CHAPTER 10 - BAD NEWS

Bobby’s headache had gone from explosive to a dull ache. And the nausea had been replaced by occasional queasiness. Physically he might not be at a hundred percent but he was decidedly better than what he was earlier. He dressed in jeans and a tee shirt and sat on the side of the bed to tie his shoes. A wave of queasiness had him closing his eyes and stretching out on the bed. As he rode it out, his mood darkened. He thought about his friends and realized that he spent the years distancing himself from them. His buddies would call, wanting to meet for a beer and he would refuse citing the present case was consuming all his time. He thought about the women he had dated. A few had been special. Early in the relationship, they would attend the theater or a concert, go dining and dancing, or just sit and talk. Occasionally, they enjoyed the “fringe benefits” of their relationship. But eventually things cooled. Too much silence; too many plans cancelled. Then he thought about his mother whose illness started distancing him from her when he was just a boy. His brother whose poor decisions drove a wedge between them. He thought of his career, which he had worked tirelessly, trying to right so many of the city’s wrongs. And now there was Louise Gardener. Was he fated to live the rest of his life in this private hell? Was there no one who understood him? Suddenly he opened his eyes and thought “Eames.” The one person who understood his feelings, his moods. Him. Bobby Goren.

He sat up and reached for the phone. He jerked his hand back and rubbed the back of his neck as he debated if he should call. “What the hell”, he thought, “there’s nothing wrong with touching base with her. After all, we were partners for eight years.” Bobby picked up the phone and punched in Eames’ number. One ring; two; three. “Come on, answer,” he urged. Four; five rings. Bobby held his breath then released it when he heard Alex pick up. “Hello,” she answered. “Eames, its Bobby. I just thought I would call and see how you’ve been.” After a moment of silence, Alex replied, “Bobby. It’s good to hear from you.” Bobby smiled to himself. They chatted for a few minutes, avoiding any mention of Major Case. Finally, Bobby asked, “Do you think we could, um, meet for coffee sometime?” “Sure, name the time and place,” replied Alex. He answered, “Well, how about 2:30” and named a small coffee shop they both were familiar with.

Around 1:15, Bobby changed and headed toward the coffee shop. He arrived around 2:20 and scouted out a quiet booth toward the back of the shop. About five minutes later, Alex walked in. Bobby stood and walked toward her. He felt awkward and put his hands in his pockets. Alex put her hand on his forearm and asked, “So, how are you doing?” He nodded and replied, “Good. And you?” “Fine, Fine”, she answered. Finally, Bobby said he would order the coffee and pointed to the chosen booth. Alex walked back to the booth and slid in. Bobby paid for the coffee, walked over, then slid in on the bench facing her. As they sipped their coffee, Alex congratulated Bobby on the opening of the center. He gave a shy smile and thanked her. “That was quite a ceremony; lots of important people there,” she commented. Bobby’s eyebrow shot up and he asked, “You were there?” She nodded and took a sip of coffee, “I came with my friend, Tom,” she explained. Bobby swallowed hard, “I didn’t know that you and Tom…” his voiced trailed off. “We’re not,” she interrupted, “we’re just friends”. After what felt like hours, he said “I didn’t see you there. Why didn’t you come over and say hello?” Alex smiled and shook her head and answered, “I’m not surprised you didn’t see me. You never took your eyes off your new boss.” He blushed deeply and dropped his head. “Was it that obvious?” “Oh yeah”, she answered. “Look Bobby, It’s none of my business, but Louise Gardener is not what she appears to be,” she retorted. Bobby was quick to counter, “Alex, I researched her before I ever went for the interview. She’s sterling.” She grimaced and shook her head, “When you write your own press, it’s easy to appear, as you say, sterling. Look Bobby, I’m not trying to upset you, but the woman is bad news. Please, be careful.”

Bobby opened his mouth to comment but thought better of it. Alex would never misrepresent anything to him. But what did she know? It was as if she read his mind. “Miss Gardener has a history of “creating” some wonderful causes. And she knows how to work a crowd, gaining financial and emotional support. The cause thrives for a time, and then she pulls her support leaving a wake of ruined hopes and dreams not to mention the heartbreak of those who believed the hype. Bobby looked at her stricken. After a few moments, Alex asked, “What are you thinking about Bobby?” He dropped his eyes, shrugged his broad shoulders and answered, “Lots of things, Alex, lots of things."

By Lynn.