1Happy Endings...almost
8:38 p.m.
Inside the S.W.A.T. MCU
Schultz, Marino and Alex continued watching the monitors. Bobby was still in view, his hands now lowered. He was talking and, Schultz surmised, whatever Bobby was saying was not calming Vasquez but, rather, antagonizing him. Vasquez' gun-wielding hand and arm had come into the view of the tellers' cameras. Schultz was, once again, on the radio.
"Command to Sniper One."
"Sniper One - check."
"Sniper One, do you have the target in sight?"
"Sniper One to Command - that's a negative. Target's arm is visible, but his body is being blocked by a marble pillar."
Schultz turned to Alex, "Goren's gotta draw him out into view," he said and quickly turned his attention back to the radio and Sanchez.
"Copy that, Sniper One. Stay on your ready-go. Command out."
All of their eyes were still glued to the actions inside the bank. Schultz and Marino couldn't afford to let their attention stray for even a split second, at this critical point. They watched in silence; Bobby's mouth and hands moving; Vasquez' arm only slightly wavering, with his gun aimed at Bobby.
Alex saw something and blurted out, "He needs help - he needs a diversion."
Schultz asked in rapid succession, "What do you mean? How do you know?"
"His body language," Alex quickly replied. He's getting frustrated. Whatever he's saying to Vasquez must not be working – Vasquez won't bite."
Marino spoke, "But how do you know? We can't hear what's going on."
Alex's had a hint of panic in her voice, "Look, he's been my partner for five years!" she snapped. (She held back her full reasoning, fearful that Schultz and Marino would've thought she was crazy, but when she saw Bobby's movements – the head tilted, rolled to his shoulder, palms facing up; the way he shifted his weight from one leg to the other, that was the "Bobby Goren Frustration Dance" –his clue to her –voluntary or not- that he needed a diversion; he needed Alex to intercede with some type of distraction to give him a few extra seconds to think or act. She'd witnessed it and dutifully performed her part during many an interrogation).
Schultz asked, "Are you sure?"
"I'm sure," she answered confidently.
"Call inside," Schultz instructed Marino. Marino dialed the bank; still not convinced it was the right move.
8:43 p.m.
Inside the Chase Manhattan Bank
The shrill ring of the phone startled them all. Vasquez took a step back, lowering his aim at Bobby. Cathy's face relaxed, as she breathed a sigh of relief. She thought for the past couple of minutes that she was going to see Bobby executed right before her eyes. Bobby was thankful for the interruption. If Vasquez' tirade against him had been allowed to escalate, Bobby was sure that Vasquez would have pulled the trigger. He glanced at the phone, then back at Benny, as Benny walked backwards, over to Dave Conroy's desk and picked up the receiver.
"What do you want?" he screamed.
Schultz had to think– fast. "Benny? Listen, we have a lady out here – she's the sister of the woman you're holding – her name is Alex. She's hysterical, Benny. We just want to help her calm down. She's beggin' us Benny, please, just let her hear her sister's voice – it's all the family she's got."
The three in the MCU waited for a response. Benny was momentarily silent. He was thinking. He knew what it felt like to have no family left. He sympathized with the woman and then he remembered the act of civility that Cathy had shown him earlier in the day. How she'd been kind to him, treated him humanely – even with respect, calling him 'sir.' This was an opportunity for him to return the favor – to prove to the copes and to himself that he still had a shred of decency left. He turned towards Cathy, holding up the receiver.
"The cops want you on the phone," he said, his eyes shifting back and forth between Bobby and Cathy. "They have your sister outside – she's worried." He gestured with the received again, saying "here, talk to her."
Cathy stood and slowly walked towards Vasquez. At the half-way point, she almost froze in panic – her nerves had gotten the better of her and she had forgotten about the cell phone behind her back – it now laid in plain sight on the floor. Her only hope was that Vasquez was too distracted by the matters at hand to notice. She finished walking the last few steps towards him, hoping her face hadn't revealed anything. As she took the received, she said "thank you." Cathy didn't have any idea was Vasquez was talking about, but was quick to play along. Vasquez stepped away – his back towards Cathy, eyes fixed on Bobby. Benny though he could trust her.
8:47 p.m.
Inside the MCU
Schultz passed the phone to Alex –just in case Vasquez was listening, they wanted to make sure a female voice was on the line. Cathy's voice came over the phone.
"Hello?"
"Cathy, it's Alex. I'm so worried. Are you all right?"
"I'm fine, Alex."
(Inside, Bobby's ears perked up at the mention of Alex's name. He thought to himself, realizing that the call which had successfully diffused the situation between him and Benny a few minutes ago probably wasn't a coincidence. "That's my girl," he proudly thought to himself.)
Cathy continued speaking into the phone. "It'll be all right. Don't worry, okay?"
Vasquez' back was still towards Cathy. She wondered if this was the opportunity – the right time to take the chance of getting the guard's gun from the bottom drawer. She continued calmly talking to Alex.
"Really, I'm okay. He hasn't treated me badly and..."
The scream from Vasquez startled her. She froze, as Vasquez stormed over to her, grabbing the phone, his elbow shoving her out of the way. "Sorry sis – she's not gonna' be so fine any more!" he screamed and slammed down the receiver.
8:50 p.m.
Inside the MCU
Alex handed the phone back to Marino to hang up. "Something really pissed him off," she said. "I don't know what happened in there, but she's in trouble. He said 'she's not gonna' be so fine any more'."
Bobby was still in view. Vasquez and Cathy could not be seen.
"Are you sure Sanchez is ready?" Alex asked.
"He has the green light. He'll take his shot first change he gets," Schultz assured her. "We may be running out of time, though– we may have to change the plan – use the tear gas, send in the full assault team and take our chances." Schultz' face looked grim – as grim as the situation had just turned.
8:51 p.m.
Inside the Chase Manhattan Bank
Vasquez grabbed Cathy by the arm, roughly, and dragged her over to the back wall where she had been sitting. He bent and picked up the cell phone, shaking it in her face and screaming, "This is yours? You've been hiding this all day! You call 9-1-1 – trying to be a hero, too?" He kept yelling at her the entire time, as he pulled her by the arm, dragging her over to where Bobby stood. "You know what happened to the all other heroes today!" he screamed, as he flung her, throwing her off balance, sending her crashing into bobby's arm.
Vasquez was screaming, standing inches away from her face. "You bitch! You're just like them – pretending to be my friend while you're stabbing me in the back!" He shot a vicious look at Bobby. Vasquez backed up a couple of paces, taking aim at Bobby.
"I've been waiting twelve longs years to put a bullet in you..."
(Simultaneously - Bobby's POV)
Bobby knew he had only a split second to act. He had seen the look in Vasquez' eyes before and knew he was ready to shoot. He rotated his body to the left, covering Cathy with his massive frame, which was made larger and heavier by the vest which, thankfully, he hadn't removed. He used all the force of his momentum, sending Cathy crashing backward, down to the floor, has he shielded her entire body and head with his own.
Almost at the instant that Bobby decided to make his move and turned his body towards Cathy, he had heard the "pop" of the sniper's bullet piercing the window, the whirring sound. He knew the sniper had gotten his shot off. He stayed, laying still, on top of Cathy. He could barely breath from the "rush" – she could barely breath from his weight on her torso. All was quiet. He turned and looked over his right shoulder, finding what he suspected he would. The sniper's bullet had hit its mark. Vasquez laid dead at their feet. Bobby raised himself off Cathy and took great care to point her towards the front door, shielding her eyes from the sight of Vasquez – the gore of the blood and brain matter that surrounded his head – or what was left of it.
(Simultaneously - MCU's POV)
"C'mon, Sanchez," Schultz urged, under his breath. They had been watching the actions on the monitors. Vasquez appeared furious – out of control, but at least he was now in plain sight. In the next instant, they heard the shot – the thud of the bullet from Sanchez' high-powered rifle penetrating the thick glass of the bank's window – and watched as Vasquez dropped to the floor.
"Sniper One to Command. Target down," Sanchez flatly stated.
"Roger that, Sniper One. Good job."
Alex rushed from the MCU to greet Bobby and Cathy as they exited the bank. Police personnel had swarmed into the bank to deal with the carnage and gather evidence.
8:54 p.m.
Chase Manhattan Plaza - Outside the Bank
Alex had sprinted over to Bobby and Mrs. Deakins. "You okay?" she asked, catching her breath. They shook their heads, "yes." "Thanks to Bobby," Cathy added, once arm still around his waist, the other hand patting his stomach. She let go over her hold and Alex gave Bobby a hand as he removed his vest.
"You were pretty brave in there," Bobby said to Cathy. "You knew where the guard's gun was, didn't you?"
She nodded. "Yeah, when Vasquez shot the guard, it went flying out of the guard's hand and landed right by me feet. I picked it up quicky and hid it in Dave's desk." (Bobby had figured that Benny was lying about not killing the guard, so he tried to pin it on dead Mikey, just to avoid another charge for killing a federal cop).
"It's a good think you didn't try to use it," Bobby said.
"I almost did – but I got too scared – and that's when he went crazy over my cell phone," Cathy answered.
Bobby had his arm around Cathy's shoulders. He walked her over to the MCU and led her inside for a short debriefing with Lt. Schultz. Bobby descended the steps to rejoin Alex. She smiled, "You sure you're all right?"
"Yeah," he said, wiping the sweat from his forehead with his forearm, as Alex handed him a bottle of cold water. "Thanks," he said, and chugged it down. "So, how'd ya' know?" he asked her.
Alex's eyes widened, "Know what?"
"That I needed help - a diversion."
"Oh that," she shrugged, "Partner's intuition, I guess," she said.
Bobby settled for that answer, for now.
Sanchez approached the MCU with a big grin, still chomping away on his gum. Bobby smiled as soon as he saw him – still several yards away and walking with a swagger that seemed to announce to everyone, "Yeah, I'm the man." Sanchez was confident and cocky – and Goren liked him.
"Nice job," Bobby said, extending his hand to shake.
"Thanks, man," Sanchez replied and smiled. "I got scared for a second when I saw the two of you go down."
Alex teased, "You got scared?"
Sanchez smiled and shrugged. He understood the humor of her barb.
"Vasquez was ready to pull the trigger. I just knocked down Mrs. Deakins to protect her," Bobby stated.
"How is she? Where is she?" Sanchez asked.
Bobby motioned with his thumb, "Inside with Schultz, debriefing."
Sanchez turned to enter the MCU and heard Bobby's voice call, "Hey, lemme' buy ya' a drink!"
The Sergeant turned and exaggerated a frown, "I don't get off 'til 11."
"That works!" Bobby said. "Alex and I are going for pizza and beer – why don't you join us at Carucci's when you get off?"
"Are you serious?" Alex asked in disbelief. "Haven't you had enough excitement for one night? You should go home to bed."
Bobby scowled at her, his brow furrowed. "Look, by the time we drive the Captain's wife to the airport to meet the Captain's plane, we can head back downtown and we'll be just getting to Carucci's at around 11."
"Sounds good to me," Sanchez replied, while popping a huge bubble. He ascended another step and turned, "Wait!" Bobby and Alex looked up at him. "You buyin'?"
Bobby nodded and laughed, "Sure – it's on me."
Alex looked up at Bobby. The Captain's gotta' be worried sick. I'm gonna' call him," she said, flipping her phone open.
9:12 p.m.
Continental Flight 1699 to NY
Bill and Don had been talking to Jimmy, keeping him calm, keeping his hopes up, while trying to make the long flight pass more quickly. They knew that the minute the plan landed, a Police escort would be there to whisk Deakins back to the City so he could join Schultz in the MCU and be near his wife. When his phone rang, he was both anxious and afraid to answer. He looked at the screen – it was Alex's number calling in.
"Deakins."
"Captain, it's Alex. She's out. She's okay."
Bill and Don watched as Jimmy sank into his chair, with a sigh of relief. "Thank God. When did it happen?"
His friends overheard the "thank God" and breathed a sigh of relief.
"Around 15 minutes ago – – sorry we didn't call earlier; it's pretty hectic here," she said apologetically.
"That's okay, Alex. Where's Goren?"
"He's right here, Sir; he's okay, too."
"Put him on, please, Alex."
She handed the phone to Bobby.
"Captain," Bobby said, smiling.
"Bobby - I don't know what to say – – thank you."
"You're welcome. Umm, Captain, Alex and I are gonna' get Mrs. Deakins to the airport to meet your plane."
"Thanks, Bobby. Good job." Deakins closed the phone and smiled. "They got her out. She's all right."
Jimmy Deakins could now truly relax in his seat for the first time in hours. He offered a silent "thank you" prayer and thought about how much he loved his wife, as he swiped at the tear rolling down his cheek. He hoped Kowalski hadn't seen – he'd never hear the end of it.
9:20 p.m.
Chase Manhattan Plaza
Bobby took Alex aside to talk privately. "I want you to drive Mrs. Deakins to the airport. I'll follow in their car – that way, they'll have their car right there to drive home and we can head back to Carucci's."
"That the only reason?" Alex asked, skeptically. She could read her partner's face.
"After the two tellers were killed, that left Cathy s the only woman in there..."
Alex quickly caught on. "You think Vasquez assaulted her?"
Bobby shrugged, "I dunno', it's ju-just in case, so you can be alone on the drive to the airport — in case there's anything she'd rather talk to a woman about. You worked vice long enough – you'd be able to tell, right?"
Alex nodded.
Bobby touched her upper arm, "I've gotta' go back in the bank and get her pocketbook and the keys to their car."
Alex joined up with Cathy Deakins and headed for the airport.
10:00 p.m.
JFK Airport - Gate 44
Cathy Deakins, Bobby and Alex waited anxiously for the arrival of Jimmy's flight. They watched through the window as the plane slowly pulled into the Gate and the ground crew went into action. Having been seated in First Class, Jimmy, Bill and Don were the first passengers to come up the long ramp of the jet way. Jimmy saw his wife, flanked by Bobby and Alex, and jogged to meet her. She ran into his arms and they kissed and embraced, not wanting to let go of each other.
"Thank God you're safe," he whispered in her ear, planting kisses on her head, ear and neck and trying to hold her even closer. "I love you so much."
"I love you," she said, kissing his neck "I'm so sorry I ruined your trip," she laughed.
Bobby and Alex, Bill and Don looked on, admiring the couple and their happy, loving display of affection. Cathy finally broke their embrace and turned, smiling at Bobby and Alex and they walked towards them.
"Bobby," the Captain said, holding out his arms and pulling him into a back-patting hug. "Thank you."
"That's all right Captain. I'm just glad she's all right," Bobby said, his eyes making contact with Alex's, seeking affirmation of his comment. Alex nodded and smiled. (Nothing of that nature had happened to Cathy Deakins during her captivity).
"What do you say we go home?" She asked, smiling up at her husband.
"That sounds perfect to me," Jimmy said. "...and if I remember correctly, we have the house to ourselves," he smiled. Cathy squeezed his side, tickling him, "You devil," she said teasingly.
Jimmy stopped in his tracks and turned to Bill and Don. "Fellas – I'm sorry your trip is ruined."
Kowalski turned to Cragen, "I don't know about you, but I don't have to be back at work 'til next Wednesday. I'm going to the ticket counter to see when the next flight out is."
"You aren't serious," Don asked.
"What!" Bill exclaimed. "We've still got four good days ahead of us. You with me, or not?"
Don shook his head. "I must be crazy – I'm in."
"Atta' boy!" Bill cheered, grabbing Don around the shoulders. They each shook Jimmy's hand and gave Cathy a hug. "See ya' when I get back," Bill said.
Bill and Don turned and began their walk through the terminal, back to the ticket counter. Bill's booming voice could still be heard; "Don't look so down Donny – this is great for our frequent flier miles!" Don shrugged his shoulders, chuckling to himself. That was Kowalski – always seeing the bright side.
Bobby and Alex, Jimmy and Cathy, began walking to the exit for the parking lot. Bobby handed the Captain the keys to his car. Cathy turned to her husband, suddenly, "Jimmy, what about your luggage?"
"Who knows?" he laughed. "It'll probably turn up in Amarillo again." The four of them laughed and parted ways.
11:00 p.m.
Carucci's Bar and Restaurant
Carucci's was filled with the usual Friday night crowd – a good portion of them Cops. Det. Morris was sitting at the bar with a couple of the guys, when he saw Bobby and Alex enter. He watched as they made their way back to "their table" and settled in. He told the bartender to send them a couple of drinks, "on him."
Sanchez entered about 15 minutes later and Bobby waved him to the back. The three of them had a couple of drinks while waiting for their food. The had ordered appetizers, in addition to their pizza. Alex took note, as Sanchez grew funnier and more animated with each gulp of his drink. She found herself liking him more – "Well, maybe not liking him," she thought to herself, "just tolerating him better." She decided it was a side effect of the liquor, as she took another sip of her apple martini.
The three of them talked and laughed over their drinks and food, sharing their craziest stories from their experiences on the job.
"So, Sanchez," Alex asked, "Was that just a lucky shot tonight?"
He look at her incredulously, "Lucky shot?" he laughed, "That was all skill and finesse, my dear lady," he joked –but she knew he really wasn't joking.
"I don't know about that," Alex continued teasing him, "I saw you kissing your lucky charm before you went up to the roof."
Bobby looked on in amusement. He didn't know what Alex as talking about, but it was getting a rise out of Sanchez, so he was having fun.
Sanchez dug under his collar, retrieving the gold chain and charm, holding it up for Bobby and Alex to see. They both looked at it, an intricately entwined "DOS", squinting through the haze of their "buzz" and read aloud: "D O S."
Bobby asked, "Your initials?"
Sanchez nodded affirmatively.
"My middle initial is "O" too!" Bobby said. "That's pretty uncommon, I think. What's it stand for?" He asked with interest.
"Olando," he replied.
Alex repeated, "Orlando? That's nice."
"No," Sanchez shook his head. There's no "R" – it's Olando. His slight Spanish accent had now been exaggerated by his beer, as he over-pronounced it, saying it more like "Oh-laaaando." He grinned and took another drink of his beer, leaning over the table, still dangling the charm for them to see. "Check it out, man – you didn't see the best part!"
Bobby and Alex leaned in for a closer look. Bobby's eyes lit up, "That is cool," he said with true admiration for the piece of jewelry, nodding towards Alex to get her agreement.
"The 'O'," Sanchez explained, "for my middle initial isn't just an "O" – I had it specially designed to look like the sniper's cross-hairs (the + in the middle of the circle).
The "O"and the "+" in the center was filled with small diamonds, except for four empty places waiting to be filled.
Bobby looked harder, counting, "there's four empty spaces."
"Not after tonight, man," Sanchez said, totally amused with himself. "Tomorrow, I go to the jeweler and have one more diamond put in. Each one of the diamonds represents a scumbag I've taken out," he said, nodding his head up and down, not even attempting to hide the pride of his expertise.
Back over at the bar, Morris ordered another drink. He didn't normally have three rounds, but tonight – – well, tonight was different. He had debated with himself for most of the evening but was now happy with his decision, as he watched Bobby eat, drink and laugh with Sanchez and Alex, thoroughly enjoying himself. After all, with what Bobby had been through today, didn't he deserve to unwind and have some fun tonight – and be able to enjoy his weekend? That's what Morris had convinced himself of, anyway. He had wished he hadn't done his detective work so diligently; that's why he had decided to leave the sealed envelope, marked "confidential" in Bobby's top drawer. He'd find it Monday morning. That would be soon enough.
Morris didn't know the right words to say to him, anyway. How DO you tell a man that he has an 11 year old son he's never met.
THE END.
A/N: Thanks Readers and especially Reviewers. Your feedback will guide my decision as to whether to write the sequel regarding Bobby's search for his son. Your comments about my original characters would be appreciated, too, so I'll have an indication as to whether or not to include them in future stories. I hope y'all enjoyed this one! Thank you!