Erin woke up the next morning to the sound of a siren outside her house. She jumped up and ran to the door. She slammed it open and walked outside seeing her neighbors being held with handcuffs.

She walked outside of her front door and didn't see Shane's car. "Shit."

"Hey Officer! I'm Detective Erin Lindsay with Intelligence." Erin shouted

"Hey Erin!" Jordan said turning around

"Hey kid, when did you get on?" Jordan laughed hugging his aunt.

"A couple weeks ago. Grandpa got my hired on. I had credentials, with the Army and stuff."

"Can you look for somebody for me. Please.." Erin asked

"Yeah who is it?" Jordan asked

"Shane. He didn't come home last night. I just wanted to know where he was."

"I'll call it in. Erin, we'll find him. Alexandra did you get bigger on me?" Jordan said as he saw Alex standing beneath Erin.

"No. Uncle Jordan." Jordan laughed

"Well you sure are getting big. I missed you Lex."

Alex laughed. "Mommy where is Shane?"

"I don't know Alex. I'm gonna find out though.."

"Erin, I gotta go but I'll be back.. Gotta go take these people to jail."

"Alright. I'll see you. Call me if you see Shane." Jordan smiled then walked back to his squad car. He got in and started driving.

"Hey Officer! What happened?" She shut up once she saw Voight pull up to the house.

Erin walked back inside and pushed Alex back "Mommy what happened?"

"I don't know baby. Go play. I have to go see. Uncle Kevin is gonna come inside and watch you. Or Daniel."

Alex nodded her head then ran back into her playroom and started playing with her ipad. Erin ran back into her room and put her badge on, then put her pistol on her holster. She put on her jacket then walked outside.

"Hank!" Erin shouted

"What the hell happened?"

"This couple burned their house, with their children inside. They have been suspects for previous arsons. In the past..." Jordan pulled up in his squad car with Shane sitting in the passenger's seat.

"Whoa what happened here?"

Erin looked at Shane. "Inside now." She said

"Wait. I want to know what happened?"

"Arson. Something like that." Shane rolled his eyes then walked inside the house.

"There was a Halstead arson case a couple years back.." Antonio said

"That's my uncle's case. A Are those the people who killed him?" Shane asked

"We don't know. We'll tell you if we find anything out." Erin said "Inside Shane."

"Let me get the files. I I can help. I was looking at it. Trying to find out who and what made someone do it.. They made it look like he tried killing himself but I know he wouldn't. I know he would never kill himself."

"Shane go grab them and help us." Shane ran back inside the house, grabbed his dad's files then ran back out.

"I know I'm not supposed to have them, they're my dad's files. I took them so I could get further into it.. Didn't those people have two kids?"

"They didn't make it. Died in the fire." Shane slammed the papers down.

Shane handed Tony the papers then sat on the porch. "Shane calm down." Jordan said sitting next to him.

"I think I just solved my uncle's murder how can I calm down?"

"Look I just lost both my parents in the span of a year. I know how you feel kid. We'll get 'em.." Jordan hugged him.

"We found something that could tie them to the fires. There's this symbol. A cross almost. At both houses. I don't know if it's something but it could be." Kevin said flipping through the case file.

"Shane. What did you find in the file that made you think it was Arson?"

"There was a locket by where the fire started. Uncle Tyler never owned a locket or anything. It as weird. Th they also found a knife right by it burned up.." Shane said "I could be wrong though. It might not be an arson case. I know one thing. My uncle would never kill himself. Never in a million years he was the happiest guy in the world. He had two kids, a beautiful wife who loved him." Shane spat throwing his arm out.

"Shane can I talk to you?" Jordan asked

Shane nodded his head then walked away with the patrol officer, who was like his family now. "Who was that guy by you when I picked you up? How come he wouldn't let me take you." Shane sighed

"He's my dad's best friend. His name is Greg Gurwitz, he goes by mouse. He's known me since I was kid. He wasn't trying to hurt me, more like protect me.."

"Did you call him?" Jordan asked

"Yeah I did. I didn't know who else to call? I'm popping pills like they're candy. I just wanted to ask him for some help but he didn't help me. He's got the worst PTSD. He was at war with my dad, came back worse than him.. Although my dad was bad, he came back drinking, popping pills. Wouldn't talk to my mom or myself although I was just a little kid.. I was like three. My mom died two years after, when I was five… She and I were at home like we normally were… It was a Thursday. Dad was meeting us since I had just gotten off for school, we were sitting in the living room watching the news. W." Shane coughed "When a guy burst through the door, my mom got in front of me, after grabbing the gun she kept by her. She was raised by a Marine, her whole family were Marines. She had four older brothers. She knew how to shoot at least that's what dad told me. She got in front of me to protect me from the guy. She said 'Shane. Go run. Go hide. I'm okay.' I fucking listened ran into the room and locked the door dialed the police. I heard one gunshot.. I didn't dare go out the door until I heard another then another. I heard sirens, and I stayed there until I heard my dad's voice. He came in screaming.."

Shane fell into a flashback

"Shane, where are you? Shane!" Jay shouted. Shane walked to the door unlocked it then got out and his dad wrapped him in the tightest hug.

"It's gonna be okay. I I promise. It'll be okay…" Jay said

"Daddy where's mommy?" Jay burst into tears and held tighter to his son.

"She's gone.. She didn't make it."

Shane opened his eyes and looked around.. "He held me until he got up and walked out the door. I saw all of the police cars, and the firetrucks.. I could have stopped her.. I could have done something.. I could have saved her.."

"Shane you can't blame yourself for what happened.." Shane sighed

"I don't know why I told you.. It's just it's the nine year anniversary."

"Shane it's okay. You can tell me. Let's get back to the investigation. You are a strong kid, you'll make a hell of a cop one day.." Shane chuckled softly

"Yeah.."

Shane walked back over and watched as Alex sat down on the porch watching everyone doing their thing. Shane smiled then walked over towards the little kid and sat next to her.

"Hey kid. What's the sad face for?" Shane asked

"I don't know. I miss Daddy.. Plus Mommy hasn't smiled since he left." Shane looked up at Erin then back at the little girl.

"She misses him just as much as you and I Lex. He'll be home soon. Isn't your birthday soon?" Alex nodded her head.

"Yeah it's in february." Shane laughed

"He's gonna be home. Before you know it."

"I love you big brother." Alex said hugging him.

"I love you too."

"Shane what kind of car did your uncle have?"

"Two door dark red 1989 mustang. Why?" Shane asked

"Because your uncle's car was stolen, after the fire I guess." Kevin said

"That explains it, didn't these people do a couple of other arsons? Like back in 2005? I remember reading it.. They couldn't tie them to it though." Hank turned around surprised at how much Shane knew about it. Hank furrowed his eyebrow.

"How did you know that?" Shane opened his mouth.

"Dad's file why?"

"Your dad worked the case back in '05 didn't he?" Shane nodded his head .

"I guess.. I don't remember I was just a kid."

"If they did more arsons, then I'll go talk to a family.." Jordan said

"I'll go with." James Roberts said

"Can I go?" Shane asked

"Shane, you can't. Stay here. I need you to watch Alex." Shane nodded his head then walked back inside.

"Yeah sure."

Hank walked to his car, and opened the driver's door. "Hank can I ride with you? I need to tell you something." Antonio looked over at Kevin

"I'll ride with Kev. You go Erin."

As soon as Hank drove off. Erin laughed. "Hank, the court date is in a couple of weeks. I'm so scared."

"Me too Erin. I don't know what's going to happen but I know if he gets custody. I will never forgive myself for not killing that monster."

"Hank it's not your fault. You did what was right for Alex. You can't blame yourself."

"I could've killed him when I had the chance."

"Hank, you would have been put away. Alex wouldn't get to know her grandpa. She would have lost both her grandparents."

"Alex is lucky to have you as a mom Erin.."

"Shane where were you? I've seen you take pills. I may be five but I'm not stupid. It's not cool."

"Alex it's none of your business."

"I know but Shane you are my big brother now.. You promised to protect me."

"Yeah I did I guess. I'm sorry kid."

"You better be." Alex laughed as Shane ran up and picked her up in his arms then hung her upside down. One thing was for sure Shane sure did love Alex. He would do anything for her. If that meant risking his life.

"Shane, Daddy is coming back soon. He called last night and said He's coming back earlier.."

"That's awesome kid. I bet you are really excited." Alex smiled

"Shane, what happened to your mom? Why don't you have a mommy?"

"She died when I was your age."

Alex frowned as she sat down on the couch and started playing on her ipad while Shane started reading through his dad's file.

"I'm Detective Erin Lindsay, and I'm here investigating a fire that killed your family member."

"They are finally doing something about it. It only took fifteen years."

"I'm sorry about your daughter. Can I come in and ask you a few questions?"

"Yes You may. I'm Jen, this is my husband Gavin."

Shane looked up from his computer and heard a knock on the door. "Alex don't get." Alex was asleep taking a nap on the couch, with her ipad still on.

Shane got up and opened the door. "Uncle Mouse?"

"It's your dad. He's not picking up." Shane looked confused

"We always talk the same time everyday. It's what we do.."

"Nothing happened. Nothing couldn't have happened I need Dad to come back. For her." Shane turned around and pointed to the little girl lying on the couch.

"That's his girlfriend's kid?"

"Yeah. She deserves a dad, she never got one and now my dad is in her life. She deserves him. I don't. I spent my time with him."

"Shane you deserve your dad." Shane smiled

"She does too though."

The month had passed and no work had been done trying to figure out who had killed Shane's uncle. Erin had noticed the date, and it was the day she was dreading,she'd been dreading since the day she found out. Days before she had met with her doctor to find out why she was acting differently. She still hadn't called back. Erin was getting worried but she trusted her.

Alex didn't know what was going on, Erin tried explaining it to her, but she was four she didn't know any better. Erin knew that when she first told her.

"Mommy, why do we have to dress up?" Alex asked looking up at her mom.

"We have to go see the people at court, Your dad wants to get you back, but I won't let him so we have to fight over you. I guess. But don't worry mommy isn't gonna let him win. I promise." Erin bent down and wrapped her arms around her daughter.

"I love you mommy.."

"I love you too." Alex let go of her mom and ran into her room. It happened to fall on a break day for both of the kids, so Shane was in his room sleeping. Erin guessed. Erin looked back and noticed her phone ringing, she bent down and picked it up not knowing this call could change her life.

"Ms. Lindsay, you know that checkup?"

"Yes I do.. What is it?"

"You're pregnant, I made you an appointment for the 25th of this month. Just to check up, and everything.."

Erin sighed then put down the phone once she knew the nurse hung up.

She didn't know how to react, at all. She didn't know what to do.

Shane walked into the room and laughed. "You look like a ghost just ran up your spine. Everything okay?" Shane asked

"No not really. I don't know." Shane furrowed his eyebrows.

"What's wrong?"

"It's just I'm pregnant. I wasn't expecting it. I wasn't ready. I don't know how to tell you dad."

"I won't tell anyone. I promise. Can I come to court with you?" Erin nodded her head.

"Go get dressed son."

Soon after they left and headed for the courthouse. It was the moment Erin had been dreading. They walked inside and saw their whole family standing there. Erin felt loved and supported.

"Thanks for coming." Erin said

"She's our favorite kid of course we had too." Kevin said picking up his niece and holding her tight.

They got inside of the courtroom, Shane was holding Alex since she didn't feel like walking.

"I need Erin's first witness to come up." The first one to go up was Hank. He swore not to lie then he began.

"Alex,where do I begin with that kid. She's the best thing that ever happened to me. Erin is the best mother anyone could possibly be. She tries her absolute hardest to be the best and get her everything she wants. I think Jack shouldn't have custody of her, she's four she barely knows you. You were in jail her whole entire life. You almost killed her. You don't deserve her. She doesn't deserve a father like you. That kid is the sweetest kid I've ever met. She was raised to be loving and strong like her mom. These past four years with her in my life have been the best. She taught me to see the good in everybody. Erin loves that kid more than herself, she loves her so much. I would give anything to let her keep her but it's up to the judge." Hank finished with his signature Hank smile.

"The witness for Mr. Cook." Jack's mom stood up and walked to the stand.

"Jack has really tried turning his life around. He wants to be there for his daughter now that he's out of jail. Please just let him see his daughter."

"Next Witness for Ms. Lindsay?" Antonio stood up and walked up to the stand he swore not to lie.

"Erin is the best mom, I've ever seen. She works her butt off to make sure Alex has everything she needs. She loves her more than anyone in this room. I don't want to see him a dirtbag. Take her away from all of us. She's got a family who loves her more than anything. She's well taken care of. I don't understand why you wanna take that away from us. She's loved. She's got her family." Antonio smiled at Alex who was sitting next to Erin. The next one to go up was Daniel. He was dressed nicely in his suit, and bowtie.

He stood up and started smiling. "That little girl, sitting there next to my aunt. She's what gets me out of depression. She's the light in my world. When she was born I hated that I was getting a new cousin. I hated the thought of it, but she's the best thing to happen to this family. My aunt no one comes before Alex, no one. I mean it. She's the first thing she thinks of in the morning and the last thing on her mind at night. It took me a while to get used to the thought of that. Erin she loves her, more than anything in this world. I don't think you should have custody of this sweet girl. She doesn't deserve to know you or what you did to those people. Sure I was just a kid then. I'm no kid anymore. You almost killed my baby cousin. You messed with my family. You aren't going to anymore. This guy doesn't deserve custody."

"Thank you Mr. Voight." Daniel stepped down and walked back to his seat. "Can I have Mr. Cook stand up and give his testimony." Jack stood up and walked to the stand.

"I would like to have custody of my daughter because she deserves to know her dad, and know how I am a good person. I made a few mistakes but I'm ready to be her dad. These people are telling her these things that aren't true. When I'm a good guy, just with a few scars." Daniel stood up and leaped across the gate. Antonio got up and grabbed him then pulled him back.

"YOU NEARLY KILLED HER! WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOU ARE A GOOD PERSON? YOU WERE DRUNK HALF THE TIME JACKSON. YOU ALMOST KILLED MY AUNT. HOW DOES THAT MAKE YOU A GOOD PERSON!" Daniel shouted throughout the courtroom.

Kevin stood up and grabbed him and helped Antonio pull him back.

"Calm down kid.." Hank said. Kevin and Antonio grabbed him and pulled him out of the room.

"Daniel you gotta calm down." Daniel took a couple deep breaths.

"I'm fine. He doesn't deserve her. He almost killed her. Uncle Tony." Antonio nodded his head and pulled him in for a hug.

"I know he doesn't but it's not up to us anymore. As much as I want it to be. It's in the judge's power. We can only pray he doesn't get custody."

Ten minutes later, the judge banged his gavel then stood up reading the verdict. "I am hereby granting custody to both Jackson Nicholas Cook and Erin Joy Lindsay. Mr. Cook will have Alexandra Camille Lindsay on the weekends and Miss Lindsay will have Alexandra on the weekdays."

Erin's heart stopped almost she grabbed onto the chair looked up at Shane then collapsed onto the ground.

A cliffhanger... I'm so mean.. I know. I know. Sorry to leave ya hanging... get it.. Sorry for the bad pun. I hope you enjoy this chapter! The next one will be up after the new year. Hopefully. I hope you all have a great holiday!