AN: It has been absolutely forever since I've worked on this fic. I lost track. Life changed. Then through the magic of streaming, I reconnected with some old friends. And so I reconnected with some old fic. I hope you enjoy. This is the second in a pair. To see how it really begins, please read "It Started with a Game."

Just a couple of more things. Anyone you know belongs to those you know. They make the money off the characters. Not me. I'm just taking them for a ride. (And get your minds out of the gutter.) I own the rest including and extra dead bodies. I started writing this while the series was still going and some of my story won't jibe with what came out about the characters later. If I knew then what I know now... I may pull from any storyline, from any season (or I may make it up as I go along), this is your warning. If I actually kill anyone important, I'll try and remember to give you an extra warning ahead of time.

Please R & R.

The soft cry grew louder and penetrated Don's sleep. He opened his eyes and looked over at Tess. She was sound asleep. He watched her briefly and she didn't move. Don slid out of bed and went over to the bassinet. He carefully picked up the squalling infant. He turned and looked at Tess. She still hadn't moved. He started to tuck his son into the crook of his arm. He felt cold wet against his arm.

"No wonder yer so cranky. Let's go in the other room and get ya changed. Maybe yer mom can get a little more sleep. Whatd'ya think?" Don went into the other bedroom and carefully balanced his son as he pulled out a clean sleeper and diaper. He set the baby down and started to unsnap the soiled clothes. "Jimmy, how does such a small guy produce so much liquid? And ya can hardly move around. How do you manage to get stuff everywhere?" Don continued his task. As he undid the diaper, he quickly placed a washcloth over his son. The baby kicked a little. "Yeah. Yer not going to get the chance. Yer Auntie Dorie taught me this trick. She thought it was really funny when one of yer cousins sprayed me." Don cleaned his son and put on a fresh diaper. "Glad yer just wet tonight. Those nasty messes in the middle of the night aren't fun. Truthfully, they're not fun anytime. I wonder how quick we can get you potty trained." He dressed him in the clean sleeper. "I'm just kiddin'. Don't grow up too fast."

Don picked up his son, held him against his shoulder, and rocked slightly as he walked. "Whatd'ya think, Jimmy? Ya gonna go back to sleep? Or do we have to wake yer mom up for a snack?" Don walked back and forth across the living room. "Hmmm. Sleepy, sleepy? Or snacky, snacky?" He felt the little body relax and slump down. Don walked for a bit more just to make sure before he went back into the bedroom, lay Jimmy down and slid back into bed. As he pulled the sheet up, Tess stirred. Don smiled and kissed her hair. "He's asleep. Ya can quit playing possum now. I knew you were awake the whole time."

Tess opened her eyes and smiled. "Everything good?"

"Everything's great." Don smiled back. Tess curled up against him and ran her fingers over his chest. Don tugged her closer and ran his hand over her hair. "Just great."

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A shrill ringer broke the silence. A baby's cries quickly joined in. Don sat straight up and reached around for his phone. Tess got up and picked up the baby. She tried to soothe him as she left the room. Don cursed as he flipped his phone open.

"Flack," he growled. "I'm still on…" Don swore under his breath again. "Yeah. I got it. On my way." He snapped the phone shut and got out of bed.

Tess was curled up on the couch nursing Jimmy. She sighed as she saw Don dressed in a suit and tightening his tie. "I guess I should be happy they left you alone for three weeks. Sorry. I was really enjoying all of us here together. I just wish it could have lasted longer."

"Me too, Sweetheart." Don kissed the top of her head and brushed his fingers over his son's hair. "It's the Statue of Liberty. Someone dumped paint down her face. Murdered a security guard. I guess last night was crazy and they're short-handed." He hooked a finger under Tess' chin and tilted her head up. "I don't know how long… Are ya gonna be OK?" Tess nodded. He leaned down and kissed her. "I love ya both."

"Love you too. Stalling isn't going to make it easier to go."

"Maybe I'm hoping they'll call an' tell me it was all a mistake. I can stay home wit' ya both for another day or so."

Tess reached up and squeezed Don's hand. "We'll be here. I'll be fine. Go get the bad guy."

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Danny met Don at the dock. He looked his friend up and down. "Interesting choices. Get dressed in the dark?" Don just scowled and took a gulp of coffee. "Yer lookin' exhausted, Flack."

"Babies ain't too keen on sleeping much at night." Don glanced down at Danny's hand. "Ya even got the brace off."

The crime scene investigator held up his hand and flexed it. "Almost good as new." He grinned at Don and nodded his head at the bag at his feet. "Which is good because I won the toss and get ta go climbing this morning."

"Better you than me, Messer." Don took another hit of coffee.

"So how's yer girl and the little tiger? Besides the not sleepin'?"

Don smiled. "Tess is a trooper." He met his best friend's gaze and grinned. "And Jimmy? It's amazing, Danny." Danny chuckled and just shook his head.

"Well, don't go all domestic on me. You'd better still be comin' out for beers and ta watch the game."

"What? Ya lonely, Messer? Already scared Montana away?"

Danny shot Don a dirty look. " Ha. Ha. Very funny. No. I haven't scared her off."

"Well, there's another miracle." A police boat pulled up to the dock and they got aboard. "Mac back yet?"

"Comin' back this mornin'. I didn't think Payton was gonna actually get him ta London."

Don grinned and shook his head. "Miracles all over."

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Mac met up with Don at the base of the statue. "Welcome back to the land of the free and the home of the depraved." Don reached out, shook Mac's hand and grinned at him. "You didn't actually think we'd let you get settled, did ya?" They both looked up at the statue.

"Any clue what this is about?"

"Got alotta guesses, but nothin's confirmed. Lady Liberty isn't our only victim." Don led the way into the statue and up to the crime scene.\

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Tess jumped up and snagged the phone off the wall after the second ring. She glanced over at Jimmy. He was still sleeping. "Hello?"

"Hey, Sweetheart."

"Hey, yourself. I'm guessing you won't be home for dinner." Tess leaned against the wall. She twirled the cord around a finger. "I've been watching the news. Sounds crazy."

Don chuckled "Ya don't know the half of it. Every time we turn around another body pops up. What've you two bin up ta today?"

"Nothing as interesting as you. Sleeping. Eating. Went for a walk. Watched the news. Hoping to get a look at my favorite detective."

"So ya heard Mac is back from London. Ya know he has a serious girlfriend, Tess," teased Don.

Tess could imagine Don's eyes sparkling as he teased her and the huge grin splitting his face. "Yeah, but Payton is all the way across the ocean." Tess looked at herself in the mirror on the opposite wall. "And I'm so attractive. My hair is all tangled and I have creases across my face from the blanket on the couch." She squinted her eyes, scratched at a spot on her shoulder, and tugged the spot over to sniff it. "And I think I have a dried spit-up on my shoulder. I know guys find that incredibly hot."

"Mmm. You're getting me worked up, Sweetheart," Don dropped his voice to a low growl. Tess burst out laughing. A soft whimper came from the Moses basket on the floor. Tess sighed, went over, and scooped the baby up. She settled him against her shoulder. Jimmy wiggled his head and tried to suckle at bare skin near the neck of Tess' shirt. "Did ya wake the baby?" Don mock scolded.

"It's your fault."

"Jimmy, don't believe yer ma. It wasn't my fault." Jimmy whimpered.

Tess laughed softly. "Great. You two are already ganging up on me." She kissed her son's head. "Just remember who runs the milk bar, Kicsikem."

Don sighed. "I should go. I feel bad I left ya alone all day."

"It was going to happen sometime." Jimmy's whimpering got louder. Tess tried to stretch the phone cord to the couch. She couldn't get close enough. "Your son is getting more insistent that he needs to be fed. And talking to me isn't going to get you home faster. I love you, Don."

"Love ya too, Sweetheart. I'll be home as soon as I can." Don snapped his phone shut.

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The soft lamplight spilled over Tess on the couch. She was curled into the corner with her feet up on an ottoman. Jimmy was snuggled against her shoulder. Don stood there just drinking in the sight of them. The pure beauty of them sleeping there helped soothe away the ugliness of the day. He quietly kissed Tess' temple and brushed his fingers over his son's head. Their quiet, steady breathing continued uninterrupted. Don went into the bedroom and stowed his gun, badge, and phone. He shed his clothes and padded through the apartment to take a shower. When he came back into the living room, Don found Tess watching him.

"Sorry," he mouthed. "I didn't mean to wake you." Tess shook her head and pantomimed putting on glasses. Don noticed them sitting on the end table. He gave her an exaggerated nod. He came closer and delicately picked up Jimmy. Tess stood up, stretching and grabbing her glasses. She followed Don into the bedroom and climbed into bed. Don put his son carefully into the bassinet. Jimmy squirmed a little but stayed asleep. Don climbed into bed and pulled Tess close. She hooked a leg over his and rested her head on Don's shoulder. He stroked her hair, losing his fingers in the silky strands. Tess kissed the pulse point in his neck. "I really didn't mean to wake ya up."

Tess traced a finger over his lips. "It's OK. Really long day. Catch the guy who doused Lady Liberty?" Don shook his head.

"Four bodies. No guy. Well, not even four complete bodies. The one security guard was just an arm."

Tess propped herself up on an elbow. She frowned down at her husband. "Just an arm? Four bodies?"

"Yeah. Female guard with her throat slashed in the Statue. Wasn't her blood. Wasn't the other guard. Couple of kids fishin' pulled in the arm."

"Those poor kids. And it was blood on the Statue of Liberty? That...that was a whole lot of blood," Tess felt ill.

"No kiddin'. The blood belonged ta a third guy. Found him on top of a roof across from the island. Went ta his apartment an'..." Don stopped and shook his head. He reached up and caressed Tess' face. " All this ugliness... I don't wanna bring it in here."

Tess nodded and kissed Don lightly. She laid down and curled back up against him. She ran her hand up and down his chest. "OK. But if you need to talk. Don't treat me like I'll break. I don't want you to feel alone." Tess cupped his face with her hand and tilted it down so she could meet his eyes. "You are never alone. OK?"

Don rubbed his face against Tess' hand. He kissed her palm. "I know, Sweetheart. It was a really long day today. This...this is bad. And we're nowhere near wrapped up." He closed his eyes and pulled her closer. He kissed her hair. He buried his face in her hair and took a deep breath. Oranges and spice."You are so beautiful. I love you, Sweetheart."

"I love you too, Don."

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Tess looked up from the book she was reading as Don opened the door. She watched him wearily walk into the living room. Don realized she was watching him and stopped.

"Hey." He looked at the book in her hands. "Surprised yer still up."

"I had a long nap." She looked him up and down. "Finished up?" Don nodded. "Good."

Don dropped down on the opposite end of the couch. He looked around. "Jimmy?"

"In the bedroom." She looked at Don. "Hungry?"

"Yeah. A little," he admitted

Tess stood up. She walked over to Don and stood in front of him between his knees. She brushed her fingers over his face, cupped his chin, leaned down and kissed him. Don wove his fingers into her hair and deepened the kiss. Tess started to climb up onto Don's lap. Suddenly she gasped and pulled back. She slid back to her feet. Don looked up at Tess' concern etched on his face. Tess wiped a tear from the corner of her eye and his concern deepened. "Guess I'm not ready for that yet.""Ya didn't hurt yourself, did ya?" He grabbed her fingers. Tess shook her head.

"Just a little twinge. I'm fine really." She squeezed his fingers. "I have something I can heat up for you. And I think I might join you."

"Yer sure yer OK?"

Tess smiled and met his eyes. "I bet you still get twinges too?" Don frowned, confused. Tess looked pointedly at his side. He clued in and nodded slightly. "Well, same thing. But I'm not as far out. I just gotta remember I'm still healing. But I'm good. Really." Tess squeezed his fingers again. "You go take a shower. And then I'll feed you." She leaned down and kissed him quickly. "Go on." Tess turned and headed for the kitchen. Don watched her walk away. He needed to figure out how to avoid that twinge.

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Tess scooped up the last of her spatzle and licked her fork clean. She eyed the food still on Don's plate. Don chuckled and pushed his plate a little closer. Tess stabbed a few noodles and ate them. She waved her fork at Don.

"So what you're saying is that all of this was because no one came forward to help after his girlfriend was murdered? Four people dead just to get the attention of the NYPD?" Tess shook her head. "That's completely twisted."

"For him, it wasn't. He won the game. We got his girlfriend's killer. An' he thought…"

"They deserved something for not coming forward." Tess snatched another fork of spatzle. "Crazy. Just crazy."

Don finished his food, picked up both their plates, and took them to the kitchen. He rinsed them and put them in the dishwasher. Tess came up behind him and wrapped her arms around his waist. She rubbed her face against his soft, well-worn t-shirt. Don turned around and encircled her too. They stood there just breathing. Tess smiled as she heard Don's breathing and heart rate slow.

"Ya fallin' asleep there, Sweetheart?" Tess just murmured her assent. Don chuckled. "Then we should get ta bed. Hopefully, our son will let us get an hour or so in before needin' fed or a diaper change." He broke their embrace and led Tess to the bedroom. They settled into bed and Don cuddled Tess close. He listened to her breathing slow as she drifted off. Don kissed her hair and took a deep breath as he closed his eyes. Chai. Sugar, spice, and everything nice.

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