Run and Hide

Disclaimer: No, I still don't own anything.

A/N: I'm definitely going to strangle the uploader one of these days. LOL ;) It keeps giving me my documents in a jumbled mess... anyhoo, it's working for now, so here's the next chapter! :) I'm still more or less setting up the story... I didn't realize it dragged! LOL Also, I made up the name of the campground - I don't know what's around the NYC area, if anything at all. The name seemed to fit. ;)

Enjoy! :)

Chapter 2

"I'm not seeing it, Jackie."

Jackie sighed, annoyed. "If you just unscramble these words…"

Danny looked up from the newspaper. "I'm still not seeing it, Jack. It makes no sense!"

Jackie glared at him. "Men. Honestly. You're all so… I'm about to jump to the other side, unless I can meet someone who isn't so bullheaded and dumb!"

Danny raised an eyebrow. "Hmm… I wouldn't mind seeing that! Ouch!" He rubbed the back of his head from where Jackie had smacked him. Someone cleared their throat, causing him to look up into the amused face of his brother. "Oh, hey Jamie. What brings you here?"

"Oh, now there's someone I could get along with!" Jackie cooed, pinching Jamie's cheeks. He gave her a funny look, pulling away. "Your brother's an ass, Reagan." she told him. "Teach him some of your good manners before he offends anyone else!" She shot one last glare at Danny before stalking off to get some coffee, and to leave the brothers in peace. Jamie stared after her, looking confused.

"All that over a newspaper?" he snorted, sitting across from his brother.

Danny shook his head. "She likes her word games." He stared down at the puzzle he'd been trying. "I just don't get it. Here, Harvard, maybe you…"

Jamie smiled, holding up his hand. "No, Danny. I'm not here for that."

"Oh, okay. What is it?" Danny felt concern rise as he watched his brothers face go from amused to slightly uncomfortable. "Is everything okay?"

Jamie steeled himself. "I'm going away for the weekend. Camping."

Danny looked surprised, then he grinned evilly. "Ooh, go Jamie! Who is she?"

Jamie stared at him incredulously. "Really?"

Danny shrugged. "You're going camping, you haven't mentioned who you're going with, and you looked kind of uncomfortable when you were about to tell me that you're not going to be in the city for the weekend. You must have a girl with you. When do we get to meet her?" he grinned again.

Jamie stared at him, shaking his head. "Wow, Jackie was right… maybe this wasn't such a good idea…" he stood to leave. "You know Danny, I wouldn't need to go camping just to get a girl home with me." Jamie tossed him a look, then turned towards the door. He had at least told him he was leaving for the weekend. Good enough, right?

Danny stood, reaching toward him. "Whoa, kid, sit down. I'm sorry. What's up?"

Jamie glowered, but sat down again. Danny followed suit, staring intently at his brother. Jamie sighed.

"I'm going camping alone, Danny."

"Okay… why?" Danny asked, slowly emphasizing his words.

Jamie sighed again. Again with the overly concerned look. "It's no big deal, Danny. I just want some time alone."

"Fair enough. Where are you going?" Danny tried to push down the concern. He knew Jamie could see it written on his face, and he could read the annoyance on Jamie's. Maybe it was no big deal. Nothing wrong with wanting some time alone.

Jamie paused. He really didn't want to say, but he knew he should. He sighed. "Angels Retreat."

The concern pushed back to the forefront of Danny's mind. "Jamie, it's meant for solitude."

"Uh, yeah… I kinda knew that." Jamie muttered sarcastically.

Danny sighed in frustration. "People go there to find themselves…"

Jamie stood again. "You know, I heard this from Dad and Grandpa already…"

Danny stood with him. "Jamie, you don't need to find yourself. You know who you are!"

"Maybe it's not about that, Danny! Maybe I just need some peace and quiet!" Jamie found himself feeling angry, a feeling that occurred all too quickly these days.

"From what?" Danny asked, voice rising.

"Maybe from you!" Jamie bit out, voice a half shout. The precinct had gone quiet. Jamie's eyes widened as he glanced around at the other detectives staring at the brothers. "Whoa... Danny, I'm sorry…" He shook his head, looking horrified. "I should just go…"

Danny wiped the surprised look from his face, wonder quickly replacing it as he watched his brother hurry towards the door. "Jamie… hold on!" he jogged after his brother, grabbing his arm as he reached the door. "I'm sorry, Jamie. I shouldn't have gotten upset. I'm worried, okay? What's going on?"

Jamie shook his arm free. "Nothing, Danny. I just need some time, okay?" Jamie's eyes begged his brother to just leave it be. "I'll be back in time for Sunday dinner."

Danny looked at him in concern, trying to fight the feeling of unease creeping its way into his gut. He wanted to force Jamie to tell him what was on his mind, but he didn't want to upset him further. He nodded instead.

"Alright, kid. We'll see you then. Um… have a good time?" Danny smiled weakly, his statement more of a question than a goodbye.

Jamie nodded slowly. "Yeah… thanks." He smiled uncomfortably. "See you…" He nodded again, then quickly turned and left the precinct. Danny stared at the empty space where his brother stood seconds before.

"Everything okay? Kid seemed upset."

Danny turned, finding Jackie behind him looking concerned. "Yeah. Yeah, it's fine." He forced a smile, heading back to his desk. Jackie shook her head, turning to follow. Danny suddenly stopped. "Jack…"

Jackie took a quick step sideways in order to avoid running into her partner. "What is it?"

Danny tapped a pen on the top of the desk, fidgeting. He moved to his chair, a look of concentration on his face. Jackie stared at him, waiting. She tapped her fingers on her coffee cup. Finally, she rolled her eyes.

"Earth to Reagan!"

Danny startled, looking at her. "Sorry, Jack."

Jackie sat across from him. "What is it, Danny? Is there something wrong with Jamie?"

"I don't know Jack. Is it normal to go to Angels Retreat just because?"

Jackie looked surprised. "Is that where he's going?"

"Yes."

"Well, I don't know… maybe he just wants some peace and quiet. This can be a tough job, you know."

"Yeah, but he's never run before. Why would he just take off, go somewhere on his own? Why would he want to be alone?"

"Danny, everyone wants some alone time every now and then." Jackie placated. "Just give him time. If I know Jamie, he'll come through it, whatever it is, with flying colours. He'll be home Sunday."

Danny smirked. "You were listening."

Jackie smirked back. "You two were practically yelling at each other. I had to come out, just I case I needed to break the two of you up."

Danny snorted. "Fine. I'll give him time if that's what he wants. If he doesn't seem his normal self after he gets back, then I'm going to find out what's wrong. And he will tell me." Danny stared down at the abandoned word puzzle, not really seeing it. Something was wrong with his baby brother. He just had this feeling that things were not going to go well.

~~TBC~~