Since I refuse to acknowledge season 4 ever existed, I cannot write anything cannon and will try my hand with an AU instead. I wanted to see Anna as a real life "Anna Bates Investigates" character. I expect this to be long and have it all mapped out, but I write slower than I wish. There will be many DA Characters involved, but most prominent are Chelsie, Richard Carlisle, Anthony Strallan, Robert, Mary, Matthew, Gwen, O'Brien, Thomas, Molesley and Baxter. Not all the characters will follow their DA characteristics. Ex. – Richard has nothing to do with Mary. If I "cast" them, it is because they are similar in personality to the type of characters I was setting up. Others do follow story cannon… (Go Chelsie!) I am attempting drama with romance and some mysteries included. I am nervous about this and I hope to pull it off.

Thank you to Cherry88, my designated beta, for reading the story and making sure it sounds logical. Also, for her enthusiasm and pep talks when after season 4, I swore that I could never write Banna again. So much for that.

I don't own any of the Downton Abbey characters. They belong to Carnival and Julian Fellowes. If I did own them, I would definitely rewrite their brilliant actors some new plots so that they are actually in the show most of the time and not just as designated props.

"Vera, we don't love each other. Why are we still doing this? Why won't you agree to an amicable divorce? Our lives would be much easier if we did."

She looked at him with a cold, bitter gaze. "You know why…. And because of that, you'll be attached to me for as long as I like."

John sighed. His voice was tempered, holding back his frustration, but, a hint of his desperation came through. He knew she thrived on his misery and he must not let her see it. He must work harder to stay calm.

"It would be so easy Vera. IF we separate by mutual accord, we split the assets in half. I would buy your share of the company. You could do so much with that money. It's enough for you to start another venture, travel the world, or live comfortably on interest alone. You would want for nothing. Wouldn't you prefer that? Tranquility from our fighting? Anything I say bothers you. Wouldn't you rather be away from all of this?"

Vera laughed in John's face. "Oh darling…. Living with you gives me great joy. Fighting with you gives me such satisfaction." She grinned cunningly at him. "Why would I ever want to stop?"

John was already upset, but she could tell those last words really hit a nerve. His jaw went stiff and she could see his fists clench, a clear sign of tension. She went in further, wanting to annoy him even more.

"Anyway, I would never sell you my half. I don't know where you got that idea." She arched her back, standing straighter, and a clear sign of defiance.

"It is what makes sense Vera. I don't see us working together once divorced, and although you have contributed to the growth of Bates Airlift….." John paused, measuring his words. "It is more my company than yours. I was the first pilot; I made the first contracts…. There are customers who only want to deal with me. It would be natural for me to retain the company."

"That may be the case, but, if we were to split up, I would take you for every cent you're worth. I would see to it that the courts left you without a dime…., so watch what you do Batesy. I can replace you with a good Manager. In this economic crisis, good people are not hard to find. You are not as necessary as you think."

John was fuming. The idea that Vera could take away his company was preposterous. It was his blood and sweat that had built it up to what it was now. Vera had been along for the ride, but, she had proven worthless as a Manager. She was mainly a decoration, managing the Public Relations, although she really didn't do anything. He was aware that Gwen did most of that work. He had to find a way out of this situation. There was one way and he would catch her.

"I have legal recourse and you know it. I will get a divorce sooner or later."

Vera smiled, but John could see that his words got to her. He could fight this. He could bring her down.

She turned to leave, but tilted her head just to say the last few words. There was bitterness, mixed with defiance in her tone.

"Well, good luck. You just try, John Bates. You just try to divorce me. You'll find it is harder than you think."

"Mr. Crawley will see you now," spoke the matronly looking receptionist.

John hated lawyers. He had experienced detrimental situations with them in the past and much to his chagrin, as part owner of Bates Airlift, he couldn't avoid having one. From reviewing new contracts with clients, helicopter leases, to the couple of unfortunate, but pointless lawsuits they had endured, he was not going to be free of them anytime soon. His business needed them. Fortunately for him, the company had moved their business to the firm of Crawley and Blake on recommendation from his best mate Robert a few years back. Senior partner Matthew Crawley was very congenial, utterly professional and reliable and John felt secure that his business was in good hands when Matthew was involved. His specialty was corporate law, not family law, but John would rather have a lawyer he trusted when it came to this very delicate matter.

As he walked the corridor, he couldn't help thinking that the waiting room was very masculine, what a lawyer's reception area should look like. There were brown leather sofas, wood paneling and mahogany furniture. John realized that these were all stall tactics in his mind. He shouldn't care what the furniture looked like, but, his mind was racing and he needed to distract himself. It had taken him a long time to finally seek Matthew out for the questions he had and he was determined to stay and see his topic through.

"John, how good to see you."

"Likewise, Matthew."

"What can I do for you today? The contract for your newest client was reviewed and approved. I'm not sure what we have pending unless you have a new client."

"Actually, this is a consultation of a personal nature." John sat back, closed his eyes and concentrated on his words. "How can I divorce Vera without losing my share of the company?"

Matthew sighed and John could sense a bit of a hesitation before Matthew responded.

"Divorce Vera?

"This is not new Matthew. I've wanted this for many years, but did not have the nerve to start the process. I am ready now. I just don't want to lose everything I have."

"I see. Has she agreed to divorce you?"

"No. She refuses to, even though I have begged her through the years. It's not love that keeps her tied to me. Its vengeance…. But, I just can't take it anymore. I need to be free of her and I want her out of the company. I want to give her what's fair. This should be a fifty-fifty split of assets and I intend to buy her out as soon as we are divorced."

"This will be no easy task, John… Especially if she's already refused you.

"She's told me flat out that she will never divorce me and that even if we did, that she would never sell me her part, so, I know that it will be difficult, but, I think there is a way and I need you to tell me if it is possible at all."

"Do you mean the divorce clause in your incorporation paperwork?"

"Yes. You could probably explain it better than I could, but it says that I can sue for divorce if she is untrue."

John pulled out the copies of the document that he had already highlighted for their discussion. He handed them to Matthew. He put on his glasses and read through them quietly and quickly.

Matthew took a few moments to think before responding.

"Yes, John. When you and Vera incorporated Bates Airlift, the lawyer that prepared that paperwork was very crafty and this clause…," he pointed to the same highlighted text, "states that your association can be dissolved in the case of embezzlement or divorce brought on by infidelity from one of the parties. In the case that either of these should happen, both parties agree that they will end their right to the partnership, at which point, the affected party has the right to buy out the other party's portion and remain he legitimate and sole owner of the company."

John felt relieved that Matthew was reconfirming his understanding of the clause. Yet, Matthew still held some hesitation.

"John. This does not cover all manner of divorce – just divorce brought on by infidelity. How do you intend to pursue this clause? Do you…."

John cut him off quickly.

"Vera has been unfaithful to me countless times. I know it, I just can't prove it."

"Well, that's a start. For you to even consider this, you'll need the proof. Can you get it?" Matthew set the papers down and sat back in his chair.

John scratched his head. He hadn't really considered how he would get the proof.

"You'll need to hire a private Investigator or install cameras on your own, tap her phone, install screen capture software…"

John looked weary. He didn't think he could pull off anything on his own. He wasn't that sneaky.

He smiled, feeling a weight lifted off his shoulders.

"I guess I'll hire a private detective."

Mary came back to the booth where Anna was waiting for her with two cool glasses of cider.

"Oh thank you. I really needed that." Anna took her glass and immediately drank until the glass was half full.

"Oh, My. You really were thirsty!"

"Absolutely. That and that I want to forget this day. Another interview for another job I do not want."

"Was it that bad?"

"Bad… and then some."

Both Anna and Mary had recently graduated from the University of Warwick, Anna attaining her degree in Business administration and Mary in Estate Management.

"Why was this one so bad?" Mary asked, and then spoke up again. "Let me guess…. It is another greasy interviewer who couldn't keep his eyes off of your legs or the middle aged matron threatened by your good looks that didn't get you through to the actual interview?"

Anna laughed as she straightened out her legs for Mary to see. She was smartly dressed, very businesslike, with a tweed two piece pantsuit. Her hair was pulled back into a discreet bun and her makeup was very minimal. Her shoes, though quite high, were not sexy. They were career minded. There was nothing about her appearance that would entice or threaten either way. She was very professional looking; exactly what somebody looking for a job should be wearing.

"No, not pervert. He wouldn't have been able to see my beautiful legs in this outfit…..and no block-and-tackle woman either. This is a new reason – try false advertising…."

Mary looked confused as Anna tried to explain.

"The ad was for an entry level Sales Executive at Ripon Auto parts." Anna pointed to the newspaper cutout that she carried around in her satchel.

"Right, we looked at it together," exclaimed Mary as she took a sip of her own drink.

"Well, for me that would mean Sales calls, dealing with customers, maybe even retail, which would not have made me happy, but, I would have taken even that position, just so that I could get some work experience. But, no. For them, that means wearing a giant plastic sparkplug outfit, standing on a street corner with a huge sign and waving at cars, Lorries and buses to get their attention."

Mary almost spit out her drink when she heard Anna's explanation. "A sparkplug?"

Anna shook her head and both started laughing.

"That certainly wins for most falsely represented ad," Mary couldn't stop laughing.

"What am I going to do, Mary? I need a job."

"You have a job. Sort of… Why are you worrying so much? It's not like you need the money. You still have some left, right?"

"I have plenty, but I spent thousands of pounds from my parent's inheritance on this education. It has to be worth something. I can't go on helping my godparents forever. There has to be life beyond Carson's Private Investigators. There has to be, or I'll be the best damn educated PI in the region and I will have spent all that money for nothing."

Mary reached out to take Anna's hand.

"Patience darling. I am only buying my time here at my father's pub too. Any experience is good experience and one day, I will run our ancestral estate. It may belong to the government now, but I will. We just have to be patient, so, do not get desperate. Take it easy. We've only just graduated a few months ago and even though the title "Private Investigator" does not give you the sense of fulfillment you seek, you are very good at it. Maybe there is a way of getting what you want through that."

Anna reached out to Mary as well.

They had been best friends since they met during their first term at Warwick. Both were from Ripon, yet neither had ever met until they shared an Advanced Maths class in University. When things started disappearing from Mary's flat, in frustration, she mentioned it to Anna, unaware of the latter's background in Investigations. Anna took on the surveillance, implanting miniature cameras. After several days, Anna had what she was looking for - actual footage of Mary's flatmate rifling through her drawers until she found what she wanted, putting it away in her handbag. After this disagreeable situation, they found themselves matched in attitudes and temperament and decided to live together. Even after they graduated, they were still inseparable, now sharing a flat close to "Crawley's Pub".

"Your right of course," acknowledged Anna while squeezing Mary's hand. "Just once, I want a case to be more than just the typical sitting in a van, waiting for the spouse to cheat. I enjoy Missing Persons cases, they offer a lot and less mundane work, but, I don't enjoy the anguish the family has to go through, so, I need something different. Something where I can prove that I can do so much more…."

"Well, we'll pray for that, but in the meantime, how about you drink up and I go get us another round?"

"Yes, anything to forget the sparkplug. Bring me more cider!"

"Ah, John. It's been several weeks since you were last here. I was beginning to worry. What's up mate?" John enthusiastically greeted his friend Robert, proprietor of Crawley's Pub. They first met during the first Gulf War in 1991, and as both stayed in the military, their paths crossed again when they did a tour of duty in 1995 within NATO forces during the Bosnian War. Since that time, Robert was one of the few people John felt he could really trust. Every once in a while, he made the trek from his offices in the outskirts of York to the pub for a chat and some refreshment. He felt more at home in Robert's establishment than in his own house.

"Will you take the usual?"

Before he could even respond, Robert was pouring a diet coke with an added sliver of lemon on the side.

"You know me so well…."

Both men grinned and Robert added a small bowl with crisps.

"I ought to know you well. How many years has it been?"

"Twenty two this coming summer," responded John without having to do much calculation.

"That's very precise." Robert opened his eyes wide with surprise. "Has it really been that long?" He continued to wipe the counter as they spoke.

"Yes, that's four in the military, on top of the eighteen years of misery I've been living." The biting tone in John's voice left no doubt as to his painful situation.

"Is it one of those days, John?" Robert knew all too well how poor his marriage was, if it could be called that. That was not a loving union by a long shot. It was a stark contrast to the happy life he lead with his wife and three daughters. He really did feel bad for his friend.

"Let me not bore you with the repetitive details. I think you've heard enough through the years, but yes, it is one of those days."

Robert put down the glassware he was rearranging on the counter. He stood still and focused on John. Some conversations required full concentration.

"I don't mind. How are you going to get a load off if you don't tell me?"

John grinned. Robert was a true friend.

"Actually, I'm here to tell you I've made a determination. I am finished with this farce of a marriage. I am tired of Vera and I think I have paid enough for my sins of the past. It is time for her to go."

Roberts jaw dropped slightly as he heard the words coming out of his friend's mouth. John had been upset over the years, and time and time again he would manifest just how done he was. Somehow, though, this felt different. There was a steely resolve to his voice today. Something that made Robert think that maybe this time, John was finally ready to put the wheels in motion and get his life back.

"So, you are sure? You are ready to do this?" Robert knew Vera would not go quietly. She was the queen of manipulation and could get her way with anything she wanted. He had been a witness to several of her ploys throughout the years. If John was going to start this, he needed to be ready and in the right frame of mind to do battle.

"I am sure Robert. I have spent far too many years guilted by Vera at every turn. I think I have paid my dues."

"You know I will help you in any way I can."

"Thanks mate."

"So, what's next?"

"I've already gone to Matthew Crawley, which by the way - I will never thank you enough for recommending him …"

Robert nodded, in appreciation. Matthew was a good lad and the son of a distant cousin. He knew he was a good lawyer, but that was it. He had not had much relation with the young man.

"What does he have to say? Is he preparing for battle? Vera will want to take you for everything your worth."

"That she will, so, the only way I can divorce her, forcibly, and not lose the shirt off my back is if I can prove she's been unfaithful."

Robert laughed. "That should not be too hard, right?"

"Well, it shouldn't, but Vera knows my moves too well. I could never follow her, or figure out how to do anything in stealth mode. I do not want to jeopardize the stability of the office either and I would probably bungle that, because I am 100% sure that Vera is having an affair with somebody from the office. I don't know who, but there are enough pretty boy flyers, mechanics and male office personnel on my staff that she can have her pick of. She's hinted at it several times. She struts through the office in the sultriest way and I am too dense to figure out who it is. I suspect everybody. I need professionals and I don't care how much I have to pay to get the job done. I'll do anything to make sure we get this right. I'll only get one shot."

John's voice had gone up several decibels as he finished his small discourse. He was certainly passionate about the subject.

"Bravo, my friend. I finally see the John Bates I knew from long ago. "

"I now have to find a private investigator. I am not looking forward to this." Robert grinned inquisitively. "I have this idea that private investigators are washed out ex-police, only sober enough to do menial investigations. I need to find somebody good. I cannot waste my time with anybody like that. How do I even start?"

He scratched his head, reflecting on the arduous task that he had ahead of him.

"I know someone." Robert crossed his arms in front of his chest with satisfaction.

"You do? "John was taken aback, but reminded himself quickly that Robert did manage his own bar. He was bound to know countless people in all sorts of trades. "Who?"

"Yes, I do. Mary's best friend, Anna – You know- The petite pretty blond?"

John had no clue who Robert was talking about. He'd met one or two of his daughter's friends and boyfriends in the pub through the years, but could not conjure up the details of any one of those persons.

When John looked clueless, Robert continued.

"Never mind. So, this Anna…..The people who raised her, her godparents, they are Private Investigators. I believe their name is Carson. I met them once, at Mary and Anna's University Commencement. They seemed nice, or at least, decent people. Maybe you can explain to them what you need and if this is out of their league, they might be able to recommend somebody more appropriate. That way, you don't have to open the yellow pages, close your eyes and use your finger to choose a company."

"Well, that's not a bad idea, but, Rob – Nobody uses the yellow pages anymore. You google…"

"Ha, Ha. So, would you like me to contact them or not? I can call Mary right away."

"Yes, let's do that… and Rob? Do you think we could meet here, in your office, privately?"

"I guess so, but why?" Robert arched his eyebrows trying to guess the reason.

"I don't want to become paranoiac, but, Vera knows I come here often. If I was to go elsewhere, and she was having me followed, then she would immediately know and she could stop her "activities" long enough for this little venture of mine to be deemed a failure."

Robert was taken aback by this request.

"You think you're being followed?" He looked at John skeptically.

"Well, no. Not for certain. I am just covering my bases. You know Vera. Nothing is off limits with her. Who is to say she's not resorting to the same tactics I am?"

Robert sighed.

"Sure mate. It's not like Ripon is a great metropolis anyway. Let me see if they're not too busy to meet with you tonight."

"Who is this John Bates anyway?" Anna inquired she held the door of the pub open for Mary. When Mary took the call, they were making their way back to their flat and they turned back. She immediately rang for her Pops and Elsie and they had all agreed to meet at the pub, per John's request. She didn't normally involve herself with the clients of infidelity cases, she left that to her Godparents, but, seeing as the call had come from Robert Crawley himself, she would involve herself a little more.

"Papa and John served together during a Bosnia intervention in the nineties," responded Mary as she walked through and into pub. "They've been friends since. He was a helicopter pilot, and I don't understand how or why, but, he came into some money and was able to start his own company, here in Yorkshire. He's actually very rich, and owns a fleet of helicopters, doing all sorts of transport. I've seen him through the years, but we don't see him that often because I understand his wife is horrid. That, I believe, is why you are here."

"Mmmmm" thought Anna. He has his own company? That's the type of connections she needed to get a job. She would definitely sit in on this meeting.

"Hi Papa." Mary leaned in to kiss her father's cheek across the bar.

"Hi Mr. Crawley."

"Hello ladies…. and Anna, I've told you a million times it's Robert. Not Mr. Crawley."

Anna blushed and meekly answered back, "Yes, Robert. Thanks for the call."

"This is one of my best mates. He has a real issue that he needs help with and I thought about you and the Carsons. I am not sure if what he needs is up your alley, but, if it isn't, I thought you could advise him?"

"Absolutely. It will be our pleasure." Anna looked around, expecting to find the mysterious John Bates, but none of the current customers struck her as being a fortysomething pilot, owner of his own company. There were mostly groups of friends and a couple of people that looked nervous enough for her to believe they were on first dates.

Craning her head in all directions, she finally asked. "Where is the mysterious John Bates? I can't place him."

"Well, he's a little sensitive regarding this discussion and he asked to meet you in my office. He's upstairs."

"Mmmmm," was Anna's audible response. Upstairs? This wasn't an MI5 meeting. This man must be really uptight she thought.

"Stop it Anna."

"Stop what?" she turned and asked Mary.

"You're doing the "Mmmmm" thing where you just get lost in your thoughts."

Before Anna could answer, the chimes on the door announced that somebody had entered.

"You just had to park in that spot, didn't you?" was bellowed loudly in a Scottish brogue.

"Of Course, why wouldn't I? The closest is at least 300 yards away and this spot is right in front," he said matter of fact.

"So? Exercise would do you good!" Elsie looked at Charles' stomach when she spoke. "But no, now we are wedged in and it will take a good half hour of your turning the wheel to get us out of there."

Charles looked miffed that she had referenced his beer belly.

"Does it matter? Or are you in a hurry? Will you be missing Coronation Street?" His left eyebrow was raised, demonstrating he was being sarcastic

Elsie narrowed her eyes. She hated it when he guessed her true motivations. She had nothing else to say on the matter.

Anna rolled her eyes. Her Godparents were here, or Pops and Elsie as she called them. They did almost everything together, bickering loudly. When they were not on a case, it was impossible to not notice them. Some people thought that they were unhappy, that the little fights weakened them, but, Anna, who knew them better than no one, was the only one who could say that they were 100% devoted to each other. The most they could be apart was a couple of hours, and then they would spend some of that time on the phone. Elsie and Charles Carson lived for each other and they had been together a little over 30 years.

As if on cue, both turned around pleasantly to greet Robert, Mary and Anna.

Their boisterous demeanor slipped away to something akin the Edwardian era. Charles voice was deeper and Elsie's façade was pleasant and warm, ever the lady. Anna laughed internally. That is why the Carsons were so good at what they did. They could become a different set of people in an instant.

"Good Evening, Robert and Mary." They exchanged pleasantries and handshakes.

Then, they each took turns kissing Anna's cheek. "Hello, Love. It's been so long since we last saw you."

"It's been only three days," retorted Anna, confused. They had shared lunch as they compared notes and closed the Oliver Infidelity case. Had they already forgotten?

"Yes, a long time," stated Charles as he winked at Anna.

Anna rolled her eyes again, but laughed. She did adore them. She came to live with them when she was 14, having lost her parents in a car crash. Elsie was a friend of her mother's and they were her Godparents. Even when she did have some uncles that lived in America, her parent's written will gave the Carson's guardianship if it were ever to become necessary. Unfortunately, it had. While their first year was tumultuous as they became used to raising a teenager, the Carson's never having had children of their own; they soon came into easy living and got on very well as a family. Anna didn't know what she would do without them. She had learned their trade and become a reluctant junior partner. She wanted a bigger challenge, but dared not offend their sensibilities.

"So", turned Charles back to Robert. "There is a gentleman that may need our services?"

After quick introductions, Charles, Elsie, Anna and John all sat in Robert's cramped office space, huddled around his desk, looking at each other. John's face reflected doubt, and he was having a hard time being discreet with his hesitation. The petite blond, Mary's friend, was too pretty and very businesslike. The man, Charles, was wearing tweed trousers, a cashmere jumper, and a dark sports coat with leather patches on his elbow. Brown suede loafers finished off his outfit. The Lady, Elsie, looked like a grandmother with glasses hanging by her neck on a chain, but, like Charles' twin, she was wearing similar tweed trousers, similar loafers and a similar cashmere jumper in another color. She wasn't wearing a sports jacket; instead, she had a colorful shawl draped around her shoulders. None of the three people with him looked like private investigators.

Charles started the conversation. "I understand you may need our services, Mr. Bates, but you seem hesitant. Is there a problem?"

Anna's first impression of John made her swoon. He was wearing simple jeans, a classic white polo, a brown leather aviator type jacket and had sunglasses on him. To her, he looked like a mature Tom Cruise. Not that he looked like Cruise, just, knowing that John was a pilot; her mind took her to the infamous "Top Gun" movie poster. She saw the parallels. HE was handsome, even if he was a bit older than her. This pilot had very kind eyes, wore his hair a little longer and looser around his face and was a larger man. In any other type of situation, he might be her type, but as a customer, and a married one with problems, he was off limits. She would have to limit herself to admire his physique from a distance.

She was shaken from her thoughts by John's response to her Pops' question.

"I'll be completely honest with you and I mean no offense. I need a Private Investigator, but none of you three strike me as what I need."

Charles understood what this was about. They encountered this type of prejudice often enough in their profession.

"No offense taken, Mr. Bates, but, pray I ask – What exactly is your hesitation? Where you expecting us to be wearing a cape and mop hat, smoking a pipe a la Sherlock Holmes? Or a flowery shirt and shorts like Mr. Magnum PI in Hawaii? How about Anna here?" He turned to point at her. "Fancy her as an older Veronica Mars? Should she be wearing a backpack?" He turned to look at John, as his voice deepened. "Whatever your preconceived notion of what we should look like, I ask that you erase those from your mind."

John looked visibly sheepish as Charles continued on his small speech.

"Mr. Bates, we understand you have a need, but, we do not know what that need is. So, why don't we just talk, confidentially? We'll tell you if we can handle your needs and how we can go about them. If you do not feel comfortable with what we can offer, then, you are under no obligation to continue this conversation. As a friend of the Crawley's, we'll refer you to somebody else."

John did have to admit that he felt a little ashamed. After all, he had faced a lot of stereotypes in his career too. As a pilot, many people thought that in his relationship with Vera, he would be the one prone to cheating. After all, he spent much time away from home whenever he had work. That was ludicrous. In his eighteen miserable years of marriage, he had never cheated on her. Not once. He had opportunities, but that was not who he was. Yet, that is what the majority of people thought about pilots - That they were vain, philandering, prima donnas. Maybe he should give these people a chance. What did he have to lose?

"Forgive me. I am just a bit nervous. Just today I spoke to my solicitor and he recommended I hire a Private Detective. This has all happened a bit fast. I did not expect to talk to you so soon."

"Not a problem. So tell us. Do you suspect your wife is having an affair? Is that what this is about?"

"Well, yes", answered John. "But, it's a little more than that. There is a lot more at stake here. For a variety of reasons I won't get into now, we have been together 18 years, each one more miserable than the year before. She's hinted at affairs and told me to my face when we've had fights. This is not new. It's quite frequent that I hear about it, and yet, I have never once tried to investigate whether the allegations are true or not. Until now. I cannot continue to live my life this way and she has refused several times to grant me a divorce. I can force it through the courts if I can get the proof that I need, but, I MUST GET PROOF." He emphasized these four words vigorously. "She is very treacherous and manipulative. If she realizes what I am trying to do, to follow her and get this proof, she will come after me with a vengeance and I will lose it all. We are co-owners of Bates Airlift, Inc., a small helicopter transport company. When we divorce, our assets will be split in half and I will be able to buy out her portion. I intend to give her what is fair. She refuses now, but my only option lies in proving her infidelity. She has threatened me many times, telling me that she will ruin me if I attempt anything and that she will end up with full ownership of the company herself."

Anna sat there listening to this man. What a lifetime of misery. He wasn't like the typical spouses that came to them crying, because after living in blissful naivety, they suspected their partner was cheating. He had lived with this so long and new about it. This case, even if it was the tedious infidelity type that she loathed, was not the usual. If he didn't get proof, he may even lose his company. This entire case may require a little extra, and it might play into her desire to do something different. She needed to act fast before her Pops provided the normal options.

"Tell me Mr. Bates," Anna spoke, eliciting a grumble from her Godfather. He was used to doing all of the initial talking and negotiating. "Do you suspect who she is cheating with?"

John turned to look at her when she asked her question. He had noticed she was pretty, but, the moment she spoke to him, he saw confidence and a very direct personality. She was also very poised. He had to admit, if he had encountered her twenty years ago, he would have gone after her.

Still, he was able to focus to answer. "It could be anybody, but, I have reasons to believe it is somebody from within my company. She stays late sometimes when I know she has nothing else to work on. I also received an anonymous note, on my desk about a year ago, telling me that I shouldn't trust all my personnel. I am sure that has something to do with Vera."

"Mmmmm. I see," She was thinking quickly.

Charles injected just then, ready to explain what they could offer.

"I think Mr. Bates that we can offer you…

Anna cut him off.

"Our Premium Package." Anna took ahold of the situation, commanding John's focus while Charles and Elsie looked at each other with shock that they were trying to suppress so John did not notice. Anna had never taken over a client before.

"Your Premium package?" he asked with raised eyebrows.

"Our standard package would have us trail…What is your wife's name?

"Vera"

"We would normally trail Vera, implanting GPS devices, staking out those places where she is visiting, obviously wiretapping and closed circuit surveillance where possible, all in the hopes of taking the required pictures, or taping any incriminating conversations. We will obviously do all of that." She turned to look at her Godparents so that they knew she was not discounting any of their normal tactics. "But, the Premium package is what you need. Since the proof you need requires to be upheld in court, and some of our tactics may not be admissible, we will have to work twice as hard for the information you need. That requires extra labor. You need somebody on the inside. Somebody within your company that could provide the extra level of surveillance without creating any unnecessary suspicion."

'I am a little lost", John said. "How do I get somebody on the inside?" Anna turned to look at Elsie and Charles and both were wearing the same confused look John had. They immediately composed their faces, so when John turned to look at them, they looked every bit as confident as when they walked in.

"Easy," explained Anna. "You hire me to come work for you." This was it, Anna thought. She couldn't have come up with a better plan in such a short time. She needed work experience to give her credibility and hopefully another job in the future. John needed somebody he could trust on the inside. If she came to work for him, she could serve both purposes.

"Once I am there, I will actually work for your company, but, you get the added benefit that I will actually be working towards the goal of getting all of the necessary evidence you need to make sure that once this gets to court, it is irrefutable."

"That does sound very enticing. I must say. I just don't know how I could hire you without arousing suspicion. I have no open vacancies and any hiring has to be approved by myself, Vera and our Accountant. The moment I suggest this, Vera will be on to us."

Anna steered the conversation with an expertise that astounded her.

"There are several ways of going about it because not every company is the same. We understand that. If you cannot go through the process of actually hiring me, we usually suggest that you bring me as a post graduate intern and then rotate me through the departments. An internship usually lasts six months and has a token salary, but does not require you to pay me any benefits…..or, you take me as University level work experience which is similar, but, has different connotations and may elicit different expectations on your team regarding my abilities. As work experience, I would not have graduated yet, so, your employees might think they can abuse me. Either way has worked well for us in the past, right?" She turned to look at her Godparents, hoping that they had caught on to what she was trying to do. Elsie took the bait.

"Yes, Mr. Bates. Anna is old enough and has graduated, but she looks young enough to pull off any scenario you choose. She performs well as your inside resource, while Mr. Carson and I perform all of the outside surveillance. In addition, we have another resource, Joseph Molesley, a computer expert, who works with us on an ad hoc basis. He can do any sort of online data tracking that is required. He can hack into most computers and websites without people every finding out he was there. You get all four of us for the price of one. We simply roll the costs of the internship into our final price for our services."

Elsie actually managed the finances of the company and new exactly how much she would need to charge him. He looked almost convinced. Her tactic seemed to have worked.

"What about your success rate? Can I really be sure that we will have the outcome I need?"

Charles spoke up again, tired in this occasion of having Anna and Elsie speaking over him. This new Premium package that Anna had concocted was very new to them, but the client was very pleased. He was actually proud of Anna for stepping in and providing this alternative that he would have never offered on his own.

"I cannot guarantee that we will find the proof. What I can guarantee is that you are dealing with a professional group of people who will work tirelessly to achieve your goals. The fact that you cannot see us as private investigators is our advantage, because nobody ever suspects us. Anna is a graduate of Warwick University, and achieved exemplary scores on all her tests. She is bright, and organized and full of ideas and will even help you in your actual company. Her credentials are unimpeachable. To the untrained eye, Mrs. Carson and I are just a pair of old timers who probably got lost on their way to the local Community Center. That is how we operate. We have been doing this for almost twenty years and I can tell you this. Those who have something to hide will inevitably make a mistake and we will be there to catch them. All we need is time and patience. If you want this to happen in a day, you will be disappointed. It may take weeks for the mistake to be made, so, what we really need to know is how willing are you to get it right? How patient will you be?"

For the first time since she met him that evening, she finally saw John smile. He looked happy.

"I have all the time in the world. Let's do this."

A/N: This story will use some aviation terminology. My significant other is a pilot and he has provided insight. This story will have a great deal of legal terminology and situations as well. That is not my background. I will do my best to make everything sound legitimate and will investigate as much as I can to make this sound realistic, but, I may take some "legal" liberties, since I am not trying to write Pulitzer quality material. It is hard enough for me to understand the legal system in the US, so, trying to understand the English system would take more hours than I can actually put into the story. I would rather write it well than research for 100% legal accuracy. So, will you give me a pass?

Also, the Anna sparkplug bit is inspired by a scene from another popular series. Anybody care to guess?

Let me know what you think?