Several days later.

Bobby had to meet with the chief of D's since his actions were not only out of jurisdiction but happened within a state prison. He knew from what he heard from all of his Captains, that while they liked his results and solve percentage, they didn't care for how he went about solving the cases. They also didn't like that he didn't abide by the office politics. He mouthed off and did things his own way. That made him a thorn in their side. With that knowledge, he wasn't sure if there would be any pull for him. He only hoped that by telling the truth and exposing the abuses that maybe that would count for something and maybe they would continue where he left off. He was no stranger to black marks in his jacket and countless psych services requests. So that threat didn't bother him.

He walked in the door and took a seat while shortly after Captain ross, chief of detectives, and commissioner followed suit. Eames could only stand outside and wait to see what unfolded. She'd hope they'd give him a break but that was highly unlikely. They had already informed her that both she and the captain would receive black marks in their jackets.

After much deliberation, the door opened and Bobby exited. He was shuffling about in disbelief. His head was looking down at the floor then up at the ceiling. His hands were balled up into fists. Eames met him as soon as she saw him.

"Not now."

"That bad?"

"I'm suspended indefinitely."

"Can they do that?"

"Well, they don't like me and want to teach me a lesson so I'm guessing yes."

"I'm sorry, Bobby."

"Don't."

She was thrown back and caught his eyes from below with her mouth hanging open. "I thought you were going to stop pushing me away, Bobby."

He looked back at the door as they all came flooding out. "Um can we not do this here?" Bobby pleaded. He needed the space and his body was full of defeatist energy that he could not channel here.

They walked to the parking garage where Alex's car was parked. Goren leaned against her car resting his weight on his left arm. He had a crease in his forehead and frown imprinted on his face.

"So, what happens now?"

"I don't know but I think I want to be alone for a bit to process this. You know how I get Eames. I don't want to take it out on you."

"I get it but Bobby, I have your back. They'll realize their mistake as soon as a high profile case comes and they will be begging you to come back."

"Maybe. I don't know Eames. I can't do right by them. They don't do right by me. This cycle can't go on forever."

"You better not be trying to say what I think you are saying. You are my partner. I won't do this with anyone else."

He smiled weakly. "No one else would stand a chance with you. You are a force of your own, Alex. The best cop I know."

"You are talking like it's over. You need to get out of your head. Let this blow over."

He exhaled, the air whistling as it exited his mouth and his eyes turned up. "Does it ever?"

"You realize you have a tendency to catastrophize when a crisis revolves around you."

"Maybe you're right but I don't know."

"I am right and I do know. You need to keep that mind sharp because it is only a matter of time."

"Optimist?" He looked at her with his eyes confused that she suddenly became the person of hope in their duo. "You want to grab a drink?"

"Um yes. I think this day warrants one."

"Only one?"

"It's a starting point."

"Not a cop bar. I don't want to deal with any of this right now."

"Even better."