I couldn't sleep, so at three am the following day, I sent a text to let Andrew know I was taking my own car to work.

I quickly shower and changed before heading to the station.

I opened up the computer I was assigned. I decided not to focus on Rose's case, instead opening a few cases that were never solved.

Most were from before Andrew was even a detective. Robbery gone, hit and run...

Hello!

Girl with her throat slit?

I open the case. A twenty six year old blonde stares back at me. There was one thing that popped out at me from her picture, her green eyes. They were just like Rose's. Just like mine...

I scrolled to the notes.

Seven years ago. Found in bathroom, looked to be getting ready for a date. No known boyfriend. Moved to Idaho a month before.

My skin crawled. There were others.

I printed the case, and our case on Rose. I found two others, eleven years ago and sixteen years ago. All had green eyes.

I cleared off Andrews desk, placing the freshly printed papers on them. I frowned and broadened my search. Seven more.

The collection of green eyes stared at me. I grit my teeth, I was going to have a busy morning.

"Sometimes, I feel like I am still ."

My confession caused the therapist to jot down a note on the stupid piece of paper. This is why I don't like therapists, they just sat there and judged you like they knew.

But they don't know, they don't know what it's like.

These were rich people with little problems. They went to Ivy league schools, and there biggest problem at my age was who's party they were going to on Saturday.

I was only twenty, but I had lived a thousand life times. I remember the drugs, the men, the dark places I was dragged to every time we had to relocate.

I had been a sex slave, had given birth twice without a doctor, and had both those children ripped from my arms so that they could suffer lives worse then my own.

I was only nine when they took me. I remember that day so clearly, as if it were yesterday. My older sister Polly took me to the beach. She was supposed to be watching me but a boy had called. She was only sixteen, but boys were her whole world. She sent me away while she flirted. I decided to play in the water, only to have my mouth smothered a few minutes later. The man dragged me to a black van, and somehow, not a single person on the crowded beach noticed.

I remember screaming for days that my family would be looking for me. One day, the man opened door in the darkness and threw a newspaper and flashlight in.

'9 year old, presumed to have drowned in ocean' it read. No one was coming.

He never took back the newspaper or flashlight. He wanted her to be reminded that no one was coming.

"How does that make you feel, Trinity?"

I glared at the pompous asshole in front of me. "The same thing I told you the last three meetings. Trapped!"

No one gets it...

Elbert was able to track Rose's phone for us. The last place a signal had been was a dirt road near her little house.

We went to get a look but couldn't seem to find it anywhere near the area.

It, sadly, was another dead end.

Andrew gripped his steering wheel tightly, until all his knuckles were white.

I guess he was thinking the same thing.

I worried that the next morning would be akward but it wasn't. He was completely professional at work except for a few secret smiles.

Elbert's name flashed on my screen after Andrew came back to my apartment to pick me up.

"Hello?"

"I found something. When you get in come see me."

I nodded even though he couldn't see me. After I hung up, I turned to Andrew.

"Elbert found something."

He frowned, "why did he call you?"

I shrug, "maybe he figured we would be car pooling."

Andrew showed me the way to Elbert's tech room. We found him tapping away on Rose's computer.

"What have you got for us?" Andrew greeted him.

Elbert turned on his chair to look at us. "The girl who didn't date had a online boyfriend."

We watch over his shoulder as he pulls up a dating sight. "Cameron O'Herald?" Andrews voice fills the room.

"So I went to do research on him and get this-"

"He doesn't exist," I finish looking at the picture posted.

I pull out my phone, and open chrome. I typed in 'hot guys', and scrolled through them. I found the picture about three scrolls in.

I show the guy's before whispering, "I think we just found our guy."

"Can you trace this?" Andrew says with haste.

Elbert's hands flew over the keys. I didn't understand what was happening but a few minutes later a map popped up.

"A library?" Andrew scoffed.

"The card that was used belongs to a Mrs. Smith, who..." He pulled up a spreadsheet of information, "who has been dead over six months."

"Any family?"

"None."

Tuesday and Wednesday passed by without any progress. Andrew and I were headed to my place Wednesday night, he seemed stress so I offered him a beer, which I kept in my fridge in case sheriff came by.

As we entered my apartment, he huffed, "we can't find her phone. We are at a total standstill."

"Clear your mind," I suggested as I went to my room to change into sleep shorts and a tank top. "We will go in tomorrow with a clear head, and come up with something."

He whistled when I walked back out, "well,now your the only thing that is on my mind."

I laugh, "what would you like to drink?"

"I believe you promised me a drink already."

"Sorry, I got a little distracted by a flirt."

I went to my kitchen and bend over to look in the fridge. I hear him groan behind me. I blush and grab a beer for him and sprite for myself.

"Your killing me West, groans.

"You wouldn't even be looking if you weren't 'going through a dry .'"

"Are you kidding me? You got the body of a goddess, so I would be looking."

I smile, pleased by the compliment. I hand him his beer but he sets it down on the counter.

He stalks me, and I found myself backed against my counter. He lifts me and sets me on the counter and my whole body screams to life.

"The rules."

"Fuck your rules," he growls. "If you tell me you don't want me, I'll back off. You need to be honest with me though."

I hesitate before saying, "I've wanted you since the second I saw you."

His mouth landed on mine and my body is set ablaze. He snuggles in between my legs and my arms wrap around him. He was a fantastic kisser, with his plump lips. His hands find my ass and I am no longer on the counter. He walks us into the bedroom, and I pray this doesn't stop. I have never felt so naughty.

I feel his dick grind into me through the thin layer of his suit.

"If you want to stop, tell me now." He whispers breathless.

"Don't stop." I don't even recognize my own voice.

He strips me down before he does himself.

"Condom?" He asks.

"I'm on the pill."

That's all he needed tofind his way inside me.

He worked me hard and fast, and I encouraged him until we both found bliss together.

"What a bitch," Aunt Christina ground out as the driver who just hit my car drove off.

Thank God we weren't inside. I felt tears prick my eyes though as I started at my old beat up white ford that I couldn't replace.

"Dorthy," She said with sympathy. She then pulled out her phone, probably to call the cops or a insurance company.

I instantly regret talking Chris into taking my car shopping today.

Now I was the poor nineteen year old college girl whose car had been smashed before my very eyes. Chris made one phone call after another, but I was too in shock to do a thing.

"Dorthy," my mother's voice ripped me away from the scene. I had no clue when she got here but I couldn't bring myself to care. I fell into her arms.

When I pulled away I noticed Aunt Juniper and her boyfriend Michael a little ways away.

They started dating a few months ago and he was really cool. They came over to me, asking if I was okay. I nodded, and a cop approached me. His blue eyes locked with my green.

Suddenly the car behind me was forgotten. "Hi, Dorthy?"

"Yeah," I said a little breathless.

"I am officer Hernandez, but you can call me Eric. Can you tell me what you saw?"

"A black pick up truck hit my car and sped off."

"Is there anything you can tell us specifically about the truck."

I raked my brain, "there was a batman sticker on the back left corner. The license plate also started with C8..."

He nodded, and scribbled down on a notepad. We waited as a tow truck took my baby away.

"Do you want a ride?" My mother asked.

"The dorms are way out of your way..."

"If you want," Eric pipped up, "I just got off duty, and I am headed that way anyway."

"That would be great!" Crap, that sounds way too enthusiastic.

I hugged everyone, including Michael, goodbye, before climbing in the patrol car.

"You seem young to be a cop," I blurt.

He smiles, "I'm twenty three."

"I'm nineteen," double crap. Like he cares. I blush and realize I am a little hot. I remove the button down, I had on.

Eric's eyes brush over me with appreciation in his eyes. Yeah, that didn't cool me down.

I bite my lip. He let's a low growl, and holy cow do I now feel like I am on fire.

He pulls over behind a building, and I climb over into his lap. This stranger and I are like magnets.

Our kisses are long and passionate, and I love it.

He pulls back and hisses, "I never do stuff like this."

"Hook up? Neither do I."

"You don't have a boyfriend do you?"

"Of course not!"

"Good," he growls. "My place is near here. We don't have to if you don't want to."

I want to so bad. I extectively grind into his long erection. He growls again, and places me back in my seat.

The two minute drive feels like hours. He pushes his door open and barely gets it closed before he lifts me. My legs wrap around him and our mouths find each other.

I have no clue how he found his bedroom but I land softly on the bed as he let's me go. He begins to remove his uniform and I follow his example. I peel off my shoes, socks, and pants.

When he sees my lacey white thong he lets out a tortured moan.

He looked heavenly in just his boxer briefs. His thick erection showed through the thin material.

"Are you sure?" Lust and concern filled his eyes.

I was too breathless, and I nodded eagerly.

He climbed over me leaning over me to nibble my neck. He kissed his way down my shoulder, before lowering my bra and tank top strap. He repeated this on the other side.

He lowered both to just under my breasts, forcing them to lift. He licked, and teased each nipple until I was begging him for more.

He removed all the clothes I had left. He sank to knees at the edge of the bed and used my legs to pull me to him. He pressed a kiss against my stomach before dragging his tongue downward. I let a moan escape as his tounge grazed my little bundle of nerves. He licks and sucks until my greed has me rocking into him.

He climbs back on me, his erection having been freed. He had put a condom on and I wondered how I missed it.

He was in me in one quick swoop, exactly how I needed it. He was eager and rough, and I loved it. I felt myself reach my limit and let go just before him.

To my surprise he rolled over, tugged off the condom, and snuggled me on top of him.

"Perfect." He murmured, before drifting to sleep.

When I awoke the next morning I was still in his arms. He wasn't asleep though, just holding me.

"Morning," his smile was contagious. "I hope you aren't regretting last night."

"Never," I whispered.

"Good, how about some chocolate chip pancakes?"

"That sounds amazing."

"I'm glad," he kissed me softly. "To be honest I was just nervous to ask to see you again. A real date."

I smile, "I would love that."

"Do you like dogs? My sister Lilith runs a non-profit shelter. I usually volunteer there when I can."

I melt a little, "that sounds like my dream date."

His lips graze mine and we both smile. I was surprised to find this looking like the beginning of something more. I expected him to chase me off.

"What are you studying?"

"Architecture."

"No way! My dad was a architect. Let me know if you ever need help. He taught me a lot when I was a kid."

I smile a secret smile. Yeah this is a perfect fit.

Andrew picked me up the next morning and we drove to meet Rose's parents.

Rose's mom was a mess but her father seemed to be keeping it together as much as a father could.

"What do you know?" The man asked.

Andrew sighed, "we don't know a lot yet but I promise you we are doing everything we can to catch her."

"Is there anything you can tell us that might help?" I add.

"My daughter was a sweetheart, good grades. She didn't deserve a death like ."

"Why did she move to Idaho?" I took the lead as Andrew leaned back in his chair.

"She wouldn't really say," he said with a frown. "She always gave vague answers, or changed the subject. I let her go since she was a adult. I should of made her stay."

"You can't blame yourselves. No one forces another to take a innocent life. Do you think she moved here for a boy maybe?"

"I doubt it." Her mother shocked me. "We don't know anyone who has moved to Idaho before."

I nod, and note that. "There was no sign of breaking and entering. Was your daughter very trusting?"

Her father shook his head, "no. We raised her to be very careful."

"Did she mention meeting anyone here? It looks like she was getting ready for a date, or maybe a night out."

"She never said a thing." Her mother whispered. "Going out wasn't really her thing. She preferred to stay in on weekends and read. She had a great love for books," a sniffle escaped the older woman.

"Is there anything else you can think of?"

They both shook their heads.

Andrew rose from the table and I quickly followed. When we were in the hall he turned to me. "They had a very secretive daughter."

I nod, "now we're at a stand still."

"What if the laptop doesn't hold any answers either?"

"We never found a phone did we?"

He frowned and pulled out his car keys. I motioned for him to lead the way.

I smile as my mother enters the restaurant. I tried to meet up with her every wee or so. I felt a pang of guilt for not calling my little sister. She only lived a hour away but I never did seem to find the time to go to see her.

I had finally finished my 12th year as a marine. Moving to Idaho to be close to my family still hadn't given me much time to see them. I now worked with a security company that kept me on my toes.

"Hi, mom," I said rising up to hug her.

"Hi Mickie. Sorry, I'm late. Today was your sisters first day, so I was waiting on her."

Shit, my guilt rose in me.

"I'll try to call her."

She smiled weakly at me, "don't try to make promises you probably can't keep."

Here I was a thirty two year old man getting called out on my bullshit by my own mother. We ate and she caught me up on stuff in her life. Toward the end she began to drop hints on her desire for grandbabies even though she was only fifty four. She ran a little flower shop, so in a couple of years I imagine she'll want to retire. I wasn't ready to have children yet, and I knew that the news would break her heart, so I said nothing.

After the dinner, we hugged goodbye and I walked back to my apartment.

A sigh escaped me in the empty living room.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Christina smiled at me as I walked into work. "Good news," the perky thirty nine year old said to me. "Slow day."

I relaxed, I loved slow days because the gang and I usually sat around playing poker in between jobs. Installing security systems all day wasn't exactly thrilling. Getting called in to support a family who had just been robbed was even worse.

"Also, my sister may stop by today."

I couldn't help the big smile spread across my face. I had met Juniper about a month ago. I shamelessly flirt with the sexy thirty one year old. Her long strawberry blonde hair could bring a man to his knees. The black thick glasses made her chocolate eyes look bigger. She was the sexiest teacher in all of Idaho, and she took her job seriously. I wondered if it being summer would make her excuses not to go out with me harder.

Chris laughed at my smile, "you realize you can't hook up with my sister or it'll make working with you akward."

"I promise if I took out your sister it wouldn't be just to hook up."

I meant it too. I was getting to old to hook up, and I was looking for something serious.

At that moment Juniper walked in and threw me a smile. "Hi Michael," She sang.

"Are you busy this Saturday?"

Her laugh sent thrills through me. "As a matter of fact I'm not."

"You know," Chris hummed. "We aren't really busy, so why don't you two have breakfast instead."

"You sure?" I ask.

"I am sure my husband won't mind," She winked at me.

I turned back to Juniper who was wearing a excited smile. I opened the door and followed her into the warm June air. When she took my hand, I never felt anything so amazing in my life.

Andrew dropped off at the apartment and offered to pick me up the following morning. As soon as I was inside I dialed my mother's number. Her velvety voice brought a welcome smile to my face.

"Dakota, how was your first day?"

"Wonderful," I sighed, "though my first case is kinda a downer."

"Well, I hope you figure it out honey."

Mom had a hard time accepting my career, but she was always supportive. After my father's murder, we never got any answers. The police called it a robbery gone wrong but the only thing that was missing was my father's phone. I had been only four, and I remember waiting for him to come home. Only he never did.

"Did you like your partner?" My asked, a little too eager.

"Yeah," I groaned. "Andrews cool, and he totally gets my stupid sense of humor."

"Honey, your sense of humor isn't stupid. Just a little bold."

"Yeah, yeah. So how is Michael?"

My older brother was nine years older, and the best brother ever. But a phone call from him was like as rare as a blue moon.

"He's good, actually I have to go meet him now. I love you honey."

"Love you too ."

The silence filled my apartment making me feel lonely.