Late Tuesday Night heading into Wednesday Morning

  Detective Mackey's eyes pop open as Titus clumsily scampers onto the bed. The corgi-chow mix settles on the pillow beside James' head. Instinctually, Detective Mackey glances down at the foot of the bed. Madison is seated there, the palm of one hand pressed against the mattress. The other hand is pressed to her abdomen. It is obvious the young woman has been crying. She watches Detective Mackey with solemn eyes.

  James hurriedly sits up on the bed, his back pressed against the headboard. He meets Madison's gaze, but only just. Madison shifts her weight, scooting closer to James' feet, which are still under the covers.

  "Why did you agree to sleep in the guestroom, James? Why are you here?" Madison says in a soft whisper.

  "I was tired. I've been sitting in that damned car for hours. It gets rough on the eyes. That dim light and a backlit computer screen. After a while, the tiny letters make my eyes swim. I didn't want to get back on the road like that."

  "You're lying, James. You shouldn't lie. That's not who you are."

  Madison scoots even closer, going around James' feet so that she is seated almost on a line with his upper body. She keeps her eyes on his face the entire time. James uneasily licks his lips and swallows the spit collecting in his mouth. Madison has just showered, her skin smelling of body mist and feminine powder. The scent is familiar. Did Samantha also use the same fragrance? Or is his lizard brain making a false connection in order to rationalize bedding the stunningly beautiful young woman?

  "How would you know?" James says, his eyes taking in more than Madison's pretty face.

  As Madison leans close, her burgundy robe falls partially open in the front. Perhaps on purpose; perhaps not. Either way, Mackey's mind attempts to fill in what few blanks remain to be seen. Unlike with Sabrina Engle's fantastical tattoo, there are some details he must leave to imagination.

  "I made a mistake. Again. I shouldn't have come in here. I..."

  Madison reaches for the tie at the front of her robe. James quickly places his hand over hers and shakes his head.

  "No, Madison! No!"

  "Why?"

  "Because I said...No!" James replies. "I came to look after you. As I have for the past few weeks. I don't want to do this. So we're not going to."

  Madison becomes visibly upset. Climbing from the bed, she strides toward the bedroom door.

  "Come here, Titus! Come here, boy! Come with Maddie."

  Titus licks Detective Mackey's hand and then jumps off of the bed. The plump mutt totters over to the door and wanders out into the hall. Madison peers over her right shoulder as she grips the door knob.

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  "I don't get you, Detective Mackey. But fine. The guestroom is yours...Whenever you want it. You paid the damn bill anyway."

  Despite her incensed mood, Madison is careful not to slam the guestroom door. Detective Mackey narrows his eyes, mouth twisted in an impish grin.

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  Early the following morning

  Wednesday

  James cautiously makes his way into the kitchen. Madison has been up for at least an hour. The sounds of her moving around managed to wake Detective Mackey from what had been a fitful slumber. Madison has been extremely busy. Breakfast is nearly complete.

  Madison still wears her burgundy robe. However, she is completely barefoot. Her slender toes flex as she leans to grab down the salt and pepper shakers from the cabinet above the stovetop. As if sensing James in the doorway, Madison grows stiff. She drops down onto her heels and turns slowly around. Their eyes meet from across the small kitchen.

  "Good morning, Maddie," James says.

  Madison turns back to the stove after giving James a quick once-over. She feigns indifference, grabbing down the sought after spice shakers and placing them on the counter. She immediately takes up a large black spatula and flips over the last pancake. There are already six such pancakes on the heaping plate. Each golden pancake is almost the entire circumference of the plate, and nearly half an inch thick. Are all of those for him?

  "I said...Good morning, Maddie!" James says again, narrowing his eyes.

  Madison pretends not to hear him. She continues to tend to the pancake still remaining in the frying pan. Detective Mackey drops down into a chair and watches her work. Eggs, sausage, and pancakes. And coffee too. Hazelnut. Not bad.

  "No toast?" James volunteers, laughter threatening to bubble forth. "Can't have a breakfast of champions without toast, Maddie."

  Madison slaps the spatula onto the counter and whirls on James. A tiny smile tugs at the corners of her mouth, but she reins it in. Opening the bread box, Maddie removes four pieces of bread and replaces the loaf. She slides the toaster forward and plugs it in. Shoving each slice of bread into a slot, and dropping them down, Madison goes back to the solo pancake on the stove. She spatulas the final pancake onto the plate with the others.

  Madison picks up the plate of pancakes, and the bowl of eggs. She walks carefully toward the kitchen table. Setting down the food, Maddie prepares to stride away. James grips her left hand, preventing her from doing so. He offers the flustered woman a wide grin.

  "So now...You're not even going to speak to me, Maddie?"

  "What do you want me to say, Detective Mackey? I don't even know why you're here. Except to act as my unofficial bodyguard. A bodyguard...I don't need. The Aquarius Killer is dead. You're the only one who believes he isn't. I'm starting to think you just need a plaything. Someone to tease. It's not very funny."

  "That's not true, Madison. I would never tease you. It's like I told you...Too many facts in this case don't add up. I can't just leave you without being absolutely sure."

  Detective Mackey climbs from his chair, stepping directly in front of Madison. He gazes down into her bewildered face. Using his right hand, James removes several strands of hair from across Madison's forehead. He bends forward and plants a small kiss on her lips.

  "Consider this a trial run, Maddie. Believe me...I want you. More than anything. But some things are worth waiting for...If they're to be done right. Please understand."

  "James..."

  Kissing Madison a second time, James infuses more passion into his kiss. He uses both hands to hold Madison's face stationary. She closes her eyes, wishing the strong detective would take her up into his arms already.

  "Wait for me, Madison," James whispered. "I have to be sure."

  "Sure of what? Me...Or Aquarius?" Madison says with a weary sigh.

  "Everything," James says.

  "Oh, James. I can't..."

  James pulls Madison into yet another fierce kiss.