New York City smoldered beneath the fire of a late August heat wave. Even in the hours of the early morning, the temperature hovered at 85 degrees and the city sizzled like meat on a barbecue. The stench of garbage, exhaust fumes and the cities millions of inhabitants hung like a vapor in the air, making the simple act of breathing intolerable. Rose Jennings stood in the circle of bright lights emanating from a half dozen squad cars, their flashing lights bouncing red and blue rainbows off the murky, sludge filled waters of the Hudson River. She gathered a section of her skirt hem between her hands and rung the slimy water from it, disgust evident on her face. The blue tee-shirt she wore clung with leech—like familiarity, outlining her breasts and ribs. As she brushed a strand of her wet blonde hair off her long aquiline face, a tall, black plainclothes officer came up behind her, the front of his shirt soaked through with perspiration. “Rosie, here, I gotcha a towel from the ambulance,” he said in a honey-smooth drawl. “Thanks Ray, it will help a bit, but nothing except a good, cold shower is going to make me feel better.” She put the towel around her shoulders and used one corner to try and dry her hair. “Harbor having any luck with the recovery?” she asked him. “Not yet, the visibility and the position of the car are giving them an issue.” He put his hand on her shoulder, “It’s amazing the girl got out.” “Did they say if she would make it?” she asked, her crystal blue eyes watching the rescue trucks as they sped away. “They think so. She swallowed a bit of the river, but other than that, she’s fine.”    
            A sharp scraping sound, grating like a scream caused them to quickly turn. A tow truck was pulling a brown sedan off its precarious perch on the edge of the pier. “You almost followed him right in!” Ray chuckled. Rose laughed, “Almost isn’t the word! Come on; let’s see if I can grab my gear out of there before they take it away.”    
            The two detectives jogged towards the tow truck, waving at the driver to stop. Rose opened the driver’s door and scouted through the broken glass for her pocket book. “Got it?” Ray asked. “Yeah, here it is. I want to know what he was shooting at me with. Look at this seat!” She gestured to the tattered remnants of the passenger’s seat. Ray whistled softly, “Chalk up another one Rose. How many cars have you totaled so far this year?” Rose pulled a pack of cigarettes out of her purse and lit one. “Six, I think, maybe seven.” She exhaled a cloud of smoke. “Come on; let’s wait in your car until the harbor unit recovers the driver.”    
   Dawn broke over the Hudson as Rose and Ray alternated between sitting in his car and walking on the wharf, watching the NYPD divers repeatedly scour the water for the car. It was nearly 7:30 a.m. before the divers brought up the corpse from the bottom. Rose stood with Ray watching the operation. “Check out his arms. I’ve never seen one this bad before. They’re completely covered with abscesses,” a uniformed officer noted. “So much for the millions spent on drug interdiction.”  Rose replied. She turned away, yawning, “Come on Ray, let’s go wrap up the paperwork and put this baby to rest. I can’t stand myself. Ray laughed, “I ought to make you ride on the roof.” “Up yours pal, I’ll keep the window open.” The ME’s van drove past them as they strolled to Ray’s car. “Well, at least we’re through with playing hairstyle Barbie,” Rose said. “Damn shame,” Ray replied, grinning, “you looked cute in that uniform.”    
          A little while later, Rose climbed the stairs to the loft, her feet dragging heavily. At the door, she juggled her briefcase and pocket book as she fumbled with the key. Before she could turn it in the lock, the door swung open. “Hey, look who’s finally made it home!” a tall, dark haired man quipped. Brian Donovan, Rose’s lover, had lean, rugged features swathed in a meticulously groomed beard. He took the briefcase from her and kissed her lightly on the cheek, his warm chocolate eyes taking in her disheveled appearance. “God, you smell like a sewer!” “Close,” she said, brushing past him into the apartment, “Just the Hudson river.” Rose dropped her purse on the sofa and walked to the windows. The room overlooked the waterfront having once been a factory before it was converted into apartments. The floor to ceiling windows flooded the room with copious amounts of sunshine and Rose fussed with the many plants hung about them. She nipped a dead leaf off a spider plant while Brian poured a cup of coffee. He returned and stood behind her, pulling her into his chest. She leaned her head back to look at him and smiled. He wrinkled his nose, “Look, I was about to go for a jog. Why don’t you grab a shower and we’ll talk when I get back.” Rose turned in his arms and kissed him, relishing the sharp tangy taste of toothpaste. “Could you skip your jog? I really need to talk.” Brian brushed the hair back from her face. He looked quizzically at Rose. “What’s wrong?” He led her to the couch. “How did you wind up in the river?” he asked as he settled on the couch, one lean hard leg tucked beneath him. Rose stood in front of him for a moment and then walked to the windows again. “I was chasing a suspect on the salon case. He had a hostage and drove right off the pier into the river. I almost followed him right in,” she mused. “Totaled another car huh?” Brian teased. “The hostage surfaced and I jumped in to help her out. The hostage got out alive, but we lost the suspect. The divers pulled him out about 7:30.” She gazed out the window, her eyes squinting at the bridges in the distance and trailed her fingers over a scab on her temple. “Well, it’s over with now,” she sighed after a moment. “The Winthrop mess is still eating at you, isn’t it?” Brian asked. Rose turned towards him and smiled, “brilliant deduction Counselor!” She sat in the armchair by the window and pulled off her shoes, “Winthrop’s replacement starts Monday,” she leaned over and rubbed her foot, “another rookie!” Brian’s eyebrow shot up at the tone of her voice, “Uh—oh, I hear trouble!” Rose laughed, “You know me too well Bri, it’s just not the same since Marco and I split up.  First command doesn’t fill the spot for almost a year, which really wasn’t so bad. I’d rather work alone than with someone who doesn’t know what they’re doing. But then they give me, Winthrop. Jesus, what a mess he was.” She was quiet for a moment and Brian waited patiently. “From the moment he walked in he was nothing but trouble,” she continued. “You know I tried to tell McCauley but he wouldn’t listen. He thought I was the issue! I think that’s why this time, they’re sending me a woman. Another mess!” She looked at Brian. “Look at that folder in my bag; it’s on my new partner.” She stood up and stretched. Brian watched as the sun streamed through her thin skirt, silhouetting her long legs. “I’m going to take a shower while you read that.” She headed toward the bedroom, “I’m sorry you had to miss your jog.” Brian smiled, “I’ll just have to get plenty of exercise with you later.” “Count on it,” Rose replied, leaving him with the file.    
          Brian flipped open the manila folder from Rose’s purse. He skimmed through the information with a practiced eye, having spent a good part of his 40 years reading legal briefs. A smile crept across his face as he read about Rose’s prospective partner. Roberta Ann Wallace, 26, daughter of Arthur Wallace and Evelyn Walker Wallace, owners of the investment law firm of Walker, Morgan and Wallace. A debutante! Magna cum Laude from New York University. Placed third high master in the National Police Shooting competition. Oh, so here’s why Rose is upset, she was promoted from patrol to a Police Detective Unit on the commissioner’s Christmas list after only three and a half years on the force. On patrol her activity was decent, nothing spectacular, but nothing terrible either. He closed the file and thought, “I wonder if this lady knows what she’s up against with Rose?”    
          In the shower, Rose let the steaming water soothe the tiredness from her body. The smell of the shampoo let her mind wander back to three months ago. The squad was investigating an armed robbery case. The suspects were responsible for a wave of robberies at beauty salons throughout the area. Rose setup an undercover operation at one of the last remaining marks in the district. The entire squad was working there for a week, posing as stylists and customers. The plan was to let the robbery go down and then pursue the suspects, avoiding endangering any civilians present at the time. Two weeks ago, as the robbery went down, one of the suspects grabbed Rose, held a gun to her head and ordered Ray Haskell to hand over cash. As Ray complied, Craig Winthrop, ignored the plan and came out of a cubicle to fire at the man. As he stepped from behind the wall, his gun went off, the bullet creasing Rose’s temple. The second suspect fired a head shot at Craig, killing him instantly. As the suspect fled, he shot wildly around the salon, hitting Detective Dave Jordan in the shoulder and killing one customer. Detective Max Buckley pursued the suspect, but the man escaped in a waiting car. In the bedlam that followed, Rose exploded. She walked over to Craig’s body and stared down at him, unaware of the blood that trickled down her face. “You fool, you cocksure fool!” she muttered. In the subsequent investigation, Rose was scrutinized by IAB and narrowly avoided losing her grade. Her own feelings of guilt were worse than any possible department punishment.  She stood with the squad at his department funeral. The pomp and circumstance of the ceremony was a direct counterpoint to the superior attitude and inability to follow directions that cost him his life and left his family alone. Rose’s heart went out to his widow and two young sons. The water began to turn cold and Rose welcomed it, letting the sting of the frigid spray wash the tears from her face. She still could see Craig’s widow weeping and her two sons staring at the coffin that held their father’s remains.  
          Rose stepped from the shower, toweling down briskly. She wrapped a light robe around her and headed for the kitchen where the smell of coffee and bacon reminded her she hadn’t eaten since breakfast the day before. Brian was scrambling some eggs while she stood behind him, nuzzling his neck gently. “Easy there! Or you’ll have egg on your face instead of in your stomach!” he threatened with mock fierceness. “Can I have some coffee?” she asked, whispering softly in his ear. Brian dumped the eggs in the sizzling butter and turned around, taking her in his arms. “That’s all I’m good for, huh? Give the old boy toy a little kiss and then ask for coffee?” Rose laughed and leaned her head against his chest, “I wonder what the DA would think if he knew that his best assistant was a boy toy to a police detective?” “I’m sure he’d really be confused considering boy toy is not a demographic category in a personnel file.” Brian said, kissing the top of her head. Rose extricated herself from his arms and sat at the table. “You’re not going to start that again are you?” Brian poured some coffee and put it before her, “No, I’ve given up on that!” “So,” Rose began, “what do you think of that file on Wallace?” Brian stirred the eggs in the pan and then popped in some bread to toast. He leaned against the counter, crossing his arms on his chest, “Truthfully Rosie, I think she’ll work out just fine.” Rose signed, “Don’t you think at 40, I’m a little old to be babysitting?” “Not if you mean to our children, but referring to Wallace as a child is a mistake. She is a sworn police officer and as of tomorrow a detective third grade whether you like it or not and I’ll bet she’s probably more like you than you’d care to admit.” He began dishing up the eggs and placed a plate in front of her. “Like me, huh? Where do you get that comparison? I grew up here on the streets of Manhattan, not in Chappaqua riding around on show ponies!” Rose stabbed her fork into her eggs; “Well?” she waited. Brian sat across from her, chewing on some toast thoughtfully, “What bothers you more her money or her gender?” “Neither, what I dislike is the fact that she’s a rookie! Come on Bri! I started out in East New York and worked my way up as an investigator to the detective squad. Hitting a target and looking pretty on a recruitment poster didn’t get me my promotion, hard work did!” she said angrily. “So the issue is how she got where she did, not anything else?” “Stop playing lawyer with me,” Rose replied angrily. “I just feel that after all these years; I deserve a veteran, like Marco.” “I still think you should give her a chance,” Brian said. Rose grinned wolfishly, “Oh, she’ll have her chance. Little Miss Debutante better know what she’s doing or I’ll have her back in uniform so fast she won’t know what hit her!” Brian sighed, “Do you realize that you are setting back Women’s Lib a hundred years?” Rose laughed, “I never believed in that. Why should we be equal when we’ve been superior for all these years?” Brian chuckled and gathered up the dishes, “Well then, Ms. Jennings, why don’t you get your superior butt in the bedroom and you can explain your theories in detail?” “Intimate detail?” Rose taunted. “Intimate detail! Now scat so I can do these dishes!” Brian growled. Rose dropped her robe off her shoulders and stood naked before him. Brian dropped the plates in the sink before he scooped her into his arms and carried her into the bedroom.
    
    
    
    
      

     The truck came around the turn spitting smoke and steam. It heaved its mammoth bulk alongside the curb and seemingly breathed its last breath. From the drivers’ side, a brawny, handsome young man leaped out shouting, “Damn it all! I told you this was going to happen! I told you we needed to work on the truck this weekend, and not move you and Bobbi to a new apartment!” A petite, curly haired blonde stepped from the truck and joined the irate man in front. “Look, I’m sorry but we had to be in today! And you knew about this for three weeks, from the day we signed the lease! So don’t blame Bobbi and me for your procrastination!” Her brown eyes blazed with anger and the man started to laugh, “Okay okay! You’re too tough for me!” He grabbed her and kissed her gently, “Can we move your bed in first?” She pushed him away, “Last! Or we’ll never get anything accomplished. Now let’s go!”    
          Above them, in a third story window of a Flat Iron brownstone, an attractive brunette with hazel eyes watched them. She slid the window open and shouted, “Well hallelujah! You made it! I’ve got everything cleaned up and ready up here for you Markie!” The blonde looked up, “Well a fat lot of good you’re doing up there! Come on down and help us carry this stuff up!  Half of it is yours!” “Yes ma’am, on my way, ma’am.” Bobbi teased.    
          It did not take the three of them long to empty the truck and get things settled. The girls worked in the kitchen fixing dinner while Jack parked the truck. Markie shredded lettuce in a bowl while Bobbi seasoned some tomato sauce. “You know Bobbi I still don’t understand why you wouldn’t rather live in that fabulous apartment with your parents. They seem pretty cool.” Bobbi laughed, “They’ve gotten better with age. I want to be totally on my own. There I would forever be Roberta, lady of the house, not Bobbi, me.” She reached around Markie for the oregano, “Besides, with the hours I will be keeping, my folks would start aging very quickly.” “Not to mention if you want male companionship and the maid comes walking in,” Markie added with a mischievous smile. “That is the furthest thought from my mind right now,” Bobbi said frowning. “My primary concern is starting with my new unit tomorrow and keeping my career rolling. This promotion has saved me years in a RMP.” Markie put the salad on the table and poured some wine, “Have you met your new partner yet?” “No, but I’ve been warned.” “Warned?” “Yes, warned, she’s supposedly a real tough bitch! A good cop, but she’s not the easiest person to get along with.” “After those over styled prissy girls you grew up with, how bad can it get?” “Markie I guess I can compare a squad to a high school with guns.” “You’ll just have to charm her,” Markie replied with a giggle. “Oh to be sure!” Bobbi said laughing comfortably at her roommate’s joke.    
          Across town at Rose’s apartment, Brian sat propped up in bed with a file and a legal pad in his lap. Rose came into the bedroom toweling off her hair. Brian smiled at her admiring her lean, hard body, “I told you you’d need another shower when I got through with you.” “Ah, that you did now,” Rose replied, faking a brogue. “With you around, who needs aerobics? What’s on the agenda in court tomorrow?”
     “Oh,” sighed Brian, “Opening arguments in the Henderson homicide case.”I thought we agreed no shop talk on Sundays.” “We never stay away from it. That’s one of the things that makes us so good at what we do!” she said as she climbed into bed next to him. Brian closed the file and put it on the floor. He turned to Rose and took her into his arms “We also do this very well, too.” he said, as he kissed her. “Well, it does help to relieve the tension,” she teased as she settled into the crook of his arm. She ran her fingers through his chest hair, twirling it about her  fingers. “I better get some sleep. Tomorrow I break my rookie!”  Brian snuggled down next to her and said, “Do me a favor? Try to remember how you felt when you started and take it a little easy on her.” “Who do you think you are?” Rose said sarcastically, “Her court appointed public defender? I’ll give her the same treatment I give every new cop to come to the squad. I’ll give her one chance and if she blows it, I’ll blow her back to uniform.”
 

     September — Week One
          Bobbi paused at the wooden door of the precinct. Bunting still hung above the frame. She gazed up at the archway of the building, took a deep breath and said to herself, “Well, it’s now or never!” She entered the main foyer, flashed her shield and ID at the desk sergeant and asked directions to the detective squad offices. Thanking him, she started down the corridor to stand in front of the door he described. Pausing to straighten her shirt collar, she walked in. Inside, the large room was filled with desks, computers, and file cabinets. Closest to the door was a very handsome man  about 35 years old chatting on the phone.  The man sat at a desk, with white shirtsleeves rolled to the elbow, his feet propped comfortably up on it while he sipped a cup of coffee. He wore dark glasses perched on top of his sandy hair, his grey eyes lighting up as Bobbi approached. He had high cheekbones with a well defined brow and a slight bump on his long nose.  “So, what can I do for a beautiful lady like you? You certainly can’t be in trouble with the law,” he teased. “You’re much too pretty!”
      Nervously, Bobbi shook her head and smiled, “Can you tell me where I can find Lieutenant McCauley? I’m Roberta Wallace.” “You’re Roberta?” He stared at her in disbelief, coming quickly to his feet, “Welcome to the 10th squad. I’m Max Buckley.” he stammered.” “Please call me Bobbi, and where do I find McCauley?” she said curtly, feeling suddenly like a school girl on the first day. Max appraised her, taking a long glance up and down Bobbi’s body. “Sure, Rober... uh Bobbi, just go through that door over there that has his name on it.” “Thanks!” “You’re most welcome, I’ll see you later” Max said, watching her bottom closely as she walked away.    
          Bobbi approached the door, and knocked softly. She was greeted with a rough, “What do you want?” She opened the door and stuck her head in, “Lieutenant McCauley? I’m Roberta Wallace”, she said to the older graying man. “Oh,” he said, rising from behind his desk and hitching his trousers up over the slight paunch of his belly. “Come in Wallace. Come in.” He ushered her in and before closing the door said, “Max tell that motley crew to stick around for the introductions.” “Yes sir,” Max replied and poured himself another cup of coffee while he mused over Bobbi’s first encounter with Rose. “That’s going to be one interesting meeting!” he thought aloud. He chuckled as he imagined just what Bobbi might be like underneath that cool, calm exterior.
     Before he reached any conclusions, Ray, Mike and Dave barreled through the door together. They were having a heated discussion about Sunday’s football game. Ray Haskell was a defensive back for a semi-professional team eighteen years ago when he was shipped to Iraq during desert storm. After leaving the military, he joined NYPD. Iraq dashed his pro hopes so now he was the precinct’s team captain and every man on the team, had a great respect for the lumbering giant. He and Dave Jordan were trying to place the blame for losing the weekend’s game on Mike Conzo. “Really Mike,” said Ray, “if you could keep your mind off that pretty little lady of yours, maybe we could have made that touchdown.” “Next time, said Dave, “leave her home so your mind will be on the game and not on her big...” “Shut-up growled Mike, “what do you expect from an engaged man?” “You were always engaged, even before you met Theresa,” Dave teased. Mike scowled at Dave, his dark Italian features took on a threatening appearance as he said, “Listen pretty boy, maybe if you weren’t so afraid of mussing your hair, we would have won the game. Little guys like you shouldn’t play with the big boys!” “Oh shit Mike, you are just jealous cause Theresa thought I was cute,” Dave said his blue eyes twinkling. He ran his hand through his blonde hair. “The ladies just love my All-American good looks!” “Shit,” said Ray, “if it gets any deeper around here, I’m going to need a shovel! Hey Max, what’s happening?” “Not much, my man, unless you count that I got to meet the rookie this morning.” said Max. “Really?” said Dave, “what’s she like? With a name like Roberta, I’ve been wondering what she looks like.” Max smiled, “Oh, well, she’s okay, not your type though, kinda doggish. But I guess she’ll be all right. We don’t get a choice, now do we?”    
          Rose walked into the room, “Good morning gentlemen,” she said sweetly. “Where’s our new recruit? Late on the first day? Tsk, tsk, but what else could we expect from a debutante? They have to make an entrance!” She hung up her jacket and grabbed herself a cup of coffee. “What gives Rosie? Where did you get that information?” Max asked. ‘After what happened with Winthrop, let’s just say I want to be prepared,” Rose replied. She then began to tell them about the information she collected. They all were surprised at her background; the men agreed that she had a no red flags to speak of. “Yeah, if she’s so decent, where is she?” Rose demanded. “She’s been in with the Lieutenant for the last half hour,” Ray said as he put his arm around Max’s shoulders. “Max here got to see her before she went in. He was just telling us when you arrived that she’s a bit challenged in the beauty department.” “Doggish was the word he used,” said Dave. “So, it looks like she won’t be giving you any competition in that department Rose.” “I could care less what Little Miss Debs looks like, though I imagine you and Max must be terribly disappointed that she’s not a raving beauty. My only concern is how well she acts in the field. I don’t think any of us wants another Winthrop!” The squad fell silent at the reminder Dave subconsciously rubbed his shoulder where he had taken the bullet.”You’re going to chew her up and spit her out, aren’t you Rose?” Mike asked. “I won’t even waste my time! Little Miss Debs will either do as she is told or wind up staying in the office, doing all of our paperwork!” “Hey, cool the chatter,” said Ray. “Here they come.”    
          Lieutenant McCauley and Bobbi came out of his office as the squad room fell unnaturally quiet. Rose took one look at Bobbi and knew Max was lying. She assessed Bobbi’s long brown hair that fell in soft waves about her face. Her golden green hazel eyes were surrounded by thick, smoky lashes that gave them a doe-ish look. She wore very little makeup, primarily Rose assumed because she didn’t need it. Her skin had a natural blush to it and her eyes shined with apprehension. The blouse she wore hugged her high, firm breasts, outlining their curves and her slacks fit snugly, accentuating Bobbi’s thin waist and the soft swell of her hips. The rest of the squad, Rose observed, was staring at Bobbi with undisguised admiration. “Terrific,” she thought to herself. “I can practically hear them panting and chomping at the bit to get to her! She’s going to be one hell of a distraction around here!”
    McCauley began the introductions, his blue eyes warm as he stroked his grey moustache into place. “Well troops, this is your new squad member, Bobbi Wallace. Bobbi, you all ready met Max Buckley. That is Ray Haskell. Next to him his partner, Mike Conzo. That’s Dave Jordan and Buckley’s cohort and over there is your new partner, Rose Jennings.” There was a brief hubbub as everyone shook hands and exchanged greetings. Bobbi extended her hand to Rose as she said with a smile, “Little Miss Debs, huh?” “I haven’t been called that one before, said Bobbi.” “I bet there are a lot of things you’ve never been called before,” quipped Rose. Bobbi, realizing they were not getting off on the right foot tried to rectify the situation. “I also bet there are a lot of things I have to learn. I’m looking forward to new experiences.” “Experience,” said Rose, her voice like ice, “is something we need around here, not something we gain.” The tension between them grew like a mountain and everyone shifted uncomfortably. Lieutenant McCauley immediately took control of the deteriorating situation, “Okay you all have work to do. Bobbi you can take the desk over there.  Rose, in my office, NOW!” He waited at his office door. Rose walked in past him and he slammed it shut. Raised voices could clearly be heard through the door but none of the contents. “Oh boy, Rosie really pissed him off this time.” said Ray. “Come on over here Bobbi and let me show you the important stuff-coffee!” Dave grabbed Max’s arm, “Doggish huh! You creep!  She’s hot. You intended to try and keep her all for yourself didn’t you?” Max looked at Bobbi, she was talking in an animated fashion to Ray who was nodding and smiling at her. “Well, can you blame me?” “No, but if you think I’m going to let you have first dibs on that beauty, you are nuts!” “But Dave, what about the unwritten rule against fraternization with our sister officers?” “Max, my man, the beauty of that rule is that it’s unwritten!”    
          Inside McCauley’s office, Rose was blistering under the Lieutenant’s scalding tongue. “You know Jennings, you are a real prize!” Shouting he said, “Wallace hasn’t been here an hour and you already are making waves. If your attitude doesn’t improve, we may have to make other arrangements for you!”  “Lieutenant,” Rose began, hoping to mollify him, “Marco busted on me just as badly, if not worse! I’ve been with the squad for fifteen years and I’ve trained every detective that we have, with the exception of Ray. Don’t I deserve a partner who is my equal?” She paused a moment, “Or do we have to keep dealing with people like Winthrop?” The Lieutenant slammed his fist on the desk. “I am sick of hearing about that. This is where she is assigned by 1PP and this is where she stays. We don’t have any say, how long do you have to be on this job before you realize, you HAVE NO SAY. And as far as Winthrop is concerned, we lost a good man in the line of duty! You will work with Wallace or be reassigned! I’m really surprised at you Rose; you were one of the first female detectives in this precinct. You paved the way and set the standard for what most of us consider a good cop. I would think you would welcome the chance to work with someone like Wallace.” “But she isn’t like me. She was raised a society lady who happens to shoot straight! She got here as part of the mayor’s publicity junket. What the hell kind of qualification is that?” Rose snarled. “Her record since the Academy is strong. She made good collars and has great activity in patrol, besides she satisfies the department’s statistic keepers. It’s now up to you to make her into a good detective so hopefully she can fill the chair. Now I expect you to treat her like all the other squad members and make sure nothing happens to her. Internal Affairs still isn’t satisfied with the outcome of the Winthrop case. I’m leaving it to you to make sure Wallace becomes an integral part of our team. Dismissed!” McCauley turned his back on Rose, giving her no choice but to leave the room.   
          Rose closed the door to the Lieutenant’s office and the whole squad looked up from what they were doing. Max was sitting next to Bobbi on the desk and Ray was in the middle of explaining some of their current workload to Bobbi. “What are you all gawking at?” Rose growled, “We’ve got work to do. May I take my partner off your hands gentlemen, or would I be imposing on your obviously over abundant good nature?” Ray rolled his eyes at the guys and said, “Oops, fish food for the barracuda! She’s all yours Rosie?” “Of that,” she said, “the  Lieutenant has made me painfully aware. Come over here, Debs.” Rose pointed to her desk which was inside a glass enclosure. She closed the door and seated herself behind her desk, putting her booted feet up. “The name is Bobbi, not Debs!” Bobbi said sternly. “Okay Debs, Bobbi it is. Now sit down and let’s get to work. I have just been assigned as your guardian angel and protector. Believe me, I didn’t apply for the job, but since I’ve got it, I plan to do a good job of it.”    
          The rest of the day made Bobbi feel like a rookie fresh out of the Academy. Rose bombarded Bobbi with questions and information like a computer downloading its entire memory. She punctuated almost every sentence with a snide remark until Bobbi finally lost her temper. “I have had enough of your crap!” Bobbi shouted. “I don’t care if you don’t like me, but I will not tolerate this kind of verbal harassment, I am here whether you like it or not.” Rose lit a cigarette, blowing the smoke in Bobbi’s direction. “Oh?  Are you going to run to the mayor? You don’t like this kind of verbal harassment? You need to develop a little bit of callus, my dear. Do you think the people we book know anything about social nicey-nicey? Do you think they stick out their little fingers when they sip tea? I haven’t even slipped into profanity yet and you are already blushing! Toughen up your hide a little bit Debs. There are no feather pillows around here to rest your ass on!” She ground out her cigarette. “Now, lucky for me, I have a CI to meet. As for you, I’ll let the boys play with you awhile. They’ll give you all the nicey—nice you need.” She grabbed her bag and shouted to Ray, “Haskell, babysit my little girl while I’m gone. Try to keep the boys from drooling all over her and maybe you can teach her what’s going down around here. But watch your language and manners or the little princess will cry!” Bobbi pounded the desk in frustration. “Hey, come on out here with the real people. The wicked Queen is gone,” said Ray. Bobbi smiled at him. “Is she always like that with people or am I a special case?” Ray laughed. “Sweetheart, that was just round one. She only knows how to play hard ball.” Mike chuckled, “Actually Bobbi, there’s been speculation regarding whether or not Rose doesn’t have a set of balls all her own!”   
          The phone rang on Ray’s desk. “Haskell” he motioned for Mike to pick up the extension. “Gotcha, we’re on our way,” Ray said at last. He hung up and reached for his jacket. “Mike, ask dispatch to call back Dave and Max from meal. We’ll take one of them with us for back up.” “Hey, what about me?”  Bobbi said. “I can cover you.” Ray smiled, “I know you can, but take it easy today.  Baby steps. Someone has to answer the phone.”
          “Guess I better brush up on my secretarial skills.” Ray laughed, “Don’t bet on it. The work will test you out sooner than you think.”  “I’m sure Max or Dave will show you how we catch,” Mike said. He and Ray headed for the door. “Be careful guys,” Bobbi called. They waved and were gone.    
          Bobbi was slumped in a chair when Max came in. “Hey Bobbi, I hear I’m teaching you how to catch.” He pulled up a chair next to her. “Best assignment I’ve gotten in a while.” Bobbi looked up into his penetrating grey eyes and ingratiating smile. “I’m glad you guys think this is so funny.” She stood up, “Coffee?” Max nodded. “Rose being tough on you?” “She is such a witch.” “That’s Rose. Don’t take it too personally, or maybe you might understand better if you knew a little bit more about her.” He sipped his coffee. “Rose was one of the first female detectives in this precinct. From what I hear, the guys were very cruel to her in the beginning and she had to be tough. Her partner was Marco Concetta. He made Detective Commander and went over Manhattan Homicide almost two years ago. People thought Rose deserved it, but Marco got it.” “And Rose held it against him and is taking it out on me?” Bobbi asked. “No way.  Rose isn’t like that. She’s pissed because you’re a rookie and you are not Marco. When they broke those two up, well let’s say the squad lost its rhythm for a while. Rose was given Detective 1st Grade and we were just pulling together when they sent Winthrop.” “Craig Winthrop? The cop who died in the Beauty Parlor?” “You got it. He hated taking direction from anyone, especially Rose, which is why he’s dead. He was a hothead, arrogant, inexperienced, and a rookie.” He paused for a moment. “Look Bobbi, at this point how you got here doesn’t matter, but how you stay here does. Meet Rose head on and you’ll be fine.  Now the work, catching, once we get notified of a major incident or homicide one of us will make notifications to the boss, detective borough dispatch to see whose around and available, the chief of D’s and then any other squads that might be pertinent like homicide, SVU, etc. While I am notifying the world, you princess will get the 911 printout and get the gear together , vehicle keys and car assignment, radios with fresh batteries, extra note pads, check lists , paper & pencils to sketch on, camera and film, very important gloves, flashlights that work, spare crime scene tape  and crime scene signs. There are about 5 gear bags in the cabinet over there.  After the notifications are made, I’ll contact the first officer on scene or the patrol supervisor to get a better clue. The boss and whoever he chooses as the lead will hit the scene ahead of us. Once we are done here we follow.” “Princess” Bobbi thought to herself. “Who does he think he is?” “Now enough about work, how about dinner with me tonight?” Bobbi burst out laughing. “You don’t waste time do you? The minute I walked in here this morning I got the feeling you would ask me.” “So, what’s the answer?” Max said. “No.” “NO?  Why not?”  he asked. “Don’t tell me you have a rule about dating cops?” “No, I date cops. I just don’t date cops who I work directly with on the first day of an assignment.” “Oh come on! I said dinner, not sex! Maybe you’re flattering yourself?” Bobbi smiled, “Touché” “So, then we’ll have dinner?” “I have to take a rain check, my roommate and I have plans.” “Oh, I see,” Max said, looking at her with a knowing smile. “No, you don’t. My roommate is Markie Gardner. She is an Assistant Director at New York Children and Family Services”. Max breathed an exaggerated sigh of relief. “Oh, a female type roommate. Who would have guessed?” “You know something Buckley, you just lost all the points you tried to gain.” Bobbi said. “Well, I still intend to collect that rain check. Deal?” he asked. “We’ll see Max,” Bobbi replied, wondering what she was getting herself into.
         The Village — Monday PM
               Rose swooped into the loft and slammed the door behind her. She stormed around the living room; her rage which had steeped all day boiling over. “I can’t believe her!” she muttered under her breath. Brian came in from the kitchen, wiping his hands on a towel. “From the sound of things in here, I take it you did not have a good day?” He kissed her softly. “Can I make it better?” “No, you cannot, unless you can help me get rid of my new partner.” “What the hell happened? You’re shaking! Sit down and talk to me.” “Brian, I have never in my life seen anything like this! She walked into the room and the guys just about died. They were breathing so heavily you could barely hear the Lieutenant introduce her. And then, one snide comment and McCauley has me chained to a chair reaming me out for picking on her! He’s acting like a doting father and Max and Dave are on her like two stud bulls!” she groaned. “I can’t believe after twenty years on the job this is happening to me!” “Whoa, there!”  Brian cut in. “Slow down and give it to me from the beginning.” 
          Rose told him about the day, filling in the gaps her anger had left open. She was honest and did not embellish the tale, for one thing Rose was not was a liar. When she finally finished, concluding with the snitch, which had absolutely useless information, Brian spoke gently knowing he was treading on thin ice. “Rose, the guys all know how you feel about things and how you act. They know that you might call them shitheads but you don’t necessarily mean it. They also know that you’ve been itching to get the partner you want, not who they send. And it’s time my love, to face the fact that Marco is not your partner anymore. And if you give this kid a shot, there is a chance you might stop missing him so much.” “Are you finished?” Rose asked. Brian nodded. “Good, then since you have made me eat crow for an appetizer, what’s for dinner?” Brian smiled, “Are you ill? You are actually listening to a voice of reason?” She nodded and slid into his arms, “Yes, I’m listening, can’t argue with logic.” “Good, dinner won’t be ready for an hour.” He kissed her, running his fingers through her hair. “Can you think of a way to make it go quickly?” Rose slid out of his arms and pulled him to the floor. “Here?” Brian said. “In the living room?” “Why not, Counselor? Afraid of carpet burn?”    
          Later during dinner Rose said, “Counselor, if you are that persuasive in court, I’m surprised you don’t have a better record.” Brian took a sip of wine. “Rosie, if I fought that way in court, I wouldn’t have a job!” “No, but you’d have a helluva client list!” They laughed together and finished their meal. Rose took their plates to the sink and Brian came up behind her, kissing the nape of her neck, “I’m going to grab a shower before going to bed, want to join me?” “As soon as I finish these dishes,” Rose said, running water into the sink. Brian shut the faucet off and silenced Rose’s protest with a kiss. “Dishes can wait, I can’t.” Rose laughed and wiped her hands on a towel. “Counselor, will we ever get bored with each other?” He kissed her in reply.  
     Flat Iron District - Monday PM    
          Bobbi came into the apartment and shut the door, leaning against it with a heavy sigh. “Hey roomie, I’m home!” she called. “In the kitchen” Markie replied. Bobbi dropped her things in her room before joining Markie. “God, what a bitch of a day!” she said sliding into a chair. “Yeah?  How’s the new Unit?” she asked, handing Bobbi a glass of wine. “Well, I don’t have a clue what I’m doing, the forms and reports are crazy, and the actual investigation and interview part will be interesting and challenging. My partner, on the other hand, is going to be a royal pain in the ass!” “What happened?” Markie asked sitting across from her, “Didn’t you two get along?” “Who knows? All the guys say is that’s the way she treats everyone when they come in. She calls me Little Miss Debs, which means she’s read my jacket. I’ve dealt with hair bags before who don’t think women belong on the force, but I didn’t expect this from another woman.” “Are you so sure that’s what bothers her?” Markie asked. “It’s me in general, despite what the guys say. I think she hates me.” “So, then what are you going to do?” “Do? I think I’ll give her a taste of her own medicine. She said I need to develop some callus. I think it’s time she learned just who I am.” “How are you going to do that?” Markie asked. Bobbi was about to answer when the phone rang. “I got it... Hello? Oh, hi Andrew, how are you? Me? Fine thanks....What’s new?”    
          In his apartment on Central Park West, Andrew Marcus poured himself a snifter of brandy. “Bobbi, you missed a terrific race at the club this weekend. Father and I took the Marjorie to victory again in the annual race.” “That’s great! I’m sure your mother is thrilled that her namesake is doing so well,” Bobbi said. “How is she?” “She’s fine.  I’ll tell her you asked.” Andrew sipped his brandy and settled himself into a chair. “The reason I’m calling is the Yacht Club dance is Saturday and I was hoping you’d like to go with me?” “Well, I’ll see how my schedule goes and as long as I don’t get hung up, yes, I’d love to go.” His blue eyes glittered with pleasure. “Marvelous, I’ll pick you up at the old homestead at 7:30.” “Okay, I’ll see you then.” Bobbi hung up and Andrew slowly replaced the receiver. “Yes, I’m not going to be that convenient escort, for much longer my little darling. You are going to start to put out.” He poured himself a generous second brandy and stared out the window, a wicked grin spreading softly across his face.    
          Bobbi sat back down. “Well, looks like I’m going to a dance this weekend.” “Why do you go out with him all the time? He’s such a...”  “Pompous ass?” Bobbi finished for her. “I know, but Andrew has been my friend for as long as I can remember. Besides, he’s a safe date.  This dance is always a lot of fun. Now let’s eat!”