Author's notes: I know. I know. It took me a whole month to post something. LOL My apologies. Real life decided it had to intrude with the writing. Anyway, this chapter is rated M for the foul language. I make reference to the 'Blind Spot' episode because I forgot that it took place during the month of July. LO:CI and its characters belong to Dick Wolf and company; I'm just taking them for a spin. Any and all mistakes made are my own. Thanks to everyone who have been waiting patiently for the party to get started. Read, review and enjoy. :o)
Sunday, August 20
Residence of Johnny and Janet Eames, 1:20 p.m.
Alex was standing at the counter near the kitchen sink making another pitcher of lemonade while her mother Janet was forming
hamburger patties, placing them in a large aluminum pan when the house telephone rang. "Lexi, would you get that for me, please?
I don't want to get any germs on the phone." "Sure, Mom." Alex put the lemonade in the fridge and picked up the cordless phone.
"Eames Residence," she said. "Yeah. Hold on a second." As Alex held the phone up to Janet's ear, she said, "It's for you." Janet
smiled and mouthed "Thank you" to her oldest daughter. "This is Janet," she said into the receiver. "Yes, that's the correct
address. You won't miss the house. There will be yellow, blue and white balloons wrapped around the porch columns. I'll have
someone standing outside waiting for you. Okay. Thank you. Goodbye."
Alex pressed the 'end' button on the phone and set it back into its charger base. "Mom, who was that?" she asked, leaning against
the counter. Janet went back to forming the hamburger patties as she answered, "That was the baker. He'll be delivering Bobby's
cake around 2:00. Would you mind waiting for him?" Alex nodded. "No problem." "Have you talked to Bobby today?" "Mom,
that's the 20th time you've asked me today," Alex said with a sigh and a laugh. "Yes, I talked to him this morning around 6:30. I
just finished talking to him 10 minutes ago. He's visiting his mom." "Is he going to bring her?" Janet asked hopefully. Alex gave her
a "get real" look. "I was just asking, Alex. Geez. No need to look at me like that." Alex just chuckled. "Mom, everything will be
just fine. Bobby will be happy." "And if he's not, you'll probably throw a right hook at him." "Well, yeah. I could." Janet just
shook her head and laughed.
"Hey, Mom," Shane said as he walked into the kitchen. He was followed by his 13 year old son, Sean and his 12 year old
nephew, John, Jr., better known to the family as J. J. "We're finished putting the balloons on the columns and railing." "Thanks,
guys," Janet replied. "You're welcome, Grandma," the boys said as they continued walking through the kitchen and out the screen
door. "You're welcome, Mom," Shane said. He stopped and leaned against the counter on the other side of Janet. "You need me
to do anything else?" he asked. Janet shook her head. "I can't think of anything else, sweetheart." Shane looked at his sister and
said, "Have you figured out what Bobby's big surprise is, Alex?" She shook her head. "Every time I say something about it around
the kids, they all scatter away from me like I've got some kind of contagious disease or something."
Shane chuckled. "I thought I was the only one they were doing that to. All I got out of Sean and J.J. is that it's a 2 part gift."
"Well, you got more information than the rest of us have," Janet said. "Jill just gives me a blank stare whenever I ask her about it."
"Do you think Bryce knows what it is?" Alex and Janet both shook their heads. Alex replied, "If Bryce knew what it was, John
and Shannon would have been the first people he would have told, who in turn would have told us." Shane nodded. Johnny
appeared at the screen door and said, "Shane, could you come help me finish setting up the stereo system?" "Okay, Dad," Shane
said as he pushed himself away from the counter and headed towards the door.
"Who else did you invite to the party?" Janet asked Alex. Alex started counting off on her fingers. "I invited Carolyn Barek, but
she's not coming because she's in Boston for a wedding. None of the folks from the Manhattan Special Victims Unit I invited are
coming because they're meeting with Casey Novak and some new ADAs about some cases they've worked on." "Please tell me
you weren't too hard on Casey." Alex grunted. "I just let her know how disappointed I was, but she assured me she'd try to keep
the meeting short so that they all could come." "Does Casey still have a crush on Bobby?" Alex's mouth dropped open in surprise.
"Mom! You aren't suppose to know about that." Janet rolled her eyes. "Oh, please. I saw the way Casey was staring at Bobby
after he danced with her at last year's Law Enforcement event. You couldn't help but notice the stars twinkling in her eyes."
"Please don't say anything about it if she does show up. She'll try have Olivia's neck and mine in a noose." "I promise I won't
say a word."
Alex gave Janet a leery look before continuing on with the guest list. "Anyway, Captain Deakins and Angie are coming. I'm not
sure about Ron Carver and his wife. Their youngest son, Taylor, broke his foot the other day, so they're not sure if they can get a
babysitter. Antonio Garcia and his girlfriend are coming." "Is he the guy who worked with you when you were in Vice?" Alex
nodded. "He worked with Bobby when he was in Narcotics." "Ah, I see. Is Dr. Rogers coming?" "She said she'd try to come.
Her niece is here for a visit, so she may bring her along. Dr. Warner's on vacation, so she's not coming." "What about Bobby's
friends, Lewis and Rob? Are they still coming?" "Yes. And Rob's bringing his daughter, Courtney. Logan and Wheeler are
coming, too. Megan's bringing her nephew."
"So, tell me about Rob and Lewis," Janet said. "Are they single? Married?" "They're both single," Alex replied. Janet seemed to
perk up at that bit of information, and Alex noticed that. "Mother," she said warningly, "If you're thinking about trying to play
match maker for me with either one of them, STOP thinking it this instant." "Alexandra Eames! I would not think of doing such a
thing," Janet said innocently, giving Alex her best innocent face. "Uh, huh. Sure you wouldn't, Mom." "I wouldn't. It's sad that you
don't believe your own flesh and blood." Alex just rolled her eyes. "Whatever you say," she said with a sly smile on her face. "I
can have a sincere interest in some man's marital status without trying to match him up with my single daughter," Janet said,
pretending to be offended. Alex just looked at her mother; Janet looked back at her. She finally sighed in defeat, her shoulders
slightly slumping. "Fine! You take all the fun out of playing matchmaker." Alex snickered.
Janet asked, "What about Alannah? Is she coming?" "Oh, God! Here we go!" Alex thought. "According to Bobby, she's
coming…with someone else." Janet stopped what she was doing and looked at Alex. "What do you mean 'she's coming with
someone else?' I thought she and Bobby had a thing for each other." Alex sighed heavily, trying to figure out the best way to tell
her mother about Bobby and Alannah without going into a whole lot of detail about their relationship. Finally, she answered,
"Bobby and Alannah aren't exactly exclusive to each other." "Oh. I see. So, is Alannah trying to make Bobby jealous?" "Not
necessarily." "What does 'not necessarily' mean?" Alex sighed again as she pinched the bridge of her nose. "It means that Bobby
also invited someone that he dated. She's coming to the party, too," she wearily replied. Janet blinked a few times. "Bobby's
trying to make Alannah jealous?" Alex shook her head. "Let's just say that there's no telling who's going to leave with whom when
this party is over."
Janet shook her head. "Good grief! It sounds like an episode of "Dynasty" or something," she said. Alex patted her shoulder.
"You can't say you haven't been warned." She glanced out of the window and saw her brother John carrying a big bag of
charcoal over his shoulder. "I'm going to see if John needs any help," she said, pushing herself away from the counter. She gave
her mother a peck on the cheek and walked out of the door. Janet continued making hamburger patties, shaking her head.
"Bobby, what in the world have you gotten yourself into? Trying to make 2 grown women fight over you. That's so unlike
you," she thought. "No matter," she said aloud to herself. "We'll help you figure out it."
Sunday, August 20
Frank Devlin's Home, 1:10 p.m.
Eden Anderson was humming along with the Mariah Carey song that was playing on the radio as she parked her candy apple red
Lancer in front of Frank Devlin's home. She shut off the engine and checked her image in the rearview mirror. She was looking to
make sure Brewster didn't leave any hickies on her neck. She smiled to herself as she got out of the car, thinking about the wild
night of passion she had with him. As she was walking up to the door, Eden noticed Eric's electric blue Lancer was parked next to
Frankie's Cadillac Escalade. "Hmm. He must have brought them blonde bitches back here," she thought as she walked
through the door. She had barely walked a few feet into the house when she literally bumped into Vinnie, one of Frank James'
guards. "Get the hell outta my way, jack ass!" she said with a scowl. Unfazed by Eden's tone of voice, Vinnie looked down on her
and said, "Mr. Devlin wants to see you." "He'll see me after I've taken a shower and had a nap. Get the fuck away from me!"
Eden turned to head towards the staircase, but Vinnie grabbed her arm and started walking, dragging her along with him towards
the study. "Mr. Devlin wants to see you. NOW!"
Vinnie opened the door and pushed Eden inside ahead of him. She stumbled a little bit before regaining her balance. She spun on
her heel and walked back to Vinnie. She spit in his face and yelled, "If you EVER push me like that again, I'll slice your fucking
balls off!" He just looked down on her before turning his gaze to Devlin, who was leaning against his desk, flipping through the
same five 4x6 pictures he held in his hand. He just waved absentmindedly and said, "Go on back to the kitchen, Vinnie, and finish
cooking for the fellas." "Yes, Mr. Devlin." Vinnie smirked at Eden before turning around and walking out of the room, closing the
door behind him. Eden glared at the door before turning around to look at Devlin. "What? You in such a rush to fuck that you had
to send the fucking jolly Italian giant to meet me at the door?!" she said tauntingly. Devlin didn't even look at her. He just kept
flipping through the pictures in his hand, over and over again. His jaw was clinched and his teeth were grinding. The Devil was
pissed. "Bring him out!" he said aloud.
Eden stood there with her hands on her hips, about to ask Frank James if he was crazy when she let out a loud gasp. Coming out
of a room that was off to the side was Eric, all beaten and bloodied, being dragged out by Franco Holland and Francisco Torres.
They dropped him on the floor at Devlin's feet, then stepped away. Eric looked up at his twin sister, a scared look in his eyes.
Eden opened and closed her mouth a few times before she could find her voice. "What the hell did you do to him, Frankie?!"
Devlin remained silent, not looking at Eden, his jaw twitching wildly. He kept on flipping through the pictures in his hand. When
Eden started to reach down to help Eric, Devlin broke his silence by saying, "The next time you decide to let Brewster finger fuck
you in public, do it someplace where no one who knows me see you." She straightened up and said, "What the fuck are you
talking about?" Devlin shoved one of the pictures in Eden's face. Her eyes widened in surprise. The picture was of her and
Brewster taken the night before at an Italian restaurant that Devlin liked to frequent. They were sitting in a corner booth, looking
really cozy.
Before Eden had a chance to open her mouth, Devlin started to wildly hit her about the face with the picture. She put her arms up
to fend off the blows as he pushed her back towards the door. "Where's my fucking property, Eden?!" he yelled. "I don't know
what you're talking about!" she lied, tears streaming down her face. Devlin pointed at Eric. "You expect me to believe that that
dumb motherfucker laying right there, who does nothing but smoke weed, shit and fuck anything in a skirt, STOLE from me?!
How stupid do you think I am?!" Devlin pinned Eden against the door by placing his forearm against her throat. She clawed at his
arm as she struggled to breathe. "Frankie Devil, stop! Eden ain't got it no more!" Eric said weakly from his position on the floor
after a few intense minutes. Devlin turned his head to look at Eric before removing his forearm from Eden's throat. She slid down
to the floor in a heap, trying to regain her breath, while he walked over to Eric.
"I'm fucking listening," Devlin said calmly as he kneeled down to look at Eric. He briefly looked at Eden before focusing his gaze
on Frank James. "Eden did take your property, but I stole it from her and gave it to somebody for safe keeping." Devlin turned to
look at Eden. "Did Brewster put you up to this?" She quickly shook her head no, which was a complete lie. She knew that if
Devlin knew Brewster was the one who told her to steal Devlin's jump drive, the Devil himself would have all 3 of them killed
without a second thought.
Devlin turned back to Eric and asked, "Where's my fucking property, Eric?" "I…I…I don't know where it is," Eric stammered.
"The person I gave it to hid it somewhere. Said it was hidden someplace where nerds like to hang out." Eric hoped against all
hope that he didn't have to tell Frank James that the person he gave it to was DeMarco and that he was dead. Devlin shook his
head in disbelief. "Un-fucking-believable," he said. "You steal my shit and then give it to someone who steals it from you?! Double
un-fucking-believable!" "Computer City," Eden croaked. Devlin looked at her. "What the hell did you just say?" He stood up and
stomped his way towards Eden. Eric shook his head as he locked eyes with Eden. "You about to get us fucking killed," he
thought to himself as he laid his face down on the floor.
Frank James picked Eden up by her shoulders and started to shake her. "What the FUCK did you just say?!" he hissed through
his teeth. "Computer City," she said softly after he stopped shaking her. "That's where your property is hidden." Devlin narrowed
his eyes and flared his nostrils. "How in the hell do you know that?" "The person Eric's talking about called that place a nerd
hangout." "Right now, I'm so fucking pissed that I don't care who this person. I just want to know how to get in there and get my
shit back." Eden shook her head as she said, "You ain't gonna be able to break in there. If the security's like I think it is, you'll be
surrounded so fast it'll make your head spin." Devlin pushed Eden roughly against the door. Eden slid back down to the floor
while Devlin started pacing, muttering a string of curses under his breath. Eden shuddered as she watched Devlin because she
knew he was furious and would have her and Eric killed at any moment.
Eden had to think fast if she was going to save herself and her brother. A small sly smile crossed her lips as she came up with an
idea to hurt Angel, her supposed rival for Brewster's affections and to get back at Drew and Janelle for making her lose her
rightful inheritance. "The owners of that place…they have a friend who is real special to them," she said. Devlin stopped pacing
and faced Eden. "Go on," he said cautiously. "This friend of theirs always helps them when she's visiting in town. You hurt their
friend, they'll give you your property back." Eric hid his face as he smiled. "Good save, Eden." He wasn't even sure if Drew and
Janelle actually had the jump drive, but he did feel good knowing that they'd feel hurt and pain like he did. Devlin stroked his chin
as he thought about what Eden had said. He smiled in spite of himself. That was one of things he liked about her: she didn't give
damn if other people got hurt as along as she came out on top. "Alright. I'll try it your way," he said to Eden.
Devlin snapped his fingers twice, walked to lean against his desk and said, "Frankie 1. Frankie 2. Do your thing." Eden and Eric's
eyes both widened in horror as they both realized these guys were the Killer Frankies Brewster had told them about. Franco and
Francisco went to the fireplace and each pulled out a cigarette lighter size branding iron. Franco grabbed Eric's hand and pressed
the red hot branding iron into the palm of his right hand; Francisco did the same thing to Eden. The Wonder Twins screamed out in
agony. Franco and Francisco walked over and stood in front of Devlin. "What do you want us to do, boss?" Franco asked.
Devlin sighed dramatically. "I'm feeling….benevolent right now. Get them some medical attention. Then bring them back here so I
can keep an eye on them. Tomorrow, take them with you to stake out Computer City. When this 'friend' shows up, take her out
and get my property back." "What about Brewster?" Francisco asked. A thoughtful look crossed Devlin's face. "Leave him alone.
I want him sweating bullets before I do anything to him," he replied. He glanced briefly at Eric. He leaned towards the Frankies
and said in a hushed voice, "Once I've gotten my property back and have transacted my business, I want Eric to have a tiny taste
of your specialty as an example to Eden and anybody else who thinks they can cross the Devil and live to tell about it."
Sunday, August 20
Residence of Johnny and Janet Eames, 1:59 p.m.
Alex sighed contently as she sat in the front porch swing of her parents' home, surveying the neighborhood from behind her
mirrored sunglasses. She turned her head at the sound of the screen door opening. "You want some company?" Jill asked. Alex
patted the space next to her. "Come on and cop a squat." Jill laughed at the 'Pretty Woman' reference as she sat down. "We
haven't watched that movie in a while," she said. Alex nodded in agreement. "We should have a 'girls only' movie night at my
place next month to watch it and 'Steel Magnolias.'" "That's a great idea, Alex." They fell in a comfortable and friendly silence as
they started to move the swing gently back and forth. "Mom says we're about to have an episode of 'Dynasty' play out here at
this party," Jill said. Alex let out a heavy sigh. She sarcastically said, "Since Mom and Dad don't have one, we won't be
witnessing a re-enactment of Krystle and Alexis fighting in the pool." "I mean what was Bobby thinking? Inviting one woman he's
involved with AND inviting another he used to date? He must be crazy." "Bobby is just trying to do the socially acceptable thing.
I'm sure he's not trying to make any one jealous or cause any hurt feelings."
Jill scoffed. "Why is Alannah bringing someone with her?" she asked. "How are we suppose to make sure she's the right woman
for Bobby if she's bringing a date?" Alex rolled her eyes. "Look, I know we all want Bobby to be happy, especially you and
Mom, but you've got to take it easy on him with all the questions I know you're going to ask. You know it takes a lot out of him
to open up to people." Jill sighed. "I know. I know," she said. "I will do my best to curb my enthusiasm." Alex patted her hand
and smiled. "Thank you." Alex turned her head at the sound of 2 vehicles approaching into the cul-de-sac. One of the cars was a
black Suburban. Behind it was a silver Grand Caravan minivan. "Mom said the baker was coming in a black Suburban," Alex said
as she stood up and walked to the top of the steps. Jill came up behind her to watch the vehicles park in front of the house.
"Who's in the van?" she asked. Alex shrugged and shook her head. "I have no idea."
The front right side passenger door of the Suburban opened. "Oh my gosh!" Jill exclaimed as she recognized the short black
woman who got out. "That's Miss Loretta!" Alex and Jill both stood there in disbelief as Loretta Hamilton, Janelle Spencer's
mother, waved to them. The two sisters had huge smiles plastered on their faces as they watched all the passengers empty out of
the cars. Jayson, Janelle, their father Eddie Lee and Drew's father Benjamin had gotten out the Suburban. Drew, Jayson's wife
Tonya and their 5 kids had gotten out of the minivan. "I'm going to get Mom!" Jill said. Alex just nodded. When Jill turned around,
Johnny and Janet were already standing behind them, grinning from ear to ear. "Where are you going in such a hurry?" Janet asked
teasingly as she walked passed her daughters down the steps to give Loretta a hug. Alex walked down to where Janet and Loretta
were standing and said, "Mom, you lied to us!" Janet shrugged nonchalantly. "So sue me. Do you honestly think I'd let anyone but
Loretta make Bobby's birthday cake?" "My own mother!" Alex said in mock hurt. "Lying to me! That's very bad." Loretta
laughed as she reached out to give Alex a hug.
The rest of the Eames family had come out into the front yard to greet their first wave of guests by the time Loretta and Alex had
finished hugging. It felt like old times as the Eames children and Hamilton children greeted each other with smiles and hugs. Janet
and Loretta each took turns introducing their grandchildren to each other. Jayson's 2 oldest kids, Jayden and Tatiana, who were
both 16, kind of kept to themselves while their younger siblings, 12 year old Travis, 10 year old Joshua and 8 year old Jayna,
mingled with all of the Eames' grandchildren. Eddie Lee pulled out the large sheet birthday cake from the back of the Suburban
and carried it into the kitchen. "It's perfect, Loretta," Janet said as she lifted the cardboard lid. The cake was yellow with
chocolate frosting. On it was a blown up picture of Bobby's badge and the words "Happy Birthday Bobby" written in yellow
around the picture. "I'm glad you like it," Loretta said. Janet put her arm through Loretta's arm as she led her outside to the
backyard. They smiled at each other as they stood on the porch, watching their respective families interact with each other. "The
kids had no idea we were coming?" Loretta asked. "Not a clue," Janet replied. Loretta chuckled as she shook her head. "You are
such a mean mama," she said teasingly. "Hmmph. If my memory serves me correctly it was YOUR idea to surprise the kids,
Loretta Hamilton." "Oh, yeah. It was, wasn't it? I guess I'm a mean mama, too." Janet and Loretta exchanged looks and laughed
loudly at their own private joke.
Alex and Janelle had puzzled looks on their faces as they heard their mothers' laughter over all the noise. "What do you think
they're laughing about?" Janelle asked. Alex shrugged. "Who knows." Alex turned and swatted at Janelle's arm. "Ow! What the
hell was that for?!" Alex put her hands on her hips and said, "How come you didn't tell me the other night you guys were coming
to the party?" "Hell, I didn't know we were coming until we got to Mama's house today! Me and Drew went home to change out
of our church clothes before going over there. When we pulled up, Daddy was putting the cake in the back of the Suburban. We
got out of our car and Mama said, 'Let's go. We're going to the Eames' house for a party." Alex grunted. "I think our moms just
managed to pull the wool over all of our eyes." Janelle laughed. "Oh, you know you love surprises." Alex chuckled, nodding in
agreement. "I'm glad you all are here."
Alex took a deep breath and sighed. "Do you know if Angel's coming?" she asked. Janelle nodded. "We dropped her off at
home. She's gonna change clothes and catch a cab over here since Bobby's using her car to visit his mom." "Oh, boy," Alex
whispered under her breath. Janelle smiled and said, "You worried Angel and Bobby's fuck buddy gonna butt heads or
something?" Alex sighed heavily as she rubbed her forehead. "Janelle," she started to say, but Janelle held up her hand. "I'm not
even gonna get in the middle of that mess. Angel can handle herself. I'm not gonna start anything, but if old girl decides to put her
hands on Angel, I WILL make it my business to get involved." Alex shook her index finger at her. "I'm holding you to that,
Janelle," she said as her cell phone started to ring. She pulled the phone out of the front pocket of her white shorts and flipped it
open. "Eames." She excused herself as she headed towards the house. "You can miss the house, Rob," she said as opened the
screen door and walked through the kitchen. "There's yellow, blue and white balloons everywhere. I'll be standing on the porch
waiting for you. Bye."
Sunday, August 20
Residence of Johnny and Janet Eames, 2:35 p.m.
Alex had closed her phone and placed it back in her pocket by the time she reached the front porch. She stood there and watched
as a hunter green Suburban and a white Honda Civic parked in front of the next door neighbor's empty house. Mike Logan got
out of the right passenger side of the Honda, wearing a white shirt and blue jeans. He went around to the driver's side and opened
for the door for Tamera, the petite woman he knew from Club Silkie's. Alex smiled to herself. "A bachelor playboy and a
gentleman," she thought to herself, "What an interesting concept." Alex raised her eyebrows in surprise as she spotted Megan
Wheeler getting out of the back of the Suburban, along with Rob and Lewis. A tall, slender teenage boy with red hair and fewer
freckles than Megan got out behind her. He was holding a large sketch pad in his hands. "Must be her nephew Ian." Alex
glanced over at Logan, who had stopped in his tracks and narrowed his eyes in the direction of the Suburban. "Uh, oh. Looks
like Logan's about to go into 'protective partner' mode."
Rob waved at Alex as she came off the porch. He was guiding his daughter Courtney, who was holding a wrapped gift box in her
arms. Lewis, who was holding a large wrapped box, reached Alex before everybody else. "Hi, Detective Alex," he said dreamily.
She laughed as she shook her head. "Hi, Lewis." "Hey, Alex," Mike said when he and Tamera walked up. "Hey, Mike. Hi,
Tamera." Mike and Lewis exchanged nods. "Hi, Alex," Tamera said. "Thanks for inviting me." "You're welcome." "Hey, guys,"
Megan said as she, Ian, Rob and Courtney stepped up. "Hey, Megan," Mike and Alex said in unison. She pointed her thumb at
the teenager standing behind her and said, "This is my nephew Ian. Ian, these are my co-workers Mike Logan and Alex Eames
and Logan's friend Tamera." Ian raised his hand as the adults spoke to him.
Alex turned her attention to Rob and Courtney. "Who's this pretty young lady, Rob?" she asked as she smiled at Courtney. "This
is my lovely daughter, Courtney," he said with a smile. "Courtney, this Uncle Bobby's partner, Alex Eames." "Hi," Courtney said
shyly as she extended her hand to Alex. "Nice to meet you, Courtney. You can call me Alex." Courtney's smile got bigger. Alex
leaned towards her and said, "I have some nieces and nephews your age who will be happy to meet you, too." Rob pointed to
Mike and Tamera. "Courtney, this Mike Logan, another co-worker of Uncle Bobby's and his friend Tamera." Courtney smiled
shyly at them as they said hi to her. Alex said, "Why don't you all go inside and introduce yourselves. My mom will show you
where to put the gifts. I need to talk to Mike and Megan for a sec." Tamera gave Mike's arm a squeeze as she followed Rob's
little group towards the house.
Mike narrowed his eyes at Rob, who was holding the door open for everyone, before putting on his shades. Alex put her mirrored
shades back on her face to hide the fact she was rolling her eyes. "Oh, brother," she muttered under her breath. When Rob had
walked into the house, she said, "I just wanted to tell you guys that I got Bobby a new leather binder as a gift from us. I had a little
engraved plate put on it." "Sounds great, Alex," Megan said. Thanks, Alex," Mike said. "You need any more money?" Alex
shook her head. As they started towards the house, Mike asked, "Megan, what's up with you and lover boy?" She stopped and
turned to face him. "What?!" "You heard me. What's up with you and Bobby's friend?" Alex covered her mouth to keep from
laughing. She stepped back a little as the Abbott and Costello act was about to rear its ugly head.
"There's nothing up with me and Rob," Megan said. "He's a very nice person." Mike grunted. "Yeah, right," he said sarcastically.
Megan stepped up to Mike, took his shades off, and looked into his eyes. "I'm not sure, but I think I detect a hint of jealousy in
there somewhere," she said with a smile. Mike snatched his shades out of her hands and put them back on. "Call it concern for my
partner," he growled. Megan made a face. "Whatever. Just because I have a baby face doesn't mean I'm a baby," she countered.
Alex looked on in amusement as the partners went back and forth. When she saw Antonio Garcia's Corvette pull up, she walked
off to greet him. Alex looked back as she reached the Corvette and saw Logan and Wheeler going into the house, still bickering
with each other.
Antonio got out of the car, laughing. "Abbott and Costello still at it, huh?" he asked as he hugged Alex. Alex nodded as she pulled
back from him. "You know it. Hi, Marisol," she said as Antonio's girlfriend got out of the car. "Hey, Alex," she said, giving her a
hug. Marisol handed Tony a wrapped box. He took the box with one hand and reached for Marisol's hand with the other. "Bobby
here yet?" he asked. Alex shook her head. "Not yet. Go on in. I'm going to stay out here and be the official party guest greeter."
Antonio nodded his head before walking off towards the house with Marisol. Alex sat down in the porch swing and started to
push it back and forth as she waited for more guests to arrive. She didn't have to wait too long as she saw Ron Carver's familiar
black Cadillac coming into the cul-de-sac. Alex got up and waved as she went down the steps to wait for him to get out.
Alex was pleasantly surprised as she saw Jimmy Deakins, his wife Angie, Dr. Rogers, and her niece get out of the Cadillac along
with Carver. "I found all of them by the side of the road, so I decided to bring them with me," Carver said in his trademark smooth
voice. Alex chuckled as she gave him a quick hug. "Where's Paula?" she asked him. "Paula sends her apologies. She decided
she'd stay home with Taylor and that I come to the party." Alex turned to Deakins and Angie. All three did a group hug. "Thanks
for coming," Alex said. "Wild horses couldn't have kept me away from this," Deakins said. "Bobby letting someone do something
special for him is a rare event. I knew I had to be here." Alex turned to Dr. Rogers, shaking her hand and smiling. "Thanks for
coming, Doc." "Eh, you know me. I'm a sucker for a good time. Alex, this is my niece Candace. Candace, Alex Eames." Alex
and Candace shook hands as they exchanged pleasantries.
"The party's this way," Alex said, addressing the group. As they were making their way towards the house, Deakins caught a hold
of Alex's arm, holding her back while everyone else walked on. "How are things with the new captain?" he asked. Alex sighed
heavily. "Everything's okay, so far," she replied. "You know we're still in that 'getting used to each other' stage." "How are you
holding up?" Alex looked him, knowing he was asking about her ordeal with serial killer Jo Gage. She shrugged. "I'm hanging in
there." Deakins gave her a rueful smile. "I know you. You're as strong as a lion," he said. "How's Bobby handling all this
change?" Alex scoffed. "You know Bobby. He's handling it in true Bobby style." He chuckled lightly as he put his arm around her
shoulders and squeezed. "I want both of you to hang in there. Things will get better before you know it." Alex scoffed again as she
and Deakins continued walking towards the house.
The sound of an approaching car caused Alex to turn her head. "Oh, hell," she muttered as she recognized the custom painted mint
green Mercedes Benz that belonged to Alannah Fitzgerald.. Deakins turned his head, too. "What's wrong?" he asked. Alex shook
her head. "Nothing. Why don't you go on in and I'll catch up with you in a sec," she said as she turned back around to walk
towards the car. Deakins hesitated for a few seconds before he walked up the steps and into the house. Alex stood where she
was as watched the man behind the wheel park the Benz. She sighed heavily as she mentally prepared herself for greeting Alannah.
"I swear, Bobby, if you weren't my friend, I'd wring your neck for inviting this nympho to this party." Alex forced a fake
smile on her lips as the driver helped Alannah out of the car. He gave her a quick peck on the cheek as he handed her a small box.
Alannah and her mystery man walked arm in arm towards Alex.
"Hello, Alex," Alannah said as she removed her sunglasses. She wanted Alex to see the sexual lust for her in her emerald green
eyes. Alex somehow managed to keep the fake smile without making a face. Alex knew, from what Bobby had told her, that
Alannah would take a female lover every once in a while when she was bored with men. She also knew that Alannah had a thing
for her ever since their first meeting. "Hello, Alannah." Alannah took in her surroundings for a few seconds before turning her
attention back to Alex. "This is such a…quaint area your parents live in," she said in a condescending voice. Alex rolled her eyes
as she gritted her teeth. She wondered to herself what in the hell Bobby could possibly see in this woman when all she ever did
was talk down to people. "The sex must be super awesome," she thought. Alex mentally shuddered at the involuntary image she
just put into her own head.
"Thank you for coming," Alex said through gritted teeth, choosing to ignore Alannah's put down remark. "Of course, I'd be here.
Robert's feelings would be crushed if he didn't get to see me. I bring light to his life." Alex caught herself before snorted. "Who's
your friend, Alannah?" she asked. "Lady, if I could balance myself on some stilts, I'd punch your lights out." "Forgive my
manners, Alex. This is Chazen Caldwell. Chazen, this is Robert's partner, Alex Eames." Alex and Chazen shook hands. "Is
Robert here yet?" Alannah asked. "No, Bobby's not here," Alex answered. "He's visiting with his mom before he comes here."
"Oh." She made a face as if she were disgusted by something. "Is he bringing her here?" Alex wondered if she could get away
with kicking her in the shins. "No, she's not coming." Alannah chuckled a little. "Thank goodness. I'm in no mood to meet any
mothers today. I'm only interested in seeing every inch of my Robert."
Alex sighed heavily as she pinched the bridge of her nose. "I wonder if I could plead insanity if I shot her in the shoulder."
She plastered her fake smile on her face and said, "Bobby's other guests are out in the backyard. Why don't you and Chazen go
and introduce yourselves? I'm going to stay out here for a bit and wait for some more guests to arrive." She thought to herself,
"Because if you don't, you'll force me to use violence." "Alright, Alex. We'll see you inside," Alannah said. Alex stepped out
of the way as Alannah tried to brush against her to cop a feel as she and Chazen walked to the house.
After they had gone inside, Alex plopped down into the swing, shaking her head. She took a few deep breaths to calm herself. "I
don't have to worry about Janelle causing any trouble because I'll be the one starting it," she said aloud. A few minutes passed
before Alex decided she should go out to the backyard and check on the party guests. She stood up and pulled out her cell phone
to check the time. It was 3:15 p.m. She realized 2 things as she walked into the house. The first thing Alex realized that Bobby was
due to arrive in 15 minutes. The other thing she realized is that Angel hadn't shown up yet. She thought, "Alannah's here. That's
one shoe down. When Angel gets here, that'll be the other shoe dropping. Good grief! Bobby, you better know what
you're doing because I get the impression Alannah is not going to let you get away from her that easily."