Title: Her Hand

Author's Notes: This is Dick Wolf's creation; I'm just playing with it. My first LOCI fic; feedback appreciated.

ooOooOoo

Robert Goren's favorite part of the investigation was going undercover. They were using the tried and true routine of a couple looking for something someone had recommended to them. Of course solving the crime had its rewards but this part, where they brushed up on their acting skills, was a highlight of the case.

This time they were going to a jewelry store, trying to find a connection between a murdered man and a charm found by his body. The place was small and clearly family run; they had to be buzzed in after explaining their business.

Bobby held back and let his partner launch into her role as the woman searching for a charm bracelet, "just like the one her friend Joe bought for his girlfriend." He was the silent but bemused other half watching her as she chatted up the jeweler.

When she finally came to the bracelets, Alex asked to try one on. "Help me with this," she said to Bobby, her fingers fumbling with the clasp on a bracelet.

Bobby caught the eye of the jeweler and they grinned at each other. His fingers were deft, brushing her wrist as he hooked the clasp together. Placing her hand briefly in his palm, he examined the bracelet on her wrist and sighed.

"Doesn't it look similar to the one Joe's girlfriend wore?" Alex asked. "You remember her, don't you? The blonde with the birthmark on her neck."

This of course created the opening they were looking for, the jeweler called his wife in and they seemed to remember a woman of that description but she didn't buy anything. They did however recall that she had been to a local coffeehouse; she had left the cup behind.

Alex and Bobby thanked the couple and were on their way out, when the jeweler called Bobby back. They spoke for a moment and Bobby met Alex out front.

"What was that all about?" Alex asked.

Bobby just shook his head and started walking. "The coffeehouse is north of here, up a couple of blocks."

In the pocket of his suit was the jeweler's business card and his words whirling about in his mind. "You and the young lady make a nice couple and I can see which way the wind blows for the two of you. You come and see me when it's time." And he gave Bobby a wink and his card and sent him on his way.

Bobby looked for a garbage can. If he could dispose of the card, then he maybe could dispose of the suggestion placed in his head by the jeweler.

But it was too late. Thoughts and ideas were crowding his mind and the sensation of holding Alex's hand for that brief moment was now seared in his memory. And for the next block or two, all he could do was watch Alex's hand, gesturing as she spoke, fascinated that such a small thing has seized control of mind. He had ceased listening.

When they reached the coffeehouse, Alex linked her arm in his. But Bobby pulled back, confused at her forward gesture.

"If I'm going to be your girlfriend, at least act like you like me," Alex said with a grin. "We're keeping up the same act, remember?" And she looked up at him expectantly.

"Uh, sure." That must have something that she had talked about on the way over.

Alex gave his arm a squeeze and turned to lean into him, brushing his lapel, her hand lingering momentarily on his chest. "Lint," she said. "I like my men neat."

As they walked into the crowded coffeehouse, Bobby's hand reached for the jeweler's business card to toss into the trash but stopped when Alex grabbed his hand to pull him through the crush of people, and further into the room.

Bobby looked at their hands, her small one clasped in his and smiled. He let go of the card. He just might need it someday.

/end