“Howell?!” called the commander. “I have called you three times tonight! Where the hell have you been?”

“Investigating, sir. I've been in Lester's house.”

“And? What did you get out of it?”

“Sir, I think Lester's innocent.”

“Excuse me?”

“He's clean. Him, the house, there's nothing.”

“We have evidence that he's guilty.”

“I think he's not.”

The commander thought on the other line. “On what grounds?”

“The evidence isn't legit, sir. The man in the video merely resembles Phil – I mean Lester.”

“Are you questioning your commander, private?!”

“No, sir. You're probably right anyway.”

“Then keep on investigating until you think so too!” he yelled and hanged up angrily.

“Sir? Commander, sir?” Dan checked his phone to see he was cut off.

“Damn it. Phil's innocent. How am I supposed to prove it with no leads?”

Dan figured that there were two things that had to be done: find out who is actually committing the crime, and investigate the suspect on a more personal level. But how was Dan going to get closer to Phil without him turning him into a giddy school child? Why did he even do that to him? Dan put his hand over his chest again – the beat was normal. Then he imagined going back to play games with Phil, his cute smile and happy attitude. He remembered his words – 'I like you.' By then, Dan's heart had begun racing again.

“What the hell is happening to me?”

Dan thought all night about Phil and tried to figure out exactly what he meant by everything he said. It was all too good to be true. Dan had been seduced by several women and even men before, but not once had he fallen for any of their tricks. This time was different. Phil wasn't seductive, but still, Dan felt instantly drawn to him. He took a dose of sleeping pills and tried to settle down for the night.

 For the next week, Dan hung out with Phil everyday, growing closer and closer each time, getting into deep and lovely conversations that Dan had no intention of getting into. They just happened that way. Phil was amazing to talk to, and they shared a lot about themselves. It seemed like he'd always known him. And each time became more and more difficult for Dan to do his job. Phil gave Dan such a strange feeling inside – something he hadn’t felt in 15 years.

~~~~~

Hey guys, just wantes to thank everyone who is reading my little fanfic. It means a LOT to me that you like it, and I really hope you'll continue to enjoy it as it progresses! Thanks sooo much, love you all!