stairs. He stepped out of the shower and pulled a towel from the wrack. He towelled off quickly. He moved into his room grabbing a pair of black combats which he pulled on as he walked along the landing knowing which floorboard to step over to keep his approach silent. He moved quickly through the house down the stairs into the kitchen. He stood staring at the broad shoulders as the intruder helped himself to a coffee from the pot on the stove. "What the hell are you doing here!" Jay spat as the man added cream to his coffee and turned to face him. Jay felt lip curling with hate as his stomach churned with bile he was about ready to lunge and tear this man’s head off when he spoke "I have a message."

6

Dancing was not one of Matt’s favourite past times but he had too much energy tonight. He was on the floor with a pretty blonde who had come up to him at the track and invited him to join her and her friends. Matt smiled as she leaned into him pulling his shirt so he would move closer to her she stood on tiptoe and whispered in his ear. Matt smiled and agreed to her proposition. She flashed him a dazzling smile and took his hand. He followed her off the floor and out of the club. He escorted her to his car and opened the door for her she giggled as she slipped inside. Matt hesitated at the back of the car something didn’t quite feel right as he slipped into the drivers seat and pulled out. He followed her directions to her apartment and pulled up on the curb. He looked at her, her blue eyes dancing with nerves "Would you like a coffee?" Matt smiled weakly. "Sure." He replied turning off the engine, he climbed out of the car and opened the door for her. She led him in to the building and up the stairs to her floor, she was practically dragging him refusing to loosen the grip she hand on his wrist. Matt followed her into her apartment he smiled looking around at the poster-covered walls, pictures of her idols and dream destinations. He smirked at a poster of himself, she blushed following his eyes "If I’d have known you’d be back here tonight I would have taken it down." Matt shook his head "I’m flattered." She smiled at him before bouncing nervously "I’ll put the kettle on make yourself at home." Matt smiled and nodded as she wandered through a door into the kitchen. He looked at the picture of himself and felt a twinge inside.

Lights dimly lit the track; the garage door was closed tightly against the rising wind. CJ sat in her office working on her laptop while the building screamed silence at her. She stopped typing and sat back in the chair looking at the picture on the wall. Evan had been a good benefactor to her, she smiled at the memories she had of him. She was fifteen when he first brought her here, she was so nervous when she walked into a garage full of tall grease covered bikers with attitude but those who took notice of her were polite and nice to her as soon as they found out she was Evan’s niece. They had ultimate respect for him and if he wanted his niece hanging around they wouldn’t argue. The door rattled as Jay opened it and stepped inside, he looked slightly pale. "Jay? You okay?" Jay shook his head pulling up a chair and sitting astride it "Had a visit this afternoon. Jackson turned up said he had a message." CJ rolled her eyes "What he want this time?" Jay shrugged "Just to tell us someone is digging in to the tack into Evan’s deals." CJ shook her head "They have nothing to do with us." Jay nodded "Just a heads up for the new owner I guess." CJ nodded "Do they know who’s digging?" Jay shook his head "Nope, whoever it is, they know what they’re looking for." CJ rubbed her eyes "Not something we should worry about all Evan’s files were destroyed condition of the will." Jay nodded "I hope so."

The door slammed as Andrew strolled into his apartment, he stopped and stared at the man sitting on his couch, "You know there’s a law against trespassing." He said walking into the kitchen and grabbing a bottle of water from the fridge. The man waiting for him remained silent, Andrew walked back into the room and sat opposite him "This a social call?" The man studied Andrew carefully "You know why I’m here." Andrew chuckled he wasn’t intimidated by the much smaller man "I don’t really care but your gonna tell me right." The man shifted in his seat "I have a message for you to give a friend of yours." Andrew shook his head as the man pulled out a small white envelope. "Do I look like a post office? Tell your boss to deliver it himself." The man sighed putting the envelope on the table beside Andrew "You know what happens if he tries that. He’s trying to do the right thing here," Andrew chuckled infuriating the ‘guest’. "He wouldn’t know the right thing if it was a flashing sign that hit him in the face singing I’m the right thing!" The man stood scowling Andrew’s insolence was annoying him "Just do it please." He said through gritted teeth as Andrew sipped his beer. The man walked to the door and let himself out. Andrew glanced at the envelope and shook his head.

Water dappled the quilt cover as the fireman moved through the apartment his mask covering his face to prevent the thick black smog invading his lungs. He moved cautiously to the bed not quite sure what he would find. He pulled back the cover exposing the naked body, the water mixed with the blood stained cotton sheet and turned the dips in the mattress into lakes and ponds of vivid red water. The fireman backed off quickly as the frozen eyes were fixed on him. Her hand seemed to be reaching out to him for help, he turned looking at his partner who was talking on his radio he reached out taking off his glove checking her wrist for a pulse. He closed his eyes saying a silent prayer for the young girl. He looked up at the photo stuck to the mirror on her wall, he could see how lively and extroverted she had been, he felt sorry for her as she lay there void of all emotion and existence. He lifted the cover slowly over her head allowing her some dignity out of respect for her body.

The night was cold as Lacy lay in bed she shivered pulling the covers tight around her. Her dreams were fitful as she tossed and turned reliving the nightmare that was once her life. She could see the fists coming pummelling her body until she could no longer cry. Lacy bolted upright and sat shaking, Jayden opened the door and stepped inside "You’re okay it’s just a dream!" she spoke softly sitting on the edge of the bed watching as the shivering subsided. Lacy rubbed her face scrubbing at her eyes until her vision cleared "I’m sorry I woke you." Jayden shrugged "No problem done it myself a few times." Lacy sighed settling back on her pillows "I can’t believe it, I haven’t dreamed that for so long." Jayden rubbed her hand comfortingly "You’ve been stressed lately I wouldn’t worry about it. I thought you got the call?" Lacy nodded "I did, they warned him off. They don’t think he’s been anywhere near here." Jayden smiled "There you go then." Lacy smiled weakly "I made a fool of myself." Jayden shook her head "No you didn’t you did what we’re supposed to do so don’t you dare get guilty on me." Lacy nodded slowly "You ever think he’ll get sick of helping us?" Jayden shook her head "I don’t know I don’t think so he wouldn’t have helped us at all if it were just a pet project. Relax okay think about your new guy." Lacy smirked "There you go!" Jayden giggled, "Just go to sleep thinking of him and you’ll be fine." Lacy nodded and snuggled down under the cover as Jayden walked to the door. "I’m glad you and Mark got sorted out" Jayden stopped looking over her shoulder "Me too!"

Exhaustion was excruciating Matt flopped on to the bed his whole body aching. He had taken a fall in practice and his shoulder was stinging like hell. The adrenaline had kept him running until two am but now he was on the downward spiral he needed to sleep and he needed it now. He pulled the cover over him not bothering to take off his clothes he kicked off his shoes as he lay there it took all the energy he had left to accomplish this minor task. He sighed with relief turning on to his stomach and closing his eyes sleep was fast settling in on him like a deep black cloud. His dreams were fit full always filled with the same images. Dark images, blood and death filled his subconscious. The girl stood in front of him, he turned to look at her, her face was obscured in the light. He tried to talk to her but a screeching drowned his voice out and then everything was hot and burning. His body jerked his eyes flicked but sleep claimed him again before he had chance to recover the memory.

"Plane leaves in an hour" Mackey said watching as Harper pulled on his coat "Good, we’ll go over this on the plane." Mackey nodded noticing the well-endowed folder on the desk. He opened the door for his boss following him out wondering if they were on a wild goose chase. Harper clung to the folder as they walked he had feeling about this one; there was something not quite right about this guy. His instincts were going crazy telling him there was definitely something to this, that maybe this was the guy. Harper just hoped he could nail him fast, another body had been found thanks to faulty fire alarm. He didn’t need to go to the scene he knew what he’d find. The report would be faxed to him the next morning, there was little doubt in his mind that this was the line he should follow this was the one that wouldn’t get away.

8

The rain had cleared as CJ flopped onto the porch swing. Jay stood in the doorway watching her. "Rough day?" He said walking outside and handing her a can of soda. "You could say that."

"The police giving you a hard time." CJ looked up at him surprised "No, I think they were about ready to string Jayden up but I got off lightly this time." Jay sank on to the seat next to her "What did they want?" CJ sipped her drink not wanting to upset her best friend "They were asking about Matt" Jay froze his mind racing CJ watched him for a few moments while he grappled with the concept and all them memories attached to it. "Why would they be asking about Matt?" CJ shrugged and took his warm hand in hers "I don’t know but from the mood they were in we’ll soon find out." Jay shivered he knew if the cops kept digging it wouldn’t be long before they found him.

The tyres hummed across the road as Matt drove slowly he figured he would give Andrew a few hours head start before he made a move it was torture to wait but if these past months had taught him nothing else he had come to realise patience was becoming one of his stronger attributes. He sighed just the thought of being home made him smile, he had come to believe whole-heartedly in the old saying ‘home is where the heart is’ at least at home he was guaranteed one friendly face. He pulled the car off the interstate and slipped into a store for a coffee it would be no use falling asleep at the wheel. He smiled at the young girl behind the counter. "Anything else I can get for you?" Matt shook his head handing over the money he began to realise just how tired he was. "Is there a motel nearby?" the girl smiled at him touching his hand as she handed him his change. "Sure" she purred.

Being brave was not something Lacy thought she was particularly good at. She had come back to her own flat for a little privacy and the chance to cook a special meal for Glen. She had been flattered by the huge bouquet he sent her and wanted to spoil him in return. She didn’t think walking into her own home was something that would fill her with fear but right now her hands were shaking her heart had taken up residence in her throat and the slightest creak made her jump out of her skin and run to the front door. She had just closed it for the fifth time when the knock made her jolt back banging herself against the hall table. "Damn it!" she cussed opening the door expecting to see Glen. She froze her heart stopping as she came face to face with Kevin. He looked different to how she remembered him, shorter and less intimidating. His face had the eminent bruises of a bar brawl while his hands balled against his jeans. "You’re a hard one to get a hold of!" He hissed stepping into the door, which Lacy reflexively started to slam. Kevin held it open with his shoulder "Now come on bitch play fair you owe me!" Lacy scrambled backwards into the apartment, she could hear him laugh as he stepped inside closing the door behind him. Lacy moved quickly grabbing her bag thrusting her hand into grab for what she needed. Her fingers touched cold silver she yelped as her head snapped back "You know you never said goodbye!" Lacy’s eyes were wide with fear as Kevin pulled a small flick knife from his pocket he ran the cold point down her skin as she tried to control her whimpering. "Now be a good girl!" he mused enjoying the rush of power.

Lacy’s fingers worked on the cold silver moving over it until she found the trigger she pressed it tightly hoping all the promises that came with the gadget were true. Kevin dragged her across the room throwing her against the couch. "You know you never should’ve left me!" Lacy pushed herself back on her hands and knees as he crouched over her stalking her enjoying the fear his actions demanded. Lacy knew what Kevin wanted her complete and utter obedience with a little begging and pleading thrown in for good measure. Lacy had come to far in the past eight months to go back now. "Get out!" she hissed making Kevin smile "Since when do you tell me what to do!" he chuckled his hand moving to her thigh Lacy was seething she pulled her knees close to her chest and rammed her feet into him. He feel back just enough for Lacy to scramble out from under him and bolt towards the door.

Feeling him bearing down on her Lacy didn’t need to turn to see he had regained his feet and was lunging at her. She grabbed the wall and pushed herself around the corner falling to her knees and scrambling for a safety. Kevin was incensed this little bit of freedom she had found had made her forget her place. He would enjoy reminding her of it, he rounded the corner ready to strike and instead met a thick bar across the throat. He staggered back hitting against the behind him his eyes wide staring while his crushed throat refused to form the curses that he was screaming in his head. He struggled as Andrew pulled him to his feet "Now what is it about the words Stay Away that you just don’t get!" Kevin tried to struggle but Andrew held him hard against the wall. "Lacy leave now." Lacy regained her feet while Andrew kept Kevin’s gaze, she quickly grabbed her bag and jacket and walked out of the apartment.

Moving quickly down the stairs Lacy straightened out her shirt and pants, she would have to catch Glen and come up with a good excuse. She was still thinking when she opened the door and caught sight of Glen parking his car. She walked over and smiled at him sweetly "Hey there" she said hoping her voice sounded even Glen smiled at her and then a confused look rumbled over his face "I thought you were cooking?" Lacy smiled her sweetest smile "My idea of cooking is buying you dinner!" she joked making him smile. He hesitated before unlocking the car and opening the door for her. Lacy knew as she slipped into the warm interior of the car she would never return to that apartment not after tonight. She sighed and then fixed a smile on her face as Glen started the car "Direct me?" he said softly Lacy nodded and reeled off some directions.

No matter how violently Kevin struggled he was no match physically for Andrew. Kevin already had beads of hot sweat running down his face while Andrew was yet to even look flushed. "Now you ready for your next lesson!" Andrew hissed in a tone that would make the hardest man freeze. Kevin was scared he was finally leaning what it was like to be on the receiving end of a physical beating and it seemed Andrew was in the right mood to give him just what he deserved. Andrew threw Kevin with a hip toss into the lounge aiming and connecting Kevin’s body with the glass table. Kevin yelped as he crashed through the glass and felt the sharp shards slice into his face. Andrew stalked forward never letting up on the punishment. Kevin slammed into the wall and crumpled to the ground moaning and begging for leniency. Andrew had had enough today, this was just another problem he would rather do without. He crouched down and picked up a sliver of glass "Now let’s see." Andrew poised the sharp jagged sliver above Kevin’s face listening to Kevin’s mumbled please. "You know something I really hate guys like you!" Andrew lowered the glass and let it slice into the base of Kevin’s throat he drew it quickly down to the middle of the breast bone cutting easily though the material of his top. "Something to remember me by!" Andrew mocked as Kevin cried in pain watching the blood well from the deep laceration. Andrew smiled pulling Kevin up so he could whisper in his ear "I know where you live!" he whispered before smacking Kevin in the side of the head with a closed fist.

Relaxing on the couch was a simple pleasure but one Jayden could always enjoy especially since she was reclining on Marks’ leather couch. Mark walked into the room and sat on the floor in front of her, Jayden smiled "What did the police want today?" Jayden sighed and shrugged snuggling against the cushions "Asking dumb questions like always." Mark rolled his eyes Jayden always edged round subjects sometimes Mark wondered if he would one day if he would catch her mid circle. "That bad huh?" Jayden sighed fiddling with his hair "They were just asking questions about one of our racers." Mark was intrigued "One of our guys?" Jayden nodded stopping her stroking to hold Mark’s gaze "He was asking about Matt" Mark immediately stiffened, Jayden closed her eyes "You have to get over it sometime you know." Mark shook his head "What’s he done?"

"They wouldn’t say. Look Mark the accident" Mark stared at her making her shiver "I know it was an accident. Okay I know!" Mark stood up pacing in front of the fire "I know it was an accident I know it wasn’t his fault I know all this!" Jayden sat up "But do you believe it." Mark stopped and stood staring into space, knowing she was right all the evidence was there but he still couldn’t believe it.

It was close to midnight when the knock woke CJ she stretched out on the couch, realising both her and Jay had fallen asleep in front of the television. Jay mumbled a complaint as CJ stepped over him and walked to the door, she was still dressed in her jeans and black sweater. She pulled open the door surprised to see Andrew standing there. "Hey hun, got a first aid kit?" CJ shook her head and opened the door so Andrew could step inside. "Be quiet Jay is sleeping." Andrew nodded glancing into the front room before following CJ in to the kitchen. He sat on the bench as she dampened a cloth and found the first aid kit. "What you hit?" she asked as she swabbed his bruised knuckles. "A prize jackass." She nodded "Something to worry about?" Andrew shook his head "Nope been sorted." She nodded not needing to ask any more she finished bathing his knuckles and swabbed them with cream before placing a bandage around them knowing it would only last an hour or so. Andrew hated to be bandaged up he would pull and fret at the bandage until it was useless.

"We need to talk." He said solemnly shocking CJ slightly; she had hoped this was just a social call. She rested against the bench and waited "He wants to see you." CJ’s eyes sceptically rose disbelief "What’s it been now six years?" Andrew nodded standing opposite her she shook her head "He gave me this to give to you" he pulled the folded envelope from his pocket wondering if her interest could be peaked "I could be important"

"Important? Well I’ll just run right on over!" Andrew smirked at her tone he folded his arms "You don’t have to go" CJ chuckled at him making him laugh, he moved to rest on the bench next to her "But if you do I’m going with you." CJ shook her head "If I go I go alone there’s nothing he can do now." Andrew was about to argue but stopped himself as CJ took the envelope and shoved it in her pocket. "One more thing" Andrew said smiling slightly.

Their meal had been eaten in a strange semi silent mode. "You okay?" Glen asked studying Lacy, she nodded quickly but he could sense her anxiousness. "DO you want me to take you home?" Lacy swallowed hard "Would you take me to Jayden’s?" Glen nodded slowly he paid the bill and they stood leaving the bar as they walked to the car Glen removed his leather jacket and draped it around Lacy. "You look cold" he said softly Lacy smiled and nodded "It’s chilly tonight." Glen smiled opening her door "You know I make a great hot water bottle." Lacy stared at him, her eyes wide he had never been so obvious with her and now he was blushing. Lacy smirked knowing his mouth had worked without his brains permission. "I might just take you up on that," she said still smiling. Glen nodded as she slipped into the seat.

Mark couldn’t help but feel tense as he watched Jayden sleep. She looked so peaceful so content here with him but he knew the history between her and Matt. He couldn’t help but wonder if this would rake it up all over again and if he would be out in the cold once more. He sighed lying on his back and staring at the ceiling he hated the thought of losing Jayden again especially now when she was just starting to open up to him. He froze momentarily as Jayden moved in her sleep rolling over and resting her head on Mark’s taught chest. "You know it helps if you close your eyes" Mark smirked and wrapped his arms around her "Thought you were sleeping." Jayden moaned a reply before lifting her head and opening her languid eyelids "I sleep better when you sleep with me." Mark smiled snuggling down beside her holding her close to his chest. Jayden smiled against him "Trust me" she whispered against him Mark sighed hoping he could find the strength to do what she asked.

Darkness had always been a friend to CJ, she sat on her bed locked in her own private little world staring at the envelope not sure whether she wanted to open it and read the words. She knew she wouldn’t believe or trust them after all they were just words, written by the one person she could never bring herself to like. CJ would never say she hated anyone but this guy came pretty close, she shuddered at the thought. Six years had passed and she had grown stronger, she had to. CJ opened the letter slowly and read the words. She was sure their purpose was to tug at her heartstrings but she was completely cold to him. CJ shoved the paper back in it’s folder and placed it on the dresser she stood walking out of the room not wanting to think about the information as she wandered back into the front room and settled on the couch.

"I meant what I said" Lacy stood with Glen just inside the front door of Jayden’s apartment "Jayden’s not home I could use the company." Glen studied Lacy and nodded slightly this wasn’t what he had planned but instinct kicked in. Lacy led Glen into the lounge, he settled on the couch while she excused herself to go and change. Lacy bit her lip as she closed the spare room door, she would never have thought six months ago she would ever want to be with another man but Kevin was behind her now she never had to go back and he would never be back. She didn’t need proof she just knew it. She winced as she pulled off her top, checking in the mirror she scowled at the fresh bluish bruise "Oh great!" she muttered she definitely couldn’t wear a slinky nightgown with bruises all over her. She sighed and pulled out her silk pale blue shirt she pulled it on and walked back into the lounge. Glen smiled at her as she settled on the couch next to him cuddling up to his warm chest. "Thank you" she whispered Glen chuckled "I haven’t done anything." Lacy looked up and smiled at him her eyes warm and sensual "You’re here" Glen nodded and lowered his head his warm soft lips barely touching hers. Lacy smiled allowing him to pull her on to his knee, his fingers running over her soft skin and into her hair pulling her lips against his as his tongue teased the skin slipping into her mouth and exploring delicately. Lacy moaned slightly relishing his touch. Slowly Glen broke the kiss and smiled at her Lacy smiled back before settling her head against his chest listening to his soothing words as he stroked her hair lulling her into a safe deep sleep.

The door thumped closed CJ could quite believe she was doing this but then again she had always known this time would come. She sighed feeling guilty about leaving the note on the table for Jay but she knew if he even thought she was going back to confront him he’d throw a tantrum or worse jump in the car and insist on going with her which is exactly what she didn’t need. There were some things in life you had to do alone and facing this demon was definitely one CJ was ready for.

9

The sound of old worn shoes on the stone of the gym floor made Con look up from under the bike he lay still looking up at Harper who was smirking slightly. "Your boss around?" Con sat up wiping his slick hands on his old jeans "Depends which one your looking for?" Harper moved his eyes with Con as the large man stood and strode to the bench leaning against it. "Ms Wilson" Con smiled and nodded "She’s not in yet." Harper’s smile faded slightly as he thought for a second "Who out of your regulars is here?" Con rolled his head on his neck wondering what had this cop so pumped it couldn’t just be the thought of getting one over on Jayden. "A few why?" Harper’s smile returned with renewed intensity. "Then I guess I’ll start with you." Con scowled not sure what Harper was about to start as he sauntered into the office.

The beeping of his watch alarm woke Jay with a start; he was still lying on the floor covered by a thick fur like fleece while the TV played away on mute in the background. He moved slowly not wanting to get up until he saw the neatly folded piece of paper sitting on the table at the edge of the couch. His heart sank and his throat tightened as he reached out for it. "No, CJ no!" He unfolded the paper as he pulled himself on to his knees he shook his head muttering his little rant over and over. He knew CJ was strong stronger than most people gave her credit for but this, his head fell back as he closed his eyes, this was a nightmare waiting to happen. He moved quickly grabbing his keys and cell phone from the table he hoped she hadn’t left so long ago that he couldn’t catch her. He moved to the door throwing it open and then stopping himself dead before flattening Carol. "Hold your horses!" she chuckled "I know I had to work late but I didn’t think you’d miss me that much." Jay couldn’t help but smile as Carol stepped inside she studied Jay’s face she was an expert reading him. "What’s up?" she asked suddenly becoming serious Jay swallowed and handed her the note. Carol took it never letting her eyes leave his until he closed the door.

"She wouldn’t go." Carol said trying to sound positive after having read the note and knowing exactly what CJ would’ve done. Jay stood his eyebrow raised waiting "Okay okay she would’ve gone" Carol said huffing since Jay seemed to know her just as well as she knew him. "So you’re gonna go racing after her." Jay nodded slowly watching Carol as she sighed folding the note immaculately. "Okay lets go." Jay watched her as she stood waiting for him to move. "Your not coming" he said quickly "The hell I’m not if your going I’m going to!" Jay rolled his eyes wondering why he chose a girlfriend who could be so damn infuriating. "Look I need to go check on CJ and I don’t need you there!" Jay regretted the words as soon as he uttered them he could see the pain on Carol’s face. He moved forward himself hurting, as she backed away not wanting him to touch her. "Look I’m sorry" he whispered hanging his head "but I can’t take the risk if something is wrong. I wont have you getting hurt and it’s better they don’t know who you are." Carol turned and looked at him his eyes looked so pained but so sure. "You know all there is to know I never kept any secrets from you but all you know is words from me from CJ. The actions are totally different and I can’t have you there witnessing that becoming part of it. So please just stay here." Carol nodded slowly as Jay stepped forward taking her hand in his and kissing the palm softly. He smiled weakly at her before leaving the house.

The knock woke Matt immediately he had been waiting at a motel since Andrew called him. He moved across the room quickly pulling open the door he expected to see Andrew but there in front of him was the girl from the store. Matt was confused for a second the remnants of his nap slow to fade from his brain. "Hi" she mewed "Hope you don’t mind" she held up a bag from the store "Thought you might be hungry." Matt blinked rapidly and then moved so she could step inside. "How did you know I was here?" he asked pulling on a shirt over the jeans that still hung open at the waist. "Well I sent you to this motel" Matt nodded fastening the shirt making her smile she was hoping the shirt wouldn’t be staying on his body too long. "Well my friend is the desk clerk and she told me with room was yours." Matt sighed sitting on the chair by the window as she pulled out the box from the takeaway "You hungry?" she asked her voice purring Matt shook his head "Not really."

"Maybe I change that!" she said her voice humming sibilantly as she moved from the bed to kneel at his feet. She ran her hands up his legs moving sensuously over his thighs. Matt sat up swiftly he stared at the girl as she smiled at him "Your all tense." Matt moved from the chair pushing his hands through his hair "What are you doing here!" he said his voice rising slowly the girl turned still sitting on her knees "Oh come on" she said softly "You know why I’m here I know what guys like you want." Matt stopped pacing and stared at her "Guys like me?" She nodded "On the road different town every night gets you all tense" she stood moving towards him. Matt backed off "You don’t know me at all!"

The ranch was as cold looking as CJ imagined she knew it couldn’t be anything else. She climbed out of the car and stared at the door two men stood like stone statues outside the front door. CJ couldn’t quite believe she was doing this. See moved to the front of the car and sat on the bonnet, one of the statues moved raising an eyebrow CJ almost laughed it looked so comical. He moved slowly walking towards her he didn’t speak just grunted at her. "Tell your boss if he wants to speak to me he’s got ten minutes to get to Ronston Corner on his own." The man scowled and opened his mouth "Who are you?" he asked making CJ smile "Just tell him he’ll know who it is." The man watched as she slipped off the bonnet and climbed back into her car. She backed out of the driveway and took off leaving the former stone effigy staring after her.

Harper smiled as Con sat in the chair, he could get used to the plushness of Jayden’s office. He wriggled his body in the leather chair making himself comfortable "How long have you worked here?" Con studied the man in front of him sceptically "Why you want to know?" Harper smiled and entwined his fingers watching Con sit uncomfortably in the chair. "Goes to establishing your character. Now how long?" Ron didn’t like this he felt uncomfortable sitting there staring down the much smaller man. "Three years." He answered slowly waiting to see what Harper would make of that. "So you were here when Matt Morre was racing?" Con nodded slowly "So what?"

"How well did you know him?" Harper was still entwining his fingers Con had made a snap decision this guy was a sleaze. He was digging probably for dirt on Matt and Con was damn sure he wasn’t going to be the one to give it. "I knew him well enough. Why you want to know?" Harper gestured with his hands "Just doing my job. So tell me was he particularly close to anyone here?"

"There was this one girl he was always with, pretty auburn hair grey eyes. They were very well touchy feely you know." Mackey smiled at the young racer as he worked on his bike "Guy like him must have had a lot of groupies?" The boy nodded "Yeah he had a few, but I don’t know he never seemed to get attached to any of them." Mackey scowled "Not even this woman?" the boy chuckled putting down the wrench "Nah she worked with him at the practice track." Mackey smiled "Her name? You know her name?" The boy scowled racking his brains "Jay something" Mackey nodded "Jayden?"

"Yeah that’s it." The boy went back to fixing his bike after Mackey thanked him and walked away. He rapped his notebook on the palm of his hand he smiled collaring another interviewee.

The door slammed behind him as Matt walked out of the motel room carrying his bag; he dumped it on to the backseat of his car and pulled his ringing phone from his pocket. "Yeah I can be there. Okay I’ll see you in five." He ended the call quickly and slipped into the seat, he started the car and drove away from the hotel he pulled out into traffic and sighed. As he drove the girls words played over his in his head taunting him. "You know why I’m here! Look I’m not asking for a lot of promises I want one night with you that’s all no commitment. Come on you do it all the time, that’s why you came to me in the store. You want sex and so do I you don’t have to call me or anything." Matt shook his head tuning her voice out of his head drowning it with music from the radio. She knew nothing about him, she assumed a lot of things, Matt slammed his hand into the steering wheel everyone made assumptions about him and they were always wrong.

The breeze played with CJ’s hair as she stood waiting watching as the shoppers went about their business. This was a small corner a few shops which held the guarantee of people but not too many people. She saw the car pulling round the corner parking on the opposite side of the street. She had parked her own car on the corner knowing it was close enough if she needed to run. She watched as the man slipped out of the car, he had come with a driver, CJ chuckled he wasn’t one to did as requested. He was in his fifties, slightly taller than her with light brown hair flecked with grey. He let his cold blue eyes wander over the street until they rested on her. She saw his lip curl slightly she waited letting him come to her. His driver staid in the car, "You couldn’t come to the house!" he growled stopping a few feet away from her on the edge of the curb. CJ stared coldly at him, he hadn’t changed at all his hair was a little greyer maybe but his features were as heavy set and gnarled as she remembered. "You didn’t turn out how I expected," he said looking her over "You look like her." He spat turning away from her and strolling slightly; when she didn’t follow he stopped and looked over his shoulder "Aren’t you coming?" CJ made him wait, she knew it would annoy him she was right his lip curled with aggravation finally she moved walking slowly towards him.

Squeezing Mark’s hand as they walked into the garage Jayden couldn’t have been happier. Mark had agreed to forget about Matt, she knew for a while it would be in the back of his mind but she knew in time and with her help he would soon forget all about Matt Morre. Con stood by the workbench Jayden smiled at him as Mark greeted him. "Jayden there’s something you should" he was cut off by Jayden holding up her hand "Why are the racers all lined up in there?" she asked peering through the archway between the two halves of the building. The waiting room was filled with Racers sitting on the couches on the desk mumbling to each other. "Look Jayden he just stormed in there wasn’t much I could do." Jayden groaned and headed up to the office Mark stared at Con "He had a warrant" Con said shrugging his shoulders slightly Mark rolled his eyes and followed Jayden into the waiting room. She was already at her office door which she swung open with such force it slammed into the inside wall and juttered in the frame. "What the hell are you doing!" she spat making the young racer in the chair jump while Harper smiled at her. "Good morning or is it afternoon?" Harper said his voice lilting. "Get out!" Jayden hissed her eyes changing colour as her anger flared like a fire inside her. Harper smiled enjoying her irritation "This is a warrant it allows me to be here as long as I like and talk to who I like. So if you want to wait outside I’ll get to you. Both of you." He nodded at Mark who was standing in the frame of the open door. Jayden felt her face flush red "You have no right!"

"This bit of paper says I do. Now wait outside or I will arrest you." Mark looked at Jayden she was incensed as she glared at Harper she turned storming out of the office and out of the building. Harper smiled as Mark glared at him then followed her out on to the track.

"Jayden?" Lacy said climbing out of the car, she watched Jayden pace in front of the garage while Glen climbed out and stood watching. "I’ll be right back." She said to him he nodded watching as she approached Jayden. He watched as they talked in hushed tones. Jayden threw up her arms and talked animatedly about whatever was upsetting her. He watched Lacy scowl her happy demeanour altered by whatever the news was. She became agitated and distressed. Jayden stopped waving her arms around and took a deep breath. Lacy said something looking over at Mark as he waited inside the garage talking to Con while staring at the girls unable to hear their words. Jayden nodded at Lacy before turning and walking over to Mark. Lacy turned and composed herself quickly before returning to Glen. "There’s some problems I got to help with. I’m really sorry you mind if we do this later?" Glen shook his head "Course not. You do what you have to and I’ll see you later." Lacy nodded at his words "I’ll call you when I get done?" Glen nodded and smiled at her as she stood in front of him "You better" he purred dipping his head to brush her lips with his. Lacy smiled at him and nodded biting her lip "Count on it." She whispered to him before turning and walking over to Jayden who had told Mark they were going to go find CJ.

His eyes kept straying to study CJ and with every glance he found something new to dislike. "What do you want?" she said flatly finally breaking the silence. His lip curled "You are a bitch aren’t you." CJ stopped and turned to face him "I didn’t come here to listen to one of your tirades now spit out what you want so I can get out of here." Her tone held no fear as he hoped it would "You were always an annoying brat!" CJ smiled "I’m surprised you even noticed." He glared at her "I never wanted you you know." CJ smiled "Like I didn’t know that already. So if your done" she turned to walk away "I’m dying!" he huffed ashamed to admit it. CJ stopped and turned looking at him watching the hard look on his face as he mentally berated himself for having to admit it. "Thanks for the heads up." She turned and continued to walk away "I want your help!" he said in a flat tone it was pricked with hatred. CJ looked over her shoulder and shook her head he stepped back to her. "You’d let me die wouldn’t you!" CJ shrugged "I always knew he’d turn you against me!"

The car hummed as Jay sped along the interstate, he checked his watch and thumped the steering wheel wanting the cars in front to clear the way, he weaved in and out of them hoping he would get there before CJ did something stupid. He eyed his phone seeing the display flash; he grabbed it punching the button to receive the message. He smiled at least he knew where to aim for now. CJ knew him too well, he smiled at the message keeping his foot on the accelerator he punched two buttons and waited. "Hey it’s me, no not there yet but I know where she is. You okay?" Carol told him she was fine, he smiled glad her tone was even and light even if there was a slight tinge of worry behind her words. "They are? Okay yeah tell them whatever they know most of it. I’ll call as soon as I get there. Bye darlin." He hung up the phone and sighed now he had three women stuck at his house fretting.

Matt was sitting in the coffee shop nursing the mug between his fingers rolling it softly feeling the heat of the liquid making his skin tingle. He looked up every time the door opened waiting for Andrew to come and break the news to him good or bad he needed to hear it. For the fifth time the door open and finally it was Andrew. Matt sighed with relief as Andrew slipped into the chair and nodded at Matt "You look shot" Andrew commented waving at the waitress she brought over a mug and filled it with coffee. He smiled and thanked her before she walked away. "Didn’t you sleep much?" Matt shook his head and studied Andrew "Good or bad?" Andrew shrugged "Depends on what you have been up to." Matt frowned "What are you talking about?" Andrew sighed sitting forward to prevent open ears hearing their conversation. "The police are hanging around the school asking questions about you. You got something to tell me?" Matt groaned and slouched in his chair, "Great!" he muttered "Guess that changes plans." Andrew nodded slowly "Matt you want to tell me what’s going on?" Matt studied him leaning forward "I might be in trouble" he said quietly.

The intense glare he gave her wasn’t as unnerving as it used to be. CJ couldn’t for the life of her remember why she had been so scared she put it down to youth and inexperience. "I knew he’d poison your mind." CJ couldn’t help but chuckle "Him poison me!" she chuckled "He didn’t need to you did that yourself a long time ago." He glared at her his eyes burning with hatred his nose snarled, "You will help me!" CJ raised an eyebrow at him "Why? Why me?" she studied his face his cold reaction he seemed to hate the words he was saying even more than he hated her which took some doing. "No one else can can they?" He scowled and CJ knew she was right "What is it you need from me?" he studied her cautiously and with contempt "Bone marrow." He said trying to gage the reaction she wasn’t offering. CJ stared at him blankly "No one else has matched. They say the best chance is a close family member sibling or offspring." He still couldn’t see a reaction on her face. "There’s a test Monday, be at Hayward Health ten am." He walked past her his orders laid out there was no reason for him to hang around breathing in the stench of her skin. "I wont be there." He stopped dead her voice grating on him like fingers on a chalkboard. He swivelled round glaring at her. "What!" he hissed not caring his voice was attracting attention. CJ stood stock still defiantly, he moved towards her the way he used to his fists balled at his side but she didn’t back down. "You’ll be there! I won’t die! Not when you can help me! You have to be good for something otherwise I would never have had you!"

"You didn’t have me! You had nothing to do with me!" CJ had had enough her voice was filled with deep-seated resentment as she hissed out the words. He raised his hand read to smack her as hard as he could stopping when she suddenly started to smile "Witnesses" she said her tone amused. He let his hands drop. "You insolent little whore! I’m your father!" CJ lifted her head for years she had waited for this moment. "That’s the thing, your not!"

The car rolled into town it took a while scouring the streets for Jay to spot CJ’s car. He stopped behind it waiting studying the street, his eyes caught her standing facing a man, Jay felt his top lip snigger. Jay had only met him once and that was not a great experience. Jay waited nervously rapping his fingers on the wheel watching for any sign that CJ needed help. He saw him ball his fists Jay moved in his seat grabbing at the door handle popping it so the door clicked out of its tight seal. He watched as he dropped his hands and CJ stood defiantly staring down the man who had plagued her life. "Give him what for" Jay mumbled hoping this would be the last time CJ would ever have to face this sorry excuse for a man and once this was done maybe life could start getting back to normal.

Sitting nervously on the couch Carol, Jayden and Lacy could do nothing but wait. "I can’t believe she went to see him after everything he’s done." Jayden stated her tone still filled with amazement. Carol nodded knowing Jayden and Lacy only knew a small fraction of what was going on, she wasn’t too far behind them she only knew marginally more from knowing CJ longer. There were four people who knew everything, one was dead, two were never around and Jay was the one stuck by her watching out for her. Carol sighed, "I hope she’s okay." Lacy looked up from her mug of coffee and studied Carol "She will be CJ is tough." Carol shook her head CJ had her moments of being tough but inside she could be more vulnerable than anyone ever knew. "When did she go?" Lacy asked noticing that Carol was looking extremely nervous "I’m not sure she was gone when Jay got up." Lacy sighed CJ had a habit of disappearing sometimes when she needed to relax when the office got too much. But this was different Lacy could tell. Jayden too was beginning to look worried "It’s been six years hasn’t it? What could he possibly want?" Carol shook her head "He never got over the fact she left." Carol said trying to gauge how much Jayden knew "Yeah but every time he’s come back at her she’s rebuffed him." Carol nodded knowing CJ would do that again there was no way CJ would let ‘him’ get to her. At least that was what Carol hoped the past year had been so strained for CJ Carol stood up and paced by the window. Hoping they would both be home soon.

He fists were balled again ready to slap the colour from her cheeks, knock the blasphemous words from her mouth. "You stupid little bitch how dare you! I might not have wanted you but your mine!" CJ shook her head "You know it’s true." He glared at her his blood pressure rising rapidly "You bitch! You would do anything to see me suffer! You’d let me die wouldn’t you!" CJ shook her head "You know!" she hissed, "You’ve known all this time! Did you really think he wouldn’t tell me that I wouldn’t know!" He turned away from her seething with rage. "You never loved her not really you just wanted to split them up! You couldn’t stand the fact he was happy could you! So you broke her and then you tried to break me." He turned his cold eyes on her his mind racing CJ laughed, "You had to know," she mocked suddenly realising the thought had never crossed his mind. "All this time and you never figured it out! He took me away from you and you never wondered why!" He gritted his teeth glaring at her his skin turning red with the rush of blood. He lunged CJ stepping back avoiding his hand he faltered then righted himself quickly his lips curling turning his face and unrecognisable mask of it’s former self a grotesque effigy of how his soul looked. "The bastard!" he cursed CJ stood watching him lose the little self-control he had. "The bitch!" he murmured CJ stepped forward "She hated you you know that how could you think she would waste her life loving you!"

"You’re his" he hissed CJ nodded slowly "Always was an always will be." She watched as this piece of his world shattered. She smiled "Bet you wish you never ordered the hit now. You’re stuffed!" He stared at her hot daggers shooting from his eyes. "You killed your only chance." She said softly as the realisation dawned on him. She shook her head "Well done!" she congratulated sarcastically before walking away from him for the last time.

Lie TO Me

Disclaimer: I don't own the wrestlers I just use their names for visual puposes, this is no reflection of their true character so don't sue me. Other characters do exist but are not true reflections of the people they are - this is fiction. The story is copyrighted to me.

11

Dawn was breaking, as CJ climbed out of her car studying the track the garage door was open as she approached slowly. The cool breeze ruffled her hair as she stood staring at Mark’s broad back. He threw the wrench of the floor and stood up his hands on his hips "Damn it!" he cursed turning he stopped staring at her. "What are you doing here?" His tone was still filled with frustration. "Couldn’t sleep thought I might catch up on the work I missed. You just here to dint the floor?" Mark scowled and then relaxed CJ was smiling at him slightly "You want to tell me what the wrench did?" Mark shook his head "It’s what I did. I screwed up" CJ walked over and sat on the bench waiting patiently for Mark to explain in his own time. "The cops were here yesterday." CJ nodded "Well I let him get to me and I said something I shouldn’t have."

"What did you say?" She asked swinging her legs slightly making herself look even younger to Mark he tapped her knee a sign that he wanted to be serious with her. She stopped and stared at him ready to hear whatever he wanted to impart to her. Mark took a deep breath "I told him about Matt and Evan." CJ watched him intently as he stared at his hands "I practically told him Matt killed Evan." CJ lowered her head and breathed in slowly. "She’s gonna kill me right?" CJ looked up and nodded slowly Jayden would blow up at him. "I know it was dumb. But he busting my ass and I just." CJ nodded "Mark, talk to her tell her how you feel." Mark shook his head and shoved his hands in his pockets "As soon as she hears about this I’m dead."

Matt was making himself comfortable at the house; he sat on the back porch relaxing in the early morning sunlight, his muscles still aching from hours of driving. He sipped the coffee he had made and watched as the clouds floated across the sky. His mind was full of memories, he wanted to remember happier times but all he could see was thick smoke and smelt of petrol fumes. Matt blinked remembering how the fumes made his eyes sting and water like crazy. Matt sighed and rested his head against the wood frame of the house "I just want to go home." He whispered to himself hoping saying it out loud would help him make it come true. He stood slowly stretching out his body and moving inside, he grabbed his phone and hammered in a message. It was time to make a move time to do something, time to make his life better.

Knocking on the cold wood stung Lacy’s knuckles with sharp kisses. She waited patiently knowing Glen would be there sleeping, she smiled to herself as she heard the lock click. There standing before her was a barely clothed Glen. He stood in front of her his body tanned and smoothed his only item of clothing a pair of shorts he scrubbed his hand through his hair and blinked before his brain registered any of the stimulation. "Lacy are you okay?" she nodded slowly surprised at the concern in his voice. "Can I come in?" she asked softly Glen nodded and smiled opening the door wide for her to step into his room. He turned crossing his hands across his strong chest, Lacy swallowed she knew he was well built but she didn’t realise how good he looked underneath his clothing. She snapped herself out of drooling when he cocked his head studying her eyes, which were firmly fixed on his hot tender flesh. "I, well I just wanted to apologise for this morning." She stuttered out a pathetic excuse knowing he could see right through her. The truth was she hadn’t been able to get him out of her head. Glen stepped forward the scent of his warm skin making her mind cloud over "Apologise?" he repeated his voice low and sensual, Lacy nodded slowly watching as his hands moved slowly his fingers barely touching her brushing up her arms to her shoulders. Lacy shivered at his touch "Is that all you wanted?" he asked softly lifting her chin so she was looking into his eyes she slowly opened her mouth to speak but all words were lost as his lips covered hers sucking on the softly. Lacy faltered falling forward slightly, Glen pulled her close to his chest her hands pressing against his warm skin to steady herself but making her feel even more light headed. She could feel his strong heartbeat as his tongue slipped into her mouth gently sliding against her own and drawing it into his own mouth.

His hands moved slowly up her back gathering her top breaking their kiss long enough to discard the garment. His hands caressed her skin pulling her as close to him as he could; Lacy ran her hands up his chest to his neck. Glen turned Lacy still in his arms as he pressed her against the wall scattering kisses down her jaw bone and neck while his fingers worked to unclip her jeans Lacy moaned as he moved his kisses down over her soft skin his tongue tickling her naval as he pushed down her jeans. Her fingers played with his hair as he rubbed his thumbs along the edge of her thong. He moved his body up hers making her shiver at the contact her hands moving down over his skin as he pressed his palms to the wall either side of her as she sucked and teased his skin with her lips and tongue making him groan as her palms pressed against him pushing his shorts away from him. Glen growled as she touched him softly Lacy smiled moving her fingers back up his body he found her lips hungrily and nipped them with his teeth shocking her with the sensation. Lacy pulled him closer her body aching for him, she felt him smile against her lips as he moved his hands to her hips edging her legs apart with his knees while her hands entwined with his hair. He lifted her slightly urging her to wrap her legs around his waist as he pushed into her. Lacy whimpered and bit into the soft skin of his shoulder as he moved within her. She moaned his name as he increased his pace making her shiver heat filling her she threw back her head and Glen pounced kissing and nibbling her neck. Her felt the vibration in her throat as she moaned out his name gripping his shoulders tightly as he came with in her. Glen held her against him breathing heavily against her neck not wanting to let go as she kissed him softly.

Everyone was guarded and jumpy as Jayden walked into the office. She studied each face as she went into CJ’s office. "Have I got I bite written across my head or something?" she said closing the door and then turning to see CJ packing her bag. "What’s all this?" CJ looked up and smiled "I’m going away for a couple of days. Don’t worry it’s nothing major and no there isn’t anything written on your head." Jayden sat on the edge of the desk; "Okay question one is where the hell are you going and two why are people acting like I have a machete in my hand ready to chop off their heads?" CJ sighed closing her bag and studying her friend. "Just need a break need to clear my head a bit." Jayden nodded CJ still hadn’t explained what had happened with her ‘father’ she relented figuring some times it was better to work things out in your own head before seeking everyone else’s take on the situation. "And two you should talk to Mark before you talk to anyone else." Jayden scowled "Mark?" CJ nodded slowly making Jayden feel nervous. The knock on the door broke the tension and then created more as Harper strode in a smile on his face. "Good morning" he said beaming at Jayden, she rolled her eyes her hair standing on end from the creepy vibe his voice generated. "What the hell do you want now!"

"Touchy touchy! Didn’t your friend tell you I’d be back?" Jayden glared at him, she felt like a wolf seizing up it’s prey she had an overwhelming urge to strike him. "Get out" she hissed her eyes boring into him, annoyed when he simply smiled back. "Now now don’t get touchy I have a right to be here." He waved the paper in front of her face; she snatched it and ripped it in half. Harper laughed "Feel better?" he asked "We’ve spoken to our attorney you cant keep coming in here harassing the staff without a valid reason!" Harper smiled slyly pulling another warrant for his pocket "Jayden" CJ said slowly trying to voice a warning sensing impending doom. "Oh but I do have a reason thanks to your friend" Jayden scowled snatching the paper and skimming it. "The case in to the Death of Evan Lucas has been reopened thanks to the information we received from your mechanic." Jayden glared her eyes glowing with anger "What!" she hissed, ignoring CJ as she tried to calm her and distract her from Harper’s taunting tone. "Yeah your friend Mark was very helpful told me all about you and Matt Morre" Jayden could feel the heat rushing to her face as Harper smiled knowing he was getting a rise out of her "Yeah he loved telling me all about you two."

"Jayden!" CJ shouted as Jayden rushed out of the room slamming the door behind her. CJ glared at Harper as he chuckled to himself following Jayden out of the office watching her as she jumped in her car and gunned the engine. He chuckled impressed that he had finally got under her skin. "Round two to me!" he gloated.

Glen opened his eyes slowly; Lacy was still in his arms as they lay on the bed a sheet roughly pulled around them. He sighed resting on one elbow as he moved the hair from her face with his other hand. He didn’t understand what he was doing this was not how he planned things. The whole point of being here was to make sure history didn’t repeat itself it was not to get personally involved with one of the main protagonists. But here in that one moment he had pushed all thoughts to the back of his mind and followed his desires and the strange thing was he didn’t regret it. He kissed her soft skin gently breathing in her scent, now he was finding an even greater reason for what he was about to do. He sighed pulling Lacy hard against him, he wasn’t going to lose again.

The rain began to pour as Mark stood looking out of the window of his apartment, he saw the car pull up and Jayden jumped out slamming the door, Mark could tell from the way she stared up at the window something was wrong. He walked to the door opening it for her as she reached it. She glared at the sheepish look on his face, "Come in" he said his voice low. She stepped inside her body bristling with anger "What the hell did you tell the police!" Mark turned and looked at her "I told them about you and Matt." Jayden threw up her hands "What the hell!"

"I didn’t mean to do it! He just wound me up and it came out!" he moved to touch her arm but she backed off "So that makes it okay does it! He pisses you off so you tell him something you know nothing about!" Mark felt his own anger begin to rise. "I know what I see Jayden!" Jayden shook her head she couldn’t believe this was happening "How do you think it makes me feel! I love you and your still hung up on him! Your using me cos he’s not here!" Jayden moved without thinking slapping Mark hard across the face, he glared at her. "You have no idea!" She spat moving towards the door Mark grabbed her arm pulling her back, "Why don’t you tell me!" He growled not stopping even when he saw the look of fear on her face. Jayden couldn’t help but let the feelings she had so well hidden rocket to the surface. "Get off me!" she screamed struggling to get out of his tightening grasp Mark was stunned at her violent reaction. Jayden slammed her eyes shut her body tensed as she remembered the glinting of the knife "No!" she screamed kicking Mark hard he let go of her reflexively and she fell backwards on to the floor. She pulled her knees to her chest "I wont let you kill me!" Mark stopped staring at her.

12

The movie theatre was buzzing with people as CJ walked in. She smiled at the ticket clerk as she handed over the stub "Screen three Ma’am" he said smiling the kind of stuck on smile that looked false. CJ smiled back and walked towards the screen. She made her way down the dark aisle her eyes flickering over the semi filled rows. She chose to sit close to the front settling into a seat about five spaces in. She took off her jacket draping it over the back of the chair before she snuggled down and waited for the trailers to start. The trailers finished and CJ rested her head back waiting for the movie to start, the credits flashed on the screen across the darkness of the emerging picture. She barely noticed the figure stepping into her aisle until the seat next to her moved. She kept her concentration on the screen trying to engross herself in the characters. Her eyes flickered as a hand brushed her knee and moved up her inner thigh, she shivered slightly leaning in to the person next to her as the other arm wrapped around her shoulders.

Mark sank on to the couch and stared at Jayden as she shook her head wiping the tears from her eyes "Jayden?" he whispered she moved slowly pushing herself on to the couch opposite him. Her bottom lip quivered as she spoke "I’m sorry I didn’t mean it." Mark shook his head "Yeah you did."

"I wasn’t thinking it wasn’t you" She studied his face knowing he had no idea what had just happened, he looked so hurt, so confused. "Matt? Did he do this?" Jayden shook her head viciously "No! There’s something I should have probably told you a long time ago." Mark entwined his fingers and waited still feeling angry and confused. Jayden fought to control herself as her memories scared her. "I came here because if I staid at home I would be dead." Mark scowled opening his mouth to speak and then deciding to let her tell her story.

"A year ago I was happily getting on with my life. I worked shifts in a store and this one night I was on lates. These guys came in and at first I thought nothing of it but they were acting weird. They came to the counter with a bag of chips and a six-pack. I was ringing it in when one grabbed my arm. He had a knife." She could already see Mark tensing, she wondered if she told him the whole story if his apartment would be left standing. "I grabbed one of the bottles and smashed it on his arm, it sliced his wrist so deep. He started yelling and screaming and his friend was frantic. I hit the panic button and I tried to get to the back room to lock myself in." Mark scrubbed his hands together harder "He was on me before I knew it and I hit the floor." Mark stood and started pacing. Jayden sighed closing her eyes he was making her anxious. "I grabbed around on the floor and caught a piece of glass then I let him crawl up my body. He was gonna make me pay while his friend lay there whimpering." Mark wasn’t sure he wanted to hear any more he could already feel his lips curling in to a snarl a feral action a deep seated desire to protect. "While he was concentrating on ripping my shirt I, well I stabbed him in the butt" Mark turned if her face hadn’t held such a serious stare he might have found the concept amusing. "He yelped so loud I don’t think I’ve ever heard a scream like it. He hated me, still does. That’s why I’m here he wanted me dead for scaring his pert little ass."

CJ felt cold as the hand moved form its spot on her thigh where it had been softly circling her skin. The arm receded and she watched as her companion left the cinema as quickly and as shrouded as he had entered. CJ tried to turn her attention back to the screen, the movie had lost her attention long ago and she had no idea what was going on in front of her eyes. She waited patiently for one minute, two minutes then she moved. Leaving the movie theatre quickly and quietly she stepped out into the dimly lit street, she opened her closed fist and studied the paper he had pressed there. She smiled heading to her car quickly. The drive was short and she made it in record time, she hesitated barely in the car her nerves getting the better of her as her heart flipped over. She slowly stepped out on to the cold gravel and stone of the driveway. She crunched the stones as she approached the front door, it was already awaiting her standing ajar ready for her soft fingers to push it open just enough for her to slip inside.

She moved slowly through the house stopping in the lounge watching the fire in front of her crackle. She smiled as she felt the soft fingers run down her arms slowly pulling her backwards against a hot tight chest. Soft lips brushed her neck making her shiver. She moaned as the fingers moved round her waist unbuttoning her trousers and sliding beneath the material. She reached behind her tangling her fingers in his hair as he continued to kiss her neck. She let her head fall back against him as he lifted his face to brush his lips over hers. The intensity of the kiss was too much to bear and they both wanted more of each other. CJ turned in his arms pressing against him and pulling quickly at the buttons on his shirt never breaking the kiss they shared. His hands moved to her face cupping it and running in to her hair pushing her head back so he could kiss his way to the pulse point of her neck. He nipped her skin as her fingers ran over the soft skin of his chest. She pulled away from him biting her lip, moving to the soft fake fur rug on the carpet she sank to her knees watching as he followed her mimicking her moves. He sat back on his heels his fingers reaching out to touch her as she pushed his shirt from his arms. He studied her skin committing every thing to memory. No words needed to be said between them as her fingers found the edge of her top and lifted it from her body. He ran his hands over her skin and round her back, he pressed against her lying her back on the soft white fur of the rug.

His body was warm against hers as his hands moved down pushing away her trousers, he then removed his own and kissed his way up her body moving slowly until she felt him inside her she closed her eyes as he moved slowly she arched into him as his lips found hers again sucking and exploring her deeply. She whimpered as his breath came quicker his body straining both their hearts pounding he kissed her deeply swallowing her cries as pleasure overtook her. He moved to lie beside her holding her close to him breathing in her scent as she buried her head against his chest. He kissed her softly holding on to her as though his life depended on it.

Mark was still pacing trying to take out his anger by burning a hole in the carpet. Jayden sat in silence wondering what he was thinking, "Mark" she said quietly he stopped pacing and stared at her. "Your telling me you ran away from some two bit hood?" Jayden shook her head "No I left because it was too dangerous to stay. He wasn’t just a hood Mark; he had friends, bad friends. They were pissed at me for a long time and it got too real, way too real." Mark watched her as she pulled her knees to her chest "I got an offer I couldn’t refuse and I came here." Mark pushed his hands through his hair; "Matt" he hissed Jayden rolled her eyes "No! Why do you have to make everything about him! Why don’t you just listen to me! Matt is a friend no more no less! If you don’t believe that then why the hell are we together!" Mark stopped not daring to look at her for fear his emotions would betray him. Jayden threw up her hands and stormed out of the house slamming the door behind her. Mark slammed his fist into the fireplace.

CJ pulled the soft cover around her, as she opened her eyes she could hear the shower humming in the next room as she sat up looking at the clock on the bedside table. It was getting on for three am the shower shut off she leaned over to the lamp and flicked it on smiling as she turned back to see Matt standing in the doorway, his hair dripping on to his tanned skin. He moved towards the bed a smile tugging at his lips as he touched her cheek "I missed you so much." He whispered she smiled touching his face and pulling him to her "Come here" she said pulling him on to the bed with her He wrapped his arms around her as they kissed. He sighed as she clung to him he moved the hair from her face "Andrew told me about your dad." CJ seemed to hug him harder "Don’t not now I just want it to be us right now." Matt brushed his cheek against her head "It will be just us soon I promise." CJ closed her eyes breathing in the smell of the shower gel from his skin. Matt felt her relax smiling at how comfortable she was in his arms, "It will be just you and me. I’ll make sure of it."

13

The black limo pulled up outside the school, Mark looked up from his work and studied the sleek machine. "Hey" the driver shouted Mark wiped his hands and walked over "CJ?" the man said as Mark stopped in front of him "Not here." The man nodded and half turned his head, the car was so dark inside Mark couldn’t see who the man was looking at. His eyes were distracted by the second car pulling up in the parking space, he watched Mackey climbed out and eyed the limo suspiciously. The driver looked back at Mark and nodded without saying a word before pulling away Mark turned and headed back to his work trying to ignore Mackey as he bore holes in his back. Mackey stood by the bike Mark was working on and watched him intently, Mark hated someone staring over his shoulder he tilted his head "What" he spat Mackey smiled "Who was that?" Mark groaned rolling his eyes "You’re the cop you work it out!" Mackey dropped the wrench he was holding and crouched beside Mark "That’s just it isn’t it friend, I’m a cop. You’d be wise to remember that!" Mark grunted before Mackey walked away.

The sunlight warmed Matt’s shoulders as he rested against the ledge looking at CJ as she slept she looked so peaceful so young. He smiled slightly remembering the first time he watched her sleep. He felt as guilty then as he did now. It was cold afternoon the rain had been pouring steadily all day. But Matt had made a promise and even though he knew CJ wouldn’t mind him calling it off he wanted to go ahead with it all the same. He pulled up at the dorms and ran through the rain to her room he didn’t even have to knock the door opened in front of him and she practically fell into his arms. "Now I know you look forward to your lessons but you don’t have to fall for me" CJ had smirked at his comment before grabbing her jacket and following him out to the car. Matt drove them to the disused drive in theatre. It was on the edge of town and no one used the plot anymore, it was perfect for practice.

Matt moved from the ledge and settled himself on the edge of the bed; he brushed the hair from her face and watched smiling as she moved from the pillow to rest her head on his lap. He let his fingers move slowly over her skin. He remembered how they changed places in the car her sliding over him as he moved under her, he remembered biting the inside of his mouth as they barely brushed against each other. It was becoming harder for Matt to conduct his ‘lessons’ professionally. He watched as she slipped the car into gear and they moved off. Matt had been surprised that she didn’t know how to drive when she arrived and he offered her lessons, it was a favour to his boss and well CJ wasn’t a bad person to know. She was quiet and unassuming, shy almost, she was easy to get to know if you made the effort but few rarely did. They had driven around practicing moves Matt instructing her carefully watching her movements encouraging her when she felt she was making a mistake.

Matt had one thing left to teach her. He waited till she had the car in motion driving straight towards the old screen. Matt let her build up speed timing it exactly he glanced at her then screamed making her jump and slam her foot on to the brake. The wheels span, aquaplaning on the built up surface water. The car kept moving sliding over the water the tyres unable to grip the surface. CJ yelped Matt leaned across her grabbing the wheel and turning it in to the skid hoping the car would pull out of it. Matt felt the change in the surface the car pulling out of the slight dip the tyres starting to grip once again. "Brake!" he instructed CJ obeyed pushing the pedal the car screeched as it jerked to a stop. CJ sat rigid in her seat breathing hard. Matt swallowed reaching across her to flick off the ignition. He loosened his own seat belt and jumped out of the car-rushing round to her door he pulled it open and crouched by her. "CJ?" she looked at him still breathing rapidly. "You okay?" he asked pushing her hair back as she nodded, he leaned over her undid her belt and helped her out into the pouring rain.

CJ stirred in Matt’s lap he pulled the cover up around her protectively, the window outside was being stained by freshly falling rain. Matt smiled slightly. He had checked CJ over quickly ignoring her statements that she was fine. Finally she grabbed his hands as he held on to her face "Matt I’m fine" she said into his eyes he stopped finally staring at her, her face dappled with rain, her hair hanging limply from the weight of the water. Her clothes absorbing every cold drop that hit them. Matt moved quickly dipping his head brushing his wet lips against hers tasting the salted drops of water the rain had deposited there. CJ faltered slightly and Matt had moved to hold her tight against him her wet clothes sharing the dampness with his. Matt had pulled back finally breathing hard looking down at her as she stared at him wide eyed. Matt had tried to speak but no words came out.

CJ opened her eyes and moved slowly lifting her head smiling up at him, "What are you doing?" Matt smiled back at her "Watching you sleep." The words sounded the same as they had the first time he had spoken them. CJ sat up slowly resting against his chest letting him hold her close. CJ had moved away from him that first night, back towards the car but he moved up behind her placing a hand either side of her making sure she couldn’t move. He rested his head against the back of hers. "I’m sorry" he whispered she turned in his arms searching his eyes "I shouldn’t be doing this." He tried to explain but she stopped him her fingers covering his lips softly. Matt moved his hands down her body pulling her into him. She responded gripping the front of his shirt as he kissed her again. CJ moved Matt woke up his dreams of the past fading slightly. He smiled at her "We need to talk" she whispered he nodded slowly.

Jayden sat on the couch of her home her hair still wet from the shower, her deep blue dressing gown pulled around her as she sipped her coffee and focused on nothing. She felt Lacy dent the cushion next to her as she sat down but she didn’t acknowledge her. "Jayden" Lacy said softly "Talk to him, please" Jayden shook her head "Nothing to talk about." Lacy sighed and shook her head "You could tell him the truth Jayden." She glared at Lacy "Are you nuts!" Lacy looked at the floor "I can’t do that I promised I would never do that." Lacy nodded slowly "So your just gonna let him go." Jayden nodded slowly "He already let me go when he trusted them more than me." Lacy shoved her hair behind her ears "Thought you had more fight in you than that." Jayden groaned pushing herself off the couch. "I fight my battles my way!" Lacy watched her storm into the bedroom. "Well, your way sucks!"

Mackey moved in to CJ’s office and sat down in her chair, he looked around the room; there was nothing there to tell him anything about her. He had already ransacked Jayden’s desk and found two CD’s, a couple of photos and a couple of bank statements. But here in a secretary’s desk there was nothing. No spoiled sheets of paper, no photos, no photos, no personalised items to say this desk belonged to anyone. "Who are you?" he asked himself looking up at the door. "You want something?" Con asked staring at Mackey, his eyes cold angry almost. Mackey smiled "Got it" he said lifting one of the blank pads and pens from the draw. Con watched him as he sauntered out of the office; Con closed the door behind Mackey slamming it so Mackey jumped on the impact.

Matt rubbed CJ’s shoulders as leaned against the porch rail, she smiled as he sat on the rail "What did he want?" CJ sighed as she studied him his deep brown eyes his tanned skin, the softness of his skin, even the line of his side burns and small beard. "He wanted my help." Matt scowled his hands tensing around the wood of the rail "What now he want you to come back again?" CJ shook her head "He’s dying." Matt raised his eyes in surprise but his mind worked overtime wondering what devious plan he was putting in to practice this time. "It’s not a joke." CJ said reading his mind, "He is dying." Matt studied her face; there was still a touch of pity for him in her eyes. "You can’t seriously want to help him." CJ snapped her head to look at Matt "I can’t help him." Matt still didn’t relax "He needs bone marrow he figured mine would match his after all he still figured I was his." Matt felt his heart flip "But I thought?" CJ nodded "So did I. But when I said it he was rocked he couldn’t fake it."

"Then if he didn’t know" Matt didn’t finish his sentence, he could see the look on her face already "What’s going on Matt?" she asked, "The police are at the school asking about you." Matt hung his head "It wont be long before they find out about the accident." She moved in front of him protectively his hands played on her waist. "They want me for murder." CJ shivered as he wrapped his arms around her "They’ll get me too." CJ held on tighter as he kissed the top of her head. "Just keep things normal." Matt said lifting her head to look at him "Just keep it normal." CJ closed her eyes and nodded "It will be over soon I promise."

The tension in the air hung thickly as Jayden walked through the garage not even bothering to look at Mark although all her indictors inside were screaming for her to turn and look at him. She clamped down on every urge and strolled in to her office shutting the door and letting her shoulders sag as she rested against the door for support. She wiped her eyes quickly hoping they wouldn’t puff up and give away her inward emotions. She moved to her desk and sat down pulling out a file to start working the last thing she needed to do was think about her screwed up love life, she needed to think about work to think about how to keep the police off everyone’s back. She picked up the phone and held her breath as she punched in the numbers.

Matt opened the car door and looked at CJ as she slipped into the seat, "If things get too much" she smiled he knew he didn’t have to finish "I wont lose you and you wont lose me I promise" she nodded all they had to do was make it through the next few weeks. "Be strong," he said ducking down to kiss her one last time. He stood closing the door and watching her drive away. His memories were keeping him strong; he could live off those for a while longer. He walked back up to the house remembering how he took her hand that night; leading her towards the small cabin on the lakeside he opened the door letting her in ahead of him. He closed the door of the house just as he had closed the door of the cabin; it was a small square with a hammock bed inside surrounded by tools, a canoe, and a set of oars. Matt turned pulling her into his arms, he knew it was wrong but he couldn’t help but want her that night. He kissed her strongly and passionately leaving her breathless. His hands tore at her clothes the water making it hard to grip. Once he pulled off her clothes he quickly removed his own, her hands moved over his exposed skin pulling him closer. Matt smiled at the memory as he flopped on to the couch.

14

"Damn it!" Andrew spat slamming the heel of his palm against the rail of the bridge he was standing on, Jay studied him carefully. "We’re gonna have to move fast. Cover the tracks if it’s not too late." Jay shook his head "And if it is?" Andrew shuddered his silence making Jay nervous. "What do you need me to do?" Andrew glanced at him "Watch everyone. Anything suspicious let me know." Jay nodded slowly "And the girls?"

"Watch them too things get too hot ship them out." Jay nodded things were getting too hot too fast and he knew it. He had heard about the limo at the track, Mackey snooping around and Mark’s little out burst things were starting to cut too close to the truth, Harper had already had him in twice for questioning. Andrew looked at him "I’ll sort it, it shouldn’t come to that." Jay nodded not feeling as reassured as he had hoped. "Just make sure you guys keep their mouths shut."

Lacy was humming while she worked filing the paper work in CJ’s office. Glen smirked from the door as she started to sing the words of the song. Lacy stopped lifting her head slightly "Polite people knock you know." She said her voice teasing. She turned to face Glen as he stepped inside "I’m a lot of things but I’m never polite" he said walking towards her. Lacy couldn’t be sure but she felt as though his eyes were more on the files than on her. "What’s up?" she said as he wrapped his arms around her his eyes focused on her "Thought I’d come see you." He shrugged smiling at her Lacy nodded as he ducked his head nibbling her shoulder "Thought you might want to see me." His hands moved and Lacy shivered. The file draw was still open, Glen rested his hands against it moving his lips over her skin until he found her lips.

"Hey! Get a room!" Jayden chuckled as she walked into the office. Lacy giggled against Glen’s lips before ducking out of his arms. "Sign this and then you two can" Jayden gestured with her hand, Glen smirked as they both lent over the desk studying papers. Glen slipped his fingers into the draw; his keen eyes had already spotted the file he wanted. He slipped it out of the draw and shoved it under his shirt. "Tell you what ladies, how about I nip down the road and get you some coffee and doughnuts?" Jayden looked up and smiled "You get bored easily don’t you." Glen smiled moving out of the room, "I’ll be right back."

Jumping back Mark shook his hand as he jammed him skin in the wrench. Glen eyes him warily as he walked out of the office, Mark thought he was acting suspicious as he walked across the car park, Mark moved to the desk studying Glen as he moved in the wing mirror attached to the wall. Glen checked over his shoulder and then pulled a file from under his shirt. "What the?" he said to himself as Glen shoved the file in to his glove box and started the engine. Mark turned moving towards the office; he stopped hearing Jayden’s voice he returned to the garage. Con watched as Mark walked over to the bike and fiddle with the bolts "err Mark you feeling okay?" Mark looked up "Yeah" he said dismissively "Good then you know you’re putting the wrong bolts on that one?" Mark growled throwing down his tools and storming out on to the track.

Pulling up outside the house CJ shut off the engine, she felt low and alone. Climbing out of the car she made herself walk to the front door, she had an all-consuming need to jump back in the car and go back to Matt but she knew there were things she had to take care of. She turned the handle of the door and stepped inside. "Hey" Carol said softly walking out of the kitchen CJ smiled weakly "How is he?" CJ sighed as she walked into the kitchen, Carol followed her moving to the kettle as CJ dropped her keys and rested on the counter. "It’s getting harder" CJ said sighing as Carol moved behind her and hugged her "It’s just gonna take time."

"How much time! It’s been nine months and I can’t see this ending! The pressure just keeps building pushing him further away and I cant take much more." CJ wiped her eyes quickly. "Hey it’s okay" Carol soothed "You’ve got a right to be hacked off right now. Hey you two haven’t exactly had it easy. Remember when Evan found out about you! Man he hit the roof!" CJ smirked it was true she remembered how it worked out. Their lessons had become more of secret meetings a place for them to be together they kept their relationship a secret.

The sun was setting over the lake as CJ and Matt sat on the bank, he held her against his chest his "Do we tell him?" she asked holding on to his knees rubbing her palms over the roughness of his denim jeans. "I don’t know." Matt replied honestly as she smoothed her hands over his jeans. "He’ll kill us when he finds out." Matt knew Evan all to well; he was highly protective of CJ, acted like she needed twenty-four hour protection. Matt understood his concern later, but right now the only card Evan held against him was that he was a racer. Matt was right of course, they had stood in the kitchen with Evan, which at the time didn’t seem such a bad idea but when Evan started yelling CJ thought being near so many sharp knives, heavy pots and a stove was not such a good idea. "You what!" Evan spat gripping the bench "We’ve been seeing each other for two months Evan." Matt said calmly Evan turned his eyes red and glaring "Two months" he hissed "Behind my back!"

CJ had already backed away and Matt was following her "I didn’t do this to upset you I did it because I fell in love." Matt protested Evan reacted quickly, he grabbed Matt by the collar and slammed him into the wall ignoring CJ’s yelps and pleas "You fell in love!" he yelled "You don’t know what love is!" Evan pulled him forward and slammed him back. "She’s not some cheerleader from the track!" Matt glared back pushing Evan off him "I’ve never thought of her that way! Maybe I think more of her than you do!" Matt saw the slap coming but he didn’t avoid it. He took it letting his head snap on his neck, blood trickle from his lip. "Evan!" CJ shouted he stopped looking at her "It’s not your choice it’s mine" Evan glared starting towards her "Do you think I brought you here so you could throw your life away on someone like him!"

"I’m not throwing my life away!" CJ spat back she stopped lifting her head slightly "What is it that bothers you more that we didn’t tell you or that I chose someone just like you!"

"I remember when you and Matt came to the dorm and you refused to speak to Evan again," Carol said chuckling "You were throwing a tantrum like a five year old." CJ rolled her eyes "I meant it though."

"Oh I know you did. Matt soon talked you round though." CJ nodded remembering how hard Matt had tried to build bridges, even when Evan gave him the worst jobs and races at the track. Matt drew the line when it came to going away, when Evan signed him to the tour. Matt delayed it constantly putting off the departure date angering Evan even more. Finally Matt talked CJ in to meeting Evan; she reluctantly went to the track. "That was the day he told you wasn’t it." Carol said studying CJ’s face, she nodded "The day he told me everything. There was so much to take in so much to understand, he had his reasons for keeping secrets I didn’t understand that then."

"But you do now. You keep plenty of your own." CJ looked at her friend and nodded "Yeah I do." She agreed pushing her hair away from her face.

Driving in to town Glen couldn’t help but glace every few seconds at the file on his passenger seat. It had been so easy to grab it, too easy the guilty feeling was there in his heart about treating Lacy as badly as this but in the end it was for her own protection and his piece of mind, she would have to come to understand that. He sighed pulling into the car park debating as he switched off the engine, should he look or should he wait. Curiosity won out as he snatched up the brown folder. He read page by page slowly, facts he already knew, information he read so many times, he needed something new. He sighed hopes fading that these papers would somehow help him and then there it was one sheet of white paper it held all he needed to know. Glen smiled finally he had a new lead that could end everything.

Gut instinct was something Mackey was used to operating on and right now instead of a dull nagging it was a full blown lava attack of indigestion telling him something was very wrong with the quiet secretary and here he was on the verge of finding out what it was. He couldn’t help but smile this was going to be one hell of an opportunity, a gift horse some would say. He definitely saw it as a gift. The information he had was enough to secure one hell of a future he smirked who would have thought he chuckled no one would ever considered this in their wildest dreams.

Jayden looked up as the door opened and CJ stepped inside. "What’s up with Mark?" she asked walking over and sitting in the chair opposite Jayden, Jayden shrugged and sat back in her chair "He’s being a jerk as usual."

"What happened?" CJ asked studying her friend seeing the slight red marks at the inside corner of her eyes the tell tale sign Jayden had been trying not to cry. "We had an argument is all." Jayden said flatly moving to continue with her paper work. "Want to tell me what about?" CJ asked still pressing, Jayden shook her head and CJ knew she wasn’t going to like this. "Tell me" she insisted. "It’s nothing okay, just Mark overreacting." Jayden could tell by the look on CJ’s face she wasn’t going to let this go. "He thinks I still have a thing for Matt" she said finally throwing down her hands. CJ stifled a chuckle "You never had a thing for him in the first place."

"No you did but everyone thinks it was me. Tell me how the hell did you keep that a secret?" CJ smirked "Careful planning. How serious was the argument?"

"Pretty bad." Jayden said honestly her eyes clouding slightly CJ nodded "Leave it to me I’ll sort it." CJ said standing Jayden shook her head "No leave it. You’ve got enough on your plate right now. Just let him act like a kid if he wants to." CJ smiled as she walked out of the door making Jayden groan.

Sitting on the porch swing Jay couldn’t help but worry even as Carol sat with him reassuring him as she massaged his hand in her. "It’ll be okay." Jay shook his head he had a feeling something was wrong, very wrong, the heckles on the back of his neck were already standing on end and he couldn’t kick the gut wrenching feeling. "I know it’ll work out it’s just," he shook his head "I can explain it I just wish I knew what I had to do to get this done." Carol shook her head "You’ll know when the time comes." Carol’s words could not soothe his tormented soul as Jay wrapped his arms tight around her "Yeah I just hope it’s the right thing."

The house was cold as Matt opened his eyes, the dark figure standing above him was not friendly his sense had already told him that. Matt sat up slowly his eyes never leaving the man staring down at him. "What do you want." The man staid silent as Matt stood and stared back at him eye to eye "I have a message." Matt groaned he hated visits like this. "Say your piece then leave me the hell alone." The man chuckled noticing the irritated behaviour Matt was now exhibiting. "Don’t think about screwing us over." Matt looked at him shaking his head "You really felt a need to come here and tell me that?" The man looked at him blankly Matt shook his head, so much for it all being over soon. He waved the man off "You’ve got no worries okay" the man nodded "Good" he turned and walked out of the house leaving Matt to flop back on to the couch and scrub his hands through his hair.

17

Nero’s nightclub was a gothic nightmare. The walls were a mix of black and red, the dance floor an ellipse in the centre of the room, the bar was partially hidden at the far end of the room, two spiral staircases wound up to the second floor balcony, heavy set tables were scattered around the remaining old stone floor with pillars punctuating the room. The floor was already busy when the group walked in, Jayden and Lacy looked around expectantly, Lacy squeezed CJ’s arm. CJ smiled at her "Don’t worry about it." Lacy nodded biting her tongue, she’d had a long conversation with the other three girls on how to handle Glen tonight and right now she wasn’t sure she could pull it off. Jay pointed to a table and the girls nodded heading to it while he went to the bar with Carol. As she ordered he looked around noticing everyone in the room. He picked up the drinks and weaved his way back to the table closely followed by Carol. "Four" he whispered as he took a seat in between CJ and Carol CJ nodded slowly studying the room herself she could see Mackey half hidden by one of the posts. She glanced at Jayden raising her eyes Jayden carefully followed the direction. She saw Mackey swigging back a bottle of beer and studying the floor. "Upstairs" Carol whispered CJ slowly let her eyes wander up; Harper was standing on the steps of one staircase watching everything.

Glen heard the laughing as he approached, he could see Jay demonstrating some drastic move with two empty soda glasses. He smiled as Lacy looked up, she waved him over standing slowly, she glanced at CJ and Jayden they both winked at her and she felt her nerves abate. "Hey" she greeted he smiled and kissed her cheek. "You want a drink?" he asked Lacy nodded and followed him to the bar. "One down" Jayden chuckled watching as Glen walked past the man standing staring at them. "CJ" Jayden said, CJ followed her gaze; she shivered recognising the man standing before. She smiled and looked at Jay, "He always was predictable." Jay reached under the table and squeezed her hand. Glen returned to the table and smiled as he was introduced to Jay and Carol. Jayden watched the door nervously CJ chuckled "What?" Jayden yelped defensively "He won’t get here any faster!" Jayden stuck out her tongue, "Come on then!" she said standing up, "I’ll prove I’m not thinking about it." Carol groaned as Jayden waited for the other girls to join her. Reluctantly they stood and followed her as though they were being dragged to the torture chamber.

The darkness of the second floor was an asset in this situation. Watching without being seen became easy; Matt stood gauging everything, three groups. His old friends, the people who knew him the best including his girlfriend, the police the one’s who wanted to put him away for the rest of his life, he smiled he had figured out a long time ago, a long life was something he wasn’t destined to have and through no fault of her own neither would CJ. He shivered at the thought as he watched her move on to the dance floor with the other girls leaving Jay to do his job. Then there was the final group the ones he really had to worry about; the one’s who held his life in the palm of their hands. He could see two of them already, standing watching everything they didn’t know he was there yet but they were expecting him. Expecting him to do what their boss demanded if he ever wanted a life back. Matt gripped the rail this was the single most important decision of his life. Did he want to go back?

CJ checked over her shoulder Jay was doing his job, Glen looked visible rocked. He had gone quite pale, and Jay looked like a dog with a bone like he had something to get at and he wasn’t letting go. He knew what Glen was and he was hacked off about it, after all Matt was his brother and Jay knew Glen was there to kill him. Jay smiled as Glen stood and moved on him, Jay responded standing his ground knowing the nerve was hit and Glen was enraged. He loved it when people were so predictable. "What did you say!" Glen hissed as Mark walked through the crowds towards them. Matt moved slowly down the steps watching as Glen pushed Jay back. "You heard me! I said you sister was a slut!" Jay spat Glen dived forward his fist flying only to smack into the palm of Mark’s hand.

The police watched as Mark and Glen stood toe to toe glaring at each other "Go" CJ said quickly pushing Lacy and Jayden towards their boyfriends. CJ watched as Carol left her reluctantly, CJ smiled and nodded. Matt moved across the floor while CJ watched her friends try to calm the situation between Mark and Glen who were now trading insults and preparing to deck each other. The police were trading glances wondering if they needed to intervene. Harper watched intently his eyes focused on the three men as they argued and a punch flew. The girls were there trying to pull them apart but there was no hope the men were incensed. Glen struck Mark on the jaw making him stager slightly, Jay jumped in pushing Glen back throwing a punch himself despite the shouts coming from Carol, Jayden and Lacy. Mark turned lunging at Glen.

The warmth of his fingers was comforting as CJ turned, his brown eyes were sad as he looked down at her. "I’m sorry," he whispered pulling her hard against his body, CJ looked up at him not breaking the gaze. Matt gripped her hard as she felt the edge of the barrel press against her clothing. CJ swallowed as the shot rang out. Everyone in the room turned dancers backed away from the couple Matt watched as her eyes flickered her mouth opened slightly, her hands unable to grip him. He ran a hand through her hair pulling her head against his chest before lowering her gently to the floor. "He killed her!"

"CJ!" Jay screamed vaulting over the table Mark and Glen turned both freezing as they saw her lying on the floor as others moved away while Jay struggled to get to her. Matt locked eyes with Jay seeing the fear before he turned running into the crowd inciting them to scream and flee from the gun in his hand.

"Go! Go! Go!" Harper screamed his men moving out trying to scramble into the crowd to find him but he was gone into the night. Harper moved to the floor staring at the girl, she lay motionless her eyes closed her chest frozen while Jay pressed his hand to her chest red thick blood welling over his hand. Lacy pushed past him, crouching at CJ’s head cradling it slightly pushing her hair from her face and whispering to her "Hold on CJ, just hold on" Glen staggered slightly staring at the scene, he couldn’t believe he had been so wrong. Jayden and Carol hung back watching the scene in shock as the paramedic rushed in. His partner hung back clearing space, "I’ll take care of her now" the paramedic’s voice rumbled. Jay nodded looking into the man’s dark eyes as he moved his hands slowly. Harper watched as the two men worked packing her chest, injecting her skin, shaking their heads as they babbled to each other. Finally they rested back on their heels, while the first paramedic placed her hands across her chest the second moved to Harper and broke the news.

"No!" Jayden screamed almost doubling up as the sobs wracked her body, Mark moved to her grabbing her and pulling her against him, watching in complete shock as CJ’s body was removed. Carol was shaking her head, she moved to the stretcher "Please she can’t be!" she pleaded with the paramedics but they shook their heads. Lacy sat on the floor rocking slightly resting her head on her knees. Jay looked at the blood on his hands before turning and kicking out at the post behind him. He slipped down the cold wood and cried.

18

"Well, well" he said before a coughing fit took him. His body was wracked with pain as the pneumonia took a hold of his system. His men watched him; wincing, as they knew his time was drawing close. They smiled as his cough turned into a chuckle as he rewound the video. "She didn’t suspect a thing!" He mocked pressing play and watching the audio caught the pop and then he watched as her body crumpled, he had watched this tape so many times he could see the quiver of her body on impact. He smiled his revenge was complete. "Sir?" the man by the door said, he nodded "Arrange the meeting."

The rain was falling in steady sheets as Mark stood resting against the wall of the garage looking out at the dark sand of the track. He sighed sipping his coffee slowly. Closing his eyes he rubbed them slowly, they were stinging from lack of sleep and an overdose of caffeine. He rolled his body off the white wood and walked into the offices. Jayden was standing her fingers touching the shiny wood of CJ’s desk; Mark knew she was still crying. "Jayden" he said softly, she moved turning slightly to face him. "It’s strange you know she should be here." Mark let his head hang "I know." He walked to the desk and sat on the edge, "She didn’t deserve this." Jayden nodded wiping her eyes.

Harper sank in to his chair rubbing his face, he looked at the photo of CJ on his desk and fingered it slightly "Hey" Mackey said cheerfully as he walked into the office. "Wow you forget to sleep?" he studied his boss’s dark rimmed eyes his sallow skin and ragged growth. "She was just a kid."

"She was old enough to know better!" Mackey said coldly, handing over the morning’s mail. "What you got against her?" Mackey shrugged as he walked to the coffee pot and poured himself a mug "She lied to us. As far as I’m concerned she got what she deserved." Harper shook his head as he fingered one of the envelopes. Mackey adjusted his tie and walked to the door "And if you thought about it you’d agree." He closed the door as he walked out leaving Harper alone contemplating his words as he pried open the envelope.

The office was cold as Jayden sat looking at the envelope waiting for Mark to come in. He opened the door it creaked slightly making Jayden look up with red-rimmed eyes. She sighed as he approached the desk his eyes searching her as she pushed the envelope across the soft wood to him. "You have to see this." Mark scowled and picked up the envelope pulling out the tape, "What is it?" Jayden shrugged "I don’t know, CJ left it for you." Mark nodded slowly not fully considering the gift. "I think you should go watch it." Jayden said her voice definite. Mark’s eyes clouded over as he nodded and retreated out of the room. Jayden swallowed slowly she still felt sick.

The stone was a constant reminder to Glen, a reminder that he had failed. He sighed and turned stopping dead in his tracks, he froze, his body seizing up every muscle tense and screaming for release. Lacy stood before him dressed head to toe in black, her hair scraped back off her face as she studied him. "You could have told me who you were." Glen hung his head "I could have told you it wasn’t me." Glen shivered "I was so sure" he murmured Lacy sighed looking at the name on the stone, "She was your sister?" Glen nodded slowly "She was nineteen." He walked away from the stone; Lacy accompanied him treading softly on the damp grass. "She was a race fanatic, she hung around the track in our home town. At eighteen she got a crush on this racer."

"Matt" Lacy added Glen nodded "She was obsessed, she came here dyed her hair changed her image she became one of those girls that hang off the racers moving from guy to guy." Glen shook his head "I tried to talk some sense in to her, get her to grow up. To see they were all just using her but she thought she was in love, she thought he was the one." Lacy hung her head she knew some of the girls that came to the track they all had a delusion that they would be the girlfriend of or the wife of one of the racers. But that soon changed after they became jaded with the racers and the lifestyle. "And then she got what she wanted, she called me said everything was gonna be okay her dreams were coming true. That this guy this racer was amazing everything she ever wanted. She told me he was leaving the track to be with her." Glen chuckled derisively "Two days later they found her in a hotel room. She died alone." Lacy put a hand on Glen’s arm "I have someone you should talk to."

The bar was shut down, Harper stood staring at the floor, the shape of her body marked on the floor. He sighed looking up at Mackey who still had a sly smile on his face. "Why don’t you go interview her friends?" Mackey nodded rubbing his clean-shaven chin, "Damn shame," he said as he turned his back he couldn’t hide the glee in his voice. Harper crouched looking at the markings, he sighed deeply, "You wanted to see me," he said straightening up." He turned to stare at Matt as he stood dressed completely in black his face blank as he waited for Harper to move.

Jay and Carol stood coldly staring at the two men as they walked into the chapel. "I can’t believe this!" Jay spat, "She wouldn’t have wanted this." Carol rubbed his shoulder watching as the men returned with the pallbearers carrying a solid mahogany coffin. "She hated you!" Jay spat as the men watched the coffin loaded into the car. Jay shook off Carol’s arm and headed to the limo he looked at the blacked out windows "She despised you Logan!" The window opened slowly, Logan looked at Jay and smiled slyly. Jay moved his hand balling his fist knowing exactly where to hit, his fist impacted with the glass as it rolled up, shattering it. A small commotion drew attention away from the coffin as he was pushed away from the car in to Carol.

‘Dear Mark,

Mark slipped the tape into the machine and pressed play holding the letter in his hand as the image shook on the screen and then Evan’s office cleared before him, Evan was sitting at his desk. Mark studied him he was in his late fifties, his dark hair had given way to flecks of grey, his skin was deeply tanned reminiscent of his years of travel. Mark smiled, he remembered Evan fondly he had been a good man and a good friend. Mark wondered if he believed in God and heaven would Evan be happy to have CJ with him now? Mark’s smile faded as his mind turned to thoughts of the man that killed them both.

"Mark" Evans voice sounded strange, Mark remembered it being deeper, he shook his head it had been a while since he heard it he new he was probably remembering everything about him with a tint. Mark rested forward holding on to the remote watching the screen. Evan looked at the camera, "I know I should have told you this a long time ago, I can only hope you can forgive me for all the wrongs I’ve done and there have been many. There are four people in my life I have treated badly and I regret the decisions I made concerning them. As far as CJ is concerned I acted to late to make things right with her mom. With her I have tried to be the best father I could when I got her back she was still young enough and vulnerable enough to need me."

Mark was completely confused; he knew there was a conflict with Evan and CJ some history that he hadn’t always been there for her. But the details were always personal even though he felt Jayden knew what had happened. But for the life of him he couldn’t imagine why Evan would explain all this to him in a video. He shook his head refocusing his eyes on the screen.

"I guess I owe you one of those long winded explanations I’m not too good at so I guess I’ve left this tape in the right hands. If anyone can explain me to you it will be CJ. I trust her with my life and with this message." Evan stopped and swallowed hard Mark had never seen him look so apprehensive. He waited patiently as Evan seemed to fight with himself to find the words he needed. "A long time ago I made probably the biggest mistake of my life. I was in love but I was young and I was selfish and I treated her badly. She left me, I cant blame her and I know she did the right thing, I was jerk and she deserved so much better than me and I’m glad to say she found him. I have a lot of respect for him cos he did something I wasn’t ready to do. He raised my child, my son."

Carol moved through the room quietly she opened the closet doors and felt the tears in her eyes as she took the clothes from the hangers. She packed the clothes up neatly in the suitcase that lay open on the bed. She paused to wipe her eyes as she worked diligently not stopping too long to think about what she was doing. Jay stopped in the doorway "Hey" he said softly she stopped looking up "Figured if I didn’t do it no one would." Jay nodded slowly, he moved into the room over to the dresser, he opened the top draw and pulled the black bound book out. "Not this though" Carol nodded as Jay walked out of the room with the book clasped firmly in his hand. Carol returned to her task of packing up her friend’s belongings.

Sitting on the porch swing Jay held on to the book tightly against his chest. He felt cold as the wind whipped past him, his heartbeat slowly he watched as the car pulled up on the drive. He watched as Lacy led Glen up the steps, "Hi" Lacy said studying Jay he nodded in acknowledgement. Glen watched as Jeff lowered the book and looked at him "Guess you got questions." Glen nodded slowly "Shoot" Jay said staring at Glen with cold green eyes. "Your brother killed my sister." Glen said flatly, Jay studied him "If you say so." Glen glared "She told me he was going away with her." Jay shook his head "Let me guess your sister she hung around the track had a crush on him." Glen nodded Jay stood slowly "Your sister lied to you." Glen grabbed him by the lapels of his shirt, Jay didn’t know his sister and here he was protecting a guy that shot his own girlfriend in cold blood. "Back off!" Jay growled slamming his hands into Glen’s chest. "I don’t care what your sister told you, I know my brother I know he had a reputation but he never courted it and it was never true."

Mark was pacing staring at the frozen image on the screen, his head was reeling it couldn’t be true. He sat down and hesitated for a moment before playing the tape once more. "Your probably hating me right now, calling me a liar, thinking of ways to believe this is all bull but I’m telling you what I know and I know Mark you’re my son." Mark slammed the remote on to the table he sat staring at the screen as Evan continued. "I’m sorry it has come to this that you have to hear this when I’m gone but I need you to know I wanted to tell you since the day I met you I wanted to tell you the truth. So there it is you’re my son and you have a sister." Mark rubbed his face however hard he tried or wanted to turn off the VCR he couldn’t, he wanted to hear the rest. "Bit of a bomb shell I know but I might as well explain the rest while I’m on a role."

Harper sat opposite Matt watching his face wondering if this was it, was he actually face to face with the cold hard killer he’d been chasing. "You want to arrest me" Matt said flatly, he placed his hands on the table offering his wrists to Harper "Do it" Harper watched him intently "She wasn’t afraid of you last night. Even when" he watched as Matt flinched "You pumped a bullet into her Matt stood pushing away from the table he stood staring at the floor. "I figured I’d lose her a long time ago. But she stood by me, everyone blamed me but she wouldn’t do it she wouldn’t walk away from me." Harper watched him as he turned and looked at him "You got the letter from her right." Harper nodded "You know what everyone thought."

"The accident," Matt nodded slowly "You looked into it." Harper nodded he had checked the file after receiving the package from CJ. "Was strange, we knew it was a weird day I had gut feeling something was gonna go off." Harper watched as Matt reclined in the chair "You know who Evan was?" Harper shook his head "The paper trail on the guy gave me nothing" Matt smiled "He was good at hiding his tracks. Lets just say he had a chequered history one you could definitely write a book about." Harper nodded sitting forward listening intently his attention was definitely captured. Even if Matt was psychotic was he mentally unstable enough to sit here spinning a story knowing he could be arrested at any moment?

The tension hung thickly as Glen and Jeff glared at each other. Lacy had just about had enough of the ridiculous macho standoff. "Look, you want answers, Jay you have answers, you need me to tell you how this works guys?" Jay looked at Lacy and sighed. Glen slowly pulled the tattered photo from his pocket "You remember her?" he asked handing the photo to Jay. Jay looked at it for a moment and nodded "She used the name Lucky." Glen nodded slowly Jay handed back the picture. "She had a thing for Matt, yeah but he never did anything about it. She hung around the track would chat to him, he talked to her was polite nothing more. There were a few girls back then would come to the track watch their favourites try to pick them up after you know. Matt had a reputation because most girls wanted him. Thing was none of them could have him that’s why so many chased him." Jay sighed sitting back in the chair he looked at a picture behind Glen, "We were inseparable," Glen turned and looked at the picture of Jay, Matt and CJ. "If he was with CJ then why would my sister tell me he was leaving with her?" Jay shrugged "All I know is one day she was at the track, she had this little ritual with Matt she would give him a daisy after every race and ask him to give her it back on their first date. He always smiled and told her no. I have no idea where she got the idea he was meeting her from." Glen nodded slowly "Then why the hell did your brother run?"

19

Jayden was waiting patiently outside Mark’s flat, she knew what was on the tape, she had become accustomed to keeping secrets. She sighed as she knocked once and then let herself in Mark was sitting on the couch staring at the grainy jumping picture. "Mark" she said softly sitting down beside him as he stared stunned "I had a sister" Jayden looked at the ground "All this time I had a sister, I saw her everyday and I didn’t know it."

"Mark" Jayden said softly, he shook his head "She knew and she never said a word." He stood and began pacing "I didn’t even get the chance to know her." Patsy sighed as she watched him "That bastard is gonna pay for this." Jayden stood up slowly "Mark, that’s what she wanted. You gotta finish watching the tape." Mark stared at her "What do you know?"

"I know there’s something on that tape CJ wanted you to see. She needs you to understand." Mark studied Jayden cautiously before pressing play on the tape again.

The image jumped before it cleared in to a video camera taping. Mark recognised the track, and the two cars waiting on the road. He studied the date stamp and sucked in a breath he watched eyes wide as Evan and Matt strolled into the picture. They were arguing, their voices were muffled, but soon the sound cleared Mark realised someone had been working with the tape. Evan stopped at the door and glared at Matt "I told you damn it! Stay away from her! It’s bad news for both of you!"

"And I told you I’ll take what comes!"

"You’re a fool! You’re a damn fool!" Mark couldn’t hear the next piece as something covered the microphone but he recognised what was happening. Evan lunged at Matt driving him backwards against the bonnet of one of the racecars. "You stupid little shit!" Evan spat, bracing Matt across the breastbone. "You go near her again and I’ll kill you!"

"Then you better do it now!" Matt spat back "The only way you see her is when I’m dead!"

"Then hurry up and die!" Mark shivered at the words; his blood was boiling as he watched Matt push Evan off. Mark could see two other figures moving into the frame. He recognised himself and Jeff as they pulled the men apart. Mark remembered what happened next, Evan pushed Matt and Matt yelled at him, then it happened "Get in the car! Lets’ see if you can back it up!" Mark watched as Evan shrugged him off and moved to one car, Matt moved to the other.

Glen was watching the same tape, Jeff stood his back to the screen as Glen studied the scene intently, two cars zooming round the track. Matt’s car had the lead, Evan was on his tail bumping up against him. Matt twisted and turned making the car rise up the slight incline, Evan followed suit. Rising and falling the two cars kept bumper to bumper for the second circuit. Jayden turned her back on the screen as Mark watched intently, he was sure he didn’t need to see an action replay he had seen the real thing. The camera shifted as Mark saw Jayden Carol and CJ arriving. Mark shivered as he watched CJ standing watching, he had never really realised how scared she looked, he had been too preoccupied with watching the cars, Matt was moving down the incline while Evan staid high. Matt’s car wavered, Mark caught it, he hadn’t that day, he watched as Evan pulled ahead slightly and then it happened.

Matt’s car rose slowly up the incline and Evan seemed to come down to meet him, the two front bumpers locked and the cars began to squeal as they tried to pull apart. Glen watched as the cars turned into a spin Matt’s car broke free and then Mark saw it, he saw Matt spin the car again and plough straight into the back of Evan’s car. Mark watched a lump in his throat as Evan’s car careered off the wall and rolled down the bank landing on the roof. Matt’s car stopped. Mark watched as himself and Jeff ran on to the track, Mark racked his brains remembering how he skidded stopping by the window yelling into Evan needing to get him out he could smell the petrol, he could smell the diesel. Mark frowned, Evan had reached out but as Mark watched himself reaching into the car while Jay tried the other side it was more like Evan was pushing him out of the way.

Glen watched as Matt fell out of his own car pushing off his helmet, he watched as Matt watched and then ran at the car reaching Jay and pulling him back just as Con ran up and pulled Mark out of the car. The flames were almost unseen on the undercarriage of the car, suddenly there was a pop and the car went up. Mark watched the scene he hadn’t seen that day. He watched as Matt staggered back, checking on Jay exchanging words glancing over at the rail before he took off. Mark watched as the screams and yells went up. Glen shook his head "What is this supposed to tell me?" Jeff looked at Lacy, "You wanted to know why Matt took off there’s your reason, check the date there." Glen looked at the dull white letters on the screen it was the day his sister called him, to tell him she was leaving with the man of her dreams. Glen scowled "Your proving my point here kid."

Harper rocked back on his chair and whistled, "That’s one hell of a story you got there boy." Matt nodded slowly watching as Harper stood and looked at floor "What do you need me for?" Matt sighed, as he looked at Harper "I need your help."

"What do I get out of it?" Matt reached in his pocket and pulled out the small Dictaphone tape, "Your evidence" Harper nodded this was the reason he had agreed to meet the killer. His evidence. He took the tape and nodded slowly "I’ll do what I can."

Rain fell in thick heavy sheets as Jay raced the car around the sodden track. Mark stood in the garage way watching him watching as the car took the twists and turns in it’s stride, ploughing up the water behind it. "Hey man" Con said strolling out of the offices, Mark barely nodded "You be okay to lock up?" Mark nodded again as Con headed to the back of the garage pulling the collar of his jacket around his neck. He jogged to his car and climbed in, Jay pulled up the car and climbed out He strode inside and pulled off his helmet watching as Mark was the car pulling out of the car park. Jay looked at Mark and they exchanged an unsaid comment moving in unison to the front of the garage.

Logan Hass was frail and white as he sat in the wheelchair his body’s failure had reduced him too. The only part of him that was not decaying was his brain his eyes showed the bright light that still shone with in him. He was waiting now, his anticipation almost unbearable, he had read the papers, he had seen the pictures she was dead and he was happy. He sat in the cold darkness of the large oak tree watching as children played nearby jumping in and out of the rain dappled puddles while caring parents chastised them. The squelching of the wet leaves alerted him and he raised his head slowly, swallowing the cough in his throat. "You’ve seen the papers." Matt said flatly, he could tell Logan was smiling; he didn’t have to look at his evil embittered face to know it. "I’ve seen them. I’m surprised."

"Why?" Matt replied standing stock still his feet sinking into the mud of the bank. "I had an inclining you wouldn’t do it. I mean you did love her." Matt bit his tongue hard "But then again I guess you love yourself more." Matt swallowed hard "I kept up my end of the deal" Logan nodded slowly while coughing "That you did. Self preservation wins again."

"And now it’s time for you to keep yours." Logan again nodded a sick smile spreading across his chalk features "Ah yes, my end of the deal." He almost chocked on his words as he uttered them. "I am a man of my word. Consider it done." Matt took a long steady breath he turned slowly. "Oh and Matt" Matt stopped turning his heart tightening, "See you in hell." Logan began laughing to himself as Matt stormed away.

Sitting with his feet on the desk Mackey was tucking into his Chinese lunch when Harper walked in he looked at Mackey who smiled back. "Where the hell have you been?" Harper shrugged dropping a tape machine on to the desk; Mackey studied it, "What’s that?" Harper sat down and stared at the younger man "Something you want to tell me?" Mackey shook his head studying his boss as he leaned forward entwining him fingers. "We did everything we could right? I mean there was no way we could’ve known CJ was his target. There is no way we sent that girl to her death and stood by to watch her execution."

"What are you talking about? You know there was nothing we could’ve done. If she’d have told us when she had the chance she might have saved herself." Harper nodded standing "Just checking." He strode out of the room leaving Mackey with his cooling noodles and a loss of appetite. Mackey sat forward and picked up the tape machine he sighed with relief when he found it empty.

Lacy was cold as she sat in the car with Glen, he was staring intently at the door of the motel. "How do they know he’ll be here?"

"They just know." Lacy replied she hadn’t been surprised when Glen agreed to ‘help’ so to speak after all he wanted what all of them wanted. Lacy knew one day she would have to repay the benefactor that had helped her without condition and today the call had come. She stood watching as Jay spoke quietly on the phone, he had then asked her to call Jayden and everything since then was a blur. Lacy knew Jayden was waiting just like she was Lacy shivered as the black sports car pulled up. Slowly the young girl slipped out of the passenger door, Lacy watched as Glen tensed up, the thought of what was about to happen was preying on his mind. Lacy placed her warm hand over his she could feel how tense he was. "Just wait," she whispered watching intently as the driver’s door opened. She knew what to expect but seeing it was so different. He straightened up and turned his head slightly "So that’s him." Glen spat looking at the man as he walked the girl to the hotel room door. "You ready?" Glen nodded climbing out of the car and walking slowly to the door.

"I can’t believe it Matt Moore!" the girl was giggling as she turned and smiled at Matt. "Why don’t you make yourself comfortable." She nodded and slowly slipped her jacket from her arms. Jayden rested against the cool white tiles of the bathroom, she breathed slowly and silently, she glanced at Carol who seemed to be following her lead, both were praying. "Tell you what" her voice was soft "Why don’t I start the tub and you can join me?" she moved to the bathroom door, "Hey" Jayden froze they waited for what seemed like an age. "Don’t make it too hot."

"Why you gonna help me heat it up?" she purred as she twisted the handle. The door opened slowly and she slipped inside. She looked at Jayden and smiled "Told you, like a moth to a flame." She whispered as she followed Carol to the window outside Jay was waiting, helping them to slip silently down the wall. Jayden slipped a wad of money into the girl’s hand and she slipped away into the darkness.

Thump, thump, thump the sound of feet padding across the floor made Glen’s hair stand on end on the back of his neck. His sweat was cold on his skin. The handle turned and Glen moved. His hand snapped grabbing the flesh of the throat he moved into the room, his hand tightening with every second he had this low life in his grasp. The gurgling and grasping scratching at his hands coming from his captive had no effect as Glen slammed him up against the wall and held him firmly there. The door still open was now filled as Mark and Jay stood side-by-side glaring. "Lacy leave" Jay said his voice sterner than Lacy remembered it ever to have been. She moved from her spot by the door, she knew what was coming; she had another role to play. She slipped between the two angry men and met up with Carol and Jayden by the car. "They got him" she said watching her friends faces, they nodded "She’s gone" Lacy nodded. Carol reached into the car and pulled out the mobile phone waiting there. "Time for him to pay the piper."

"Wait" Jayden said quickly "Give them a few" Carol sighed and nodded. She hated to admit it but this was what was needed, they couldn’t be sure this plan could work, at least this way they got a measure of justice. The benefactor had told them they would have no problem that the evidence would be waiting when they had finished with him. But how could they know that was how it would work out, how could they be sure that information would be waiting?

"Boss!" the heavy set man yelled as he ran into the office, Logan lay on the floor wheezing, his body wracked with pain. "Get and ambulance!" the man yelled to another who was entering the room. "Hold on boss" he said comfortingly, as he lifted his crumbling body on to the couch. "Just hold on!"

20

The hospital was white, the lights were bright and hurt his eyes as he opened his languid lashes and focused in on the dark figure standing before him. "Nurse" he croaked his throat dry and rasping. "Nurse" he repeated when the figure didn’t move. He closed his eyes his dream annoying him, his eyes hurting looking into the room of light. He could feel the needle in his arm the steady drip seeping into his veins. "Nurse, I need water" his voice grew irritated. The light returned as he opened his eyes again. His throat closed swallowing the scream his head was yelling. His jaw locked as he stared "I’ve come to send you on your way." Her voice was soft, her skin light and her eyes piercing. She was completely dark apart from the brightness in her eyes. He could swear there was a halo around her, a glow. "You came for me" he whispered his voice not quite believing she was there. "Who did you expect" she replied her head cocked to one side. "You did this to me" she grabbed his hand and pressed it to her stomach. He felt the coldness the red staining his hand, he pulled his hand away "You deserved it!" he spat she smiled "Why?" she asked softly he felt his lip shake. "You betrayed me! You left me!"

"You gave me no choice. You were killing me long before this." He studied her and glared "You were mine you belonged to me! No one leaves me!"

"And Matt? You killed me but you condemned him to be like you!" The sick smile returned to his features "You expected me to let you be happy? You the leech in my life! The drain on my resources! You sucked life from me and I wanted to cut you off! But no! He wanted you! He took you he stopped you crawling back! You should have been on your knees!"

"But he gave me strength" He sniggered "You drained him too! He broke so easily; he was the egg in my hand I crushed. You chose wrongly! You chose him and he chose himself." He chuckled "He killed you for me! I broke him just like the whore that bore you!"

His heart pounded the blood rushing through his system, he was on a roll, his energy was higher than it had been for months, he felt he could climb Everest and run down the other side without breaking a sweat. He knew he was dreaming this was too surreal his body felt light and flexible. He smiled "She was so easy to manipulate but him he was stronger. He was harder to break, he knew! He knew you were his! He gloated, he connived, you were his and he killed me! Evan did this to me!"

"So you killed him first."

"Cars were his weakness not you! You think he loved you, cared about you! Ha! He loved his machines! It was the easiest thing in the world to make a machine turn on him. When I saw that car go up I laughed! As he burned I toasted his journey to hell!" He watched her face as she listened to his words his voice carried loud and proud across the room. He laughed, "You thought you were loved and they left you! He left you for his machines! And the other one killed you to save himself. Wasn’t enough you had to stand by him! You had to love him! You wouldn’t break damn you! You got your obstinate streak from me! From Me! You couldn’t condemn him and break him could you! No you had to believe him! You let all those girls die because you loved him! But you see he didn’t love you enough!"

"You had them murdered to break me?"

"You think I would waste all that energy on you! Ha! He annoyed me the slimly little runt was in my way! You would have been dealt with a long time ago! I wouldn’t have wasted my last years on you! All those girls and you couldn’t doubt him! Do you know how much it cost me to have them disposed of! How much time I wasted on following him on having the witnesses know what to say! On the bribes I had to deal with!"

Her head moved slightly "And then you went to him! Damn you! You could have turned him in! You could have ended it there but no! You hid him you lied for him!" He began to laugh again; his eyes were watering with the intense feeling of triumph he held inside. "He thinks he’s free now! He thinks it’s over. He killed you to get his life! Dumb shit didn’t think he’d get life!" He closed his eyes to blink away the tears and that was when he saw it the slight smile on the apparitions face. "He killed you for nothing! He killed you and killed himself!" She nodded slowly "You win" she said softly, he smiled knowing he had he had finished the game, everyone who betrayed him he had dealt with. "Or maybe you lose" she said as she moved away. A cold feeling rushed through him "I win! I can’t lose!" he yelled, as she seemed to fade in front of him "I always win!"

The figure stopped her head lifting slightly, "You bitch I won your dead!" the figure turned he froze his heart almost stopped, the intense feeling of joy faded as he focused in on the image of his wife she smiled at him and then laughed "You think you won." She said softly as she moved to the door, his head span as she stopped and smiled back, her voice distorted "Enjoy the after life." The laugh rang in his ears; it was so evil it made him want to rip his ears off so he couldn’t hear it anymore. "Nurse! Nurse! Nurse!"

The walls of the motel rattled as his body impacted against the cold wood. "You bastard!" Mark hissed moving forward and dragging him to his feet. "You son of a bitch!" Mark held him by the throat as he glared into his eyes. "Why!" he yelled, "Why the hell did you do!" Mark didn’t think his anger could grow any more but when he started laughing Mark felt a new surge of energy. Mark heaved the body across the room slamming him into another wall and sending him slumping and crashing through an easy chair. Glen moved across the room grabbing him and seating him in the broken chair. "Tell me what you did!" Glen hissed "Tell me now before I rip it off!" The man smiled laughing, "Go to hell!" he whispered leaning forward. Jay had had enough he grabbed him by the collar and dragged him from the chair into the bathroom. Jay heaved the body into the bathtub and turned on the shower, Mark watched from the doorway as the dye rushed from his hair, he spluttered trying not to swallow the black trails as the rushed down his face. Mark felt sick to his stomach, as Jay moved predatorily forward grabbing the throat forcing the head back and roughly jerking the contact lenses from his eyes. His cries of protest were swallowed as Jay squeezed on his windpipe. Jay glared at him "Get up! Get up!" Jay yelled his voice filled with hate.

Lacy and Jayden were becoming nervous, they watched the room intently, their bodies jerking with every impact sound the reverberated out into the darkness. Carol checked her watch. "Look you have to make sure they have their answers. I can’t wait much longer." Jayden nodded and moved towards the building she sighed afraid of what she might walk in on. Jayden walked up behind her. "Come on they wont have done that much damage." She smiled making Lacy chuckle nervously. The door was still rattling in it’s frame, as they stopped, Lacy hesitated before she opened the door and slipped inside. "Glen!" she shouted as Glen pulled back his fist and launched another attack on the man lying barley conscious on the floor. "Get out!" he hissed even more angry as the man began to chuckle. He picked him up from the floor and threw him into the bed "No" Lacy said softly but definitively. Her eyes flicked and focused on the man as he laughed to himself slumped on the floor. He lifted his wet face "Boo!" he said still cackling.

Jayden glared at Con as he continued to laugh, his face streaked with the black dye that made his hair shine like Matt’s his eye lids red from the way Jay had yanked out the shaded contacts that gave his brown eyes the chocolate colour of Matt’s. He was dressed the way Matt used to when he hung around the track and his hair was untied so it fell down his back straightened with the weight of the water where it had been curly. "You bastard" Jayden hissed making him smile Con looked impressed "Finally shook you didn’t I!" his shoulders shook as he laughed to himself enjoying the joke. "How could you?" Lacy muttered stunned at the likeness his diligent studying of Matt had created. "You know what" he said crouching up Glen watched him his body tense recognising the offensive stance. "I liked it!" Con spat at her he moved to pounce but Glen got between them Mark moved in grabbing Con’s arm’s and pulling them to the ripping point of the shoulder behind his back. "Get them out Jay!" he yelled. Jay moved gathering both girls within his arms and ushering them to the door. Glen punched hard into his stomach feeling the ribs break beneath his tightly gripped fingers. Con chuckled "She begged me you know!" he laughed in sighting the next well aimed punch, "She wanted me!" he laughed watching as Glen’s eye’s clouded and he began punching out without control.

"Well?" Carol asked cradling the phone next to her chest. Jayden nodded "Call them." Carol clicked on the phone and punched in the number she waited checking the door of the hotel before she pressed send and waited for the dispatcher to pick up her call. "Emergency," she said "Room 5 Eve Lodge Motel." She hung up the phone and looked at her friends. "Get them and get them out," Carol instructed. Jay moved back to the room, he paused in the doorway "Your sister was gagging for it. She wanted him so bad until I showed her what a real man was. She was good too! Dumb but good." Glen landed one more punch clean to the jaw knocking Con out of Mark’s grasp. "You got what you need?" Mark asked Glen shook his head crouching down bringing Con’s face close to his own "Tell me why!" he hissed Con smiled "Because she wanted to tell and I couldn’t have that now could I!"

The rain was falling heavily as Harper walked out of the hospital his smiled was in complete contrast to the weather as he strolled to his car laughing and ignoring the rain as it dappled his coat. He stopped smiling as he looked through the car window and saw Mackey watching him. He sighed as he climbed in. "What was that about?" Harper shook his head and opened his mouth to speak as the sound formed in his throat the radio crackled "Emergency call Eve Lodge Motel." Harper stared at the radio "Go" he said Mackey frowned "What?"

"You heard me go!" Mackey didn’t argue as he floored the car and pulled out into the sodden streets.

Glen stormed out of hotel and threw back his head allowing the water to stain his face and hide his tears. "Glen" Lacy said quietly he looked at her "Carol is waiting in the car, she’ll take you to the hotel or the airport." Glen winced as she bit back the tears. "You should go." He nodded slowly "Lacy I,"

"Don’t okay. Not now, you got too much to figure out on your own. You go you have my number when you figure out what’s in your head." He nodded slowly and wiped the water from his face "And what’s in your heart."

Mark glared at Con as he rolled on the floor bleeding heavily from the mouth clutching his broken and shattered ribs. "Tell me one thing" Mark said kneeling down placing his knee on Con’s shoulder and grasping Con’s wrist in his hand. "Why?" Con looked at Mark and smirked "It should have been me" Mark frowned as Con coughed up more blood "The racer, the hero, the big guy should have been me and it would have been but for you and Matt and Evan, you all just got in the way." Mark shook his head "Not good enough" he twisted Con’s arm hearing the pop the tear lost in the scream Con let out. "Mark" Jay hissed from the door, "Mark" Mark stood slowly and cast one last glance at Con as he lay laughing to himself on the floor. "It should have been me!" he yelled after Mark as he closed the door. Mark followed Jay down the steps to the waiting car, Mark climbed in and nodded Jayden floored the accelerator.

"What the hell is this?" Mackey pushed his hands through his hair as he stared at Con who was ranting and bleeding as the paramedics loaded him on to a stretcher. "Go with him" Harper said to two uniformed officers who followed Con stretcher to the ambulance. Harper sighed as he picked up the leather jacket and lifted the knife from the inner pocket he looked at Mackey who shook his head. "But Moore, it was Moore." Harper shook his head and headed to the door. Mackey followed rubbing his temples "Wow" he muttered "I asked you once" Harper said, "I’m asking again" Mackey studied him "I don’t understand?" Mackey said studying his boss. Harper sighed and walked to the car "You coming?" he asked over his shoulder Mackey nodded following him.

Walking into his officer Harper felt cold, he had done his damndest to secure himself the best possible reputation, the biggest arrest of his career and now he had to ground himself again. Mackey was smiling as he slumped in the chair. "Wow who would have thought it huh?" He smiled at his boss, Harper sighed watching this boy he had nurtured through his years in uniform to this he was to be his pride and joy someone to hand the flame on to. Harper reached in to his draw. "Yeah who would have thought."

"You don’t seem to happy?" Mackey commented locking his fingers behind his head as he reclined in the chair. Harper placed the tape machine on the desk and pressed play. Mackey watched confused and then he heard it.

"Changed my mind about what?"

"Ten grand" Mackey felt his breath come short, his neck was cold and wet. He watched, as Harper stood stock-still. He heard her laugh, "What do you think I am? The first national bank?"

"You have it" he said his voice deep and filled with conviction. "Oh really and what do I do have it stuffed in my mattress? You’ve checked my bank accounts by now you know what I have."

"I know who you are!"

"Why don’t you enlighten me then?" There was a muffled sound of movement Mackey had never considered she would be wired now it was all too obvious. "Logan Hass" the tape continued to roll "That mean something?" her voice sounded mocking to him now. "Who killed Evan Hass?"

"You tell me?"

"Matt Moore, you claimed you didn’t know him"

"You never asked if I knew him, he trained at the track of course I knew him." Harper still didn’t move Mackey was sitting forward he didn’t know what to do what to say, "You know he was dealing with Logan Hass" CJ chuckled "You really are out of your depth aren’t you. What is it you think you know? That Logan Hass is the brother of the guy who used to own the track and that is supposed to be damning to me?" Harper reached behind him and flicked off the tape. The room was silent for a long while "I had high hopes for you." Mackey swallowed hard "You don’t have to tell" he stuttered out Harper turned and glared at him "Don’t! You made your choice your job didn’t matter to you then so there is no way I’m gonna save your ass now." Mackey felt a lump in his throat "I’m sorry" Mackey whispered as Harper stormed out of the office and two other officers moved in.

21

The racers moved in and out of the building wandering past the car and it’s occupant as he sat staring at the windows. Glen sighed as he climbed out of the car he wandered into the garage and looked around some girls were standing on the track watching as two bikes played catch up on the circuit. Glen shook his head and stepped up into the office. He could see Lacy dealing with someone at the desk. Se was shoving her hair behind her ears as she instructed him and corrected his form. Glen waited patiently until he was done and he left the desk. "I’ll be right with you," she said without looking up. Glen waited until finally she lifted her head and her eyes locked with his. She looked stunned and then a smile tugged at her lips "Hi" she said softly making him smile slightly.

The shutters rattled as Mark pulled them down he sighed as he clicked in the lock. Mark turned and walked slowly up into the offices. He rested on the doorjamb and looked into the blackness of CJ’s empty office. "Hey" Jayden said rubbing his shoulders, "They’re waiting for us." Mark turned kissing her hand and nodding "Yeah" he replied pulling the door closed behind him. He followed her into her office where the rest of the group were waiting patiently. "You guys ready?" Andy asked, as he stood ready to press play on the tape. Mark took a seat and Jayden sat with him cradling his hand in hers. Lacy sat on the window ledge Glen standing beside her while Carol waited patiently for Andy to press play while Jay stood with his arms around her waist. The picture on the screen jumped.

The car skimmed across the road the radio pounding out the rock tunes that kept the driver awake. The night was cold as the moon hung high in the sky the roads were deserted as the car continued its journey alone and undisturbed. The image on the screen cleared, CJ was sitting on her desk. "Hi guys. Don’t all look so sad." Jay smiled slightly while Andrew chuckled to himself. "I guess since I’m sitting here and your sitting there I owe you all an explanation. Well I owe probably every single one of you a different explanation." CJ took a deep breath. "Ok" She began slowly "Where to start, I guess I start with the confessions."

"Jayden Lacy" both girls looked at each other then at the screen. "You guys will probably kill me but all those times you called Andy worse than rotten for keeping the big guys secret I was keeping a bigger secret. Andy was only ever following orders, my orders. It’s always been me." Lacy stared at the screen opened mouthed while Jayden nodded slowly. "When Andy told me about you Jayden I figured there was something I could do." Jayden looked at Andy he smiled slightly, she nodded "I guess you’ll forgive me now?" CJ smiled "Best defence I have is I wanted to help." Glen took Lacy’s hand in his she smiled at him softly. "Mark" CJ said quietly, she looked up and smiled "Gave you a bit of a shock didn’t I? I want you to know I’m really proud that you are my brother, I couldn’t have picked a better one." Jayden squeezed Mark’s hand. "There’s one thing I ask of you Mark, well I guess it’s something I have to give you. You see this place has never been out of the family so to speak. It’s yours, I owe you Jayden for helping me run this place even if you didn’t know it and I figure now you’ll help Mark do the same." Andy stepped forward handing Mark a large brown envelope. Mark nipped the bridge of his nose and shook his head.

Lacy wiped her eyes quickly while Jayden rested her head on Mark’s shoulder, Carol was hanging her head while Jay rested his against her. "Jay you take care of my girl there okay." Jay nodded to the screen and then wondered why he was agreeing with the TV screen. "CJ!" Jayden looked up recognising her own voice "Time to go!" Jayden froze recognising the night, recognising the time. "Oh no" Jayden sat up rigidly "No don’t go." CJ looked at the screen, "Okay time to go." She smiled at them all "See you all later." She slipped off the desk; Lacy and Carol were both looking at the screen dumbfounded. "Don’t go" Lacy muttered, "Don’t go."

The tape jumped and faded out. Lacy was shaking her head "We shouldn’t have left her." Carol looked up "We thought it was for the best. We didn’t know he was gonna" Carol stopped as everyone went silent the image jumped and then the camera focused. Mark sat forward and stared at the screen and watched as it cleared on the dance floor. "What is this?" he said looking at Andy "Just watch." Jayden watched herself as she looked at CJ and then walked away with Carol and Lacy. Everyone of them watched not blinking not moving scared of what was to come hoping it would change that they would not see, Matt crossed the dance floor. CJ turned and smiled at him Carol closed her eyes while everyone else watched intently. The car door slammed shut, the footsteps crunching the gravel and then the sand, the water was lapping the shore as the he kicked off his shoes and walked along the water line the white foam lapping over his feet.

The reflex movement of her body told them the bullet had embedded itself in her stomach. They watched as the commotion erupted and she was left lying in the middle of the floor, Matt had sulk back into the crowd swallowed up and gone from sight. Jay was kneeling cradling her head while his hand pressed to the blood as it pumped from her body. Andy moved through the room towards the door, no one noticed as all eyes fixed on the screen. The paramedics moved in a pushed the gathered crowd away. Andy smiled slightly as he walked out of the room. Lacy stared at the scene she watched as her friend’s body was lifted. Her eyes lit up. Outside Andy was opening the door to his car; he looked back when he heard the footsteps. "Thank you" Lacy said he smiled "No problem." Lacy nodded running up and hugging him tightly he let her go and smiled "I’ll see you around." She nodded before going back inside.

Lacy stood in the doorway and watched as Jayden stood looking at the screen rewinding the tape and replaying it over and over. Jay and Carol were staring at each other muttering while everyone else was silent. Jayden looked at Lacy and studied her face. Lacy nodded slowly and Jayden sighed pressing play and sitting back on her seat.

He stopped, the sand slipping between his toes his heart beating wildly in his chest.

Jayden paused the tape, "Just watch okay," she instructed everyone in the room was muttering wondering what was going on. Jayden pressed play. The image jumped and cleared. The paramedic was crouching over CJ lifting her body on to the stretcher.

He slowly lifted his head, his dark hair pulled back away from his face, his toned chest heaving with every breath he took his dark eyes fixed.

The paramedic looked at the officer holding his hand away from CJ. Mark dropped the glass he was holding his eyes wide as he stared at the face in front of him.

Matt didn’t move, he wasn’t sure he could he watched his face controlled while inside his mind was racing.

Harper stood by the stretcher he was staring at the paramedic and the paramedic was staring back. "Oh my" Jay breathed out as Carol choked on a laugh. Andy stood bold as brass telling Harper CJ was dead. Mark took a deep breath and closed his eyes he nodded slowly before pulling Jayden against him and kissing her forehead.

Matt watched as CJ walked towards him, a smile on her face, she stopped inches from him and looked up into his eyes. "Hi" she said softly Matt smiled and reached out pulling her into his arms lifting her off her feet, she giggled as he squeezed her breathing in the scent of her warm skin. He lowered her to the sand and brushed his lips softly against hers. She held him tightly as the water washed over their feet.