I came across some spare time so I thought I might as well use it to give you guys one last chapter before my holiday hiatus.
Please keep in mind that this chapter takes place two days after the last one and will mention an event that took place the day after Nicky and Raquel left the hospital
Chapter6 Seeking a Helping Hand in the Storm
Nicky had been out of the hospital for two days now and was slowly beginning to recover from the attack largely due to help from Marina who offered to let Nicky stay at her loft to get her head together but even with Marina's help she couldn't get a full nights sleep she had spent the better part of the weekend suffering from nightmares of the attack Saturday's nightmare had been so bad Marina spent the night awake with Nicky trying to comfort her after having several nightmares both about the attack and coming out to her family it had gotten to the point where Marina tried to convince Nicky to open up to someone she trusted about both issues and luckily after some convincing Saturday Nicky agreed to let Jamie in on what was going on thinking he would be the most receptive and understanding of her situation.
Luckily for Nicky she was able to get a hold of her uncle on his cell phone Nicky was able to setup a meeting right before the Reagan's were supposed to meet for Sunday mass.
Nicky had decided to meet with Jamie at a small diner half way between Marina's loft and their church.
Nicky and Marina had gotten up at eight to meet up Jamie Raquel and Ashley would also be attending mass but they would be sitting away from Nicky and her family as to avoid any questions both Nicky and Rocky had their fill of questions when Baker Baez and Lily came to question them at the hospital.
"Nicky you want anything to drink before we head out to meet your uncle?" Marina asked getting ready to prepare her morning tea.
"I'll take coffee with milk lite and sweet I'll need the sugar to keep me up through mass."
"On it babe go shower and get dressed I'll keep this warm for you and don't forget your pain Meds I can tell your ribs are still killing you."
"I'll take them don't worry." Nicky said walking out of the kitchen up to the bathroom.
Thirty minutes later Nicky returned to the kitchen dressed in a pair of black stockings matching flats and a red top and a black skirt.
"Babe you look amazing in that skirt." Marina commented.
"Thanks babe now go get ready I don't want my uncle thinking I'm not showing up."
"Alright I'll be back in a few."
Marina headed up the stairs to the shower while Nicky drank her tea listening to the radio for background noise not wanting to turn on the news which was a constant reminder of her attack apparently in the days after her attack every major news outlet buzzing with news of her attack at Columbia or Raquel's assault outside of Saint Vics of course no outlets had released their names due to a temporary gag order agreed to by the NYPD and the media outlets which for the time being was blessing for both Nicky and Rocky.
Meanwhile over at Frank and Henry's Frank was sitting down with Henry reading the Sunday papers.
"Francis any leads on those two assaults yet the papers are having a field day over these cases."
"No pop nothing of note on Nicky or Raquel's case as far as I know I only know that the the two cases are linked by the same motive which at this moment is only known to the task force handling the case."
"I don't get it Francis you're normally elbow deep in information on a case this big by now what gives?"
"What gives pop is that whatever this cases motive is its a sensitive matter and the task force feels that its in the best interest of everyone involved if I stay clear of sensitive information at this time."
"Francis you sound a lot like that DCPI of yours right now and while you may be able to to shut me out you and I both know the evasion act wont fly Erin she's sweat everyone in the family for answers as to why Nicky hasn't come home lately."
"I know it wont work pop that's why Erin is coming over before mass so I can talk to her about what's going on."
Meanwhile on the other side of Brooklyn Jamie was getting ready to meet up with Nicky he was just about out the door when came into the living room.
"Hey Jamie where you off to its still too early for you to head off to mass."
"I know I got a call from Nicky last night saying she wanted to talk so I'm meeting her at a diner I should be back after mass."
"Alright fine but when you get back we need to talk about our little situation."
"We will Eddie I promise now I have to go I'll see you later." Jamie stated after he gave Eddie a quick kiss after which he made his way out the door and headed for his car wondering what it was his niece would want to talk about.
Back over in Manhattan Nicky and Marina drove to the diner in relative silence which didn't go UN-noticed by Marina who wanted to check on her girlfriend.
"Hey Nicky you okay I can hear the wheels turning in your head."
"Yeah I'm fine I'm just worried about what my uncle will say when he finds out about us."
"Don't worry about it babe you said yourself out of everyone in your family your uncle Jamie is the most understanding I'm sure it'll work out."
"I hope you're right Rena I really hope you're right."
Twenty minutes later Marina and Nicky pulled up to the small diner noticing Jamie's car parked just across the street from the diner.
"Well we're here are you ready to do this Nicky?"
"Ready as I'll ever be."
Once Nicky and Marina parked her SUV they entered the diner where they noticed Jamie sitting in a booth with a pitcher of coffee.
"Hey uncle Jamie."
"Hey Nicky how are you feeling?"
"I'm good just some bruised ribs is all."
"Yeah I heard something about that who's your friend?" Jamie asked noticing Marina.
"Uncle Jamie this is officer Marina Lopez."
"Well nice to meet you Marina."
"Same here but we kind of know of each other already."
"Hows that?"
"We work in the same place."
"Wow that's right guess I didn't make the connection with you out of uniform with your hair down."
"No big it happens but I know you want to find out why you're here."
"That would be nice but what do you guys say we order some breakfast first?"
"Sure we're game." Marina stated.
Jamie called over a waitress and trio placed their orders Nicky and Jamie ordered pancakes eggs and bacon while Marina ordered plantains fried cheese and salami with the trio all ordering cranberry juice.
Once the waitress was out of ear shot Nicky decided it was time to come clean to her uncle.
"Uncle Jamie before our food gets here I should tell you why I called you here."
"Alright Nicky shoot I'm all ears."
Well I found out you were at my school the day I got jumped and thought you should know the reason why I got attacked."
"That would be nice because the detective on the case hasn't gotten back to me since the day it happened."
"Well I was getting harassed by these two guys at my school because of who I'm dating."
Jamie was stunned to hear that his niece was assaulted because of she chose to date but knew that he needed more information.
"Okay so a couple of guys jumped you chose to date someone else over them sounds like a simple assault case to me that still doesn't explain why you haven't been home."
"It's not that simple uncle Jamie they didn't just jump me because I turned them down and started dating someone else they jumped me for a completely different reason."
"I don't get it Nicky what am I missing here?"
"Uncle Jamie these guys jumped me because I decided to date a girl I'm a lesbian." Nicky said just high enough to keep the revelation confined to the trio at the table.
Jamie was stunned and took a moment to gather his thoughts before speaking again.
"Wow Nicky I had no idea this is a shock does anyone else know?"
"Just my friends Ashley and Raquel and Detectives Baker Baez and Vasquez who are investigating the case".
"Okay so I'm guessing you haven't told your mom yet?"
"No no one else knows you're the first of the family to find out and for now I'd like to keep it that way please."
"No problem Nicky your secret is safe with me."
"Thanks uncle Jamie you're the best."
"No problem so do I get to meet this mystery girlfriend of yours?"
"Well you unknowingly already have."
At that moment Marina decided to step in.
"Nice to meet you Jamie Reagan Marina Lopez I'm Nicky's girlfriend".
Jamie was shocked Nicky had taken after him in that she feel for a cop but happy his niece was happy.
"Nice to meet you Marina I'm going to spare you the if you hurt my niece lecture but know if you do you will regret it."
"Trust me Jamie I have no intention of hurting your niece she's my world."
Just as Marina said that their food showed up the trio enjoyed their food while Jamie got to know Marina better he hoped Nicky and Marina had just as easy a time explaining their relationship to the rest of the family when the time came.
Back in Bay-Ridge Frank was putting the finishing touches on church clothes when Erin walked into the living room.
"Hey Dad you said you wanted to talk."
"I did Erin take a seat."
Erin took a seat across from her father.
"So Dad whats going on?"
"Well Erin I assume you're wondering where Nicky is and why she hasn't contacted you in a few days."
"I'm not going to lie it has crossed my mind a few times."
"Well I have good news and I have bad news the ladder of which will get you angry but please hear me out before you go flying off the handle."
"I'll listen but no promises."
"Point taken the good news is Nicky is safe at a friends house so she's not missing."
"Okay all things considered that's a load off my mind whats the bad news?"
"Well the bad news is Nicky was assaulted outside of school the other day and that has led to an open investigation don't worry though she was treated at Saint Victors and released as far as I know she's okay just a few bruised ribs with minor cuts".
After hearing the news Erin tried her best to contain her rage.
"Dad why the hell didn't anyone tell me about this until now?" Erin semi yelled.
"It was my fault I didn't want to worry you I'm sorry."
Erin saw the look of remorse on her fathers face and her anger calmed a bit.
"Okay for now lets skip the blame game can you at least tell me what you know?"
"I can but bare in mind I don't have all the particulars this case is being handled by a special victims unit task force from what I've been told and information on that is released on a need to know basis right now there's a gag order in effect between the NYPD and the media only limited information is public now."
"Fine what can you tell me?"
"All I know is Nicky was assaulted near her school the motive is known but only to the people on the task force as far as Nicky goes the only shes told me is that she needed to be away from the family for a bit which is why she hasn't been home to see you."
"That's not much but I'll take what I can get do you know if she'll be at mass?"
"I don't know to my knowledge she hasn't been in touch all weekend she did make it known that she would be here for Sunday dinner maybe we get answers than."
Back at the diner Nicky Marina and Jamie had finished their food and paid the bill preparing to head to mass.
"So Nicky are you coming to mass?"
"I am but afterwards I'm going back to Marina's I'll be at grandpa's for Sunday dinner don't worry."
"Good we better get going if we don't want to be late." Jamie stated just before heading to his car.
Once Nicky and Marina were in the car Marina could notice Nicky was a bit more calm.
"Your uncle took the news well seems real laid back."
"Yeah he's the easiest one to talk to in my family."
"Well that's good I'm sure the rest of your family will be understanding at some point."
"Lets hope so."
The rest of the ride was spent in silence as Nicky prepared to see the rest of her family for the first time since her assault.
Once Marina pulled into the parking lot the pair headed into the church with Nicky heading towards the front while Marina found Ashley and Raquel sitting in one of the middle rows.
Nicky was able to find a spot between Frank and Jamie giving her mom a passing glance.
Mass went off without incident.
After mass had been dismissed Nicky signaled to Jamie that she was headed out the exchange didn't go UN-noticed by Frank who waited until everyone was out of ear-shot to ask questions.
"Jamie by the exchange I saw back there I know you know something."
"I do dad Nicky is recovering with the help of officer Lopez she'll be at dinner."
"Do you know anything relating to the case?"
"All I got was motive but I promised I wouldn't say anything she'll tell us more when she's ready."
"Damn it Jamie I can't believe you're stone walling me too."
"Sorry dad it wouldn't be right I'll catch up with you at dinner."
"Fine son be safe."
With that Frank headed for his car but just before he could make it he was stopped by an unexpected guest.
"Commissioner Reagan."
"Reverend Potter this is a surprise what can I do for you?"
"I would like to have a word with you regarding a case being handled by your department."
"Of course lets go inside."
Frank signaled to Danny letting him know to start heading over to the house which he did after seeing why his father was delayed.
Frank and Reverend Potter headed into an empty office and sat down.
"Whats on your Reverend?"
"I was made aware your department is investigating the assault at Columbia University where your granddaughter is the victim I have it on good authority that two of the three alleged perpetrators are members of my church I'm telling you I am having my own private investigation run to make sure that these young men are given a fair shake, I don't need to tell you that the case of two non white men accused of assaulting of an young Irish girl in this current climate has a highly likely potential of being heavily slanted towards the alleged victim not mention the fact that alleged victim is heavily associated with the NYPD doesn't hurt her cause either."
"Reverend I assure you that even though my granddaughter has connections to the NYPD the people responsible will be brought to justice and afforded the same rights and due processes of any other citizen her connections will not effect the outcome of this case.
"I'll believe it when I see it Commissioner Reagan I'll be watching."
"You do what you want Reverend I'll continue to make sure this department does its job."
Once Reverend Potter left Frank left a few moments later hoping the added eye of Potter Frank hoped this case was closed quickly.
Back in Manhattan Nicky and Marina were in her living room with Ashley and Raquel watching a movie.
"So Nicky how did the meeting with your uncle go?" Ashley asked.
"It went better than I expected I just have to make it through dinner."
"That's great Nicky just know we're here if you need us."
"Thanks Ash that means a lot."
"Nicky I meant to give you this yesterday but with everything going on I forgot."
Marina got up and went into the small cabinet under her entertainment center and pulled out a big silver bag.
"This is for you Nicky and don't fuss I told you I would spoil you."
"Aw babe I don't know what to say."
"Just take it I promise you'll like what I got you."
Nicky looked into the bag and pulled out a red leather jacket that had Red Dragon which was her parents MMA gym name written in white spray painted cursive on the back with Nicky Reagan written in the center of the jacket that linked together when the jacket was zipped up.
"Thanks for this babe I love it."
"No problem babe pull out the other stuff."
Nicky pulled out a pair of black sunglasses.
"Babe these look amazing and expensive you shouldn't have."
"They were but you're worth it like I said but that's not your last gift keep looking."
Nicky pulled out a long box when she opened it she was shocked to see a gold necklace which had Nicky's name spelled in diamond letters on the gold links.
"Babe this is too much." Nicky said crying.
"Nicky I meant what I said you're my everything so this was nothing I have money stashed from modeling so I can splurge when I want to."
"Not to break up this love fest but if you two want some alone time we'll take the guest room." Raquel remarked.
"Rocky we'll stop lets get back to the movie."
"Four hours later Nicky noticed it was about time for her to head to dinner.
"Well guys I need to get to dinner so we should head out."
"Alright Nicky lets go we'll pick you up after we come back from my photo shoot up town just call me."
"I will."
"Great lets go."
The foursome left Marina's and headed to Bay-Ridge.
Over in Bay-Ridge Danny and Jamie were in the kitchen pulling out the red potatoes and ham when Erin walked in to get the salad.
"Its almost dinner time does anyone know where Nicky is?"
"Relax Erin Nicky isn't missing Sunday dinner she should be here in a few." Jamie stated as he went to go bring in the ham.
Erin and Danny sat down at the table joining the rest of the family who was already seated all the while Erin kept glancing hoping that Nicky would be walking in something Jamie noticed and decided to ease his sisters fears.
"Erin if you're worried about Nicky I'll wait with you by the door until she shows up."
"Thanks Jamie."
"Sorry everyone."
"Don't worry about it Erin we can wait." Linda replied in a comforting manner as Erin and Jamie left the table.
Meanwhile a few blocks away Nicky Marina Raquel and Ashley were enjoying the ride to the Reagan's with Marina stealing glances at her girlfriend.
"Nicky you look tense whats up?"
"Nothing Rena I'm just nervous is all."
"Don't be this is like any other of your family dinners I'm sure Jamie will keep you calm."
"I know but part of me wishes you were there with me."
"Wish I could be babe but we both know now's the right time for that, I told you I'm only a phone call away if you need me."
"I know thanks babe." Nicky said getting a supportive hand squeeze from her girlfriend.
"Well we're here Nicky said as Marina pulled up to the curb.
"I better get inside before we have an extraction team come to get me."
Back inside Erin was peeking through the window just enough to see Marina's Range Rover out front.
"Jamie there's a black SUV outside do you think Nicky is in there?"
I'll check Erin relax.
Jamie peeked out the window and noticed the black SUV.
"Yeah that should be Nicky now lets go before you scare her and push her to talk let her come to you Erin." Jamie cautioned.
"Fine Jamie lets go."
Back in the car Nicky and Marina shared a sweet kiss before Nicky put on her shades and left the car.
"I'll call you later babe good luck at your shoot."
"Thanks Nicky I'll see you later."
Nicky walked up to the front door took a breath and walked in putting her jacket on the rack and placing her shades in the inside pocket walking into the dining room.
Erin noticed Nicky sit down but didn't say anything the same approach taken by the rest of the family until Frank volunteered to say grace.
After saying grace the food was past around and the family began eating with the silence going around Jamie was the first to break the silence.
"Danny nice job with that drug runner this week."
"Thanks kid by the way you haven't run into Baez at your house have you?"
"No I've been on the street besides what would your partner be doing in the twelfth?"
"Apparently she's got some top secret case she got roped into and wouldn't let me in on it."
"Maybe there's a reason for that Danny don't push it."
"Can we change the subject please?" Nicky pleaded.
"Okay Nicky no problem Jamie stated seeing his niece was getting annoyed.
Linda decided to step in before things got worse.
"So Nicky how did finals go for you?"
"Great aunt Linda I aced them all now I'm free all summer."
"That's good"
Erin was finishing off her plate when she noticed Nicky cress the necklace around her neck.
Nicky that's a nice necklace is it new?"
"Yeah mom it was a gift from a friend".
Nice but from the looks of it it wasn't cheap."
"No it wasn't but my friend wanted to get me something for after finals."
"Okay so how have you been?"
"Fine mom can you stop hounding me please?" Nicky snapped and with that Jamie decided to step in.
Nicky help me with desert."
"Gladly."
Nicky got up with her uncle and went into the kitchen.
"Nicky ease up on your mom shes only trying to help you out."
"How she doesn't even know what happen."
"She may not know what happen but I found out dad told her that you ended up in the hospital but don't worry he doesn't know why."
"Great and she won't find out yet either after dinner I'm heading back to my place and picking up more clothes I'm staying at Marina's for a couple more days I'm not ready for mom to meet her yet."
"Fine but after this week you at least talk to your mom this case is hell on the whole family."
"I will I promise."
"Alright go clear and I'll bring desert out."
Nicky went back in cleared table after which Nicky reset it for desert with thankfully was a little less tense.
Once everyone ate Linda Jack Sean and Danny headed to the living room to watch the Yankees game while Henry went out to the yard Jamie and Nicky sat outside talking while Erin followed Frank into the sun room where she poured two glasses of single malt.
"Dad you have sec to talk?"
For you Erin I have all the time in the world what's up?"
"Its this thing with Nicky it seems like shes stone walling me I'm just trying to help."
"She has a lot on her plate after what happen she'll come to you give her time."
"I want to Dad but I also want to be there if shes hurting."
"I know you do but whatever is going on she feels like she cant come to you right now."
"Why it seems like Jamie understands her right about now she seems to be leaning on him."
"Maybe she came to Jamie because she felt like he would be more willing to go her speed he's always been a good listener."
"I just hope she comes to me soon."
"She will Erin let this happen don't force it."
"Thanks Dad I should get going I've got a long day tomorrow."
"Alright word of advice when you see Nicky outside just watch her and Jamie it seems like he gets through to her."
"I will Dad thanks."
Erin gathered the leftovers grabbed her jacket and headed for her car just as she was leaving she saw Jamie and Nicky waiting on the curb when the same black SUV pulled up and Nicky got in after hugging her uncle.
Once she was gone Jamie headed back inside to pick up his leftovers but before going inside Erin stopped him.
"Jaime who was that Nicky left with?"
"Oh that was her friend Marina Nicky's staying with her for a bit she's headed home to pick up clothes shes staying there a few more days if you happen to run into her don't make a scene she'll talk to you in a few days."
"Jamie what do you know about Nicky's friend?"
Jamie could sense his sister becoming overprotective.
"Erin relax she's a good person I met her earlier today Nicky's in good hands trust me."
"Alright I will for now."
"Cool now I'm picking up some food and leaving I have something I have to deal with at home."
"Alright Jamie I'll see you later."
After Jamie went inside Erin went to her car hoping she would find a way to repair the fractured bond with her daughter.
That does it for this chapter next chapter will be up after the holidays and will include Eddie and Jamie taking a big step in their relationship Jamie's promotion ceremony Nicky talking to Erin as well as Erin's life taking an unexpected twist.