Jamie's pov
Danny and Baez were handling Taylor's case, after the detectives that were handling it confessed they were in over their heads and passed it on to them. I respect a professional that can humbly say they bit off more than they could chew and pass it on to someone with more experience for the good of the department and the people we serve. I was dropping off some Thai food for my brother and his partner while they worked when I overheard them talking, a gang name sticking out from my days patrolling the Bitterman Housing Projects with Vinny. I spoke
"You're liking Los Lordes for this?"
Danny nodded
"Yeah, there's new blood in them now. Research indicates Taylor's brothers were in, but were trying to claw their way out of the life. Best guess, Taylor tries to help them out, doesn't have anyone to leave the kids with, takes them to stay with Joe and drop this all on him, but then she got word they had been killed. She heads to investigate, ends up as collateral. Don't tell Joe just yet, this is a theory right now. Can you shed some light on Los Lordes? Old haunts they might go back to, anything from your time around that area?"
I was eager to help, hoping the intel was still good. Not to my surprise, the topic brought up old feelings about my first partner. Knowing that feeling all too well, my older brother gave me a hug, which, while not entirely in character, was much appreciated. Soon, Danny and Maria left to continue their investigation.
Joe's pov
I had not been called in for work today, and was taking the moment to spend the day with my kids, who were out of school until I could get them enrolled and prepared to start school here, having transferred from Rhode Island. Of course, I was also homeschooling them in the meantime, so they would not fall behind. Pop had been more than delighted to help. After they had been declared free for the day, I thanked Pop, as did my kids, then I turned to them
"What do you want to do now?"
In one voice, they declared
"Zoo!"
Ruling that a reasonable request, I led the way to the Zoo, and we proceeded to have a blast. Then we headed to Mazolo's, a bakery in Brooklyn, with amazing chocolate croissants. Suddenly, like some fatherly spidey-sense, the hairs on my neck raised and I saw Los Lordes enter, having heard through back channels that Danny liked them for the Anderson triple homicide. And now they were trying to kill my kids. There was only one thing left for me to do, especially after they went for their guns near my kids. Hands clasped, I begged
"Please, don't hurt my family."
Like clockwork, my kids ducked behind the counter and I shot all the gang bangers. Incapacitating them, but not killing them. I called for the busses, and sighed in relief, hugging my kids close and being so thankful that Pop, Grandpa and my whole family had taught me their code.