Disclaimer: I don't own it pookies. I don't own Law and Order Criminal Intent, or Detective Robert Goren...or any of the detectives. Though maybe someday...
Goren sauntered back in the squad room the next morning. His shoulders were thrown back and he was standing tall, binder in hand. Dark brown eyes scanned over the room, taking it all in. Logan was in the break room chatting with another officer. Barek was sitting at her own desk, as was Eames.
His gaze switched to the captain's office to find Deakins was speaking with Adrian Night. His thoughts drifted back to the conversation he had with Katie and her friend Julia. Sighing, he plodded over and sat down across from Alex Eames. The hazel eyed female glanced up from her paperwork with a guarded look. The emptiness in her eyes caused him to avert his gaze for a moment. He had really bothered her by hitting Adrian.
"Hey...Eames." he stated softly, meeting her gaze once more to find the blankness had been replaced with worry.
"How are you Bobby?" she questioned, keeping her voice low.
"Better." he answered, offering her a weak but genuine smile.
"Really?" she asked, tapping the end of her pen on the desk.
"Really." Goren confirmed. "Want to fill me in on what happened while I was gone?" he inquired.
"We got a new case." a smooth male voice stated as Adrian slid into a chair beside Goren.
"What is it? And who is assigned to it?" Bobby asked, turning to look at Adrian.
"Everyone." Mike Logan answered as he approached the other three detectives.
"Must be important." Goren commented.
"You bet it is." Barek stated as she came up beside her partner, leaning on him casually.
"Are you guys going to tell me what the case is?" Goren question, seeming slightly agitated since his curiosity had yet to be satisfied.
"We are investigating the murder of the governor's sister. She is the girl that was found in your apartment. We will also be investigating the break-in." Eames answered, watching her partner to see how he would react.
The large detective had grown tense and thoughtful, though all he could think about was the fact he believed the murderer was sitting beside him. He cast a wary glance in Adrian's direction to find the younger detective was gazing up at the ceiling casually.
"What work have you guys done on it?" Bobby inquired, looking to his partner.
"Nothing actually. It was just assigned this morning. It's become out top priority. Deakins already gave us his 'this is really important' speech. You are lucky you missed it." Logan stated, his arm snaking around his partner's waist. Barek didn't notice until his fingers gently prodded her side.
The small female detective squeaked and leapt away, smacking Logan's arm. The other detectives watched, amused.
"So, what's the plan?" Adrian inquired, looking to Goren.
"Well, if would be great if you could go talk to the M.E. and see what facts she can give us. Also, check in with CSU and see what sorts of information they have for us. Logan and Barek can go door to door of my apartment complex and the surrounding area to see if anyone say anything. Eames and I will start working on re-tracing the governor's sister's steps that day. Sound good?" Goren asked.
"Yeah. We'll catch you all later then." Logan stated before he and his partner left the room.
"I'll call you if I get anything that can't wait until we meet up again. Good luck." and with that Adrian stood and left.
"What happened to the cocky S.O.B. I punched yesterday?" Goren asked, looking to Eames.
"He got punched." Eames answered, standing as she put on her coat.
"Oh..." he stood, grabbing his binder before looking up at Eames to find she was watching him.
"I'm still your partner y'know." she stated softly. "He will never replace you. You know that right?"
"Yeah..." he paused. "Look, I'm sorry about everything. About how I outright accused Adrian when you came to see if I was alright...I just..." he frowned. "I was upset and–" he trailed off as she came to stand in front of him. Smiling, she delivered a swift smack to the side of his head.
"Don't worry about it." came her answer. "Now come on, we've got some people to interview." she offered him a smile before exiting the squad room.
"That is certainly my partner..." He murmured to himself, smiling, before he followed after her, ready to solve this newest case.
Author's Notes: I wrote this during school. . Sorry it took so long to get this out. I'm also sorry it's so short, and that I had to skip Goren's conversation with Katie and Julia. Bah. Anyway, here it is...enjoy and review to encourage me!