CH. 14 Reagan's and Negotiations
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By the end of the weekend Sean was feeling much better, but considering they had a busy week ahead of them and the kids were going to be going back to
the center Linda decided to keep Sean home from mass that Sunday so he could rest a bit more. Danny would have taken the other two to mass himself, but
considering he was in the middle of a case involving a string of recent bank robberies, he decided to drop them off with Frank since Linda was planning to at
least take Sean over for family dinner.
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"Alright guys lets go over the rules again," Danny was prepared to go through them once again as he drove Andy and Jack over to Bay Ridge to meet up with
Frank. "Augh Dad not again, we've gone through this like a hundred times," Andy complained. "In that case it should be real easy for you," Danny didn't miss a
beat. "Absolutely best behavior while at church, whatever you are tempted to do, don't do it. Mom and I aren't going to be with you and I don't want you giving
Grandpa any trouble." "We're always good with Grandpa," Jack couldn't understand why his parents always expected trouble when they went with Frank
somewhere, I mean did they really think they were idiots. Danny didn't say anything, but he was certainly beginning to wish they would adopt to that sort of
behavior when they were with him. "I'm really serious though guys, you do whatever Grandpa says, with no backtalk," he looked at Andy when he said the
word backtalk. "I guarantee neither of you want to experience the Frank Reagan special, and misbehaving in church will get you just that, I speak from
experience, so just trust me on that one." "Grandpa hardly ever spanks us," Jack looked at him smiling. That's probably because he wore himself out with me,
Danny thought to himself. "You know if you're worried you could just take us to the precinct with you," Andy looked at him smiling, enjoying every minute she
got to spend there. "Nice try kid, but church is a much better place for you, not to mention I really need to think this case through, and I won't have time to
keep an eye on you." "Can't blame a kid for trying," Andy smiled at him. "I know how you feel, I felt the same way when I was kid with your Grandpa," Danny
remembered the good ol days when he didn't have any responsibilities.
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"Dad, I brought your grandchildren," Danny hollered opening the door leading into the kitchen. "Upstairs Danny," Frank stuck his head out of his upstairs
bedroom door. "I'm coming up," Danny took the stairs he took so many times growing up. "How's the case coming?" Frank asked looking at Danny as he pulled
a tie out from inside his closet. "It's coming," Danny shrugged leaning against the wall. "We have a map marked with all the places they've hit so far, and a
radius of all the perspective places that are within a certain distance." "Security cameras aren't giving you much," Frank figured Danny had already chased out
every lead possible, but thought he'd ask anyway. "Some of them," Danny nodded, "we're going to finish them today." A look of disgust crossed Frank's face,
remembering how much he hated those days in the past. "It's going to be a long day," Danny sighed. "Are you going to make it back for family dinner?" Frank
moved on to his primary concern, always wanting his children present for family time, especially when they had children of their own, yet at the same time he
respected his son for working so hard on a case, especially considering he was his boss. "I'm going to try," was all Danny could say. "If you're watching security
camera videos all day I don't see why you couldn't get away, I'm sure you will be more than ready for an opportunity to escape." "Now is that my Dad talking or
my Boss talking," Danny chuckled? "Your Dad," Frank smiled, "just don't tell the Commissioner." "Yes Sir," Danny saluted playfully before heading onto work,
before reminding his kids to remember what they talked about.
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"Hey Dad sorry I'm late," Danny said walking into the dining room. "We fixed you a plate Dad," Andy pointed at his place at the table. "Thanks Kiddo," Danny
high-fived her from across the table. "Anything knew on the string of robberies," the question came from his grandfather? "No," Danny shook his head, "it's
actually going kind of slow." "You'll figure it out Uncle Danny," Nicki knew that after sitting at the table with the man for so many years, she knew he could figure
out just about any difficult case there was. "Thanks Nicki, I just wish I had the same amount of confidence as you did," Danny took a sip from his water glass.
"Just give it time son," Frank changed the subject before the conversation got any deeper regarding some of the things the perps did to some of their victims,
knowing full well that Linda wouldn't appreciate her children learning the fine details, or himself for that matter. "So how you feeling buddy," Danny caught on to
his father's hint, as he placed an arm around his youngest sons shoulder. "I'm fine," Sean answered him. "You look better," Danny mentioned. "I'm not puking
all over the floor, so I'd say so," Sean admitted. "Sean," Linda corrected, "not at the dinner table." "Sorry," Sean fell silent, but it wasn't without a smile. "As
much as I hate to eat and run," Danny stood before shoving his chair back under the table, "I have to get back to work. You three be good." "We'll try," Andy
grinned. "Andy I'm serious," Danny pointed at her. "Why is it always?" Andy looked confused, trying to figure out why Danny always singled her out. "I could
answer that," Danny nodded, "but I'd never make it back to work."
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It was the start of a new week, and much to Danny's content, the youth center reopened. "What you guys doing?" Andy took a seat at the table her brothers
were already sitting at. "Nothing much," Jack sighed. "I'm not volunteering today, and I have to admit I'm kind of bored," Andy leaned back in her chair. "I kind
of wish we were at home like last week," Sean was thinking he could at least be watching TV or something similar considering he wasn't grounded anymore.
"You know I'd seriously love to blow this place. Let's go to the movies," Andy brightened appearing as if she had literally just had the greatest idea ever,
remembering the movie theater that was just a few block from there. "Did you know that Sean and I left the center a couple weeks ago, and Dad was straight
up furious," Jack said sarcastically. "I remember," a sudden smile started to appear on Andy's face, "it was one of the few times I wasn't in trouble." "I'm in,"
Sean scooted his chair back, "I'm always ready to do something reckless." "Me too," Andy was looking for the easiest way to escape. "You know I didn't sit for
a week last time I left the center, why do I get the feeling it's going to be a lot longer this time," Jack followed his siblings out the door and down the street.
They were just walking past the Liberty Commerce Bank when Andy grabbed her brothers by their shirts. "Don't move," she whispered. "What's the matter,"
Jack froze? "That's Uncle Jamie," Andy jerked them into the bank they were walking by just seconds before Jamie turned around. "What is he doing here," Sean
looked worried? "He's in his uniform," Andy ran a hand down her face, "so he's probably working," Andy remembered him getting out of the squad car. The
three siblings were just looking for a place to blend in when Jamie and his partner walked in. "You do realize that if he sees us, we will be deader than dead,"
Jack was freaking out. "That doesn't even make since," Andy looked at him. "Were you dropped as a child?" Andy was seriously beginning to wonder. Just as
Jamie and his partner started to walk over to one of the tellers, Andy, Jack and Sean took the opportunity to make a break for the door. They were seconds
from being home free when they were taken by surprise by three men all wearing hoods and dressed in black. Figuring they could hold the kids as hostages
while they held up the bank two of the men grabbed a hold of them. One had a grip on Jack, and the other a grip on Andy and Sean. Knowing she had to do
something to at least try to protect Sean, and figure out a way to get help Andy pulled her foot back and kicked the man holding them as hard as she could in
the shin. "Run! Sean! Run!" she yelled as loud as she could hoping that Sean would get the opportunity to get away as well as several of the others in the
bank. Sean slipped out of the man's grasp and ran out the door, just as the man that was holding Jack yelled, "Ryan!" "What!" Ryan retaliated by regaining his
composure and back handing Andy across the face. Andy fell to the ground, but it wasn't missed by Jamie who was next to her in a matter of seconds. "I'm fine
Jamie," Andy wiped a stray tear away. Jamie was seconds from slamming his fist into the man's face, obviously pretty upset that Ryan hit his niece, but was cut
off when Eddie grabbed him, "don't do it Jamie," Eddie knew that things would only get worse if he hit him. "Friends of yours," the guy they called Chris shoved
the two towards Jamie, when he noticed the three appeared to know one another, it was something much more than an officer caring for a child, there was an
unmistakable bond between them.
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Sean ran out of the bank and across the street as fast as he could, barely missing being run over. He had no idea where to go, the only thing he knew was he
had to get away from there and fast. Sean stopped for a brief second to look around, once he figured he was a safe enough distance away. He had been here,
he thought to himself recognizing several of the buildings and other familiar surroundings. Looking up, Sean was overjoyed when he realized he was standing
just outside of 1PP. Not even bothering to ask for help, or even talk to any of the people working the front desks Sean took off running. Startled by the child
running past them, and knowing it was a security breach, neither of the officials being able to recognize the boy, they did the only thing they could, they called
security. Sean was on his fourth flight of stairs by the time the mountain of security personnel caught onto his trail. Considering he was in a hurry, and couldn't
take the time to be detained, he knew that taking the elevator would be useless, and they could shut it down, trapping him inside. Getting a glimpse of the
personnel made Sean run even faster, being tired not even registering in his brain as his feet continued to run. Sean allowed them to catch up, but slammed
the door on them, just before starting for the 10th floor. Four more floors to go, he thought to himself, normally he would have had a blast trying to outrun the
officers, but not this time, this time, he couldn't even think about having fun. He wasn't about to get caught though, this wasn't a game after all, this was a life
and death situation, he had to find his grandpa. He had just reached the fourteenth floor, when he was taken under by another group of officers catching him
at the door. Sean squirmed, but the men held tight. Startled by the commotion, Baker stepped out from behind her desk, to get a better look at what was
causing the outbursts, considering it was usually relatively quiet about the building, this was definitely not in the norm for 1PP. "Grandpa! Help!" Sean managed
to scream as loud as he could, hoping with everything in him, that Frank would come to his rescue. "Let him go," Baker hurried to the group. "He's the PC's
grandson." "We didn't know that," the officers looked both shocked and embarrassed. "He's Detective Reagan's son," Baker clarified. "The Detectives kids
never come running in here like a bunch of hooligans, one of the officers spoke up, clearly out of breath, after the long chase." "Well then I'm sure he has a
good reason," Baker looked down at the boy. Frank didn't even get a chance to say a word, the second he walked out of his office and Sean caught a glimpse
of him, Sean ran to him, burying his face in Frank's shirt. "Sean what's wrong?" Frank picked him up and carried him into his office, vaguely a bit concerned,
knowing that neither of his grandchildren, especially his youngest would be running around New York without one of his parents, nor he knew both Danny and
Linda were at work. "Grandpa, you've got to help, you have to call my Dad," Sean was obviously freaking out, "Andy and Jack are in trouble." "What are you
talking about Sean?" Frank sat him down on the couch in the office next to him, hoping to get the boy to at least calm down enough to make since. "They are
at the bank with Uncle Jamie and his partner," Sean started. "Why are they at the bank, and why is that bad?" Frank was still totally confused, trying to figure
out why they would be in danger if they were with Jamie. "Me, Andy and Jack skipped out on the youth center so we could go to the movies," Sean hated to
start out at the beginning, knowing that was the part that could get him in trouble. "Continue," Frank wasn't exactly thrilled with that bit of information, but let
it slide, knowing the rest of his family was obviously in some kind of trouble. "We went into the bank to try to get away from Uncle Jamie, hoping he wouldn't
see us, but unfortunately he was obviously going into the bank. We were just about to sneak out undetected when three guys came in and grabbed us." "How
did you get away?" Frank interrupted. "Andy kicked the guy that was holding us, and then she yelled for me to run," Sean explained. "Since the guy let go, why
didn't she run away," Frank was confused? "Probably so she could stay with Jack," Sean shrugged.
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It only took one call to get snipers, a hostage negotiator, ESU, and half of the NYPD out to the Liberty Commerce Bank, including case holder and senior
Detective Daniel Reagan, whom Frank decided to call personally seeing it was his children that were being held hostage. "I understand this is your case?"
Hostage negotiator Lieutenant James Condo looked at Danny who was perched under the canopy they had set up. "It is," Danny nodded. "What are the
aspects of the case?" James questioned trying to figure everything out. "There's been a series of bank robberies for the past three weeks, they hit one bank a
week, taking 3 million on each hit. Three men dressed all in black, always wearing hoods which makes it difficult in recognizing them," Danny explained. "I've
got the air condition off, maybe if we make them uncomfortable enough and I stay on the phone, they will give themselves up." "Maybe?" Danny looked at the
man confused. "There are children in there and you want to take a chance on a maybe," Danny didn't like relying on maybes, although he had to admit that
turning the AC off may make them remove their hoods. He knew it would be extremely hot inside the bank, maybe even a bit stifling, but he figured it wouldn't
hurt the kids too much to get a little warm. He didn't like either of his children in there, but he had to admit he was grateful Sean wasn't in there, considering
he had just gotten over from being sick. "Listen Reagan, I know your kids are in there, but you just have to trust me on this, I'll try to get them released," the
lieutenant picked up the phone to get a call into the bank. "How's it going? Can I get you anything?" "3 million dollars and an escape route out of here with no
questions asked," one of the men they called Marcus who seemed to be the leader answered. "Let the hostages go, and I will see what I can do." "I'll let them
go," Marcus sighed, not caring for all the crying from all the hostages, "all but the kids and the cops." "Let the kids go, they can't do anything for you," the
lieutenant tried again, "they have to be causing trouble for you, they are kids after all." "Not especially," Marcus didn't seem bothered by the kids at all. "Let me
talk to one of them," James figured if he could get the man to put one of the kids on the phone, he could at least get Danny to get a little information out of
them. "They can't come to the phone at this time," Marcus sounded like an answering machine. "They are unavoidably detained in one of the holding rooms
along with the officers," he said before hanging up the phone.
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"Grandpa are you mad at me?" Sean turned away from the window to look at his grandfather who was trying to at least act like he was working, although
Frank had to admit his mind wasn't exactly on the paperwork on his desk, at least not with his son and grandchildren being held hostage. "Right now I'm not
real happy with neither you or your siblings considering you put yourself in danger by leaving the center," Frank admitted, as he tried to rub the pressure out of
his head that had begun to form the second he learned his family was in danger. "Are you going to give me the Frank Reagan Special?" Sean asked
approaching the desk, although he had to admit he was partially afraid of the answer. Frank very seldom spanked any of his grandchildren, and Sean knew it,
but considering the way Frank was currently looking Sean wouldn't have put it past him. "And how did you hear about the Frank Reagan Special," Frank looked
at the boy confused? "Dad said something about it," Sean said wide-eyed. "And just what did he have to say about it," Frank wondered aloud? "Nothing good
if that's what you're asking," Sean shook his head. "Hmm," Frank hid his simile behind his coffee cup, at least I did something right, he thought to himself, of
how well his son had grown up. "But to get back to your question, no I'm not going to spank you, I'm going to let your Daddy handle your punishment, I'm sure
he will no doubt be able to come up with something fitting." "No doubt," Sean mumbled before going back to the window. "Would you like me take Sean for a
few minutes," Baker offered, thinking she may give her boss a few minutes alone."No he's fine," Frank patted his grandson who was looking at things on the
shelf behind his desk. "I'm more than capable of handling my grandchildren." "Yes Sir," Baker said immediately just trying to help, "I didn't mean to imply
otherwise." "I know you didn't Baker," Frank shook his head, "my mind is elsewhere," he admitted before telling her to bring his detail around, with plans to go
to the bank himself.
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"I think we just accidentally stumbled upon your brother's case," Jamie's partner Officer Eddie Janko blew out a long breath from where she sat on the floor
nearest the door. "Unfortunately," Jamie ran a hand through his hair, "how is it possible that they trap three Reagan's in the same bank at the same time?" "Do
you think they know you're a Reagan," Eddie wondered? "I don't think so," Jamie shook his head, "all he knows is that we're cops and I supposedly know the
kids," Jamie nodded at the kids in the corner. "Let's just hope they don't find out," Eddie said both hoping and praying. "That reminds me," Jamie called Andy
and Jack to him. "No matter what happens, we can't let the bad guys know that we are Reagan's," Jamie tried to use a bit more child friendly term although it
wasn't exactly necessary with Reagan kids. "And even if they find out that I'm a Reagan, whatever you do, do not call me Uncle Jamie, we don't want them to
know that we are related." "But why not," Jack looked at him confused? "Because it could mean trouble for all of us," Jamie looked at the boy very seriously.
"They could try to kidnap us, or they could even raise the stakes." "Yes Sir," Jack knew better to question his Uncles order. "How long do you think we're going
to be stuck in here?" Andy sighed pacing the floor of the small room. "I don't know Andy, hopefully the negotiator is making strides," Jamie knew standard
procedure for hostage cases. "Do you think Dads here," Jack asked the next question? "His kids are here, and it's his case," Jamie shrugged having very little
doubts that his brother wasn't going stir crazy this very moment trying to get inside the building.
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I'm going in there, Danny made up his mind, not even caring to bother if they ordered him not too, his family was in there, he knew Jamie would take care of his
kids, but who would take care of him, if they hurt him. "We need to get somebody in there," Danny ran a hand through his hair for about the hundredth time
that afternoon. "It wouldn't hurt, but there really is no safe entrance without getting shot the second they walk in," the Lieutenant knew it was more than
certain. "Is there a back door," Danny questioned? "There is, but it's triggered by an alarm if anyone opens it." "Can it be disarmed?" "From the inside, the only
way it could be done outside is by cutting the power to the entire building." "That wouldn't absolutely be a terrible thing," the Lieutenant admitted, "but it
would let them know we are making our move and take away the element of surprise." "What about a skylight?" Danny was weighing his options, finally
deciding on the roof. "It's an option," the lieutenant wasn't exactly ready to give up knowing hostage situations sometimes lasted for over 24 hours, the only
problem with this case was there were children inside, the Commissioners grandchildren at that. "I'm going in," Danny said checking his service weapon. "I
can't let you do that Detective," James shook his head. "And why not," Danny was obviously a little upset? "If you go in there I'm going to lose control of the
situation." "You're not going to lose control, I'm going to sneak in undetected," Danny tried to reason with him. "It wouldn't be safe, especially with your
children in there, your judgment may be clouded." Danny noticed it was the first time the Lieutenant referred to the hostages as his children. "No it won't
Lieutenant, I can assure you," Danny didn't blink, his face showing complete and utter seriousness, "besides this is my case." "I'm sorry Detective," the
Lieutenant shook his head, knowing it would be a lousy career move to send in the PC's eldest son, considering his youngest was already in there. "Let him go
Lieutenant," a voice Danny knew all too well spoke up from somewhere behind him. "Commissioner," the Lieutenant sounded surprised. Danny nodded a thank
you towards his father but didn't say anything, there would be time for words later when his children and brother weren't in danger. The only person he knew
he needed to speak to was his eight year old little boy standing closely behind his grandfather. "Hey buddy," Danny knelt down in front of him before wrapping
him in a tight hug, grateful that he had at least one child safe. "Are you okay," Danny asked a minute later? "I'm fine Daddy, Andy got me out." "I'm glad she
did," Danny smiled, "but right now I've got to go get her and your brother." Danny hated to leave the boy, after the stressful day, they've already had, but he
didn't have a choice, he had to go rescue the rest of his family. "And Uncle Jamie too," Sean was worried? "Yes," Danny smiled, "I'll get Jamie too." "Be careful,"
Sean hugged him again. "I will," Danny nodded, "stay here with your Grandpa until I get back." Standing, Danny fastened a bullet proof vest over his chest,
before nodding again at his father and turned to walk away. Frank hated to see his son walking into harm's way, especially with the little boy standing next to
him watching as well. But that was the job and Frank knew that when the situation called for it, and when Danny was in the mindset he was in at this
particular moment in time, he knew there was no one better.
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"Why is it so hot in here," Jack tried to fan himself? "They cut the AC, it's one of the first things negotiators do," Jamie explained. "That makes things go from
bad to worse," Jack whispered, his hair sticking to his head. "No," Andy disagreed, "worse would be if dad would have walked through the door of the bank
rather than the actual bank robbers," Andy didn't seem to be to bothered regarding the entire incident, the only thing she could think about was how much
trouble they were going to be in when or if they actually got out of there alive. Then again when Danny got a hold of them, she didn't think death would be
much of a step higher. "Oh no," Jacks eyes went wide, "I didn't even think about Dad." "How can you think of anything else?" Andy paced, wishing there would
at least be a window she could look out, or at least open and get a head start of running away. "Uncle Jamie just shoot us, it wouldn't be murder, it would be a
mercy killing," Jack was turning pale as he slid down to the ground. "Nice try kid, but you got yourself into this one all on your own," Jamie smiled for the first
time since he walked into the bank several hours earlier. "And here I thought cops were supposed to protect those who couldn't protect themselves," Jack laid
his head in his hands. "What do you think the perps are going to do to us," Eddie looked at Jamie seriously? "Nothing compared to what Danny's going to do to
us," Andy interrupted. "Alright that's enough, can the Danny comments," Jamie was a little tired of not being able to talk serious to his partner, and decided to
take the authoritative position considering he was their uncle, and technically their guardian, at least until Danny got there, and when that happened, Jamie
admitted that he would be more than ready to relinquish that role.
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It was only a three story building, and Danny managed to get through the skylight with relatively no problems, which actually surprised him more than
anything. The third floor was completely clear, Danny noticed after surveying each of the rooms. He had just gotten started on the second floor when he heard
voices coming from just outside of one of the rooms. Danny listened for a brief moment hoping to recognize one or all of the voices, hoping they belonged to his
family. Recognizing his kid brother's voice, Danny placed a hand on the doorknob, it was locked. Normally he would have just kicked the door open, but that
would make noise, and he needed to be discreet. He had been trained to pick a lock but that took time, time they didn't have. The doorknob looked old, Danny
figuring it was just a supply closet. After brief consideration Danny made a decision, he was going to have to pop the lock with strength. He had also done this
before, it wasn't easy, but it could done if the doorknob was old enough. After placing a pocketknife on the door jam, and using his other hand to hold fast to
the doorknob, Danny managed to pry it open. Rushing into the room, Danny had to sidestep to avoid being hit by Eddie, who thought he was one of the perps.
"Eddie No, it's my brother," Jamie stopped her. "I'm so sorry Detective Reagan," Eddie said wide-eyed. "I had no idea," she felt terrible, thinking she was just
seconds away from knocking their rescuer and an NYPD detective to the floor for that matter. "Its fine Officer Janko," Danny barely had time to get a word in
before Andy and Jack rushed him. "Daddy!" They said simultaneously Danny having to press his weight against the wall in order to avoid being knocked down
by his own children who's thoughts of concern about being in trouble literally fled the moment they laid eyes on him, both just thrilled to see him again,
considering they both knew they could have been killed. "You okay?" Danny looked over at his brother, still holding onto his children, thinking he may never let
them go again. "Glad to see you," Jamie admitted. "So what's the plan," Eddie was more than ready to get out of there? "I came from the skylight on the roof,"
Danny enlightened them. "Take my kids and get out of here, Jamie and I'll take the perps by surprise and we will be home free." "Sounds easy enough," Jamie
mumbled, knowing that nothing was as easy as it seemed, especially when it came to he and his brother. "But Dad," Andy was the first to speak, "we want to
stay with you." "I know honey, and I want you too, but I have to get these guys, and I can't do that if I'm worrying about you," Danny placed a hand one on
each of his children's shoulders. "You are going to be careful right?" There was with no mistaking the fear in Jacks eyes. "Always," Danny nodded. "And you're
going to come after us as soon as you're finished?" Danny recognized the same look in his daughter's eyes that was in his sons. "I promise," Danny hugged
them one last time before issuing orders. "My dad's out there," Danny looked directly at Janko, "take my kids and get them to him." Danny knew that Frank
would be able to take care of them until he got out, or if he didn't make it, after he and Jamie went after the perps. "Yes Sir," Janko was ready to move as soon
they were ready to make their move. "You and I are going to attempt an element of surprise," Danny glanced at Jamie, "there's only three of them right?"
"Right," Jamie clarified. "Are they heavily armed," Danny moved on to his next question. "Just handguns, the ones they had when they came in and now mine
and Janko's," Jamie nodded at his partner. "I figured as much," Danny reached for one of the guns he had stuck in his belt behind him, "which is why I brought
you a present. "Glad you thought of this," Jamie admitted, sticking the gun in his belt. "Alright guys, I'll see you in a few minutes," Danny looked at kids
seriously, "once you get outside don't leave your Grandpas side." "Yes Sir," the two nodded before following close behind Officer Janko, after Danny pointed out
the stairwell to them.
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Sneaking down the remaining of the stairs, Jamie and Danny split ways, one on each side of the bank. The two brothers had worked together before, more
lately, since Danny adopted Andy he noticed, which was enough to drive him crazy all on its own. Working together, made things easier, Danny had to admit,
especially since they were brothers, and knew each others strengths and weaknesses. Danny jumped on Marcus, and just about had him subdued, until Chris
took him by surprise, things could have been a lot worse had it not been for Jamie who laid Chris out with a shot to the chest. Danny just barely beat Marcus to
the draw who had time to recover while Danny was a little pre-occupied with Chris. This left Ryan the only perp standing, and both Reagan brothers held a
fixed glare on him. Ryan knew there wasn't much he could do, fighting it out would be futile and eventually he would get shot just like his friends. After a
second of thought Ryan surrendered, and Danny cuffed him. By now there were officers flooding the building, and were able to take Ryan from the Reagan
boys, allowing Danny and Jamie to rejoin Frank and the kids, who were doing their best to remain calm, when in reality all they wanted to do was get a glimpse
of their father. "Dad!" Andy, Jack and Sean ran to him the second they saw him approaching. Danny smiled as he wrapped them all in a group hug, grateful they
were all safe. He knew he was going to have to talk to them about the whole incident, but that would be later, after they've all had a chance to gather their
bearings, and Danny triple checked to make sure his children were completely unharmed.
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"What happened to your cheek," Danny brushed a gentle hand down the side of his daughters face? "Nothing," Andy shied away. "It had to be something,"
Danny left his hand on her cheek, "it's starting to show a bruise." "Ryan hit her, for kicking him and giving Sean the chance to run away," Jack squealed figuring
Danny should know. "What!" Danny looked around the crowded street for the officer he handed Ryan over to, more than wanting to get a few minutes with the
perp he just arrested. "Spotting him," Danny turned to walk away. "Danny," Frank stopped him, "Don't do it Son." Danny heard him but kept walking away, his
mind was on the man that hurt his daughter. "Let me go," Jamie glanced at Frank before running to catch up with his brother. "Danny wait," Jamie cut him off.
"Get out of my way Jamie," Danny obviously had a one track mind. "Danny you know you can't do this, it'll get you jammed up and there's nothing Dad will be
able to do to help you," Jamie warned. "I don't care about that," Danny shook him off. "Well you should, you'd probably get a rip for a couple weeks and this
job feeds your children." "I'll worry about that later," Danny kept walking. "In that case maybe you should start worrying about your children, they need you
now," Jamie's voice was a tad bit higher than normal. Danny stopped and looked directly at his brother, "Jamie the guy hit my kid, and nobody ever hits my kid
and gets away with it." "He isn't going to get away with it, and I'm sure Erin will prosecute to the fullest extent, and since the majority of our witnesses are
Reagan's we won't have to worry about them backing down on the stand." Danny chuckled, allowing his thoughts to turn to his children, "that's for sure." "You
know you'd be proud of Andy, she's the one that alerted everyone, as well as the one that was responsible for getting all the hostages that got out at the
beginning with Sean." Danny smiled, "I'm always proud of my kids," he said turning to go back to them.
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"Does it hurt," he squatted down in front of her? "A little," Andy shrugged, "but not nearly as much as my lip." "What happened to your lip," Danny questioned,
just now beginning to notice how she had been keeping it tucked away? "It split when he hit me, but it got worse because I knocked into a counter when I
fell." Danny sighed and ran a hand through his hair, this guy was really ticking him off, and he was on his way to a holding cell. "The more I keep finding out
from Andy, I think I'm going to get the kids checked out by one of the EMT's," Danny looked over at Frank. "That's a good idea," Frank nodded, "they are
probably in shock after being held hostage for so long." "They seem to be alright for wear, at least for the most part," Danny mentioned looking over the three,
who were busily watching the other officer's pack up all the equipment. "I'm sure they are fine, but I'd go easy on them tonight if I were you," Frank would
never presume to tell his son how to raise his children, but after taking one good luck at the kids, it was obvious they were all still scared, and completely
exhausted. "I'm not going to be too hard on them," Danny could barely take his eyes off of them, too afraid something might happen to them again. "I just
can't, not after all this." "I think they learned a very valuable lesson," Frank nodded, "bet they will think twice before they run off somewhere." "That's what I'm
hoping," Danny sighed before calling the kids over to him. "Can we go home now?" Sean attached himself to Danny. "Not yet Son, at least not until I get you
checked out and you get a full bill of health." "Dad were fine," Jack complained yawning. "I know your tired Jack, but you're going to let the EMT check you out,"
Danny looked at him seriously. "Yes Sir," Jack yawned again shaking his head, "sorry, I guess I'm just tired." "I know buddy," Danny patted his back, "and we
will be heading home as soon as we can, I know your mother will be wanting to make sure you are still in one piece." "Hopefully she's cooking something, I'm
hungry," Andy spoke up. "I'm sure she is," Danny laughed, "I'm sure she's had to do something to keep her mind off of everything," Danny led them over to the
nearest bus and EMT.
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After getting the kids fed, Linda sent them upstairs to get cleaned up and ready for bed. "I guess I should go up and talk to them, I'm sure they are finished by
now," Danny pushed his chair back. "What are you going to do," Linda looked at him concerned? "I'm not going to spank them if that's what you are worried
about," Danny shook his head, "but I have to talk to them now, if not they will be up all night worrying." Linda smiled as she cleaned up the dinner dishes, he
could be hard on them sometimes, but there was no denying he wouldn't go straight to mush anytime they called him Daddy or needed him to rescue them.
"You ready for bed?" Danny stopped off at Sean's room first. "Almost," Sean said pulling his pajama shirt over his head. "Sean," Danny sat him down next to
him. "How did you find 1PP on your own?" "I don't know," Sean said honestly, "I just started running, and when I finally stopped, I knew where I was." "I
guess we should be grateful you ran in that direction then," Danny mentioned. "I guess so," Sean admitted, "I guess I really haven't thought about it." "Maybe
you should, you realize that you could have gotten lost, and I wouldn't have had any earthly idea, of where to even start looking," Danny looked at him
seriously. "I'm sorry Daddy, I won't ever do it again," Sean looked at him intently, "I don't want something bad to happen to me, Jack or Andy." "I know buddy,"
Danny hugged him again, "but you're still going to be grounded for a month," he added before tucking him in and moving on to Jacks room. "After the talk we
had last time you ran off, I kind of got the impression you wouldn't do it again," Danny looked at him seriously. "I didn't think so either," Jack sounded surprised
that he actually went through with it. "Then why did you?" Danny already had a feeling what Jack was going to say, but he kind of wanted to hear the boy say
it anyways. "I don't know, we just got bored and Andy thought it was a good idea, and she's older, so I just kind of followed." "You know something Son,
you're going to have to start thinking for yourself. Maybe start leading rather than following. Then maybe you wouldn't be in this mess at all," Danny said
pointedly, "besides haven't you learned that listening to Andy only gets you into trouble." "No kidding," Jack leaned against his headboard, "I'm never going to
the bank again, heck I may never leave the house again." "I think I can help arrange that, considering your grounded for a month, aside from school, you are
not going anywhere," Danny took that time to make the boys wish come true. "That's not what I meant," Jack shook his head. "I know, but you'll get used to
the idea," Danny hugged him before cutting the light off and moving on to Andy's room. "Please tell me this is the last time you get involved in one of my
cases," Danny decided to start out a bit lighter than usual. Andy turned away from the window she was staring out of and just looked at him, "I don't even
know what to say, sorry doesn't even begin to cover this one." "So I take it you learned a very valuable lesson," Danny walked further into her bedroom.
"Very," Andy mumbled. "You know according to your Uncle Jamie, you acted like a regular Reagan in the bank, thinking of others before yourself." "I didn't do
anything special," Andy shrugged. That's a Reagan for you, Danny thought to himself. "I'm proud of you, you know, trying to take care of Sean and all." "I wish I
could have gotten Jack out as well, but I couldn't think of anything. So I figured that if things went really wrong in there, at least you'd have one of your
biological kids." "Whoa!" Danny looked at her confused. "What's this about biological kids, you've never said anything like that?" "Doesn't it matter to you, that
they have your blood and were born to you." "None the least," Danny pulled her towards him, her head finding a place on his chest. "I think of each of you the
same, it would literally kill me if l was to loose either one of you, which is why I'm always so hard on you when it comes to risking your safety." "Really?" Andy
didn't trust herself to actually look him in the eye, too afraid the tears that were beginning to form would fall freely if she did. "Really," Danny lifted her chin,
"there's too many things I still want to be able to do with you guys, especially you, considering we haven't had as much time together." "Thanks Daddy," Andy
felt much younger than twelve as she wrapped her arms around him. "You don't have to thank me, that's what I'm here for." "And for the record," Andy picked
her head up to look at him a smile slowly beginning to form, "when I stumbled onto your case, it was totally an accident." "I appreciate that Miss Reagan,
because for a minute there I was beginning to wonder if you were trying to take my job from me." "Not yet," Andy shook her head. "At least not for another
month," Danny pulled the covers up to her chin, "because that's how long you're grounded for, and will be doing absolutely nothing." "So does this mean, I
don't have to go to school," Andy sounded excited for the first time that day? "You wish," Danny laughed before turning the light out and returning down the
stairs to talk to Linda.
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"Just thought I'd let you know they are all still breathing," Danny announced nearly falling to the couch in utter exhaustion, saving your kids from danger really
took it out of you he noticed. "Are they all in bed," Linda asked lying down on the love seat? "They are all tucked in and probably asleep the second their heads
hit the pillow, I think they were running on mere fumes," Danny himself yawned. "Do you think they are okay, emotionally I mean," Linda asked after several
minutes of silence? "They seem fine," Danny shrugged, "happy to be home." "Probably because they know they are safe," Linda was more than grateful she
had them all safe and sound and in her home. "The worst thing that happened to them is they all got sacred and experienced a little discomfort without the AC.
Andy's a little banged up, but it's nothing too permanent." "Speaking of Andy, she was much quieter than usual when she got home, and it had to be
something much more than being worried about being in trouble with us," Linda voiced her concern. "I noticed that," Danny nodded, "she was the same when I
went up to talk to her." "How so," Linda looked at him confused? "Most of the time when she's in trouble she comes up with some way to joke about it," Danny
was beginning to look just as tired as his children were just moments ago. "But not this time," he shook his head, "this time she didn't say much at all. I think
this really scared her." "I hope you managed to calm her down somewhat." "She's fine now, but it wasn't just about the bank incident." "Is she okay?" Linda
was close to jumping up off the love seat, running up the stairs and gathering the little girl in her arms. "She thought it would affect us more if we were to lose
Jack or Sean, rather than her, which is why she got Sean out of the building." "What?" Linda's heart was literally breaking. "I think I managed to convince her of
otherwise, but I kind of think it would be a good idea, when this is all over and things calm down a bit, I'd kind of like to send the boys to Dads or Jamie's and
you and I spend a little time with just Andy." "That's a good idea, we should have done it long before now," Linda had to admit she was excited about getting
to spend a little one on one time with their eldest child, the child they still had so much to learn about. "You know I hate to say it, but perhaps all this
happening is a good thing," Danny was careful with his words. "But I think they are finally beginning to understand what I have been trying to tell them for so
long. That New York can be a dangerous place at times and there are some really bad people out there." "Thank God your brother was there," Linda knew they
probably would have been a lot more frightened had it not been for Jamie there with them, considering they knew he would protect them no matter what. "The
boy finally came in handy," Danny smiled, "and to think of all those times I considered selling him when we were kids."
I really enjoyed writing this chapter, I think it is safe to say it is one of my favorites... Thanks again for all the favorites, follows, and reviews, you keep me writing...JusticeStandsTRUE