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Chapter 4

Calling It Quits

By early July, Eames felt energized. She was getting to work early and staying late. Getting information together for the next day, and processing the information they had discovered that day. She stayed busy, focused. Her intent was to help, as much as she could, for as long as she could.

Bishop, began feeling like a 'Push Me Pull You'. Her days ended with her head spinning from their findings, and then the insight of Eames on the case, as well as the information that she processed. She felt that she was the wall that they pinged their information and ideas off of.

Goren, was in heaven. Information never ending to process, and move around like bits of a puzzle. Analyzing and re-analyzing information being provided to him upon a whim. If he had a thought, he tossed it towards Eames, and she would research it and provide him with various scenarios. He felt like a kid in a candy store.

The final week before her maternity leave. Tuesday, she felt herself beginning to wind down. Sitting on her couch, she felt too tired to move. She had just gotten off the phone with her sister. They were as excited as she was. She ran her hand over her belly and smiled, "Not much longer, kiddo." She would love to take a bath, but felt if she got in her tub, she would be stuck. She barely got out a few days ago. The thought of having to call someone to help her out sent shudders through her.

Her phone rang. "Hello?"

Bobby's voice came over the line and she smiled. "How are you doing?"

She sighed. "The kid is kicking constantly, and I'm barely able to keep my eyes open."

He smiled into the phone. "You seemed tired today. What if you called it a week and began your maternity leave?"

Bobby waited, knowing the answer to the question. Captain Deakins had asked Bobby to talk to her about 'tossing in the towel' today. He had seen the strain on her face, and knew that she and the baby needed some rest. But, he didn't dare bring it up again. Bobby quietly waited for her answer.

Alex put her hand on her head, thinking how lovely it would be not to get up in the morning until she, no, until the baby was ready. "Mmmm, that would be nice. But you're working on a case that involves a cop killer. What would the Captain think?" She yawned silently.

Bobby thought for a moment. "I think he would be more understanding than you give him credit. Alex, you've held up this long, you and the baby need some rest."

Alex curled up on the couch as tight as she could, bringing the jacket up, over her. She suddenly realized that she could listen to his sweet soft voice all day. "Mmmm."

Bobby listened to her steady breathing for a moment. "Alex?"

Alex's eyes slightly opened. "Okay, I'll Captain Deakins tomorrow, and call it a week. But, you've got to promise to call me and let me know how the case turns out."

Bobby promised to do just that, as well as to cook her dinner the following night. As he clicked off, he held the hand set and tapped it lightly against his forehead. He knew how much he would miss her help, her insight into cases, and just her. Bishop, was efficient, but her personality lacked dimension. She was easy to manipulate as far as what to do, but her foresight lacked... Lacked what? He smiled. Lacked the 'Eames Factor'.