"A road trip? Are you kidding me?" Flynn yelled at Taylor, who sat placidly behind his desk. "I can't leave town now."
"Why not?" Taylor answered, far too much like a cheshire cat for anyone's liking. "You haven't minded getting out of the city before."
"Yeah, well that was before."
"So what's changed?"
"Look," Andy continued glaring, "things with my daughter are finally getting back on track, and I've got to be here to make sure my ex-wife doesn't derail it, understand? I gotta be here to build on the momentum of the holidays."
"You're not going to be gone that long, Lieutenant."
"One day is too long," Andy continued glaring at him, and struggling to keep the rest of his temper in check.
"Listen Flynn, Nicole is a big girl. I'm sure if you explain you have to go out of town for work she'll understand."
"It's not that simple."
"Make it simple."
Andy could see the conversation was closed, but he wasn't ready to give up just yet. "Why me anyway? We've got a whole squad of guys who could got interview this person and pick'em up if we need to. Send Sanchez. Send Tao."
"I'm sending you."
"Why?"
"Because I can. Because you are the best man for the job."
Andy leaned back on his heels and crossed his arms, feeling the shift in the room. "Why am I the best? What aren't you telling me?"
"Nothing. You are the guy. You and.."
A knock on the door interrupted their conversation momentarily, then Taylor continued. "Here's your travel companion, now. Come in, Captain."
Flynn turned to the door in surprise as Sharon entered. She greeting both men then turned to the Assistant Chief to find out why she was summoned.
"Captain," Taylor began, "you and Lt. Flynn will be flying to Montana this evening."
Sharon's look of shock matched Andy's from earlier. "But Chief," she managed to say in her typical languid tone, "I'm traveling to Utah tomorrow with Rusty. Now that his stalker has been found and he's testified in the preliminary trial, I had planned on spending some time with my children and parents while they were still together."
"Utah will have to wait."
"Chief, I've already put in my vacation request, and it was approved... by you, I might add."
"I know, Captain, and I'm going to extend your vacation when you return."
"Chief, my family might not be there when I return." Sharon felt a slight burn at the back of her throat and worked to get rid of it. She wasn't going to allow Chief Taylor to see how upset she was getting. "And after everything that Rusty has been through, that this Department has put him through, I don't think it's fair to ask him for one more concession."
Taylor sat forward in his chair and rested his arms on his desk, tenting his hands and nodding that the Captain and Lieutenant should take seats. Sharon and Andy looked at each other wearily, but did as requested.
"Look... if I thought anyone else could do the job as well as you two, I'd send them. But the fact it no one does what you do."
"What exactly do we do that's so amazing?" Flynn asked with more sarcasm than needed, causing Sharon to pat his arm as she usually did when she was trying to calm him.
"Well, for starters, you do that," Taylor pointed at Sharon's hand, and she quickly removed it.
"That was nothing, Chief." Sharon said self-consciously.
Taylor rolled his eyes, "Look, I don't care if it means anything or not, but what it does show is how you two work together. You read each others moods and finish each other's sentences. I need that this time."
Andy could feel Sharon stiffen beside him, making him even more annoyed with Taylor. She'd been through way to much lately, and the last thing she needed was to feel sensitive about the way they interacted in the office. "You're crossing a line, Taylor." Andy growled, "the Captain is appropriate at all times."
Putting his hands up to show he meant no harm, Taylor looked from one to the other. "I'm not suggesting otherwise. Take a look at this." He gave them the file on the person they needed to collect, and sat back to wait.
Together Sharon and Andy looked at the file of a young girl, not more than twelve or thirteen. Pictures showed her bruising after being attacked, and hospital documentation around her other emotional and physical evaluation. "See that," Sharon pointed to Andy, and he nodded. "That's important," Andy brushed the paper, and Sharon hummed. When they were finished, Sharon lowered the file and looked at Taylor expectantly.
"That took about three minutes, by my watch," Taylor said, "and in that time you two already have your plan of approach and see the sensitivity of this situation. That's why I need you."
"What I see, Chief, is a young girl who witnessed the killing of her parents and now she's hiding from everyone. This kind of thing isn't novel, so why us?" Andy kept the challenge.
"You see more than that, Lieutenant, I know you do. Listen, that 'girl' is the only witness to the murder of her parents. From what we can piece together, their deaths were not random, but we're not altogether sure what the connection is."
"And this girl would know that?"
"We don't know, which is why I'm sending you two. In all my years hovering around Major Crimes, I've never met anyone who deals with families in grief like you do, Lieutenant. I've got letters from people thanking me for the time you've spent with them. Letters that tell me how much it meant to them that you followed through and found the person responsible, and then did your best to see that justice was done, and then went back to check on them."
"Letters, you say?" Andy couldn't help but feel a little flattered. He'd received thanks over the years and a few notes, but he didn't make a big deal of it, it was just part of the job. "We all do death notifications."
"No," Sharon interrupted, "you are the best, that's why I make sure you're the one to do it. The Chief is right about that. You have a way with people."
Andy smiled for the first time, "Yeah, we get a real good understandings when I put them into the wall."
"That too," Sharon smiled back.
"Alright, you've made your point with me," Andy turned back to Taylor, "but there's no reason for the Captain and the Kid to miss out on their trip. I can do this. I'll grab Provenza."
Taylor snorted, "I don't think so. You two together never ends well. The Captain is going. We need her diplomatic skills on this one, and no one smooths ruffled feathers like she does. And the maternal touch doesn't hurt."
Sharon's eyes narrowed as she tilted her head and dared Taylor to continue down that path.
Ignoring her look, Taylor continued, "Look Captain, it's just part of the package and that can't be helped. You know how to talk to kids and make them feel safe. Rusty is proof of that and everyone here knows it. This girl isn't going to trust easily, and you can probably reach out to her and talk to her about being a witness. You know more about that than anyone else I know. In addition to that, we know the girl is being protected in a convent, a group called Poor Clares, I'm told.
As Sharon nodded her understanding, Taylor raised his hand and pointed, "See, you know what needs to be done here. It needs a delicate touch by someone who understands how to talk to those people."
"So, I'm still not getting why us?" Andy intervened when he sensed Sharon's discomfort. "Why aren't the cops in Great Falls doing this? I'm sure they have people like us up there, too, and it would be a hell of a lot cheaper."
Taylor sighed, "We tried that. Because the murder happened in LA, the police department up there has no jurisdiction. And the girl is only a person of interest, not a suspect, so they can't force her out."
"Chief, how did she get from LA to Great Falls? The Sisters must know what's going on if they helped her get out of the state so fast."
"I'm not altogether clear on that point myself, Captain, but I suspect she made contacts in the hospital and the sisters moved her for her own protection."
"How do we even know that's where she is?"
"The Mother Superior has confirmed that they have the girl in their care."
"And they're not willing to let her talk to the police?"
"They feel the whole thing would be too traumatic for her, but we need to get moving on this. Look, Homicide has this right now, but I'll give it to Major Crimes. Provenza can run things from here while you get to the girl. She's the only one who can help us solve this. Now, I haven't booked your flights yet, so I'll do that now. The sooner you leave, the sooner you can get back and we can solve this thing." Taylor held the phone in midair when Sharon interrupted him.
"We'll drive," she announced, as she stood and smoothed her skirt.
"What?" Andy looked at her.
"Utah is on the way to Montana, so we'll take my car and Rusty, and I'll drop him with my parents. At least he won't have to miss out on spending time with everyone, and it will get him out of the city. I can't ask him to put his life on hold for this department again."
"That's going to take longer, Captain."
"Chief, if this girl is hiding from us, it's going to take us a while anyway. A few more hours traveling won't make a difference. And if you're worried about cost..."
In a completely uncharacteristic move, Taylor raised his hand to silence her, "Don't worry about the cost, Captain, I trust you to be responsible. You taking your own car will cut down on the cost of rentals, anyway."
Sharon didn't miss Andy's smirk as they rose to leave the room, file in hand and hearts heavy with what they had to do. When they were headed back to their squad room, Sharon looked at him again, "Your protests died pretty quickly."
"Yeah," he sighed and shrugged, "compared to your concerns, mine were petty. I just have to let Nicole know it's for work and hope she believes me."
"Why wouldn't she?"
"Sylvia."
"Ah," Sharon nodded her understanding at his ex-wife's name. "You've still got me for a buffer if you need me."
Andy smiled a little at that. "I'll keep that in mind."
Sharon spent the next hour briefing her team and then calling all of her family members to make her arrangements. Although anxious about being alone with Sharon's family, Rusty was also ready to get out of Los Angeles for a while. With his stalker behind bars and his preliminary testimony over, he finally had time to relax.
"How long will it take you to pack, Lieutenant?" Sharon asked, coming up behind him. She had her computer in her briefcase and was ready to leave. Andy quickly piled the papers he was reading and put them back into the file, then grabbing his own briefcase.
"Five, ten minutes. I don't need much. How about you follow me back to my place so I can leave my car there, then we'll head over the Nicole's."
"You haven't told her you're going out of town for a few days?"
"Na... I want to do it in person so she sees I'm being honest."
"Okay. Rusty says he's already packed and I just need to add a few things to my bag, so we can leave immediately."
"Listen, Sharon, I'm really sorry you have to change your plans like this."
"If it didn't involve a child, I'd willingly face disciplinary charges rather than disappoint my family," Sharon said, as she headed out to the elevators.
"I hear that," Andy sighed, following close behind.
True to his word, Andy was packed and ready to leave in ten minutes. Another quick round of his house to make sure everything was secure, and they were off to their next destination.
"Oh great," Andy said, and he pulled in beside a brown Lincoln.
"Is that...?"
"Yeah," he sighed. "Nic says she's not around all the time, but every time I have to say something important, Sylvia seems to be here. I can't make enough amends for that woman."
"Want back-up?"
"Nah... I can do this."
"Okay, but if you're not back in five minutes, I'm coming in."
Andy smiled at the mental image of Sharon barging in, guns drawn and ready to take out his ex-wife. "Always have my back, don't you."
Sharon gave an affirmative hum and sat back in her seat to wait. Before he headed to the house he came back to her side of the car, "Just make sure it's the beanbag gun." She laughed as she waited, nails tapping on the consul. At the two minute mark she realized she wasn't going to last until five. She'd met Andy's ex-wife enough times to know what to expect.
She walked up to the front door and realized it wasn't fully closed. Yelling could be heard from inside the house as Sylvia tried to undermine Andy once again. Shaking her head in disgust, Sharon made the pretense of knocking on the door, then walked towards the argument. Along the way she saw one of Nicole's step-sons with his hands over his ears. The little boy looked sad as he noticed Sharon pass by, and smiled slightly when he saw her smile. Sylvia had no idea what she was doing, Sharon decided. She was still too focused on making Andy suffer to realize she was making everyone suffer.
"Is there a problem?" Sharon asked casually, a tone that was designed to put fear into those around her. Looking around the kitchen, she saw Andy on one side of the counter, while Sylvia was gesticulating madly in his direction while trying to convince Nicole of something. Nicole looked upset and incapable of stopping the argument.
"Sharon?" Nicole said in surprise, then looked at her father.
"Sharon," Sylvia said, the bitterness evident in her greeting.
"Sylvia, always a pleasure," Sharon nodded, then went to stand beside Andy. "Did you get a chance to tell Nicole?"
"I was trying to," Andy grunted, attempting to keep his temper in check.
"Dad said he had to leave town for a few days?" Nicole started, moving in front of her mother, which had the effect of blocking the older woman.
"Yes," Sharon nodded, never taking her eyes from Andy.
"What I was trying to tell you Nic, is that me and Sharon are being sent on department business. It's pretty sensitive and I don't know how long it's going to take us. A few days, a week at the most. I didn't want to just call, you know... I want you to see I'm being honest and upfront about everything."
"Honest..." Sylvia said snidely under her breath.
"Dad, it's work, right?" Nicole looked hopefully from her father to Sharon and back.
"It's work, Nic. We were told this morning. I grabbed a few things and after we leave here, Sharon is getting her stuff and we're hitting the road. You can call me any time, and if I don't answer then I'm in with our witness doing interviews. I'll call you back if you leave a message."
"Dad, it's okay. Thanks for letting me know, but it's part of your job. Just be careful, alright? Both of you?"
Sharon smiled at the younger woman. "Thanks, we will. Andy..." she said, rubbing his back slightly.
"Yeah," he said, moving around the counter and giving his daughter a hug. All of them ignored Sylvia fuming in the background.
Movement out of the corner of his eye stopped Andy, and he looked down to see his youngest grandson, the one who Sharon had witnessed cowering moments before. Lowering himself to eye-level, Andy smiled at the boy, "Hey Sport, I've got to go out of town for a few days. How about I bring you back something from Montana for you and your brother? Would you like that?"
"Sure!" the lad exclaimed, and hugged his grandfather. Then he quickly hugged Sharon around the middle before running out of the room. Nicole laughed in delight, happy to see how her new sons were accepting her father. Sharon was surprised, but her composure never wavered. Even though she and Andy had tried to explain to Nicole and her husband that they were simply friends, it was obvious that the newlyweds didn't really believe it. She had been accepted as Andy's 'plus one', and she didn't mind as much as she thought she should.
Nicole saw them to the door, and with another round of hugs, Andy and Sharon headed to the car. A quick stop by her condo to collect Rusty and the rest of her belongings for the trip, and the three were off. There wasn't much talking on the way. All three occupants were lost in thought.
Traffic heading out of town was lighter than they expected. As they passed Las Vegas, Andy looked out of the corner of his eye to see how Sharon was doing, knowing that Jack was somewhere in the city. "I can drive for awhile, if you'd like." He offered.
"Are you handling me?" she asked, with just the slightest uptake at the corner of her mouth to let him know she was more amused than annoyed.
"Yup," he admitted freely.
For some reason Sharon found his honesty funny, and she laughed before pulling over and changing places. "I could use the break anyway," she acquiesced.
Andy adjusted the driver's seat and mirrors, noted that Rusty had fallen asleep in the back and pointed it out to Sharon. She hummed in acknowledgement, "He's been out for over an hour."
"Kid needs the rest," was all he said.
It didn't take long for Sharon to fall asleep either, so Andy drove on in silence, grateful that Sharon had programmed the GPS to find her parent's timeshare.
"We missed dinner," Sharon said hours later, stretching as she awoke, and hunger causing her stomach to growl.
"Yeah, I figured you two needed to sleep. We can grab something at the next rest stop, if you want."
"You must be famished," she said, turning to see that Rusty was still asleep, and was now lying down on the entire back bench. "He can't be comfortable."
"Kids are like rubber. It's when you get to our age that falling asleep in a car makes you stiff."
"Mmm..." she agreed, trying to rub the kinks from her neck.
"Listen, I've been munching on these granola bars," he nodded to a package sitting between them, "and your parent's place is just forty minutes away. We can stop if you want, or we can keep going and you can finish the box. There's a few left. Your choice."
"I'll just have one of these. I didn't realize we were so close. I usually don't sleep that well in a car."
"That's okay. That just means you trust me," Andy smirked.
"Cocky as the day is long."
"Part of my charm."
"Indeed... If I know my mother, the kitchen is stocked and she's got a meal ready for us as soon as we arrive. It will be so nice to see everyone again. I just wish it was for longer. Taylor has a way of ruining my day."
"Yeah," Andy nodded, "that's part of his 'charm'. The old bastard has been perfecting it for years."
Following the instructions of the GPS, Andy turned easily into the upscaled subdivision and headed towards the chalets that surrounded the bottom of the ski resort. He always knew Sharon came from money, but she never made a point of flaunting it so he'd come to ignore the fact. Driving past the houses, though, reminded him of how different their upbringings had been. Whistling slightly, he couldn't help himself. "You sure you can bring a mutt like me into a place like this? This is for show dogs."
Sharon rolled her eyes. "It's just a house with walls and central heating. Besides, it's only theirs for a few months out of the year."
"Yeah, the expensive months."
Shaking her head, Sharon turned to awaken Rusty. "We're here, honey."
"Waa..." the sleeping boy muttered as he rubbed his eyes, then looked around. "Snow... I don't remember the last time I saw snow."
"Just remember to put on the jacket I bought you, and come on. The sooner we get inside the sooner you can eat and get to see everyone."
On cue, Rusty's stomach rumbled and he didn't have to be told twice. He was anxious about meeting everyone in person, but food overruled any concerns.
"I'll get the bags," Andy said, somewhat nervously as he watched Sharon and Rusty head for the door.
Looking at each other and realizing their oversight, Sharon and Rusty quickly walked back to the car and lifted their own luggage out of the trunk. "Don't worry... you're better than the last 'stray' I brought here," Sharon whispered, as they headed into the house together.
"Mom!"
Before Sharon could get fully into the house, she was engulfed in the arms of her two children. A chorus of 'miss you's' and 'love you's' surrounded them. Soon the elder members of the family joined them, all of them talking away at the same time. Yes, the drive was shorter than expected. No, they couldn't stay long in the morning. Yes, she had what she needed. No, they hadn't eaten and were famished.
Andy and Rusty stood by the door, watching. To them, Sharon was always quiet and calm. She rarely raised her voice, and when she did it was to command control of the situation. She laughed and she cried, but always in a muted manner. However the woman in front of them sparkled and laughed with gusto, while tears of joy freely ran down her face.
"We're not in Kansas anymore," Andy said absently.
Rusty looked at him with quirked eyebrows, "Dude, it's Utah. We never hit Kansas."
Rolling his eyes and shaking his head at the kid's ignorance, Andy put down his bag and accepted the outstretched hand of Sharon's father, then her son.
"It's wonderful to meet you, Andy. Thank you for bringing my little girl home."
"Thank you, Sir. I'm glad to be here," Andy returned the greeting. It was hard for him to picture Sharon as anyone's 'little girl', even with the evidence right in front of him.
"And Rusty... nice to finally see you in person rather than on the computer. Well, come in you two, you must be tired after your trip. And son," Sharon's father looked Andy up and down, "you are not dressed for the weather. We're going to have to do something about that in the morning."
"Oh no, Mr. Thompson," Andy replied, "I'll be alright."
"Nonsense. It doesn't get any warmer from here to Montana, you know."
Sharon had already been swept up the short staircase from the landing to the main floor, but she looked back over her shoulder to smile at Andy and Rusty, and to see that they were being brought along as well. Ricky didn't miss the look, and went down to make sure Rusty was part of the group. "Hey buddy, don't hang back. If you want to eat I suggest you get up there now."
"Hi Ricky," Rusty put is hand out formally.
"Nah, none of that," Ricky gave Rusty a hug instead. "We're family. You're here for the duration so you better get used to it."
"Wow..." Andy exclaimed as he entered the main floor. He knew the house was big from the outside, but he had no idea how spacious it really was. From the front landing, all he could see was the stairway and part of the kitchen, but once he was on the main floor, he saw it was all open concept. The kitchen was on his left. At the far end, surrounded by tall bay windows, was the fireplace. Large, comfortable looking leather furniture created the main living space, and on the other side of him he saw a dinning table set for seven. Sharon was already seated at the table, where her mother and daughter insisted she stay while they served the food.
"I'll take that," Sharon's father said to Andy, and took his bag. "I'll just put it in your room."
"You sit at the end of the table, Dear," Sharon's mother patted his arm in a very familiar manner."
"Sure, Mrs. Thompson. Thanks," he muttered.
"None of that, you call me Ruth, and my husband is David."
"Sure, Ruth. Thank you."
In no time the table was filled with bowls of steaming vegetables and a very large turkey. David said the blessing and carved meat for everyone.
"You don't have to have any," Sharon leaned over to Andy.
"What's that, Dear?" Ruth asked from the other side of the table, next to her husband.
"Andy is vegetarian, Mom," Sharon explained.
Ruth blanched slightly. "Oh my, I didn't even think about that. I'm sorry."
"No... don't worry about it, Mrs... Ruth. There's more than enough food here, and I'll try a piece of turkey. It's been a long time since I had a dinner like this to enjoy. Everything is delicious, by the way."
"You've not touched your wine, Son," David chimed in, "do you want something stronger?
"No, Sir. Water is fine."
"Andy doesn't drink, Dad," Sharon intervened again, patting his arm. No one in her family needed to know his history.
"I'm sorry to be such a bother," Andy apologized.
"You're no bother. You're just leaving more booze and meat for the rest of us," Ricky said with a cheeky grin. A comfortable chuckle was had around the table, and that was the end of it.
Desert was just as appealing, and those who still had room were able to feast on plum pudding, minced pies and fruitcake.
"I assume the fruitcake is loaded," Andy leaned over to whisper to Sharon.
"A person wouldn't be able to stand for a week if they ate the whole thing in one sitting," she acknowledged.
He smiled at her, "And the rest?"
Sharon surveyed the array of traditional British deserts in front of her, and shook her head slightly, letting Andy know that everything had alcohol.
"I'm not touching any of that," Rusty said aloud before Sharon could sensor him.
"Rusty!"
"It's okay, Mom, we figured we might need something else," Lizzie said, rising from the table and returning with an apple pie.
"What about you, Son, room for something more?" David asked Andy.
"That apple pie looks like it could fit the bill," Andy said in relief. He gathered the word 'alcoholic' would touch some sore spots with Sharon's family, so he was happy to let Sharon be the one to tell them... or not.
"What time are you leaving tomorrow, Mom?" Ricky asked the question no one wanted to address.
"Early, Honey."
"Not too early. I have to take Andy shopping for a proper winter coat." David announced.
"That's really not necessary," Andy tried to discourage the older man.
Sharon looked surprised, then apologetic. "Oh... I didn't even look at what you had before we left."
"It's fine."
"Stores open at ten," David said definitively. "You can be on your way by noon. You're more than half way there now, and you won't be able to do what you need to do until the next day as it is."
"That's settled," Ruth rose from the table. "We'll have lunch tomorrow and then you can be on your way."
"I see where Sharon get's it," Rusty muttered under his breath.
"You have no idea," Ricky replied in the same manner.
The table was cleared in short order, and they all retired to the living room. Ricky had Rusty playing a video game in no time, and Sharon was grateful at how easily everyone was including Rusty, and relieved by how Rusty was responding.
Conversation continued around them, and Andy found himself drawn into stories of Sharon's childhood and the many antics of Ricky and Lizzie. From time to time their conversation lulled, and they watched the video gamers trying to best each other.
"I think I want a piece of this," Lizzie walked in front of Ricky and Rusty, then proceeded to do a split as she settled in front of them on the floor.
"Show off," was all Ricky could reply, and the game continued.
Andy noticed Sharon was still rubbing her neck. "Come here," he said to her, and started massaging out the knots. Sharon closed her eyes and moaned slightly in appreciation. Neither of them noticed the looks exchanged between the other members of the family.
After another hour, Andy couldn't hide his yawn anymore. It had been a long day for all of them, and the next few promised to be just as demanding. David showed him to his room and he fell asleep almost instantly. An hour later he was startled awake when another body dropped into the bed beside him.
"What?"
"Andy?" Sharon practically squawked, "what are you doing in my room?"
"Your room? Your dad said this was my room."
Sharon groaned and laid her head back on the pillow.
"I take it my family isn't the only one who misunderstands."
"Apparently not."
"You stay here, I'll make my way out to the sofa. Goodnight."
Sharon heard the rustling of Andy grabbing his clothing and trying to make it out of the room without turning the light on.
"No... wait..." she called to him when he hit the end of the bed for the second time. "Just... stay. It's a king and we're both adults. It's one night."
"You sure?"
"Yes... it's fine. There are only four bedrooms in the house, and I should have said something to my parents before. Everything was just so last minute."
"It's okay, Sharon, I can leave."
"No... the bed is more comfortable than the sofa, and we both need our sleep."
Andy hesitated before moving back to the bed, "It's no problem."
"Just get in bed. That's an order, Lieutenant."
"Yes Ma'am," Andy couldn't keep the laughter out of his voice as he dropped his clothing on the floor and returned to bed. "Good thing Provenza isn't here to see this."
"Can you imagine... Goodnight, Andy."
"Goodnight, Sharon."
Morning light had already stretched deeply into the room by the time they awoke. Sharon came to her senses slowly. Something smelled delicious and she wanted to find out what it was, but a weight was holding her in place. It took her a few blinks and a yawn to realize the weight was an arm wrapped tightly around her waist. Attached to the arm was a large, warm body snuggled closely against her, legs entwined with hers, and snoring softly into her hair. She knew she should have been horrified, and was sure he would be when he realized what he had been doing, but she couldn't stop the thrill she felt, being held so securely in his arms. She also couldn't help realizing she'd slept better beside him than she had on her own for a very long time. Although disconcerting, the thought wasn't unpleasant.
She wiggled slightly against him, and was rewarded by being pulled tighter. His morning erection was firm against her buttocks, and the awareness sent pools of heat to her core. She had to wake him up and get them both out of that situation before anything happened that she couldn't control. But oh... the idea was tantalizing...
A loud rapping on the door ended all of her fantasies. "Come on, Son, the store will be open soon. No good sleeping all day."
Andy stirred slightly, and shifted his leg further over Sharon's. She couldn't help but chuckle at the situation.
"Hey big guy, you always sleep with a cuddle toy?" she teased.
He stirred again and grunted against her, and she knew the exact moment he realized what he was doing. He pulled away from her so quickly he nearly fell out of bed. Sharon understood why he had reacted like he had, but she was still disappointed to loose the connection.
"Oh my God, Sharon, I'm sorry."
"Don't be," she rolled over and raised her arm above her head while contemplating him. "I thought you said you were an early riser?"
"I am. I'm always up by 6." Then he looked at the clock on the table beside her. "9:40! How the hell did I manage to sleep in 'til 9:40?"
"I just woke up, too. We both must have been exhausted. I smell breakfast, so if we get dressed now we can go eat and no one will be the wiser."
Andy looked down at her and stared. She was beautiful in the morning. Sleep had mussed her hair from its usual perfect state, and it was spread around her in waves. Her skin was fresh from make-up, allowing him to see every line and curve, and her green eyes sparkled in amusement. In the past few years he had taken to fantasizing what she might look like in a negligee, but seeing her in flannels was sexier than anything he had imagined. He couldn't stop the pull of his erection as it stood a little firmer.
Sharon didn't miss a thing, including the blush that crept up his neck when he realized she had seen him get harder. Inadvertently she licked her lips, causing him to blush even further.
"Ah.." he started, then scratched the back of his head, "this could get complicated if we don't get out of here."
"Luckily no one has seen us, so no one's the wiser."
"Well... maybe not," Andy said, as he nodded to the settee at the end of the bed.
Sharon sat up quickly then fell back onto her pillow in a groan.
Andy moved towards the tray and lifted the lid on one of the plates that the tray contained. "There's coffee in the carafe, I'm guessing."
"No wonder I could smell food. Some police officer I am, I didn't hear anyone enter our room and leave a tray behind."
Andy didn't miss the word 'our', but let it lie between them. He shrugged, "Meh... it's your family, and you should be on vacation this morning. There's nothing wrong with letting your guard down some of the time. It's still warm. I say we eat, and I go with your father, and then we get ready to hit the road."
"Yes, we need to do that," she said regretfully, sitting up while Andy brought the tray to the bed for the both of them.
Andy picked the lids off both plates, and noticed one had a note attached with his name on it. Looking at Sharon in confusion, he picked it up and read it, then smiled and passed it to her. Sharon read the words "It's vegetarian bacon. Ruth"
"You're mom is pretty sweet," Andy said, taking a bite.
"Yes, she is. If I let her she'd take care of everything for me. Dad is the same way. He knocked awhile ago and he's waiting for you."
"I see where you get your compassion, Sharon. Being with your family, you make complete sense. Tough, no-nonsense, thoughtful, pay attention to details... that's why you're such a great manager."
Sharon smiled at him, and grabbed a piece of toast. "That means a lot, thank you."
Another rap on the door, followed by another call from David, made them both laugh.
"We're up, Dad. Just give us a few minutes and Andy will be with you."
"You do realize we're never going to convince your family that we aren't in a relationship." Andy said, between bites.
"Well, we haven't been that successful with yours, either."
"Mmm," he agreed.
Shopping with David was an act of frustration for Andy. Not the shopping per se, but the buying. It was a classic struggle between the Alpha males, with David eventually winning. Andy's own father had died when he was a teenager, so he wasn't used to anyone having patriarchal authority over him, and he didn't like it.
"You mean to tell me that my daughter, your boss, let's you have things your way?" David asked him once they'd left the store.
"Hell no, she's in charge and everyone knows it. She's just more subtle about doing it."
David laughed at the idea. "Sharon subtle... that's amusing."
Lunch eaten, goodbye hugs shared, regrets expressed, and they were off to Montana.
"He'll be fine," Andy said, interpreting her silence.
She turned to smile at him. "I know... and thank you."
Andy grabbed her hand and squeezed, then let her go to turn on the radio. Nothing appealed to them, so they drove on in silence for awhile.
"Any idea what you'll pick up for the boys?" Sharon asked after awhile.
"Ah... nope, no idea. It's Montana though, so ... cowboy hats maybe? What do you think?"
"That would be nice. Maybe some postcards of the National Parks. It might encourage them to visit sometime."
"Yeah, that's a good idea. Just as long as it says 'Made in Montana' on it, so Nicole knows I was really there."
"Andy, you're being too hard on yourself. She believes you."
"I hope you're right, but you saw Sylvia. I'm sure she was badmouthing me the minute we pulled out of the drive, and she won't stop. Even after I'm back she'll be saying I just ordered things online and was off drinking."
"Nicole knows you don't drink anymore, and haven't for most of her life. It's unfortunate that Sylvia can't let go of the past, but Nicole has. Eventually your son will also. They are getting older, Andy, and they are learning about you apart from what their mother says. Give it time and just keep doing what you're doing. Believe me, it's more than a lot of men in your situation have done."
"Meaning Jack?"
"Meaning Jack."
"I noticed he wasn't mentioned at all last night. Is that normal? No pictures or nothing."
Sharon sighed, "Yes, my kids act like their father is dead. I guess it's easier than admitting he doesn't care. I wish things were different."
"For you or for them?" Andy squirmed in his seat when he asked the question, but he really wanted to know.
"What are you asking me, Andy?" Sharon laid her head back on her seat and turned to look at his profile.
"I dunno... I guess... if he made an effort with them, would that be enough for you too?"
"Enough for what?"
"Enough... I guess, enough for you to forgive him and allow him back into your life."
"Mmm..." she acknowledged and turned to look out the window.
"Is that a yes?"
"No..." she said wistfully, "that's not a yes. It's all hypothetical because it's never happened. He doesn't even talk to them unless he's trying to impress me. And when I see the effort you're putting into your own kids without any support from their mother..." Sharon turned to look at him again, "... it's makes me wonder, that's all."
Andy looked at her quickly before returning his eyes to the road, "Wonder what?"
"Wonder why I'm so delusional."
"You're not delusional, Sharon, you're just hoping for the best."
"And how else would you define 'delusional'? After twenty years, you'd think I know better."
"Look, Jack pushes all your buttons the same as Sylvia pushes mine. And I've got my buffer to help me deal," he said with a smile, "who's your buffer?"
"Mmm... I've got a few ideas..."
Snow started falling as they crossed the border from Idaho into Montana. "Let me drive," Sharon decided.
"I can drive in snow, you know."
"And when was the last time?"
"Uh... 80-something..."
"You've made my point, pull over at the next rest stop."
"Fine... fine... but when we stop we're getting something to eat. I'm starving."
Sharon agreed, "Good idea. I'll grab the file so we can start working. We haven't talked about this case all day, and we have to go in there prepared."
"I don't know what we can prepare. You see any point in telling the city police we're there?"
"It's courtesy, it's a gesture."
"Yeah... I suppose. Then we're going to the convent?"
"What do you know about the Clares?"
"I dunno..." Andy shrugged, "if I think hard enough I can probably come up with something from Catholic school. They might not even let a man on the grounds."
"You'd be able to go into the chapel, at least."
"Then what? I'm sure the sisters mean well, but they can't keep her. Even if she knows nothing, she's still a ward of California and family needs to be found. She can't stay at the convent forever."
"No, she can't."
"So, the way I'm seeing it, we get our rooms tonight, contact the Great Falls PD tomorrow morning just to tell them we're in town and why. You have the contact Taylor was using?"
Sharon riffed through the file, "Yes... yes, it's Deputy Chief Smith. There's a personal number here, so if we get in town early enough, I'll call that. I don't want to make a big production out of this."
"I hear that. Okay, we announce our arrival, then go to the convent and talk nice to the sisters. How long do you figure that's going to take?"
"I really don't know. I'm hoping to reason with Mother Superior. Legally they have no standing. Sanctuary isn't necessary in this case, unless we find evidence to suggest the girl is to blame, and I highly doubt that."
"One thing is bugging me..."
Sharon snickered, "Just one thing?"
Andy smiled, "Well, a few things, but one big one - why was the girl beaten and left alive? Nothing in that file says the parents were beaten or tortured, but the girl was. Taylor thinks the parents were the target, but what if it was actually the girl?"
"What are you thinking?"
"The same thing you're thinking but don't want to say out loud. She's probably a pretty little thing under all those bruises."
Sharon sighed, "Medical reports suggest no sexual assault, but I've been thinking that might be the reason she was attacked."
"And if mom or dad found it happening and intervened..."
"I'd give my life to save my daughter, so would you."
"Yup," he nodded.
"This isn't a Major Crime."
"Nope, but at least it gives the gang back home something to do while they miss us."
It was much later than they hoped when they finally arrived in Great Falls, far too late to call the Deputy Chief or anyone else, for that matter. Sharon texted her kids to let them know they were at their destination, and included Nicole for good measure. Andy didn't need to know unless he asked, she rationalized. It would just remind him that Nicole might not trust him, while Sharon saw it as a way to assure the younger woman they were safe and sound.
"Any particular hotel strike your interest?" Andy asked as they came closer to downtown.
"I'm putting it on the corporate card, so no." Sharon replied.
"Alright. Since you're the boss, I'm letting you out to arrange the rooms and I'll get the bags."
"Andy, I'm perfectly capable of carrying my own bags."
"I know that, but would you just let me do something for you? This day started with being served breakfast in bed by your mother, then your father bought me clothes, and you've been paying for every meal and all the gas. Give my male pride something to work with here, will ya?"
Sharon chuckled, "All right, you can be the pack mule. You're certainly stubborn enough."
While Andy dealt with the valet, Sharon secured their suite and gave Andy his key card. "One room?" his eyebrows rose into his hairline.
"It's a suite with two bedrooms. If I have to be here, I'm going to be comfortable. That way we also have a place to work."
"A suite? Sweet. Provenza and me can usually only get a double, and we have to get reimbursed."
"I guess it pays to be on good terms with the boss."
"Don't I know it," he smirked, and followed Sharon to their rooms. He whistled his pleasure when he saw their spacious accommodations. "Lady, I gotta go traveling with you more often."
"Glad you approve. Pick whichever room you want and you can put my bag in the other room, if you wouldn't mind."
"Yes, Ma'am."
Sharon gave him a look over her glasses, and watched him laugh his way down the hallway. She pulled out her laptop and set it up on the dining table, then contacted her team in LA to see what the progress had been on the case. She hadn't expected anyone to be in the office and was surprised when Amy replied almost immediately. They didn't have any leads yet, but the family was known in the local community to offer housing and meals to anyone who needed it. No one was surprised the couple was dead, unfortunately, but they were all saddened by it. So far they had found nothing to suggest the parents were a target.
"Anything new?" Andy asked, coming up to lean over her shoulder.
"Not really. This family seems the good samaritan type. A little naive but trying to make the world a better place in their own way."
"Guess they helped the wrong guys. You want a drink? Coffee or tea or something? I'll see what the kitchen has."
"Sure, thanks... but no coffee. I don't want caffeine at this time of night."
While Andy rummaged in the kitchen, Sharon updated Amy on their status and the plan for the following day, then admonished her to get home. Work would wait 'til tomorrow.
Later that evening Sharon stood by the large windows in the living room, looking out on the peaceful city covered in falling snow. "Beautiful, isn't it?"
"Sure is," Andy replied gruffly, watching her silhouetted by the cityscape. "What are you doing up? You went to bed a few hours ago."
"Couldn't sleep. Why are you out here?"
"Same..."
"I keep thinking about the kids..."
"Which ones?" he asked, coming to sit on the sofa next to her. Sharon sat down beside him and rested her feet on the coffee table.
"All of them. Lizzie has a new program she's dancing in a few months, that's why she was able to be away so long. As soon as she returns to New York, I'll be lucky if I even get a text from her."
"She's that busy?"
"Busy, yes... and the time difference. Then Ricky's residency is over, but he's still on call a lot. Doctors keep crazy schedules. He couldn't get away for Christmas, which is why he got the end of January. And of course Rusty..."
"He's fine. That kid can find his way in any situation, and your family has got to be the sweetest place he's ever landed."
"I know... but I still worry. It's my prerogative. I hope he doesn't feel he's changed one type of overprotective situation for another."
"Are you kidding me?" Andy asked incredulously. "The boys were already talking about going skiing. Rusty couldn't wait to learn downhill. And your dad is a pretty fair hand at chess, I'm told, so Rusty was looking forward to beating him. He's got video games, and a whole snow culture to explore with people who want to spoil him. He'll be fine."
"I know... you're right... but I miss him. He hasn't been away from me like this, since he came to live with me."
Andy put his arm around Sharon and pulled her close, kissing the top of her head. She willingly went with him and rested her head on his shoulder. "You'll be fine too," he whispered.
"Mmm... I'm also thinking about Nicole and her boys."
That surprised Andy, "Nic and her kids? Why's that?"
"I didn't tell you, but yesterday when I barged into the house, I saw the youngest one curled in a ball, holding his hands over his ears while Sylvia was yelling at you."
"Ah, Jesus... " Andy swore. "That woman brings misery with her."
"I have to tell Nicole what I saw, I just don't know how. I mean I'm no one, and here's me telling her that her mother is traumatizing her son. How do I do that?"
"Those kids don't need that."
"No, they don't. I don't know the whole story, and it's not my business, but it can't be good for them any more than it was good for Nicole and your son."
"Yeah, and look at the damage that's still causing. I guess... I guess I could back off... go away for awhile to let things settle..."
Sharon sat up and looked directly at Andy, "Don't you dare! Your daughter needs you now as much as she ever did. Don't you dare think about disappearing on her and those boys. It's her job to tell Sylvia to back off, not yours. If she knows her sons are now being hurt by her mother's negativity, then maybe it will galvanize her to do something. She lights up every time you walk into the room. I will not let you take that away from her."
"Alright, alright... I'm not going anywhere. Remind me never to get on your bad side."
"You've been on my bad side plenty of times."
"Not like this..." he chuckled, "okay... I hear what you're saying. Tell Nic. I'll go with you if you want. She needs to hear it and I think she trusts you to be telling her the truth. She believed you when you told her we were coming here."
Sharon settled back down and rested her head against Andy's shoulder again, "You told her, I was just there for support. She would have believed you too, if Sylvia wasn't there trying to make things worse."
"I hope you're right."
Dawn's light shone through the windows, causing Sharon to stir. She and Andy were still on the sofa, but she was lying down with her head in his lap. She didn't remember falling asleep, and the pain in her back made her wish she hadn't. Getting up quietly so she wouldn't disturb him, Sharon went to her room, changed into her swim suit and went in search of the hotel pool. She was rewarded with a sign that said it was two floors up. Laps were her standard morning workout when she didn't need to rush to a crime scene, and she luxuriated in the flow of the water over her body. Some time spent in the hot tub, and she was feeling almost her old self.
"Hey, you disappeared on me," Andy said when she came in through the door.
"I went swimming," she replied, heading to her room to shower and change. When she reemerged, Andy had finished setting the table and serving the food.
"Coffee's hot."
"Smells great. This is so much better than trying to find a restaurant first thing in the morning."
"Yeah, I have to agree there. They left just enough to get us through last night and this morning, so we'll have to pick some things up at a store depending on how long we're gonna be here."
"After we speak with the sisters today, we should know that. I think the first thing we have to do is speak with the Mother Superior about the girl's legal standing."
"You know, we should start calling her by her name... show we care."
"You're right, we should tell Mother Superior that Krista can't stay with her. I don't think she is going to speak with us right away, but we have to make our authority clear."
"You don't think that will scare off the kid?"
"It might, but I don't see we have much choice. I can't promise her something I can't deliver. She can not stay where she is... she has to come back with us."
"I was... I was thinking..." Andy started, then sat down beside her at the table and took a long drink of his coffee.
"Yes..."
"Well... I was thinking there's a third option."
"Third option? She's here or she's back in LA, there is no other option on the table at the moment."
"Yeah, well we could put one there. How about we collect Krista, make her understand she has to come with us, and then we hightail it back to Utah. As long as we're interviewing the kid, I don't think it matters where we are, and that way she can learn to trust us around people who already trust us, you see what I'm saying? We take her back to your parent's timeshare, you get a visit in, Krista gets a change of pace, we get the information we need from her more slowly, and then we go home with her and Rusty. It can work. Taylor just said we had to get the information from the girl as quickly as we can, but he didn't say when he expected her back in LA. Provenza is working the case, and if it's what we suspect, they'll have it wrapped in a nice red bow by the time we get back home. Besides, if we're questioned, just tell her we're offering the girl police protection until her parent's murderers are locked up."
"Huh... " Sharon nodded as she looked far off in the distance, "you covered all the issues nicely, Lieutenant."
Andy smiled, "Just doing my job, Captain."
"Nicely done... and I already have standing with DCFS..."
"And then you can be back with your kids."
"Alright," Sharon got up from the table, her breakfast half eaten.
"You gonna tell Taylor the plan?"
Sharon snorted, "Of course not. It's easier to justify my actions after the fact."
"You know Captain, I really like your style."
Deputy Chief Smith was relieved to hear the LAPD was in his jurisdiction to solve their own problems, and wished them well. Mother Superior was far more level headed than Sharon feared, and in no time had Krista presented.
"Do you know why we're here, Krista?" Sharon asked.
"You have to take me back?" She was obviously scared.
"Yes Krista, we have to take you back home. You live in California, not Montana, so we have to make sure that you're safe and that the people who did this to your family are put behind bars."
"They'll find me," she whispered.
"We're going to make sure they don't."
"Am I going to foster care?" Krista couldn't keep the tears at bay any longer.
"I don't know, Sweetheart," Sharon said, offering a tissue. "First we have to find out if you have any other family who can make a home for you. You have to tell us about your mother and father, and any aunts or uncles or grandparents."
"I'm... I'm not sure. I met my aunt once, but she didn't like what my parents were trying to do and they fought a lot. I don't know anyone else."
Andy smiled at the girl, "Don't worry about that, Krista, our people are already looking into things and we'll tell you what we find out about your family."
Sharon nodded, "And in the meantime, you're going to come spend some time with my family."
Krista was surprised by that and looked deeply into Sharon's eyes. "They'll want me?"
"Yes, they will love having you visit. I promise."
"They tried to hurt me..."
"Who tried to hurt you?" Andy crouched down beside Krista.
"The men at our house. First they told me to take my clothes off, and when I said no, they hit me so hard I thought my face broke."
Sharon and Andy looked at each other as Krista confirmed their suspicions.
"They shoved me at the wall and kept hitting me with my stuffed bear. Sister said if it had been anything solid, they might have broken bones. She had to get me out of there so they wouldn't hurt me again. That's why she brought me here."
"Sister?" Sharon looked at the Mother Superior.
"She was a friend of Krista's parents. She was young and didn't know what to do."
Sharon nodded as another piece of the puzzle fell into place.
"Then what happened?" Andy encouraged.
"Daddy... Mommy..." Krista sobbed, "they shot my Mom and Dad." The crying girl fell over into Sharon's arms, gasping for air as she cried out her pain and loss.
Mother Superior put her hand on Krista's head and offered a short prayer, then looked at Andy. "Come, I'll show you where to find her belongings."
"I have to interview the sister who brought Krista here, you know that, right?"
"Yes, she's been waiting in her cell. I'll have her brought to my office."
"Good, just make sure she knows she's not in trouble."
"We thought it might be considered abduction... the police who were here..."
"Nah... we're not going there," Andy told the upset older woman. "It's protection, short and simple."
While Andy interviewed the sister, Sharon dealt with Krista. When they were all back at the hotel suite, and Krista was sleeping soundly in Andy's room, Sharon turned to him, "Well, that didn't involve the level of diplomacy that Taylor feared. Anyone could have done that."
"You're kidding, right?" Andy looked at her in surprise. "That convent was huge, and they could have had her hiding in places that we'd never be able to find. But you... you walk in there and within ten minutes they're ready to roll out the red carpet and give you whatever you want. I hate to admit it Sharon, but Taylor's right. No one could have done that like you."
"Well... I don't know about that, but thank you. You did a pretty fine job yourself. You made that little girl feel safe enough to tell us what happened and to let her cry it out. Mother Superior told me she hadn't shed a tear before we talked to her. Then a little pizza and she's sleeping like a young girl without a care in the world. You really do have a wonderful way with people."
"Yeah... I guess I'm okay. Alright, time for bed. We have a long trip ahead of us tomorrow so you get to sleep and I'll make myself comfortable on the sofa."
"You'll never sleep there."
"We slept fine last night."
"We were both sore when we woke up. Come on, you're sharing my bed."
"What?" he looked horrified.
"Andy... I'm just being practical. For some reason we're sleeping better when we're together. Look... I'm not going to analyze it right now, or read too much into it, but we both need to be alert tomorrow. Just... get over yourself and get in bed."
The alarm rang the next morning, startling Andy into action. He leaned back to the night table to turn off his phone, then looked at the heap of red-brown hair resting on his chest. Neither one of them wanted to probe their new sleeping arrangement too deeply, but he had to admit it was nice.
"Shar..." he rubbed her back, "we gotta get up, Shar."
All that he could hear from the lump was a groan.
"Come on Sharon, you've got to move so I can get the coffee started."
"Coffee..." the form grunted then rolled enough to let him disentangle himself.
He couldn't help his chuckle as he rolled her over with her hair covered her face. This was a side of Sharon Raydor the squad would never believe, and he wasn't about to tell them.
Andy checked briefly on Krista, to find her still sound asleep, then he made his way to the kitchen and started the coffee. They had decided to get on the road as early as possible, so they didn't purchase anything for breakfast. Andy brought everything they did have out and placed it on the dining table, just so there'd be something to tide a hungry body over until they stopped for breakfast. After checking his email and seeing that nothing had been learned through the night, he filled two coffee mugs and returned to the bedroom.
"Sleeping Beauty, it's time to open your eyes and face the day. We wanted to be on the road just after 7, remember?"
"Who's bright idea was that," Sharon moaned.
"Ah... yours. If you move now you can get twenty minutes in at the pool before we leave."
"Alright, alright, I'm up," she said in protesting voice, sitting up and pushing her hair back from her face. "Coffee?"
"Woman's got a one track mind," Andy chuckled, and sat down beside her before giving her the hot brew.
"Don't push me."
"You weren't this grumpy yesterday morning, or the morning before that."
"Best behaviour."
"Ah, the honeymoon is over." Andy teased her.
Sharon glared through her falling hair, and Andy laughed out loud.
"I'm definitely going to have fun with this."
"You are entirely too full of yourself this morning."
"Yeah..." he sighed, "well it's not every day a guy has a gorgeous brunette order him into bed with her, and I've had it twice in three nights."
Sharon took a long drink of her coffee, and closed her eyes as it went down her throat. "Just as long as you enjoy it yourself and don't share that fact around." Opening her eyes, she looked at him to make sure he got her point.
"Don't worry Captain, this is for my entertainment alone. You think I'm going to go spreading my good fortune among the rest of the guys? No way. Next thing I know they'd all want to take road trips with you."
"That's not funny."
"Nope... but you are. Okay Sharon, time to get going," he said, as he stood and offered her his hand. "You want the shower first or are you going to try to squeeze some laps in at the pool?"
"Do I have enough time?" she said, looking for her phone.
"We'll make time, go on. I've got things here."
When she returned half an hour later, Andy had their bags almost packed and everything ready to go. "You are too good to be true," she exclaimed, seeing how prepared he was to leave. Krista smiled at her from the sofa where she was watching a pre-teen sitcom, dressed, packed and ready to leave.
"I packed most of you bag, but I left it open. I wasn't sure what you wanted to wear today, and you have your toiletries in the bathroom."
"Thank you..." was all she could say, sounding awkward to her own ears. She quickly showered and dressed, then packed the rest of her belongings in her bag and carried it to the front door.
Andy marveled when he saw her. "You look nice. You don't usually wear your hair up like that."
Sharon shrugged as she accepted the compliment. "It's a driving day so I thought I'd be comfortable. I'm finished, so what do we have left?"
"I've got coffee in our mugs to go, and some hot chocolate for Krista. The leftover food is packed, I've shut down my computer and put away all the files. I think all that's left is for you to check into the office while Krista finishes her show. We can drop off the keys at the front desk, and then we're Utah bound."
"Great. We'll have to find a place along the way to buy something for the boys, though."
Andy nodded, then returned to cleaning the kitchen. Sharon opened her laptop to see what progress her team had made. They had canvased the neighbourhood, looking for anyone who might have seen men going in and out of the house the evening of the murders. So far no luck, but that wasn't unusual considering how little the locals trusted the police. Buzz had received all the security footage and traffic feeds from the intersections around the murder site, and he was cross referencing it to people who were in and out of the hospital where Krista had been taken. Tao said descriptions would make their job easier. She would try, Sharon assured them, and that the team could call once they were on the road.
A few hours later they drove into a small town to have brunch, and to find something for Andy to take home to his grandsons. They agreed on hats for each boy, as well as picture books about the state. Krista walked over to a small display of books on prairie life, and started looking through the pages.
"Does that book interest you, Krista?" Sharon asked.
"Mom and I were reading Little House on the Prairie. We'd just finished The Long Winter. Mom was going to buy the next in the series for us... I guess I have to read it on my own, now." She wiped the tear running down her face, then returned the book she had been holding to it's shelf, and turned to leave.
"Krista, do you want that book? You can have it."
"Really? You'd buy me a book?"
"Yes, I would." Sharon picked the book up from the shelf again, and noticed it was part of a set. "If fact, I'll buy you the whole set if you want. Books have gotten me through some really tough times, and I bet they do they same for you."
Sharon was gratified to see a spark of interest in Krista's eyes, that grew bigger as she placed the five books in the girl's hands. "Thank you," Krista said, touching each book gingerly.
"Ready to go?" Andy came to ask, then placed a cowgirl hat on Krista's head.
Laughing, she took it off and looked at it. "What's that for?" she asked.
"Well, I'm buying hats for my grandsons, and they're just a little bit younger than you. I thought you might like one also."
"A hat? You want to give me a hat."
"Sure. Pink, Purple or blue ribbon?"
"Ah... purple, I guess..."
The items were purchased and the three returned to the car. Krista spent the rest of the drive reading the books from Sharon.
Family again greeted the traveler with hugs as soon as they arrived at the timeshare. This time Andy was on the receiving end as well. Krista was overwhelmed by the greetings and hung back beside Andy.
"It's all right, Honey," Sharon said, putting a reassuring arm around the girl's shoulders. "Come on and sit down at the table."
Krista sat, but she kept pulling her hair over her face to hid the bruising, and tried to shrink down in her seat.
"I bet it felt like your whole head was going to come off when he hit you," Rusty leaned over the table and spoke to her.
Krista froze, not sure what to say. Everyone else around just waited as Rusty continued.
"That's what it felt like for me every time I got hit. Everything rattles and your eyes go fuzzy, and then the second punch doesn't hurt at all. It's kinda weird." Rusty spoke casually, as though it was a common dinner table discussion. "Sharon rescued me from all of that, too. She'll make it better, trust her. You'll have to tell them everything you saw and everything you remember, and you'll have to tell it a lot, and it will drive you crazy when they ask the same questions over and over, but it helps."
"You know, Kristia," Flynn leaned down to her, "Rusty here, he's lost his mom and dad too. It's different from you, and no one here knows your story except me and Sharon, so you can tell them if you want. But Rusty's a good guy to talk to."
Krista didn't say anything, but she did sit up a little taller in her seat. Sharon and Andy exchanged looks over the top of her head. Baby steps. Then Flynn looked at Rusty and winked. The Kid did good. He did real good.
Conversation gradually built around them and food was passed up and down the table. Ricky was in the middle of a story about Rusty's embarrassing turn on the bunny hill when the doorbell rang.
"They're here," Lizzie exclaimed, putting her napkin down and rushing to the door. Andy look to Sharon, who just shrugged and got up from the table to see who had arrived.
"Andy," she turned to him with an excited smile, "you won't believe this, come here." She waved him over and pointed to the new arrivals.
"Nicole! What are you guys doing here?" Andy exclaimed, moving down the stairs to hug his daughter and shake hands with his son-in-law. "How the... When... Will someone tell me what's going on?"
Lizzie was bouncing at the top of the stairs watching everything. "It was my idea," she smiled.
"You know each other?" Andy said incredulously, looking from his daughter to Sharon's and back, as they each shook their heads.
"No, we've never met. Mom sent a text to the four of us, me, Ricky, Rusty and Nicole, when you got to Montana, just to let us know you arrived. So I just texted her myself to say hello. When you decided to come back here with Krista, I asked Nicole if they wanted to come for a few days and have a ski vacation with everyone."
"And we jumped at the chance," Adam chimed in, as he took his wife's coat and helped his sons off with their boots.
Everyone went into the main room again to finish dinner and to share stories. Andy leaned across Krista's head to Sharon "Are you sure this is okay with your parents? Me coming is one thing, but another four people?"
"Look at them," Sharon nodded at her mother, who was happily helping Andy's youngest grandson with some potatoes. "This is mom's dream. A house full of family is the best present anyone could give her."
"Where is everyone going to sleep?" he looked at her pointedly.
"I'm sure someone has figured it out."
And figured it out they had. Lizzie gave up her room for Nicole and Adam, while the boys had sleeping bags on the floor. Then she made a fort in the living room for herself and Krista. Adam and Ricky pulled out some board games for the younger crew to play, while Sharon, Andy, Ruth and David drank their tea and enjoyed the chaos around them.
That night as Andy crawled into bed, he had a very contented smile on his face.
"Happy?" Sharon asked.
"Over the moon. That Lizzie did one hell of a thing. This is the best vacation I've had ever."
"It's not a vacation, we're working, remember?"
"Oh, yeah... right..." he grinned, as he propped himself up on one elbow to look at her. "How about you?"
"Me? Well I've got all my kids and my parents under one roof, we're making headway with Krista, and I've got the pleasure of seeing you and your daughter spend time together without anyone interfering. So yes, I'm happy."
"You know, there's only a couple of things missing," he sighed.
Sharon put her book and glasses on the nightstand, then turned to look at Andy. "And what would that be? Your son, I assume?"
"Yeah, that's one."
"And what's the other," she snuggled down in the covers, eyes twinkling as she watched him.
Slowly Andy traced the line from her eyebrow to the curve of her jaw. "Oh, not much," he sighed, "just that everyone in this house is making assumptions about what's happening in this bedroom, and it would be nice... you know... if maybe..."
Sharon reached her hand behind his head and ran her fingers through his hair, then pulled him closer. "Yeah..." she agreed, and kissed him.