Least of These 1:

Meeting Andy

He's not going to show Jackie; Detective Danny Reagan spoke into the receiver of

his cell as he stood on the streets of New York. You're probably right Jackie answered. I'm going home

then Danny said before hanging up. Danny walked slowly down the street as he looked around the night

lights of his city, but stopped short to glance at the small booth of things for sale outside the store.

Danny was just sifting through a few things when he noticed a young girl around the age of 12 standing

near him. Danny did not say anything but found it odd that a 12 year old kid would be walking the

streets of New York alone at midnight, after all he had a 14 year old niece and knew for sure Nicky

would never be allowed to do something like that. He was just about to speak to her when he noticed

she became a bit more reserved and turned to run away. Hey kid Danny called before running after her.

Seriously, Danny sighed before kicking it into next gear. He had chased gang members, rich

twisted perps and chasing about anyone else you can name. All but kids Danny remembered, I guess

there's a first time for everything he thought as he rounded the corner. Upon catching her Danny

reached out and grabbed her. The girl tried pulling away but Danny tightened his grip, why did you run

away? The girl didn't answer and Danny repeated this time using the same tone of voice he used

anytime he had to ask his sons something twice. This girl however was bit more hardheaded than that of

his own children, probably because she didn't know what he was capable of. Don't make me ask you a

third time Danny threatened. Because I saw your badge on your belt and you're a cop she said smugly.

Then you must have done something wrong in order to run the way you did Danny looked at her.

The girl didn't say anything and Danny pushed so what did you do? Nothing illegal if that's what you

mean she said. Danny looked at her and something came over him and he turned soft, thinking if this

would be his niece he would want someone to be kind to her. I tell you what, just tell me where you live

and I'll take you home Danny led the way to his car.

So what's your name he finally asked? Andy she answered. Andy he said with a raised brow.

Well it's really Andrea but I like to be called Andy, she said carefully trying not to give him too much

information. I'm Danny Reagan he said introducing himself, already noticing she left off her last name. I

saw your badge and everything but why don't you have a uniform she wondered aloud?

Because I'm a detective he answered, now where do you live? It's not far she fumbled, trying to figure

out a place for him to take her, all the while trying to make him believe she actually lived there. Danny

could since something in her voice but couldn't place it, so instead kept driving. His cell buzzed and he

placed it to his ear, Hi honey he said into the receiver. Yes I'm off of work and I will be there soon don't

worry. Danny hung up the phone just as Andy spoke, that's my house she pointed to a small house in

the neighborhood they were driving thru. Danny parallel parked in the street and Andy opened the

door, thanks for the ride detective she said before getting out.

Danny pretended to leave the neighborhood, but could tell Andy was afraid, so after making a

circle through the neighborhood he found Andy not far from where he dropped her off walking down

the street and away from the house. Hey Andy he rolled down his window. Andy sighed and Danny

continued come on and get in the car and how about telling me the truth this time? Andy slowly got

back into the car, and Danny looked at her so where we going? Andy didn't answer and Danny finally

spoke you know if you don't tell me all I have to do is take you down to the station and I can get

everything I want from you by just a couple of clicks on the computer and a couple of phone calls. Fine,

Andy let out a long breath since you're going to find out anyway my name is Andrea Gates and I live in a

Foster home. Run away he looked at her? Yes, but I hate it over there, there are so many kids there and

our so called foster parents aren't very nice. Listen Andy, the system sucks I know but you can't just run

off because you don't like the place you live. It's not just that Andy said they just don't care, I mean I'm

the oldest foster kid there and I spend most of my time having to take care of the younger ones because

they won't. Danny ran a hand through his hair he was really mixed into it now. I tell you what I'll take

you to stay in a care center for kids tonight and I'll do some looking into what you say when I have time,

but I'm not promising anything you understand. Yes, Andy answered just glad he wasn't forcing her to

go back to the foster home.

After making the arrangements with the care facility, Danny headed home. He wasn't sure but

for some reason he kept thinking of his own family and gave Erin a call concerned about Nicky. Danny,

Erin said sleepily into her phone. Listen Erin I know it's late but I have just had a bizarre night and I keep

Thinking about Nicky and how glad I am that she has you and is taken care of. Awe Danny, Erin yawned,

you and dad certainly help out, besides you have been more like a father to her since my ex-husband is

hardly ever around. She's a good kid, Danny said, but listen he added remembering why he called.

Just tell me she's in bed asleep and I'll let you go back to bed. You're such a good uncle, Erin said to her

brother. But back to your question, yes Nicky is fine and about her being in bed I'm sure she is, but she is

not here, she is spending the night at your house she and Linda wanted to spend the night watching

movies, since you were going to be working late. Danny smiled she's probably asleep on my bed right

now. Probably Erin agreed. Well I'll let you go back to bed Danny said pulling into his driveway. Okay

goodnight big brother, oh and Danny she said before hanging up, Thank you. No problem sis, Danny said

as they hung up.

Danny trudged into the house exhausted it was nearing 1:00 am and he had been working nights

for the past week. Hey you Linda said before kissing him. Hey yourself he smiled. You look tired Linda

noticed. I am Danny answered it's been a long interesting evening. Tell me about it Linda said taking a

seat at the table. Danny told her about Andy, and Linda added, that is a bit unusual for you. Yah and

what's worse she kept reminding me of Nicky, and how she could be wandering the streets and getting

into trouble if it wasn't for Erin and the tight knit family we have. We are blessed Linda agreed,

and your niece is safe and sound asleep in our bed. In my bed Danny questioned? Yes we were watching

a movie in there and she fell asleep after the movie was over. Well I am in dire need of a shower so she

can stay there a little bit longer until she is evicted. After finishing up in the shower Danny found Linda

fast asleep. Hey kiddo wake up Danny said gently shaking his niece from where she slept on his side of

the bed. Nicky blinked several times before finally focusing on his face. Uncle Danny she mumbled

tiredly. It's me he replied, before asking, do you think I can have my bed back now, after all there's a

nice bed waiting for you in Jacks room. Nicky yawned and crawled out of bed her eyes barely open as

she started to leave the room. Wanting to make sure that she made it to her bed, instead of following

asleep out in the hall or even worse somehow manage to fall down the stairs like he did one night

growing up, after waiting up with his mother when his father was working late on a case. Stepping into

the bedroom, Nicky fell flat on the bed. Danny couldn't help but smile to himself as he pulled the

blankets up around her and placed a slight kiss on her forehead before turning to leave the room and

check on his boys.