A/N - Hi all new to this fan fic thing. I suggested an idea to an author over at FF.net and I am co-authoring it with her. She gave me permission to post it here. Warning G/E are married with a child. My co-author is a shipper but in my opinion she is not a heavy shipper. This is #6 in her series but you don't have to read the first 5 to know what is going on. Okay shutting up now.



Bronx New York

July

The central air conditioner for the three-bedroom brownstone is blasting cool air when she finishes reading chapter 7 of Sorcerers Stone to her nine-year-old daughter, Rachel. He returns home, from where she never knows, he slams the door as he enters the house. "Jackie," screaming her name in a drunken stupor. "Jackie, where the f**k are you?"

Mother and daughter shiver from the sound, handing the book to her daughter, "Stay in here," she says commanding. She gets up from the bed. "Understand?"

Rachel nods her head, Jackie closes the door softly then jogs down the hall, "Charlie please there is no reason to scream I heard you the first time." The alcohol on his breath is nauseating, she wonders after all these years why she isn't use to the smell, she turns her head away. He grabs her by her chin turning her head to face him. Looking down at the t-shirt, she is donning "Must be very cold in that bedroom." He flicks his finger across her nipple. She pushes his hand away, "Stop it."

Grabbing her arm, "Stop? Don't play hard to get you know you want it." No, I don't want it and I don't want you. I hate the feel of your hands on me.

He pushes her down by her shoulders as he unzips his pants, "Look at that, just seeing you and I get a hard on." She turns her head away, "Come on," he says pleading. "You do it so well."

"Charlie, Rachel is still awake, later please."

"She's in the bedroom," he looks up. "She can't hear us. Come on Jackie," he strokes himself with one hand as he grabs her hair and pulls her closer with the other. "Come on, do it for me." She once again moves her head away. "Don't make me ask again, bitch," slapping her face. "Not interested?" he grabs her chin and lifts her head. "I think I know why. You've been fracking someone else, is that it?"

"God no Charlie," lowering her head as she begins to sob, Rachel doesn't need to hear this madness again tonight, she succumbs to his desire.

The Next Morning

She awakens before the sunrise, slowly and quietly she rises from the bed, careful as always not to wake him. She removes a suitcase from the closet and hastily tosses a few articles of clothing inside. Wanting to rid herself of him, she removes her wedding ring, placing it on her dresser. Opening her jewelry box she removes a pair of diamond earrings, remembering the anniversary he gave them to her. She picks up a string of pearls, often wondering why he gave her such beautiful jewelry when most nights she would stay home, with red eyes and bruises. She stares at her diamond engagement ring, how happy she was that night when he proposed. She picks up the three pieces and slips them into her bag.

Carrying the suitcase with her into her daughter's room, she opens the case on her bed, "Rachel, wake up." She pats her daughters arm, "Rachel, please Honey wake up."

The nine-year old turns on her stomach burying her face in the pillow. "Oh Mom it's too early, look how dark it is."

Jackie opens her daughters' closet, grabbing a hand full of clothes, "Yes it's dark and we are leaving."

Rachel sits up, "What?"

"You and me," opening her dresser, "We are leaving, hurry and get changed before he wakes."

Out of the apartment and out the door mother and daughter begin their journey, where they are going they have no clue.

The Goren Home

He spies the photo album on the table, opening it. He smiles at the photo of the toddler. Written below, Alex age 6 months. Loosening his tie as he sits he turns the page, Alex age 8 months, with Grandpa Eames. The months go by and the one of her on her 2nd birthday makes him laugh, she is wearing a blue two-piece print swimsuit. "Wow, sexy."

He feels a presence and sheepishly looks up. "Hi, where did this come from?"

"Mom found it the other day and asked me to make copies of the photos," Alex turns a page, smiling. "That way I can have an album, also."

"These are precious, you were adorable."

She sits down next to him, stretching her neck to see the next page of photos. She frowns, "Were?"

"You still are but not when you make that face." She lightly smacks his arm. "Ah you know I love you," he leans over and kisses her cheek.

As they turn the pages of the album the years go by, "Is that your friend Marcy?"

Alex nods, pointing at the other girl in the photo, "Yes and that is Jackie….Jackie Prentiss." Alex leans forward to examine the photo, "My God I haven't seen or heard from her since her daughter Rachel was about a year old. I would call her and she would put me off. Excuse after excuse why she wouldn't meet up with me. I have always wondered if it was something, I did. "

Bobby turns the page, "Her husband? Were you friends with him?"

"No, Charlie always seemed distant."

"What does that tell you Detective?"

She rubs her forehead fully aware of the answer. "Jesus, why didn't she tell me? I remember when we would go out he was always nearby. I have to admit that I was a little envious that someone was so in love with her and he needed to be near her all the time. Marcy and I thought it was cute. Little did we know?" Bobby turns the page, "That's Rachel; I was honored when Jackie asked me to be Godmother."

"What year is this? It doesn't say."

"1998, wow Rachel will be ten years old this September, time does fly."

The last pages of photos are of her graduation from High School, college and the Police academy. "I'm going to try and get in touch with her." Bobby closes the book, "We were very close. We would talk about everything, and the one thing that she should have told me about, she wasn't able," she opens the album staring at the photo of her old friend. "I should have known."

"Alex, you're not a mind reader, besides when you are close to someone you expect them to tell you when things are bad and when they don't its human nature to believe that everything is fine."

"I know, I know." She stands and kisses his cheek, "Hungry?"

Removing his tie, "Always."

TBC

The Next Morning

Bobby finds Alex at the kitchen table, with the laptop open, “Any luck?”

She looks up at him with a gloomy expression, “After a search on the internet and the phone book,” she holds up the book with two hands. “It took me awhile to find the book, the only thing I've been able to find.”

“You look discouraged,” he says as he pours himself a cup of coffee.

“I am, I’ve been sitting here searching on the internet and then reading through all the Prentiss’s in the book then like a bolt of lightening I remembered…” she lowers her head. “That Prentiss wasn’t her name any longer.”

“So, what’s the problem?” he asks as he places two pieces of white bread in the toaster.

“I can’t remember Charlie’s last name.”

“That might make it hard to find her,” he smiles. “What about her family? Call them.”

“There is no one; she was raised by her mother, who passed away when Jackie was twenty. Never knew her fathers name let alone met him.” Holding out her coffee cup, “Could you pour me another cup, please?”

“Sure,” he reaches across the room and picks up the pot from the stove.

“Thank you.”

“Anytime,” he tops off his coffee.

She takes two quick sips, “Her mother was very strict; hell I thought my father was bad. She didn’t allow Jackie to date through High School. Jackie told me that her mother was raised in Oklahoma to a very strict and religious family, she got pregnant at an early age and her parents kicked her out of the house. They lived in numerous places before ending up in New York; I didn’t meet her until the seventh grade.” Alex turns off the laptop, “Well that was a big waste of time.”

“Maybe you should use the NYPD data base, Alex?” He looks up as he hears the toaster pop.

“We’re not supposed to….” she hits the table with her fist. “Spangler, his name is Spangler.” She once again refers to the phone book; she closes the book immediately, “Only one Spangler in the book, John T, I don’t remember Charlie having a brother, or a father for that matter.”

Bobby sits down and butters a piece of toast. “Alex, do you think that you could finish one sentence before you start another one?” He takes a bite of his toast, “Or two?”

“Oh eat your toast; we are not supposed to log on to the NYPD data base from home.”

He leans over and kisses her cheek, “I won’t tell, besides its Saturday, you’re going to wait until Monday.”

Shaking her head, “I don’t think I can.” She says frankly.

Later That Morning

“Alex, we’re leaving.”

“Be right down.” She hurriedly descends the stairs, “Ready to see the dinosaurs?” She asks eagerly as she holds her son’s face in her hands, he nods his head then bounces with elation. She kisses his cheek, “Ok you two have fun.” She straightens up, taking Bobby’s hand, “Easy on the junk food Daddy.”

“For me or him?”

She reaches up and kisses him on the lips, “Both of you.”

He nods in agreement, taking his son’s hand, leading him to the front door, “Bye Mommy,” Bobby says as he closes the door behind him.

With all the resources at her fingertips, finding where Charles and Jacqueline Spangler reside was easy. She thinks to herself, why did I wait so long? During her two hours of investigating she had hope that Charles was no longer a part of her old friends’ life. To her dismay he was, they were still married and living in the Bronx. She also uncovered that Charles is the only one named on their bank accounts, she has no money of her own, Jesus, Jackie, who did you marry?

The Spangler Home

She pushes the doorbell, the intercom opens and a male voice speaks, “Who is it?”

Hesitating for a moment she wonders if she should use her title to gain access, she decides not to. “My name is Alex, Alex Eames I’m an old friend of Jackie’s….” The intercom clicks off. Moments later the door opens and standing before her is Charles Spangler, she had forgotten how attractive he was, a memory flashes of the twinge of jealousy she and her friends felt that Jackie was dating this ‘Hunk’.

He holds the door without inviting her in. “She’s not here, we had an argument the other night and she ran away.” He scoffs, “Like a child.” Releasing his hold of the door, “She took my daughter with her. If she thinks for one minute that she is going to keep me away from my child, she is seriously mistaken.”

“Do….do you,” she decides not to inquire where he thinks she may be. “When you talk to her, please tell her that I came by.”

He leans up against the doorway, wagging his finger at her, “I remember you, now. You were her maid of honor or something like that.”

She nods, “Yes I was.”

“I’m….I’m sorry,” he steps back. “Please, please come in.”

She takes a step forward, then instinct kicks in, she stops. “I….” she checks her watch, “I just remembered that I have a doctor’s appointment. When you talk to Jackie, tell her I stopped by.”

He nods, “Sure.” He closes the door.

It is true, beauty is only skin-deep.

Two Hours Later

Alex hears the car, father and son returning from their adventure. Robby is dead asleep in his fathers arms. She follows him up the stairs. Together they change their son clothes and diaper.

They walk softly out of the room, closing the door behind them.

“I did it,” Alex says excitedly.

“What? What was it that you did?” Bobby asks as he leads the way down the stairs.

“I found Jackie and I went to her place, but she was gone…”

“She and Charlie are divorced?”

“No, he said that she left the other night and took Rachel with her. He was adamant that he would not let Jackie take his daughter away from him. He was a little creepy, still nice looking,” she shivers. “But creepy. Also, I must admit that I was shocked but she has no money of her own.”

“So, what’s your next move, shelters? You might as well look for an ant in the backyard. No one gives their real name; you’ll have to visit each one….and in this city.”

“Damn, I don’t know usually there is a credit card trail to find someone; I don’t even have the luxury of that.” She lies down on the couch, putting her feet up on his lap. She suddenly sits up, it startles him.

“What? What’s the matter?”

“What if he did something to them?” She swings her legs off the couch, “No, I can’t think like that, she left on her own and is….the two of them out there, alone.”

The Streets of New York

They spent the night at a run down motel, if Jackie slept two hours last night it was a lot. Rachel is still asleep when the morning sun glistens through the room, she shutters. The room looked better in the dark. She opens her bag, pulling out her wallet. After the food they bought yesterday and the room, she has 120 dollars left of the 200 hundred that she was to use for groceries this week.

Mother and daughter check out at ten-thirty in the morning, she needs to find someplace to sell her jewelry before the day is over. She thinks about retuning home, for a brief moment, when she looks at her daughters’ sad face. “Mom,” Rachel tugs on her mothers arm. “I’m hungry and I’m tired of walking.”

“Me too,” Jackie points to her left, “There’s a deli let’s get a sandwich.”

Leaving the deli, Jackie notices a park across the street. “Come on Rachel, we can sit on the bench in the park.”

“Mom, where are we going to go?”

“I don’t know,” she un-wraps her sandwich. “We’ll be alright.”

Linking her mother’s arm, “I know.”

They sit quietly enjoying their lunch when a familiar song is heard from a passing car radio, “Oh my God,” Jackie smiles.

“What?”

“Hear that song?”

“Yeah, sounds old.”

“Very funny,” poking her daughter in the ribs. Rachel giggles. “When I was in High School a very close girlfriend of mine would play this song repeatedly.” She can feel her daughter staring at her, “Yes Rachel I had friends and a life,” bowing her head, “before I married your father.”

“What was her name?”

“Alex, Alex Eames, she’s your Godmother.”

“How come you never see her?”

“Because your father didn’t like….he wouldn’t let me.” She exhales loudly.

“It’s ok Mom I understand.”

Wrapping her arm around her daughter she squeezes her lightly, “You do? Don’t you?”

Rachel removes her cell phone from her pocket, handing it to her mother. Jackie smiles as she takes the phone from her daughter. She flips it open then stops. “What am I doing I don’t know her phone number.”

“Call information.”

She hits the 4, and then stops. “I can’t use this phone; your father may find a way to track the numbers that have been called.” She suddenly stands, “Look over there,” she points. “I’ll bet it’s the only phone booth left in the city.”

Opening the phone book to the E’s….Eames, “There are none listed,” she says as she closes the book.

“That’s weird,” Rachel says.

Jackie nods and then suddenly remembers, “No it’s not, her father was a cop and so is she.”

“What does that mean?”

“Alex told me that police officers have unlisted phone numbers and addresses.”

“Why?”

“So the bad guys can’t find out where they live.”

Rachel nods, “That makes sense.”

They have a much-needed laugh, Jackie takes Rachel’s hand, “Come on, let’s grab a cab. I can’t find their phone number but if her parents haven’t moved I remember where they live.”

Forty minutes later and twenty-five dollars gone they walk up the sidewalk to house that Alex and her family lived those many years ago. Jackie looks around the neighborhood, the trees are bigger but all in all it looks the same. “I spent a lot of time in this neighborhood and this house.”

Rachel smiles at the happy expression on her mother’s usually sad face. She pushes on the doorbell. “Cross your fingers, Rachel.” Jackie says as the door opens slowly and a short gray haired woman answers the door. “Missus Eames,” Jackie says excitedly.”

“Yes, I’m Sara Eames,” she glances at the girl then the woman. She opens the door wider, “Jackie.”

Jackie smiles, “How? You recognize me?”

Sara shakes her head, “No you’re daughter. She looks as you did when you were a girl, please come in.”

“Thank you, this is Rachel. Rachel this is Missus Eames.”

“Hello Missus Eames, it’s nice to meet you.”

“It’s very nice to meet you again.”

“Again,” Rachel says with a puzzled look on her face.

“Yes, the first time I met you, you were a day old.”

“A day?” Rachel asks with wide eyes.

“Yes I went with my daughter to the hospital to see you and your mother.”

Sara leads the way through the house, “May I offer you a cup of tea?”

“Only if it’s ready,” Jackie says as she looks around her old home away from home.

“Please sit,” Sara extends her arm. “I’ll be right back.”

Jackie and Rachel sit, but not for long, on the mantle are photos. She immediately recognizes her old friend, smiling with a young boy on her lap. Sara returns with a tray, “Let me help you with that,” Jackie reaches for the tray.

“Thank you Jackie, I see you’ve discovered the photos.”

“Yes, either this picture,” she removes the photo from the mantle, “Is old or Alex hasn’t changed much.”

“She hasn’t, that was taken last month. That’s my grandson, Robert.”

“Love the dark curly hair, does his father….” She spots the wedding photo of her friend; she smiles as she lifts it up, “Yes he does have hair like his father.” She takes the photo with her as she sits, “He has such a sweet face and….” She looks up at Sara, “Alex looks absolutely radiant.” She rubs her eyes, “What’s his name?”

“Bobby,” Sara pours the tea, “Alex had a glow on her face that day and every day since they got married. They have had some problems but if two people were more perfect for each other I haven’t met them, except for John and me.” She laughs, holding out a dish filled with pastries. “I must agree with you, he does have a sweet face but that’s not all,” she smiles. “The rest of him is just as sweet.” The women chuckle, “They were partners.”

“What?”

“Police, you know partners.”

“Are they still on the force?”

“Yes,” Sara nods. “Alex took a year off to stay home with Robby, she went back this spring.”

They turn their heads toward the door when they hear the doorbell, the door then opens, “Mom.”

TBC

“Mom, I know that you said we didn’t have to but with Dad away on a fishing trip for the weekend we’ve come by to take you out for dinner….” She takes a breath then looks up. “Oh my God,” she grabs Bobby’s hand, squeezing it tightly. “Am I? It…it can’t be.”

“Alex what’s the matter?” he asks with concern in his voice.

“It’s….” she points. “She’s…Jackie.”

“Freaky,” Bobby says. Alex stays quiet and motionless. Bobby breaks the silence, “Hi Jackie.” He says as he extends his hand, “I’m Bobby, Bobby Goren you’ll have to excuse Alex for a minute, but for the last day or two, she’s been trying to find you.”

Jackie smiles and nods her head, “Yes it is freaky, it’s nice to meet you.” Placing her hand on her daughters shoulder, “This is Rachel.”

Bobby takes a short step taking Rachel’s hand, she watches as her hand disappears but the touch is tender, “Hi Rachel.”

She gazes up at the tall man and smiles, “Hi, it’s nice to meet you.”

Bobby straightens up; taking Alex’s hand in his, he pulls her gently toward him. The old friends start to laugh, hug and then cry. Robby a little scared and confused begins to whimper, Alex turns to her son, picking him up. “Robby this is Jackie and Rachel.” The curly dark haired boy with the big brown eyes smiles then buries his face in his mother’s shoulder. “Lately he’s been acting shy with new people.”

“Here,” Bobby extends his arms. “Let me take him.”

Sara lightly pats Bobby’s arm, “Come on,” she gestures to Rachel and Bobby. “Let’s go in the kitchen and get some drinks.”

“I went by your place the other day; Charlie was a little…..”

Jackie sits down on the couch, Alex follows, “Rude.”

“No not rude, demanding.”

“So what else is new, he’s a….” she can feel her friends stare, Jackie slowly lifts her head, “You….you know don’t you?”

“Yes, I never realized it until Bobby and I were looking through an old photo album of mine. I’m sorry Jackie.”

“You don’t need to apologize for anything,” she sits up tapping her friends’ leg. “Tell me about you and them,” she points toward the kitchen smiling.

“Let’s just say that he is one of kind,” she laughs.

Jackie shakes her head, “Huh?”

“He’s very bright but can be very dense. Especially when it comes to, how shall I say this? He tends to keep things to himself; you know I’ll take care of it kind of thing. It’s not because he thinks he is better than anyone else it’s just the way he grew up, taking care of himself since he was about 11. Other than that, he’s marvelous. Gees listen to me, I’m sorry.”

“Hey,” Jackie says sternly, “Don’t you dare apologize to me because you are happy.”

“Wow,” Alex sits back in the couch. “This is very weird.”

“I’ll say, Rachel and I were in a park eating a sandwich and I heard ‘Take Me to Heart’, remember how many times you played that song?”

Alex smiles, “Yes I do, never lip synced had to sing it.”

“The only thing though. I can’t remember who you were singing about?”

“Peter,” she raises her eyebrows. “Remember Peter Magnani?”

“Oh yeah.” She nods her head. “Mister tall dark and handsome.”

“Yes he was but he had a roaming eye, remember he cheated on me and went out with Kristi,” Alex snaps her fingers. “Oh what was her last name?”

“Whore,” Jackie says with a straight face, which turns into a smile and then a laugh, shared by both women.

“Who’s a whore?” Bobby asks as he walks in to the room.

Alex looks up, “Someone that we went to High School with.”

“So,” Bobby says as he claps his hands, “Are we still going out to eat?” he checks his watch.

Alex pats Jackie’s hand, “That's the sign Jackie, he's hungry, come on, let’s go.” Jackie nonchalantly opens her bag, Alex notices, “Never mind that, it’s our treat.”

Jackie shakes her head and objects, “No, I don’t want any handouts.”

“It’s not a handout, we were going out anyway, and it’s just the diner down the street.”

They hear a playful scream as Rachel emerges from the kitchen followed by Robby. “You can’t catch me,” she says laughing. She runs in between her mother and Alex then stopping to let him catch up, within a step and she is off again. He is running and laughing trying his best to catch her.

“Rachel honey that’s enough, he’s a lot smaller than you he might bump into you and fall down.”

Rachel suddenly stops, “Oh Mom, he likes it.” Robby bumps into her and falls back landing on his butt, Rachel watches, scared at first but the little boy starts laughing. “See Mom,” she points. “I told you he likes it.” She bends down taking a hold of his waist, helping him to his feet.

A Few Hours Later

The Goren Home

Alex has Robby in her arms, as Bobby unlocks the front door. He holds the door, allowing Alex, Jackie and Rachel to enter. Alex motions with her head, “Just put your stuff over there for now. I have to take this one to bed.”

“I’ll do that,” Bobby says. Removing his sleeping son from his mother’s arms. “Come on Rachel, there’s a computer in the den, you can check out what’s new on You Tube.” He turns to catch her mother’s eye, “Jackie is that alright?” He asks.

Jackie smiles, then nods, “Yes it is.”

He taps the little girl on the shoulder, “Follow me.”

She glances up at the tall man, “Thanks, you watch You Tube?”

“No, well maybe a few times. I had to check it out and after about an hour or two….”

She laughs, “I know, you can’t turn it off. Some very weird people post things on there.”

Alex picks up one of the bags, “Come on Jackie, let’s get you and Rachel settled.” The two old friends ascend the stairs. Alex points to the rooms upstairs, opening a door, “The bathroom, unfortunately there is only one, but I’m working on that. This is the baby's room and this,” she opens the door. “Will be your room, as you can see there is a bed and I’ll have Bobby get the cot from the basement.”

“I….I really appreciate this, almost ten years have passed since…”

Alex pats her arm, “It’s alright I understand.” She tosses one of the bags on the bed, “After you freshen up, come on downstairs, I’ll have a bottle of wine opened and we can talk.”

“Hey,” Jackie says.

Alex turns to face her, “Hey what.”

“I really missed you,” she says slightly sobbing.

Alex opens her arms and the two old friends embrace. “I missed you too.”

Jackie unpacks a few things and minutes later, she joins her friend in the kitchen, pulling out a chair, “What a cozy kitchen, so warm and inviting.”

“Thank you; while I was on leave I was able to drop my touch around the house.”

“You lived here long?”

“Going on two years for me, Bobby grew up here, it was his Grandparents then they gave it to his parents.”

“So,” Jackie turns the bottle around. “What kind of wine do we have here?”

Alex pours a glass full for her friend, then herself. “Does it really matter?”

“No,” she laughs, “It would to Charlie.”

“Oh, an expert on wine?”

“He was, but he switched to gin.”

“What?”

Jackie spins the glass slowly, “He gets drunk and….when Bobby took the responsibility of taking care of Robby, well I suppose to you that is a normal gesture, not in my house. In just a few hours, your husband has spoken more words to Rachel than Charlie has….he barely spoke to his daughter, never mind showing her any affection. I couldn’t get him to hold her when she was a baby. He has never bonded with his own daughter.”

“I’m sorry Jackie,” Alex pats her hand. “I….”

“Alex,” she takes a sip of wine. “Don’t wrack your brains, trying to think of something to say.”

Alex takes a nervous sip of wine, “It’s not bad, considering I bought it. Bobby can always find an excellent bottle of wine.”

Jackie joins her friend in a sip, “Yes you’re right it’s pretty good.” She takes another sip. “Go ahead Alex ask your question, why? Why did I marry Charles Spangler?”

Silence for a moment, Jackie finishes the wine in the glass. “I’ve been asking myself that question for a long time now.” She pours herself another glass of wine. “My mother was a good woman,” she pauses. “But we never bonded either. I use to envy you and your relationship with your Mom, at times, I was jealous. Sometimes when I would leave there and go home, I tried to get her to talk to me. However, always, always an excuse as to why she couldn’t or didn’t have time. She worked hard I realize that but she wasn’t warm at all. Growing up with her, I craved her affection, she was all business. Is your room clean? Have you finished your homework? After she passed away I’ll admit that I used sex as a means of being close to someone, hey it was the eighties.” She catches the smirk on Alex’s face, “Yes I know,” Jackie continues. “That’s a lame excuse.”

“No judgments from me, hell I had my share.”

“So when I met Charlie, yes he was older than I was by ten years but he doted on me, he took care of me. He showed me the sort of affection that my mother never gave me.” She leans forward, whispering, “We didn’t have sex until our wedding night.”

Alex laughs, “Yeah right.”

“I swear,” she holds up her hand. “He wanted to wait. Hearing a man say that, oh man I was floored and that was the day I fell in love with him.”

“I can understand that, I really can.”

“When I found out I was pregnant it was as if all that I had ever dreamed about came true. I had a family. Charlie’s reaction was so….he wasn’t happy at all. At first I thought, ok he is over forty, never had children before, he’s scared. I tricked myself into believing that. However, I knew in my heart that was not the reason at all, he didn't like children and he did not want to be a father to one. All he wanted was me and him, that’s all no one else.”

They both take a much-needed sip of wine, “Rachel is getting older and she can hear the screaming and the….”

“He physically abused you?”

She sheepishly glances at her friend, “Yes, usually when he wanted my full attention, which was every fracking day of my life.” She rubs her forehead, “So I left,” she raises the glass to her lips. “When he was sleeping it off, I said no more I’m can’t live like this.”

“Jackie you were always a bright girl, you left on a whim. Didn’t you? You didn’t plan this.” Jackie glances at her friend, not able to look her in the eye. Alex sits back crossing her arms, “Ok, now tell me the real reason that you left so abruptly.”

TBC

I LOVE how Bobby interacts with young children. He gets down to their level, since he has a childlike curiosity himself. Thanks for the read, cifan!

I can't read it now, but hopefully tonight I will be home early enough to read it before SVU comes on (assuming my wireless internet cooperates and lets me in!).

cifan - You know I've already checked this out at ff.net. Like spook, I love Bobby's interaction with Rachel. I think the man would be wonderful with children, especially one with a troubled home life.

Don't like Charlie and am curious as to what you have planned for Jackie. More, soon, please?

I will be reading it tonight. I hope I don't confuse myself with 2 Charlies

Your very welcome. Glad my co-author gave me permission. I love the interaction with the young children too.



Thanks. Looking forward to what you think.



We are working on it. Thanks Judy.



Thanks Enaka. Looking forward to your review. I really hope you don't confuse the 2 Charlie's. That would be bad.

Your stories are as good as the other shippers on FFNet! Interesting plot! Please continue!

Very nice, Cifan--for a shipper.
No, seriously, you have me hooked. I can't wait for more.

Thanks. This is my first. Bare with me, of course I am not writing it. I am just suggesting ideas here and there.



Thanks, that means a lot coming from a NoRomo. Now I have 3 NoRomo's reading. Yippee. The other 2 know who they are.

Hi there LOCI fans
This is MaryT the other half of the writing team. Just want to say thanks for reading and hopefully we can keep you interested till the end.

Welcome Mary! I am definately enjoying this and can't wait for more. And I'm an no-shipper! But this story has me hooked.

The Spangler Home

He redials the phone number for the tenth time, no answer. “Son of a bitch,” the phone meets the wall. He takes a swig of his drink, the ice cubes in the glass have melted diluting the alcohol, “God damn you, you bitch.” He dumps the water on the rug and refills his glass.

As he tilts the glass back for a sip he sees her face in a photo that was taken last year, she never smiles. He crosses the room, picking up the photo, raising it to the ceiling, “You are mine, you will always be mine!”

The phone rings, he turns quickly dropping the photo on the floor, he picks up the receiver, “Jackie,” he says gasping.

“No it’s your mother.”

He stands erect, “Yes mother.”

“Yes mother indeed, are you drunk?”

“No, no Mother.”

“Then what is going on? Where is your wife?”

He holds the phone down, clutching it tightly, he exhales before speaking, “We had a disagreement and she left.”

“Good riddance to her, I told you she wasn’t good enough for you.” Silence, “Charles!”

“Yes Mother, was there a reason for your phone call?”

“Yes Charles, I am leaving for Europe in the morning, or have you forgotten? And I’ve been waiting here for over an hour for you to take me out for my bon voyage dinner.”

“I’ll be there in an hour.”

“Never mind, never mind. You are useless to me tonight. Go and find that wife of yours.” He hears the phone click.

“Find her, I’ll find her.” He powers up the computer, clicking onto the internet and then email. He clicks new message to send an email to Rachel’s account and Jackie’s. Your phone is not on; maybe you will check your emails.

He finishes the gin in the glass and begins to type.

Jackie,

You have made your point. I want you home now. You will just be lost out there. You have no family or friends, no one to turn to and nowhere to go.

Who would want you?

No one but me.

He continues typing.

The Goren Home

“I must say that I have never seen that look on your face before Alex, you look like a cop.”

“I am and not just when I’m on duty, always.” She leans forward, smirking, “I know when someone is not telling me everything.” She suddenly starts to laugh.

Surprised at her friends’ reaction, Jackie frowns, “What?”

“I could get Bobby in here. I’m a pretty good interrogator,” she sits back in the chair as a look of admiration crosses her face. “He’s the best.” Alex opens her arms, Jackie embraces her, then they laugh, “Please Jackie, tell me”

“Mom!” they hear a shrill from Rachel.

Jackie is up and down the hall within moments, Alex close behind.

“What’s the matter honey?”

Alex turns as Bobby approaches, “What’s going on?” He asks.

She shrugs her shoulders, whispering, “I don’t know.”

“It’s an email from Dad.”

“Let me sit there?” Jackie says, slowly pulling the chair back. She takes a long cleansing breath as she sits down. Her hand starts to shake as she grabs for the mouse. Gently she feels a hand on her shoulder. She looks up. “I’ll do it.” Bobby says softly but firmly.

Jackie not accustom to someone coming to her rescue hesitates for a moment, and then nods her head. “Thank you.”

Alex places her arm around Rachel’s shoulder, squeezing her gently. “You want to get out of here?” Rachel nods, “Come on, let’s get a snack.”

Bobby sits as Jackie looks over his shoulder. He clicks the message open. Jackie reads it aloud.

“Jackie,”

“You have made your point. I want you home now. You will just be lost out there. You have no family or friends, no one to turn to and no where to go.”

“Who would want you?”

“No one, but me.”

“You are just being foolish, how will you earn a living? You have no skills, you with a High School education.”

“Remember the pre-nup you signed. You left me, you will not receive a dime in alimony and you will need money to take care of her, I have the money and they will have no choice but to give me full custody. I also have the help of my mother and her connections.”

“So stop acting like a child and come home, where you belong.”

“I will not wait long Jackie, I will hire someone to find you and bring you home, you know I will.”

“He’s using the feelings you have for your daughter against you,” Bobby rubs his chin. “He certainly sounds very sure of himself.”

“I can picture him sitting at the computer,” Jackie says solemnly. “He’s drunk.” She rubs her eyes. “He thinks that if he threatens me I’ll go back. But I can’t, I can’t go back there.”

Bobby stands, removing a few tissues from the box, “Jackie, you need to talk to someone, a lawyer.”

“I can’t afford a lawyer Bobby,” he hands her a tissue. “Thanks,” she wipes her eyes.

“I’ll call a friend of mine; all he handles are cases like these.”

“Charles and his family are wealthy and they have many, many influential friends.”

“Jackie, I know we just met but I have to say this. You cannot do this alone. Just from reading this,” he points toward the computer screen. “Charlie seems to me, to be the sort of man who will fight dirty.”

Jackie looks past Bobby and clicks off the monitor. “Yes, he is that sort of man.”

“Alex and I will do all that we can to help you and Rachel, just ask.”

“Thank you very much.” She bows her head; he touches her chin gently, “You want to say something but you’re afraid, aren’t you?”

She shakes her head, “No, nothing.” Raising her head slowly, she gazes into those soft brown eyes, frowning. “You’re a very perceptive man, you and your wife. Next time I run away I’m not coming here, gees.” She chuckles, “Two cops in one house.”

Bobby chuckles softly as Alex returns, “Rachel is in your room changing into her pajamas.”

Jackie turns to her friend smiling. “I should go up.”

“Jackie,” Bobby says her name sternly, as she turns toward the door.

“What’s going on?” Alex inquires.

Bobby crosses his arms. “Jackie was just about to tell me something, something no one else knows.” He leans down to catch her eye. “Is that right?”

She looks from Bobby to Alex fully aware that one-way or another they will find out her secret. She takes a tight hold of Alex’s hand.

Alex pats her hand in return, “Tell us, Jackie please tell us. We want to help.”

“I….I have cancer, pancreatic cancer, it’s in the late stages. I found out the day before I left. I am to begin treatments next week and the thought of leaving Rachel in the same house as that man; I had no choice, I had to leave.” Her eyes fill with tears, “I have never said the words to anyone.”

Alex pulls her closer, they embrace. “When the doctor told me all I could think about was my daughter, all alone in a house with her,” she scoffs, “Father.” Jackie steps back touching her forehead, “Oh I feel….” She says with a shaky voice, Bobby takes a firm but gentle hold of her arm, helping her to sit. Keeping her head down she says, “You were right Alex I never planned this, I just left.” She lifts her head then straightens up in the seat. “I am so glad that I….thank you, the both of you. Just being here I know that things will turn out for the best.”

“Why wouldn’t you tell him?” Bobby asks.

“Tell him that I am flawed, no I have to be perfect. One day I was sick with a cold and he cursed me for looking that way.”

“Mom,” Jackie stands as she hears her name. She pats Bobby’s arm as she passes. “Thank you for being there, both of you. I’m coming Rachel,” she calls out to her daughter.

“Jackie,” Alex calls to her, “I’m sorry, I’m so sorry.” Jackie takes a step forward and the two old friends hug, tighter than ever.

“Mom,” Rachel calls to her again.

The tears start to flow, “I’m coming,” Jackie says. They release their embrace, wiping away each other tears.

The Next Afternoon

Jackie and Alex stop off at a local café for lunch, after a morning of shopping.

“Good afternoon, my name is Sophia,” the tall blonde says. “May I get you a cocktail?”

They pass on alcohol and order ice tea. Minutes later Sophia returns with the tea, “Are you ready to order?”

“Yes we are,” Alex says. “I’ll have a grilled chicken sandwich.” She places the menu on the table.

Sophia turns her attention to Jackie, “And for you?”

“Roasted turkey,” Jackie hands her menu to Sophia.

“Nice little place, you come here often?”

Alex picks up her glass of tea, “From time to time.”

“Peter,” Jackie says as she stirs the ice cubes in the glass with a spoon. “This Peter Jordon, do you know him?”

“Yes I do, Peter is a good person. You can trust him to do right by you and Rachel. He will bend over backwards to get you….what you deserve.” Jackie keeps her head down. “Jackie,” Alex says her name firmly, “Talk to me.”

“Last night after every one was asleep I went downstairs and I must have read that email twenty times.” Alex remains silent placing her chin on her hand, “Bobby didn’t tell you what the email said?” Jackie asks sounding surprised.

“No, not that I didn’t ask.”

Jackie hesitates for a moment then repeats verbatim the words of her husband’s email.

“Jackie,” Alex hesitates. “I have to ask this. About the pre-nup, how are you going to afford the medical treatments? Because if you can’t I’m sure Peter will….”

Jackie holds her hand up, “I found a copy of it the night before I left and he has to pay for my medical bills for up to five years or until I can get medical insurance on my own.” She takes a small bite of her sandwich. “I think that gave me the courage to leave. Maybe when he finds out about the cancer he will leave me alone….but Rachel, if I know Charles Spangler and I do, he does not make idle threats, he means exactly what he says. Reading that email last night I can see him, he’s becoming deranged in his own little mind,” Alex pats her hand, “I’m scared Alex and yet I’m happy, happy that I have found you.”

The Goren Home

“So Rachel what flavor ice cream do you want?” Bobby asks as he rubs his hands together.

“Can I have strawberry and vanilla?” she asks shyly.

“Of course,” he sets the gallon containers on the table, handing her the ice cream scooper. She stands as she scoops out the ice cream into a bowl, “Now for the toppings, caramel, hot fudge or marshmallow?”

She hesitates, “Ah,” she bites her lip, “Hot fudge.”

“Good choice,” he places the jar into the microwave. Seconds later, it beeps. “You want to pour it?”

She nods, “Yes Bobby, can I.”

“Of course, here,” he hands her a pair of oven mitts. “You have to use the oven mitts. The jar is hot.” She slowly pours the fudge onto her two scoops of ice cream.

Bobby asks, “You want nuts?”

“Yes,” she says excitedly. “Walnuts and whipped cream.” He opens the jar of nuts, sprinkling them over the ice cream.

“Now,” he rubs his hands together, “Time for the whipped cream.”

She laughs as she watches the mountain of whipped cream grow on top of her ice cream. “Don’t forget the cherry.” Rachel says giggling.

He tops it off with a cherry, “Alright, little guy, which one.” Robby points to the chocolate. “You always pick chocolate; I don’t know why I even ask.”

The front door opens, “We’re back,” Alex says as she closes the door behind her.

“We’re in the kitchen,” Bobby responds.

Alex raises her eyebrows at the sight, “What happened in here, an ice cream explosion, my God Bobby how many gallons did you buy?” She glances around the kitchen, along the counter are, she counts, “Five.”

“We couldn’t make up our minds so we….” She smiles then kisses his cheek. “You two want some; I have all the fixing for sundaes.”

Jackie enters the room, “I can see that,” she sees a look in her daughters’ eye, a sparkle that she has never seen before. She pats Rachel’s back. “That looks good.”

Rachel nods her head, “It is Mom and its fun to make them yourself.”

Alex picks up the gallon of butter pecan, “What did you have for lunch?”

“Lunch?” Bobby smirks then bows his head, “Oops.”

“Bobby!” she exclaims. “How could you forget to fix lunch?”

He tilts his head and smiles, “I….I don’t know. We saw a commercial for Breyer’s ice cream and before I knew it we were in the store loading up the cart.”

“I’ll have vanilla ice cream, caramel and walnuts,” Alex says. “But first I have to put these things away. Be back in a minute.” She snaps her fingers, “Don’t forget the whipped cream.” An impish smile crosses his face that only Alex can see, “In your dreams Bobby.”

Jackie follows Alex through the living room toward the stairs. “He’s adorable,” Jackie says as she and Alex ascend the stairs.

“Yes that he is, sometimes he acts just like a big kid. I don’t mean that negatively. You should have seen this place Christmas time, decorations inside and out. He made Robby’s first Christmas a memorable one. He had so much fun….” She chuckles. “And so did I.”

“Something as simple as sitting in the kitchen making ice cream sundaes is so sweet. If Rachel and I did that and Charlie came home, you know what he would have said?” Jackie does not wait for an answer from her friend. “What the hell are you doing making them here, just go to Dairy Queen for Christ sake.” They reach the top of the stairs walking slowly down the hall, “His childhood sucked, didn’t it?”

Alex turns slowly to face her friend, “Now whose perceptive? Yes, for the most part it did. There are, I’m sure, some things that I don’t know and probably will never know.”

Later that Day

After doing a load of laundry Jackie is folding her clothes, she hears a knock at the door. She turns as she says, “Come in.” The door opens wide. “There is someone on the phone that wishes to speak to you,” Bobby says as he holds the phone to his chest. Realizing his choice of words from the reaction of fear on her face, he holds his hands up, “No Jackie I’m sorry. It’s a friend of mine….Peter Jordon; he’s an attorney I have told him a little about your situation.”

“Thank you Bobby, I was trying to get up the nerve to ask you to call him,” she smiles as she reaches for the phone

“Hello, this is Jackie Spangler.”

“Good afternoon Missus Spangler, Bobby has filled me in a little of your situation. I would be more than able and willing to help. Can you meet me here in my office tomorrow?”

“Yes I can, when?”

“Two o’clock.”

“Mister Jordon,” he cuts her off.

“Peter, please call me Peter.”

“Peter, Alex had mentioned to me about going to get some of my belongings, is that alright to do?”

“Yes but needless to say do not go alone, bring the police with you and since at this moment you are living with two of them.” She covers her mouth as she laughs. “I will have the proper papers drawn up which I will have signed by a judge to allow you access to your home.”

“Thank you Peter, I’ll see you tomorrow.”

The Office of Peter Jordan

“Jackie, I want to be perfectly honest with you, a great deal of what Charlie said in that email, is true. We both know it.” He sits down next to her, “Now it isn’t carved in stone, that the parent with the larger income retains custody of a minor child. However,” he wags his finger. “You will need to find a permanent residence and a full time job. I will file a motion that Charles must pay for support of your daughter. But first I have drawn up papers which will allow you access to your home to retrieve your belongings and Rachel’s as well.”

“Peter, I would have thought that Bobby told you everything.”

“Only that your husband was abusive and you were in need of legal help.”

“First,” she stands. “I have cancer,” she takes a quick glance at the red-haired, blue eyed attorney expecting a surprised look. His face is expressionless. “I am scheduled to start treatment next week, on an outpatient bases. The reason I left is that as long as I am alive Charles and his mother will never raise my daughter. Why they want Rachel? Because to them, especially Hannah, Charlie’s mother, she is….is a trophy, something that Hannah can display in front of her friends, just to be able to say that she has a granddaughter. Those two people have never, ever hugged her; spend any quality time with her. No wait….” She wags her finger. “Once in public, Hannah had a photo taken and the photographer asked her to put her arm around Rachel. They will probably throw that in my face to dispute what I have been saying.”

“Jackie, you must remember something. Rachel is a child yes but she is not a baby she has a memory and she has an opinion and she will be able to confirm all that you say.”

“She’s a very bright little girl, a very sweet little girl who shouldn’t have to go through this.”

He nods his head as he stands, “First things first, let’s get your belongings out of that house.”

A Few Days Later

Moments after Bobby pushes the bell the door opens, Charlie sees no one on the steps but Jackie, “It’s about time,” he grabs her arm. “Get the f**k in here.”

A hand grabs his arm, he looks up, he has to look up. “Charles Spangler, I’m Detective Goren this is Detective Eames we have come here with your wife for the sole purpose of retrieving some of her and your daughters belongings.” Bobby hands Charlie the legal document, signed by a judge to allow them access.

Charles reads it, then folds the paper in two, he reluctantly opens the door wider and steps off to the side to allow them entrance. “She is only allowed to take her belongings and Rachel’s,” he says as Jackie, followed by Bobby pass him. He takes a closer look at the female detective, Alex notices his intense stare.

TBC

Fantastic chapter, Cifan70! I fell in love all over again with BA! Update some more, please!

Good chapter. Can't wait for more. I'm hoping Jackie will be OK.

Me, too. I'm liking this story and I'm a strict NoRomo, even! Hope to see more up soon.....

Thanks. Appreciate it a lot, especially coming from you.



Howdy partner. Nice to see you here.



Love the picture, Enaka. More coming.



Thanks. Glad you are enjoying it.



Thanks. We aim to please everybody. Hope we can keep you reading until the very end.

Jackie leads the way up the flight of stairs to the master bedroom. As Alex scans her surroundings, she has to admire the décor of the rooms. She has been in many expensive homes but this one has a warm touch to it, Jackie.

As they reach the top of the stairs Bobby's unusual ring tone sounds. "Bobby, when are you going to change that ring tone?" Alex asks.

"When I figure out how to do it," he removes his cell phone from his breast pocket. "You had to get us a new cell phone plan that included these phones," he hits the talk button, "Goren," holding his finger in the air. "Yes, yes Sir."

Alex taps his arm, whispering, "Ross, is it Ross?"

"No," he sighs, "Of course it's Ross who else would I say Sir too."

"My aren't we in a mood?"

"Sorry," he leans in and kisses her cheek careful that no one is watching. "Sorry, it's this place I think. I'm gonna go down stairs and talk to him. Yes Captain, I'm still here." He says as he descends the stairs leaving Jackie and Alex to venture further down the hall. Jackie takes a quick look around, no Charlie.

"Jackie, I must say that this house is gorgeous."

Jackie nods as she takes a quick glance at the surroundings, "Thank you, I decorated it myself." She says proudly.

"Why am I not surprised." The old friends share a chuckle.

The size of the master bedroom is double the size of her room. Alex remains in the doorway shortly, with her hands on her hips soaking up the scenery. They begin quietly removing items of clothing from the closet. They continue their task when they hear the door close. "Bobby, so what did Ross want?" No answer is heard. Alex turns to the doorway, "So," she looks up.

Charlie is directly beside Jackie when Alex calls to him, "Charlie, you do not need to be here and I suggest that you leave."

Charlie ignores her, "Jackie please talk to me, please forgive me. Don't do this."

Alex dumps the pile of clothes she has in her hands on the bed. "Charlie I made a suggestion to you to leave, I will not ask again."

Charlie turns suddenly pointing his finger at her, "This," he spreads his arms. "All this, you're behind this aren't you, you bitch."

"I've asked you more than once to leave," Alex responds.

"Leave," he scoffs. "You can't tell me what to do. This is my house. I suggest you leave; ah,….what was your name? Jackie is staying here with me."

"It's Detective Eames, Chuck," Alex says sarcastically.

Charlie returns a sneer; Jackie rubs her forehead, "Charlie, no more. No more apologies no more second chances, I'm leaving you."

He walks toward the open closet. "You want to leave, you're unhappy." Grabbing a hand full of clothes, he turns to the women. He is unaware that Alex has her hand on her piece. Tossing the clothes to the floor, "I noticed that you always enjoyed your closet full of clothes and driving around in the Mercedes," he resumes his original position of standing next to his wife.

"Charlie please," she says beseeching.

"Oh, and let's not forget the jewelry I bought you."

"The jewelry you bought me? No, you bought that jewelry to show me off to your friends, you sick bastard."

He pulls his arm back to strike her and a hand grabs his wrist, "I wouldn't do that if I were you," a male voice says.

Not use to being told what to do and forgetting for a moment exactly who this man is, he says, "Look buddy this is my house and I can…" Bobby pulls him closer, "You can what, huh?"

Charlie tries to pull his arm out of Bobby's hold but he cannot, Bobby pulls him closer then tosses him back. Charlie stumbles to the floor, "Alright," he slowly gets up, "Go on Jackie, go. I'll see you in court."

"In court...for what Charlie? I don't want anything from you; all I want is for you to leave us alone."

"I won't have a problem ridding myself of you but not my daughter."

Jackie's eyes widen, "No Charlie, you can't take Rachel away from me."

"I can and I will, remember you have nothing Jackie. I'm the only one who can give her the things that she needs."

"Money, is that all you think kids need?"

Charlie turns to the tall detective. "What?"

"I said," Bobby stares him straight in the eyes. "Money, is that all you think kids need?"

"What would you know about my daughter?"

"A hell of a lot more then you do, but you don't care. You've never cared about her, have you? Hmm," Bobby places his hands behind his back and begins to pace around the room forcing Charlie to follow him with his eyes. "Fill her life with material things, to prove to the world that you can give her everything she needs but you can't give her the one thing that she wants," Bobby wags his finger in Charlie's face. "The one thing that she wants from you," Charlie remains silent; Alex and Jackie have since linked arms. Bobby scoffs, "You have no clue as to what that is, do you?"

"I….I don't have to listen to this." Charlie steps back. His eyes widen, "It's him, isn't it. I get it," he lightly pokes his temple. "Sometimes I am a little slow but I get it, he's the guy." He points in Bobby's direction. "He's the one you've been f**king, isn't it? You know what big man you can have her...but just you wait, all of you. Wait till you see how miserable I make your lives."

Jackie exhales loudly as she turns her back on him.

Bobby tilts his head in Alex's direction and has to smile, Alex returns the smile, "Detective Eames I believe I just heard a threat from Mister Spangler."

"Yes you did," Alex says as she removes a set of cuffs from her belt, "Put your hands behind your back," Alex takes a few steps forward. "Charles Spangler you are under arrest for threatening the life of a, make that two police officers."

Charlie backs up against the wall, "Get away from me! Get away from me bitch!"

A few short strides and Bobby has a tight hold of Charlie's left arm, "Turn around and face the wall," Alex commands. Charlie does not comply quickly enough, Bobby must show him how. Alex hands him the cuffs, as Bobby slaps the cuffs on he leans down whispering in Charlie's' ear. "The next time Detective Eames tells you to do something, little man, I suggest you do it." He spins Charlie around quickly, "Jackie, Alex you finish up here I'll escort Mister Spangler to the car.

Bobby begins to recite his rights as they descend the stairs. Out through the front door and onto the sidewalk. Bobby opens the rear passenger door; as Charlie bends down to enter the vehicle Bobby abruptly pulls him up. "You're shaking, are you scared?"

Charlie stiffens up, "F**k you."

"You know I'm not sure but there may be a citation I can give you for cursing at an officer."

"Go ahead if it makes you feel important, you civil servant piece of s*it."

"Civil servant piece of s*it," Bobby repeats as he rubs his chin. "You know I've been called a great number of things in my life but that's a new one." Charlie bends down to enter the vehicle; Bobby once again pulls him back. "I just realized something Charlie, you seem awfully cocky all of a sudden, are you trying to provoke me into something?" Bobby stares him down, "Get in the car."

Back upstairs the women continue with their task, Jackie picks up her jewelry box, "I….no one has ever….Charlie is not use to being treated that way, I must admit that I enjoyed that." She places the box in a carton, "Will he go to jail?"

Alex folds up a pair of jeans, "Only for a few hours and then he will be arraigned."

"Pardon my ignorance, but is it a serious offense?"

"Yes and no, I mean he wasn't pointing a gun at us, it was just talk, big talk from a little man," she nods her head, "Good one Bobby."

"Alex I need to ask you a question, I know Bobby is a great guy and all but he didn't even seem to blink when Charlie called you the B word. I would have thought that he would want to smack the crap out of him."

"He couldn't, he couldn't let Charlie know that there was more to our relationship than just two police officers doing their job. You see someone cussing at your partner is not as bad as cussing at your wife, besides he knows I can take care of myself especially against a coward like Charlie. Now inside, well that's a different story. I'm sure he did something to him at the car, not physical. He's not a physical kind of guy, he doesn't have to be. Anyway, not too many people have tried to mess with him. Don't get me wrong he could beat the crap out of you if he wanted to….but he doesn't do things that way. Words, he's all about words."

One Police Plaza

"I allow you two to go on a routine assignment to help an old friend and you come back with a perp."

"He's an abusive, low-life piece of slime," Alex says as she sits down in the chair closest to the Captain's desk. "He said and I quote, just you wait, all of you wait till you see how miserable I make your lives."

Ross shakes his head, "Not exactly…."

Bobby interjects, "He needed to be taken down a peg of two."

"I agree, let's keep him here for as long as we can. But make sure he gets to contact his attorney."

Major Case Holding Cell

"Charlie you will have to remain here overnight, your arraignment is scheduled….."

"Are you kidding me, get me out of here George!"

"Scream all you want," Attorney George Olsen says. "You don't get it do you? You made a threat to not one...but two police officers."

"Is Jackie here?"

"What? Why would Jackie be here?"

"She's being manipulated by those two."

"No she's not," he says under his breath. George bangs on the cell door, "Charlie sit down and listen to me. You are in serious trouble and …."

"Call my mother; she'll get me out of here."

"Even I could get in touch with her, she's in Europe remember? This is not one of those so-called 'High School' pranks that you pull."

"I have to find a way to get her back," he stands erect, "And I will."

George just shakes his head, "He never listens to anyone." He sighs loudly, "I'll see you tomorrow morning at the arraignment Charlie."

After a conversation with the ADA and no objection from Bobby and Alex the case has been moved to Night Court, where Charlie will plead guilty and George will plead for leniency.

"Your honor," George begins. "Mister Spangler was in an emotional state when he made this idle threat to Detectives Goren and Eames. There were no weapons and the Detectives," he holds up the police report. Bobby and Alex cannot miss the opportunity to witness the preceding and they do not hide that fact from Charlie, when he turns nonchalantly to view the gallery, looking for Jackie he spots them. Alex wants to wave but controls herself, she does smile though. He sneers and turns abruptly which causes the chair to slide loudly across the floor. For a brief moment, the participants in the courtroom turn their attention to the sound. George frowns, and then continues to speak, "In their own words your Honor they were not in a life and death struggle against Mister Spangler."

"I agree Mister Olsen however," he leans forward. "Mister Spangler," the judge directs his attention to Charlie. George nudges him to face the judge, "When a police officer is trying to do their duty and a civilian interferes and becomes hostile as you did in this case they were well within their right to arrest you," he pauses, "$1,000.00 dollar fine." He slams down the gavel, "Next."

Outside the Courthouse

Charlie with George close to his side exit the building, as always Charlie seems to be in a world of his own. Sixty four year old George Olsen has known Hannah Spangler, Janssen, Gibbs...husband number four's last name escapes his memory, for over thirty years. He glances at Charlie momentarily shaking his head. He's over fifty years old and still acts like a child.

"I wonder where she's staying."

Charlie's voice startles George, "Huh? What?"

TBC

OK, I came here, innocently looking for the next chapter of the story...

And then -

My eyes! My eyes!

It's GREAT artistry, Enaka, just the subject matter freaks me out.

Great chapter, cifan! I esp like this line:

Bobby begins to recite his rights as they descend the stairs.

'Cuz I've never heard Goren or Eames read anyone their rights, they always have the unis around for that. Bobby got to do it this time, since the arrest wasn't planned.

OMG you're right. I forgot about that. I don't think I remember them ever arresting anyone. There are always cops around to do it for them to do the work for them. I remember saying that to myself when I got to the later seasons of episodes.

I always notice when they read them their rights on SVU, and remember that on LOCI they don't usually (ever?) do it on the air. Bobby always has the case figured out and they take unis with them to do that.

And off the top of my head, I can't think of 1 episode where they actually arrested someone. Well I am glad we got them to arrest someone for everyone here.

Goren might have actually had to pull out a miranda card, since he's never said it before.

I agree with you there, of course he might actually remember it. I would hope it is something a police officer never forgets.

You're right, Goren is a bright boy - he'd remember it.

Of course he would.

All this talk about reading perps their rights. Got me to thinking as someone said that uniformed officers usually do that. But have you ever noticed that sometimes they appear out of nowhere.

Bobby and Alex ALWAYS have back-up. They're so smart!

I like this chapter. When are we going to get some more? I like how you have Alex answer Jackie about Charlie calling A a "B*&^H" -- I could see them being very professional like that "IF" (and we all know that's a HUUUUUUUUUGE "IF") they ever got...(dare I type it?) *gulp* married (shudders while typing that word).

I'm really enjoying this story, CIfan. I can't wait for more.

Lol sorry!



Good chapter, cifan70. Please update soon!

Sorry, never thought about it. Spook is always observant about things like that. She keeps me on my toes.



Sorry about making you type that "awful" word. We are trying to keep them professional at work. That is the way it should be, in my opinion. Glad you liked it. You will have to talk to my other half about when more is coming. She does the majority of the story stuff.



Thanks. Glad you enjoyed.



Nice picture. Glad you liked it.

Hello LOCI fans. Especially you NOROMOS out there. I realize it’s hard for you all to think of them as a couple but if you look at the way the story is being written it works better if they are a couple. Now in my own defense I do write stories where they are not in a relationship. It all depends on the story line. So for all you NOROMOS thank you for swallowing hard and reading.

You're welcome...It's very well-written and has drawn me in, cuz I can see Bobby wanting to help a friend of Alex, whether B & A are married or not; that's just his nature.

I followed suit in Haven, cifan70 and had Alex read the Miranda at the end, just because it seemed fitting.

I promise to catch up on my reading this weekend. I just popped in quick to say 'Hi'

Yep you're right. I forgot. I am looking forward to hearing what you have to say.

I haven't read this yet, but I'm bumping it up!

I really like this, cifan. I don't normally read shippy pieces, but this is really well written, and I had to cheer at Bobby arresting Charlie. Though I fear he's going to track Jackie down, which won't be good...

I'm also glad that you've kept them professional at work, and snickered at the line about who else would Bobby call sir? My own fic is becoming almost too serious, so it's heartwarning to read about Bobby making ice cream. Mmm...

Thanks so much for the review. Mary and I appreciate it. As much as this is a shipper piece, I am very surprised at all the NoRomos reading it. I very much appreciate that. I think the story is going to start taking a different road now, if I remember correctly. We hope to get the next chapter posted very soon.

Hi AmandaB
This is Mary58 the other half of the writing team, to echo cifans statement, that a great many NOROMOS are reading this story and I want to thank you and all the rest.
The next chapter should, I hope, be in next week. Thanks again.

“I said,” Charlie exclaims as he raises his eyebrows. “I want to know where Jackie is staying.” Charlie reaches for the car-door handle. “You better find out, George.”

Both men enter the vehicle. “She’s staying with the Gorens.” George says casually.

Charlie frowns as he buckles his seat belt, “The Gorens, who the hell are the…..I was right, son of a bitch I was right. That cop and her are….”

“No, no Charlie, you’ve got it all wrong I said the Gorens, which means Mister and Missus. The cops that arrested you are married and Jackie and Alex are old friends.” George starts up the car. “You said yourself that you remembered her.”

“Oh what a cozy little melodrama we have here.”

“Charlie relax, I spoke with the Gorens. They are very nice people and they were there for Jackie when she….”

“When she what George? She ran away from me, but I’ll get her back, you can bet your a$$, I'll get her back.” George exhales at the threat. Charlie looks out the window. “Any way I can, Jackie.”

He suddenly remembers Alex’s visit the week before. I'll bet she was spying on me, trying to find out if I knew where Jackie was.

Charlie returns home and after a few phone calls to well connected friends of his mother, he obtains the address of Robert and Alexandra Goren. He smiles to himself for his initiative, claiming that he needed their address to send them a gift for taking care of Jackie and Rachel while he was in the hospital. They never question his claim. However he knows that they know he was lying.

The Goren Home

Later That Night

Robby is in bed for the night and Jackie and Rachel have also retired.

“What are you watching?” Alex asks as she snuggles in next to Bobby.

He continues to stare at the TV as he shakes his head, “I have no idea, but I think that guy is trying to kill that guy because the short one,” he points. “Spent all the money they stole from a bank robbery, when that guy was in prison.”

“Thanks,” she says.

“Huh?”

She links her arm in his, “I said thanks.”

“You're welcome….what did I do? So I can remember to do it again.”

She shakes her head as she smiles, “Spoken just like a husband.”

He squeezes her gently, “I’m learning.”

“For respecting me today.”

“What, you think that since we got married that I wouldn‘t respect you Detective Eames?”

“I know,” she says shyly. “At first the thought of you putting his head through the wall went though my mind but I knew you wouldn’t and I’m grateful you didn’t.”

“Believe me the thought went through my mind.”

“Tell me, what did you do to him at the car?”

Bobby picks up the TV remote and lowers the volume, “Commercials, why are they always so loud?” she watches as he seems lost in thought. She takes a quick glance at the screen. “Viva Viagra,” the man sings. Bobby points at the screen, “He seems awfully happy that he has to take Viagra.”

“Actually,” Alex says. “I think he’s happy that they have Viagra.”

They share a laugh, tossing the remote on the table, “I suppose,” he frowns, “What were we talking about?….oh yeah. I tried to provoke him and he tried to provoke me, it was interesting. He’s a very immature man who has probably always gotten whatever he ever asked for.” He puts his feet up on the coffee table, “I wonder what that would have been like to grow up that way.” The movie returns, he makes no effort to retrieve the remote to raise the volume. “People compensate with material things because they have nothing else to give. He’s doing the exact same thing to his daughter.” He pulls her in closer, “She’s such a sweet little girl.”

“She seems to like you.”

“Yeah I guess,” he says shyly.

“Come on don’t be shy about it. She likes you. How many times have you told me about the absent father and the effects it has on a kid.” She jabs him on the side, “See, I’ve been listening.” He kisses the top of her head, “Could you imagine?” Alex poses. “I mean having a father like that.” She pulls her feet up under her legs.

“How could you?” She hears him grunt, “You with the most perfect father on the planet.”

“What?” she says surprisingly.

He sits up and faces her, “Do you ever hear yourself, my ole man did this and my ole man did that.”

“Bobby……”

“He’s screwed up things too.” He stands abruptly taking a few steps toward the stairs.

“Wait a minute,” Alex calls to him. “Don’t you dare leave after that display of childishness.” He stops but keeps his back to her. “I’m not going to apologize to you or anybody that I am proud of my father. I know he’s screwed up, I’ve never said that he was perfect. But he’s a good man and you damn well know that Bobby. I’m not comparing him to anyone….you are.”

“I’m sorry,” he says as he slowly turns to face her.

“Don’t worry about it,” she stands “I understand, I do, but don’t try to compare yourself as a father with any other. You,” she points to him as they meet in the middle of the room. “Spend some very simple and wonderful times with your son and when he grows up he’ll remember that.” They embrace and he leads her back to the couch. “It’s my turn….thanks.” He kisses her on the cheek, “We will forever wonder and worry as parents as to how well or not so well we do things, won’t we?”

“Yes we will.”

They return to the couch and watch the end of the B movie. Bobby retrieves the remote and switches the channel to CNN. He places his arm around her and pulls her closer, whispering in her ear. “So how about a quickie on the couch?” he says as he raises his eyebrows up and down.

She pushes him away gently, “Too many people in the house.”

“I guess the days for spontaneity are history.”

“We could go upstairs, you know.”

“I know,” he whines slightly. I’m just comfortable,” he snuggles in closer. “Don’t want to move.” She smacks his leg, “Hey why are you smacking my leg? You can move your hand up higher.”

“Stop,” she says slightly blushing.

“You get shy at the strangest times. Remember the first time we had sex, you weren’t shy.”

“That was a long time ago.”

“That,” he says. “Was a lifetime ago.” He stands and holds out his hand, she takes it. Wrapping his arm around her they walk across the room toward the stairs.

“Mommy.” Bobby starts to laugh.

“What?” Alex says as they ascend the stairs.

“Right on cue,” Bobby chuckles, “It’s amazing.”

Outside the Goren Home

Charlie sits in his car across the street from the Cape Cod house in a middle class section of Brooklyn. He smirks at the size of the little home. “I could put three of those shacks in my house. She wants to live there, Jesus Christ why?”

Opening the pint bottle of gin, he takes a long swig. “I’ll bet there is a ménage a trois going on.” The more he thinks of any other man touching his Jackie the angrier he gets and the more he drinks. One more swig of gin and the bottle is empty, he opens another one. His imagination soars as his mind creates a scene of the civil servant piece of crap and his Jackie.

He exits the car, slamming the door behind him, “No more!” He screams on the quiet street. “No more!” He jogs across the street, up the walkway. He ignores the doorbell, he pounds on the door, “Jackie!” he bellows.

The three little bedrooms upstairs have their air conditioners on and it takes a moment for Bobby to hear the pounding, his first thought, “Frank.” He quickly pulls down the blanket on the bed and is out of the bedroom and on the stairs when he hears, “Jackie!”

He exhales, “Not again.” The door opens as Charlie is about to pound on the door, his fist meets Bobby’s chest. Bobby steps back. “You have exactly a minute to get your sorry a$$ off my property Charlie.”

“Where’s Jackie? I need to see Jackie.”

“She’s asleep,” he grabs Charlie’s wrist and turns him around, pushing him forward. “Your minute is up.” Charlie remains motionless for a moment then he turns abruptly and Bobby has to shake his head from the fist that meets his nose.

“Jackie!” he calls to her as he sees her and Alex standing behind Bobby. Alex holds her hand up in front of Jackie, “Stay here.”

Charlie makes a move to enter the home and once again a hand grabs his arm as a foot hits the back of his leg and he is on the floor. With a knee on his back he is once again handcuffed. Alex stands, “What should we do with him?” Alex asks as Bobby wipes the blood from his nose.

“Call a cab and send him home,” Jackie says as she turns her back on them, heading toward the stairs.

TBC

Another great chapter, cifan! I esp like the light banter back and forth between Bobby and Alex. Yes, I'm still suspending my disbelief in shipperdom.

I also love the quiet way Bobby deals with Charlie, not taking any crap, but remaining non-violent. That is very much Our Bobby.

Oh really. You were the one I was worried about on this chapter. Well Judy, a little but you more. I guess Judy not so much now that you got thru it.

I agree on the WORDS thing although I would like him to smack him. jmo. Charlie bad guy.

I really like it, especially the talk about Alex's father. It's great to see Bobby defending Jackie, and I hope that something is done with Charlie soon... Keep writing.

Another great chapter. Not so sure I like the idea of Bobby and Alex being married, but it plays well with this story. I'm ready for Bobby to smack the snot out of Charlie and for Jackie to have him arrested.

OK - I finally caught up. Sorry it took me so long.

Your Charlie is a real SOB and I'm not sure I like the direction this is taking. Is Jackie going to be safe? Why am I thinking something horrible is going to happen to her? I love the interaction between Bobby and Rachel - I see Bobby as a very warm, loving father based on his own past experience. He knows what NOT to do.

I'm not comfortable with Bobby and Alex being married (sorry, that's the NoRomo in me) but I'm along for the ride now.

Your Charlie is definitely the sort of guy you want to see Bobby kick the snot out of, but will he? Bobby deals with things rationally most times. But I think if he truly loses his temper, Charlie better watch out.

Can't wait for the next chapter to find out what happens.

I thought I was way behind in reading this, but I had already read everything up to this chapter. I'm still suspending my belief enough to accept Bobby and Alex as a couple, and I'm really loving this story. Can't wait for the next one.
Oh, and a word of advice to Jackie--you should have had him arrested! I'm with Judy, I'm worried something really, really bad is going to happen to Jackie (or even Rachel). So here I am, on the edge of my seat!