As much as he was consumed by his work during the day, he was consumed by his family at night. His father was declining, and Bobby was convinced the man could no longer care for himself. He was as stubborn as they came, though, and convinced that Frank would step up and take care of him.

Bobby's mother, on the other hand, was in and out of reality. Bobby saw her twice a week, and did everything he could to keep her on an even keel. Frank didn't visit her much. He tended to only show up when he wanted money.

The old man, on the other hand… Frank got money from him, too, but he did make appearances there more often. Bobby supposed because they were so much alike. Somehow Frank was getting what he needed from the visits with their father.

But Frank didn't take care of him. Frank couldn't even take care of himself.

So it all fell to Bobby.

He thought about what his father had said about the life insurance. Bobby scoffed. When he'd moved to narcotics, he'd given that a lot of thought. He'd already set up a trust to care for both of his parents in the event he died.

If he was killed, like it or not, the both of them were going to be cared for by strangers.

And he knew it was only a matter of time before he went on a sting. This case, in fact, was coming to a head.

Which was why he needed his sleep.

Bobby flipped over and yanked on the blanket until it was covering him again.

"You're kidding, right?" The guy looked Goren up and down. Bobby stood tall and gave him silent attitude.

"Where's his references?"

"I'll vouch for him. I went to school with him." Bobby recognized the man as Fin Tutuola, one of the Detectives on the case. "He's a tough bastard. Knocked out my brother's front tooth."

"I didn't like him," Goren snarled. "And I don't like you."

Tutuola grinned and turned to their boss. "I told you he was a tough bastard."

"All right then, he's yours. Show him the ropes."

The guy beside Goren gave him a shove in Tutuola's direction. He jerked free and glared at the man, then strutted in Fin's direction. Tutuola punched him in the jaw. When he fought back, he was quickly knocked down by Fin's guys.

Spitting blood, he got back to his feet.

"Come with me," Tutuola said. Goren followed him without speaking a word.

"You gotta watch Neo. He's one badass mother. He's high most of the time, too."

"How long have you been in?" Bobby asked, from the passenger side of the car.

"This is two months for me. These assholes actually trust me."

"Did you, you know, have to do anything?"

"Nah, I manage to get by with just alcohol. I told 'em I'd rather sell the shit than use it."

"Good one. I'll have to remember that."

"But if it's life or death, man… you do what you have to."

Bobby raised a hand to his still swollen lip. He knew Tutuola meant what he said.

Goren had been under for two weeks. He'd earned a spot in the gang, and where they had been very suspicious of his every move at first, now they mostly ignored him. He was the low man on the totem, of no importance. Fin, on the other hand, had some clout. Bobby had been sent in to back up Tutuola, and to learn the ropes.

Every other day, he ignored the hangover and tore himself out of bed before dawn. At that hour, there wasn't much chance he would be missed. He took a bus and then a subway across town and made his way to a pay phone. He made two calls, to the only two people who mattered in his life. The first was always to his Mother. The second was to his best friend Lewis.

"Hi, Ma."

"Bobby. About time you called."

"Ma, I'm working. Undercover, you know? I can't exactly run off whenever I feel like it."

"The screen door won't close again."

"Ma, I told you to call Lewis if you need anything. He already said he would come and help."

"Frank is dead."

A cold fear washed over Bobby. "What?!"

"He's dead, I know it."

Bobby shook away his feelings. "Ma, do you KNOW that, or are you just… worried about him?"

"He hasn't been here in weeks."

"He's busy, you know, Ma, he always does that."

"But he usually calls."

He does? Bobby thought. Again, he shook away his feelings. "Look, I'm sure Frank is fine. He's probably just, you know," he swallowed hard, finding it difficult to speak the lie, "working… like me."

"I miss you."

Bobby's expression softened. "I miss you too, Mom. And as soon as this undercover assignment is over, I'll come straight home, alright? I'll make you dinner and I'll fix the screen door. Alright?"

"You should have never become a policeman, Bobby. It takes too much out of you."

"I know you feel that way, Ma. But I like it. I do."

"You'll come home?"

"As soon as I'm done here. I love you."

"I love you too, Bobby. Make sure you're eating your vegetables."

He chuckled. "I will, Ma. Okay. Bye, now."

She said a goodbye, and he paused a moment before pumping the machine with change and dialing his best friend.

"Hello?"

"Lewis, it's me."

"Bobby, good to hear your voice."

"Ma said the screen door's broken again."

"I'll take care of it."

"How's Dad?"

"Same as usual."

"Thanks, Lewis."

"Watch your ass, Bobby."

"Don't worry. I am. Talk to you in a couple days."

"Take care."

Goren hung up and rubbed his weary eyes. The fact that Lewis was watching out for his parents gave him great relief, but he still felt he was letting them down. He took a deep breath and stood tall. His mind repeated his new mantra: This is just a phase of life. I have to do what I have to do to get a leg up. I'm doing the best I can for them, and I'm doing what I have to for myself.

He began the weary journey back to his undercover life.

A/N I know I haven't been writing in a while, but I'm still kicking, and I would love to hear from you.