I made the statement to the captain as I had planned. He did not really have many questions for me. He echoed my evaluation that one thing that had seemed to have changed in recent months was that Detective Goren did not seem rested, and that this seemed to contribute to his behavior in the squad, with his co-workers, his partner, his superiors.

I didn't inquire about the other pieces pending in terms of disciplinary action, but I did know that the initial action was 2 weeks unpaid leave. I figured the two weeks was almost over. Bobby Goren had started by attending a session with Jonathon Lewis, than Bobby was referred to me. So, by Monday, I thought that the disciplinary committee would have reinstated him, or they would have a new action in place.

"Thank you for your time, Captain." I stood. "I will submit my written recommendation this afternoon."

"Thank you, Dr. Jones." Captain Ross stood, moved from behind his desk and opened the door for me.

I walked back across the squad. I could feel some eyes on me. I went toward the elevator. As I was getting on, I could feel someone get on behind me. I was surprised to see Alexandra Eames standing beside me.

"You, you're Lucy Jones." She said, looking at me. I could see that she was feeling conflicted over engaging me in conversation.

"Yes." I answered her, wondering where she was going with following me onto the elevator.

"You just made your recommendation to Captain Ross for Detective Goren." She plunged ahead. I did not respond.

"I'm Detective Eames, his partner." She offered, taking a breath. I still did not respond.

"I'm just worried about him." She admitted. I kept my expression neutral.

"You should probably talk with him about that." I offered. I could not, nor did I want to, say more.

"Right, talk with him." She nodded, and the elevator came to a halt. I nodded, and she gestured for me to precede her off the elevator. I walked off, and she remained on, most likely returning to her squad room. Interesting, I thought to myself. She had not talked with him. I wondered again about the relationship between the two partners. It was clear to me that they were successful partners on the job, but I wondered just how well they communicated off the job.

XxXxXxXxX

Two weeks later I was testifying in a court case. I was called to enter the room, and was sworn in. When I turned to sit down, I could see Detectives Goren and Eames sitting in the gallery. He looked well, a bit more rested. I figured they were probably the investigating detectives in the case. We caught each others eyes for a moment, before the ADA began questioning me.

I kept my answers brief, to the point, I only responded to what was directly asked of me. I did the same with the defense attorney, keeping my answers short and to the point. All told, I was probably on the stand for about 20 minutes. Not much time really, but I felt my testimony was very damaging to the defendant. It was also enough time for Emil to enter the courtroom. His entrance almost distracted me from one of my responses. I felt fairly certain that Emil had entered looking for me. He had left me a few messages over the last several days.

When I stood, I smoothed my skirt, and straightened my sweater. I was about to run my hands across my hair, when I caught Bobby Goren watching me. Bobby had a small, knowing smile on his face. I knew he was watching me go through the little regimen I had when I stood from doing something. I stopped and placed my hands at my sides and walked from the courtroom. Emil stood and quietly followed me out.

"Lucy." He caught me in the hall. He softly touched my arm, keeping me close.

"You've received my messages?" Emil asked. I nodded.

"Dinner on Friday?" He asked. "I miss you." He said, and I felt he was being honest. In truth I kind of missed him as well.

"Yes. Friday." I said, and he smiled. I could feel someone move to stand closely behind me. Emil took his hand from my arm.

"Friday." Emil said, and again I nodded. I watch Emil turn and walk down the hall. I turned as well, needing to head down the hall in the other direction, forgetting I had sensed someone walk up behind me. So, I turned and crashed directly into the very broad chest of Bobby Goren.

"Lucy." He said my name, catching me by my arms to keep me from falling over.

"I need to see you." He said, looking down at me, tiling his head a bit. He let my arms go, but I was still standing a bit close to him.

"You could call Helen." I referred to the person that booked my appointments.

"Not in your office, I was, uh, hoping to see you not in the office." He said his inflection a bit halting. I looked at him, trying to think about why he would want to see me outside of the office.

"I just, I just, that is, I need, uh someone to talk with, I need a uh," He struggled with the words.

"Friend?" I asked. He nodded.

"I'm not sure…" I started to say that I was not sure that was the best idea. I had not met him under regular circumstances.

"Right." He said, looking defeated. I watched him scratch his hand through his hair, rumpling the short grey bristly curls.

"Coffee." I offered, "we could have coffee." I said, recognizing that I was standing on a very fine line.

"Coffee." He said. "How about 5:00?" He asked, clearly trying to set something up for today.

"5:00." I said, and listened to him name the place. I could feel him watching me as I walked down the hall. I was already wondering what the hell I was thinking when I offered to meet him for coffee. Though, I knew the answer was that I was really thinking at all.

A/N: Thanks for reading and reviewing me :) I cannot say often enough, that reviews encourage me to post my writing. So please, let me know what you think.