Hi peeps, I'm new to this thing, so bare with me. This is my first fanfic and just a warning, I suck at grammar and all that.
Ok down to business, I disclaim blue bloods, just merely borrowing the characters. The only characters I own is Natalie and Zoe.
Background story-
Natalie- she lives with Frank and Henry Reagan, she lost her house due to not paying the bills. She struggled with unemployment and life itself. Natalie's father was a dear friend of Frank hence why he took her and Zoe in.
Zoe- Zoe is Natalie's half sister, a kid at the age of six-seven. She tends to chat to anyone and becomes a regular in the neighbourhood. Zoe and Natalie share the same mother but different fathers.
Ok now that is out of the way, please bare with the story, I feel the beginning is a bit rushed. Please R&R though!
Chap 1
Natalie POV
The sun was bright and the morning was cold. Yet it was another day of living. Walking my little half sister to school was one of the many things I do. Then later I would leave for work as the secretary of the NYPD. I only had the job for a couple of weeks, graciously given by a kind man. A man who used to be close friends with my father before he died long ago. Frank Reagan, the police commissioner, took us in from being exiled out of our house due to overdue rent and supplied us a home and a job for me. Hopefully soon, I'll be able to afford a new home and then can Zoe and I finally start our lives again. I look down at the little blonde hair girl who held my hand. Although we share the same mother, I still felt she was more of an Heston to me.
'I can't wait to tell Alice and Kim about winning against Jack and Sean in three whole game rounds. They are going to be so jealous!' Zoe smiled, looking up at me.
'I'm sure they will, but we don't want to brag too much do we?' I warned her.
'Of course, I'm just telling them that I can beat boys' Zoe beamed even more.
Rolling my eyes, we came into sight of her public school.
Bending down to her level, I kissed her forehead, 'Have a great day and don't forget your walking home today'
'Yeah I know, I've got the keys' Zoe pulled the keys out from her pocket.
'Just checking' I patted her on the head and watched her run off to her friends. 'And try not to make any new friends on the way home' I called out.
Zoe waves her reply and I wave back. Oh, she will.
Walking back the way I came, I smile that maybe my life would slowly turn around. As long as Zoe doesn't chat up too many strangers. But the more I think about it, maybe it was a good thing. It was what got me and her out of danger in the first place.
About half an hour later, I arrive at work. As usual, the place was busy. Phones ringing, police officers writing out their reports and dealing with situations that threaten our city. I reached my desk and notice there was a whole stack of files laid out on my table. I spotted a sticky note on one of them.
'Sort out in file names, due at the end of the day'
I let out a big sigh. And as usual my boss leaves me tonnes of work to deal within a short time period. It seemed unfair but it's the only job I can afford for the time being. Dumping my hand bag on the table, I pulled out my chair, sat down and began the filing.
A knock on the door interrupts me from even reading what the first page was about. Lifting my gaze, I see a friendly face I know all too well.
'Morning Natalie, I was just wondering if you wanted some coffee to deal with today's load' Jamie smiled.
'So you knew about this?' I toss the file onto the desk and raised an eyebrow.
'I ran into your boss down in the hall' Jamie points his thumb behind him, 'She said something about motivating you to get the work done. I'd hate to be in your position' He places the coffee down.
'Well at least I don't have to deal with paranoid people who call up when only a chihuahua is barking at their door' I gratefully take the coffee and sipped it.
'Yeah that's true' he shrugged, 'How's Zoe today?'
'In high hopes as per usual. This time she is going to boast about wiping out Jack and Sean from the games last night' I picked up a file and began reading it.
'She is still on about that victory?' Jamie smirks.
'The same one' I nodded, my tone dull.
Jamie laughs a little, 'So, I better get back to it before Sarg knows I'm gone, good luck with the work though'
'Brake a leg out there' I called up while pulling some paper out of file.
'Will do' he replied and left.
xxx
Finally the day was over. It could been worse considering that I drop the neatly sorted files down the hall before heading into the boss's office to hand in on time but yeah, what could go wrong? It was just after four and I headed out into the parking lot to find my car. Passing the parked cars, the early breeze of fall gave me goose bumps. Soon it would be winter which reminds me, I need to get Zoe a new jacket. Grabbing my keys from my handbag, I pushed the button to unlock the door. Before entering, a weak voice cried out for help. Reacting quickly to the sudden whimper, I snack my attention away from my car. Over in the distance was a dirty man lying on the ground with his arm outstretched towards me. Oh my god, is he alright? I dropped my bag on the first seat, dashing off to his aid.
'Hey, are you ok?' I placed a hand on his back, eyeing him over for any signs of blood or harmful injuries.
'I need your help, please' he whispered, trying to grab onto my shirt.
'Its going to be ok now, here let me help you up' I assured him, wrapping one of his arms around me.
I struggled to get him off the ground, but with determination I managed to.
'Just hold on ok?' I smiled at him.
It was then I realised something was off. An unsettling feeling entered my stomach and I was caught on my breath. The dirty man grinned a devious smile back and stood up perfectly on his own.
The next thing I knew, he smashed me at the back of my head and everything fades to black.
Jamie POV
I got off duty around eight, the patrolling around the streets were no hassle. Putting my uniform away into my locker, I checked over what I had was all in place. Feeling sure, I headed out. Locating my car in the mist of dark, I sit in the driver's seat, sliding the key into the ignition. Suddenly my phone starts ringing.
'Hello?' I answer while starting the car.
'Jamie, it's me Zoe' the little girl's voice spoke.
'Hey Zoe, how are you?' I smiled from hearing her innocent voice.
'I'm ok, but I wanted to ask, have you seen Nat? She ain't home and I was wondering if she was still at work?' Her voice turned to concern.
'She clocked off around four, she should be at your place hours ago' I started to get confused myself. Where could be Natalie be at this time. She always makes sure she tells Zoe where she is going.
'Do you think she went somewhere? Maybe she went to the shops to get a cake for me? I'm have been asking for one for a while' she replied, trying to sound hopeful.
'Yeah maybe she is, look I'll call her and see what she is up to ok? I'll get back to you' I tried my best to assure her.
'Ok, then. Thanks Jamie' she replied and the call ended.
It was then I get this dark feeling. My eyes flash to my rear view mirror and I notice Natalie's car was still in the parking spot. I climbed out of my car and headed towards hers. Glancing through the window, the door was unlocked and her handbag was on the driver's seat. Scanning around the empty parking lot to look for any signs of struggle, everything remains hidden by the shadows. Nothing. I checked the contents of her handbag and everything seemed to be there, nothing was taken. Maybe something distracted her. I couldn't tell, I wasn't sure. I wanted to do something, to find her but I had no lead whatsoever. I run my hand through my hair, racking my brain for any ideas.
My phone starts ringing again. This time it was dad.
'Hey dad' I answered looking around for something to tell me this isn't happening.
'Jamie, I just heard from Zoe and Pa that Natalie is not home, is she still at work?' My father's voice asked in a calm tone.
'No, she clocked off at four' I reply, biting my lip.
'I tried ringing her but she's not answering, do you have any idea where she is?'
'No'
'Jamie, do you know something?' My father's tone turned to concern, as if he can read my worried face through the phone.
I stay silent, I didn't want Zoe to worry, I didn't want anyone to worry.
'Jamie?' He asked again, more in a demanding manner.
'Dad...' I take a breath, 'I found her car in the parking lot, her bag is there and everything but she's not here. There's nothing here to lead as to where she is now. I don't know'
I hear my dad's sigh before he spoke, 'I'll get Danny on to it'
xxx
I waited by the car for Danny and Jackie to arrive, hopefully they could something together. I see their car arrive, the headlights turned off as they pull by the curb and my brother gets out of the car.
'Hey, sorry to keep you waiting' he walks over and then places a hand on my shoulder.
'You alright?' he comforts me for a moment.
'Yeah' I respond, accepting his comfort.
'Why don't you tell us about the time you last saw her?' Jackie started, standing at Danny's side.
'She was handing in her files which her boss scheduled for today, shortly after grabbing her things. It was about four when she left the building and that was it. No signs of attack, no screaming and no evidence I could find here' I recall those few hours ago.
'Its not much to work from' Jackie glances around the building.
'Well somebody would have to seen something. Is this all what was left?' Danny opens the door.
'Yeah, car keys, phone, purse, everything in the handbag was left untouched. I believe something distracted her' I look pass Danny to the handbag.
'My thoughts exactly, right, Jackie and I will look around the neighbourhood for any sightings. Why don't you go on home?' Danny closed the door and turns to me.
I nodded my head knowing full well there is nothing I can do from here on. Slowly, I made me way to the car, thinking of what the hell could of happened.
Danny POV
'You think he will be alright?' Jackie asked as we watched my little brother leave.
'He'll be alright' I made my way out into the street.
'Will you be alright?' she asked.
'The sooner we find her, the better' I answer, hoping it wouldn't be a hassle.
We reach a house close to the station, the street bare and quiet. I knocked.
'NYPD, open up' I call.
The door opens to an elderly lady with glasses and a red robe.
'Yes?' She answers nervously, looking between me and Jackie.
'We would like to ask a few questions if you don't mind' Jackie politely said.
'Sure, what's the problem?' The elderly inquired.
'Have you seen anything suspicious happen just outside of the police department?' Jackie continued.
'Not that I know off' she frowns, 'did something happen?'
'We have a missing person case, a woman by the name of Natalie Heston' I informed her.
'Oh the kind lady with the sweetest girl... ahhh...Zoe that's it, oh dear, I hope she is ok' she replied, placing a hand on her worried face.
Boy does that kid get around.
'Look, we just want to know if you saw anything or anyone who might have seen something? We believe this incident occured around four o'clock' I pushed on, slipping my hands in my coat's pockets.
'I wouldn't have seen anything but I know a man down the street who walks home from work. He usually arrives home about four o'clock' she pointed down the street to a building two houses down.
'Thank you for your help mam' I headed down the steps and down the street.
'No worries' the lady smiled and closed the door.
'NYPD, open up' I knock loudly on the door.
A tall, tanned man opens the door, rubbing his eyes tiredly.
'Sorry to disturb you, we have a few questions to ask. By any chance you saw anything out of the usual as you walked home from work today' Jackie started off.
'Am I in trouble?' The man blinked his eyes at us dressed in his boxers and singlet.
'Not at all, we just want you to answer a few questions, did you arrive home around four today?' I asked, hopefully I'd find a clue.
'Yeah, I finished work around three and walk the way home, always four' he replies.
'Ok, then can you tell me your saw anything that happen at all? Specifically around the police department?' I jab my thumb behind me.
The man went quiet for a moment, thinking back to the time, 'Eh, not really...although I did see a generous woman helping this man.'
Me and Jackie look at each other. This has to be it.
'Did the woman happen to have black hair, drives a black BMW?' Jackie questioned.
'Um, yeah, she was getting in her car and then sees the man on the ground. She went to help him and seeing how she was outside the police department, I thought the situation would be under control' he nodded, pointing out to the parking lot, just close to her parked car.
'Did you see what happened next?' I urged.
'No, by that time, I opened my door and never looked back since'
'Christ, do you have any idea that woman is now missing?' I stare at him.
'Danny' Jackie interrupted and then continued with the man, 'Excuse me but can you give us any detail description of this man?'
'It was hard to see from that distance but he was dirty, ah...brown hair' he scratched his head.
'How tall do you reckon?' Jackie asked, jotting down the details with a notebook.
'Maybe five foot something, I'm not sure' his face grew more confused from thinking about that moment.
Before I could barge on with finding any other detail, Jackie let him off and the door closed.
'Jackie what the hell? That guy could of have something and you let the guy off the hook' I was disturbed by her decision.
'Danny, you can tell by his face, he didn't really know anything. But at least we know what happened' she explained while heading back and then hopped into the car.
'Yeah, some guy that no one really knows just kidnapped a friend, what could be possibly wrong with that?' I sigh, slamming the door and turned on the ignition.
Erin POV
I kept a close eye on Zoe while dad, pa and Jamie discuss the scene in secret in the kitchen. We were playing chess and I was purposely letting her win, for her own benefit.
'Checkmate' she smiles big and wide.
'Ahh, you got me again. How can I stop a champion like you?' I laugh while enjoying the warmth of her smile, despite the situation.
'So when is Nat coming home? She promised me that we would go to the zoo tomorrow' Zoe looked up into my eyes, her eyes begging for an answer.
As much I hate doing this, it's what I have to do. Dad specifically told me to not say a word until we find her. Hopefully it wouldn't be any longer than a week.
'I've told you already' I pulled her in for a hug, 'Nat is off staying in Los Angeles for awhile, she been offered an career training position to help her enhance her skills '
'But why would she go through all the trouble in Los Angeles?' Zoe frowned.
'Because she loves you very much and she would do anything to make life sustainable for you and her' I place my hands on her shoulders, smiling.
'But she doesn't have to go away to learn new skills, she already has a job' she sighs, picking up the king piece from the board.
'Zoe, she wanted it to do it for you, think about it, soon she would have enough money to buy you anything you want' I promised her, even though I'm lying.
'It doesn't add up, Nat told me that she would never leave me behind. Wherever she goes, I go' Zoe clearly looks as if she wasn't buying it.
'Its just for this one occasion. Natalie knows that we would take good care of you, you know that too' I tried to sway her thoughts.
'Maybe it's true, at least I have you, Frank, Danny and Jamie and all of the Reagan's to look after me' Zoe slowly pulled a brave face.
This was tough. I knew she wasn't buying it at all and now she is just playing along with me. Natalie taught her well, even though she isn't her mother. Zoe's real mother abandoned her when she started dating her third boyfriend, Natalie's dad died when she was five along with her sister dying a few years back. They were both left alone and Natalie couldn't bare for Zoe to live the same life. So she decided to take in Zoe. The pair haven't left each other since and there's nothing that could hide that. Not even a simple job experience trip.
Soon grandpa walked into the room and took Zoe off to bed. I packed up the chessboard and pieces before I headed into the kitchen to find out what's happening. By this time, dad was on the phone talking to who I believe was Danny and Jamie was sitting, staring off into space. I waited a moment of silence before Dad was sending his regards.
Dad ended the call and then sternly looked at the both of us.
'Well...' I started for him, Jamie paying attention now.
'Danny managed to get an witness account of seeing Natalie at the parking lot rushing to help a man in need. It was all that was left, but Danny has already come to the conclusion he is the only guy who knows where she is' my dad told the news, waiting for our reaction.
'Could they identify the guy?' Jamie spoke up.
'Not at this moment, the description they've got is nothing but estimation, for all we know, anything could be happening right now'
I lean onto the bench and sigh heavily.
'Zoe is not buying it one bit, she knows something is up. I don't think I can keep this up dad' I told my dad honestly.
'Zoe is a good kid. She has to believe that we will get her back without harm, even if we have to lie to her' my dad said encouragingly.
'And what if we can't?' Jamie said out loud.
I pull a scowling look at him but dad remained the same.
'Lets just hope not'
Zoe POV
As soon as Henry left the room, I bawled my eyes out. I couldn't help it any longer. Something has happened to Natalie and I want to know what. Why ain't they telling me? I'm a grown kid, I know a lot of things that other kids don't, so why not me? I tried to ask Jamie, I know I can always trust him but he wouldn't say anything. Do they think I'm stupid? Am I that stupid? I don't think so. Just thinking about this made me want to run out into the night and find Nat. Please come home, please. Don't get that career experience, don't get hurt, just come home, please. I slowly pull off my covers and kneel down on the edge of my bed. I face the dark window with glowing moon rays and I say silently to myself and to anyone else who is listening.
'Please, I beg of you, if there is anyone out there. Please let Natalie come home...please' I started to cry again. I could really use one of her hugs right now.
Jamie POV
A few days have gone passed by now. There was still no sign as to where Natalie is. Zoe is getting more worried and today she didn't want to get out of bed. I felt bad for the kid. To lose somebody who took her in, who loved like a real mother would. Danny has been working no stop but only dead ends rise up. All we have is that witness account. There was so many times while out on patrol, I wanted to run through everyone's house just to find her. Just run off somewhere. I think of all the possible places people could hide their victims but I had to stay on patrol. Sargent Renzulli doesn't take his eyes off me. I know that he knows I'm worried and want to do something about it. I watch people go by, them carry on with their lives like nothing matters to them. It sucks. And as more days go by, it gets harder.
Finally it was break time. Sarg went into Bene Caffe to fetch us some coffee and also ordered me to stay put. Of course I followed orders. But I looked around the streets, hoping to see a face I recognise, Natalie's face in particular. I sigh, knowing all to well that this would be a long shot. Suddenly a shady hooded figure rushes out of the cafe, pushing me aside. Then Renzulli bolts out after him.
'Jamie move!' He calls and I instantly chase the guy.
I have no idea why but I did my job. We rush through people on the sidewalk, inching closer and closer. The hooded figure takes a right into an alleyway and we follow behind. We dodge and weave through rubbish piles and bins before the guy turns around a few corners. We came to a screeching halt in sight of something as we just came around the corner. I couldn't believe it with my own two eyes. Right there in front of me, a woman tied to a chair with a gag. I knew the face well, the one I was searching for, Natalie. She had a few scratches and bruises over her, her face in a scared expression.
'Natalie' I take a step forward while Renzulli pulled out his gun.
'Take a step closer and she will die' the hooded figure appeared from the bins with a gun pointing to her head.
I draw my weapon as Natalie shakes her head frantically.
'Put the gun down and your hands up. Your under arrest' Renzulli announced, taking aim at the culprit.
'You know I don't want to do that, I'm only here for one other thing and then I will be leaving' he warns, inching closer.
'Sir, put your gun down now, we won't ask again' Renzulli ordered this time.
'Have it your way' the figure instantly pulls out a second handgun from his jeans and puts two clicks into Renzulli.
Before I pulled the trigger, his other gun was pointed at Natalie.
'You wanna be a hero rookie? Then you better put down your gun and do as I say. It's ok, take the time you need, your fellow officer wouldn't mind dying in the process' he spoke loud and clearly.
'Shot him' Renzulli coughed, blood soaking onto his clothing.
My brain was balancing between two different options, take the shot or do as he says.
'Tick, tock' the culprit pressured, twirling the second gun in the air.
Closing my eyes, I give into the man's words. I place my gun down steadily on the ground, knowing Renzulli would might kick my butt for doing this.
'Thats it, now get down onto your knees' the hooded figure ordered pointing the gun at me.
As soon as my knees touch the ground, he rushes over to take the guns away from us, leaving us stranded and defenceless. I look over at Renzulli, his face twisted in pain. I turn to Natalie, a few tears streaming down her face. I didn't know if I was doing the right thing but there wasn't anything we could do now. It was then a hit on the back of the head proved I was the one thing he needed.
