A/N: Hi All, The kidnapping might be over but that doesn't mean this story arc is over - and I swear these updates are getting longer. LOL. Enjoy.

Chapter 23: The Lingering Affects

Jamie sits in the car waiting as he watches Mia walk up the steps and into the school building but once she disappears from view, he just continues to sit there staring off into nothingness as all the events of yesterday replay in his mind.

He's startled back to reality when his phone rings. He pulls it out to see 'Dad' flash on the screen so he takes a deep cleansing breath and tries to shake away any emotion from his voice "Hey Dad." He greets as nonchalantly as he can.

"Hi Son." Frank returns "Thought I would check in this morning."

"We're good." Jamie promises "Eddie's okay. We'll likely go home this morning."

"That's good."

Silence.

"I would have come to the hospital last night…" Frank begins "But…"

"I know." Jamie interrupts "But you're the Commissioner and…"

"That draws attention." Frank finishes "I figured Eddie didn't need that."

"You're right." Jamie agrees "So thank you."

"But if there is anything you and Eddie need…"

"I know who to call." Jamie finishes.

"Good." Frank accepts.

More silence.

"Jamie?" Frank suddenly inquires.

"Yeah Dad?"

"They're okay." Frank reiterates "Focus on that and not the what ifs."

Jamie can't help but let out a little scoff of a laugh "Easier said then done."

"I know." Frank admits "Believe me I know but you gotta try."

"I will. Thanks Dad."

"Take care son. Give Eddie my best."

"Will do. Bye."

"Bye."

Hanging up the phone, Jamie sighs They are okay… he repeats in his mind as he starts the car and heads back in the direction of the hospital.

…..

"And that's all you remember?" Maria softly prompts from the chair next to Eddie's bed as Danny stands off to the side just listening.

Eddie nods her head and shrugs "After that the next thing I remember is waking up with Jamie in front of me."

"Okay." Maria accepts as she flips her notebook closed and looks up at her partner "I'm just going to head in and start on the paperwork. I assume you're going to hang here for a bit?"

Danny nods "At least until Jamie gets back. I'm not leaving her alone. I just got him to forgive me."

"Yeah don't want a repeat of that." Maria notes as she stands.

"Nope." Danny agrees.

Maria turns to leave but Eddie stops her "You sure you don't want to take a slice of pizza or something with you?"

"I'm good." Maria laughs as she starts for the door "I'll check in with you later." She promises before exiting leaving Eddie and Danny alone for the first time since everything went down.

"I don't need a babysitter." Eddie states.

"I know." Danny agrees.

Silence.

"So?" Eddie prompts.

"So, it's like I said. I'm not leaving until Jamie gets back." Danny repeats.

Eddie rolls her eyes "Have it your way." She relents knowing there is no point in arguing "You want some pizza? It's cold now but it's still good. I've never really minded cold pizza it's…"

"I'm sorry Eddie." Danny suddenly interrupts "I…I just…words can't even begin to…"

"Danny…" Eddie sighs "It's okay."

"But it's not okay." Danny emphatically rejects "I just listened to you recount everything that happened to you and nothing about that is okay!"

"So what? We should dwell on it?" Eddie tosses back "It's over. Let's move on."

Danny eyes his sister in law "You know sometimes victims…"

"Oh is that what I am?" Eddie challenges "A victim?"

"Um. Yeah."

"Danny, I'm a cop." Eddie reminds him "And it's not the first time I've been kidnapped either. At least this time they didn't use that dreadful duct tape." She notes "You know how long it took to get that out of my hair last time? I almost had to cut it off. You sure you don't want pizza or anything else here?"

"I'm good." Danny reassures her.

Eddie shrugs "Suit yourself." She accepts before picking up a slice and taking a bite.

Just then a nurse enters the room "Sorry to interrupt." She apologizes "I just need to check your vitals."

Danny nods in understanding "I'll just step outside."

Danny walks out the door and blows out a breath of air just as Jamie walks up.

"What's wrong?" Jamie prompts in concern "Why are you standing out here?"

"Nurse is taking her vitals." Danny explains.

"Oh." Jamie accepts in slight relief "How'd it go?"

"Fine." Danny unconvincingly replies.

Jamie eyes his brother "But?" he prompts.

Not wanting to overstep, Danny struggles with what to say which just causes Jamie to grow impatient

"Danny just spit it out."

"I think she's in denial Jamie." Danny slowly admits.

"It's not denial." Jamie disagrees.

"Jamie she's acting like nothing happened."

"I know."

"So?" Danny prompts.

"So what?" Jamie defensively counters.

"Jamie she..."

"Danny, I know my wife. She's not going to breakdown in a hospital room with people constantly traipsing through. It's not who she is."

"Oh."

"But thank you for your concern." Jamie notes "I have it covered. Now please get back to work. I want to see that report as soon as its finished."

"Um…" Danny rejects "Can't."

"Excuse me?" Jamie challenges.

"Please don't shoot the messenger but I have orders to skip you and send it straight to Gormley." Danny reveals "That whole conflict of interest thing and all."

Jamie's eyes narrow in unhappiness "Well then they should have thought about that before making me your boss. I want that report Detective. Don't make me ask again."

"Sorry Kid." Danny rejects "Only following what you would do if you were in my shoes - by the book, by the chain of command and Gormley outranks you."

Jamie narrows his eyes at his brother.

Danny shrugs "You want to jump Gormley and get Dad to call me and tell me I can get you that report, I'll hand it to you myself but until then, no can do."

Jamie stares at his brother another moment in silence then simply turns and heads inside his wife's room.

"Didn't think so." Danny mutters before turning to walk away.

….

Unlocking the door to their apartment, Jamie opens the door and let's Eddie walk in first. He eyes her gauging her mood. From the second they left the hospital and got in the car Eddie had suddenly turned silent. He knew this was when she was finally starting to process everything so he just let her be. If she didn't talk, he didn't talk but he knew, she knew, he was there if she needed him. "You want something to eat or something to drink?" He finally inquires "How about some tea?"

Eddie shakes her head "No I'm good. I'm ah… I think I'm just going to go take a shower and have a nap."

Jamie nods his head in acceptance and watches his wife disappear from view giving her her space but he doesn't stray far from the archway listening for clues as to how she's doing. He hears her moving around in the bedroom then into the bathroom. He hears the shower start, he hears the shower stop. He hears her move from the bathroom back to the bedroom and then a minute or so later – nothing but silence.

That's the cue he was listening for so Jamie walks into the entrance to the bedroom to see his wife showered and dressed in her comfy clothes but just sitting on the edge of their bed staring down at Mia's necklace in her hands "Eddie?" he gently prompts.

Looking up at the sound of his voice, Eddie's eyes start to glaze over with tears.

Knowing this is the moment she is finally ready to let it all out, Jamie simply walks over to sit down next to her and take her into his arms.

Being safe at home and feeling her husband's arms around her, Eddie finally let's the tears flow and the emotion pour out of her.

"You're okay." Jamie promises "I'm here and I'm not going anywhere."

…..

Having moved onto the bed so they are half sitting / laying against the pillows and the headboard, Jamie has his arms wrapped around his wife and her head is resting on his chest.

"Jamie?" Eddie quietly questions.

"Hey I thought you were asleep." Jamie gently replies.

"I was." Eddie replies "Do we know why?"

"Why what?"

Eddie slowly sits up to look at her husband "Why did they wanted Danny?"

"Honestly? No." Jamie replies with a frown "Apparently I'm not allowed to see the report. Conflict of interest."

"Oh." Eddie replies a moment in thought before she lays back down against her husband.

Silence.

"Can I talk to my best friend for a second and not my husband?" Eddie tentatively inquires.

"O…kay." Jamie slowly accepts.

"I only say that because I don't want my husband to go all caveman."

Eddie feels Jamie take in a deep breath of air.

"O…kay." Jamie repeats again.

"We're cops Jamie…" Eddie begins "We've seen a lot out there in the streets and been in some really tough situations where our lives have been on the line but when I was sitting there tied to that chair and… and he… he struck me across the face..."

Eddie feels Jamie tense up.

"The fear that entered by body was worse than anything else I've ever felt before. It was worse than falling down a flight of stairs after getting shot in the vest or watching a hitman fire at you through a car window because…because all I could think about was our Baby. I was sitting there tied to a chair and… and at their mercy. There was nothing I would have been able to do if…if…"

"I know Eddie." Jamie admits as he holds onto his wife a little tighter "I know because I felt the same way. You were out there. The both of you and I didn't know where but I knew something was wrong."

Eddie moves away from her husband to look up at his face in surprise "You did?"

Jamie nods "I didn't hear a voice like you did." He explains "But something in my gut told me something was wrong. It was this feeling I just couldn't shake."

Eddie just stares at her husband a moment then just moves back into his embrace for no more words were needed – they both got it.

Suddenly Jamie's cell phone dings with a message.

He reaches over to his nightstand to grab it and read. A moment later he moves his arm that is still wrapped around Eddie out from under her so he can use both his hands to reply to the message. He hits send.

A moment later his phone dings again.

Again he replies.

Ding.

Reply.

Ding.

Reply.

Ding.

Jamie laughs a little and nods his head up and down in approval as he types out yet another reply.

"Okay who are you messaging already?" Eddie inquires in slight annoyance.

"Sorry can't tell you." Jamie states.

"What? Why?"

"I've been asked not to." Jamie replies.

"So you're going to sit there having a secret texting session right in front of your pregnant emotional wife?" Eddie challenges "You really think that's a wise decision to be making right now?"

Jamie rolls his eyes "Fine it's Mia but that's all your getting okay – geez what did you think I was having a secret affair or something?"

"Jamie Reagan how could you!" Eddie over dramatically cries in fake despair "I thought you loved me!"

"Oh. no." Jamie very undramatically states in a flat monotone but almost staccato rhythmic voice "How did you – ever - figure it out - I tried to - hide it - so well - by texting - right - in front - of you."

Eddie can't help but laugh at his deliberate bad acting "Come on what did she say?"

"Nope." Jamie rejects "Can't. It's a surprise and she'll have my head if she ever found out that I even told you that much so you better have my back and act 100% completely and totally surprised."

"Surprised about what?" Eddie counters "I still know nothing!"

"Excellent answer." Jamie commends in approval "Keep that up."

Silence.

"Come on!" Eddie whines as she turns on the charm and gives her husband her most sweetest, I'm the cutest and you love me puppy dog face "Just a little hint."

"Oh no, no, no!" Jamie immediately rejects as he moves to get off the bed and move away from his wife "That look is NOT going to work this time."

"Hmph." Eddie pouts as she unhappily crosses her arms in a huff "Way to make your pregnant wife unhappy and stressed after spending the night in the hospital because she was kidnapped, stuffed in a trunk and tied to a chair!"

Jamie purses his lips together and shakes his head at his wife "Wow. That's really laying it on thick there isn't it?"

Eddie smiles and shrugs "But it's working isn't it." She sweetly challenges.

"Fine." Jamie final relents "You want a hint? Here's your hint – you are going to love it otherwise I never would have agreed to it okay? So there. Can you just please…" he pleads "…PLEASE let this go for now?"

Eddie eyes her husband in thought "Well now I'm intrigued." She admits.

"Good." Jamie accepts "You be intrigued and I'm going to go… do something."

"Ooooo is it for my surprise?" Eddie giddily presses.

"It's not." Jamie replies as he heads out of the room but Eddie doesn't believe him.

"It is!" Eddie happily calls after him.

"IT'S REALLY NOT!" Jamie calls back and a few minutes later Eddie hears the blender going.

"Oh he's making his smoothie." She flatly deduces before looking up a moment as if pondering something then the next second she looks down at her stomach "Really? THAT'S what you want? Ugh you are sooo his kid." She groans as she climbs off the bed and heads to the kitchen.

Standing in the kitchen, Jamie is removing the lid off the blender and about to pour his green smoothie into a glass when Eddie walks up and stands beside him "See told you it wasn't for you." Jamie states without even looking at her.

Eddie heavily sighs then reaches her hand up to the cupboard above them and pulls out a second glass. She places it next to his glass.

Jamie looks at the glass then up at his wife "You want some?" he questions in surprise.

"Your Kid wants some." Eddie flatly corrects.

A big grin breaks out onto Jamie's face as he happily begins to pour smoothie into both glasses.

"Oh wipe that smirk off your face." Eddie mumbles.

"Couldn't even I wanted too." Jamie quips before looking down in the direction of his wife's stomach "Way to go baby!" he boasts in approval "Together we can get Mommy eating healthy!"

"Yeah yeah." Eddie grumbles as she swipes the glass up and brings it to her lips to take a test drink.

She lowers the glass and ponders the taste in her mouth before swallowing "Not bad." She admits before raising the glass to take another drink.

"You want this one too?" Jamie questions as he slides his glass over to her "I can make more."

Eddie slightly shrugs as she picks up his glass and dumps his contents into her glass "Sure." She accepts before picking her glass up again and heading to sit on the couch "Better make a double batch from now on." She instructs.

"I can do that." Jamie easily agrees.

"Can you add pineapple though?" Eddie questions "It needs pineapple."

"I can pick up a pineapple."

"Great." Eddie accepts before taking another drink "Why couldn't it have been ribs or french fries or something." She mutters in defeat before her eyes go wide "Ohhhh you know what would be really good? French fries dipped in a smoothie! Jamie! Get me some french fries!"

From the kitchen, Jamie tries not to barf at the image of those foods together "Oh God..."

…..

There is a knock on the apartment door.

"You better get that." Jamie instructs from the kitchen "It's for you."

From the couch, Eddie eyes her husband then her eyes light up "Oh is this my surprise?"

Jamie shrugs "Answer the door and find out."

Eddie gets up and heads for the door. She swings it open to see Rosa and Mia on the other side both sporting matching pig tail hairstyles and dressed in what looks like pajamas under their coats. They are loaded down with overnight bags, a couple of pillows and a blanket and tucked under Mia's arm is of course, Miss Minnie.

"Hi Aunt Eddie!" Mia sings as Jamie walks out of the kitchen to look "Guess what?"

A smile can't help but curve up onto Eddie's face "What?"

"WE'RE HAVING A SLEEP OVER!" Mia giddily exclaims "We gonna watch movies and eat and you get to sit on the couch and… and…" But Mia's voice trails off as she looks up at her mother for help.

"And relax…" Rosa continues "And let Mia and I wait on you hand and foot."

"Oh." Eddie breathes out in surprise "Wow."

"YUP!" Mia sings as she walks inside, drops everything in her hands with a thud then picks up the pillow, blanket and Miss Minnie. Mia then picks up Eddie's hand and leads her to the couch "Okay sit." She instructs as she places the pillow on the couch and fluffs it a few times.

"Wait what's that smell?" Eddie suddenly questions as Jamie heads back in the kitchen.

"OH!" Mia remembers as she runs back to her pile of items before fishing out a little brown takeout bag at the same time Jamie walks out of the kitchen with a glass of smoothie. Mia runs back over to Eddie and holds the bag out to her "Uncle Jamie said you requested these!"

Curious, Eddie takes the bag, opens it up and shrieks a little in delight at the sight of french fries.

Jamie clears his throat and holds the glass in his hands out to his wife.

A thousand watt grin appears on Eddie's face as she swipes the glass into her hand then plops herself down on the couch.

Mia watches in horror as Eddie picks up a french fry, dips it in the smoothie and take a big bite.

"EEEEEWWWWWWWW!" The young girl shrieks in disgust causing Rosa to look over in alarm but when she realizes what Mia is grossing out over she breaks out into laughter.

"Oh the cravings have started I see!" Rosa quips as she walks over "Does the taste work for you?" She curiously inquires.

"It's pretty good." Eddie admits as she holds a french fry out to Jamie "Want to try?"

Jamie lifts his hand and waves her off "Nah, I think I'll pass."

"Aunt Eddie!" Mia cries "That's disgusting!"

"You know Mia…" Rosa humorously begins as she picks up the pillow and gestures for Eddie to lean forward so she can put it behind her back "When I was pregnant with you I craved some pretty weird things too."

"You did?" Mia questions as she grabs a throw pillow off the couch and puts it on the coffee table "Feet up please." She instructs Eddie as she pats the pillow.

"Oh I did." Rosa confirms as she picks up a blanket and Eddie puts her feet up "I was sending your Dad out at all hours of the day and night for all kinds of things." She explains in amusement as she looks over at Jamie grinning widely "That was your one freebie." She adds as she points at the french fries Eddie is still dipping and eating "All the rest are on you." She adds before flicking the blanket out "Lift your food please Eddie." She instructs.

Eddie lifts her arms out of the way so Rosa can drape the blanket over her lap.

"Oh I'm aware." Jamie promises as he looks down at his wife to see her happily looking up at him as she dips and eats another french fry.

"Could I have a glass of milk to wash this down please?" Eddie requests.

Again a look of disgust crosses Jamie's face but he shrugs and says "Sure." before turning to head to the kitchen while Rosa chuckles again and reaches for a bag. She opens that bag up and pulls out a smaller make up bag. "Now which color would you prefer for your toes?" She inquires as she pullout out and displays four bottles of nail polish "You have to enjoy your feet now while you can still see them."

Eddie tries to quickly chew and swallow so she can answer "Baby blue please and thank you."

Rosa nods in acceptance then reaches back into the bag and pulls out a magic bag. "Are you interested in this?"

"Oh heck yeah!" Eddie replies.

Rosa hands the magic bag to Mia "Take this to your Uncle please." She instructs "Heat for 2 minutes in the microwave in 30 second intervals." She calls into the kitchen as Mia turns with the bag and heads for the kitchen.

"Got it." Jamie accepts as takes the bag from Mia and hands her a glass of milk "Here take this back to your Aunt."

Mia takes the glass, turns and heads back to the living room.

"You guys this is too much!" Eddie whines as she starts to get a little emotional while taking the milk from Mia "Thank you." She tells the young girl.

"Nonsense." Rosa dismisses "Every expectant mother deserves a little pampering."

"Can we put your hair in pigtails?" Mia eager inquires of Eddie "You HAVE to match us!"

"Yes!" Jamie immediately answers from the kitchen "Because I want to see her hair in pig tails too."

"You've never had pig tails?" Mia question in shock.

"Not since I was about your age." Eddie admits "If I pull my hair back now, its either a ponytail or a bun."

"She's a master at buns." Jamie contributes from the kitchen.

"Was kind of a job requirement." Eddie points out before looking at Mia "And if you want to be a police officer you'll need to get used to wearing a bun too."

Mia's face scrunches up "But you don't wear a bun now."

"No, not now as a Detective but I had to when I was a patrol officer."

"I'll be a Detective then." Mia decides.

"Sorry sweetie, you can't start as a Detective." Eddie rejects. "You'll have to start in the academy and you must wear a bun there."

Mia pouts causing Eddie to laugh "Come here, let me put your hair in a bun."

Mia crosses her arms "Only if I can put yours in pig tails!"

"That is a fair trade." Rosa points out with a laugh.

"Alright." Jamie suddenly states as he heads for the door "You three have fun." he adds as he grabs his jacket and keys.

"Where are you going?" Eddie questions confused.

"I'm going to head into the 5-4. I have some paperwork I need to finish."

"Now?" Eddie questions.

Jamie nods "Sorry."

"Oh. Okay." Eddie accepts.

Jamie flashes her a smile then looks at all three women "Don't do anything I wouldn't do!" he quips before disappearing out the door.

For a moment Eddie just stares at the door in thought then shifts her gaze to Rosa "Could you pass me my phone please, it's on the table."

"I got it!" Mia helpfully offers as she runs over, grabs it, then runs back and hands it to Eddie.

Eddie offers her a quick smile "Thank you." She accepts before her smile drops and she concentrates on composing a text message.

….

Danny is just sinking into his seat of his squad car in the garage of the 5-4 when his cell phone dings with a message. He pulls it out to read a message from his sister in law

Jamie on way 2 5-4. Says its 4 paperwork but I'm worried.

Danny heavily sighs as he immediately gets back out of his car composing a reply.

I'm on it. I won't let him do anything stupid. Promise.

E: Thank u

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