CH. 15: Happy New Year
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"Are you ready to tell the kids?" Linda met Danny at the door the second he got home from work. "Are you kidding me? I'd rather face a mass murderer than
tell our children we are having another baby," Danny was by no means exaggerating. "Danny we have to tell them. I was sick this morning and was able to
keep it from them, but they are going to start to notice when all I want to do is sleep." Linda was being realistic. "I know," Danny sighed. "Should we tell them
together or separate," Linda wondered aloud? "Together," Danny's eyes went wide. "I couldn't handle doing it three times." "Yeah but if we did it separate we
could see their initial reaction without one or both of them being fueled by the other," Linda had a point. "Linda, these kids are our kids were talking about.
They will have their own initial reaction regardless of being alone or with the others," Danny was being completely honest with her. "There upstairs watching
Netflix in our room," Linda started to get up. "They are supposed to be grounded Linda," Danny reminded her. "I know, but I needed to lay down on the couch
for a minute and rest, and the only way I thought it was safe enough to do without them getting suspicious is by letting them watch TV." "That's teaching
consistency," Danny mumbled. "Do you want to tell them by yourself," Linda glared at him? "No, No," Danny surrendered. "Then I will call them down now,"
Linda moved to the foot of the stairs. "Anything you want to do dear," Danny could tell she was a little testy. He certainly hadn't missed those moods or those
looks over the years. "Andy, Jack, Sean!" Linda called. "We need you to come down for a bit, Dad and I need to talk to you." "Whatever it is Andy did it," Jack
yelled! "And she will be down momentarily for her punishment," Sean added. "I did not," Andy argued, "for once I am totally innocent. I think, at least, I can't
think of anything to be in trouble for," Andy pondered that thought for several minutes. "Hang on a second, I think I'm going into cardiac arrest," Andy couldn't
handle the thought of actually not being in trouble for something. "Just get down here all of you," Danny wasn't in the mood to put up with their antics, at least
not at the moment, he was much too nervous. "We're coming," Jack turned the TV off before the three hurried down the stairs. "Take a seat," Linda pointed to
the couch once they were all downstairs. "Are we in trouble for something?" Sean looked from one parent to another before glancing at his siblings. "None of
you are in trouble," Danny said straightforward. "At least I hope not, you're already grounded for two weeks." "We just want to talk," Linda said reassuringly.
"This is different," Andy mentioned, knowing hardly ever did they call them down just to talk. Linda considered trying to tell them in a real cute manner, like she
saw on all the YouTube videos she watched. The only problem was, none of those kids were liker her kids. Her kids could be so sweet at times, yet total
monsters at other times. And the whole problem was, she had no earthy idea how they would react. Oh well maybe things would be better, and they could do
a gender reveal thing for the kids and the rest of the Reagan's later on. "Kids," Linda started, but stopped short, when a nervous lump appeared in her throat.
"We're going to have a bay," Danny finally just spit it out, knowing that if he didn't just come out and say it, neither one of them would ever say it. "AAaa," Andy
screamed excitedly. "Are you serious?" Andy was beaming. "Yes," Linda was grateful for the face expression and excitement her daughter was showing. "I can't
believe it," Andy could hardly keep her place on the couch. Jacks reaction was very similar to that of his sister. He had already been through this twice before if
you counted when his parents told them about Andy, and of course Sean. Then again he was pretty little when they were expecting Sean, but things turned
out okay with Andy and Sean. So as long as he didn't have to share his room, there was really no reason why things shouldn't turn out good this time either.
Sean on the other hand kept quiet, not really in the mood to voice his opinion. The only thing he could think of were the things that his siblings kept telling him
about what would happen if they did have another child. Then again both his parents and siblings were excited, so he did the next best thing, he remained
silent, just kind of forcing a smile every once in a while. "Well Sean, what do you have to say?" Danny noticed Sean's sullen nature. "It's great Dad," Sean
forced another smile. "Are you sure?" Danny wasn't convinced. "Sure it'll be fun," Sean lied. Sean knew it was wrong to lie, and he would be in trouble if his
parents knew that he lied, but in this instance, he kind of figured what was wrong with a little white lie. It certainly wasn't hurting anyone, in fact it was just
the opposite, it made his parents think he was okay with the idea, when in reality Andy and Jacks words kept repeating in his head like a stupid broken record.
"I'm so glad you guys are excited," Linda wrapped all three of her children in a hug. Danny was about to take a picture with his phone, knowing this was
something he hardly ever saw, all three of his kids in the same hug, being that close to each other without trying to kill one another. Unfortunately, just before
touching the screen, Linda grabbed him by the shirt and pulled him into the hug.
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"That went better than expected," Linda said later that night after the kids were bed, allowing Danny and Linda a little reflection time. "Andy was certainly
excited," Linda laughed at the amount of questions she was asked, as she followed her around the house the rest of the evening. "So was Jack," Danny
laughed. "He actually helped me take out the garbage without me having to tell him to." "I feel so relieved now that we've told them," Linda pulled the covers
back on their bed. "Keeping things of such a sensitive nature from them is exhausting," Linda crawled in bed. "I'm just a little concerned about Sean," Danny
admitted. "He seemed fine to me," Linda sat up. "It's not like he threw a tantrum or yelled and screamed." "That's because he knows better than to act like
that," Danny shook his head. "We will just have to watch out for him, if he starts acting different, then we will address it then," Linda didn't really want to jump
to any conclusions. "Sounds good to me, besides two out of three kids willingly accepting the idea is better than all three of them against it," Danny didn't want
to go looking for trouble where there wasn't any. "Were still going to have to talk to them about responsibility and helping out around the house," Linda
remembered. "One battle at a time Linda please," Danny covered his head with his pillow. "I can only handle so much stress at a time when it comes to my
children." Danny turned the light off.
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"When do you want to tell the rest of the family?" Linda asked the following morning at breakfast. "Today at family dinner is as good a time as any I guess,"
Danny took a sip from his coffee cup. "How do you think they will react?" Linda asked as they made their way up the stairs to get the kids up for church. "I'm
not nearly as worried about them as I was the kids," Danny shook his head, still surprised he managed to survive and was able to get the words out. "Neither
am I," Linda admitted laughing. "Jamie loves kids, so he will be probably be happy about it. Erin loves babies and will be the first one to volunteer to babysit.
And Pop," Danny smiled thinking about his grandfather. "Pop will be happy to see another Reagan at the dinner table." "At least telling your family won't be a
challenge," Linda stopped when they reached the top of the stairs. "It will be telling mine that's difficult." "Speaking of telling your family. When are you going
to tell them," Danny asked? "What do you mean when am I going to tell my family, it's more along the lines of when are we going to tell my family. I'm not going
alone." "You know I should really spend as much time as I can working," Danny was trying to figure out a way to stay out of it. "This is your child too Danny
Reagan." "Well I hopes its mine," Danny didn't mean anything by it, he was just surprised at how sudden her mood could change when she was pregnant.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Linda glared at him. That was obviously the wrong thing to say, Danny thought, thinking of how testy his wife had become
as of lately. And he made a mental note to talk to the kids about treading slightly around her. "Nothing and I'm sorry," Danny picked up his usual routine of
apologizing first like he always had to do when she was expecting. "You can get the kids ready for church this morning. I'm not going, I need a little time of
alone," Linda walked on to their bedroom where she could lay down a bit longer before she needed to start getting ready to go to Franks. Danny sighed, and
walked into Jacks bedroom, making a solemn promise to just shut up and nod, anytime he and Linda were having a conversation that could turn lethal."Mom,
can I wear this to church?" Andy asked walking into her parent's bedroom. "Ask your father," Linda didn't even bother to turn around. "He's helping Sean with
his tie, and he's almost ready to go," Andy complained. Linda sighed and rolled over, "have we ever let you wear a t-shirt to church before? Besides it's much
too cold," was the only thing Linda could fine to say, surprised at her daughters choice of outfits. "No," Andy admitted. "But my jacket is going to be covering it."
"No Andy," Linda repeated. "What if I promise not to take my jacket off," Andy tried. "I said no Andrea, now don't push it," Linda finally raised her voice. Andy
was gone in a matter of seconds, not even bothering to stop when Danny walked past her in a hurry to see what would cause Linda to raise her voice. "What's
going on Andy?" Danny decided he would be able to get a lot more out of Andy than he would Linda, and it didn't take long for him to follow her to her
bedroom. "Mom yelled at me, and all I did was ask her a question," Andy was standing in front of her closet looking for another shirt. "Moms going to be like
that for a while," Danny hated to say it, but he figured she might as well know the truth. "Why?" Andy turned to look at him. "I'll explain it to you later," Danny
knew he was going to need a lot more time than he had at the current moment, at least if they didn't want to be late for church. "Why isn't mom getting ready
for church? She's always saying how important it is," Andy said remembering the countless discussions she had, had with her, trying to convince them not to
make her go. "Moms not going this morning, she needs a little quiet time," Danny explained glancing at his watch, before walking over to the closet to help her
pick out a shirt, knowing they needed to get going. "Is she going to Grandpas for Sunday dinner?" "Yes," Danny assured her. "She's going to go over a little
before we get out of church and start cooking." Danny pulled a shirt from her closet and handed it to her. "Wear this, you always look so pretty in it." "Dad,"
Andy blushed. "Well you do," Danny tickled her.
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"Something sure smells good," Danny didn't realize how hungry he was till he walked into the kitchen later that afternoon after church. "Where are the kids?"
Linda noticed Danny was alone. "There with Dad, he needed to make a stop and he wanted their opinion," Danny started to help her by preparing the salad.
"On what?" Linda knew that sounded odd. "That's what I asked, and all he told me was to stop being so inquisitive," Danny shook his head. "So I kind of
figured since I was already in trouble with you, I really didn't want to add him to the people mad at me." "I'm not mad at you," Linda kissed him before picking
up the dishes and heading into the dining room to set the table. This gesture of affection made Danny even more confused than he already was, thinking of the
long months ahead deciding he might as well strap himself in, it was going to be a bumpy ride. They were just about finished with the meal, when Linda
whispered to Danny. "I think we better say something, I don't think the kids will be able to contain themselves much longer." Linda was thinking of all the
whispering and glances the three had been doing almost the whole time they ate. "Me, Andy, Jack and Sean are serving desert today," Frank smiled at the
three kids, as he backed his chair away from the table, getting the feeling that Linda was quite nervous. And he decided to help ease his son and daughter in
law into the announcement. A few minutes later, and Sean came in carrying extra silverware, Jack came in carrying saucers, and Andy came in carrying two cake
cutters, while Frank trailed in behind them, carrying a large cake covered with yellow icing. "What's going on?" Danny looked at his father confused, knowing
that his father nor his children ever served desert. "Andy," Frank didn't answer his son, rather he just looked at his granddaughter to hand her parents the
cake cutters. Frank placed the cake in front of Danny and Linda, and asked Danny to cut one side of it, while Linda cut the other. Neither Danny nor Linda knew
what was going on, but they did what Frank said without any more questions. Cutting the cake simultaneously, in the middle on one side of the cake had blue
filling, and on the other side was pink filling. "Well everyone," Linda said when everyone started to sit up, beginning to catch on. "Danny and I are having a
baby." "What?" Erin squealed. "Congratulations." "Is that what you and the boys have been whispering about all morning?" Nicki looked at Andy with a smile.
"Yes," Andy was beaming. "You are going to be one busy man Danny Boy," Henry smiled at his grandson. "Tell me about it Gramps," Danny shook his head, his
eyes wide, knowing his grandfather was speaking the complete and utter truth. "Another kid to torture me," Jamie mentioned, although you could tell he was
excited. "I'll teach it everything I know," Andy smiled at her uncle. "Thanks a lot," Jamie put an arm over her. "Anything to make your life miserable, I'll be sure
to do my part." Jamie just looked at her, surprised at her ability to just go on and on, as well as her desire to torture him. "I love this kid," Danny couldn't help
but laugh. "Your kids are scary Danny," Jamie glanced at Andy fearfully. "You ain't seen nothing yet," Andy's eyes were sparkling with fun. Frank hadn't said
anything, all he had been doing since the announcement was made was smile at the thought of having another grandchild, the light of his life.
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"That was so sweet of you Frank, getting the kids involved like that," Linda joined her husband and father in law in the living room. "I thought you might
appreciate that," Frank smiled at her, "you seemed a little nervous." "I have to admit I was," Linda shook her head. "I didn't know how I was ever going to get
the words out." "I finally had to just come right out and tell the kids, or we'd still be sitting there trying to figure out the right words," Danny figured. "And how
did they react," Frank wondered? "Andy and Jack are excited, but I'm not so sure about Sean," Danny admitted. "Joe was the same way when your mother and
I were expecting Jamie." "And how did you convince him that everything was going to be okay?" Danny was looking for a little free advice. "With a lot of talking
a reassuring him that no matter how many kids we had, they wouldn't take his place in our hearts, and that our love for him, you and Erin would remain the
same," Frank remembered sitting the little dark haired boy down repeatedly for reassurance. "I'm going to have to do that with Sean," Danny figured, knowing
that Sean really hadn't said anything when it came to opening up about his feelings. "Things would have been a lot easier if you and Erin wouldn't have been
torturing him behind my back, by telling him, that he was just going to be another one of the forgotten kids like you two were," Frank recollected. "I remember
that," Danny couldn't help but laugh out loud. "He actually believed everything we told him." "You were his big brother. It was only natural for him to think you
had his best interest at heart," Frank shook his head, still surprised at all the things Joe had told him that Erin and Danny had said to him. "I remember that,"
Erin joined in on the conversation. "It was the one time Danny and I were actually getting along. We decided to put our differences aside for the pure
enjoyment of torturing Joe." "That must have been quite a truce," Linda remembered the countless stories she had been told regarding the feuds between the
two. "It didn't last very long though," Erin shook her head. "Dad found about what Danny and I had been doing to Joe. Needless to say, after putting a stop to
that, we had no choice but to go back to our feuding." "What did you do Frank?" Linda was enjoying the old story. "They both got a very unpleasant trip over
my knee," Frank looked at both Erin and Danny. "Don't remind me," Danny moaned. "Yeah Dad, you could have been a bit more understanding about the whole
thing," Erin had more to say. "Oh I think I was plenty understanding, you both knew that tormenting your brother in a manner that made him think that we
didn't want or wouldn't care for him any longer, was completely unacceptable," Frank nodded. "Here comes the same lecture, and it's been years," Danny
muttered under his breath glancing at his sister. "And it will continue with, I just don't know what has gotten into you two, family is all we have, and here you
two are trying to run your brother off and ruin his self-esteem," Erin mimicked. "Show some respect to your father, or you are going to have me thinking I didn't
do to good of a job in disciplining you," Frank pointed at both of them. "Were just kidding Dad," Erin and Danny stood on opposite sides of Frank. "You did a
good job," they hugged him. "You know I really do hate to interrupt this trip down memory lane, being it is absolutely hilarious," Linda interrupted. "But do you
have any idea where our children are," Linda put an emphasis on the word our. "I'm sure there fine," Danny wasn't concerned. "They are probably with Jamie."
"Well if you are not concerned with the ones we already have, can you come back to reality so we can talk about the one we are about to have Daniel," Linda
was trying to talk to him about the upcoming week and the plans they needed to make. "He's the only one that can call me Daniel," Danny pointed at Frank.
"You might want to listen to her son," Frank whispered. "She's got that death to husband look. I've seen that look many times, and it never has a good
outcome." "What were you saying Linda?" Danny heeded his father's advice and turned his complete attention over to Linda. "I have my first doctor's
appointment tomorrow," Linda looked at Danny. "That will be good, make sure everything is as it should be," Danny nodded. "Can you come with me," Linda
asked? "Do you want me to?" Danny knew that when she was pregnant with Sean she went to most of the appointments alone, since he was working. "I'd like
you too," Linda sounded nervous. "It's just been so long since I've done any of this." "I'll be there," Danny patted her back reassuringly. "What about the kids
though?" Linda remembered her other three children. "They are still out of school for winter break, and there's no possible way we can leave them in the
waiting room alone." That thought alone terrified Linda more than anything. "Drop them off with me at 1PP on your way to the appointment, I don't see why I
wouldn't be able to keep an eye on them for a couple of hours," Frank volunteered. Thinking that if he kept them busy enough, they shouldn't cause too much
chaos at the office, at least not as much chaos as Sean caused the time he out ran every one of the cops and security guards at 1PP until he reached the 14th
floor. "Are you sure Frank?" Linda didn't want them to be in the way. "Because we can take them to the youth center." "I'm positive," Frank nodded. "They'll be
fine." "So have you picked out any names? Or thought about how you are going to decorate the nursery when you find out?" Erin changed conversation topic.
"Linda chuckled, "we have been so busy with Christmas and dealing with your niece and nephews, that every time we even get close to having a conversation
about the baby, we get shutdown, by one of them either getting into trouble, trying to kill one another, or trying to break our house, which is why they are all
currently grounded at the moment." "Those were the days," Frank took a seat in his armchair, making himself comfortable. "Worried that your house will never
be the same." "Sounds like another story about me on something I did wrong when I was growing up," Danny knelt down to put another log on the fire. Danny
was just about to stand when Andy, Jack and Sean ran in carrying a bucket full of snow and dumped it on top of him. "And you were telling me, I was acting
disrespectful," Danny looked over at Frank, spitting snow from his mouth.
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"Alright you three, I want you on your best behavior while at 1PP with Grandpa," Linda turned to face her children in the backseat. "We will Mom," Sean shook
his head at his mother's worry. "We're serious guys," Danny glanced in his car mirror to look at them. "1PP is a safe place and all, but there are a lot of
important things that take place there, and your Grandpa is stuck directly in the middle of it, and if he's exceptionally busy I want you to remember that and
entertain yourselves, and above all stay out of trouble." "We know Dad," Sean was getting a little annoyed by the constant reminders. "I'll be wanting to hear
a yes sir from each of you before we get out of the car," Danny pulled into the parking lot. "Yes Sir," the three were beginning to notice the seriousness in his
tone. "Were running late Danny," Linda reminded him as he got out of the car to walk them in. "I'll be right back," Danny said before leading them into the
building and up to Franks personal elevator. "Grandpa knows you're coming," Danny stopped at the elevator entrance. "Do you think you can make your way to
his office alone? Mom and I need to get going." "We know where were going," Andy assured him. "In that case I'm going to trust you to go the rest of the way
alone," Danny looked at them seriously. "Don't let me down," he said firmly, hoping that considering they were already grounded, that they wouldn't get into
trouble and push him into punishing them further. Just to make sure they knew the correct floor, Danny pressed the button himself before watching the elevator
doors close, separating him from his children. "Please don't let them get into trouble," Danny prayed silently before leaving the building. "I can't believe he
trusted us enough to go alone," Andy looked confused, finding the whole situation odd. "Me neither," Jack agreed. "Which is why we are not going to betray his
trust and be on our best behavior," Andy looked at both her brothers, not really wanting to give them a choice. "Since when did you turn responsible?" Jack
looked at his sister shocked. Knowing that trying to keep them out of trouble was his line. "I don't know," Andy stopped. "Maybe I'm growing up, or it's based
on the fact that we are about to be older siblings to a new baby." "Yeah right," Sean mumbled. "I'll believe that when I see it. Aren't you the very one that was
tempted to climb out on the roof again yesterday?" "Tempted yes, but the main thing is, I didn't do it," Andy smiled obviously proud of herself. "That's just
because Dad came up behind you just before you climbed out the window and started swatting," Jack had a point. "How did you know about that?" "I could
hear you yelling from my room," Jack said lamely. "In that case I'm adopting the philosophy tomorrow is always fresh when no mistakes in them," Andy was
relishing in the fact that she could start over. "And let me guess tomorrow never comes right?" Sean teased. "Shut up," Andy was about to say the heck with
starting over, tempted to wrestle her brother to the floor. There was a clutching sound heard overhead, just as the elevator came to an abrupt stop in between
the 12th and 13th floor. Andy, Jack, and Sean fell to the floor just as the elevator turned black. "If we were trying to stay out of trouble were off to a good
start," Sean said pulling himself up off the floor. "What happened?" Jack focused on the darkness around him. "My guess is, either the electricity went out, or
the elevator stopped working." Andy pulled her cell phone out of her pocket hoping to shed a little light around the small cramped space. "What are we going
to do?" Sean was hoping his older siblings had a plan. "The only thing we can do," Andy shrugged. "Call Grandpa." "What's the matter?" Jack looked at his
sister when he heard her mumble something under her breath. "The call won't go through," Andy sighed trying to come up with another plan. "Were all going
to die!" Sean whined dramatically. "Would you stop being so dramatic?" Andy was tired of having to be the only voice of reason. "Were not going to die, Dad
will get us out." "Then we will be in even worse shape than we are now!" Sean yelled. "Dad said for us to stay out of trouble. I don't think this what he
meant." "Would you calm down? We're not going to be in trouble. None of this is our fault," Jack caught on, trying to help. "So I guess you just want us to sit
here and wait till someone starts to miss us?" Sean decided to make himself comfortable, already getting the feeling they were going to be there for a while.
"Of course not," Andy never was one to just sit and wait. Andy pulled out her cell phone to help her get a better look at her surroundings. Noticing the sticker
on the elevator, Andy read aloud. "Fire or emergency elevator operation. This certainly looks like an emergency to me." Following the directions, Andy
proceeded with opening the door. "Well that didn't help," Andy noticed there was nothing on the opposite side. "Got anymore bright ideas," Sean said
sarcastically? "Actually I do," Andy took her backpack off and threw it up to the ceiling of the elevator multiple times before knocking one of the square opening
tiles loose. "You do know that's destruction of private property right?" Jack couldn't help but sound like a lawyer. "No, I didn't realize that counselor. Excuse me
for trying to save our lives." Andy was back to feeling as if once again she was the only voice of reason. "What's up there?" Sean was up and on his feet trying
to get a better look. "I don't know," Andy admitted, "but my guess is the air condition duct. At least I hope so," Andy said before telling Jack to give her a
boost. "You're going to climb up there?" Jack looked at her as if she was crazy. "Correction," Andy was trying to devise a plan in her head. "Were going to climb
up there." "Cant we just wait until Dad comes? Even if he will be mad, I'd rather face him then fall to my death in an elevator shaft," Jack didn't at all sound
convinced. "Guys come on, were Reagan's. It's in our blood to get ourselves out of rough situations," Andy said firmly. "Let's do it," Jack gave his sister a boost.
"I'm in," Sean was in. "Hmm," Andy thought to herself, she should use that line more often. Once Andy, Jack, and Sean were in the shaft, they proceeded to
climb up. "Were going to need to climb at least two floors I think," Andy mentioned in the lead. "At least it's not dark in here," Sean mentioned following behind
his brother. "So have you thought about what we're going to do when get to the 14th floor?" Jack wondered trying to keep his face away from Andy's feet.
"Kick one of the shafts out and drop to the floor," Andy enlightened. "That's cool, I guess," Sean was sort of hoping it wouldn't be a very far drop, or hoping
someone would at least be there to catch him.
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Frank glanced at his watch, sure he had gotten busy, and lost track of time, but Danny should have been here by now with the kids he figured. He was just
about to call him, when he jumped up from his desk."Oh no," Frank muttered remembering someone telling him his private elevator was on the blink. The
elevator going out, normally wouldn't cause a problem for him, but when he remembered that anytime his family needed him for something non-work related,
they always used his back private elevator, as to go unnoticed as possible. "Has my son come through here?" Frank walked out of his office, stopping at
Detective Bakers desk. "Which one?" Baker didn't know he was expecting any of his kids. "Danny," Frank shook his head. "Detective Reagan," Frank corrected
himself quickly. So worried about his son and grandchildren, that he didn't know what was wrong with him, he always called Danny by his title when talking
about him at work. "I haven't seen him. And he usually stops by and talks to me when he's here," Baker said, thinking of her ex-partner. "Hey Dad, can this
wait?" Danny was a little busy watching the ultrasound screen. "If the kids have gotten into trouble, just sit them in a corner and tell them I'll deal with them
when I get them home," Danny had a feeling he knew why he was calling. "That's the thing Son, I don't know where they are. I thought they were with you,"
Frank admitted. "You mean you haven't seen them? I dropped them off over an hour ago," Danny didn't know if he should be angry or worried. "Where did you
drop them off at," Frank moved on to the main reason he called. "I took them directly to your private elevator. We were running late, but I didn't see any
reason for them not to be able to make them up there alone. They've all made numerous trips to your office," Danny justified his actions. "Now I don't know for
sure, but we've had a few issues with my private elevator as of lately," Frank knew he had to tell him. "Do you think it's?" Danny didn't even want to finish his
sentence. "We don't know anything yet Son, try to calm down," Frank did his best at trying to reassure him, despite the fact he was just as nervous, he was
just trying to hide it. "I'll get somebody on it right away," Frank was already talking to several of his personnel. "If they are here, we will find them." "Call me as
soon as you know something," Danny was trying to keep his voice calm, so he wouldn't worry Linda. "Will do," Frank hung up, approaching the elevator. The
elevator door opened about halfway, and Frank pushed it the rest of the way. Walking in, he found a panel on the floor, and a blue NYPD backpack. "I need
someone to get up here," Frank yelled out the door. "Did you hear that?" Jack stopped in his tracks. "It sounded like Grandpa," Andy and Sean both sat still for
a moment. Garrett ran into the elevator, when he heard the concern in the Commissioners voice. "What's going on Boss?" "There's a panel on the floor, and this
is my granddaughters backpack," Frank held the familiar backpack in his hand, as he took his phone out once again to make a very difficult call to his son. "Are
you sure?" Garret wanted to be sure, before he too started to get nervous. "Danny gave it to Andy, just after she came to live with him. She wouldn't leave it
behind unless she had to," Frank knew that without a doubt that three of his grandchildren were up there. "We need to keep going," Andy urged her brothers
to keep climbing. "It's just a little further." "So if this was a house, we would technically be in the attic of 1PP," Jack figured. "Yeah so," Sean was both tired and
hungry. "That means when we get to the 14th floor, our cell phones might work and we can call Grandpa," Jack exclaimed. "Maybe he can get us a ladder or
something to climb down," Sean was thinking of the advantages. "Are you kidding me?" Andy laughed, "I'm going to be in such a hurry to get out of here, I'm
just going to jump."
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Nearly an hour or so later, and Andy, Jack and Sean reached their destination. Franks cell buzzed, and he took it from his pocket. "It's Andy," Frank looked at
Danny and Linda, before answering it. "Andy, where are you?" Danny grabbed his father's phone. "If I knew that I wouldn't be calling Grandpa," Andy admitted.
Danny ran a head through his hair frustrated, them again at least she appeared to be in good spirits. "I think I'm somewhere on the 14th floor," Andy
continued, knowing he didn't especially care for her attitude, but at the moment she was a little concerned about getting out of there, and fast. "Tell her to find
the nearest panel and kick it open," Frank looked at Danny. Danny relayed the message, and the three located the nearest panel. "Okay we found one," Andy
handed Sean the phone so she and Jack could use all the strength they could muster to bust it through. Frank and Danny located the banging sound and stood
close to the panel. "Sean, tell them to stop," Danny remained on the line. "Grandpa and I are going to take it off." Danny handed the Linda the phone, to keep
in contact with them, and was just about to climb up the ladder, when the panel flew open, just inches from hitting him in the head. "Looking for us," Andy hung
upside down out of the unit. "Just get out of there," Danny pulled her out of the unit, and handed her to Frank, who set her firmly on the ground before
proceeding with Jack and Sean. "My babies," Linda wrapped them all in a hug. "Were fine Mom," Sean smiled. "Yeah it was actually kind of fun," Andy admitted.
"They are definitely Reagan's," Danny had one arm draped across Linda, and the other one around Andy. "I may never use another elevator again," Jack pulled
himself away from Frank just long enough to speak up. I can't wait for school to start again," Linda admitted thinking of all the stress they had being going
through since the kids had been let out for winter break.
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The following day was New Year's Eve, and Andy thought it might be a good idea to try and convince her father to be a bit generous, them going into a New
Year and all. "You know Dad, I was thinking. I think we should start this New Year out by you un-grounding us," Andy was being so serious, Danny was finding
it hard not to bust our laughing. "I mean do we really want to go into the New Year with a grounding sentence hanging over our heads?" "Maybe you can have
that feeling next New Year," Danny gave her a half-smile. "Because it isn't going to happen this year." "Awe, come on Dad," Andy complained. "I'm not going to
discuss this with you Andy," Danny walked through the house, followed closely by his daughter. "You could have really hurt yourself," that was an even bigger
issue than them ramming the sled into the wall. "Are you sure you don't want to reconsider?" Andy tried. "We did after all have a very trying day yesterday,"
Andy tried the elevator incident, hoping it would help her cause. "I understand that Andy, but it's not like I punished you for leaving the elevator, and climbing
God knows where in the ceiling, when you should have just stayed put," Danny found himself repeating the same lecture he gave all three of them after
getting them safe at home. Thinking of how much they could have gotten hurt up there, and absolutely no one would be around to help them. Then again he
had to admit they were trying to help get themselves out of trouble, they were Reagan's after all. "I know," Andy was beginning to think she should just quit
while she was ahead, before Danny decided to change his mind, regarding the elevator exploration. "Besides, your New Years is going to be fun. We are still
taking you out to watch fireworks from the roof of 1PP," Danny chuckled, smiling at her. "I know," Andy smiled. "And I'm looking forward to it," Andy admitted.
Never remembering able to do some thing as cool as being on top of one of the most prestigious buildings in New York to watch fireworks, at least she thought
it was one of the most prestigious. "I'm glad you are looking forward to it," Danny couldn't help but admit it. "Its one of the highlights of the year for the family,
and I am thrilled that you get to take part in these traditions." "What are we going to do," Andy asked wondering? "Everyone's packing ice chests, and were
going to have a picnic while we watch the fireworks," Danny told her of the usual plan. "How cold is it going to be tonight?" Andy was trying to figure out what
she needed to wear. "It's supposed to be pretty cold tonight," Danny remembered checking the temp on his phone earlier that day. "NYPD hoodie," Andy
guessed. "That would be very fitting, due to where we are going to be," Danny headed outside to get a few things out of his car, so he could make room for
everything they were going to have to bring that night. "You three need to go lay down for a nap," Linda stepped in front of the TV a few minutes later to get
their attention. "Awe Mom," Andy complained. "We were watching that," Jack complained. "Besides, were much too old for naps," Sean voiced his opinion. "I'm
sorry guys, but were going to have a late night tonight, with all of you staying up way past your bedtime," Linda wasn't willing to back down from her decision.
"Yeah but," Andy started but Linda interrupted. "You don't have to go at all," Linda interrupted. "And you can bring the New Year in, in bed, if you continue to
argue with me." "You know we have stayed up late before," Andy admitted. "Listen to your mother," Danny walked through the door amidst their conversation.
"Yes Sir," Andy, Jack and Sean trudged up the stairs before they found themselves forbidden to go all together.
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It was about 9:00 pm when the Reagan family settled on the roof of 1PP. They had lawn chairs, picnic blankets, and snacks all set up. As usual, before Danny or
Linda even thought about getting comfortable, they pointed out the boundary lines, so the kids would know how far they were allowed to go, before they
thought it was dangerous, considering they were on the roof of a very tall building. Sure they had the surrounding barriers around the roof, but that didn't
keep them from laying down a few rules anyway, Danny especially knowing how dangerous, and fast accidents could happen. "Alright you three listen up,"
Danny looked at Andy, Jack and Sean seriously. "Any of you step even a foot past the designated area we pointed out to you. Then I will be taking you down to
Grandpas office. And I think you know what that means," Danny said firmly. "Yes Sir," the boys were quick to reply, already knowing the boundaries and
consequences for disobeying, having been up on the roof to celebrate past New Year's. "But don't you think it would be really cool, to look down below at all
the people stopping to look up in the sky?" Andy couldn't help but ask. "Perhaps," Danny nodded. "But I don't especially like heights. So unless you want to
start out the New Year, without being able to sit until the following New Year, I would highly suggest you respect the boundaries. "Yes Sir," Andy mumbled,
getting the feeling she didn't have a choice. "Good," Danny smiled at her. "Now go have fun." "You know I really don't miss those days of having to threaten or
discipline my kids," Frank mentioned at hearing his sons warning. "Neither do we Dad," Jamie was quick to reply. "Especially me," Danny spoke up joining in on
the conversation after leaving the kids to do what they wanted before the fireworks started. They had been watching the fireworks for several hours, and most
of them were having a good time, at least aside from Andy, who had been warned three times so far, about going past the line, and she needed to start paying
attention to what she was doing. Sure she knew she needed to start paying attention, but that didn't keep her from being overcome by temptation, and saying
the heck with the line, as she walked over to the edge and peered over. Just when she thought no one was watching her, Andy placed her hands on the barrier
and looked down. She was about to back away, when she felt a firm hand squeeze her shoulder. Andy turned and looked at her captor, it was no other than
her father. "Uh oh," was all Andy could think of to say. "That's very fitting for you to say," Danny pulled her away from the roof. "Happy New Year everybody!"
Andy could feel herself being drug off the roof and down the stairs. "We're going to be a little busy!"
I'm ending this story, because for the next several things I have planned, I think I'm going to need an excessive amount of chapters. And I usually don't like my stories to exceed over 15 chapters. I have been wanting to include Linda's family in one of the chapters, but I needed to be able to re-watch the season 1 episode. I let someone borrow my DVDs of that season, and I just now have been able to get Netflix working good without stopping every few seconds due to bad connection. Anyways I'm finally going to get to re-watch the episode with Linda's family. I'm not a hundred percent sure of the title for story 4, so if you are interested in reading it, you may want to follow me.
Several reviewers have mentioned to me about writing another story with Danny being a single father to a little baby/toddler. I have considered it, and am willing to give it a try. It would be called "Best Mistake I Ever Made." Let me know if you are interested in reading it, and I will try to work on it.
Also, I could use a little support. I really enjoy writing these stories, but it starts to get a little difficult after awhile. So please review or leave me a message of support and I will do my best to continue.
Anyways, Happy New Year Everyone and Thanks again for all the follows, favorites, and reviews... JusticeStandsTRUE