PROTECTING FAMILY

AUTHOR'S NOTE/DSICLAIMER

Blaisdell's POV of the scene in "Retribution" where he yelled at Peter. KFTLC belongs to Warner Brothers Unlimited and Warner Brothers Distribution.

As the 101st precinct buzzed with the usual chatter, I racked my brain, trying to figure out where the bug could be. I had done a search, but whoever had hidden it was good. I couldn't find it. Maybe I should ask Blake to look for it, I mused. But how could I do it without making the rest of the squad suspicious?

"No luck from the phone company tracing that call, Paul," I suddenly heard Peter say and I froze. Whoever the traitor was, they'd probably try to go after him next. I couldn't let that happen. Wait a minute. I can use this, I realized.

"Paul?" I asked. "I think you better make that to Captain Blaisdell," I told him. He let out a small scoff. "Do you think you have some type of special privilege in this precinct, Detective because of our relationship?" I asked sharply, causing Peter and the rest of the squad to look at me in surprise. "Do you think that entitles you to some kind of familiarity that no one else can enjoy?" I continued, trying to ignore the hurt, questioning look my foster son was giving me.

"I meant no disrespect…Captain," Peter responded in a quiet tone. I wanted to take it all back, but I couldn't. Whoever was listening had to be completely convinced that the two of us only had a professional relationship.

"You work for me," I continued as if I hadn't heard him. "You report to me, do your job, and you're treated the same as everybody else. Do you understand?" I asked as Peter stood up.

"Perfectly, Sir," Peter answered and I winced at the tinge of hurt in his voice. I'm so sorry, Kiddo. But I had to make this sound believable, I thought to myself. Unable to stand seeing Peter's hurt expression any longer, I turned away.

"Blake, come with me," I ordered. Then, realizing everyone was still staring, I went further. "Nobody's got any work to do? Crime has come to a screeching halt in this precinct?" There. That way no would be staring at Pete who was probably trying to get a handle on his emotions. Not that I could blame him. From his point of view, I had just snapped at him for no reason. But I had had to. I couldn't take the chance of him being hurt. He's my family. And that's my job…protecting my family.

THE END