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Chapter 18

Closure

Alex pulled her blankets over her, nestling deep in their warmth and protection. Dad said there was a killer out there. She shuddered. A small smile crept across her face thinking of the chance to meet Bobby. Will Dad work with him? Will he....will he come here? A giggle escaped her lips as her imagination took over. She suddenly moaned, flipping the covers over her head as she thought of her brothers and what they might say to him. They'll do their best to embarrass me, that's for sure. Sleep soon followed, as the soft distant teasing voices of her brothers filled her dreams.

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Bobby tossed in his bed, unable to find a comfortable position. If? Why does he say if? We will catch the murderer! He turned again, this time facing Gage's bed. As his eyes adjusted to the somewhat dark room, he could make out Declan's form. From the dim lit room, he was surprised to see that his counterpart was lying on his back, staring at the ceiling. "Can't sleep, Gage?"

The elder grunted, his eyes remained on the ceiling. "Can't get the murders out of my mind. You?"

Goren raised himself on his elbow. "Can't get the thought of losing this case out of mine." He waited patiently, hoping Declan would recant his statement.

Gage sighed, trying to carefully choose his words. "Bobby, " His eyes darted over towards his bed. "Bobby, we've been on this case for weeks. He was within our grasp, just one more, and we would have had him. The murders were escalating, as I predicted....suddenly, they stopped. What does that tell you?"

Bobby rolled over on his back, putting one arm behind his head, closing his eyes. "That, that he either moved on, died, or was caught doing something else. I kind of like the idea that he possibly died. Though, we'd never solve the case if that happened."

Declan smiled up at the ceiling. "He's too smart to suddenly die, my friend." He shook his head. "No, not death, or being caught. We think he is in the service, so there is a good possibility that he either received new orders to another base, or...."

Furrowing his brow, Goren growled up at the ceiling. Feeling the anger rise within him, his voice was hoarse trying to fight the emotion back. "Or was discharged and went home. Where ever that is."

Bobby heard the resigned sigh of his partner. Declan's voice was soft and monotone. "If, he was discharged, we won't know...unless he picks up where he left off. That, that might take days, weeks, or even years before he feels the need....no, no the addiction to do it again."

Biting his lip, Goren's mind began whirring. "If the service exacerbated his, his desire, his addiction....then, there's a possibility that he won't strike again."

"Highly unlikely." Gage paused, closing his eyes in thought. "He'll feel the need to do it again. Something will trigger it. Some stress-factor will set him off. Lost job, lost love, something. It's just that we won't be there to see what sets him off. Or to stop it, or to solve the puzzle."

The sudden thought that they will soon part company filled Bobby with an emptiness he hadn't felt in years. The two men became silent, lost in their own thoughts, as the night slowly turned to dawn.

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Elbert pulled the lined paper from his footlocker, taking it to the table. Stirring his coffee, he pulled the letter from his pocket, carefully opening it. It had been weeks since he had received it, feeling somewhat awkward to write a letter in his own behalf, and not for his friend. Jeesh, Bobby would skin me alive if he knew I was stepping into his territory. He quickly re-read the letter, a small smile crept on his face, as her youthfulness popped off the page. But, she has to know, otherwise....

Picking up the pen, he chewed on the end, trying to choose his words carefully.

"Dear Alex,

I've received new orders a few days ago...."

Higgins quickly read over his scrawling. Satisfied, he quickly addressed the envelope, stuffing the letter inside. He grabbed his coat off the hook, he bit the corner of the envelope as he shoved his arms through his sleeves. Once buttoned, he placed the envelope in one of the deep pockets. Elbert braced himself as he opened the door and the bitter winter wind blew into the small room. Slamming the door behind him, he leaned into the wind as he made his way to the MPO.

Errol greeted Elbert as he entered the building. "What brings you here, short timer?"

Grinning sheepishly, Higgins pulled the envelope from his pocket. "Thought I'd send her one last one before I leave."

Glancing at the address, Flynn smiled. "Yeah, it would be a shame that I'd have to pick up where you two left off."

A laugh escaped Elbert's lips. "Keep the happy thoughts Flynn."

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Alex's heart sank with disappointment after her father announced the news. Cold? How can a case go cold? Has everyone been pulled off of it? Her mind drifted to Bobby. Will I ever meet him?

John Eames studied his daughter. "Penny for your thoughts, Alex?"

Clearing her throat, she hesitated. "Does that mean...." She skewered her lips before starting again. "Does that mean, everyone is off of the case?"

He raised a brow in bewilderment, looking at his wife for help. Mary patted his arm, understanding her daughter's question. "She's wondering if the Army has also been pulled off."

John cocked his head in thought. He slowly shook his head.. "Honestly, I haven't heard."

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Bobby stared at his feet for a moment. Gage cleared his voice. "So, where are you heading, Bobby?"

His response was less than enthusiastic. "They're sending me to Fort Monmouth in Jersey."

Declan nodded. "Good base. You'll absorb a lot there."

Before Bobby could respond, a dark sedan pulled up next to them. Gage looked up at the tall Sergeant. "Well, there's my ride." He extending his hand. "Bobby, it's been a learning experience."

Goren clasped Gage's hand between his own, his voice was hopeful. "Maybe we'll be on another case soon."

Gage grinned at the thought. "Keep in touch." With that, he stepped to the curb and opened the door. He paused before entering the vehicle. "There's no telling what case will bring us back together." With that, the car pulled away. Bobby watched as it disappeared down the street.

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Alex passed by the kitchen table, glancing down, she saw a familiar scribble on the top envelope. Grinning, she picked up the envelope. Stopping by the cookie jar, she pulled two out and quickly headed up the stairs. Dropping her back pack on the floor, she quickly opened the envelope as she sat down on the edge of the bed.

"Dear Alex,

I've received new orders a few days ago, I'll be shipping out to Fort Monmouth in three days."

Alex looked at the date on the envelope. Fourteen days. She tapped her chin with her index finger. You should already be in the States. Her mind drifted to Bobby. Where are you? Why haven't you made contact? Alex sighed. Looking back at the letter, she had a slight sense of guilt from feeling elated about getting a letter from Higgins. Why should I. I'll probably never meet either one of them. For all I know, they've probably forgotten about me. She bit her lip, hoping that was not true at all.

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He sat on the corner edge of his bed, staring at the blanket draped footlocker. He swiped his hand across his whiskers. How did she move it in there? He glanced over at the petite woman who was quickly drawing the blinds. He watched as she began pacing, becoming more agitated with each step. "Mom, sit down."

She stopped mid-room. "Sit? How can I sit!" She eyed the closet suspiciously. She pulled her sweater tight around her body, folding her arms in front of her.

Bobby leaned forward, resting his elbows on his legs. Careful not to sigh too loud, his voice was calm. "What's the matter?"

Francis extended one arm, pointing at the closet. "That's what the matter!"

His eyes followed her pointing finger to the closet. "Mom, it's just my footlocker."

Her voice was loud and indignant. "I know what it is. Why is it locked? What are you hiding?"

Goren shook his head in disbelief. "Mom, are you taking your meds?"

"Don't try to change the subject, Bobby." She began pacing, this time her circles were tighter.

Slowly rising from the bed, he stepped in front of her. Gently placing his hands on her shoulders, he brought her to a stop. He bent down so he could look into her eyes. "They locked it for shipping. I just have clothes, and a few personal items in there. Nothing more."

Francis eyes locked with his. "That's it? You mean, I worried....all this time....for nothing?" She reached up, lightly touching his unshaved cheek.

TBC