Shane: What’s up?

Tina: We took all the pictures to the lab and came up with three sets of fingerprints.

Carmen: Shane, Jaffe, and Dana right?

Tina: No, Dana touched the photos with gloves. You saw it through evidence bags. No one else touched it.

Shane’s jaw stiffened. Carmen placed a reassuring hand over Shane’s.

Carmen: Whose is it?

Tina: Molly Kroll.

The birds seemed to even stop chirping. The atmosphere was tense. Carmen turned her body to face Shane. She knew Molly had become a good friend to Shane and this w as probably going to kill her inside knowing. Betrayed. That was the only thing going through her. Carmen could see it in her eyes. She turned to Bette and Tina.

Carmen: Can we give Shane a while to process the information?

Bette: Tomorrow, we need to act.

Bette and Tina got up and left. Shane and Carmen sat in silence. Carmen leaned her head on Shane’s shoulder and placed a hand on the other side Shane’s cheek bringing her closer to her lips. She kisses her gently and snaps Shane out of her deep thought.

Carmen: You okay babe?

Shane: Yeah… Sorry I just was out there for a sec.

Carmen: Shane, I know you’re sad. Let’s talk about it. Please? Don’t bottle it up inside.

Shane sat there quietly.

Shane: I want to go inside.

Carmen knew Shane was still closing up even if she was talking. Carmen got off of her and Shane strode inside. Carmen could hear the door shut to their master bedroom. She sighed and went to the kitchen to cook something up for them. She’d try to coax Shane into talking later. Carmen quickly made an omelet. She grabbed the cranberry juice out of the fridge and poured a cup for both of them. Putting everything on a tray she brought it into their room. Shane’s back was to her. Carmen set the tray down on the nightstand. She sat down and touched Shane’s arm. Shane stirred and looked over her shoulder at Carmen. There were tears in her eyes.

Carmen: Awe, babe.

Shane turned towards Carmen and Carmen wrapped her arms around Shane.

Shane: I don’t believe it. She’s my friend.

Carmen gently stroked her short messy hair.

Carmen: It’s okay babe, I’m sure there’s a reason.

Shane: She’s helping the person trying to hurt you.

Carmen: Babe, there must be a reason. Don’t worry. I’m sure Molly has a reason.

Carmen kissed Shane’s cheek. Pulling back a bit she saw Shane was better. Carmen was happy Shane had opened up to her. She pulled apart and gave her the omelet. She took the fork and cut a piece and poked it on the fork. She held it out to Carmen. Carmen smiled and took the bite.

Carmen: Are you testing it for poison?

Shane smiled.

Shane: I don’t care if there was poison in it. I’d die happy in your arms.

Carmen took the fork from her and fed Shane a piece.

Shane: Excellent.

They laughed and the amorous feeling from before filled the room. Carmen wanted Shane to be happy. That was her only goal. To make the love of her life happy.