Janeway reached for the coffee mug and felt the hot beverage awaken her senses. Seven was in the shower and Phoebe was sitting next to her at the kitchen table, browsing through the entertainment section of the morning paper. Having decided to not rent an apartment of her own, the artist had moved into the penthouse guestroom for the duration of her temporary stay in the city. Janeway had worried that they might get on each other’s nerves but had been pleasantly surprised at how well the three of them got along.

Suddenly Phoebe put the paper down and turned to Janeway with an uncharacteristic look of uncertainty on her face.

"What?" the older woman asked, looking up from the business section. It was not usual for her sister to hesitate.

"Kathryn, can I ask you something?

Noticing the look of apprehension in Phoebe’s eyes, Janeway nodded, "Of course."

Letting her index finger circle the rim of her coffee mug, the younger Janeway sister hesitated a few seconds.

"It’s about this woman I met." Her voice faltered.

"Yes?"

"I … I feel kind of confused," Phoebe confessed. "I have never met anyone like her and I certainly have never thought of any other woman the way I … well, the way she enters my mind. I’m just not sure what’s going on."

Phoebe looked so young and Janeway’s heart had twitched at the mixture of trepidation and hope in her sister’s eyes.

"Are you saying that you’re physically attracted to this woman?" she asked in a low voice.

"I’m not sure. You know me, I’m not the one to beat around the bush and I have had several quite passionate relationships with some great guys in my life. Now it’s been a while since I was involved with someone and … I just can’t stop thinking of her. Don’t get me wrong. I never thought it impossible for me to find a woman attractive – just improbable. It has never happened so I … well, until now, I guess."

The sheepish grin on Phoebe’s lips made Janeway smile broadly.

"You know what I’m going to say, don’t you?" she teased her sister tenderly. "You should listen to your heart the way I did when I met Seven. I acted completely out of character then and took a chance on someone I hardly knew. It was the best thing I have ever done for my personal happiness. I’m not saying that the woman you’ve met will become to you what Seven is to me … but you’ll regret it later if you don’t give yourself the chance to find out. I know it must be hard, especially since you’ve never felt attracted to another woman before, but I’d give this advice no matter the gender of the person concerned."

Phoebe gave her a tremulous smile, slowly shaking her head.

"Kath, if you could hear yourself, see yourself, now," she began. "It wasn’t long ago when you and I could hardly speak to each other without arguing and ending up mad as hellcats. Now you speak to me as an equal, or maybe it’s I who see you as my equal."

Janeway frowned.

"What do you mean, your equal?"

"Flawed. Human."

"Are you saying that you saw me as non-human and perfect?"

Phoebe grinned.

"Far from it! But I thought that was how you saw yourself. Super-human, you know."

"Oh, goodness," Janeway groaned, making a face. "Well, I’m glad that you don’t seem to think that I’m anything like that anymore. You don’t, do you?"

Phoebe reached out to playfully yank at the other woman’s hair that lay perfectly coiffed around her shoulders.

"No, I don’t. After last Christmas, so much has changed for the better and I’m especially glad about that now. We need each other in the wake of Seven’s kidnapping – and I need you as a sounding board for both my newly started business and this …"

"And I’m so happy that you, mom and I have improved on our relationship this much. I guess we owe a lot of that to Seven. You’re right; we do need each other, now more than ever."

Phoebe surprised her by giving her a quick, firm hug before jumping off her chair.

"Time for me to get going. Daylight’s a’ coming!"

The CEO smiled and shook her head as the youngest Janeway hurried off to do her thing.

*****

Adriana watched the lithe woman move down the ladder with two brushes and a can of paint in her uninjured hand. There were a lot of people passing her by in the large foyer of the Justice building, but Phoebe Janeway paid them no attention as she focused on her job. The attorney regarded the large motif taking form and was amazed at how efficient the other woman was. She was now working on the focal point of the mural, a female shape that intrigued Adriana.

Phoebe glanced up and gave a bright smile when she saw Adriana standing there.

"Hello, you," the artist said and walked up to her. "Have you been standing there long? I didn’t see you come in."

"Hi … I’m really late but I wanted to stop by and talk to you. I took a cab and it got caught in a traffic jam three blocks from here so I decided to walk. How’s that hand of yours?" Adriana studied the neatly bandage hand that now also was protected by some plastic wrap.

"It was sore last night, but today it feels okay. I’m careful since I can’t afford any time away from this; I have a contract to fulfil, you know. It makes climbing the ladder a tad difficult, though." Phoebe held up a hand as if to forestall the next comment from Adriana. "I know, I know, I’m being careful, I promise."

"I’ll hold you to it," the attorney said in a serious tone of voice, inwardly shuddering at the thought of the other woman falling off the ladder.

Phoebe cocked her head, causing the long, auburn braid to fall over her shoulder.

"I look forward to dinner," she changed the subject. "Any suggestions?"

Adriana gave it some thought.

"Do you like sushi?"

"No, I love sushi." Phoebe winked at Adriana who had to laugh at the mischievous look in the other woman’s eyes.

"Then I know the perfect place. It’s not far from here."

"Can I show up in black slacks and a blue shirt?" Phoebe asked. "I brought some clothes in with me since I thought jeans and tee shirt might be too casual."

"Good thinking. This sushi bar is not exactly casual but it’s not too dressy either. I’ll come by and get you at around six, is that okay?"

Adriana’s heart melted when Phoebe smiled again and nodded.

"I’m looking forward to it."

"So am I."

The attorney began walking towards the elevators, her mind still busy with thoughts of having dinner with Phoebe later that day. She was pleased that they seemed to like the same food.

Entering her office she gave the stack of files on her desk a glance and frowned. Her current case was growing and the way it tied into her budding friendship with Phoebe Janeway made it even more complicated. She would have to find a way to tell Phoebe that still made it possible to stay friends, unless the other woman felt deceived when she realised that Adriana had not told her right away.

Adriana sighed and then used years of practice to mentally shrug her private matters off and focused on her work. Phoebe’s older sister would be here with the new information in a few hours and she had a lot to do before then.

*****

Janeway climbed into the cab together with Marion and Seven. The Justice building was located eight blocks away and since parking downtown this time of day was a nightmare; a cab was a better option. Marionhad asked if they should use one of the company limousines but Janeway had declined, wanting to arrive at the Justice building in as an inconspicuous way as possible.

They rode the cab in silence, Janeway’s mind on all the details that they had uncovered last night and this morning. She had called Martha and let her and Amy Green know when they were due at the DA’s office and learned that Amy had spent most of the previous night crying in Martha’s guestroom. The CEO had asked her assistant if she thought Amy had changed her mind about testifying, but the older woman had reassured her that this was not the case. Amy was distraught and regretful, but determined to do the right thing.

The cab pulled up to the large stairs leading up to the Justice building. They passed through security and then headed for the large wall where Phoebe was working.

Janeway had not visited the structure in several weeks and was taken aback at how far Phoebe had come in painting the mural. She walked up and ducked under the tape used to rope off her sister’s working area. Phoebe was kneeling on the floor by the wall, painting at what had to be … sand? A beach? The CEO searched her memory of the paintings she had seen samples of, the ones that had earned Phoebe the commission to do the three murals for the city. Had she seen one of a female form on a beach? She was not sure.

"Hi, there," she greeted the younger woman who pivoted on her knees.

"Hello! Is it that time already?" Phoebe rose and wiped her hands on her lab coat.

"Yes. I was thinking …" Janeway hesitated and glanced over at Marion and Seven, seeing that they had located Martha and Amy Green. She turned her attention back to Phoebe. "Remember what we talked about this morning about needing each other? Well, I was wondering, if you’re decent under that coat, if you’d come with us. You don’t have to stay long if it drags out, but …" She broke off as Phoebe jumped up and took off her lab coat, displaying well kept jeans and a light blue tee shirt.

"Of course," the artist stated. "Just let me lock up my brushes. You won’t believe how many thieves pass me by every day." She winked.

Janeway snorted.

"Guess it comes with the territory," she rolled her eyes.

The two Janeway sisters joined the other four ladies and Martha introduced Amy to Phoebe. The artist greeted her warmly and shook her hand.

"Are you nervous?" Phoebe was as direct as always. "Don’t worry, we’re all with you. If my sister says she’ll stick by you – it is written in blood."

"Phoebe!" Janeway nudged her sister.

"Isn’t that true, Seven?" Phoebe insisted.

"Very true," the blonde confirmed.

Janeway resisted the urge to roll her eyes again and led them all towards the elevators. Having been at the DA’s office on several occasions the first weeks after Seven’s kidnapping, she knew the way.

They stepped out of the elevator on the fifth floor and Janeway looked around the busy office. She recognised the man she knew was the DA’s assistant and walked up to his desk ahead of the others.

"Good morning, my name is Kathryn Janeway. I have an appointment with Ms de Leon," she introduced herself.

"She’s expecting you, ma’am," the young man replied smartly and pointed towards a half open door down the hall. "Just go in through there." 

Janeway motioned for her companions to follow her. The CEO stopped at the threshold and glanced inside. The woman inside had her back to the door where she sat behind piles of folders, using the computer. Janeway knocked on the doorframe which made the woman pivot on her chair.

"Ms Janeway," she greeted and rose, extending a slender hand. "Please, come in."

Martha and Marion stepped inside followed by Amy. Janeway turned her head to introduce the women accompanying her but faltered when she saw Phoebe stare at the ADAwith widening eyes.

"Phoebe?" Janeway looked at her sister and then Ms de Leon and then realised what was going on.

"Hello, Phoebe." Adriana de Leon’s voice was calm. "I had planned to let you know later today that I’m in charge of the case against Reymers-Avery. I only made the connection yesterday. If I had known you’d be joining us, I would have let you know when I passed you this morning."

Janeway could see her sister bringing on the gallows humour, knowing full well that this meant that Phoebe was completely stunned.

"I guess it’s a small world, Adriana," Phoebe stated, sounding baffled. "Of all the suits that pass me during the day, you had to be the DA. I guess we can talk about that later, though.

"Yes, we have to," the ADA replied, clearly retreating into her professional role. "Let me arrange seating for you all.

The CEO thought she could see a sad expression in the DA’s eyes before she pressed a button, summoning her assistant. "David, we need two more chairs in here, please."

The young man quickly brought the chairs.

"You can go to lunch," Adriana told him. "I can take my own notes."

"Want me to bring you back a sandwich or something?"

"Yes, a sandwich, please – and coffee."

The assistant left and Janeway took the opportunity to introduce Marion, Martha and Amy since Adriana had not met them before. She had met Seven on two occasions. She then reached into her briefcase for her laptop. Marionhad carried the large stack of files in a bag and now she pulled them out.

"Why don’t I update you on how far I’ve come in building the state’s case against Rick Reymers," Adriana began. "First there is the matter of his true identity."

"His real name is Eric Avery," Seven stated.

The attorney shook her head.

"He went by that name while he was employed by the Stellar Corporation but our investigation uncovered that this is just an alias of sorts. His full name is Eric Richard Reymers. Avery turned out to be his mother’s maiden name."

"How is this possible?" Janeway wondered. "I had a private investigator examine his past when he first gave us problems and he did not come across any such information."

"He may not have had access to all the records or not gone back far enough in time. How long was he employed at Stellar?"

Janeway had pulled up all the digital information they had on Avery and browsed through the file.

"He worked in the sales department for eight years before I fired him almost two years ago. He seemed well off and since we encourage employees to own stock in the company, we regarded it as in his favour when he bought a large amount of shares. This turned out to be a problem when I fired him. The company lawyers cautioned me and advised me to tread carefully. In retrospect that was not such a good recommendation."

"No, you should have gone to the police and reported the blackmail," Adriana stated, making Janeway cringe, since she realised that to the attorney, this would be the obvious choice.

"The reason they kept this close hold when he surfaced again, was to help me," Marion interjected. "We’ve brought affidavits signed by Annika Hansen, myself and three other women working at Stellar. He has blackmailed or harassed all of us, to some extent."

The sales manager handed over a folder to the ADAwho opened it and browsed through its content.

"This certainly strengthens an already solid case against this man," Adriana nodded. "Is this what you referred to on the phone last night, Ms Janeway?"

"Please, call me Kathryn," the CEO offered, waving her hand. "I think we’ll be seeing more of each other in the upcoming weeks, maybe months, and being on a first name basis makes it so much easier. And no, this was not what I meant. We found out yesterday that Avery’s … Reymers, tentacles reach much further into my company than we ever thought possible. As if it wasn’t bad enough that he has harassed a number of women on my staff, he has committed fraud. He has blackmailed Amy who holds a key position in Stellar’s legal department and managed to find a way to duplicate digital stock certificates. I have called an emergency board meeting for tomorrow."

Adriana leaned forward on her elbows, scribbling down notes on her writing pad.

"Do you have proof of this?"

"Yes, we have brought CD-ROMs and computer lists that will show you what he has done, but we have yet to know exactly how. I wanted to get this information to you as soon as possible and I have also launched a full investigation this morning. I’m sure you understand what the repercussions could be for the company, the shareholders, and the employees."

"Yes, I do. I appreciate the need for immediate damage control but I also want to urge the importance of not destroying any evidence. We’re about to throw the book at Reymers, but it is vital to get all the indictments organised for any future damage claims."

"I understand," Janeway assured the ADA and sighed inwardly. Her stomach was in knots and the way this could spill over on every aspect of her company was mind blowing.

"Why don’t we let Amy tell her story from beginning to end?" Martha suggested. "I think that might provide a good basis for discussing what we can do next."

"Yes, please go ahead," Adriana agreed.

Amy looked positively terrified but when Martha reached out and put a reassuring hand over her trembling fists, she softly cleared her throat and began.

"Avery, as we know him, started coming on to me about three years ago. I had heard other women discuss him and I thought I could keep my distance. After a while it escalated and I was … well, surprised, I guess. I couldn’t understand why he was so adamant about it and of course I kept turning him down. I could tell that he had a bad temper and there were times when he was quite intimidating. Still, I though I was handling it. Until …"

Amy inhaled deeply and shifted in her chair before continuing.

"When I was in my late teens, I became an alcoholic. I grew up under certain circumstances that made me drink and party a lot with my friends to cope with life. It wasn’t long before I was drinking every day to get by, to keep the pain at bay. I went downhill pretty quickly from there. When I was twenty-two, I had started experiencing hallucinations and that made me realise that I was slowly and painfully killing myself. I went to my first AA meeting and I have kept that up ever since. I haven’t had a drink since then." Amy swallowed hard. "Avery followed me to several AA meetings. I didn’t know it of course and I had started to attend more often since I was stressed out, trying to dodge him all the time. I had felt several urges to have a drink and it scared me. He had listened in on my testimonies, heard some things about me that I could not afford to let anyone know. It would destroy me and the new life I built for myself since I became sober."

"What did he do with the information he had on you?" the ADA asked. Janeway had noticed that the elegant woman was writing everything Amy was saying down in shorthand.

"He confronted me when I was working late. He said he would send out memos with the information to every department manager in the company. He told me that a high profile company like Stellar would see me as a liability and fire me, if they found out."

"He was lying, Amy." Janeway’s voice was compassionate.

"He blackmailed me into giving him my password to the computer. I had to update him on it by sending a letter to a post office box every month. Even after he was fired, and we all knew that he didn’t resign, he made sure I stayed in the fold. He used his own example as a warning, acting as if he was wrongfully accused. He also made sure that I kept certain hardcopy files out of sight of the lawyers at the firm so that no cross references could be made. He once let it slip that he had a contact in the IT department and I guess that is how he managed to upload whatever worm or software that made the duplication process of the shares possible."

Janeway looked over at Marionand wondered if she herself was as pale with anger as her sales manager.

"But the worst thing was …" Amy looked pleadingly at Seven and then at Janeway. "I couldn’t tell you yesterday but I know I have to, Ms Janeway. Avery made numerous phone calls to me the last three weeks before he was arrested. He kept asking the same question, over and over."

Feeling a sense of dread cloak her, Janeway squared her shoulders. "What did he ask you?"

"He wanted to know when you and Ms Hansen were leaving for Raven’s Island." Amy’s voice was strangled; she could barely get the words out.

"Oh, God," Martha inhaled. "And you got that information from me, over lunch."

"Yes."

"That son-of-a- …" Marion growled. "I can’t imagine how anyone can be so callous. So this is how it ties into Seven’s kidnapping. I know he was really furious about how you outsmarted him, Kathryn, and it probably triggered the whole vengeance act. And this … with the duplicated shares? He has been planning a long time, I think. He obviously targeted Amy for her access to the system and for working in the right department. When his so called charm offensive didn’t work, he went for the more hostile approach."

Adriana looked at Amy with empathy in her eyes.

"Amy, the only way he can have power over you, is if everything in your past is still a secret. I can’t force you to tell us what he has on you, but from what I understand, Kathryn is here not only to save her company but also because she cares about her employees. We all have pasts, some more dramatic than others, and what you tell us here will go no further since this is not an official hearing, not yet. If you should ever have to testify in court, I’ll ask for a closed-door hearing."

Amy reached for Martha’s hand and held on to it.

"I have done many things I’m not proud of." Her voice was hardly more than a whisper. "I have gone home with strange men as long as they would pay for my drinks. I have slept with them for money; everything to get my hands on more alcohol. I have lied and cheated on every person important to me and when I thought I had turned my life around and started to make a good life for myself … Avery comes along and all the lying and the cheating starts again. I don’t know how Ms Janeway can ever trust me again …"

"Because you have told me everything," Janeway stated. "He can’t do you any more harm now. No matter what he thinks he had on you – we know about it now and therefore he has no more power over you."

The CEO wished the same went for how this would turn out for her company. She glanced over at her sister who had been very quiet since they entered the room. She had listened and watched everything unfold and now she was looking at Amy with remorse in her eyes.

Janeway looked at her watch. They had been there for more than an hour already and she had more meetings to attend before the afternoon was over.

"Listen," she suggested as she closed her laptop. "I think we have much more to talk about and I for one would like to do it in a more comfortable setting. Adriana, would you like to join us for dinner tonight in the penthouse of the Stellar building? I want to hear more about your findings about Avery … Reymers … damn; I don’t even know what the hell to call the man! That would certainly make me more prepared for the board meeting tomorrow."

She watched Adriana exchange glances with Phoebe. Realising too late that the two women had had other plans, she could have kicked herself. Still, it was important that she get another chance to talk to the ADAbefore tomorrow.

"Why not, Adriana?" she heard Phoebe say. "I can give you a lift."

Adriana hesitated for a few seconds and then graciously accepted. "Thank you, I’d be happy to."

Marionhanded over the rest of the folders and Janeway had to admire the ADA for not even blinking at the workload they were adding to her already enormous case against Avery.

As they said goodbye, the CEO wondered if this was the last of it, or if Avery footprints would turn up in other places when they least expected it.

*****

Seven put her fork down, her appetite deserting her even though the salmon was delicious. She looked around the table in the dining area of the penthouse, watching the serious faces of her dinner companions.

Marion and Julia were sitting together across from her at the round table. The sales manager had been unusually quiet during the meal but Seven thought she had not seen Marionlook as relaxed in a long time. Julia had kept up a light conversation with Kathryn, Adriana and Phoebe and Seven had been content to just listen.

Before dinner, Adriana had been sitting with Kathryn in her study, relaying more of the information she had on Avery. The two women had emerged when Seven had let them know that dinner had arrived from the restaurant; the CEO looking pale but collected.

The blonde was feeling tired after the last two days after rushing home from Raven’s Island to deal with the new situation. She had just started to relax and enjoy the stay on her island when it was time to leave prematurely. Returning to the city and being tossed back into everyday life had made her nervous again.

Seven discreetly leaned down and rubbed her aching lower leg. She was almost as good as new and happy to be without the cane. Her physical therapist had her running on the treadmill and doing different exercises and she was very pleased with her recovery.

"How about if we have coffee over by the fireplace?" Kathryn asked, interrupting Seven’s trail of thought. "Ice cream, anyone?"

"Oh, yes, please," Julia smiled. "I can never turn down ice cream."

"Me neither," Phoebe echoed. "I’ll help you, Kathryn."

"All right, then, ice cream it is."

They all helped carry the china back into the kitchen where Phoebe filled the dishwasher while Kathryn took out the ice cream. Seven carried the bowls and spoons into the living room where she put them down on the coffee table.

Adriana was standing by the window looking down on the evening city lights. The blonde walked up to her, curious about the elegant woman.

"Adriana," she began, "I’m very glad you could join us. It’s nice for Phoebe to have made a friend in the city. I think she misses Indiana."

The attorney turned her head and smiled.

"I’m delighted to be here, Annika, and Phoebe is an intriguing person, quite unlike anyone I’ve ever met. Come to think of it – so are all of you. I have felt very comfortable around you all this evening."

"Please, call me Seven, all my friends do."

"Yes, so I’ve noticed. Thank you, Seven, it’s an unusual nickname and it suits you. Maybe one day you’ll tell me where it comes from?"

Seven cocked her head and gave a wistful smile.

"Oh, that is no secret. I was born on my parent’s seventh anniversary, on July 7th.

"Really? I don’t have to ask what your lucky number is then." Adriana laughed.

The younger woman returned the smile.

"Eleven," she deadpanned and turned when a hand reached around her waist.

"Well, Seven-Eleven," Phoebe grinned and gave her a quick hug, "I think the two of you should come and have some ice cream."

Seven walked over to Janeway who was sitting in the chair closest to the fireplace. The blonde took one of the bowls and sat down on the armrest. Kathryn turned her head up and gave her a soft smile. The blonde leaned down and planted a kiss on the CEO’s forehead.

"So, Adriana, can you let us know some more details?" Marion asked. "I hope you’re going to throw the book at Avery."

The ADAswallowed a spoonful of ice cream and then carefully put the bowl on her lap. She was sitting in the other armchair while Phoebe occupied the couch together with Marion and Julia.

"Pretty much," the attorney answered Marion’s question. "Without becoming too technical, I can say that we’re preparing a long list of charges against Avery-Reymers. Kidnapping, attempted murder, embezzlement, fraud, unlawful threats, extortion/blackmail … and then, from the notes and affidavits you provided us with today, I think we can add tax evasion and computer crime to the equation. Kathryn told me earlier that she has launched an investigation by an independent team of IT experts to evaluate the Stellar Corporation’s computer system. I look forward to their report. Reymers-Avery will receive life in prison just from the kidnapping alone – and then there’ll be additional years added for every other charge he is convicted of."

Seven heard Kathryn inhale deeply and looked down at her fiancée. The CEO was pale and had a white knuckled grip of her bowl of dessert.

"So he’ll never get out?" Marion asked.

"No," the ADA explained. "He is quite unaware of his dire situation, it seems. His lawyers are working hard trying to find mitigating circumstances and apparently Avery thinks this will have an impact on the court. I think he’s in for quite a shock."

Seven regarded Adriana closely when the black haired woman talked about Avery. The beautiful face altered its expression; her face taking on sharper edges, her lips narrowing. The blonde could easily imagine the ADAin court, cross-examining witnesses and defendants.

Kathryn was quietly eating her ice cream. Seven let her hand slide under the auburn hair, caressing the soft skin of her partner’s neck. She could feel Kathryn lean into the touch.

"I for one would love to see this man behind bars. After everything he has done, not only to Seven, but to Amy Green and others like her …" Phoebe frowned and looked at her sister’s fiancée. "Once the trial is over, we can finally put this behind us."

Seven gave a faint smile and disguised the slight nausea at the thought of her kidnapping. The days she endured as Avery’s prisoner lingered with her more than she normally let on. She knew how much her pain bothered Kathryn and how Marionhad blamed herself for the entire incident. Not wanting to add to any of this she had worked hard to come to terms with her ordeal. However, there were days when she wondered if she would ever feel completely safe and whole again; maybe this had left its mark on her forever.

"Yes, that will be a big step in giving us closure," Julia agreed with Phoebe. "He has a lot to answer for, and I for one am glad that people will be protected from him. He has no conscience."

"Or a very spacious one," Marion huffed, sipping her coffee. "I just wish the police would round up the two guys and the woman who did his dirty work for him."

The women were quiet for a while as the mood settled into something less vigilant. Seven watched Julia run her hand soothingly over Marion’s, making the other woman relax against the backrest of the couch. Phoebe seemed lost in thought and Adriana … Seven raised her eyebrows. The ADA was looking at the artist with an unreadable expression in her eyes. She was sitting with her legs crossed, her hands wrapped around the coffee cup and Seven wondered what was going through Adriana’s analytical mind

Seven leaned down and let her fingers graze Kathryn’s shoulder.

"Everyone seems to be relaxing. Should I start a fire or maybe put some music on?"

"Good ideas, both of them. Here, let me take care of the fire while you pick the music."

Seven rose and walked over to the large collection of CDs they kept in a glass door cabinet. Looking through the classical section she picked a piano concert that they both liked. Soon the soft music flowed through the living room and the fire crackled in the fireplace.

Seven looked at the other women, thinking to herself that seeing them like this; you would not think that any one of them had a care in the world.

*****

Phoebe unlocked her car in the underground garage where she had been assigned a private spot when she moved in with her sister and Seven temporarily.

"This is not necessary; I could have easily taken a cab," Adriana stated as she sat down in the passenger seat. "It’s getting late."

"Don’t worry about it. I think Kathryn and Seven needed to talk a bit so this works out well," the artist insisted. "I don’t mind driving you home, or I wouldn’t have offered, I promise."

"All right, I guess this will give us time to talk as well."

Phoebe backed out her car and drove towards the exit, nodding to the man guarding the booth as they passed.

"What’s on your mind?"

Adriana hesitated for a moment.

"Well, first of all, I hope you don’t think I deliberately withheld the fact that I’m in charge of prosecuting Reymers-Avery. I didn’t realise who you were until last night."

Phoebe gave her a curious glance as she manoeuvred the car through evening traffic.

"Why didn’t you tell me when you called?"

"I … Oh, this is going to sound silly, but I guess I was so taken aback that I needed time to think. I know we’re on the same side in this, but there still could be a conflict of interest."

"How so?" Phoebe was amazed that Adriana was so candid. There was something vulnerable about the other woman that puzzled her.

"You have quickly become a good friend and I … I can’t let that get in the way of doing my job. It would be unprofessional."

The artist felt confused, not understanding what Adriana meant.

"How can friendship get in the way of you being professional?"

The ADAgave a sigh and rubbed her palms against her slacks.

"I have to focus on my job, and I have so much to do … and …"

Phoebe pulled into an all-night gas station and parked to the side of the building. She wanted to look at Adriana when they had this talk and that made her an unsafe driver. Switching off the engine she turned to look at the black haired woman next to her.

"You’re babbling, Adriana," she pointed out in a gentle voice. "Why wouldn’t you be able to focus on the job and be my friend at the same time?"

To her surprise, the other woman blushed a deep crimson.

"I’m sorry, Phoebe," she managed, "it’s just that … It’s the way it is." Adriana’s voice had a dismissive tinge to it.

"So what do we do? Pretend that we don’t know each other?" the artist blurted out, taken aback how her heart ached at the thought.

"No, of course not. I don’t want that. I … Oh, God, I don’t know what I want!" Adriana sounded thoroughly exasperated and Phoebe regarded her closely, not sure what was really causing it.

"Can I be frank?" Phoebe asked, her voice careful. She was on foreign ground but true to nature she believed in dealing with things head on. Of course, Adriana might not like that approach.

As if reading her mind, Adriana gave her a cautious glance. "Yes?"

"Ever since we met, I have experienced a whole new set of emotions," Phoebe began. "I’m usually not one to beat around the bush, but I confess; this has rattled me. I might have totally misunderstood everything, and if I have I will make us both very embarrassed."

The ADAlooked like the proverbial deer caught in the headlights of a racing car. Phoebe cleared her throat.

"I’ve never found another woman attractive before." The artist’s voice was low, barely more than a whisper. "I don’t know what it is about you, but I know this much; you’re the most beautiful, interesting woman I have ever met."

Phoebe tugged at her braid and pulled it over her shoulder, fiddling with her hair like she always did when she was nervous. She desperately wanted Adrianto say something, anything but the attorney only looked at her with widening eyes.

*****

Adriana was certain that she had heard wrong. Surely the auburn haired artist had not said all those things. Was anyone that open, that candid? Did real people take such risks and put themselves on the line that way?

Obviously Phoebe Janeway did. She was looking at her, playing with her hair with slightly trembling fingers. So at least she was nervous as well.

"Phoebe," she breathed. "I don’t know what to say."

She watched the other woman physically recoil. Pulling back towards the door, Phoebe paled considerably.

"I’m sorry, I should have kept my big mouth shut," the artist murmured and blindly reached for the ignition key.

Adriana acted on impulse by reaching out and putting her hand over Phoebe’s.

"Don’t." She kept her hand lingering on top of the other woman’s. "I didn’t mean it that way. I meant I’m not as open as you, not by a long shot. Don’t you realise that this is precisely why I feel I won’t be able to focus on my job?"

Obviously Phoebe did not understand.

"You mean that the fact that I find you attractive makes you so uneasy that …"

"No, Phoebe, no. It’s the fact that I find you attractive that is the problem!"

The words hung between them and only when the other woman relaxed and gave her a lopsided smile did Adriana realise what she had said – and how she had said it.

"You do, huh?" Phoebe’s voice was soft. "Why is it such a problem?"

"Because nothing can ever come of it. It can’t lead to anything and now that we both know …" The DA’s voice trailed off.

"… we can’t take it back."

"Exactly."

Phoebe suddenly turned her hand around and by doing that, turned her palm into Adriana’s. The attorney had not realised that she had kept her hand over the other woman’s and now she looked at their fingers intertwining with burning cheeks.

"Phoebe …"

"Adriana, you must know that I mean you no harm, professionally or otherwise. We’re getting along so well despite the fact that we really don’t know each other – although I have to admit that I feel like we do, somehow. I would never do anything to jeopardise your case or your position. I can’t disregard how I feel but I’m prepared to not mention it again if that is what you’d prefer. I value the fact that we’re becoming friends too much."

Phoebe’s husky voice, not unlike her older sister’s, sent thrills down Adriana’s spine. She could not make herself let go of the soft, faintly paint stained hand in hers, so she just held on.

"So do I," she managed. "I would hate to see it ruined and still …" She quieted, feeling breathless and at a loss for words.

"Still?"

Not sure how it happened, or which one of them moved first, they were leaning well into each other’s personal space. With only the light from the streetlamp about ten yards from the car to light up their faces, Adriana drank in the sight of Phoebe’s pale face. Slightly freckled and with delicate, classical features, the artist looked stunningly beautiful to the DA.

Stopping just a breath away, Adriana held back a whimper of sheer panic. She could not allow this, but had not the willpower or the strength to pull back.

"Shh … don’t be afraid," Phoebe murmured and brushed her lips against Adriana’s.

The incredible softness of lips barely touching and the scent of the other woman’s perfume made Adriana’s heart race uncontrollably. She wanted to pull Phoebe closer, devour her, and hide in her arms but somewhere she found the strength to pull back. Immediately missing the intimate touch, she kissed the other woman again, her breath caught in her throat.

"You okay?" the artist asked when their lips parted, her voice throatier than usual

"Yes."

Cupping Adriana’s cheek, Phoebe studied her closely for a few seconds before releasing her gentle touch.

"Then I better drive you home," she smiled with trembling lips.

She reached for the ignition key again and this time Adriana waited until the motor was running before she put a hand on Phoebe’s arm.

"Are you okay?"

The younger Janeway cocked her head, causing the long braid to fall over the attorney’s fingers like a caress. Phoebe’s lips parted in a broad smile.