This takes place two years later. Mac, Stella and li'l Claire who is now two are at the park.
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"Claire...come to daddy. Come here love."
Walking over to her daddy. He picked her up and kissed her rosebud lips.
"I love you daddy. We play on the swing?"
"Of course we can. Let's go sweetheart. Stella, you coming love?"
"Mmhmm. Just give me a minute to get up."
Being seven months pregnant again. Stella had trouble getting up.
"Do you need some help love?"
Pulling up his lovely wife he held her tight.
"Come on daddy. I wants to play." said Claire.
Walking over to the swings Mac heard the shots ring out.
"Get down NOW." yelled Mac.
Too late. Mac realized Stella had been hit. Laying in a pool of blood, Mac called 911. When they arrived on scene they assesed Stella.
"I need the paddles NOW." said the EMT.
As the attendent grabbed the paddles. The other began shocking Stella.
"I've got a pulse. Let's move her NOW."
Once they were on their way. Mac informed Danny and the team to process the scene.
*Crying*
"Daddy....I want mommy. I want to see mommy." Claire cried.
"Shh...okay love. We'll go see mommy now."
"Mac. What the hell went on here?" asked Don.
"I'm not sure Don. But I can tell you this much. My wife was the target. They aimed only at her. Lindsay..I want you to get back to the station and check the records on all the criminals Stella has arrested. I want to know how many are out on bail"
"Sure Mac. I'll get right on it."
Leaving the team to process. Mac and his daughter headed to the Hospital.
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When Mac arrived he headed to the front desk.
"Excuse me. They brought in my wife, Stella Taylor. Where can I find her?" asked Mac.
"She's still in the OR. If you have a seat the surgeon should be out shortly."
Sitting down, Mac thought back to all the times he and Stella had had the perfect life after the Danvale case.
"Excuse me. ?" said the doctor.
"Yes. How's my wife?" asked Mac.
"We've stabilized her. But we are sorry to inform you your child didn't make it. Your unborn child saved your wife's life. It's a sad situation to have happened like this. But the bullet was lodged inside your son."
Mac could feel the tears pooling in his eyes.
"I need that bullet." said Mac.
"Of course. We will remove it from your son immediately." said the doctor.
When the doctor left Mac broke down.
"Daddy...please don't cry daddy." As she wiped her tears and kissed his cheek.
"I'm sorry Claire. Come on let's go see mommy." said Mac.
As they walked into the room. Mac could see Stella hadn't waken yet. Walking up to the bed he stared at his wife's tummy where his son was once nestled.
"Mac....Mac? How is she?" asked Don.
Looking at Don he broke. "We lost our baby."
Falling on his knees. Flack grabbed Claire and passed her to Danny.
"Take her out of the room Danny." said Don.
"Come on Claire. Let's go get you some ice cream." said Danny.
Kneeling down Don grabbed Mac in his arms and just held him as he cried. Once Mac had composed ,himself he knew he had no choice but to head down to the morgue.
"Mac...do you want me to come with you?" asked Don.
"No thanks. You guys stay here incase Stella wakes up." said Mac.
Walking from the room Mac took the elevator to the basement.
"Excuse me...you can't be down here. Can I help you with something?"
"I want to see my son." said Mac.
"Oh..are you detective Taylor ?"
"I am. Now I want to see my son."
Taking him into the room, Mac could feel how cold it was . How empty and lonely this place seemed to be. Pulling out the slat, the coroner left the room.
Taking his shaking hand, Mac carefully lifted off the tiny white blanket revealing his sons tiny form.
"I'm so sorry son. So sorry I never got to meet you, to hold you, to sing to you, to love you. But I know you are in heaven being well taken care of."
Bending down Mac kissed his tiny crown while he held his little cold hand. Then saying a prayer he covered him back up.
"I promise you son. Daddy and your family will find your killer. I promise we will all bring him to justice."
Pushing the slat back in the freezer. Mac closed the door.
"Mac?" called Danny.
"What is it Danny?"
"Stella's starting to wake. She's still pretty groggy and doesn't know she has lost your son yet." said Danny.
"Okay Danny. I'm coming."
Walking towards the door Danny looked at Mac and whispered...."don't worry Mac. We will find him and when we do he'll know what justice is all about. Family justice."
With tears in their eyes. They headed upstairs to give Stella the sad news.
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Entering the room, Mac seen Claire sound asleep on Flack's shoulder.
"Take her home for me Don. I'll be there as soon as I can. Here's my keys." said Mac.
"Sure Mac. You'll be okay?" asked Don.
"I will Don. You and Danny just take care of Claire for me."
After they left Stella began to wake again.
"Mmmm...Mac? I hurt so bad." said Stella.
"I know love. Try not to move so much. You have several stitches in your abdomen." said Mac.
Reaching her hand across her stomach she realized there was no longer a bump.
"Mac....she whispered. Where's my baby? WHERE'S MY BABY...."
Screaming over and over the nurse and doctor ran in to sedate her again.
"Christ...stop! Do not give her anything right now. She needs to know." cried Mac.
"Detective it is best to keep her calm." said the doctor.
"Don't tell me what's best. I know what is best for my wife. NOW GET THE HELL OUT."
After they left the room Mac lowered his tear stained face to his wife's. And as his teardrops fell on her he cried.... sweetheart...we lost our baby. I'm so, so, sorry. But our son is gone."
Holding his wife tighter they cried between their soft tender kisses.
"How Mac? Please tell me how?" asked Stella.
"Someone shot at you sweetheart. The bullet went through you and lodged in our son. The doctor informed me that if not for our son you would have died."
"It's so unfair Mac. Our child will never have the chance to grow up, to feel love and warmth. How am I supposed to understand? I can't Mac. This is all too much." cried Stella.
"I know love. But I promise you we will find the shooter. He will be brought to justice." said Mac.
"Where is Claire?" she asked.
"She's with Don and Danny. I had them take her home."
"Is she okay though Mac? Does she know?"
"She's fine love. She's also young, I doubt she'll remember anything. Even if she does. She'll soon forget."
"Excuse me Mac. Can I talk to you for a minute?" asked Lindsay.
"Sure Lindsay come in."
"How you feeling Stella?"
"Tired. Very tired and very sore. I want my baby back." she cried.
As she started crying again Mac nestled her.
"I know Stella. I'm so sorry. I checked those records for you Mac. But it seems none of Stella's perp's have been released. Where do you want me to go from here?"
"Check my arrests. See if any of mine have been released. Also take this bullet and have it anaylized." said Mac.
"Sure Mac. I'll get right on it. Take care Stella." said Lindsay.
"I will Lindsay."
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Back at the house Don and Danny placed Claire in her bed, snuggling her with her teady bear.
"Sleep sweet sweetheart." said Danny.
Walking from the room, they seen the Nursery door open. Looking inside they could see the beautiful set up they had for their child.
"Damn Danny. This isn't fair. Such innocence stolen."
"I know Don. Stella and Mac are going need alot of help getting through this."
"I know that. That's why they have us. We'll all help them survive." said Don.
"Christ Don. We need to find that shooter."
"We will Danny. I'm sure we'll find something on that bullet and when we do justice will be served. This is one shooter that won't know what hit him."
Heading downstairs they heard Mac come through the door.
"How is she Mac?"
"Not good Danny. I had them sedate her before I left. How's Claire?"
"She's sleeping. Are you sure it's safe to leave Stella alone? Who's to say he won't come back and finish the job?" said Danny.
"He'd be stupid to try. I've posted officer's on her door. I've also told them no one enters that room except for her doctor and Nurse Cheryl."
"I think I'll stop by on my way home and make sure she's alright." said Don.
"Thanks Don. that would be great."
"Mac...have you decided what you are going to do with your son?"
"I have Danny. Stella and I are just going to have him buried. We've both decided that would be best."
"Okay Mac. Try and get some rest. We'll see you tomorrow."
Leaving out the door Danny whispered to Flack...."You know sometimes life can really suck?"
"I know Danny. Let's go check on Stella." said Don.
As Mac walked by the Nursery door he closed it. Then looking into his daughters room he walked in, picked her up, and carried her to his room. Laying her under the comforter he climbed in beside her and coverd them up.
"Daddy? Is you still sad?" asked Claire.
"No sweetheart. Why don't you go back to sleep. Daddy is here with you."
Taking her tiny hands she wrapped them around her daddy's neck and snuggled right into his heart.
"I love you daddy."
"I love you too Claire."
Crying into his pillow he listened to the silence that filled their home.
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When Don and Danny arrived at the hospital they found the officer's away from Stella's door.
"Nurse...where are the officer's we had posted on the door? And where is nurse Cheryl?"
"I'm not sure Detective? I just got on duty." said the nurse.
Running into the room they found Stella sound asleep.
"I'm going to wake her Don. Just to be sure." said Danny.
Shaking Stella's arm softly he called her name.
"Stel...Stel...wake up."
"Mmm...what is it Danny?"
"It's nothing Stel. I just wanted to make sure you were okay."
"I'm fine Danny." she cried.
"Aww....come on Stel. I shouldn't have woke you. I'm sorry."
"It's okay Danny. I just feel so hollow inside."
Taking her hand Danny whispered...."I understand Stel. But I promise we will get you through it."
Closing her eyes again from the sedation, she fell back into sleep.
"Let's go find those damn officers."
As they searched the lounge they found them both watching the game.
"WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU TWO DOING?" yelled Don.
"Oh....ummm...we were just catching the end of the game."
"Yeah. Well concider it suspension. Now get the hell out."
"Now what Don?" asked Danny.
"Now we watch her ourselves. Let's go Danny."
As they headed back to Stella's room he was watching from the shadows.
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Meanwhile...
Lindsay was on her way back to the station when the guy knocked her clear off the road into the on coming lane. As several of the cars piled into hers the perp ran out of his vehicle and opened Lindsay's door snatching the bullet from her front seat while she was knocked out.
Hearing the phone ring, jarred Mac out of sleep.
"Hello."
"Mac, it's Sheldon. There's been an accident. Lindsay's car was in a pile up tonight. She's fine but...."
"But what Sheldon?"
"She lost the bullet from your son."
*Silence*
"Mac...you still there?" asked Sheldon.
"Yeah...he said sadly. That was the only piece of evidence we had to catch the shooter."
"I know Mac. I'm so sorry, and Lindsay is really upset over it. She's at the Hospital now having a few stitches put in her head."
"Okay Sheldon, thanks."
Mac knew he needed to see Lindsay. But he had no sitter for Claire.
"Claire...sweetheart? Wake up."
"What's the matter daddy?" asked Claire.
"We need to go see mommy, Danny, and Flack."
Wiping the sleep from her eyes she said..."k daddy we go now?"
"Yeah sweetheart. We go now."
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When they arrived at the Hospital Mac dropped Claire off to Don and Danny.
"Hey Mac. I take it you are here to see Lindsay?"
"I am. But I need you to watch Claire for a bit. Is Stella awake yet?"
"No. She's still heavly sedated." said Danny.
"Okay. But what are you two still doing here? And where is the officer's I posted on her door?"
"It's a long story Mac. One for later. Let's just say they are on suspension." said Don.
"Great. What else can go wrong? I'll be right back." said Mac.
After Mac left to see Lindsay Danny said....
"God..he seems so lost. He didn't even lose it Don. I don't like this."
"Either do I Danny."
"Uncle Dons? Can I have some ice cream?" asked Claire.
"Of course you can sweetheart. Come on let's go."
Leaving the room with Claire. Danny stayed with Stella.
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When Mac found Lindsay he asked...
"Lindsay! What happened?"
"I'm not sure Mac. One minute I was driving. The next thing I'm being bumped into on coming traffic."
"Did you happen to see the vehicle? Make or model? Anything?" asked Mac.
"I'm sorry Mac. I didn't and I'm so sorry I lost the key piece of evidence to finding the shooter."
Not saying anything more Mac told Lindsay to get some rest. Heading back upstairs Mac wondered to himself where the hell they were going to start now. Walking into his wife's room he seen Danny sleeping in the chair.
"Danny, why don't you go get Lindsay and head home."
"You sure Mac? I don't mind staying."
"No. You go ahead. I'll stay with my wife."
"Okay Mac. I'll see you in the morning." said Danny.
"Daddy...I had ice cream with Uncle Dons." said Claire.
"I see that sweetheart. Come here."
Taking his daughter in his arms he whispered....
"How would you like to stay at Uncle Don's?"
"Yeah...I love that daddy. You come too?" asked Claire.
"No love. I'm staying with mommy."
"Okay daddy. Kisses please?" said Claire.
Kissing his daughter on the mouth he whispered....
"I love you Claire Bear."
"I love you too daddy bear." she giggled.
With the case at a stand still and the room quiet, Mac crawled in beside his wife.
"Maaaac....."
"Shhh...it's okay love go back to sleep. I'm here."
Inhaling his wife's hair. He buried himself in her curls, whispered he loved her, and fell into sleep.
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When Don got Claire home to his place she was wide awake and bouncing from all the ice cream.
"Wanna play hide a seek Uncle Dons?"
"Not tonight sweetheart. It's bedtime."
"No its not. I'm wide awake. Let's play."
Knowing it was his fault for giving her ice cream. Don gave in to her and began the game of hide and seek.
"You hide Claire. I'll count. One, two ,three, four, five. Ready or not here I come."
Don could hear her giggling behind his sofa. But instead of finding her, he pretended not to see her.
"Now where is that Claire? Hmmm....is she under the table? Nope...she's not there. How about under the curtains? Nope...she's not there either."
"Here I is Uncle Dons. Behind the couch."
Picking her up in his arms he said....
"And now little lady, it's time for bed."
"Awww...I's not tired."
"I know sweetheart. But try and close your eyes, okay?"
Covering her up under his comforter she feel into sleep.
"Hmm...not tired indeed." he whispered as he kissed her little cheek.
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As the weeks progressed it was time for Stella to be released. With the team no closer to closing the case, Mac decided to have unmarked units at his home.
"Mommy....yelled Claire. We's here to get you."
"Hi my baby girl. Give mommy a hug."
Running to her mommy's arms she carefully embraced her.
"Is you still sore mommy?"
"Just a little love. But your hugs make me feel better."
"Mommy...where did your tummy go? And where is our new baby?"
Mac was floored. He never thought to think his daughter would remember.
"Listen Claire bear. Our little baby went to heaven early to be an angel."
"Why mommy? I nevers even met my new baby."
"I know sweetheart."
Seeing the tears in his wife's eyes. Mac knew it was time to change the subject.
"Okay my ladies. How about we pick up dinner on the way home?"
"Oh yay...cans we have chicken daddy?"
"We sure can. You ready mommy?"
Taking her by the hand the Taylor family headed home.
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He was watching again. Standing with his haunting eyes. A cold blooded killers eyes. He knew it was only a matter of time before he had another chance to kill her.
She had never been told about him, that much he knew for sure. But he always kept tabs on her even in the orphanage. All he knew was he had this thirst to kill her, to rid her of her pain she had suffered over her years.
"Save the innocent," he whispered.
Getting into his car he followed the Taylor family to their next stop.
Meanwhile....
Danny and Lindsay were searching her vehicle to see if they could find the bullet.
"There's nothing here Danny. I don't understand? How could it just disappear?"
"I don't know Lindsay. But we need to figure this out. I think I'll grab Flack and we'll have a talk with some of our witness. Someone may have seen something."
"Okay Danny. I'll go see Adam. Hopefully he found something on those traffic photo cameras."
"See ya later Linds."
Heading in opposite directions. They both hoped that they'd find something soon.
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When the Taylor's they pulled into the driveway. The perp noticed the unmarked vehicles. Driving right by without stopping he headed home to figure out his next move.
"Daddy? Can we watch Sesame Street?"
"Of course sweetheart. Right after dinner."
"No daddy. Now please..."
"Daddy said after dinner Claire. Now come on up in your big girl chair and eat."
"No! I's not eat till I watch Sesame Street."
Mac knew she had been spoiled over the last few weeks. By himself and his team. But he never realized how much till now.
"Listen Claire. Either you eat, or you go to bed."
Putting on a little pout Stella had to laugh. For there was Mac when he used that pout on her.
"What's so funny, love?"
"Our daughter. That's what is funny. She has your mouth, look at her."
Looking at his daughter, as she ate her chicken. He had to agree.
Meanwhile....
Adam was working in the lab when he heard the sound behind him. Turning around his eyes went wide as he seen who was standing there with a knife in their hand.
Before he could block the jab of the knife it sliced into his chest upwards and down, as Adam collapsed on the ground.
A short time later Sheldon walked in and seen Adam near death. Picking up the phone he called 911, while applying pressure.
Once they had Adam assesed and safe to move, Sheldon called Mac.
"Taylor."
"Mac it's Sheldon. Adam's on his way to the hospital. Someone stabbed him in the lab. It's not good Mac."
"Okay..start processing. I'll call Danny, Lindsay and Don."
"What's the matter Mac?" asked Stella.
"Someone stabbed Adam in the lab tonight. He's been rushed to the Hospital."
"Is he going to make it?"
"I'm not sure love. I have to go. Will you and Claire be okay?"
"Of course. I'll keep the door locked. Plus we have the undercovers out there. You go ahead."
As Mac left he had the sinking feeling this was some kind of set up.
As the Undercover's watched Mac pull away. They watched the house carefully.
"Special Agent Donvan and Beacher. This is dispatch calling. We'd like to inform you that the suspect has been aprehended and you are to return to base."
"Dispatch this Agent Donvan. We have strict orders from and that we are not leave the area unless it comes directly from them."
"I understand that. But we recieved the call, you are to return to base."
"10-4 dispatch, we are on our way."
Watching as the Undercover's left. Stella wondered what was going on.
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At the phone booth he had the prostitute hang up the phone.
"Good job. Here's your money. Thanks for all your help."
"Hey anytime sweetheart. Thanks for the $500 bucks."
Getting into his car he drove to the Taylor house and sat in the car.
Meanwhile....
When the team arrived at the Hospital Adam was just out of surgery.
"Excuse me detective Taylor ?"
"Yes, how's Adam doing?"
"He came through the surgery fine. We had to remove his spleen, but he should recover nicely."
"May we see him?"
"Sure. I'll have the nurse come get you once he's out of recovery."
"Thanks." said Mac.
"Hey Mac? Who's with Stella and Claire?" asked Danny.
"The Undercover's are watching the house. Why?"
"Cause I just came from the NYPD and I seen them pull into the station."
"What? When Danny?"
"About twenty minutes ago."
"STELLA." said Mac.
Running from the Hospital Mac, Flack and Danny headed home.
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Knowing he had very limited time. He got out of the car and headed around the back. Sneaking up to the window he seen her, just as she seen him. Running from the kitchen she grabbed Claire and ran upstairs.
"I need you to listen to mommy sweetheart. Promise me you will stay in this closet and not come out."
"Oh mommy, are we playing hide and seek?"
"We are sweetheart. So you can't come out till mommy tells you."
"I promise mommy."
Closing the closet door, Stella heard the back door being busted in. Picking up the phone, she realized it was dead.
"Damn it...where the hell is my cell?"
Remembering she left it downstairs she checked her drawer for her gun. Hoping to hell Mac brought it home and left it in there.
As she opened it she seen it. Checking inside for bullets, she cocked it and waited for him to arrive.
"Stella....oh Stella....I'm coming for you Stella. I'm here to rid you of all the evil you've had to live with over the years. I'm hear to save you."
Stella was in alot of pain. She could feel some of her stitches had been pulled opened. She could feel the heat of her blood as it soaked her shirt.
Seeing the doorknob begin to turn. She aimed her gun and waited.
After a few minutes of silence, she heard nothing. Using extreme caution she opened the door.
*SMASH*....as he pushed the door into her sending the gun flying in the air.
Grabbing her wrists he pulled her towards him, as Stella did her best to struggle.
Hearing the noise and crashes Claire came out of the closet and seen the man attacking her mommy.
"Mommy....*she sobbed*.
"Go back to the closet Claire, NOW!"
Turning around she tripped over her mommy's gun, firing a round.
"Auuuuuuuuuugh!"
Laying on the ground in a pool of blood Claire stared, just as her dad and uncle's came through the door.
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Meanwhile...
Adam was waking up.
"Sheldon....he whispered. Where's Mac?"
"He had to rush home with Danny and Flack to save Stella. Why?"
"Cause it's the Judge Sheldon. He stabbed me. He whispered Stella was full of evil sins and he needed to kill her, to rid her of the evil."
"What...Christ. I'll call Mac."
Clicking on his cell. Sheldon hoped he could reach Mac in time.
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As everyone stared at Judge Conners on the floor, Mac ran over and grabbed his daughter while yelling to Danny to check on Stella.
"Claire...you okay sweetheart? Claire?"
"I's fine daddy. But who's that man bleeding?"
"Don't you worry about that sweetheart okay."
"But daddy...mommy's hurt."
"She'll be fine sweetheart. Honest. How about you go with Lindsay and she'll get you some ice cream."
"Okay daddy."
Once Claire was out of the room. Mac checked on Stella.
"Oh sweetheart, stay still the Ambulance is on it's way."
"I'm fine Mac. Just help me up."
"You're bleeding love. You've opened some of your stitches. Just stay still."
When Sheldon arrived at Mac's he noticed he missed all the action.
"You're to late Sheldon. You missed it all." Teased Danny.
"Very funny. Mac who shot the judge?"
"Never mind that. Why would the judge want to kill your wife?"
"I can answer that. I talked with Adam. He informed me that it was the judge who stabbed him. He was ranting that Stella needed to be saved from all the evil she had suffered over the years. He just kept saying over and over..."Save the innocent".
When the EMT's arrived they lifted Stella onto the stretcher.
"You go ahead Mac. Danny and I will stay with Claire."
"Are you sure?"
"Yeah..go ahead."
Once they had the body removed from the house. Flack closed the bedroom door so Claire wouldn't have to see the blood again.
"Uncle Danny...we's play hide a seek?"
"Umm..nope. How about we watch a movie?"
"Okay, Sesame Street."
"Noooo....no Sesame Street. How about "The Swan Prince? Or Sleeping Beauty?"
"Fines..."Sleeping Beauty," she sighed.
.................................................................................
Three months later....
"Baaaaarf, Baaaarf....."
"Stella are you okay?" asked Mac.
"No Mac. I'm not okay. I'm pregnant."
Getting up from the toilet, she walked into the room and flopped down on the bed.
Walking over Mac sat on the edge and massaged her tummy.
"Is that better love?"
"Mmm...yeah. Where's Claire?"
"She's out with boys at the Park."
"So it's just you and me?"
"It's just us sweetheart. Why?"
Whispering... Cause I have something for you."
Bending down Mac listened as Stella whispered her naughty idea into his ear, and as the lights went out you could hear the sighs and moans begin.