A/N: OK, so RL calls, loudly. Got to finish this, and quickly, as then I have to write something that will actually pay. For my wedding. So quite important. Eek. Hope some of you are still enjoying this! Thanks for reading x

Thirty-six

Leo was in his office when he saw Nikki arrive back at her desk. He wouldn't have paid any attention, but she passed his window with a flustered look on her face and a high flush in her cheeks that made his trouble senses tingle. They'd been on alert since his non-conversation with Harry in the pub. Something was going to give, he could sense it. Leo just hoped it wasn't the team itself.

Nikki lent over her desk, but didn't sit. He could see her hands clenched into fists. She picked up a manila report envelope that must have arrived during her absence and opened it. After studying the contents for a moment, she picked up her phone and dialled a number. The conversation only lasted a minute or so. She still didn't sit down, even after she replaced the receiver. Somehow Leo knew what was coming next.

Nikki met his eye briefly through the glass of his door, before opening it and coming inside.

"Hi," he said. "Everything all right?"

"Yes," she said, quickly. "Fine. But – can I leave early today? Now, I mean. Can I leave now?"

He looked at his watch. It was 4.30pm. Early for them, but then Nikki always did work hard.

"Please, Leo."

He frowned. "Of course you can," he told her. "But are you sure you're OK? Anything you want to talk about?"

Nikki shook her head. "No. Sorry, I'm just – a bit tired. Could do with a few hours to myself."

Leo nodded. "Sounds like a good idea. Sure, you go. Anything I need to take over for you?"

She managed a smile. "No, everything's fine. I've just let Detective Salter know about the results we were waiting for. Everything else I've done."

"OK. Go on, then. You deserve an early night."

"Thanks," Nikki muttered, already on her way. She didn't even wait for her computer to shut down, or put on her coat. Leo watched her leave, and then went back to his notes.

Less than five minutes later, Harry arrived. He also looked flustered, walking quickly into the office and then stopping dead when he saw that Nikki's chair was empty. He turned immediately, heading for Leo's office.

"Harry," Leo acknowledged, as he opened the door.

"Hi. Have you seen Nikki?"

"You just missed her. She's gone for the day."

Harry frowned. "Gone?"

Leo shrugged. "Nikki's been working hard. She asked to leave early, and I didn't see why she shouldn't."

Harry stared past him. "Right."

"Everything OK?"

"Yes – fine. Everything's fine."

"Good."

Harry nodded, once, and then turned away. Leo watched as he headed back to his desk and dropped heavily into his chair.

Yes, he thought. Trouble.

[TBC]