Nick sleeps soundly through the night and is pleased to notice that his ribs are feeling a lot better and he can move more easily. While taking his shower he determine that he is not taking this lying down and he calls Belden after getting dressed, asking if he can meet with him before the hearing with the board and come in to the meeting with him. This only leaves him time to have a glass of orange juice, and some milder pain killers than the hospital gave him, before heading out the door.
"Good news Nick, your fingerprints were not found on the bag that held the drugs. In fact there were no discernible prints at all."
"Had it been wiped?"
"I don't know that much. But the information could be useful in your hearing. Are you ready?"
Nick blows out his cheeks and nods. Belden pats his arm and gives him a reassuring smile. They enter the room.
"Nick I'm sure you understand that we have to be careful as lsp deals with some very vulnerable people."
"Yes I do. I suggest that I step down as director while the investigation is ongoing and work as I did while on probation. I have some sensitive cases which will be difficult to hand over to someone else."
The members around the board look at each other and Nick relaxes when he sees some nods.
"I think that will be acceptable, you are a great asset to lsp, we all admire the work you are doing and we wish you the best with the investigation."
Nick and Belden shake hands outside the room.
"Well done Nick."
"Yes at least I feel that my life is getting some normalcy back."
Nick looks at his watch.
"Sorry I have to get to court."
Belden shakes his head at the hastily departing Nick. Unfortunately the court case won't be as easy.
After court Nick checks his phone and finds a few missed calls from his father, he calls him back as he makes his way out of the courthouse.
"Dad what's up?"
"Nick where have you been, didn't you get the message I left you on your house phone last night."
"No I didn't have time to listen to them and I had the meeting with the board and then I was in court with a case. Is something wrong?"
"I'm not sure. I was probably over reacting but I called Lulu last night to ask about having Anne at my house and she seemed upset. She wouldn't talk about it and denied it, but I'm sure there was something wrong."
"Okay Dad I'll go check it out. She was cooking for her boyfriend last night, perhaps it didn't work out."
"That could be it. She wouldn't want to talk to me about that. How did your hearing go?"
"Fine I have stepped down as director during the investigation but I am allowed to work my cases under supervision."
"That's good Son."
"Belden also received the fingerprint report and there weren't any discernible prints on the bag of drugs."
"That's good news, and how are you feeling?"
"I'm doing better today, my ribs aren't as sore. I have to go Dad.."
"Glad to hear it Son, take care of yourself."
Nick pulls up in front of Lulu's house and leans back in to his seat. It has been a hard day. It started out positive but working had brought him in to the public eye and he had to endure lots of stares and disapproving looks. People he talked weren't sure what to say to him and no one looked him in the eye. It reminded him of being a corporate lawyer again. He had actually bumped in to Jake who, of course, had heard about what had happened and he had to endure his smarmy smile and condolences all the while knowing that Jake was over the moon about his problems. Nick was ready to go home.
Lulu answers the door and is obviously surprised to see Nick stand there.
"What do you want Nick? I know I said you could see Anne but you need to call first."
"I would love to see Anne but I am here because Dad said he called last night and is worried about you as you seemed upset."
"Oh no I'm fine, it was nothing."
"Did it have something to do with your date?"
She shakes her head to the side:
"Er yes, the dinner didn't turn out like I wanted - ruined actually."
"I'm sorry."
Lulu looks up at him for the first time and he sees a bruise on her cheek. He reaches out instinctively to touch it, but pulls his hand back when he realises what he is doing.
"Are you alright? What happened?"
"Oh Anne hit me with her head. You know how she does."
Nick nodded, she has given him a bruise before too.
"Can I see her?"
"She's sleeping."
"Okay. How about her coming to Dad's on Sunday?"
"I'm not sure Nick, I'll have to think about it."
"Okay."
Nick can see that Lulu is looking a bit down.
"Are you sure you're alright?
Nick sees a spark of irritation appear in Lulu's eyes:
"I'm fine Nick. Now if you don't mind I planned an early night.
Nick shrugs and turns around as Lulu closes the door. He then looks back for a moment before going back to his car.