Intro: Joseph Reagan had been married to Kristina Stevens, and they had a child, a little boy named Joseph Scott Reagan. Joe died when his son was two, and Kris was struggling with taking care of a child and the hassles of the day to day life in trying to make ends meet, the whole time looking for a means of escape.

CH. 1 Promises

"Do you think she did it," Jackie Curatola looked across her desk and over at her partner Detective Daniel Reagan. "I don't know what to think at this point," Danny admitted shaking his head. "I've gone over everything in the file at least twice, but nothing clicks." "You want to call it a day, start fresh in the morning," Jackie had to admit she was tired. "Probably best," Danny yawned, "I'd like to see my boys before Linda sends them to bed anyway." "I'll meet you here in the morning then and we can brainstorm, hopefully come up with something," Jackie was trying to form a strategy for the morrow. "Fine with me," Danny grabbed his keys and headed out of the 54 and over to his car.

"I'm home," Danny announcing walking through the front door of his home. "Daddy," Danny's 5 year old son Jack squealed! Hey buddy, Danny knelt down to hug him. "Hi Daddy," Danny's 2 year old son Sean ran at him before wrapping his arms around his neck. "How are my boys," Danny had one arm wrapped around each of his sons? "Uncle Danny," Danny's brother Joe's 3 year old son Joseph Scott Reagan, better known as Scottie ran to him, right in between his cousins. "Hey Scottie, what are you doing here?" "Mommy's working so I get to stay here tonight," the little boy was beaming. "Awesome," Danny smiled at him, "are you guys having fun?" "The best," Jack answered for them. "That's great guys, now go run along and play, I want to talk to your mom for a bit," Danny started for the kitchen. "Will you come play with us," Scottie stopped short on his way up the stairs to follow his cousins to their bedrooms? "Maybe after we eat and if it's not too late and Aunt Linda hasn't sent you to bed," Danny didn't want to get his hopes up too high, although he had to admit, he hoped he got the opportunity to spend time with them. They could be so much fun, and so full of life, not worried about anything, like money or the stresses of the job that adults had to face, and sometimes it was nice to see things from their point of view. "Hey honey, what's Scottie doing here," Danny asked walking into the kitchen, not that he cared, he didn't mind the boy being there, in fact, there were times when he even though he preferred it, as much as he hated to admit it, there were times when he worried about him being with his mother, these thoughts although he tried to keep to himself, not exactly wanting to push the woman to pick up one day and run off with the boy. It wasn't that he didn't like Kris, he just didn't trust her. "Kris called early this afternoon and said she had to work late at the newspaper office, and asked if I could pick Scottie up from daycare when I picked Jack up from school and then spend the night." "He does fit in quite well with the boys, and I have to admit I've kind of gotten used to him being around here." "I already fed the boys, so maybe if we hurry we can get in a quiet meal without any messes or interruptions," Linda sounded excited at the thought of not having to deal with spilled juice all over the table. "Scottie already hit me up to play with them later this evening," Danny chuckled. "He's always enjoyed playing with you," Linda laughed remembering. "I was so used to rolling around the floor with Jack, that adding Scottie just seemed natural," Danny admitted. "How much of Joe do you think he remembers?" Linda had been wanting to ask the question for a while now, it just seemed like the time never presented itself. "I don't know," Danny shook his head, "he's only been gone a year, but he's so young." "Things have changed so much since then, I mean we knew things would get worse for Kris after he died, I just worry about Scottie, things have been so unpredictable for him. He never knows if he's going to be at home with his mother, here with us, or even with Henry and Frank," Linda was genuinely upset and worried about the boy. "I know you feel," Danny's voice went low, "although I have to admit, the only time I worry about him is when he's with his mother." "I agree," Linda nodded, "I know he's more than fine with your Dad, in fact I'm sure he even enjoys it, and I know he loves being here to play with the boys."

The two did manage to eat a quiet meal, and they were both surprised that they had yet to be disturbed by the three young boys. "I'm going to get the kitchen cleaned up, if you want to play with the boys before bath and bed time," Linda suggested. "I'm sure they would love that," Danny headed up the stairs and in search of the three usual rowdy boys, but were unnervingly quiet at the moment. "Hey guys what you doing," Danny found Jack and Sean sitting on the floor next to the bed, and Scottie shoved up underneath it? "Uncle Danny help," Scotties voice was muffled, "I'm stuck." "What are you doing under there," Danny gently moved the bed aside? "Our toy went under there," Jack grabbed the toy, "and Scottie was the most logical choice to go get it." "I see that," Danny dusted the boy off. "Play with me Daddy," Sean wanted Danny to pick him up. "Sure buddy," Danny tickled him, "but we can only play for a little while, your brother has school tomorrow." "Jack can go to bed," Scottie suggested. "Now that wouldn't be very nice, you wouldn't want them to play without you, would you," Danny looked down at his nephew? "I guess not," Scottie shook his head. "Now what do you want to play," Danny squatted down to their level? "Hide and seek," Sean was jumping up and down excitedly. "Alright well I'm going to go downstairs and count, while you three hide," Danny ran down the stairs after Linda. "I thought you were going to play with the boys," Linda looked at him, surprised by his sudden return? "I am playing with them," Danny winked, "hide and seek." "Very nice," Linda smiled. "It was our youngest idea," Danny nodded, "he's very smart, giving his Daddy a chance to kiss his mommy," Danny stepped closer to her before embracing her. "Danny stop," Linda finally managed to pull herself away, "you need to go find your boys." "I'm going, I'm going," Danny trudged up the stairs. He found Jack hiding in his and Linda's closet, Sean in the dirty clothes hamper, well at least you are about to take a bath, Danny thought as he pulled the little boy out of the hamper. Next was Scottie, Danny saw a little white socked foot sticking out from under Jacks bed, and couldn't help but smile, playing with kids all under the age of five was pretty hilarious at times. "Didn't you learn anything just a few minutes ago about not crawling under the bed," Danny looked at the little boy under the bed? "That's why it was such a good place," Scottie piped up, "you never would have expected me to crawl back under here." "I guess you're right," Danny chuckled, he had to admit the boy was smart, "next time just make sure all body parts are aware of your plan," Danny tickled his foot. "Awe man," the little boy managed to scoot his way out from under the bed. "Now come on," Danny led the three boys into the bathroom, let's surprise your mom and aunt by getting in the bathtub before you're told." "Do we have too Uncle Danny?" Scottie stopped about halfway up the hall. "Afraid so nephew," Danny pushed the boy the rest of the way before starting the water in the tub and placing Sean and Scottie in the tub. "Jack," Danny looked over at the five year old, "go take a bath or shower in mine and your mother's bathroom, I'll be in to check on you after I get the younger ones settled." "Okay Daddy," Jack turned to go. "Oh and Jack try not to make a mess with the soap," Danny remembered the last time he sent the boy to his bathroom, half the bottle of shampoo went down the train, at least what didn't go all over the sides of the tub. "I'll try," Jack smiled remembering how much fun it was, but figured he'd be in trouble if he did it again. "Now where was I?" Danny remembered he left the other two in the bathroom alone. "Not like that Sean, like this." He heard Scottie correct his cousin. "What's going on in?" Danny stopped short when he stepped in a puddle of water just outside of the tub. "Oops," Scottie and Sean leaned over the side of the tub before looking at one another. "We make mess," Sean turned his face towards Danny. "I'm pretty sure that's a safe bet, now get back in the tub before you fall out," Danny didn't even know where to start in the form of a chastisement. "Are we in trouble?" Scottie looked at his uncle knowing it wasn't the first time he'd been in trouble with him. "I'm still thinking about it," Danny admitted shaking his head. "How did it happen Scottie?" Danny wasn't in the mood to try and interpret an explanation from his youngest. "We were playing like we were a boat in a raging storm and it was trying to fling us out of the water and into the sky!" Leave it to Scottie to have a thrill for theatrics, Danny couldn't help but smile at the boy's explanation. "Well as long as it wasn't done on purpose we can let it go, but it's definitely time to get out," Danny wrapped Sean in a towel before doing the same with Scottie. "Aright Scottie, go put your pajamas on," Danny pointed to the bedroom he would be sharing with Sean. "But I don't have any clothes," Scottie looked quite comfortable in a big fluffy towel. "Go wait for me in Jacks room, I'll see what I can find of his, after I get Sean dressed," Danny carried Sean into his bedroom before helping him in one of his pull-ups and pulling his pajama shirt over his head.

"Where are the boys, are they ready for a bath?" Linda was just finishing up with the dishes. "They are bathed, dressed, and laying in our bed watching a movie," Danny smiled at her. "Really," Linda couldn't help but look at him adoringly, "thank you. I may get a chance to do a little reading, or maybe even a soak in the tub," she sounded excited. "Why not do both?" Danny suggested, "I'll make up the air mattress for Scottie." "I'm so happy, I could kiss you," Linda sounded like any other exhausted mother. "Wouldn't bother me," Danny started to take a step closer to her when there was a knock at the front door stopping him. "Go get the door, it's Frank," Linda pushed him away. "What's he doing here?" "He's bringing Scottie some clothes for daycare tomorrow, Kris asked if one of us could drop him off when we take Jack to school." Danny barely had time to get a word in edgewise to his father when he was interrupted by a band of hollering children. "Grandpa!" The boys squealed running down the stairs. "Wait for me, wait for me." Sean was trailing behind them, running as fast as his little feet could carry him. "How are my boys?" Frank knelt down to wrap them in a hug, more than happy to see his grandsons. "Were watching a movie in mom and dad's big bed," Jack answered for all three of them. "Oh," Frank smiled at them. "What are you watching?" "Scooby Doo, it has a big doggy on it," Sean gestured spreading his arms out as wide as he could. "Is it good," Frank was trying to sound interested? "Very good, it has detectives like Uncle Danny on it," Scottie spoke up. "That's good boys," Frank loved to see how excited they could get over something so little. "And if the three of you want to finish it before it gets too late, you better get up there," Linda could tell that Frank wanted to talk to them about something serious. "Yes Mam," the three boys kissed Frank's cheek goodnight before running up the stairs.

"It seems to me that the two of you have had to take on quite a bit of responsibility with Scottie since Joe," Frank looked at his son and daughter in law trying to determine what was really going on. "It is true, but we don't mind," Linda loved the boy as if he was one of her own. "Have you talked to Kris about trying to have a bit more stable of a home for the boy?" "No," Danny shook his head, "she can be quite unpredictable at times." "Have you considered it?" It was obvious Frank wanted a better life for his grandson, a life like Jack and Sean had. A life in which they were never worried if their parents were going to be there to take care of them, or pick them up from school, or even food on the table. "We have," Linda nodded, "I'm just worried that she might just pick up one day and leave, especially if we cause a disturbance." "I am too," Danny admitted, "I'd be afraid that she wouldn't take care of him right." "Eventually something will have to be said," Frank was saying what they already knew. "Please don't say anything Dad, at least not now," Danny didn't like the way things were, but at least he knew the boy was safe. Frank sighed and looked at his son, "I'll hold off, but not for long. I don't like people taking advantage of my kids." Danny smiled, "he is your grandson." "Yes, but you are my son," Frank said pointedly. "I know Dad, but I feel obligated," Danny started but stopped himself before he said anything further. "What are you talking about Danny?" It's nothing Dad," Danny shook him off. "I know when you're lying Son, it's a benefit to have raised you for so many years." Danny tried to hide his smile, but finally settled on telling his father the truth. "Joe and I made a promise to one another that if something ever happened to either of us, we would look out for the other ones children." "Awe Danny that is quite an obligation, especially with having to deal with Kris." "I know," Danny shook his head, "but I'm the oldest and I made a promise that I can't back out on. Joe and definitely his boy deserves better." "You've always been a good brother and uncle, Danny there's no denying that." Frank told them goodnight knowing they needed to get the kids to bed. "You know Franks right about talking to Kris," Linda mentioned later that night after the boys were in bed and she and Danny were doing the same. "He usually is," Danny fell asleep praying for answers.

Scottie had talked non-stop since the moment Danny pulled out of the driveway the following morning with Jack in Scottie in tow. After dropping his son off at school, Danny pulled up to the Little Steps Daycare, and suddenly the boy fell silent. "You ready to get out?" Danny started to unbuckle him from his car seat. Scottie fidgeted a bit, but tried to keep it down to a minimum, knowing he would be in trouble if he refused to get out of the car or caused trouble for his uncle. But he couldn't help but feel a little uneasy. "I guess so," Scottie mumbled. Danny took him out of his seat and carried him into the building before setting him down and signing the little boy in, being careful to let the workers know that the boy's mother would be picking him up. "Do I have to stay?" Scottie pulled at the bottom of Danny's jacket. "Afraid so buddy," Danny gave him a half smile. "But I don't like it here," the little boy looked nervous. "I know Scottie, but I can't take you to work with me," Danny hated to leave him there, just as much as Scottie hated being there. Then again, it wasn't like he could do anything about it, Scottie wasn't his son, and he couldn't make decisions regarding the boys well-being, no matter how much he wanted to.

The family gathered around the dinner table in their usual places the following Sunday afternoon, Kris and Scottie sitting in between Jamie and Nicki. Talk that day was centered primarily around Kris's job offer from a newspaper in Maine as a journalist. "Have you made up your mind on what you want to do," Erin asked? "I haven't decided yet," Kris admitted. She knew she didn't want to take Scottie away from the Reagan's, the only help and family she and Scottie had. But she also knew that journalism jobs were few and far between. "We support you whatever your decision," Frank lied. "Isn't that right?" He looked around the table, expecting an answer similar to that of his own. "Mm," Henry scoffed, it was obvious where his father stood on the subject. Scottie had been fidgeting the majority of the day. In church, he could barely manage to stay in the pew until Frank picked him up and held him in his lap the remainder of the service. Family dinner was an entirely different story, first he spilled his juice, second he dropped his silverware on the floor, and third he nearly fell out of his seat due to his fidgeting, causing quite a disturbance and a very dissatisfied look from his mother followed by a chastisement. "Joseph Scott Reagan, I am not going to tell you again," she glared at the boy. "Sit up," she grabbed him by his arm and jerked him up. "Oww," the little boy started to cry. Danny set his fork aside and walked over to the opposite side of the table. "Come here buddy," Danny picked him up. "Let me hold you for a bit," Danny carried him around the dining room. Scottie laid his head on Danny's shoulder and was asleep in a matter of minutes.

"Oh Danny, Linda, is there any chance you would be able to keep Scottie for me a couple days next week. I was hoping to get up to Maine to get a little more information about this job, and it would be easier without a three year old underfoot." Scottie squirmed in Danny's lap when Kris talked about him, and it seemed to Danny that he did it each and every time. "Shh, it's okay," he whispered in the boy's ear. Danny didn't think that Kris was physically rough with the boy, aside from the rough way she spoke to him or about him. "Of course," Linda barley glanced at her husband, already knowing his decision. "You can take him to daycare during the day if he gets to be too much," Kris suggested. "No," Linda shook her head not exactly caring for the daycare Kris chose to send him too, "he will be fine with Sean and I."

"Were going to have to get going Scottie," Kris started getting their things together. "I want to stay here," Scottie hadn't budged. "Well that's too bad, I have things to do at home, and you need to get some sleep," Kris ignored him as she hurried out the door to load the car. "Let's go get your jacket on," Danny carried him to the coat closet. "I wish I could stay with you," Scottie pulled his jacket on. "I know you do buddy," Danny finished with the buttons, "but you have to stay with your mom." "I know," the little boy sighed. "You know you can call me anytime right day or night," Danny knelt down in front of him? "I don't know your number," Scottie was doing his best to fight the tears in his eyes. "I know how to fix that," Danny reached into his wallet for one of his NYPD business cards. "Here's one of my cards, it has my cell phone and my desk number at work, you can get me on it anytime. And if things ever get to be too much, all you got to do is call me, and I'll be there," Danny wrapped him in a tight hug. "I love you Uncle Danny," the little boy wrapped his arms around his neck. "I love you too," Danny's heart was hurting, feeling as if he wanted to protect the boy from every hurt in the world the same as his own sons.