Let me share a little background as to how this story came about...When I started watching L&O on A&E this past fall (how I ever missed it on NBC I have no idea), I just loved the characters, especially (duh, to those who know me), Mike Logan. At the time, I had no idea there was any such thing as fanfiction...heck, I didn't even have a computer! Talk about deprived! Anyway, I figured I wouldn't have a snowball's chance in hell of ever meeting him, so I decided to bring him here. I started writing a story featuring Toni Bradley & Mitchell Langley. About the only thing Mike & Mitch had in common were their initials, their appearance & the fact they're both detectives. The story's entitled The Power of His Love...takes place here in Tulsa...then, my roommate bought a computer & I discovered the wonderfully exciting world of the Internet & the World Wide Web. When I found all these great fanfics out there, I thought I'd take a stab at it meself, so that's how TBOS was born...The Power of His Love has been put on the shelf for now, but I'll get back to it someday...
Now, let me get in some kudos, muchas gracias, thankees, etc...First of all, thanks to my roommate for buying the computer! Next, to Chris Noth, Jerry Orbach & the rest of the cast of L&O, past & present. You are the inspiration for the story. Thank you for helping me to pass some very entertaining, insighful & yes, even uncomfortable hours in your presence. This story is no way meant to infringe upon the rights of anyone connected in any way to the show...(gotta get that legal part out of the way, you know!) Next, to my friends at work who have put up with my neverending ramblings about Mikey & have let me bounce ideas off their heads (No one was injured in the writing of this story!) Thank you Kristi, Christine, Diane, Joy, Karen, Linda, Carol, Carole & Kim...and a special thanks to my fellow writer at work, Dewanna. She was kind enough to read the story & even wrote a review of the story, which was neat considering she's never ever seen the show herself. I'm saving the best for last, naturally...thanks to the Lustiest of the LoganLusters, the Incorrigibles & especially to Olga! This group has been waiting patiently for me to come out with part 2 of the story....They've been my support & some of the best friends anyone could ever have! Thanks Alison, Brenda, Carey, Chell! I love you guys! I have to single Olga out...she's been the one I've called at 2 in the morning for story ideas, among other things! ...you're my inspiration, mon cherie! I love ya more than you'll ever know! If I could have chosen my relatives, I would have chosen all of you as my sisters!
Lt. Anita Van Buren summoned Detectives Lennie Briscoe & Mike Logan into her office. "What's up?" Logan asked, as he plopped into a chair, smacking his ever-present piece of gum. "It's a little early in the day for an ass-chewing session, isn't it, Lieutenant?" Mike said as a smirk crossed his chiseled face.
Mikey, you know it's never too early for you," Lennie smarted off.
"No, I'm saving that for later," Lt. Van Buren shot back. "Can we put the jokes aside, please, guys?" She walked around & sat down in her chair. "I've got a case for you two."
What is it?" Briscoe asked as he took a sip of coffee from his cup & leaned against the door frame.
"A security guard called. Said he found a live body in a very unusual place," Van Buren replied.
"Mikey leave another one in the dust?" Lennie quipped, while glancing over at his younger partner.
"Why, you jealous, Lennie?" Mike shot back with a lascivious grin appearing on his face.
"No, Briscoe, but somewhere that probably smelled about as bad," Van Buren retorted. "She was found in a bathroom at Yankee Stadium.:
"What happened, too much beer?" Logan asked.
"Good question, Mikey. That's why I'm sending you two over there; you have amazing instincts, which is a good thing since you're detectives," the lieutenant barked. "Let's do this with kid gloves, shall we? Apparantly this girl is high up on the food chain."
"Who is she, Torre's daughter?" Logan asked.
"No, even better. She Steinbrenner's niece," Van Buren answered.
"Oh, joy of all joys," Briscoe said, rolling his eyes, "we get to deal with 'him'. Gee, maybe if we're lucky, he'll give us free tickets."
"Hey, there's always hope," Logan said. "Where is the little darling, Lieutenant?"
"On her way to Murray Hill, unconscious, but alive. Her name is--" Van Buren picked up a piece of paper from her desk, "--Antonia Lynn Bradley."
"Sounds like trouble to me," Logan quipped, "but I guess the kid can't be all bad if she has anything to do with the Yankees." Mike looked over Briscoe.
"Don't look at me, kid. I'd rather have a pool cue in my hand than a baseball bat," Lennie said. With that, Lennie headed out the door, with Mike close on his heels.
**********
"So, I guess this means we should look for the press," Logan said to Briscoe. "To quote a great man, 'I hate media cases.'"
"And that person would be?" Briscoe asked.
"Max." Max Greevey was Mike's first partner at the 27th Precinct. He had been gunned down several years ago, but Mike still missed him. Max was the father figure Mike needed then. He became unusually quiet as memories came flooding back.
"Hey, Mikey, you okay?" Lennie said as a worried look crossed his weatherworn face.
Mike shook himself back to the present. "Yeah, fine. Thanks for letting me zone out for a minute."
Lennie nodded. "That's what partners are for, kid. I've said goodbye to people in my life. I know how hard it can be."
Mike turned & looked at him. "Yeah," he grinned, "but I think I got along better with my partners than you did with your ex-wives."
"Ouch! That's hitting below the belt. I think we're even now." Both partners laughed as they pulled into the hospital parking lot. "Well, let's go meet the little princess, shall we?" As the pair began walking to the emergency room, a familiar figure emerged from the gathering crowd.
"Detectives," Dr. Elizabeth Olivet was heading towards them.
"Doc," Mike said. "What are you doing here? Is everything all right?"
"The girl that was found at Yankee Stadium? She's my sister, Toni."
Shocked looks appeared on the detectives faces. "You mean, you're related to Steinbrenner?" Briscoe stole a glance at Logan. Mike shrugged his shoulders as if to say, 'Don't look at me, I didn't know.'
"I try not to broadcast it. I don't like tossing names around," Olivet replied. "Besides, we don't see him that often. My father always called him 'the unwanted brother-in-law'. My mother just took everything in stride."
"So, what details can you tell us?" Logan asked.
"Toni's been in town about a week now. She's going to start the semester at NYU. The Texas Rangers--her favorite baseball team--are in town, so I took her to the game. She left in the fifth inning to go get some refreshments; when she wasn't back by the seventh inning stretch, I went to go look for her. I notified the first security guard I saw & the crew joined in on the search. About 10 minutes later, someone called over the walkie-talkie that a girl had been found in a bathroom, & there she was." Olivet tried to hold back the tears, but it was no use. She collapsed on the nearest bench & began sobbing uncontrollably. "What am I going to do? I'm supposed to be looking out for her!"
Mike placed an arm around Olivet. "It's okay, Liz. We're on the case & we'll get to the bottom of this."
Lennie asked, "Have the doctors been out to talk to you?"
Liz nodded. "She's still in surgery." She regained her composure, stood up, & began to pace back & forth. Her professional demeanor returned. "They told me she has numerous internal injuries, but appears not to have any brain damage. They'll give me an update as soon as the surgery's complete."
"What can you tell us about her?" Mike asked.
Liz began thinking out loud. "Unfortunately, we haven't kept in very good touch. She's actually my stepsister. My father died when I was 2 & my mother remarried a couple of years later. I moved here to attend college & drifted away from them."
"Where did she move here from?" Lennie asked.
"Tulsa, Oklahoma," Olivet responded. "I haven't been to see her in several years. Toni's moving up here to go to college. She's going to live with me for a while." Just then, a figure in green scrubs exited the emergency wing & approached the trio.
"Dr. Olivet, I'm Dr. Fielding. I've been in with your sister."
"How is she, Doctor?"
"She's a fighter. We had to repair a lacerated kidney, remove her spleen, & put a splint on her left leg. She has several broken ribs, a concussion, & a fractured right arm."
"Can I see her?" Liz asked almost in a whisper.
"Only for a minute. Obviously, she needs her rest & doesn't need a lot of activity around her."
Liz nodded her consent. "I understand. Would it be all right if the two detectives come with me?"
"She's in no condition to answer any questions yet," Dr. Fielding huffed.
"I understand, but they'll be there as friends. I promise I won't let them tax her brain if she wakes up while we're in there," she managed a weak grin.
"All right, but there is one more thing; your sister was raped during the attack," Dr. Fielding said grimly. Liz was speechless; she turned to Lennie & Mike without saying a word.
"Don't worry, we'll get the son of a bitch," Mike said through gritted teeth. With that, Dr. Fielding motioned towards Toni's room & the group went on in. Liz breathed a sigh of relief as she approached the bed.
"Oh, thank God!" Liz said breathlessly. "She looks much better than what I'd imagined!" Liz leaned over kissed the bandaged forehead, & whispered, "I love you, Toni. It's going to be all right. I'm here now." The figure displayed in front of them had a splint on her left leg & one on her right wrist. She had bandages wrapped around her midsection & her forehead.
Mike cleared his throat. "Um, Liz, can I ask you something?" Liz nodded. "Why didn't you ever mention you had a sister?"
"I don't talk about my stepfamily much--bad blood, things like that." She choked up. "Could we talk about this some other time? Let's put our focus on getting Toni better & finding out who did this to her."
Lennie nodded & said, "We'll get started on the second part while you stay here with your sister. I hate to sound like a detective, but do you have a recent picture of Toni? You know, so we can show it around, see who might have seen her, things like that."
"I have one for you," Olivet replied. Shakily, she handed Lennie & Mike a photo. It showed 3 females dressed in formal attire. "This was taken last New Year's Eve. Toni's the one in the middle." She pointed to a voluptuous, full-figured, attractive female wearing a hunter green, knee length formal.
Mike shook his head, his brow furrowed. "I'm confused. I thought your sister was about 18 or 19. You said she was starting college."
Liz managed a wry grin. "She's a late bloomer. She turned 33 in March. She's finally decided what she wants to do with her life."
"Which is?" Briscoe asked.
"She wants to be a psychologist," Olivet said, "like her older sister." She looked down at the sleeping figure. "If you don't mind, I'll stay here & let you know when her condition changes & she's able to talk." Liz ended the conversation by sitting down in a chair next to the bed, clasping her sister's hand & bringing it to her chest.
**********
A few hours later, Liz woke up. She had fallen asleep on a makeshift bed of two chairs. She turned to look at her sister to find Toni staring back at her. "Hey, sleepyhead," the mummified figure moaned. "I was wondering if you were going to wake up, or if I was going to have to call security." She managed to show a little smirk.
Liz rushed to Toni's side. "Oh, Toni, I'm glad to see you awake. I was wondering if you would--"
"Shhh," Toni interrupted. "Don't think about it. I'm alive. Sore, but very much alive. What happened?"
"I'm not sure. You went to the concession stand & never came back," Liz replied while supressing tears. "Why don't I go call the investigators & you can tell them what you remember."
Toni shook her head. "Do you have to call anyone? I look awful." Liz smiled. "I think you look beautiful, Miss Antonia Bradley. The most beautiful sight I've seen in years." Toni chuckled. "Okay, call them. Do I have time to put on my makeup?"
"Don't worry, these two have seen worse sights than you," Liz responded. She reached over to the phone & called Mike. "Probably disturbed another moment of endless passion," she muttered. Liz began to reminisce about her relationship with Logan. It had started off as professional, he a detective, she the police psychologist. They had grown to become friends, if any female could become a friend with "Casanova", as Mike's former partner Max Greevey had liked to call him. He was distant, had a wall around him only few could penetrate. She knew going into the relationship that it wouldn't last, but it was what she needed at that period in her life. She shook her head. She knew she didn't love him, it was more of a "rebound" relationship. Abruptly, her thoughts were interrupted by two sets of footsteps coming down the hall. She'd recognize those sounds anywhere: the Logan swagger & the Briscoe shuffle. She heard a light tapping on the door. "Come on in, she's asleep again," Liz whispered.
"How is she?" Logan asked. "She's still got her sense of humor," Liz replied. "She wanted to know if she should put on her makeup." A noise came from the figure on the bed. "If you guys don't mind, could you move the party to the other room. I'm really not in the mood to dance right now."
"Detectives, meet my sister, Antonia Bradley." "Toni, to my friends. I hate Antonia--too formal," Toni groaned. "See what I mean? Toni, meet Detectives Lennie Briscoe & Mike Logan." The two men nodded to Toni. "I'm sorry that I'm not able to shake your hands at the moment," Toni said. She struggled to sit up, but was overtaken by immense pain shooting through her body. She fell back into the bed, moaning as her head hit the pillow. "That's all right, Toni, we understand," Briscoe said. "We just need to ask you a few questions. Can you tell us what happened?"
Toni nodded. "I'll tell you what I've remembered," she replied. As she began to talk, Logan took out a notepad & began scribbling notes. "As Liz has probably already told you, I went to the concession stand. I guess I got lost on the way & ended up in some part of the stadium that was being renovated. When I realized my screwup, I tried to get my bearings, but didn't have much luck. Up ahead, I saw a janitor come out of the restroom, so I asked him for directions." Toni halted to catch her breath. "I started to head back the way he pointed when, all of a sudden, this arm flew around my neck & dragged me into the bathroom." Toni shuddered as the memories came back. "I can still feel him smacking & kicking me. The last thing I can feel is my head hitting the sink. I don't remember anything else until waking up here in the hospital."
"Did you get a look at the janitor?" Mike asked. Toni thought for a moment. "He was white, about 5'11", 170-180 lbs., & was wearing a baseball cap. I remember thinking that was strange because it wasn't a Yankees cap, it was a Marlins cap. Because of that, I almost didn't ask him for help. I'm still fuming over the Marlines beating the Braves in the playoffs last season." Toni let out a little chuckle. "I guess I should have gone with my instincts, huh?"
Mike, Lennie & Liz exchanged glances while pausing to let Toni catch her breath. "Can you think of anything else?" Briscoe asked, but Toni had fallen back asleep. "Liz, she didn't mention being raped. I don't think she knows."
"I was afraid of that," Liz said. "She's been through so much, I hate drop that bombshell on her." Mike asked, "Is there anything you need for us to do, Doc?" She shook her head. "Just find the SOB." She turned back to Toni as tears filled her eyes. "You know, she may be 33, but she's such an innocent girl for 33. I wish there was a way to make this easier for her." Liz dropped her head & began to quietly sob.
**********
Briscoe & Logan headed to the precinct. Lennie shook his head in disgust. "I'd have a stroke if something like this happened to my daughter." Mike wasn't listening. "Why would someone attack her? Revenge on Olivet? Random attack? Someone follow her from Oklahoma?"
"Hey, Sherlock, what say we go interview some people before we jump to any conclusions?" "Fine, fine, just thinking out loud," Mike snapped back. "Excuse me for trying to solve a case." "A litle touchy today, aren't we, Mikey?" Lennie smirked while observing his younger, more impulsive partner. "Hey, this one hit a little close to home, okay?" Logan barked.
"I thought you two were through," Bricoe said. "We are," Mike replied. "We decided we were better suited as friends." He snickered. "You know what's funny, Len? She's the first 'girl' friend I think I've ever had. She knows more about me than I do, & I'm okay with that. I just hate to see her go through this again." He was referring to Liz's own rape by a gynecologist. About that time, Lennie pulled the car into the precinct parking lot. "Let's go see if anyone's got any leads," Briscoe said as he exited the car.
As the pair arrived at their desks, a curly, dark-haired man with a red & green sweater vest covering his slightly pudgy build was waiting on them. "What, no food, Profaci?" Logan smarted off.
"You just missed it," Tony Profaci answered. "Olga made chocolate chip cookies--from scratch, none of that mix stuff, either."
"Well, if they were anything like her brownies, I'm glad I missed them." "Hey, just because she accidentally picked up the salt instead of the sugar doesn't mean she can't cook," Profaci said. "Besides, I've got something better than cookies."
"Bagels?" Liennie piped up. "Nope. You got a phone call from the Yankees office--a Mr. Cassidy. Says he wants to talk to you about the Bradley case."
Mike looked at Lennie. "Why don't you take this one? I'm going to call the hospital & see how Toni's doing." Mike picked up the phone & dialed the hospital. "Hello? yes, I'd like Toni Bradley's room, please. No, don't put me on hold, just transfer me. No, last I knew she was in emergency." Click went the phone. "Do they hire total idiots to answer the phones?" Mike muttered. "Hello? This is Detective Michael Logan with the New York City Police Department," he said through tightly gritted teeth. "I'm trying to reach Toni--Antonia Bradley's--room. Thank you." He put his hand over the receiver & sighed. "Finally. Apparently she's been transferred to a private--Liz? It's Mike. How is she? Still sleeping. That's probably best. Anything I can do? OK, I'll be over after my shift. You get some rest." Mike hung up the phone & shook his head.
"How is the kid?" Briscoe asked. "They've moved her to a private room. She's still sleeping, but doing a lot of tossing & turning. I thought I'd go over after the shift. You wanna ride along?" "Nah, I've got a date with a pool cue."
"What's her name?"
"Very funny, Mikey." "Well, I figure there's always hope." Mike gave his usual smirk. "Tell you what, Mikey, my boy. I'll get me a girl when you get one & keep her longer than 3 months." "Ha, ha, Lennie. By the way, what did Mr. Cassidy have to say?"
"He offered us any help we needed. He's going to get us a list of all the employees. I asked if anyone fit the description Toni gave us. He didn't think so, but he'd check. I told him we'd be by tomorrow to pick up the list." Briscoe glanced at his watched. "Well, it's about quitting time. I hear the pool tables calling my name. Catch you later, partner. Pass along my best wishes, would ya?" "Will do. See ya tomorrow, Lennie." Mike grabbed his leather coat, flung it over his shoulder & strolled out the door.
As Mike arrived at the hospital, Liz was just leaving. She yawned as she greeted him. "I thought I'd go on home. She's stable for now, still tossing & turning, though. My guess is she's probably reliving the incident in her subconscious. I just wish there was something more I could do."
"She knows you're here. I'm sure that means a lot to her. Mind if I go see her?" "Not at all. She'll probably welcome a different face when she wakes up. Of course, she'll be upset I didn't warn her & give her a chance to fix herself up." Liz gave a wry grin. "She always wants to be prepared in case Mr. Right appears."
Mike nodded. "Sounds like my sister. She was the same way, always hated it if one of my friends showed up & she wasn't all decked out, trying to look like a cover girl. Of course, since my friends didn't come over that often, that didn't happen very much. Anyway, what room is she in?"
"They moved her to 2284. I let the staff know you & Lennie might be dropping by." Liz paused. "Mike, I just want to thank you & Lennie for taking the case. I really appreciate it." "Anything for a friend, Liz. I mean that."
"I know. Like I said, I appreciate it. Toni deserves the best, & that's you & Lennie, the best cops I know." "No problem, Liz. That's what we're here for." With that, Mike walked down the hall to the elevators.
As he opened the door to Toni's room, she stirred. "Beth?" she mumbled. "Nope, Mike Logan. Remember me?" Toni rolled over to face him. "Uh, yeah, I think so. You're the guy with the leather jacket & plaid tie, right?" Mike grinned. "Ever thought of becoming a detective?" Toni returned his smile, growing more alert. "Actually, yes. When I was in the 5th grade, I wanted to grow up & be Nancy Drew."
Mike laughed. "I wanted to be Mickey Mantle."
"A Yankee? No way! Now, Ernie Banks or Nolan Ryan, that's a different story."
"Whoa! A woman who knows baseball! You're okay, even if you don't like the Yankees."
"Gee, I'm glad I get the Mike Logan seal of approval. Now I know I'll be okay in the big city." Toni grimaced as pain slashed across her abdomen. "You okay?" A concerned look crossed Mike's face. "Just some pain. Nothing a little time won't heal."
"I hate to bring this up, but have you been able to remember anything else about the attack?" Mike took out his notebook. "No, just what I told you earlier. I'm sorry, I wish I could help you more. Do you think we could talk about something else, or is that not allowed?" Toni joked. "Sure we can. Tell me about Oklahoma."
"It's definitely different than New York. Tulsa is cosmopolitan in its own way. It has lots of activities: the ballet, the Philharmonic, several theatrical groups, a zoo, museums, the Opera, etc. We also have a minor league baseball team, a minor league hockey team & a soccer team. However, it does lack for nightlife. The city seems to shut down after midnight, which leaves nothing for us night owls to do."
"You're a night owl?"
"Yea, have been as long as I can remember. I'd rather stay up all night & sleep during the day, but I compromise. I work during the day & stay up most of the night, get about 4 hours of sleep, then crash on weekends."
"I know the routine," Mike said. "So, Liz said you're going into psychology." Toni nodded. "I finally decided what I wanted to do with my life. I guess it's about time. When did you decide you wanted to be a detective?" Mike thought about it for a moment. "I guess I always knew--it's in my blood. My dad was a beat cop, so I wanted to be a cop, too." Toni shook her head. "I knew I didn't want to follow in my mom's footsteps. She was a housewife before she left. I guess I want something more out of my life."
"Don't you want to get married & have kids?"
"Sure, but I also want a career. I think that's what drove my mom crazy. My dad didn't want her to do anything but sit at home & wait on him hand & foot, like she was a slave or something. When I get married, it's going to be an equal partnership--share & share alike." Toni paused. "I'm sorry, Mike--can I call you Mike?" He nodded yes. "I hardly know you & here I am pouring my guts out."
"It's okay, Toni. I'm glad I'm getting to know you better. Like I said before, you're an okay lady."
"You're not so bad yourself, Mike. I'm just sorry our first meeting couldn't have been under better circumstances & that I don't look like myself. I'm usually quite cute, if I do say so myself." Toni let out a small giggle. Mike laughed. "Tell you what--I'll make you a deal. As soon as you're able, I'll show you what the nightlife's like here in New York City."
"Deal," Toni said as she lifted up her left arm. "Let's shake on it." Mike took Toni's hand & they agreed. "Well, isn't this a cozy scene?" A gravelly voice came through the door. Mike looked up to see Lennie standing in the doorway. "Hey, Lennie, come on in. We waited to start the party 'til you got here."
"Actually," Toni said, "I just beat Mike at arm wrestling."
"Well, it's good to see you're recovering nicely," Lennie replied. "Yea," Toni grinned wryly. "I think the only parts of me that don't hurt are my left arm & my big toe. I feel like I went 10 rounds with Evander Holyfield &--ohhh!" Toni grabbed her abdomen & tried to double over. "Damn! I wish I wasn't such a wimp!"
"It's okay to hurt, Toni. You're allowed," Lennie said. An air of silence hung over the room. Finally, Lennie broke the tension. "Uh, Toni, we'd better be going & let you get some rest." Toni was gasping & tried to talk, but couldn't say anything. "Hey, sport, I'll drop in on you later, okay?" Mike said. All Toni could do was nod. With that, the pair exited her room & headed to their respective cars--Mike to his 1965 candy apple red Mustang & Lennie to his 1984 dusky gray Pontiac Bonneville.
**********
Mike & Lennie spent the next couple of weeks trying to gather any additional leads on Toni's attacker, but to no avail. None of the janitorial staff resembled the description she'd provided. However, a man by the name of Mark Porter had recently been terminated for assaulting a fellow employee. Although he didn't fit Toni's description, the guys thought it might be worth their while to check him out. They got the address & drove to his apartment. Mike knocked on the door. "Who is it?" A slightly effeminate voice called. "Police. We need to ask you a few questions." They heard the tumble of the deadbolts & the door opened. Mike did his best not to break out in a fit of laughter at the sight standing before them. A tall, thin figure wearing a flowery robe & holding a matching oven mitt in one hand & a spatula in the other answered the door. "What can I do for you?" He asked. Lennie elbowed Mike in the ribs. "Are you Mark Porter?" The man nodded. "I'm Detective Briscoe & this is Detective Logan. We need to ask you a few questions about an attack that occurred at Yankee Stadium."
"Well, y'all come right on in & make yourselves comfortable," he grinned. Mike looked at Lennie & rolled his eyes. "Let me just go put my--utensils--up," Mr. Potter said while shooting a mischievous look. All Mike could do was shake his head while Lennie held back a grin. Mark sashayed back into the room. "Now, y'all said something about an attack at Yankee Stadium? I'm so sorry to hear that. I hope it wasn't anyone I know."
"Here's a picture. Do you recognize any of these girls?" Mike handed her the picture of Toni & her friends. Mark looked at it & thought for a moment. "No, they're not *my* kind of people. What happened, if I might ask?"
"A few weeks ago someone attacked her." Mike pointed to Toni. "We found out you used to work at Yankee Stadium."
"Yes, but so did a lot of other people," he said sweetly. "But *they* didn't get fired for assault," Bricoe shot back. "Oh, that. Just a little--personality conflict, shall we say?"
"Whatever." Mike was quickly tiring of this. "Do you happen to know anyone 5'10", 170-180 lbs., blonde hair?" Mark gasped. "Why, yes. That sounds like a--friend of mine, Bobby Franco." Mike leaned forward. "Do you know if he ever lived in Oklahoma?" Mark nodded his head. "Yes, for about 4 years." Lennie spoke up. "Do you know where we could find him?"
"Last I knew, he was living upstate, around Syracuse. I haven't seem him in a couple of months. I have his address around here somewhere, I think." Mike sighed. "Could you get it, please, if it's not too much trouble?" Mark rose from his chair. "But, of course, Detective. *Nothing* would be too much trouble for you." He went into the other room. "What a character!" Mike whispered. Lennie grinned & added, "I think he likes you, Mikey."
"God help me," Logan muttered. Just then, Mark reentered. "Here it is, Detectives. If there's anything else I can do, please don't hesitate to call." With that, Lennie & Mike got up & Mark escorted them to the door. "It's been a pleasure, gentlemen." The pair bit their lips as the exited the apartment. Once they got to the car, Lennie let out a roaring guffaw. "Mikey, I wish you could have seen your face. I don't think I'll ever forget that."
"I just have one question, Lennie. Do you think he made the robe himself?" Mike laughed. The two men got into the car & went back to the precinct.
**********
Liz sat in her office trying to figure out how to break the news to Toni about the rape. " What would I do if she were a patient?" Liz thought to herself. "I've got to tell her. She needs to hear it from me, not from some stranger." Liz shook her head. She suspected how much Toni had already been through in her life & just prayed Toni would be strong enough to handle another shock. She glanced at her watch. "Melissa, please reschedule my afternoon appointments. I'll be at the hospital with my sister." She took a deep breath, then slowly exhaled as she made the short trek to the hospital.
As she entered Toni's wing, the physical therapist was just leaving. "How is she doing, Renee?
"Pretty good, Dr. Olivet. The doctors took her leg out of traction today. She's able to sit up for longer stretches of time."
"That's great news. Thanks, Renee." Liz went into the room. "Hi, Toni, how did the physical therapy session go?" Toni took a few labored breaths before answering. "Well, I still hurt a heck of a lot, but my leg's out of traction." Liz noticed Toni looked confused. "Is there something else bothering you?" Toni looked up at Liz. "Yes, in fact, I'm glad you're here." Toni paused for a moment, then with a slight hesitation in her voice, continued. "I've been remembering more about the attack." Tears filled her blue eyes. "Liz, I was raped! That SOB raped me! How could anyone do that? I mean, not only did my outsides get violated, but so did my insides!" Liz went to her sister's side. "I know just how you feel. I was raped a few years ago, & I went through the same emotions you're going through right now. Believe me, Toni, everything you're going through is entirely justified; the pain, the hurt, the mistrust, the anger--you have every right to feel the way you do."
Toni nodded & through the tears & responded. "You know something? I think I've known from the beginning that I was raped. I just didn't want to face it & deal with it. So, I guess this is progress, then."
"This is progress, Toni," Liz replied. "If you want to talk any more, just let me know. If you don't feel comfortable talking to me, I can call a good friend of mine, Olga Stewart. She's a great sounding board."
"I'd like that."
**********
Mike & Lennie were sitting in Yung Foo's, having their usual--Mike, broccoli chicken & Lennie, shrimp lo mein. "What do you think of Toni, Liz's sister?" Lennie took a drink of water. "You mean her case or her personally?"
"Her personally," Mike said as he gulped his iced tea. (side note--that's for you, Olga & Bren!) Lennie thought for a moment. "She's an okay kid. Why?"
"No reason. She intrigues me, that's all." A look of mock shock crossed Lennie's face. "Intrigues? I don't think I've ever heard you say that about a woman. Usually, you just make some comment about body parts."
"Cute, Len. Toni's different, though. It's hard to explain. I can't quite put my finger on it, but when she's looking at me, it's like she can see right through me." Lennie nodded. "I felt that way about someone once. No, twice."
"Lay off the joking, would you? I'm serious."
"So am I, Mike."
"Toni's not like any other woman I've met. She's not a--"
"Trophy or an airhead?" Lennie interjected. "Exactly. I mean, she's got inner beauty which makes her all the more attractive."
"Mikey, my friend, I don't think I've ever seen you this philosophical about a woman, not even Liz."
"I know, & it's scary. I think Toni & I are a lot alike. I've had some chances to talk to her & she's really a fascinating woman. But, there's something else there."
"Like what?" Sounds like Mikey, Lennie said to himself. He's hiding a lot of crap, as well. "I don't know, Len. I figure if she wants me to know, she'll tell me. Of course, it'll drive me crazy until then."
"That's why women are on this earth--to drive men crazy." Just then, Logan's beeper went off. He went to the phone, called the number & came back to the table. "Van Buren. Says there's someone who's got information on the Leslie case." The detectives paid the bill & headed back to the precinct.
********** Toni liked Olga from the start. The tall, ginger-haired beauty had the ability to make everyone around her smile, which was what Toni needed. "You know what scares me? I mean, really scares me? I don't think any man is ever going to want me now. I mean, please, I'm damaged goods. What guy in his right mind would ever want to have to deal with that?" Olga shook her head & place a strong hand on Toni's shoulder. "You stop that right now, young lady! That's not even worth giving a second thought. Any man would be lucky to be with you, & don't you forget it. We all enter into relationships with some sort of baggage. I just think of life as a trip & we're all looking for the person holding our baggage claim" Toni giggled. "Now, that's a new way to think about it. Thanks, Olga. Thanks for being here."
"It's all right. I'm glad I'm able to help. I guess listening to Tony--Tony Profaci, my boyfriend--talk about his cases has given me a unique insight to things. I just try to help others look at events in a new light without trivializing them."
"And you do a very fine job of it, Miss Olga Stewart. I'm glad we met. I just wish it could have been under better circumstances. I can always use a friend here in NYC." Olga flashed a dazzling smile at Toni. "You do have other friends. Don't forget Mike & Lennie." Toni blushed. "Who could forget those two?"
"Now, you remember what I said. Any man would be lucky to have you. Hey, you never know--Mr. Right could be waiting right around the corner." Just then, Mike waltzed into the room & both girls broke out laughing. "Do I dare ask why you're laughing, ladies? On second thought, it's probably a woman thing & I don't even want to go there."
"You're right, Mikey. You're better off not knowing. You know how secretive we women can be," Olga teased. "Ain't it the truth!" Mike focused his big hazel eyes on Toni. "And how's our patient today?" Toni sipped her iced tea. "As well as can be expected. I've got some new information for you." Olga started to get up, but Toni motioned her to sit back down. "No, I'd feel better if you stay." As she struggled to sit up in bed, Toni looked at Mike. "I was--" she gulped "raped." Mike didn't look surprised. "I knew. they told us when you were brought in. We've got some leads on the jerk. Do you know a Bobby Franco?"
"Yeah, he was a friend of mine in Tulsa. Why? I haven't seen him in a couple of years."
"His name has popped up & we're just checking out every lead." Olga jumped up out of the chair. "That's my cue to leave. I get enough shoptalk at home. I'll see you later, Toni." She gave Mike a quick peck on the cheek & made her exit. "She's quite a girl. I like her." Toni said after Olga left. Mike sat down in the chair Olga had vacated. "Yea, she is. Profaci got really lucky with her. Now if she can just learn how to cook. You should taste her brownies." Mike chuckled to himself just thinking about that cooking disaster. "Well, if you care, I make a darn good batch of brownies. I'm also pretty good with chicken & roast, if you ask me." Toni thought for a moment then said to herself, to heck with it, what have I got to lose? "Tell you what, in return for showing me the city nightlife, I'll cook you dinner."
"You're on," Mike said. "Didn't I walk in on this before?" Lennie quipped as he came into the room. "Ha, ha, Len. Very funny." Mike flashed Toni a grin. "You know, I'm never gonna make any progress if you don't stop interrupting." Toni turned her head so Mike & Lennie couldn't see her blushing like a schoolgirl. She forced herself to face reality. No way...he's more the tall, leggy, blonde type; not the 'egg on stilts' look... "Earth calling Toni, come in, Toni," Mike was shaking Toni. "What? Huh? Oh, sorry guys," she said, "didn't mean to zone out."
"It's all right, we understand. We'd better get going, anyway. We've got to at least attempt to get some work done today. See ya later, kiddo. Come on, Mikey," Lennie said as he left. "Be right there, Len." Mike arose from the chair & approached Toni. "If you need anything, just let me know. You've got my phone number, right?" Toni nodded. "Really, call me if you need anything, okay?" He leaned over, turned Toni's head toward him, placed his full lips on Toni's rounded cheek, gave her a soft, delicate kiss, then left. Toni could do nothing but stare into space. "Where did that come from?" She wondered as her gaze settled on the chair where Mike had been sitting moments before. "There's no way he could be interested in me. I'm sure it was just a friendly peck...yeah, that's it. I mean, he is a friend, right?" Toni rolled over, put her hand where Mike's mouth had brushed her cheek, & fell asleep.
**********
The following morning, Dr. Fielding gave her the good news. He was releasing her tomorrow. "I'm satisfied with the progress you've made, Toni. You're doing well enough to continue your recovery at home. There are some restrictions, however," he added. "Let me guess--no dance marathons & no heavy lifting?" She smirked. "Very funny. Do you have any questions?" Toni thought for a moment, then nodded. "My stomach's upset all the time. Is there anything I can do?"
"Just take the usual antacids. The nausea should go away soon."
"Thanks for everything, Dr. Fielding. I wouldn't have made it this far without the help of you & your great staff." The doctor smiled down at Toni. "It was a pleasure meeting you, Toni. I'm just sorry it had to be under these circumstances." His pager went off. "That would be my office. I probably won't see you again before you leave, so let me wish you all the best now."
"Thanks, Dr. Fielding. "I can't believe I actually get to leave here. I've almost forgotten what the outside world looks like," On that note, the doctor left. "Isn't that great, Toni?" Olga said. "I'm planning a welcome home dinner at our place. Don't worry, though, it's just going to be a few people: Profaci & me, of course, Lennie, Liz, you & Mike." Olga glanced over at Toni. "What's wrong? You're crying." Toni sniffed & looked at Olga. "Do me a favor & promise you won't tell anyone?" Olga shook her head. "The doctor gave me some news before you got here. Olga--" she choked up ''--I'm--pregnant."
"Are they sure?" Olga couldn't believe what she was hearing. Toni nervously shook her head. "I'm about 4-6 weeks pregnant." Olga's jaw dropped. "You mean--?" Toni shook her head. "Exactly. I got pregnant when I was attacked. It had to be then. I'd never--" She began sobbing into her pillow. "Oh, Toni...I don't know what to say. I'm so sorry. What can I do?"
"I don't know. Since the doctor told me this morning, I've been in shock. I don't have the faintest idea what to do. The only thing I know is that I'm going to have a baby. I'm not ready. I can't afford a baby; heck, I have trouble enough affording me. I do know I'm not getting rid of the baby. I don't believe in that. Other than that, I don't have a clue." Toni stared into space. "Have you told anyone else?"
"No, you're the only one. I'll tell Liz when she gets here later."
"What about Mike?"
"What about him? God, I can't tell him I'm pregnant. Sure, he's a friend & all, but I can't dump that on him. It's my problem, not his."
"Missy," Olga said sternly, "you need to have more faith in people, especially Mikey. Underneath that macho man exterior beats a heart of gold. He sticks by his friends, no matter what. Yes, he is a ladies' man, but that's only because he won't let his guard down. I'm going to let you in on a little secret. You have been on his mind--a lot. Profaci says Logan's preoccupied with you." Toni was stunned. "Me? Why? I'm not drop dead gorgeous." Olga bit her bottom lip & impatiently tapped her fingers on the bedside table. "What have I been telling you ever since I've known you? You have an inner beauty that shines through. True, you may not have an hourglass figure or 36-24-36 measurments, but that doesn't mean you're not beautiful. Any guy who can't see your beauty doesn't deserve you in the first place. If you don't start believing that, I'm just going to have to smack you upside the head & knock some sense into you."
"Okay, okay, I believe you. I'll tell him. Besides, I guess I need all the friends I can get now."
"Are you decent in there, & if you're not, I'm coming in anyway," a husky voice joked. "Come on in, Mike," Toni said. "Do you want me to leave or stay?" Olga whispered. Toni squeezed her hand. "Stay, please," Toni begged, as her crystal blue eyes became watery. Olga nodded & moved to the other side of the bed. "Am I intruding on another sacred female ceremony?" Mike said as he plunked down in a chair. Toni gathered up her courage, took a deep breath & plunged ahead. "Mike," she said with a serious look on her face, "there's something I have to tell you. Please don't think any less of me after you hear what I have to say." Mike's smirk turned serious & his dimples disappeared. "You remember I told you I was raped during the attack? Well, the doctor informed me this morning that--" she inhaled & said in a barely audible voice, "--thanks to the rape, I'm pregnant." Mike's muscular body shot out of the chair, his face crimson red with anger. "I'll kill him, I'll kill the son of a bitch, & then I'll get mad." Toni shrunk back into her pillow. She had never seen this side of him before, & it frightenend her, but Olga had seen this before, when Max was killed. "Michael David Logan, you'll do no such thing!" Olga matched his intensity. "Right now, we have to think of Toni. We need to be here for her, not off on a witch-hunt. I realize you have a job to do, but keep your anger under control. If you don't watch it, that hair-trigger temper will get you into trouble someday."
Mike huffed & began pacing around the room, seething with anger. As he paced, Toni's eyes followed him. "Mike, don't worry. I can handle this. I've handled what been thrown at me before, & I'll handle this. Just please, please, be my friend. More than anything, what I need is your friendship & support. Now, please, calm down. You're scaring me." That stopped Logan in his tracks. He was both flattered & flabbergasted. No woman had ever asked him to be their friend. He didn't know what to say, so he started twirling his academy ring. "I don't believe it," Olga piped up. "The great Michael Logan is speechless. Write this date down on your calendar."
"Well, Mr. Logan?" Toni asked. "Well, what, Miss Bradley?" Mike shot back. "Are you or are you not going to stay my friend?"
"Babe, I'm like a bad penny--you couldn't get rid of me if you tried." Mike was even more confused. He had never met a female who could match wits with him; which, of course, made her all the more attractive in his eyes.
It had been 2 months since Toni was released from the hospital. She had regained full use of her leg & arm & was soon going to start looking for a job. Truth be told, she was coping as well as could be expected. Since she had moved in with Liz, she didn't have to worry about finding a place to live. Her core group of friends were always stopping by--Olga & Profaci, Lennie & Gwenn, who was his latest girlfriend, & of course, Mike. She still thought it odd that Logan never mentioned going out on dates. Olga, however, had confided to Toni that Mike was spending every waking moment on her case; that is, when he wasn't visiting Toni, which was every couple of days. Toni was up & around, doing "busywork"--dusting, vacuuming, etc. She was so tired of being tied to this house. "There's a whole world out there & I can't get to it." She was so frustrated. "Oh, no," she said through gritted teeth as she made her way to the bathroom, "time for my hourly trip to the toilet." But this felt different. Waves of cramps overcame her as she fell to the hardwood floor. "Oh, my God, no!" Toni shrieked. She looked & saw blood running down her legs. "I've--gotta get--phone," she said haltingly. She somehow dragged herself to the foyer phone & just as she clasped the receiver in her hand, she passed out.
About 10 minutes laer, there was a knock at the door. "Toni, it's Mike. Can I come in?" No answer. "Hmmm, that's strange. I got a bad feeling about this." He pounded on the door. "Toni, can you hear me?" This is too weird, he thought. He threw down the Star Wars Trilogy videos & the Chinese food he was holding & drew his gun. "Police! I'm coming in!" He threw his shoulder into the door & was aghast at the scene in front of him. "Oh, damn!" What he saw horrified him. Toni had collapsed in a crumpled heap onto the foyer floor. She was lying in a pool of crimson stain. Mike grabbed the phone & called 911, then Lennie. He proceeded through the condo, looking for a burglar & finding none, returned to the entryway just as the paramedics hit the door, with Lennie close on their heels.
"What hapened, Mikey?" Lennie said with a concerned look on his face. "I don't know. I knocked on the door, no one answered, so I broke it open & found her there." He pointed down to Toni, whom the paramedics were working on. "Friend of yours?" One of the EMT's asked. "Yeah. What happened to her?" Logan knelt down beside Toni's body. "Looks like she hemorrhaged," the other EMT replied. "What about the baby?" Mike almost shouted. One of the EMT's looked up. "Doesn't look like the baby made it." Mike was stunned. "Damn it all to hell!" He screamed. "Hasn't she been through enough?" He turned to look at Lennie. "Why?!" Lennie shook his head. "Don't know, partner. That's for the doctor to answer. Let's let the guys get her to the hospital & get her checked out, OK? You go on ahead & I'll wait here for Liz." Mike nodded.
Shortly after Mike & the ambulance left, Liz arrived home from the office. She walked in & was surprised to see Lennie. "What's wrong, Lennie?" She glanced around the room. "Where's Toni?" Lennie grabbed Liz's shoulders & sat her in a chair. "Liz, something happened. We don't know what. Apparently, Toni had some sort of accident &--Liz, I'm sorry. She lost the baby." Liz leaped up out of the chair & dashed toward the door. "Whoa, hold on, Liz. We'll take my car." She grabbed her purse, they went down to his car, & they dashed to the hospital.
Mike was perched on the edge of a bench with his head in his hands when Liz & Lennie rushed in. "How is she, Mike?" Liz said with tear-filled eyes. He looked up at the pair. "She's calmer now. They've given her a sedative."
"I'm going in to see her," Liz said. "What did they say happened to her?" Lennie asked in a conerned voice. Mike tried not to choke on his words. "Best they can figure is, she just started bleeding & the--" Mike swallowed, then continued, "--baby didn't make it." Mike shook his head. "Damn it! I should have been there!"
"And what could you have done, Mike?"
"I don't know, Lennie. I could have stopped it, somehow."
"Mike, there's something you've gotta learn. You can't control every situation. Some things are out of your hands, & there's nothing you can do about it." The door to Toni's room opened & Liz poked her head out. "Lennie, Mike, you can come in now. She's asking for you." The men entered the room. Toni's face was extremely pale & her eyes were red & puffy. "How are you feeling, kiddo?" Lennie asked in a fatherly voice. "I've felt better," Toni replied flatly. Lennie approached her & clasped her hand. "If there's anything we can do for you, don't be afraid to ask." Toni looked up at them & said, "Just bring me lots of Kleenex. I'm going to be doing a lot of crying." She looked over at Mike who was leaning against the wall. "Mike, can I talk to you, alone, please?" She glanced at Liz & Lennie, who took the cue & left.
Toni took a deep breath. "Michael Logan, I just want to say thank you for saving my life." Mike started to say something, but Toni interrupted him. "No, wait, let me finish. It's not easy for me to depend on & trust in other people. These past months I've learned, however, that there are good guys in this world, & you & Lennie are two of the best. Don't hold yourself responsible for this accident. It's not your fault. Do you hear me? It's not your fault! If anyone's responsible, it's me." Toni, having spent her energy on the tirade, began to cry. Mike came over to the bed, sat down next to Toni, took her in his arms, held her against his chest, & softly stroked her light brown hair. "I'm falling in love with her," he realized. I may have thought I was in love before, but I've never felt like this. All I know is I want to spend the rest of my life protecting this woman." He looked down lovingly at Toni, who had dozed off. "She's such a fighter, yet so vulnerable. I don't deserve someone like her. Look at her, she's so innocent." He brought her face up to his & brought his full lips toward her small mouth. As he started to kiss her, she sleepily opened her eyes & mumbled, "Hey, Casanova, think you could wait until I'm awake so I can fully enjoy our first kiss?" She reached up & placed a finger over his lips. "Really, I mean that, okay? Just hold me. I'm so scared, Mikey. Please hold me." She began to sob again.
"You've got it, babe. I'm not moving."
"Mike?"
"Hmmm?"
"Do me another favor, would you? Don't call me babe."
"Well, Toni, what would you like for me to call you?" She thought for a moment, then it came to her. "How about cubbie?"
"Cubbie? You're not a bear, Toni."
"I know, but I'm a huge Chicago Cubs fan; so, I'm a cubbie." A thought came to Mike & he suddenly burst out in song. "Baby, let me be, your loving teddy bear..." His upper lip began to quiver. Toni groaned. "That has to be the worst Elvis impersonation I've ever seen. Don't quit your day job, bucko."
"Bucko & cubbie, sounds like a vaudeville team."
"On that note," Toni smirked, "say goodnight, cubbie."
"Good night, cubbie," Mike grinned. Toni laid her head on Mike's shoulder & fell asleep. Mike, true to his word, didn't move & they stayed that way until the nurse woke them up on her morning rounds.
**********
"Well, nice of you to grace us with your presence, Mikey." Tony Profaci remarked while spreading pineapple cream cheese on his toasted bagel. Mike looked at Profaci & shot back, "Hey, Profaci, go stick your head in the microwave, would ya?" He strolled over to his desk. Lennie was sitting at his desk looking through some files. "How's Toni?"
"She's doing okay. Liz is taking her home today." Mike looked around. "What's on the agenda for today?"
"Just getting the files on the Dobson & Phillips cases organized, why?"
"Can you handle it by yourself for a bit?" Lennie looked puzzled, but nodded. "I've gotta go talk to Phil about some things during lunch." Phil Ceretta was Mike's partner after Max died. He was shot in the line of duty & had taken an administrative job at the 110th. Mike had always affectionately called him "Big Daddy." If Mike could have handpicked a father, he would have chosen Phil. He knew that Phil would be able to listen to his ramblings without making any rash judgments. He picked up the phone & dialed the 110th. "Hey, Big Daddy, how ya doing? Me?" He hesitated. "Could be better, I guess. Look, got any plans for lunch today? How about meeting at Molinari's at, say, 11:00? Great, see ya then." The morning passed without incident. About 10:45 Mike glanced across the desk at Lennie. "You sure you can handle things?" Lennie smirked. "I think I can hold down the fort. If not, I'll just grab Profaci before he makes another food run."
"Thanks, Len. I owe ya."
"Right. I'll take a number & stand in line." Lennie laughed & went back to typing his report. When Mike arrived at Molinari's, Phil was waiting for him. When Mike got to the table, Phil stood up & gave him a fatherly hug. "Mikey, good to see you. How are things going with your new partner?"
"Well, he hasn't been shot & I haven't had to kill him, so I guess you could say things are okay. How's your job going?"
"Too exciting for you to imagine. Shuffling papers, assigning duties, blah, blah, blah. But I do get to have lunch with my lovely wife Elaine on a regular basis, & it sure is nice to go home at a normal time & have a set routine. You know, home by 6, dinner at 7, time with the girls & no late night phone calls." The waiter appeared & took their order. When he left, Phil clasped his hands & leaned across the table. "But this isn't about me. What's up?"
"Promise not to laugh?"
"If I laugh, may I never be able to eat Italian food again."
"Funny, Phil." Mike thought about what he wanted to say. "Phil, I've met a girl, but she's not just any girl. To start off with, she's Liz's younger stepsister."
"Go ahead." Mike waited until their drinks had been served, then continued. "I think I'm falling in love with her. I guess I should give you a little background. You remember the girl they found at Yankee Stadium? That's Toni. She's like no other woman I've met before. She's funny, witty, intelligent, beautiful & doesn't take any crap off of anybody." Phil smiled. "You mean, she puts you in her place."
"Yeah, I guess that's it."
"Sounds like a pretty special lady." Their food arrived & they dug in. "She has your number, Mikey."
"That's what I'm scared of, Phil. You know I haven't let myself get close to anyone. Toni saw right through me before I even knew it. I only met her a few months ago, but I feel like I've known her a lifetime."
"I know exatcly what you're going through, Mike. I felt exactly the same way when I met Elaine 25 years ago. Boy, did she throw me for a loop!" Phil shook his head as he remembered back to that time. He brought his attention back to Mike. "Of course, I wasn't quite the ladies' man that you are, my friend." His tone became serious. "Mike, let's be honest. I know about you & your childhood." You don't know the half of it, Phil, Mike thought to himself. "It's obviously been a long time since you shared anything with anyone. I hate to say it, but if you continue on this path, you're going to end up a lonely man, looking back on your life, wondering what might have been." Phil looked at Mike. "You know you need to hear this, so don't shut me out. It sounds like you have a good thing going with Toni, but you need to take things slow. I know that'll be hard for you, but trust me--the best things are worth waiting for." Phil paused to let that settle in, then continued. "That means, Michael, don't be your usual self. Don't--I repeat--don't jump into bed with her. Take it slow, please. Let her set the pace, for your sake & hers." The two men sat in silence as they finished their meal. After a time, Phil looked at his watch. "Well, Mike, I hate to do this, but it's time for me to go back to the office." Mike got up from the table. "Phil, thanks a lot. I guess I need someone to knock some sense into this thick Irish skull every so often."
"That's what I'm here for, my boy. They don't call me 'Big Daddy' for nothing." Phil laid some money down on the table. "Don't worry about lunch--my treat." He gave Mike another fatherly bear hug & the two men left the restaurant. Mike went to the nearest phone & called to check in. "Lennie? How's it going? Yeah, I'm done. Okay, I'll be there in about 15 minutes." Upon returning to the station, Mike found Liz waiting for him. "Liz, what's wrong?"
"Don't panic, Mike, it's nothing serious. I just need to ask a favor."
"Sure. Let's go in here & talk." He directed her to an empty interrogation room & they sat down. "What can I do for you?"
"I've been callled in on a case in Albany & I hate for Toni to be by herself this weekend. Is there any way you could stay with her?" Mike didn't hesitate. "Of course I can, Doc. You don't have to ask me twice." Mike looked at Liz. "Anything else I can do for you?" Hesitantly, Liz replied. "Yes, Mike, there is. I know you, Mike. Just do one more thing for me--don't screw around with Toni. She doesn't need anyone else backing out on her, playing with her emotions. She's been searching for someone to depend on, someone who'll be there for her & someone that she can be there for." If anyone else would have said that, he would have punched them, but coming from Liz, he took it for what it was--a friendly warning. "Liz, I know you may not believe this, but I'm falling in love with your sister." Liz raised a hand in protest. "No, wait, let me finish. I had a nice long talk with Phil, used him as a sounding board. He told me the same thing--take it slow, let her set the pace. Hell, I haven't even told Toni yet. I didn't want to scare her away. I know this is sudden & you may not believe me, but this is what I feel in my heart--& how many times have you heard me say that?" Mike flashed a sincere grin & Liz could see a sparkle in his hazel eyes she'd never seen before. That settled it. Liz knew she could trust Mike with her sister's heart. "Ok, Mike, it's a deal. I believe you. Just please, please, be careful with her. Toni's strong-willed, but she's in a fragile state right now. What she needs more than anything from you is your friendship." Mike stood up. "I know, & I plan on being there for the long haul. I'll do my best not to check out."
"That's all I can ask, Mike," Liz said as she rose from her chair. "By the way, in case I haven't said it yet, thanks for all your help. You, Lennie & Olga have been godsends. I'm trying to give her room to sort all of this out. I'm glad she has a good set of friends she can rely on." The two shook hands & exited the room. Mike ran a hand through his thick raven brown hair as he thought about what he just told Liz. "I guess I must really be in love. I've never shared that much before." He shook his head & started towards his desk. He made it about halfway when someone ran into him. "Whoa!" He exclaimed as he looked to see who it was. He looked down to see a head of long, flowing, honey blonde hair. "Excuse yourself, big guy. A girl could get into a lot of trouble around here." She looked up & realized who she had bumped into. "Detective Mike Logan, right?" She asked. "Do I know you?" Mike asked with a puzzled look on his face. "You don't remember me, do you?" Mike shook his head. "I'm Penelope Graham, Zelda's granddaughter." She stuck out her hand & Mike shook it. "I've been assigned here, detective, first class."
"How is Zelda, anyway?" Mike asked. He was fond of the old lady he'd met during a case. She reminded him of what a grandmother should be; nothing like his family, of course. At times he wondered if any of his family was normal. "She's doing okay. I tried to get her to move in with me, but she didn't want to leave her people, said they wouldn't be able to make it without her. And you know what? She's probably right." She let out a whistle. "Hey, who's this good-looking guy I see headed my way? Well, Detective Lennie Briscoe, as I live & breathe!" Lennie stopped in his tracks. "Well, if it isn't the grande dame herself, Penny Graham!" He handed her the coffee cup he was carrying. "How's things?" Mike looked puzzled. Lennie saw the look & replied, "Penny & I hang out at the same pool hall. Pretty good little pool player, if you ask me."
"That's Ms. Hustler to you, Mr. Briscoe," she said as she took a sip of coffee. "Uh, Lennie?" Mike said, "I hate to ask you this, but does Gwenn know about your--um, extracurricular activities?"
"Of course she does! I do have some class & tact, Logan. She even comes along on occassion."
"How did I miss all this?" Mike wondered aloud. "You've been kind of busy these last few months, remember, partner?"
"Don't tell me, Detective Mike," Penny interjected. "let me guess. How many women is it this month?"
"You're not going to believe this, Pen," Lennie said, "but Mike's a changed man. It's only one girl."
"Well, my congrats to the lucky girl who finally tamed the untamable Mike Logan!" She raised the coffee cup to offer a toast. "By the way, how are Profaci & Olga doing?"
"Things are moving swimmingly in that area," Mike said. "I'm thinking we'll be hearing wedding bells soon." Mike didn't think he could ever say those words without cringing. "How about yourself, Pen?"
"Me? Footloose, fancy-free & flirty, thank you very much," she laughed. "Actually, I've been sort of seeing this guy that works in the ME's office. You guys know Lance Medill? Beard, nice-looking--" Lennie interrupted her. "Well, we try not to notice the good-looking ones. We leave those to the experts." They all laughed. "He's the one with the sense of humor, right?" She playfully slapped his arm. "Well, of course. You don't think I'd ever date anyone who was boring, do you?" She looked at her watch. "Well, I'd better go report in to Van Buren. See ya around." She strolled off to Van Buren's office. "Women, lock up your men. Penny has entered the building." Lennie joked. Mike joined in, then saw what time it was. "Lennie, I'm taking off a little early today, okay?"
"Sure, no prob. Things are kind of quiet around here for a Friday, anyway. Besides, Penny's here, so I'll just grab her if I need a partner."
"I'm sure you will my friend, I'm sure you will," Mike grinned. Lennie proceeded to throw a soda can at him. "Cute, my friend, real cute," Lennie said. Mike gave one of his patented heh-heh-heh's & strutted out the door.
**********
Mike went to his apartment, threw some things into a gym bag & headed over to Liz & Toni's place. When he arrived, he found a detailed note Liz had left for him. "That's Liz. Short, sweet & straight to the point." He looked over the list, set it back down on the entry table & went to check on Toni. "Toni?" He said as he went into the living room, but she wasn't there. He looked in the spare bedroom & there she was, sprawled across the bed wearing a set of blue plaid pajamas that coordinated with the sheets on the bed. He stood in the doorway for some time just watching her sleep. God, he admired her courage. After what she'd been through just in the time that he'd known her, a lesser person might have given up, but not Toni. Liz was right; she was strong-willed. As he watched her, he thought of his sister Caitlin. Toni remined him a lot of his younger sister. They both had the same fighter mentality & neither one took any crap off of anyone. He missed his sister, who had married an account executive & moved upstate. They talked on the phone, but not as much since Caitlin had given birth to Rachel 4 years ago. Rachel had been born mentally challenged & Caitlin stayed at home to take care of her. She had been to see several specialists ho said she would always be "a little slow", but otherwise healthy. Rachel loved her Uncle Mikey, who in turn adored his little niece. In spite of everything, Caitlin turned out all right & was leading a happy & contented life with her husband & daughter. He also missed his brother Colin, who, like their father, was a beat cop on Staten Island. Mike tried to visit whenever he could, but sometimes it was just too painful. Colin had inherited his mother's temper & his father's tendency towards alcohol, though he tried to be a good provider for his wife & son. Mike took another look at Toni, who had begun thrashing about, like she was involved in some sort of battle. However, just as quickly as she started thrashing, she stooped & settled into a restless sleep.
Mike walked away & went in to make himself at home. He went to the refrigerator, grabbed a beer, & collapsed onto the living room couch. He picked up the remote, turned on the stereo, & read the newspaper. As he was glancing through the sports section to see how his Yankees were doing, the song playing on the radio caught his attention. He listened intently to the words, which seemed to capture how he was feeling.
"I can't fight this feeling any longer, And yet I'm still afraid to let it flow. What started out as friendship has grown stronger, I only wish I had the strength to let it show."
"I tell myself that I can't hold out forever, I say there is no reason for my fear, Cause I feel so secure when we're together, You give my life direction, you make everything so clear."
("Can't Fight This Feeling" by REO Speedwagon)
That song summed up Mike perfectly. This was a new situation for him. His usual modus operandi was to go out with a girl for a short time, then if & when things got serious, dump her. Of course, he had never met anyone like Antonia Bradley. She was definitely an original. Just then, he heard a noise. He looked up to find Toni standing at the entrance to the living room. She was running her fingers through her tousled light brown hair. Toni had changed out of her pajamas into a dark blue Cubs sweatshirt & a pair of blue plaid shorts that matched her pajamas. He thought she was the most beautiful girl he'd ever seen, even in this rumpled state. One reason why was she had no idea she was beautiful. He'd had enough conversations with her on that subject & he knew Olga was helping her with that area, as well. "Hey, sleepyhead, how ya feeling?"
"A little sore, but I'll make it." She looked at him through sleepy blue eyes with a confused look on her round face. "What are you doing here? Where's Beth?" She asked as she stifled a yawn. "She got called in on a case up in Albany. She--"
"Let me guess. She asked you to come over & babysit me. When is she going to realize I'm an adult & can take care of myself?" She said, shaking her head & letting out a sigh of exasperation. Toni turned her attention to Mike, as if noticing him for the first time. She couldn't help but admire his physique. It was obvious he worked out by looking at his muscular arms & legs, framed, as they were in a gray Yankees T-shirt & gray gym shorts. A thought popped into her heard--man, would she love to comb her fingers through that raven brown hair of his. It was so thick, so wavy, so...She shook her head again. "What am I thinking? No way that's ever gonna happen. If only I was about 3 inches taller & about 60 pounds lighter, then I might have a chance." Funny thing was, Mike was having the same idea about her sun-kissed light brown hair. Suddenly, a voice that could melt butter encroached upon her fantasy. "Toni? Toni? You all right?" He asked with a concerned look on his face. "Hmmm, oh, yeah, fine, thanks Man, those pain pills do strange things to your mind." She walked over to the couch. "Mind if I sit down?" He nodded & moved his legs to the floor. She gently sat down on the couch & fell back into the cushions. "So, tell me about the great Michael David Logan. I've spent so much time talking about myself that I haven't let you get a word in edgewise." She looked over at him & he could feel her crystal blue eyes boring into his soul. He put the newspaper back on the coffee table & started talking, slow at first. "Not much to tell, really. I'm the oldest of 3 kids. I have a sister, Caitlin who lives upstate with her husband & daughter. My brother Colin is a cop in Staten Island. He's married & has a son."
"So, what made you decide to become a cop? Oh, yeah, you dad was a policeman, right?"
"Yeah, until he had to retire because of heart problems & I always thought it was a noble profession. You know, righting all the wrongs, helping people, changing the world, blah, blah, blah. I guess it was sort of my calling in life. It's all I really knew. Most of the kids I went to school with had cops in their family, so I guess I came by it honestly." While talking, Mike had, without thinking, put his feet back on the couch & right into Toni's lap. Toni didn't know what to do. She definitely didn't want him to move them, so she just sat & admired them. Mike was unaware what he had done, & what effect that one action had on Toni. "So, anyway, that's me in a nutshell." Toni blurted out, "Tell me about your partner, Lennie. Has he been your only partner?"
Mike was silent. He began thinking back over his partners--Max Greevey, Phil Ceretta, & Lennie Briscoe. He'd been extremely lucky with all 3. Max was his first partner, the one who got the nearly impossible job of breaking Mike in; the one who would show him the right path & the right way to do things. He had a way about him, the way he was always shaking his finger right in Mike's face--his way of knocking some sense into Mikey, or at least trying to, anyway. Unfortunately, he left this world way too soon. He was shot & killed over a grand jury investigation & Mike was almost discharged from the department for using "excessive force" to apprehend the killer. To Mike, though, nothing was out of bounds when you were going after a cop killer, especially if the cop killed was your partner. Then along came Phil, would would always be "Big Daddy" to Mikey. Phil was a little less uptight than Max had been. He just took things in stride, let Mike do his own thing, but corralled him in when needed. He, too, was shot in the line of duty. No wonder Lennie was so leery when he first started partnering with Mike. Of course, he said his ex-wives would be ecstatic if he were shot. Hell, they'd probably throw a party, except they'd lose out on alimony. Lennie was more of a friend to Mike than Max or Phil had been. Of course, Mike was a different cop by the time Lennie came along--life had seen to that. He still knew how to have fun & had learned how to keep his temper under control--most of the time, at least. He guessed he'd just learned how to direct the anger. As Mike was reminiscing, he felt a strange sensation. He looked down to find Toni massaging his feet. He wasn't sure what to make of this. He'd never had anyone massage his feet before, & it was a very pleasing, sensual experience. Suddenly, Toni looked down & realized what she was doing. Her face turned a bright crimson red. "Oh, God, Mike, I'm so sorry. I didn't know what I was doing." She turned her head away; there was no way she could face him. "It's all right, Toni, I don't mind. In fact, it felt good. I've never had anyone do that before. Where'd you learn?"
"My mom was a waitress & she used to come home & soak her feet, then I'd massage them. I worked as a waitress for a few years & I always wished someone would've done that for me."
For the next part, go back to the homepage & click on "The Boys of Summer, Part 2".