Sisterhood

[JACK ROCCOGRANDI]

Well, it was finally happening. Jack was meeting Rebecca’s little sister. For months he had waited for an invitation to meet her, but Rebecca was taking her time getting to know Sophie before she introduced the girl to anyone. Even while Sophie had been in town for a month working on a piece for the magazine she wrote for, Jack didn’t get the opportunity to meet her. He encouraged Rebecca to meet up with her, though. Since they lived together now, he got to see her all the time. When Sophie left, she would call every Sunday if only to talk to Rebecca for a little while. It was good to hear Rebecca laughing and talking on the phone. She owed it to herself to open up to more people and he was happy she got to do with her long lost sister. From what he understood, Sophie was bubbly and outgoing, quite the opposite from her sister. Jack was really looking forward to seeing them together. And for once, he thought Rebecca might be looking forward to it too.

The two of them stood hand-in-hand outside their relatively new apartment building. It took a few weeks to get used to, but Jack and Rebecca had made a good home together. No, it wasn’t spotless and it didn’t look like a page out of a magazine, yet it was still stylish and well-kept. They had Maxi to thank for the stylish part—she had assisted them in picking out some of the larger design elements in their home and seemed to take great joy in doing so. She had a knack for finding things that suited both of them. Jack and Rebecca had cleaned it top to bottom just the day before, so it looked even better than it usually did.

Still, Rebecca was on edge as they stood outside of the apartment building and Jack swung her hand playfully to get her attention. “You okay?” he asked, studying her face for any hint that she might be misleading him. She insisted she was fine and again when he gave her a suspicious look. He knew what was wrong. It was those walls again. No matter how hard he tried, they would never completely fall away. She was worried something would go wrong, that by uniting these two separate aspects of her life she would be inviting something to go terribly wrong. Jack knew her well enough to know what she was thinking. He dropped her hand and wrapped his arm around her shoulder instead, bringing her head of dark hair closer so he could kiss the top of it. “It’s going to be fine, Becks.” His breath brushed over her hair as he spoke before he loosened his tight hold around her neck to smile down at her. “Stop envisioning disaster. One of these days you might make it happen.” He grinned at his tease, admiring her pretty face when he saw movement from the corner of his eye. There was a girl who could have only been Rebecca’s sister coming their way. “I bet I know who this is.”

[SOPHIE BEASLEY]

Sophie had been waiting to meet her sister’s boyfriend for months. She was so excited to finally meet him! Though she asked about him often and Rebecca had told her about him plenty, she couldn’t really formulate an opinion of Jack until she met him. She hadn’t had the opportunity when she was in Scriptor Bay the last time. A month went by quickly when you were juggling time with your sister, your work, and a new boy toy. Well, Owen was a little more than that. She actually really liked him and had kept in touch since she’d gone back to California. In fact, this trip coincided with his since he was once again helping Migaldi on plans for the new mall. She wouldn’t get to see him until the next day, but it was a great trip for reunions and new meetings! And the most important part of the trip was her big sister!

She arrived in Scriptor Bay the night before, wanted to be well rested when she saw her sister’s apartment for the first time. Rebecca had offered to let her stay with them, but knowing her plans to see Owen while she was in town, she insisted on getting a hotel room. The last thing she needed was to come in and out of her sister’s apartment in the wee hours of the morning when she was still trying to make a good impression on her. They may have talked every week since they’d met, but the last thing Sophie wanted was for judgment to spoil the budding relationship between her and her sister. Besides, she didn’t want to put her out! Rebecca wasn’t exactly a social person and having Sophie around all the time would be exhausting for her. But Sophie would certainly take every opportunity to spend time with her sister while she was in town.

Pulling up to the building her GPS guided her too, Sophie was impressed by the complex her sister lived in. It was nice! And in a cute neighborhood too! It looked like a pretty new building, so she had no doubt that Rebecca had a nice cozy place here. And then she spotted her sister wrapped beneath the arm of a very big man. The guy was a giant! A really hot giant! She suddenly had a smug respect for her sister’s taste in men. Sophie practically fell out of the car, her presence lost on the smiling couple. That was until Jack turned his head in her direction. “I bet I know who that is.” Sophie was already grinning from ear to ear as she quickly jogged the rest of the way to Rebecca and threw her arms around her sister. “Becca!” she cheered enthusiastically, hugging tight around her shoulders. It was obvious she’d caught the woman off guard, but she hesitantly returned the hug and Sophie squeezed a little tighter. When she released her sister, she bounced a little onto her toes excitedly. “I’m so happy to see you again! I really need to move closer.” She turned her smile expectantly to Jack and Rebecca provided an introduction. He held out his hand with a lopsided, warm smile. “It’s nice to finally meet you, Sophie.” She scoffed at his hand and threw her arms out with a huge grin. “Likewise! But you can give me a hug! We’re practically family anyway.” He gave a soft, rumbling chuckle before leaning down and giving her a friendly hug of greeting. Just that brief hug told her he was solid as a rock! Then again, he was a cop. When they pulled apart, she grinned over at Rebecca. “You didn’t say you were dating Adonis!” She turned back to Jack and gave him a suspicious look. “Is Jack your code name?” He laughed and scratched the back of his neck, obviously embarrassed. Hot and humble! Her sister was one lucky lady!

[REBECCA TAYLOR]

The week leading up to Sophie's visit was a tense one. Rebecca kept thinking she should tidy up, but her anxiety kept making her push it off. Jack knew something was up though she kept telling him the contrary. She was freaking out internally. What if they didn't get along? What if they did? What if Jack realized what he could have, what she could have been? Would he like Sophie more? She looked like Rebecca, maybe even sounded a little like her, but was just happier and peppier and Rebecca would wager much more sexual. Would he leave her for her sister? Of course she would never voice those concerns out loud. Jack would immediately try to lay them to rest, but she didn't want him to dismiss them so quickly, so easily assure he would never do that and then turn around and actually do it. It would be easier if he made no promises. Still, it weighed heavily on her mind.

The night before Sophie's visit Rebecca finally broke down and cleaned. She'd never been great at cleaning things up, but fortunately Jack was a pro. Their home was pretty nice. Much nicer than the one she'd kept by herself. This actually had matching furniture, color and odds and ends that held sentimental value. It still freaked her out a bit when he shifted into a wolf, but he kindly stayed in the living room on the nights of the full moon. She wasn't exactly keen on sharing her bed with a two hundred something pound dog.

Jack seemed excited to meet Sophie, and though she did her best to pretend like she was equally stoked, it was obvious she was nervous. Jack was capable of reading her like a book too, not that she was ever that good at hiding her feelings. She wore her heart on her sleeve despite her desperate attempts to keep it locked away from the world. Jack always knew her fears and was quick to try and lay them to rest. His hand was in hers as they stood outside waiting for Sophie, Rebecca's eyes distant as she gazed at nothing, sad thoughts slipping in and out of her mind. He swung her hand and she looked up at him, deep blue eyes admitting far more than her mouth ever would. “You okay?” She forced a small smile and nodded. "Never better." She told him unconvincingly. He dropped her hand and put his arm around her shoulder. Though it pissed her off that he knew, she was grateful that he was trying to comfort her, even if he was part of the cause of her anxiety. “It’s going to be fine, Becks.” she frowned into the distance, hating how he could read her so easily. "I'm fine, Jack." She insisted again, not sounding all that fine as she spoke. She could hear the smile in his voice when he spoke up again. “Stop envisioning disaster. One of these days you might make it happen.” Her stomach clenched. How could he possibly know this wouldn't end in disaster? She finally had everything; a caring partner, an attractive one ta that, and family. Actual family! Things, for once, were starting to look up for her. Something terrible was bound to happen. They had a habit of doing that to her. Lose birth family, get adopted. Lose adopted family, homeless again. Get a boyfriend who's head over heels and find long lost sister? The pattern told her that they would fall in love and run off together. It was the most logical outcome!

“I bet I know who this is.” She had been so lost in thought she hadn't even seen Sophie coming. Her heart suddenly began to pound, panic filling it. What would happen? Was she about to lose it all? “Becca!” She pushed on a smile because she was supposed to, and hugged the ever energetic Sophie as she leaped at her. "Hey, you made it!" She was trying to sound chipper, enthusiastic even, but it came out sounding almost apathetic. “I’m so happy to see you again! I really need to move closer.” She smiled but in reality that was what Rebecca feared most all of a sudden. Sophie's eyes pulled away from her and landed on Jack, who was looking extremely handsome these days with his short haircut and manicured facial hair. “It’s nice to finally meet you, Sophie.” “Likewise! But you can give me a hug! We’re practically family anyway.” Rebecca watched them hug and felt a pang of jealousy clutch her heart. She reminded herself they were just being friendly for her sake. That was her sister, and her boyfriend.. they would need to get along. They had to since they were practically family.. like Sophie said.. Somehow this didn't ease her mind as much as it should have.

“You didn’t say you were dating Adonis!” Though it was a compliment, Rebecca once again felt that little pang in her chest. She knew how attractive Jack was! She'd told Sophie he was. “Is Jack your code name?” Rebecca's pale eyes moved to her boyfriend, seeing how shy he seemed by her compliment. Good. He should be humbled. Maybe she should be complimenting him more.. Was that what he wanted? Maybe she was holding him back.. She knew she had to snap out of this. She couldn't be moody the whole time Sophie was here, even if she was terrified the girl was about to rip her life apart. "Uhh, yeah he's, well, yah know.. a cop so.." She rambled, her brow furrowing slightly at how stupid she must be sounding. "It's chilly out here. Isn't it?" She cleared her throat, folding her arms to her chest and moving to go back into the complex, holding the door open for the other two. Sophie bounced on in and Jack gave her a curious look as he walked past. She shifted her eyes down, not wanting him to try and guess at her discomfort. "How was your trip? Is the hotel nice?" Rebecca asked, trying to catch up with Sophie so she could lead the way to hers and Jack's place. How long would they get to live there together, she wondered?

[JACK ROCCOGRANDI]

“You didn’t say you were dating Adonis!” Jack laughed and scratched the back of his head, embarrassed by Sophie’s harmless compliment. She gave him a charming and suspicious look. “Is Jack your code name?” He laughed again as his ears began to turn red. Of course it embarrassed him—a pretty girl was calling him attractive! Not that she was prettier than Rebecca. Rebecca would always be the most beautiful woman to him. Sophie seemed endlessly amused by his bashfulness, but when he looked at Rebecca, she had a defeated sort of smile on her face. “Uhh, yeah he’s, well, yah know…a cop so…” The lame excuse made Jack grin, finding her discomfort oddly adorable. He couldn’t tell if she was jealous or just didn’t know how to compliment him in front of other people. It was probably more the latter than anything else. He felt the urge to wrap an arm around her shoulders but she spoke before he could. “It’s chilly out here. Isn’t it?” Before anyone could say anything, she was making her way into the building. His grin faded then. Was she okay? She was folding into herself like she did when she was uncomfortable. He’d been afraid she would get like this, but was resolved to turn it around if he could. “I’m so excited to see your place! I’ve been wondering what it looks like the whole way up here!” Jack chuckled. “It’s nothing exciting, trust me.” Sophie smiled back at him and Rebecca held the door as Sophie bounced into the building. As he passed, Jack furrowed his brow at her, silently inquiring if she was okay. Rebecca just turned her eyes down, which worried Jack further. Had he done something wrong?

“How was your trip? Is the hotel nice?” Sophie was excited to tell about the long but pleasant drive from L.A. The hotel apparently wasn’t as nice as the last one she stayed in, but it was cute and comfortable. Jack and Rebecca listened with quiet interest, the lone male noticing the difference between the two women with just the way Sophie talked. She could talk for hours, it seemed! And she was quite the ball of energy, her face showing every emotion enthusiastically. It was very clear that Sophie wore her heart on her sleeve and didn’t mind it one bit. While Jack silently admired that quality in her, he vastly preferred Rebecca’s guarded nature. It made knowing her and figuring out her emotions that much more meaningful.

When they reached the door, Jack opened it and allowed the sisters in before him. Sophie wandered right in without hesitating, taking in her new surroundings and nodding her head. But as Rebecca passed, Jack caught her wrist in a gentle grip and leaned down to plant a quick, silent kiss on her pale cheek. He hoped it would cheer her up and he grinned down at her before closing the door behind them. “Welcome to our humble abode, Sophie.” The younger woman turned with a wide smile. “This is great! It’s so cozy and homey! And I love the leather furniture. Is it new?” Jack nodded as he walked out into the living area just behind Rebecca. “Yeah and we have Becca’s best friend to thank for some of the stylistic decisions. Becks and I were kind of at a loss for what to get.” He smiled down at Rebecca with amusement. She’d been the most flustered by the whole process and the first to suggest Maxi’s help. He hoped she would cheer up some once they started to get comfortable.

[SOPHIE BEASLEY]

Sophie adored Jack already. He was so bashful and sweet! Not that she’d ever move in on her sister’s territory, though—she was a player, but she wasn’t a homewrecker. But she couldn’t deny that her sister was one lucky lady! She didn’t seem too thrilled at being reminded of it though and her awkward response to Sophie’s compliments to Jack made Sophie worried she’d stepped over a line. Hopefully she hadn’t pissed Becca off! When Becca headed into the building, Sophie followed with a bounce in her step despite her worry. “I’m so excited to see your place! I’ve been wondering what it looks like the whole way up here!” Jack chuckled and she smiled back at him. “It’s nothing exciting, trust me.” She waved his comment off as if to assure him he was downplaying it. It was exciting because it belonged to her elusive sister! “How was your trip? Is the hotel nice?” Sophie jumped on the question, thrilled her sister wasn’t refusing to talk to her. “Oh, it was great! Well, it’s a really long drive from L.A., obviously, but it wasn’t too bad! There wasn’t much traffic and I even got to take in some scenery along the coast and up through wine country. Most of the drive I was just rocking out to my music and singing along. It was pretty relaxing.” She nodded as she grinned, stepping off the elevator with Becca and Jack. “And the hotel is great! It’s not as nice as the last hotel I stayed at. The Remington, I think?” When Becca confirmed, she nodded again enthusiastically. “Yeah, that was a gorgeous hotel. But In Style was paying for it then, so I went with a less expensive option this time. It’s still a beautiful place though! It looks out over the bay and it’s very cute and cozy. A nice vacation spot if you ask me!” They stopped at a door and Jack began to open it for her and her sister. This was it!

Leading the way into the apartment, Sophie immediately began looking around the living area and smiling wide at the sweet space. It was so like them! There wasn’t a lot on the walls, but there was enough to say it was decorated and tastefully so. On the shelves were pictures and figurines, but again, not a lot. Just enough to give personality. Very classy and nice! It was cozy too with a few things out of order here and there—just enough that it had a lived-in look. Sophie adored it. “Welcome to our humble abode, Sophie.” She grinned wide and turned to see her sister and Jack approaching. “This is great! It’s so cozy and homey! And I love the leather furniture. Is it new?” It sure looked new. That or it was very well taken care of. “Yeah and we have Becca’s best friend to thank for some of the stylistic decisions. Becks and I were kind of at a loss for what to get.” There was a slight pang in Sophie’s chest. She could have helped them pick out furniture and decorations. She worked for a style magazine, after all. Then again, she knew she didn’t know them well enough yet to know what they would like. That made her a little sad. She hoped one day she would be able to help with a home design project for them. In fact, she was going to make it her mission to know her sister well enough to shop for her.

“Well she did a great job! I think this place is very you. Well, both of you. From what I know.” She gave a big smile before wandering further in. She could see the kitchen and the fancy appliances. “Wow, look at all of these nice appliances! This stuff looks brand new!” “The apartment itself is pretty new. I think it’s only a couple years old. Not old enough for ghosts, anyway.” Sophie laughed, turning back to them once more. “You never know! They can crop up anywhere if you really believe.” Jack shook his head. “Good thing we don’t.” She giggled again, leaning back against the wall. “With all these fancy appliances, who does most of the cooking? I bet you’re a secret wiz kid in the kitchen, Becca.” A big playful grin lit up her face. She was sure it was Jack, but she wanted to invite Becca into the conversation. This was more about her than it was about Jack! She was starving for more information on her sister and she was determined to get it.

[REBECCA TAYLOR]

“Oh, it was great! Well, it’s a really long drive from L.A., obviously, but..." Rebecca tried to listen to her sister babble on and one. She was certainly good at talking, and Rebecca wondered had things been different would she be more like Sophie? Probably not. Even when she had a nice, simple life with her family she wasn't much of a chatterbox. Actually, it had been very easy for her to slip in with the bad crowd, doing stupid things that could have easily killed her. In the same situation, Rebecca imagined Sophie would have come out much better than she had. Which parent did she favor? Was her mother bubbly like Sophie? She imagined her father was more solemn like herself. It was definitely a masculine trait.

"It’s not as nice as the last hotel I stayed at. The Remington, I think?” She gave a little "Mhm." In agreement, nodding to Sophie as she continued going on about The Remington and JAck fiddled with the door. Finally her boyfriend pushed the solid piece of wood open and Sophie made her way inside, her eyes briefly meeting Jack's as he grabbed her wrist. She felt her cheeks turn rosy and hot, wondering if he knew how petrified she was that Jack would realize he'd picked the wrong sister. “Welcome to our humble abode, Sophie.” He said before pulling her close enough to plant a small peck on her lips, a silent reminder to stay calm, that it was alright. How did he know her so well?

She went into the apartment after her sister, an though Rebecca felt antsy for a reaction, Jack seemed comfortable. Sophie turned to them gushing. “This is great! It’s so cozy and homey! And I love the leather furniture. Is it new?” Was it obvious? The leather hadn't been her idea. Actually, very little in their home had been her idea. Decorating had never been her strong suit. “Yeah and we have Becca’s best friend to thank for some of the stylistic decisions. Becks and I were kind of at a loss for what to get.” "I didn't get those genes I guess." She teased lightly, wondering if Jack would have preferred for her to have had those decorating genes. She looked back up to him, studying his behavior as she would a suspect in an investigation. She needed to know all the things he liked, all the things he wanted. She knew she had to try harder if she wanted to keep him, especially now. “Well she did a great job! I think this place is very you. Well, both of you. From what I know.” Sophie smiled wide and Rebecca returned it as naturally as she could. “Wow, look at all of these nice appliances! This stuff looks brand new!” “The apartment itself is pretty new. I think it’s only a couple years old. Not old enough for ghosts, anyway.” “You never know! They can crop up anywhere if you really believe.” “Good thing we don’t.” Rebecca had nothing to add. She wished she could think of something funny or clever, but she just couldn't, lost in watching them interact so casually as if they'd been doing it forever. She suddenly felt like the third wheel in her own home surrounded by her boyfriend and sister.

“With all these fancy appliances, who does most of the cooking? I bet you’re a secret wiz kid in the kitchen, Becca.” Her snort was an amused one. "Yeah, okay." She laughed, shaking her head. "I can make a handful of things, but Jack's the cook." She looked to her boyfriend who did most of the domestic things. She was getting better, though. Rebecca wasn't a dirty person by a long shot, but she wasn't neat and tidy either. With Jack's help she was getting better, but he picked up most of the household chores. "That's his domain. He's a much better bachelor than me." It suddenly struck her that she should be being more hospitable. "Uhh, do you want something to drink? We have water and soda, umm, there's some beer and wine.." She moved quickly to the fridge pulling it open, liking the idea of a beer herself to try and relax a little. She took everyone's drink orders and filled glasses before nodding towards the couches. "We could sit.." She offered, thinking it weird they were just standing around. "Or.. you could get the tour if you want?" She looked at her sister before glancing a little sheepishly at Jack. Was she doing this right?

[JACK ROCCOGRANDI]

“With all these fancy appliances, who does most of the cooking? I bet you’re a secret wiz kid in the kitchen, Becca.” Jack grinned as he looked down at Rebecca who snorted and laughed at Sophie’s statement. Sophie herself grinned wider, cocking her head to the side. “Yeah, okay. I can make a handful of things, but Jack’s the cook.” Her eyes came to him and Jack shrugged his shoulders. “It’s true. I like to cook and she likes my cooking. So it’s a good deal.” Sophie giggled a little. In fact, Jack did most of the domestic things, yet he never minded it. He didn’t get hung up on gender roles or any nonsense like that—he just liked to take care of Rebecca and their home. “That’s his domain. He’s a much better bachelor than me.” Both Sophie and Jack laughed, and he added a mental wish that it wouldn’t be that way for long. Someday he had every intention of asking Rebecca to make this a permanent arrangement.

“Uhh, do you want something to drink? We have water and soda, umm, there’s some beer and wine…” Sophie gladly accepted the offer, piping that she’d love a beer. It was mid-afternoon and Jack thought it was far from too early for it. “I’ll have a beer, too.” Rebecca gladly filled glasses with beer and Jack smiled warmly as he watched her play hostess. He swooped in and grabbed his own glass while she grabbed Sophie’s and handed it to her. “Thanks, babe,” he said softly before Rebecca nodded towards the couches. “We could sit…Or…you could get the tour if you want?” He swept his eyes to Sophie, his brow raised a little with his silent inquiry as to what she wanted to do. It didn’t take long for Sophie to jump on the opportunity of a tour, which made Jack smile. “Well, I’m sure you two can handle that on your own. I’ll get some snacks in a bowl.” His eyes went to Rebecca who looked nervous. He gave a wide, warm smile, silently reassuring her that she could handle this.

As the girls walked off, Jack went into the kitchen and pulled a bowl down to dump Chex Mix into. He was sure Sophie wouldn’t mind if there were no snacks, but it was the polite thing to do. Besides, she seemed the type that could always enjoy something to eat. It was nice to hear her cheerful voice paired with Rebecca’s soft tones as they meandered through the small rooms. He didn’t eavesdrop in case Sophie was asking some personal questions, but just the sound of Rebecca having a conversation with someone besides him and Maxi was good to hear. She was so closed off and Jack often worried that she was lonely and would get tired of his presence overbearing her all the time. That’s what had ended his previous relationships—he was too hands on, he supposed. The women he dated always got bored with him too quickly and moved on. He didn’t want it to be the same with Rebecca. He’d already pushed his way into her life in so many other ways, he wanted her to feel she could separate herself somewhat and he would still be there when she came back to him. Unlike the women before her, he wanted her to feel she could have “girl time” or “me time” without him getting upset over it. Not that it was a legitimate excuse with the other women—they just clung to that instead of simply saying they were bored and wanted something new. But he couldn’t help but worry that it might be the same with Rebecca. Maybe if she had more people in her life, she wouldn’t get as bored with him. And who better to come into her life now than a sister? It was good for everyone in this situation for Rebecca and Sophie to get closer.

[SOPHIE BEASLEY]

Becca and Jack were so cute. Sophie could tell just from the way Jack smiled at her that he was head over heels in love with Sophie’s sister. And he took such good care of her from the way Becca talked about his cooking and being a better “bachelor.” Sophie laughed and secretly hoped that one day she would find someone who would dote on her as much as Jack doted on Becca. Maybe she and Owen could have something like that… "Uhh, do you want something to drink? We have water and soda, umm, there's some beer and wine…” Becca moved to the fridge and Sophie nodded. “Oh! Yeah, a beer sounds great!” Jack agreed and Becca poured them all a glass of beer. The older girl brought her one of the glasses and she beamed. “Thanks, sis!” she chimed while Jack gave a softer word of thanks. Sophie immediately sipped her beer, looking towards the couches when Becca nodded. “We could sit…Or…you could get the tour if you want?” Sophie grinned wide and nodded enthusiastically. “I’d love a tour!” “Well, I’m sure you two can handle that on your own. I’ll get some snacks in a bowl.” She didn’t even notice the nervous look Becca gave her boyfriend. Instead, she simply moved to the coffee table and set her glass on a coaster before sidling up to Becca again.

Her sister took her around the apartment and Sophie gladly took her chance to peek in all of the rooms. It was so tastefully done! The style was very simple with a lot of dark wood, but it looked nice with the light walls. In the den there were two desks and two computers as well as a bookshelf. There were a lot of textbooks on the lower shelves, all pertaining to criminal justice or history, so she assumed they were college texts. The rest of the bookshelf was lined with the mark of their individual interests and Sophie made mental notes of the titles she could see. On the shelves were also a few family photos—one of Jack and she assumed his family as well as Becca with who she assumed was her adopted family. Without thinking, Sophie walked into the room and inspected the photo closer. They all looked so happy. Becca had talked about them and what happened to them, but it was nice to put faces to names. Her parents and her brother Sam…the smile Becca wore was so much brighter. It made her sad. She wished she could have known Becca when they were younger before her smile had dimmed. When she turned again, she saw Becca looking slightly uncomfortable in the doorway. “I’m sorry, I just…I couldn’t help myself. They look like they were such nice people.” Becca said they were, but remained awkwardly tight-lipped. “Later I’ll show you pictures of my parents. Then we can be even.” She gave a bright hopeful smile and was relieved to have Becca smile back.

Sophie followed Becca into the bedroom and she was grateful for a glimpse into the most personal space in anyone’s home. The colors were neutral—deep blues and subtle grays that matched well with the deep mahogany of their bed frame and headboard. The nightstands matched and each had a book on it and phone chargers plugged into the wall next to them. The dresser was big and plain white, but it went with the rest of the room. There was a painting of a forest done in oils and Sophie admired it for a moment. They had good taste! It also seemed to suit Jack—he seemed like such an outdoorsy guy. She smiled at Becca. “This place is awesome! Thanks for showing it to me! It’s really cool to get a glimpse into your life. You’re still such a mystery to me.” She gave a soft, almost nervous laugh, tucking her long dark hair behind her ears. “And just so you know, I think you and Jack are such a cute couple. You seem to go so well together! I’d be really lucky to find somebody who fit me so well. A girl can dream, right?” Owen popped into her mind again, but she did her best to brush him away again. It wasn’t a good idea to get her hopes up.

[REBECCA TAYLOR]

“I’d love a tour!” Had she been less accustomed to Sophie's enthusiasm she might have been a little taken back by how excited she seemed to see their small home. It was nothing special, but Sophie seemed more than a little enthusiastic about checking it all out. Rebecca knew it was because Sophie loved fashion and was a writer and was overly curious about who her sister was, but it still was so strange that anyone would be that interested in her life. “Well, I’m sure you two can handle that on your own. I’ll get some snacks in a bowl.” He wasn't coming? Jack was her security blanket. Why wouldn't he go on the tour? Most of the stuff he picked out or came from his place, he would be much better at answering the questions Sophie shot out. Then again maybe it was better to keep them separated. Unless Jack needed time to not look at Sophie because he was interested.. Rebecca silently scolded herself for thinking that way, knowing that probably wasn't the reason. He was backing off and giving her space to be with her sister, but in the back of her mind it was still there; that irrational thought that it was only a matter of time before Jack realized what he could have had.

Rebecca started in the den, explaining very briefly what they did in there even though it was obvious with the computers. "That's where I found you." She pointed to the computer with a shy sort of smile. Sophie moved through the room almost scrupulously, as if she wanted to take every tiny detail in. She stopped at the bookshelf and Rebecca zoned in on the picture she had of her with her family. It had been taken a few months before the murders and it was the only one she had of the four of them. Her right hand came to her left arm, rubbing it anxiously as she watched the back of her sisters head hesitate there, in front of the picture. She wondered how much they looked alike at that age.. Finally Sophie turned, her face apologetic. “I’m sorry, I just…I couldn’t help myself. They look like they were such nice people.” Her heart ached as it always did when she thought of her family. She often mourned the loss of both them and her innocence. She gave a little shrug, sniffing and looking at her feet. "They were." She assured softly, not sure what else to say on the subject. It wasn't the kind of trip where she wanted to hash out details of her family. It would only make this day more difficult than it already was. “Later I’ll show you pictures of my parents. Then we can be even.” Rebecca looked back up and gave a small smile before nodding. "Sounds like a plan." Her voice was soft and even, showing she wasn't upset, just that the subject was a touchy one she wasn't willing to touch on at the moment.

The girls moved on down the hall and Rebecca pushed through the doorway of their bedroom. "And this is our room." She explained, thinking it weird to show the room she shared with another person, a man more specifically. It was such a personal thing. Everyone knew what she did in that bed with Jack.. it felt strange to know others knew such an intimate detail about them, even though it was obvious. Sophie looked around a bit before smiling back at Rebecca. “This place is awesome! Thanks for showing it to me! It’s really cool to get a glimpse into your life. You’re still such a mystery to me.” For a moment Sophie seemed almost as nervous as she did. Was she uncomfortable there? Was Rebecca being an okay hostess? "Oh, uh.. it's not problem." She assured with the best smile she could muster up. “And just so you know, I think you and Jack are such a cute couple. You seem to go so well together! I’d be really lucky to find somebody who fit me so well. A girl can dream, right?” The comment made her blush and shift a little uneasily. Was it genuine? Sophie's words left her confused and unsure of a hidden meaning. Was she saying she liked Jack for herself? "I'm sure you will." She assured her sister, attempting to be encouraging. She'd had similar conversations with Maxi, though usually Maxi wasn't going on about how wonderful Rebecca's partner was, too. "You're pretty likable. I can't imagine you have a hard time finding anyone." As long as that anyone wasn't Jack.

The girls moved back towards the living room, Sophie going on about the men she typically found and mentioning one guy in particular she was currently into. It wasn't the first time Rebecca had heard the name Owen, and she was glad that Sophie at least had someone she was chasing, which would make things difficult if Jack really did decide he liked Sophie more. At least she wouldn't be obtainable. When they got into the room, Jack was sitting on the couch, their beers magically moved to the coffee table along with a bowl of chex mix. Rebecca silently chastised herself for not thinking of getting better snacks. Why hadn't Jack thought to do that? He was much more used to company than she was, what with his sisters and friends.. Was the chex mix enough? "So that's basically the tour. There's a bathroom across from the den, but you can see that when you need to go. Not a whole lot to the place." She shrugged, taking a seat close to Jack, but not directly next to him. "Not as exciting as your place." As if she needed to say that. Obviously their home wouldn't be as exciting as her sisters, whose home had a lot more color and excitement to it. She looked at Jack, wishing she knew what to say next, but these sort of things were not her strong suit. "Did I tell you that Sophie plays piano?" She asked, hoping that wouldn't excite him too much, but wanted to start the conversation off a bit. She knew she'd told him that, probably a couple times, but thought maybe he could start talking and maybe save her from making too much of an ass of herself.

[SOPHIE BEASLEY]

“I’m sure you will. You’re pretty likeable. I can’t imagine you have a hard time finding anyone.” Well, at least her sister thought she was likeable! Sophie shrugged and looked down at the carpet as they made their way back out to the living room. “Most of the guys I find are around for a good time. I’ve never lasted more than six months with any guy. I just get bored after a while, you know? It just never really fits to where I say, ‘Oh! Maybe this is what I’ve been looking for!’ I’ve kind of been considering that with this guy I’ve been seeing. You know, Owen, the guy I was telling you about on the phone. I dunno, it just feels…different with him somehow. It’s hard to explain. But you know, I don’t like getting my hopes up. I break hearts, I don’t like it when others break mine.” She giggled a little, making the statement sound playful, but it was the truth. That was part of the reason she ran from relationships so quickly—she was afraid of the pain it caused. She’d had a good, sheltered life and she wasn’t used to the pangs in her chest when she was let down. If she could avoid them, she would. She hadn’t failed to notice her sister had the same cautious tendency only hers had developed from an overabundance of pain. Sophie wished she could take all of that away for only living blood.

They found their way back into the living room, Jack waiting patiently with a smile on the couch. Sophie grinned brightly at him, noticing the Chex Mix he had on the table. She loved Chex Mix! “So that’s basically the tour. There’s a bathroom across from the den, but you can see that when you need to go. Not a whole lot to the place.” Sophie giggled and shook her head. “There’s plenty to it! It’s a really nice home.” Becca took her seat next to Jack but not really touching him. She definitely wasn’t comfortable with being affectionate around others, even her little sister. Sophie couldn’t blame her—they were still getting to know each other! “Not as exciting as your place.” She puffed a scoff and waved her hand, flattered that Becca would find her place exciting but not agreeing. “I don’t think cluttered and visibly loud counts as exciting.” Jack laughed before sipping his beer. Sophie did the same before grabbing a handful of Chex Mix.

“Did I tell you Sophie plays piano?” Jack’s eyebrows rose and he shook his head. “No, I didn’t know that.” He smiled at Sophie with interest that didn’t look even a little fake. She beamed and nodded. “Yep! I play at a couple jazz and blues clubs on the weekends. You guys should come to LA sometime and see me play! I’m not going to lie, I’m pretty good.” She playfully brushed her shoulders with the hand not full of Chex Mix which made Jack chuckle. “Fashion magazine journalist and piano player. Anything else to add to your list of hobbies?” She grinned. “Well, I build computers too. I’m kind of ADD.” Jack looked impressed. “Wow, that’s quite a skill! Wouldn’t that make you more money than writing?” She shrugged. “Probably, but I still make money off of repairing computers and such. I just couldn’t be stuck in a closet fiddling with parts all day. I need to be free!” Flinging her arms out to either side of her dramatically, she kept a firm grip on her snacks. Jack laughed and she grinned at him and Becca. There was a strained smile on her face and she wasn’t quite sure why. Maybe she was being a little too weird for her sister. She calmed then, shrugging a shoulder. “And I love soccer. If I had more time I would join an adult league. I played it all through childhood and middle school and high school, even into college. I could have been a professional, but I decided it just wasn’t the path I wanted. So now I’m dating a guy whose brother is a pro soccer player.” She giggled before pointing. “And no, that’s not why I started dating him. It was just a happy coincidence.” Jack chuckled again and Becca seemed amused too, but she didn’t show it too much. Sophie wondered if her presence really made Becca so nervous.

[JACK ROCCOGRANDI]

Jack really liked Sophie. She was a trip! And all over the place with her accomplishments! He’d never met someone quite so scatterbrained. Well…there was one person. He grinned and nodded at Sophie, grabbing a handful of Chex Mix too. “You remind me a lot of my younger sister.” Sophie looked intrigued and cocked her head to the side. “Oh yeah? What’s her name? What’s she like? Is she a lot younger than you?” He chuckled and shook his head. “Even the way questions are a steady stream out of your mouth is like her.” Sophie giggled and he saw a smile on Becca’s face. “Her name is Andy. She’s very bubbly—I swear she never runs out of energy. She’s super smart but there are times when you wouldn’t know it with how clumsy and out of touch she can be. It’s like she lives in her own happy bubble. Not that you do the same.” Sophie laughed and nodded her head. “There have been some that have accused me of it!” He beamed and knew then that Andy and Sophie would get along like peas and carrots. “She’s five years younger than me. Right now she’s getting antsy in Portland. She’s a tax lawyer—not something you would expect from someone like her.” Sophie looked horrified all of a sudden and Jack laughed. “Yeah, exactly. But for some reason she loves it. I think it’s the attention to detail that it requires. She can get lost in her work so easily and she loves that. I just don’t know where she’ll go next. I wouldn’t be surprised if she hopped on a plane and just traveled for a while.” “Are you two close?” Jack nodded. “Both of my sisters and I are very close. But I know Izzy isn’t going anywhere. She’s the youngest, but she has a five month old son and a husband who keep her grounded in Portland. So far she’s the only one of us that’s delivered my mom and grandchild to dote on.” He grinned and glanced at Rebecca who was smiling too, but she seemed nervous. Maybe that was because he made it sound like they were the next in line to have a baby.

“That’s so sweet that you’re so close to your sisters. Maybe someday Becca and I will be that close!” She grinned at Rebecca, who smiled back even as her cheeks were flushing. Jack smiled warmly, running his hand over her back briefly as if silently reassuring her. She gave a response that made Sophie happy from the way she smiled. “So when are you going to bring this beau of yours around?” he teased Sophie gently. To his surprise she colored a little bit and actually looked a little embarrassed as she tucked a long strand of dark hair behind her ear. Her laugh was breathy and uncertain. “I don’t know about that. We only recently started dating. Plus he lives in Fresno, so we can’t see each other as often as we’d like. But I’m hopeful. I’ve actually started to look for jobs in that area.” The way she said made Jack certain that she hadn’t told many people that. Obviously this guy was special. Jack gave a warm smile. “Well I really hope that works out for you. I’m sure he must be something else if he can make you blush.” Sophie colored more and laughed, nodding her head. “I think so.” Jack grinned at Rebecca and put his hand on her knee. “Yeah, I think Becks is something else too.” Even if she was uncomfortable, Jack took great pleasure in seeing the way her cheeks flushed.

Sophie was grinning like the Cheshire cat and she leaned forward, obviously about to ask a question that had been weighing on her. “Okay, so I have to know. How did you guys meet? Tell me the story. And don’t leave things out like Becca does.” She wrinkled her nose playfully at her sister and the look Rebecca gave was somewhat exasperated if not amused. Jack grinned. “Well, we were working on a kidnapping case together. She was relatively new to the precinct and I hadn’t seen much of her around the office. So when we were locked into a room together and forced to watch some dull security footage, I was very intrigued by my attractive new partner and took advantage of the opportunity to get to know her. She, on the other hand, was very tight-lipped and so not interested in getting to know me.” Sophie laughed and Rebecca even looked amused. “The girl eventually turned up, but then we were put on another case together involving her best friend. Before long we were regular partners and I think she started to see my irresistible charm in the way I handle victims.” He nodded very matter-of-factly but grinned wide at the exasperated and good-humored eye roll she gave. “A few months went by and I was certain she had no interest whatsoever. I was going to spend the rest of my life pining over a woman who saw me as nothing more than a business partner.” Sophie made a playful sad face, her lip pouting out as she looked between them like they were adorable puppies. “But then she gave me a little sliver of hope and I blurted out all of my feelings for her. And I was right. She didn’t want anything to do with me romantically. At least, that’s what she said.” Now Sophie grinned mischievously and looked at her sister, munching happily on her snacks like she was munching popcorn in a movie. “And what made you change your mind?” she asked, obviously very intrigued by their story. Jack waited for Rebecca to answer, smiling patiently at her and keeping his hand firmly on her knee. He had always been such an insistent fucker when it came to Rebecca.

[REBECCA TAYLOR]

“No, I didn’t know that.” The smiled Jack gave her was kind and excited and Rebecca inwardly winced. Maybe she shouldn't have started a conversation on all the wonderful things Sophie could do, all her amazing talents that Jack seemed impressed with as she picked off her list. Sophie was being her normal exuberant self and the more Jack smiled and laughed along, the more uneasy Rebecca became. Her heart sank a little more with every sincere smile he offered her sister. "..I could have been a professional, but I decided it just wasn’t the path I wanted. So now I’m dating a guy whose brother is a pro soccer player. And no, that’s not why I started dating him. It was just a happy coincidence.” She smiled politely and even gave a small laugh. Maybe this guy would stick, and then Jack wouldn't feel as tempted to stray? She had to remind herself it was silly to assume he would leave her for Sophie, but she'd never had to feel protective of someone she was seeing before. there was never competition, and no one had ever meant as much to her as Jack did. Hell, if he proposed she might even accept at this point. After a good, hearty fight.

“You remind me a lot of my younger sister.” as soon as he said it, she made the connection. Andy. Sophie really was a lot like Andy. He'd peaked her interest and Jack went on to tell her about Andy and how their personalities were very similar, and Rebecca nodded slightly in agreement. The two of them were two peas in a pod, that was for sure. Rebecca liked Jack's sisters well enough, but Andy really had no filter which made her the less favorite of the two. Not that she disliked Andy, but Izzy was a little more controlled and not so eager to pry. “Are you two close?” Jack nodded and Rebecca could practically see the wheels turning in Sophie's head. She wanted to know if she had a shot of closeness with Rebecca, she could tell in the way she asked, the way she looked almost hopefully at Jack as if his answer might hold some weight in their relationship somehow. “Both of my sisters and I are very close. But I know Izzy isn’t going anywhere. She’s the youngest, but she has a five month old son and a husband who keep her grounded in Portland. So far she’s the only one of us that’s delivered my mom and grandchild to dote on.” Grandchildren! Did his mother expect any of those from them? Rebecca wasn't entirely sure she'd even make a good mother. “That’s so sweet that you’re so close to your sisters. Maybe someday Becca and I will be that close!” And there it was. She gave a small smile and felt her cheeks flushing. Sophie was still such a stranger. Thought she'd sought the girl out, it was much more difficult for Rebecca to open up to Sophie than the other way around. She tried.. God did she try, but it just didn't come natural and already she was stepping out of her comfort zone more than she had for anyone else. She wished Sophie could see that.. how close she'd been able to get so quickly to a person who pushes everyone away so fiercely. "I think we're getting there." She reassured, which seemed to please Sophie enough.

“So when are you going to bring this beau of yours around?” The conversation was switched back onto Sophie and Rebecca felt she could relax once more as her sister did what she did best; talk. "..I’ve actually started to look for jobs in that area.” This was news to Rebecca and she raised a brow. Were things getting that serious with Owen? “Well I really hope that works out for you. I’m sure he must be something else if he can make you blush.” “I think so.” Jack's hand fell on her knee and she looked down at it before up at him, seeing the smile on his face. “Yeah, I think Becks is something else too.” Her cheeks flamed and she furrowed her brow at him for publicly doting on her like that. Still, it gave her some amount of relief to hear him openly admit how much he cared in front of Sophie, but surely he didn't need to embarrass her that way! What was worse was the goofy way Sophie smiled at the two of them as if they were the subjects of the gushiest romance movie ever. “Okay, so I have to know. How did you guys meet? Tell me the story. And don’t leave things out like Becca does.” She rolled her eyes and sighed dramatically. "I don't leave stuff out." She explained. "I just don't give unnecessary details." which was basically the whole story according to her. Sophie was already learning how to get the goods she wanted, though. Jack was eager to spill the beans, and he did just that.

She silently listened to him go on about how they'd met and how he'd wormed his way into her life and then heart. "..Before long we were regular partners and I think she started to see my irresistible charm in the way I handle victims.” She offered him an exasperated look and rolled her eyes before muttering a soft "Yeah right." “A few months went by and I was certain she had no interest whatsoever. I was going to spend the rest of my life pining over a woman who saw me as nothing more than a business partner. But then she gave me a little sliver of hope and I blurted out all of my feelings for her. And I was right. She didn’t want anything to do with me romantically. At least, that’s what she said.” She grinned smugly. It was what she'd said and meant at the time. “And what made you change your mind?” The smugness washed away quickly and she felt a small frown appear. Always probing.. She hated being put on the spot like this and she looked to Jack before back to her sister, finally letting her eyes rest on her lap as if afraid to actually look anyone in the eye as she opened up about something so deeply personal even if it did involve the man beside her.

"Jack had to be.. detained. It was for a month or two. He hadn't done anything wrong, but I wasn't able to see him and I wasn't sure if or when he'd be back. It was just after he'd kissed me and I'd shot him down." She gulped, looking at him briefly before back at her knees and shrugging. "When I saw him again I was relieved. Things were crazy, he ended up crashing her and.. I guess I realized he wasn't that bad." She forced a smile to show she was being playful, but it was during that time that she knew how much she liked him, how much she wanted to lean on someone else, him particularly, and she was beginning to grow attached. The rest was sort of history. When she looked at him again her eyes lingered on his. He was so devoted.. so patient.. The thought of losing him terrified her more than anything else in her current life. Other than Maxi, he'd been the only solid, constant thing to happen to her. Her hand crept up just enough to rest on his, her fingers gliding over the hard, rough skin of his knuckles and resting there, a small show of affection. "Besides, I'd never met anyone who was actually willing to put up with my shit, so.." She shrugged, the statement sort of true. She didn't date seriously before Jack, but he was the only one who had successfully stood up to the test of time. "Anyway.. you ready for food? I'm starting to get hungry." Food was always the best distraction during uncomfortable moments.

[JACK ROCCOGRANDI]

Rebecca had been giving Jack a smug smile but he watched as it faded with Sophie’s question. He knew she didn’t like being put on the spot when it came to her personal life. With Sophie, though, he felt maybe she would have to learn to be more open. “Jack had to be…detained. It was for a month or two.” Even Jack wasn’t sure how long he’d been in the camp. Days and nights had blurred into one hopeless march of time where freedom was a memory sorely longed for. The smile had even fallen from his face at the mention of it, his eyes looking to the hand clasped on Rebecca’s knee. “He hadn’t done anything wrong, but I wasn’t able to see him and I wasn’t sure if or when he’d be back. It was just after he’d kissed me and I’d shot him down.” Their eyes met briefly, both remembering the confusion that had consumed them during that uncertain time of separation. “When I saw him again I was relieved. Things were crazy, he ended up crashing and…I guess I realized he wasn’t that bad.” Jack grinned as she smiled, still believing the first night he managed to break down her barriers had been the most triumphant night of his life. Their eyes met again, his warm and gentle as they lingered in the deep sea of her gaze. There were so many emotions that swam in her eyes signifying everything she held back, everything he was privileged to see. Her fingers slid across his hand and he gave a gentle smile at the way it made his heart jump. He could never love any woman the way he loved Rebecca. “Besides, I’d never met anyone who was actually willing to put up with my shit, so…” Again he grinned, mentally noting the amount of shit he was willing to take from her…and it seemed endless. As frustrating as she was, he couldn’t think of anything he wouldn’t forgive her for besides unfaithfulness—and he was certain he’d never have to worry about that from Rebecca.

“Anyway…you ready for food? I’m starting to get hungry.” Jack had almost forgotten their guest, but when he looked back at Sophie, she was giving a sappy grin with her hand rested in her palm. At the mention of food, her eyes grew a little wider and she straightened. “I can always go for some food!”[/i] Jack had to smile at how excited she seemed for food. This girl could probably pack food away like a teenage boy. After a brief squeeze, he took his hand off Rebecca’s knee and got to his feet, taking his beer with him. “I guess this is as good a time as any for lunch. Chicken tacos sound good?” Sophie shook her head. “It’s like you get me.”[/i] Jack laughed before making his way into the kitchen. “It sounds like you and Becks have similar tastes in food.” He grinned over his shoulder before he buried his head in the refrigerator. He already had the chicken defrosting, figuring anything with chicken was a good compromise for even picky carnivorous eaters. While he dug for things to cook and to cook with, he could hear Sophie telling Rebecca how lucky she was to have a guy that could and would cook. Apparently of all the guys she’d dating (he had to wonder what that number was), the ones who liked to cook were always the most attentive. According to her, that was a rare quality in city guys.

Rebecca came over to help cut up vegetables while Jack cut up chicken and Sophie took her place at the breakfast bar with the Chex Mix and her beer. “I feel guilty not helping you guys!”[/b] Jack shook his head and gave her an almost incredulous look. “Don’t worry about it. You’re our guest—we’re supposed to make you feel guilty.” He smiled wide as she laughed again. It really was infectious. A glance at Rebecca made him wonder if she was immune to the charm of Sophie’s laugh, though. Was it worry on her face? It was fleeting, but it didn’t escape Jack’s trained eye. What could she be worried about? There were so many thoughts that swirled around silently in Rebecca’s head and while he knew she wouldn’t talk about it with her sister around, she might be more willing to talk about them when they were alone once again. He certainly hoped so.

[SOPHIE BEASLEY]

Sophie’s stomach was grumbling as she watched Jack and Rebecca preparing their lunch. Good thing she had her Chex Mix! She was really having a good time here! Jack was funny and sweet and Becca was warming up. There were times when she worried she was being too much of a burden on her sister or maybe she was asking too many questions. It was just something she would have to learn how to read with her sister, she supposed. Maybe she just got quiet every now and then? It didn’t seem totally out of character for Becca to do that. And there had been no hiding how deeply Becca was able to feel—the look she had witnessed between Jack and Becca on the couch as they talked about their relationship had told her all she needed to know. They were completely devoted to one another. Perhaps it was the depth of those emotions and probably thoughts that were affecting her today. Sophie was worried and fretful that she was doing something wrong, but didn’t show it outwardly. Instead she tried to comfort herself with reassurances that Becca was just being Becca. But there was something else eating at her. A small but not uncomfortable silence had fallen over the last forty-five seconds and Sophie figured she would spit out her question before things got awkward.

“So…maybe I’m too much of a journalist and don’t know when to stop asking questions. You don’t have to answer me at all, but…well…Becca mentioned a detainment. What were you detained for, Jack?” Both pairs of eyes looked to her and their movements slowed for a minute. Sophie bit her bottom lip, noting how Becca’s eyes darted to Jack’s face. “You don’t have to answer if you want. Like I said, I ask too many questions and don’t know when to stop. Just ignore me if—” Jack smiled and shook his head before she could finish, his hands going back to work gathering up the chicken and turning to place it hissing on the warm skillet. “I don’t mind you asking about it. It’s just natural to be curious when you hear something like that. Especially when it’s a cop being detained.” She let out a soft sigh and smiled again, relaxing somewhat. At least she didn’t offend him! He washed his hands while the chicken began cooking. “In truth, it was more of a quarantine. The city put out this notice to everyone that there was a parasite in the water supply that was potentially very fatal. It was required for all residents to take a blood test and anyone who came up positive on the blood test was detained in a treatment facility.” Sophie’s eyes got big and she leaned forward a little more in fascination. “So you tested positive?” Jack nodded with a grave, lopsided upturn of his lips. “That must have been so scary!” she exclaimed, looking between the two with complete interest. “I’m surprised I didn’t hear about all of this going on!” Jack nodded again, this time side to side. “At the time I thought this was going to spread everywhere. It couldn’t have been just our city affected, right? But apparently we were. Not only that, but the test wasn’t very effective and their facilities were…not up to code, shall we say? When it got out that the test hadn’t been reliable and we had all been quarantined pretty much for no reason, we all rioted and busted out of the camp with some help from our supporters on the outside.” Sophie was definitely intrigued by the heroism inherent in a riot, but she was more intrigued as she looked at Becca. “But how were the families notified? And how did everyone find out that the test wasn’t effective? Did you know anyone else who ended up in the facilities? Were you worried?” Stopping to take a breath, she slumped down on the counter with a marveled smile. “I just have so many questions!”

Rebecca did her best to answer them and Sophie listened with rapt attention. How had such a big thing happened and not been on national news? CNN ate this shit up! Maybe the conspiracy theorists were right—there are things the government keeps from us. Sure, they had reported some really weird weather patterns in this city in the last couple of years, but she supposed that wasn’t important enough to keep a secret. Humanitarian groups would have jumped all over these facilities if they had been given the chance. That’s probably why it was kept a secret. She looked between them with awe. “So why didn’t you tell anyone about it? I mean, surely someone would have gone to the media and told about all the injustice about a situation like that.” Jack shrugged, adding the taco seasoning to the cooked chicken and coaxing more growls from Sophie’s stomach. “I guess it’s because immediately afterward, we all went into hiding. That’s why I stayed with Becks right afterward. I didn’t want the government to find me and take me back. By the time our fear of recapture died out, we weren’t really interested in aggravating old wounds, you know? That’s not to say someone won’t go forward about it in the future, but as for me—I’d rather keep it where it belongs: in the past.” Sophie suddenly felt guilty again and her face fell to a worried look. “I’m so sorry, Jack. And to you too, Becca. I shouldn’t have brought it up.” Jack turned, suddenly looking panicked. “Oh, you didn’t offend me or anything! I just meant I’d rather not pursue anything that would bring up those bad memories. Just talking about it casually like this is fine but reliving it beat by beat…I’d rather not.” Sophie nodded but still looked sad even as Jack smiled and turned back to his cooking. He must have seen so much…and worried so much. He had a family…and Becca. Becca was strong, but with how much Jack obviously meant to her now…it must have been hard for her even then before they were officially an item. It was cruel of Sophie to reopen that wound.

Clearing her throat, she finished off her beer before smiling over at Becca. Time to change the subject! “Is it weird working with your boyfriend? I mean, being police officers…that can’t be easy! It’s one thing for me to date a guy in the office, which I’ve learned my lesson about, but for you guys—that’s a whole different story!”

[REBECCA TAYLOR]

“I can always go for some food!” Rebecca smiled a little, glad for the sudden topic changer. Food was a great way to segue into a new conversation, which was exactly what she wanted to do. “I guess this is as good a time as any for lunch. Chicken tacos sound good?” “It’s like you get me.” Jack laughed and it was hard not to let her face drop a little. Did Jack get her? Becca gulped, trying not to let the stupid words get to her. Why was she getting so jealous? Jack loved her, they'd just talked about it, but they'd also talked about how she was so hard to please. Maybe she should be trying more in front of Sophie.. Showing Jack that she could be doting? It didn't seem natural, though. It felt weird to want to do that, even if Sophie wasn't there, she wasn't the type to dote.

As she followed her boyfriend to the kitchen, Sophie walked with her, explaining how lucky Rebecca was to have him and all she could do was smile and nod. There were so many things she would have liked to say, but forming the words just seemed impossible. She couldn't even finish the thought in her mind. Yeah, he's pretty great. Would have been a good thing to say, but in her mind it just sounded stupid, so she just nodded and said a soft "Yeah." In reply, feeling foolish all the while. Rebecca took her place next to Jack, dutifully helping him by taking a knife and chopping the vegetables. That was usually her job; it was pretty dummy proof. “I feel guilty not helping you guys!” “Don’t worry about it. You’re our guest—we’re supposed to make you feel guilty.” Rebecca smiled at her sister and then up at Jack. How did he do that? How did he just know how to answer like that? More importantly, why didn't she? Conversation didn't come easily to her and this whole day was showing her that, making her increasingly more insecure about it. Was that a skill you could even learn? “So…maybe I’m too much of a journalist and don’t know when to stop asking questions. You don’t have to answer me at all, but…well…Becca mentioned a detainment. What were you detained for, Jack?” The big question, the one she feared but thought foolishly wouldn't come up. Her gray blue eyes met her sisters, her hand slowing before she looked up at Jack, questioning in her eyes. Should they tell her about what Jack was? Sophie was the last person Rebecca thought should know about the secrets of the city. “You don’t have to answer if you want. Like I said, I ask too many questions and don’t know when to stop. Just ignore me if—” “I don’t mind you asking about it. It’s just natural to be curious when you hear something like that. Especially when it’s a cop being detained.” Sophie agreed and the questioning began.

Jack did a fine job explaining what happened while keeping the truth out of it. He told the story that had been told to the general public, the story she'd been told originally. Of course she'd known better, what with having a best friend in the know, but Sophie didn't need to know any more than what Jack was spilling to her. “But how were the families notified? And how did everyone find out that the test wasn’t effective? Did you know anyone else who ended up in the facilities? Were you worried?” Rebecca bit her lower lip, looking back at Sophie as she dried her hands on a dishtowel after finishing cutting up the peppers. “I just have so many questions!” "There was a registry with all those who were thought to potentially be infected so families and employers were able to check with the list. Most families ended up in there together, though. It was supposedly pretty contagious." Or rather, because only Therianthropes could breed therianthropes. The woman folded her arms as she leaned backwards against the counter. "A few people from the force were sent to the detainment camp, but Jack was the only person I really knew who ended up there. There were some people who had found out that something was a little shady, and the tests were iffy. There were some riots and.. a lot happened. I don't know the details, I wasn't involved, but everything got shut down pretty quickly." It wasn't easy skirting around the truth, but at least she wasn't lying when she said she wasn't involved. Most of what she knew was from Jack and Maxi. The entire operation was kept pretty hush hush.

“So why didn’t you tell anyone about it? I mean, surely someone would have gone to the media and told about all the injustice about a situation like that.” “I guess it’s because immediately afterward, we all went into hiding. That’s why I stayed with Becks right afterward. I didn’t want the government to find me and take me back. By the time our fear of recapture died out, we weren’t really interested in aggravating old wounds, you know? That’s not to say someone won’t go forward about it in the future, but as for me—I’d rather keep it where it belongs: in the past.” Sophie got apologetic, but Jack, ever the kind one, explained it was alright, answering her questions and squelching her fears of offending him. It was hard to offend Roccograndi, the guy was tough skinned. “Is it weird working with your boyfriend? I mean, being police officers…that can’t be easy! It’s one thing for me to date a guy in the office, which I’ve learned my lesson about, but for you guys—that’s a whole different story!” A new topic change, one that made her, as always, uneasy.

"Not weird, really." She offered, trying to think of the best way to explain working with Jack. "Maybe a little difficult. We only recently let other's know we were any item, and we've been dating for.. Jesus, like two years." Her eyes widened at the realization, looking over at Jack. Had it been that long? She supposed it had and her eyes moved to her toes. Why on earth had he put up with this for that long? "Umm.." Rebecca felt a little frazzled as her thoughts got jumbled in her mind. "Uhh, I wasn't a fan of others knowing. It's hard enough being a woman in this career without everyone knowing you're sleeping with a colleague." She recalled their first time, and how it had been almost a friends with benefits sort of thing. She knew immediately that she would hit that again; Jack was a God in the bedroom, a true master of his craft. No one knew how to work her over the way Jack did. Her groin tingled just thinking about all the wonderful things he could do with his tongue alone. Rebecca gulped, blushing and turning back to the cutting board to try and hide her face, reaching for a tomato to dice. "But it's fine now. The captain just keeps us separated since being intimate with a fellow officer can be a conflict when on a scene. Occasionally we end up at the same scene because several squad cars are called, but it's rare and we're professional when it does happen." She checked out Jack out of the corner of her eye before briefly peeking at Sophie over her shoulder. "And when were you going to tell me about maybe moving to be closer to Owen? I didn't think it was that serious yet."