References Untethered

Not Beta'd

Just a short chapter to help with the quarantine. Stay safe ya'll.


Times square

Goren walked the streets of New York observing the masses weave into each other as they moved towards their destinations. The cars and cabs pushed their way through traffic creating an ambiance sound of beeps and swishes, as they slowly crawled against the toad. Tourists are wandering about with their eyes darting everywhere as neon lights capture their attention, some are lost as others have found their new adventure. Goren is just another New Yorker set on a mission. His mission was to find his nephew no matter the stakes. He visited every arcade at the briefest tip of game sounds. He turned every young boy who resembled Donny in hope's that his mission had reached its conclusion but he met disappointment every time. His phone rang in his pocket.

"Goren."

Old habits die hard as Goren tried in vain to acclimate to life as a civilian, just another man in the crowd.

"Hey."

"Uh Alex."

"Well, you don't sound so happy to hear my voice. Should I be offended?"

"Sorry. I'm in a mood."

"Still no word?"

"No. I hoped he would have reached out by now."

"Still not talking to your brother?"

"Nothing's changed. He hasn't and it's just not worth it."

"I'm the last person to make you and Frank work things out. He's stirred up enough trouble for you but it's not like you to completely cut someone out of your life. You still keep in touch with some of the guys we collared, which I won't pretend to understand. Also Declan and you know how I feel about him. You sure this is what you want?"

"Yeah, I'm done with him. I can't keep trying to help him when he just pisses over it and wastes his life. He wants to kill himself with drugs, good riddance."

"Where are you? I hear traffic behind you."

"Times Square."

"Bobby. You can't keep doing this to yourself. You've been out there every day this week and you aren't sleeping, at least not well."

"He's out there, Alex. Besides it's not like there's anything else I can do."

"Yeah, about that I told the captain I refuse to work cases without you. I'm doing desk duty."

"I'm sure you are going stir crazy."

"That's why I called you. You're my distraction."

"Look, Alex, you don't have to bench yourself, you should be on cases. Don't let this whole thing bring you down too."

"You're my partner. I don't want to work without you."

There was a silent pause as Goren was unsure how to respond. He didn't want Eames to resent him. He knew how much Eames loved being a detective. He was already tarnishing her record. He couldn't help but feel like dead weight anchoring her in place where she should have been lieutenant or Sargent by now.

"Why don't you call Lewis? Maybe you can find a nice project to keep you busy plus you always look sexy with a little bit of grease and sweat underneath a muscle car."

"Alex..is the Captain…?"

"No. He's out for a late lunch with Liz."

"So you have a thing for mechanics now? Should I keep you away from Lewis?"

She smiled into the receiver, "Mmm no just one man in particular."

"So what is it that revs your, uh, engine?" He licked his lips. As he waited on the other end of her call for her response.

"Oh, I don't know. You do look amazing in jeans and a tee."

"So should I put on my working jeans tonight for a bit of tuning up?" His hand was in his pocket and he realized he probably shouldn't have this conversation in public but it was exciting as most people were scurrying about completely unaware. He would be enjoying himself more if he weren't so exhausted. He hadn't had good sleep since he was released from Tate's. He was constantly awakened by thirst, nightmares, and an overactive mind.

She laughed quietly. "Bobby, you would be dead on your feet. Will you promise me you'll get some rest then maybe we can revisit this little role play?"

"Yeah alright. I'll try if my mind let's me."

"Go home. I'll visit soon."

Staying home without a project or something to keep his mind busy was new ground for Goren. He had to do something. He was not meant to be idle but Eames was right, for now he needed to rest and then he can try to figure out how he would keep himself busy. He stripped off his jacket, tossing it towards his couch, walked to his bed and got comfortable. Of course once his body met the bed, his mind was in overdrive thinking about Donny, Tate's, chief of D's, and everything and anything but sleeping. He knew he would not be able to settle on his own so he took a couple ambien with a tall glass of water and returned to his bed waiting for the quiet of his mind.