She placed a rose beside the headstone of her fallen hero. Dinah couldn't believe her uncle was gone. She was miles away when it happened. All she could do was stare at the scene before her. Lennie was taken from her too soon. He always treated her like one of his own, more than her own father had. That was the one thing she was going to miss most, besides his wit and sarcasm she had grown so fond of. She began talking as if he was still alive. "There's so much I wanted to say to you. I wish you were here so I could. Out of all the people in my life, you were always there for me. I needed to thank you for that but never did. I hope you'll forgive me. I'm so sorry, Uncle Lennie." A tear streamed down her cheek.

She didn't hear the man step up behind her. Being too lost in thought, she almost didn't hear the slight, raspy voice say, "I miss him, too". Turning around, there stood Jack McCoy. All Dinah could do was run into his arms, sobbing. He tried to comfort her as best he could. He knew how much Lennie meant to her and could tell her heart was broken. Her crying finally let up enough, so he asked if she wanted to talk. They left the cemetary to go to a coffee shop.

As the waitress was bringing their order, Dinah spoke, her voice breaking. "I can't believe he's gone, Jack. It's like a nightmare come true. I never thought in a million years he'd be gone. He was just one of those types you just expected to always be around." He nodded and took her hand. She squeezed his hand in acknowledgement, then just stared out the window. "We all miss him." he responded. "But, at least we'll have a lot of memories to last us a lifetime. After all, he was unique. I remember when he threatened to kick my ass from here to Hoboken when I put one of his old flames on the stand. I'll never forget that. It was the first time he stood up to me like that." She had to chuckle at Jack's comment. It described Lennie Briscoe to a "T". There was never a more unique individual than him. Despite the past, Lennie was a survivor...until now.

They finished their coffees, embraced as they parted ways and made a pact, then and there, to keep in touch. They weren't going to make the mistake of losing touch the way Dinah had with her uncle. She vowed to herself that she'd make the most of her life and those around her who meant so much. Saying "goodbye", from now on, was only saying "so long".

The End