Rafe Gallo knew by the loud voices he'd heard coming from inside the captain's office and the way Jo had stormed out of there that, whatever the meeting was about, it had not gone well. He only hoped that Jo still had her job.

"Hey…you okay?" he finally asked after letting Jo pace a bit in front of his desk for a bit.

It took a moment for her to respond to the question. "What?" she asked confused as she stopped to look at him.

"You okay?" he asked again, a bit more concerned, but the look in her eyes spoke volumes before Jo even answered.

"Honestly?" she asked, and then turned as the captain's door opened, and the small group came out with Ames trailing. For a brief moment, green eyes met deep brown and a feeling of being eighteen again and all the feelings Jo had had then swept through the brunette. She shook her head, breaking eye contact and turned to Rafe. "No…no, I'm not okay," she said. "Ride down with me?"

Rafe had only seen that look in Jo's eyes once before and he immediately agreed. "Sure, Jo," he said, giving her a small smile as he put his hand on her shoulder. "Let's go."

Jo sighed and gave a small smile in return, before the two headed for the elevators.

Blair Warner felt a familiar pain in her heart as she watched Jo leave the squad room. Her eyes hadn't left the brunette from the time Jo entered Ames's office until she stormed out, and, during that time, Blair had been both impressed and scared watching her former…friend. The brunette had an attitude, just like she'd had when Blair had first met Jo as a teenager, but this Jo was different…harder. Her Jo would never have talked to Blair's father the way she had today. Well…not as forcefully at least. Blair sighed softly. The brunette wasn't 'her Jo' anymore. She hadn't been for a long time now. Blair didn't understand why Jo seemed to despise her so much that the Bronx native didn't even look at her. After all, Blair was the one that should be angry. She wouldn't even acknowledge my presence, the blonde thought. And yet, Blair knew Jo was aware of her even before the heiress had spoken. Blair could feel it. Then, there was that look just now. There seemed to be just as much pain and sadness in Jo's soft green eyes as Blair felt were in her own. What if there was? You heard her, she said no. Blair thought. But…what if…? Her father's voice brought Blair out of her thoughts.

"I have to say, Captain…I am not at all happy with what happened here today. I was under the impression you had more 'control' over Miss Polniaczek," David said, irritated. "With the attitude she showed in there, it's no wonder she's suspended. Perhaps she shouldn't be a part of the NYPD at all? Maybe I should speak to someone with more…authority..than you?" David asked.

Warner's not so subtle insinuation wasn't lost on Ames. "If you feel it necessary, Mr. Warner..." Ames responded in a tone that David couldn't tell whether it was acquiescing or condescending. "…but, Detective Polniaczek is a very good cop, with an outstanding record of convictions, that has both the police chief and the mayor very happy," Ames told him. The captain didn't mind playing the 'game', but he also knew when to fold. "But, please, do what you feel is in your best interest," he smiled cordially. "Now…if you'll excuse me?" Ames said as he nodded, effectively dismissing David Warner, and returned to his office.

"This is not over." David fumed as he took his daughter by the arm and headed to the elevators. Steve Jackson couldn't help the small smirk that played across his lips as he followed his boss.

"So…that was 'The' Blair, huh?" Rafe asked Jo, a hint of sympathy in his voice, as they stood by her motorcycle outside the precinct.

"Yea…" Jo said with a tired sigh, staring at the two limos parked nearby. "..that was her."

"And that prick Warner actually had the balls to ask you to guard her?" Rafe asked disbelievingly, but with an angry undertone. He knew about Blair from a story Jo had told him a few years back, when his partner had had one too many drinks. Jo had been so deeply in love with the girl, that the brunette believed Blair was her soul mate. Something had happened though, that made Jo walk away and never look back. She never said what it was, but, Rafe knew the other girl's father had played a role in the breakup. Rafe had no idea that Jo's Blair, was actually Blair Warner…the only child of David Warner, one of the wealthiest men in the city.

"I can't believe the nerve of that bastard," he said shaking his head. He knew Jo was tough, stubborn and had a mean temper, but…he also knew that she was a kind, loyal, and upstanding young woman, that would do anything for the people she cared about. Rafe sometimes saw Jo as a younger sister, and it hurt him to see her looking so lost. "..but, you said 'no',…yea?" he asked her.

Jo sighed again before she answered. "Ya know..there was a time…I woulda stood in front of a train for her…but now?" The sadness in her voice, evident. "I..I just couldn't. There's no way I could…" she stopped as Blair, David and Jackson exited the precinct and walked towards the two limos. They headed for the limo closest to them, where Monica, Blair's mother, and a blonde girl around 8 - 10 years old stood waiting. Jo couldn't help but smile when Blair bent over slightly to hug the girl who smiled up excitedly at her. But, Jo also noticed how much the girl resembled Blair and a new wave of sadness passed through her. Of course she looks like Blair. After all she... Jo's thoughts were interrupted and, she felt a bit self-conscious when the little girl looked at her expectantly, and asked loud enough for everyone to hear… "Super Jo's going to protect you, right Blair?" The disappointment and sadness Jo saw in warm brown eyes when Blair briefly looked at her, hit Jo like a punch to the gut.

Blair knew Jo had heard Bailey's question - everyone had - and she didn't care. She actually hoped the brunette felt guilty, when Jo saw Blair shake her head and say "No." Blair opened her mouth to explain why the brunette wasn't, when, as Jo would say.. 'All hell broke loose.' With a scared look on her face, Bailey pointed at Jo, who was charging at them yelling "Down!" At the same time, Blair heard loud popping sounds and her mother screaming. Instinctively, Blair wrapped Bailey in her arms, just before strong arms grabbed her and took them to the ground. Shaking with fright, Blair felt Jo's body on top of her, effectively shielding both her and Bailey. An apprehensive, yet fairly calm voice was speaking softly in her ear… "Just stay down…I've got you."….and, in that instant, as she took in the unmistakable scent of Irish Spring and leather, Blair knew she would be okay - they would both be okay. They were protected and…she relaxed.

Distracted by the driver of the first limo, Steve Jackson saw Jo charging at Blair and feared the worst, but, in the same instant, Steve heard what she was yelling and heard the gunfire coming from the street. He reached David, who was holding Monica, and pushed them to the pavement, using the limo as cover.

In those few crazy moments that seemed to last forever, Blair did her best to calm Bailey, who was whimpering in the older girl's arms. She assured the younger girl that Jo would keep them safe. Much too soon for her, Blair felt Jo's weight shift off of her and she heard the brunette asking if they were alright, if they were hurt. Blair turned her head and gazed into beautiful green eyes that were full of concern and a touch of fear, and she felt her heart flutter. The blonde sighed to herself, no one but Jo Polniaczek had ever had that effect on her.

"Are you okay?" Blair heard Jo demand again. Smiling softly, she answered.. "Yes…we're okay." Blair saw a split second of doubt, then relief and…tenderness, before the green eyes turned cold again and Jo stood up. Blair's heart sank a bit, when, before she and Bailey could get to their feet, Jo was yelling to her partner while running to her motorcycle. Then…Jo was gone.

Riding up in the elevator, Jo sighed heavily as she leaned against the back wall of the car, unconsciously tapping on her helmet. How could her 'street sense' have let her down? How did she not notice the car parked at the corner across from the station? Jo pinched the bridge of her nose. Cuz you let your guard down, because of her…that's why, she mentally berated herself. You let her in your head…she's the past…move on. Jo shook her head, hoping it would help get her mind together before….

The doors opened to the squad room and the chaos Jo saw there. Her only solace, was that the main lobby had been worse. Jo was barely out of the elevator, when the young girl she'd seen earlier with Blair was wrapped around her waist, holding tight. Jo winced slightly at the contact.

Jo ignored the other adults, throwing questions at her trying to get her attention and instead, focused on the girl. "Hey…" she said softly, gently pulling back and reached down to tilt the girl's chin up. "You okay?" she asked looking into hauntingly familiar brown eyes.

It took a second, but the girl nodded. "Y-yes…" she said a bit timidly. "…cuz of you. You protected us." she added before wrapping her arms around Jo's waist again.

With her free hand, Jo lightly rubbed the girl's back. "Awww…I didn't do that much…everyone's ok, that's all that matters," Jo said in a calming voice. She gently nudged the girl to get her to look up. "So, since yer glued to me..ya wanna tell me your name?" she asked with a slight grin.

The girl gave Jo a small smile. "I'm Bailey Warner…Blair's my sister."

Jo tensed briefly. I should have known, she thought to herself. "Ah-ha…well…I'm Jo, Bailey." she smiled back.

"I know…" Bailey said a bit more excited, her smile bigger. "You're 'Super' Jo! I saw you in the papers!"

"Yeah…well…" Jo stammered, a bit embarrassed. "…not everyone here thinks I am. Here…" The brunette had maneuvered over to where Blair was sitting. "…how bout you sit with yer sister again?" Jo asked while setting her helmet on the desk. With just a look, an unspoken question passed between the detective and the blonde, and Blair nodded. Though it annoyed Jo that she was having these feelings, a small sense of relief passed through her at knowing Blair was, for sure, uninjured. The faintest of smiles crossed Jo's lips.

If Bailey hadn't been sitting on her lap when the doors of the elevator opened and Jo stepped out, Blair knew she would have been the one with her arms wrapped around the brunette. Instead, Blair watched as her sister leapt up and ran to Jo, latching on to the detective's waist. She watched Jo talk gently to her sister, while ignoring those around them, and then, allowed Bailey to cling to her as Jo moved towards where Blair was sitting. She'd also noticed how Jo winced when Bailey first hugged the Bronx native, and it made Blair curious, but the brunette appeared to be okay after.

Frustrated by Jo's disregard for the questions she was being asked, Captain Ames grabbed the brunette's arm and turned her towards him. "Polniaczek! You want to tell me what the hell happened out there and why the hell you took off like that?" he demanded furiously.

Jo pulled her arm away and leveled her gaze at him. "What that was…sir.." she started, disrespect in her tone. "…was an attempt on Warner's life in front of this damn precinct! I 'took off' with the intention of catching the perps. I was doing my job!" she finished angrily.

"Yea?" Ames questioned, scowling at her. "And how did that turn out?" he asked cynically.

Returning his look with her own sneer, Jo answered. "Well…considering my bike doesn't have a siren, lights or radio, it was kinda hard to pursue them through traffic without putting civilians in danger. Besides the fact, without my gun…" she stressed the word. "…or shield, there wasn't much I could do if I caught them anyway, was there?" she asked defiantly.

Ames, felt the eyes upon them, as the whole squad room had fallen silent at the exchange between the two. He knew Jo was right. There wasn't much she could have done and it was better not to have put more innocent lives in danger, he took the slightest of steps back.

Seeing the agreement in Ames eyes, and that he relaxed his posture, Jo did the same. "Look Cap. I'm sorry I went off on you like that. I guess I'm still a bit…wired," she offered.

"It's okay," Ames nodded. He saw in Jo's eyes that she was offering a way for both of them to save face. "It's a stressful situation. It was a smart move Detective, not to endanger anyone else." he agreed.

Jo let out the smallest sigh. Ames could have taken advantage of her apology, but didn't. "So…" Jo asked as she looked at the others that were involved. "…is everyone alright? Was anyone hurt?"

"The driver of the second limo..the one we were by…was hit." Rafe answered.

Jo frowned. "Yea? How bad? Family notified?" she asked.

"He's in surgery," Steve Jackson spoke up, nodding. "I notified his family." He was taken with the sincere concern in Jo's voice.

"Who cares about that?" David interjected. "What about…?"

"David!" Monica muttered harshly at the same time Jo cut him off.

"I care!" Jo shot him an angry look. "His job was to drive a car…not get shot at."

Monica Warner was impressed by Jo and her ability to shut her ex-husband down. She couldn't think of another person who could do that to David. Monica also knew she wasn't the only one captivated by the one-time hoodlum. Of course, Bailey was, but also her older daughter's eyes hadn't left Jo since she'd gotten off the elevator. But, it was the non-verbal communication that Jo and Blair shared, even after all this time, that Monica found interesting.

"Okay…settle down," Captain Ames said holding up his hands. He directed his order mostly to Jo, as Warner had already shrunk back slightly. "What do we have on the suspect's car?" he asked looking at his detectives.

"Sorry Cap…" Rafe shrugged. "I went to cover Karen and Tori from Records when Jo yelled her warning."

Frowning, Jo questioned herself.. Karen and Tori were out there? Damn! How did I not see them?

"Polniaczek?" Ames asked just a bit impatiently, nudging her.

"What? Oh…right..sorry.." Jo shook her head, still frowning. "…late model Ford Torino...`76 or `77... souped up motor…very dark blue, possibly black…first letters of the plate…KYH…one shooter for sure, but from the sound of the shots…more likely two," Jo rattled off the info in a distracted tone. She was still thinking how she missed the other women standing out front.

While the Warners stared at her, mouths agape, Jo looked at the bodyguard. "Ya get anything else, Steve?"

Amazed himself at all that Jo had picked up, he shook his head. "No…" he thought a moment about the gunfire. "..but I do think you're right about two shooters."

Captain Ames looked at Rafe. "Okay, Gallo…let's get a run on the plates and see if we get a match to a Torino," Then, looking at the other detectives in the room, he added. "Let's find out if anyone else was able to track these guys and also…put some feelers out..make sure this wasn't an attempt on us." Ames stressed the word. He actually was referring to Jo, but an attempt on one cop - was an attempt on them all.

"On it" Rafe answered, turning to his computer and grinning to himself. Neither he or the captain were surprised by Jo's recall abilities. He and the other detectives quickly got to work.

Jo turned to her boss. "Ya know Cap.." She'd barely gotten the words out when.. . "Bailey! You're bleeding!" Monica wailed in panic. Jo looked at the younger girl and, sure enough, there was a blood stain on the girl's right side, that Monica had spotted when Bailey shifted on Blair's lap.

"Where are you hurt?" Monica asked as she swept in, pulled Bailey from her sister's lap and ran her hands over the girl.

"Mom…mom! Stop!" Bailey managed to push Monica's hands away. "I'm not hurt."

"If you're not hurt…then where did..?" Monica started to ask, then looked toward Blair, fearing she was the one who was injured. Instead, she saw Blair, ashen faced with a look of dread, staring at Jo.

Unnerved by Blair's stare, Jo looked down and caught sight of a small red patch peeking out beneath her jacket. Jo took off her jacket, wincing in pain, as she exposed a larger patch of red. "Shit!" she muttered. Guess it wasn't a muscle pull, she groaned to herself as she gently probed her side, trying to determine the size of the wound.

"How bad?" Ames asked in an even tone. Jo was one of the toughest cops he'd ever known and knew she didn't take to coddling.

"Not too bad…" she answered, reaching into the desk drawer for a gauze pad and tape. "..a few stitches probably," she added, carefully lifting her shirt. "This will do for now. I.." Before Jo could finish, Blair stood in front of her.

"Give me that…" the blonde said firmly, as she took the bandaging from Jo. "..you can't do it yourself," she said in explanation to the brunette's questioning gaze, but Jo caught the tremor in Blair's voice. "Hold up your shirt." Blair directed her, not able to look Jo in the eye, because of the anxiousness she was already feeling.

A slight shiver ran through Jo as the blonde's, slightly trembling, hands affixed the bandage to her side. Standing this close, the smell of Blair's perfume clouded Jo's mind. Mentally shaking her head, Jo re-focused and continued her conversation with Ames. "Ya know the feds are gonna get involved now," she said frowning at him. "They're gonna wanna take over."

"You're right…we are"

The voice came from behind them as Blair put the last piece of tape on Jo's injury. The blonde was this close to letting her fingers trail over soft skin, when Jo abruptly dropped her shirt and turned to the woman behind them.

"Finn…I shoulda known," Jo said scowling, but with a slight grin. "Here ya are…slummin again. Ya always gotta get in our business?"

"Perhaps if you'd stop getting shot…I wouldn't have to, Polcat." Finn answered with a sarcastic tone, but playfulness in her eyes.

"Eh…you feds are too uptight. Ya need to live dangerously once in awhile. Walk on the wild side," Jo smirked.

Finn gave a small nod. "Hmmm…maybe. It's been a while since I…got wild," she said eyeing Jo, with an appreciative look.

The sly, knowing grin and slight blush on Jo's face at this 'Finn' person's comments, had Blair timidly stepping back to where her mother and Bailey were. The banter and looks that passed between the two women brought back memories that caused an ache and sadness in the blonde's heart. With her head down, Blair took a furtive look at the woman, who seemed more than professionally familiar with Jo. Finn had short, light brown hair and blue eyes with a petite build, but, was roughly the same height as Jo . She was dressed in the standard dark blue pantsuit of government agents. Blair also noted that Finn could be considered…attractive. But, what really bothered the heiress, was that Finn had used a nickname for Jo. How dare she? I'm the only one who should be calling Jo anything but her name. Blair thought. But, then the voice of reason spoke up. But, Jo isn't yours to call anything anymore. She's moved on…and so have you.

Once again, her daughter's reaction to Jo wasn't lost on Monica. First, when Blair realized the brunette had been shot, the pale look of her face. Then, tending to Jo's wound, she saw how Blair trembled, as she tried to focus on the task at hand. Monica had even noticed how Blair's fingers had momentarily lingered near Jo's side. And now? The way Blair shyly shrank back, almost…embarrassed, as if she were a third wheel, bothered the older woman. Ever since the 'incident' at the beginning of Blair's second year at Langley, her daughter hadn't been the same. She'd become...passive...indifferent…not her usual 'center of attention' self. Blair seemed only to be going through the motions of life. No, Monica didn't like her daughter's new demeanor at all, and she blamed her ex-husband for it. Blair needed to get her fire…her passion back. As she watched Blair now, surreptitiously assessing Agent Finn, Monica was sure she saw a hint of jealousy in Blair's eyes, maybe a some anger as well. Monica sighed. Maybe he was wrong? Maybe she really was good for Blair? The older woman thought.

"Agent Finley," Ames spoke up, interrupting the two officers informal exchange. "While it's nice to see you again, I hope my detective is wrong about the reason for your visit." He said in a tight professional tone.

"I'm sorry, Captain," Finn answered shaking her head, her own posture becoming more businesslike. "But, she's right. The FBI is taking over…"

"Now wait a damn minute!" Jo cut in, her anger rising. "This is our case. You can't just come in here and…"

"Polniaczek!" Ames said sternly.

"No Cap! The shooting happened on our turf! She can't just…"

"Yourturf?" Finn said in a mocking tone. "This isn't the Bronx and we aren't some hoodlum gangs fighting over some low-rent neighborhood. This is real life!" she said with a mix of anger and condescension. It took Finn less than thirty seconds to realize what she'd said and how wrong it was to say it to Jo. The brunette's face was flushed and her green eyes were filled with fire.

Blair watched as Jo's stance changed to one filled with fury, her body tensed and she clenched her fists tightly at her sides. Blair had seen that look herself, and knew better than anyone the influence Jo's past had on the decisions the brunette had made when she was younger. That past had given Jo a 'code' to live by. The fact that this Finn had royally pissed Jo off, gave Blair a small thrill.

"You're right…this is real life," Jo said in a low voice, her cold hard stare fixed on Finn. "I guess it is a good thing we aren't hoodlums…anymore." She almost snarled as she stressed the last word.

She may have felt bad about her choice of words, and, Jo's glare was intimidating, but Finn had a job to do and she wasn't going to back down. "Good…." she answered, standing her ground. "Then you understand why…"

"I don't understand a damnthing!" Jo said angrily. "I…"

"JO! That's enough!" Ames said forcefully, stopping her tirade. "I'm sure we can discuss this Agent Finn?" he asked, motioning to his office.

"I'm sorry, Captain, but there's nothing to discuss," Finn replied, shaking her head. "I have my orders. The Director was very clear…"

"Ya know what? The hell with your orders and the Director," Jo countered angrily. "This is our case! You can.."

"POLNIACZEK! SHUT UP!" Ames snapped. His voice was loud, harsh and angry. It stopped Jo cold. He was just as upset as she was, but her attitude wasn't helping.

The squad room was silent again as everyone stared at the trio.

Surprised at first by Ames' outburst, Jo took a deep breath and fixed her hard gaze on him. "Screw this," she hissed angrily. "I don't need this shit. Ya want this case? Take it." she directed at Finn. Her words came out as hard as a slap. Jo then looked at Ames. "What the hell do I care…I'm suspended anyway. I'm outta here."

Jo turned, stormed back to her desk, threw her jacket on and grabbed her helmet. She'd only gotten a few steps when a hand grabbed her arm and she heard… "NO! You can't go!"