Ghost Luna

3. A Long Night

"Lane?"

Toby placed a hand on Lanes shoulder waking her from a trance.

"Lane?" Softly this time, Toby's out of character tone stirred Lane from her shock.

"Sorry. I just am a bit tired. I think this one has gotten to me a bit."

"Why?" Lane was confused by the response. Since when did Toby care about her feelings? He was the gruff Lead Forensic examiner that bossed her about in a clinical and calculated way. He was cold and stern. She liked it this way as it distracted from how stunning he really was. Beautiful specimens like Toby had always made her uncomfortable. Her own insecurity she knew. Tomboys like herself were always friend zoned quickly anyway and it made her crushes harder to deal with. The clear boundary and coldness of Toby undermined any attraction she could have to him otherwise. Personality actually mattered to Lane. His soft tone was almost caring and therefore disconcerting.

"I'm fine really. It's been a long night. This is pretty brutal this time round. He also looked familiar..." Lane hadn't meant to say the latter and trailed off, eyes wide.

"You knew him? Romantically?" Toby turned cold, proffesional once more.

"No. Not like that. I think I saw him in a club or somewhere. I don't know him. Why would I know a criminal like this let along get involved with them. I'm not mad."

An expression flitted across Tobys face that Lane couldn't interpret. Relief? It made no sense. Nothing did tonight.

"I think this one has just freaked me out. This is the 4th one this gruesome I've seen and I am not getting used to it."

"I'd be more worried if you did. We can wrap up now. We'll transport the containers to the police station. If you wait a bit I'll take you home. Or grab a coffee to great the morning. After something this dark sometimes it's important to greet the sun and see it shine rather than retire to darkness straight away." Toby didn't flinch or look up at Lane at the mention of this offer. He busied himself with putting lids back on containers and stacking the boxes ready for the police to take. Lane considered for a moment while Toby gave her time and space to decide. She watched quietly as he packed away and a police officer took all the contents.

Toby removed his overalls and signalled for Lane to do the same. Lane placed her camera on the now empty desk and struggled out of the white garment pulling up her shirt momentarily to reveal her tight stomach and hip bones protruding against her tight jeans.

Toby eyes flitted towards her but Lane disregarded it as his usual clinical impatience.

"You still haven't given me an answer Lane." Toby prompted.

"Coffee would be great. Take me wherever. But not too far out for you. I don't want to inconvenience you. Do you mind dropping me off at mine after?"

"Of course not Lane, otherwise I wouldn't have offered." Toby grumbled.

Land smiled a small smile. Gruff Toby was back. Predictable and mildly unpleasant she could deal with.

"Come on then."

Lane obediently followed behind until they reached Tobys car. He held out the door for her to get in and shut the door behind.

It was pitch black now except for the street lamps. The full moon hung low in the sky, like it could quite easily kiss the earth's surface.

"Such a beautiful night ruined by senseless violence," Lane sighed.

Toby stiffened beside her but then reached over and started the engine.

"Some people do monsterious things but I've rarely thought it was a senseless reason. There is always a reason." Toby replied.

"I just can't stand blood."

At this Toby gave Lane a surprised look. Imploring her to continue wordlessly.

Lane sighed. This was the longest conversation they had had in the three months Lane had started working and now she wished it had remained that way.

"I know. But I am a professional photographer and digital expert. Wedding gigs and flowers don't really pay the bills and I can't stand fashion editing. I thought this would be interesting and maybe make a difference while I built up my own portfolio. I didn't count on it being quite like this..."

Toby pulled up at a cafe. The great thing about New York was it never really slept.

The neon lights brought a strange comfort to Lane.

Toby got out of the car first and opened the door for Lane. Far more chivalrous than she was used to. Toby had a bored expression on his face as he walked her in.

"Toby! Is that you?"

Toby stilled and the ran his hand over his face in mild annoyance.

Lane had to peer round Toby to see where the voice was coming from. She had not counted on it being unbelievably handsome. Lifting her jaw from the ground, Lane immediately hid behind Toby, taking deep breathes. It felt like she has run a marathon. In one brief glance she had ascertained: over 6ft takl, broad, muscular, well dressed, dark brown hair and most importantly, electric blue eyes that seemed to burn into her in an instant.

"You can see me can't you?" Was Tobys annoyed reply, "And yes you can come sit with us. You only want an update right? I'm too tired for a full report."

Lane followed Toby and found herself sat directly opposite this gorgeous man. She busied herself with napkins and not looking up.

"A quick report."

"You are so impatient. We've had a long night and I don't know how you have the energy to still be going."

A waitress arrived and took orders. At the sound of Lanes voice the man finally asked, "And who do we have here? Sorry to be so rude. I'm Chief Constable Nolan. But you can call me Damien"

Toby laughed then covered it with a cough. " I hope that isn't practiced. And a first name basis...so soon. It took months for me to get to that sacred level. This is Lane. Lane does forensic photography." I was thankful for Tobys total lack of social cues. It meant she didn't have to speak again.

The coffee arrived with some pastries. Lane grabbed hers and ate it ravenously was she listened to Toby go over the crime scene they'd come from. Toby had a knack for taking the emotion out of a situation. Lane didn't find it distressing to hear him speak about it.

After the debrief Toby stretched and yawned, "We best be getting you back then Lane. Can you see the sun?" Lane turned to the windows and the sun was indeed chasing away the darkness. An unconscious smile broke out on her face and she turned to Toby with a full kilowatt smile, "Thanks for this, it did help."

Toby did a slow blink and nodded, "Sure thing."

Lane turned to Damien, "It was nice to meet you." As soon as their eyes met Lane felt a

jolt.