Ch 1 4
Baez clocked out saying goodbye to her partner before heading to her car slowly waiting until Danny disappeared to pull out and head towards Jersey. Patiently maneuvering her way through traffic Baez pulled off the exit taking a left. Driving another ten minutes she found the hotel Eddie made the call from. "I'm looking for Edit Janko," she said flashing her badge to the manager.
Eyes wide seeing a cop shield she searched the computer quickly admitting the room number. "Thank you," Baez flashed a smile taking the elevator up. Getting off on the fifth floor she followed the numbers up stopping at room 642. With one hand Baez gave a loud knock not the usual they used during a bust.
The locks clicked and Eddie appeared holding money in her hand thinking it was room service. She frowned seeing Baez standing out in the hall instead. "Detective Baez, what are you doing here?"
"We need to talk Eddie, may I come in?" When Eddie moved aside Baez stepped inside smiling at Bree sitting up rubbing her little eyes. "Hi sweetheart aren't you pretty."
Bree shyly watched Baez showing her big, round blue eyes sobbing as she reached out her arms. "Mama, no no." Laughing Eddie lifted her daughter sitting on the bed with Bree on her lap hugging her.
"I know it's late but so I won't stay long but you need to come back with me. Jamie hasn't been the same since you left, he needs both of you," Baez said softly meeting eye contact with the younger woman. When Eddie looked ready to protest Baez tried again. "Something happened today and he isn't doing well.."
Baez sighed, "He and Vinny were ambushed today in the Bitterman projects. Jamie was hit in the shoulder and watched Vinny die in his arms. Danny has been there trying but there's only one person who could really get through to him."
"I can't I'm sorry," Eddie stood up laying Bree back under the covers so she could go back to sleep. She leaned in kissing her daughter's head gently. "I love you."
"Love you mama." Bree's eyes slowly closed despite wanting to stay awake with a new face in the room. Eddie sat beside her daughter waiting until Bree fell back asleep to move beside Baez. "Is Jamie okay?"
"Physically yeah but mentally..he's torn up inside and refuses to talk with anyone no matter how hard they push. He just watched his partner die in his arms while Jamie performed CPR.."
Baez sighed softly not giving up, "Eddie I know it's hard after what happened but why are you punishing Jamie for what his sister said. If you really loved him you'd go back and help him." Baez looked at the young woman trying to meet her eyes.
"Hey, Danny hasn't left Jamie alone because he's afraid what would happen if he did. He needs you and Bree, you're the only two who can help and I'm not leaving until you come back. " Eddie glanced the stubborn Detective heaving a sigh.
Turning to check on Bree glad she was fast asleep unaware of the conversation and what was happening. "I do love him Maria and your right I can't punish him for his sister but I'm not going to be the one who forces him to choose and that's what's going to happen since they don't accept us."
Baez raised a single eyebrow at her seeing how stubborn she could be too wondering who was more Eddie or Jamie. "I know it feels that way but from I'm seeing the only person who has a problem with it is Erin and Danny already told her off. "
For the first time since arriving the two women's eyes finally met, Eddie's sadly twinkling as she thought over what the Detective said.
"What's really going on here Eddie that's making you not want to go back home where you belong? I know there's more then what what your telling me.." Baez softened her voice hoping it would convince the younger woman to open up on what she was really thinking. When Eddie looked away again to her sleeping daughter Baez sighed. "Think of it this way is it fair to keep Bree away from her father?"
Eddie remained silent, answering with a shake of her knowing separating Jamie and Bree wasn't right..he was a good father she never doubted that. "No, I know..I know and I miss him too.."
"Eddie you can't keep running away every time something happens because you don't get anywhere doing that. You found out about Bree and you ran, Erin said something and you ran step up and face it. Honestly your proving Erin right doing this is that what you want," Baez swayed trying a different approach.
"No.."
"Then pack up your stuff and come back with me prove them wrong.." Baez folded her arms tightly waiting ready for another round in case Eddie said no again with some other excuse she could think of.
Sighing, Eddie brought the covers up around Bree's shoulders to keep her warm while she slept thinking over what the Detective said. "Jamie internalized everything he used to say only Joe could make him talk that they had a special bond.."
"Yea Danny doesn't talk much about Joe but he did mention how close Jamie and Joe were growing up. He told me that there's only one person after Joe who could get through and that's you.." Baez smiled as the conversation continued in her favor. She saw Eddie burrow her eyes in deep waiting having all night and many back up plans.
"Jamie and I have a special unique relationship ever since we rode together," Eddie smiled.
Rather then answering Baez simply nodded quietly giving a small smile reaching in her pocket for a picture. "Here, in case you want Bree to remember what he looks like.. " She placed the picture just in front of Eddie his first Nypd photo posted to the data base, blue eyes wide twinkling happily.
Eddie smiled, loving those blue eye often teasing him about flashing them at a hot girl even though she would be overcome with jealousy. "I was going to bring you one too but all we have is the recent picture after he and Vinny were ambushed."
Baez pulled the car keys out from her inside pocket standing up smiling quietly as she crossed the room.
"Detective…Maria wait…"
