The Jaws of Hell by Liz

Rating: R
Uber Setting: Jaws
Disclaimer: I don't own any of the characters of BtVS, they all belong to Joss Whedon and the Jaws theme is Peter Benchley's. The Jaws setting is basically an island off California, and I took the chief of police idea and the marine biologist-those are all Jaws. Other then that, the story's mine and such. Made up characters are mine as well.
Distribution: The Mystic Muse: http://mysticmuse.net
Anyone else, just ask.
Feedback: Please, I'm needy.
Author's Notes: I've tried to keep the story my own by changing the deaths and the situations. I would also like to include a warning that the deaths can get pretty graphic, but not too graphic because I can't handle that. However, if you have a problem with character's dying a probably somewhat gruesome death, I'm sorry-there's Willow/Tara happiness-that's all that matters right?
Special thanks goes to Chris Cook of Through the Looking Glass and Artemis for the title graphic at the top of the page. Thanks, Chris!
Pairing: Willow/Tara

Summary: When Chief Rosenberg finds herself caught in shark frenzy, she must call upon Dr. Maclay, marine biologists, to help. But what happens when the two are thrown into a whirlwind of fear and romance with Earth's oldest predator.

Daniel Osborne was having a marvelous time spending the weekend with his girlfriend, Veruca. Speeding on in his Seedoo, he glanced back at her to see where she was. However, when he glanced back at her, he only saw the rental JetSki bobbing upside down in the water.

"Must've spun her self off," muttered Daniel, highly amused. He turned his vehicle around to go and give her hell about falling off. As he rode closer to the JetSki, he noticed for the first time that there was no sign of Veruca. Thinking she was hiding from him and knowing how well she swam, he leaned over the side of his Seedoo to check to see if she was on the other side of the machine.

Out of nowhere, Daniel found himself falling into the Pacific Ocean off Sol Island. His Seedoo had been tipped over by the shark that neither Daniel nor Veruca had noticed following them since they rode out of the public view.

Daniel floated back to the surface of the water, bobbing for a moment while he caught his breath. His mind raced at what the hell had just happened, unfortunately for Daniel "Oz" Osborne, leading Dingoes guitar player, his mind didn't have time to register what the hell was going on.

A fierce grip yanked the little man down once by his leg, pulling the half drowning man under with a start. However, not having a firm grip on the man, the shark chose to bite down hard, eliciting a cry of pain from Oz, only it was droned out from the water. When the shark felt that it had wounded the prey good enough, it let go, regrouping to go in for the kill.

Oz resurfaced and screamed a raged cry for help, but it was no use. The couple had driven out too far from the public beach. They wanted alone time, some privacy from the growing summer crowd.

The shark made a quick circle underneath the shinning water. It swam lower and found a good angle. Like a shot bullet, the shark attacked the man at the waist, biting down hard, killing the man instantly from the crushed impact. The shark, unaware of this, shook the body for good measure before taking what it desired and swam off into the deep ocean.

"Hey Chief, we got two floaters out on Moon Bay, couple of JetSkis," called Officer Harris. Alexander Harris was the best officer on Sol Island. He was young, no older than twenty-five, but he had experience and he was good at his job. He walked into the Chief's office.

"Two floaters? In the middle of daylight? Could you find the owners?" inquired the Chief.

"No trace of 'em ma'am, we looked. Seems Daniel Osborne and Veruca Jameson rented them for the morning, but never returned 'em. That's the only way we knew they were missing. The guy mentioned something about getting away from the crowd and up past the west end of the main beach. So we started from there and located the two deserted boats," disclosed Officer Harris.

"Ok, so in short I have two missing vacationers. Do we have any reason to believe that they would just ditch the boats, or carelessly leave them untied somewhere and the boats floating off?"

"No ma'am. You see, the boats were tipped over, like they wiped out on a spin or something. So I went ahead and asked them to drag the sea bottom for bodies, in case they drowned," finished Xander.

"Geeze Harris, trying to steal my job?" asked the Chief, a humorous glint in her eye.

"Alright then, I've got to check out this problem of noise control in the apartment complex down the street, so I'll be out for a while. You stick with this case and let me know if the bodies turn up, dead or alive," ordered Chief Rosenberg.

With Officer Harris's nod, she headed out into the day. She put on her sunglasses once outside and proceeded to get in the Sol Island Police truck. As she drove, she opened the window to smell the ocean breeze. Originally from inland California, Willow Rosenberg had grown accustomed to the new smell of Sol Island. She moved here last fall, and this was her first summer.

As Mayor Finn had explained to her, the summer season was Sol Island's prime economic boost. Without the summer, Sol would have a hell of a winter. Willow would have responded enthusiastically, she really would have...if she hadn't heard the speech a fifteen times before. Ever since she arrived at Sol Island, she kept hearing about how important the damn summer was. She leaned her arm out the window and pulled into the only apartment complex on the island.

Sol Island wasn't very large. As a matter of fact, Willow didn't even know it existed until her captain from Sunnydale Police Force informed her that they needed a new chief of police out on the island.

She almost declined the job offer, but she looked at her life and realized that she had no strings in Sunnydale, no real ties to keep her there. Her parents, God knows where they were now, traveled daily and Willow hardly ever talked to them anyway.

As the redhead hopped out of the truck, she gave a terse laugh, wondering if her parents had even realized she was gone. Willow ascended the steps to the correct apartment. It wasn't too hard to find; it was the one whose music blared. Willow knocked loudly. After a few minutes of no response, she knocked loudly again, trying to use patience. When the knocking didn't work, she banged on the door forcefully, hoping to get their attention. Fortunately for Willow's hands, it did.

A young teen around seventeen opened the door and Willow flashed her badge. The teen motioned to turn off the music and smiled at the red head.

"What's up officer?" asked the teen. By the smell of his breath, Willow could tell he was a little drunk.

"Alright, I'll make this short and simple. I assume you are summer vacationers, and in doing such, I know you are here to relax, party, be with your friends. I understand, but there is a noise law here, and you are clearly breaking it. I've had numerous complaints from surrounding guests. So, turn down the music please, to a respectable level. If I get two more complaints concerning this problem, I will have to take the renter of the apartment to the station and the music will be taken away," Willow explained as best she could to the dazed man. With a couple of nods, he turned to his buddies and they in return nodded.

Willow gave them a quick smile and spun around to go back to the truck. Just before she reached her vehicle though, her cell phone rang.

"Hey Chief," came Officer Harris's reply, "We found, well we found the bodies or parts at least..." he trailed, somewhat distraught.

"Look Chief, just hurry back here alright? I think we got what the NYPD would call a situation."

"Got it, I'll be right there," finished Willow. With that, she drove a little quicker back to the station, curious to see what they found.

Chief Rosenberg jogged into Sol Island's Police Station, met half way by Officer Harris.

"What did you find?" questioned Willow as she set a quick pace into the station, Xander following in step right behind her.

"I think the question is lack thereof," quipped Xander. Seeing his chief was less than amused, he continued, "We found the torso of a female, but the lower abdomen is badly cut and torn, so bad we almost couldn't tell if it was a female or not."

Willow frowned in thought. She gave Officer Harris a look of confusion. Picking up on the hint, he decided to explain further.

"A male's arm was found about half a mile towards the west after we discovered the female's body. To be honest Chief, I don't think they drowned," commented Xander.

"Let me look at the remains. I mean, there could be a chance that they were tangled in a boat propeller," Willow added, not convincingly. Officer Harris gave her a look of warning and almost said that she shouldn't, but Chief Rosenberg pushed past him before he could get out a syllable.

The smell when Willow first entered the observation room was foul. She had to take a step back out of instinct when she first smelled it. A biologist stood over a tub of something that Willow couldn't make out. The doctor was making notes and briefly looked up to acknowledge her presence. Willow walked over to see the contents of the tub. When she looked over, her breath caught in her throat.

What little remains she saw obscured in the container were shredded, torn, and bruised. Willow turned away momentarily to collect herself. Officer Harris joined her side and continued with the ghastly discloser.

"As you can see Chief, and forgive me for being blunt ma'am, but there is no way in hell that a boat propeller did this," he summarized.

"Is there any way you can tell what species of shark caused this?" she asked, motioning to the remains when she said the word 'this' to emphasize her point.

The man looked at her with a slightly shocked look, but it disappeared when he saw how serious Willow was.

"Well Chief Rosenberg, I would if I could, but I can't. Not my specialty, unfortunately for you. What you need is a marine biologist that specializes in ichthyology, more specifically sharks," he states matter-of-factly. Satisfied with his answer he wrapped up his conclusions and covered the container. He finished with a last look at Willow by saying, "Whatever did this though was a big one."

"Oh really, I thought it was small one," muttered Willow under her breath sarcastically.

Willow sighed and sat down at her desk. Awaking her computer, she glanced over the injury sheet the examiner had left her. The details were quite horrific. Seeing her computer screen appear, she devoted her attention to it, thankful for the diversion.

Willow browsed the internet for the information she was looking for. The website for the Steinhart Aquarium engulfed her screen. She scrolled, absorbing the new information she was receiving from the website. After reading some basic facts on sharks, Willow sought for the main reason for clicking the website. She copied the California Academy of Sciences number down and quickly called, wanting to reach them by closing hours.

"Hello, California Academy of Sciences, this is Amanda, how may I help you?" rang the secretary's voice.

"Uh, yes, can you please connect me to the director of the Steinhart Aquarium," asked Willow.

A short time afterward a female's voice picked up. "Hello, Faith Lethane speaking."

"Hello Mrs. Lethane, I'm Chief Rosenberg. I'm the head of the Sol Island Police Department and I need a marine biologist to come out to the island to help us with a shark problem." There was no use in sugar coating it. There just wasn't.

Faith thought a moment before answering. "You have a shark problem, eh? Well, I have two very skilled marine biologists who specialize in sharks, I think we can send one over..." she trailed. Willow heard papers rustling in the background. Faith continued, "Alright Chief Rosenberg, I going to send out Tara Maclay, one of the best damn marine biologist I have. She's been with us for four years, so she knows her area. I can have her down in three days to a week, depending on how soon I can get her cleared on temp leave. Other then that, I see no problem."

"Thank you, it will be much appreciated. If you could please tell Mrs. Maclay that when she arrives, to just drop by the police station, it's right near the barge drop off. Tell her to ask for Chief Rosenberg, yeah?" she explained.

"Sure thing Chief, give us a call if you have anymore questions or problems," chuckled the brunette.

Shortly after Faith hung the phone up, she walked out to the dolphin tank. The muscular woman, toned from all the swimming she managed, found Tara Maclay in a dive suit feeding Daisy, the aquarium's most hyper dolphin. Tara barely noticed Faith at the edge of the top of the tank.

Tara spun around in the water quickly. Daisy, assuming it was playtime, spun around as well, bouncing slightly when she had completed her task. Tara smiled and tossed her a fish.

"Job? Did I get fired and not get the notice?" joked the blonde, her hair in a wet ponytail.

"Nah, you're still ours, but they got a shark situation down on Sol Island, not too far from here. They needed an expert and well T, you're pretty much the best we got," winked the voluptuous brunette.

"That's my guess, but anyway, let's try and get you out there day after tomorrow. The police chief over there, uh, Rosenberg, said for you to stop by the station and meet with her then, so she's knows you arrived and all."

Tara nodded her head in acknowledgement and turned her attention back to Daisy who was nudging her shoulder. She gently petted the dolphin's head. Faith turned to go, but hesitated and turned back to her old college friend. The two had gone to school together, learned together, even roomed together now.

"Hey T, you a'ight? I mean, I know Glory and you didn't work out, but honestly, she wasn't that great. Definitely not good enough for you," Faith consoled.

"If I was too good for her, then why did she break up with me?" questioned Tara softly. Tara knew Faith was right, and frankly, Tara didn't give a damn about Glory any more. It was being alone that Tara loathed.

"Tara, I know you're not pining for her. That's not your style and I know it. Just remember, if you ever need to talk or someone to just be with, heh, well, you know where I live," Faith chuckled. She looked around and spotted a fish bucket with some fish in it. Faith picked up one fish and threw it towards Daisy who jumped over Tara's head to catch it. Tara turned to give Faith a nasty look, but giggled when Faith walked off, sticking her tongue out at her.

"Daisy, come here," she called, tapping the water lightly. Daisy swam up slowly from the depths of the tank and bounced slightly, caused Tara to smile. She patted the mammal.

"Oh Daisy, I'm twenty-eight and have more failed relationships than shark have teeth. And that's a lot!" she laughed in spite of herself. "I'm really beginning to lose it. I'm twenty-eight, not sixty-three. I got time, right? I mean, I can live lonely without someone to hold me, yeah sure, I can do that," she sighed and fed Daisy one last fish. "It's getting late Daisy, I gotta head home and pack, "she said ruefully. "Gotta handle this shark issue before it bites them in the ass – literally." She laughed at her own joke. "I'll be back though, alright, and we'll have a play date, promise." She kissed the top of the dolphin's head and swam to the side, pulling herself out of the aquarium tank. Doing one last sweep to the Sand Tiger shark tank, she checked to make sure Angel, the other marine biologist specializing in sharks, had fed them.

Retrieving her bag of dry clothes, she told Fred goodnight and walked to her car. As she drove home, her thoughts began to wander to the shark situation and why in the hell they needed her. Oh well, she loved sharks – ever since she saw the movie White Death, she fell in love. And it was the only thing to fall in love with her thus far.

As it turns out, she beat Faith home. She cooked herself some easy Mac and Cheese and packed herself up. She had some paper work to fill out the next day before she headed out to Sol Island.

The night was calm, the waves were still and the shark roamed freely among the tiny fish that fluttered about whenever it glided near. A sudden movement to the north caught the shark's attention, consequently changing its course. About a hundred yards north from the shark's location was a mild under current of splashing and kicking.

Dawn Summers was enjoying her summer break so far. The first year of college was a bitch; there was no covering about that. However, now she could relax with her boyfriend, Carlos and best friend Kit. They swam nude, mainly because Dawn and Carlos where hoping to secretively fool around under the water, but also because of the free and almost naughty feeling it gave them.

As Dawn and Kit continued talking, Dawn felt something tug on her leg. She screamed loudly and a laughing Carlos surfaced the dark waters.

"Carlos, you asshole, I can't believe you! That's fuckin' scary and you know that!" yelled Dawn, half upset but also wanting sympathy.

Dawn happily swam over to him, feeling his manly hood rub against her. At Kit's exasperated sigh, Dawn turned to face her best friend and continued their conversation. Meanwhile, Carlos entered her with a finger and gently massaged her with his hand. Feeling caught in a trap, Dawn stroked him, knowing they couldn't go further without Kit knowing.

"Sorry, I just assumed because you were responding with the stroking that it was alright for me to-" but Dawn cut him off.

"Not that! You know what I'm talking about. The bumping up against my leg with your legs and feet. It's creepy and your skin is so rough," Dawn commented.

Carlos was frozen for a moment before he was jerked under the water. He came back up and choked on some water. "What the fuck?" he coughed just before the force pulled him under again.

Kit and a reluctant Dawn began swimming toward shore, but Carlos resurfaced once more. Dawn reached to grab a still conscious man. She kicked wildly, her destination the shore. Kit, who was about three yards ahead of them suddenly screamed as a force hit her from the side, knocking her under.

Dawn froze mid kick, but Carlos spoke, "No, we n-need to g-get a-ashore n-now. W- we h-have to con-continue." With that, Dawn swam rapidly, covering as much ground as possible. The only thought that registered with Dawn was when her feet hit land, but even then she kept going until she collapsed on the sand of Sol Island's main public beach.

Carlos was gasping and wincing at the sheering pain he received. Dawn rushed over to their clothes and pulled out her cell phone.

"Hello, 911? I need an ambulance out here ASAP. We're on Main Beach, yeah, and there's something out there," her tears spilled from her eyes as she wrapped her T-shirt around the nub that used to be Carlos's left leg. Dawn Summers looked out into the now still waters for a sign of her best friend. Finding none, she tore her eyes away from the scene and focused back on Carlos. The distant siren of the ambulance was just background noise in her mind, even when they arrived and carried away her boyfriend. The questions they asked, the comments they made-she never heard. Her eyes, like glass, stared out into the abyss of the ocean where her friend was. Her first friend in high school and her college roommate. One man wrapped a coat around the still nude woman, but she hardly cared about her presence. Her mind just focused on the water, hoping-praying, that Kit would resurface and yell 'It was all a joke!' Even that would be better then the pain she felt shooting through her veins.

She tore her eyes away from the water and looked down the beach. A form, washed upon the shore, was lying there, unattended. Dawn sprinted down to the mass, a young med chasing after her.

"Kit!" Dawn screamed as she arrived at the mangled body of her deceased best friend.

"Miss don't, she's not alive!" screamed the man who almost caught her before she turned over the body. Dawn shuddered and screamed at the horrific sight before her eyes.

"Jesus fucking Christ!" muttered Willow as her house phone rang in her bedroom. She grunted a hello as she picked up the phone and heard Officer Harris's voice.

"Officer Harris, why am I not surprised to hear from you?" questioned Willow, slightly out of it from the recent state of sleep.

Xander only referred to Willow by Will or Willow outside of the workplace, when the two talked one on one. Also, this was a big indicator to Willow that he was scared.

"Xander, what's wrong?" asked Willow, now completely concerned for her best friend, if not only friend on the island.

"There's been another attack," he stated simply. Willow's eyes grew big and she threw on the closest items that resembled clothes and drove quickly to Main Beach.

Practically jumping out of the truck, Willow rushed over to see a frenzy of people, crime scene tape and an ambulance. It the mix, she spotted Xander.

"Officer Harris," she called. The young man looked up, grief stricken all over his face. She moved over right beside him and said, "What the hell happened?" In a much lower voice, Willow whispered to Xander, "Come on Xander, pull it together, it's alright."

Xander nodded and motioned for her to follow him. They walked briskly on the beach for a while before encountering a young female with hazel hair.

"Chief Rosenberg, this is Dawn Summers, a witness to what happened tonight," introduced Xander. Willow eyed the girl. Taking in her appearance and the small behavior she could, she deduced that the young woman was in shock.

Dawn clung to the med intern as if he were oxygen. She shook slightly, but from shock or cold, Willow didn't know. Her eyes, as Willow guessed, were swollen from crying. Dawn looked like, for lack of a better word, shit.

"What exactly did she witness?" Willow questioned, fearing she already knew the answer.

Xander nodded his head toward a lump of mass laying on the sand a couple of feet from the two cops. "That," he simply said.

A young woman's body lay shredded, resembling the remains of the other two victims. Her right arm was completely gone, as was her right leg, but the sight that most caught Willow off guard was the missing chunk of flesh in the woman's right side. The face was so damaged that the only way you could tell which side was up right was the fact that the head was still half connected to the body.

Willow thought out loud, "The shark attacked from the right side, straight shot, so it was surfaced – well as much as it could be surfaced-when it attacked," concluded Willow.

"That isn't the only victim," butted in Xander, "there was another boy, Ms. Summers boyfriend. His leg was extracted by the attacker and they rushed him to the hospital. He'll be fine though."

"Alright well, we need to, unfortunately, preserve this girl's body for Ms. Maclay to examine it. She should be out here tomorrow sometime. Until then, we need to get the kids' stories. Just to confirm the inevitable. With their statements, we can issue for a warrant to close the beaches," she concluded.

"This isn't Finn's job," responded Willow, almost to herself. She sighed as she walked with Xander to the station to do the paper work on the case.

Back at the station, Willow and Xander filled out all the required documents and aimlessly talked about their "plans" for the weekend. Willow didn't have much to talk about. She only had a few minor complaints; and of course, the 4th of July celebration to prepare. It was only June 24, but Finn had her on the assignment at the end of May. The redhead had to set up security and make sure everything ran smoothly for Mayor Finn.

"So who's this Maclay you mentioned?" Xander asked, interrupting Willow's thoughts.

Without looking up from her paperwork, Willow answered him, "The marine biologist that Steinhart Aquarium is sending over."

"Yeah, but I know you pretty well, and you love that computer. In fact, you love the computer so much, that you do background checks on almost everyone before you meet them," Xander noted. Willow's looked up from her work and smiled guiltily at him.

"Alright, so I did a background check, but it hardly said anything. She went to UCLA and majored in marine biology. She worked as a dolphin trainer for Sea World during her college summers to pay for school. Then, fresh out of college, she continued working at Sea World in the shark department until Steinhart recruited her," Willow revealed.

Xander smiled, knowing that Willow always researched help for the force. Xander didn't know why though. He used to think she was just paranoid, but after learning more about Willow, he knew she wasn't paranoid. But what other reason could there be? The brown haired man finally decided it really didn't matter.

Xander stood and composed himself. He stuck his head out the door and called for Dawn, who slowly walked into the office.

With Xander's nod, she glanced at the young woman who kept her eyes on the floor. Willow frowned in sadness.

"Dawn, right? I'm Chief Rosenberg, but you can call me Willow, alright?" The young girl looked up and nodded once at Willow and the red head continued. "Ok, so as hard as I'm sure it might be to recall this incident, could you please explain to me what happened out there?" inquired Willow.

The brunette gazed out the window to the ocean shore. Just as Willow began to repeat the question, the girl spoke.

"We were swimming. It was a spur of the moment thing. We had a couple of drinks, thought it would be fun to skinny dip for an hour or so. Carlos, my boyfriend, was joking around with attacking my leg and stuff. He scared the shit out of me and Kit. When I felt something bump my leg again, I figured it was, um, Carlos...again..."her eyes watered up, but she breathed in deep and continued, "I told him to stop messing around and he looked at me like I was crazy...then he was pulled under." She paused a moment. "He resurfaced once and then was yanked under again, but me and Kit were heading for shore. Then, he came up again and I reached for him. We began swimming in. Kit was in front of us. All of a sudden, that thing hit in from the side. Drove her out of the way. I almost stopped, but Carlos told me to keep going. And I did. Didn't even turn back once to see if I could help her. Of course I saved Carlos, but in Kit's time of need, I just let her go. The one person who was with me time and time again..." she began crying uncontrollably. She shook violently and Willow moved around her desk to comfort her. Dawn balled for fifteen minutes, constantly blaming herself, before controlling herself.

"So, you are positive it was a shark then?" questioned Willow, not really needing to. With Dawn's nod, Willow squatted on her knees in front of the girl.

"Then I need you to fill out this complaint form. It's the only way that Mayor Finn will allow is to close the beaches. Carlos will need to do the same. Your statement could prevent further attacks on swimmers," Willow tried to emphasize her statement as much as possible. She knew far too well how much effort Finn would put into fighting Willow on this. With these statements, there was no way he could argue and win.

Dawn nodded numbly and filled out the necessary questions and lines, jumping through every hoop Willow placed in front of her. Willow felt the girl was distant, basically going through the motions. Her heart went out to the girl.

When everything was done, Willow told the girl to go home and sleep as best she could. With the girl gone, Xander began to walk back into Willow's office, but she shooed him away.

"I assume you're going to stay here all night and there's nothing I can do about it," he stated, not so much as a question but more of an observation.

"Your intuitive side scares me sometimes Harris. I'll see you tomorrow," she said, returning to her desk and opening up the first of a pile of books she had picked up from the local library.

Willow flipped through the pages, looking at pictures and facts. Statistics and attack maps.

Tara knew she was early. To be honest with herself, the blonde was anxious to learn what the shark situation was. So she hurriedly finished her work and jumped the first barge over to the island. The boat ride lasted a little bit longer than two hours.

When she arrived at the island three hours ahead of the planned time, she glanced over the new scenery. She was on a dock that lasted about a half-mile until you reached the shore. Tara picked up a bag that she could place over her shoulder and rolled her suitcase off the boat.

The blonde began walking, glad that she had pulled her hair back this morning. Although the sun shone brightly, the problem was the wind. It whipped Tara's hair with no avail.

When she reached the end of the pier, Tara spotted the police station and decided best to introduce herself first. She wheeled her luggage around to the station and walked in with confidence.

"Excuse me Miss, can I help you?" asked the young cop, openly letting her eyes roam over the blonde's body.

Feeling like she was being put under a microscope, the blonde lost her confidence, "Er, well, I-I'm T-Tara M-M-".

"Maclay," finished Xander, moving his way to block Amy Madison's assault on the blonde, "Hi there Miss Maclay, I'm Officer Harris, second in command to the chief, if you will," he smiled politely, extending his hand.

"If you follow me, I'll take you to Chief Rosenberg's office. She's on the phone right now, but I'm sure it won't last..." he said as he opened the door to Willow's office. The redhead was pacing on the phone, very adamant about the conversation she was in.

"...no, I can't just make this go away sir! The girl found her friend's body on the beach mangled and shredded. Do you have any idea how disturbing that is? What kind of psychological damage that does?! Sir, if the beaches remain open, another incident is bound to occur...no...what do you mean anything but that! The people are gonna blame me for the attacks! ...fine sir! Just fine!" she yelled as she hung up the phone, obviously disgusted. Tara, oddly enough, didn't feel awkward, but entranced by the vibrant red hair of the chief's head.

Willow finally looked up from her intent gaze on the phone and found herself drowning in the most sapphire and soulful eyes she had ever seen. Tara was in a similar state when she settled on the emerald gems of Willow's eyes. Both stood, gazing intently at each other, until Willow finally spoke.

"Uh, hi, I'm Chief Rosenberg, but seeing as you're not a cop, you can call me Willow. You must be Miss Maclay then?" she asked, extending her hand in welcoming.

"Yes, um please call me Tara," she said taking the offered hand, but never breaking eye contact. Willow, reluctantly, shifted her eyes on Xander.

"Officer Harris, will you please retrieve the remains for Miss Maclay...I mean Tara, to observe?" she asked. Xander nodded and made his way to the observation room. Willow looked at Tara again and smiled warmly. "Please have a seat and I'll fill you in on exactly what is going on, or at least, what I know is going on," she explained, sitting down herself.

Tara did the same and smiled back at Willow. She placed her bags down beside her and looked up at Willow when she was finally settled. Tara thought she could look at Willow forever.

"Well, as you probably assumed the shark problem is of course attacks. We first realized we had a problem when two vacationers disappeared and then later turned up, dismembered on the ocean floor. Then, last night, a college visitor was attacked and killed and another young man was attacked on the leg. He's in hospital care at the moment, receiving a replica leg. We don't know what kind of shark is doing this, why it's even in these waters, or what to do to solve this problem. I'm kinda hoping you do," she said the last part very meekly. Tara half smiled at the cuteness of Willow's voice.

"Well, that's something I can defiantly help with. I suggest that I go get settled into a hotel and then return to look at the remains. I have to do some mild preparations that require equipment in my bags," she explained.

Willow's face brightened up when Tara told her she could help. Willow was set in keeping Tara around. For some reason, Willow felt a sense of security around her. However, her eyebrows furrowed in confusion. Tara seeing this asked her what was wrong.

"You haven't made any reservations at any hotel yet?" she questioned. At Tara's shake of her head signaling 'no', Willow picked up the phone and dialed a number. Tara heard a muffled noise on the other end. Willow, feeling she was being rude, explained the sudden call.

"Anya knows if there's any hotel rooms left. Knowing what's the what is her business. She's sorta like the town's vacationer-go-to-gal...hey Anya, any hotel rooms left. I got a special girl, needs taken care of," Willow said, winking jokingly at Tara, who blushed. "...you sure? That's what I was afraid of. Yeah, thanks anyway," she said, ending her conversation. She looked at Tara.

"I'm really sorry about this, but all the rooms are booked, with the summer crowd and all. Now, I could set you up in my office, it's the most spacious one here, or you could share my apartment, which gives you a room all to yourself. But I understand if you want to be alone, ya know, have your own space, because space is good," she babbled, somewhat nervously. Gosh, haven't babbled since I moved out here. Then again, no one to babble to and nothing to babble about, so why babble when there shouldn't be needless babbling...

"If it's not too much trouble, I'd rather stay at your place," asked Tara. A blush crept up her face and into her ears.

"No! No trouble at all! Nope, all fine, Finey McFine. Here, I'll give you a ride," the red head offered as she stood up. "Need help with your bags?" she asked. Tara told her 'no, but thanks for asking' and the two hopped into the truck. Even though there was some minor awkward silence, they mostly spoke about random things. About what Tara does at the aquarium and more details on the shark attacks. The two women kept the conversation going, as much for the talk and so they could sneak glances at each other.

Willow's apartment wasn't too far from the station; then again, nothing on Sol Island was far from anything else. Willow picked up Tara's suitcase, despite the small protest from her. Tara allowed Willow to, thankful for the help, although she rarely admitted she needed it. Willow unlocked the door and pushed it open. She flipped on the light switch.

Tara stepped in and Willow went into full babble mode, "I'm sorry about the state of the house, I mean I had no idea I'd have visitors, ya know, and even then, I clean up every now and then, but with last night and all I just didn't have a chance to clean up," she squeaked out.

"Your babble is quite amusing. I like it," commented Tara as her giggling lowered.

Willow gave her a small smile and moved through the living room which they were in now.

"Alright, well, here's the living room and to the right in the kitchen. I hope it's not too messy for you. Down the hall are the two bedrooms. Mine is the one on the right. Yours, well, obviously, on the left. It has its own bathroom and everything, so I hope you like it. She finished as she set Tara's suitcase down in her room.

Tara searched the house, taking in her surroundings. The apartment was great really. The room was nice and comforting. It reminded her of her mother's house.

"It's lovely, Willow, really," she said, trying her best to reassure the redhead. The chief told Tara to get comfortable and ready, ending the conversation with, "I'll meet you in the living room when you're done, take your time."

Willow settled herself on her couch and scooped up her kitten. The only pet store on the island just had a sale on a new litter of kittens, and Willow just gave into the little runt of the litter. A cute black and white kitty. The redhead was a sucker for those things – cute things.

"Hey Miss Kitty," she whispered as she petted the attention- needing kitten. Willow pulled out a fake mouse on a string and dangled it above the kitty.

Boy this sure is fun! thought the Miss Kitty as she jumped for the mysterious object.

"Aren't you just the cutest little thing ever," Willow said in a baby voice. "You would never yell at me over the phone, would you? Nope, because you're too sweet to ever yell at me," she told the kitty, who still was completely concentrated on her object.

Tara, who had gathered her things for the examination, had traveled down the hall only to stop at hearing the red head's voice. She smiled to herself hearing the chief baby talking a...kitty? Tara found the red head quite entertaining and also extremely adorable. But Tara couldn't think of such matters now. Not when there was a job to do. And certainly not when the adorable one was her boss.

Tara backed up a few steps and made a show of coming out into the living room. Willow, hearing the blonde coming down the hall, stood up, gave the kitty one last pat and moved over to take the keys.

"Ready to go?" she asked. With Tara's nod, the red head glanced back at her pet, longing to go back to her childish state and just forget about the town's problems. But she couldn't do that, not with this really big problem in her hands.

"No, not at all, I love them. I would have one, but Faith is allergic to them. Something about the hair," she said as the two women walked to the truck, "Personally, I think it's all a damn lie, just so she doesn't have to do any work for the animal," she finished as they hopped into the truck.

Willow slightly laughed. Something about what the blonde said bugged her. Faith? She lives with her boss? Are they involved? Well of course she must be involved! A girl lookin' like that is gonna be involved with someone! I mean look at her!

"Huh? Oh yeah, well, I was just thinking, about...uh...well, it's just...you live with your boss?" she finally sputtered out.

Tara eyed the red head curiously. Having been aware of her sexuality long before anyone her age was, she had seen all the signs from other girls who bloomed into their own sexuality. She knew what too look for, especially when she was courting the suspect herself. But Willow, she couldn't figure out. The red head guarded herself, but from what, Tara didn't know. The blonde brushed off the question about her living style as pure curiosity.

"Well, yes, but I was living with her long before she was my boss. We went to school together and were first year room mates. After that year, with all we had in common, we became best friends. Lucky for her, she got the head position at the aquarium, mainly because she got her minor in business and I got mine in teaching. We decided that it wouldn't matter if we continued living together. It's natural for us, so, it works," she summarized.

Willow nodded her head. She pulled the truck into the station's parking lot. Walking around the front of the vehicle, she fell in step with Tara.

Tara wore a white coat, a headset of some sort and surgical gloves. The pair walked into the observation room, where they met a sleeping Xander.

"I have the sudden urge to tickle him with a feather," said Willow, out loud, although she hadn't meant to. Tara smirked in response. "Watch this," said Willow.

"OFFICER HARRIS, WHAT THE HELL DO YOU THINK YOU'RE DOING!" yelled Willow, startling the man until he fell on the floor. Scrambling to his feet, he finally saw who had yelled at him and scowled.

"Oh sure, wake the man when he's making up the sleep he lost last night!" he said, embarrassed that he had been caught sleeping on duty.

"Oh Harris, calm down! Get the remains for Ms. Maclay, would ya?" she asked. She rolled her eyes playfully.

Tara leaned over, close to Willow's ear. Willow's breath caught for a moment when she felt the warm breath on her sensitive ear lobe.

"It's Tara, remember?" Tara whispered, low enough so Xander wouldn't hear. Tara wanted to test Willow. Wanted to know how far she could push the red head. A blush the color of Willow's hair formed on her ears. The blonde leaned back and watched Xander bring a container over to the table. She smiled to herself, pleased with what she had done.

Willow stood dumbfounded. She recognized the beautiful woman from the moment she saw her, but she couldn't get involved with her. Jesus Christ, you have a job to do, a problem to fix, and then she's gone. Why put yourself in that sort of mess and pain? What's the point? She's here until the shark is gone. Then she will be gone too. Leaving you alone.

Willow's thoughts were interrupted by Tara looking at her expectantly. Willow lightly shook her head.

"Well, it's just, um, you're really pale. Sick pale and I wondered if you were alright?" she asked.

"Oh, no, I'm fine, just peachy keen. I just, the thought of the remains and the overload of shit I have to do...makes me feel all queasy, but I'm better now. Yeah, I'm fine," Willow explained, not so reassuringly. Willow threw in a quick smile to Tara. Tara gave her a half-smile back and walked over to the table. She reached for the clipboard and took out a pen.

Willow noted that the headset was a hands-free recorder for her to verbally record what she saw.

"Alright, the attacker could quite possibly come from the family Lamnidae or Carcharhinidae, but that can only be determined by the attack wounds and sightings of the attacker. The first remains I'll be looking at are the remains of Veruca Jameson..." Tara recorded as she unveiled the cloth off the container. Tara held her breath, partly because of the smell, but mostly because of the sight. She quickly collected herself and continued on with her recording.

Willow oddly felt a need to go over and comfort the blonde. Protect her from the ghastly sight. Take her into her arms and make it all better. But Willow couldn't do that. She wrapped her arms around herself and sat quietly in the corner, watching the blonde intently.

"There are no major organs intact. In fact, there is no upper body. The remains begin at the torso. One leg is cut off about two inches above the knee, while the other leg is still attached all the way to the foot. However, the intact leg has three major bites taken out of it. One on the thigh, another on the knee cap, and the last bite is on the front of the foot. These three bites will help determine the bite radius and the bite size of the shark that did this," Tara informed, looking up at Xander and then Willow. Tara felt Willow's gaze on her, even when she began examining the remains of the man.

"Alright, victim Daniel Osbourne, only parts found on him. No major organs, no attached limbs. All we have is one arm, the foot and shoulder of him," she recorded. Then she looked up at Willow and said, "There's really no point in doing a thorough examination of him. Nothing found on him will give me any more details than that of Ms. Jameson."

"Al-" Willow began to say 'alright', but her mouth was so dry, she had to cough, "Alright, do you still need to examine the girl from last night?"

Xander perked up. "Not really. Her state is pretty much the state of the first victim," he said. Willow nodded in confirmation.

"Alright, then I just need to measure some of the inflicted wounds and then-"she stopped when a tall, muscular man in a suit barged into the office.

"Rosenberg, what the hell is this?" Riley Finn, the mayor of Sol Island asked, throwing down a newspaper on the table beside her.

Willow gave him a look, but averted her attention to the paper in front of her when she picked it up.

The headline read "Shark Attacks Sol Island!" and the rest were just gruesome details. Willow's jade eyes roamed over the annoying headline and story. Not only did it mention the first two attacks, but it also replayed last night's events. Willow checked to see the source and sure enough, it was Dawn.

"Anya!" she muttered, tossing the paper aside in disgust. The blonde was the head of the Sol Paradise, the island's paper. She knew how to get everything: facts, pictures, interviews, VIP's to impossible events. Aside from Xander, Anya Jenkins was the only other person on the island she was close with. I mean, sure, Willow hung out with people on the staff, chatted with the occasional visitor, but because Anya ran the Sol Paradise, Willow frequently came in contact with her. So naturally, the two turned to one another for girl's nights out.

"Rosenberg, we need to clean this up. I've called a board meeting Saturday at one and you will explain to the public what exactly is going on, alright?" Mayor Finn stated, not even bothering to ask the question.

"Riley, I can't help that the girl went to the press. Or that the press went to the girl and you know that! Plus, I can't tell them what exactly is going on because, oh hey shocker- I don't know. You won't listen to my pleas long enough for us to work something out," Willow spoke with a slightly agitated tone.

Riley look around the room, nodding to Xander and smiling at Tara, giving her the once over. He then looked at Willow again and said, "Look, I don't care what you do. I really don't. But the beaches will stay open. Tomorrow is Friday, supposedly going to be the hottest day of the summer and the people will swarm the beaches. Keep the beaches safe. Keep the beaches fun. But most importantly, keep the beaches OPEN!" he finished as he walked out of the room.

Willow dropped her head in defeat. Tara wanted to rush over and kick Finn where the sun don't shine. But that wasn't a possibility.

Xander hesitantly trudged over to Willow. He wrapped an arm around his best friend. Tara felt something she hadn't felt since, well since, ever: jealousy. However, when the conversation between them started, and she realized he was a platonic friend, the feeling vanished.

"Willow...Will 'ole buddy! It's alright! I'll put Jamie on getting back-up down here ASAP and tomorrow will go smoothly. I already got Jason to order us a shark net. However, it only stretches 750 meters. That's three fourths our beach length, so we're gonna have to close off some of the beach. Maybe make it sunbathers only?" he asked, trying his best to comfort the distressed woman.

"That's what we'll have to do. God damnit, he makes my life so hard sometimes!" she muttered. Finally, like a light switch in her mind, she remembered that Tara was still in the room. "Uh, I'm sorry for the uh, well, ya know...grrr," she apologized, blushing slightly.

Tara shook her head and spoke, "No, trust me, I would be doing the same thing," she said smirking.

"Right, well, what were you saying? Measuring the bites?" she asked, focusing on the issue at hand: pinning the shark responsible for this.

"Yeah, I need to measure them. As quickly as possible too, because well, the flesh could get damaged, giving me an inaccurate measure," she commented, getting back into the work zone.

Tara pulled out what looked like a measuring device and hurriedly went to work. While taking her data, she looked at the two cops. "You really don't have to stay for this. I'll inform you as soon as I know which shark it is," she said, hoping she wasn't taking up the two's time.

Xander smiled and told Tara 'thanks for being here' and left. Willow hung back, keeping a close eye on Tara. Her cat like eyes penetrated the blonde in a way that no one had.

The blonde had engrossed herself in her work already, but she felt the narrow gaze at her. It made her jittery. Her breathing increased just a little bit, but it was enough for Willow to notice. Willow smirked and strode over to the doorway. With her back towards Tara, she spoke louder with a newfound confidence, "I'll be in my office for most of the day. Come get me when you're finished and we'll head back to the apartment..." she turned around and winked, "You must be tired."

"This is freakin' impossible," she said as she slammed her head onto the book she was reading. Willow popped her head in the room. Seeing the blonde's head thrown down, she knocked on the door quietly, acquiring the blonde's attention.

"Looks like you could use mocha, so I thought 'Hey! Sugary goodness – never fails!' and so, well, I always need one. Anyway, here," she said, placing one of the two drinks in her hands on the desk Tara was sitting at.

Tara smiled weakly at her. The blonde took a sip of the warm liquid and melted. She rubbed her eyes wearily.

"Something wrong?" probed Willow. She sat across from the blonde and looked at her with worried eyes.

"Willow, the only shark alive that could be responsible for this is the Great White, but something's not adding up! The bite size suggests the shark is thirty-five feet long. That's over five feet longer than any great white recorded in the past fifty years. Can there really be a great white in existence that is that huge? I mean, the teeth would have to be over five inches long. That's just not right!" she yelled, banging her hand on the desk. She pulled back, startled by her own actions. Her head lowered and her hair, which she had let down over an hour ago, covered her face.

"Don't. I know how it feels to be frustrated. Believe me, I know. It's alright to let your emotions out, and I don't mind being there when you do," she soothed. Tara looked up and gave her a half-smile.

"If you say so," she said, smiling now, her stutter gone with her embarrassment. She suddenly fell silent, concentrating on something. "Would you mind if I brought an old college professor of mine out here? I need his opinion on this. He won't stay over night. But I just, whenever I'm in a bind, he seems to know the answer. Or at least, he helps me find the answer," she asked, skimming her books one more time.

Willow eyed her, amazed at the beauty in front of her. She cleared her throat from the dryness. "Um, sure, that would be fine."

Willow involuntarily glanced at her watch and noticed it was just after midnight. Tara saw the look and faked a yawn.

"Are you ready to go? I mean, well, if you are finished with all your work and well, all," she uttered. Willow looked at Tara with piercing eyes, but the intensity wasn't discomforting. It was the exact opposite. Tara felt like Willow could gaze into her soul when she delved into her eyes; the feeling was security, not discomfort.

"I know you're not tired. I can tell. You're like me, you want to complete the task at the time instead of letting it sit. I can wait. I didn't get chocolate for nothing," she said, never breaking her eye contact with Tara. She finally gave Tara a small smile, but not a nervous smile. Willow gave Tara the sexiest 'don't look out for me, I'm a big girl' smile that Tara had ever seen.

Despite her attempt to test the red head, she really did want to stop her work for the evening. She left early yesterday morning and she knew tomorrow would be tough. The beaches were open tomorrow. And that meant trouble. Tara felt it.

"Look Chief Rosenberg, we may be alike, but my immature side wants sleep. And unfortunately for my workaholic side, the immature side is winning," Tara informed, leaning over the desk, closer to Willow.

Willow leaned in across the desk as well, bridging the gap between them. With only mere centimeters between the two women's lips, Willow hotly breathed, "It's Willow, remember?" Seeing the involuntary shiver go through Tara, Willow stood up and walked to the door. "Meet you outside in five minutes," she affirmed.

It took the five minutes for Tara to regain her composer before walking out to the truck. She found Willow already sitting in the car, smiling at the blonde as she walked. The red head leaned across the seat of the car to open the door for Tara.

Willow grinned and pulled out of the station's parking lot. She asked Tara if she was hungry. Hearing an eager yes, Willow drove to the only dinner that stayed open all night, Railroad Spikes. The two walked into the dinner and found an empty booth, which wasn't hard considering the place was deserted.

"Hey Red, you sitting all the way over there because you wanna make me work harder?" yelled a bleached blonde man. Willow chuckled at the man.

"Will, you don't work hard at all. This is my way of keeping you in line. I am the chief of police after all," called back.

As the blonde man walked over, he pointed at Willow, "Oy, Don't call me Will...Will! It's Spike, alright? I hate my real name and you bloody well know it," Spike told her, fully bringing out his British accent. The red head had to look down in order to stifle her giggle.

Although Spike and she knew each other well, he lived on the other side of the island and he rarely went to the beach. Something about skin trouble. But the criminal activity on the island was zilch to nothing. So, Willow hardly ever came out this way. Only when it was incredibly late and Willow was too lazy to fix anything at home. Like the present moment, no one was ever in the joint at the hours Willow stopped by, which gave Willow and Spike the opportunity to get to know each other. Add in the fact that he was gay, and you had a rainbow lovin' pair!

"Alright, luv, what'll it be?" he asked, squatting down in front of the table. He gave Tara a nice smile and winked, but unlike Willow's wink, it was friendly, not sexy.

Tara looked over her menu. "I'll just have a ham and turkey sub with fries and sweet tea to drink," she told the man. He mentioned that it was a good choice, causing Willow to roll her eyes.

"Working the customer, nice," she joked, "I'll have the hotdog and fries please. Umm how bout coke to drink too."

"Coming right up ladies," he said, standing up right and moving around to the back of the counter to prepare their orders.

"He's a sweetheart really. Me and him clicked right away; we have a lot in common," replied Willow, thanking Spike as he handed the ladies their drinks.

"Well, we love to read, we even have the same favorite, To Kill a Mockingbird. Music wise, we both enjoy the rock beat, so..." she trailed. Should I tell her? She has been flirting with me...at least, I think she has. Might as well, I can't do anything about it anyway. "...and we're both gay, so we can connect through that," she finally sputtered out. Normally, she didn't give a damn whether people knew or not. Most people on the island didn't know she existed until they had a problem to solve. After Willow handled it, they went on with their lives, choosing to block her from memory until she was needed again. People were so busy with their lives on the island; no one even cared if she was. That is, if they even knew about it.

But with Tara, Willow felt a stronger connection. She at least wanted a friendship outta this fiasco. The red head could only hope Tara wasn't a bigot.

Tara looked up at Spike as he set the food on the table. With the silent atmosphere, he could hear their conversation, and decided he should join in and tease his redheaded friend. "She's a wildcat, this one. Never seen a gayer one," he told Tara with a straight face. The blonde's sapphire eyes bulged out of her head at the man's bluntness. Willow nearly choked on her fries as he said that. The red head's face turned pink.

"Cool it you two; I was only kiddin'," he said with a small smile as he turned to go back to his job. Willow sent daggers his way and Tara began to laugh full heartedly.

The chief looked at her, questioning the blonde's sanity. With a raise of Willow's eyebrow, Tara began to explain. "The look on your face was priceless, I swear. I wish I had my camera!"

Willow decided the mature thing to do was to not retaliate. She simply stuck out her tongue to the blonde.

The two ate in relative silence for the rest of the meal. Willow picked up the check, insisting that she was merely thanking the blonde for her work. After Tara retorted that she was being paid for her hard work, Willow stuck her tongue out again.

When they returned to Willow's apartment, they headed off to their separate rooms. Willow put Miss Kitty in her room. Willow turned to say goodnight to the blonde, but stopped short when she saw Tara deep in thought.

"Uh, Tara? You need something?" she asked, not really wanting to disturb the blue eyed beauty in her thought process.

Tara looked at her all of a sudden, a look of curiosity plastered across her face. Then very innocently, she replied to Willow. "No, I'm just trying to determine if you really are a wildcat." She smirked and walked up to Willow. She lightly flicked the patch on Willow's uniform that said "Sol Island Police". Tara half smirked at Willow and said, "G'night Chief."

With that, the blonde sauntered into the bedroom, leaving a very aroused redhead in the hall way.

After Willow recovered, she turned to go into her own bedroom, pictures of Tara dancing through her mind.

By the time Tara was up and showered, she heard Willow in the kitchen and smelled the familiar aroma of coffee. Emerging from her room, she spotted the red head looking in the fridge, her ass apparent. Tara didn't mean to, but she did. She looked with longing at Willow's ass until Willow stood up straight and turned around. The red head smiled at her.

Willow was wearing a white tank top, her bathing suit showing through it underneath and black cheerleading shorts. The red hair that flowed freely yesterday was pulled back into a nice ponytail, with sun glasses sitting on top of her head.

Tara loved the casual look on Willow. The phrase 'love a woman in uniform' only goes so far. Tara didn't look so bad herself. She wore white shorts and a pink t-shirt that fit snuggly on her form. Her pink flip flops were nothing special, but Willow thought they were the most beautiful shade of pink ever mixed.

"Want some waffles? Made 'em myself. I had a hard time sleeping last night, so I got up extra early and cooked. There's coffee too," Willow explained as she sat down at the table and began eating, not taking her eyes off Tara.

The blonde fixed herself a plate and sat across from the red head at the table. Willow cocked an eyebrow at her. Tara had this lazy smirk on her face, and Willow, for the life of her, couldn't figure out why.

Tara shrugged and began eating. After a couple of bites, making Willow wait longer than she should have, she spoke. "Nothing really. I just didn't know where you are going to put your gun," she said, giving Willow a quick smile and then returned to her food.

"You enjoy that, don't you?" questioned the redhead. She gave Tara a very disbelieving look. Tara couldn't help but giggle.

"I won't lie, I do enjoy it, but I don't feel bad for doing it. You enjoy it as much as I do," she said matter-of-factly.

"Ready to go protect the innocent and save the needy and help the helpless?" inquired Willow. With Tara's nod, they drove down to Main Beach, unfortunately, it was already packed. Tara looked at her watch; it was only 8:00. The sun had been out for fifteen minutes!

"Our name isn't Sun Island for nothing," Willow commented as she stepped out of the truck. Tara soon followed, but walked extremely close to Willow. Tara chose to do this for two reasons: she was nervous being in a public place without knowing anyone but Willow and she liked the proximity with the red head.

Willow noticed the short distance between her and Tara, but left it alone. She too enjoyed the close contact. Sensing Tara's nervousness, she took Tara's hand and squeezed it gently.

"Don't be nervous around these people. They're nice and they won't bother you too much," she said as she dropped her hand from Tara's. They both frowned at the loss of contact.

Just as they reached the steps that led down to the sandy beach, an overzealous blonde came up right beside Willow and hugged her tightly. Again, Tara felt a pang of jealously.

"Willow, hey! How are you?" she asked, letting the chief go from her grip. The woman smiled brightly at the two women, and Willow smiled back. Anya then wrapped an arm around Willow's as the three descended to the beach front.

"Hey Anya, I'm as good as I can be for the moment. Oh, this is Tara Maclay, she's helping out the police in the accident cases," she said to the newcomer, "Tara, this is Anya Jenkins, the Sol Paradise creator, manager, editor, and lead reporter," Willow said, finishing the introductions.

Tara smiled curtly at Anya, still not happy that she was leaning on Willow. But then again, Willow wasn't Tara's and Tara couldn't prevent that. This little fact did not ease Tara's jealousy a bit.

Anya smiled at Tara, but sensing the animosity from the other blonde, she decided to let go of Willow's arm.

Must be a looker for Willow. Oh hey! They would be so cute, but knowing Willow she'll let this one slip right between her fingers!

"So, she's helping with the shark problem then? Anything new to be concerned about? Any more attacks?" she asked, letting her job interfere with the friendly conversation.

"Urg, Anya, you are already on my bad list for printing that story yesterday. Don't be all business today please. I mean, you're the only girl friend on this island that I talk to. I don't wanna talk about the cause of my migraines this morning," she pleaded. Anya shrugged, but turned the conversation to recent events in Willow's life.

After about thirty minutes, the water that was protected was swamped with people. Swimming, splashing, and kicking, the crowd frolicked around like yesterday's paper was an illusion. This didn't surprise Willow.

There were five boats in the water, with at least five men on all of them and all with shot guns. The net was set up, but how protective can a net be against razor sharp teeth? They had two towers with look outs standing by, three cops on the beach. However, to prevent alarm, the cops disguised themselves as beach goers. Xander and Amy tended the sunbathers section of the beach, so no swimmers would sneak in unattended.

"...so anyway Willow, how did dinner go with Kristen the other night? Good?" questioned Anya, oblivious to the fact that Tara and Willow were discreetly flirting. Every time Willow shifted toward Tara on her beach towel, Tara mimicked her move toward Willow. Minor "accidental" touching ensued when one asked for a drink from the cooler Willow had brought.

"Uh, Kristen? Oh, yeah, not so good. She was, well, kind of obsessive and not in the good way," explained Willow, feeling uncomfortable talking about her date with Tara sitting right there.

"Oh well, she wasn't good for you anyway. You are so much more...how should I put this...nice, funny, beautiful, caring, generous, and most importantly – loving," came a new voice from behind the group of three. All three heads swiveled around quickly and Willow jumped up.

"Amy, what the hell are you doing over here? You're supposed to be helping Officer Harris with keeping the swimmers out of the water, not flirting with your commanding officer!" Willow whispered harshly, so no one in hearing but Anya and Tara could hear.

"Oh please, there are only two people over there! I came over to get a hotdog and saw you looking oh so good, so I decided that I should try my chances again," she said, throwing a sexy smile toward Willow.

"Don't go to Vegas, your gambling sucks," commented Willow, conveying a sneer from Anya.

"Shut up Anya, I could kick your ass any day and you know it," Amy retorted. Anya sent her a glare, but Tara stood up. She filled the space between Willow and Amy.

"Hey! You're gonna back off! She said no, alright? And if you want to keep advancing her, you're gonna have to go through me, understood?" she said, crossing her arms over her chest.

"Oh, butch one. Where's your little st-st-stutter?" asked Amy, now taunting Tara. Willow opened her mouth to speak, but a scream from Xander's direction cut her off. Willow's blood ran cold.

"Shit!" she said as she ran toward to sound. Amy too broke into a sprint in the sound's direction. Tara and Anya quickly followed, not wanting to get in the way of the officers.

A crowd of people had formed a half circle by the water by the time Willow and Amy arrived. The red head pushed her way through the people and saw a woman lying on the beach. Xander was administrating CPR on her. Willow moved over next to him.

Willow didn't speak until the woman came to, and then Xander looked at her with sad eyes. He intercepted the question before she even asked it.

"She was sun bathing and wanted to get a little wet. So I said, 'sure go ahead, but don't go out too far' and she didn't, I made sure of that. But she thought she saw something big, gray and she panicked and screamed. She went under and I pulled her out. Now we're here," he explained, almost guilty.

"Harris, calm down. Is the girl gonna be alright?" she asked, hoping Xander would settle his nerves.

"Yeah, yeah, she's fine. She saw the rock formation over there," he said, pointing to the rocks to the left.

Willow stood and made eye contact with narrow brown eyes. She followed the man to the side of the crowd, where there wasn't much attention.

"Rosenberg, I have about fifty people in a mass surrounding a woman's body, there is no one in the water anymore, and I have a tour group who planned to go swimming, but now refuse because of the allegations that there is a shark in the water! Tell me what's wrong with that picture!" Finn whispered, now very agitated.

"Sir, what's wrong with the picture is that the beaches are open and you deny the fact that there is a predator in the very waters that you are begging people to swim in!" retorted Willow, raising her voice.

"You are about ten seconds away for being relocated to Sunnyhell if you don't watch that mouth of yours. Look, just gather the people and tell them that this was a false alarm and the beaches are safe in the designated areas, alright?" he said, storming away to rejoin the tour group.

Willow sighed and put her hands on her hips. She walked over to the crowd and whistled loudly.

"Alright folks, this was a false alarm! There was no shark in the area. I assure you that the area within the net is safe and secure from attacks. As of right now, the sunbathers sections is forbidden, so please vacate this area. Please return to your activities," she shouted, making sure everyone, including Riley, heard her.

After a few moments of gossiping to one another, the crowd dwindled down and Willow was left with Anya, Xander, and Tara. She walked over to them and half- heartedly smiled.

"I think that fire is out. Let's head back to the beach and try to relax, ok?" Anya told the group. Willow nodded in agreement and they walked slower than usual back to their towels.

Once there, Willow and Tara sat entirely too close to each other, but neither of them minded. Anya and Xander certainly didn't say anything. Willow deserved happiness, especially after the break ups she had been through. The four talked about random things, and before they knew it, it was lunchtime. Almost ten minutes after they completed lunch, an annoying buzz sound came out of nowhere.

"Officer Harris, come in Officer Harris, over," buzzed Xander's radio on his hip. He unhooked the walkie-talkie and spoke into it as clearly as possible.

"Sir, no problem, wanted to know if you'd like to switch positions. The men are getting a little restless, sir, over," came the voice.

Xander looked at Willow who thought for a moment. She finally nodded her head; Xander spoke again, "Good plan Cooper, drive it on in buddy over."

The boat swerved around from the location spot it was in and headed for the docks. Willow and Tara didn't know why, maybe instinct or spider senses, but they both watched the boat intently.

Suddenly, a huge mass of blackish gray rammed the boat from the side, causing it to crack. The impact also sent a young cop named Gunn off the side.

The shark swiftly turned its body in the direction of the splash. It maneuvered itself at an angle so it could attack the prey more efficiently. Officer Gunn, after intense training under pressure, did not panic. He began swimming with full strokes to the nearest safe place. The man increased his pace, fully aware that he was swimming in shark infested water.

The predator positioned itself in an attack stance. His fins where dropped somewhat, his back was hunched more than usual. It bared its teeth ferociously.

The poor man swam harder and faster towards the boat, but the boat had continued forward after the initial crash. It was sitting on the shallow shore of the beach now. The men were hunched over the stern, trying to grab the man's hand, but he was just out of reach every time.

Willow by now had witnessed the episode from the shore, and was sprinting to the dock. Her weapon drawn, she darted fast through the crowd to see if she could shot the animal.

Tara stayed on Willow's heels the whole time, not caring if she was getting in the way of her cop friend or not. She caught a glimpse of the shark in question, and from what she saw, the whole evolutionary world could be thrown into chaos. The two made it to the edge of the dock before seeing a struggling man and the ships crew leaning over the side of the wrecked ship.

"Gunn, swim like your life depended on it," shouted Cooper, trying his best to contain his emotions. Unlike Gunn, he knew the shark was no longer in the side of the boat. He knew he shark was somewhere under the murky water, waiting for the right moment to strike.

"AHH!" screamed Gunn as a force so indescribably hard yanked him by the waist. His entire lower body was swallowed. The next feeling Gunn felt was the crush of jaws around his stomach. The blow killed him instantly.

"Damn, I have to get a good look at that shark," muttered Tara as she looked around her surroundings. She walked down to the half way mark of the pier. Seeing she was fifteen feet from the shore, she looked at Willow.

"About twenty feet, why?" Willow responded, not really sure why Tara needed to know.

Without warning, Tara dove into the cool ocean water. Upon seeing Tara jump, Willow scrambled after her, shock all over her face.

"TARA!" she screamed. Anya and Xander joined the distraught woman. A look of terror was written all over Anya's face.

Tara resurfaced and trod the water. She listened intently and felt a movement from under the water. She dove under and spotted the shark in the distance. The water was stinging her eyes, so she resurfaced again back stroked a few feet.

Willow was speechless for the first time ever. It occurred to her, that she could lose this magnificent woman right here in front of her own eyes. This woman that she just met, but already was falling hard and fast for. This terror was gonna kill her, just like Daniel, Veruca, Kit, and now Gunn. Tears spilled from her eyes, but no words came out.

"Come on, come on," whispered Tara, feeling nervous with what she was about to do. The shark reared up, ready to attack again. It shot at Tara like a bullet from a gun, but Tara moved to the side and caught its dorsal fin.

This trick was taught to her at Sea World. They used this to tag sharks and to play with dolphins. Tara was jerked around, but held on tightly. The shark bucked, almost like a bull, and tried hard to throw Tara off. But Tara was relentless.

The shark dove deep into the water, and Tara held her breath. It swirled about. It finally, just as Tara was about to pass out, swum back to the surface, heading straight for the boat.

Tara saw her chance and pushed herself off of the shark, swimming frantically to the boat. The men pulled her body out and looked at her in wonder.

Tara coughed up sea water just as Willow, Anya, and Xander climbed aboard the boat. Willow rushed over to the blonde and inspected her for wounds of any sort.

The red head was again, completely speechless. She just wrapped Tara into a massive hug and rocked back and forth. Finally, she let go and looked into the blue eyes that captivated her.

She turned toward the crew and Xander, "Officer Harris, get the people off the beach, and make Beach Closed signs. Cooper, take your men and dock the remaining boats-go home. Anya, don't report the incident until after the town meeting tomorrow at one. Then we'll discuss what will and will not be said, understood?" Anya nodded and left to gather her things. Willow finished, "If anyone gets in the water again, have them arrested and bring them to me. I'll take care of Tara."

The crewmen and Xander left Willow and Tara alone. Willow found a beach towel and dried off the blonde, who was now lying in Willow's lap.

"W-willow don't you k-know," Tara smiled shyly, "that you take my breath away," she ended, smiling a little.

Willow laughed a little, but choked on her emotions. She began to cry softly. Then her resolve face returned and she sniffed her tears up.

"Don't ever do that again. You scared the shit out of me!" she chided softly, almost playfully.

Tara face became more serious and she looked at Willow. She gave the red head an apologetic smile.

"I'm sorry. I had to know what shark it was, how long it was, distinct features...Willow, we have a bigger problem than just a man-killing shark out there," she explained to Willow quietly, even though no one was around.

Willow watched her carefully, trying to comprehend what she was saying. She looked at her confused.

Tara slowly sat up, sheer inches from Willow's face. But unlike all the other times when the two women were close, neither one felt aroused or teased. They only felt anxious.

"Explain this one more time," Riley asked Tara as he, Tara and Chief Rosenberg sat in his office. The idea presented to him was unfathomable.

"Your mystery shark is a Carcharodon megalodon," Tara stated, as if that cleared up everything. Finn motioned for her to continue and she sighed.

"Imagine a great white shark blow up about three times. Their teeth are known to be as big as a man's palm. This thing is huge, and until today, it was known to be extinct," she started out slowly. Finn thought a moment. He stood up from the chair he was sitting at and walked to the window. He glanced out at the water.

"What do you mean blow up the great white three times?" he asked, trying his best to grasp the information being disclosed to him.

"This is a graphic made for a visual glimpse at what a Megalodon might have looked like. The Megalodon is the ancestor to the great white. It supposedly died twelve thousand years ago. It was the biggest shark in all evolution. A tooth was four times the size of a regular great white's. It's one hell of a shark and it certainly isn't good news that there's one or more of them still in existence," Tara summarized. Willow looked at her, paler then usual.

"T-Tara, are you saying that a greater great white is out there in our waters?" she squeaked out. The magnitude of the news hit Willow with full force and the woman let her head fall in her hands.

"Not necessarily. The shark I rode on was not nearly as big as a Megalodon. Prehistoric Megalodon's grew to almost fifty feet. This one was not too much larger than a great white. I would estimate thirty-seven feet at most. My personal opinion is that this Megalodon is an evolved one. Not as great as its ancestors, but certainly no great white," Tara continued to explain, trying her best to remain calm. Willow's reaction was beginning to scare the blonde.

Riley spun around quickly and glared at her. "Your opinion doesn't really matter. I want to know if the shark can be killed. I don't need its family tree!" he screamed, letting his pint up emotions out.

"Her opinion could save our very lives and your fucking summer, so unless you want to jump in the ocean and stab the bitch yourself, I don't think you should degrade her advice, which is based on years of study and research!" she retorted, now standing in Finn's face.

Riley looked away ashamed. For the first time since the attacks began, Willow saw an emotion in Riley that she didn't know existed: fear.

"Willow, you're absolutely right. Forgive me Ms. Maclay. I was out of line. It's just...this whole thing! I mean, I haven't done shit for this to happen to this town. Why us?" he said sitting down in a vacant chair.

"We're not going to dwell on that. There's no point. You need to go home Finn, get rest. I'll see you tomorrow at the town meeting- one o'clock. We'll figure this out," Willow ordered as she looked at Tara for reassurance. Tara nodded in agreement.

Riley looked between the two women and finally left the office, leaving the two alone. Willow sighed heavily the moment he left and collapsed in her desk chair. Tara's eyes softened at the weak sight of her friend.

She moved over a knelt beside the distraught redhead. She whispered softly, "Sweetie, you should go home and rest. You've been up, what, three nights in a row?" she asked. The endearing name was instinct for Tara. Her mother's caring side taught her that.

Willow looked up at her, and Tara saw something Willow never had in her eyes: hurt. Since knowing Willow, Tara had seen disappointment, rage, sympathy, irritation, and exhaustion, but for the first time ever Tara saw Willow hurt.

"You were going to leave me," she said, almost numbly. Tara did a double take on what Willow said. She stared at the redhead confused.

"You jumped into the water fully aware that you might not have come back out," Willow accused. The look she gave Tara, the look a beaten puppy has, broke Tara's heart.

"Willow, look at me," she said. Willow raised her eyes to Tara's. They were full of tears about to spill. "Do you honestly think I would do something to take myself away from you?"

"Well you jumped into the ocean with a known killing shark! What else should I think?" she questioned, her voice breaking. Tara held the chief and rocked back and forth.

"Shh, Willow I wouldn't do anything to take me away from you," she whispered. Tara closed her eyes, waiting for Willow's response, whatever it would be. Willow stopped shaking and crying.

Willow raised her connected eye contact with Tara once again. Their faces inched closer.

"We can't...you're my boss, it wouldn't be ethical," stated Tara, still closing the gap.

Their lips were centimeters apart from one another's. They stayed in the same positions for what seemed like hours.

"Screw it," Willow said as she wrapped her hand around Tara's head, pulling her closer. The pair of lips met in a fiery kiss. The sensual kiss developed into more as Willow boldly slipped her tongue past Tara's lips. Tara eagerly accepted the intrusion and pushed herself farther on top of Willow. Willow gladly allowed the blonde to straddle her.

They never broke the kiss as Tara scooted closer to Willow. Willow's hands, on their own accord, grabbed the blonde's ass and pulled her closer. Both of their passions took control of their bodies.

They finally broke apart. Gasping for air, Willow stood up. Tara wrapped her legs around the strong cop. Willow sat her down on her desk and kissed her again, only this time it was more slowly, each one savoring the taste of the other.

Pulling back, Willow looked deeply into Tara's eyes. "Let's go home. We have work to do tomorrow. And much of it," she said. Tara pouted cutely and Willow kissed her pout away. They shared a smile. Tara hopped down from the desk and Willow took her hand. The red head picked up the car keys and the two left for the apartment. Neither one tried to hide their glances at the other one this trip.

Once inside the apartment, Tara pinned Willow against the door. Their lips found each other again and were soon joined by both the women's tongues. Willow moaned into Tara's mouth, which only spurred Tara on further.

Willow pushed them back deeper into the apartment, keeping contact with the blonde the entire time. They headed toward Willow's room. Tara's hands found Willow's waist and decided the wanted to vacation there forever.

Between short kisses Willow mumbled, "We're....mphm... moving fast...ahh...we need to wait...," she finally got out. Tara finally broke away and nodded. She ran a hand through her disarrayed hair.

Moving reluctantly, she walked to her room. The pair shared a glance and both sadly went into their separate rooms.

Two seconds after they retired to their rooms, they both simultaneously came back out and found each other in a passionate kiss. Making a solemn vow to actually get some sleep, Tara this time pulled away.

"Willow, I would like nothing more than to keep kissing you all night, but I really think we need to get sleep," she stated firmly. Willow pouted cutely and Tara almost caved on her statement. The redhead nodded to Tara, agreeing with the disappointing fact.

Giving her one last peck, Tara kissed Willow and turned to go to her room. Willow finally sighed, both from content and regret that Tara was right. The cop turned on her heel and went to bed as well, dreams of the blonde in her head.

The morning arrived much too slowly for Willow, but she couldn't sleep much anyway. Her nose caught the distinct smell of pancakes. The cop bounced up immediately and followed her sense of smell into the kitchen.

The blonde biologist was busying herself over a pan when she heard the thump of feet hit the ground. Smiling to herself, she reached up into the top cabinet, hoping to grab some coffee beans.

Willow walked into the kitchen to see Tara's bare stomach while she reached for the top shelf. Even though Tara had meant to tease Willow, the coffee jar was way back on the shelf and she couldn't reach it. Willow noticed the woman's troubles and stepped in to oblige.

The redhead stood behind Tara, towering over her. She placed her hands on the blonde's hips. Tara's struggle ceased when she felt the gentle touch. Willow then gently hoisted Tara a little above the ground, not tremendously though. After all, Willow was only a girl with a tiny frame, but the little amount she did pick Tara up was enough for the blonde to reach back and grab her supplies.

When the blonde landed back on the floor, she turned around swiftly, almost knocking Willow over. The two stood still for a moment, just gazing intently at each other.

The biologist smiled shyly, as if she was embarrassed about needing help. Willow brought a freckled hand up and cupped Tara's cheek. They closed the gap without even second guessing their actions.

Willow's lips moved slowly against the soft flesh of Tara's. Their lips began a rhythmic dance of their own as they shared domination. Willow was first as she battled with Tara's entrance. Her pink tongue slipped through Tara's awaiting mouth and caressed the opposing tongue. After Willow accidentally slipped out of her mouth, Tara took charge and jutted her tongue in Willow's mouth. The redhead certainly didn't mind and willingly accepted the offering.

After a few minutes of battling, the girls pulled back, breathless. Tara leaned her head on Willow's shoulder and the cop wrapped her arms around the blonde's perfect waist and rested her chin on Tara's head.

"You ready for today?" asked the blonde, letting her eyes close. She noticed Willow's increased heart rate and pulled back, looking into pools of green.

"The world 'gulp' comes to mind really, but I know these guys. They push people around to get their way. But Riley knows the summer's over. Unfortunately, some people don't care about the past and will continue to fight for their own damn income. Maybe I should throw one of their kids in the water with it – see how they like it!" she said spitefully. Tara forced the snicker that was threatening to erupt down.

"Sweetie, you're the cop. You don't kill the people – you save them," she said in an extremely mocking tone that made Willow pout.

"Well that just wasn't in the job description at all was it?" she said, sticking her tongue out at the blonde as Willow extracted herself to go get changed. Before she left, however, she kissed Tara one last time so the blonde wouldn't think she was actually mad at her.

As the redhead headed out of the room, Tara smacked her ass playfully. Willow spun around quickly, but Tara was looking away innocently like nothing out of the normal had happened.

Choosing to let it go, Willow disappeared into her bedroom and reappeared with her officer uniform. Her hair was pulled back in a half-ponytail, but her eyes were covered with sunglasses. Tara could tell that Willow was in full-police mode.

Willow's nervous tendencies started to show and Tara decided that now was the time to really lay the flirting on thick. She sauntered over to Willow, who was sitting at the table deep in thought. Setting the plate of food in front of Willow, she firmly sat on the redhead's lap, wrapping her arms around the redhead's neck.

In a childlike voice she said, "Whatcha thinkin' about?" She grinned sexily and Willow felt a shock spread throughout her entire body. The blonde gently pushed the sunglasses up onto the top of Willow's head so she could look into her emerald eyes.

"Well, ya know, impending death to swimmers, impending death to my career, uh...ah...well, um...board of selectmen..." her thoughts were hard to formulate because around the part where she said 'swimmers', Tara had taken the opportunity to suck on Willow's pulse point. Willow's eyes closed; she gave up all attempts to speak. Tara trailed her kisses all the way up to Willow's earlobe and sucked softy. A sigh escaped Willow, letting Tara know she wasn't as nervous as before.

Finishing off her work with a kiss of Willow's cheek, she got up and fixed herself a plate of food. Willow's eyes flew open when her body realized Tara was no longer on sitting on it. A whimper escaped Willow and it didn't go unnoticed by a certain blonde.

As Tara sat in the chair next to Willow and began eating, Willow did the same, vowing to get her back...in some way.

The two finished quickly and Tara changed into simple jean shorts and a white T- shirt. Grabbing the keys, Willow and Tara left the apartment, both still uneasy about the upcoming meeting at one.

Willow told Tara that she needed to stop by the office first to grab some paper work and to make sure everything was running smoothly. Tara agreed and they both reached for each others hands as the turned onto the road. They smiled at each other for a quick moment, but only a quick one. After all, Willow was driving and the red head knew she could get lost in those eyes. And being lost while behind the wheel of a truck going 55mph on the road wasn't a good thing.

Officer Harris greeted them at the parking lot and immediately, Willow stiffened. Her mind instantly thought of a worse case scenario.

The frightened look on his chief's face made Xander regret coming out to meet them. He quickly silenced her fears saying, "Nothing's wrong Will. It's ok."

Willow let out the breath she had been holding and almost hugged Xander. But the nagging of her superior job prevented her from finding comfort in the man. Tara stepped out of the car to join Willow who had hopped out of the car hastily after she parked the car. Not sure if Willow wanted people to know about their new...relationship?...she held back behind her, but made sure Willow felt her presence.

"Hey Tara," Xander said, smiling at the blonde, "I never got to tell you how what you did yesterday was so cool..."he paused seeing the glare from Willow, "and scary! Bad Tara!" he said, trying to save himself from his best friend. Tara giggled slightly.

"Alright, well, we arrested a couple of teenagers this morning. They tried to go swimming. They're asking to call their parents, get 'em out. What do you want to do?" Xander inquired as the three walked into the station.

Willow saw the four teenagers. She recognized one from a make-out bust she made last January. They have a curfew on the island for teenagers under 18. They actually enforced it for once and a few unlucky couples had their date ruined.

"Guys, it would be redundant to ask if you saw the Beaches Closed signs. It would be ever more redundant to ask if you know about the problem on the beach- especially after yesterday. So I'll save you time and myself time. You can call your parents, but you will spend 24 hours in a cell. That's a law for first time offenders for anything; it shouldn't be different for you. In addition to the time, bail will be $150 each. If your parents are willing to pay that or you have the money, then you will leave when tomorrow morning comes about. If not, well, Officer Harris will take good care of you," Willow said very diplomatically.

Xander stood stunned. In all the time Willow was chief, she had never personally sentenced someone to jail. Fine maybe, but jail – never. She once told him that a fine should do it for first time offenders.

One of the boys began to protest, but Willow gave him a silencing look. She then looked up at the brown-eyed man.

"Take 'em to the holding cell. They don't need to go downtown to the town jail. Keep them here, it's just easier and less paper work that way," she instructed. Officer Harris nodded and led them to a backroom with two cells.

Willow stepped into her office and dug around the stacks of papers on her rapidly disappearing desk. She found the petition for closing the beaches signed by Carlos and Dawn and met Tara at the exit door.

"Chief Rosenberg!" Xander called to the redhead as she opened the door for Tara. She looked back expectantly at him. He half jogged over to them. "I'm coming with you Will, I can't stay here knowing where you are and what you're doing," He stated lowly.

"Officer Madison," Willow said firmly, never wavering her eye contact with Xander, "You're in charge while Officer Harris and I handle the board." Amy nodded dumbly and the three walked out of the truck. Willow tossed Xander the keys telling him it was the price he paid for tagging along. He grinned like an idiot and hopped behind the wheel. Willow sat in the middle and held Tara's hand at her side. Unbelievably, Xander didn't notice the hand holding, but then again, he sometimes was just oblivious to everything.

The trip to the town hall was short. Tara guessed it was twenty minutes. The tan truck pulled in front of this building that looked like something out of Cesar. Xander got out first and walked around to help Tara and then Willow out. Willow smoothed her shirt down involuntarily. Xander led the way, while Tara and Willow fell back. Tara decided she needed to reassure the redhead one last time.

"Willow, the press is just media. They can't hurt you. Just remember, I'm here. I'll be in the room, ok?" The redhead nodded and opened the door for the blonde. They saw the Mayor's secretary, Mrs. Walsh. She was up in her years, but extremely sweet. Loved gossip.

"Oh Willow dear, how are you? How's this shark thing coming along?" she asked, being her nosey self as usual. Willow smiled courteously at her.

"You'll know after the meeting," she said as she turned to the double doors that led into the main hall, where the Board of Selectmen would be sitting, the press from surrounding California would be yelling, and the families of the victims would be weeping.

Tara noticed something about Willow. Something that she felt a sense of pride for. The redhead took a minute to compose herself before she opened the double doors and strode down the middle isle of the hall. In that moment when Willow composed herself, she no longer was Willow. She was Chief Rosenberg of the Sol Island Police Force who was going to demand something that would completely piss the greater population of the island off. But Chief Rosenberg didn't care – couldn't care. She had to remain numb throughout the ordeal to keep the community safe from themselves. In a moment of odd comparisons, Tara thought of Chief Rosenberg as a mother who just told her kid that they couldn't play in the street because it was dangerous, even though the child loved playing in the street. But the odd comparison phase passed and Tara saw Chief Rosenberg for who she was – a woman trying to do the right thing, no matter the ridicule she was sure to get.

The Chief walked straight back to the podium where she turned and faced a crowd of people that Tara didn't recognize. Xander and Tara leaned on the back wall, waiting for Chief Rosenberg to speak.

"Thank you for attending this board meeting today that Mayor Finn called. As all of you are aware, there have been a number of attacks on swimmers in the waters of our beaches. Over half of these attacks were fatal. We brought in a marine biologist, Dr. Maclay, to help identify the species of shark. The identification was horrifying. We may be dealing with a monster from the past. I have sat up nights thinking of the best possible course of action to prevent these continuous attacks from occurring. I have called a Shark Hunter. She will supply the boat and the equipment we need for tracking down and destroying this predator. What we are paying her will be classified information. As for the beaches, due to the severity of this situation, we will keep the beaches closed until I personally see this Hell of a creature dead for good," she spoke, firm and unwavering.

A frenzy of commotion erupted from the audience and Tara saw Riley drop his head with finality of her words. Finally, Tara saw Anya uneasily raise her hand. Willow nodded to her and Anya asked her question which was floating around the minds of Tara and Xander.

"In order to see this shark dead, it would mean you be there for the destruction of it. Does that mean you're going to go on the journey to kill the shark with the Shark Hunter?" she asked, trying to remain composed, but failing as tears began to drip from her eyes. Somehow, everyone already knew the answer, but no one wanted to hear it – especially Tara.

Willow looked directly into Tara's eyes as she answered her friend's question, "Yes, Anya. I wouldn't have it any. other. way."

The flurry of questions and comments made by the shocked crowd faded in Tara's mind ask the declaration of Chief Rosenberg's words sank in. Any. Other. Way. All the while, Tara realized that she was angry. Really angry. But before true fury could overtake her, fear settled in and she realized the slim chance of Willow returning to her.

"...planning to take any one but you and the Shark Hunter with you?" another reporter, probably from the mainland, asked. Before Chief Rosenberg could answer, Tara stepped off the back wall.

"Yes!" she called, making the same eye contact with Willow. The redhead began to shake her head, but Tara moved to the front of the room with her. She walked up to Willow and spoke with a low, firm voice.

"Willow Rosenberg, you think you're going to go out there in the middle of the Goddamn ocean with some half-ass shark hunter and kill the bitch, you have another thing coming. Look, I've done this sorta thing before; I have chemicals that can kill the damn thing instantly. And one last thing! If you think you can just kiss me one night then turn around and sign yourself up for a inevitable death sentence without telling me anything, you really have another thing coming!" she said, her voice cracking slightly. Chief Rosenberg looked at her in shock, and then she smiled warmly.

"You got the case of the Willow-babbles," she responded, smirking. Tara rolled her eyes and smirked too. The realization that there were more people in the room than themselves brought the two girls out of dreamland.

Chief Rosenberg turned to face the crowd. "Dr. Maclay has convinced me that her presence on board will increase the chances of killing the shark sooner and with less of a hassle."

A series of flashes caught Tara off guard, but not for long. Chief Rosenberg brought the attention of everyone back to her for a moment.

"Alright enough people. One more question then we all have jobs to do," she said as she pointed to a man in the back.

"Well, as soon as possible really. I know you need the beaches open. But the captain said she needed to pick up supplies. Sometime within the next 24 hours. Alright people, that's all. I need to speak to Mayor Finn."

The swarm of people exited the room, some quickly while others reluctantly. Chief Rosenberg turned to Tara for a second and winked at her; the blonde knew that her Willow was back. The redhead swiftly moved over to the table of Selectmen, Riley sitting in the middle.

"Willow, as much as I know you're right about this shark hunter thing, where the fuck do you think you're getting the money to charter that? I know how much she asked for!" the bulky man protested.

"Finn, let me put it to you this way. If we don't get rid of this problem now, not only will this summer go down the shit hole, but summers to come will also! Now you need to pry your bank account out of your head and your head out of your ass and see that you may be paying $10,000 for her services, but Dr. Maclay and I are paying with our necks. I sure as hell will not be intimidated by you anymore when I'm going over and beyond the call of duty to save your goddamned beaches!" Willow finished up and Tara had to bite her tongue to stop from laughing at the stunned look on Finn's face. Some of the Selectmen where doing the same, while the others were in shock as well.

After making various sounds of objections, Finn finally wrote a check for Willow to give to the mysterious Shark Hunter. Willow smiled cynically and grabbed the check from Finn.

The two women, soon joined by Xander, left Town Hall and headed for the station, Willow driving. Willow dropped Xander off and told him to tell Amy that he was in charge. Just as she was about to pull out, Xander stood in front of the car.

"Xander, what are you doing? I almost hit you!" Willow cried, jumping out of the car. She marched over to him, about to yell at him, when she wrapped her up in a great bear hug.

"If you think you're going to leave me here while you go be butch and not give me a hug, you might as well hit me," he said, leaning back so Willow could see the tears in his eyes. He noticed Willow had them too. She hugged him one more time.

"Sheesh, I have a lot of things coming apparently. I'll be back Xander, even if I have to swim all the way here," she said, wiping the stray tear drops off her cheek.

"Take care of things Harris. I don't want to see things in shambles when I get back," she said, backing up to the car door.

Willow stepped back into the car and saw him walk off, but he didn't walk into the station, he walked over to Tara's side of the truck.

"That means you too, ya know? Come back safe and keep Willow alive," he said, giving her a half smile. She did the same and nodded.

He nodded and shut the door. He turned and walked into the station house. Willow sped out of the parking lot and onto the main road; she drove in the opposite direction of the apartment.

"You need to meet this captain, make sure you really want to do this," Willow responded, keeping her eyes on the road. Before Tara could ask why she would need to 'make sure', they pulled into a gravel driveway.

The house was a wreck, with boards hanging from windows and one window completely knocked out. It looked like something out of a horror film. Willow and Tara stepped out of the truck. Tara shut her door and just stood still.

"Why does she live here if she gets paid so much money?" Tara asked to know one.

A small petite woman with dark blonde hair stood before Tara. She wore tan cargo pants, an army shirt and her hair in a small ponytail. Her boots were heavy and thick. Her eyes darted up and down Tara like a snake did its prey. The blonde biologist noticed a scar on the woman's upper lip.

"You don't get the check unless we bring home the shark, but I got it. Don't worry," Willow responded coldly. For the first time, Tara saw the new blonde smile. Well, smile would be stretching it. Evil smirk came to mind really.

"This is Tara Maclay. She's a marine biologist. We're taking her on the trip with us," Willow sated flatly, leaving no room for argument. The blonde gave Willow a look, but it faded. It turned into another smirk quickly.

"What's the matter Red? Can't keep your woman off ya for a couple of days?" she asked, keeping eye contact with Tara. Tara glared, but Willow walked right behind her and wrapped her arms around Tara's waist. With Willow's chin resting on her shoulder, she relaxed almost immediately.

"Whatever Red. She can come," stated the blonde, as if Willow wanted her permission.

"What's your name?" came Tara's meek question, bringing the two women out of their conversation.

With a sly smirk, the blonde leaned closer to Tara. "Depending on which club you go to on which night, the names range from 'slut' to 'Magical Fingers' to 'God'. You? You can call me Buffy," answered the blonde, brushing past the two women.

Tara's mouth hung open for a while until she realized that Willow was kissing her neck.

"Well, she was pleasant," deadpanned Tara, melting into Willow's body. Willow giggled against Tara's soft skin, finally extracting herself from her blonde beauty.

"She's also the only one with the guts willing to catch this bitch," commented Willow. Tara nodded ruefully.

"If you two carpet munchers are done swooning, we can get down to the particulars," shouted Buffy from the doorway of the broken down home. Willow spun around quickly and glared at the blonde.

Tara eased her hand into Willow's to comfort the outraged woman, and Willow cooled down. Tara cupped Willow's face and pulled her into a chaste kiss. Then the two walked hand in hand to the house.

After Tara stepped inside the home, she noticed it was abandoned. The walls were falling apart, the floor was cracked in multiple places and the light fixture was blown.

"I asked why would you live here and you said because you liked the quiet, therefore, you said that you lived here," explained Tara, a little annoyed now.

"No, I never said I was answering your question. Could it possibly be that I was just trying to make an innocent introduction with you by telling you a little bit about me?" asked Buffy, smirking at how easily she could frustrate the only blonde.

"In your case, no, it's not possible," Tara mumbled, giving up the debate. Buffy smiled to herself and led the two women to the back of the house.

"Because I live here, that's why," Buffy responded, opening the back door for the two women.

Tara threw her hands up in defeat. She looked out in the back and saw that the dock leading out into the ocean housed a rather large boat. It was like a house boat, only it wasn't as clean as Tara would have liked it to be.

Willow looked at her sympathetically. She hugged the blonde and kissed her head, knowing how maddening Buffy's mind games were.

"Buffy lives on her boat. This house was abandoned by an '84 robbery pair. Since no one wants the house, Buffy used the dock to tie up her boat," explained the redhead. Tara nodded and shot a glare at Buffy for not explaining her situation further.

Buffy gave Tara a faux smile and extended her hand to the blonde when they reached the boat. The hand was intended to help Tara aboard the boat, but Tara almost didn't take it. Unfortunately for Tara, she had a knack for seeing the good in people. And Buffy reeked of someone lost, trying to be helped. So even though her body told her no, the heart of her said yes, and she took the offered hand. Willow simply hopped in the boat after her, a little peeved that Buffy was acting all gentleman – er, woman-like to her girlfriend. But knowing the severity of the current situation, she let the extra courtesy go.

The back of the boat was uncovered, with a chair placed in the middle. Random supplies were scattered throughout the deck, in particular, a couple of gas tanks poles.

Buffy turned to them and spread her arms wide, almost inviting, "Welcome to my back yard. If you follow me in the kitchenette, you'll see steps leading down into the passenger's compartment. I only have two rooms, so you two will have to share. Unless you wanna share with me Blondie," the blonde said, winking at Tara.

"Pass please," Tara said tersely. Willow smirked at Buffy, who rolled her eyes at the two.

"Anyway, the ship is pretty much self explanatory from there. We leave at ten A.M. tomorrow morning. I want the Coast Guard off my back when I get back. I'm not doing anything illegal and these fuckers raid my boat just because I get my money cutting up fishes, a'ight?" Buffy bargained. Willow nodded but tacked on that she better not be doing anything illegal.

"What kind of electronic equipment do you use?" questioned Tara, searching the boat around to see what was aboard the boat. Buffy looked at her with a bewildered look.

"Electric equipment? You think I'm gonna pay money to buy some half-ass fish finder when I can chum the damn thing out from the depths? For a rich woman like you Doc, you ain't playing with a full deck," commented Buffy, acting nonchalant.

"Hey! Summers, shut your mouth or I'll buy my own damn boat and hunt this thing on my own without paying you, got it?" shouted Willow, infuriated that the blonde hunter would insult Tara that way. Tara jutted out her chin happily when Willow defended her.

"I meant more along the lines of low sound frequencies, sonar, water cameras. Those things do help," commented the blonde biologist, trying to make amends with the reckless blonde.

"Whatever Doc. Just know, I ain't paying for that shit until my methods wear out," Buffy responded, fixing something on the steering wheel.

"And when will that be Ms. Summers? When you or your pride is swallowed?" asked Tara, she hands on her hips.

Buffy stopped the task she was doing and slowly turned to face Tara. A stern glare melted into what Tara imagined was Buffy's attempt at a smile.

"A'ight Doc, what exactly do you want to bring aboard?" questioned Buffy, trying to be discrete about giving into Tara.

"I have portable sonar and cameras that I wish to connect to the ship. I can plant them tonight and I promise they'll go unnoticed."

The majestic blonde nodded and turned to Willow, signaling that they better go. Willow told Buffy that they would meet back here at 9:30 a.m. in the morning. Tara stepped off the boat and headed to the truck.

Before Willow stepped off as well, Buffy moved and grabbed her arm, causing Willow to turn around.

"Hey Chief, it's gonna be dangerous out there. You sure you can handle it?" asked Buffy, tying a knot around the tanks to keep them secure.

"It's a shark, I know, but I can handle the near death experience," commented Willow with a sneer.

"No Chief..." trailed the blonde, looking at Willow seriously, "Can you handle losing her?" she clarified, stopping her work to eye Willow curiously, almost reading her emerald gems.

Willow looked at Buffy, back at an exiting Tara, and then back at the captain again. Stern emerald green eyes softened at the thought of losing the blonde forever. Downcast, Willow looked back at Buffy,

"Tomorrow morning," she ended, stepping off the boat and onto the dock. Buffy nodded, but to no one, as the retreating redhead caught up with Tara and drove the truck off the property.

He put the bottle to his head
And pulled the trigger
And finally drank away her memory
Life is short
But this time it was bigger
Than the strength he had to get up
Off his knees
We found his face down in the pillow
With a note that said
"I love her till I die."
And when we buried him beneath the willow
The angels sang a whisky lullaby...

The girls had packed in silence and went to bed without eating, which is extremely unhealthy, but neither one cared. Willow retired to her room first, telling Tara goodnight and then slipping into her room quietly. Tara sat on the couch with a cup of warm tea, listening to the small rainstorm outside the apartment. She'd have to leave early tomorrow morning to plant the equipment on the boat before they left.

Tara looked longingly at the door leading to Willow and gracefully stood up. She placed the mug down on the coffee table and carefully walked over to the door. She reached out with a sweaty palm to grasp the brass doorknob. Like she was touching a burning flame, she retracted her hand quickly. She sighed heavily and leaned on the door. The frame beneath her moved suddenly, causing Tara to fall with a squeak.

"Yes, except my confidence. It's gone into hiding for the moment," she smiled weakly. Willow's hand fiddled with the other mindlessly.

"What were you doing leaning on my door?" she asked hesitantly. Tara looked at her like a wounded bird, with confused eyes.

"Did I…is there…are you…God damnit Willow Rosenberg, you confuse the hell out of me!" she finally blurted out. Willow instinctively took a step back. But Tara moved forward to make up the distance.

"No! N-No backing away. This morning you were all k-kissing on my neck and wrapping arms a-around my waist and then we get in the car on the way home. You d- didn't hold my hand, you b-barely s-spoke two words to me, and you d-didn't look at me. Did I d-do s-something wrong?" she stuttered, tears forming around her eyes.

Willow immediately moved to hug the blonde. Tara embraced the embrace and rested her head on Willow's shoulder, sobbing discretely.

"Shh, no baby. I just…I thought you were mad at me for not telling you about Buffy and then I thought you didn't want to be with me anymore and then stupid Buffy Summers got into my head and I didn't know what to do, so I did what I always do which is keep my mouth shut and contemplate what I was gonna do because if I didn't keep my mouth shut then something like this babble would happen and I'd end up telling you about how much I care for you and how much it would kill me to see you die and how much I love you and how much-" Willow stopped mid babble when Tara covered her mouth with a smooth hand.

"Do I really have to say my babble again?" squeaked Willow, knowing full well why Tara had stopped her. Willow looked downcast at her shoes, finding something interesting on the floor.

"I love you too," Tara stated simply. Willow's eyes locked with Tara's instantly, with shock and happiness on her face.

"More than anything," she breathed, inching forward as well. Willow took the initiative and kisses Tara long and hard. Tara pushed the two of them back into the room, kicking the door shut behind her. The blonde quickly unbuttoned Willow's uniform, pushing it aside to see a white cotton bra. Willow sighed as Tara's warm hands encircled her waist and began kissing her neck. Willow struggled, but finally managed to lift Tara's shirt up over the blonde's head. The two resumed kissing sensually.

The two girls changed roles as Willow slid an arm around Tara's tanned waist and pulled the blonde closer. Her other hand snaked its way behind Tara's neck to guide their mouths together. Willow's wandering mouth trailed down the blonde's creamy skin and found her pulse point. The small gasp emitted from Tara spurred Willow on further and she lightly bit the skin beneath her.

Tara moaned sensuously and wrapped her arms around Willow's back. She gracefully unclasped the redhead's bra, revealing soft, perky breast. Tara's blue eyes hazed over and the shade of blue deepened to a sapphire blue. She licked her lips self consciously and gently cupped one in her hand.

Willow, having felt the new sensation, hesitated kissing the blonde's neck further. She had to bite her lip to keep from screaming out. Tara's luscious lips found Willow's again and they kissed passionately.

Although loving the sensations, Willow kneeled down, leaving a trail of butterfly kisses on Tara's bare shoulder and abdomens.

Now on her knees, Willow unclasped Tara's bra as well. Having to concentrate on her breathing as the sight of Tara's breasts caught her off guard, Willow swiftly took one of Tara's pert nipples into her mouth. She flicked her tongue over the flesh as the blonde's hands found her head and guided her. A freckled hand rolled Tara's other nipple between tow fingers. Then Willow switched the attention, devouring the other nipple with her hot mouth.

"Oh Willllow…"moaned Tara as the redhead nipped and sucked at her breasts. She was so caught up in the sensations that when Willow stood again, she barely noticed her feet moving. Willow was pulling her to the bed. Turning the blonde around, Willow gently pushed Tara onto the bed.

Tara looked into deep pools of green adoration and smiled cutely. Willow gave her a half smile back and continued her progression in leading Tara's upper body all the way lying on the mattress.

Once Tara's blonde head hit the pillows, Willow's mouth made contact with hers and began a journey south. First, it kissed the now swollen lips of Tara's mouth. Then, they planted small kisses along her jaw line, making Tara's eyes flutter. Her talented mouth kissed and licked a trail down the blonde's neck and through the valley of her breasts.

The redhead's hands worked majestically as they unbuttoned Tara's shorts all the while when Willow's mouth was gently kissing her stomach again. Sliding off her pants, Willow continued her trail down to the underwear line of Tara's surprising thong. After the pants were off, the green eyed woman looked at Tara with a raised eyebrow.

"Sexy," she breathed. The breath traveled down right over Tara's hot spot and sent shivers down her spine. Tara sucked in a breath of air as Willow slowly slide down her thong. Kissing her way up Tara's right thigh, she breathed in slowly, smelling Tara.

Extending her tongue, she licked the length of the blonde's sex, savoring her taste and lightly flicking her clitoris. Feeling the body beneath her wither, she continued her exploration, guiding in two fingers in the blonde's hole. Willow's mouth filled with sweet honey nectar.

Tara felt completely filled. Her half closed eyes closed tightly when Willow increased her speed within her. Caught between a rock and a hard place, Tara finally relented and stopped Willow from her ministrations.

"Tara? What's wron…?" Willow began, but a tender finger touched her lips and the soft 'shh' vibrated off the blonde. Gently wrapping an arm around the redhead, Tara kissed her lover tenderly and sensually.

"Together," she simply stated quirking one side of her mouth into a half smile. Smiling in agreement, Willow consented and lowered herself onto Tara's thigh.

The emerald eyed cop commenced her pumping again, only this time faster and harder than before. A tan hand on Willow's hip pushed her rapidly over and over again on the muscular thigh.

Now Willow's eyes closed and she whimpered every time her clit bumped up against the smooth thigh.

"Ahh…oh Tara…gods baby…" she panted as the blonde's guiding became rougher and harder. Sweat traveled down her forehead and through the valley of her breasts, then finally down her stomach to mingle with Tara's.

"Oh Willow, I'm almost there," shouted Tara when Willow extended her thumb to rub over Tara's bundle of nerves. The redhead bucked wildly, knowing she too was about to burst. She leaned down to kiss Tara gently, but the passion took control of her and the two women found themselves cumming while they kissed each other.

Both exhausted, Willow rolled off of Tara, wrapping her freckled arm around the blonde's stomach. Tara yanked the covers up and smoothly slid under them with Willow.

"I'm sleepy," Willow mumbled with her eyes closed now and her head on the blonde's shoulder.

"You're sleepy? You gave me more of a workout than Daisy!" commented Tara jokingly. Apparently, Willow had no idea that Daisy was a dolphin and the redhead shot right up.

"Daisy? Who's Daisy? And should I be glad I gave you a better 'workout' than her?" inquired Willow, her exhaustion disappearing. Tara just laughed a full laugh, trying to calm down but the look on Willow's face made her laugh harder.

"Baby, you are adorable. Considering Daisy is a dolphin, then yes, you should be glad…giddy even," she giggled, easing down the redhead from her defensive state.

Uncrossing her arms, she sheepishly apologized for her behavior and laid back down with her lover.

"I suppose it would be redundant to say tomorrow's a big day," squeaked Willow, feeling younger than she really was. Tara had a way of doing that-making Willow feel more comfortable and less stressed.

"Almost as redundant as me saying it's dangerous," countered Tara, pulling Willow tighter to her body.

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The Jaws of Hell

by Liz

Copyright © 2005

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