"We're taking a little walk," said Det. Bernero. The boys sat quietly, trying to look unconcerned. Tony could see the boys were relieved to see him. The officer's stomach lurched, knowing that feeling wouldn't last. After Bernero unchained the boys from their bench, he took Ian's arm and led the way to Investigation Room 7. As they walked through the lobby, Fiona popped up and ran to greet the boys. Ian spun to look at her, but Bernero kept moving down the hall, taking the boy with him.

Fiona turned to Tony, who arched an eyebrow, saying, "Can't linger. The detective is willing to play ball."

The young woman nodded seriously and touched Lip's arm. "You better not go to jail, Philip Gallagher," she said sternly, then added in a hiss, "You promised me."

Lip's head hung, and he had to master the emotions that hit him as he watched his sister. She was pale, clearly scared and worried, and all because of him. Jesus, he hated himself at that moment. Tony pulled him on with a jerk.

"Hey, whaddya mean 'the detective is willing to play ball'?"

Tony chuckled. Damn, this kid was smart. "You're about to find out," he said ominously.

"Are we going before the judge now? It's a bit early in the morning for that, isn't it? It's only like 3:30 AM, right?"

"Lip," the man growled. "Shut it. Now."

"Come on, Tony. I know you gotta be a bad ass in here and all, but just tell me something," Lip continued, his tone dismissive.

The older man looked down at the boy that he half-led, half-dragged and thought, Well, at least I don't feel bad anymore. "You know what you need, Gallagher?"

"Maybe a lawyer," the boy quipped.

"To learn to shut your goddamn mouth. Now get in there and sit down!" Tony pushed the boy into Investigation Room 7, where Ian already sat, and closed the boys inside.

Bernero looked at him, smirking. "You know, usually, you get better results when you're in the room with the suspects."

"I know, but I needed a moment. One to make sure we had an understanding. Two to make sure I didn't kill that boy."

"Yeah, that 'Lip' sure lives up to his name. The arresting officer said he nearly tased him, just for being a smartass."

"He really is a good kid. Just doesn't know when keep his mouth shut though." Tony paced the hall, taking deep breaths. "So, after this, are they free to go?"

"Let's see what you can get out them first," said Bernero. "I make no promises. But I'd rather see a kid with a future, like Ian, on the outside. He's just gotta give us something."

Ok, the younger man thought. He knows these boys won't give up a name. Wonder what he wants.

"Hey, could I borrow your belt?" Tony asked. "Too much on mine to take off."