Thanks to all who have read and liked this story. Thanks to ki4pak, RHatch89, and Alex for your reviews.

Contains scenes and references to 2x14, and 2x15

A few weeks later, Anna was once again sitting at the Reagan dining table, this time between Nicky and Jamie, listening to her dad and aunt have it out. Her dad was defending the perp in his most recent case saying that him shooting a man who had just robbed him and his family was warranted and self-defense while Erin said it was revenge. What complicated things further for the perp was the fact that the man had followed the robber out and had shot him in the street. Jamie jumped in on Erin's side while Nicky took Danny's. Anna on the other hand was more interested in the college students that were arrested while protesting. While Anna was thinking over everything she had heard about the students, Nicky and Erin started fighting.

"Well maybe if you weren't prosecuting students and people who get robbed," Nicky said.

Anna looked up unsure of where that comment had come from. "Whoa, hold up," Anna said putting down her utensils and looking to her cousin. "You don't think they should get away with it, do you?" Anna asked.

"Why not?" Nicky asked.

"Do you even know why they're being prosecuted?" Anna asked.

"Because they were protesting the man?" Nicky asked, fully sure of herself.

"They assaulted cops. These so called good kids threw bottles, trash, and anything they could get their hands on at officers who were only there to protect the students' rights to peacefully protest. The minute they became violent, blocking traffic, they became a riot not a protest. That's the law and if Uncle Jamie or Dad had been out there and assaulted, you'd want your mom to throw the book at these again, so-called dumb kids. You know you would." Anna stared her down.

Nicky stared back at her cousin in silence for a moment. "Doesn't mean one mistake should brand them for the rest of their lives."

"Mistake? Assaulting a cop is never a mistake, it's a conscious decision. One that shouldn't be taken lightly. Come on, Nicky."

Nicky sighed heavily but didn't say another word.

"Who wants another pork chop?" Frank asked after an awkward moment or two.

Anna smirked. "I'll take one," She said. It wasn't long after that before Danny's phone rang and then he was making his excuses and was up and back to work.

"Anna, bed time," Linda said, as she stopped in Anna's doorway later that night.

"Mom, do you think I was too hard on Nicky?" Anna asked.

"You know your grandfather's rule at the dinner table," Linda answered, sitting on the edge of her daughter's bed.

"Everyone is entitled to their opinion," Anna recited.

"It was a little harsh but you were right too. If it was your dad or Jamie out there, you and Nicky would both want them punished. You're both growing up, as hard as that is for me to admit, and while you're becoming more like your dad, she's becoming more like her mom. You know, I used to fight with my siblings like that too. However, no matter how bad it got, I always knew they had my back. Just like your dad does. Just like you do for Nicky. Like Jamie said, the law takes into account why they did what they did. Yes, it is wrong to assault a cop and it will almost never be okay, except in self-defense, but sometimes people get caught up in what's going on around them and don't make the smartest choices. Peer pressure and group mentality," Linda explained as her daughter looked up at her.

"Yeah?" Anna asked.

"Of course and one thing I know about Reagans, is all of them have a pretty thick skin. Why don't you call her and make sure?" Anna nodded and reached for her phone. "I meant tomorrow. It's late and you have school in the morning." Linda took her daughter's hand.

"Okay, night, Mama," Anna said

"Night, baby," Linda kissed Anna's forehead then left the room.

Anna did call Nicky the following day and checked how they were. Nicky agreed that things were okay and that Anna did have a point. She didn't hold it against her and as long as Anna didn't either, which she didn't, they were completely okay. Anna was glad to hear it.

Early morning wake up calls. It was the biggest thing Anna hated about being a cop's daughter. Those early morning calls meant something bad had happened and this time was no different. "Anna, wake up," Linda said that morning.

"Mom? It's two a.m. what's going on?"

"There's been a shooting," Linda said gently.

"A shooting? Dad?" Anna asked panicked as she sat up.

"Your dad is fine. So is Uncle Jamie before you ask. Roland Gates, his wife just had a baby. He was just rushed to the hospital. He didn't make it."

"Mrs. Tracy," Anna said, nervously.

"I'm going to go be with her for a while. Your uncle will be over in the morning to take you all to school, until then keep an ear out for the boys."

"Yes, Ma'am."

As her brothers ate breakfast the following morning, Anna packed their lunches then finished the rest of her math homework. "Anna, where's Mom?" Jack asked.

Anna looked up to see both her brothers staring at her. "You know the christening we're supposed to go to on Sunday?" They both nodded. "The baby's father, Detective Gates was killed last night. Mom went to go be with Mrs. Tracy until her family can get here. Why, what's up?"

"My progress report. I was supposed to remind Mom last night but I forgot. If I don't get it signed, my teacher is going to have a conniption."

"Big word, Jack. Why doesn't Sean have to have his?"

"What makes you think that?"

"If Sean has already had his signed, Mom would have signed yours at the same time. Come on, Jack," Anna said.

"His teacher is not psycho," Jack answered.

"Give it here," Anna said.

"What are you going to do?" Jack asked.

"Just fork it over." Anna motioned for it. Jack pulled it from his backpack and offered it to Anna. She put it on the table, found the line for parental signature and signed her dad's name. "You or Sean tell anyone I can do that and I'll tell Mom and Dad it was your fault the toilet overflowed last week by seeing how many army men would fit down the drain."

"But it was Sean's id—" Jack started.

"Uh-uh. Your fault too. If they ask, which they won't, just tell them Dad signed it when he had the chance. If they don't ask, it's not a lie." A horn sounded out front. "That's Uncle Jamie, we gotta go," Anna said.

"What'd she do? Oh, cool. I didn't know you can sign Dad's name," Sean said.

"Shhh," Anna said. She grabbed both their lunches and hers then moved the boys towards the door. "Let's go, he's not going to wait forever." Sure enough the horn sounded again. Anna locked the front door and then followed the boys to the car. "Uncle Jamie, have you heard from Dad?" Anna asked.

"Not today. He's really busy though and when they get the guy, he'll come home, I promise," Jamie answered.

"Okay," Anna answered. Over the next two days, Anna didn't see her dad once and knew that meant a tough case and very little sleep. Finally she saw him when he came in for Sunday dinner. They were talking about the Gates family and how Detective Gates had made a choice. Frank asked for Jack's opinion and the boy responded that one had two lives: the one they were born into and the one they chose; except of course if one was a Reagan. He also said he wasn't sure he wanted to choose.

"What happened to wanting to be a doctor?" Erin asked him.

"Or a lawyer, huh bud?" Jamie added.

"He's 11," Anna said, "he'll change his mind six more times before he graduates."

That's when Danny walked in. He greeted everyone before kissing his wife. Anna expected him to just drop down into the empty seat beside his wife but he came around the table and greeted Jack and Sean both, kissing the top of their heads then he moved over to her. "What happened to your hand?" Erin asked as Danny placed his right hand on Anna's shoulder

"Cut myself shaving," Danny answered.

"Touch it, I'll give you a matching set," Anna said as Danny's left hand made its way towards her chicken. Her hand gripped her fork tightly as it hovered above said chicken. He pulled his hand back then kissed the top of Anna's head.

"There's more chicken in the oven," Henry said as Danny pulled away from Anna.

"Yeah, but I got my eyes on a piece right here that looks perfect," Danny said, snagging the leg off Jack's plate.

"You can't do that," Jack complained.

"Law of the Reagan jungle, Jack," Jamie said. "Like your sister did, protect your food at all times."

"Around here, you snooze you lose," Danny said, sliding into his seat.

"Are you okay?" Anna asked, looking at her dad.

"Yeah, why?" Danny asked.

"Just checking. I know that when a cop goes down it's hard on the entire department but especially hard on the house they're from. And you haven't been home in a couple of days."

"I'm fine, Anna," Danny told her.

"Okay," Anna said after a second of observing her dad. "You need a hug, I'm here. I've been told they're magic." Anna smiled.

"By who?" Nicky asked.

"Sean, but does that really matter?" Anna asked. The family laughed and Danny dug into his dinner.

After dinner was the christening and then Danny was back to work. The following night was the parish talent show. "Where's Dad and Grandpa?" Sean asked. "They're not going to miss it, are they?" They took their seats in the audience.

"They said they'd be here but you know how the job can get," Linda answered. Sean nodded and the house lights dimmed signaling the start of the show. Halfway through Nicky and Henry's song, Danny slid into one of the chairs at the end of their row but Frank wasn't with him. Anna looked back towards the door but didn't see him there either. After the talent show, of which Nicky and Henry won, they all met up in the hallway.

"Francis didn't make it?" Henry asked.

"He gave me a lift here but was called away just before we reached the doors," Danny answered. Nicky looked down sadly. "He's sorry he couldn't stay, kiddo."

"Yeah, okay," Nicky answered. Anna was glad that Nicky had more control than she did. She would have shown how upset she was and it wouldn't have been as subdued as Nicky's disappointment.

"You were real good though. I'm sure he'll want to hear all about it," Anna told her.

"Yeah," Nicky said but she still didn't look any happier.

"Did you get him, Dad?" Anna asked, changing the subject.

"We got him." Danny nodded. "However instead of going to jail, he decided to take a trip out a third story window."

"Ouch," Jamie said.

"Yeah, he didn't make it," Danny said.

"Drinks and dessert at the house to celebrate?" Henry suggested.

"We're going to have to pass," Linda said.

"Aw, no fair," Jack and Sean complained. One look from their dad though, and they went quiet.

"It's late, it's a school night. You all need showers and bed," Linda told them. To say her kids weren't happy about that was an understatement but they knew better than to argue with their mom, especially in front of their dad.

Detective Gates's funeral was later that week and when they got home that night Anna overheard her parents talking. The conversation once again centered on money issues. At first Linda was concerned about Tracy Gates and her family getting by but Danny reminded her that the department would take care of them like they always did. It went quiet downstairs for a while and then, when Anna was sure her parents figured the boys were in bed like they were supposed to be, she heard them talking about their own money worries.

"Danny," Linda said gently. "I don't know how we're going to handle this."

"Handle what Linda?" Danny asked. Anna could hear a slight undertone of irritation in her dad's voice and wondered if her mom had picked up on it too.

"Baseball season is starting soon. If Anna needs anything new on top of the boys' sports ... I don't know if we can afford it this year," Linda said.

"What do you want to do, tell her no?" Danny asked.

"How fair is that? We've already paid for the boys to play football, lacrosse, soccer and basketball. Anna asks for one sport a year, we can't tell her no just because her sport starts after the rest of the boys'. At the same time—"

"I'll handle it. I can look into another pension loan or maybe we can try refinancing the house. Worse comes to worse, I'll ask Dad." Anna strained to hear the conversation as it got quiet downstairs again. "I know, I don't want to but it's an option. I'll handle it, don't worry."

"But—" Linda protested.

"Don't worry." Danny insisted.

The following morning while her dad was in the bathroom and her mom was waking the boys Anna snuck a look at her mom's checkbook. She knew that it was most likely wrong and that her parents would tell her not to worry about the money just school and baseball but she couldn't help it. If they were considering a pension loan or asking Frank for a loan, they had to be deeply concerned. What she saw in the checkbook confirmed that. It wasn't that they were so low on money they'd go hungry or be kicked out of the house but it was enough to say that sports were low down on the list of things they should be paying for at the moment. Anna put the checkbook back in her mom's purse and grabbed an apple, stuffing it into her backpack as her dad came down the stairs. He grabbed the coffee pot and filled it full of water before making some coffee. As it brewed he turned to Anna and she gave him a bright smile. Danny smirked and pulled her into a tight hug.

"Okay, what was that for?" Anna asked slowly as he let go.

"Do I need a motive to hug my only little girl?" Danny asked suspiciously.

"I guess not," Anna answered, sizing up her dad.

"You did say if I ever needed one."

"I did, coffee's done." Anna nodded to the machine.

"Anna, what do you want for lunch?" Linda asked, coming into the room.

"Got mine already," Anna answered. She had already tucked the apple into her backpack. She grabbed a bottle of water just in case she got thirsty and slipped that into the bottle holder on the side of her bag. She figured the smaller her lunch was, the longer their food supply would stretch and the less they'd spend during the month. She gave her mom a convincing smile and checked her backpack to make sure she had everything.

That afternoon she got a pass out of her last class and went to see the school counselor. "Ms. Reagan, have a seat," Mr. Grayson said as she stepped into his office. "What can I do for you today?" Every time she saw her counselor it was because she was in enough trouble to send her to the headmistress's office.

"I'm not in trouble this time," Anna smiled. "I haven't been in trouble since my fight with Macy over the way she was treating her boyfriend."

"That's good, but it makes me wonder what this is about. You're a sophomore and never struck me as the type to get a jump start on college hunting."

"I was told that if I wanted an afterschool job, I had to come get approval from you?" she asked.

"There are a few forms we have to go through, yes. What kind of job were you looking at?"

"Something more than babysitting."

"Well if you're not modeling, selling newspapers, or working on a farm or orchard, then all you need is a standard employment certificate. When will you be 16?"

"September, the first."

"Have you gotten your temporary learner's permit?"

"Not yet. I actually forgot about that."

"Okay then, to get the work certificate, I will need your birth certificate, written permission from your parents, and a physical from your doctor."

"My actual birth certificate?"

"Yes. You bring it in and I'll make a copy of it. As for the physical, you're on the baseball team so you'll need it for that anyway. It's a report signed by your doctor that you're in good health."

"And the written permission?"

"Have your parents sign this." Mr. Grayson stood and pulled a piece of paper from a filing cabinet. She looked it over when he handed it to her. "Get that signed then bring the paperwork back to me before you apply and we can go from there."

"Thanks, Mr. Grayson," Anna said. The end of day bell rang and Anna got up.

After that, the job search was on. For the week following that conversation, Anna searched for a job and wondered how to get her mom to sign the form and give her a copy of her birth certificate. When they pulled up to church on Sunday morning, she still didn't have any idea. She was so deep in thought that she didn't notice where she was going until a hand around her bicep pulled her to a stop. "Anna, are you alright?" Jamie asked.

"Uh, fine, why?" Anna asked, looking up at him.

"'Cause you just about ran into that railing," Jamie told her.

"Oh, my bad." Anna pulled away from him and headed for the door.

"Anna," Jamie said. Anna stopped and looked at him. "Why'd the chicken cross the road?"

Anna stared at her uncle then burst out laughing. "Chicken jokes? This early in the morning?"

"No. I just wanted you to laugh. It makes my week so much better."

"Do you need a hug too? I've been told they're magic."

Jamie pulled his niece into a tight hug and rubbed her back. Anna hugged him back and after a second relaxed into his arms. After a moment or two Jamie pulled back then steered her into the church.

After church Anna sent Jim a text asking him what he thought of her dilemma. His response was something that she hadn't considered but could work. He told her to just tell her mom that the school needed it for baseball. With the tryouts coming up it made perfect sense and perfect timing. It also wouldn't technically be a lie. If she put the form with her baseball forms she could say that they were all just baseball forms and she needed them all signed.

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