The case was finally over, finally. Dirt bags killing dirt bags. That's what he always said, and sadly, it was always true. People could be scum, and he saw the worst in people almost every single day. It didn't help him to think people were good at heart. Andy sighed there at his desk and paused. He knew he was in a bad mood. The team had caught three nasty cases in a row, not that murders were ever good, but these three had been particularly gruesome. It was now March 30. His little Hannah was exactly seven months old today, something he thought of on the 30th of each month. He might not be in her life much, if at all right now, but he loved his little girl and thought of her all the time. This month had been a blur, really. He'd been going strong for almost three weeks with barely a day off. Sure, somewhere in the mix, he'd had a day off, what maybe a week or so ago? He couldn't even remember what day that had been, but he remembered spending it cutting his overgrown grass, doing an excessive amount of laundry, grocery shopping for his empty kitchen, and cleaning his house because he couldn't remember the last time he'd cleaned it. What a day off, and it was no wonder he didn't remember it that well. He did remember calling Sharon that day. He'd spoken to her more the last few weeks than he had in months, not that it was saying all that much. He'd spoken to her once a week, except when she'd been with her parents in Phoenix. That wasn't something he wanted to interrupt. That was progress. Even better, Sharon had sent him several photos of Hannah. She'd started sitting up on her own and rolling over, both ways now. Hannah had changed a lot this month, and he had seen some of that. She'd actually sent him a video of her sitting up, which was funny to watch because he basically looked on as his daughter sat there. That was amazing, though because it did show she was hitting different milestones. Her hair was getting longer and darker. He loved it, and every single time he looked into those gorgeous eyes of hers, he saw Sharon.

His mood was crappy; he knew it, so as he sat at his desk writing up his latest report, he paused and pulled out his phone. He needed his Hannah. He opened his photos to look at the most recent ones of her. Sharon wasn't going crazy sending pictures, but she had sent him a dozen or so over the month. Progress. He knew it. He smiled at them as he turned away from prying eyes working nearby. Hannah was apparently a water baby; she'd spent last week in Phoenix with Sharon visiting Sharon's parents, and they had all taken her to the pool. Three of the dozen or so pictures he now had of Hannah were from the pool, and in each one, she was smiling and happy. He just couldn't stop staring at her, this beautiful little girl he'd helped create. He loved her so much it almost hurt, and he just wanted to be in her life.

"Lieutenant are you already lining up a date for tonight?" Gabriel asked him and started to laugh. "I like your thinking. Time to unwind after a crazy month." Andy glanced up and saw Gabriel eying him. He was sure Gabriel knew he was on his phone.

"I'm just glad we get a couple days off after tomorrow," Julio added. "Leave it to Pope to make us come in for some mandatory training."

"You know Pope hasn't worked the last three weeks straight," Provenza added. "No, he'd never let that happen, but it's okay for all of us to do that. Still making us come in tomorrow," Provenza grumbled. "That training could wait until next week. He's an idiot."

"Lieutenant, who is your date tonight?" Gabriel asked glancing toward Andy. Andy closed up his pictures and turned back to the team. He shook his head.

"No date, just checking a text I had from earlier," he said as he shrugged his shoulders. "I can't wait to get out of here."

"Well, good work Andy and Julio, getting that suspect to confess. Chief is probably irritated her charm didn't work this time," Mike chuckled.

"Chief is good, but sometimes, it just takes a different approach," Andy smirked.

"Yeah, the threat of harm usually works," Julio laughed. The team all started laughing. Yes, Julio's threatening antics had worked with the latest suspect, and now, they were all just typing up reports before they could go home.

Andy's phone rang, and the sound of it caused everyone to jump. It had been one of those quiet moments no one expected to be interrupted with a noise. Andy sighed and started to pull on his phone, which he had clipped on his waist.

"No date, right?" Gabriel grinned and nodded. "Bet that's the woman now calling to confirm the date and location. Lieutenant," he said looking to Provenza before he continued, "do you have a date too? We all know what happened with that last one," he kept laughing as Provenza looked up at him, clearly irritated.

"Yeah, well, next time a rollout comes when I'm otherwise occupied, just tell the chief I'm dead. That was extremely embarrassing, and it was even worse I'd taken my pill," he grumbled. The team all laughed as Andy answered his phone. He frowned at the caller id and answered it with his work tone.

"Lieutenant Andy Flynn, how may I help you?" Andy said into the phone as he stood. The team all turned to look at him, surprised at the formal greeting, intrigued at his business call." Andy wasn't sure why he was being called, but it was a surprise.

"Lieutenant, this is Gavin Baker," he heard, and Andy nodded as he continued to step away from the team. He gave them a quick nod as he walked down the hall to find a quiet corner.

"Gavin, this is a surprise. What can I do for you? I'm not aware of anyone with a lawsuit pending against me right now," Andy said.

"Lieutenant, Andy," he corrected himself, "this isn't a professional call. Have you spoken to Sharon?"

"Sharon?" Andy repeated her name in a questioning tone. He glanced around to make sure he was alone in the hallway.

"Yes, Sharon. I certainly know the woman. It's obvious you know her too, very well, in fact. You know, mother to Hannah, my best friend, the woman you slept with several times, most recently on her last trip to Los Angeles?"

Andy sighed and ran his hand over his face. It didn't surprise him Gavin knew about that; Provenza did too, to an extent, but he sighed and shook his head, wondering what game Gavin was playing.

"Gavin, of course, I know. I'm at work and am just caught a little off guard at you, an attorney by trade, calling me at work, wanting to discuss Sharon," he explained.

"By your surprise, I can tell you haven't spoken to her," Gavin stated.

"No, not today. I've been swamped by a case. We just caught a break, and the dirt bag confessed. That never happens. Work has been terrible. I spoke to her a few days ago after she got back home from her spring break trip to Phoenix, and she sent me a picture of Hannah that day. Why?" Andy asked. "Wait, is she okay? Oh," he took a labored breath, "is Hannah okay?"

"Lieutenant, Andy," he corrected himself again, "Sharon's mother died."

Andy took a step back against the wall. He felt like he'd been hit with something, and it took his breath away. He paused, trying to find his words, but before he could, Gavin spoke again.

"Lieutenant are you still there?" Gavin asked. "I'm sorry to tell you."

"Yeah," Andy finally said as he nodded. He ran his hand over his face again and just sighed. He dropped his head as he continued to speak. "Sharon's mom died?"

"She did. It happened earlier today, fast, instantly," he corrected. "They believe she had a massive heart attack. She's always been in good health, but she died very quickly. Apparently, she was out on her back patio, watering a few flowers, and she collapsed. The little information I have, the paramedics were unable to resuscitate her there; they believe she died before anyone could do anything."

"Oh, that's awful," Andy sighed. He took another deep breath and shook his head. "I can't believe it. Sharon never mentioned health issues with her parents. Sure, they are older, but still. She was just there last week," he added, one of the reasons he hadn't spoken to her more during March.

"I know," Gavin said. "There was no warning, nothing to prepare anyone."

"How's Sharon?" Andy asked. "I can't even imagine this for her. She has to be devastated."

"She is," Gavin said, "but she said she was going to call you. I told her I would check in with you after I finished in court, which I just did. She hasn't called?"

"No, but wait," Andy paused to think, "hold on. My phone doesn't alert me with missed calls. It's supposed to do that, but it has never worked right. I've dealt with my cell phone company a few times, and the morons can't fix it." Andy pulled the phone from his ear and clicked around. He saw that, indeed, he'd missed a call from Sharon, now three hours ago. He went back over the time in his mind, and he and Julio had been in with their suspect. His phone, he'd left at his desk.

"Gavin, I missed a call from her three hours ago when I was dealing with the dirt bag," he sighed.

"I don't think she wanted anything from you, but she did say she would let you know what had happened. Let's be honest, Lieutenant-she's got a lot going on, and she isn't sure what role she wants you to play in her life or Hannah's," Gavin told him.

"Yeah," Andy nodded, "I'm aware of that, which is why I've been trying to give her space, at the same time stay connected to her. It's a tricky thing to do, and the last month, we've been talking about once a week, and then, she's sent me a few pictures of Hannah."

"Well, all I know is she doesn't have a plan or know what she wants, but this now, this will hit her very hard. She and her mother were close," he explained.

Andy nodded again as he listened, "I know she didn't want to live right there near them in Phoenix, but they were one of the reasons she moved back to Arizona. This is a blow. I should do something."

"I'm on my way to Phoenix. I'm first on my way home, but my assistant booked my flight to Phoenix. I'm going tonight. The family is still scrambling to get everyone there, but Sharon mentioned it was going to be hard for Emily to get much time off to be there. That sounds absurd, but you know how work can be for different professions. With all of that, I believe they are already thinking about the funeral the day after tomorrow. One thing about her parents, they were planners. They had done one of those funeral preparation seminars a couple years ago, so most things are set. They have a plot, they have the funeral home they want to use, and I think she had even planned some of the specifics. Their friends live right there, and let's face it-they are going to funerals somewhat often. Morbid, I know, but that's Sharon and her family for you," Gavin said.

"Somehow, that doesn't surprise me," Andy told him. "I want to be there."

"I can't tell you what to do, but I will remind you that no one in her family knows about you, about who you are, about anything related to Hannah. I will caution you that this might not be the time to roll in and say, 'Surprise, I'm the man who rolled around in the sheets with your daughter/mother,' if you catch what I'm saying. Look, I'm not suggesting you stay away, but if you are going to come, I would tread lightly and perhaps be there, but from a distance."

Andy nodded again, not that Gavin could see any of that. He let out a long breath, "Yeah, thanks. That's good advice, and I do need to think about that. I don't want to make her uncomfortable, but I want to help if I can. I don't know, but maybe she will need help with Hannah and let me do something."

"Well, she's expecting me. I've got my travel plans set. Let me know what you decide to do," he told Andy.

"I'm going to be there, Gavin. I will sit in the back. I won't even go to the funeral if that's what she wants, but I'm going to do the right thing. This is my daughter's grandmother. The mother of my daughter lost her mother. I'm a decent guy; I try to do the right thing, and I will be there. I'll try to get in touch with Sharon here when I leave work. I'm guessing I won't get a flight until tomorrow. I know I can drive, but I'm not sure I want to do that. I'll look at both options, and I'll let you know. Gavin, thanks for telling me," Andy told him.

"You're welcome. I do think that is the right choice, come to show support, but let Sharon decide what that is," he said.

"I'm going to deal with work, but I will be there for the funeral. I'll be in touch," he said and hung up the phone.

Andy put his head back against the wall and closed his eyes. He just needed a moment to collect his thoughts and think, a moment of silence. He took a deep breath and thought while he had this brief moment. Sharon would be devastated; he had not doubt about that. He didn't want to be a burden, but he wanted to be there, in any capacity. Gavin was right about one thing; he didn't want to swoop in and announce to her whole family who he was and cause a mess. He didn't want to embarrass her. She deserved better than that. He didn't even know what people would say or thing because it would all come out, that he'd signed away his rights, but he was trying to be a father to Hannah and a significant person in Sharon's life. No, he wouldn't do that, but he would go. He'd help with Hannah if she wanted, if she would let him. He'd offer his support because that is what he could do, and that is what people did when they cared about each other. He opened his eyes, and the sounds of the office seemed to flood back into his head. He could hear people talking, people moving around, phones ringing. He'd had a brief moment to gather his thoughts and knew what he needed to do. He clipped his phone back onto his holder, and he pushed off the wall. He really felt like he'd taken a blow, and he didn't even know Sharon's mother. He felt for her, though, for Sharon, her dad, the kids, all of them. It was never easy to lose a loved one, and possibly harder to lose a loved one so suddenly. Andy took a deep breath and started back toward his desk where he noticed the team was hard at work. He saw Provenza glance toward him as he walked, and Andy nodded to him, indicating he needed to talk to him. Provenza returned the greeting with a small single nod, and Andy walked beyond his desk and started to the hallway. He walked into the hallway and down it to the break room. As he turned around, Provenza was walking inside.

"Something about your cryptic phone call has rattled you. What's going on?" Provenza asked as he closed the door.

Andy raised an eyebrow at him, "You can tell that much from a nod in the office?"

Provenza started to name points by extending his finger, "I'm a detective, I know you well, you made a beeline for the break room, and I'm a detective who knows you well."

Andy frowned at him, "You already said that."

Provenza shrugged, "Prove me wrong. So, why was I summoned here? I don't think you need help making coffee."

Andy frowned and put his hand on the back of his neck as he looked down and then back to Provenza, "That was Gavin. Sharon's mom died."

Provenza's eyes widened, as he didn't expect anything like that. He shook his head at Andy, "Was she sick? I mean, I know that doesn't really matter, but Flynn, I'm sorry to hear that."

Andy sighed, "It was sudden, as in no warning. She had a massive heart attack, died instantly from what I know. I haven't spoken to Sharon yet. I missed a call from her while we were dealing with that trash of a suspect. She has to be devastated. She and her mom were close."

Provenza just nodded as he listened. He looked to Andy and gave him a small nod, "So, what are you going to do?"

Andy let out his breath and gave a small shrug, "I'm going to Phoenix. I have to go. I realize we are supposed to be here for that stupid class tomorrow, but I'm going, Provenza. This is Sharon, the mother of my daughter, the woman I'm emotionally invested in more and more each day. I need to go. I'm not sure what support I can offer Sharon, but I'm going to do anything and be there for her in whatever way she will allow me."

"I didn't realize you were feeling poorly, Flynn," Provenza gave him a look, one to convey he was trying to help. "I think whatever ailment you have, you really need to stay home and rest tomorrow. We're off Friday, so it's just tomorrow you are missing. That gives you then also the weekend to deal with things, and I'm assuming you will feel better and could be back to work on Monday?"

Andy nodded, "Yeah, that will work. I can be back. Gavin mentioned they would probably have the funeral sooner than later, that Sharon's parents had things already planned," he shook his head. "Crazy, but in a way, knowing Sharon, that doesn't surprise me her parents would be that prepared."

"Well, let's get you out of here, then. I'm not insensitive; I realize that while your situation with the captain is a mess, you should go. Whatever is or isn't going on with the captain, she has a mess-a parent to bury, kids to console, family to grieve with through all this, and an infant who still depends on her. Are you almost done with your reports?"

"I've got about an hour to go," Andy explained. "I'll finish up everything here, head home, and I'll figure out my plans. I can fly or drive, whatever is going to be the easies and most efficient."

Provenza nodded to him, "Well, I'll help if you need it. I'll cover tomorrow and tell the chief you are run down from the month we've had. You don't need to call her; I'll tell her I spoke to you. I'm going to get back to work myself and head home. I had thought about getting something to eat, but with the last few weeks and now this from you, I think I just want to get out of here too."

Andy nodded, "Thanks, Provenza. Thanks for being a friend, for covering for me. I appreciate it and know I would do the same for you."

Provenza nodded, but then he made a face, "Yes, but I wouldn't be in the middle of a mess with an infant daughter, a woman who drives everyone crazy, the same woman, for whatever reason, loses all sense of control around you. You must be quite the good time, Flynn, if she keeps coming back. Still, I know you would have my back in a mess. This qualifies. I don't know what to say, other than I hope it works out for the best, and I hope you get to spend some time with Hannah.

The door opened, and Pope walked inside with his coffee mug. He frowned at them, "Gentlemen," he nodded. "I'm in search of coffee."

"Flynn here," Provenza nodded, "isn't feeling well. I just came to check on him."

Andy gave a small nod, and Pope took a step to the side, like he was trying to avoid him, "I hope it's not contagious," he shook his head. "I don't want to be sick."

"Never know," Andy shrugged. "I'm going to get back to work, see if I can get my reports finished. Thanks for checking on me, Provenza."

"I'm going to get out of here myself," Provenza said. "Night."

Andy, Provenza, and the rest of the team spent just over another hour trying to close out the case. Andy was distracted, but he knew he needed to focus in order to get out of the office. He wanted to call Sharon. He was sure she had a million things on her mind, had a million calls to make, but he wanted to talk to her, to hear her voice. Instead, he opted to send her a text message when he got to his car.

"I am so very sorry about your mom. I know it is a shock, and you have a million things to do. Call me if you want, when you get a chance. I hate I missed your call, but I was with a suspect. I'm headed home now, and I'm thinking of you and your family," he told her.

Andy continued his drive home, going over in his mind what he would need to do. He'd check flights, but honestly, with the last-minute fares and still needing a rental car, it seemed like it would be easier to drive. He knew Gavin was flying, and he nodded to himself as he thought about it. This would work. He picked up his phone to call Gavin, hoping he wasn't already in the air.

"Gavin, it's Andy," he said and then clarified, "Andy Flynn."

"Yes, Lieutenant, I am aware of your full name," Gavin said. "What can I do for you?"

"Well, for starters, let's drop the formalities. I'm Andy, and you are Gavin, none of this business junk when we are dealing with a personal issue."

"I'm good with that," Gavin said. "Did you decide what you want to do?"

"Oh, I'm going to Phoenix," Andy said. "My mind didn't change on that, but I was thinking about my travel."

"Well, I'm at the airport now, "Gavin said.

"I just left work, and that's what I was thinking. I think it would make the most sense for me to drive. It's about six hours. I can leave before dawn and hopefully, even with traffic, be there by lunch. If you are okay hanging with me, we can share my car. You know the area better, at least I think so, and then, I'll have a car."

"I've been to Phoenix with Sharon before, so yes, I know the area a little. The car situation would work fine with me. Thank you. I was going to take the airport shuttle tonight. Sharon had said she would let me use a car of theirs tomorrow, but I do hate to bother her."

"Does Sharon know I'm coming for the funeral?" Andy asked. "I haven't spoken to her yet."

"No, I didn't mention it. I felt that wasn't my place. She mentioned she wanted to inform you, as I told you, and that's why I felt comfortable calling you, but outside of that, I haven't mentioned you coming. My only other interaction with her has been a couple of brief texts, but that was now a few hours ago. I'd say she's on her way or already in Phoenix. She had to scramble to get things together, walk away from work, and collect Hannah."

"Right," Andy nodded and sighed. He hated that for Sharon, that she had to do that all alone, that she had to worry so much about Hannah too with her being so little. He would have helped. He wanted to help.

"Okay, well, let's just deal with telling Sharon tomorrow. I'm not going to up and surprise her with all her family there, but I'll let her know when I speak to her," Andy explained.

"That's your call," Gavin said, "but, I agree it's the best idea."

"Okay, I am heading to my house right now. I'll get packed up and get a few hours of sleep before I get on the road," Andy told him.

"Do you have a hotel?" Gavin asked.

"No," Andy frowned as he realized he hadn't thought about that. "I can book something when I get home."

"No need," Gavin told him. "I always book a suite. I'll just have my assistant upgrade it even more. I can get a bigger suite for the two of us to share, that is, if you don't mind."

"Mind? Thanks, that would be great and sounds better than anywhere I normally stay. Let me know my share, and I'll cover it," Andy told him.

"Oh, please," Gavin chuckled. "No need to worry about it. I like to travel in luxury. It's nothing, especially considering what I was just paid for a settlement. Besides, I appreciate how you've handled things with Sharon, so just consider this my thanks."

"Umm, okay," Andy said slowly. "I'll get on the road tomorrow. If you will text me the hotel information, I will drive to it and stop on the way into town."

"Perfect," Gavin told him. "I will let you know if plans change for the morning. Sharon may need some help. I told her I'd do whatever she needed."

"Of course," Andy nodded. "You're a good friend, Gavin."

"Thank you," he said. "Sharon means the world to me, and it seems to reason you and I should be able to work together through all of this."

"Safe flight, and I'll see you tomorrow," Andy told him. "Night."

Andy finished his drive home, going through his packing list in his head. He couldn't believe this, that Sharon was having to deal with this mess. He hated it for her. It was hard to lose a parent; he'd been through it too. He hated Hannah wouldn't know her grandmother, either grandmother for what it was worth. Life was hard.

As Andy pulled into his driveway, it hit him that he was supposed to have dinner with his kids on Saturday night. He smacked the steering wheel, the reality that he would once again, have to cancel, something he didn't want to face. He'd already had to cancel twice during the month. The cases had been insane, and while it was work and couldn't do anything about it, he hated it. He knew his kids thought he was a deadbeat already, and this wouldn't help.

Andy unlocked his front door and walked inside as he pulled up Nicole's number. He'd start with her and hope for the best. He walked through the house, toward the kitchen, as the phone dialed, and he took off his tie.

"Nic," he smiled when she answered. "Hey, I'm sorry to be calling so late, Sweetheart."

"Dad, it's not that late. It's what, about 10:00. This is a surprise. Are you just getting home from work?" she asked.

"I am," he nodded as he opened his refrigerator to survey its contents. He didn't find much, so he closed that and opened his cabinet. It wasn't homemade, but hey, it was food. He was hungry, and he just wanted something to eat. He had a couple cans of soup for nights like this, so he pulled out chicken noodle and opened it when he spoke to her.

"Yeah, I just walked in my door, and I'm trying to dig up something for dinner," he explained.

"It's late, Dad," she told him.

"Yeah," he chuckled. "I'm aware. So, it's late for dinner, but not for a call?"

"I guess," she sighed, not wanting to joke around with him. "How was work?"

"Busy, bad," he sighed. "We have one more dirt bag off the street, though, so that is a good thing. Listen, you know work has been terrible for me this month."

"This sounds like a cancellation call. We were supposed to get dinner Saturday. In fact, Mom said she could join us too," Nicole told him.

Andy held back a grunt. He was almost glad to cancel this dinner, almost, and that was only because Sandra was trying to sabotage his time with the kids. They were grown adults, and she couldn't just leave things alone. He shook his head as he stood in his kitchen.

"Nic, I'm really sorry to cancel, but yes, I need to reschedule. Look, it's an emergency," he told her. "You know I love you and Nate. This isn't me just looking for something else to do. I have to attend a funeral."

"Right, because funerals are held in the evening, especially on a Saturday night," Nicole said with a sarcastic tone. "Whatever, Dad. It's fine."

"Now, you listen," Andy said almost harshly. "I do have to go to a funeral. It's out of state, Arizona. It's a friend."

"A friend out of state?" Nicole asked. "I didn't know you had friends in Arizona, but it's fine. Nate and I will just go over to see Mom or something. It's no big deal."

"It is a big deal to me, Nic," Andy sighed. "I love you both, and I do want to see you. Could we reschedule? I know Easter is coming up soon. I won't ask you to change any plans for that, but what about coming to my house for brunch that weekend? We could do Saturday, and that still leaves you for Easter."

"Dad, it's not a big deal," she said again.

"Please, Nic," Andy pleaded. "It's a big deal to me. This funeral, I need to go, but I'd like to see you both soon."

"I think that will work," she told him. "If work gets in the way, just let me know."

"Great," Andy knocked his hand on his counter. "I really appreciate it, and I'm sorry I keep canceling. I'm not going to tell you work won't get in the way again, but I am trying, Nic."

"Okay, well, I guess have a good weekend. I mean, I don't know what to say about going to a funeral, which sounds weird anyway, but whatever," she told him.

"You have a good weekend. I love you, and I'm going to call your brother now," he said.

"Oh, he's here," she told him. "He came over to eat dinner with me because I actually cooked, and he fell asleep on the couch. I'll tell him, Dad."

"Well, I'd like to talk to him, but I don't want you to disturb him. I'll send him a message instead, but I love you both," Andy said.

"Bye, Dad," Nic said and hung up the phone.

Andy stood there in his kitchen and looked around at everything. His personal life was a disaster. He had three kids, an ex-wife, and a Sharon. Two of the kids hated him. The third might too, especially after she heard he'd signed her away like a title to an old car. What had he done with his life? He'd made a mess of it for sure. Death. Death could come at any moment for anyone. A day like today, getting news like this, it seemed to put things into perspective. Sharon's mom had been healthy, but she was gone. It could happen to anyone. He wondered what kind of mess he would leave for his kids. Right now, he was in the middle of a big one, and that just confirmed he needed to do something to fix it, all of it. He needed to fix things with his kids, all of them. Nic and Nate didn't know anything about Sharon or Hannah, and he wasn't sure what to tell them now. Hannah wasn't legally his, and that would make him look like an even bigger jerk to Nic and Nate. They barely tolerated him, and he was their legal father. News like he had could destroy things forever. And, Sharon, he sighed as he thought about things. What was going on with Sharon? Her mom's death would be a blow. She'd have a lot to deal with, trying to accept that. He didn't know how she would respond. He only knew he needed to do what he could to help.

Andy looked over at his soup, and he saw it was almost ready to eat. He glanced at his watch. He had a few hours, a few hours to eat, pack, sleep, and get on the road. He really wanted to talk to Sharon, but he'd let her call him. He'd reached out with his text earlier, and if nothing else, he'd see her soon. The weekend was going to be a mess, but he was going to do his best to help, not hurt, the situation.