What is the relationship between Marcella Fierro and Alphonse Poklis?

Theyworktogethertoanalyzemedicalevidenceinhomicidecases|TheyarebothlawprofessorsatVirginiaCommonwealthUniversity|TheyhadworkedwithKayScarpettainthepast,butnowworkasateam|TheyarebothpeoplethatauthorPatriciaCornwellbasedcharactersoninherbooks