Disclaimer: Same

A/N: Again, please R&R.

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"Okay, an accident," Alex repeated to herself in slow, determined breaths. "Tell me about the accident Bobby," Alex said, placing a hand on his arm before he shuddered and moved away. He reached into his pocket and revealed a crumpled up note and he tossed it at her. Alex unfolded the wadded ball of thin parchment and read the beautiful cursive slowly to herself.

'And when was it that you discovered that you're mommy wasn't like all the other mommies?' Alex read to herself before noticing the stamp in the corner. '1996, Atlanta-2000, Sydney, Australia.'

"That stupid bitch," Alex nearly yelled while Bobby still remained quiet.

"Alex, that's not all," Bobby said quiet enough so strained ears could only barely hear it.

"What?" Alex asked.

"There was an accident. An accident at Carmel Ridge," Bobby said, his eyes bloodshot from a lack of sleep.

"Oh God Bobby," Alex said as her mind raced with thoughts. "Your mother?"

"Is dead," Bobby choked out, trying to maintain his composure while running his hands over his rough face.

"How could she do this?" Alex asked, her mind drawing a picture of Nicole Wallace, not missing a wrinkle or eyelash.

"I pushed her too hard last time," Bobby said, trying to find a reason or make an excuse. "I made her give up her family for the 3rd or 4th time."

"Bobby, you can't believe it was your fault," Alex said, getting upset. "Nicole Wallace is a manipulative little bitch. Look at what she's done to you. She's making you think its your fault."

"How did she do this and get away with it?" Bobby asked, his head in his hands. "I mean, how can the hospital rule this as a death of natural causes? I know that air pockets cause strokes but I know she had to have done it. And then I found the note on my door step and-" Bobby cut off. He walked to the window and gazed out at the awakening city.

"And what?" Alex inquired.

"And she's following us. She's watching us right now," Bobby said, looking around the city for possible clues.

"Bobby, she can't be," Alex said, attempting to sound rational.

"Oh but she is, Alex. The person running after you in the alley?" Bobby turned around and asked Alex, raising an eyebrow.

"And nothing. It was probably a dog or something."

"Don't make excuses, Alexandra," Bobby said, pointing a firm finger at her. "My mother is dead."

"I'll stop making excuses as soon as you stop making excuses," Alex said, becoming irritable from her lack of sleep. "You know this isn't your fault."

"Yet she took it out on me and not you, isn't that right Alex?"

"Yes but you're the one who's always driven her to the truth. It's not because you did something wrong. You did your job, as a cop."

"Well I don't want to be a cop if this is the kind of pay back I receive."

There was silence for a long while before Alex spoke up.

"We should tell Deakins," Alex said.

"No," Bobby said, shaking his head. "She started this as a personal affair, so it's going to end as a personal affair."

"I don't think you can handle this kind of situation," Alex tried to persuade. "We don't know how dangerous she is or what she's capable of, or what kind of people she's met."

"Alex, I can take care of it," Bobby said, grabbing his coat off the hook.

"Where are you going?" Alex asked as Bobby opened the door.

"Away," he said, slamming the door.

And just like that, the silence returned, so loud it was deafening.