Debriefing Riggs

Season 2

Episode 17

The Odd Couple

"Why can't you take in Rog?" Martin glared at Brooks. They were at the precinct and he had to behave, but that didn't mean he couldn't show his displeasure. "He's your former partner! It's your turn to put him up!" Roger drove him insane, but he didn't dare abandon the trailer, afraid of the state he might find it in if Roger started nesting in earnest!

Brooks, sitting behind his desk and trying to focus on his paperwork, looked up and grinned. "Aren't you forgetting something?"

"No. What are you talking about?" He nervously fumbled with his sunglasses.

"You're already occupying the guestroom. We don't have the place to put up Roger too." Amused, he watched as Martin finally realized the problem. "It's not like we can use the room to accommodate Roger. Your stuff is in there and it's your room. We're not getting rid off or moving your things. That's not happening."

"Oh." He really hadn't considered that. "Me bad," he muttered, frowning. "I didn't think of it like that."

"I know you didn't." Brooks placed his pen aside, leaned back in his chair, and studied the younger man. "How are things with Molly?" He hoped the two of them would work things out as they were well-suited for each other. Molly was a great woman who didn't put up with Martin's bullshit, which was just what the Texan needed.

"Complicated," Martin whispered. "She wants me to sort things out with my old man." Although he knew she was right, he was scared as hell to face his father again. But it was true; he did let his father ruin his life each time something good came his way. He was still surprised Nathan hadn't gone for Brooks and Todd after that last visit. His father wasn't stupid and had long found out who had accompanied him to Texas. The fear of having endangered Brooks and Todd haunted him every day. He'd never forgive himself if his old man went for them instead. "I don't want to make things worse," he added, worriedly.

"She's right. I don't like it either, but she has a point. As long as your father lives, he'll cast his shadow over you. Do you know what you'll do next? Hopefully you know that Todd and I have your back?"

Martin nodded; he didn't doubt their sincerity. They'd go to great lengths for him, which still amazed him. What had he ever done to deserve their loyalty, and dare he say it, love?

TBC