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AUTHOR'S NOTE: This is a response to ralst's "How _____ Found Out" challenge.
ARCHIVING: Only with the permission of the author.
How Claire Found Out
By carpesomediem
"I'm sorry," Lindsay stammered. "I'm just… I'm sorry."
"I don't know why you're apologizing," Cindy shrugged. "You don't mean it."
"I do mean it!"
"Keep your voice down," Cindy replied. "You don't want Claire or Jill to think you're committing a crime."
"They'd cover for me," Lindsay automatically responded. "And why do you always assume I'm going to do something to you? I wouldn't hurt you, you know that."
"I know that," Cindy broke into a smile.
"Not so fast, missy." Lindsay wasn't about to be fooled by Cindy's smile and hopeful demeanor. "You're still very much on the hook."
"When am I not?" Cindy shrugged. It was worth a try, she thought. It worked most of the time but for some reason Lindsay was on the warpath tonight. It might have to do with the story Cindy submitted this morning; then again, it might have to do with the fact that once again she'd be found breaking and entering.
"You have got to stop invading my crime scenes," Lindsay started. "Hell, while we're at it, you need stop ducking under crime tape everywhere. I can't keep bailing you out, I just can't. It's going to cost me-" You. It's going to cost me you.
"-I'm sorry," Cindy cut her off. She thought Lindsay was going to say her job, and she couldn't bear to hear it. So, once again she'd duck Lindsay's apology and offer her own instead in a game of emotional hide and seek they'd become so good at.
Claire didn't mean to listen in on the conversation. When Lindsay pulled Cindy into Claire's office and slammed the door, the ME stayed close in case her services were needed to put the redhead back together again. Instead, she now stood outside, crossing her arms and leaning against the wall. It was about time these two got their act together, she thought with a smile. At least somewhat.
The End