"It does," Vincent told her with just a hint of warmth actually in his voice.  Perhaps it came from imagining how frightened she must have been discovering that beast hovering over her.  There had been no warmth in his voice towards Sofie in years, but there it was all the same.  Warmth...something he thought never to hear from himself towards her considering what had happened.  He let it roll around in his mind for a bit before continuing to talk to her.  Some part of him realized she needed a voice...something to help her with what she had just faced.  A man she hated and feared had invaded her privacy, was hovering over her, and she was scared out of her mind.  More warmth seeped into his voice as he continued, "Sofie, I am here for you," he told her softly, and he found that despite their past...he meant those words.  He gulped hard...forcing past the damn awkwardness.  If they couldn't even get past a simple conversation; then living with her was going to be hell.  He took a deep breath, and didn't pause long.  "Look, we both know this isn't our favorite idea in the universe, but I promise I won't let him hurt you again."<br/><br/>The promise felt good...it felt good to tell her...to reassure her, and that was not without hope.  He still was not happy with her...not by a long shot.  It was still her fault Ana was dead...still her fault this monster was in his life, and for the second time no less, but he would keep his promise.  If that meant living with Sofie in his house to protect her, and finally nail the bastard that had killed and raped his wife...so be it.  His demeanor returned to a more professional tone again, but at least there had been a hint of warmth.<br/><br/>They were not far from his house now, and in the rearview mirror Vincent could make out his partner's car following three cars back.  Rafe would have a devil of a time doing anything right now, and considering the info Sofie had given him...it was clear he would not be back soon.  He was no doubt angry, hurt, and clearly taken by surprise by Sofie's defensive shot.  None of that was a bad thing, and the tactician inside him said tonight at least she would have no problems.  Perhaps even the next day or so, but after that...that was another matter entirely.  Of course, there were units out combing the immediate five mile radius for Rafe, and one of them could get lucky.  He doubted it somehow.<br/><br/>He let her willing to speak up or not - either was fine with him.  Trying to put her at ease was not a bad plan, but it was not something he was overly comfortable in doing.  She was almost an enemy the way he had viewed her for so long.  At best, she was to be avoided...and here she was in the car with him as he drove up to the house.  Opening the garage door with his remote; he drove on in, and turned the car off.  A long day was promising to turn into an equally long night.  That had certainly not been the plan, but then he was a detective...use to the odd nightmare hours.  Once the car was off, he got out, and opened up the house...the garage door shutting behind him and automatically locking.  A massive bark told him Sheba was still present and alert...the massive German Shepard he kept to watch over his home.  Sheba barked again as he opened the side door leading to the pantry and dining room.<br/><br/>They were home.<br/><br/>She was coming into his home...the new house ever since Ana had died.  He had never been able to stay in the other after her death, and Sofie had never been inside this one.  For that matter, neither had Rafe...which was a blessing.  Not that it mattered...he was sure Rafe could find him if he wished.  Sheba, for her part, was instantly there to greet them, but she was immediately alert to the new presence and growled.<br/><br/>"Easy, Sheba.  This is Sofie.  She is 'safe'.  Understand...'safe'," Vince instructed the growling Shepard.<br/><br/>Her attitude towards Sofie changed in a micro-instant.  Sheba came over to Sofie, and sniffed her...remembering her scent, and barked once protectively of the new arrival.  She would not be letting anyone hurt this new human in her home...not without a massive fight.<br/><br/>"Sheba is my guard dog and companion.  She watches over things while I am away, and tends to watch over witnesses every so often.  She is fantastic at her job, too.  Sheba knows the sight and smell of a gun, and a knife for that matter, and she has the keenest hearing I have ever heard of from a dog," Vincent explained to Sofie, and again the warmth had briefly returned.  Perhaps it was from talking about Sheba, but whatever it was...it had been there while he was introducing the dog to her.