Dead Ringers

9-1-1

"Well, that was interesting," Miles muses, staring into the crowd where Mr. and Mrs. Jones disappeared.

"They're clearly hiding something," Micaiah says. I look at him. He shrugs, "Lawyer instincts."

"My detective instincts say you're not wrong," I tell him. I look over at Miles. "You shouldn't stick around us too long. Someone might take note of your change of attitude. We don't know who knows the Jones's."

"Right. "Well, since we're done here," Miles stands up, brushing his coat off, "I'll see you at the station."

"Don't I get a farewell?" Micaiah asks.

Miles snorts. "Hardly." With that, he begins walking away. "Just make sure Fullin gets home alright."

"Aw, do you actually care about me?" I lightly rest a hand across my chest, feigning shock.

Miles just waves over his shoulder.

I chuckle, shaking my head. "When he isn't being obstinate, he isn't half bad."

"That sounds like Elijah," Micaiah says, chuckling.

"Micaiah Cullen!" A man appears at Micaiah's side, draping an arm over his shoulders. "If it isn't the big wig DA."

Micaiah laughs. "Matthew, since when are they letting you out of the firm?"

"Since they promoted me to associate."

Micaiah holds out a hand. "Congratulations my friend!"

The man, Matthew, takes his hand. "I couldn't have done it if you hadn't taken the position of DA. You were the one they had their eye on originally."

"Glad I could help."

Matthew's eyes fall on me. He straightens, offering me a hand. "Enchantee, Miss...? "

"Detective," Micaiah corrects, "Fullin. My plus one for the evening. Winter, allow me to introduce an old friend and colleague, Matthew Dunkirk."

I smile, taking his hand. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Dunkirk."

He claps my hand in both of his. "I assure you the pleasure is all mine." He shakes his head. "The esteemed Detective Fullin. Wow." He releases my hand shaking his head again. "Clearly, I've missed out on quite a bit."

As he speaks, I notice a figure in the distance, weaving through the crowd towards the bar. I'm probably mistaken, but I'm not about to be here when he gets here, just in case. Smiling, I slide from the barstool. "I think I see someone I know. I'll give you two some time to catch up."

I begin walking before either man can say anything. I'm not sure where exactly I plan on going, but as long as I can find a place out of sight of the bar, I'll be happy. As I walk, I notice a sign for the bathrooms pointing down a hall. It would be a rather tacky cop-out, but I'd take it. Entering the hall, I can see it curve away from the main room of the party. Even better. There weren't many people down the hall either and most of them are clearly just passing or waiting on someone else. I could stand unnoticed for a while back here.

"Winter?" A voice calls.

I freeze in my steps. Had he actually seen me at the bar? Had he followed me back here? "What the hell do you want, Dante?" I ask, turning to face him.

Dante actually starts, blue eyes wide in shock, as if surprised by my reaction. "What kind of 'hello' is that?"

"The kind you deserve. Why did you follow me?"

"I wanted to say hi to my little sister."

I stare him down for a second. "Hi." I turn around. Time to hide in a stall.