NYPD Blue Fanfiction

Rita's Fanfic

If I Lost You

11 p.m. Wednesday evening. Andy arrives home after working late investigating a rash of push-in robberies that has been plaguing the precinct. The last one resulted in one death and everyone was working non-stop to catch these guys. He secures the apartment then goes in to check on the kids. Theo and Michelle are sleeping soundly and they don’t stir at all as he kisses them. This is the third day in a row that he’s come home late and he really missed their bedtime rituals. The past two days he’d been called in early and he realizes he hasn’t seen them awake in as many days. Boy, something has to give he thinks. I’m missing too much.

Not wanting to wake Connie, he goes into the bathroom for a quick shower then joins her in bed. As he pulls her into his embrace she wakes up and hugs him tight.

Connie: (Groggily) Hey stranger, what time did you get in?

Andy: A while ago. I didn’t mean to wake you. Go back to sleep.

Connie: Are you hungry? I can make you a sandwich or something.

Andy: (Pushing her hair behind her ear and kissing her lips) No, I’m fine. I miss you.

Connie: (More awake) I miss you too.

Andy pulls her in for a deeper kiss. He pushes his tongue past her lips seeking hers and takes her breath away. Breaking the kiss he buries his face in her hair then her neck inhaling her scent. Groaning he lies back.

Connie: What’s wrong? Why’d you stop?

Andy: It’s late, you’re tired and here I come starting something not even thinking about you.

Connie: Andy, was I complaining? Dammit you better finish what you started Sipowicz or I’ll…

Andy: (Teasing) Or you’ll what? (Stroking her breast through her t-shirt)

Connie: I’ll show you.

Connie leans in and breathes Andy’s smell. It’s funny how just being in his arms and feeling his strength makes her come alive. She feels the excitement only he can bring out of her. Sucking gently on his neck her hands start wandering. She reaches into his boxers and wraps her hand around his penis feeling him respond to her touch. Slowly stroking him up and down she licks at his lips with her tongue. Andy leans up trying to catch her tongue between his lips but she eludes him, making it clear that she’s in control.

Sitting up she pulls off his shirt and pushes down his boxers removing them quickly. As soon as he’s completely naked she strips off her clothes and pushes him down on his back. Connie kisses him deeply, gasping as she feels his hand close over her breast and lightly pinch her nipple. She ends the kiss abruptly and pulls his head down to replace his hand. She loves his mouth. On her lips, on her breasts, all over her body his mouth could do magic.

Andy’s hands slide up her back pulling her in closer. He clamps his teeth gently around one nipple before sucking deeply as his fingers massage and manipulate her other breast. Her moans of pleasure fuel his passion and encourage him to please her more. Turning his attention to her other breast his hand goes down between her legs and he hears her whimper with need as he slides two fingers deep into her moist heat.

Connie clamps her thighs together tightly capturing his hand trying hard to remember that she’s in control. Grabbing his head she licks his chin, then his lips as she buries her tongue in his mouth dueling with his for control. Breaking the kiss she whispers in his ear, “this is my show Andy, just lay back and enjoy.”  She licks and nips her way down his body loving the sound of his moans and the movements of his body in reaction to her loving. She loves that she can drive him as crazy as he drives her. Upon reaching his swollen shaft she lowers her head and draws the tip into her mouth savoring the salty taste of him. She sucks more of him into her mouth and feels his hand grabbing her head, urging her on. Licking her way from the base to his tip she plays with his soft sacs, massaging them before finally drawing them into her mouth to suck and nibble.

Andy feels such intense pleasure he swears he sees stars. She is merciless. The sight of her loving him with her mouth drives him insane and he can barely keep himself from erupting right then and there. Connie can feel his body tighten and she can see by the look on his face his control is slipping. She quickly rises up and positions herself above his penis and before he can react she has him buried deep inside her. “Oh God!” he cries as he grabs her hips trying to drive himself deeper. With each thrust of his shaft she feels every throbbing inch of him and she loses more and more control. Connie leans down kissing Andy’s eyes, his cheeks and nipping on his ears, unable to get enough of him.

Andy, knowing he is about to explode, reaches down between their joined bodies and finds her swollen clit with his thumb pressing and rubbing with every stroke. Connie cries out as each wave of her orgasm rocks her body leaving her weak and limp afterward. As Andy feels her orgasm pulse through her he finally allows himself to erupt ramming himself deep inside her until he too is spent.

Slowly their heartbeats go back to normal. Andy places small kisses on Connie’s head and strokes her back loving the feel of her body curled over his. She lifts her head and looks at him and smiles, “now I’m tired.”

Andy: (Laughing) I can see that. You’re a wild woman. You know that?

Connie: (Stroking his face and kissing his lips lightly) Only with you Andy, only with you.

Andy: I should hope so.

Connie: I just can’t seem to get enough of you.

Andy: See you never do.

Connie slowly rolls off him and settles herself into his side caressing his chest and belly. These past few days she had really missed him, emotionally and physically. Not just the sex, but God the sex was great, but his body lying beside her in bed each night. The heat and hardness of him next to her was comforting. They usually fell asleep like this with her molded to his side and her head on his chest. If she wasn’t touching him then he was touching her, it was a subconscious way their bodies had of assuring them they were not alone. She loves how in tune they are to each other. The quiet looks they share, the smiles, their love for their children are all part of their amazing relationship. She falls asleep thinking how blessed they are and how bright their future looks.

9 a.m. Thursday morning at the 15^th precinct. Connie and PAA John are organizing paperwork on the stolen items from the robberies.

Lt. Rodriguez enters the squad room.

Lt. Rodriguez: (To PAA John and Connie) Where is everyone?

Connie: They are out re-canvassing and checking out pawn shops where some of the stolen stuff has been showing up.

Lt. Rodriguez:  All right when every one starts checking in let them know I need to speak with them. The Chief wants us to start setting up on these buildings round the clock.

PAA John: I’ll let them know Lt.

As the Lt. heads towards his office Connie and PAA John look at each other.

Connie: This case has been such a pain these past few days and it has everyone on edge, I sure don’t want to be the one to have to tell the gang their going to be putting in more overtime.

PAA John: At least you’re lucky detective you get to go home.

Connie: (Rubbing her stomach and smiling) Yeah this is one I’m happy to sit out on, but I still have Andy to deal with.

That afternoon all the detectives return and Lt. Rodriguez briefly runs through the directive from the Chief of D’s.

Greg: So we start the stake out tonight boss?

Lt. Rodriguez: That’s right Greg, now I know how hard you’ve all been working on this case but this comes from upstairs so… you understand my hands are tied. Anyways, you can punch out a little early and get some rest. Everyone report back here by 8.

Baldwin: (Smiling) Well this kinda puts a crimp in my social life. Excuse me everyone but I’ve got a date to cancel.

Jr.: (Groaning) Great. I was looking forward to catching up on some sleep. (Noticing Andy’s frown) What are you so upset about partner? You’ve already got a woman. (Winking at Connie)

Andy: (Sighing) How’s a guy supposed to keep that woman happy if he’s never home? (Looking at Connie) Don’t go having that kid until this case clears okay?

Connie: (Laughing) I’ll do my best, but you should be worrying about your other kids Sipowicz.  They’re starting to forget what you look like.

4 p.m. at the Sipowicz home. Connie arrives home and is greeted by wonderful smells from the kitchen and the sound of laughter coming from the kid’s room. She quietly closes the front door and follows the laughter. At the bedroom door she sees Andy on the floor with Michelle, who is playing ‘horsey’ on his back as he coaches Theo through some video game. She stands there a moment taking in the scene before her.

Andy seems to sense her presence, and turns toward the doorway giving her a smile.

Andy: (Rolling over and grabbing Michelle in a big hug as he turns) Hey Mom’s home!

Theo: (Getting up to give Connie a hug) Hi Mom! Look Dad’s home and he even cooked dinner. Cool, huh?

Connie: Yeah, cool. It’s been a while since we all had dinner together. What have you guys been doing all afternoon?

Theo: Just homework, cooking and playing games. We missed you Mom. Wish you could’ve come home early too.

Connie: I had some work to finish up sweetheart but I’m home now and we’re going to have a nice dinner, then Daddy and I’ll tuck you in together before he goes back to work.

Theo: Okay. You’re not going back to work too, are you Mom?

Connie: No I’m done for today.

Andy: (Getting up from the floor with Michelle) This project at work should be done soon buddy then I won’t have to be gone so much. (Rubbing his shoulder) Thanks for helping your Mom while I’m not around. I’m proud of you.

Theo: (Shrugging his shoulders) I like helping Mom, but I’d rather have you home with us.

Andy: (Hugging him) Me too squirt. Me too. Come on let’s eat, I’m starving.

Andy gives Connie a look and she reaches up to stroke his arm before giving him a light kiss on the lips. He smiles and gives her hand a quick squeeze as she leads him out to the kitchen.

After dinner, Andy goes in for a shower before heading back to work. Connie settles Theo and Michelle in their room to watch a video and heads into the bathroom. Connie puts down the lid on the toilet and sits as Andy finishes up in the shower watching him quietly.

Connie: Any idea where you’ll be setting up?

Andy: Nope, we’ll probably find out at the station. If it’s not too late I’ll call and let you know.

Connie: (Standing up and giving him a hug) Get dressed and we’ll tuck the kids in before you leave.

Andy: (Pulling her back as she starts to move away) Connie are you okay?

Connie: (Leaning into him and sighing) I just want this whole thing over with. I miss you when you’re not around and so do the kids.

Andy: Soon. This will all be over soon. I hate this too, but it’s gotta be done. (Pushing her chin up and looking into her eyes) Love you.

Connie: I love you too. Come on get dressed or you’ll be late.

They tuck the kids in and Andy leaves as Connie settles in to read to Theo.

Everyone has gathered back at the precinct and the detectives and some officers from anti-crime are sent out. Because of the violence of some of the cases all precautions are taken. Andy, Jr. Rita and Josh from anti-crime are assigned to an apartment building on 2^nd. Andy calls Connie to fill her in and say goodnight.

Jr.: Everything all right.

Andy: Yeah, but this case sucks. The kids are really feeling me not being home much lately and Connie doesn’t need all the extra pressure. Not now.

Anyways nobody’s happy about this so just ignore me.

Jr.: Let’s hope we clear this soon. (Looking out and seeing a car pull up behind them) There’s Josh and Rita. Why don’t we go do a run through and then get set up.

Andy: It’s a plan. Lead the way.

The four do a run through of the building inside and out and decide to set up by the front and back entrances. They notify Central K and the Lt. Back at the precinct and sit back for the long haul.

Midnight. Lt. Rodriguez contacts the detectives that the graveyard shift will be taking over and advises them to secure their areas before heading in. As Jr. and Andy head over to talk to their replacements they get a call from Rita over the radio.

Rita: Andy be advised that 3 male individuals wearing dark hooded jackets have just entered the back entrance. We’re going in for a closer look.

Andy: Copy that Rita. Be careful. We’ll come in from the front.

Andy, Jr. and the 2 graveyard detectives head up towards the front entrance. As they approach the doors they hear screams coming from one of the apartments and then they hear gunshots. Andy quickly calls in for more backup as they head into the building. Jr. runs through the doors first and sees a man running out with a gun yelling to someone behind him to hurry. More screams and another gunshot caused some of the other tenants to open their doors.

Andy: (Shouting) Police! Get back in and shut your doors! Now!

2 men run out of the apartment with guns and they head for the back entrance. Rita and Josh are chasing the first perp up the stairs as the other 2 frantically look for a way out. The second perp fires a shot at the detectives and runs out the back door while the third one runs back into the apartment they had just exited. The other 2 cops chase the second perp out the back while Andy and Jr. slowly make their way into the apartment for the third guy. They see a lady crying and bleeding on the ground by the door and as Jr. looks around Andy leans down to check on her.

Andy: Are you all right ma’am?

Lady: Crying and pointing to a closed door a few feet away.

Andy understands and as he tries to signal to Jr. the door flies open and the perp jumps out and aims his gun directly at Jr. Andy calls out, “John get down!” The perp then turns towards Andy and fires 4 shots point blank at Andy, hitting him. Jr. turns, “Andy NO!” As he is falling to the ground he sees the perp turn his gun towards Jr. and Andy fires.

Screams. Loud piercing screams, gunshots, then nothing. Long unending bursts of nothing. Shaking, pain, heat, then more nothing. It seems like an eternity of black before finally, a small glint of light. Sounds return. He hears his name but he’s not sure from where. He can barely breathe. It hurts so much. He needs air he can’t stand it, so much pain, suddenly more light. “Andy! God, Andy! Andy answer me!”

Andy takes a deep gulp of air and groans. More gulps, more groans of pain, then he opens his eyes wider and sees Jr. He looks funny. Scared. His head clears a little more as he takes in more air. Hurts so much to breathe, he thinks. Wonder why? “Andy! Dammit Andy, talk to me!”

He hears another voice, a female voice. “John a bus is on the way. Is he okay? Is he….” What’s she talking about, he wonders. He opens his eyes and is finally able to stammer, “who’s hurt?”

Jr.: (Crying now) Andy! My God, you’re hurt! Rita he’s awake! He’s talking! Hang in there partner, help’s on the way. Please be okay.

Andy: (Looking up confused) Wha….? What do you mean me? I’m fine. I just can’t seem to breathe. Gimme some room so I can get up.

Jr.: Andy you’ve been shot. Lie still. There’s blood but I don’t know how bad it is.

Andy: (Trying to sit up and catch his breath) Oh man, you’re crazy just let me up so I can breathe will ya. I’ve been shot before I know what being shot feels like. I just need to sit up a minute and clear my head. How’s the lady? She gonna be okay? She looked like she was hit.

Jr.: Andy she’s fine she’s alert and you’re both waiting for the medics.

Rita: (To Jr.) Lt. Rodriguez is on his way he heard over the radio. What about Connie? Should we call her?

Andy: (Shaking his head) NO!! Nobody’s calling Connie! Just got the wind knocked out of me is all. (Gasping) Don’t call her she’ll be all worried for nothing. Promise me, Rita.

Jr.: (To Rita) We’ll wait for the boss.

The paramedics arrive and begin working on Andy. They find a gunshot wound in his upper arm. The three other shots were directly to his chest, if not for the bulletproof vest…. well he was a very, very lucky man. But getting shot at such close range with a .45 could still do a lot of damage. There was already considerable bruising on Andy’s upper body and x-rays would be needed to check for breaks. The medics believed that Andy was knocked unconscious as he hit the floor from the force of the shots and since his breathing was still very shaky they were rushing to get him to the hospital. As they load him on the gurney for the trip to ER Lt. Rodriguez arrives, he sees Rita first.

Lt. Rodriguez: Rita, how’s Andy? What’s going on?

Rita: They’re getting him to the bus. He was hit and they need to get him to ER for x-rays ‘cuz he can’t seem to catch his breath. But he’s talking.

Lt. Rodriguez: Let me go see him. (Approaching the stretcher) Andy, are you all right?

Andy: (Pulling off the oxygen mask struggling to speak) I’m fine Lew. Really. This is stupid, once I catch my breath I’ll be fine. You’ll see. Just let me humor these guys and I’ll be back to work.

Medic: (To Rodriguez) We’ve got to go. Meet us at Bellevue ER. You’ll contact his family?

Lt. Rodriguez: I’ll take care of it. Meet you there. Tell him we’re right behind you guys.

Jr.: Lew, he told us he didn’t want Connie told. He made Rita promise.

Lt. Rodriguez: Well tough, I didn’t make any promises and Connie needs to know. This is serious. (To Rita) Come with me to get her. I called John Irvin and he’s gonna meet us so he can watch the kids. Let’s get going. (To Jr.) Ride to the hospital in the squad car and get checked out. Baldwin and Greg will meet up with you there.

Lt. Rodriguez and Rita meet up with PAA John at Andy and Connie’s apartment building. They wait quietly for Connie to answer the door. Rita quickly assures her as she opens the door for them that Andy is alive. The look on her face when she first sees them standing there on her doorstep brings tears to PAA John’s eyes and as Rita follows her to help her get dressed he asks the Lt. about Andy’s condition.

Lt. Rodriguez: I don’t know much John. Thank God he was wearing the vest or this would be a whole different scenario. Thanks for coming to help out. I wanted to make sure the kids would be with someone they knew.

PAA John: Lt. please, I’m glad I could be of help. Please let Detective Sipowicz know I’m praying for him. I just wish I could do more.

Lt. Rodriguez: Trust me, we all wish that right now.

Rita sits on the bed and watches silently as Connie gets dressed. She hasn’t said a word since they entered the bedroom and Rita knows that she’s just trying to keep it all together. Once dressed Connie stops in and kisses Theo and Michelle before heading out to join PAA John and the Lt.

Connie: John when Theo wakes up, please don’t let on that something bad has happened. I’ll call Andrea to come as soon as I can so you can leave for work. (Looking at Rodriguez) Let’s go.

It was a very quiet drive to the hospital. Connie chooses to sit in back alone and doesn’t make a single sound the entire trip. At the hospital Greg tells Connie the doctor needs to talk to her about Andy right away. He takes her behind a curtain and she gasps when she sees Andy lying unconscious, with so many machines attached to him.

Greg: Dr. Conner? This is Detective McDowell she’ll be able to answer any questions you have about Detective Sipowicz.

Dr. Conner: I’m sorry detective I thought you said his wife was on her way. She’s who I need to speak to.

Connie: (Looking at the doctor) I’m Connie Sipowicz doctor. What’s going on with my husband? Is he all right?

Dr. Conner: I’m sorry. I was confused. Well Mrs. Sipowicz we need to run some tests and take some x-rays but first I need to get some background information on your husband.  Does he have any allergies? Is he taking any medications?

Connie: (Needing to touch him, she moves to the bed and touches his thigh, squeezing lightly) He’s allergic to shellfish but he’s not on any medications. He had Prostate cancer and he has a history of addiction to alcohol and pain medication.

Dr. Conner: Thank you, this is very helpful. Let me catch you up on your husband’s condition so far. He was shot in his left arm. It went clear through, but we’re still going to have to clean out his wound and stitch him up. Thankfully he was wearing his vest but he did take three shots to the chest at close range, which is why we need to make sure there aren’t any fractures. The blow he took knocked him unconscious and we are going to have to check for any swelling in his brain but that is purely precautionary. None of his wounds seem life threatening at this time, but we still need to make sure everything’s okay. While we’re taking care of him you can go ahead and have a seat in the waiting area and I’ll talk to you again when I have more answers.

Connie: Is he sleeping? Can he hear me?

Dr. Conner: He goes in and out. Go ahead and try to talk to him.

Connie: (Squeezing his thigh more firmly and rubbing his cheek) Andy? Andy can you hear me? Andy, wake up.

Andy: (Slowly opening his eyes) Hey what’s going on? (Frowning) What are you doing here? I’m all right, just a couple of bruises. (Seeing the tears in her eyes) Please don’t cry. I just got the wind knocked out of me is all.

Connie: (Bending close) Shhh. Andy just let them run their tests and don’t give them a hard time. Okay? (Pulling up his oxygen mask) I love you Andy. I need you to be all right. Understand? (She kisses his mouth firmly)

Andy: (To the doctor) She’s pregnant. She shouldn’t be here doc. Make her go home and rest. (To Connie) You need to rest.

Connie: I’m not leaving without you. Got it? I’ll be right outside waiting.

Andy: (Fading back to unconsciousness) I love you Connie.

Connie: (To Dr. Conner) Thank you doctor. Please take good care of him.

Dr. Conner: (Patting her back) I’ll get back to you as soon as I can Mrs. Sipowicz.

Connie touches Andy’s thigh once more before walking back to the waiting area to join the others. Forgetting that Greg was still with her, she jumps as she feels his arms come around her.

Greg: (Concerned) You okay Connie? Why don’t we go sit and then I’ll get you something to drink.

Everyone looks anxiously at the pair as they approach the waiting room chairs. Greg takes the lead and briefly updates them on Andy’s condition as he settles Connie in a chair.

Greg: Look I’m going to get Connie something to drink, anybody else want anything?

Connie: I’m fine Greg, really. I don’t need anything right now. (Looking around) Where’s John? Was he hurt too?

Baldwin: No he’s all right. He’s getting checked out and should be done soon. He’s pretty shaken up though.

As they wait, some of the Brass show up and talk with Lt. Rodriguez. The duty Captain tells Rodriguez that the perp Andy shot was pronounced dead at the scene and the other 2 were in custody. The victim of the robbery was doing fine. She had already given a preliminary statement on the shooting and was inquiring about Andy. Jr. was given a thorough once over and as he joins the others in the waiting area he purposely avoids looking at Connie.

Lt. Rodriguez: I talked with the doctors and they said you were good to go. How are you holding up?

Jr.: All right. Any word yet on Andy? Where is he? Can I see him?

Baldwin: We’re just waiting to hear back from the doctor. X-rays and stuff take a while, so hopefully we’ll get word soon.

Jr.: (Very edgy) Maybe I could go see what the hold up is. Maybe someone can tell us what’s going on.

Greg: Relax John, the doctor said none of his injuries are life threatening. That’s a good thing. We just have to wait.

Jr.: (Standing) It doesn’t seem right to make people wait like this when people they care about are hurt. (Grabbing his coat he storms out the ER doors)

As Baldwin starts to follow him Connie grabs his arm, “I’ll get him” she says quietly. Outside it’s chilly and Connie wraps her coat tightly around her as she looks for Jr. Finding him around a corner she slowly approaches him.

Connie: You okay?

Jr.: (Startled) What are you doing out here? Go back inside Connie, it’s too cold to be out.

Connie: (Holding out her hand to him) Then come back in with me.

Jr.: (Not looking at her) No I’m all right. You’re the one who needs to be inside where it’s warm.

Connie: You stay. I stay. It’s as simple as that. John, look at me.

Silence.

Connie: (Moving closer and pulling on his coat front) Look at me.

Jr. shakes his head no.

Connie: (Turning his head and looking into his tear filled eyes) John what’s going on? Why won’t you look at me?

Jr.: (A sob) It’s my fault, Connie. (Shouting) He drew the perps attention away from me and that’s what got him shot! I should have been more careful, more alert. I screwed up! (Sobbing uncontrollably) I screwed up!

Connie holds him tight as he releases all his emotions. Such a heavy burden he’s placed on himself. Connie realizes how much John has come to care for Andy. She sees it every day. They weren’t just partners at work. They were friends on and off the job. Good friends. This guilt was just part of that whole relationship. The part that makes a person think that they could or should be more than they are. If the roles were reversed it would be Andy blaming himself for not being Superman.

Moments later as Jr. starts to calm down, Connie pushes back from him and looks into his eyes. He looks so sad, so lonely, as if he’s lost his best friend.

Connie strokes his cheek and wipes at his tears.

Connie: John this is not your fault and as soon as he can I know Andy’ll tell you the same thing. You have got to get all these stupid thoughts out of your head. You are a good cop John. I don’t know all the details about what went down, but I know that you didn’t do anything wrong. Everyone inside knows that too. I need you John. Andy needs you.

Jr.: (Hugging her tight) God Connie, I’m sorry. You don’t need me adding to your worries. I should be comforting you not the other way around. God I can’t do anything right, can I?

Connie: Cut it out John. I need you to focus and get clear on all this. Stop all this self-pity and let’s concentrate on more important things. All right?

Jr.: Yeah. Connie, I don’t think I’ve ever told you or Andy how important your friendship is to me. How much I care about the both of you. You guys are my family.

Connie: We feel the same way John. We’re family, and families always stick together. 

Jr.: (Kissing Connie’s forehead) Let’s go back in. Andy’ll have my ass if you catch a cold.

Connie: (Smiling) Don’t worry I’ll protect you.

Jr. and Connie walk back in as Dr. Conner comes off the elevator heading towards them.

Dr. Conner: (Smiling as he stops in front of Connie) Well Mrs. Sipowicz your husband is one tough guy I’ll give him that. He has a concussion, which explains the grogginess, but he’s becoming more alert and that’s a good sign. X-rays didn’t show any fractures but he’s going to hurt like hell for the next few days at least. There will be a lot of bruising and he’ll have a hard time taking deep breaths but again all that will heal and he’s going to be fine. I cleaned and sutured the wound on his arm while we were upstairs so as soon as he’s run through his IV I’ll see him once more before releasing him. A nurse will come by with discharge papers, some home care instructions and a couple of scripts you’ll need to have filled. My contact numbers will be included so don’t hesitate to call me if you have any questions.

Jr.: You’re releasing him? Don’t you think he should at least stay ‘til tomorrow? Why are you letting him go home?

Dr. Conner: Well I did recommend he stay but he pretty much told me, and very convincingly by the way, that there was no way he was staying. It took all my powers of persuasion just to get him to let me do all those tests and work on his wound.

Connie: (Smiling with relief) I hope he didn’t rough you up too much doctor. He can be pretty intimidating at times.

Dr. Conner: (Laughing) I’ve been an ER doctor for 10 years and I’ve met some guys who are all rough and tough until they’re in pain or they see a needle then they crumble like babies. Detective Sipowicz is tough to the bone. I had to beg him to let me numb him up for the stitches. (Shaking his head and smiling) Well he should be down soon and I’ll see you again in a bit.

Greg: (Sighing in relief and rubbing Connie’s shoulder) He’s going to be okay. I knew Andy would come out all right, Connie. This is good. This is good.

Connie: Yeah this is good Greg. Thanks. (Looking at everyone) Thanks guys.

Lt. Rodriguez: Connie why don’t you go home with Rita and I’ll hang around and get Andy home. You need to get some rest.

Connie: Thanks Lew, but I’m all right. I’m not leaving without Andy. John will get us home. You should all go home and try to get some rest before work. I’m sure you’re all much more tired than I am.

Lt. Rodriguez: (Looking at Jr. and Connie) Are you sure you’ll be all right?

Jr.: We’ll be fine. I’ll get them home and once they’re settled I’ll head home myself. I’ll be late coming in though.

Lt. Rodriguez: Don’t worry about that. The duty Captain will get your statements as soon as you’re able so if you need some time tomorrow let me know. (To Connie) Let me know if you need anything. I’ll call later to check in.

Please let Andy know how glad we are that he’s all right.

Connie: I will. Thanks.

After a lot of hugs and promises to call, everyone leaves and Jr. and Connie wait. 30 minutes later Andy is wheeled back down to ER and they join him behind the curtain to wait for Dr. Conner. Andy is sitting up and he’s much more alert than earlier. Connie goes right to him and hugs him as tight as she can without hurting him. He hugs her back ignoring the pain.

Andy: (To Jr.) I told you guys not to tell her.

Connie: (Pulling out of his embrace angrily) Why shouldn’t I be told? I’m only your wife, the mother of your children. I’m nobody right? How would you have explained all this when you came home, huh? Did you think I wouldn’t notice?

Andy: (Leaning back with a groan) I just didn’t want you upset in your condition is all. Geez, I’m only thinking of you. Gimme a break!

Connie: (Worried) Andy, drop it. I needed to know and that’s all there is to it. Are you ok?

Andy: (Smiling) Yeah, just going for the sympathy angle. (Looking at Jr. and noticing his silence) You all right John? I forgot to ask if you’re ok. You’re not hurt are you?

Jr.: (Stunned) You’re worried about me? Andy, you could have died ‘cuz of me. I’m the one who should be worrying, not you.

Andy: (Confused) What are you talking about? (To Connie) What is he talking about?

Jr.: I should have been more alert, more aware. I should have been more careful…

Andy: (Holding up his hand) Stop. I don’t know what the hell you think you didn’t do but I was there and I know what happened.

Jr.: I should have looked behind that door. I wasn’t thinking.

Connie: (Sensing Andy’s agitation she strokes his arm and tries to lighten the mood) Andy, John thinks he’s to blame. He feels bad ‘cuz he forgot his Superman costume at home and wasn’t able to stop all the crime in city.

Jr.: This isn’t funny.

Andy: Sure it is. You did your part and I did mine. You did everything right. That’s it John and I don’t want to hear anymore about it. Understand?

Jr.: But Andy…

Andy: (Glaring at Jr.) Understand?

Jr.: (Shaking his head in defeat) Yeah, understand. (He takes Andy’s hand and squeezes hard) I’m glad you’re okay partner. You really scared the shit out of me. Let’s not do that again.

Andy: (Squeezing back) Deal. Help me up so we can get out of here before they start sticking me again. These people are out of control.

Connie: Andy we can’t leave ‘til the doctor comes back, it shouldn’t be much longer.

Andy: (Irritated and struggling to get up) I’m fine and I’ll be even better once I’m outta here. (Swaying slightly and grimacing as he tries to stand)

Connie: (Noticing his discomfort) Andy, if you don’t behave I’m going to have them keep you here tonight under lock and key.

Jr.: (Smiling as he gently pushes Andy back) Gee partner you never told me she was such a taskmaster, she’s pretty scary. You sure you don’t want to reconsider spending the night?

Andy: (Laughing with difficulty) Between her whip and their needles, I’ll take the whip. Besides she’s pretty cute when she’s mad.

Connie: Yeah, yeah keep laughing now mister ‘cuz when I get you home you’ll see just how cute I can get.

Dr. Conner walks in at that moment and after going over some details with Andy he releases him. Thankfully Greg had thought to bring in a shirt and jacket of his for Andy to wear home. As Connie helps Andy remove the gown to put on the shirt she notices the huge bruise on his chest. Already a deep purple she feels a lump form in her throat as she tries not to cry. A tear escapes down one side of her face when she realizes just how close she came to losing him. Andy cups her cheek with his hand and wipes away the tear. No words need to be said. They are both very aware of how lucky they were tonight.

Jr. tries not to show how affected he is by the bruising on Andy. He can’t believe how strong his partner is. As he helps Andy he looks over and catches the looks between the two and it makes him a little uncomfortable. No matter how much they try to convince him otherwise he still feels the guilt weighing heavily on him. This was really hard. Andy had helped him so many times in so many ways. At work with all those problems, then at home when his dad died, it just seemed that Andy was always there for him. When was he ever going to repay all that? He couldn’t even keep him safe.

Connie: John, could you go get the car? Baldwin brought our car over and parked out in the back lot. I’ll take care of all the paperwork and by the time you come around we should be ready.

Jr.: Sure. (Taking the keys from her)

Connie takes care of getting Andy discharged and filling his prescriptions, as she finishes up she sees Jr. coming back through the doors. Andy is behind the curtain arguing with a nurse about riding in a wheelchair.

Nurse: Mr. Sipowicz this is hospital policy. Sit down and we’ll get you out of here right away, or don’t and I’ll have security come in and tie you to the chair.

Andy sits grumbling, “Nazi nurse.” Connie and Jr. smile at each other as they watch Andy get bested. Andy glares at both of them as he’s wheeled out the door. They get him settled in the car with great difficulty and the exertion shows on his face.

At the apartment Jr. helps Connie get Andy undressed and into bed. He is pale and weak and his breathing sounds labored but he doesn’t complain at all. Once they get him settled in bed and notice that he had fallen asleep Jr. touches his head and quietly says goodnight.

Jr.: (At the front door) Are you sure you’re gonna be okay with him by yourself? I can stay. I’ll flop on the couch just in case you need me.

Connie: (Reaching up to stroke his cheek) Thanks, I’ll be fine. I promise I’ll call if I need you. You need to get some rest too John. (Kissing his cheek) John, thank you. If you need to talk or just need people around you, we’re here. Anytime.

Jr.: I know thanks. Thanks a lot Connie. I’ll head out now, but I’ll check in with you later. Goodnight.

Connie: Goodnight. Drive carefully.

Connie secures the front door, gets a glass of water and heads back to their room. After checking on the kids she closes the bedroom door and changes back into her pajamas. Andy is asleep and snoring softly but she can see the pain etched in his face.

As he sleeps she goes into the bathroom, leans against the wall and cries. Trying to be as quiet as possible the sobs erupt from deep within her. All the fear, the terror, of the past few hours flow out of her refusing to be bottled any longer.

“Oh God thank you for not taking him from me tonight. Thank you for bringing him home to me. I don’t know what I would do without him, I love him so much, he’s my life! Oh God help me to be strong! Please! I need strength for him, for the kids, for me” she prays.

Slowly the sobs quiet down and the tears lessen. Realizing she’s been away from Andy a while she gets up off the floor and washes her face. It would only worry him if he saw her eyes all swollen from crying.

She enters the bedroom and sets the alarm clock. Dr. Conner said Andy needed to be woken up every couple of hours ‘til later in the morning. Connie had his pain pills close at hand in case he changed his mind about taking them. Lying beside him she stares quietly watching him sleep. Pushing down the covers she looks at the bruises on his chest and lightly runs her fingers over them. Slowly she leans over and kisses his lips gently before settling back and holding his hand to her heart.

Andy opens his eyes and looks deep into hers. He smiles.

Connie: (Stroking his cheek) Hey, how are you feeling?

Andy: Like I got hit by a truck. How you doing?

Connie: I’m fine now that you’re here with me. (The tears start flowing again) I love you Andy… if I lost you…

Andy: Connie I’m here and I’m all right. Let’s not talk about what could’ve happened, okay? I love you Connie and I promise that I’ll do everything I can to always be here. Maybe this was a wake up call…I don’t know. I guess God’s not quite done with me yet. All’s I know is I’m here now, with you and the kids and we’re going to be okay. (He kisses her hand)

Connie: (Squeezing his hand tight) Yeah, we’re going to be okay.