Chapter 24 Too Many Angry People

Amy was furious. Not only was Bobby at Laura's funeral, but so were the photographers. She should have expected it, but she was still angry. What should have been a quiet time of mourning and remembrance for the Edwards and the Wainwrights was now a show.

She had been somewhat relieved that Bobby showed up with his partner, Alexandra Eames and his captain, Daniel Ross. That way it looked like they were there representing the NYPD, even though they sat behind Trey, in the family section, at Trey's insistence. She would take that up with Trey later. After all, she reminded herself often, this was Trey's and the Edwards' funeral to plan for Laura, not hers. Bobby did have a point after all; his reminder of his place as Trey's father and the fact that he and Amy were a family last night was still ringing in her ears this morning. Bobby did belong here, even though she felt like her world was falling apart around her now that he knew about Trey.

Having Bobby with her at the hospital last night had been a God-send. The receptionist had been hesitant to let her go back and find Trey and Hudson, but Bobby flashed his badge and ushered her quickly back through the swinging doors. He had been right; Hudson was very eager to see his grandmother and was also happy to see Bobby as well. Hudson was sporting a lime green cast on his lower arm and a drowsy expression on his face from a pain shot that had been recently administered.

Bobby had slipped out shortly thereafter, leaving Trey and Amy to check Hudson out and take him home. He had graciously offered to give Christy a ride back to retrieve her car, then had gone home for the evening himself. Eames picked him up in the morning for the ride over to St. Mark's for the funeral. They met up with Captain Ross in the parking lot just as the first of the photographers made his appearance.

"This could get ugly," Ross told his two detectives quietly as he pointed towards the photographer. "That one is from the Post, and he's notoriously aggressive."

"Damn it," said Eames. "Can't they give it a rest for a funeral? What is with people these days?"

"Come on," Bobby said, urging them to move. "Let's see if we need to run interference for the Edwards or the Wainwrights." They had been needed, and the families were grateful. Once inside, the funeral went off without a hitch, all photographers having been banned from the premises, and other doors locked and guarded. The guards had been Captain Ross's contribution to the occasion, having realized that without a few discreetly placed fellow officers, the church was doomed to be overrun with flashbulbs.

Eames had noticed Amy's displeasure at Trey's insistence that the three of them be seated behind the family. She wondered if it was because they were police or because it was not Amy's idea for them to be there in the first place. She would have to talk to Bobby about that; it sent up red flags to think that Amy might only want Bobby around at her convenience.

After the church service had concluded, Bobby, Alex and Captain Ross were heading towards the side exit when Dennis Edwards approached them.

"Detective Goren," he said. Bobby turned and recognized the man.

"Mr. Edwards," Bobby said as he extended his hand in greeting. "I'm so sorry for your loss. The whole department extends their condolences as well." Bobby introduced Captain Ross to the man and reintroduced Alex.

"Thank you for coming," Dennis said, nodding at all three of them. "Detective Goren, I'm sorry for you as well. I didn't realize who you were the other day. We, my wife and I were both so distraught I didn't even pay attention to what you looked like or I would have said something then. Trey tells me you didn't know at the time; I'm sorry for that, too. You've missed out on a lot. We'd like you to come to our house after the internment."

Bobby shook his head at that last statement, but Dennis placed a gentle hand on the younger man's shoulder. "No, no. We insist. You need to come. We'd like you to learn about Laura; you'd've really loved her. Hudson and Christy are over there right now; I'm sure he'd love to see you, too." At the mention of Hudson's name, Bobby caved in.

Bobby sighed. "Okay, but only if Eames can come, too."

Dennis smiled at Alex and nodded. "Absolutely. Captain Ross, you're invited, too."

"I'm going to have to decline, thank you," Ross said politely. "I'm taking my boys to the baseball game this afternoon." He looked at his watch. "In fact, if I don't leave now, we'll be late." He extended his hand to Mr. Edwards. "Again, I'm very sorry for your loss. Laura's murder affected all of us in the department greatly."

"Thank you again for all your hard work, Captain. My wife and I appreciate everything you all have done. Enjoy the game." Mr. Edwards shook the Captain's hand and smiled weakly.

"Detectives," Ross said by way of goodbye, nodding at them as he ducked out the side entrance.

Dennis gave Bobby and Alex his address, then returned to rest of the family.

"Well," said Alex. "Do you want to go to the cemetery, or just head over to the Edwards and introduce me to your grandson?"

"Let's go check on Hudson," Bobby said, smiling at her. "I think you'll really like the little guy."

Once they were situated in Alex's SUV and headed towards the Edwards' home on Long Island, Eames asked Bobby a question.

"Bobby, why you do think Amy was so upset to see you at the funeral this morning?"

"I don't know. She got upset last night when she found out I knew about it and that Trey had asked me to be there. I told her that I was part of Trey's life now and she had no right to shut me out. We didn't get much of a chance to talk more; we were at the hospital by then and turned our attention to Hudson and Trey. Why? Something bothering you?"

"Yeah. She seems to only want you around at her convenience." Bobby turned his head quickly and looked at her sharply. "Bobby, I'm serious. Why did she never tell you all these years? She had to have known you were living and working in New York. Your picture's been in the paper numerous times for awards, citations, arrests. You've even been on TV a time or two. You can't tell me she hasn't known all this time. So why hadn't she told you? Was she hoping you'd never find out?"

Bobby was silent as he thought about what Alex had said. He had been asking himself the same questions lately, and didn't have any good answers, only speculation. He had come to value Eames' insight, especially where women were concerned, so he decided to ask her opinion. "I'm not sure. I do know she's been scared."

"Scared? What did she have to be afraid of?"

"She was hurt pretty badly by a boyfriend she had been dating right before we met. I think she's been afraid that I would be mad and leave her, too. That finding out she was pregnant would make me hate her, not want her around."

"She didn't know you very well, did she," Eames commented with a small shake of her head. "Are you going to talk to her about it?"

"If I'm going to continue be around Trey and Hudson, I'm going to have to," Bobby stated emphatically. "It'll end up being the elephant in the room if I don't. I can't be around her without knowing how she feels and what she wants. By the way, there's something about all this that I've been meaning to ask you," Bobby said, turning in his seat to face Eames. "Did you plant those photos in that file last week?"

Eames sighed and kept her eyes on the road ahead of her. "Eames," Bobby questioned her. "Did you put those photos in that file?"

"You were going to find out eventually, and she certainly didn't seem like she was in a hurry to tell you, so, I, uh….yeah. I did." She looked over at him hesitantly. "Bobby I'm sorry, but you needed to know…." Her voice trailed off as Bobby turned his head and looked out the window.

"How long have you known," he asked softly.

"Since the case file first came in. We didn't really know, we suspected."

"We?"

"Ross knew." Bobby sighed and Eames rushed to explain. "Bobby, I had to tell him. As soon as I saw the pictures, I suspected. He had to see them. It was his decision to pull those pictures out of the case file, to keep things as unbiased as possible. He had no choice but to keep us on the case, given who was involved…." Her voice trailed off as she saw Bobby run his hands across the back of his neck and over his eyes. "I'm sorry, Bobby. It was the best way."

"I know. I thought it was you, and I was prepared to be really mad at you, but after speaking with Amy and then Trey…and having time to think things through….well, thank you."

Eames looked at him in shock. "You're not mad at me?"

"How could I be mad at you? You're my partner; you look out for me. If you did anything wrong it was in my best interest. I trust you, Eames, more than I've trusted anyone in a long time. And after everything I've gone through in the last year with work and my Mom, well, I'm glad you're my partner. I've also come to realize something else." He looked at her seriously.

Eames cast another glance at him, one eyebrow raised in question.

"You're also my friend. And I don't thank you or acknowledge you enough for that. But I'm trying to change, Eames. I really am."

She reached over, took his hand and gave it a squeeze. "I know, Bobby," she said. "I can tell, and I appreciate it. Thank you, too."

They smiled at each other and continued their drive out to the Edwards' home.

Christy greeted them at the door of the Edwards' modest home in a quiet Long Island suburb. Bobby introduced her to Alex, and she led the two of them towards the back of the house. "We've been playing out in the back yard; it's such a pretty day today. I hope you don't mind sitting out on the back porch with me."

"Not at all," Bobby told her warmly. He paused by the sofa long enough to pull off his tie and stuff it into his jacket pocket, then he removed his jacket and tossed it over the back of the sofa. As they made their way out onto the back porch, he undid the top few buttons and rolled up his shirt sleeves. Eames looked at him askance. "The first time I saw Hudson, he nearly knocked me over. I figure this time he's going to want me to play with him, so I'm getting prepared." Eames smiled in understanding.

Hudson was pushing his trucks around in the sand box when the three adults stepped out onto the back porch. His eyes lit up when he turned his head to see who had come out into the yard.

"Boppy," he yelled. "Look! Truck!" He stood and held up a yellow plastic truck for the adults to inspect. He was covered in sand, and his lime green cast glowed in the sunlight.

"Hey, Hudson," Bobby called out as he made his way over to the sand box. "Can I see your truck?" He squatted down next to Hudson and began to inspect the youngster's truck.

"If I didn't see it with my own eyes, I wouldn't believe it," Eames said to the nanny.

"Believe what?"

"That my partner is a grandfather," Eames said in amazement.

Christy just smiled and sat back down on the porch swing. Alex decided to walk around the yard. She noticed the flower beds and the neat bushes that bordered the fence. She also saw the swing set that appeared to have seen numerous kids playing on it over the years, but now had a plastic child's swing hanging from it.

"Hey, Alex," Bobby called to her from across the yard. He never called her Alex, which surprised her, until she realized that Hudson was pointing at her. Bobby must be wanting to introduce her. She hurried over to the sandbox and perched herself carefully on the edge. Bobby was now sitting in the sand next to Hudson, his shoes and socks cast off in the grass, and sand all over his black pants.

"Hudson, this is Alex. She works with me. We catch bad guys," Bobby said.

"Hi, Hudson," Alex said with a smile.

"Hi Alwicks," Hudson said, trying to wrap his little tongue around her name. "We gots trucks!" He held one out for her to inspect. "See."

"I see," said Alex; she knew from being around her nephew that it was important to appreciate a little boy's trucks, so she studied it carefully. "That's a great truck. What happened to your arm?"

"I bwoke it," he said matter-of-factly, and then returned to pushing the truck through the sand.

"Bobby, you're not planning on riding home in my car like that, are you?" She pointed to his sandy slacks.

"What's wrong with my pants? It'll shake right off, I promise."

Eames glared at him.

"Okay, if I leave sand in your car, I'll sweep it out for you."

"You certainly will," she told him.

Christy called out to them that she was going inside to get something to drink and would they like her to bring them back drinks?

"Joosh," cried Hudson. "Peeze?"

"Okay," said Christy, chuckling. "Juice for Hudson. Bobby? Alex? Anything for you?"

Alex stood and dusted the sand of her pants. "I'd love a glass of water. Bobby?"

"Sure, water's fine for me, thanks," he said to Alex with a smile. Alex grinned as Hudson began to drive his truck up Bobby's broad back, complete with sound effects. Bobby smiled even bigger. I've never seen him happier, she thought as she turned and followed Christy into the house.

About 2 hours later, the Edwards arrived from the cemetery, along with Trey and Amy and Patty and AJ Wainwright. Other family members and friends followed and soon the Edwards home was overflowing with Laura's friends and family, sharing stories and offering their condolences. Many neighbors and members of the Edwards' church had brought food and drink to the house, and soon everyone was eating and visiting. A photo album was pulled out, and stories from Laura's childhood were shared. The afternoon became one of celebration tinged with sorrow as the memories and stories flowed throughout the home.

Alex had noticed Amy and Trey when they came in, and she immediately went over to re-introduce herself and to offer her condolences. Trey greeted her warmly and thanked her for her help with the photographers at the church and also for coming to the house. Alex had insisted that it was her pleasure to be there and to have been able to help. She extended condolences on behalf of Captain Ross and the rest of the department as well.

Amy had been cooler towards her than Trey had; a fact which did not go unnoticed by Alex. She was also aware that Amy had looked around the living room suddenly, and knew she was curious as to where Bobby was. "If you're looking for Bobby, he's in the back yard," Alex told her.

"Oh?" Amy looked at her surprised. "What's he doing out there?"

"Last time I saw him, he was sitting in the sandbox with Hudson, covered with sand and grinning like an idiot while Hudson drove trucks up and down his back and over his arms and legs. I think he's enjoying the whole Granddad thing," Eames said with a smile.

"I gotta see this," Trey said. "Excuse me, please." He moved off towards the back door, leaving Amy to face Alex on her own.

"Do you have a problem with us being here," Alex asked her boldly.

Amy merely looked at the petite woman standing in front of her and said nothing. Then she turned to walk away.

"Because Mr. Edwards invited us," Eames told her. Amy stopped, then turned back around to face Alex. "I thought it was rather nice of him," Eames continued. "He felt that Bobby should get to know them better, since he is Trey's father."

Alex saw Amy's eyes narrow when she mentioned Trey's parentage.

"Do you have a problem with Bobby being Trey's father," Alex asked her next, surprising Amy. "Or is your problem with him wanting to be around? You'd better get used to it, because I can tell you this, now that Bobby knows about Trey and Hudson, he's not going anywhere. I don't know who you think you are that you can just tell Bobby and then expect him to leave again without wanting to stick around and get to know his son better. If that's what you think, then you don't really know Bobby at all. He's the best thing that ever happened to you, but you never gave him a chance. That's all he wants, Amy. A chance. If you're not willing to him one, then you'd better go out there and tell him now, but don't expect him to leave for good. Like I said before, he's not going anywhere now that he's got Trey and Hudson."

It had been a struggle for Alex to keep her voice low as her anger flared, but she managed to do so. "Excuse me, I'm going back outside. I need some fresh air." She turned and walked away, leaving a stunned Amy to consider her harsh words.

Back outside, Alex noticed that Trey had grabbed a camera and was taking pictures of Bobby and Hudson playing in the sandbox. She approached them and got Bobby's attention.

"Bobby, I have to go now. I just remembered my play date with my nephew this afternoon. It's going to take me a while to get back into town and then out to my sisters'. Will you be able to get a ride back into town?"

"I'll take him back," said Trey. He extended his hand to Alex. "Thank you again for coming. It means a lot to me to have the two of you here."

Bobby looked studiously at Alex. Then he lifted Hudson off his lap and stood up, dusting his pants, and telling his grandson that he would be right back. He stepped out of the sandbox and grabbed his drink. "I need a refill," he said and followed Alex back into the house. Pausing in the kitchen he said to Alex, "We need to talk."

"Bobby," she began.

"Don't 'Bobby' me; I can see it in your face. Something's bothering you. We'll talk out front."

As they made their way through the house to the front door, Alex stopped long enough to thank the Edwards for their invitation and to again offer her condolences. She also said goodbye to the Wainwrights.

Out in the front yard, she turned to face Bobby. "Okay, we're out front. What do you want to talk about?"

"Are you all right?"

"Of course I'm all right. Why wouldn't I be," Eames responded defensively, crossing her arms over her chest.

"I don't know, maybe because the look in your eyes back there said otherwise?" Bobby raised his eyebrows and tilted his head to one side. Eames sighed. She should know better than to try to slip anything past Bobby; he was too good at reading people to miss much.

"I talked to Amy. I was upset at her reaction to seeing me when she got here and I told her…" she looked away, unable to face him, not wanting to upset him as well.

"Told her what, Eames?"

Alex kept quiet and continued to look away from him.

"Eames," he said sternly, gripping her upper arms gently but firmly to get her attention. "What did you say to Amy," he asked tersely.

"I told her the Edwards invited us. Then she was looking for you. She didn't seem thrilled to learn that you were playing in the sandbox with Hudson."

"Is that all?"

Eames sighed; she knew she was beaten so she took a deep breath and answered him directly. "I told her you weren't going anywhere." She saw Bobby's questioning look and continued. "I told her that now that you knew about Trey and Hudson, you were going to be around whether she liked it or not. That they were part of your life now and she'd better get used to it."

Eames saw his eyes grow larger and his mouth grow tense. "Bobby, I'm sorry, but it's the truth, and she needed to hear it." Eames stood her ground and met his eyes with a stern look of her own.

He relaxed his hold on her arms, sighed, then dropped his hands. Reluctantly, he stepped back from her. She saw his expression change as he closed himself off from her. That was not what she wanted at all, not now, not after he seemed to be coming out of the hard shell he had buried himself in since his mother's death nearly a year ago. Damn it, she thought to herself. Don't you go hiding on me now, Bobby.

"Go play with your nephew, Eames," he said coolly, turning and walking away from her and back into the house, ignoring her as she called out his name.