NYPD Blue Fanfiction

Vicki's Fanfic

What Are The Chances 

 
Part 3

3:30

15th Squad Room

Lieu’s Office 

 

After Baldwin gets Lance Alldean settled in interview 2, he joins Greg and Rita in Lieu’s office. 

Lieu: What do we got on this guy? 

Rita: He did keep up the payments on the life insurance. About six months ago he had it changed. His house was in forclosure. His credit cards are maxed out and his business is close to bankruptcy.  

ADA Haywood joins the squad. 

Val: Sorry, I was finishing up with Anthony Downs…how much was the policy worth? 

Rita: Originally it was $10,000. Six months ago he had it upped to $25,000 with a double indemnity clause added.  

Lieu: And that didn’t raise any red flags with the insurance company? 

Rita: Apparently not.  

Val: So we got motive…what kind of evidence do we have? 

Greg: We’re waiting to hear from forensics on the rug and duct tape. If his prints come up on those…I would think that pretty much seals the deal for him. 

Baldwin: As far as a murder weapon…we recovered a five pound sledge hammer from the truck with traces of blood and some hair on it. There was also blood splatters inside the truck. 

Lieu: He kills this girl in his truck. Has dinner and sleeps with his girlfriend, then dumps the body back at her apartment. 

Rita: The time line is solid. 

Lieu: All this for the insurance money, right? 

Baldwin: He’s all lawyered up. Not saying a word other then he want a lawyer. 

Lieu: He really wants to take this to trial? 

Greg: Possible not the sharpest tool in the shed. (Greg cracks himself up) 

Val: The blood in the truck and on the hammer should be enough to hold him over the weekend. Type up your reports and I’ll give them to my boss.  

Everyone exits the office. Val comes back in. 

Val: I need to speak with Clark and Sipowicz. 

Andy: What’s up? 

Val: Did either one of you promise Downs a break on sentencing if he cooperated? 

Andy and Jr. look at each other then back to Val. 

Jr.: No. 

Andy: No. 

Val: He just willingly gave a full confession? No promises?  

Andy: (A little annoyed) Yep. 

Jr.: He must have been dreamin’.  

Andy: This prick almost killed two cops. I have never nor would I ever make a deal with a piece of crap who takes shots at cops.  

Val: (Looking at Jr.) Detective? 

Jr.: What? Are you kidding me? His partner nearly killed me. If it weren’t for Connie I wouldn’t be standing here. 

Andy shoots Jr. a look. This is the first he has heard what happened at the scene. He shakes his head in frustration. Connie comes into the office. 

Connie: I just got a call from latent. They dusted the cars found at Carl Robbins garage…both James Rollings and Anthony Downs’s prints were found inside and outside of the victim’s cars. 

Andy: Is that enough for you counselor? 

Val: Detective, this is a high profile case…I’m just covering all bases. 

Andy: Right. 

Val: Have Downs sent to Central Booking…I’ll pick up the paper work tomorrow.  

Andy leaves the office and heads directly to the locker room. He is pacing back and forth in front of the mirror. He stops and looks at his reflection. He rubs the back of his neck and rolls his head from side to side trying to relive some of the tension. He knows he cannot be mad at Connie for doing her job. He would have done the same thing if he were there. Still and all, he can’t help himself. It’s a major weakness in his character. This overprotectiveness he has for her. Each morning it is her face that replaces the darkness in his life. He never wants to lose that. He leans on the sink while looking at his reflection. 

Andy: (Thinking to himself) I’m getting’ too old for this shit. 

 

 

4:00pm

15th Precinct 

Andy leaves the locker room by way of the door that leads to Anti-Crime. Distracted, he literally bumps into Cynthia. 

Andy: Whoa…sorry, I should have been lookin’ where I was goin’ .  

 

Cynthia: That’s all right Andy. You feel okay? You look a little off?  

Andy: Yeah, long day. 

Cynthia: I was looking for you. I’m going home and I just wanted to say thanks for all you did for me today. You made things a lot easier to deal with. 

Andy: Sure, no problem. You got a ride? 

Cynthia: Yes…Uncle Eddie is just saying goodbye to the squad.  

Cynthia reaches over and gives Andy a hug. Connie is on her way down from Anti-Crime. Cynthia gives Andy a kiss on the cheek 

Cynthia: (Whispering) You take good care of yourself (Pause) and Connie too. 

Andy sees Connie and feels like a kid who got caught with his hand in the cookie jar. 

Andy: (Awkwardly) Yeah, good. You take care. 

Connie: Cynthia, you leaving? 

Cynthia: Yes. I was just thanking Andy for all he did for me today. I’m glad you are here so I can thank you in person. 

Cynthia gives Connie a hug. 

Cynthia: I really appreciate all you did for me today, Connie. You were a huge help in getting me through it all. Take care of yourself (Turning as she goes down the stairs) and each other.  

Andy doesn’t know whether to shit or go blind. He keeps looking back and forth between the two women. Connie gives him a smile, then a look as to say what’s your problem?  

Connie: I’ve been looking for you. (Joking) I can’t leave you alone for a minute, can I Stud Man?  

Andy: (Feeling very awkward) Connie… 

Then realizing that this was neither the time nor the place to explain himself, he holds back. 

Eddie: There’s the Dynamic Duo…got to go. Mary has dinner waiting for me. Thank you both for all your hard work today. Gold stars for both of you. 

Connie: Thanks Eddie. 

Andy: Where’s James? 

Eddie: Him and Jr. are making a night of it. There was talk of pizza and a ballgame. Night all. 

Andy: See ya, Gibson. (Turning to Connie) So, you were lookin’ for me? What’s up? 

Connie: I was going to call Andrea and see if she would keep Michelle for a bit longer tonight. 

Andy: Got something in mind? (With a sheepish grin on his face) 

Connie: I wanted to talk with you about today. 

Andy: (Suddenly felling stupid) Right, yeah. You want to go and get something to eat? Or we could take a walk…or just go home…whatever you want is fine with me. 

Connie: A walk sounds good. You have much left to do? 

Andy: Nothing that can’t wait. Let me see Jr. and Lieu and we’ll get goin’. 

Connie: Great. 

Jr. and James are making plans for their night on the town. Andy sits at his desk and waits for a break in their conversation. 

Andy: (Nodding to Jr.) Got a minute? Excuse us James. 

James: Sure, no problem. 

Andy and Jr. make their way to the locker room. Andy locks the door behind him. Jr. has a confused look on his face. 

Andy: How close were those shots that Downs partner got off? Were you stretchin’ the truth in there for Haywood? 

Jr.: (Swolling hard and glancing down at the floor) I … um… was distracted by the driver for some reason. I just didn’t expect him to pull a gun. When I heard the shots…(Shrugging his shoulders) I froze. Connie was right there behind me. She pushed me out of the way and … 

Andy: (Growing impatient) How close?  

Andy could tell by Jr.’s reluctance to answer just how close those shots were. Jr. looks away and starts to fill up. He had just realized how close he came to getting them both killed.  

Jr.: Too close, Andy. I’m sorry. 

Andy: Sorry? Sorry for what? 

Jr.: I was distracted. I should have had my head in the game.  

Andy wasn’t looking to pick a fight or to lay blame. He just wanted a heads up on what to do with Connie. He didn’t realize he was going to have to care for the both of them. Andy didn’t know if he has it in him to do that. Somehow he would. He always did. 

Andy: (Sitting on the bench by his locker) Come here.  

Jr. takes a seat beside Andy. 

Andy: I want you to know, I wasn’t lookin’ to start somethin’ with you. I just wanted an idea on just how bad it was out there today. I want you to know that I trust you with my life out there…and I know Connie does as well. We all have our moments. God knows I’ve had my fair share…sober or not. Don’t dwell on this too long. (Looking Jr. in the eyes) I’m here if you need me. You know that right?  

Jr. nods his head yes. He doesn’t want to speak because he is afraid he will break down, but not because of what happened today. He wanted so desperately to tell Andy about seeing a psychologist. Jr. had so much inside to say. It was a sort of torture to feel this way. He never wanted to keep anything from Andy. Jr. knew Andy already had a full plate to deal with tonight. All he could do was to shake his head and stair at the floor. 

Andy: (Clearing his throat) You have never disappointed me as a partner. You’re a good cop. You’re a better friend. I count you as a blessin’ in my life. (As tenderly as possible) And I know if you are ever in that situation again…you’ll react. 

Andy puts his arm around Jr. and pulls him in for a hug. Andy has learned from past experience not to let moments like this slip away. Yes he is Jr.’s teacher and yes they are partners. And no Andy will ever replace his father. Sometimes showing affection is hard for these men. They tend to keep their emotions under wraps as a way of survival on the job. But at the end of the day, they are all just little boys who need to know that they’ve done a man’s job…and they’ve done it well. Andy releases him when someone knocks at the door. 

4:17pm

15th squad 

Greg: Ah, Andy, the boss wants us in his office. 

Andy: Right there Medavoy. 

Jr.: Thanks Andy.  

Andy: Let’s go. 

The whole squad is in Lieu’s office. 

Lieu: I just got word form the Chief of D’s…the power in the city is down. 

It is then Andy notices the overhead lights are out and the computers are off. 

Andy: When did this happen? 

Lieu: Word just came down. The entire city is knocked out. So, until further notice…everyone is to stay put until orders come down.  

Baldwin: What are we looking at here Lieu? Do they think its terrorist? 

Lieu: The higher ups don’t think it’s a terrorist. Power could be out for a few minutes or a few hours…we don’t know. 

Greg: How bad is it? 

Lieu: I’m waiting to hear. Right now, just sit tight. As soon as I hear something I’ll let you know. If anyone needs to make phone calls, I suggest you make them as quickly as possible before the phone lines get tied up. 

Everyone returns to his or her desk.  

Connie: (To Andy) Do you think it’s just the city?  

Andy: You know as much as I do. You got a number for Theo’s camp, some sort of emergency number? 

Connie: Yeah hold on. (She looks through the envelope with the papers form Theo’s camp) Here we go. (Handing it to Andy) 

Andy: I’ll call the camp…you call Andrea and fill her in. 

 

Lieu: (Coming out of his office) This doesn’t look good. Seems the whole East Coast is in a black out. Chief of D’s wants us back in the bag and out on the street. 

Andy: What happens if you don’t have your uniform? 

Lieu: Make sure your shield is visible. Anyone else? 

With the exception of Greg, the rest of the squad is without their uniforms. 

Lieu: Well, just make do. 

Greg: Do I really have to go back in the bag Lieu? 

Lieu: I don’t think so Greg. 

Greg: Thank you. It was only here because I just had my promotion ceremony. 

Lieu: Alright, get those calls made before the shit hits the fan. 

Jr.: Hey James, you better call home and let them know what’s going on. 

James: Right. So, am I stayin’ here? 

Jr.: For now, yeah. 

James: (With a wide smile on his face) Cool. 

Andy: Only a 15-year-old would think a black out is cool. 

Connie: I got through to Andrea. She said she has plenty of clothes and food for Michelle and not to worry.  

Andy: Does she have power? 

Connie: No. 

John: Det. McDowell? 

Connie: Yeah, John? 

John: I have a Mitch Anderson from PAL on line three for you. 

Connie: Oh no…Thanks John.  

Both Andy and Connie pick up on line three. 

Connie: Det. McDowell speaking. 

Mitch: Hi, Mitch Anderson here. We got ourselves a situation.  

Andy: Is Theo all right? 

Mitch: Who’s this? 

Andy: Its Theo’s dad…is Theo all right? 

Mitch: Oh, sorry. Yes, Theo is fine. That’s why we are calling all the parents. We want them to know that things are fine here. 

Connie: So you have power? 

Mitch: In a way we do…we have several emergency generators. All the kids will sleep in the main dining hall tonight with air conditioning. We have lots of activities planned for the kids. 

Andy: How is Theo? Can I speak to him? 

Mitch: Sure. Hold on… 

Connie: (Covering the receiver) Do you think it’s a good idea to talk to him? 

Andy: I need to hear his voice. 

Theo: Hey dad…what’s goin’ on?? 

Andy: How are you squirt? 

Theo: I’m fine…why did you want to talk to me? Is everything okay? 

Andy: How are things there?  

Theo: Fine, why? 

Connie: (Still with her hand over the receiver) He has no idea. 

Andy: I just missed you is all.  

Theo: Oh dad, sometimes you can be so weird. (Pause) I kinda miss you too. 

Andy: (Smiling) Is Mitch there? 

Theo: Yeah, want to talk to him? Cause I have to get back to making mom a jewelry box. We’re doing arts and crafts because it’s so hot out. 

Andy: Yeah, let me talk to Mitch and you get back to work. 

Connie smiles at Andy as she hangs up the phone. Andy finishes his conversation with Mitch as Lieu comes out of his office. 

Lieu: Ok people we got our work cut out for us tonight. We have people stuck in elevators. There’s also people stuck in the subway. Not to mention the traffic light are out so we got gridlock on most of the streets. Right now our main concern is getting people out of the subways and elevators. Listen up, Greg and Andy…I want you two out helping with traffic. 

Andy: Wonderful. 

Lieu: Jr. and Baldwin, down to the subway station. 

Jr.: (To Andy) Wanna trade? 

Andy: Pshh, right. Let’s go Medavoy, before we get something else. 

Greg: Right behind ya, Andy. 

Lieu: Rita and Connie, you’re needed over at the Adams Building.  

Rita: (Sighing) Elevators, great. 

Connie: Coulda been worse. 

Jr.: James, will you be okay here till we get back? 

James: Yeah, I’ll be fine. 

Lieu: Don’t worry about him…I’ll find something for him to do. 

James: Cool. 


Part 4

Everyone headed out to his or her appointed jobs. By 5:00 p.m. the backup generators kicked in and the station house was up and running as best as could be expected. What could have been a disastrous night turned out to be rather quiet. The good citizens of New York made the best of the situation. The second shift arrived in dribs and drabs. Eventually, it was a full house. After working for 18 hours, the day shift was called in. The squad was gathered in the coffee room.  

Lieu: Listen up, first, the Deputy Commissioner and the Chief of D’s asked me to thank you for going above and beyond today. They are both very proud and grateful as I am also. Second, if you want to, you may go home. You will have to report back here tomorrow at 9:00 a.m. If you choose to stay, Anti-Crime has cleared out some space upstairs and brought in some cots. Of course the crib is open. All non-essential equipment has been turned off so as not to drain the generator. So, while we have no coffee, we do have the refrigerator. Which by the way is stocked with food thanks to James. 

Greg: That right? 

James: Yeah. I took a walk just to see what was going on. I found this deli. The guy who owns it was giving the food away because he has no refrigeration. So, I told him I knew some really hard working detectives who could use a bite to eat and he said take it…I’m just gonna throw away what I don’t give away.  

Baldwin: (Giving James a high-five) Good job James. 

Rita: I will be forever in your debt. I am famished. (Giving him a kiss on the cheek) 

Connie: Same here. Way to go. (Giving him a kiss on his cheek) 

Jr.: Good man. (Giving him a high-five) 

Andy: You done good kid. (Giving him a pat on the back) 

Lieu: James, you’d better get out of the way before they run you over. 

James stood there. He was loving every minute of this. 

James: It’s okay Lieutenant. 

Lieu: Come here James. (Taking him aside) I wanted to thank you personally for all your help tonight. You did a lot of the legwork for me, running up and down delivering messages and the like. And I know John appreciates your help also. 

James: Where is John? 

Lieu: He went over to the Red Cross to see if they need any help. 

James: Oh. 

Lieu: Anytime you are in the neighborhood, feel free to stop in. You are always welcome here.  

James: (Blushing) Thanks that means a lot to me. 

Lieu: Have you checked in with Eddie and Mary lately? 

James: Yeah, they’re totally cool with me being here. 

Lieu: Try and get some rest. I have to make my way to 1PP somehow. I’ll see you later. 

James: Sure, and thanks again. 

No one spoke for at least twenty minuets. They were all too busy eating. After they were done there were compliments abounding. You might have thought he made them Thanksgiving dinner. Not since Eddie and Mary took James in had he felt such a strong sense of belonging. He had Jr. to thank for that. It was Jr. who pulled him out of the nightmare he was living in. It was Jr. who showed him what a real family is like. For that James will be forever grateful. They all sat around exchanging tales of their day and included James in the conversation. 

James: (To himself) This is where I want to be. This is where I belong. This is what I want. 

Rita: Oh man. I’m beat. I’m gonna wash up and grab a cot, before all the good ones are taken.  

Greg: Yeah, sounds good. 

Baldwin: Right behind ya. 

James looks around. He didn’t want this to end. 

James: You guys are going to bed? You can’t go to bed now. What about… 

Jr.: James, we’ve been up since 7:00 a.m. yesterday. 

James: But… 

They all looked at him and smiled. 

Greg: Ah, youth. Enjoy it kiddo. 

Jr.: C’mon James, you can sit with me while I finish up doing my 5’s.  

James: But the typewriters are down. 

Jr.: Then we’ll have to do them by hand. 

James and Jr. settle in. James is sitting at Andy’s desk. 

Jr.: Hey James, I’m sorry our plans fell through.  

James: What…are you kidding me? I had a blast tonight. This was great.  

Jr.: Say, you are a cheap date aren’t you? We’ll have a real night on the town next week.  

James: I loved every minute of it. Is it like this everyday? I mean I know we don’t have a major blackout everyday…but like…when we were in the coffee room? Sittin’ round and stuff? 

Jr.: Not everyday is it this nuts. Most days we just go home or sometimes we’ll grab a beer.  

James: I just thought that was real cool. I mean, like, something different everyday. Being able to help people, stuff like that. That’s got to make you feel good, right? 

Jr.: Absolutely. But there are days when it gets dangerous. And sometimes you get some really sad cases too.  

James: (Thinking for a minute) Yeah, I guess. But just knowing you helped someone or put a bad guy behind bars or saved someone’s life, I mean, like, like what you did for me. (Pause) When my world was crashin’ down around me…you cared. (He rolls his chair over to be next to Jr.) Remember when I was in juvenile hall? I could have known how it felt to be totally alone. But you were there every step of the way.  

James looks down at the floor and starts to blush again.  

James: Sometimes it’s hard for me to…express…in words how I feel. But not with you…and not with Eddie and Mary. I guess I want to say thank you for believing in me when I found it next to impossible to believe in myself. (His eyes filling with tears) Because of you…I’m happy. You are my inspiration to do my best and to help others.  

Baldwin and Greg stop by Jr.’s desk to thank James before heading off to bed. James, still a little wound up had a few more questions for them. Jr. took the time to gather his wits. He felt as if he had been hit with a 2x4. This was a true light bulb moment for him. All of those doubts he had been carrying around with him are suddenly gone. He had touched someone life. He has made a difference in a life. And it was because of this job. James’ success and transformation to what he is today is because of Jr.. 

Rita: (Coming out of the locker room) Okay guys…it’s all yours. Goodnight. 

Greg: Thanks Rita. I’ll try not to snore too loud tonight. 

Rita: Greg, you could run cattle through here tonight and I won’t hear it I’m so tired. 

Baldwin: Night Rita…good working with you today. (To Greg) You go ahead. I’m gonna hit the treadmill for a bit. 

James: You have a treadmill here? 

Baldwin: Yeah and some other stuff…want to see? 

James: (Looking at Jr.) Okay? 

Jr.: Yeah, go ahead. I’ll catch up with you later. 

Baldwin and James leave the squad room. Jr. makes his way to the coffee room where he finds Connie. 

Jr.: I thought you’d be long gone by now. 

Connie: Just finishing my soda. 

Jr.: Where’s Andy? 

Connie: Went to check on something downstairs. 

Jr.: How you doing? 

Connie: (With ½ a smile) Good. Everything okay with you and James? Looked like you two were in a pretty heavy conversation there. 

Jr.: (With a far away look in his eyes) Yeah, good. 

Connie: Sure? 

Jr.: Absolutely. Umm…I wanted to see you about a couple of things. 

Connie: What’s up? 

Jr.: I never got a chance to thank you for savin’ my ass out there today. I’m sorry for not having my head in the game. I almost got us killed. 

Andy comes into the squad room and hears Jr. and Connie in the coffee room. He stays just out of view. 

Connie: Had the roles been reversed; I know you would have done the same for me.  

Jr.: I promise you…that will never happen again. And the other thing is…you don’t have to talk to Andy about me takin’ a leave of absence.  

Connie: (With a surprised look on her face) Really? Why the sudden change of heart? 

Jr.: Things are starting to come into focus for me.  

Connie: How’s that? 

Jr.: I had a talk with Andy today. 

Connie: You told him? 

Jr.: No, it was just…what he said to me. He opened the door a bit. And the conversation with James…he opened it the rest of the way. Perspectives like horizons have a tendency to change. 

Connie: Wow…that’s deep. 

Jr.: (With a smart ass grin on his face) Read it in a fortune cookie once…knew it would come in handy one day. Anyway, maybe I’ll stop by this weekend. 

Connie: That would be nice. 

Andy: (Clearing his throat as he enters the coffee room) What’s up? 

Jr.: Nothing. 

Connie: Not much. Where you been? 

Andy: Just checking on something.  

Jr.: Let me go check on James…I hope he’s wound down by now. 

Andy: Good luck. (Looking at Connie) You ready for that walk now? 

Connie: (Smiling) I think just a soft place to land would be nice. 

Andy: Crib’s open. 

Connie: Sounds good. 

On their way to the locker room Connie notices a pink message slip on her desk. Connie picks up the slip and looks to see whom it is from. 

Andy: What you got there? 

Connie: A message from Cynthia. 

Andy: What now? 

Connie: She wants to get together for lunch sometime as thanks for helping her through today. That’s nice, huh? 

Andy: (With something in his tone) Yeah…good. 

Connie: So you two share a past?  

He knew sooner or later he was going to have to deal with this situation.  

Andy: I guess you could say that. 

Connie: And that means…what? 

Andy: It’s not as if we had a child together…we went out a few times and…and… 

Connie is busting a gut on the inside. It was funny to her to watch him dance around this subject. Connie has no quarrel with the women of his past; only appreciation for their taste. She also knows he is not a man who treats woman as war stories.  

Connie: And? 

Andy: Connie, c’mon… 

Connie: And? 

He leans up against her desk, folds his arms across his chest looking at his watch. He looks at her then down at the floor shaking his head. He didn’t want to get into it with her, but he could tell she wasn’t going to let it go.  

Andy: It all started as a favor to Gibson. He set Cynthia up on a date with someone and they backed out at the last minute. Gibson came to me and asked if I would fill in. It had been better than a year since Sylvia passed. (Pausing, rubbing his head slowly. To this day, he cannot speak her name without feeling.) 

Andy: It was right after Bobby passed.  

Connie: So it wasn’t a very good time for you? (Now realizing maybe she shouldn’t have pushed him into this discussion) 

Andy: Yeah. I talked it over with Danny. His thoughts were it’s only dinner, nothing more.  

Connie: But still, you had some…guilt? 

Andy: (To himself How does she do that? Read my mind like that?) Sure. 

Connie: That’s understandable. Losing two people you loved in such a short time. You’re thinking you have no right…to maybe…feel good about something. 

Andy: (To himself Damn, she’s good.) The first time we went out it was awkward at best. The second time was a little better. But then I had Katie to deal with. 

Connie: How’s that? 

Andy: I asked her to sit with Theo. I wasn’t exactly forthcoming about what or where I was going.  

Connie: So, you lied to her? 

Andy: Yeah, I did. I’m sorry for that. She figured it out, then tells me she wishes it was her I was dating. And that in lying to her I was in turn lying to Theo. 

Connie: Wow…there’s a full plate. 

Andy: Psshh…you think? That’s when John started to sit for Theo. Anyways, we dated a few more times.  

Connie: (As gently as possible) Did the two of you…eventually… 

Andy: Sleep together? Yeah, we did. It was nice and it felt good. I was grateful for the comfort. But then every time we did something or said something it went back to Uncle Eddie. It was too much to have to deal with him and her all the back and forth between them.  

Connie: That’s almost understandable…they’re a close-knit family.  

Andy: I guess…besides…I wasn’t ready to give her what she wanted.  

Connie: What was that? 

Andy: A commitment. I just didn’t have it in me at the time. Christ, look how long it took me to realize what we have together. 

Connie: True. (Pause) Well, that certainly explains your behavior today. 

Andy: How’s that? 

Connie: You being so skittish every time Cynthia and I were around each other.

The way your jaw got so tight at the hospital I thought your head was gonna pop off. The way you got her through the line up. The way you almost jumped out of your skin when she said goodbye to us today…shall I go on? 

Andy: No, (Absently mindedly picking up a pen off her desk) you shouldn’t. I guess that’s why you’re such a good detective. So, you okay with all this? 

Connie: Yeah, why wouldn’t I be?  

Andy: I don’t know. Some women get…I don’t know… 

Connie: Jealous? Andy? Who am I going home with tonight? 

Andy: Me. 

Connie: ‘Nough said. (She gets up from her chair and takes him by the hand) Let’s go. 

Andy: (To himself) Yeah, who wouldn’t want to be me? 

They go to the locker room to freshen up. Connie is looking through a gym bag for something to sleep in. She finds a tank top and a pair of shorts.  

Connie: I’ll get changed upstairs. What about you? What do you have to sleep in? 

Andy: I’ll be fine. 

They make their way up to the crib. 

1:30am

Crib 

Andy opens a window to let in some fresh air. 

Andy: How you doin’? 

Connie: Careful, I just might tell you. 

As Connie undresses Andy walks up behind her. He brushes her hair aside, kisses the back of her neck and hugs her gently around her waist. 

Andy: I’ve been wantin’ to do that all day. 

Connie: Good, cause I’ve been needing that all day. 

She turns around to face him and hugs him tightly around his neck. He kisses her softly on her temple, cheek and on the lips. She buries her face in his neck. He gently places his hand on the back of her head, holds her closely and kisses the top of her head. 

Andy: How ya doin’ now? 

Connie: Better. 

Andy: Glad to hear it. (Clearing his throat) Ah, why don’t you, ah, put some clothes on while I look for a fan and, ah, some self-control. 

Connie: That, umm, might not be a bad idea. 

They release each other slowly. There is a definite tension building in the room. Connie finishes getting dressed while he looks in an old storage closet for the fan. 

Andy: I could swear Medavoy had a fan up here somewheres. Connie, could you give me a hand here for a second? 

Connie: Sure. 

The space they are working in is tight. His arm brushes against her breast. Connie squats down to look behind some boxes. As she reaches to move one, her hand grazes his groin. Andy drops a small box and it fall right behind Connie. His hand lightly touches her derriere. Connie stands up unexpectedly causing Andy to drop the box again. As she bends over to pick it up her derriere bumps into his crotch. Andy closes his eyes and begs for control. As she stands to replace the box on the shelf Andy gets a whiff of her hair. He loves the smell of her. Connie has to stretch to put the box back, thus causing her tank top to rise and expose her mid-section.  

Andy: (To himself) That’s it…I have to get out of here…I have to get control of myself. 

Connie: Andy, I don’t see it.  

Andy: Ok…let me look down the hall. I’ll be right back. 

In the hallway, he leans up against the wall and takes a few deep breaths.  

Andy: (To himself) Talk about wound up…behave yourself. 

When he returns to the crib, he sees Connie sitting on the extended windowsill. Her chin is resting on one knee while her other leg is dangling. Her natural beauty constantly catches him off guard. He stood frozen looking at her. He cannot believe he almost lost her today. The thought terrified him. 

Andy: Connie… 

Connie: Yes? 

Andy: I love you. 

Connie: (Smiling but confused) I love you too…what brought that on? 

Andy: The thought of losing you. Realizing I don’t tell you enough how much you mean to me.  

Connie: (Extending her hand to him) Come here. 

He moves slowly to her. Still sitting on the windowsill, she turns so that she can hug him.  

Andy: (Whispering) I should have been there today…I should have… 

Connie: Shhh…I’m here and I’m not going anywhere.  

Andy: But… 

Connie: But nothing. What happened today happened? It could have been you out there doing the same thing. I did what I was trained to do. I reacted. I’m fine…and I’m fine because I know I have you if I need support.  

Andy: I’m the one who should be comfortin’ you. Here I am…being no help to you… 

He is such a perfect imperfect human. 

Connie: You help me a hundred different ways every day. Everything you do for me tells me you love me. (Holding his face in her hands) Don’t do this to yourself. 

It’s very clear to her what he is feeling. Wasn’t so long ago she had the same reaction. He had to kill a man in order to save others. Not to mention the time a drug dealer put a hit out on him and when the bullets flew, he came within inches of losing his life. She knows this is so hard for him. He is not used to being the vulnerable one. He’s the one who is suppose to protect the defenseless ones in his life. Achilles had his heel. With Andy, it’s his heart. 

Andy: You took such good care of me when I needed it…I want to do the same for you.  

Connie: And you are. You being here with me right at this moment is all I need for now.  

Andy: (Taking a step back) I thought you wanted to talk about today. 

Connie: Talk doesn’t always have to mean talk Andy. Sometimes it can mean just holding me or sitting quietly with me. Just being together is all I need and want right now. 

Andy: Sometimes…when it comes to you…I don’t know what the hell I’m doin’. I think I do…I tell myself I do…  

Connie: (Reaching for his hands) And you do. Always and unconditionally. 

Andy: I never want to neglect you or take you for granted. 

Connie: I know that. At the end of the day…I know where I belong. (Placing his hand over her heart) I know where I can find you. Because you have a part of my soul (kissing his chest) a part of my mind (kissing his forehead) and forever a place in your heart (kissing his heart).  

She reaches over to him to undo his tie. As she does, Andy follows a bead of sweat that started at the nape of her neck and flows down between her breasts. 

Connie: I think we can lose the tie now, don’t you? 

Andy: Yeah, I guess so. 

She begins to unbutton his shirt. When she reaches the third button, Andy places his hand over hers to stop her. He moves her hand to his heart. 

Andy: Forever?

Connie: Absolutely.