A/N: Hello all! This is a sequel to my story Out of the Shadows. You do not have to have read the first to understand but it may be difficult to understand at times. For those new to the story, Holly McNally is Andy's cousin. She is currently dating Dov. Also, I am trying to incorporate the themes from this season into the story so bear with me. Enjoy! ~S~
By nine o'clock Monday morning, 15th Division was already buzzing with activity. By the time Holly walked in the front doors, she was already sure it was going to be a long day.
"Parade in twenty, McNally," Best said as Holly walked by him, uniform in hand.
"Yes, sir." She pulled the door to the locker room open. Everyone inside said good morning and Holly walked over to her locker and put her bag down on the benches in the middle of the room. She changed into her uniform, put her street clothes in her locker, and sat down on the bench to wait for Andy.
"You're in a good mood," Andy said.
"Dad called this morning," Holly said. Holly and Andy's fathers were brothers.
Andy laughed. "And what did Uncle Charlie have to say?"
"That he's coming to town."
"Oh shit," Andy said turning serious. "When?"
"Tomorrow night. His plane lands at seven."
"Is he staying with you?"
"Yep, in the spare bedroom."
"Well at least you get to see your dad. When was the last time?"
"When he and your dad showed up drunk to aunt Alice's wedding." Holly turned on Andy. "You have to come with me to pick him up."
Andy laughed. "Why me? Shouldn't you be asking your boyfriend?"
"Dad doesn't know about me and Dov yet. Besides, dad's always liked you, even more than he likes me and I'm his only kid."
"He loves you."
"Then he sure has a funny way of showing it. Please, you have to come with me."
"What if I going to be with Sam?"
"Great, bring him too."
"You want me to bring my boyfriend but you won't bring yours?"
"Oh my god, fine," Holly cried in desperation. "Dov can come too. Are you really going to make me beg?"
Andy was caving. "Okay, here's the deal. If you can get Sam to agree then we'll go."
"Done." Holly practically skipped towards the door.
"He's going to hate it," Andy called after her.
Holly turned back to Andy. "But he loves me so I'll get him to agree," she said with a sly grin.
As if on cue, Sam came into the locker room. "There's a really good parade going on, you guys should come check it out."
Holly just smiled at him. "Sam," she said sweetly.
He remained quiet for a long time and just looked at her. "No," he said and went back out the door.
Andy laughed and Holly chased him out the door. Andy turned and closed her locker as Holly came back in the room. "What did he say?"
"I haven't asked him yet. He practically ran down the hallway." She grabbed Andy's arm. "C'mon, we're late for parade."
The girls walked into parade and stood against the back wall with Sam. Dov spotted Holly and motioned for her to come sit in the chair by himself and Chris. Not wanting to interrupt Best, she shook her head.
"Today has been a slow day on 911 calls so you are going out on regular patrol. Be close to your radios in case something comes up. And now partner assignments for the day. Epstein and Swarek. Williams and McNally." Holly and Andy laughed. You would think that after four months, Best would remember that he had two McNally's on his force. "Andy McNally that is," he added. "Shaw and Peck. Diaz and Holly McNally. Alright people; serve, protect, and don't screw up."
Andy turned to Holly. "I'll see you later." She walked over to Williams.
Dov walked over to Holly with Chris and Gail right behind him. "I get landed with Swarek and you two get to chill together?"
"I wouldn't exactly call our job 'chilling'," Holly said laughing.
Swarek, who had been leaning against the wall, stood up. "Epstein, you ready to head out brother?"
"Yes, sir."
"Good." Sam spun around and left Dov following on his heels.
"Ready partner?" Chris asked without even glancing at Gail.
"Sureā¦partner," Holly said awkwardly. Chris never talked like that.
They walked to the cars and got in. "Let's hit it," Holly said getting into the car.
Chris pulled out of the parking lot and directed the car towards downtown. He never said a word.
After about ten minutes, Holly tried to cut the tension. "Riding in silence is awesome."
Chris gave a half hearted laughed . "Sorry."
"What's wrong?"
"Nothing."
"Don't lie to me, Chris."
He hesitated. "Me and Gail are having issues."
"Want to talk about it?"
Chris looked at her wearily. "I don't know that I should."
"Do you honestly think I'm going to tell you're secret to the whole division? Really, are we in middle school?"
"That's not what I meant, but okay."
"Okay."
"Someone made a pass at Gail."
Holly laughed.
"Why is that funny?"
"Chris, Gail's pretty. People are gong to make passes at her a lot. You can't let it get you this angry."
"This wasn't a normal pass."
"What do you mean?"
"He confessed his love for her. He talked about their future kids. He kissed her."
"Sounds like a creep."
"I didn't use to think so."
"Wait, you know him?"
"Yep."
"Asshole."
"That's what I'm saying."
"What does Gail say?"
"Not much. She says it didn't mean anything but you can tell by her eyes and her words that she doesn't fully mean it."
Holly hesitated before talking. "Chris, I've gotten to know Gail over the past four months. I would consider her a friend as much as that is possible with her. I'm going to tell you something and I'll deny it if you ever tell anyone else, but I truly think you deserve better."
He looked over at her. "Really?"
"Really," Holly said giving him a smile. "Now enough with the heavy."
"Coffee?"
"Hell yes."
Dov had successfully annoyed the shit out of Sam. He just wouldn't stop talking. "Can I ask you a question?"
"Hasn't stopped you so far," Sam said with annoyance.
"What would you do if you kissed a cop you worked with?"
"I have done that once or twice," Sam said, annoyance growing. Everyone knew he was dating Andy and it wasn't like it was a secret that Dov and Holly were together.
Dov hesitated before speaking again. "No, I mean someone other than your girlfriend."
Sam slammed on the brakes. "You kissed another cop from 15?" Sam was so angry he was actually yelling, not something he usually does.
"I was having a reaction to some medication I was on."
"You're dating Holly. Someone I actually don't hate being around."
"I know," Dov said looking at the floor.
"You've got to tell her."
"I know."
"Today," Sam said giving Dov a stern look.
"I know," Dov said again, not looking up from the floor.
Sam put the car in drive again. "You are so screwed."
A/N: I hope you all enjoyed! Please review! ~S~
