Different RPs

Rana blushed a little. She took a deep breath. "He worked for CPS, but he was one of the ones who was actually on the
field...actually working the cases..." she started,

"CPS?" James asked. "Is that like FBI?"

"Child Protective Services," she said quietly. "He investigated child abuse cases...he actually had some children taken
away and placed in better homes, eventually getting them adopted,"

"That's a great job. You have to respect a person that can do that kind of job and deal with the stress all the time."

"It was hard, but both he and I knew that what he was doing was good and he was probably saving so many young lives,."

"Isn't it the goal of every person to make a change in the world and to leave it a better place than you found it?" James
asked. "He did just that and his memory should be honored."

Rana nodded. "I know in my heart so many children are so thankful to him."

"He's made a difference even if he never sees all the results. Those children will make a difference and have him to thank. I just wish he'd had more time with you."

"I do too," She admitted.

James' cell phone rang and he fumbled to grab it then looked at the number and answered it giving her an embarrassed smile as he listened. "Are you sure?" he asked into the phone. He listened a little more looking confused then drew in a breath.

"Hold on, she's right here." He held the phone out to her. "It's Vince."

Rana studied his expressions and looked confused. She took the phone. "Hello.This is Rana," she said quietly.

"Rana, it's Vince. I did a little more research and there's something we need to talk about. I think it would better in person. Are you free anytime soon?"

Rana wondered what he could have found. "Yeah, um I'm having dinner right now, but after that I'm free...I don't have anything going on till Monday afternoon."

"Would you mind if James is there while we talk?" Vince asked. "I can meet you two."

"No...I don't mind," Rana said softly.

"Ok, just tell me where you want to meet. I'm about an hour away." Vince picked up his pen ready to write."James watched her talking and tried to decide if he should something based off her expressions.

"Hang on."

She looked at James. "Vince said he found something out and wants to meet to talk about it. I want you there James, but he wants to know where to meet us and when."

"Um, we could go back to one of our houses after or to a coffee shop or he could come here," James said. "What did he find?"

"He didn't say...he wants to say in person."She paused. "Maybe after dinner, we could go back to one of our places..."

"That's good. Let's use your place. Mine's still a wreck." James grinned. "Please."

Rana laughed. "No problem. "When?" she asked. "When should I tell him?"

"After dinner." He glanced at his watch. "By nine? That gives us a couple of hours. Is he at his office?"

"Nine is fine.. I don't know...he said he's an hour away."

"Yeah, he's at his office then. That should work." James gave her a reassuring smile.

"Thanks James."She smiled."Vince, can you meet us at my place a little before 9?"

"Sure, what's your address?" Vince asked. He was smiling because he'd heard their conversation and knew that James had been inside her house. That was a good sign.

Rana smiled. "4531 Del Mar, unit 3. They are condos."

Vince wrote it down quickly. "Got it. I can be there. Enjoy dinner. Don't do anything I wouldn't do."

Rana laughed. "Thanks Vince." She handed the phone back to James.

James grinned at her laugh. "I'm not sure I want to know." He put the phone by his ear. "Still there?"

"I'm here until you let me go," Vince said. "Need something else?"

"No, just seeing whether I should hang up. See you at 9." James listened then hung up. He looked at Rana. "I thought you were hungry."

Rana blushed. "I am," she said as she finished her salad and started on her pasta.

"I'd race you, but I'm still kind of full from lunch," James said. He picked up a fork and began picking at his salad.

Rana laughed and smiled, enjoying her pasta.

James began telling Rana some stories of his trips to Rome while she ate and he picked at his, every once in awhile eating the chick peas and pine nuts. "And then he said to turn around and there it was right behind me. I felt like an idiot," he said talking about looking for a painting in a museum.

Rana listened to him, completely fascinated. None of her other friends could talk of so many different things. She laughed. "I'd probably do the same."

James grinned embarrassingly. "At least he didn't make me look like too much of a fool." He pushed his plate away. "Have you traveled anywhere exciting?"

"Peru...and India were the most memorable... Daddy saved up and we tried to go somewhere every 1-2 years."

"I'd love to see Peru. Is it as gorgeous as they say?" James asked. He folded his hands and rested his chin on top of them watching her.

"It is...just gorgeous,"

"I'd love to go there," James said. "I love places that are so natural." He pushed his plate away. "Want to go to the dessert bar before we go?"

"Yes," Rana smiled as she finished off her plate.

"They make great creampuffs here," he said. He gestured for her to come. "They'll clean up the table. I just want to tell them to pack mine up. I can eat later."

"Alright, not hungry?" she asked.

James shook his head. "You made a great lunch, Rani." He smiled. "Actually, that's cute. Mind if I call you that?"

"I'm glad you liked it. " She blushed. "Not at all." she said quietly.

James beamed. "Great!" he said. He moved with her to the dessert bar. "If you want to take it home or you can eat here. I don't mind waiting."

"Let's take it home," Rana replied, smiling.

"That sounds good," James said. He picked a few cookies and a cream puff to take with him.

Rana looked at all the deserts. She selected a berry cheesecake and some cream puffs to take home.

James stretched as she picked her desserts, yawning.

Rana smiled. "Okay...I'm done...you look tired. Let;'s go...I'll make you some tea."

James nodded. "I am tired. I don't know why. I mean weightlifting this morning, laundry and a small sprint shouldn't tire me out that much."

"I hope you arent coming down with something. Have you been getting enough sleep?"

"That depends," James said. "Time of laying in bed is plenty, quality of sleep...that's another story."

Rana frowned. "That isn't good...you seem like me,...I haven't slept well since father's death."She sighed. "Let's get going. I think we both could use something."

"Sometimes I think it's stress because of school, but other times, I don't know," James said. "I'd love some tea."

"I understand." She smiled. "Let's go then.I'll make you some."

"Do you have trouble with your classes too?" James asked. He expected she would have very little trouble.

"Sometimes," Rana admitted. "It depends..."

I figured you wouldn't have much trouble," James said going back to the table and picking up the now boxed up food. He loved this restaurant because they always knew what he wanted without him asking.

Rana blushed. "I do sometimes," she said softly.

"Never with dance though," James said as he walked over to pay for their meal with her by his side. "Like I have with art."

"We both have talents," she admitted, smiling.

"Definitely," James said. They headed outside and to the car. "We could make a great museum together." He unlocked her door. "I wonder what Vince has to tell you."

"I don't know, but it seemed important," she said quietly.

James nodded. "Want to pick some music?" he asked as he got in on his side and started the car then backed out. "Ladies' choice."

Rana smiled and flipped through the stations, not quite sure. She didn't know what he liked. She personally liked oldies.

James began nodding his head in time with the music on a station she paused at, his fingers tapping the wheel.

Rana smiled, watching him from the corner of her eye and nodded to herself before looking out the window. Why was she so shy? 'because you have a crush' a voice argued in her head.

"You have great taste in music, Rani," James said softly. He began singing the next verse under his breath, not looking at her until they stopped at a red light.

Rana blushed and turned to look at him and smiled. "Thanks."

James beamed at her then watched the road again as the light changed. He drove on and finally pulled in to park in the lot on campus. "Honey, we're home," he teased copying Dezi Arnaz's accent from 'I Love Lucy'.

Rana laughed. "Youre silly," she giggled.

James laughed. "Ah, you hardly know me. You can't have decided it that quick."

"I feel like I've known you longer," she said as they walked off campus and to her condo

"I feel the same," James said. He paused as she opened her door.

Rana smiled. "Come on in...make yourself at home," she said, closing the door and going into the kitchen to make tea.

James moved inside noticing it was different at night than during the day. His eye roamed the room automatically adding colors here and there in his mind. "Need any help?" he called.

Vince was about halfway there when he stopped to get coffee at convenience store.

Rana smiled. "Not at all...it won't take long..just make yourself at home."

James sank down onto her couch with a sigh. "You have comfortable furniture."

"Thanks," Rana smiled as he got out a pot and the ingredients and started the tea. She put in tea, mint, lemongrass, a little masala, sugar, a tiny bit of honey, elchi. When it was boiling she put in the milk and waited.

"Welcome he said making himself comfy. He hummed softly to himself and closed his eyes leaning his head back on the couch. He smiled as he pictured hem together in Italy.

Rana watched him, smiling. She imagined them all snuggly together on the couch and him stroking her hair lovingly. She sighed. He may not have a girlfriend, but that didnt mean he'd be interested in her. Guys like James had people lining up to go out with him....not girls like her who were orphans.... She could still dream though, couldnt she?

The milk boiled and she grabbed her strainer and poured the tea in three cups, figuring she'd offer a cup to Vince when he arrived. She'd been taught to always make people as comfortable as she could when people came over, whether on business or personal.

Vince continued on his way making a short drive of the final portion of the journey.

James sniffed the air. "It smells great, Rani." He opened his eyes and looked toward the kitchen.

Rana decided she's do what she could to move out of mourning. She placed three coasters on the table and put the cups on a tray, setting the three cups down before carrying the tray back into the kitchen. She sat down next to him. She smiled. "I hope you like it."

"How could I not?" James said. He was about to reach for the cup when the doorbell rang.

"I'll get that; you relax." She smiled and rose and opened the door.

"Probably Vince," James said. He reached for the tea, sipping it.

Rana smiled. "Hi Vince. Come on in. I just made tea if you would like a cup." She moved and took a seat next to James on the loveseat.

"Tea sounds wonderful," Vince said sitting down and setting his briefcase on the floor beside him. "Did you have a nice dinner?"

"It was great." James leaned forward and set his tea down then raised his arm and laid it on the back of the loveseat.

"Please have a seat." She motioned to the armchair facing them. She motioned to the tea. "Made it literally a minute before you arrived." she smiled., "Dinner was nice."

"I'm glad your dinner was nice," Vincent said. He took a moment looking at the two of them. He smiled thinking they made a nice couple. "The tea smells good."

Rana smiled. "I happen to love it," she laughed. "Daddy taught me." she replied.

"It's great," James said. "Vince, you're stalling."

Vince pressed the buttons on his briefcase after bringing it up into his lap. "Sorry, it's just, I'm not sure how to say this."

Rana sighed. "Well, please. Tell me what you have found out," she said quietly. She was getting nervous. What could be worse then losing her father?"

Vince nodded and pulled out a bundle of newspaper clippings. "I don't know how much you know about the accident. I researched copies of the newspapers the day following the accident to see what was reported about it. It was reported to be a single car accident."

Rana was confused. "But how is that possible? I saw the car. There was no way Daddy could have totaled it on his own. I assumed it was a hit and run."

"Exactly my thoughts," Vince said. "Look at the second and fifth pages. Even I can see a different color paint on the car. The thing is that if he committed suicide it is possible that any will would be void, but if it were an accident...my question is if it was an accident why would there be a coverup?"

James inhaled and exhaled deeply. "Are you sure?"

Rana shook her head. "He wouldn't commit suicide. He was happy and he had me. There is no way he would." Tears fell from her eyes. She looked at the pages. "He was always a safe driver. He didn't drink either." She wiped her eyes. "I./..have something..just a moment." She fought back tears and rose, going into his bedroom and grabbed some letters and a folder. She sat next to James, shaking. "Daddy had a dangerous job. He worked for CPS." She handed him the letters. "He started receiving these a few weeks before the accident,. They were never signed, but we didn't think they were serious, just angry..."

Vince took the letters from Rana as James pulled her closer to his side and turned her head wiping her tears.

"Shh, we'll find the truth. We'll avenge him, Rani." James kissed her forehead.

Rana cried softly against James. She didn't understand. Why would they cover it up? Why would they claim it as a single car? Why would they hurt her wonderful father?"

"Vince, what can we do?" James asked. He pulled Rana closer into his arms, tucking her against him without even thinking about it.

"We prove it was not suicide. It was either an accident or murder. Either way there should be a will and we're going to find it." Vince picked up his tea and drank it. "This is very good, Rana."

"Thank you Vince," she said in a small voice.She sniffled. "If it was murder, I want Daddy avenged...I need him avenged."

"We'll get them," James promised. "You wait and see."

Vince smiled. "It's a personal mission now."

Rana wiped her eyes, trying not to cry. "Thank you.."

"I will be going to India while James makes his yearly trip to Italy and see what I can find," Vince promised.

"I can change locations, Rana. Do you want to go home?" James whispered.

"...I just...I don't want to be alone....and ...I want them caught...and I...I need a friend right now...please James..."

"Vince, can you make arrangements for us when you make your own?" James asked. He still hadn't let her go, mostly because he didn't want to. "I'm your friend and we can do that if it's best. We can see Rome later. Maybe you can show me around."

Rana wiped her eyes furiously, a little clingy." Thank you," she said quietly..

Vince held the letters up. "Mind if I take these to make copies and investigate? There may be clues in them or nothing at all."

James shrugged as he listened. "It's nothing. I want you to go with me even if it means changing locations."

"Go ahead. "If you read it, you can tell they are angry, whoever they are and threatening his life. I can't read them. It's too painful and they have no right to be angry. It's their own fault for abusing their child!"She looked at James. "Really?;' she asked.

Vince packed them into his suitcase and closed it. "Good, now the hard news is over for tonight. The good news is that the money has been deposited and will be available to you tomorrow morning. All you have to do is take ID and go to the bank to give them another signature that matches the one on the form. He glanced at his watch. "They are only open until two on Saturdays."

"Really," James said simply. He finally let her go only keeping one arm around her as he realized it might be too soon for her and that it was due to hearing about her father that probably caused her to go to him like that. He used the excuse of grabbing his tea and sipping it.

"That's all? Vince thank you so much, really. This means so much to me," she said as she sipped her own tea."

James suddenly grinned. "All we need now is a couple of stuffed animals and some crumpets for a tea party. Remember Jessica, Vince?"

Vince groaned. "Yes, and no we are not having a tea party." His eyes went to Rana. "Unless you have some crumpets somewhere hidden."

Rana laughed. "No..just tea biscuits from the Indian store..."

"She was the only friend in walking distance," James said with a shrug. "The only one my age anyway. The staff was friends too, but sometimes you want to run and play or ride horses and they aren't allowed. The downside is girly stuff when she demanded her way."

"Which was frequently," Vince added. "She was bent on making James into a proper young man as her mother told her he should be."

Rana looked at James."Don't change James...I like you how you are," she said softly.

James smiled. "I like you how you are too. I promise not to change."

Vince drained his tea. "I have a long drive back. If you don't mind I'll head out now." He liked seeing them together and didn't want to interrupt them anymore.

"Of course, Vince," Rana rose. "Thank you and if you need anything, please let me know."

Vince stood up. "I promise. You two have a good weekend. If I get anything I'll let you know as soon as I confirm it."

James stayed where he was on the couch. "See ya," he said smiling.

"Thank you," Rana smiled. She opened the door."

Vince followed her and went through. "Thank you for making him happy, Rana. He's not stressed around you," he whispered.

Rana blushed. "He's helped me too and he's a real friend..." she said quietly.

Vince touched her arm. "Do you remember me asking you to keep an eye on him?" He motioned her outside the door for a minute.

Rana stepped out with Vince. "Yes, I remember."

"He looks sick again," Vince said. "I think that if you keep after him it will force him to focus on himself."

"I will. I worry about him. He isn't taking care of himself."

Vince nodded. "Take care of yourself too, Rana." He held his hand out to her to shake. "We'll get to the bottom of this."

"Thank you Vince," Rana replied, shaking his hand.

Vince released her hand and left, heading back toward his car with a final wave.

James had drunk about half his tea as he waited patiently. Some things were lawyer confidentiality and he understood that.

Rana waved and went back inside and shut the door behind her. She looked at James. Oh how she yearned to feel his lips against hers. She swallowed. "James, thank you...I just....how could anyone murder my father. He was a wonderful man and I miss him."