AT THE COUNTER

 

Kimble is just finishing up the piece of apple pie with Angela sitting next to him.  She says, “So you are in need of some work I take it?”

 

Kimble nods says, “Yes.”

 

“You think you could work in a diner?  I had another woman working here who up and quit with no notice.  If you think you can cook, do dishes and clean up, I need someone who can do all three as we tend to switch off jobs a lot around here.”

 

“Can you pay me in cash?”

 

She smiles and says, “What other way is there?  My name’s Angela Mason and you are Bill…?”

 

Kimble looks at the menu.  He’s in the Gateway Diner so he replies without thinking first how it would sound. “Gates.”

 

Angela raises her eyebrows and says, “Bill Gates?”  Angela begins to laugh and Kimble realizes he’s picked the name of a famous person.  Angela says, “What will people say when I tell them I’ve got the Chairman of Microsoft working in my diner!”

 

Kimble looking very sheepish replies, “Well, I’m obviously not that Bill Gates!”

 

Angela still laughing says, “Obviously!”

 

The door opens and a tall woman with long red hair walks in.  "Hi Angela, your birthday present finally arrived and I wanted to give it you.  Happy Belated Birthday!"  She lays a file on the counter and then hands Angela a box that she opens to find some very expensive looking silver earrings.

 

"Olivia, you didn't need to get me anything this fancy, but thanks for remembering!"  They hug each other. 

 

Angela then turns to Kimble and says, "Bill, this is my very best friend Olivia Seymour.  Olivia, this is my new employee Bill Gates."

 

Olivia raises her eyebrows and says, "Bill Gates?  Is that a real name?"

 

Before Kimble can respond, Angela says, "Of course it's a real name Olivia.  Do you really think there's only one woman on the planet named Elizabeth Taylor?"

 

Kimble holds out his hand to shake Olivia's and says, "It's nice to meet you Olivia."  They shake hands.

 

Angela notices through the window a man walking with a small boy.  She turns to Kimble and says, "Bill, as my new employee, would like to bus your dishes and while you're in the kitchen, would you take the garbage outside and then take the garbage cans to the dumpster across the parking lot?"

 

"Sure, no problem."  Kimble walks into the kitchen, grabs the garbage and exits the back door as the front door opens.  A small boy walks in with an older man behind him.  The boy looks very unhappy to be in his company.  Angela however, is not the least bit intimidated.  “Hello Hal, what brings you to the diner?”

 

Hal says, “Angela, my grandson got into another fight today and the teacher called me because you weren’t at your house.”

 

“Very convenient.  I made it clear to the school that I’m here if I’m not at home.”  She turns to her son and says, “Joshua, is this true?  Did you get into another fight?”

 

Joshua nods his head affirmatively.  “Joshua, honey, I told you that you just can’t pay attention to what other kids say.  Hal, is there anything else?  Thank you for bringing him back, but you’re not needed.”

 

“You appear to be ineffective in this area Angela.”

 

Angela says with conviction, “We’re fine Hal.”

 

Hal looks at Olivia and says, "Olivia, do you have the new posters?"

 

"Yes, Uncle Hal, they're right here in this folder."  She points to the folder sitting on the counter.  Angela all of a sudden reaches for a glass of water next to it and accidentally spills it.  She picks up the folder and the posters fall on to the floor behind the counter.

 

"Angela!  Why are you such a klutz?"

 

"I'm sorry Hal!  Let me pick them up for you.  Here Olivia, wipe up the counter will you?"  She hands Olivia a rag and crouches down behind the counter.

 

Kimble, is outside the back door as he hears Angela scream, "Get out of my diner!"

 

"Fine, but I won't promise to not return!"  He hears the voice yell back.  Kimble runs into the diner as he sees the front door closing.  He sees a little boy crying.  Olivia is also crying.  Angela is clearly shaken as she is putting her arms around her little boy.

 

Kimble says, “Is everything all right?  I heard you scream.  Who was in here?"

 

The little boy yells, "My mean grandpa!  I hate him!"

 

"Joshua, you don't mean that.  It was my father-in-law.  We have a difference of opinion on things."

 

Olivia says through her tears, "I'm sorry Angela.  I don't know why Uncle Hal has to be so hateful."

 

"We can't pick our relatives Olivia.  Why don't you quit your job?"

 

"Because being there is the only thing I can think of to help John."  She quickly looks embarrassed like she said too much.  "I better go.  It was nice to meet you Bill."  She walks out.

 

"Joshua, this is my new employee, Mr. Gates.  Bill, this is my son Joshua."

 

"Hi Mr. Gates."

 

"Hello Joshua.  Look, since I'm new in town, I'm going to have to find a place to stay.  What time should I be here in the morning?"

 

"Six AM, but why don't you come back to our house with us.  There’s a mobile home on my property that my brother used to live in and I've been thinking about renting it.  You seem like a good guy to have around in a rough situation.”  She smiles but also seems very sad.

 

ANGELA’S PROPERTY

 

There’s the main house and then there is the mobile home that has all of the amenities in it.  Angela is showing Kimble everything.  Kimble notices a picture of a man with Angela on the kitchen counter.  Angela says, “If there’s anything I can get you, don’t hesitate to knock on my door." 

 

"Thanks, is this your husband?"

 

Angela is silent for a moment and then says, "No, that's my brother John.  Since you're going to be working in my diner, I might as well tell you the story as everyone else knows it."

 

"Story?" 

 

They both sit down on a couch.  Angela says, “My husband Randy died fourteen months ago.  My brother John and I ran the diner and Randy ran the car repair shop just up the street from the diner.  John sometimes helped Randy when he got busy.  When Randy didn’t come home one night, I went to the garage and found him up against the wall.  Some shelves had collapsed on top of him with some very heavy tools.  My father in law Hal, who also happens to be the Roswell Police Chief decided that my brother had pushed him during an argument and arrested him for murder because some people heard them yelling at each other.  John currently is serving time in the New Mexico State Penitentiary in Santa Fe for manslaughter which I believe he is innocent of.”  She looks at the picture and then says, "Olivia, is Randy's cousin.  She's also John's fiancee and they were in the middle of planning their wedding when all of this happened."

 

Kimble understanding completely what Angela is going through says, “I’m so sorry Angela.  Is that what caused the argument with him today?"

 

"Sort of.  Hal has never thought much of me and lately because Joshua's been getting into fights, he told me in the diner that perhaps Joshua should come and live with him for awhile so he'll have a solid male influence.  Only over my dead body would I allow such a thing to occur which is why I screamed at him to get out.  Anyway, there's always hope.  I've got an appointment to see a new attorney next week about an appeal."

 

"I hope it works out."

 

"Thanks Bill."  She stands up and starts to walk out then stops and turns to Kimble and says, "You know there is an irony to all of this.  Usually, my busy time of the year is summer when the tourists flock to see the place where aliens landed.  Since my brother got arrested and convicted, people come in left and right hoping to hear some little juicy tidbit about his case."  She walks out. 

 

THE DINER-WEDNESDAY MORNING 7:00 AM

 

Kimble is setting silverware out on the tables in anticipation of the breakfast crowd coming in when the man who gave him a ride into town the day before walks in.  His surprise at seeing Kimble again is evident.

 

“Hi there. I never thought I’d see you in Angela’s place setting tables.”

 

Before Kimble can respond, Angela walks out of the kitchen smiling and says, “CJ, this is Bill Gates.  He’s my new help around here.  This is my good friend, CJ Callahan.  He runs the garage for me.”

 

Kimble smiles and says, “CJ stopped and gave me a lift into town.”

Angela smiles at CJ fondly. “CJ, you’ve got a heart of gold.  The usual?”  CJ nods.  She turns away to grab a Danish and pour a cup of coffee. “Have you got a lot of cars to work on?”  Kimble notices the easy familiarity behind the question.

 

“I’ve got a few to keep me busy for most of the day.”  He turns toward Kimble. “So it appears Angela took pity on you too!  Did I hear your name right?  Bill Gates?" 

 

“Ah yeah, that's me."

 

"Did you find a nice place to stay at here in town?"

 

"Actually, Angela is letting me stay in her brother's mobile home." 

 

CJ looks uneasy at the answer. He looks at Angela, and says somewhat formally, “Well Angela, it looks like you’ve got a heart of gold too.  I better get over to work.” 

 

Angela looks at him as he walks out.

 

CHICAGO-FUGITIVE TASK FORCE DIVISION

 

Eve Hilliard and Eddie Miles are walking toward Gerard’s office.  Eddie says, “Eve, do you know what this meeting is about?” 

 

Eve replies, “I think we both know Eddie.  It's all over the office.  Gerard wants Agent Holmes from the DC office on this task force."

 

Eddie smiles and says, “Well, let’s go see if it’s really true.  It would explain a lot of things around here.”

 

They enter Gerard’s office.  Vic is sitting there already.  Gerard says, “Eve, Eddie, please sit down.”

 

Eve and Eddie take their seats.  Gerard says, “I’ve got some bad news and some good news for you.  The bad news is that Art who we know and love decided to definitely retire and so we have been short one person.  The good news is that I have secured Special Agent Kari Holmes a top profiler and crime solver with the DC office to come here and be part of this task force.  I know that there have been rumors flying around that I was trying to get Holmes to come in to the task force.  Well, they are true.  Walston gave me the green light to make the request.  That’s where I was the last few days, the Kimble sighting was just frosting on the cake.  I would have been in DC regardless.  She’ll only be here on temporary assignment, so she’ll still be accountable to her boss in DC, but she knows that I am in charge of this task force and she’ll take her immediate orders from me.”

 

Eve raises her eyebrows at this information.  Gerard says, “Do you have a question Eve?”

 

Eve says, “No, not at the moment.”

 

Eddie says, “Do you really think a female profiler is what the doctor needs?”

 

Eve says, “Do I detect some male chauvinism here Eddie?”

 

Eddie says, “I have just never found profilers to be that helpful.  Besides, Kimble saved Holmes's life will she really be helpful?  Moreover, profilers usually base everything on the books they have read and have very little street savvy experience.  I find that profilers, especially female ones, tend to be nothing more than glorified powder puffs who carry a badge and a gun!”

 

Everyone in the room raises their eyebrows at that statement.  Eve laughs slightly and says, “You haven’t met Agent Holmes have you Eddie?”

 

Gerard says, “Eddie, keep your personal prejudices to yourself.  I expect all of you to be very professional around her and extend her every courtesy.  To answer your doubts Eddie, she’s very street smart.  She’s solved a lot of cold cases and hasn’t received a Not Guilty verdict on a perp she brought to trial since 1994.  She’s also killed in the line of duty besides killing her two captors in California.  Is that street savvy enough for you?”

 

Eddie now embarrassed by what he said says, “She sounds a bit over qualified for our humble unit.  I’m sorry Philip.  I guess I just miss Art.”

 

Gerard says, “We all do.  However, I’m confident with Agent Holmes on board we will get this wrapped up.  She will be arriving on Monday.  As for her loyalty to Kimble for saving her life, keep in mind she's still an FBI Agent and the law comes first!  Now since she'll be here on Monday I suggest you get all of the leads together so that she'll be as up to date as possible once she gets here."

 

Eddie and Vic stand up and walk out of Gerard’s office.  Eve is still sitting.  Gerard looks at her and says, “Is there something else Eve?”

 

Eve says, “Philip, are you sure that the only reason you asked for Agent Holmes to join us was because of her credentials?”

 

Gerard asks, “Why do you ask Eve?”

 

Eve says, “Philip, you told me on the plane that you suspected there was more to Holmes’s story than what she told the police and us.”

 

Gerard says, “I also told you that I was willing to give her the benefit of the doubt based on her record as an agent.”

 

Eve says, “Philip, I can't help but suspect that this case is more than a case with you.  It's a vendetta and to catch Kimble with the help of an FBI Agent whose life Kimble saved seems like you are trying to twist the knife into this man further because he can only be executed once."

 

Gerard replies, “Eve when did you become a psychologist?  Look, I just want to catch Kimble.  Holmes and I are on the same side.  It's going to be fine."

 

Eve says, “OK Philip, you’re the boss!  I’ll go help the guys with the leads so hopefully we’ll have something tangible to tell Agent Holmes when she gets here on Monday.”

 

She walks out and Gerard sits down at his desk.  He leans back in his chair as though he were in deep thought at everything Eve just said to him.

 

 

2 DAYS LATER THURSDAY EVENING 7:30 PM

 

The last customer has left and Kimble and Angela are cleaning up.  Angela says, "Hey Bill, CJ called me and asked me to come over and do some end of the month bookkeeping with him.  Joshua is at my parents house currently but they've got plans tonight.  I was wondering, if I gave you two a lift home, would you keep an eye on him and help him with his homework?"

 

“I’d be happy to.”

 

"Thanks Bill, I just want you know, you've been a terrific help to me these last couple of days.  Here's your wages for today all in cash as promised."  She hands him an envelope.

 

 

 

8:30 PM INSIDE THE OFFICE AT THE GARAGE

 

CJ and Angela are finishing up.  CJ says, “Angela, I've been thinking about this ever since Tuesday and I have to ask, why did you take that guy into John’s place?”

 

“He seemed like a nice guy and I didn't want him to have to go to a shelter.  Besides, after only two days of working, I can say he’s the best hired help I’ve ever had in the diner.”  She notices CJ’s uneasiness.  “What’s up CJ?”

 

CJ, looking very concerned, says, “Angela, this isn't like you to take in strays.  What’s gotten in to you?”

 

“Well CJ, you don’t normally give guys rides into town either.  Why did you stop?”

 

“He really looked like he needed a ride.”

 

“And I thought he really needed a job.  I think he’s fine.  He’s got good eyes.”

 

“Isn’t that what they said about Ted Bundy?” CJ asks sarcastically.

 

“No, I don’t think so.  I always thought he had shifty eyes.  Besides, if I didn’t think Bill was trustworthy, I wouldn’t have left him alone with Joshua.”

 

“You what?  Angela, are you crazy?”  CJ looks at her in astonishment.

 

“CJ, it’s sweet of you to be concerned, but really it’s OK.  Trust my judgment here.  He's not a burgler, an armed robber, a rapist, a child molester, or a murderer!  He's just a nice guy who's down on his luck.”  Angela smiles at him but CJ looks unconvinced.

 

9:00 PM THAT EVENING-ANGELA’S HOUSE

 

Angela walks into the house.  Kimble is sitting at the kitchen table with Joshua.  Angela says, “How are we doing?”

 

Kimble says, “Just fine, in fact, we’re finished.  Joshua was telling me all about how his dad used to take him camping.”

 

Angela smiles and says, “Well, that’s great!  Now Joshua, you run along upstairs and get ready for bed. I’ll be right up.”

 

Joshua replies, “OK Mom!”  He runs upstairs.

 

Angela turns to Kimble and says, “How did he do really?”

 

“Angela, it may not be my place to say this since I just met you three days ago.”

 

“No, Bill if you’ve noticed something please tell me.”

 

Kimble hesitates, but only for a moment and says, “I think Joshua may be dyslexic.”

 

Angela’s eyes get wide and she says, “Oh my God!  Are you sure?" 

 

“Pretty sure, I told him to try sounding out a word.  He kept insisting that a B made the sound of a D.  I asked what that letter was and he said it was a D.  Angela, it's not the end of the world but, you do need to talk to his teacher though so he or she can help him.”

 

Angela shakes her head and says, “How could I have missed this?  What kind of an irresponsible mother am I?!  I saw the signs and I did nothing.”  She looks disgusted with herself.

 

“Angela, I don't understand."

 

“Bill, I have dyslexia!”  Kimble looks surprised.  Angela continues, “I suffered from this for a long time before I was properly diagnosed when I was sixteen.  By that time though, I was firmly thought of as that dumb blond who's only capable of being a waitress.  I just didn't want that to be Joshua's problem as well.  I should have known though.  That's why he's been getting into fights, kids tease him because he can't read the way everyone else can.  I have been so wrapped up in the two businesses and in my brother’s case, that I haven’t been able to give him the attention he needs.  This is great, he gets dyslexia from me and allergies and asthma from Randy!”  Tears are coming out of Angela's eyes.

 

Kimble trying to reassure Angela says, “Don’t beat yourself up over this.  What’s important is that you can do something about it.  For the record, I would never have thought that you suffered from it.  If you can overcome it, so can Joshua.”

 

Angela nods and says, “Can you hold the fort for awhile during the breakfast shift?  I think it’s time I had a talk with his teacher.”

 

“Go ahead. I’ll manage.”

 

“What am I saying?  I’ll send CJ over to help you.  He can close the garage for that short amount of time.”

 

FRIDAY INSIDE THE DINER AS THE BREAKFAST SHIFT IS WINDING DOWN

 

Kimble and CJ are in the kitchen loading dishes into the dishwasher.  CJ says, “Hey Bill, Angela told me what you discovered about Joshua last night.  Have you ever been a teacher?”

 

“No, but I’ve worked with kids before.”

 

“Do you think you’ll be staying in town for long?”

 

Kimble catching the implication says, “No CJ, I won’t be here for long.”

 

CJ looks relieved but then says, “So, when do you think you’ll leave?”

 

“I’m really not sure.”

 

“Not sure, huh?”  CJ walks toward Kimble and Kimble instinctively backs off in confusion as he’s not sure what CJ appears to be angry about.  “You know, I find it very interesting that I have known Angela for quite a long time and I work for her and yet, she’s never asked me to move into her brother’s mobile home.  You show up, and you’ve moved in like family and you're an expert on dyslexia!  Now how do you explain that?!”

 

Before Kimble can say anything, Angela comes in and says, “Bill, I can’t thank you enough.  I told the teacher and…”  Angela realizes she’s walked in on a confrontation.  “Am I interrupting something?”

 

Both men are silent.  Angela notices the last customer from the breakfast shift at the cash register.  “Bill, will you go take care of that customer?”

 

“No problem.”  Kimble exits the kitchen

 

OUTSIDE IN THE DINING AREA

 

The customer has just left and CJ storms out of the kitchen to the front door.  He yells, “I really don’t understand what you’re doing Angela!”

 

Angela comes out and yells back.  “CJ, you look very bad in this shade of green!”

 

“That has nothing to do with it!”

 

“Really?!”

 

CJ is silent.  Kimble tries to make himself invisible but it’s no use.  CJ says as calmly as he can, “I’ll talk to you later.”

 

“You better make it much later!”  Angela replies with disgust.

 

CJ walks out.  Angela gives Kimble a look of apology.  “I’m really sorry you had to hear that.  As unbelievable as it may sound, CJ is usually a very nice and polite guy.  He’s just letting jealousy get the better of him.”

 

“It’s OK.”  Seeing that Angela is clearly upset, Kimble says,  “Do you want to talk about it?”

 

Angela replies, “No!”  Then she stops and says, “Then again, you were the cause the of argument, even though it wasn’t your fault.  What the heck!  We’ve got at least 45 minutes before the lunch crowd comes in.”

 

They both sit down at the counter.  Kimble asks, “How long have you two been dating?”

 

Angela, looking very embarrassed says, “Is it that obvious?”

 

“Well, it wouldn’t have been if CJ hadn’t wanted to bash my head in.”

 

Angela shakes her head and says, “Bill, it’s kind of complicated.  I’m his boss.  We started dating about six weeks ago, if that's what you want to call it.  We haven't gone anywhere together publicly. You see, I’m still the subject of gossip because of John going to prison.  Roswell is now famous for aliens and my brother going to prison for killing his brother in law.  In fact, City Confidential on A&E contacted me awhile ago and said they're planning on doing a show about it.  I just haven’t been up for the gossip that will follow when everyone finds out the well to do widow is dating her employee who got taken to the cleaners in his divorce right before her husband died.”

 

Kimble raises his eyebrows and says, “You know Angela, I used to be married.  I married a woman who came from a very wealthy family.  At our own engagement party we heard snickers and comments about my situation compared to hers, but she said to me as long as the two of us knew what the truth was, no one else mattered.”

 

Angela is silent for a moment and then says, “I know that.  I gave similar advice to Joshua a couple of days ago.  Maybe the other reason I’ve been reluctant to be public about us dating is because I still feel a little guilty about Randy.”

 

“Angela, my wife died a few years ago.  I know it’s hard because, speaking from experience, I will always love her and miss her.  But, if you've got a chance to be happy, then grab onto it with both hands.  Don't let outside influences keep you and CJ apart."

 

"I see what you're saying, but you've probably never been contacted by City Confidential."

 

Kimble raises his eyebrows and says, "Not yet."

 

"What?"

 

"Bad joke Angela.  Sorry."

 

Angela then smiles and says, “Maybe it is time to move forward and stop worrying about what other people think.  I mean how could these comments be any worse than everyone insisting my brother killed my husband?”  She gets up and goes to the phone.  “CJ, it’s Angela, just be quiet and listen!  I’m cooking dinner tomorrow night for the two of us here in the diner.  Be here at 7:00 o’clock…so let them see us.  Isn’t this what you’ve wanted from the beginning?…OK, I’ll see you then.”

 

CHICAGO FUGITIVE TASK FORCE

 

Kari walks into the area as Eve, Eddie and Vic are looking over some leads.  They are all looking at the table when they here a southern sounding voice say, "Excuse me, I was looking for Capt. Gerard."

 

The three look up in surprise.  Kari's and Eve's eyes lock and Kari holds out her hand and says, "Agent Hilliard, it's nice to see you again."  They shake hands. 

 

Eve says, "Eddie, Vic this is Agent Holmes.  Agent Holmes this is Agent Eddie Miles and Agent Vic Guiterrez."

 

Kari smiles and holds out her hand and says, "Agent Miles...Agent Guiterrez, it's nice to meet both of you."  They shake hands.

 

Eddie says, "I thought you weren't supposed to be here until Monday."

 

"Well, I decided that it would be for the best to get here early.  I can get settled in and so by Monday morning, I'll be able to start without any distractions.  Where is Capt. Gerard?"

 

Vic says, "He's in his office right down the hallway.  You're office is right next door to his."

 

"I have my own office...well, I do feel honored.  Thank you Agent Guiterrez."

 

"Call me Vic."

 

"Thank you Agent Guiterrez."  She turns and walks away and leaves the other three looking stunned.

 

Kari approaches Gerard's office and hears voices talking.

 

"Daddy, you promised me you'd do this today.  It's a day off of school for me."

 

"Alex I'm sorry..." He looks up and sees Kari in his door way.

 

Kari says, "I'm sorry, I didn't realize I was interrupting anything Capt. Gerard.  I was told my office is right next door, I'll just go in there and start setting things up."

 

"No Agent Holmes, it's all right.  You're early.  I wasn't expecting you until Monday, but this is fine.  Alex, this is Agent Holmes, she's replacing Art on the task force.  Agent Holmes this is my daughter Alex."

 

Kari holds out her hand to shake Alex's and says, "It's nice to meet you Alex." 

 

Alex doesn't take her hand and says, "Whatever..."  She starts to walk away.

 

"Alex, that's very rude.  You owe Agent Holmes an apology!"

 

Alex looks at Kari and says, "I'm sorry Agent Holmes, none of this is your fault."  She walks out.

 

Kari says, "Capt. Gerard, perhaps you should go talk to your daughter, I can certainly wait."

 

"No Agent Holmes, she's mad at me...it will pass."

 

"Don't be too sure Capt.  Kids can have very long memories."

 

"Agent Holmes, you're not a family therapist let's stick to the subject of Kimble."

 

"All right I will.  I have a few questions about the items that I've been reading about."

 

"Go ahead."

 

"Ah, I read the report on the bank robbery incident in California and that he had been involved with a woman by the name of Jenny Butler.  Any indication that he's still in contact with her?"

 

Gerard shakes his head negatively.  "No, we kept a tap on her phone for six month and there was nothing."

 

"What about emails...written correspondences?"

 

"That was never followed up on because she sold her bed and breakfast and moved to San Francisco.  It was pretty evident that the relationship was over."

 

"But you never fully confirmed it?"

 

"Agent Holmes this was quite some time ago, why are you fixating on this?"

 

Kari shifts slightly in her chair and says, "It just seemed a logical place to check on periodically.  That's all."

 

"Any other questions?"

 

"Yes, I saw Agent Hilliard's report that she submitted to you a long time ago where she received a tip from Kimble when he called telling her that there were people at the hospital who saw him and Charnquist together.  She went in, checked it out, and recommended that the people sit with a sketch artist who treated the OAM and yet you ignored the request why?"

 

"Agent Holmes, Ben Charnquist is dead.  Now if Kimble wants to trot out some OAM and say he's Charnquist he's welcome to do so but it changes nothing about his trial."

 

Kari nods and remains quiet.  It's apparent to Gerard that there is deep thought going on behind her dark eyes.  "Isn't that a little narrow minded?  As cops we really shouldn't care who the guilty party is just so long as we get the correct party involved."

 

"Agent Holmes, I was there, Kimble is guilty.  Case closed.  Are you always this much trouble in the DC office?"

 

Kari raises her eyebrows and says, "No Capt.  I'm usually much worse!"  She stands up and heads to her office leaving Gerard with his mouth open.  She turns back and says, "By the way, I am a family therapist.  This may come as a shock to you but most criminals start out with a very bad family background.  Not all but a large portion do....that's not an excuse for the criminals though."  She walks out leaving Gerard completely stunned at her bluntness.

 

Kari walks into her office and is surprised to see Eve Hilliard setting a coffee drink on her desk.  "Agent Hilliard?"

 

Eve smiles and says, "Agent Holmes, I'm a sucker for lattes and mochas and since I was at the cart I thought I'd get you one as well to welcome you.  It's actually a mocha."

 

"Thank you Agent Hilliard."  She sets some items on the desk.  Eve hangs back like she wants to say something but doesn't know how to say it.  Kari says, "You don't like Gerard much do you?"

 

"I like him fine.  I just wish he worked somewhere else."

 

"I know that you were passed over as head of the task force. With as many times as Gerard's lost Kimble, I'm surprised he keeps in their good graces.  Moreover, you typically don't see homicide detectives being assigned to something that's usually handled by the FBI.  It must be frustrating to be so underappreciated."

 

Eve looks suspicious and says, "What do you mean?"

 

"I read your report on the hospital incident and just now mentioned it to Gerard.  He blew me off as he blew you off.  Why did you give up so easily?"

 

"Well, he is my boss...it is regrettable that he wouldn't even consider my suggestion."  Eve can see that Kari is not impressed with her answer.  "What do you want Agent Holmes?"

 

"To get to the truth whatever it is...and I don't want Gerard's job.  I am no threat to you Agent Hilliard.  Thank you for the mocha.  It was kind of you to get me one and I will remember it."  Eve nods and walks out of the office.  Kari picks up the mocha and silently whispers to herself.  "So it begins."  

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