Fandom:	Houston Knights
Series:	Other Authors
Rating:	NC-17
Pairing:	Joe/Levon
Archive:	Starwinder's
Title:	Partners, Friends, and Lovers: Chapter 7
Author:	Katherine Lehman
e-mail:	ksl2025@yahoo.com
Standard Disclaimer: Houston Knights belongs to Jay Bernstein and Michael Butler and Columbia Pictures. No copyright infringement is intended. This is fan fiction, written out of love for the shows. I am making no money off this. I have no money so please don't sue me. Any original characters that may appear in these stories are the property of the author.

Timeline: Takes place about a week after part 6. Definitely need to read the previous chapter to follow events in this one. It is a complete story on its own, but events of previous chapters will be heavily referred to, and discussed in detail.

Partners, Friends, and Lovers
Chapter 7
By Katherine Lehman

Joe LaFiamma pulled into the ranch driveway, and parked next to the Jimmy. He pulled the grocery bag containing supplies for dinner out of the car and headed for the door. He'd swung by the local farmer's market on the way home, wanting fresh vegetables. Fresh was always made for the best meal. And Joe was very particular about the ingredients he used to cook with.

He didn't bother searching for the house key, knowing that his partner, Levon Lundy, was expecting him. The door would be unlocked. [Hell, I don't think he even locks the thing half the time anyway.] Joe shook his head. [Another thing different about Houston and Chicago. I'd never leave my door unlocked, no matter how safe the neighborhood was supposed to be.]

Joe headed for the kitchen, deciding to start dinner before seeking out his lover. For the first time that week they had actually managed to leave Reisner at a normal hour. Joe knew Levon would head straight for the ranch to work with Sully's horse, Gabriel. Working with horses served as the same kind of stress-reducing therapy that Joe got from working out. A good demanding workout was just what he needed to rid himself of the stress, tension and worry of the past few days. Joe's work out had run longer and been more intense because of it, and he suspected Levon would probably still be busy playing with Gabriel, or he that might have moved on to his own horse, Fooler.

Joe contemplated the past few days as he worked on dinner. Meeting Levon's father had been anything but pleasant. Although, Joe decided since he hadn't actually killed the man who'd abused his lover as a child, the meeting went better than it could have. Still, when Lundy Sr. had backhanded Levon, Joe had briefly lost it.

He refused to feel guilty about that momentary lapse. [Only hit him twice. Choked him a little. Okay...a lot. Son-of-a-bitch is lucky I didn't just beat the shit out of him when I had the chance. No one attacks my partner, my friend. No one]

Joe took a deep breath and forced himself to let it go. It was done. No point in focusing on it. So far there had been no negative repercussions from that meeting. The lawyer, Mark Hanson, hadn't called again, and the brass hadn't gotten involved, yet.

Joe couldn't shake the feeling that some how all that was about to change. His skin tingled the way it did when a case was about to break. And he found himself more on edge, waiting for the other shoe to drop.

Joe suspected Levon felt the same way. Over the past week, he'd gotten very quiet. Not that he was ever what one would call talkative, but since meeting with his father, Levon had become even more silent and withdrawn. Joe had tried to respect Levon's unvoiced request for space.

It was difficult not to force some kind of reaction, but he knew pushing Levon would only make him withdraw further. So Joe marshaled what little patience he could lay claim to, and waited to see how long his lover would try to stay encased in that invisible emotional shield. It couldn't be too much longer because Joe was running out of patience.

With dinner far enough along that he could leave it, Joe went in search of his lover. He spotted Levon's Stetson hanging by the door. [Now that's odd. He isn't in the house, but he almost never goes anywhere without that hat.]

Feeling a vague sense of foreboding, Joe stepped outside. He found Levon on the back porch sitting on the swing. Joe knew immediately something was wrong when he caught sight of the half-empty bottle of brandy sitting on the porch and the full glass tumbler his lover was holding. Joe knew Levon kept hard liquor in the house, but he didn't see him drink it very often, if ever. [Shit! This is the first time I've ever seen him drink anything stronger than beer at home.]

"Levon?" Joe asked quietly. "You okay?"

Levon took a deep breath and sighed softly. He glanced over at Joe, his brown eyes sad, his expression thoughtful. "I thought I'd have gotten used to it by now."

"Used to what?" Joe was confused, unsure of how to take that statement. It wasn't exactly what he had been expecting but he was willing to go with it. At least Levon was talking.

"The idea that being an innocent bystander doesn't guarantee you'll be allowed to just stand by. Thought I'd be used to it by now."

"I'm not following you here, Cowboy." Joe watched his partner warily.

Levon smiled sadly. He lifted his glass and drained it in one long swallow. "Dale Arron died today."

[Ah hell.] Dale Arron was the 21-year old college student that Levon's father had beat into a coma. The day after meeting with the senior Lundy, Levon had contacted the hospital, and requested that he be notified if there were any changes in the boy's condition. Because he was a cop, the hospital never even questioned why he would want to know they simply agreed to keep him notified.

With Dale Arron dead, that meant Levon's father was going to be charged with murder. Joe shook his head trying to get a handle on the implications. [Damn. Damn. When it rains it pours.]

Seeing nothing more was forthcoming, Joe finally asked, "When?"

Levon shrugged one shoulder. He refilled his glass, setting the bottle down on the porch before he taking a sip. "Don't know when. Musta been some time late this afternoon. Least that's when the message was left on the machine. Light was blinking when I came in from the barn."

The answering machine was a recent addition to the house. Joe bought it in an effort to get his partner to finally join the 20^th century. He was surprised that Levon had even thought to check it. Most of the time Levon regarded the machine with suspicion, and actively ignored it, preferring to let Joe check the messages.

"There was another message."

Joe recognized that flat tone of voice. [This wasn't going to be good news.] Bracing himself for the worst, Joe smiled grimly. "Lay it on me."

"Chief of Police wants ta see both of us tomorrow. First thing. 'Bout our meeting with Hanson."

Joe reached out and took the glass from Levon. He took a large swallow, feeling the liquor burn all the way down. [Gah. Knew there was a reason I didn't drink brandy.] Taking a deep breath, Joe handed the glass back to his partner.

"Any possibility these two messages aren't related?"

"Not a snowball's chance in hell."

"Think Hanson called him?"

Levon shrugged. "Probably. With the boy dyin', stakes in this just went up considerably."

Joe sighed. He motioned Levon to move over so he could join him on the swing. Joe sat down, and casually stretched on arm across the back and pulled Levon against him. He was relieved when instead of fighting him, Levon simply leaned in to accept the comfort he offered. Levon settled his head on Joe's shoulder with a quiet sigh.

"I'm sorry, Joe."

"For what?"

"For gettin' you dragged inta alla this."

Joe smiled softly, and turned his head to place a kiss in Levon's hair. "You didn't drag me anywhere, Cowboy."

"But, if it weren't fer me..."

"But nothing. Levon, I love you. Even if I didn't, you are my partner, and my friend. No way I'd leave you to handle this on your own. No way."

Levon shifted closer and sighed. "Still sorry, Joe."

"I know." Joe whispered. "So am I."

Levon pulled away enough to tilt his head back, his eyes seeking Joe's. "You didn't do anything you need ta be sorry for."

"Neither did you."

Levon shrugged, and shifted his gaze away. "Not sure 'bout that."

Joe raised a hand to cup Levon's chin. He gently forced Levon to look at him. He knew was going to have to tread lightly if he wanted this conversation to continue. Since it was the first real conversation they'd had in a week, Joe definitely wanted it to continue. [Need him to tell me what is wrong. I can't help if he won't talk to me. And I don't want him to go back to brooding again.]

"What is it that you think you did?" Joe asked softly. Levon winced slightly, looking remorseful and vaguely guilty. He would have pulled away, but Joe maintained his hold on Levon's chin, keeping him gently, but firmly in place. Joe maintained eye contact, not letting Levon look away.

"Wasn't what I did, Joe. Was what I didn't do."

[Ah...Think I got it.] "You think you should have done something about your father? Something that could have kept Dale Arron from getting killed?"

"I knew better 'n anybody what he was capable of. He damn near killed me, and I didn't do anything ta keep him off the streets."

"Like what? What is it exactly that you think you should have done?" Joe asked calmly. Levon shifted restlessly. Joe knew he wanted to pull away, but continued to maintain his hold. He needed Levon to listen to him.

"You were sixteen when he beat the crap out of you. A minor. Lawyers were making deals. The court decided what was best for you, and him. They chose to send him to jail for nine months, issue a restraining order, and to let you stay with Bobby's family. There wasn't anything you could have done then."

"I'm not a kid anymore. Haven't been for a long time, Joe. Just cause I didn't do anything then don't mean I shouldn'ta done somethin' later."

"Like what?"

"I don't know!!" Levon jerked out of Joe's hold, and stood, tossing the glass tumbler violently. It shattered against the side of the house with an almost musical tinkle of breaking glass.

"I just wish ta hell I'd done something. Anything! Jesus, Joe, do you realize how many times that he was on the road drunk??!! How many bar fights he was in??!! Christ! The man was a menace. Was only a matter of time 'fore somebody got hurt."

Levon shuddered violently. He wrapped his arms around himself tightly, backing away from Joe. When he spoke again his voice was barely above a whisper. "I was just so damn relieved that I didn't have to be around him anymore. I didn't have ta worry about him hittin' me. Or takin' it out on Mother Minnie. I could sleep at night without worryin' 'bout what kind o' mood he'd been in when he got home, or if I should be ready ta hide. I didn't have to talk to him but once a year. I forgot that he was out there doin' the same shit. That he could be doin' to someone else what he did ta me."

Joe stood up, and moved toward Levon, wanting to offer comfort, hating the fact that his lover had suffered in any way. He stopped when Levon shied away. [Okay. Let's keep a little distance for now. What happened to Dale Arron was not his fault. I just need for him to see that.]

"Levon, you said that the court ordered your father not to see you or speak to you while you were a minor. Right?"

Levon nodded, his eyes focused on the porch, his voice low. "Was part of his sentencing agreement."

Joe took a small step closer, pitching his voice in a soft, conversational tone. "From the time you were sixteen until you were...what? Eighteen, nineteen...you didn't hear from him?"

Levon shook his head. "Didn't hear from him til I was a sophomore in college. Was almost twenty. He called after I played in my first bowl game. Wanted ta congratulate me on playin' so well."

"So for roughly four years you didn't know where he was or what he was doing?"

Levon nodded. "Didn't even recognize his voice at first."

Joe took another step. He could almost touch his lover, but resisted the urge to do so. Levon was still looking a little skittish. [Careful, Joey. Take it slow.] "When did you hear from him after that?"

"Year later. On my birthday."

"Has that been the pattern ever since? He calls you only on your birthday?"

"Pretty much. Didn't call regular until after I graduated from the police academy."

"Did you know where he was when he called?"

Levon shrugged one shoulder. "Sometimes. He'd mention where he was working, or what he was doin'. Mostly he'd ask stuff 'bout me. How the job was goin', who I was partnered with, how things were with Caroline. Conversations didn't last long. Coupla minutes at most."

Joe stepped forward again. "And the last time you saw him was when you graduated from the academy?"

"Yeah. Didn't see him after that until last week."

Joe reached out slowly, hoping his gesture would be accepted. Relieved that his lover was no longer pulling away, he caressed Levon's cheek. Encouraged, Joe let his hand ghost down Levon's jaw until he could place it under his chin. Joe gently urged his lover's head up so he could make eye contact. Troubled brown eyes met and held his concerned blue.

Levon shivered, and hugged himself tighter. "Just feel like I shoulda handled it long 'fore now. No one else would have gotten hurt. If I hadn't been such a coward..."

"You are not a coward." Joe stated softly, but firmly.

"Don't know what else ta call it, Joe." Levon's voice was very quiet. "I was willing ta ignore it, afraid ta do anythin' that would bring him back inta my life. Long as I wasn't the one gettin' hurt, I didn't see the need ta do anythin'."

"Cowboy, there wasn't anything for you to do. You only spoke to the man once a year...for a few minutes at a time. You haven't seen him in nearly a decade. Not knowing where he was, or what he was doing...how were you supposed to keep him from doing anything?"

When Levon would have answered that question, Joe raised a hand to place two fingers against his mouth. "While you were in school there really wasn't any way you could have gotten him off the streets. You didn't even know where he was. And he wasn't breaking any laws, at least not that you could prove, so it wasn't like you could just arrest him. No matter how much you might have wanted to."

Seeing he had Levon's full attention, Joe removed his hand. "The man is an alcoholic. It would have to be his decision to stop drinking. He would have to be the one to admit he had a problem. It had to be his choice to seek help. There wasn't anything you could do. And there isn't anything you can do that will change that."

Joe searched Levon's eyes, willing him to believe. "What happened to Dale Arron was not your fault. Only one to blame here is your father. You are not responsible for his actions."

Levon took a shaky breath, his arms still tightly wrapped around himself. "You really believe that?"

"I do." Joe's voice was adamant. "Not a doubt in my mind on that score."

Levon leaned in and placed a gentle, chaste kiss on Joe's mouth. He whispered thank you against Joe's lips, before finally opening his arms to hug Joe. Joe returned the hug, enfolding his partner in a loving embrace.

After a few minutes, Joe pulled away. He cradled Levon's face with both hands and searched his eyes. "This is what you've been brooding about for the past week?"

"Yeah." Levon glanced away, and then back. "Mostly."

"You want to tell me the rest?"

Levon took a deep breath, and stepped back. His expression was apprehensive. "Was worried that this whole situation was gonna hurt you."

Joe raised an eyebrow. [Only one who got hurt was you, Cowboy.] "Hurt me? How?"

"Sort of figured that we were gonna get a call about what happened when we met with Daddy and Hanson. Knew the brass was bound to get involved, and I don't want ya ta get in trouble. Was my fault..."

"How is any of this your fault?" [Damn. Thought we had that settled.]

"You were only there 'cause of me."

"I was there for you. Not because of you. My choice. And I'd make the same one again."

Levon cocked his head to one side, studying Joe. "This could get ugly, Joe. Real ugly. End your career ugly, if the brass chooses to make it that way."

Levon took a deep breath, and seemed to brace himself. Joe could almost see him weighing his words before he spoke. Whatever it was he had to say, Joe was sure it wasn't going to be something either of them really wanted to hear.

"Dependin' on how it goes tomorrow...might be that our bein' together will come out. Not really how I'd choose to do it. Not even sure if I'd choose ta do it at all. So, if you wanted ta back out, or changed your mind about us, I'd understand. Know this ain't really want you signed on fer, and if you wanted to call it quits....go our separate ways, well...it's okay."

Joe felt stunned. [Back out? Change my mind? What in the hell is he talking about?] Joe gasped. "You want to put an end to us?" His voice holding all the hurt and surprise he felt.

"NO!" Levon swallowed hard, and then hung his head. He looked up, his expression earnest. "I don't want... That isn't what ... God, Joe, you're the best thing in my life. I don't ever want ta lose that."

Levon waved one elegant, long-fingered hand in a meaningless gesture of frustration. Joe could feel his lover struggling to find the right words. Levon took a deep breath, and tried again to explain.

"Thing is... well, I reckon this might not be what you expected when we got together. Ain't fair ta make you to deal with this. Ain't right. No one else has ever.... I mean, the stuff between me an' my old man ain't exactly Norman Rockwell. Not the kind of thing too many people would wanna stick 'round for. An' us bein' a couple could... well, you know why we agreed ta keep that quiet. Made sense at the time, and it still does. None of those reasons have changed. Joanne could split us up. Some of the people at work would be okay with you an' me, but you know as well as I do there would be a lot who wouldn't be. Too damn risky wondering if yer back up is gonna show or not, wondering who you can count on."

Joe forced himself to take a deep breath, letting go of the momentary flash of panic and pain he had when he thought Levon was asking him to leave. He forced himself to listen for what Levon was trying to say without reacting first and thinking later.

[Okay. Think this through, Joey. He is trying to tell you it's all right to bail out on him because of this crap with his father. Hell, he expects me to bail because everyone else has in the past. That we might be outted is just an added concern. He's trying to make sure I'd be okay with that...or let me bow out gracefully, if I'm not. He doesn't *want* me to leave, but he is giving me the chance to leave, if *I* want it. Well, I don't want it. I'm staying.]

"We're together for the long haul. This is an endurance run, a marathon. Remember? Bound to be a few rough spots. As long as we're together, there isn't anything we can't handle." Joe shrugged; trying to appear more relaxed than he felt. "Nothing about you has ever been quite what I've expected. But so far, I can't say that I've been disappointed."

"Yer sure?" Levon looked less apprehensive than he had, but still in need of reassurance.

"I am very sure. Love you, Cowboy. And being loved by you makes it all worth while. Nothing, and I do mean, nothing, will ever change that."

Levon smiled, his brown eyes sparkling for the first time in a week. It warmed Joe, right down to his toes. With the tip of his index finger, Levon tenderly traced Joe's cheekbone. He was staring at Joe in wonder, like it was the first time he'd ever seen him.

"What was it I did to deserve you?"

"Whatever it was, I'm sure, was very good."

Levon laughed lightly, and drew Joe in for another hug. "Must have been cause you are a real godsend, my friend. A genuine treasure."

Joe hugged him back, enjoying being close without feeling the residual tension that had been hovering below the surface all week. It felt so natural to be this connected, on the same page and in sync once more. He nuzzled Levon's neck, breathing in his scent. [Missed this. God, but I have missed this.]

"We okay here, Cowboy?"

"Yeah. I think we are."

"Good. In the future, will you please just come to me? You don't have to deal with this alone. Don't do this silence thing. Talk to me. Okay?"

Levon nodded his head against Joe's shoulder. "I'll try. Promise. Not used ta havin' someone willin' ta share stuff. 'Specially when it comes to my father."

"I know. And I'm sorry for that." Joe hugged Levon harder. Levon responded by snuggling closer, his lanky frame relaxing into Joe's larger form. Joe smiled, realizing he wasn't the only one who'd missed being close. He kissed his partner's cheek before letting go. "Let's go see what shape dinner is in. Shall we?"

Levon nodded. He walked over to pick up the bottle of brandy before moving to follow Joe into the house. Seeing the bottle Joe gave Levon a hard look.

"Just how much of that did you drink?"

"Not all that much."

Joe raised an eyebrow. "The bottle is half empty, Levon."

Levon quirked a half-smile at him. "Pessimist. Could just as easily be half full."

"Levon." Joe's voice carried a warning. He wasn't going to be put off from his original question.

Levon ducked his head slightly. "Wasn't full when I started. Don't really like brandy."

Joe frowned. "Then why were you drinking it?" he asked heading for the kitchen.

Levon shrugged. "Didn't want ta get drunk, just wanted something with a bite to it."

Joe nodded. He could understand that. It was the same reason he'd taken the glass from Levon earlier. Feeling that burn was exactly what he'd needed, even if he hadn't actually enjoyed it. There was something to be said for the shock value of hard liquor.

Joe was relieved to see dinner wasn't ruined. He hadn't expected to leave it unattended for quite so long, but it didn't seem any worse for lack of attention. Levon set the table while Joe put the final touches on the meal. Joe noted, and silently approved, when Levon put a bottle of water on the table for each of them. [Even if he didn't drink that much brandy, he still doesn't need any more alcohol.]

Together they sat down to eat. Now that they were communicating again, Joe didn't want to let silence dominate the meal the way it had for the past few days. He missed the easy camaraderie that had become a normal part of their evening meal. Joe hesitated, not quite ready to delve into deep topics just yet, and not interested in talking about work. [Find something light, something easy for both of us.]

"So how is Gabriel coming along?" Joe asked as he passed the salad to Levon.

Levon's smile told Joe his partner knew exactly what he was doing by asking a question related to horses. It was a topic Joe resorted to when he was trying to get Levon to relax or focus on something else. The gentle caress Levon placed across the back of Joe's hand, as he took the bowl, let him know Levon was willing to follow his lead.

"He's getting there. Catches on pretty quick."

Joe watched as Levon actually took some of the salad. He was making progress in getting his lover to eat healthier. There was a time when Levon wouldn't have even considered eating what he referred to as "rabbit food."

"What are you trying to teach him to do anyway?"

"Dressage."

Joe shot Levon a disgusted look. His partner had a real gift for answering questions with what amounted to a non-answer. "And that would be what exactly?"

Levon, seeing the look on his partner's face, chuckled. "On a basic level, you put 'em through their paces...walk, trot, lope, gallop. And on a more advanced level, it's a bit like dancin'. Fancy footwork and exaggerated movements."

Joe made a "go on" motion with one hand. He was trying to figure out what exactly made dressage different from the other stuff he'd seen Levon doing with Fooler. He now understood the basics of roping and what a cutting horse was supposed to do, but he still didn't really know much about horses in general.

Levon paused for a moment, eating while he thought of another way to explain what he was teaching Gabriel. "You watch the Olympics?"

"Sure."

"Ever watch the equestrian events?"

"Sometimes. More interested in the swimming and track and field than anything else, but I've watch almost event at one time or another."

"Three day event is the big equestrian competition."

Joe frowned. "That's jumping, right?"

"First day is cross country jumps. Second day is dressage. Third day is arena jumping. Only event in the Olympics that men and women compete as equals instead of separately."

Joe considered this, trying to remember if he'd ever seen it. He shook his head when nothing immediately came to mind. "Sorry, Cowboy. Not sure if I've seen it."

"Okay.....Hmmm. How about Lipizzans?"

Now that rang a bell. He'd taken a date to see a performance once with Lipizzans. She was crazy about horses, so Joe had asked around and gotten tickets. He had been pleasantly surprised to find himself enjoying the whole thing. Probably more than his date had. He'd never realized that horses were capable of such grace and beauty. It was very much like dancing.

"The white horses? The ones from the Vienna?" Joe asked just to be sure he was following where Levon seemed to be headed.

Levon grinned. "Bingo. The Spanish Riding School of Vienna. They do dressage."

"You're teaching Gabriel to do that?" Joe was impressed.

Levon shrugged. "Not all of it. But mostly, yeah, I'm teaching him to do that. Sully will have ta do the finish work. I'm just startin' him off with the basics."

Levon sipped his water before continuing. "I'm teachin' him how ta carry my weight so that he's lighter in the forequarters. Makes it so he's more agile, more collected, and better able to respond to cues I'm givin' him. Course, I gotta make sure he knows what it is I'm askin' him to do. So you start simple, and work your way up from there."

"When did you learn about dressage? I mean, it is sort of world's apart from what you do with Fooler...isn't it?"

"Sorta. Bein' agile an' quick helps with cuttin', but the more advanced stuff is definitely worlds apart from what I usually do with her." Levon sat back, relaxing into his chair, and took another sip of water. "Learned about dressage from Mother Minnie. When she was young she used ta compete at show jumping, and dressage."

Joe almost choked, trying to reconcile the image of the matronly grandmother he'd met with the idea of forcing a large animal to jump an obstacle over five feet in height. "Mother Minnie?"

Levon nodded. "Uh-huh. She was good at it. Has a whole box full of ribbons, and trophies. She gave it up when she was in her fifties. Said it was too hard on brittle bones. "

Mother Minnie was a feisty lady, strong minded and strong willed, but he still couldn't wrap his mind around the idea that she had jumped horses. [People get hurt doing that stuff. Like paralyzed hurt.] Joe shook his head. "I can't quite picture her doing that."

Levon pushed his chair away from the table, shoving his plate toward the center. "Give me a minute ta find some pictures and ya won't have ta use your imagination."

Levon headed for the living room. He rummaged briefly the wooden trunk that served as an end table, before returning with a small box. He placed the box on the table and sifted through a few pictures before handing several to Joe.

The first one was an eight by ten of a woman in her late thirties or early forties. She was standing next to a black horse that towered over her. The woman was wearing a pair of tight fitting pants, a black jacket, and a rounded helmet. Her smile was warm, openly joyful, eyes bright and shining. Joe could easily make out the resemblance to the grandmother he'd met. [Wow. Mother Minnie was quite the looker when she was younger.]

The next photo showed her mounted, waiting inside an arena. She looked focused and eager, clearly ready to take on the challenge the collection of jumps presented. The third picture, the photographer had captured horse and rider as they were poised to take a jump. Whoever had taken that shot had done an outstanding job of capturing the moment. Joe could easily feel the energy and action of the minute the picture was taken.

"The horse she's ridin' was named Jules. He was a thoroughbred. Stood almost eighteen hands. Lived ta be 28 years old. " Levon smiled as he looked through the box for more photos. He handed another one to Joe.

It was of the same horse. Mother Minnie, looking only a little older, was standing nearby holding the reins. Mounted on Jules was a small, blond haired boy who couldn't be more than three years old. The boy was grinning broadly. Joe took a closer look. It was Levon. He raised an eyebrow, wondering if his lover hadn't exaggerated when he said he'd learned to ride almost before he learned to walk.

"Seems like a long way to fall for a child." Joe commented.

"Hell, Joe, it's a long way for an adult." Levon chuckled. "Hurts worse too. Kids bounce better."

Levon glanced at the photo fondly, his eyes distant, focused on the past. His fingertips gently brushed the picture, ghosting down the horse's head and neck. "Jules never let me fall. Was too good a horse ta just lose his rider. Always took real good care ta 'o me. I loved that animal. Cried for hours the day he died. Damn near killed me ta bury 'im."

Levon tended to take a practical, almost pragmatic approach to life, so it was rare that he expressed much sentiment about anything. It wasn't that he didn't feel things deeply or care. He just didn't always know how to express it verbally. Joe had learned quickly that his lover was more inclined to show affection rather than talk about it. He said, "I love you" with his touch, and with his actions. His way of dealing with pain, physical and emotional, was to either ignore it or simply accept it as a part of life and move on. He didn't make a show of it, or even acknowledge it, not wanting to draw attention to himself in any way. Joe figured that Levon's father had a lot to do with that particular trait.

[Jesus, Mary and Joseph. He must have been devastated to have cried. I've seen him take a bullet without so much as a whimper.]

Not sure if he shouldn't end this conversation or encourage it to continue, Joe asked softly, "Did you get to ride him much?"

"Every chance I got. Jules taught me almost as much about riding as Grandpa and Mother Minnie did." Levon reached into the box for another photo. In this one, Levon looked to be about eleven or twelve. He was mounted on Jules, and was facing a jump, apparently getting ready to approach it. Levon's expression was the same intent, focused look Joe had often seen on his partner's face when he was concentrating on or working out some detail of a case.

The next photo Levon handed Joe showed both Levon and Mother Minnie leaning against a corral fence. Jules was just on the other side, his head hanging over the fence, between the two of them. Levon looked to be about thirteen. He was laughing, while Mother Minnie was smiling. Joe's breath caught seeing the closeness and obvious joy, Levon and his grandmother so clearly shared.

"This shot was taken about six months 'fore Jules died. He was still game, right up ta his last day. Horse had a lot of heart."

Levon started to return the other pictures to the box, placing them carefully within it. Suddenly, Joe found himself unwilling to let go of the photo he still held. He didn't want to see a happy memory from Levon's childhood be hidden away. He found it reassuring to know that not every aspect of his lover's youth had been a living hell courtesy of his abusive alcoholic father.

"Can I have this?" Joe held up the photo of Levon, Mother Minnie, and Jules.

Levon looked at him in surprise before shrugging. "Sure. I guess."

"Thank you." Joe didn't try to hide the warmth and gratitude from his voice.

Levon studied Joe for a moment, looking a bit confused as to why Joe would care so much about wanting a photo. "Ain't no big deal, Joe."

"Yes, it is. It's a piece of your past. A good piece. Thank you for sharing it with me."

Levon considered that. He smiled shyly and tipped his head toward Joe. "You're welcome." With that he carried the box of pictures back to the living room.

Joe looked at the photo again. [Definitely need to get a frame for this. Hang it at my apartment.] Joe frowned slightly. Until now, he didn't have a single photo of Levon. He'd known the man for over four years, had been in a romantic relationship for the better part of six months, and he didn't have a single picture. [Going to have to remedy that.]

Joe carefully set the photo aside. He would have to remember to stop somewhere tomorrow and pick up a frame. Assuming, of course, that everything went well tomorrow, and such a simple errand didn't get lost in larger events. Joe sighed, realizing that Levon was right when he said it could get ugly. Very ugly. He had a feeling that the Chief of Police wouldn't be the only one present at that meeting.

Lost in thought, he didn't notice when Levon returned to the kitchen. "Joe? You okay?"

Shaking himself out of his reverie, Joe nodded. "Yeah, cowboy. I'm all right."

"Penny for your thoughts?" Levon offered as he resumed his seat.

Joe winced, and shot a rueful glance at his partner. "Just thinking about tomorrow."

"Hmmm... want I should get the brandy?"

In spite of himself, Joe chuckled at that. "Nah. Don't think it's that serious, yet." He paused before asking, "You think someone from IA will be there?"

"Sort of depends on what Hanson said, but yeah, I reckon someone from IA will be there."

"What do you want to tell 'em?"

Levon smirked slightly at that. "I think that ought ta be my question ta you."

"They want both of us there, right?"

Levon nodded. "That's what the message I got here said. You check the machine at your apartment?"

"Went straight to the gym, and then to the farmer's market. Never swung by my place." Joe waved a hand in a gesture of dismissal. "Doesn't matter what they want because we are going to deal with this together."

Levon's expression was very direct, and sober. Holding Joe's eyes, he said "Always," as though making a promise.

Joe tipped his head to Levon acknowledging that commitment. "Always." Joe repeated, making a promise of his own.

Levon smiled. "So what do you want to tell 'em?"

"Truth would probably be the best. Just like in court. Answer the questions they ask, and only those questions. Don't offer any information they don't ask for, don't elaborate any more than absolutely necessary. Stick to the facts in evidence."

"Think that will work?" Levon looked skeptical.

"Well, when all else fails, we could just lie like hell."

"Oh, good, as long as we've got a plan."

Joe studied his lover for a moment and then they both burst out laughing. It was silly, and stupid, but Joe couldn't stop laughing. He laughed till tears ran down his cheeks. Joe would have been embarrassed except for the fact that Levon was in a similar state. He raised an unsteady hand to wipe the tears off his face, and forced himself to regain at least some control.

Levon was doing the same. "Damn. I needed that."

Joe nearly lost it again when Levon giggled. He'd never heard his partner make that sound before. [Wouldn't mind hearing him do that more often though.]

"Okay." Joe stopped to clear his throat. He tried again. "Okay. We've got a plan."

That statement sent Levon into another fit of giggles that quickly became peals of laughter. Joe did his best not to join in and failed miserably. By the time he finally managed to stop laughing, his sides hurt.

Catching his breath, Joe glanced at Levon, and found himself staring. His lover's skin was flushed from laughing, eyes shining brightly, his body trembling slightly as he tried to regain control. Joe swallowed hard, overcome by the beauty of the man before him. Without even thinking, Joe got up, suddenly needing to be closer.

Levon's chair was still back from the table from when he'd gotten up earlier. Joe slid in between the table and Levon's chair, straddling his lover Joe sat in Levon's lap. He raised his hands to cup Levon's face, and dove in to place a passionate kiss on his mouth. His tongue explored that well known, much-beloved grotto with abandon. Tongues dueled lazily, moving back and forth. Levon moaned softly when Joe shifted his hands so that he could run his fingers through Levon's blond curls.

Joe lost himself in the taste and feel of his lover. Playing with Levon's hair always reminded him of silk. He loved the way the curls would wrap themselves possessively around his fingers. Levon's skin never failed to entrance Joe. It was surprisingly soft and warm, like satin. [God... feels so good. Always tastes so damn good.]

Pulling back slightly, Joe nibbled and licked his way down Levon's jaw. He nuzzled the spot below Levon's ear before gently sucking on the lobe. A full body shuddered rippled through his lover's lanky frame. Joe smiled, reveling in the effect he knew he was having. With a quiet sigh, he began grinding his hips against Levon, in a slow, sensuous rhythm.

Levon responded by letting his hands ghost over Joe. Those wonderfully talented hands started at his shoulders and worked their way down to cup his ass, gliding down his thighs before heading back up across his chest. Faint butterfly touches that alternated with gentle massaging caresses made Joe's skin tingle, feeling hypersensitive.

Joe worked a hand between them so he could unbutton Levon's shirt. At times like these he envied Levon's ability to unbutton a shirt with his teeth. [Have to learn to do that one of these days.] Joe grinned, wondering if Levon would be willing to help him practice. He jerked the shirttails free of Levon's jeans, completely exposing his lover's chest.

Joe sat back, and let his hands caress the lovely expanse of skin in front of him. He watched his lover's eyes drift shut, reminding him of a cat's response to having its chin scratched. Letting his fingers fondle those tight pink nipples, Joe watched Levon's head tip back, taut tendons exposed. Levon let out a long sigh of pleasure and satisfaction.

[Knew I could get him to purr.] Joe smiled slyly. He ducked his head to nibble and lick at Levon's neck. He worked his way down to where Levon's neck joined his collarbone. Where he knew it would be easily hidden, Joe sucked and bit hard enough to leave a mark. Hearing Levon's faint, almost soundless whimper, Joe raised his head. Blue eyes locked with brown.

"Mine." Joe growled.

"Yours." Levon agreed, his voice a husky whisper. "Always."

Joe nodded once. He dropped his forehead until it rested against Levon's. He raised his hands to cup his lover's face, letting a thumb slide back and forth, caressing Levon's lower lip. Levon's tongue slipped out to capture that thumb, curling around it, sucking gently, before pulling it into his mouth. He smiled wickedly around that digit when Joe gasped.

Joe moaned. He needed more contact, needed to be closer. He raised a shaking hand to his own shirt, eager to remove it. Levon watched every move, never relinquishing the hold his tongue had on Joe's thumb. Joe growled in frustration when he realized he couldn't remove the offending garment with only one hand. He felt Levon's hands moving at his waist, pulling his shirt loose from the back before ducking underneath to trail tantalizing fingers across his back.

Levon made a soft sound of protest when Joe finally pulled his thumb free. He smiled as Joe eagerly discarded his shirt, his eye bright with desire. His hands trailed across Joe's chest, leaving a warm tingle in their wake.

"Can't do much in this chair, Joe." Levon leaned forward to let his tongue lazily trace the well-muscled contours of Joe's chest. "Ain't really...built for...that." Levon sucked a dusky nipple, swirling his tongue before applying his teeth with just enough force to make Joe very conscious of the contrast between soft wet and hard wet.

"Floor." Joe gasped out. He was too impatient to considering going anywhere. He stood up, pulling Levon to his feet as he did so.

Levon looked surprised, but didn't argue. His smile was decidedly wicked. He reached to undo his belt, but Joe grabbed his hand, halting him. In one graceful move, Joe sunk to his knees. "Let me."

Levon ran his fingers through Joe's hair. He began massaging Joe's temples, and forehead. His fingers ghosted over Joe's cheeks and jaw. Joe sighed, enjoying the relaxing touch. [There is magic in his fingers. Has to be.]

"Feels good, Cowboy." Joe closed his eyes, reveling in that touch. He was hanging in that languid, feel good stage that he loved so well. It always quickly gave way to raw passion and urgency, but Joe never failed to enjoy it while it lasted.

He smiled up at Levon. With great care he undid his lover's belt. When he started to unbutton his fly, Joe immediately noted the lack of other clothing. He raised an eyebrow. "Commando?"

Levon grinned "Took a shower when I got done in the barn. Didn't see the need ta get totally dressed."

Joe always found himself turned on by the idea that his lover had done something vaguely naughty. He figured it has something to do with his perception of his partner as being so straight laced, and by the book, most of the time. Levon knew all about this quirk and often did things just to encourage it.

He finished undoing the buttons and let Levon's engorged member free. He breathed softly across the tip before moving forward to nibble and lick his way down its length. He could feel faint tremors as Levon fought to remain standing.

Joe pulled away and looked up. "Wanna join me?"

Levon immediately sank to his knees. He dove in for a passionate, soul searing kiss, while his hands busily undid Joe's slacks. One hand darted inside, caressing Joe's swollen cock and balls through his silk boxers. The heat and incredibly soft, smooth feel of silk against his cock, and Joe felt his eyes rolling back in their sockets. He moaned into Levon's mouth, sucked hard on his lover's tongue, and tightened his grip on his hips.

He wasn't totally sure of how he ended up finally lying on the floor, with Levon stretched full length on top, but he didn't really care. He ground his hips against his lover, enjoying the friction being created. "Feels good. So good." He heard someone say in one long sigh. It took a moment for it to register that he was the one who said it.

Together they managed to wiggle free of their remaining clothing. Joe moved to wrap his arms and legs around Levon, but his lover moved away. Joe protested with a soft whimper.

"Shh...it's okay. Not going anywhere....well, not far anyway." Levon whispered. Joe watched as Levon turned himself 180 degrees and lay down on his side next to Joe. Joe couldn't help the wicked grin he knew he had to be wearing. [69... I can do that. Oh, yeah. I. Can. Do. That.]

He reached for Levon's cock, and felt Levon's hand encircle his at the same moment. He loved it when the moved in sync. Matching movements, and rhythm always seemed to come so easy with each other the way it never had with anyone else.

Joe felt Levon's mouth take the tip of his cock, just as his own mouth began working the head of Levon's. He was never sure who was leading and who followed. And to be honest, he really didn't care.

He swirled his tongue and felt a swirl from Levon. They sucked and nibbled in concert. He could feel Levon hum, and it was like the vibrations worked their way though his body until he released them through his mouth and back to Levon. It was a circle of escalating passion and pleasure.

Joe knew he wasn't going to last. He could feel the tremors running the length of Levon's frame, and knew his partner was as close as he was. He felt Levon's fingers reaching behind his balls to hit his prostate. He moved a hand to do the same to his lover. The effect wasn't nearly as intense from the outside as from within, but it still was more than enough to bring both of them over the top.

The first time they had made love this way, Joe had nearly choked. He'd been so wrapped up in his own orgasm that he was totally unprepared for Levon's. He now knew better how to handle it. Enjoying his own intense pleasure, while catching all Levon had to offer, Joe relaxed boneless into the kitchen floor.

He licked his lips when he finally let go of Levon's now soft cock. No matter how many times they did this, Joe was always surprised how good his lover tasted. He had yet to find anything to compare with it.

Joe felt Levon shift and work his way back up his body. Levon placed one hand on Joe's shoulder forcing just enough until Joe was lying on his back. He straddled Joe's hips, and laid down, his chest resting against Joe's, his head on Joe's shoulder. Joe sighed, content to let Levon snuggle in as close, and for as long as he wanted.

Lying naked on a tiled floor, even in typically hotter than hell Texas, got chilly after a while. Joe shivered. [Floor was a good idea at the time, but it isn't so great for the cuddle part.]

Levon sat up with a sigh. He let one hand trail down Joe's chest in a languorous caress. He smiled softly. "I tell you lately that I love you?"

"Not lately."

Levon leaned down to place a chaste kiss on Joe's lips. "I love you."

Joe pulled Levon into a tight hug. "Love you too, Cowboy."

After a few minutes, and another shiver by Joe, Levon pulled away. "C'mon. We need ta get off the floor." Levon rose gracefully, and offered a hand to his partner. He easily pulled Joe to his feet. Joe smiled slightly, amazed by the strength Levon had.

His own larger, heavier frame, well defined from regular workouts, suggested strength and power. People expected him to be able to handle himself in any situation. He could be intimidating without really trying. His partner on the other hand, was long, and lanky. His lean build was all wiry muscle and long bones. [When he's dressed you'd never know he's as strong as he is. Doesn't look like he could take down a man my size, but I know he's tackled bigger guys than me.]

Joe shook his head, and Levon raised an eyebrow. "What?"

"Just thinking that you're a hell of a lot stronger than you look."

Levon laughed. "Leverage."

"What?"

"Not strong. Leverage."

Levon turned toward the table appearing totally unconcerned with his lack of clothing or the affect it had on his lover, and began clearing the dishes. Levon could be totally natural while completely naked, a fact that Joe found disconcerting on more than one occasion. [He has absolutely no idea how beautiful he is.] Joe shrugged, deciding that if he didn't look he might be able to control himself. Joe grinned. [Really no need to get dressed if we're just heading to the bedroom after this.]

"Leverage?" Joe asked as he moved to help clean up the kitchen.

"When ya routinely handle critters that out weigh you by fifteen hundred pounds ya learn it ain't about bein' strong, it's about usin' leverage. Works fer people too."

"You saying I'm heavy?"

"Heavy?" Levon let his gaze wonder over Joe's naked form. Those brown eyes left a trail of fire in their wake. Levon smiled seductively. "No, you ain't heavy."

Joe shivered, feeling goose bumps rise from that look and husky tone. [There ought to be a law.] He couldn't resist teasing his lover just a little, and did a pirouette, shamelessly showing off. He looked at Levon through lowered lashes. "You like the way I look?"

Again those assessing eyes caressed him from head to toe. "No, I don't just like the way ya look, boy. I love the way you look." Levon reached out to let his fingers trail down one arm in a gentle caress. "Love the way you feel. Soft, smooth, yet still hard, and solid... like steel wrapped in silk." When Joe made a small sound of appreciation, enjoying the touch that ghosted from his arm and across his chest, Levon smiled. "Love the way you sound." He licked his lips, and his voice dropped to a husky whisper. "Really love the way you taste."

Joe stepped closer. He waved a hand toward the table. "What'd ya say we just leave this stuff til tomorrow?"

Levon grinned. "You wanna just go ta bed now?"

Joe leaned in to rub his check against Levon's. "Bed." He whispered in Levon's ear, letting his tongue trace the delicate curve in front of him.

"Bed." Levon agreed with a smile.

The alarm clock woke Joe at 6:30 am. As a habitual early riser, Levon never bothered setting the alarm clock for himself, but he never failed to set it for Joe. Joe was decidedly grateful that Levon didn't set it for his usual wake up time of 5:00 am. Joe only saw one five o'clock a day, and A.M. wasn't it.

Waking up alone was also part of his usual routine. He'd felt Levon leave earlier, but had only roused enough to snag his pillow and wrap himself around it. The pillow was a poor substitute for his lover, but it was better than nothing at all. Joe breathed in deeply, inhaling Levon's lingering scent. Sighing, Joe stretched, and rolled out of bed.

He got a quick shower, regretting the fact that Levon wasn't there to share it with him. Showering alone might be faster, but it wasn't nearly as much fun. He dressed quickly, deciding on dark slacks, black shirt, and jacket.

[Going to meet with the big boys then you should to look professional. And if I look like one of Uncle Mikey's hit men then so be it. Might just scare the bastards into backing off.]

Joe picked up his pendant and hesitated. It was tangible proof of Levon's affection. He'd worn it everyday since Levon had given it to him, taking it off only long enough to shower. At the time he believed the silver oval with its gold flame relief and interlocking L's to be sufficiently understated that no one would ever question its presence. To date, no one had. But Levon was worried their relationship could become an issue... may not be a good idea to wear it when someone might ask.

Joe sighed, uncomfortable with the idea of forgoing the pendant. He felt naked without it. He knew Levon would notice if he wasn't wearing it. It was the sort of detail his lover's observant nature would pick up on immediately. Although, knowing Levon, he probably wouldn't comment on it. He'd be hurt, not doubt about that. Levon had already thought Joe might choose to leave over this situation with his father. Not wearing the pendant would be like rejecting Levon's love.

[Not going to do that. I'm not doing anything to cause him to doubt my commitment to us no matter what. So fuck it. I'm wearing it, and I'll deal with the question when some one asks.]

Joe slipped the pendant on feeling better immediately for doing so. He headed for the kitchen. He wasn't surprised to find no evidence of last night's meal or love making. The kitchen was immaculate. Everything was clean and back in its normal place. Levon might not be as good a chef as Joe, but he certainly was no slouch when it came to organization. He wasn't exactly a neat freak, just a firm believer in putting things back where they belong and keeping things clean.

Joe pulled a mug from the wooden tree near Levon's coffee pot. Sitting on the counter next to it was a smaller, two-cup coffee maker. Joe had bought it when he started spending more time at the ranch than his apartment.

Levon liked his coffee strong enough to float a brick. Joe hated it. Since Levon was always up first, he was the one to make the coffee. The smaller pot was a necessity if Joe was going to get his morning pick-me-up. He'd been pleasantly surprised when Levon had not objected to his bringing it, but even kept his favorite brand of coffee on hand. [Hell, the man even learned to make coffee the way I like it, and have it ready for me when I get up. If that isn't love I don't know what is.]

Joe poured his cup of coffee, added a little milk and sugar, before heading for the back porch knowing that was where he'd find Levon. His lover liked to greet the day there whenever time allowed. Joe had never told Levon, but the back porch was also his favorite spot.

He stepped outside and took a deep breath. The air was still pleasantly cool. That wouldn't last, but it felt good for the moment. Times like these, he could appreciate why his lover liked mornings. [Doesn't beat sleeping in, but it isn't all bad.]

"Good mornin', Joe." Levon was sitting on the swing, sipping his own cup of coffee. He was wearing his usual jeans and button down western style shirt. No hat though, and his curls were still their usual early morning riot. Joe loved that look, and not for the first time did Joe wish he could convince his partner to leave the hat at home.

Joe studied him for a moment, noting the completely relaxed posture. Levon looked well rested, calm and totally at ease. He hadn't looked like that since meeting with his father. The low-grade hum of tension was absent, and the invisible distance that had been building between them was also gone.

[Doesn't seem worried about today. Good.] Joe realized that it wasn't Arron's death or even the meeting with the Chief that had made Levon so tense. Nor had those things contributed to the distance that had been between them. It was his fear that Joe would be hurt or that Joe might want to leave that made him so on edge. [I need to make sure he talks to me from now on. No reason to let things get so bad.]

Joe walked over and joined his partner on the swing. Joe leaned in for a kiss, delighting in the taste and feel of his lover. The kiss wasn't so much passionate as warm and pleasant. There was no point in starting something they couldn't finish, but Joe liked waking up with a kiss.

"Now it's a good morning."

They sipped their coffee in silence. Levon leaned into Joe slightly so that they sat shoulder to shoulder. Joe enjoyed this early morning companionable silence. He'd missed this as much as he missed the easy camaraderie that they usually shared over dinner. It felt good to know they were back on track.

Joe finished his cup, knowing that Levon was most likely on his second or third cup of the day. Almost from the day they started working together, Joe had come to terms with the fact that his partner seemed to live on caffeine and sugar. He tried to improve his diet, but had given up all efforts to curb his intake of coffee as a lost cause.

Together they headed back into the house. Cups were rinsed and placed in the sink. Joe grabbed a bagel. He offered one to Levon, not surprised when he was turned down. He discovered that Levon had taken a liking to the power bars Joe usually kept around for a healthy burst of energy before or after he worked out. Not surprisingly Levon's favorites were the ones covered in chocolate. He already had one tucked in his shirt pocket and was nibbling on another. Joe snagged a single serve bottle of orange juice from the refrigerator. Levon grabbed his Stetson, and his keys from where they hung near the door.

Joe glanced at the clock. They had an hour to get to Reisner, and would likely need most of it because of the traffic. On his own he was never ready on time. Levon had been a good influence on him in that respect. He was rarely ever late anymore.

Joe briefly considered driving his own vehicle before deciding against it. [Not worth it to take both of them. No one questions us coming in together. Hell, I think they look more surprised when I drive my car.]

When Joe had first come to Houston, he didn't have his own vehicle. The Cobra had been stolen even before he'd left Chicago. By the time he'd managed to reacquire it, everyone had already accepted as routine Levon picking him up or drop him off. Even after he'd gotten it back, they still took Levon's Jimmy more often than not. It wasn't unusual for Joe to leave the cobra at the station when they were working a case. Most of the time, when their coworkers saw the Jimmy, they assumed both he and Levon were nearby. The presence or absence of Joe's car was usually ignored as an unimportant detail.

The Jimmy pulled into Reisner right on time. Levon had managed to avoid most of the traffic snarls. Over the past few years, Joe had also become familiar with alternate routes. He still didn't know as many as Levon, but he wasn't too far behind. He was coming to know Houston almost as well as he knew Chicago.

Riding up in the elevator, Joe asked, "We need to check in with Joanne before heading upstairs?"

"Yeah. I reckon she already knows, but it wouldn't hurt ta stop in."

"You okay?"

Levon smiled. "We got a plan, right?" Humor left over from last night still sparkled in his eyes.

Joe chuckled. "We have a plan."

"We are doing this together."

It wasn't a question, but Joe answered anyway. "Together."

"Then, I'm okay."

They got off on their usual floor, and headed for their desks. Joe made a point of checking his messages first thing. Levon would usually take off his hat, get comfortable in his chair, and then grab an open case file, a piece of paper and a pencil. Joe had watched this routine enough to know his partner was brainstorming.

He'd told Joe that sometimes things just clicked for him first thing in the morning when they wouldn't any other time of day. Some puzzling, obscure detail of a case would fall into place. They'd closed enough cases with this intuitive approach that Joe no longer really gave it much thought.

Joe had those same flashes of insight, although his were more likely to occur while they were involved in actively working the case. For Joe it came together when they were checking leads, interviewing witnesses, or looking into a suspect. Levon was better at working over the details on paper, putting together facts so who, what and why seemed to just naturally fall into place. It was just another facet of their working styles and basic natures that made them such a good team.

They weren't at their desks long enough to even start much when Joanne called them into her office. With a shared look of mutual support and encouragement, they headed for her glassed in, fishbowl like office. Joe took one chair, Levon slid into the other.

Never one to mince words, Joanne got right to the point. "I don't know if you know or not, but Dale Arron died last yesterday afternoon."

"Hospital called me last night."

Joanne nodded, accepting that fact. Joe didn't know if she knew Levon has asked to be kept informed of the boy's status, but he figured she wouldn't be surprised. She knew Levon too well for that.

"You two get the message about meeting with the Chief this morning?"

Joe smiled tightly. "Yes."

Levon echoed. "Yep."

"You okay with this?" Joanne pinned them both with a hard look. Her eyes assessing, and demanding honesty. Joe resisted the urge to squirm, but only just barely. [Reminds me of Aunt Teresa.]

Levon shrugged one shoulder. "Knew this could happen. Ain't really a surprise."

Joanne sighed. Joe could tell she wasn't happy with that non-answer. [Better give her an answer we can all live with.]

"We're okay with it, Lieutenant. Like Levon said, we knew it could happen. That was the reason we told you about the meeting with Hanson and Levon's father. Didn't want you to get caught off guard when it did come up."

Joanne nodded. The look she gave Joe let him know she had appreciated being kept in the loop. "I already spoke to the Chief, but he wants to see you personally. Wants to get it straight from the horse's mouth as it were."

She hesitated for a moment, biting nervously at her lower lip. "Levon... I passed on the file from the incident when you were sixteen. I thought the background might be needed for you and Joe to get a fair shake over this crap with Hanson. I was hoping it would be enough to end all this, but doesn't look like it worked out that way. I would have asked you about it, but you had already left when I got the call, and--"

"It's okay, Joanne." Levon said, cutting her off, and immediately putting her at ease. "Figured that would come up. Probably the best way ta explain ta the brass why I'm not all that keen on dealing with my father. And with him bein' charged with murder," Levon shrugged, "figured the D.A. would be lookin' in ta his history. Bound ta come up at some point. Pattern of violent behavior makes a stronger case."

Joe shook his head, mystified as to how his partner could say that with no more emotion than if he was discussing the weather. [Don't think I could be that relaxed about it if it were me. Hell, I'm not that relaxed about it now.]

Joanne looked relieved that she hadn't inadvertently caused problems between herself and Levon. Joe knew Levon held a special place in their boss's heart. She and Levon had been partners, and were friends for a long time. He knew they both valued that friendship a great deal.

"What time are you supposed to report upstairs?"

Levon glanced at his watch. "Ten minutes."

Joanne nodded. "Figures. Chief said he wanted to handle this, and I quote, 'in a prompt, timely fashion'. Remember," She nailed them with another hard look, "Play nice. I don't want anymore trouble than we're already trying to handle."

Joe smirked at that. "Sure thing, Lieutenant."

Levon just nodded, and then looked at Joe. "We better git goin'. Don't wanna keep the man waitin'."

Joe got up with Levon, and they headed for the door when Joanne called to them. "Lundy? LaFiamma?"

"Yeah?" "Lieutenant?"

"Let me know if there is anything I can do to help. You're not alone here."

Joe couldn't help smiling warmly at their boss. That was exactly the right thing to say. "Will do." Levon gave her a two-finger salute, and tipped his head in acknowledgement of her offer.

Back in the elevator, Joe watched as Levon took a deep breath, and let it out very slowly. He could almost see his partner putting his thoughts in order, and reigning in his emotions. Without consciously thinking about it, Joe found himself doing the same thing. [Calm. Cool. Collected. We can handle this.]

"Just like goin' ta court."

Joe nodded. "Honestly answer only the questions they ask. No more, no less. Address only those facts in evidence. Anything else is just hearsay or speculation, and it doesn't matter."

Together they stepped off on the twelfth floor. Unlike their floor, this one was quiet, almost vacant. Deep, plush carpeting and wood paneled walls also let them know they were definitely worlds apart from the norm. [Hard to believe we're even in the same building.]

Joe had never been up on this floor before. He glanced around casually, hoping to spot a directory of some kind. "You know which office is his?"

"Yeah." Levon nodded toward the right, indicating the direction they should head.

"You've been up here before?"

"Nope."

"Then how do you know where to go?" Joe shot Levon a quizzical look as he walked in step with his partner down the hall.

Levon shrugged. "I try ta know the layout of every place I spend time in." Levon gave him a half smile. "Never really liked getting lost. An' it's a real pain in the ass tryin' ta get good directions from most folks. Easier iffen ya just know yer way around."

[Amen to that brother. Getting directions in this town is nearly impossible.] Before learning his way around, Joe had become intimately familiar with the difficulty of getting directions, something he'd never needed in his home town of Chicago. He'd quickly came to appreciate the advantages of hanging out with someone who knew how to get from point A to point B.

They passed several doors before coming to the end of the hall. A dark, solid wood door had its window emblazoned in gold letters, informing them that this was the office of Martin Shawnasy, Chief of Police. Joe decided he wasn't impressed by the display of extravagance.

Shawnasy had been Chief of Police for nearly ten years, and was a good man according to most people who professed to know him. He was smart enough to negotiate the politics of the job, but by all accounts hadn't lost the hard, no nonsense approach he'd started his career in law enforcement with. Tough, but fair, was how he was often described. The pictures Joe had seen showed a short, stocky, rather square man, whose face reminded Joe of a bulldog. He'd met more than one Irishman in Chicago who could have been a brother to Shawnasy.

Levon opened the door. Together they stepped into the waiting room. A secretary sat behind an imposing cherry wood desk, working diligently on the computer in front of her. She looked up and smiled at them as they entered. It was a polite, distant smile. The kind that let you know you weren't really welcome, but the person was too polite to actually say so.

"Can I help you?"

"Yes, Ma'am. Lundy an' LaFiamma ta see Mr. Shawnasy." Levon's soft drawl contained a note of deference and respect Joe usually heard him use when addressing a woman. It was another of his partner's old-fashioned habits, this innate regard for women, that Joe found rather endearing.

"Is he expecting you?" She glanced at the appointment book lying on the desk.

"I think so, Ma'am. Mr. Shawnasy wanted us to be here first thing this mornin'."

"Oh, yes." She tapped one long powder blue fingernail against the book. "I remember his mentioning that. If you gentlemen would have a seat, he'll be with you shortly." With that she returned to her computer, effectively dismissing them.

Joe sighed. He hated waiting. It always struck him as rude that he would make the effort to be somewhere on time, honor his commitment to an appointment, only to be left to stare at the walls because the other person wasn't ready. Joe had decided some time ago that people in positions of authority made you wait simply to emphasize the fact that they were in charge.

[At least they've got comfortable chairs.] Joe glanced over at Levon and they shared a look. With a little half smile, Levon pulled a pencil and a small pad of paper from his shirt pocket. He drew a grid for tic-tac-toe, and then handed his pencil off to Joe. They played five games, and were just starting on hangman, when the secretary called them into Martin Shawnasy's inner sanctum.

"Sergeants Lundy and LaFiamma. Glad you could make it on such short notice." Shawnasy came toward them, offering his hand. [Oh, yeah. Like we had a choice in the matter.]

Levon shook Shawnasy's hand, his own long fingered, elegant hand nearly lost in Shawnasy's larger, beefier paw. Joe noted that his partner didn't wince, but saw him discretely flexing his fingers behind his back, when Shawnasy let go. That earned the man a black mark in Joe's book.

[Evidently Shawnasy likes to do a little power play. Man wants a firm handshake, well then by God, I'll give him a firm handshake.] Joe shook the offered hand, and managed not to smirk when he saw Shawnasy wince slightly. [Serves you right. Shouldn't have done it to someone else if you can't handle it yourself.]

Shawnasy waved a hand to indicate the other men present. " I believe you two have already met Mark Hanson."

Levon tipped his head in acknowledgement of his father's lawyer, his expression properly neutral. Joe couldn't resist giving Hanson an evil little smile, threatening the man subtly with just a look. His smile grew wider when the lawyer stepped back.

"And this is Detective Jack Baker. Internal Affairs."

Jack Baker was slightly taller than Joe, but his build was more akin to Levon's. He wore his sandy brown hair in a short, almost military style. The neatly trimmed beard surprised Joe slightly since nearly every man he'd met in Texas went clean-shaven. The heat and humidity were reason enough not to have a beard as far as Joe was concerned. Baker's brown eyes were partially hidden behind wire frame glasses.

Levon nodded toward the detective, his expression warming slightly. "Jack. Been a few years."

Baker smiled. "Indeed it has, Levon. More like half a dozen than just a few."

"You two know each other?" Shawnasy asked.

"Worked a case together once."

Shawnasy seemed momentarily disconcerted when neither Levon nor Baker offered any more information than that. [Man must not know Levon at all. If he thought he was going to get more than that, without dragging each detail out like pulling teeth, he's crazy.] Joe fought down his own curiosity, promising himself he'd ask his partner about it later.

Shawnasy motioned them toward the conference table that took up most of his office. "Why don't we all take a seat and get started."

Joe and Levon choose seats next to each other that faced the door. Joe mentally sneered when Hanson choose the chair farthest from him, and closest to the door. Baker casually took a seat opposite both Levon and Joe. Shawnasy sat at what could be considered the head of the table. Baker and Shawnasy both had files in front of them. [Wonder what they've got in those. Find out soon enough, I suppose.]

The burly chief of police set a small tape recorder in the middle of the table. He looked around the table, making eye contact with everyone there. "If it is all right with everyone here, I would like to tape this meeting, so as to save time, and ensure accuracy." No one objected.

"Good." Shawnasy hit play and record. "First things first. Lundy, LaFiamma, this is not a formal investigation. No charges have been filed. I spoke to Lieutenant Beaumont, and she was good enough to fill me in on most everything. She also provided me with your statements regarding the event in question. However, I've found the best course of action, is to always deal directly with the parties who were involved. As I am sure you are aware, second hand information isn't worth much. I prefer to be able to ask questions rather than just read statements. I called you both here because I want to be perfectly clear on all the facts. "

Shawnasy shook his head, looking slightly confused. "This is the first time I've ever heard an accusation of police brutality leveled against officers who weren't directly involved with the case. I asked Detective Baker to sit in because I thought it would save time, and also address the compliant filed by Mr. Hanson. Questions?"

"No, Sir." Joe and Levon answered as one.

"Good." Shawnasy looked a Baker. "Detective Baker why don't you go ahead."

Baker opened the file and glanced down at the papers inside. "Sergeant LaFiamma is it true that you struck Mr. Hanson's client, one Levon Lundy senior?"

"Yes. I hit him." Joe knew Hanson expected him to deny it. There wasn't any point in lying about it. Like he'd told Levon, the plan was to honestly answer the questions asked.

Bake raised an eyebrow. "And you hit him because...?"

"He struck my partner."

Baker looked at Levon. "This true?"

Levon nodded. "My father backhanded me, and that's when LaFiamma hit him."

"Why did your father strike you?"

"I said something he didn't like."

"Which was what exactly?"

"Told him I wasn't gonna help with his case. He was angry 'cause he thought a son should be willin' ta help his father. Family loyalty an' all that. I told him I thought he should be on the wagon, so it looked like we'd both be disappointed. That's when he hit me."

"The wagon?"

Levon winced slightly, looking almost apologetic. "Man's an alcoholic."

Hanson protested. "I object to this characterization of my client."

Baker regarded Hanson with an unwavering stare, waiting until the man began to shift restlessly before he spoke. His voice was soft, but very firm. "This is isn't a court of law. You can object on principle, but it won't carry much weight during this interview. You are here as a courtesy. You would do well to remember that."

Joe decided he liked Jack Baker. [Might not be such a bad sort, even if he does work for IA.]

Baker continued to look at Hanson. "Why, in your complaint, was there no mention of your client striking Sergeant Lundy first?"

Hanson sputtered. "Because there was no need to mention it. My client was already detained. There was no need for violence. Mr. LaFiamma lost his temper and took it out on my client. He didn't just hit the man, he tried to kill him!"

Baker looked at Joe, raising an eyebrow. "Tell me what you did."

"I struck him twice, forcing him away from my partner, and back against the wall. I held him there in a choke hold until I was sure he wouldn't try to attack my partner a second time." [That's true so far as it goes. I was going to kill him. Would have cheerfully choked the bastard to death if Levon hadn't stopped me. But Baker doesn't need to know that.]

"You threatened to kill him if he ever came near your partner again." Hanson insisted. He sneered. "Oh, my mistake. You said it wasn't a threat but a promise."

Baker frowned at Joe. "Did you?"

Joe sighed. [Damn. Okay... Plan B, sort of.] "The man has a history of violence. He attacked a college student in a bar, beating him into a coma, for no apparent reason. A statement by my partner was enough to cause him to strike out physically. I had every reason to believe the man could turn violent with the least provocation. I didn't want him to think he could pursue his hostility toward my partner without suffering repercussions. So... yes, I did promise the man that he would regret any future contact with Lundy."

Hanson smiled smugly at that admission. Baker, though, seemed to give it careful consideration before asking, "Was the suspect cuffed or restrained in anyway?"

"No." Both Joe and Levon answered.

Baker frowned. "Why not? You've already stated that the man had a history of violence, so why didn't you take the precaution of leaving him cuffed during your interview?"

"The interview wasn't our idea." Again they spoke together.

"Excuse me?"

Levon glanced at Joe, and then answered. "Mr. Hanson was the one who demanded the interview. Wasn't our idea. And it wasn't our meetin'. Hell, it wasn't even our case. We didn't set the ground rules. Mr. Hanson and my father were already in the room when we got there. Evidently, Hanson didn't think that cuffs were necessary."

Baker glanced down at the file and then at Hanson. "You didn't mention in your complaint that Lundy and LaFiamma were only present at your request."

"I didn't request Sergeant LaFiamma." Hanson glared at Joe. "I only asked for Sergeant Lundy. My client wanted to speak with his son. He was hoping his son, as a police officer, would be able to offer some assistance regarding his case."

"You didn't just ask." Levon snarled, brown eyes snapping with carefully controlled anger. "You *insisted* that I met with you. You made it very clear that you wouldn't take no for an answer."

Shawnasy interjected at this point, drawing Levon's attention. "You didn't want to see your father?"

"No." Levon was emphatic. "Hadn't seen the man in over ten years. Coulda easily gone 'nother ten without layin' eyes on him."

"Not a close family then?" Baker asked, pulling Levon's attention back to him.

Levon snorted. "You could say that."

Joe studied Shawnasy for a moment. "Lieutenant Beaumont said she'd given you information regarding Levon's history with his father. You didn't pass it on to Detective Baker?"

"I didn't want to bias his investigation. Only those facts pertinent to this case need to be considered."

Joe stared at him, incredulous. "You didn't think the fact that Levon's father had nearly beaten him to death as a teenager might be pertinent??!!"

He felt Levon lay a hand on his arm. That light touch was brief, yet it managed to soothe some of the building anger in him. [Control, Joey. Don't lose it. Calm. Cool. Collected.]

In a quieter, but decidedly sarcastic tone of voice, Joe asked, "You didn't think the fact a judge had seen fit to put a restraining order on his father, keeping him from seeing or speaking to his son until he was an adult, was pertinent?"

"You knew about this when you met with Levon Lundy senior?" Baker directed his question to Joe, once again taking control of the interview.

"Yes. That's why I went with my partner. Given their shared history, I wasn't sure that he and his father could safely be in the same room."

Baker nodded, accepting that explanation. He looked at Hanson, his expression thoughtful. "Did you know about this when you insisted that Sergeant Lundy meet with your client?"

Hanson cleared his throat. "I... ah... er... no. I didn't know about it when I set up the interview. My client only told me that he and his son were... um... estranged. He didn't go into specifics. He told me that his son was a detective in the Major Crimes division, and that it was possible he could be helpful."

"I see." Baker's tone clearly indicated how little he thought of Hanson's answer. "And Sergeant Lundy's reluctance to meet with you wasn't any indication of how he felt about his father?" Baker shook his head, and raised a hand halting any answer Hanson might have given. "Don't answer that."

Baker looked at Levon. "Clearly the history between you and your father has some bearing on what happened in interview room two. So... why don't you tell me what happened when you were a teenager."

Levon sighed, and shifted slightly in his chair. That restless movement let Joe know just how uncomfortable his partner had to be. Unlike Joe, the man could normally sit still for hours. He hated the fact that his partner was being put through this. He also hated that in this room, with these people, he couldn't offer the physical or even verbal support he so desperately wanted to.

"My father lost his temper with a neighbor boy. Kid was maybe ten or eleven." Levon shrugged one shoulder. "Not even sure what it was he did or didn't do ta set my father off, but I didn't want him to hurt the boy, so I stood up for him. One thing kind of led ta 'nother... and, my father started beatin' me. Wasn't really big 'nough or strong 'nough ta put up much of a fight. Neighbor boy had the good sense ta call the cops while all that was goin' on. Took two of 'em ta pull him offa me."

Levon shifted uneasily again. Joe knew that only he could see Levon's hand gripping the armrest, white knuckles betraying what his partner had to be feeling. His voice, however, remained carefully dispassionate, and unaffected, his face revealing nothing of that inner turmoil.

"Iffen the cops hadn't showed up when they did, I 'spect he woulda beat me ta death. As it was, I spent three days in the hospital with a mess o' bruises, some busted ribs, a dislocated shoulder, fractured cheekbone, and one hell of a concussion. Court sent him ta jail for nine months for endangerin' a minor, and I went to live with the family of a friend after that."

Levon's calm recitation of facts made Baker wince in sympathy. Shawnasy had the good grace to look embarrassed for forcing Levon into a position of having to tell this story. Even though he already knew most of the details, Joe flinched when Levon listed his injuries. Only with a great deal of effort was he able to stay seated, and look impassive.

"Okay." Baker rubbed one hand across the bridge of his nose, adjusting his glasses as he did so. "Let me see if I can summarize this. Mr. Hanson called you, requesting an interview. Insisted on your meeting with him and his client, your father. You agreed to the meet, but brought your partner along. That right so far?"

Levon nodded. "Yep."

"Sergeant LaFiamma has already stated why he wanted to be there. Did you want your partner present?

"Yeah, I wanted him there."

"Why?"

"My father and me... well, we ain't exactly seen eye ta eye on much in the past. No reason ta think that had changed given how little we saw of each other. I thought Joe bein' there might keep things from getting out 'o hand "

Hanson hissed, "Oh, and that worked out beautifully didn't it."

Levon's eyes narrowed as he glared at Hanson. When he spoke his voice was flat, and uncompromising. It was his "don't argue with me" tone that Joe knew all too well. "Told you when ya called that I thought the whole thing was a bad idea. A very bad idea. I didn't want nothin' ta do with the man. I told you then there was nothin' I could do that would help his case. You insisted on the meet. Don't come cryin' now that it didn't work out the way ya wanted."

Hanson huffed loudly. "My client wanted to speak to his son. Mr. LaFiamma should never have been there. If he had left, as I requested, all of this could have been avoided."

Joe snorted. [Oh, I doubt that. Bastard would have hit Levon whether I was there or not.]

"You were asked to leave?" Baker asked, looking at Joe.

"When we arrived in the interview room, Hanson indicated that my presence was not necessary. I told him I wasn't going to leave. Lundy told him that if I wasn't allowed to stay then the interview was over. Both Hanson and Lundy Senior agreed to let me stay after that."

"Lundy, you insisted that your partner stay after Mr. Hanson asked him to leave?"

"Yep. Standard procedure dictates that no cop interview a suspect alone. Ain't safe for one thing, and it is always better to have a witness ta what goes on. Makes sure things get done by the book, if ya know what I mean?"

Joe smiled inwardly at that. [Nice call. Can't argue with SOP. Even if it wasn't the real reason I was there...it's still a good one.]

"But you weren't alone with the suspect. His lawyer was also present." Baker pointed out.

Levon shrugged. "Didn't matter. I don't interview a suspect on my own. Period. Even though this weren't our case, only way I was going to stay, was if my partner was present."

"So... you arrived at the interview room. Sergeant LaFiamma is asked to leave, and refuses. You insist that he stays or the interview is over. Then what happened?"

"We sat down. Talked a bit about the case. My father didn't like what I said, and backhanded me."

"And that is when Sergeant LaFiamma struck Levon Lundy senior?"

"Yes." Joe and Levon answered that together.

"Would you have gone to see your father if Mr. Hanson hadn't requested it?"

"No."

"You weren't interested in his case?"

"No."

"Not even a little? I mean this is your father were talking about."

Levon snorted and shot an impatient look at Baker. "Thought we already covered that."

"Have either of you been in contact with him since?

"No." Again, in unison, both Joe and Levon answered. Joe was faintly amused that they had done it several times, all without looking at each other, or ever taking their eyes off Baker. He knew that they often walked in step, but this was the first time he was ever conscious of them speaking in concert. [Weird. Good, but weird.]

"Lundy, when did you know your father had been arrested?"

"When Lieutenant Beaumont showed me the booking photo asking me if I knew who he was."

"So it was your supervisor who brought it to your attention? You weren't actively engaged or interested in getting involved?"

"That's right. Whole thing started when she called LaFiamma wantin' ta know what I was doing in lock up."

Baker looked confused. "You were in lock up? I'm not..."

"Same name. Junior, senior. Happens sometimes." Levon waved a hand in a dismissive gesture. "Desk sergeant was running the arrest reports for distribution, saw what he thought was my name. He knew I work in Major Crimes, an' he called Joanne ta give her a heads up. She called LaFiamma. She knew we worked late that night, an' figured my partner would know how I got involved in a bar fight that resulted in a kid being put in a coma."

"LaFiamma tracked you down, verifying you weren't actually in lock up?"

Levon hesitated for just a moment. "Something like that."

Up until that point all Levon's answers had been very straightforward, and to the point. The look on Baker's face told Joe that he hadn't missed that slight hesitation. Baker studied Levon, raising an eyebrow. "What did he do exactly to determine that it wasn't you who'd been arrested?"

Levon sighed. "Didn't have to track me down. All he really had to do was wake me up, since I was staying at his place."

Baker's eyes narrowed, suspicious. "You do that often? Spend the night at your partner's place?"

Joe froze, but forced himself to breath normally and tried to look relaxed. [Shit. Shit. Telling the truth and sticking to the facts isn't going to work with this one.]

Levon just looked at Baker, his head cocked slightly to one side. "This interview gonna be about where I sleep?"

[Nice save. When all else fails answer a question with a question. Admit to nothing and put the other guy on the defensive.]

Levon winked at the IA detective. His voice was laced with a definite note of humor and innuendo. "Didn't think you be interested in things like that, Jack. Just so ya know, you ain't really my type. Too much fur on yer face."

Baker smiled at that, looking slightly embarrassed, and Joe relaxed. He never would have expected his partner to turn the whole question back on Baker that way. [Didn't know he had it in him. Way to go, Cowboy.]

Baker wasn't totally put off his original question, but he did modify it slightly. "Why were you staying at LaFiamma's?"

Joe breathed easier. [Now this one we can answer more or less honestly.]

"Was working the Thorpe kidnapping that week. Put in more overtime than regular hours. All told it came up ta almost sixty hours in three days." Levon sighed deeply, and raised a hand to pinch the bridge of his nose. Joe knew he was remembering that week, and everything that went with it. The case brought back a lot of bad memories for his partner.

Joe picked up the thread of the story. "We wrapped up the case that night after dropping the boy off with his mother. Both of us were exhausted, and my place was closest. I offered to let Lundy crash there rather than have him try to drive all the way to his place."

[Same thing we told Joanne. Basically true, just not the whole truth. And it's nothing that will raise eyebrows.]

Shawnesy leaned forward slightly. "Thorpe kidnapping... that was the case with the young boy taken by his father?"

"Yes, sir."

"As I recall, you managed to find the boy and return him to his mother safely."

"Yes, sir. We did."

"That was good work."

"Thank you, Sir."

Shawnasy carefully studied them both. "I would have thought that Lieutenant Beaumont would have given you a little down time after putting in so many hours, and resolving such a difficult case so successfully."

"She did." Joe immediately rose to the defense of their boss. "We weren't expected to show up at the office until later in the day. But when she saw what she thought was Lundy's name on the arrest report... well, she called wanting to straighten things out right away. The Lieutenant likes to stay on top of things, especially when it comes to the officers in her command."

Shawnasy nodded. "Indeed. She's a damn fine officer."

Baker studied Joe. "She called you wanting to know how Lundy ended up in lock up. Since he was with you... you obviously knew it wasn't him. Then what happened?"

Joe shifted slightly in his chair feeling like he'd been sitting still forever. He would give his eyeteeth to be allowed to get up and pace. "We came down to the station, hoping to be able to straighten out whatever mix up or practical joke had gotten Lundy's name on the arrest report. When we got here, the Lieutenant showed us the booking photo and that's when Lundy realized it wasn't a mistake. Well... not exactly a mistake... more like a case of mistaken identity."

"And you didn't plan to get involved in your father's case?" Baker asked Levon.

"No. I didn't plan on getting involved with his case."

"And just so we are clear... you wouldn't have gone to see him, if his lawyer hadn't insisted?"

"That's right."

Baker nodded. "Mr. Hanson has stated several times that your father seemed to think that you would be able to help with his case. What sort of assistance did your father think you would be able to offer?"

"Don't know. We never got to that part. But if I had ta hazard a guess... I don't think my father realized that this was more than a simple assault." Levon shook his head, his expression slightly disgusted. "I think he was hoping that it would be somethin' like havin' too many parkin' tickets and I could just make the charges disappear."

Baker smiled and shook his head. "Doesn't know you very well, does he?"

Levon returned the smile. "No. He doesn't."

Shawnasy shot a bemused look at Baker. "Meaning?"

"Sergeant Lundy is one of the most by the book cops I know. Always has been."

"Ah. I see."

Baker glanced down at the papers in front of him, and then to Hanson. "Back to the matter at hand. Did your client need medical attention?"

"I tried to get him to go to the hospital but he refused."

"At any point, was medical attention offered?"

"Not by Lundy or LaFiamma."

Baker shot a hard look at Hanson. "I didn't ask if they were the ones to offer it. I asked if it was offered at any point, by anyone."

"No."

Baker looked surprised. "Hmm... Really? That's odd. I've a statement in front of me from Officer Tom Caine. He was the one who brought your client to you from lock up. You may remember him."

Baker pinned Hanson with a hard, uncompromising look. "He stated, and I quote, 'Lundy and LaFiamma left and told me that I could return the suspect whenever his lawyer was finished with him. When Mr. Hanson, the suspect's lawyer, indicated he was finished, I entered the room. I noticed that the suspect had a split lip and a black eye. I offered to have a doctor take a look at him, but he refused. When I asked the suspect how he'd been injured, he refused to tell me. His lawyer also refused to give me any information when I questioned him as to how the suspect came to be injured. I returned the suspect to lock-up, but kept an eye on him to make sure that he had no other injuries aside from the facial bruising I had already noticed.' This ring any bells?

Hanson cleared his throat. "Er... well, yes. Now that you mention it, I do remember that."

"Thought you might." Baker commented dryly. He closed the folder in front of him, and sat back in his chair. He turned enough so that he faced Shawnasy directly.

"Chief, here's how I see it. I believe Lundy and LaFiamma had no intention of getting involved in this case. They both have more than enough to do, and are by the book enough to know better than to mess around in someone else's case. In addition to that, the family connection would have automatically excluded Lundy from getting officially involved."

"They met with Mr. Hanson's client, at Hanson's request, and only because he insisted on the meeting. Mr. Hanson has admitted that he asked Lundy to be there, although he objected to LaFiamma's presence."

Baker tipped his head slightly toward Levon. "Lundy is right when he said it is SOP that no cop interview a suspect alone. And I think he did the right thing by insisting that his partner remain. In hindsight, it might seem that it would have been better for LaFiamma to simply have left." Baker shrugged. "On the other hand, his presence my very well have kept the confrontation from escalating. It's a 'what if' game that isn't really worth playing."

"Everyone, including Mr. Hanson, agrees that his client struck first. Admittedly, that is no real justification for striking back, but it is somewhat understandable when we consider the fact that we expect partners to defend each other."

Baker nodded toward Joe. "As LaFiamma explained, there is a history of violence with this man. He may very well have been justified in using force to contain the situation."

"Medical assistance was offered, and refused. Officer Caine's description of the suspect's injuries coincides with LaFiamma's statement of what took place. No other injuries were observed or reported. So, while force was applied, it doesn't appear to have been excessive."

Hanson cleared his throat, and took a deep breath. "Furthermore, all the officers involved... Caine, Lundy, LaFiamma... all filed statements immediately after the incident occurred, as procedure dictates. Lieutenant Beaumont has stated that she knew within an hour after the incident what had occurred."

Baker locked eyes with the lawyer. "I find it interesting that Mr. Hanson waited nearly a week before filing a complaint. That he didn't immediate inform someone of what had occurred opens the door for speculation. Officer Caine stated that both the suspect and his lawyer refused to comment on how Mr. Lundy senior came to be injured. If LaFiamma had not admitted to striking the man, he could just as easily have slipped and hit the table, or gotten caught by a door."

Baker's voice took on a harder edge as he continued to lock eyes with Hanson. "I do not believe Mr. Hanson acted in his client's best interest by waiting to file a complaint and failing to immediately follow through. I'm more inclined to believe that the recent death of Dale Arron, and the D.A.'s subsequent addition of murder charges, played a major role in Mr. Hanson's decision to file a complaint."

Baker shifted his gaze back to Shawnasy. "In light of all this... I would be hard pressed to actually file charges that could stick. Both Lundy and LaFiamma followed procedure and have taken full responsibility for their actions. There was no effort made to conceal or cover up what occurred. Nothing that happened has any real bearing on Levon Lundy senior's case. There was no attempt to coerce a confession from him, or tamper with evidence. I've reviewed his case, and spoke to the officers directly involved. To date, everything has been by the book. It is a very clean case."

Baker shook his head, and shrugged one shoulder. "My recommendation would be at most an official reprimand. You could pursue charges of brutality, but I honestly don't expect that you could go anywhere with that. Nor was there any real misconduct. I'll have a report summarizing my evaluation to you by the end of the day. I would appreciate it if you would send me a copy of the tape or a transcript of this meeting for me to keep with IA files."

Shawnasy looked at Hanson. "Are you satisfied that your complaint has been adequately addressed, and thoroughly investigated?"

Hanson nodded. Joe noted that Hanson looked more resigned than pissed. Joe guessed that he was trying more to muddy the waters than to actually accuse them of anything. [Bastard. If you cannot dazzle them with dexterity, baffle them with bullshit. SOB is lucky that it didn't work.]

"Lundy, LaFiamma, thank you for your time and cooperation." Shawnasy stood and offered his hand again to first Levon and then Joe. Joe managed not to smile when the beefy man hesitated ever so slightly when he went to shake his hand. Both Joe and Levon shook Baker's hand as well before standing to leave.

Having effectively been dismissed, both Joe and Levon headed for the door, only to be called back by Shawnasy. "Would you boys please return this to Lieutenant Beaumont?" He held out the folder that had been sitting on the table in front of him during the meeting.

Joe reached for the folder. "Sure. No problem."

Once safely outside the door, Joe looked at his partner. "Went better than I thought it would."

"Yeah. Damn sight better than I expected. Kind a makes me feel silly fer worrin' 'bout it."

As they headed down the hall to the elevator, Joe asked, "What case did you work with Jack Baker?"

Levon flinched. "You remember... ah... the Rollins and Michealson case? Joe-Bill said he filled you in on that."

Joe stiffened. "Yeah."[How could I forget? The bastard's brother and his friends came along six years after the fact and put you in the hospital. They planned to kill you. Oh yeah. I remember. Finding you in that alley, blood everywhere, still gives me the shivers.] Joe forced his mind away from those still fresh images.

"Jack worked with me ta bring in Rollins."

Joe considered that. [Would explain why he thought Levon was such a by the numbers kind of cop. Not that he isn't, but I doubt too many guys in IA think that about their fellow cops. Course there aren't too many cops who would track down a guy who killed the man who'd raped and murdered a sixteen year old girl.]

"Was Baker working IA then?"

"Yeah. Jack's worked most of his career with IA. He's a damn fine detective. In a way, havin' Shawnasy call him in ta do this with us was one hell of a compliment."

"Meaning?"

"Jack isn't just a detective. He's the department head for IA."

"Ah." Joe decided Levon was right. It was a compliment.

They got on the elevator, and headed back down to their floor. Joe felt Levon reach out and pat his ass. It was a brief touch that could have been little more than accidental contact. But it wasn't. Joe grinned, and shook his head. When he shifted to return that show of affection, the folder he'd been holding slipped. Paper and photos scattered across the floor.

"Damn. Now see what you made me do."

Levon grinned at him, totally unrepentant. He leaned in to whisper in Joe's ear, and stroked Joe's ass while he did. "Don't sweat it. I'll help ya pick it all up."

Joe shivered, enjoying the feel of Levon's warm breath in his ear. [Not at the office.] He reminded himself. [Not at the office. It's okay to tease a little, but you can't ravish the man in an elevator.] Joe regretfully turned away, crouching down to retrieve the photos scattered in front of him. He successfully resisted the urge to simply bend over, and flaunt his backside at his lover.

He picked up several photos, and froze when he finally saw what they were. Each photo was a picture of a much younger, severely battered and bruised Levon. [Oh my God.] Hearing about the injuries his partner had suffered at the hands of his father had not prepared him to actually see the affects of that beating. [Oh shit... oh shit. Crime photos. This is the file Joanne said she passed along.]

Joe mentally cataloged the injuries he was seeing. The right side of Levon's face was swollen and black and blue. His partner's lip was split, his eye complete swollen closed. [Fractured cheekbone. Concussion.] Bruises continued down his neck and shoulder. [He never said his father attempted to strangle him.] Even with his ribs wrapped the bruises were readily visible on his chest and lower torso. [Broken ribs.] One arm was held in a sling. [Dislocated shoulder.]

Joe could feel himself beginning to tremble. The contrast between these photos and the ones Levon had shown him last night was so sharp it hurt. Joe couldn't reconcile the images of Levon laughing and happy with his grandmother, and his obvious unease and pain in the shots Joe was now holding.

Suddenly his mind flashed back to holding Levon in that alley, blood seemingly everywhere, Levon losing consciousness. His helpless rage, desperation, and near panic were back in spades. The image in his mind changed, and Joe saw the bruises Levon bore the next day when his lover needed his help to rewrap his broken ribs. The similarities between what Joe remembered and what he was seeing the photos he held left him felt like he'd just been kicked in the chest. The scars Levon still bore. Joe couldn't seem to breathe. His vision narrowed until all he could see were the pictures he was holding.

He could hear Levon calling his name, faintly as if from a great distance. "Joe... Joe, come on. Answer me, dammit. Joe, yer startin' ta scare me here."

Joe felt himself reacting to that note of fear in his lover's voice like he'd just been doused with cold water. He took a shuddering breath, and then another. Dropping the photos he held, Joe pulled Levon into a tight embrace, both of them ending up sitting on the floor.

Levon enfolded him in his arms, and hugged him tightly. "Shh... easy now. It's okay, Joe. It's okay." Levon rocked him gently, and ran soothing hands down Joe's back. Joe tucked his head under Levon's chin, and concentrated on listening to his lover's heartbeat. [Alive. Safe. He's alive. He's okay.]

"Easy now. Yer all right. Shh...it's okay. Just breath. That's it. Easy now."

Joe felt the elevator come to a halt and realized that Levon had hit the stop button at some point. Joe fought to pull himself together. He took a deep breath, inhaling Levon's scent. He let himself feel the solid, warm body holding him close. Joe relaxed slightly listening to Levon croon meaningless words of comfort. He shivered, and Levon held him closer.

[He's okay, Joey. He's not hurt. He's okay. You know that. Photos were just a shock. Now pull yourself together, man. You're scaring Levon.]

Slowly Joe pulled back. Concerned brown eyes studied him, assessing. "You okay, now?" Levon asked softly.

"Yeah." Joe took a deep breath. "Yeah. I'm okay."

"Yer sure?" Levon looked skeptical.

"No." Joe answered honestly, knowing better than to try lying.

Levon accepted that. "Wanna tell me what just happened here?"

"Just wasn't prepared to see..." Joe waved a hand to indicate the photos lying strewn around them.

"Ah." Levon nodded. "Caught ya off guard?"

Joe nodded. [Oh yeah. Did they ever.] He was embarrassed by his lack of control. Hell, he'd seen crime photos of all kinds, and dealt with hundreds of victims. But then none of those people ever meant to him even half as much as Levon did. The idea that he could have lost the other half of his soul before he'd even had the chance to meet him just made Joe feel sick. That he could have spent his entire life searching for that connection, lost and alone, scared the hell out of him.

Levon shifted slightly. He ran a hand down Joe's back. "You gonna be okay here if I let go and gather up all this?"

Joe scrubbed his face with both hands. "Yeah." He resisted the urge to clutch Levon when he moved away and began returning the scattered photos and paper to the folder. He could feel his hands trembling.

He watched Levon organize the papers, but he noted his partner studiously avoided looking at the photos, placing them haphazardly in the folder. [Not the only one who wasn't ready to see those.]

"You all right?" Joe asked.

Levon shot him a startled glance. "Me? I'm fine."

"You're not looking at those either." Joe nodded to the photos Levon still held.

Levon's jaw was tight, and his lips were held in a thin line. When he spoke is voice came out clipped. "Still remember what it felt like. Don't need to see what it looked like. Don't want to."

Joe could understand that. "Just stuff them in there. Joanne can sort them out."

Levon nodded. Once everything was collected, Levon crouched down next to Joe. "You wanna get off the floor?"

Joe nodded. "Help me up, will ya?"

Levon offered a hand, and helped Joe to his feet. Joe could feel his knees shaking. [God. Feel like I just ran a marathon.] Joe swayed, and Levon moved close to support him. Joe swallowed hard. All that unspent adrenaline in his system was making its presence known.

"Levon... I think... I'm going to be sick." Joe whispered, trying hard to control his body. He closed his eyes, not wanting to see the floor spin.

He didn't see Levon hit the door button, but heard the doors open. He didn't know what floor they were on, and he didn't care. Levon tugged him somewhere, and he followed blindly, trusting his partner to take him somewhere he could rehash breakfast.

Joe opened his eyes, and heaved into a large sink he found in front of him. [God. I hate throwing up.] Levon kept a hand on his back, and another on his abdomen, supporting him as his stomach rejected what he'd eaten earlier.

Finally, he didn't have anything left to bring up. Joe just breathed for a minute, grateful he wasn't going to experience dry heaves on top of everything else. Levon handed him a glass of water. Joe looked at and absently noted it wasn't a glass but a beaker. He glanced around and realized they were in one of the forensic labs.

"Rinse yer mouth." Levon tapped the glass gently.

Joe obeyed, grateful he could wash that horrible taste out of his mouth. Levon turned the water on, and tipped his head toward it. "Wash yer face. It'll help."

Joe did. The cool water felt wonderful. Joe dried his face with the paper towel Levon held out to him. He didn't struggle when Levon guided him to a chair and forced him in to it. Joe managed a weak smile when Levon dug into one pocket, pulled out a peppermint and handed it to him. [The man always has candy on him somewhere.]

"Thanks." The sugar would help ease his shaking, and the flavor would do wonders for getting rid foul taste that still lingered in his mouth.

Levon crouched down, between Joe's legs, putting himself at eye level. He reached out a hand to tenderly stroke Joe's cheek. "Better?"

Not trusting himself to speak, Joe closed his eyes, and settled for nodding. He leaned into Levon's touch, letting those magic fingers soothe him. He levered his eyes open. "Sorry."

"S'okay." Levon smiled softly, brown eyes bright with love. "Been there. Done that. Next time we'll switch places."

Joe chuckled. "Deal."

Levon leaned in, and placed a gentle kiss on his lips. Like the kiss they shared that morning, this one wasn't passionate but loving and warm, filled with promise of more to come. The soft sound of a throat clearing was the first indication they got that they were not alone. Joe stiffened. [When it rains it pours. If I didn't already feel like crap I would now.]

He turned his head, and looked over to see who had been witness to their moment of indiscretion. [Annie.] Joe almost shrugged thinking it could be worse. The pretty red-head was a long time friend of Levon's and had always seemed to show genuine affection for Joe. She was always ready to listen and offer sage advice.

From the position of her wheel chair, Joe guessed that she had entered only a few moments ago. So she probably hadn't seen him tossing his cookies, but it was more than long enough to see something that couldn't be explained away as being just good friends.

"Hi, Annie." Joe managed to get out past the lump in his throat.

Levon smiled at her. "Hi ya, Annie." Joe was impressed that Levon managed to look and sound so normal. [Neat trick. Especially when the position we're in is far from normal.]

She tipped her head. "Joe. Levon." She didn't look surprised or disgusted. [Oh please dear God, let her be okay with us.]

She looked concerned. Annie wheeled her chair closer, studying both of them. "You boys okay? Joey, you're awfully pale."

"I'm fine, Annie."

"Liar." Levon contradicted. "Boy just tossed his breakfast."

Joe glared at him. Levon ignored the glare with practiced ease.

"Had a meetin' upstairs. Went okay, but..." Levon shrugged. He shared a look with Joe. Joe knew he was asking if he should go into details about what really upset him. Joe shook his head ever so slightly. [He doesn't need to rehash that any more than I do.]

"Could call it delayed stress. Or maybe whatever he ate fer breakfast didn't agree wit' him."

Annie raised an eyebrow, indicating she knew there was more, but she was willing to let it slide. She pursed her lips, staring at both of them, eyes traveling from one to the other. "So... how long have you two been more than friends?"

Joe considered playing dumb, but knew they'd never get away with it. Levon must have come to the same conclusion. His hand dropped to squeeze Joe's thigh, offering reassurance, before answering Annie's question.

"Remember Hurricane Della? Hung off the coast for a coupla days and knocked out power, shut down part of town."

"I remember that one. I couldn't get to work for nearly three days."

Joe picked up where Levon left off. "Well... I couldn't get home. Spent that time at the ranch with Levon. We... ah... well, got together the first night."

Annie's eyes widened. "That was over six months ago." She reached out and slapped Levon's arm. "You waited this long to tell me??!"

Levon winced, and rubbed the spot she'd hit. He shifted slightly, moving to stand up, and step back from her. "Now, Annie, don't be getting all riled. Weren't nothin' personal. We haven't told anyone."

"So... I'm the first to know?"

"Yeah. Yer the first ta know."

Joe shifted nervously. He thought she looked pleased, delighted even, but he needed to be sure. "You're okay with this? With us?"

Annie smiled warmly at Joe. She patted his arm. "Honey, I think it's wonderful. You were so unhappy being exiled from Chicago. So far from home and your family." She looked thoughtful. "I should have realized that you found someone when you didn't seem quite so lonely any more."

Annie nodded as though she finally understood something. "Last few months you seemed more content, at ease. Like you'd finally found your place." She cast a sly look at Joe. "And I noticed those lingerin' glances you were giving Levon when you thought he wasn't looking. Wonder he didn't just burst inta flames from the way you were starin'."

Joe felt himself blush. [Damn. I am never going to think that I can be discrete ever again. Wonder the whole building doesn't know I was lusting after my partner.]

Annie looked at Levon. "And you, my friend, I am so happy you've found someone." She took his hand, squeezed it gently, smiling affectionately.

"After Caroline was killed, I didn't think you'd ever be whole again. Worried that you'd just shut yourself down forever. I always thought Joey was just what you needed. He fought with you the way you needed someone to. Pulled you kicking and screaming back into the land of the living."

"You're good for each other." Annie declared calmly and with conviction. "You love each other, yes?'

Joe made eye contact with Levon. "Oh yes. Very much in love."

Annie smiled warmly. "Good. Love is love no matter what form it comes in. It is too rare a thing to not be enjoyed and appreciated."

Joe sagged with relief. Someone else knew about their relationship and was happy for them. [Two for two today. I'm thinking I should buy a lottery ticket on the way home.]

"If I'm the first then...you haven't told Joanne yet?"

Levon and Joe both shook their heads.

"Why not? Surely you don't think she'd have a problem with the two of you? Joanne Beaumont may be a lot of things but a bigot definitely isn't one of them."

Levon answered. "Don't really think she'd have a hang up about me an' Joe, but I don't wanna work with anyone else. Iffen she knew, odds are good she'd split us up. Department frowns on partners bein' personally involved. Been more than one bad example long those lines... enough that I don't think Joanne would be willin' ta make an exception fer us. Our bein' able to work together is more important than her knowin' who I'm sleepin' with. I gotta know there is someone watchin' my back I can trust, and I need for Joe ta have someone I trust watchin' his."

"Levon's right, Annie. He's the best partner I've ever worked with. Took as awhile to get our act together, but I can't imagine working with anyone else. We've got a rhythm worked out, we understand each other, know how the other thinks, and stuff clicks with Levon that has never clicked with anyone else. We just can't risk that she might split us up."

Annie frowned. "Not a good idea keeping this a secret from your supervisor."

"Annie, we've kept it this long." Levon shrugged. "Could probably keep it longer."

She snorted. "Not if your not going to be a bit more... well, shall we say, circumspect."

Joe winced at that. "You could chalk this up to unusual circumstances. Very unusual."

"I suppose so since you've managed to keep this under wraps for six months, and no one apparently suspects anything. It's obviously not affecting your ability to do the job. Still, I think, Joanne should know."

"You're not gonna to tell her, are ya?" Levon looked at Annie, his expression slightly anxious. Levon leaned one hip against the nearby counter, dropping a hand on Joe's shoulder.

Joe could feel the tension humming through that connection. [Easy, Cowboy.] He raised a hand to pat Levon's and then hold it loosely, trying to offer encouragement with his touch.

Annie watched the by play between them, but didn't comment on it.

"No. I won't tell her. Think it would be best coming from the two of you."

Levon relaxed, squeezing Joe's hand gently. "Would like ta tell her, Annie. Just gotta figure out how ta convince her ta keep us together 'fore we do. And... I gotta admit, I ain't exactly sure how ta tell her." Levon's mouth quirked in a half smile. "Could let her walk in on us, like you did, but that's too damn hard ta plan."

Annie laughed. "No way it would seem accidental if it were staged." She sighed, turning serious again. "And I do see your point. Although, I think Joanne would be a fool to split the two of you up. You've got the best closure rate in the whole department."

Levon shrugged. "People have been fools over lesser things."

"True enough." Annie conceded that point. "Tell you what...how about if I give this little problem some thought? I might be able to come up with something that will work."

Levon brightened at that. "Annie, that would be great."

Joe smiled. [Should never have doubted her. Should have expected that she'd offer to help.] "Might just be what we need. A fresh perspective on this."

"What about Joe-Bill and Esteban? Or Carol?"

Levon shrugged. "Hadn't honestly thought much 'bout tellin' them. Sorta thought Joanne should be the first. If she split us up... well, odds are good we wouldn't haveta say much of anything at all, cause they'd already know. Gossip bein' what it is 'round here."

Annie nodded. "Point." Gossip in a police station had a tendency to run rampant. "Okay. I'll work on a way for you to tell Joanne, without having her split you up. Don't have any idea how long that will take, but I'm sure I can come up with something. Once she knows, do you want to let the others in?"

Levon looked at Joe. "I wouldn't mind them knowin'. Joe?"

Joe nodded. "Would be nice to not have to be quite so careful all the time." He had always been a physical sort of person. Touching another person just helped him connect and communicate. Joe would like to be able to just casually touch his partner, without having to worry about giving himself away, or have someone question the action.

Annie nodded. "Good. That's settled." She studied Joe critically for a moment, assessing. "You're sure you're okay?"

"Yeah. I'm okay." He already felt better. He didn't feel nauseous any more, and the earlier emotional chaos had passed. [Feeling pretty good actually. Surprisingly good.]

"Then you two better get back to where you belong before someone notices you're missing. Wouldn't want them to send out a search party for you."

"I 'spect Joanne might just be looking for us soon ta find out how our meetin' upstairs went."

[Oh yeah. She's definitely going to want to know the outcome of that meeting.] Joe offered a slight prayer of gratitude to God for that meeting going so well before he stood to join Levon. Both of them bent down to place a kiss on Annie's cheek.

"Thanks, Annie. Yer the best."

"Thank you, Annie."

She smiled warmly at them both. "You're welcome. I am so happy for both of you. And, I'll let you know when I come up with something."

Levon grinned, and tossed over his shoulder, "Lookin' forward to it."

Together Joe and Levon left the lab. [Back to the elevator. I get the feeling the only thing I'll get done today is ride around in this damn box.] A stray thought came to him as Levon hit the button for their floor. [No. It won't be the only thing I'll get done today.]

"Hey, Levon?"

"Yeah?"

"Can we make a stop on the way home tonight?"

"Sure. You got something ya need ta pick up for dinner?"

"No. I need to get a frame."

"Frame?" Levon raised an eyebrow.

"Picture frame. For the photo you gave me last night. I want to be able to hang that at my place."

Levon smiled obviously pleased that Joe would want to display something he'd given him. "Sure. We can stop somewhere and get one."

"Good." [Should pick up a camera too. I want more photos of this man. Happy photos. Enough to fill an entire wall. Enough to out number the bad.]

Since they were alone in the elevator, Joe reached out and pulled Levon into a quick, fierce hug. He wanted moment of contact to reassure his partner, and for his own reassurance. [We're okay.]

"I love you, Cowboy." Joe whispered in Levon's ear.

"Love you too, Joe."

With a resigned sigh, Joe let go, and stepped away. "Ready to get back to work?"

Levon chuckled, and shook his head slightly. "Yeah. More than ready. You?"

Joe nodded. "Together, right?"

"Always."

Joe echoed that sentiment. "Always."

[One more hurdle taken care of. And As long as we're together, there is nothing we can't handle. Nothing.] Buoyed by that thought, Joe stepped off the elevator, on their floor, ready to get back to what they did best. He shared a smile with Levon, knowing his partner felt the same way. [Day has turned out better than either of us expected.]

"Remind me to buy a lottery ticket on the way home?"

Levon smiled, and winked at him. "Boy, you don't need a ticket to get lucky?"

Joe couldn't resist that smile, his heart beating a little faster at that sly wink. It held a promise of what would come when they got home. Joe was suddenly very eager for the end of the workday. [Better hope nothing comes up that delays our leaving on time. I'm just going to have to kills someone if that happens.]

"Come on, Joe. Sooner we get to work, sooner we can go home." Levon headed for Joanne's office.

Joe nodded, following his partner, friend and lover. He was all for anything that would get them home sooner. Joe licked his lips in anticipation. [Today has definitely a better day than I'd expected. Truth is, it's been a good day. A very good day.] Letting his eyes wander over the other half of his soul, simply enjoying the view, Joe smiled. [And it looks like its just going to keep getting better.]

The End (for now)