(A/N): So… This was going to be the original starting point for "The Price We Pay". I think I had most of this written back in 2010 when I got the itch to try writing FanFiction. But ended up losing my courage and tucked it away on a flash drive never to be seen again until 2016 when I broke my ankle and ended up in the hospital. I pretty much didn't like the starting point and scrapped it to begin where the story starts presently at the Mission: A Dish Served Cold. Plus, I had newer ideas and plot points that sounded cooler and more inline with the GTA IV darkness.

However, like the drumming noise that the boardgame Jumanji makes when people get near it, this little story piece would not leave me alone. I was getting stuck on "The Price They Paid" and decided to take a small break to try and remember why I had started on this whole writing journey. And honestly, I kind of surprised myself with what was there in the word docs from so long ago. So, I pieced in the blanks that were there and tried to tie it into the finished story I have. It doesn't line up perfectly, as I couldn't bring myself to delete plot points that I had there from 2010. It's not perfect, so please ignore that.

This also gave me the chance to write Derrick. Enjoy!

aaaaaa

The sun was unbelievably bright and hot as Kate made the trek from the Frankfort Avenue subway station toward the Westminster Police Station. There was no breeze to cool her sweltering skin and she fidgeted against the beads of sweat that formed between her shoulder blades. She wasn't alone in her plight against the heat wave, as every pedestrian she passed was either trying to fan themselves or were wiping the sweat from their forehead.

Of all the days Francis could have chosen, he picked the hottest day on record to meet up for lunch. She had rummaged through her closet looking for at least something nicer than her traditional outfit. The police station was in an upscale neighborhood and all the restaurants in the area tended to host the 'beautiful people' as Packie put it. The only problem with that statement was the fact that he left off prudent, stuffy, rude, and snobby. She scoffed to herself and hastily wiped against the sweat that collected along her hairline.

She had felt beyond uncomfortable on the subway in Dukes. She felt overdressed for the area and people gave her second looks. One guy had even tried to hit on her, for which she rebuked him for his effort. It wasn't like she was dating anyone per say, but the thought of entertaining someone's advances that weren't from a certain Eastern European felt… wrong. She bit her lower lip as her thoughts tumbled around her friend.

'Friend… Maybe that needs to change. He has been really nice and polite. Perhaps Packie has a point. I should start letting myself open up to the possibilities…' She absently tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear as she waited for the crosswalk to light up for her to cross the street. She watched as the cars zipped along the pavement, marveling at the fancy, high end vehicles. An orange Infernus caught her eye and she smiled as it turned at the light, the engine revving obnoxiously. She could only shake her head as it peeled out, taking off down the busy street.

The light changed and she hurried across the crosswalk, dodging other people, watching as the Westminster police station came into view. It had become somewhat of a tradition for her to visit Francis for lunch once a month. She tried to make a habit of seeing all of her brothers in a less than criminal setting. It was always awkward when the guys would come over to plan out their hijinks. She enjoyed joking around while Michael and Gordon were there, but she always knew that once they stepped outside the front door, it could be the last time she would see them.

Derrick made it almost impossible to hang out with. If he wasn't high or drunk or absent from the house, he was arguing with Gerry and Packie. The last two months had been nothing but crude remarks about drugs and some kind of bank robbery and dealing with the mafia. And if their constant bickering wasn't enough, it felt like the house was slowly falling apart. Even the deep freezer was broken according to Gerry. Ma would be the saving grace if it weren't for her need to slip whiskey into all her beverages. She had almost flown out of the house when Frankie called. She needed a break from them all for an hour or two.

The station looked busier than normal, and it caused her to hesitate at the concrete steps that led up to the front entrance. NOOSE agents were gathered around the alley entrance and looked rather agitated about something. The typical police cruisers that were parked out front were missing as well. She glanced around her surroundings and contemplated just calling Francis to make sure they were still on for lunch.

"Been one hell of a night and day so far." She nearly jumped as a person spoke to her from behind.

She spun around and smiled when she recognized one of Frankie's detectives, "How bad is hell today?"

"Enough to get Mitt down here." He frowned and looked back over to the other officers as their voices were getting offensively loud.

"Ouch. I'm sorry to hear that." Kate let out a huff as a bead of sweat trickled down her neck. She swiped at it and pulled on her clothes trying to get some relief from the oppressive heat. 'Should have thought about the number of layers before getting dressed this morning…'

"Here. Let's go inside where it's cooler. Blasted weather can't make up its mind." The detective loosened his tie a degree and offered his arm to her.

"Why thank you, Ron!" She giggled at the gesture and slid her arm around his, smiling up at his playful smirk.

"You're welcome, Ma'am!" Ron laughed with her and guided her toward the front door, pulling it open for her to be able to enter first.

"You know I hate it when you call me that!" She groaned and ducked into the building, trying to ignore the criminals that were in custody spaced out around the foyer. She felt immediately uneasy in her navy suit skirt and jacket. While it dropped to below her knees and was considered modest in every sense of the word, it didn't stop the fear of having her legs ogled by the men in the room.

"He calling you names again, sugar!" Mitch, the front desk officer, called out when he spotted her entering with Ron.

"Not you too! What's a girl gonna do with all this flattery!" Kate rolled her eyes but smiled when Mitch cracked up. She brushed down the front of her white blouse and suit jacket, hoping it hadn't wrinkled on the long subway ride into Algonquin.

Ron placed his hand between her shoulder blades and lightly ushered her toward the front desk, "It's not every day we are graced by Frankie's little sister!" He had put emphasis on Francis' name and the other police officers in the room quietly snickered.

Mitch moved around the desk and held his arms out wide for a hug, "And what you gonna do is enjoy the compliments and one day cave and go out with Jimmy over there!"

"As if! You know what the boss would do to me!" Jimmy yelled out from the entrance to the locker rooms, "No offense. I'd definitely take you out, but I'd like to keep my job if you know what I mean." Another round of laughs lifted the somewhat gloomy atmosphere.

Kate laughed heartily and hugged Mitch, "You boys quiet down. I don't need help finding a man. I have plenty of men in my life to keep me on my toes. And if I ever get bored, I know where to go. This place is a damn comedy club!" Her cheeks were starting to hurt from the smile that broke out across her face. It was always a riot when she visited the police station. It was like having a second family to hang with. All the guys adored her and treated her like royalty, and she secretly enjoyed the attention they gave her.

"It's been too long, chicka. But it's good to have you back around here. Need the bolstering after the crud we've been dealing with lately." Mitch patted her back and released her from the hug. He glanced toward the staircase that led to all the offices making sure his boss hadn't heard him.

"Ron mentioned something outside. Is Mitt in Frankie's office?" Kate turned to follow his gaze wondering if that was why he hadn't come looking for her with all the noise they had made.

"I'll let him fill you in. Pretty sure its above my paygrade." He nodded to Ron and moved back around the desk, taking his position at the computer to check her in, "And yeah. Mitt's been in there for the last hour. Don't sound too pretty." His eyes darted again toward the stairs before returning to the computer screen.

The crowd seemed to dissipate slightly with the mention of events that took place and the Police Commissioner's name. Kate watched as the officers went back to their tasks and hauled away a couple of the people who were in handcuffs. Something felt off about their hesitancy to speak about things and she narrowed her eyes at Ron who moved into her line of sight. She folded her arms across her chest and lifted her eyebrow, giving her signature glare that usually worked on them all, and waited for the detective to elaborate.

"Come on. You can wait in my office till the boss gets done." He gestured toward the stairs and waited for her to move forward.

"Alright. It'd be nice to sit down for a minute. These damn flats are killing my heels. Pretty sure I got blisters forming." She shook her head and walked over to the stairs, being a little more careful of how she stepped. There was a slight burning pain that clung to her feet and she could almost swear she felt her skin chaffing and tearing against the new shoes she had purchased.

"I got some bandages in the office, ones made for blisters specifically. Every time I got to wear the dress shoes; I get a new blister. You'd think I'd have them broken in with how many funerals we've hosted for our fallen officers." Ron sighed sadly and followed her up the stairs and down the hall toward his office. The bank robbery had taken many of his fellow officers and it was depressing every time he stood as a representative at the funerals.

"I'm so sorry… I heard about the casualties. It was hard to watch the news about it." Kate came to a stop outside of his office door and sadly glanced to his face. So many officers had lost their lives that day and she tried to bury her suspicions about her brothers being involved.

'Michael turned up dead that same day…' She snapped her eyes to the tiled floor as her thoughts ran wild about Packie, Gerry, or Derrick mowing down cops in downtown Algonquin.

"Thank you. But it's in the job description, you know? To serve and protect. And sometimes that means giving the ultimate sacrifice." Ron shrugged and unlocked his office door, pushing it open for her.

"Don't you worry about it? That any day you come to work, you could get killed?" Kate removed her suit jacket and hung it up on the coat rack, tugging on her button down white blouse, letting the cooler air seep into her overheated skin.

"Why do you think I'm single? Francis sends me into the hive's nest, so to speak, every day. One lucky asshole with an opening, and I'm done for. I got my partner to watch my back, but all it takes is one misstep." He removed his gun and side holster and opened a desk drawer, placing it down inside.

"Sounds like a hard way to live." Kate plopped down into the armchair across from his desk and grabbed a folder from the surface and started to fan herself. The moving air was a welcomed comfort to her warm body.

"If it means saving a life, it's worth it." He glanced up to his bosses sister and couldn't help but give her a soft smile. She was always nice and friendly to everyone in the station. He had grown close to Francis since getting promoted to his current rank and became protective of him and his family. Even if Francis said they weren't worth saving, he knew better. People can always be redeemed and put on a better path in life. And the McReary's were no different. He glanced down to the file in her hand and felt a wave of panic slam through him.

'She's holding Gerry's file…'

"I thought I heard an angelic voice drifting down the halls!" There was a rapt knock to the doorframe as Police Commissioner Mitt Fitzsimmons leaned into the opening, dressed in his high ranking dress blues, hat firmly tucked under his arm. He smiled brightly at the youngest member of the McReary family and nodded to Ron.

"Mitt! How have you been?!" Kate scrambled out of the chair, tossing the file down to the desk, and hurried over to her brother's boss.

Mitt caught her as she flung her arms around his neck in a bear hug, "Oh you know- Trying to keep this city glued together as the criminals try to burn it down." He had to take a step back with the force of her body slamming into him but returned the hug firmly. His own daughter was around her age and he enjoyed getting to visit with her when she came by the station.

"Well, you are doing a great job of it!" Kate shifted out of his hug and patted his badge on his chest. She would try to get the smile she knew he had out. They were all too sullen for her liking and it was beginning to grate against her mood. Today was meant to be a good day, and she wasn't about to let anyone drag it down.

"Thank you little one. But I do believe I am getting too old for this responsibility. It's been a rather busy year and it seems like every time my phone rings, the 'excitement' gets upped. It's good you are here today. Your brother could use the cheering up." He playfully placed his hat over her hair and tapped her nose with his index finger. His conversation with Francis had felt like it had aged him another decade.

"Oh… Well hopefully lunch will do the trick. Is he free now? Or should I wait a minute?" She tried to look past him down the hall to where her brother's office was located, noticing the door closed.

"I told him to take an hour or two to cool off." He looked over his shoulder to the closed door of the Deputy Commissioner's office, "Hey Ron? I got something for you to look in to. Care to join me for a walk?" He met the eyes of the detective to see him shove a folder into a drawer in his desk rapidly.

"Yes sir. Right away sir." He stood up quickly and pulled his gun and holster from the top drawer, tucking it into place. He started to straighten up a couple of things on his desk before locking the filing cabinet with a small key.

"So serious." Kate scrunched her nose and took off Mitt's hat, carefully trailing her fingers over the intricate gold stitching. The higher ranking uniforms always fascinated her, and she felt a small amount of pride swell in her chest whenever Frankie wore his. It was like seeing a different outcome for their family.

"Around me, they should be." Mitt chuckled and took his hat back when she offered it to him, "Unfortunately I must make my leave. Take care of your brother for me?"

"It's my job." Kate smiled and looked up as Ron joined her side, "I'll see you around?"

"I look forward to it." He leaned down and kissed her cheek before backing away to grab her suit jacket from the coat rack.

"So long as it stays in a good capacity." She bit her lip harshly as she thought back to their earlier conversation, "Be careful out there. Both of you. For me at least?" She searched his eyes as they moved out into the hallway, Ron pulling his door closed to lock it. Mitt simply nodded at her words, having heard her 'be safe' speech many times. It was like her signature send off.

"Promise." Ron held out her suit coat to her as he turned to head down the hall toward the stairs.

She shrugged into her suit coat with Ron's help and tugged on it to make it lay right wanting to look her best in front of the Police Commissioner, "And watch my brother's back." She grabbed Ron's tie and pulled him down to her level to place a soft kiss to his cheek.

"Always. He is my boss and I'd be out of a job if he disappeared on me." He laughed with Mitt and held his arm out for her to be able to escort her down to Francis' door. Every time they parted ways was met with a slight reprimanding from her about watching their backs and staying safe when it really should be them telling her those things. She lived in a dangerous household and had managed to avoid all the trouble that was sent their way.

"Nah. You'd get promoted!" Mitt snorted and grabbed his arm when Kate slapped it, "Only joking!"

"Better be." Kate grumbled, sticking her nose in the air in mock affront.

"One day your brother will have my job and the city will be better for it." He smiled gently to her as they reached Francis' door, "Till next time little one."

"Be safe please. I'll see you next month hopefully!" Kate returned the caring smile to the Police Commissioner and leaned into Ron's side heavily. She worried about them all about as much as she worried about her brothers. They were all walking dangerous lives and it made her head spin at times. Could they not see what they did to her? How she was losing sleep and sanity fretting over them all. It was a vicious cycle and one where she didn't see a way out of it.

Ron moved his arm from hers and returned the side hug, "I'll be downstairs in just a second. Need to let Francis know. Then we can go on that walk." He nodded to Mitt and watched as he glanced between the two of them, eyebrow raised slightly in a questioning manner, and thankfully didn't say anything more. Mitt turned on his heel and descended the stairs silently.

"Thank you for always being there for Frankie. He doesn't get much love from my family. Besides me and Ma of course. He needs friends and I'm glad you are at least kind to him. He speaks very highly of you and it wouldn't surprise me if one day he asks you to take his vacant Deputy spot." She shifted off his body and moved to face him. If there was one thing Kate knew, it was that this detective would take a bullet for any member of her family. Her included. She often wondered why he had become so fiercely attached to her family when he must know of what her other brothers do for a living. It wasn't like cops held any love for the last name McReary.

"Don't take this the wrong way- but one day you will make a man very happy. Take care of yourself. I'll see you next month when you come by to make Francis' day. And all of ours of course." He hesitated for a second before placing his hands on her shoulders and gave them a light squeeze. His job was his life and being in the position he was in currently was all thanks to Francis. He just hoped that when she got Francis alone, she didn't have her heart broken over the evenings events. He stared into her eyes and silently prayed that things were different. 'I'm sorry for what's about to happen to Gerry…'

"Thank you." She whispered at the intense stare she was getting, before Ron released her and took off for the staircase, "I care, you know. There are people who would miss you if you died." She watched as he stopped at the top of the stairs for half a second before moving down them out of her line of sight. She would be devastated if he were killed in action. As well as any of the men and women she had come to know since she started her monthly visits to Francis. She swallowed thickly before turning toward her brother's office, lifting her hand to knock on the wooden door, waiting for her brother to reply.

"Come in!" Francis called out, sounding tired and worn down.

Kate turned the knob and slowly pushed open the door, concerned for her brother's tone, "If this is a bad day…?"

"Katie?! Oh, is it good to see you! Come in! Come in! I just need to finish signing off on a few things then we can head out. That okay?" Francis lowered his now empty glass to the desk surface and smiled toward his sister. His smile seemed to ease the creases in his forehead and around his eyes.

"I'm off work today so I have time to spare. But I do know that Ma will end up being ditched at some point if I take too long to get home. You know the boys- can't stick around for long." Kate rolled her eyes and pulled the door closed behind her as she entered into his office.

"Yeah, don't need to remind me. How is Ma? I talked to her the other day and she seemed to be in good spirits." Francis motioned to the couch for her to sit, and then sat down in his office chair immediately pouring another shot in his glass.

"She's… I'd like to say okay. But her medicine has been upped again and she tends to momentarily forget where people are. The other day I caught her at the stove making breakfast at two in the morning. She didn't want Pa to get home and be hungry. And Pa's been gone for years now…" Kate sighed heavily and sank down on the leather couch. She watched her brother still his movements and glance up to meet her eyes.

"I'm sorry. You can always spend the night on my couch if you need a break." Francis lifted his new shot and downed it quickly. His family was a slow moving train wreck, and it twisted his guts painfully knowing what was about to happen to them all. Gerry had been too careless and was moments away from meeting a charge he couldn't shake. He lifted his glass decanter of whiskey in her direction, offering her a drink.

"Don't think I haven't thought of it. Let me know when you are ready to head out. I'm getting pretty hungry." She frowned at seeing him drinking while on the clock but figured at his rank it no longer mattered to anyone. She shook her head negatively to the offered drink. It was rather hot outside and alcohol would only add to her internal temperature and discomfort.

"Just need to sign a few forms for Mitch, then we can go. Sorry for not meeting you downstairs." He turned his attention to the files in front of him and glanced over the notes and proper documents before scribbling his signature at the bottom.

"It's okay. Ron met me outside and you know how everyone gets when I show up. It's like a damn circus." Kate smiled briefly and went to inspecting her skirt for any snags or lint. She almost always never cared for her appearance but being around her well-dressed brother in a rich part of town made her feel self-conscious. Internally she knew it was dumb. What did it matter what others thought? But then she would think of how she would comment on Niko's clothes and felt shame settle on her shoulders. He never once gave feedback on her outfits, so what right did she have in picking apart his?

"The guys hardly ever see a female. Let alone one dressed up." Francis glanced up from the page he was reading to see his sister pick at imaginary things on her clothes, "By the way- nice suit."

"Thank you. Figured my jeans and sweater get-up was boring Mitch and Jimmy." She chided and couldn't stop the laughter from bubbling up at Francis' surprised expression, "No! I am not interested in either of them!"

"Thank God! Did not want to try and find replacements for them." Francis rolled his eyes and signed off on the last page of the report he was given, "Now if my darling, teasing sister is ready? We can head out. I just got the cruiser cleaned if you don't mind?"

"I'm starving!" She stood up from the couch and fixed her outfit before looking up at her brother as he walked toward the door.

"You sure you're not trying to catch someone's eye? Rather done up for just me." Francis laughed as he opened the door for her, files tucked under his arm, "Maybe Ron's charm has rubbed off on you a little too much?" He smirked at the way she fumbled around her suit jacket button and shot him a death glare.

"No! Ron is a nice friend and your lead detective. That just couldn't work out in any scenario." Her cheeks reddened greatly at the thought of Francis approving of Ron. If she hesitated over Niko's lifestyle, then what made Ron's any different? Both were beyond dangerous and racked up enemies in the same fashion. Just because Ron's job was deemed legal, didn't make the risks any different. Either one of them could wind up dead at any moment. Plus, she didn't feel any attraction toward Ron. Niko on the other hand…

"I think I have someone in mind. But I'm hesitant. You know me." She shrugged as casually as she could, walking out into the hall heading for the stairs. Her hands smoothed over her slightly frizzy hair and prayed the sweat hadn't started to curl the baby hairs along her hairline. 'Change the subject! Otherwise, this is going to get awkward very quickly.'

"Timid little Katie. Too scared of her own shadow. Yes, I know. Now tell me- who's the lucky lad? And who do I need to go arrest?" His smirk deepened toward her as she spun around to stare at him shocked and took the lead down the steps. He dropped the files in the basket of Mitch's desk and nodded to him as he guided his sister back toward the front entrance.

"Nope. Not telling." Kate shook her head rapidly and avoided looking at her brother. It was bad enough that she couldn't figure out her own jumbled emotions. But to have Francis on her case as well as her other brothers? That was a hard no. They had all ferociously teased her about how much time she was spending away from the house and with one particular person. Gerry had gone and given her a codename for when Niko was around the house and wouldn't wipe the knowing look from his face. And Packie was just as bad, if not worse, when it came to tracking her number of nights out.

The only one who seemed openly happy about it was Derrick, and she was glad for the few moments she had been gifted to speak to him quietly in the backyard before his need for H took over and derailed their time. He was genuinely approving of her time spent with Niko and had even gone so far as to hint that he would be happy to walk her down the aisle if Niko were the one waiting there. The statement had sent her reeling in her head and Derrick had laughed uncontrollably at the redness of her face and neck.

"I'll figure it out eventually. Just gotta get Ma talking at nighttime and I'll know everything there is to know about the mystery man in my sister's life." He flat out laughed as he walked toward the side parking lot, pulling along his slouched over sister. He was enjoying getting to poke and prod at her defenses and it reminded him of when she was younger… Before the big fight that drove them all apart.

"Frankie!" Kate admonished him, feeling her face heat up more than what the sun was doing to it. She wasn't ready to face her feelings yet over Niko or whatever it was that would surface when she was around him alone. 'If I can't even identify what's going on with me, then what good would it be to give in and see where things go?'

"Katie! Come on. You can tell me!" Francis unlocked his car and leaned against the driver door as she moved to the passenger side. He gave her the big brother look and waited to see what she would say or do. He was beyond curious now as to who had her so ruffled and out of sorts.

"Maybe. So long as you tell me what has everyone all freaked out today. The guys looked on edge and unhappy. And since when does Mitt make pitstops to your office?" Kate yanked the door open and avoided her brother's inquisitive gaze. She hadn't even admitted to herself that she was falling for the man she had spent several nights a week with at various spots. Deflection was her best option at this point and hopefully Francis would drop it for now. 'Wait… Falling for?!'

"Deal." He dropped down into the car and immediately got it running as the outside temp was unbearable, "But only once we get settled at the restaurant."

"Deal Frankie." Kate grew silent as her brother took off to wherever they were going to eat at. She wasn't ready to face her feelings and fidgeted around in her seat. Yes, Niko was gentle, nice, and just about everything else than what she was expecting from one of Packie's friends. But deep down she knew he was involved in some serious crime. He was a deranged killer, and she shouldn't want to be with someone so cold and ruthless. But when those eyes would meet hers…

The warmth of his gaze would soothe all her troubles and all she yearned for was to see what it would be like to let him in. To finally give in to this ridiculous notion of dating or not dating. After their first outing he had never once mentioned the term date. It was either because she truly pushed him away, or it was his respectful nature. But regardless, it kept her up at night wondering what it would be like to surrender to him. If he would be slow and careful, or fast and tumble them over the edge into the unknown.

"Everything okay? You know I am only kidding. If you are serious about this guy, and he is a good guy, I won't do anything to jeopardize it. Someone in this family has to do something with their life." Francis glanced to his sister when she got quiet. He knew he would always support her if she ever took the chance on someone. Of course, he would pull their record and identity to make sure there wasn't anything fishy. But he wanted his sister to be happy and get away from their deranged family. 'She at least has a chance to have a family and normal life…'

"Thank you. And honestly? I'm not sure. I think I'm waiting for some kind of sign. But here I am, twenty eight and waiting on the universe to guide me. Some joke huh?" She tilted her head to look at her brother as he pulled up in front of SuperStar Café.

"When the time is right you will know. Now come on. Let's get some good food. Mitt raves about this place." Francis opened his door to the valet and took the ticket that was handed to him.

"Okay." Kate took the offered hand from the other valet and numbly followed after her brother. Would she know when the right time was? Her therapist wasn't much help on the matter and only told her to list out the pros and cons, but never once encouraged her one way or the other. She had flat out refused to talk to Packie about Niko. Which left her with only her coworkers to chat to, and they weren't exactly people invested in her life. But when he had first shown up at her work, they all of a sudden were interested. She frowned at the memory.

They were led to a table in the back away from everyone, and for once Kate was thankful for the space and silence. There were things she wanted to talk to Francis about without the accidental ear listening in. She removed her suit jacket and draped it over the back of her chair before gracefully taking her seat. Francis mirrored her move and took his suit jacket off, letting people see his gun and badge. The waiter droned on about menu choices and halfheartedly listened to them order, not bothering to jot down their choices on a pad of paper.

"So. What happened to have Ron and the guys so shook up?" She had waited till there was no one within earshot before posing her question.

Francis all but deflated in his chair and scrubbed a hand over his face, "Kate. I trust you, and I need to know that you aren't going to go blab to Packie and Gerald about what went down. Can you promise me that?" He set her with a hard glare. He did not need them knowing about the prison transport breakout or that a certain someone was now loose in the city.

"Frankie… You know I know that this stuff is confidential. And the only way I would tell them anything is if their lives were in immediate danger." Kate folded her hands in her lap and tried to stop from letting her own panic surface. She would hear him out first before deciding if the rest of their family needed to know.

"I don't know how much you know about our lovely brother Derrick, but he had a couple of buddies he flipped on in Alderney. It's why he fled to Ireland all those years ago. He turned on them to avoid some serious time. Bucky Sligo was recently gunned down and then last night, when transferring Aiden O'Malley to Alderney State, the convoy was ambushed, and he got away. I can't help but think our brothers were somehow involved. Specifically, Derrick. But how could that be if he is still in Ireland?" Francis watched the other patrons closely and kept his voice low as to not have it travel to eavesdropping ears.

"Well… Actually. Derrick is back home now. He showed up on our doorstep about a month and a half ago, maybe two months now that I think about it. He isn't the same person he was when he left. I didn't know him very well, or at all, before he left. But who he is now…? I am scared for him." Kate lowered her eyes to the table and felt her hands clench in her lap. The drug use was obscene and would surely kill him before too long. His ramblings and otherworldly behavior were concerning, and she had begged Packie and Gerry to do something to snap him out of it.

"The fuck you say?!" Francis' whole face drained of color and he looked at his sister as if she had grown a second head.

"Yes Frankie. Maybe if you came around more often, you'd know these things! Of course, he is hardly ever home. Choosing to spend the night smacked out of his head in some random park or in the backyard. It's slowly killing Ma knowing how hard he has fallen. I can't even get a decent conversation in with him. I want to know my oldest brother better, but I can't when he is high as a kite almost every day. Packie said he would handle the situation. But I just can't figure out how that is possible." Kate felt the burn of her tears and blinked her eyes rapidly. She would not shed a tear out in public over her brother's lives. Behind closed doors was different. But she was out with Francis and would not let her emotions show.

'Of course, Niko listened to you break down over them many a time after a night of drinking…'

"I- I'm sorry. Don't worry. I'll get this figured out quickly. I just hope it wasn't Derrick who planned the breakout. So long as we can catch Aiden things will settle down. He was rather valuable in a different case of ours, and now that our star witness is missing, the court has to drop the charges. It's what Mitt was bitching about to me today." Francis felt furious now. He had no idea his older brother was back in town and he could almost guess that he had gone and placed a hit on Bucky and gotten Aiden out in order to kill him properly. He couldn't put it past his brother for this crap. Was it not enough that he helped him get out of the spotlight before the heat closed in on him? And now he was back making things worse for everyone around him.

"You don't think Derrick would be capable of that, right?" Kate lifted her watery eyes to her brother and forced herself to be passive.

"Don't you worry Katie. If he is as hooked on drugs as you say, then he wouldn't be in the right mindset to do something that crazy." Francis had to take his eyes off his sister. He could see the heartbreak forming and he didn't want his cynical thoughts to be shown. He had the perfect person in mind to shut up his brother and find out the truth. Ron said he would work certain angles of the case and get back to him later that night. Mitt had even suggested going by the house to speak to his family about what went down. Which was the last thing he wanted to do with the impending arrest of Gerald hanging over him.

"Frankie? You know differently, don't you? Now that you know he is home." She sniffled quietly and pinched the bridge of her nose to stop the tears from falling. It was her worst fears coming to the forefront. She knew one day one of her brothers would slip up too much and wind up dead or arrested. And here were her thoughts getting the better of her. Her meal was placed down in front of her and gave her an excuse to shut off her spiraling thoughts.

"I don't know Katie. But I will do what I need to in order to keep people safe. You know that. Family is still family. I have done what I can for so many years. But sometimes the sins are too great. Don't let it get you down. We are supposed to be having a fun lunch!" Francis picked up his sandwich and glanced to his sister to see her push around her salad with her fork.

"It doesn't make it any easier to see all of you risk your lives. To take the gamble each time you leave the house. I worry about all of you. And I mean all of you. I expect a call from the Doc any day now about any one of you. A failed robbery, a crook who got the upper hand, a bad car accident, a drug overdose. At some point the madness has to stop and I fear when it does, it will be too late for one of us." Kate stabbed at the lettuce with her fork letting some of her aggression out.

"Kate. Our lives are our choice. And until you realize that you can't control those around you, you will never be happy. What Derrick, Gerald, and Packie do with their lives is no more your fault than mine. I made my decision in life. And I alone am responsible for it. Just as the rest of us are for our own choices. You can only be who you are, not who our parents were, or who others want you to be, just you. Always remember that." Francis spoke tenderly and wished he could take Kate away from the violent house that she lived in, but it needed to be her decision, not his. And he knew she wasn't ready to give up on her other brothers. 'Not yet anyway…'

"That's- That's very deep Frankie. Thank you." Kate let a single tear cascade down her cheek before burying her turmoil down deep. She had this feeling that things were getting out of hand quickly and there was no way to stop it. Between her confusion over Niko, her brothers descending down into more trouble, and knowing that Francis was trying to climb the ranks- it was a lot to process. But where did that leave her? Where was her place in all of it?

"Don't mention it." They started to eat in silence before his thoughts returned to the mystery man that she had brought up. Just who had caught her eye so suddenly? He couldn't remember her mentioning anyone the past couple of months when they went for lunch. Maybe it was time to play the big brother card and get some details on the man who was vying for his sister's heart.

"This is a really good salad. I don't think I've ever been brought here. I'm not usually one to venture out to this end of town, and there was no way Niko would've taken me here. This is a bit out of our comfort zones." Kate was enjoying the high quality of food placed before her and let her thoughts wander to the many places she and Niko had visited together. The pool hall, darts and drinking at Steinway, the numerous diners in the city, and she hadn't once given a thought to the level of money he must have dumped into entertaining her… The thought was somewhat sobering. He always paid. Never giving her the option to chip in. A small frown formed on her face thinking about the many afternoons and nights he had called her up.

'I really haven't returned the favor of being a good friend. He deserves better than my drunken ramblings and character bashing. Next time I see him will be different. I have much to make up for…'

"Niko?" Francis' world came to a complete halt. Niko Bellic. The hired hitman who had helped him with a few problems over the past couple of months. The man he had met while working with Manny. The man who he knew for a fact had killed his blackmailer, Tom Goldberg, Clarence, Clarence's goons, and finally Clarence's lieutenant who was ready to rat him out to the feds. The cold blooded killer he had given substantial money to in order to make his problems go away. 'My sister… with… Niko?'

"Yeah! Packie introduced us awhile back. I asked Packie about him after our introduction. And you know how Packie gets. Next thing I know, Niko is calling me up wanting to hang out. It's been a few months of rather consistent hang outs. Not dates. He's a good friend and knows Packie, Gerry, and Derrick. Do you know him?" She paused in putting another forkful of salad into her mouth. Her curiosity was growing beyond what she was able to control.

"He- Do you remember Manny Escuela from the community center?" Francis lost his appetite in one failed swoop. He had no idea how involved Niko was with his family and it was like lightening had stuck him senseless. It would only be a matter of time before either Niko told his brothers what he was guilty of, or Kate would hear of their darker sides from Niko. He found himself at a dangerous crossroads and he felt his anger start to boil in his veins.

"The idiot guy who had a cameraman following him around like a lost puppy? Yes, I know who you are talking about. Why?" She set her fork down and folded her arms on the table, leaning into it heavily. Something was giving her alarm bells and Francis looked like he was shaking slightly.

"Well. He's dead. Apparently, someone from the streets took him out and I met Niko through him. And I have the feeling that you should keep your distance from him. He attracts the wrong crowd. And if he runs with Gerald and Packie? I can only image what he gets into." He left out his own dealings with Niko. She didn't need to know that this man had somehow met and worked with everyone from their family. Himself included. He liked to think Kate had a good image of him and didn't want that tarnished because of a couple of slip ups.

"I don't ask about his interaction with our family. And it looks like he has completed the set of McReary men. If you know him like the others do, then I'm sure he knows more than I do. And it's rather off-putting to know he spends more time with my brothers than me doing Lord knows what!" Kate lightly pushed her plate away from her, completely losing the need to keep eating. It was like someone had jabbed a knife into her heart. It was what she was fearing all along.

"Katie. He, um, he helped me with some rather nasty criminals. That's all. People who were dealing drugs, selling women- People the LCPD couldn't arrest because of who they knew. He wasn't doing anything terrible with me. I can't say the same with Packie, Gerald, and now Derrick. But he did LCPD a huge favor." Francis tried to recover some, but the hollowing feelings of knowing Niko worked with his other brothers wouldn't let him be. 'Things need to be dealt with soon!'

"You sure?" She glared at her brother and tried to see reason. While she knew what Packie and Gerry did wasn't exactly safe or legal, she had hoped that maybe Niko wasn't that involved with crime. That maybe he was only doing what he did because he saw no other way in life. He had mentioned being in a war and how awful it was. But she had held on steadfast to the notion that he was redeemable. That he was a good man under the rough, tough exterior he showed the world. 'There has to be more. There is something there. I know it!'

"Yeah! Of course! I wouldn't lie to my favorite sister." Francis smiled and hoped she would drop the questioning and topic. He would be making several phone calls when he got back to the office. He could see glimpses of the future and it was looking bleak for him if things didn't get into motion now.

"Frankie. I'm your only sister." Kate lifted a hand to rub at her forehead. There was so much to process and think about and all she kept yearning for was a drink- and preferably at Niko's side at Steinway. The addicting slide into oblivion with no one there to judge her wrongly, knowing Niko would keep her safe and get her home in one piece.

"But you are my favorite sibling." He spoke the words genuinely. Out of his entire family, he got along best with Kate. She seemed to appreciate what he was doing joining the police force. She wanted a life of normality and she would never get it at their Ma's house. He knew that the longer she stayed under that roof, she would slowly slip into their family habit of violence, drugs, alcoholism, or failure. There was no future there. She needed to find a way to freedom, and he had hoped someone would have come along by now and swept her away from their fucked up lives. 'And it will NOT be Niko…'

"Mm. I'll take it. You know, I could go for a drink- if that's okay? Just one. I do need to be able to take the subway home." Kate lowered her eyes from her brother and let the conversation die. She knew that he would put up a fight if she tried to defend Niko to him. He always said the most hurtful things when it came to their other siblings, so what was stopping him from doing the same with the man she thought fondly of?

"Sure. We do come from a family of alcoholics." Francis gave her a once over before flagging down their waiter. He ordered two Irish whiskey neat's and turned his attention back to his sister, "And the subway, really? I can take you home if you'd like. Wouldn't be any trouble." He didn't like the idea of his innocent sister walking alone on the streets of Dukes or using the rail system to get from place to place. There had been a rather prominent murder that took place not too far from their Ma's place at a subway station.

"No. The walk and time will give me the ability to think and process some stuff. I'll be careful. I always am." She glanced up from the surface of the table to see his eyebrows scrunch down in a worried expression. "Honestly, Frankie. I'm fine. I just have a lot going on at home and you know us McReary's aren't the best at sorting out our feelings and emotions. I'll get there eventually. Just need the alone time to think before having to help locate Derrick in a random park." She shot her eyes off to the side and let the air rush from her lungs.

"You shouldn't have to see him that way Kate. Let the other's handle it." Francis nodded to the waiter as he dropped off their glasses.

"I love all of you. I know it's not exactly something we can all share openly. But I don't want to end up finding his dead body someplace. It would kill Ma." Kate lifted the glass tumbler and swished the dark brown liquid around trying to calm her thoughts and emotions.

"You won't. I'll make sure of that." Francis felt something harden in his soul and knew just who to call to make this matter disappear.

"You promise? You'll help Derrick out?" Kate lifted her eyes to meet her brother's and prayed that Derrick would get the help he needed. She knew he wouldn't last much longer with the way he was drinking and shooting up drugs. Even Packie's habit was getting out of hand quickly.

"Yes. I'll set up a meeting with him tomorrow. Maybe the two of us can have lunch and catch up or something. Sort our differences out. Don't you worry about a thing Katie. I'll take real good care of him." 'Oh, I'll handle it alright…'

"Thank you, Frankie. You're the best. Cheers!" Kate lifted her glass and bumped it against his before downing the shot, loving the way the warmth and heat spread throughout her body. Even if she was still slightly sweaty from the outside heat. This was a different kind of warmth. One that greeted her merrily and wholly. She smiled at her brother and went back to finishing her meal. She was overjoyed that Francis was going to try to help Derrick out. It would be the start of something good for them all. 'Maybe being a family again isn't such a pipe dream!'

Francis couldn't stop the storm from brewing inside of him. Not only was Derrick back in Liberty but was fucking things up just like he did back in the day. Committing crime after crime. He now knew for a fact that Packie, Derrick, and Michael had robbed the Bank of Liberty. He had watched surveillance footage of the attack and felt like he knew the man who had placed the charges on the vault. But having not seen Derrick since the late eighty's was making it hard to put two and two together. Some of the citizens who gave statements said two of the men identified as brothers. He had just assumed it was Gerry and not Derrick. His thoughts continued to nosedive the longer they sat at the table and he knew if he didn't get away from Kate soon, she would pick up on it.

"I hate to end this early, but with everything going on I should probably get back to the station. Aiden still needs to be found and there was some kind of report about the Albanian mafia trying to gear up for some kind of attack. Are you sure you don't want me to drop you off at home? I don't mind." Francis had finished his food quickly and was scrolling through his missed texts from his officers. His plan was forming, and he needed to start getting people in place in order to execute it perfectly.

"I'll be okay. I can take the Suffolk subway station back home. It's not far from here." Kate smiled at her brother and scooted out her chair, "I'll just use the ladies room and then we can leave." Silently she stood up and headed off toward the restrooms, wincing at the blisters she could feel forming on her pinky toes.

Francis waved toward the waiter and signaled for the check. He would pay the bill, then get ready to head back into the office. He had a ton to think about and several people to talk to about his current situation. Derrick being back in Liberty changed just about everything. He watched as the check hit the table and he pulled out the correct cash needed to cover the tab and leave a generous tip. He smirked at seeing the LCPD discount near the bottom, sometimes it helped to show off the badge and gun.

"All set?" Kate walked up to the table and lifted her jacket from the back of her chair. She was feeling slightly giddy from the shot and was feeling lighter knowing that Frankie would be helping Derrick out. Things were looking up once more and she was ready to celebrate! Her fingers itched to pull her phone from her pocket and dial a certain friend up to see if he was busy. Maybe she could keep going on this high she was feeling.

"Yeah, we are all set. Thanks again for making the trip out to see me. Always a good visit!" Francis stood up from his chair and pulled his suit jacket on.

"Anytime, Frankie! It's nice to get out of the house and see everyone at the station. Mitt is getting older looking though. Everything okay with him?" She draped her jacket over her arm neatly. She was feeling flushed and didn't want to suffocate outside in the heat with the additional layer.

"There is a rumor that he will retire this year." Francis placed his hand to her upper back and guided her back to the front entrance of the restaurant, nodding and smiling at everyone who waved or spoke greetings to him.

"So that's why he said something about you taking his position!" Kate beamed up at her brother with getting to either confirm this rumor for him or give him news he wasn't aware of yet. She bounced somewhat in her shoes and sped up to be able to walk backwards in front of him.

"He said that?" Francis smiled at his sister's way of spreading her infectious happiness. When she was excited about something, almost everyone else around her began to feel it. He wasn't immune to her smile or gentle nature. He had been talking to Mitt in private about what he needed to do in order to one day be Commissioner, but this was the first he heard of it being confirmed he was in the running.

"Yep! It's very exciting! You'd be at the top Frankie. Isn't that your dream goal?" She thanked the man who opened the door for her and shifted from foot to foot waiting for her brother to join her side.

"It is…" He spoke softly, handing the valet his ticket. It was everything he ever wanted, besides of course to fix his family. But to be the head honcho? The one calling the shots? He'd finally be able to clean up the city and do something good with his life. Maybe get away from having to be corrupt in order to get things done. He could cut ties and wash his hands once and for all. 'But first my problem with Derrick!'

"Well very early congratulations then brother! Or should I say- Comish!" Kate laughed and hugged her brother tightly as the car was pulled up into the valet line.

He wrapped his arms around her and kissed the crown of her head. His life was in a very delicate balance now and one wrong move would cause it all to come crashing down. So many things were up in the air and he would need to start draining his ledger dry. No one, and he meant no one, was going to stand in his way of getting what he wanted out of life. No lawyer, blackmailer, thug on the street, criminal, or family member was going to ruin this for him now.

"Commissioner McReary sounds just too cool." Kate looked up to him in his arms and felt the ache in her cheeks from smiling so much in one day. She was thankful for the small break from her home, from the repairs and cleaning needed, from having to be the sole care provider for her aging Ma, from playing peacekeeper between her brothers, and from the monotony of work. This wasn't something she knew she was missing, and she was grateful for it. A weight had been lifted and she was ready to tackle the last obstacle in her path- her feelings for Niko.

"It has a nice ring to it. Maybe with the pay boost I will be able to get a bigger apartment. Then I can set you up a place to stay if you need it." He shifted his arms from around her to place his hands on her shoulders, "Let me know when you get home, okay? I'll be worried about you till then. And I will send out a search party." He grew serious as he thought about her walking around the city and subway in the late afternoon before dusk.

"I'll be okay. But yes, I will let you know the second I make it inside the door." She pulled him in for one more hug before stepping back from him. She adjusted her suit jacket over her arm and couldn't stop the smile from spreading across her face, "See you around… Deputy Commissioner." She did a silly little curtsy and laughed when her brother erupted in boisterous laughter.

"See you around Princess." He overdid the bow and waved at her before moving around to the driver side door and plopped down inside his car.

She waved once more as he pulled away from the valet line. There was a decent walk to either subway station, and her feet throbbed with the thought of the long walk. But the sooner she headed out, the sooner she could sit down on the lengthy train ride home. Carefully she headed off toward the Suffolk station and prayed she wouldn't run into any crazy people. While the neighborhood was rather rich, it still didn't stop the tourists and criminals from traversing the areas. 'Maybe Frankie was right. I should've let him take me home.'

The bright neon lights of the triangle were still noticeable even in the afternoon sun and she briefly wondered why she had never bothered to check it out before. She had lived in Liberty her whole life and had yet to see a single show in the theater district or attend any sporting venue. Packie had mentioned one night about seeing a show with Niko and she had taken a full fifteen minutes trying to stop from laughing. Gerry had said something along the lines of Packie being more of Niko's girlfriend than her and it had set her up in another round of giggles and tears.

A sharp pain on her heel forced her to come to a stop, causing her to twist around awkwardly to see that a blister had popped and was bleeding into the leather heel of her new shoes. She let out a silent curse and looked around for a place to sit down. Thankfully, there was a park bench not too far ahead of her and she hobbled over to it, ungraciously dropping down to the metal surface. No longer caring about being proper, but still mindful to not give someone a flash of her undergarments, she lifted her foot to see the damage. The blister had definitely torn open and there would be no way to make it to the subway station without doing more damage to it.

"Seriously?! You couldn't have shown up as Frankie was leaving!" She whispered out angrily at her heel knowing she was ultimately stranded till someone came to get her, or she toughed it out and bled all over the place getting home. Neither option seemed pleasant. Her brothers would surely moan and groan about having to drive all the way to Suffolk just to pick her up when Francis had offered her a ride. But Packie's tirade would at least be more bearable than causing herself more harm…

Kate fished out her cell phone from her jacket pocket and started to scroll through her contacts to get to Packie's name. Niko's rested above her brother's and she hesitated for a minute. Would he be free? Was it acceptable for her to call him for something as ridiculous as a ride home? They were friends, right? This is what friends do, right? Her thoughts swung back and forth before her finger pressed the call button on his name. 'Only one way to find out…'

The phone rang a couple of times and Kate debating hanging up before the call connected.

"Kate?" He sounded shocked and unprepared for her call and it caused a small smirk to lift the corners of her mouth. For once she had caught him off guard.

"Hi Niko. Look- This is really stupid. And you can definitely say no. There is no pressure. None at all. Really. I um. Well?" Her face flamed against the heat of the afternoon as well as her embarrassment of having to ask him for help. She immediately regretted calling him and felt her mind spin trying to think of a way out of asking.

"Is everything okay?" There was the soft caring tone she had heard on rare occasions and it caused the butterflies to flutter in her stomach, worsening her guilt about asking him something so mundane and unnecessary. Especially since her brothers were more than capable to come pick her up.

"I am down in Suffolk and could use a ride home. I know it's a stupid thing to ask, and I really don't expect you to come get me. Honestly. I should've just asked Packie. I'll give you gas money for the trouble. It's a long drive from here to Dukes. I was going to take the subway, but my stupid shoe rubbed my heel raw and now it's bleeding. And I'm talking too much. I'm sorry for bothering you. I'll just ask one of my brothers." Kate sighed and felt her shoulders hunch in on her. 'Oh my God what is wrong with me? Friends ask each other for favors all the time. Get a grip already!'

"It's fine. I'm not too far from Suffolk. Text me the cross street and I'll see you soon." There was what she thought was humor in his voice as he ended the call and the humiliation burned in her chest.

"Real smooth Katie… No wonder you're single. Can't even talk to a friend who happens to be a guy that you may or may not have feelings for." She grumbled below her breath and glanced up to the street signs in order to text him her approximate location. She quickly typed it out and sent them to Niko, "At least now you won't have to worry about navigating Dukes in a skirt and bloody foot." She rolled her eyes and folded her arms across her chest. The back of her heel was burning, and she knew she would need to clean it soon and get it covered before it got infected.

"Wait. I should've asked him what car he was driving. Shit. Now I'm gonna look like an even bigger idiot if I walk up to the wrong car. Ugh!" She slouched back against the metal bench and tried to bring up her happier thoughts from earlier. There was no reason to get down on herself about seeing Niko, and especially when she was slightly dressed up for a change. Now there was a thought. Would there be a second glance from his observant eyes? Or would he dismiss her appearance like he usually did?

Hastily she undid her ponytail and ran her fingers through her hair trying to make it lay right before collecting it back into a neater ponytail, being sure each strand was collected into the band. She patted it down and wished she had a mirror in order to make sure nothing was sticking up or frizzed out too bad. Her collared, long sleeve, white button down blouse was done up all the way and she debated back and forth internally with undoing one or two buttons. She would be safe inside Niko's car and it wasn't like she didn't mind when she would catch him looking at her. So, what did it matter if the top button was undone? It was hot outside, perfectly good excuse for why it would be undone. Not at all because she was thinking of showing off for her not boyfriend friend.

Her fingers deftly undid the top collar button. Glancing down to make sure it didn't look beyond obvious what her intentions were, she decided it didn't look too bad, and undid one more for good measure. It was rather natural looking and less uptight than what her mother would have her dressed like. Plus, the air that rushed down into her shirt was pleasant. The temperature surely had raised a degree or two since she had left the restaurant. Rational thought forced her to quit obsessing over her looks and to get out of her head. 'For once just enjoy the moment and quit over analyzing everything…'

A dark red Super GT rolled to a stop in front of her bench along the curb and the passenger window rolled down, revealing Niko ducked down in order to see her properly, "I hear you need a ride?" The faintest of smirks lifted the edge of his mouth.

The thrill tripped down her spine with his look and she smiled back at him, "Yeah, though I don't think I hailed this nice of a taxicab! Nice wheels." She placed her injured foot back down inside her shoe to the pavement and felt the pain shoot back up her leg. It wouldn't be too long before she could take a better look at it and she lifted herself up off the bench in order to make the short distance to his car. 'A new car almost every time I see him…'

She grimaced against the pain and would need to hobble the last couple of steps to prevent any added weight to her foot. It would look ridiculous, but at this point all she wanted to do was get home and take care of it. The sound of a door opening, and closing caused her to shoot her eyes up from the sight of the passenger side door. Niko moved around the front of the car to come stand at her side. She blinked several times not knowing what he was doing. He must have had the same thoughts as they both just continued to stare at one another.

"Would you like me to help?" Niko slightly lifted one of his hands in her direction, awkwardly not knowing how to act around her suddenly. He had never once touched her without it being accidental. Their drunken stumbling around from the bar to the car sometimes ended in them brushing arms or hands, but nothing to be taken seriously. This time he was clear headed and knew she was in pain. There was no need for her to cause more harm if he could help.

"Um." Her face burned bright red, and she nodded as she lost the ability to speak. Her foot was really bothering her, but to need help getting into his car?! She could only picture her brothers dying of laughter if they could see her now. Or berating Niko for helping her out. She wasn't sure which felt worse.

"Put your weight on me." Niko moved to her side and slipped his arm under hers, letting her take the weight off the foot he could see lifted from the ground. He spotted the broken blister and knew it would've only gotten worse had she indeed walked all the way to the subway station and then walked home from the station close to her place.

She looped her arm around his neck and leaned into his personal space for the first time. He was unbelievably firm and toned from what she could feel beneath his numerous layers of clothes. How he wasn't dying of heat exhaustion was beyond her. She was breaking out in a sweat in a thin blouse and suit skirt, and here he was wearing a shirt, sweater, and a leather jacket. She figured she would have felt uneasy being this close to him, but pleasantly, she was comfortable and unbothered with the way his hand firmed on her opposite side. Her body flushed as she felt his fingers move against the fabric of her shirt.

Slowly they moved toward the passenger side door, Niko basically carrying her, and just as quickly he removed himself from her. The lack of touch was immediately missed, and she berated herself for enjoying it. She watched as he opened the door for her, avoiding her gaze, and held his hand out to her to give her something to use as leverage to lower herself into the seat. She turned on one foot and took his hand, and for once felt graceful getting into a vehicle while wearing a skirt. She tucked her legs inside and heard the door close softly once she was safely inside. 'The actual hell is wrong with you! Stop with the girly giddiness. This is not high school!'

Her heart was racing, her skin felt on fire, and there was some unidentifiable feeling pulling below her navel. Her hands were shaking, and she couldn't figure out if she was having a heat stroke or experiencing some kind of silly crush. The car slightly jostled as Niko dropped down into the driver seat and it snapped her from her inner musings. She looked to her side to see Niko's eyes dart up from her knees to her face, his eyes minutely widening once they landed on her. She felt a small victory dance in her soul and only smiled as he continued to stare at her.

"Thank you, Niko, for picking me up." She turned back toward the windshield giving him the chance to collect himself. She had caught him red handed checking her out and was only slightly miffed he hadn't commented on her outfit.

"Sure. Though if you wanted a taxicab, you could always call my cousin Roman. He'd love the extra business." Niko dryly chuckled and checked traffic before merging into the next lane, speeding up to the speed limit. He hadn't meant to look at her legs, but it was the first time he had seen them bare, and he hated the small yearning that wafted to the surface in him. She had been almost adamant about the level of friend between them, and he hated that he had been caught crossing the line somewhat.

"And his drivers would be as nice to help an injured female out?" Kate felt the smirk tug at her lips as she crossed her legs in order to remove the shoe from the bleeding blister. She poked around the wound and frowned at the size of it. It was bigger than what she was imagining.

"Trust me. You wouldn't want any of them touching you. They aren't, how do you say? Polite?" His hands firmed on the sterling wheel. He didn't like the idea of the rude Mohammed being alone with her in any form of vehicle. With all the bragging that man had done about getting into the female tourists pants that visited Liberty? There was no way in hell he would allow him to get close to her.

"So, it's just you then who are nice enough to help little 'ol stranded me?" She was studying her foot and wished she had brought her purse with her. At least then she would have a small packet of tissues in order to stop it from bleeding all over Niko's nice car. She didn't want to cause him any more money in order to clean up her messes.

"I don't know about that. You sounded convinced that Packie would've come to your rescue." Niko glanced over to her from watching the traffic and saw her frowning down at her foot. He patted along his jacket knowing he had at least a few tissues left in one of his pockets. Upon feeling the crinkle of the plastic covering, he pulled them out and held them in her direction, keeping his eyes on the road, "Here. Sorry it's not more."

"Thank you. You are just full of surprises today." Kate accepted the tissue packet and pulled one out. As soon as it connected to her open wound, she hissed at the pain, "First with taking my call, then picking me up in the middle of the city, taking me home, and offering me first aid. Just what is with today?" She removed the tissue to look at it and felt her stomach roll at the sight of blood and loose skin that had been torn open from the blister.

"I was actually going to call you to hang out, but you beat me to it." It was mostly true. He had just parked his new Infernus outside the apartment in Middle Park East and was debating calling her up for drinks to celebrate his reward for helping Bernie. He had gone on a long joyride and had felt rather good and wanted to share the feeling with someone else. Even if he was unable to truly express the feelings. Watching her smile and babble on about life was an experience he enjoyed.

"Oh? Well, if you want, which of course you don't have to, we can go out once I get changed and bandage this stupid broken blister. Was a bad idea to try and break in new shoes today." She held the tissue to the blister firmly and tried to ignore the throbbing and burning sensation that went in waves up her leg. 'Did-Did I just ask him out?!'

"Sure. That would be fun. Any place in mind?" Niko felt relieved that this wouldn't just be a menial task and that she actually wanted to spend time, rather than just use his time. While he enjoyed spending time with all of his friends, the favors were getting old. Take this person here, pick up this shipment of drugs, steal this car, take someone out. It was getting borderline rude. Kate at least didn't ever call him up for things of that nature. Which is why he was surprised she had called him in the first place. He filtered through all their previous hang outs and realized that she had not once ever called him to initiate the contact.

"Well, I've been in a really good mood today. So, I'm always down for a drink. But this time I think I'd like to pace myself better. I get the feeling my drunken exploits are not the most enjoyable." She scrunched up her nose and tried to bury what glimpses remained from their times out drinking. Things were always hazy and fragmented the next morning and she always wondered how they got home, or for that matter how she made it up the steps to their porch.

"I'm no better. And at least you don't sing like Packie does." He briefly smiled at her surprised laughter.

"Oh! I am never letting him live that down! Let me guess? Danny Boy? Or The Fields of Athenry?" She leaned back into her seat and let out a couple more giggles as she imagined a drunken Packie swaying from side to side in the passenger seat of Niko's car belting out the lines to Danny Boy.

"I don't know the names of the songs, but Danny Boy sounds right. He's not too bad of a singer." He chuckled as she let out another round of breathless laughter. He liked seeing her relax and enjoy herself and this was the most he had seen her let go and just be in the moment. They hadn't started up their typical conversations, and she hadn't gone down the acrimonious preaching. They were having a genuine conversation and he wanted it to keep going.

"He used to be in the church choir. Feels like a lifetime ago." She grew thoughtful and quiet, turning in her seat to be able to face Niko better, "Thank you for hanging out with my entire family. I got to see Francis today and he tells me you helped him and LCPD out. The people he said you helped them bring down sounded evil and I'm glad there is one less person out there feeding drugs into the city or forcing women into prostitution. I know cops aren't the easiest people to like, but it means a lot that you took the time to help them." She smiled to him as he glanced around at the traffic before turning toward the Broker Bridge to take them back into Bohan, Broker, and Dukes.

"You talked to Francis about me?" He looked at her from the corner of his eye and felt his stomach knot up. He couldn't be sure what all was said. They weren't exactly on the best of terms. Granted he hadn't received a call from him about blackmailers or redeemable sins in a long time, so maybe Francis had finally made the break he needed? Most of his time had been divided between Bernie, Ray Boccino, Derrick, and Gerry. And if he wasn't dodging Albanian mobsters and chasing down diamonds, he was spending as much time with Packie, Kate, and Roman as he could.

"I wouldn't say we talked about you. But I did mention you to him and to my surprise you've now met every one of my brothers. I'm not some kind of consolation prize? Check off the entire McReary family kind of thing? Like Liberty City Bingo?" She raised her eyebrow and waited for his response. She wasn't sure if he would get her reference. Sometimes the language barrier was difficult to navigate. But he usually managed fair enough.

"I don't consider you a prize to be won. That doesn't seem right to me. But I may not be getting the full understanding." No, he knew. But he was hoping she wouldn't prod too deep. While he would gladly give up all the crazy stunts he pulled with her brothers to simply spend time in her presence, he knew how she defined their time and didn't want to jeopardize what they did have. And sometimes just a break from the madness was what he needed in life.

"I'd hope that our time spent together meant something more than just passing the time. I do enjoy it, Niko. I think you should know that. And I'm sure my long rants about my family and life are beyond fascinating. I'm sure it gets boring." She looked out her window and tried to not hang on every word he said. But sometimes it was nice to know she was needed. Especially to someone outside her family.

"Not at all, friend. Families are strange things. Mine is no different." Niko shifted his attention back to the cars around them and tried to ignore the pit in his stomach. He was thankful for her words. He was glad she enjoyed spending time with him, but sometimes he wished it could be more than simple hang outs. He didn't want to admit that he longed for something more than superficial conversation and throwing darts in a small Irish bar. He wanted to be able to sit in the quiet interior of his apartment and get to actually know someone. Dwayne had been a breath of fresh air. They could have deep conversations and not worry about the other judging their words.

There was the term friend again and it set her skin aflame with an itchiness the likes of which she hadn't felt before. Why was the term so wrong to her now? There had been nothing more between them, so why was now, all of a sudden, so pressing to her? Was this that universal sign she had been waiting for? Or was it her over optimistic lunch with Frankie that was trying to shove her in a new direction? But he had mentioned family. And that was a first to her.

"No different? Surely your family isn't a bunch of drunken, crime-laden, hypocrites that tear each other down?" Kate forced herself to look his direction to see his reaction. He had never once brought up his family in detail, and she was craving to know more about his past. And through his past, him.

"Roman, my cousin- Our fathers were brothers." Niko felt his hands start to sweat and he brushed them along his jeans in order to handle the steering wheel better. He hadn't really meant to bring up his family, but if he was wanting to get more personal, there was nothing quite like bringing up family.

"Were they close?" Kate could see the stiffness that settled over him and tried to quiet her thoughts about this not being a good subject.

"We grew up the next house to each other. So physically, yes. And temperamentally, yes. They were identical. But did they get along? No, they hated each other. They were both assholes, you see." This was not where he saw this conversation going and was somewhat glad that he was getting closer to her Ma's house.

Kate let out a dry chuckle, "I know all about that." She could almost see the parallels between them and somehow felt closer to him. Clearly both of their upbringings weren't the best.

"They were wife beating alcoholics, who, luckily, were both what they deserved to be. My mother- my mother is one of life's victims. I was mostly raised by Roman's mother. She was great. An amazing person. When the war came, she saved up all her money and sent Roman here. She wanted to send me too, but I wanted to fight. I was stupid." He somewhat scoffed as he turned up a street in the direction of her Ma's place. The words were free flowing at this point, and part of him no longer cared if she knew everything. He basically knew everything there was to know about her brothers, and he was still trying to figure her out.

"Don't say that. You seem to be doing rather well for yourself now, right?" 'Say something more you idiot! He is clearly opening up to you! The least you can do is return the favor!' Kate smoothed her hands over her skirt and dared to look to his face to see how he was feeling. While his normal guarded reaction was what she was used to, his eyes spoke differently, and she wished she could offer him some form of comfort.

"If you say so. Look at the company I keep." Niko's tone spoke volumes for what he was and wasn't saying.

"At least our company is good, right?" Kate tentatively reached over and placed her hand over his leather clad forearm. She hadn't meant to bring up sore subjects, but it felt like most, if not all, of his past was difficult and sad. She waited for him to turn his attention to her.

"I'd like to think so." Niko pulled up in front of her mother's house and turned to look at her in the close interior of the car he had taken off of someone in a street race. He glanced down at her hand that still rested over his forearm. He wasn't sure what to make of the contact and tried to not think too much on it. They had all but avoided physical touch since starting to hang out and the touch, while not unwelcomed, felt weird.

"Good. Why don't you come in and wait while I get ready? I'd hate to leave you out here burning up gas while I clean up my blister and change clothes." Kate squeezed down once on his arm and released him. She had seen him glance to her hand and felt bad for even touching him now. Every rant, every drunken outing, every time she had demolished him came rushing to the forefront of her mind and she felt everything tighten up inside. 'Just what kind of friend am I? I don't ever act this way around my other friends. Limited though they are…'

"You sure that is fine? Looks like Packie is home." He nodded to the sloppily parked red comet on the sidewalk. He felt her hand fall away and fought against the yarning to reach out and grab her hand. He would let her lead and be patient. They were only friends, nothing more. Maybe tonight he could approach the subject of their relationship and figure things out. He was hesitant to get there since he was still trying to find Darko and get his revenge quenched.

"He is probably passed out in his room. I won't take long. Unless you prefer the interior of your car to the house?" Kate crossed her arms under her chest and felt her shirt strain under them. She had forgotten how tight fitting it was and prayed that another button wouldn't come loose and give the wrong impression. It was bad enough that she had let two buttons go, but a third? That would be crossing the line and showing too much cleavage for her liking.

"If you insist. I don't mind waiting inside." Niko stole a glance down to her chest before grabbing the keys and turning the ignition off. He was getting some mixed signals, and while he had been in Liberty long enough to think he understood American women, maybe he needed to tread more carefully? She had never once given him the romantic pass, and he hadn't truly felt obligated to cross that line before. Packie and Gerry both made it very clear she was off limits in that aspect.

"Great! I'll just head upstairs, take care of this stupid blister, change clothes, and we can head out for a fun evening on the town!" Kate smiled brightly and opened the door. Somehow, she had forgotten how badly her foot hurt till it connected with the pavement as she stood up. The leather rubbed the entire length of the blister and it sent an unpleasant shudder up her spine. Her gasp felt louder than it should have, and she shot her eyes down to her foot angrily. How, or better yet why, did she think wearing new shoes on a long distance journey was a good idea?!

"You sure you are okay?" Niko closed the driver door and moved around to the sidewalk, trying to shove his feelings aside for the moment. Her gasp had sounded pained, and he didn't want her to hurt herself worse. Especially if Packie was home. He didn't need the blame thrown his direction for something he had nothing to do with.

"Yeah, I'm fine. It's just silly of me to try and wear something nice to visit Frankie in. Should've known better." She shrugged and partially lifted her suit jacket up to indicate that it was more than just her shoes she was referring to. She had worn a navy blue pencil suit skirt with matching two button blazer, with a button down white blouse. The collar of the blouse had tiny pearl embellishments and was something she only wore when needing to impress donors at the community center. The heat and been rather inconvenient today and she had just wished she had worn her normal clothes for the outing.

"I think you look good." The words felt awkward in his mouth as they left him. He had complimented Michelle, or Karen, several times while they were in a fake relationship and he hadn't once tried to act anywhere close to romantically involved with someone since. The burn from that was still hard to shake and was one reason why he felt fine with their 'friends-only' agreement. But when that dragged on, he began to wonder just what he had gotten himself into.

"I really appreciate that, Niko. Really, thank you." She felt shy and timid and could only muster the ability to stare at her feet and tuck her loose hair behind her ears. She could only imagine Packie and Gerry staring at them through the living room windows now and mustered the courage to search the windows for prying eyes.

"What? Francis and his men couldn't compliment you?" Niko chuckled and motioned toward the front steps. He fought the smirk that wanted to lift the corners of his lips as her cheeks reddened with his compliment. She always looked cute when she was flustered, and he enjoyed pushing the limits when they drank… Till he knew she was too far gone. Then he only worried about getting her home in one piece.

"Oh, they do, but it is all in a joking, fun manner. Bunch of circus clowns they are." Kate rolled her eyes and lightly hobbled to the stone steps that lead up to the front door. 'How in the world do I do this black out drunk but can't do it with a stupid blister on my foot. Jesus H! Lord, help me!'

"No one tells you, you look good? Not anyone?" Niko followed close behind her and let her take charge. He would've offered his help again, but the rigidness of her spine told him she needed to do this on her own. He was slightly curious now as to why no one else had been hitting on her. She was young, attractive, funny, and single. So what was stopping other guys from stepping in?

"I'd like to think my brothers mean it, but after years of snarky remarks and fighting, it's hard to tell what is genuine and what isn't. And while I do get the occasional male to hit on me, rare that it is, I'm never interested." Kate huffed as she took the steps slowly and fished the key out of her pocket, "But then again what crazy man would want to date someone as messed up as me?" She had half-jokingly said the words out loud, not meaning for Niko to answer her. Silently she shoved the key into the lock and twisted it open, before moving to the door handle.

"You would be surprised, beautiful." Niko muttered the words in Serbian not entirely aware that she would hear him. He was watching the street and windows for people that might be out looking for him or her brothers. One could never be too careful in his line of work. And while he liked to think he had a handle on his current situation, Gerry had upped the danger severely with the exchange between the Albanians and the Ancelottis. He wasn't sure Gerry understood the predicament they all found themselves in.

"Is that-? Is that your native language?" Kate spun around after unlocking the door to stare at him wide-eyed. She had never once heard him speak another language. It sounded so exotic and handsome. And while she felt hot from being outside, a different heat tried to pry its way through her veins. The spin and caused her to slightly stumble to the side and he easily braced his hands to her elbows to steady her.

"It is. Sorry. I sometimes slip up." Niko firmed his hands on her arms to help her get her balance. He didn't mean to say it out loud and now he was dreading her asking what he had said. Or for him to say a bunch of different words to her. It was always the same when people discovered he spoke another language. 'What can you say? Can you teach this me this? Was English hard to learn?'. The questions went on and on and he hated them all. Could people just not leave bilingual folks alone?

"No. It's a beautiful sounding language. You should speak it more around me. Maybe I can start to pick up on things?" Kate titled her head to the side and watched him carefully, "Unless it is painful to speak the language of your home?" She felt maybe she should give him an out. Everything about his past sounded so tragic and depressing. The last thing she wanted to do was make him more uncomfortable.

"If it doesn't offend you. Maybe. Get me drunk enough and I won't know English at all." He smirked at her and watched as the blush rose on her cheeks. It was partially true, if the vodka were free flowing enough, he would start having trouble translating things. Roman had made a remark one night after one too many. It irritated him slightly to know Roman was losing their home language.

"So. Me imagining you speaking another language wasn't just my mind making things up. You've been pretty drunk on more than one occasion Mr. Sophisticated European!" Kate matched his smirk and reached behind her to twist the doorhandle in order to open the door. His hands shifted off her to drop to his sides, letting her find her own balance without his touch. She raked her eyes up and down his body and wondered why she hadn't seen how built he was before now. 'Clearly that shot has gone to your head!'

"I don't know what you are talking about." His smirk deepened at her once over of him, "However, you handle your liquor poor, but I always make sure I don't drink enough to ensure you get home safely." He did the same motion with his eyes that she had on him and appreciated the way her dress shirt was unbuttoned over her chest, the tightness of her skirt over her hips, the bare legs and feet he could see before him. He had never once seen her in such clothes before and he felt his want build inside of him.

"You keep talking like that and Packie just might want to rip your heart out." She deftly arched her eyebrow hoping he got the hidden meaning behind her words. His language had sent something down her spine that set her skin to lightly hum. Static electricity was charging through her and somewhere in the back of her mind she briefly wondered what it would be like to be pressed to the front door with his body, his lips searing over hers… She gulped at the mental image she conjured and turned to open the door. 'Cold shower is a must…'

"He wouldn't be able to. Do you know if there is any cold water in the fridge? Could go for something to drink." Niko switched topics and followed her into the foyer of the McReary home. He had been by so many times now, that he almost considered it another crash pad. Gerry and Packie had both invited him over for a drunken night of shots, poker, and laughs. He missed Michael greatly and wished he had been able to stop his death. He would've been able to pick up on the man's intentions long before Packie and Derrick could have. He regretted not suggesting he be on crowd control.

"Well, the stupid deep freezer is broken still, but the fridge might have some bottled water in it. If not, there should be some ice in the top freezer of the fridge. Hate to offer tap water, but it might be all we have. I haven't been shopping this week. Was hoping the guys would have done it while I was out today. Maybe chip in for once." She grumbled the last sentence as she limped into the house she grew up in.

"I'll find something then." He watched as she hobbled and favored her injured foot. He wanted to reach out and help, but something held him back. That something was screaming no at him internally. Had their conversation in the car not been indication that things were shifting between them? And if it wasn't that conversation, was it not what took place outside on the stoop? He kept his eyes trained on her backside and longed to be able to scope her up in his arms and have his way with her. But she was a long, drawn out challenge, one he was willing to endure for now.

Kate's foot gave one extremely harsh pulse as new skin was rubbed raw from her shoe and she jumped with the sensation. She grabbed her shoe in one hand, jerking it off completely, and cupped her heel with the other. The motion was difficult in the tight fitting skirt and she lost balance immediately. She tried to stumble/ hop in the direction of the wall toward the entrance to the living room to lean on. Hoping that the landing wouldn't be too rough. But somehow misjudged it completely.

Her weight slammed into the edge of the opening to the living room, and she yelped at the impact. She let out a string of curses with her clumsiness and angrily wiped a couple of loose strands of hair from her face. "If that doesn't send the boys running, I don't know what will…" She half whispered, half groaned the words out and leaned her head back into the wall, glancing toward Niko. He was only a step away with his arms out as if he were going to try and stop her fall. The move only made her feel worse as he had now been keeping her stumbling around to a minimum. 'Not even drunk and he's having to treat you like a helpless child…'

"Hitting the bottle early there Katie?" Packie had heard the door unlock and open, before closing. But with the stumbling sound and thud, he had rushed out of the kitchen to make sure everything was okay. What he wasn't prepared for was to see Niko and Kate standing rather close together, Kate looking somewhat winded and messy. Her hair was falling loose from her ponytail and her shirt was unbuttoned some. He narrowed his eyes at Niko before darting down to the submachine gun that was resting on the coffee table.

"NO! I am most certainly NOT drunk right now!" Kate flamed bright red in the face and scrambled around Niko's body, "I injured my stupid ankle, or heel, or whatever it is you call the back of your foot, breaking in new shoes, and now I'm home. I will be changing clothes then heading back out. No questions asked." She jerked her other shoe off and marched to the stairs not giving Packie a chance to answer her. She wasn't expecting him to be in the living room and the sudden interruption from whatever was happening between her and Niko was leaving her breathless and confused worse than she already was. 'That was flirting right? That's how it's done?'

"What's got her panties in a wad? Better not be YOU!" She could hear Packie chastise Niko as she reached the landing of the stairs before slamming her door shut.

Niko watched her tear up the stairs before dropping his gaze over to Packie, "Like you said, it would never happen. How did you put it? 'She don't put out?' I get that right?" He shook his head and chuckled when Packie smirked.

"Yep! Me sister is a lovely lass but isn't going to be sleeping with no one!" Packie turned back toward the kitchen and waved his hand in a beckoning gesture, "Come on. Just in time to help me and Gerry finish cleaning the freezer out." He headed back toward the kitchen to where Gerry was scrubbing down the inside of the freezer the dead Albanian had been stored.

"You sure that's wise with Kate here?" He lowered his voice as he followed Packie into the back of the home.

"If she is taking a shower, it's going to be a while. Wait." Packie turned back around to face Niko as he crossed into the kitchen, "Are you the reason she is going back out today?" He crossed his arms and could hear Gerry stopping his scrubbing.

"Yes. Is that going to be a problem?" Niko lifted his eyebrow. Packie had only once questioned him about his hang outs with Kate, but usually didn't bring it up. Was something no longer right with everyone? Is it not what Packie wanted anymore?

"If you consider us having to do all these damn house chores a problem, then yes!" Gerry grumbled as he stood up from the floor, slamming the door shut to the freezer, "Just glad Ma agreed to go hang out with Gordon's mom for the day and evening. Something about a bridge tournament. Need the chance to get rid of the smell from the freezer. Body is long gone, but the smell was hard to remove." He wiped his hands on a clean towel and stared at Niko and Packie.

"Keep your damn voice down! Kate is upstairs you idiot." Packie whisper-yelled, swinging himself around to point a finger at his older brother.

"She knows the damn thing broke. I told her the food had gone bad in it and was why it stank to high heaven. Honestly use the pea-sized brain of yours. We've been keeping her in the dark for years. Not about to slip up now." Gerry rolled his eyes and chucked the towel toward the kitchen island.

"She isn't stupid you know. She's been asking about how Michael died. I think she is putting things together about the robbery." Packie moved over to a cabinet to find the bottle of liquor he had stashed there.

"Well whose damn fault is that?" Gerry raised his voice and sent both Niko and Packie a murderous glare, "I had told you to keep it clean and not fuck up! Now I can feel the heat closing in worse than before. It's got to be any day now before the cops get smart and corner me. It's why I got to stay away from the house. Do not need Ma and Katie seeing me in handcuffs." He waved his hand for the bottle wanting a drink.

"We weren't expecting one of the civilians to be armed and stupid enough to take matters into his own hands." Niko offered up in defense of Packie. Things hadn't gone smoothly at all and he realized that the second they stormed the front entrance. If he had been planning it, things would have gone very differently, but this was Gerry and Packie's thing, not his. He also wasn't going to complain about his cut of the money either.

"Yeah, fucking cowboy nutjob." Gerry sighed and scrubbed a hand over his face, "Should've seen the look on Michael's parent's faces when I broke the news to them."

"He will be missed, but he knew what he was getting in to." Packie placed three glasses down on the island and poured out a shot for each of them.

"We all take the risk with jobs like that one." Niko approached them and eyed the drink. He really didn't want to start drinking till he was out at Steinway, but if they were doing it in remembrance, he would partake. He knew what it was like to lose comrades in the heat of battle. And while his were taken from him coldly, he could sympathize with Packie and Gerry about Michael.

"It's the life we live. To Saint fucking Michael. May he rest in peace." Packie leaned into the counter and lifted his glass.

"Michael. He was a good kid." Gerry sighed again and lifted his glass, turning his attention to Niko who had joined him at his side.

"To those we have lost in the line of battle." Niko took the last glass and bumped it with the McReary brother's glasses. He didn't know Michael very well, having only done a couple of jobs with him. But it was still a sad day when someone lost a dependable friend and comrade.

"You speaking about more than just Michael?" Packie downed the shot and poured another one. It had been a long day for them all. He was pissed at Kate for ditching them all to go out, and then Derrick had vanished on him before Gerry snuck in the back door in order to clean the freezer like he had promised. He had called Gordon up to see if he could get him to help get Ma out of the house. And by some miracle both of their mother's agreed to go down to the local church for bridge or bingo or something. He didn't care what it was, so long as she was out from under the roof for the foreseeable future.

"I was in a war back home. My entire unit was betrayed. We were ambushed. Only three of us survived. I now know who it was who betrayed us all and I plan to find him and kill him for what he has done to us all. I understand your pain of losing someone you were close to and depended on. He will be missed." Niko set his glass down and backed away to be able to lean into the opposite counter.

"Fucking no way dude. That's crazy. They here in LC?" Packie poured Gerry a shot when he pushed his glass in his direction. They both silently downed the liquid before turning their attention back to Niko.

"I thought the one person who lived here was the one responsible. Turns out it wasn't them. I have some other people looking into it for me. But I will not stop till I get my revenge. Once that is done, I believe the next part of my life can begin." He nodded slightly as he tried to focus on his life's mission. There was only one thing he truly wanted and that was to see Darko fall at his feet bleeding to death. 'Maybe not the only thing…'

"Doesn't sound like my sister has much of a future there." Gerry placed his hands on the edge of the island and studied the man he had come to trust to watch his brother's backs.

"She has said we are only friends, and I respect her wishes." He wouldn't say more on the matter. It wasn't for them to know or dictate. If she wanted to keep them in the dark, then he wouldn't be giving them anything to go off of. Plus, he wasn't sure what all Gerry would or wouldn't do to him or Roman if he knew just where his feelings were heading in regard to his sister. 'Or any number of enemies for that matter…'

"Was she out with you this morning? That why she got all dressed up and basically ran out of the house?" Packie took a swig from the bottle and handed it off to Gerry knowing how their habits fed off of one another.

"No. But she called me needing a ride home from Suffolk. We agreed to go have a drink once she changed and got her foot bandaged up." Niko watched as both of them turned to one another and let their features harden.

"Francis."

"Frankie Boy."

They had both said their other brother's name in unison, and neither looked happy about it.

"Something wrong about her visiting him?" Niko crossed his arms and tried to figure out why it was such a big deal for her to go see one of her siblings. Yes, he didn't like Francis all that much, but surely spending time with family was acceptable. Even if that brother was corrupt and did rather shady things on the side.

"Let's just say he isn't welcomed around here. It's her business if she wants to keep talking to him." Gerry lifted the bottle to his lips and took a heavy swig, "If the weasel wants to poison her mind with lies, then by all means. It's gonna crush her once she finds out that the only reason he got to where he is now is because he used Derrick's snitching to get ahead. Fucking stupid how this family acts sometimes." Gerry scoffed heavily and took another swig before passing it back to Packie.

"Shouldn't she be told? Prevent the eventual heartache?" Niko lifted his eyebrow. While he would like to think he knew which brothers to trust and align with, sometimes the things they said about one another made those lines blurry.

"Sounding like a real boyfriend there." Packie laughed when Gerry nearly choked on his shot he had taken.

"I don't want to see her hurt any more than you two do. I'm pretty much involved with all of you in some capacity. Where is Derrick? Shouldn't he be here too?" He switched topics seamlessly and got the attention off of his level of care toward their sister. He already had to put up with Roman sticking his nose into his romantic life and he did not need four more people, who happened to be brothers to the woman in question, butting in and making things complicated.

"Yeah Packie? Where is Derrick?" Gerry turned to glare at his youngest brother and waited for him to respond.

"Fuck if I know. Probably smacked out of his mind on some park bench. After I told him about Aiden, I'm sure he needed the high in order to sort through it all." Packie rolled his eyes and shrugged, taking a long swig off the whiskey bottle.

"Well you dumb-shit, you better go find him before Ma gets home!" Gerry raised his voice and slapped the back of Packie's head, "You know how she gets when he isn't sleeping on the couch downstairs when she goes to bed. It's bad enough that I'm out in Alderney all the time, the least you two could do is be here for Ma when things go sideways."

"Hey! Why don't you help me find him then?! He's your brother too! I'm not some errand boy!" Packie spun around and pointed a finger in Gerry's chest. He wasn't just someone to be bossed around all the time and he could use the help in locating Derrick every once in a while, "Or would you prefer me to drag poor Kate along? She completely loved finding him passed out drunk in Acter Park the other night." Packie fumed and let his brother know just how desperate things were getting.

"What were you thinking!? Kate doesn't need that right now!" Gerry roared and slapped Packie's hand away from him.

"Well it's that or she finds him in the backyard mumbling about the good old days and spilling his guts about his sins to her. You know she wants to be close to him, but he freaked her out so bad the other night I thought I was going to have to take her to the hospital to calm down. She found the damn needle in his arm while he was sleeping on the couch. If he overdoses in front of her, it will surely set her over the edge." Packie met his heated glare with his own. He would not back down on this.

"Could you both quiet down? The shower turned off a second ago." Niko spoke up from his place against the counter, arms crossed firmly over his body. While he didn't like Derrick's habit at all, considering some of his old friends had bad habits to deal with, he didn't need Kate seeing the worst parts of her brothers. She had spent many a night going on and on about how much she loved them all. Defending them to the ends of the earth.

"Fine. Once you get Kate out of the house me and Patrick here will go looking for dear old Derrick. Just get her home before midnight and we won't come looking. Treat her right or else, you hear me?" Gerry shifted his cold gaze from Packie to Niko and made sure he got his point across.

"He always does Gerry. Niko's been great. The nights I'm home while she is out, I wait up to make sure she gets home alright. She is never a minute past midnight and is in one piece. He takes care of her. The least you can do is give him a little faith and trust. Right Niko?" Packie tried to let some of his anger go and let out a shaky breath. He didn't need Gerry getting heated especially if he was going to be confined to his car with him while they searched Alderney for Derrick.

"That so?" Gerry never let his stare waiver from the man who had been taking his sister out on occasion. He had heard the rumors and enjoyed teasing her about it, but deep down he wasn't ready to see her fall in love and move on. She was still his precious little sister that he loved more than anything else in the world. He watched out for her. Killed for her. Beat people up for her. And made sure she never had to take a second glance over her shoulder when she went to and from work or the store.

"You need not worry. We simply spend time together. Out for drinks, a round of darts or pool, or we grab a bite to eat. There is nothing more than that." Niko flicked his eyes between the two brothers and for the first time noticed the resemblance. While Gerry was more menacing in appearance, they both shared the same ferocity in their eyes when it came to their family. Minus Francis of course. But he knew they would protect their sister with their lives, and he would go so far as to say he would do the same without a second thought.

"Better not be anything else going on. I've told you once before- Fuck with my family, and I will fuck with yours." Gerry darkened his glare and took the bottle from Packie's outstretched hand.

"You'd go after an innocent taxi service owner? Honestly, Gerry. Sometimes I think you are too paranoid for your own good. Niko takes me out. Just like Packie wanted him to. Except I think we've become good enough friends that we don't need either of your permission to see one another now." Kate emerged into the kitchen, freshly showered, and changed. For the most part. She had yanked on a pair of dark blue skinny jeans, a matching camisole, and had decided to keep her button down on from earlier, which was halfway buttoned up the front, tucked down into her jeans. Her hair was brushed back into her traditional bun and a few curls graced her face from where it had air dried.

"Oh, and Packie? Please put up the gun before Ma sees it. There is no telling where she is or when she will get home." She rolled her eyes and crossed her arms under her chest giving both of her brothers the glare she had perfected over the years. They usually gave in to it and did as she asked.

"Ma's with Gordon's mom. She will be out till late. So lucky you, you will be able to go back out tonight. Was getting sick of doing your work around here!" Packie somewhat yelled at her.

"Patrick! I am not the only capable human in this house that can help out! Would be nice if I wasn't left to do everything for once. So sorry you had to see what my life is like every day. But I guess it beats hookers, coke, and stealing!" She hardened her glare at him and got ready for the fight she knew was coming. This had been their nights recently. Start the yelling match before their Ma broke it up.

"Both of you stop it. Kate a word?" Gerry turned to look at his sister and waited for Packie and Niko to get the hint. He needed to talk to her in private.

"Come on Niko. We can wait in the living room." Packie silently moved around the island and headed toward the front knowing Niko would follow after him.

"Won't be long. Then we can head out." Kate smiled softly as Niko passed her and watched as he nodded to her before glancing over his shoulder to Gerry for a split second, then he was gone from her side just as quickly.

"Come here Kate." Gerry waved her into the room and waited as she shuffled into the kitchen, eyes glued to the deep freezer in the corner, "Yes, it is fixed and cleaned. Just in time for you to stock up for the holiday season. Ma will be thrilled, I'm sure. Just sorry I'm going to miss it this year."

"What are you talking about Gerry?" Her eyes snapped to his and could feel the dread starting to build.

"I know the cops are looking into me again. The charges never stick, but you know it takes a few months sometimes to sort it all out. I just wanted to give you a heads up in case it happens soon." He dropped his gaze to the island counter and found he didn't have it in him to see her crestfallen expression.

"Oh Gerry!" Kate rushed to his side and jerked his arm up in order to hug him in the hunched over position he held against the island, "Does Ma? Does she know?"

"No. Not yet. I'm going to go with Packie to find Derrick tonight and see if we can't get him sorted out. I'm sorry you've seen him like that. He's not a bad person. He's had it rough, and I don't want you holding it against him. Maybe if he sobers up tonight you can talk to him? He would like to get to know you better. I wish he could know you like I do. He needs the bright light you give off. We all do sometimes. Unfortunately for me, it might be a few months before I get to see it again." Gerry shoved off of the counter and grabbed her into a proper hug.

"Gerry this all has to stop at some point. We can't keep this up all the time. You have to know this." She tilted her face up toward his while in his hug, "Ma can only take so much. Same with me. I am scared for Derrick. I'm scared for Packie. I'm terrified for you. Can we not just be normal for a minute?" She pleaded with him, needing him to know that they were hurting her in ways that she wasn't sure how to cope with.

"You know we aren't normal. Never will be." He cradled her to him and tucked some hair behind her ears, "Just promise me something?" He searched her eyes for the honesty he knew she gave them all.

"What is it?" She knew things were bad now. Gerry only got serious when things looked bleak.

"Promise me you will live your life. I wish I had the courage to live a life true to me, not the life others expected of me. Lies can't hide faults forever, it can only bend the truth for so long, and one day you will know everything. I pray that day never comes, Katie-Bear." He brushed her cheek with his thumb before kissing her forehead, "I'll see you later kid. Go have fun tonight with Niko. You deserve a good night."

"Gerry, I promise. Just be here when I get home? Get Packie and Derrick home before Ma. She needs us all under one roof for a night." She felt the tears burn her eyes and she couldn't stop them before a couple tumbled down her cheeks.

"Please don't cry for me. Things will be okay. I know they will. Enjoy your night for once and just cut loose. Let the McReary blood out for once." He smiled at her quiet giggle. He knew he was going to be caught soon, how soon he wasn't sure, but he wanted her to be somewhat prepared this time. He had a bad feeling about this go round.

"Is that permission enough?" She hiccupped and closed her eyes as Gerry pulled her in for another hug.

"To have a good time or start dating Niko?" Gerry laughed as she tucked herself under his chin. He wasn't sure how he felt about his sister dating someone he had sent out to cause trouble, but if he could trust him to not flip on him and his brothers, then maybe he could trust him to date his sister.

"What does it matter? Aren't they one in the same?