A/N To Sell, who has so graciously informed me that the day I run out of ideas for stories she will come kick my ass, I simply say… "Bring it."

You made me laugh out loud! Now please get yourself a username so I can private message you!

Chapter 9

"So, did you wanna… come over?" Bobby asked.

Alex's shoulders slumped slightly. "I have a family thing tonight, at my Dad's."

"Oh. I-I understand."

"Did you want to…?" She knew it was a bad idea as soon as the words started slipping out of her mouth.

He shook his head. "Some other time."

The office was mostly deserted, but there were still too many eyes. She quickly brushed her finger against the back of his hand. "Soon," was all she said.

"Good night, Alex."

"Good night, Bobby."

Bobby did the stairs in his building, managing to run a little in between the walking. Then he showered and climbed into bed, where all he could do was stare at the ceiling, and replay the events of last night in his head.

Kissing in the car, as wonderful as it was, had its drawbacks. She'd finally pulled away and driven him home, where he casually invited her up.

He'd led her up the stairs by the hand, feeling as giddy as a teenager. He opened the door, brought her inside, and closed the door with his right hand even as he dipped his left into the hair at the back of her neck. Their kisses were deeper out of the confines of the cold car.

"I'm hot," Alex'd said, and he'd released her. They both stripped out of their winter gear, leaving it scattered on the floor by the door. His lips had found hers again, and she didn't seem to mind when he pressed his hips against hers.

"Are you… are you thirsty?" He asked her, finally breaking away.

After another kiss, an afterthought, she answered, "Some water would be good."

He disappeared in the kitchen and came back moments later with a glass of water for each of them. After a thick drink, Alex put her glass down on the bookshelf. Slowly, experimentally, she reached out and ran a hand along his arm, up to his shoulder. He leaned his head against her fingertips when they roamed to his cheek.

Bobby set his water down and explored her, too. He set the palm of his hand against her belly and lifted it slowly up and over one soft breast. Alex responded with a sigh and her leg moved between his legs, dangerously close to his aching groin.

She felt exactly how he'd imagined she would. Firm muscle, supple breasts, luscious lips… Bobby licked his lips and swallowed. The memory was making his mouth water.

Her hands had roamed his body, as well, and strangely, he hadn't felt the least bit self-conscious about his extra pounds. Her caress was magical. And then at once, she'd turned away from him and tried to suppress a tremendous yawn.

"Oh, I'm sorry, Bobby. What time is it?"

He'd had to clear his throat, and his head. "Oh, uh… almost 3."

She yawned again, and he thought it was cute. He grinned. "I have to get home," she said.

He'd almost asked her to stay with him, but something stopped him. It was too soon. It was too new. And so he'd graciously helped her gather her warm clothes up and put them on, and walked her to the car.

The cold air had quelled his desire. Tonight, however, there was only one thing that would bring him relief.

The phone rang in the morning, shaking him out of a deep sleep. "Hello?" He answered it, with a frog in his throat.

"Morning." She waited while he cleared his throat.

"Morning. How was the… the thing?"

"I can still kick my little brother's ass."

"I don't doubt it."

"How was your night?"

"Oh, you know… okay."

"I've been thinking about the case."

"Yeah?"

"I think we should get out there, talk to them. Maybe one of them will crack." Lost in thought, he nodded. The silence disturbed Alex and she finally said, "Bobby?"

"Yeah, uh, sorry. Good idea. I can meet you at the office."

"I'll come pick you up. We can get breakfast."

After breakfast, the two drove out to Michelle's place. Finding it empty, they went to Tammy's. Again, the house was vacant. Bobby and Alex met each other on the sidewalk in front of the porch, their breath visible in the cold.

"One more place I can think of to look," Alex said.

"Thornton's apartment."

She nodded.

Sure enough, they found Tammy's car on the street in front of the building.

"I'll call in, let 'em know where we are," Alex said, dialing her cell phone. When the call ended, they made eye contact.

You ready?

A slight nod.

Let's go.

Bobby led the way up the stairs. At the landing, they turned right, walked two doors down and rang the bell. Tammy opened the door.

"Detectives, I didn't expect to see you."

"That's Bobby's fault. He likes to surprise people. Me, I think it's rude." Alex stepped inside and craned her neck. "Is Michelle here?"

On cue, the woman came out of the bedroom, Dani's small hand in hers. Bobby walked inside and shut the door.

"Michelle, the detectives are here." She took several steps inside. "We're just, you know, cleaning. A lot of things to take care of," she said.

"You're, uh… dividing up the spoils?" Bobby asked, point blank. The women stared back at him.

"If you're going to be rude, detective, then—"

"He's only rude when he knows he's right," Alex quipped.

"Right about what?!" asked Michelle.

"Look, I'm sorry. Maybe Dani can go to her room and we can have a talk," Bobby said.

"I'm sure whatever you have to say, you can say in front of Dani," Michelle snapped.

"Michelle, no, I think the detectives are right. Let Dani go to her room."

The little girl's head moved from one woman to the other. "You never wanted to help me," Michelle hissed at Tammy. In one swift movement, she drew a gun and shot Tammy.