A/N: Whew! Damn - a lot happened I didn't intend in here. For one, Bobby wasn't suposed to pop up until the end, but there he was, hanging around. And Alex wasn't supposed to like him this much right away- but who wouldn't, right? I mean come on. I know this isn't typical Bobby- but I picture him as a but more self assured while in Narcotics - just out of the Army, i think he'd be a bit more cocky. Plus he couldn't be a ladies man without being good with the ladies right? heh.
Disclaimer: Still not mine, I cry about it at night. Really.
"Eames. Get your ass in here for a second." Mike's voice halted me outside the locker room door, floating out from her office like a whip. Sighing, I rubbed the back of my neck. I had just showered, glad to finally be out of my undercover clothes. It was damn near four am, and I finally had a few days off, which I had been looking forward to starting like, right now. My first few weeks at Vice had been a learning experience. Like I had to learn to ignore the urge to kick a lot of dirty men in the balls- getting my satisfaction from seeing their faces when the cuffs came out- and not for the kinky reasons they supposed. I had learned that regular Vice hours were five or six pm to four am. I learned that interrogations were exciting, and thrilling and like a giant live played out chess game, each side maneuvering their pieces until someone check mated. I also learned that I loved every other aspect of Vice – except undercover. I loved the narcotics side, the gambling, the busting of loan sharks- that may be one of my favorites. I got to wear jeans, and kick people's asses with my male co workers gladly cheering me on. After our first bust that got physical, they had been shocked at how well I could fight. I told them three brothers do that to you. After that, they almost enjoyed letting me do it- if only for the looks on the mens faces as they got their ass kicked by Heidi. Despite cutting my hair- Dick had decided I was Heidi, plain and simple and it was all they called me now. Well, everyone except Mike, who thought it was ridiculous. It almost made me love her for it – since I hated the name.
"Yeah Sarge?" I poked my head around her door, hair still wet from the shower and I'm sure exhaustion was lining my face. I had a hard time adjusting to the night routine- but I knew it would get better. At some point, it had to.
"Sit down- I want to talk to you." Mike spoke in a brisk tone- but I knew it didn't mean anything bad. In fact, despite Mike's warnings of what a hardass she was, she was actually a great Sargent. She kept a close eye on all of us- and was really involved in cases and operations. Several times already, she had been my back up on stings. I sighed, coming all the way into the office and settling into the orange chair that I hated. I decided then, that maybe the squad should buy her some new chairs for Christmas. It would be for us as much as her. I tilted my head expectantly and she glanced up from the usual pile of paper work sitting in a haphazard pile on her desk. She claimed it was organized chaos, but personally I doubted it. "NEU just called- they have a club sting they want to go in on – several operatives have purchased coke there over the last few weeks- but always from different guys. They want to connect them all- and they think one of us- meaning one of you girls – would have a better chance than them. Lord some days I hate NEU – like we don't have enough shit on our plates without loaning one of you out to solve their case for them." She rummaged through the pile on her desk as she spoke, scowling until she found the piece of random paper she was looking for.
"And you want me to do it?" I asked incredulously. Lish would clearly be the obvious choice, she had more experience, and she was just.. better than I was. Mike looked up with a smile at my shock.
"Lish has done stuff for them a million times. It's time they see what my new girl has got." I swallowed nervously at her words – I was just getting comfortable here, I didn't want to go. "You – I think now, usually they let you take one of our boys with you. I don't have all the details though- they're sending Goren over." She glanced at her watch impatiently as she spoke. "And he better get his ass here soon, I'd like at least three hours sleep before my daughter wakes me up, damn it." She sighed, rubbing a hand over her face, and glancing down at her coffee cup in distaste. She took a sip anyway, making a face as I watched amused, slouching down and shoving my hand sin my pockets.
"What are you going to do about loss of manpower?" I asked mildly, wondering if I could still yet get out of this.
"We'll pull in our auxiliary girl and run some under age liquor busts. Eames- I want you to know this is up to you. I don't require you girls to go over to NEU – it's a favor I grant them, because I happen to like Goren. Which is why they always send him to ask. So, if after hearing the details, you don't want to go- just say so, and it's done. However-" She held up a hand to forestall my happier expression. "- it's a great learning experience, seeing how another unit works. Plus it looks good on the resume, for wherever you're headed after this. Where are you going?" She tilted her head to the left, her gaze quizzical. I sighed, not sure what to say.
"I don't really know. My dad wants me to get my detectives – but I'm not sure. I always thought maybe ESU."
"Bet he'd hate that huh?" She smiled wryly, and I grinned back. Her eyes rose above my head, and I sat up straighter, knowing that the NEU guy had arrived. Mike remained in her relaxed position. "Goren- how fantastic to see you again. Really." I fought the urge to look behind me, and was rewarded by Mike's wink as the man entered the room. I didn't get up, or offer him the chair- I was bone tired, damn it. He entered my peripheral vision, and I turned towards him, looking up. He was tall, at least six three, maybe bigger- it was hard to tell from down here, and I wasn't whipping out a yardstick to see. He had curly hair, that was dark and close cropped and his frame was slightly thin – not quite filled out, but broader than most men anyway. He smiled shyly at Mike and when he spoke his voice was warm.
"I can tell Mike- I mean, the hospitality here is – always so great."
"Yeah? Well maybe when you waltz in here one day offering something instead of begging for mine- I'd be happier. Robert Goren, this is Alexandra Eames. She's my new girl- and the only one I'm offering, so suck it up." Mike spoke with an arch to her brow as she lazily introduced us. Goren on the other hand, turned his attention to me, his eyes studying me for a moment before he held out a hand politely. I shook it, losing mine it's depths and watching him as closely as he was watching me.
"She's one of yours Mike – she'll be fine I'm sure." He leaned against the wall after releasing my hand, holding a file in one hand and grinning.
"If she accepts, Goren. I told her it's up to her." Mike glared at him silently, before glancing back to me. "You guys can talk in the squad room, it's dead now anyway. Eames- if you go – who're you taking – assuming of course, she can take someone?" She looked to Goren who shook his head slowly.
"Sorry- the sarge wants NEU only on the bust." Mike scowled and he held out his hands, open but for the file, and his face apologetic. "Sorry Mike- not up to me. I could care less personally. She'll probably have Smith or Jack for back up-"
"What about you?" Mike asked in a tired tone.
"I'll be on the inside. No worries, Mike, we'll take care of her." His face was serious as he spoke and Mike growled slightly.
"That's what you all say. Eames-" she directed her gaze to mine again and I sat up even straighter if possible. "- will you be alright here? I can stay – but the details will be on my desk tomorrow-"
"No Sarge- go on home, we'll be fine." I answered quickly, knowing she'd stay at the slightest sign. And she was probably more tired than I was at this point. She was always here when I arrived, and here when I left. She nodded slowly, and waved a hand.
"Alright, go on." I stood and walked out the door ahead of Goren, which was probably a good thing. The guy towered over me, and it was a bit disconcerting. I rolled my neck as we walked down to the squad room, entering to see Lish and Conner conversing in the corner. I watched silently for a moment, almost forgetting the great hulk behind me. Womanizer, my ass. I shook my head, turning towards my desk, which looked a damn sight messier than it had the first day. I had paper strewn about it, and a mug held my pens – a hand painted collage of blues and reds. My brother's son – still only three had made it for my birthday, and I kept it as a proud display. It sat next to the photo my mom had forced us all to take last Thanksgiving. My dad sitting at the head of the table, with Sean and Caleb on either side. Seamus was on Caleb's right and Mindy, Sean's wife was by Sean. Then Liz, my younger sister was beside her, all smiles and perfect hair, and big blue eyes. I was on the left, laughing as Tommy – my nephew – tried to use mashed potatoes as hair product on me. Mom was taking the picture- as usual.
Sitting in my chair, I saw that Goren and dragged another chair over and was sitting to the left of me, behind my desk instead of in front of it. I frowned slightly, edging my chair a bit right and he perused the contents of my desk with curious eyes. "So- are you going to let me look at the file, or what?" My voice startled him and he turned, apologetic.
"Sorry- I just- have a tendency to look at everything. Job hazard I guess." He shrugged, and I nodded slowly, still waiting for the file. A shadow passed over us and Conner leaned over me, his hands on the back of my chair.
"Hey Heidi- what do the narcs want you for? Are you taking one of us- cause just so you know, don't take me- those guys hate me." He whispered as though we were alone and I rolled my eyes.
"I can't imagine why Conner." I spoke dryly and he ignored my jibe, glancing over.
"Hey Goren- didn't see you there-" I snorted at the obvious stupidity of the comment – who could miss the man beside me? He was freaking huge. "How's it going?"
"Fine." Goren answered politely but succinctly and I felt my curious side kick in. They clearly didn't get along – I wondered why?
"Always the chatterbox huh Goren. Listen take good care of our girl here-" His hand rested on my shoulder and I fought the urge to rip it out of his socket. I shrugged, leaning forward to turn and glare at him. His eyes twinkled and I knew he was just pissing me off on purpose, knowing I was tired and ready to kill someone. I sighed – sometimes work was worse than living home with my brothers.
"Go home Conner- I'm not in the mood to kick your ass tonight. I'm tired." He had the decency to look slightly ashamed, but only for a second before the devil danced in his eyes.
"Sure Heidi – " He was cut off by Lish's arrival, and I shot her a glance of thanks. She grinned and winked.
"Joe, weren't you taking me for breakfast? I'm not getting any younger here- and don't say anything. Come on." She tugged his arm, pulling him back and looking past him. "Oh hey Bobby. How you doing?"
"Good- you?" This time Goren's answer was warm, and his smile was genuine and lit up his face. I felt an odd sense of irritation skitter along my nerves, I wanted to go home dammit, not watch as Lish accomplished the feat of flirting with two guys at once.
"Good- we'll have to catch up sometime. Come on Conner, let's go." Somehow Lish seemed to sense my mood and she shot an apologetic smile at me as she exited the room with Conner. When they left, I breathed out an audible sigh of relief, only to find Goren watching me carefully. When he saw me notice, he handed the file to me, opening it on the desk for me, and leaning across, pointing at the paper within.
"The club has been- under surveillance for a while now- Different guys dealing every night and never the same guy. Never even there the same nights. We think it's because the owner is front running. But we can't seem to get anyone deep enough in – that's where you come in." He tapped the finger on the report and I glance dover at him, surprised to see he was still hovering around my shoulder area.
"What would I do?" I asked, and he pulled his hand back, propping his elbows on his knees and glancing at me. He looked like a huge version of my nephew and I almost laughed out loud.
"Well you'd- you'd go in, make a purchase and- and-" He seemed to falter here and I decided to help him out.
"Work the guy over? Get him all hot and bothered and let information slip?" Goren glanced away , his face troubled, and his fingers now tapping along his lower lip. I watched him for a moment – he made me rather curious- he seemed a bit of a contradiction. Physically he seemed all over the place, nervous energy and ticks, but when he spoke his voice was clear and sure. His mannerisms reminded me of someone, especially when he spoke, but I couldn't quite put my finger on it.
"Well, yeah, unfortunately. But we'd have three guys outside - Smith, Jack and Sanchez. And I'd be in there with you- probably not with you, but close by. We've had four od's in the area- the last one was a thirteen year old kid. We want to get these guys." I nodded, I had already known I was going to do it- probably since Mike first mentioned it. I was a bit nervous, but something about this guys put me at ease- and I wasn't worried for my safety or anything. Rubbing a hand over my face tiredly, I glance at the clock. I still had plenty of time before I could catch the 5:40 train. Of course-
"When do you guys need me?" I asked briefly. He frowned, watching me sit there, with my elbow now propped on the desk, on his file, actually, and my head held up by my hand. I stifled a yawn and he smiled.
"Tomorrow night, I'd think. Still not used to the nights?"
"Hell no. Alright – I'll do it-" I winced, thinking of my mother's reaction when I called and told her once again I wouldn't be having time off, and would be unable to visit. She was Irish through and through – including her temper and this was the third time in the last few weeks something work related had come up. Maybe I just wouldn't mention the voluntary part of it. "Can you write down whatever info I need? I want to grab coffee before I catch my train and I-"
"I can drive you. Home that is- if you'd like." His tone was polite as he offered and I blinked slowly.
"Can I still get coffee?" I asked hopefully and he nodded slowly.
"Well sure- but shouldn't you not drink it this late? I mean, don't you want to go to bed?" I laughed out loud at him, and he pulled back a bit, clearly not expecting my mirth.
"Sorry- it's uh- it's an on going thing around here that I run on coffee and hormones alone. I always drink coffee, no matter what time it is. I won't have an issue sleeping. There's a diner around the corner that has some alright stuff- it's twenty four hours, so I'll take what I can get I suppose." I stood slowly, opening my drawer and pulling out my purse, a battered old leather thing that my mother thought was horrendous, but it held all my stuff, so I didn't really care. Besides, paying bills came slightly above having a pretty purse- no matter how much I may want one. Not that I'd ever tell her that. I turned to see him leaning across my desk, looking at the photo as his hand traced the edge of my pen mug. I rose a brow, and when he unbent and looked at me, he flushed slightly.
"You uh- have a large family?" He waved to the picture and I nodded, walking around the desk and heading for the exit.
"Yeah- Irish. Three brothers, one little sister. All of my brothers are on the Force too -"
"Wow. That must be hard on your dad-" He had to shorten his strides to match mine and he sort of hunched lower as he spoke, to get more on my level. While I appreciated the effort the result was him scuttling along side me like some giant crab, and I giggled slightly.
"No, my dad was a cop too. He couldn't be happier. My mother however.." I smiled wryly, and he nodded.
"What about your sister?" His questions were oddly personal, but I got the sense he was just curious, not trying to be rude, so I let them go.
"No- far from it. She's still in high school, but she's not the rough and tumble type if you know what I mean." The fresh air- well as fresh as it got in Manhattan at five am – hit my face and I stopped a moment, breathing deeply and pulling my coat closer to my body. I continued walking, jogging a bit as he hadn't really noticed I had stopped. We didn't speak much, as I went to the diner and paid for my coffee, asking if he wanted anything. He shook his head no, and we exited into the inky night again, this time with him leading to the lot outside our building. His car was unexpected – what looked like a 71 Dodge Charger, in great condition too. I stopped, staring in awe for a moment, and he turned.
"Yeah, sorry- I took my car- it blends better when I'm undercover, which I was earlier. Is that- is that alright?" He sounded concerned and I almost laughed at him, but instead I sat on the curb next to the bumper, sipping my coffee absently.
"Oh yeah- I mean what is it, a '71? '72? It's beautiful. Just let me finish my coffee." He smiled slightly, looking at me quizzically.
"You know cars? It's a – uh '71. My friend fixes old cars, he got me a great deal-" My eyes didn't leave the car as he spoke, and I took another large gulp, standing and circling the car with excited eyes. As I studied the rear striping and the fin with an excited expression I didn't notice him step up beside me. "Are we out here instead of in it for a reason?" I turned to him, aghast.
"I wouldn't drink in there- I mean the interior must be beautiful if it's anything like the outside. Your friend does a great job. Lord I'd love to see your engine.." He laughed out loud, and it was almost as if his whole exterior changed with it. His face lit up, and the lines eased. He looked like a little boy, and it made you grin in response.
"Wow- I've uh- never had a girl say quite that to me before. Would you like me to .. pop the hood?" He grinned as he spoke and I smiled back, deciding that despite my reluctance I liked this guy. Rolling up on the tips of my toes and bouncing a bit excitedly, I nodded eagerly. He laughed, unlocking the driver door and reaching in. A distinct click was heard, and I rounded to the front, waiting for him to lift the hood. When he did, I gasped out loud, placing my coffee cup on the ground and leaning forward eagerly.
"Oh lord, what is that a 383?" I leaned over, not touching the engine, but peering all around like an excited kid. He chuckled behind me, and I pulled back slightly, realizing I was getting a bit too excited. "Sorry- my brothers were big into cars and I was big into whatever they were."
"It's alright. Are you ready to go now? You can take the coffee in you know." He shut the hood, and I shook my head, picking up my now nearly empty cup and finishing it off. Walking over to a nearby trash bin, I dropped it in and came back, sliding into the passenger side, that he had held open for me. When he slid behind the wheel and started the car, I grinned again. It was a damn nice car. As we pulled away, he looked over at me in question and I stared blankly.
"Oh! Right – address huh? It's 135th street." He nodded, taking a right at the next intersection.
"So were you a tom boy?" I shook my head and folded my hand sin my lap to prevent myself from running them over the dash.
"No- not really. Well, yes and no, if you see what I mean. I ran around after my brothers. Fought with them, played with them. But when high school hit I stopped, or only did it on weekends. High school were my 'make it up to Mom' years. I was social and everything she thought I should be." I watched the lights pass by as he drove – he drove fast, but seemed to be perfectly in control of the car, so I didn't flinch.
"What did she think you should be?" He asked mildly, and I turned to watch him with thoughtful eyes. He stared at the road, his hands gripping the wheel comfortably. Tilting my head I studied him in the dim light, watching how he drove, his movements sure and precise.
"Prom queen." I answered dryly.
"And you were." It was a statement not a question, and I waited for him to expand on it. He took one hand off the wheel and waved it slightly as he spoke. "You seem like the type- that if you go after something you get it. So I assume you were prom queen."
"Yeah I was." I watched him for a moment, and it finally clicked who his mannerisms reminded me of. Dick – he had that same self assured manner, that natural leadership aura about him. "You were Army weren't you?" He glanced over startled, and I felt a surge of triumph – he seemed hard to surprise.
"Yeah- I was. Intelligence, for a few years." I whistled at that little bit of news. The guy had to be sharp if he had been Army Intelligence. I glanced out the window – we were nearing my place now, and I felt oddly disappointed about it. He was interesting company, and I had actually really enjoyed myself. I rolled my eyes at myself, I must be hard up for a date if this is what I considered fun. A cheap cup of coffee and a car ride. Smiling, I had to admit it was more the man though.
"It's the building on the corner there." I pointed it out, and he slid to a halt in front of my doors. He glanced through the windshield, and looked at me.
"Studio?"
"Hell yeah- like I could afford actual walls on my salary." I joked lightly. "Walk up too- keeps me fit." He laughed slightly, and got out, opening the door for me. I looked up in surprise- the guy was unreal it seemed. "Thanks. So I have to be here-" i waved the business card he had given me earlier - "what time exactly?"
"Uh- around three if you can make it then. We'll have a briefing, go over the plan- who's going to be where – and it'll give you a chance to meet the guys." He frowned slightly as he spoke, and I looked up at him, a bit dazed for a moment. Pulling myself together, I smiled and nodded.
"Alright, I'll see you then. Thanks for the ride." I didn't wait for a response, but ran my ass up the front stairs, shoving my key int he door and pulling it open. Only once I was in the safety of my hallway, walking up the endless flight of stairs, did I allow myself to peek out one of the windows. Damn – it was not going to be easy working next to that guy. Remembering how friendly Lish had seemed, I felt an odd sense of disquiet. Shrugging I decided that at any rate- tomorrow was sure going to be interesting.