Kelsey bursts into laughter, big belly laughs that cause her to bend at the waist. It’s a tension release; she needed it big time. She shakes her head. "You’re certifiable."

I shrug. This is not news to me. Live fast, die young and leave a good looking corpse. "Tell me something I don’t know. But, before you do, give Chambers the wrap-up he wants. So we can get the hell out of here."

"What? You got a hot date or something?"

A gentle voice calls to me from beside our van. "Harper, do you still want me for that interview?"

Both Kelsey and I turn and look at the pretty librarian. I can’t wait to explore her Dewey Decimal system. "Uh, you could say that. Now, let’s get this finished so Marion and I can enjoy our good fortune to still be alive."

"Harper, you’re a dog. You know that, right?" Her voice is slightly teasing, though, not holding the censure it had moments before. Things change so quickly between us, going from understanding, to sympathy, to anger in moments. I take us one step further, laying on all the charm I can muster and stepping right into her space.

I lean forward, once again making myself ignore her perfume. "And you’re jealous. You know that, right? I’ve got your number, Kelsey Stanton. And, one day, I’ll make the Ice Bitch thaw. And, you’ll thank me for it." I smile warmly as I pat her butt, admiring its shape and feel under my hand. "Let’s wrap up."

"Touch my ass again, Harper, and you’re dead. Now get your camera. I’ve had a hell of a long day." She shoves me away without real vehemence and uses steady fingers to start combing through her hair and preparing for our final wrap.

I smirk. And I know she won’t be able to relieve any of that stress with Erik. I, however, plan on relieving as much stress as possible. I shoulder my camera again and glance at Kelsey. Unaware of my eyes focused on her, she is casually checking out Marion the librarian.

Straight, my ass.


Next week on Must Read TV:

<fade in>

"Of course." I chuckle as I flex my toes in his very attentive hands. "You keep that up and I'm gonna have an …"

<cut to>

"Can't say I have," I reply in as bored a tone as I can. "So is your avoidance of the subject an admission to not knowing her name?"

She grins knowingly but allows me the subject change. "Veronica, please meet my partner - in a non-sexual sense - Kelsey, and her friend Erik."

The blonde extends a hand across the table. "Hi," she says meekly. "It's Victoria, nice to meet you."

<cut to>

Harper is pressing me fully into the wall, I can feel her body hot and firm against me.

Episode Five: Back Against the Wall

I take a deep breath as I lean against the Mercedes. The fact that I could have been killed finally started setting in while I was driving home. Good God, working with Harper Kingsley is going to be the death of me. The woman is absolutely insane.

I head for the elevator. I sigh as I ring for the car, and before I have time to blink the doors slide open. Erik steps out and engulfs me in a tight hug. As he plants a soft kiss to my temple, he whispers, "Are you all right?" Too tired too answer him, I just nod as I settle into his strong arms. He leads us back to the elevator, never releasing me from his protective embrace. I don't know or care how he knew to be here at just the right moment.

"Straight back to the penthouse, Richard," he tells the evening operator. "Don't stop for anyone."

"Yes, sir." He nods as he presses the button, glancing briefly at us then turning to the front to stare dutifully at the doors.

"You're not hurt, are you?" Erik whispers again. My ears still ring from the gunshots, and I am grateful for his concern.

"No, I'm not hurt. Just taking a minute to allow my mind and body to catch up with each other." His arms tighten around me and I am so grateful they are there for me, but, then again, they always are. If I were straight, I'd marry this man.

"Take your time, sweetheart. Take your time. I have all night." He gives my temple another kiss.

When the doors slide open, we make our way straight to the living room where I'm deposited on the couch. Erik kneels down in front of me and slides my heels off, gently massaging my feet. Oh yeah, I'd marry him. I might regardless of my sexuality if he keeps this up. I reach out, stroking my fingers through his hair. "Why are you so good to the 'Ice Bitch'?"

He smiles at the nickname. He knows I know most of them, but I think he was surprised that I knew that one. "I'm not. The 'Ice Bitch' doesn't exist for me. She never did. You, Kelsey Stanton, are my best friend and I love you." He drops his head then lifts it, grinning at me. "Like a sister of course."

"Of course." I chuckle as I flex my toes in his very attentive hands. "You keep that up and I'm gonna have an …"

"Don't go there. I don't need to know what turns you on, thanks."

"Well, that does. So, umm, stop, will you?"

"You sure?"

"Un-huh." He slowly takes his hands from my feet, letting them drop gently to the floor. I should have kept my mouth shut and just enjoyed the ride because I feel alone without his hands on me. "Any chance I could sweet talk you into getting me a drink?"

"Name your poison, love." He stands, waiting for my request.

"Oh, I need a scotch."

"Rocks?"

"Please." I let my head drop back to the couch, closing my eyes allowing my mind to run through the events of the day.

"Kels, what possessed you to follow her in there?"

"I have no goddammed idea. I must be losing my mind, too." I laugh softly as I feel the glass slide into my hand. It's cold in my grasp, already sweating and making it slightly slippery. "Maybe she has some sort of infectious disease that causes the brain cells of those around her to die out, too. It must be airborne. Something she exhales."

Erik tosses his head back and, through his chuckles, sips his own drink. He drops down to the couch next to me, brushing my hair behind my ear. "Let me take you out to dinner tonight."

I glance over to my best friend. "Where? I'm not in the mood for

Gag in the Bag." This is the California nickname for Jack in the Box.

"Oh, I was thinking somewhere expensive. I can afford it. I got the part." His lips break into a little grin. "My agent called today right before you and crazy lady made the news."

"You little shit!" I laugh and sit up, quickly giving his arm a slap. I am thrilled for him and I know my enthusiasm shows even though I'm drained and exhausted. His blue eyes twinkle with his own happiness. "Why didn't you tell me?"

"I just did."

"I mean before now! Erik, I swear. You gotta learn what's important in this life."

"I have, Kels. I needed to make sure you were okay first. Now that I know you are, I want to take you out and celebrate. Celebrate both our good fortunes."

"Just take me some place where Harper Kingsley won't be and I'm there." I set my drink on the table in front of me then wrap my arms around his neck. "Congratulations, Erik. It's wonderful. I'm so glad for you." Pulling back from him, I watch the gentle mirth in his eyes. "So when you're getting that first Oscar, you gonna forget old Kels?"

"Are you kidding? You'll be right there with me, babe. You," he places the tip of his finger to my nose, "are my good luck charm."


* * *

Erik manages to get us reservations at one of our favorite restaurants. The Oak Room is absolutely the type of place I need to be tonight and Erik knows it. It is so far removed from the Harper Kingsleys of the world - refined and elegant -it will be perfect. They don't serve anything that remotely resembles a 'dirty water dog.' God, the thought of that makes my stomach churn more than the fear I felt today.

I have time, Erik is quick to point out, to take a long hot bath and try to relax a little before dinner. As I settle back into the tub I chalk up another reason to keep Erik. Resting against the smooth porcelain tub, I close my eyes. Only to see Harper's blue eyes peering back at me, staring deep inside. "Get out!" I protest aloud as I slap the water and blink my eyes open in the subdued bathroom light. "Leave me alone, you demon spawn from hell." I groan as I lean back again, refusing to close my eyes. I can't even enjoy a bath.


* * *

A knock on my bedroom door makes me forget the argument I'm having with the zipper of my dress. I turn to find Erik. He's dressed in a dark suit with a gray silk tie. He looks fabulous and I envy him. He can jump in the shower, primp for two minutes, get dressed and be gorgeous. It takes me an hour just to decide what to wear.

"Need a hand?"

"Yeah, could you, please?" I offer him my back and feel the zipper slide up, along with the warmth of his knuckles. "Thanks."

"No problem it looked like it was winning."

"It was. I'm still a little off kilter, I guess." I slide on my heels as I check my reflection in the mirror one more time. "Do I look all right?"

"You have to ask?"

"No, I just need to hear you say it." I bat my eyes at him playfully.

"You are the most beautiful thing in my life and if Harper Kingsley isn't more careful with you, I'm gonna kick her ass."

"Erik, two things. One, it's my job now. No more safe anchor desk doing real news. I'm out in the field and I have a feeling that trouble gravitates toward that one. And two, please don't say her name again tonight."