“I need a favor.” He said as he moved closer to the desk. She stood from her chair and moved around the desk to stand before him.

“Oh, what kind of favor.” She asked in a low sexy voice that caused him to arch one of his brows and smile. He pulled a sealed envelope from inside his jacket and handed it to her. She stared at it curiously.

“I just need you to hold on to this for a couple of hours, and bring it by my office around lunch-time, if you don’t mind.”

“No of course I don’t mind, hope you don’t mind my asking, but what is it?” She asked smiling mischievously at him

“A card for my girlfriend.” He toyed with her, reaching out and stroking her hair.

“Oh really, so should I be jealous?”

“Well last I knew, ‘you’ were my girlfriend, so no you have nothing to worry about. Actually it’s for my brother, something that I’ve been wanting to give him for a long while now.”

“That’s sweet.” She said and then reached out her hand and caressed his cheek. “I’m so glad to see you smiling, after the nightmares you had last night. If you ever want to talk about it my offer still stands.”

“The nightmare?” He repeated, seeming to her a bit baffled.

“Don’t tell me you don’t remember waking up screaming, ‘I didn’t mean to’?”

“Oh that,” he replied as he allowed his brain to register the words.

“Yes, ‘that’, you really seemed spooked last night. I’ve never seen you like that before, but you seem better now.”

“Oh I am, I‘m much better now, thank you.” He said grasping her hand, which was still on his face and kissed the palm of it, causing her to blush. “So, you don’t mind doing me this favor?”

“No, but.” She said around a sly smile as she reached down, grasped the lapel of his jacket and pulled him closer to her. “It’s gonna cost you.”

“Oh what did you have in mind counselor?” Before she could reply his cell went off. “Excuse me.” He said as he moved off a bit and turned to answer his phone. “Hello, good, that’s good. I’ll be there in twenty minutes.” He hung up his cell and turned back to her, as she now leaned against the front of her desk with what he thought was a very sexy pout on her lips. He moved to her and pressed his body up against hers, and crushed his lips to hers. When he released her she looked at him as if he had taken her breath away. “You can tell me what I owe you later, and thank you for doing me this favor.” He then threw her a wink and that left her office.

“Wow.” She said as she stared after him, suddenly anxious to see him later.

~~~~

A knock came at his door and he felt himself groan inwardly, he hadn’t been able to get any peace and quiet since he had returned to the office. “Come in.” He said only briefly taken his eyes from the computer screen to see who was bothering him now, and he sighed seeing the red hair before anything else. “What do you need Natalie?” He asked turning back to the screen.

“Well I’m just heading out to lunch and wanted to see if you wanted me to bring you anything back.”

“I…”

“Thanks Natalie but I’ve got what he likes,” Evangeline said as she pushed past Natalie and entered John’s office with a brown paper bag in hand. “But you enjoy your lunch.” She threw back at Natalie before closing the door, shutting Natalie out. She then focused back on John.

“You’re right, you do have what I like.” John said as he stood from his desk and made his way around to where she stood. He grasped the bag from her as he leaned in and gave her a sensual kiss, not as intense as the kiss she had gotten earlier but still, delicious. He pulled back and opened the bag, looking inside and then looking back up at her with a smile. “It’s getting scary just how well you do know me.”

“Well I make it a point to know what my man likes, makes it easier for me to please him.” She said in a seductive tone. “Oh and before I forget,” She said as she pulled out the envelope she had tucked under her arm. “Here’s that favor you needed.” She said with a wide smile as she handed John the envelope. “And don’t think I forgot your I.O.U. either mister.” John looked at her and the then at the envelope in confusion.

“What are you talking about, what favor?” He asked as he examined the envelope more closely.

“Oh no, you’re not getting out of this buster, you owe me and I plan to collect later. So what’s the occasion anyway?” She asked and again received a baffled look from John.

“I honestly don’t know what you’re talking about.” He then reached out and touched the back of his hand against her forehead, which she playfully swatted away.

“Oh stop, if you don’t want to tell me then don’t, just say it’s none of my business.” Evangeline said the humor leaving her face as she folded her arms across her chest.

“It’s not that, it’s just that I feel like I’m on some hidden camera show, or the butt of someone’s joke. Did Mikey put you up to this, if I open this envelope will it blowup in my face?”

“My God you’re serious.” Evangeline said fear gripping her as she realized he really didn’t know what she was talking about. “John you don’t remember coming to my office a few hours ago and giving me this envelope? You asked me if I could hold on to it for you that it was for your brother.” John’s expression hardened a bit at her words. “Well at least tell me you remember the kiss, cause it was some kiss.” She said with a smile that quickly faded at the change in John’s demeanor as he gently placed the envelope on his desk, and backed away from it. He then grasped Evangeline’s hand and rushed them from the office.

“Jones, get the bomb squad down here, tell them a suspicious package has just been delivered to my office.” John addressed a fellow officer, who nodded and began to place the call.

“John you’re scaring me now, what’s going on?” Evangeline asked as she stared at him with fright filled eyes.

“Everyone needs to evacuate the building, there’s a possible bomb.” John spoke out loudly to everyone in the squad room. “Get out now!” He commanded and people did as he said filing out. He then moved to the Commissioner’s office, pulling Evangeline close behind him. He didn’t bother to knock as he entered. “Bo, we need to leave there’s been a possible bomb threat.” John said to Bo who instantly stood and followed them out of the office. The Bomb squad entered the squad room just as John, Evangeline, and Bo were heading out.

“Where’s the threat?” The captain of the bomb squad asked.

“In there,” John replied as he pointed towards his office.

“Ok, you lot get outside and behind the barrier line.” The captain commanded as he and two of his crew moved to John’s office. When John, Evangeline, and Bo finally made their way outside a large crowd had formed. It wasn’t until had gotten behind the barrier line that John turned to Evangeline grasping her firmly by the shoulders.

“You said I was at your office earlier and that I gave you that envelope.” John said to her and she nodded her head.

“Yes John you came to my office and gave me the envelope, that is unless you’ve got a twin walking around here somewhere.” At her words John swallowed the lump forming in his throat. “John, what’s going on?” She asked noticing his look. At that moment Michael and Natalie arrived.

“Hey John,” Michael called out as he and Natalie pushed their way through the crowd. “Hey you guys ok, what happened?”

“Jason.” John said and Michael’s face paled over at the mention of the name he had heard in many years. “He’s back.”

“Jason, who’s Jason, John?” Evangeline asked a bit lost with the conversation.

“My twin brother. My identical twin brother.” John answered and received a shocked look from Evangeline, Natalie, and Bo.

“What?” Evangeline said as she stared at John as if he were speaking in a language she didn’t understand.

“The guy that came to your office earlier, it wasn’t me Evangeline. It was my twin Jason.” John said knowing that she’d want more details and knew she deserved more but at the moment he was having a hard time processing things.

“You have a twin and you never told me, why?” She asked a cloud of confusion still on her face.

“Because until today I thought he was dead.”

“But that doesn’t explain why you didn’t tell me, John.”

“Because I had hoped he was dead.” Her face softened at his words and the look on his face. “Look, can we finish this later, after the crisis, somewhere more private.” She nodded her head in agreement; for she knew to keep something so big from her, it had to be something serious and very private to John. At that moment the Captain of the bomb squad came out through the doors.

“False alarm!” He called out and the portion of the crowd that worked in the station began to file back in. John, Evangeline, and Bo made their way to the Captain, with Michael and Natalie close behind them. The Captain handed the now opened envelope to John. “It’s just a card. You wanna tell me the reason you thought it might have been something else?”

“I just found out an old enemy of mine has resurfaced, this is from him.” John replied as he still looked at the card cautiously.

“Well, whomever it is sent you a card, so maybe they’re trying to make amends with you.” The Captain said with a chuckle and a slap to John’s back before he walked off.

“Well, you heard the man let’s get back to work people.” Bo said to those lagging behind as he lead a very curious Natalie back into the station house with him. Bo paused at the doors and turned back to where John, Evangeline, and Michael still stood. “John why don’t you take a couple of days off, sort things out and if you need back up just call alright?” John only nodded in reply.

“So you gonna open it?” Michael asked breaking the dead silence as they each stood transfixed, with their eyes locked on the envelope. John still voiced no reply but opened the flap of the envelope and pulled out the card.

A time to love, a time to hate
A time for peace, I swear it's not too late…

see you soon, lil brother, Jason


“Ok, isn’t that a song?” Michael asked, as he looked more confused.

“Yeah, it was before your time but when we were kids and we fought mom would sing that song.”

“Well did it stop you two from beating the snot out of each other?” Michael asked.

“Not really, but it made us want to beat the snot out of mom, cause she sang it a lot.”

“So you guys fought a lot, huh?” Evangeline broke in on the inquisition.

“Yeah, but we had moments where someone on the outside looking in would think we were really close, but we weren’t. Mom always remarked on how odd it was that we didn’t seem to ever get along, what with us being twins and all.”

“Well maybe this card is a sort of peace offering.” Michael said.

“Naw Mikey, you were too little to really get to know Jason before…” John paused and Evangeline took note of the understanding gaze the brothers shared. “Just trust me when I say, he’s back for trouble, and this,” He waved the card a bit. “This is just a warning.”

“But why, I don’t understand, why would he want to cause you trouble?” Evangeline asked truly wanting and needing to understand. Something in her soul told her that if she could uncover this secret she would discover why John couldn’t express himself and be more open to life and to love.

“He blames me for what happened when we were kids, long story short, someone was killed and he took the blame and was sent to juvi until he was eighteen, after which he went straight to the state penitentiary. That’s the last we’d hard of him.”

“My God, John I’m so sorry, but you say he took the blame as if he wasn’t really at fault.”

“He wasn’t.” John said.

“John, don’t keep doing this man.” Michael cut in.

“I’m finally getting it out isn’t that what you said I should do?” John said as he looked from his brother to Evangeline. “Jason and I had a childhood friend, Jana,”

“A little red head girl.” Michael felt the need to add and the look that came across Evangeline’s face made him glad he had, for he was sure Evangeline would see the significance that had to Natalie.

“Anyway, the three of us went out into the woods to an area we shouldn’t have been. There was this abandoned well, Jason and I knew about it. Jason,” John said as he shook his head still trying to understand his brother’s actions. “I don’t know what was in him that made him do some of he things he did but for some reason he took Jana to the well and shoved her in,”

“My God.” Evangeline gasped out as her hand clutched at her chest.

“She caught hold of the edge and I rushed to her, grabbed her hand. I tried to hold on…I tried.” John said as he swallowed down the lump in his throat. “But I didn’t hold on tight enough and she fell.”

“John it wasn’t your fault at least you tried to help her. You were just a kid man.” Michael tried to reassure as he always had.

“I should have gotten a better grip, braced my legs better, got better support.”

“Where was Jason during all of this, why didn’t he help?” Evangeline asked.

“He was standing there watching, smiling.” John said as he watched Evangeline’s face contort in horror as she stared back at him. “I begged him to help, but he told me we both would fall in after her that I should just let her go…afterward, he told me it was my fault that I let her go.”

“And he’s been believing that crap ever since it happened.”

“It’s not that Mikey, you weren’t there, I just feel like there was more I could have done.”

“But there wasn’t John,” Evangeline spoke out as she grasped John’s hand and held it in both of hers. “It wasn’t your fault and whose to say that if you did manage to pull her out that Jason wouldn’t have pushed you both back in. He pushed her in there with the intent for her you fall John, it sounds premeditated to me. He’s a killer he’s to blame. So the right person went to jail.”

“Yeah, for a moment there I thought he would get off, after the lie Jason told about Jana accidentally falling in.”

“How did the truth come out anyway, I’ve always been curious to know?” Michael said.

“Some nature buffs out on a near by trail, I didn’t learn until later that they were there and had witnessed what happened, but by the time they had gotten down to where we were it was too late. They must have been the ones to get help, and it was their testimony that got Jason convicted.”

“So you didn’t testify?” Evangeline asked and John shook his head no.

“For a short time after it all happened I didn’t talk, I couldn’t. I was in shock still.”

“I can imagine,” Evangeline said as she stared down at her hands, which were still wrapped around John’s.

“Now he’s back, and I’m sure he's out for revenge.” John said as he looked from Evangeline to Michael.

“So, Jason how’s your little project going?” The tall leggy blonde asked as she entered the bedroom they sometimes shared.

“Better than I had expected and hoped.” Jason said as he lounged in one of the leather chairs seated by the huge fireplace. He held a glass of cognac in one hand as he leafed through the files and pictures in his lap. He focused on one picture in particular.

“She’s…pretty, but really not your type.” The blonde said as she stood leaning over the back on the chair. His jaws clinched at her words, he hated when she implied she knew him, and hated even more when she seemed to forget her place with him.

“I have no type Liza,” He replied coolly not seeing the hurt look that crossed her faced, but smiled still, knowing it was there.

“Oh…well I thought you had a thing for blondes.”

“No, you mean you thought I had a thing for you, and you are wrong on both counts. You my dear Liza,” He said as he tossed the files from his lap on the floor. “Are here to please me in any way I see fit, it’s what I pay you for so…” He tugged at the drawstring of him pajama bottoms and freed himself from them. “Come earn your keep.” He said with a smile as he threw his head back to look up at her from where she stood behind the chair. She had always known deep down inside why he kept her around, but it still hurt like hell to hear him say it out loud, because she desperately loved him. She slowly moved around the chair to stand before him, and a single tear slid down her cheek as she got down on her knees. She looked at him for a second, hoping he wouldn’t humiliate her this way, but he only finished off his glass of cognac, set the glass down and then reached out and yanked a handful of her hair and forced her head and mouth down on him.

~~~~

“So, what’s he like?” Evangeline asked as she lied in John’s arms, they had gone back to her place after the scare at the station. John felt the need to be with her and he felt it was safer at Evangeline’s place with the guard, who was a retired cop, at the door.

“Who?” John asked acting as if he didn’t really know whom she was asking about, as he lay on his back with his eyes closed.

“Santa Claus,” Evangeline said in jest as she poked at his ribs. “Jason, who else? If he’s as much of a threat as you think him to be then I should learn all I can about him. What are his weakness, what is he afraid of, what can I use against if I ever encounter him again…” Before she could finish her sentence John had bolted them upright in the bed and he was now painfully clutching her forearms.

“You run, do you hear me? If you ever see him again you don’t ‘encounter’ him you run. He’s dangerous Evangeline and I have no doubt he will use the person I love most to try and hurt me.” His words stunned Evangeline so much that she didn’t bother complaining that he was hurting her arm.

“Ok,” She complied and he slowly released her and lied back against the pillows. She watched him and a smile spread across her face. “Now was that so hard?” She said in a near whisper as she lied back against him.

“What?”

“Saying you love me,” She said as she looked up from his chest into his eyes, as he stared back at her with a slight smile and arched brows. “I better be that ‘person you love most’.” She said and his smile widened as he closed his eyes as if going to sleep. “John McBain, I swear to God!” She exclaimed as she sat up again grasping her pillow and readying herself to hit him with it. Before she could lift it John grabbed her around the waist and tackled her onto her back and positioned himself above her.

“No it wasn’t so hard, and yes you’re that one…the one…and only.” He spoke softly as he stared down at her lovingly. “So please promise me if Jason ever comes near you again you’ll run.”

“Promise.” She replied just as softly.

“Now let me show you how much I love you.” John said as he lowed himself onto her, capturing her mouth in a sensual kiss, that quickly turned desperate as the two tore at each other’s clothes, both needing to feel flesh on flesh, and be connected in the most intimate ways.

~~~~

“Hey you,” He greeted as she entered his office a bright, beautiful smile upon her face. “What are you doing here?”

“I just came to hear you say you love me once more.” She answered.

“Oh,” He said smiling as he stood from his chair and moved around the desk to where she stood. Just as he reached her he noticed that her face suddenly contorted and her pained eyes locked on to his. “Evangeline…” He called out as he reached up and grasped her face in his hands. She opened her mouth to speak but instead coughed out blood upon his shirt before collapsing in his arms. “Oh God, Evangeline…EVANGELINE!!!” He screamed as a wave of helplessness washed over him. “Somebody help me!” He yelled as his head, shot up and looked out the opened door. No one moved everyone kept with their task as if they hadn’t heard him. John watched in horror and amazement as the station and his office shifted into a haze and when it all came into focus again he found himself in a forest like area, near an old well, a place he knew.

“It’s your fault, you killed her Johnny.” A youthful voice spoke out and John instinctively clutched Evangeline’s lifeless body closer to him as he turned and stared at what looked to be Jason, but at twelve years old. “It was your fault then and your fault now, you killed them both.”

“No,” John said as he used one of his hands to grasp and pull out his gun. “I won’t let you hurt her, not her, not again. This time I’ll stop you Jason.” John said and then raised his gun and fired, but the bullets seemed to fly right through his brother, who remain unfazed, standing there smiling at John. John dropped his gun and focused onto Evangeline as he gently shook her trying to wake her. “I won’t let you hurt her, Evangeline, baby wake up, please wake up.” He cried out as he used his sleeve to wipe her bloody mouth as she stared up at him with dead eyes. “Please, please wake up.”

“Wake up, John!” The shrilled voice of Evangeline startled John from his sleep and he leaped up and reached for his gun on the bedside table. He aimed it with one hand as he wrapped his other arm and hand protectively around Evangeline. “John, let go…you’re hurting me.” Her words made him focus on the death grip he had on her and he instantly released her.

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry.” He said breathless. “I had a nightmare.”

“I know, you were practically yelling. It was about Jason and me.” John nodded even though she was making a statement and not asking a question. “Oh baby he’s really got you spooked hasn’t he?” Evangeline said as she move to him, wanting to hold him and comfort him, but John quickly moved from the bed, wanting to distance himself from her.

“I think I better sleep on the couch, I don’t want to hurt you.” He said as he looked to her sadly.

“Then don’t sleep on the couch, stay here with me.” She said.

“I can’t…I’m sorry…I doubt I’ll go back to sleep now anyway. You should sleep I’ll just go see what’s on T.V.” John then left the room not giving her the opportunity to argue with him. He closed the door behind him and stood there a moment resting his forehead against it. “I won’t let him hurt you, I swear to God I won’t.”

~~~~

The morning found them both a little restless, having spent the night on opposites sides of a door, neither had gotten much sleep due to worrying about the other. After they were showered and dressed they headed to The Palace Restaurant for breakfast, they hadn’t long arrived and were still looking over the menu, when they found themselves being interrupted.

“Hello little brother,” A familiar voice called out and John instantly shot his head from his menu and stared directly into eyes like his own. John’s hand shot to his gun holster; unsnapping it he then rested his hand on his gun. Jason raised his hands a bit. “There’s no need for that, and is that any way to act in the presence of ladies?” Jason said and for the first time John took note of the tall, lean blonde on Jason’s arm. “Hello again Ms. Williamson,” Jason said focusing his attention to the woman who sat gawking at him, and exchanged looked between him and John. Jason reached out to grasp her hand, to kiss it, but John quick shot from his seat and moved in between the two.

“Don’t touch her.” John said now standing face to face with his brother. He could feel many eyes on them, the eyes of people he knew within the community but who had, had no idea he was a twin.
“I was just trying to my polite little brother, I swear I don’t recall you being so jumpy.” Jason said as he smiled at his brother. “You look good John, really good. And I’ve heard you’ve done good for yourself as well, first with the FBI and now a detective here in Llanview, and keeping the company of a very beautiful woman.” Jason finished locking his eyes on Evangeline, which made both her and his companion frown a bit.

“Why are you here Jason, when did you get out?”

“I got out a few years ago John and I’m just here to see my family, how’s Mikey and Eve? I was thinking of going by the hospital to see Mikey later, Dr. McBain, that still trips me out the hear.”

“Don’t.” John said.

“And why not, he’s my brother too.”

“No Jason, we haven’t been your family for a long time, and as I recall that’s how you wanted it. We were all dead to you, isn’t that what you said?”

“Yes, the words of a frighten kid who was being sent off to a bad place for a long time. I didn’t want you guys burdened with that, I didn’t want you coming to visit and seeing me in that place.” Jason said in what John took to be false sincerity, but Evangeline’s heart went out to him a bit.

“You put yourself there Jason.” John said.

“It was an accident John, you were there, you saw…”

“Yeah I saw you shove her into that well and then you wouldn’t help me pull her out, and she died.”

“Is that what you recall John, really? Jana slipped and fell in and I didn’t help because I was afraid I’d get pulled in to.”

“God you’re still the father of lies.” John said as he turned to Evangeline who was still sitting. “Come on let’s go.”

“But we haven’t eaten yet, John.” Evangeline said as she stood, taking the hand John offered to her, and then grimacing a bit as he squeezed it tightly into his.

“We’ll go to Carlotta’s.” He said to her and then turned back to his brother. “Stay away Jason, or so help me God…”

“I just want to make amends with you little brother.” Jason said with a sigh. “Why can’t we just make amends?”

“Because I don’t trust you, I never have Jason, I know you too well. Just leave, go back to wherever it is you crawled from. Don’t contact me, Mikey, or mom.”

“You’re breaking my heart here Johnny.” Jason said. “But I’ll do as you wish, but I’m not leaving town, I have business here, so I may be here for some time.” He said as his eyes fell back onto Evangeline. “If fact, Miss. Williamson, I’m looking for a lawyer…”

“Keep looking.” John said quickly.

“Does he always handle your business?” Jason asked Evangeline, who didn’t reply. “What are you her agent?” Jason directed to John.

“No I’m her boyfriend and you had better stay away from her. I won’t let you hurt someone else I love Jason.” John said and then pushed past his brother, pulling a speechless and stunned Evangeline behind him.

Once they were in the car and driving down the street, Evangeline finally spoke. “John…”

“I’m sorry if you think I was out of line back there, me telling him that you don’t want his business, but I don’t want him near you. I don’t want you talking to him, near him at all.”

“No, I understand, well kind of. You say you don’t trust him and that he’s up to no good, I believe you. I trust you and respect you enough to heed your warning. It’s not that…it’s what you said.” Evangeline said fidgeting a bit as she now stared down at her hands, trying to play subtle. “You said you wouldn’t let Jason hurt someone else you loved.” She said and then left it there, waiting for John to reply.

“I did?” He said bunching his brow a bit, honestly not recalling saying those words.

“Yeah you did, you don’t remember?” Evangeline asked her spirit and heart sank a bit.

“No, don’t know why I would, I mean Jana was a school friend, I wouldn’t say she was someone I loved.”

“Well that is what you said John, but…” Evangeline’s mind began to reel a bit. “Maybe Jana wasn’t who you were talking about. Did Jason hurt someone else, someone close to you who you loved?” Suddenly a loud bang went off in John’s ears and a bright flash of light blinded him, causing him to clamp his eyes shut and to jerk the car off the road. When he opened his eyes again he saw everything playing in slow mode; seeing a tree right before them and then turning to see Evangeline screaming and bracing her hands against the dashboard. In a split second everything sped up and his reflexes took over and he swerved, just barely missing the tree, before coming to a stop on the side of the road. He instinctively turned to Evangeline.

“Are you ok?” He asked as he clutched her tear-filled face in both of his hands. “Evangeline, are you ok?” He said a bit louder and she nodded her head as she continued to softly cry. John pulled her face to his and placed a kiss upon her forehead and then rested her head against his shoulder. “What the hell was that, it sounded like a gun fired.”

“What, what are you talking about? There wasn’t any gun firing.” Evangeline said as she pushed her self back away from him. “You just lost control, what’s wrong John, what happened?”

“Like I said a gun went off, I heard it, I saw it.” John said as he ran his hand through his hair. “I saw it.” He repeated as he looked at Evangeline whose face now looked at him in concern instead of fear.

“I’m sorry if I scared you.” John said as they settled onto the plush couch in Evangeline’s office having returned there after their accident.

“This isn’t about me, John something is seriously going on and I think it has everything to do with your brother coming to town. And something that happened in your past maybe.”

“It’s nothing…”

“Nothing? John you’re hearing things, you heard a gunshot that I didn’t hear and it distracted you enough that we nearly crashed.” John quickly reached his hand out and cupped her face.

“I’m sorry, God if something had happened to you because of me…”

“But it didn’t and I’m fine, but you’re not, and I’m worried about you.”

“Its becoming a full-time job isn’t, worrying about me.” John joked and he threw her half a smile.

“I’m not complaining.” Evangeline replied with a sweet smile of her own. “I’m just really worried would you please consider talking to someone?”

“Someone like who, a shrink?” John laughed off and he swiftly stood up. “You think I’m crazy now?” John looked down at Evangeline who remained seated on the couch.

“No, but I think there something going on in your head. Maybe something that happened when you were a kid, something involving your brother, something your mind blocked out that’s trying to resurface now.”

“Why do I need a shrink, hell you seem to know all the answers?” John said defensively and accusingly.

“Don’t do that, don’t start attacking me, John.” Evangeline said, visibly hurt by John’s behavior towards her. “You know what, forgive me for caring and just forget what I said, you deal with it how you usually do, bottle it up until it eats you from the inside out.” Evangeline said as she stood and moved to her desk. She began to leaf through the papers on top as she tried to swallow back the tears that threaten to overflow. John knew he hurt her with his words and had wish he could have taken them back the second they spilled from his mouth.

“I’m sorry,” John said to Evangeline’s back and when she didn’t turn to face him he reached out and turned her to him. “I’m sorry,” He repeated as he fused his forehead against hers closing his eyes and just reveled a moment in her nearness. “If it’ll make you feel better I’ll talk with someone.” John said as he now looked at her with pleading eyes, hoping to aleve her anger with him.

“Good, I have a friend, he’s a psychiatrist…”

”He,” John repeated the only words that resounded in his head at that moment.

“Yes his name is Dr. Jamison, and Phil’s helped me on several casing, testifying on my client’s behave. He’s a great guy and a great doctor. I can call him and set up an appointment, and I’ll go with you if you’d like.”

“Phil,” John said again tuning out all but keywords. “You’re on first name basis with him?” John asked and despite the situation Evangeline had to smile at his jealous behavior.

“Like I said he’s helped me, nothing more.”

“You’re sure about that?”

“Yes, we had a couple of dinner dates when I first came to town but those were professional not personal.”

“You two dated…Oh yeah now I’m really looking forward to sitting and chatting with some guy who dated my girl, once upon a time.”

“We didn’t date John, and you know you don’t have to try a pick a fight to get out of seeing him, if you don’t want to go then just tell me to back off and I will.”

“No, you can set up the appointment I’ll go, but…” He pause not sure how to say what was on his mind without offending or hurting Evangeline’s feelings. “If I’m gonna do this, I have to do it alone.” Evangeline briefly looked disappointed but instantly covered with a bright smile.

“Ok, just know I’m here if you need me.” At her words John smiled and reached his hand out to grasp the back of her neck and pulled in back to him, making their foreheads touch again.

“I know.” He said and then dipped his mouth to her for a sensual kiss.

~~~~

There’s no reason to be nervous John, we can talk about whatever ‘you’ feel comfortable discussing.” Dr. Jamison said as he sat watching the very uncomfortable looking Detective who sat in the chair across from him. Their session had begun nearly an hour ago and they hadn’t done anything past introducing themselves to one another with a firm handshake.

“I’m not nervous doc, I just feel I’m wasting your time and killing my wallet just being here.”

“I’m sorry, Angel made it seem like this was your idea.” Dr. Jamison spoke with a perplexed look etched on his face, a look John’s face now mirrored.

“Angel?” John said with a smile as he leaned back into his seat more to regard the younger black man before him. A young, very successful black man, who he was sure any woman would define as attractive.

“Yes after butchering her name repeated, we both decided that Angel was a necessity.” Dr. Jamison said with a chuckle but quickly cleared his throat when he noticed the threatening gleam in John’s eyes even though his face still guised a friendly smile. “Uhm…so, Ang…she mentioned that something occurred the other day, that nearly caused an accident.”

“She told you about that?” John asked.

“Only because she’s really concerned, she cares a lot about you.”

“Yeah and I feel the same about her.” John said for no other reason then to let the good doctor know.

“That’s good,” Dr. Jamison said nodding his understanding and then moved back on point. “So would you like to tell me in your own words what happened?”

“I heard a gunshot, it startled me, and I lost control for a moment.” John answered honestly.

“But Angel said she didn’t hear the gunshot.” Dr. Jamison said choosing to ignore the glare John threw him over calling Evangeline ‘Angel’ again.

“I can’t explain that one doc, all I know is I heard one, saw the flash…”

“You saw the flash? Where?”

“Right in front of me, almost…like right behind my eyes, I don’t know its hard to explain.” John said growing a bit frustrated.

“Actually you’re explained it very well John and I’ve heard similar experiences from other patients. I think what you experienced was a flashback of a traumatic experience, brought on by something. What has recently happened in your life, John, a new case, a new place, new people?”

“No an old one, a ghost from my past,” John answered freely, more freely than both he and the doctor had expected him to.

“Who?”

“My twin brother, Jason,” Again John answered freely.

“Ok so we know the what, to be more precise the ‘who’, now we just need to figure out the ‘why’, what is it about your brother that has triggered this flashback, what is the flashback, do you have any idea?” Dr. Jamison asked.

“Well if I did I wouldn’t be here right now.” John said and smiled a bit.

“Yeah,” Dr. Jamison replied with a smile of his own. “Its ok we’ll work on it more, just know that it will come, whatever it is that your mind has blocked from you, your brother’s reappearance has unlocked, and it will all come out sooner or later. I would like to discuss hypnosis as an option, and if you’re ok with that idea we can have our first session next week.”

“Whoa, next week as in you expect me t come back?” John said as he stood to his feet, with the doctor following his lead, now standing before John.

“I would like for you to come back, I think it would be in your best interest John, but it’s up to you. You don’t have to make a decision about it right now, go home think on it if you decide to continue I will work with you John and together we will undercover whatever it is your subconscious is trying to keep from you. Just give me a call if you want to have another session.”

She left her office and made her way down the corridor to the elevators. “Hold the elevators please.” She called out as she then jogged up to the elevator. She directed a smile to the person who had been in the elevator, and had held it for her. When she laid eyes on the person inside the elevator her smile faded and she stood uncomfortably halfway in and halfway out of the doors.

“Well hello again Ms. Williamson,” The smooth voice said and it sent a tingle up Evangeline’s spine, much like John’s voice did, expect this, Evangeline reasoned, wasn’t the same because this wasn’t John. Not this man standing before her decked out in an Armani suit with a black silk shirt and wearing what she was sure were black alligator skinned shoes. As she stood there further inspecting him she noted that he was more groomed than John, not to imply that John was dirty, just that this man probably had his own personal stylist and manicurist, who gave him weekly manicures and pedicures. “Are you going down?” He asked interrupting her thoughts, as he continued pressing the hold button.

“I think I’ll take the next one, thanks,” Evangeline replied as she removed herself from the elevator doorway.

“Don’t be silly, I’m the only one in this one so there’s plenty of room.” He said and still she hesitated. “You’re not afraid of me are you, I mean you don’t even know me, so you couldn’t have formed such an opinion of me yet. Or has John poisoned me o you? I figured he would try but I said to myself this is an intelligent woman, who isn’t judgmental, she’s a lawyer after all. Surely she wouldn’t allow another to rule her views on any matter.” He finished and threw her his most charming smile. He knew he had goaded her into complying as she stepped into the elevator. “And no worries, I won’t bite unless you ask me to.” He leaned in and spoke softly into her ear, sending another tingle up her spine. Evangeline moved to the side, which allowed her to keep him within her sight.

“What do you want Jason? Why are you here?” Evangeline asked.

“Well Evangeline, I assume you don’t mind me calling you by your first name, since you’ve taken to using mine?” He said and noted her slight embarrassment. “I don’t mind being informal. In fact I prefer it. But as I was saying, Evangeline, I am here meeting with my lawyer. I did mention the other day that I was in need of a lawyer and well this building is full of them. I assure you it is pure coincidence that my lawyer practice is on the same floor as yours.”

“Right,” Evangeline said as she turned her attention to the numbers lighting up above the door. 5, 4, 3…3…3. The elevator stalled with a slight jar. “Oh no,” Evangeline huffed out as she moved to jab at the down button; she then threw Jason a look, as he casually leaned against the back wall. “I suppose ‘this’ is a coincidence too, right?”

“Or fate,” He replied and openly roamed his eyes over her form, which unnerved her and she turned and continued jabbing the down button more persistently. “I don’t think that’s working.” Jason said as he began removing his jacket.

“Well, its more helpful than what you’re…what are you doing?” She asked as she watched him, as he began to unbutton his silk shirt.

“Well, it looks like we’re going to be here for awhile.” He replied as he pulled off the shirt, and revealed a black tank top, which invoked a grin from Evangeline, which she tried to cover by turning back to the elevator buttons.

“God it’s hereditary,” She mumbled to herself, but it hadn’t gone unnoticed by Jason.

“What’s so funny?’ He asked.

“Nothing, just you McBain twins sure do have a thing for black.”

“Oh, well black is beautiful.” He said as he again eyeballed her from head to toe. Evangeline only rolled her eyes in reply, as she opened the small compartment above the buttons, which housed a phone. Jason spread his jacket onto the floor and sat down upon it. He rested his back against the wall and his right arm atop his bent right knee, as he watched Evangeline’s every move. He noticed her shoulders jar a bit and heard a slight curse as she hung up the obviously dead phone. Evangeline threw him an aspirated look, which turned to a look of annoyance when she took in his relaxed state.

“I cannot believe you’re making yourself at home instead of trying to help me get us out of this situation.” She spoke as she turn with her arms folded across her chest.

“Well I think you’ve done all that can be done love, except screaming your head off like a mad woman.” Jason said and Evangeline felt slight embarrassed thinking that that had been her next course of action. “And unfortunately I left my cell phone down in the limo,” Evangeline’s eyes widened at his words as she moved to her belongings, which she has sat against the wall opposite to where Jason sat. She grabbed up her purse and rummaged through it until she found what she had been looking for. A smile lit up her face, a smile of excitement, which she flashed at Jason as she held out her cell phone, which she eagerly opened and began dialing on.

“You have an incredible smile,” Jason stated and then chuckled to himself when her smile instantly faded and she turned her back to him to place her call.

~~~~

“Detective McBain,”

“Oh John, thank God.”

“Evangeline?” John spoke as his focus shifted from the report he had been reading to the voice on the phone.

“Yeah, it’s me and I need your help, we’re stuck in the elevator in my office building and I don’t know the number to the building security off hand, and the phone in the elevator isn’t working. So, you were the only person I could think of to call.” Evangeline explained.

“I’ll place a call to security for you, how many are stuck in there with you?” John asked and Evangeline silently groaned at the question. “Uhm…” She chewed at the bottom of her lip as her fingers fiddled with the pearl necklace she wore. “There’s just two of us.” Jason couldn’t hide the smile as he saw how nervous she was.

“Tell my brother I say hello.” Jason said in a deliberately loud voice, which he hoped John would hear, and he was rewarded with a glare from Evangeline.

“Evangeline, who the hell was that?” John questioned although he was sure he had heard his own voice.

“Uh, your brother Jason.”

“I’m on my way,” John said as he ended the call before Evangeline could respond.

“Great,” Evangeline sighed as she turned to throw more glares at Jason, as he looked up at her innocently. “You did that on purpose.”

“I don’t know what you mean, I was just being…”

“An asshole.” Evangeline finished.

“Sticks and stones,” Jason said with a chuckle. “Besides, why should you hide the fact that I’m stuck in here with you?”

“In case you hadn’t noticed, your brother can’t stand you. And I’m being nice when I say that.”

“Yeah, well Johnny has always been a bit jealous of me.”

“Jealous…he watched you murder a young girl.”

“Yes so he says, but tell me Ms attorney at law, do you believe in the justice system?”

“What?” Evangeline asked feeling a little unnerved with the way Jason was glaring at her, which increased when he suddenly stood.

“It’s a simply question do you believe in what you do, that you make a difference. That the justice system works.”

“Yes I do,” She stated matter-of-factly.

“Well I was found guilty, sentenced and I did my time, all of it. So, I guess you can say I paid my debt to society, which warrants me a second chance. I’d think you of all people could understand and respect that fact. All that has transpired between John and I happened a long time ago when we were kids. I’ve changed as I’m sure he’s changed, I’m just trying to reconnected with my family, but he’s made it clear he doesn’t want that and I can and will respect that. But I will not tolerate him or you bad mouthing me all over town. You least of all since you don’t even know me.”

“I haven’t…I wouldn’t.” Evangeline stammered, suddenly feeling ashamed of the way she had been treating him. “I apologize,” She said after a moment’s pause. “You have served your time and you do deserve a second chance in society. However, John doesn’t see it that way, he’s not looking to give you forgiveness.

Yeah I got that feeling,” Jason chuckled. “But what about you?” Jason asked as he moved to stand directly in front of her. Bowing his head a bit to get a better look at her downcast eyes. When Evangeline didn’t instantly respond, Jason took another step closer and reached out and hooked a finger under her chin to raise it, so he could look her in her eyes. “Do you think I’m some evil thing, unworthy of redemption?” He asked more softly. Evangeline stared transfixed, nearly getting lost in his intense blue eyes staring back at her, much as she did when she looked at John’s eyes.

“I…” Again Evangeline stammered not sure of how to respond, and not sure if her dry throat would allow her to respond. Jason watched her as he focused of her slightly parted lips, which seemed to beckon to him. He leaned in slightly and slowly so he wouldn’t frighten he but also to allow her the time to rebuff his advance, when she made no attempts to stop him, he leaned in further and softly captured her lips in a kiss. Evangeline nearly melted in his arms, and it took her a moment before she could gather her bearings and will herself to push him off. Jason released her mouth but still held her close, as he rested his forehead to hers, both their breaths coming out as pants.

“What are you doing?” She asked breathlessly as she gripped at his forearms.

“Kissing you,” Jason replied with what Evangeline thought was the sexiest smirk.

“No you can’t…we can’t…John.” And as if by speaking his name made him magically appear, the elevator doors opened with a ding and John rushed in with his gun drawn. He moved to Jason moving him away from Evangeline and slamming him against a far wall, and aimed his gun directly at Jason’s head. Evangeline and the maintenance worker John had found to open the doors both watched on in fear.

“No John!” Evangeline exclaimed as she watched wide-eyed.

“Didn’t I tell you to stay the hell away from her?” John hissed through gritted teeth.

“John, it’s not what you think,” Evangeline began to explain.

“Listen to her little brother.” Jason spoke as he kept his eyes on the gun stuck in his face.

“John, please,” Evangeline pleaded as she placed her hand on his forearm, and gently pushed the arm that held the gun downward. John grimaced and growled slightly as he released Jason, who readjusted his ruffled shirt.

“Are you ok?” John asked as he re-holstered his gun and then reached out and grasped Evangeline’s face in his hands.

“I’m fine, nothing happened.” Evangeline said insistently as a pang of guilt tugged at her for lying.

“I wouldn’t hurt Evangeline,” Jason stated as he started directly at her, causing her to instantly avert her eyes.

“Don’t even speak her name,” John spat at Jason as he turned to step to him again, only to be stilled by Evangeline’s hand on his arm.

“John please lets just go. Ok”

“Yeah…ok,” John agreed as he continued to stare at his twin, throwing him another glare as he and Evangeline left the elevator. “Stay away Jason, that’s your last warning.” Jason didn’t even acknowledge John but kept his eyes on Evangeline, who stared back briefly before she dropped her eyes to the floor, just as the doors closed.

~~~~

John silently stalked all the way from the building down to his car parked in the underground garage, as Evangeline hurriedly walked behind. She avoided his eyes as she got into the passenger side door, which he held open for her and then slammed it shut behind her, causing her to jump. Then he got into the driver side and slammed that door as well.

“John, are you mad?” Evangeline asked what she knew to be an obvious question.

“No, I’m furious. What the hell were you doing?” He demanded as he now stared at her, and she instantly felt a lump form in her throat. “I told you to avoid him, if you saw him you were suppose to run, not walk, the other way, not get trapped in an elevator with him.” Evangeline breathed a silent sigh of relief as she realized that John hadn’t seen the kiss, a kiss she felt guilt and shame over; guilt because it was a betrayal to John and shame because she had enjoyed it.

“I didn’t know Jason would have business in ‘my’ building John. There are other lawyers there besides me you know.” She answered going on the defensive.

“Well why the hell would you get in the elevator with him Evangeline?”

“I wasn’t really paying attention John, and I really don’t care for your tone.”

“I sorry hon,” John said instantly calming. “I just can’t have anything happen to you…If he had hurt you,” John began and then paused closing his eyes to push back the images suddenly forming.

“Nothing happened John, Jason was a complete gentleman. In fact I didn’t find him threatening at all.”

“Jesus Evangeline you’re talking like you like the fucking guy.” John snapped loudly and soon regretted it when he saw the glare Evangeline held in her eyes. She then opened her door and got out, John did the same and then hurried around the car to stop her retreat. “Evangeline, I’m sorry.”

“You should be,” She stopped and twirled to face him. “I understand you’re scared…”

“I’m not scared,” John quickly corrected her.

“Fine, I understand that you’re weary over Jason, but I’m not the enemy here John. And honestly I don’t know if Jason is either.” Evangeline stated and then stumbled back from the icy eyes that stared at her.

“Oh so now you’re an expert on my brother?”

“I didn’t day that, but come on John he was tried, convicted, and he served his time.”

“So what, I’m suppose to forgive and forget…give him a second chance?”

“Why not?”

“Ok, did you miss the part where I said he’s a ‘murderer’?”

“And he’s repaid his debt to society.”

“Christ Evangeline,” John exclaimed as he rested his hands on his hip. “I’m not understanding this sudden pep rally for Jason.”

“Honestly, right now this isn’t really about your brother. Right now I’m wondering how you’re going to treat me if I ever make a mistake. Are you going to be as unforgiving?”

“I don’t know, do you plan on killing someone I care about?” John answered sarcastically.

“Fine, if you’re going to be an asshole about it, just forget it.” Evangeline said as she again turned and walked towards her parked car, John didn’t follow this time but simply watched her walk away.

“So, now I’m an asshole, ok…fine.” John said and then stalked back to his car. Evangeline had to will herself not to turn around as she heard John’s Mustang squeal from the parking lot.

“Shit,” She cursed under her breath as she began inserting her car keys into the door.

“Thank you.” A male voice spoke out from the shadows nearby, which startled Evangeline and caused her to drop her keys. “Sorry I didn’t mean to startle you.” Jason said as he moved to where she stood and bent down to pick up the fallen keys. He then stood directly in front of Evangeline, who stood silently watching him with her back pressed firmly against her car door. Jason stepped closer into her space, as he reached around her and placed the key into the lock, unlocking it. When Jason’s arm brushed against hers, Evangeline’s voice hitched and her lips parted slightly, and again Jason took this as an invitation and he moved in swiftly and captured her lips. The kiss quickly deepened as Jason leaned his body against Evangeline’s, which pressed her securely against her car, and allowed her no escape. It was only when Jason’s hand began to roam up her thigh that Evangeline pulled from the kiss.

“No we can’t do this,” She spoke breathlessly as she pushed against his chest. Jason reluctantly moved back a bit. He released her lips only to latch onto her neck, which he nipped at and suckled. “Oh God,” Evangeline groaned as her eyes rolled a bit and she absentmindedly leaned her head to the side a bit so Jason had easier access to her neck. “No, no…no.” She said, and this time she pushed hard enough that Jason took a couple of steps back. “We can’t do this. I love John.”

“So, pretend I’m John. You don’t even have to close your eyes.” Jason joked with a chuckle.

“That’s not funny.” Evangeline said as a smile played on her lips. “We can’t do this, this is wrong.”

“It didn’t feel wrong to me, did it feel wrong to you Angel?” Jason spoke as he again moved closer and reached out to stroke her hair. Evangeline casually pushed his hand away.

“Don’t call me that, we’re not ‘that’ intimate, we can’t be that intimate.” She said and he threw her what she thought to be the most adorable and devilish grin.

“You keep saying we can’t, that you can’t, but you’re not saying that you don’t want to.” Jason said softly as he leaned in and whispered. “I can assure that I want to.” He then placed a gentle kiss on Evangeline’s neck. She again shoved him back and then held him at arm’s length.

“This is not going to happen.”

“No it’s not, this is not the time nor place.”

“There’s never going to be a time or place, because ‘this’ whatever this is, it’s not going to happen.” Evangeline stated sternly in a manner that suggested she was trying to convince herself of the fact. Jason threw her a smirk as he took a few steps backward.

“But it’s already happening,” He said as he turned and walked away. Evangeline watched until he disappeared into the shadows again. As she opened her car door she heard his voice call out to her in the distance. “See you later Angel.”