A/N: All publicly recognisable characters and settings belong to Someone In America. Anything verifiable belongs to Whoever, Whatever, or Wherever verifies them. Everything else belongs to me.
Back at the Cadillac, Frank climbed in and pulled out his laptop. Danny watched his actions with sudden trepidation. There was no telling what Jamie had said in his absence. Trying to read his father's demeanour was, as usual, impossible. Maybe this would go so much better if he could get his explanation in first.
"Dad, I need – " Frank held up his hand to prevent the man's discourse. He had accessed his emails, and found the report he expected Jamie was talking about. After all, it was the only one that included both of his living sons.
Looking at the subject line, Frank was ropeable. Danny had arranged for his own brother to be served with a "Psycho Paper"!
Officially known as Special Leave – Exigent Circumstances, the Form SE-140 had been formulated in answer to the number of domestic violence, divorce and mental health related incidents that seemed to crop up with alarming regularity within the NYPD. It allowed a concerned family member to alert a cop's superior officer to an officer's perceived impaired psychological state. The family and the Department could then work together to decide whether the officer in question required extended paid leave, further psychological evaluations, or a lighter work load. It was also supposed to be a means of last resort because in extreme circumstances, the superior officer could make a decision on the spot. No NYPD officer liked being served with a "Psycho Paper".
Frank silently read the physical and psychological evidence that Danny has presented to Jamie's superior: Joe's death, the broken engagement, the Bittermen ambush, his grandfather's heart attack, headaches, nightmares, insomnia – apparently Danny thought his brother was "exhausted and depressed, becoming increasingly withdrawn, unobservant, and slow to react." Frank closed his laptop and put it away.
Scrutinising his father's face, Danny swiftly learnt to read the expressions exhibited there. Not that it was that difficult. Blatant confusion gave way to horror and fury. Danny's instinct for self-preservation took over. He started to justify his action, using "Jamie needs a holiday" as an excuse, but Frank cut him off.
"Did you discuss this with anyone before you did this?"
Danny stared at his hands before giving a slight shake of his head. "No, but -"
Again, Frank cut him off.
"And it absolutely had to be now? You weren't this worried six weeks ago, or two?"
"Of course I was, but –" Danny found himself cut off for a third time.
"Give me your keys!" Frank demanded.
Danny knew he had no choice but to obey. Frank exited the car, then leaned inside and opened the partition between driver and passenger. He told the driver to take his passenger to his own residence and that he would drive himself home. He first closed the partition, then the door, and walked slowly back in the direction he came.
A/N: Thanks to all who reviewed, followed and/or favourite this story and/or me as an author. You're wonderful! Mega chapter coming =)
