Chapter 17
Expected Trouble
After spending a single day trapped inside a house with three grounded children, Danny and Linda felt as if they were going insane. First of all they all
complained about being bored, and when Linda suggested they go play outside, they in turn complained that it was too hot outside. Second when Danny was
trying to watch a football game, again the kids complained about being bored, and he found himself suggesting they go play a board game or something. Yet
even that didn't last long, after they started arguing, and Danny eventually sent them upstairs to their individual bedrooms, deciding that some time apart, may
be exactly what they needed. In the meantime Linda was sure to remind Jack that he was on the verge of failing math, and it wouldn't hurt for him to spend a
little time with his book, and to remind Andy that her room was on the verge of being declared a natural disaster. "Why don't we watch a movie as a family
tonight," Linda suggested, once the kids were upstairs. "Linda, how are we showing them that we mean business if we lessen a punishment soon after we
give it to them," Danny was trying to make a point. "Danny, were not lessening," Linda started. "You told me, that you told them they could watch tv, if we
watched as a family." "I know," Danny was slowly losing his disciplinarian persona. Linda noticed Danny's tone was slacking, and she was sure to jump on the
opportunity, and remind him that it had been several weeks since they had done something as a family with her having to work so much, and Danny being
swamped with cases. "We can watch a movie," Danny gave in. "As long as it's not animated," Danny was sure to add, considering he was the very one who
couldn't wait for the kids to get older and put an end to the animated movies and bring on a bit more live action.
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Andy stretched out on her bed, as much as she hated to admit it, her mom was right, her room was a mess, the only problem was, she had absolutely no idea
where to start. There were clothes strung all over the place, the books she was supposed to be studying, were tossed in a corner. She had several of Sean's
DVDs and Jacks books spread about the floor, as well as several of her own. The only thing that wasn't on the floor and put up in a safe place were the CDs her
Uncle Jamie had given her, the fishing pole her Grandpa had given her, so he could take her fishing, and the laptop Danny and Linda bought for her, primarily for
school purposes, but that didn't stop her from using it beforehand. Giving up, before ever getting started, Andy settled on lying flat on her back on her bed and
tossing a baseball up repeatedly. "Don't let your mom catch you doing that," Danny warned catching the ball midair. "She has a thing with throwing things in
the house." "I figured as much, but what do I have to loose, I'm already grounded," Andy sat up. "I can name a few things," Danny handed her the ball the
back. "This being grounded thing isn't all chalked up, to what it's supposed to be," Andy sighed. "And just what exactly is it supposed to be," Danny
questioned? "I don't know, but anything is better than this," Andy mumbled. Danny took a seat on the edge of his daughter's bed, and decided to forge on
with the question he was considering. "Have you ever been grounded before?" "Not really, no," Andy was telling the truth. Danny ran a hand through his hair,
"that actually explains a lot." Andy looked at him confused, "what do you mean?" Danny shook his head, "it's nothing, I can just tell by your behavior." "I don't
know what to do," Andy moaned. "I kind of figured," Danny continued. "Now let me give you some advice from someone who can speak from experience." Andy
at least seemed to listen intently, Danny noticed. "When you get grounded, what you have to do is use your imagination and come up with something fun to
do." "And how did that work for you?" Andy was dying to know the answer. "Not very," Danny chuckled. "What did you do," Andy was curious? "Awe, there
were so many, but just to name a few, there were the firecrackers I shoved in one of Erin's cassette tapes, there was Joe's remote control car, I supped up,
causing it to go directly into the street, where it got run over, and last but not least I buried some of Jamie's action figures, but that was for revenge, because
he's the one that got me grounded in the first place," Danny said all in one breath. "Those offenses unfortunately only got me into more trouble, needless to
say I recommend, you keep your actions on the down low." Andy's eyes got wide, "maybe you should have just read a book." Danny laughed, "it probably
would have been a lot better for me," he admitted. "So let me get this straight, you want me to destroy some of Jack and Sean's stuff to keep me occupied,"
Andy was clarifying, still having trouble believing all she was hearing. "Are you crazy," Danny started. "I told you those things, because I want you to learn from
my mistakes and do the opposite." "Just checking," Andy shrugged. "Mhmm sure," Danny wasn't believing a word of it. "Well you know there is that one CD of
Jacks, that he plays over and over again, and then Sean has this skateboard that he keeps leaving out for me to trip on," Andy was showing a wide
mischievous grin. "Don't even think about it," Danny meant to use his own story as a warning, but he was beginning to regret it all together. "I understand,"
Andy laughed, enjoying the worry she was causing him. "Anyway, back to the reason I came up here, were all watching a movie tonight, so take a shower and
put on your pajamas, your mom is in the process of ordering a pizza," Danny ordered before moving on to Jacks room.
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"What are we going to watch," Jack asked as the three joined their parents downstairs? "Anything but animation," Danny was quick to put in his preference.
"I'm with Dad on that one," Andy agreed. "Yes!" Danny high-fived her. "How about a western," Jack suggested? "Not without your grandpa," Linda was quick to
remind him, of his grandfather's love for a good western. "Let's watch a chick-flick," Linda tried. "Let's not and say we did," Sean shot that idea down just as
fast as she suggested it. "How about something military," Andy suggested this time. "I don't think so," Linda turned her down. "You know we're never going to
be able to agree on something," Andy said the obvious. "That's why I'm picking," Linda finally stood to take a movie off the shelf in the other room. "Dad," the
boys sounded worried. "It will be okay," Danny assured the three as they looked at him terrified. Linda returned just seconds later with the Sound of Music,
and an excited smile on her face. "Awe mom," all three of the young Reagan's moaned. "I said we were going to watch a family movie," Linda put an emphasis
on the word family, "and that's what we're going to do." "But we," Sean started first. Just as Andy took over, "Dad." And Jack closed it out with a much longer
phrase, "can't we negotiate this." "This is a classic, and you are going to watch it and you are going to like it," Linda closed the conversation. "Listen to your
mother," Danny repeated the same familiar phrase, he had to use countless times in order for peace to reign, although he felt like saying something very
similar. "I am going to be singing these songs the rest of the night," Andy was foreseeing the future, about thirty minutes into the movie. "Me and you both
kid," Danny whispered agreeing with her. "Shh," Linda glared at them, glad the boys seemed interested, and didn't want to take any chances, with them losing
interest. Father and daughter glanced at one another and shrugged, just before trying to hold in a laugh. "Now that wasn't so bad," Linda said matter of factly,
just as the credits began to roll down the screen. "Okay that wasn't horrible," Andy admitted. "But there wasn't a whole lot of gunfire," Andy sounded
disappointed. Linda sighed and looked at Danny, "it's obvious that she is your daughter." Danny laughed out loud, "I'll claim her."
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"How has everybody's weekend been," Frank asked the following day at family dinner, while he worked at carving the roast? "I did a little work, but it was
good other than that," Erin replied. "Same here," Jamie nodded while filling his plate with mashed potatoes and other vegetables. "How about a word from the
left side of my table," Frank looked at Danny and Linda when neither of them chose to reply. "Long," was all Linda could say. "That bad," Frank sympathized. "It
is when you have three grounded kids in the house," Linda answered him. "I can relate," Frank smiled, "only in my case it was four." Danny moaned, "I'm
sorry," was the first two words he had spoken since being at the table. "I only have one, but in some cases I think it's harder on the parents," Erin agreed with
her brother and sister in law. Frank laughed, "I survived, and so will you." "Does anyone else notice the way they are talking about us as if we weren't even
here," Nicki asked aloud? "Mhmm," Andy nodded, "isn't very reassuring." "I'd say," Jack agreed. "You get in trouble every once and awhile and that's all they
can talk about," Sean was the last one to speak up. "It's been more than every once in a while as of lately son," Danny reminded him and Jack of the week
before. "We may have tiptoed over the line," Andy replied. "They tiptoed," Danny nodded at the boys and Nicki, "you on the other hand stepped, at it wasn't
baby steps." Andy shrugged, "I'll give you that one." "You two are making me glad I don't have children," Jamie changed the subject, looking at his older
siblings. "It's not our fault," Andy spoke up, "they just have too many rules." Danny snickered, "that's a new one." Frank clearer his throat, "I've heard it
before, and from you if I remember correctly." Danny just looked at him surprised, "I think you may be mistaken Dad, I think it was Erin." "Really Danny," Erin
scoffed. "I think we both may be right son," Frank stopped an argument that was bound to ensue between the two. Both stopped talking immediately and
instead turned to him, with blank expression covering their faces. 'If I remember correctly, and I'm pretty sure that I do, but I think your mother and I heard
that phrase countless times from both of you." "I kind of think Dad may be right," Jamie found his voice. "I vaguely remember both of you complaining." "Who
asked you," Danny glared at his kid brother? "Yeah," Erin agreed, "who's side are you on anyway," Erin followed suit by glaring at him. Jamie leaned back in his
chair, and turned to Pop, "these potatoes are really good, did you do something different?"
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Monday morning came way too early for a worn out Danny and Linda, who wearily went through the routine of getting themselves ready for work, making sure
the kids were up and getting dressed, all the while with one of them trying to get downstairs to get breakfast started. "Which one of us is going to take the
boys to school, and Andy to Pop?" Linda asked as she joined the rest of her family downstairs, who was busily eating the scrambled eggs and toast Danny had
made. "Doesn't matter," Danny shook his head. "In that case I'll take the boys and you can take Andy," Linda decided. "Fine by me," Danny downed the last bit
of coffee from his cup. "Jamie has an early tour, and he said he would pick up and Andy and then bring her here, so he can study with her," Danny remembered.
"I'll come home as soon as I get off to start dinner, so Jamie can eat with us, and you can pick the boys up from soccer practice," Linda was going over the plan
aloud so no one was left in the dark, and the kids would know who was picking them up that day. "In that case we need to get going, as soon as you are done
eating," Danny thought of the morning traffic and the pile of cases he needed to get to. "I'm done," Andy said before placing her dish in the sink and hurrying
up the stairs to brush her teeth. "I'll be in the car then," Danny hollered at her, before kissing Linda and reminding the boys to be good and he would see them
later that evening.
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It was just about lunch time, when Jamie stepped through the kitchen door of his Father's house to find Andy cooking with Pop. "Something sure smells good,"
Jamie smiled at Andy. "You are just in time," Pop mentioned looking over at his youngest grandson. "Andy has been learning a bit more of the culinary arts."
"You certainly picked the right teacher," Jamie started to set the kitchen table instead of the dining room table, since there was only three of them. "How was
the job," Pop asked Jamie while they ate? "I can't very well say same old, same old with this job can I," Jamie chucked. "No," Pop shook his head. "It was good
though, none the less, nothing too dramatic happened," Jamie replied seriously. "I always enjoyed days like that," Pop mentioned, "even if they didn't happen
very often." "I don't have them very often either," Jamie admitted. "Hopefully your Father and Brother are having the same kind of day," Pop said aloud. "Danny
usually doesn't," was the first thing Andy said since they sat down for the meal. "I was about to say the same thing," Jamie said in between bites of his
dessert. "But at least those days, bring interesting stories," Andy said on the bright side. "You should hear some of Dads and Grandpas," Jamie nodded at Pop.
"I'm still waiting on those," Andy looked intrigued. Pop just started on a story, when Jamie interrupted. "I know where this one's going," Jamie pushed his chair
back. "I hate to interrupt, but this is going to have to wait until later." "But you said," Andy started to protest. "I didn't mean right now Andy," Jamie shook his
head, "because we have to get going, so we can get started studying." Andy sighed, "I'd rather listen to your story," she whispered when Jamie walked away
to put his plate in the sink. Pop chuckled, "we will continue this story Sunday after family dinner." "I'd rather hear it now," Andy said loud enough for her Uncle
to hear. "You know cops are allowed to use reasonable force, and even excessive force for those that are uncooperative," Jamie decided on the psychological
approach. "When you point it like that," Andy stood up in a hurry." Sorry Gramp's, but it will have to wait," Andy grabbed her stuff and waited for Jamie. "Have
fun with your tutoring session," Pop called at the two as they started for the door. "I'm sure it will be riveting," Andy didn't sound too excited. Jamie shook his
head and shoved her out the door, "she'll survive."
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An hour later and books, papers, pens and pencils were strung across Danny and Linda's table. "So tell me about the Apollo 13 mission," Andy leaned back in
her chair. "You know there is more to history, than just the Apollo 13 mission," Jamie reminded her. "I know, but is it as interesting," Andy sounded as if she was
challenging him to teach her something she would find interesting? "Listen Andy, school isn't always going to be interesting, and you can't simply choose to
ignore all the other subjects." "Well I could," Andy said sheepishly, "but I have a feeling there wouldn't be good results." Jamie shook his head, "no there
wouldn't be, especially around report card time." "Report card time has never been a big deal for me," Andy replied. "Why because you were good in school?"
Jamie asked already getting the feeling that he was wrong. "Because no one else really cared, so I didn't either," Andy admitted. "Well you're a Reagan now,
and things are a bit different for us," Jamie replied. "Just how different," Andy asked? "Whereas no Reagan has ever been expected to make straight A's, we
were not allowed to dwindle around with the letter F." "But I didn't think Danny was ever that good in school," Andy looked confused? "Well he may not have
been the best, but he certainly wasn't the worst, our parents wouldn't allow that," Jamie mentioned. "That certainly won't help my cause of not wanting to
study," Andy sighed. Jamie chuckled, "that it won't, so we might as well get busy with science." "Anything but science," Andy whined as Jamie reached for the
science manual. An hour or so later, and Andy had, had just about all she could handle when it came to science. "This is terrible," Andy moaned laying her head
on the table. "Andy come on," Jamie nudged her, "we have a lot to do." "But it's science, Uncle Jamie," Andy complained, "that's way worse than history." "That
may be so, but you have to learn it, so you might as well as make the best of it," Jamie shoved the book in front of her. "Who cares if protons have a positive
charge, and electrons have a negative charge, I could care less," Andy shoved the book back towards Jamie. Jamie ran a hand through his hair in slight
annoyance, "Andrea please, would you pay attention or at least pretend to pay attention," this was the first time Jamie had called her by her real name. "Do I
have a choice?" Andy figured she knew the answer before asking it, but decided what would it hurt to ask. "No," Jamie was getting serious. "Well it should, I
don't like doing things that I don't want to do," Andy threw her pencil in aggravation. "Now you get to go pick it up," Jamie pointed across the table not too
pleased with her attitude. "There isn't any point Uncle Jamie, I'm not getting it anyway," Andy slumped down, not caring too much to listen. "Drop the attitude
Andy, you know we have to do this, and there is no point in making it harder on either of us," Jamie said pointedly. "Fine," Andy grumbled, "but I'm not going to
be happy about it." "Now that's entirely up to you," Jamie put a hand on her, "because I can't make you, but what I can tell you is if that attitude clears up, we
will have a much better time." Andy thought it over, "yeah I guess you're right," she said finally looking at him. "Wise decision," Jamie's voice was low. Andy
grew solemn until she finally managed to squeak out a few words, "are you going to tell Danny?" Jamie looked at her, for what seemed like an eternity to Andy,
but again it was barely a minute or so until he finally spoke, "No," Jamie shook his head. "This time I'll be content enough to let it go." Andy blew out a sigh of
relief, "thanks, I'm in enough trouble." Jamie smiled, "just because I'm not going to tell him, doesn't mean I'm pleased with your current behavior." Andy turned
her face to the floor, "I just don't know what came over me," Andy kicked at the table leg. "Danny is always warning me about my spur of the moment attitude,
and how it can get me into trouble." "That's good advice," Jamie said, "but I too have good advice, that I think it would be wise for you to adhere to." "What is
it," Andy asked? Beginning to think that her new family was mighty big on advice, first her father, then Nicki, and finally her Uncle. "When you start feeling like
your attitude is about to get the better of you, get on the floor and do push-ups." "Push-ups Uncle Jamie seriously," Andy looked at him like he had lost his
mind. "I'm serious," Jamie got out of his chair, and positioned himself on the floor, before requesting that she join him. "Awe, do I have to Uncle Jamie?" Andy
didn't sound too enthused. "Yes you do," Jamie wasn't taking no for an answer. "Push-ups are good for a number of things, they also help motivate you, when
you're studying." "I doubt that," was the only thing Andy said. "Enough of the negative attitude," Jamie was getting tired of trying to help her, and her not
being the least bit interested, "now get down here." "I'm coming, I'm coming don't get your shirt in a wad," Andy got on the ground next to her uncle. "Has it
ever occurred to you, that I may not even know how to do a push-up very well, without falling down on my face?" "It's not that hard," Jamie reassured her. "I'll
teach you the same way we did it in the police academy." After Jamie instructed her on the correct location to put her hands and how far apart to have them,
Jamie demonstrated going up and down a few times, as Andy watched. "Your turn," Jamie stopped and turned to her. "I'll try," Andy sighed pushing herself up,
but fell back down soon after. Jamie lightly chuckled and Andy looked at him, her head still resting on the floor, "it's not as easy as it looks," she admitted. "Just
keep practicing," Jamie helped her up, "but for now we better get back to studying." Andy moaned, "I'd rather do the push-ups." "They can be fun to do," Jamie
agreed, "but they aren't going to get you into school." "Schools put too much emphasis on book learning," Andy made her opinion known. "You're 12 right,"
Jamie said rubbing his chin thinking. "Yeah so," Andy was trying to figure out Jamie's sudden curiosity regarding her age. "Very young, but it's never too early to
think about your future," Jamie replied. "What do you mean," Andy looked confused? "Like whatever you want to do when you grow up, school will get you
there," Jamie explained. Andy thought it over, and then can continued. "Can I ask you a question?" "Sure" Jamie shrugged, already getting the feeling he knew
where she was going with this. "You went to Harvard, and graduated from law school just to become a cop," Andy was trying to get to know him a bit better.
Jamie shrugged, "it's in the blood I guess." "Do you regret going through all the schooling and everything first?" Andy continued. Jamie shook his head, "not a
bit, I learned a lot about the law that I think helps me out on the streets." "You mean with talking to people," Andy was trying to understand? "Exactly," Jamie
pointed at her.
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The rest of the week passed slowly, the kids getting border and border as the days went by, and in order to keep from going insane, they decided to pass the
time by playing pranks on one another. Jack and Sean spent their days at school, planning pranks rather than paying attention in class, and Andy had mischief
written all over her, like she didn't even have to plan. At first Danny and Linda were content to let them play little harmless pranks on one another at first. Like
Andy switching the boy's toothbrushes on them, after she absentmindedly dropped them in the toilet, and Jack took all the lightbulbs out of her bedroom, while
Sean sneaked a Benadryl into her drink, causing her to fall asleep hours earlier than normal. Andy of course retaliated by deflating Jacks soccer ball and
returning the Benadryl favor to Sean. Playing pranks on one another however soon became a routine, and before long they got bored with that as well, and
decided on a new path of entertaining themselves, involving pulling pranks on their parents, and a bit more dangerous pranks on one another. After only two
days of this, Danny and Linda decided to pull the plug on there so called fun, having enough after the three teamed up and filled their parent's mouthwash with
diluted hand soap, filling several of Linda's loose eye shadow containers with cooking spices. As for Danny, they considered taking his shield, and claiming that
they lost it, only they considered that he would see that as a prank gone wrong, and jeopardize their ability to sit comfortable during the next family dinner and
instead decided on a safer approach and an overall better life choice. After much consideration, they finally decided on soaking his toothbrush in cayenne
pepper for several hours while he was at work, so by the time night came around, he would wake up everyone in the neighborhood. With the prank war called,
on the account of near bloodshed, this once again found the three kids grasping at straws in ways to entertain themselves. "What do you want to do," Andy
looked at Jack? "I don't know what do you want to do," Jack asked the same thing? Andy sighed, "the reason I asked you was because I didn't have any
ideas." "I know what I want to do Sean spoke up, the only problem is, they all involve things we are grounded from." "At least your and Jacks week is almost
up, I'm grounded until Dad says different, and with the way my luck is running that probably won't be till I'm a hundred," Andy threw up her hands. "It won't be
that long, there's no way dad can live until you are a hundred," Jack clarified. "Thanks for the support little brother," Andy still didn't sound too enthused. "You
want to play a board game?" Sean recommended after neither of them could come up with any other suggestions. "I'll play," Jack agreed when Andy turned
him down claiming she had, had enough board game playing to last her awhile, after the week they had just had, and instead decided on doing something she
was against from the very beginning...studying… Andy lay flat on her back her history book lifted a few feet above her head. "Are you studying?" Danny
sounded shocked, stopping short by his daughter's bedroom door. "Maybe just a little," Andy admitted. "Uncle Jamie near demanded that I read a couple
chapters before he comes over again." Danny snickered, "sounds like you are getting to know your uncle a little bit better." Andy sat up, "he's even bigger on
school than you are, and I didn't think that was humanly possible." "Oh college boy didn't graduate from Harvard for nothing," Danny replied pulling his new
toothbrush out of its package. Andy chuckled, "I see you found yourself a new toothbrush." Danny nodded, "and don't you dare touch it, I already know that
the chili pepper was your idea." "Do you have any proof Detective," Andy smiled big. "That goofy grin your wearing is enough proof for me," Danny pointed at
her playfully. "I've got to work on my tells," Andy snapped her fingers. "Time for dinner," Linda interrupted calling from the kitchen! Danny was just coming down
the stairs, when he saw Andy slip on Sean's left out skateboard that was conveniently left at the foot of the stairs as a prank. Andy was fuming as Danny
helped her stand, asking if she was okay. "I'm fine," Andy mumbled. "But he isn't going to be," Andy lunged for Sean, but was stopped short when Danny
caught her mid-air. "Put me down," Andy tried to get away from him, "I'm going to kill him." "No you are not, so you might as well just settle down" Danny laid
down the law. "But he," Andy started to argue. Sean walked past the staircase and Danny held a tighter grip on Andy's arm, "now you get over there and have
a seat," Danny looked at his youngest son, "and I suggest you sit on the complete opposite side of that of your sister." "Yes Sir," Sean said quietly. Dinner that
evening was surprisingly quiet, and instead filled with menacing silent glances that Andy and Sean kept giving one another. Jack on the other hand was content
to talk gingerly with his parents, being sure to ask Danny if he would take him to the store to buy a new soccer ball in order to replace the one that Andy
deflated. "Maybe tomorrow," Danny wasn't sure on what his schedule would hold the following day. "Do you have any money," Linda was sure to ask? "I have
some left over from what I was saving," Jack reassured her. "Although it's my opinion that Andy should pay for it," Jack was sure to add. Hearing this, Andy
decided to share a quick glare with Jack before returning her full attention back to Sean. "I don't think that's really necessary," Linda shook her head.
Reminding him that all was fair in love and war. "Fine," Jack relented just before dinner was over. Linda and Jack had just started clearing off the table as Danny
made sure to send Sean up to his room, while Andy remained at the table with her father. "You know you are going to have to talk to him eventually," Danny
mentioned. "I know," Andy sighed, "but does it have to be tonight." "No," Danny replied, "but I know that you will feel better when you do." Danny left her
thinking before going up to talk to Sean.
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With Sean being sent to bed early, and Jack and Andy content with playing a game of poker, this left Danny and Linda with a little quiet time in front of the TV.
Pulling them out of their quiet evening, they were surprised when Erin knocked on the front door. "Erin," Danny opened the door. "What are you doing here?" "I
came to talk to you and Linda, and ask what your plans were for the weekend." "Come on in," Danny stepped out of the doorway. "Hi Aunt Erin," Jack waived
from the kitchen table. "Hi kids," Erin greeted her niece and nephew before telling Linda of her own plans, while Danny disappeared into the kitchen. "One of
my coworkers won two tickets to an opera symphony orchestra on Saturday and Sunday and can't go, so she gave me the tickets, and I was wondering if you
would be interested in going." "Oh Erin, I'd love too," Linda sounded ecstatic to finally have the opportunity to have an evening filled with culture and adult
company, from someone other than her husband. "The only problem is, it's in Cambridge at Harvard and we would have to spend the night." Linda stopped, "it
sounds like a lot of fun, but that means I would have to leave the kids with Danny for two days, and then hope the four of them survive one another." Erin
stopped, "well that isn't the only problem, I have no place for Nicki to stay, Dad and Grandpa are both busy." "Maybe she could stay here," Linda volunteered
Danny for the job. "I thought you just said that you were worried about leaving him alone with your three," Erin looked confused. "He'll survive, and what's one
more, he's an NYPD Detective," Linda didn't sound too concerned. "Now all we have to do is convince my big brother of that," Erin mentioned the next
predicament at hand, as she and Linda made their way into the kitchen.
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"No, No, No absolutely not," Danny backed up. "But Danny, how often do we get a chance to do something like this?" "I know Linda," Danny tried to sound
sympathetic, "but maybe another weekend would be better." "Why?" Both Reagan women stared at him questioningly. "I have a case," Danny replied weakly.
"Can't we just get Dad to give you the day, and the case get assigned to someone else," Erin suggested? "Absolutely not," Danny argued. "I have never used
Dad as my boss as an advantage or disadvantage, in which this would be a disadvantage," Danny clarified just in case they were wondering, "and I don't
intend to start now." "This one time wouldn't kill you," Linda replied. "No way, absolutely not, last time I kept all four kids they turned the house upside down."
"Jamie probably has a couple days off coming, maybe he could he could keep an eye on them for a couple hours during the day, and then all you would have is
the night shift," Erin recommended. "He's not taking any time off," Danny enlightened them, "he's trying to take a few extra tours so he can pay off his college
debt." "Now if you are really that desperate, on wanting to go, I'm sure he or I could find an empty cell, they could fill for a couple hours," Danny recommended
a solution that sounded almost perfect to him. "Danny," Erin and Linda said simultaneously. "You are not putting our kids in a jail cell," Linda didn't even want to
consider his option. "There's worse places," Danny didn't seem too bothered by it, "besides a couple hours in a cell won't kill them." "Anything but a cell," Linda
was serious. "I may be able to get a couple more pairs of handcuffs," Danny said rubbing his chin appearing as if he was half considering it. "And not that
either," Linda added. "You said anything," Danny replied. "I didn't know I had to clarify," Linda shook her head. "You know Andy and Nicki are more than capable
of staying at home by themselves for a couple of hours during the day, as well as keep an eye on the boys," Linda suggested. "I know they are" Danny agreed,
"I'm just concerned about not having a house to come home to." "Seriously Dad," Andy spoke up. "I'm pretty sure Nicki and I know better than to start a fire in
the house." "And Sean and I don't need a babysitter," Jack interrupted. "Alright time for bed you two," Danny nodded for the stairs. "What did we do," Andy
and Jack sounded confused? "Interrupting adults while they are talking calls for immediate dismissal, besides its getting late," Danny added. "But," Jack
started, until Danny held a hand up. Jack fell silent and Andy didn't even bother to pick up where her brother left off. Danny didn't say a word, and instead
simply pointed up the stairs. The two siblings sighed but chose not to speak as they trudged up the stairs. "Okay," Danny turned back to his wife and sister,
"you can continue with your plot to sway my decision."
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The following Friday afternoon was soon upon the Reagan household in which it found Linda packing for the weekend away, while Andy found herself faced
with an ultimatum to clean her room so Nicki would have a place to put an air mattress, when she stayed the weekend. "Oh you're just in time," Linda said
when Danny walked into the bedroom. "Need me to carry your luggage downstairs," Danny teased. "No," Linda shook her head. "I actually just need your
opinion on which dresses I should wear for the opera," Linda held up one dark red one and the other a pale blue one. Danny moaned, "you know I'm not good
at this Linda." "Come on Danny, your sister will be here in just a few minutes to pick me up," Linda was throwing things into her bag. "If I must," Danny
mumbled to himself, "I like the red one." "Thank you," Linda said happily. "Now was that so hard?" "Well it wasn't easy, after all you know what our daughter
says about me not being very good with picking out the correct attire, at least that's what she told Jamie when I was getting ready to go undercover," Danny
remembered laughing. "Speaking of our daughter, how did you convince her to clean her room," Linda asked curiously? "I didn't convince her, I gave her an
ultimatum, and she complied without any argument," Danny sounded surprised. "Do you think, that we should release her from her grounding sentence?" Linda
asked seriously? "I've considered it Linda," Danny ran a hand through his hair, "but do you think we've gotten through to her, regarding the seriousness of her
actions." "I think so," Linda thought about it for a moment, "but there's only one way to find out." "That's for sure," Danny chuckled. "Well what do you think?"
Linda asked after Danny didn't say anything for several minutes. "I think I might wait until at least the weekends over," Danny started. "Because if I know Andy
the way I think I know Andy, I have a feeling it's going to be anything but boring." "I'm sure everything will be fine," Linda tried to sound reassuring, although
she had to admit she had her own doubts, but she wasn't about to mention that to her husband.
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"Troops front and center," Danny called up the stairs in his ordering tone of voice similar to the one he heard countless times himself during his service in the
marines that same evening after dinner. Deciding on the military approach of running the house over the weekend. "At least he didn't use a whistle," Andy
grinned at her brothers and cousin remembering the sound of music. "I heard that Miss Reagan, and you're talking out of line," Danny didn't appreciate getting
interrupted. "I beg your pardon Sir, please continue," Andy saluted playfully. "Get upstairs, take your showers, put your pajamas on and report back here in 30
minutes, now move." The four started to comply, but stopped short. "Uncle Danny what are we going to do?" Nicki was the first to ask. "I've had a very
stressful day and since there is nothing I would like more than to rest all evening, I have a feeling that would be nearly impossible if I left the four of you to
your own vices." "What's that supposed to mean," Andy asked interrupting? "It means that the four of you have a tendency to be able to find trouble at a
Sunday school picnic," Danny started before concluding that they were going to watch a movie, figuring that turning on a movie would be the only way he could
get even a brief moment to relax. After turning on an action movie of some sort that the kids picked, Danny made an escape upstairs for a long hot shower.
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"Now I realize that it's a little early for me to make you go to bed," Danny again found himself speaking to the kids that outnumbered him three to one once the
movie was over. "But unfortunately I have to go into work for a couple hours tomorrow, and against my better judgement I have no choice but to leave you
here alone." The four grinned at one another mischievously and were about to fall into a fit of laughter thinking of all the fun things they could do, but were
interrupted before they got the opportunity. "I'm going to go to bed, if you need anything come get me me, but other than that don't leave the house and go to
bed by at least midnight." Danny started for the stairs but stopped short when he remembered one last piece of advice, "tomorrow when I'm at work, do me a
favor and think long and hard before you even consider doing something that could get you into trouble." "Don't worry Uncle Danny, everything will be fine,"
Nicki tried reassuring him. "I'm sure you will be fine Nicki," Danny nodded at her, "and that's why I'm leaving you in charge." "I understand," Nicki replied before
Danny continued with one last bit of advice, "don't let them talk you into doing anything, that you know you're not supposed to do." "I know, I know," Nicki had
already expected to get a warning considering just a couple weeks ago she was grounded for getting involved into something she should have stayed far
away from. "Anyone have any last minute concerns before I go to bed considering I will be gone before you any of you get up in the morning?" Danny was
trying to cover all his bases in hopes of avoiding another natural disaster. "I do," Andy raised her hand. "How did I know it would be you," Danny chuckled
shaking his head? "How come you don't leave me in charge?" "Because it's going to take a little time for me to trust you again, after your disappearing act,"
Danny told her the truth, half expecting her to protest but was surprised when she only commented with her regular come back phrase. "You make one wrong
move and you are labeled for life," Andy threw her hands up in defeat. "Now I love you all, but I need to get some sleep, so just keep it quiet and I will be
home as soon as I can tomorrow," Danny gave his last instruction before going up to bed. "I still can't believe he's just letting us stay up until midnight on our
own," Sean started as the four went back into the living room, "there's no way mom would if their roles were reversed." "That's because Dad knows that we
won't pull anything intentionally while he's on duty," Jack interpreted the truth. "So what do you want to do," Nicki yawned? "I don't know" Andy stretched,
appearing a little tired herself. They continued to sit around in the living room for an additional ten minutes until they decided to go to bed on their own. As they
simultaneously trudged up the stairs Andy mumbled to herself, "I think this is the first time we've had the option to stay up until midnight and we turn it down,
is there something wrong with this picture?" Danny listened quietly by his door and couldn't help but smile, pleased that his plan of letting them decide on their
own and they all agreed for sleep passed without any arguments or opposition from Andy or Sean, at least those were the two he was concerned with doing
something unpredictable while he slept.
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The following morning just as he had expected, Danny was gone at work for several hours by the time the kids were up and causing literal trouble, and for the
first time on accident. "What do you guys want to do?" Sean was the first one to ask as they sat together eating breakfast. "I don't know, what do you want
to do," Jack echoed for about the millionth time? Nicki sighed, "I think I have an idea, but it's going to take all of us." "What is it?" Andy asked curiously always
up for anything. "Instead of making a mess like usual, let's do something nice for Aunt Linda while she's gone and clean like the whole house," Nicki suggested.
"I'm in," Andy figured that after all they had done for her, the least she could do is help out instead of getting into trouble that day. "How about you two," Nicki
asked the boys. Before the boys even had a chance to reply, Andy answered for them, "of course they will help, and Jack would love to clean the kitchen."
"Would not," Jack shot back. "But," the boy paused for a brief moment, "if it's for mom and dad, I guess I can sacrifice part of my Saturday." Nicki smiled,
"thanks Jack." "So who wants to do what?" Andy asked ready to get on with the work that needed to be done. "I'll clean the kitchen this time," Sean
volunteered, "but I'm using the dishwasher." "I don't care how you do it, just do it," Andy moved on to Jack. "I guess I'll do the laundry," Jack said after thinking
that it would be better than cleaning the bathrooms or doing the floors. "I'll sweep, mop and vacuum if you clean the bathrooms," Nicki suggested to her
cousin. "Fine with me," Andy shrugged before cranking up the music loud enough for the whole house to hear. "Just don't get the cops called on us for the
music being too loud," Nicki warned. "Uncle Danny would kill us if that happened." "I won't," Andy shook her head, "you worry too much." "Hey, that worrying
keeps me out of trouble," Nicki shook a finger at her. "I'll keep it down," Andy reassured her, "I can't afford to get into any more trouble as it is." Jack cleared his
throat, "are we going to do this or not?" He asked with an armful of dirty clothes. "Yes," Andy and Nicki said simultaneously before going different directions to
get started on their jobs.
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Things seemed to be going great for about an hour, until the four gathered into the kitchen for a brief break and soapy water slowly began flooding out of the
dish washer and out from under the washroom door. The four kids looked at one and screamed as they ran out of the kitchen. "What are we going to do," Jack
yelled! "I don't know," Nicki said the obvious. "Why is everything leaking?" Andy was trying to figure out why water was steadily beginning to fill the first floor
of their house. "We are going to be in so much trouble when Dad gets home," was the first thing Sean said, our rather moaned. "At least I'm still grounded, so
it's not like I have to worry about that," Andy considered the bright side. "Andy," Nicki yelled! "This is no time to think about consequences. Right now we have
to figure out how to stop this." "Build an ark," Sean joked. "You really aren't getting the seriousness of the matter, are you," Jack stated the obvious? "First we
need to figure out how to turn the water and then figure out how all this started to begin with," Andy mentioned while the four perched themselves on the
couch in an attempt to stay somewhat dry. "Maybe we should call Uncle Danny," Nicki suggested? "But he said to only call him if there was an emergency," Sean
remembered. "Pretty sure this is an emergency," Jack looked around the water covered floor that appeared to be rising. "I know," Andy acted as if the light
bulb suddenly came on in her head, "let's call Uncle Jamie." "That may be a little safer than calling Uncle Danny," Nicki acted as if she was seriously considering
it. "Let me put it to you this way," Andy clarified, "either we call Uncle Jamie, or you call my dad." "Why do I have to call him?" Nicki sounded confused. "Because
he left you in charge remember," Andy grinned menacingly. Nicki sighed, "call Uncle Jamie." "Great," Andy said jumping down off the couch and into the soapy
water to go find her cell phone. "Is he coming?" Nicki asked several minutes later when Andy came back into the room. "He's just about to get off work and he
said he will be here as soon as he can," Andy replied reclaiming her seat on the couch despite the fact that her pants were soaked. "Well did you tell him what
happened?" "Not exactly," Andy shook her head. "Lying to him will only get you into more trouble, you know that right," Nicki asked? "I didn't exactly lie to him,"
Andy answered her question indirectly. "What did you tell him," Jack found himself getting involved? "I told him that Dad was at work and we had no idea what
time he was getting off, and we needed a little help with a few things," Andy gave them the broad strokes of the conversation.
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Thirty minutes later and the four heard the sounds of approaching footsteps coming up the walk way. "Get ready for the fireworks," Andy said as Jamie opened
the front door and stepped inside. Unprepared for the slippery floor, Jamie lost his balance and slid several feet into the house before falling into a lake of
clothes detergent combined with a little dish detergent water. The kids struggled from falling into a fit of laughter at the site of their police uniformed uncle
pulling himself off the floor, bubbles sitting atop his head. "What happened in here? Jamie didn't sound too thrilled with the circumstances he was in? "Jack
overloaded the wash machine and then dropped something behind it, and apparently when he was trying to get it he jacked up the hose," Andy explained
Jacks predicament. "And Sean overloaded the dishwasher and apparently didn't close it very well, "Nicki picked up on the explanation exactly where her cousin
left off. "And just what possessed you to even mess with expensive equipment in the first place," Jamie sighed as he unbuttoned his soaked uniform shirt. "It
seemed like a nice idea at the time," Nicki admitted. "We were only trying to do something nice," Jack shrugged. "I understand that Jack, but right now we have
to figure out how to turn the water off," Jamie started. "And one of you call Danny," he added on his way out. "I called Jamie," Andy was quick to say, "it's your
turn." "One of the boys can do it," Nicki clarified that there were two more available applicants. "He left you in charge," Sean repeated the same phrase his
sister did not long ago. "Maybe he will just come home on his own and it will be a surprise," Nicki shrugged hoping. "And if he doesn't," Andy asked? "I'll worry
about that later," Nicki looked at her wearily. "I think I'm becoming a bad example on you," Andy smiled before jumping back onto the floor to follow their uncle.
A few minutes later, and the girls hurried up the stairs to do Jamie's bidding to retrieve several towels from the upstairs cabinets to help soak up some of the
water. "You know something," Andy started to make conversation, "what surprises me, is the one day that I actually try to stay out of trouble, trouble finds me
anyway." Nicki laughed, "you must be destined to always be in trouble." "I think you're right," Andy unhappily agreed. "Yeah well, I just wish I could take my
own advice, and stay out of trouble," Nicki mumbled as she went over the most recent events in her head.
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Surprisingly Nicki was correct regarding her uncle's arrival time, and Danny seemed to pull up in the drive way the very minute Jamie would have expected if she
would have called. Danny was surprised to see his brother's squad car up front, but he didn't think too much about it considering he had been around quite a
bit in the previous week to help Andy. Jamie and Andy were just stepping into the room when Danny walked through the door to his once clean home. Well at
least my house is still standing, Danny said joking as he stepped through the door, just before he fell to the floor. The kids long gave up on trying not to laugh
as Danny moaned as he struggled to pull himself off the floor. His face was red and his clothes were dripping wet as he struggled to figure out what had
happened to his house. After he seemed to get his bearings Danny finally managed to find his voice, in which a series of questions came. All ranging from
happened, how did it happen, and who were the responsible parties involved? Andy wanted to tell him that he was the detective and for him to figure it out,
but luckily for her she was smart enough not to say it. Neither of the kids seem to be able to find their voices and it seemed that Jamie had to tell the story
they initially told him. Danny wasn't exactly mad, in fact he appreciated the gesture, but due to the state of his home and the dangers that could have
occurred, he knew he had to say something but decided to wait until after they had the house in somewhat of good order. "I managed to get the water turned
off" Jamie explained, "and I think once we get this water soaked up we will be able to tell if there's any water damage." "I sure hope not," Danny sighed
running a hand through his hair. Neither of the kids moved while Danny rolled his wet sleeves up, thinking it was just a matter of time before he lost his temper.
Rather they were all relatively surprised when he just looked at them and said get to work on cleaning the place up, that they would talk about it later.
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"Well at least there's no water damage," Danny said pleased once they managed to get the house in some kind of order. "Dodged a bullet with Linda on that
one," Jamie mentioned. "That's for sure," Danny agreed before turning his attention to the kids. "Would the four of you please take a seat on the couch,"
Danny said gently. Andy, Jack and Sean started for the couch, knowing there was no use in trying to avoid the trouble they seemed to be destined for every
day of their lives. Rather than following her cousins however, Nicki seemed to be shifting uncomfortably from one foot to the other. "You know if you don't mind,
I think I'm going to stay the rest of the weekend with Uncle Jamie," Nicki looked at Danny before she turned to Jamie, "I'll just wait in the car," Nicki nearly ran
for the door. "You're not going anywhere so sit down," Danny ordered pointing to the couch where her cousins were already sitting. Nicki sighed, but knew
better than to straight up argue with him, "can't blame a girl for trying." Jamie chuckled, "that's my cue to leave, see you later Danny." "Yeah thanks for coming
and helping out," Danny followed Jamie to the door. "Anytime," Jamie smiled. "It was actually quite amusing after I got over the initial shock of being on the
floor." Danny laughed, "Yeah I'm not really mad, in fact I appreciate the gesture, but I'm just glad that Linda isn't here." "That probably is a good thing," Jamie
agreed sliding into the car. Danny strolled back into the house and stood in front of the kids, "for starters, I appreciate all you tried to do, but next time, assign
jobs to those that you know can handle them." "We kind of thought we could," Jack admitted. "And maybe you should only do it when you are under adult
supervision," Danny paused. "You could have gotten hurt, and the house could have acquired some major damage." "We are sorry Uncle Danny," Nicki started.
"Yeah Dad, we really didn't mean for everything to turn upside down," Andy picked up on the conversation. "I realize that guys, and I am grateful for what you
tried to do alright, but why don't you go ahead and go play a game or something while I figure out something for us to do for dinner," Danny excused them. The
boys thought it odd, they weren't in trouble, but certainly were not going to question Danny about it, and instead took off running for the stairs before he had
a chance to change his mind. Danny didn't seem too concerned by it as he started for the kitchen, and the girls in turn just looked at one another confused as
they attempted to figure out what was wrong with Danny. Instead of running up the stairs similar to that of Jack and Sean, Nicki and Andy chose to follow
Danny into the kitchen and question him regarding his odd behavior. "Dad, are you feeling alright," Andy was the first to ask? "Yeah, I'm fine why," Danny didn't
pay too much attention to her question as he peered into the refrigerator? "For one," Nicki started to answer his question. "We almost destroyed your house."
"And you didn't yell once, or even punish us, and to be completely honest, were a little confused," Andy finished. Danny stood and turned to them, "I know you
didn't mean to nearly destroy my house, so why would I punish you for an accident?" "I don't know," the girls shrugged but we just kind of thought that you
would be really upset. "Well to be completely honest, I'm not exactly thrilled with what happened, but I'm just glad neither of you got hurt, considering
electricity and water do not go together very well," Danny reminded them. "You make a very good point," Andy agreed. "Now if you really want me to punish
you, I can, but I don't see any reason too," Danny grinned. "Thanks but no thanks Uncle Danny," Nicki replied. "In that case, either help me in the kitchen or get
lost," Danny added, quickly deciding that spaghetti would probably be the easiest to make. The girls laughed, but decided to help rather than have to explain
to the boys why they didn't run up the stairs the second Danny appeared to have a slight parental malfunction.
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Later that evening, as the five sat down to dinner, Danny made a quick announcement. "I believe it's in all of our best interest, especially yours, if we keep the
day's events to ourselves and leave your mother in the dark on this one." "I second the motion," the kids agreed simultaneously, agreeing that neither of them
was ready for a lengthy lecture. After the day's events, they were all exhausted and Danny decided that going to bed early was in all of their best interest,
especially considering he had to get them all to church in the morning. Andy was the last to get into the shower, and was just coming out to go into her room,
when Danny stopped her. "With all the commotion going on today, I didn't get the chance to tell you that I am ungrounding you today." Andy started to get
excited, but stopped short, "today, you are ungrounding me today after what could have happened." "None of that was technically your fault," Danny reminded
her, "and I believe that you showed good judgment in calling Jamie for help." Andy shrugged, "I couldn't think of anything else to do, considering the house
was slowly turning into a swimming pool." Danny chuckled, "I know, but you always could have tried to clean it up and try to hide it from me." "I guess I didn't
think about it like that," Andy sounded serious. "Maybe you didn't," Danny started, "but I told Linda that if you could manage to keep out trouble this weekend
that I would consider ungrounding you." "And here I thought that because of what happened today, that I was never going to get ungrounded." Danny
laughed, "that just goes to show you, that you can never be too confident in understanding another's motives." Andy scoffed, "you got that right, detective."
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Again, I apologize for the long delay. I had to take 7 classes at College this semester so I could graduate this Fall. On the upside, I finally managed to graduate
with my Bachelors Degree in Criminal Justice, and am celebrating by updating the chapter that I have been working on for a while...Thanks again to all my
followers and the great reviews, I love to get them. Everyone have a Merry Christmas and I will try to update soon. JusticeStands TRUE
