Taking one last deep breath, I pulled my chair back, stood up and with a shaky uneasiness began to question him. "Captain
Bridges, you testified earlier that you have known the Defendant for 20 years, is that correct?"

"Yes."

"And during those 20 years, have you kept in close contact with him?"

"Not exactly."

"'Not exactly'? Care to elaborate?" Nash looked at me for just a split second before responding. But that second was long
enough. Long enough for me to see the iciness in his eyes. He was angry there was no doubt about that.

"We lost touch for about 8 years."

"And when did you get in touch with him again?"

"About a year ago."

"And how did that happen?"

"We were working on separate cases and our paths happened to cross."

"And did he seem different to you?" I asked, trying to get him to admit something that would help my case and kicking myself
for doing so.

"Different?"

"You know, richer. With nice clothes, a fancy car, lots of -"

"OBJECTION!" The defense attorney shouted springing to his feet. "Prosecution is leading the witness."

"I'll withdraw the question."I said. "Your honor, at this time the prosecution has no further questions for this witness. We do
however, reserve the right to recall him at a later date."

"So noted," the judge replied. "Captain Bridges, you may step down, but, don't make any plans to leave town."

"Oh, don't worry," Nash replied, looking me right in the eyes. "I won't." His voice dripped with anger and venom that cut me to
the quick.

Nodding, I went back to the table, my heart pounding wildly. 'I'm sorry. I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm so sorry,' I thought, mentally
trying to send the message to Nash. I hated the tension that this damn case was causing between us. 'Relax, Julie. It's almost
over,' a soothing voice inside my head was saying.

Somehow, I managed to focus on the judge who was giving the jury some last minute instruction before dismissing them for the
day. Someone had reached over and given my hand a sympathetic squeeze, telling me that I was doing a good job and that it
would all be over soon. I smiled at the person and thanked them. Then, I packed up my briefcase and left the courtroom, lost in
a fog of emotions.

~~

"No, Nick, I do not want to talk about it." Nash snapped. Nick looked at his son for a second before responding.

"That's fine, Nash, but don't take your anger out on me." He said. Nash sighed deeply, Nick was right. Looking at him, Nash
sat down in a chair and put his head in his hands. "Nash?" Nick asked, obviously concerned.

"I'm sorry. I really am." He said, his voice breaking.

"Why is this bothering you so much?" Nick asked, his voice gentle.

"I don't know…" Nash said, looking up. "It's just that Julie becomes this completely different person when she's in court. Ice
cold, all business."

"Nash, I don't think it's anything personal. I've known Julie for quite sometime now and I'm willing to be that as much as this is
eating you up, it's eating her up just as much. Possibly even more."

"I know. I just hate being pitted against her like this." With out responding, Nick picked up Nash's cell phone and handed it to
him. "What?" Nash asked.

"Call her. I'm sure that you both could use it right now."

"I'd love to call her, Nick." Nash said, putting down the phone. "But, I can't."

"Can't or won't?"

"Can't. Julie and I are not allowed to have any contact, outside the courtroom until the trial is over."

"Not even a phone call?" Nick asked. No wonder Nash was acting like a wounded tiger lately.

"Not even a phone call."

"Oh."

~~

Several hours later, I was staring at the television and talking to my mother on the phone. At times like this,  I really feel that the only person who understands me is my mother. "Mom, I can't take it anymore. What on earth possessed me to take on this case?I mean, I saw the witness list. I knew that he was on it, and that I'd have to cross-examine him. I knew all that and I took the case anyway. Why?"

"Well, as I recall, your boss didn't give you much of a choice, did he?"

"No." I sighed. "He didn't. But that doesn't make this any easier."

"I'm sure it doesn't. But, sweetheart, it's almost over."

"It can't be over soon enough for me." Kristine Martin sighed. She hated seeing her daughter in pain. This was just one of those
times where all she could do was offer her daughter comfort. There was really nothing that she could say. "I know this is hard,
for both you and Nash. But, it'll be over before you know it."

"I know. It's just - - I hate when he's mad at me. And Mom, if you would have seen him in court today. My god, I've never
seen him so angry."

"Honey, I'm sure he's not angry at you. He's angry at the situation. Just like you are." I laughed.

"Mom? How do you know so much?" Kristine laughed before responding.

"It's simple. I'm a mother." Julie laughed. "You sound tired sweetie. Why don't you get some sleep."

"Yeah, I suppose I should. Thanks for listening to me."

"Anytime. Just remember, that if there is no one else, you have three people who love you very much. Nash, your father and
me." "I know. And I love you guys, too."

"Good night, Julianne."

"Good night, Mom." Hanging up the phone, I stood up turning off the living room light and headed into the bedroom.

~~

Lying in bed, I allowed my thoughts to drift back to Nash. A place I had rarely allowed herself to go lately. I remembered
all too clearly the expression on his face when I told him that I was the prosecutor on the case. And the expression got worse
when he realized that because of that, we wouldn't be able to see each other at all, until it was over. It broke my heart to just
think about it. I hated being separated from Nash. And this, this was worse then the fight that had separated us for three weeks.

Turning over on to my stomach, I forced herself to stop thinking about it. Everything, the case, Nash, and my breaking heart. I
closed my eyes and fell asleep as I was silently praying that the rest of the trial would go quickly and smoothly. All I wanted
was to be with Nash.

~~

Two days later, the weekend had finally come. And it wasn't a moment too soon. I needed a break, needed to get out of that
courtroom for awhile. I needed…to get away from the icy stares that haunted me. Why was he so mad? I know that my
actions and attitude in court weren't the greatest but I was just doing my job. Couldn't he see how much this was hurting me?
Did he not know how much I wanted to be with him, but just couldn't be because of the damn case? I was really starting to
wonder. Sighing, I picked up the phone and dialed Lynette's number, hoping Nick would be there. After three rings she picked
up the phone.

"Hello?" She asked, her voice breathless.

"Lynette? It's Julie." I said sighing into the phone. "Is Nick there?"

"He sure is." She said. "Nash is at work and I'm keeping Nick company for the day. Would you like to talk to him?"

"Yes, thanks." I said. I waited for Nick to get on the phone. After a minute or so I heard him pick up an extension and I was
greeted by the familiar sound of his voice.

"Julie?" He asked, sounding surprised to hear my voice. I wasn't surprised. It had been a long time since I had spoken to him. I
had stayed away at first because of the trial, but after thinking about it for awhile I realized that there was no reason why I
shouldn't be able to hang out with Nick, providing Nash wasn't with him. And, since Lynette had just told me that he was at
work, there was no chance of me running into him.

"Hey, Nick. Long time no see." I said, smiling into the phone.

"It certainly has been," he agreed. "I was beginning to think you didn't like me anymore."

"Why on earth would you ever think that?" I asked. No matter what happened, I would always love Nick. He was such a great
guy and although it was a little too late now, he was trying to be a good father to Nash. I had to respect someone who tried to
make up for his past mistakes. And though I know that he would never admit it, I see a lot of Nick in Nash.

"Well, you don't come around anymore, you don't call, you…" the sound of my laughing stopped him mid sentence. "What?" he
asked.

"Nothing." I said, still giggling. "I'm sorry if you thought I was avoiding you. I was staying away because of the trial. But then I
realized that you have nothing to do with it, so there's no reason why I can't see you. Which brings me to the reason that I
called."

"And that reason is?" He asked.

"I was wondering if you'd join me for lunch today…that is, if you don't already have plans with Lynette."

"Well, actually we are going antique shopping in awhile," he began. "But, I'm free for dinner, if you are." He said.

"What about Nash?" I asked.

"He can come too." Nick said, laughing at his weak joke. "No, seriously. Nash is working late tonight and he told me not to
wait on him for dinner."

"Well, in that case, how can I refuse?" I said with a smile. "What time?"

"I can have Lynette drop me off at your place when we are done, if that's okay."

"That's fine." I said. "So, I guess I'll see you in a few hours."

"Yep. I'll see you then. Bye, Julie."

"Bye, Nick." I hung up the phone and shook my head. Nick was always a character. He had this incredible knack for cheering
people up when they were down. And I was down. More then anything I wanted to wake up and have this whole thing be a
dream. If I had known that this trial was going to be hell, I never would have taken the case. I sighed at the realization that I did
take the case and that there was no way out of it. I was stuck.

~~

Several hours later there was a knock at my door. Jumping up from my seat, I ran to the door and opened it. Nick stood in
my doorway with a huge smile on his face and bouquet of flowers in his hand. "Nick, what's this?" I asked, taking the flowers
from him and leaning down to smell them.

"Well," he began. "I figured that since I'm your date tonight instead of my son, that I ought to do at least one thing he'd do.
Bring you flowers."

"Aww. Nick, that was so sweet," I said. "But you didn't have to.

"I know. I wanted to." He paused and put his hand on my arm. "I know how much you miss Nash. I can see it in your eyes. It's
the same look he has. He misses you too."

"I do miss him." I said. "I miss him very much. But he's so angry at me right now that I don't think he has the time to miss me."
Nick looked at me for a second. Apparently I was telling him something he didn't already know. "Julie," he asked. "Why would
Nash be angry at you?"

"Because," I sighed, "I had to cross examine him on the witness stand earlier this week."

"Well, that doesn't sound too bad." Nick said, still trying to see where the anger would come in.

"That in itself isn't that bad. It's just that I have to recall him again and it's just hard." I paused for a second before continuing. "I
can't give him any special treatment when he's on the stand. In fact, I have to be harder on him then on anyone else." I stepped
out of the way of the door, realizing that Nick hadn't even come in the apartment yet.

"Why do you have to be harder on him?" He asked, sitting down at the kitchen table.

"Because, I have my bosses watching me like a hawk. They know that Nash and I are involved and this case is too high profile
and too important for them to lose."

"I still don't see it." I sat down at the table with a sigh.

"My bosses told me to show no mercy. I have no choice but to listen. I guess I'm not harder on him then I am on anyone else, it
just feels that way sometimes. I mean, Nick you don't see the icy looks he gives me in the courtroom. I get a chill every time I
even think about it."

Nick looked at me with a lot of sympathy. I knew what he was thinking. He was thinking that it's a shame for the Nash and I to
be caught in a situation like this, and I honestly couldn't agree more. "It's a rotten situation to be in, Julianne. I'll be the first to
admit it. It stinks." I laughed at his choice of words. He smiled and continued. "But, I know that you and Nash can get through
this. You've been through a hell of a lot worse."

"That's true." I said, standing up and giving him a kiss on the cheek. "Thank you."

"For what?" He asked, looking a little taken aback by the kiss.

"For being you and knowing exactly how to cheer me up." Nick smiled and patted my hand.

"There's no need to thank me. I'm just doing my job." He paused for a second. "Actually, you could thank me." He said with a
sly grin.

"Oh yeah? How's that?" I asked, expecting some kind of joke.

"Marry Nash." I gasped at what he said. I didn't even realize that Nick had thought of Nash and I staying together permanently.

"What?!"

"Become my daughter-in-law. If you do that, then you'll have thanked me." I smiled and I felt tears spring into my eyes.

"Nick, I want to marry Nash. I would in a second. All he has to do is ask."

"He will, Julie. He's just biding his time. Trust me." I nodded." "Good girl," he said. "Now, what do you say we go and get
some food; I'm starving."

"Me too." I said, grabbing my coat and my car keys. "Let's go."

~~

When I dropped Nick of at Nash's place, I saw his 'cuda in the driveway. Looking up I saw lights coming out of the
window of his bedroom. He was home. Without realizing it, I let out a sigh. Nick looked over at me and took my hand. "Julie,
come on in for a few minutes. You're dropping me off, there's no harm in that." I shook my head. I couldn't let a little loneliness
get in the way of a high profile case.

"No. I can't." I said. "If I go inside, I won't leave and that just can't happen."

"I guess I understand. It just makes me feel bad when I see the both of you feeling so bad." He shook his head. I could tell that
he genuinely felt for the situation. Unfortunately there was just nothing that could be done to appease it. "How much longer?"
He asked.

"A week. Nash goes back on the stand on Monday. After that we do our closing arguments. Hopefully the jury won't be out
past Friday afternoon. Otherwise…."

"Otherwise what?"

"Otherwise, I may have to skip Joe and Inger's anniversary party."

"What?! Oh Julie, come on now. That's ridiculous. As long as the jury is in deliberations by that time there should be no reason
why you can't see Nash." He paused for a breath before continuing. "And besides, even if you can't see him, in a party that size,
you can easily stay away from. But don't miss the party. You and Nash worked too hard on it and I know that Joe and Inger
will both be upset if you aren't there."

"Hopefully it won't come to that." I said. "If we can get through closing arguments on Tuesday, then the jury has three days to
deliberate. I hope they don't take the three days or more, but on a case like this, you never know." Nick sighed. I guess he
realized that it was almost impossible to argue with a lawyer. Especially one who already had her mind made up. Regardless of
whether she was right or wrong.

"Well, I hope things go the way you want, Julie. I miss seeing you around here." I smiled.

"I miss being around here. But, once the trial is over, I'll be here so much, that you'll get sick of me." ~At least I hope so~ I
thought.

"Nah." Nick said, laughing. "I live with Nash and I'm not sick of him, yet." I laughed.

"I think there's something in the father's handbook that prohibits that."

"Maybe." He said. "Well, I hate to have this wonderful evening end, but this old man is tired."

"I understand. Thank you for a great time, Nick. I really appreciate it. It took my mind off things…at least for awhile."

"You're welcome. And Julie, it'll be all right." He said as he got out of the car and closed the door behind him. I sat in the
driveway and watched until I knew that Nick was safely inside. When the door closed, I backed out of the driveway and
headed home. I wondered what Nash was thinking when he and if he saw my car in his driveway, minutes earlier. I didn't know
that he had been waiting by the door for Nick to come inside.

~~

"Did you have fun with Julie tonight?" Nash asked.

"Yes. We went out and got something to eat. It was nice to see her."

"Well, I'm glad that one of us got to see her." Nick turned to Nash, ready to admonish him, when he realized that Nash was
covering up his pain with anger.

"You're just like I used to be," Nick said. Nash looked at him for a second, before heading to the fridge for orange juice.

"Oh yeah, how so?"

"You cover up your pain and hurt with anger." Nash shook his head. He closed the fridge and headed over to a cabinet to pull
out a glass.

"I need a drink." He said. "And what makes you think I'm covering up anything with anger?"

"I know you. And even if I didn't, it's very easy to tell." Nick said. "Take it easy on the vodka, Nash."

"I'll be fine, thank you. So, what did Julie have to say?"

"You mean when she wasn't talking about you? Not much." Nash stopped what he was doing and looked at Nick.

"She was talking about me?" He asked.

"Yes. She really misses you and she's scared to death that you're angry at her." Nash sighed. He had been really putting it to
her in the courtroom. Deep down inside, he knew that she was just doing her job and that it was nothing against him personally.
It was just bad luck that he happened to be friends with the guy who was on trial. "Nash, there has to be someway for you to
get into contact with her, just to let her know that everything is still all right between you."

"Nick, I have been wracking my brain trying to figure out something, but I can't. The only thing that I can do is wait it out until
the end of the trial." With that, Nash turned and started to head out of the kitchen.

"Where are you going?" Nick asked.

"Outside. I need to be alone to think." Before Nick could respond the back door closed with a resounding bang. Shrugging,
Nick headed into the living room and settled in with a book, trying to forget everything that was happening.

~~

Monday morning came all to quickly and before I knew it I was back in the courtroom again. Facing the same jury that I
had left behind a mere two days earlier. Glancing around the courtroom I noticed that Nash was already there, seated and
waiting. He had his sunglasses on still so I couldn't see if he was looking directly at me, and if he was, I couldn't tell what kind
of look he was giving me. I was about to sit down when I heard someone call me. "Julie!" I turned and saw Harvey and Evan standing just behind me.

"Harvey, Evan...what are you guys doing here," I asked them, curiously.

"We just wanted to make sure that you're still coming on Saturday," Evan replied.

"Saturday?" I repeated, my mind blanking on me. I had to put Nash on the stand today and as a result I was a nervous wreck. I just wanted today to be over with so that closing arguments could be presented and the jury could be sent into deliberations.  Maybe then I'd have a chance to breathe and maybe a night where I could sleep peacefully. I had so much on my mind at the moment that Saturday didn't strike me as anything particularly important.

"Saturday is Joe and Inger's anniversary party," Harvey reminded me.

"You're still going, right?" Evan asked. "I mean, you and Nash put this party together, it'd be a shame to have you miss it."

"No. No, I'll be there, don't worry. But, thanks for reminding me It almost slipped my mind."

Harvey smiled. "Don't worry, it happens to the best of us," he said with a grin.

"Speak for yourself, pal." Evan shot back.

Knowing where this was heading, I looked at them both dead on. "Okay you two, no fighting."

"Awww man!"

"You're no fun!" Evan whined.

I shook my head and bit my lip to keep from laughing. It was times like this that I was so glad to have Harvey and Evan as friends. They knew how to take a desperate situation and make it just a little bit better. I checked my watch and then responded. "Okay, the judge is going ot be in here any second now. Thanks again for the reminder." As the words came out of my mouth I felt myself switch gears and go into 'lawyer mode'.

Sensing the change in me, Harvey and Evan just smiled and nodded then headed back to their seats. I had just enough time to spread out my files and sit down when the bailiff came in.

"All rise," he said as the entire courtroom rose. "The honorable Judge Lacey presiding."

The judge came in, nodded at the bailiff and sat down. "You may be seated," he stated. Then, he turned to me. "Is the prosecution ready to being?"

"We are, your honor." I paused for a moment, summoning up my courage and taking a deep breath. "The prosecution would like to recall Captain Nash Bridges to the stand."

The judge nodded as Nash stood up and made his way over to the witness stand. As he sat down, the judge addressed him, "Captain Bridges, I'd like to remind you that you are still under oath."

"Yes, your Honor," he murmured.

Taking one last look at the file, I walked towards Nash and began my line of questioning. "Captain Bridges, you testified earlier that you haven't really had communications with Detective Madison as of late, is that correct?"

"Yes, that's correct."

I nodded as I headed towards the witness stand.  "This is a copy of the phone records from Detective Madison's office," I said, handing the piece of paper I had been holding to Nash. "Do any of those numbers look familiar to you?"

Nash studied the paper for a moment then nodded. "This is my number at the SIU."

"And when was that call placed?" I asked.

"January 15th."

"January 15th? That would be just before his arrest, correct?"

"Yes. But I never got that call."

"Well, it went through. Do you know who took the call?"

Nash sighed. He thought about it for a minute and then responded. "Yes, I know who took that call. It was a man named Pepe. We were in the midst of the 'blue flu' that day and Joe, that is my partner and I, were in and out most of the day." He paused for a moment before continuing. "We were extremely short staffed that day and Pepe was there, helping us out by doing some organizing and answering phones."

"So you didn't receive the call. Did you call Detective Madison back?" I asked.

"No. But when I got home that night I found a message on my answering machine from him."

"And what did it say?"

"It said that he was in trouble and that he needed to see me."

I looked at Nash for a second, desperately not wanting to go any further. I knew what was going to come next and I knew that it could get him in a lot of trouble. Sighing heavily, I continued my cross. "Why did he need to see you? All of a sudden, practically out of nowhere?"

"I didn't know why, until we met. He said he had done some pretty bad things and that he thought he was going to be arrested soon."

"Did he tell you what those bad things were?"


Nash nodded. "He told me that he had been involved with some drug dealings. He knew that I couldn't do anything to help him, but he wanted to know if I would testify for him, if need be."

"And did you tell anyone about this conversation?"

"No."

"Why not?"

"Because. I knew he was about to get into trouble, but I wasn't going to be the one to blow the whistle on him. For the most part cops have a certain....omerta. A code of honor, you could say. We take care of our own."

"So, you were willing to risk getting into trouble for honoring the omerta?" I asked.

"Yes," Nash said. "I felt as if I didn't have any choice in the matter. He was going down anyway and he knew it," he paused. "What right did I have to go in and make matters worse for him? Aside from that fact that he was arrested early the next morning."

I looked at Nash for a moment, suddenly unsure of whether he was telling the truth or lying. It didn't matter though, I wasn't going to press the issue any further. "I have no further questions, your honor."

"Captain Bridges, you may step down," Judge Lacey said.  As Nash left the stand, the judge turned and addressed the defense counsel. "Do you have any further witnesses?" he asked.

"No, your honor. The defense rests."

"Very well," he replied as he picked up his gavel. "Court is in recess 'til nine a.m. tomorrow morning, at which time the prosecution will begin with closing arguments." With that he banged his gavel twice and stood up.

The bailiff instructed everyone to stand as the judge left. He then ordered everyone to stay put until the jury had exited.

Leaning back in my seat, I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. At last there seemed to be a light at the end of the tunnel. After weeks of this torture, closing arguments would finally begin and that meant that the trial would be over soon. I had a funny feeling that the deliberations weren't going to take that long. After all, the facts of the case were clear and Nash had unwittingly helped my case along. He had told the jury that the defendant was guilty and that he had admitted to it in no uncertain terms.

"We should go after Captain Bridges for obstruction of justice," a colleague of mine said, bringing me back to attention.

My eyes flew open and I just stared at him. Finally, I managed to speak. "What?"

"Obstruction of justice," he repeated. "We could make it stick."

"Why would you want to do that?"

"Because he lied on the stand. He said that he didn't have contact with the defendant before his arrest when he really did."

I looked at David, trying very hard not to lose my temper completely. After all, we were still in court and everything I did and said reflected on my superiors. Still, it was obnoxious rookies like David that made me want to scream. "David, it has no bearing on the case now. If we had found this out earlier then maybe. But now we are starting closing arguments. What good would it do now?"

"Julie, the only reason why you don't want to pursue this is because you and Captain Bridges are sleeping together."

That was it, this kid was really asking for it. Leaning over, I looked him dead in the eyes before responding. "Listen to me," I began, my voice like ice. "My personal life and my professional life are two entirely separate things. I never let my personal life interfere with my job." I paused for a second before continuing. "And if you ever bring up my personal life again, you will be sorry."

"Is that a threat, counselor?"

"It's a warning," I replied. "You're not in law school anymore. You're job now is to shut up and learn how to do all this on your own. Everyone goes through it. My boss did, I did and now you are. When you're the lead prosecutor on a case then you'll get to call the shots. Until then, you listen to me. I'm the lead prosecutor on this case and I say that the words "Captain Bridges" and "Obstruction of justice" are not to be used in the same sentence. Is that clear?"

"Yes," David said, meekly.

Looking at him I wondered if I had been too hard on him. He was just a kid out of law school after all, but still. If someone didn't teach him now, he would be in real trouble later. Without another word, I closed my briefcase and headed out of the courtroom.

~~

I had barely reached my car when my cell phone rang. Sighing heavily, I reached into my bag, took out the phone and pressed send. "Hello?" I said.

"Good job today, Julianne," A familiar voice said. "If you keep this up, you'll be winning commendations and promotions left and right."

"Thanks, Sam" I replied with a smile. Sam was my boss and usually he was pretty stingy when it came to compliments, so it meant a lot to me that he said that. "Uh, Sam, I think you should know that David Moore might have a complaint or two about me."

"Oh yeah? Why is that?"

"Well, he wanted to bring Captain Bridges up on charges. Obstruction of justice, to be exact."

"And you let him have it," Sam guessed, accurately.

"Yes," I replied. I felt myself blushing, despite the fact that Sam and I were on the phone and not face to face.

"Julianne, you can't do that," he chided. "I know that David can be cocky at times, he's a hot shot out of law school. It gets irritating, I know. But, be careful when you admonish him. It was actually a good suggestion."

"Are you saying you want the charges pursued?" I asked, my heart pounding.

"In this case? No. It's not needed," he paused. "Besides, I don't want to put any added pressure on you. I know how tough this case has been, all on its own."

"It has been tough," I admitted. "But I've been dealing. Uh Sam, I have a question for you."

"Shoot."

"When can I start seeing Nash again? I mean, we've finished presenting our case and..."

"Julianne, I know you want to see him, but you can't. Not until the verdict is read." I groaned slightly. I had known he was going to say that, but I still had hoped that he wouldn't. "I know, Julianne. I know. But, it's almost over. On a case like this, the jury probably won't even be out for a whole day. By Friday night, you should be able to see him free and clear."

"That's a nice thought," I murmured.

"I can imagine. Now, I have to get going, I just wanted to congratulate you and tell you to keep up the good work. I'll be in court tomorrow for the start of closing arguments and I'll be there when the verdict is read. Good luck."

"Thank you, I'll see you tomorrow."

"Good-bye."

"Good-bye." I hung up the phone, got in my car and headed to the library. I had a little more organizing to do before closing arguments. I just hoped that between my closing argument and the defense's, it could get done in one day so that the jury could deliberate the rest of the week. More than anything, I was itching to get this case over with.

~~

I walked into the courtroom some four days later with my heart in my throat. The jury had been out for three days and now they had a verdict. The courtroom was a media circus. Judge Lacey had been adamant about keeping the press out of the courtroom during the trial, but for the reading of the verdict he had decided to let camera's in. It was the fair thing to do, but with the way I felt at this precise moment, I didn't want any added pressure or extra exposure. ~Please let it go and be done with quickly,~ I thought.

I had just enough time to sit down when the bailiff appeared. By this time everyone in the courtroom was a pro and was standing up practically before the bailiff could open his mouth. After everyone had stood up, the judge entered the room, looked around and sat down.

After a moment he turned and addressed the jury. "Mr. Foreman, have you reached a verdict?"

"We have, your honor."

"What say you?" The foreman handed a piece of paper to the bailiff who delivered it to the judge. The judge opened it, read it, closed it and handed it back to the bailiff. There was no reading his face. He was as blank as a sheet of paper.

Taking a deep breath, the foreman began to speak, "we the jury find the defendant Ryan Madison guilty of all charges."

The words were barely out of his mouth when the courtroom erupted. I sank back in my chair and felt a wave of relief wash over me, it was over, it was really over. The rapping of the judge's gavel brought me back to reality. He turned to the jurors and thanked them for their time. He then excused them and told them to go and be with their families, but not to forget that they needed to be back in court on Monday morning for the penalty phase of the trial.

In the midst of all the handshakes and the congratulations I was getting, I happened to notice Detective Madison being taken back into custody. I couldn't help but feel sorry for him, despite myself. He was a good cop who saw an easy way out for his problems and took it. Fortunately for him, I didn't think the jury was going to be that hard on him. In my opinion, they'd probably sentence him to time served, probation and community service. The bigger price to pay would be his job. He would be forced to retire and he would no longer receive his pension. But, that was the price he had to pay for dealing in the drugs.

~~
"Julie wait up!" I turned and saw Harvey hurrying towards me. I smiled at him when I noticed that Evan wasn't with him.

"Hey, Harve. Where's your other half?" Harvey looked at me for a second before making a face at me.

"We aren't attached at the hip, Julie," he said. "I'm not sure where he is. But, I wanted to come and say congratulations. It was
a good win for you."

"Thanks, Harvey. I appreciate it." Harvey just nodded, but didn't move. I knew that there was something else on his mind.
"Harvey? Is something wrong?"

"No. No. Nothing's wrong, I was just wondering when you and Nash were going to get together?"

"Oh…" I said. "I uh…I don't quite know, actually." I paused for a second before responding. "I guess whenever he's ready."

"I would have thought that he would have been the first one to get to you after the verdict was read."

"Well, he probably has mixed emotions. I mean, I just had a friend of his, a fellow cop convicted. That's not something he's
bound to take lightly."

"That's true." He checked his watch and then looked back at me. "Well, I hate to do this, but I gotta run. Congratulations
again."

"Thanks, Harve." I said as he left the courthouse. When he left I sat down on a bench and closed my eyes for a second.
Everything seemed to be moving so quickly; at lightning speed. During the time of the trial I had thought that once the verdict
was read everything between Nash and I would be automatically fixed. I realized now that it wasn't. I had to wait for him to
come to me. Sighing again, I picked up my brief case and headed home.

~~

"Julianne! I am so glad you made it!" Joe said, looking extremely happy. He and Inger had been completely surprised when
they walked into their anniversary party. "I was a little worried that you weren't going to come," he said.

"Joe, I wouldn't miss it for the world," I said. I turned to Inger and smiled. In the amount of time Nash and I had been dating,
Inger and I had become pretty good friends. "Happy Anniversary, Inger."

"Oh, thank you, Julie. And thank you so much for this beautiful party." I smiled at her. It was nice to see two people in love.

"You're welcome," I said. "But, Nash did just as much work for this party as I did. Probably even more work."

"Where is he?" She asked, looking around the room. "I thought that he'd be with you." My face fell. Nash wasn't with me, we
came separately. "Julie, are you and Nash having problems?"

"I don't know, Inger. I mean, we had to stay away from each other recently because of this trial, but the trial officially ended
yesterday. I haven't heard from him yet."

"Well, why don't you call him?"

"I wish I could. But I can't. I have to wait for Nash to come to me, when he's ready." ~I just hope that's soon.~ I added
silently. Inger nodded sympathetically. "But hey, this is your party. Don't worry about me, you go and have fun."

"Are you sure?" She asked.

"I'm positive. I'll catch up with you later." She smiled at me one more time before turning and disappearing into the crowd.
Deciding that standing in the middle of the crowd wasn't going to help me any, I headed over to the food table and got myself
something to drink. It was then that I noticed the song that was playing.

I'm all out of faith, this is how I feel Cold and I'm ashamed, lying naked on the floor
And you should've never changed, into
something real I'm wide-awake and I can see the perfect sky is torn

"How appropriate," I muttered to myself as I held the cup to my lips. Before I got a chance to take a drink however, I felt
someone tap me on the shoulder. I turned around slowly found myself staring directly into Nash's eyes. He didn't say a word to
me just held out his hand for me to take. Without thinking I did, and he led me on to the dance floor. By the time we got there,
"Torn" had already ended and as if the fates were smiling down on us, the perfect song began to play.

I could stay awake just to hear you breathing
Watch you smile while you are sleeping
While you're far away and dreaming
I could spend my life in this sweet surrender I could stay lost in this moment forever
Every moment spent with you is a moment I treasure

Don't wanna close my eyes
Don't wanna fall asleep 'Coz I'd miss you baby
And I don't wanna miss a thing
'Coz even when I dream of you
The sweetest dream would never do
I'd still miss you baby
And I don't wanna miss a thing

As the song played I felt Nash pull me closer to him. I rested my head against his chest, and just like in the song I felt his heart
beating. I don't exactly know how it happened, but somehow all the hurt and anger he had felt towards me about the trial
suddenly disappeared. Looking up at him, I saw that he had tears in his eyes and that the words of the song were getting to him
just as much as they were getting to me. I was about to say something to him when he brought his lips to mine and kissed me.
"Nash, I'm sorry…" I began. But he put his finger to my lips and wouldn't let me continue.

"Shhh. I understand. There's no need to apologize. Instead he closed his eyes, leaned down and gave me the sweetest, most
passionate kiss I have ever felt. I was momentarily blown away by it. It's funny how you can miss something so much, but not
realize just how much until you get it back. It was at that precise moment that I decided never to let my career interfere in my
life with Nash ever again.

~~
The rest of the evening flew by. What started out as a torturous night turned into one of the best that I've had in a long time.
By the time Nash and I got back to my apartment I was very happy, and admittedly a little tipsy. "Nash, stay with me tonight.
Please."

"Are you sure? I mean, I know that everything is all right between us now but…"

"I'm sure. I'm absolutely sure. I have been dreaming about holding you at night again for weeks now. Don't leave." I begged
him. I didn't know why but I was feeling very needy tonight. Maybe it was the wine and the relief of ending that trial. Or, maybe
it was just the fact that I had missed Nash so much. Maybe it was combination of both. Whatever it was, I knew that I didn't
want him to leave me, ever.

"Hey, what's wrong?" Nash asked, walking over to me and gently caressing the side of my face. "You sound like your scared."

"I guess I am, a little."

"Why?" I shrugged. I honestly didn't know why. If I had to take a guess, I would say that I was scared because of everything
that had gone on lately. I was scared that my victory in the trial would push him even further away. But mostly, I was scared
that I would wake up and find this all to be a dream. I didn't want to wake up tomorrow morning and find myself smack dab in
the middle of that courtroom again. The trauma had been too much for me. It was the kind of case that makes a lawyer want to
stop being a lawyer.

"I don't know." I finally said. "I guess it's just the residuals of everything."

"Oh. Well, is there anything that I can do to make you feel better?"

"You can hold me." Nash didn't respond. He just walked over to me and took me in his arms. I put my arms around his neck
and kissed him. It was a soft kiss at first, but it grew more intense and passionate after the first second or two. I wanted to
make love to him. And I knew that he wanted to make love to me, too. So why suddenly were we feeling so awkward?
"Nash…are we….really okay?"

"Yes. Julie, I'm sorry. It's not you….I've spent so much energy being mad at you, because it was easier then being mad at a guy
I went to the academy with. I'm trying. I really am."

"It's okay," I said. "I want to make love with you….but if you don't want to, that's fine. I just want you here tonight. No strings
attached." I saw a small smile form on Nash's face. I could tell that his mood was changing quickly. I wanted to say something
but didn't dare. I decided that it would be best if I let him do the talking.

"Come here." He said, as he bent down and picked me up. His smile grew as he wordlessly walked into the bedroom. Once
we were in there, Nash once again was in complete control. "You are so beautiful."

"I don't feel beautiful right now." I said. And I didn't. I felt grungy and dirty and I desperately needed a shower. "I always feel
this insane need to take a shower after a verdict comes in. I guess it's all the perspiring I do waiting for it."

"That's understandable" he said. "Why don't you take one now." I just looked at him, trying to decide how to answer him. For a
moment it had seemed like he wanted me too. But now I wasn't so sure.

"But, I thought that…"

"I'll be waiting for you when you are finished. Don't look so worried Jules." I didn't respond, I just headed into the bathroom,
quickly took my suit off and stepped into the shower.

"Ahhh, much better," I whispered to myself. The hot water running down my body seemed to be taking away all the 'dirt' that
was left from the trial. It was like I could start again clean. I was just about to put shampoo in my hair when the lights dimmed.
"What the - -?" I turned and saw Nash enter, with nothing on, save a towel around his waist holding two candles which he put
on either side of the sink, giving the bathroom a soft golden tint.

"I told you not to worry." He said with a smile. "I always hated battling with your business suits and I figured, if you were in the
shower, that I could skip that part." Despite myself, I had to laugh.

"So you wanted me to take a shower just because you didn't want to have to undress me?" I asked.

"Well, no…" he said, looking a little embarrassed. "Actually, I was trying to go for the romantic angle," he said, gesturing to the
candles.

"Oh. Well, Captain Bridges, I'd have to say, you did a good job." Just then I shivered, half out of being cold and half because I
was trying to set the mood. "But uh, I'm getting a little cold….why don't you come in here and help me get warm."

"I think I'd like that. I mean, after all as a police officer, its my job to…." He dropped the towel and stepped into the shower
with me. "Serve and protect."

"Mmmm, and I need all the protecting I can get," I said, pressing my body towards his. I could immediately feel his arousal just
by the touch of my skin to his. "I want you so badly right now." I whispered against his ear. Leaning my head down a bit I
began to kiss his ear and nibble on it.

"I could get used to this kind of treatment," he said as he put an arm around me and moved so that he was fully under the
shower. I didn't answer, but I stopped my nibbling and worked my way down to his chest, kissing my way to his nipples,
alternately sucking and kissing. "How is it," he began. "That just your touch excites me?"

"Because, I have the magic touch," I said. And to prove it, I began to work my way down to his penis, which was growing
hard. I knew that Nash liked it when I gave him pleasure, but right now I was aching for him to touch me. Anywhere.

"Well, little girl, you aren't the only one with the magic touch," he began. Before he could continue however, a low groan
escaped his lips as mine touched the very tip of his penis. "Oh…" he said, while taking a deep breath. Knowing that I was
exciting him, I began to take him inside my mouth but very slowly. I know its mean, but I wanted to torture him a little bit. "Oh,
you are so cruel…" he said, letting out a moan. "But don't stop."

I didn't respond I just increased the pressure of my mouth on him. After a minute or so, I began to alternate between licking
and sucking on his penis. I could tell he was growing closer and closer to orgasm, so I took him fully in my mouth, savoring
every last bit of him. "Julianne, I'm going to…are you sure you want to…" he stopped, unable to finish his sentence. After
another moment or two, he began his climax. I kept him in my mouth; swallowing every bit of his salty cum and then licking him
clean once he was done. "You….know….you…..really…..have…..a……way….with….me." Nash said, still trying to regulate
his breathing. I stood back up and smiled.

"I didn't know that I had that effect on you, sir." Nash laughed. Before responding, he pulled me close to him and kissed me
hard. After a second, he pulled away.

"Well, you do. But, you had your fun and now it's my turn," he said. Bending his head down, he took one of my already hard
nipples in his mouth and began to suck it gently. Getting bored with that after only a few seconds, he moved his head to my
other breast and began to gently graze it with his teeth. I shuddered slightly, from the touch of his lips and teeth on my skin. I
guess that must have excited him more, because he decided that he had spent enough time in that position and was ready to
move on. Kissing his way down my body, he reached my vagina and buried his head in my wet curls. He let his tongue play on
my clit, which caused me to let out an unexpected moan.

"Oh….Nash…." I managed to get out. Nash didn't respond, he just kept flicking his tongue in and out of my vagina, making me
crazy in the process. Soon after, I felt myself on the verge of an orgasm. Biting my lip to keep from screaming too loud, I came;
hard and fast. When I was finished, Nash stood up and kissed me. I tasted myself on his lips and put my arms around his neck,
all the while still shuddering a bit.

"If you thought that was good," he began. "Wait until round two." With that, he picked me up and backed me against the wall of
the shower. Kissing me hard, he entered me, and then immediately pulled out. With out meaning too, I groaned with
disappointment. This only exited Nash more and made him want to tease me more. He put the tip of his penis at my opening
and then stopped. "What are you going to do about it?" He asked.

"Nothing," I replied breathlessly. "I know you want to fuck me, just as much I want to be fucked." I paused for a second, to
add some drama to my words. "So, it's just a matter of time." I said and waited for a response. I didn't get one. Instead, he just
smiled and thrust himself inside me. I moaned immediately. I have always believed that there was one man that was made for
one woman. And I believed that Nash and I were made to fit together. "Don't stop," I whispered; tightening my grip around his
neck just a little.

"I won't…" he said, still thrusting into me hard. Before I knew it, I was on the verge of my second orgasm. After another minute
or so, I began to climax, screaming a little louder then I intended too when I did. The sound of my screaming must have excited
Nash, because seconds after my orgasm, Nash had his. I pulled him to me and kissed him deeply as we both came down off
the euphoria.

"I love you, Nash." I said.

"I love you too, Julie. You know that." I nodded, I started to speak, but he continued. "Before you came into my life, sex was
just that. It was sex. Nothing more and most of the time nothing less." I smiled at the remark. "But with you, its more then that.
And I want you to remember the times like this when I'm angry at you or acting like a complete asshole."

"Nash, there's no need to rehash what happened during the course of the trial. You were hurt and angry and you had every
right to be. I made it perfectly clear to my boss that I will not take any cases that involve you in any way, shape or form."

"Julie, don't put your job on the line for me. You're it for me, I love you and that's the way its going to stay."

"I'm not putting my job on the line. I'm doing what has to be done. And Sam understands that." I paused, "now, stop talking." I
said, as I reached over and turned off the water. "I want you to take me into the bedroom and make love to me again."

"My darling, it would be my pleasure."

THE END