Chapter 5
11:35
As Bobby and Sue gave the report of their interview with the potential witness to D, eyes in the bullpen shifted rapidly from one to the other. The moment they walked through the door, the team became aware of the tension between Bobby and Sue. Questioning looks were bounced from one member to another wondering what had caused the strain between the two friends.
"Just what we expected but you never know when a tip may pay off," D summarized after he heard their report. His eyes flicked between the two agents. "I know iit's a little early but why don't the two of you take off for lunch?" he suggested. "That was a long ride."
Bobby shook his head. "No, thanks. I'll grab a bite later. Got a couple of things that I have to get down asap," he declined.
"Me, too," Sue agreed. They both sat at their desks heads down without another word.
Myles watched the pair with interest noting the decided lack of eye contact between them. Normally the best of friends, this was a definite wrinkle in their relationship. What the heck had happened on that car ride? he wondered.
"What's that all about?" Tara mouthed to Lucy.
Lucy shrugged. She signed, "I don't know."
Tara nodded. Something had happened on that ride and they wanted to know what.
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"How 'bout lunch?" Lucy suggested. "Tara and I are gonna try that new place around the corner."
"No, thanks," Sue replied with a perfunctory smile. "I have some paperwork I need to finish. I'll get something later."
"Or we could bring you back something," offered Lucy.
"That's okay," said Sue. "I'll be fine."
Tara breezed through the door. "I thought that meeting would never end," she declared. "Let me get my purse and we can go to lunch." She stopped by Sue's desk. "Coming?"
"I'll take a raincheck."
"Well, if you change your mind, call," ordered Lucy.
"I'm ready if you are," Tara stated when she returned with her purse.
"Okay then…we'll see you later," Lucy said to Sue.
With their departure, the bullpen was pretty much deserted except for Sue and Bobby. .
She worked steadily at her desk trying to ignore Bobby's presence but failed miserably. Out of the corner of her eye, she caught Bobby stealing looks at her. Each time she turned to get his attention, he quickly looked away. He looked--the only word she could think of was—guilty.
She was tired. She decided to stretch her legs since she'd been sitting most of the morning. "C'mon, Levi. Let's take a break."
As she got to the doorway, she felt a hand gripping her arm.
"Sue?" Bobby said softly, remorse eating at him for causing the unhappiness in her face. "This morning...what I said in the car...I'm sorry if I hurt you."
A pained expression crossed her face. "I don't understand, Bobby. Is it me? All I want to do is talk to you about what happened yesterday."
"It's not you. It's me. I'm a coward," he admitted. "What can I say?"
"That you'll talk to me," she persisted. "Now." The strained pair was attracting curious glances as people gave them a wide berth in what was obviously a very private conversation.
"Okay," he relented finally aware of the looks they were getting. He looked around and spotted the empty conference room. "Let's go in there."
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