Bum Rush - by Judyg and spookycc
Although inspired in part by a true incident, as told to judyg by a former NYPD police officer, the following story is fictional and does not depict any actual person or event...
This story, while AU, takes place in the LOCI timeline leading up to Last Rites.
spook's dedication: This story is dedicated, as always, to my best friend, beta, little sister and soulmate, judyg. That's a lot of hats to wear! :) Thank you for your help with the timeline in the teaser!
judyg's dedication: If it weren't for spook, my best friend, beta, sister and soulmate, my writing would still be sitting in a file on my computer. You have given me the encouragement and support to pursue something I truly love to do and for that I will always be grateful.
Teaser
It was a typical August night in Alphabet City. The air was stifling, the breeze non-existent. Teens sat in or on cars, listening to their iPods or blaring their boomboxes. Tara Douglas sat with friends on the stoop of her family's brownstone. Sultry or not, she loved the summer. No school for another week or so. Life was good...
One of Tara's friends kicked at an empty vodka bottle as she came to join the rest of the group. Bottles were a constant hazard on the sidewalk, due to the ever-changing "family" of street bums that lived in the alley between the rowhouses.
A shriek brought all the neighborhood kids to their feet. Tara and her friends raced toward the alleyway that usually dumped its refuse - human and otherwise - into the street beyond.
Out of the alley came a sight that none of the young teens would ever forget - a man running, screaming, his clothes and hair ablaze. One of the kids pushed the man to the ground and rolled him over until the fire was out, and Tara pulled their "garden" hose out and played water across the still form.
"Call 911!" Someone yelled. Cell phones were pulled out of pockets and purses. Tara laid the hose aside and knelt by the bum. She rolled him onto his back, and felt for a pulse, but couldn't find one. None of the kids was well-versed in CPR, so they waited for the ambulance to arrive.
A shrill siren signaled the arrival of the ambulance from NYU Medical Center. The paramedics jumped out after parking in the middle of the street to block traffic.
One of the men checked out the bum, and shook his head. Their next trip would be to the county of Manhattan Morgue, and they wouldn't need the siren...
Danny Ross was almost to the elevator when his office phone rang. He trudged back and answered it. His expression was one of puzzlement, then understanding.
He hung up the phone and then retrieved it. Dialing a number from memory, he waited a few rings until it was answered. He spoke for several moments, and then laid the phone in its cradle. His best team of detectives would be at the scene within the half-hour.
Bobby Goren yawned and sighed, the sound resembling the growl of a black bear. Alex Eames turned her attention from the road long enough to smile at her partner.
"So what did Ross interrupt at your house?" she asked him.
"Bath time and bedtime stories," Bobby smiled back.
Eames marveled yet again at the change in her partner. He was a different man that he'd been for some time. Bobby's life had a purpose now, she reflected. One that wasn't intertwined with the drama and tragedy of his own family. One that was grounded in the love and support of his new family, Charli and the twins.
Eames put her mental meanderings on the back burner, as she and Bobby arrived at the crime scene. Minutes later, she was talking to the first responding NYPD uniform, and Bobby was digging through dumpsters in the alley. Ah, life was good...
Chapter 1
Bailey studied her reflection in the floor length mirror. She had chosen an antique white dress that fell to mid-shin. While she would have been happy to be married at the courthouse, Mike was insistent on a small church wedding. A soft knock on the door broke into her reverie and she called:
"Come in."
Charli pushed the door open and was preceded by a very anxious Molly, who stopped to give her mother a slow once over.
"You're beautiful, Mommy."
"Thanks, Sweet Pea," Bailey smiled. "You remember what you have to do, right?"
"Sure, I walk down the aisle and spread my flower petals."
"Molly's right, you're beautiful," Charli smiled at her friend. "Mike's going to be speechless when he sees you."
"You're being kind, but we both know the reason for this whole fiasco. I'm not kidding myself," Bailey chose her words carefully so as not to be overheard by little ears.
"The reason is pretty important," Charli replied. "But you need to keep an open mind, and an open heart. Mike's a great guy, Bailey. I think given the chance, you'd find he's very easy to fall in love with."
"I don't believe in happily ever after, Charli. It's a rumor started by Hallmark and florists," Bailey smoothed her dress over her hips.
"Is that why you've never married?"
"I was engaged once," Bailey didn't look at Charli, but instead reached for her flowers, a bouquet of irises that Mike had insisted on buying for her. Charli carried a simple bouquet of lavender carnations.
"Molly's father?"
"No, before Molly. He left me when he found out I was pregnant and knew he wasn't the father," Bailey stated without emotion. "It's ancient history and better left alone."
"Is it time yet, Mommy?" Molly asked, reminding the adults of her presence.
Molly spread her petals with an intensity that was heartfelt, wanting to do the job perfectly. She looked up just as she reached the altar and smiled up at Mike as she stood where she'd been told. Charli walked towards them, her gaze meeting and holding Bobby's. As she joined Molly, Bobby winked at her and she graced him with a smile that made his breath catch in his throat. He stood watching his wife and wished for Mike and Bailey the love and acceptance that he had found.
Megan Wheeler watched her partner's face as Bailey walked down the aisle. She was convinced that Bailey was using Logan for some ulterior motive but she had no time to investigate. However, Mike's eyes had been alight with pride as he'd smiled at Molly and now as he watched Bailey, Megan saw his gaze move over her appreciatively. It was obvious he was unaware of anyone else in the church, and she was more certain than before that Bailey mesmerized him and the woman was taking advantage of him.
Bailey's hand trembled as she slipped it into Mike's and she felt him squeeze lightly in an effort to comfort her. Focusing her attention on the priest standing before them, Bailey concentrated on the words being spoken, feeling very much a fraud in front of God.
She repeated the vows as instructed, her voice sounding strange to her own ears. Mike's voice, however, was deep and smooth. She slipped the simple gold band on his finger and as their gazes met, Mike gave her a crooked grin and a wink, both doing strange things to her pulse rate.
"You may kiss your bride," Father Janssen smiled at Mike. Bailey gave him a warning look, but rather than being daunted, Mike took it as a challenge and slid his arms around her waist as he lowered his mouth to hers. While he had kissed her before, they had been brief caresses for the benefit of others. Bailey was certain this kiss was solely for her benefit, Logan's way of telling her that he was determined that they'd eventually have a real marriage.
When he released her, Bailey heard several chuckles from the small group of friends she and Mike had invited and felt herself blush softly. Smiling down at her, it was obvious that Mike had achieved his immediate goal, he'd staked his claim and she had no choice but to play along.
"Ladies and gentlemen, it's my honor to introduce Mr. and Mrs. Mike Logan," Father Janssen announced, indicating that they should turn to face their guests. Mike motioned for Molly to join them and the child came to stand in front of them. When Mike placed his free hand on the little girl's shoulder, the priest corrected himself. "Actually, it's my distinct pleasure to introduce you to the Logan family."
"I wasn't sure you were going to remain upright," Jimmy Deakins teased, shaking Mike's hand outside the church.
"Until I was sure Bailey hadn't hightailed it out the back door, I wasn't either," Logan chuckled, keeping his arm securely around his wife's waist.
"Bailey, I hope we have the opportunity to get to know each other," the captain turned his attention to the bride.
"I'd like that as well, Captain Deakins, thank you," Bailey smiled. "Are you coming to the restaurant?"
"Wouldn't miss it for the world," he assured her. "I danced with Charli at Goren's wedding, I'm not about to pass up the chance to dance with the woman who tamed Mike Logan."
The sight of Megan Wheeler approaching them put Bailey on her guard. The woman had already made it very clear that she didn't trust Bailey. Mike held his partner in high regard and Bailey would do whatever she needed not to cause friction between them. Their partnership was one that needed to be based on unwavering trust otherwise it was worth nothing.
"Well, Logan, I'll give you this much," Wheeler smiled. "You do clean up good."
"What? This old thing?" Mike joked. He wore a new black suit, with a white shirt and black tie. "I'm glad you came, Wheeler."
"I had nothing else to do today and my fiancé's in England on business so…" She shrugged, but it was obvious to both of them that Megan wouldn't have missed Logan's nuptials for any reason, even if she had her doubts.
"Just make sure you save me a dance," he stated, leaning down to kiss her cheek. Bailey knew he whispered something in her ear, but decided it was none of her business.
The restaurant was a beautiful old place with an antique walnut bar and intricately etched mirror hanging on the wall behind it. Bailey looked around as they walked through the main dining area, smiling at the detail in the woodwork and she looked up at Mike.
"How did you know about this place? It's gorgeous."
"I used to come here for dinner with an old partner of mine," he told her, his fingers pressing lightly into her side as they walked, Molly skipping ahead of them towards the ballroom. "It just seemed fitting that I should share today with him."
"Lennie?" she guessed. Mike had talked about Lennie Briscoe on several occasions and Bailey was aware of the love and respect Logan held for the man.
"Lennie," he acknowledged. "He used to talk about buying this place when he retired and putting me to work as a bartender," he laughed. "He'd say 'Someday, kid, this'll all be mine'," Mike reflected. "You'd have loved Lennie."
"I think you're right," Bailey agreed, easily.
"Of course, Lennie would have loved you, too and tried to steal you away from me," Mike broke the somber mood, laughing at his friend's reputation as a lady's man.
"So, just where are my godchildren?" Alex wanted to know, once Bobby and Charli joined her and Megan at a table.
"Jacob and Maggie wanted to spend the day with them before they leave," Charli explained. "They're anxious to get back to their traveling now that Carolyn's home and Trisha's finally getting the help she needs."
"How is Trisha?" Alex asked, knowing that Charli had been visiting her sister as often as possible.
"She's coming to terms with what happened to her – what Harris did and the way she acted out because of it," Charli replied softly. "She may have to stand trial for what she did, but right now her mental state is too fragile to be certain."
"You know if there's anything I can do…"
"I know, Alex. Thank you."
Megan had sat silently through the exchange, aware of the fact that Charli's sister had been the person responsible for the death of their father, Harris. It was obvious that Charli and Alex shared a close friendship and Megan found herself envying them. She doubted that she and Bailey would ever become friends based on her belief that Bailey was only using Logan.
The bride and groom entered the reserved dining area with Molly between them holding their hands. The child positively glowed and Mike and Bailey were sharing a laugh over something they had been discussing. Pausing at a table, Logan introduced Bailey to several guests and Wheeler watched as a man rose to his feet, to place a kiss on Bailey's cheek. Why was everyone so accepting of this woman? They knew nothing about her and Logan's sudden leap into wedded bliss was totally out of character.
"Captain Cragen, Mike's told me so much about you," Bailey smiled at the man.
"Did he tell you he was almost single-handedly responsible for my descent into a bottle?" Cragen asked with a good-natured chuckle.
"I know first hand what a challenge he can be. I certainly don't envy anyone trying to keep him in line," she replied.
"I'm standing right here," Logan pointed out, but even he couldn't suppress a grin.
"But you're tough, you can handle it," Bailey teased and Mike laughed, leaning in to kiss her softly.
"Looks like you've finally met someone who can hold her own against you, Mike," Cragen stated with amusement.
After dinner, Bailey surveyed the room from where she sat with Charli and Alex. A table against the side wall held gifts and envelopes from the guests, well wishes to the newlyweds. Molly and several children were on the dance floor moving to the music with the energy reserved for the young. Mike stood with Bobby and several other men engrossed in an in-depth conversation about cars, in particular Bobby's Mustang.
She allowed herself the luxury of studying the man she had married. He wasn't handsome in the classical sense of the word, but Bailey knew that women found him attractive. She admitted, if only to herself, that she wasn't immune to his charms. He had seemed to find her lack of interest in a physical relationship to be a challenge and he took every opportunity to touch her, whether a quick kiss, a hand on her back or brushing a strand of imaginary hair from her face.
"Excuse me, Mrs. Logan," Bailey looked up to find Mike standing before her. "Would you care to dance?"
Bailey felt her cheeks grow warm and wondered if he had seen her watching him. Nodding mutely, Bailey slipped her hand in his and allowed him to lead her onto the dance floor. Mike slid his arms around her waist, pulling her close as Garth Brooks' voice sang a love song.
"You really are pushing the limits, aren't you, Logan?" she couldn't help but smile at the impish grin that played on his lips.
"Moi? I don't have any idea what you're talking about," he assured her, even as he tightened his hold, pulling her closer.
"You must be very good at your job," she told him. He raised a curious eyebrow, indicating that she should elaborate. "Well, I hadn't realized that I had revealed so much about myself but obviously you've paid attention to every detail, haven't you? The irises you insisted I have today, this beautiful old place and Garth Brooks to dance by. I doubt you've ever had trouble wooing any woman you've been interested in."
"So, do I stand a chance wooing you?" Mike wanted to know.
"I'm beyond wooing, Logan. The only thing that matters to me is my daughter. I've been honest with you about that from the beginning."
"Well, lady, you better hold on tight, because you ain't seen nothing like me yet," Mike promised her, lowering his mouth to hers in a kiss that was unlike any she'd ever experienced.
Knowing that she couldn't pull away, Mike took his time with the kiss. His lips teased over hers lightly and Bailey forced herself to remain still, her hands resting against his chest. She fought the impulse to push him away, remaining passive beneath his caress. Raising his mouth just a breath from hers, Mike whispered:
"Coward."
Bailey met his gaze for an instant but she looked away quickly. She disliked the unease she felt in the pit of her stomach from his kiss but had no choice other than to remain in his arms. Mike sensed her uncertainty and relaxed his hold slightly. Resting his cheek against hers, he whispered in her ear:
"I'll take this as slow as you want, B, but just so you know – the wooing has begun."
Bailey felt his breath, warm against her skin and heard the sincerity of his words. The man was intent on building a life with her and Molly. While the thought wasn't unpleasant, Bailey knew that Mike was dreaming. She had learned long ago not to allow herself to dream.
Danny Ross was just returning to the table he was sharing with the Deakins' and Elizabeth Rodgers, carrying two cups of coffee when his cell phone rang. Swearing under his breath, he set the cups down and reached into his pocket.
"Ross…"
Alex sat at the table with Megan, both women watching the people on the dance floor. Mike and Bailey were dancing with Molly and the child's giggles were contagious. Megan watched them and heard the sound of Logan's deep laugh float across the room. The man was so happy that she felt disloyal in her determination that the marriage was a farce.
"Did you ever think for one minute that your partner would ever seem so … at peace?" Megan turned her attention to Alex.
"The words Goren and peace were ones that rarely entered my mind at the same time in the last few years," Alex replied softly. "But there's a serenity to him now – Charli's centered him again."
"You like her." It wasn't a question.
"Like her? I think she's one of the finest people I've ever known," Alex acknowledged. "With or without Bobby, I value her friendship. You and Bailey not so much?"
"We haven't hit it off," Megan shrugged with a wry smile. "I can't shake the feeling that there's something more going on…"
"They seem happy enough," Alex looked to where they danced.
"It doesn't seem like they've just jumped into this marriage?"
"A little, but some people just know it's right. And you can't tell me Logan doesn't adore that little girl." Even as Eames spoke, Ross approached their table asking:
"Where's your partner?" Eames nodded towards the dance floor where Charli was smiling up at her husband as he said something to her. "Well, I hate to be the one to interrupt but you and he need to go to work."
"Captain?"
"We've got another torch victim. Homeless guy over near the projects," Ross told her.
"I'll get him," Alex said with a sigh, knowing that Bobby wouldn't appreciate being taken away from his wife.
"Homeless people being set ablaze isn't Major Case purview, Captain," Wheeler began, but Ross silenced her with sharp look.
"It is when the first victim was the son of the Commissioner," the Captain assured her. "And he personally requested Goren and Eames on this one."
Alex approached Bobby and Charli, the look on her face alerting them to the fact that she didn't plan on cutting in. Releasing his hold on Charli, Bobby asked:
"What is it?"
"We've got another victim. Captain wants us to take it," Alex explained. "I'm sorry." This she said to Charli.
"I need to – I don't want Charli driving home alone," Bobby said.
"I'll be fine," his wife assured him. "Unless you don't trust me driving the Mustang," she teased. Bobby studied her upturned face for a moment before pulling the keys out of his pants pocket.
"What's going on?" Mike and Bailey joined them where they stood.
"Bobby and I need to go. We're working this case…"
"We'll make sure Charli gets home OK," Bailey assured Bobby.
"I'm a grown woman, I can get myself home," Charli chimed in.
"Let's go, Bobby," Alex tugged on the sleeve of his suit jacket.
"I'll see you when I get home," Bobby turned his attention back to Charli. He leaned in to kiss her lightly. "I love you."
"Love you back," she told him. "Be careful."
Walking across the parking lot towards Eames' car, Bobby saw his partner's grim expression.
"You alright?"
"One victim set on fire is unusual, two is too many to be a coincidence," Alex replied, pulling open her door.
"Depends on what the victims might have in common," Bobby suggested, opening the passenger door.
"A homeless man and the Commissioner's son? What could they possibly have in common other than being well done?" Eames countered, slipping behind the wheel.
End Chapter 1