I shouldn't have worn the backless dress but then what did it mater. "It's not like I am taking a walk in the park" I mumbled slightly shivering at the dinner table.

"Did you say something, sweet pea?"

"Oh, Nothing. I am listening to your fascinating story. Do continue" I lied.

James returned late last night and had insisted on grabbing some grub today. He had missed all the action but was more interested in filling me in on the details of his business deal. I pretended to listen as my mind drifted to what had gone down.

With the arrest and the Special Edition, it was certain that Billy had gotten back into the good books of the cops. In fact, he was in for a promotion. This doll Annie had signed the paperwork and I had already assigned her to her next story. She was over the moon. Hopefully, she would keep her flirting to Billy.

The paper was doing good business. The Special Edition made it the 'Go To' place for the latest news. Every detail of Lulu's info had been on the dot. I guess I owed her. There were rumors that she had refused to go into witness protection especially since the mobs were broken up. She was with Brody Delany. I never like that man. Never have and never will but then I didn't have to live with him so it was no matter.

The Ritzy is supposed to be up and running tomorrow. There were whispers about Myna and the G-man upcoming wedding but nothing was confirmed yet. Soon enough, AJ's little canary would be belting out heartwarming tunes. I'd been promised a permanent table and couldn't wait to check out their menu.

"Your desserts here, pumpkin"

"You sure you don't some?"

"Nope. Got to watch the calories"

James continued about his deal. I attacked the chocolate soufflé trying to avoid what happened at the hospital. I overreacted. I shouldn't have gone in the first place but that idiot flatfoot had an unloaded gun and I had been concerned. What kind of a P.I carried an unloaded gun? He claimed to have bad ammo credit and that he was off the case as he was indisposed. When I went back later to ask him if Doc had discovered anything else. He was no help at all. He kept rambling about a waltzing, horse riding ancestor and about being in love with his nurse. I couldn't apologize for the slap I had planted. He was too high on pain killers.

"I think you've murdered the Soufflé, sugar."

"What?!" I dropped my spoon. It took me a minute to realize what he was talking about and I grinned at him. I wondered if Shamus murder was really murder but then I guess we would not know. I expected the file had moved to cold case pile.

"You've been distracted the whole evening!" James interrupted.

"I've been awake for over 24 hours. All I want is some shut eye."

"I've got a surprise for you." He smiled and place a luxurious red velvet box on the table. Could it be? I snapped it open. There sat an exquisite Pink Princess Cut Solitaire. He slipped in on my finger and kissed my palm.

"I thought you'd never ask" I smiled at him.

The drive back had been silent as I dozed most of the way. James gave me a peck of the cheek and I waved him goodbye. We had agreed to lunch tomorrow.

----------------------------------------------

"Moose, what do you think?"

"Gruff" he said not even looking at the ring I had been pointing at. "Don't act like a wet cat!" He didn't seem interested. I stretched my arm and admired the ring. When I looked up I saw the statue in the park and a weird idea stuck me.

"Moose ... Moose! You don't think that's the ancestor that Gunn was talking about, do you? I think we outta move."