This site is quickly becoming "Poet's Corner"!  So, gather round, ye merrie friends, bring your thirst quencher of choice, & let me entertain you with this fine little ditty submitted by our one & only Bagel Girl Bren:

                               ODE TO PROFACI

There's a dark-haired detective in the 2-7
No, I don't mean Mike (though *that* thought is heaven).
He's Italian & likes to wear sweater vests
In which he certainly looks the best!

A shoulder holster's where he puts his gun
(I'm not even going to touch that one!)
His job's a combination of running around
And discovering facts no other has found.

Doing background checks, gathering info,
Tailing perps, taking tabs, & staying low,
But he's better known for another task,
Bringing back bagels without being asked!

So, here's to Profaci, the one we adore,
Who we wish to see on the show even more!
The caring & cheerful, kind gentle man
Who brings me my bagels like no one else can!




Do you like the poem?
It's not all that bad.
What more do you want
From the Princess of Plaid?


Okay, so I'm biased, being Leader of the Profaci Passion Brigade & Queen of the Bagel Brood, but I happen to think it's a fine masterpiece of a poem!  More Profaci, please!

Tony Profaci decided to take a walk after work. He needed time to think. Today he & his girlfriend Shirley would have been together for 3 years. Unfortunately, 6 months ago, she had left him to take a teaching position with a school system in Florida, so he was left to mope. The first 3 months were the worst. He spent most of his time walking around in a daze like a lost little puppy. Thankfully, though, it didn't affect his job as a detective at the 27th precinct. The guys had pretty much left him alone, even his good friend Mike Logan. Lately, however, even Mikey had joined in on the good-natured ribbing. "Hey, Profaci! When you make the bagel run, why don't you pick up--" Tony didn't let him finish. "I know, Logan, a blond & a brunette. No problem." Actually, he had begun to think about dating again, but not like Mike did. He wasn't a one night stand kind of guy. His parents, Antonio & Gloria, were going on their 53rd year of wedded bliss. His twin sister, Marlena, had been married for 12 years to a chiropractor. Now it was his turn. "Tony," his mother always said to him, "when are you going to meet a nice girl, settle down, & give your mother some more grandchildren?"

"Mama, how many times to I have to tell you? Shirley's not the marrying kind." Well, he didn't have to worry about that anymore, now that she was no longer around. He figured at the rate he was going, he could marry Phil Ceretta's daughter Linda when she turned 18--he'd probably still be single by then. Tony turned his face towards the sky. "God, can I get a break here? Surely there's got to be some woman out there who wants a teddy bear of a guy?" He shook hs head. "That's it, I'm certifiable now. I'm talking to the sky. God help me." He chuckled to himself & headed back to his apartment.

**********

As usual, he was the first one of his shift to arrive at the precinct the next morning. He felt somewhat better after his walk the night before. It had given him a chance to clear his head & shake the cobwebs away. When he entered the office, he went through his usual routine--distributing reports, making coffee, the grunt stuff. As he approached Mike's desk, he stopped in his tracks. There was a pair of white tennis shoes on the desk, attached to a nicely shaped pair of legs, which extended out from a pair of red & green plaid shorts. The sleeping figure's upper torso was covered in a form-fitting red T-shirt, showing off a well-endowed figure. The girl's light brown hair was tucked into a Mets cap, with her wispy bangs lightly placed across a wide forehead. Unfortunately, a pair of sunglasses covered her eyes. Tony stood for a moment admiring the vision in front of him. Just then, he heard Mike's voice. Man, you had to admire Logan. He even had them waiting for him at work! Tony met hiim at the door. "Hey, Mikey, one of your harem is here. Looks like she's been waiting a while. She's made herself at home at your desk."

Mike's partner, Lennie Briscoe, whistled when he saw the legs. "Man, oh man, Mikey. If you can't fit her into your schedule--"

Logan shook his head. "No way, Jose. Once they've met me, they're ruined for anyone else!" He strutted over to his desk. The figure spoke. "God, I'd recognize that arrogant attitude anywhere." She leaned her head over the back of the chair & pulled the glasses down her nose, revealing a familiar pair of hazel eyes. "Well, look what the cat dragged in?"

Mike stopped on a dime. "Shell?" His jaw dropped. "Is it really you?"

She raised her head & took her legs off the desk. "Who else do you think would be waiting for you?" Mikey let out a loud whoop & dashed towards his desk. "Shelleigh! I can't believe it! Man, how I've missed you!" She stood up & held her arms out for Mike & they embraced.

Lennie looked over at Profaci, who was attempting to pour a cup of coffee. "I guess this means he knows her." All Profaci could do was gawk at her & in the process, completely miss the cup & the coffee spilled all over the counter. As he was cleaning up the mess, he said to Mike, "Scuse me, but are you going to introduce us to this lovely lady, or do we have to wait for the movie?"

Mike & the girl stood side by side with their arms around each other. "Lennie, Profaci, I'd like you to meet the youngest member of the Logan clan. This is my sister, Shelleigh Marisa Logan. The baby of the family & the only girl."

"Enough with the baby talk, Mikey. I'm 34 years old--I'm not a baby anymore."

"Shell, you'll always be my baby." Mike leaned down & kissed the top of her head.

"Gee, Mr. Logan, would it be all right if I shook hands with these guys, or am I not allowed to touch anything?"

"Oh, I guess it'll be all right, just this once. This is my partner, Lennie Briscoe," he said, motioning to the tall, lanky man with salt-and-pepper hair & a mischievious grin that, when displayed, reduced his age by at least 10 years.

"So, you're the infamous Leonard Briscoe my esteemed brother has written me about," she said with a twinkle in her eye as they shook hands. "It's nice to finally put a face with the name."

"You have my sympathies, Shelleigh, for having to put up with this gu for your entire life."

"Oh, it wasn't so bad. He came in handy around the house." Shelleigh looked up at her oldest brother & they shared a knowing glance that said a thousand words. After a brief pause, Shelleigh cleared her throat. "Uh, Mike, isn't there someone else you'd like to introduce me to?" She said as she shot one of those infamous Logan looks in Tony's direction.

"Oh, yeah, how could I forget? Shelleigh Logan, meet my pal, Tony Profaci." Shelleigh held out a well-manicured hand & Tony did the first thing that came to mind--he bend down & kissed her hand. "A pleasure to meet you, my lady," he responded while trying not to blush.

"You take mah breath away, sir," Shelleigh responded in her finest southern accent. "I don't think I'll ever be able to wash this hand again."

"Great, thanks a lot, Profaci," Mike shot a look over at Toni.

"What did I do?" He asked as he shrugged his shoulders.

"You've created a monster, my friend. Just look at her." Shelleigh was playfully fanning herself as she said, "Oh, my, I do believe I'm going to have an attack of the vapors." She was sounding just a tad like Scarlett O'Hara.

"Don't blame it on me, Logan. It's not my fault you have such a devastatingly beautiful siser." Tony bestowed one of his 1,000-watt grins on Shelleigh, who quickly returned it with one of her own smirks.

"Yeah, I gotta admit it. Shell got the beauty in the family." Mike placed his arm around Shelleigh's shoulders.

She proceeded to elbow her brother in the ribs. "Don't forget, I got the brains, too. So, I guess that means you got the brawn, huh?" She giggled as she ducked to avoid Mike, who was playfully trying to strangle his sister.

"Kids, I hate to break up a good family fight & all," Lennie said as he stepped in between the two, "but I think we might have some work to do."

"Ever the practical one, that's my partner," Mike said. "Why don't we go back over to my desk & we can get caught up while I type up some reports?"

"Well, actually, I thought I'd go get some breakfast. I haven't had anything to eat since I got in early this morning. Anyone know where I can get a good meal at a distant price around here?" She asked while looking around the room for suggestions.

"Breakfast would be Profaci's department, Shell. He's our usual breakfast runner. I'm *sure* he wouldn't mind if you went along," Mikey smirked.

Tony piped up. "Nah, no problem at all. It'll beat talking to myself." He flung his sportcoat over his shoulder & said to Shelleigh, "You mind walking?"

Shelleigh nodded. "Not as long as I have a big, strong man to protect me." She aimed another priceless grin in Tony's direction as she dropped her southern accent & spoke in her normal voice.

"Uh, Profaci, I'll go get the food with Shelleigh. You stay here." Lennie interjected. Mike just rolled his eyes & shook his head. She's at it again, he thought to himself, a roomful of men clamoring for her attention. Tony, however, won round one, as he linked his elbow with Shelleigh's & escorted her out the door.

Lennie glanced over at Mike & shook his head. "That's some sister you've got there, kid."

"Yeah, she'll be a handful for some guy. That display you just saw was Shelleigh at her best. She's an actress. Her latest gig has been with the road troupe of Grease, playing Rizzo." Mike replied. "I never would've thought she'd make it anywhere," he said, more to himself than to Lennie. "Of course," he muttered under his breath, "it's a wonder any of us made it through." He tried not to think about his childhood very often, but it always seemed to work its way into his memory bank somehow. It had been a war; the 4 of them--Mike, Jonathan, Casey & Shelleigh, against their parents--Francis & Katherine. More often than not, it was Mike & Shell v. Katherine. Jon, Casey & their father seemed to always find a way to be out of the line of Katherine Logan's Irish temper. With Katy, you never knew what would set her off, or why she directed the majority of her rage at young Mikey & Shelleigh. Mike always figured it was because she perceived them as special; Mike being the oldest & Shelleigh the only girl. "None of my children are any more special than the next one," she always said. No, you hated us all with equal fervor. Mike gritted his teeth as if to plug up the dam & stop the flood of emotions. Damn it, was she always going to run our lives, even 5 years after her death?

********** Part 2 (finally!!!!!)

"So, tell me about yourself, Shelleigh Marisa Logan," Tony said as they exited the 27th precinct & entered the hustle & bustle of the NYC morning rush hour.

"Not much to tell, really," she responded. "As you know, I'm Mike's younger sister. We have two other brothers--Jonathan, who's a social worker & Casey, who's a priest. For the last year or so, I've been in the road show of Grease, playing Rizzo."

"I can't believe it. I'm walking down the streets with a real live celebrity!"

Shelleigh just laughed. "I'm not a celebrity by any means. Once I make it on Broadway, then I'll be a star & you can say you knew me when."

"Well, Shelleigh, if you're as determined as your brother, you'll be up there before you know it."

Shelleigh stopped & looked at Tony. "Thanks, Toni. No one's ever believed in me before. Other than Mikey, of course. He always stood up for me, no matter what the price." She began remembering back to her childhood. Mikey, being the oldest, took on the mantle of Shel's protector. Jon & Casey were too intimidated & scared by their mother, but not Mike. He stood up to Katy & took the brunt of her anger. There were times when Shelleigh didn't think Mikey would make it out of the Logan household alive, but Katy seemed to instinctively know just how much damage she could inflict without any outsiders noticing. Throughout their childhood, Shelleigh looked upon Mike as her protector, her savior, & her knight in shining armor. It was one reason she was still single. No man could measure up to her image of the perfect man--Michael Sean Logan.

"Well, here we are. My favorite breakfast shop." Tony said as he stopped in front of a small red-bricked store named Ye Olde Bagel Shoppe. "The owner, Mr. Carusi, is a family friend. You'll like him, he's just like me," Tony joked.

Shelleigh laughed as they entered the shop. She was expecting to smell the aroma of fresh bagels & sounds of a busy rush hour, but the store was eerily silent. "Tony, where is everybody?"

Profaci's detective instincts kicked in. He drew his pistol & sternly ordered Shelleigh, "Stay here. I'm going to look in the back. And keep down." Shelleigh could tell by the forcefulness of his voice this was serious. She'd heard that tone enough from her father & brother to recognize that, so she did as she was told. "Shelleigh!" Profaci's voice boomed from the back. "Call 911 & go get Mikey & Lennie!" She hurried to the phone behind the counter &, with the presence of mind to use a napkin, picked up the received & dialed 911. After hanging up, she made a mad dash back to the precinct, running pell-mell down the sidewalks until she reached the 2-7. She skipped the elevators & took the steps 2 at a time, crashing into Mikey as she reached the second floor.

"Whoa! Where's the fire?" Mike exclaimed as he caught his sister before she fell backwards.

"Profaci--bagel shop--hurry!" She gasped as she tried to catch her breath.

"Lennie! Profaci's in trouble at the bagel place!" Mike yelled over the noise of the precinct. "Stay here, Shel!"

"Right behind ya, partner!" Lennie jumped up out of his chair & follwed Mike out the door. Shelleigh went & sat down at Mike's desk to wait for them. As she sat, she thought about her life. Here she was, 34 & still single. It didn't seem to bother her until she saw couples walking hand in hand through a park or parents pushing baby strollers. Sure, she was able to fulfill one of her dreams. She had just returned from the road show production of "Grease". She wouldn't have been able to participate if she had kids, but still, she became misty eyed at times. She knew that she'd be a hell of a lot better parent than either one of hers had been. No way would she ever lay a hand on any of her children. She could still fell the stings of pain across her face & the pounding of fists on her back. Shelleigh didn't know how Mikey ever survived, or how any of them did for that matter, but particularly Mikey. It must have taken an inhuman amount of willpower for him not to strike back but to stand there & take the punishment their mother meted out. Shelleigh suspected that Mike still had their father on a pedestal, but she held no such fantasies. In her eyes, her father was a weasel, no matter what his buddies at the 5-3 said or thought. To her, any man who couldn't-or wouldn't--stop his wife from taking her frustrations out on their children didn't deserve any respect & should be considered a wimp. She suspected that was one reason she didn't date much. She told herself it was because she didn't have time. Being on the road didn't leave much room for relationships, she tried to convince herself. Deep down, though, she knew she'd have to respect a man before she would give him the time of day. She wanted to find someone who would stand up to her, who wouldn't let her control him. It would be one special man who would win her Irish heart. She surmised that was why she was such a big flirt. She'd acted for so long, hid so many things in her life, she wasn't sure who the real Shelleigh Logan was anymore. Sure, she enjoyed flirting, but she was so tired of always being "on", of being the life of the party. She just wanted to have a normal conversation with another person, especially a male. "Kind of like the talk Tony & I were having before we were interrupted," she thought to herself. "Wait a minute. I swore I'd never get involved with a cop. The never knowing when they'd be called in, the inevitable call telling you he's been injured, she'd grown up with that & knew she didn't want that kind of life.

Part 3 soon (hopefully in much less time than it took for this part!) ****** Part 3 (hey, you can't keep a good girl down for long!)

Shelleigh shook her head, got up & went to the soda machine. She put in her quarters &, of course, the machine didn't work. She brough her foot back, gave the machine a swift kick & heard a pop as sharp daggers of pain shot through her foot. "Damn it!" She shrieked. "No soda is worth this!"

"Well, I freakin don't believe it. Shelleigh Logan, as I live & breathe." She turned around & saw the familiar figure of Donald Cragen. "Uncle Donnie!" She exclaimed as she hopped over to the bench while holding her injured foot. "Well, I'm glad to see you've still got that unmistakeable Logan intensity," Cragen joked. "It's good to see you, too," she replied through tightly gritted teeth. "I'm thinking the soda machine won that time. I'll be right back. I'm going to get you some ice." Cragen went off to the break room & just as he left, Profaci, Logan & Briscoe returned.

"What happened over there, guys?" Shelleigh tried to stand up, but couldn't & sat back down just as fast. She grimaced as she tried to mask the pain. "He was shot twice, once in the head & once in the back. Looks like he went quickly," Profaci said grimly. "No sign of forced entry. I'm going to go call his daughter." Profaci walked slowly out the door. Cragen returned with the ice pack. "Here you go, Shel. Put this on your toe."

"Hey, Captain," Mike said. "What are you doing here?"

"Nice to see you, too, Mikey. Right now, I'm playing nursemaid to your sister. She got in a fight with the ol' soda machine & lost." Lennie sat down next to her & held the ice pack for her. "Just as stubborn as your brother, I see. He's gone a few rounds with that relic himself."

"Who won?" Shelleigh asked. "The machine, most of the time," Lennie responded. "Good. I don't feel so bad, then."

"Do we need to get you to a doctor, Shel?" Mike asked. "No, you do not need to get me to a doctor, Mikey," Shelleigh mocked him. "This isn't the first broken toe I've had & I'm willing to venture a guess that it won't be the last one, either." Profaci reappeared as Mike left to get his sister something to drink. "I called his daughter," Tony said. "She'd already been notified." He looked at Shelleigh. "Anything I can do for you, Shelleigh?"

"Well, if you don't mind, I could use a ride hom when you're through for the day." Shelleigh had an idea. "Tell you what. I always have Mike over for dinner when I get back in town. Why don't you come on over, too?" Tony hesitated. "I don't know. I don't want to intrude on family time."

"Oh, please, it would be my pleasure. Besides, my roommate Sam will be there, too. So, if you join us, it'll make an even foursome. What do you say?"

"Okay," he said. "How could I refuse an offer like that?" Shelleigh grinned. "You can't, that's my plan. You know how persuasive & stubborn we Logans can be." Just then, Mike strutted back into the hallway holding a soda can & handed it to her sister. "Do I hear you talking about the great Logan clan again, Shel?"

"But, of course, Mikey. I was just informing Tony here of some of our numerous virtues. Well, that & inviting him over for dinner tonight." Mike looked puzzled. "Remember, Mike, our usual 'welcome home, Shel' dinner we have my first night back?" She punched him in the arm. "Besides, we need one more person to make a foursome."

"A foursome?" Mike had a quizzical look on his face. "Yes, Mike. You, me, Tony & Sam." Mike did a double take. "Sam? Who's he, your latest Mr. Right-for-the-Moment?"

"Sam's my roommate, thanks for asking," Shelleigh shot back. "And he'll be at this dinner?" Shelleigh nodded her head in response to Mike's inquiry. "Then this must be serious. You've never let one move in before. I guess I'll have to check this guy out."

"Oh, whatever," Shelleigh said, rolling her eyes & glancing over at Tony. "See what I have to put up with? Aren't you glad you're coming over for dinner?" Tony tried unsuccessfully to disguise his smirk. "Oh, yeah, I wouldn't miss this for the world."

"Okay, it's a date, then. I'll just hang out here in the hallway until quitting time." Mike interrupted her. "You'll do no such thing, young lady. I'm getting you to a doctor to have that toe looked at." Shelleigh raised a hand in protest. "No, you are not, Michael Logan. All the doctor will tell me is to put ice on it, prop it up & take aspirin for the pain. Now, if you really want to help, you can take me home now & I'll get dinner started." Shelleigh rose from the bench & limped to the door. "Well? Are you coming or not?" Mike threw up his hands & acknowledged defeat. "Right behind you, your majesty." Shelleigh looked back at Tony. "By the way, dinner's at 7. Mike can give you the address. See you then." The Logan duo left the precinct.

In the car on the way over to Shelleigh's apartment, Mike pressed his sister for information on the mysterious 'Sam.' Shelleigh repeatedly refused to give out any details. "Give it up, Detective Logan. I'm not telling you anything. You'll just prejudge Sam & I won't let you do that to a friend of mine." Mike could see this was going nowhere, so he let it drop--for now. He figured he'd meet this Sam character tonight anyway. He could be patient when it mattered, & it always mattered when it came to his sister. No matter how hard he tried, he still found himself wanting to protect her. She was his little sister, after all. He had gotten so used to standing in for her when they were growing up that he was having trouble letting go. "Well, here we are, Shel. What time did you want me to be here?"

"How about 6:30? That'll give us some time to chat." Shelleigh leaned over & kissed Mike on the cheek. "Thanks for the ride, Mikey. See you tonight." She got out of the car, & with a slight limp, headed up the stairs to her building. When she reached the entrance, she turned around & waved at Mike, then disappeared into the building. Mike pulled away & went back to the precinct. When he arrived, he found Profaci waiting for him. "What's up, Profaci?"

"Well, while you were out chauffeuring beautiful women around town, we were doing some actual work," Tony said with a smirk. "Like what, getting you own food instead of stealing mine?" Mike glared at Profaci. He was too worried about Shel to play games. Tony threw a file on Mike's desk. "Solved the Carusi case." Mike was shocked. "This must be some sort of record. It took you all of what, 3 hours? What happened, someone waltz in off the street & confess?"

"Matter of fact, that's exactly what happened." Tony sat down. "A Puerto Rican kid, Jose Dicenzo, showed up, bawling his head off. Told us he did it as a gang initiation, then felt so much guilt for having done it, he rushed in here & gave us the whole story." He leaned back & propped his feet up on the desk. "Easiest case I've ever had." Tony looked at his watch. "Well, look, it's lunchtime already. I'm heading over to the diner. Anyone wanna tag along?" Mike looked up. "Sure, I'm game," he said as he grabbed his jacket & with that Tony & Mike went to lunch. Mike had an ulterior motive for going to lunch with Profaci. He figured he could get information about Shelleigh's latest conquest from Tony. They arrived at the restaurant & sat down at the counter. "So, Profaci, what did my sister have to say?"

Tony took a drink of water. "Not much, really. She talked about the show & about her brothers. That's about it, I guess." A glimmer of recognition appeared in Tony's brown eyes. "Wait a minute. You wanna know if she said anything about Sam, don't you?" Mike had a sheepish look on his face. "Sorry, pal, can't help you there. Even if she would've said something, I wouldn't tell you, so just forget it, Mikey, my boy. You're not getting any help from me." Tony turned his attention to his spaghetti, Mike to his burger & fries, & the pair ate their lunch in silence.

After lunch, the afternoon passed without incident. As they were leaving, Tony turned to Mike. "Do I need to bring anything to this dinner?" Mike smirked & shook his head. "Nah. Shel will have everything she needs. It's one of her strong points--she's a great cook. We'll have everything from the appetizer to dessert, mark my words. See ya in a bit, Profaci." With that, Mike strutted off to his car.

Back at the apartment, Shelleigh was limping around the kitchen getting dinner ready. "Now, Sam, when Mikey gets here, try not to light into him too much. He really is a good guy, in spite of what I've said about him. Oh, & by the way, I didn't tell him anything about you. He's a detective, he can figure things out on his own. He doesn't need my help." The doorbell rang. "I'll get it, Sam, if you'll finish setting the table." She took off her apron & flung it into the laundry room. Underneath the apron, Shelleigh was wearing a simple teal blouse with black slacks. She took a look in the hallway mirror & was satisfied with the face staring back at her. Her light brown hair was pinned back in a banana comb, her makeup was put on lightly, just a touch of shadow, blush & mauve lipstick. "If I'm comfortable with the way I look, then why am I shaking so much?" She thought to herself. "I haven't been this nervous since--" No, she wasn't going to think of him again. Not even Mike knew about Kyle. If he ever found out, he'd kill him for what he did to her. "No more negative thoughs, Logan. Focus on the positive, on the here & now." She shook the cobwebs out of her head & opened the door. "Well, what a surprise! What did you do? Race to see who could get here first?" She laughed as she let Mike & Tony into the apartment. They reminded her of two racehorses, jockeying for position at the starting gate. "Welcome to me humble abode. Here, let me have your coats." She took the coats from the guys. "Mike, haven't you retired this relic to the trash heap yet?" She teased Mike as she hung the coats up in the closet. "You should take fashion tips from Tony. Look how nice his jacket is kept." She always did like men in leather jackets, & Tony looked very nice in his.

"Me, get fashion tips from Mr. Sweater Vest Man? I'm thinking not, Shel, but thanks for the suggestion." Mike strolled into the living room like he owned the place. His head moved around the room, looking for any clues of Sam, but everything was the same as the last time he'd been here. He really did like her apartment; it had a lived in look about it, from the earth toned matching couch, chair & love seat to the entertainment center in the corner.

"Tony, I'm sorry. I have so much fun harassing Mike that I sometimes forget anyone else is around. Come on in & I'll give you the 11 cent tour." She grabbed his hand to lead him into the living room. As she touched his hand, he felt a spark flow between them. He wondered if she felt it, too. He hadn't figured out how to read her--yet, but he would, if it took him the rest of his life. A voice shook him out of his thoughts & back to reality. "Give it up, big brother of mine, you're not going to find any information about Sam in here." She glanced over at Tony, who was still holding her hand. "Once a cop, always a cop. Don't you guys ever give up?"

"Not when it comes to our loved ones, Shelleigh," Tony said. He heard a commotion coming from the back of the apartment. "What's that, Shelleigh?" Profaci asked. Shelleigh replied, "Oh, it's nothing," then looked over at Mike. "Calm down, big guy. Put the gun back in the holster, Dick Tracy. It's just Sam." Shelleigh turned & shouted, "Come on out, Sam, it's safe." She strutted over to the hallway, leaned against the wall & crossed her arms. She knew the exact moment Mike saw Sam. She tried to hold back, but failed as she burst out in a fit of laughter & collapsed onto the couch. "Mike Logan, Tony Profaci, meet my roommate, Samantha Evans." Shelleigh motioned to the petite, curly-haired female standing in the hallway.

Tony was the first to recover from the initial shock. He walked over to Samantha & offered his hand. "Miss Evans, I'm Tony Profaci. A pleasure to meet you." Samantha grinned & responded in a soft voice. "Nice to meet you, Tony." Shelleigh rolled off of the couch. "Sam, this big ape here without manners--" She turned & looked at Mike, who was leaning against the fireplace with his mouth gaping open. Shelleigh lightly slapped her brother under the chin. "Trying to catch flies, Mikey? Anyway, as I was saying, this is my brother, the infamous Michael Logan. Mike, if you've recovered & are back among the living, come over here & meet my roommate Sam." Mike looked like a lost puppy dog as Shelleigh dragged him over to Samantha. "Hi, Mike, it's nice to meet you. I'm sorry you had to go through that scene," Sam said with a wide grin as she held out her hand.

Mike ran a hand through his dark, wavy hair. "It's all right, Samantha. I'm used to my *baby* sister playing jokes on me. She's quite the little trickster." He shot a look in his sister's direction as he shook Sam's small, dainty hand. Shelleigh grinned wickedly as she poked her head around from the kitchen. "Who, lil ole me?" She laughed. "You're darn right! Anyhow, anyplace, anytime I can pick on my big brother, I'll do it! Why don't you all have a seat & I'll fix the drinks. Tony, would you give me a hand, please?" Tony didn't waste any time in getting to the kitchen. When he walked in, Shelleigh was opening a bottle of wine. "What can I help you with, Shelleigh?"

"Well, for starters, you can call me Shel. That's what my friends call me. Also, I didn't get a chance earlier, but I wanted to tell you how sorry I am for the loss of your friend." She replied, placing a comforting hand on Tony's arm & letting it linger there. Tony placed his hand over Shelleigh's. "Thanks, Shel, I appreciate it. I'm just glad we solved the case." He was quiet for a moment, thinking about his good friend, Mr. Carusi. "Lauren, his daughter, called me earlier. The funeral's going to be on Wednesday at 10 am at St. Xavier's." He looked over at Shelleigh. "I'm sorry you two never got to meet. He would've liked you; he always liked girls with spunk," he said with a wry grin.

Shelleigh smiled back. "Thanks, Tony." She became serious again. "If there's anything I can do, just let me know."

"Well," he answered hesitantly, "there is one thing. It's kind of sudden & I'm probably expecting too much, but--" She answered him before he even asked. " I'll attend the funeral with you. I figure you've been there for Mike enough over the years & you've been so nice to me today."

"Thanks, Shel. It would really mean a lot."

"No problem, Tony." She poured 4 glasses of wine. "Now, we should take these out there. I think those 2 are too quiet." She grinned mischievously. "That was a pretty rotten thing to do, wasn't it? Not telling Mike that Sam was actually a Samantha." Tony shook his head. "No worse than some of the tricks he's pulled over the years."

"Now, why does that not surprise me, Detective Profaci?" She giggled as she handed 2 glasses to Tony. "Shall we?"

"After you, my fair lady," Tony motioned for her to go ahead. "Thank you, kind sir," Shelleigh nodded as she walked past Profaci into the living room. "Okay, everyone, drinks are served." She cheerfully announced as she handed the glasses to Mike & Samantha & sat down on the couch next to Mike. She motioned for Tony to sit down next to her on the couch. Samantha was in the chair with her legs curled underneath her, looking her usual comfortable, relaxed self in a Yankees jersey & blue jeans. The timer went off & Shelleigh announced, "First course served. Everyone to the table." Mike, of course, sat at the head of the table; Samantha, to his right; Shel, opposite Mike & Tony was seated across from Sam. "Anything we can do to help?" Samantha asked. "No, I'm fine, just bringing in the salads," Shel replied, & that's the way the dinner progressed. After each course, Shel took up the empty dishes & replaced them with the next part of the meal. The foursome had a pleasant conversation. Mike & Tony shared various adventures that took place at work & Sam & Shelleigh spoke about the show. Before they knew it, it was 10 pm & dessert was over with. The group went back to the living room & continued their conversation. "So, Sam, how did you get hooked up with my sister, anyhow?"

"We met while doing 'Grease.' I was cast as Jan, but had to bow out about midway through the run when I blew out a knee. I'd been sharing a place with Leslie, the girl who played Marty, until she got married. Your sister took pity on me & let me move in with her."

"So, what are you doing now?" Mike asked. "I'm working for the Yankees as an administrative assistant & I have to say, I think I enjoy it more than I did being in the show. I grew up a Yankees fan, so this is a dream come true for me."

"Very fascinating, Samantha. Have you had any influence on my sister yet?" Samantha laughed. "No, I'm sorry to say. She's still a fan of the other New York team. But I'm working on it." Mike leaned over & rested his elbows on his knees. "Well, if you need any help, let me know. I can be *quite* persuasive when it comes to my sister." Shelleigh slapped him on the back of the head. "Maybe when I was 10, but not now, big brother of mine. You couldn't pay me enough to root for those bums." She turned to Tony. "How about you?"

"Me? I'm more of a Knicks fan, myself. It would've been great to see how far they could've gone if Ewing had been healthy this year."

"They won't get anywhere until they dump that crybaby Starks. Whine, whine, whine, that's all he ever does. Sorry, but I'll have to go with the Bulls. They'll be champions until Michael retires."

"Oh, no, we've got her going now," Mike said. "I don't think I've ever known a girl who's as much of a sports fan as my sister."

"Gee, that wouldn't be because I grew up with a houseful of brothers, would it? I got indoctrinated at an early age to terms like hat trick, RBI, & in the paint. Well, Mike, you'll be glad to know that Sam enjoys sports just as much as I do. She's the middle of 5 children, & the only girl, as well, so we spend a lot of our time comparing notes on our brothers."

"And have you come to any conclusions?"

"Just that the girls are smarter than the guys," Shelleigh smarted off. "Whoa, hold it right there, missy. That sounds like a challenge to me, Miss Logan. How about you, Profaci?"

"Definitely sounds like a challenge to me, Mike."

"How about Trivial Pursuit?" Samantha suggested. "Girls against guys, best 2 out of 3?"

"And what do the winners get?" Mike asked. "Let me think on that one for a bit, Mikey," Shel replied. "In the meantime, I'll go make some coffee & tea for us." She went into the kitchen & left the trio talking about the war between the sexes. She was happy to see Sam & Mike getting along so well. She was so tired of seeing Mike with the airheads he usually dated. From the first time she met Samantha Evans, Shelleigh thought she'd make a good match for her brother & she had one advantage that other girls didn't. Shelleigh had told her a little about their childhood, so Sam was aware of some of the abuse that the Logan children had gone through. Shelleigh, of course, didn't share everything, though, just the lowlights. "Okay, who wants what to drink?" Mike & Tony wanted coffee, Shel & Sam opted for tea. Shelleigh brought the beverages in on a try, along with cream, sugar & lemon. "I've decided about the bet. The losers have to treat the winners to dinner & a movie, a night out on the town. What do you say? Will that work?"

"Sounds good to me, Logan," Mike said. "Then let's shake on it, Logan," Shelleigh replied sarcastically. Sam went to go get the game. Needless to say, the girls won 2 games to Mike & Tony's none. At about 2 am, just as the second game was ending, Mike's pager went off. He went to the phone & called the number. He hung up & said grimly, "That was Van Buren. They found a body in Riverside Park. It's a cop, Bill Morino." Shelleigh jerked her head towards Mike. "Billy Boy? What happened?" Mike shook his head. "Don't know yet. I'll let you know as soon as I can. We've gotta be heading over there. Let's go, Profaci." Tony & the girls stood up. "Shelleigh, except for the call, I had a splendid evening. We'll have to do this again sometime." Shelleigh laughed nervously. "We will. You 2 owe us dinner & a movie, & we expect more than dirty water dogs & videos."

"You've got it, Shel," Tony replied, then his face became serious. "Again, thanks for everything & I'll call you with the details about Mr. Carusi's funeral." Shelleigh nodded. "Okay. Good luck with the Morino case & let me know what they find out in case Mike forgets, will you?" Shel got Mike & Tony's jackets from the closet. "Here you go. Keep me posted, will you?" Mike nodded somberly. He gave his sister a quick peck on the cheek & turned toward Sam. "Sorry we have to cut out like this. It was nice to meet you." He stuck out his hand. "Nice to meet you, too, Mike." Samantha said, shaking his hand. Mike pulled her toward him, leaned down & whispered something in her ear. She nodded in response. The guys left & Shelleigh sat down on the couch & stared out the window. She shook her head & mumbled, "Billy Morino, dead. I can't believe it." Samantha sat down next to Shel.

"I gather you knew the guy Mike was talking about?" Sam asked. Shel nodded. "We grew up together. He lived 3 stoops down from us. He & Mike were best friends & he was my first boyfriend." She had a wry grin on her face. "I got my first kiss from him. I was 8 & he was 12. I cornered him behind the jungle gym." Her face grew solemn. "I can't believe he's gone. I hadn't seen him in a few months. He married another girl from the neighborhood, Judy Pellegrini, & they had a couple of kids. He worked in the sex crimes unite, so maybe that's what got him killed." Tears were welling up in her hazel eyes as she stared into space, then looked at Sam. "Now you know why I've avoided getting involved with cops." She sniffed, then wiped her eyes. "I've got to be strong. I've got to be here for Mike."

      
      "That's Profaci" by Olga Stewart/Bagel Bar Wench
          (sung to the tune of "That's Amore!)       

When the bagels are hot & on the run, that's Profaci
When you see that cute babe, with that vest so fair, that's Profaci
Feelie feelie legs, feelie feelie legs,
He goes the distance,
And you are sure to be touched by his smile.

If you need a refill or a file to go soon, that's Profaci
To be sure that it will be done on the pronto, that's Profaci
Feelie feelie legs, feelie feelie legs,
He goes the distance,
And you are sure to be thrilled by his charm.

With his few little words he does his best, that's Profaci
With so little screen time, that's Profaci
Feelie feelie legs, feelie feelie legs,
He goes the distance,
And you are sure to be missing him soon.

Now we do love our Bagel Babe & his Fiore, that's Profaci
2-7's gang lose if they ever lost him, that's Profaci
Feelie feelie legs, feelie feelie legs,
He goes the distance,
And you are sure to be loving this little man, too.