Chapter 9

June 22

Bobby got called out as a consultant on a couple of murders in El Paso. I guess that time in the FBI got the word out about his profiling skills. I haven't seen or heard from him for a couple of days.

Bobby in Texas. I wonder if he'll come back wearing a cowboy hat or something.

Next week is the anniversary of Mom's death. The family is going to meet over at her grave, and then have dinner with Dad. I guess I've been avoiding thinking about it. Her. When I do, it hurts. And now I feel guilty for not wanting to think about her. I should honor her memory and remember all the good times, right? But I can't, because I just cry like I am now. Love you, Mom. I wish you were still here.


"Eames."

"Bobby! How are things in Texas?"

"Big."

I grin.

"We're wrapping things up. I should be home in a couple of days."

I hear something loud in the background. "Where are you?"

"Oh? I'm polishing up my two-step," he says. "Last night I went salsa dancing."

"Did you buy a cowboy hat?"

"Eames. When in Rome…"

"I gotta see that!"


June 25

The detectives down there are trying to show Bobby everything about Texas in one short trip. He's done the Alamo, seen a rodeo, worked on his dance moves, and visited an oil field. I'll be glad when he comes home. I miss him.


"Hi, Eames." He sounds kind of down.

"What's wrong, Bobby?"

"I… uh… it's going to be a few more days before I can get home."

"Because?"

"I… uh… you know those mechanical bulls? I threw my back out."

"Bobby!"

"It's okay, I'm just going to stay here in the hotel until it works itself out. The locals are checking in on me, too."

"Oh, Bobby. I wish there was something I could do to help."

"Thanks, Eames."


June 26

There were flowers on my desk today. Lilies, my mom's favorite. Bobby remembered.

It was a hard day. I'm glad I got to be with Dad today. He told me he loves me and he's proud of me, and that Mom is, too.