Our eyes met across the stretch of sidewalk. Alex had met me at Dr. Geisen's office before, but something was different this time.

On the surface our conversation was normal, but she was holding back. She looked eager.

Could she already have known that Geisen cleared me? Maybe she read my body language. I felt better than after any previous session. I wanted to celebrate.

As we drove to the crime scene I still had the impression she was expecting... what? Maybe I should give her an opening.

"So..." I said, "The doctor told the brass I'm fit for duty."

"Of course she did." Alex's smile grew larger. "Or else I'd have to hurt her."

"Thanks." Her good humor was contagious.

"Hey, I'm happy," she said. "I have my partner back."

"Of course you do." We're definitely going to celebrate.