Chapter 17: Confessions

                                    

                                          
Hi! So the next 4-5 chapters will be placed around seasons 20-21, so expect multiple time jumps here and there :p I'll try my best to stay close to canon regarding where Rafael was at that time, but it's pretty blurry. When we get to season 22 (Chapter 22-ish lol) more things will make sense. Thank you for voting and commenting! :D
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'So... how was Italy?'
'You know that, one, I don't talk about work, and two, even if I wanted to, I can't talk about this one in particular.'
'Was it horrible?'
'The officer I had to deal with was hard-headed, but I have my way with people. My secret? Partners or spouses. His wife was pretty cool and nice, she gave me some advice and I was back in the game.'
'I'm glad you made a friend.'
'I barely would call her my friend, but if he comes back to the U.S. eventually, I wouldn't mind going out with her. Did anything happen when I was away?'
'Mmm I saw my friend Rita, we had some drinks at the bar.'
'The one that gave you the Iowa case? That's nice! I'm glad you are reconnecting with people.'
'Yeah, I guess so.'
The rest of the trip was fortunately uneventful. Rita informed Rafael that Yelina checked out the day that Julie arrived, and that she also had $600 extra. Both women got to know each other, and Rafael wasn't sure that had been the greatest of ideas, as they started sharing rather embarrassing stories of the former A.D.A. He was happy. He was finally able to go down the Eggli ski area and just enjoy the ride.
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'You didn't have to, but my one weakness is chocolate, especially the Swedish one.'
'Just a little present Melinda, really.'
'I'm sorry I can't give you more news about the committee decision; they were gone for the holidays before they could reach a verdict.'
'I know they are considering other options, but it would really help if they could just tell me.'
'I keep recommending you, Julie, you are doing more things for this place than anyone on their contacts.'
'And yet, I'm not on top of the list.'
'I'm so sorry kiddo. Anyway, how is it going with your students?' 
'I have a solid team, really. They are still learning, but I'm proud of them. Sometimes I feel I'm a little too rough, but it's necessary.'
'You are doing fine; people from all over the country send you their CVs to even get considered to work with you.'
'Enough flowers for me, you are THE Melinda Warner, a walking legend, for God's sake.'
Both women laughed. 'Speaking of, one of my students is back from California to do more field and lab work. He's kind of my favorite, but don't tell him that. We would do one hell of a team Melinda; please don't go.'
'I'll think about it Julie.'
'I have to get him from the airport; good luck at the congress.'
'I'll get you something from China; enjoy being the boss for a while.'
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Nick wouldn't stop talking about how good Gil was doing on his hockey team, how Zara was on top of her class, and how badly the kids and Cynthia wanted to see Julie. He then excitedly described his job at this new place called FORYM, where he applied everything he learned during his semester.