A/N: I completed this chapter faster than I had anticipated. I hope you enjoy! Please remember to leave a review!

Chapter 22

In Conference

James Deakins rose from his chair, passing by Bobby and quickly making his way to the door. The Captain lightly leaned against the door jam, as he watched the interaction between the detective and Alex. I wonder if he'll fit in? He grimaced with the thought. Bobby quickly collected himself, joining the Captain at the door way. James nodded towards the young woman, answering the question before it could be asked. "Alexandra Eames."

Bobby cocked his head. Alexandra Eames? Where have I.... He paused in his thoughts taking a deep breath, hoping he sounded less unsure than he felt. "How, how long has she been on the force."

Without turning to respond to the question, the Captain squared his shoulders. "About eight years." He turned slightly in Bobby's direction. "Don't let her appearance fool you. She's all cop."

With that, Deakins left Goren at the doorway, extending his hand as he approached her. "Alex, it's good to see you again."

Turning towards the familiar voice, Alex smiled, shaking his hand. "Captain." Her eyes fell on the figure behind Deakins. He's a tall one! Her brow furrowed momentarily wondering if he was also interviewing for one of the positions.

James nodded slightly to her unspoken question. Leaning, he spoke to her in a low voice. "Let's go to my office."

Alex fell in step behind the Captain. James paused, near Bobby, pointing towards a pair of empty desks. "Detective, why don't you grab a seat for a moment.

Bobby nodded slightly, his eyes focused were on the tips of his shoes. Slowly looking up, his eyes briefly met Alex's. He moved towards one of the desks, choosing the one that would give him the best view into the Captain's office. Sitting down, he picked up a pencil and began thoughtfully twirling it in his hands as he watched them talk.

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Deakins waved Alex to a chair. Before sitting down, Alex glanced in Bobby's direction. "He's also applying?"

James nodded. "Has a lot of experience. Almost as much as entire room, collectively....."

Alex tilted her head. "But?"

He frowned. "But, he tends to be a loner. Trusts only his own knowledge, his skills. If he is selected, whomever is his partner, will have a lot work ahead of them." He picked up Goren's file, opening it, handed her a few sheets of paper.

Whomever? Her gut sank. She knew that the being selected would be tough, but had hoped for a more definitive answer from Deakins. She studied the forms, then glanced up towards James, who had taken his seat behind his desk. Alex pursed her lips, quickly making up her mind, she smiled. "I'd like the opportunity...."

The Captain softly chuckled slapping his thigh. "I was hoping you'd say that."

Bobby watched the two exchange comments. He ran his hand through his hair. What are they saying? His eyes slightly narrowed when he saw the papers change hands, and his gut fluttered when he saw Alex smiling. They're discussing me! He bit his lip, trying to make out what was being said. He shook his head in frustration. Turning away from the office, he studied the activity of the room. His mind began to wander with the clatter of the noise in the room. I've heard that name before...but where, when?

Alex glanced out the window, just as Bobby turned away. Jeesh, you'd think he would show more interest of what's going on in here! Mentally sighing, she glanced back down at the papers wondering if she was biting off more than she could chew.

Seeing her sudden change of demeanor, James leaned back in his chair. "Alex, I plan on putting in the recommendation for the two of you." He paused. "I always hope that partners can find their own 'groove' and work together. But, if it doesn't work out between you two, you could always request a new partner."

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Alex nodded. "I'm, I'm not one to give up on someone." At least not too easily. She glanced out the office window, seeing that he was watching them, she quickly looked away, feeling her face become flushed.

Deakins stood. "Let me introduce you to Detective Bobby Goren."

She cocked her head a moment. Her brain began to whir... Where have I... Her hand flew to her mouth as she tried to suppress a gasp. James furrowed his brow. "Anything wrong, Alex?"

Lowering her hand from her face, she tried desperately to control herself. "Ah, Captain, could I see those papers again?"

With a puzzled nod, he returned the papers to Alex. He watched her closely as she scanned each sheet. "Alex, is there something I need to be aware of?"

Eames looked up at him, her bright smile caught him off guard. "No sir, things are just fine."

Accepting the papers she held out to him, James glanced through them. Raising a brow in confusion, he looked at Alex, who was now standing at the window studying the tall detective. She felt the quick beat of her heart. It is him!

Bobby rested his elbows on his thighs, his head was bent down as he studied his shoes. He could still feel her eyes on him. Taking a deep breath, he straightened back up. Looking towards the window, he saw her slight figure. Her arms were folded in front of her, and her smile...Bobby grinned as his eyes locked with hers. Running his hand through is hair, willing his brain to remember. Alex bit her bottom lip. He doesn't remember. Well, I didn't remember him either, at first. A slightly evil smirk crossed her face.

Her smile quickly mellowed as she turned towards Captain Deakins. "No, things are much better than fine."

Still not quite sure of what had happened, Deakins gave her a tentative smile. "Good. Well then, let's go meet Detective Goren."

Alex nodded her affirmation. She took a deep breath, before she opened the door. Slowly exhaling, she found her heart returning to its regular beat.

A/N: Not only does Alex have an evil smirk, so do I...as I leave you here to ponder what the next chapter will bring. I AM evil! LOL

TBC