Al cornered Tommy as he walked into Petco.

"Miller."

The look on Al's face said everything and Tommy swallowed as the blood rushed to his ears. "Where?" he asked, not wanting to hear whatever prepared speech Al had for him. Al's shoulder's sagged and he let out a huff of air before saying.

"Chicago."

Tommy pressed his lips together, nodding. "Well." He turned, going back to his car. "It's been good working with you Al." He felt a hand on his shoulder.

"Here." Al handed him a plane ticket. "I've also got one for your boy whenever he's ready to fly out." His words wrenched through Tommy's gut. He'd been trying to remain aloof so as to not have to think about the painful ramifications of him being traded, but Al's words brought that plan to a screeching halt.

Jake. Jake who was at home with his aunt waiting to watch his dad on TV. Who'd have to give up all his friends and leave his school to move to the other side of the country. Tommy felt sick.

"You going to say goodbye to the guys..." Al paused. "And Baker." He added as an afterthought.

Tommy hesitated, but shook his head. "I need to tell my family." He took the plane tickets. "Thanks for these Al and..." He nodded, reigning in his emotions. He had to hold it together. At least long enough to get home and explain to Jake...then he could cry.


He didn't make it. The second he knelt down in front of his son and began to explain, Jake's lip started quivering and he asked the one thing that ensures Tommy won't be able to hold it together: "What about mom?"

San Diego is where Tessa Miller is buried and taking Jake away means he can't visit her. Tommy pulled him into his arms and shut his eyes, his entire body shaking with the effort of holding in his tears.