One PP – 9:28 p.m.

As the elevator ascended to the 11th floor, every bad scenario imaginable ran through Alex's mind. She was afraid to find out what the Captain had to say and even more afraid of what Bobby's reaction to it might be. Obviously, it's something bad if Ross didn't want Bobby to know. God, why do I get the feeling it's gonna be a long night?

By the time the elevator car had made it to the 5th floor, Bobby broke the silence.

"What do you think is so terrible that the Captain didn't want me to know?"

Shit. "I don't know, Bobby. He didn't tell me anything, either."

Alex stood silently, facing forward, watching the illuminated floor numbers pass by: 6, 7, 8. Three floors to go.

"I saw the look on your face while you were on the phone with him," Bobby said, pressing the issue.

Oh, what's the use. What's the difference, anyway. Two floors to go before he finds out, anyway. "Look, when I asked the Captain what was up, all he said was that he didn't want to tell me, because I'd tell you and you'd have a full head of steam worked up before we got back here."

They were standing side by side now, arms brushing against each other. He gazed down at the top of her head. "Since when do you listen to the Captain?" he asked sarcastically. "You should have told me."

Finally, 11. The doors slid open and as they stepped out, Alex replied, "There was nothing to tell."

They strode down the corridor, through the bullpen and straight to Ross' office. Bobby's long-legged strides got him to the doorway first, but he waited for Alex to catch up and stood aside, allowing her to enter first.

"Close the door," Ross said flatly.

Alex and Bobby each took a seat in front of the Captain's desk. Bobby shifted in his seat, nervously fidgeting.

"There was a homicide earlier tonight. The body's down with Rodgers now."

Bobby's eyebrows raised. He shrugged his shoulders and gave a quick glance towards Eames to see if he could detect her reaction.

"Why Major Case?" Alex asked. "A mob hit? Somebody famous?"

Captain Ross hesitated. He eyed each Detective and sighed. "The victim's name is Thomas Hanratty."

Ross watched as the color drained from Bobby's face. Bobby bolted from his seat.

"Stay put, Goren," the Captain said.

"I- I wanna go see the body," he explained, holding his hands out to his sides. He looked at Alex. "We-we know who did this."

"Detective. Have a seat. I'm not through here."

Oh great, there's more. Alex glanced sideways as Bobby grudgingly reclaimed his chair.

"Logan's on his way in. Eames, when he gets here, I want the two of you to get over to the scene.

Bobby smirked, in spite of his anger. "Well, that was an ambiguous order."

Ross glared at Bobby then calmly, but sternly replied, "Well let me make myself clearer. Logan and Eames will go to the scene. Eames, you make sure you go over that place with a fine-toothed comb and build our case –ironclad. Goren. You're off the case."

Bobby's posture stiffened. His eyebrows raised in disbelief. "Off the case? Why?" He again shot out of his chair and began pacing the room, trying to make eye contact with Alex –to get her to fight for him and plead his cause.

"Goren. You're too close to this. I read Hanratty's file. I know what happened…"

"No! You don't – you don't know anything. . ." Bobby's tirade began as the memories of his torture and captivity rose to the surface.

Alex recoiled at Bobby's shout.

"Detective!" Ross shouted with equal volume. "You've been walking a fine line for the past year. Just give me one more reason –one more, and I'll suspend you for insubordination."

The threat halted Bobby in his tracks. His eyes caught Alex's face, but he found no sympathy there. Only her silent plea that he get himself under control and not make things any worse.

Defeated, he returned to the chair and sat. "I disagree," he muttered. "I'm not too close. Tommy's killer deserves to be caught an-and brought to justice."

"Well, we finally agree on something," Ross retorted, "so you'll be glad to know we have someone in custody."

Bobby sat forward, interested.

"DeMarco reached out from prison and sent one of his henchmen to take care of Tommy. It's payback," Alex surmised.

Bobby nodded in agreement.

"Nice theory, but – no," Ross almost regretted having to say.

"So- so why am I here?" Bobby asked with impatience. "I'm off the case and I'm almost off the clock."

Bobby and Alex watched as Ross –who had caught a glimpse of Logan approaching—held up his hand, signaling Mike to not come in. The three of them watched as Mike did an 'about face', slouched into his chair and began tapping his pen against the desk in annoyance.

Captain Ross handed Alex a folded sheet of paper. "Eames, here's the address." He tossed his head in Logan's direction. "Fill Logan in on your way over."

Alex took the paper and stood, shooting a quick glance at Bobby.

"You're here, Detective, as a favor. The man in the holding cell has been asking for you since we brought him in."

Bobby stood quickly, unable to hide the interest and curiosity from his face. He passed Alex, reaching the door first –anxious to talk to their captive.

"Holding cell number 3."

Bobby froze at the sound of the Captain's voice, with his hand on the door handle.

"You've got ten minutes. And remember, the cameras and mics are on."

X X X

Alex and Bobby left Ross' office. Mike stood up as soon as he saw the door to Ross' office open.

"C'mon Logan. It's you and me. I'll fill ya in," Alex said abruptly.

Mike shot a look at the duo, curious and confused about the new arrangement.

"I'll meet you at the elevators. Just gimme a minute," Alex said to Mike, then turned to face Bobby.

"See you at my place, later?" Alex softly asked.

Bobby nodded, but there was no hiding his annoyance.

"I'm sorry about Tommy."

"Me too," Bobby whispered. "Th-th-thanks."

X X X

Alex made her way down the hall to the elevators. Bobby turned down the opposite corridor towards the holding cells.

With each step down the hall, he felt his pulse increasing –the anger welling up inside him as he prepared to face the man accused of Tommy's murder.

But nothing would've prepared him for this.

Bobby nodded at the officer standing guard at the entranceway. Confidently and readying himself for confrontation, he made his way to cell No. 3.

"Bobby!" the man exclaimed with relief at the sight of the big Detective.

Bobby froze with surprise. Surprise which was quickly replaced by disbelief. What the fuck?

"Lewis?"

END Chapt. 21