Title: NEMESIS…
Chapter 1 - Let The Games Begin

Summary: SEQUEL TO NOTHING'S… An evil Nemesis returns with a vow of vengeance and some unfinished business as a new partnership grows and new relationships are developed. You have to read 'Nothing's as it seems' first to understand the characters and storyline.

This is a piece of fan fiction. It is written for pleasure and not for profit. The characters Steve and Mark Sloan, Jesse Travis and Amanda and CJ Bentley are borrowed for the purposes of this story. All other characters are my own.

NOTE

NOTE: In real life the NSA is located in Maryland, not Washington, but for this story it is Washington. Also since we know very little about Steve's family life growing up most of it I will make up. Hope that is okay.

"So how was the weekend?" Shane asked walking into their new office on Monday morning. He flung his black wool coat on the back of his chair and stood across from her desk facing her.

"It was fabulous." Jade smiled broadly. "And yours?" She arched a brow in amusement.

"Almost just as great." Shane said sitting down in the desk in front of her.

"Almost?" Jade questioned.

"Well I haven't been waiting for the start to a new life as long as you. Plus you needed it more than I did." Shane laughed.

"Needed it?" Jade asked.

"Yup." Shane laughed as Jade threw a small book at him. "So, what's on the agenda today?" He asked laughed as he ducked.

"Nothing too much. We have to check out some places the Asian hitman apparently visited. See if we can wrap this case up for good." She said handing the file to Shane. They had to wrap up the Schuler case on this end, and that meant tracking all people related to the Asian and Arthur Block. They also had to visit their places of residence and favourite hangouts to see if anything at all pointed to the former director, Richard Schuler, who was still supposedly out of the country.

He read the file with interest as she scanned the apartments for rent ads in the Malibu area. They needed to find a place of their own and get out of the hotel. Mark had offered to put them up temporarily, but Jade knew that if she were that much closer to Steve, she'd never get anything done - literally. Not that that was a bad thing, she mused to herself. She sat back and remembered their wonderful weekend together. They spent most of it lying in each other's arms, lying in bed. It was heaven. It was….

"Hey earth to space cadet!" Shane called breaking Jade out of her daydream bubble. "So when are we going to the old refinery that is the top of this list?" He asked referring to a place where the hitman apparently did a hit.

"Whenever you are ready." She sighed. "It's still hard to believe that we are actually here in LA, living and now working here also." She said getting out her gun holster and putting around her shoulders over her turtleneck shirt.

"Yeah tell me about it. It's kinda scary actually." He said slowly.

"Why?" She asked looking up. "Oh you mean because of Amanda?"

"Yes exactly." He said looking at her.

"But I thought you liked her."

"I do."

"Well Shane, what is the problem?"

"The problem is," he paused scrambling for the right words to say, but found none. Jade helped him out.

Jade looked at him and laughed. "Oh that's right. Mr. I have a girl in every port, who finally has found one that he might have real feelings for, but who has never had a steady relationship for longer than a week, and now might have to accept that she might actually like him back and do something about it!" Jade sighed and rolled her eyes. "Time to grow up Shane."

"What?" He said getting upset. "What the hell does that mean?"

"It means, that if you like her, you have to do something about it, and I mean more than a casual weekend fling. That is if you want that. If not, then break it off now, because if you string her along, that will be mean, and that's not you. And if you did I'd have to hurt you." She teased.

"I know." He sighed ignoring her last remarks. "I know. But it's complicated."

"How's that?" Jade asked.

"She has a kid." He said.

"So?" Jade said.

"So," Shane paused, "it's just complicated." He sighed and Jade knew this conversation was not going to be resolved today.

"Hey guess who I got a call from last night?" Shane said changing the conversation.

"Ed McMahon!" Jade laughed.

"Yeah that's right and your new partner is 'Pee Wee Herman'. Ha Ha, very funny. No seriously, I got a call from Camilla."

"Your cousin?" Jade asked with curiosity.

"Yup. She apparently lives just outside of Malibu. Anyways she extended an invitation for us for a BBQ dinner on her new patio in her new place. I told her your parents would be coming into town and it would have to be after that. She agreed."

"Yeah that sounds like fun. Cami is a great girl. So is Steve invited?" Jade asked.

"Duh. Like you'd go anywhere without him." Shane laughed. "Hey maybe she'd like Jesse. He's a great guy and single after all. Maybe we should set them up, what do you think?"

"Hmm related to you?" Jade asked sarcastically, "I think I better tell Jesse to run and hide, and fast." This time Shane grabbed a pack of post-it's and threw it at her. They hit her in the shoulder; and she just laughed. "Okay on a serious note, I think that would be a great idea. I think she'd really like Jesse. Actually you should tell her to come by the hospital sometime and meet him there. Or better yet tell her to meet us one night at BBQ Bobs." Jade suggested as she got up. "Women are always a sucker for a man that can cook." She said from experience referring mentally to Steve's awesome ability to cook.

"Yeah maybe I'll do that." He said as he also fixed himself to leave the office.

She got up and grabbed her black jacket. "Ready?" She asked eager to get started on their new job. He nodded and they were out the door and down to the car.

"So I see we have a busy week ahead of us." Shane said.

"And how's that?" Jade asked getting into the FBI Crown Victoria.

"We still have to find a place to live, we both need new vehicles and I need to get a surf board." He finished the sentence with a laugh.

"So something in Malibu right?" Jade asked with a smile.

"Actually I like Orange County." Shane teased.

"What?" Jade said angrily and then laughed as she looked at him and realized that he was joking.

"Of course Malibu, shesh. Besides they have the best beaches." He laughed as she drove towards the crime scene. It was an old abandoned grain refinery on the edge of the industrial district.

"So what kind of vehicle are you going to get the FBI to buy for you?" Jade asked him remembering one of the perks of being a special agent for the FBI. She thought about the new partnership her father had formed with Melvin. Although they worked for the FBI they now took their direction from the NSA, which was more than fine to her.

"Haven't decided whether I want the new Dodge Ram 2002 or the new Ford F-150 Supercrew 2002."

"Oh go for the Ford, you have a lot of luck in them." Jade laughed as she remembered Shane's account of how the truck blew up at the cabin. She also remembered how he told her the desk Sargent at Steve's precinct yelled at him when he told him the truck would be coming back in very tiny pieces.

"Yeah funny. What about you? Does Steve know you like monster trucks?" He teased.

"Actually I was thinking of getting a BMW." Jade said seriously.

"What?" Shane half yelled, she just laughed. He was about to comment further when they pulled into the front yard of the refinery. She slowed the car to a stop and they peered out of the windows to the mass of empty structures before them.

"Shall we go to work?" She asked.

"Just lead the way." He commented as they both got out of the car. They both walked carefully towards the first abandoned structure. They walked inside and headed for the main auditorium.

"Strange." Shane mused as they walked deeper into the old structure.

"What?" Jade asked.

"The echo in here is strange." He laughed rather nervously, but never gave it another thought.

"Over there." She pointed to the stain of blood on the floor before them.

"Here we go." She heard him mutter.

"Hey Mark why so cheery this morning?" Asked Jesse as he joined Mark at the table in the Doctor's lounge.

"Because this whole Carmen mess is finally over." Mark sighed.

"Yeah I know, I couldn't believe what Jade said about her death. I mean how do you just walk away from something like that?" Jesse asked.

"You're trained, Jesse, well trained. Jade strikes me as the kind of person who has gone through many of these kind of experiences and has the ability to just walk away." Mark paused, "but I sometimes worry that it might catch up to her."

"You think she'll go off the deep end or something?" Jesse asked half laughing.

"No, not like that. I was thinking more along the lines of it keeping her from enjoying life. I only hope that she now takes the chance to enjoy life for once." Mark sighed. "I know Steve wants that really badly."

"They spent the weekend up at the cabin didn't they?" Jesse smiled.

"Yup. I saw Steve early this morning, and he was all smiles." Mark sighed. "I'm so happy for him. The unluckiest bachelor in America finally got some good luck." Then Mark paused and his face turned serious. "I only hope it lasts."

"Why do you say that Mark?" Jesse asked.

"Oh just the paranoid concerns of a father that's all. I guess I finally got to see the real danger FBI agents do face. I mean I hear about it on TV and read about it in the newspapers, but to actually experience it up close, makes you really stop and think." Mark smiled again. "Sorry I didn't mean to put a downer on things."

"That's okay." Jesse said smiling again, "so I hear Jade's parents are coming sometime soon."

"Next week I think." Mark said slowly.

"Wow you get to meet her father! He's the director of the NSA you know. I mean he reports to the Secretary of Defence who reports to the President. The President!" Jesse said very enthusiastically. "Now talk about intimidating. I mean…" he never got to finish as Mark's laugher broke into his sentence, "I know Jesse, shesh." Mark laughed. "I know. But Steve said that Jade told him that they are very down to earth people but very committed to their way of life."

"What does that mean?" Jesse asked.

"I think that is has something to do with his high political standing, but I guess we'll just have to wait until they get here to find out." Mark sighed.

"Do you think they know of any cute FBI agents they can hook me up with?" Jesse asked laughing.

"Why not ask them when they are here. Or ask Shane and see if he is related to anyone with a death defying job." Mark laughed.

"Very funny." Jesse said sarcastically.

After Jesse left Mark sat back and thought about Nickel and Chloe Washington. I wonder what they are really like?

"So when are we going to see Jade honey?" Asked Chloe as she sat down at the restaurant table that her and Nickel had lunch at regularly.

"Just as soon as I finish up the Schuler paperwork. Next week sometime I guess." He sighed thinking of the long week ahead of him. "By the way dear, you look terrific today. Hot date?" Nickel complimented his wife on her new Burgundy business suit. Chloe always looked immaculate. She was doing some volunteer work at U of W today.

"Oh yes, I have been seeing this very handsome man for some time now." She teased him with a wink. "And you look handsome as usual. I bet you have all the women staring at you at the office." She said with a smile of approval on his choice of Black suit with burgundy dress shirt and matching tie. He always looked good.

"Actually I get more compliments from the men in the office." He sighed, and she just laughed. Although they had been married for over 30 years, Nickel still viewed each outing with his wife as special as their first date. He was always aware of the men that glanced her way and sometimes wanted to punch them out when she wasn't looking. But she loved him, and he never had to worry about her being unfaithful. He on the other hand made sure he worked very hard to prove every day to her that never again would he let his stupidity get the better of him. And the mistake that became Carmen was stupid indeed. Much to his relief Chloe never talked much about it.

"Can you blame them?" She said breaking his thoughts.

"Actually Mable said I looked good today." He said nonchalantly.

"Oh really? I think she likes you." She said putting down her menu and looking into his blue eyes with a serious tone.

"Now dear let's be realistic. Mable?" He started to laugh. "Sorry, but," he paused, "I don't think so." He said firmly. "Even if I wasn't married I wouldn't like her." He laughed.

"Ready to order sir?" Asked the waiter who just approached the table.

"Yes." Nickel said as he started to order, trying to ignore his wife's paranoia.

Chloe thought about what Nickel said about Mable. She was very aware of the affectionate glances Mable gave her husband. And although she trusted Nickel around other women, she didn't trust the other women around her husband. Maybe I am just being paranoid she thought, and went back to eating her lunch. Afterall isn't that the type of thing that teenage girls worry about, not fifty something women?

"See you tonight." He said taking her in his arms for a long kiss after they had finished lunch.

"It's a date." She called as she headed to where she parked her silver BMW 740. Nickel just watched her leave before heading back to his brand new Lincoln LS. As he pulled into the parking lot of the NSA headquarters, his heart was filled with a sudden sadness over the loss of Eric. Although some time had passed, he still hesitated when coming out of the elevator, as if he expected to hand his keys to an eager young man and wait for his car to be brought to him. He just couldn't bring himself to get another of the valet's to do it.

He was still thinking about it when he walked into his office. He noticed the Schuler file on his desk and sighed as he picked it up. Mable walked into his office with the mail and some new files for him.

"Mr. Washington?" She called to his back, as he was standing and looking out of his window.

"Ah Mable." He said turning around to face her, "sorry I didn't hear you come in. Lost in thought I guess." He smiled and put the file down. "What have you got for me?" He said extending his hand.

"Some mail and some new files." She smiled looking at him. "Did you have a good lunch?" She asked trying to extend the conversation with the handsome director.

"Yes it was wonderful. Of course it was the company that made it that much more pleasurable." He smiled as he remembered the scent of his wife's perfume as they kissed goodbye.

"Oh where did you go?" She asked trying to ignore his last remark knowing he was referring to his wife.

"To La Tratoria." He offered not looking at her but continued shuffling through the mail. He put it down and picked up a file and began to flip through.

"Oh really? I have never been there." She said hoping for an invitation.

"Well you must go. I highly recommend the food. It's wonderful." He said with a half smile as he looked up from the file he was reading. She quickly put away her look of disappointment when he failed to extend an invitation.

"Is there something else I can get you Mable?" Nickel asked sounding somewhat exasperated. Why is she just hanging around? Now Chloe's paranoia is wearing off on me.

"No, just wanted to make sure you have everything you need." She said finally taking the hint and walking towards his door.

"Actually can you get me the file on the Board for me and please set up a meeting with Melvin Baker for tomorrow morning at 10 am?" He said taking off his suit jacket.

"Yes sir." With that she left the room, booked the meeting and came back to Nickel sitting at his desk without his suit jacket. His gun holster was still on and his dress shirt did little to hide his obviously well kept physique, for a man his age he kept himself in top condition. Chloe doesn't deserve him, she thought.

"Here you go Mr. Washington." She said putting down the file.

"Thank you." He said without looking up.

Someday, she thought as she looked at him. Someday!

"What do you think?"

"I think what I thought about half an hour ago. Nothing unusual here." Jade sighed. "If it was the Asian then all we can do is run a test on the blood and see whose DNA comes up and see if they have any ties to the Asian. Then we can see where that trail leads us." She explained pushing her long dark hair away from her face.

"Yup." Shane said standing up from examining the bloodstain after he had collected the sample. "I'll get it to Amanda when we get back." He offered, Jade of course didn't protest.

"Shall we have a look around?" She offered.

"Might as well while we're here." He said. With that they both took one hallway and followed it. Jade walked past a room and paused to look inside of it. She was about to move on when something shiny in the corner caught her eye. She bent to pick it up and laughed at what it was. "Now what the hell is a token from Disneyland doing here?" She wondered aloud. She put the token in her pocket and left the room. She would examine it later, just for fun.

Shane walked past what used to be a small office. He walked inside to have a closer look. "That's odd." He said out loud.

"Hey Jade." He said into his mobile CB.

"Yeah?" She answered.

"I'm in what appears to be a small office. Like everything else here the office practically abandoned, except for a power outlet with a small generator attached to it."

"What?" She said. "Be right there." He heard her click off and continued to look around. She entered the room and walked over to him.

"What do you make of it?" He asked. "Kids?" He offered.

"Well I found a Disneyland token in another room down the next hallway." She said. "Probably kids. Check the date on the generator." She said. He carefully lifted the generator and peered under it.

"The expiry date is next month. Still fresh." He said with a puzzled tone. "What should we do with it?"

"Leave it I guess. You're right, it's probably kids. Probably trying to play music or something in the abandoned buildings. Probably like the sound, the strange echo. Come on lets go get some lunch." She said pulling his arm and helping him get up. She felt a shiver run up her spine as she stared once more at the small electrical generator and made a strange face.

"What is it?" Shane asked as if reading her thoughts.

"Just a strange feeling." She smiled as she turned to leave.

"Strange? Like as in we're being watched or something." He asked seriously.

"Something."

"Jade what is it?" Shane asked again as he held her arm and made her give him an answer.

"I guess I'm just being paranoid. I mean if Richard Schuler did try to get back into the country we'd know right? After all that's what the NSA does, is monitor Intel?" She asked.

"Yeah of course. That's what's bugging you? Jade, you're going to have strange feelings about Schuler, Carmen and that case for a while yet. It's still fresh in your memory, in all our memories. And it consumed so much of your life and time that it's bound to live in your thoughts for awhile. It'll fade, don't worry. It's nothing. Richard Schuler is far away from here. It's the NSA's problem now, not ours. Let your dad worry about it." He sighed.

"Yeah, maybe you're right." She sighed with a smile. "Come on lunch is on me." She laughed.

"Oh goody, McDonalds." He said under his breath, but she heard and they both laughed. They headed out of the small office and finally found their way out of the refinery and into the California sunshine. As they made their way into their car they were completely unaware of the pair of evil eyes that watched their every move.

"Very soon," Schuler breathed, "very soon you'll pay, you'll all pay." With that he disappeared back into the shadows, back to work on his plan of revenge. He stared at a piece of paper that was pinned to the wall that was now his new home:

'if Revenge is a dish best served cold, put on your Sunday finest and prepare to feast'

"And feast I will," he paused, "very soon. But I will save the best for the last!" He shouted at Nickel's picture, "so that you will know that it was me that stole everything from you and you could do nothing to stop me!" He just stared at the maze of people before him on the wall. Nickel's picture was at the top. Followed by Jade and Chloe on the next line. Below them were Shane, Steve and Mark. And below them were Amanda, Jesse and CJ. One big happy dead family, he laughed a wicked laughter that echoed into the old refinery long after the Crown Victoria had pulled away. He then took a red marker and placed a line through Amanda and CJ's picture. Time to go to work, he mused. "Let the games begin!" He said wickedly as he picked up the phone.

"So what's the picture here?" Shane asked through a mouthful of food. They had chosen a small Oceanside Greek style restaurant that Steve had introduced Jade to and she was now in love with it.

"Okay we know the Asian was the hitman for the fab four. He obviously had blackmail rights on many people. But what's the real picture here? Did he have ties to the Chinese Army?" Jade asked.

"Could be. Afterall you once thought that someone in the director's office was running arms for someone to China. Remember your last trip there?" Jade just nodded remembering her last trip to China and how she ended up in the Chinese prison for what seemed like an eternity. "Or he might be working for someone else in the director's office besides Schuler? Or perhaps someone in Black Ops?" Finished Shane.

"Or maybe…?" Jade started her head starting to hurt from all their reasonings. She was about to continue when she heard a call from Amanda and CJ who were shopping across the street.

"Hey guys." She called as she walked over. Both Jade and Shane said hello, with Shane's smile larger than jades.

"Hey Amanda, hey kiddo." Shane said laughing. CJ just giggled back.

"Hi Amanda. Doing some shopping?" Jade asked.

"Yes I had to visit CJ's kindergarten teacher this morning so I took the afternoon off and decided to do some shopping. I have a very understanding boss." Amanda said laughing. "What are you guys up to?"

"Takin' a break during work." Shane said before Jade could open her mouth. She just sighed and smiled. I guess turn about is fair play she said thinking of every time that Steve was around and she dominated the conversation with him. Oh I miss him. "Excuse me for a second." She said getting up and grabbing her phone to go and call Steve. Besides Shane wouldn't miss her right now she noticed as they started into conversation.

"So CJ you behaving for your mom?" Shane laughed. CJ just nodded his head and laughed. He held up a shiny coin. "See Sane." CJ said not being able to pronounce the H in Shane's name.

"What is that?" Shane asked with curiosity at the coin.

"It's a Disneyland token." Amanda said. "CJ found it beside the car this morning. I think the garbage man dropped it or something." She smiled. That's odd thought Shane, Jade found one this morning also. But he put the thought aside as he got down to what was really on his mind.

"I want to thank you again for a great evening last weekend." Shane said softly. "Think we can do it again sometime real soon?" He asked softly while CJ was distracted with the coin.

"Shane I, uh," Amanda stuttered. She was about to finish when Jade walked back to them with a broad smile on her face.

"Detective Sloan." Steve said picking up his phone.

"Hey handsome." Jade said smiling.

"Hey beautiful." Steve replied smiling as well. "What can I do for you?"

"Hmm many things come to mind, but since I'm here and you're there I guess I'll just have to settle for talking." Jade teased.

"Oh really?" Steve laughed. "So how's work going?"

"Actually not to bad. Shane and I have finally settled in. Our office is great and our secretary Donna is actually very helpful. We managed to get one with real skills this time. But I do need your help." She finished with a bit of distress.

"What's up?" He questioned seriously.

"I need a place to live and I need you to help me. I would like to find one to show to my parents when they come." She said.

"Well you're in luck, real estate happens to be a hobby of mine." He laughed. "Tell you what I'll make you dinner tonight and we'll scan the rental pages together. Date?" Steve offered.

"Oh yeah. See you tonight." Jade said as she hung up. She walked back to the table with a large smile on her face.

"Well I guess we can finish our discussion later." Shane said.

"Yes I really should be going." Amanda said as she collected her things and grabbed CJ by his hand.

"Hey guys, shall I make you dinner tonight?" Shane offered looking at Amanda. CJ nodded his head in ready agreement. Amanda was about to protest when she decided to say yes. Man can't I ever say no to him? "Sounds great Shane. See you tonight. Bye Jade." Amanda said with a smile and left.

"Bye Amanda, bye CJ." They both called as they watched them leave.

"What?" Shane said looking at his partner.

"I just hope you know what you're doing." She sighed. "Because there's more than one heart involved here."

"Yeah I know, but hey it's me." Shane laughed.

"Yeah that's what I'm afraid of." Jade said not smiling.

"If you have something to say to me then just say it." Shane said getting upset.

"Shane, I really like Amanda. Now we are going to be around her and Mark and the rest for hopefully a long time. If this is just one more fling, then end it right now. Because if you don't that little boy won't understand. And that won't be fair to either of them. And life around here will be miserable for all of us for a long time, and then I'd have to kick your ass for making my life miserable." Jade said flatly.

Shane said nothing but just stared at her. She was right. He thought about what Jade said as they walked back to the car. Damn! He cursed; he hated when she was right. He did like Amanda, he really did. And the more time he spent in her company the more he got to like her and he world. But Jade was right, he had never had a serious relationship for longer than one week. He just had trouble committing; he was actually scared of it. And he knew it wasn't fair to hurt either her or CJ. What do to? He mentally beat himself. What to do indeed?

Shane was so caught up in his thoughts that he didn't hear Jade answer the radio call until she was well into it.

"Got it thanks." She said putting the CB back down.

"What's up?" He asked.

"Just got another address from Donna. This time at an old air plane hangar." Jade said as she flashed the lights and pressed the gas pedal down as far as it would go.

"Hi hon, just finishing up here. Should be home in about half an hour." Nickel said as he hung up the phone. He pressed number three on his speed dial and waited for an answer.

"Hey Nick, what can I do for you?" Melvin said as he pressed speaker upon seeing the director's number come up.

"Hi Melvin, for our meeting tomorrow I want to review the board members." Nickel said with a sigh.

"The board? Do you honestly think that someone on the Board could have been helping Schuler?" Melvin asked in quiet horror.

"That's what we have to piece together my friend. Someone alerted him and I want to know who." Nickel said.

"Maybe he just knew you'd be coming for him. Afterall that's what you would have done in his place." Melvin offered.

"Yeah and what if he still had someone helping him? I mean Jade presented evidence to the board and it somehow disappeared." Nickel paused, "if it even got there." He thought about that, maybe Schuler had planted someone in the review office and they took the evidence before it even got up to the Board.

"Nickel you know better than anyone that now that Schuler is officially out of the country this case no longer involves the NSA. Let the other departments worry about it." Melvin said.

"What?" Nickel said getting upset; "now that he's out has everything to do with the National Security of this country!"

"Perhaps if had suspected ties to the Taliban, but he doesn't. Jade once thought that perhaps it was China. But that idea would be shot down now since China just entered into agreement with our boss, the US Government to help us fight our 'New War' on terrorism. Or do you forget?" Melvin said anxiously.

"Of course I didn't forget. I was in the Pentagon on September 11, remember? We report to the Secretary of Defence remember?" Nickel said angrily. "But don't forget that not all threats to our National Security wear a uniform and carry a gun. That's what we are employed for. We are the office that monitors the Intel for this country, and that's why I cannot let the Schuler case just rest! There's more to this than meets the eye, I'm sure of it. He's up to something I can feel it. So just go with me on this one, okay?" Nickel stated running an exasperated hand through his dark hair to try to calm himself down.

"Alright I'll bring my files then." Melvin said.

"Excellent. See you tomorrow." Nickel said hanging up the phone. He thought more about his suspicions. If it was a board member then how much did they want to be a sell out to his country? He got up and stared into the Washington night. And who, who could it be? And what about his suspected ties to the Chinese Secret Army? Could he just drop that angle completely? That's what he and Melvin had to piece together in the next few days. He would tell Jade only when he had solid evidence. No sense arousing suspicions if they were unjustified.

He thought about Jade. He would see her in a week. And what about this Steve Sloan fellow she was in love with? What could he expect from him, or his family? Jade said that Mark Sloan was a doctor, that he also helped his son help solve some police cases and that he was just down right terrific. His thoughts were interrupted by a voice from behind him. He turned around to see Mable standing in the doorway.

"Sorry I didn't hear you come in, waiting long?" He asked. How long had she been standing there?

"Not really." Mable offered too quickly. "Here is the Moore file as you requested." She said handing the manila folder to him.

"Thanks." He said casually taking it and thumbing through it.

"Is there anything else?" She asked.

"Nope. That'll be all. Have yourself a good night Mable." Nickel said with a smile then turned back to stare out window.

"Uh, you too sir." Mable said taking one last look and at him and then turned to leave.

He thought once more about Schuler and then decided to call it a night. He took off his gun holster, grabbed his suit jacket and left to go home to his wife.

"One of these days I'm going to have to learn how to cook well and then watch out." Jade said as she finished the wonderful chicken dinner Steve had made for them. She made the gesture of loosening her cargo pants and he just laughed.

"I'm glad you like it." He laughed. "So how was your first day?" He asked.

"Nothing to unusual." She sighed as she leaned back in her chair. "We checked out two crime scenes related to the Asian hitman. Both were about the same, nothing to unusual. Except at the first one Shane and I found two strange things. First I found a token to Disneyland and then Shane found a small electrical generator. Do you think perhaps it was kids playing music or something?" She asked.

"Probably. Rave's have been known to turn up in the most unusual of places. As for the token, probably just fallout from one of the kids pants pockets or something. Probably all they money he had. Afterall who would purposely plant a thing like that?" Steve laughed.

Jade only half laughed as she started to get an uneasy feeling in her stomach. Probably just the aftermath of the case playing games with my head, she thought. But she still couldn't shake it.

"Jade?" Steve called, she looked up at him, "you okay?" He asked.

"Yup. Just fine." She said getting up and walking over to his waiting embrace. "Perfectly fine." With that she looked up at him and he didn't even think twice about kissing her. "Are you sure you don't want to move in here?" He breathed.

She stopped kissing and looked up at him. "First of all I wouldn't get anything done, and secondly my father, although as liberated as I am would have a heart attack. Believe it or not he's still old fashioned when it comes to things like that." She said softly. "And I don't think I'm ready for that just yet." She looked away. "Please don't be mad Steve." She said softly.

He looked at her and said, "Mad at you? Jade just because you're not ready to move in with me yet would be no reason for me to be mad. Besides it just makes the wait that much better!" He smiled. "The wait?" She just laughed as they made their way to the floor and continued their kissing. "Good thing dad is working late." Were the last audible words Steve uttered.

"Well I'm glad you liked supper. Shall I help you put CJ to bed?" Shane asked after they had finished supper and were relaxing in the living room. "Yes it was wonderful." Amanda smiled. "Nope this I can handle all by myself. Be right back." She smiled warmly at him. Shane settled into the leather sofa.

She gathered a now sleeping CJ in her arms and disappeared into the bedroom. She returned several minutes later with empty arms. She sat down on the couch beside him and turned herself so she was facing him.

"Shane, I have to…" she started.

"No Amanda, let me." He said butting in. "I know what you're going to say and I can't blame you." He started. "You were right what you said about me before, that I usually have a girl in every port. And up until a while back I did." He sighed.

"What happened?" Amanda asked.

"I realized it was time to grow up." Shane sighed again. "This is very hard for me to admit, being a guy and all. But I am deathly afraid of commitment." There he said it; it was finally out in the open. How would she react?

"I see." Amanda started slowly. "And?" She urged him to continue.

"And I really like you, and CJ. And for the first time, I am afraid that if I walk away now I'll lose the best thing that ever happened to me." He paused taking her hands in his, "but if I don't I'm afraid I'll screw up and you'll walk away." He sighed looking into her eyes. "I don't want to hurt either you or CJ."

"There's something more isn't there?" She asked reading the worried expression on his face.

"Yes." He said looking down. "In my line of work, I face danger all the time. Like with Carmen, the only solution I knew was the hard way out. How could I do that with…" he was about to finish when Amanda pulled her hands away and put a finger on his lips to silence him.

"Shh," she said smiling, "who says we have to have everything figured out right now?" She said. "I like you also Shane, very much. But I also have to be concerned about CJ. I don't just want a temporary fling either; it'll mess him up and I cannot afford that. So why don't we both say we'll take it slow and see how it goes from there." She said. "Deal?"

He smiled and looked up at her and said, "how in the world could I ever say no to you?" And before she could answer he was on top of her, kissing her hard, their bodies melding into the soft leather sofa. They were for some time, until they heard CJ stirring.

"Time to call it a night." Shane said with a heavy sigh. "But I'm glad that we are going to try to make things work for us beyond a temporary fling." He smiled his blue eyes gazing into her deep chocolate ones.

"Yeah me too." She said as they got up and she walked him to the door. He kissed her goodnight and then walked to his rental car. She just watched him leave. I do like him, a lot. But will he really want to stick around for the long haul? Or was it just the heat of the moment talking? She hoped it was real, but only time would tell. She warned herself not to fall to fast, but it was always easier to give advice than to take it. She sighed and closed the door. Yeah take it slow, yeah right, she laughed as she turned off the light and headed for bed.

Shane sat in his car for what seemed like an eternity. Finally he turned on the engine and slowly turned the car out of her driveway. He put on his left turn signal then decided at the last minute to turn right and take the short way back to the hotel. He was about to complete the turn when out of the corner of his eye he caught sight of a large figure in black heading to the back door of Amanda's townhouse.

"What the hell?" He said aloud bringing the car to a halt. He slammed the car in reverse and sped back to her place. Then he put the brakes on, grabbed his gun and headed for the back also.

"Oh darn." She said as she turned off her bedroom light and noticed the light still on in the kitchen. She got out of bed, put her robe on and headed for the kitchen. She was almost out the door when a large figure grabbed her and before she could cry out felt a hand clamp down on her mouth.

"Shut up and you'll live a bit longer." Said the angry male voice. Amanda tried to struggle but it was useless.

Shane reached the backdoor and carefully made his way inside with his gun drawn. "Amanda?" He called softly.

"Sha.." was all she got out when the attacker who was now in her bedroom threw her against the wall. She slumped to the floor in a dazed state. He ran out of the room and barricaded the door so she could not escape then he slowly walked towards the back door to face Shane. CJ heard the commotion and ran to his mother's room and pounded on the door. "Run and lock your door CJ." Amanda yelled at her son. CJ saw the attacker turn around and head back for him so he ran back into his room and locked the door. "Damn!" The attacker swore. He heard Shane coming and turned to face him.

"Amanda?" Shane called with a panic in his voice. He ran towards her room and was about to round the corner when the figure attacked him by slamming into him. Shane's gun went flying and they both landed on the floor with a thud. They rolled around until they hit the sofa. The attacker landed a punch to Shane's stomach. He cried out but managed to get his foot up and kick the attacker in the stomach. The man fell back. Shane rolled over and tried to get his gun. The attacker jumped on his back and tried to pull his arms behind him to incapacitate him. But Shane used his free legs to wrap them around the legs of the attacker and managed to get him off. Shane got up on his knees and punched the attacker in the face. He attacker fell back and his hand landed on a small lamp. He grabbed it and swung at Shane with full force. The blow hit him square on the head and he fell back onto his back, breathing hard, blood flowing from the top of his face.

Amanda who had now regained full consciousness heard the scuffle. "Shane!" She cried out as she banged on the door. Shane heard Amanda calling him and tried to get up. But the attacker stood up and kicked Shane in the side of his current injury. Shane cried out in pain and clutched his left side. The attacker then grabbed Shane by the hair and dragged him away from the doorway. Shane cried out and tried to stop him, but he was in too much pain to stop the large man. The man then turned Shane over and Shane felt his wrists being tied together with duct tape. He tried to fight the man off, but the large man proceeded to punch Shane in the kidneys. Shane was down. Once his wrists were tied the large man then proceeded to wrap some tape around Shane's feet, immobilizing him. He then kicked Shane once more in the gut. Shane just lay on the floor in pain his breath coming in ragged gasps.

"Now if you'll excuse me I have a job to finish. I'll deal with you later." Mocked the attacker in Shane's ear as he turned his attention to Amanda's room. Shane tried to struggle for all he was worth, but it was a losing battle. He pulled at the tape on his wrists but was unable to free himself. "NO!" He called out. He heard the man pull the barricade away from Amanda's door with a laughter that made him sick. His head was then filled with her frightened screams and a panicked voice crying NO as the man attacked at her. If it get free I'll kill him he thought.

"HELP ME!" She cried out as she tried to fight off the large man.

"AMANDA!" Shane cried out as he felt tears starting to form. He then heard a click and looked up.

**Dear readers as usual please let me know if you like the way the characters are developed. This will help me to develop them further. Thanks.**