Chapter 6

"Forensics will have the hairs done sometime today," said Bobby as he walked back towards his desk.

"Not that it'll match," and upon seeing the look on his face she said, "Oh come on, Bobby- he may be an asshole, but he's not exactly smooth, and our murderer is definitely a sweet talker."

"Let's see…got a reply yet on puppylover?"

She clicked her mouse few times. "Uhhhh…. nope, sorry."

Bobby sat there deep in thought for a moment. "Indulge me one more time- tone down the flirting when he gets here, even go so far as to stop it by the time he leaves. I'm just trying to figure him out."

"I'm sure he'll do something repulsive enough to warrant a change in attitude," she said curtly.

Alex heard a 'ding!' and looked at her computer. "Got a reply," she said. Goren rolled his chair around to her desk and read the e-mail with her.

Dearest Lexy, God bless you for your generosity. I am currently staying at the Hyatt Hotel Downtown and would be able to meet you in the lobby at noon on Saturday, if that suits you. Attached is my picture, a map to my hotel, and the hotel phone number. Could you please send me your picture so I will know it is you when you arrive? Once again, God bless you and keep you. Yours in Christ, Father Samuel Engal

Just as Bobby finished reading it Peter walked up to their desks. "Whatchya got?" he asked.

"Reply," said Bobby as he scooted closer to Alex in an attempt to make it look like he was trying to get a better view of the screen. Peter smiled. "What did he say?" he asked pointing at the e-mail on Alex's laptop.

"Gave us his probably fake contact info, set up a time and place for Saturday," replied Alex. Peter was still smiling. "Here, you can read it for yourself," she said turning the screen toward him. Bobby backed away from the desk to let Peter in.

"We should send him a picture- make him think he's got another for his trophy room," said Peter after reading the e-mail. "Scammers like their trophies."

"Send him a fake picture," said Bobby.

"He'll know, especially since he's supposed to be meeting her."

"You honestly think that the picture he sent us was real?" asked Bobby, challenging P.K. It was time to ruffle some feathers. Anytime now Forensics' report was due. If Bobby could get him riled up then slam him, it would be so satisfying.

"Of course it wasn't," snapped Peter.

"Give him an excuse- we're not sending Alex's picture out there. Describe what she'll be wearing, but no picture."

Peter stared at Bobby. "You're very protective of your partner," he said. "That's incredibly sweet," he smiled.

Just then, Alex's cell phone rang. "Eames," she answered. She then looked over to Deakins' office and saw him beckoning them to him. "Excuse us," she said. "Captain wants to talk." She smiled at him and led Goren to Deakins' office.

They walked in and Deakins shut the blinds. "Thanks," said Goren. "Forensics brought the hairs?"

"They're a match," he said.

Bobby didn't look surprised, but made no attempt to tell Alex 'I told you so.' "Did they check them against the rape kits as well?" he asked.

"I don't know," he replied. "Where are you going to go from here?"

"I want to finish out today as if nothing's wrong. Alex is going to tone down the flirting- this guy is hitting on her mostly to mess with me to try and draw off his scent. He's creating 2 motives basically. If there's not a solid single motive, there's no connection in his mind."

"Alright, don't mess around for long, let's bring him in and blow off the meeting. I don't want a bust that's not going to go down."

"Yes sir."

Alex and Bobby walked back across the room towards Alex's desk, where Peter had made himself comfortable- his height was better suited to Alex's chair than Bobby was. "Everything sorted out?" he asked.

"Yes, it was short," he said looking at the shorter blonde man sitting in his-in Alex's chair. "Uhm, Alex and I will call you when we've got her description and clothing sorted out, then you can e-mail this guy," said Bobby indicating it was time for Peter to leave. He got up, said and individual goodbye to Alex, who didn't act all that enthused, then left.

After he was safely on the elevator, Bobby turned to Alex and said "He seriously is trying to mess with us, pit me against you. You shouldn't go anywhere alone. Since I refused him a trophy picture he might be prompted to try and grab you 'early.'" He said.

"You're very protective," she said.

"Of sorts- once we arrest him I'd really like to really piss him off. Permit me to be a little clingy?"

"You aren't already?"

"Gah! Away with you- I need a beer," he said.

"Oh, away with yourself," she said swinging an arm at him. There was a small pause as they both smiled at each other. "Fine, I'm buying."