NYPD Blue Fanfiction

Vicki's Fanfic

He’s Funny Like That 

Part 1 

 

My fanfic takes place in a time when all is normal. Normal being, T-Rod hasn’t been shot, Andy and Connie are married and Jr. and Rita are just that, Jr. and Rita. It is a story about someone from Andy’s past who has a very long reach. This police drama contains scenes of a violent nature. Please be advised. 

 

 

 

 

Andy is standing outside the 15th waiting for Connie. She had to drop Michelle off at the babysitters. It is a crisp fall morning. Andy is looking forward to work today. He and Connie will be working together. Jr. and Baldwin are in court. Each is testifying on separate cases. Rita and Greg have gone out on a case. Connie pulls up and parks the car. She sees Andy waiting outside for her. She loves when he does little things like that. She walks over to greet him. 

Connie: Thanks for waiting. 

Andy: Anything to get a minute alone with you. (He gives her a sheepish smile) 

She loves to see him smile. This job is so hard sometimes you forget the good things around you. His smile reminds her. They walk into the stationhouse together. There are a few uniformed officers milling around. Looks like a quiet day. Andy and Connie stop at the front desk to see if there are any messages for them. Andy has two from ballistics. He and Jr. have been waiting to hear about the results. Connie has no messages. As they get to the second flight of stairs, just out of sight of everyone, Andy takes Connie’s hand. He has been doing this for a few weeks. It’s just his way of letting her know he loves her. As they hang up their coats, they see Lt. Rodriguez sitting at John Irvin’s desk answering the phone.  

Andy: (Nodding at Lt.) What’s up? 

Lt.: I wish I knew. Did John say anything to the two of you about taking off today? 

Andy: No, not to me. Connie?

Connie: No. 

Lt.: Ok. Here (handing them a slip) Just came down from night watch. 

Andy: What? 

Lt.: Deliveryman, murdered over at Grant and 2nd.  

Connie: Grant and 2nd? 

Andy: (Shoots her a look) Yeah, ok, let me use the bathroom and we’ll get going. 

Connie: Good, I’ll get us some coffee. 

Andy and Connie meet back in the catching area. They grab their coats and radios. 

Andy: (To Lt.) We’ll be on the air. 

Andy takes Connie aside and puts a finger to his lips. 

Andy: (Whispering) Not a word till we get in the car. 

In the car Andy turns to Connie 

Andy: I’m sorry for the look. 

Connie: Andy, he knows we’re living together.  

Andy: I know….its just…..I don’t know….. 

Connie: What?  

Andy: I’m sorry is all. 

Connie: Ok then, lets go. 

They arrive at the scene. Officer Shannon fills them in.  

Shannon: The DOA is a Spanish male, early 20’s . He’s a delivery guy from the bodega around the corner. I found a bunch of recipes in his jacket pocket. This address was his last stop. Must have made it to where he was going, no food or money laying around.

 

Connie: DOA got a name? (looking over the body) 

Shannon: Yeah, Gabriel DeJesus. Looks like he was stabbed in the chest and back.  

Andy: Looks like he put up a good fight. Look at his hands, defensive wounds. 

Connie: Should I start a canvas?  

Andy: In a minute. First call Rita and Medavoy, see if they can come and give you a hand.(Tilting his head for her to come closer) I want to go up and see if John is there. 

Connie: Should I come with you? 

Andy: No. You call. Then start to canvas. I’ll be right back. 

Andy takes the familiar trip up to the second floor. Turns right and looks down the hall to his old apartment. The door is slightly open. He stops and calls Connie on the radio. 

Andy: (Almost in a whisper) Connie, come on up, I think I’m gonna need back up. 

Connie: On my way. 

Andy walks slowly towards the apartment, looking around for any signs of foul play. He hears Connie come up. He gives her a nod with his head in the direction of the apartment. She nods back. Andy has his gun out as does Connie. He opens the door with his forearm, gun at the ready. At first glance, he sees the apartment has been ransacked. Connie sees John lying on the floor in a pool of blood near the kitchen area. Andy continues to look around the apartment checking all the rooms as to make sure no one is hiding in there. Connie stays with John. 

Andy: He alive? 

Connie: Just about. 

Andy: 15th squad to Central K, have two ambulances respond to the scene at Grant and 2nd forthwith. One for apartment C-3. Beating victim. One for DOA in entryway.  

Central K: Roger 15th squad. Ambulance en route. 

Andy: Hang in there John. 

As Andy looks around, he realizes, this is not a random breakin. Whoever it was wanted something. The place was ripped apart. The furniture is sliced with the stuffing pulled out. Every drawer is pulled out and emptied. Kitchen cabinets opened and emptied. In the bedroom all of John’s clothes were thrown about, there was glass everywhere. 

Connie: Andy? ……..Andy? 

Andy:What?!? 

Connie: Do you want me to call Crime Scene? 

Andy: Yeah. 

Connie: What about the Lt.? 

Andy: No not yet. How is he? 

Connie: His breathing is shallow. He’s been beatin’ to a pulp. I don’t like the looks of that stab wound in his back. 

Andy: Don’t move him till rescue gets here. 

John: Mumbles something incoherent. 

Connie: John…..John its Connie and Andy……John can you hear me? If you can, squeeze my hand. 

She feels the smallest hint of a squeeze. She doesn’t know if it’s a real squeeze or if its wishful thinking.  

Andy: Where the fuck is rescue? (Thinking to himself……this isn’t good) 

Fade out. 

 

 

 

 

 

Part2 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Andy and Connie meet the ambulance at Belview. The paramedics take John directly to the emergency area. Doctors and nurses converge onto the scene. Andy and Connie listen as the paramedic describes Johns wounds. 

Paramedic #1: White male approximately 30 years of age. Airway is clear. Breathing well on his own. Diaphoretic. Large amount of blood loss due to multiple stab wounds.  

Paramedic#2: Two liters I.V. given en route.  

Doctor#1: Call x-ray and order CT scan. 

Paramedic#1: Most serious wounds are in the back near the kidneys and spinal cord. Multiple stab wounds on chest, arms and hands. 

Paramedic#2: Possible trauma to abdominal region. 

Doctor#1: Lets do an Abdominal Tap, see if we have any blood in the chest. Get a chest tube kit ready. 

Paramedic#1: Possible fractured skull, possible concussion. Pupils are reactive to light. Broken jaw, with a large amount of glass fragments in the facial region. 

Nurse#1: Chest tap clear. 

Paramedic#2: Possible punctured lunge and broken ribs. 

Nurse#2: Weak breath sounds on the left side. 

Paramedic#1: B.P. 60 pable, pulse is rapid and theady. Looks like a broken right tibia along with a broken 2nd metacarpal on left hand. 

Doctor#1: Ok, people, let’s get him ready for the OR. Is X-ray on its way? 

Nurse#1: On their way. 

Doctor#1: Good. Let’s put a rush on things please. 

Nurse#2: Was this guy hit by a tractor-trailer? 

Paramedic#2: Possible push-in robbery. 

Nurse#1: When they find who did this, the cops should do the same to him. 

The nurse pulls the certain around John’s bed. Andy and Connie are left standing and wondering. Connie reaches for Andy’s hand and he takes her aside to comfort her. Normally, Connie doesn’t let her emotions show on the job. This is different. This is family. 

Connie: Oh my God, Andy. 

Andy: Yeah, he’s where he needs to be right now.  

Connie:( Trying to regain her composure) We have to call LT and fill him in. 

Andy: Alright. I’ll call it in. You stay here in case…(his voice trails off) 

Connie wipes her eyes and takes a deep breath. Andy goes outside to call in. He calls on his cel phone. He doesn’t want this to go out over the air. 

Andy: Sipowicz here let me talk to the LT. Yeah, Connie and I are at Belview. 

LT: What happened? I thought you had a DOA. 

Andy: We did a canvis and found John Irvin.  

LT: He ok? 

Andy: He took quite a beatin’. Looks like a push-in robbery. Are Jr. and Bladwin back from court yet? 

LT: Baldwin is. I’ll send him over to help out on canvas. 

Andy: Yeah, Connie and I will stay here till we hear from a doctor. 

LT: Good. As soon as you hear something I want the two of you back here at the house. Andy, keep your radio on, I want to be up to the minute with this, understood? 

Andy: Yeah. 

Andy takes a deep breath and rubs his head. What started out as a beautiful day has turned shitty very rapidly. He goes back into the hospital to be with Connie. He stops by a vending machine to grab a couple of sodas and some crackers. Deep inside he knows something is very wrong. That did not look like your run of the mill push-in robbery. Part of him wanted to go back to the apartment, but he decided to stay put for now. He’ll let Rita, Medavoy and Jones do their job.

Andy: (Nodding to the curtain) Anything yet? 

Connie: No, just more doctors and some machines. Do you want to go back to the apartment? Or I could go and help? 

Andy: No, let’s just stay here for a while. 

Connie: This all seems so…… 

Andy: I know, I know. It’ll be ok. 

A few minutes later a doctor call to Andy. Its Dr. Mondzac. He’s the only doctor Andy trusts. The doctor saw Andy through a few scrapes in the past. 

Dr.M.: Det. Sipowicz? 

Andy: Yeah, right here. How’s he doin’? 

Dr.M.: We have to take him to surgery. He has a puncture in his lunge along with a few deep stab wounds that need attention.  

Andy: The truth doc. 

Dr.M.: It’s touch and go right now. We need to get him upstairs. As soon as I’m done, I’ll be in touch with you.  

Andy: He’s one of us.  

Dr.M.: He’s a cop? 

Andy: No. He’s our PAA. 

Connie: Police Administrative Assistant. He’s family. 

Andy: Can we see him before he goes up? 

Dr.M.: Ok, but keep it short, he’s been sedated. 

Connie: Thanks. 

One nurse is still prepping John for surgery. Andy asks for a minute alone with John. 

Andy: Hay John. Any idea who did this?

John nods his head no. 

Connie: Can you speak? 

John: (In a whisper) Yes 

Andy: Can you tell us what happened? 

John: I ordered from the bodega…….buzzed in Gabe and waited for him to knock. I opened the door and ……. Next thing I know there’s two Spanish looking men pushing in and hitting……I fell to the floor…..kicking me…. 

Connie: Did they say anything you could remember? 

John: Looking for……. 

Andy: What, money? 

John: No……looking for…… 

Andy: What John, what? 

John: You…….looking for you detective. 

Andy’s head is reeling. 

Nurse#1: Detective? We have to get him upstairs now. Detective, please. 

Andy was holding on to the side of John’s gurney for dear life. His pulse was hammering in his head. Connie took him by the arm and led him to the chairs. She helped him to sit down and positioned herself between his knees. She puts his face in her hands making him make eye contact with her.  

Connie: Andy? Andy!? 

His skin is clammy. She loosens his tie and unbuttons his collar. 

Connie: Damn it! Snap out of it! 

Andy looks at her as if to say, “Who are you?” 

Connie: Let me get you some water. Stay right here. I’ll be right back. 

Like he has a choice. If the hospital were on fire and falling down around him he still wouldn’t be able to move. He was having a hell of a time trying to keep ahead of his emotions. He needs air. Andy gets up but is very shaky. Connie returns with some water.  

Connie: What are you doing? 

Andy: I need some air. 

Connie: Ok, let’s go outside.  

The clean crisp air hits him hard. Connie helps him to a bench right outside the ER and hands him the water. 

Andy: Connie…….I don’t…… 

Connie: Andy, one step at a time. 

Andy: Who….why? 

Connie: Let me call the LT. 

Andy: No, not yet. 

Connie: We have to. 

As Connie goes to call in, Lt. Rodriguez calls. 

LT.: Attention 15th squad. All are to report back to the house. 

Connie: Roger 15th squad. 

Connie turns to get Andy and sees his color returning to his face. He even looks a little pissed off. She takes that as a good thing. 

Connie: Feeling better? 

Andy: Yeah. What’d LT. Have to say? 

Connie: He wants everyone back at the house. 

Andy: This poor kid takes a beatin’ for me……. 

Connie: Andy, one thing at a time. The doctor said he was sedated. He may have been confused. Let’s just treat this as a push-in for now. We’ll come back and see John after surgery and talk to him then. When we report this to LT. We have to tell him what John said.  

Andy: No way! 

Connie: Yes way. What are we going to do? Look for these guys by ourselves? 

Andy: I don’t know. 

Connie: We have to tell him. Otherwise, what if someone else goes to talk to him and then the LT. Finds out? We have to tell him. 

Andy: Meanwhile, some jerk-offs are out there lookin’ for me. 

Connie: Listen to me, we are gonna tell him everything. Either you do or I will. 

He knows he’s lost this battle with her. He also knows she right. Too many things could go wrong when you withhold information. Too many people could get hurt. Andy didn’t say a word all the way back to the house. 

 

Fade out. 

 

 

 

 

Part3 

 

Everyone is the LT. Office. Connie and Andy join them. 

LT.: Andy, start from the beginning. 

Andy recounts the events of the morning with help from Connie. 

LT.: Are we sure he said “Looking for you”.  

Connie: Like I said he was under sedation. He may have been confused. 

LT.: Ok, what did you all find from the canvas? 

Baldwin: No murder weapon, we’re waiting to hear from forensics as to what type of knife we should be looking for. 

Greg: I checked with the bodega owner to se if any of his other deliverymen had any run-ins with being robbed---nothing. The DOA was a college kid lookin’ to earn some extra money.  

Rita: Crime Scene is dusting the apartment, waiting to hear from them. 

LT.: All right, for now let’s keep this in-house. Anymore actions against anyone (looking at Andy) I have to take this it the Task Force or IAB. Understood? 

Andy: Understood. 

Jr.: While we’re waiting, should we look at Andy’s old files? Maybe recent releases from prison. Make a list of people you’ve pissed off? 

Andy: Yeah, here’s an idea, start with my 5th grade math teacher and work your way from there.  

Jr.: Just a thought. 

LT.: Sounds good. Get to it. 

Everyone exits the office; Andy stays behind and closes the door. 

LT.: That’s never a good sign. 

Andy: What’s that? 

LT.: You closing the door. 

Andy: I just wanted you to know how much I appreciate you keepin’ this ni-house.  

LT.: For now, Andy. 

Andy: Thanks. Ya know, ten years ago, I’d be standin’ in the streets waitin’ for these limp dicks to show up. 

LT.: It’s amazing how time can change a person. 

Andy: It’s not just me anymore, I’ve got a family to think of these days. I consider everyone in this squad my family.

LT.: And like a family we are all pullin’ together. It’ll all work out. Try not to get in your own way on this, Andy. We’re here to help. 

Andy: I just don’t want anyone getting’ in a jackpot over this is all. 

LT.: Understood. Let me know when you hear from the hospital. Does John have family we should be calling? 

Andy: A sister, Delia. I’ll call her and fill her in. 

LT.: Ok. And Andy, it’s gonna be alright. 

Andy returns to his desk and looks for Delia’s phone number. He calls and gets the answering machine. He leaves a nondescript message to call him at work. Sally from Anti-Crime is at John’s desk and tells Andy the hospital is on line one. 

Andy: Sipowicz. ……. Yeah, I’ll be right there. (Looking at Connie and Jr.) The doctor’s service called and wants me to come over.  

Connie: You want me to go with you? 

Andy: No, you stay here and if Delia calls back fill her in. I’ll go tell LT. What’s going on. 

Andy meets Dr. Mondzac outside of ICU. The doctor takes Andy to John’s room. Andy looks in and sees John. He can’t help but feel liable for the state John is in. Dr. Mondzac sees Andy’s reaction. 

Dr. M. : Andy, the first thing you have to realize is that he’s getting the best care possible. He’s not out of the woods yet. He’s suffered a fractured skull, numerous stab wounds and 

Andy: What about his back? When we fond him Connie said she thought that was a bad spot. 

Dr. M.: It missed his kidneys by a few inches and his spinal cord is in tact. He has three broken ribs, a broken leg and finger. The puncture to his lung has been repaired. The next 24 hours will give us a better idea as to how he’ll come along. In my opinion, I think he’s gonna be ok. Has his family been notified? 

Andy: Workin’ on it. He has a sister, Delia. Both his parents have passed. 

Dr. M.: Ok, just so I know who I’m dealing with. For now I want you to go home or back to work. There’s nothing you can do for him right now.  

Andy: Any change, I’m to be called. (Andy gives him his home phone number and his cell phone number) Any change. 

Dr. M. : Got it. Go home. Be with your family. He’s in good hands here. 

Andy: Yeah, thanks. 

While Andy was at the hospital, the squad went back out to recanvas the area. Andy meets them as they get back and regroup in LT. Office. 

Connie: CSU is checking all the dumpsters and gutters in a five-block area. Nothing yet. 

Greg: One neighbor thinks she may have heard something around 11 PM, but can’t be sure if it was coming from John’s apartment or the other neighbors TV.  

Baldwin: Latent is still processing the prints from the apartment and entryway. 

Rita: You would think someone would have heard something. The place is torn apart.  

Andy: It’s an old building with thick walls. 

Jr.: No one seems to remember seeing two Spanish males hangin’ around. I left my card in a few doors and asked to have them call me back.  

LT.: Ok, tomorrow we start fresh. Everyone go home and get some rest. We’ll go at it again tomorrow. (Looking at Andy) How’s John? 

Andy: He’s in bad shape. The doc. seems to think he’ll be all right. The next 24 hours are critical. Any word from his sister? 

Connie: Yeah, she called just before we went out. I told her it looked like a push-in robbery. She was understandably upset and she’ll be at the hospital by six or seven tonight. 

LT.: Everyone, go home. 

Everyone goes to their desk and gathers their things and heads out for the night. Andy and Connie are still at their desks. 

Andy: Scared? 

Connie: Yeah, a little. 

Andy: Don’t be. I would never let anything happen to you or the kids. 

Connie: I know. What about you? Who’s gonna protect you? 

Andy: I will find these pricks, you do know that right? I’m gonna put an end to this shit.  

Connie: Let’s go get the kids and go home. 

They head home. They stopped and got some take out for dinner. It was a regular night at the Sipowicz house, at least for the kids it was. There was dinner, homework, bath, story time and off to bed. Andy and Connie even managed some quiet time for themselves. Nothing special, just a few hugs and kisses. No talking about the case. 

Connie: Comin’ to bed? 

Andy: Yeah, just let me lock up for the night. 

He locked everything up tight, and then checked it again. He went into the bathroom to get himself ready for bed. He looked at himself in the mirror and felt embarrassed for this nightmare. He makes a promise to himself to find who is responsible for this. God help them when he finds them. Connie is in bed half asleep when she hears Andy come into the bedroom. She watches him undress. 

Connie: (In a whisper) Hay, come here. 

Andy: You ok?  

Connie: Yeah. 

Andy: What then? 

Connie: Hold me? 

Andy: Just let me finish gettin'’ my… 

Connie: No, just the way you are. 

Andy: Connie…..

Connie: Please? 

He gives in and get in bed naked. Connie is also naked. Tonight, it’s not about sex. Tonight, it’s about comfort. A soothing time. A time of pleasurable ease. Just enjoying the capacity of giving physical and mental ease to each other. She will stay in his arms all night. He’ll be sure to hold her close. He won’t sleep much. Every noise he hears will be amplified in his ears. He hates things like this. The unknown. His wheels start to spin. Andy thinks about all the low life skells he’s put away. Too many to choose from. He reaffirmed the promise he made to himself to get these pricks. You know he will.

He’s funny like that. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Part4 

 

Two days after John’s been attacked, he is finally ready to go over things again for Andy and Connie. He gave them a good description of the two guys. Andy and Connie call in a sketch artist to work with John.  

Connie: Rest now, the artist will be here in about an hour or so.  

Andy: You done good John. We’re headin’ back to the house to put some pictures together. We’ll see you later.  

John has been a real trooper through all this. He is hurting all over. He knows how important this part of the investigation is. Having his jaw wired shut didn’t help. Andy, with his short amount of patience only complicated matters at times. Thank God for Connie and her infinite amount of patience. She’s been carrying the major amount of the caseload. Andy’s been so wound up lately he doesn’t know whether to scratch his watch or wind his ass. He has been trying real hard not to take his mood out on the people around him. Connie gives him a look or a touch when he slips. Back at the house, they fill in the LT. On their talk with John.  

LT.: Overall, how is he doing? 

Connie: He’s hanging in there. He’s in a lot of pain, but willing to work with us.  

LT.: ok, while you were out latent got back to us. They got two sets of prints from the apartment. One belongs to a Garcia Lopez. The other set belongs to Alonzo Vezquez. Ring any bells? 

Andy: No. What’s their sheets say? 

LT.: Mostly drug related. Vezquez has one arrest for a robbery with a knife. Fits with our MO. Everyone is out on the streets looking for these two. Forensics tells us we’re looking for a hunting knife with a 91/2” stainless steel blade. 

Connie: Should we start looking at hunting supply places? 

LT.: It’s a pretty standard knife from what I understand, but that would be a start. 

Andy: Ok, let me use the bathroom and we’ll get going.  

Connie heads back to her desk to get the yellow pages. LT. Is on his way to the coffee room when he sees a uniform officer from the two-seven standing in the catching area.  

LT.: Can I help you? 

Officer Mike Herr introduces himself. 

LT.: Is there a problem? 

Herr: Yeah, you have a Andy Sipowicz stationed here? 

LT.: Yes, what’s the problem? 

Herr: His ex-wife’s been mugged over by 127th street. She’s over at Saint Mary’s Hospital.  

Lt.: What’s her condition?  

Herr: She’s been banged up pretty bad. Looks like it could be possible rape involved.  

Andy comes out of the bathroom and sees everyone looking at him. He turns around and checks his zipper and then his shoe to see if there’s toilet paper stuck to it. 

Andy: What? 

LT.: Katie’s been mugged. She’s at St. Mary’s. You should go. 

Andy: How bad? 

Herr: She’s pretty banged up. (Looks over at LT.) 

LT.: There’s a possibility there was an attempted rape. 

Andy: What the fuck? 

Connie: You want me to go with you? 

Andy: No. You stay here. Do not leave here. 

LT.: There’s a chance this is not related. 

Andy: Then there’s the chance they are.(Looking at Herr) Let’s go. (Grabbing a radio) I’m on the air. 

Connie: (Looking at LT.) You callin’ Task Force? 

LT.: Let’s see what develops. Meanwhile, stay close, ok? 

Connie: Yeah, ok. 

Andy has said very little on the ride over. Officer Herr takes Andy to curtain area two where Katie is resting. 

Andy: Stay here and don’t move. Anyone comes near this curtain, you ask for ID then come find me……..understood? 

Herr: 100% 

When Andy pulls back the curtain and sees Katie, his face looses all color. She has been beaten in the face. There is a deep cut on the bridge of her nose. Her one eye was almost closed it was swollen so badly. A cut lip with a huge bruise on her right cheek. There are cuts on her arms and hands. Her left arm is in a sling. 

Andy: Katie, I’m so sorry. 

Katie: Andy, I didn’t know who else to call. 

Andy: You did the right thing. What happened? 

Katie: I was leaving for work. I was getting into my car when these two Spanish guys came up and pushed me onto the back of the car. One of them had a knife. He rode in the back with me. We drove to an abandoned building over on 127th street. We got out and they started hitting and smacking me. They were asking all kinds of questions about you. 

Andy: About me? What kind of questions? 

Katie: Where you live? Where you work? Things like that. I kept telling them I didn’t know anything. Then the one with the knife pushed me down and got on top of me. He put the knife to my neck and said he was going to rape me. He started to undo his zipper (her voice trails off) 

Andy: Katie, did he… 

 

Katie: No, but he was ready to. That’s when the three homeless guys come and started yelling at them. The other one has my purse. What am I gonna do Andy, all my information is in there.  

Andy: Did you have Connie’s phone number in there? 

Katie: No, I don’t think so. Maybe? 

Andy: Think Katie. 

Katie: Andy, I’m not sure. (waits a few seconds) Oh my God, the pictures from the wedding. 

Andy: Ah, fuck me. 

Katie: Andy, please. 

Andy: Sorry, do you think you could ID these guys if you saw them again? 

Katie: Yes, the one who tried to rape me, I know I scratched his face on the left side. 

Andy: Good. I’ll be back in a bit with some photos for to look at. 

Katie: Andy, please don’t go. 

Andy: Katie, you are safe here. I got a uniform standin’ right out side. You’ll be fine. I’ll be back soon. Rest easy.  

Oh, he was hot. No one had to ask him how he was doing. All you had to do was look in his face. He couldn’t remember being this pissed off. He doesn’t like it because it clouds his judgment. He needs to think clearly now.  

Andy: (Thinking to himself) These miserable pricks. They want me---they got me. I’ll beat the balls off them. I’ll beat them within an inch of their lives and sleep like a baby when I’m done. 

Time has done little to cool Andy off. By the time he got back to the house he’s out of control. He’s been thinking about who’s next on the “hit list” as he’s been calling it. Connie is at her desk. 

Andy: Got a minute? See ya in the lockerroom.  

Connie: Yeah, how’s….

He’s gone. He’s in the locker room pacing.  

LT.: Was that Andy? 

Connie: Yeah. 

LT.: Tell him I want to see him.  

Connie: Right. 

She takes a deep breath before going into the locker room. 

Andy: Lock the door. 

Connie: You just gonna keep-barking orders at me all day? 

Andy: I want you and the kids to go to your mothers in Florida. Tonight. 

Connie: What? Where’s that coming from? 

Andy: It’s coming from these motherfuckers systematically going through my family to get to me. 

Connie: Whoa, back up.  

Andy: No. End of discussion. You and the kids are going tonight. Go home and pack. 

Connie: (Getting right in Andy’s face) You think your talkin’ to some mope off the street? I’m your wife. Put a civil tongue back in you mouth. 

Andy: Connie…… 

Connie: (Still in his face) Back the fuck up and shut the fuck up.

(She had to do something to make him snap out of this idea) No on and I mean no one is going to break up this family. I don’t give a shit what you got running around in your head, we ain’t going nowhere --- but home.  

Andy: Get that finger out of my face. I wouldn’t do that too often, and once more would be too often. When Katie got mugged, they took her purse with all her info. They got her address book, pictures from the wedding---our wedding. They’re coming after you next. 

Connie: You got a crystal ball? Let them. Let them come.

Andy: Would you listen to me for Christ sake.  

Connie: I am. And you sound nothing like yourself. We are in this together. Let them come. We’ll have plenty of back up. 

Andy: That would mean going public with our situation----IAB. Remember? 

Connie: (As sarcastically as possible) No Andy, remind me.  

Andy: That’s cute. Real cute.  

Connie: Chill out for one minute. This could really work to our advantage. We’ll have our people in place. These ass holes won’t know what hit them.  

Both of them standing there with their hands on their hips trying to stare the other in down. Two bull heads, going at it. Jr. knocks on the door. 

Jr.: Everything ok in there? 

Andy: Just dandy Jr. 

Connie: We’ll be done in a minute. 

Jr.: Andy….. 

Andy: I said… 

Jr.: Martens is here. 

Andy: This is just great. Just great. 

Jr.: Keep it down. 

Connie: Thanks for the heads up. (Looking at Andy) LT. Wants to see you when you get a minute. 

Connie goes out the door leading to the stairs that go to Anti-Crime. Andy goes out the door leading to the squad room and sits at his desk. 

Jr.: Everything ok? 

Andy: Just peachy Jr. Just peachy. 

Jr.: Yo, easy Andy.

Andy: phist! Right. 

Andy brings Jr. up to date with the case. He tells him his idea about Connie going to Florida. Jr. has already heard the rest of the argument. So has everyone else within earshot.  

Jr.: You know she’s right.  

Andy: Balls! 

Jr.: (Throwing up his hands) Whatever. 

Andy: Yeah, whatever. I gotta go see LT. 

Greg pops his head in the squad room.  

Greg: (Almost in a whisper) Andy. 

Andy: What Medavoy? 

Greg: (Motioning with his head for Andy to join him in the hallway) The desk Sargent gave us the heads up about IAB being here. 

Andy: Desk Sargent know about your paranoia about IAB? 

Greg: Anyways, Baldwin and I got a hot tip from one of my CI.  

Andy: I didn’t know you had a CI. 

Greg: Turns out Lopez, Vesquez and I have something in common. 

Andy: Yeah, what’s that? 

Greg: Love for Max pizza. Me and Baldwin went there for lunch today. I mentioned these two guys to Max and turns out he knows them. They come in all the time. So, me and Baldwin came back to change our clothes and when we get back, what to our wondering eyes should appear? The two ass holes sitting in a booth. And the biggest ass hole, Vasquez, carving his name on the table with a knife (Greg holds up a plastic baggie with a hunting knife in it). 

Andy: Medavoy, are you shittin’ me? 

Greg: Absolutely not. 

Andy: Where are they? 

Greg: Down in the cells. When we heard Martens was here we thought it best to keep them out of sight for a while. 

Andy: Where is Baldwin? 

Greg: When we went to arrest them Vesquez took a swipe at him with the knife and nipped him in the hand. He’s cleaning up down stairs. What now? 

Andy: I don’t know yet. Give me a minute. LT. Wants to see me. Great work Greg. Great job.  

Greg: Thanks Andy. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Part 5 

 

LT. had been trying to get a hold of Andy for ½ an hour. On top of which, Martens is poking around trying to find out if the incident with John Irvin and Katie Sipowicz are related. LT. Has been doing a very nice tap dance around Martens, doing his best to be as evasive as possible. LT. Excuses himself and makes his way to the locker room. He catches Andy’s eye and nods for Andy to join him. 

LT.: What the hell is going on? 

Andy: Medavoy and Jones just collard Lopez and Vezquez. They’re being held in the cells downstairs. The desk Sargent gave Medavoy the heads-up that IAB is here. 

LT.: What was all the yellin’ about between you and Connie? 

Andy: Difference of opinion on how to handle our case. 

LT.: Yeah, huh? 

Andy: Yep. What do you want to do with Lopez and Vezquez? 

LT.: Bring them up. We got nothing to hide from Martens. 

Andy: You sure? Is he squeezing your shoes about something? 

LT.: I’ll handle it. Bring them up. Put them in separate rooms and let’s get to work. 

Andy: I’m in the room with Vezquez.  

LT.: That may not be the best move for you right now. Let Medavoy and Jones have a shot at them. You stay out of it for now.  

Andy: And what? Sit around with my thumb up my ass? 

LT.: Andy, the last thing I need right now is for one or both of them to come out of a room with bruises on them. That’s only gonna lead to problems. We go by the book on this, make the charges stick. That happens, maybe you get to ride with them to Rykers. 

 

 

 

Andy owed him that much. LT. Promised to keep it in house and he has kept his word, even with Martens breathing down his neck. The least Andy could do is sit still for a bit. 

Andy: Yeah. Connie said you wanted to see me? 

LT.: How’s Katie? What happened? 

Andy: She was carjacked by Lopez and Vesquez. They took her to an abandoned building, beat her and tried to rape her. She’s in stabile condition. Her description fits these two ass holes. I’m gonna put some photos together and see if she can make a positive ID. 

LT.: All the more reason for you to keep your distance for now. 

Andy: Yeah, got it. 

They leave the locker room together as Martens is leaving the squad room.  

Martens: Det. Sipowicz. 

Andy: Capt. Martens. 

Martens: How are things in your corner of the world? 

Andy: A little cloudy right now, but lookin’ for a break in the weather. 

Martens: That right? 

Andy: Umm huh. 

Martens: How’s your ex-wife? 

Andy: She’s been better. 

Martens: And your PAA? 

Andy: Real shame huh? Getting’ so you can’t even order in to your own home anymore. 

Martens and Andy have locked eyes. Punch/counter punch. This could go on for a bit. It is broken up when Greg and Baldwin bring up Lopez and Vasquez.  

Martens: Good night, Det. 

Andy: Good night, Capt. 

LT.: Put one in the pokey and one in interview two. Get Josh and Hank to sit with them. I need to see the two of you in my office. 

Andy is at his desk staring daggers the two of them. Lopez won’t look up. Vasquez looks at Andy, smiles and gives him a wink and blows him a kiss. 

Andy: (Jumping up from his chair) You motherfuckin’…. 

Connie and Jr. jump up to stop Andy. Vasquez just laughs as Baldwin drags him down to interview two.  

Andy: That miserable piece of shit….. 

Jr.: Chill out Andy. 

Andy: (Trying to get past Jr.) Chill my ass. 

Connie: ANDY! 

Jr. has Andy in a bear hug. 

Andy: All right all right—get off. 

Jr.: Are you gonna stop or do I have to handcuff you to the radiator? 

LT.: What’s going on? 

Jr.: Nothing Boss. We’re good. (Whispering into Andy’s ear) Get yourself under control. 

Andy: Did you see what he did? 

Jr.: Yes, I did. But you beating his ball in isn’t going to do John or Katie any good. 

Andy: It’ll do me a world of good. 

Jr.: Andy, I mean it. 

Andy: Yeah, yeah, all right, get off. 

Jr. lets go slowly.  

Andy: Don’t you ever lay hands on me again, you little cock knocker. 

Andy storms into the locker room. Jr. and Connie just look at each other. 

Connie: I’m sorry. 

Jr.: He’s lucky I like him so much, or I might have taken that comment personally. 

Andy is pacing back and forth in the locker room. He picks up the trash can and sends it flying across the room. He punches the lockers and starts kicking the trash can. Everyone is standing at his or her desk. They understand his frustration. He has struggled so hard through this predicament to stay in check. This is his way of dispensing his annoyance with the things he cannot control. Soon things quiet down. Everyone sits down at his or her desks and return to work. Connie gives him another minute or two to himself. She opens the door to the locker room and sees his bloody knuckles. 

Connie: (Quietly) Greg, would you please hand me the first aid kit? 

Greg: Sure. 

She waits for Greg by the door and thanks him. 

Greg: (Quietly) Can I help? 

Connie: Yeah, make sure you lock those ass holes up. 

Greg: Count on it. 

Connie goes into see Andy. He is sitting on the bench in front of his locker with his head in his hands, crying. His blood is running down his forearms. She sits beside him and ever so gently, rubs his shoulders and back. She rests her head on his shoulder. They sit there for a long time not saying anything. Connie then takes Andy by the hand and leads him over to the sink. Very compassionately she cleans his wounds. She washes his arms and gets him a fresh shirt from his locker and helps him get dressed. He sits back down on the bench while she cleans up the room. All this time not a word has been spoken. She then sits next to him placing his hand in hers and kisses his wounds. 

She is a special gift. She has been with him through his darkest hours. She is so generous with her time and love. She helps him to believe in the beauty through all the wrongs in his world. 

Andy: I can’t understand what I did to deserve this. I tried so hard to keep control and make you proud.  

Connie: Andy, we see things everyday on this job. Children, babies beaten by their parents. Gang banggers doing drive-bys. Women are getting raped. You learn to keep it all at arms length. What do you do when it hits you at home? If it helps you to rip the locker room apart, so be it.  

Andy: I’m sorry for what happened earlier. I guess I over reacted.  

Connie: I’m sorry also.  

He kisses her forehead. They stand and leave the room and return to their desks. Jr. has been in the coffee room. Connie is looking over some paper work. 

Andy: Where did everyone go? Did I scare them away? 

Connie: I guess Greg and Baldwin are with Lopez. Jr. must be in the coffee room, his coat is still here.  

Andy: Let me go see him. 

Andy meets Jr. in the coffee room. 

Andy: I’m sorry about that. I had a bad reaction. (Clears his throat) Thanks for puttin’ up with me.  

Jr.: I could say the same thing. In my first year here, some of my days were a real mess. You never gave up on me. You saw me through it all. For that I will be forever grateful.  

Andy walks over and gives him a hug.  

Jr.: What did you tell me once, just a bump in the road. Let’s go lock up some bad guys. 

They make their way to the observation room. Greg and Baldwin are just getting started with Garcia Lopez. They feel he is the weakest link. Greg is looking over Lopez’s rap sheet.  

Greg: Very impressive Mr. Lopez. Says here you’ve been a busy man. Two collars for drugs, one for burglary, one for attempted auto theft. Oh, and one for shop lifting. 

Lopez: Yeah, whatever man. Yo, what am I doin’ here anyway? 

Baldwin: Shut up Lopez. (Giving him a smack on the back of the head) 

Lopez: Easy bro. 

Baldwin: I’m not your bro. 

Greg: Garcia, where were you oh say three night ago around 11:30pm? 

Lopez: Around. 

Baldwin: Around where? 

Lopez: Around, ya know, no place special. 

Greg: That’s not what our witness says. Our witness says you were pushin’ your way into his apartment, beating the shit out of him.  

Lopez: I don’t know what you’re talkin’ about. 

Baldwin: (Getting right in Lopez’s face) So, when we got your picture off the surveillance camera, that was your evil twin right? 

Lopez: What are you talkin’ about? 

Greg: Garcia, pay attention. Three nights ago, where were you? Were you with Alonzo over at Grant and 2nd? 

Lopez: No, I don’t know. I can’t think with this guy in my face.  

Greg: Well that’s because we know your lying’. When you start to tell the truth, he’ll back up, right Det. Jones? 

Baldwin: Absolutely, Det. Medavoy. 

Lopez: Can I get a little breathin’ room? 

Baldwin: Depends. 

Lopez: Ok, ok…….I was with Alonzo. 

Greg: And what were you two doin’ there? 

Lopez: He called me and asked me to help him. 

Baldwin: Help with what? 

Lopez: We were supposed to find this guy and bring him to Alonzo’s cousin. But the guy wasn’t there and Alonzo went off. 

Baldwin: Went off how? 

Lopez: Beating him. All he had to do was tell us where we could find the guy we were lookin’ for. We would have been gone. But he just kept sayin’ he didn’t know what we were talkin’ about. Which only pissed Alonzo off more and that’s when Alonzo started stabbin’ the guy. Next thing I know Alonzo is rippin’ through the apartment. I just wanted to get out of there.  

Greg: Explain to us about the delivery guy? 

Lopez: Alonzo again, he wanted the food for a front. The guy didn’t want to give it up. I’m tellin’ you Alonzo is crazy.  

Baldwin: Who’s Alonzo cousin? 

Lopez: I don’t know (Baldwin is right back in his face) Yo, yo, man---Orlando 

Baldwin: Orlando who? 

Lopez: I don’t know, we were supposed to meet him 6am with the guy we went lookin’ for.  

Greg: And when you showed up without this guy, what happened? 

Lopez: Orlando beat the shit out of Alonzo. Then Alonzo told him about an address he found at the apartment. Orlando said to go over there and find him. So we went, but all we found was some woman. Now Alonzo is balls crazy, cause he don’t want to go back to Orlando empty-handed.  

Greg: Then what happened?  

Lopez: Alonzo takes her for a ride---again with the questions, again with the I don’t knows. So now he tells her if she don’t tell him, he’s gonna rape and kill her. But the bitch wouldn’t say. (That earned him another healthy smack in the back of his head) 

Greg: Did Alonzo lay hands on this woman? 

Lopez: If lay hands means to beat her like a rented mule, yes. Then these three homeless guys came out of nowhere and I just took off. 

Greg: Where is the purse you took from the woman? 

Lopez: Alonzo went through it and found some pictures and credit cards. We were gonna use the credit card to get the hell out of town when you all showed up.  

Greg: Where is the credit card? You didn’t have it on you when you were arrested 

Lopez: Alonzo hid it at his place. 9th and avenue B, second floor…..B3. 

Baldwin: Where and when were you gonna meet Orlando? 

Lopez: Tonight at the 115th street park around 9 or 10. 

Greg: Good job, Garcia, now write it all down, just like you told us.  

Andy looks at Jr. He knows that look. Andy makes his way to the door. Jr. try’s

Half-hardly to get in his way. Andy points a finger at him and Jr. just throws his arms up and backs out of the way. In interview 2, Andy gives Hank a nod for him to split. Alonzo is sitting at the table with a punk ass grin on his face. Andy, on the opposite side of the table starts to pace back and forth. Andy leans on the table looking at Alonzo. Andy wants this prick to feel the same pain John and Katie are feeling. Andy knows if he touches him he might not be able to stop. Andy pushes the table into Alonzo’s chest as to pin him against the wall. 

Andy: You lookin’ for me? Here I am. 

Alonzo: You’re not an easy man to find. 

Andy: Here I am.

Alonzo: Nothing personal boss, just business. 

Andy: And what business is that? 

Alonzo: Family business.   

Andy throws the table aside and grabs him by the throat and punches him in the stomach. 

Andy: What family is that? 

Alonzo: Beat me all you want old man. 

Andy: Just like Orlando? 

Alonzo: What you know about Orlando? 

Andy: Never mind. (Andy turns him around and smashes Alonzo’s face into the wall and punches him in the kidney. Alonzo tries to fall down but Andy pulls him up and continues to smash his face into the wall) 

Andy: What does Orlando want with me?? 

Alonzo: I don’t know, he gave me 500 bucks to find you and bring you to him. I’m out of after that.  

Andy punches him in the kidney again and this time lets him fall to the floor. The door to the room opens, Andy turns and sees Rita. She’s on her way in to do a 3p to 11p. She was on her way to the squad when she hears the noise and stopped to see what was going on. Andy is standing over Alonzo.  

Rita: Andy, you ok? 

Andy: Yeah,leave. Now. 

Alonzo lunges at Andy and goes for his gun. They struggle for a few seconds the Andy’s elbow makes contact with Alonzo’s jaw. Alonzo has Andy’s gun. Rita grabs a chair and smashes Alonzo in the head. Alonzo falls onto his back and the gun goes off. 

 

Fade out. 

 

Part 6 

 

LT.: You just earned yourself a ten-day in-house suspension. What the hell were you thinking? Did I or did I not ask you to stay out of it? 

Andy: I’m sorry. 

LT.: And that’s supposed to make everything better? 

Andy: No, I screwed up. 

LT.: There’s the understatement of the year. You could have been killed. It’s one thing to jeopardize your own life, but to involve someone else 

Andy: She wasn’t involved, she just happened to come into the room.  

LT.: Andy, your not gonna make this right, no matter how hard you try. You fucked up, big time. Do you realize how lucky you both were that the bullet ended up in the ceiling? What if it went all the way through, and someone from Anti-Crime got hit? 

Everyone is in the squad room casually looking into the LT. Office. Andy can see them. LT. is walking around his office not taking notice of the squad room. 

LT.: I can’t let this go unpunished. What sort of example would I be setting if I just let this slide by? Starting tomorrow you report in. You do not go out on any calls. You catch up on your paper work and take one-hour for lunch. No lost time. The rest of the day I am to see you at your desk. Are we clear? 

Andy: Crystal. 

LT.: Don’t get pissy with me Andy. I told you from the start I would keep this in house. What the hell do you think I was doing with Martens, setting up a dinner date? I kept my end of the deal. Do you realize the bullshit I’m gonna have to go through because of this? Any idea? 

Andy, realizing the consequence of his actions, suddenly has changed his whole attitude and demeanor. 

Andy: I am truly sorry for what I did. I don’t know what else to say or do. 

LT.: Rita and Josh are taking those two ass holes to central booking. If this jerk-off gets a court appointed lawyer with half a brain, we are in for a major shit storm. I have to meet with the chief of D’s tomorrow for breakfast. I’ll do my best to dance around this subject.  

Andy: I appreciate that. What about tonight? 

LT.: What about it? 

Andy: Do you want me in on grabbin’ up Orlando? 

LT.: No. Go home. Everyone is meeting back here at 7:30 to go over the details. I don’t want you involved tonight. 

Andy: What, you don’t trust me? 

LT.: Andy, go home. The five of us will take care of Orlando. 

Andy returns to his desk. Everyone is busy rearranging his or her schedules for tonight. He feels like shit. He had no right going into that room. He really thought he had a better sense of control over his emotions. If this case gets tossed because of him, he will never be able to forgive himself.  

Greg: Anyone want to get a bite to eat? 

Baldwin: I’m in (Walking to the locker room) 

Jr. Me too. 

Rita: Yeah, I got about an hour before we leave for central booking. Count me in. 

Baldwin: (Leaning on Andy’s desk) Not for nothing, but I would have done the same thing. 

Andy: That doesn’t excuse my actions. I may have gotten this case tossed because I couldn’t control myself. I’m sorry. All you hard work and time… 

Baldwin: No apology nessary.  

Andy: Thanks Baldwin. Great interview. You and Medavoy did a hell of a job. 

Connie goes to the coffee room. Everyone else is heading out for dinner. Rita gives Andy a wink.

Andy: Rita, got a second? 

Rita: Yeah, what’s up? 

Andy: First, I’m sorry I almost got you killed. Second, thank you for being there. 

Rita: Andy, I saw the prep had your gun and I reacted. That’s how it’s gonna go down.  

Andy: You shouldn’t have to lie, tell the truth. 

Rita: That is the truth. 

Andy: Rita…. 

Rita: Andy, we are all on the same team, right? I saw you were in trouble and I reacted. End of story.  

Jr.: Ready? 

Rita: Yeah. Keep your chin up, big guy. 

Andy goes to the coffee room to find Connie. He really didn’t want to but he knew he had to. 

Andy: Hay. 

Connie: Hay. 

Andy: You make arrangements for the kids? 

Connie: I was waiting to hear from you. Do I need to? 

Andy: No. 

Connie: LT. ground you? 

Andy: Yeah, ten day in-house. 

Connie: Ouch. 

Andy: Anyways, I was … 

Connie: Don’t change the subject, Andy.

Andy: Connie…. 

Connie: And don’t give me the puppy dog eye routine either. 

Andy: Ok, lets have it. 

Connie: I’ll let you have it. Don’t you ever pull something like that again. How dare you? How dare you be so inconsiderate of you life, of our life. Damn you Andy. What could you have hoped to accomplish by going in there in the first place? And going alone? Get your head out of your ass. Your not gonna do anyone any good being dead. And what about all the work everyone has done? That’s a fine way to say thank you.  

He took it from her. Because he knew he deserved it. She was right on many levels. She had every right to be mad at him. He didn’t like to be criticized by any one, but he took it from her. He loved and respected her. If she was going to lambaste him, well, have at it. 

Andy: I never meant to hurt or disrespect you. I never meant to screw up this case or anyone’s hard work. I as absolutely sorry for my actions.  

They stood across the room from one another, just staring at each other. Finally, Connie takes a deep breath and lets it out real slowly.  

Connie: End of discussion, ok? 

Andy: Yes. Thank you. 

Connie shakes her head and gives him a half smile. 

Connie: What am I going to do with you? 

Andy: I could give you a few ideas. 

Connie: Want to catch up with the others? 

Andy: No. I want to take a walk with my girl. 

Connie: This is you suckin’ up to me? 

Andy: I’m not suckin’ up. It’s what I want to do. 

Connie: Good. 

Andy: Let’s go. I only have about an hour before I have to pick up the kids. 

Connie: Where you want to go? 

Andy: Don’t matter. 

She cracks a full smile now. Andy walks over and closes the door. 

Connie: I thought we were going for a walk? 

Andy: In a minute. 

He kisses her softly and honestly. All the anger has gone. In their crazy mixed up world, they find a moment of solace.  

Everyone is in position at the park. Jr. and Connie are sitting on a bench talking and eating peanuts. Baldwin is doing laps around the perimeter. Greg and Sally are holding hands and strolling around the park. LT. is in the van parked just south of the main entrance.  

LT.: Everyone look sharp, it’s almost nine. 

With that they all ready themselves. They are waiting for Orlando Abreu. He is thirty-three tears old, about 180 lbs. And known for his love of Yankees clothes. He always wears a Yankees jacket and a fake platinum necklace with the team’s symbol. At about 9:15, he struts into the park. 

LT.: Suspect entering the park.  

Jr.: Got him in sight. 

LT.: Careful, I don’t want anyone getting hurt. 

Greg and Sally stop and pretend to have an argument as Baldwin jogs towards them. Jr. and Connie get up from the bench as Orlando passes them. Orlando is surrounded and has not one clue. Baldwin jogs just pass him and then turns to snatch him up. Greg and Sally jump in to help. Jr. and Connie are backing up the situation. LT. drives the van into the park and Jr. and Baldwin toss Orlando into the van. LT. Drives away. Done in ten seconds. Greg, Sally and Connie ride back to the station house together. When they arrive, LT. tells them that Orlando is in the cell for the night. He knows everyone is tired and would rather go at him fresh in the morning. The squad mills around for a bit then heads out for the night.  

It was 10:30 by the time Connie got home. Andy was on the couch watching the end of the ballgame waiting up for her. She looked exhausted when she came in.  

Andy: You ok? Is everyone all right? 

Connie: Yeah, everyone is fine. I’m beat. LT. Decided to go at Orlando fresh in the morning. How’s everything here? 

Andy: Good. We had dinner and did homework and took a bath and off to bed by 9:30. Are you hungry? I saved you a plate. 

Connie: No, I’m really too tired to eat.  

Andy: Come on. 

He takes her by the hand and brings her to the bathroom where he has half a dozen candles lit and a hot bath waiting for her.  

Andy: Get undressed and get in the tub. Please? 

Connie: Andy…. 

Andy: Please? 

She does as he asks. The warm water feels sooo soothing to her.  

Andy: I’ll be right back. 

He goes to lock up for the night and to warm up her dinner plate. He returns to the bathroom to find Connie teetering on falling asleep. 

Connie: Andy, I can’t bathe and eat at the same time.  

Andy: With a little help you can. 

She looks at him as if he were crazy. When she realizes he’s not kidding with her, she just shakes her head.  

Connie: I don’t care, you decide. 

Andy: Then I’ll do both. 

He feed her small bites of food in between washing her. When they are done, he turns on the shower so she can wash her hair. He waits for her to finish and then towel dry her hair and the rest of her body. He takes her by the hand and brings her into the bedroom. He sets her down on the bed on her stomach.  

Connie: Andy?  

Andy: Yes? 

Connie: What are you…. 

Andy: Just relax. I’ll be right back. 

He goes to the kitchen and places a small amount of baby oil in a cup and heats it up in the microwave for about 15 seconds. He hurries back to the bedroom before it cools off. He drizzles a few warm drops on her back and begins to massage her. He starts with her neck and moves slowly to her shoulders. Giving every inch of her body the attention it deserves. He sprinkles a few drops on to her lower back and continues to massage her entire body. Now comes his favorite part, her fine derriere. He spends a few extra minutes here. It’s his favorite part of her body. He spritzes her legs with the rest of the oil. He starts at the top of her thighs and works his way down to her toes. He has rescinded all of the tension from her body. He stands beside the bed gazing at her beautiful body in the moonlight. He is in awe of her loveliness. He places a sheet over her and leans in to kiss her head. She mumbles something he can’t understand and he just smiles. He goes to the bathroom to blow out the candles and to get ready for bed. When he slips into bed she instinctively rolls over to hug him. Connie falls asleep with her head on his chest.

All is right with the world tonight.