A conman is a man of words who is always supposed to know the right thing to say in any given moment. There are some moments though, when the most silver-tongued trickster knows to say nothing. The gentle breeze cast ripples across the surface of the pond, with the birds of the morning fluttering overhead. The long branches of the willow swayed lightly, the shadows they cast shifting on Stephen and Quin. It was still early enough and they were just out of the way enough that the only sounds left were the sounds of nature around them.

She made her comment, as true as any he had heard, but he knew the answer he should give did not have to ruin the calm silence. Knowing he still had to be aware of the boundaries he might be pushing, he cautiously placed an arm around Quin's waist, inviting her to move closer if she was comfortable with it. He was not going to make any "move" unbecoming of a gentleman; he wanted her closer because the moment was telling him to let her snuggle up. The closest he came to a verbal reply was a soft, "Mhmm," accompanied by a soft smile.

Aha, Quin thought as that arm made its way around her waist. The movement was familiar, but the question was…was it too familiar? Did the charming southern gentleman on the outside cover something more sinister below? The arm was in no way restraining, and Quin had hesitated long enough that she didn’t really want to move away. She didn’t move any closer though, and for a few more moments they just watched the lake. It was nice, Quin had to admit, she’d grown so used to blurred lines and blue uniforms that a guy making is immediate intentions known was a breath of fresh air.

What an interesting day to run, Quin mused as she sat, already itching to get home and check out her horoscope for the next few weeks and what the stars had to say about her romantic life. It wasn’t something the redhead usually put much time or energy into, but if today was any indication she needed to start. It had been quiet for a while now, and Quin broke the silence with what she hoped was an easy comment.

“This is one of my favorite places in the park.” she admitted. ”It reminds me of home.”

That reminded her. With all his fancy southern manners and his funny little accent, Quin was curious about Nate.

”Where are you from?” Surely it wasn’t New York.

She did not lean in closer, but she did not cringe to his touch or push him away; for now, he let his arm rest where it was but did not put any pressure physically or otherwise to make her come closer. He was not about to make her uncomfortable when everything had been going so well. He was content looking out at the scenery with her.

Where he lived? Stephen had gone through so many introductions as of late, he almost thought he had told her his origins by now. "I'm from North Carolina. Certainly a far cry from the city, though this slice of serenity's bringing me back. Now where's home for you-- whatever home was before New York?"

”Indiana.” Quin replied easily when Nate turned her question back around on her. The thought made her smile, ”My parents still live there…” And that was almost true. They still lived in Indiana…but her dad had just retired from his job at the local Community College, and her parents had moved into a good old-fashioned commune. It was fascinating.

”Went to college at Northern Iowa.” she said, gesturing to the purple and gold shorts she was wearing. ”Lots of willow trees and lakes though…and no cities to speak of.” It had been nice…but this was where she belonged.

”I’ve never been to the Carolinas, but I’ve heard they’re lovely.” she said, not wanting to drag the subject on too long. ”But you said you’re new in town so you’re probably sick of the subject.”

”Where are you living in New York?”

Stephen chuckled. "Sick of it? Not at all, it was fantastic there. I just... live a very mobile life. Never been the type to stop moving for long." His free hand felt around the ground for a smooth cold surface. "I guess time'll tell how long I stay in New York." He almost said something about finding a reason to stay, but he knew that it was only a matter of time until he was in the wind again.

His hand finally felt the smooth touch of a flat stone and he smiled. He tossed the skipping stone across the surface of the water, skipping four times. He felt like a teenager again, full of immature joy and naive affection. Unintentionally, he squeezed her waist lightly, not pulling her closer, but just happy to have her there.

"In New York?" The question pulled him out of his pleasant daze. "Just a nice little apartment not too far from the park for now; still figuring things out to be honest," he said with a laugh. "It's certainly fine enough for the moment. I imagine you're loving somewhere a little more permanent?"

Hmmm. He didn’t live a very permanent life. Quin supposed it was impossible for everything about the man to be perfect, but that didn’t mean she had to eschew a nice time and conversation by a pretty lake. She tucked the information away though and filed it under, remember.

Nate skipped a stone, and the redhead laughed as she counted the number of jumps and he gave her a little squeeze. This whole thing was definitely okay. He lived in a cute little apartment off the park and she nodded when he asked if she lived somewhere more permanent.

”Yup. It’s a nice little place. Been there a little over three years now.”

She gave her companion a sideways glance. ”Why New York? Just wanted to be where all the action was?”

Why New York indeed. Part of it was obviously the quality of work he could find as a thief, but that was a topic for company less fair than Quin. The question he had been wondering to himself was why he never came to New York before. The choice seemed logical enough and yet it took him years before stepping foot in the Big Apple.

"Hmm... I guess the timing felt right. I've traveled a lot, but New York just never called out to me until now. Whatever it may be, I'm sure something drew me here-- I just couldn't tell you what. Now that I'm here though, I'm happy with how my decision has been working out."

The conversation was sincere and focusing on him, so Stephen turned the question around. "Now why would a cute gal from Indiana head into the big city? You seem a bit more at home under this tree than I think you would on the busy streets."

”Work.” Quin said without a moment’s hesitation. ”There were opportunities here that I couldn’t find anywhere else.” The words were true, but there was omission there too. Quin knew that some guys found it intimidating that she was a cop. Some downright disliked the fact. This day was going too well to risk ruining it quite yet, so she stayed vague.

”I saw something in New York that interested me years ago, and I got a little obsessed.” she admitted. ”It’s the curse of a Sagittarius. Once we set ourselves on a path we can be single minded. Arrow to a target and all that jazz. I wanted it, and I’ve almost got it.” She finished, chuckling a bit at herself and her enthusiasm. MRC was cool though. So very cool, and the fit was perfect.

”So. You think I’m cute?” she said, with a broad grin to direct the conversation away from professions…and because flirting was far more fun than talking about work.

Stephen decided to let her astrological comment slide; it was not his cup of tea, but to each their own. There was too much about this girl to like for it to bother him; besides, she seemed to be determined and focused, two respectable qualities. "Well, I like a woman who knows what she wants and won't stop til she's got it."

His grin matched hers. "Do I?" He looked at her in faux contemplation. "Well, you have those warm, brown eyes, that brilliant smile, and overall, you're a gorgeous redhead gal. Quite frankly, this is probably my best morning I've had in New York." Quite frankly, he was doing his best not to kiss her.

Quin snorted softly when Nate pointed out that he liked women who knew what they wanted, ”Well, you definitely don’t have to worry about me holding back.” she admitted with a slightly rueful sideways glance. ”I just hope you know what you’re saying.” Yeah…outspoken was a bit of an understatement when applied to Quin, and she knew it.

And then came the compliments. Quin felt her cheeks darkening again and shook her head as she smiled. ”Are all southern boys this charming?” she asked, ”Because if they are, I need to take a trip.”

She chuckled a bit. ”I’m glad you’ve had a good morning though.” she said, then grinned.

”And who knows, maybe that date will be just as good.”

Stephen's personal experience with other Southern men is they could be assholes, but he was not a hot redhead, so personal experiences may vary. "Now why would I tell you about other Southern boys?" He poked her side teasingly. "I'd rather keep you all to myself."

"So about this date, we've yet to make any real plans. Are you free tonight or is there a better time for you?" His schedule was as wide as ever, and even if something came up, he would put a girl like her in front of actual business.

”Ahhh so you’re as wise as you are charming.” Quin said, laughing, when Nate refused to give her any information about other ‘Southern Gentlemen’. It was a shame, the redhead thought, this much flattery from all sides would have its charm…at least for a while. Still, Quin smiled, ”I guess without information I’ll just have to make do.”

He spoke about the date, and Quin nodded her head, ”I’m off work tonight, so that should be…” her word trailed as her phone rang. Quin was one of those people who had ringers set for every person in her phone book, and she knew this song.

”Uh…hold on a second. It’s my partner.” she said apologetically. This wasn’t a call she could simply let go to voicemail.

”Hey…” she said, then started nodding.

The conversation didn’t go on for long, and when Quin hung up the phone, her face was set in a slight grimace. ”I’m sorry about that…but, I’m going to have to go into work.”

”I might still be able to go out tonight, but it would probably be later.”

Stephen would be lying if he said he was not a little disappointed that their morning of flirtation had to end, but it was probably for the best that he could keep some more cards to play in the evening. "I understand. You gotta get to work, and I have to get ready to take this amazing woman I met in the park on a date." He offered a quick wink.

He stood up and brushed himself off, offering her a hand up; not that she needed it, but he wanted to be polite. "Do you work far from here? If not, I'd love to walk you."

Quin smiled at Nate. Charming, charming, charming. ”Well, if she’s amazing it sounds like you’ve got your work cut out for you.” she said. It was fun, trying to match him word for word, even if the compliments had been a little one-sided so far. Quin would make up for that later. It was difficult to compliment a man without it sounding silly. Hopefully her repeated insistence that he was charming would be enough for Nate…at least for now.

He wanted to walk her to work, and Quin gave Nate a rueful little smile as she took his hand and pulled herself up. ”I have to change first, and I’ll probably take the bus to the precinct.” she admitted.

”But you can walk me home.” she said hopefully.

Precinct.

Precinct (n.) A district of a city or town as defined for police purposes.

His lovely new companion was an officer of the law, or at least associated with the New York Police Department. Stephen tapped into every ounce of acting prowess and focus in his mind not to show any change of expression at the news. He was lucky Quin was not Kealey or she would have easily noticed the emotional quake in his head.

She took his hand and got to her feet. "Well, I would love to accompany you home then. Shall we get moving on?" He had some serious choices to make when he returned to his apartment. Quin had made a stellar first impression, but going on even one date with her was getting in bed with his executioner, figuratively.