To Choose Love

by Serenity

     Still wearing her night-shirt, Rita lay across her couch and stared at the TV. It was 5:00pm and she had been lying there since breakfast. She wasn't really watching anything in particular, she was just thinking. She had never felt so lost in her life. She thought that she was in love with Eric and that he felt the same way about her, evidently she was wrong. Now that it was over she didn't know what to feel, much less what to do. She felt so ashamed and naive for falling into Eric's web of deception. Rita didn't want to see anyone lest they discovered just how vulnerable she could be. She didn't have to worry too much though since Harry had insisted that she take some personal leave. She had been home for three days now and had barely moved from her position on the couch except to use the bathroom and to grab more ice cream. She hadn't showered or changed, basically she looked like mess as much as she felt like one. Leaning over Rita pushed the play button on her answering machine knowing that there would be half a dozen messages from Chris. Since she had been home Chris called constantly to ask how she was. Rita knew he meant well but it just bothered her that he asked since he knew perfectly well that she felt horrible.
     "Rita? Rita pick up the phone! Damn it! I know you're there, pick up the phone!!!" Chris yelled through the machine. "Fine if you're not going to answer then I'm coming over!!!"
     "Damn you Chris!" Rita muttered. She didn't want him to see her like this. But it was too late because Chris had arrived and he let his presence be known by banging on Rita's door!
     "Rita let me in!" he cried.
     "Go AWAY Chris! I don't want to see you right now!"
     "Come on Rita, I just want to see how you're doing!"
     "I'm FINE! Chris did you hear me? I"M FINE! Just go away and leave me alone!" Rita yelled exasperated.
     "No you're not fine, if you were you would let me in and you know it. Come on Rita, it's me Sam! You're best friend!"
     Rita ignored Chris and stared at the ceiling. She closed her eyes to stop herself from crying. She wanted so much for Chris to comfort her but there was nothing he could do to change what had happened with Eric. She was ashamed to admit to Chris of all people how hurt and lost she felt. When she opened her eyes again she was staring into a deep blue-green sea.
     "What the hell Chris?!" Rita cried as she quickly got up and composed herself.
     "Sam, a locked door can't stop me from getting what I want, besides I'm a cop remember? Breaking into your apartment is a piece of cake!"
     Chris eyed Rita's apartment. He couldn't believe what he was seeing; Rita and her place were a total mess. There were empty ice-cream cartoons and all sorts of wrappers on the floor and on the coffee table. The biggest shock to Chris was Rita. He had never seen her like this; still in her night-shirt with a more that unruly hair-do. Her eyes were blood shot and swollen and to Chris it seemed like he had finally discovered the fragile, sensitive person that Rita hid behind her wall of professionalism.
     "Rita..." Chris began and paused trying to hide his shock, "I know that you're hurting, but this!" Chris pointed to the mess on the coffee table, "This Sam is not going to help you move on!"
     Rita looked away from Chris and eyed her apartment. For the first time since Rita had been home she realized what a pathetic state she was in. She had let her depression take control. Unable to say anything she began to cry.
     "God Chris what the hell is wrong with me? Why can't I move on and get my life back together. Why do I feel like my life has changed forever? Why?!"
     Chris sat next to Rita and reached over to hold her in his arms.
     "Oh Sam, I can't answer that for you. All I can say is that Eric is not worth you destroying yourself. He lied to you Rita. You don't deserve that, you don't deserve him."
     "Chris, I thought I loved him. I can't erase what I feel, I can't changed what happened. I'm so afraid."
     "Rita, you are one of the strongest people I know. If you're afraid, I know you'll get past your fears."
     Rita looked up at Chris and smiled. He was such a good friend, what would she do if she lost Chris? "Thanks Sam I feel better already. Now if you'll excuse me," Rita said as she manoeuvred out of Chris's arms and stood up, "I've got to take a shower and change!"
     "That's my Sam! Go while I clean up for you!" Chris grinned.
     When Rita came downstairs again she was refreshed from a hot shower and a change of clothes. Chris had cleaned up the mess and her apartment looked immaculate again.
"Hey Sam, thanks for coming over." Rita said to Chris gratefully.
     "Rita, I care about you and I don't want to see you hurting. You've always been there for me and now I want to be here for you! Sam and Sam friends forever right?"
     Rita answered Chris with a warm hug and smile.
     "Now how about some dinner?" Chris asked.
     "You're always thinking about food!"
     Over dinner Chris chatted easily with when suddenly a familiar voice interrupted them.
     "Chris, Rita...?" Jillian greeted.
     "Jillian!" Chris returned happily and got up to kiss her on her cheek.
     "Hi Jillian!" Rita joined in. Chris motioned for the waiter to bring another chair and soon the three of them sat together and began talking. Rita felt slightly awkward and out of place but neither Chris nor Jillian noticed. It wasn't long until Rita was barely part of the conversation. Uncomfortable Rita rose from her seat.
     "Listen Sam, I'm tired and I should get going..." Rita interrupted the conversing Jillian and Chris.
     "Oh Rita, I'm sorry! You don't have to leave because of me." Jillian said apologetically when she really felt like cheering.
     "No really, I AM tired and since I'm backed to work tomorrow I should get some rest." Rita replied irritated by Jillian's tone. She turned to leave, but Chris got up and touched her arm.
     "Wait Sam, you don't have your car! I'll take you home. Give me a few minutes with Jillian and I'll meet you in the parking lot."
     Reluctantly Rita agreed and slowly made her way outside. She didn't want to get in the way of Chris and Jillian and she knew Jillain was a little jealous of her friendship with Chris. In fact all of Chris's girlfriends had been jealous of Rita!
     Meanwhile inside the restaurant Jillian was not too happy. Every time she and Chris made plans, Rita somehow got in the way. She knew that Rita herself didn't mean to do anything intentionally but still, it was infuriating that Chris paid so much damned attention to his Sam!
     "Damn it Chris, you didn't have to agree to leave so quickly. You are at Rita's beck and call!" Jillian said angrily.
     "Oh come off it Jillian, did you forget that I was with Rita here to begin with?" Chris reasoned.
     "How could I? It's always Rita. Why don't you just admit for once that you want to be with Rita? Huh? Why? Why can't you just say it?"
     "Because I don't want to be with Rita, I want to be with you! Why the hell do you think I'm going to Boston with you? I'm shifting my whole life over for you. That should prove to you how much I care about you!"
     Jillian softened at Chris's comment and asked more quietly,
     "What did Rita say about you leaving Palm Beach?"
     Chris looked away from Jillian and once again she became angry.
     "You haven't told her yet have you! There you go again! If you didn't care so much you would have told Rita weeks ago!"
     "Look Jillian, I'm all Rita has right now. Every important person in her life has walked out or passed away, try and understand how she would feel if her best friend abandoned her too!"
     "I'm sorry Chris, I can't and I probably won't understand until you're actually with me in Boston. If I sound petty and insecure, I think I have reason to be, I don't want to lose you."
     Chris didn't say anything. He left some money on the table and walked away from Jillian. Everything Jillian had said was true. For awhile now he had begun to care about Rita in more than just a friendly way. He had always cared for her, he had always loved her. But despite his feelings Chris had never wanted to act on them in case he ruined their unique friendship and partnership. Then he met Jillian and Rita met Eric. He loved Jillian but deep down he knew that he loved Rita more. Chris knew that he was being unfair to Jillian but once he was in Boston he could begin to let Rita go. Now the only problem was how he was going to tell Rita that he was leaving Palm Beach.
     "Hey Sam! I was wondering if you were ever going to show up!" Rita joked as Chris finally approached the car.
     "Sorry Sam, it's hard for the ladies to part with me!"
     Chris and Rita got into the car and starting heading back to Rita's apartment when Chris decided that he better tell Rita about Boston tonight. "Um Sam, there's something I need to talk to you about." Chris began.
     "Sure what's up?" Rita asked. Chris didn't respond he had to think very carefully about how to approach the subject of him leaving. Instead of continuing towards Rita's apartment he made a turn towards the beach.
     "Uh Chris, you're heading for the beach. This is serious, should I be worried?" Rita asked a little worried already.
     "Rita what I have to tell you is serious but I don't know whether you'll be worried or not."
     At the beach Chris and Rita had left their shoes in the car. They walked close together by the water letting the waves lap over their feet. As they walked in silence Rita wondered why Chris seemed to be afraid to talk to her. She also wondered why all of a sudden she felt an overwhelming sense of love for Chris. Maybe is was just the romantic atmosphere, the beach, the stars, she wasn't sure. What she felt though was much more than the way she had always described to Chris how she cared for him. She quickly reminded herself, Chris and I love each other but were not in love. She buried her feelings again and turned to face Chris to ask him what he wanted to tell her, but Chris spoke first. "You cold Sam?" Rita nodded and he proceeded to take off his jacket. Rita was standing in front of him and he took the jacket and wrapped it around her shoulders. In doing so he had brought Rita closer to him. She looked so beautiful, so vulnerable. He had a sudden urge to kiss her, but as he looked into her eyes and moved in closer toward her face, he suddenly realized what he was doing and stopped himself. But they both continued to stare into to each other eyes, both aware of the intense feelings between them, both too afraid. Once again Rita broke the trance first, turned away and started walking leaving a dazed Chris.
     Rita had walked a few feet away from Chris and sat down against a large log. He moved to join her.
     "Chris, I thought you had something to tell me?" Rita asked.
     "Yeah I do Sam." Chris said softly.
     "Well what is it? Or do I even want to know?"
     "Rita, I don't know how to tell you this. I should have told you a while ago, but there never a right time. I didn't want to burden you. I wanted to tell you that...that I'm..." Chris trailed of unable to tell Rita the truth.
     "What? What Chris you're what?"
     "Nothing, I thought it was important, but now I think I know what to do. I just realized there is only one thing I can do." Chris said seriously.
     "We came to the beach for this! Sam if something is bothering you, you know that you can talk to me! But if you don't want to talk that's okay too...I guess." Rita reminded Chris.
     "Thanks Rita... You know I love you right?"
     "Yeah, I love you too Chris."
     "But we're not IN love." They said together and laughed, pretending that what they just said was the truth.
     Chris and Rita talked the night away and when the sun finally came up they decided to leave and go home to get ready for work. Just when they got into the car Chris's cell rang.
     "Lorenzo! Oh hey Cap!"
     "We've got a DB at North Beach, you need to get down there NOW! Oh and could you call Rita, I've been trying to get a hold of her, where the hell could she be?!"
     "Um Cap, Rita and I are at North Beach right now."
     "WHAT! You two better have a good explanation! You know the rules! No nonsense between you two! You're partners!"
     Chris turned to Rita, "That was Cap."
     "Yeah I could hear...DB here at North Beach." Rita laughed and looked outside and notice the crime scene not too far from were they were.
     "What do you think Sam?" Chris asked Rita after looking at the body.
     "Well it looks like she was at some kind of social ball, she's pretty dressed up. Something we could definitely check out." Rita replied. The women was wearing a long glittery cocktail dress and donned many pieces of expensive looking jewellery.
     "Yeah, well I don't think that it was an attempted robbery cause her purse is here and well the jewellery is obvious." Chris commented.
     "Rita slipped on some gloves and began searching the purse. Inside she found a card, Ryder Bryne: Talent Agent it read along with the number and address of his office. "Hey Sam, check this out," Rita said as she handed the card over to Chris. As Chris read the card Rita found the woman's driver's licences. "Her name is Janelle Conner." Rita said.
     "Hmmm, she might have been a model or and actress working for Ryder Strom, what do you think Sam?" Chris said.
     "Well I'd have to say that I was thinking the same thing." Rita replied.
     After grabbing a quick breakfast Chris and Rita found themselves in the waiting room of Starlight Talent Agency where Ryder Bryne worked. A man in his late thirties appeared before them and greeted them, "Sergeant Lorenzo and Sergeant Lance I presume?" Chris and Rita nodded.
     "I'm Ryder Bryne please let's go into my office." Chris and Rita followed Ryder into his spacious office and took a seat.
     "Mr. Bryne, we understand that you were Janelle Conner's agent. How long did you work with her?" Chris asked.
     "Well Janelle and I had a contract when she first started out. But because she was more interested in a singing career than a modelling career, I recommended her to Ross Cromwell who is more familiar with the music industry," Ryder explained.
     "Does Mr. Cromwell work for Starlight?" Rita asked.
     "Yes, and he had been Janelle's agent for two years up until now. It's a shame about Janelle, she was just about to sign with a major record company."
     Chris and Rita eyed each other and began to get up.
     "Well, Mr. Bryne, thank for your time, you've been very helpful." Chris said shaking Ryder's hand.
     "Oh you're welcome and please come me Ryder in the future if you should have further questions."
     Rita and Chris left the office. They didn't want to question Cromwell yet because they were cooking up an undercover scheme.
     "Hey Sam, can you sing?" Chris asked Rita.
     "You don't mean...?" Rita incredulously with her eyes wide opened.
     "I mean that exactly. You could go in as an aspiring singer. That way you can get the scoop on Cromwell and all the inside people we wouldn't be able to get to as cops." Chris concocted giving Rita a mischievous Lorenzo grin.
     "Well Sam, if I'm going in as a singer then I'm not going in alone...how well can you sing Chris?" Rita laughed.
     "No WAY! Rita, I'll do anything but that. I've had enough singing to last a lifetime!" Chris said.
     "What? I've never heard you sing, what are you talking about?" Rita was very curious.
     "Well when I was little Anna thought I was a musical genius. She enrolled me in this music academy for awhile. I hated it. Singing was okay, but you know me, I can stand being controlled."
     "So you quit right?"
     "Yep."
     "This is perfect, we could go in as a duo trying to make it big. At least one of us can sing!" Rita said excitedly.
     "Did you hear me Rita? I said NO!"
     "Come on Chris...it'll be fun sort of." Rita begged putting on her most persuasive smile.
     "Oh all right! You got me Sam, now stop looking at me that way!"
     "What way?" Rita said innocently.
     "As if you didn't know. Anyway we should let Cap know besides he's still waiting for us to arrive so he can lecture us!"
     As soon as Chris and Rita walked through door Harry spotted them and shouted, "Lance! Lorenzo! In my office NOW!" Chris and Rita stifled a giggle as they bravely entered their Captain's office.
     "What's up Cap?" Chris asked cheerfully.
     "I'm not taking any of your crap Lorenzo! Now why the hell were you two at North Beach together at 4:30am? Or maybe I don't even have to ask!"
     "Look Cap, Rita was pretty upset and she needed some air. I took her to the beach so we could talk and we just ended up talking a lot longer than we expected to." Chris explained.
     "I don't believe this! Rita what to you have to say for yourself? I give you a couple of days off and now you're hanging with Lorenzo at the beach in the early hours of the morning. Let's hear your story. Why were you and Lorenzo together at North Beach?" Harry shouted.
     "Cap. It's like what Chris said. I was pretty depressed and I needed someone to talk to and you know Chris and I are best friends. Honest, all we did was talk, we know the rules, no physical stuff between partners." Rita smiled.
     "Okay you two, I'm going to let this one go. But if either of you does anything, I mean any little thing that might hint to me that there some hanky panky going on between the two of you then you know what the consequences are!" Harry warned.
     "Yes Cap." Chris and Rita answered.
     "All right now get out of my office!"
     "Don't you want to know what we have planned for the Conner case?" Chris mentioned to Harry.
     "Oh right, get back in here then and sit down."
     "Okay, Rita and I want to go in as an aspiring singing duo. We think there might have been something dirty going on at Starlight."
     "Yeah and we can easily get in through Ryder Bryne." Rita added.
     "All right, do whatever you have to do. NOW get out!" Harry said grumpily.
     Chris and Rita walked out trying hard not to laugh. "Hanky Panky?" Rita giggled.
     "I know!" Chris grinned.
     Later that day after going over detailed plans for their cover, Chris and Rita decided to make it a day.
     "So Sam, your place or mine?" Chris asked.
     "Dinner? Um, you decide." Rita replied absent-minded. Chris was about to say his place when he remembered that it was a mess from packing and he still hadn't told Rita about Boston yet.
     "How about your place? We can pick something up on our way."
     "Sure whatever you want Sam."
     Rita was hesitant about dinner with Chris after last night. However like always she and Chris somehow managed to get over any sentimental moments without looking back. Though lately she did look back. She found herself fantasising about ever moment she and Chris shared during a few somewhat awkward undercover cases, especially the Soul Search and of course the Soul Kiss. She looked over at Chris who seemed to be a million miles away. Something was up she knew, only she had a dreadful feeling that it was something she would rather not know.
     "Chris?"
     "Rita?"
     "Is everything ok with us?" Rita asked.
     "What do you mean?"
     "I feel like something is about to happen?"
     "Well yeah, we're about to make our way to stardom as the singing duo Sam and Sam!" Chris joked.
     "No I mean, I just feel like we're drifting away from each other...as friends. I've known you for so long and..." Rita trailed off as Chris put his finger on Rita's lips.
     "Sssh...Sam, We'll always be friends no matter what happens. I'm not going to let anything come between our friendship." said Chris feeling extremely guilty for lying to Rita.
     "Sometimes I get really scared Sam. Everyone that I ever cared about has left me, my parents, my foster parents. If I lost my best friend too I'm not sure I would be so strong!"
     Just then, Chris's phone rang interrupting their conversation.
     "Lorenzo," Chris answered
     "It's Jillian, could you come over? It's really important.
     If it wasn't I wouldn't ask."
     "Is everything all right?" Chris asked worried and concerned.
     "Just come over Chris!"
     Jillian hung up and Chris turned to Rita.
     "That was Jillian."
     "What's wrong?" Rita asked.
     "I'm not sure, but I have to go. Get some rest Sam and we'll get our show on the road tomorrow!"
     Rita smiled as Chris left. Normally it wouldn't have bothered her if Chris had to leave early, but somehow the thought of him running to Jillian bothered her a lot more this time. Rita began to clear away the left over food when someone knocked at her door. Thinking that Chris might have left something behind she yelled from the kitchen, "I'll be right there Sam!" But when she opened the door she was surprised to see Jillian standing there!
     "Jillian!? Chris just left. I thought?"
     "Yeah I did phone Chris. I thought that it was about time you and I had a talk. You know, woman to woman." Jillian said icily.
     Rita let Jillian in and they sat down.
     "Rita, has Chris told you about my new job opportunity in Boston?"
     "What? Boston, no. I don't understand. Do you mean that you're leaving Palm Beach. But what about Chris?" Rita asked frantically. She was beginning to figure out where the conversation was heading and she didn't like the destination.
     "Exactly what I thought you would say. What about Chris? Chris is coming with me."
     "What? Are you joking, Chris would have told me!? He wouldn't make such a huge decision without telling me!" Rita said enraged.
     "Rita I'm sorry. I know how much Chris means to you, but really, the two of us have to start fresh." Jillian consoled.
     Rita looked at Jillian in amazement. Chris leaving? Suddenly she realized what Chris was going to tell her last night.
     "Rita?"
     "Look, I know Chris wanted to tell me last night, but something stopped him. Anyway I think it's better he doesn't know that you told me, it's not what he would have wanted." Rita said quietly.
     "Jillian nodded and walked to the door. She turned around and sincerely said, "I'm sorry Rita." Then she walked away.
     As soon as Jillian left, Rita started crying. What was she going to do without Chris? He was her partner, her best friend and she was in love with him. She finally admitted it to herself, but now it was too late. He was in love with Jillian and he was going spend the rest of his life with her! Rita picked up a picture of Chris and herself. She traced her finger along Chris's face as her tears trickled on the glass and she said aloud, "Sam, you can't leave me...I love you!"
—————
     The next morning after showering and having a small breakfast, Rita went to meet Chris. She promised herself that she wouldn't let Chris know that she knew about Boston. They were going undercover and the last thing they needed to do was bring up any personal problems. She had to be brave and professional, pretend that none of this affected her. Rita took a big breath before she drove to Chris's loft to pick him up.
     "Are you ready Sam?" Chris greeted.
     "Uh huh, I can't believe we're doing this!
     "I know! You can sing right?" Chris teased.
     "Seriously, I can read music and like most people I sing in the shower!"
     They arrived at Starlight once again where Ryder Bryne met them in the office.
     "Okay, the meeting is all set if you are." Ryder said.
     "Thank you so much for co-operating with us." Rita said gratefully.
     "If it will help the investigation then I don't see why this is problem. I would like to see who would do this to such a talented woman."
     They walked upstairs and Ryder knocked on Cromwell's door.
     "Ross, it's Ryder with your new clients."
     "Come in."
     Ryder mouthed good luck to Chris and Rita as they entered the office.
     "Chris, Rita, come on in and take a seat. Ryder gave me your profile and I must say that I'm truly impressed!" Cromwell exclaimed.
     "Thank you Mr. Cromwell." Chris and Rita said in unison.
     "Oh please call me Ross, " he said looking directly at Rita and ignoring Chris.
     "Okay then, Ross, let's just get to the point. Chris and I, we're ready for our big break and we want you to manage us." Rita said.
     "Whoa, I like I woman who knows what she wants. Now what about you?" Ross said to Chris winking.
     "Rita and I agree with everything." Chris replied giving Ross a "don't even think about touching her look."
     "Well then shall we go to the studio so you two big shots and give me a demonstration of your talent?" Chris shrugged and said, "Lead on!"
     In the studio they were greeted by Jeff Roberts, the sound recording technician.
     "I'm going to leave you two with Jeff here. He'll show you what to do and when you're done your demo cut then we can talk business."
     Chris and Rita nodded and followed Jeff.
     "Okay, since you two are a duo, I've got a duet picked out for you. Now Rita, you go into room one and Chris in room two. Through the earphones you will hear the music and each other's voice. Just follow your cues in the music. I'm sure you know what to do!" Jeff smiled.
     Chris and Rita went nervously to their respective rooms. They could see each other through the clear glass. They smiled encouragingly at one another and looked over the music. They got the cue from Jeff and the music began.
     Chris: Standing in our silence, I hear my heart beating. And if only I could choose, I'd stay here with you but hold me till the train is leaving.
     Even though they were not Chris's words, he felt that they were from his heart and he couldn't help but look at Rita intensely. She felt his eyes and she stared back as she began at her cue.
     Rita: Somewhere down the line, after you're gone from sight. Our love will be the same, and whispering your name, I'll cling to you with all my might. Let me dream...
     Chris: That it's true... Rita: Of you... Chris: Love will be there... Rita: And wake me up... Chris and Rita: When this is over. And somewhere, far beyond today, I will find a way to find you. And somehow, through the lonely nights, I will lead a light in the dark... Chris: Let it lead you to my heart
     Singing this song gave Rita so much hope. Was it possible that Chris might love her too? Was it not too late for them? But then she remembered Jillian and her hope disappeared, but she still sang with the same intense emotion.
     Chris: There's a love inside us... Rita: Deep down Chris: That goes without saying. Rita: Don't say a word Chris: But I'll tell you just the same Chris and Rita: That love will fan the flame, that flame will warm the heart that's waiting. Rita: You're mine, Chris: You are mine. Rita: And I'll wait for you my life, Chris: It may take some time. Rita: Even if it takes a life time. Chris: Tell me that you'll wait!
     Chris and Rita: Somewhere far beyond today, I will find a way to find you. And somehow through the lonely nights I will lead a light in the dark. Rita: Somewhere, Chris: Somewhere alone, Rita: I will be praying, Chris: Bringing me home, Rita: I know that somehow our love, Chris and Rita: Our love will lead me to your arms. And Somewhere, far beyond today, I will find a way to find you. And somehow through the lonely nights I will lead a light in the dark... Chris: Let it lead you to my heart. Rita: Let it lead you to my heart. Chris and Rita: Let it lead you to my heart.
     When the music ended, both Chris and Rita stood and stared at one another, both wondering what the other felt. But they were quickly interuppted by Jeff.
     "Wow, Chris, Rita that was intense. You compliment each other very well. Shall we take it back to Cromwell?"
     They agreed. Cromwell listened to the demo tape and was quite surprised.
     "You sing it like you mean it!?" He said in obvious shock at the emotion that could be evoked from their voices. "This is good, the media always goes for the fairy-tale romance!"
     "We're not..." Chris began.
     "...In love." Rita finished.
     "Like hell you're not! But have it you're way. I just thought it might help your ratings. Now, how about business over dinner?"
     "Only if you're paying." Chris said.
     " All right then, Montgomery's seven sharp, don't be late." Cromwell ordered.
     Cromwell left Chris and Rita and the two decided that now was the time to start questioning people discreetly. Rita wanted to go back and talk to Jeff while Chris decided to see if reception could provide any information. After the recording session, Rita was afraid she couldn't hide her feelings as well as usual and taking a break from Chris would be good for her. The words of the song had hit home. To her, it meant everything because it was how she loved Chris. She couldn't love anyone else and she would wait for Chris even if it meant that she would die alone.
     Meanwhile Chris sauntered back to the entrance of Starlight. The recording session had left him more confused than ever. He felt like the song was written for him and if this was true than maybe he did have a chance with Rita after all. But then again Rita had always dismissed him by walking away and not giving him a chance to say anything, perhaps she didn't want to hear it. Maybe she knew that he loved her but didn't feel the same and avoided him as not to hurt him. Yes, he was making the right decision by going to Boston with Jillian. After all she had helped him through a critical part of his life and he did love her. If he could leave and start over, forget Rita, then he could devote himself to Jillian. Chris stopped his trail of thoughts and approached the reception area.
     "Hi, I was wondering if you could help me out." he greeted the pretty receptionist.
     "Well I'll try, it depends on what you want." She replied cheerfully.
     "I was wondering if I could get a list of people that Janelle Conner worked with. I'm sort of putting together a project in her memory." Chris said.
     "Well, I know that Mr. Cromwell was her agent, and I think anybody who worked for Cromwell, worked with Janelle. I don't really know who's who around here. I just answer calls and direct people."
     "Thanks." Chris said and hurried back upstairs to meet Rita. At least they knew that there was a "concentrated" group of suspects, not counting personal relationships. They would just have to somehow squeeze the information from Cromwell over dinner. Hopefully Rita would have more luck with Jeff upstairs.
     Back upstairs, Rita was talking to Jeff. He seemed genuine and willing to answer her questions.
     "You know Rita, you and Chris have a great chemistry together. You could really make it big." Jeff complimented.
     "Yeah, what about Janelle Conner? I hear that she was very talented, it's a shame that she had to die so brutally." Rita said discreetly bringing up the case subject.
     "Yes she was, unfortunately she lived pretty frivolously. Dangerously too." Jeff said sadly shaking his head.
     "What do you mean by that?"
     "Well, not to speak ill of the dead, but she was known for getting around here if you know what I mean."
     "Oh, so she had her way of paying back what she owed to Starlight?"
     Jeff nodded and chuckled, "Let's just say she and Cromwell did not have a very platonic relationship!"
     "Did she have a lot of enemies here?"
     "Well. she wasn't exactly well liked by everyone. Even she and Cromwell had it out several times. She wanted to get a new agent, but he threatened her career if she dared to break their contract. One person she did get along with was Amanda Marcel. They were really close. You should try talking to her if you want to know more about Janelle. Why are you so interested anyway?" Jeff said a little suspiciously.
     "Well I just thought it's such a shame that a talented person like Janelle Conner had to die while her career was just about to hit big time." Rita remarked. "Anyway thanks for letting me in on what you know, I've got to find Chris!" With that, Rita left Jeff behind. While turning a corner in the hallway she bumped into Chris.
     "Sam!" They said in unison. They laughed and began to make their way out of the building.
     "So what did you find out?" Chris asked Rita in the elevator.
     "Quite a bit. It seems that Miss Conner had a not so conventional way of paying Ross Cromwell. Word is that she got around Starlight. Favour for a favour you know." Rita said dryly.
     "Yeah, I do know. So do you think it's Cromwell?" Chris asked.
     "I don't know." Rita began quietly as they exited the elevator. "Jeff did mention that there were some problems between Janelle and Cromwell, but he also said that she wasn't exactly a well-liked person around here. Oh, but he did suggest talking to Amanda Marcel if I wanted more details. Apparently they were real tight." Rita explained.
     "Wow, I didn't get much. Only the fact that all of Cromwell's people worked with Conner. Oh I did notice a memo on the desk about a reception being held tonight for the launching of Conner's first record. Someone else will be raking in the money. What does that tell you?!" Chris said while they walked outside.
     "That we just might have discovered the motive for Conner's murder." Rita smiled and then added, "Oh and that we better hit our closets for something suitable to wear for high society!"
     "Exactly! We could go straight after dinner." Chris added.
     Later that day Rita was back at her apartment getting ready for the evening. She had found the perfect gown in the back of her closet. She had bought it a few years back while still in the Academy. A girlfriend had insisted that she might need a nice evening dress someday! It was a simple black sleeveless dress that had carefully embroidered patterns of the same colour along the scoop neck and a light, airy chiffon skirt that flared to her ankles. After putting on some finishing touches, Rita heard the doorbell. She hurried downstairs to meet Chris. Chris couldn't help but stare at Rita when she opened the door. She looked so beautiful. Her hair was swept and a few tendrils framed her face. To Chris she was like a sweet, elusive angel who had stolen his heart forever.
     "Hey Sam!" She greeted, "You look great!" Rita said to Chris who looked very handsome in a nice white dinner jacket.
     "Sammy, you look fantastic!" Chris said in return as he produced a beautiful corsage for Rita.
     "Chris! This is beautiful, but you really didn't have to!" Rita exclaimed.
     "Well, a thank you from you will do."
     "Thanks Sam."
     With that Chris took Rita's arm and they walked to the limousine that awaited for them. Rita stared at Chris.
     "Sam, uh how on earth did you arrange this?" Rita asked.
     "Oh, you'll see, Rita, you'll see." Chris replied mischievously.
     When Rita saw the driver, she did see...it was Cotton Dunn!
     "Well, well Rita, might I say that you do look fine tonight!" Cotton greeted.
     "I won't even ask for an explanation!" Rita gestured at the limousine.
     "Don't worry Rita, I don't know what's going on. For once I am just doing my job!" Cotton grinned.
     "He really doesn't know anything Sammy." Chris added.
     "Uh, huh. I'm sure. Let's just get going, remember, Cromwell said not to be late!"
     They arrived at Montgomery's a high class, expensive restaurant that neither Chris nor Rita would have normally dined. They were immediately shown to their table where Ross Cromwell greeted them.
     "Chris, Rita! Have a seat, glad you could make it!" he greeted.
     "Listen Ross, Chris and I would really like to attend the reception being held tonight." Rita began sweetly.
     "By the looks of it, you weren't going to take no for an answer looking approvingly at Chris and Rita's attire. No problem, you could even make your debut! Yeah, I think this will work!" Ross said enthusiastically.
     "Look, we're not about to give a free concert." Chris returned.
     "Listen you two, if you want to make it big with me, then you gotta play by my rules. When you start at the bottom, you have to make a few sacrifices. I don't care if you have all the money in the world, and by the looks of it, you do. If you want me to manage you gotta let the attitude go!" Ross answered agitated.
     "Fine. Ross, you want us to sing tonight we will. But I want to make sure that you understand this...we want to be managed, not controlled." Rita retorted back.
     "If you don't watch it Rita, you just might end up like Janelle Conner. Look at where the bitchy attitude got her."
     "Are you threatening me?" Rita arched her brows.
     Ross snorted and replied, "Just lose the attitude honey!"
     Honey! Rita thought, what a male chauvinistic pig! She didn't want to make a scene so she clamped her lips together and prayed she could get through the evening without punching Ross Cromwell out. It was slowly coming together for her. Cromwell being the possessive agent he was, must have been devastated to find out that Janelle was about to sign with a major record label. It would mean he couldn't cut into the profits as Janelle's agent. So instead of allow her to leave, he killed her off, knowing that he had the rights to Conner's material. He could still make a substantial amount of money with her finished work. Unfortunately, they still needed to call in to find out the results of the autopsy report. A weapon had not been used and there were no signs of bruises around her neck , so it wasn't strangulation. Rita made a mental note to check out Cromwell's office for any kind of substance that could be questionable. But for now they had to keep their cover until they had enough evidence against Cromwell. She turned her attention back to the two men.
     "Chris, Rita, before you go to the reception, why don't you stop by Starlight and pick up the music. I left a good number in your profile in the recording studio. I think the crowd will love it! Oh and I drew up some papers this afternoon, you can look over them tomorrow." Ross ordered as he handed a key to Chris.
     "Sure thing. Listen, thanks for dinner. Rita and I have a few things to do, so we'll see you at the reception." Chris answered. The got up and left the restaurant. Rita looked around the entrance for Cotton, but she couldn't see him anywhere. She was about to say something when Chris took her arm and led her to a dark street.
     "Chris?!" Rita said in a whisper, "What are we doing here?"
     "I told Cotton to park my car here. I thought we should keep a low profile if we want to search Cromwell's office." Chris explained.
     "So I guess you were thinking what I was thinking over dinner." Rita said.
     "Yeah, I think so. So far Cromwell is the only suspect in my mind."
     Chris and Rita arrived at Starlight. They used their key and walked inside. They quickly went upstairs and picked up what they needed. Then they proceeded towards Cromwell's office.
     "Try the key." Rita said.
     "No use." Chris replied when the lock wouldn't budge. But it didn't take them very long to find a way inside. Rita produced a tiny flashlight form her purse and began to carefully search the room. She opened a desk drawer and began rifling through it's contents. Mostly papers, however she reach further where she couldn't see and felt a bottle. She pulled it out and saw that it was sleeping pills. The prescription had been made out two days before Janelle Conner's murder and it was already more than half empty. "Chris, check this out." Rita said as she handed the bottle to Chris. He grinned and said, "I think it's time to get back to Cromwell, what do you think?"
     "Let's go!"
     Chris and Rita quickly got back to the car and drove toward the reception. It was being held at Cromwell's mansion and when they arrived, they couldn't help but be in awe of the glitter and glamour of the high society party. Before going in, they carefully planned what to do and hoped that things would go smoothly. Linking arms they walked inside the main hall where Cromwell waved to them from his circle of friends. They moved over to join him.
     "Chris, Rita, I'd like you to meet my assistant, Amanda." Cromwell introduced. They returned the greeting and as Chris began to talk to Cromwell about "business" , Rita turned to Amanda.
     "I hear that you were very close with Janelle, I'm sorry for your loss." Rita said.
     "Yes, she and I shared everything." Amanda said painfully.
     Rita couldn't help but notice how the woman put emphasis on the word everything while she glanced at her boss. More daringly, Rita commented, "Everything? As in profits too?"
     Amanda laughed nervously and said, "Oh no, I just meant we confided to each other."
     Rita decided not to push excused herself and went to the bathroom to make a phone call to the lab. She got the results they needed, the sleeping pills were used in the Conner case. Now all she had to do was go back to Chris and they could end this thing without having to sing tonight! She made her way back to Chris and gave him a slight nod. He knew that it meant that the results had been confirmed so he changed his conversation with Cromwell.
     "Ross, I wanted to know who initiated the completion of Janelle's record? It's such a shame that she won't be able to cut in on her own work." Chris asked.
     "Well, unfortunate as it is, Janelle was taken away before she could really appreciate her success as a singer. However, like you and Rita will be doing, Janelle signed a contract giving me all rights to her work if anything should happen to her. I only hope that this record in tribute to her will some how make up a little for the tragic ending of her life."
     "Mr. Ross Cromwell you are under arrest for the murder of Janelle Conner. You have the right to remain silent...." Chris announced as many heads turned and stared in their direction.
     "What the hell is going on here? I don't understand." Cromwell shouted in confusion.
     "Let me remind you," Rita began, "You were Janelle's agent and being so meant that you took a certain share of her profits. However Janelle was about to sign on with a major record label which meant that you wouldn't be able to make money off of her any longer. Rather than seeing another person make a substantial amount of money you decided to get rid of Janelle with these." Rita produced the pills. "With Janelle gone, then you would have money in your..." Rita was unable to finished the sentence because she felt a hard object hit her head and the next thing she knew, Chris was drawing his gun as she fell to the ground.
     When Rita woke up again she was lying in the hospital. Her head felt like lead weights and when she tried to sit up the room spun around her. She groaned as she lay back. Chris who was sleeping on the chair beside her bed, woke when her heard Rita stir. He moved his chair closer so his face was near Rita's.
     "Hey Sam, welcome back, you had me worried for awhile." Chris greeted.
     "What happened, why am I here, what happened with Cromwell?" Rita asked anxiously.
     "Well Rita, believe it or not, it turns out that Cromwell didn't kill Janelle. It was Amanda, his assistant." Chris began.
     "WHAT? Oh, my head!" Rita groaned again.
     "Calm down Rita, I'll explain everything to you. While you were talking Amanda knocked you out and began screaming and confessing to the murder. Apparently she and Cromwell were in a relationship for three years and then Janelle came along. She knew that they were involved with each other. They had both betrayed her and she wanted to seek revenge on the two people she loved the most." Chris explained.
     "But why did she back out the last minute. We really thought it was Cromwell, I mean all the evidence pointed to him. She would have got away with it." Rita asked curiously.
     "She said she loved Cromwell so much so didn't want to hurt him that way." Chris laughed.
     Rita rolled her eyes heavenward and sighed, " Ahh, the things people do for love!"
     For a awhile they remained silent and then Chris began to speak again.
     "I think Rita, that we all spend too much time searching for love when it's right there in our faces all the time." He said seriously.
     "I guess. You know how it is, once you stop looking then love enters your life unexpectedly. Maybe you can't find love, love finds you." Rita replied sleepily. She closed her eyes for a second just to rest but she fell asleep. Chris reached to pull her blankets over her. He smiled as he watched her sleep for a few minutes. Then making sure Rita was really sleeping Chris leaned over to kiss Rita on her forehead and he whispered, "I love you Rita." He turned to leave the room and saw Jillian standing at the doorway. She had seen and heard Chris. Crying, she turned backed outside in the hall way. Not knowing what he was doing or going to say, Chris joined her.
     "Jillian, I don't know how to explain this..." Chris said awkwardly.
     "There really isn't anything to explain. You need to be with Rita. I can't make you go to Boston with me if you're going to leave your heart behind. You've always loved Rita, I've known this all the time. I was just a fool to believe that I could make you love me."
     "I do love you."
     "But not enough."
     I never meant to hurt you."
     "And I never meant to fall in love with you." With that, Jillian reached over to kiss Chris one last time before she walked away from his life forever. "I love you Chris, but I can never make you happy. I want you to be happy and because I love you so much, I'm letting you go." She touched his face lightly with the back of hand to wipe away his guilty tears. Without another word she turned and walked away leaving Chris with the most wonderful gift he had ever been given, a chance to be with Rita.
     The next morning Rita was all ready to be discharged. She couldn't wait to get home so she could relax. She was still wearing her evening dress from the night before and on top she wore Chris's dinner jacket. While she was waiting for the nurse to bring her the discharge papers, Rita stuck her hands in the jacket pockets. She frowned when she pulled on the contents, it was a letter addressed to her in Chris's writing.
     Dear Rita,
     I wanted to tell you this in person, but I just didn't have the courage. For a month now I've been busy packing and sorting things out with Jillian. She got a job offer in Boston and I'm going with her. Choosing whether to go or not has been the hardest choice I've ever had to make. Even though I have chosen to go with Jillian to Boston, there is still a possibility that I might stay. There is only one reason why I would stay and the reason is you Rita. I love you Rita, I've known this for a long time. Even if I go to Boston, one part of me will always remain here with you--My heart.
     Please Rita, if you feel the same way tell me. It you don't want me to go, say so. You're the one thing in my life that I don't want to leave behind.
     Love Always,
     Chris
     As Rita finished reading the letter, her hand started trembling and her heart raced. Chris did love her! As she shoved the letter back into the pocket a slip of paper fell out, it had Chris's departure date and time written on it. According to the paper, Chris was leaving Palm Beach today in one hour. Frantic, Rita rushed out to find a nurse so she could sign out of the hospital. After signing out she called a cab. She had to get to the airport to tell Chris that she loved him too. She couldn't let him walk away from her life, she needed him too much. As she waited for the cab, Rita paced back and forth thinking about what to say when she saw Chris, but her thoughts were all mixed up, she was too excited.
     Thirty minutes later Rita arrived at the airport. She kept an eye out for Chris as she checked which terminal he would be waiting in. Rita hurried to the terminal, it was all the way on the other side of the airport. When she reached the waiting area she scanned around for Chris, but he was nowhere to be seen. Where are you Chris? Rita thought anxiously. After a few minutes of searching Rita couldn't find him and she began to cry. After all this time she had tried to hide her feelings for Chris because she thought he didn't feel the same way. Now that she knew that he loved her too, it was too late. Chris must have boarded the plane earlier with Jillian. Rita waited until the plane took off before she left. From the window, she watched the plane disappear into the clouds. "Good-bye Chris, I'll love you forever." She said in a barely audible whisper.
     Meanwhile Chris was at Rita's apartment waiting for her to come home. He had prepared a nice breakfast for her and he had a lot to tell her. He was getting a little worried when he heard Rita come through the door. Wanting to surprise her, Chris didn't walk out of the kitchen to greet her, instead he waiting. Rita had gone straight upstairs. After twenty minutes of waiting and her breakfast getting cold, Chris quietly walked upstairs to make sure Rita was okay. Outside of her room, Chris heard Rita crying uncontrollably. He looked inside and saw her curled up on her bed facing away from him. "Rita?" he said slowly. Rita look up and saw Chris standing at her doorway.
     "Chris!? But I thought...Why are you still here?" Rita asked through her tears in confusion.
     "What do you mean? Why are you crying?" Chris asked just as confused.
     "Oh, Chris I do love you. I wanted to tell you. I thought that you had left without me having a chance to tell you how I felt!" Rita sobbed. Chris went over and held Rita close to him.
     "I love you Rita. I couldn't leave. After all these years, I couldn't walk away." Chris said while he stroked Rita's hair. He held her tight because he was afraid that he was dreaming and Rita clung onto him, afraid she would fall if she let him go.
     "I wanted to tell you so many times, but something always stopped me." Chris said softly.
     "Me too." Rita answered, "Me too."
     They didn't say anything else. They knew there would be a lot to talk about and a lot to work through, but after years of built up feelings, they just needed to be together in a peaceful silence. So they held each other and spoke through their hearts knowing that finally after a long search, love had brought them together.

The End

Watch for my next story which will deal more with Chris and Rita's new relationship.

Disclaimer: The characters, Chris, Lorenzo, Rita Lance, Harry and Jillian all belong to Stephen J. Cannell, and USA Productions. No infringement intended. I wrote this for the pure fun of it. Also note that the song "Somewhere, Somehow" is performed by Michael W. Smith and Amy Grant from Michael W. Smith's CD "Change the World" I can't remember who wrote it, or any dates.