Title: Essence Vitae

Disclaimer: We do not own Law and Order: Criminal Intent, Dick Wolf and NBC-USA do. New York Giants is owned by the John Mara and Steve Tisch, the Philadelphia Eagles is owned by Jeffrey Lurie, and Seattle Seahawks is owned by Paul Allen.

Author's Note: The ideas just keep coming. What if Alex's dad hadn't retired early and rose to deputy commissioner, Alex was swayed by what she is told to do and how to do her job; changes when she meets Bobby a wide receiver from humble beginnings?

A/N 2: Takes place in later 1993, when Alex was a beat cop in Chelsea.

Genre: Romance/Family

Rating: T

Chapter 1: Sighting and Meeting

It was a miserable night.

Robert "Bobby" Goren and his New York Giants teammates had been soundly beaten by the Philadelphia Eagles even though they came close to beating them. He knew that their coach would make the practice hard the next day but for now he just wanted to unwind a bit.

All of his teammates had a way of dispersing their frustrations; his way was to get a drink or two without getting tipsy.

As he was nursing his only glass of Glenlivet at the bar, he found his eyes wondering around, scanning the atmosphere.

Then he saw her, a stunning blonde who was over by one of the booths near the door. She was with an older guy, her dad probably and someone else whom he couldn't recognize.

For a brief moment, he caught the gaze of the beautiful blonde. She briefly smiled at him and he felt his heart miss a couple of beats.

He began debating on whether or not he should introduce himself. However, by the time he made up his mind, the blonde and the two other guests already left.

-x-

Over the next few days, he was hard at practice, getting ready for their game against the Seattle Seahawks, half mentally pushing himself and half thinking about that blonde he saw at the bar.

After their heart breaking defeat, Coach Rory McCroy decided to call it a day and let them go early. He was satisfied with the hard work his team had put into practicing.

"Okay everyone, good day today, eh? Go shower and get on out of here. Rest up before those Seahawks show up," said Coach McCroy after blowing on his whistle.

Right then he turned around and saw someone quietly standing behind him.

"Good grief Lexy, you're going to give your Uncle Rory a heart attack one of these days."

Alex gave a sad puppy face which she knew her honorary uncle could never resist.

"Okay kiddo, what do I owe the pleasure of this visit," said Coach McCroy while giving his niece a hug.

"Oh I dunno... just wanted to say hi."

"Really don't you have to work?"

"Well my CO gave me the day off."

"I know this is a sore subject but your dad told me you and Diego broke up."

With a small pout, Alex replied "Yeah I dumped him because he was a bit to cautious especially around my dad. He wasn't spontaneous."

"So I am guessing you're looking for someone new then?"

"Hm, maybe why?"

"I might know just the person."

Rory loved setting his niece up just to give his lifelong friend and Alex's dad, NYPD's Deputy Commissioner John Eames a hard time.

Alex raised her eyebrow as her uncle turned around and yelled, "Hey Goren! Practice is over for the day! Now get over here there is someone I would like you to meet."

Goren quit what he was about to do while looking a bit embarrassed to see he was the only one still on the field and ran over.

"Goren," began the Coach, "I would like you to meet Alexandra Eames. Lexy, this is Bobby Goren, mybest and hardest working Wide Receiver."

When the two saw each other they froze; they recognized each other from the other night.

A/N 3: Thanks you for reading chapter 1 of "Essence Vitae". More to come! Reviews are appreciated!