This is for murfonso, who has being asking me to update quicker lol

Where Things Stand

Rated R

Chapter 79

Charlie pinches the bridge of her nose and tries to block out the noise around her, wishing for some quiet. This is not the first time she has had that wish, over the past two days she has desperately wanted the peace and quiet of her office. However being now situated at Georgia's desk, she is continually being distracted by her officers going about their daily routines. Also by the number of phone calls that come into the station. If not those, someone from the general public, walks in, and instead of going to the front desk, they spot her at Georgia's desk so field their concern directly to her.

Adding to that, the stress of having Ruby and Joey both brought in for questioning about their whereabouts at the time of Grant's demise. Charlie had been furious at Robertson in regards to how he treated Ruby. He had her perform like a trained seal, all for some kind of demented amusement. Ruby had felt totally humiliated and Charlie had told Robertson off, asking him where the hell did he learn is interviewing technique, from clowns 'r' us! Robertson had calmly replied, "no that is Constable Rosetta's favoured technique." Georgia had tried to stiffer a laugh but fail miserably, while Charlie had rudely snorted.

As for Joey, he mainly focus on finding out about their relationship and if Joey was waiting for Charlie to cheat on her again. Joey had told him that ''no she wasn't waiting nor did she believe Charlie would cheat on her again and what the fuck did that have anything to do with Grant's death!'' The bastard then implied that something might be going on between Charlie and Angelo! Joey had promptly told him there was not and if that all he was going to do was put down her and Charlie's relationship she was leaving. So ended the interview because he knew that Joey had an airtight alibi for where she was at the time of Grant's death.

Charlie is brought out of her deep thought by the presents that someone is invading her personal space. Opening her eyes and glances to the side, she spies Angelo hoovering right beside her. "What do you want Angelo", she tautly asks.

"Charlie I don't know why you don't share a desk with me? We're working a case together", Angelo whines at her.

Charlie rolls her eyes and thinks, 'not this shit again!' He had being harping on her about sharing his desk for the past two days; he was now getting on her nerves! "I told you over and over again, I'm sharing Georgia's desk because she isn't using it much because she is helping Robertson with his case", she snaps.

"So", Angelo densely sneers.

"So that means I have more space here then I would with share a desk with you", Charlie states in a chipped manner wonder how thick can he really be.

"But Charlie working on the same case we'd be sharing the same notes", Angelo stubbornly ploughs on.

"Yes but the Senior Constable just hasn't got your case to work on, she has the running of the entire station to consider", comes a husky calm reply.

Both Charlie and Angelo quickly turn to see who has just spoken. They find Storm standing there smiling, but the smile does not reach her eyes. "What the hell are you doing here", Angelo nastily blurts out.

Storm raises an eyebrow and regards him with an amused smirk on her face. "That is none of your business Constable Rosetta", she mildly responds.

"What fuck does that mean", Angelo barks folding his arms and puffing out his chest.

"Angelo", Charlie snaps in a warning tone as she stands up.

"It means that I am not going to tell you because you do not need to know. That is what I mean", Storm replies succinctly spelling it out to him as though she is speaking to a child or a person with an intellectual disability.

"Don't speak to me like I'm an idiot", Angelo snarls.

"Well stop acting like one and asking stupid questions", Storm firmly comments.

"I agree with the good doctor", Robert smoothly injects in a honeyed voice before either Charlie or Angelo can respond. "Dr Daniels so good of you for come here I know you're a busy woman", he comments in a slick manner and holds out his hand.

Storm takes his hand and firmly shakes it, "anything to help with your investigate Detective Robertson", she calmly answers smiling at him.

'Well that answers the reason why Storm is here, but I wonder why he got her to come here instead of interviewing her in the City', Charlie thinks slightly frowning.

"Very good", he happily says. "Now Senior Constable, because Constable Watson is in disposed of at moment. I need you to help me with Dr Daniels' interview", Robert merrily states.

"Hold on, Charlie can't be involved! She's a suspect", Angelo adamantly remarks butting in.

"Constable Rosetta, Senior Constable Buckton's whereabouts at the time of Mr Bledcoe's untimely death have been established. She was five kilometres away from the scene with Constable Watson", he briskly replies. "However none of this has anything to do with you constable, so I suggest you return to your desk and your investigation and leave me to mine", Robert sternly comment. "If not, I'll start interfering in your case", he coldly warns.

Angelo gapes at Robert with Charlie shaking her head at the pissing competition she just witnessed. Storm raises an eyebrow and chuckles and at that, Charlie glances at her questioningly, wondering what she finds funny. "You stay the hell away from my case", Angelo growls after he regains some composure.

"And you from mine", Robertson mildly replies. "Now ladies, this way please", he jovially prompts.

As Charlie leads Storm to one of the interviewing rooms, Roberts, who is following, comments in an easygoing manner, "I can see why you gave the pretentious arse the flick Senior Constable! And why he needs you to work his case for him, the man's an imbecile", he snorts in disdain.

"That he is", Storm murmurs agreeing as they reach the interview room.

Charlie turns around, glares at Storm and Robert, and folds her arms, "can we forget about Constable Rosetta and concentrate on this interview please", she demandingly asks. Even though she can see why they believe, Angelo is an idiot. She has had enough of the backbiting; it is giving her a headache.

"By all means Senior Constable", Robert replies with amusement in his voice.

"That's what I'm here for", Storm coolly concurs.

As Storm and Charlie take a seat opposite each other, Robertson fusses with the video camera. When he finishes setting up the camera, he comes and sits next to Charlie. Smiling, he briefly states, "interview with Dr Storm Daniels, the 4th November 2009, Detective Robert Robertson conducting the interview with Senior Constable Charlotte Buckton assisting." Robert then opens his folder, glances at his notes then looks up at, he smoothly enquires, "So Dr Daniels can you tell us your whereabouts on the 30th October this year at approximately 9:20am?"

"I was with a client in my office at my Park Street practice in Sydney", Storm replies using her professional tone.

"And can your client corroborate your story", Robert mildly asks.

"They could, however they value their privacy, so they will decline to reveal their identity to you", Storm smoothly answers.

"So we can't confirm your whereabouts for the time of Mr Bledcoe's untimely death", Robert cynically states.

"You can confirm my whereabouts by speaking with my secretary. Alternatively, you can call your superiors and they will confirm my whereabouts. Because my client who was with me at the time of Mr Bledcoe's untimely death, has informed the Police Commissioner that we were in my office at the time", Storm coolly informs him.

"I will have to check", Robert dryly remarks.

"By all mean", Storm laconically responds.

"Dr Daniels, Mr Bledcoe made certain allegations against you. That you helped abduct and torture him. Then later on threatened to kill him, what do you say about these allegations", Robert calmly enquires.

"That they were false", Storm briefly answers.

"So you never threatened his life", Robert probes.

"No", Storm simply replies.

"Then why would he say it", Robert fires at her.

"You'll have to ask Mr Bledcoe that, those I don't know how successful you'll be at communing with the death", Storm understatedly responds. She has on her pleasant professional mask. Charlie slightly chokes on Storm's comment.

"Then can you give us your professional opinion as to why he may have said that you had threatened his life", Robert asks with a hint of frustration creeping into his voice.

"In my professional opinion he may have said I threatened his life to curry some kind of sympathy. Or to make out that he was the victim of a man hating lesbian", Storm toss off a couple of theories.

"Are you a man hating lesbian", Robertson lightly asks.

"Detective Robertson", Charlie warns in a disapproving voice, believing that he has over stepped the line by asking that question.

"No Detective. I have several male friends", Storm retorts smiling.

"Dr Daniels, according to Mr Bledcoe, you took a perverse delight in telling him that he was going to get gang raped if he went to gaol. Is that true", Robert presses.

"I told Mr Bledcoe what he could expect when he went to gaol and that there would be a very good chance that he would be repeatedly gang raped. As for his and my interpretation of what constitutes a perverse delight I'm sure they'd differ considerably", Storm states in a matter of a fact manner. "I merely pointed out that him being a good looking guy and a rapist, that he himself would be on the receiving end of being sexually assaulted by several inmates. In addition he would end up being some prison's alpha male's property and rented out for a few cigarettes or packet noodles", she honestly explains.

"So you didn't laugh about it to him", Robert questions.

"No", Storm simply replies.

"Why did you tell him that if not gain some measure of satisfaction", Robert probes. Charlie is keen to hear what Storm's answer will be.

"I just thought he should know. You know 'forewarned is forearmed", Storm nonchalantly.

"Why forewarn him unless you wanted to intimidate him", Robert argues.

"So now I go from perverse delight to intimidation, which is it Detective", Storm firmly questions. "Because all I wanted to do was to give him something to think about. He broke the law so he should know what the consequences of his actions were and what it would've cost him", she directly states.

"Ah yes, you'd know all about the law, having worked for the Federal Police", Robert casually points out.

"What", Charlie sharply utters.

"Oh you didn't know Senior? Yes our learned colleague here was a profiler for the Federal Police up until five years ago", Robert delightfully comments to Charlie. "And she's very learned. You have a PhD in Forensic Psychology right Dr Daniels", Robert craftily states.

"Yes", Storm smoothly right.

"Also a Masters in Criminology", Robert adds smirking.

"Yes", Storm calmly.

"Oh, and a Masters in Sociology", Robert remarks in feigned surprise looking down then up from his folder.

"Yes", Storm coolly states. Charlie is shocked by the discovery of how many degrees Storm has.

"You use to be a member of Mensa, were you not", Robert politely asks but already knowing the answer.

"I'm sure you already know that I was a member of Mensa and that I left that organisation at the same time as I resigned from the Federal Police", Storm answers keeping her tone light and even. Charlie is stunned, she knows that Storm is smart but she did not know that she is a genius.

"Yes it must have been difficult for you to come back from your breakdown", Robert remarks with false empathy.

"It was. Losing my wife and children was devastating and it took me a long time to regain my balance. But now I'm happy with my life", Storm serenely replies.

"Good to hear", Robert ingenuously comments. "Now Dr Daniels with your extensive psychological knowledge, you could easily get into the mind of Mr Bledcoe and mess with it, could you not", he asks rhetorically.

"In what way Detective", Storm mildly retorts.

"I don't know, maybe in a suggestive way you had influenced him", Robert wily responds. Charlie wonders where Robertson is going with this.

"Unlike what is portrayed in movies and on television, Detective, I would need a lot more time then fifteen minutes to, in your words, influence him", Storm comments with slight disdain in her voice.

"So no trigger word", Robert smartarsely remarks.

"No. You'd need psychotropic drugs and at least eighteen months of intense brainwashing to get someone to do something on a command word. That is if it works at all. And forget self harm because human being have an innate self protection built into our makeup", Storm responds in her lecture tone.

"Fascinating", he condescendingly murmurs. "Now according to Mr Bledcoe's statement, he said that you treated to kill him by abducting him. Then taking him out into the bush, torturing him, dismembering his penis, and sodomising him with it. Before disembowelling him and leaving him there for the feral animals to feed on him", Robert reads in matter of a fact manner. Charlie stares at Robertson, grossed out by that scenario.

"The man has a fertile imagination", Storm calmly responds. "Though I do believe some of the things he described came for a couple of real life stories that have been shown on television", she adds as an afterthought.

"Mr Bledcoe told Constable Rosetta that you had told him that the last serial killer you were hunting did that to his victims. And that you would do the same to him if he came near Senior Constable Buckton, her daughter or Miss Collins", Robert probes.

"The last serial killer case I worked on, didn't involve, abduction, disembowelling or being left in the bush to be fed upon by feral animals", Storm honestly states.

"True, but in that case and as with Mr Bledcoe, both men ended up dead. And Marvin Bruce Wicks died by your hand literally, did he not", Robert remarks slightly triumphantly. Charlie snaps her gazes to Storm with a look of disbelief on her face.

"He did", Storm coolly answers.

"Well Dr Daniels, I've got no more questions for you. Interview...", Robert smartly starts to say.

"Not so fast Detective", Storm firmly interrupts. "You wanted to know what Senior Constable Buckton knew about me, well let's finish updating her shall we", she pointedly states.

"What are you talking about Storm", Charlie uneasily demands.

"This interview was to find out how much you knew about my past. And from your reaction, Detective Robertson has discovered that I never told you about what happened over in the States", Storm starts to explain to Charlie. Robertson has an annoyed expression on his face. "You see Charlie the serial killer that the FBI where hunting was a homicidal sexual sadist, who injected his victims with a paralysing agent. However, it didn't numb the pain just made them immobile. From there he would repeatedly rape his victims, which were girls between the ages of thirteen to sixteen. After that, her would torture them by mutualising their genitals, then watch them bleed to death. He would then take their nipples and clitoris' as his trophies and this all took place in the girls' bedrooms whilst their parents slept", she continues with her explanation, her voice getting a hard edge in it.

"Dear god", Charlie utters horrified.

"So when Wicks came out from his hiding place and injected Special Agent Emily Prentiss and had his knife thrust in my abdomen, one I wasn't going to let him pull out the knife so that I'd bleed out fast. And two I wasn't going to let him do to Emily what he did to those nine girls! Therefore, I grabbed his hand so he couldn't remove the knife and with my other hand, I grabbed his throat and crushed his windpipe", Storm bitterly states. "And by the time the paramedics got there, Wicks had died from asphyxiation. Not death by fish truck", she tautly remarks.

"What was the outcome of the investigation into Wicks' death", Charlie curiously asks frowning.

"That I killed him in self defence. And the FBI gave me a citation for bravery", Storm hollowly answers.

"I see", Charlie thoughtfully comments. "This is all interesting, but what has it got to do with me", she enquires sharply.

"Detective Robertson thought if you knew about my past, that you persuaded me into ridding you of Mr Bledcoe, or helped you get rid of him", Storm bluntly replies.

"You've got to be kidding me", Charlie exclaims in disgusted.

"This interview wasn't even videoed", Storm calmly states.

Charlie quickly gets up and checks out the video to find it is not switched on. "What the fuck is the meaning of this", Charlie angrily asks.

Detective Robertson slow hand claps staring at Storm with a smirk on his face ignoring Charlie demand. "Well played", he comments in a jovial voice.

"No, well played would be Detective Yuri Robert Robertson, that I inform Senior Constable Buckton that you have a degree in Psychology and that Mensa invited you to join them. However you declined, telling them that they don't deal with thing that interest you, like the topic of 'why people lie'. Because you're a very good liar. Granted it keep suspects on the back foot, but it keeps you from having any genuine relationships. But you probably like your maverick status", Storm remarks straightforward. "And as you can see Detective I did my homework as well", she comments unemotional. "Oh and have you even though of the possibility that Mr Bledcoe deliberately made it look like someone was after him and ran out in front of the fish truck, so that Senior Constable Buckton, her family and friends would be investigated, mudding the waters of a suicide", she poses.

"Suicide? What makes you think Mr Bledcoe was suicidal", Robert curiously enquires.

"The man was going to go to gaol and it wouldn't have taken long for the inmates to find out that he was a rapist who abducted his own daughter and threatened to rape her. And I already told you what I told him about what would happen to him", she shares her hypothesis. "Couple that with his wife leaving and taking their children and the loss of his job, his future was looking bleak. Therefore in his last act of revenge against the woman who defied him, he would make his suicide look like some foul play was involved, with Senior Constable Buckton being the perpetrator", Storm finishes off in her professional tone.

Before anymore can be said, the door to the interview is opened by one pissed off Constable Watson. She glares that Detective Robertson, who merely gives her one of his charming smiles. "Yes Constable Watson", he asks sweetly.

"I have two insistent solicitors demanding to see their clients", Georgia tightly replies.

"By all means show them in. I have finished talking with Dr Daniels and Senior Constable Buckton", Robert responds in a voice that butter would not melt in his mouth. He gets up out of his chair as Veronika and Morag walk in. "Thank you ladies for your time. Good to see you again 'Battleship' and nice to finally meet 'Castrating' Hanlon", he happily remarks. He manoeuvres out of the way of the angrily glaring senior council's so they can get to their respective clients, and out the door.

After Robertson and Georgia have left, Veronika annoyingly demands, "why the hell did Robertson have you sit in on the interview Charlie? The arrogant arse has you pegged as some kind of suspect!"

"Well technically it wasn't an interview", Charlie unhappily replies.

"What the fuck does that mean", Veronika vents her frustration.

"Calm yourself Ronni", Morag sternly advises.

"What Charlie meant was that Robertson got me down here to see if Charlie knew about my past and if so, did she exploit it to get rid of Grant for good. And if not, did I get rid of Grant to protect the people I care about", Storm mildly informs both Veronika and Morag.

"So he put you in a room together to gauge your responses", Morag asks in disbelief.

"Yes that is exactly what he did", Storm unfazed.

"Well the bloody video will never see the light of day", Veronika growls.

"It wasn't videoed, though he made out he was videoing it", Charlie sourly states.

"That man has the hide of a rhinoceros", Morag comment in exasperation.

"So was that all he was after, whether you were in cahoots or that Storm bump the fuckwit off", Veronika demands.

"Pretty much", Charlie tightly answers. "And now I wonder who else he is going to go after out of my family and friends", she states in a half worried half pissed of tone.

"Only two others", Storm calmly respond.

"Who", the others ask in unison.

"Ross and Angelo", Storm nonchalantly answers.

"Dad", "Ross", Charlie and Morag exclaims in horror.

"Storm explain yourself", Veronika tersely commands. Having a newborn in the house has caused lack of sleep and therefore contributing to her snappy state.

"Well out of Charlie's family, Ross' whereabouts cannot be precisely pinpointed. Whereas Joey and Aden were out on the ocean fishing with four clients. Ruby and VJ were in school in class. Leah was serving customs at the Diner. Morag was in Melbourne being interviewed about a consulting job with my father's family solicitors. And Martha was serving drinks at Noah's. Thereby making Ross a likely suspect", Storm plainly clarifies.

"And why Angelo", Morag asks in a stern voice. She wonders how and why Storm has come up with him being a suspect.

"Well it's no secret that he still carries a torch for Charlie. And with him contributing to the death of a fellow officer due to getting involved in the corrupt developers all for the love of a girl", she theorises. "It would be easy for Robertson to come to the conclusion that Angelo lured Grant here then tried arrest him for breach of bail however Grant escaped and in his bid to flee, he ran onto the road and was accidentally ran over by the fish truck", Storm thoughtfully make a case.

"This is all well and good, but it nothing but speculation and conjecture at the moment. So let us concentrate on Detective Robertson flagrant disregard police regulations and procedures", Morag firmly advises.

"That being the case, let's keep it a surprise for him shall we", Storm comments in a jovial manner as she stands up and walks to the video camera.

"Storm what weird arse medication are you on", Veronika sarcastically asks.

Looking directly into the camera Storm smiles, "We have to leave some surprises for you Detective", she comments in an easy-going manner as she switches off the video.

"The fucking prick! Let see how he likes being haul before the Professional Standards", Veronika roars. "I'm going to make it my mission, to have him kicked off the force", she savagely rants.

"Settle V, this is what he wanted. You and Morag being enraged thereby causing stress and aggravation which will in turn, may provoke some kind of confession of wrong doing", Storm comments in a calming manner.

Charlie takes moves the memory card from the video, "well this video will never see the light of day", Charlie decisively states.

"Good, there's nothing incriminating on it anyway, so Robertson will waste a lot of time trying to get his hands on it,'", Storm laughs.

"Is this all some kind of pissing competition between you and Robertson to see who is smarter", Charlie angrily accuses.

"No Charlie, it's me trying to keep the 'Teflon' detective from falsely accusing you or any of the people we love and care about of killing Grant", Storm retorts annoyed.

"Teflon detective", Veronika asks confused screwing up her face.

"That is one of the names he gets called behind his back. You see many people have tried to get shit on him, but none of it sticks, hence 'Teflon'", Storm patiently informs Veronika.

"Well I'm still going to have his arse hauled before the Professional Standards", Veronika huffs.

"Why you're dealing with the good Detective, I'm going to speak with Ross and the nursing home staff and see if I can find someone to vouch for Ross' whereabouts at the time Grant was in Summer Bay running out onto the road", Morag resolutely remarks.

"Okay. Charlie, I want a copy of that video so I can show the Professional Standards Unit the underhanded tactics that Detective Robertson employed", Veronika firmly states.

"I can see my station getting investigated again", Charlie groans.

"No just Detective Robertson. And I'm going to make sure every orifices of his is thoroughly probed", Veronika growls. "And by the time I'm finished with him, he is going to feel like 'Eric Cartman', with fire shooting out his arse from all the anal probing", she wickedly sneers.

"Well in that case I'll have to turn the recording over to him", Charlie sighs in reluctance.

"But not until you make a copy. I don't want it conveniently being misplace somewhere", Veronika emphasises.

Charlie wearily sighs as she opens up the interview room door. As they, all walk out, they run into Georgia as she is coming back from the toilet. Charlie stops her, "Georgia can you please make a copy of this recording and send it to Ms Hanlon please", she politely requests.

"Charlie this recording is inadmissible", Georgia wirily replies.

"And illegal. I know, so does Veronika and Morag and they want a copy", Charlie adamantly states.

"Okay Senior", Georgia remarks resignation as Charlie hands her the memory card.

After handing Georgia the video recording, they head out through the front area. As they are leaving Detective Robertson happily calls out, "Oh Dr Daniels, Federal Agent Beaumont sends his regards."

Storm stops turns to Robertson and smiles, "Thanks Teflon. Say hi for me when you see him next", she serenely answers loudly so the whole of the station could hear her. Storm then continues to walk out of the station.

Once outside Veronika angrily blurts out, "what the fucking hell is that wanker play at?"

"He trying to get under my skin is all. And as Charlie has pointed out, we're having a pissing completion, but it's not about whose is smarter. It's about who will crack first and show their true emotions", Storm evenly answers.

"Well that was low, bringing up that arse wipe Beaumont! The fool put Caitlin and the kids endanger, by running is mouth off to that reporter about you", Veronika irately vents.

"Who is Agent Beaumont", Morag quizzes.

"He works for the Federal Police. Storm had profiled a serial killer and during the investigation, Beaumont let it slip to a reporter about Storm and her profile of the killer. It was then splashed across the newspaper, the killer read it and started stalking her", Veronika tells her will her voice holding contempt for Beaumont.

"What the fuck", Charlie exclaims.

"Thankfully he was captured and is now in a maximum security gaol for the next fifty three years", Storm lightly states.

"Yeah but the fucking mongrel was caught on your property", Veronika sarcastically remarks.

"And Caitlin and the kids were safely here in the Bay", Storm calmly retorts.

"Well I hope Agent Beaumont was severely reprimanded for such a breach", Morag gruffly states.

"He got a slap on the wrist by his superiors", Veronika grumbles. "And a punch in the mouth by Storm", she chuckles.

"I know, not very professional of me", Storm sarcastically comments.

"But understandable", Charlie thoughtfully utters.

"Well we better go. Morag you have to make sure someone saw Ross around the time Grant was here on Friday. In addition, I have to put in a formal complaint to the Professional Standards Unit. I'll call you later and let you know what is happening", Veronika smartly says and lightly squeezes Storm's arm reassuringly then turns to walk to her car.

"Okay. And V, when you get home give Heather and little Zoe a kiss for me", Storm warmly states.

"I will. Oh and Heather asked me to remind you not to forget about dinner this Friday night", Veronika lightly comments.

"I won't forget", Storm promises.

"Charlie darling, don't worry about your father, I'll make sure Detective Robertson doesn't pin Grant's death on him", Morag reassuringly states giving Charlie a quick hug goodbye. Then her and Veronika get into Veronika's car and drive out of the police station car park.

Storm puts her arm around Charlie's waist as they watch Veronika and Morag leave. Charlie reciprocates by wrapping her arm around Storm's waist and putting her head on Storm's shoulder. Storm kisses the top of Charlie's head and murmurs, "how about a coffee?"

"Sounds good. I'll just let them know I'm going out", Charlie wearily answers as they head back inside of the station.

Half an hour later finds Charlie and Storm sitting on the timber platform not far from Charlie's thinking spot. Looking over the surf, Charlie and Storm sip their coffees thoughtfully. Charlie still watching the waves crash on the shoreline utters, "I get why you haven't told us the whole story about what happened in the States. But what I don't get is why you kept working for the Federal Police a secret."

"Because it is a part of my life I don't like to discuss. Profiling people and especially serial killers can be very unpleasant. Crawling into their minds, coming up with why they do what they do, and why they chose that victim, after awhile leaves its mark on you", Storm hollowly responds.

"And by the way Jade worries about you, the mark it left on you was bad", Charlie comments sympathetically curious.

"Yes", Storm simply replies.

Charlie gently touches Storm's face seeing a haunted look in her eyes. "Storm", she questioningly utters.

"I've always worried about becoming the monster that we hunted. And when Caitlin, Tara and Kurt were killed I discovered a darkness in me", she starts to explain. "And after what happened in the States I found out just how dark the darkness in me really was. So I came home hoping that being back here would somehow keep the darkness at bay. But coming back to an empty house just weakened my defences further. And I let it start to get the better of me. I was so angry all the time Charlie, I thought I was going mad", Storm quietly comments, her pain evident in her face and voice.

"Oh sweetheart", Charlie sadly whispers empathising with Storm and kisses her temple.

"I only got through it because Jade stubbornly refused to leave me alone and she had Meg practically living with us for three months to help me deal with my demons", Storm confesses and wipes tears from her eyes.

"Storm you will never be the monster you use to hunt because they have no remorse for their actions, they have no empathy and they aren't horrified by their crimes", Charlie firmly states and cups Storm's face in her hands. "But you honey, you care so much! And you only killed Wicks because he gave you no other choice", she passionately finishes off.

"I know. But the darkness inside me Charlie, it still scares me", Storm softly admits grateful for Charlie's caring touch.

"Well that proves to me that you aren't a monster, because monsters embrace their darkness and revel in it", Charlie satisfyingly declares.

Storm smiles as she gazes into Charlie's confident warm eyes, "thanks Charlie", she gratefully whispers.

They are interrupted by a worried tentative voice, "Charlie, Storm, are you guys okay?"

Both of them look towards where the voice is coming from and they both smile. They see an anxious looking Joey nervously fidgeting, "yes sweetheart, we're fine", Charlie lovingly answers holding out a hand to Joey.

Joey gratefully takes Charlie's hand, relieved that her girlfriend and Storm are okay. However she notices the strain on their faces, something has definitely has happened. Charlie continues to smile as Joey squeezes her hand in a reassuring manner. Charlie then feels someone at her back as she is engulfed in a hug from behind. She is slightly startled until she recognises the hands, which are around her middle. "Charlie, Leah told us you didn't seem yourself and she was worried about you", Ruby anxiously rambles.

"I'm fine Rubes. I just had a stressful morning thanks to Detective Robertson", Charlie tiredly replies and leaning back into her daughters loving embrace.

"What did the fucking wanker do this time", Joey huffs.

Charlie gently pulls Joey onto her lap as she explains with disdain in her voice, "Under the guise of interviewing Storm about her whereabouts when Grant was killed, he was really finding out if I had Storm kill him for me or Storm killed him to protect me."

"What the hell? I thought you were cleared of anything to do with Grant's death", Ruby hot shrieks.

"Ruby there's no need to yell", Charlie chastises. "Yeah well apparently I'm still a person of interest and so might dad be", she remarks unimpressed.

"You got to be shitting me! He's in a fucking nursing home for christ sake", Ruby angrily blurts out.

"So then why would Robertson think Ross had anything to do with Grant's death", Joey asks slightly confused.

"Robertson didn't tell us Ross was a person of interest. I'm the one who told Charlie, Morag and Veronika that", Storm mildly answers.

"Then wanker breath mightn't be going after dad", Ruby hopefully comments.

"No, he's going to interview your dad, Ruby", Storm states in a matter of a fact manner.

"How do you know", Charlie asks suspiciously.

"I may not work for the Feds any more, but I still have friends in both the Federal Police and the New South Wales Police. And I was given the heads up about Robertson wanting to interview your dad. Apparently not everyone is happy about him doing that due to Ross' condition", Storm honestly informs her.

"Hang on, you use to work for the cops", Joey asks frowning.

"Yes", Storm simply answers.

"Doing what", Ruby demands.

"Profiling", Storm briefly responds.

"That's how and why you were working with the California law enforcement", Joey comments finally putting the pieces together as to Storm's involvement in a US serial killer case.

"Yeah and also I hold a dual citizenship", Storm truthfully remarks.

"Don't they have their own profilers there", Ruby huffs.

"Yes, but I've worked a couple of high profile cases with the FBI's Behaviour Analysis Unit before, so that's why they asked me for my help with that case", Storm wearily replies.

"So Special Agent Emily Prentiss is a profiler", Charlie curiously asks.

"She is now, but at the time she was just a field agent working out of their Sacramento Office", Storm lightly answers.

"Are you still in contact with her", Joey calmly asks but there is some slight tightening around her eyes.

"Yes, mainly by email, but we occasionally catch up by phone. It's hard with her working for the BAU, they fly all over the States trying to solve cases", Storm disappointingly replies.

"So was Emily the first woman you fell in love with after Caitlin died", Charlie half asks, half states.

"What? No she wasn't", Storm answers taken by surprises.

"So who was the first woman you loved after Caitlin", Ruby asks really wanting to know.

"Who my dear Rubes is going to remain a secret", Storm responds smirking.

"Why, is she famous", Ruby asks, her curiosity piqued. Storm raises a challenging eyebrow. "I bet she is", she crows. "Oh talking of secret women, is that Fallon woman now your girlfriend, because Jade said you've spent the whole of last week with her. So if she is when are we going to meet her", Ruby excitingly asks.

Joey and Charlie both slightly tenses and focus their attention on Storm. "Nice to know that you and Jade are so interested in my love life Ruby", she chuckles. "And to answers your first question, no Fallon and I aren't together. And as to your second question, sorry, you won't be able to meet her because she flew out to London where she starts her new job as a war correspondent", Storm regretfully replies.

"So just a week of passionate hot sex then", Ruby cheekily chirps just as Charlie takes a sip of her coffee. Charlie nearly chokes on it; she coughs and splutters all over Joey.

"No Rubes. Just long talks about her grief at the ending of her eight year relationship and her fascination with my former life as a profiler", Storm honestly answers.

"How boring", Ruby remarks disappointed.

"Ruby", Charlie barks disapprovingly.

"What? I was hoping for some juicy goss", Ruby bluntly retorts.

Charlie snorts and rolls her eyes as Joey chuckles. "Well I'm sorry to disappoint you there Rubes. But talking about juicy goss, how are things going with you and Nic", Storm suggestively comments with mirth in her voice. She was with Nicole when she purchased the 'Feeldoe'.

"Storm, not in front of my Charlie and Joey", Ruby squawks in alarm, with Charlie's face taking on a horrified expression. Joey holds in her laughter at mother and daughter's reaction. "But things are good thanks", Ruby blushingly grins.

"Oh look at the time. We better get some lunch before Joey and I have to get back to work, and Ruby has to go back to school", Charlie quickly comments before any more talk of sex can be mentioned. "Um Joey how did you and Ruby get here", she curiously asks.

"Leah let me borrow her car", Joey sweetly answers.

"Oh", Charlie utters in surprise.

As they, all stand up and start walking towards the cars, Storm puts a hand on Joey's arms to get her to stop. Joey stops turns and gives Storm a curious glance. Storm whispers in Joey's ear, "I take it for Charlie's reaction, that she walked in on Ruby and Nicole having sex?"

"Yep", Joey softly chuckles. Storm laughs, wraps an arm around Joey, which she reciprocates, and hurriedly catches up to mother and daughter.

I'm writing this disclaimer down here so the identity of Emily would remain a mystery until Storm mentioned her. I don't own the character of Emily Prentiss I've only borrowed her as with Eric Cartman. Thanks