Sharon Raydor closed her laptop and leaned back in her desk chair, folding her arms tightly across her chest. She glanced out into the empty murder room, her eyes lingering too long on Andy's empty chair. It surprised her how much she truly missed Andy's presence in the murder room each day. The fact that she got to see him at home was a bonus despite the circumstances, but it still didn't make up for the empty place his absence left in her heart. She could tell the team missed him as well and that thought warmed her soul and a brief smile flashed across her features. She glanced absently at her watch, determined to only spend fifteen or so more minutes on the remaining paperwork before heading home to her two boys.
Thirty minutes later the only sound was the staccato of Sharon's heels as she walked through the darkened murder room carrying her coat, purse and two files. As she neared the elevator bank she looked down momentarily and walked straight into Julio Sanchez as she rounded the corner.
"Detective!" Captain Raydor exclaimed as the fumbled to hang onto the files she was holding.
Sanchez reached out to steady his Captain. "I'm sorry to startle you ma'am. Are you okay?"
Sharon shook her head, still trying to settle her racing heart. "Yes. I'm sorry, I didn't realize anyone was still here and I'm afraid I wasn't paying much attention. Did you forget something Julio?"
Julio smiled shyly, "No ma'am. I actually wanted to talk with you. It will only take a minute. May I walk you to your car?"
Sharon smiled, nodding her head as Julio pushed the elevator call button. Julio held his hand out in front of the elevator doors allowing his Captain to step on before him. "Is everything okay?" Sharon asked the concern evident in her voice as the elevator doors closed.
Julio looked down, fidgeting with the end of his tie. "Yes ma'am. I just want to apologize for the way I've acted the last couple of days. And I wanted to thank you for allowing me to see what was really bothering me…"
Sharon held her hand up to stop Julio from continuing. "Julio, you don't owe me an apology. If anything I owe you one. I should have recognized sooner just how…difficult this case would be for you. But I hate to admit that my focus has been split as of late. I know that is not a good excuse, but it is an honest one."
The elevator came to a stop and the doors opened, Sharon stepped out and stood waiting for Julio's reply. "Lieutenant Flynn is going to be just fine, ma'am."
Sharon smiled but it didn't quite reach her eyes. "You know, it was Lieu…Andy's concern that made me realize just how difficult this case was for you. So it really is him that you need to thank, not me. Why don't you stop by the condo tomorrow? I know he would enjoy the company."
"I'd like that ma'am. I meant it when I said he would be okay. You do know that." Julio added as he studied his Captains face.
Sharon pulled her bottom lip between her teeth for just a brief second before she smiled softly. "Good night Detective. I think I can make it from here. I will tell Lieutenant Flynn to expect you sometime tomorrow." Turning quickly, Sharon walked stridently towards her car as Julio stood and watched until the sound of her heels against the concrete floor disappeared into the night.
