Thanks for the awesome reception, guys. These are all a little different, and per the previews, they all end with Auggie "visiting" Arthur. Keep letting me know what you think of the ideas, and if you have any of your own.
WillyNilly 23 has posted her own version of this concept, be sure to check that out, as well!
From the previews, I'm 98% certain this one isn't happening. But that's why I'm writing these, to live out the possibilities that the show isn't going to give us.
Annie walked in the DPD and scanned the room. Unfortunately, this got Calder's attention. He waved for her to come his desk before she could talk to Auggie.
"I hear your FBI assistance is no longer needed."
"Yes, they have determined the killer."
"Good. I'm glad to have you back here, under my supervision."
"I'm happy to have that assignment behind me, as well."
"You've gone straight from one case to the next. You don't have a history of decompressing and in the past it's led to you making mistakes. I want you to take the next two days off."
"Thank you, sir."
Annie turned to walk to tech ops but was interrupted by Calder.
"I know that Auggie helped you the past few days, so I'm giving him a day off, as well. Try to catch up on all of your romantic intentions so you can keep it out of the office from now on."
"I'm sorry?" Annie asked, turning back toward her boss.
"His walls are made of glass, Annie. We all could see the two of you in there earlier today."
"Understood," Annie replied, her tone somewhat mocking. This time she succeeded in walking away.
She walked into Auggie's office where he was sitting with his headphones on, but not typing.
"What could you possibly be working on now?" She said.
Auggie turned toward her and smiled. "You're back."
She walked closer and leaned on his desk. "Yeah. So what are you working on?"
"Inner peace." He said as he pushed a couple of buttons and soothing music came from his speakers.
"Then come with me. Calder is giving us a day in bed."
"What? Really?" Auggie sputtered as he took off the headphones and shut down his computer.
"In return, he wants no more signs of affection in the office." She explained.
"I make no promises, there." Auggie replied.
"Well let's at least keep up the act until we get to the parking lot." Annie suggested.
Auggie grinned, took her arm, and followed her out the door.
When they stepped out the door of the building, Annie's demeanor changed. She had put on a good show for Calder and whoever else might have been observing, but she was emotionally and physically exhausted.
"Everything really okay?" Auggie asked, noticing her deflation.
"Yes and no. We have to talk."
"I was afraid you would say that."
Annie stopped and looked at Auggie. "Why? Is there something you were expecting us to need to talk about?"
Auggie pinched his eyebrows. "Not specifically, but you did just get away with murder, so I figured there was something you would need to explain."
"Oh. Yeah. Well I told you Henry got to Rossabi."
"Yes, but last I talked to you, you were about to confront Henry. That scares me more than the FBI."
"It should." She replied. They were standing next to her new car.
"What did he say, Annie?"
"That you still talk to Helen." She replied bluntly.
Auggie looked confused. "Like him in the meadow?"
Annie remembered her own theory on Henry's use of the meadow to remember Jai. "No. Literally. In person."
"That she's alive?" He said with disgust.
"Yes."
"That asshole." He sneered.
"Did you know?" Annie asked, unable to tell if Auggie was disgusted that Henry revealed a secret, or that he would make up this lie.
"What? It's not true, Annie."
She put her hand on his arm. "Okay."
Auggie's eyes were darting around, as though seeking an answer. "Really, Annie. I hope you believe me."
"I do. You are just really calm."
"Because it's not true." Auggie replied.
"Okay," Annie almost whispered. "Let's go home. We both need the rest."
"You are awfully calm." Auggie noted once they were on the road.
"I don't know. Maybe I'm just numb to this type of news by now. Maybe I just trust you."
"I don't take that lightly." He replied. "And while I have no doubt that Helen is dead, I just want you to know..."
Auggie took a few deep breaths. Admire reached for his left hand. "... What we have, you and I, is so much more that what she and I ever had."
Annie fought back tears as she drove through the streets to Auggie's apartment. She squeezed his hand again. "Thank you." She said.
They didn't say much more as they parked and walked up to his apartment. Annie stood to the side while Auggie unlocked the door and walked in. Annie followed, ready to change clothes and drink a glass of wine. Her thoughts were interrupted by a female voice.
"Hello Auggie."
Auggie turned toward the voice in his kitchen as Annie pulled the pistol from her purse. She stepped in front of Auggie, half-shielding him from the intruder. She reached behind with her free hand to touch Auggie.
The woman appeared to be unarmed, so Annie risked a glance at the man behind her. His face was white.
"Helen"
"Theresa"
They both spoke her name at once.
"Yes." She replied, staring at the couple in front of her.
"How? Why? Wha..." Auggie sputtered.
"You can put the gun down, Annie. I'm not here to harm you."
Annie lowered the gun but kept it in her hand as she stepped back to support Auggie, who looked like he was about to fall down with shock.
"Why are you here?" Annie asked.
"I wanted to talk to Auggie." She replied.
Annie noticed that Auggie was holding her as tightly as she was holding him. He slowly released his grip and stood up straight. "Okay." He said, confidently.
Helen looked pointedly at Annie, as if expecting the younger woman to excuse herself. Annie returned this look with a glare. "You want me here?" She said quietly to Auggie.
"Give us five minutes." Auggie answered. Then he very deliberately pulled Annie close for a kiss before she slipped out the door.
Annie stopped to catch her breath on the other side of the door. Then, wanting to give Auggie privacy, walked out of the building.
"What the hell?" Auggie asked.
"I'm sorry, Auggie."
He huffed in response.
"You always took it more seriously than I did. I never meant for what we had to be forever."
"So instead of a divorce, you faked your own death? Do you realize what you put me through?"
"I do. I'm sorry."
Auggie clenched and unclenched his fist. "Why are you back?"
"To finish what we started."
"Now? We could have finished it then if -"
"We can't change the past, Auggie. I know you've moved on. Neither of us are the person we once knew. But now is the time to finish what we started."
Helen reached forward and took Auggie's hand. He wanted to pull it away, but the touch brought back so many memories. He wrapped her hand in both of his and closed his eyes. Then she pulled away and walked out the door.
A few minutes later Annie came back to find Auggie leaning forward against the kitchen counter, the depleted bottle of Patron in front of him. She sat a heavy shopping bag on the counter and rubbed his back.
"I figured you might need more tequila."
Auggie nodded. "Yeah. But first, I need to talk to Arthur Campbell."