Cut and Run 1 - Cut and Run

and turned a disappointed moue on Zane. “You're no fun anymore, you know? I liked you a lot better when you still drank.” She reached over and picked up Ty's glass, taking a dainty sip and nodding in approval.
    Ty narrowed his eyes slightly, experiencing an odd feeling of possessiveness as the woman spoke. It seemed that he could bitch at Zane about his problems all he wanted, but no one else could without ruffling his feathers. “See?” he asked Zane conversationally. “Raging bitch."
    "A raging bitch who used to care more about solving murders than picking fights,” Zane said pointedly, and Serena shifted her eyes to him.
    The woman went totally still, and her cold gaze would have struck many men dead on the spot. “Don't cross me, Zane,” she warned suddenly.
    "How's your husband?” Zane asked pleasantly. “Still no pre-nup?"
    "Fucker,” she hissed in response. “Don't call for my help again; you can figure this shit out all by yourselves,” she snapped as she stood abruptly and looked between the two men. “You know, Zane, I would never have thought to say this, but you've turned into a real bastard."
    "Ha!” Ty responded in gleeful surprise. He looked from the offended woman to Zane in amusement and then threw his head back and laughed.
    "You're not officially on the case, but I know you have notes,” Zane responded seriously. “Send them to us,” he said in a tone that brooked no argument. “You owe me."
    She was so angry that high spots of red peaked on her cheeks and the hand on her purse was curled tightly like a claw. “This makes us even, Garrett,” she spit out. “And don't think I won't remember this."
    "Great to see you again, Serena. Let's not make it so long next time,” Zane drew out as sincerely as possible.
    She gave him another dark stare and turned her back on them, flouncing out the door. Once the glass shut behind her, Zane leaned back and scowled. Ty was still laughing heartily, possibly the first time he had truly done so since their partnership had begun, and he was beginning to have trouble catching his breath. Patrons were turning to look at them, some smiling and giggling as Ty laughed contagiously.
    Zane shook his head as he watched Ty. “I'm glad you're amused,” he muttered. “She could have helped us."
    "I've never seen her huff off like that!” Ty laughed breathlessly. “Oh, my God, I think I can die happy now."
    "She's a spitfire, that's for sure.” As long as she didn't turn on them, Zane figured they'd be okay. He wouldn't put it past her to cause them trouble just to spite him, though. “That's one good contact I ruined for you, partner ,” he said.
    Ty's laughter trailed off, and he shook his head, still smiling slightly. “I suppose I owe you a thank-you for putting up the Big Blue Shield,” he said to Zane sarcastically. “Thanks,” he offered sincerely.
    Zane nodded slowly and sighed, finally relaxing again. “I didn't want to pay her off anyway,” he murmured. His back hurt enough without more scratches.
    "Eh. We don't need her,” Ty responded dismissively as he took another sip of his drink.
    "And why is that, All-Knowing One?” Zane asked as the waitress came by with drinks for Zane and the now-departed Serena. After a quick explanation, the waitress headed off to cancel the meals and get the check.
    "She didn't tell us anything we didn't already know,” Ty pointed out logically. “Besides. We already got a profiler,” he added with a small smile as soon as the waitress had left.
    "Who?"
    Ty raised one eyebrow mockingly and then raised one finger with a little smirk.
    Zane narrowed his eyes. “You,” he said flatly. “You're trained to profile."
    "I am, indeed,” Ty answered with another small sip. “How did you think I knew her?” he asked with a cock of his head as he gestured toward the door. “I was put here in New York my first year out. Any case she couldn't handle got shuffled over to me,” he said with a sniff. “We certainly never fucked,” he continued pointedly.
    Zane's eyes sparkled. “You missed a hell of a ride, then."
    Ty groaned with feeling and actually shivered in distaste. “I'd rather fuck you than her,” he muttered thoughtlessly as he looked over at the door she had stomped through.
    Snorting, Zane lifted his glass for a drink. But his eyes stayed on Ty, and his gut cramped uncomfortably as he watched him.
    * * * *
    Zane's stomach woke him a couple hours after they crashed in the hotel room. It