Thank you for all of your support for my stories! I can't tell you how much it means to me as a writer! This story is from a very interesting prompt from an awesome reader, redredrobin! She asked:
I'd love to see a story where Jack, Andy, and Sharon have to actually work together as a team. Like, maybe, they find a common enemy to unite against together.
This is the result of this fun, challenging ask. I tried to keep it as close to the show (and within the realm of these characters) as possible, so I welcome your feedback.
As usual, I do not own Major Crimes or any of the fabulous characters. That honor belongs to James Duff and co. I just enjoy writing about them.
Chapter One
Sharon could feel the headache coming on as soon as she caught his familiar form attempting to charm her team. Of course, she'd recognize his boisterous, showy tone without having to lift her eyes off of the report in front of her. But when she finally did, her suspicions were confirmed and her headache in full bloom. Jackson Raydor. In her murder room. And by the looks on her team's faces, they found his presence just as unwelcome as she did. She needed to do something, but she was loathe to get into an exhausting encounter with her ex-husband. The only saving grace of the situation was that Andy was currently in a different department on a little research errand she had sent him on to keep him from feeling sidelined on their investigation.
As she watched Provenza's face morph from annoyance to anger, she decided she would have to do something before the situation became even more untenable. She slowly pushed her chair back and reluctantly stood up. What on earth could Jack be doing in the murder room? Sure, they were working a case, but they had no suspects in custody for him to represent. That left the worse of two possible reasons for his appearance: it was personal. Oh how she despised getting into personal discussions with Jack, especially at work. But here he was, and she was left with no option other than to try to manage her former spouse as best as she could.
"...So then the son of a bitch grabs me by the collar and starts to swing-" Jack relayed right before his thunderous voice was drowned out by the quiet, strong voice of his ex-wife.
"Jack," she began simply. He paused and turned to face her. "To what do we owe the pleasure of hearing that story again?"
"Sharon, just the person I was hoping to see," he replied with his trademark charm. She offered him a tight-lipped smile in return before crossing her arms. "You got a minute?"
"We're in the middle of a case-" she began before he interrupted.
"Oh come on, Sharon. I promise it will be worth your while," he pleaded with a knowing smile. Sharon returned it with a smirk.
"And yet somehow, I find myself doubting that," she retorted before turning back towards her office. When he didn't follow, she turned back in his direction. "You coming?"
Jack quickly followed, closing her office door in his wake. He watched as Sharon retook her seat behind her desk before he came to stand in front of it. She shifted her attention back to the reports in front of her. He took a moment to look her over. She looked good, really good, but then, she always did. There was no denying that Sharon Raydor was a beautiful woman. As he watched her scan over the paper in front of her, he suddenly noticed the emerald cut diamond ring on her left hand, and the reminder that she belonged to another stung, even if the news of her engagement wasn't new to him. Truth be told, he had blocked it out until he caught the visual reminder shining back at him.
"Look, I know you're busy, so I'll get straight to the point," he said, breaking the silence.
"That would be preferable, and also a first," Sharon replied without looking up. Jack looked heavenward.
"Come on, Sharon, I'm trying to help you out," he said a bit exasperated. That got her attention. She nodded for him to continue, this time with her full attention. "I have this client who found himself in a bit of trouble with narcotics," he explained as he heard a familiar sigh. "And I was thinking that you might be able to help him out".
"Tell me again how this is you trying to help me out," she replied with a purse of her lips. Jack finally took a seat in one of the chairs across from her.
"Well, while I was speaking privately with my client, some... information came to light that might be beneficial to you," he said with a cocky grin.
"Beneficial to me how?" She replied skeptically.
"Ah, ah, ah. Not so fast, Sharon. I'm not going to disclose privileged information to you unless there's a compelling reason to do so," he said.
"And I'm not going to even entertain continuing this conversation with you, Jack, unless I have some idea of what you think it is your client may or may not know that could possibly be beneficial to me," she retorted a bit annoyed. She could feel her headache getting worse. Jack took a moment to collect his thoughts.
"You're working the Bantrum murder, right?" He asked knowingly. They were, indeed, investigating the aforementioned murder: a 56-year old man found stabbed in his car. She figured there was no reason not to confirm it since information on their case was splashed all over the murder board.
"What could you possibly have on the Bantrum case that has anything to do with a client currently in the custody of narcotics?" She asked. Jack smiled.
"Let's just say, hypothetically, that my client witnessed something that may help with your investigation," he replied.
"Then, he should do his civic duty and report what he saw," she replied simply.
"But, he's facing a possession with intent charge, so he's not feeling very civic-minded - should he have anything to share," Jack explained. Sharon studied him a moment.
"You are aware that I have no control over what your client is charged with, yes?" She asked rhetorically. Jack rolled his eyes.
"Well, yes, but you could talk to your DDA friend Andrea Hobbs" he replied.
"I can't make any promises," she said flatly.
"Oh I don't know, Sharon, you can be very persuasive when you want to be," he replied in a way that recalled the long, complicated history between them. She stared at him, her face unreadable.
"I don't know, Jack. You're not telling me anything about this alleged information your client has, and I-" she began, but he quickly interrupted.
"You got any other leads in this case?" He asked already knowing the answer. She sighed once again. "Look, the information is good. You have my word".
"Forgive me, Jack, if your word isn't really enough," she replied, recalling her own experiences with their long, difficult history. His gaze dropped, and she knew it had been a low blow. But frankly, she found it hard to trust the man, even professionally.
"Alright, you win. I'll let my client know," he said defeated, getting up and making his way to the door.
"I'll talk to Andrea, but I really can't make any promises," she said to his retreating form. He turned to look at her, optimism back in place. "But, Jack, this information better be good".
"Scouts honor," he said holding both hands up in a surrender gesture.
"You weren't a scout, Jack," she replied.
"Right, but you know what I mean," he said before turning more serious. "Thank you for doing this. I appreciate it, Sharon".
"Just make sure your client is ready to talk," she replied. He nodded and turned to walk out of her office. She lifted both hands to her temples and began to massage them gently.
Yup, her headache wasn't going away anytime soon.
After talking to Andrea, Sharon was able to offer their potential witness a deal contingent on whether his information was good enough to warrant it. Narcotics wasn't thrilled, but she figured she could smooth that over later. Now, she was currently across the table from Jack and his client/potential witness Frankie waiting for the two to finish whatever it was they felt they needed to whisper about. Her patience was quickly wearing thin.
"Jack, the clock is ticking. Is your client ready to talk or not?" She finally asked. With one last nod to his client, he turned to face her and an equally annoyed Amy Sykes.
"He's ready," Jack assured them.
"Well, then, by all means," Amy added sarcastically.
"So, I was, uh, working at this club where I have a lot of clients-" Frankie began, but Amy cut him off.
"We already know about your work. Just tell us what you saw," she explained. Frankie looked at Jack, and after receiving a reassuring nod, decided to continue.
"Right, so I was meeting with a client, making a sale, out back in the alley, and these two guys come stumbling out. My client took off and I hid behind the Dumpster. I could hear them arguing-" he continued.
"About what?" Sharon interrupted.
"I don't know. Some woman, I think. I wasn't really all that concerned about that. But then they got louder. The one guy shoved your victim - hard. Then they both started throwing punches, and I got out of there before I became collateral damage," Frankie explained.
"None of this is new. We knew our victim got into a fight before he died. And, the fight isn't what killed him," Amy said annoyed.
"But do you know who he got into a fight with?" Jack replied, eyes focused on Sharon.
"You're implying your client does?" Sharon asked. Jack motioned to Frankie to tell them what he knows.
"I've seen him before. He's at the club a lot," Frankie added.
"Do you know his name?" Sharon asked.
"Now, Sharon, my client can certainly identify this guy in a line-up. Even provide enough for a sketch," Jack assured her.
"So, that's a no?" She replied.
"Come on, he can ID the guy once you have him in custody," Jack insisted.
"Assuming he's our killer," she replied.
"Even if he's not, he could lead you to the killer," Jack replied.
"So, your client saw someone, he can't name, in a fist fight with our victim who later died from an unrelated cause of death. Does that about sum it up?" Sharon asked annoyed.
"Would it help if I told you that the guy is part of that group that uses the club?" Frankie suddenly asked. All attention turned to him.
"What group?" Amy asked, interest piqued.
"Some singles group that meets there a lot. Your guy was a regular. Not your victim, though. I'd never seen him before," Frankie explained.
Back in electronics, Provenza, Buzz, Mike, and Julio were listening to Frankie fill in the details on this singles group to their commander. Nolan was off testifying in his undercover case. Andy walked in carrying a file containing the case research Sharon had sent him to fetch a couple of hours prior. As soon as he glanced at the monitors, he noticed a very unwelcome sight and had to suppress an eye roll.
"When you called me to let me know we had a potential witness, it never crossed your mind to mention his scumbag attorney?" He asked, voice laced with annoyance.
"Didn't see the need to," Provenza replied without turning away from the monitors. "Besides, you're supposed to be keeping your stress level low, so I figured the less time you had to stew about it, the better".
"Ever consider that a heads up might have given me time to manage my stress better?" Andy replied, still annoyed.
"Before you go getting your panties in a wad, Jack is actually helping us out here," Provenza said. Andy rolled his eyes.
"Let me know how that turns out," he replied. Julio fought (and failed) to suppress the amused grin playing on his lips. Everyone's attention was suddenly pulled back to the monitors when they heard Jack's bellowing voice.
"So, are we good or not?" He asked, focus completely on his ex-wife.
"We need time to verify your client's version of events," Sharon answered dismissively as she gathered her things and stood up.
"Sharon, my client held up his end of the deal here. What more do you want?" Jack asked annoyed. Sharon stopped and turned back to face him.
"As I already stated, we need to verify his account," she replied.
"But if it's all in order, then he gets the deal, right?" Jack asked.
"Like I told you from the beginning, I can't make any promises, but hopefully, everyone will get what they want here," she said before exiting the interview room with Amy following closely behind.
After checking into Frankie's story, the squad was able to track down the singles group he had mentioned.
"50 and Fun?" Andy asked reading the computer screen as he peered over Mike's shoulder.
"Yeah, apparently, it's an adventure and event group for single people fifty and older," Mike explained.
"So, a dating group," Provenza concluded.
"Nope. It says right here on their web site that they are not a dating service," Mike clarified.
"Are you flirty and fun and just happen to be fifty and older? Tired of going it alone?" Andy read aloud with a large grin. "It's too bad you're not single, Provenza. This sounds like the group for you!"
"What it sounds like is a dating service that doesn't want the stigma of being a dating service," Sharon interjected before her senior lieutenants got into another tiring bickering match.
"They have social events planned out for every night of week," Andy added as he continued to read. "Looks like Wednesday is 'Wild Wednesdays'. Tired of hitting the clubs solo or as a third wheel? Then come clubbing with us."
"Is there an abundance of people in their 50s and older 'hitting the clubs' on a regular basis?" Amy asked a bit surprised.
"Follow-up question," Julio said entering into the conversation. "Does this influx of the 50 and older crowd affect the club's hip factor?"
As he and Amy snickered, they suddenly felt the weight of their senior officers' stares boring into them.
"Sorry, Ma'am, Sirs, but you have to admit, it seems strange," Julio added.
"What seems strange?" Jack said entering the murder room, briefcase in hand and cocky smirk firmly in place.
"That this singles group for fun, flirty fifty year olds goes clubbing," Julio replied, fighting to keep the sarcasm out of his tone.
"Doesn't seem strange to me, no," Jack said. Sharon fought the smile that threatened to spread across her face. "So, are we good to go or not?"
"We are still gathering information, Jack. But we will be with your client as soon as we're done," Sharon replied.
"This better not be one of your stalling tactics, Sharon. Just because you're a commander now doesn't mean I won't sue the LAPD for detaining my client unnecessarily," he threatened. Sharon pursed her lips.
"It was your client who asked for this deal in the first place-" Andy began a bit heated, but was quickly interrupted by the subtle feel of Sharon's calming presence on his arm. Jack just smiled.
"Andy is right, Jack. And we certainly can't ask Andrea to sign off on this deal until we have properly vetted it. As you can see, we are in the process of doing just that. Now, if you'll excuse me," Sharon explained. Jack went to protest further, but was interrupted.
"Um, Commander?" Mike called. Sharon made her way over to his desk. "I'm not so sure how receptive 50 and Fun is going to be to our research".
"What makes you say that, Mike?" She asked.
"I just hung up with them and they were less than forthcoming once I told them I was with the LAPD. They said they wouldn't be speaking to us without their attorney and a warrant," he responded.
"Well, attorneys and a warrant aren't going to do us much good at this point. I'd rather attend an event and see who shows up," she said.
"They lost one of their clients. You would think they'd want to be more cooperative from a PR stand point," Mike noted.
"Unless they're covering something up. You know what I always say, in the absence of a husband, it's always the dating service, it's always the dating service, it's always the dating service," Provenza proclaimed.
"Yeah, except it isn't a dating service, Sir," Julio snickered. Provenza made a face.
"There's really only one way in," Sharon said, ignoring the banter. "We go in without 50 and Fun's knowledge".
"You mean undercover?" Andy asked, surprised. Sharon nodded.
"We send someone in as a client and find the member with the fresh bruises," she concluded. Everyone looked at her expectantly. "Oh, no..."
"Well, you don't think he's going to talk to me, do you?" Provenza asked rhetorically.
"And Amy is too young, Ma'am," Julio pointed out.
"But we'll need the Commander to run everything from the command unit," Andy protested. He was not fond of Sharon being in harm's way, and he was even less fond of her being in harm's way while undercover with a "singles group".
"The Lieutenant can do that, Andy. And, unfortunately, they're right. It has to be me," Sharon concluded. Jack's ears perked up and he saw an opportunity.
"What if my client goes along as well," he offered. Sharon shook her head, but before she could speak, Jack continued. "He's the only one who has seen this guy's face. He goes along and lets you guys know if he sees him. Discretely, of course. And since he helps you out, again, you talk to Hobbs and get all of his charges dropped".
"All of his charges? Are you nuts or just stupid? The guy was caught red-handed," Andy huffed. Sharon let out a sigh.
"He has a point, Andy. This would be a lot easier with his client's cooperation. I'll talk to Andrea and see what she can do. Mike, go ahead and set everything up for my foray into this singles' clubbing night," she said with mock enthusiasm.
"Oh, Sharon," Jack called out.
"Jack, I suggest you speak with your client and make sure he's on board," she replied and turned to walk back towards her office.
"He's on board. No need to worry about that. But, there is one more thing," he added cryptically. Sharon halted her movement and turned to face him with an expectant look, arms crossed. "I want to go along".
"Absolutely not," she replied firmly.
"I need to protect my client," he insisted. Sharon tried, and failed, to suppress a laugh.
"And what exactly is it you think you can do to protect your client that the LAPD can not?" She asked.
"I'll be there to protect my client from the LAPD," he explained. Sharon looked heavenward.
"I promise to get him back to you in one piece," she assured him, sarcasm dripping.
"Not good enough. You can't deny me from representing my client and his best interests, Sharon. Unless, of course, you want to see me in court over it," he threatened. Sharon let out an exasperated sigh. She really didn't want to agree to this, but she also really didn't want to spend her afternoon arguing with Jack over it.
"Fine. But," she began and paused when she saw his victory grin. "BUT, you will observe only, AND you will remain in the mobile command with the rest of my team. No exceptions," she insisted and he grudgingly agreed. Having resolved everything for now, she turned back towards her office and retreated to its comforting solitude.
She was going to need a few moments of peace and quiet because it was going to be a long night. And her headache was only going to get worse.
TBC