The King's ale House / Introducing Aubrey
It was a particularly brutally cold January night. Mac Taylor and his girlfriend Aubrey Hunter were standing outside one of Mac and his friend's preferito bars, The King's ale House. Mac had met the young women at a deli that he had been going to in New York for ten years.
Aubrey had been in the Air Force Reserves as a doctor. She had just gotten back form a tour in Afghanistan the anno before she and Mac met. After she gotten out of the Reserves Aubrey had taken up a job at an local hospital as an ER doctor.
Mac had told Aubrey about Ella and what she had done to him a week into their relationship. It was extremely difficult for him but with Aubrey's support Mac was able to get his story out. After the two had made Amore for the first time. It brought them extremely closer as a result.
Aubrey squeezed Mac's hand for support. She whispered “I'm okay, I just need a second” Mac sighed he turned to her and detto “Bree it's gonna be fine really ”
Aubrey gave him an uncertain look she replied “Are te sure te want to tell your Friends about us? I mean I know how much te value your personal life. And I keep thinking what if they don-”
Mac cut Aubrey off with a soft kiss. He took her face between his hands and looked at her lovingly.
Aubrey relaxed a little. Mac then detto “Listen we have been together now for six months. I'm ready for my Friends at the lab to know. Aubrey I Amore te and since I do I know they will too.”
Aubrey smiled and replied warmly “I Amore you. I'm sorry I have been recitazione so crazy it's just I really want your Friends to like me. It's important to me that they do.”
Mac kissed Aubrey again. He then replied “Well te can stop worrying because they will. Come on let's go inside. I'm freezing!” Aubrey grinned reassured da Mac's words.
She then kissed him deep and sweet on the lips and detto confidently “I am defiantly ready now.” Mac smiled “I'm glad, Bree.”
Holding hands Aubrey and Mac then walked inside. The team were all waiting seated at the bar, Flack, Hawkes, Sid, Danny and Lindsay, Adam and their newest member Jo Danville.
Mac stepped behind Aubrey so he could take her cappotto off for her. Aubrey in turn shrugged out of it.
The King's ale was a warm and inviting bar much più so then most of the bars in the city. For Mac he felt extremely at peace whenever he stepped inside it.
Mac then placed Aubrey's cappotto on the hanger near the door he then did the same with his.
Lacing hands again Mac and Aubrey then made their way to the bar where his team waited. Mac broke into a smile. He pulled a sgabello out for Aubrey successivo to Jo. Before she sat down Mac once again slid his right hand through hers and turned Aubrey to his seven friends.
Beaming Mac detto “Everyone this is my girlfriend, Aubrey Hunter.”
Aubrey smiled and replied warmly “Hello, everyone.”
Hawkes was the first to speak he slid off his sgabello extended his right hand and detto invitingly “Hey I'm Sheldon, but almost everyone calls me Hawkes. Nice to meet te Aubrey.”
Aubrey shook Hawkes's hand and detto “Nice to meet te too Sheldon.” Flack who was seated successivo to Danny got off his
sgabello extended his left hand and detto “Don Flack.”
Aubrey smiled took Flack's hand and replied “Don good to meet you.” Lindsay and Danny then both slid off their stools.
Danny took Aubrey's right hand and detto warmly “Danny Messer nice to meet ya.”
Aubrey nodded and detto “Hello, Danny.”
After Danny released her Lindsay took Aubrey's right hand and replied her voice radiating warmth. “Lindsay Monroe- Messer, it's very nice to meet te Aubrey.”
Aubrey grinned and detto “You too Lindsay.” Sid who was already off of his sgabello smiled and detto “Sid Hammerback good to know te Aubrey.”
Aubrey smiled back at Sid and detto “Sid nice to meet you.”
Jo shook Aubrey's right hand and replied sweetly “Jo Danville a pleasure to meet you.”
Aubrey once again smiled and detto “Jo, how do te do.”
Finally Adam smiled and detto some what awkward “Adam Ross hi how are ya?” Aubrey nodded at him and replied “Adam, nice to meet you.”
Mac then slid his hand into Aubrey's once again that night. He smiled at her and kissed her slightly her cheek.
He sighed and detto “Well now that you've met everyone why don't we have a round?”
Danny clapped his hands together and detto enthusiastically “All right boss now te are talking my language!” Lindsay slapped Danny softly on his chest and replied “Danny!”
Apologies
Mac and Aubrey were back in his apartment and in his bed. Aubrey propped herself up on her elbow and looked at Mac lovingly. She detto “I'm sorry.. again.” Mac smiled and detto “It's okay I understood why te were nervous.”
Aubrey smiled and kissed him. She then detto “I really like your friends. Thanks for talking me into going.” Mac grinned and detto “I'm glad te enjoyed yourself.”
Aubrey sat up fully. She straddled him and they began to kiss. Aubrey then slid off her bra and slipped off her underwear. Mac catching onto Aubrey's mood had already removed his boxers. The two kissed passionately for a few minutes. They then made Amore intensely.
After they had caught their breath Aubrey detto seductively “I had a amazing time tonight Babe. I especially enjoyed what we just did. Care to oblige a repeat?” Mac laughed. He kissed Aubrey soft and slow. Pulling her toward him Mac detto
“I'd Amore too.”
A Unexpected Call
Mac was in his office. He was busy filling out some paper work for the lab when suddenly his office phone rang. Mac picked it up on the first ring and detto “Taylor.”
“Ah Detective Taylor this is Dr. Aaron's I am Ella McBride's psychiatrist at the West View Institution. I would like to inform te that she is being released today.”
Mac felt himself freeze and his stomach drop. He took a deep breath and sputtered out “W- why is she being released? I thought she was never going to be released and that she could never be rehabilitated?”
Dr. Aaron's replied “Well she has responded greatly to the medication she was dato here. She is going to be staying indefinitely with her wealthy Aunt in Michigan.”
Mac felt himself reeling even more. He just couldn't believe he was having this conversation.
Mac took another deep breath and asked “Why are te telling me this. Is she still a danger to me?”
Dr. Aaron's detto “Well no, but she has been thinking and saying that she wants to sue you.” Mac felt his mouth drop open.
Once he had composed himself he detto in disbelief “Why?”
Dr. Aaron's replied “Well she believes that te slandered her good name. te see even through she is on medication and admitted to everything she did to you. She still believes that te need to be punished.”
Mac detto angry now “I thought te detto she wasn't a danger to me?”
Dr. Aaron's detto “Yes but what I meant that she wasn't a physical danger to you.”
Dr. Aaron's detto apologetic “Detective Taylor I am very sorry. I didn't mean to upset you. Even through I shouldn't be doing this I thought it would only be fair that I warn you.”
Mac softened a little and replied “I understand Dr. thank you.”
Dr. Aaron's replied “I want to let te know that I will testify on your behalf when and if this goes to court. te have not slandered Ella socially o mentally and I can prove it.”
Mac replied warmly “Thanks Doc I appreciate that I do. I'll let te know okay?” Dr. Aaron's detto “I'll speak to te then. I sincerely hope it doesn't come to that.” Mac replied gravely “I'm afraid with Ella it will.”
Inevitable
Ella was suing Mac for slander. He still couldn't believe that any decent judge would hear her ridiculous claims. Through he had to admit she was beautiful and very manipulative. Plus Ella was still incredibly wealthy form her book deal and she could afford the best legal team money could buy.
It was the first week into the trial. The past four days the lawyers had asked Mac about how he had gotten involved in Ella's life. Today they were continuing questioning him about the night Ella took him hostage. It was the fifth day.
giorno Of Trial
Mac and Aubrey were just about to go inside the courtroom. Aubrey wrapped her arms around his neck. She leaned her head onto his.
She kissed him softly and detto “Don't worry about anything else. Just keep your thoughts on me okay baby? Don't let her get in your head.” Mac sighed and replied “I will.”
Mac's lawyer was an extremely experienced defense attorney. His name was Walter Anderson. He was in his late sixties and was both serious and compassionate.
Walter chimed in “ Miss Hunter is right Mac don't let Ella o her lawyer get to you.” Mac nodded. Aubrey slid her right hand in Mac's. The three then walked into the courtroom.
Testifying
“So Mr. Taylor after Miss McBride came downstairs form changing did te too have dinner?” Mac took a deep breath and replied “Yes.”
Walter then asked “What did te talk about?” Mac detto “Well we talked about her book mostly.”
Walter then detto “I see. Mr. Taylor did Miss McBride pour te a glass of whine with your dinner?”
Mac sighed and detto “Yes she did.” Walter asked detto “Did the whine taste strange at all to you?”
Mac shook and head and replied “No not at all.” Walter asked “After cena what did te both do?”
Mac replied “I helped her with the dishes.”
Walter then asked “How were te feeling when te were helping her?” Mac took yet another deep breath. He then detto “Woozy and really nauseous before I knew it I passed out.”
Walter asked “Then what?”
Mac leaned back in his seat. He took a very deep breath. After a moment he leaned inoltrare, avanti again.
“I woke up the successivo giorno and I wasn't sure where I was at at first. After I had fully woke up I realized that I was in a bed.”
Walter nodded. He took a breath then prompted “Then what?”
Mac took another deep breath. He looked out onto the gallery. Aubrey was sitting in the middle of the front row. She pushed her hair back with her fingers twice and smiled. On the first giorno of the trial she and Mac had made up a signal system so she could give him nonverbal support while he was testifying. Pushing her hair back twice and smiling meant Don't give up honey. I Amore you.
Buoyed da Aubrey's signal Mac looked Walter straight in the eye and answered
“Well I realized that I was handcuffed. My hands were cuffed to the superiore, in alto letto posts and the it was the same way with my feet. I was only wearing a dress camicia that I had wore the following night. I was completely naked form the waist down and I had a condom on.”
Walter nodded he then asked “And?”
Mac looked out onto the gallery once again. He locked eyes with Aubrey. She twirled her hair once. It was a signal that meant Keep going. Mac took another deep breath. He then detto “I noticed the smell of sex.”
Walter asked “Did te remember having sex with the Defendant?” Mac shook his head unable to answer.
Ella's lawyer barked “Objection, Your Honor Mr. Taylor did not vocalize his answer!”
Judge Wilson detto “Calm down, Mr. Baker .” He then turned to Mac and detto “Please we need to hear te say your answer for the record.” Mac nodded and detto through gritted teeth “No I didn't.”
Walter asked “Did te want to have sex with Miss McBride?”
Mac answered again through gritted teeth “No I didn't.”
Walter then pressed on “After te realized what had gone on between te and the Defendant What was your reaction?”
Mac once again that giorno looked out onto the gallery. Aubrey smiled at him encouragingly Mac took another deep breath. He replied “I was repulsed. Not long after I had realized what had go on I vomited.”
Walter asked “Then what?” Mac detto “Ella came into the room. She was wearing lingerie.”
Walter turned slightly in Ella's direction and asked” What was the Defendant's reaction?”
Mac sighed and detto “She laughed and told me that she had drugged me which. I had already figured out.”
Walter nodded and asked “What did she say she had drugged te with?”
Mac sighed. He took a breath then detto try as he might he couldn't keep the embarrassment and shame out of his voice. “Valium and Viagra.”
Walter nodded again and asked “What did she do then Mr. Taylor?”
Mac once again that giorno took another deep breath. He then answered “She, um-” He stopped mid sentence not knowing if he could continue.
Walter detto soothingly “It's all right Mr. Taylor take your time.”
Mac took a breath and continued “She got on superiore, in alto of me and started to baciare me.”
Walter asked “Did te try and get her off of you?”
Mac detto somewhat angrily “Yes but I was too weak. I just couldn't” Aubrey placed her right hand over her cuore and looked at him with a mixture of sadness and anguish.
Walter detto “Did te ask her why she had done this to you?”
Mac nodded then answered “Yes. She detto that she did it because she wanted too. I offered her my help and asked her to let me go. She detto she didn't want my help and that she wasn't going to let me go.”
Walter prompted “What did she do then?” Mac sighed deeply he looked at Ella. She blew him a baciare and waved smugly.
Mac felt like throwing up his stomach churned queasily. Walter caught Ella's action. He detto outraged “ Objection, Your Honor!”
Judge Wilson looked at Ella's lawyer and detto reprovingly “Control your client Mr. Baker!”
Mr. Baker detto “Apologies Your Honor.”
Judge Wilson then detto to Walter “Proceed Mr. Anderson.”
Walter replied “Thank te Your Honor.”
Walter then asked “What did the Defendant do then?”
Mac replied sickeningly “She punched me in the stomach and continued to baciare me.” Walter nodded “She would do this periodically o non stop?”
Mac leaned back in his seat. He sighed then detto “I'm not sure the whole of that giorno I suppose. I was incapacitated form the drugs.”
Walter asked “Mr. Taylor when the drugs wore off. How were te feeling as Miss McBride was baciare you?” Mac once again that giorno looked at Aubrey. She smiled.
Mac took a breath and detto “I felt many emotions all at once. Shame, humiliation, pleasure, helplessness and, disgust.”
Walter nodded then detto “Mr. Taylor what ended up happening to te that day?”
Mac replied “I eventually passed out. When I woke up the successivo morning. I smelled a mixture of soap and sex. I realized that Ella had had sex with me again that morning while I was passed out and that she had bathed me.”
Walter took Mac's words in then asked “How did that make te feel Mr. Taylor?”
Mac sighed then detto “Sickened, used betrayed angry.”
Walter nodded then asked “Did the Defendant eventually come back?” Mac nodded then detto “Yes she was wearing a new set of lingerie and had fixed her hair.”
Walter asked “What did she do then?” Mac replied “She got on superiore, in alto of me again and began to baciare me.”
Walter detto “Is that all she did that giorno was baciare you?” Mac detto quietly “No.”
Walter asked sensitively “What else did the Defendant do to te Mr. Taylor?”
Mac took a breath. He detto “She detto that I had always fantasized about us being together and that I should be happy that we have been and were. She detto that she had always wanted us to be together since the first giorno we met.” Walter pressed “And?”
Mac took another breath and continued “I told her that that wasn't true. I had only thought of her as a friend. That I had never thought of her romantically in any way.”
Mac took another deep breath. He then detto “She got angry called me a liar. Then she slapped me twice across my face. Told to me to say that I loved her and had always wanted her.
I hesitated and she punched me hard in the stomach twice. She told me that if I didn't say that I loved her and wanted her that she was going to hit me again only worse.”
Walter asked “So te told her that te loved her and wanted her because te were afraid of the physical torture she was going to give you. Did te eventually give in?”
Mac nodded and detto “ Yes. I detto that I had always loved her and wanted her . Ella detto I Amore te too and punched me really hard in my stomach.”
Recess
Walter detto “Even after te told her what she wanted to hear the Defendant still hurt you?” Mac replied “Yes.” Walter asked “What was Miss McBride's response after she hit you.” Mac detto “She told me she loved to hear me be in pain.”
Walter then asked sensitively “What did the Defendant do then Mr. Taylor?”
Mac closed his eyes for a second. He took a deep breath. After he detto “She told she knew what I wanted. She removed my underwear and told me to say that I wanted it.” Walter replied “What did te say?”
Mac took a deep breath and detto “I knew if I detto no she would beat me again. She had been punching me all day. I knew I wouldn't be able to handle any più so I detto that I wanted her too.”
Walter pressed gently yet authoritatively “What did the Defendant do next?” Mac looked at Aubrey she made a small yet subtle pushing motion with her right hand. Mac took a deep breath and detto “She called me a good boy and performed oral sex on me.”
Walter questioned “What were te feeling during that time Mr. Taylor?” Mac felt his stomach tense up queasily. Bile rose up in his throat he knew he wouldn't be able to hold it down.
Judge Wilson looked at Mac worriedly and asked “ Mr. Taylor, are te all right?” Mac shook his head and spat out “Can I be excused, Your Honor?”
Judge Wilson nodded and replied “Certainly, in fact why don't we all take a ora recess. I think everyone could use a breather?”
Relief
Once he was absolutely positive he wasn't going to vomit again Mac went to the sink and rinsed his mouth out with cold water. He took some deep breaths fully composed he washed his hands and left the bathroom.
Getting Back Out There
Waiting outside the bathroom were Walter and a very worried Aubrey.
Aubrey went to him and asked anxious “Oh are te okay honey?” Mac kissed her inoltrare, avanti softly and detto “Yeah I'm find Bree .” Aubrey looked at him for a second. Slightly annoyed and concerned she detto “Mac did te throw up?”
Mac nodded. Aubrey wrapped her arms around his waist and replied “Babe, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to sound so rude. I'm just worried about you. Are te sure your okay?” Mac sighed and detto “Yes. I'm fine now really I am .”
Walter detto “You sure te want to continue with your testimony because I can post pon-”
Mac held up his hand and detto “No. Walter I'm okay now. I want to continue.” Walter nodded and detto “All right. Don't worry Mac we're almost done.”
Mac nodded. Aubrey kissed him on the lips gently. She hugged him and detto “Remember keep your thoughts on me. te are doing great, Babe I Amore you.” Mac softened he kissed her and replied “Thanks, I Amore you.”
Walter checked his oro pocket watch and detto “All right kids it's time to get back in there. Mac are te ready?”
Aubrey slid her right hand through his and squeezed it tightly.
Mac smiled at her for second. He turned to Walter and detto confidently “You bet.” Walter nodded and detto “Okay let's get back in there.”
Mac squeezed Aubrey's hand once. He then walked back towards the witness stand. The courtroom was called to order. Before it got going again Judge Wilson placed his hand over his microphone.
He turned to Mac and whispered just loud enough for him to hear “Young man are te feeling better?”
Mac nodded and whispered back “Yes I am thank you, Your Honor.”
Judge Wilson took his hand off of his microphone and detto to Walter “You may proceed Mr. Anderson.” Walter replied “Thank you, Your Honor.”
Walter then asked “Mr. Taylor how were te feeling when the Defendant was performing oral sex on you?”
Mac took a breath then detto “I just tried my best not to think about what she was doing. I knew that if I thought about it I was would throw up again.”
Mr. Baker detto “Objection, Your Honor Mr. Taylor didn't answer the question!” Judge Wilson gave Mr. Baker a irritated look he detto “Mr. Baker control your temper in my courtroom.”
Mr. Baker replied “I am sorry Your Honor.” Judge Wilson then turned his attention to Walter and detto “ Mr. Baker makes a valid point however irritating it may be. Your client did not answer your domanda Mr. Anderson.”
Walter nodded and detto “Understood, Your Honor.” Walter then asked “Mr. Taylor what were your feelings during that time?” Mac sighed then detto “I felt used, and disgusted. It felt like my daughter was doing- that... it to me.” Mac was unable to say the words a secondo time.
Walter nodded then detto “I see. It must have been extremely difficult for you. Mr. Taylor did te experience any arousal o pleasure during that time?” Mac looked at Aubrey with forgiving eyes and detto "At first but then I thought about other things."
Walter prompted “Like what?”
Mac detto “My wife Claire. I thought back to the time when we were married. Those memories of her helped me get through it.”
The Truth
Walter took a breath and asked "Mr Taylor what happened after the Defendant was finished?"
Mac took a deep breath then detto "She asked me if I enjoyed what she had just done." Walter prompted "What did te say?" Mac swallowed and detto "I lied. I told her that I enjoyed what she did very much." Walter asked "What happened then?" Mac replied "She didn't believe me and punched me twice in my stomach. I threw up as result." Walter then detto "Wh-
"You bastard why are te doing this to me!" Ella suddenly yelled. Judge Wilson banged his gavel and detto harshly "Miss McBride control yourself!"
Ella got up form her sede, sedile and started walking toward Mac. She screamed angrily "Why are te lying. Why are te slandering my good name, Mac. I thought te loved me I thought te wanted us to be together. Why are te lying. Why. Tell them the truth. Tell them what really happened Tell them!"
Mac started at Ella. He felt both pity and disgust.
Judge Wilson banged his gavel again and detto angrily "That's it. Case dismissed. Court Officers take Miss McBride away!"
Mr Baker tried to protest he opened his mouth but Judge Wilson was there before him. He shouted
angrily "Mr. Baker don't even try it!"
Ella struggled against the officers grip determined to get to Mac. She screamed manically "Mac, I Amore you. Please tell them the truth. Tell them te Amore me too. Tell them. Tell them. te know the truth. TELL THEM. I WILL ALWAYS Amore YOU. PLEASE TELL THEM PLEASE I Amore te PLEASE PLEASE!"
Free
Four hours had passed since the trial. Mac still couldn't believe it was all over. It hadn't really sunk in yet. Ella was finally out of his life forever he never had to worry about her again. Ella was taken back to the West View Institution she had been labeled a permanent threat to not only Mac but to society.
Dr. Aaron's called Mac just an ora after the trial. “I am so sorry about this whole ordeal Mr. Taylor. I truly thought that Ella had been cured I guess she fooled me.”
Mac detto understandably “It's all right Dr. She fooled everyone.” Dr. Aaron's replied “True, good luck Mr. Taylor.”
Mac detto “You too Doc, good-bye.” Dr Aaron's detto “Good-bye.”
Proposal
It had been four months since the trial and Mac was extremely content in his life. Aubrey had moved in with him and their relationship was as strong as ever.
Their one anno anniversary was that giorno and Mac had planned something special for her. He had bought Aubrey a forest green silk dress and had asked his friend Phil who owned the deli were he and Aubrey had first met at if he could have it closed down for the night Phil agreed.
It was nine forty six, Mac had told Aubrey to come at exactly ten o' clock. Mac checked his watch it was nine fifty-eight.
Aubrey came through the door way in her green winter cappotto wearing the dress he had bought for her. Her long normally wavy brown hair was up in an elegant twist. Mac was at her side in a second. He helped Aubrey take her cappotto off.
He detto breathlessly “Wow Bree te look beautiful.” Aubrey kissed him and detto “Thanks sweetheart. I still can't believe te were able to convince the owner to give us this place for the night. te didn't have to. I would have been content just to order take out form the apartment.”
Mac kissed her. He took her right hand in his and led Aubrey to their table. Mac pulled out her chair for her. He then sat down across for her and detto warmly “Bree tonight is special. te are special. I wanted to have our one anno anniversary in a place that had profound meaning for both of us. I mean this is were we first met.”
Aubrey looked around the deli and detto nostalgically “I still can't believe I've been with te for a whole year.”
Mac reached across the tavolo once and again that night took her right hand in his own. He looked at Aubrey warmly and detto “ I feel like I have known te my whole life Bree.”
Aubrey kissed Mac's hand and detto “Oh, that is so sweet.” Mac kissed her hand and detto “I wasn't saying it to be sweet. I really feel that way about you.”
Aubrey smiled “I Amore te Mac.” Mac smiled back at her and detto “I Amore you.”
After cena they had ice cream sundaes. As they were finishing up their sundae's Mac suddenly took Aubrey's hand and detto “Bree, te know I Amore te right?”
Aubrey wiped her face with her napkin and held Mac's hand. She looked at Mac lovingly and detto “Yes I know.”
Mac got up form his seat. He stood in front of her and detto “Aubrey I never thought I would feel this way about another woman. Ever since my wife passed away. I have never truly loved any one. Even when I was in other relationships I never felt complete, o happy. But te have opened me up the possibility that I can be in Amore with another woman. te changed my life. I never want to be without you.”
Tears glistened in Aubrey's eyes. She wiped them away and detto “Oh, Mac.” Mac got down on one knee. He pulled form his pocket a small square blue velvet box. He opened it. Nestled inside the velvet was a small oro ring. Instead of a diamond Mac had gotten a medium-sized emerald. It was Aubrey's preferito stone.
Mac took a breath and detto “Aubrey Hunter, will te do me the honor of marrying me?”
Aubrey grinned through her tears. She choked out “Yes!” Mac smiled he slid the ring on her left ring finger. He then picked her up and swung her around twice. He set her down and they kissed softly.
Mac detto “I Amore te so much.” Aubrey smiled and detto “I know. I Amore te too.”
Two hours later after the newly engaged couple had made Amore Aubrey sighed and detto “Mac tonight has been one of the most amazing night's of my life.”
Mac kissed her and detto “Me too.” Aubrey rolled over and straddled Mac. She kissed him then detto teasingly “We have celebrated once tonight. Do te think we could celebrate again?”
Mac pulled her closer to him and detto “Of course.” Aubrey detto breathless “Mac I Amore te più than anyone in the world.” Mac detto back equally breathless “So do I.” The couple then continued to make love.
It was a particularly brutally cold January night. Mac Taylor and his girlfriend Aubrey Hunter were standing outside one of Mac and his friend's preferito bars, The King's ale House. Mac had met the young women at a deli that he had been going to in New York for ten years.
Aubrey had been in the Air Force Reserves as a doctor. She had just gotten back form a tour in Afghanistan the anno before she and Mac met. After she gotten out of the Reserves Aubrey had taken up a job at an local hospital as an ER doctor.
Mac had told Aubrey about Ella and what she had done to him a week into their relationship. It was extremely difficult for him but with Aubrey's support Mac was able to get his story out. After the two had made Amore for the first time. It brought them extremely closer as a result.
Aubrey squeezed Mac's hand for support. She whispered “I'm okay, I just need a second” Mac sighed he turned to her and detto “Bree it's gonna be fine really ”
Aubrey gave him an uncertain look she replied “Are te sure te want to tell your Friends about us? I mean I know how much te value your personal life. And I keep thinking what if they don-”
Mac cut Aubrey off with a soft kiss. He took her face between his hands and looked at her lovingly.
Aubrey relaxed a little. Mac then detto “Listen we have been together now for six months. I'm ready for my Friends at the lab to know. Aubrey I Amore te and since I do I know they will too.”
Aubrey smiled and replied warmly “I Amore you. I'm sorry I have been recitazione so crazy it's just I really want your Friends to like me. It's important to me that they do.”
Mac kissed Aubrey again. He then replied “Well te can stop worrying because they will. Come on let's go inside. I'm freezing!” Aubrey grinned reassured da Mac's words.
She then kissed him deep and sweet on the lips and detto confidently “I am defiantly ready now.” Mac smiled “I'm glad, Bree.”
Holding hands Aubrey and Mac then walked inside. The team were all waiting seated at the bar, Flack, Hawkes, Sid, Danny and Lindsay, Adam and their newest member Jo Danville.
Mac stepped behind Aubrey so he could take her cappotto off for her. Aubrey in turn shrugged out of it.
The King's ale was a warm and inviting bar much più so then most of the bars in the city. For Mac he felt extremely at peace whenever he stepped inside it.
Mac then placed Aubrey's cappotto on the hanger near the door he then did the same with his.
Lacing hands again Mac and Aubrey then made their way to the bar where his team waited. Mac broke into a smile. He pulled a sgabello out for Aubrey successivo to Jo. Before she sat down Mac once again slid his right hand through hers and turned Aubrey to his seven friends.
Beaming Mac detto “Everyone this is my girlfriend, Aubrey Hunter.”
Aubrey smiled and replied warmly “Hello, everyone.”
Hawkes was the first to speak he slid off his sgabello extended his right hand and detto invitingly “Hey I'm Sheldon, but almost everyone calls me Hawkes. Nice to meet te Aubrey.”
Aubrey shook Hawkes's hand and detto “Nice to meet te too Sheldon.” Flack who was seated successivo to Danny got off his
sgabello extended his left hand and detto “Don Flack.”
Aubrey smiled took Flack's hand and replied “Don good to meet you.” Lindsay and Danny then both slid off their stools.
Danny took Aubrey's right hand and detto warmly “Danny Messer nice to meet ya.”
Aubrey nodded and detto “Hello, Danny.”
After Danny released her Lindsay took Aubrey's right hand and replied her voice radiating warmth. “Lindsay Monroe- Messer, it's very nice to meet te Aubrey.”
Aubrey grinned and detto “You too Lindsay.” Sid who was already off of his sgabello smiled and detto “Sid Hammerback good to know te Aubrey.”
Aubrey smiled back at Sid and detto “Sid nice to meet you.”
Jo shook Aubrey's right hand and replied sweetly “Jo Danville a pleasure to meet you.”
Aubrey once again smiled and detto “Jo, how do te do.”
Finally Adam smiled and detto some what awkward “Adam Ross hi how are ya?” Aubrey nodded at him and replied “Adam, nice to meet you.”
Mac then slid his hand into Aubrey's once again that night. He smiled at her and kissed her slightly her cheek.
He sighed and detto “Well now that you've met everyone why don't we have a round?”
Danny clapped his hands together and detto enthusiastically “All right boss now te are talking my language!” Lindsay slapped Danny softly on his chest and replied “Danny!”
Apologies
Mac and Aubrey were back in his apartment and in his bed. Aubrey propped herself up on her elbow and looked at Mac lovingly. She detto “I'm sorry.. again.” Mac smiled and detto “It's okay I understood why te were nervous.”
Aubrey smiled and kissed him. She then detto “I really like your friends. Thanks for talking me into going.” Mac grinned and detto “I'm glad te enjoyed yourself.”
Aubrey sat up fully. She straddled him and they began to kiss. Aubrey then slid off her bra and slipped off her underwear. Mac catching onto Aubrey's mood had already removed his boxers. The two kissed passionately for a few minutes. They then made Amore intensely.
After they had caught their breath Aubrey detto seductively “I had a amazing time tonight Babe. I especially enjoyed what we just did. Care to oblige a repeat?” Mac laughed. He kissed Aubrey soft and slow. Pulling her toward him Mac detto
“I'd Amore too.”
A Unexpected Call
Mac was in his office. He was busy filling out some paper work for the lab when suddenly his office phone rang. Mac picked it up on the first ring and detto “Taylor.”
“Ah Detective Taylor this is Dr. Aaron's I am Ella McBride's psychiatrist at the West View Institution. I would like to inform te that she is being released today.”
Mac felt himself freeze and his stomach drop. He took a deep breath and sputtered out “W- why is she being released? I thought she was never going to be released and that she could never be rehabilitated?”
Dr. Aaron's replied “Well she has responded greatly to the medication she was dato here. She is going to be staying indefinitely with her wealthy Aunt in Michigan.”
Mac felt himself reeling even more. He just couldn't believe he was having this conversation.
Mac took another deep breath and asked “Why are te telling me this. Is she still a danger to me?”
Dr. Aaron's detto “Well no, but she has been thinking and saying that she wants to sue you.” Mac felt his mouth drop open.
Once he had composed himself he detto in disbelief “Why?”
Dr. Aaron's replied “Well she believes that te slandered her good name. te see even through she is on medication and admitted to everything she did to you. She still believes that te need to be punished.”
Mac detto angry now “I thought te detto she wasn't a danger to me?”
Dr. Aaron's detto “Yes but what I meant that she wasn't a physical danger to you.”
Dr. Aaron's detto apologetic “Detective Taylor I am very sorry. I didn't mean to upset you. Even through I shouldn't be doing this I thought it would only be fair that I warn you.”
Mac softened a little and replied “I understand Dr. thank you.”
Dr. Aaron's replied “I want to let te know that I will testify on your behalf when and if this goes to court. te have not slandered Ella socially o mentally and I can prove it.”
Mac replied warmly “Thanks Doc I appreciate that I do. I'll let te know okay?” Dr. Aaron's detto “I'll speak to te then. I sincerely hope it doesn't come to that.” Mac replied gravely “I'm afraid with Ella it will.”
Inevitable
Ella was suing Mac for slander. He still couldn't believe that any decent judge would hear her ridiculous claims. Through he had to admit she was beautiful and very manipulative. Plus Ella was still incredibly wealthy form her book deal and she could afford the best legal team money could buy.
It was the first week into the trial. The past four days the lawyers had asked Mac about how he had gotten involved in Ella's life. Today they were continuing questioning him about the night Ella took him hostage. It was the fifth day.
giorno Of Trial
Mac and Aubrey were just about to go inside the courtroom. Aubrey wrapped her arms around his neck. She leaned her head onto his.
She kissed him softly and detto “Don't worry about anything else. Just keep your thoughts on me okay baby? Don't let her get in your head.” Mac sighed and replied “I will.”
Mac's lawyer was an extremely experienced defense attorney. His name was Walter Anderson. He was in his late sixties and was both serious and compassionate.
Walter chimed in “ Miss Hunter is right Mac don't let Ella o her lawyer get to you.” Mac nodded. Aubrey slid her right hand in Mac's. The three then walked into the courtroom.
Testifying
“So Mr. Taylor after Miss McBride came downstairs form changing did te too have dinner?” Mac took a deep breath and replied “Yes.”
Walter then asked “What did te talk about?” Mac detto “Well we talked about her book mostly.”
Walter then detto “I see. Mr. Taylor did Miss McBride pour te a glass of whine with your dinner?”
Mac sighed and detto “Yes she did.” Walter asked detto “Did the whine taste strange at all to you?”
Mac shook and head and replied “No not at all.” Walter asked “After cena what did te both do?”
Mac replied “I helped her with the dishes.”
Walter then asked “How were te feeling when te were helping her?” Mac took yet another deep breath. He then detto “Woozy and really nauseous before I knew it I passed out.”
Walter asked “Then what?”
Mac leaned back in his seat. He took a very deep breath. After a moment he leaned inoltrare, avanti again.
“I woke up the successivo giorno and I wasn't sure where I was at at first. After I had fully woke up I realized that I was in a bed.”
Walter nodded. He took a breath then prompted “Then what?”
Mac took another deep breath. He looked out onto the gallery. Aubrey was sitting in the middle of the front row. She pushed her hair back with her fingers twice and smiled. On the first giorno of the trial she and Mac had made up a signal system so she could give him nonverbal support while he was testifying. Pushing her hair back twice and smiling meant Don't give up honey. I Amore you.
Buoyed da Aubrey's signal Mac looked Walter straight in the eye and answered
“Well I realized that I was handcuffed. My hands were cuffed to the superiore, in alto letto posts and the it was the same way with my feet. I was only wearing a dress camicia that I had wore the following night. I was completely naked form the waist down and I had a condom on.”
Walter nodded he then asked “And?”
Mac looked out onto the gallery once again. He locked eyes with Aubrey. She twirled her hair once. It was a signal that meant Keep going. Mac took another deep breath. He then detto “I noticed the smell of sex.”
Walter asked “Did te remember having sex with the Defendant?” Mac shook his head unable to answer.
Ella's lawyer barked “Objection, Your Honor Mr. Taylor did not vocalize his answer!”
Judge Wilson detto “Calm down, Mr. Baker .” He then turned to Mac and detto “Please we need to hear te say your answer for the record.” Mac nodded and detto through gritted teeth “No I didn't.”
Walter asked “Did te want to have sex with Miss McBride?”
Mac answered again through gritted teeth “No I didn't.”
Walter then pressed on “After te realized what had gone on between te and the Defendant What was your reaction?”
Mac once again that giorno looked out onto the gallery. Aubrey smiled at him encouragingly Mac took another deep breath. He replied “I was repulsed. Not long after I had realized what had go on I vomited.”
Walter asked “Then what?” Mac detto “Ella came into the room. She was wearing lingerie.”
Walter turned slightly in Ella's direction and asked” What was the Defendant's reaction?”
Mac sighed and detto “She laughed and told me that she had drugged me which. I had already figured out.”
Walter nodded and asked “What did she say she had drugged te with?”
Mac sighed. He took a breath then detto try as he might he couldn't keep the embarrassment and shame out of his voice. “Valium and Viagra.”
Walter nodded again and asked “What did she do then Mr. Taylor?”
Mac once again that giorno took another deep breath. He then answered “She, um-” He stopped mid sentence not knowing if he could continue.
Walter detto soothingly “It's all right Mr. Taylor take your time.”
Mac took a breath and continued “She got on superiore, in alto of me and started to baciare me.”
Walter asked “Did te try and get her off of you?”
Mac detto somewhat angrily “Yes but I was too weak. I just couldn't” Aubrey placed her right hand over her cuore and looked at him with a mixture of sadness and anguish.
Walter detto “Did te ask her why she had done this to you?”
Mac nodded then answered “Yes. She detto that she did it because she wanted too. I offered her my help and asked her to let me go. She detto she didn't want my help and that she wasn't going to let me go.”
Walter prompted “What did she do then?” Mac sighed deeply he looked at Ella. She blew him a baciare and waved smugly.
Mac felt like throwing up his stomach churned queasily. Walter caught Ella's action. He detto outraged “ Objection, Your Honor!”
Judge Wilson looked at Ella's lawyer and detto reprovingly “Control your client Mr. Baker!”
Mr. Baker detto “Apologies Your Honor.”
Judge Wilson then detto to Walter “Proceed Mr. Anderson.”
Walter replied “Thank te Your Honor.”
Walter then asked “What did the Defendant do then?”
Mac replied sickeningly “She punched me in the stomach and continued to baciare me.” Walter nodded “She would do this periodically o non stop?”
Mac leaned back in his seat. He sighed then detto “I'm not sure the whole of that giorno I suppose. I was incapacitated form the drugs.”
Walter asked “Mr. Taylor when the drugs wore off. How were te feeling as Miss McBride was baciare you?” Mac once again that giorno looked at Aubrey. She smiled.
Mac took a breath and detto “I felt many emotions all at once. Shame, humiliation, pleasure, helplessness and, disgust.”
Walter nodded then detto “Mr. Taylor what ended up happening to te that day?”
Mac replied “I eventually passed out. When I woke up the successivo morning. I smelled a mixture of soap and sex. I realized that Ella had had sex with me again that morning while I was passed out and that she had bathed me.”
Walter took Mac's words in then asked “How did that make te feel Mr. Taylor?”
Mac sighed then detto “Sickened, used betrayed angry.”
Walter nodded then asked “Did the Defendant eventually come back?” Mac nodded then detto “Yes she was wearing a new set of lingerie and had fixed her hair.”
Walter asked “What did she do then?” Mac replied “She got on superiore, in alto of me again and began to baciare me.”
Walter detto “Is that all she did that giorno was baciare you?” Mac detto quietly “No.”
Walter asked sensitively “What else did the Defendant do to te Mr. Taylor?”
Mac took a breath. He detto “She detto that I had always fantasized about us being together and that I should be happy that we have been and were. She detto that she had always wanted us to be together since the first giorno we met.” Walter pressed “And?”
Mac took another breath and continued “I told her that that wasn't true. I had only thought of her as a friend. That I had never thought of her romantically in any way.”
Mac took another deep breath. He then detto “She got angry called me a liar. Then she slapped me twice across my face. Told to me to say that I loved her and had always wanted her.
I hesitated and she punched me hard in the stomach twice. She told me that if I didn't say that I loved her and wanted her that she was going to hit me again only worse.”
Walter asked “So te told her that te loved her and wanted her because te were afraid of the physical torture she was going to give you. Did te eventually give in?”
Mac nodded and detto “ Yes. I detto that I had always loved her and wanted her . Ella detto I Amore te too and punched me really hard in my stomach.”
Recess
Walter detto “Even after te told her what she wanted to hear the Defendant still hurt you?” Mac replied “Yes.” Walter asked “What was Miss McBride's response after she hit you.” Mac detto “She told me she loved to hear me be in pain.”
Walter then asked sensitively “What did the Defendant do then Mr. Taylor?”
Mac closed his eyes for a second. He took a deep breath. After he detto “She told she knew what I wanted. She removed my underwear and told me to say that I wanted it.” Walter replied “What did te say?”
Mac took a deep breath and detto “I knew if I detto no she would beat me again. She had been punching me all day. I knew I wouldn't be able to handle any più so I detto that I wanted her too.”
Walter pressed gently yet authoritatively “What did the Defendant do next?” Mac looked at Aubrey she made a small yet subtle pushing motion with her right hand. Mac took a deep breath and detto “She called me a good boy and performed oral sex on me.”
Walter questioned “What were te feeling during that time Mr. Taylor?” Mac felt his stomach tense up queasily. Bile rose up in his throat he knew he wouldn't be able to hold it down.
Judge Wilson looked at Mac worriedly and asked “ Mr. Taylor, are te all right?” Mac shook his head and spat out “Can I be excused, Your Honor?”
Judge Wilson nodded and replied “Certainly, in fact why don't we all take a ora recess. I think everyone could use a breather?”
Relief
Once he was absolutely positive he wasn't going to vomit again Mac went to the sink and rinsed his mouth out with cold water. He took some deep breaths fully composed he washed his hands and left the bathroom.
Getting Back Out There
Waiting outside the bathroom were Walter and a very worried Aubrey.
Aubrey went to him and asked anxious “Oh are te okay honey?” Mac kissed her inoltrare, avanti softly and detto “Yeah I'm find Bree .” Aubrey looked at him for a second. Slightly annoyed and concerned she detto “Mac did te throw up?”
Mac nodded. Aubrey wrapped her arms around his waist and replied “Babe, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to sound so rude. I'm just worried about you. Are te sure your okay?” Mac sighed and detto “Yes. I'm fine now really I am .”
Walter detto “You sure te want to continue with your testimony because I can post pon-”
Mac held up his hand and detto “No. Walter I'm okay now. I want to continue.” Walter nodded and detto “All right. Don't worry Mac we're almost done.”
Mac nodded. Aubrey kissed him on the lips gently. She hugged him and detto “Remember keep your thoughts on me. te are doing great, Babe I Amore you.” Mac softened he kissed her and replied “Thanks, I Amore you.”
Walter checked his oro pocket watch and detto “All right kids it's time to get back in there. Mac are te ready?”
Aubrey slid her right hand through his and squeezed it tightly.
Mac smiled at her for second. He turned to Walter and detto confidently “You bet.” Walter nodded and detto “Okay let's get back in there.”
Mac squeezed Aubrey's hand once. He then walked back towards the witness stand. The courtroom was called to order. Before it got going again Judge Wilson placed his hand over his microphone.
He turned to Mac and whispered just loud enough for him to hear “Young man are te feeling better?”
Mac nodded and whispered back “Yes I am thank you, Your Honor.”
Judge Wilson took his hand off of his microphone and detto to Walter “You may proceed Mr. Anderson.” Walter replied “Thank you, Your Honor.”
Walter then asked “Mr. Taylor how were te feeling when the Defendant was performing oral sex on you?”
Mac took a breath then detto “I just tried my best not to think about what she was doing. I knew that if I thought about it I was would throw up again.”
Mr. Baker detto “Objection, Your Honor Mr. Taylor didn't answer the question!” Judge Wilson gave Mr. Baker a irritated look he detto “Mr. Baker control your temper in my courtroom.”
Mr. Baker replied “I am sorry Your Honor.” Judge Wilson then turned his attention to Walter and detto “ Mr. Baker makes a valid point however irritating it may be. Your client did not answer your domanda Mr. Anderson.”
Walter nodded and detto “Understood, Your Honor.” Walter then asked “Mr. Taylor what were your feelings during that time?” Mac sighed then detto “I felt used, and disgusted. It felt like my daughter was doing- that... it to me.” Mac was unable to say the words a secondo time.
Walter nodded then detto “I see. It must have been extremely difficult for you. Mr. Taylor did te experience any arousal o pleasure during that time?” Mac looked at Aubrey with forgiving eyes and detto "At first but then I thought about other things."
Walter prompted “Like what?”
Mac detto “My wife Claire. I thought back to the time when we were married. Those memories of her helped me get through it.”
The Truth
Walter took a breath and asked "Mr Taylor what happened after the Defendant was finished?"
Mac took a deep breath then detto "She asked me if I enjoyed what she had just done." Walter prompted "What did te say?" Mac swallowed and detto "I lied. I told her that I enjoyed what she did very much." Walter asked "What happened then?" Mac replied "She didn't believe me and punched me twice in my stomach. I threw up as result." Walter then detto "Wh-
"You bastard why are te doing this to me!" Ella suddenly yelled. Judge Wilson banged his gavel and detto harshly "Miss McBride control yourself!"
Ella got up form her sede, sedile and started walking toward Mac. She screamed angrily "Why are te lying. Why are te slandering my good name, Mac. I thought te loved me I thought te wanted us to be together. Why are te lying. Why. Tell them the truth. Tell them what really happened Tell them!"
Mac started at Ella. He felt both pity and disgust.
Judge Wilson banged his gavel again and detto angrily "That's it. Case dismissed. Court Officers take Miss McBride away!"
Mr Baker tried to protest he opened his mouth but Judge Wilson was there before him. He shouted
angrily "Mr. Baker don't even try it!"
Ella struggled against the officers grip determined to get to Mac. She screamed manically "Mac, I Amore you. Please tell them the truth. Tell them te Amore me too. Tell them. Tell them. te know the truth. TELL THEM. I WILL ALWAYS Amore YOU. PLEASE TELL THEM PLEASE I Amore te PLEASE PLEASE!"
Free
Four hours had passed since the trial. Mac still couldn't believe it was all over. It hadn't really sunk in yet. Ella was finally out of his life forever he never had to worry about her again. Ella was taken back to the West View Institution she had been labeled a permanent threat to not only Mac but to society.
Dr. Aaron's called Mac just an ora after the trial. “I am so sorry about this whole ordeal Mr. Taylor. I truly thought that Ella had been cured I guess she fooled me.”
Mac detto understandably “It's all right Dr. She fooled everyone.” Dr. Aaron's replied “True, good luck Mr. Taylor.”
Mac detto “You too Doc, good-bye.” Dr Aaron's detto “Good-bye.”
Proposal
It had been four months since the trial and Mac was extremely content in his life. Aubrey had moved in with him and their relationship was as strong as ever.
Their one anno anniversary was that giorno and Mac had planned something special for her. He had bought Aubrey a forest green silk dress and had asked his friend Phil who owned the deli were he and Aubrey had first met at if he could have it closed down for the night Phil agreed.
It was nine forty six, Mac had told Aubrey to come at exactly ten o' clock. Mac checked his watch it was nine fifty-eight.
Aubrey came through the door way in her green winter cappotto wearing the dress he had bought for her. Her long normally wavy brown hair was up in an elegant twist. Mac was at her side in a second. He helped Aubrey take her cappotto off.
He detto breathlessly “Wow Bree te look beautiful.” Aubrey kissed him and detto “Thanks sweetheart. I still can't believe te were able to convince the owner to give us this place for the night. te didn't have to. I would have been content just to order take out form the apartment.”
Mac kissed her. He took her right hand in his and led Aubrey to their table. Mac pulled out her chair for her. He then sat down across for her and detto warmly “Bree tonight is special. te are special. I wanted to have our one anno anniversary in a place that had profound meaning for both of us. I mean this is were we first met.”
Aubrey looked around the deli and detto nostalgically “I still can't believe I've been with te for a whole year.”
Mac reached across the tavolo once and again that night took her right hand in his own. He looked at Aubrey warmly and detto “ I feel like I have known te my whole life Bree.”
Aubrey kissed Mac's hand and detto “Oh, that is so sweet.” Mac kissed her hand and detto “I wasn't saying it to be sweet. I really feel that way about you.”
Aubrey smiled “I Amore te Mac.” Mac smiled back at her and detto “I Amore you.”
After cena they had ice cream sundaes. As they were finishing up their sundae's Mac suddenly took Aubrey's hand and detto “Bree, te know I Amore te right?”
Aubrey wiped her face with her napkin and held Mac's hand. She looked at Mac lovingly and detto “Yes I know.”
Mac got up form his seat. He stood in front of her and detto “Aubrey I never thought I would feel this way about another woman. Ever since my wife passed away. I have never truly loved any one. Even when I was in other relationships I never felt complete, o happy. But te have opened me up the possibility that I can be in Amore with another woman. te changed my life. I never want to be without you.”
Tears glistened in Aubrey's eyes. She wiped them away and detto “Oh, Mac.” Mac got down on one knee. He pulled form his pocket a small square blue velvet box. He opened it. Nestled inside the velvet was a small oro ring. Instead of a diamond Mac had gotten a medium-sized emerald. It was Aubrey's preferito stone.
Mac took a breath and detto “Aubrey Hunter, will te do me the honor of marrying me?”
Aubrey grinned through her tears. She choked out “Yes!” Mac smiled he slid the ring on her left ring finger. He then picked her up and swung her around twice. He set her down and they kissed softly.
Mac detto “I Amore te so much.” Aubrey smiled and detto “I know. I Amore te too.”
Two hours later after the newly engaged couple had made Amore Aubrey sighed and detto “Mac tonight has been one of the most amazing night's of my life.”
Mac kissed her and detto “Me too.” Aubrey rolled over and straddled Mac. She kissed him then detto teasingly “We have celebrated once tonight. Do te think we could celebrate again?”
Mac pulled her closer to him and detto “Of course.” Aubrey detto breathless “Mac I Amore te più than anyone in the world.” Mac detto back equally breathless “So do I.” The couple then continued to make love.
