Diane turned to make her exit on that point but felt him grab her hand as she made for the door. She instinctively swung at him with her free hand as he pulled her back, but he was ready for that.

Harry caught her other hand just as it was about to make contact with his face. He skillfully spun her about so her arms were crossed in front of her and he had a hold of them both from behind. Standing at six foot two, he easily controlled her smaller, struggling frame.

"Stop it! Let go of me, you prick!" she hissed as she fought to get free.

But he held her fast and slowly bent down to speak directly into to ear. As he pressed his head close to hers, she drew in her breath, catching a faint scent of Scotch and breath mints. She froze for an instant and he took the time to whisper what he had been trying to say all along, "I'm sorry, Diane."

Then, carefully, he let he go, one arm at a time, as if he were releasing a wildcat. She remained tightly wound as he stepped back quietly and put both hands in his pockets.

Diane didn't look back as she left the room.

Her heart pounding, she sat down hard at her desk with a stunned expression on her beautifully flushed face. Fancy showed Denby out and then returned to Diane's desk to say something about Internal Affairs coming by after lunch. Andy made one of his usual cracks about IAB but Diane didn't hear it. She didn't hear anything for a while. But she didn't feel tired anymore either.