Title: The Guardian – Book II
Chapter 21 – The Best Laid Plans

The family dinner that night, despite a bit of tension at the start, comes to a close with a relaxed nature and everyone going their own way with contented smiles and happy hearts.

"Thanks for a wonderful night," Linda tells Danny as they head for Linda's home; Danny driving. "Now you seem relaxed," she comments lightly as her hand rests on his as they near her home.

"I just wanted it to be…you know first time to be great," Danny answers honestly. "Frank takes these family dinners so seriously and I wanted it to be…yeah perfect but I also wanted you to enjoy it and…did you?" Danny's voice rambles nervously; Linda's giving him a kind smile before she leans over and kisses his cheek.

"You worry too much."

"Can't help it. You seemed more relaxed than I was," Danny admits as they near her home.

"Well I know them all right? But it was nice to see them all in a more…"

"Relaxed?"

"Family setting. Dinner was great. Still can't believe you helped make it," she lightly quips.

"I'm a man of many talents," Danny playfully boasts as he brings the car to a stop.

"Oh really?" She arches her brows as he looks at her with a war smile.

"Yup…many," he whispers as he leans in closer, his hands cupping her face as he brings her lips near to his; crushing them a few seconds later.

XXXXXXXX

"Hey…you're still awake?" Danny pops his head into Jamie's bedroom about half hour later.

"Yeah…can't sleep," Jamie huffs as he watches Danny enter his bedroom and then slump down onto the floor beside him. "Did Linda have fun tonight?"

"I think she was relieved that Frank asked Jack a few tough questions and not her," Danny snickers as he looks down at the book in Jamie's grasp. "Advanced…English? You know English goober," Danny teases as he playfully puts his arm around Jamie's neck and ruffles his hair; Jamie's lips uttering a soft squeal as he finally pulls away. "Are you actually reading that?"

"No…I uh…I'm worried about George. He had a stroke and yeah he's at the shelter but he probably won't stay and if he goes onto the street again…Danny he had a stroke and fell down the stairs. What if he broke something and…who would take care of him?"

"What about that Alan guy you mentioned?"

"I guess but…Nora would help but she's old herself and…when I saw Alan I uh…well he scared me in the tunnels abut I just thought he was the same as everyone else."

"And?" Danny replies.

"Maybe I could you know…do cases on the side to help the homeless and guys like Alan?"

"Help them with what? Unpaid parking tickets?"

"Danny, don't make fun," Jamie replies with a small protest as he tries to pull away.

"Okay sorry…help them in what way?"

"To find homes and jobs for them," Jamie shrugs.

"So…you want to run for office now?" Danny retorts as Jamie punches his arm. "Ow…sorry," Danny offers a small frown. "I think it's a great idea. But seriously…maybe you should go into politics?" Danny suggests with a serious expression.

"Right now I'm hoping to just graduate," Jamie replies with a heavy sigh as he his head rests on Danny's shoulder. "What do you think mom would think of me wanting to help George so much?" Jamie asks somewhat rhetorically. "I know…be careful and you can't save everyone."

"It finally clicked why you want to help George so much," Danny mentions as Jamie looks up at him in wonder. "Cecil."

"What? No," Jamie replies in agitation before he sinks back beside his brother. "Okay…so maybe that's it. I…I never thought of it but…maybe. Is it wrong?"

"No. But maybe because you befriended Cecil and he kinda became our guardian in the tunnels and then he died and you tried to save him but couldn't you really want to save George."

"He's my friend," Jamie replies somewhat weakly. "I do want to help him…I know I can't save him Danny but I don't want him to die yet," he sighs as he sags into Danny's frame; Danny's arm encircling his shoulders and pulling him close.

"So what chapter are you on in that thing?" Danny asks; Jamie's lips offering a soft snicker as they sit together for a few moments longer until it's time to go to bed.

XXXXXXXX

Despite the success of family dinner the night before, Frank's mind was too active and didn't allow him to get a good night's sleep. He kept seeing Jed Allen pop up right out of the blue, hurt Danny and take Jamie away from him – using the law to his advantage. He woke up in a sweat from a disturbing nightmare that intimated he never saw them again.

"Can't let that happen…not again…never again," Frank whispers as he slumps down at his desk and then looks at Scott Daniel's report.

'Nothing yet.'

He knows if he has to go before the DA to try to ask for some leniency in his dealing with Louis Watson that he'll have to confess it's for personal reasons; he's using the legal system to make deals for his own personal affairs. I can't do that…there has to be another way…

"You wanted me boss?" Spencer comes into Frank's office a few moments later. "Still working on Vickers."

"I have something I want you to do for me personally."

"For the boys?"

"Yes. Troy told me to talk to Louis Watson but if I go in there asking for him to give me an idea where Jed Allen might be you know what he's going to say."

"What can you do for me?"

"Exactly. And I can't go to the DA asking for leniency for something that is…personal."

"You want me to ask Louis Watson?"

"Ask? No…I don't want you to ask," Frank replies as Spencer's lips spread into a wide smile. "Thought you'd like that. But go easy…no police brutality charges."

"Now you just took the fun out of it. How am I supposed to get the truth out of him without beating it out of him?"

"Reverse psychology. Make him…want to tell us."

"Re…ah got it," Spencer nods as he slowly pushes himself out of the chair before Frank's desk.

XXXXXXXX

"Anton, are you sure? Sonny Malvesky?" Henry asks in shock. "He's one of the three names who've accessed that account?"

"I'm not sure what role he's playing – yet, but in the past few weeks, two people in Rikers have accessed that account and he's one of them. I'll let you know when I have something more but at least you're not having any dealings with him. Henry…I gotta tell ya…Sonny is one scary son of a bitch!"

XXXXXXXX

Sonny looks at the calendar on his jail cell wall and narrows his gaze; his eyes fixing on one date as his brain continues to formulate his plan.

"NYPD…annual…barbeque," he whispers to himself as a small twisted smile curls his lips upward. "Everyone will be there…especially the Reagan's."

He thinks about a few other things he must put in place but knows it'll be worth it. And it'll end with Frank Reagan's death.

"Perfect. And then…those two staying with you. Jamie…and Danny…"

XXXXXXXX

Jamie reaches the shelter and locks his bike outside. He had told his brother and Erin that he was just going for a ride to see George and would be back early afternoon. He knows that Henry had told him not to go into the tunnels alone but Jamie reasons that if after visiting George he rode by the bowling alley and didn't go into the tunnels he'd be okay.

Jamie settles in to talk to George about Lucas, Anna and Tiffany; his three closest and why he hates school bullies and just bullies in general. He tells George about the two punks who had accosted the older man in the street. George of course gives him the same scolding that Henry had given him; Jamie nodding in agreement but at the same time had already made up his mind to return to the alley behind the bowling alley and see if those two guys had come back.

And that's exactly what happens. About two hours later, George had fallen asleep while Jamie was reading, Jamie giving his hand a small squeeze and promising to return before he slipped out. But as he rides his bike toward the bowling alley, his mind reminds him that if they are there and up to no good, to call the police before taking action.

But that doesn't happen. As soon as he rounds the corner and sees the two punks beating up the same old man he had mistaken for George a few days back, his anger surges and he pedals toward them at top speed.

"HEY!" Jamie shouts as he nears one and then literally jumps off the bike; letting his body slam into the nearest one. The two of them tumble to the ground, rolling a few feet before landing in painful jumble of arms and legs. "Leave him alone!" Jamie shouts as the other punk reaches in and grabs Jamie's arms, trying to pull him back.

"Hold the little bastard!" The older one shouts as he twists around and punches Jamie's flailing body in the stomach.

Jamie's lips utter a grunt as his body absorbs another blow. His leg automatically lifts and kicks his attacker in the groin, making him yelp in pain and pull away. He tries to twist himself out of the grasp of the one holding him captive, wanting to get his arms and fists free.

"You're…gonna pay!" The first one's angry voice bellows as he tries to lunge at Jamie again.

Jamie finally manages to get his right arm free and just as the first one tries to punch him, his body is able to move slightly to the left, causing the first one to punch the second. Jamie's frame finally slides free, plunking to the ground on his knees just as the first one pounces, forcing Jamie's body to slam to the rough cement.

"AHH!" Jamie's lips call out as he sustains a punch to the nose, making it send forth a few dribbles of blood. He tries to twist himself free but with the two on top of him now, it's a losing battle. But before it can get any worse, he feels the weight suddenly lifted off him. In that moment, he's not sure who the helping hand is coming from but quickly takes advantage of it by sending up his fist and punching the one within striking distance.

"BEAT IT!" A gruff male voice shouts as Jamie finally looks up to see who had come to his rescue.

"Alan?" He asks weakly as the two punks finally scramble; vowing revenge as they race down the alleyway.

"Jamie…are you okay?" Alan asks as he kneels beside Jamie, his hand resting protectively on his back as he hands Jamie a Kleenex to dab his nose with.

"Yes…is he okay?" Jamie's head as he nods toward the older man lying a few meters away.

"I'll check. You wait here."

Jamie looks up and then wipes his nose, looking down at the deep crimson on the white material in his grasp and he frowns. Then he looks over toward his bike and his heart sinks. "Oh no…" he laments as he looks at the dented front end. "Joe's bike," he whispers as his eyes water.

XXXXXXXX

As Danny walks into the precinct in search of Renzulli, his eyes instantly rest on a set of eyes watching him as he enters. Larry Abalos – Joe's former TO and friend. Danny gives him a small nod as he continues on in his quest. "Hey…" Danny tosses out lightly as he passes a few uniformed officers.

He sees Frank in the distance talking to Senator Poole and tells himself politics is serious business and it's not his place to interrupt.

"Danny?"

"Hey…Tony," Danny greets officer Renzulli.

"What's going on? Everything okay?"

"Oh yeah…I was um…just wondering if could come on another ride-along? You know…anything more to be retired or whatever?"

"Tell you what. Tomorrow my set is over. You come by here and I'll ask the Chief if can take a car out for a ride for an hour and I'll show you what a short day in the life is like without…actually flipping on the sirens."

"Not even once?" Danny retorts as he looks up to see Larry watching them with a strained expression. "I think he hates me."

"He'll come around. He's a good cop. So do we have a deal?"

"We do," Danny smiles as he shakes Renzulli's hand.

"How's Jamie?"

"He's okay. I think he's visiting George right now. Speaking of George, did anyone call about him?"

"No," Renzulli answers in haste.

"Do you mean…George Williams?"

Both Danny and Renzulli look at the desk clerk as they approach.

"Yeah…did someone call about him?" Danny asks in haste.

"Actually...yes."

XXXXXXXX

"I should go. I need to get this fixed before um…" Jamie's downcast eyes look up at Alan in remorse. "I broke Joe's bike. He's um…"

"Your brother?" Alan interjects as Jamie nods in agreement as he casts a morose look at the dented bike a few feet away. "Will he be mad?"

"He's dead. I was supposed to take care of this."

"Oh. Do you have some extra paint at home?"

"Yes. Why?" Jaime asks in wonder.

"Tell you what. You go and get yourself cleaned up, wipe away some of the blood and dirt and I'll fix it."

Jamie looks at Alan and hesitates for a few seconds before he finally nods and then slowly stands up.

"You're a good kid Jamie. Very…selfless," Alan starts before he gently stops Jamie in his tracks, Jamie's brows arching in wonder. "Just…be careful."

"Okay."

Jamie turns and slowly limps toward the back entrance to the bowling alley, letting himself inside and then up to the bathroom to get himself cleaned up. As he looks at his tense expression he mentally berates himself for thinking that Alan would want to steal his bicycle after he had helped save his life. "Stupid," Jamie groans as he gently wipes away some blood from his nose and cheek.

"Henry's going to kill me," he huffs in an undertone as he looks down at a few blood droplets on his light blue tee-shirt.

XXXXXXXX

Danny's heart thumps nervously in his chest as he and Renzulli near the bowling alley. He had called Jamie's phone but when he got no answer he automatically put a trace on it. Not at the shelter? Damn it! His anger had surged when he saw that Jamie was at the bowling alley and could only tell himself that he was either called in for a shift or…he went to check on another homeless person!

As much as he knows his brother has a soft spot in his heart for anyone under privileged, he worries that Jamie will end up in a hot spot that could render him some physical damage and that was unacceptable to him.

"Check the back first," Danny instructs Renzulli as the uniformed officer looks at him in wonder. "Just…trust me."

"Thought you said George was in a shelter?"

"Don't…ask. Okay so…what the hell? That guy! Stop the car!"

"Danny what is it?" Renzulli asks in haste as Danny's eyes narrow at Alan tending to Jamie's bike.

"Hey!" Danny shouts as he literally jumps out of the car before it actually stops; rushing toward a very startled Alan. "Hands off that bike!" Danny shouts as Renzulli hurries behind him. "Here's Jamie!"

"Whoa officer I just…"

"Where'd you get…what?" Danny stops just as Renzulli reaches his side. Officer?

"Hold on a second Danny. What's your name sir?" Renzulli asks in a calm tone.

"This bike is Jamie's. He's inside the bowling alley and…" Alan rattles off in haste.

"What happened to the bike?" Danny asks in concern. "Is my brother okay? Where is he?"

"Yes he's fine…"

"Danny?" Jamie's voice calls out as he busts through the back door and hurries toward the small crowd. "What's going on?"

"You tell me," Danny's irritation turns to Jamie as Renzulli and Alan trade sympathetic expressions. "Why are you here and why the hell do you look like you were in a fight? George is at the shelter, not here. Why are you here?"

Jamie feels Danny's irate glare starting to penetrate but a few seconds later, his expression softens and Jamie feels himself finally exhale. He looks up at Alan who slightly purses his lips and then steps up with a small nod.

"Jamie tried to help Norman and he took on two guys and got into a big of a scuffle before I pulled them off him and sent them running. They ruined the bike a bit but I was in the process of hammering out the few fender dents before you came and well here we are," Alan nervously rambles.

"I just wanted to help," Jamie adds.

"Next time call 9-11," Danny retorts with a small snap. "You said you were…ah damn it…is Norman okay?"

"He will be…thanks to Jamie's quick thinking," Alan answers in truth.

"Okay well…glad you're okay. We'll um…take it from here," Danny tells Alan and Jamie.

"Thanks Alan. I'll come see you again okay?"

"Jamie…" Danny interjects with a groan as Jamie turns to him with a frustrated expression. "What?"

"I can ride home."

"Your knee is bleeding," Danny's eyes drop to the small trickle of blood on Jamie's knee. "You didn't feel that?"

"Yes I uh…I only wanted to help. But I can ride home."

"We have a bike rack," Renzulli tells them in surprise.

"What are you two doing here?" Jamie inquires.

"Well…you're not going to believe this but one of George's family members has come forward to see him."

"What? Really?" Jamie asks as his smile literally brightens his entire face; the other males unable to do anything but smile as well.

"Yes."

"Who?"

"Come with us."

XXXXXXXX

As much as he regretted parting with Alan so abruptly he just couldn't believe that after hoping for so long about someone for George's family and almost ready to give up and face the harsh reality that George would die alone – someone was there. Danny had told him that it's not what Jamie might expect and not to get his hopes up; Jamie agreeing in haste. But Danny's mind can only question Jamie's conviction as he knows inside, Jamie's still going to get his hopes up that somehow this will lead to a chain reaction and George Williams getting to spend his last, however long he has left, on somewhere other than the streets.

As they near the precinct, Jamie's mind and heart both start to race with nervous anticipation. He remembers that they went to call on George's son with Scott that George's daughter, Pamela was the one who had gotten Renzulli's card. But as Danny reminded him that it could be anyone since he's sure the family would have gotten together, even just once and compared notes. So he settles in his mind that Pamela had come to see her father.

He'd be wrong.

Jamie's brow furrows when Danny and Renzulli part ways and someone stands up with a rather nervous smile. "Uh…hi?" Jamie greets as he looks at Renzulli who nods in confirmation. "I'm Jamie. You're here asking about George Williams?"

"Yes…I'm Heidi," the girl who looks about his age replies. "He's…my grandfather. My mom told me…well after I heard her talking to my Uncle, her brother about their father and um…it was sad and then she got off the phone and cried and I asked her but she said…" she pauses to take a breath. "Sorry…I'm just nervous about all this. Is he near here?"

"He's at a shelter," Jamie replies slowly.

"Okay," Heidi nods as she looks at the three male faces before her. "So…if you'll tell me which one I can…"

"So you can just see him and leave?" Jamie asks sharply and then frowns when Danny shoots him a warning glare.

"What? Well I'd like to stay longer but…"

"No I mean you come into his life for five minutes and then leave him alone again?"

"Easy Jamie," Danny warns softly.

"No I uh…well I know this is sudden but…I guess I just want to see him."

"Did your mother tell you the whole story?" Jamie can't help but wonder as he gestures for her to sit down on a nearby bench.

"Yes…for the most part. I don't know him so I don't get all the feelings but when I asked if I had grandparents on her side…well her parents she um…she said he was dead. Then she apologized and said he's alive but after he left he was dead to her and she just kept saying that. So after that I found the card and called Officer…"

"Renzulli," Renzulli interjects with a kind smile. "Jamie has done a lot for George."

"Does he really live on the streets?"

"Yes and he just had a stroke," Jamie answers with a somber sigh.

"What's he like?"

"George is great!" Jamie replies and then frowns. "Sorry…I guess I don't have the same history as your family does."

"My mother," Heidi quickly clarifies. "I asked her if I could get to know him. She at first was mad and said no. But then I pushed and she kinda gave in."

"And she doesn't know you're here?" Danny wonders.

"Well she kinda does. I left a note. I'm sure she's found it. She won't be mad. She might be disappointed but I told her that I wanted to at least meet him and she never said anything. I just didn't tell her it would be this soon."

"Can I ask why you're doing this now?"

"Jamie," Danny warns as Jamie looks up with pursed lips.

"I uh…I want to make peace in the family I guess. Silly notion right?" Heidi counters in her own defense.

"No…not really. I'm just…I worry about him."

"I just want to see him. I wish I could offer more but I can't."

At first Jamie wants to say no, telling her that she'll only give George some kind of false hope when she was in no place to take him home or help make peace in the family. But was it fair to George? Here his own granddaughter had taken the chance to sway her mother to her side and then pay to come by bus from middle of the state to see a man she's never met. How could he deny her that? He knows he can't. Despite his wanting to be overprotective for George's sake, he knows he has to allow George that little bit of happiness. It was only fair.

"You have the right to see him," Jamie answers weakly as he looks up at Danny in uncertainty.

"I can take you there right now," Danny volunteers as Jamie looks at Heidi and nods in agreement.

"Very brave thing to do in coming forward like this," Renzulli tells her as her and Jamie stand up.

"I get family grudges but I want to make up my own judgment and my mom said I could," Heidi answers in truth. "I think especially the homeless should know that someone out there does care for them…even if it's only one small voice…or in this case two," Heidi smiles at Jamie.

"Are you studying law by any chance?" Danny asks with a smirk.

"Human rights," Heidi replies without missing a beat.

"Cool," Jamie agrees as they head for the door.

"So much for a boring Monday," Renzulli ribs Danny who can only shake his head and mutter something about being a damn babysitter before he turns to follow. The day was far from boring.

A/N: Sorry for the delay. I have lost heart for this story and am trying to wrap a few things up so I hope you all liked this and please do review before you go and thanks so much.