Chapter 3"Jacob tried to call you earlier but something was wrong with your phone I've been trying you for almost an hour but I kept getting your machine," Eames explained. "Jacob got a call from one of Charli's neighbors because they didn't know how to get a hold of Charli."
"Eames, what happened?" he swung his long legs over the side of the bed, the movement waking Charli. Holding the sheet to cover herself, she sat up and waited.
"Charli's apartment has been destroyed, Bobby her car was found a few blocks away. It's been vandalized," Alex replied. "When Jacob tried to call you and didn't get an answer he got worried, so he called me."
"Bobby?" Charli laid a hand on his back.
"We'll be ," Bobby paused, running a hand over his face. The violence was only going to get worse, he feared. "We'll be right there, Eames. Thank you," Bobby ended the call and turned his attention to Charli. "Your friend paid you a visit one of your neighbors called Jacob because they didn't know where to find you," he ran a hand over his short hair. "We need to get over there." Even as he spoke, he rose from the bed and walked towards his bureau.
Charli remained where she was, watching as he retrieved clean clothes from several drawers. Turning, he walked back towards the bed, unconcerned by his lack of clothing. Blushing softly, Charli averted her gaze but not before Bobby saw the blush that covered her pretty face. When things were more settled, he'd have to make a concerted effort to help her over her shyness. He never wanted her to be uncomfortable with him. Sitting on the edge of the bed, he said:
"You need to get dressed, Chuck please." Scurrying from the bed, she reached for Bobby's shirt that was on the floor and pulled it on to cover herself while she retrieved her clothes. She disappeared into the bathroom while Bobby finished dressing.
They drove to Charli's apartment, finding a crime scene unit already on premises with Eames and Jacob. Charli covered her mouth in an effort not to cry out at the devastation before her. Whoever had done this had taken the time to destroy everything possible. The fact that no one had heard anything meant that the man had been very careful and unrushed.
Bobby instructed her to stay in the hallway with Jacob while he and Eames went to work. Standing with her uncle, she watched Bobby work. He wore faded jeans, his shirttails hung loosely and he was badly in need of a shave, but despite his disheveled appearance he was organized and methodical. Jacob slid his arm around her waist, saying:
"Let\'s go over here." He directed her along to where a potted plant and two chairs decorated the hallway. "Sit down," he instructed and she did so absently.
"B - Bobby said that he'd get angry once he realized that Bobby and I were -," she broke off, looking down at her hands.
"It\'s just a good thing that you weren't here," Jacob replied softly, laying a hand on her shoulder. "You're going to do whatever Bobby says from here on out this guy's crazy and smart, if he was able to do all this damage without drawing any attention to himself."
"I just wish he'd go away there's no reason for anyone to be so drawn to me," she shook her head. "And someone I've never met it doesn't make any sense."
Bobby and Alex were in the apartment for almost an hour before they emerged into the hallway. Charli was aware of Bobby's solemn mood as he approached her, removing the gloves he'd being wearing. He held his hand out to her and she slipped hers into his, allowing him to direct her outside. The foursome drove the few blocks to where Charli's car had been found.
Bobby instructed Charli to remain with her uncle, unaware of the knowing exchange between Alex and Jacob at Bobby's possessiveness. Jacob stayed with Charli and they stood on the sidewalk, watching the two detectives work. She again admired Bobby's eye for detail and felt an inner pride that he was in her life the father of her child. Turning her focus on her car, she was taken aback by the amount of damage 'he' had been able to do.
The interior of the car had been savagely destroyed, the exterior scratched and dented. He had scratched vile words in the paint and all of the windows had been broken. She had insurance for both her apartment and her car, but standing there Charli knew that she'd not be returning to her apartment and she doubted she'd bother with the car. It was over 10 years old and had seen better days. The fact that this man had invaded her home angered her, but she knew she wouldn't feel safe there again.
"We need to go to the police station," Bobby startled her, his voice soft as he drew her from her thoughts.
"Al - alright," she nodded. They dropped Jacob and Eames off to retrieve their vehicles. Charli slid out of the SUV to hug her uncle. "I'm sorry you got involved in this - but thank you for caring about me."
"I love you, Peanut. I wish Maggie and I had been blessed with you as our child," he kissed her cheek. "Be safe and stay with Bobby," he warned her.
"I'll take care of her, Jacob," Bobby assured the older man. "I won't she won't be out of my sight." Even as he spoke, he slid his arm around her waist.
Once they were in the SUV, following behind Eames' car towards the police station, he looked across at her. "Are you OK?" he asked.
"Shaken, but I'll be fine," she replied softly. Bobby laid his hand over hers where they lay folded in her lap. "I just wish I understood why he's doing this. We have to do something to stop him."
"We?" Bobby took his eyes off the road briefly to glance at her. "
You're not to do anything to provoke him."
"I'm sorry,
I don't think
he needs very much provocation," Charli pointed out, sharply.
"Charli I'm serious," his tone was firm. "There's no telling what he's capable of. I won't let you - You're not going to do anything to endanger yourself or the baby!"
"You won't let me?" her temper flared at his order. "I'm an adult, Bobby. And I'm willing to play along if that's what it'll take to stop him."
"We'll talk about this when we get home," he replied as he parked his SUV in the 1 Police Plaza garage. Pushing the passenger door open before he could come around, she was out of the vehicle and had begun walking ahead of him. Bobby caught her easily, his longer legs closing the distance she sought to keep. He took a gentle hold of her upper arm and directed her inside the building.
"Charli -," he began, when they stepped into the elevator and he had pushed the button. "I won't stand by and let you put yourself in danger," Bobby studied her profile, his tone soft. "Please, Chuck you need to let me take care of this." Charli looked up at him then, aware of the concern in his voice. He cupped her cheek with a gentle hand and leaned down to kiss her softly. The elevator doors opened and two uniformed officers smiled when Bobby released her. Charli felt the telltale blush creep into her cheeks but Bobby simply smiled at the officers and held the door for Charli. "Brooks Wells," he acknowledged the two men.
"Detective Miss," Officer Brooks replied, before stepping onto the elevator with his partner. Laying his hand on Charli's back, Bobby directed her towards the Major Case Squad Room. Several detectives looked up, taking in Bobby's unkempt appearance before focusing on the beautiful woman at his side.
"Can I get you anything? Water, tea?" he asked, pulling a chair from an empty desk alongside his for her to sit in.
"I'm fine," she assured him, sitting down while he pulled out his own chair and sat down. He located his leather bound case that he carried with him while working, opened it and began writing down notes while they were fresh in his mind. Eames arrived shortly thereafter and sat across from Bobby her own appearance just as disheveled, revealing that both detectives had been called out in the early hours.
"He's angry with you with me - because he knows that we're lovers. It's shaking his reality and he's lashing out," he finished simply, his gaze moving from Charli to Eames.
Alex reached to turn on her computer, not wanting to eavesdrop. When Bobby had told her that he was the baby's father, he had revealed that he and Charli had only spent one night together, that they hadn't seen each other in three months. His statement had innocently revealed that he and Charli had become involved. Alex was pleased for both of them. It was obvious to her how much they cared for each other even if they hadn't realized it themselves yet.
"Forensics is going to call one of us if they get anything off the note," Alex told him.
"What note?" Charli looked from Alex to Bobby. Bobby met Eames' gaze, looking down at his tablet before looking to Charli. "What note, Bobby?"
"I I didn't want to upset you any more than necessary he left a note at your apartment. It was addressed to me." He ran a hand across the back of his neck, not wanting to tell her about the note. "It's a series of rantings, Charli he's off the wall," he shook his head, not wanting to repeat what it had said. "Let's just hope there's something that can lead us to him."
Charli fell silent, knowing better than to push him when he was being so evasive. She would have to wait until they were alone to press for details. If this man was stalking her, she needed to know the truth, Bobby had no right to keep anything from her. She rose from her chair, walking from the squad room to locate the restroom. Bobby's gaze followed her, knowing that he was in for a confrontation when they went home.
"I need to talk to Captain Ross," he glanced behind him at the Captain's empty office before he looked at his watch. "I I think it's time to have a black and white assigned to keep an eye on Charli," he met his partner's gaze across the expanse of their desks. "This guy has me scared, Eames," he confided softly, almost as if the admission were too personal.
Leaving the police station, Bobby took her for breakfast at a small diner. Seated across from each other, Charli looked over the menu while the waitress approached with a pot of coffee. Turning over Bobby's cup, she filled it before turning her attention to Charli. Shaking her head, Charli smiled at the older woman, saying:
"No, thank you. May I have a glass of chocolate milk, please?"
The waitress returned with the milk and took their orders before leaving them alone.
"Do you plan on talking to me?" Bobby asked after he took a sip of his coffee.
"I'm not sure you'd like what I have to say right now," Charli replied, meeting his gaze across the table.
"I'd rather know what you're thinking than to have you pissed at me all day," he told her honestly. "What happened between us last night -," he began but she cut him off.
"Last night has nothing to do with right now," even as she said the words a blush covered her cheeks. "I'm not two this man has become furious with me with us. You've already said that you think he could become dangerous. I have a right to know everything that's happening. You can't decide what to tell me and what to hide from me."
Bobby studied her across the table, knowing that she was as innocent as she was strong. The fact that she'd been a virgin at 29 had told him that. While she had lived through an abusive childhood and teen years, she always looked for the good in people. This fact had led her to be too trusting on several occasions, but at the same time, she had never trusted anyone enough to let them get too close except for Bobby himself.
"Did you want me to tell you in front of Eames that he left a note for me telling me how the first time he met you, you had screwed him in a public library? Did you want to know that he thinks you perform oral sex on him better than any other woman he's ever known? " Bobby spoke softly so as not to be overheard. He had reworded the text of the letter since Charli's admirer had been much more crude. "He also believes this baby is his. He wanted me to know that you were with him just before the first time you and I made love. He thinks that you want to make him jealous. That you feel he hasn't been paying enough attention to you the only reason you're with me is to get even with him. Is that what you want me to tell you?" His voice trailed off when she blushed crimson and looked down at the table.
"No I don't
want you to tell me," she admitted when she heard what he had to say. "But I
need to know. Maybe there's a way to stop him from taking this any further if there is, I can't just sit by and do nothing. No matter what, I want you to be honest with me, Bobby." Reaching across the table, she laid her hand on his. "Promise me, please."
"I promise to try I just I want to keep you safe," Bobby inclined his head. "I know you, Charli better than anyone else," he smiled across the table at her, a gentle smile that told her of his trust. "This is our baby I don't doubt that and I don't believe that this man has said more than half a dozen words to you at this point if at all - let alone had the opportunity to touch you."
Dresden could see them through the front window of the restaurant from where he stood across the street. His temper seethed at the smiles they shared. This woman belonged to him and Goren was doing his damndest to take her away from him. Either Charli would come to realize it or he would have to make her admit it to both Goren and herself.
Charli had a hard time believing that despite the man stalking her, she could be so happy. Time spent with Bobby had always been enjoyable to her, but living with him was an experience she had never dreamt would ever happen. He was intelligent with a sharp sense of humor and never ceased to make her laugh. They were able to discuss any subject and would spend hours simply sharing memories from their lives or debating their beliefs on various topics.
Bobby was a demanding lover, but at the same time gentle and attentive. Charli found it amazing that even with her growing stomach he seemed to find her attractive and he made no secret of the fact. She went to him willingly each time, wanting to gather as many memories as she could. She was certain there would come a time that he would tire of her. Once this happened, they would remain friends and share the responsibility of raising their child and she would look back fondly on her time spent with him.
"I'm going to pick you up at 1:30," Bobby reminded her Tuesday morning when he dropped her at Reilly's Pub. He pushed open the door and came around to help her out of the passenger side.
"I'll be ready," she smiled up at him as she slid out of the SUV. She waved to the two uniformed officers in the black and white that had followed them from Bobby's apartment. Bobby shook his head with an indulgent smile, the woman had to be nice to everyone. She looked up at the 'Reilly's Pub' sign with a sigh. "I can't believe Jacob's closing is this week."
"It'll give you some extra time to rest," Bobby pulled open the front door and ushered Charli in before him.
"I can't
not work, Bobby."
"Yes, you can," he countered. Charli was saved from having to respond when Jacob came from the kitchen, wishing them both good morning. They spoke with Jacob for several minutes before Bobby turned his attention to Charli. "I won't be by for lunch today since we're going to the doctor."
"Janice was hoping to have lunch one day this week. I'll call her and see if she wants to come by today," Charli replied easily.
"I'll see you around 1:30." Bobby leaned down and kissed her gently, and then he opened his mouth to speak.
Charli smiled up at him as she said:
"I know nowhere alone, I stay here or I ask one of the officers in the black and white to go with me. AND I don't go anywhere without calling you."
"I guess you've said that a time or two before, huh?" Jacob chuckled at the exchange and Bobby couldn't help but laugh at the good-natured teasing. It was obvious to anyone concerned that Jacob approved of the growing relationship between his niece and the man he considered to be a friend.
Janice was on her best behavior during lunch and didn't once attempt to discuss Charli's pregnancy other than to ask after her health. Her reason for wanting to meet with Charli was to discuss a substitute teaching position that had become available.
"I took the liberty of submitting your name," Janice stated. "I hope you don't mind."
"Of course I don't mind, thank you," Charli replied, her smile faded when she asked: "It does it matter that I'm pregnant?"
"It's a public school without the stringent guidelines St. Gregory's follows, so I doubt it will matter," the older woman responded. "Phillip's been working there part-time, that's how I came to learn about it. I left your cell phone number since I don't have the number of where you've been staying." The latter sounded a bit petulant but Charli let it pass. Although the two women weren't close friends, Janice had continually tried to insinuate herself in Charli's life, but Charli had resisted for reasons she still hadn't been able to determine.
Elizabeth Hawthorne looked curiously at the large man who sat with Charli in the exam room. Bobby rose to his feet as the doctor extended her hand.
"I'm Elizabeth Hawthorne, Charli's obstetrician," she smiled.
"Robert Goren," Bobby responded. "I'm ," he seemed to search for the proper word before he said: "I'm Charli's fiancι." Charli had no response to his claim but as their gazes met, she was certain Bobby saw the anger in her eyes even as he smiled.
"Charli, based on the measurements I'm looking at here, we need to reassess your conception date," the doctor pulled a stool over to the edge of the exam table and sat down. "It's possible you miscalculated, so we need to go over some dates."
"There's nothing to go over," Charli shook her head. "I know the exact date that I got pregnant," she flushed softly, aware of Bobby watching her. "I I just assumed I was showing early because he's a big baby."
"You shouldn't be showing this soon unless -," Dr. Hawthorne began thoughtfully. "Why don't you lay back on the table and let me get the ultrasound set up?" She patted Charli's leg as she rose and pulled a cart to the table. She covered Charli's stomach and legs with a sheet before pulling the bottom of the paper gown up. Bobby came to stand on the other side of the table and watched with great interest as the doctor applied a gel to the flat end of a paddle. She turned the machine on and ran the paddle over Charli's rounded stomach.
The sound was almost an echo before both parents realized they were hearing a heartbeat. Charli looked up at Bobby and saw the tears in his chocolate brown eyes. He took hold of her hand and she squeezed his as they shared the intimate moment. The heartbeat faded as Dr. Hawthorne moved the paddle around before it could be heard again. Charli felt the tears burn her eyes when the doctor moved the paddle yet again and the heartbeat faded. It was a sound she could listen to forever. The doctor repeated the process several times before she seemed satisfied. She switched on the monitor attached to the machine.
"Let's get a look, shall we?"
"Everything's alright, isn't it? I mean we heard the heartbeat," Bobby looked from Charli to the doctor.
"Everything is fine you did hear the heartbeat two actually," the doctor smiled.
"T two?" Charli wasn't sure she understood.
"You're growing a bit more than you should for being about 14 weeks along, Charli. Since you were so adamant about your conception date, I wanted to be certain before I put the possibility on the table but you're carrying twins," Dr. Hawthorne smiled, aware of how surprised Charli had been to find out she was pregnant in the first place. She indicated the two separate fetuses on the screen, unable to contain her smile when the expectant parents both studied the screen in awe.
"Twins?" Charli repeated, almost to herself. She looked up at Bobby, uncertain of what his reaction would be. He smiled through the tears that filled his eyes and leaned down to place a gentle kiss on her forehead. "Twins," she said again in an effort to comprehend the thought.
"I don't think it's a good idea for you to start a new job," Bobby said later that evening as they prepared dinner. "This guy is still out there and now with the twins
," he broke off at the sharp look Charli shot his way.
"I can't put my life on hold because of this maniac, Bobby. I want to teach. I love to teach," she turned to face him, holding a paring knife for the tomato she had been dicing. "The fact that I'm having twins doesn't change anything. As long as I'm able, I want to work. If it gets to be too much I'll slow down. I won't do anything to risk this pregnancy."
"Ab about what I said at the doctor's today," Bobby looked across at her, aware of the knife she held. "I told her I said I was your fiancι," he reminded her needlessly. That wasn't something she was about to forget.
"Don't worry about it," she shook her head and turned her attention back to the tomato. "I I wasn't sure how I would've introduced you in that situation myself. She'll never know the difference," Charli dismissed with a shrug of her shoulders. She hoped she sounded convincing.
"Would it be so bad? Marrying me?" Bobby's deep voice reflected his uncertainty.
"I'm not going to discuss this, Bobby," Charli set the knife down and reached for a towel to wipe her hands. "I'm not marrying you or anyone because I'm pregnant."
Before she turned and left the room, Bobby took a gentle hold of her upper arms and held her still. He studied her downcast head for a moment before he whispered:
"Look at me, please." She did so, unprepared for the warmth she saw in his eyes. "Would marrying me be so bad?"
"I won't marry a man who isn't in love with me, Bobby. It's not fair to anyone involved." Although she worked to keep the uncertainty from her voice, it echoed loudly in her ears.
"If something were to happen to me
..if I were to get killed in the line of duty, my wife would be eligible for my pension and any benefits," Bobby began but Charli shook her head.
"I don't want to talk about this. Nothing is going to happen to you. It can't," she whispered through the tears that threatened to fall. "You think I'd marry you for money or benefits or whatever you think I'd get?"
"No, of course not," Bobby assured her. "I I was hoping you'd want to marry me for the same reason I I've been in love with you for longer than I can remember. I hoped that I'm sorry," he released her. "I thought you felt the same about me."
Charli stood motionless and watched Bobby rub the back of his neck and study his feet as if he had just noticed them for the first time while he thought about what to say next. He turned away from her as he said:
"Let's get dinner moving. You are eating for three."
"I I've been in love with you since I was about 19," she spoke softly, her voice just above a whisper. "I knew that you would never see me as anything but Jimmy's sister. You took on the role of big brother so well that I never allowed myself to even dream that you would love me back, not like that." Bobby kept his back to her but she knew that he heard every word she said. "That night when we when the babies were conceived, you apologized. You said it was a mistake, which only proved that I was right."
Bobby remained motionless for several seconds and Charli waited for his reaction. She saw the muscles of his shoulders move ever so slightly beneath he material of the black t-shirt he wore before he turned to face her. He closed the short distance that separated them to cup her face between his large hands. He studied her expression for what seemed like forever before he lowered his mouth to hers in a knee-buckling kiss. Charli came up on her tiptoes to wind her arms around his neck as she responded to him.
"Marry me, Chuck," Bobby whispered against her lips. "Please." Mutely, Charli nodded, not trusting herself to speak. If she spoke, she might break the spell and wake from the dream. Bobby slid his arms around her waist as she drew his mouth back to hers.
Two days later, Bobby brought the SUV to a stop in front of the elementary school. He looked in the rear view mirror to assure himself the black and white was there. Although there had been no further letters or packages, Bobby knew it would only be a matter of time before 'he' made contact again.
"I don't like this, Charli," he turned in his seat to look at her.
"I believe you've said so already," she couldn't help but smile across at him. "I'll be fine. You've got the black and white stationed outside and one patrolling the area. Not to mention that the school has a secured entrance."
"I wish you'd wait until this is all over."
"Since we don't know when that's going to be, I'd be putting my life on hold and I won't give him the satisfaction," Charli's normally soft voice reflected her determination. "Do you think we should wait to get married until this is all over?" she wanted to know.
"No, of course not. You know I want to get married as soon as we can." Bobby had been eager to make arrangements for their marriage and they had already gotten permission to use the backyard of Jacob and Maggie's home.
"This is only for today but I have to do it, if only for my own peace of mind." Charli reached across the cab of the SUV to touch his cheek. "Let me do this and then I'll focus on the wedding. Alex and Maggie are anxious to help. Besides, finding a dress to go over my stomach will be the biggest challenge," she teased.
"Keep your cell phone on you at all times. If anything happens, no matter how insignificant you think it is, I want you to call me. Agreed?"
"Agreed," she patted the pocket of her jumper. "It's right here I won't let it off my person."
Bobby walked her into the school and saw her safely to her temporary classroom. Reluctantly, he left her behind, pausing to glance over his shoulder. He thought better of going back to the classroom to ask her to leave with him. It would only lead to an argument he didn't want. He was certain that they would find many things to argue about in the coming years of their marriage. The thought filled him with an odd joy. As he turned a corner, he almost knocked over the janitor coming from the other way. Bobby apologized with a friendly smile and continued along his way.
Dresden watched the detective leave through the front entrance before he pushed the mop bucket along the hallway. He could hear Charli's voice through the closed door as she introduced herself to the children. He knew that today was the day. If he didn't make his move he may not have the chance to get this close to her again. Goren had doubled the black and white units and Dresden couldn't be sure if there was anyone inside the school that might be working with the police.
By the time recess came around, Charli was grateful to usher the rambunctious eight year olds outside. One of the playground monitors smiled at the young woman as she asked:
"When are you due?"
"Not for another 5 ½ months," Charli smiled. She rested a hand on her stomach that seemed to expand every day. "We just found out a few days ago that we're having twins." The use of the word 'we' caused a skip in her pulse. She still found it hard to comprehend that Bobby was in love with her, even though he had taken every opportunity to both tell and show her.
"Congratulations," the older woman laid a hand on her arm in a motherly fashion. "The teachers can take a break during recess. We have enough monitors. Why don't you go rest for a little bit?"
"Are you sure? This is my first day. I don't want to go against procedure."
"I'm sure. There's a break room at the end of the first floor hallway. There are drink machines, a comfortable sofa and a private restroom. You've got 20 minutes."
Charli located the break room and used the restroom before she called Bobby. She could hear the smile in his voice when he answered the call. She assured him that she was fine and they spoke for a few minutes before he said:
"I'll be there at 3:15 sharp."
"I wish you wouldn't worry so much."
"I worry because I love you," he spoke into the phone and Charli could picture him seated at his desk, unconcerned with being overheard.
"I love you, too," she told him. "I'll see you later." She closed her phone to end the call as the door of the break room opened and the janitor walked in. "Phil?" she smiled at the man she knew from St. Gregory's.
"Hello, Charli," Phil Dresden closed the door securely behind him and approached her.
"Janice told me you worked here part time. It's good to see you." She slid the cell phone into the pocket of her jumper.
"I've been wanting to see you, too." He was this close to her now without Goren around. He had to make her understand that the detective could never make her happy, not like he could. "Do you think we can talk? There's so much we need to say to each other."
Charli had known Phil since she had had begun teaching at St. Gregory's. He had always been friendly and polite. She looked across the room at him but realized he was different somehow. It was in the way he looked at her. There was something in his eyes that alarmed her.
"Like what?" she wanted to know.
"You never let me know if you got my gifts," he stated simply. "Did you like the ring? I said in the letter that if you didn't like it, I'd buy you a bigger one."
"You? You've been sending all those letters and the gifts? Why, Phil?" Charli attempted to keep the fear out of her voice.
"Because we love each other." His statement was simple and it was obvious he believed it to be true. "We're having a baby."
"We're friends, Phil. We've been friends for years but that's all we are."
"That's not true!" he stormed at her denial but calmed himself just as quickly. "You're just trying to make me jealous. Do you let Goren touch you?" He took a step towards her, which caused Charli to take a step back.
"Phil, I need to get back outside to the kids," Charli tried to stop her voice from trembling. She couldn't let him see she was afraid, that would only serve to give him power over her.
"You only took the job here today so you could see me without Goren around," he stated with a certainty that told of his delusion. "This was the only way he'd let you out of his sight and away from your uncle."
"No, Phil. You're mistaken." Charli began, but Dresden closed the distance between them, even as she tried to back away. She came into contact with the drink cooler and could go no further. He grabbed her arm and pulled her forward. "We need to get out of here."
"I'm not going anywhere with you," she said in a tone that she would have used with one of her students.
Dresden studied her face even as he reached into his pocket and pulled out a pocketknife, flipping out the blade. He laid it against her stomach. "Don't make me hurt you or the baby, Charli."
He kept a firm hold on her arm, his finger dug into her skin while he directed her along the hallway and out the side entrance to the school. The door was locked from the outside to prevent unsupervised entry so Charli knew no one would expect someone to exit this way. Her fingers worked in the pocket of her jumper unnoticed by Dresden and she prayed silently that she had pressed the redial button.
Bobby heard his cell phone ringing where he had left it on his desk and jogged the few steps to get it before it went to voice mail. Flipping it open, he said:
"Hey Chuck." But the smile faded from his handsome face and a cold fear gripped his heart at the sound of a male voice muffled but clear enough to be heard.
"I know that Goren was your way of getting my attention."
"Phil, I wish you'd just stop and we could talk about this," Charli's voice was louder than the man's but just as muffled. "I need to stop for a minute, I need to rest." Bobby knew she was stalling.
He covered the mouthpiece of his phone to yell across the Squad Room:
"Eames!"
When she didn't respond immediately, he glanced around frantically for help. "Captain! He's got Charli." Ross had come out of his office when he heard Bobby's voice. "Can you alert the black and white at the school and put a trace on Charli's cell?"
He scribbled the number quickly on a scrap of paper and handed it to the Captain. Alex hurried to catch up with her partner's long stride as he ran towards the elevator, holding the phone to his ear. Alex watched his face in an effort to gauge his mood. She had known the man for almost eight years and had never seen such a look of panic on his face.
"It sounds like they're on foot," Bobby told Eames as they approached the school. Alex repeated this information into her own cell phone to Captain Ross. "Keep him talking, Chuck." Bobby whispered. "Don't let him get you inside a vehicle or into a building."
"She's got a good head on her shoulders, Bobby." Alex said. She glanced across the cab of the vehicle. Bobby had put the phone on 'mute' so that he could hear the conversation on the other end but without risking the chance of being heard by the man who had Charli. "We'll find her."
"I shouldn't have let her go there today This is my fault!" Bobby slammed the dashboard with a large fist. "Damn it!"
"Please, Phil I have to rest," Charli spoke again. "I'm going to pass out if I don't sit down."
"Sit here," the man stated. He didn't sound angry, which is what Bobby had expected to hear. Instead, he sounded concerned. "I just want to take care of you, Charli. You and our baby."
"Phil, I don't know where you got the idea that this is your baby I know you from St. Gregory's, that's all. We never even saw each other outside of school."
Good girl, Goren thought even as he spoke to Eames.
"His first name is Phil. Charli knows him from St. Gregory's."
"Captain, call St. Gregory's for any employee with the first name of Phil," Eames relayed even as they arrived at the school. She brought the vehicle to an abrupt stop halfway to the curb. Bobby had already opened the door and was out of the SUV while the vehicle was still in motion.
"Did anyone see anything?" he demanded of the senior officer that had been in the black and white.
"No, sir. They had to come out the side door. It's kept locked and is hardly used." The uniformed officer indicated where Logan and Falacci stood talking with a man who appeared to be the principal.
"If they came out that door and left unnoticed, they would have had to go that way," Alex pointed along the sidewalk. "Hello?" she answered her cell phone midway through the first ring. "Thank you, Captain. The man's name is Phil Dresden. He's worked at St. Gregory's for 10 years. No criminal record, no problems at the school."
"Son of a bitch!" Bobby swore hotly. "I asked her for the names of any new men at the school why the hell didn't I think it could be someone she'd worked with for years?"
"You got a list of people she knew, Bobby Charli didn't even write his name down," Alex pointed out but knew it wouldn't make a difference. If something were to happen to Charli, Bobby would take all the blame on his broad shoulders.
"Can't we take the bus, Phil? The bus should be here in a few minutes," Charli spoke again. "I don't know if I can walk much farther."
"It's only another block," he replied. "Can you make it that far?"
"Another block? We're going to Roosevelt?" Bobby touched his partner's arm and mouthed the words Roosevelt while he continued to listen to the discussion. Alex coordinated the squad cars and motioned for Logan and Falacci to join them. She hurried behind Bobby and slid into the passenger seat since the driver's seat was occupied by her angry, panicked partner. She knew Goren would have left without her had she not rushed to get in.
"That's where I live," he acknowledged. "You'll like it. Better than Goren's apartment."
"Is that why you trashed my apartment?" Charli asked him in an effort to keep him talking. "If you destroyed my things I'd come to live with you?"
"Your apartment?" Dresden sounded confused but sincere. "I never touched your apartment. I wouldn't hurt you."
"You're holding a knife on me you threatened me and the baby back at the school," Charli reminded him and Bobby felt his blood run cold. He'd kill Dresden if Charli or the babies were hurt.
"It was the only way you'd come with me without making a scene," the voice seemed hesitant, as if he tried to recall why he had pulled the knife.
"Because I don't belong with you," she kept her tone calm. She had to be petrified, Bobby thought, but she knew better than to be argumentative. It would only anger Dresden and cause him to snap. "I love Bobby, Phil. You and I are friends, nothing more."
"You love me! We belong together. If Goren hadn't called you when his mother died we'd still be together."
"We were never together before Mrs. Goren died, Phil. I think you're confused."
"There!" Alex pointed through the windshield to where Charli walked alongside a man only a few inches taller than she. His fingers grasped her upper arm firmly, but other than that it was impossible to see from their position on the sidewalk. Bobby drove the SUV around the corner and brought it to a screeching halt. It blocked the sidewalk as the bear of a detective pushed open the door and jumped out.
Bobby froze when Dresden brought the knife up from his side and held it against Charli's stomach.
"You don't want to hurt her. I know that." Bobby was aware of Eames positioning herself on the other side of the vehicle to take a shot if one became available. He trusted her with his life and knew that she would never do anything that could harm Charli. "Y you're in love with her, so am I. We have that in common." Bobby took a step forward but put a hand in the air and stepped back when the knife was pressed more firmly into Charli's abdomen.
"She belongs with me."
"She belongs with whichever one of us she loves," Bobby countered, his gaze meeting Charli's. She offered him a smile, weak and frightened, but the woman smiled at him! Bobby's heart felt as if it would leap from his chest. She was in danger and she was trying to comfort him. "I I know that she's in love with me - that's why I don't have to use force or violence to keep her with me."
"She wanted to be with me before you came along."
"No, Phil, she didn't." Bobby's gaze strayed over Dresden's shoulder for a brief instant. "In all the time you've worked with her at the school has she ever has she ever talked to you outside of work? I don't think so. I do think that you're a good man but you've gone off your meds and you're - confused about things. You're acting out. I think you You've had feelings for Charli but were too shy too uncertain of yourself to do anything about them."
Bobby took a cautious step forward, his eyes on the knife while his mind worked on a way to get it out of Dresden's hand. Bobby held the man's gaze in an attempt to see if he was getting through.
"You you never did or said anything about your feelings until a few months ago. When you saw her with me
"
Everything happened so quickly then that Charli wasn't sure she could explain it to anyone. Bobby lunged forward which caused Dresden to release her and point the knife in the detective's direction. Charli stumbled but managed to keep her balance even as Mike Logan tackled Dresden to the ground and the knife skidded across the sidewalk.
"Are you alright?" Bobby drew Charli's attention then, his hands trembled as he cupped her face and studied her for any signs of injury.
"Scared as hell but I'm fine, Bobby," she assured him. He drew her into his arms and hugged her tightly against him.
"Let's get you home," Alex had come around the vehicle and watched as Logan handcuffed Dresden. "He's going straight to the psych ward. Come on, it's all over." Alex ran a comforting hand over Charli's back when Bobby had released her. "Let's get out of here."
"I need to get back to my kids," Charli said but Bobby shot her a warning look that told her she was going with him and nowhere else.
"Don't even try to argue with me on this one, Toots," he grumbled, his hand on the small of her back as he led her to the SUV. "Unless you want to go to the ER."
"I don't need the ER," she denied quickly.
"We'll transport your friend over to the hospital for an eval before we book him," Logan joined them. Phil Dresden sat in the back seat of a black and white, his gaze focused on Charli and Bobby. "Everybody OK?"
"Thanks to you," Bobby nodded. "Thanks for the back up."
"Anytime. Besides I was anxious to meet the woman who thinks she can hold her own against you," Mike chuckled. "I'm Mike Logan."
"Charli Donovan," she shook his extended hand. "Thank you."
"No problem. Just save me a dance at the wedding," he winked at her with a teasing grin. Slapping Goren's arm, he said: "Make sure you hang onto her."
Charli gave her statement at the police station before Bobby took her home. He hovered over her as if he needed to reassure himself that she was safe. She showered and changed into her flannel pajama bottoms and an over-sized t-shirt before she located Bobby on the sofa, his legs stretched out on the coffee table. Before he could rise, she motioned him to remain still with the wave of her hand and settled alongside him.
"I love you," she told him when she had curled her feet beneath her and snuggled into his side. Bobby slid an arm around her and held her close. He dropped a kiss on her temple and rested his chin on the top of her head.
"I love you, too," he whispered. "I don't know what I would If Dresden had hurt you -," Bobby broke off as if he said the words aloud were just too horrible.
"I'm fine. It's all over and we can focus on getting married," she smoothed her hand over the material of his shirt.
The sound of the telephone ringing roused Charli from her slumber. She struggled to sit up and glanced around the living room. It was dark out, the clock stating 2:15AM. She must have fallen asleep and Bobby hadn't wanted to wake her. Bobby reached for the handset on the end table, his voice groggy from sleep as he answered.
"Goren." There was a pause before he asked: "How the hell did that happen?!" He pushed the off button on the phone and tossed it on the end table with a sigh.
"What is it?" Charli wanted to know.
"Dresden's dead."
"What?!"
"Nurse walked into his room and found him. They're going to perform an autopsy. He was restrained and under police guard at Bellevue," he looked down at her. "Probably natural causes but they need to follow procedure." He wasn't going to lose any sleep that the man was dead.
End Chapter 3 Chapter 4 is in progress. 
