Title: Under your skin
author: Cindy Ryan
spoilers: 1x06, all
category: Missing scene
"She put you in danger!"
Eddie Valetik's own words from earlier that morning bounced around his sleep deprived brain. He'd dropped Sam at home to shower and change clothes. It was a guise to benefit him since right now Eddie really needed space between them.
Eddie had been angry when he learned of the events at the Pistol Room. Angry that he hadn't been contacted. Mostly angry that he hadn't been there to watch his partner's back.
What Sam had told him of the night before had been enough for Eddie to grip the wheel so tight his knuckles were white. So many ways that could've gone wrong. He even told Dam she'd been lucky Conrad's friend was a fan. Sam had gone quiet and agreed. Which had made him wonder what she wasn't telling him.
"Why do you look like a bull in a china shop?"
Eddie turned at the familiar voice. He'd tracked down Chris Rollins at a coffee shop near her prescient. She was now glancing at him from a front booth.
Eddie slid into the seat across from her and slumped against the back.
"What did Piper do?"Chris asked.
Eddie told her.
Chris had known Eddie for a long time. She studied the PI as he finished telling her of what happened at the biker bar. She had noticed a change in Eddie as he worked with Sam. Now the emotions pouring off of him spoke volumes.
"I know that look."Eddie said with a sigh."What?"
"My two cents."Chris began."You're not mad she broke the agreement."
"Were you listening?"Eddie asked."I almost threw her out into the street."
"No not what I meant."Chris continued."You're mad because Sam ended up at risk not because she went after a lead without you."
Eddie leaned forward massaging his forehead with one hand.
"Was angry at both of them."Eddie muttered.
"You haven't worked with a partner for a long time."Chris stated softly after she took a sip of coffee."She's gotten under your skin."
Eddie wished he could argue against Chris's point; but he knew she was right. When they were captured by the hitman Eddie had hit bottom. He hadn't felt that bad since Marnie. For a moment he couldn't see a way out; couldn't think of a plan of escape. Eddie thought they'd been done for.
"What do you suggest, Dr. Rollins?"Eddie asked with a half smile.
"Despite driving each other crazy you do work well together. She balances you."Chris stated."It's still new enough though that you're finding your footing. I think you're close to discovering that."
"If we don't kill each other first."Eddie replied with a grin. "Thanks Chris."
"Anytime. My fee today is a cup of coffee."Rollins said.
Eddie signaled the waitress.
