NYPD Blue Fanfiction

Rita's Fanfic

Doing the Job

It is 10 a.m. Tuesday morning and we find Andy, Jr., Rita, Greg and Baldwin responding to a report of a body found outside a restaurant in Chinatown. Andy, Jr. and Rita arrive minutes before Greg and Baldwin and start getting a preliminary report from one of the uniformed officers on the scene.

ANDY: What ya’ got here?

UNIFORM: The owner Mr. Chen was throwing out some trash and he found a body under some crates near the dumpster. Crime scene just got here so you might want see where they’re at.

RITA: (Pointing to some homeless people sitting by the side of the building) Who are they?

UNIFORM: We found them sleeping not too far from where the body was.

JR.: It’s pretty cold out here, why don’t you get them over to the station house and we can get their statements there.

UNIFORM: You got it.

Greg and Baldwin show up as the uniform walks away and Rita fills them in. The detectives make their way to where the body was found and they start working with the crime scene people sweeping the area.

Andy and Jr. talk with Mr. Chen inside the restaurant to get his story. He was very cooperative and they took his information before heading back outside.

GREG: (Walking up to Andy) Anything from the owner Andy?

ANDY: Nope. How about you guys? Find anything?

GREG: Nah, me and Baldwin are going to start a canvas around the area.

ANDY: Good. We’ll see what we can get off the body then head back to the house and start interviewing the bums the uniforms took in.

Andy joins Jr. and Rita as Rita pulls a wallet out of the victim’s pocket.

RITA: (Standing) I’ve got a wallet. No cash, some plastic and a driver’s license. Victim is Cheryl Bennett.

JR.: It’s a woman?

RITA: That’s what it says here. (Placing the ID by the victim’s face) Looks like her.

JR.: I guess it must be her clothing that threw me off.

ANDY: Well let’s call it in and see if we can find out if she’s got any family around here.

As they return to the precinct and go to interview the men brought in from the crime scene, Connie gets the address of the victim’s family. Rita stays to finish the interviews while Andy and Jr. head out to notify the victims’ family.

ANDY: (To Jr. as he sees Connie walking downstairs from Anti-Crime) Get the car. I’ll be right down. (To Connie) How are you feeling? Does your back still ache?

CONNIE: Some, but I’m fine. Where are you guys off too?

ANDY: We’re heading out to talk to our DOA’s family. Are we all set for dinner tonight?

CONNIE: Yep. Andrea will drop the kids by for us on her way home and we’ll head out from here.

ANDY: (Grabbing her hand for a quick squeeze) Good. I’ll see you later.

CONNIE: (Squeezing back before he lets go of her hand) Okay, see you. Be careful Andy.

Connie watches him from the top of the stairs as he leaves with a smile on her face. These are the moments that are precious to her, the chats and the time working and just being near each other during the day. This is what she would miss the most once she started her maternity leave.

RITA: (Interrupting Connie’s thoughts) Connie did you get anything on those guys I interviewed?

CONNIE: Sorry, yeah I was just on my way to see you. Montden is clean. Brandt and Herin both have a couple of collars for loitering and being drunk and disorderly. You all done with them?

RITA: Yeah. Let’s fill in the Boss then we’ll kick ‘em.

As Rita and Connie relay their information to Lt. Rodriguez PAA John tells them that Greg and Baldwin were on their way to talk to a possible witness.

At the Bennett residence John and Andy find an elderly couple at home.

ANDY: (As they enter the home showing their badges) Are you Emily and Henry Bennett?

MR. BENNETT: Yes, what can we do for you?

ANDY: I’m Detective Andy Sipowicz this is my partner Detective John Clark. Mr. And Mrs. Bennett we’d like to talk to you about Cheryl Bennett. Is she your daughter?

MRS. BENNETT: (Gesturing for them to sit) She’s our granddaughter actually, is something wrong? Is Cheryl in some sort of trouble?

MR. BENNETT: Now Emily, let the men speak before jumping to conclusions. (To Andy and Jr.) I’m sorry we’ve had some problems with Cheryl in the recent past but we haven’t had to deal with the police. Please sit and tell us what’s going on.

JR.: (Sitting in an armchair and clearing his throat) Ma’am, Sir can you tell us a little about Cheryl’s activities, her friends, her lifestyle?

MR. BENNETT: I’m sorry detective there isn’t much we can tell you. Cheryl moved out about a month ago and we haven’t seen or heard from her since. We had a disagreement and she stormed out. She took some of her clothes and personal stuff then said she’d send for the rest once she found a place to stay.

JR.: She hasn’t contacted you at all, in any way for the past month?

MR. BENNETT: No.

ANDY: Did she have a boyfriend or a girlfriend that she could have gone to stay with?

MR. BENNETT: (Looking at his wife, then to Andy) Actually, detective that’s why we argued. She had a boyfriend we just didn’t approve of and well… (Taking a deep breath) she told us she was pregnant and we just couldn’t help her the way she wanted.

ANDY: What was it she wanted you all to do?

MR. BENNETT: (Looking very sad) She wanted us to let her boyfriend move in with us here so they could have the baby. (Shaking his head) That boy was bad news we weren’t about to allow him to live here. (Pausing to collect himself)

MRS. BENNETT: (Taking her husbands hand, calmly she continues) I’m sorry we’re both still pretty torn up about Cheryl leaving. We used to be so close and she was doing so well in school until she met this boy, then everything changed. She became a stranger to us, staying out all night, not calling and then she dropped out of the university and didn’t even tell us. We’ve raised her since her mother died when she was 10 and she was always a good girl always very responsible.

ANDY: What’s this boyfriends name? Do you happen to have any pictures of them?

MRS. BENNETT: (Getting up to take a framed picture off a shelf) We have this one, it was taken when she graduated from high school last June. He still looks the same but his hair is longer. Detectives please tell us what Cheryl’s done, is it very bad? (Sitting again beside her husband)

ANDY: (Sitting on the coffee table in front of the couple) Mr. and Mrs. Bennett I’m very sorry to have to tell you this, but we found Cheryl this morning. She’s dead.

Mrs. Bennett collapses in her husband’s arms sobbing and Mr. Bennett is in shock. Jr. goes to the kitchen to get them a glass of water while Andy sits uncomfortably as they express their grief.

Many minutes later…

MR. BENNETT: (Taking the glass from Jr. and sipping slowly he finally composes himself) I’m sorry.

ANDY: Don’t apologize sir. I’m sorry we had to tell you this way.

MR. BENNETT: Can you tell us what happened?

ANDY: We’re not sure, that’s what we’re working on. You said she was pregnant, do you know how far along? Do you know if she was seeing a doctor? (Placing his hand on Mr. Bennett’s shoulder) I know this is hard for you but anything you can tell us even the littlest detail, could help us find out what happened to your granddaughter.

MR. BENNETT: I understand. The boys name is Martin Cummings and I believe he lived in Brooklyn I’m not too sure.

JR.: Sir you mentioned that she didn’t take all of her things, would it be all right for us to look through her stuff? Maybe we can find something that can help us in our investigation.

MR. BENNETT: Of course, of course please follow me and I’ll show you her room. (Rising slowly) Detectives please find out who did this. (His eyes filled with tears) Please. She was all we had.

MRS. BENNETT: (Her crying more controlled she looks at Andy) Detective before she left she had just found out she was pregnant. I’m not exactly sure how far along she could have been but I do know she went to the Women’s Free Clinic a few blocks east of here, if that helps.

ANDY: (Squeezing her shoulder) That helps very much ma’am, thank you.

Andy and Jr. go through Cheryl’s room very thoroughly. They find several photos of the victim with her boyfriend and an incomplete journal apparently started the day her pregnancy was confirmed.

JR.: (Whispering) Those poor people, do you think they’ll be okay?

ANDY: As okay as they can be losing their grandchild and great-grandchild, I don’t know John let’s hope for the best.

JR.: I think that’s about it Andy there doesn’t seem to be much else here.

ANDY: Okay let’s take this stuff and swing by that clinic see what we find there.

Andy gives the Bennett’s his and John’s cards and promises to keep them informed as the case progressed. At the clinic they were unable to get much information past the last date the victim had been seen, without a warrant.

JR.: (As they head back to the precinct) I don’t think the clinic will be much help, her last visit was the day she found out she was pregnant, at least according to her journal.

ANDY: Yeah well we’ll have Valerie work on that warrant anyway while we look into her boyfriend.

Back at the 15^th Greg, Rita, Connie, Baldwin and Lt. Rodriguez are in the coffee room with Dan Simms the M.E. working on the case. He has just arrived and they are waiting for Andy and Jr. before he releases his findings.

Andy and Jr. walk into the coffee room and the M.E. rises and smiles at Andy.

M.E.: Andy Sipowicz, how the hell are you? Damn it’s good to see you! (Shaking Andy’s hand and hugging him briefly) It’s been way too long. The last time I saw you was at Sylvia’s funeral, I’m sorry about that Andy but I gotta say you’re holding up well.

ANDY: (Looking very uncomfortable as he notices everyone watching their interaction with interest) Good to see you too. (Pointing to Jr.) My partner John Clark, John, Dan Simms M.E.

M.E.: (Shaking Jr.’s hand) Good to meet you kid. You sure lucked out with partners, Andy’s one of the best. Learn all you can from him and one day they’ll be saying that about you. (To Andy) Well since you’re on the case I’m sure it’ll clear.

ANDY:  Its John’s case Dan, so stop blowing smoke up my ass and get on with it. What’d ya’ find?

M.E.: (Laughing oblivious to Andy’s sarcasm) Still got that sweet disposition I see, still a charmer. (Looking around the room as the others start giggling) The stories I could tell you about this guy would have you all steppin’ on your tongues. I’ve always been glad he’s one of the good guys. (Seeing the irritated look on Andy’s face) Okay, okay but damn Andy some stories are just too good to be kept a secret. (Taking a breath) Here we go 19 year old female death was caused by asphyxiation. Looked like some sort of rope, I got some fibers off her clothes and body. Looks like she’d been dead about 4 to 6 hours by the time she was found.

ANDY: (As he watches the M.E. look over the report) How far along was she?

M.E.: (Seriously) 20 weeks. Real pisser huh Andy? Girl looked malnourished and I was surprised at far along she actually was, compared to how far along she looked to be. Blood tests showed she was clean, no drugs or alcohol. She did put up a fight though I got some blood from under her nails. Those tests will take some time. You got someone to look at for this one? I mean Christ Andy the kid was pregnant what kind of animal would do that?

ANDY: (Rubbing his forehead) We’re going to look into the boyfriend.

That it?

M.E.: Yep, I’ll get back to you with anything else I can find ASAP. (His mood lightening again) So how’s your kid? A boy, right?

ANDY: (His mood softening a little too) Yeah he’s good. I got a daughter now too.

M.E.: Congratulations! You son of a gun! I need to meet the lady who lassoed you into starting again buddy. I can’t tell you how many broads I’ve hooked up with who just aren’t worth the headache. Why don’t you let me buy you a drink and you can catch me up.

ANDY: (Noticing all the interested stares he clears his throat) Another time Dan, why don’t I walk you out. (Looking at everyone and shaking his head as they leave the room)

GREG: Boy, I would pay good money to hear some of those stories. When I first started working here Andy’s reputation for being rough and tough was legend. I even had a hard time interacting with him until my shrink told me to talk it out with him, then things got better. (Realizing he admitted too much) Anyways, me and Andy understand each other a lot better now. (Walking out nervously)

JR.: (Looking to the others) This must have been some place to work in the day. I sure would love to hear those stories though, the way Andy was acting they must be awesome.

They all agree and as they walk into the squad room they see Andy and Dan chatting by the stairwell. Dan lets out a loud laugh and again gives Andy a brief hug before walking down the steps and Andy has a slight smile when he walks back into the room.

JR.: (Teasing) So, you think Dan would be interested in having lunch sometime?

ANDY: (Giving Jr. a look) Real funny, that guy tends to exaggerate things a bit. Whatever tale he comes up with is usually blown up 10 times by the time he’s done.

CONNIE: (Smiling) Well I know I’d like to hear some of those stories. And he did say he wanted to meet the woman who lassoed you.

ANDY: (To Jr. and Connie) Trust me, some things are better left unknown. Besides you may not believe this but I wasn’t always the cheery guy I am now. I used to be a real pain in the ass.

JR.: (Acting shocked) No way! I can’t imagine you being that way at all.

ANDY: I know it’s a shocker but it’s true.

Connie knows they are both thinking of Jr.’s early days in the squad and she can’t help laughing right along with them.

Andy and Jr. make calls trying to locate Cummings but they were unsuccessful. His pedigree showed several collars on possession and a couple of DUI’s. They drive out to his last known address only to find that he had been evicted 2 months before. His parents were absolutely no help since they had severed all contact with Martin for the past 4 years. The only info they could give was that he had been in a gang before they kicked him out. Back at the precinct they had Martin’s mug printed up and passed out before they called it a night.

Jr. was in a hurry to head out to catch a hockey game with Baldwin and Greg and by the time Andy got up to the squad PAA John was the only one left.

ANDY: Hey John, where’s Connie?

PAA JOHN: She’s waiting for you in the car detective. The kids were getting antsy so she took them out to wait there.

ANDY: Okay, thanks John. Good night.

PAA JOHN: Good night. Have fun!

Andy checks his messages to see if anything important came in on their case, seeing none he heads out.

THEO: (As Andy climbs into the car) Dad! We’ve been waiting and waiting, where have you been?

ANDY: (Giving Connie’s thigh a squeeze as he settles in) Sorry buddy. I’m here now so let’s go eat I’m starving. (To Connie) All set?

CONNIE: (Leaning over to give Andy a kiss on the lips) Now I’m set.

THEO: Do you guys always gotta kiss when we’re starving?

CONNIE: (Laughing) Sweetie you are always starving. I don’t know where you put it all.

Michelle claps her hands excited as Andy starts driving. Theo leans in to tickle her and has her screaming with laughter.

CONNIE: Well, no chance we’re going to have a quiet drive that’s for sure.

ANDY: It all sounds good to me. (Glancing at the kids in the rearview mirror briefly before looking over at Connie) How you feeling?

CONNIE: (Placing her hand on his thigh) I’m fine, but I can’t believe how easily I get tired lately.

ANDY: (Covering her hand with his) You really need to start taking it easy Connie. Maybe we should talk about you starting your maternity leave sooner rather than later. What do you think?

CONNIE: I guess it’s something to think about. I just really wanted to work for as long as I could before the baby’s born… (sighing) we’ll talk more about it another time. Tonight I just want to have a nice family dinner.

THEO: Mom Joey’s mom said to ask if I could spend the night Friday and go with him and his Grandma to the zoo Saturday. Can I? Please?

CONNIE: (Looking at Andy) Okay? (Andy nods okay) All right Sweetheart I’ll call Joey’s mom tomorrow and we’ll work it out.

THEO: Cool! Thanks Mom and Dad Joey’s grandma is real nice I like her.

Later back home from a very nice and satisfying dinner the Sipowicz family is settling down for the night. Andy is reading a story to Michelle and Theo as Connie takes her shower. Michelle knocks out on Andy’s chest after the first page and by the end of the story Theo is sleeping peacefully. Tucking them both in he secures the apartment and goes in for his shower.

CONNIE: (Coming out of the bathroom in her robe) Hey the kids asleep?

ANDY: They were both out pretty quick. I guess their night on the town wore them down. (Pulling her into his arms) I’m glad we did this tonight it was nice and a lot of fun.

CONNIE: (Wrapping her arms around his waist) Yes it was, and it was nice to do something different. You are getting to be a pretty spontaneous guy Andy, what’s up?

ANDY: Just keeping you on your toes. I don’t want you thinkin’ I’m dull or anything.

CONNIE: (Kissing his lips) Andy I would never think of you as dull. You always find ways to blow me away and keep me on my toes. (Reaching up to pull his head down for a deeper kiss)

ANDY: (Reluctantly ending the kiss) Let me get my shower and we’ll see about blowing you away, hmm?

CONNIE: I’ll be here.

Andy goes to take a shower and Connie decides to check in on the kids. Michelle has kicked off her blanket and she tucks her back in looking at her angelic face. She thinks of how crazy things were going to be once the new baby came. A very active Theo, a toddling Michelle and a newborn were certainly going to keep them very busy for quite a while. She kisses Michelle and Theo before going back to their room where Andy is just coming out of the bathroom with only a towel wrapped around his waist.

Connie walks up to him and slides her arms up his chest then wraps them around his neck pulling herself as close as her very rounded belly will allow. Andy runs his fingers through her hair and places a light kiss on her forehead before leaning down to kiss her lips. It is a teasing kiss at first as he kisses her upper lip, then the lower one then her chin before covering her mouth with his own and burying his tongue deep in her mouth. She groans as the kiss deepens and her tongue matches his lick for lick both trying to take control.

Somehow they manage to make it to their bed and Andy opens her robe and lets it fall to the floor as he pulls her t-shirt up and over her head ‘til she is standing before him in just her panties. He sits down on the edge of the bed and pulls her between his legs pausing a moment to stroke and kiss her belly lovingly. He slides her panties down her legs and off before guiding her to sit on his lap as he buries his face in her neck kissing and nibbling. His hands are massaging her breasts as she pulls his head up to hers for a kiss. As her lips close over his she groans into his mouth when she feels his hand slide between her legs, parting them so he can cup her mound.

He teases her at first, massaging and rubbing until she parts her legs even more and reaches down to push his fingers between her moist lips. She gasps as his fingers start playing with her clitoris manipulating it to a hard nub. He slides one finger into her teasing, in and out slow deep strokes until he feels her hips slowly start to rise meeting each thrust. He ends their kiss and looks deep into her eyes as he thrusts another finger into her and begins the torture again. She is caught up in the rhythm of his hand and as he slides yet another finger into her she is lost. Andy is barely able to control his own lust, she is so tight and hot around his fingers that it takes everything in him not to throw her down and plunge his penis deep inside her. Connie can’t control it any longer, she feels her orgasm coming over her like a wave and she leans down and bites into his shoulder to keep from screaming out loud. Her hands can’t seem to bring him close enough. She needs to feel his body up close to hers as she gives in to the pleasure.

Andy keeps his fingers inside her as her body slowly relaxes from her climax. The moisture coats his hand and he marvels at the passion and the heat of this woman. His woman. Gently he pulls his fingers from her and lifts her off his lap to sit her down on the bed. Seeing her still dazed from her release he quickly removes the towel from around his waist and lifting up the covers he climbs into bed pulling her body into his until they are ‘spooning.’ He pushes her hair aside and licks at her neck and ear while his hands start another assault on her body.

Connie is dazed. Her body is still humming from her orgasm but his hands and lips have started another burst of need inside her. She can feel his erection poking at her from behind and she can’t resist wiggling her bottom, teasing him. He groans into her neck and she turns her head enough so that she can pull his lips to hers for a deep passionate kiss. She deepens the kiss by sucking his tongue into her mouth and not allowing it to retreat just enjoying the taste and feel of him. Her hand covers his and guides it to where she needs them to be. When he starts pulling her to lie on her back she resists and takes the lead. “Let’s try this way,” she whispers. He looks deep into her eyes, “you sure? I don’t want to hurt you.”  She covers his lips with hers once more with a kiss that leaves no doubt, “I’m sure.”

She reaches down behind her and strokes his erection briefly before he moves her hand. Lifting her thigh slightly he positions her bottom so he can enter her. Amazing is the only word that enters her mind as he slowly thrusts into her one inch at a time. Each time he thrusts she adjusts enough so that the next one embeds him more and more until he is buried deep inside her. When he is fully inside her he stops, “you okay? Should I stop?” She wriggles her bottom and he can feel himself go even deeper as she says, “if you stop now Andy I’ll kill you. It feels amazing.” He totally agrees reaching down to play with her clit and drive her crazy. Connie reaches her hand back and grabs at his ass encouraging his every stroke. It goes on and on both of them lost in that sexual zone, seeking release yet not wanting the pleasure to end. Andy is the first to come, spilling his seed into her so deep and hard it sets off her climax. Seconds, minutes, hours later who really knew, their heartbeats return to normal and Andy wraps his arms around her tight loving the feel of her sweaty body up against his.

CONNIE: (Tightening her thighs as he tries to pull away from her) No Andy stay.

ANDY: (Smiling into her hair) I’m not going anywhere, you wore me out.

CONNIE: (Stroking his hand pulling his arms tighter around her) You are amazing Andy Sipowicz, simply amazing.

ANDY: You inspire me Connie.

Soon Andy can feel her deep even breathing as she finally falls asleep. Gently removing his arms from around her, he pushes her into a more comfortable position and he gets up to get a drink of water. Putting on a pair of boxers and a t-shirt he walks out to the kitchen. As he sips his water he looks out the window to the street below and is lost in his thoughts.

Suddenly he hears a sound. Crying from the kid’s room. Putting his glass down on the table he goes to check. Opening the door he sees Theo still sound asleep but Michelle is sitting up crying and rubbing her eyes. Quickly he goes over to pick her up.

ANDY: (Whispering) Hey there, Princess. What’s wrong? (Feeling her forehead he’s relieved she’s not hot, but he notices her nightgown is wet and her diaper is full) Well looks like I found the problem, I guess we had too much to drink at dinner huh?

Michelle looks at Andy smiling as if she understands everything he’s saying and is very cooperative as he changes her diaper and gown. He picks up some of her toys and sits her in the rocking chair so he can change her crib sheets before putting her back down. Through all this he continues to chat quietly with her and she listens attentively.

Connie, who had woke up when she heard the crying is watching from the doorway. He was unbelievable. By day, he was a hard-assed detective who didn’t take shit from anyone. By night, he was a gentle teddy bear changing his daughters diaper and tucking her into bed. Amazing. She watches as he picks Michelle up and sits down on the rocker, rocking her and telling her a story until she is fast asleep. He keeps rocking for a while longer stroking her hair and looking into her angelic face.

CONNIE: (Slowly walking into the room) Is she okay?

ANDY: (Startled) Hey, she’s fine. She just had a little too much to drink at dinner. (Smiling) I took care of it. Go back to bed I’ll be right in.

CONNIE: (Sitting on the arm of the rocker hugging him) You are a great father Andy, our kids are very lucky to have you.

ANDY: (Quietly) Nope, it’s me who’s lucky to have them. Theo was the only reason I got out of bed each day for a while, my only reason for living. Slowly my life started to make sense again, then you came along. Honestly Connie, all three… no all four of you are my blessings and I’m thankful everyday.

CONNIE: (Kissing the top of his head) I am too.

Andy gets up and puts Michelle back in her crib tucking her blanket around her. He strokes her cheek one last time then gives Theo a quick kiss before he and Connie go back to their room. Climbing into bed he pulls Connie into his side and hugs her tight.

ANDY: I feel so bad for the Bennett’s. They lost their granddaughter and she was everything to them. You should have seen how broken they looked Connie, I really felt for them.

CONNIE: (Hugging him tight) I can’t imagine what they must be going through. (After a moment) You’ll get whoever did this Andy I know you will. I believe in you and John.

ANDY: (Sighing) Hope you’re right.

The next morning Andy and Jr. get a call from the 8^th precinct that they had picked up Martin Cummings on a possession charge the previous evening. They head over to that precinct to pick him up for questioning. After they leave Mrs. Bennett arrives at the squad.

PAA JOHN: May I help you ma’am?

MRS. BENNETT: I’m looking for Detective Sipowicz or Clark? They are working on my granddaughter’s case.

PAA JOHN: I’m sorry but they are out right now…

CONNIE: (Overhearing their conversation she quickly jumps in) Excuse me ma’am, are you Mrs. Bennett?

MRS. BENNETT: Yes.

CONNIE: I’m Detective McDowell ma’am, why don’t you come have a seat and maybe I can help you. (Pulling out Andy’s chair)

MRS. BENNETT: Are you working on the case too?

CONNIE: Yes ma’am. How can I help you?

MRS. BENNETT: (Sitting and removing an envelope from her purse) I wanted to give the detectives a few pictures I found of Martin and to tell them something I couldn’t tell them yesterday. (Nervously she leans closer to Connie) I was afraid to say anything in front of my husband because he would have been angry but I know they need to know.

CONNIE: (Placing her hand on Mrs. Bennett’s shoulder) You can tell me ma’am, it may help us with the case.

MRS. BENNETT: (Opening the envelope) I was giving Cheryl money. Here are the receipts showing the dates and amounts I gave her each time. My husband refused to give her anything because he knew she’d just give it to Martin, but I was worried she wouldn’t have anything for food or whatever else she needed to stay healthy. (Crying she wipes her eyes)

CONNIE: Mrs. Bennett when was the last time you saw Cheryl?

MRS. BENNETT: A little over 2 weeks ago she called me and told me they were staying with a friend of Martin’s and that she needed money.  We met at a diner near our apartment, she looked so tired and thin and I knew I couldn’t obey Henry. I mean she was pregnant and she needed me to help her. Can you understand? Sometimes a mother has to do things to help her children, even though she knows it’s wrong.

CONNIE: (Rubbing her shoulder some more unsure of what to say, knowing nothing would take away her pain) Mrs. Bennett I’m sure you did what you felt you had to do. Cheryl was very lucky she had you.

MRS. BENNETT: (Looking at Connie) Thank you, but unfortunately I didn’t do enough to keep her safe. (Regaining her composure she hands Connie the envelope and rises from the chair) Please let Detective Sipowicz and Clark know how sorry I am for not telling them right away, but Henry isn’t very healthy and all of this is already taking its toll on him. Thank you again for your help, and your kindness.

Connie and PAA John watch silently as she leaves.

Back at the 15^th precinct with their suspect Martin Cummings, Andy and Jr. place him in the pokey while Connie fills them in on her conversation with Mrs. Bennett.

ANDY: Did she say if she saw Cummings?

CONNIE: No, just that she met with Cheryl at a diner and was worried about how frail she looked.

JR.: Well, I guess we know the money wasn’t being used to take care of Cheryl and her baby. The condition she was in when she was found proved that.

CONNIE: Any hits off Cummings?

ANDY: No, the dickhead thinks we brought him here to ID the guy who sold him his dope. He actually thinks he’s going to get some kind of deal. Psshh!

JR.: (Signaling to Andy) Let’s go talk to this asshole.

In the pokey Cummings is still cuffed and sitting in a corner of the holding cell.

CUMMINGS: (Slowly getting up) Hey man, when am I going to get to do this line-up thing?

ANDY: (Unlocking the cell and grabbing Cummings by the arm pulling him out and dropping him into a chair) You don’t dickhead.

JR.: (Leaning over the table looking at Cummings) Martin do you know a Cheryl Bennett?

CUMMINGS: (Looking at both of them nervously) Yeah she’s my ex. We broke up. Why? What’s this about?

ANDY: (Pulling a chair and sitting near Cummings) When was the last time you saw her?

CUMMINGS: I don’t know, maybe a month ago.

JR.: Not a couple of weeks ago?

ANDY: Not yesterday?

CUMMINGS: (Looking at both more nervous) No, maybe, I don’t really know for sure exactly when. It coulda been less than a month ago but...(swallowing hard) I’m not sure. Why?

ANDY: (Scooting his chair closer and showing Cummings his anger) Why? You wanna know why Martin?  ‘Cuz she’s dead that’s why.

CUMMINGS: (Acting shocked) Dead? No way man she can’t be dead. (Shaking his head) Wow, she was nice, real straight arrow type. That’s too bad.

JR.: (Leaning closer angry) Yeah you seem real torn up Martin.

CUMMINGS: Hey come on now, like I said we broke up. I’m sorry she’s dead but what’s it got to do with me?

ANDY: (To Jr.) Hear that John? Martin wants to know what’s it got to do with him?

JR.: Yeah Andy he has no idea how Cheryl got killed.

ANDY: Martin here don’t know anything about what coulda happened because they broke up. (To Martin) Is that right Martin? You don’t know anything about how Cheryl died?

CUMMINGS: (Angry) That’s right! Man what do you guys think I am? Stupid? (In Jr.’s face) I don’t know nothin’ about how Cheryl died!

ANDY: (Slapping the back of Cummings head) Wrong answer Martin.

CUMMINGS: (Really pissed) What the hell did you do that for?

JR.: He did that ‘cuz you’re an asshole. Martin we want the truth what happened to Cheryl?

CUMMINGS: I don’t know. Honest. Swear to God!

ANDY: (Sarcastically) Oh he swears to God John. That means he has to be telling the truth.

JR.: What did you do to Cheryl Martin?

CUMMINGS: (In Jr.s face) Nothing asshole!

Andy grabs him by the throat and pushes him up into the gate of the cell getting in his face.

ANDY: Now listen very closely Martin.

Martin is having a hard time breathing as Andy tightens his hold.

ANDY: Are you listening?

Cummings nods slightly.

ANDY: God isn’t in this room. It’s just you me, and my partner got it? (Cummings nods again with more difficulty) You did this to Cheryl. You know it and we know it dickhead so no more games. When I let you go you’re going to start telling us the truth and only the truth or I’m going to hit you so hard you’ll be seeing God, understand?

Cummings gasps frantically as he nods and starts peeing on himself. Andy releases him and he falls back into the chair taking deep gulps of air. After a few moments he starts crying and bawling like a baby.

Andy moves away from Cummings to calm himself down. Looking at Jr. they both wait for Martin to calm down a little.

CUMMINGS: (Sobbing as he speaks) It was an accident, I swear! I didn’t mean to do it but she wouldn’t give me the money. She kept saying we needed food, she needed vitamins, it went on and on. The stupid bitch got herself pregnant and I was supposed to pay for it? What the hell was I supposed to do? I only meant to knock her out so I could take the money and split.

ANDY: (Impatiently) How’d it go wrong?

CUMMINGS: I hit her but instead of knocking her out she started fighting me. We were at my friend’s garage and I was only going to tie her up until she calmed down but she kept yelling and screaming and I got so pissed. I just wrapped the rope around her throat and kept squeezing, just to shut her up but I guess… next thing I knew she looked real sick like and she passed out, dead. She just wouldn’t shut up! (Sobbing uncontrollably and yelling) She should have just shut up!

Andy and Jr. look at Cummings with disgust and disbelief. After several minutes they walk out and tell Josh to toss him back in the cell ‘til he calmed down enough for them to get him to write his statement.

Quietly they stand outside the pokey room looking out the window each collecting his thoughts.

JR.: Animals like that go out and pray on innocent girls then show no remorse later. That dick blamed her for making him have to kill her.

ANDY: Yeah. (Rubbing his head) He don’t even care she’s pregnant with his kid all he cared about was getting his next fix. Types like him we should just make disappear.

Several hours later after getting Cummings written statement and taking him to Central booking Andy and Jr. go to see the Bennett’s. They spend a while talking and keeping them company, both feeling very deeply for the couple in their loss.

Before heading home the two stop at Mac’s to unwind and they sit quietly in a booth neither one speaking for a while.

JR.: (As he looks into his beer bottle) So what you got planned for the weekend?

ANDY: Nothing much. You?

JR.: Not sure yet. I might check out a movie or something. So Andy, tell me how you and this Dan Simms got to be friends.

ANDY: (With a slight smile) You don’t give up do you? (Sitting up straighter) Dan used to be a uniformed cop. We worked together in a precinct in Harlem. At the time he was working the 4-12 shift so he could go to school days. The guy was determined to get that degree and damned if he didn’t. (Smiling) He and I would go straight to the bar after quitting and get our load on before heading home. That was a long, long time ago.

JR.: He seems like a nice guy.

ANDY: He is. We stayed in contact pretty regularly until his wife got sick then we just lost touch. I did go to his wife’s funeral when she passed, it was a real shame. His kids weren’t that young but they all took it hard and it was after her passing that he started going to AA. He straightened himself out and took good care of his kids ‘til they all left home. (Thoughtfully) He’s a good guy.

JR.: Yeah he seems to be. Guess we should call him tomorrow and let him know the case cleared, since he is a friend.

ANDY: (Looking at his watch) Yep we’ll do that. I better get home. I told Connie I’d probably miss dinner but I want to catch the kids before they go down for the night.

JR.: Yeah I should get going too. Night partner.

ANDY: Night. See you in the morning.

JR.: Count on it.

Andy arrives home, as Connie and the kids are relaxing on the couch watching TV.

THEO: Hi Dad!

ANDY: Hey Sport. (Catching Michelle as she runs up to him) Hey Princess. (He removes his coat before picking her up and hugging her tight) How’s my girl? (He kisses her cheeks and smells her hair as she hugs and kisses him)

CONNIE: How was it?

ANDY: Okay. Tough but it had to be done.

THEO: (Scooting over so Andy could sit beside him on the couch) What did you do Dad?

ANDY: Just something for work Buddy, nothing for you to worry about.

CONNIE: Hungry? I can fix you a plate.

ANDY: Nah, I’m fine. (He reaches over Theo’s head and strokes Connie’s cheek smiling) I’m home now.

Connie smiles back and watches, as he listens to Theo read from his book. She realizes how hard it must have been to see the Bennett’s again and she knows this is all he needs. His family. Sometimes he seemed so complex but really he was a very simple man. His feelings ran deep but that was because he had been through so much in his life. All the pain and loss he’d suffered was humbling but it made him strong and made him who he was today.

ANDY: Hey, I’ll get these two settled while you relax.

CONNIE: Okay.

After a lot of hugs and kisses Andy takes the kids in for bed. Connie secures the apartment for the night knowing that Andy would probably want to just lie in bed and read for a while. By the time Andy entered their bedroom 45 minutes later, Connie was fast asleep under the covers. He takes his time in the shower and getting ready for bed trying to work out all the stresses of the day. Lying down beside Connie he spends a few minutes just rubbing her belly thinking.

He knew he had to take one day at a time. No worrying about things out of your control but just appreciating everything you have and cherishing it for as long as you have it. Life was such a roller coaster ride. He kisses Connie’s belly and smiles as he feels a little kick.

ANDY: (Whispering to her belly) Hey squirt, how ya’ doing? Try not to get too worked up kid, your mom needs her rest.

He smiles and lays on his side stroking Connie’s belly and staring at another of his blessings as she slept. As bad as some points of his life had been they had all led him to this moment. God came through for him and gave him a second chance he should probably do his job and not take it for granted.