Murder by the book

Nick


There I stood outside the apartment of the woman I had just gone on a date with. She was staring at me as I played with my suit jacket. I had no intention of going up. When you have had as many bad dates as I have you do not go up once you know it’s going to be bad.

“So Nick you want to come up?” Haley asked as she fiddled with her keys.

“Um Haley I don’t think so.” I said with this I really don’t think this is gonna work out look on my face.

“Oh so your one of them?” she asks in anger.

“One of whom?” I ask as I pull my coat around me feeling the early November air chill as I stood.

“The guys who pretend to have fun with a girl then leave her high and dry.” I shook my head and held up my hands.

“Haley I just don’t think we are--.” slap! Oh that hurt. That hurt. She stormed away and slammed the door. “Compatible.” Said to the door as I walked down the stairs. Nice Nick. Oh by the way name is Nick Pelasante. Guess where my dad was born. I am a special agent in the FBI. My father was a general in the army after he served in Nam. My mother a nurse he met in a hospital. My family has lived in Pennsylvania for close to fifteen years now. Me I live in New York. As does my brother Mickie and his fiancé Jen. I had been on thirty first dates prior to this one and each one ended the same. But not all of the girls had that strong and arm.
I got to my building slowly and when I fell in bed my faithful cat Tigger rolled up on his pillow I heard jazz music coming from the apartment upstairs it was low but audible. I fell asleep to that tune and woke up to a screaming alarm clock. I sat up fast scaring my cat who hissed and scratched my arm. “Ow! Shit tigs!” I said as I wiped the little amount of blood which my forearm was omitting. He purred and rubbed along my chest. “Why can’t you be a beautiful woman?” I asked as I got up. I took a shower and got ready for work pulling the loyal hand gun out of my bedside table and placing it in my holster. I put on my sunglasses and coat and grabbed my coffee. “Food’s in the...” I was cut off by a loud crash on the fire escape. I grabbed my gun in the holster and walked towards the door I’d put in there. I looked out the window and saw a woman in a button up shirt with no pants on pulling a huge black lab up the fire escape steps. I pulled open the door. “Hey are you alright?” I asked she froze and turned around slowly.

“I’m fine you?” she asked with a hint of a British accent. I wasn’t expecting to see her. I thought she’d be fortunate looking but not take my breath away beautiful. I smiled the Nick Pelasante million buck smile.

“Good I’m good. Um you wouldn’t know what that noise was would you?”

“Ah that was my darling black jack trying to kill the akita Mrs. Pedford has.”

“Who?”

“The woman who lives below you.” I nodded.

“So what did he do?”

“Ran out of the apartment window knocked over a plant and ran down here before I go to him.”

“Your boyfriend laughing his ass off to much to help.”

“Don’t have a boyfriend.” she said as the dog walked up the stairs. “Just a big lab.”

“Nick.” I said extending a hand. “Nick Pelasante.”

“Kate.” she said taking my hand. “Kate Maclay.” I pulled my sunglasses off and took her totally in. “Sorry I’m not in better clothes I was after all asleep.” she turned my wrist and looked at my watch. “Bollocks.” she said as she let go of my hand. “I’m late sorry. It was nice meeting you.” she said as she hurried up the stairs. “Um if you ever need a cup of sugar.” I laughed and smiled up at her.

“I’ll call you first. Nice Meeting you Kate.” I said looking away from the thong she was wearing.

“Thanks Nick same to You.” She hurried inside and I heard her running through the apartment upstairs. I laughed and shut the door. Feeding tigger I heard her fall then get right back up and run around some more. I drank some coffee then looked at my watch and headed for the door. I pulled open my door and saw her run down the sitars from her apartment. She looked beautiful. She was wearing Jeans and a grey sweater with sneakers and a red shirt under the sweater. Her long blonde hair fell down her back and the grey canvas bag slung across her body was filled with books.

“Kate.” I said as she pushed the elevator button.

‘I’m trying to get on it quicker.” she said looking at me.

‘You a student?” she shook her head.

“I own a bookstore.” she said looking at me.

“Where are you from?”

“Surrey.” she said as she hurried into the elevator.

“England?”

“No Pakistan.” she said as she fumbled for her phone. “Yes England sorry I’m just in a real hurry.” I laughed and put the glasses on my face.

“Been there.” I laughed and she laughed too. I watched as she hurried down the road and grab a cab. I got in my car and drove to HQ. When I got there my brother was standing by the elevator waiting for me.

“Nicholas you are late.” He said as he pulled my arm.

“SPAIC Pelasante I really do not appreciate being man handled.”

“Hey it’s the brothers!” Kale Edwards my partner said as he walked into my brother and boss’s office.

“Kale.” I said as I tucked my glasses in to the pocket of my jacket.

“Nick.” he said sitting down. Mickie my brother looked at us then shook his head.

“Pelasante, Edwards we need you on Gentilie.”

“Dominic Gentilie?” I asked sitting forward.

“Yes Nick your white wale.” Dominic Gentilie was a known godfather. He was an ass hole a prick, he shot my brother and nearly paralyzed my little brother Tom. Nobody Fucks with my family! “You can finally get him.” Kale nodded and I sat back as my brother read off our newest assignment.
Kate
Kate hurried from the cab towards the store her three employees waiting for her as she did.
They all stood up as she walked towards them keys ready.

“Really sorry guys.” she said as the three men smiled at her.

“If you trusted me with the keys you wouldn’t have to apologize.” The elder African American man said to her as she threw up the gate.

“I do trust you Gerald just don’t have the time to get a copy made.” the three men laughed and followed her inside. Jack the youngest of the men was a student at NYU who wore all black every day and wrote poetry during his breaks and free time. Mike was the next youngest who was around Kate and Nick’s age about twenty eight. He had blond hair and green eyes wore jeans and college t-shirts most of the days. Then there was the elder man named Gerald. Who wore Cosby sweaters and kaki’s every day. Kate hurried through the store turning on lights. While Jack made coffee and, Mike stared up the register. Then once the day had begun they all just sat down and began the normal day of talking and drinking coffee. For three hours they talked about everything from politics to family and when they were on the topic of food a man walked in.

“Okay you have to admit a good ziti beats a cookie any day.” Jack said as he sat forward.

‘Never underestimate the power of the cookie.” Kate said with a smile.

“She has a point cookies can surprise you.” Mike sad with a smile.

“I side with the Ziti.” Gerald said as the bell over the door rang.

“Can we help you with anything?” Kate said as she stood up.

“Yes I need a book about Vampires and one about cooking pasta.”

“That’s a wide variety.” she said as she moved forward. “Come with me.” she lead him to the mythology section. “I’m guessing the vampire book is for a child?” he nodded. “Then you want this one. It’s good.” she said handing him a picture book filled with Vampire facts and a some creative things. “I bought it for my nephew last year.” the tall Italian man smiled at her and nodded.

“Thank you.” he said then she lead him to cooking.

‘And this.” she said pulling a very thick volume off the shelf. “Is the pasta bible. I use it home.” he laughed and took it from her.

“Fred Gavello.” he said extending a hand.

“Kate Maclay.” she said with a smile.

“My wife and son will love these.” she nodded and lead him to counter.

“If your son likes that one. We have others in that series all mythical creatures.” He flashed her a smile and paid with his visa, then grabbed the plastic bag and left the store. When the door shut Kate dropped her head on the counter. “I flirted with a married man! I am so desperate!” she said looking up. Then it happened like in slow motion. She watched as he looked both ways before entering the street. He took three strides into the road when a loud bang and a flash of light erupted from the roof top across the street. Fred jolted and started to fall when three more shots fired and he fell into the road. “Oh my god!” Kate yelled but all the men in the store had seen the mid afternoon massacre. Mike ran out of the store and Kate grabbed him.

“No.” she said looking at him

“I have to see if he’s alive.” Mike said and she held firm.

“They’ll get you too.” she said pulling him inside. Mike ran to the phone and called the police. Kate collapsed in a chair. They had just witnessed a murder. That’s when it all changes.

Nick
We sat there in the office for a while until Mick sent me to my office and Kale to his. I sat there in my office chair thinking of Kate how beautiful she was. She was manipulating my thoughts. I had a crush on this girl. Oh great. The pretty smart girl never likes the gun wielding FBI agent. Maybe the Columbia degree will help. But the whole government agent thing never goes over good. They automatically think you won’t be in it for the long run you live life on the edge. You’re in gun fire you don’t want to have a family to leave behind. But I did. I wanted a family. I wanted to get married. Oh Christ! Now I was thinking of her as my wife and all I know is she’s probably my age, owns a book store, is god damned gorgeous, and has a black lab. I typed her name in on google then just as the results came up my office door swung open.

“Gentilie pulled a hit Freddie Gavello shot dead outside a bookstore!” I shot up grabbed my badge and hurried out Kale next to me. “You ready Nick?” he asked as Mick got on.

“I’m not passing this up.” he said as we all made our way to the lobby. We climbed into my car and headed to the store. When we got there the crime investigators were loading the body into the back of the ambulance. The scene was easy enough to understand. He was shot in the chest from a store top across the street. According to the medics. I nodded and walked into the store. When I looked at the woman my brother was talking to I froze. Kate. She was describing it to my brother who was nodding, then he stopped her and waved me over. “Nick I want you to take good care of Miss Maclay here. He’s my little brother and my best agent. He’ll take care of you.” I smiled at Mick then looked at Kate.

“Well I guess it’s fate then huh?” she said with a laugh.

“What’s fate?” I asked as I sat down next to her.

“That we meet today.” I laughed and looked at her harder.

“I am not going to grill you right now.” I said and she gave me a grateful look. “You want to go grab a cup of coffee? Get away from all this?” she looked at me like I was a god.

“Right now I’d go for dinner.” she said rubbing her head.

“You like Italian?”

“Love Italian.” she said with a smile.

“I know a great place.” I said standing up. “Family favorite.” she laughed and stood up.

“Just let me go tell them they don’t have to come in for a while.” I nodded.

“I’ll go talk to Mick.” Kate walked over to her three employee’s each of them thanking her for giving them the paid time off. I walked over to my brother and he looked at me with a concerned look.

“I’m getting her away from here. She’s freaking out she’s not involved I can tell you that.” He gave me a how do you know look. “You don’t look like that if you were involved you fake it. Over do it , cry, she’s just in shock.” he nodded and looked at her as she pulled on her coat and her bag.

“She’s a pretty girl Nick.” he said looking at me.

“She lives in my building.” I said looking back at her as she closed the register.

“No Nick.” he said pointing at me.

“Your not mom.” I said with a laugh.

“Be careful if they saw her face she’s a dead woman.”

“No don’t say that.” I said rubbing my head. “I really don’t want you to say that.” he shook his head and pushed me towards her. I walked over and she smiled and I nodded towards the door. “Shall we?” I asked and she nodded and followed me out. I was basically going on a date with her already. No Nick you were on the clock. You are Special Agent Pelasante right now. “Okay Kate.” I said as I opened the Jag’s door.

‘You drive a Jag?” she asked looking at me.

“It was a gift. From me to me.” I laughed, she smiled and slid into the car. I shut the door and walked over to the driver’s side door. I drove her to Papa Pazino’s Italian kitchen. “Vino Pazino was one of my dad’s old friends they fought in Nam together. They make every body feel like family, and have the best baked spaghetti this side of Rome.” I said as I helped her out of the car. “You can leave the bag. I can pay.” she gave me a grateful look and set the bag down.

“So you’re family really Italian?” I looked down at her and smiled.

“My last name is Pelasante. It doesn’t get much more Italian than that. What’s your family ethnic wise?” she laughed.

“Incase you didn’t catch it. I’m English. My dad is from Scotland my mom from Surrey. I told you this, this morning.” I laughed and opened the door to the restaurant.

“You did. Never mind.” I said and then as I stepped up to the hostess stand and Alfredo Pazino smiled widely.

“Nikko Pelasante!” he said as he grabbed my face. “Why you a no come here more often? Papa think you find a new place to eat Italiano.” Shook my head and smiled.

“Papa Pazino’s is my only Italian place.” I said with a laugh. “Normal booth Fredo only for two.” Kate smiled at me and shook her head.
“Mama!” Fredo called as he hurried back.

“Oh no.” I said looking down at her. “They got the wrong impression. Look Kate I’m sorry for what ever they say.” she laughed and smiled at me.

“Agent Pelasante I think this is just what I needed.”

“I’m glad and it’s Nick.” she laughed and nodded.

“Okay.” she said and then.

“Nikko!” Mama Pazino yelled as she hurried out.

“Oh no.” I said and she laughed.

“Nikko brought a lady! I call your mama and a tell her.” I cringed. “Oh look at you honey you need food you nothing but bone.” Kate laughed and I gave her an apologetic look. “Come now we give you the good booth not the Nikko booth.”

“hey I like my booth.” I said defensively as we were lead to a booth which looked out at the bridge.

“Your booth smell like aftershave.” Kate laughed and sat down. I slid across from her and Mama Pazino wacked my head. “Why you a bring that gun in a here?”

“I’m an agent Mama Pazziy c’mon.”

“Give a here” she said holding out a hand.

“I can’t.” I said flashing my badge. “Safety’s on you are all safe.” Kate smile and looked at the menu.

“Fine but no more.” she said pionting at me. I nodded and she kissed my head and walked away.

“Told you.” I said with a smile.

“It’s cute. My da he has a place like this. Kildares.” she said with a smile.

“Okay so I recommend the baked spaghetti but nothing beats the Pennae Pazino.” she smiled and closed the Menu.

“Okay Nikko you order.” I laughed and nodded

“I will.” I said with a smile, she laughed and then Fredo came back with wine and bread. I ordered the baked spaghetti and pennae for us as a family style dish then looked at her as she sipped her wine. “Okay Kate.” I said sitting back sliding my Jacket and holster off laying them on the seat next to me.

“Yeah Nick?” she asked looking over at me.

“How long you lived here?”

“Since I was eighteen.” she said with a smile. “My parents split up when I was seventeen. My mom stayed in Surrey and two months after my eighteenth birthday me da and crossed the pond.” I nodded and took a drink of wine. “Did you always want to be an agent?” she asked as she set her hand on the table.

“My dad was a solder, I didn’t want to join the army. So I got a law degree like my big brother.” she laughed “Then Michelangelo get’s asked to join the FBI, and three weeks later I get recruited. I love my job though. But there are times I wouldn’t mind being a lawyer or even a law professor.” she smiled.

“That’s a good story Nick.” She said looking at me with a smile.

“What about you? You always want to own a bookstore?” she shook her head.

“Nope.”

“Then how’d you get to own it?” I asked with a laugh.

“I have my education degree from NYU, I wanted to be a high school history teacher. Then one day I was walking down the road and this guy came walking out of the store. He stopped me and said. ‘You want it?’ he pointed to the store. I didn’t have time to say no. he dropped the key’s and the deed in my hand along with the loan papers and walked away.” I laughed and she nodded. “Been mine ever since.” She smiled at me and leaned forward. “They think we’re on a date don’t they.” she said looking in my eyes. I looked right back in her ocean blue eyes and nodded.

“Unfortunately yes.”

‘Oh so it would be unfortunate to go on a date with me?” she asked sitting back.

“No!” I said holding up my hands. “No not what I meant at all! I meant that they are gonna ask if I’m gonna propose it’s a Italian family thing. The grapevine. It starts here and makes it’s way all the way to California where my uncle Grego lives.” she laughed and I smiled at her.

“Not to be weird or anything but you have a nice smile.” I laughed and ran my hands over my pants.

“Thank you, you do to so un like British culture. Your teeth are white.” she laughed and took a sip of wine.

“Me da’s aren’t. I hated the feeling of my teeth if I didn’t brush them. I kept good care of my smile.” I laughed and shook my head.
“I think the whole Me da thing is very cute.” She laughed and rubbed her arm.

“I didn’t realize I was doing it.” she said as she played with her silverware. “It’s hardwired in.” she said looking with a chuckle.

“Hey that’s my line.” she laughed hard and then Vino came out holding the food.

“Ah Nikko and the lady.” he said as he placed the plates on the table. “What’s your name my dear?”

“Kathryn.” she said as he kissed her hand.

“Ah a beautiful bella. Nice choice e Nikko.” I smiled at him then kate who smiled back.

“Thanks Uncle Vino.” I said as he hugged me.

“You tell that papa of yours I want him and your mama here for Christmas. Pennsylvania doesn’t have good Italian like Papa Pazino.” I nodded and flashed the smile.

“I’ll tell him.” He smiled and kissed my cheek.

“This a good boy Kathryn you take care of him.” she smiled and nodded.

“I will.” she said and I gave her a -what?- look. She just smiled. Papa Pazino left the room and I looked at her with a serious look.

“Oh calm down Nikko I was playing along.” she said as she ate some Pennae.

“You like calling me Nikko?” I asked my Italian accent pushing through on the last word. I prayed she hadn’t noticed but she did.

“You have a hint of an accent there Nick.” She said with a smile, a hint of a scotish accent surfacing.

“As do you.”

“Mine’s understandable. What about yours?”

“My mother’s from Italy, my dad’s dad is too. Its from growing up around it I speak Italian fluently and can if I say so myself cook a mean lasagna.”

“That’s very admirable.”

“I understand the British but the Scottish is thicker than it should be.”

“I was in the same situation as you. My father had and has to this day have the thickest accent ever.” I laughed and put my hand on the table. “I think he’s still clinging to the William Wallace fantasy.” I cracked up and she smiled and took a sip of her wine. “The funny thing is you think that’s a joke.”

“It has to be.” I said as I ate some of the spaghetti.

“No. My father loves William Wallace, and Mel Gibson I didn’t have the heart to tell him Mel Gibson was Australian. He has Braveheart playing on a loop I swear. He’s a very proud Scotsmen. Still wears a kilt to church. Do you know how embarrassing that was as a teenager?” I laughed and rubbed the back of my neck.

“My mother made us wear our nicest clothes to church. When your are eighteen and she makes you wear a bright blue suit coat you are embarrassed. Funny thing is. I wasn’t the only one.” She smiled and put her hand on mine.

“He wore a kilt no underwear and the back would ride up when he sat down. Our church didn’t have any air conditioning so it would stick. He’d go to communion with his ass sticking out.” I literally laughed so hard I was crying. “Sod off.” she said taking a sip of water.

“Hey I’ve always wonder what that means?”

‘Fuck off.” she said with the same tone.

‘It was just a question.”

“No!” she said laughing. “That’s what it means.” I laughed then realized we were practically holding hands. “I have one question for you.” she said as she rubbed my hand.

“Anything ask me anything.” I said with a smile.

“You are going to have to ask me those questions eventually, aren’t you?” she pulled her hand back and sat against the back of the booth. “Eventually this is going to turn to business.”

“I can have Mick ask you. I can give this investigation to him.”

“Am I that disposable?”

“You aren’t no.” I said grabbing her hand. “I just don’t want you to think that the only reason I’m here is because it’s my job.” She smiled at me and I smiled back. “Cause Katie it’s not.”

“Nobody but my granddad has ever called me Katie.” she said with a laugh.

“Nobody but old Italian families my father knows have ever called me Nikko.” she laughed and ate a bit of her food. “So what does your father do?” she smiled and looked up at me.

“My father was a special agent.” she said taking a sip of wine. “Which is why I am not freaked out by the gun.” She said not looking up. “He retired when he turned seventy.”

“So you did know what an SPAIC was?” I asked with a sideways smile.

“My father was Andrew Maclay.” I coughed as I choked on my food. He was the former New York Director. The man was a legend.

“Your father was A. Maclay?” she nodded.

“Oh yes.” she said sitting back. “Now you’re going to be afraid to even ask me out aren’t you?” I froze.

“No.” I said and her eyes shot up. “I’m just in shock that you’re father was him. I never met him but Mick had. He made him C-10 director.” she ran a hand through her hair and laughed.

“My da can be the agent can be the hard ass. But when he’s around me or my brother. He’s as soft as this noddle.” she said as she bit into it. I laughed and grabbed her hand.

“What you doing this Friday?” she swallowed the noodle.

“You’re actually asking me out?” she asked with a laugh. I nodded and ran my hand through my hair.

“You’re not going to reject me are you Katie?” she laced her fingers in mine.

“I work till sev-.” she stopped then looked at me. “I’m free all day.”

“You will be able to go back to work I guarantee that.” I said rubbing her hand. “And I’ll take the day off.” She smiled at me and tucked a bit of her blond hair behind her ear. “Katie I feel I need to tell you...”

“I know it was a hit Nick.” she said looking at me. “He was shot in the chest from a roof top I know what I saw. No one but a pro could hit that mark four times. I know I’m in danger.” she said her eyes locked on mine.

“No you’re not.” I said gripping her hand. “I’m gonna protect you.” she shook her head.

“Nikko Pelasante, let’s just finish dinner.” I laughed and we ate dinner talking, flirting and then when we left mama handed Kate a bag filled with Styrofoam containers.

“We make you many dinners that will make you eat like an Italian woman.” Kate laughed and I did as I pulled the holster on then the jacket. “Nikko you know your mama never send me that ziti recipe.” I laughed and kissed her cheek.

‘My mama will take that to her grave.” We left the resturant. We were about to get in the car when she grabbed my hand.

“Come on I want to do one thing.” she said as she pulled me over to the fence which over looked the harbor. “When we moved here, my dad brought me to that island.” she said pionting to the statue of liberty. “You have a quarter?” I pulled out one from the change in my pocket. “Flick it in and make a wish.”

“What?”

“Maclay tradition. Leave at least one cent everywhere we go.” I flicked it into the harbor and looked at her. “Well what did you wish for?” I smiled and squeezed her hand.

“You’ll find out someday.” I said as I pulled her back to the car. She laughed at every joke I made then it came. We were standing outside her apartment I was leaning against the door frame she had her back on the door and we were still holding hands. “You know I really don’t want to go downstairs.” she laughed and nodded.

“You know I really want you to kiss me right now.” she said in a thick Scottish accent. I smiled and leaned in close to her and kissed her gently. Her lips were soft and warm and she tasted like spaghetti and diet coke. She was soft and gentle. She reached up and wrapped her arms around my neck, I gently pressed my thumb into her hip bone. “You know Pelasante you know how to sweep a girl off her feet.” I laughed and kissed her again. Then I pulled back and looked at her.

“I don’t want to rush this.” I whispered.

“And I don’t want to be alone tonight.” She said holding me close.

“I don’t want to sleep with you tonight.” I said kissing her. “Cause then you’ll think that I’m just an ass who wants to get laid. But I will stay with you tonight.” she kissed me passionately. ‘Of course that is as a federal agent I am still on duty.”

“Can it Nick you’re killing it.” she said as she pushed open the door. I looked around at her apartment. It was very her. She had a large blue sofa which sat across a large television. The coffee table was covered in books and texts. She had a small table in the kitchen which had a few plates on it. The place was clean and smelled like coconut and lime. She smiled and closed the door.

“Okay you want to come clean up my pig pen?” I asked with a smile. She just laughed and looked around.

“Hmm, he’s around here somewhere.” she said as she pulled off her coat and looked at me. “You gonna stay in that all night?” she asked and I laughed and pulled off my coat and holster hanging them up. “Tie.” she said as she walked into the kitchen.

“Yes ma’am.” I said as I pulled off the blue tie and hung it up with my other stuff. I unbuttoned the first two buttons of my shit and then the buttons on the cuffs and rolled my sleeves up to my elbows. I pulled off my shoes and walked into the kitchen as she put the food away.

“Black Jack is hiding.” she said as she put a fresh bowl of water on the ground.

“Tig hides when I bring Mick over but other than that he’s a very public figure.” She looked at me and smiled.
“Tig is?”

“My cat.” she laughed and walked by me. “What?” I asked holding up my hands.

“You’re a cat person.” I shook my head.

“I’m an animal person.” I said and she nodded. “So am I couch warming?” I asked as she walked into her room.

“Off!” she said and I walked in and the lab was sprawled out on the bed his head on her pillows. he saw me and growled. “No Nick good.” she said as she walked over. “Good. Now off.” he whined and she shook her head. “Down.” the lab huffed and jumped down. He trotted by me and looked back at her before climbing on to the couch. “Looks like your spot’s taken.” she said with a smile. “You get to take his.” she said grabbing my hand.

“Katie.” I said as I took her hand. “It might be late in asking but you want to be my girlfriend?” I asked getting nervous.

“Are your palms sweating agent Pelasante?”

“Just answer the question Kate.” she leaned up and kissed me.

“Yes.” she whispered. “Now come on we have to get ready for prom.” I laughed and followed her into her room. She got dressed in a shirt similar to the one she wore to bed last night.

‘Oh yeah get comfy.” I said with a smile.

‘You don’t have to sleep in that I’m not going to think you’re an ass.” she said as she pulled back the blue comforter.

“I normally sleep in my boxers.”

“Oh I won’t mind that.” I laughed and walked out of the room. “Somebody’s shy BJ.” the lab was laying on his back and I could see she hadn’t gotten him neutered.

“Your dog’s showing all.” I said as I un buttoned my shirt.

“He likes to show off.” she called back.

“Oh so it’s on purpose he can still procreate?” she laughed after I said that.

“No I just don’t have the heart to let them do that to him.” I pulled off my pants cursing the nicks boxer shorts I was wearing.

“Okay no laughing.” I said as I came in.

‘Oh your such a girl.” she said as I came in.


Kate
Nick walked into Kate’s room and she was taken back by how amazing he looked. He was toned, his every inch was corded in muscle. But it wasn’t disgusting it was like a Calvin Kline model. He just looked perfect to her. Then she laughed at the Knicks boxer shorts he was wearing.

“They were a gag gift from my little brother okay.” he said as he walked over to the bed and laid down pulling the covers over his body.

“Oh yes cause my brother buys me underwear all the time.” she said as she looked at him.

“Oh really.” he said as he grabbed her sides. She moved towards him and put her hand on his chest feeling how strong his pecs were. He just pulled her in close and kissed her. “Kate Maclay I think you’re right I think we were supposed to meet.” she nodded and buried her face in his chest.

“Just hold me Nick.” she said as she snaked an arm over his side. “Just keep me safe.”

“I will Katie I will.” He said as he felt himself falling asleep. He waited until Kate was out before he fell asleep.


Nick
“Nikko. Nikko.” Kate’s voice said in my ear as I felt a slight pressure on my chest.

“Huh? What?” I asked sitting up grabbing for the gun I normally leave under the pillow.

“Nick it’s just I don’t know when you go into work and I didn’t want you to lose your job.” I looked at the beautiful woman who was laying next to me.

“I go in when I want.” I said as I pinned her.

“No sir I know that’s a lie.”

‘I can call in sick?” I asked like a kid.

“No.” I leaned down and kissed her “Yes.” she said holding my sides. I felt my self grow as I ran my hand under the shirt. She was wearing a lace bra and thong. I kissed her fervently and began unbuttoning her top she had no objection she was even helping me. Then it was me and her both wearing nothing. I took her in she was amazingly beautiful. Her breasts were full and soft, her body toned and soft. Her skin was like liquid underneath my fingers. She kissed me this one time and I swear I could have cum just from that kiss. She ran her tongue along mine and kissed me with a passion I have never ever felt. Then she stopped. “There are condoms in the bedside drawer.” I reached into the drawer and applied the proper protection then I was back to looking in her eyes my hands holding my body up. “Nikko what’s up?” I shook my head.

“Nothing. I just never thought I’d make love to a woman as beautiful as you.” she moved up and kissed me. Her breasts pressing against me made me pulse.

“Take me Nicholas Take me.” my full name never sounded so good coming from her mouth at six fifteen am. I took a deep breath and kissed her as I entered her. She gasped and we fell down on to the sheets and began to make love. It felt like perfection being inside her, holding her making love to her. We went four times until I fell on the bed next to her.

“Oh god.” I said rubbing my chest. “That was amazing so amazing.” I said as I grabbed her hand and held it to my chest.

“Your hearts racing.” she said looking over at me.

“You are so good.” I said looking over at her. Her breasts were rising and falling rapidly her body was still convulsing, she locked her eyes on mine.

“That’s the best I’ve ever had.” She rolled on to her stomach and put her hand on my chest. “You’re the best I’ve ever had.” I nodded and kissed her.

“Honey you were all that and more.” Then I heard my phone ring downstairs. “I’ll give you ten dollars if it’s not my mom.” she laughed and straddled me.

“And I’ll give you twenty if we go again.”

“Paying for sex is a crime.” I said as I sat up and kissed her.

“Then I guess I get to get it for free.” she said as she bit on my ear lobe. I got hard one more time and I went right into her. She rode me and made love to me. Then I fell back still inside her still holding on to her as she convulsed. I felt amazing afterwards. Like I needed a shower but amazing. She rolled off me with a moan and landed next to me and we both started laughing at BJ trying to get in. “No boy.” she said as she rolled on her side.

“Katie where have you been?” I asked as I played with her hair.

“Right upstairs nick.” she said with a smile.

“Good line.” I said then my cell phone went off. “Okay if that’s my mama I’m dead.” I said as I got up.

“I don’t think I’d talk to my mom naked.” I pulled on my boxers and grabbed the phone.

“Pelasante?” I asked looking around at the apartment.

“Nikko!” my mother yelled as I answered. “Maria called me this morning saying you bring a girl to a the restaurant? Who this girl?” I laughed as Kate got up and walked out pulling on her shirt.

“Her name is Kate mom.”

“Ten bucks.” she said handing it to me. I laughed and she tucked it in my waist band. I shook my head and grabbed her ass. She leaned up and kissed me.

“Kate what?” she asked as the sounds of cooking could be heard.

“Maclay.”

‘No Italiano?”

‘No Italiano Mama.” I said and kate laughed. “Englie y e Scott.”

“No.”

“Si mama Si. Buena bella. Mui Mui sempatca e edecatio e no bad mama no bad.”

‘I want to meet this girl.”

‘Mama we went on one date I’m not going to bring her home. I want to give her a chance before she meets you lot.”

“ a chance a chance to what Nikko?”

“Like me!” Kate laughed and Black Jacked trotted in there and curled up with her.

“Fine. But I meet her in three month three month that my limit.” I nodded

‘Si mama.”

“Be good boy Nikko. Be good.”

“I will mama I will.” I said as I looked at Kate laying with the shirt agape her breasts exposed to the world.

“I let you go to work now.” I said my good byes then hung up and leaned against the door frame.

“If I had anything left in me I’d be over there in three seconds.” she smiled and took a drink of juice. “But then again if I want to hear that moan again I can always.” I began as I climbed up her body and then began to give her oral. She moaned and groaned having this amazing orgasm almost as loud as the ones she’d been having earlier. I felt my body trying for a hard on but knew I had nothing left. It took her final cry of my name for me to done finished completely spent. She pulled me up by my shoulders and then I wrapped her in my arms and lifted her up. “Okay miss Maclay you want to spend the day with me?” she laughed and ran her hands through my hair.

“Let’s spend the day together Nick.” I set her down and pulled on my boxers and pants.

“I’m going to go get some clean clothes and call in and take the day off.” I said as I kissed her and climbed out the window holding my holster jacket and shirt. She pulled the shirt around her and watched me go down. I threw open the door and tigger meowed. “I have a girlfriend tigs.” I whispered as I picked him up and set him on my shoulders. He purred and rubbed his face along mine. “Thanks kiddo.” I said as I grabbed jeans and a NYPD t-shirt and a blue zip up sweatshirt. I pulled on my nikes grabbed my phone, keys, wallet, and tucked my gun between my waistband and my back making sure the safety was still on. I brushed my teeth and combed out my hair applying a small amount of product to the black mop. Then I fed tigs and hurried up to find her stand in her room wearing nothing but Jeans sifting through clothes her breast bouncing as she walked about the room. She pulled on a bra and t-shirt sliding a cute brown jacket over the green day shirt. BJ started barking at me and I tried to get him to shut up. “No. Bad. Shh.” I said holding out my hands.

“Nick that dog wont listen.” she said coming out of her room. “Come here BJ.” she said holding her hand out. The lab walked over and rubbed himself against her. “Kibs.”she said going into the kitchen. I watched as she fed him and then made coffee. She laughed and handed me a mug. I smiled at her and took the FBI mug she had offered me and kissed her

“I like being able to do that.” I said as we sat down on the very comfortable couch. We watched the morning news and she shivered when Freddie’s murder came across the screen. “Hey it’s okay Katie.” I said as I kissed her temple.

“Until whoever shot him is in jail or dead. I’m not going to be okay Nick.” she said as she rested her head on my shoulder.

“Hey Katie I’ll make sure you are safe I’ve told you that.” she looked at me with a smile.

“Are you really acting like this or am I dreaming?” I set her coffee down and mine then kissed her passionately.

“I have reasons Kate.” I said as I stood up. “I’m not supposed to let you know any of what I’m about to tell you but I”m going to any way.” I said walking around.

“You don’t have to Nikko.” I smiled and then looked out the window.

“Dominic Gentilie.” I said not looking back. “He’s most likely behind the hit. He’s the known godfather of that region and we have cameras from the store next to yours catching Vinne Gurgini getting off the store top. That’s his number one hit man. Freddie Gavello was a bad man yes, but he didn’t deserve to die like that. He was hit cause he helped us with an investigation a year back.” I said running my hands through my hair. “Gentilie also shot my little brother.” she sat up at that.

“What?” she asked as she stood up.

“Tom, my little brother Tom. He was walking with me about a year ago when he jolted forward. They were aiming for me but they hit him. He couldn’t walk for six months and he still has to use a chair. His girlfriend dumped him, he’s living at my parents on the ground floor Mick and I built a ramp to go to the basement, and we turned it into an apartment for him. But he’s not the same. The ass hole destroyed my little brother Kate.” I said putting my hands on the table. I felt her hand on my bicep.

“Hey Nick.” she said in a comforting tone.

“I won’t let that happen to you.” I said looking at her my eyes locking on hers.

“Shh.” she said putting her hand on my face. She pulled me to her and I wrapped her in my arms. “I’m not going anywhere Nick. I promise.” I held her close savoring her scent, her feel, this warm yet cool feeling. She pulled me to the door.

“Where are we going?” I asked and she smiled.

“You need to get out Nikko.” she said opening the door. I freaked, I though she was kicking me out.

“What?!”

“No!” she said grabbing my hand. “We need to get out. Go see the city have fun today.”

“Oh.” I said with a smile.

“Come on Nick.” she said as she pulled on her running shoes and grabbed her wallet and keys. We walked down the streets of New york all day enjoying eachothers company eating out and just being a couple. I loved being with Kate she just fit. Her everything made me swoon. I remember as we walked along the street near the river, I looked over at her and the sunlight danced in her hair and made her look like an angel. She was my girlfriend and she was slowly becoming the best one ever. Then it happened. We were standing out side my apartment and I was trying to convince her to come in.

“Katie it’s not filled with toxic gas come on.” I said as I kissed her neck.

“You want me to stay not just for sex right?” I nodded.

“I want you to stay for sex and because I love being next to you.” she scratched along my neck and moaned in her throat.

“Okay.” she said softly. That was all I needed. I shoved open the door and we pawed at each others close my gun skidded under the couch as she tore off my jeans. We couldn’t keep ourselves from each other. I pinned her and moaned as she arched her back to slide her panties off her legs. I gently un hooked her bra and kissed along her breasts, before I kissed her passionately before I possessed her. I lost track of how many times we made love but I do remember waking up to her laying on top of me. Her head on my pecs. She was as warm as a down comforter, she was sound asleep her hair was damp with sweat and her arms were laying around me I smilled at her and laughed as tigger rubbed himself under her hand.

“Katie.” I said as I rubbed her arms.

“No.” she said as she pulled the blankets up to her chin.

“Katie I do have to work today.”

“No you don’t.” she said climbing up. “You can just stay here with me all day.”

“Katie, I have to.” I said holding her hips.

“Agent Pelasante I think I need to be investigated so you just need to stay here.” I laughed and rolled on top of her. “Don’t be a tease.” she said holding my face.

“ Special Agent Pelasante has a job he needs to keep.”

“Oh I forgot the sp–.” there was a crash from her apartment and then black jack came hurrying in. “BJ?” she asked as the lab jumped up. There were shots and I shot up pulled on boxers and grabbed my gun. I hurried up and saw him. Dom Gentilie, he was looking for her.

“She’s not here. Dammit Vin you said the girl lives here. That’s two, the blondie and now her. Your slipping.”

“Hey Gentilie.” I said from the window.

“Ah Nikko Pelasante.” he said with a grin. “Didn’t know you lived in this building. Well lived.” he raised his gun and the sound of a gun being cocked echoed from behind him. I saw Kate standing there holding a gun my spare to his head.

“If you leave now and never come back I won’t testify against you. I’ll say I never saw you here I never saw Dominic Gentilie’s hit man at the scene. You are free of Freddie Gavello’s death and we pin it on somebody else.” she looked at me out of the corner of her eye.

“You aren’t bluffing are you honey?”

“I’m a Scott we don’t go back on our word.”

“Nikko you’ve gotten into this girl.” she moved the gun to his temple.

“It’s not him.” she said in a deathly tone. “I’ve known how to shoot since I was ten. My aim is deadly accurate from half a mile and at this range it can only get better.” I focused my gun on Vinne.

“Listen to her Dom.” I said and he looked at me.

‘I’m your white Whale Pelasante.” he said with that grin. “You gonna let me go to save some girl?”

“She’s not just some girl.” I said cocking my gun. “She’s my fiancé.” Kate looked at me and I didn’t falter.

“Oh all the more.” Vinne shoved the blade in his sleeve right into Kate’s leg. She cried out in pain and I didn’t move but I felt like crying. “Dominic Gentilie doesn’t listen to bookstore owners. I’ll get you some day honey. Nikko get ready your gonna lose this bride of yours. Only this time when I miss you I’ll be aiming for her.” he left her apartment and I ran to Kate the blade still hanging out of her leg.

“Katie.” I said and she grimaced as I touched the blade. She was wearing her pajamas and blood was pouring down her leg.

“Nick it hurts.” she said holding on to me.

‘We’ll get you safe I swear.” I got her into her bathtub and called 911, then I called Mick who got to the apartment just as the paramedics were sedating her.

“Nikko.” he said as he walked in.

“It was Vinne He stabbed her right in front of me.” I said as I felt like crying.

“Woah Nikko calm down.”

“We have the blade out.” the paramedic said as he came in holding it. “It missed the muscles, she has full range of motion no permeant damage save the scar. We stitched her up and she’s on some pain meds. You her fiancé?”

“No.” Mick said and I laughed.

‘It’s a joke thing I’m the one she’s referring to.” I said stepping forward.

“Well this is what the on sight doc prescribed.” he handed me the paper and as soon as they cleared out I ran into the bathroom.

“Katie.”I said taking her hand.

“I’m okay Nikko I”m okay.” she said looking at me.

“Okay what the hell did I miss?” Mick asked as he pulled me up off my knees.

“I asked her out. We’re dating.” I said as I pulled her out of the tub, and laid her down in her bed.

“Kate.” she said with a smile.
‘Mickie. We’ve met.”

“Under better circumstances I’m sure.” she said in a thick Scottish accent with a hint of a slur.

“Okay a little less pain meds for you.” I said as pulled the covers up to chest and elevated her leg. ‘Night Katie.” I said as I kissed her.

“Night Nikko.” she said as she kissed me then gripped my hand.

“I have to go in Katie. But I’ll be here right after work.”

“Bring Chinese.” she said so high.

“Will do.” I shut her door after I got BJ to curl up with her.

‘Holy Shit Nick you got some.”

“She’s not a piece of ass Mick.” I said as we walked down the fire escape.

“Oh Nikko is falling for Katie.” he said as I walked into my bathroom. I washed my hair in the sink and then got dressed.

“I think I’ve fallen.” I said as I holstered my gun.

“What’s it been a day?”

“Almost two. Mick. She’s so amazing. She feels perfect.”

“Oh you’ve slept with her.”

“More than once.” I said as we left.

“We are bringing Gentilie in. He made a big mistake.”

“What?”

“I know where he is.” I said as we hit the street.

“Where?”

“Bronx. His subway ticket fell on the ground one way from the Bronx.” I said holding it up.

“Nikko you’re my best agent.” he said as we got in the car. We put together a force team to surround the place Freddie had lead us to. There I stood in my white button up shirt bullet vest on gun out ready to go.

“Oh Nikko!” Gentile said as I kicked the door down. There he was deep inside a young girl, a definite minor. Gerald from the store dead in the corner. His mouth was agape blood poured from the three bullet wounds in his side. The girl screamed and he just shoved him self deeper. “Shut up you skank.” he hissed. My boys pinned all his boys and cuffed them. I got the immense pleasure of cuffing him.

“I’ll say hi to Kate for you.” I said as the cops slid a pair of pants on him.

“You say hi to that little bitch. She’s a dead woman Nick. Dead before you can marry her. I’m gonna take you down Pelasante you’ll pay.” he hissed at me as he was pulled from the room.

“Shut up Dom.” I said as I logged one punch to his face. “That’s for Tom.”

“Special Agent.” Mick said as he came in.

“Yeah Mick?” I asked as I helped the corner zip up the body bag.

“She’s here to identify him.”

“No.” I said standing up.

“She’s his only listed relative. She’s all he had.”

“Not Kate not today.” I walked out of the room and hurried to her. She was shaking.

“Nick tell me it’s not him. Tell me he’s alive.” she said now fully crying.

“Kate I’m so sorry.” I said and she just fell into me. She went weak and I held her up. “Shh shh Katie shh.”

“Nick it can’t be not him please not him.” I held her as close as I could.

“Mickie I won’t let her do this.”

“We can’t call anyone else she’s the only one listed.”

“His daughter lives in queens. His wife left him when he was thirty, he has a daughter two sons and three grandchildren. He’s the youngest of ten and they all live in Alabama. He felt ashamed for not holding up the marriage so he cut himself off.” she said as I was still holding her. “I can identify him with out seeing him.” she said taking a deep breath. “On his left arm, on his wrist he has the word Mai tattooed.” Mickie looked at the corner. Who stepped into the van and ten seconds later came out and whispered to Mickie.

“Kate I’m so sorry.” he said and she fell into me and just cried. “Get her home Nikko.” he said looking at me. “Stay with her.” She hobbled with me to the car then collapsed into the front seat.

“This can’t be happening.” she said looking up.

“Katie hey give me your hand.” she held my hand and I tried to comfort her. “Your moving in.” I said as I pulled her out. “In order to keep you safe you need to be with me.” she smiled and I picked her up and carried her to the elevator. I laid her down in my bed and walked up sitars and grabbed some clothes of hers. I grabbed the lab and some other things.

“Nick?” she asked around two a.m.

“Katie?” I asked back.

“I need to ask you something.”

“Go right a head honey.” I said as I looked at her in the city glow.

“Why did you associate yourself with me?”

“Because if he’s gonna take you he’s taking me.” I said kissing her. “Future Mrs. Pelasante.”

“Two days and we’re getting married?”

“Let’s get married Kate.” I said looking at her.

“Nikko I barely know you.” she said rolling over.

“But we are amazingly perfect together.” I whispered as I pinned her.

“Do you really want to marry me?” she asked looking in my eyes.

“Right now I want to have a baby with you.” she pushed me off and laughed.

‘You’re not funny Nick.” she said holding her arms.

“Damn and I was trying so hard.” I said as I pulled her into me. Her tear hit my arm. “Hey.” I said kissing her temple. “Shh. Shh. Katie no tears.”

“Nick I appreciate you trying to be the good boyfriend and all but you really don’t have to.” I jumped off the bed and held her hips.

“I will not lose you.” I said holding her close. “At least give me a fighting chance Katie.” she kissed me and I wrapped my arms around her.

“Don’t play with me Pelasante.” I put my forehead on hers and laughed.

“I would never.” I said as I laid her down and curled up with her. Sleeping next to Kate was like sleeping next to an angel. Waking up was torture. I had to leave her. I ate breakfast with her then went off to work gathering information about the case. Then after two weeks of the same routine Mickie came into my office.

“They set a court date.” he said sitting down.

“When?”

“Next Monday.”

“That’s a day after the funeral.”

“She has to testify.” he said and I stood up.

‘No.” I said looking at him.

“Gentilie will have her killed.”

“This is why I told you not to get to involved.” he said rubbing his chin.

“What are you worried about you’re fine.” I said getting angry.

“Nick just go home stay with her. Keep her safe. Make love to her do everything you can before you tell her.” Kate was sitting on the couch with tigger and BJ when I entered the room.

“Katie?” I asked and she looked up at me and smiled.

‘Hey Nikko.” she said standing up.

“Hey baby.” I said pulling her into me. I kissed her with a deep passion.

“Oh you want some do you?” she said as she played with my tie.

“I never said that.” I said as put my hands on her hips.

“But your kiss says it all love your kiss says it all.” she shoved my jacket off and pulled the holster off. I unbuttoned my shirt and pulled her t-shirt off and slowly but amazingly we were making love in my bed. She was moaning these deep moans and it was just so amazing. Then after we made love three times she cried out in pain.

“What?” I asked as I pulled out.

‘I don’t know.” she said putting a hand on her stomach. “But it felt like knife in the back. Oh.” she said looking at me. “We are on hiatus for a week staring tomorrow.”

“Dammit.” I said as I laid down.

‘At least I’m getting my period after all this.” she said with a laugh.
“What if I was trying for a baby?”

“I’d leave you.” she said with a laugh.

‘You don’t mean that do you?”she looked over at me.

“No.” she said sitting up. ‘You weren’t were you?”

‘Not all the time.”

“Nick you really want me to get pregnant?”

“I want you to have my child Katie.” I said looking at her. She reached down and pulled the condom off me. “Katie.”

“Make me a mom Nick.” she whispered. I needed no more. I began my first baby making session with Kathryn Maclay loving the feeling of just being inside of her. Then I got up after she fell asleep. Who knows maybe already sleeping for two. I got up and walked around. I may be a father, I may be a husband. “Nikko?” she asked from the door.

‘Katie?”

“There a reason your not in here?”

“Just thinking.” I said. If I got you pregnant?”

“I won’t get my period tomorrow.” she said with a laugh.

“No. Katie. Vegas is only a flight away.”

“No nick.. I am an old fashion girl. I want the big white wedding.”

“Katie marry me.” I said looking at her in the dark.

“There you go again asking me to marry you to soon.”

‘I’m gonna ask till you say yes.”

“If I don’t get my period tomorrow I’ll say yes now. If I do get it. We wait a year. Give me one year with you.”

“Thing is I don’t know if we have that long.”

“Hey you told me you were gonna protect me. You better keep that promise.” I kissed her and we went one more time.

“Please have my baby.” she shuttered the good shutter and kissed me as we lay wrapped up in the soft red blanket.

“My little body can only try so hard.”

“I’m not leaving you.” I said holding my self inside her.

“You’re going to force it to accept?”

“I want you pregnant.” I said.

‘You just want to get married.”

“That to.” I said as she wrapped her legs around my waist and held me in. Suddenly she started grinding and I had nothing left but I was trying she was still climbing and it was as if my body knew it had to go right then cause I got the hardest hard on I had ever gotten ever. It was pulsing and bulging and she just screamed in pleasure and I swear to god she just kept grinding against me even after I was spent. I watched her fall asleep. Then the next morning she walked out of the bathroom disappointed.

“I got it nick.” she said as she sat down.

“Hey Katie it was too late to try.” I said looking in her eyes. “Hey this way we get a year together.” I said as I handed her coffee.

“Nick.” she said as I turned around and put Tigger and BJ’s food on the ground. “You want to meet my dad?” I stood up and laughed.

“That a trick question?” I asked as I walked into the bedroom.

“Oh come on Nick. You telling me that you’d get me pregnant but you wont meet my dad?”

“You meet the Pelasante clan then maybe I’ll go to Jersey and meet your dad.”

“My dad lives upstate.” she said with a laugh. I poked my head out of the room as I pulled on my pants.

“Oh in one of those huge ass mansions with thier own golf courses?” she gave me a not funny look.

“Come on I’ll go to Pennsylvania if you promise me you’ll to my dad’s house at Christmas.”

“Ah you see my mother would come at me with an axe if I went somewhere else for Christmas.”

“New Years?” she asked with a smile. “Come on my brother flies over for New Years.”

“Thanksgiving is next week. My parents expect me in PA. Your dad expect you in where ever. I say we go to our own families for thanksgiving. We prep them both for the whole meet thing and then at Christmas you come to my parents house with me and New Years I go up with you.” she smiled and kissed me. “If I told you I loved you would you believe me?”

“Hmmm it depends.” she said as she rubbed my face.

“On what?” I asked.

“If you say you love me and you want me to move in totally then I just might believe you.” I kissed her passionately and rubbed her my nose along her cheek.

“I love you Kathryn Maclay. Come live with me?” She laughed and put her for head on mine.

“I love you too Nikko.” she whispered and I scooped her up and she laughed. “And yes I’ll move in with you.” We were at peace for so long until Monday rolled around and she and I stood in the court house with Mickie.

“Hey Kate you doing alright?” Mick asked as she gripped my hand.

“As good as I can be. Oh Mike.” she said as she saw Mike come up the stiars.

“Kate.” he said as she hugged him.

“How you been?” she asked as she rubbed his arm.

“Good. Kate yesterday I would have been there I just couldn’t.” she shook her head.

“ It’s okay mike let’s just get in there.” Kate took my hand and I lead her to the specific seats. This was bound to be a monumental trial. The news cameras and huge jury proved that. Mickie was seated with the best lawyers the government could find and Gentilie was seated with a former colleague of mine. “Nick I don’t know if I can do this.” she whispered as she leaned into me.

“I’ll be right here the whole time Katie the whole time.” I said as I kissed her temple. Then I looked up and saw the Dominic’s eyes looking right at me. He smiled and winked.

“She’s mine Pelasante.” he mouthed and I tightened my grip on her.

“You can’t touch her Dom.” I mouthed back. The opening trial was long and drawn out. Day one meant nothing. Day two was filled with testimony including Kate’s. She was called to the stand and she walked shaking to the stand.

“For the record please state your first, middle, and last name.”

“Kathryn Erin Maclay.” she said in a hinted Scottish accent.

“Where were you born Mis Maclay?”
“Surrey England.” she answered.

“And you’ve lived her how long?”

“Around eleven years.”

“And you have owned your bookstore for how long?”

“Three years.”

“And in your own words describe what happened on the night Fredrick Gavello was murdered.”

“Well he came in and said that he needed a book for his kid and wife. One on vampires the other on cooking pasta.” she cleared her throat and took a drink of water. “Then he paid with his visa and head for the door. I made a joke about how I was so desperate I flirted with a married man the moment he was out of the store. Then I looked out and he took three steps into the road and the first gun shot was fired” the lawyer looked at the judge who nodded for him to continue.

“You had never met Mr. Gavello before this day had you?”

“No never.” she said as she looked at the lawyer.

“But you have met Mr. Gentilie.” she nodded. I sat forward.

“He threatened my father three years after we moved here.”

“ Objection the witness was lead.” Mickie called as he stood.

“Sustained Strike that from the record.”

“I never met him personally. Nor did I know his name until he threatened me in my home.”

“How did you know he was the man?”

“His voice. He called my home one night and told me that if I wanted my father to live I should convince him to take me to the city three weeks from the call.”

“Did you?”

“My father and I are alive are we not sir?” she said with a nod.

“Then you have reason to hate Mr. Gentilie.”

“Sir my father was the director of the FBI, I know that purgery is a crime yes. I know not to get involved personally and currently I am only going to give you information regarding this case.” I had never felt so in love. The lawyer was shocked and then Katie dropped the bomb on the court.
“Mr Gentilie assaulted you did he not?”

“His hitman stabbed my leg yes.”

“May we see the scar?” she looked at Mickie who nodded. Kate stood and pulled her skirt up to just below her hip, and the large gash still raw and healing made the court room shutter. She looked at me and I just nodded at her and mouthed an I love you.”That’s all.” he said as he sat down next to Gentilie and Mickie stood up.

“I do not know what the counil was trying to prove he got nothing besides evidence which hurt his clinet. Miss Maclay.” he said looking at her. “Kate if I may.” she nodded.

“You have not returned to work and he murdered one of your employees did he not?”

‘I can’t return to work and.” she faltered and I placed my hand on the railing. “Yes he did. The same day he assulted me.”

“Who did he murder?”

“Gerald Jones.” she said looking up a tear falling from her eye.

“No further questions I do not wish to hurt an already distroat witness.” Mickie said then he looked back at me and winked. I was next.

“Does the government wish to call another witness?” the judge asked.

“Yes we call Special Agent Nicholas Michael Pelasante.” Kate and I passed each other and I ran her hand along my wrist and I winked at her. “Special Agent Pelasante let’s get a few facts about you correct.” my brother said with a smile. “You went to law school where?”

“Columbia.” I said looking at him.

“And you graduated at what rank?”

“Third. Below the now Senator Richards, and Mr. Hilden.”

“You’ve been an FBI agent since you were?”

“Twenty sir.” I said looking at my brother.

“And you are how old?”

“Twenty nine.” I answered.

“You met Miss Maclay when?”

“Earlier in morning on the day of Frank Gavello’s death. She lives in the apartment above me. I was about to leave for work when her lab ran down the fire escape.”

“You shared a few words with Miss Maclay then am I correct?”

“Yes, we were introduced, I asked her what the lab was doing, she said she was late for work and headed up sitars.”

“Council can vouge for all the facts in both written testimony’s.” Mickie said looking at the judge. “Now you took Miss Maclay to dinner to get her away from the scene and did not get her testimony why is that?”

“Because during the dinner I felt an attraction to Miss Maclay, and I wouldn’t want to get personally involved and be thought of forging to save her.”

“Who did you have take her testimony?”

‘My partner Kaleton Edwards.” I said looking at him as he sat near Kate.

“So you took precaushons to make sure her testimony was correct?”

“Yes sir.” I said with my smile. “I take the law very sirously. I would never allow myself to tamper with it.”

“No more questions your honnor.” Mickie said with his smile and I took a deep breath as Gentile’s lawyer stood up.

“You have a personal score to settle with My client do you not?”

“His hit man shot my brother and left him nearly paralized.”

“So you hate him?”

“I strongly dis like the man. I don’t hate.” I said as I looked at Dom.

“But you’d want him behind bars?”

‘Yes he’s a criminal and all the evidence firmly points to him.”

“How?”

“The bullets match bullets found at murders where he leaves his calling card.”

“And that is?”

“His initials written in the victims blood. That and the assault on Miss Maclay and the Murder of Mr. Jones proves he was trying to wipe out any witnesses.”

“Are you or are you not dating Miss Maclay?”

‘I don’t see how that’s of constituency?” I asked as I looked at him.

‘If you are then you would protect her.”

“She is a citizen of the united states I would protect her anyway.” he was ticked.

“No more questions.”

“He pulled his gun on me!” Dom yelled.

“You were being arrested I felt that I should have my fire arm out to prevent any more murders.” I said calmly.

“Special Agent Pelasante step down. Mr. Gentilie calm yourself. I grant recess for twenty four hours.” I walked over to Kate who hugged me.

“He’s going away Kate.”

‘She’s Mine Pelasante! Kiss her while you can!” I pulled her into me. The court reporter just happened to log that in. The trial went good until on the day of scenting. He was accused of all his accounts and then as Kate and I were leaving the court house the sirens went off and Dominic Gentilie hurried from the room. The old man jumping into a van.

“Nick!” she called he hurried down the sitars.

‘Open Fire open fire!” Mickie called as he hurried past us. I grabbed my gun and hurried after them. I commandeered a Kawasaki and burned through the streets each mile proving it was true. Dom had gotten away. I called Kate who just sighed.

“I know Nick. Just meet me at home.” I returned the bike and drove home kate walked over to me wearing a very sexy neglige.

“Oh Katie.” I said as she held onto me.

“I bought it to celeabrate him going away. But now I’m even more scared.” I scooped her up and laid her on the counter.

‘Let’s forget the world for tonight. We lock all the doors, close all the windows, curl up in bed and make love until you’re carrying my baby.”

“Nick I can’t bring a child into this world not when he’s out there.” Just then the phone rang.

“I’m at the edge of the world Nikko, come and get me.”

“Who is this?” I asked hotly.
“It’s Dom Nikko.” then click.

“Hello! Hello!” I called. Then I looked at her, and dialed Mickie. “He called.” I said as Mickie answered.

“What?!” Kate said as she sat up.

“He said he’s at the edge of the world that’s what he said.” Mickie calmed me down and sent three agents to protect me and Kate. I needed her and she needed me. We made love as many times as we could before she fell asleep. I woke up she was sitting in my shirt watching T.V. her cell phone sitting on the table. “Katie?” I asked and she looked up at me.

“My dad called Nick.” she said as I sat down.

“Oh.” I said as she curled up under my arm.

“He wants me to go home.”

“No.” I said holding her. “Kate you could be carrying my child I won’t let you out of my sight.”

“Oh Nick.” she said holding me. “I can’t lose you.”

“You’re not going anywhere.” I said as I held her close. We sat in our apartment holding each other until a loud banging of footsteps came from in front of the door. I immediately stood protecting Kate holding my gun. Wearing nothing but jeans. The door burst open and a tall man with a slight beer stomach, pure white hair and a look of utter discontent on his face stepped forward.

‘Oy Boyo.”

“Da?” Kate asked as she walked out from behind me.

“Kateo?” he said as she walked over. “Look at you barely dressed.”

“Hello da.” she said hugging him.

“You must be Nicholas.” he said as he walked over.

“Yes sir. Nicholas Pelasante. I’m dating your daughter.”

“Well boyo when I was a lad we had to ask the fathers permission to date the young lasses.”

“Yes da and you also had to write it on a cave wall.” Kate said as she handed him a cup of tea.

“Oh that’s not funny Kathryn.” He said as he sat down his sweater vest clinging to his stomach. “Go put some clothes on Kate. Oh and fetch this boy a shirt.” Kate laughed and tossed me a t-shirt and walked into our room. “I’m going to ask you once boyo. You love my daughter?”

“Yes sir.” I said as I tucked my gun away.

“She loves you I can see that in her eyes.” he said looking at me.

“Sir I have no intention of hurting your daughter.”

“Ah but can you keep her safe. I know what she’s in danger of Nicholas.”

“Nick sir and I know as well I’ve been on the Gentilie case for close to three years. I have every intention of bringing him back in.” The old man eyed me and Kate came in the room holding Bj’s collar.

“I do not see why you’ve kept that mutt.” Kate’s dad said as I looked at her.

“Dad I think what Nick just said is a tad more important than what the dog’s doing.” Her dad laughed and stood up walking over to me.

“I like you boyo.” He said putting his hand on my shoulder. “And the fact that you’re an agent helps out a great deal.’ I laughed and Kate smiled. “Hold on to this one Katie.”