Author's Note: It's been a while and I hope someone still has an interest in this tale. I wish I could update more often but with school I find it difficult to keep track of when I last updated. I apologise because I can see how frustrating it must be. I hope you enjoy the chapter and please don't give up on this fic because I am determined to finish it.
Thank You for all the reviews and support
That-Geek.
-SHANDY-
They all seemed so against her, still. She had just discovered a leak for them, defended their ethics and what did she get in return; snide comments and glares. It was true that Brenda and she had produced a better working relationship, she knew her mother still called Clay and Brenda from time to time, Sharon truly believed her mother and Brenda's would have become very good friends had Willie Rae not passed away.
Sometimes she came across as annoying but did they not realise how frustrating they were being. Sharon had lunch with Andy to try and explain this to him and he laughed and told her no officer would see the rationality of her job.
"I understand I'm annoying but don't they realise how infuriating they are?" she asked him as she took a bit of her salmon.
"How so?" He asked.
"I tell people to do something and they question me. Do you think I'm doing this for fun?" She raged, "it's like whatever I say they do the opposite and what happens…I have to provide consequences which of course, nobody likes and who is blamed? Me, when I already told them of the…" She ranted for a moment only to start choking, Andy rushed to her aide handing her his glass of water and stroking her back.
"Babe, I know its infuriating but it's like parenting. Kids think that they know best, officers are the same because to them all they can see is a woman behind a desk not an officer in the field." He told her softly his hand continuing to rub her back.
"I suppose so but it's not like I've never been out in the field, I've been shot and kidnapped before. I've been used as bait; Ive experienced the hardships too." She reminded him laying her head on his shoulder.
"I know that but they don't and it doesn't matter if they do because…they just want to be right even though they know they are wrong." He told her watching as she sipped the water.
"I can't believe I'm saying this but…you're right." She sighed, trying not to smile.
Sharon chuckled at the memory and how much Andy had gloated and boasted that he had said something that was in fact, correct. He'd almost burst telling Rose who had been amazed and suggested a marker for the day, he had taken that as hint for a meal out so the three of them had headed to an Italian Restaurant for dinner and they dared to tease her about her sense of occasion.
They were so alike.
Chief Johnson was playing a dangerous game with Stroh. He was sharp almost as sharp as the chief herself but the guilty are always scared of the truth which allows for mistakes to occur. Sharon was called down to double check on them and thank God she had been. She understood that Brenda could be stubborn and determined but to physically attack Stroh, that was line even she knew she shouldn't have crossed.
Sharon swiftly began her investigation but unfortunately for the chief it was as simple as she did. Her team did argue that he made threatening comments towards her but she'd been there and while they had implications it was not conclusive.
Andy visited her at lunch with a bagel for and a sandwich for himself.
"Hey babe, how is it?" He asked sitting opposite her.
"I'm sorry, I wish I could tell you something positive but…" She slipped her glasses off rubbing her eyes a little "She crossed a line and I can't condone it." She brushed a hand through her hair.
"I know, I won't hold it against you." He smiled at her and sat down in the chair opposite her. "Now, what time do you want me at the house for Rose's birthday?" He asked with a grin. Rose was just a week away from teenage-dom, she was excited because she knew her mom would start treating her a little more maturely but at the same time she knew things only got more difficult from here on out.
Sharon had arranged to have dinner at Rose's favourite restaurant with herself and Andy as well as Maura, then on Saturday, they would have a small party where cake and family would be present.
"I would say quarter past 6 the reservation is at 7. Ricky and the other guests will arrive at 12 on Saturday but…I guess you'll already be there, don't forget an overnight bag" Sharon smiled, her son had called last minute to tell her that he would be coming home for a holiday and that it would coincide with Rose's birthday. He had been all for surprising her and so decided he would stay at his grandmother's for the couple days before her birthday. Sharon loved the element of surprise and when Ricky had been happy to keep it up, it was just a shame Emily wouldn't make it back too.
"Well I guess your fashion choices will just have to surprise me when I arrive to take my beautiful girls for dinner" he grinned lightly kissing her cheek.
"I suppose so, let's just hope it goes smoothly," she smirked, "I'm so excited, my sense of occasion is on overdrive
"and are you and your sense of occasion making her cake?" he asked.
"Not this year, it will be picked up by Gavin on his way to the house." She told him with another gleeful smile. They sat and talked as they continued to eat. He spoke about Nicole who had announced she would be getting married to her long-term boyfriend, Dean.
"That sounds great Andy, especially if she is inviting you to the wedding, it's progress" Sharon encouraged as he spoke of his eldest daughter who had recently gotten engaged.
"Yeah, I guess you right. It's just they won't do the family counselling thing with me and I don't want to go to this wedding if I'm still lying to them." He replied.
"Talk to Nicole on her own. Offer to take her to lunch and mention you think it would help the wedding go smoother." She suggested standing to put the bagel packaging in the bin. He watched her and grinned.
"How'd I get so lucky" he murmured to himself as he watched her move around her office. Sharon made her way around to him placing an arm around his shoulder.
"Now then Lieutenant Flynn, we have work to do" She kissed his cheek then stood up straighter. They exited her office and returned to the Major Crimes murder room.
Sharon could still feel some tension when they entered to see David walking the chief through something. She watched as Andy visibly stiffened, she continued to watch as he glared at the younger man his to his desk.
-SHANDY-
Sharon watched the young boy as he shuffled around the interview room. He was probably only a few years older than Rose. He was skinny, maybe a little too skinny for a child his age. He was a key piece for Brenda so when the day ended she wasn't surprised to find that Brenda had taken him home with her.
Rose was unusually quiet when she entered the house. The young girl had gotten used to being alone in the house and Sharon would often find her at the dining room table eating or talking to Maura but today, she was sat completely still on the sofa.
"Rose, has something happened? Are you alright?" The young girl cracked an eye open.
"I'm okay mom but work called, Chief Johnson shot somebody" Rose informed her. Sharon huffed but sat down beside her daughter.
"What's wrong?" Sharon asked again.
"Maura is moving away" She replied.
-SHANDY-
Author's Note: Ooh cliff-hanger. I have especially prepared so you don't have to wait too long for this because Cliff-hangers are cruel
Next Time: "Rose mentioned it the other night. She's not sure either, the other girls in their friendship circle are more…vain. Rose said they would choose make-up over sleep and boys over found and to quote; those girls have some twisted priorities." Andy told Sharon, as he undressed for bed