Just Another Night in the Legacy by realstone 1998©

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Alex walked around the control room stretching muscles cramped from sitting at her computer for the past two hours. Reluctantly, she returned to her seat to continue the seemingly endless search of Legacy listings on stolen or lost paintings. Shaking her head she was still unsure how she had let Derek talk her into working tonight. Not that she had any concrete plans, but still....tonight of all nights. It was Valentine. The night for lovers and those who believed in love. And though there was no one she was romantically involved with, she enjoyed the idea of prowling the streets of San Francisco watching those who were. Agreeing to stay had canceled her intention to stop at several of the local clubs, where she’d sit in the midst of happy strangers and maybe if she was lucky find one that she could tolerate and dance herself senseless. Instead here she sat tired and in definite need of a masseuse. Damn, when am I going to learn. Just because Derek feels an issue is earthshaking doesn't mean I have to buy into the concept. "I want to go dancing, " she said for ears that were not around to hear.

The computer’s annoyed beeping brought Alex back to the present. She looked down to see that her finger was pressed against the enter button and that she'd missed several pages of entries. "I don't believe this," she said stabbing the page up button until she found a listing she remembered reading before. "And I don’t intended to be here all night!" She said stubbornly rubbing at a sharp ache between her shoulders. If you don’t stop talking to an empty room, they’re going to come and give you that shot. Alex smiled at her attempt at humor.

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Maybe this will keep me functioning for awhile longer. Alex placed a plate of fruit and crackers and a large glass of tea on a table near her computer console. As she adjusted the keyboard into a more comfortable position, an idea came to her. With a smile, click on the Favorites button, a light pull on the mouse, the deep, sensuous voice of a DJ filled the room.

"Welcome to the music for lovers weekend. From the station that's making your weekend special. The voice of America, St. Louis’ Mix 97.1."

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Appetite appeased, spirit lifted Alex completed the search and began printing the results. Her soft hum joined that of the vocalist on the radio. She was concentrating on the hum of the printer, when the words of the song came to the front of her conscious mind.

tell him to come on.

That’s the song the children at the center have been raving about. She listened more closely. By the time the song had ended, she was smiling broadly. Can’t wait till Thursday, I’ll "Tyrone" Jay until he cries uncle.

The DJ’s voice interrupted her thoughts of planned vengeance. "From Regina Bell to Luther, the difference is variety on the Mix 97.1. The best sounds in the country. Music for lovers everywhere, here’s Randy Crawford's ‘Merry Go Round’."

Alex paused as the lyrics pulled her thoughts inward.

Alex arms wrapped around herself as she swayed to the soulful plea. A slight chill told her that someone had entered the room. She turned to see Nick walking towards her, a small smile of greeting on his lips.

"Can I join the party?"

"No party, just another late night." Alex walked over to the printer to retrieve the last print out. She put it in a folder and added it to the pile to be put on Derek’s desk in the morning.

Nick walked further into the room. "What has the workaholic got you doing tonight?"

"Derek got a word from one of his sources that several original paintings of _____ are up for sale on the black market. He wants verification before deciding what steps to take next."

"Sounds like a dream date to me."

Alex smiled warily. "So...how was your date?"

"She liked the car."

Alex touched his face with her fingers. "Does this clenched jaw mean that her address is not going into your little black book."

Nick smiled. "I didn’t even pull out my pencil."

Alex placed her arm across his shoulders. "I’d hoped that one of us was having a nice Valentine."

Nick grinned. "I did. I gave her the perfect ride home, top down, 70 miles per hours."

"You didn’t." Alex said slapping his arm.

"During dinner she received a call from her roommate that her current off and on old flame was at the apartment waiting to see her. So I helped her out."

"Sorry Nick."

"Nothing lost." He walked over to the computer console. Reaching over he turned up the volume on the speakers.

"Ladies and gentlemen it is deep in the midnight hours, here’s some music for those close to the ones they love. For those of us who are alone, this is for the nights to come. From the mighty Mix 97.1."

Nick tapped the back of Alex’s hand. "Let’s end this night on a high note. Alexandra Monroe would you care to dance with me?"

"Yes."

Alex willed her herself to relax and closed her eyes, allowing herself to hear the music. Nick pulled her closer.

"It has been a long time since we've danced together."

"Last time was that fund raiser shindig Derek roped us into."

The DJ’s voice could be heard underneath the music. "The night has passed into day and its time to me to rest. In the quiet hour this is the mighty sound of Mix 97.1"

Alex moaned at his words. "He’s right it’s late."

Nick let her step away. Alex’s eyes moved over Nick’s face enjoying each feature. There was kindness and strength in his eyes, determination and judgement in the lift of his chin. And that luscious mouth. Alex’s head tilted slightly. "Nicholas old buddy..." Her lips brushed softly, sisterly against his. "Thanks for being my friend."

He tightened his grip on the hand resting in his. "Always."

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Nick caught up with Alex outside her bedroom door. "I finished the security check. We are running in the morning, right?"

Alex took his wrist in hers and pointed at his watch. "Yeah, see you in 10 minutes."

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