Thank you for the continued support of this story it means a lot to me.

While we still have a few things to tackle in this story we're not too far from the ending but the good news is there will be a sequel.

Special thanks to bluebloods82 whose feedback was key to establishing one of the storylines that will be key in the sequel.

Warning Danny comes off as insensitive in this chapter but it's being done for a reason hang in there.

Chapter15 A Giant Step into the Unknown

Nicky had been staying at Marina's on and off for about a month now and even though she hadn't said anything out loud yet she wouldn't be opposed to living with Marina on a full time basis however she didn't want to be the one to make the first move.

Over the short time Nicky and Marina had been together Nicky was sure that she was falling in love with assertive but attentive beauty and as far Nicky was concerned she wouldn't object to having the raven haired beauty around as part of her life on a more permanent basis.

Even though Nicky was new to the endeavor of same sex relationships she was sure that Marina was someone she wanted to keep around long term she even had allowed herself to picture what life would be like married to Marina possibly with children needless to say this warmed Nicky's heart.

Although Nicky Allowed herself to think of a life with Marina in the back of her mind she also thought of scenario of what if they broke up or if Marina was killed on duty a thought which sent chills up Nicky's spine.

Having pushed those thoughts out of her head Nicky noticed Marina come into the guest bedroom although the two had been together a while they had come to an understanding that they would not be intimate until they were both truly ready.

Although Marina had been in a few relationships and was fairly experienced when it came to matters of the bedroom she had made a promise to Nicky that they wouldn't rush their first time an agreement Nicky was thankful for partly because she didn't want to be reckless and partly because she was nervous about being with Marina thanks to her experience.

Nicky sat in guest bedroom of Marina's loft allowing her mind to wander a bit not noticing Marina had walked and sat next to her on the bed.

"What you thinking about mi reina?" Marina asked.

"Nothing just us baby." Nicky replied picking up that Marina had used one of her pet greetings which was my queen in Spanish.

"Nicky I know you well enough to know that something's on your mind so spill it now."

"Fine I was thinking about us if you must know."

"What about us baby?"

"Just our relationship the trial everything."

"Nicky I already told you no matter what we're in this together I'm here for you don't ever doubt that reina." Marina said planting a soft kiss on Nicky's lips.

"You always know how to calm me angelita." Nicky responded using the Spanish term for my angel.

"Always Nicky it's you and me no matter what."

"I know babe it's just I know that the press will eat this up and turn it into a circus and I don't want that for you."

"Nicky I'm a big girl I can handle people talking about me and as for you if this gets too crazy we can always head to PuertoRico and get away."

"Babe we can't just up and leave you have work."

"Nicky I love my job but make no mistake if push comes to shove I'll chose you over the job no questions asked."

Nicky was stunned she didn't expect to find out that her girlfriend would be willing to sacrifice her job for her.

"Rina are you serious would you really leave work for me?"

"Yes I would Nicole Reagan I would no questions asked I'm in love with you."

Nicky was shocked she wasn't expecting Mariana to declare her love but was relieved when she did.

"Marina Alexandra Lopez I'm in love with you too."

The couple looked lovingly into each other's eyes and shared a passionate kiss.

Feeling like her heart was taking over her brain Nicky reluctantly pulled away.

"Nicky are you okay?"

"Yeah babe I am I pulled away because if I keep going things are going to get too heated and I want our first time to be perfect no worries no trial I hope you understand."

"Relax babe it's okay I get it if you want to wait its fine but just know I'm here no matter what."

"I feel bad Marina I know you've been patient with me I feel like I should be ready by now."

"Nicky don't feel like there's a time limit on us we'll be together when the time is right I'm not going anywhere you're worth waiting for."

"Thanks baby."

"Listen not to switch gears so quick but I think with us opening like this gives me the chance to ask you something I've been thinking about for a little bit."

"What's that babe?"

"Well since you've been over here a lot lately I was wondering if you maybe would consider moving in with me?"

"Wow I guess the saying is true great minds think alike because I've been tossing that exact same thing around in my head for a bit now."

"So what's it's going to be babe housemates?"

"Of course my angel I'd be happy to move in but I think we should wait until after the trial and square away my mom before I make the move."

"Anything you want babe by the way I think you should check in with your mom make sure she's okay."

"I'll try her cell she should be in the office by now."

Nicky pulled her phone from its charger on the night table and quickly dialed her mom.

After five rings she left her mother a voice mail deciding to call her office.

After not getting an answer Nicky began to panic.

"This is strange she's not picking up in her office or her cell."

"Relax she's probably in court if she doesn't call back by lunch we'll check it out for now kick back I'll go make us breakfast".

"Thanks babe."

While Marina made breakfast for them Nicky grabbed a hot shower and got dressed hoping her mom wasn't too damaged from her uncle's actions.

Meanwhile down at the DA's office Erin was currently waiting for her boss to show apparently he wanted to talk to her about a new proposal.

After about fifteen minutes of waiting Scott Martin New York's current DA entered the room Scott was every bit of six four two fifty with his jet black hair.

"Erin you made it good."

"What's this meeting about Mr. Martin?"

"Well Erin I'll cut right to the chase I just came from a conference call with the mayor and the police commissioner and among the things discussed was your performance in this office".

"What about my performance?"

"Don't worry its good news effective immediately in addition to being ADA you are also going to be a special investigator in charge over sight you will serve as the top authority on oversight of the DA's office and the NYPD all the higher ups agree you're the right person for the job."

"Wow I'm flattered but doesn't this raise a conflict of interest?"

"Already taken care of both the DA's office and commissioner's office agreed this position needed someone with knowledge of both offices and it was decided that you fit the bill as a be all end all."

"Wow thank you sir."

You earned it Erin by the way you have your own detail now you will work with Detective Curatola."

Erin was shocked the person charged with watching her back was Danny's old partner she hoped it wouldn't be too awkward.

"Thank you sir anything else?"

"No that's it oh before I forget I cleared your case load until further notice with your daughter's case coming up you should be with her."

"Sir I can handle myself."

Erin its done you're benched until the case is over now go back to your office before I have you removed come back fresh we'll be waiting for you."

Upon hearing that Erin knew she had no choice she left the office heading back to her own space trying to see what use she could be from the office.

For the next four hours Erin looked through case notes until she glanced at phone noticing several calls from Nicky which answered via text assuring her she was fine.

After texting Nicky Erin looked through three open cases when her phone rang to which she smiled and answered.

"Hey how are you?"

Great I just got benched and handed a new job title."

"I heard congratulations."

"Thanks so what are you up to?"

"Oh I'm just about to head out for a burger and fries and maybe make a trip to a certain roommate's office."

"Is that so?"

"Yes it is and I'll come bearing gifts namely food".

"Aw you don't have to."

"I know I don't I want to so I'll see you in a bit."

"Bye."

Once Erin hung up she proceeded to throw herself back into her work hoping the rest of the day went by without incident.

About twenty minutes later Erin heard a knock at the door and went to answer it seeing that it was Abbie Erin lit up like a kid on Christmas as she ushered her in.

"Hey Erin how's my favorite ADA?" Abbie asked as she sat down across from Erin unloading the two orders of burgers and fries.

"I'm great now that you're here." Erin replied as try to keep from gushing which she was barely managing to do Abbie's presence just had that effect on her.

"Sorry I couldn't get anything fancier all the bistros were crowded and I didn't want to risk being spotted by any higher-ups from 1pp."

"It's okay Abbie this is good as long as I'm with you."

Abbie was touched by Erin's candidness with her since they were just starting out.

The couple ate in blissful as Erin was able to push the negative energy from her body for a short while she didn't know that one person could make this happy but somehow Abigail Baker had managed to do that.

So Erin are you excited for the new job?"

I am Abbie but it's going to take some getting used to keeping two offices in line and all."

"You'll do great."

"Thanks Abbie that means a lot."

"No problem Erin and by the way don't worry about dinner tonight I'll cook for us a big steak with some red potatoes and mixed vegetables sound good?"

"Yeah great I'll pick up some red wine after work besides I'll need to be relaxed for the start of the trial tomorrow."

"Don't worry this'll be over quickly then we can just focus on us".

"I'd like that very much."

"Well my lunch is almost up I'd better head back to work." Abbie said as she was headed for the door.

"Abbie wait." Erin said sprinting over from her desk.

"What's wrong Erin?"

"Nothing I just wanted to give you something."

"Sure what is it?"

"This."

Erin proceeded to abduct Abbie's lips in a passion filled kiss against the wall and since both women were overtaken by romantic haze they didn't notice Danny and Maria walk in.

"Hey Erin I need" …

Danny and Maria were shocked to see Erin and Abigail making out.

"I knew it I fucking knew it." Danny hollered causing Erin and Abigail to break apart.

"Danny don't you knock?"

"I was going to but you wouldn't have heard it anyway you were too busy screwing around with Dad's assistant no less it seems like the guys were right about you and the blonde I have to admit you could've done better than an over paid secretary."

Erin immediately saw red when her brother insulted Abigail and stepped in his face.

"Listen here Daniel Reagan you can say whatever you want about me but I will not allow you to disrespect my girlfriend like that you understand, now get out of here before I have thrown out."

Woah easy there sis you may want to step back I wouldn't want to embarrass you in front of your girlfriend there."

Maria saw that that the situation was in danger of getting physical and decided to play peace maker before someone ended up getting hurt.

"Danny stop you're being an ass now let's go I'll come back for the warrant alone."

"No Baez I came for help with a case I'm not leaving until I get it."

"Danny lets go you're not going to screw up this case because you're being a jerk."

Danny laughed as he saw his sister back down and comfort Abigail had started crying seeing a family being torn apart.

Fine you can come back it seems like my sisters to wrapped up in her feelings to think straight right now not like she could do it if she wanted to anyway."

With that Maria and Danny left the office with Maria feeling like she could rip her partner a new one if they weren't on the job right now.

Back in the office Erin comforted a crying Abigail.

"Erin I'm sorry this is all my fault."

"Hush Abbie you did nothing wrong Danny's the wrong one here I'll protect you." Erin said stroking Abbie's hair.

"Across town Eddie and Kara had taken their lunch break and headed down to Leo's a jeweler on fifth avenue to look at engagement rings for Jamie.

"Eddie the rings in here cost more than both our salaries how are you going to swing this ring?"

"Don't worry Kara I can cover it now help me design this ring it has to be perfect money is no object."

"Eddie whatever you pick Jamie will love because it came from you not because of what it costs."

"I know but this is big my man deserves the best."

"Fine what are you thinking?"

"I'm thinking big but elegant."

Fine what about this it's an 18kt gold ring you can add something if you want."

Eddie looked at the ring Kara suggested it was a double rounded gold band that had a square center.

"Oh my gosh Kara yes I can see it now I'll put diamonds around the border and box shaped diamond in the middle with our initials inscribed into it".

"Great now let's go to the computer and design it so you can have it made."

Eddie and Kara quickly went over to the kiosk designed the ring it was more stunning than either of them imagined Eddie put small diamond studs around the center follow by two studs on either side of the ring topping it off with a 5kt diamond which she had cubed cut to fit the ring.

"There its done now I print the form and I'm one step closer to changing my last name."

Eddie gave the order form to the attendant put the order on her black card signed the paperwork and left the store with her partner.

"Eddie you just threw down 20 grand like you were some wall street big shot what gives?" Kara asked as they re-entered the squad car.

"Just some family money I came into long story but don't worry about that just know if you say anything you're a dead woman."

"My lips are sealed Eddie after seeing that ring I'm counting down to the wedding."

Eddie continued to drive off thinking that she had taken the first step on the path of the unknown.

That does it for this chapter the next one will be up ASAP and will include the beginning of the trial along with a twist that will alter the Reagan family….