A/N: Sorry it took so long! Thank you for your previous reviews! I look forward to them very much!

P.S.-I am normally an Angell fan but I needed a semi-villain so to speak in this one…sorry!


Samantha stood at the front doors of the NYPD's Crime Lab Building still dressed in her NYPD uniform, a light breeze sending a delicate shiver up her spine. She'd felt tiresome from a full day's work but she knew in her heart that it was time to face her fear.

It'd been about three weeks since she had met Mac and she felt that the more she waited the more awkward it would be. Would he be disappointed? Will he like me? She'd tried everything to distract herself. Running, cycling, boxing, but they only offered minimal relief. She felt alone in this battle. Her parents loved her dearly, of this, she had no doubt, but nobody outside of family knew about her adoption or her past. She had no one who really knew her.

She'd spent a majority of her college days in silence, attending lectures, doing homework, interning at the NYPD but rarely let anyone in. If she did let anyone in, she only let them see the tough side of her, never weakness. And if anyone tried too hard to get close to her she'd let out a wrath that any man or god would fear. Her time on the streets taught her one thing in particular. Survival.

She knew that it would take time to open up to her newly found father, but found much comfort in the tales she'd heard from other officers. Onward she went, forcing her nervous feet one foot in front of the other.


Mac was seated at his desk flipping through a case file, occasionally eyeing Sam's personnel file that lay closed on the corner of his desk. Mac had been speechless. The first night that Sullivan had given Mac her personnel file, it had sat on his living room table for a short period before he found the strength to open it. Absorbing it all as quickly as he could, Mac was shocked to learn of the horrifying things that she experienced at the hands of her foster parents. An immense sense of guilt came over him. If I'd only knew, she would've never had to face this.

Stella was the one whom he confided in. She was the only one who'd had the courage to approach him frankly, after his distractions at work became noticeable.

"Mac, please tell me what's going on with you."

Finally, he gave in. Him and Stella began meeting regularly for coffee at Kate's Café just around the corner from where Mac lived. Their conversations calmed him, even though sometimes neither knew what to say. But he was thankful to have her in his life. His work had increasingly grown more productive as the days passed by.


Sam stepped off the elevator, her heart pacing a little faster. I can't do this, she said to herself.

"Samantha?" a female voice said. Stella casually walked over to her holding out her hand.

"I'm sorry, do I know you?" she tried to be as polite as possible. Stella mentally kicked herself. She'd only recognized her from her personnel file picture, something that she wasn't supposed to see.

"Not, technically. I'm a friend of your father's." Samantha froze. Which father was she talking about? She couldn't possibly know. Realizing her reaction, Stella quickly spoke.

" I hear that the Chief has really been turning things around for the better, " she smiled. Relaxing, Sam mimicked her smile. "Yes, I'm hearing good things all around."

"Do you need help finding something or someone?" Stella said, hoping to be of help.

"I'm actually looking for Detective Taylor." she said, almost feeling like a rookie again.

"Mac's office is just down the hall to your left. Glass windows, you'll see it." Stella took one long look at Sam's familiar appearance before they said their good byes.

Turning left, she came upon Mac's office. He was standing at the large window, looking out into the city. Summoning up every ounce of courage she had, she lightly tapped on his window. He turned and held in a breath when he saw her. Walking in her direction, he waved her in. Letting the glass door close behind her, they stood face to face, neither sure of what to say. She felt awkward now realizing he knew about everything. Her father had told her about their conversation. She had been angry, embarrassed at first, but it spared her the trouble of telling him herself.

"My dad told me that he'd talked to you." she pushed out and quickly shook her head, "I'm so sorry, I should've never came to see you at work…"

"No No No," Mac stopped her. "I'm glad you did." She smiled faintly and took one of the seats that were in front of the desk while Mac took the other. He leaned forward, resting his arms on his thighs.

"You're probably here expecting answers about…your mother and me." The look on her face confirmed it. Mac went on to tell her of how they met and the circumstances of how he never found out about her. "You have to believe me that if I knew you existed; I would've taken care of you, the way you deserve to be taken care of and protected you the way a father does for his family." Emotion overcame her, as she fought for the tears not to fall. He took her hands gently in his. "I'm sorry. I know I can never make up for everything you've been through, but I want to be a part of your life if you'll let me". He reached for a tissue from his desk, allowing her to compose herself.

"I don't blame you. I wondered but I never blamed. I have a good family that treats me tremendously. They gave me a second chance at life. I do want to get to know you and I want you to be a part of my life." They both smiled tearfully as Mac stood and embraced his daughter.

Onlooker's curious gazes peered in on them. Including a one Detective Jessica Angell.


A/N: I crave reviews! lol I didn't originally mean that to sound desperate…but oh well. Please tell me if you'd like this story to go in a particular direction!