Author Note: This set after the Ring of Deceit, a conversation between Michael and Jackie.

Disclaimer: I own nothing, written for fun only.

Michael knocked on her door, not sure what he was going to say just that he wanted to check on her. He was glad to see her return to work and help finish the case, albeit the way the case ended was not what any of them had expected, Taggart included. She opened the door surprised to see him "Hi Michael". She opened the door wider allowing him to come in, he noticed that she was in a oversized cardigan and leggings, she had already settled in for the evening he surmised.

"I hope you don't mind the intrusion, I just wanted to see how you were? Taggart mentioned you had come home." Michael made his way through the hall as Jackie closed the door behind him. Thought you wouldn't mind a visitor?"

"yeah I'm ok, thanks for coming. Jean was really good to me to let me stay, but I didn't want to get too used to be being looked after!" she laughed. She had sensed that Jean liked having someone to look after at least for a couple of days. Jackie was just off the phone ordering her some flowers to thank her and Taggart for their kindness. She also sent some expensive red wine to Colin, to thank him, and to assure him that she would see him when she was feeling better. She hadn't expected Michael to show up at her door, but she was relieved to have some company at least for a while.

"you want a drink?" She smiled.

"yeah I would like that" he looked around the flat "no Colin tonight!" She looked embarrassed and he kicked himself for asking. He was grateful that Colin had protected her the way he had. He never cared much for Colin, his humour often annoyed him but perhaps she needed someone that could make her laugh. She had real fun side to her that he didn't get to see as often as when she first started, perhaps it was part of growing up but he often wondered if it was the job picking away at her, especially after a case like this.

"I think I need a bit of space from him at the moment!" she admitted. "I know I should be thanking him for saving my life, but its em all been bit … unnerving for me!" she blushed. He stepped forward to be next to her placing his hand to her arm. He had been unnerved by the Mechanic as well, listening to him talk about her the way he did, really got to him.

"that's understandable Jackie, I'm sure Colin gets that too!" he squeezed her arm. She nodded, putting that fake smile on her face that he knew all too well.

"right, coffee, hot chocolate or juice ?" She smiled heading for the kitchen.

"just some Juice thanks!" She disappeared into the kitchen to make a drink and he went into the living room. He noticed a letter on the coffee table he couldn't help himself but to take a sneak peak. When he realised it was a resignation letter he picked it up.

When she returned with his juice and a glass of wine for herself. She sighed knowing he was reading her letter to McVitie, she mentally kicked herself for forgetting to throw it out. "Are you leaving?" He asked dumbfounded.

"you know it's rude to read other peoples mail!" She teased. She was annoyed that he was snooping but she also knew that if the situation were reversed she would have peaked as well. She handed him his drink and sat down on the couch. "Michael, this case really shook me!" she admitted. He placed the drink down on the coffee table.

"but you shouldn't leave over it! and you were right about the mechanic all along, he was a pathetic wee man!" He protested.

"it's ok I have decided to stay, but I really close to leaving hence the letter, I was actually about to speak to McVitie when that private investigator showed up!" She leaned back on the couch. "I just… It's hard enough being a female in that office, Michael you saw what they guys are like on this case, and then to be targeted like that!, I guess I was embarrassed, not sure if that is the right word but.." She sighed unable to articulate how she felt about it. He sat down next to her on the couch.

"firstly I am glad you are staying, you really scared me there Jackie" not just by possibility of her leaving he thought to himself. She could have died and been another photograph on the incident board. He squeezed her hand "secondly those guys need someone like you showing them how it is done!" she smiled "Besides You know you can't leave me to deal with Taggart on my own! Right?" he smirked. She laughed squeezing his hand back.

"I would never do that to you! I'm afraid you are stuck with me!" she smiled.

"Good!" he smirked. He lifted his glass to hers "to being stuck together!"

She laughed shaking her head "cheers to that!"

"Right shall we have a takeaway?" he rubbed his hands together and settled in to the couch.

"you want the usual?" He nodded as she reached for the phone.