Author's notes: Thank you as always to Mossi.b, Tiacelaya, Rosepeony, you are such good friends with your support. Also to Robyn, it was lovely to hear that you are reading this story. Such support makes it all worthwhile.

A piercing scream assaults Nick's ears and he jumps out of his chair. He's at his door in three strides and looks out of his office. Everyone is looking towards the conference room, which is now silent.

"Anyone know what's going on? "

He receives a few shrugs, then a lawyer stood by the copier, he remembers her name is Naomi, speaks up.

Mitchel went in there a few minutes ago with a woman and two children."

Nick heading towards the room as she's speaking, the door is pulled out if his hand just as he touches it. Mitchel manages to stop himself walking into him.

"Everything alright?"

Mitchel nods, a grim look on his face.

"Yea brother and sister got into an altercation, the brother lost. "

" That was the boy. "

" Yea she clamped down really hard. "

" Does he need medical attention. "

Mitchel shakes his head.

" No, she didn't break the skin, but I suggested to the mother that she keeps an eye on it. "

Nick nods his assent. Nick wondering why Mitchel is stood at the door asks:

" Are you done?"

He shakes his head.

"No just giving the mom time to settle them down. "

He makes quote marks with the word settle.

" Ahh. When you're done come to my office. "

Michael frowns.

" I have court in an hour. "

" It won't take long. "

Nick runs his hand down the back of his head as he walks away.

" Someone's in trouble. "

Nick spins around to find Laurie smiling at him.

" No need to look so puzzled Mr. Fallin, I've been around you enough to recognise the signs. The hand down the back of the head usually means frustration, the question is, is it with yourself or another?"

Nick has been leading her to his office as she's speaking and closes the door after her. He walks around his desk and sits down, indicating to Laurie to take a seat. She does so and sits back in the chair appraising him. He opens his hands that are resting on the desk, questioningly.

"What? "

" You look good behind there Nick. "

Nick runs his hand down his tie and shuffles his chair nearer the desk. He nods his head slightly.

" Urm, thank you. "

Laurie smiles slightly, amused at his embarrassment. Nick looks her in the eye, almost challenging her.

" What can I do for you Laurie? "

" Alvin was working on a case. "

Nick's surprised.

" I didn't think he was working on anything other than Telek's appeal. "

" He took it on as a personal favour to me. "

Nick sits back and steeples his fingers, resting them against his lips as Laurie continues.

" It's a girl who's been in the care system for many years. I came across her when she was two, after her parents were killed in a car crash. She didn't adjust very well and was in and out of care homes. When she was eight a family finally adopted her. The husband, especially clicked with her and she responded to him and has been very happy with them. That was five years ago."

Nick nods.

"And what's happened? "

" There was another car crash. This time Mollie was in the car too. She suffered a broken rib and leg, Morgan and Carlos didn't survive. She was trapped in the back of the car with her dead parents bodies for two hours. Her adopted Father died holding her hand. "

Laurie notes the emotions that cross Nick's face at this fact. She remembers that he was with his Mother when she died.

" What.. "

Nick's voice is thick with emotion and he coughs and starts again.

" What do you want from me? "

" Obviously it's up to me to find her a good home. But I want to know that there's someone else who will look out for her, protect her. I know you won't let her down Nick "

Nick leans forward and places his hands on the table.

" Where is she?

"She's still in hospital, at Allegheny. "

" I go see her this afternoon. Do you have any prospects for her.?"

"I'm working on it. I should warn you, she's not being very co-operative. "

Nick gives a crooked smile.

" Thanks"

Laurie passes him a file.

'Alvin brought me this before he left. "

Nick raises an eyebrow in surprise.

" You saw him? "

" He came to say goodbye. "

" Do you know where he went? "

" Antarctica, he said. "

Nick nods.

" Is there anything else I can help you with.?

Laurie stands up smiling.

"No, thank you Nick. "

Nick shrugs and looks down at the file. He looks up as Laurie puts the strap of her bag on to her shoulder and she turns for the door.

Before leaving she turns back.

" Bye Nick"

Nick nods and holds his hand up. "

Almost immediately there's a knock on the door, Nick looks up from the file he'd opened to find Mitchel standing there. He waves him in.

"Close the door."

Mitchel does so and sits down. Nick stares at him for a few moments before asking:

"Is the boy all right?"

Mitchel nods and looks at his watch.

"I really need to be getting to court."

Nick nods and leans back in his chair.

"You need to fill out an incident report."

"I know."

Nick notes the man's tone. Although he hadn't known who he was, he'd heard about Mitchel from Lulu, she complained about him on a regular basis.

He leans forward, and rests his arms on the desk.

"This could have been a serious incident. In future if you're unable to control the children.."

"No-one would be able to control them, their animals."

Nick's irritation at the interruption is obvious in the tightening of his facial expression, though he maintains an even tone to his voice.

"Next time, either suggest the Mother finds someone to watch them or have the social worker sit in with you."

Mitchel is affronted by the request, he rises from his seat.

"I don't need some ex-parolee..."

Nick firmly interrupts:

"That will be all, and I suggest you leave as quickly and quietly as possible."

Nick opens up the file once more. He feels the mans eyes on him for a few moments and then is aware of him moving towards the door. He hears the door open and without looking up he reminds him:

"Don't forget to fill out the incident report."

There's no response as the door's closed. NIck waits for the slam but there's only a quiet click. Nick stands and moves to the door and opens it. He's unaware of Mitchel turning around at the sound, as Nick just sits back down without looking into the room. Mitchel swears under his breath at the retreating boss. Nick feels his phone buzz and checks the screen, he sighs, knowing he's put it off long enough. He brings up the number and dials. He sinks in to his chair as the ring is answered.

"Hi Dad."