Title: The Guardian – Book II
Chapter 22 – Voices from the Past. Faces of the Future

A/N: As always a special thanks to Lisa and others without an account, your time to read and give such meaningful feedback is so appreciated! And another special thanks to everyone who has reviewed so far and continues to support – it's really given me a boost especially after last chapter and having said that I'm not going to rush the ending to this story b/c I don't think it'll do justice to those that want to read more (sorry lurkers you don't review so your voice counts for well – nothing #sorrynotsorry). So to everyone else please enjoy and thanks so much!

"By that look I'm going to guess that you were able to make Louis Watson confess something?" Frank asks with a small grin as Detective Spencer enters his office with a soft knock.

"Where's Chin?"

"I sent him with two officers to follow up on a report of a body pulled from the river. Initial called sounded like…Block."

"Ah damn!" Spencer curses. "Someone's getting rid of all their loose ends."

"Join Chin after you're done here. What did Louis Watson tell you?"

'I have nothing to say to you,' Louis told Spencer as he entered the room with the guard but then stopped short before sitting at the small table.

'I didn't come here to make small talk. Just to deliver a warning.'

'A…warning? From who?'

'If you nothing to say to me then I guess it won't matter. Guess we're done here.'

Spencer had gotten as far as the other door, passing by Louis and whispering 'good luck' before his hand rested on the door handle.

'Wait. A warning from who?' Louis pressed as Spencer turned back with a frown.

'Jed Allen.'

'You're lying.'

'Suit yourself,' Spencer shrugged as he opened the door and then exited in haste

"You left him there?" Frank asks as Spencer nods. "You really do like to play hardball.

"Figured the only way Louis Watson was going to talk is if he believed I wasn't there to ask him anything. You know…reverse psychology," Spencer winks at Frank who gently snickers. "Waited five minutes…let him stew a bit and yup then he called me back."

'I was just about to leave. Now suddenly you're concerned for your life?'

'For…my life?' Louis stuttered; Spencer knowing that now it was only a matter of time.

'You know Jed right? You know he doesn't play around.'

'Y…you've talked to him?'

'Part of the process. Gotta close all leads in a file and Jed Allen is the last Allen standing. Not a fan of yours though. Yeah…he blames you for getting his son murdered.'

'But…what? I didn't kill Wade! You told him that right?'

'I'm not a small talk kinda guy. But you're in here so…I wouldn't worry…too much.'

'Wait…what do you mean too much? What did he say? Please…you have to protect me. Jed…he's evil. You thought Wade was bad? He uh…he can get me in here. You have to protect me.'

'I can't sorry.'

'Please! Just…look I have nothing to offer but um…there must be something you know…something I can bargain with.'

'I don't want anything. Like I said…just here to give you a message. Good day sir.'

'Wait! If um…if you get to him first or uh you know stop him first that'll uh…look he'll get me in here!'

'Well see, that's the thing. He gave me the warning. I left. Then I thought about it and went back and he was gone. I checked his place in Springfield but he's gone. Sorry. I can't do much. But we'll post his picture and if anyone sees…'

'Wait…he has a few safe houses.'

'We found the ones that lead up to California,' Spencer replies nonchalantly. 'Sorry.'

"But then he started to rattle off a list of cities and one wasn't on our list. Lincoln. Was on the path that he and Wade would have travelled on the way to California following the phony trail that Amanda set up to fool Wade into thinking the boys were heading that way."

"Good work."

"Frank, if this is a viable lead, time is of the essence. Can I pull Chin to…"

"Go. I'll call…"

"I have a friend in Lincoln," Spencer interjects as Frank's brows arch. "You always said I had friends in low places. This one's in a high one. I'll report in as soon as we touch down."

"Watch your back. Chances are Louis Watson is sending you on a wild goose chase but if Jed is there…yeah, report in."

"How are the boys?"

"They're doing good. Anxious for the summer barbeque and of course the coming fall…where they both want to be Reagan's."

"We'll make it happen. I'm going to pick up Chin."

XXXXXXXX

"It's not much but it's the best shelter in this part of the city and it's better than him being on the street," Jamie states somewhat nervously as they reach St. Paul's Shelter.

"I can wait outside his room," Danny tells Jamie and Heidi as he stops the car outside the front door to the shelter. "Not much room in there."

"Sure," Heidi replies with a small smile. "These places kinda creep me out though."

"They're not that bad," Jamie tries to rebut as Danny's lips purse. "But it's better than the street. In the tunnels at least he has shelter and it's dry….well drier than the actual street but it's still not ideal. He um…should be in a home but I can't afford to put him someplace good."

"You care about him a lot," Heidi comments as Jamie looks at her and nods.

"I do. Are you…ready?" Jamie asks as he turns to head down the hallway toward George's room. Heidi nods and then turns to follow Jamie; Danny following behind at a few paces. Danny hangs back as Jamie leads the way into George's room, Heidi following but then stopping in the entranceway.

"Hey George," Jamie greets his older friend with a friendly greeting as he kneels down beside his bed. He looks up at Heidi with a tense smile; George's dark gaze following the young blue-grey eyes and letting them rest on Heidi's curious expression.

"Oh…so you brought a…girlfriend," George offers her a small smile and nod; Jamie's face gently blushing as he gestures for Heidi to come closer.

"Actually…" Jamie starts as he gestures for Heidi to kneel down beside him. She tucks a dirty blond strand behind her ear and then kneels down beside Jamie. "Okay so…I'm nervous," he looks at Heidi with a frown.

"What's going on Jamie my boy?" George asks in wonder as Jamie looks back at him in concern.

"George…this is Heidi."

"Hi. Jamie has told me a lot about you," Heidi greets as her delicate hand gives his a small squeeze.

"I'm afraid that he hasn't mentioned you," George gently teases Jamie as he looks at the young man beside him with a wink.

"I just met her today. Heidi is um…"

"Heidi McMasters," Heidi mentions as George's expression suddenly turns serious.

"McMasters," George states slowly as he tries to prop himself upright. "Jamie…" he gently mentions as Jamie quickly stands up and helps George sit up. "Are you…"

"Pamela is my mom. I'm uh…your grand…"

"Daughter," George's lips complete in a soft tone as he looks at the young woman before him. "You look like her."

"My mom?"

"Your grandmother," George whispers as Heidi's eyes mist. "You look like my Edith. She had the same eyes. I almost don't want to believe this," George utters and then looks at Jamie in wonder.

"Jamie came and found…well he came to my home and talked to my mother. I was at school but I found the officers card when I came home and then she told me."

"Does…she hate me?" George dares to ask.

"She was angry at first but now I think she's just…I don't know. She said she couldn't come but I wanted to. Please don't be mad at her."

"I'm not," George assures his beloved granddaughter. "I understand her anger. I know I'm to blame."

"I'm sorry."

"Don't be," George replies as his aged hand rests on her youthful one. "I live with that regret…that and many others every day. Now…why don't you tell me about yourself?"

"Well…"

Jamie slowly pulls away and joins Danny outside George's room; both of them looking at the young woman kneeling beside the bed of the injured old man. "Danny, did I do the right thing? I mean she can't take him home and what if it gets his hopes up but she can't do anything but just see him and…Danny…"

"Hey hold on kid you wanted this right? To find George's family and reunite them before he dies?" Danny asks in a soft tone as Jamie looks at him misery. "You have to take the good with the bad. I'm sure George isn't getting his hopes up. But I think it's great that she came to see him. I mean look at the old guys face," Danny gestures with his head.

Jamie looks at George as he watches Heidi with an admiring expression and feels his heart settle. "Yeah he does look happy."

"And you look happy," Danny notices.

"I am."

"I just want him to be happy and loved."

"Sounds like he is right now. I think he's gonna be okay now."

"Yeah," Jamie sighs as he leans against Danny; Danny's arm automatically resting atop Jamie's shoulder.

"But you made this happen. You worked hard to establish some kind of peace in the family and you brought his family back to him when he thought they had all given up on him. That's pretty great."

Jamie looks up at Danny with a smile as Danny gives his brother a hug. "For this…mom would be proud."

In that instant Jamie's hear explodes with happiness.

XXXXXXXX

"Who was it Francis?" Henry asks his son as the two of them stand by the pier as the medical examiner pronounces death on their last living lead – Mr. Block; Vickers supposed bookie.

"Our last lead to find out who tampered with the car that Officer Renzulli and Danny were in for the ride along," Frank answers his father in truth. "But someone paid to have this work done."

"Hmmph."

Frank looks at his father and gently grimaces. "Who is it pop? I know you have a lead on this…I don't care about your damn insider! Who are you fingering? Who used that account?"

"It could be Sonny!" Henry retorts with a small hiss; his voice a sharp undertone. Frank looks at his father as they stand out of earshot of the other officers. "I don't know for sure but his name is on the list. I know the pain that bastard has brought to this family and I didn't want to say anything until I knew for sure."

Frank looks at his father and feels his stomach tighten. Sonny Malvesky! Oh how that name brings up hatred and anger inside as it not only forces him to remember Joe's death but also his run ins with Danny and Danny ultimately saved his life by taking Sonny on directly.

"Is Sonny the one responsible for using that account? He could be. I have a few names and he's one of them. That's all I know. Francis…don't force my hand only to cause yourself more pain."

"Doesn't seem fair for you to keep it all to yourself," Frank comments as he looks at his father in wonder.

"You're busy with this Allen business," Henry reminds his son as he looks at him in concern.

"But…." Frank tries to draw his father out.

"But nothing."

"I know that tone pop," Frank counters. "If Sonny Malvesky is behind Vickers death and is the one trying to bring the Templar back into the NYPD you only have to ask. What do you need?"

Henry looks at his son and feels his heart sink. He had already put one man's life on the line but as much as he values Anton's life and loyalty; nothing could replace his only son. Can I really ask him to go and see Sonny? The bastard who murdered Joe just to prove a damn point? How can I do this to my son?

"I need you to go and see Sonny Malvesky."

"What?"

XXXXXXXX

"So you'll let me know if anything happens right?" Heidi tells Jamie as they linger at the bus stop; Danny watching from the car a few meters away.

"I will. I'm glad you're going to talk to your mom again."

"Well the place isn't much but at least it's a seniors home closer to us right?"

"And it's off the street," Jamie reminds her as they trade numbers.

"I'm glad he has you Jamie and thanks…for being kind enough to even want to help him," she tells him with a friendly smile. "You can um…call or skype me…for whatever."

"Okay," Jamie answers with a shy smile. He watches her board the bus and then heads back to the car with a wide grin on his face. "What?"

"Nothing," Danny snickers as he pokes his brother's flushed cheek. "I think you like her."

"I want her to help George," Jamie tries to protest. But the small smile remains as he gives Heidi a wave and Danny pulls away from the bus stop. "She was nice though."

"Uh uh…"

Jamie just shakes his head but is happy nonetheless that George might actually be able spend whatever time he has left in the care of family and not die alone on the streets as he had feared. As soon as they reach home, Jamie hops on-line and sends Heidi a friend request, promising that if George was moved up there, he'd come and visit as often as possible. Then he waits for Henry to come home so he can tell him about the bike. His heart sinks.

XXXXXXXX

It wasn't something he relished doing; making up a phony excuse to see his child's murderer, but Frank Reagan trusts his father's instincts and if going to Rikers and then "accidentally" bumping into Sonny Malvesky will get his anger flaring and him to make another move then it would be worth it. This needs to end once and for all.

He enters the prison with an agitated and elevated heart rate, his mind racing in nervous anticipation. But it's not long before he spies the one person he hates to see – Sonny. Henry had arranged for Frank to talk to another inmate – offering them a deal for something unrelated but wanting to make a big show if it in front of Sonny.

Sonny hears the commotion and looks up to see Frank Reagan entering the common area; flanked by guards and making a purposeful line toward another inmate.

Frank looks over at Sonny and holds his angry gaze for a few seconds before he dares to offer a small taunt. "Orange was always your color Sonny."

Frank gets both the silent and the audible reaction he wants – a few snickers from on-looking inmates and an angry vengeful curse from Sonny; Darren the crooked guard watching in fascination. Frank sits down and starts to lay out the new deal that the commissioner's office was offering but his mind can't help but think about what Sonny must be thinking now.

Sonny's eyes fix on Frank's side profile and narrow as he remains in place at the small table. He looks up at Darren and then back down at the computer screen before him. Just before he can access the account, he hears Frank's parting words and looks up in disdain.

"How are your two miscreants Chief?" Sonny calls out as the room goes silent. "Gotta love a Commander in Chief that allows to lying criminals to take over his home and pretend they're both just good boys. How many strings did you have to pull to get Danny into the academy? Oh right…Henry just turns a blind eye to all that crap. No wonder good cops like me are stuck in here unfairly!"

Sonny's plan of course is to goad Frank into losing his cool so referencing himself as a good cop to the man whose son he murdered was low but not out of character for him.

However, Frank wasn't about to give Sonny anything he wants. So he merely turns to him and offers a tight smile and replies, "too bad you'll miss the ribs at this year's barbeque Sonny," and continues. "Enjoy the fresh air."

Sonny's teeth grit as he hurls imaginary daggers at the back of Frank Reagan as he turns to leave; the other inmate of course happy to be getting his sentence reduced. In an hour he'd tell Darren they were done waiting. The barbeque would be a day the Reagan's would never forget.

XXXXXXXX

As soon as Jamie hears the back door close, his stomach tightens once more. That night Henry was delayed with work and Anton; Frank with work and Spencer but he was able to come home a bit earlier than his father. Jamie knows that Frank will ask about George and in turn will see the bike at some point and then ask. Better to get it over with now.

"Jamie?" Frank looks up as Jamie hovers in the doorway to his study. "How'd it go with…wait…come closer," Frank entreats as Jamie takes a few steps closer and he can see the scuff on his cheek and the slightly fattened bottom lip. "What happened? Jamie…" Frank starts as he slowly stands upright and nears the young teen. He looks at Jamie's downcast expression and feels his heart sink. "Who'd you fight with?"

"Well…okay I need to show you something and then…I'll just…please just come with me?"

"Okay," Frank replies kindly as he gets up to follow after Jamie.

Jamie leads him to the back door and then outside to the garage; Frank looking at Jamie in wonder. Jamie then drops his shoulders and looks at him with an expression mixed with anger. "It's Joe's bike. I know you entrusted it to me and I know how precious this is to you and I promised to always take care of it but…I'm sorry."

Frank looks at the dented bike and then at Jamie with a small frown; Jamie looking up in wonder. "What happened?"

"After I went to see George, I uh…I went to the bowling alley and I saw two guys attacking another homeless guy and I jumped off to stop them…but Alan helped me stop them…but when I jumped off the bike it crashed into the wall. Alan helped me fix it but…he had no paint. I'm sorry. I know it was special to Joe but…" Jamie's voice pauses in his nervous stammer as Frank's hands rest on his shoulders.

"Jamie, it's just a bike."

"No….it was Joe's. I know you two worked on that bike and I feel like I let you both down."

"Yes it was Joe's and we worked on it together and that was special – but it's the memory that was special; not the object. I love you and the time we worked on the bike together was special and that's what I cherish. The object isn't worth your life. I'm not mad; I'm worried…are you okay?" Frank asks as Jamie nods and then hugs him.

"Yes. Am I grounded again?" Jamie asks as Henry Frank pulls back and looks at the scuff on his cheek.

"How about…we'll work on it together this weekend? No grounding. Just you and me…and the bike."

"That'd be great!" Jamie agrees with a warm smile.

"Now…" Frank starts as he puts his arm around Jamie's slender shoulders. "Tell me what happened with George."

"His granddaughter showed up."

"What?"

"Yeah."

Jamie tells Frank all about meeting Heidi and what he hopes will happen next. Henry arrives home shortly thereafter and they all sit down to a late dinner to discuss the day's events. During their relaxed meal, Frank and Henry are both happy to have Jamie do the bulk of the talking; telling them about George's granddaughter and while he wasn't getting his hopes up too high, he thinks that maybe she'd be the one to finally bring some peace to the family, help them heal and mend and give George a few happy years at the end.

After dinner Jamie plunks himself down in front of the computer and much to his delight and surprise gets a skype request from Heidi McMasters. Joining them is her cousin, Robin, his father Robert, being George's son. Danny watches in amusement as the three teens chatter away first about George and then just about things in general. But for Jamie as the conversation would progress, he'd soon learn that both of George's children and their children had agreed to sit down and at least talk as a family. And that was more than he could have hoped for.

"What's so funny?" Linda inquires.

"Jamie and his new friends," Danny replies as he starts to explain about their very eventful Monday.

In another part of the House, two others are also talking about their very eventful Monday.

"Well whatever you said musta made him mad," Henry informs Frank as he reads the message on his phone. "Sonny…if it's him upped the amount withdrawn."

"Glad I could be your target."

"Francis…" Henry starts as Frank holds up his hand to stop his father's unnecessary apology.

"I want this stopped just as much as you. If Sonny is the snake and we cut the head of the snake off…it should end with him. He is a piece of work though."

"That he is," Henry sighs. He starts to put his phone away just as another urgent message comes in. "What?"

"More bad news?"

"They just found prison guard Darren Oliver dead outside his car, apparent robbery."

"Your insider?"

"Yes but uniformed officers are there right now. He knows not to be seen," Henry explains. "I'll see if he's had any dealings with Sonny."

"If he has and Sonny had him killed then…then your inside man better watch his back."

"Speaking of men doing dangerous job, have you heard from Spencer and Chin?"

"They're in Lincoln and on Jed's trail," Frank answers in truth.

"Too bad we can't lock Sonny and Jed in a room together and see who's the last man standing and have him square off with Spencer and call it a day," Henry suggests in amusement as Frank gives his father a small head shake. "A guy can dream right," Henry gently snickers as his phone buzzes once more.

"Your insider?" Frank wonders as Henry nods.

"Darren Oliver was the one Sonny had used to ferry money between him and an outsider. Damn…with Oliver dead we don't have an eye witness that can turn on Sonny once and for all."

"Then we better hope when he makes his next move, that it's his last," Frank warns his father. "At any cost."

XXXXXXXX

*Lincoln, Nebraska*

"Chin…watch yourself," Spencer warns as they near the front entrance to the home where Jed Allen was supposedly hiding; two uniformed officers at the back along with Spencer's friend, Sheriff Andy Tillman. They bust into the somewhat dilapidated dwelling only to be greeted with musty silence.

"Gone! Damn it!" Spencer curses as the empty space fills with uniformed bodies and dancing lights. "Fan out and check every inch. Get me something on this wily bastard's next move!"

Chin walks up to his partner with a small sigh. "I doubt he'd tip his hand to Louis Watson or anyone. He was here and we might have just missed him."

"Well if he's on the run that only makes him more dangerous," Spencer notes in truth.

"Yeah, but on the run to where?" Chin ponders almost rhetorically.

"Well the only reason he'd ever come back east is for…the boys," Spencer states gravely. "He knows that Frank took down his son and arrested McGuiness and Watson. He…"

"Think he'll stay hidden?"

"I hope so," Spencer replies with a heavy sigh. But a few minutes later, Tillman walks up to Spencer and Chin with something in his grasp. "You found something?"

"Maybe his next stop," he answers as he hands Spencer the brochure; Spencer and Chin trading worried glances. "What?"

"It is his next move. He's heading for New York."

"He could be there already."

A/N: So George met his granddaughter and his family has now agreed to sit down and talk yay. But eeks Jed has made his move and is coming for the boys! Hope you all liked this and please do review before you go and thanks so much!