Chapter 1
Life is hard on the streets for most. For those helping to keep them safe, it's even harder. But every now and then there is always a ray of sunshine and hope.
Early August in Central Park sees the annual NYPD family and friends Barbeque and Picnic event. It was as crowded as it always is, families mucking in together to make it fun for all. Stalls and tables laden with food, drink, games and fun were available to all who came to celebrate and support the NYPD families. As ever, the Reagans were noticeable with their presence as the Commissioner opened the proceedings by crowning the new NYPD Queen, who this year just happened to be his grand-daughter, Nikki Boyle.
"She looks stunning!" beamed Linda as she stood next to Nikki's mom, Erin Reagan. "She does, doesn't she?!" gushed Erin as she watched proudly as her father walked her through the crowd from the small stage. "Y'know, Toni Renzulli did a great job on the crown and the dress," said Linda as she snapped another photo for the Reagan album. "And she won't give me or dad the bill!" replied Erin as she shook her head. "Seriously?" asked Linda, surprised. "Yeah! She keeps putting us off with one reason or another.." replied Erin. "I kinda like how she managed to incorporate Joe's shield number into the crown," smiled Linda as she looked at the close-up photo she had taken earlier before the ceremony. "I wanted to make sure all the Reagan men were included," said a voice behind them. "Toni!" exclaimed Erin as she turned to see the young woman behind her. "Hey there!" she laughed. "Fantastic job by the way" smiled Linda as she greeted Toni with a hug. "Not a problem. It was fun to do. Made a change from paperwork!" joked Toni as she joined the Reagan women walk through the crowd. "Where's your old man?" asked Linda. "On the hotdog stand!" quipped Toni. "Selling or eating?" asked Erin. "At this moment in time it's hard to tell!" replied Toni with a straight face! Linda and Erin laughed as both women knew from Jamie Reagan's reports of his former TO, Sergeant Renzulli loved his food. As the women drew closer to the food stalls they could hear the Sergeant shouting out into the crowd, "HOTDOGS! HOTDOGS! COME GET'EM WHILE THEY'RE STILL HOT!" "Or still some left!" quipped Toni as she stood in front of her father. "I'll have you know I ain't had one hotdog yet!" he drawled as he served a young boy in front of his daughter. "Good to know!" laughed Toni as she helped the youngster put ketchup on his hotdog. "So, what can I tempt you ladies with?" smiled Renzulli. "We're good thanks, dad. Just checkin' in!" smiled Toni as she continued to walk through the crowd. "Where's Danny and Jamie?" asked Erin as she tried to locate her brothers. "They were supposed to be in the batting cage," offered Toni. "That doesn't sound good! Whoever thought Danny should go there?" asked Linda. "I did!" came a voice. The ladies turned and saw Henry Reagan tottering before them carrying a tray of sodas. "Here, let me take them for you," offered Toni as she took the tray. "Thanks," he sighed before turning to his grand-daughter and daughter-in-law, "It's very therapeutic!" "For who?" scoffed Erin as she spied her older brother swinging a bat. "Well, Jamie's got the hang of it!" smirked Henry as he pointed out his youngest grandson. Again the eyes followed through and saw Jamie coaching a little boy on the techniques of swinging a bat. "He'll make a great dad one day," smiled Linda. "One day! He'd better hurry up and find a girl first!" scoffed Henry. "Grandpa!" exclaimed Erin as she playfully swiped his shoulder. "Whaddya say, Toni?" winked Henry as he nudged her arm. "Are you trying to kill my father?" she quipped back. "Ah! I'll sort Renzulli out! You just sort my grandson out!" he huffed. Toni shook her head and blushed. "Hey! You girls gonna come and hit a ball or two?" called Danny as he spied his wife. "You don't want to challenge us!" teased Erin as she watched her brother come forward with a wicked grin. "You afraid of a little competition, sis?" he smirked. "Oh, here we go?" groaned Jamie as he watched the scene unfold. "Danny, you got your ass whipped last year with the hoops by these women, you really want to risk further humiliation?" "It was a fluke! There is no way these women can beat us Reagan men with the bat!" he teased. "Hey dad! You gonna beat mom?" squealed Sean as he watched the fun unfold. "No he's not! Coz I don't trust him with the bat." Replied Linda. "How about you Renzulli? You wanna take a swipe at the Reagans?" offered Danny as he turned to Toni. "A chance to swipe a Reagan? Hmm! Now that's an offer you don't hear very often! Sure! I'm up for it!" she smiled as she entered the pen.
On the other side of the park there was a dark van parked with its occupants watching the proceedings carefully. The men inside were not there sightseeing, nor were they the organised entertainment. They were there for one reason and one reason only. Revenge.
"Huh-ho! You let Renzulli's girl in the pen?" smirked Jamie at his brother as he watched her pick up a bat. "What? What's wrong with that?" shrugged Danny. "Only that it's the worst thing you could've done," replied Jamie. "How? She's a girl!" exclaimed Danny. "Yeah! I know that but she's Renzulli's girl!" quipped Jamie. "'She' is standing right here! And is about to kick your ass...With your permission!" she winked as she walked passed them. "Now this should be interesting" smiled Vinnie Cruz as he walked up to the pen. "Ah! Officer Sweetie-pie!" grinned Toni as she saw him eye her up. "Eyes off Cruz!" came a voice of concern. All eyes turned to the voice to see Sergeant Renzulli, hotdog in hand, stride over to watch his daughter play ball. "Just you Reagan boys remember to take cover when she starts swinging that bat," he winked. "Where? Outside the pen?" laughed Danny. "Nope!" grinned Renzulli as his daughter looked on in mock shock and disbelief. Jamie caught on quickly and decided, "Danny, you're on your own in here" and made his escape from the pen. "You're a coward, Harvard!" he smirked. "No! Just smarter!" laughed Toni as she got herself ready.
As she prepared to swing, the men from the van prepared to strike...