IGNORE THE NOISE, LADIES....THAT'S JUST THE SOUNDS OF THIS THREAD BEING CURRENTLY UNDER CONSTRUCTION....::moves away from builders:: Okay, I can talk without yelling now.....whew, what a noisy mess over there....hammers, saws, power tools, you name it! Not to mention the yelling of the workers and the voices of my characters all currently competing for my attention.

I came up with my title today. Do you like it?

Anyway, the request was for a new thread......so here it is......once the first chapter is ready, it will go here.

BUT, it may be a while. I'm currently under the weather with a bad allergy flare-up that has me feeling flu-y and miserable, and all stuffed up. Thankfully, Doc.Bobby is here with his special home-made chicken soup and hot peppermint tea.

Well, the hubby says I have to shut it down and get some sleep.....all are welcome to camp out here and chat whilst waiting for the first chapter. Just please, leave the hunky carpenters and painters and contractors alone, okay? They are hard at work trying to make a comfortable place for y'all to enjoy my next writing endeavor....

Night!

Hey!!!! First you take Doc Bobby to bed with you and then you tell me that I have to leave the construction guys alone!!! What kind of friend are you anyway??
Do me a favor try not to use up all his "medical exper"tease"" (yes I spelled that the way I meant it )there are a few more of us getting sick too. The temp. changes here are killing me, 70 one day 40 the next, sunny then raining with possibilty of sleet and snow. And that's just for the rest of this week!!! I've coughed so much I've literally lost my voice.

Alright everyone. I've got the campfire going, the smores are starting to melt, and I've been inspired tell a rather raunchy Bobby story, who else is going to join the party? Oh, yeah, we also need blankets, flashlights, hotdogs, maybe a tent, and for the love of God FM, if you're going to make us wait at least send Bobby back to us!!! He can gather the wood, protect us from all the things that go bump in the night, teach us how to stay warm using body heat..... maybe no one else needs to join this camping party, I've got it all under control.

BTW I hope you feel better soon!!!! I know the thought of being alone in a tent with a Bobby has made a world of difference in how I feel.

I can't imagine being in a tent with Bobby right now -- that and the campfire smoke would just continue to keep my allergies flared up. Right now, it seems like no amount of Benadryl or chicken soup in the world is helping. Good thing I just happen to have an appointment with my ENT/Allergist tomorrow afternoon! Maybe he can help get all this under control.

Bobby is yours -- he's realized that I need time and to be left alone, so go have fun.

No, you can't mess with the hunky construction dudes or they'll never get their work done! lol

YIIIIPPPPEEEE!!!! Bobby's mine!!!! You keep the construction guys, I have Bobby

Sorry you're not feeling any better, hopefully your ENT will dope you up tomorrow and you'll feel like a new woman. Tylenol allergy/sinus always works better then Benadryl for me, I actually have some, now if I can only figure out how to send it to you through the computer we'll be alright.

I'll let you sleep, I need to go anyway because Bobby's headed back to the tent, I swear the man's like the engerizer bunny *lol* And you'd be amazed with what he can do with a smore
(I had to try and make you laugh)

You did! About the smore -- he is Clever Bobby after all, you know!;)

Tell me about it!!!! Clever and resourceful

I didn't know smores could be so.... you know *blushing*

Maybe I need to stop before I kicked off the forum. *hee hee* I don't know what's wrong with me this weekend, but I seem to have a one track mind.

I didn't get a chance to comment on "separate thread or same thread" issue, but I would have gone with a separate thread. I have all my Annie stories (except the Christmas one) in the same thread here. It seemed like a good idea at the time, but now it seems cumbersome. I'll stay with it here, but I made separate threads for them on the LOCIMB.


Hmm....smores, Bobby with a bow, and hunky construction guys. Sounds like my kind of place!

Okay, what did the Dr. say?? Will you be able to breath soon and write us a first chapter?

And here I thought the new story was starting...

tease...

He gave me an antibiotic and did a sinus endoscopy.......sucked a bunch of junk out with his suction machine to send off to the lab for culturing (to make sure I'm on the right antibiotic). He said he didn't think I needed any steriods, as I'm doing ever so much better today. He also gave me the best news of all -- NO POLYPS!!!!! Last several times I got this sick and couldn't get my nose to open up and my sinuses to drain, I had polyps and fungus gumming up the works. Y'all just don't understand how good that made me feel to hear him say, "no polyps!" He even wrote it and circled it in my chart! Just love my doctor!

Anyway, I'm breathing much better today and the words have started flowing again. Trying to re-capture what I lost from before is hard, but I'm doing the best I can and hopefully it will be good. This one keeps running off into 'fantasyland' in my head, but should be a fun read with drama, intrigue and angst thrown in for good measure. (And maybe a happy ending, too, if B & A keep pestering me for it......who knows?)

ba-da-da-dum...ch

I'm so glad you're feeing better!!!!!

I sent my first chapter off to my betas......about 20 minutes or so ago......maybe a new chapter to post for your New Year's Eve enjoyment, perhaps? One can only hope!

I've got my fingers and my toes crossed!

Please hurry up, Bobby keeps taking my cheesecake!! At this rate we won't have any left to enjoy when the first chapter gets posted. Between us, he's upset because I'm not his leading lady in this one. SHHH..it's suppose to be a secret, he doesn't want to upset the rest of your fans.

Bobby, have you forgotten that there is a magic cheesecake drawer in the magic fridge that will NEVER run out of cheesecake? You just open the door to the fridge and tell the drawer what flavor cheesecake you'd like to have, open the drawer, and there is your cheesecake! Cool, huh?

As soon as I hear back from my betas, I'll be able to post. So far, one of them likes it.......we'll see what the other one thinks.........

You had to go and tell him about the cheesecake drawer, didn't you?? He tossed what was left of the cheesecake at me and disappered into the computer!

Alright I'll just keep checking and irritating you every five minutes until you post something.

Just waiting to hear back from one of my Beta's, then I'll have the first chapter ready to post.

::putters around fluffing throw pillows, putting out snacks, setting out drinks::

Nothing yet????

You're just trying to see how many pages this thread will go up to without a story on it, aren't you??

You sneaky little devil, I'm on to you....

*taps foot impatiently* Soon right????

I don't know when, okay? One of my BETA's has gone AWOL. May have to send out a search party for her.......::wanders off in search of TCIF::

I volunteer to keep Bobby company while you look.

Okay, here it is, the much anticipated first chapter of my new Bobby and Amy story. Thanks to my betas! Once again, tuda.......

Chapter 1

When Amelia Wainwright died in 1985, her husband, Adam Jefferson Wainwright, Sr., founded the Wainwright Galleries at her request as a legacy to her great love of art. Adam ran the gallery for 10 years, before turning over its management to his son and daughter-in-law, AJ and Patty Wainwright.

When Adam died in 1997, at the age of 90, he bequeathed his winery, Wainwright Estates, and half of his great wealth to his only grandchild, Amelia Marie Wainwright, Amy. The rest of his money went partly to AJ and Patty, but mostly into the formation of the Wainwright Trust, a charitable institution known for its support of the arts, education, and humanitarian efforts world-wide. AJ, Patty and Amy ran the trust by themselves for the first three years, then, in a bold move, named two additional board members, including a new director, from outside of the family. They also opened the trust up to receive financial contributions and changed the name to the Wainwright Public Trust. Today, the trust gives millions of dollars each year to deserving organizations.

At the time of her brutal murder at the hands of James Murphy several weeks ago, Laura Edwards Wainwright, wife of Adam Jefferson Wainwright, III, "Trey", was poised to take over as director of operations for the Trust. Her passion for the mission of the trust was contagious, and from the moment she came on board, she re-energized the Trust and broadened its scope. Her death was felt deeply among the employees and board members of the Trust and everyone wondered who would take over in her place.

The most logical choice would be to put the control back into the hands of the family by naming Trey as the new director. But, Trey's heart has never been in the day-to-day operations of the Trust, managing the funds or slogging through all of the applications to determine who would receive monies that year. No, his heart is with the winery. Growing up right along with the winery, learning about grapes before he could walk and fermentation processes before he could talk, wine-making is his life's blood. However, he relished his wife's enthusiasm and pride in her work with the WPT and her death has left him torn. Should he stay with the winery he loves, or pick up her mantle and continue her work with the Trust?

Trey is also in another quandary: he recently met his father, Detective Robert Goren of the NYPD's Major Case Squad. A tall, graceful man with a quiet, almost shy manner and a heart of gold, Detective Goren had Trey picked up and brought in and almost arrested in suspicion of Laura's murder. Now Trey is torn between his growing affection for the father he never knew and his love for the mother who couldn't bring herself to tell him who he was.

Detective Robert Goren, Bobby, finds himself in a similar quandary as well. He still has feelings for Amy and still loves her, although he's not quite sure just how strong those feelings are. He does know that he's not going to let her get away from him this time, even if they just end up as very good life-long friends. They are family now, married or not. He's also enjoying getting to know Trey and relishing the time he gets to spend with his grandson, Hudson. Bobby finds himself torn between his desire to get to know the family he never knew he had, and the demands of the dysfunctional family he wishes he had never known.

And now, we come to Amy. She's not too sure she likes having Bobby around to compete for Trey's time and affection. She, too, still has feelings for Bobby and is not yet sure how strong those feelings are either. Seeing Bobby again has brought back all the feelings of love, guilt, fear and shame she went through twenty-five years ago when she first found out she was pregnant. She's getting used to the fact that, like it or not, she brought all this on herself and now has to live with the chaotic consequences upsetting her normally ordered life. The life which she had purposefully ordered so as NOT to have to feel or deal with those emotions.

Now, why do I go into such detail? For two reasons. Firstly, as an introduction to any reader who has not read the first part of this story, "It Always Comes Back", and secondly, because all this background information will come in handy later on in our story.

After Bobby left Amy Sunday evening, promising to call her on Tuesday to set up a lunch date, our dear, sweet, befuddled Amy floated down the hall and all the way back to her house. She tried to tell herself she was silly to feel like she was 21 again, but realized she couldn't help it and discovered, somewhat to her amazement, that she quite liked feeling this way. She hadn't felt this way in a long time, and the feelings carried her through her nightly routine and eased her into sleep.

Amy soon found herself deeply immersed in all the last minute details involving her upcoming trip to Indonesia with Trey. They were going to discuss distribution contracts with a large food and beverage distributorship based in Jakarta. Trey and Amy spent a very busy week finalizing reservations, choosing and packing wines, and preparing contracts. Bobby did call on Tuesday as he had promised, and as she had predicted, they would have to settle for a quick lunch rather than a longer evening out. But time together is time together and they both enjoyed their too short meal spent at a small deli around the corner from the winery's New York City office.

Amy and Trey had a very successful two weeks in Indonesia. The distributors were more than pleased with the wine samples and asked to be allowed to distribute more than was originally planned. Amy was thrilled when the final contract proved to be even more lucrative for all parties involved than what the original estimates had indicated. The success of the Wainwright Estates label in the US was translating into success worldwide, as American tourists were asking for Wainwright labels on their overseas travels. Buoyed by the outcome, Amy was excitedly looking forward to a reunion with Bobby and showering her family with gifts from Indonesia.

Upon her arrival home, Amy was immediately set upon by a mountain of mail. She painstakingly slogged her way through the stack, carefully sorting junk mail from personal mail from bills and even the occasional business letter that found its way to her door instead of the winery office. A letter addressed to the Wainwright Public Trust caught her eye and held her attention. It was very rare to have such mail addressed to her home, but it did happen from time to time, especially when it involved an invitation to an event hosted by a previous grant recipient. Assuming this was such a letter, Amy was stunned to open the letter and read the following:

Dear Ms. Wainwright,

I am writing to you concerning your appalling disrespect of the needs of minority organizations. Your Trust's consistent awarding of high dollar grants to predominantly white-run groups leads me to believe that you are an ignorant, racist bitch who should not be allowed to have so much money at her disposal.

If you don't start awarding more grants to minority groups, you will face serious consequences.

Amy was shaken by the letter. She was used to receiving hate mail from groups that had been denied monies from the trust, but never one so forceful. Who could be threatening her and why? She set the letter aside for Trey to look at later. Amy took several deep calming breaths and went back to the task of sorting through the rest of her mail.

And what about Bobby? Well, Monday morning found him slogging through paperwork, the bane of police work, and his least favorite part of the job. Thankfully, he had a new treasured item on his desk to make him smile through the worst: a picture frame. This was the kind of frame that had two frames hinged together and could fold shut if needed. It was a modest brushed copper, and held two photographs which Bobby thought were absolutely beautiful. One was of himself, sitting shoeless in a sandbox in his blue dress shirt; tie still on and sleeves rolled up, with a goofy expression on his face while Hudson drove a toy truck across the top of his head.

The other was of Bobby sitting on a sofa with Hudson on his lap. He had been tickling the little boy and Hudson's back was arched over Bobby's left arm, his lime green casted arm flung out wide, face full of laughter. His eyes were closed, but his mouth was wide open, and Bobby could still hear the child's laughter ringing in his ears when he looked at the photo. Bobby's right hand was on Hudson's tummy, tickling the patch of skin revealed where the boy's shirt rode up. Bobby's face was almost in profile, and he couldn't remember the last time he'd ever had such a look on his face. He saw his own eyes dancing with laughter and joy, and his mouth in a wide open smile. He had been laughing along with Hudson and Trey had captured the moment perfectly. He had given Bobby the pictures during their time in the park the day before, and Bobby took great pride in finding just the right place for it on his desk.

Eames noticed the photos when she arrived an hour later, but said nothing. Bobby handed the pictures to her, and she handed him a cup of coffee, fixed just how he liked it. She carefully studied the two pictures, looked at Bobby and smiled. They exchanged one of their knowing looks, (when one has worked with someone as long as they have worked with each other, words are no longer necessary) and Eames gently placed the frame back on Bobby's desk with a small nod.

He had called Amy on Tuesday and was disappointed to discover that her prediction about her availability was correct. However, he was amenable to a quick lunch on Thursday at a small deli around the corner from her office. He listened as she told him about the plans for the trip, smiling at her excitement over the possibilities this new distribution deal could bring to the winery. Amy sympathized as he moaned about the paperwork that had taken two days to finish. Lunch was over way too soon and they promised to find time for a longer evening out after Amy returned from Indonesia.

Before going their separate ways, Amy slipped Bobby a small piece of paper with her private cell phone number and her email address on it, asking Bobby to keep in touch during her absence. Bobby was deeply touched by such a personal gesture on Amy's part, as it meant that she really was trying to mend their relationship.

Bobby had so wanted to be at the airport to see Trey and Amy off on their trip, but a call for the Major Case Squad came in on Friday and a disappointed Bobby had to call Amy and tell her goodbye over the phone instead. Amy was disappointed, but understanding; after all, she was well aware of the demands on a cop's time, it was similar to the demands on her father's time during his service in the Army. But telephone goodbyes are never as good as personal goodbyes, and each was saddened by the interference of Bobby's work on their plans.

Sunday found Bobby lunching with AJ and Patty Wainwright. Patty had surprised Bobby by calling him on Saturday afternoon and extending the invitation. Not wanting to sit around by himself moping over Amy's absence, Bobby readily agreed. He had enjoyed many a Sunday dinner with the Wainwright's when he was dating Amy, and he looked forward to the chance to get caught up with them after all this time. Hudson and Christy joined them for lunch as well, and Bobby even convinced Mrs. Mitchell to sit down and eat with them in the dining room instead of off by herself in the kitchen. This led to several delightful hours of conversation and story-telling and Bobby learned more about Amy and Trey's life over the past twenty-five years.

Bobby didn't have time to make his usual Sunday trip to the cemetery. It was nearly dark when he left the Wainwrights, and he realized it would be more prudent to stop by the store for fresh milk than to visit a cemetery in the dark. Upon arriving at home, he called Amy to see how their trip over had gone. He extended greetings from her family, and, sensing she was very tired from the long flight, agreed that they should talk again in a few days.

When Bobby woke up on Monday morning, the phone was ringing. It was Eames, calling to tell him that the police had finally arrested the key suspect in one of their current cases, and would be bringing him in for questioning later that morning. They needed to get into the office early to prepare, as this was another horrific case and the questioning would be intense and grueling.

Eames was right. No amount of preparation could have prepared them for the intensity of the interrogation or the horror of the suspect's answers. By the time they were finished that afternoon, the DA had a solid case for Man 1 and the death penalty. The case was closed, but it wasn't satisfying.

Eames had picked up on his unusually black mood and called him on it at lunch. He revealed to her that it was his mother's birthday. Eames immediately understood the cause of his moodiness and the harshness of the attitude he'd been using in the interrogation room. She insisted he leave as soon as they were done, telling him that she would take care of the paperwork. It would do him good to go to the cemetery, and do her good not to have him around.

By the time Bobby had reached his mother's grave, the weather had turned and the sky was now as grey as his mood. His mood was always grey when he visited her grave; it's hard to be happy in a cemetery.

He stared numbly at her headstone. So much had happened to him over the past several weeks and he didn't know where to start. He realized he missed her dearly, in spite of the hardships of mental illness, cancer and divorce and the stress that had put on their relationship.

He was glad she was free from the demons of schizophrenia and the pain of lymphoma, but he deeply missed the good moments they'd shared together. He could still hear her laughing during a raucous game of cards on a lucid day and picture her smile as she told him stories about the photos in one of her many albums she kept in her room. He did not miss the battles and struggles that occurred whenever the schizophrenia that wracked her mind reared its ugly head and took her from him temporarily. Nor did he miss the pain in her eyes as she lay slowly dying from the horrible lymphoma that took her from him way too soon. He was grateful for the freedom her death had brought her and saddened by the loss as well. He was also feeling guilty over being relieved that he didn't have to worry about her any more, that she would no longer be causing him problems and interfering in his life.

Once again, he knelt down to apologize to her, to tell her how much he loved her and missed her, to wish her a happy birthday. Today was a good day, as there were no demonic ghosts tormenting his soul with his mother's schizophrenia-laced voice, only her laughter and the sweetness of her smile. He felt his spirits begin to lift as happy memories filled his tired brain.

He reached out to brush away the dry leaves from around her headstone when he thought he saw a glint of metal behind the marble stone. His cop's instinct suddenly went on high alert, yelling at him of some unseen danger, and the hackles on the back of his neck suddenly raised sky high, sending shivers of anxiety running down his spine to settle in the pit of his stomach. Why did he feel like he was being watched? He lifted his head and looked around, but there was no one there. He was alone.

Once more, he reached out his hand and brushed the dead leaves away from the strange object. His fingers wrapped around it and pulled it out from behind the marker. It was a picture frame. That's odd, he thought to himself as he stood. Who would leave a picture frame behind my mother's grave stone?

He turned the picture frame over and nearly dropped it in surprise. Staring back at him from the two-toned metallic frame were two young boys, their arms around each other's shoulders, smiling at the photographer. That's me, he thought stunned. Me….and Frank. But…how? Why?

DARN YOU!!!! You tricked me again!!!! I see chapter one on page two and get all excited, throw the check book down, who cares if I have enough money to pay the bills, fm has FINALLY posted her story, and NOTHING. You like to mess with my mind, don't you???

Sorry, forget my outlash of slight anger, you posted while I was posting.

*Going to get the snacks back out from the cupboard now.*

LOVED the way you described the scene where Bobby finds the photo frame. It's going to be interesting to see how Amy handles things when it all hits the fan so to speak. I mean talk about raising some serious issues when the man you may or may not love has just had what little family he had left murdered by a psycho, only to have her killed by the man he looked at as a father figure. And it was all done for his benifit. Boy, that's kinda confusing when you say it all out loud.

Anyway great chapter, I can't wait to see how you write what happened in "Frame".

(you notice, no discouraging remarks about Amy??? I'm trying )

Sorry. I haven't had a chance to send out pm's and emails letting everyone know it's posted.....

No worries, you've got an e-mail headed your way BTW.

Great!! I excited to see how you'll work with Frame!!!

This is a great start, FM! Thanks for the recap at the beginning, as well as adding additional information about Amy's family, the trust, Trey's dedication to the winery, and just a general status on where everyone stands at this moment in time. The threatening letter to Amy re: the trust definitely piqued my interest, and I'm really looking forward to how you tie your story line in with "Frame". So sweet that Bobby has some nice family photos for his desk at work now!

Oh...can we talk to the hunky construction workers now, or have you sent them all home? In any case, I'm slipping some guacomole and chips, and a pitcher of iced tea in the fridge for all who stop in and stay awhile.

The hunky construction workers are now free to roam the message boards. They are available for anyone who needs a thread built or a hug, or .......

I'm so glad you like the start of this story. I have another chapter already written, just waiting to hear back from my betas and give everyone time to read the first chapter...so probably Tuesday, maybe Wednesday.

Anyway, thanks to those of you who have already read and commented! I appreciate it!

Ooh very clever, I like this very much. More soon pleeeeeeeeease.

You can add my name to the list of those who really liked the twist at the end. I never saw it coming and I can't wait to see how Bobby's extended family might alter the dynamic.

Thanks! Ciaddict challenged me to include 'Frame' as Bobby would have to realize at the end that he now (in my universe) DOES still have family left, he's not alone. I have the next chapter done, just waiting to hear from both my BETA's and tweak it a little bit more, but I think everyone will like it.

I'm so glad you are enjoying this. This one will stay more lighthearted and whimsical in tone, but still be a serious story line with drama and surprises.

Thanks for your comments and feedback!

I'm working on it! I'm working on it! If I type any faster, my fingers will fall off!

Seriously though, the next chapter is off at the beta's -- once I hear back and tweak one more time, it'll be ready to go.

Thanks and I'm glad you like it!

Some of this I already told you, but will repeat it here. I love the chatty feel of this chapter. Kind of like catching up with an old friend over coffee. The details of Amy's life and the work of her family is interesting and gives more insight into her personality (and her take charge attitude). Getting into Amy's and Bobby's heads to see how they are feeling about one another and the conflict of those feelings is excellent. This won't be an easy road for either of them and I'm looking forward to the ride. The threatening letter is something I suspect we will hear more about. And of course, the events leading up to Frame--sort of like seeing a train wreck coming and being unable to stop it. Buckle your seatbelt, Bobby, it's going to be a rough ride!

Good job, Cousin! Now, did you say there's a chapter 2 about ready? I sent my comments back on it. I'll just sit here with my tacos and cheesecake and work on my next chapter.

If you can find TCIF, tell her she's slowing me up! lol -- she's busy getting back into her routine after being gone so long for the holidays. She mentioned something about a very full email in-box and being afraid to delve into it.....maybe I should go throw her a life preserver? I'm sure she'll get back to me soon.

::hands ciaddict another plate of tacos and sits down on couch to work on chapter 3::

The construction workers are so friendly, I just gave one a taco and he gave me a hug Awesome twist at the end! :sits next to the rest of the group, anxiously:

::Flashymom pulls out more food and drink and addresses the crowd waiting anxiously on the couch::

Thanks as always to my beta's, TCIF and ciaddict, for all their help. Thanks also to VDObessed for encouraging me to keep writing. And like I always say, tuda.....


Chapter 2 Where is He?

The days began to blur together for Bobby. Shortly after finding the framed photo of himself and Frank in the cemetery, he had discovered the police outside his brother’s building. With panic filling his brain and bile rising rapidly from his stomach, he bullied his way down the steps and into the back courtyard.

Fearing the worst, he pulled back the sheet covering the lifeless form. The cold brown eyes of his brother stared vacantly up at him. Numbly, he dropped the sheet and sat down, too stunned to speak. His normally busy brain was suddenly and unusually silent; there were no words to describe this.

Frank was dead. Frank, his older brother, was gone. Frank, the favored son, the one who could do no wrong in his mother’s eyes, the one who had once protected his little brother, only to torment him later with his addictions and problems, was gone. Out of his life, never to bother him again. Never to wake him up in the middle of the night in a drug or alcohol-induced craze, never to come after him needing money, or favors, or a get out of jail free card. Gone.

Strange thing was, now that he was gone, he missed him. For in spite of the worry and the pain and the trouble, the little brother inside Bobby still loved his older brother.

Then the guilt started. Wave after wave of it washed over him with thoughts of “if only” and “why didn’t I.” When the “why me’s” started, Bobby thought for sure he had finally lost it. Only his vast knowledge of mental illness and coping with grief and trauma got him through those first days. And Eames. Thank God for Eames.

Eames understood loss; she had lost her husband Joe years earlier, and she understood instinctively what Bobby was going through. Eames, with her unique ability to know just when to push and when to back off, stood by him and helped him solve Frank’s murder. When Nicole re-appeared, and all signs pointed towards her as having placed the photo on his mother’s grave then drugged and pushed Frank out the window of his apartment, only Eames was able to keep him from hunting her down and killing her himself.

We all know that ultimately Declan Gage and his rapidly deteriorating, sadly deranged mind were behind all of it. He had convinced Nicole that she would be doing Bobby a favor by murdering Frank, after all, it was Bobby’s fault that Jo had become a serial killer and cut out her own tongue and was now comatose in Bellvue , and then he had turned around and murdered her. Gage wanted to challenge Bobby; to bring life back into him; to watch Bobby enjoy his work again. But when Declan told Bobby he’d done it all to set him free, Bobby was flummoxed. Caring for his brother, looking out for him, trying to help him had been a calling of sorts for Bobby.

And chasing Nicole? Well, Nicole was Bobby’s white whale; his Moriarty. He had secretly and almost perversely enjoyed having her re-appear and wreak havoc in his life. She was his intellectual equal and he often times found himself bored by the incompetency of other perpetrators and criminals compared to her. What would he do now without her popping up every so often to challenge him?

Bobby called Amy several days after Frank’s tragic and untimely death. She had heard the sadness and weariness in his voice and pressed him further. But, Bobby, not wanting to spoil Amy’s good mood and her excitement over the early progress of her trip, insisted it was just a particularly tough case and once it was all over and he could take an extra day off he would be fine. He deftly turned the conversation back towards Amy and Trey’s business meetings and was genuinely happy to learn that things seemed to be going better than planned.

After getting off the telephone with Amy, Bobby found himself wishing he could have talked to her in person. He was surprised to suddenly find that he desperately needed her company. But why? She had hurt him, deeply, by shutting him out all those years ago. So why these feelings? Why now?

“Because you still love her, you big idiot,” he heard a voice in his head telling him, as he lay in his bed, sleep eluding him once more. “And because having a normal family around might be a nice change, for once,” the voice added sardonically. He chased those thoughts around for another hour or so, until he finally fell fitfully asleep.

By the time Amy and Trey returned home, tired but happy over the success of their trip, Declan Gage was locked securely in the loony bin, Frank had been buried next to Frances, and Nicole’s heart had been reunited with the rest of her body and was on its way to the mortuary. Bobby was a wreck.

The Bobby that suddenly showed up on Amy’s doorstep the next day was a Bobby Amy had never seen before. Unshaven and unkempt, he looked and smelled like he needed a very long, very hot shower and three days of sleep.

She initially felt repulsed by what she saw until she looked into his eyes. There she saw a depth of loss and sadness she had never seen before. Not even Trey was this sad over the loss of Laura.

“Bobby,” she gasped. “What happened?”

“I…Frank…Nicole…dead…” his words were disjointed and made no sense. He leaned heavily against the door frame. “He said I was free, but I’m not free, Amy. I’m not free…” his voice trailed away. He looked at her with haunted confusion and her heart went out to him.

“Come on,” she said, grabbing him by the arm and pulling him inside. “You need a drink.”

“No,” said Bobby. “No more. I’ve had too many lately. It doesn’t help.”

“Okay,” said Amy, as she led him down the hall to the kitchen. “How about some coffee? And when’s the last time you ate?”

“Coffee sounds good, and I don’t remember,” he replied, wondering, as he watched her walk in front of him, how she had managed to become even more beautiful than he remembered.

As Amy scurried around the kitchen fixing a pot of coffee and a plate of leftovers for Bobby to eat, she kept up a running commentary about her trip, sensing that, right now, Bobby would rather listen than talk. When the coffee was finally ready, she poured them each a cup and sat down across from him at the table.

“Eat,” she told him, noticing that he hadn’t touched the food on his plate.

He picked at his food with his fork.

“Bobby, you need to eat,” Amy said sternly but gently.

Bobby said nothing, but kept his head down and continued to pick at his food.

Amy watched him for a few more minutes. Finally, she had had enough. She knew how to handle Trey when he got like this; surely the same tactics would work on Trey’s father. Since food, coffee, niceness and waiting hadn’t worked, it was time to get out the big guns.

“All right, mister,” she said firmly, slapping her hand on the table. Bobby jerked his head up and dropped his fork as he looked at her in surprise. “Come on; out with it. What’s gotten you like this? And so help me, if you say work, I’m gonna…” Amy didn’t know what she was “gonna do”, but it always worked on Trey.

“Frank’s dead,” Bobby said, so softly she wasn’t sure she’d heard him. Whatever it was she had expected him to say, it certainly wasn’t this.

“What?” She stared at Bobby as he nodded. “Oh, Bobby; I’m so sorry! When?”

He looked back down at his plate.

“Was it right after we left?”

Bobby nodded.

“Is that why you sounded so down when we talked two weeks ago?” Bobby didn’t answer, so Amy pressed on. “Bobby, why didn’t you tell me? I would’ve come home. I would’ve helped you."

“I know,” Bobby finally answered her quietly. “That’s partly why I didn’t tell you. I didn’t want my problems to ruin your trip. You were so excited about how things were going and coming back early might have cost you the contract.”

“Coming back wouldn’t have cost me that contract,” Amy wanted to say, but something in his tone of voice told her she should stay quiet. Wisely, and very uncharacteristically for her, she listened to her gut and asked him a different question instead. “How did he die?”

“He was murdered,” Bobby said flatly.

Amy reached over and placed her hand over his. Bobby finally looked up at her. In her eyes, he did not see pity or even sympathy; he saw compassion and understanding. Suddenly, Bobby found himself wanting to tell her everything; needing to tell her everything.

The words seemed to pour out of him of their own volition. He told her about finding the picture at the cemetery, identifying Frank’s body, Declan, even Nicole. And Amy sat silently and listened.

When he was finally finished, Amy realized that he hadn’t said anything about his feelings, just the particulars about the case, every last detail that he could divulge.

“That must have been hard for you, seeing Declan again and realizing what had happened to him. So sad, to have your mind turn on you like that,” Amy commented. She hoped Bobby would respond in agreement with her, but instead, he quietly started eating. Even though the food was now cold, he ate all of it.

Amy sat there, stunned. What happened to her Bobby? What had happened to the smiling, sensitive man who had shared stories of his work with her; who had voiced his anger and frustration and had readily expressed sadness for the victims? This emotionless man was a stranger to her.

This was not the Bobby she knew. This was not even the Bobby she had been with three weeks ago.

Where was her Bobby and could she get him back?

*sits staring at the computer in awe*

I don't know where to start. The way you captured Bobby's reaction to viewing Frank's body, Nicole's death, Declan's involvment in it all.....PERFECT. The episode was literally replaying in my head, using your descriptions.

I even like the fact that you've got Bobby wondering if he loves Amy. (I know shocking isn't it? ) Weather they end up together or not, Bobby will have to somehow deal with all emotions concerning his feelings towards her, what she did, and about how his life has turned out.

I think you've got a potentially deep, heart breaking, and emotionally charged story on your hands. And I CAN NOT wait to see where you take it and us.

I'm finally starting to catch up with my reading. What a treat to get to read two great chapters starting out a new story! The flow and connectedness between these two chapters; and even the two stories is a delight.

Thanks, twinfriend. WOW.......I had no idea I'd done THAT good a job. I'm humbled....really, I am. Thank you.

Thanks, FK. Coming from you, someone who's writing I greatly admire and am a huge fan of, that's high praise indeed. I'm glad you feel there's a connectedness between the two stories. I really have worked hard to keep that. I even had to go back and re-read a section or two to make sure I kept everything straight. I have a notebook that I refer back to -- has my set-up notes and backstories -- only way I can keep everything straight!

MUY big thanks HAVE to go to ciaddict for helping me keep my facts straight in regards to the 'Frame' epi. And also for encouraging me to take Bobby there within the context of this story. It's making for an interesting chapter 3, I'll tell you that much! Hopefully I can finish it soon and have it up here by the end of the week.

Thanks again for your comments.

Great chapter. I'm glad to see Amy being supportive like that. He needs it so much at this point.

More i want more.............................

Thanks, Janx! Glad you liked it.

Okay, two things:

1. Around these parts, we spell it MOAR.....just so ya know, and

2. I'm workin' on it!

SO glad you want more. I'll put you on my pm list when the next chapter is up.

Thanks for the comments!

I've been anxiously lurking about the sofa thinking just what can you do now to improve upon what had come before.....what can I say? I've become emotionally involved in Amy and Bobby's story simply because your writing contains so much emotion, your descriptions of the characters, places and even little day to day minutae makes it all come alive. Bravo!

Now I think I'll just calm down, sit here and eagerly await the next installment.........

Thank you TFM. Have some tacos and cheesecake while you wait. I've sent off what may only be part of chapter 3, but I'll have to see what me beta's decide. I may keep going and post a much longer chapter......we'll see.

I'm so glad you like this. I just write it how I see it. I'm emotionally involved too and just love writing this...........I'm glad you love reading it!

Ooooo, I love this sequel I think! Great cross-over to season 7! Very clever t write a sequel to both your story and maybe season 7!
I'm excited to read more .

*eh huh? what's with 'ace deleted'? Does anyone know? I'm still here, see, I'm not deleted....am I? This feels kinda unwelcome-ish WEIRD*