Author's Note: I actually derived inspiration for this story from several places, and I feel the need to call those out. My muse was sparked upon reading tanya-arianneNL's Closer story 'Would I Lie to You?', but I wanted to take the idea of Sharon going undercover in a dating situation in a different direction. The speed dating event was drawn from a mixture of my own experiences and from the Law and Order: SVU episode 'Starved'. The rest I think came mostly from my own head, though I admit that I've watched so many procedural crime dramas over the years, you might see wisps of those shows woven in unconsciously.

I generally prefer to completely finish a story before allowing others to see it. However, this may be why I haven't finished a single story that I've ever written. And I was in danger of doing it again. I got these first chapters down and then I hit a wall. I'm hoping that actually putting this out there will give me the boost I need to write the next part. I got it all planned out for the most part ... I just need to get it down into words. So, if you have some feedback, I'd love to hear it. Anything to motivate me into pushing on through to the next part of the story.

I should warn you that this story does deal with rape and murder, though nothing graphic. But if the idea of either unnerves you, this probably isn't the story for you. Its nothing you wouldn't see on TV. Cable TV.

Also, I have no beta, so all mistakes are mine. I've re-read this many many times, so I hope I caught everything, but if you see anything, please let me know and I'll correct it. I'm particularly interested in whether you pick up on any glaring plot holes ... I worry about that type of thing, despite having spent a lot of time trying to work out details to a point where you can at least suspend disbelief for the duration of the story.

Finally, I feel that I need to put a disclaimer on this work, as I see it on every other piece of fan fiction I have ever read. Major Crimes and its characters are not mine - it is all owned by James Duff and TNT and whoever else that may include. I am just playing with the characters because I love them and hiatus = torture. No copyright infringement is intended.

The woman whimpered through the gag in her mouth, tears streaming down her face. She tried to calm herself down, telling herself that at least it was over. She had read about the devastating effects that rape could have on a woman's mind and body, but knew that many also got through it. Hell, she had even counselled some of them. Surviving is what mattered – the remaining wounds could be addressed over time.

She closed her eyes as the man who had raped her got off of her and walked away. Although her wrists were still cuffed to the bedposts, she wiggled her bottom to try and move her skirt back down to cover herself. Fresh tears of humiliation sprung when she realized that it was a futile endeavor. Her movements had apparently recaptured his attention, for he walked back over, now wearing his pants.

"Well, look at you," he sneered. "Not so superior now, are you? You over-educated bitch – how does it feel to let a man take charge for once?"

She tried to respond but the gag in her mouth prevented anything but an incoherent mumble. The man only laughed.

"You can't stand it, can you? You can't stand not being able to take control of this situation. Not being able to prattle on with your psychobabble, explaining how you know more than I ever could."

His handsome face contorted as he finished his words, transforming into an angry mask of hate. It took her breath away to see how different he really was from the façade he had presented to her over the course of their two dates. How could she have been so incredibly wrong about someone?

His face suddenly lost all emotion, as if he had come to a decision. He quickly straddled her and put his hands around her neck. She started to panic, feeling the strength in his hands begin to close her windpipe, and she thrashed wildly, trying to throw him off – anything to survive. Between his larger size and superior strength, however, he was able to maintain his firm grip on her throat, continuing to squeeze harder.

As she started to black out, all she could think about was that she probably wasn't the first one he had lured in … and that she probably wouldn't be the last.