Interlude – Bobby

I cannot believe that Ricky had a child and didn't tell mom or me! I can't believe that he made no move to support his family… well, yes, I can. But the fact that the mother of his child had to resort to prostitution to support her family? How could he just leave and let her do that?

Ow. Note to self: stop punching walls if you don't want a trip to the hospital with a broken wrist.

When Ricky gets out of jail, I'll be waiting with a few choice words.

I have to confess, though, that while I'm angry with the fact that Ricky abandoned his family, I'm more worried about Nicole.

Nicole Wallace…the bane of my existence. Or, at least that's what she appointed herself. What intrigues and, though I am loath to admit it, scares me the most is how she figured out that Lauren and I are related, and then killed her mother to get to me. I knew she wasn't dead. They never found a body. She had to have been alive.

The first thing that indicated that Lauren and I are alike was the fact that put aside her grief for her mother's passing to be businesslike and articulate when Alex and I talked to her. She didn't let her personal feelings get in the way of what had to be done. I will say that sometimes I've let my feelings interfere with my work, though.

And the phone call with Nicole? She threw her responses right back. Some might call it recklessness, others might call it bravery, and still more might call it wit.

The other indication was the books. I'm surprised that I didn't turn green. They're amazing! I think the only larger collection that's not in a library is in my apartment. I can't believe that I actually touched first edition, signed Lord of the Rings.

When I met her four years ago, Lauren seemed to have a great amount of inner confidence, but just hadn't found a creative outlet for it. She didn't have a way to discover it. Tonight, when Alex and I walked into that apartment, despite the loss of her mother, Lauren seemed to exude it. Like she found her niche and was thriving.

Now that I think of it, I wonder how I never realized that we were related. She has Ricky's eyes. They are a clear cobalt blue, but not clouded by drugs. Their faces are similar, but Lauren's is more feminine – not quite as angular. Her hair and body shape are her mother's though.

Four years ago, her brown hair was cut to just below her earlobes. Now it was longer, touching her shoulders. Or, that were the… what's it called? Oh, French braid ended. God… Now that I have a niece I have to brush up on my knowledge of "girly" topics. Not my choice of words. Ricky's. He would have laughed if he were with Alex and me in the bathroom arguing where women place their purses.

I need to talk to Deakins. I, for one, am not comfortable leaving Lauren alone. Nicole can do anything without us there. She could very well use Lauren to get to me. She likes messing with my head, and kidnapping/hurting/killing a family member would certainly do that.

Maybe I can convince Deakins to get Lauren a desk job. She wouldn't have to go to the crime scenes, just file papers or answer phones. And even if Alex or I are not there, she'll be in a room full of cops. Nicole wouldn't dare try anything where trained armed people surround her prey.

Would she?

Ugh. Even if she is nowhere near me, Nicole still finds a way sink her claws in my brain and leave them there. I need a drink.

A/N: I am so sorry this took so long! It's a short chapter, too! I'm really sorry! I was at camp for two weeks, then I spent another week and a half volunteering at a vacation home for blind kids, then I had to get some summer homework done.

Well, I hope I kept Bobby in character. He's one character whose mind is a very confusing place. I'll try to have the next chapter up in a few days.

I always love feedback, and constructive criticism is welcome. Flames, however, will be used to roast marshmallows.