Gone

Chapter One

News of a Passing

The long Labor Day weekend has ended. Her brother, Michael hosted a big party today and a little too much beer and sun; Alex is exhausted. She is also pissed off at her partner, who promised that he would join her and her family. He did not call, which is unusual, that he wasn't going to make it, and not wanting to be pushy she didn't call him.

"Just wait Bobby you have some 'splaining' to do." She says in her best Ricky Ricardo imitation.

A quick shower and she's in bed and asleep by midnight. The phone call comes at five am, Tuesday. She turns on her side and without opening her eyes she fumbles for the phone, she smiles to herself that she could actually find it in the dark, "Hello," this better be important.

"Sorry for the early phone call…………"

She sits up. "Captain," rubbing her eyes. "It's alright, what's up?"

"I'm outside your building, I'd like to speak with you, what I have to say…should be said face to face."

"Sure," she says sleepily and hangs up the phone, what the hell could he possibly want? She slowly gets out of bed and throws on an old t-shirt and a pair of sweatpants. The doorbell buzzes soon after. She opens the door to her C.O. and he nods, he looks as if an early morning phone call interrupted his sleep. A chill goes through her and she hugs herself. "Captain, please come in," he walks quickly through the threshold, nodding as he passes her.

"Can I get you anything?"

"No thank you."

She closes the door, "Please sit."

He waves off the offer, "No, I'll stand. I have to tell you…. son of a bitch." He says under his breath. "I received a phone call from the Portersville police department about an hour ago." He paces around the room, purposely avoiding eye contact with her. "Bobby's car was found burning down a small embankment, the police traced the license plate…." she touches her forehead as her face turns whiter than usual, he immediately assets her, helping her to the couch.

Covering her mouth with her hands, "Oh my God," she says with a shaky voice, the anger she felt hours ago turns into a twinge of guilt. She looks up at him, "Porterville's? Where is that?"

"It's a little town between Carmel Ridge and the city. The same road he has… I checked to see if he had reported the car stolen," he shakes his head. "He did not, when it happened? I can't say for sure, it's just that." He sits down next to her. "I'm sorry if I'm rambling."

"It's alright I understand. So there is a chance that it may not be him," she says with a smidgen of hope in her voice.

"Yes of course." He says with assurance. "The body inside was," he swallows hard. "Burned, beyond recognition, we will have to rely on dental records and if any DNA tests can be preformed we will do them here. The body is being sent down to Rodgers as we speak."

The Medical Examiners

A Few Hours Later

"Captain another cup of coffee?"

He shakes his head, "No thanks I think three is enough." Ross glances at his wrist, patting it, "I forgot my watch, I wonder how long we've been waiting here."

"Seems like a day and a half," Alex stands tossing her paper cup in the trash.

The door to the exam room opens, "It's Liz," Ross says excitedly. "I mean Doctor Rodgers."

Alex chuckles, "Liz, huh? I told Bobby that you and…." She exhales, thinking of the car and the unknown person inside. Think positive Alex. She stands erect not able to move.

Ross turns to her, "Alex you coming?" She nods her head, "Doctor, anything?" Ross asks.

"I had my people check and re-check." Ross and Alex follow her into the examination room. "We could not come up with anything that we can do a DNA test on." She says so matter of fact, as she turns to the charred remains.

"It is a man between the ages of 40 and 50. He measures at 193.4 centimeters, which is the same height as…."

"How about a dental match?" Alex interrupts.

Doctor Rodgers nonchalantly picks up the report and holds up the dental x-rays, "Perfect match."

Her unemotional speech is frustrating to Alex. She stares at her in wonder. "You worked with this man for over six years, Jesus Christ woman don't you have a heart in there, my God what is the matter with you?" She looks up and can see a tear in the doctors' eye. "I'm sorry," Alex says as tears start to fill her eyes. "Please forgive me." Liz grabs her hand; squeezing it gently. "It's alright Alex, I…" She turns her head away and wipes away a tear.

Ross remains quiet and still as the women embrace for a moment. "There won't be anyone to annoy me down here anymore," she chuckles softly. "Actually I always enjoyed seeing him, he made the day more interesting. I'm gonna miss that and I'm gonna miss him." They smile, through tears.

"Doctor Rodgers' phone call," a young lab assistant says as he opens the door.

"Be right there, Brian." Another quick hug to Alex and then Ross, she turns to leave, waving as she exits the room.

Ross puts his arm around Alex's shoulder, "Come on," he says as he leads her toward the door, "Let's get the hell out of here."

She nods her head, "Yes, I think I'll…" She pulls out from his hold, "This is just a dream, right?" She walks a few steps down the hall, turning suddenly. "I'm gonna wake up soon and be home in bed." She says confidently. Ross gazes at her, remaining silent. "Come on Alex," she screams. "Wake up!" She makes a fist, waving her hands in the air.

"Alex," Ross reaches for her, opening his arms; tears are streaming down her cheeks. "This can't be happening." She embraces him, burying her face in his chest, he holds her gently but securely, rubbing her back with circular motions. Her crying soon subsides, she looks up at him, "But it is happening, isn't it?"

He continues to hold her, "Yes, it is." He says as his voice cracks.

Alex releases her hold, "Sorry, I wet your shirt." She brushes away the water spots with her hand.

"Don't worry about it, its old," he hands her his handkerchief. "Here take this."

"Thank you." She says wiping her eyes.

Linking his arm in hers, "I'll take you home." They walk slowly down the hallway.

"Captain, could you please drive me to my parents' home? I'd rather not be alone."

"Yes of course."

"What time is it?" Alex asks.

Ross looks to his wrist for the second time, "Damn," he glances around looking for a clock, shrugging his shoulders. "I don't know, it has to be after eight."

"Oh crap," Alex says as they continue walking down the hall.

"What is it?" Ross asks.

"Look at the way I'm dressed." She points to him, "You don't look that great either." They chuckle softy as he opens the door for her.

They remain silent during their walk to the garage. Ross digs in his pocket removing his car key. He presses the unlock button, the beep-beep sound is heard. "They called me first," he says as he opens the driver's side door, he enters the vehicle, Alex follows. "His mother has not been notified," he inserts the key into the ignition. "Have you ever met her?"

"Yes, I have." She turns her head slowly, looking out the window.

"I'll do it Alex, if you want."

"No Captain," she stares straight ahead, "I'll do it," she says assertively.

TBC