Jewel Ties
By: Cheryl Pillsbury


     Nick had slept for hours after his long battle with the past. 
He took the three nights off to rest and focus.  It was late in the
day, and saw Nick sound asleep and curled up in his bed.  The sun
peeked in, and shined across his feet at the foot of the bed.
     As he rolled over to be more comfortable, his phone rang and
gave him a jolt.  He quickly opened his eyes, but the brightness of
the sun caused him to close them again.
     Nick blindly reached over, and picked up the phone, "It better
be good,"
     A loud voice came across the receiver, and caused Nick to
reopen his eyes, "Rise, and shine, time to shop."  Paul announced.
     Nick rubbed the sleep out of his eyes, "Paul,"
     "Yeah," Paul answered, but continued. "Come on; I'm buying
breakfast, come on man,"
     "Okay," Nick mumbled.
     Paul felt that Nick was still snoozing; "NICK!"
     Nick quickly pulled the phone from his ear, and sat up then
rubbed his face.  He cleared his throat from the night sleep, "I'm
up,"
     "See you in thirty minutes, bye."  Paul said as he quickly hung
up the phone.
     "Paul," Nick said, but no response, "Damn,"
     Nick slowly turned, and sat along the edge of the bed.  He
tossed the blankets off to the side rubbing his face and the back of
his head.  He slowly rose off the bed wearing his white t-shirt and
black lounge pants.  Nick stumbled into the bathroom, and closed the
door.  A few moments passed, and then the shower.  He stood under the
water to let the heat of the water massage his back, and then his
face.  He meditated as the water dripped over his muscles.
     Nick reached down, and turned the water off.  He shook his head
opening the shower door and reached for a towel.  He began to dry his
entire body, and wrapped the towel completely around his waist then
strolled back into his room.  He moved over to his dresser, and took
out some clothes.  He quickly dropped the towel, and began to get
dressed.  Nick sat on the edge of the bed to put his socks and shoes
on.  He strolled over to the closet, and picked out a shirt.  He
finished buttoning his shirt while approaching the mirror.  He
reached for a comb carefully fixing his hair and then applied a touch
of aftershave to his face.
     Nick stretched across to his nightstand, and grabbed his keys
then his wallet.  He carefully put them in his pockets walking out of
his room and strutted down the stairs to the kitchen area.  He
started up the coffee maker, and while that was brewing he strolled
into the living room and picked up the remote.  He quickly turned on
the television in which the news came on.  He took in a quick breath,
and exhaled the aroma of the coffee.  He stepped into the kitchen,
and poured a quick cup of coffee then strolled to the couch.  He
slowly sat down, and sipped the coffee while watching the news.
     As Nick was about to take another sip of coffee, there was a
knock on the door.  He reached behind the couch, and picked up the
remote.  As he pushed the button Paul walked in.
     "Morning, ready?" Paul asked quickly rubbing his hands together.
     "For what?" Nick inquired a little confused.
     "Let's see," Paul suggested.
     Paul glared at him as he walked by him, and into the kitchen. 
He stood directly in front of the fridge.  He grabbed hold of the
handles with both hands.  He pulled the doors open, and it was
completely empty.  He looked to Nick at the couch just watching every
move he made.
     "Food," Paul replied.
     Paul quickly closed the doors, and stood by the table at the
couch.  He stared at his clothes, and Nick suddenly felt uneasy.
     "You also need some casual clothes; you need stuff."  Paul said
firmly.
     Nick just looked up, and took in the last sip of coffee then
stood to face him, "I do?"
     Nick went into the kitchen, and placed his mug into the sink.
     "Yes," Paul said sharply.
     Nick sensed he had lost the battle, so he grabbed his keys and
his list off the table then looked to Paul.  He quickly removed the
keys from Nick's hands, and put them back on the table.
     "No, no, no; I brought my truck.  I will drive and you shop. 
First breakfast, come on."  Paul ordered kindly.
     "Okay," Nick said grabbing his keys and placed them into his
pocket.
     They slowly left his loft, and stepped outside to a beautiful
sunny day.  A slight breeze blew by, and birds were singing then a
huge pick up truck in front of them.  Paul led the way down the
stairs with Nick staggering behind him.  Paul unlocked the doors, and
they climbed in.  They buckled up, and Paul ripped the engine.  He
carefully looked out the window, and pulled away from the curb.  Nick
looked at the sights as they passed by.  He thought of how his life
had changed and yet, it wasn't a big adjustment; so far.
     *****
     Paul and Nick arrived at the restaurant, and he parked the
truck off to the side of the building.  They slowly climbed out, but
Nick hesitated.  Paul led the way, and he waved Nick on.  Therefore,
Nick followed him in, and the waitress came and sat them at a cozy
table in a corner by the window.  She placed the menu down, and
quietly left them to decide.
     Nick looked at all his surroundings, and Paul watched him, "So,
what do you think?" Paul asked.
     Nick just looked at Paul and smiled, "Nice,"
     They picked up the menus, and examined their choices.
     "Did you make a list of needs?"  Paul asked.
     "Yeah," Nick sighed. "It says everything."
     Paul laughed lightly at Nick's remark, "Cool, we'll start with
the kitchen stuff then the clothes, and lastly the food."
     Nick carefully placed his menu down off to the left side of the
table, "Sounds like a plan."
     The waitress gracefully strolled up to them all smiles.  She
patiently waited for their order.  Paul gazed up, and smiled at her,
"Me, two eggs, and sunny-side up, a side of sausage and toast, and
some orange juice, please," Paul ordered.
     She wrote it all down then looked to Nick, "I'll have the same,
but coffee."  Nick ordered.
     She wrote it down, and stepped away with the menus in hand. 
Nick just gazed out the window, then to Paul.
     "Where to start?" Nick mumbled.
     "There's a kitchen store down the street; can you cook?"  Paul
asked.
     "Some," Nick stated, leaning on the table.
     "Okay," Paul said sensing his hesitation, "Then we'll go to the
clothing store across the street from the market."
     Nick just smirked, "Okay,"
     Paul saw the uneasy look, and about to get personal, "Do you
know your size?"
     "No," Nick answered shyly.
     "Okay, we'll measure you in the fitting room before we look
around."  Paul said to ease his nerves.
     "Sure," Nick relied.
     The waitress quietly approached the table, and carefully placed
their meal in front of them.  As she exited, another girl came by
with the juice and Nick's coffee then she followed the other girl. 
Paul picked up his fork, and just stared at his food.
     "Looks tasty," Paul said.
     Nick examined it, and gave him a quick glance, "Yes it does,"
     As they slowly began to enjoy their feast strolling down the
street to the kitchen store where we saw a pregnant woman slowly
folding towels.  Curtains, pots and pans and kitchen accessories were
her surroundings.  Many varieties and many colors hung among the
walls.  At the far back wall, thousands and thousands of gadgets.  A
bell rang as the door opened, and a tall man walked in wearing a
business suit.  Calvin was pressed, and clean shaven.  He strolled up
to the woman, and gently kissed her rosy cheek.  Erin smiled softly,
and returned the gesture to him.
     "Hey, darling, how are you feeling today?"  Cal asked.
     She carefully stood up, and faced him side ways, "I'm okay, and
why are you here today?"  Erin questioned rubbing her stomach.
     Cal reached across and kissed her forehead, "Business,"
     Calvin stepped away from her, and she grabbed hold of his hand.
She showed him her worried look.
     "Cal," Erin called to him, a little nervous.
     Calvin felt her concern quickly wrapping his arms around her
and gave her stomach a little rub, "Erin, it's very safe here, don't
worry."  Cal said to reassure her safety.
     Erin just gave him a smile, "I trust you,"
     Calvin picked up her hand like a queen, and gently kissed her
hand, "Good, take it easy today." 
     Erin turned to finish the towels, and Calvin went to the back
of the store.  He ducked under the royal red drapes, and entered
through a door.  He saw the loading dock and his two friends by the
computer having a very serious discussion.  The older man, Bill,
heard the door and looked behind him.  He saw Calvin standing their
staring at the dock.  He walked up to him, and patted his back.
     "Hey Cal, how are you?"  Bill asked greeting him.
     "Fine," Cal answered quickly in return.
     "How's Erin?"  Bill asked a little concerned.
     "She's fine, any day now."  Cal replied to him.
     Billy gave Cal a slight tap on the shoulder to draw his full
attention, "Good, keep an eye on her.  Babies are very tricky."
     "Sure thing, how's business?"  Cal questioned.
     Just before Billy could answer, the younger man jumped right
into the conversation.
     "Smooth as a babies butt."  Doug jokingly answered.
     Calvin laughed at Doug's answer, and looked to Billy, "Fill me
in,"
     "Okay, come over here."  Bill suggested.
     Billy showed him the way to the computer, and two chairs.  They
slowly sat down, and Billy danced upon the keyboard to show each
account to Calvin.  He pointed out each order and amount.
     "And this last item gave us a grand total of 4.6 million
dollars."  Billy briefed him rather quickly.
     Calvin sat back into the chair, and observed what Billy
explained to him, "When do we deliver?"
     Billy slowly stood up, and strolled over to the other desk
directly behind Calvin.  He punched a few keys, and then looked to
him.
     "Monday; so, you and Doug get to gluing, and I'll make the
calls."  Bill ordered.
     Calvin stood up, and reached into his right pant pocket for
some money, "Sure, first; I need more glue.  So, I'll go get some,
and be right back."
     Billy leaned across the desk, "Okay, but don't be too long."
     "Okay," Calvin said as he quickly turned, and left the dock.
     Calvin stepped through the door, and saw Erin sitting down with
a cup of tea looking around.  She carefully placed the cup down, and
began to finish folding more towels.  Calvin very quietly approached
holding her upper arms and placed a kiss upon the back of her head. 
She turned her head to face, and warmly smiled.
     "Hey, Babe; I'm going out to buy some glue, need anything." 
Calvin lovingly asked.
     Erin rolled her eyes and thought, "Some crackers, and a cold
drink."
     Calvin warmly reached over, and gave her a warm passionate
kiss, "Okay, be back soon."
     Erin quickly grabbed the lower part of her stomach, and gave a
slight painful look; "OW!"
     Cal quickly put his hands around her waist, and one on her
stomach, "Erin,"
     "Don't worry, it kicked me."  Erin said, relieved with a smile.
     Calvin wiped his forehead of the stress and sweat, "Oh good, be
back." 
     Calvin carefully stepped away and strolled to the door.  He
quickly climbed into his car, and carefully pulled away from the
curb.  Meanwhile at the restaurant, Nick and Paul were relaxing after
a very tasty breakfast.  Paul just looked around Nick finished the
last sips of coffee, and savored every drop.  Nick looked to Paul as
he leaned upon the table.
     "That was very good."  Nick offered a compliment on his meal.
     Paul leaned back into his chair, and just looked to Nick as he
stuck his fingers into his belt, "I'm stuffed to the hill."
      The waitress came over quietly, and gently placed the bill
onto the table.  Nick saw what it was and reached into his pocket. 
However, Paul saw it grabbing it off the table and gave Nick a
serious look upon his brow.
     "Hey, it's my treat," Paul said firmly.
     "But, you did that already."  Nick said to remind him.
     Paul leaned into the table, "I woke you up, remember,"
      Nick hesitated for a moment, and he leaned to face Paul, "I'll
buy the beer tonight."
     Paul reached up, and pointed a finger to Nick, "You're on,"
     Paul reached into his coat pocket pulling out some money and
placed it on the table with the bill.  He wiped his face, and led the
way with Nick closely behind him.  They walked quickly to the truck,
and they climbed in.  Paul took out his keys, and started the engine.
As he backed out of the parking spot, and into the street; Nick
pulled out his list, and prepared for a new step in life.  Paul drove
carefully down the street, and to the left side.  As he approached
the store, Paul turned into the parking lot and parked the truck.  He
turned the engine off, and looked to Nick.  Nick took in a deep
breath, and exhaled.
     "Okay; I got my list, let's go," Nick suggested hesitating.
     Paul just rubbed his face and turned to face him, "Come on,
it's easy,"
     Nick scoffed, "Easy for you,"
     Paul placed a hand on his shoulder to get him to relax, "Yeah,
I have five sisters, and one brother."
     "Whoa," Nick said in shock.
     "You," Paul inquired of Nick.
     "My sister died some years ago."  Nick answered sadly.
     Paul looked down and gave him a quick glance, "Whose LaCroix?"
     "My cousin." Nick replied.
     Paul just nodded his head felt Nick was relaxed, and so he gave
him a slight slap on the shoulder, "Cool, come on."
     They quickly exited the truck, but Nick was dragging his feet. 
Paul walked over grabbing his sleeve and pulled him along.  They
entered the store, and Nick became amazed by what he saw.  They
looked all around at everything.  Paul grabbed a cart and stood by
his side.  He gave the cart to Nick, and he pulled it from the other
end.
     "You push; we shop; you buy.  We will start on the left side,
and make a big circle, okay?"  Paul planned aloud.
     Nick gave him a slight laugh, and looked to him with a smile,
"Sure, lead the way,"
     "Let's go," Paul said pulling the cart.
     Nick held the list in the palm of his hand, and pushed the cart
slightly as Paul pulled it in the direction they needed.  They went
into the corner where there were a ton of pots and pans.  He examined
all the stuff; and Paul picked out the best pans and cookware.  Paul
carefully placed it into the cart.  Nick reached into his jacket
pulling out a pen and crossed off cookware on his list.
     "Good stuff," Paul hinted to Nick.
     "Oh," Nick replied in return.
     Paul pulled him into the silverware section.  He carefully
examined each set, and gently placed them into the cart as well.  He
strolled over to the wall, and showed Nick all the dish patterns. 
Nick picked out an old English pattern, and placed it into the cart. 
They went off to the tablecloths and placemats which had many colors
and patterns.
     "What color is the kitchen?"  Paul inquired.
     Nick hesitated a second, "Gray,"
     "Change that later," Paul said.
     Nick just laughed while he was picking out what will match then
Paul gave him a hand loading up the cart.  Erin looked up after
finishing the last towel, and saw them poking around.  She carefully
walked over to them and offered a little help.
     "Hello, can I help?"  Erin offered her assistance to them.
     "No, we're fine."  Paul answered.
     "Okay; I'll be over there if you need anything."  Erin suggested.
     "Thanks," Nick said being friendly.
     Erin quickly left them alone to finish their shopping.  Paul
came around to Nick's side, and slightly whispered in his ear.
     "Pregnant women make me nervous."  Paul honestly explained to
him.
     Nick looked all around and leaned close to Paul, "Me, too,"
     They both laughed quickly and slowly walked over to the last
section of the store, curtains.
     "How many windows do you have?"  Paul inquired.
     Nick thought, "Six,"
     "Okay," Paul said.
     They parked the cart in the aisle slowly observing, and
examined every curtain.  Nick saw a medium blue drape hanging in the
back corner.  He moved over to carefully look at them, and decided
those will do.  Paul saw him, and brought the cart with him.
     "I like these," Nick expressed his taste for the drapes.
     Paul looked up and down at them; slightly impressed, "Cool,
here's the order form, let's go,"
     Nick took the piece of paper, and was confused on what to do,
"Order form,"
     "Yeah, they might be out.  Do you want something different?" 
Paul asked.
     Nick looked up at the drape and the form, "No, let's order
these."
     Paul took hold of the cart, and pushed it along side of Nick. 
They walked up to the counter where Erin was sitting in her chair
resting.  She slowly rose out of the chair to greet them.  As she
rose up, she saw how full the cart was and became overwhelmed by
their business.  She looked to Nick with a slight smile.
     "New in the neighborhood?" Erin asked.
     Paul tried not to laugh so hard, but Nick just smiled in return
with soft sigh, "No, time to change things around." 
     Erin just laughed, and placed her hand on top of her stomach,
"Great, if you don't mind helping me we'll get this done." 
     Paul managed to get himself under control, and helped Nick
unload the cart to the table.  As Erin rang it in, and bagged what
she could; Nick placed it back into the cart.  They finally came to
the end, and Erin took a quick breather then looked up to Nick with a
look of relief.
     "Is that it?"  Erin asked hoping.
     Nick gave a slight smirk to her gently placing the order form
down and cleared his throat, "No; I need to order six sets of these
drapes."
     Erin took the order form and read it.  To make sure it is in
order and it is correct, "Plain ties or with rhinestones?"
     Nick hesitated a second and looked to Paul.  Paul looked in the
opposite direction offering no help.
     "Rhinestones," Nick said.
     "Cool," Paul said from the corner.
     Nick jerked his head around to face Paul, "Thanks,"
     Erin finished the order form, and slid it over to Nick for him
to sign.  He did, and slipped it back to her.  Nick pulled out his
wallet, and handed her his card.  She slid that, and handed him the
paper to sign.  As he signed, Calvin opened the door.  Nick grabbed
one end, Paul the other and they exited the store.  Calvin walked up
to Erin.
     "Hey, Babe, here is your lunch.  I will be out back working,
okay.  Call me if you need me, okay?"  Calvin suggested.
     Erin reached up kissing him on the cheek, and smiled, "Thanks,
here's a new order."
     "Cool, thanks," Cal kissed her in return.
     Calvin quickly turned around, and headed for the door under the
drape.  He mistakenly placed the order form in the wrong pile.  He
went over to Billy, and helped him with the stuff from the loading
dock.
     As they finished loading up Paul's truck; they came around to
the door and climbed in.  Paul found the keys, and started engine. 
He looked to Nick and saw his watch.
     "Okay, time?"  Paul asked.
     Nick lifted his wrist up, and peeked at the watch, "Two o'clock,"
     As Nick crossed things off his list, Paul took a few moments to
think, "How about lunch, food shop, and beers?" he suggested, "and we
do the clothes tomorrow?"
     "Okay, what's for lunch?"  Nick questioned.
     Paul thought for the moment, and a huge smile came across his
face, "Do you like Chinese?"
     Nick hesitated, "I think so,"
     Paul lowered his head, and shook from side to side, "Shame on
you,"
     Nick just chuckled as Paul peeled away from the curb, and
headed for the restaurant.  Paul drove a few feet down the road, and
came to a very small place off to the side of the road.  He carefully
entered the parking lot, and found a spot to park.  He parked, and
turned the engine off.  Nick placed his hand on his forehead, and
grinned at Paul.
     "My treat," Nick suggested.
     Paul shook his head, "Dutch,"
     Nick gave him the confused look of not understanding that word,
"What?" 
     "We pay our own way; I saw that bill."  Paul explained the
meaning.
     "You're on," Nick agreed.
     They quickly exited the truck, and strolled up the path to the
front door.  As they entered, a girl came up and seated them right
away.  She showed them to a booth; at the far corner of the
restaurant.  She placed two menus down on the table, and stepped
away.  A waiter came up placing two glasses of water and a pot of
tea.  The waiter waited patiently for their order.  Paul looked up,
and smiled politely.
     "Okay; I'll have the number four and Nick."  Paul requested,
passing it to him next.
     Nick looked at the menu and placed it down, "I'll have the same,"
     The waiter wrote the orders down quickly picking up the menus
and left them to enjoy the atmosphere.  Paul poured a cup of tea for
them, and they sat back to enjoy and relax.
     Paul took notice that Nick was very quiet, and slightly
distant.  He cleared his throat to draw his attention to him, "So,
Nick, here are you from?"
     Nick swallowed his tea hard; and almost choked on it,
"Originally,"
     Paul looked at him, and saw the confusion, "Yeah,"
     Nick rubbed his chin with his hand, and stared at Paul, "I was
born in Swansea Wales, but I have a home in France."
     Paul expressed amazement of his background, "Cool, moved here
when you were a child?"
     Nick saw where he was going, so he gave in, "Yeah,"
     "Cool, you became a cop at a young age?"  Paul continued to
question.
     Nick just smiled at him, "Twenty-two,"
     Paul felt that was enough business, now he will deal with the
personal side, "Wow, girlfriend?"
     Nick began to blush, and felt his shyness peeking in, "Not
lately," 
      Paul just looked at him, and saw he was being the shy
schoolchild, "What's your type?"
     Nick reflected into himself, and showed his serious side,
thinking of Natalie, "Not sure, I haven't given it much thought."
     "Okay," Paul said feeling he had asked enough.
     Nick took a big gulp of his coffee, and he decided to turn the
table around on Paul.  He folded his hands in front of him, and
leaned forward on the table.
     "What's your background?"  Nick asked grinning from ear-to-ear.
     Paul threw in the white towel, and gave in, "My family is from
Italy; my father and two sisters came here; Mom died a year after she
arrived, and both sisters are married, and gone.  My place is two
blocks from yours."
     "Girlfriend," Nick added one more to the list.
     "Working on it, slowly" Paul snickered at the question.
     They just laugh at each other, and Nick poured more tea for
them.  The waiter slowly approached the table with the meal on a huge
tray.  He carefully lowered the tray, and placed the plates in front
of them.  They inhaled the aroma of the food quickly picking up their
forks and dug in.  They savored each flavor with each mouth full. 
They looked at each other, and just smiled.
     "The word," Paul said.
     Nick looked straight at him, "It's good,"
     "Awesome is the word, let us eat up and get to shop.  Do you
have a list?"  Paul suggested.
     "Everything," Nick replied. "I've been away,"
     *****
     Back at the store; at the loading dock, Doug sitting behind the
computer working.  He was logging in all the orders, which included
Nick's.  He sat back in the chair, and sighed quietly.
     "Everything's logged in."  Doug said relieved.
     Calvin heard Doug's words from behind, slowly turned the chair
around and faced him head on, "All orders are filled."
     Billy stepped up, and out of the shadows, and leaned on the
desk with Doug.
     "Great, let's deliver this stuff and close for the day."  Billy
ordered politely.
     "Coolness; I'll get Erin."  Calvin said as he stepped away.
     "Wait; here is Mr. Knight's order; have her call him for his
pick up."  Billy asked.
     Calvin just nodded his head, and walked away towards the door. 
When Cal walked through saw her sitting in the chair relaxing.  Billy
and Doug followed closely behind locking all the doors, and windows
behind them.  Cal handed the order to Erin, and she placed it on the
table for the morning rush.
     "Eat out, dinner is on me," Bill said gladly.
     Doug placed a big smile, "Even better,"
     As they made their way to the front door turning everything
off; they had light conversation and exited through the front door. 
Billy turned, set the alarm and locked the front door.  They strolled
to the far right of the building; they each got into their own cars
and slowly followed each other to the place where they would enjoy
their dinner.
     *****
     Back at the restaurant; they enjoyed a hot cup of tea, and Nick
observed his watch noticed it was getting late.
     "I'm stuffed," Nick expressed.
     Paul wiped his lips clean, "Me too, it's getting late, let's
roll,"
     "Great," Nick said agreeing with the idea.
     They both tossed money onto the table, and quickly left the
restaurant.  They headed for the truck, and climbed in.  Paul started
the engine; they backed out of the space and headed for the street. 
Paul slowly drove down the street as Nick soaked up the scenery.  He
watched all the buildings, and people walking around while the sun
beamed on everything.  He looked up at the crystal blue skies, the
sun shined on the treetops and the beauty amazed him.  All the beauty
he had missed over the centuries.
     Nick was so overwhelmed with the sights; he just let out a
little sigh, "Wow,"
     Nevertheless, Paul was able to catch wind of what he said, and
gave his attention to Nick, "What?"
     Nick closed his eyes, and tried to explain as he looked into
his direction with eyes wide-eyed, "Never realized how much I missed
this until today."
      "Been gone long," Paul inquired.
     Nick looked back out the window and saw all the trees shining
in the sunlight, "Way too long,"
     Paul sat straight up looking to Nick, and extended his hand. 
Nick reached over, and shook his hand.
     "Well, in that case; welcome back friend and partner."  Paul
expressed his true feelings for Nick.
     Nick was touched, and felt good about his first true friend in
eight hundred years, and since Schanke, "Friend,"
     Paul saw the expression his face, "Yeah, is that okay with you?"
     Nick gave him a small smile of acceptance, "Yeah,"
     Paul sat back to watch the road, "Cool, there's the market,"
     Paul put the directional on turning into the parking lot and
found a spot for the truck.  He parked and turned the engine off. 
They quickly exited the truck, and walked to the front door then Paul
grabbed a cart.  He pushed the cart, and Nick led the way.  Paul
tried to help him find the things he needed.  They walked up and down
every aisle.  As Paul showed him all the different foods and tips to
cook a variety of meals; they laughed and enjoyed each other's
company.
     They had put in about two hours of picking out all the things
on his list and more.  Paul led the way to the check out.  The
cashier saw all the items, and grabbed another cart.  Paul began to
unload the cart as the girl rang it up.  They finally came to the
end, and Nick stood patiently for the total.  He pulled out his card
handing it to the girl and she swiped it.  He signed the paper; they
each took a cart and headed out of the store then to the truck.
     Suddenly, Paul stopped short in his tracks, and stopped loading
the truck.  Nick took notice walking over to him and whispered close
to his ear.
     "What is it?"  Nick asked.
     Paul had this odd look on his face licking his lips and showed
Nick with his eyes what he saw, "Ten o'clock; brunette bomb shell."
     Nick took a quick look at her then drew his attention to the
truck.  Paul wasn't looking, so Nick took his arm and pulled him
slightly.
     "Paul," Nick said.
     "What?"  Paul replied slowly.
     Nick just grinned, and acted like a father, "It's rude to stare."
     Paul broke his concentration on the girl, and looked to Nick
like a spoiled child, "Man, don't you appreciate beauty?"
     "Yes, later; it's late; beer time, then home."  Nick planned
aloud.
     They walked to their side of the truck, and climbed in.
     "You need to chill."  Paul suggested.
     "That's why I need a beer."  Nick said being a wise guy.
     Paul laughed, "Me too, man,"
     Paul started the engine, and drove to the Raven where Nick
instructed him to go.  Nick stuffed the old list into his pocket, and
watched Paul drive.  It was dark, and yet the moonlight shined up the
roads and the sky.  Paul turned the radio on, and they listened to
classical music which Nick liked a lot.  Paul pulled up in front of
the Raven, and parked the truck.  They slowly climbed out of the
truck, and Paul let Nick lead the way into the Raven.
     As they entered through the front door, the sights and the
sounds amazed Paul.  Blue lights filled the room with a silver ball
hanging from the ceiling.  As it spun it added sparkling lights to
the atmosphere.  Nick scanned the room, and saw two seats at the bar
that were empty.  As they walked towards them everyone began starring
at them, especially Paul.  They quickly walked up to the stools and
sat down.  Nick saw the bartender, and ordered two beers.
     Suddenly, LaCroix peeked out from the back room, and quietly
stepped up behind Nick.  He quietly cleared his throat to draw his
attention.
     "Nicholas," LaCroix whispered.
     Nick jumped slightly from the surprised greeting, and turned to
see him standing their leaning on the bar with his elbow, "Hi,"
     "How are you?"  LaCroix asked being sociable.
     "I'm exhausted; we were very busy with the shopping today. 
Join us with a beer?"  Nick asked.
     LaCroix just rolled his eyes downward, and then to Nick, "Sure,"
     LaCroix strolled behind the bar preparing a frosty beer for
himself, and joined Nick at the end of the bar.  As he approached
him; he saw that Nick was more content and relaxed.  He looked to
Nick, and cleared his throat quietly.
     "Nicholas, I need to ask a favor of you."  LaCroix implied.
     "Sure," Nick answered warmly.
     "I need a place to rest; my room isn't quite ready."  LaCroix
hinted to him.
     Nick leaned into the bar to talk quietly with LaCroix, "You
never had to leave in the first place; you're room is still there
anytime."
     LaCroix sensed the bond was still there; that he never lost him
even though; he was human again.
     "Thank you," LaCroix whispered.
     Nick finished his beer, and stepped over to Paul's ear, "I'm
dead, let's go,"
     Paul leaned over to Nick, "I agree; I'm tired, let's head home,"
     They both stood up, and walked rather fast to the front door. 
They crawled into the truck, and headed for Nick's place.  Paul
backed the truck in while Nick unloaded.  They took it up the
elevator, and then into his home.  Paul waved goodbye, and left
quietly.  Nick put the cold stuff away, and sat down a few moments to
relax.  He managed to find the strength climbing the stairs and
strolled into his bedroom.  He kicked off the shoes, and peeled the
socks off.  He then removed his shirt, and his belt.  He walked into
the bathroom, as he closed the door; LaCroix swooped in and saw him.
     "Nicholas," LaCroix said to greet him.
     "Give me five minutes; it's been a long day."  Nick said tiredly.
     A few moments passed, and he flushed the toilet.  He washed his
hands, and the door opened with Nick looking very tired.  LaCroix
took notice of Nick's condition.  Nick sat down on the bed, and
looked up to him.
     "What's up?"  Nick asked.
     "Nothing; how's the new life?"  LaCroix asked feeling concerned
for his welfare.
     "Great, did you find everything you need?"  Nick asked to make
him more comfortable.
     "Yes," LaCroix answered quickly.
     Nick lied down on the bed and closed his eyes, "Great; I'm very
tired so, if you don't mind?"
     "No, night, Nicholas," LaCroix said as he left the room.
     "Night," Nick said going off to sleep and into dreamland.
     LaCroix hesitated a few moments, and watched Nick drift off to
sleep.  He smiled quietly leaving the room, and strolled into his
room.  As he entered the room, he noticed nothing had been touched or
moved.  Therefore, he too, made himself comfortable and rested upon
his bed.
     *****
     It was very early in the morning, and they were resting very
peacefully.  Back at the kitchen store, a huge truck pulled up to the
loading dock.  Closely behind that; a mini van and that parked along
side of the truck.  Two men climbed out of each truck, and walked up
to the back door where Doug and Billy met them.  They looked around
to make sure it was safe, and secure.  Billy pulled some papers, and
drew their attention to them.
     "Okay, people, it's very simple, in and then out."  Billy
instructed.
     "Come down the ropes wearing your gloves.  I will cut the wires
to the system.  You climb down the rope picking up the glass case
removing the diamond and put the case back in place.  Quickly climb
back up, and then you're done."  Doug briefed them on the job ahead.
     "Don't touch anything else, its heat sensitive.  Those alarms
will go off, got it," Bill added to the list.
     Everyone nodded yes; they climbed into the mini van and headed
for the jewelry store down the street; around the corner.  They
slowly approached the store, and drove carefully down a small alley
to the back of the store.  They pulled all the way down, and backed
up to the back door.  They quietly stepped out of the van, and met at
the back door.  Doug opened the back of the van, and they each took
the things they would need to do the job.  Billy gathered the men
into a small circle with a flashlight, and a map he showed them once
again what to do.
     "Listen up, Doug, you go through here.  The alarm box is on
your left side; the yellow and white-twisted wire then the gray one;
in that order." Bill ordered.
     "Got it," Doug nodded his head.
     "Okay, Jack, you go down through the window on the roof.  It's
right over the diamond; remember the do's and don'ts," Bill reminded
him.
     He just nodded his head.  Billy turned his attention to the
other two people, "You two go near the street and be the look out."
     They quickly left Billy, and sat at the edge of the alley like
drunks.  They watched every corner, and every street.
     "Okay, Doug, you're on."  Bill started the process.
     Doug walked over to the door, and pulled out the tool kit to
pick the lock.
     "Doug, come back when you're done," Bill said.
     Doug just saluted in return, and went back to the lock.  He
heard the lock tumble, and turned the knob.  The door opened slowly
walking in and Billy held the door open.  Doug used a flashlight to
see where he was going.  He came to the alarm box, and opened the
door to it.  He reached into his pant pocket, and pulled out wire
cutters.  He gently placed the flashlight in between his lips, and
aimed it at the wires as he searched for the wires.  He found the
first wire, and cut it.  He hesitated for the moment, and searched
for the second wire.  He discovered it in the back, and snipped that
wire as well.  He reached into his jacket pocket, and pulled out the
tape.  He taped up the wires, and carefully closed the door to the
box.  He quietly stepped around the corner to see the diamond.
     As he put the cutters back into his pocket, but a card fell out
and landed on the floor by the diamond.  He quickly turned around,
and headed for the door.  Billy closed the door after Doug stepped
out, and he gave Jack the go ahead for the roof.
     Jack and his partner walked around to the far side of the
building, and climbed the fire escape to the roof.  They carefully
scaled the roof to the window.  Jack pulled the bag around, and his
partner unzipped it.  He reached in, and grabbed a glasscutter.  He
gently made a circle around the lock.  He then grabbed a suction cup,
and placed it on the lock then pulled it very carefully.  It broke
and he put it in the bag.  Then quietly raised the window up, and
over to the side.
     Jack reached for the ropes, and the two of them helped get Jack
ready for his ride down.  He held the rope while Jack climbed in, and
over the rail.  He hung upside down, and he lowered him very slowly
downward to the glass case where the diamond shined like pure
crystal.  Jack reached into his pant pocket pulling out the gloves
and placed them on.  He carefully reached over his head and lifted
the case.  He held it with one hand, and grabbed the diamond with the
other.  He placed the diamond into a velvet bag on his belt, and put
the case back in place.  He tightened the bag, and slowly began to
climb out upward.  His partner pulled the rope, Jack climbed up and
out and they carefully closed the window again.  He removed the
ropes, and stuffed them into a bag.  They scaled down the roof, and
to the fire escape.  They climbed down, and met Billy and Doug at the
back door.  Jack removed the bag, and handed the diamond to him.  He
took the diamond out, and they were in shock of the brilliance of its
beauty.
     Billy placed the diamond back into the bag, and they quickly
climbed into the van.  Billy started the engine, and picked up the
two people at the edge of the alley.  They left the store, and headed
back to the kitchen store where the truck was waiting for them.  They
pulled into the parking lot, and parked the van next to the truck. 
Jack and his partner were up front of the truck, and the other two
picked up some boxes for delivery.  Then climbed into the back, and
slowly drove away.  Billy and Doug unlocked the back door, and went
in.  They started turning the lights on, and started up the computer.
Billy set up the loading dock; Doug walked through the store and
prepared it for business for the day.
     *****
     Back at Nick's home, it was a very sunny Sunday.  Nick had
slept through most of the day.  As he turned over, the sunbeam shined
into his eyes and he raised a hand to cover them.  He slowly sat up,
and rubbed the sleep from his eyes.  He crawled to the far side of
the bed, and stumbled into the bathroom.  He closed the door half way
behind him, and took a few moments for himself then the water ran in
the shower.  He slowly stripped down, and carefully stepped into the
shower.  He turned his back into the water, and let the heat loosen
up his muscles.  He closed his eyes, and savored the feeling he felt
from the water.  He turned to face the water letting it massage his
face and tired eyes.  He grabbed the soap, and cleaned up and washed
his golden hair.  He turned the water off stepping onto the rug and
slowly dried off.  He wrapped the towel around his waist walking into
his bedroom, and over to the dresser.  Nick pulled out his under
clothes, jeans, socks, and a white t-shirt.  He moved over to the
bed, and began to get dressed.  He strolled out of the room, and
strutted down the stairs.
     Nick strolled into the kitchen, and set up the coffee maker. 
Then reached over to the right in the cabinet, and pulled out a small
pan.  He walked over to the fridge, and pulled out two eggs and some
milk.  He then got a bowl cracking the eggs and mixed in a touch of
milk.  He put the milk back, and grabbed a fork out of the drawer. 
He mixed the eggs, and poured them into the pan.  He proceeded to
cook his breakfast.  He found a small plate, and placed the hot eggs
onto it then grabbed a mug pouring his coffee.  He then got another
fork picking up his breakfast and strolled into the living room sat
on the couch.  He placed the coffee on the table, and reached for the
remote for the television.  He turned it on to watch the news.  He
curled up on the couch, and enjoyed his eggs and coffee.
     As he finished the eggs and placed the plate down picking up
the coffee, suddenly, the phone rang.  He stretched over his head and
grabbed the phone.  He pushed the button, and placed it up to his ear.
     "Knight," Nick announced.
     "Mr. Knight?" a woman asked.
     "Yes," Nick replied.
     "It's Erin at the kitchen store; your order is ready.  You can
pick it up tomorrow afternoon; if that's all right with you?" she
suggested.
     "Sure, thanks," Nick answered.
     Nick hung up the phone, and placed it back on the machine.  He
curled up on the couch, and sipped on his coffee while he watched the
news.
     LaCroix quietly walked across the floor, and observed Nick down
on the couch.  He quickly swooped down, and stood beside the couch.
     "Nicholas," LaCroix announced his presence.
     Nick tilted his head back, and saw LaCroix standing there. 
Nick quickly closed the windows for him.
     "I trust you slept well?"  LaCroix asked with concern.
     "Yeah, you?" Nick returned the concern.
     "Yes," LaCroix said.
     LaCroix strolled to the front of the couch so he could face
him, "Nicholas, what exactly do you remember of your past?"
     Nick hesitated a few moments, and looked to LaCroix, "Not much,
why?"
     LaCroix sat down on the couch next to him to observe his
expressions, "Let's just say, The Enforcers are not happy about your
situation."
     Nick sat straight up and a little anger, "I am; I remember my
past and you; that's all; I swear, no one will ever know."  Nick said
staring into his eyes.
     "I trust you, but," LaCroix started.
     Nick put up his guard, "No buts; I guess I'm supposed to
remember so I don't slip, and I remember you because we're friends,
that's it,"
     LaCroix just gave him a little slap on the back standing up and
walked over to the stairs.  Nick stood up, and walked into the
kitchen then placed the dirty dishes into the sink walking back to
the couch.
     "What's on your agenda?"  LaCroix asked.
     Nick turned to face him, "Clothes, sleep, and work tomorrow,"
     LaCroix let out a slight laugh, and stepped over to side, "I
need to call the Raven."
     Nick reached over picking up the phone and handed it to him. 
LaCroix put his hand out and refused it, "Later," he hesitated for
the moment, "On second thought, I'll go myself."
     Nick put the phone down, and picked up his keys and watch. 
Then reached over at the stairs, and grabbed his jacket.
     "I'm heading out; I'm meeting Paul at the clothing store; he
said I need casual clothes." Nick quoted his friend.
     LaCroix just rubbed his eyebrows, "He would know, take care
Nicholas."
     Nick headed for the front door, and pushed the button to leave.
He rode down the elevator, and walked to his car.  He climbed in, and
started the engine.  He backed out of the parking spot, and into
traffic.  He was on his way to meet Paul.  Nick stretched over, and
turned the radio on.  He switched to classical music kept it at a
soft level watching the road and the scenery remembering how
beautiful the night was and yet, it was different with human eyes. 
He slowly arrived at the clothing store that Paul mentioned.  He put
the directional on, and turned carefully to the left.  He rolled up
to the front of the store, and found a close spot to park in.  He
quickly turned the engine off, and stepped out of the car.
     He walked towards the door where Paul was waiting for him. 
Paul leaned on the cart as he watched Nick get closer and closer.  He
entered through the door greeting Paul with a big smile and warm
handshake.  Paul swung the cart around, and faced Nick.
     "You ready?" Paul asked.
     Nick rubbed his hands together sighing, "I guess,"
     Paul handed him the cart walking to the front of the cart and
tilted his head back; glared at Nick, "Let's roll my man,"
     Paul took hold of the cart, and showed Nick the fitting room. 
They slowly stepped into one of the rooms.  It was a little tight,
but they tried to make do with it.  Paul reached into his pocket
pulling out a tape measure and prepared to measure Nick for new
clothes.
     "Okay, arms up and out," Paul ordered.
     Nick did what he asked Paul carefully measuring his arms and
shoulders then he moved to Nick's waist and hips writing all the
numbers down in his trusty notebook.  He then rose facing him and
whispered in his ear.
     "Cool, now spread them," Paul asked quietly.
     Nick gave that odd crazy look, "What?"
     "You're legs, open them; we need the inseam," Paul said, and
then started to laugh, "Come on, and don't be shy,"
     Nick blushed slightly, and opened his legs enough for Paul to
measure.  He measured the legs quickly then stood up.  He placed the
tape measure back into his pocket, and wrote the number into his
notebook.
     "Okay, according to that list behind you; you are a size
large."  Paul showed him the chart.
     "Great, now what?" Nick asked.
     Paul rubbed his hands taking hold of the cart and led the way
out of the fitting room.
     "We buy clothes, let's go," Paul said as he strolled over to
the racks.
     Nick and Paul got busy looking at everything for Nick to wear;
sweat clothes, t-shirts; of all colors, and under clothes.  They
laughed, but enjoyed the fact they loaded up the cart again.
     *****
     Back at the warehouse at the end of the city peeking in the
window and it was full of people that sat at desks and workbenches. 
We slowly observed all the benches, but came to one bench where a
tall dark man was holding a diamond.  He reached over to his far
right, and grabbed a black velvet cloth to polish the diamond; it
glistened, and shined in the light.  He walked over to a huge machine
placing the diamond into a cylinder and added water to it then closed
it.  He took a few steps back pulling a lever, the machine slowly
started up with a grinding noise, and grinded for a few moments and
then suddenly stopped.  It slowed to a slight humming noise.  He put
the lever back down, and walked up to the cylinder.  He reached above
his head, and grabbed a container.  He opened the cylinder and poured
the contents into the container.
     The diamond became several smaller diamonds.  He took the
diamonds over to his bench and sat down.  He grabbed a velvet cloth
polishing every diamond in the container and placed them back into
the velvet bag for safekeeping.  A younger man came by with a cart
picking up the bag and placed it with the others.  He pushed the cart
into a smaller room in the back where women were making curtains by
the thousands.
     Sewing machines filled the room and elderly women sewing
curtains then gluing rhinestones onto the curtains; or at least they
thought they were.  As he walked by each desk, he dropped a bag of
stones to them so they could stay working.  When the bags were gone,
he went back, picked up the finished curtains and laid them gently
onto the cart.  When the cart was full, he took them to the shipping
room and placed them on a huge table where the people were folding
them.  As they prepared the boxes, they loaded them on the truck; the
driver got his paper work and climbed into the truck.  He started the
engine slowly backing out of the loading dock and headed for his
first delivery.
     *****
     Back at the clothing store; saw Nick standing in front of the
mirror wearing a dark green sweat suit.  The shirt had a hood on it,
and two front pockets.  He stood staring at himself, and started to
laugh.  He then looked to his feet, and he was wearing sneakers. 
Paul stepped up, and gave him a slap on the back.
     "What do you think?"  Paul asked.
     Nick gave it a closer look and laughed slightly, "I'm not sure,"
     "Don't worry, it'll grow on you," Paul suggested.
     Nick just sighed, "I guess,"
     Paul raised his wrist upward, and looked at his watch, "Whoa,
it's late." 
     Nick ran into the fitting room, changed his clothes then
quickly came out and put the clothes into the cart, "Let's pay for
this and go home."
     "Coolness," Paul agreed with the idea.
     Paul led the way, and helped to unload the cart.  Nick followed
closely behind, and waited for the total.  The girl showed him the
total, and he handed her the card.  She swiped it through; he signed
the paper placing the card back in his wallet and put his wallet back
into his pant pocket.  They quickly exited the store, and loaded up
Nick's car.  They gave each other a friendly farewell, and drove
their separate ways home.
     Nick pulled into his parking spot, and turned the engine off. 
He grabbed all the bags in the back seat, and headed for the
elevator.  He rode up to his place, and unlocked the door.  He
strolled in completely tired, and exhausted.  He dropped the bags on
the couch, and he strolled up the stairs to his room.  Sat on the
bed, and removed his shoes and socks.  Nick stood up taking his
jacket, shirt and belt off from his pants.  Sat back down on the bed,
and reached over to set the alarm.  Put his watch and keys on the
table, and laid back onto his pillow.  He slowly drifted off to
sleep.  He slipped into a deep restful sleep for hours.
     *****
     Many restful hours passed, and Nick slowly rolled over to be
more comfortable.  As he did, the alarm went off and he reached over
to shut it off.  He lay back on the pillow, and slowly woke up.  He
rubbed the sleep from his eyes sitting up and looked all around the
room.  He rolled to the far side of his bed, and stood up.  He
stumbled into the bathroom, and closed the door half way.  He took a
few minutes and a flush echoed then the water in the shower next.  He
relaxed for about thirty minutes or so in the shower.  He carefully
climbed out, and slowly dried his body off.  Wrapped the towel around
his waist, and strolled into his bedroom.  He grabbed the sweat pants
off the bed walking over to his dresser and grabbed a pair of socks
and a t-shirt.  He ran down the stairs, and into the kitchen.  He
walked over to the fridge, and grabbed a juice and an apple off the
table.  He walked into the living room sitting down on the couch and
read the paper while he ate the apple.  He looked at the clock
hanging on the wall, and noticed it was late.  Therefore, he ran back
up to his room and dressed for work.  He grabbed his watch and keys
off the table, and ran down the stairs.  He strolled over to the
front door, and left down the elevator.  He climbed into his car, and
drove to the kitchen store.
     He parked the car in front of the store and climbed out.  He
walked into the store, and saw Erin sitting behind her counter.
     "Hi," Nick said to draw her attention.
     "Hi, can I help you?"  Erin asked.
     "You called yesterday, my order is ready, Nick Knight," Nick
replied.
     "Oh yeah, it's on the shelf over there," Erin showed him the
shelves off to his right side.
     "Thanks," Nick said and strolled over to them, "You okay?"
     "Oh yeah," Erin answered in return.
     Nick saw his box, and reached up to grab it and placed it under
his arm, "Thanks,"
     Nick walked over to his car, and tossed the box into the back
seat then climbed in.  He started up the engine slowly driving away
from the curb and headed for the station.  Nick pulled into the
parking space out front, and turned the engine off.  He slowly
stepped out of the car, and walked up the stairs.  He entered the
building strolling over to his desk, and sat down for a few moments
then took a breather.  Captain Reese saw him carefully approaching
him and leaned over by his desk.  Nick felt a long bad night ahead. 
Paul strolled in seeing them there and decided to join in.
     Reese had that disgusted look upon his face, and had Nick
worried to the hills.
     "What's up Cap?"  Nick asked a little concerned.
     Reese turned to face them both, "The jewelry store down town
was robbed Sunday night, and their biggest diamond was stolen.  They
found no clues and no prints.  I want you two to scan the area; find
something; anything.  Here's the address, roll."
     Nick reached up took the paper tapping Paul on the arm and they
quickly ran out of the station.  Paul tugged at his jacket, and they
stopped short in their tracks.
     "Who's car?" Paul asked.
     Nick hesitated, "Don't matter,"
     "Hold on." Paul said.
     Paul reached into his pocket pulling out a silver coin and
flipped it into the air.  It came down, and he cupped it on top of
his other hand, "Call it,"
     Nick paused, and he thought a moment, "Heads,"
     Paul peeked at the coin and he was a little put out, "You win,
let's go,"
     They strolled up to Nick's car; they climbed in on their side
and closed the doors.  Nick pulled out the keys, and started the
engine.  He pulled out; but burned a little rubber with the tires as
he drove away from the station.  They quickly arrived at the store,
and parked in front of it.  They exited the car, and strolled up to
the front door.  Nick led the way, and saw two cops standing guard. 
They flashed their badges as they entered the store.  One of the cops
handed them some gloves, and they put them on before they could touch
anything.  Paul went down one side and Nick took the other side. 
Nick strolled to the display case where the diamond was.  He
carefully lifted the case then lowered it again.  He skimmed around
the top, and slowly worked his way down where he saw a card.  He
pulled out hanky from his back pocket, and picked up the card.  He
looked on both sides, and it had writing on it.  Paul followed up
behind, and took notice in what he found.  Nick slowly stood to show
him the card; and the writing on it.
     "Paul," Nick said.
     "Yeah," Paul said in return.
     Nick flipped the card around, and showed him the card, "You're
kidding,"
     "No," Nick whispered.
     Paul just stood, and hesitated and softly talked to himself;
"Curtains and diamonds don't match."
     "I know," Nick agreed.
     They stepped away, and strolled outside.
     "Nick, my head is nuts; the lady there is ready to drop any
second, man," Paul rattled off.
     "Erin, somebody," Nick said.
     "Makes sense," Paul tried to ration his thoughts.
     Nick saw the tension building in him, so he took a hold of his
arm and drew his attention to his eyes, "Paul, I need you to chill,
and think straight, okay,"
     Paul felt what he was trying to say, and he took a few breaths
to relax, "Thanks friend,"
     Nick smiled in return, "Anytime, okay; how did they get in?"
     Paul hesitated, and then gave it full thought, "The roof,"
     They slowly raised their heads, and to their amazement they saw
a window, "Window,"
     "Got it," Paul said giving him the okay slap on the arm.
     Nick just smiled, and they slowly walked around the building. 
They came across a fire escape, and carefully climbed the steps
upward to the roof.  They slowly scaled the roof to the window.  They
carefully sat down, and leaned against the window.  Nick lifted the
window to look, and Paul held it.
     Nick looked at all the corners, and yet Paul saw something in
the lock of the window.
     "Did you bring a light or something?"  Paul asked.
     "I have a small flashlight in my pocket, why?" Nick inquired.
     "There's something in the lock," Paul said for Nick to look.
     Nick pulled out the flashlight shining it on the lock, and saw
some fibers stuck to it.  He pulled out his hanky carefully pulled
the fibers out, and wrapped them up.  Paul helped him close the
window, and they carefully climbed down to the alley.  He pulled the
hanky out to show it to Paul.
     "Rope fibers," Paul said.
     Paul put it away; in his pocket to keep it safe until he had
delivered it to Forensics.
     "They went through here, let's look around," Nick suggested.
     "JACK!"  Nick yelled for a cop to help.
     Jack came running, and Nick silently showed him what to do. 
They carefully poked around, and observed everything in their way. 
Suddenly, Jack yelled for Nick, he had found something.
     "Sir, found something," Jack said loudly.
     Nick and Paul strolled over to Jack, and saw what he had found.
Paul took hold of it, and he looked at it then handed it to Nick for
him to see.
     "What is it?"  Nick asked.
     "Its glass, I think; but it looks like it was burned."  Paul
suggested.
     Nick handed it to Paul, bagged it, and placed it into his
pocket, "Anything else guys,"
     Tony, the other cop, pointed to the ground to show Nick what he
found, "Tire tracks,"
     They walked over, and Paul knelt down to take a closer look, "A
truck; there too wide for a car."
     Nick realized he had one cop too many, "Where did you come from
Tony?"
     "Inside; I followed Jack."  Tony answered.
     "Okay," Nick said quickly.
     Nick pulled out his notebook to write down all the things they
had found, "So far, we got a card, rope fibers, burnt glass and truck
tire tracks." 
     They all paused, and rechecked everything.  Suddenly, the back
door opened, and a woman police officer popped out.
     "Sir, in here," Lisa informed them of something new.
     They followed her inside, and she showed them the security box.
Nick removed his flashlight to look closer.  She carefully pointed
out with her pen the wires got cut before they came in.  Paul peeked
over his shoulder.
     "Inside job," Paul suggested.
     "Maybe, or they knew the system," Nick said, for and idea.
     "Great," Paul said being a wise guy.
     "Finish up here, and bring it to the station."  Nick ordered
softly.
     They quickly walked outside some air, "Are the owners here?"
     Jack jumped into the conversation; "There at the station with
the Captain."
     Paul hesitated with everything running around in his brain,
"Okay, let's drop this stuff at the lab and meet the owners."
     "I guess," Nick agreed feeling tired.
     They slowly left the back of the alley heading for the street
and to Nick's car.  They climbed in, and headed for the lab.  They
finally arrived at Forensics, and stepped out of the car.  They
strolled up the stairs, and headed for Dr. Michaels lab.  As they
quietly walked in; they saw her discussing something with her aide. 
Paul cleared his throat to draw her attention.
     "Excuse me," Paul suggested politely.
     Michaels carefully peeked around, and saw them standing there
patiently, "Yes,"
     "Hi," Paul said greeting her warmly.
     Michaels walked up to them, and it was all business like, "What
you got guys?"
     Nick reached into his pocket, and pulled out his hanky with the
things he was carrying.
     Paul did the same; "These,"
     "What happened?" Michaels questioned.
     Nick stepped up to explain quietly to her, "Robbery; we were
hoping you could find something on these."
     Michaels looked at them for a few moments, "I'll try."
       As she turned, Michaels saw her aid, "I'm sorry; Kim Fuller,
Detective Coletti, and Detective Knight."
     "Hello," Nick said all smiles.
     "Hi," Paul returned the greeting.
     Kim left quietly smiling back at Nick as she left the room.
     "We'll be at the station."  Nick told her their location.
     "No problem," Michaels replied.
     They quickly exited the lab; but Nick gave Kim an extra glance
before they left and Paul took notice in his action.  They strolled
to his car, and slowly climbed in.  Nick found his keys, and started
the engine.  He noticed the big grin on Paul's face.
     "What?"  Nick asked.
     "I saw that glance you gave her," Paul said.
     "So," Nick implied in return.
     "You like her," Paul teased him.
     Nick scoffed at him, "I don't know her,"
     Paul turned slightly towards him; with a big devilish smile on
his face, "I could fix that for you,"
     "No," Nick answered quickly being rather shy.
     "But…"  Paul started.
     Nick turned to him, and gave that back off look.  Paul sat
back, and avoided the subject of her; for now.  Nick backed out, and
drove quickly to the station.  He parked the car out front, and they
ran inside.  As they walked towards Nick's desk, Nick saw a file
sitting on his desk, but Reese followed closely behind.  Nick reached
into his pocket, and pulled out his notebook to compare it with the
file.  Paul sat close by to observe the next move.
     Reese pulled up a chair, and watched them work on the file.  He
then cleared his throat, and drew Nick's attention.
     "What you got?"  Reese asked.
     Nick leaned back into his chair to be more comfortable, and
kept the file open so Reese could follow along with them.
     "Well, we found a business card, some rope fibers on the roof
window and a piece of burnt glass by the back door."  Nick briefed
him.
     "Paul?" Reese asked looking in his direction.
     Paul leaned forward to face him, "It appears there were other
robberies of this kind."
     "What?"  Reese said.
     Nick carefully picked up the file, and handed it to Reese to
read, "Two in Los Angeles; and the others were here, six months ago."
     Reese had a puzzled look upon his face, and turned to Nick for
an answer, "How was that missed?"
     "No clues," Paul said quickly.
     Reese opened the file comparing it to the recent one, and
examined it carefully.
     "They're starting to slip.  Keep a tight lid on it, so they
will continue to slip up."  Reese instructed them to do.
     "Sure thing," Nick answered.
     Jack's voice echoed from the distance, "Cap, phone,"
     "Okay," Reese answered Jack, and then turned to Nick, "Pull the
two cases, and start a chart."
     Nick sat down to the computer with Paul nearby.  He danced upon
the keyboard to find the other two cases, sent Paul to the file room
to pull them and bring them back.
     They observed Reese in his office; not happy talking on the
phone.  He seemed to be arguing with someone.  He waved his hands
around and he slammed the phone down with all of his weight.  He
talked to himself, and stared at the walls.  As Paul came back from
the file room, Reese met him at Nick's desk with a very disgusted
look on his face.  Nick took notice in this, and stood up to meet him.
     "What happened?"  Nick questioned.
     "Three letters," Reese sighed in return.
     Nick suddenly had a horrified look upon his face and Paul grew
concerned, "Oh no," Nick mumbled.
     "What?"  Paul asked.
     Nick and Reese at the same time looked at each other and
sighed, "F.B.I."  They said quietly.
     Paul lowered his face and shook his head, "Oh man,"
     "Exactly," Reese said.
     Nick decided to give in, "Whom?"
     "Miss. Amy Nolan of the Special Tactics Agent," Reese announced.
     Paul turned to face Reese in a confused state, "A what,"
     Reese just rubbed his chin, and looked to Paul; but also to
Nick, "Apparently, we're involved in a big jewel ring."
     "How big?" Paul questioned.
     "Well, there were two in LA, and two here, but also three in
Florida, and four in Texas.  The last two were here; like the file
says."  Reese stated.
     Nick looked over to Reese, "How are they covering it?"
     Reese just shook his head at him, "No clues,"
     Nick lowered his head to the desk, and gave his forehead a rub
from the tension, "When is she coming?"
     Reese stood to face them, "An hour, so, let's put our files
together and go to the interrogation room."
     "Okay," Nick answered rather quickly.
     Reese left and headed for the room, and Nick began to put the
files together.  Paul reached over to his desk, and grabbed a pen and
paper for notes.  He stood next to Nick waiting for him to finish. 
They quickly finished grabbing all the files, and walked towards the
room where Reese was waiting for them at the door.  As he opened the
door, a woman strolled in behind them and made herself comfortable at
the head of the table.  The rest of them just picked a chair sitting
down with all of the files in the middle and Paul prepared himself;
to take notes, when necessary.  They gave her a quick glance and she
felt compelled to introduce herself.
     "Hello, I am Amy Nolan, Special Tactics Agent of the FBI.  I've
been on this case for about three years, and this is the first time
we've gotten a clue." she explained.
     Nick just stared at her, "Tell us what you got."
     "Sure, all we know is they open a small business, find a way to
deliver the diamonds and once a clue gets out; they pack up, and gone
in one night.  No trace until you found a business card, and we knew
they were open again." Amy briefed them.
     Paul rolled her words around in his head and looked to her
more, "Why kitchen stuff?"
     "It was vacuums last time.  The beads in the dust cup that spin
were small diamonds."  Amy explained.
     Nick carefully reached into one of the evidence bags, and
carefully pulled out the white business card with a glove; he handed
it to Amy.  She quickly put the glove on, and took hold of the card. 
Amy looked at all sides, and every letter.
     "That's the card we found at the scene.  I've been there, with
Paul.  I bought stuff for my place, but where are they hiding them?" 
Nick expressed and felt a little anger building.
     "Would they use the vacuums again?" Paul suggested.
     Nick hesitated for a moment, and rubbed the tension from his
eyes.
     "No; they know they were found there last time."  Amy commented.
     "Think, think; we got pans, towels, accessories, and curtains."
Paul listed off calmly.
     They sat down around, and thought very quietly.  You could hear
a pin fall on a rug it was so quiet.  Suddenly, a light beamed on
Nick's brain and he snapped his fingers to draw their attention.
     "Curtains wait a minute," Nick suggested.
     Nick paused, and hesitated.  He looked up and stared at Paul,
"What better place to hide them then under your nose?"
     Reese looked towards him confused, "What?"
     "The curtains I got have rhinestones in them."  Nick said
thinking aloud.
     "What?" Amy asked.
     Nick became very excited and gazed upward, "Yeah, the tie backs
that hold them back they have rhinestones."
     Paul thought for a few seconds, and suddenly expressed with a
huge grin, "Coolness, they must have a list of customers they serve
regularly."
     Reese leaned into the table, and looked to Nick, "Regular
customers get the fake while the other customers get the gems."
     Amy took in all the information, and all the ideas then
processed them in her brain.  She could not believe how much sense it
all made.  How they were able to hide it all this time.
     "Fantastic, we need to shut them down; fast."  Nolan expressed
very strongly.
     Nick saw the eagerness in her eyes tapping the table to calm
her and everyone else down.
     "Whoa, if you jump in now, they will pack it up.  There must be
a way in."  Nick suggested for them to think.
     They all hesitated, but Paul looked to Nick, "How?"
     Nick waved his hand around to him, "Working on it,"
     Paul cleared his throat to draw Nick's attention for just the
two of them to talk, "All we've seen is the woman; who's more then
ready to give birth, and her husband.  There must be a back room with
some kind of truck delivery."
     Nick rubbed his head, and thought along with Paul.  Nick
developed an idea, and he lightly touched Paul's his forearm to draw
his attention.
     "What if we go back, and I will order more stuff then you can
look around to see if there's another room."  Nick suggested.
     "What stuff?"  Paul questioned the thought.
     Nick leaned back in his chair, and leaned towards Paul, but the
others were observing them, and hearing every word they were saying,
or trying to, "She knows I'm redecorating, so I'll do another room
and keep her busy while you look."
     Paul took a few seconds to ponder his idea, and he thought it
might just work, "Works for me,"
     They quietly whispered between themselves, and Amy took notice
in this, "Where do we start?"
     Nick turned his head to face her, and sighed in return, "Paul
and I start; you don't."
     "But…"  Amy started to say.
     Reese felt a big fight coming in, and he stood in between them
to play a wall, "Nick has a hand on this.  Besides, if they smell FBI
on this, they'll pack up."
     Nick stood up straight, and faced her eye-to-eye, "We started
it, and we'll finish it; we'll keep you posted."
     Paul stood directly behind Nick and looked to Amy, "I agree,"
     Nick reached over grabbing all the files, and looked to Paul,
"Let's go,"
     They quickly left the room, and strolled down to Nick's desk. 
They sat down around his desk; but as he was about to work on his
computer for this case, his phone rang.  He stretched over, and
picked it up.
     "Knight," Nick announced.
     A soft voice came across the receiver, "Detective Knight, its
Kim, from the lab.  I managed to get a fingerprint off the card. 
Would you like me to bring the file over?"  Kim asked politely.
     Nick cleared his throat, and spoke rather softly to her without
drawing attention to it, "Paul and I are going to my place to iron
out the bugs for this case.  Do you know where I live?"
     A pause filled the phone, and Paul put a grin upon his face. 
Nick noticed but tried to ignore him, and dealt with Kim on the
phone, "Yes," Kim answered.
     "Can you bring the file there?"  Nick asked.
     "Sure," Kim responded.
     "Thanks," he answered in return.
     Nick hung up the phone with a shocked look upon his face that
Kim knew where he lived.  Nick then turned to Paul, saw the grin and
scoffed him off.
     Paul cleared his throat, and tried not to laugh too hard, "Who
was that?"
     "Kim, she got a fingerprint, and she put a file together;
she'll bring it by."  Nick told him.
     Paul let out a little sigh, and tried to stop, "At your place?"
     Nick grinned; but tried to be serious, "Yeah,"
     Paul clapped his hands together slapping Nick on the shoulder,
and laughed, "Coolness,"
     Nick reached up wiping the stress from his face and to the back
of his neck, "Enough,"
     Paul leaned back into his chair, and crossed his legs then just
stared at him, "I haven't even started yet."
     Nick just looked at him, gave him the back off look and get to
the job at hand, "Let's get the stuff and go,"
     Nick saw Reese behind him; "I'll call you later,"
     "Stay in touch," Reese yelled back watching them walk through
the door.
     They quickly left the station, and headed for Nick's car.  They
climbed in, and he started the engine.  As he backed out, and down
the street to his home, he could still hear Paul snickering in his
seat.  He gave his body a slight turn towards Nick, and glanced at
him.
     "She likes you," Paul said.
     Nick placed both hands on the wheel, "Enough,"
     "Do you like her?"  Paul began the third degree.
     Nick felt if he answered; maybe he would stop, "She's nice,"
     "Nice," Paul sighed.
     "Yeah, she's nice," Nick said being polite.
     Paul sat back in his seat, and rubbed his head, "You have been
gone a long time,"
     Nick just looked at him, and turned his attention to the road. 
Nick pulled into his parking spot, and parked the car.  He turned the
engine off, and they exited the car.  They slowly walked into the
building, and stepped into the elevator.  They rode up to his place,
and stepped out.  Nick picked up his mail pulling the door to the
side and it closed automatically behind them as they walked into his
place.  He strolled over to the couch tossed his jacket down stepping
over to the table and saw no messages on his machine.  He put his
keys, badge, and gun down on the table.  He walked into the kitchen
area and put the files on the table.  He then moved over, and made a
pot of coffee for everybody.  Paul saw what he was doing helped by
grabbing the mugs and placed them on the table.
     As Nick turned the coffee maker on; a knock echoed from the
front door.  Nick strolled across the room, and pushed the button. 
He greeted Kim with a playful grin, and escorted her to the kitchen
area.  He grabbed the pot on the way, and they all sat around the
table.  Kim leaned across, and helped by pouring the coffee for
everyone as they put the files out; Nick set Paul up with a pen to
take notes.
     Nick looked to Kim with all smiles, "What did you find?"
     Kim cleared her throat, pulled the file and opened it so Nick
could see it, "Well, not much, but I did find a small fingerprint."
     "Who is it?"  Paul asked joining in.
     Paul grabbed the pen, and wrote the notes in his trusty notebook.
     "Douglas Wilton; he's thirty-five years old, five-foot-ten, and
about one hundred and eighty-five pounds.  He has a record a mile
long."  Kim briefed him on the file so far.
     "Can I see?"  Nick asked.
     "Sure," Kim replied.
     As she passed the file to him, their fingers touched tenderly,
tried to brush it off and Paul laughed slightly.
     "He's been arrested at least seven times serving three
sentences and his partner then was a William Wixton.  Later, pull his
file and we'll see if they're connected again."  Nick read for all to
hear.
     "Okay," Paul replied to his request.
     Kim looked to Nick, "I'm afraid that's all I have."
     Paul felt a tender moment coming on, and he gathered up the
notes, "I'll head out first, and get this started, see you there."
     "Paul," Nick said.
     "Bye," Paul whispered.
     Paul pulled the door, and ducked out quickly then closed the
door behind him.  Kim looked around the apartment, and then to Nick.
     "Thanks for the coffee.  I guess I should be going also, it's
late.  I don't want to miss the bus."  Kim said.
     Nick gazed at her, and acted like a teenager on his first date,
"Can I give you ride home?  I have to go to the station."
     "Sure," Kim answered, smiling like a shy schoolgirl.
     Nick ran into the kitchen to shut the coffee maker off walking
over to his table and grabbed his things.  He politely escorted Kim
to the do slowly rode down the elevator and walked to his car.  Nick
stepped over, opened the door for her and closed it to be sure she's
safe.  He then walked to his side, and climbed in.  He started the
engine, and pulled out.
     Nick glanced over, "Are you comfortable?"
     Kim smiled, "Yes,"
     "Where do you live?"  Nick inquired.
     "The Paradise Estates," Kim replied.
     Nick slowly drove in that direction of her home; he began a
casual conversation to make her and him more comfortable, "Have you
been here long?"
     Kim turned kitty-corner and faced him, "The lab, or the city?"
     "Both," Nick inquired.
     Kim bowed her head grinning and faced him with a slight smile,
"I've been in the lab about a month; and in the city about six
months."
     Nick gave the outside a quick glance through the windshield
feeling a little nervous about talking to her, "Are you planning to
stay awhile?"
     Kim sensed his nerves and what he was trying to ask so she
relaxed so he will, "I think so; I like it here." 
     "So do I," Nick said agreeing with her.
     As Nick finished the answer, he saw the apartment complex off
to his left and carefully pulled in.  Nick stopped at the end, and
faced the front of a building.
     "Which building?" Nick inquired.
     Kim hesitated for a moment, "Building B, number 143,"
     Nick was a little surprised how she answered that so quickly. 
He gave her a little grin, "Okay,"
     Nick drove very slowly around with her pointing the way.  He
drove to the building at the far end, and he parked the car out front
of the building.  He climbed out, and strolled to her side.  He
opened the door, and helped her out then escorted her to the building
then to her apartment door.  They both stood quietly while she looked
for her keys.
     Kim found her keys holding her purse close to her and she
glanced to his face, "Thank you for the ride, and taking me home."
     Nick nervously put his hands in his pockets, and gave her a
playful grin, "Anytime,"
     Nick quietly took a few steps away from her then he stopped,
and turned sharply to her, "Kim?"
     "Yes," Kim replied.
     Nick looked down, and then towards her, "Would you like to have
lunch with me a day?" 
     Kim gave him the glowing smile, "I would love to,"
     "Friday at one?" Nick proposed.
     "It's a date," Kim planned with him.
     "Great, see you then or at the lab."  Nick said.
     "Goodnight, Nick," Kim said as she opened her door.
     "Goodnight, Kim," Nick said in return as she closed the door.
     Nick strolled down the hall with a playful grin glued upon his
face.  Nick slowly walked down to his car, and climbed in on his
side.  He made himself comfortable, and pulled out the keys.  He
started the engine, and headed for the station.  He saw a free space
in front of the building, and parked his car there.  He turned the
engine off, and locked the car up.  He strolled up the stairs, and
made a quick pace for his desk.  As he walked to his desk; he saw
Paul waiting for him and saw that he too had a big grin on his face. 
He tried to ignore him sitting in his chair and pulled in close to
his desk then the computer.  Paul leaned over, and tapped him on the
forearm.
     "Details my man," Paul ordered politely.
     "What?"  Nick asked trying to ignore him, but failed.
     "Did you score?" Paul asked quietly.
     "Paul," Nick said.
     "Buddy," Paul said to draw his attention.
     Nick felt he had failed at changing the subject, and maybe it
was safe with him.  He leaned over to Paul, "Friday at one,"
     Paul clapped his hands together and slapped him on the
shoulder, "Excellent, keep me posted,"
     Nick leaned over closer, "Work time,"
     Nick looked all around, and saw Lisa in a small corner.  Nick
flagged her down to his desk.  He quickly handed her a slip of paper
with names and things on it, and she gave him a smile as she left to
do his request.  He then turned to his computer, and Paul began his
task.
     "What about the girl's husband?  I think she said Calvin." 
Paul started him up.
     Nick hesitated for a moment, and leaned back into his chair at
the computer, "No last name; and he may be new at this."
     "Think we can swing him our way?"  Paul passed an idea.
     Nick rubbed his chin, "Not with a baby on the way."
     Paul scratched his head in deep thought, "Maybe not,"
     They both leaned on his desk, and danced upon the keyboard
working very hard to solve this puzzle.  Reese observed them from his
office for a few minutes.  He slowly rose from his chair heading on
over to the desk and quickly pulled over a chair to joined in.
     "What's up guys?"  Reese asked to draw their attention.
     Nick gathered the few files on his desk, placed them in front
of Reese for him to read and catch up to pace, "We sat at my place,
and talked about this; Kim joined in."
     Reese developed a puzzled look on his face, and looked to Nick,
"Whose Kim?"
     "Lab tech assistant; she got a fingerprint off the card, and we
ran everything through the computers; we got two names."  Nick
explained.
     "Who," Reese asked quickly.
     "Douglas Wilton and William Wixton; I'm sure this Calvin guy is
also involved."  Nick briefed him.
     "Have you three come up with a plan to shut them down?"  Reese
questioned.
     Nick leaned over to try to keep the plan quiet, "I will go
there tomorrow order things for another room, and make sure I get the
rhinestones then stall her so Paul can poke around."
     Reese hesitated for a few, and rubbed his face, "Sounds easy,"
     "The easier the better; that way, they won't notice it."  Nick
said quietly.
     Reese just nodded his head in agreement, "True, keep me posted;
I'll tell Amy."
     "Not yet," Nick ordered quickly.
     Reese sensed something wrong, "Why?"
     Nick leaned closer, "I find it kind of strange that the FBI has
missed all this time.  Therefore, let's keep it quiet for now, okay,"
     Reese paused for a few, "I'll try,"
     "Thanks Cap," Nick said as he tapped Paul for them to sit down.
     Reese left then stopped short and looked at them, "Also in
writing guys,"
     "What?"  Paul said with a huge sigh.
     "I want a record of this, even your gut feeling Nick, got it,"
Reese ordered.
     "Sure Cap," Nick answered staring at his computer.
     As they began to work on the paperwork, the phone rang and Nick
reached over; picked up the receiver.
     "Knight," Nick said proudly.
     "It's me," A soft voice replied.
     "Hi Kim, what's up?"  Nick asked.
     "I ran a check on those two names; one more name came up.  He
never served time, but he did do some community time."  Kim briefed
him.
     "The name," Nick asked, as he was ready to put it in the
computer.
     "Calvin Ashton."  Kim said.
     "Thanks, anything else?"  Nick questioned.
     Kim giggled slightly, "See you Friday,"
     Nick gave a slight grin, "Thanks, see you Friday,"
     Nick hit the enter button, and a small file appeared on the
screen, "It looks like the three of them are working together again."
     "Great," Paul sighed, and then smirked, "Friday?" 
     Nick leaned back, and gave him that odd look, "Yeah, I'm tired;
I'm going home for some rest.  Meet me at the store about noon, and
we will do lunch after my treat.  One more word about Friday; you're
buying."
     Paul thought about what he just said and looked at him then
waved goodbye to him.  They both left, and exited the building.  They
each went to their separate cars, and left for their homes to rest.
     Nick slowly stumbled into the elevator, and rode up to his
place.  He strolled in as the door closed behind him.  He walked up
to the table behind the couch and placed his keys, badge, and gun
down.  He slowly removed his jacket, and tossed it on the back of the
chair.  He flopped onto the couch in full collapse.  He lied down,
and placed his forearm over his eyes to rest; relax.  LaCroix stepped
out of his room strolling over to the railing, and saw Nick lying on
the couch.  He swooped down to him picking up the remote and closed
the windows.
     "Nicholas, are you all right?"  LaCroix inquired.
     Nick peeked over the arm, and saw him standing over him, "Just
tired,"
     LaCroix lowered his head, and closed his eyes in a slight grin.
He then looked to Nick, "I made some coffee,"
     Nick struggled sitting up, and leaned back into the couch,
"I'll have a cup."
     LaCroix just nodded his head, "All right,"
     LaCroix strolled into the kitchen grabbing two mugs from the
cabinet pouring the coffee for them and carried them into the living
room.  He gently passed one to Nick, and he grabbed a hold of one. 
Nick took a little sip savoring the flavor, and the warmth.  LaCroix
stepped around Nick, and sat by his side.  He sat side ways to be
more comfortable.
     "Something troubles you; what is it?"  LaCroix questioned.
     Nick swallowed his coffee, "The case; I think this FBI agent is
somehow involved and that's why it's still going on."
     "Is there any proof?"  LaCroix asked.
     Nick lowered his mug into his lap, "No, just a hunch,"
     "I see," LaCroix answered.
     Nick turned to face him, "They have been stealing diamonds for
least three years or so, but no clues anywhere until this last one."
     "Odd," LaCroix added to the confusion.
     "Very," Nick whispered softly, "How's the Raven?"
     LaCroix let out a slight sigh, "Slow,"
     Nick finished the last drop of coffee, and placed the mug onto
the table.  He looked to LaCroix with a very tired face, "Thanks for
the coffee; I'm tired; I'm going to bed, see you later,"
     "Night, Nicholas," LaCroix said.
     Nick stumbled to the staircase slowly climbing upstairs and
strolled into his room.  He sat on the bed, and kicked off his shoes
and peeled off his socks.  He slowly stood up and stripped down to
his pants.  He gathered up his soiled clothes, LaCroix walked in and
observed from the doorway.  Nick caught him in the corner of his eye,
and turned to face him.
     "Give me a minute, be right back," Nick said walking into the
bathroom and closed the door.
     Nick placed the soiled clothes into the hamper, and turned
towards the toilet.  He took a few minutes, and washed his hands then
his face.  The door opened; he walked over to the bed and sat down
looking up at LaCroix in the doorway.
     "Have you come to terms with your new life?"  LaCroix asked
with a slight grin on his face.
     "Almost; I forgot about the bathroom duties, they're tough; I
feel like a kid, and wait until the last second; almost making it." 
Nick said with a slight laugh.
     LaCroix just laughed at his words, "I see,"
     "Ha-ha-ha," Nick chuckled at him.
     Nick lied back onto the bed, and covered his eyes with his
forearm, "Night, LaCroix,"
     "Night," LaCroix said leaving him to rest.
     LaCroix strolled into his room closing the door and he too,
went to bed; rested for the day.
     *****
     Meanwhile, back at the store, Erin was sitting on a chair
folding linens; she was preparing for the day.  She then worked on
the register, and the funds.  Calvin walked in, and finished turning
all the lights on.  He saw Erin at the table, and slowly made his way
towards her.  He stepped up to her, and gave her a tender kiss on her
cheek then her forehead.
     "Okay, everything is ready for business."  Cal showed her.
     "I fixed the register, so, I'm ready."  Erin explained.
     "Make sure the real customers sign, so we know that they have
gotten their order."  Cal explained calmly.
     "Okay," Erin answered all smiles.
     Erin reached up, and gave him a little kiss on his cheek. 
Calvin placed his hands upon her belly, and he gave it a gentle rub. 
Calvin walked to the back of the store, and carefully went through
the door.  He saw Billy and Doug loading up the two carts.  Doug
grabbed one, and Cal took the other from Doug, and they carefully
wheeled them through the door, and into the store.  They brought the
carts down to Erin, and placed them off to the side where Erin could
see them.  Calvin brought the papers over to Erin for her to hold for
the customers to sign.
     "Okay; the blue cart is the odd orders, no signing, but the red
cart is the real customer; they must sign.  I will pick up the papers
later and Bill will put them in the computer for the next shipment,
okay."  Cal suggested.
     "No problem," Erin answered quickly.
     Calvin placed his fingertips under her chin, and turned her
face to his, "Take it easy, due date is very close,"
     "I will," Erin replied, as she sat back down, and waited while
reading a book.
     Calvin and Doug walked quickly back to the door, and went into
the back room.
     *****
     Back at Nick's home; he was very cozy under his blankets like a
little child.  The alarm went off, and gave him a slight jolt.  He
reached over, and hit the alarm button to turn it off laying back for
a few to wake up slowly.  He sat up and slid off the side of the bed.
He strolled for the bathroom; a few moments passed, and the shower
water ran.  He stepped into the shower, and let the water run all
over his tired body.  Washed his golden hair, and turned the water
off.  He carefully stepped out and dried every inch of his body.  He
wrapped the towel around his waist, and walked out of the bathroom
then into his bedroom by his dresser.  He opened the drawers, and
removed some clothes for the day.  He walked over to the bed, and
began to dress for work.  He walked down the stairs and into the
kitchen, and saw the coffee maker was already running.  LaCroix set
it up before he retired for the day.
     Nick stepped over to the fridge, and opened the door.  He
pulled out some eggs and some milk.  As he walked by closing door, he
also grabbed two bowls and stood by the stove.  He quickly scrambled
the eggs, and cooked them on the stove then placed them into the
clean bowl.  He grabbed the bowl, and coffee then strolled into the
living room.  He sat down, and finished up the eggs then put the bowl
on the table.  He sipped the coffee grabbing the file off the table
and then got his keys, badge, and gun; headed for the door.
     Nick rode down in the elevator, and ran to his car.  He
unlocked the door and climbed in.  He tossed the files onto the
passenger seat, and started the engine.  He put the car in reverse,
and pulled out.  He looked to be safe, and pulled into traffic.  He
drove to the store where Paul told him to meet him.  He put his
directional on, and pulled into the parking lot.  He found a space,
and parked the car.  He turned the engine off, and climbed out.  He
locked the door, and looked around for Paul.  He saw him nearby
reaching in through the window and tooted the horn.  It caused Paul
to jump, and he looked over to Nick with a grin on his face.  Paul
climbed out of his car, and met Nick at his side.
     Paul gave Nick a little slap on the shoulder for the jolt he
received, and Nick just laughed it off.
     "Ready?" Nick asked.
     "Now, Erin and Cal are here.  There are two more persons out
back, and a loading dock with a computer.  If I can get to that,
we're golden."  Paul suggested.
     "What about the two guys?"  Nick asked.
     Paul hesitated for a moment, "Working on it, let's go," 
     They quietly entered the store, and closed the door behind
them.  They slowly walked over to the curtain section, and looked
like they were shopping.  They roamed each aisle watching Erin at the
table.  Paul observed the royal red drape at the back of the store. 
He noticed that it was moving from a slight draft from behind the
door.  Nick saw that Erin was busy, and turned to Paul.
     "Okay, I will work with Erin, and you go poking, becareful." 
Nick warned him.
     Paul gave him a little slap on the back, "No worries mate,"
     Paul snuck off, and went to do his job.  Nick made sure he was
safe, and walked up to the table.  Erin saw Nick approaching her, so
she slowly stood up or tried to.  Nick stood in front of her,
"Please, don't get up,"
     "Can I help you?"  Erin asked.
     "I need to place an order," Nick said.
     "Okay," Erin answered in return.
     Erin gathered a form and a pen from around her.  She stretched
to hand it to him, and he leaned over to take it.  As he did, he
watched Paul at the back wall.
     "What is it you would like?"  Erin questioned.
     "I would like two pairs of these drapes; emerald green with
stoned tie-backs."  Nick implied.
     Nick wrote it all down, and handed the pen and the form to her.
Erin took it, and examined the order.
     "I'll add it up and give you the total."  Erin said.
     "No rush," Nick said in return.
     "Thanks," Erin answered a little winded.
     Nick paced slightly and took notice in the two carts along the
table, "What are these?"
     Erin took a peek at what Nick was pointing at, "Orders already
filled, blue you just take it.  But the red, you have to sign for it."
     "I see," Nick said wondering about the red orders.
     "You're order is all set; please check it to be sure."  Erin
requested.
     "I'm sure its fine," Nick said signing the order form. "Here's
my card," 
     "Thanks, one minute please," Erin asked.
     "No rush," Nick repeated.
     Nick saw Paul slowly heading in his direction.  He came up
along Nick's side.
     "Doors locked," Paul said quietly.
     Nick leaned over to Paul's ear and whispered; "Write down some
of those names on the red cart; I'll block her view."
     "Okay," Paul replied.
     Nick stood directly in front of her so she couldn't see him. 
Paul carefully strolled up the cart, and wrote down as many names as
possible.
     "Here you go, all set.  Please sign here."  Erin said politely.
     Nick tapped his pockets, and looked to Erin, "Can I borrow a
pen?"
     Erin reached over to the register grabbing the pen she used and
handed it to Nick, "Thanks, you said it will be a few days?"  Nick
questioned.
     "I'll call you when it's ready."  Erin suggested.
     Nick took his receipt and put it in his pocket, "Thanks, Paul
let's go,"
     "Good, I'm hungry," Paul hinted to Nick.
     They quickly left the store, and headed for Nick's car.
     "Where," Paul asked.
     "My place, I'll order in," Nick said quickly.
     "Coolness," Paul answered.
     They each climbed into their car, and headed for Nick's home. 
First Nick pulled in, and Paul parked next to his car.  They stepped
out walking into the elevator and rode up to his place.  Nick pulled
the door open, and they strutted in.  The door automatically closed
behind them.  They tossed their jackets onto the chair.  Paul walked
over picking up his phone and turned to face him at the computer.
     "Name it," Paul suggested.
     "Don't matter," Nick said.
     "Pizza," Paul suggested.
     Nick tilted to look straight into his eyes, "No fish,"
     "Agree," Paul answered in full agreement.
     As Paul ordered the pizza, Nick walked into the kitchen, and
grabbed two beers from the fridge.  He walked back in handing one to
Paul and he went back to the computer.  Paul hung up the phone, and
met him there.  He sat on the stairs where they could work closely
together.  Nick sipped his beer, and licked it between his moist lips.
     "Okay, she said it would be a few days until there ready.  Did
you get any names?"  Nick asked.
     "Oh yeah, a few, let's run them," Paul suggested.
     Paul handed him the list through the rails of the staircase. 
Nick danced upon the keyboard, and typed in the names to see what
would pop up.  Nick hit the enter button, and the computer hesitated
for a few moments.  Suddenly, the screen froze with all kinds of
information.
     "Look at this," Nick said drawing his attention.
     Paul got up walking over to the computer and stood at Nick's
side so he could see the screen.
     "Whoa!"  Paul said, "That's just a sample of a few names that I
could get; this is huge."
     "At least five states worth," Nick added to Paul's comment.
     "You still think Nolan is involved?"  Paul asked.
     Nick thought a second, "If not her; her partner or someone who
is working on this case with her."
     "That would be bad," Paul said.
     "Time to call Nolan and find out; want to play with a fed?"
Nick asked being funny.
     Paul chuckled, "Only is she's clean,"
      Nick just laughed as he walked over to his table behind the
couch, and picked up the phone.  He dialed her number at the office,
and she quickly picked it up.
     "Nolan, FBI," Amy said.
     "Amy, it's Nick, can you meet me at my place?"  Nick asked.
     Amy looked at her watch and thought, "About an hour?"
     "Sure, thanks," Nick responded.
     Nick quickly hung up the phone and walked back to Paul who had
made himself comfortable in front of the computer, "Run this; two
heists out in LA, two here, three in Florida and four in Texas.  The
diamonds reduced in size, and placed on the curtain ties.  The FBI
had been on it for at least three years.  We have been on it two
weeks or so, anything else?" 
     They each took a little time to think, "They can't be crushing
diamonds in the store.  That requires a lot of room and special
equipment.  So, there must be a warehouse in the area."  Paul
suggested for an idea.
     "They stole the diamonds, deliver them to the warehouse where
they work on them and reduce them.  They glue them on the curtain
ties, deliver those to the store and that's how the real customers
get their shipment."  Nick finished the idea.
     "Yeah, but where's the warehouse?"  Paul asked.
     "It has to be huge, near water, but close to the store.  What
else is there on those names?  Check for business titles that were
close.  Is there any the same or close?"  Nick said as he left for
more beer.
     As Paul danced on the keys, Nick strolled into the kitchen
grabbed two more beers and strolled back into the room.  He stood
behind Paul and watched him at work.
     "Okay, two have a small business plus overseas in Japan, and
this one is over on the East side on Dalton."  Paul briefed him.
     Nick thought silently, and looked to Paul, "Dalton,"
     "With a man-made well run by a waterwheel," Paul added on.
     "How long has he been here?"  Nick asked.
     Paul punched a few keys to find his answer, "Eight months, and
the first heist was two months later."
     "Almost there," Paul sighed. "I can't believe this," 
     Nick stepped up, and patted him on the back, "Me too,"
     As Nick was about to sit next to Paul when his door buzzer
echoed from a distance; he strolled over to the door pushing the
button and let Amy in.  It automatically closed behind her, but Nick
caught it because the pizza man was standing off to the side of the
hall.  He handed the pizza to him and yelled for Paul to help.  Paul
came over grabbed the pizza; Nick reached into his pocket, and handed
him the money.
     "Thanks," Nick said letting the door close slowly.
     Amy had followed Paul to the kitchen, and she made herself
comfortable in the chair next to the couch.  Paul grabbed two plates
placing the pizza on the table and walked over to the couch with Nick
sitting down relaxing.
     "Pizza," Paul asked Amy.
     "No," Amy replied in return.
     Paul strolled to the other side, and sat next to Nick.  They
enjoyed the pizza, and tried to see if she was involved in the jewel
heist.
     "What can I do for you?"  Amy questioned Nick.
     Nick leaned back into the couch after placing his plate on the
table, "We've been talking about this case, and can't understand why
it's taking three years, or so and it's not solved."
     Amy put her briefcase down, and gently crossed her legs.  Paul
stared slightly at that move and then went back to his pizza, "I told
you, every time we got a clue, they are gone, zero clues."
     "Whose we?" Nick inquired.
     "Frank, my assistant," Amy responded.
     Paul leaned up, placed his plate on top of Nick's, and looked
to Amy, "Last name?"
     Amy hesitated for a few moments in deep thought, "Frank Jahner,"
     Paul wiped his face, and stood up, "Excuse me,"
     Amy watched Paul walk to the computer, and turned her attention
to Nick, "What's going on?"
     "Did you tell him anything we talked about?"  Nick inquired.
     Amy appeared nervous, "I haven't called him yet."
     Nick saw the uneasiness but played along with it, "Don't, not
yet,"
     Paul returned from the computer and saw Nick was giving him a
silent hint to play along.
     "How long has he been your assistant?"  Paul asked.
     "About a year or so," Amy answered.
     "Is he a FBI agent?"  Nick asked.
     Amy was a little frustrated, "No, he's from the outside, why?"
     Paul showed the paper to Nick, "Well, that's not his real name,"
     "Do you have a picture of him?"  Nick added to the list.
     "I think so," Amy said.
     Amy picked up her briefcase, and began to search for a picture.
She found one hiding at the bottom of the case, and handed it to
Paul.  Paul took the picture, and ran back to the computer then ran
it through the scanner to the police files; suddenly it appeared on
the screen.  Paul printed a copy, and ran it to Nick.  He held the
paper up so Nick could see it.
     "You won't believe this."  Paul said.
     "What?" Nick asked surprised by the words.
     "Yeah, look," Paul said.
     Nick just stared at it, and was amazed then relieved to know
why this case was lasting so long, "That solved that,"
     "What?"  Amy asked to see the picture.
     Paul handed the picture to Amy, "His real name is Douglas
Wilton; one of the thieves and believed to work at the store."
     Amy read; shocked by what they found, "What?"
     "Oh yeah, that's why they disappear."  Paul answered.
     "I want his butt nailed."  Amy said angrily.
     "We all do," Paul added to their conversation.
     "We're working on it; one wave then their gone.  This time they
will take everything, and all partners will get nothing."  Nick said
hinting to Amy.
     "Not one word to your assistant," Paul added to the list.
     Amy looked at them, and saw they were planning something. 
Therefore, she decided to join in and play, "Guaranteed, thanks,"
     "No problem," Paul responded to her promise.
     Amy stood up picking up her briefcase, and started walking
towards the door.  Nick followed, and closed the door.  As the door
closed, he returned to the couch with Paul and sat down with this
very serious look upon his face.  Paul leaned forward, and saw his
eyes.  He was here, but not there.
     "Penny for your thoughts," Paul said to draw his attention.
     "There is still something not right here," Nick said confused.
     "Still thinking it's her," Paul questioned.
     "I don't know," Nick answered.
     Paul sat side ways to face him, "Maybe they're a team,"
     Nick too, turned to face Paul, "Possibly, she seemed too calm
about the info,"
     "I think we better move in."  Paul suggested.
     Nick hesitated for the moment, "Let's go there and see; if we
need to, we'll call for back up." 
     "Cool, let's roll," Paul agreed with the idea.
     They stood up placing the dishes into the sink and walked over
to the table.  Nick picked up his keys, and they headed for the door.
They rode down the elevator, and out to Nick's car.  They climbed in,
and he started the engine.  They quickly drove to the kitchen store
parking a few feet away without the lights on and waited.
     "How long do you want to wait?"  Paul asked quietly.
     "If she talks, it should only take about an hour."  Nick
suggested.
     "Then what?" Paul inquired.
     "If she don't; we leave and get beer."  Nick said.
     "Cool," Paul replied with a big grin.
     Nick turned to face him, "Is that your favorite word?" 
     "What?"  Paul asked a little lost.
     "Cool," Nick repeated his answer.
     Paul hesitated for the moment and glared at Nick, "I don't
think so,"
     Nick rubbed his chin, and grinned at him, "Just checking,"
     They sat down, and laughed for a few hours.  After a period,
Paul decided it was time to leave and head for the Raven.  Therefore,
Nick started the engine, and looked around him.  He turned the lights
on, and headed for the Raven.  Nick carefully parked the car out
front, they exited the car and he locked the doors.  Paul led the way
into the Raven with Nick close behind him.  They strolled up to the
bar, and sat down off to the side.  LaCroix was standing behind the
bar, and saw them sitting there.
     "Two beers," Nick requested.
     "All right," LaCroix said softly.  
     LaCroix strolled over to the barrels, and prepared two mugs of
beer.  He approached them; but sensed Nick was uneasy about
something.  He placed the beer down, and lightly touched his arm to
draw his attention.
     "Nicholas, is there something wrong?"  LaCroix asked.
     Nick quietly moved two seats over away from Paul, "This case;
one piece is still missing and I don't see it yet."
     "Can I help?"  LaCroix said offering himself to Nick.
     "I don't know, thanks for the beer, see you at home, let's go;
it's late."  Nick said feeling a little edgy.
     Paul gulped the last of his beer, "Okay, thanks for the beer,"
     "You're welcome," LaCroix answered with a slight grin.
     Nick took Paul by the sleeve of his jacket, and headed outside
to the car.  They climbed in, and quickly pulled away from the curb. 
He slowly headed for his place.  Nick pulled in, and they climbed out
of the car.  Paul headed for his, and Nick stood there watching Paul.
He too; got into his truck, and started the engine.  He carefully
backed out, and drove away.  Nick slowly walked into the elevator,
and rode up to his loft.  He stumbled to the door, and entered as the
door closed automatically behind him.  He walked over to the couch,
and lay down then covered his eyes with his forearm.  He quietly lied
there resting, when LaCroix came swooping in from the upstairs
window.  He quietly strolled over to Nick, and observed him.  He sat
in the chair crossed his legs, and rested his head upon his fingers. 
He sat down and stared at him very closely.  Nick suddenly felt a
stare upon him peeking out from his arm and saw LaCroix glaring at
him then covered his eyes again.
     "Nicholas," LaCroix mumbled.
     "Still working on that missing piece," Nick said angrily.
     LaCroix sat up straight, and folded his hands in front of him
to be serious with Nick; "I thought that agent,"
     Nick sat up, and turned to face LaCroix.  Nick rested his head
on the palm of his hand, "It looks like the assistant, but I'm not so
sure, he's alone,"
     "What else?"  LaCroix added to the puzzle.
     "That's the missing piece," Nick said.
     "I see," LaCroix replied in return.
     Nick hesitated for a moment, "Could it be a cop?"
     "No, Paul and I with Reese are the only ones on this case and
we would never sell out."  Nick answered.
     "Hmmm," LaCroix sighed in return.
     Nick thought for a few seconds, "Somebody who knows about the
evidence and would tell them; that's how they left so fast,"
     "The assistant would not know this."  LaCroix implied.
     Nick leaned forward and rubbed his face, "No, he was from the
outside of the FBI.  Amy, I don't think would break that rule, plus
she didn't know about the clue till yesterday or so."
     LaCroix cleared his throat, and leaned forward to face Nick,
"Let's see, it would be someone who would know the evidence and has
access to it.  Who maintains the evidence after you?"
     "Doctor Michaels at the Forensics Lab," Nick answered.
     "The Lab?" LaCroix asked a little lost.
     "The Lab, when we find clues; we look at them and then we send
them to the lab for tests."  Nick said seeing a little light.
     "That's the next place to look."  LaCroix said as he stood up,
and walked around to the back of the chair.
     Nick stood and looked to him with a slight grin, "Thank you,"
     Suddenly, Nick lifted his wrist, and saw his watch; but saw he
was not wearing one, "What time is it?"
     LaCroix hesitated a moment, "It is noon,"
     Nick snapped his fingers; "Time to get dressed,"
     "Are you going there now?"  LaCroix inquired.
     "Later, right now; I got a date," Nick said proudly.
     "A date?" LaCroix asked scoffing at the idea.
     "A lunch date; and not one word," Nick said.
     "I," LaCroix said to tease him.
     "Yes, don't, see you later," Nick said.
     Nick ran up the stairs as LaCroix watched him run, and he
swooped upstairs.  Nick strolled over to his closet, and picked out
nice clothes to go to work plus his date with Kim.  He walked over to
the mirror picking up his comb fixing his hair and made sure he was
ready and looking good; of which, he always did.  He strutted
downstairs, and over to the table.  He picked up the things he
needed, and walked over to the door.  He rode down the elevator, and
to his car.  He carefully climbed in, and started the engine.  He
pulled out, and headed for Kim's home.
     *****
     Nick nervously arrived at Paradise Estates, and slowly pulled
into the parking lot.  He carefully drove around to building B, and
saw an empty spot in front of the building.  He drove up, and parked
the car.  He turned the engine off, and stepped out of the car.  He
walked up the path, and up to the door; opened it.  He strolled down
the corridor, and stood in front of the door.  He stroked his clothes
to ease his nerves.  He carefully knocked on the door, and waited
patiently.  Suddenly, the door opened, and Kim stood there like an
angel.  Nick was very impressed by what he saw.
     "You look wonderful," Nick said happily.
     "Thank you, so do you," Kim said with a slight bow.
     Nick displayed a boyish grin, "Where would you like to go for
lunch?"
     "You decide," Kim requested.
     Nick thought for the moment, "Do you like Chinese?"
     Kim smiled, "Yes,"
     "Paul took me to a great place, let's go there," Nick suggested.
     "Okay," Kim said stepping out of her apartment, and locking the
door.
     Nick gently took her by the waist, and escorted her down the
corridor then out the front door.  He showed her to the car, and
opened the door.  She climbed in, and he closed her door.  He
strolled around to his side, and climbed in as well.  He turned the
engine on, and carefully observed his surroundings.  He pulled out of
the parking spot, and headed for the front gate.  He pulled out into
traffic, and headed for the restaurant.  As he drove down the street;
they took in the beautiful sights of the day.  Kim glanced over to
Nick's direction, and saw his smile.
     "After lunch, could you take me to the lab?"  Kim asked.
     "Sure, I have some work to do also."  Nick said politely.
     "Thanks," Kim responded in kind.
     "No problem; Kim, I have a question to ask you and its work
related."  Nick explained.
     "It's okay," Kim said giving permission.
     "When Paul and I gave you the evidence on this case, what do
you do with it?"  Nick asked.
     Kim became a little nervous, but managed to give him an answer.
Nick, however, noticed the look he got for that question.
     "Well, I examine it, and bag it then Joey and I will run the
tests needed."  Kim briefed him.
     "Who's Joey?"  Nick asked.
     "The other lab aide; I usually run the lab; he helps if there's
no work in the morgue."  Kim answered.
     "How long has he been there?"  Nick continued the third degree.
     "I'm not sure, longer than me."  Kim said.
     "Thank, I appreciate it," Nick said being grateful.
     Kim just smiled looking back out the window and saw the
restaurant in the distance.  Nick spotted the restaurant off to his
far left, and put the directional on.  He carefully pulled into the
parking lot, and searched for a space.  He saw one near the door, and
parked the car.  He turned the engine off, and stepped out of the
car.  He strolled over to her door, and helped her out.  They waltzed
to the door, and entered the building.  A hostess approached them,
and offered them a lovely booth in the far corner of the restaurant. 
Scented candles and soft music filled the room.  She placed two menus
upon the table, and quietly left them alone to decide.  A waiter came
up with a hot pot of tea, and placed it in the middle of the table. 
They quietly ordered, and the waiter left writing it down.  Kim
silently looked all around her at the scenery, and Nick just looked
at the view in front of him; smiled.
     "This is a very nice place," Kim commented on the place.
     "Yeah it is," Nick said agreeing with her words.
     "Nick, why did you ask about the evidence in the car?"  Kim
inquired.
     "I am working on a theory," Nick said.
     "Okay," Kim said. "You mean somebody could be selling out?"
     "Maybe," Nick implied.
     "What would we gain by selling the evidence to someone?"  Kim
asked.
     "I don't know; keep them out of jail for profit."  Nick
speculated.
     "It's so hard to believe what people will do for money."  Kim
said sighing.
     "True," Nick answered.
     "Okay, no more work," Kim suggested.
     "Deal," Nick replied.
     As they quietly enjoyed their conversation, the waiter came
walking up with their food.  He carefully placed it in front of them
then placed there sparkling glasses of wine.  They examined there
meal quickly digging in and enjoyed every mouthful.  They passed
glances while they ate.
     As they sat, and enjoyed there lunch; we swung back to the
store.  Erin was sitting at the register; relaxing.  Joey entered the
store from the back alley through the loading dock.  He stepped up,
and saw Billy working on the computer intensely.  He carefully looked
around, and strolled up to him.  He cleared his throat to draw his
attention to his presence.
     "Hey, Billy," Joey said.
     Billy looked up, and saw Joey standing there.  He gave him a
serious glare, "Hey, Joey, what's new?"
     "They found a business card in the jewelry store with this
store's name on it."  Joey told him bluntly.
     Bill leaned back into the chair and looked up to Joey,
"Anything else,"
     Joey hesitated for the moment, "Not much else, no names or
prints, but I did find the card and destroyed it."
     Billy slowly rose out of the chair and walked over to Joey,
"Good job," he said. "You're payment is on the other desk behind you."
     "Thanks, I'll stay in touch."  Joey said.
     "You do that," Billy said standing at the edge of the desk.
     Joey slowly walked over carefully picking up the envelope and
opened it.  He looked inside, and saw the money.  However, in the
back; he saw paper in the shape of money.  He took a few steps, and
turned around.  He noticed he was standing on plastic.  Billy just
crossed his arms in front, and glared at Joey.  Suddenly, Billy
pulled out a gun, and carefully aimed it at Joey.  Joey was terrified
and confused.  From behind him, Doug appeared and just observed the
scene.  Billy took careful aim, and fired the gun straight into his
forehead.  Joey fell to the floor like a brick, and the money went
flying at Doug's feet.  He bent over to pick it up, and walked over
to Billy.  He placed it on the computer desk, and looked to Billy.
     "What's next?"  Doug asked.
     Billy thought for a moment, "Drive his truck and put him
somewhere, no clues or prints."
     "Got it," Doug said saluting him.
     Doug carefully walked over to the body, and slowly wrapped it
up in the plastic.  He then lifted him up, and dragged him out to the
truck.  He placed the body in the back of the truck.  He then climbed
in, and turned the engine on.  He backed out driving down the alley
and out into traffic.  He drove a few miles, and into the woods.  He
parked the truck near a cliff.  He set the gas paddle with a branch,
and released the brake.  The truck ran over the bushes, and over the
ledge.  As it fell, it hit the rocks and exploded.  Nevertheless, as
it hit a bump, the body fell out of the truck and landed on a ledge
below.  His body partially burned, but Doug could not see this.  Doug
made his way back to the street, and got a lift back to the store.
     *****
     Back at the restaurant, Nick and Kim had finished their cozy
lunch.  They had a few laughs, and an enjoyable time.  Nick reached
into his pocket pulling out his wallet then placed money on the table
to pay for lunch.  He stood up helping Kim up, and escorted her out
of the restaurant.  He took her to the car, and opened the door for
her.  She climbed in, and he closed the door.  He strolled to his
side of the car, and carefully climbed in as well.  Nick hesitated
for a moment, and Kim took notice of this.  She leaned over, and
looked into his blue eyes.
     "Is there something wrong?"  Kim asked quietly.
     "No, thinking," Nick responded.
     "Can I help?"  Kim offered to help him.
     Nick turned to face her, "You already have,"
     "Is there any more I can do?"  Kim asked.
     Nick smiled, "No, you did more than enough, thanks,"
     "Are you sure?"  Kim said softly.
     Kim looked into his blue eyes, and smiled.  Nick felt a kiss
coming, but backed away.
     "Dinner tomorrow night?" Nick asked shyly.
     "Love to," Kim answered.
     "Seven o'clock?" Nick planned the time.
     "It's a date," Kim said agreeing with him.
     "I'll drop you off, and I'll be at the station."  Nick said.
     "Okay, thanks," Kim responded.
     They gave each other a soft grin in return.  Nick placed the
key into the ignition, and started the engine.  He put the car in
gear, and backed out of the parking spot.  He headed for the street
then the Forensics Lab.  He pulled up out front, and put the car in
park.
     "Thanks for a wonderful afternoon," Kim said. "I had a great
time,"
     "Me too," Nick said agreeing with her.
     They gazed upon each other, and the tender moment rose again. 
They slowly met each other in the middle, and they kissed each other
very warmly, but tenderly.  They leaned back, and smiled at each
other.  He climbed out of the car, and walked over to her side of the
car.  He opened the door, and she stepped out staring at him.  As she
walked by him she gently rubbed her hand upon his arm and walked over
to the steps of the building.  She slowly climbed up as she got to
the front door; she turned to give him a little glance and
disappeared inside of the building.  Nick went back to the other
side, and climbed in.  He pulled away from the curb, and headed for
the station.  All the way, he grinned from ear to ear with complete
happiness.  He parked the car, and locked the doors.
     Nick strolled into the building, and headed for his desk.  He
quickly sat down, and began to type in Joey's name.  Paul saw Nick at
his desk, and quietly walked towards him pulled a chair over and sat
by his side.
     "Well?" Paul inquired.
     "What?"  Nick asked in return staring at the computer.
     "How was lunch?"  Paul questioned.
     Nick tried not to smile, "Very nice,"
     "Desert?" Paul queried.
     Nick grinned and looked at Paul, "Dinner tomorrow night at
seven o'clock," 
     Paul leaned over to his ear, and whispered so no one could hear
him, "Did you score?"
     "No," Nick replied.
     Paul sat back, "Sorry,"
     Nick looked back at the computer, "Time to work,"
     Nick slowly turned his head towards him, and gave him that back
off look.  He pointed with his eyes towards the screen, and began. 
As they began to discuss the screen, Nick's phone rang and gave him a
slight jolt.
     "Knight," Nick said proudly.
     "Nick, Joey never came in today."  Kim expressed concern.
     Nick hesitated in deep thought; "Did he call?"
     "No, nothing, something's wrong."  Kim suggested strongly.
     Nick leaned forward and rubbed his face, "Don't worry, I'm on
it; if I find out anything, I'll call you," 
     "Thanks, Nick," Kim said calming down.
     "Don't worry," Nick repeated.
     Nick quickly hung up the phone, and looked to the screen.  Paul
saw the concern all over his face, and leaned over to whisper quietly.
     "What's up?"  Paul asked softly.
     "Kim, Joey never showed up today," Nick answered; then glanced
at the screen. "No file found,"
     Paul appeared a little confused, "Whose Joey?"
     "Joseph Zims, he was the other assistant in the lab with Kim. 
He was the leak."  Nick explained.
     "Dandy," Paul sighed in return.
     They continued to try, and seek information on him.  Reese
raised his head from stress, and saw them working on the computer. 
He slowly stood up, and exited his office.  He quietly walked over,
and approached them.  Nick felt his presence, looked up and saw an
unhappy face.
     "Up at Shady Woods; a car was on fire and they ran the plate
through us.  A body found, Dr. Michaels is there on the scene." 
Reese informed them.
     "Who is it?"  Paul asked.
     Nick felt this hunch coming over him, "Joey Zims,"
     "How did you know?"  Reese asked.
     Nick stood up leaning off the side of his desk and Paul
followed behind him, "This whole thing almost fits, let's go,"
     They ran down the stairs walking over to Nick's car and they
climbed in.  He started the engine peeling out of the parking spot
and headed for Shady Woods.
     *****
     As they approached the top of a hill, they saw cops and
Forensics surrounded it.  He parked the car off to the side of the
road, and they climbed out.  They walked slowly up the hill, and met
Dr. Michaels at the cliff where they saw a body lying on the ground
in front of her.  They slowly approached her, and stood on each side
of her.
     "What you got?"  Nick started the questioning.
     Dr. Michaels rolled her eyes at Nick, and looked at him, "We'll
need to compare it to dental records, but the plate on the car is
Joey's,"
     Nick ran all the information in his head, and thought
carefully, "Don't tell Kim yet, she's already upset that he's
missing."
     "I'll try, here's this; it was in the plastic wrap," Michaels
said handing it over to Nick.
     "Plastic wrap?" Paul asked confused.
     "His body was wrapped up in plastic in the truck; that was on
him."  Michaels explained.
     Nick took the envelope, and opened it.  He looked inside, and
saw money with paper, "Payoff, some of it is money and the rest is
paper.  What is that?  You got a glove or tweezers,"
     Michaels fished through her bag and pulled out a glove, "One
glove.  What is it?"
     "Get a bag too," Nick suggested. "Look here, it's a piece of an
invoice from the kitchen store."
     Paul clapped his hands together, and smiled, "Yes, diamonds,
murder, all wrapped up,"
     Nick handed the evidence to the doctor, and turned to face them
directly, "You go with the Doc; I'm going to see Kim."
     "Meet up at the station," Paul finished the order for him.
     "Yeah, also, call Amy in," Nick suggested.
     "Sure thing," Paul said saluting him to be a little funny.
     Nick quietly left them behind, and headed for his car.  He
stepped in, and turned the engine on.  He looked to be safe, and
pulled away from the crime scene.  He drove quickly to the Forensics
building parking the car out front.  As Nick exited his car a cruiser
pulled up and met him at the stairs.  Nick gave them the signal to
wait, and they stood ready then waited for his next signal.  He
quietly entered the building, and observed every corner.  He entered
the lab, and looked at every corner there.  He quietly walked towards
the back of the lab, and he heard a voice talking on the phone.  He
was hoping he was wrong, but sadly, he wasn't.  He took a hold of his
gun, and had it ready.  He stepped around the corner, and saw Kim on
the phone.  He stood, and listened to her with a broken heart.
     "What's due now?"  Kim asked.
     "Joey's gone, are you up for the job?"  Billy asked in return.
     Kim hesitated for a moment, "Sure, how much?"
     "Will one million do?"  Bill asked.
     "Deal, for now; I'll put it all together and destroy it all." 
Kim agreed to do.
     "You will be a great asset to us."  Billy said paying a
compliment to her.
     "I'm glad, bye, Billy."  Kim said hanging up the phone.
     Nick's heart just sank hearing all of this.  As Kim hung up the
phone and turned around seeing Nick standing their holding his gun. 
Kim stood in shock, and a few tears rolled down her soft cheeks.
     "Nick, I'm…"  Kim started.
     "Why Kim?" Nick asked in fear of knowing.
     "My mother's ill, school, etc."  Kim explained briefly.
     Nick's hurt build, "WHY?"
     Kim sobbed, "Nick, I'm sorry; I can't," 
     Nick had a small tear flowing down his cheek.  He reached up,
and wiped it away, "So am I; let's go,"
     Nick took her by the arm escorting her out of the building and
handed her over to the officers waiting outside.  They knew what to
do, and they placed her in handcuffs then placed her in the car.  One
sat with her, and the other drove away.  Nick slowly walked towards
his car, and stepped in.  He hesitated for a few, and turned the
engine on.  He turned the radio on, and heard the Night Crawler.  He
drove to the station listening to the one friend he truly trusted. 
Nick parked the car out front strolling into the station and headed
for his desk.  Paul was their waiting for him.  As he met Paul, the
two officers strolled in with Kim and they were heading for the
booking area.  Paul reached up, and tapped him on the arm to let him
know he was there for him.  Nick just looked, and gave a serious sad
face to him.
     Reese and Amy observed the scene; they walked up to them and
pointed in the direction of the interrogation room.
     "Hey, Nick, let's go where it's private," Paul suggested.
     Paul touched his shoulder, "Nick, you okay?"
     "Later, let's go," Nick whispered.
     They quickly followed them to the room, and sat down in a
chair.  Paul sat next to Nick for him to lean on.  Nick appeared
distant, but he was there.
     "Nick; fill us in," Reese implied.
     Nick leaned forward wiping the stress from his face and folded
his hands onto the table.  He cleared his throat, and looked to Paul,
"I'm okay,"
     Suddenly, Amy's pager went off and she excused herself from the
room.
     "Let's do this before she comes back; we found the leaks." 
Nick said.
     "Who, and why?" Reese asked.
     "I still think she's involved; Joey Zims and Kim Fuller," Nick
answered.
     Paul looked shocked, "What?"
     "They packed up every time there was evidence, and that's why
it lasted so long.  Joey would find out what he could.  Tell them,
and if they felt threatened, gone.  Joey was killed because he did
not destroy the car fast enough or told them until after we tested
it.  I caught Kim on the phone with Billy discussing destroying
whatever evidence we had.  But I stopped her before she did.  They
will be gone by tonight.  I say we move in before they do."  Nick
explained completely.
     Amy returned to the room, saw she missed the conversation and
became nervous.  Suddenly, a knock echoed at the door.  The door
opened, and Lisa's head peeked in.
     "Nick, message, order is ready for pick up."  Lisa said leaving
the room.
     "That's it," Nick replied quickly.
     "The curtains?" Paul inquired.
     "Yeah," Nick answered.
     "Set it up and meet at your desk," Reese suggested.
     Reese and Amy left, but Paul held his arm to wait for a few,
"Hey man, that hurts."  Paul said to show him he was not alone.
     "It does?" Nick inquired.
     "When this is done, we will kill a six pack at your place.  Can
you handle this okay?"  Paul asked.
     "I think so," Nick responded.
     "Let's go," Paul said quietly.
     "Yeah," Nick answered.
     "Hey, I'm here, okay," Paul said to assure him.
     "Thanks," Nick said.
     They left the room, and headed for his desk.  They sat down,
and quietly worked out a plan that would shut them down.  Reese saw
them, and Amy hung back; but observed.
     "Okay, Amy is hanging back, but her guys will surround the
building.  Our guys will be at the side lines in case they decide to
run or we need more help."  Reese briefed them, "Paul, you stick to
him like glue, got it,"
      "Yes, sir," Paul saluted to him.
     "Let's roll," Reese gave the order for complete shut down.
     They quickly left the building, and headed for Nick's car. 
They pulled away from the station, and headed for the store.  As they
drove away many cruisers followed closely behind them; Reese was in
Nick's backseat.  Amy made it out of the building without anyone
noticing her, so she made it to the street and disappeared.  Paul
displayed a confused look upon his face.
     "Nick, how did you know?"  Paul asked.
     "The time line of his hiring and he helped to do the tests. 
That's why the evidence was always unusable."  Nick expressed.
     "And Kim?" Paul asked carefully.
     "She was very helpful there, but they met her price.  Joey was
killed because he delayed, she didn't," Nick answered.
     "She destroyed it?" Reese added in.
     "No; I got there in time, in her case, bad decision," Nick said
feeling a little anger.
     "I'm sorry, man, you really liked her."  Paul said.
     "Yeah, I did," Nick answered with a slight sigh.
     "Let's do our job and we'll get drunk at your place."  Paul
suggested.
     "Sure," Nick answered softly.
     They quietly pulled into the parking lot, and parked the car. 
Nick turned the engine off.  Paul reached over, and touched his
forearm.
     "Let's do it, and I'll buy the beer?"  Paul said.
     "Deal," Nick agreed.
     They carefully climbed out of his car Reese following behind
them and observed the plan in action.  Reese hung back with the
officers, the FBI men and waited outside for anything.
     Nick and Paul entered the store; Paul strolled to the side, and
quietly made his way to the back.  Nick saw Erin at her register
holding her belly, and breathing slightly.  Nick feared something was
changing.  He carefully approached the register, saw Erin hunched
over and the floor was wet.
     "Erin, you okay?" Nick asked.
     "My water broke and my husband's not here; he is out back. 
OW!"  Erin explained in pain.
     Nick looked up and around, and saw Paul in the back, "Paul,
find Calvin,"
     "Got it," Paul answered back.
     Nick walked over to her, and held her arm, "Can you get up and
walk?"
     "I'll try," Erin said.
     Nick took her by the arm, and her lower back helping her to
stand.  She stood, and took one step.  She bent over in pain, and
looked to Nick.
     "OW!" Erin said.  "The babies coming," 
     Nick looked around him, and helped her to the table by his
side.  Nick saw a curtain lying there upon the table.  He helped Erin
lie down; he took his jacket off and placed it under her head.
     "Keep breathing, in your nose; and out your mouth."  Nick told
her helping her relax.
     Nick scattered around for sheets and towels.  Paul came running
out, and looked for Nick.
     "OW!"  Erin said again.
     "I'm here, call me Nick; what is it?"  Nick asked.
     "Nick, the babies coming, it burns, help me," Erin pleaded for
help.
     "Okay, look at me, first we need to relax your breathing. 
Remember what I said, in and then out."  Nick explained to calm her
down.
     Paul could not see him, "NICK!"
     "Here at the register, bring more towels, and a pillow."  Nick
ordered loudly.
     "Got it," Paul yelled back.
     Erin was more relaxed, and Nick prepared to deliver the baby. 
Paul walked over, and observed the scene.  Paul suddenly became
nervous.
     "Couldn't find him, oh man," Paul commented softly.
     "Give me towels, and place the pillow under her head.  Hold her
hand, and keep her relaxed."  Nick asked him to help.
     Erin took a tight grip of Paul's hand, and looked to Nick, "Ow,
ow, it burns,"
     "It's okay, look at me, breathe in, and breathe out; good, now
breathe in and push," Nick said.
     Erin took a deep breath and pushed the baby; Nick leaning back,
and observed for the babies head.
     "Good job, on the next contraction, do it again, but push
harder, push my hand away."  Nick suggested.
     Suddenly, Erin felt the next contraction, and she did what Nick
suggested.
     "Good, push, push, okay, and stop.  Head's out."  Nick
announced; used his fingers to clear its airway.
     "It burns!"  Erin yelled.
     "Okay; bear down harder," Nick said.
     "Okay," Erin said taking in a deep breath.
     Erin pushed as hard as she could, the baby slid out into Nick's
hands.  He grabbed some towels, and rubbed the baby clean.  As he
did, the baby let out a beautiful cry in which Erin cried with joy. 
The scene amazed Paul; Nick as well.  Suddenly, Reese's voice echoed
from the front of the store.
     "Nick, its all clear; where are you?"  Reese asked.
     "Here, we need an ambulance, baby delivery," Paul announced,
loudly waving his arm in the air to show his direction.
     "Got it," Reese answered.
     "Hold on, one more spot," Nick said grabbing a soft towel and
wrapped the baby up nice and warm.
     "Is the baby okay?"  Erin asked a little worried.
     "Yeah, becareful, the cord is still attached," Nick told her.
     "Okay," Erin answered feeling very tired.
     "Good, Erin, say hello to your daughter," Nick proudly
announced to her.
     "A girl?" Erin asked.
     "Yeah," Nick answered.
     "Thank you, thank you so much," Erin said gratefully.
     Suddenly, the medics showed appeared, and Paul waved them into
his direction.
     "Hey, guys, you're on, and let's go man; Reese is waiting,"
Paul said to draw Nick's attention.
     "Okay," Nick said with a slight grin on his face.
     They stood up, and stepped away and let the other persons in. 
Paul patted Nick on the back.
     "Man, you are so good," Paul said giving him a huge compliment.
     "Let's go," Nick said.
     Nick and Paul walked outside, and met Reese at Nick's car at
the side of the building.
     "Okay, everybody here?" Reese asked taking head count.
     Paul looked around and looked to Reese, "I think so,"
     "Great job guys especially you Nick, a baby delivery, nicely
done," Reese complimented everyone on his or her jobs.
     "No problem," Nick said quietly.
     "Okay kids, back home; it's time for the homework and time off,
let's roll," Reese ordered.
     Paul ran to the other side of Nick's car, and Reese hitched a
ride with the other people.  Nick climbed in grabbing his keys and
put them in the ignition.
     "Nick; you want me to drive?"  Paul offered to Nick.
     "No; I'm okay," Nick answered.
     "Let's go then," Paul suggested.
     Nick turned the engine, and headed for the street.  He looked
both ways, and headed for the station.  As they drove down the street
Paul noticed how quiet Nick was.
     "Do you want to talk about it?"  Paul asked with concern for
his friend and partner.
     "Don't know," Nick replied.
     Paul turned slightly to face him, "You didn't know she would
sell out."
     "I know," Nick said.
     "She didn't seem to be the type; did she say why?"  Paul asked.
     "She said her mother was ill and money," Nick said feeling less
angry.
     "That figures," Paul said with a sigh.
     "I guess," Nick responded.
     "I'll make you deal."  Paul suggested changing the subject,
slightly.
     "What's that?"  Nick hesitated asking.
     "You talk to her, and I'll do the paperwork for Reese, just
sign it later," Paul suggested.
     Nick turned his head slightly to face him, "Why should I talk
to her?"
     "You need to close this chapter before you move on to the next
one."  Paul said.
     Nick hesitated for a few and looked to Paul, "Thanks," he
replied. "Deal,"
     "Coolness," Paul answered back.
     Nick gave him a slight grin.  Paul placed a grin upon his face
to see if he could Nick to laugh a little, "Have you ever delivered a
baby before?"
     "No," Nick answered quietly.
     "You were great," Paul said.
     "Thanks for your help," Nick expressed appreciation.
     "I'm always here," Paul said proudly.
     "Good," Nick said looking at his friend and partner.
     Nick saw the station, and a free spot in front.  He parked the
car, and they climbed out of the car.  They ran into the building,
Paul headed for Nick's desk and sat down.  He began the paperwork for
Reese.  Nick, however, headed for the holding cells.  He strolled up
to the last one on the right, and gave a wave of his hand that he
wanted to talk to her alone.  The guard left, and stood outside the
door.
     "Kim," Nick said softly.
     Kim turned, and looked up to him.  Her eyes were blood red from
the hours of crying, "Nick, I thought I would never see you again."
     "Why?"  Nick asked.
     "Between school, my mother, and life; the paycheck wasn't
enough.  The past, the loans, I got desperate; I never thought they
would hurt Joey.  I especially never meant to hurt you; I truly cared
for you.  You're a very special person, Nick," Kim said sobbing.
     "Thanks; I'll talk to the DA, and maybe they will go easy on
you," Nick said offering to help. "Its okay, bye Kim,"
     "Bye Nick," Kim whispered.
     Nick walked down the corridor, and out the door.  The guard
went back to his chair, and watched over her.  Kim watched Nick fade
away.  Nick slowly walked towards his desk, and saw Paul waiting for
him.  Paul stood to greet him.
     "What's up?"  Nick asked.
     "First, sign here and here," Paul asked politely.
     Nick took the pen, and signed where Paul showed him.  Then gave
the pen back, and placed it on the desk.  He put the papers into a
file leaving it on the desk and turned to Nick.
     "Second, we had to take your order of curtains.  They were real
diamonds.  Third, we're missing one."  Paul said briefing him rather
quick.
     "Let's check my place," Nick suggested.
     Reese quietly approached them, and over heard the conversation.
Paul reached behind him, and grabbed the file and handed it to Reese.
     "We will."  Paul agreed.
     Nick turned to Reese, "If we find it, we will call you,"
     "Bring it tomorrow, if you find it," Reese said giving a final
order for the night.
     Paul looked to Nick, and rubbed his hands together, "Okay,
Nick, its drunk time, let's go,"
     They exited the building with Paul leading the way, and Reese
just smirked.  They left and headed for Nick's car out front.  Nick
stopped short, and handed Paul the keys to drive.  Paul acted like a
kid in candy store on a free day.  They climbed into the car, and
Paul started the engine.  He carefully observed his surroundings, and
pulled away.  Paul again noticed Nick, and no noise from him.
     "How did it go?"  Paul asked being nosy.
     "It's closed," Nick answered.
     "I'm sorry man; I've been there too many times," Paul shared
his past with him.
     "What did you do?"  Nick inquired.
     Turned to face Nick, "Got drunk, cried, and moved on," Paul
bluntly said.
     "That's it?" Nick queried amazed.
     "Yeah, what else can you do?  Life is like an elevator, it has
its ups and downs," Paul expressed.
     "It stinks," Nick commented quietly.
     "No, it sucks," Paul added on.
     "True," Nick agreed.
     Paul looked to his far right seeing the liquor store and pulled
into the parking space.  He stepped out of the car, and went into the
store.  Paul poked around got a case of the best beer, and paid for
that.  He carried it out, and Nick saw it.  He gasped at the size of
the box.  Paul placed it in the backseat, and climbed into the front
seat.  He started the engine, and headed for Nick's home.  They
arrived at the loft pulling into his parking space and they exited
the car.  Paul opened the back door, and reached for the beer.  He
carried it to the elevator where Nick was waiting for him.  They rode
up to his place, and Nick opened the door.  They strolled in, and the
door closed automatically behind them.  Paul put the beer on the
counter, and they tossed their jackets onto the chair.  Paul grabbed
the first six-pack, and Nick turned the television on.  An old
classic western came on.  They flopped into the couch, and popped the
cans.  They quietly enjoyed the beer.
     LaCroix strolled in on the stairwell due to the noise he heard.
He carefully climbed down the stairs standing by the chair, and
observed them drinking.
     "I trust the case is closed?"  LaCroix asked.
     "Almost, he delivered a baby today," Paul said proudly.
     LaCroix just folded his arms in front of his chest, and laughed
slightly to Nick, "How interesting,"
     "It was so cool," Paul said agreeing with him.
     LaCroix rubbed his chin and looked to Nick, "That explains the
phone message,"
     "What's that?"  Nick asked.
     "A woman said, she sends her gratitude and she named her
daughter, Nichole."  LaCroix said, with a slight laugh.
     Paul slapped Nick's thigh, "YEAH,"
     LaCroix noticed that Nick was very distant, "Nicholas, what
troubles you?"
     Nick did not answer but Paul looked up to him, "Broken heart,"
     "I see; I'll be upstairs if you need me," LaCroix said.
     Nick looked up and grinned, "Thanks,"
     LaCroix returned upstairs, and waited for Nick in his room.  He
sat in the chair by the window, and read a book.  They finished
enjoying the beer and the movie.  After a few hours, Paul passed out
on the couch and Nick stumbled up to the staircase.  He made it to
his room, and saw LaCroix sitting their patiently waiting for him. 
Nick staggered over to the bed and sat down.  He collapsed on the
bed, and LaCroix just scoffed at him.  He stood up, and walked over
to the bed.  LaCroix proceeded to remove his shoes grabbing the
blanket at the foot of the bed, and covered him up.  Walked over to
the doorway, and turned the light off.
     As he left, he heard Nick sniffing.  He left him to grief, and
walked to his room.  He too, prepared for rest.
     *****
     Many hours had passed, and they all got a good night of sleep. 
Nick was first to rise.  He slowly sat up, and suddenly remembered
what a hangover was.  He slowly rose off the bed, and stood up.  He
gently held his head, and made his way to the bathroom.  He stumbled
in, and hesitated for a few moments.  A flush echoed then the shower.
He stepped in for a quick shower, and climbed out.  He dried off, and
wrapped the towel around him.  He walked over to the dresser, and
grabbed some casual clothes.  He made his way down the hall, and to
the stairs.  He saw Paul sitting on the couch with a hot cup of
coffee.  Nick strolled into the kitchen, and poured a cup for
himself.  He then joined Paul on the couch.
     "How's your head?" Paul asked quietly.
     "Hurt's," Nick answered softly.
     "Feel better?" Paul asked.
     "A little," Nick answered.
     "Drink the coffee, your head will be fine," Paul suggested.
     "I hope so," Nick pleaded for the pain to stop.
     Nick reached behind his head, and grabbed the remote.  He
carefully turned the television on for some news.
     "How's your head now?"  Paul asked.
     "Better, there are a few mirrors in the back room, let's find
the diamond, if its here," Nick suggested.
     "Okay, be right back," Paul said slowly rising and walked to
the back room.
     Nick sat down on the couch, and finished the few drops of
coffee in his mug.  Paul poked around, and he found the mirrors. 
However, he also found a brown box with Nick's name on it unopened.
     "NICK!"  Paul yelled for him.
     "Yeah," Nick yelled back.
     Paul picked up the box and carried it out to him on the couch,
"One more unfinished business,"
     Nick looked at it and knew what it was, "I need to do that
alone, okay,"
     "What is it?"  Paul inquired.
     Nick placed the mug down on the table, "Things Natalie left me
after; she died,"
     "Okay, got the mirrors, let's go," Paul suggested.
     Paul placed the box onto the table, and handed a mirror to
Nick.  Paul went to one side, and Nick went to the other.  They each
began to scratch the mirror with each rhinestone testing for a
diamond.
     "Yo, Nick," Paul said.
     "Yeah," Nick answered.
     "Can I have a loan?"  Paul asked being a wise guy.
     "You found it?"  Nick questioned.
     "Yeah," Paul answered as he plucked it off the curtain, and
held it in the palm of his hand.
     Nick walked over, and examined the diamond in his hand.  Paul
dropped the diamond into Nick's hand, and rolling it around, "You
can't even tell the difference,"
     "Beautiful," Paul commented on its shine.
     Nick carried the diamond to the table behind the couch, and
placed it carefully in the box then covered it.  He looked to Paul
with a slight confused look.
     "Call Reese for a pick up, and bring two guys with him."  Nick
stated.
     "Why?"  Paul asked as he held the phone.
     "If I'm not mistaken, Amy is on her way to pick up the missing
diamond."  Nick said.
     "I'm lost," Paul confessed to Nick.
     "Call and I'll explain," Nick suggested.
     Paul quickly made the call and hung up the phone.  He turned to
Nick for the briefing, "Okay, explain,"
     "It's amazing what a new father would say.  I called, and
talked to Erin.  Calvin was there with the guard.  He said Joey was
getting greedy and Billy and Doug killed him off.  Frank was never
involved.  They blackmailed Kim by threatening her family so she
would give."  Nick explained.
     "So she's clean?" Paul questioned.
     "She did take a payment, but they will be easy on her," Nick
answered.
     "What about Amy?"  Paul asked.
     "She ran the whole operation; that is how they knew where and
when to hit.  If they left a clue, she'd fix it for them to miss." 
Nick briefed him.
     "And the FBI?" Paul added.
     "No clues," Nick said a little puzzled on that.
     "Whoa," Paul commented on the whole thing.
     A knock came from the front door; Nick walked over to the door
and pushed the button to open the door.  Reese stepped in as the door
closed.
     "Hello people," Reese said to greet them.
     "Over here, Cap," Paul waved him in.
     "Great," Reese said feeling relieved.
     Nick escorted him into the nearest corner and faced him
quietly, "I need you to hide here and listen,"
     "Why?"  Reese asked.
     Nick was about to answer that question, when someone knocked on
the front door again, "You'll see, stay here," 
     Reese hid, and Nick waved to Paul to let her in.  The door
opened, and Amy stepped in and Paul closed the door, "Hello Nick,
Paul," 
     "Hi Amy, what can I do for you?"  Nick asked.
     "I've come by to see if you found that diamond," Amy implied.
     "No, we didn't," Paul said.
     "You didn't," Amy said feeling a little uneasy.
     "Why would it be here?" Paul inquired.
     "It's the last place it would be," Amy told them.
     "Hmm, odd; I don't remember you at the meeting; how did you
know one was missing?"  Nick questioned.
     "What?"  Amy asked feeling her plan failing.
     Nick stepped out from behind his table, and confronted her
while Paul watched her every move, "You ran that whole operation,
stole the diamonds and pocketed the money."
     Amy feared for her life pulling out her gun from her coat
pocket and aimed it t Paul, "So what if I did; you know Nick; you are
a very nosy person."
     "So I've been told," Nick said agreeing with her.
     Nick stepped away, and moved over to the couch to draw her
attention away from Paul.  She aimed the gun at Nick's head, "Give me
the diamond Nick,"
     "I don't have it; its not here," Nick said.
     "Knight, hand it over; I know its here," Amy ordered him and
fixing the gun to fire.
     Amy aimed directly at his head.  Paul saw the opportunity, and
grabbed the gun from her hand.  She rubbed her hand from the pain;
Paul took the gun and removed the bullets.  Reese popped out from his
hiding spot, and into the room where Amy could see him.
     "Hello, Amy," Reese said with anger.
     "Damn," Amy replied softly.
     "Good answer," Reese said agreeing with her.
     Nick walked up to her reaching into his back pocket and pulled
out his handcuffs.  He raised her hands placing them on her wrists
and just stared at her.  Reese walked up, and took her by the arm.
     "Oh, and you two, great job, take the night off."  Reese
ordered them to do.
     Reese took Amy to the door, and they left.  Paul looked at
Nick, and saluted him on his way out.  Nick gave him a slight grin as
he left.  Nick strolled over to the couch, and flopped onto it.  He
covered his eyes with his forearm, and just lied there quietly.  He
quickly reached up grabbing the remote closing the windows and placed
it back down.
     As he was about cover his eyes, he saw the box that Paul left
on the table.  He sat up, and stared at it.  He grabbed a beer can,
and gulped the last of it then placed the can down.  LaCroix strolled
out leaned on the rail, and saw Nick staring at the box.  He swooped
down, and sat down in the chair.
     "Would you like me to leave?"  LaCroix asked.
     "No, please stay," Nick pleaded softly.
     LaCroix leaned back into the chair, and watched Nick play with
the box.  Nick pulled the flaps, and opened the box.  He looked
inside, and pulled out a picture.  It was a gold-framed picture of
Natalie, and him on their one-year anniversary.  He carefully handed
it to LaCroix to hold.  He then pulled out a small bottle of her
perfume.  The one he left on her computer with a red rose; he handed
that to him as well.  He then pulled out a book; he opened the book,
and realized it was her journal.  All the work they have done; her
feelings for Nick and what they shared.  He placed the book at his
side, and looked in the box again.  Finally, a letter addressed to
him.  His eyes became teary eyed, and slowly opened it.
     "LaCroix, can you take those upstairs to my room please?"  Nick
asked softly.
     "Sure," LaCroix answered.
     "Thanks," Nick whispered.
     LaCroix left him alone.  Nick picked up the book, and placed it
in his lap.  He then leaned into the couch, and unfolded the letter:
     <My Darling Nick,
     If you are reading this letter, I have died.  I am so sorry for
the pain and hurt you must be feeling.  I wish I could take away.  I
fell in love with you from the moment I first saw you.  Those blue
eyes, the boyish grin, the tender touch of your hands, and warm lips.
I have always felt safe and loved.  I was so honored to call you
friend, but mostly the man I loved so deeply.  Please continue on,
and know my heart and love will always be with you.  Take care, and I
love you so very much.
     Love, Natalie>
     Nick folded the letter, and placed it back in the envelope then
placed it into the book.  Nick stood up strolling over to the stairs
and climbed up.  He strolled down to his room, and saw LaCroix
waiting for him.  Nick placed the book upon his dresser and sat on
the bed.
     "Nicholas, are you all right?" LaCroix asked with great concern.
     "I don't know," Nick answered.
     "Do you wish to be alone?"  LaCroix asked.
     "No, want to watch a movie and hang out?"  Nick invited him to
share some time together.
     "Hang out?" LaCroix inquired.
     "Watch a movie, drink, eat, and talk," Nick explained briefly.
     "Sure, what type of movie do you prefer?"  LaCroix asked.
     "Western or vampires?" Nick said being funny.
     LaCroix just laughed and looked at him, "Not funny,"
     "Let's go downstairs, and clean up then we'll talk," Nick
suggested.
     "All right," LaCroix said agreeing with the idea.
     They slowly went down stairs, and cleaned up the first mess so
they could make a second one.  They sat together on the couch with
beers in hand, and Nick had a bowl of popcorn.  He shared the case,
the friendship he has with Paul, Kim, and the letter from Natalie. 
They did all of this watching a vampire movie with a western to
follow.
     
END