A/N: Thank you all for the kind reviews and words of encouragement. I want to give a shout out to my "new" muse...you know who you are and you are a great help. Now...on with the story.
Jo quickly spoke up when she saw the disapproving look on Monica's face when Bailey walked up to her mother carrying a soda and a half eaten candy bar. "Hey…sorry Mrs. Warner…that was my bad…" she said apologetically. "I shoulda cleared that with you first. But, eh…I was hungry and I hate to eat alone."
Monica was ready to chew Jo out, but instead, she found, not only the formal way Jo addressed her, without the slightest bit of arrogance that many of Blair's friends had, but the brunette's shy, sly smile disarming. So much so that Monica waved it off. "Oh…it's fine Jo. One small snack after the day we've had is all right. As long as it doesn't become a habit," she said sternly to Bailey when the girl started to smile.
"It won't mother," Bailey answered a bit snarkily, rolling her eyes.
"Hey…your mom's right. It's important to take care of yourself by eating healthy and exercising," Jo's voice was a bit harsh as she chastised Bailey, not at all pleased with the girl's attitude. "I work out…hard…at least an hour a day, sometimes twice a day. Snacks are okay, but…in moderation. Got it?" she asked in a way that left no room for argument.
"Yes, Jo," Bailey meekly replied, her attitude…gone.
"Okay," Jo smiled, as she gently nudged the girl with her elbow. She was pleased that the girl smiled back, while Bailey was happy that Jo wasn't upset with her. "Look…" the brunette said, lifting her gaze to the others. "..why don't you guys have a seat?" Jo asked pointing to a bench off to the side. "I'll be back in a few," she finished, excusing herself, and headed to Rafe's desk. Jo glanced at Jackson, who was talking on his cell, and from the look on his face, she guessed he was getting an update from the hospital.
Blair, who'd watched Jo the entire time, was impressed at how the brunette had handled both her mother and her sister. Jo had stifled Monica's rant before it even started and had managed to charm the older woman at the same time. Then, she'd been able to correct Bailey's behavior, without losing the young girl's respect.
What Blair missed, however, was her mother watching her. Monica saw the pride on her daughter's face as Jo dealt with Bailey. She couldn't remember the last time, if ever, Blair had looked at Justin in that way. As they moved to sit on the bench, Monica kept thinking about the change in Blair's demeanor since being around the brunette. It was definitely something she needed to talk with David about.
"What?" Jo asked, a little gruffly, seeing the smirk she saw on her partner's face as she stepped up to Rafe's desk.
"Nothing," he answered innocently, his smirk still in place. "Nothing at all."
Jo shook her head, as she sat on the edge of his desk. "Spit it out Rafe. I know you're dying to," she remarked rolling her eyes.
"Wellll…" Rafe glanced at the Warner women, then back at Jo. "I thought you didn't want this job?" he asked. "I mean, with the history you have.." he motioned towards the women. "..you sure are fighting awfully hard to keep the case," Rafe said concerned.
Jo ran her hand over her face, letting out a heavy sigh before she looked at him. "I honestly don't know," she answered, a bit of a lost look in her eyes. "When I was headed for the door, I-I should have just kept going. But…" Jo's voice trailed off.
Rafe nodded sympathetically at the hurt and indecision on Jo's voice. "That kid's pretty persuasive," he said, an understanding tone in his voice., but his eyes held a different look. He knew that his partner's soft spot for kids, wouldn't allow her to walk away.
"Yeah," Jo, smiled softly, before she glanced over her shoulder at the young girl once again sitting on Blair's lap. "But, it's more than that," Jo went on, frowning as she turned back to Rafe. It had caught her eye how Justin sat separate from Blair. "It's just…I've got a weird feeling about this case," Jo paused and the lines on her forehead deepened. "No…it's not what you think," she answered when she looked up and saw Rafe's 'Yea…right' expression. "There's something…off. I just can't explain it.." Jo's voice trailed off as she glanced over her shoulder again. Then, shaking her head, Jo turned back to Rafe. "You started telling me about the plates," she said leaning forward to get a look at his computer screen.
Rafe answered…"Yeah," as he angled the monitor towards her, letting Jo change the subject.
"Yea," Rafe answered, angling the screen in her direction, effectively letting the subject drop. He'd come to trust his partner's instincts. Rafe knew when Jo got a better handle on her 'feeling' she'd fill him in. "Not only were the plates stolen," he went on. "but, patrol just found the car down by the river, fully engulfed in flames."
"Damn," Jo muttered, though she really wasn't that surprised how the car wound up. Especially, not after whoever was driving it did a drive-by at a police station. Jo figured they were either crazy or, paid a hell of a lot of money. "Still…make sure the crime lab guys go over what's left of the car. Maybe we'll get lucky." she told him.
Rafe nodded in agreement, though they both knew the chances were slim. "Hey…" he said looking past her. "Looks like they're done."
Jo turned her head to see Ames, David and Rachel coming out of the captain's office. Jo stood up and took a quick glance at the elevator, weighing the option of making a run for it. But, looking back, she saw Bailey and the others watching her intently. Letting out a sigh, Jo straightened her shoulders and headed towards the group before Ames called her over. Jo wasn't that shocked that David Warner was the one who spoke.
"Agent Finn, Captain Ames and myself have reached an agreement," David said emphasizing the word. "The FBI will continue their investigation of the letters I received. They will also assist the NYPD with this latest incident, but the police will take the lead. It will be a 'joint investigation', as it were," he told the group, looking to Ames and Finn for confirmation, both nodding their heads in agreement.
"But what about Jo?" Bailey asked as she got up from Blair's lap. "She's going to watch over Blair, right?"
All eyes expectantly turned toward the brunette, who was still mentally wavering. At the same time, Jo's eyes were focused on the heiress. The 'new' Jo - decorated cop and successful independent woman - wanted to prove herself. She wanted to prove that Blair Warner no longer had any effect on her. However, the 'old' Jo - the young woman who'd given her heart to the blonde, only to have it crushed - wanted to run and to get as far away as possible.
Finn could see the inner struggle in Jo's eyes. The brunette had always held a part of herself back when they were together, never letting the other woman to get too close. Though Jo never said it, Rachel had attributed the forced distance to a bad experience in the Bronx girl's past that had caused Jo a lot of pain. Now, after seeing the looks the two women exchanged, Finn knew that David Warner's daughter played a part in it. Rachel walked over to the brunette. "Jo," Finn said quietly, getting the woman's attention. "If you ever want to move forward - to let someone in - you need to deal with the past."
Jo sighed and closed her eyes for just a moment. "Rachel…I…" Jo started as she opened her eyes, fully expecting to see either hurt, anger or both. Instead, all she saw was…understanding, and, it made Jo feel guilty. Even though they hadn't worked out as a couple - Jo knew she was partly to blame - she still did care for the FBI agent.
Giving the brunette a sympathetic smile, Rachel said softly, encouragingly "Jo…you need to do this," .
Jo sighed as she shook her head, a slightly defeated look on her face. Jo knew Finn was right, she had to face the past, but….
Blair watched the interaction between the two women and she felt a knot form in her stomach. She knew Jo wasn't hers anymore, and, that she was free to do as she pleased. However, Blair couldn't stand to see the brunette so familiar, so…close with these women - Casey and Finn. The way she herself had once been with the brunette. She also couldn't help but think that there were most likely others that had been close to Jo. Jo had probably even… Blair banished the thought from her head. She didn't want to imagine Jo being with anyone. Yet, when it appeared that Agent Finn had to convince Jo to guard her, Blair had had enough. If Jo didn't want to do it…then Blair was done. "Justin…I want to go home," she said firmly as she turned to her husband. "Please…take me home."
Justin fumbled briefly with his answer. "Blair..dear..you know I'd love to…"
Blair smiled at him, grateful that he would save her from this awkward situation.
"But…"
The blonde felt her stomach drop.
"I have those meetings out of town," Justin continued. "Of course, I had to come and make sure you were okay, and, now that I know you are…" His voice trailed off, accompanied by an apologetic look.
While Blair did her best to hide her disappointment, the incredulous expressions of both Monica and Bailey did nothing to hide their feelings. It was David, though, who spoke up.
"Surely, Justin, the meetings can wait?" he questioned his son-in-law, with a biting tone. David was less than pleased with the young man's 'excuse' to his daughter.
"They could, David," Justin answered with a fake contrite smile and a tone, that he hoped, sounded placating rather than annoyed, like he really felt. "But, you know how long it took to arrange them…"
"I am well aware," David said, testily. "But, I also…" He didn't get to finish, as the young man interrupted him.
"Of course you are. You also know how important these meetings are to Warner Industries," Justin continued, playing to the executive's base need to see his company excel. "What they mean to the future of the company."
Steve Jackson, who'd kept quiet until now, observed his boss's irritation growing and decided to speak up. "Mr. Warner, if you'd like, I'd be happy to take Miss Warner home," Steve intentionally called Blair by her maiden name. The bodyguard had never cared for Justin Wellington; he was a top-notch jerk. He wouldn't put it past the guy to fool around on Blair, but...it wasn't his place to find out. Steve was hired to protect David Warner, nothing else. He valued his job, and, if there was nothing going on...Steve decided, reluctantly, to keep quiet about his suspicions. Still, he couldn't understand why Blair married the guy. They just didn't seem…right for each other.
"No, Steve, " Jo said before Warner could answer. "Your job is to watch David," she said as she looked towards Justin and Blair. "I'll take care of Miss Warner," she said with a hint of contempt. Since her gaze was focused on Justin, Jo caught the flash of disdain on his face that the brunette was sure she'd seen just a moment before when Steve had also referred to Blair as 'Miss Warner'. Hmmm….don't like that do ya Justy? Jo thought. Not that she cared. She was ticked that the guy wasn't putting his wife first.
"Wonderful," Justin replied, giving Jo a quick, withering smile. "It's settled then, dear," he said to Blair, pulling her into what, appeared to be, a loving embrace, and kissed the top of her head. "I can go on with my trip knowing you're in capable hands."
Jo rolled her eyes as she turned and walked back to where Finn and Rafe still stood by his desk. She didn't see Bailey smiling happily that 'Super' Jo was going to protect her sister, the questioning looks exchanged between Monica and David, or…the way Blair stared after her.
"You're doing the right thing, Jo," Rachel said quietly, gently touching the brunette's arm as Jo stopped next to her. Despite being in her husband's arms, the way the Warner heiress's eyes had followed the Bronx girl hadn't escaped the FBI agent.
"She's right, partner," Rafe Gallo added, nodding in agreement.
"Yea, well…Steve's got enough on his plate. What was I supposed to do?" Jo asked, shrugging.
Rachel and Rafe exchanged a look when Jo glanced back over her shoulder to watch Justin say goodbye. The two had been pretty sure that, in spite of her objections, Jo would agree to guard Blair Warner.
"Can ya believe that guy? He can't be bothered to take Blair home?" Jo asked as she turned back around. "His wife's shot at, but, his business meetings are more important?" Her tone of voice easily showed her level of annoyance at the man.
"You heard him, Jo…those meetings are important to the company," Rafe offered in Justin's defense.
"True," Rachel agreed, while Jo rolled her eyes. "But, even Mr. Warner seemed…disappointed at his excuse," she countered with a raised brow.
"Exactly," Jo said firmly. "Besides, he had no idea Blair wasn't hurt 'til he got here. It didn't sound like 'ol Justy even considered canceling those meetings," she said irritated. "And, believe me, I know how much Davey's company means to him. So, if he was upset at the guy's reasoning…" Jo dramatically left the thought unfinished.
"Hey…don't get mad at me," Rafe raised his hands in defense. "I agree it was a jerk move." Knowing that Blair Warner was 'the' girl from Jo's past, it didn't surprise Rafe, that Jo knew what the company meant to David Warner. Especially since Rafe knew a bit about Jo's 'less than stellar' past. He was pretty sure David wasn't crazy about his daughter's then 'friendship' with Jo.
Jo became quiet for a moment as she thought back on the initial expression on Justin's face, when he realized that Blair wasn't hurt. "Rach?" she asked slightly distracted. "You guys got anything off those threatening letters yet?"
"Jooo…you know that's the FBI's investigation," Agent Finley replied in a warning tone.
"Yea…I know," Jo attempted to calm her. "I was just curious is all. Ya know…like where they were mailed from, same paper…fingerprints?"
"Just curious, huh?" Rachel asked skeptically.
"Yea," Jo shrugged. "That's all."
"Uh-huh," Rachel answered with unmoved smirk.
"I know that look, partner," Rafe spoke up. "What's going on in that head of yours?"
"Nothing….nothing's going on. It was just a question," Jo denied, a bit defensively, but neither Finn or Gallo believed her. "Looks like they're done," Jo said, changing the subject, as she saw Captain Ames motioning to her.
"So we're straight now, right?" Ames asked as the two detectives and the agent joined the group, although he already knew the answer. "Polniaczek, you'll be guarding Mrs. Wellington, the FBI is handling the threats and, we'll be working together on the shooting," Ames repeated for clarification.
Blair shot a wary glance at the brunette and was relieved to see Jo nod along in agreement with the others.
"Great, then I suggest we get you out of here and get you home. It's been a rough day for all of you," the captain directed his comment to David more than the others.
"Captain?" Detective Brennan interrupted. "Thought you might want to know, patrol reports that the press are not only camped out downstairs, but, also at the Warner residences," he said indicating the group.
"Great, just what we needed," Ames commented rolling his eyes.
"That is unfortunate," David agreed. "But, I do have a private estate outside of town. If it's agreeable, I think we could stay there for a few days?" David posed to his ex-wife and daughter.
While Monica was all for it, Blair could see by Jo's body language, that was the last thing the brunette wanted. Although they appeared to be getting along, she knew there was still tension between her father and Jo.
"Daddy? While that's a wonderful offer…all of us together?" Blair asked with a raised brow. "I'd much rather be at home."
"But, darling, the press will hound you as soon as they…" Monica began to protest.
"Don't worry," Jo cut her off. "I've got the perfect place. No one will ever think to look for Blair there," she said with a confident smile.
After a few more minutes of 'debate', it was agreed that Blair would go with Jo…although the brunette refused to say where she would be taking Blair.
"But….how are you going to get past the paparazzi?" Monica asked, still unconvinced of Jo's plan.
"Easy…" Jo said with a small smirk as she picked up her motorcycle helmet.