Chapter 18: Breaking The Silence
The day following Ana's arrest dawned cold and gray, casting a gloomy light over the precinct as detectives worked through their case files. Down the hall, the officers in charge of Ana's booking had flagged something unusual. She'd come in with bruises—old, fading marks on her arms that weren't from her recent arrest. Curious, one of the officers had asked her about them, and Ana had mumbled that it was nothing, brushing it off. But the bruises hadn't looked recent; they were faded, the kind that came from something more than just a scuffle. The officers quietly passed the information up the line, and soon a file had landed on Detective Baker's desk.
"Frank, we might have something here," Baker said, knocking on the doorframe of Frank's office.
He glanced up from his paperwork. "What is it?"
"It's about Ana Baez. Her booking officer noted bruises on her arms that didn't come from the arrest. I've done some digging, and it turns out Ana's been in a relationship with a guy named Miguel Gutierrez. He's got a record… domestic violence, assault charges, you name it. Seems he's got a long history of it."
Frank's expression darkened as he listened. "Did she mention anything about him when she was booked?"
"No, she's been tight-lipped. But neighbors from their apartment have lodged numerous complaints about domestic disputes. Looks like she might've been going through a lot more than she's let on."
Frank leaned back, deep in thought. "All right. Let's keep this quiet for now. I'll handle it with Danny and the family. And keep the records. We'll need them if Ana's situation takes a turn."
———
Back at home, Maria woke to the scent of coffee and the sound of quiet laughter from downstairs. Danny had left her a note on the bedside table: Take it easy this morning. Breakfast is waiting for you.
Smiling, Maria got up slowly, stretching as she made her way downstairs. The kitchen was warm and inviting, and Danny was at the stove, flipping pancakes with a playful grin. Sean and Jack sat at the table, laughing at some story Danny was telling.
"Good morning," she greeted them, her voice still soft but a little stronger than before.
Sean looked up and smiled. "Morning, Maria! You feeling better?"
She nodded. "A lot better, thanks to all of you."
Danny turned around, flipping the last pancake onto a plate. "Perfect timing." He came over, pressing a gentle kiss to her lips before leading her to the table. "We're all taking it easy today, remember?"
As they enjoyed breakfast, Maria's heart swelled with gratitude. She looked at each of them, the sense of belonging filling her with renewed strength.
After breakfast, Danny took her hand as they walked back to the living room, settling on the couch. "The commissioner called this morning," he said, his voice serious but calm. "He's working on setting up a meeting with Ana and your mom, their lawyers, our lawyers if that's what you're ready for."
Maria took a deep breath, bracing herself. "I don't think I can…it's all just too much right now….," she hesitates
Danny squeezed her hand, his gaze steady and reassuring. "Hey, that's ok. If you're not ready, then you're not ready. I support your decision completely."
"Danny, they don't even know that I'm pregnant…and I don't feel comfortable even sharing that information with them. I know that probably makes me sound like a horrible person," Maria says, looking down at her hands anxiously.
"Babe, that doesn't make you a horrible person at all because I completely agree with you. In fact I had even mentioned that to my dad about it early this morning when he called. In my opinion, the less they know about you, the better," Danny says, pulling Maria close to him and placing a kiss on her head.
"I'm starting to show," Maria adds, rubbing the bump on her stomach.
"I know," Danny grins, placing his hand over her growing baby bump. "I love it."
Maria smiles, looking up and placing a soft kiss to his lips. After a brief pause she adds, "I wonder if Ana noticed my bump yesterday, and that worries me."
Danny sighs, cups Maria's face and says, "I know, me too. But remember you've got me, our family and our bothers and sisters in blue to protect you if they try anything. Alright?"
"Ok," Maria says softly.
"How about we relax and get cozy here on the couch, and put on a movie. How does that sound?" Danny asks, trying to distract her from her worries.
"Sounds perfect," Maria replies with a smile. She relaxes into Danny's embrace as he selects a movie, grateful to have Danny by her side to chase all her worries away.
——-
Frank pulled up to the curb outside Danny and Maria's house, glancing over his notes one last time before heading up to the door. He felt a knot tighten in his chest, not from fear but from the weight of what he had to share. He knocked gently, and Danny opened the door a few moments later, ushering him inside.
"Hey, Dad. Come on in," Danny said, gesturing for him to take a seat on the couch. Maria was seated there, bundled in a blanket.
"Hello, sorry to intrude on your day off," Frank replied, his voice softened. "Maria, how're you holding up?"
She forced a faint smile. "I'm feeling better than I did last night. Trying my best to focus on the good things going on, instead of all the other stuff," she murmured.
Frank nodded, sensing the exhaustion behind her eyes. He sat forward, clasping his hands. "I'm glad to hear that you're feeling better, but please try to rest and take it easy. The last thing any of us want is for you to end up in the hospital."
Frank pauses before continuing, "Another reason I came by to visit is that I wanted to update you both on Ana. She's still in custody and will probably be released by the end of day, maybe tomorrow. In the meantime I had my team look into this situation and we've pieced together a bit more of her situation."
Danny's jaw tightened as he listened, while Maria's eyes flickered with mixed emotions. Frank continued carefully, "Turns out, she's been dealing with…a lot of abuse herself. From the look of it, she's been trapped in an awful situation for quite some time." Frank then hands over a copy of the intel Baker had gathered on Miguel Gutierrez and Ana Baez' relationship.
A tense silence settled over them. Maria seemed to withdraw into herself, pulling the blanket tighter.
Frank took a breath, then asked, "Maria, I know it's a lot to ask, but do you think you'd feel up to meeting with Ana? Or even your mom?"
Maria's eyes flicked to Danny, searching for something she couldn't quite say out loud. She took a steadying breath, then shook her head. "I just… I can't, Frank. Not yet."
Danny reached over and gently rested a hand on her shoulder. "That's okay, sweetheart," he said softly. Turning to Frank, he added, "She needs time. It's all too much right now."
Frank nodded, fully understanding. "I get it. Just know that the door is open whenever you're ready."
Danny gave a slight nod in appreciation. "Besides Maria has an appointment to see her doctor later today, after last night's fainting episode we want to make sure she and the babies are in perfect health."
Frank's expression shifted to concern. "Maria, are you positive that you're feeling okay?"
She managed a small smile, though her voice wavered. "Just exhausted, really. It's like my body's been holding onto so much, and now it's all just…coming out."
Frank placed a gentle hand over hers. "Take things one step at a time. And if you need anything, I'm here."
————
Frank had arranged a sit-down with Carmen and Ana at the precinct, along with Lt. Gormley and Detective Baker as witnesses. His office was dimly lit, the blinds partially drawn, casting a somber atmosphere as Carmen and Ana were escorted in. Ana looked worn, her gaze fixed on the floor, while Carmen's face was set, the defiance in her eyes unmistakable.
Frank cleared his throat and nodded to Baker to begin. "Thank you both for coming in. Mrs. Baez, Ana, there are several matters we need to address today."
Carmen scoffed, her arms crossing tightly over her chest. "I assume this is about the lawsuit I filed against your department."
"We'll get to that," Frank replied, unruffled by her tone. "But before we discuss your complaint, there are more immediate concerns—namely, the welfare of your daughter."
He gestured to the file sitting in front of him, flipping it open. "Ana, during your booking, an officer noticed bruises on your arms. Bruises that, according to our records, didn't come from your recent arrest. They were older, and after a little digging, we found something disturbing."
Ana's eyes widened slightly, and Carmen's expression hardened. Frank continued, his gaze locked on Ana. "You've been in a relationship with Miguel Gutierrez, correct?"
Ana hesitated, her voice barely above a whisper. "Yes… but it's not what you think."
Carmen shot her a look, cutting her off. "There's no need to answer that. This is a private matter between Ana and her boyfriend."
Frank's gaze sharpened. "Private matter? Mrs. Baez, there have been numerous complaints from neighbors about disturbances at their apartment. Reports of shouting, crying, sometimes even sounds of what seemed like physical altercations. This isn't a private matter when it's affecting the safety and well-being of your daughter."
Carmen glared at him. "She's handling it. She doesn't need anyone's interference."
Ana looked down, her face stricken with embarrassment and something that looked a lot like shame. "Mama, it's not that simple…"
"Then make it simple, Ana," Carmen snapped, her voice cold. "If you'd just learn to keep quiet, maybe we wouldn't have all these complaints."
A heavy silence fell over the room. Frank exchanged a look with Gormley before leaning forward, his voice steady but resolute. "Ana, you don't have to put up with abuse, no matter what your mother says. You have options."
Carmen's face flushed with anger, her voice rising. "Options? You're all quick to interfere, aren't you? My daughters don't need saving by anyone. Maria's already destroyed this family once. I won't have her, or any of you, ruining it again."
Frank's expression darkened, and he opened another file. "Mrs. Baez, let's get one thing straight. If your family fell apart, it wasn't because of Maria. I have here a report from several years ago, back when Maria was a teenager. She called the police that night because your husband, Mr. Baez, was assaulting you. She did it to protect you."
Carmen's eyes narrowed, a flicker of something unspoken crossing her face. But Frank pressed on, his voice unwavering. "Maria made a choice that night, a choice to stand up and call for help. She didn't do it for herself—she did it for you. And yet, you're here, holding it against her?"
Carmen crossed her arms, her gaze defiant. "Maria should have stayed silent, as she was taught. A girl's place is to look the other way."
Ana looked at her mother, horrified. "Mama… Dad nearly killed you that night. You were in the hospital for days."
Carmen turned on her daughter, her voice cold and dismissive. "Oh, don't be so dramatic, Ana. You're one to talk. If you're going to 'take it' from your man, at least do it with some dignity. Maybe then the neighbors wouldn't feel the need to get involved."
Ana's mouth dropped open, shock and hurt flooding her expression. She looked to Frank, her eyes pleading. "Can I go, please? I don't want to be here anymore."
Frank nodded, his heart heavy with the weight of Carmen's indifference. One of the officers led Ana out of the room, leaving Carmen alone with Frank, Gormley, and Baker.
Frank turned his gaze on Carmen, his voice a low, controlled fury. "Carmen, I don't think you understand the gravity of your actions—or your words. I am appalled by the way you've handled this, by the way you've twisted what should have been your daughters' safe haven into a prison of silence and shame."
Carmen's gaze remained cold, though a flicker of something like uncertainty crossed her face. "You wouldn't understand, Commissioner. Family business should stay within the family."
Frank shook his head. "No. Abuse is never 'family business.' And your daughters deserved better than this."
He took a deep breath before continuing. "As far as your complaint against the NYPD goes, our legal team has found no evidence to support any of your claims. From this point forward, you are not to contact or approach Maria or Danny. They've filed a restraining order against you, effective immediately."
Carmen rose from her chair, a bitter twist to her mouth. "I knew you'd take her side. All of you. Just like always."
"Maria didn't force you to make any of the choices you've made," Frank replied, his voice calm but firm. "You've done that all on your own."
As Carmen was escorted out, Gormley shook his head, glancing over at Frank. "That's one hell of a piece of work right there. You think she'll actually leave Maria alone?"
"She'd better," Frank replied. He let out a heavy sigh. "But I don't think we've seen the last of her."
Baker nodded, her face grim. "It's like she doesn't even see what she's done to them."
Frank rubbed his temples, the weight of the situation pressing down on him. "No, she doesn't. But I'll have to break it to Danny and Maria somehow. And Maria's already got enough on her plate."
Gormley crossed his arms, frowning thoughtfully. "Maybe it's best to talk to Danny first. Ease Maria into it later, when things are a bit more settled."
Frank nodded, his voice weary. "You're right. Danny will be my first stop. Maria needs to focus on her health right now… and she doesn't need Carmen's poison weighing her down."
He looked to his colleagues, determination hardening his features. "This family's been through enough, and I won't let Carmen tear them down any further. Whatever it takes, we'll make sure Maria and her family have peace."
Gormley gave a nod of agreement, and Baker placed a reassuring hand on Frank's shoulder. "You've got our support, Frank. Just say the word."
Frank took a steadying breath, his thoughts already with Danny and Maria. It was a grim task ahead, but as he steeled himself, he knew one thing for sure: he would protect Maria's family—come what may.
————
At the doctor's office, Maria lay back as the ultrasound gel was applied to her stomach. She watched the screen anxiously, her hand gripping Danny's as the doctor moved the probe over her belly.
"Alright, Maria, let's take a look," Dr. Peterson said with a reassuring smile. A few quiet moments passed as the doctor examined the screen. Then he nodded, a small smile breaking through his focus.
"The babies are just fine," he confirmed, his voice gentle. Maria let out a breath she didn't realize she'd been holding, a small, relieved smile spreading across her face. Danny squeezed her hand in reassurance.
Dr. Peterson glanced between them. "But I do want you to take it easy. Resting for at least a week, longer than that if necessary, Maria. Just as a precaution to avoid any additional stress on your body."
Maria nodded, looking at Danny. "I can do that."
The doctor continued, "I'll see you back here in a week to check in, and in the meantime, if anything doesn't feel right, call us right away."
Back at home, they enjoyed a quiet, peaceful dinner. Maria savored the calm, letting herself relax in a way she hadn't in days. Danny had insisted on making her favorite pasta, carefully placing a bowl of fresh berries beside her as dessert. She reached across the table, giving his hand a grateful squeeze.
"Dinner was delicious.Thank you, Danny," she murmured.
He smiled, his eyes warm, "Anytime, babe."
After dinner, Maria found herself thinking about her sister. She leaned back in her chair, pulling out her phone to text a friend who might know something about Ana's boyfriend. She started to type, her fingers hovering over the screen, but then stopped, a little knot of hesitation forming in her stomach. She decided to wait, pocketing the phone. For now, she would keep it to herself.
Later, as Maria was upstairs preparing for bed, Danny headed to the kitchen to finish cleaning up. He'd just finished drying the last plate when he heard a knock at the door. Glancing at the clock, he frowned slightly but went to answer it.
Standing outside was Frank, his face marked with tension. Danny ushered him in, concern flickering in his gaze.
Frank started, "I wanted to give you an update on the meeting with Carmen and Ana."
Danny leaned against the counter, arms crossed. "How did it go?"
Frank's expression darkened. "It was… complicated. Carmen refused to bail Ana out. She made it clear that Ana's decisions are her own problem now. She's not helping her at all."
He continued, "Ana's been transferred to the nearest detention center. Carmen's left her to fend for herself."
Frank took a breath. "But I'm afraid there's more to this than I thought".
Danny's brow furrowed as he absorbed the news. "What do you mean?"
Frank exchanged a glance with Danny, then asked, "Did Maria ever talk about her parents or the reason they split up?"
Danny sighed, "Not entirely but from what she shared years ago was that it was a nasty split, and it was around the time her brother Javi was in and out of rehab. I remember her saying that her father wasn't very nice, and I kinda got the impression he was probably verbally abusive."
"Not just verbally," Franks adds. Danny frowns at this.
Frank then continues, "Baker discovered an old police report from when Maria was in her early teen years. Mr Baez was known to be very abusive towards Carmen and on this one particular night he nearly killed her. Maria was the one to call 911."
"What's worse is that Carmen still holds Maria responsible for calling the police on their dad all those years ago. She's never let it go. Said that Maria tore the family apart, and… she sees this situation with Ana as a consequence of that," Frank said, his voice quiet but weighted.
Danny felt his jaw tighten. "She's still blaming Maria for that? After everything?"
"Yeah," Frank sighed. "Carmen said if Maria hadn't 'interfered' back then, things would've been different. It's not fair, but she's bitter, Danny. It's like she's looking for any reason to put this on Maria."
Danny shook his head, anger simmering in his voice. "Maria was a kid. She did what she thought was right—and it was right. No one should've had to go through what she did."
Frank nodded, understanding. "I know, and you know that. But Carmen… she's too set in her ways to see it any differently now. She'll never forgive Maria, and I don't think she'll ever be able to admit her own role in what happened."
Danny let out a slow breath, running a hand through his hair. "I'll talk to Maria tomorrow, after she's rested. But hearing that… it's going to hurt her."
Frank then added, "I just wanted you to know the whole story so you could prepare Maria for whatever might come next. Carmen's anger isn't likely to go away, and she's been saying things about Maria to anyone who'll listen."
Danny clenched his fist, nodding resolutely. "Thank you. I'll find the right time to tell her. But I'll make sure Maria knows that none of this is on her."
Frank placed a hand on Danny's shoulder. "I'm glad she has you, Danny. Just take it slow. She doesn't need this weighing on her right now."
The men exchanged a few more words before Frank left, leaving Danny alone in the kitchen. He took a deep breath, glancing toward the stairs. He knew the news would weigh heavily on Maria, especially given everything she'd gone through.
Upstairs, he found Maria fast asleep, her breathing soft and even. He leaned down, brushing a light kiss to her forehead, his heart heavy with the news he'd share with her tomorrow.