To those who read my last chapter early, the first line may sound a little different. It was one of the few lines I wasn't happy with in the previous chapter, and I did end up going back and changing it. Still not sure I'm 100% happy with the line, but just can't seem to get it perfect. Sorry for the confusion. Obviously it was Andy that Ray saw, but now we just need to find out where he saw her.

Oh yeah...and this one's a long one...hopefully not too long. Thanks, mamaverd!

Unfortunately, Ray wasn't privy to Sammy's thoughts and he took that moment to call Sammy out. "Oh yeah…hey Sammy! Wanna know what that sweet little bachelorette babe of yours does when you're not around?"

Sammy's head snapped up. Shit!

He recovered his poker face just in time as Ray's revelation also caught the boss' attention. From the corner of his eye, Sammy could see that the boss was watching him waiting to see if he would take the bait. Sammy's mind was racing. Should he ask? Did he want to know? Would the boss think it more suspicious if he did or didn't ask?

Sammy decided quickly that it would be best to play it off. "She can do whatever the hell she wants. It was one night; doesn't make her mine."

He swallowed back the distaste in his mouth before he continued. "Might make her wish she was mine. I mean once she's had a taste of Sammy…" He tried to keep the disgust off his face as the rest of the guys laughed crudely. "I got no ties to her; hell, I don't even know where she works…if she works." Come on Ray…what do you know?

"You sure, Sammy? That chick is smokin' hot." Ray argued. "You telling me that one night was enough…cause that girl…man she looked like she could bring a grown man to his knees…or maybe she was the one…"

That's enough. Sam quickly interrupted not wanting to hear the next thing that came out of Ray's mouth. "Let me guess then. She was drowning her sorrows in that bar 'cause Sammy hadn't called her back, and one night wasn't enough for her." He retorted, figuring that was safe, just indifferent enough but could still lead Ray to tell him where and when. Unfortunately the boss seemed to be hanging on every word too.

Ray laughed louder. "Naw, man….that was probably later. No, I thought I saw her going into a diner yesterday. I'm pretty sure it was her, but we were headin' the other way so I didn't have time to check on her…for you."

Back the hell off. Sam let out the breath he had been holding, but it was only in partial relief. Although Ray hadn't seen Andy at the station, he had also implied that he would go talk to her if given the chance, and Sam didn't want Ray anywhere near Andy.

Thankfully she mustn't have been in one of the cruisers that picked Ray up either. But unfortunately that also meant that no one would know how important it would be to keep tabs on Ray.

The boss watched Sammy for another second seemingly mulling over what had been said. He just hoped he had played it right. As the boss was turning to the door, Sammy thought his reprieve had finally come until the boss yelled. "What are you waiting for Sammy? An invitation? Let's go!"

Sammy slid off his perch in the corner and headed for the door. "See you tomorrow." He shot back to the guys, his eyes landing on Vic.

Vic was more than happy that Sammy was back in the fold and helping with the plans. He had done great today and Vic felt bad that he was still on the boss' shit list. But not bad enough to stick up for him – no one crossed the boss and lived to tell about it.

So Sammy spent another night in the 'guest bedroom' before being woken up by the pounding on the door and another fifteen minute warning. At least this time he hadn't stayed up all night; the second his head hit the pillow he had been out. He had dropped onto the bed completely exhausted from not sleeping the night before and from all the mental preparations, and he still hadn't figured out how in the hell he was going to get word to Boyd.

When his fifteen minutes were up, he was taken directly to the warehouse to meet up with the rest of the gang. They piled into three vehicles and headed to the pier, each taking a different route. The last thing they needed was to draw attention; Ray had done plenty of that yesterday, which was why he was no longer on Vicero.

The second they reached dock number 14, Sammy knew this was it; every building, alleyway, dumpster, matched the plans they had been given perfectly. He quickly envisioned his strategy playing out and he knew they were ready. So as soon as everyone arrived, Sammy walked them through every piece of the puzzle, confirming that everyone knew where they would be and what they would be doing.

Sammy asked the boss a few pointed questions, but the man obviously wasn't in a sharing mood so he just worked with what he had. In the end, the boss seemed to be satisfied with the plan and didn't even flinch when Sammy announced himself as part of the team to inspect the merchandise. If the boss had any reservations, Sammy didn't see them; things were looking up.

It had only been a couple of hours when Sammy heard the familiar ring tone of his cell phone; he reached for his pocket out of habit. When he came up empty, he remembered that it wasn't in his possession. He made sure to avert his eyes, but he was doing whatever he could to pick up any clue as to who was on the other end. But all he got was "who wants to know," before the boss waved them on and walked away.

When they got back to the warehouse just over another hour later, they started planning for the firepower they were going to need. The boss hadn't appeared after the phone call though; from what Sammy was told, he was making arrangements for the money.

Sammy had no idea what types of guns they had access to, but when he told them what he wanted, they just nodded. It didn't seem like much of anything was off limits. Still Sam had to wonder if he would even get his hands on a gun. Sure it looked like the boss had resigned himself to the fact that Sammy would be taking part, but he had said nothing about giving him a gun yet. But clearly the boss would realize that it was too dangerous for Sammy to go into this unarmed…wouldn't he? And who was on the damned phone?

After shooting the shit for a few hours, Sammy was taken back to the apartment. The boss wasn't even there, but unfortunately Sammy still had a babysitter. And after failing at any attempts to make nice, Sammy finished a beer and headed to his room to reevaluate. He now knew where; he just needed to know when. He had to find a way to tip off Boyd and he needed to get someone to lend him a phone.

Maybe he could convince Ray he wanted to phone his 'babe'. Ray would definitely get that. Tomorrow Sammy would give it a shot; Ray was just gullible enough to fall for something like that.

Friday morning Boyd had a decision to make – would he, or even should he, send McNally in to make contact with Swarek? It had been a good day yesterday. Now that they had eyes on the gang they were able to determine where the buy was taking place; they just needed to know when. Boyd did have some resources but not enough. He could put round the clock surveillance on the pier but he already had guys on the gang and Vicero 24/7; he really didn't know how many more bodies he could scrounge up before the bust. As it was, he was already stretching his team pretty thin. Being able to watch was great but they would still need time to mobilize a unit for the takedown.

Besides knowing where, they also had a good idea on numbers. Including Sam, his gang had 12 plus the boss, and Vicero appeared to have about 9 including the big man himself. That was a lot of bodies to bring down. But so far they hadn't seen Vicero anywhere near the buy site.

As soon as Sam's group had left it yesterday morning, Boyd's team had moved in. They didn't know exactly how it was going down, but they could at least scope out a few key locations. And from what it looked like, Sam had had a hand in the planning because every location they saw had good lines of sight.

Boyd was feeling a little better, but there were still key things missing. When was it going to go down? What firepower did they have? And were Vicero and his guys really going to show? Sam couldn't help them on the last one though so they would have to figure that out some other way. The rest they needed to hear from Sam.

And therein lay the problem; Sam wasn't in possession of the phone and he obviously hadn't found another way to contact him.

That meant Boyd's hands were tied and he was going to have to send McNally in. The question was…where would she go? He couldn't send her into the warehouse; he might as well just throw her to the lions. If they had even an inkling that she knew their lair, she would be a liability.

And the guys had really only travelled to and from the warehouse and dock…and presumably their homes. But his team couldn't keep eyes on everyone so they had stuck with the warehouse, the boss and Sam.

So where could they send her? And when? Boyd decided the first step was to meet with Best and then McNally

For the second day in a row, Andy was called back in off the streets but this time she was summoned to Best's office. Her first panicked thought was that something had happened to Sam; when she reached the barn and saw that Boyd was also in with Best she had to make a detour into the locker room.

Her heart was racing and she knew that if she didn't control it soon she would find herself on the floor. She hunched over as she gasped for another breath. Trying to relax her breathing, she kept telling herself over and over that this didn't have to mean that something was wrong. He was okay. He was okay. He was okay.

When she finally felt like she at least resembled calm, she headed to the Sarge's office.

Best listened patiently watching Andy's face for any kind of reaction as Boyd reiterated what he had just told Frank. She listened as he explained that he called Sam's phone, but Sam didn't answer. At the panicked look, Frank cut in and assured her that they had visual confirmation that Swarek was okay, but he just wasn't in any position to contact them.

Andy looked up then. "I'm going in." It wasn't a question or a demand; it was just a statement she knew to be true.

Boyd confirmed it and looked over at Best. He must have accepted Andy's reaction because he gave his nod of approval. "You are." Boyd confirmed.

"What do you want me to do?"

Boyd explained that they were hoping to send her in, but it had to appear to be a chance encounter. They couldn't just have her show up anywhere because that could look like she was stalking him and no one on the wrong side of the law wanted to find out that someone had been keeping tabs on them. That someone usually ended up at the bottom of a lake somewhere.

So Andy was told to go home and get ready. She was instructed to clean up and then gather a few different outfits as they wouldn't know where or when until the last minute. She would then be in the barn for the rest of the day doing paperwork until a call came in to say they had their chance.

Just as they were about to let her go, Gail knocked on the door. "You wanted to see me sir."

Andy looked between Boyd and Best; was she dismissed then?

She was surprised when they ushered Gail in without sending Andy on her way. She quickly realized that they didn't want her going in all alone so Gail would be going in with her as the friend. They wanted someone Andy would be comfortable with and Traci wasn't available. Best would have preferred one of the guys, but both Dov and Chris had been involved in the scuffle with Ray so they weren't even an option. But he was assured that Boyd and his team wouldn't be far so this would have to do.

Both Gail and Andy headed home to get ready, with orders to be back within the hour…just in case.

The two girls waited around all day before heading home with orders to rest if they could; there was no telling when they would be called in. "Cell phones at the ready ladies," Best reminded.

At nine o'clock they got their wake up call.

For Sammy, Friday morning brought another rude awakening. But this time it was the boss screaming that had him jumping. He just had time to throw on a shirt and pull on his pants before he was practically dragged from the apartment.

As soon as they got to the warehouse and everyone had gathered, the boss announced that the buy was taking place on Sunday night. Now that the plans were firmly in place and what he thought was fool proof, he was ready to go ahead.

That left Sammy only two days to reach Boyd; except he really didn't have any time at all. Boyd would need time to mobilize the tactical units and prep the backup. Sammy had to reach him today; there was no other option. He only hoped the boss would leave them all to their own devices so he could work on Ray or maybe even Vic, who genuinely seemed to like him.

The guys were instructed to lay low for the next couple of days, but RJ, bless his heart, was bold enough to ask if that meant they could go out tonight.

Without giving anything away, Sammy put in his two cents saying that if they were trying not to tip their hand it would be more suspicious if they didn't show up at their regular haunt tonight. They always hung out there on Fridays and Saturdays. If anyone was watching, they might figure out that something was up.

The boss seemed to consider this and he reluctantly agreed that they could go out…relax tonight, but when they went out on Saturday there would be little or no drinking. Everyone had to be in top shape for Sunday.

And then the boss let go of the leash.

Thank God! Sammy thought as the boss told him he could hang out with the guys today and tonight. He wasn't totally free; the guys were told in no uncertain terms that Sammy was not to be left to his own devices, but at least it was something.

Unfortunately, the guys were so pumped to finally be set free that Sam had little or no time to get anyone alone. They just wanted to relax and let loose. They played poker for the better part of the day; went out for lunch and dinner. When one of the bodyguards showed up about seven to pick Sammy up, he protested saying he was allowed to go, but he was quickly informed that the boss wasn't taking any chances. So arrangements were made for everyone to go clean up and meet back in one hour before going to the club.

Sammy was grudgingly escorted to and from the warehouse, but at least the goon left as soon as the rest of the guys showed up to head out to the bar.

They had been at the club about an hour when the door swung open and everyone watched a familiar pair of legs strut through the door. And if it was even possible, they looked even hotter than last week.

Andy and 'her friend' swayed right past Sammy and his buddies without giving him a second look, but they all knew she was well aware of him being there. Every one of the guys was losing his mind at how smokin' she looked. But Sammy, he was pissed…but not for the reason the guys would think. "Sammy, boy. I think you've just been given the cold shoulder...and a beautiful shoulder it is."

He could handle being ignored; he would just rather she did it from a distance. He really wasn't happy that she was here, but at least she had backup with Peck. In the back of his mind, he knew when he didn't call Boyd that they would have to try something, but he had really hoped it wouldn't come to this. At least the boss wasn't around, and Sammy hoped it never got back to him.

He was broken out of his thoughts by Ray. "And the albino sidekick…holy hell!"

Sammy watched as she and Gail took a table on the other side of the dance floor before Andy returned to the bar having to pass right by Sammy's table. His hand shot out and grabbed her wrist.

"Hey, Sweetheart. Did you miss me?"

"Get your hands off of me!"

"Come on, babe. You know how much you like my hands all over you."

"You had your shot. Try not calling someone else for a week, asshole."

"Why are you here then?"

"Not for you."

"I think we both know that's not true."

"Don't flatter yourself."

"Don't deny it."

"Hey I'm just here looking for someone who doesn't drop off the face of the earth after professing how great it was."

"I was working." He defended, shrugging her off.

"Couldn't even return a text, huh?" She practically snorted her disbelief. "No one's that busy. Get lost."

Sam started running his hands up and down her arm, but before he had a chance to plead his case further, Andy turned around with every intention of slapping him. "Let go of me you bastard; you think you can just take what you want and…"

Sammy had gotten his hand up to block her just in time. He had a firm grip on her wrist as he looked her straight in the eye. "Careful, honey. We both know you wanted it too."

"Go to hell." She ordered before wrenching her arm from his grip and making the rest of the way to the bar.

"Whenever you're ready." Sammy announced. "I'll be right here all night."

"Don't hold your breath." She practically spit back.

Andy got drinks for her and Gail, downing an extra shot at the bar as she listened to Sammy's guys telling him he might as well give it up.

"Nah, I like 'em feisty." He bragged before turning around and throwing her a wink. "And believe me when I say, this one's got some teeth." He winced internally hoping Andy wouldn't take offence to the bravado.

She didn't linger to hear what his buddies had to say in return; she could only imagine how that conversation was about to go so she quickly went back to her table.

It wasn't long before she and Gail got on the dance floor and started putting on a show, letting Sammy know exactly what he was missing. A couple of guys approached and at first Sammy expected her to shoot them down just like she did the last time she was here. But he was wrong. And as much as he knew she was playing a part, it was still hard to watch. He knew exactly what those guys had on their minds; it was the same thing that was on his mind and as one quick look around confirmed, on the mind of most every guy in the bar. Still he thought she was taking her job of trying to teach 'Sammy' a lesson a little too seriously. This message was way too loud and way too clear.

"Looks like you've got some competition, Sammy." Ray taunted, enjoying watching his buddy squirm.

"We'll see."

Sammy's eyes were shooting daggers at the guy who was dancing with Andy and it didn't take him long to pick up on the displeasure being sent his way. Knowing the company Sammy kept, the man bowed out quickly pulling his reluctant friend away from Gail.

Not long after, Andy excused herself to go to the washroom leaving Gail at the table. Gail pulled out her cell phone pretending to text. Well, not pretending she was actually sending an update to Boyd whose team was just outside. 'She's making her move.'

Sammy watched as she headed back to the bathroom. He stood up and downed his beer.

"Are you sure Sammy?" Jimmy asked.

"You're playing with fire." Ray warned.

"That's 'cause I like it hot." Sammy bragged.

After a few steps, he turned back around. "If I'm not back in 5 minutes…" he said, shooting them a grin. "DO NOT come looking for me."

He quickly tuned out their crude remarks and suggestive laughter as he high-tailed it after Andy.

She was standing at the mirror when she heard the door open. She looked up to see Sammy and tried not to smile as there were another couple of girls in there. Most of the regulars knew Sammy's group and they made quick work of getting out of there.

"What the hell do you want?" They heard Andy say as they left, wondering if she really had any idea who she was talking to. They knew she was just looking for trouble.

Sam pulled Andy into the last bathroom stall. "Let go of me!" She yelled.

"Come on honey. I'm sorry…I wanted to call you. I didn't have a choice."

He pressed her back against the wall and she couldn't help what she felt; her heart started to race at his proximity and it had nothing to do with fear. She loved having him close, but it was hard to concentrate. Still, they had to keep up appearances.

He lowered his voice. "What the hell are you doing here?" He demanded. Even though he knew this was probably their only hope, he didn't have to like it.

"You haven't called in."

He ran his hands through his hair and took a deep calming breath. He had to remember that it wasn't her fault and with Peck here he knew she had been ordered to come.

"Are you okay?" She asked, breaking the silence that had taken over.

"I'm fine…you?"

"Good. Why haven't you called?"

"Boss took my phone…said he didn't trust me."

"Have you been made?" She asked, the panic clear in her tone.

"No…long story, but no."

She thrust a phone into his hands. "Take this. Boyd's waiting."

And he called the number he had memorized what seemed like ages ago.

"Yeah?"

"Boyd?"

"We don't have much time Sam; what have you got?"

"Deal's going down at 2am on Sunday night, well Monday morning then I guess. We're meeting at…"

"We know where."

He was shocked. "How?"

"McNally."

Sam looked at her with something akin to pride. How had she known?

Boyd knew Sam was processing so he thought he'd save him some time. "She and Shaw responded to the fight but she stayed hidden when she saw that Ray guy. They called in to make sure I knew and we've been tailing you guys ever since."

Should have trusted my gut. "I thought I saw something the other day, but I didn't know how it could be…then I thought maybe it was Vicero." Which reminded Sam. "Have you got anything on him?"

"Nothing yet. Doesn't look like they're planning anything though? It's actually been pretty much business as usual for him. But Sammy, if I can get the manpower for Sunday, we're thinking of leaking the deal."

"What?"

"Two birds with one stone…three if we can get the runner too. But only if we get the manpower ; I'll have to let you know."

"How the hell are you going to tell me? You are not sending her in again!" Sam's voice started to get loud and Andy started rubbing his arm in an attempt to settle him down. They heard the door open and they both froze before Andy started to moan. "Oh Sammy….oh yeah…right…ooooh"

They heard the door slam shut quickly and they both grinned. It also served to break Sam's tension, but then he almost forgot about Boyd on the phone.

"Sam! Swarek! Focus here!"

"Right sorry." He said winking at Andy, who started undoing a couple of buttons on his shirt. His eyes got really wide and he gulped audibly before giving her a questioning look.

"Just making it look good." She whispered.

"Sam!"

Right, Boyd. "Yeah yeah I'm here."

"McNally has a phone for you. It's got a camera, a recorder and a walkie. We'll always be close by and able to hear anything you want us to, but be careful with it."

Sam was relieved that Andy would not have to come back in. "Will do!"

"She'll give you the phone before you leave the bathroom. So we know where and when but you got any plans; I mean I have an idea but …"

"I'll send a picture if I can." Sam promised, and then gave the cliff notes version of what was going down including the firepower everyone had asked for; it would have to be enough if he couldn't get the plans to Boyd on time.

"I better go."

"Good luck Sam."

Sam pulled away from Andy and started to open the door to the stall.

"Wait."

"Oh, yeah…the phone."

Andy giggled. "That too."

She then lowered her voice seductively. "I know you probably told them all you were just coming in here for a quickie but I'd hate for you to go out…prematurely."

Sam's mouth dropped open in shock. Did she really go there?

"We wouldn't want to ruin your reputation."

Sam couldn't stop the dimpled grin from taking over his face. "What did you have in mind?"

"Well, we should at least make it look real." She suggested before attacking his lips hungrily and running her hands through his hair.

Sam tried to pull back. "Andy…we can't…I don't think…" He really wished this wasn't just for show.

"Come on, Sammy." She practically purred.

God he loved it when she said his name like that.

"If we're going to do this we might as well enjoy it." She teased trying to get him to loosen up; even if it was for show, she was going to make it fun. "Now stop being so gentle; you're supposed to be rocking my world here."

And with that, he pushed her up against the wall and captured her lips with his maneuvering their bodies so he could to get as close to her as possible. God this felt so good.

They had no idea how long they had been at it. But when breathing finally became an issue, they eased themselves apart gasping for air.

Sam winked just before running his hands once more through her now unkempt hair. She caught the mischievous glint in his eye just before he pulled on the waistband of her skirt and twisted it off to the side.

He chuckled. "I think we've had enough fun."

"For now." Andy said with definite promise for the future.

Sam liked the sound of that. "For now." He agreed quietly.

She stole one more kiss before reaching behind him to open up the stall. "See you Sunday."

"I probably won't be let go until I've given…" He stopped short when he realized what she might mean. "Andy you can't be there."

She felt her shoulders tense up as she spoke to the ground. "It's my job, Sam. Almost all of fifteen will probably be there for backup."

"I know and if I was there beside you I'd be fine with it; I don't ever want to be the one holding you back…But we'll be on opposite sides and I just can't do it…please. What if someone recognizes you? I have to be focused and I can't be that with you there." His eyes were looking everywhere but at her; just the thought of it and he was already losing it.

Andy was disappointed but she also didn't want to put him in any further danger.

Sam put his hands on either side of her face and pulled her eyes up to his. "Andy, promise me. You can stay in the can or…I don't know, anywhere. But please promise me that you won't be right in the middle of this."

"Sam."

"Promise." He practically begged.

"Okay."

"Okay. Now it's only a few more days and when I get back, we finish what we started."

"Promise?" She taunted.

"Promise." He grinned and gave her one last kiss before taking a good long look at her. Her lips were swollen, her hair was a mess and her clothes were all askew. She definitely looked like her world had been rocked. Looks can be deceiving though, and he definitely had plans to fulfill that wish later.

He laughed. "What?" She asked.

"I think my reputation will be just fine."

She turned him to the mirror and his eyes widened. "Mine too." She bragged with a cheeky grin before she pushed him out of the stall. "Now let me pull myself together."

"Good luck!" He teased as she made her way to the mirror.

"You too." She whispered sincerely as she met his eyes in their reflection.

He gave her a quick wink of promise and headed out the door.

As Sammy emerged from the hallway, he plastered a cocky grin on his face. It wasn't hard pretending; he was pretty proud of what they'd accomplished in there.

One look at him and they boys knew he had succeeded in getting what he wanted. Impressive! They tried to get details from him but he wasn't having any of it. Unfortunately, they weren't afraid to voice their theories so Sammy busied himself with his beer trying to tune out their vulgar suppositions.

When Andy finally walked out and past Sammy's table, she looked like she had been taken to task and the boys started up again. Ray even patted Sammy on the back when Andy shot him a sly wink on the way by. Vic noted that they both looked happy. Unfortunately in this line of work, happy didn't last long and he knew they were in for a rude awakening.

Andy headed back to her table and Gail just laughed when she saw her. "Please tell me you didn't really…"

Andy grinned back. "No, but we must have been convincing if you have to ask."

Gail just nodded; she could only imagine what they did to get her in that state and she wasn't sure she wanted to go there. "You ready to head out?"

"Yep. I think I've had enough for one night."

Gail laughed again as they stood and made their way to the door. Vic watched Sammy watch them. "You wanna go get her Sammy?"

"What? Nah. She got what she came here for."

"Um…still I think maybe we should…"

"Should what?" Sam's felt his gut churning as he shifted his gaze to Vic.

Flashback

Vic's phone rang not long after Sammy had left for the bathroom; it was the boss checking up on things and his first question was whether or not Sammy was behaving.

"He's in the bathroom hoping he'll get lucky with…"

"Same girl?" The boss interrupted. "She there?"

"Yep; definitely her."

"Don't let her leave." He ordered.

"What? Why?" Vic really didn't want this girl in the middle of things and surely Sammy had proven his loyalties. "You don't think…"

"You sure you wanna go there?"

"What? Uh..no. You sending the guys to bring her and Sammy home?"

"Yep, Sammy should be happy; now he'll have some company for the next couple days."

Vic knew Sammy would be far from happy. He looked up to see the man in question come out of the bathroom with a smirk on his face. Vic knew it wasn't going to be there long. He hoped this girl didn't mean too much to Sammy because she may be his undoing.

End Flashback

Sammy saw Vic's eyes get wide as he glanced past Sammy towards the door. Following his gaze, Sammy shifted around and saw the boss' two goons walk in. His gut had been right.

The men looked at Vic who nodded at the two women about to leave.

"Where do you think you're going?' One of the monster-sized men asked.

"Time to head home boys." Gail insisted as she tried to push past them. "So if you don't mind…"

Apparently they did mind, because they didn't move a muscle.

Sam turned back to Vic. "What the hell did you do?"