What if Sara and Ian met before she found the Witchblade...how would things pan out.....Just a romantic what if fic....wanted to give Ian a bit of an edge. I haven't read the comics but this is the impression I get of him, so I mixed that with tv Ian.






Ian Nottingham surveyed the ballroom from the security control room. Everything was perfect, each camera set the security detail was in place. He glanced at his watch, ten minutes to relax a bit. He sat down in a rolling office chair and propped his feet up on the table, he closed his eyes and began a silent meditation. His peace was fleeting however, the comlink in his ear sounded, "hey Boss, you there?"

Ian sighed deeply would this day never end, "What, Sanchez?"

"The cops the NYPD sent for show just turned up. You want I should brief them?"

"On my way." Ian studied the surveillance feed from Sanchez's post. The police department had sent its usual squadron of uniformed officers as well as five plain clothes cops. Four of them he recognized the woman Sanchez was fawning over he did not. She did not look comfortable in the formal pale blue dress she wore. One of the officers he knew as Burgess seemed to be giving her a hard time. She shot him a look and pulled at her dress. "Good evening officers, I am in charge here. Guests will be arriving in about five minutes, you may be under the opinion that you are here on official business however until a crime is committed you will be treated as guests, if you cause trouble you will be removed." He turned on his heel and left.

Sara raised her eyebrows as Ian Nottingham strode away. Burgess rolled his eyes. "Jerk off. Ok, everyone fan out and keep your ears open." He attempted the little quick turn Nottingham had done but only succeeded in squeaking his shoes. Sara laughed and slipped away from the door to find a nice vantage point. She watched as New York's elite filed into the mansion. They glittered and shimmered, she tugged self conciously at her bargin basement designer knock-off. Why had she volunteered for this?

A soft voice startled her, "you do not look pleased to be here, Officer."

She turned quickly to face the dark man who emerged from the shadows behind her, "Detective," she corrected. "Sara Pezzini, I usually work homicide."

"Should I be aware of any premenitions of murder for this evening?" Ian leaned back against the marble wall and let his eyes roam over the woman before him.

"No, just picking up some extra cash working overtime tonight. Although I'm not sure its worth it." She met his copper gaze. "You don't seem to happy here either."

Ian gave her a tight smile, "no, I am not a fan of all this," he gestured to the throng of party goers, "orgy of wealth."

"Pretty funny coming from a man who works for one of the richest men in the world."

"Just because I enjoy some of the finer things in life does not mean that I care for these spectacles. Excuse me for a moment." He held up his hand to his ear piece. "Yes, I'll be right there. Excuse me Detective, I hope to speak with you later."

"Sure, I'll be here. In rapt observation." She smiled at him. He gave her a slight bow and disappeared in the crowd. He wore that black suit well, she had to admit. Tall dark and extremely handsome.

"Hey, Pez, guess who just showed up."

She was shocked out of her reverie by one of her fellow officers, "Who, Smitty."

"Gallo and four of his boys." Smitty knew how much Pezzini hated Gallo.

"Where is he?"

"At the door, that Nottingham guy is taking care of them."

She headed for the entrance, sliding into the shadows listening to the confrontation.

"You are welcome here, Mr. Gallo, as are your friends but you will not enter this party carrying weapons. I know you have them on you, the scanner you just walked thru picked them up. I suggest you go back to your vehicle dispose of them and return if you must. I will not allow you to disrupt the evening." Nottingham blocked their entry. One of the men eased back his coat. Nottingham laughed a low menacing laugh. "I do not think you wish to try me Vespucci."

Gallo handed Vespucci something and nodded to him, "you heard the man." They retreated.

Ian turned to Sanchez, "they may reenter if they are not armed. Have Mr. Gallo go through the scanner again."

Sara chuckled to herself, she found herself liking the seemingly fearless man. He brushed trouble off as easily as rain on a slicker. What was Gallo doing at a function like this? She watched as Nottingham approached Kenneth Irons. He whispered something to the white haired man who nodded and returned to his companions. She made her way back to the alcove to watch the crowd. She felt a hand on her ass and turned to see Burgess walking away. "Bastard," she muttered under her breath as she took up position in her hideaway.

"Care for a bottle of water, Detective Pezzini?" Nottingham appeared before her eyes with a blue bottle.

"Thanks."

"Nice little vantage point you have here." Ian appreciated her cunning, from this alcove you could see the entire room and it was dim enough that unless one looked hard, you wouldn't be seen.

She bristled when she saw Gallo and his cronies making their way through the crowd. "Can you tell me what that scumbag is doing here?"

Following her gaze Ian spotted Gallo, that was his opinion of him as well. "Mr. Gallo is attempting to buy his way into polite society. I would have gladly kicked them out but did not wish to make a scene."

"If you don't want a scene, make sure he and I don't meet up," her voice was laced with hatred.

"Do I sense a personal grudge?" Ian raised his eyebrows at her.

"He killed my best friend. We just haven't been able to pin it on him yet," she said bitterly.

"I am sorry for your loss." Her friends death had greatly affected her, he could see the sorrow reflected in her shining green eyes.

She nodded and looked away unable to meet his steady gaze. "Thanks. You run a pretty tight ship."

He smiled a half smile, "thank you, I do my best. Tell me, Detective, if you weren't here, what would you be doing?"

Sara quirked an eyebrow at him, "laundry and you?"

"Honestly, after being awake for two days now, I'd rather be asleep."

"You certainly don't look like you're sleep deprived."

"Really, how do I look?" He smiled broadly as she blushed.

"Seeking complements, huh? Didn't think you were the type."

"And what type do you think I am?" His eyes twinkled with mishchievisness.

"I think...damn." Gallo and his crew were headed straight for them.

"Buon giorno, Bella," Gallo sneered.

"Hello, Killer," Sara smoothly answered back.

"Ah, Bella, why be that way?"

"Seeing Maria's killer roaming free just brings out the best in me," she siad sacrastically.

"You wear that cheap dress well, was it one of Maria's?"

A low growl escaped Ian, "that is enough Gallo."

Sara bristled at Gallo, Vespucci tossed a glass of merlot on her. Ian grabbed Vespucci's hand and crushed the glass in it cutting his hand. Vespucci tried to wrench his hand free, but Ian spun him around and cuffed him. Three of the security detail appeared, "take him away. Gallo, I suggest you leave." Ian took Sara's hand and half dragged half led her away.

She was seething by the time he got her into the hallway, "let me go."

"Calm down, you should be happy to know that was Vespucci's shooting hand. I severed a nerve with the glass when I crushed it, he won't be very useful to Gallo anymore."

Despite her fury, Sara began to laugh, "are you sure?"

"Very." Ian grinned, " if you come with me, I shall see if I can find something suitable for you to wear."

She followed him, some what reluctantly, "you got a closet full of women's clothes?"

"Designers like to give clothes to billionaires, it is good for business. You may change in this room, there is a bathroom through that door. I will be back in a little while."

Sara glanced around the room, extremely masculine, ancient weapons covered two of the walls while tapestries engulfed the others. One hanging depicted a dark knight on a black charger, she was so entranced by it she did not notice the man that came to stand behind her. "Stunning, isn't it?" He said quietly. Sara gasped and turned to see Kenneth Irons .

"Yes, it is."

"Ian usually doesn't allow anyone in his quarters." He took in the stains on her dress and arched an eyebrow.

"As you can see, someone spilled wine on me and Mr. Nottingham said he could find me a change of clothes." She took an instant dislike of this man who studied her so intently.

"Hello, Sir. Did you need something?" Ian asked as he entered carrying a dress. He handed it to Sara, "I think this will fit you Detective." Sara gladly took the dress and went to the bathroom.

"Detective?" Kenneth Irons peered at Ian.

"She is one of the plain clothes NYPD, one of Gallo's men tossed a glass of merlot on her. I thought it only polite to be of assistance."

"Of course, Ian, can't have a lady in distress, can we? I assume that you removed the offender."

"Certainly, Sir." Ian bowed his head.

"I will be retiring soon and do not wish to be disturbed." Ian followed him to the door barely sparing a glance in the direction of Irons's companions for the night. Ian chose not to concern himself with Irons's sexual proclivities and conquests.

Sara slid the maroon silk dress over her head. It fit like it was made for her, she admired herself in the mirror, feeling self concious because of how much skin it showed. She took her hair down so that it would cover her up a bit. Taking a deep breath she entered the room. Ian stood at the doorway, thankfully Sara thought, alone. "Well?" She smiled broadly at the shock on his face.

"Magnificant. Turn around," he twirled a finger in the air. Enjoying the view of the low backed dress are she did so.

"So, I'm square to go back amongst the beautiful people?"

Ian offered her his arm, "you will outshine them."


Smitty whistled when he saw her coming down the stairs, "wow, Pez, you look like a real lady. Heard you go into it with Vespucci."

Ian let go of her elbow and nodded to one of his security, "if you will excuse me, Detective."

"Thank you."

"You are welcome."

Smitty resumed his teasing, "man, Pez, we can't take you anywhere. You cause a scene and charm one of the deadlist men in the world..."

"I would hardly consider Gallo worlds deadliest."

"I was talking about that Nottingham guy, he's reportedly an assassin," Smitty whispered in her ear.

Sara raised an eyebrow at him, "don't believe everything you hear, Smitty." She walked away.

The remainder of the evening was uneventful, people milled out and by 2:00 am no one was left but security and the police. Nottingham walked over to the group of officers, "thank you all for your assistance the evening went off with out a hitch." He looked at Sara, "the only problem was a criminal with poor manners. Now, I suggest you all go home and get some rest, it has been a long night." With a quick turn he was gone.



Sara strode into her office Monday morning, never looking up from his files her partner, Danny, held up a cup of coffee. She took it greatfully she took several deep swigs before he spoke. "Now that that is outta the way, morning Pez."

"Morning." She spied the white box on her desk, "what's this?"

Danny shrugged, "was here when I got in."

Sara took a pencil and raised the edge of the box, peeking in. Danny laughed, "doubt its a bomb."

"After dealing with Gallo Saturday night I'm not taking any chances." She was relieved when she saw the blue material of her dress. She opened it and spied an elegant ivory envelope.

Detective Pezzini,

I wish to thank you for making a miserable evening bearable. The cleaners were able to get the wine stains out of your blue dress, although I prefer you in the maroon. Perhaps one night I may have the pleasure of seeing you in it again. Give me a ring if you like, 611-1100

Ian Nottingham

"What is it, Pez?" Danny was puzzled over the bemused expression on her face.

"The dress I wore at the party, one of Gallo's boys tossed a glass of red wine on me. The head of security gave me another one, he had my old one cleaned and sent here."

"I take it he's cute?" Danny knew that look and was happy to see it on her face again. She was having a hard time dealing with Maria's death maybe this guy woud take her mind off guilt and revenge. She just wasn't the same spunky Pez he knew and loved.

"Why?"

"Cause you got that little smirk."

Sara blushed slightly, "what smirk?"

"The one that says, he like me he likes me."

She tossed a file at Danny. "Shut up."

"Hit pretty close to the mark, huh, Pez?" Danny saw the warning look and knew not to push her any further. "By the way, Siri's relegated us to desk duty until we get these files done."

"Great, it's gonna be a long day," Sara groaned.

She bolted for the door when the clock read 5:30. Sara hated paperwork and being chained to a desk all day was pure torture. She snatched the box on her way out. She wove in and out of traffic, it seemed to take forever to get home. Wearily she trudged up her steps to her door. She tossed her helment and the box on the bed, stripped and headed for the shower. The hot water soothed her tight muscles. Feeling better, she put on water for ramen noodles, while waiting for it to boil she padded over to the bed and took the dress out of the box and hung it in the closet. Ian's note fluttered to the floor, on her way back to the kitchen she picked it up. She stared at it while she ate her noodles, she should call him just to thank him for the dress. Picking up her cordless phone she quickly dialed the number.

"Hello," said a deep silky voice on the opposite end.

"Hey." She felt stupid.

"Detective Pezzini?" Ian smiled surprised she had called.

"Just call me Sara, ok. Detective is too formal."

"Only if you call me Ian, Sara."

She grinned at the singsongy way he said her name, "I wanted to thank you for the dress and for having the other cleaned, you didn't have to."

"You are welcome."

They were both silent for a few minutes, Sara spoke first, "well, I just wanted to say thanks. I better go."

"Sara. Do you like jazz?"

"Yes, I do."

"An excellent singer is going to be at a little club downtown Friday evening, would you like to accompany me?"

He was actually asking her on a date, she couldn't believe it. "Sure, that would be nice."

"Her first set begins at 9:00, that would give us plenty of time for a bite to eat."

"Sounds good. Should I dress formal?"

"You can, but you would probably stand out" There was a teasing tone to his voice.

"Casual it is then." She gave him her address.

"Pick you up at 7:00?"

"Great, see you then."

"Goodnight, Sara."

"Night, Ian."



Sara glared at her watch, 6:15, only 45 minutes to get ready for her date. She slipped on black leather hip huggers and a short cut green turtleneck that showed her midsection. Glancing in the mirror she frowned. Leather on the first date. She pulled them off and grabbed her favorite jeans, then her basic black clompy boots. To the mirror again, much better. She applied her make-up, a little more than she usually wore. She ran a brush through her chestnut hair. She looked at her clock, 6:59, when it turned to 7:00 a knock sounded at her door. He's prompt, she had to give him that.

"Hey, come on in." She took in his attire, black jeans, a heather grey sweater, but what made the seemingly simple outfit devestating was the leather gambler cut jacket he wore.

"You look lovely, Sara."

"You don't look so bad yourself, Ian."

"What type of food are you in the mood for?"

"Anything but sushi, I don't eat raw fish."

Ian chuckled, "there go my plans." Sara turned red. "I am kidding, Sara. There is a Thai place, Greek, and Italian all in the vicinity of the club, if that aids you in the decision making process."

"I haven't had Greek in a while."

"Shall we?"

She put on her leather bikers jacket and took his proffered arm. He led her to the passenger side of a sleek black Jaguar. "Nice ride."

"Thank you."

The greeter and staff at the resurant seemed to know Ian well, several of them stopped them on the way to their table. "I take it you're a regular?" Sara asked.

"Yes, I've had them cater several of Irons's parties so I am on everyone's good side. I feel I must warn you that you will be interrogated if Mama Sela is here, she loves me."

"Ahhh, Ian, so long since you've been to see us, and who is your friend?" A portly woman with unruly grey streaked hair apporached them kissing Ian on the cheek and eyeing Sara.

"Mama Sela this is Sara Pezzini."

Sara held out her hand, "hello."

"And what do you do?"

"I'm a detective with the NYPD."

"And your intentions towards our Ian?"

"Alright, Mama S., that's enough," Ian said softly but firm.

"Very well, I'll send over Matzio to take your order. Good night dears."

"Thanks, I thought for a minute she was going toss me in the box and play good cop bad cop."

"She is unused to me bringing a companion," Ian admitted a bit shyly.

"Don't get out much, huh?"

"With someone no. To be perfectly honest with you, I have not been out with someone in quite a while."

Sara leaned over the table towards him and whispered conspiritorally, "me either, I won't tell anyone if you don't."

His smile was absolutely irresitable and she answered it with her own, "It will be our little secret."

They ordered and ate dinner discussing generalities, work, schooling, likes and dislikes. "The club is only a couple of blocks from here we could walk if you like."

"Sure, I wouldn't mind stretching my legs a bit." She was surprised at how comfortable with him she was. He had a very calming prescense about him. "Mind if I ask you something?"

He moved a little closer to her and put his palm on the small of her back, "ask away."

"Why did you ask me out?" He was surrounded by New York's elite, she had seen more than a few of them eyeing him.

"Because you are the first real person I've met in a long while. You put up no false pretenses about who you are. You have no idea how refreshing that is."

"I take it you aren't into socialites."

"No, they see me as a mysterious man in black who protects a billionaire and for some reason that attracts them."

"Not your cup of tea?"

"Hardly. May I ask you a question."

"Shoot."

"Why did you accept?"

"Always wanted to go out with a mysterious man in black," she tried to keep a straight face as she said but laughter bubbled over. "Seriously, I admire the way you handled things the other night. There aren't a lot of men who would go against Gallo and severe a nerve in his hitman's hand to defend a ladies honor. As a cop I shouldn't be impressed by that but as a woman, it was nice."

"I only wish I could have done more to prevent it from happening but I suppose if it had not occured we may not be where we are at this moment." He placed his hand at the small of her back leading her down a set of steps. "Here we are." He opened the door to the club. It was dark, not to smokey little hole in the wall with a bar, a few tables, a booth, a small dancefloor and stage. He led her to a table near the piano, "is this alright?" She was taking in the ambiance of the room, he wasn't sure of her reaction. "If you don't like it we can go somewhere else."

"It's a total dive, my kind of place. I love it!" She sat in the chair he pulled out for her. He settled in the seat beside hers. "Would you like something to drink?"

"I would love an ammeretto sour with a shot on the side." She usually didn't indulge but she felt safe with Ian and was comfortable enough to let down a little of her guard.

When the waitress came over he ordered 2 ammeretto sours and 2 shots.

"So who's the singer?"

"Patricia Barber, she is outstanding, When I first caught her on the radio and was fascinated by her lyrics and voice are incredibly seductive and rich. I think you will like her. Do you dance, Sara?"

She laughed slightly, "I can kickbox, streetfight, and box, but I have never been much of a dancer. Grace in a fight I can handle, grace to music is entirely another enigma."

Ian chuckled, "we will have to work on that." He nodded towards the stage, "there she is."

They listened to her first two songs before Ian leaned over to ask Sara if she liked it. "She is fabulous, you were so right about her voice."

"Let's dance." He held out his hand.

"You have been forewarned." She stood and followed him the short distance to the dance floor where a few other couples were. Ian pulled her into the protective circle of his arms, her arms went around his neck. Nevous she snickered as she kicked his foot. "See."

"Just relax and listen to the music." Sara closed her eyes, the slow sultry music permeate through her. Ian smiled as Sara began to fall in step with him, "see you can do it." Barber began singing a slow seductive version of The Doors, Light My Fire.

"Don't make me think about it, your feet will regret it." She had to admit she was enjoying herself thouroughly. A string of failed relationships in the past had made her pretty much a hermit. She went to movies alone, shot pool at the bar but no bar hopping, no dating. Her abrasive tom-boy attitude was a major turn off to most guys and the fact that she was a cop didn't help matters.

Ian took a finger and tilted her head up to meet his gaze, "having fun?" he asked softly.

Green eyes met intense hazel ones, she smiled up at him, "I am. Are you?"

"None at all," he said with a serious expression, then quickly grinned at her. "I haven't enjoyed an evening this much in a great long while." When the set was over he led her back to the table. "Would you like to stay for the next set or do something else?"

"I wouldn't mind getting some fresh air." The club was getting smoky.

He dropped some money on the table and held out his arm for her. "The smoke was begining to bother me, too," he said taking a deep breath as they meandered down the sidewalk.

"So, how did you rate a night off from being Mr. Security?"

"Irons has gone to Europe, I have been left behind to oversee the set up of the Joan of Arc collection at the Midtown Museum. Not that I mind. The party scene here pales miserably to the ones in Europe."

"Pretty bad, huh?"

"Horrible." He hated standing in a corner listening to the idle chatter of self involved high society. A chill ran down his spine and the hair on the back of his neck stood up. He stopped Sara.

"What?"

"Something is wrong?" They both warily glanced in all directions and turned towards the sound of footsteps. Five young men stepped out from the alley.

"Give us your money." The lead one demanded.

Ian looked down at Sara who rolled her eyes. Deciding to give them an out Ian very quietly said, "I do not think you wish to do this."

They snickered and one piped up, "really, why not, you think you can handle all of us?"

"Listen, I'm a professional bodyguard and she is a cop, that said do you want to rethink your plan?"

The click of a switchblade was the answer to Ian's query. In a flash Ian had the one with the knife down. Sara took a swing at the next attacker. One by one they were systematically eliminated. While Ian was taking care of the last one, Sara called the precinct and gave them the low down. A squad car came, took statements, and picked up the now subduded assailants.

"Well, that was certainly an interesting addition to our date." Sara shook her head, he was awesome in action.

"Yes, it was. You know you are not bad in a fight, with a little focus and training you would be spectacular." She had a true warrior spirit Ian decided. He had never met a woman like her.

"So you could teach me that swirling kick thing?"

"Eventually." He smirked as he turned to walk back towards the car.

She warched him saunter away before she heard a soft, "you coming?"

She caught up quickly, "so what exactly would you train me?"

"A mimasia of martial arts. I've trained in almost every form, is there one that interests you particularly?"

"No, I took karate as a kid but was also involved in soccer, basketball, baseball, and track, so karate ended up on the back burner. It was easier on Dad not having to haul me downtown for lessons, all the other stuff was at school."

"Your mother?"

"Died when I was very young, I barely remember her. Dad was killed when I was sixteen, he was on duty."

"I'm sorry." He held the car door open for her. When she was settled he shut the door and got in himself.

"Thanks. I don't know why I just told you that." She usually didn't talk about her parents to anyone other than Joe or Danny.

Ian reached out and touched her cheek with the back of his hand, "I have never offered to train anyone, tonight seems to be a night for non-typical behavior, or perhaps we just feel comfortable with one another."

"Maybe so," Sara said thoughtfully.

Ian cranked the car, "lets see, we've eaten, gone to a club, danced, and beaten up some punks that tried to rob us, what do you want to do next?"

Sara burst into laughter as Ian summed up their evening. "I think we should probably quit while we're ahead."

"So home then?" Sara nodded at him. Ian winked, "as you wish, My Lady."

Ian walked her to the door of her apartment, "want to come in for some coffee or tea?"

"Tea would be wonderful." Ian did not show his surprise as he followed her up the stairs.

"It's not much, but its mine. I'm not into decorating as you can tell."

"As long as it feels like home, that is all that matters."

She put on a kettle to boil and hopped up on the counter, "I've been meaning to ask you about that tapestry in your room, it is beautiful, who is it of."

"Prince Edward, the Dark Knight. He was placed in charge of an army when he was sixteen and won his spurs soon after and was knighted upon his return from France. He would go to tournaments dressed in that black armor, enter under an assumed name and compete with the other knights. It was illegal to raise arms against royalty yet Edward felt it was not right to ask his knights to do anything he would not. "

"Anyone ever beat him?"

"No, he was not only honorable but unbeatable. He was greatly mourned when he died of an unknown malady before he could ascend the throne."

She was charmed by the enchantment in his eyes. "You love history don't you?"

"I do. It is only through the past that we can truly know the future. Current lives intertwine and are influenced by those of our past."

"You know, you and my partner Danny should really get together and trade philosophies." She poured tea into a cup and handed it to him. "So you believe in past lives?"

"Yes, I do. Do you?"

"Sometimes. I have flashes of things in dreams, I can't really put a finger on the locations or eras. Danny thinks its past life rememberances trying to resurface." She shrugged, "I'm not sure I believe it or not."

"Perhaps I should first teach you to meditate. Meditation can raise your level of conciousness and your perception of memories."

"You serious about the training thing?"

"Yes, if you would like. Given your performance tonight I think you would be an excellent pupil."

"I think I'd like that, but I warn you in advance I am not the most patient person in the world," she wasn't one to sit still for long.

"You will learn," Ian smiled up at her. He glanced at the clock on the wall, it was 2 am, "I had not realized how late it was, I should go. I need to review the security tapes for the day."

"Duty calls, huh?" Truly she had not realized how late it was either. "I really enjoyed this evening."

"As did I. I do hope we can do this again soon."

"I would like that." She gazed down at him wondering if he would kiss her goodnight.

"Walk me to the door?" He held out his arm.

She hopped down off the counter and hooked her arm in his. The trip to the door went way to fast for her. He unwound their arms and placed a hand on the doorknob. "Goodnight Sara." He took his other hand and lifted her chin gently a thrill shot through her as his lips descended towards hers. It was a soft hesitant kiss, that ended all to quickly in her opinion. "Goodnight Ian." He slipped quietly out the door and waited until he heard her bolting the lock before he left.

Sara walked to her bed shedding clothes as she went, she slid under the covers smiling at her recall of the nights events. Her lips still tingled from that brief kiss, a gentleman and a badass all rolled into one extremely hot package. When she slept her dreams were filled with hazel eyes and dark curling hair.


Danny held up a cup of coffee as she walked in Monday morning. Sara took it from him as he walked by, "morning partner, thanks for the java."

Danny looked at Sara in disbelief, he hopped out of his chair and pointed at her, "I want to know who you are and what you've done with my partner?"

"Oh, shut up!"

"And she's back," he sat back down and returned to his file. When Sara began humming he stared at her. "You got some this weekend didn't you?"

"Danny!" Sara gasped at him, "can I not just be happy in the morning?"

"Not since I've known you, no. Friday night must have ended Sunday evening?" He raised an eyebrow at her.

"Yes, I went out Friday night, yes I had a great time. We kissed that's it, ok?" She knew she may as well come clean now, he would eventually get the info out of her anyway.

"So, do you like him?"

"Yeah, he's a nice guy, we went to dinner then to a jazz club. We danced and the man can kick ass in a heartbeat. After we left the club some kids tried to rob us. It was a riot, the man knows his martial arts, we took them down."

"A perfect date for you, dinner, dancing, and a fight. You're an all American girl next door, Pez."



Ian watched as museum staff began to set up for the exhibit. He was bored, it was understandable that Irons wanted him to set up the Witchblade but observing carpets being unrolled and armor being set up was a bit much. He knew he was making them nervous just standing around, so he decided to wander around the grounds. Technically he was not disobeying Irons orders, they were to 'stay around. Make sure things go smoothly.' He was within dashing distance, however he could not see the possiblity of an emergency since the most precious of artifacts were still in the vault back at the mansion. Irons had an entire room devoted to the sentient bracelet, paintings, books, manuscripts, and sculptures that depicted the past BladeWeilders. The time for a new Weilder was close at hand, 11/11/00, the text had been specific about everything but who she would be. Irons knew, he suspected but would not reveal it to him. Ian knew of the last Weilder, Elizabeth Bronte's daughter Karen, but she had no warrior spirit, no drive to be something more than the fashion model she was. She ran around with a wretched creature named Dominique Boucher, a Pretender, Euro-trash, one of Irons's former dalliences. He despised the woman. His phone ringing jerked him out of his reverie. "Yes."

"What a way to answer the phone," Sara teased.

"Hello, Sara."

"Hey, still playing decorator?"

"I got tired of watching them unroll rugs and giggle over cod pieces, so I am checking the perimeter of the museum for flaws in security."

"Such a professional."

"You have no idea."

Sara shivered at the low husky tone of his voice. "So, you want to join me for some Chinese food this evening. Thought I would get some take out and perhaps you would like to come over and share."

"Are you looking to earn your plays well with other's badge, Sara?" He smiled into the phone.

"Very funny, you want food or not?"

"What time would you like me there?"

"Seven or so?"

"Can I bring anything?"

"Just yourself."

"See you then."


Sara tossed a cotton sheet over the coffee table and threw several of her pillows on the floor. She glanced at the clock as she began to dumping food into sering bowls. There was a ton of food for just two people but she wasn't sure what Ian would like. Besides she could eat on the leftovers for a week. She turned the tv to a music choice light jazz station. She didn't want to magine the grief she'd get from Danny if her knew about this set up, she thought as she lit several candles. He'd give her hell for a month over this, she rarely put this much effort into a date. She liked Ian, he had called her almost everynight when he got home. Sometimes they would talk for a while others it was just to wish her sweet dreams. Though she wasn't a phone person, Sara found herself waiting impatiently for that call every evening. It was nice, he wasn't clingy at all, very attentive and intelligent. A knock at the door made her jump. She dashed down the stairs, "hey."

"Hello, Sara, these are for you." Ian held out a boquet of vibrant orange yellow roses, "and this is for later." He swung a plastic bag on the tip of his finger.

"They are beautiful," she leaned down to smell the roses then peeked in the bag, "chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream. You get major points for bringing roses and ice cream."

"Food smells good." He followed her up the stairs as she put the ice cream in the freezer and dug out a vase.

"Poured it in the bowls myself, she grinned, "that's about as close to cooking as I get."

Ian laughed and walked over to the coffee table, "you get points for presentation."

Sara popped his shoulder as she joined him, "sit down, smartass."

"Yes, ma'am."

They enjoyed a leisurely dinner then Ian helped her put the food away in the fridge, then followed her to the couch. He watched her sit and peer up at him. "Want to see what's on cable?"

"I'd rather see what's on the couch." he said softly as he knelt on his knees and sat back on his heels before her.

Sara leaned forward and slid her hands in his hair, "good answer," she whispered just before she pressed her lips to his. He leaned forward slight and ran his hands up the outside of her denim clad legs. When the tip of her tongue tenatively traced his full lips, he pulled her off the couch and on to him. She wrapped her long legs around him and groaned as he sucked her tongue in his mouth. Ian stretched out on the floor with her sprawled a top him so she was straddling him, she arched her back as rough hands caressed her spine. Sara helped him remove her shirt and began working on his as he cupped her breasts and toyed with her nipples through her black lace bra with his thumbs. She watched through heavy lidded eyes as his head descended in slow motion to her breast. She growled in pure frustration as the phone rang and her answering machine started, "Pezzini, go." Ian gazed up at her.

"Pez, pick up it's Joe."

She reluctantly crawled off Ian and nabbed the phone. "Yeah, Captain, what's up?" Joe Siri rarely called during off hours. She was quiet a minute then exploded, "Joe you gotta be kidding, a rookie? Stick him with another unit, Danny and I have the highest clearence in the department,, we get some green kid and he'll just be in the way."

Ian cupped his hands behind his head and watched Sara's animated protests with amusement. She shot him a dirty look and sauntered over to him, "fine, Joe, I'll tell Danny. Yes, I'll play nice. Night." He frowned as his phone rang just as she hung up hers. She watched as Ian listened intently, "I'll be right there." He sighed heavily as he shut the phone, "I have to go, there has been a disturbance at the Midtown Museum." He kissed her forehead, "you have no idea how sorry I am."

"Me too. Be careful."

"I'll call you if its not to late." He turned to leave.

"Call me regardless, I want to know you're ok."

"I will." With a sad smile and a quick gaze over her half naked form he was gone.


Extremely disappointed in the sudden turn of what promised to be a spectacular evening, Sara fixed a bowl of ice cream and ran a hot bath. Eating ice cream in a steaming hot bubble bath usually made her feel better, but nothing seemed to work. She curled up in bed with a mystery novel waiting to hear if everything was ok with Ian. It had been about 2 hours when the phone rang. "Hello."

"Hey."

"Everything ok?"

"Yes, some kids running wild in Midtown, put some cherry bombs in the trash bins outside the museum set off the motion sensors when they went off. I spent the majority of the time calming down the hysterical curator."

"If they are so paranoid about that exhibit why even have it?" The whole ordeal seemed like too much trouble to her.

"I believe they are more concerned with offending their most important patron, than the actual exhibit. So while I was out in the cold, checking the perimeter what did you do?"

"I fixed a bowl of chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream and ate it in a bubble bath."

Ian sighed at the picture that formed in his mind, "and I was so looking forward to trying this flavor you've been raving about."

"Awww poor baby. So what did you do after all the drama?"

"Well, I went back to the mansion to check on everything there, then I got back in the car and am now waiting patiently in your hallway hoping you are still in the mood for company." He chuckled as the phone suddenly went dead and he heard footsteps approaching the door.

Sara bounded out of the bed to let him in not caring she was wearing a cropped tank top and boxer shorts. Ian arched an eyebrow at her attire, "you are going to catch cold in that."

"I was planning on you keeping me warm."

Ian stepped in the door and quickly opened his black over coat and enfolded her inside it, nestling her in his embrace. "This what you have in mind?" he teased.

"Not entirely but it will do for now." She pulled his shirt from his pants as she backed them up the stairs. In response Ian picked her up carrying her to the bed. She laughed as he dropped her unceramoniously onto the mattress and began shedding his coat and, shirt and shoes. Sara sat up on her knees and reached for the wealth of muscles revealed to her. She grabbed him by his belt and pulled him to her and began exploring the perfect chest before her. She knew he was strong and had trained in martial arts most of his life but she was no prepared for the finely sculpted sinewy flesh that had been hidden beneath his clothes. "Unbelievable, mmmm." She kissed her way up his rippling chest to his neck and nibbled at the hollow above his collarbone.

"Sara," Ian moaned at the brush of her lips. He twined his fingers in her hair and pulled at it until she lifted her face to him, he took her mouth voraciously, thrusting his tongue in her mouth. Sara met his kiss with as much passion as he was putting into it. He pressed their bodies flush against one another, she could feel his erection pressing against her. She groaned as he ran his hands down her back and cupped her buttocks grinding his hips into hers. She rubbed against him then frantically went for his belt and began undoing his pants. He countered this move by breaking their heated kiss and pulling her shirt over her head and taking a full upthrust breast into his mouth. She slid her hands into his pants as he suckled her deeply.

"God, Ian." She wrapped a hand around his taunt manhood reveling in its size. She couldn't remember ever wanting a man more she wanted him at this moment. "I want you naked now."

Ian thrust himself in her hand and pushed her boxers down. Sara gasped as a long finger slid between her wet folds. Ian began expertly circling her clitoris and she bit his neck in frustration. He pushed her flat onto the bed and yanked her boxers off and quickly divested himself of his remaining clothes. "Better?"

"Yes," she pulled him down on her wrapping her legs around his hips. He kissed her hard then began working his way down her body he took a nipple in his mouth using his lips, teeth, and tongue, driving Sara wild. She writhed in his arms, helpless to do more than run her fingers through his curly locks holding his head in place. He moved to the other nipple then slid his way down her body nibbling and licking as he went. "Ian, I want you, now." He slid apart her legs and gently slid his tongue between her damp folds. "You are torturing me," she hissed.

Ian glanced briefly from his task, his hot gaze met hers, "ahhh but its a pleasant torment is it not?" He circled her clitoris with the tip fo his tongue, Sara couldn't stop her hips from arching towards his searching mouth. He suckled the pert nub and Sara cried out when he scraped his teeth across it. She clutched at his shoulders then his hair, pulling at him. He crawled up her body, "protection?"

"Covered."

Ian took himself in his hand and slowly entered her. Sara gasped at he intrusion. He was larger than anyone she had ever been with and for a brief instant it hurt. "You alright?" Ian asked, dark eyes full of concern.

"Fine, it's just been a while. Don't stop." She moved her hips expiramentally, that was all it took to urge him on. He slid almost out of her then thrust again. Sara met him thrust for thrust.

"Harder," she panted. She was swiftly reaching her peak, she could feel the waves of tension building more and more. He ground down on her with more force each time he entered her, that was all it took to send her over the edge. She cried out his name as the waves of pleasure caused her to shudder around him. He thrust one more time then came, causing her to orgasm a second time. He collapsed on top of her buring his face in her neck. When he caught his breath he rolled over to his back taking her with him.

Sara propped her chin on his chest and looked up at him, "I'm glad you came back."

"Me too."

The smell of coffee permeating the flat woke Sara. The first thing she saw was one of the roses, minus the thorns on the pillow beside her. Smiling she picked up the rose and ran its velvety petals across her lips.



"Danny, why don't you and Jen go out to eat with Ian and me tomorrow night? He wants to meet you and it would get me in good with Jen again."

Danny arched an eyebrow at her, "your boyfriend know about this invite?"

"His idea. He wants to meet the great Daniel Woo."

"You really like him don't you, is he the one?" Danny teased.

"Shut up, Danny. Will you go or not?"

"Will be there with bells on."



Danny entered the office shocked at what he saw, "Pez? You ok? You're here before me."

"Cute, Partner. So, what did you think?"
Danny grinned into his coffee, she really had it bad for this one. "I have to admit he seems like a nice guy. Even Jen liked him and she doesn't like anyone."



It had been a really quiet week. A few roll outs nothing spectacular, they did dodge the rookie bullet for a week or so. Sara sat across from Danny filling out a crime scene report. The speaker phone jolted them both out of their chairs, "Pezzini, Woo, meeting room A in five minutes."

"I wish you had never shown Joe how to use that speakerphone." Danny shot Sara a look as they made their way through the bustling homocide unit to the meeting room. Joe, Bruno Dante, six of their fellow homicide unit, two federal types, and a spiky haired blonde kid were waiting on them.

"Hello, boys," Sara said as she walked in and sat down, "what's up?"

"This is everyone, close the door, Danny," Joe motioned towards him. When Danny was seated next to Pez, Joe turned towards the blonde kid. "McCartey get everyone up to speed."

"Over the past three weeks the members of a special ops military unit called the Black Dragons have been found dead. Originally there were 11 members it has dwindled down to four."

"If this is a military unit shouldn't it be handled by the military?" Sara pointed out.

"They are no longer with the military, the group was disbanded in 1995. All but one of the commander went rogue. We suspect the commander is the one who is systematically taking out his former unit."

"So, if we know who it is why not just take him?"

"It's not that simple, this man is highly intelligent and works for one of the most powerful men in the world. He is elusive and cagey." McCartey flicked on a projector, "Ian Nottingham entered the army when he was sixteen years old."

Sara looked at the picture of Ian then to Danny.

"Nottingham quickly rose in rank by the time he was eighteen he was second in command of an elite ops unit. The pentagon chose him along with about thirty others for an expiramental program, they were given intelligence enhancing drugs, shown videos used to stimulate aggression and loyalty. All are masters in various martial arts. One week ago tonight three of the ten were found dead, one had his neck broken, one was shot execution style, and the last was hanged. When officers arrived on the scene after shots were reported fired, they busted down the door, that triggered a release for what they guy was standing on and he was hanged."

Sara and Danny both sat in silence as McCartey flipped through crime scene photos.Danny finally spoke up, "So what evidence do you have that Nottingham did this?"
"Several e-mails have been sent to various departments apparently from the unit fingering him, Plus his initials were carved in all of the victims."

Sar was incredulous, her Ian wasn't capable of something like this, "what night was it that the three were killed?"

"November 2nd around 7:00 pm, officers arrived at 7:30."

"Couldn't be Ian, then," Danny whispered to her.

"Woo, Petzini, you got something to share with the group?" Dante's voice boomed in the small room.

Sara ignored him, "Joe, could I speak with you in your office?"

"If it concerns this case, Detective, you can tell me here."

She was furious by then, "there is no way is could have been Ian Nottingham, I was with him, we were having dinner with Danny and his wife."

Everyone was staring at her in horror. Dante as usual was the first to speak, "You're screwing an assassin, Petzini? Siri what type of unit are you running letting you're officers run around with criminals."

"Everyone out except Pez, Woo, Dante and McCartey," Joe ordered. "Where did you meet Nottingham?"

"I was doing a stint as a plainclothes at Kenneth Irons's gala at his mansion. Nottingham was working security, we met when he briefed myself and the other officers. Tommy Gallo and his boys showed up, made a scene, he came to my aid. He asked me out, I went we began seeing each other. We were at Marcello's the night those three men were killed, with Danny and his wife."

"He never left during dinner?" Dante looked at Danny not really believing anything Sara said.

"No, he never did. Look, I just don't think he's capable of something like that, I've met him a couple of times, he seems on the level."

"Yeah, so did Bundy," McCartey spat out, "so, he's got the alibi of two NYPD detectives, smart, very smart."

"When are you seeing him again, Pez?" Joe asked quietly.

"He's picking me up for lunch in about ten minutes, I can introduce you if you like."

"I think that would be wise, Sara."

Sara decided it would be best to meet Ian out front of the precint to at least warn him about the oncoming assualt. "You should be inside, you'll catch cold," Ian gently admonished as he sauntered up to her.

"Hey sweetie, got some bad news."

"You can't go to lunch?"

"No, you are wanted for questioning."

"Black Dragons murders?"

"Yeah, you don't seem to surprised." He was taking this better than she expected.

"I am just surprised it took them this long to question me."

"I will warn you they already have it in their heads that you are responsible."

Ian nodded, "so much for lunch."

"Yeah, come on lets get this over with."

Ian followed Sara into the station and into Joe Siri's office, "Captain Joe Siri, this is Ian Nottingham."

Ian held out his hand and Joe shook it, "it is nice to finally meet you Captain Siri, Sara has told me a lot about you."

"Yes, well, I suppose Sara has informed you as to why we wish to speak with you."

"Yes, Sir, she has. I am more than willing to answer any questions you might have."

Joe stood up, "lets go to the box."

Sara sqeezed his shoulder reassuringly as they made their way to the box, Ian looked down at her and smiled, "it will be all right, Sara."

Sara was relieved to see Danny already there, Ian nodded to him. Dante and McCartey were the only others there, Sara suspected the remaineder of the group was behind the two way mirror. Dante and Joe stood beside the mirror, Sara wnet to stand beside Danny, knowing it wouldn't be wise to sit beside Ian. McCarty motioned to the chair facing the mirror, "Mr. Nottingham, if you don't mind."

"Not at all," Ian sat down.

"You were a member of the Black Dragons, were you not?"

"Yes, I commanded the Black Dragons from ‘92-'95, our unit was disbanded in ‘95 after Somolia."

"And you returned to the States to work for Kenneth Irons?"

"Yes."

"Do you know why you are here, now?"

"I imagine it is because several members of my unit have been killed over the past few weeks."

"So you know all about them."

"I lived side by side with those men 24/7 365 days a year for three years, Detective, they were my friends, I was their commander, I was responsible for them. I still keep tabs on them when I can."

"When you can?"

"Yes, we were a covert unit, we were trained to be invisible. They have remained so for many years."

"You are Kenneth Irons personal bodyguard an head of security, I find it odd that you are not with him on his trip to Europe."

"With the murders of the other Dragons, I and Mr. Irons felt that I would be a security risk for him. Whoever is taking out the other members of the unit will most likely come after me as well. I would be a poor excuse for a bodyguard if I allowed my situation to place my employer in jeopardy."

"Right. Why don't you tell us about the Dragons training you went through."

"Detective, if you have any specific questions as to my whereabouts during the murders, I will be happy to assist you, but I do not think that my training has anything to do with that. You may contact the military if you wish to know more but I am not at liberty to discuss it." Sara had to smirk at Ian's answer, McCartey was getting pissed, she could tell and Ian had been nothing more

"Fine, how about I tell you about your training and you let me know what I get wrong, Mr. Nottingham. You were given aggression and intelligence enhancing drugs, you were subjected to videos that amped you up before manuvers. The unit was extremely lethal and loyal. I‘ve already contacted the military, Nottingham. Why did you leave the unit in ‘95?"

"We were sent in when normal military tactics were not effective. You tend to lose your stomach for your job when you get to the drop point and find that you are assisting a heavily armed highly organized terrorist army against children throwing rocks. After Tehran and Somalia, I no longer felt we were on the side of those who deserved help."

"So you quit."

"I resigned, yes. Honorable discharge, but I imagine you know that."

"How did the unit feel about that?"

"They felt I betrayed them, I was a traitor. No longer their commrade."

"So, if you are not taking them out, who do you think is?"

"My second in command, Hector Mobious became their leader after I left, he would be the man to ask, if you can find him."

"So, you think it was him."

"No, but if anyone has an idea as to who it was, it would be Moby."

"Are you aware that your initials were carved into the bodies of the men that have been found?" McCartey tossed crime scene photos in front of Ian with glee.

Ian fingered the pictures, "No, I did not."

"That some type of signal your unit used?"

"No," Ian looked at McCartey disgusted. "We did our job we did not mutilate people," Ian said with vehemence. "If that is a member of my former unit then they have truly lost their minds."

"What have you been doing in Mr. Irons's abscence?"

"Taking care of security and aiding in the set up of the Joan of Arc exhibit at the Midtown Museum."

"Where were you November 2nd at 7:00?"

"At Marcello's with Sara, Danny, and his wife."

"Convienient of you to be out with two homicide detectives...."

"Are you going to try and charge me with something, Detective McCartey? Because if you are, I'd appreciate you get to it, if not, I have thirty minutes left for lunch before I'm due back at Vorschlag."

"You are free to go Nottingham, just don't leave town."

Isn nodded and stood up. He handed Jake a business card, "if you need to get in touch with me."

Jake snatched the card away from him and glared as Ian left the room casting Sara a longing glance. Sara gave him a reassuring quick smile. McCartey slammed his fist on the table, "damn he's good"

"Or innocent," Danny said shrugging his shoulders.

Joe ran his fingers through his white hair, "Woo, Pez, meet your new partner, Jake McCartey."

"Oh, you gotta be kidding me, Captain." Sara eyed Jake with disgust. "Not just a rookie, but a rookie with a grudge?"

"Just work it out amongst the three of you, dismissed."

Sara cast a disapproving glance at McCartey and headed back to her office, she spied a folded piece of paper on her desk.

Sara,

I apologize about lunch, I have to get back to Vorschlag. Call me if you would like to have dinner.

Ian


"So much for a nice lunch," Sara said ruefully to no one in particular. At least he doesn't blame her for all this.


"Ian gone?" Danny asked as he entered the office.

"Yeah, hopefully not for good."

"Did you know about his military background?"

"No, we never really discussed our pasts, one of the things I like about him. Not that I've got anything to hide, I just don't like to talk about former relationships or my dad. Ian doesn't either. We both live in the present, you know."

"Yeah, want to grab a quick lunch and then brief our new tag-a-long on our current cases?"

"Sure....why not."

Annoyed Sara didn't even say goodbye as she left the station, she got on her Buell and raced home. High speeds made her feel some better. No messages on her machine. She had halfway hoped Ian would call. She hit his number on speed dial and got his voice mail. "Hey, Ian, its Sara, call me. Bye."

"Great, he's pissed." Sara was about to step in the shower when the phone rang. "Pezzini, go!"

"Hey, Sara. You there?"

Grinning, she dove at the phone, "hey, you."

"I was in the shower when you called."

"Just where I was headed."

"Need your back scrubbed?"

"Hmmm, sounds nice."

"I'll be there in ten minutes, don't start without me."

"Can't promise that, hurry." Her answer was a dead phone line. Laughing she put on her silk robe Maria had given her years ago and waited impatiently for Ian to arrive. She saw his black Jag drive up and park in the alley beside her building, she met him at the door. "Hey."

Ian gave her a devestating smile, "we have got to stop meeting like this."

He kissed her hard, pushing her against the wall and closing the door. He carried her up the stairs and to the bathroom. He turned on the water she smiled into his chest, "you aren't mad?"

"No, Sara, I'm not. I've been expecting it. I am just sorry you've been dragged into this."

"I didn't want you to feel ambushed today, honestly I had no idea about this until just before you arrived."

"It is fine, I should have told you sooner but I did not wish to spoil our time together." He pushed her robe from her shoulders as she pulled at his clothes. Finally divested of clothing, he stepped into the tub and held out his hand to her. She climbed in sitting between his legs, he drew her to lie with her back against his chest. When the tub filled, Sara reached up and turned the faucet off with her big toe. He chuckled at her sending shivers up her spine, he sat up a bit to retrieve her bottle of lavender bath gel. Sara sighed with pleasure as he began bathing her with his bare hands. He left no inch of her unscrubbed and then tilted her head back so he could taste her lips, "feel better, now?"

"Mmmmhmmmm." Ian pushed at her shoulders so she would slide down his body. It scared her at first but then she realized what he was doing. She leaned back so the water soaked her hair. He pulled her back up and poured some vanilla scented shampoo in his hand. He slowly, gently massaged her scalp, it was one of the most erotic sensations Sara had ever experienced in her life. He leaned her back again to rinse then slicked back her hair with conditioner, he nuzzled her neck and nibbled at her ear until she could stand it no longer. She ducked her head under the water and swished out her hair. Every nerve ending was tingling by the time he picked her up from the tub and wrapped her in a towel. When they were both dry she backed him to the bed and pushed him down on his back, then crawled up his body. "My turn."

Sara nipped at his earlobe and nibbled her way down the line of his beard to the sensative spot underneath his chin. Ian's groan urged her on, she licked at the base of his neck and sucked lightly on the hollow she found there. When he growled she applied a little more pressure before moving down his chest. "Sara...." he gasped as she captured his straining shaft in her hands, he reached down to pull her back up.

"Don't make me get my cuffs, baby," Sara warned with a wicked grin.

"Shall I just lie back and do everything the nice officer tells me?" Ian answered.

Sara feigned indignance, "you've played this before." Then she lightly kissed the tip of his cock, watching him, gauging his response. When his eyes shut tightly she kissed her way down its length and ever so gently nibbled her way back up its sensative underside. Ian's hands clenched the bedcovers and a gruff cry escaped him as she relaxed her throat and took as much of him in her mouth as she could. She squeezed his balls slightly as she sucked her way back to his tip, she swirled her tongue around the ridge then sucked lightly.

"Sa-ra, you are killing me." Ian wrapped a hand in her hair.

Sara pulled away to look at him, he hefted her up his body, "you are mine, officer." She just laughed a deep husky laugh and wrapped herself around him. He twisted laying her on her side and pulled a long leg over his hip and postioned himself between her legs and entered her with a mindboggling thrust. He tugged her leg up to his chest, bringing him deeper inside of her. Her began to kiss her deeply, while making shallow grinding thrusts.

Sara's breath caught in her throat her was driving her mad, "Ian." The slow pulse in her abdomen was building quickly. Ian sucked her tongue in tune with the rhythm that threatened to overtake her. She clutched at his shoulders as he quickened his pace, she pulled out of his kiss and cried out when he did.

Ian could feel her pulsing around him and knew she was almost there, he began slamming into her and bit firmly at the sensative spot where her shoulder and neck met. That was enough to send her careening over the edge. Her climax triggered his and he shuddered emptying himself into her.

When she could finally think again, Sara whispered in his ear, "my God the things you do to me."
Ian chuckled and pressed his forehead against hers looking deeply in her eyes, "you make me lose all sense of reason and control, my love." He rolled draping her across him. She laid her head on his chest listening to his strong still racing heartbeat, trying to remember if she had ever felt like this with a man. The silence was broken by her growling stomach. Ian chuckled softly. "Want to order some take out?"

"Pizza ok?"

"Name your poison."

"Anything but Italian sausage, I don't care for it."

"How about veggie?"

"Sounds great."

Sara reached for the phone, Ian burst out laughing when he saw it was on speed dial. "We have to work on your eating habits." He kissed her neck as he got out of bed to get dressed."

Ian nabbed his wallet when a knock sounded at the door, "pizza's here." He trotted down the stairs opening the door to find a gaping Jake McCartey standing there.

"What the Hell?" McCartey sputtered out.

"Hey Stevie!" Sara yelled from the kitchen.

"It is not Stevie, Sweetheart," Ian called up to her somewhat amused at Jakes baffled expression.

Sara leaned over the railing to see who was at the door, rage overtook her when she saw Jake standing there. "What the Hell are you doing here?" She didn't even give him time to answer, "how did you find where I live?"

"Excuse me," Ian ducked behind the shell shocked rookie to pay Stevie for the pizza.

Overhearing Sara shouting, Stevie looked at Ian and said, "man I'd hate to be that guy." Ian grinned giving the teenager a fifty dollar bill. "I can't change that."

"I don't want you to."

"Thanks man," the tip was more than the pizza itself, he was happy to see Sara with someone, she never had company.

"Sara says hello. Drive safe."

"Right back at her, take care. Thanks again," he called out over his shoulder as he rand out the building.

Ian turned back to the ensuing battle of wills, Jake was desperately trying to dig his way out of the hole he was in. "Pez, I just wanted to try and make amends," he held up a six pack of Heineiken, "peace offering."

"My address?" Ian snickered at the glare she was giving Jake, he imagined McCartey's testicles were somewhere in his abdomen because of it.

"You're in the phone book. Jez, I just wanted to say I was sorry."

"And picking up a phone never occurred to you?"

"I just thought this would be more.....personal and more sincere. I really am sorry we got off on the wrong foot."

Ian slipped around McCartey and up the stairs past Sara. She pointed to Ian as he brushed by her, "you want to apologize, tell him. He's the one you had tried and sentenced to death this afternoon."

Ian clapped his hands to get their atttention, "I do not wish to be the reason for the two of you to fight. Detective McCarty, you were singleminded and overzealous, a fatal fault in law enforcement. Sara, I can easily see how someone could condemn me as a suspect because of my involvement in the Black Dragons. However it was foolish and a rookie mistake not to do more research and check alibi's before you begin a task force to go after one man. I hold no grudge against you concerning this. You do not have to like me, but I am a part of Sara's life and you will have to deal with it, since you have been partnered with her." Ian glanced from Jake to Sara, "now if it is all right with Sara, I see no reason that we can not have a civilized dinner together."

Sara had to give it to Ian, he was definately being diplomatic about the situation. "Fine with me, he did bring decent beer."

"Do you like veggie pizza?" Ian asked Jake with total sincerity.

"Sure. This ok with you Pez?"

"Fine, just play nice are I will ride you ass until theirs nothing left of it. Clear?"

"Crystal." Warily Jake walked up the stairs.

Sara set out three plates and Ian got the parmesean cheese from the fridge. They ate in an uneasy silence or a while. Sara and Jake each got a beer while Ian poured a glass of milk. Sara grinned at him, "you are so weird."

"I dislike beer, it is too bitter. And if you want me to kiss you again later, you will have to rinse your mouth out," he winked at her and she giggled.

"I'll have to think about it."

"So, Detective McCartey, where do you hail from?" Ian was being nothing but courteous.

"California, kinda all over CA."

"Why the sudden change?"

"Wanted to see how the East coast did things, always wanted to live in New York."

Sara sat silent, just listening to Ian quietly calmly interrogating Jake. Jake was trying his best to act nonchalant about the whole thing but Sara could tell he was seething. After a couple of slices of pizza and after he finished his beer, he stood up, "I really better be going, like I said , I think we got off on a bad start but we've got to work together so I wanted to try and smooth things over."

Sara stared at him point blank, "a six pack won;t smooth things over, you learning some self control and decent detective skills will be the only thing that will change my opinion of you. Thanks for the beer."

"You're welcome, sorry for interrupting your evening. See you tomorrow." Without a word to Ian he left the apartment.

Ian followed downstairs when he heard the door shut and locked the door. Sara was still munching on a slice of pizza when he came back, "what a putz."

"He is a child trying to prove himself to the big boys. He needs to be reigned in a bit."

"I like that you're giving him the benefit of the doubt but that crap don't fly with me. The only way he'll prove himself to me is by working and solving cases."

"He is a rookie, you must train him to do so. I imagine Captain Siri put him wiht you and Danny because you are the best and he wants the boy to learn from the best."

"Yeah, yeah, look you're gonna get lucky again tonight, so flattery won't get you any further."

Ian gave her a lacivious grin, "go brush your teeth and I'll meet you in the bed."

"Oh, baby, I love it when you're demanding."



Danny and Jake met Sara on their way out of the station, "got a roll out, Pez. D.B. under a bridge past State and Piermont." Sarea turned on her heel and walked towards the battered blue sedan without saying a word. Danny raised his eyebrows and got in the car as well. Jake just stood there staring at Sara. "McCartey, you coming or not?" Danny knew something had happened and was dying to get Sara alone to find out. Rookie must have tried to smooth things over only to make it ten times worse. It's gonna be a long day, he thought as he drove them to the crime scene.

"Aw, man, this is gonna be a nasty one," Sara groaned as they pulled up.

"Yep," Danny agreed, "never a good sign when the techs look shell shocked."

Sara got out of the car and walked over to Jacobs, "Story?"

"It's a rough one, Pez, not a way to start a morning. I'm gonna warn you, the guy is fileted. Been dead about three hours. Not sure the actual cause of death yet. We haven't tramped on the scene much." Sara's stomach rolled as the rounded the corner and smelled the stench of death.

Sara circled the body, Jacobs wasn't kiddding, the guy was a mess. His face had been flayed with an extremely sharp knife, Sara's blood chilled when she noticed the tattoo on his neck, a Black Dragon. "Danny, look."

He shook his head, "this is messed up. I doubt we will be able to ID him from the photo's." He shot a glance at McCartey who was tossing up this mornings breakfast and last nights pizza, "he's gonna have a field day with this one."

"Ian was with me all night and that idiot showed up at my place last night with a six pack trying to smooth things over."

"Didn't go well?"

"Ian answered the door thinking it was the pizza guy, a shouting match ensued between me and McCartey, Ian played diplomat, we ate pizza, he left, Ian stayed."

"You can take the body," Danny said as he signed the releases. "Come on Rookie, tighten up, let's go," he called out to Jake who made his way to the car with his head hung down.

Back at the station, they filed through all the photo's of the Dragons, but could not make a match with the contorted features from the body. "Gonna have to do it, Pez."

"I know, you guys give me a minute," she picked up the phone as they left the small office. "Hey baby. I need you to come down and ID a body. Yeah, tattoo on the neck. Look, Ian, I want to warn you, we couldn't even venture a guess as to who it was, he's sliced up so bad. Meet us at the morgue in ten. Yeah, bye." She found Danny and Jake talking to Joe. "Hey Capt."

"Hey, Pez. Rough one?"

"Yeah, Ian's meeting us at the morgue in ten."

"You warned him didn't you?" Danny questioned.

"I did, but I'm gonna prepare him again when we get there."

"So, I guess he was with you all night and this morning?" Jake asked as he got in the back seat.

Sara shot him a withering look, "yes, all night, and he left with me this morning."

Ian's black Jag pulled up shortly after they did. Sara motioned Danny and Jake on into the building after greetings were passed around. She caught Ian's coat tails as he tried to go through the door behind them, "Wait a second, I want to talk to you."

"Sara, I just want to get this over with," pained hazel eyes met green ones.

She took his face in her hands, "I want you to be prepared for what you are going to see. He's been flayed out, it is not pretty. The crime scene techs were even shaken."

"I understand, I am as prepared as I will ever be." He gave her a tight smile as she sqeezed his hand.

She ushered him in and down to the pit, as Vicky liked to call it. "Ian Nottingham, Vicky Po, Medical Examiner."

"Hello."

Vicky gave Ian a once over and stared at Sara, "he ready for this, Pez?"

"Yeah, Vic, roll him out."

No emotion showed on Ian's face, his only reaction was a small swallow as he looked down at the mangled body. Very slowly he pulled the shirt down just below the clavicle, seeing what he needed to, he stepped back. "Epsilon. He was the youngest. Donovan Tate was his real name, but all we ever called him was Epsilon." Ian looked at Vicky, "how did he die?"

"Haven't done an exam yet, we're kinda backlogged."

"Call us when you do, Vic." Sara Ied Ian out the door.

"Will do, Pez."

"Are you ok?" She wrapped her arms around him. Ian stood there in her embrace and laid his forehead on her shoulder. His cellphone jolted them apart. She stepped over to Danny and Jake as he answered it.

Neither of her partners knew what to say to her or Ian. He walked over to the trio, "I have to go meet a plane."

Jake piped up, "you can't leave town."

Ian was hardly in a solitious mood so no diplomatic measures or patience were taken, "I am not fleeing, Detective, I am merely going to retrieve a shipment for the musuem. If you would like to accompany me, I suggest you keep quiet and out of my sight, I am in no humor to deal with you right now."

"I'm just advising you, Nottingham," Jake's voice rose.

"No, Detective, you are beating a dead horse. I have nothing to run from." Ian looked from Sara to Danny, "may I go?"

Sara gave him a quick sad smile and nodded. Danny nodded too, "call us if you need anything."

"Thank you."

The trio of detectives were pouring over crime scene photo's when Sara's cell rang. "Pezzini."

"Sara, has the autopsy been performed yet?"

"No, Vic hasn't called."

"Do not let them cut into that body. Stop the autopsy, I will meet you at the morgue and explain." Sara stared a moment at the now silent phone.

"What's wrong?" Danny saw the brief panic and confusion on her face.

Sara dove for the phone, "Morgue, I need Vicky Po, now, its Pezzini."

"She's doing an autopsy, can I have her call you back."

"On who?"

"Tate, Donovan."

"NO! Stop the autopsy, now! Tell her not to cut into the body." Sara threw her phone down and ran out the door.

Both Danny and Jake took off after her. "Pez, where are you going?"

"Morgue," she yelled as she raced off on her Buell.

Sara parked her bike and ran down to the pit, finding a highly annoyed Vicky Po, standing with a scalpel. "This better be good Pez."

Sara looked up to see Ian with Danny and Jake. "Explain."

"You haven't cut the body have you?"

"No, what is going on?"

"Do you remember a few years back when a woman was brought into an ER, when the staff began to work on her, they all collapsed from toxic fumes?" Vicky nodded. "It was a freak accident involving some type of chemo and what they gave her. It fascinated some of the military, if the enemy ever recovered one of our bodies, they could tell what chemicals were used."

"So it may be booby trapped?"

"Yes. Do a tox screen before you cut into him."

Vicky nodded and picked up a phone, "rush the tox screen on Tate, I need it ASAP!"

"I thought they wrote that off as some type of hysteria among nurses?" Jake looked highly annoyed, he obviously though Ian was trying to cover up something.

"Two nurses, a lab tech, died. Three doctors were in ICU for several weeks after exposure, not what I would call a hysterical response. That was started when the company that made the chemotherapy drug got scared it would reflect badly on them."

"Do you have his boots?"

"Yeah, that box."

"May I see them?"

Vicky tossed Ian a pair of gloves and some goggles. "False bottom in the heel?"

Ian nodded, she was sharp. He tapped the heel of both boots, definately hollow. "Which of his arms has the most defensive wounds?"

Vicky glanced at the body. "Right arm, why?"

"Then he's left handed, so if one is a nasty little surprise it will be the right one." Ian put the right boot down and took out a Swiss Army knife and unlatched the heel. A small vial and a syringe was hidden there. Very little liquid was left in the vial. Ian handed it to Vicky who bagged it and sent it to toxicology.

"What do you think it is?" Danny and Sara asked simultaneously when Vicky and Ian were not forthcoming.

Vicky shrugged, "ask the man with all the ideas."

"It looks like anti-venom."

"Isn't that standard issue stuff for special ops units doing jungle drops?" Jake asked sarcastically.

"Yes, it is, but he is not in the jungle. Anti-venom was also given to us in the early stages of our training, if they are still using it.....that could explain a lot. In high doses and mixed with hallucinagens, it can cause serious mental imbalances."

The fax machine beeped and Vicky whistled when she looked at the paper, "tox screen positive for PCP, amphetemines, phenobarb, tryptophan, LSD, and atropine."

"They are using the phenobarb and tryptofan to counteract siezures and the atropine to slow down their heart rates."

"What would anti-venom do on top of that?" Danny glanced at Ian then Vicky.

Ian shook his head, "I can not even imagine the turmoil, they must be going through."

"So they gave you illegal drugs?"

"No, I imagine they are trying to mimic the effects of some of the drugs that they are no longer allowed."

"Why now, some five years later?"

"They have probably run out. The warehouse and lab when medical supplies were stored, was ransacked when they went rogue."

"Think I can do an autopsy now?"

"I do not see anything that would cause a reaction, do you?"

"No, but I will put on a bio suit just in case."

Ian nodded and followed Sara outside with Danny and Jake in tow. Ian turned to Sara, "you should probably call in a bomb dog to see if there is C-4 in the other boot."

She nodded, "you ok?"

"I've been better.


Ian stared down at Sara alseep in her bed, he was loath to wake her but the need to be close to her was overpowering. He undressed down to his boxers and snuggled under the covers next to her. "Glad you finally used the key," she murmered as she turned into his embrace

"Hold me?" She sat up at his soft request and pulled him to her.

"You want to talk about it?" She knew this day had been hard on him though he tried to hidde it. He kept up the uneffected facade but the true story was behind those expressive, deep soulful eyes. He shook his head against her neck. "I'm sorry you had to see him like that." She ran her fingers through his baby soft curls. He sighed gently and buried his face further against her neck, letting her hair and his fall around his face, cloistering himself away from the outside world. She pulled the covers up over his shoulder and held him close, he relaxed a little but Sara knew he wasn't sleeping. He wanted, no needed to be close to her, to be comforted and cared for. Sara wasn't usually the nurturing type but something about the vunerability of this strong dangerous man brought it out in her.

After a while, she slept again, Ian did not. Memories of his training with the Black Dragon's assailed him, mixed in with flashes from the Witchblade. November 11, 2000 was fast approaching and the new Weilder would be revealed. A sense of excitement and impending doom surrounded him, the beautiful relationship with Sara would more than likely end soon after 11-11, there was no way he could serve Irons, the Weilder, and continue on with Sara. Ian felt as though his life was spiraling out of control, former friends comrades were destroying one another, with wretched ferocity.that frightened him. He would have to go after the remainder of the group soon and he could not bring Sara into that. He did not ever want to see the disappointment in him reflected in those spectacular green eyes. He did not want her to see him become what Jake McCartey accused him of being. He was a fool to have started this with her, but she drew him to her, a beacon in the darkness, a balm to his soul. Finally he slept but it was not long until nightmares overtook him.

Ian woke Sara thrashing about. She gripped him by the shoulders trying to shake him awake. "Ian, Ian wake up!" She gasped as he flipped her over pinning her against the bed, his hand at her throat. "IAN!" His eyes snapped open and in an instant he realized where he was and what he was doing.

He yanked his hand back from her throat, "Sara, I'm sorry." Unable to meet her eyes he quickly got up and strode across the room and sank down in her recliner, head in his hands.

Sara gave him a few minutes before she went to him. She knelt down in front of him and ran her hands up his forearms, "it's ok, sweetie." He shook his head. "Look at me, we all have nightmares, after what you saw today, I'd worry if you weren't affected."

"I could have hurt you, Sara. I could have killed you."

She coaxed him to sit back and crawled into his lap wrapping her arms around his neck. "I had you right where I wanted you. Just giving you a false sense of security."

He gave her a weak smile, "Sara, I would never forgive myself if any harm came to you. You have become very important to me. I care for you.." He snuggled her closer to him hooking her legs beneath his arm and over the arm of the chair. She pulled the throw from the couch and wrapped it around them.

"I will understand if you do not wish to accompany me to the museum opening."

"Ian, I will be there. Hey what should I wear? And don't say the red dress, I think its a little revealing for a museum."

"I'll bring you something if you like, I know how much you hate shopping for clothes. There are several closests full of formal attire at the mansion."

"Sure, if your boss won't mind. I hate those snooty saleswomen."

He kissed the top of her head, "I should really go and let you get some sleep."

"I'm fine, I'm just worried about you, today was pretty horrific."

"I think deep meditation would probably be the best thing for me right now."

"I'm here if you need me," she kissed his neck gently.

"You have done more than enough, just let me hold you for a little while longer."

"I think I can handle that." After about ten minutes of silence, Sara began to drift off to sleep. Ian picked her up and carried her to the bed, gently placing her under the covers.

"Goodnight, My Lady." He kissed her softly on the lips then was gone.



"Morning, Pez." Danny held up a cup of coffee.

"Thought you had the day off?"

"I do, just have to sign off on a few thing. Looking foreward to having the rookie all to yourself?"

"Cute."

"You look tired, long night?" Danny gave her a leering look.

"Yeah, Ian had kinda a rough night. This whole ordeal has upset him more than...." She shut up as soon as Jake entered the office.

"Morning all," he looked at the two long time partners, "I interrupt something?"

"Nope. Don't take your coat off, Rookie, we're going to visit Rocky."

"Tell him I said hi!" Danny called out as they lit out the door.

"Who's Rocky?"

"He owns a charming little establishment not to far for from the crime scene." Sara grinned and cranked up the car. She liked Rocky a reformed sleezyball who ran a no questions asked motel about 4 blocks from the bridge on Pierpont.

"You think maybe they stayed there?"

"Could have, it's fairly quiet, non descript and Rocky keeps his mouth shut, for the most part."

"What makes you think he'll talk to you?" Jake looked put off.

"He loves me. Just watch, listen, and learn Rookie."

Jake looked remarkable unhappy when they pulled up to the seedy hotel. Sara ounded out of the car and strode confidently to the foggy glass door. She gave a look aroudn, hadn;t changed much since the last time she'd been here, urine yellow walls and dingy puke green floor. She slapped the bell several times, "Yo, Rocky! Some service here!"

A great greasy mountain of a man lurch out of the back room and towards them. "Pessini, you think you could actually come in here once an sound like a lady? Just once I'd like to see that before I die." He grinned at her affectionately then nodded towards Jake. "Who's that? Where's Woo? He finally wise up and leave you?"

"Rocky, this is Jake McCartey, he's training with us. Danny is off today."

Jake held out his hand, which was quickly engulfed by a meaty palm. "Nice to meet you."

Rocky pointed to Sara, "first lesson, don't turn your back on this one."
"Rocky, a group of military guys rent any rooms lately?"

"See what I mean? I turned my attention and bam! Yeah, they bugged out about three days ago. Strange group, never did find out what branch they were in. Polite, quiet."

"No disturbances, no fights?"

"None, kept to themselves. Actually only one of the guys even spoke, big bald headed black guy."

Sara spread out photo's in front of Rocky, "recognize any of them?"

"That's the one I was talking about," he pointed to a picture of Mobius. He flipped through the photo's and pulled out the four who had been there.

"You ever seen this man around here?" Jake handed him a current photo of Ian.

"Nope, all of them were clean shaven, and were bald or had buzz cuts."

"They try to score any drugs?"

"Nope just rented a couple of rooms for two weeks, paid cash. This one," he pointed out a blond man, "would go out and bring in take out since no one will deliver here. They would jog about five am and pm each day. Left in a seedy lookng little van."

"Description or plates?"

"Blue, American, beaten up, about an 85 model or so. One of those survellience looking vans you cops like to use."

A hooker entered the front and Sara leaned over the counter, "you will call me if you remember anything else won't you, Baby?"

"You got it, Sugar."

Jake followed Sara back to the car. "Not much to go on there."

Sara clicked off stuff on her fingers, "they have been here for at least 2 weeks, have a van, there were four of them not including Mobius, who seems to be the leader. They've got access to cash and these pictures aren't far off from what they used to look like. Plus, Tate was not among the ones Rocky picked out, so for some reason, he had already left the unit. They may have seen that as a betrayal, hence the brutality of the murder, if it is in fact them." She glanced over at Jake, "sometimes its what they don't say, Rookie," she grinned at him.

"Gotcha, where to next?"
"To the station, half day remember? I've got that Museum opening to go to."

"With Nottingham?"

"Yes, with Ian." She gave him a warning glare, "don't even start with me, McCartey."

"Can I just ask you one question?"

She let out an annoyed sigh, "I may not answer it."

"Ok, hear me out before I finish it. If you and Nottingham are so close, why is he placing you in constant danger by putting you in a public spotlight. I mean if those guys are after him, and you are with him, they will probably go after you too. Now, if he's all that and really cares for you why not let things chill until this blows over?"

"We aren't even sure that they will target Ian and I place my life in jeopardy everyday. It isn't everyday that I meet a guy whose company I enjoy, and I don't feel like I'm in any more danger than usual. Ok?"

"Just watch your back," he said as he pulled up to the station.

"Always," she said as she hopped out with her helment in her hand.

Sara grinned when she saw the bag beneath a red rose lying on her bed. She smelled the rose then unzipped the bag to reveal a midnight blue silk dress. The man certainly had taste. She jumped in the shower, she stood under the water for a long time, trying to rinse off the filth she always felt covered in after being at Rocky's. She liked him but that place was wretched. She towel-dried her hair as best she could and glanced at the clock an hour to get ready. She did something she rarely did, she blew her hair dry and plugged in her hot rollers. She planned on wowing Mr. Nottingham this evening. He had such a bad week, she thought she'd try to make him feel a little better. Plus she knew how much he hated events like this. The phone rang as she placed the last roller in her hair, "hello."

"Hello, Sweet, is the dress acceptable?"

"It is gorgeous, I think you missed your calling, you should be a fashion coodinator," she teased.

"I know what looks good on you, I would not do it for anyone else. I am going to send a car for you around 6:45 is that all right?"

"That will be fine. Everything going ok on your end?"

"Yes, I am about to do a final security check and walk through, then brief the security team. I will see you soon."

"You too." Smiling she hung up the phone and looked in the mirror, "you got it bad, Pezzini," she said as she took the rollers from her hair. She slipped the dress over her head, it flowed over her curves like water. It was a simple a line with spagehetti straps and flared slightly at her hips and the hem hit just at her calves. She finished her appraisal just as a knock sounded on the door. She grabbed her bag and opened the door, "hey Sanchez."

"Hey, Detective, Boss sent me to get you. Wow, you look great."

"Thanks, I wasn't expecting security to come get me."

"Boss says jump, I say how high, sir yes sir." He saluted her and then made a little motion for Sara to go first.

Sara grinned, she liked this guy. He wasn't intimidated by anything, even Ian. She raised her eyebrows when she saw Ian's car. "Picking up the Bosses girl in the Bosses car? You got the sweet end of the job tonight."

"Yeah, yeah." He opened the door for her.

Sanchez led her through the back entrance of the museum and put in his ear piece, "hey Boss, what's you location?"

"Right behind you," Ian chuckled as Sanchez jumped about two feet.

"Not funny, Boss."

"Just keeping you on your toes." Ian's gaze fell on Sara, "you look remarkable."

"I'm going to resume my post." Sanchez eased away to leace the couple alone.

"You look pretty good yourself," Sara looked Ian up and down, he was wearing a dark blue suit with a white high collared dress shirt and a gambler cut jacket.

"Thank you," Ian leaned down and kissed her on the cheek. " He ran his hands through the curls that fell down her back. "I like this too. You ready for a quick tour?"

Ian had given her a partial tour when Sanchez informed him that Irons had arrived. Arm around Sara, they went to greet him.

"Hello, Sir, welcome back ."

"Ah, Ian, so good to see you. You seem to have taken care of everything in my abscense." Sara felt her stomach turn as Irons leered at her. "And is this the lovely Detective I found in your room? Sara, is it?"

"Yes, Sara Pezzini."

"Are you here on business or pleasure, Detective?"

She gave Ian a blinding smile, "purely pleasure, Mr. Irons."

Luckily they were interrupted by a curator, "Mr. Irons, you are here, we would like to take some photo's before the festivities begin."

"Of course, if you would excuse me, Sara, Ian."

"Certainly, Sir."

Sara just nodded at him plastering a fake smile on her face. Ian did all the leg work and Irons flies in from vacation and takes all the credit. She hated his type, all slime and smarm hidden under a polished suave demeanor. She heard Ian groan under his breath as they opened the doors for the party goers. "Here they are, the glitz and gliterati, all have arrived to view the exhibit that Ken Irons painstakingly piece by piece with his own two hands, put together singlehandledly," she said under her breath doing her best Robin Leach impression.

Ian snickered at her, "you could take that act on the road. I had no idea you were so talented."

"I have a great many talents you've yet to discover." She arched an eyebrow at him and smirked wickedly.

"I would like nothing better than to take you home and explore your other talents this very moment," he murmured against her ear, "but alas, we will have to wait a few hours."

Sara stood with Ian on the sidelines watching as Irons worked the crowd. "Hey, Pez, you look hot." She turned around to see Smitty. "Thanks man."

"Thanks again for the gig, Ian. I appreciate it." Smitty smiled as he walked back to his post.

Sara looked up at Ian curiously. "He asked me if I ever needed any extra security, he wants to put a downpayment on a house."

"You are a sweet man, you know that?"

"Maybe I'm just trying to impress you?"

Sara opened her mouth with a retort but was interrupted by Kenneth Irons. "Ian, there you are. You remember Karen Bronte don't you?" He gestured to the blonde beside him.

"Yes, of course. Very nice to see you again, Miss Bronte."

The girl smiled at Ian, "the rescuer of kittens and fixer of skinned knees." Ian nodded as she continued, "the last time I saw you, we were the same height."

"And Karen, this is Ian's date, Sara Pezzini." Irons looked all to pleased with himself for Sara's taste.

"Hello, Karen." Karen gaped at her utterly dumbfounded. Sara was a little take aback and glanced at Ian who seemed just as puzzled as she was over Karen's response.

"Excuse me." Irons smiled at the havoc he had caused and disappeared into the throng of partygoers.

"Miss Bronte is something wrong?" Ian askedd softly.

"You look exactly like my grandmother. Ian doesn't she?"

"I have never seen a photo of Elizabeth only heard of her exploits." When Sara frowned at the word exploits, Ian quickly explained, "she was a spy in World War Two. She was intergral in breaking the Enigma Code and aiding the Allies in defeating the Germans. She was a remarkable woman."

"Oh. I've never heard that I looked like a grandma before."

Ian reached up to his ear, "I'll be right there. If you will both excuse me." He gave Sara a quick peck on the cheek, "I'll be right back."

Sara and Karen both watched him go. "Ian lived with us for a month in France when I was eight years old. I was forever getting into trouble and he was always there to fix things. He was so quiet and shy back then."

"For the most part he still is."

"How long have you known him?"

"A couple of months." Sara cringed inwardly when she saw Irons making his way back to them.

"Karen, Sara, I can not imagine what would pull Ian away from such charming company. Karen, are you enjoying yourself?"

"Yes, Kenneth. Don't you think Sara looks like my grandmother?"

He tilted his head eyes roaming over Sara's face and body, "indeed she does. I can't believe I did not notice the resemblance before. Amazing, truly."

"What do you do, Sara?"

"I'm a homicide detective, how about you?"

Kenneth watched the two women, polar opposites in looks as well as personality, with great amusement. "I'm a model."

"Yes, I rescued our dear Karen from a dreadful shoot in Milan. The poor thing was worn out. I felt a trip to the States would prove beneficial."

Sara nodded not knowing what to say. Karen was the first to speak, "I know my career must seem silly compared to yours."

"Nonsense, Karen, I am sure Sara understands the importance of high fashion. Surely she has seen your work in magazines."

Sara had enough of this, "not unless you were on the cover of guns and ammo, sorry."

They all three laughed, Karen and Sara's was faked. Kenneth took Karen's arm, "if you will excuse us, Sara, there is a business associate I want Karen to meet."

Sara searched out Sanchez. "Have you seen Ian?"

"Boss said he was going off mike about ten minutes ago. I kinda figured he was with you."

"Any security breaches?"

"None."

"Thanks." Sara couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong. She started ambling through the museum searching for Ian. The party was winding down, people were begining to file out. The ones that were left were all garthered in the gallery room of the museum, the rest of the exhibits were empty.

"Sara."

She cringed when she heard Karen Bronte's voice. Not that she had anything against the girl, she just wanted to find Ian. "Karen, can I help you?"

"I was looking for the ladies room and got lost."

Sara turned rolling her eyes, "this way." Karen followed obediently.

Sara stepped out of the restroom, she noticed a dark figure turn the corner. She stopped in the doorway, Karen ran into her back. "Go find Sanchez and tell him something is wrong. Take your heels off so you don't make any noise."


"What is it?"

"I'm going to find out." Sara wished she had a gun, she didn't put a lot of stock in Karen being able to find Sanchez before Sara found whoever was lurking in the shadows. She kicked off her own shoes and crept down the darkened hallway.

Karen ran back to the front of the museum, she had no idea which one of the security men was Sanchez. She walked up to a group of them, an attractive black man talking to a spikey haired blonde guy acknowledged her. "May I help you Miss?"

"I am looking for Sanchez, have you seen him?"

"I can hail him, what do you need?"

"Tell him, Sara thinks something is wrong and she needs him."

Smitty spoke into his mike.

"Sara? Where is she? What's wrong?" Jake asked.

"I don't know, who are you?"

"Her partner, where is she?"

"We were in the bathroom, off from a room with lots of armor and weapons."

"Show me." Karen took off with Jake and Smitty in tow.

Sara eased her way around the door, she could hear voices but couldn't make out what they were saying. Her heart sunk when she saw Ian in the middle of the room on his knees, staring up at Mobius. She could not move much closer without signaling the one guard that she was present. She glanced around for a weapon. A suit of armor holding a spike covered mace was the only thing present, she slid it out of the knights hand and hid behind the door. "Check the perimeter." she heard Mobius bark, "someone is bound to be missing him by now."

Sara backed her way down the hall and hid behind a column, the heavy mace above her head. She brought it down hard on the Black Dragon as he passed her. He hit the ground with a muffled thud. Blood poured from his skull. Sara felt sick when she had to pull the mace out and met with resistance, several of the spikes had punctured his skull. One down, she thought to herself as she crept back to the doorway. She got close enought to hear Ian talking to Mobius.

"Mobius, please, let me help you."

"You abandoned us, you left us! You are trying to save you miserable life. You live in service to the man who ripped off our wings, you are a traitor."
"Moby, I tried to get you to leave when I did. The drugs were making us crazy, we had no idea of the long term effects. I have the resources to help you."

"You SERVE HIM! HE will never allow you to help us." Moby's voice boomed off the marble walls.

"I work for him, yes, but you are my brother, my family. I did not betray you, I did what I had to to survive, so that I could help you all."

"You betrayed us!"

"And what of the others? What of Epsilon? Did he betray you? Is that why you had him filleted? Did he deserve to die that way? HE WAS A BOY!"

Moby struck Ian hard across the face when he yelled at him. "You are responsible for all those deaths, that is why they were marked with your initials, Brother."

"Why make them pay for my sins? Or did they finally decide I was correct in leaving?"

"ENOUGH! You shall die and then your Master." Mobius pulled out an AK 47.

Sara heard footsteps behind her and wheeled around to see Jake, Smitty, and Karen coming towards her. "Tell me one of you has a gun and Sanchez is on his way."

"Detail has been dispatched, they are surrounding the room," Smitty said as moved his jacket aside to show his Glock.

Fast as lightening Sara grabbed it and ran in the room. "Drop the gun, Mobius, it's over."

Startled, Mobius and the remaining Dragon pointed their guns towards Sara. This gave Ian time to jump to his feet and punch Moby who began spraying the room with bullets. Ian hit the floor and crawled behind Moby grabbing him by his legs and hitting him in the knees. Sara shot at the other Dragon missing several times as he evaded her bullets, she finally hit him in the chest with the last bullet of the clip. She tossed the gun to the ground and ran to Ian and Moby who were stuggling on the floor. She kicked the AK out of their way and kicked Moby in the ribs. He turned his focus towards her and threw her into a glass case sending it crashing to the floor. Moby grabbed Ian by the neck and struck his head on the floor several times, then dropped him and stalked towards Sara.

Jake screamed her name as the big man pulled a gun on her and leveled it at her head. Sara backed as far against the wall as she could. She began to slowly raise her arms in surrender when something grasped her wrist. She hissed as the wrist began to sting. Moby cocked the gun and the object on her wrist transformed into a gauntlet of some sort. Sara held it in front of her head and the bullet he sent towards her was deflected. She glanced down at her wrist in shock and deflected his next bullet then the next. Moby growled in rage as he reloaded the clip. Ian had gotten to his feet and snuck behind Moby, sensing this Moby wheeled around to shoot Ian. "Ian, no!" Sara screamed as she realized what was about to happen. The Gauntlet morphed into a sword and she ran it through Moby's chest. Ian took the opprtunity to knock the gun from his hand across the room.

Moby fell into Ian's arms, turning towards Sara, "You got the wrong Dragon." The blade retracted and the weapon turned into an innocuous looking bracelet.

"Ian are you ok." He nodded looking down at his fallen once brother in arms. He solemly closed Moby's eyes. "Sara, how are you?"

"A little freaked out by all of this."

Ian stared at the Witchblade on her wrist in disbelief, "we have much too discuss, later." He stood and held out his hand to help her get up. Jake was walking away from the body of the Dragon Sara shot, when ian noticed movement. "McCartey!" He yelled and flug Jake to the ground just as the fallen Dragon shot at him. Off balance and unable to dodge the bullet, it hit Ian in the shoulder. Sanchez and his men entered at this point and shot the offender.

Sara flew to Ian's side, "Ian, baby, it's ok." She applied pressure to the gaping wound. It was bleeding profusely, "call and ambulance."

From the security survellience booth Kenneth Irons smiled, not a pretty sight, but several of his problems had been solved. The new Weilder had been revealed, the Black Dragons had been neutralized, and he would soon have Ian moved back to the mansion under the care of Dr. Immo, which would certainly bring Sara Pezzini within his grasp.

Sara could hear sirens in the background and heard Smitty talking to Jake. Sanchez took off his shirt and gave it to Sara to pack into Ian's wound to try and staunch the bleeding. "Is McCartey ok?" Ian asked weakly.

"Yeah, he's fine baby. Nobody but you was hurt." Sara smoothed his hair from his eyes.

"Sara, I will be fine, don't cry." Ian reached up with his uninjured hand and wiped away a tear. "It is not a fatal wound."

"I know, I know. The ambulance is coming I can hear the sirens. They will get you fixed up."

Ian smiled weakly, the last thing he saw before he slipped into oblivian was worried tear filled green eyes.

"Ma'am, ma'am you are going to have to back up." A hand on her shoulder startled her.

She looked back to see several EMT's. "I am holding pressure on his wound."

"I've got it." The young man placed his hands next to Sara. They placed Ian on a gurney and began rolling him down the hall, Sara followed behind them supplying answers as they went.

"You are covered in blood are you hurt or is it all his?"

"His. Can I ride with you? I'm his girlfriend and I'm with the NYPD."

"Not supposed to but you look kinda dazed, we should take you in," he smiled at her and called out to the other ambulance, "we've got the critical and one more injured, you get the others."

Sara sat on the ambulance bench out of the way while they put an IV in Ian and accessed his wound. "We've got a white male, 30 years old, gunshot wound to the left shoulder, looks like it nicked and artery, he's lost a lot of blood, he's unconcious, but seems stable. ETA four minutes, have a surgeon ready." He turned to her, "You sure your ok?"

Sara nodded weakly she had some minor cuts and bruises but it was mostly shock that had her so silent. Ian had lost so much blood. "Can I sit beside him?"

"Sure, talk to him."

"Ian, baby, it's going to be fine, we're on our way to the hospital. I am so proud of you, you saved my life, Jake's life." She kissed him on the cheek as they pulled into the hospital bay.


Ian was evaluated in ER then swiftly sent upstairs to surgery. The EMT's insisted Sara be checked out as well. As soon as she was free to go she dashed hit the elevator in search of surgery. She wandered aimlessly around the waiting room after the nurse told her Ian was still in surgery. "Hey, Pez." She turned to see Danny standing behind her. She ran into his open arms. "He's gonna be fine, he's tough." She nodded in Danny's shoulder. "I brought you some clothes, thought you could use them."

"Thanks, Danny."

"Jake has a concussion so they are keeping him for observation, but he's ok too. Let me see if there is a place you can take a shower and change clothes."

"I will wait until I hear about Ian."

A nurse approached them, "you are here for Mr. Notttingham aren't you?"

"Yes," Sara answered.

"He is still in surgery and will be for at least two more hours. They have removed the bullet and are repairing the damaged artery and tissue. He is stable."

"Thank you."

"Is there a place where she can shower and change?" Danny tilted his head towards Sara.

The nurse took in Sara's blood covered dress and arms, "come with me honey, I'll take you to a room and let you get cleaned up." She took the duffel bag from Danny and put her arm around Sara, leading her away.

"I'll be here when you get out, Pez," Danny called out to his dazed partner.

Sara returned to the waiting room about twenty minutes later to find Joe Siri, Danny, Jake, Kenneth Irons, and an older man she did not know. Joe grabbed her in a big bear hug. "Hey, Joe. Any news?"

"He is still in surgery."

"Sara, you look awfully pale, why don't you sit down." Kenneth Irons held out his hand to her. Not wanting to make a scene infront of everyone she took it and sat in the chair he led her to. "Ian will be fine my dear, he has the best surgeon in the States working on him and he is very resiliant, I imagine he will be up and around in a few days. I have to go deal with the press, but Dr. Immo will be here to oversee Ian's care."

Sara nodded to him and smiled weakly. If she had been in a better state of mind she'd have wondered just why he was acting so concerned for her feelings. Jake touched her on the knee after Irons left, "guess this means you'll be riding my ass til there's nothing left?"

"I thought you were under observation?" She looked over at Jake, a large bump was visible on his temple.

"They told me I could wait up here as long as I don't leave the hospital." His cocky grin and demeanor was gone now, "I really am sorry about Nottingham. I'd be dead if it weren't for him."

"He asked if you were ok before he passed out."

"He did? Like I don't feel bad enough already."

"I didn't say it to make you feel bad, Jake. I just wanted you to know, so you could finally understand the type of man he is."

"Yeah, I know now."

"Danny, Joe, why don't you go home to your families. I'll be fine, I will call as soon as I know something."

Both protested but Sara insisted, "I'm going to try and get a little rest, ok." Neither one really wanted to go but both gave her a big hug and slapped Jake on the back before they left.

Sara curled up on the couch in the waiting room, it seemed like she had only closed her eyes for a moment when she was shaken awake by Dr. Immo. "Detective Pezzini, Ian is in a room and doing well. I can take you to him if you wish."

Sara was on her feet in an instant. Jake smiled at her, "tell him I said thanks."

"I will." Dr. Immo led her to Ian's room. She wasn't prepared for how pale he was. She pulled a chair beside his bed and took a hand in hers. "Hey, baby." Ian's eyes fluttered.

"Sa...ra?" He rasped.

"Yes," she stood so he could see her without turning his head.

"You saved me."

She smiled at him, "you saved me, too and Jake. He said to thank you."

"Does this mean I am off his suspect list?"

"I'm pretty sure it does." She smoothed back an unruly curl, "I am sorry about Moby."

Ian nodded, "so am I, but he chose his own path. What happened to Martin?"

"Who?"

"The other Dragon, the one he sent to check out a noise."

"Oh, him. I didn't have a weapon, so I took a mace from one of the suits of armor and hid, when he came down the hall I smashed it on his head. "Let's just say I prefer guns to midevil weaponary."

Ian smiled up at Sara and was about to speak when Kenneth Irons swept in the room. "Ian, my dear boy, you have no idea how relieved I am to see you are awake."

"Hello, Sir. Thank you for your concern."

"Dr. Immo assures me you will be able to come home tomorrow morning where he can monitor your recovery. I do not like the idea of you being in a hospital, I know how you detest them."

"I would much rather be in my own bed as opposed to here." Actually he would prefer to be at Sara's but that wasn't going to happen anytime soon. Ian squeezed Sara's hand.

"Dr. Immo should be back from his lab soon with your blood, you lost an enormous amount. As soon as we get you back to full capacity, you should feel much better. I'll be going now but I shall come to see you tomorrow once you are home."

"Thank you, Sir."

"Immo has your blood stockpiled in his lab?"

"Yes, since my line of work puts me in constant jeopardy, I give blood every few months for him to store in case of an accident. For once I am thankful." He yawned and smiled sheepishly.

"You should get some rest, you've had a rough day."

"As have you, my love." She bent down and kissed him gently on the lips. A knock on the door broke the soft contact.

"Just bringing a bed I for you, dear. That young man outside said you probably wouldn't leave."

"Thank you." The nurse helped Sara set up the bed and fix the bedclothes. She checked Ian's vital signs and wished them goodnight.

Sara turned out the lights, took one last look at Ian's sleeping form, and collapsed on the rollaway bed falling asleep instantly.

Dr. Immo speaking softly to Ian the next morning woke Sara. Ian still looked pale, Immo was hanging another bag of blood. She feigned sleep until Immo was gone. "You can get up now, he's gone," Ian's voice held a hint of amusement.

"Morning." She yawned and stretched as she walked to his bedside. Dark circles under his eyes and bruises marred his handsome face. She kissed his forehead. "How you feeling?"

"Tired and sore but otherwise fine. How about you?"

"I'm good. Dreading going to the station today, I imagine the inquiry will put me on desk duty for a few days. They gonna spring you today?"

"Yes, I get to go home but I am on strict bedrest for at least a week," he said with a disgusted face.

"You'll live. I can keep you company when I'm not on duty."

"I would appreciate that a lot. I like having you around."

She arched an eyebrow at that admission, "you know you owe me big time for coming to see you at that creepy mansion."
"It is not that bad, you seemed to like my room."

"I have never been in anyone's bedroom that could double for a weapons museum."

Ian started to retort when Danny stuck his head through the door, "hey. Can I come in?"

"Of course, Danny."

"Come on in, Partner."

The three chatted until Dr. Immo returned to check on Ian again. Sara kissed him on his unbruised cheek, "I'm gonna catch a ride to the station with Danny, give me a call when you get home or if you need me, ok."

"I will." He winked at her when she turned to get one last glance of him.

Danny took one look at the smile on her face as they got in the car, "you've got it sooooo bad, Pez. Pez and Nottinham sitting in a tree....."

"Grow up, Danny."

"Ohhhh, she doesn't deny it. Jen owes me dinner and the movie of my choice. I think I'll make it Kung Fu with subtitles."

"Wait a minute, you and Jen bet me and Ian?"

"Yep, Jen said you two would never last, he treats you to good. I told her you'd fallen hard. I was so right."

"You are so full of it." Damn she was never going to hear the end of it now.

The inquiry wasn't as bad as she anticipated. For all intensive purposes it was self defense and she was going to be commended but Joe made her take three days off and then it was desk duty until she was cleared by committee. Danny ran her home where she showered and changed. There was a message from Ian when she got out. He was back home and wanted her to come stay with him for the three days she was off. She wondered who the office snitch was, she had several suspects. Danny, Smitty, Joe, all of them were now fans of Ian's, he had saved two of their own and hadn't held a grudge about being a suspect. She packed a few clothes and toiletries in her backpack then climbed on her Buell. She pulled up to Irons's massive estate, the gate keeper let her in and gave her directions to the garage. One of Ian's security team was there to meet her when she parked her bike. She eyed all the cars in the garage, unbelievable. Highly doubtful that these belonged to any of the staff.

"Hello, Detective Pezzini, I shall take you to Mr. Nottingham's room. May I take your bag?"

"Nah, I've got it thanks. How is Ian doing?"

"Dr. Immo announced to the staff that he is doing well. I believe Sanchez was with him earlier." He led her to Ian's door, opened it and motioned for her to enter. When she turned around he was gone.

Sara was in awe of the gigantic room, she wandered through the foyer and spied a massive mahogany canopy bed against the far wall. Soft music played in the background it was infused with ocean sounds. She tiptoed over to the bed and nearly laughed outloud seeing Ian alseep with not one but two gigantic wolfhounds curled around him. One looked up at her regarding her carefully with intelligent brown eyes. It nudged Ian's hand, he patted it absently. It repeated the gesture and Ian's eyes flew open. He grinned when he saw her, "thanks, boy."

Sara looked at the dogs and then him. "As big as it is, I don't think you, me, and those two will sleep comfortably."

Ian gave her a horrified expression, "so what are you saying?"

"I am not sleeping with the dogs."

"They will go downstairs when Mr. Irons returns," he looked down at the dogs, "off.." Both slipped from the bed with a grace Sara hadn't expected from such large creatures. Ian flipped back the covers and patted the bed, "come're."

She pulled off her jacket and shoes and slipped in beside him. She hugged him tightly, "I am so glad you are ok." He put his good arm around her and kissed the top of her head. She glanced up at him, he leaned down and kissed her so gently it brought tears to her eyes.

Ian pulled away from her to gaze into her eyes, "when Moby had me on my knees, all I could think was that I may never see you, hold you again. I love you, Sara." Earnest emotion filled hazel eyes held green ones captive, "Does that frightens you as much as it does me."

Sara gaped at him, "it does. I..."

Ian placed a finger on her lips, "don't say it just because I did."

Sara smiled and nipped his finger, she scooted up and kissed him passionately, running the tip of her tongue along his lips, she pulled away, "I'm not, I love you too. And you're right, it scares the hell out of me."


Sara woke up with Ian sprawled partially across her, a leg thrown over hers, his face nestled in her neck, and his injured shoulder resting just below her breasts. She heard movement in the room and glanced up to see Dr. Immo aproaching the bed. She smiled at the expression on his face when he saw them. "I came to see if he was in any pain, apparently he is in none."

"Guess not," she pulled the covers down enough to expose his bandage.

"The wound is not seeping, that is good. When he wakes, call me on the intercom, I need to change the dressing and check the stitches." He turned to go then looked back at Sara, "are you comfortable? I can help you roll him if you like."

Sara ran a hand affectionately through his hair, "no, I'm fine." Immo nodded then left. Sara kissed the top of Ian's head, he was heavy but it was a good heavy. She pulled the covers back up around him and rubbed his back. He snuggled closer to her. He needed the rest, he needed the closeness, it was going to be difficult when the shock wore off. He had not had much time to process what happened to Tate, now the remaining members of his unit were dead, one by his hand two by hers. She understood the loyalty among soldiers, there was a loyalty among cops as well, although she was more loyal to them than they were to her she suspected. There was a group of machismo cops she didn't like or trust, she knew they felt the same about her.

"Mmmmm," Ian stirred a bit, burying his face a little deeper into her neck..

"Morning, Sunshine."

A muffled, "morning," came from her neck.

"How you feeling?"

Ian shifted his face slightly, "sore, groggy." He grinned, "very very comfortable. You make a nice pillow."

"Yeah, well I only reserve this for guys who were shot in the shoulder saving my rookie partner."

Ian chuckled, "I am surprised Immo hasn't been in to poke and prod me."

"He stopped in to see if you were in pain, when he saw how....comfortable you were, he left. He does however want me to call him when you wake up."

"No," Ian tried to embrace her with his injured arm, he hissed in pain.

"Yes," she placed a hand on his chest and gently rolled him to his back. Sitting up she reached for the intercom, "Hey, Doc?"

"Yes, Detective Pezzini?"

"Ian's awake."

"I'll be right there."

Sara headed to the shower when Immo entered the room. She stripped out of her clothes and frowned when she noticed the strange bracelet on her wrist. A succession of images at the museum, something wrapping around her wrist, a metal glove turning into a gauntlet then a sword, her thrusting it through Mobius. She sank to the grey marble floor as visions over took her. Knights in battle, a woman on a horse sword held high. Another woman in white holding an arm up to a throng of people. A woman in white being pushed through a crowd, tied to a stake, a pyre set afire. The woman screaming, ‘why have you abandoned me?' As suddenly as the began the visions ended. She shook off the fog that had fallen over her and stood slowly before taking the glowing bracelet off and stepping into the shower.

Sara emerged from the shower refreshed but still a little confused about the visions. She towel dried her hair and took Ian's black silk robe from the hook. Her wrist tingled when she placed it on the door knob. She glanced back at the innocuous looking hunk of stone and silver. She made a mental note to ask Ian about it when he was feeling better. She opened the door and cringed when she saw Kenneth Irons occupying the leather wingback chair beside Ian's bed. His smug leering gaze gave her chills as he surveyed her curves. "Hello, Detective."

"Mr. Irons."

"Kenneth, please," he smiled sweetly. "You will be pleased to know that Dr. Immo has given our Ian a good check up. He should be up and around in a week."

"Good to know," she grinned at Ian who was propped up on pillows eating breakfast.

Kenneth stood, "I must be going to the office. I will check in on you later, Ian. Detective, I trust you will take good care of him."

"I will." She stepped back as he passed her but not quickly enough for him to brush against her loosening the robe, exposing the scars from schrapnel wounds gained almost a year ago. Sara snatched the robe closed and hurried to Ian's side. "You are getting some color back."

"That is my robe. I could demand it back you know." He arched an eyebrow.

"Not while you are in this condition."

"What happened to lie back and do what the nice officer tells me."

Sara took the tray from his lap and placed it on the bedside table. Ian grinned up at her. Sara leaned over him, her lips hovering just above his, "lay down baby." He eased back down prone on the bed. "Now, close your eyes." He did as she asked. "Go to sleep." She chuckled at his disappointed groan.


Sara dressed when Ian fell back to sleep. Immo must be giving him some good drugs, she thought wryly. She stretched a little and paced around the room. She peeked out the heavy drawn curtains that revealed a massive courtyard, Irons took being rich to the extreme. When her stomach growled, she decided to make a run on the kitchen. She took the tray from Ian's bedside and slipped out the door. She wasn't surprised to find a guard outside the door. "Can you tell me the easiest way to get to the kitchen?"

His directions were interrupted by Sanchez coming around the corner. "Boss asleep?"

"Out like a blown fuse."

"You playing maid?"

"Going to raid the kitchen, thought I'd bring this down."

"Follow me."

She obediently trailed behind Sanchez who led her swiftly to the kitchen. They were intercepted by a maid who took the tray from Sara and the cook who immediately chastised her for not calling down for something. "I needed to stretch." Sanchez smirked as Sara was shooed into a dining room with a 24 or so place setting. A plate of fruit was placed before her.

"What would you like for lunch, Ma'am?"

"Just a sandwich will be fine, I can make it myself if ...."

"Nonsense."

Sara had finished the fruit by the time an elegantly prepared plate of chicken and wildrice with steamed vegetables appeared before her. Never missing a beat she devoured everything and stood to take the dishes to the kitchen. She nearly dropped the obviously expensive china when she turned and ran into Kenneth Irons. "Ahh, Sara, I hope my staff is treating you well."

"Yes, they are all very nice, although I don't need fussing over, I can do thinkgs for myself."

"Everyone has their jobs, Sara, take a break from yours and let them pamper you. Besides, it makes them feel as if they are returning the favor for your saving Ian, most of them have know him since he was a child."

"What was he like as a child?" Precocious and adorable she imagined.

"Precisely what I wished to speak with you about. " He nodded to the dishes in her hands, "leave those and please join me in my study."

"Sure," Sara laid down the plate and followed behind him. As much as she disliked the silver haired man she was curious about Ian's childhood. She sat in the leather chair he motioned her towards. He stood before the fire seemingly mesmorized, she began to wonder if he had forgotten her prescence when he finally spoke.

"What has Ian told you of his childhood?"

"Nothing really, just that he trained in different kinds of martial arts. We've never discussed family."

"Ian does not have one. His mother or rather the woman that gave birth to him, was an alcoholic, drug addict. Ian was taken away from her at birth, I doubt she even knew who his father was. He was placed in a state run hospital. As well as being dependent on cocaine and heroin he was diagnosed with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. Once released from medical care he was placed in several different foster care families, none worked out. At the time Vorschlag was working on brain altering chemicals that could assist in brain development. His mental deficiencies and the fact that social workers considered him unadoptable and they were happy to have him taken off their hands." He paused staring into the fire, allowing all the information to sink into Sara.

"The drug therapy worked remarkable on him and quickly he surpassed every equivalency and IQ tests for children his age. At three he was reading and writing several languages fluently. It became quite obvious that private school would not hold his attention, so several tutors were hired for him. When he was six I took him with me to Europe and was so impressed with his intelligence and personality that I decided to make him my ward. And yes, he studied many martial arts, aside from books that is what he cared for most. Swords fascinated him as did the legends of knights, he would ask me over and over , ‘when will I learn how to fight?'" Irons smiled briefly at the memory. "Ian is very dear to me, Sara. Physically and mentally he is more capable than most humans, emotionally, however he is still very much a child. I for one am thrilled he has reached out to you, he is far to introverted and reflective at times. That is one of the reasons I sent him into the military, I felt he needed to experience life outside of books, museums, and martial arts. Had I known how it would all play out, I never would have sent him away." He peered at Sara, gauging her reaction.

"How much of this does he know?"

"He has never asked, Ian is one of the most accepting creatures I have ever come in contact with. Since he never inquired, I never told him, I suppose I should have but I did not want to inflict any emotional damage on him. I have never hidden his past from him and will tell him if and when he ever asks."

"Why are you telling me this?" Sara was glad he did, but unsure of his motives. Though he had never done anything to her, she did not trust him and her instincts had served her well over the years.

"I felt you should know," he pulled a pocketwatch from his waist coat and glanced at it, ""I apologize but I have a business call to make. Please tell Ian I will be up to see him later."

Still reeling from the story of Ian's early life, Sara wandered back up to Ian's room, thankful she didn't get lost. She gave a nod to the guard and entered to find Ian out of bed going through a very slow deliberate Kata. She closed the door silently and leaned against it watching him. Beautiful, stubborn man. He noticed her about three minutes later and grinned sheepishly.

"Gotcha."

"I could not stay in that bed another minute. It was driving me crazy."

Sara just stared at him while he pled his case. "I didn't even pull my stitches." Sara arched an eyebrow at him and he sighed deeply, "will you at least join me?"

"You get in that bed and I'll consider it."

Looking every bit like a little boy being sent to his room Ian shuffled his feet back to the bed and sat down. He patted the mattress looking expectantly at her. "Are you planning on being this difficult all week?"

"Aren't I suppose to get pity since I am injured?"

"Not if you injure yourself further by being impatient and stubborn, not from me. Maybe your other girlfriends did that but not this one."

"You say that as if I've had other girlfriends. Would you be fishing, Detective Pezzini?"

"No, I would not, Mr. Nottingham." She smirked as she got in the bed with him. "I do not fish, nor do I care about your past dalliances."

"Immo, I must speak to you about Ian." Kenneth swept into Immo's lab in the basement.

"I just checked on him. Is recovery is remarkable. In fact, the muscles have knitted together so well I think I shall remove the sutures and release him from his boredom."

"Keep him sedated. I do not care what it takes, what you tell him."

Immo adjusted his glasses and worriedly looked at Kenneth, "why? Is there something I should know about?"

"Find a reason, make one up, just keep him sedated or at least semi-concious until I tell you."

"Kenneth, Ian does not tolerate drugs well, he rapidly becomes immune to them. I do not know if I have enough different classes of sedatives to keep up with his tolerance level."

"Do whatever you must, just do not break anything you cannot repair."

"I will do what I can, Kenneth." Immo sighed as he watched the imposing figure exit the lab. Begrudgingly he unlocked his controlled substances locker and took out three ampules. Ian would be difficult to trick, he glanced at the blood sample he had taken from him earlier and worked out his story. Carrying the falsified lab work in his medical bag he stepped into the elevator, nodding to the guarrd he knocked on the massive door. He smiled politely at Sara when she opened the door. He was so pleased that Ian had a ladyfriend, she seemed to genuinely like the young man.

"Back so soon, Doc?"

"Yes, I need to speak with Ian. Would you excuse us?"

"There is nothing you can say that she can not hear, Doctor."

Smiling indulgently at the couple, Sara had crawled up in the bed and was sitting beside his patient. "I ran your CBC, your white cell count is through the roof, signaling infection. The drugs you took in the Black Dragons had a systemic effect, you do not respond to injuries like everyone else. You are not running a fever which as you know usually signals infection."

Ian nodded having no reason to mistrust the doctor that had aleays taken care of him. Sara seemed alarmed, "so what does this mean? I take it antibiotics are not going to work?"

"I am already giving him antibiotics for prophalactic measures but apparently he is resitant to them or his unique make up has rendered them useless. The only thing I can think of to do is to slow the infection until I can culture the blood and find an antibiotic that will work."

Ian frowned not liking the look on the older man's face, "how?"

"I will be placing an IV catheter and giving you sedatives intravenously. Keeping you relatively unconscious will help slow the infection to a degree." He watched as Ian looked to Sara. "Ian I know how much you hate taking narcotics, but it is a necessity. As soon as I discover how best to combat this I will take you off the drugs. Alright?"

Ian held out his hand for Immo to place the catheter. Immo took a small hook from his bag and hung a bag of fluids from it. Once it was flowing he slowly gave injected the sedatives. "Don't resist it Ian, please do not make this more difficult on yourself and those of us who care for you."
Sara squeezed his hand as he closed his eyes. She looked at Immo, "is there anything I can do?"

"Just make sure he does not pull out the catheter or the fluid line. I will be back in a few hours to check on him. Just buzz me on the intercom if you need me."

"Thank you, Doc."

The concern and appreciation in her green eyes struck Immo, "he will be fine, Detective. I know your being here is a comfort to him." Guilt overtook him and he retreated before it became evident on his face.

Sara let the tears fall silently as she watched his deep slow even breathing. It was unbelievable what this man had been through in his lifetime. She heard someone open the door and hastily wiped away the wetness from her cheeks. She knew from the spicy smell of his cologne that it was Kenneth Irons. "Dr. Immo's speed never ceases to amaze me, " he said as he studied the features of his sleeping protégé. "I imagine Ian was none to pleased."

"No, he wasn't but he has accepted it."

"Of course," Irons gave her a terse smile. "Would you like to have dinner with me or shall I have something sent up?"

"Thank you but I'm still stuffed from lunch."

"Very well, Sara," he rose giving Ian's restful features a thoughtful look. "Do not hesitate to ring one of the staff if you need something, someone is on duty at all times."

"Thanks."


Kenneth Irons slipped downstairs to his study and behind a carefully hidden paneled wall. He pulled a small key from the bottom of the pocketwatch that remained his constant companion. He unlocked the heavy door and pulled it open, he made sure it closed firmly behind him. An eerie glow and hum filled the room. He entered a moderate sized glass room and sat in a chair matching the chaise lounge. "Elizabeth, what shall I do? My good and faithful servant has fallen in love with your successor. The Blade and you, I imagine, have played a cruel trick upon me. I thought to place the bracelet on Karen's arm before it knew of Sara. Karen is a puppet I could control, bend to my will. But Sara, Sara is a creature with a stonger spirit than all of you combined. Ian, poor servile Ian, has not realized and I plan on keeping it that way. I can only hope to use him to control her. I have not devised a way to go about that just yet." He caressed the cheek of frozen body positioned so carefully on the settee, a tender expression crossed his harsh sharp features. As quickly as it appeared it was gone, replaced by an evil sneer, "if you have caused this, my love, your heirs will pay, with more than a hand." He kissed the unyeilding lips before leaving her side. He smiled in cruel perversion, "she is much more beautiful than you, although she lacks your polish and style." He chuckled to himself, highly amused at his own private joke.

Ian was barely lucid when Danny came to pick Sara up for work. Her leave was over. There wasn't much she could do for Ian while he was unconcious. "I'll be back tonight, Baby," she kissed his lips and ran a hand through his mussed locks. She accepted the cup of coffee and a bagel from the cook as she trotted downstairs to the waiting car. "Thanks."

"Hey, Partner, like the new digs."

"Funny, Danny."

"Seriously though, how's Ian?"

"He has an infection that is resistant to antibiotics, his Doctor is keeping him sedated until he can find the right antibiotic. He was doing great until yesterday afternoon. Now he barely comes out of it before they drug him back up."

"I'm sure he'll be fine, he's a tough guy."

"Yeah, he is. Let's not talk about it ok?" Danny nodded an affirmative. "So what's on the docket for today?"

"Paperwork, reviews, and roll outs, oh my."

"I have NOT missed you in the least, you know?" Sara gave him a snide annoyed look. How could anyone be that cheerful this early in the a.m. and be on his way to work.

"Yeah, like I believe that. McCartey is coming back today as well," he glanced at his longtime partner to gauge her reaction.

Sara rolled her eyes, "I hope he learned a few things from this situation, seeing as how Ian took a bullet for him."

Danny stopped the car and pulled over. "What the hell are you doing?" Sara asked, they were four blocks from the station.

"I know you, Pez, you will hold a grudge forever. Ian chose to take that bullet for Jake. You can't blame Jake for that. Like it or not he is our partner. We have got to teach him right from wrong."

"You sound like Ian." She knew Danny was right, she dreaded seeing the rookie. "Not gonna be easy. To see McCartey."

"Life isn't easy, Pez. That bullet would have killed him. Think about it this way, how would you have felt if Ian hadn't saved Jake, knowing that he could have? Would you still be with him? Have you thought about that?"

"I don't know, it all happened so fast." She replayed the scene in her mind, her wrist warming. When the vision was over she glanced at her arm. "Remind me to ask Ian if this is from the exhibit." She took the strange bracelet off and stuck it in her pocket, she didn't remember putting it on this morning.

Jake was at his desk when they got there. He hopped up to greet Sara and Danny as they entered. He made a move to embrace Sara but she stepped behind Danny to aviod him. "Hey guys, Ssara how are you? How is Ian?"

"Hey man," Danny slapped him on the back and shook his head slightly and tossed his head towards Sara who was hanging up her helment and jacket.

Sara plopped down in her chair and immediately delved into the first file. Jake looked hurt and confused he looked to Danny for guidance, who tossed a file at him. They worked in silence for about twenty minutes before Joe buzzed Sara into his office. She walked out without a word to either partner.

"Listen, Jake, Ian is not doing so good, so don't queestion Pez about him, she didn't even want to talk to me."

"Is he gonna be ok?"

"I'm sure he will be, just don't push her, she'll come around in time."

After a tedious day of ignoring the two men she shared an office with and a long talk with Joe about her review tomorrow. She rode the Buell hard back to the mansion after Danny dropped her by her place. She packed a few more clothes, checked her mail and snagged her dress uniform. Security buzzed her through the gates, she parked in the garage, and trotted up the service entrance. She made her way to Ian's room thankfully not running into Kenneth Irons on the way. She was in no mood to deal with him. Sanchez was at Ian's door. "How is he?"

"Doctor Immo is with him now. He's been out for most of the day. I talked to him for a little while he was pretty loopy. He'll be happy to see you."

"Thanks, Sanchez." Sara tiptoed in the room and tossed her bag on the floor and hung her uniform on the coat rack int he corner.

"Detective, I'm glad you are here, I was waiting until you returned to give Ina his medication. I thought some time together would do him good."

"Thanks, Doc, please, call me Sara." She climbed in bed with Ian.

He smiled lazily at her, "hello, Love."

"Hey, yourself, how you feeling?"

"Been better. How was your day?"

"Uneventful, I've got my review tomorrow, Joe says not to worry."

"But?"

"I'm not a fan of several members of the committee and they are not fond of me." An image of Dante's leering face flashed in her mind.
"It will be fine, you did nothing wrong." Two of the staff entered carrying a trays, one was placed before Ian, the other given to Sara. "Thank you, Marguerite."

"If you want more, Master Ian, just ring down, you as well Ma'am." She did a little bow and left.

Ian pulled the cover off the tray revealing a bowl of mashed potatoes and gravy. He looked at Sara, "you are in for a treat." She snickered as he dug into the food.

She had to agree the cook knew what she was doing. Sara ate about half her plate before pushing it away, Ian was sopping up the last of his with a piece of homemade bread. "You gonna lick the bowl too?"

He blushed a little, "she makes this with cream and real butter, its my favorite."

"You want the rest of mine, I'm stuffed."

"Yes, please." She handed him her plate and took his, he made short work of it.

"Want me to call down for more?"

"No, I should probably stop now since I haven't had solid food in a few days."

Dr. Immo reappeared along with Margurite, who took their trays. "I suppose it's time for my hit now?" Ian joked.

"Yes, I'm afraid so. This should take about ten minutes to take effect. Hopefully you should sleep through the evening."

Sara watched as he flushed the catheter and gave Ian the injection, "any results yet?"

"No, it will take at least three days for the cultures to respond."

"Oh," she had hoped for a quicker response.

"Patience is a virtue, Love," Ian replied rather sleepily.
"Never one of my strong suits." She wrapped her arms around him and cuddled close to him while he drifted off.

Entirely to keyed up to sleep Sara wandered around his room, looking at all the art and artifacts hanging on the wall. She spied an interesting looking leatherbound book on his dresser and sat with it on her lap in the chair. She quickly became lost in the story of a knight and his lover, so engrossed she did not notice Kenneth Irons enter the room or that he was watching her intently.

She jumped when he spoke, "not many Detectives can read dead languages fluently."

Sara looked at him dumbstruck, she hadn't even realized it wasn't in English, "I was mainly looking at the pictures. They are stunning."

"Yes, they are. One of Ian's favorites, you should have him read it to you when he's better."

"Maybe I will."

"How is our dear boy?"

"About the same, we did not get to talk much before he fell back asleep. He did eat well."

"Excellent." Irons walked over to observe Ian for a moment then continued on to the window. "We are in for quite a storm this evening and tomorrow. I would like to offer you the use on one of my vehicles, I noticed your motorcycle in the garage."

"Was it in the way? I can move it."

"No, it is fine, I just don't want you riding it in the rain ."

"Danny can come pick me up if the weather is to bad. Thanks though." She wasn't going to be indebted to Irons for anything.

"Sara, be reasonable. Your being stubborn and getting ill will serve no purpose but to upset Ian. Now, Immo is a remarkable Doctor but one difficult patient at a time is enough. At least take Ian's car, it would please him greatly."

"Fine."

Irons gave her a tight smile, "and you have full run of the mansion, there is no reason to stay shut up in Ian's quarters. There is a gym full of equipment and a rather impressive library, please feel free to utilize them."

"Thank you, Mr. Irons, I appreciate it. Really, I don't need special attention."

"Of course, good evening, Sara. Do give Ian my best when he awakens."

"I will."

Annoyed with Irons and curious as to how she was translated the book without even knowing it, she stalked to the shower after checking on Ian. Feeling a bit better after a long hot shower, she glanced out the window watching the approaching storm. She ran a knowing hand down the curve of the hourglass as lightening flashed providing an eerie backlight for the grypheon statue in the little alcove where Ian meditated. Yawning she padded over to the bed and curled up next to Ian, laying her head on his chest listening to the soft lub dub of his heart lulling her to sleep.

Sara woke up sometime later she was hot and sticky, she kicked off the sheets, she rolled away from the hot body beside her. Still not quite awake she turned to Ian, he was burning up. She flicked the light on the nightstand, his features were covered with a fine sheen of sweat. She hit the intercom, "Immo, get in here."

Within moments a disheveled Dr. Immo appeared, "what's wrong?"

"He's got a fever."

Immmo looked down at Ian and frowned. He took an ear thermometer out and clicked it. "105. Damn. Sara, wet some towels while I go get some fluids."

She ran to the bathroom and soaked some washcloths, she laid them across his chest and around his neck, then on his brow. Ian roused up a bit at the sudden shock of cold on his hot skin. "Sara? Listen to me."

"What, Baby?"

"Immo will take some blood, steal the purple top tube, have a CBC run."

"Why?"

"I do not think I'm sick." Fever glazed hazel eyes met and held her green ones for a moment before they closed.

Immo returned and hooked up an IV bag letting it run swiftly. "Ian, I am going to take some blood," he said when Ian's eyes fluttered. He nodded weakly. "Sara, could you hold his arm for me? With a fever this high he may jerk involuntarily."

Sara grasped Ian's hand and squeezed it.hoping he would help her cause a diversion. Immo took out several different colored vials applied a torniquet to Ian's arm and carefully inserted a needle. He switched tubes as they were filled with blood placing them on the bed beside Ian. Ian jerked his arm and twisted his body. Sara reached out and nabbed the purple top tube as Ian knocked Immo's bag and the other vials to the floor.

"Ian!" Both Immo and Sara cried out. Sara laid across him holding him still while Immo gathered more blood and released the torniquet.

"What are you doing to me?" Ian glared at Immo.

"Ian, I am trying to help you. You must calm down, I am going to the lab to test your blood. Sara, please keep those cloths damp until I return."

"Sure," she smiled weakly at Immo. She watched warily as he gathered up his samples and the contents of his bag, luckily he did not notice the missing vial.

"You get it?" Ian asked after he left.

"Yes. Ian what is going on?"

"I do not know, please help me find out."

"I will."

Nervously Immo sought out Kenneth. Taking a deep breath he rapped on the door of the bedroom he occupied this evening. "This had better be good."

"Kenneth, I believe the narcotics are having an adverse effect on Ian. He is exhibiting signs of paranoia and is running a fever. We can't keep doing this to him."

"It will only be a few more days."

"Kenneth he could die!" Immo was getting more and more agitated with his friend and employer.

"Is that concern for a test subject I hear, Doctor?" Kenneth chuckled when Immo attempted to slam the heavy door. "And they say artists are difficult."


Sara stowed the vial of blood in her bag and returned to his side. "What is going on, Ian?"

"I don't know, just a suspicion."

"Why would they..." She stopped when Immo entered again.

"I have your blood work running, we should have the results by mid morning. I am going to piggyback another bag of fluids onto the one running now and give you..."

"You will not give me anything else until you find out what is wrong."

"A chance to let the drugs out of your system and begin a new treatment regiment when we know more tomorrow," Immo looked disapproving at Ian's attitude.

Feeling the tension in Ian's body, Sara took the Doctor by the arm, "I'll call you if there is any change, ok, Doc?"

"Monitor him for mood changes, the narcotic may have had an adverse effect with the changes from the Black Dragon medications."

"I will be fine." Immo cast her a worried glance then left.

Ian was sleeping when she came back. She had her concerns about the reaction of chemicals given the things he had told Vicky about the Dragons. Sara had every reason to trust him and none to trust Irons or Immo. She rewet the washcloths, he felt cooler to herr. At least he was resting. Morning was a long time coming for Sara.

Immo came in as Sara was dressing for her review. Ian was fairly lucid and busy making smart ass comments about her dress uniform. Ian clammed up the minute the Doctor stepped into the room. That he was highly suspicious was obvious. Sara was hesitant to leave him but truly had no choice. She kissed his fevered brow, "I'll be back soon."

"The review will be fine, Sara," he smiled weakly.

At this point she was more worried about Ian than her job. "Nothing more than red tape."

"If it is raining, please take my car."

She shook the keys at him and winked, "way ahead of you."

Sara parked the Jag in her usual spot, luckily no one was around to see her driving it and ragging her about it. She hooked an NYPD ID tag on the rearview mirror and headed inside. She glanced at the clock on the wall, 4 minutes to go. She cringed when she heard Bruno Dante yell, "Petzini, get in here!" She took a deep breath and steeled her features. She hated that man and his constant mispronunciation of her name. She stepped into the review room, Joe sat in the middle chair Dante took the one beside him and three other department heads took up the remaining chairs. Jake entered in dress blues behind her followed closely by Danny.

"Woo, were there when this went down?" Dante didn't like the Asian anymore than he did the woman.

"No, Sir, but they are both my partners."

"Well, you're not involved in this so get out," Dante sneered.

Danny glared at Dante for a moment then gave Sara a worried shrug and exited the room. All Ian's reassurances that everything would be ok went right out the window.

She began relaying the actions of the evening from the time she got there. "Don't care about that, Petzini, you shut up until we ask you a question." Dante let that sink in nearly laughing at the barely concealed fury on Sara's face. "Why did you involve a CIVILIAN, in your little search for your boyfriend?"

"I was on my way to find Ian when Karen Bronte called out to me asking me where the bathroom was. I showed her and on my way out I saw a shadowy figure turn down the hall and had a bad feeling about it. I sent her to find Sanchez, Ian's second in command."

"You sent for private security instead of the police? Your collegues?"

"Officer Smitty Carlisle was working with the security team that night, I knew if Sanchez was summonded police backup would not be far behind. I kicked off my shoes and tiptoed down the hall, when I turned the corner, Mobious had Ian on his knees with an AK 47 at his head. He must have heard me or sensed something so he sent one of the Dragons to check out a noise. I ran back down the hall and grabbed a mace from one of the suits of armor and clubbed him with it when he got close enough."

"You do realize that the ME had to saw his skull to get those spikes out of it?"

Sara cringed, she would never forget the sickening thud and crack as that midevil weapon came down on top of his head. "I haven't seen the report."

"Is it true you stole an officers weapon and began firing at the men who had your....lover?"

"Smitty, McCartey, and Karen showed up, I asked if either of the officers had a gun. Smitty showed me his Glock addn I grabbed it. When I entered the room Moby turned to me, and began spraying bullets, Ian fought with him, I shot at the other dragon several times until I hit him. I ran over to where Ian and Moby were fighting, I kicked the AK out of the way and struck Moby, he came after me. He tossed me into a glass case, there was more of a struggle, he turned to kill Ian and I stabbed him with a sword from the case. Jake went to check the other body and Ian saw it move, he knocked Jake out of the way and was struck in the shoulder."

"No concern for the civilian?"

"I left that to Smitty and Jake to take care of. Smitty got her a good distance from the turmoil."

"But did you know that?"

"I assumed it."

"You know what they say about the word assume don't you detective? Ass out of u and me?" When he got no response, Dante tried another tactic. "Where do you live?"

"My address is on the file."

"Where are you staying now?"

"With Ian."

"Not with who, where?"

"1111 Faust Street."

"Kenneth Irons mansion, correct?"

"That's where Ian lives."

"Why?"

"Look if Joe, Danny, or McCartey were injured I would stay with them if they asked. Ian asked, so I am staying with him."

"So he lives in Irons's mansion?"

"What does that have to do with my review?"

"Just curious. You can go, we will let you know what we decide." Bruno laughed under his breath as she turned to leave.

Sara whirled around, "what?"

"I just find it funny, you got a thing for assasians, your dad had a thing for hookers. Personally I always thought you swung the other way but I guess like father like daughter, a penchant for criminals."

Jake pushed Sara from the room and locked the door before she could react to Dante's taunts. They could hear her stomping and doors slamming as she took off. Squeeling tires signaled her abscense from Precinct 11.


Sara drove straight to the morgue, seething. She sat in the car for about ten minutes before she could calm down enough to speak to another human being. She fingered the vial in her pocket as she sought out Vicky. "Hey, Po, got a few minutes?"

"Sure, Pez, but just a few, gotta a backload. Whatcha need?"

"Can you run a CBC for me?"

"Ummm, not my normal test, Pez? Doesn't really matter on a corpse?" Vic looked at her over her glasses.

"It's on a live person, look I've got the blood here." She held out the purple top tube.

"Well, you got the right tube for it. Give it here, I'll get it done. Tell me why."

"Can you let me know if the white blood count is elevated?"

"Yes, I can but..."

"Get me the results, I'll tell you why, deal?"

"Deal, I take it this is on the downlow?"

"Yep."

"Guess you want it ASAP?"

"Please."

"Got it, I'll call you as soon as I get em back."

"Can you give me an idea how long?"

"Two hours, ok?"

"Fine, you want to meet me for lunch somewhere when you get them?"

"Yeah, I'll call you."

Leaving the morgue, Sara drove back to her place. She called Ian as she went through her mail. Sanchez answered the phone. "Hey, it's Sara. How's Ian?"

"Sleeping, you want me to wake him?"

"No, let him sleep. Any problems?"

"Other than him kicking my ass at Chess, none. Although I can tell Boss is not up to par because I was able to take more than seven or more of his men each game. How did your review go?"

"It's over. They said they would call when they made a decision."

"I'm sure it will be fine, you did what you had to do."

"Yeah," she answered sadly, not really believing it.

"Hey, want to hear something funny?"

"Sure."

"One of the guys actually asked if I thought you could handle Bosses Jag since it was a standard."

"Which one?" Sara was gonna give him hell.

"No...you're not getting it out of me. I told him any woman who could ride a Harley could take on a stick."

Sara's cell rang, "gotta go, tell Ian I'll be there soon."

"Pezzini."

"Hey, Pez, you ready for lunch?"

"Sure, Vic, where do you want to go?"

"Somewhere quick and outside."

"Footlongs at the park?"

"See you in ten."

Sara was sitting on a bench with hotdogs, onion rings, and cokes in hand when Vicky walked up. "You get saurkraut?"

"Yep."

"So, what's the news."

"All clear. Everything normal, no elevated white cell, no sign of infection."

Sara looked at the ME in disbelief. "Your joking right?"

"No, what is the deal, Pez, this is good news."

"If I told you that blood was from a man who was shot four days ago, would you wonder about the results?"

"Your boyfriend?"

"Yeah, his doctor says that his white cell count is through the roof and he has a massive infection. Said he wasn't responding to the antibiotics, so he took him off the antibiotics and began sedating him heavily to slow the infection until he could culture the blood and find what would work."

Vicky frowned, "but there is no infection. What even made you suspect he was lying?"

"Ian felt like something was wrong. At first I thought maybe he was being paranoid from all the drugs but I had a funny feeling too."

"What hospital is he in?"

"None, he's back at Kenneth Irons's mansion where he lives." She gave her friend a hard look. "So what do you think?"

"How sedated?"

"Barely lucid."

"Well, if he was a witness, I'd say someone is trying to keep him quiet. Sounds like something stinks, Pez." Vicky stared at her buzzing pager. "Gotta run, death calls."


Sara drove back to the mansion, a sense of dread and foreboding filling her mind. She was greeted by Margurite who announced that Master Ian and Mr. Sanchez were in the East garden. She chattered as she led Sara to the aromatic herb filled area. Sara smiled when she saw Ian standing, pale, but standing. "Nice to see you vertical again."

"Nice to be vertical again." He wrapped his arms around her waist.

Sanchez tipped an imaginary hat at the couple and along with Margurite, he took his leave.

"You feeling up to taking a ride? I'll show you what your car can really do." Sara winked at him.

"Sure, I could use a break from this place." When they were a good few miles from the estate Sara handed him the copy of the test result Vicky had given her. Ian frowned at the results.

"I'm hungry, lets stop here." Sara pulled over at his request at a roadside overlook. They both got out of the car, Sara had to run to catch up with Ian as he strode away.

"Ian what is wrong?"

"They are lying to me."

"Why?" She captured his face between her hands. Her jacket sleeve rode up a bit and revealed the bracelet on her wrist.

"I don't kn..." Ian began before he realized what he had seen. He grasped her arm and pulled it away to stare at the innocous looking jewelry. He was hit by a sudden stream of conciousness, viewing again the fight at the museum and Mobius's death at Sara hand, by the Witchblade.

She followed his gaze, "what is this stupid bracelet? I take this thing off, it ends up back on my wrist. I left it in your bathroom last night, then in the a.m. there it was. I took it off put it in your nightstand, here it is. I am not crazy am I?"

"No you are not and that isn't just a bracelet, it is an ancient sentient weapon."

"What?"

"You used that to kill Mobius, it turns from a bracelet to a gauntlet, then a sword."

Sara just stared at him. "You used it, remember."

"I picked up a sword from the case he threw me into, this bracelet did NOT morph into a weapon. You've been reading waaay to many comic books in your down time."

Ian sighed deeply and sat down on the bench. He patted the rough hewn wood, "Sara, sit down, we have much to discuss." And you aren't going to like it. "Give me your hand." She held out her unadorned wrist. "The other one," she did as he asked and sat down. He looked deep in her eyes and slowly closed his. Sara followed suit and the visions began to flow. He let the images take her and corded off his mind from them, he knew them by heart. He began to wonder, did I choose the new Weilder of the Witchblade or did it choose me. He heart almost burst when he realized the implications.

Sara jerked her hand out of his and walked away, "that Black Dragon stuff let you do that? What is that some type of mind control?"

Ian had hoped she would remember, but it was in Sara's nature to be suspicious, she was still a cop. She was glaring at him as he stared at the ground, he did not want to resort to this but he would. "Fine, don't believe me." He stood and they began down the path to the car, he feigned interest in something in the dirt until she returned to him. He glanced up at her. "Interesting rock." He held it up to her.

"Boys will be boys." She looked it over and handed it back to him.

"Sara, is that a gun on your ankle?"

"It is." She took it off and handed it to him. "Come on."

She began to walk away while he inspected the gun. When she didn't hear footsteps she stopped and turned to him. A cold chill went down her spine when she saw him pointing her gun straight at her. "Not funny, Ian. Give me the gun."

He cocked the gun staring into her widespread green eyes, he fired at her.

The Gauntlet surrounded her fist and knocked away the bullet. "Are you nuts?" She screamed as he fired again. Time slowed as the projectile sped towrds her. Sara could see the air molecules splitting as it flew to her, she had enough time to catch Ian's curious gaze before she swatted it away. He pocketed the gun. "See?"

Sara stared at the offending object on her arm. "You gotta be kidding me." The great red eye of the Blade winked at her with mischief then hissed at Sara's disbelief.

"Now am I wrong?" He asked as he handed her gun back to her. "Sara, I did not wish to do that but I had to show you. I would never harm you purposefully. The Witchblade is real, as you can see."

The gem glowed at his words and gentle tone and promptly turned back into its simple jeweled form. "What am I supposed to do with this thing?"

"A Weilder arises when turmoil reaches a critical mass. It was foretold to happen on November 11th. 11-11, I should have ralized but didn't. If I had I would have begun teaching you, I am sorry." Never had he expected Irons to allow him a relationship with a Weilder. Irons, that was why he had been drugged. Irons was unsure how to handle this. He was probably not sure of loyalty. Should he be was the question. A question Ian was just beginging to know the answer to.

Sara's cell rang loudly while she waited for Ian to explain further. She would be angry if he didn't look so confused and lost. "Pezzini."

"Hey, Partner," came Jake's all to cheerful voice.

"Partner?"

"I've got good news and bad news. Good news, you're back in and I'm still your partner. Bad news, is Danny has been partnered with someone else. Chief wants you to start back Monday 8:00am." He waited for a response when he got none, "Pez? You still there?"

"Yeah, see you Monday." She slapped the phone closed.

Ian sat in the car giving Sara privacy he watched, with no particular interest a vagrant amble towards him. Ian was convinced the man didn't even know the car was there until he stopped at the door and bent down. Piercing blue eyes caught Ian's through frizzled blonde hair, "truth and love supercede loyalty, Knight, remember this as choices are made." When he could breathe again, the man was gone and Sara had returned, she barely cast him a glance as she slammed the car door.

Sara was mumbling about rookies, psycho boyfriends, freaky jewelry and life in general when she noticed Ian was just staring into space. He was NOT going to drop a load on her like he just had, shoot at her, then not listen to her bitch. "Ian. IAN!"

He slowly met her gaze, "did you see him?"

"Who? That weird blonde dude?"

"Yes. Did he speak to you?"

"No, thank God, that's the last thing I need is a wandering nutcase babbling to me."

"Sara, we can not go back to the mansion, back to Irons. He seeks to control you, use you."

"What about you?"

"I....my life will be forfeit if I return to him," Ian stated sadly.

"You're saying he will kill you?"

"I have betrayed him and he will know that I left with you and I forced you to activate the Witchblade. He wore it once, he is linked to you." Sara raised her eyebrows at him. "It can only be worn by a woman. It rejects men, usually with more consequences than he is left with. Most men have lost their lives or at best their arms the moment they placed it on their wrists."

"So, what consequences did it leave Irons with?"

"Greed, lust, ambition, an elongated lifespan, madness, and obsession."
"I thought all men were afflicted with those consequences," Sara snapped back at him.

"Not me," Ian said quietly.

"No, you shoot at your girlfriend just to prove a point."

"I apologized for that," he insisted.

Sara rested her head on the steering wheel. Even through her anger she knew in her heart Ian would not harm her. He was so open and earnest, tough exterior but nothing could be hidden behind those hazel eyes. She turned her head slightly to look at him, "so, we going back to my place?"

Ian let out a sigh of relief, "I imagine your place is being watched." He had no doubt Irons had a replacement for him at work already. "We need to ditch this car and find a place to hide."

She drove them to a parking garage and they left the car and caught a cab to Rocky's. Not the nicest place to hide, but she knew Rocky wouldn't roll over on her at least not until they could figure out what to do.

"Where's Woo?" Rocky asked eyeing Ian curiously.

"Rocky, I need a big favor. Can we get a room for the night, no questions asked, no answers given?"

"Sure thing, Sugar." He leaned over the counter and handed her the key. "Round back, last one on the right."

"Love you, Rocky." She grabbed the key and was almost out the door when he called out.
"Hey, just a minute." He disappeared into his office. He returned, lumbering back carrying a laundry basket. "Clean towels and sheets, can't have my favorite girl schlepping where the workers have been." He winked at her when she took the basket, "can he handle you?"

"We'll see."

The room wasn't nearly as bad as she expected, though she was thankful for the fresh sheets and towels. Ian gave the room a woeful look, like a puppy being forced out into the rain. Sara had to laugh at the expression, she slapped him on the arm, "suck it up, you were in special forces, I imagine you've slept in worse."

"Not in a very long time." Together they changed the sheets on the bed and Ian reluctantly sat down. He was exhausted but plans had to be made. "Tomorrow we should get out of town."

"And then what? Ian, I am a cop, I can't just disappear for a while and someone not ask questions. Damn it, I just had a frigging review, Dante is looking for a reason to cut me loose."

"Dante?"

"He's head of Internal Affairs, he hated my dad and now he hates me. Real chauvanist, he can't fathom that a woman can be an officer."

"I know Bruno Dante," Ian sneered, "he is on Irons's payroll."

"Great! Just great! I suppose next you are going to tell me there is an entire organization of dirty cops under Irons's control?"
"Actually there is. I believe they are trying if they have not already, recruited Jake McCartey into their ranks."

"So, why partner him with me?"

"To keep an eye on you, to infuriate you." Her temper was her worst enemy, as a Weilder she will have to learn control.


"I gotta call Danny," she reached for the phone.

Ian grasped her hand, "and get him and his family involved in this?"

"Damn!" She flopped down on the bed. "He's got to know about the dirty cops, hell, he could be partnered one now."

"White Bulls...they are called the White Bulls."

"I'll tell him Monday when I go back to work."

"Sara, it will not be safe for you."

"But I've got this mystical bracelet to protect me," she snarked.

"Something you have no idea how to control, yet. Given time I can teach you to use it."

"What makes you so sure of that?"

"It is something I have trained for all my life."

Sara took a long look at his pale face and the dark circles beneath his eyes, "you need to get some rest, we both do. We can figure this out in the morning." She patted the bed beside her. He kicked off his boots and laid down. She jumped up and turned out the lights and slipped out of her shoes as well. When she lay down beside him, placing her head gently on his chest he quietly asked, "am I forgiven?"

"I'm working on it, but if you shoot at me again I will kick your ass." She didn't understand why she trusted this man, she just knew that she did.

He smiled into her hair, "thank you, my love." She snuggled a little closer to him and eventually they both fell into a deep sleep.

With the Protector and her Weilder asleep, the Witchblade fed them images of their pasts. A knight stood before Sara who was clad in partial armor, he nodded giving her assurance. She turned and ran through a gauntlet, pushing through a crowd of masked men. Torches thrust at her as she forced her way out, the bodies smelled and the seared her bare flesh. Finally the wretched task was done, she emerged from the hall, the others disappeared leaving her alone with the knight. He slowly raised his visor revealing the hazel eyes of Ian Nottingham. Flash to another image of armor placed in the corner and her writhing in exacsty before a great fireplace in Ian's arms. "I shall serve you throughout time, milady. I am yours for as long as you will have me." He pulled a small dagger from beneath the furs, he pricked his finger, then hers. Tasting first her blood, then his, he pressed their fingers together. "Blood of my blood, heart of my heart, you are my center, you are my soul, none shall tear us apart, in this life or the next. I shall find you in every incarnation. I love you my Wielder, my Lady, my wife."

"And I you my Protecter, my Lord, and my husband." She brushed his hair that forever fell in his face across his shoulder and rubbed her palm across his clean shaven face. "We will fight the destroyers together. We shall free our keep and our people."

Flash again another century, she is tied to a pyre, crying out, "why have you abandoned me?" A priest handing over the Witchblade telling another to bury this in the catacombs. Ian on his knee's before the pyre, screaming, "Jeanne! Jeanne!" Her final view was of someone impaling him from behind. "Nooooo!" she yelled before the flames overtook her.

Both Ian and Sara woke with a start. A tendril of the Witchblade was curled around his wrist. Both were drenched in sweat and stared at each other in the low light that filtered through the blinds.

"You saw all that didn't you?" She asked hoping she wasn't the only insane on here.

"Yes, and I remember know. We have been together in countless lives, sometimes lovers, sometimes friends, comrades in arms. You Wield the Blade and I am your protector and teacher. We have found each other now as it was meant to be. I think Irons somehow extracted or supressed my memories of this. I rememer fighting beside you in may different battles.

"You betrayed, Jeanne."

"I did it only because they promised without the Blade, you could go free, They lied to me. I can never forgive myself for that betrayal. My love destroyed. My death was a welcome darkness, I deserved it for breaking my vows to you."

"So these dreams are our past lives?:

"Yes. It seems we have been bonded in many forms, friends, lovers , and fellow warriors."

"I don't know about you but I could use a good stiff drink. But it's 3 am and I am not venturing out and neither or you."


This is yet another fic that my muse vacated the building on....hopefully I can pick it up again some day....