I wanted to ignore the Captains warning and just stay at work but I knew if I didn't go home and at least talk to Aiden it could be a really bad situation. When I got home I had to laugh because Aiden had let Zebbie out and now she was racing around the yard as he tried to catch her. The dog, at least, looked like she was having a blast.

"Having problems?" I yelled out with a laugh.

"I'd like to see you get this stupid little dog in the house when she clearly doesn't want to go." Aiden spat back in frustration between gasps.

I had to laugh because as happy as Zebbie looked, Aiden looked equally as miserable. But no matter how amusing this little cat and mouse game was I decided to put the poor man out of his misery and whistled. Zebbie happily trotted right to me and into the house.

Aiden stalked toward me and muttered, "You suck!" as he too entered the house. I noticed though there was no anger or malice in his tone, it was more playful, like the old Aiden. Once I was in the kitchen he spoke up again, "What are you doing back? I thought I heard you leave over an hour ago."

"I did but I had an unexpected meeting with the Captain."

"He didn't take you off the case did he?" Aiden quickly asked.

"No. I thought he would but he said basically the thought hadn't crossed his mind."

"That's definitely good news. So what did he say that brought you back?"

"Well he was concerned because the…"

"Mommy!" Sebastian yelled happily as he ran into the kitchen and nearly tackled me.

""Morning baby. You must have slept well to have so much energy so early in the morning."

Sebastian just giggled as he gave me a hug. I wasn't sure if it was what I said or the little tickle I have his side was what made him laugh. "Can I make myself cereal?" He asked looking between Aiden and I obviously not sure who he should ask.

"Go for it little man." Aiden spoke up then added. "Your Mommy and I are gonna go talk in the living room."

"Okay," he shrugged and went about making breakfast.

As I turned to go to the other room I saw the newspaper bagged up on the table. I quickly snatched it and went to the living room.

Aiden looked confused as he joined me, "Why'd you grab the paper? Bash likes to look at the pictures during breakfast," he said with a smile. "It makes him feel like a big kid."

I pulled the paper out knowing what kind of headline there would be. When I unfolded it the blaring headline read "Christmas Tragedy: Family Slaughtered" with a large family portrait of our friends. I turned the paper towards him and questioned, "This what you want our son looking at over his Lucky Charms?"

"Shit, that was quick." was all Aiden could say shaking his head.

"Yeah, I know. This was what the Captain wanted to tell me about, for all our sakes."

"That was very thoughtful." Aiden replied and paused for a moment before adding. "I guess we should break the news to Bash."

"What news?" Sebastian asked innocently form the doorway. "Can I have the paper Mommy?"

My breath caught in my throat. There had been plenty of times I had to inform friends and family that their loved ones had been murdered, it was part of the job, but in this situation I was at a loss for words.

"Buddy, come sit down. We've gotta talk to you." Aiden said as he sat on the couch.

"Okay Daddy." Bash replied.

I could tell he was confused but he sat down next to Aiden anyways. I folded the paper and sat on the coffee table across from them.

"Something bad happened yesterday buddy." Aiden started.

"Did someone get hurt?" Bash quickly asked then added. "Is everyone okay?"

I was about to speak but Aiden shook his head slightly to me, indicating for me to stop.

"Somebody hurt some of our good friends little man, but Mommy's gonna find whoever did it."

"Who got killed?" Bash asked with tears in his eyes.

"What?" I blurted out.

"Mommy, you're a homicide detective. I may only be six but I know that means somebody killed somebody else."

I smiled slightly, "You're growing up too fast Bash, you know that?"

"Who Mommy?" he insisted.

There was no beating around the bush now. I looked at Aiden and he nodded so I answered. "Shaun and his parents."

Tears fell down Bash's face now. He sat quietly crying for a bit. Aiden and I kept looking from Bash to one another not sure what to say.

Finally Bash broke the silence, "Mommy? You and Aunty Haley are gonna make sure the guy who did this is punished, right?"

I looked into my sons wide teary eyes and with all the confidence I could muster I said, "Absolutely buddy. Aunt Kyla's helping too."

Bash nodded and said, "Good because bad men like that should be in jail!"

"I agree buddy."

Aiden chimed in, "Are you okay little man?"

Bash shrugged, "I dunno."

"This is really hard for all of us Bash," I said. "You know your Daddy and I were friends with Shaun's parents like you were with Shaun."

"Yeah," Aiden added. "Your Mommy and I grew up with Shaun's Daddy."

Bash remained quiet so I spoke again, "If you wanna talk about it we're here."

Bash looked like he was thinking hard through the tears. "Mommy?"

"Yeah?"

"You need to go to work and catch the bad guy." He said with conviction.

"Are you sure you don't want me here?"

"No, go catch the bad guy." He insisted as he stood. Then he pulled on my arm. "Go!"

I got up and walked toward the door with Bash pushing me. When I opened the door though he stopped me.

"Mommy?"

"Yes sweetheart?"

"You're gonna call Aunty Haley and make sure she's with you right?"

"Of course buddy." I said looking at him curiously because he'd never asked this before.

He seemed to sense my confusion and said, "You guys have to find a very bad man. You will keep each other safe."

I smiled, "We will!" I gave him a hug and walked out. I immediately texted Aiden. "Let me know if you need me here. I'll be home ASAP."

Aiden responded, "I will. I think he'll be okay if he knows you two are chasing down the bastard."

The killer smirked from her hiding spot, "So Bash thinks I'm a bad man? He has no idea what kind of woman I can be!"