Disclaimer: I don't own the FOL characters. Just writing this for fun

Summary: Jo falls on hard times after something tragic happens to her

"Beep..Beep..Beep!" The alarm clock sounded off letting Jo know that it was 6:50 a.m. and it is time for her to get ready for work. She glanced at her husband of 10 years, Rick Bonner, he was still sleeping peacefully. Lucky dog, she thought, I would give almost anything to sleep in.

After laying there for a few more seconds Jo finally gave up and turned the alarm clock. She throw off her covers and went to bathroom to take her shower.

At about 7:30 a.m., Jo was finally ready for work, she was dressed in her usual work attire, black leather jacket, long sleeved shirt, jeans and black boots. Since being promoted to detective last year, she was no longer required to wear the uncomfortable starchy uniform that she had worn since she became a police officer for years ago. She walked out the door and got into her black 1967 Cadillac. Jo received the Caddy for Valentine's day after Rick got his first big paycheck for producing a #1 album. It wasn't in that great of shape when she first got it, but Jo and Rick worked on it together in their time off until it was in perfect condition. They even let Jamie help them and taught her a couple of things about restoring old cars.

While Jo was at work, Rick decided that it was time for him to get up and take their daughter to school.

An half hour later, Rick and Jamie were ready for school. They both got into their new Jeep Cherokee. Since Rick had to take Jamie to school who usually had to drive the family car. That didn't really matter to him because he knew that his family was finally financially secure

They had struggled for a few years after Jamie was born, but when Jo got promoted and Rick became a more successful music producer both he and Jo had more money than they had ever had. Rick was totally convinced that money really did buy happiness, but Jo wasn't. Jo was a little uncomfortable with being "rich". Well, they weren't really rich, like Warner rich, but they were pretty well off, maybe even taken care of for life. While Jo personally loved the Cadillac and the renovations in their house and the move to San Diego, she didn't want to forget where she came from and she didn't want their daughter to grow up spoiled.

At Jo's work, Jo didn't have much to do but some paper work. She reminisced about her friends from Eastland, she wasn't able to make it last Thanksgiving and she really missed them. She was busy working on the case of Harley Matthews, a teenage punk who killed his parents and was missing in action. With the help of her partner, Cary Stewart, she was able to track down the teen and he was put on trial.

Flashback to 4 months ago...

Cary Stewart, a very handsome man with dark hair and blue eyes enters the San Diego 12th Precinct office.

Jo sits at her desk and talks on the phone. "I'm really sorry, Blair, but I can't make it this year. I'm very busy with work, but I hope that you enjoy Rick and Jamie's company."

Blair on the other end of the phone line sighs exasperatedly. "Okay, Jo but I just want you to know that I miss you and I haven't seen you in like 10 years. A lot can happen in 10 years you know... I could have brown hair now."

"I seriously doubt that, Blair. You would never dye your hair."

"Well, Jo, I have to go and get back everyone is wondering where I am at. Maybe, I'll come visit you sometime."

"I would really like that. Bye Blair."

"Bye Jo."

And with that they both hung up.

"Hey Bonner, guess what I just heard?"

"What Stewie?"

"Oh come on, you know I hate it when you call me that."

"...And that is exactly why Stewie is your nickname."Jo teased.

Jo's partner had come and told her the latest news about the case they were working on.

Blair went back to the group, and couldn't help but think of the sad tone Jo had in her voice as they were talking on the phone. She wondered if Jo and Rick were having problems. She made a mental note to keep her word and visit Jo soon.

Jo snapped back to reality, that was the last time she talked to Blair.

They both have gotten so busy. Jo with her police work and Blair was in the process of visiting all her hotels and making sure everything was up to par.

Jo tapped her pencil on her desk just out of sheer boredom when a familiar blonde walked in.