AN: I know it has been a long long time. A few weeks ago I finally was able to rewatch Major Crimes again. I began by rewatching the Closer and then I realised how much I missed my favourite couple. As I was adamant to first rewatch all seasons of the Closer. I began reading some of my own fanfic to get the feeling back for Shandy and to my surprise I noticed there were people who reviewed this fic like this year.
I believed no one was really reading anymore. So I guess I forgot all about it. I haven't been writing Shandy much as well. I also forgot how I loved this universe I created for myself.
And maybe it was also the reviewer who was a bit free in sharing ones opinion to where this fic should be heading. I guess that is why the updates which had been more frequent for this part than other parts just stopped. Although I love reading what you think about my fic, I am quite sensitive to it as well. While I really should be thinking, this is my story and I am seeing the bigger picture as to where this story is heading in future chapters. So the decisions I am making for this story now, might not make a lot of sense for some readers atm, but they would reading later parts. And then I again think why am I explaining? This is my story and if people don't like where it is heading, or do not trust the decisions I am making, they should just stop reading.
So that said. Here is an update. I have no idea if people are still reading. I would love it if you would let me know. And otherwise I am just keeping to my promise, that I would complete each part that I uploaded here and that who wanted the happy ending, will get the happy ending by the end of this part.
I still don't know if I will be uploading the parts after this. As then it will take quite a while before there will be another happy ending. I have not written most of those parts and I am still trying to get back to writing.
That said I am ending with the disclaimer that these are not my characters, that I am just playing with them. Although some are mine of course, like Cohen and good old Zygerski. And Sandra was mines way before mister D. came up with the idea to call Andy's ex Sandra, so...
Chapter seven
Every now and then Andy's eyes glanced over towards Sharon. His concern for her grew by the hour. She looked pale, it wasn't just her fair complexion. She looked dead pale at moments. Like the other day when her former classmates were killed. Sharon blamed it on the latest events. The same reason why she had hardly touched her breakfast this morning. She was very sensitive and it was obvious she was taking it hard, but there was another tiny voice nagging at him, telling him there was more to it.
Sharon stood with her arms crossed, staring at the evidence on the board, hearing their Commander talk about the ballistics report. A dizzy spell combined with a turn of her stomach, making her feel unstable. Sharon didn't want anyone to notice, especially not Andy, who was already sending her these worried glances. Her hand sought out her desk, allowing herself to lean into it. She hoped Andy hadn't noticed. He would only worry unnecessary. It were the events of the last days. She had actually known these officers. They were close to her age. So young still, far too young for their lives to be ended. They had still a whole life ahead of them, which was now cut short by one psychopath.
It was the same guy, who did the shooting at the bar. Ballistics showed the casings found at both crime scenes were the same. They came from a Accuracy International Arctic Warfare riffle, used by sharp shooters. She'd been right about it being a sharp shooter.
Whoever it was, it became more than clear he targeted cops. First positioning himself at a cop's bar and now he'd lured them to that alley. Officers Petry and Foster had radioed in, responding to an apparently fake distress call. They'd been the nearest.
Andy realized it could have been them, if Sharon and he hadn't been inside the shop. He glanced over at Sharon, knowing she would come to that realisation as well. She leaned against her desk. Sharon caught his stare, she forced a smile, telling him he shouldn't worry so much. He sighed, Andy had to be careful, so he wouldn't smother her with his worries. Was it so strange for her to react to this all? Sometimes he seemed to forget how relatively short she was working as a police officer. Yes, she dealt with murder victims on a regular bases, but those hadn't been her colleagues and these were.
This guy had waited for them to get out of the car, walk into that alley. He had waited, taken his time. They hadn't even realized the danger awaiting them. Officer Foster had been killed the moment the bullet made impact. Travelling a fast way to his heart, making it stop. Officer Petry hit in his stomach. It didn't make any sense. His aim was perfect. Why shoot the second one in the stomach? Sharon could only come up with one answer and that made her reel. He liked the hunt. It added to the thrill. Officer Petry had stumbled back to the patrol car, probably crawled. This guy had more than enough time to shoot Petry, he hadn't though. He had watched him crawl to the car, radio in for help. Even after that, he had waited. Probably needed the time to come from the roof.
Took his time after, shooting Petry execution style. Everything made it seem like open season had just been opened on the LAPD. While they were hunting down the shooter, he was hunting them.
There was no reason to believe he'd stop, which raised a new question, why was he targetting the police? They would have to try to find the answer to that question in order to get on his track.
"Tech found blood, tests, show out it was the shooters. Elliot must have hit him, even from great distance."
Sharon felt all eyes on her. The nods that came her way, showing her respect. Even the ones who really disliked her. A weak smile showed how uncomfortable she was with the situation.
"We're keeping an eye out for everyone who needs medical attention."
Hamilton kept from them, there wasn't a huge amount of blood what they'd found. He wanted to give them hope, keep them fired up with adrenaline. Elliot might have shot him in his leg, or the bullet grazed it. They hadn't found the bullet though.
Sharon didn't believe her bullet had hit him in the leg. One moment he'd been there, the other moment he was gone. Like the first time, only this time it had been broad daylight. She could sense it among the others. Had there been anger and frustration before, there was a certain kind of nervosity as well. Would they have to worry each time they were called out? Worry about this guy waiting for them, making them his prey.
Her stomach turned again at the thought. Not the first time today either. Andy was such a sweet caring man. Hardly getting the sleep she needed during the night, he'd let her sleep a bit longer. The nightmares were haunting her every night, even more frequent, than ever before. Andy woke up every time because of her screams, or the way she tossed around in the bed. Still he kept sleeping in the same bed. Made her breakfast, so she could sleep a little longer. That's what made her feel bad this morning. Her stomach had turned the moment she'd entered the kitchen. Feeling like she had to throw up, as he put her plate in front of her. A stomach bug was the last thing she'd need. The last few days it felt like she was coming down with the flu. Not the best of moments. She wasn't sure how long she could keep how bad she was actually feeling from Andy . He was watching her like a hawk and he'd probably make her stay at home. She didn't want him to go out on the streets alone though. He shouldn't be without back up as long as that psychopath was hunting them. The flu wasn't some life threatening disease, she just had to pull herself together for Andy.
SISISISISISSISISISISISISIISISISISISISISISISIS
Nigel Hammond believed that with his fast departure earlier, that would be the last of Flynn for a while, but now he was standing in front of him again and he'd brought that horrible tax lady with him as well.
"Why did you bring her again?"
Sharon crossed her arms in front of her chest. Andy smiled.
"After what happened, I rather not leave her in the car alone."
It was the truth. Sharon had offered to stay in the car, but he wouldn't let her, not with that psycho on the loose.
"She's very precious to me."
Andy winked at Nigel and Sharon resisted the urge to roll her eyes. At least her nausea had subsided, after a few cups of tea and some crackers. Sharon decided to walk around a bit, pretending to check out Hammond's inventory, knowing that would make him more nervous.
Nigel looked anxious at Andy
"Okay hurry up with your questions so you can get her out of here. "
"I'm looking for someone who bought a Accuracy International Arctic Warfare."
"Hey I'm not in that business anymore."
"Are you absolutely sure, Nigel? Cops were shot with that riffle."
"I'm not."
"Lots of angry cops out there…"
"I swear."
"Good because that psycho fired at me as well."
Andy squinted his eyes.
"I'm sure you know who's still in the business. "
"I wouldn't…"
"You do realize she'll clean you out. I'll tell you my man, she doesn't like you very much. She loves to dig into your finances and catch you on the tiniest mistakes. If you're unlucky it could even mean jail time."
Nigel's eyes widened.
"And you bring her here?"
"Hey I'm doing you a favor, coming with her. Now if you help me, I'll help you. I need names and addresses, Nigel."
The man sighed, taking a piece of paper, scribbling down on it.
"Thanks."
"You didn't hear it from me. "
"Did not hear you say a word, Nigel."
"Now would you please get her out of my shop, she gets on my nerves. "
Andy laughed, turning to walk to Sharon.
"Come on, hon, time to go."
They walked to the car.
" 'Hon'? Really?"
"I call you 'hon' all the time. "
"And 'she's very precious to me, wink'. "
"Come on, I was just playing a part. "
Sharon looked outside. At first he believed she was joking, but he was pretty sure she was serious now.
"We should report him to the income tax bureau."
"What? Why?"
"Because he's breaking the law."
"Come on, Sharon, he's a small fish, he gave us the information we needed. "
"That shouldn't make any difference."
She was dead serious. Sharon only believed in black and white, not grey's.
"We need informants like Nigel, that means we sometimes need to look the other way."
Sharon rolled her eyes and looked back out of the window again.
SISISISISISISIISISISIISISISISIIS
The drive back to the station had been in silence. They had to report back to their couldn't decide they'd follow these leads on their own. Andy was still surprised about how sudden Sharon's mood had changed. He grimaced as he made the wrong move getting out of the car.
Hearing his grunt, Sharon turned towards him, seeing how Andy touched his ribs.
"Are you okay?"
Her voice was soft,. She walked around the car, touching his shoulder, as she stopped at his side. Andy saw the worry in her eyes, her bad mood from before, away now. He smiled.
"I'm fine, hon."
"You don't look fine, Andy Flynn."
Gosh the mood seemed back again.
"Hey that's exactly what you always say."
Sharon squinted her eyes, a look he'd seen her give suspects before, but directed towards him it was quite intimidating.
"It'll go away in a few days."
"It better be, or you will go to the doctor."
"You'd almost say you were promoted again being this bossy with me."
Sharon raised her eyebrow. He wondered whether he was heading towards an argument.
"Hey… I like you, bossy."
"Really, Andy?" She turned and headed towards the elevator. Guess that wasn't the right thing to say either today. She was a bit touchy, he hoped it would pass before they'd get home.
Hamilton looked at his two Detectives, Flynn desperately hoping Elliot would return his glances towards her. Elliot who decided to ignore and kept focused on his desk or whatever. He wondered what Flynn had done to get that reaction from her.
"So how did it go?"
"We went to see Hammond, one of my contacts. Gave me a list with the ones who were still able to get their hands on the riffle we're looking for."
"That could be helpful. How did you get Hammond to write you such a detailed list?"
"Let's say he was scared to death of Sharon."
Hamilton saw Andy smile at her again, but there was still no response. Normally she would have at least looked at him, even if it was only for a reprimand. It seemed like there was trouble in paradise. Elliot was angry with Flynn, so he must have done something.
With the shootings there was a huge strain on everyone and they took it home with them. He could imagine that caused tension.
"Well done. Flynn could I talk to you for a moment?"
"Sure."
Andy sounded tentative, but maybe it was for the best at the moment. Sharon could cool off a bit in the mean time, at least he hoped she would.
Hamilton waited until Andy had closed the door, before hinting in it's direction.
"Everything okay with Elliot?"
""You've noticed she's a bit paler than normal as well."
Hamilton frowned his eyebrows. "Well, I was more hinting at the silent treatment she was giving you just now… so what did you do?"
"Why is it something I did?!"
Hamilton cocked his eyebrow. "One advice don't take the stress of events home. I get you worry about her, but… she's just as much a cop as you are. She had the same training…."
"I know, I haven't been smothering about that. I'm sure she's just as worried about me, as I am about her."
"Okay, if that wasn't it, then what was this silent treatment I witnessed just now. "
"Maybe she's just a bit irritable…"
"Hm, take her home early tonight, relax a bit. This of all times is not the time to argue with one another."
Andy hoped this was just a phase, caused by the stress, lack of sleep, whatever. In the mean time he would just have to learn to not be such a moron.
SISISISISISISISISISISISISISISISI
Sharon took the remote control in her hand, turning on the tv. Since these shootings started, they'd watch the news before dinner, so they would know what to say to their parents. They didn't want them to worry unnecessary. For now they were still random murders, for anyone who wasn't part of the LAPD.
Andy stirred the soup he was making. Sharon wasn't biting his head off anymore, but it still felt like he was threading on thin ice. He heard her turn on the tv for the news, putting the remote control on the table. Hopefully she'd eat a bit more than this morning, but he had also made some soup in case she wasn't hungry enough to eat a big meal.
He smiled as he suddenly felt two arms wrapped around his waist. She held on tight, resting her head against his shoulder blade. Andy covered her hands with his. His thumb gently stroking the back of her hand.
"Hungry?"
"Yes, in fact I am. So I hope there's more than this, delicious looking soup."
Andy smiled, because of the upbeat in her voice. He was very glad that her little thunder cloud had disappeared.
"There's a roast in the oven."
"I'm such a lucky lady."
Andy turned around, taking her face in his hands. "I'm the lucky one." Andy bended into give her a kiss, pulling apart as they heard the news.
'LAPD now hunted by the cop killer.'
Great that was the last thing they wanted. They had looked forward to a quiet evening at home, not calling their parents and trying to reassure them.
"That's just great." Andy sighed.
"You call your parents first. Mine are probably out this hour. Is there still time for me to take a shower before dinner's ready.?"
"A quick one."
Sharon smiled giving him a quick peck on the lips. "Call your mother…"
Andy smiled looking at her until she was out of sight.
"Mom, hi, just calling, so you won't be surprised by any news that might come your way."
"What did you do?"
"Nothing, why does everyone simply assume that?"
"Because we know you, Andrew Flynn. Tell me what's happened."
"Nothing big, nothing at all, really. "
"Quit talking around it , Andy, just tell me."
" Some guy has shot four cops, but no worries I'll look after myself."
"It has to be bad, or you hadn't called me."
"Sharon told me to call."
"Sensible young woman."
Andy smiled as he knew his mother already adored Sharon, although they hadn't even met yet.
"You look after her too, Andy."
"Of course I do. We'll be fine. We'll have our backs. "
Francesca knew Sharon had her son's back. Ended up shot once, in the hospital for weeks in a critical condition.
"We'll keep you both in our thoughts."
Andy was shortly distracted, as Sharon walked back into the room only wearing one of his shirts, her hair still wet, curling on her shoulders.
"Andy?"
"Sorry mom I got distracted. "
Sharon shook her head at him, the corner of her mouth curving upwards, before she walked to the kitchen to check on the roast.
"The one time in weeks you talk to your dear old mother and you get distracted. "
"Mom…" He dragged out the word.
"Tell your momma, I said 'hi'…"
"Sharon says 'hi'. "
"I see that's what got you distracted."
"Mom."
Sharon smiled as Andy was blushing.
"When will you finally bring her over to meet us, Andy? I mean you're already living together."
"No mom, we're not living together."
That got Sharon's attention, popping her head back up from looking into the oven.
"Don't tell me you send her home after dinner. Especially not now. "
"Of course I don't send her home mom. What do you think I am? Sharon does stay the night."
Now it was Sharon's turn to stand nailed to the ground.
"She stays the night, but you're not living together. What is it with you? At first you were not in love with her, although you were and now you're not living with her, although you are. Bring her home soon, Andy. I really like to meet my daughter in law. "
"She's not…"
"You're in love, you're living together, she's amazing for my son, so she's my daughter in law. Now get back to her, send her my love, and you both be careful."
"We will, mom. Give my love to everyone."
Andy walked towards Sharon, helping her get the dishes.
"Is everyone, well?"
"Hm-mm… They would like to meet you."
He carefully gauged her reaction. Andy still wasn't sure what pressuring was and what wasn't
"I would like to meet them too."
She tried to hide her nervosity with a big smile. It wasn't that she didn't want to meet his family. They were in a serious relationship, it would only be normal. Didn't change the fact that the prospect was quite intimidating. She didn't have any siblings. Jack only had one brother as well. Sharon simply wasn't used to it. She wasn't sure whether Andy noticed it or not, but he hugged her anyway and she loved to feel his broad chest, his strong arms around her.
