A/N: Hi guys, how are you? Guess what? I'm back hehehehe

So what do you guys think about Sharon coming home? hehehehe I think it's about time, isn't it?

I hope you like this chapter.

Chapter 9

Christmas passed quickly for Andy. After his breakdown on Christmas Eve night he finally recovered and joined his family for the celebration. He was a little better now, not that the pain of Sharon's absence had lessened, but he filled it with work.

The team took a case just after the celebrations, a double murder that took up half the week and caused them to ignore Stroh for a bit. The week was gone in the blink of an eye and they were two days away from the new year and that looked like the killers were on the loose, they had barely closed the last case when one more fell into their laps.

"For God's sake, couldn't Robbery and Homicide solve this?" Provenza grunted for the third time. "It was obvious that was the husband, he found out that his wife was cheating on him and he killed his wife and her lover, what did they want? The man's signed confession at the crime scene?"

Andy rolled his eyes and tried to ignore his partner's grumble. Everyone was trying to finish the reports, but the older Lieutenant seemed to want to annoy everyone with his impatience.

"They could have left us alone, we wasted precious time".

"Could you stop for a minute? We already understand that Robbery and Homicide took advantage of us. Now go do your crossword". Andy spoke and glared at his friend annoyed.

"Are we mad today?" Provenza teased and waited for Andy to retort.

"Screw you!".

Julio, who watched everything, smiled at that, it was good to see that things were still the same, that would be a relief when the Commander returned. He was just as excited as she was and hoping the new year would start with her in their lives again. It would be two months of her supposed death soon and he didn't want that to go on any longer.

Rusty came in shortly after and rolled his eyes at the fight between the two Lieutenants, he brought food for the team and was accompanied by the brothers. Rick and Emily still hadn't returned to their homes and would stay until after the new year. Both were apprehensive about leaving, as they knew Pope would use Rusty as bait for Stroh and they were just as uncomfortable with that as Andy.

The three ignored Andy and Provenza's argument, and went to talk to the others on the team. Everyone enjoyed the little moment of peace, totally oblivious to the storm that would follow in the next few days.

Stroh finally entered his brother's company unnoticed. The building's security wasn't as good as he'd thought, there were at least three roof accesses from the street behind the building that he could use without being seen, and he took advantage of that.

Diane had left the house early that day and said the boss would be leaving in a few days for his vacation and Hunt wanted everything organized for his absence. Stroh felt compelled to accelerate his plans and used every possible hour for his planning.

Now he faced the sixth-floor hallway, where his brother had his office. Stroh felt his body practically vibrate with emotion. He knew that Brenda's old team had spoken to Hunt and warned him about him, which pissed him off, because that only made the manager increase security, and of course this made Hunt paranoid. But here he thought he was safe and Philip would use that to his advantage.

As soon as he entered the room he found the man on the cell phone, he seemed distracted and didn't hear the door open or the latch close. The room seemed far enough away from the others for him to do whatever he wanted.

"I want this deal closed by late afternoon, no excuses". Hanging up the phone Hunt took a deep breath and stared at Stroh in surprise. "Who are you?"

"Hello Brother". Hunt looked confused, but then his eyes widened as he understood who the person in front of him was. Desperately he grabbed the phone from the table, but Stroh pointed a gun at him. "If I were you, I wouldn't do this".

"What you want?"

"So many things". Stroh sighed and approached the other man. "You're an executive so let's get down to business first. I believe that's how it's done, right?".

Hunt was shaking with fear and just nodded, he didn't have the courage to speak.

"Okay, you stole my life. Not entirely, I admit that. Some of my decisions drove my mother away, but you have to understand that I was hurt. It wasn't easy watching my mother become your mother, and I was left out. It wasn't cool". He sighed, but he didn't look the least bit disturbed. "Now is the time to pay the debts, you will make a transfer to an account. I deserve this! Besides, half of what you have is rightfully mine".

"I can't do this". Hunt spoke almost in a whisper.

"Wrong answer". Stroh approached and stood right behind Hunt, the executive did not see that Stroh had switched from gun to knife. Stroh preferred the cutting instrument because was more exciting. With the refusal he placed the blade to the other man's neck. "I don't think you understand".

"I need to be face to face with the bank manager to make the transition".

"Are you underestimating my intelligence, brother?" Stroh teased him. "I haven't even said how much I want".

"Don't call me brother". Snarled Hunt angrily.

"I was hurt." Stroh whispered and pressed the blade into Hunt's skin and blood began to saturate his collar. "Pick up the phone and make the transfer. 5 million".

"5 million? You're crazy". Hunt picked up the phone with shaking hands.

"Just because I wanted my share? You're so selfish". Stroh was smiling now and this sent a warning to Hunt's brain that he needed to send some signal or he would die. But seemed Stroh could read his mind. "No jokes, Hunt. Or I'll kill you in the blink of an eye".

Hunt stared at him hesitantly, he wasn't quite willing to obey, he'd been told by the cops how dangerous Philip could be, but here now he looked less menacing with all the chatter. He was so absorbed in his reverie that he didn't realize Stroh was staring at him minutely, one moment he was holding the phone and the next his mouth was covered and he felt an agonizing pain in the leg where the knife had been stabbed.

Tears filled his eyes and he tried to get rid of the agony of having his mouth closed, but Stroh's arm held his body, limiting him from moving. Hunt felt fear surge through his senses and he felt the urge to flee, but the grip seemed impossible to shake.

"Hunt, I don't think you understand. I don't have all the time in the world and I don't intend to play with you any longer than necessary. So, you're going to do me a favor, you're going to call the bank and transfer the 5 million, I'm leaving and you can take care of that wound. How about this?" Stroh spoke calmly and simply, trying to keep the man's focus in pain.

"I promise I'll do whatever you ask, just- just don't hurt me anymore". Hunt pleaded in terror.

"Just do the transfer". Stroh smiled and held out a sheet of account number. Hunt called and in a hesitant voice he made the transition quickly, informed him that it was an investment and that he would call again soon.

"Okay... it's all there. Just go away, I won't tell anyone, just go away".

"But brother, we have so many things to talk about". Stroh glared at him with a demonic glare and Hunt knew that if he didn't scream he would die.

However, Stroh was faster and stabbed him in the abdomen and again covered his mouth to stifle the scream of pain. He was having fun with all this. It had been a few weeks since he'd killed Emma, but the sadistic urge to murder seemed to grow every day.

"We could spend the day here talking about how perfect your childhood was and how much my parents didn't care about me, but I believe all of that will be for another life. It was really nice meeting you, Hunt". Stroh chatted and delivered the final blow to the other man's chest and saw him exclaim breathlessly and soundlessly.

It didn't take long for Hunt to collapse and die, with a sigh Stroh watched all this a little bored and when he saw that the man was dead he prepared to leave the room. From inside the backpack he had taken he took out a plastic bag and packed the gloves he was wearing and the knife. He removed the bloodstained shoes and shirt he was wearing. Putting everything in his backpack and taking out the new items he left the room as if he had been walking around all the time. He was surer of himself every step of the way.

It wasn't until after lunch that Diane went to the boss's office with all the reports done and ready to sign. But as soon as she opened the door and looked at the table, her desperate scream filled the entire building.

Provenza got the call at 3 p.m. and summoned the entire team because Hunt Sanford had been found dead in his office. Without any break-ins or suspicions, no one at the front desk remembered seeing any strangers in the building.

When they arrived at the crime scene, Andy sighed unhappily from all the blood and thought this was becoming too much for him. All this violence was suffocating most of the time and he didn't know if he could handle it, not now that he was alone.

"Kendall, if you tell me this body is full of stab wounds, your work will have been done". Provenza informed him as soon as he entered the room.

"Well... then I don't need to say any more. Have a good afternoon", The coroner spoke and was on his feet when the Lieutenant pointed at the body and rolled his eyes at the man. "The victim was named Hunt Sanford, 42 years old, multiple knife wounds. Leg, abdomen and chest. It seems that the first two blows were made with the intention of torturing".

"That was definitely Stroh".

"Don't you think you're being a little hasty?" Cami asked suddenly.

Provenza stared at her as if she'd grown another head on her and shook his head in frustration. How she even thought that was anyone other than Stroh was beyond him imagination.

"Cami... we have stabbings, an almost flawless crime scene, no one saw him enter and I believe the security cameras won't show our little friend. Not to mention that Mr. Sanford was informed a few days ago about the danger that was Philip Stroh. And now the man turns up dead? Do you really think he is someone else?"

Cami was about to retort when she saw Nolan shake his head in denial, he seemed to be asking her not to go ahead. That was a losing argument with Provenza.

"Ok".

"Right. Kendall, send the body to Morales. Flynn, Sanchez and Nolan come back with me so we can interview all the staff, Buzz leave someone here to document everything and you come back with us. The rest stay here and investigate as much as you can. Let's get Stroh". With the orders given the Lieutenant turned and left expecting to be attended to without question.

Stroh had left Diane's house and left a note saying he needed to get out of town for a few days but would be back soon. But it was just a comfort to the woman, she had already served her purpose.

His next target wasn't that hard to find, Diane had her daughter's address written on the fridge door, but Stroh found he couldn't go there, as the girl lived with three other friends, the place was a small fraternity.

Stroh knew the risk he was taking, especially after Hunt's murder, he knew Provenza would question every employee in the place and would be a matter of time before Diane found out who he was.

However, he hadn't given up on Clarie. And running was out of the question now, he still needed to kill Rusty, even if it took longer than planned. However, he would take this time to have fun with the blonde girl, she wouldn't get out of his head. Now he was staying in a small hotel a few blocks from Clarie, watching her every step and when she was alone he would attack.

Andy was restless with each passing moment, he felt that something was going to change, something important was going to happen, but he couldn't put his finger on what. Rusty was under his protection 24 hours a day, he didn't trust Pope to ensure his son's safety and no one would stop him from hovering. Even if the boy escaped his gaze now and then.

Provenza on the other hand was bent on capturing Stroh, the investigation into Hunt's death came to fruition when they discovered a black glove under the table at the crime scene, they couldn't believe their luck finding a killer mistake.

Interviews had been taking place for two days and every employee was under investigation, the new year would arrive in a few hours and the entire team seemed to be running on adrenaline. Everyone had a sense of change and hoped that wasn't a bad thing.

Julio was leading the way to two employees when Diane, who was coming with Tao, stopped in her tracks and stared at Stroh's photo.

"Oh my God, what is Brad doing there? He is fine?"

Provenza immediately rose from his chair and faced the weeping woman. Andy approached too and they both faced each other knowing what was coming.

"Do you know this man?"

"Of course, it's my boyfriend Brad".

"Ma'am, are you sure you know this man?"

"Yeah, what happened to him?" Despair was in her voice and they realized she was a victim and lucky to still be alive.

"I think you better sit down; this man is not who you think he is". Tao spoke and pointed to a chair.

Still confused Diane did as asked, a glass of water was placed in front of her as well as a box of tissues. She felt her body shake with fear. Provenza began his account and reported that the man in the frame was Philip Stroh, a serial killer who killed young women.

Throughout the narrative Provenza was complemented by the others on the team, they stopped several times for the woman to compose herself. After what seemed like hours they finished their account, Diane seemed in disbelief with all this, it was painful to know that she was just a toy in the man's hands.

She suddenly tensed and remembered the list she'd found in his stuff. Unsure she decided not to say anything, but she seemed to forget that she was surrounded by detectives.

"What did you remember, Mrs. Dorsey?" Amy asked and watched every expression on her face.

"I... I don't know what you're talking about".

"Ma'am, you can't fool us, you know that, don't you?" Amy pressed her. "We know he is no longer with you, he knew that sooner or later we would connect him with you. He won't be back, so I hope you can help us".

Diane was willing to deny the information, to come up with an excuse, but she seemed to understand the gravity of the situation. After all, she was a good woman.

"He had a list".

"A list?"

"Yeah, I didn't see much. I felt like I was invading his privacy and I returned it to his bag".

"Do you remember what that was?" Andy asked gently. He was trying not to scare her any further.

"They were names of people, he said they were friends he had around the country that he needed to thank for their kindness to him". She tried to explain, as reassurance that she had nothing to do with him.

"And do you remember those names?"

"Only the first ones". She took a deep breath and closed her eyes, hunting through her memories. "The first name gave me a feeling that I knew her, that was- was Sharon Raydor".

"Oh God". Andy said and took a step back.

"Lieutenant!". Cami and Nolan who were behind him supported him worriedly.

"Sharon Raydor was our Commander, she died a month ago. She was our lieutenant's wife". Provenza explained and pointed at Andy. "She had a heart problem and left us".

Julio lowered his head and tried to hold back his emotions, the urge to tell everyone that she was alive and well was excruciating. He almost slipped a few times, and glancing at Buzz he knew the other man felt the same way.

"What were the other names?" Amy asked in a whisper.

"There was an Emma Rios, a Lynn something. And a Rusty Beck." Diane grew restless. "I just remember those".

"Jesus!" Provenza took a deep breath.

"Did you know them?" She looked anxious now.

"Emma Rios was a promoter and worked with us". Julio spoke annoyed.

"Lynn Carter was Stroh's girlfriend when they were 16. Both were murdered by Stroh". Provenza informed and was not afraid to accuse the murderer even without evidence. "And Rusty Beck is a witness to his atrocities. Rusty is also the son of Sharon and Andy".

"Oh God, what kind of man is he? Why is he still on the loose?" Diane's desperation made her get up from her chair, but her legs were so wobbly that she sat back down. "How did I not recognize him? How did I let this pass?"

"Diane, that wasn't your fault. He is cunning, manipulative". Cami spoke up and tried to reassure the woman.

"You said he had a type, that's why I'm still alive".

"His type is young women, no older than 30. Blonde and very pretty, sweet and..."

"No… Oh God…" Diane stood up and tried to run for the exit. "My daughter. I need to talk to my daughter".

"Why?"

"You just described my daughter".

Provenza glared at the others and each ran to their desks behind their weapons and badges. But Andy stopped in his tracks and stared at his cell phone.

"Andy, what happened?"

"Hector texted me saying he needed backup, Stroh is taking a girl hostage and is using to intimidate Rusty".

"Damn, where are they?"

"In the main square". Diane spoke and tears streamed from her eyes.

"How do you know?" Amy looked at her startled.

"That's where my daughter is". She took a deep breath and pointed to the picture of Rusty on the board. "She said she was going to meet her boyfriend's friend, a young man who was also becoming friends with her. This is the boy she was within the picture, they went to a bar last week".

"Let's go! We need to end this once and for all". Provenza didn't need to call a second time. Everyone ran to the elevators.

Sharon was restless these days, the week passed slowly for her. After Christmas she was feeling better, some episodes of sadness plagued her at times. But Susan assured her that it was normal in her situation and that she was doing well in her therapy sessions.

Melanie was helping too, after being released by Peter, Sharon started taking hydrotherapy classes to help her heart adapt to her new body. She was out of breath twice, but she was getting better every day and Melanie alternated between hydrotherapy and water aerobics classes to strengthen her cardiovascular system. That's where she met Edward, the physical educator. And for the first time, Sharon let herself be taken care of, even though all these professionals were being paid to do this.

And now just after lunch she was a little lonely. Sharon was 'off duty', as Susan said. She would have that time to relax and enjoy herself a little. She had books on her nightstand and clothes in the small closet in the corner of the room. Sharon discovered that this was all coming from a small LAPD fund that was for witness protection and after an argument with Pope she finally accepted the material.

Giving up trying to distract herself with boring thoughts, she picked up a book and got lost in the story, but a knock on the door prevented her from finishing the chapter.

"Yoo-hoo, Commander". Brenda appeared in the doorway and smiled at Sharon.

"What..." Sharon stared at her in surprise, but a smile spread across her face. "Chief".

"Oh God... why are we still in the formalities?"

"Force of habit?" Sharon smiled and faced the other woman. She didn't realize that Brenda knew she was alive, but she wasn't so surprised that she walked into her room and settled into the chair. Probably Chief Pope had informed her.

"How are you?" Brenda looked at her worriedly, she knew what Sharon had been through and she knew that was serious.

"I'm fine. I'm in the recovery process". Sharon shrugged. "But what about you, how is the prosecution?"

"Boring, but I'm adapting". Brenda looked around quickly and stood up. "How long have you been stuck in this room?"

"More time than I would like".

"How about we go for a walk? I ask permission for you to leave". Brenda suggested. "It's depressing here and I don't want to stay here too long, I hate the smell of antiseptic".

"Oh God, you look like my mom when she wanted to get us out of school early". Sharon cringed at her childhood memories.

"I'll pretend I didn't hear that". Brenda left the room looking for someone from the front desk.

Sharon was happy to have one more person to talk to, even though with Brenda it would be a new experience, they never really became friends. At some point in their relationship they managed to work together, nothing more. And now they had the opportunity to connect on another level.

"Okay, let's get out of here". Brenda burst back in and opened the door expecting Sharon to follow. Throwing caution to the wind, the Commander slipped on her shoes and followed Brenda, nearly bumping into the inseparable black bag.

Brenda was eager to talk to Sharon, after hearing Pope's report and seeing that the man was lost in the great mess he created, she decided to help him with some ideas. After debating with herself, Brenda finally decided to visit Sharon and try to be friends with her, that's what the Commander needed and if Brenda was honest with herself, she needed a friend too.

As soon as they got in the car, they started a conversation about everything that had happened in the last few years; and Sharon wanted to know how Brenda adapted to changing professions. And Brenda was curious to know how Sharon managed to run the team and fall in love.

Conversation was in full swing when Brenda's radio tuned to the police wiretap, the Commander didn't even want to know how Brenda had access to it. But the news on the radio made Sharon freeze from head to toe. Someone was calling for backup to Los Angeles' main square where someone saw Philip Stroh with a hostage.

"We are 40 minutes away. What do you say?" Brenda questioned and looked at Sharon worriedly.

"Can you get there in 30?" Brenda grinned at that, this was a small glimpse of the Captain Raydor she knew. However, Brenda still hadn't had a chance to meet the new Flynn. But this Sharon was different, a cross between the woman who had been Captain and was now a Commander. In fact, she was a new Sharon, no matter her last name.

"If I'm lucky, we'll get there before then". Brenda smiled and pressed the accelerator.

Provenza and Andy were just a few feet from Stroh, he had a knife to a young girl's neck, they assumed that was Diane's daughter, but they weren't sure. Stroh stared at Rusty and said that if anyone took a step he would slit the girl's throat. Andy could see the terror on the boy's face and knew Rusty would blame himself if the girl died.

Julio was trying to find a good angle to shoot, but Stroh was smart and got a spot where he was protected by some trees. Some patrols had arrived and were evacuating the scene leaving the Major Crimes team and the killer alone.

"Come on, Rusty. You can work this out, you can get here and switch places with your friend. Or I can kill her right here, it will be your fault anyway". Stroh was smiling and staring at Rusty with a half-mad look.

Stroh knew he wouldn't make it out of here alive, but he would take the boy who ruined his life with him. In fact, he couldn't believe his luck when he saw Clarie go to the plaza alone and meeting up with Rusty was the perfect opportunity to kill two birds with one stone. But in his excitement, he forgot about Rusty's security and now he was at this dead end.

"RUSTY, DON'T DO THIS". Provenza screamed and tried to point the gun at Stroh, but he was using the girl as a shield.

For nearly forty minutes they tried to negotiate with Stroh, but nothing worked. But then he lost patience and pressed the knife deeper into Clarie's neck and made her scream in pain, blood began to stain her fair skin and Rusty took a step forward.

"Ok- ok... I'm here. Just let her go". Rusty ignored Andy and Provenza's screams and moved closer to Stroh.

"Great choice Rusty". he whispered. Rusty realized too late that he'd run the knife across Clarie's neck and shoved her away.

"NOOOO" Rusty squirmed and tried to get to her friend, but Stroh shoved the bloodied knife into her neck.

"No jokes, Rusty. Let's trade with your friends, how about this?"

The scene was so horrifying and terrifying that everyone was frozen for a few seconds, they knew it could go very wrong. Stroh was no longer coherent, he had gone mad.

The paramedics who were there, as Provenza knew that something bad would happen, ran to the victim and immediately started the procedures to try to save her, they went to the hospital seconds later. Luckily, Stroh was distracted from holding Rusty and threatening him.

Now the tension was greater, everyone stared at Stroh and watched his knife carefully, one misstep and they would bury one more of the family.

Brenda parked the car a little behind Tao's, she could see the scene in front of her and felt like she was in a Déjà Vu only this time she wasn't at her house. Sharon was in the passenger seat silent, she hadn't said much after they heard that Stroh had injured the victim and that the girl was on her way to the hospital. They were shocked that someone was already hurt, but relieved to know it wasn't Rusty.

"I'm going over there". Brenda spoke to Sharon and took two guns out of the glove compartment. "I wanted you to stay here, we know you're not strong enough and we don't want to scare anyone with your appearance, but I know you. If you go, use that weapon".

Sharon just stated and saw the blonde get out of the car, she was shaking and her heart was pounding furiously in her chest. She shouldn't be in this kind of situation, but it was inevitable. And seeing her team there was exciting, taking deep breaths several times, she remembered the exercises Melanie had done with her.

When she heard Brenda's voice rise she tried to smile at the surprised exclamations and had the courage to get out of the car, but being careful not to expose herself. The last thing she wanted was for her presence to distract them.

"So, Philip, we're back to the beginning. Me, you and Rusty". Brenda stepped forward and smiled at her old team. "Are you prepared to take a few more shots? I promise that this time I won't make a mistake".

"Brenda, it's good that you joined our party". He scoffed and squeezed Rusty a little tighter, shielding himself from any shots.

"You have a funny way of partying". She narrowed her eyes. "How about letting Rusty go, I'm sure my old team will want to make a deal with you".

"No! This time I will take this little orphan with me".

Before anyone could speak or retort about it. Rusty stared beyond them and tears washed down his face. And only one word was heard before a shot reverberated through the room.

"Mom!"

To be continue...