Hi, people. I REALLY shouldn't be posting a new story since I already have Daddy's Girl, Mommy's Girl. I'm putting Bullet on hiatus for a while. Anyways, this is a short prologue, but enjoy!

Disclaimer: I don't own Cause of Death. Oh, turd.

San Francisco had never been known to have white Christmases.

Rain poured down from the dark December sky, landing on the ground in wet tip-tapping sounds. Ashen clouds stretched across the sky, with only a sliver of the full moon visible. It was a dreary night, thunder rumbling ominously and lightning flashing.

Most people would be in bed, lying in bed as they listened to the thunder. But some would be sitting at work, the sounds of the storm distracting them from their work.

"I hate rain," Mal Fallon muttered.

Natara Williams looked up from her file. "It's not that bad. But I just wish it would snow for Christmas." She sighed and gazed out the window, watching the rain fall, streaming in rivulets down the window.

"You're more likely to see Ken in a ballerina skirt than a blizzard in San Francisco," Mal said bluntly. She giggled at the mental image and took a sip from her coffee, which had gone cold. She took a moment to glance at her partner.

"Are you okay? You look distracted."

"Maybe I'm just wondering what Santa's gonna leave me."

She rolled her eyes and tossed her cup into the wastebasket next to her desk. "How cute." She closed her final file and piled it on top of the stack on her desk.

"Wanna grab a bite to eat?"

Natara arched an eyebrow. "Mal, it's late and pouring rain." The look of seriousness in his eyes changed her mind, and she smiled. "But if you pay…"

"Have you ever paid for your own meal?"

She grinned teasingly. "Have you ever said no?" She slipped her jacket on and followed him outside. They soon found themselves sitting in their usual restaurant. It was nearly empty other than the waiters and a couple of other guests.

Their food arrived shortly, and the storm started to die down as they ate. Although she was exhausted after her long day at work, Natara enjoyed spending some free time with her partner. They hadn't been out to eat since she and Oscar had broken up, and it was the first time in a while when she felt truly at ease. A slight scowl took over her features for a moment as she recalled Oscar leaving her, but it went away quickly.

But as she looked him over, she couldn't help but notice that he seemed as distracted as she had in the past several days. He looked like he hadn't slept in several days, and he had barely touched his food. "Mal, are you really alright? Is something on your mind?"

"Maybe…"

"Is it about your father?"

"Nope." Mal took a sip of coffee and leaned forward, resting his chin in his hands and chewing his lip in thought. Natara reached out and gave his shoulder a reassuring squeeze.

"Mal, what is it? You can talk to me." She narrowed her eyes, studying him intently. "I know something's bothering you. And if it isn't about your father, it must be something else going on with you."

"You know, it still creeps me out when you read my mind."

She smiled softly. "It's not creepy. But come on, tell me." She pushed her plate aside and folded her arms over her chest, giving him an urging look. He sighed and leaned back in his chair, contemplating.

"Well…"

"Yes?"

"I've been having these headaches a lot lately, so I went to the doctor to find out," he began. Natara frowned, but kept quiet, allowing him to continue. He lowered his voice, and Natara had to lean closer in order to hear him.

"And?" she asked quietly. Mal looked down at his lap for several long moments before he finally looked up at her.

"I have brain cancer."

Dun dun dun.