Fan Fiction

by MJ

Intro :: Part 1: Revolution :: Part 2: Reward :: Part 3: Rewiring :: Part 4: Remembrance

Image Credits :: Music Credits

September 1992

Sonny

He enjoyed watching her skillfully knead the dough on the smooth marble counter top.

"She seems to know what she's doing," he thought, wondering where her sudden need to impress him had come from.

Grasping the soft clay-like mound in both hands, she folded it over onto itself and then pushed down hard as if attempting to tame it. She continued the process several more times, dusting her hands with flour after each cycle to prevent the dough from sticking. When she turned slightly, he could see a light sheen of sweat on her forehead and specks of white flour sprinkled like powder on the tip of her nose.

"Hmm, very hard work, these housekeeping chores!" he said, leaning back in the chair with a casual air.

She pushed a strand of hair off her face and continued on with her task, acting as if she hadn't heard him. Wrestling the dough once again, she balanced herself on her toes and bore down forcefully with both hands.

Maybe it was the rhythmic swaying of her body that hypnotized him but suddenly, the powerful urge to hold her became more than he could stand. Putting out his cigarette and getting up from the small kitchen table, he came up quietly behind her, imagining several delicious ways he would like to distract her.

"Very domestic, Calabrese. I never stop learning things about you," he teased, slipping his arms around her waist.

"Not now, Sonny!" she laughed. He saw her glance up at the clock worriedly. It was almost one and her shift began at three.

"I think you might be running out of time." His whisper was soft and seductive as he nuzzled behind her ear.

"Sonny, I have to finish doing this now or the bread will be ruined," she protested.

But when she turned towards him, his mouth found hers and his kiss became deep and demanding. He turned her body around and pinning her against the counter he locked her in a tight embrace.

His kisses were gentle but probing, as if he were asking her important questions. Gradually, her struggling ceased and with a moan of pleasure, she started to respond with a passionate kiss of her own.

"I love you," she said to him breathlessly as they broke apart for a moment.

His eyes shone with wonder as he looked down at her, understanding for the first time the depth of her feelings. Clouds of doubt and indecision were swept away when he suddenly realized that he felt the same.

Pushing aside the sack of flour, he lifted her onto the counter. The bread forgotten, she leaned back, resting her head against the cabinet door to watch him as he began to undress her. Fumbling with the tiny buttons on her blouse, he tugged impatiently, chuckling softly when they suddenly scattered everywhere.

"Sonny, careful!" she scolded halfheartedly.

Wriggling herself free from the silky fabric, she gasped as his hand firmly cupped around her breast. He caressed her gently scattering kisses along the length of her neck, and when he felt her warm breath on his cheek, the heat inside him began to build.

Her hands strayed to the waistband of his pants and he watched with amusement as she began to yank on the zipper. Hastily he pulled his tee shirt over his head while she slid the zipper open. When his pants slipped to the floor, he stepped out of them quickly, kicking them carelessly to the side.

Gina rubbed her flattened palms across his shoulders and over his smooth chest until her fingers met at the hollow center by his throat. She let her index finger trace a line down toward his navel continuing until at last she reached the hardness between his thighs.

She smiled up at him invitingly.

The aching need had become unbearable and suddenly, he began to feel as if something primal had taken possession of his reason. His fingers entwined in her hair, pulling her head back roughly. His kisses become brutal, almost devouring.

"Sonny..." she gasped, sensing his loss of control.

But by then, he was beyond listening.

He pushed her skirt up around her waist, and slid his hands up her thighs. When he reached the waistband of her panties, he ripped them down. Reaching around to her buttocks, he yanked her to the edge of the counter.

Frightened, Gina began to struggle.

"Sonny, wait...stop..."

The sound of her protest only made him react more violently. Angrily, he grabbed her arms to subdue her but froze when he saw the hurt and disappointment in her eyes."

"I need you!" he said desperately, his fingers digging into her painfully. He eased up on his grip when he saw her wince.

"I'm sorry," he muttered, letting go. His eyes slipped away guiltily.

Without a word, she pushed him from her, her face drawn and solemn.

"Come with me," she said, slipping off the counter and leading him by the hand to her bedroom down the hall.

They stood there together by the bed, warily watching each other in the shadows.

"Gently, this time Crockett. We have lots of time to enjoy each other. Instead of rushing things, let's make every moment count." She unhooked her bra and then unbuttoned her skirt, letting both garments slip slowly to the floor.

For Sonny, love and lust had always gone together. With Caroline and Caitlin, the sex had been energetic and sometimes, hard-hitting. Even in the past, when he had been with Gina, they too had enjoyed a vigorous foreplay...but this time, he knew he had gone too far.

So now it was up to him to try and win back her trust.

He reached for her and felt comforting warmth surrounded him as their bodies came together. The stabbing urgency he had been feeling, began to ease off until it resembled nothing more than a dull ache. But now, instead of rushing to relieve it, he found himself focused on making Gina feel the need as well. He kissed her neck and let his tongue trace along the outline of her ear.

"Hmmm..." she purred.

Sinking to the bed, they lay together for a moment, just listening to each other breathe. Then, Gina pushed him away once more, propping her head up on an elbow so that she could look into his eyes.

"I want you to lie there, and I don't want you to move," she told him sternly.

Sonny looked up at her questioningly, not quite sure of what was going on. Watching her climb on top of him, he grunted happily as he felt a surge of unexpected pleasure.

This time, she stopped him when he tried to reach for her.

"Not yet," she whispered, looking at him warningly. He was not used to being told how to please a woman and he found it annoyed him a little.

"You won't be sorry," she promised soothingly, as if able to read his thoughts.

His eyebrow arched with amusement, but he let her have her way.

She began to stroke his chest lightly with her fingers and again, he felt the overwhelming urge to grab her. His hand reached for her wrist, but she quickly pulled it back.

"Ah, ah!" she warned once more. "Behave!"

Unsure of what she was up to, he laughed a little, to try and hide his frustration.

Now, she let her nails trace circles around his nipples, shifting her weight back and forth and watching his face for a reaction.

This was all planned. She knows EXACTLY what she's doing.

"As I said before, I never stop learning things about you, Calabrese," he said, closing his eyes with a groan.

She laughed softly.

"Enough, Gina...Come on..."

But she was relentless, smiling cruelly while continuing to challenge his attempt at self-control. She bent over to kiss him, her long black hair brushing against his skin and as she began to break away, the tip of her tongue licked lightly over his lips.

This time, he knew what she wanted.

His hands encircled her face and lifting his head his lips parted. Her tongue plunged into his mouth and he heard her intake of breath as his own demanding tongue began to duel back forcefully.

No longer was he her prisoner. At last the spell was broken.

They rolled to the side, their lips still locked fiercely together.

She had taught him well, and he didn't insist, but instead, continued to hold back slightly. He stroked his fingers down her bare back, enjoying the satin smoothness of her skin. When he grasped her buttocks firmly, he began to knead the muscle purposefully, pushing her groin against his own.

He was rewarded by the sound of her pleading whimper.

"Sonny..." he heard her beg.

His smile was only slightly triumphant. Now it was his turn.

"You're going to pay," he told her with a devilish grin.

Releasing her, he let her fall onto her back. His fingers brushed along her belly with feathery strokes, and she arched her back with a gasp.

"Son...ny!"

At first, he ran his tongue around her nipple, and then, let it travel over her breast. Pushing her legs apart with his hand, he began to explore her with his fingers. Expertly, he stroked and probed, until her gentle moans told him that at last the time was right.

"Sonny...now..." she panted, her hands grabbing a fistful of the sheet above her head.

He rolled on top of her, wishing he could continue to hold back and torture her just a little longer. But he was hard and he was ready.

Her eyes were shining as she guided him inside her. She wrapped her legs around him tightly and put her arms around his neck. Their hips rocked together gently, rhythmically and Sonny penetrated deeper and deeper until at last their bodies seemed to almost meld together.

Neither of them wanted it to end but suddenly the pleasure engulfed them and gripping each other fiercely, they gave into it without a struggle.

For several sweet moments afterwards, he continued to hold her close as his heart slowed gradually to a normal cadence.

"I love you," he told her finally, his voice still husky with passion.

"I love you, too. I love you so much."

The look he saw in her luminous brown eyes told him that she belonged to him and that she always would.

He smiled at her gratefully.

God, she was beautiful!

How could he tell her how much she meant to him? How could he tell her she had given him back his life? What a fool he had been to waste so much time drowning in bitterness! His anger had pushed everyone away. His self-pity had almost destroyed him.

So, he had been given a second chance...and now he had a gift he was determined to keep.

No more games, Gina, I promise. This time it's gonna be real!

September 1993

Gina

She carried the ice-cold sodas on a tray, watching the young man as he stretched out on the deck close to his father. She recalled how Sonny had agonized over this visit with his son. It bothered him that he had missed so much of Billy's childhood. Sporadic visits and Christmas phone calls made his guilt feelings worse especially when he sensed the boy's smoldering resentment over the phone

Gina had encouraged Sonny to call, recognizing how much it meant to him to reestablish the family ties that had been almost severed forever. She knew that the only way Sonny could move on with his life would be to resolve the conflicts of the past.

When the boy had arrived last Friday night, he seemed distant and uncomfortable. She could see the hint of hurt in his eyes. But Sonny's good humor and generous nature seemed to thaw the ice gradually. She had insisted that he take Billy out for a sail on the St. Vitus for a few days.

"Go fishing. It's what fathers and sons do," she laughed.

"Three days. Wish me luck," Sonny had whispered as he hastily kissed her goodbye.

"You don't need luck, Sonny. The love is still there. You just have to rekindle the flame a little."

He looked at her warmly. "Always in my corner, Calabrese, no matter what."

"You bet, buddy. I'm in for the long haul this time."

He laughed as he tapped the tip of her nose playfully. "You don't know what you're in for then."

She shielded her eyes from the sun's brilliance as she looked up at him solemnly.

"I've known you a long time now, Crockett. I think I know exactly what I'm in for."

He studied her for a moment, his expression thoughtful. "Sure you don't want to come? It's great weather for a sail."

"Not this time. Enjoy your son. We'll talk when you get back."

The day they were due back, she had come to the dock to wait, hoping in her heart that Sonny had managed to make things work. Around noon, she had seen the sail in the distance and knew at once it was the St. Vitus. Her eyes glued to the horizon, she watched until she saw the boy waving to her and Sonny grinning as he carefully guided the sailboat back into the slip.

Now, they had been back from their trip a full hour and she could tell there was no longer any tension in the air. Both were shirtless, their skin bronzed by the tropical sun. Along with the same tousled blonde hair and boyish grin, the resemblance between them was unmistakable.

The scene made her sigh. They actually looked happy as they sat there together, gulping down sodas in contented silence.

Gina had always known that Sonny's need to be a good father was a powerful force in his life. He had often told her how much he wished that he could make up for the past by getting the chance to do things over again.

She shuddered with apprehension, wondering how he was going to react to what she had to tell him. After all, commitment had never been one of Sonny's strong points.

Even though she knew that he loved her it had come as a complete surprise when a year ago, he had suggested they move in together. Living under the same roof had been good for their relationship, bringing them closer and defining them as a couple. But making the arrangement permanent had never been brought up for discussion so she wasn't really sure where she stood.

She looked over at him sadly. "How am I going to do this?" she wondered.

"My flight's at eight, Dad," she heard Billy say.

"Oh, right, son. I forgot," Sonny said, his tone heavy with regret. "Guess I hated to see it end."

"We have a winter break in February," the kid said hopefully.

Sonny glanced over at him with a grin. "Then February it is."

Billy smiled back, confident at last that this time, his father was going to keep his word.

"Bye, Gina," Billy said as he pecked her cheek affectionately.

"Come back soon, Billy. It was great to see you."

"Thanks, I will."

Gina had always liked Billy. Direct and to the point, like his Mom, Caroline. Full of mischief like his Dad. Having him here had been good for her as well as for Sonny.

---

By the time Sonny got back from the airport, the sparkle of the Miami skyline had already begun to light up the bay. Gina gripped the railing tightly when she heard him come up behind her.

"Hey, beautiful," he called out cheerfully, pulling a deck chair over and sitting down next to her.

"You both looked like you were enjoying each other so much, Sonny," she said, looking over at him warmly. "It was a good visit, wasn't it?"

He was silent for a moment. "More than good, Gina. It was actually a revelation of sorts."

She seemed puzzled.

"Revelation?"

"Yeah, you know, an eye-opener. I got my son back. I definitely didn't deserve it, but somehow, I got this great kid with a heart full of forgiveness. Thank God, he never gave up on me."

"That's no surprise. Look at his father; a man who is so loving and loyal. Must have rubbed off, don't you think?"

He smiled at her gratefully.

"Yeah, well. It made me start to think about the future and all."

There was something in his tone that made her stomach muscles tense.

"You and I...well, we've kind of left things hanging. I've been wanting to bring this up for a while anyway and I guess this weekend was the wakeup call I needed."

Gina bit her lip. "I need to tell you something, Sonny."

"Wait, wait. Let me finish. I'm on a roll, Gina. I need to get this out all in one breath or I'll lose my nerve." He pulled his chair around so that now, they were facing one another.

"Let me start again." He paused for a moment. "We've been back together for a year now, you know."

She nodded silently, looking down at her hands as she tried to think of a way to divert him.

"Yeah, a whole year," he continued. "Maybe not the easiest year for you, but, a miracle of sorts for me."

He put his hand under her chin and lifted her face up until their eyes met. "I know what I've got and I don't want to let it go. What I'm trying to say is...that I love you and I want us to be together for good."

Gina's eyes widened.

"Ah, hell, Gina! It's hard enough to do this without you looking at me that way! I want you to marry me, damn it!"

Gina laughed at his explosive proposal.

"How romantic, Crockett. How could I refuse?"

"You know what I mean," he chuckled. "I should have asked you a long time ago, but then I wasn't sure how you felt about "forever", at least not until you had a chance to make sure I was staying put this time."

"Good point, but I think I'm past worrying about that by now."

She wanted to hug him close and shout the answer she had imagined she'd give him so many times in her dreams.

Instead, she said, "Sonny. I love you too. But there's something you have to know before I can give you an answer."

Disappointment registered in his eyes as he misinterpreted her meaning.

"Ah, I know, you'll probably want to think about it first. Maybe it's not what you want. I'm sorry. I thought..."

"You don't understand! This is all I've ever wanted!" she cried, tears spilling onto her cheeks."

He frowned. "You're right, Gina. I don't understand."

Sighing unhappily, she looked out across the bay.

"I'm pregnant, Sonny," she said. Her tone was so soft that he had to strain to hear her words.

"Pregnant?"

"Yes. Pregnant. Two months."

"My God, Gina!"

It was only a whisper.

She looked up fearfully.

His mouth was open slightly as if he was in shock, but his eyes were bright and dancing with excitement.

Now, her words came tumbling out.

"I don't want you to feel forced into anything. I understand if this changes things," she said bravely.

"Not a chance, lady," his said in a voice that was soft and tender.

He pulled her over onto his lap, and put his arms around her protectively.

"In fact, this makes things better than ever. You and me...parents! Do you know what that means?"

"Yes, I think I do!" she laughed. "It means diapers, bottles and two am feedings. That's a repeat performance for you Crockett. Are you sure you are up for it? After all, Billy's fifteen. That's a pretty big gap."

"This time," he said without hesitation. "This time it will be perfect." She heard him sigh as he brushed his lips against her cheek and when he opened his eyes, she thought she saw the bright sparkle of tears.

"Marry me, Gina," he asked her quietly.

"You know I will, Crockett," she answered him with a smile.

MY THANKSGIVING

A lot of things have happened since the last time we spoke
Some of them are funny
Some of 'em ain't no joke
And I trust you will forgive me if I lay it on the line
I always thought you were a friend of mine

Sometimes I think about you
I wonder how you're doing now
And what you're going through

The last time I saw you
We were playing with fire
We were loaded with passion and a burning desire
For every breath, for every day of living

Now the trouble with you and me, my friend
Is the trouble with this nation
Too many blessings, too little appreciation
And I know that kind of notion-well,
It just ain't cool
So send me back to Sunday School
Because I'm tired of waiting for Reason to arrive
It's too long we've been living these unexamined lives

I've got great expectations
I've got family and friends
I've got satisfying work
I've got a back that bends
For every breath, for every day of living
This Is my Thanksgiving

Have you noticed that an angry man
Can only get so far
Until he reconciles the way he thinks things ought to be
With the way things are
Here in this fragmented world I still believe
In learning how to give love, and how to receive it

And I would not be among those who abuse this privilege
Sometimes you get the best light from a burning bridge
And I don't mind saying that I still love it all
I wallowed in the springtime
Now I'm welcoming the fall

For every moment of joy
Every hour of fear
For every winding road that brought me here
For every breath, for every day of living
This is my Thanksgiving

From My Thanksgiving
Don Henley/Stan Lynch/Jai Winding
From Don Henley's album Inside Job

December 1993

Sonny

He knew an officer from the Juvenile Division was watching the interrogation closely through the two-way mirror and that the guy would most assuredly swoop in to muzzle him if he overstepped his bounds.

But he was the arresting officer, and it was his right to have the first crack at this little twerp!

Crockett glanced at the clock.

Funny. No lawyer yet. It never took this long for these baby-faced drug runners to get sprung! Despite the smoldering look of resentment on the kid's face, Sonny was sure the uncertainty must have been eating him alive.

Danny Santiago was slouched against the back of the chair, staring into space. He knew enough about his rights to keep his mouth shut but even though he was trying to act detached, Sonny could smell the sour stench of fear.

But then Crockett liked having the advantage. Maybe the kid's dread of abandonment was something he could exploit a little. Work him over. Win his trust. Convince him the only way to salvation was to cooperate with yours truly! Then and only then would Sonny recommend that they cut the kid some slack.

How old was he, fifteen... sixteen tops?

He had seen his kind before, but rarely alive and still in one piece.

Most times, Sonny was part of the mop up team, called in to make a report to homicide after the runner was found shot to death by a rival dealer.

Or sometimes, he'd have to go to the morgue to try and ID the body of a young punk like this one who'd just OD'd on a dose of adulterated heroin.

None of them had families. These kids were the forgotten ones and the dealers knew they were expendable.

Crockett was alone when he had made the bust late last night. He had spotted Danny and another runner, Willy Domingo, trading paper bags in an alley near a fast food take out. Not hard to figure out what was going on.

Sonny came up behind them, identified himself, and whamo! Willy threw a cup of soda and ice into Crockett's face. It blinded him temporarily and gave Willy the time he needed to disappear over a fence.

But Danny was not so lucky. Slipping on the rotting garbage that was strewn on the pavement, he hit his head on a metal dumpster, stunning himself long enough for Sonny to recover and slip on the cuffs.

The boy had a bad reputation already, and this latest crime was going to guarantee jail time if the DA could make the charges stick.

Crockett yawned with exhaustion, and fixed his weary eyes back on the boy.

"So, you're the big shot I've been hearing so much about," he growled, his voice thick with sarcasm. "Plannin' on making a career out of drug running? Little young to be playin' with the big boys, don't ya think?"

Danny glared back at him sullenly.

"Hate to tell ya this, pal, but you could be lookin' at serious jail time this time...unless you decide to cooperate. So tell me; who funded this little shipment, may I ask?"

The coke in the bag was pure, and worth a bundle. It's value made Sonny salivate with dreams of a much bigger catch waiting just around the corner.

"You can ask anything you want. You can beat me, if it makes you feel better. Doesn't matter, I ain't got nothin' to say."

"Tough guy. I'm not impressed."

Again the silence.

The door opened and Gina entered, a stack of manila folders in her arms. "Crockett. Can I talk to you for a minute?"

"Stay put, buddy. I'll be right back," Sonny growled.

Settled in a swivel chair in the squad room, Crockett rubbed his temples as he sipped the black coffee Gina had poured for him.

"Okay, whatchya got?" he asked her tiredly.

"The 'Juveys' have been filling me in. Danny Santiago. Just turned sixteen. Homeless. Father abused him and his brother until they both finally ran away. That was two years ago and he's been on his own ever since. He and his brother have been living in a corrugated box by the highway. Recently it's been reported that he's been running "errands" for a local drug dealer by the name of Hector Castaneda." She leaned against his desk and put her hand on his shoulder. "He's an addict, too Sonny. Been on drugs since he was thirteen."

Gina was already in her fifth month and lately she would become emotional at the drop of a hat. Sonny could tell she was having a lot of trouble accepting the inevitable with this one. Tapping his pencil impatiently on his desk blotter, he glanced up at her and tried not to frown.

"I know about Castaneda. He's bad news. And he's got more boys under his thumb then I care to count. It's the same old story, Gina. It's sad, but we can't save them all. Besides, bustin' them is our job, remember?"

His remark seemed to upset her even more.

"Sonny! That's not like you to say that. Is that all this is to you? A job? I thought you wanted to make a difference."

The stricken look on her face brought him to his feet.

"Gina, come on. That's not fair. When I see a spark of remorse in one of these kids or hint of an opportunity for redemption, I make the necessary phone calls and do whatever I can to make it happen. But this kid's been around the block plenty. Sure, I know. He doesn't have anyone to stick up for him. But we don't have time..."

"Sonny, stop. Listen to what I'm saying." Her voice was soft and soothing as she took his face into her hands. "I want you to try and help this kid. I talked to him for a little while when he first came in and I'm telling you, I saw something...I can't put my finger on it, but I think you can reach him somehow. Please. Can't you at least try? Tell me. How could it hurt?"

Crockett had been in the business long enough to know that busting the dealers didn't go far in stopping the tragedies he witnessed on the streets. Rehabilitating the junkies didn't have much of a success rate either, but maybe it deserved some consideration for a change. Gina was right. How could it hurt?

Christmas music could be heard whispering from a car radio out in the parking lot. It depressed him somehow. He looked around the office at a staff member's feeble attempts to make the place cheerful. Someone had hung up some imitation garland with plastic red bows and the little "Charlie Brown" tree by the doorway was more of the subject of good-natured ridicule than a symbol of holiday cheer.

"Ho ho ho" and all that!

He cringed weakly.

"Okay, babes, if you think you can get to him, by all means, give it a try."

She smiled. "No, you misunderstood me, sweetheart. I want you to talk to him. He spoke to me earlier because I didn't come across as a threat. But the respect wasn't there, either. You're the one who dragged him in here. Just think of the impression you'll make if you surprise him with an offer of help instead of jail. Once he gets over his suspicion and realizes you're on the level, he might just take you up on it. Now how would that feel, knowing you had given a kid with no hope a second chance at life?"

Her luscious brown eyes gazed up at him confidently. He loved it when she looked at him like that. Her swollen belly pressed against him and he fought the sudden urge to grab her and show her how crazy he was about her. Instead, he kissed her on the nose and chuckled.

"Okay. When you put it like that, how can I resist?"

Her eyes sparkled gratefully as she gently pulled away from him. "Thank you Sonny. I knew you'd come through."

"Yeah. Right." Sonny glanced over at the two-way mirror by the interrogation room and sighed. This wasn't going to be easy. First he'd have to convince the 'Juveys' that he had the kid's interest at heart. Then, it probably would take a few days before he could wear the kid down to the point where he would consider accepting help from a Miami vice cop.

Gina made the whole thing sound so simple.

But Sonny Crockett had been around the realities of drug addiction long enough to know better. Walking over to the JD officer waiting for the boy, he introduced himself and was delighted to discover he knew the guy from a previous "drug-runner" bust.

"Jack," he said, greeting him with a handshake and a grin. "Nice to see you."

"You too, Sonny." Jack looked sadly into the two-way mirror. "We've had our eye on this one for awhile. Sad, really. He's a bright kid. If they could have gotten him placed with a family when social services discovered the abuse, he might have had a chance. But you know how it is with that department. Understaffed, under-funded. And then, the father managed to slip out of their grasp and take his sons back to Puerto Rico for a year. Social Services lost interest and the case was left in some manila file buried on someone's desk. Now look at him. He lost his innocence a long time ago. The system failed him, just like it�s failed a million other kids like him."

"I'd like to work something out, Jack."

The guy looked over at Crockett with surprise.

"Oh, yeah? Just what did you have in mind?"

The two men put their heads together and after a brief discussion, Crockett looked over at Gina and winked. It was then that he saw Lieutenant Castillo come out of his office and nod for Sonny to join him.

"Yeah, Lieutenant?" he said, approaching Castillo warily.

"The lawyer's here for the Santiago kid. She's demanding his release. Claims there was an unlawful search and seizure."

Sonny snorted with contempt. "Unlawful my ass. I ordered the two kids to stop; they dropped the bag and ran. It was that simple."

"That will be for the courts to decide."

Sonny watched his superior turn away and knew the discussion was over. The young woman who was approaching from the outer office caught him completely off guard. Petite and young, she was dressed in a crisp, well-tailored suit, carrying a leather briefcase that probably cost more than Sonny's weekly take-home. She was anything but the typical representation for a case like this. Drug dealers were more likely to go for the sleazy, back street lawyer types as a rule.

"Detective Crockett," she snapped warningly. "I do believe you are holding a client of mine in one of your jail cells. I demand an interview this instant. You had no right to question him without my presence!"

"Hold it, hold it. We just read him his rights and then let him cool his heels in the interrogation room. He got a sandwich and a can of soda, courtesy of the Metro Dade police department. There were no rubber hoses or cattle prods, I assure you."

She smiled coolly. "I hope not. Now, where is he?"

Sonny nodded toward the interrogation room and leaned against the wall to watch as she strode confidently across the room.

"Aren't you going to do something?" Gina asked anxiously. "They'll spring him and then you'll never be able to find him."

"Don't worry. Just wait and see."

As the pretty young lawyer reached for the doorknob, JD officer Jack Simmons cleared his throat and spoke up.

"Excuse me, counselor?"

Annoyed, she turned to face him.

"Now what?"

"Before you go in there, may I talk to you?"

Reluctantly, she approached him.

Gina watched the interaction with curiosity. "What did you do, Sonny?" she whispered.

He smiled smugly and waited for the fireworks.

"Oh no!" they heard the lawyer shout angrily. "You have no right...no jurisdiction..."

"On the contrary," they heard Jack croon soothingly. "I have every right. And as far as jurisdiction goes, I represent the Juvenile Courts, and Danny is underage. There's no parent here to represent him and it's up to me to make sure he is given every opportunity to get help. He needs therapy, a chance to finish school. In short, he needs to be placed in a loving, nurturing environment. Releasing him back onto the streets would be the real crime here, don't you think, counselor?"

Jack was talking loud enough for the entire office to hear him, and Sonny grinned appreciatively when he saw the lawyer blush angrily. No doubt she was hired to round up these kids and return them to the boss. This was obviously the first time she had met such fierce opposition.

"Let me talk to him and then tell me what you had in mind?" she snapped. She had to at least make a stab at looking like she cared.

"Sure. Go ahead. I'll be waiting right here to take him into custody."

Without acknowledging his comment, she cleared her throat nervously and entered the room to greet her client.

"Danny, hello. I'm Karen Baxter. I'm your lawyer and I'm here to take care of things for you. First of all, tell me how they're treating you?"

The door closed and Crockett smiled over at Jack. "Thank you," he mouthed gratefully.

The smile Jack gave him in response was a bit halfhearted and Sonny could tell the guy had his doubts as to how this was going to solve anything.

Hell, he wasn't sure himself that he could pull it off either.

Gina took his hand and squeezed it gently.

"Nice job, Crockett. I gotta go. I'm due in court in an hour. Fill me in at dinner tonight, okay."

"Dinner? Sorry. Don't think I'll be having any of that tonight. This little play is going to have to be wrapped up before I go anywhere. Breakfast tomorrow is more like it."

She swallowed hard and he immediately regretted his insensitivity.

"Not that I mind, darlin'. It's for a just cause, and I'm long overdue for a little old fashioned dose of good will, don't you think?"

"'Tis the season, Crockett," she whispered, reaching up to kiss him on the cheek. "Call me at least and tell me what happens."

He held her close one more time, feeling her pregnancy through the thin dress and imagining the child she was carrying for the both of them.

The thought made him humble.

Unlike the kid in the next room, this baby they had created together was going to be lucky enough to have the promise of a future.

He kissed the top of her head gratefully.

"I owe you big time," he prayed, to a God he sometimes forgot existed.

She squeezed him back. "Love you," she said gently as she pulled away and headed for the swinging doors.

"Love you too," he whispered back.

And looking down at the morass of papers on his desk, he began to organize the files for the upcoming courtroom battle, hoping he'd find a way to outwit the devil once again.

March 1994

Pedrosa

"You're sure you can trust him?" Carlos Pedrosa asked, watching Hector Castaneda closely.

The older man seemed unconcerned. "I told you, when he hears what you have to say, he will not have a choice. His brother is family. Crockett is just a cop."

"Yeah, but Crockett is also the cop who arrested him. And now he's a cop who's showing him a way out. That might be a powerful enough temptation to make this little punk turn."

"Carlos, Carlos," the Castaneda muttered, shaking his head impatiently. "You must trust my judgment on this. He's been working for me since he was fourteen. I took him and his brother in when his own father tried to beat them to death. I'm his family now. He knows that he owes me...and he knows what I will do if he lets me down."

"Bring him in. I want to meet him."

Pedrosa stood waiting by the cabin window and looked out at the restless ocean.

Lately, he had become moody, frustrated with his self imposed exile. For the better part of the past year, he had been avoiding the shoreline of Miami for fear that Castillo would hear he had docked his yacht at a local marina. The cop was certainly a tenacious tracker; he'd give him that much.

And Crockett...well, he was obviously "the golden boy". There was no question in his mind that Castillo relied on this detective heavily. Pedrosa had not made the financial killing he had predicted when he left Fort Lauderdale and he had Sonny Crockett to thank for that.

But then, it was foolish to feel anger toward the detective. Better to respect the man's skills and study the way he conducted himself on the streets. This way, when the time came to move in, Pedrosa would know all about his adversary's weaknesses.

"Carlos," a soft voice called behind him. "Carlos, this is Danny. Danny Santiago."

Pedrosa turned his head slowly toward the doorway and made eye contact with the young man he saw standing there.

Danny Santiago may have been young and inexperienced, but Pedrosa recognized the hardness in his eyes. Instead of cowering in fear, his posture was erect and proud, his mouth set with determination.

"Do you know who I am?" Pedrosa asked him, knowing full well that Castaneda had coached Danny for the last half hour.

"Si. You're Carlos Pedrosa. You are from Columbia and you are a powerful man. Hector has told me what I need to know. Now, just tell me what you want, while I decide whether you are worthy of my respect."

Pedrosa heard Castaneda's sharp intake of breath. "What's the matter with you? I told you, this man is important? You can't talk that way to him, do you understand?"

"It's all right, Hector. If I need to earn his respect, than so be it." Pedrosa walked away from the window and came closer to the boy. His smile was cold, and his eyes probed deeply as if looking for a crack in Danny's fragile facade of bravery.

"You're right. I am a powerful man. Drugs are my fortune. I became rich on the crops of my people and profited from the downfall of the weak. In order to accomplish this, I have led many men into battle and I have managed to kill anyone who steps in my way. This has earned me the respect and allegiance of many in my home country. I am sure I will have the same loyalty when the people of Miami see what I can do."

He heard the boy snort with contempt. "What good is loyalty when it comes from fear? Someone more powerful will come along and then you will see your trusted soldiers blow away with the wind!"

Pedrosa felt the first prick of annoyance at the boy's insolence.

"I think you would be wise to listen. Better to be on my side than strike out on your own."

"It seems to me that I have no choice but to listen." Danny answered, glaring angrily at Castaneda.

Ignoring the comment, Pedrosa continued to play the role of inquisitor.

"You were arrested and detained by the Metro Dade Police last December. How did that happen?"

"How?" Danny snickered. "I got caught with the goods and...and...an undercover cop busted me. It happens. I can't always outrun them."

Pedrosa walked behind his desk and took out a manila file. He opened it slowly and then looked at the typed pages.

"Danny Santiago. Hispanic male. Age 16," he read. "Arrested for possession of a controlled substance and resisting arrest." He looked up at Danny. "Okay. We've already established that much. Then what happened?"

"Happened? Whatta you mean what happened? I went to jail, that's what happened!"

"Yes, I know. But afterwards. You didn't stay in jail long. Why did the judge let you go?"

Danny appeared puzzled. "I...I went to a rehab place to dry out. Somewhere uptown. You know that's what happened. Why all the questions?"

"I need to know who arranged for that?"

"Not Señor Castaneda, that's for sure?" the boy muttered.

Again Pedrosa heard Castaneda sigh.

"Answer the question. Who arranged for the rehabilitation?"

Danny glanced at Pedrosa with suspicion.

"The cop who arrested me. He...he wanted me to get some help."

"The cop's name?"

Now, Danny began to look anxious. It pleased Pedrosa to see some of the defiance fade from his eyes.

At last...

"Crockett. His name was Crockett." Danny looked away. "But, then you knew that too, I'm sure."

"Crockett? Are you sure his name was not Burnett?"

"Yeah, well that's his undercover name, I think. Sonny Burnett."

"Okay. Now we're getting somewhere. This...this Sonny Crockett. Has he been in contact with you since you got out of rehab?"

"No," Danny answered quickly.

"Careful," Pedrosa said softly. "I have ways of finding out the truth. In fact, I may know the truth already."

Danny was quiet for a moment. "Crockett...he got me a job," he said at last. "And...and now he's helping me finish school."

"I see. Isn't that unusual? Most of the cops I know are pretty hardened towards junkies. Why all this interest in you?"

"Don't know," Danny mumbled with a shrug.

"You don't know?" Pedrosa moved closer. "Could it be that perhaps you were giving this cop information? Feeding him facts he needed to know in order to find the source of your habit? Hmm? Could that be it, my boy?"

"No! I would never do that. The cop felt sorry for me! I swear! I didn't tell him anything!"

Pedrosa smiled with satisfaction. "I hope not, Danny."

He closed the file and pulled out another one from a stack nearby. Opening this one with a flourish, he began to read aloud once more.

"James Sonny Crockett, aka Sonny Burnett...detective with Miami Metro Dade/Miami Vice division. Lives on a yacht, St. Vitus Dance when posing as a drug courier by the name of 'Burnett'. Uses a Scarab powerboat for his drug running assignments. Any other personal background is unknown at this time."

He looked up. "As you can see, I don't have much on this cop, but I have a very special interest in him. Señor Crockett has been causing me a great deal of trouble and it's finally time I did something about it."

The boy looked away. "So, what's that to me?"

"You are going to help me. You are one of us and you are closer to him than anyone I know right now. You are young, eager. He will never suspect you are pumping him for information. You will find out about his family, where he really lives. Maybe you'll even be lucky enough to find out what cases he is investigating."

"What! Are you crazy? I'm not that close to him. Stuff like that is kept real quiet. He doesn't discuss anything in front of me. He's smart, very smart. Forget it. I can't help you."

Castaneda came up behind Danny. "Listen to him, my son. This is not a simple request. It is an order."

"You will act natural with this man, and you will report to me every day," Pedrosa continued. "If he believes you are grateful and cooperating, he will relax a little. Helpful information is bound to slip out." Pedrosa closed the folder. "Don't let me down, Danny," he said coldly.

"And what if I don't produce?"

"I don't like to resort to threats. I was hoping you would perform out of loyalty to your benefactor."

Danny's eyes widened. "Benefactor! You mean slave driver, don't you? I've been paying back Señor Castaneda with my soul for two years now. How long will it take before I can say I am truly free?"

"You disappoint me, Danny," Casenada hissed in his ear. "You have embarrassed me in front of a powerful man and I will not forget it."

Danny did not flinch and Pedrosa realized he would have to resort to more persuasive measures.

"Your brother, Chico. When did you see him last?"

"That useless asshole? I saw him last week, sleeping behind some dumpster in an alley. He's fried, Pedrosa. There's no use asking him for anything."

"Oh, I'm well aware of that, Danny. And I have no intentions of relying on him for anything right now. However, I know how much he means to you."

A tiny shudder shook the boy, but he avoided Pedrosa's eyes. "You're mistaken, Señor. He is dead to me."

"Again, you try to turn me around! Chico helped you escape your father. You love him, Danny. Your hope is that you will stay clean and then help Chico get well too. Isn't that so?"

The boy remained silent.

"Chico is here...on the yacht with me, Danny. And he will remain here, as long as I need you to help me. Do as I ask, or he will suffer. Do we understand each other?"

Again, Pedrosa saw the shudder.

"Keep your eyes open and stay close to Crockett. Ask him for advice. Tell him you need a man like him who can guide you. It will appeal to his pride, I am sure."

"I...I can't do this."

Leaning close to the boy, Pedrosa sighed. "You must, Danny. Chico needs you to be strong."

Standing to his full height, the Columbian glared down at the huddled figure.

"Castaneda will arrange the times you must report. Go. You have work to do."

Pedrosa watched Danny's face for a sign of resentment or resignation, but the boy remained calm, almost passive. Pedrosa didn't like it. He was not sure how this would turn out and it made him uneasy.

"You have misread him," he said to Castaneda after the boy had left. "I don't think his brother has a hold on his loyalty at all."

"His indifference was an act. I guarantee it."

"Fine. Then you will be the one who watches over him, Hector. I want results, not promises."

"Have I ever let you down?" Hector asked, saluting with a grin.

Pedrosa watched his lieutenant follow after Danny Santiago. The Columbian thought back to his meeting with the young, rebellious addict and to the question the boy had asked him...

What good is loyalty when it comes from fear?

It was a wise observation, and its relevance was not lost on Pedrosa. He was aware that Hector was a loyal soldier who prided himself on getting his men to produce. Now that his reputation was on the line, succeeding would be more a matter of pride than fear of the consequences. Pedrosa knew from personal experience what a powerful incentive pride could be.

He poured himself a brandy and went back to the window, swirling the amber liquor in the crystal snifter as he looked out the porthole thoughtfully. Calmer waters had replaced the choppy waves and Pedrosa took this to be a good omen.

"My time has come, Crockett," he whispered into the darkness.

And after sipping the brandy and feeling its warmth spread through his chest, Pedrosa smiled for the first time in days.

April 1994

Sonny

For two solid hours, he had been watching the shoreline through a pair of night scope binoculars and his eyes were beginning to burn from fatigue. He shifted his position on the hard wooden floor of the boathouse, trying as best he could to find a comfortable position.

Once again, he was part of an all-night surveillance, fighting the impulse to doze and wishing he had a cold beer in his hand instead of the stale cup of coffee he had been nursing for the last half hour.

The only sleep he had gotten over the past thirty-six hours was a three-hour nap on the St.Vitus and that had been with a pillow over his head so he could block out the sound of returning fishing charters, filled with boisterous tourists.

Sonny lowered the binoculars and wiped his hand over his forehead, disgusted with the coating of sweat he found there. The room was like an oven. Unfortunately, the only ventilation was a small broken window and the plywood door he and Rico had left open a crack. The temperature had soared into the high nineties during the day, and now the air had the odor of stagnant water bubbling over a simmering fire.

"I hope Switek is still awake. I'm willin' to bet this heat has him in some kind of hypnotic trance holed up in that stuffy van!"

"I heard that, Sonny," a tired voice crackled from the two-way radio in Rico's hand. "For your information, I've been very busy, reviewing the stats on Playboy's "The Lovely Miss April" that came out on the newsstands this very afternoon. And after studying this little lady very closely, I would have to say there is probably very little chance of sleeping for at least, oh say, the next five or six hours."

Sonny heard a rustling of paper.

"Very admirable, Stan. I must remember to bring my copy along the next time I'm wasting my time on one of Izzy's bogus tips!" He turned his head back toward his partner. "I tell you Rico, that little worm told us whatever came into his head to get us off his back! There ain't gonna be any meet! Pedrosa's been out of the country since that nasty gig with Gina and me on his yacht. And if he knows what's good for him, he ain't never comin' back!"

"Think so?" Rico countered good-naturedly. "Well, then, let's pack it in and go home. You won't get any arguments outta me!"

"Very tempting," Crockett thought.

"No, we stay put," he murmured angrily. "I have to be sure."

He knew what Rico was thinking. "Practice what you preach, Sonny. You're letting this one get personal."

There was only one other time that Sonny felt this driven and that was when he had wanted to see Hackman dead. He had regretted his actions on that one ever since and wondered if he would be able to control his impulses this time.

He crushed the empty Styrofoam cup and threw it over his shoulder with a sigh of frustration. For almost two years they had been waiting for Pedrosa to turn up again, but the drug lord had completely disappeared. Promising leads were turning out to be nothing but dead ends and their best informants were mysteriously silent. Maybe the creep had crawled back under his rock, but Crockett seriously doubted they had seen the last of Carlos Pedrosa.

Rico opened his shirt at the collar.

"So, how's Gina feeling?� he asked, obviously hoping to provide a little distraction.

Sonny smiled for the first time in two hours and Rico breathed a sigh of relief.

"Uncomfortable. Anxious. She'd better have this baby soon or she's going to drive me up the wall with her middle-of-the-night false alarms. Every little twitch and she's got me throwing her suitcase in the back of the car and flying to the ER like a bat outta hell." He chuckled. "Funny, I don't remember it being that way with Caroline, but then that was fifteen years ago." He sighed. "Things sure have changed since then."

"Startin' over again." Rico shook his head with mock seriousness and looked over at his friend. "Sonny Crockett with an infant in his arms. I don't know how I'm going to handle that sight! An Uzi, maybe, but a baby? Man, I just can't see it."

Rico loved teasing his partner about this sudden change in life style. But Sonny's marriage to Gina had definitely turned things around for the better. Instead of a man teetering on the brink of destruction, he seemed more even-tempered, taking the time to enjoy what life had always denied him in the past.

There was no doubt about it. At long last, Sonny Crockett was content.

But tonight's assignment was an unpleasant reminder of the frustrations a vice cop was forced to endure: relying on sleazy informants and putting up with frustrating bureaucratic snafus. The irritable side of Crockett was also alive and well!

"Izzy's been out in the sun too long. Probably got his brains fried out on the beach this morning, trying to sell those umbrellas to the senior citizen population. Little scam artist, always looking for a fast way to make a buck! I ought to ring his Goddamn, scrawny Cuban neck! You had to hear him, Rico! 'Jus yu wait, meng...I got something to tell yoou gonna make your mouth watta...and..."

"Wait, Crockett...Listen! I hear a boat. Do you hear it?"

Sonny quickly put the binoculars back up to his face and peered out over the dark ocean. It only took a minute before he saw the outline of a sleek powerboat, very similar to his own.

"Looks like a cigarette, Rico. Maybe it's the one we're waiting for. Well, well. Could it be our little Cuban pip-squeak came up with something solid for a change?"

"Remember. This is strictly surveillance. We call in the sighting and we wait for backup." Rico had his fingers crossed on this one, noting nervously that Sonny was pretty much ignoring his conversation since the cigarette boat had made its appearance.

"You heard me, right man?"

"Yeah. I heard you," Crockett growled.

He got up on his hands and knees and pushed the door open until he had enough room to pass through to the outside dock. Rico let out a frustrated sigh. "Crockett! Now what?"

"Come along, or sit there, Tubbs. It's your choice."

The loud voices chattering in Spanish sounded very close, and Rico did not dare say another word, for fear that he would give their position away. Even so, he had a feeling the occupants of the boat would know soon enough that two Miami Dade undercover cops were about to make a surprise appearance.

"Damn it, Sonny!" he cursed under his breath. He lay on his belly and crawled out of the little shack like a crab. "I wish to hell you'd listen for a change!"

Crockett had already made it to the safety of a large palm tree bordering the shoreline and he unsnapped his holster, ready to sling out his pistol whenever it was needed. He watched as the men on the dock secured the boat to the pilings.

There were three altogether. One man, slightly built, stayed in the boat and Crockett assumed he was the lookout. The other two were built like fighters, their jackets bulging with hidden weapons.

Rico came up behind Sonny. "So? Is he there?"

"No. I don't see him. Yet."

"Yet? How long do you plan on staying out here in the open?"

"I couldn't stand being cooped up back there, Rico. Besides, I couldn't see that well. This is a much better vantage point."

"You got that right. We're much better targets from here than we were in the boathouse. Especially if some wise guy comes up behind us."

"Quiet!" Crockett hissed when he saw the smaller man in the boat pick up his head to listen. The other two had paused and were looking in the direction of their hiding place and for a minute, Crockett was convinced that the battle was about to begin.

Instead, he heard footsteps on the path to his right. The lookout waved in their direction and Rico flattened himself to the ground, while Sonny ducked around the trunk of the palm tree, praying they were both blending in with the shadows. The figure approached the boat and he heard the two men on the dock greet someone in friendly tones.

The newcomer's back was turned, but from what Sonny could see, he was young, very young. He was carrying a leather case in one hand and a lit cigarette in the other. He paused and brought the cigarette to his lips and Sonny watched transfixed as the bright orange tip lit up the baby face.

Danny Santiago!

Damn it!

Sonny bent his head in frustration and sighed.

It had been four months since Sonny had rescued this boy from the streets and tried to help him beat his heroin addiction. He had managed to get the judge to grant probation by arranging to get him into a rehab center. After he was released from there, Sonny and Gina had found him a shelter and then, a place to stay with a guy who took in runaways. The biggest challenge had been finding him a job.

Danny was bright, and trying hard to keep on the straight and narrow. It had been a gamble, recommending him for the messenger service position. The kid would get to ride a bike, delivering packages and documents that needed to get places in a hurry.

"I'm trusting you," Sonny had said to Danny the night before he was to start. "Don't screw up!"

He remembered Danny looking at him with that solemn expression.

"You gave me a chance. That's more than my old man ever gave my brother or me, and he's supposed to be family. You won't be sorry, Sonny. I promise. Thanks, man."

Danny checked in with Sonny once a week and Sonny bought him lunch or helped him replace the sneakers that wore out after hours of pedaling the traffic-choked streets. His employer told Sonny that the boy was one of the most reliable workers he had ever employed. He got to work on time, never called in sick and even when it rained, he got the packages where they had to go in record time.

The kid had been settling in. Talking about going back to school.

Sonny had even taken him fishing, twice.

He seemed happy.

And Sonny really liked him.

So-what the hell happened?

Rico was looking up and trying to get Crockett's attention. Sonny glanced up and saw his partner motioning him to move closer.

Danny had climbed aboard the boat and had already taken a seat by the pilot. The case he was carrying was on his lap, his hands resting lightly on top of it. The men were laughing pleasantly, slapping him on the back like he was a friend or a comrade in arms. Danny laughed along, then dragged on the cigarette once more and flicked it off into the water. Crockett heard the motor on the boat come to life.

"So, what do you think?" Rico asked, as Sonny joined him behind the protection of the palm tree.

"I don't know what to think. Looks like our buddy Danny is about to make some kind of delivery."

"It looks suspicious, I give you that. But still, you can't be a hundred percent sure it's drugs, or even money."

"Come on Rico. He had a heavy-duty habit, remember? That means heavy duty connections."

Rico leaned against the tree and checked his weapon in the light. "I'm sorry man. You went out on a limb, and he let you down. It happens. You did what you could to help him help himself."

"Yeah," Sonny brooded.

"So, I asked Stan to call for backup," Rico muttered.

"You're a little late, the boat's about to leave. We're going to have to move in now if we're going to stop this deal from going down."

"Stan said Castillo was already in route. The troops should be here any minute."

"Swell. Let's get 'em ourselves anyway."

There was no stopping Crockett when he was worked up like this.

"No good, Sonny," Rico muttered as he followed his partner out into the open. "This is a good way to get a belly full of lead!"

"Hold it right there!" he heard Sonny shout. "Stop the boat, now! Miami Vice!"

Danny's head swung around, an expression of alarm frozen on his face. "Sonny...wait!"

One of the men had pulled out his pistol and was aiming it at the two cops who were about to storm the pier.

"No!" Danny screamed, panicking when he saw what was happening. He threw his shoulder against the gunman and managed to throw him off balance. One of the other guys grabbed Danny's jacket and yanked him down to the floor of the boat.

Sonny and Rico reached the pier before the two lugs had been able to cast off. Shots were fired. The whole thing took less than sixty seconds, but to Crockett, it seemed as if everything was moving in slow motion, with all the characteristics of an underwater ballet. He pointed his revolver at the boat's pilot, his determined eyes fastened on the man's angry face. It was Hector Castenada.

"Hands up, buddy!" he growled.

The man's hands slipped off the wheel and fell to his sides.

Rico had grabbed one of the suspects by the arm and was twisting it behind his back. The leather case that the kid had been carrying had skidded across the floor of the boat and had come to rest on its side. Sonny and Rico began to pat down the other two suspects, removing weapons and throwing them on the dock, out of reach. Once they were cuffed securely, Sonny knelt down quickly to check on Danny.

"Ah, no...." he moaned when he saw the ragged wound. The hole the slug made was as big as his fist. Sitting down hard, he took the kid's head in his hands and held it against his chest.

"Why, Danny? For God's sake, why?"

"Sonny!"

Danny voice was nothing more than a harsh whisper. His eyes were dull and lifeless, but he held on to Sonny's arm with a vise-like grip.

"I messed up...I'm sorry," he said. "But you gotta believe me. I was trying to make things right. I was gonna...do something...instead I think I hurt you bad."

Sonny winced when he heard the bubbling in Danny's throat and saw the blood trickle down his chin.

"It...it just didn't work out the way I wanted," Crockett heard him say.

Danny fought for air and gasped. Then his body went limp and Crockett lowered the boy's head gently to the ground.

"Shit!" he exploded! "He didn't have to do this. He was just a kid!"

Stan's green bug van roared into the lot, followed by two black and whites, and Castillo's dark blue sedan, taking up the rear.

"You okay?" Stan asked warily, when he saw Danny Santiago at Crockett's feet.

"Yeah."

"Ambulance is on the way."

Sonny looked at Stan angrily, and then lowered his eyes, realizing the guy meant no harm.

"Yeah. Thanks. Stan." He turned away as he felt his emotions start to overwhelm him.

Rico had retrieved the case from the boat and was doing his best to pry it open. The clasps snapped suddenly and he lifted the lid, sucking in his breath when he saw what was inside.

Crockett frowned. "What is it? Flake? Money, what?"

"No, nothing like that. All there is in here is a big bad gun, Crockett, loaded and ready to shoot. Now where would the boy go and get a weapon like that may I ask? And what was he planning to do with it?"

Was it a double cross? A hit? What did Danny mean when he said he was trying to set things right?

"Why didn't he come to me? If he was having trouble, I could have helped. He died for nothing Tubbs. It didn't have to be this way."

"Danny was a boy of the streets, man. You reached out but it was probably already too late. The timing was all wrong. Who knows? Maybe that no good brother of his got close to him again. Only Danny could have given you the answers, man."

Two of the backup officers were bringing the three men they had cuffed up from the boat.

"Hold it!" Sonny shouted. "I want to ask them a few questions."

"Sonny, not now!" Rico said softly. "You're too wired. Save it for the interrogation room. Doing it like this could blow the whole case."

"You telling me my job, man?" Crockett hissed.

Any other guy would have been furious with his response, but Rico knew Sonny well, and was aware that this reaction was just the adrenaline talking.

"No, just giving you a little nudge in the right direction, that's all. Let's get out of here and set up things downtown. These guys will have their lawyers there before we know what hit us, so we need to get all our ducks in a row. Come on, partner. Keep it together."

Sonny stopped and stared as the cops brought the trio closer. He grabbed the smaller man's jacket and jerked him closer until they were nose to nose.

"I think you'd better calm down, Detective Crockett," the man answered, his eyes piercing into Sonny's very soul.

Crockett let go of the man like he was a hot coal.

"Don't you tell me to calm down, you slimy bastard! I know who you are! This time things will be different!"

Rico pulled Sonny's arm back, his voice rumbling with warning. "Sonny, Castillo's on his way over."

When Sonny saw Castillo approaching, he fell into silence, watching sullenly as the three men were led away and deposited in a patrol car.

"This whole operation was sloppy," Marty was saying angrily. "I want to talk to both of you at headquarters and then I expect a typed report on my desk before you sign off for the night."

"Oh, don't worry. I intend to be around for quite a while tonight. You'll be getting more from me than just a report!"

Sonny saw Rico cringe, and suddenly, the blustery wind went out of his sails.

"I'm sorry, Lieutenant. I...this has been a tough night. I'm coming down a little slower than usual. Seeing the kid, and all..."

"I don't want you in on the interrogation if you can't get control of yourself, Detective."

"Whaddaya you mean...this was my bust..." He stopped. "Yeah, okay. I got it. No rough stuff...by the book. Count on it, Lieutenant. Whatever it takes. I wouldn't miss this interrogation for the world."

He saw Marty glance over at Rico and a look of understanding seemed to pass between them. The seeds of paranoia began to sprout.

"What was that all about, Rico?" he growled as the Lieutenant moved beyond hearing range.

"He's letting me know I need to help you rein it in, I guess. I told him 'No problem.'"

"You said all that...with one look, huh? Amazing. So, he thinks I'm on the edge again, I guess. Is that how you feel?"

"No. I think Martin's afraid you're too involved. I see it myself, Sonny. Helping that kid was something you needed to do. A confirmation that what you do as a cop is more than just busting dealers and then watching them walk out again after their lawyers play footsie with our judicial system. You wanted to touch one life, make a difference. It was a good try, very noble. And Danny himself appreciated it, too. I know he did. Deep down, he was a good kid. Even I saw the potential. Something happened though, I don't know. Someone got to him. You can't blame yourself. You did all you could."

"Yeah, maybe." Sonny turned away from Rico in time to see the coroner wheel the stretcher toward the body on the pier. He couldn't shake the feeling that he had missed something and now the guilt was driving him crazy.

"He was trying to tell me something, Rico. I know it. Why didn't he come to me before? I thought we had a trust thing going. Man, he was going to make it, I know it. Gina saw it too. This is going to break her heart."

Stan was standing at the door of the big green van, holding the door open invitingly. "Come on, guys. I'll take you back to your car. You have a lot of writing to do, and I have to come back and help them clean up here. It's going to be a long night, I'm afraid."

It would not be easy getting his mind back on the investigation, but Sonny wanted answers and if he didn't ask these bastards the right questions, he was going to come up empty handed again. Bowing his head with acceptance, he followed Rico and told him to get in the front with Stan while he settled himself in the back, next to the surveillance equipment. The reels of tape were still turning, and he flicked off the switch disgustedly.

"Wait!" he shouted suddenly, his face brightening. "Did you get some conversation on this, Stan? Was there some dialogue on here, or what?"

Stan peered back into the gloom. "I didn't have time to listen to it yet. For a while there, I tried to pick it up with a long-range mike, but there was a lot of interference from the boat's motor. Here..." Stan rewound the tape for Sonny. "Here, see what you can make of it."

It was worth a try.

Sonny fitted the earphones on his head and settled back. When he heard the words, he groaned. The conversation was entirely in Spanish.

"Rico. Come here buddy. I need your expertise!"

His partner eased into the back next to Sonny and fit the phones over his ear, adjusting the volume on the machine slightly.

"Whew," he complained. "Lots of static." Stan turned the key and the van's engine roared to life.

"Can ya keep it down a minute up there!" Sonny shouted.

"I thought you were in a hurry!" Stan clicked of the ignition.

Rico tapped a pencil on the armrest as he listened, the tape reels turning slowly.

"Okay, here...the small guy's talking."

Rico began the slow difficult process of listening and then translating what he could back to his anxious partner.

"Who is it, Hector?"

"It's okay. It's the kid. I can tell by his walk."

"Yes. You're right. I see him."

"You sure it's him?"

"What do you mean, am I sure? He lived in my house, didn't he? I've known him a long time. He is like family."

"It's that bastard, Castaneda! I knew he had something over Danny!" Sonny muttered angrily.

"Shh!" Rico warned. The conversation on the tape continued.

"Okay, okay. I just wanted to make sure before we docked the boat, that's all. We gotta be careful. There must be cops nearby cause I'm pretty sure I can smell a certain stink in the air!"

Laughter.

"Danno, over here, my boy. It is good to see you. What you got for me, eh? What's that, a case of money?"

More laughter.

"No, Señor Castaneda. Some papers for you. Information about Crockett like you asked. Schedules. Addresses. Case numbers."

"Really! Very good! Let me take a look."

"No! I...I mean, not now. I want to get away from here. I think I was followed."

Silence.

"What you mean, followed? Crockett? He followed you, boy?"

"No, no. He's out on an assignment. Someone else. I'm not sure who...I just wanna go. Start the boat, Señor. I'm feeling very jumpy all of a sudden."

"So. Señor Pedrosa will be happy with what you did for him. This means we can let your brother go, Danny. You have done a good job. Here, try some of this coke I picked up, just in from Peru. You deserve a reward."

Sonny's face flushed with fury.

Pedrosa!

Izzy had been right! He was involved in this!

"I don't want any of that stuff," Danny was saying. "I...I don't need it anymore!"

"What! No more late night parties with the others...you used to like that, Danny. What has that cop done to you? I hope you don't plan to turn over to his side!"

Then Rico told Sonny he could hear the speedboat's motor roaring to life and the sound of angry voices.

"I hear shots now, Sonny. That must have been when we came along."

Sonny thumped his fist against the side of the van.

"Pedrosa!" he exploded. "Danny was working for Pedrosa? I don't believe it!"

"Sounds to me like this Castaneda had the boy in his grip. They were using the brother to force him to feed them information about you. But it also sounds to me like Danny was planning a little rebellion of his own."

"Maybe."

"It makes sense, Crockett. Danny seemed reluctant to turn over the briefcase to Castaneda. Then, we didn't find papers in the case, just a gun. Then, he yells out to warn you to stay away. I think he took a bullet for you, man."

"When I was holding him, he was telling me he was trying to make things right, too. I'm afraid to think how he was planning to pull that one off. Like you said. That was a big gun for a young kid to be toting around."

Sonny was heartsick, but a small knot of relief was beginning to push away some of the anger and guilt. The kid had been gutsy, no two ways about it. And he was loyal. Even though his brother's life was in danger, he was willing to do what he could to protect Sonny. Now that had to count for something.

Sonny looked over at Rico gratefully.

"You're right. He probably did take a bullet for me. Doesn't make me feel less responsible, but at least he was on the right side of the law for a change.

Rico put the earphones down and signaled to Stan they were ready to get going.

"Pedrosa, Rico. Damn! He keeps haunting me everywhere I turn! Am I ever going to catch up to this guy or what? Whenever I get close, he manages to slip away! And this attempt to get to me through Danny. It shows how he'll stop at nothing to eliminate any obstacle to his plans."

"So now we have Castaneda. Maybe that's the break you've been waiting for."

"I hope so, Rico. Cause otherwise, all we have at this point is a worthless tape and a briefcase with a loaded gun."

"Who is this Castaneda, anyway? Has the name come up in the briefings? It doesn't ring a bell."

"He was a key player in another case I was working on quite awhile ago. Before I left for the Keys, in fact. You were involved in a case up in Lauderdale, so you wouldn't have remembered it. It was nasty. Castaneda had this stable full of boy prostitutes and one of his john's was a District Court Judge by the name of Faraday. When they found "his honor" dead in his hotel room with his throat cut, homicide rounded up Castaneda's boy toys and managed to scare away the bulk of his clientele. I never got to collar him on the vice charges, but his income was cut off for the time being and I was satisfied. Hell, it would have been a good thing if I had been a little more diligent, I guess. I could have had the man behind bars and prevented this whole thing from ever happening."

"You never know, Crockett. Sounds like the Faraday case had been taken out of your hands. Besides, I'm sure you had bigger fish to fry."

"Yeah. Like Hackman, you mean."

"Hackman? Was that when he was in the picture?"

Sonny's face clouded over for a moment.

"Yeah. Guess I was pretty distracted. And when Hackman...when he got to Caitlin...Castaneda was nothing more than a distant memory. I never even thought about him again...until now."

Sonny glanced up at Rico. "Funny how this job makes the past comes back to haunt you. I put so much of the tragedy behind me, trying to get on with my life and forget what I could, and the same sleazy bastards keep cropping up, making you dwell on your faults and your failures. It's a wonder we're not all in the looney-bin, Rico! You can't ever catch a break from it! Not ever!"

So many times Rico had opened his mouth to protest whenever Sonny put himself down, but he had taken a different tact lately. A form of "Tough Love", actually. It went something like this:

Don't let Sonny wallow in self pity and he'll get so mad at you he'll forget what it was all about.

"Okay, Sonny. We need to keep focused. The subject of Hackman's been beaten to death. I'm sick of it! Enough!"

It was the hardest thing in the world for Rico to say. There was a chilly silence in the van, and Rico held his breath, waiting for Crockett to react.

"Where did they teach you that form of psychological warfare? Do I really come across as an obsessive pain in the ass?"

His voice sounded hurt, but his eyes were bright with merriment, and Rico realized that his partner was a lot healthier mentally than he realized."

"No, man. That was a terrible thing to say. I'm ashamed of myself. I just thought..."

"I know what you thought, and you may not believe this, but what you said has some merit."

"No, no it doesn't, man. You went through a lot. Most men would have cracked."

"I did crack, remember? I went down in flames and almost took you down with me, if I recall. So, five years later, Here I am. I've turned things around. Look at what I have...a beautiful wife...a kid on the way. Dwelling on the past is poison. It's over and done. See, Rico? You're a shrink and you never even knew it."

"That's a laugh. Physician, heal thyself."

"You're the most stable person I ever met, buddy. You're the anchor in this partnership, that's for sure."

The van pulled over next to where they had parked the Testarossa and the two detectives hopped out. Sonny saluted Stan and the van sped off, back to the docks and the scene of the crime.

"Think this guy Castaneda remembers you?" Rico asked.

Sonny unlocked the car door and climbed in.

"I did question him that night after they busted him but Lippman over at Homicide was the detective who handled the final phase. I played a very minor role. Besides, Castaneda had much bigger worries than beating an arrest for soliciting."

"So, did they ever get a conviction?"

Sonny shook his head with disgust. "Naw. He got off on some technicality, naturally. He didn't murder the guy, anyway. It was probably one of his kids."

Moments later, they had pulled into the OCB lot and nodded to several fellow detectives as they made their way back to the office.

"Busy tonight. Must be a full moon," Sonny observed.

"Almost. That would be on tomorrow's calendar."

"Oh, great. You mean I have another night full of whacko's to look forward to?"

"Hope not," Rico chuckled. "Tonight's action was enough to last me a lifetime."

"A-men to that brother!"

Rico found out from the desk sergeant that Castaneda had been booked and was cooling his heels in a holding cell. One of the patrol officers had gone off to bring him back into the interrogation room.

"Let me at him," Rico heard Sonny mutter.

"I'll go along," Rico insisted.

"Suit yourself. You were there too. It's just as much your bust as it was mine."

Rico sighed. It looked as if Crockett's surliness had returned.

"So, what have we here?" Sonny shouted as he burst into the interrogation room.

The man looked back at Sonny with a blank expression.

"Hector Castaneda! I'm the guy who is about to become your worst nightmare."

Sonny turned one of the wooden chairs around and straddled the seat so that his chin was resting on the back of the chair. His eyes were like two cannons aimed straight at the dealer, and he waited for a moment to see if the man would flinch under the intense scrutiny.

Castaneda looked at him with a half smile. "I have nothing to say to you. I'm just waiting for my lawyer."

"Lawyer, huh. Well that's fine. You can wait all you like. But we have the goods on you my man. Resisting arrest. Possession of a narcotic, threatening the welfare of a minor by offering said narcotic to that minor. Kidnapping..."

"Kidnapping! I don't think so, Señor. That kid walked on to that boat of his own free will..."

"What about Danny's brother, then? You gonna tell me he went to visit Pedrosa of his own free will as well?"

Sonny saw a tiny flicker of fear register in the cold eyes, and he felt his first flush of success.

"Didn't know we heard about that one, did you?"

"I don't know what you are talking about."

"Carlos Pedrsoa. You're gonna tell me now you never heard of him?"

"If I said that, you'd know I was lying. Sure I've heard of him. We all know about the generosity of Carlos Pedrosa."

"Oh, that's a good one. His generosity, huh. How 'bout his reputation for killing? We know about his expertise on the execution squad in his homeland. We're not especially tolerant of his type around here. If and when we catch up to him, I want you to know he's going to take a little voyage back to Colombia, courtesy of Uncle Sam."

Castaneda smiled. "If you say so, Señor."

"I say so. And you. What's your connection to him?"

"I told you. I respect the man. As far as doing business with him, I have never had the pleasure."

"I see. And what if I were to tell you that we have you on tape, congratulating Danny Santiago on doing a good job for this man you've never met?"

"That's bull shit. I never said anything like that and you can't make it stick..."

"Are you sure, Señor?" Sonny drawled. He always reverted back to his soft Southern accent whenever he got caught up in the heat of the moment.

"Yeah. I'm sure. You're just baiting the hook. And I'm not going to bite."

"Listen to that, Rico...a fishing analogy. How poetic!"

Castaneda smiled. "I have lived in this country for many years. I know the law and I know my rights as a citizen. You have nothing. I will be out on bail by the morning, and the charges will be dropped for insufficient evidence. A tape that mentions a Carlos Pedrosa? Where's the crime there? And as far as offering the Santiago boy a narcotic...I could have been offering him a soda for all you could tell. Coke as in Coca Cola!"

"The white stuff looked an awful lot like recreational drugs to me, Hector."

Castaneda shrugged. "It was on the boat. The boat belonged to a friend. He stashed the coke there. We never knew it existed. Try and make these charges stick, Detective Crockett. You are just wasting your time."

"And that's another thing! How the hell do you know who I am? I never gave you my name! Who told you to spy on me? Pedrosa? Who, damn it, answer me! Who?"

Sonny had jumped up at this point, knocking over the chair and kicking it off to the side. Rico had stood up also, and put a warning hand on Sonny's arm.

"Lay off, Rico," Sonny snarled. "This bastard is mine!"

Rico sighed. It hadn't come to blows, yet, but it was getting close.

"I asked you a question, Hector," Sonny muttered between clenched teeth. "Now answer me, damn it, or I'll..."

"Or you'll what? Hit me? Go ahead. Then, you'll be out on your ear. Brought up on charges of manhandling a witness. Assault. Unbecoming behavior for an officer of the law! And then, I'll sue you for all your worth, Crockett. Then what will you have left to live on? Who will support that pretty wife of yours and the new baby coming along? Huh. Tell me, Crockett! How will you survive?"

Sonny's nostrils flared with fury. The implicit threat to Gina and his unborn child sent him into a rage. He heard Rico's intake of breath and felt his partner's arms wrap around him as he prepared to lunge at the dealer. Rico struggled valiantly to drag Sonny back, despite the powerful thrust of Sonny's elbow in his unprotected solar plexus.

The door opened and Castillo entered, a look of disapproval stamped on his face.

"Crockett! That's enough!"

Sonny stood up straight and Rico's arms fell to his side.

"I'm through with this slime bucket anyway," Sonny muttered slipping past Castillo and stalking out of the room. The knowledge that Pedrosa was sending out feelers to find out more about him had obviously rattled Sonny more than he cared to admit. Rico sat down in front of Castaneda, prepared to continue where Crockett left off and Castillo closed the door silently, watching Sonny head for his desk in the corner of the office.

"My office, Sonny," he ordered.

His mouth set in an angry line, Sonny turned and followed behind Martin while opening and closing his hands into tight fists.

"Don't lecture me, Marty," he began as soon as the door was closed. "The guy knew what buttons to press and I admit I overreacted. But damn it, he knows that Gina and I are husband and wife and that she's expecting a baby... that's getting too close for comfort. I can't have that kind of information circulating! My cover and my credibility are blown!" He stopped ranting for a minute and looked over at Castillo. Marty looked back at him with a detached air.

"Are you finished?" Martin asked.

"Yes."

Castillo studied Crockett carefully.

"I just got a call from homicide. They found the boy's brother, Chico, floating in the bay."

Crockett's expression turned to stone.

"That bastard...Marty, you know Pedrosa and Castaneda murdered those kids!" he shouted. "We have to do something about it...."

"We?"

"Yeah, me, Rico...you!"

"Chico OD'd. There was no evidence of physical violence."

"Well, what about an autopsy? That might show something."

"I doubt it."

"So, Castaneda walks? Is that what you're saying?"

"You'll have to convince the DA there's a case. Are you prepared to do that?"

"Whatever it takes, Lieutenant."

"If you can't keep the emotion out it, then give the interrogation over to Rico."

"It was my tip, and the kid was my responsibility. I'll handle it. And I won't let it get personal, I swear."

Marty looked him severely.

"It's too late, Sonny. You already have."

"Okay, then Rico can question Castaneda! But when it comes to testifying against him, I want that right."

"If it comes to a trial."

"Oh, it will, Lieutenant. I just have to see to it that the slimy lawyers don't come up with some story like we conducted an illegal search and seizure...I'm counting on either the charge of possession or resisting arrest."

"Maybe. But Homicide will handle the deaths of the Santiago brothers. Don't try and connect them to Castaneda yourself or you'll have too many loopholes. Keep the case simple and you;ll have more of a chance of keeping it airtight."

The door opened suddenly and a secretary poked her head in.

"Call for you, Sonny. Line 2."

"Can I take it here?" he asked.

Castillo nodded.

Sonny leaned against the desk wearily. "Yeah, Crockett."

"Sonny, it's Trudy."

"Trudy?" Sonny's voice trailed away, his hand tightening on the receiver. "What's the matter?"

"We were at the store, picking up some things for the hospital, and...well, she doubled over. I...I thought she was going to pass out. I sat her down... she looked so pale...and...and the manager...he saw what was happening and he called an ambulance..."

"Where is she?" he shouted.

"The ambulance is about to leave for Broward General, Sonny. She's definitely in labor...I'm sure of it...don't worry. I'll ride with her, but she's asking for you. Hurry and meet us there...okay? Sonny?"

Crockett had already dropped the receiver on Marty's desk, and was headed for the door, a wild-eyed look on his face.

"Gotta go, Lieutenant!" he said without looking back. "It's Gina!"

He saw Rico come out of the interrogation room as he ran past him and crashed out through the office door.

"Sonny?"

"Trudy just called. Gina's in labor and she's on her way to Broward...by ambulance."

The door swung shut and Sonny sprinted for the stairway, taking the steps two at a time.

"I'm getting' too old for this!" he muttered when he missed the bottom step and twisted his ankle painfully. Moaning softly, he tried to rub out the pain while he continued to hop on his uninjured foot toward the back lot where he'd parked that morning.

"Come on, Crockett. I'll drive," he heard a voice behind him say.

"It's okay, Lieutenant. I'm up for it."

"Like hell you are. Get in."

Marty pulled the door of his dark blue sedan open and waited patiently for Sonny to follow orders. The lieutenant's expression was stern, but Sonny was sure he caught the tiny hint of a smile playing at the corner of his mouth.

"Okay," Sonny agreed with a chuckle. "But I'm counting on getting there by sometime next Tuesday, Marty." He shut the passenger door hastily.

"Seat belt," Marty rumbled as he closed his own door and put the key in the ignition.

"Huh?" Crockett glanced over with a frown.

"You heard me."

Sonny hated seat belts and rarely used them but realizing it was going to be useless to argue, he pulled the strap over and cinched the belt securely over his lap.

Marty started the engine without another word and backed out into traffic, carefully negotiating a three-point turn amidst the howl of protesting honks from several irate motorists. Without even acknowledging the angry gestures and irreverent epitaphs, he pressed his foot on the accelerator, causing the car to jerk forward. The tires spun uselessly for a minute, and then the car shot forward suddenly, hurtling down the highway like a rocket.

"Ah, Lieutenant" Sonny shouted, the mocking grin frozen on his face and his knuckles white as his hand gripped the passenger door's armrest. Sonny didn't mind speed, but the only driver he trusted with it was himself.

"You're in a hurry, right?" Marty muttered.

"Right," Sonny answered, swallowing hard. For once, he was glad he had a safety harness on, anchoring him securely to his seat.

April 20 1994

Sonny

He reached for her hand, watching out for the IV line snaking along the crook of her arm.

"I'm here now Gina," he whispered close to her ear. Glancing over at the plastic bassinet by the stretcher, he read the little pink card attached to the outside.

CROCKETT BABY-GIRL

Gina squeezed his hand and opened her eyes slowly.

"I'm sorry," he heard her say wearily. "I know we were supposed to do this together. I kept telling this baby you were on your way, but she just wouldn't wait!"

Sonny kissed her hand and chuckled.

"Impatient. Guess she gets that from her Dad," he joked. "Don't worry about it. You and the baby are okay and that's all that matters."

"Did you see her?"

She looked up at him, her eyes heavy with exhaustion.

"No, not yet."

"Go meet your daughter."

The nurse had come in behind him and was looking over at Gina with a knowing smile.

"Of course you want to hold her Detective," she insisted as she picked up the sleeping infant and handed her to Sonny.

He hesitated, but only for a second.

"Some things you never forget," he muttered as he cradled the tiny baby against him.

Once he looked down at her, it was love at first sight.

"Hi, there," he said softly.

Jeez! I forgot how little they could be!

"Blonde hair. Blue eyes." His voice wavered just a little.

Putting his finger on her cheek, he stroked it gently. It felt so soft.

"Emily," he whispered.

"What?" Gina asked him, frowning.

He smiled. "Nothing. Just shootin' the breeze with my kid here."

He began to plan his strategy as an imaginary dialogue began to take shape in his mind.

"I meant to ask you this a while ago, Gina, but...well, I just never got around to it, I guess. How bout we name her Emily? Why? Well...it's a name that's been rattling around in my head for some time now...I kinda like how it sounds. Yeah, I know...we should have probably discussed it first, but I was afraid you would have other choices...and now that I've seen her, it really seems to fit...old fashioned, you know? In fact, I can't think of any other name that would suit her more."

"I have an idea about the name," he said aloud suddenly. "You don't have to give an answer right away. But...I want you to think about it, okay?"

Gina gave him a curious look. "You been holdin' out on me Crockett? Every time I brought up the subject of girls' names, you made it seem as if you didn't care."

"Well, I did...I mean, I do. I...I just didn't want to insist, that's all."

"You mean you had one picked out all along?"

He chewed on his lip thoughtfully. "Yeah. I guess. Something like that."

"My, my. This is amazing! Okay, let's hear it! What is it? Lola? Mary-Lou? Ellie Mae?"

"Very funny. Sounds like a bunch of girls we picked up on a street corner last Tuesday. No, ah, I heard this name a while ago and it kind of stuck with me ever since. How does the name 'Emily' sound?"

She studied him for a moment.

"Old girlfriend?" she teased.

He gave her a hurt look.

"I'm fooling. It's a nice name, Sonny."

He could tell she wasn't wild about it. He tried not to feel disappointed.

"Means a lot to you, doesn't it?" she asked solemnly.

Now he was embarrassed. He shrugged. "It shouldn't I guess. What's the difference? It's okay. Whatever you want, Gina."

He touched the baby's cheek again.

"You know, she's a beauty, Gina," he said with a grin. "Aren't you, Ellie Mae?"

"No you don't!" Gina laughed lightly. "Never, never, never!"

They were both quiet for a while.

"Okay. Emily it is," Gina said finally. "I like it a lot, Sonny. In fact, I think it's perfect."

He wasn't about to argue.

"That's great."

"Emily Rose. Aunt Rosemarie will like that," she said.

"Done."

"See? That wasn't so bad."

"Hope it's that simple the next time."

"Next time! What makes you think I'd go through this again?"

"Oh, just a hunch, I guess. They tell me my hunches are usually pretty good."

"Let me have her," she said and he put the sleeping baby down on the stretcher next to her. She held the soft bundle close and looked up at him, her eyes glistening.

"I want you to know that the two most important people in my life are here with me now. And that's all I need to make me happy."

He was touched.

"That goes for me too, Gina," he answered, picking up her hand again.

Only this time, he gripped tightly, as if he were holding on for dear life.

August 1994

Gina

She was watching with disgust as Castaneda leaned over to whisper in his lawyer's ear. To her, this dangerous man looked almost like a predatory bird hovering over his helpless prey.

Sonny had told her what had happened and who was responsible. He also told her Castaneda's background and how this creep had fed off the earnings of runaways, discarding them like garbage after they outlived their usefulness.

She watched Castaneda turn slightly in his chair and stare curiously up at the spectators in the gallery until at last he found her.

As their eyes met, he smiled.

Gina felt her pulse race as she shrunk back in her seat. It was not a coincidence! Either someone had tipped him off that she was here or he had been expecting her.

She knew it wasn't smart, but she had still felt strongly about coming to the trial. After all, it was because of her that Sonny agreed to help Danny. She and Sonny really liked the kid and he had been coming along so well.

Then, all of a sudden everything had gone wrong. Sonny and Rico caught sight of Danny with a suspicious looking brief case going to meet with Hector Castaneda at the pier and when they tried to make arrests, all hell had broken loose. Castaneda had been the pilot of the speedboat that night and Sonny was sure he had been the one to fire the gun that killed Danny.

Sonny had told her that so much had gone on during that gun battle that the DA knew it would be tough to make the murder charges stick. Desperate to hold Castaneda, they charged him with "resisting arrest", but Castaneda's lawyers were slick and had managed to cast some doubt as to whether Castaneda had realized Sonny and Rico were cops.

Fortunately, Stan had found two keys of coke in the speedboat's hold. Now they had something they could sink their teeth into...suspicion of trafficking cocaine.

Danny's death had devastated Sonny and he had made it clear he was determined to punish the men responsible, no matter what the charges were. Since the attempted murder charges were dead in the water, the DA had persuaded Sonny to concentrate all his efforts on the illegal drugs aspect of the case instead.

Inquiries were made and the preliminary follow-ups revealed that Castaneda worked for Carlos Pedrosa. It was a month into the investigation when the actual threats began.

The phone calls coming into the station had become so bad, that Sonny insisted Gina and the baby leave the house and stay with her Aunt Rosemarie for a while. He wanted her out of the picture at least until after he testified.

When he found out she was planning to come to the trial, he exploded.

"It's too dangerous. If you leave yourself exposed like that, they could use it as leverage," Sonny had said, the night she was told to pack an overnight bag and some baby supplies. "In other words, if he gets to you, he gets to me!"

"I'll stay out of sight." Gina snapped the suitcase shut and looked up at her husband with fire in her eyes.

"Don't make this any more difficult than it already is!" he growled. "I need to be focused on this thing and I can't get the job done if I'm worrying about you and Emily!"

She had been furious at him for saying that. He must have realized that she wanted Pedrosa as badly as he did. He was acting as if her insight and abilities didn't count for anything.

"I'm being difficult? You're the one with the high and mighty chauvinistic attitude!" Recently, they had been fighting about her returning to work and she had made it very clear that she refused to accept being treated like a china doll.

"This again! Gina, you have to see how Emily has changed things!" he had shouted. "You're a new mother, for God's sake!"

"Damn it, Crockett! What about you? You're the baby's father! How is it you don't consider a change in occupation? I still have the same feelings about my job that I had before I got pregnant! I'm not ready to give it up and you have no right to insist that I do!"

He had been quiet after that, and she held her breath, waiting for his next angry outburst. Instead, he came over and put his arms around her.

"You know, you're right. I should know better than anyone how hard it is to give up a job that you care about so deeply. I'm sorry."

She knew he meant it and she loved him for it. But despite his contrite assurances that he didn't mind her being involved, two nights before the trial he had asked her to keep a low profile at least until after he testified.

"I promise I'll make it up to you," he begged, trying hard not to insist. "It's just that...I want to go into this trial with a clear head, Gina. Humor me. Just this once."

Trudy had stopped over for a visit that morning, and when Gina had poured out her frustrations to her partner, she was surprised to hear Trudy side with Crockett for a change.

"You must see his side of it, Gina. Castaneda works for Pedrosa. That snake in the grass has eyes everywhere. I could see him trying to use you to stop Crockett from testifying against his man. Worse yet, he might try to get back at Sonny by harming you or the baby. After all, Sonny was the arresting officer."

"I'm a police officer myself, Trudy. I know what I'm doing."

"Yes, I know that. But your head is all turned around now," Trudy murmured as she nuzzled against the back of Emily's neck. "Hmm, she smells so good. I love that."

"Let me put her down," Gina said as she reached over to take the sleeping baby. "This is nap time and I don't want to break the pattern."

She stood there looking down at her daughter, her eyes full of love. There were new feelings inside her that she found hard to describe. She hated to admit it, but Sonny was probably right about the job. The danger was certainly a factor. And how on earth would she ever be able to go out on the street and pose as a hooker again?

But police work was in her blood. She wasn't the type to stay home and push a stroller through the mall.

Trudy stood in the doorway of the baby's room, a smile on her face as she watched Gina pat the child gently.

"This little lady has your full attention, Gina. That's only going to work against you if you go back too soon. Listen to Sonny, for now. You'll know when the time is right."

But despite the warnings, she had made up her mind that she would attend the opening deliberations at the very least. She thought that if she didn't go near her husband and slipped in quietly to sit in the upstairs gallery, she would never be noticed.

But Castaneda's stare had made it clear he had picked her out from the crowd. She sat there, looking down into his cold lifeless eyes and for the first time, she realized that no matter how many precautions they made, Pedrosa would be capable of finding her and Emily with relative ease.

And as long as Sonny persisted in finding and destroying Pedrosa, they would all be targeted for harm.

The lawyers' opening remarks were brief. The state was confident they would wrap it up in a week at the most.

"I call my first witness, Detective James Sonny Crockett to the stand, your honor," Harold Jensen Esquire announced grandly.

Gina tensed and sat back in her chair as if trying to melt into the upholstery. Maybe this hadn't been such a good idea after all. She glanced at the woman next to her, wondering if she should excuse herself and leave.

The bailiff swore Sonny in and he sat down confidently in the witness chair, adjusting the microphone in front of him.

"So, Detective Crockett. Identify yourself for the court, if you please."

"James Sonny Crockett. Detective with the Metro Dade Police Department, Vice Division."

Harold gave the jury one of his benevolent smiles and proceeded with his questioning.

"I see. And how long have you been on the force, Detective?"

"Going on twenty years, now."

"Unusual, to be around that long. Would you say you're good at what you do, Detective?"

Gina saw Sonny struggle with his temper and knew he was furious with Harold for asking such a ridiculous question.

"I've had my share of arrests, counselor, if you want to use that as a measure of success."

Harold grinned. "Oh, but I do, Detective Crockett. I most certainly do."

Gina had heard Sonny groan about Jenson often enough and now she saw why. He was a grandstanding idiot who made lawyers look as bad as the public insisted on perceiving them. Even so, he got his share of convictions, and Sonny felt more comfortable with him then some of the other lawyers he had come up against in the past.

"So, in your own words, would you tell the court what transpired on the night of April 20, 1994?"

Sonny proceeded to paint a picture for the jury that made them sit up and take notice. Impassioned about his work, he never failed to fire the imagination whenever he led you into his world. She felt her heart beating for him as she listened, wondering how and when Pedrosa would decide to retaliate.

They recessed for lunch and the courtroom stood, giving the judge the traditional demonstration of respect as they watched the retreating figure in black robes swirl away into his private chambers.

Gina sighed. It looked like the trial might go on longer than Sonny expected and most likely the defense would want to cross-examine him.

"Excuse me," she said to the woman sitting next to her as she got up hastily to leave. The people in the row averted their legs to give her room and she glanced down once more to see if Castaneda was looking. Instead, she met the eyes of her husband, staring up with disbelief when he caught sight of his wife in the courtroom gallery.

---

"I asked you not to come," he said, catching up with her on the courtroom steps.

"I know you did. But I took precautions."

"Gina. This was the worst thing you could have done. I can't believe you disregarded my wishes, knowing what it meant to me!"

She bit her lip to hold back her tongue. Part of her wanted to hug him and say she was sorry, but her pride held her back.

"Stop over reacting, Sonny. You're making a scene."

He stood there for a moment, hurt and disappointment in his eyes and without a word, he turned away from her to go back up the courtroom steps.

"Sonny," she called after him. "Wait!"

He looked back. "We'll talk later," he said coldly. "Officer Renkin here will make sure you get home safely. Right now, I have to try and make sure Castaneda doesn't get to a phone. All it takes is one call and Pedrosa's goons could scoop you off the street in the blink of an eye."

She swallowed nervously and stopped herself from looking back over her shoulder. "Okay, so I admit it. I was wrong. Let's not make a federal case out of this Sonny, okay. I'm sorry. I should have listened to you."

Sonny ran his fingers through his hair and sighed. "I wasn't thinking straight. I should have been planning for this all along. Moving you to your aunt's place was not good enough. You might as well pick up Emily and go back to the house."

Glancing over at Jimmy Renkin, he jerked his head toward the squad car parked at the foot of the steps. "I want the sirens going full blast. And Mike can ride shotgun. Look the house and property over thoroughly before you escort her inside. You stay with her until I get back."

"Sonny..." She reached over to him and felt the hot tears of remorse stinging her eyes.

"I love you, Gina," he said sadly. "Don't you see? That's all I'm trying to say. I'm not trying to tie you down or make you a prisoner in your new life. I'm just trying to protect you and Emily in the only way I know how. You have to trust my judgment on this, sweetheart. Please. Now, go with Jimmy, and I promise, we'll talk tonight."

---

She waited up until midnight when she heard the turn of his key in the lock. Then, she heard the patrol car outside drive away.

"Hi," Sonny said when he noticed her sitting in the dark. "She asleep?"

"Yes, finally."

"Then, why are you still up?"

"You know why."

He sighed. "I'm beat, Gina. It's been a long day."

"Is it over?"

"Yeah." He answered her so softly that she knew the news couldn't be good.

"Castaneda got off, didn't he?"

Sonny flipped off the light. "I'm going in to check on Emily before I turn in. I'll tell you all about what happened after I cool off a little."

It was a while before she heard the shower running. When he came out finally and joined her under the sheets, she snuggled up close to his body, feeling the moisture on his skin soak into her cotton gown.

"The judge didn't buy the evidence. Castaneda has friends in high places."

"You mean Pedrosa does."

"Doesn't matter who. All that matters is that he's out. Another piece of garbage added back onto the pile."

"I don't understand. You found him with the drugs. And what about the tape...."

"The tape was thrown out. Something about it being too difficult for the judge to understand. Mind you, his name was Hernandez and he speaks fluent Spanish, but he refused to even consider it after listening for five whole minutes."

Gina kept silent as she felt the anger well up inside.

"The drugs, well, that's something different all together. His lawyer had a laundry list of make believe, legal loopholes. Take your pick: The officers had no justifiable cause to stop them...they didn't identify themselves...they didn't read them their rights...Danny was the one who brought the drugs on board. All bogus, but the judge bought it; it was that simple...end of story."

"What did Castillo think?"

"He wasn't that surprised. He knew the case was weak. He warned me before hand, but I didn't listen."

"I'm sorry, honey. Sorry about what happened...and sorry I showed up this morning."

He reached up to stroke her hair and kissed her on the forehead.

"Forget it. Let's just get some sleep, okay? Tomorrow, I'm off and the three of us can finally spend some time together."

Smiling at the idea, she hugged him, trying to think of a way to ease his frustration.

"I'm sick of this, Gina. It's a god-damned sewer out there, and cops like Rico and me are just pissing in the wind."

"I know," she said, kissing him on the neck. She had heard this "song" before.

"I want out."

"That's how you feel tonight," she murmured. "Tomorrow...tomorrow you'll sing a different tune."

She heard him laugh softly. "I'm not that easy to read, am I?" He turned his head and began to nibble on her ear.

"Just dedicated, that's all."

She gasped a little when he pulled her close.

"But, if getting out is what you really want...whatever makes you happy, Sonny."

"You make me happy."

His mouth covered hers and she moaned, giving in to the feelings of pleasure that began to wash over her.

A soft mewing sound came from the direction of the baby's room and Gina stiffened.

"Oh, no! She's awake!"

Sonny sat up quickly.

"Really?" he asked happily.

She gave him a stern look.

"This is not good, Sonny! It's way too early to feed her."

"Ah, well, yeah. Right. So, maybe I'd better go see what's wrong."

"Sonny, no! You'll spoil her. Let her whimper a little. If you pick her up every time she squeaks, she'll pull this every night!"

"Come on, I didn't see her all day. And she's always asleep when I get home. This opportunity is too good to pass up."

Before she could stop him, he slipped out of the room and returned a minute later, holding the infant close against his bare chest.

"See, now she's happy. She heard my voice and she wanted to find out who this strange man was in here, talking to her mother."

He sat on the edge of the bed and cradled Emily in the crook of his arm, gazing down at her with eyes full of love. The scene made Gina's heart skip a beat. They sat there silently for a moment, looking at their baby together.

"You know, I think she has your nose," he said finally. "And I think I see the "Crockett" chin."

Gina slid closer and laid her cheek against his shoulder

"They tell me her features will change a hundred times over the years. For now, I'm content just to say she's beautiful."

He looked over at her and grinned.

"Absolutely! But then, how could she miss? Just look at the parents!"

It was good to hear him joke a little. Obviously, Emily was the distraction he needed tonight.

Putting her hand on the baby's tummy, she frowned. "She needs to be changed. Let me take her."

"Uh, uh," he insisted. "I can do that."

"Oh, you can, can you?"

"Yeah. I've done this lots of times with Billy, remember?"

"So you've said."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"I don't want to hurt your feelings or anything, but the last time you taped on her disposable diaper, I went in a little while later and found it down around her knees."

His eyebrows went up in mock surprise.

"Are you sure? That doesn't sound like me."

"Okay, hot shot. You know where the equipment is kept. And when you've finish cleaning her up, I'll give you her bottle. After she's had a few ounces, maybe she'll be satisfied enough to give us four or five hours of uninterrupted sleep for a change.�

He sighed happily.

"Looks like it's you and me, sweetheart," he told the baby as he headed back toward the nursery. "We'll show her, won't we? Yes we will! Dad's been around the block a few times, and he knows exactly what he's doing."

Shaking her head, Gina climbed out of bed wearily and headed for the kitchen to heat up a bottle. She looked at the clock and winced.

Great! Two am!

Thank God he was off tomorrow.

She plucked the bottle from the pan of water and tested the temperature of the milk against her wrist. Satisfied it was not too hot, she turned off the burner and stifling a yawn, she padded back down the hall toward the sound of the baby's happy gurgling and her husband's delighted laughter.

October 1994

Sonny

It was the first time one of the phone calls had come to the house.

He held the receiver to his ear, watching the bedroom door to make sure Gina wouldn't come in and hear what he was saying.

"Who is this?" he barked into the mouthpiece.

"Someone who wants to see you dead, Crockett. Someone powerful enough to make it happen."

Sonny rolled his eyes. If he had a quarter every time some bozo threatened him...

"Yeah? Why would you want to do that? Last I heard, the death penalty was alive and well in sunny Florida. And I do believe that cop killers are the lucky ones who get extra special consideration."

The caller chuckled deeply. "Perhaps that would scare some but you're justice system does not worry us. We have killed many men. And we have support from high places."

"Okay, so let's hear what you have to say besides all this useless boasting?"

"You have caused a lot of problems for my employer. He enjoys punishing those who stand in his way."

Sonny almost laughed.

"Tell your employer he'll have to get in line!"

He could hear the caller's harsh breathing.

"You have crossed him for the last time, Señor," he said finally. "Pedrosa's arm is far-reaching. Any chance you may have had for a normal life is a thing of the past. From now on, survival will be a challenge you will face every day."

Sonny's jaw set angrily. "Pedrosa, huh? Tell that bastard that I'll be waiting!"

"I will, Señor, but do not look forward to his reply. He is brutal and will show no mercy. Just consider yourself warned."

Crockett sighed. "I'm shaking!"

"You should have respect for danger, Señor. Eventually, you will have to come out and live in the real world. A man cannot be careful forever."

"You tell your employer that I don't scare easily. And I'll continue to harass him whenever I have to, until he trips and lands flat on his face. You tell him that for me, Señor. You tell him his ass is mine!"

The phone went dead and Sonny stood still, listening absently to the insistent drone of the dial tone.

He did not like this one bit. Somehow Pedrosa had found out his unlisted number. And if he knew his number, then it was a strong possibility that Pedrosa knew where he and his family lived as well.

He chewed the inside of his lip with concern.

"Sonny?" he heard Gina call from the hallway. "Where are you? Rico's here!"

Damn. It was time for the meet already!

He didn't like the idea of leaving the house after a call like that.

"Coming," he answered shakily. Taking a deep breath, he adjusted the holster strap securely over his shoulders and reached in the closet to yank his jacket off the hanger.

"Sonny? Did you hear me?" The bedroom door opened a crack.

"Yeah. I'm coming, Gina."

Her eyes bore into him.

"Who was on the phone?"

When he didn't answer right away, she knew.

"So, they're calling here now."

"Yeah."

"Jimmy's right outside, Sonny. We'll be okay."

"I know." He put on the jacket and shrugged it into place. "This whole thing is wearing me down, though. This time, the guy on the other end admitted that Pedrosa's behind it."

"I guess we should let them tap the line. At least this way we'll get the conversations on tape."

He wanted to laugh, but he was afraid she'd take it the wrong way. "A tape didn't help us the last time. Besides, in order to prosecute the bastard, we have to find him."

"You will," she reassured him. "I know you will."

He kissed her goodbye and walked quickly down the hall.

"Be careful," she whispered fearfully when she heard the front door finally close.

---

Sonny slowed down and checked out the appointed meeting spot. It was late and the normal level of activity for this residential Cuban neighborhood was beginning to finally wind down for the night. The only inhabitants still out were the teenagers hanging around in groups on the street corner, laughing and smoking cigarettes together. He pulled into an empty lot by the Hispanic grocery and leaned back against the front seat's headrest.

The Solotzo case had been dogging him for months...a small time dealer looking for some bulk merchandise and willing to pay handsomely for it. Sonny had wanted to wrap this up weeks ago, but the Castaneda investigation had proved to be a huge distraction. Tonight's meet had been rescheduled three times and Solotzo was already making noises like he was looking around for a new supplier.

Rico checked his watch.

"He told me eleven thirty. Now it's twelve fifteen. I don't like it."

"In some circles, people would say he is 'fashionably late'," Sonny mused, stifling a huge yawn.

"Either that, or we've been stood up."

Sonny looked at his own watch. "We'll give them another ten and then we can pack it in, Rico. I want to get some shuteye anyway. It's been a long week."

"How's Gina holding up with all this?"

"She's a cop. She understands how things work. Besides, having Jimmy around is like having a surrogate grandfather. He loves kids."

Rico chuckled.

"The thing that's getting to me though is that now the phone calls are coming to the house," Sonny said angrily.

"The house! Oh, boy. Sounds like you might need more than jolly Jimmy Renkin to keep an eye on things."

"I wanted to move Gina back to her aunt's, but I'm not really secure with that either. This guy has a way of finding out the most personal things. What's stopping him from finding out a relative's address?"

"How about a safe house?"

Sonny let out a long sigh. "It might have to come to that, Rico. After tonight's call, I may not have a choice."

"Tonight? They called tonight?"

"Yeah. The guy called right before you came. Said he worked for Pedrosa."

"That's a switch. Usually they just scream and curse."

"The dialogue was pretty chilling. He told me I was going to have to look over my shoulder from now on. Not that I don't do that already, but this threat had a bit more bite to it than the others."

"So, maybe you should be in a safe house too."

Sonny snorted contemptuously. "I can't catch this guy if I hide under the blankets and shiver. That's not even an option."

"If Castillo hears about it, you won't be given a choice."

A car's headlights turned in from the main highway and approached slowly. Rico's eyes followed the beat up van as it passed and cocked his head curiously when it didn't stop.

"That's funny. I know that was the van. Maybe they didn't like what they saw."

Sonny turned on his car's headlights and waited to see if it would bring them back.

"All they need is a little friendly encouragement, Rico. Kinda like putting the porch light on for company."

Rico laughed. "Or maybe like attracting the moth to the flame. I think I like that image a little better. I wanna singe those suckers, not invite 'em for dinner!"

Sonny opened his glove compartment and took out a second ammo clip for his automatic. "Well, you might just get the chance my friend. But not tonight, if you don't mind. I didn't tell Marty about this meet, and he'll be pissed if he hears I didn't ask for backup."

Rico glanced over at his partner.

"Stan was available."

Sonny shot him a look. "Stan's a good guy, but he stands out like a sore thumb, Rico. I needed someone to blend in on this one. One strange face in a unmarked car and these guys would scatter like cockroaches."

He looked back out the windshield and saw the van coming down the street from the other direction.

"On their way back for a little "look see"," Sonny murmured. "Put on a nice face, now Rico. We don't want to make them think they're not welcome."

Rico sniffed. "What they see is what they get," he muttered angrily.

The van stopped and they got their first look at the driver...big man, full beard...sunglasses on, even though it was dark.

Ramon Solotzo himself...the crack dealer from hell.

He sat in the van with the motor idling and stared at the vice detectives coldly. Sonny felt a faint fluttering in the pit of his stomach.

"Shit," he said softly. "He ain't lookin' too friendly, is he?"

"Where are his body guards, I wonder? Moe Larry and Curly?" Rico asked out of the side of his mouth.

Solotzo put his two fingers to his forehead in a mock salute. "Evenin', gents," he called from the open window. And before Sonny could stick his head out to answer, the doors to the side of the van slid open and they both saw the muzzle of a semi automatic machine gun pointed in their direction.

"The Three Stooges!" Sonny shouted, ducking down below the dash as a barrage of bullets cracked the glass. "Guess that answers your question, Rico."

Rico had his gun out already and had opened the door so that he could roll out onto the ground. Sonny looked over at him with surprise. He was used to anticipating his partner's moves and this one was totally out of character.

"What the hell are you doing, man? Wait until they've wasted more ammo!"

"We're sitting ducks, Sonny. I'm not gonna just sit there and get peppered full of lead. Come on. Let's take them!"

Sonny didn't agree. For once, he stayed where he was and waited as Rico took matters into his own hands.

Rico slipped to the pavement, using the door as a shield. Sonny held his breath. The car's fiberglass was hardly adequate for a barrier. If they let loose with that cannon again, Rico was a dead man.

"Get down," Sonny hissed.

But Rico had other ideas. "I'm on my way. Are you with me, or not?"

Another round of shots exploded around them and for the first time in his life, Sonny felt himself frozen with fear. Panic stricken, he looked at Rico blankly and saw the confusion and disappointment register in his partner's eyes. Rico turned his head away reluctantly and rolled his body to the side, landing behind two empty garbage cans.

The shooting had stopped for the moment. Sonny could hear the men chattering excitedly. He tried to slow his breathing and imagine the setup out there on the deserted street.

Three goons in the van and Solot