Thank you everyone for tuning in for more…all of your reviews are so appreciated.
"Hey," Sam greeted Traci curtly as he sat down at his desk a week after his break up with Andy.
Doing her best to ignore him, Traci continues to read the report she's reviewing.
"Not talking to me, I see?" Sam inquired.
After several seconds of waging an internal war within her, she decides to make eye contact with the man who annihilated her best friend's heart. Upon looking up she has to hide her shock at Sam's appearance. The dark circles, hollowed eyes, and perpetual five o'clock shadow clearly tells the story of a broken man. "You look like hell," she tells him before going back to her report.
Sam reaches out and turns on his computer. "Yeah, well…I feel like hell," he agrees as he sits back down.
"Only you can change that, Swarek," Traci retorts as she highlights a paragraph in her report.
"No…I can't," Sam leans back in his chair. "What's done, is done."
"Yeah, well…tell that to the girl who showed up on my doorstep a week ago, halfway catatonic," Traci challenged. "Oh wait, I guess you already did…excuse me." Traci glared at him as she left the office in pursuit of another cup of coffee, only to stop mid way and turn back to the detective now bowing his head. "You know Sam…I don't know what's going on, but I don't believe for a second you think Andy would actually be interested in JT or enjoy his attention." Not receiving a response from him, Traci gave up and left him alone.
Sam sighed, knowing he needed to get on with his day. Hearing what he's done to Andy is enough to send him home on another sick day and straight towards the bottle…just as he has done for the last week.
Before he could focus on which case to start with first, the framed picture on his desk of him and Andy at the beach caught his eye. He knew being away from her would be painful, god was it painful…but he forgot about the everyday reminders he would be forced to endure…pictures being one of them.
Sam picks up the frame and settles back in his chair, running his thumb over Andy's face. That was a great day; the smiles alone on both of them only serve to prove how happy they were. He remembers that day vividly as they were celebrating their one year anniversary.
As Sam and Andy were walking hand in hand at Sugar Beach, after having just had a delectable picnic lunch, Andy pulled her camera out of her white cotton shorts, and asked the older couple walking past them to please take a picture. After handing the camera to the woman, Sam was expecting Andy to meet him at his side, but was instead surprised by her jumping on his back.
Sam pretended like Andy was more than he could hold. "You better watch it McNally, you probably shouldn't have had that extra bowl of pasta salad," Sam teased as he pretended to almost drop her.
"Oh shut up, Swarek." Andy feigned being offended and playfully slapped him on the shoulder.
When they were signaled to smile for the camera, Andy put both of her arms around Sam, rested her cheek up against his, and held on tight. Reaching up, Sam rested his hands on Andy's arms, giving them a gentle squeeze, and they both smiled.
After the picture was taken, Sam continued to hold onto Andy. He thanked the couple and pocketed the camera before running towards the water.
"No, Sam…don't," Andy yelled.
"Oh come on, just a little dip in the cool water?"
Andy squeezed Sam with all her strength; determined she was not going to let him put her in the water. "No…Sam…don't…you…dare," Andy begged all the while laughing uncontrollably.
Sam hit the water full force and pretended like he was going to throw Andy over his shoulders only to catch her in his arms instead. "I'll never let you fall, McNally," Sam reassured her as he spun her around.
The genuine laughter from the woman in his arms was enough to fill his heart. Andy snaked her own arms around Sam's shoulders and gently guided his head down where she claimed his lips. "It's been a hell of a year, but the best I've ever had," Andy declared, staring into Sam's eyes as she pulled back for air.
"It's only going to get better, I'll make sure of that," Sam promised leaning back in to claim her lips once again.
In the distance, back on the sandy beach, the older couple watched Sam and Andy kissing in the surf. Leaning into each other, they observed the happy couple, reminding them of their first days in love.
"Think they are in it for the long haul, Tom?" His wife asked, resting her head on his shoulder.
"Oh yeah, Mary. A love like that doesn't come around often," Tom assured, as he pulled her in closer.
"How do you know," she asked.
"Because he looks at her…like I still look at you," he declared. As if to prove his point, he turned to his wife and kissed her tenderly, causing her to sigh in satisfaction.
"Come on you old goof, the kids will be at the house for dinner any minute," Mary said.
Like the young couple in the sea still showing how much they love each other, Tom and Mary walked hand in hand back to their home.
"Were you even going to ask how she's doing?" Traci all but yelled at Sam as she sat back down at her desk.
Her angry tone pulled Sam out of his memories. He quickly opened up his file drawer and shoved in the picture frame.
"Oh nice one, Swarek…already moving on?" Traci accused.
Sam knew he deserved Traci being angry with him. The words he spoke to Andy were unforgiveable in his opinion, and he gladly takes on the brunt of Traci's anger. This seems to somehow help him feel better. At least if he blames himself, he can have control of something in this nightmare scenario.
"Well?" Traci demanded.
"What do you want me to say? That I don't miss her?"
"Is that how you feel?" Traci asked coolly.
"Of course not," Sam responded. "I'm pretty sure I'm dying a little more each day." Sam silently cursed himself at this admission.
"You make no sense," Traci looked at him in disbelief.
"I really don't know what else to say."
"I was really worried about her those first twenty four hours. After I finally got her to tell me what happened, she went straight to bed and wouldn't leave." Sam looked away from Traci but not before his own look of pain displayed on his face. "Then, I come home from work the next day and she was like a new woman. Organizing her room, spending hours at the gym, only to run several more miles once she returns home. It's like she is doing everything to purge you from her system."
Sam is startled by this, feeling at a loss for words as he isn't sure if he should be relieved or devastated all over again. Deciding he needed to say what was best to keep up this charade, he found his voice again. "Well good, she needs to start moving on because..."
"It isn't working," Traci cut him off. When Sam remained silent, she continued. "She still cries herself to sleep every night. I can hear her sobbing through the wall."
"Look…," he began to say but was cut off by the phone ringing at his desk.
Traci dared him with her eyes to not pick up the phone and finish their conversation instead. Sam didn't take the bait. "Swarek," he said as he answered the phone. "What…yeah…okay…see you soon."
"What was that about?" Traci asked as he hung up the phone.
"That was Donovan Boyd at HQ…Gun bust going down on Kingston now."
"Head's up would have been nice," Traci advised.
"Last minute deal," Sam answered while standing up to grab his gun and vest. "Patrol was on a foot pursuit and the guy barricaded himself. This house just happens to one that we've been watching for a while now, so this gives us the in for a warrant." Sam signaled for Traci to join him. "All available officers…that includes you too…let's go."
Just as Traci was putting on her vest, Jerry pops his head through the door. "I take it you two got the call…we're needed now."
"On our way," Sam acknowledged.
Andy, can you grab Gabe and head down to Rouge Park," her supervisor, Rachel asked.
"What's up boss?" Andy inquired.
"Dispatch just called and requested a Child Welfare worker meet some officers down on the East end. Sounds like they are about to serve a warrant in a home where children may be present."
"Okay, on our way." Andy gathered her stuff together and grabbed her go out bag.
"Happy first day back, huh?" Her supervisor asked sarcastically.
"Yeah, something like that," Andy mumbled before stopping at Gabe's cubicle where he was just hanging up his phone. "Hey, we've been summoned to Rouge Park on a warrant. Kids may be involved."
"Alright let's go," Gabe responded. After quickly gathering what he needed, he followed Andy out the door. "Don't you usually team your cases with Marcy?" He asked.
"Yes, but she's out sick today…so lucky you," Andy huffed. "I'm driving."
"Ookay," Gabe drawled out while raising his eyebrows.
Driving over to the meeting place, Andy felt lost. Her thoughts immediately went to where they have been for the last week, the last time she saw Sam, when he told her to pack up and leave. She still needed to get some more things from their town house; she only packed for a short time. Truth be told, Andy really didn't think Sam would last more than a night before he would break down and tell her what really was going on. She has spent most of her time this week replaying those last horrifying minutes with him. Nothing makes sense to her and she has come to the conclusion that something just doesn't add up. The Sam she knows, and loves, would never accuse her of wanting JT.
"Penny for your thoughts?"
Gabe's voice brings Andy back to the present. "They aren't even worth that much right now," Andy replied sadly.
"You were off from work for over a week because Sam came back?"
Mock laughter escaped from Andy. "Yeah, well…we broke up?"
Gabe whistled at Andy's bombshell. "Wow, that's huge," he turned to Andy in pure shock. "You and Detective Swarek have been together for a while."
"It was going to be two years next week," Andy confirmed sadly.
"Can I ask what happened?"
"You can ask, but I don't have an answer," Andy replied. "When I figure it all out, I'll let you know."
"I'm sorry, Andy…that's rough."
"Thanks, Gabe…You're a good friend."
"Well, if Swarek is there today, you want me to pretend to be into you…you know, make him jealous?"
"No, but thank you," Andy chuckled. First time in a week any laughter has come from her.
Turning at the entrance into the park, it didn't take long to discover the unmarked police cars. She found a parking space and pulled in. After turning off their vehicle, she and Gabe gathered their bags and walked over to meet with the officers. Among the group of blue, it didn't take long to immediately identify the dark haired detective in a red shirt and jeans. He was talking with the man Andy knows to be Sam's handler. She tries to tell herself to not worry; he's here for the warrant, not talking about a new undercover job.
"Hey Andy," Traci softly speaks walking up to her.
"Hey Trace."
"You going to be okay?"
"I have to be, we all have a job to do.
"She'll be just fine," Gabe declared as he put his arm around Andy. "I'll make sure."
"Gabe, really…this isn't necessary," Andy contested.
"Hey, you two ready to be briefed on the situation?" Boyd asked as he walked over with Sam following close behind.
Andy locked eyes with Sam, startled by how exhausted he looks. She notices his eyes stray to Gabe and then to his arm around her, earning a scowl from him.
"We're ready," Gabe acknowledged, waiting several seconds until Sam noticed his gesture before taking his arm away. With Gabe being over six feet, very well built, and light brown hair, he isn't at all intimidated by the detective, which is a good thing because if looks could kill…
Even Boyd was a little thrown off by the scene before him, pausing for a second before continuing. "Okay, the house is two blocks away. Here's the address," Boyd said handing Andy a piece of paper. "Today, Eric Mahoney was walking down Kingston where Diaz and Shaw watched him conduct a drug deal. When they approached him, he took off. The chase ended at this address," Boyd explained pointing to the paper he handed Andy. "Guns and Gangs have been watching this house for major gun activity. We've seen a couple of girls, maybe 15, in and out of the place. We need you here in case we find them inside."
"Got it," Gabe responded.
"Yeah, I bet you do," Sam remarked which earned him several stares. Before Gabe could argue, Sam continued. "You two stay put until we call you in," Sam demanded looking at Andy.
"Whatever you say, Detective Swarek," she responded, the sound of her voice was like ice. The subtlety of Sam flinching at her tone was barely unrecognizable, but it was still there. This eased her demeanor a little. "We'll be here."
Sam's gaze lingered between Andy and Gabe for a brief moment, before turning away without responding.
"Be safe," Andy whispered.
Hearing the worry in her voice for Sam, Traci extended some words of comfort. "We all watch out for each other. I may be pissed at him right now but I have his back. It'll be okay," she assured.
"You too Traci, be safe please." Andy gave her a brief hug before she joined Sam in their unmarked vehicle.
Watching the cars storm out of the park, one by one, always left Andy with the feeling of excitement and adrenaline pumping through her veins. Not today, there was nothing in her life she felt excited about right now.
"So I guess we just sit and wait?" Gabe asked while walking back to the car.
"Let the waiting game begin," Andy confirmed.
Thirty minutes later they received a call from Traci, letting them know to respond at the designated house. When they arrived, they observed the scene to be chaotic. Half a dozen men and women were handcuffed and being loaded into squad cars. Some struggling, one in particular was giving Sam a bad time. Before anyone could offer help, Sam quickly got him under control by sweeping his legs out from underneath him and pinning him to the ground until he calmed down.
"Remind me never to piss off your ex again," Gabe joked causing Andy to roll her eyes as they exited the vehicle.
"There's a teen girl in the house with Traci," Boyd hollered from across the lawn.
Gabe and Andy made their way down the walkway, towards the front door. She couldn't resist glancing in Sam's direction where he was just shutting the car door after getting the perp situated. Instinctively their gazes locked on each other, causing Andy to look away first.
Sam watched Andy walking into the house with Gabe. He always liked Gabe…hell, he even wished she was with him instead of Marcy when she responded to cases. Today was different though…because today Andy was a single woman and vulnerable, and any guy with a pulse would think she is nothing short of gorgeous. Her appearance has him worried. She is visibly thinner than just a week ago and the light that used to shine in her eyes is no where to be seen.
"Nice work Sam," Oliver greeted by patting him on the back.
"Glad I can do something right," he affirmed.
"Oh come on, brother."
"Now's not the time Oliver."
"When is a good time for you to tell me why you have been holed up for a week by yourself? Why you and McNally, who are amazing together by the way, broke up?"
"I don't know," Sam answered before walking away. Not getting too far, Boyd came up and grabbed Sam by his arm. "What?"
"Come with me real quick," he requested.
Following his handler into one of the few cars that doesn't have someone arrested in the back seat, Sam noticed a distressed Jerry talking with Frank who seemed to be repeating what Jerry is telling him to someone on the phone.
"What's going on?" Sam inquired. "I should go see what has Jerry so amped up."
Boyd didn't answer right away but instead locked the car.
"What the hell?" Sam asked concerned.
"Jerry just received a phone call from Traci?" Boyd said very carefully.
Sam was confused. Why would Traci be calling Jerry when she could just walk outside. "What do you mean? She is right here on scene."
"I need you to not do anything stupid…it's why I locked the doors so you can have time to calm down."
Sam started to feel a little light headed as he started to understand what Boyd was trying to tell him. Jerry upset…Traci calling him…Frank on the phone. "Son of a bitch," Sam muttered as he anxiously tries to open his car door.
"Sammy…Sammy…calm down buddy…we'll get them out." Boyd frantically tried to reason with the worried detective, all the while trying to prevent him from leaning over and getting hold of the child lock that Boyd had pushed down to keep Sam from exiting the car until he was calm.
"LET ME OUT," Sam screamed banging on the window.
"Think about it, Boyd continued. "If you go racing in there you are going to get shot or worse…assuming you survive, you will lose your job."
"I don't care, let me out." Sam pleaded, becoming exhausted with his efforts. Sitting in the seat, breathing heavy from his attempts to break the car door, Sam told himself he was being of no use to Andy right now. "How?"
"Traci said they were hiding in the basement. The door was covered by a rug under the kitchen table. They were grabbed as soon as they entered the house."
"How many?"
"Three."
"Demands?"
"Not yet, they just wanted to let us know they are here and in control."
"Damn it," Sam swore. He looked out to his friend who was standing on the sidewalk with his hand covering his mouth, knowing he was just as worried about Traci as he was about Andy. Sounds of sirens could be heard in the distance and it didn't take long for them to arrive.
Black unmarked SUVs lined the streets before Boyd tried to reason with Sam again. "You calm enough to go out there and be productive as a team member…or do I still need to worry about you going rogue?"
Sam took a deep breath before expelling the air. "I'm as calm as I'm going to be. Let's go."
Boyd let up on the child lock and they exited the vehicle. Sam walked immediately up to Jerry, the two men sharing an immediate bond, greeted each other with a brief embrace.
"It's going to be okay Sammy…Traci is in there with them and she is one hell of a cop."
"I know buddy…I know."
They walked over to Frank where a group was already starting to form. ETF was being briefed on the situation. Turning to look at the house where Andy is being kept hostage, Sam wondered if their situation could get any worse.
Why do I always write such drama? I actually didn't really like this chapter so I don't blame you all if you didn't either. I suspect JT will be making an appearance soon after this fiasco is done. Thank you again for reading and reviewing.
