OLD FLAME

BY QUASI9



Disclaimer: I don't own Frank Donovan or the team; the rest of the characters are mine.

Rating: R

Summary: Chris returns (sequel to Frank's Match)

Feedback: yes Quasi9@msn.com

They arrived in the van an hour before the viewing and set up all the final equipment needed. Jake walked over to the front of the funeral home and tested the audio while Cody snapped his picture to scan. Everything was in working order, now to sit and see who shows up for the party.

About a half hour later, people were starting to arrive, Cody said, "This is like the who's who of organized crime."

"Just keep clicking away." Frank told Cody as he was listening to the small talk taking place in front of the funeral home.

Sal Aiello arrived with his family, but Chris was not in his entourage. Just before the viewing was to begin, the arrivals came to a trickle. As of yet, Chris had not made an appearance. Frank thought maybe she's not even in Chicago, but his instincts told him different.

Chris was having a hard time with getting Frankie ready to go, making her and Max late.

"Max, go on without me. I'll get there as soon as I can."

"No, you know we both have to show up together. If we're late we're late." Max said.

About that time Frankie settled down so she could finish getting him ready. They dropped him off and headed for the viewing.

Frank kept looking at his watch; the viewing had started a half hour ago and no sign of Chris. Monica noticed that Frank kept looking at his watch and then at the parking lot. Max pulled into and parked. Frank knew that Chris had arrived. Cody said, "Don't roll the red carpet yet, here comes more players!" He started clicking away with the camera.

Before Max could get around the passenger side to let Chris out, his photo was a match on the database. Monica said, "Ah, Frank I think you'll want to look at this." She handed him the bio.

Frank scanned the bio and the words Miami, Fl stood out like a sore thumb. Before he could say anything Cody said, "His passenger is out, it's a woman but can't make out her face."

Just then Chris came in full view of Cody's camera, "Holy shit, it's Chris I think. She not the blonde hair knockout we knew before." Jake jabbed him in the ribs so he would shut up. Yet Cody continued, "She's looks a little thinner and has short brown hair. I wonder why she decided to change hair color."

Frank knew the reason why she changed her hair color and probably kept it that color to erase the memory of what could have been between them. The only thing between them now is their son.

Chris walked into the viewing room and immediately felt all eyes on her. She hated being late and having to make an entrance.

"Relax, just make your condolences, I'll be right by your side." Max said.

"Easier said then done."

"No, no one will disrespect the family by making a scene." He puts his hand on the small of her back and nudged her.

She made it through the condolences and went to the back of the room to observe. "Max, please I'm ok go mingle or whatever it is you do at these things." Chris said.

"Chris, you did what you had to do, we can leave anytime." Max said.

"Listen, maybe I just need a little air. I'm going outside."

"I'm coming with you."

They both walked out and stood in front of the funeral home. They were making small talk that the whole team could hear.

"I hate these, ever since I knew what death was and had to attend I cringe."

"You need to relax before you start hyper-ventilating."

Nicholas Demarco walked outside and said, "Christine, Christine, Christine."

Chris did not like the tone of his voice said, "Nicholas."

"What are you doing here?" He asked.

"My uncle asked me to come." She replied.

"You don't belong here, you're not one of us."

At that point, Max interjected, "Nicholas, you need to stop. I know you're upset but Chris is the last person to attack."

"Oh I forgot, she's "miss high and mighty. " Instead of being the black sheep of the family she's the prodigal member." He said acidly.

Cody said, "Gee, there's bad blood with someone else besides Frank."

"Cody shah." Frank said.

"Max, I think it's time to go." Chris suggested.

"See she's knows when she not wanted." Nicholas said smiling.

"Nicholas, this is not the place or time to question my loyalty to family."

"You're right, it should have been questioned when you were eighteen and got arrested in a raid at the strip club. The family did not own the strip club minded you. But your uncle bailed you out of that. And how do you show your gratitude, by becoming a DEA agent."

Chris had about enough said with a deadly tone, "You're done, I am not going to stand here and have you badger me." She turned and started to leave when she saw red.

Nicholas could not resist, "Once a whore always a whore."

All hell broke loose, she turned around before anyone realized and had Nicholas' face against the wall, hands behind him and her gun stuck in the back of his head. She whispered, "Give me one reason why I shouldn't pull the trigger? Because I know where my loyalties lie, you'll live to see another day. Leave me and my past alone."