Title: The Guardian
Chapter 2 – Threatening the Future?

A/N: Hey everyone THANKS SO MUCH for all the amazing and supportive feedback. *phew* I was so nervous about this (esp keeping them in character) but I'm so glad you liked the start and hope you'll continue to like and support (your reviews will determine the length the more = the longer!) this as we go along! So please do enjoy!

Try to act normal! Jamie's brain commands as he heads for the back of the locker room, stuffing himself into the last change room, locking the door and sitting on the bench with his knees pulled tight to his chest. His first class was about to start in ten minutes but he couldn't chance a big public scene if indeed Henry Reagan was looking for him. Damn it! Jamie curses as his head rests against the cold stone of the wall. The first class was an elective and an important college entrance requirement that would help guide him down his legal path. But if Henry Reagan was on the hunt for him and he was to be taken away from Danny then his whole future might be moot; both of theirs because of him. I can't let that happen, Danny's done so much for us. He literally…saved my life. I can't be the one to ruin that.

The minutes tick slowly past; the silence was starting to suffocate him but he couldn't move. Finally Jamie looks at the clock on the wall, in one minute the first bell would ring and then he'd have only five minutes to get to class. Jamie takes a deep breath and slowly stands up; his heart racing so fast he was sure he would pass out before he even got there. A few hesitant steps take him toward the doorway and then finally into the hallway; where no one was looking for him, so he chances to head to his class. Just act natural.

His eyes dart nervously around as he nears his class. "Hey Mark, was anyone looking for me?"

"For you?" His a classmate from another class retorts. "Why? You're nobody," he teases before he turns and leaves; allowing Jamie to enter his elective with a small sense of relief. The snide comment from the jealous student was something Jamie was used to and normally it would dismay him a little, but today it was almost welcomed. That meant Henry Reagan wasn't looking for him and that was a good thing.

"Alright class, please pass your assignments forward an…"

Jamie pulls his paper from his notebook and hands it forward; his mind, however, still racing at the thought that he still wasn't out of the woods just yet when it came to Henry Reagan.

XXXXXXXX

"We really need to work on coordinating our schedules better," Demarcus groans as he and Danny stand by Jackie beside their lockers at the end of the day.

"Yeah because we have such understanding employers," Jackie rolls her eyes.

"Hey you work for your dad," Demarcus teases. "You can change whenever you want."

"I have a free night tonight," Danny smiles.

"Right man I'll catch you later," Demarcus takes his leave as Danny and Jackie head for the front door.

"You know you never talk about your family much," Jackie notes in a low tone.

"Well just um…not much to tell you know," Danny answers. He always hated to lie to his friends and it was him that always told Jamie he had to tell the truth; however when it came to their past and current family situations, lying could literally mean their lives. So he had become very good at changing the subject. "But if your dad is okay with having a loyal customer, when I get my car I'll be at your garage."

"Yeah? And when will that be? As soon as we are done you know we all apply to the Academy."

"Well then when I retire," Danny jokes. "Hey at least with the NYPD I get a company car. See you tomorrow."

Danny heads toward the street, catching Sonny Malvesky watching him out of the corner of his eye. What the hell is his problem? Danny had always, since a small boy, trusted his gut instinct and something inside said that Malvesky was more that just a passing irritation, he was a threat that was looking for a reason to get Danny in trouble – serious trouble. But courting trouble in even the slightest way would bode ill for Jamie and that was something he couldn't afford to do. So as much as he wants to march up to Sonny and punch him right in the face he offers him a small nod and continues on his way.

"Hey Leo."

"Yo Sonny, what's up?"

"You know that guy?

"Danny? A little, why?"

"What do you know? What's his family like?"

"I think he has a younger brother in high school, but that's about it. Never seen his family but assume they are pretty nondescript like him. Why, what's up?"

"Nothin'," Malvesky turns to his friend with a twisted smile. "Thanks."

"Sure man, see ya 'round."

"Brother huh...interesting," Malvesky whispers as he turns back just as Danny disappears around the corner and feels his fists tighten. He wanted a rematch with Danny, wanting to prove that he was just as tough a street fighter as the young man who beat him. However, the more Danny refuses the stronger his vendetta against Danny was inwardly growing, and merely besting him in a fist fight wasn't good enough; he wanted Danny humiliated in some way. "Never seen his family…hmm…what the hell are you hiding Danny? Just what is your secret?"

Danny tries to brush off the odd vibes he was getting from Malvesky as he nears the high school. It was Jamie's turn to work a shift tonight for a few hours so he would just bring his textbook and park himself into an unused booth and finish his college reading. But as he nears the school he immediately spies the Police Commissioners car and stops. "What the hell?" He grumbles to himself as he quickly scans for Jamie. Upon not seeing his little brother, his panic shoots into overdrive and his stomach tightens. Where they found out? Would Jamie be taken away? What's going on?

He takes a deep breath and then heads toward the front door; stopping only when a familiar voice pulls him back.

"Hey Danny," Jamie calls to him from the opposite direction. "I guess you didn't see me."

"I guess not," Danny answers as he turns around with a frown. "What's Commissioner Reagan doing here?"

"Trust me I panicked when I saw him get out of the car and point at me."

"What?" Danny stops and looks directly at Jamie. "What happened?"

"Nothing and I swear that's the truth," Jamie offers in haste as the head for home. "He must have been looking for something but thankfully it wasn't me. I just kept a low profile all day and avoided…well everyone."

"Too close," Danny mutters to himself. "Jackie asked about our family today too. Ah she wasn't pryin' or anything just askin'. But still…too close these past few days. Do you know what he was doing here?"

"Apparently this week he's working with the funding team for some new programs and he stopped by after an official police call which is why he was still in uniform but…I don't know the rest. I don't think he's interested in us Danny. No one asked for me all day."

"Let's hope it remains that way. We just gotta keep ourselves out of trouble and fly under the radar until you graduate."

"I know Danny," Jamie assures his brother. "But on a happier note I got top marks in the class again," Jamie lightly boasts as he holds up his marked paper with a glowing A++ on it.

"Damn you'll be DA before you know it," Danny smiles as he pats his brother on the back. "Just for that, you're buyin' dinner."

They didn't really have many things to celebrate and the few occasions they did, it was always a modest outing to a local diner, a small treat to make them 'appear' to have the same things as those around them. However, anyone wanting to look would quickly surmise – the outings only ever consisted of the two of them. No other family. At least…none around.

"Free pizza okay?"

"Sounds good to me. Any flack from this from the other students?" Danny asks in concern.

"Just the usual names and such. I've gotten used to it by now," Jamie shrugs.

"Well you are the boy genius," Danny smirks. "Hey trust me, I'm glad because when you finish law school there's no way I could afford to pay your tuition if you weren't smart enough to get a job."

"Speaking of legal jobs. With The Commissioner there today and his daughter Erin, I was reading a bit more on them and they just seem like such a great family. You know despite their losses and all," Jamie comments referring to the horrific drunk driving accident that had claimed the life of Joseph Connor Reagan, Erin's younger brother and the sad battle with cancer that had claimed her mother, Mary Margaret Reagan.

"Yeah, they do seem like a great family. Very strong that's for sure," Danny looks down at his shoes as he waits for Jamie to open the door.

"Danny?"

"Hey you're not the only one with the dreams about a great family, kid," Danny replies with a tight smile. "So next Friday…"

"Demarcus's place right?"

"No that's this Friday. I mean next Friday. I have been invited to a club. It's for…"

"Adults. You go and have fun. Besides, you know clubs aren't my thing," Jamie politely shrugs.

"Just makin' sure. Okay so get changed and let's get outta here. I know if we get there early enough I can warm up the lanes," Danny grins as he dumps his books and heads for their small closet. This time it was Jamie's turn to take his uniform shirt and head for the bathroom, allowing Danny to slip off his sweatshirt and pull on a sweater and wait by the door.

"Okay so just a heads up…" Danny starts as they head for the alley. "You know Sonny Malvesky?"

"That jerk you beat in the street fight a few weeks back?"

"Yeah him. Well I think he's still nursing a grudge so if you see him around or he tries to talk to you just be careful. Don't give him anything to call the cops on us for."

"Can't wait until I don't always have to watch my back you know?"

"Yeah kid…" Danny huffs as his arm wraps around his brother's neck and he gives him a playful tug. "Me too."

They enter the quiet bowling alley and Jamie heads for his post of cashier. It wasn't as fun a job as some of the other boys in his class had, but for what he did it paid well and he had the added bonus of bringing home some leftover pizza or popcorn as a treat for him and Danny.

"Hey Mario, you mind if I warm up a lane for ya?" Danny calls out to Jamie's boss.

"Got a college party comin' in soon but sure play until they come Danny!"

It was only ever a few bowls, but Danny didn't care, it always helped to break up the monotony of the night. The other bonus of tagging along with Jamie was the game was always on and it was always more fun to watch on the TV than just listen to out their window.

Danny finishes his bowls just as his ears pick up girlish laughter and he knows the party that Mario was talking about was now about to take over. He resets everything as if he hadn't been there, offers a thank you wave to Mario and then heads for the back booth, plunking himself down to watch the game and do his reading in between periods.

But it wasn't long before Danny's attention was quickly diverted away from the TV screen by a soft voice.

"Hey…it's Danny right?"

Danny turns to see the pretty blond from the night before standing a few feet away.

"Linda…yeah hi," he stammers as he quickly pushes himself up from the booth and stands a few feet away, his heart rate quickly rising. "Hey how are you?"

"Fine. You know I never got to properly thank you for helping me last night."

"Ah it was nothin'. So you here for a party or something?"

"One of our college professors arranged it," Linda gives him a small shrug. "Are you here also with a group?"

"No, my little…younger brother…sorry he hates the title 'little'," Danny nods over to Jamie who was helping some of her friends pay and get shoes. "He works here and I had a free night."

"Ah his protector," she smiles. "Very sweet of you."

"Come on Linda!" One of her friends calls. "Time to play!"

"I should get back."

"Yeah sure," Danny smiles. "It was great seeing you again."

"Do you know Don's Diner?"

"Sure over on 83rd right?"

"That's the one. Well I work there after school most nights so if you were ever in the neighborhood, come by near closing time; it's quieter and sometimes there's some pie left over. It's on the house."

"What flavor?" Danny retorts making Linda slightly giggle and his grin widen. "Yeah that sounds great. I'll see ya there sometime."

"Alright I gotta run."

Danny watches her head back to her friends and then slowly sits back down into the booth; tonight was going to be a fun evening after all. He didn't care that he wasn't invited to play with her group, just watching her bounce about and listening to her laughter was enough – he was instantly smitten. Don's Diner. I'll be there, he confirms inside. He looks up and sees Jamie watching him with an amused expression and just rolls his eyes; garnering a small laugh as Jamie goes back to his next customer.

About a half hour later, Jamie comes up to Danny with two slices of pizza and two cans of coke and sits down at the booth, finally able to pull his brother's gaze away from the direction of Linda Brown. "I'm buying right? Danny?"

"That's twice in two days now."

"How do you know her? Oh wait…the girl from last night? That was her? That's Linda?"

"Yeah. She works at Don's Diner," Danny tells his brother.

"Guess I know where you'll be from now on," Jamie smirks.

"We'll see," Danny slightly frowns as they go back to their modest meal. "I mean a girl like that…" he looks up and gives her a small smile. "I got nothin' to offer you know?"

"That's not true Danny," Jamie tries to protest. "You have…"

"Let's talk about it later."

"Okay," Jamie huffs in a soft tone as he goes back to his simple meal. They make small talk a bit longer, Danny doing his best to give his brother his attention while he was seated before him, but his eyes always darted back to see what Linda was doing. He couldn't help it; her snug top and fitted jeans were driving his male hormones through the roof; the sparkle in her bright blue eyes, the tone of her voice and her bold antics all had him captivated.

"I thought you liked the club going type," Jamie finally mentions.

"Yeah…I thought I did to," Danny mentions quietly as he looks up. But just as he does the door opens and his facial expression instantly changes to that of veiled anger; however, it wasn't lost on his brother's worried eye.

"Danny…what is it? Who just came in?"

"Trouble."

"What?"

"Sonny," Danny groans as he watches a guy a few years older than him enter with two other rather unsavoury looking friends. "Just keep an eye out will ya?"

"Sure."

Jamie looks at Danny's expression and feels his own anxiety starting to grow as he pushes himself out from the booth and heads back to his post, and looking at his next customer.

"How many games?"

"We aren't here to play squirt," Sonny leans in, forcing Jamie to step back a little. Danny watches from a distance. However unless Sonny starts swinging he knows he has to let Jamie fight his own battles. But when he sees Sonny lean in closer, his body instinctively moves toward the edge of the seat. Damn it what the hell's he doing here? What's he saying?

Jamie looks at Sonny in wonder; why come to the alley if you weren't interested in playing. "So why are you here?"

"Ah got a bit of lip to ya I see…just like your brother."

Brother? How does he know I'm Danny's brother? Oh damn…not good. Not wanting to be baited by Sonny, Jamie steps back and just looks at him with a small frown before he turns to someone else walking up to the counter. Always mindful of Danny's warning that if either of them got into trouble in a public place they would be doomed, he tries to ignore Sonny. Was that his game? To get them into trouble with actual witnesses? That would ensure a call from the police and they would start asking questions.

"Nice to see that big brother is here to walk you home afterward…is that cuz widdle boy is afwaid of the dark?" Sonny teases before he nods to the two with him and then turn and leave the counter. Danny watches Sonny look over at him an wink but thankfully he doesn't come any closer. But his agitation grows when he watches Sonny head down toward the area that Linda and her friends were playing.

"Damn that jerk," Danny mutters under his breath, gritting his teeth when Sonny introduces himself to Linda and her friends. He had to play it cool and low key here as well; for if Sonny knew that he was interested in the cute blonde college student then things could get very strained. So he buries his head in his book as best he could; praying Sonny would soon leave.

Finally after about half hour of just hanging around and doing nothing in particular, Sonny and his brood finally leave; Linda and her friends were not far behind. Danny slowly heads for the counter and just hangs back until she was finished paying for her part of the tab before he chances another small attempt at conversation.

"So have a good game?"

"I think I need to break out some of those gutter guards, but this wasn't my idea so I'm not really that down about it," Linda answers with a smile. "How long do you have stay here?"

"My brother is off in another hour. You ever go to Bon…"

"Linda," someone calls and Danny quickly stops.

"I hafta go."

"Right. Well I'll see ya around sometime."

"I'd like that. Come by the diner okay?"

"Okay."

Danny watches her go and then leans up against the counter, drawing a small smile from his brother who goes back about cleaning up his counter and then getting stuff ready to close up for the night. The walk home was spent talking about the day and looking around for any signs of Sonny lurking about.

"How'd he know Danny? How'd he know I was your brother? We were always careful and he's never around the school."

"Someone talked. You were at the fight but kept your distance and I haven't seen him around the high school…but maybe. Maybe he saw us. Ah damn we can't hide from everything."

"Think he'll come back there?" Jamie asks nervously as they enter their apartment.

"I don't know," Danny shrugs; knowing the reason his brother was asking. What if one night Sonny and his goons showed up and Danny wasn't there? Jamie wasn't much of a fighter, not like he was. Jamie knew enough to watch his conduct in public, but if goaded enough would he still be able to walk away and not get himself into trouble? They were brothers after all and the same feisty blood in Danny's veins also flowed in his brother's. If pushed too far, Jamie would fight back.

"I think Linda likes you," Jamie mentions as they hang up their jackets. "Why didn't you ask her out?"

"I don't know. Maybe…next time," Danny huffs as he heads for the bathroom, to have a shower and then turn in for the night.

Jamie watches him go and then puts away the few leftover slices of pizza for their lunch tomorrow and waits for his turn in the shower. Sonny Malvesky did freak him out; there was just something about him, besides the grudge he held against Danny that told him he too was a target of their twisted nemesis. But to what end? What, besides the street fight grudge, did he have against them? They were nobody's? Jamie's mind ponders that thought as he takes his turn in the shower and then finally crawling into his sleeping bag on his side of the bed.

When he was younger he used to have nightmares about his tormented childhood that would keep him and Danny awake most of the night, and although they had lessened as he had gotten older, they were still here in the back of his mind reminding him that in reality he and Danny still weren't safe from their past. A past they carefully kept hidden away from the rest of the world and prayed would never catch up to them.

By the time Jamie gets up, Danny is already gone, having left a note that he had to help Demarcus with something early before class and that he would see him after his shift later that night. Hoping for a quiet day, Jamie goes about his business of getting his breakfast over with and then heads out the door to school. He spies Linda in the courtyard and gives her a small wave, happy when she returns the wave but then stopping short when he hears a mocking voice behind him.

"Aww isn't that sweet," the smug voice of Sonny Malvesky is heard behind him, forcing Jamie to stop and turn around in surprise.

What's he doing here? Just play it cool. Don't draw attention or get into a fight. "Pardon?"

"You heard me kid. She's in college and you're in what grade are you in…like eight?" Sonny mocks as he moves in closer.

"Did you need something?" Jamie asks, ignoring the stupid comment.

"And if I did?" Sonny's hand rests on his shoulder and gives him a small shrug back.

"Look I don't know what your problem is but…"

"Oh I have no problem, do you? Do you want a problem?" Sonny leans in closer, glaring at the young teen before him. "Trust me that girl…she's not interested in you…either of you."

"I know that. She's a friend and…" Jamie tries to justify and then stops; quickly realizing he was falling into Sonny's trap by offering too much information. "Did you need something?" Jamie asks again.

"Maybe," Sonny pulls back with a wink just as a teacher approaches. "You have a good day now little boy," he chuckles as Jamie uses the opportunity to follow the teacher, not looking back to see what happened to Sonny.

Jamie reaches his locker in a huff, shaking his head as he pulls the door open and shoving his coat and books inside. He heads for the library to wait for the bell to ring, entering the quiet area; his anxiety still high. Thinking it was just a teacher following after him, Jamie pays the figure behind him no heed as he heads for a private reading area. However, just before he can say a good morning to the teacher, Sonny's hand wraps around his mouth and an arm around his neck and pulls him back into the aisle.

"Mmmmph."

"I don't know what you're hiding kid, but I know it's something and I will find it…and when I do I will finish you both…you and your brother! And that's a promise you can both count on!" Sonny hisses in Jamie's ear as he tries to pull himself free. He pushes Jamie forward, forcing him to stumble. But Jamie's able to catch himself before he could send a pile of books tumbling over the shelf.

"Jerk," Jamie mumbles as he hears Sonny walk away with a chuckle. Jamie fixes his shirt and then remerges on his same path, trying to get his heart rate lowered and hoping that he'll be able to concentrate on the rest of the day. But instead of just sitting down to read as he normally would, he turns and heads back into the hallway, determined to see where Sonny had gotten to.

He reaches the large exit doors and watches Sonny heading for the end of the school yard, turning to look at Linda and then keep going. Danny would be pissed if Sonny tried to make a play for the girl he was interested in and that could lead to more trouble. His fist hits the door in anger just as he turns to leave. However, destiny was about to intervene once more when he hears a small commotion and hurries toward a two students gathered around another who was writhing on the floor.

"What happened?"

"We don't know," one of them states in a panic. "We were talking and all of a sudden…he started choking."

"He's turning blue," the other points. "He can't breathe! Call the nurse!"

Taking quick action, Jamie positions himself so that he was able to give the person the Heimlich manoeuvre and out pops a large wad of gum. With the aid of one of other students, Jamie helps them to the principal's office and waits in the waiting area, while the school nurse attended to the shaken student; Linda and the other two girls watching.

"Thanks Jamie, because of your quick action you saved Morris's life," the principal comes up to him. "That'll get you a commendation in your file."

"Oh I'm just glad he's okay."

"Smart, heroic and modest," a kind voice states from behind. Jamie turns around to see Henry Reagan watching him with a proud smile. "Jamie right?"

Oh damn…not good. What's he doing here? And right now? Just be calm and cool. Can today get any WORSE? "Uh yes…yes Sir. It was nothing."

"Most kids your age wouldn't know what to do, much less react with such a cool head in a situation like that. Thanks Bill I got this," Henry nods to the principal.

"Take care Henry and tell Frank he has to come by some time as well; can't just be you donating your time here."

"Oh I don't mind," Henry answers. "You have some pretty special students here I see."

"Well if you don't need me, I should get back to class," Jamie pipes up. And without waiting to hear another word, Jamie pushes past the principal and the Police commissioner and hurries into the hallway; his heart racing once again. He had told himself that the last person he wanted to run into was Henry Reagan, and he now fears that his last actions, while they might have saved someone else's life would now endanger his own.

"Jamie!" He hears a male voice calling to him. But with a whispered offering of regret, he doesn't turn around, only heads toward his class and prays that he won't run into Henry Reagan again. Ever.

XXXXXXXX

"Okay man seriously who is she?"

"Huh?" Danny asks, forcing his two friends to exchange amused expressions. "Who's what?"

"You just called me Linda. Who is she? Come on Jack, you gotta know," Demarcus looks at Jackie.

"I have no idea either. Come on Danny, who is she?" Jackie asks with a smile.

"Trust me guys, she's no one interested in me. Okay fine, I met her the other night. Blond…hot…feisty as hell. But damn…yeah she's…she was being kind okay? Trust me she's not interested."

"Don't always sell yourself so short; she needs to get to know you first…"

"Then she'll leave for sure," Demarcus teasingly punches Danny in the shoulder. "Well if you are so hot on her why not ask her to the club when we go?"

"I can't do that…she um…well she doesn't strike me as the club goin' type you know?"

"That's a no no for you Danny boy," Demarcus shakes his head. "You'd get bored pretty fast if you ask me."

"I ain't askin'," Danny grins just as his phone beeps. He pulls it out and looks at the text from Jamie with a frown; uttering an inner curse.

'Sonny was at the school today. Gave me a warning. And h…'

"Bad news?" Demarcus interrupts, Danny closing the message before he could read that Jamie had another run in with Henry Reagan.

"Nah just Jamie with a complaint. You know…kids these days; always the same old thing."

"Your brother isn't that bad," Jackie smiles.

"He has a crush on her," Demarcus snickers as Danny rolls his eyes.

"He's cute but yeah sorry not my type."

"What is your type?" Demarcus asks point blank.

Damn that jerk! Danny's mind grumbles toward Sonny Malvesky while his two friends argue over the semantics about what kind of qualities in the opposite sex they were attracted to. Danny finally takes his leave and heads for his shift. Sometimes, if there was room and he wanted to, Jamie could come and just hang out in the office and do his homework. But that was usually in the winter when the days got dark faster than they did now. But the fact that Sonny had sought out Jamie and given him a warning was now racing around in his mind. What kind of warning? And why was he going after Jamie when his beef was with himself? This is not good!

Just as Danny is about to enter his place of employment he notices two police cars out front and stops. What was going on now? Was this day going to go from bad to worse?

"Hey Ralph, what's up?" Danny asks as he nears one of the other workers on the same shift as him.

"Dunno man, I just got here and was told we can't go in," Ralph, a man about ten years older than him, shrugs. "I sure hope we are still on tonight. Kathy is counting on this money."

"Yeah I hear ya about that."

Danny turns his attention to a few uniformed police officers and then watches as they break apart, revealing Frank Reagan and two plain clothes detectives. Frank turns his gaze and looks at Danny, who gives him a small nod and then quickly turns away.

"Must be somethin' special for the Chief of police to come out," Danny mutters under his breath.

"That sucks for us then," Ralph groans as he wanders over toward another worker; leaving Danny standing by himself. Danny watches one of the detectives pull away from the group and write down some notes.

"Evening," Danny greets the Detective as he watches him walk away and then Ralph walk up to him. "What did you find out?"

"You know Emilio."

"Yeah he was my line mate…what's goin' on?" Danny wonders in haste.

"He was apparently an undercover cop but was also using this line to launder some of his own special items."

"What do you mean by special items?"

"Drugs man…drugs. He was a dirty cop and now this place is being busted for drugs. We are screwed! I need this job!"

"Oh what the hell," Danny curses as he looks at Ralph with a heavy frown. "I need this money."

"Yeah me too. I'm not sure, but Mike told me they want to interview all of us and figure out what kind of dealings we had with Emilio and if Sal as the manager knew."

"Interview? All of us?" Danny asks weakly. "Why?"

"I don't know but cops you know they take your prints and run background checks and such don't they?"

"Why? We didn't do anything? We aren't suspects so they shouldn't be running prints."

"Right okay well then I don't know," Ralph stammers. "I guess they'll take your name and check it to see if you…damn Danny how the hell should I know. I'm just goin' by what I see on TV. You're the one studying to become a cop; you tell me."

"Just be cool and it should be fine. I think they just want a statement or something. Damn it," Danny concludes with a soft curse.

"Well you got nothin' to hide right? How bad will it be?" Ralph asks Danny who inwardly grimaces.

"You're next young man," Frank looks directly at Danny.

Danny looks up at Frank Reagan once more and feels his stomach tighten and his mind start to spin with a million unanswerable questions. He had always respected the man standing a few feet from him, a man whose name was synonymous with loyalty, dedication and pride to the NYPD. Would that respect now turn to resentment? Would one unrelated incident now threaten to expose a past he has tried to cover up? A past both he and Jamie worked so hard to keep hidden from everyone? Would it cause him to have to take Jamie to another state to keep their secret safe? Uproot everything they had worked so hard to establish for themselves? Would he ever see Linda again? His friends? How would they survive if they had to start running again? How the hell do I get out of this? And as Danny gives Frank a small nod of compliance he knows – he can't get out of it. He was stuck. He'd have to face Frank Reagan.

"I just have a few questions."

A/N: So hope you are all still liking this story. How do you think Frank and Danny's first meeting will go? What is Danny really hiding about his past? Will Frank find the truth? Will Jamie run into Henry again? Will Danny drop by Linda's place of work? And trouble is coming but not just from Sonny…so stay tuned and thanks again. Please review before you go. Feedback on this kind of story is so important so I know if they are all still in character and thanks! :D