First Steps

Chapter 1: Making Changes Part 1

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It was the end of summer when things changed for 13 year old Tayler Donovan. She had lived with her father her entire life in Plattsburg, New York, and now that he was dead, she was being sent to live with her mother

in Staten Island. Her parents were never married and it wasn't long after she was born that their relationship started to dwindle away. Her mother wanted full custody, but she was still in nursing school at the time, and

money was tight. Her father on the other hand had a job and a stable place to live, needless to say it wasn't difficult for him to arrange custody, especially considering he had a shady lawyer in his back pocket. Time

went by, and very seldom did she have the opportunity to see her mother. Every time her mother planned to visit with her, her father came up with some excuse why that weekend wasn't a good time. Her mother called

her occasionally, and they were able to spend a few minutes catching up, but it was never enough time to forge a relationship. One would think that she would have had a good relationship with her father, but they

would be wrong. Her father was usually distant, which suited her just fine, considering when he wasn't distant, no one could nominate him for a father of the year award. She came home every day as soon as school was

let out, and spent the afternoon, and usually the evening alone. One afternoon, however things changed, when an NYPD officer came to the house, and told her, her father had been killed. She had a few minutes to

gather a change of clothes, and was then taken to Family Services, until her closest relative could take custody. Things had changed significantly for her mother, who married into a predominant family in New York City.

She was married to an NYPD Detective, and had two sons, and was now working as a nurse at a hospital in the city. The following day, and her mother Linda, along with her stepfather Danny Reagan came to the center

and signed her out. She didn't know her mother or stepfather very well for that matter, and she couldn't help but feel a little nervous. Then again, she was willing to go with just about anyone who could get her away

from child services. It was too crowded there, and tons of kids filled the center, making it especially difficult to find a little quiet time. Her fathers family, who she didn't really get along with was planning the funeral. So

that left her, Danny and Linda with nothing to do but return to her home and pack as many of her belongings that would fit into the car. Tayler stood in her room for several minutes staring at her belongings, unsure of

what to take along and what to leave. She was leaving her home, and everything she knew, and was having to pack her whole life into the trunk of her stepfathers jeep. She wasn't really sad about leaving Plattsburg,

nor her home, but she would miss the things she had to leave behind, and she was afraid, she wouldn't fit in with her mother's family.

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"Tayler, honey, do you need some help?" Her mother asked, walking into her room. "I'm fine, thank you," Tayler didn't say much, as she continued to go through the things in her closet. What to take? What to take?

Tayler repeated in her head, as she scanned the clothes she had hanging up. "Have you gotten all your suitcases out?" Linda wasn't ready to give up on helping yet. "That's it," Tayler pointed at the 3 duffel bags she had

thrown in the corner of her bedroom. "You won't be able to fit very much in just three bags," Linda mentioned. "I know," Tayler said sadly. But she wasn't about to complain, especially to a woman she didn't know, even

if she was her mother. "I could send Danny to the store for a few more if you'd like," Linda offered, thinking of something nice she could do for the girl. "That's okay mam," Tayler wasn't sure what to call her. She had

spoken to her several times over the phone in the past, and they had even met up a time or two, yet even then, Tayler couldn't bring herself to call her mom. "This gives me an opportunity to start fresh," Tayler replied,

trying to make the best of the situation. "That can be nice sometimes," Linda smiled. "But I'm sure there are plenty of things you don't want to leave behind." Tayler remained quiet, appearing distant, as she turned the

thought over and over in her head. "My Dad had some luggage. Do you think it would be alright if I took his?" Tayler sounded, almost too afraid to ask. "I'm sure that would be fine," Linda placed a hand on her

daughters shoulder. "Show Danny where it is and I'm sure he will help you get them out." "Thanks," Tayler gave a her a small smile, before walking out of the room. While Linda worked on folding the clothes, Tayler had

left on the bed, that she planned on taking. Tayler found her stepfather sitting downstairs in the living room, looking at one of her fathers old magazines. "Mr. Reagan," Tayler approached him regretfully. "I don't mean

to bother you," she chose her words carefully. "But Mrs. Reagan said that you could help me get some of my fathers luggage down from his closet." "Sure," Danny set the magazine down. "I wasn't into it that much

anyway." He added, before following her up the stairs. Tayler led the way to her fathers room and into the closet. Danny wasn't certain, but he was almost positive she hesitated before stepping foot into the room,

appearing as if she was nervous, and wondering if she should really be in there. She tried to act like nothing was wrong, but his years of experience as an NYPD detective said different. However, now was not the time to

question the child that didn't know him, nor trust him. The closet was large, and everything was in its proper place. "It's up there," Tayler pointed to a set of tan colored luggage, that was located on the top shelf.

"Hmm," Danny muttered. "That's high." "If you can't get it that's fine," Tayler shook her head, acting as if it wouldn't bother it, yet he could tell that she was hoping he could, she just didn't want to be a burden. "Oh I

can get it," Danny nodded, grinning. Never one to let a challenge pass by. A few minutes later, and Danny, true to his word, had the luggage setting on the floor in between them. "This is nice luggage," Danny noticed,

running a hand over the prestige leather. "My dad had to make a few business trips from time to time," Tayler enlightened him. "And he spent a lot of money, when it came to his belongings." Tayler really didn't want to

say anything bad about her father, especially to a stranger, so she kept quiet, choosing to only tell the truth, when it came to certain things. Tayler took the time to look around the walk-in closet, she had been in there

but very few times, never really allowed in her fathers room, unless she had permission. He wasn't a mean man, by no means. But his job was stressful, and that made him not worth being around half the time. Danny

didn't know the man, but he could tell the girl wasn't very heartbroken over the past day's events. He knew brief patches of her fathers homicide case, but he wasn't under the Plattsburgh jurisdiction of New York. But

that didn't keep him from being curious, it was the detective in him. "What's this?" Danny pulled out a small gun case that was hidden in the back of the closet. "I wonder if he had it?" Tayler said quickly before running

out of the closet, and over to her fathers desk, looking for his book of passwords. Tayler was back in a matter of seconds, running back into the closet. "The password is 6438," Tayler told Danny to open it. Danny

opened the case and pulled out a SIG Sauer P320 RX Pistol. "This is nice," Danny held it loosely in his hand. "He bought it last year, I think," Tayler couldn't remember all the details. "Did he ever carry it?" Danny

wondered. "Not very much," Tayler shook her head. "He usually carried his old one." "I wonder where it is?" Danny mumbled. "He was probably carrying it, when he," Tayler looked at him, her voice low. Danny sighed

and stood up. "We're going to find out who killed your Dad, Tayler," Danny looked at his stepdaughter solemnly. "It's okay, Mr. Reagan," Tayler shook her head. "Just leave it alone." Her voice showed a hint of emotion.

Danny wasn't sure what type of emotion it was, but he didn't think it was grief, sounded more like regret. "Just the same," Danny started to return the pistol to its case. "We need to get them off the street." "You should

keep it," Tayler nodded at the gun. "I can't do that," Danny shook his head, even if part of him wished he could. "If you don't, one of my shitty uncles will take it." Tayler took it back out of the safe and handed it to him

before walking out of the closet with the luggage. Normally, Danny would have said something about her use of language, at least he would have, had it been Jack, Sean or even Nicki. But he didn't think that now was

the proper time, knowing there would be plenty time for that when he and Linda became responsible for her. Sure he was no stranger to hearing or even saying inappropriate language at times, yet at the same time,

she was just a kid.

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Tayler returned a few minutes later, and found all the clothes on her bed nicely folded. "Thanks," she glanced at Linda. "It's always been my job to take care of things around the house." "I live in a house full of boys,"

Linda laughed. "If I wouldn't do it at my house, I would have three very unhappy boys." "How old are your boys?" Tayler asked, never remembering ever talking to her mother so much in one day, at least not face to

face. "Jack is ten, and Sean's eight." Linda smiled when she talked about her boys. Tayler gave her a small smile, wondering what it was like to live in a family, where the parents truly loved their children. Sure she

figured her Dad cared about her to some extent, but being left alone a lot, she had to admit there were many times when she wasn't sure. There were hangers covering the floor, and Linda was doing her best to keep

them somewhat organized by stacking them up in the corner of the room. Unfortunately, her daughter was unable to grasp the organizational process. "Be sure and take some nice clothes for church, and things like

that," Linda was beginning to notice that the only clothes she had folded were more along the lines of casual. "I've never been to church before," Tayler thought about it for a few minutes. "We were going to go once on

Easter, but Dad overslept. "You will definitely have the opportunity when we go home," Linda told her. Tayler didn't say anything, but part of her considered, saying no. She didn't know her mother, or anything about her

family for that matter, and she wasn't sure if she respected her enough to tell her what to do. Letting the pending conversation drop for the time being, Tayler returned to packing. "Anything you need carried

downstairs?" Danny asked, getting their attention. "You can take those two," Linda pointed to the bags nearest the door. Danny took one of Tayler's bags in one hand, and one of Tim's in the other. He could definitely

see a difference between the two sets, Tayler's appearing as if it was several years old. Tim's on the other hand, was exactly the opposite. "Should I take my bedspread?" Tayler looked at her unmade bed. "Only if you

want to. But I'd like to take you shopping for a new one," Linda sounded as if she was hoping she chose to leave it. "I just don't know what to take," Tayler took a seat on the edge of the bed. "I didn't know it was this

hard to pack your life in a couple bags." "I did the same thing when your Dad and I split," Linda took a seat on the edge of the bed next to her. "But whatever you have to leave, we can get you a new one," Linda knew

it was harder on a kid, than it was an adult. Adults were able to grasp change better, rather than a fresh teenager, who had little time to prepare for the coming change. "You don't have to do that," Tayler didn't want to

take anything from her. "I want to do it Tayler, your my daughter." Tayler remained quiet, but she was quick to get back to work, not wanting to think about it. Quickly returning to the struggle of trying to decide what

to pack, as she moved to the floor, so she could dig a few things out from under her bed. "If there's things you decide that you can't live without, Danny can tie some of your things down on the rack he has on top of his

jeep," Linda told her, hoping it would make things a bit easier on her. "Will he mind? I don't want to cause any trouble," Tayler's voice was muffled. "Danny's used to trouble," Linda brushed it aside. "He does it for a

living." "I forgot he was a detective," Tayler came out from under the bed with a box of shoes. "Deciding what shoes to take, would be the hardest part for me," Linda pointed out, trying to make conversation, hoping to

get to know her a bit better. "Not for me," Tayler tossed a couple pair of shoes in a bag, before moving on to her shelf of DVD's. "This," Tayler pointed at the shelf. "Is my weakness." "You do have a lot of them," Linda

nodded. "Dad was hardly ever at home, and he didn't like me going anywhere other than school. So in order to keep from going crazy with the quiet. I watched a lot of TV and listened to a lot of music." "I'm sorry

Tayler," Linda shook her head. "I didn't know." Linda wanted to push, by asking her why she didn't tell her, but she figured that now wasn't the best of times to act like a superhero, saying she would have went to court

to get custody. Then again, the only thing that would have done was draw out a long custody battle, and put Tayler through some unnecessary drama. "It's okay," Tayler didn't sound like it bothered her very much. "I

got to jump all over the couch, and crank my music up." "I'm afraid it will be quite a change when you move in," Linda gave her a small smile, although she had to admit, she was a little nervous about having to put the

girl through so much change. "When both your brothers and stepfather are home, it's very seldom quiet, unless they are sleeping or doing their homework." Linda figured she would use that as an excuse rather than just

laying down the law of no jumping on the couch and things like that. "Its fine," Tayler shrugged. "I've seen most of these movies several times." "You can watch TV as much as you want, as long as you do your chores

and homework first," Linda was hoping to make it not sound so bad. Again, Tayler didn't say anything. Everything was changing so fast for her. It wasn't like she wasn't looking forward to a change. It was based more

on the fact of being told what to do by the mother she didn't know. "Don't let Danny see those," Linda pointed to a series of action movies she had. "Does he like them?" Tayler asked, trying to fit as many DVD's as she

could into her backpack. "I don't think he's seen them, hadn't had much time lately," Linda admitted. She didn't want to talk to her daughter about money, and tell her that he had, had to take on a few extra tours to

help pay for the boys coming school tuition, and they were suddenly going to have to add another tuition to the list of bills to pay. "I'll take them along," Tayler figured that was the least she could for the man who was

about to have to fully support her by feeding and clothing her, among other things. "He'll be happy about that," Linda laughed.

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The two carried another set of luggage down to the bottom floor, where they found Danny watching TV. "We should get going if we're going to get a hotel Linda. It's getting late, and we need to eat dinner and call Dad

to check on the boys." Linda was about to say something in agreement, when Tayler spoke up. "You can stay here if you want," she offered. "There's plenty of room." "We'll think about it," Linda nodded. "I'll come up

and tell you what we've decided in a few minutes." "Okay," Tayler hurried up the stairs, just in case they decided to go in the option of the hotel. Knowing she had several other things she still wanted to pack. With

Tayler upstairs, Linda settled down next to Danny, grateful they were going to have an opportunity to talk, just the two of them. She had been a ball of nerves the entire five hour drive over to Plattsburg, and those

nerves had yet to subside. "I really don't want to have to stay," she admitted. "I'm just not sure if it's good for Tayler." "I have no idea," Danny admitted, that he was a little unsure of what to think. Especially after

some of the odd remarks Tayler made when they were getting the luggage. "I'm not an expert on grief, but I've worked with children who's parents have been killed. And Tayler certainly doesn't seem to be showing a

great deal of grief, like some did. I mean I'm a grown man, and if my father would have just been killed, I don't think I would be able to deal nearly as well as she is." "I don't either," Linda placed her head in her hands.

"Unless they didn't have a normal father/daughter relationship," Linda figured that could be one of the primary reasons. "And from what I can tell, by some of the conversations we've had upstairs, it doesn't sound like

it." Signs of stress were beginning to show through in the woman's voice. "It certainly isn't anything like the relationship my dad had with Erin, or me and my brothers for that matter," Danny mentioned. "Or the

relationship you and I have with our boys," Linda hadn't really thought about it much in the past. But she was beginning to realize how good a relationship the entire Reagan family had with one another. "As much as I

don't want to sound like an interrogator, considering I read people for a living. I think there's a lot she's not telling us," Danny pulled her closer to him, trying to give her a little support. "I guess all we can do is show her

constant love and support," Linda had to admit she was at a complete loss with what to do, especially when it was a child, that she should have known, but didn't. "She calls me Mrs. Reagan," Linda looked at Danny,

sadness showing deep in her voice. "It should be Mom." "Give her time Linda," Danny wasn't sure what else to say, aside from offering a little reassurance here and there. "So what do you want to do Danny. "You

decide," Linda was more than willing to pass the decision on to her husband. Danny sighed, thinking about it for several minutes. "Let's call a pizza in for delivery, that way we can still eat here, and give Tayler a few

more minutes to pack something. But I'll call and make reservations for us to stay in a hotel overnight." "That's fine," Linda muttered, exhaustion beginning to show in both her voice and actions.

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A few minutes later, and the doorbell rang. Tayler who was downstairs at the time, figured it was the pizza delivery, and ran to the door. Unfortunately, as soon as she opened it, she closed it in their faces. "Who was it

Tayler?" Linda glanced at Danny, wondering what would possess her to close the door on someone. "The detectives that told me my Dad was dead, and they were investigating." Danny jumped up from where he was

sitting, and just about ran across the room and over to the door. "Sorry about that," Danny apologized. "I'm Detective Marshall, this is my partner Detective Chapman." One of the detectives introduced the two of them.

"I'm Detective Reagan from the boroughs," Danny introduced himself. "What can I do for you?" "We are investigating the murder of Tim Donovan. And we'd like to take a look around the house." "Do you have a search

warrant?" Tayler interrupted, moving to stand closer to the door. "Let me take care of this Tayler," Danny glanced at her. "Why?" Tayler said sarcastically. "You finding out who killed him isn't going to change the fact

that he's dead," Tayler was looking primarily at the two detectives standing just outside the door. "We understand Miss Donovan," Detective Marshall was the one to speak. "But it's our job to get a killer off the streets."

"Even if his daughter says just let it go. I'm sure you have plenty other cases to solve." Tayler sounded annoyed. "Go to your room Tayler, please, " Danny had, had enough. "But it's my house," Tayler started to argue.

"And I'm the adult," Danny's tone was stern. "Now go." Part of Tayler appeared as if she was going to challenge his authority, but she eventually relented and followed his order. After Danny and Linda showed the

detectives around the house, and answered whatever questions they could, the detectives left and Danny and Linda just looked at one another, both confused by the girls behavior. "We definitely have a teenager on our

hands now," Danny ran a hand through his hair. "Her manners are exceptional, but it's her behavior and the way she treats people that could use a little help." Linda agreed with him.

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Danny who never really felt guilty for disciplining one of his children when they stepped over the line. He had to admit, he didn't really like enforcing his parental authority as her step-father so soon into their new family

relationship they were going to have to figure out how to forge, between the five of them. He had never raised a teenager before, but he had been one, which he had to admit scared him more than anything. Knowing he

gave his parents quite a few problems. Tayler's door to her bedroom was open, and Danny made a short rasp on it. "Tayler," he said. "Did they leave?" Tayler stood, after placing the last few of her belongings in her

suitcase. "They weren't asking for much," Danny walked over to her bedroom, so he could look outside, not wanting it to look like he was lecturing her, just trying to explain a few things. "I know," Tayler shrugged.

"Speaking from experience, detectives really don't like it when people give them the run around," Danny shook his head, thinking of the countless times, he and his partner experienced it. "I understand that," Tayler

nodded. "But my dad spent very little time here." "I know this is a hard question to answer, but do you know anyone who would have wanted him dead?" "No," Tayler said honestly. "Because one thing about my dad,

was he spent even less time with me, then he did here at the house." "Okay next question," Danny moved on. "Do you know of anything that your dad was involved in, that he shouldn't have been in?" "Your guess is as

good as mine detective," Tayler knew very little about her dad aside from knowing that he worked as an accountant. "So there's nothing you can think of?" Danny tried one more time. Tayler took a seat on the edge of

her bed and thought about it for a minute. "Well there was this one time," Tayler scratched her head. "But he was supposed to have been from my dad's work." "Who?" Danny was kind of surprised she was answering

his questions, so willingly, compared to the way she stonewalled the detectives. "One night, this guy showed up, and my dad told me to go upstairs, that they needed to talk business. I asked the guy what he did at the

office, and it took him a while to answer. In fact, I don't think he ever did answer, it was my dad that answered for him. And I'm pretty sure he was lying." "Now were getting somewhere," Danny moved closer to the

bed. "Do you know what his name was?" Tayler stared blankly into space, as she tried to turn that nights events around in her head. "My dad called someone as soon as the guy left, and I think he said his name was

Stuart Norton," she remembered. "But you know, that doesn't mean he's the guy though right?" Tayler looked at him questioningly. "I know. But following leads is what detectives do," Danny gave her a half smile. "Are

you going to try to solve the case now?" Tayler asked curiously. "No," Danny shook his head, sounding a little disappointed that he couldn't. "I'm out of my jurisdiction. But that doesn't mean I can't pass a lead over to

another detective. Does it?" "You know more about it than I do," Tayler shrugged. Danny looked around the room and noticed that most of her things had been picked through, issuing that she was about done with the

project. "Let's take your TV with us," Danny suggested, noticing her TV was still sitting on its stand. "Really?" Tayler didn't think it was possible. "I think we might have room for it," he figured. He knew that normally

Linda didn't really allow TVs in the kids bedrooms, but that was partially because she was afraid the boys would wake up in the middle of the night and turn it on, and then fall asleep in class because they weren't

sleeping at night. But he figured that as long they enforced a few technology rules, they wouldn't have a problem. "Your mom said you had quite a collection of movies. And the boys have a tendency to watch a lot of kid

stuff, which can get kind of annoying sometimes," Danny wasn't even kidding, his eyes going wider the more he thought about it. "So you are probably going to need it." Danny had been a teenager before and knew

there were times, when he needed some alone time. Then again, he had also been an older brother, and he remembered far too well the things he had to put up with, just for being the oldest. "Sweet," Tayler started

unhook it. Danny took over, and carried the 32 inch television downstairs. As soon as Danny set the TV down, he pulled his phone and the business card out that one of the detectives gave him. "Really Danny?" Linda

looked at her husband unbelieving. "What? All I did was get the kid to talk. It wasn't like she was talking to them," Danny reminded her. "That's probably because you scared her into talking," Linda didn't believe him.

"Don't you have any faith in my detective skills?" Danny said hurtful. "You just can't help but try to solve a case can you?" Linda wasn't backing down. "I'm not solving a case," Danny tried picking up for himself. "I'm

just trying to point the detectives in the right direction." Danny said, before placing the call. After making the phone call, Danny took a seat at the table. "So how did you get her to talk anyway?" Linda couldn't help but

be curious. "I just asked her a few questions, and told her what it was like being a detective and getting the run around," Danny shrugged. "And to be honest with you, she's actually not that bad to talk to for a

teenager. And she did answer my questions." "Better than she did the detectives?" Linda knew she shouldn't laugh, but her daughters behavior just caught her off guard so much, that she didn't know what to think.

"Much better," Danny admitted. "I think she's just so bitter over everything with her Dad, that anything that has to do with that, she completely shuts out." "Do you think she will feel better when the case is solved?"

Linda hoped. "She acts like she doesn't care, but I do think she will feel better if she knows what he's been involved in." "What if it's something illegal?" Linda looked concerned. "Would it be something we should tell

her?" Danny sighed and looked at her seriously. "I would. But it's your decision, your her mother." "Well, you are her step-father, and if you think it's a good idea. I guess you know how kids react better than I do. I

know you've had to talk with them about things like this," Linda mentioned. "Everyone's different," Danny admitted. "But I do think it would be the best thing for Tayler." "I'm done," Tayler said coming down the stairs,

before tossing the last bag over near the door. "And the pizzas here, let's eat," Linda already had the table set, with the dishes she found in one of the cabinets.

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After dinner, Danny, Linda and Tayler, made their way to the hotel, Linda had made reservations at. The three walked into the single room, with one bathroom, and two queen size beds. Tayler's eyes went wide when

she saw the queen size bed, thinking how much bigger it was compared to the twin size she had at home. None the least dreading the fact she was going to have to share the bathroom, considering she was used to

having the spare bathroom all to herself at home. "Go ahead and take a shower Tayler," Linda offered her daughter the bathroom first. "Yes Mam," Tayler grabbed the small duffel bag she had packed specifically for the

hotel, so she wouldn't have to drag in such a large suitcase with tons of clothes piled inside. "Looks like you and I are going to get to sleep close," Danny pulled Linda close, just as soon as he heard the bathroom door

close, knowing they were used to a king size. "Danny, we have a child in the bathroom." Linda was trying to keep from getting sucked into her husband's charm. "Maybe we should get an adjoining room, and keep the

door closed tonight," Danny grinned at her. "She's only thirteen," Linda reminded him. "I know how old she is," Danny wasn't giving in so easily. "I had to sign the custody paper right alongside you." "That's another

thing we need to talk to her about, about the custody arrangement, since I didn't have custody to begin with." "That time will come," Danny assured her, before drawing her face closer to his and placing a gentle kiss on

her lips. "Danny," Linda was having even more trouble than earlier resisting the urge to kiss him back, and fall into bed. "She's thirteen," Linda had to remind herself. "We already settled on her age," Danny's face was

still just inches apart. "And would your parents have let you stay in a hotel room alone at thirteen?" Linda had a feeling she already knew the answer to that question. "Well no," Danny said truthfully, before letting her

go, knowing it was useless to persist. His wife's thoughts were too focused on the kid in the bathroom. "Then again, I probably would have took off and gotten into who knows what kind of trouble." "Then you

understand why I don't want to take any chances," Linda knew that the last thing she wanted to do was have to go out looking for the child that she didn't know, and could go anywhere, simply because she knew the

area. "Not all kids are like me though," Danny smiled at her mischievously. "I understand that, but we don't know what she's like," Linda had a point. "I know," Danny admitted. "I just thought it would be fun. We're

about to be raising three kids, making it even harder for us to get any alone time." "It's the price we pay for being good parents," Linda stretched out on the bed. "Don't remind me," Danny slumped sadly down next to

her.

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The following morning, while Linda was on the phone talking with Frank checking on the boys, and Tayler was lying on the bed watching TV, Danny's cell buzzed. He didn't recognize the number, but being a detective, he

learned a long time to just answer it. A few minutes later, and Danny hung up the phone. Picking up the remote to the TV, Danny pressed the power button. "I was watching that," Tayler sat up complaining. "We need to

talk," Danny took a seat on the bed across from her. "What's going on Danny?" Linda hung up the phone, noticing a change in her husband's behavior. "I just got a call from Detective Marshall. They arrested Stuart

Norton on murder charges." "But did he do it?" Tayler wiped a stray tear away with the back of her hand. As much as she was doing her best to hide the bit of grief she was feeling, she didn't want the wrong person to

go to jail, even if the guy was a creep. "He did," Danny nodded solemnly. "Are you okay Tayler?" Linda took a seat next to her daughter. "Fine," Tayler's voice was low. "That's not everything," Danny knew that what he

was going to tell her was going to be tough. Yet he still stood by his earlier decision, in telling her the truth. "They also found out that your dad was involved with the Valdez crime family." "He was a gangster?" Linda's

couldn't believe her ears. "Apparently he was trying to get out, and they weren't happy about it." "So they killed him to keep him quiet," Tayler finished his sentence. "Pretty much," Danny answered her. "I know this

doesn't sound like much right now, but they were able to arrest the entire crime family. Which means there isn't any danger for anyone else." "That's good," Tayler rolled back over on the bed. Trying not to give into the

tears that still threatened to fall. "Can I watch TV again?" She knew she needed to get her mind on something else. Danny handed her the remote, and glanced at Linda to follow him outside the room. "Does this mean

it's over?" Linda asked as soon he closed the door behind them. "Yes," Danny sounded happy with that bit of news. "At least he was trying to get out, maybe that will help Tayler feel better," Linda hoped. "In time, I'm

sure it will," Danny hugged her.

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The funeral wasn't until 2:00 in the afternoon, but luckily it didn't last long. Most of the people that got up to speak on Tim's behalf were his brothers and coworkers. Tayler sat on the hard pew next to Linda, glad that

Danny chose to sit on the end and she didn't have to, making it harder for her Dads family to talk to her before the service started. She had never been very close to them, most of them only having close contact with

her father. After the funeral, everyone gathered at the cemetery. The three stood further in the back, which again caused Tayler to be grateful, hoping that as soon as it was over, Linda wouldn't find someone from her

past to talk to, and they could make a silent get away. Unfortunately, her paternal grandparents had other ideas. "Are you excited to be moving to the city with your mother?" Her grandmother asked, trying to sound

pleasant in front of Danny and Linda. "Anything to get away from here," Tayler wasn't buying it, as she silently walked away. "We're going to go get in the car," Danny told Linda, before hurrying to catch up with Tayler.

"Good luck with that kid," Tayler's grandfather looked at Linda. "I may not like her disrespectful attitude," Linda said truthfully. "But I don't know my own child, and it's because of your son," Linda picked up for her,

before walking away. "Let's go home," Linda said getting into the car and buckling her seatbelt. "I definitely haven't missed this place." Tayler was sitting in the backseat, her head in her hands. "You okay baby?" Linda

said concerned, turning around in her seat. "I'm fine," Tayler swallowed her upset feelings down once again, and picked her head up. "Things are going to get better okay," Linda looked at her daughter seriously. "This is

the first step to a new life."

I have read, reread, and made changes but I thing I'm finally satisfied with it enough to post, lol. I considered writing this story for a long time, but I just wasn't sure how it would be perceived. Yet because of my steady group of followers, I decided to give it a try. I wanted to post this story earlier this evening but I had to have a family dinner of my own before I joined the Reagans for theirs. And I still cant believe everything that took place in the season opener. I always considered making a few changes in one of my stories where Linda dies, but I just wasn't sure. I am writing so many stories now, that its going to be hard to keep track, lol. However, sometimes I get into one character, and just want to write about that one, rather than the next one on the list... Please hang in there with me, and I'll try to get everything updated as soon as I can... Thanks for all the follows, favorites and reviews... JusticeStandsTRUE