So when I was editing this chapter I realized I cut the scene in half. So here's the end of the last chapter and then the new chapter. Thanks to everyone who continues to read this. Thanks to LucifersAlleyCat, patrickpopp, decadenceofmysoul, CaptainCharlieReagan, Taylor Noell Hood, YaleAceBella12, bookworm125, Faithfan2000 (who somehow reviewed the same chapter a week apart I didn't know you could do that), emerybeth, Benskywalker4ever, and the guests Coco and snowflake18540. I appreciate all your kind words. To everyone who has read this in one day, over the span of several days, or just a little at a time. It makes me so happy that so many people like this.

I'm sorry there isn't so much Reagan family in this but sometimes you need to see the other side of the story.

"Anna, this is my boyfriend Cormac Phillips."

"Cormac, huh? Oh wait, he's the cop?" Anna asked, looking at Nicky. The younger girl rolled her eyes, but nodded.

"How'd that go over with your family?" Jim asked.

"Not well. Uncle Danny told me I shouldn't be dating him," Nicky answered.

"Because to him you shouldn't be dating at all?" Anna asked.

"Exactly. But it went better than it will if you introduce them to Jim." Nicky smirked.

"Dad and Uncle Jamie have already met Jim. They just haven't put two and two together yet."

"What's that mean?" Cormac asked.

"He's a um—the feelings are there, the time is not," Anna said.

"You met his family?" Nicky asked.

"As a waitress," Jim answered for her, "my dad told me if she was NYPD, I'd never have kids and my mom told me never date a girl who carried a gun."

"They don't know how well you shoot, do they?" Nicky asked.

"Nope. Hadn't planned on telling them either," Anna said.

"So, what are you going to do next?" Cormac asked.

"I have to head back to Miami soon. I have an interview with the North District of Miami PD," Anna said. Anna looked at her cousin. "And if you tell any of the family that, I will never tell you anything again."

"Got it. Not a word. Do you think you'll get hired?" Nicky asked.

"I hope so. Top 10% of all of my classes; top two percent in marksmanship," Anna said.

"That's really good actually. I think that topped Uncle Jamie and Uncle Danny."

"Thanks."

"How come you don't apply for the NYPD?" Cormac asked.

"I'm not old enough. I'm only a month and a half older than Nicky. On top of that, this is something I have to do on my own. In New York, my family is a bit overwhelming. Practically everywhere. In Miami, I can be me and no one asks: "You're that Reagan, aren't you?" It's not a fun question to answer. So, you two, you're doing good?"

"Yeah, your family is interesting, to say the least," Cormac said.

Jim shifted nervously and Anna watched Nicky. "I'm sure he didn't mean that in a bad way. And if he did, he's only met Mom and Uncle Jamie," Nicky said.

"Interesting. What do you think of my aunt and uncle?" Anna asked, turning her attention back to the NYPD cop.

"Your aunt is nice, protective but nice and your uncle is pretty amazing. Did Nicky tell you how I met him?"

"On the job, I think. Right?"

"Yeah. Violent situation. Guy with a knife. The way he and his partner worked together. You can learn a lot from a cop like that."

"He had a good T.O. Same guy that partnered with my uncle Joe. You may actually know him, Sergeant Renzulli?"

"Oh, yeah. Renzulli's a good guy," Cormac said. "You know, you remind me of his partner. What's her name?" He looked at Anna.

"Uncle Jamie's partner? I've never met her, despite the fact that she came to my graduation party," Anna said.

"Eddie Janko. I've met her a few times," Nicky said. "You do look like her, a bit."

Cormac nodded as they lapsed into silence. Then he changed the subject. "So, Jim, what do you do for a living?" he asked.

Jim and Anna shared a look. She shrugged and he raised an eyebrow. She nodded. "I'm a paramedic in Brooklyn."

"Brooklyn? Huh. That must be fun."

"It can be. I do like the routine calls but there are a few, like I'm sure you get, that break my heart and get tough. For me, it's always the kids. I hate taking calls where a kid is hurt unless it's an accident or a kid getting hurt just being a kid," Jim said.

"Same here. Worst part of the job is domestic violence," Cormac agreed.

Anna leaned over to Nicky. "You tell my parents he's a paramedic—"

"I didn't plan on it," Nicky answered. "I want to be there when it comes out so I can see the look on Uncle Danny's face but I don't want any of that directed my way. It's like you don't trust me. I grew up in this family too and I may not know the nuances of Uncle Danny like you do but I know enough to know it'll shock them if it comes out. You're my cousin and you know there are some things that I want to talk about myself. I would grant you the same respect."

"I know you would, Nicky. I'm sorry for thinking different," Anna said.

They faded back to small talk and there seemed to be no friction between NYPD and FDNY at the table. The two girls were a little surprised by that.

For Anna, getting back to Miami was as easy as normal though it did very little to quell her nerves about interviewing.

"I believe that's everything we need to know, Ms. Reagan. We'll be in touch directly to let you know," the interviewing captain said at the end of her interview.

"Thank you, Captain. I appreciate it." They shook hands and Anna walked out of the police station then down the steps to her car. She considered going back home after the interview but worrying about the results drove her to the beach. She found an empty spot, plopped down in the sand, and watched the waves roll in. For the longest time, she wondered what she had done wrong and then remembered she didn't know that she had done anything wrong. Maybe she had just given the best interview of her life but they had to go through the rest of the interviewees to make it fair and get the best person or people for the job. To get her mind off the possible outcome, Anna drove Northwest towards the airport to her favorite poker room inside Casino Miami. Six hours later, she walked out of the casino with substantially more money than she entered with.

Nearly a week later, Anna got the call she was waiting for. "Maryanna Reagan?" the caller asked.

"Speaking," Anna answered.

The caller went on to explain that he was the captain who interviewed her and he regrettably had to turn her down for the position at the North District. "However," he went on to say, "I did forward your application to the South District."

"The South District?"

"Basically, everything East of 42nd and South of 836, plus Flagami."

"So, everything that's considered Miami on a map, south of the Miami river?"

"That."

"You really think they'd want me?"

"I'd love to have you. You're more than qualified and come highly recommended. I've seen what you can do for this department."

"Then why not?"

"I just think, like my bosses do, you'll be a better fit down there. Think of it this way, it will be less of a commute."

Well, that was true. Her apartment now was closer to the South District than the north one so she wouldn't have a far drive, she'd have to look it up to see where the station was and who knows, maybe it would work out better for her in the long run. "Thank you, Captain. I appreciate everything," she told him.

While the phone call from the South District didn't come as a surprise, thanks to the heads up from the captain, the request for an interview first thing Friday morning did. Anna agreed and the captain had been right, the police station was a lot closer to her apartment being as it was only just up in Little Havana which was less than a 10-minute drive. She felt really good about the interview after it was over and sure enough, the lieutenant from the South District called Tuesday morning and invited her down to do some paperwork.

One week later, she was introduced to her T.O. She was talking with the sergeant when he paused in the middle of their conversation. "Mike!" the sergeant called, "Mike, meet your new rookie."

Anna turned and her jaw dropped as she did a double take. "Officer Johansen?" she asked.

"Ms. Reagan," he answered.

"You two already know each other?" the sergeant asked.

She shook her head. "Not exactly. He pulled me over my first day in Miami. I was speeding a little. I've seen him a few times over the last few years. Nothing real personal though."

The sergeant studied them carefully. Mike confirmed her words though. "Sarge, there's nothing personal between us. Like she said, I pulled her over on her first day in Miami and I've talked to her on occasion since then at the diner where she worked but there is no familial connection and nothing romantic. You know me."

The sergeant nodded. "Three weeks. I'll be watching. Any hint of impropriety or favoritism, I will split the two of you up," the sergeant warned them.

"Yes, Sir," they answered.

"Get changed; roll call in 10." The sergeant left them alone and Anna looked at Mike.

"Relax, go get dressed. We can talk about anything else, later." Mike told her. Anna nodded and slipped into the locker room. When she came out, fully dressed in her uniform, Mike was waiting. "You look good. Forgive me for this." He reached out and flicked her stomach. Anna only stared at him. He smirked. "Just making sure."

"More than 15 years on the job and you can't tell just by looking?" Anna asked skeptically. He was checking for her bullet-resistant vest.

"Closer to 25 and yes, I can. This just lets me check your reflexes. Come on, we're going to be late." After roll call, he filled her in on the different zones in their district, where they were headed, and what they were assigned to do. "Now, any questions for me?"

"Can I drive?"

"When you've memorized the map, took me six months."

Anna looked around and nodded to the quiet corner. Mike followed her over, looking slightly confused. "I'm only 19 and according to Florida state law I'm not allowed to own a gun."

"Actually, that's not true. You can't get a carry permit and you can't buy one from a licensed dealer but no law against private sale. However, PD is supposed to issue you a gun."

"Said I'd get it today."

"This way," Mike said. He led her through the station to their armory. There she was issued a Glock 22 .40 S&W with strict orders that it must be returned every night at End of Tour. Soon they were in the car and on their way to their post.

Mike talked her through a typical day in a patrol car on the job and she did her best to listen and learn.

It was her third day on patrol with Mike when he slowed the car to a stop and parked on the side of the street. "Are you ready to run?" he asked.

"Run? What do you mean, run?" she answered.

"You see those kids up there? The one in the middle?"

Anna scoped out the area. It looked like a normal downtown street, shops along each side, pedestrians walking up and down it with bags and talking on cell phones, and of course, a group of kids about halfway down the block. Then she saw the kid he was talking about. The kid was probably in his late teens or early twenties and not really a kid. "White, near six-foot, red ball cap, and dark jeans?" she asked.

"Yep. He always runs."

"And why are we concerned about a bunch of kids hanging out on a nice, sunny day with school being out? Despite the tv shows, hanging out is not a crime."

"It isn't but he's one of the top dogs in the Glades' boys, which means he knows where this kid is and we've been asked to find him."

"Understood. And you think he's going to run?"

"He always runs."

"Ok. Can I borrow that?" Anna asked. Mike handed over the picture of the kid they were looking for and Anna climbed out of the car. She tucked the picture in her pocket then put her cap on, meandering down the street slowly, looking in shop windows at things she had no need for. She could tell the group of kids were watching her but so far they hadn't split and didn't look worried. She was about two feet from them when she finally glanced at them.

"Morning, gentlemen," she said, then turned her attention back to the big summer blowout display.

"Who's she calling gentlemen?" one asked. Another one shrugged.

She looked around surprised to see most of the pedestrians had disappeared then back at them. "Well, considering there's no one else around, I believe I was talking to you, unless you prefer ladies, or I can say people, which would be the gender-neutral option."

"You must be new around here."

"Maybe but that doesn't mean all that much. Anyway, I have a question for you." She motioned to the one in the middle. "Now, you're more than welcome to run but doing so makes one think you're guilty of something and could be considered resisting arrest or obstruction which means when I catch you, and I most definitely will, I have to run you in. When I do that I can run you for open warrants and that could ruin your whole week. But ... today could be your lucky day."

"Now you've got my attention. What did you say your name was?"

"I didn't but it's Officer Reagan."

"You got a first name officer?"

"Sure. Don't you?"

He chuckled. "I'm starting to like you."

"Most people do."

"So how is it my lucky day?"

"Step over here, answer a few questions, and we forget this happened." She nodded to where Mike had the car waiting.

"I can do that," the boy said. He walked over to the back end of the cruiser and Mike stepped out. "Oh gee, Officer Krupke, I didn't know you were here too."

"Krupke? What is this a '60s musical?"

"It's his little joke," Mike said with a straight face.

"Little known fact, there is a difference between officer and sergeant and Krupke was a sergeant," Anna told the guy.

"We got a musical fan on our hands," the guy answered.

"Not really, I've just had to deal with the NYPD. Now, question. Have you seen him?" Anna asked, showing him the picture.

"Yes, I see him a lot."

"In the last 24 hours?"

"Yes. We're done here."

"I said a few which is 3 or 4. Do you know where he's at right now?"

The boy stared at her for what seemed like forever. Finally, he gave them a few likely places.

"Now that wasn't so hard, was it?" Mike asked.

"Whatever you say. Can I go now?" the guy asked.

Anna looked to Mike who nodded. "Yeah, scram," she said.

"Let's hope I see you around, Officer Reagan. You're a dear."

"Sure."

This time, when they found the guy, Mike was right and the guy bolted. Anna sighed but gave chase taking him down less than 5 minutes later when he tripped over his own pants.

"I see you haven't learned since last time, Raffey." Mike said.

"See you've gotten a new partner."

"Shouldn't have made me chase you. Now you've spoiled my day. Into the car," Anna said, cutting straight to business.

A few days later, they pulled over their first traffic violation. While it only led to a warning, it was still an experience she needed. There was a lot more paperwork involved too.

During their first night shift, they pulled over three cars with busted taillights, one with a broken headlight, and one speeder.

The speeder was the most interesting of the night. After getting the guy to stop, Mike handed over the Driver's License to Anna and had her check the plates and license for tickets and warrants. The plates come back clean and registered to the driver but the man was a different story. Anna returned the driver's license and registration to Mike, keeping her hand on the back of her gun. Mike clocked it instantly.

"What?" he asked.

"Open Warrant. B and E."

"Armed?"

"Yes."

"Sir, I need you out of the car," Mike ordered. Anna couldn't see the man's reaction but Mike didn't look all that worried. "Call it in," he told her. She swallowed but did so. The guy unfolded himself from the car and he was at least 6 foot 3, 250 pounds, and built. "You got anything in the car I should worry about?"

"Nope." Everything about this speeder radiated power but then she remembered her grandfather could be seen as the same except for when it came to his grandkids.

"Reagan, cuff him and put him in the car. Sir, you mind if I search it or do I have to get a warrant?" Mike asked.

"Nothing in there, have fun," the man said. Anna walked over and did as Mike asked. The man was strangely compliant through the whole thing. Unfortunately, Mike came up with nothing substantial in the car. They reported its location then took the man to the station. After booking him and the paperwork, there was always more paperwork Mike told her, they were back on the street for a few more hours. However, the rest of the night was silent with no violations.

Anna was more than ready to hit the hay at the end of tour but she had a few more things to turn in before she could change and then head home. In the parking lot, she found two officers being scolded by a woman in a dark blue suit.

"What you've done is so reprehensible, I should get your Cap out here and file a formal complaint. Do you even know whose car that is? Not only do you owe them an apology, you will also pay to have the car detailed and if there is any damage to the paint under there, you'll pay for that too." The woman stopped when she noticed the other two glancing at Anna. The woman turned her attention too. "Is there something we can help you with, miss?"

Anna shook her head, then looked around for her car. She stepped past what she assumed was a detective and noticed the car the two officers were standing in front of. Just between the pair, she could see the familiar blue and gold plate. Anna's heart sank in her chest as she took another side step and sure enough, there in the back window was her New York Giants' sticker. There was no doubt this was her car. Then she saw white foam across the trunk and the back window. She could also see it down the side. "You two are responsible for this?" Anna asked.

The officers hung their heads. "This is your car, isn't it?" the woman in the suit asked.

"Do you or either of you know anyone else on the force from New York? I don't want an apology. You're not in a frat anymore. Hazing is so out and if you think that someone would think this prank is funny, imagine it happening to your sister or your friend or your mom or your cousin. How do you think they would feel? I don't want an apology; I just want you to stop and think the next time you want to do something like this. I guess it's my fault for expecting southern hospitality here." Anna walked up to her car and pulled out her phone to call Jamie.

"Everything alright, Kiddo?" he asked the moment he picked up.

"You on duty?" Anna asked.

"Nope. You ok? You sound … off."

"How do you get shaving cream off car paint?"

"Shaving cream?

"Yeah, terrible prank."

"Well, as long as it hasn't been sitting in the sun all day, soapy water should get it off. If there's still residue WD-40 will take it off. Then wash it again. And shaving cream?"

"I'll give you the full story later."

"Officer, we do apologize. It was a bonehead move," the officer on the left said when Anna hung up. She turned her attention back to them to see they were now looking at her and the car.

"This is the name of the guy I use when I need my car detailed," the other officer said and handed her a card. "Tell him Buck Kilkenny sent you and he'll take good care of you. He also knows a great paint guy. Have him send me the bill."

Anna looked at the card and recognized the address as a place not from there. "Is there a hose nearby?" Anna asked.

The woman nodded. "Follow me. You two have a shift to start, don't you?" the two officers headed inside and Anna followed the woman around the back of the building. "I'm sorry I didn't introduce myself. I'm Detective Kim Anderson. Everyone calls me Detective Kim."

"Anna Reagan. Third day on the job," Anna said.

"You're Mike's boot. He said you got Roman Vega to talk without having to chase him down."

"First day on the job too. It's not hard if you treat them with respect. I know usually even just the uniform can scare them off, but sometimes approach slow enough and don't make it seem like you're interested and you'll cut off their urge to run. Or maybe he's just curious," Anna answered. The hose wouldn't reach her car but Detective Kim offered her a bucket. Soon, she was dropping her car off and driving a loaner home.