Chapter Thirteen: Ho, ho, uh-oh

Tony De Luca was scowling at the ceiling.

"What's with the happy face?"

"Do you hear that?" his dark look was hard to miss, the paper he'd been rereading discarded now on the table in front of him.

She smiled, putting away the last tray of the fresh batch of cookies she just finished, "I know, I know. It's what the natives call music but I'm not so sure. Then again, who am I to argue?"

"Are you even listening?"

"I try not to," his wife winced a little. "I love Madison like all get out, but honey, not even that sweet child is gonna make me get on with that racket. I like that cute country girl singer she sings along to in the car and a couple'a others but that's about where I draw the line."

Tony shook his head, "You really didn't hear that? They're singing about eating people!"

A perfectly groomed eyebrow shot up just as her hand landed on her hip, "What are you talking about?"

"That-that song…it was something about stalking a guy and eating his liver and, I don't know, using fingers in tea or some crazy crap like that?"

"Well, that sounds disgusting, but it's…" she shrugged then sighed, "I'm not even going to bother. I'd rather know how you managed to get all from just hearing the song once?"

"It's loud…and catchy," he grumbled, "I'm pretty sure Dahmer's name was mentioned somewhere there."

"Ah…" she nodded.

He didn't look any at all pleased with how she quickly understood, "You mention a serial killer and stalking and eating people. It's like being back at work. I can't not listen."

Ethel gave him a slight shake of her head, "Antonio, you do good work, husband of mine, but I still cannot imagine how you keep doing it every day…especially when I think about all the others who've walked away."

Tony shrugged, "Well, knowing my lady is waiting for me at home certainly helps."

She didn't look at all surprised by the offhand admission—it wasn't the first time he'd said things along those lines and it never failed to make her smile. And love him just a little bit more. He really was a sweet man.

Reaching forward, she placed a hand on his chest, "I do what I can, love of mine."

"You think he knows about this?"

She blinked, "What?"

"Kurt. You think he knows his kid is singing songs about Dahmer?"

She rolled her eyes—so much for the sweetness, "Tony."

"Seriously, Ethy, it's not something I'd want my kid to be listening to."

"Oh, for the love of Pete!"

"You're telling me it doesn't bother you?"

"I will say it's disgusting and, frankly, it's nothing but noise and racket but—"

"But nothing, it's trash and they're listening to it up there and we're not doing anything about it!"

"Antonio, it's music. Butt out."

"What? Planting the seed. It starts somewhere! You think music can't do it?"

"I think you're overreacting."

"Ethel!"

"You want to know what I really think? I think you've gone around the bend."

"Excuse me for being concerned about the kid!"

She narrowed her eyes at him, "Around. The. Bend."

"When she ends up skinning people and storing them under the basement, I'm gonna tell Kurt you had a hand in it, ya hear me, Ethel Grace?"

"And here I thought your job wasn't affecting your sanity…"

"You—wait! Do you hear that?"

"Tony, you are not going up there to listen to what a bunch of girls are listening to in their slumber party!"

"Why not? I'm just curious! Being a concerned parent and all. What's wrong with that?"

She crossed her arms across her chest, "I'll tell you when they book you for a seat on 60 Minutes."

"Wh—"

"It's creepy, Tony! Don't get up there. Girls don't take kindly to middle-aged lumbering men stalking the halls outside their rooms!"

"You make me sound like I'm the one they wrote the song about!"

Ethel sighed, swiping a few cookies and dumped them in his hands, "There. Now go and find us something to watch. You owe me a movie night and I'm cashing in."

"Oh, come on!"

"Walk!"

"The kid—"

"—will become a serial killer and you'll lock her up when the time comes," she pointed toward the direction leading towards the living room where the television was, "But until then—you are mine, Mister and that includes watching something with Sandra Bullock in it. Now, go!"

"A chick flick! You said it was my turn to choose."

She made a face at him, "You forfeited that when you started harpin' on me about some stupid song when I am trying to start your vacation with a nice night in."

"Ethel."

"Tony."

He was prepared to set his foot down but instead changed tactics and gave her a small sweet grin instead, "Aw, come on, Ethy…let's—"

"I swear, Antonio, I will reach into the chick flicks where they wear really old clothes and make really stupid choices—maybe even something along the lines of Gone With the Wind and ya know that ain't a short one."

He stared at her, mouth slightly open, "You're evil."

"Oh, yeah? Want me to chuck the cookies upstairs? 'Cause you know those sweet little things'll gobble them all up in two seconds and I am not making another batch tonight."

Her husband's eyes widened and she merely quirked an eyebrow at him.

And that was all he needed. He didn't say another word as he promptly turned and left without a single sound. She waited, watching him retreat for a moment before shaking her head, reaching for her phone and typed a quick text to her niece, informing her that she owed her aunt five dollars. Immediately, the thumping music stopped and switched to something entirely different with a noticeably lower volume.

Ethel smiled.

She and the girl made a bet at just what song might actually set Tony De Luca off. Madison had bet on something that sounded sultry—stripper music and even went as far as predicting he would come thundering into the room. Ethel bet he'd be more easily ticked off with things involving death, preferably serial killers if there were any songs about them and maybe a few other gory things. She hadn't picked the song and left Madison to make the choices and it seemed she'd done exceptionally well—unfortunately for her.

Ethel smiled wickedly, though it had less to do with being five bucks richer and more due to how well she knew her husband. And how much fun it was to mess with him.

Grabbing a DVD case from one of the drawers, she placed it next to the plate of cookies she set up and followed her husband into the living room. She would never breathe a word of the bet to him but she wouldn't take away his movie night from him at the same time too. She knew him well and loved to tick him off but she wasn't that cruel.

Carrying the tray and The Odd Couple 2 with her, she prepared herself for a nice night in with her husband, a couple of hilarious curmudgeons and a night of laughter. Ethel was more than fine waiting for her Sandra Bullock film—or whatever she might be in the mood for depending—next movie night.

Tonight, she was just more than glad to have her husband home with her ready for the holidays.

-o0o-

For the seventy-eighth time that night, he berated himself.

He still didn't know what the hell he was thinking agreeing to do this. He could have said no—he should've said no. But he didn't and now, here he was, feeling all kinds of stupid and out of place.

In fact, he wondered what the hell he was still doing there? He should have left as soon as he got past the doors. At least then he could say he really went. He could just have passed the time somewhere else, maybe a pub or a deli—anywhere.

Because he really did feel foolish and a part of him couldn't help but feel a little embarrassed. What had they been thinking? What had he been thinking? This was an insane thought to begin with, actually doing it—going there was sheer lunacy.

The ballroom flowed with music and laughter and good cheer. The decoration was exquisite, not at all overdone and truly elegant. It was marvelous and people were dressed to the nines, easily creating an ambiance one would expect a holiday party to be. It helped that the drinks were flowing too, fanning the fires of the healthy cheer and leaving the room with a pleasant din. The place was filled to the brim with the well-dressed and well-connected.

Kurt did not belong there—he knew that, at the very least. He even expected to be turned away at the door after presenting his invitation. Something along the lines of, Sorry sir, there seems to have been some mistake… The whole experience was different to him and he didn't really know anyone there. Sure, some faces were familiar but there were no actual people there he could call a friend.

He had done a good job of making small talk with people he did know and recognize. The Police Superintendent Michael O'Neill and his wife even managed to corner him. That was at least a good talk—Kurt knew the Super was aware of his situation but he'd been kind enough not to mention it or even how or why he was in the party to begin with. After that, it had been a string of lawyers, businessmen and even the head of the city morgue—that had been an especially amusing conversation though laden with heavy dark humor nicely blended in with Christmas cheer.

But that could only go for so long. Kurt been there quite a while already and his capacity for small talk and idle conversation was getting quite thin. In a full ballroom, he only had a few choices left on who to speak with—he was circling the drain already. That, and though he was mostly chalking it to paranoia, he could have sworn he'd seen the wife of the Governor looking his way a few times. How they always seemed to end up in each others periphery was a mystery to him. Their eyes did meet once for a brief moment but she'd been speaking to someone else so he wasn't sure if the smile that graced her face was for him or the person she was speaking to.

And that just added to the feeling that he was, indeed, a big idiot. Why would the wife of the Governor even smile at him? He knew she was gracious but it wasn't a perfunctory smile, a politician wife's smile, was it? That was the real deal, or at least it seemed like it. And if so, why would she smile at him? He was pretty sure they weren't at all acquainted, not even in the remotest sense. He chalked it off to paranoia finally before brushing the thought from his mind. He was out of sorts, simple as that. Just a tad desperate and feeling out of place—naturally he would try harder in finding someone he could actually have a decent conversation with.

He snorted at himself inwardly, desperate enough to delude himself, thinking he knew the First Lady of Illinois? Pretty darned sad, if that was the case.

Stupid, he couldn't help but berate himself once more. He should have shut them all up. This was crazy and he should have stayed home. In fact, what had he been thinking leaving tonight? He was a father, first and foremost. He should be at home. God, wasn't he just the responsible parent?

Not that he objected at all to his best friends watching over Madison and the girls. He trusted them with his life and his daughter more than anyone. But Kurt was the dad, wasn't he? It was his responsibility. He shouldn't have been out in the middle of a stupid party with people he didn't even know.

Kurt had already had a glass of scotch and was tempted to get a new one but refrained. He really ought to just go home, he thought somewhat resignedly. It was a bad idea coming there. He didn't belong.

But then—

He stopped, shaking his head at himself subtly and banished the thought before it could form fully in his mind. Going back to those thoughts was what started him into this whole mess to begin with. He shouldn't have listened to Ethel or even Madison. He knew they meant well but he shouldn't have let them plant the silliest ideas in his mind while they rushed him out of the door. It was a good plan, it left him disoriented enough to not realize just what they'd done to him before it had been too late. So there he was now, dressed in a perfectly pressed tux and still not quite fitting in, feeling quite the fool.

Kurt suppressed a sigh and headed out of the room, well aware of the exits and knowing exactly just where to go. The sooner he got out of there, the better, he decided. He'd lingered there long enough already.

Straightening his back and walking in that particular way only someone with military training could do, he handed his empty glass off to a passing tray and moved through the crowd with ease. He was smooth but quick, meandering around the throng of party goes that consisted of movers and shakers of the city in a sea of tuxedos and gowns. He was careful as he moved through them, not seeing them or anything of note, his mind going into tunnel vision, eager to just obey its order to leave.

Get out, go home and forget he ever went to begin with.

But then somehow, as he wove through the crowd, he couldn't help but feel some loss and disappointment in the midst of the frustration with himself that had been slowly building throughout the night. It lingered in the back of his mind, trying to pierce through the determination of his to get away. As much as he tried to lay the blame on Ethel and Madison, he knew it was wrong to throw it all unto them.

After all, he had gone, hadn't he? He hadn't gone with a gun pointed at his head. He'd allowed them to persuade him and actually went. He had a hand in this embarrassment and therefore, he'd done it to himself. He had allowed himself to hope for something foolish and impossible. He'd done that and he could just spit at himself for entertaining such foolish notions.

With that thought in mind, his pace quickened as he strode through the doors of the ballroom, leaving behind the music and the sounds of conversation mingling with laughter. The sooner he left, the sooner he could forget the night in its entirety.

On the other side of the room, a pair of dark eyes caught his exit, an eyebrow quirked and a frown bending a pair of lips painted a deep red.

Another empty glass was discarded and a hasty exit followed.

-o0o-

"Okay, tell me again what's gonna happen?"

Madison shrugged, shaking the bottle of nail polish in one hand while she kept one eye on the work she'd done on Caitlin's nails, "I don't know, I swear."

"So, you just sent your dad off to some party where she's going to be and hope for the best?" Mandy raised an eyebrow at her, dressed in her skull and bones sweater and fire engine red pajama bottoms.

The rest of the girls—save for Madison who was dressed in an old oversized Disneyland shirt and boy's blue pajama bottoms—were dressed in appropriately girly sleepwear in various forms. Each, of course, reflected their personalities that left Mandy admitting to herself once more that she still wondered how someone as funky as Madison ended up with a group of girls that leaned more toward the powderpuff squad than anything close to the kind of kids Mandy would have imagined her hanging out with before she came along.

Sure, Becca was a bit of a rebel but she was still one of those girls who actually acted and dressed like girls. Granted the dirty blonde could definitely fight dirty if thrown into a brawl, it was still a wonder someone like Madison—who was so her daddy's girl through and through with an excellent streak of tomboy in her system to make her stand out—managed to get along famously with her group.

Not that Mandy minded though. Sure, she had reservations in the beginning—she had met Madison first before she was introduced to the rest of her group—but she's been the new kid too many times already not to be an expert of sorts in assimilating with different kinds of people.

"Something like that," Madison said, "I've talked to everyone, Mandy and if this doesn't do it…well, fine."

Mandy snorted, "You're just gonna give up?"

Madison grinned wickedly, "What do you think?"

"What else could you do though?" Neesa asked from her perch next to Grace who had commandeered her hair for the time being. She'd been promised a special kind of braid.

"Oh, she'll think of something," Mandy snarked—more than glad to be left on her own devices while the girls primped and propped or whatever it was called. Out of the eight girls Madison had invited, only five managed to make it which was alright since the girls in the room and as well as the absent Becca were the closest.

That left Mandy to monitor whatever they might sweep up online. Hers and Madison's Twitter pages were open on her laptop and Madison's laptop, music was playing and the line was open as they waited for Becca to try and make an appearance via Skype.

"Man, this is so cool," Mandy said, reaching for the book Madison had been given. "I can't believe you got an advance copy. I get it next, right?"

"Of course," Madison grinned, "It's awesome. I can't put it down!"

"How'd she even do that?" Grace asked, curious.

"She's friends with the author…she's from Chicago too, remember?"

Mandy sighed, "My mom doesn't have friends cool enough for this."

"Isn't your mom friends with Rham Nayarr?"

"Who?" Neesa asked, brow wrinkling.

"He wrote Restless Evil and got a fatwa on his head."

Caitlin blinked, "A what-wa?"

Mandy and Madison grinned at each other as Grace answered, "It's when you piss off an Islamic leader and a lot of his peeps try and kill you."

"Seriously?" Caitlin said, wide-eyed then looked at her phone, "I'm getting a lot of angry texts from Bex," she said, her cheeks a little pink, "She's…pissed."

"How come you're the only one getting texts?" Mandy asked, reaching for her phone and firing off a text to their absent friend. Becca had a mouth on her so it only followed that her fingers were the same—she was hilarious when she was pissed as hell, which she was, considering she was missing from the group.

And always ready to accommodate, the angry Becca wasted no time sending her pissed off texts full of rants to everyone's phones. Grace was the first to react, laughing uproariously at the things Becca was telling them she wanted to do to her cousin, which involved a rusty spoon, his no-no place and something from the said place being removed.

Caitlin shook her head, "She's been like that for, like, twenty minutes now."

"You've been holding out, kitten!" Madison accused playfully.

Grace shook her head, "And like she hasn't gone longer than that."

Neesa snickered, "Remember when Mr. Colfax gave her that B?"

"God, do not remind her…she's still pissed about that," Grace muttered, "She wouldn't shut up about that for months. Seriously!"

"To be fair, that almost cost her…" Caitlin pointed out meekly, ever grade-conscious though not quite in the same extremes as Lisa Fanks.

"She used to have a crush on him," Madison grinned, "Not anymore."

"The guy is an ass anyway," Mandy pointed out—she was new but she was pretty good at getting the lay of the land too. She knew vindictive teachers when she saw them. And yes, even blue-eyed seemingly harmless pretty Mr. Colfax could get vindictive too. No matter how cute—an ass was an ass in her point of view.

Madison held her tongue though she nodded in assent as did the other girls. She was close to finishing up Caitlin's fingernails, painting them the deep purple she requested. She was pretty good at the nail thing when it came to others but on herself, she was simply hopeless. She tried it once but gave up quickly.

"I think she's gonna come back with red hair…or a tattoo," Caitlin said, biting the inside of her cheek, finding neither at all appealing.

"She's thirteen," Grace pointed out, "Who would tattoo a thirteen year old?"

"Her other cousin—the one who got kicked out of that boarding school in Europe…?" Neesa said. "She just got back stateside."

"Oh, wow," Mandy snorted, "Can't wait to see that."

Madison grinned, "I'm pulling for the red hair. She's got the personality for it."

"She's crazy," Grace said, shaking her head of chocolate brown hair.

"Exactly," Mandy said, grinning, "Like crazy as hell crazy, ya know?"

Neesa grinned while Caitlin spoke up, "She's not that crazy."

Mandy raised an eyebrow, "Didn't you guys tell me she punched Courtney Nixon, like, two years ago?"

"That was different, Courtney was—"

"—being an uber-bitch."

"Nee!" Caitlin sounded properly scandalized.

"What? It's true. Why else would Bex punch her?" she shrugged.

"True, though," Grace pointed out, "But it's not like it was hard or anything…there wasn't even blood."

"But there was a bruise, right?" Mandy grinned.

"She got suspended," Madison replied, "But Courtney's kinda nuts anyway."

"Understatement," Neesa shook her head only to have Grace tell her to sit still. "Dude, aren't you just braiding or something?"

"It's different and harder! Sit still!"

"God, Mads, don't you have dolls she can torture instead?"

"Sorry, I'm tapped out," Madison laughed, "But it's lookin' good, Nee."

"Can we shut up about hair? It's getting too horomone-y for me here," Mandy feigned annoyance, "But I gotta say I'm so for the tattoo," she laughed, "Can't wait to see what that gets her."

It was no secret Becca was more than eager to test her parents' limits.

"Sit still, Neesa!"

"I am sitting still!"

"No you're not! Stop bobbing!"

"Stop what?"

Mandy glanced at the two, "Why don't you just—oh! Wait! Mads!"

"What?" the girl's head shot up, purple polish in hand.

"Tweets! Looks like the party's starting!"

"What?"

"Just spotted Senator Lockhart. Good to have her back in Chitown! Lookin hott!" Mandy read aloud, "It's on!"

And as quick as a flash, the nails and hair matter were forgotten just like that as all five girls crowded together. Mandy scarcely noticed as Madison pressed up next to her and their heads drew together to watch the screen. The other three girls piled behind, just as excited to see what exactly would unfold that night.

"Is there a picture?" Caitlin asked from behind Madison. "I wanna see!"

"Mission tonight:a pic with Diane Lockhart. Gorgeous," Mandy read another, "God, how old are these people?"

"I don't care, pull them up!" Grace prodded.

"There isn't—"

"There!" Caitlin pointed.

"Okay! Okay! Get off my back and lemme work!"

Madison shook her head at the girls, her eyes scanning the steadily streaming tweets. Looks like people were eager to let everyone know about the Senator's arrival. She smiled inwardly, wondering just where her father could be at that moment. Once more, she wished she'd gone somehow—it was impossible but what did wishing hurt?

Gradually, the posts began to accumulate and collectively the girls held their breaths in anticipation.

-o0o-

"Unbelievable."

Annie Clawson swallowed the smile that threatened to appear as she followed alongside Diane Lockhart. Both were dressed for the party but the Senator was decidedly displeased with finding them arriving late. It wasn't too much of an importance but Annie knew this was one event Diane would have preferred not to attract too much attention on herself—not entirely an easy feat, considering the last few days and as well as how lovely she looked in the blue gown that Charlie Wright had sent her.

Shaking off the unexpected stress that had been rained down upon her after an unexpected call from Washington, Diane plastered smile on her face as staff members of the hotel greeted her as she passed. No matter how stressed or upset she was, Diane wasn't one to let her distress show in public.

"Do you think it would be asking too much of Mr. Coyne to go back to Washington and slap some sense into that dithering blowhard?"

The words had been muttered from the corner of her mouth and Annie allowed herself the smile this time, "I'd say probably but Colton might not mind making a quick stop on his way to his parents' home in DC."

"Colton Tate?" Diane smiled a fraction more, "He's former Special Forces. Excellent. Put that on my list, would you please?"

Her eyes twinkled, "Yes, Senator."

They swept towards the ballroom, their pace quick but still graceful while Justin Coyne kept pace, dressed in a tuxedo and could just as easily pass as a guest rather than a guard. That was what made being in Chicago easier—it wasn't as quick to spot security as those in D.C. where they were far too common. It made the logistics easier to handle, evidently so as Coyne already had two guys in the party, easily slipping them in without detection.

It was guaranteed the ones likely to notice them would the other guards themselves and Coyne already knew the ones in charge of the Governor and his wife were in place as well.

Diane held on to her clutch as she glanced at Annie who was looking just as lovely in her ivory colored gown, "Is Eli here already?"

"Arrived ten minutes ago—he ran late too."

"I can't imagine why," she muttered dryly. Of course Eli was aware of the cause of her tardiness. It was bound to reach him and she was glad of it. He would pass interference between her and the pest that managed to slither its way into her night. She was off, goddamn it, and she had hoped it would stay that way. She wouldn't be so upset if it wasn't such a colossal waste of time.

The doors of the ballroom came to view and there were more and more people who were beginning to notice her arrival. Some eagerly said hello while others merely watched the politician and her small entourage pass.

"Here we go," Diane said just as she entered the ballroom, a smile already in place as she was greeted first by a few more familiar faces, one followed by another, welcoming her and ignoring her lateness altogether.

The chances of her actually enjoying a party for the first time in a long time increased significantly. This was Chicago, this was her people—her home. The stress of the call eased away as a few more friendly faces appeared. She recognized them and knew them well and she was glad to be able to see old friends and old acquaintances. It was a nice feeling, seeing real people she had a true connection with—a world's apart different from the likes she usually found herself surrounded by as of late.

She breathed easier and suddenly felt lighter as old friends welcomed her back.

-o0o-

Black high heels clacked loudly against marble.

Turning left then right, Sam Archer found herself muttering a string of Arabic curses as she looked searched for one particular man she swore she'd seen take the turn off the hallway. Her had curled tightly around her black clutch, cursing how she had misjudged her position earlier. She tracked men throughout Europe and West of Africa and yet she lost one man in a party in two minutes. Well, that was just embarrassing, wasn't it?

Not at all willing to admit defeat, she pulled out her phone and found someone on her contacts list, "Hey Oz. Yep, it's me. Catch my guy anywhere? Lost him…yep, he's one slippery bastard."

She kept her eyes sharp, still unable to believe she'd lost the man—unbelievable.

"Can you check if he left the hotel already?" she turned abruptly, the skirt of her cocktail dress swirling around her legs, "He's still here? Great. Thanks, Oz. Got a last known location for me? Shit. You're kidding…yeah, I'm there. Thanks, handsome!"

She hissed another sharp curse, this time in Czech before shoving her phone back into her clutch and turned on her heels to double back. Un-freaking-believable.

Heading for the washrooms, Sam shook her head at herself. Back stateside and she gets all rusty over a man who was obviously far too quick for his own good. It was frustrating but also interesting to note—Kurt McVeigh was quite the stealthy chameleon. The more she got to know him, the more she found herself recognizing a few things in him that was a little too hard to ignore.

Sam reached the doors just as he stepped out, hands buried in his pockets and unawares. Had she not grabbed his arm, they could have collided messily, "Hey!"

Kurt looked up, completely surprised, "Miss Archer!"

"It's Sam," she said wryly, "How's it going?"

He looked at her for a moment, an eyebrow quirking, "It's…going."

"Looking good there, Mr. McVeigh," she winked, "Gotta say, didn't think this was your kinda crowd."

"Uh, it's not," he shook his head, following as she inclined her head towards the end of the hall and they began to walk together, "I got an invitation and, well, what the hell, right?"

"Interesting," she nodded, "So…no dates?"

"Nah," he shrugged, "You?"

"Oh, I'm working," she replied breezily, "It's not my kind of crowd either…rubber chicken is a little too rich for my palate, I think."

He chuckled, "That's one way of putting it."

"You heading out?" she asked, glancing at him with her dark eyes.

Kurt nodded, "Yeah. Madison's got some friends over and I got Tony and his wife guarding the fort. Thought I'd relieve them, give 'em their night back."

Sam nodded, "Sweet…I'm bored out of my eyes here. Did you drive here?"

He seemed surprised by the question, "Uh, no."

"Great," she grinned, "How 'bout I drive ya? I'm ready to blow this joint."

He raised an eyebrow, "I thought you were on a job."

"I think I've got all I need," she smiled serenely.

Kurt stared at her for a moment, his head tilted to the side and she gave him an innocent look. It took a few moments before he began to nod slowly, glancing from the hallway they'd just emerged from before turning to her once more.

"Alright," he nodded though not without a bit of reluctance.

He was sharp, she had to give him that. This was just a night of embarrassment for her, wasn't it? She wasn't always so transparent. In fact, you don't get to be Sam Archer being a half-assed liar. She was underestimating him, she decided. This wasn't a real mission or anything close and being stateside, she could allow she was just letting herself relax more than she was used to.

Still though, if she was finding it hard to fool Kurt McVeigh? Well, she needed to rethink a few things now, didn't she? Sam decided she needed to readjust her gauge a little. It didn't matter where she was, shutting off was just not an option.

"I've got an in with the hotel," she nodded back towards the ballroom, "I'm parked out back."

"Interesting," he mumbled as she led him through the crowd.

"How about I meet you there, it's just through that door," she motioned towards the kitchen doors, "They won't mind you going in if you stay out of the way. Wait for me in the first door on the right down the hall and we'll head out. My keys and my coat are there."

"I thought you were leaving?"

"Gotta wrap up first and I'll get you right back to your girl," she winked before twirling off and disappearing through the crowd.

Kurt watched her before shaking his head and heading for the doors, slipping through the kitchen and easily found the door she'd directed him to. The woman was a curiosity, that's for sure and as much as her quirkiness amused him, there was just something about her that made him stop and wonder.

Sam watched him from the doors, making sure he actually went to where she directed him to before heading off to the other side of the ballroom. It wasn't hard to find her next target and this time, she knew she had to be more delicate. A little lie could go a long way but it could get her into a hell of a lot of trouble too.

It wasn't hard—how could it when the person she was looking for was in one of the larger groups of people in the place? The center of attention too, at that, which didn't surprise her at all.

Slipping next to a petite woman with a glass of wine, Sam grabbed a drink from a passing waiter before speaking, "Been a while, Annie."

The aide jumped, nearly spilling her drink, "Sam!"

"Hey," she smirked, "Knocking back those babies hard tonight?"

Annie glanced at her drink, smiling sheepishly, "I wish. God, you look great!"

"You too," she smiled before nodding towards the Senator, "She got in late."

The young woman nodded, "Yeah, got caught up in a call. Work stuff."

"Alright," Sam nodded slowly, "Okay, so when you get the chance, I need you to tell her I have him in the back hallway. First door on the right."

Annie's head snapped towards Sam, "What? Wh-what-who…are you telling me that he is there? You took him there? Do you have him tied up or-or—"

Sam snorted, "Come on, An! You gotta stop thinking I tackle every guy I see to the ground. He's waiting for me. I told him I'd drive him home, but since the kid's little plan isn't done yet, I'm guessing we actually need to do this before we leave."

The aide nodded, "Of course, of course! Madison called you?"

"Yeah, pretty good kid," Sam shrugged, "Thought I'd help out. Didn't doubt for one second you'd be in it too though, An."

"Sam, you gotta see them together…you'd totally get it."

"Don't have to, hun," she winked, "I'm just here to deliver the package. So…back hallway, alright? Through the kitchen and in the empty backroom. Get Coyne to set it up, get his guy in the back if he wants but you get the plan, right?"

"They just happen to have an empty backroom in an event like this?"

Sam's eyes twinkled, "Lucky, right? So, you'll set it up?"

It was a firm belief she had that given the chance, she was sure Annie would make a pretty damned good partner in the field for Sam back in the day. She had the chops for it and she was certainly capable of stealth and cleverness—Sam had worked with people less capable than Annie.

"Not a problem," the aide smiled, "I'll get my end taken care of."

"I would expect nothing less."

-o0o-

It was probably safe to say she's lost her mind along the way.

And that wasn't exactly a good thing, considering she was a member of the Senate but there you go.

Diane Lockhart wasn't sure if this was the best decision she's made as of late though she wouldn't say it was close to being the worst either. In a matter of ten minutes, she'd found herself swinging between one set of emotions to another, ranging from excitement, panic, trepidation and, if she was completely honest with herself, then maybe a little bit of true happiness too.

Ever since Annie pulled her aside to let her know there was a matter she needed to attend to, she'd been torn between walking away and running right out of the ballroom. She'd changed her mind so many times in the span of just a few minutes, it was amazing she wasn't inducing a migraine. Truth was, she wasn't sure what she wanted and she was having a hard time seeing past the obstacles and the many possible ways this could go wrong.

She was torn between trying to figure out what she wanted and whether or not she had it in her to be selfish enough for this. It wasn't the best idea to see him again, especially not in such a public place after her promise to stay away. But she just couldn't find it in herself to not go to where he was.

Besides, the more she delved into the matter of what was happening that night, the more Diane was beginning to realize that there was more to this than she was actually able to see. She'd approached Coyne about the need to step out but he didn't seem at all surprised and had, in fact, already cleared a way for her. Annie, on the other hand, was positively giddy about the whole situation, completely caught up in the romance of it all—if there were any, that is.

Eli had approached from the other side of the room, leaving his ex-wife's side as well as Alicia Florrick's who, for one brief moment, met eyes with Diane. She almost forgot about Alicia and had remembered her promise to talk though when she'd tried to make her way towards the Governor's wife, the beautiful brunette merely shook her head and raised her glass in a silent toast in her direction. Diane began to ask Eli if he had any idea what was happening, but he merely shrugged and began to lead her through the crowd. When she began to ask questions about what exactly was happening, her Chief of Staff casually mentioned how nice it was of Alicia Florrick to send an invitation to the McVeigh house.

She'd been too bowled as she began realizing quickly just what exactly was happening all around her and just how many people could possibly be behind it all. Too caught up in her thoughts, she had little time to brace herself before Eli was walking her straight towards the doors. That was when her mind began to catch up.

"Wait, wait…" she stopped, her stomach lurching. Diane bit the inside of her cheek, willing herself not to show the building anxiety she was feeling, clasping her hands in front of her to keep herself from running her hand through her hair, "Eli…wait."

He glanced around the room, smiling and nodding at other party goers, "No, don't think. If you do, you'll overthink and then god knows what'll happen next."

"But this is crazy, isn't it?"

"Yes, but here we are anyway," he moved her through the doors, barely dodging a waiter with a full tray before disappearing through them.

"I thought you didn't think this was a good idea, you—"

"The not thinking? I'm doing that too."

Eli led her through the back hallway and Diane caught a glimpse of someone from Coyne's team. She barely had time to gather her courage, barely able to take a breath before she found herself face to face with Sam Archer who was smiling at her cheerfully.

"Samantha?" she couldn't hide the surprise in her voice.

"It's really weird how I let you get away with that when others have lost an appendage or two when they call me that to my face."

Diane felt the tension ease off her shoulders and Sam knew she'd succeeded in her attempt at levity.

"Should I be worried that you're the one on this end? You're basically setting me up here, Samantha," she quipped, "And here I thought we were on the same side."

"We are," Sam grinned, "I just happened to find a way that might lead to a more mutually beneficial deal."

Diane couldn't help the slight blush that appeared on her cheeks and hoped to god she had enough makeup to hide it. Sam looked past her and smiled at Eli who nodded briefly at her.

"Okay, this is getting a little crowded," Sam said, winking at Diane and took Eli's arm, "We're just going to go and have a chat."

She led Eli away, patting the standing guard on the shoulder a few feet off who followed as well but didn't stray too far from where they'd left Diane. She wasn't too sure if Coyne was happy with this arrangement but if he was giving her a bit of rope here, then maybe he wasn't as against it as she would initially imagine.

Left alone, the Senator paused for a moment—gathering her wits and courage about her. She couldn't take her eyes off the door, standing just a foot away from it. There were so many things rushing through her and there was still that overpowering urge to just bolt.

But the urge to stay, the urge to open the door and just walk right in seemed stronger, more pronounced. And even though every sound and feeling was being drowned out by the blood pounding in her ears, she found herself moving forward anyway. She took Eli's advice and didn't think and stopped thinking altogether.

And before Diane knew it, she found herself opening the door.

-o0o-

There was only so many times a man can allow himself to be made to feel a fool.

And for tonight, Kurt McVeigh was reaching his limit.

Locked in the empty storage room for more than twenty minutes now, he was beginning to feel more than a pang of impatience. The more he stuck around, the more agitated he felt and the more agitated he felt, the more he felt like a caged animal. He wasn't one to lose his temper but he was beginning to feel that to be a distinct possibility.

What the hell was going on with that woman, he thought miserably. He wasn't sure if she locked him there or if it was an accident but he was very unhappy about it. He'd been hoping to get home a lot sooner and she seemed to be taking her sweet time. Reluctant to do so before, he decided he'd reached his limit and took out his phone. He didn't want to pull Tony out so late but he needed to get the hell out already.

Muttering to himself about how stupid this whole night was turning out to be—and sounding a lot like Madison on a bad day—he almost pressed 'call' when he heard the door open behind him.

"Look, if you think—" he turned to scowl at Sam only to stop dead in his tracks as he found himself face to face with an entirely different and unexpected surprise.

He felt his breath catch in his throat and the words died away from his lips. The hand holding on to his phone dropped away as he found himself face to face with the one person he'd been hoping to see. He didn't actually think it might happen, or at least, he didn't want to get his hopes too high but there she was.

She turned away from him and closed the door behind her, resting her palm against it and took a deep breath before facing him again, their eyes meeting briefly. She lost her nerve though, her eyes skittering away and even in all her years in the public eye, somehow she was unable to hide the nervousness that was slowly eating away at her.

"Diane."

The initial pleasure of seeing her that blossomed as soon as he caught sight of her began to dissipate. He could see and feel her unease and it was leading to the awkwardness that quickly settled between them.

He had hoped to see her but he'd never actually thought he'd get close enough to speak to her. So now, he was at a loss at what to say. But then she came to him, didn't she? She didn't seem all that surprised to see him in that room either. So he decided she sought him out, knew where he was and he wondered if she had anything to say to him.

Diane couldn't help but speak a little quietly, as if afraid being too loud might burst something in this delicate situation, "Hello, Kurt."

He let himself relax, tried to shake off the awkward feeling in case she took that as something negative. He'd been very good at acting like he hadn't been too affected by her, by what her being in his life, however briefly, had done to him. But standing in front of him now, looking the way she did, it was impossible to deny her effect on him. She was so close—close enough that he could actually smell the scent of her perfume.

And it was intoxicating—she was intoxicating and standing there close enough to touch her, to just simply reach out and be with her? Every impulse to pull her close and kiss her came flooding back in a nearly overwhelming wave.

"Hi," he managed to say and almost wished he could take it back. Smooth, real smooth.

She looked even lovelier than the day they met and even her skittishness couldn't diminish that. Looking absolutely gorgeous in her blue gown, he almost couldn't believe she was actually standing in front of him. She was so completely there and he took it all in from the way the fabric of her dress hugged her curves like a jealous lover, the way her hair brushed her shoulders in those soft golden hues, the bold redness of her lips. She was there, standing right in front of him and they were truly alone, just the two of them—no aides, no hangers on, no media and no one ready to jump in and whisk her off.

Her hand raised a little, as if to touch him but she pulled back and settled it against her stomach instead, "How have you been doing?"

"I…" he began, slipping his hands in his pockets, "Fine. You?"

"I've been better," she shrugged, looking away for a moment before looking at him once more, "What about Madison? I hope she's…what happened with the papers and the news and-and…I'm sorry. I-we tried to stop it but it just—"

"Hey, hey," he moved towards her, careful not to spook her or inadvertently make her feel uncomfortable. There was still some distance between them and he didn't want to push her into something she wasn't ready for. He reached out slowly, waited to see if she would move away but she stayed in place.

It was not hard to miss the obvious distress on her features, the guilt that she was trying not broadcast too much. He saw genuine remorse, saw the regret and how sorry she was. And while it wasn't exactly a pleasure cruise having his life splashed across the papers in black and white, he never once blamed her for it.

He carefully took hold of her arms, "Madison is fine and it wasn't your fault, Diane. I know that. It's okay."

She stared at him with wide eyes, unable to believe he harbored no ill feelings towards her and everything else that happened, "How-how can you—"

Kurt shook his head, his hands slipping down her arms and held her hands in his, "Forget about it."

Diane bit the inside of her cheek, blinking once before she leant forward, resting her head against the side of his neck and breathed in deeply. He smelled the way he did the last time he'd been close enough to commit to memory and she took more comfort in that than she thought she could. Suddenly, she wasn't so sure what else she could say to him. Never had words failed her so spectacularly.

He closed his eyes, letting go of her hands but only to let them slip around her waist, holding her to him. He breathed in deeply, inhaling her scent and let himself sink further into intoxication. Her hair tickled his lips and he found himself admitting something he hadn't been able to to anyone, not even to himself, "I haven't…I can't stop thinking about you."

Though she tried to resist the temptation, she failed eventually and finally allowed herself to wound her arms around him. He pulled her close, resting her cheek against his shoulder, her eyes falling closed. She breathed in deeply, resisting all urge to think and simply let him to hold her. She still didn't know what to say to him, unable to decide between what she had to do and what she wanted to do. It was hard to decide just how selfish she could allow herself to be.

"Okay, okay," her eyes flew open as he started pulling away from her and was even more surprised when he stepped back.

She pulled her arms from him, self-consciousness taking over, "Wh-what? Did I do something wrong? I—"

He smiled a little, "Nah, I was just…can we get something out of the way before anything else happens?"

She blinked, "Okay, uh, what?"

Kurt moved quickly, taking the step away from her back and wasted no time curling his hand around the nape of her neck, anchoring one hand on her waist and pulled her into a kiss.

The initial burst of surprise with the suddenness of his actions was overtaken by pleasure. And while she hesitated at first, she finally gave a little to her own desires and curled an arm around his neck, kissing him back softly. There was only a touch of hesitation in her kiss, as if she was afraid of letting go and letting the hunger take over her completely.

But there was only so much hesitation that could hold what wasn't just a little bit of hunger at bay. Her lips parted beneath his and he didn't need persuading into a deeper kiss. She placed her hand on his chest, her fingers curling into the fabric of his jacket, similar to the way she almost did that night outside the hospital the first time she was forced to walk away from him.

She pulled herself tight against him, trapping her hand between them and only allowed her fingers to release him when breathing became an issue. They eased off, reluctantly parting but he didn't let her get too far, keeping his hand on the back of her neck and pressing his forehead against hers. Her eyes were closed, breathing in and out heavily, her cheeks decidedly pink and her lips lingering not too far from his, close enough that he could feel her breath along with his.

He found that he didn't want to let her go, not again.

"Yeah," he said quietly, "I thought I ought to get to that before we get interrupted again."

Diane smiled shyly and chuckled, "I can't say I mind."

"Good," Kurt muttered, "Because your guys have the worst timing."

Her eyes opened, teeth sinking into her bottom lip, "I've noticed. But you're improving though."

"That's good to know," he nodded, moving his hand from her neck to her face, "I hated myself every time I thought about the times I should have kissed you and I didn't."

He expected a lot of different things from that confession, even rejection but it still stung when the smile faded from her face. She took his hand and moved back a little, keeping their connection but giving way to distance once more. A cloud of worry came over her eyes.

"I really am sorry for everything that's happened," she sighed, looking at their hands bound together, "I—"

"How long have we been in here?" he cut her off suddenly, looking around the room. Save for some empty shelves and a table and a stack of chairs, it was pretty drab.

"What? Oh, I don't know…a few minutes?" she looked around, her fingers tightening around his, "Why?"

"I have been here for, what, half an hour now?" he checked his watch, raising his eyebrows, "And I gotta say, I'd really like to get out of here so…what do you say? If you want to talk, we can go somewhere and…talk." He stopped then added, though not without an obvious sign of uncertainty, "Or if you'd like to go home—"

"Talk," she said abruptly, "Talking sounds good."

"It does," he nodded, "Got any ideas? I think I remember you asking me out."

A slow smile began to appear on her face, which in turn, caused him to smile as well. She leaned in close, her lips hovering over his and her hand warm over his chest.

"Ah, I did, didn't I?" she said with a playful nod, "Dinner?"

"Sounds good," he cleared his throat carefully, "And maybe coffee after?"

"With dessert?" it was hard not to be affected by her unexpected playfulness.

"Yep," he grinned, "So, how about we get out of here and if you gotta say goodbye to people or—"

She looked at the door behind her, "It's a big party…I arrived late and it looked like everyone was well on their way. I don't think I'll be missed."

"Alright," he nodded, "I…I didn't drive here though but—"

"Where I go, my guys with the bad timing will still end up following," she smiled wryly, "We tell them where we need to go…they'll take us there."

He nodded, "Is there any place they'll let you go alone?"

She winced, "Not many…well, except for places they already cleared."

"Ah…"

"Welcome to my world," she quipped. "I'm sorry."

"Is there a list or…?"

Diane bit her bottom lip, "It's a short one…Chicago isn't exactly known for safety. I wouldn't be surprised if Coyne would put me in a titanium bubble if he could." She sighed, "I'm sorry. This is already a mess, I understand if you'd prefer not to…it's alright, really."

Kurt let out a dry laugh and shook his head at her, "This is getting a little tricky, but would you please stop giving me an out. I'm not taking it so don't waste your breath."

She gave him a helpless smile, "You're too patient, I think."

"It's not a problem," he shook his head, placing a hand on her cheek, "It's their job to take care of you, make sure you're safe. I'm not gonna hold that against them. It's alright."

She kissed him lightly on the lips, appreciating how understanding he was being, "Well, why don't—"

A knock interrupted their conversation and both turned towards the door.

"Their timing is improving," he muttered against her lips, eliciting a small laugh from her. "Tell me they don't have some kind of alarm system on you? Like, when someone gets close enough for a kiss, they intercede?"

"I never considered that but it's sure looking like it, isn't it?" she kissed him again only to hear another knock. She frowned, "You might be on to something there."

Kurt nodded, smirking, "Let me get that."

"Wait," she surprised him by grabbing his collar and pressing her lips against his and drew him into another kiss. The urge to protest didn't even cross his mind as he willingly allowed her to pull him in, holding her against him and losing himself in her. And like before, they only allowed themselves to part when the need to breathe once more became an issue.

She pulled back with a smile, moving the pad of her thumb over his lips to remove any trace of her kiss and nodded towards the door, "Now."

Unable to think of anything else to say and still much too caught in her charms, he simply gave her a wry grin before moving around her and going to the door, keeping himself between it and Diane as a precaution. Diane didn't think he was trying to coddle her, mostly believing that he was just predictably protective by nature and it just made him all the more endearing.

Kurt opened it marginally only to find Sam standing there with Eli and Annie.

Sam spoke first, "Hate to interrupt your little pow-wow but we have company," she nodded towards the hallway where they came through.

"The press is outside and they're aware of your presence," Eli said from behind her, "Both of you."

Kurt looked behind him and Diane remained standing there, arms crossed over her chest. He caught her just as she rolled her eyes and began to rub her temple with her fingers, closing her eyes as if blocking out whatever else that was coming. He shook his head a little before turning to Sam once more, "Got a plan to get her out of here?"

Sam's eyes, though maintaining humor, were steely with determination "I have some ideas."

"Available exits?" he wouldn't be surprised she already had a tactical plan ready for any event. He was sure she had the hotel layout burned into memory. He hadn't known her that long yet but he already had a near clear picture of the younger woman.

"They have all the known exits covered already," Sam declared.

Annie frowned, "Any exit we choose, we'll be right in the middle of anything."

Kurt looked at Sam who had the corners of her lips curled up, "There's another way out. I just need to talk to Coyne and his team."

"I think the Senator would prefer to avoid being tonight's main course," Eli said, "Do whatever you can, Sam. As long as it's safe, Mr. Coyne wouldn't object. What do you have?"

"Well…"

Kurt looked at Sam, getting the idea of where her mind was and could figure out what option was left, "Sam's car. It's parked out back."

Eli raised an eyebrow, "In the back?"

"It's the only exit left that the press doesn't have access to," she pointed towards the other end of the hall, "It's for hotel deliveries. I have hotel security on it."

Eli motioned for Coyne to come forward who was busy speaking to his people, "Sam has a way out."

Coyne turned toward the petite woman, "Backdoor?"

Sam nodded, "Yeah. I take her out back and get out of dodge. You wait for the area to clear and we'll rendezvous. I have a two-seater but she'll be safe with me."

"You can't think I'm going to let her go without me or anyone from my team with her…"

"It's Sam, Mr. Coyne," Eli said dryly, "Not exactly some stranger we picked out of the parking lot."

"She's not in charge of the Senator's safety. If anything happens, it falls on me."

"I won't let anything happen," Sam said, "I'll even keep to speed limits."

"I can't—"

"She trusts Sam," Annie pointed out, "And if she has a way out, she'll take it. I think the Senator just wants to get away from sparking another mess to deal with."

Coyne looked reluctant but eventually, he nodded his ascent. He nodded but gave Sam a stern look, "But you keep me posted though."

"No problem," she turned to Annie and Eli, "They won't see through the tinted windows and chances are, they're going to follow the moment you exit. Drive around, get somewhere else and get them off our backs."

"Should I even wonder how you seem to have everything worked out to a T?" Eli raised an eyebrow at the dark haired young woman.

"I always have contingency plans, Eli," she smiled cheekily, "Your girl's pretty popular these days, thought it couldn't hurt. Besides, I like fast clean getaways."

Eli motioned towards her, "Why aren't you part of Coyne's team again?"

Sam laughed, glancing at the head of security who seemed to be just as interested in her answer, "I'm a busy girl and believe me, the guys you have are more than enough." She smirked, "Besides, ya'll won't let me blow anything up anyway and that's just too boring a day job."

The political strategist could only stare, most likely imagining his political candidate with this trigger-happy young woman. Oh, he could just see the headlines now.

Coyne looked to Sam, "Where are you taking her?"

"I—"

"—home."

Everyone turned to find Diane standing at the open door. None of them missed her hand on her companion's arm or the way they were standing close together. They hadn't been left together long enough but even they could see that something significant did happen between the two in the short time they had in the room together. There was a different kind of comfortable familiarity between them now.

"My family home. Will that be alright, Mr. Coyne?"

"Yes, Senator," he nodded.

Diane turned to Kurt, "It's not too far from here. That is, if that's alright with you?" She paused, "Or unless you'd like to go home and—"

"It's fine," he said and, without thinking, slipped his hand on her lower back, "You go with Sam and I'll find you later, alright? Wait until things calm down."

"We can take him," Eli said, "They can drop Annie and I off. If they follow us, we take the press with us into a pleasant drive through the city."

"Sounds like a plan," Sam nodded, "So, garage for you guys and we're going out back." Her phone beeped, "But we have to leave now if we're going to get you out clean, Senator."

Diane nodded, squeezing Kurt's arm to get his attention. When he turned his back on the group, they moved away from the door to give them privacy.

"I'll see you later," she said, keeping her voice low and brushed her lips against his, "This isn't exactly a quiet night in but—"

He shook his head, "It doesn't matter. We'll talk, stay in…whatever. Maybe I can pick up good coffee somewhere before I get to your place."

"Don't worry about good coffee," she smiled, "Those I have by the truckload."

"Perfect," he smiled, leaning in close until his lips were next to her ear, "Now, I have to let you go, but I'll see you later?"

"Of course," she smiled. "Don't be long."

He kissed her lightly on the cheek, "I'll do my best."

They exited the room together, his hand on the small of her back just as Coyne and Sam turned towards them both. She waved her keys while Annie stood holding Diane's coat.

"Car's ready," Coyne announced, nodding at the group.

Kurt took the coat from Annie and helped Diane into it, giving her hand a gentle squeeze before they stepped away from each other. They shared one last look before they were separated, Sam escorting the Senator away while Annie and Eli walked ahead of the ballistics expert. Around them, various members of the impromptu team were making last minute arrangements but they scarcely noticed. They were both too busy sharing one last moment together, alone with only each other despite the others that surrounded them, sharing a smile reserved only for each other.

Once they were parted from each other, the smiles stayed, anticipating whatever the night had left in store for them both. The momentary separation was a small price to pay if it meant they would not be parted too long this time.

"I feel I ought to let you know, ma'am," Sam began as she walked with the taller woman, "I lied about sticking to speed limits."

Diane smiled wryly, "Thanks for the warning. Just get me home in one piece and no one will hear a word of it."

Sam winked, "Gotcha, chief."