Hey guys! Firstly, I just wanna thank you for all your reviews, I wasn't expecting such a positive response - it really made my day!
Secondly, this story seems to have a mind of his own. I wasn't planning on continuing this, initially, but it felt incomplete, so I decided to write another chapter. Now it seems to be growing, as I have plans to write at least one more after this, lol! So, hope you're in for the ride.
So, here it is, by popular demand, Chapter 2. As always, please review, I love to hear your opinions on my writing.
PS: I reuploaded Chapter 1, after making a few changes. Nothing significant enough to warrant a re-read, mainly just some grammatical errors and layout issues that were bugging me. What can I say, I'm a perfectionist?
Chapter 2
Previously:
"Well, here goes nothing," Sam muttered under his breath as he followed Andy up onto the platform towards Best's office, his heart hammering in his chest as he realized, this could be the last time he did this.
Just as they reached the door, Sam pulled Andy away, pinning her against the wall, his hands cradling her face, much like he had behind the communications truck the day she had been shot. Andy gave him the same confused and concerned look she had that day, but this time, Sam could also see the love she had tried so hard to hide.
"Sam? We should go in, Best is waiting for us," Andy whispered, but made no move to leave his grasp.
"I know, but he can wait a few minutes. I just need to tell you... whatever happens in there, it's not going to change anything between you and me." He stroked his thumb over her cheek, resisting the temptation to lean in and kiss that concern away.
"I know, Sam, nothing could ever change that," Andy smiled, and saw the tension ease a little from his face. "I know we agreed not to, but are you going to tell Best about us?"
"I have to, now. Oliver and Traci know, so it's only a matter of time before it reaches him. The longer we wait, the more pissed off he'll be. If we clear the air now, he may still let us be partnered together."
"But, what if he doesn't?"
"Then I'll make sure he keeps us on the same shift pattern, and partners you up with Ollie. He's not me, but I'll feel better knowing you're in safe hands with him. But, you'll always be my rookie." Andy smiled, and Sam leaned in to give her a short, sweet kiss. As he pulled away, Andy looked over his shoulder at the bullpen, noticing that they had drawn quite a crowd; several curious officers were looking their way.
"Sam, we have an audience." He pulled away, glaring down across the bullpen, smirking when the small group quickly dispersed. He took Andy's hand in his and confidently led her into Best's office, ready to face whatever their boss threw at them.
~XxXxXxXxX~
That confidence faulted, however, when they saw that Frank was not alone - he was joined by a tall man in his early fifties, his short brown hair speckled with flecks of grey, dressed in an expensive tailored suit, as well as a familiar, fiery redhead.
"Officers Swarek and McNally," Frank said, as Sam closed the door behind them. "Allow me introduce you to Sergeant Dean Jackson, Head of Toronto PD's Internal Affairs Bureau, and, of course, you know Superintendent Elaine Peck." Sam and Andy shook hands with the two officials. "Take a seat." Frank gestured to the two plastic chairs in front of his desk. Andy sank down into the seat, wringing her hands in her lap anxiously, whilst Sam declined Frank's offer, preferring to stand to shake off his own nervous energy. Frank cleared his throat before beginning with this informal hearing.
"I've called you all in here today to see if we can sort out this mess. Firstly, I must ask you, are you sure you don't want a Union Rep to represent you? You are entitled to an attorney."
"We don't need one," Sam said, speaking for both him and Andy. Frank looked at Andy, who nodded that she agreed with Sam. "Alright then. Sergeant Jackson, have you concluded your investigation?"
"Yes, Sir."
"And, what are your findings?"
"Officer McNally committed a serious breach of protocol when she returned to the Alpine Inn and propositioned Officer Swarek."
"Hey, watch your mouth, it wasn't like that!" Sam yelled. How dare he talk about Andy like that, like a common whore! He stepped closer to the slightly unnerved Sergeant, and opened his mouth to continue his tirade, but stopped, when he saw the death glare Frank was sending him. He didn't want to get in any more trouble, so he let it go, for now.
"Continue, Dean," Frank said, keeping a close eye on Sam, who was pacing a hole in the floor, his fists tight against his sides.
"Thank-you. Officer Swarek was equally culpable by accepting her invitation and initiating the second meeting. In conclusion, I found that both Officer Swarek and Officer McNally showed seriously poor judgment in continuing their illicit affair during an undercover operation." Jackson finished his spiel, staring daggers at Sam, who had gone back to pacing, his face creased in frustration. Jackson did not like Officers like Sam Swarek - insolent jerks who thought they were above the law and could do whatever they liked, even if it meant blowing a six-month undercover operation, for a roll in the hay with a pretty rookie bimbo. He hoped to get them both kicked off the force.
"Thank-you, Sergeant Jackson," Frank said. "What do you suggest as punishment for their misconduct?"
"Well, it is my understanding that both Officers were suspended, is that correct?"
"Pending the results of this inquiry, yes. I also enforced a strict no contact policy between Swarek and McNally for the duration of the suspension."
"Was this abided by?"
"Of course," Frank said, looking over at Sam for conformation. However, Sam would not meet his gaze, a guilty look plastered on his face. "Right, Officer Swarek?"
"No, Sir." Frank clenched his jaw in frustration. Is he trying to give me a coronary? "Officer McNally and I are still in a relationship, and have been seeing each other throughout our time off."
"Dammit, Sam! Are you trying to cause more trouble? I gave you a lifeline, all you had to was to follow orders for once!"
"I apologize, Sir. But, my relationship is more important to me than any job." Sam came to stand behind Andy's chair, placing his hands on her shoulders, causing her to lean back into his chest, both drawing strength from the contact. They knew admitting that they had not ceased their relationship could get them in more trouble, but felt coming clean now would be better than continuing to sneak around. Sergeant Jackson's voice broke them out of their reverie.
"Then, I have no choice, but to remove Officers Swarek and McNally from active duty." Jackson stated, trying not to grin with glee.
"What? That's ridiculous!" Sam yelled, but toned down his response after a pointed glare from Frank. He pulled himself away from Andy. "Can't you do anything about this?" Sam asked his boss, who shook his head.
"I'm sorry, Sam. It's out of my hands." Sam turned back to Jackson, pleading with him to reconsider.
"We didn't break any laws, we didn't kill anyone, we got the bad guy - all we did was break a few rules!" Sam could see how much Jackson was enjoying this. IAB had always had it in for Sam, because he was the troublemaker on the force, constantly bending the rules and bucking authority. He walked over to the smirking Sergeant, ready to wipe that smug look off his face.
"Sam, calm down, control yourself," Frank said, coming around from behind his desk to place a calming hand on Sam's shoulder. Sam gave Jackson one last death glare, before backing off.
"All I'm saying is, I believe, that punishment is a bit disproportionate to our actions," Sam said, more reasonably.
"I agree," Elaine Peck said, speaking up for the first time during this meeting, causing all heads to whip around to where she was perched on a side table near the window. "Correct me if I am wrong, but wasn't it Detective Donovan Boyd who compromised his own undercover operation?"
"Yes, Ma'am." Sam said, pleased that Elaine could be the voice of reason in this sea of testosterone.
"We don't know that, for sure," Jackson interrupted. "Jamie Brennan saw Officer McNally at the cover apartment, and made her as a cop. After that, it was only a small intuitive leap to determine Officer Swarek's true identity."
"Brennan didn't make me!" Andy said, finally finding her voice. She jumped up out of her seat, moving over to stand by Sam, who took her hand in support, interlacing his fingers with hers. "He warned me to stay away from the apartment; that he was going to go after Sam. He wanted to protect me; he wouldn't do that if he made me as a cop. Sam's cover was blown before Jamie ever saw me in that apartment, when Sam said the name of a boat that Detective Boyd gave him, 'God's Good Grace."
"I see. So, as you said, all you did was breach protocol. That is hardly grounds for dismissal," Elaine reasoned, looking pointedly at Sergeant Jackson. She could tell when someone was being railroaded; Jackson obviously had it in for Officer Swarek, and she was not going to allow him to disgrace the reputation of one of 15's finest Officers.
"Then, what do you suggest?" Frank said, glad that the Superintendant seemed to be on their side.
"Officer Swarek, you are up for promotion next month, correct?" Elaine asked. He nodded. "Not anymore, I'm taking you off the promotion grid. You will also be put on notice for six months - any other infraction, no matter how slight, and you will never see the inside of a squad car again. Is that clear?" Elaine asked, sternly.
"Crystal, Ma'am." Sam let out the breath he had been holding, glad that he still had his job. He glanced over at Andy, who was nervously awaiting her fate. He hoped the boss would go easy on her too.
"As for you, Officer McNally, you want to act like a rookie, then I'll treat you like one. You will be put on probation for six months, you must ride with a superior officer at all times, and Sergeant Best will review your progress every month. If he finds your conduct satisfactory, we will lift the probation in March. Is that understood?"
"Yes, Ma'am." Andy said, relieved. Everyone shook hands, sealing the deals that had been put in place. Jackson did not look too pleased, but he knew better than to argue with the Superintendant. You got off lucky this time, Swarek. But, I will get you - there is only so much brass you can kiss before you luck runs out. He sneered at Sam, his grip extra tight on Sam's good hand during their handshake. Sam just smirked, glad that he got the better of the slimy IAB agent. He then turned to Peck, accepting her handshake as well.
"Thank-you very much, Superintendant," he said, as she released him.
"Don't make me regret it, son." She shook hands with Andy, before heading towards the door.
"Thank-you all for coming," Frank said, leading Peck and Jackson out of his office, and closing the door. He turned to Sam and Andy, a stern look gracing his features. "You two got off lightly. Don't you ever embarrass me in front of the boss again." His look softened, as a smile tugged on his lips. Though he wouldn't admit it, he was glad that they were not leaving the division - they were his best team, and the precinct would've suffered greatly at their loss. "Now, get outta here. I'll see you bright and early Monday morning."
"Actually, Sir," Sam said carefully, not wanting to anger his boss any further. "There's one more thing. I know I have no right to ask, but Superintendant ordered that McNally ride with a superior officer..."
"I can't put her with you, if that's where this is going."
"Of course not, Sir, I know that. I was actually going to suggest she go with Oliver? He was her original T.O. and they get along very well. I think he would be the best fit." Frank took a minute to mull it over. Oliver treated Andy like a daughter, and he knew he'd keep her safe.
"Alright, Sam. I'll make sure it happens," Frank sighed.
"Thank-you, Sir." Sam took Andy's hand and led her out of the office. Frank sank into his chair, sighing. It had been a long day, and it was still only mid-morning. He pulled open his desk drawer, fishing around until he found his painkillers, washing two down with a glug of cold coffee, to stop the nagging pain behind his eyes. This job is gonna be the death of me.
So, what did y'all think? Please lemme know in a review, they really make my day and motivate me to write quicker! Thanks x