A/N: I know, Tracy - I must have been in a very literal state of mind!

4. Fools Rush In

Steve was relieved to discover that, while CJ's diaper was drenched, that was the extent of the damage. Served him right, probably, for chickening out on checking it sooner. He looked from his own damp and drool encrusted t-shirt to CJ's wet and sandy coveralls, wondering what he should do. He definitely needed to rinse off, but did he dare leave CJ unattended while he showered? Sure, he could drop him in his playpen, but if he cried or got himself into trouble, would he even hear him over the pounding water? He had no clear idea of what kind of trouble he expected CJ to get himself into in a playpen, he only knew that every time he pictured Amanda's face - that really outraged, angry face she could produce upon occasion - he knew that he didn't want to take the chance.

He grimaced as he shook CJ free of his sodden shirt and peeled his own off as well. "Well, big guy," he told him philosophically, "I'm not sure your Mom would approve, but this is the best idea I've got." He started the water running, keeping the temperature mild in deference to CJ, and stepped out of his own jeans and into the teeming spray. The water sluiced over them and Steve held CJ against his shoulder and scrubbed with a soapy cloth. CJ giggled, burying a smile in Steve's neck.

Steve patted his back lightly, turning them the other way to let the water do its work on the other side. "That water doesn't bother you at all, does it?" he remarked admiringly. "Not even on your face! Maybe when you're a little bigger we can try you out on a surfboard. I've seen some kids not much bigger than you on boogie boards. That's a good place to start." He stood under the pounding jets and felt CJ's grip tighten around his neck. He smiled to himself. That felt pretty nice. Maybe someday…

He kept the shower short and sweet and stepped out carefully, keeping a firm grip on his passenger and reaching for a couple of towels. He dropped one towel on the bed and set CJ down on it to dry him off.

CJ seemed to like the towel even better than the shower and they entertained each other for some minutes with a game of towel peek-a-boo before Steve realized that CJ might be nice and warm, but he was starting to shiver and should probably think about toweling himself off as well and putting on some clothes. He dropped the towel in the playpen to absorb any potential accidents until he could get CJ diapered and dressed, and reached for a pair of clean jeans. He had just slid into them and was fastening the snap when his cell rang. He picked it up automatically and thumbed the button.

"Sloan."

"Steve?"

Steve inhaled resignedly at the familiar voice. "Cheryl."

"Listen, I know it's your day off - "

Steve nodded grimly. "But?"

"But we just collared Caldron and have enough to bring him in for questioning. I thought you'd want to be here."

Steve felt his heart pick up pace. "You know I do!"

"Well, that's why I'm calling. Sorry about your day off, but - "

"Never mind about that. I'll be right there. What - " He caught sight of CJ, deeply engrossed in contemplation of his bare toes, and stopped dead. Whoops. "Um…I just have - one - small thing I need to take care of, then I'll be right down."

"Well, don't dawdle. His lawyer's already making noises. We can't hold onto him forever."

"I know, I know…" Steve was grabbing a clean white t-shirt from the top of a pile in the laundry basket as he spoke. Not his most professional or intimidating garb, but speed mattered. "Read him his rights, just in case. I don't want to take any chances on technicalities. I'll be there as fast as I can." He rang off quickly and punched one of his programmed speed dial numbers and waited. After four rings it kicked over to voicemail, so he tried another button instead. This time a cheerful voice picked up.

"Community General."

Steve struggled to recognize the voice. "Rita?" he ventured at last. "It's Steve. Is my Dad there?"

"Oh, hi, Steve. Well, he's here, but he's in surgery, assisting. Is there something I can help you with?"

Steve swore quietly, but with fervor. Damn his father for being such a workaholic. Couldn't he ever just take a day off like normal…? It occurred to him to remember where he was trying to head on his own day off and he dropped that train of thought abruptly. Oh, never mind, never mind - a solution was what mattered. "Uh - no…I guess not."

"Can I at least give Dr. Sloan a message?"

Steve stared at CJ, happily busy with his toes. He sighed. "I guess not," he repeated at last. "Thanks anyway, Rita."

He depressed the connection and stood for a moment, staring at the cell phone, before walking the few steps to the playpen and staring down into it at CJ, naked and content.

"So, CJ," he began with forced cheer, yanking the t-shirt in his hand over his head and smiling brightly. "How would you like to see a real, live police station?"

TBC