3: Decisions

Monday morning came early and Danny found himself making an informal visit to Andy's foster family. Arriving, Danny could tell the girl was telling

him the truth, especially when he found several small children needing attention, some were crying because they were hungry, others obviously needed a

diaper change and some were just in dire need of attention but nothing being done and instead he found the foster father Blake Wilson sitting in front of the

TV. After a heated conversation, Danny left with his temper raised and after a call to social services, and a description of the messy house and disheveled

children, they agreed to open an investigation and send a social worker to the house, in which during this time Andy would still be allowed to stay with the

children's care center for the meantime.

After spending several hours at his desk and working on a lot of distasteful paperwork, Danny decided to pay a visit to the children's center. Good

morning, Danny greeted, I'm Detective Reagan, Danny introduced himself and I dropped a child off here the other night by the name of Andrea Gates and I

would like to see her please. The young lady behind the counter checked her clipboard, and said the 12 to 15 year olds are out in the yard right now and if you

follow me I can take you out there. Thank you Danny said following her to the back door which led to a large fenced in area with basketball goals, balls and

several other things for the children to play with. There she is Danny spotted her sitting alone on a bleacher. Hey kiddo, Danny smiled at her. Detective Reagan,

Andy said surprised. Just thought I'd come see how you were doing Danny said. Am I going to have to go back to the Wilson's, Andy asked immediately,

thinking that was the reason the man with the gold shield was there? I don't know Danny answered you just have to wait and see what social services

conclude after their investigation. That place sucks Andy said, I mean I don't mind helping out a little bit but me having to do the work on my own isn't fair, and I

don't even have time to do my homework, not that I like school anyway but still Andy said frustrated. How are you fitting in here Danny asked trying to change

the subject so he wouldn't get angry and go back to the Wilson's and do something he would regret? I don't really have any friends Andy admitted but I like it

better here than at the Wilson's. A few minutes later a loud buzzer went off and children slowly began filing back into the building. Stay put, Danny looked at

Andy as he went to speak with the attendant standing near the door. I convinced the attendant to let you stay out here with me Danny said returning to the

bench, and since no other groups are coming out how about a little one on one Danny grinned picking up a basketball? If you think you can handle it she joked

standing up. After removing his tie and un-tucking his shirt he and Andy took the court. By the time they were through they were both drenched with sweat

and Danny had Andy laughing so hard she could hardly stand. After reentering the building Danny said, I have to go now but I will try and come back. Thanks

for everything Detective Reagan, Andy said before rejoining her group.

Pulling into the driveway of his home Danny was greeted by his energetic boys. Hi Dad, they said running to him. Hey boys he hugged them, what

are you doing? Throwing the baseball Sean answered. You want to play Jack asked? Sure why not Danny said before placing his things into the house and

telling Linda he was home. Dad come on, Jack called from the door. I'm coming son' go get my glove from the storage closet. Jack grabbed the glove and tossed

it to Danny before running out the door to rejoin his brother. Linda placed a kiss on Danny cheek but pulled back soon after. What is that smell she said holding

her nose? That's probably me Danny answered grabbing a bottle of water, I was at the children's center visiting Andy and we played a little one on one. So

that's what you do when you are supposed to be at work Linda said looking at him suspiciously. I was checking up on her on my way home, that's it Danny said

picking up for himself. Linda was about to reply when they were interrupted by Sean's yelling, Dad come on. You better go, it sounds like the natives are getting

restless, Linda said pushing him to the door.

Two weeks had passed and Danny went over to the Children's Center every other day. He couldn't explain it, but there was just something about the

girl, and he enjoyed being there for her. It was nearing 2:00 am and Danny found himself tossing and turning since he went to bed. His cell buzzed and Danny

reached for it, we have another shot at Trace, his partner informed him, he will be on the street corner of West and Main in 30 minutes. Same place as last time

Danny mentioned, I'll meet you there, he added before hanging up. I have to go Linda, Danny said before rolling out of bed. At least you will get something

constructive done, because your certainly not sleeping Linda sighed. I'm sorry honey, I just can't get Andy out of my head, and I'm trying to decide how I'm

going to tell her that the investigation is over and she has to go back to her foster family. That's rough, Linda said sadly, the poor kid. I know Danny said

getting dressed, she seems smart like she could actually get somewhere in life with the right step, I mean sure she's a little rough around the edges and she

seems to have an attitude at times but other than that. When are you going to tell her Linda interrupted? Tomorrow, Danny placed his shield on his belt, before

running out the door, to do his job. Something good did manage to come out of Danny's restless night when he and Jackie were able to overtake Trace, and

take him in for interrogation.

Danny yawned as he sat at his desk that morning dreading the visit he was going to have to make later that evening. His phone buzzed and Danny

grabbed it. Are you busy, Linda asked? No its fine Linda, I'm on break. Can you meet me for lunch she asked, I want to talk to you about something? What did

the boys do now he joked? Nothing, Linda reassured him, it's just something I have been thinking about since you left last night and I didn't get any sleep

afterwards. Sounds important he said, just name the place you want to go. How about home she suggested. Perfect, he said hanging up the phone. So

what's on your mind Danny asked in between bites of his sandwich? I know I don't know much about her Linda started but you seem to, and where as I think

it's safe enough to say I trust your judgment, anyways I was thinking why don't we adopt Andy, Linda said throwing caution to the wind and going with the

direct approach? What Danny was near chocking? Why not Linda questioned? It would be a huge adjustment Danny answered, not to mention she would be

joining the Reagan family and that adds a lot of pressure, not to mention you don't even know her. You could take me with you Linda answered. The

kid has been through a lot of things Danny started to explain, a dad that took off when she was three her mom when she was five and she's been in and out

of foster homes ever since, mostly out, due to her running away. It's a huge responsibility Linda agreed. And what about the boys Danny questioned? The boys

will be fine Linda combated. Linda she's a runaway, a fighter and a smart-alec that can definitely hold her own in any argument battle. So just like you minus

the runaway, Linda put two and two together. Danny just stared at her, I guess you could say that. And the only reason you were not a runaway was

because you had a mother and father that loved you since the day you were born, despite your short comings. Danny smiled, they were pretty great, despite

the time I told Joe that aliens were coming to abduct him, the next time we had a bad thunderstorm. And he actually believed you Linda laughed? Danny

grinned, did he ever, he was so afraid to go to sleep, and then when it did start thundering, he was so terrified, he was hiding under his bed. It took mom and

dad hours to convince him otherwise. I literally thought my dad was going to kill me Danny laughed out loud. And we wonder why you weren't put up for

adoption Linda smiled? I guess dad figured he'd need me one day on his force Danny leaned back. Danny, Linda turned serious again, the way you make her

sound, it sounds like she could handle the pressure of being a Reagan, besides I know you want to. I didn't say nothing of the sort Danny picked up for himself.

I know you didn't Linda smiled but I know you so well. That you do, he kissed her. So do you want to do it she asked? Only if you're sure he said. Of course I'm

sure Linda reassured him. What are we going to tell the family Linda asked? I don't know Danny said I was hoping you could think of something.