Elisa exhaled and, a little defeated, took a seat in the chair opposite her captain again. She should have known Captain Chavez would see through her like this, the woman rarely missed much. It was one of the many reasons Elisa respected her mightily, but in this case it was also damned inconvenient too. She just hadn’t expected to get called in to make her report in person like this. ”I know Captain, and I’m sorry. But it’s got nothing to do with this case, I promise you.” She lied through her teeth.

”What is it then, and don’t say Anthony Dracon. I know what a Dracon headache looks like on you, this isn’t it.” Captain Chavez headed off what she probably thought Elisa’s most likely excuse would be. Luckily though, that wasn’t where Elisa had planned on taking this.

Elisa shook her head. ”It’s not that… Well, not only that, I mean.” She qualified. Until Dracon was behind bars or in the ground she wasn’t about to rest easy on that score, no matter what else was going on in her life. Even this.

”What is it then?” Chavez asked in a more considerate tone.

”I… I’m going out on a date today.” She admitted softly, looking down at her hands.

”…Oh, I see.” Chavez replied softly after a moment.

Elisa looked up to see her captain get up from her chair and come around her desk to sit back against the front edge of it.

”You’ve kept up going to sessions?” Captain Chavez asked tactfully.

Elisa nodded, not meeting her eyes. ”Every week, haven’t missed one yet.” She answered softly.

”Then I’m sure you know, starting to have a personal life again isn’t… It’s not something you should feel ashamed of, Elisa.” She told her softly. ”…You’re not betraying her by going out on a date.”

Elisa met her captain’s compassionate gaze and did her best to put on a brave smile. ”Yeah, I know. I guess it’s just going to take some getting used to, that’s all.” She explained.

Chavez smiled a little back to her. ”What’s her name? This new woman in your life?” She asked gently.

”Um, well… Dominique Destine?” She admitted a little reluctantly, knowing Maria would have undoubtedly heard of her.