Later that morning

Danny and Maria were chatting while waiting for their discharges to be complete. Breakfast had been mediocre like most hospital food. Maria had spoken with Annie and Elena was keeping Henry busy. The DA and Federal prosecutor had still not come to an agreement regarding the charges pending against Sam Evans. Danny and Maria were waiting for the doctor to complete her discharge directions so they could call for a ride to the Reagan home. Danny's car had been moved from Maria's home to the family home while Maria's was left at her home.

Mid-morning, Eddie arrived with Frank's detail. The physician in charge of the NYPD patients had called Frank directly with an update regarding their condition and that they had been discharged from the hospital. However, it was suggested that both patients be off duty for the next seventy-two hours. Detective Baez should check with her primary physician at the end of that time. Detective Reagan should check with his primary physician if he experienced any unusual pain or discomfort related to the damage caused by the bullet that hit his vest. Frank sent an RMP to pick up Eddie and then sent his detail to bring the officers back to the Reagan home.

"Eddie, thanks for picking us up. So, what's the plan?"

"Erin and the Feds are hammering out what Sam will be charged with and once that is in place, he'll be placed in Federal custody here in the city. That way, Erin can prepare for his trial and hopefully the Feds can keep him from escaping. Jamie and I brought clothes for both of you to the house for the next few days. You can relax, have someone who loves you take care of you and Frank won't have to worry about both of you."

"Eddie, Annie and the baby and I can go back to my home…"

"Frank said it would be cheaper for the NYPD to protect you at his house and to be honest, he really loves the time he gets to spend with Elena. We took Annie back to get her school materials and a few more clothes. Later, she and Henry are going food shopping."

Miss Ferguson entered followed by two police officers pushing wheelchairs. "Detectives, your discharge orders are completed. If you will give me a few minutes to review the information?" She sat with Danny and reviewed his upcoming appointment with his doctor and the tests to be done before his appointment. He also had an appointment with the Police Surgeon regarding his return to service date. Danny took the materials and thanked her once again for the excellent care they received. She did the same for Maria and then sent them on their way. Once the patients were loaded in the PC's vehicle, they headed for the Reagan family home while Eddie returned to her precinct via the RMP.

That night

Maria had spent most of the day cuddling with her daughter and helping Annie get back on schedule with her courses. Laptops were sent to the house for both Danny and Maria to use to complete their documentation regarding the incident in her home. Dinner was a quiet affair with Henry cooking and Frank on KP duty. After putting Elena in her crib, Annie spent time talking to her family and Danny and Maria settled into the TV room. He found a college softball game that looked interesting and settled back to enjoy being with Maria. She settled into his side, and he put his arm around her. He gave her a quick kiss on her head, and she smiled to herself. Just then, Frank walked in.

"I'm pouring, would either of you like a glass?"

"None for me, Dad, thanks. I'll stick with the beverage I have. What about you, partner?"

"I'm fine, thanks Frank."

"Guess I'll leave you two to your game. Enjoy." And he walked into the living room with the two glasses in his hand. He handed one to Henry and sat down but didn't say anything. After a few minutes, Henry put his pen and crossword puzzle down and picked up his drink.

"Those two okay?"

"I think so, they didn't want a drink." He picked up his book and began reading. Fifteen minutes later, Frank closed his book having read only two paragraphs. "Finish your drink and I'll take your glass into the kitchen, Pop." Henry drained what little remained and handed the glass to his son.

"See you in the morning, Francis." Henry began the climb up to his room. Frank took the two glasses into the kitchen, rinsed them and put them in the dishwasher. He'd put soap in the machine earlier, so he set it to start. He headed down the hall and noticed that his two best detectives had fallen asleep. He called softly to Danny. He woke up, looked around and nodded to his father then began to wake Maria. They climbed the stairs together but stopped to check on the baby before separating and going into their bedrooms. Danny was sleeping in his old, childhood bedroom while Maria was using the room Sean used. They said good night and closed their doors. Frank looked out the windows to be sure the security detail was in position then climbed into bed.

About ninety minutes later, Danny suddenly woke up. At first, he had no idea what had caused him to wake. He could feel his heart beating fast, something was going on, but he waited a few moments listening to the sounds of the night. Then he heard the noise again, hopped out of bed, ran across the hall and opened the door where Maria was sleeping. She was sobbing in her sleep along with crying, 'No, don't hurt him, no, no!' He walked over to the bed and sat on the edge. He gently held both of her hands and talked to her quietly trying to wake her. Finally, she opened her eyes and looked around. "Where am I, what are you doing here?" she asked.

"Everything is okay, you were having a nightmare. I'm here and no one can hurt you."

"It was Sam, he escaped again, and he came here to kill you. Are you sure he's not here?"

"Yeah, if anyone tries to come into the house, there's an alarm system that can't be accessed outside the house, only from the inside. Would you feel better if I stayed with you?"

"Two of us in this bed? Are you kidding? It's meant for a kid and only one, not two adults."

"It would be tight…" he looked around then made a decision. "We'll go back to my room; it's got a big bed and I'll even check under the bed and in the closet to be sure there's no ghosts or monsters hiding in my room." Maria gave him a look but decided to go along with his idea. She stopped just for a moment to check on Elena then followed Danny to his room. They settled down almost immediately and Maria was glad to feel Danny's arms around her. She said a silent prayer and sleep overtook her quickly.