Release

When Bishop reappeared at the end of the corridor seventeen minutes later, a communal groan went up from everyone except Novak, who began to gather up the pile of cash.

"Wait a minute," Logan said, grabbing her by the arm. "It's not like he had to wine and dine her - they could have -"

"No," Alex and Olivia said at the same time. They exchanged bemused glances and Olivia finished the thought. "She's walking too smoothly; no woman glides like that after sex."

“So, how did the research go?” Alex asked as Bishop drew within hearing distance. The skinny red-head took in the scene with cold gray eyes and raised her chin defiantly at the sight of Novak counting her hard won spoils.

“He told me to come back later,” she said. “The curse wasn’t advanced enough; he’s still in control. And somebody forgot to mention that he locked himself in a cell.”

“I guess a key would have useful,” Alex said blandly. “You sure were gone a long time. Seventeen minutes.”

“Bobby and I had a lot of catching up to do.” Alex didn’t know who she thought she was fooling. She and Bobby had nothing in common. Bishop walked over to the glass board before Munch could wipe off the bets. “Four to one against me; thanks for the vote of confidence.” She glanced over at Novak. “How much did you win?”

“Ninety bucks and lunch at Cardinelli’s.” Bishop nodded.

“Whatever you do, don’t order the seafood. And double or nothing says next time, I get him.”

“You’re on,” Logan said.

“No, you’re not.” Alex had finally had enough. “This isn’t fight night at the Coliseum. And you -” She pointed at Bishop. “ - you had your chance. He’s mine - my partner, my responsibility.” For some reason, the thought of sending Bishop back to Bobby after the incubus had taken control, when he was helpless and vulnerable, made her sick to her stomach. She stalked across the room, grabbed her coat, and headed down the hallway. After a few steps she stopped and turned. “If I even suspect that you’ve been placing bets on me, I’m going to hurt every last one of you.”