Standing the captain's office, Alex didn't know whether she should be nervous, concerned or anxious. The one thing she was though, was clueless. Alexandra Eames did not like that feeling. The phone call was an ominous one. She was told to report to his office at 8 AM the next morning. Now here she sat with not even an hour of sleep to her name. She didn't even attempt to go to her bed. The night was spent sitting on the couch thinking of the life she could've had and didn't. Her phone ringing every once in a while. She didn't have to look. The detective knew who it was. Bobby. He had called her multiple times. Eight to be exact. He didn't leave a voicemail, however. You'd think he'd at least apologize. For what she didn't know. Maybe him not saying anything was his apology. You know how Bobby is. He can articulate anything except his own emotions. It was on that thought her mind chose to rest. The look on his face as she left stuck to her like glue. Then, the realization hit her. He hadn't meant to hurt me. He did what I asked him to do. When did this get so complicated?

The door opens behind her and she shakes the thoughts of the professor away and focuses in the on the task in front of her; not getting kicked off this case. Her captain looked her over. A familiar question shining in his eyes. Great. I know that look.

"Detective, are you getting any sleep?" The way he spoke conveyed his concern as a friend as well as a superior.

"No." Alex knew better than to lie. She'd been caught. "I've been working."

"Uh huh." Hanna answered with a raised eyebrow. "How's it coming?"

"I went and saw a friend to get a new perspective." She didn't mention his name but Captain Hanna had a feeling he knew who she was talking about. "He thinks her murder may have something to do with what Manny was going to tell me." She rushed through the sentence hoping, almost praying, that he wouldn't question her on it. So much for that. Eames thought as her superior spoke.

"Does it?"

Alex tightened her grip on the chair she occupied as she carefully responded. "I don't know." The words shocked her almost as much as they shocked Hanna.

He shook his head. "I'm taking you off this case." A feeling Alex couldn't identify took over her senses. She all but jumped out of her seat.

"You can't." Desperation. Yeah, that was it. Desperation. The ice cold Detective Alexandra Eames was absolutley and unequivocally desperate.

"Detective." He looked her in the eye. Sighing, he dipped his head slightly towards his chest. He hated seeing Eames this way. "Alex. You are too close to this. Being objective is important and clearly your objectivity is lacking."

Her body tensed again and her gaze bore into him. "I am the only one who can solve this case and you know it." Eames' words were sharp and appeared to hit there mark as Hanna backed away slightly.

"Which one are you solving, Eames? AnnMarie's or Joe's?" No malice was present in his tone but the question was fair. Alex hated to admit it but it was true. Joe or AnnMarie? AnnMarie or Joe? Why can't it be both?

"AnnMarie Delgado's murder is the only one that needs to be solved. Joe's killer is rotting in Queensboro." Alex didn't know who she was trying to convince more. Herself or Hanna. Either way, it better work. She wanted this case. No, she needed this case.

The latter slouched and took his place in his chair. "Go back to your desk, Detective." He waved with is hand in dismissal towards the squad room. Alex, still not sure if she had lost the case, did as she was told.

Hanna rubbed a weary hand down his face. 8 in the morning and I already need a break and a strong drink. I hope this isn't a mistake. He picked up the phone and dialed. It rang three times before a gruff voiced came over the line.

Eames sat at her desk. On the outside, she looked like the always calm, some would say stoic, detective. Focused and driven. Underneath, she was falling apart. Duck on a pond. That's how her father described her. Her mind racing at a speed she never though possible. What have done? What am I going to do? What is wrong with me? I need to calm down and focus. Why can't I focus? What is happening? What is wrong with me. One thought was folding into the next with none of them pausing for the answer until her name bounced into her ears. She looked up. Hanna motioned her back into his office. He motioned towards the seat she had previously been sitting in. Eames opted to stand and closed the door behind her. She braced herself. Here it comes.

The silence was loud and definitely too long for Alex's liking. "You can stay on the case." Eames visibly relaxed. Hanna took note. "With one condition." The relaxation quickly faded. "You're working with a partner." Alex looked at him. He wasn't joking. At all.

Her eyes narrowed. She hadn't worked with a partner in years. No one wanted too. Who would be stupid enough the say yes to that? Then it hit her. Seriously?