Chapter 1:

San Francisco was a rather quiet city in the morning with the fog tumbling over the Golden Gate Bridge as the sun is beginning to peak above the bay and the seagulls squawking songs of the new day. Few pedestrians were out and about besides shop keepers and vendors preparing for the workday. In a condo overlooking the bay and the Golden Gate Bridge, was Simon Blake, passed out on the desk with his laptop beeping at his sleeping form. Dirty blonde hair was spread across the desk in a sea of gold and chestnut with his deep blue eyes shut closed, slightly flickering from the dream being displayed behind his eyelids. His hot breath fogged up the computer screen as the bold letters flashed across. Behind him, on the kitchen counter, the phone began to ring which caused him to jolt awake abruptly. Dazed and confused for a few seconds, Simon glanced around the living room before finding the phone nearly vibrating off the granite counter. With a loud beep, the phone instantly stopped it's annoying ringing and the call went to voicemail.

"Hey, Simon, this is Ellie, just wondering whether or not you're coming in today. I know it's kind of early but hey, "early bird catches the bird", right? We, uh, got the new book you wanted last night, Symbols Throughout History. Since you didn't answer last night, I- uh, we, thought you might like to know before you head to work or whatever you do this early in the morning. Um, yeah. You know where to find us so, um, yeah. See you later, I guess." the voicemail played before it went silence once again filled the condo.

Simon ran a hand through his long blonde hair as he got up and made way to the kitchen. Grabbing the phone, he dialed the number to Novelties and Novels, the small cafe and book store that was located only two blocks away from his apartment. He placed the phone against his shoulder and left ear as Simon began to make a pot of coffee that would get his through the day. The ringing on the other end continued for nearly half a minute before he heard it being picked up with tons of background noise.

"This is Novelities and Novels, how may I help you today?" answered Renee, the shop owner. She, along with her husband and children, ran the cafe and bookstore for the last ten years. It was no surprise that she was the one to pick up yet Simon couldn't help but to pout at not hearing Ellie's voice.

"Renee, it's Simon." he replied as he went through the necessary steps to a cup or three of coffee.

"Simon, it's good to hear from you. And all this time I thought you were avoiding me." Renee laughed with mocked hurt. Simon could easily sense the goofy grin that Renee had trademarked whenever she teased someone.

"What ever would give you that idea?" responded Simon with the same expression. He poured himself a glass of water and popped in two painkillers as he listened to the shop owner.

"I don't know... maybe a certain brunette that is always here?" Renee grinned over the phone.

Nearly choking on the water that was halfway down his throat, Simon blushed crimson at the thought of the said brunette.

"If you're wondering where she is, I just sent her on a run to deliver a couple of books down in 26th Avenue. She left just after she called you." continued Renee.

"Do you- uh, know when she'll be back?" stuttered Simon.

"Twenty minutes if she doesn't run into Stan on the way back. Forty if she does." said Renee, her voice dropping to a low mumble. "And god save her if she does."

At the mere mention of Stan, Simon could feel himself getting all worked up with his skin flushing at the very thought of Stan talking to Ellie. Since their meeting, two years prior when Simon first arrived in the city, Stan and Simon automatically became sworn enemies destinied to meet. Every living second they were at each other's throat, the timid writer against the ruthless detective. Obviously not evenly matched in any field. Until Ellie arrives. Immediately their bickering ceased into silent death glares whenever Ellie looked away. Something about the energentic and hyperactive college student that worked part-time at Novelties and Novels enchanted the soft spoken author and the merciless dectective. Oh, the things his mother would say if she were to find out about this! Simon was positive that he would never hear the end of it.

"I'm heading my uncle's shop in five minutes so I'll stop by after I make my usual runs. Is that alright, Renee?" Simon replied as he poured himself a cup of fresh coffee, trying desperately not to get too upset over the thought of Stan.

"No problem, hon. Jack and the kids will be here until five and Little El will be here until one like last weekend. I'm sure they're all estatic to finally see Mr. Big Shot after all this time." Renee smiled.

TBC...