Chapter 5

Sharon was packing a little more angrily than necessary, maybe the last few weeks were finally getting to her. After talking to Judith and Adrian, they had to wait three days for the woman to call and inform them that a visit with their surrogate girl would be scheduled soon.

Now, days later, Sharon was packing a suitcase to move into a mansion with Andy, the hardest cop to work with or as Gavin insisted on calling, the sexiest lieutenant in the department.

The Captain still wanted to know how she ended up in such a mess, she blamed Brenda for sure. If the blonde didn't have revenge on her none of this would be happening.

When her cell phone vibrated once more, she was seriously thinking about throwing it at the wall, because she knew it was Andy rushing her, once again. They'd gotten the interview with the young woman earlier that day, and Judith had insisted that a driver pick them up at home.

Luckily, both Brenda and Cornwell managed to get the two departments to be allowed to use the house and donate the money. Tao, Buzz and Verdon managed to create a life for the two of them, from passports with all the trips they said they took to the bank account they wished they had. All this for the greater good. Sighing, Sharon put on the last change of clothes and closed her suitcase.

It didn't take long for a black SUV to pull up in front of the condo, as soon as she approached the car, Andy got out and went to help with the luggage. Sharon looked at him a little suspiciously, he was being very kind these last few days. Maybe Brenda's screams as the two got into another argument at one of the meetings calmed him down.

"Thank you, Lieutenant". she whispered.

"You're welcome, Captain." He said and they both got in the car. Today, Julio would direct them.

In fact, that had been the deal, someone from the team would always be around. The only ones who wouldn't show up would be Provenza, Brenda and Cornwell; Chief Brenda and Agent Cornwell for being known by the community and media; and Provenza just said he wouldn't do it and that was it.

The trip was made in silence with only classic rock music quietly on the radio, Sharon and Andy decided that the fight wasn't worth it as they would spend some time under the same roof. However, she didn't know how long the truce would last.

Once they reached the entrance to the house, Sharon tried not to look too delighted, but it was a little impossible. The place was beautiful, but still discreet. A large, well-kept garden, not as extravagant as some artists'. The house was pretty too, a small mansion, but to Sharon's surprise not as big as Cornwell and Verdon seemed to imply, in fact, it was perfect for the characters they'd invented.

"Ma'am". Julio turned to her. "Sykes says she'll be here later. She wants to make sure Judith realizes you're not all alone".

"Okay. Thank you, Julio". She smiled. Sharon noticed that Julio seemed to be one of the few who accepted her around without too many questions.

"Thank you, Julio". Andy grunted and took off both bags. They watched the car drive away and he sighed. "That would be the time to say 'Finally alone,' but I don't think you'd like that".

"Me?" She said with a mischievous smile. "I thought the idea of being alone with the Wicked Witch scared you".

"Maybe a little". He shrugged. "But I'll take the risk".

Sharon stared at him for two seconds and smiled, she chose not to start a fight now and turned to get her own suitcase. As much of a gentleman as Andy was, she could handle herself.

When Sharon opened the front door, the sight took her breath away, it was breathtaking. As soon as they passed the doorway, they faced a large wooden staircase, a high ceiling and the room was bathed in sunlight. It was really beautiful.

"Wow, I didn't know drug dealers could be good at interior design too". Andy spoke and smiled, he looked as surprised as she was.

"Money can really buy a lot of things".

Everything looked wonderful and they lingered a while still admiring everything. The suitcases were left there, and when Sharon took a step to explore the rest of the house, Andy stopped her:

"Hey, we forgot a tradition". He spoke and she looked at him confused.

"What..." But he didn't let her finish, just scooped her up in his arms. "ANDY!"

"Come on, Sharon, it's tradition. After the wedding, the husband must take his wife in his arms and enter the new house. It brings luck". He said as she squirmed, but to the Captain's surprise, the Lieutenant was stronger than she thought and kept her strapped to his chest.

"Put me down, Lieutenant". She spoke angrily.

"It's Andy, did you forget? We're Bonnie and Clyde now, no Lieutenant and Captain". He whispered and kissed her nose softly before placing her on the kitchen counter.

How the hell did they get there?

"You're unbearable". She grumbled.

"Too bad, we're going to be stuck here for a while".

Still upset, but calmer, Sharon started to investigate the place again, she needed to memorize everything to look like she really owned everything. And it was a good thing she was doing it, as the surprised, satisfied gasps were inevitable, especially when she saw the pool through the French doors. Well... good thing she brought a bathing suit.

"SHARON". The Captain heard the call and quickened her steps to the second floor where she knew he would be.

"What happened, Andy?" She got there a little out of breath as she ran up the stairs.

"We have a little problem". He spoke and stared at the room in front of her.

Still confused, Sharon stared at the grand suite. She was magnificent, in the middle of the room there was a huge king size bed that she highlighted and matched the furniture. And as if that wasn't stunning enough there was a balcony and they could actually see the sea from there.

"What's the problem?" She questioned still confused.

"Well... someone's going to have to sleep here". He started and saw her tense up. "And the other in the guest room. And with that view I can say with certainty that chivalry went out the window".

"For real?" She mocked.

"You can bet". He said and crossed his arms. "I'm not going to let you have it all just because you're a woman. You wanted equal rights, didn't you?"

"Wow". She stared at him dumbfounded. "And I thought you guys were over it. For the record, that was very sexist". Now irritated again by the man beside her, Sharon grabbed her suitcase and headed for one of the five doors down the hall. "You can stay there, I'll manage".

What they didn't know was that things would get a little more problematic, because whoever organized everything was SIS with the help of the FBI. That is, the house was designed for a couple with a baby on the way. So, the first door Sharon opened was a nursery; there was a rocking chair, a crib and a changing table. All with a pastel tone and with lots of animals decorating the walls. The Captain couldn't deny that she felt her heart warm at seeing all that, it just reminded her of her own children. But she couldn't sleep there.

The next doors were a closet and another a large closet with bedding and towels. It was on the fourth try that she entered a guest room or so it should be called. It was all very simple; a dresser, a queen size bed. It was small, but it would do, she was sure the last door was a bathroom.

"Hey". Andy whispered and she jumped a little startled, Sharon didn't realize he was leaning against the doorjamb. Andy looked regretful. "I'm sorry about that. I actually had a plan, but... well if we didn't have an argument it wouldn't be us, would it?"

Sharon glared at him, but a small smile formed. She knew they wouldn't stop fighting just because they agreed to pretend to be a couple, they would just have to adjust.

"Okay, and what do you have in mind?" She spoke and crossed her arms.

"How about every two days we change rooms?" Andy asked and held out his hand.

"Alright. Deal". She shook his hand and Andy left the room.

Sharon sat up in bed and sighed, if that happened not even 30 minutes after they were alone, Brenda would be lucky to still have them in one piece at the end of the case.


As expected, a car stopped in front of their house not two hours later. Luckily, Amy had already arrived and she was present as one of their security guards. The man who picked them up just nodded and allowed Amy to go ahead with him.

It didn't take long for them to stop in front of a house, it was well maintained and not that big. It was in a middle-class neighborhood and they could hear some children running and playing in the street. Sharon and Andy exchanged a look, but said nothing, just got out of the car and saw Judith who had that sinister smile on her face.

"Oh my dears, I'm so glad you made this". She spoke and pointed the way to where they should go.

"I wouldn't miss that for anything". Sharon spoke and smiled. "I'm so excited to see who will bring our baby into the world".

"She's a wonderful young woman, you'll see".

"That's great, we just want to make sure she feels comfortable with us. We cannot take the risk that she will go back on the decision". Andy spoke up and pretended to be worried about it.

"You don't need to worry, I can guarantee that everything will go according to plan". She smiled.

"Judith, honey". Sharon called and approached her, lowering her voice she decided to act arrogant. "This place is a little... humble. Why are we here?"

"Sorry about that, but this is a support house. We have partnered with some of these houses to help us with some of our girls. You understand, don't you?"

"Of course, I understand". Sharon began. "A very noble attitude. I can even get some charities referrals from you. I believe it will be great for my integration into American society".

Judith stared at her with a big smile and seemed more than happy to help Sharon be the socialite she was pretending to be. The Captain swore that after this mess was over, she would put more effort into some legitimate social services.

As Judith chattered about the various support houses that some socialites helped, they walked down some hallways and stopped in front of a door on the second floor. The woman knocked on the door and opened it quickly, sticking her head inside.

"Rachel, my dear, can we come in? I'm here with Sharon and Andrew, do you remember we talked about them?"

After a minute, the door was opened for the two to enter, Sharon tried very hard not to be shocked by the young woman who was sitting on the bed. She had her head down and tried to make herself even smaller, as if it were possible, the young woman was already so small and so thin, it was doubtful that she was of legal age.

"Hello, Rachel". Sharon whispered and approached. "I'm Sharon, can we talk to you?"

"Yes". Her voice was so low that Sharon almost didn't understand it.

Sharon then sat next to her, but far enough away for the girl not to be startled. It was then that the Captain could look at her better, her hair was combed perfectly and the reddish color stood out even more in the sunlight; there were freckles on her face and her skin was so pale it looked like a glass of milk.

Andy, who shared his attention between Sharon and the girl, tried his best to keep his temper low. What he saw here was clearly an exhibition for them to enjoy, which disgusted him immensely, because the girl was so thin he didn't doubt she was starving. However, the pregnant belly was more than perceptive in the almost childlike body.

"Judith, I know this might not seem safe". Andy spoke and looked at the other woman. "But can we get some alone with her? Just to get to know each other better?"

Judith was clearly in doubt when she didn't respond right away. However, she smiled and just left. They waited until the sound of heels had faded.

"Hello, Bella Mia". Andy whispered and the girl stared at him. Big brown eyes boring into him. "How are you?"

"I'm very well". She spoke, but it sounded like a trained robot. "My name is Rachel and I'm having your baby". Her voice was shaky and on impulse Sharon took her hand in hers and saw that the girl's entire body was trembling.

Andy watched Sharon's eyes well up with tears, but he knew she could be strong and wouldn't let her emotions take over. At least not here.

"Well Rachel, I'm Andy". He said and resolved to ask some questions that would be pertinent to them. "Is that really your name?"

"Yes". She shook her head and looked at him confused. "My name is Rachel".

"Alright, my dear, we just wanted to confirm". Sharon spoke softly. "How old are you?"

"I just turned 21. I got a cake". She spoke and smiled a little. But her eyes remained lackluster.

"Would you like to tell us something?" Sharon tried, of course they weren't going to get any information out of her. "Anything?". The girl just shrugged.

"Rachel..." Andy started with a sigh. "You really don't mind if we take your baby?"

Her free hand went straight to her belly and she stroked it gently, but didn't say anything for a while. It was as if the young woman was in a totally different world. Sharon then took out her cell phone and turned on the flashlight and quickly passed Rachel's eyes, it wasn't much of a surprise that her pupils were dilated.

"She's drugged". whispered Sharon and sighed. "She won't be of much help, at least not now".

"So, we have to go through with it, don't we?" He grunted angrily. Why were people so vile?

"For now, yes". She spoke and continued caressing the hand of the young woman who had now leaned on Sharon, surely hungry for touch. "We have some information, maybe it could be relevant".

"I hope this information is good, I don't think I will have much patience with these people". He spoke through clenched teeth.

Silence reigned in the room for a while, the three of them enveloped in an atmosphere of grief and anger over the whole situation, but as soon as the sounds of high heels were heard, Rachel tensed and pulled away from Sharon. She lowered her head and held her breath.

"Sorry to disturb you". Judith spoke with a big smile. "But it's afternoon snack time and Rachel need to join the line, don't you, my dear?"

Just stating, Rachel got out of there quickly. It was clear that she was afraid of Judith, and Sharon had to control herself as best she didn't strangle the woman in front of her and take the young woman away.

"I hope she behaved herself, Rachel is a very sweet young woman, but she has her moments of rebellion". She spoke as if she was just a naughty puppy.

"Don't worry, she was great. And she seemed happy to meet us". Sharon smiled. "Now I have to say that she doesn't look very healthy, is that normal?"

"All that thinness scared me too, but Dr. Campbell stated that it is normal. It's just morning sickness and she's young, so don't fret". The woman dismissed the worry quickly.

"Sorry our concern, Judith, is that we don't want our baby to be harmed". Andy spoke and walked over to Sharon to put an arm around her waist. Maybe that way the two of them would avoid committing a crime by killing the woman in front of them.

"And you are absolutely right to ask questions, our agency does not allow for failure, we want to provide you with the best memories and the best baby". She spoke and walked on expecting them to follow. "We want the perfect family to be formed".

While rambling on about the benefits of the agency and how the baby would be the masterpiece they dreamed of, Sharon and Andy tried to memorize every detail of the place to pass on to the team. This week the LAPD was going to stop by.

"Oh... I forgot to ask". Sharon spoke with a smile. "How many months pregnant is Rachel?"

"Six months pregnant". Judith spoke proudly. "Her health is perfect and so is the baby".

"Maybe I'm asking too much, but can we go to the next appointment?" Sharon wanted to know and tried her best to look eager and excited.

"Of course. You made it clear that you wanted a parenting experience even during pregnancy". Judith stated. "I will send the address of the next appointment".

"This is perfect, my dear". Andy smiled. And when they were both almost at the gate, Judith surprised them.

"Oh... and before there's any confusion... we need to schedule some visits to your house. We want the baby to have a safe place to stay".

"Absolutely". Sharon spoke. "You know our number, just call".

The two followed to where Amy was along with the driver who had brought them and they returned to the mansion. As soon as they were alone, the three called the police station and reported everything they saw and all the impressions they had. When Amy stated that she needed to go back to review with the SIS team, Sharon and Andy were left alone.

"How can anyone do that to a child?" She whispered and closed her eyes. Both now side by side on the couch. "She's very young, Andy. How can people be so cruel?"

"I don't know". He looked as upset as she was. "And I'm afraid I won't be able to fake all this any longer. All I wanted was..."

"Kill that woman? Because that's what I was thinking". She said and got up. "I don't know about you, but I'm exhausted, I think I'll get some rest".

"I'll do the same, if I think about it any longer I'll go crazy".

They both climbed the stairs and each headed to their rooms, neither of them willing to socialize or even tease each other.


The next morning, Sharon woke to the faint smell of coffee and bacon. She smiled and dressed quickly. They hadn't had dinner and she was starving.

"Do you know how to cook?" She said as she sat down at the counter. Andy would deny the little jump he made when he got scared.

"I live alone and I don't dare eat anything Provenza says he made". He spoke and placed a plate of bacon and a pancake in front of Sharon. "Then I have to find a way".

"I will accept without complaining". She said and started to eat, and smiled as a cup of coffee was placed next to her plate. "Thank you, Andy".

"My pleasure, Sharon". He said and sat down beside her with his own plate.

"You can get some bacon bits if you want". She commented when she saw that he only had a few pancakes.

"Don't worry, I'm a vegetarian".

Sharon stared at him in shock, it was true they'd spent the last 20 years apart and hating each other, but she still thought she knew him. Apparently, no.

"Well... with that information I guess my dinner plans went down the drain". She remarked. "I was thinking about lasagna".

"We can make a vegetarian lasagna. I think you'll like it and then we can make something with meat for you". He said amused.

In fact, they found themselves enjoying each other's presence. The tastes between music, movies and books appeared to be similar. Some laws, however, brought back daily discussions that were only interrupted by a message:

[Next appointment will be on Tuesday at 3 pm.

A car will pick you up] – Judith

"I don't understand why she insists on sending someone". Sharon commented.

"Maybe it's because she doesn't want us to figure out how to get there". Andy shrugged. "Or just a way of asserting the power she supposedly has over us".

"That makes more sense". Sharon rolled her eyes. "Well... I think I'll go in the pool for a bit".

"Wanting to have fun, Captain?"

"Why not? We're going to be stuck here for a while anyway". She said with a smile and went to the bedroom behind the bathing suit she threw in the suitcase.

After Sharon went to the pool, Andy went into the living room and started watching a movie. The story was interesting and he found himself smiling as he listened to the sound of water, and for a moment he found himself enjoying all this. Maybe that good feeling came because he'd spent so many years alone with no one to talk to, and hearing someone else's noises was comforting.

While the couple in the movie were swearing their love and exchanging rings, Andy had an idea and went to the kitchen to start making the lasagna he had promised. He turned on some jazz music under his breath and hummed as he watched the shape of Sharon swimming back and forth in the pool. As much as they argued and were professional, he found himself reacting to the Captain's wet, well-built body, she was beautiful and he knew it. Hell, the entire precinct knew that. But still, he tried his best to hide his desire and attraction to the Captain.

Luckily, she didn't take long and wrapped herself in a robe, hiding her curves and soothing him from all desire. She then joined him and helped him with some ingredients, the conversation about the team and their children distracting them for a while. When was all over, they went to their rooms and showered for dinner.

Andy straightened up and looked at the suitcase apprehensively, he didn't know why he was so nervous. In fact, he should have turned it in sooner, but forgot. And it wasn't like this was true, for God's sake... he was making a big deal out of a teacup and Sharon would just call him an idiot or hit him.

But leaving that aside, Andy made his way to the kitchen where the two of them settled at the table and began to eat. Sharon praised his dish and said she was really surprised by his cooking skills. For the first time in years, it was as if they were friends, like that first night on patrol.

As they made their way to the couch, Andy decided to do this for good, if he was going to ruin the night so be it soon.

"Sharon, we missed an essential piece of this disguise. He started and Sharon stopped in the middle of the room and looked at him worriedly.

"What do you mean?"

"Well... to be married we need something very important". He spoke so sensually that the Captain could feel goose bumps on her arms and a blush crept up her cheeks.

"What are you talking about, Andy?" She whispered.

Without waiting any longer, he took a step toward her and dropped to one knee on the floor. Pulling a box from his pocket, he opened it to reveal two golden rings.

"What do you say, Sharon Bennett... will you marry me?"


To be Continue...