Harvey Leek leant back against the wall, arms folded across his chest, staring at Jerry’s bed. He let
his head sink down and jerked when he felt Abigail’s touch on his arm. “Shouldn’t you be in
bed?� he asked with a blaming voice.
“I miss them, too..,� she returned, avoiding to answer the previous question.
Harvey drew a painful smile and turned to her. “Let’s get you back to bed,� he sighed, glad
for the opportunity to change topic.
It hurt inside to think where his son may be or what might happen to him. He put an arm around Abigailâ
€™s waist and gently forced her back to the bedroom. She sat down with a moan when her side ached
from the movement. Leek had been right: Getting up hadn’t been a very good idea. She felt dizzy
and her stomach was sick. She really needed to lay down right now.
Harvey carefully helped her slide back under the comforter. Abigail sighed as the nausea ebbed away.
She closed her eyes and laid still for a moment. Then she felt Harvey striking over her short hair. His
touch felt good, calming and comforting her.
“I really was afraid you’d be angry with me...,� she whispered and opened her eyes again.
“I am, actually,� Harvey returned.
She lowered her gaze to avoid his bright blue eyes. “For letting yourself almost getting killed,� he
added and caressed her cheek.
But Abigail still didn’t look up. “I wanted to protect Luka and Jerry...it’s what you depend
on me to do...protecting my own life hadn’t been a top priority then...�
Leek knew how the woman felt. He would have done the same. “I know,� he whispered. “I
know.� He gave her a peck on the cheek and stroke her hair until she finally fell asleep.
* * *
When Captain Nash Bridges entered the SIU barge and went over to his desk, he was surprised to see
the computer and monitor running over at Inspector Leek’s desk.
“Hey, Robertson,â€� he stopped a female uniformed officer passing by. “Is Inspector Leek in?â
€�
She nodded. “Yes, Sir, he came in about two hours ago. Miss Williams was with him,� she
explained.
“You wouldn’t know where I can find him, would you?� Nash continued, giving her one of
his boyish smiled.
“I’d try it at the coffee machine upstairs, Cap. Seems to be one of his best friends at the moment.
�
“Thanks!�
Officer Robertson smiled and hurried off, while Captain Bridges made his way up to the first story of the
ship. He instantly recognized his co-worker at the coffee machine. Leek wasn’t wearing anything
colorful today, just a plain blue jeans shirt.
“Mind telling me what you’re doing here, bubba?� Nash asked light-heartedly, but startled
when he caught an eye on Leek’s face. He looked tired. There was no sign of life anymore whether
in his blue eyes or his face.
Harvey met the gaze of his superior and friend for a second, then he turned to grab his mug to take a
swallow of the hot liquid. “We...I was going nuts at home. Abby didn’t want to stay behind
alone, so she joined me,� Harvey explained.
“And I have every incoming call to my place re-directed to my cell phone,� he quickly added
even before Bridges could phrase a sentence. Leek wanted to return to his desk, but Nash wasn’t
finished yet. He looked down at Harvey’s trembling hands holding the mug and tried to smiled
encouragingly.
“When was the last time you slept?�
His colleague shook his head as if he wanted to wipe away the question. “Don’t even ask, boss...
�
“How are you and Abby holding together?� his superior continued, friendly placing a hand on his
shoulder.
“Lousy...� Harvey looked up to meet Nash’s eyes. “I really don’t know what I’d
do if...�
The Inspector shook his head again to get rid of the frightening thought.
“Don’t go down that road, Harv!� Nash interrupted. He wanted to say something more,
something to comfort his friend, but nothing came to his mind. He would have the same thoughts if
Cassidy was missing.
They both stood there in an eerie silence for a moment, then Harvey Leek finally turned to return to his
desk and continue the work he was trying to do.
He suddenly desperately needed to sit down. His legs and hands felt shaky. He felt cold and warm at
the same time. Harvey didn’t want Nash to see the shape he was in, because his superior would
send him home right away.
Harvey recognized Abigail approaching and tried to focus his vision onto her, but his eyes kept leaping
around his surroundings. Then suddenly, the ground began to move and he stumbled. He probably
would have fallen, but he felt two pair of hands grabbing him, lowering his body carefully to the ground.
“Harvey?� he heard the voice of his superior. It sounded muffled. He closed his eyes and drew
some deep breaths. “I’m okay,� he finally whispered with a trembling voice.
“What’s wrong, Harv?� Abigail asked, gently wiping away the cold sweat from his forehead.
“I’m okay,� he repeated, trying to get up again.
Bridges and Williams grabbed his arms and pulled him to his feet. By now, a little crowd had gathered
around them. Uniformed officers and plain clothed inspectors were concerned and wanted to know
what was going on.
“Joe, get a medic up here!� Nash addressed his partner among them.
“You got it!� Dominguez replied, already on his way downstairs.
“That’s really not necessary!� Leek said determined. He didn’t like to draw any attention
onto himself, especially not now. He had to be strong.
Nash and Abigail guided him to the interrogation table where he gratefully sat down. “The hell it is,
Harv!� Abby said, her face reading anger and concern at the same time.
“If you won’t take care of yourself, we will!� Nash added.
Harvey sighed. He knew his friends were worrying about him. He hated to admit that they were right.
He still felt dizzy and weak. Abby sat down beside him, caressing his hand. Together, they waited for
the paramedics to arrive.
“His BP is a little low, but other than that, he’s fine,� the male paramedic stated after taking
Leek’s blood pressure and pulse. “Probably just hypoglycemia. When was the last time youâ
€™ve eaten?â€� he asked, addressing the Inspector in front of him.
He sighed. “I don’t know...day before last?� Harvey couldn’t look up. He felt so stupid
and embarrassed.
“Then I’ll say you get a meal and rest. And cut down on the coffee...� The man got up,
packed his medical instruments into his bag and stood up, smiling. “You’ll be fine, don’t
worry. Just take it easy the next couple of hours,� he said, then left him.
Bridges and Dominguez fell into pace beside him. “So, just weakness, huh?� Nash asked.
“Yeah,� he nodded. “But it’s nothing serious. A little sleep and a good meal and he’ll
be up chasing the bad guys again in no time.�
Abigail looked blaming at Harvey. “Why didn’t you say something? Not even to me?�
He met her gaze. “You already have so many things on your mind...Besides, ten minutes ago I felt
fine.�
“Harv,� she started as if she was talking to a toddler. “You haven’t slept in two days, you
haven’t eaten in two days...who are you trying to fool?�
Harvey’s hand went over his face and stopped to cover his eyes. “I’m afraid,� he
suddenly whispered.
Abigail felt her guts twisting. She brought her hand up and drew his away from his face. There were
tears in his eyes. “Me too,� she whispered, holding his hand. “Me too.�
* * *
Harvey was at his desk again. His arms were folded on the table, his head resting on them. Abigail could
tell by the steady ups and downs of his chest that he was asleep. She smiled. She hadn’t managed
to get him to sleep during the last two days. The young woman was surprised how someone could
actually sleep with all the noise around the SIU, but it seemed as if Harvey needed just that. She took
her jacket and gently placed it over Leek’s shoulders and back.
When the woman lifted her head again, she noticed Nash Bridges approaching. He smiled at her. When
he saw his co-worker sleeping at his desk, he wanted to go over and wake him to send him home. But
Abigail held him back.
“No, he’s finally asleep!� she said. “Let’s leave it that way.�
Nash smiled back to her again. “Okay...� He offered her a seat beside his desk.
“How are you holding together?�
A shadow went over the woman’s face. “Okay...I guess.�
“And Harv?�
She shook her head slightly. Should she tell him? Nash was his superior and friend and Abby knew how
much Harvey liked to keep his feelings to himself. But had she the right to tell Nash?
“You better ask that question to him,� she answered diplomatically.
“Last time I did, he collapsed...,� Nash pointed out.
“That’s a way to avoid answers, too.� Abigail managed a smile. It had been a good idea to
come here after all. Even if there wasn’t much she could actually do, at least she had people around
her, friends who were caring. And like Harvey, Abigail welcomed any chance to get her mind off what
might happen to Luka and Jerry.
“Oh, by the way: I talked to your med school teacher...,� Nash ripped her out of her thoughts.
She lowered her head. Classes hadn’t been on her thoughts for the past few days. She would miss
a lot, maybe even get kicked out of class.
“Mr. Doyle said you should take all the time you need. When you’ll get back, he will arrange for
some extra classes for you to get back to the level.� Nash smiled at the woman when she looked up
again, a puzzled expression on her face.
“Wow,� she said. “That’s nice...thanks!�
Nash gave her his ‘don’t give up’ smile. “Now, get the sleeping beauty there and get
home. We’ll keep you posted!�
Abby got up and gave Bridges a hug. Then she went over to Leek’s desk and woke him gently.
* * *
Nick Bridges heard the elevator coming up and knew it was his son. He still was angry with him and
already knew how this was going to end. But this time, Nick wasn’t the one to give in. So he
concentrated on the text passage he was just reading and decided to ignore him.
“Hey, Nick,� Nash said when he saw his father on the couch, lost in a book about first aid.
“I’m not going to talk to you,!� Nick stated with anger in his voice.
“But I would like to talk to you...� Nash smiled and held his hands out, palms up.
“Peace offering?�
Nick closed the book and got up.
“No,� he simply said and hurried into his room, slamming the door shut.
Nash sighed and followed his old man, stopping in front of the door.
“Nick can’t we talk about this like grown-ups?� he asked, a little amused about the childish
reaction from his father.
“You want to talk to me, but you send Joe over here instead of coming yourself. So, who’s the
grown-up here?� he heard the muffled voice of Nick’s through the door.
“Point taken,� Nash sighed.
“I apologize okay? Now come outta here and let’s talk!�
The door was opened and Nick showed himself again.
“I know what it is about, son. You don’t like what I’m doing, as usual.�
“That’s not true, Nick. I just think about the consequences. What if you forget something like
that you are baby-sitting...�
Bridges looked at his son, not quite believing what he just heard.
“My memory’s not that bad, son! Just because I sometimes forget things doesn’t mean I
can’t do this! Besides, Ingrid knows about it and she said it’s just fine.�
Nash shook his head, puzzled.
“Who’s Ingrid?�
Nick smiled when he thought about her.
“She’s our teacher down at the civic center. She’s doing the class.�
He faced his son.
“Look, all I want is to have a purpose, you know. I’m in here all day, just hanging around and Iâ
€™m sick of it. I want to get outside again, son. And I can make some money with it, as well.â€�
Nash sighed. His father had convinced him, again.
“Okay, you won, Nick. Let’s give this baby-sitting thing a try...�
* * *
Nash Bridges and Joe Dominguez were enjoying their coffee by the ‘Cuda. From their roost they
could see across the San Francisco Bay out to Alcatraz. They were waiting for an DEA agent named
Jonathan Schwartz. Nash had called him to get more information about Hu and his organization. He had
some, but insisted on meeting in private instead of coming down to the SIU. If someone would find out
he was the one leaking confidential information, he would loose his job.
Slowly, Nash and Joe heard a car approaching. A white Saturn.
“That’s him,� Bridges said and tossed the rest of his drink away.
The car stopped beside the ‘Cuda and Schwartz got out.
“So, what you wanna know?� he asked without wasting time with chit-chats.
“Hu’s planning something. I wanna know what. For a start…�
Schwartz nervously looked around to make sure they weren’t being watched or overheard.
“He wants to take over the Hawaiian drug business. The man on the top, Myamoto, is close to the
end. He won’t be there much longer,� he explained.
“So why does Hu need all the money for?� Joe asked.
“He wants to pay out Myamoto’s sons, so he can take over.
“Son of a bitch!� Nash cursed, but smiled simultaneously.
“I knew he was greedy, but that’s really something.�
The DEA agent still watched his surrounding very carefully.
“Hu is behind the kidnapping of two kids very close to me – does Hu have any estate where he
might hide them?� Nash went one asking.
Schwartz drew his dark eye-brows together and thought for a moment.
“There’s this old ware-house near the wharves, it’s condemned. Word on the street is thatâ
€™s his new hide-out.â€�
He got out his notebook and a pencil, wrote down an address and tore the paper out to hand it to Nash.
“But you didn’t get this information from me, got it?�
Nash smiled brightly.
“Bubba, we don’t have the slightest idea who you are…�
* * *
“Okay, thanks boss!�
Inspector Leek let the receiver fall back on the cradle.
“What is it?� Abigail asked anxiously from across the room, sitting on the couch. She had noticed
a change of his attitude during the call.
“Have they found them? Are they okay?�
She watched him turn and tried to read his face, but it was blank.
Finally, he cleared his throat.
“Nash said they have found an old building which is rented by one of Hu’s real estate agents.
Chances are good that’s their hide-out,� he quoted what his superior had just told him.
“....if they’re still alive,� he added in thoughts and felt his heart drop instantly.
Abigail almost jumped to her feet and grabbed her shoes, but winced when her rib reminded her
painfully that it was broken.
“What are you doing?!�
Harvey hurried over to the woman and tried to get the shoes from her.
“I’m coming with you,� she stated and moaned again when he pushed her back to the sofa.
“No, you’re not!� he ordered.
“I’m going there and I’ll call the minute I hear something, I promise!�
When Abigail tried to get up again and push him away, he tightened his grip on her.
“You stay here, for crying out loud! It’s safer for you. It might get dangerous and I don’t
want you around the line of fire! Are we clear?�
Abigail relaxed when she had a look at his determined face. She knew Harvey wouldn’t go for a
discussion over this, so the young woman sighed and nodded.
“Yes, Sir!� she teased him and saluted to ease the tension of the situation.
Harvey smiled slightly.
“That’s a girl. I’ll call you!�
He gave her a kiss on the forehead. Then he grabbed his gun, cell phone, badge and holster and left not
a minute later, leaving behind a worried woman.
* * *
Abigail Williams hadn’t been able to stay at Leek’s place any longer. The silence had been
killing her inside. So she had decided to have a word with Evan Cortez.
Cautiously, the woman climbed the stairs. Some kids crossed her way, laughing and enjoying
themselves. It gave Abby a sting in the heart, but she pulled herself together and continued her way up.
She knew Evan was living with a young woman called Terry, a prostitute he was trying to get off the
streets. He had to move out of his own place as he couldn’t pay the rent anymore.
Abigail stopped in front of the door with number 205 on it and hesitated. What was she going to do?
What would she say?
“Let’s wait and see,� she told herself and knocked.
The young woman waited a few moments, but nothing moved inside. But as she wasn’t a person to
give up quickly, she carefully turned the door knob and pushed the door open.
“Evan?� she asked aloud and almost jumped at the sound of her own voice. Then her gaze fell on
the sleeping man, laying on his stomach on the bed, only wearing boxer shorts and a T-shirt.
Abigail shook her head in disbelief. How could Evan have sunk so low? At which point had they lost
him? These thoughts made her angry, although she didn’t want to get angry at all.
“Hey!� she said a little louder and shook Evan’s shoulder.
“Wake up!�
“Li’me alone,� a sleepy voice said.
“Evan, come on, get up!�
He managed to lift his head and glance at the woman.
“Abby...go away...�
The last thing he needed right now was company. He felt lousy, a whole army regiment marching
through his head. The booze he had last night now demanded its prize.
“No I won’t go away! So get up!� She slapped him on the back.
“We have to talk!�
Evan moaned and struggled to get into a sitting position.
Abby shook her head again. He looked terrible, not at all like the man she asked to be the godfather of
her son. He wasn’t shaved and his once so neat hair was standing off his head in several directions.
“I don’t wanna talk,� Evan mumbled, still fairly awake.
“Well, okay, then listen, man! I won’t leave before we had a little conversation...�
Evan made himself comfortable, elbows on his knees, face buried in his hands. He felt so pathetic and
sick, but the sooner he would get this conversation over with, the sooner he could go back to sleep.
“What ya want?� he sighed, running his tongue over his lips. His mouth felt as if a furry little
animal had camped in it during the night.
“I wanna know what the hell is wrong with you?!?� There was anger in the woman’s voice.
“What do you mean?� Evan asked as innocently as he could.
“Don’t kid me, man! I’m really not in the mood...�
She stood on front of him, her hands stemmed at her hips.
“I mean you screwing up big time at the moment...the booze, the pills...Hurting those few friends still
caring about you...�
„Don’t talk to me like this! You don’t know what I’ve been through!“ Evan almost
yelled at the young woman.
She shot a glance back at him.
„Is that what you think Evan? Do you think being raped is fun? Looking into the eyes of your own
child and being remembered of the worst time in your life isn’t what I’d call fun, man. And do
you think being dumped by your wife on Christmas eve is fun?“
She shook her head.
„If that’s what you think, I’ll tell you what: watching your closest friend destroying himself is
no fun either.“
Now she was really getting mad.
„How dare you?“ she shot back at him.
Evan shook his head.
„Okay, who sent you?“
Abby looked at him, puzzled.
„What is that supposed to mean?“
Cortez stood up, stepping in front of the woman.
„Did Harvey sent you to tell me all that? Or Nash?“
Abigail’s eyes narrowed.
„Hate to disappoint you, man, but they really don’t care anymore what you’re up to. But
maybe I did pick the wrong person to be the godfather of my child, because caring about you is quite
self-destructive at the moment!“
And before she could stop herself, she went on.
„You just go ahead and self-pity yourself with that Terry girl. I just hope she will help you, because as
far as we are concerned, you’re on your own now!“
The she turned away and left Evan alone, standing in the middle of the room.
Climbing down the stairs, Abigail’s step fastened. She was almost running by the time she made it
out of the building. Williams hurried over to her car, got in, closed the door and took a deep breath. She
hadn’t want to loose her temper with Evan, but he had known very well to push the right buttons.
Abby let her hands rest on the stirring wheel and fought down the tears of anger and disappointment.
„I’m sorry,“ she mumbled, lit the ignition and joined the traffic again.
* * *
He was the only person on the sidewalk. It had been pouring all night and still was. The man stuffed his
hands deep into the pockets of his pants. He was already soaking wet from wandering around in the
rain, but he didn’t care.
Evan Cortez had lost it all.
His job, his friends, his dignity.
He had betrayed everyone he cared for. He had let Harvey down and put him in danger.
He had hurt Cassidy by interfering with another woman before their wedding. That had cost him the love
of his life.
Evan lifted his head towards the crying sky to let the raindrop fall onto his face, so nobody would notice
his tears.
When he lowered his head again, he had made a decision.
There was still one person who cared about him. And he would do everything to get Terry off the
streets.
* * *
Before any of the men in that room could react, uniformed and plain clothed officers swept the room.
“SFPD!�
“Get down!�
“Drop your weapons!�
The police men took the men’s guns and handcuffed them in less than five minutes.
Nash and Joe were the first ones to discover the children.
“Harvey!� Nash called out as he saw them laying on a mattress in the far corner of the room.
The Inspector hurried to join them and followed the direction they were looking in.
“Jerry! Luka!� he exclaimed, quickly closing the distance between him and them.
“Jerry...,� Harvey said again, softer. He took the blindfold off his son’s eyes and caressed his
cheek.
The boy was half awake and half asleep from the sedating. His father felt a lump coming up his throat
and his heart missed several beats out of joy.
Harvey just knelt in front of the mattress, watching his son. He took one of Jerry’s small hands and
stroke it tenderly. Then he reached over to Luka, who was fairly awake either, and caressed his cheek
softly. He seemed to be okay as well.
“Someone call Abby and tell her we found them!� he ordered and smiled when Nash told him he
had already taken care of that.
“I’ve sent a patrol car over to bring her here.�
Leek took his son into his arms and felt the tension from the past few days fell off him. And he felt tears
running down his cheek, but he didn’t care to cover them this time.
Suddenly, a second door opened. Nobody had seen that door before. Leek looked up as a man
wanted to enter. He had red hair and a faint skin color. When the man spotted the inspector with the
kids, he cursed and turned around.
“SFPD, freeze!� Leek ordered, but the man wouldn’t listen. For a short moment, Harvey
had to think about whether to leave the children alone, but a look towards them told him they were
sleeping again. So inspector Leek drew his gun and went after the red-haired man. But not without
calling for back-up.
He was fast, Harvey had to grant him that. The police inspector had a hard time not to loose the man he
was chasing. But fate was on the good side again: A fence crossed the man’s way and prevented
him from getting away. He tried to climb over it, but Leek arrived in time and roughly pulled him away.
“I said ‘freeze’, man!� he said, taking a step back. He raised his gun and aimed at the man.
It seemed as if Leek’s reason had taken a hike.
“You know these kids you kidnapped...they’re my son and godson. Do you have any idea how
it feels not to know whether your child is alive or not?! Can you imagine the feeling in your guts when
you think about all these ‘ifs’?�
Slowly, the man raised his hands, the palms facing Harvey. He feared what that inspector was about to
do.
“Please...it wasn’t my idea...I just followed orders...� he begged.
Leek laughed sarcastically.
“Good little soldier, ain’t we?�
He thought about what to do next. Nash once had shot the man who had killed their colleague and
friend Michelle Chan. Where was the difference? Nash would understand.
“Get down...,� Harvey ordered with a dangerously quiet voice.
“Don’t!� he suddenly heard a well known voice behind him. It was Nash Bridges.
“Don’t do this, Harvey...He’s not worth it!�
“He almost killed my son...� Leek whispered, not moving the gun a single inch. Nash knew how
his co-worker felt. If anything like this would happen to his own daughter Cassidy, he would probably
think about shooting the man responsible as well.
“He’s not the one who’s responsible, you know that. It’s Hu you want, not one of his
metal-heads.� With these words, Nash stepped between the man and Leek.
“Jerry’s fine and so’s Luka. If you kill him, you throw your career, your life away...�
Bridges stretched his hand out towards Leek’s gun.
“It’s just not worth it...�
Harvey faced Nash and blinked a few times, as if he was awakening from trance. Then he looked down
and sighed. Nash was right, as he always was. Killing that man wouldn’t change what had
happened. And it would only make things worse.
Once again, Harvey looked up. Then he handed his gun over to his superior. Nash smiled and gave him
a pat on the shoulder.
“Now go and take care of your son, bubba...�
* * *
The paramedics had taken the children into the ambulance to examine them. Inspector Leek leant
against his car, arms folded, waiting for them to finish their job, when he noticed a black and white
patrol car approaching the crime scene.
The car stopped a few yards away and Abigail Williams got out. She instantly spotted Leek and hurried
over to him.
“Where are they? Are they okay?�
So many questions were running through her head. But instead of answering her, Harvey just closed his
arms around her.
“Medics are checking on them. They seem to be okay...�
A sob of relieve escaped her throat before she could stop it. She felt Harvey drawing her yet a little
closer and relaxed. They didn’t notice Nash Bridges standing a few yard away. He smiled. It was
nice to see that Leek and Williams got along so well. After what happened to Evan Cortez the last few
months, it was good that his colleague had finally found someone so close to him again.
Abigail and Harvey gave up their embrace when they realized that one of the paramedics was heading
towards them. From behind, they saw Nash approaching as well.
“The kids are fine. Just a little tired, specially the older one. And hungry...,� she explained and
received two bright smiles in return.
“Whoever sedated them knew exactly what he was doing.�
Abby could almost see the switches turned in Leek’s and Bridges’ heads. It was now back to
cop mode.
“You think that a doctor was present?� Leek asked.
“I don’t know if it was a doc, but it was someone who knows his way around in pediatrics and
narcotics. Too much sedative and the boy could be dead now!�
Nash looked at Harvey, who’s face went ashen.
“Thanks, bubba,� he dismissed the medic and turned to the couple.
“You get your kids now and go home! And Harvey...�
He lifted his head to meet his superior’s eyes.
“Don’t think about what might have been. Just be glad that Jerry’s fine, okay?�
* * *
“ I heard Anna’s back?� Nash asked. He had called Harvey to make sure he had made it
home all right.
“Yeah, I’m on my way to her now...Can’t wait to tell her what happened...� There was
sarcasm in his voice.
“Good luck, man! How’s Abby?�
“She’s at my place, sleeping. She deserved it...�
“Make sure to catch some rest yourself, Harvey! I don’t wanna see you around the SIU
tomorrow, got it?�
Harvey smiled.
“I’m okay, boss, really.�
And before his superior could say something else, he quickly added:
“But I’ll do as I am ordered. See ya!�
Anna opened the door just wearing her bathrobe and a towel.
“Hey, Anna,� Leek greeted her, smiling slightly. She was just as beautiful as ever and he felt
somewhere deep inside that he still loved her.
“Harvey!�
She looked around.
“Where’s Jerry?�
“In the car. He’s sleeping.�
He turned towards his car again.
“I’ll put him to bed.�
“You want a coffee, beer or something?� Anna asked after Jerry was safely sleeping in his own
bed.
“No thanks, Anna. But I have to tell you something...�
The way he said that made the woman worry instantly.
“This isn’t good, is it?�
Harvey sighed. He didn’t want to tell her in the first place, but she better learned it from him than
from anybody else.
“You better sit down...�
She did as she was asked and looked at Harvey anxiously.
He drew another deep breath making up his mind where to start.
“Jerry had been kidnapped,� he simply said.
“What?!?� Anna exclaimed, jumping to her feet.
Harvey stepped closer to her.
“Don’t worry, he’s fine! They sedated him – he slept most of the time...�
She wasn’t believing what she was hearing.
“How could you let that happen?� she attacked him.
“How could they get past you?�
“Here it comes,� Harvey thought, but he tried to stay calm.
“Where were you?� Anna snapped, but answered the question herself.
“Why do I ask anyway...You were working, weren’t you?�
She crossed her arms across her chest and looked at him blaming.
Harvey lowered his head.
“I didn’t tell you this so you can blame me, cause I do that myself enough already! I just told you
so you would know and be a little more careful with Jerry...�
“I want you to leave, Harvey!�
She had made a decision.
“And don’t come anywhere near Jerry again!�
Harvey turned his head.
“Come again?� he asked dumbfounded.
“I don’t want you to come near my son again! I can’t take the risk anymore!�
“He’s my son as well, Anna, remember?� Harvey tried hard to control his anger, but the
threat of his former girlfriend didn’t help much.
“You wanna take Jerry away from me, is that it?!�
Anna sighed defensively.
“I never asked you to be his father...And yes, I’m going to keep him away from you! It’s
safer for him...�
He turned away from the woman he once loved to gather himself again.
“Don’t do this, Anna. Please...don’t take my boy away from me...�
But she pretended not to hear what he had sad and pointed to the front door.
“I want you to leave now, Harvey. And don’t come back!�
* * *
Joe Dominguez was sitting at his desk, typing at his computer. From time to time he glanced over to
Inspector Leek. He seemed to be distracted somehow, nervous, restless. When Harvey stared at his
monitor image for several minutes, Joe sighed and decided to check on his co-worker.
“Hey, Harvey.�
Leek jerked back. He had totally been lost in thoughts.
“Hey, Joseph...�
“You’re okay, man? You seem...I don’t know...edgy today.�
Harvey managed a smile, although it wasn’t very convincing.
“I’m okay. Just didn’t catch enough sleep last night, that’s all.�
Joe looked at him for a second, then he shrugged his shoulders and went back to work.
Harvey sighed. He had no idea what he had been reading on his screen for the last minutes. He just
couldn’t concentrate. All the man could think of was Jerry.
“Inspector Leek?�
Harvey startled when he heard a female voice beside him.
“Yes?�
“This is for you.�
She gave him a folded piece of paper.
“Could you sign this, please?�
Puzzled, Harvey looked from her face to the clipboard she was holding. After he had signed, she gave
him a smile and left. He let his eyes follow that woman a short moment longer, then he looked down to
face the paper.
Harvey unfolded it and let his eyes flow over the words.
“I don’t believe this...she’s doing it...� he sighed and let his hand sink down.
His eyes darted back and forth as he thought what to do next. After a short while, Harvey threw the
paper down in his desk, picked up the phone and dialed a well-known number.
“Yes?�
Harvey remained silent for a moment.
“Anna...it’s me.�
He felt her mood dropping instantly.
“Harvey, why are you calling me?�
“Do you really wanna do this?� he asked instead of answering her question. And he feared what
the answer would be.
“You don’t give me much of a choice! I didn’t leave my son with you so you can leave him
with some woman you felt sorry for...�
“Leave Abby out of this, Anna! If you wanna play the game, deal me in, but this is between you and
me! And Jerry is my son as well!�
Leek tried to control his anger, but his ex-girlfriend knew very well how to trigger him.
“What kind of father lets his son almost getting killed?� Anna snapped back.
Harvey wanted to say something about what kind of mother works as a stripper, but he didn’t want
to go that low, so he took a deep breath instead.
“If you wanna play dirty, I tell you something: Two can play that game!�
He almost threw the handle back on it’s cradle. It took him a little to realize that everybody on the
barge was looking at him. It was quiet.
Suddenly, Harvey felt uncomfortable. It was becoming hard to draw a breath and it felt as if the walls
were closing in.
“I’m gonna get some air,� he mumbled to no-one in particular and hurried outside.
* * *
“Hey Abby! And how’s my special friend?�
Nash went over to the woman and her son, smiling brightly.
“Hey, guys! Luka’s fine, thanks to you. I came to check on Harv...�
She turned to Leek’s desk and found it empty.
“Where is he?�
Joe cleared his throat.
“He went outside.�
He stepped closer to her.
“Listen, maybe you could talk to him? He seems to be a little off today...�
“No problem. Can you take Luka meanwhile?�
She looked expectantly at the SIU men. Nash stretched out his arms to the little boy.
“Sure, we’ll have an eye on him. You take care of Harvey...�
The woman handed her son over to Bridges and gave Luka a peck.
“You be a good boy, okay?�
She smiled, stroke her son’s hair and went off.
Abigail discovered Harvey Leek at the far end of the fantail. His elbows rested on the railing. He was
starring out onto the sea.
The woman approached him, carrying a cup of coffee.
“Hey, my big man...�
She touched him slightly at his back. He turned to face her.
“Hey...�
“Brought you something,� she smiled and handed the cup to him.
The Inspector took it gratefully, instantly taking a swallow of the hot fluid.
“Thanks, “ Harvey said, returning his gaze out to the water again.
“So...mind telling me what’s on your mind lately?� Abby asked, letting her hand rest on
Leek’s shoulder.
“You talked to Joe, huh?� Harvey returned without facing her.
“That’s what I love about you, Harv, you’re a brilliant detective!� she joked, but quickly
became serious again.
“Actually, Joe talked to me. He’s worried about you...we all are. So, what happened?�
Harvey fought a battle within his mind, whether to tell her or not. It was his problem and he had to deal
with it himself. But it would be good to actually talk about it. He sighed heavily and faced the woman.
“Anna happened...�
When he saw her puzzled expression, he went on.
“She threatens to take Jerry away from me...� As soon as the words had left his mouth, he felt his
guts twisting and a lump came up. He swallowed hard to bottle up his emotions.
“She said I would endanger his life...irony is that it’s true...�
“No, Harv! Don’t say that! You love Jerry and I’m sure you’d never do anything to put
him in danger!� Abby interrupted him.
“But this job is dangerous, Abby! You saw what happened ‘cause of my job...� He turned
away again.
“Harvey, you love your job. I can’t imagine you doing anything else apart from being a cop. We
met because you’re a cop...�
Abigail groped for his hand and forced him gently to face her again.
“You have to fight, man! Don’t let her win...don’t let her control you!�
Harvey closed his eyes and smiled painfully. Then he took a deep breath and sighed.
“Maybe I should quit the service...�
* * *
“I have a job for ‘Bridges and Dominguez’,� Abby said. After what Harvey had told her,
she had made a decision. She wouldn’t watch Leek chewing himself up like that any longer.
Nash looked up from the file he was just going through.
“What job?� he asked curiously.
“Can we talk in a little more private space?�
Bridges shrugged his shoulders.
“Sure, let’s take a walk.�
When Abigail was sure nobody was close enough to hear what she was going to tell, she stopped.
“I talked to Harv...Anna wants to go for full custody and take Jerry away from him.�
“Son of a bitch...� Nash cursed.
“Yeah, that’s what I thought, too. Harvey seriously considers leaving.�
“The SIU?�
“No, the police force...I can’t let him do this, you know? It would destroy him. He loves what
he does...�
Nash went over his face with one hand.
“I don’t believe this...So, what do you want us to do?�
Abigail looked down. She hated what she was about to do, but she had no other choice to help Harvey.
“I heard stories about Paxton...She was a prostitute?�
Nash laughed sarcastically.
“Well, she called it Exotic Dance, but I guess it comes down to the same thing.�
Bridges dawned what the young woman wanted him and Joe to do.
“You want to destroy her credibility, right?� He smiled brightly.
“And then you want to blackmail her?�
Abigail sighed.
“Blackmailing is such a nasty word...but yes, that’s what I wanna do. For Harvey’s sake...If
she really takes Jerry away from him, I don’t know what he would do. And that’s what I’m
afraid of...�
Nash drew the woman closer and embraced her.
“Don’t worry, we’ll take care of that. You keep an eye on Harvey, all right? He needs you.â
€�
He faced her again and cocked an eye.
“Actually, you’re the only one he would listen to...Beside Jerry, you’re the person he cares
about the most.�
* * *
“Where are we going?� Joe Dominguez asked curiously. His partner had just asked to join him,
but hadn’t said where they were heading.
“Defending a friend,� Nash answered cryptically.
But Joe knew him long enough to see through it.
“You wanna talk to this Anna, right?�
Nash smiled slightly.
“Got me there, bubba. It’s about time we do something about this. Abby can’t do all the
work by herself.�
“And what exactly are we gonna do about it? What’s your plan, man?�
“I’ll let you know as soon as I figured one out…�
As Anna Paxton has prior convictions as a prostitute, Bridges had looked up her address in the files.
The sun was already setting, painting the sky with various shades of red. While Nash was stopping the â
€˜Cuda at a red traffic light, Joe allowed himself to enjoy the beauty of that moment. Suddenly, his eyes
fell on a scene further down the street on the right. A black and white patrol car was parked there. Two
uniformed officers had arrested two women. Joe’s eyes widened when he recognized one of them.
“Nashman, look who’s over there!�
Bridges followed the direction and grinned.
“Looks like we can save some time here..�
The woman was Anna Paxton.
Officer Ohlsen saw a yellow Plymouth Barracuda approaching and instantly knew who was
approaching.
“Captain Bridges, Inspector Dominguez,� he greeted as soon as they got out of the car.
“Barry, right?�
The question was purely rhetorical Joe knew. Nash had a photographic memory and seldom forgot
anything.
“What you got here?�
“These two beauties were about to get into a pimp’s car. Probable prostitution,� Ohlsen
explained.
Joe looked at Nash to read his face, but it was professionally blank.
“Mind if we take over?� Bridges asked instead, already forming a plan.
The officers looked at each other. It would mean less paper work, so they agreed.
“They’re all yours, Captain!� Ohlsen said, taking off the handcuffs off the two very quiet
women.
“Thanks bubba! The SIU owes you!�
When the patrol car was gone, Nash turned to face the unknown woman.
“What’s your name?�
“Destiny Winters,� she replied shyly.
The Inspectors could tell she hadn’t been in this business for very long.
“Okay, Destiny. This is your lucky day. Off you go and stay away from any trouble, understood?�
All she could do was to nod as an answer. She was dumbfounded by that offer. The young woman took
her purse and hurried away on high heels.
Joe and Nash turned to face Anna Paxton.
“You’re not off the hook, sister! We need to talk!�
“You’re in trouble up to your beautiful eye-balls, lady!�
To avoid being seen by Inspector Leek back at the barge, Nash had stopped the ‘Cuda in some
distance to it. Anna Paxton was still handcuffed in the back of the car.
“If I remember correctly, this will be your third conviction,� Joe began.
“Three strikes, you’re out!� Nash added, a small satisfied smile playing around his lips.
“What do you want?� Paxton asked.
She knew she had lost. They were right. With a third conviction for the same crime she would be
considered a habitual criminal and go to jail. That meant she would loose custody for her son. Bridges
had her.
“Well, maybe we can arrange something…� Joe started, guessing his partner’s plan.
“Say, we would let you go this time…�
Anna knew exactly what they were up to.
“And you’ll get?� she asked.
“Oh, we get nothing, sister! Jerry will get something…�
Paxton’s face hardened.
“I won’t leave my son with Harvey again!�
Nash and Joe smiled brightly.
“Oh, I guess you will, Anna. It’s either that or you’ll loose Jerry forever. And what kind of
mother would choose that option?� Nash stated.
“You don’t want juvenile service to take your son away from you, do you?� Joe added,
waiting for an answer. When it didn’t come, he repeated it.
“Do you?�
Anna shook her head.
“Of course I don’t wanna loose my son!�
She sighed. They won.
“All right…Harvey can see Jerry again.�
“Oh, no sister. That ain’t good enough! Jerry will stay with Harvey for the weekend – they
have some time to make up!�
A weak nod.
“Okay…�
Nash faced Joe and laughed.
“See, it was that simple.�
The he reached over and released the handcuffs.
“Is there anywhere we can drop you off, Miss Paxton?�
* * *
Abigail Williams checked her watch again. Harvey was late tonight. Not that it was unusual, as Leek
often did over-time. But he had promised her to be at her place at 8 p.m. on the dot. They wanted to
have dinner together and spend a quiet evening after everything what had happened during the last
couple of days. The young woman checked the meat pie in her oven again and sighed. If Harvey
wouldn’t show up soon, the pies would be charcoal.
Abigail thought for a moment and decided to call the guys at the SIU. She dialed the familiar number
and waited impatiently.
After the fourth ring, the phone at the other side was picked up.
“Captain Bridges, SIU.�
“Nash?� Abby said a little surprised. She had expected to hear Leek’s voice at the other end.
“It’s Abby. Is Harv still there?�
“No, he left over an hour ago to be with you in time. He ain’t there yet?â€� Now it was Nashâ
€™s turn to be surprised.
“No...� Abigail felt a stitch in her stomach. Instantly she started worrying.
“Do you think something happened to him?� she asked with a trembling voice.
“Give him some time, maybe he stopped by somewhere to get you something…�
“Okay…� she sighed and hung up. Thinking for a moment, she formed a plan. Instead of waiting
here, she would pay Anna Paxton a visit…
* * *
The door bell rang. When Anna opened the door, there was a young woman standing in front of her.
“Miss Paxton? I’m Abigail Williams, a friend of Harvey’s. Could I talk to you for a second,
please?�
She smiled friendly.
“What about?� Anna asked, without any intention to ask her in.
“About Jerry, Ma’am. Can I come in?�
Abigail looked expectantly at the blonde woman. She sighed and opened the door a little bit more.
“So, you’re dating him?� Anna asked and Abigail sensed a good dose of hostility in that
question.
“No, we’re just friends. He’s the godfather of my son,� she explained.
Anna nodded slightly.
“So what’s this all about?� she repeated, offering a seat to the woman.
“First of all, let me tell you that Harvey doesn’t know about me being here.� Abigail took a
deep breath.
“He’s considering leaving police services...�
Was that a little smile flashing on Paxton’s face or was she dreaming? When Abigail looked closer,
the smile was gone, so she continued.
“Harvey loves Jerry very much...�
“Then why was he kidnapped in the first place? Where was he? Leaving Jerry with a babysitter
again, yes?�
Abigail bit her lower lip to fight down her feelings. She really didn’t like that woman much. And they
only met a couple of minutes ago.
“I was with Jerry...�
“Then why...?�
Williams’ hand shot up to stop her.
“I’m not here to discuss these particular circumstances with you! Point is: Harvey almost threw
his own life and career away. He was very close to killing the man who was responsible for the
kidnapping. I thought you might like to know this fact before you decide to take Jerry away from him for
good. It would kill Harvey and you probably know that, don’t you?�
Without waiting for an answer, she stood up and wanted to leave, but Anna Paxton hadn’t finished
yet.
“Jerry needs a father who is with him. Harvey might love him, but he obviously can’t take of my
son.�
“Oh, and you can?� Abby thought, but kept it for herself.
“I would put my son’s life in Harvey’s hands anytime. Maybe you’d like to think about
that.�
Abigail turned again.
“Goodbye, Miss Paxton!�
* * *
“Get up!� he heard a male voice hiss.
His eyes were blindfolded and his hands tied behind his back, so it wasn’t easy to do as he was
told. The man seemed to loose his patience with Inspector Leek, so he and another man pulled him up
roughly.
How much time had passed since he got here, Harvey didn’t know. But he knew who was behind
this: Kam Hu.
An hand pushed him forward and ripped Leek out of his thoughts.
“Go!� he ordered and grabbed him hard on his arm.
After a few moments of silent walk, the small group stopped.
“Inspector Leek,� a third voice greeted. This time it was a familiar one.
“Hu,� Harvey plainly said.
“Very good.� He heard someone applauding.
The blindfold was removed from his eyes. Leek had to blink a few times to get used to the light again.
He glanced around and spotted four men beside Hu and a video camera.
“Your captain Bridges is very determined, isn’t he?� Hu asked suddenly.
Leek looked at him and nodded.
“He has an aversion to scum like you trying to take over his city, yes.�
The Hawaiian man smiled diabolically.
“Well, let’s see if he feels the same way after he watched this little tape we’re going to send
him.�
He pointed at Leek.
“And you are the main attraction on it!�
Kam Hu drew a gun and ordered two of his men to hold the inspector down.
“Start the camera!�
Harvey’s thoughts were running inside his head. He feared what Hu was up to, but he didn’t
see how he could prevent that.
“You’ll shoot a cop, you’re dead, Hu!� he started a desperate attempt to gain some
more time.
“Cause if you kill me, you’ll have every cop in this city on your tail and they will hunt you down!
And it would be a big pleasure for my captain to personally take you out!�
Kam Hu smiled unimpressed.
“For someone who’s going to die, you have a pretty big mouth, Leek!�
A little smile smirked around Harvey’s lips.
“If I’m going to die anyway, what do I have to loose then?�
“I see you have some kind of humor, Inspector. Let’s find out if Bridges’s ready to learn...â
€�
Hu pointed the gun at Leek.
“Get down on your knees!� he ordered.
When the inspector didn’t move, the two men grabbed him and forced him down. Harvey started to
struggle to get free, but he didn’t have much of a chance. The two guys holding him were too strong.
Harvey felt panic coming up now. He didn’t want to die, not that way. A picture of Jerry came into
his mind. He couldn’t leave him alone. And Abby, she needed him as well.
He tried one last time to struggle free, but it had the same result as before – none.
“Where’s your big mouth now, Leek?� Hu asked, his voice filled with sarcasm.
Harvey remained silent, his thoughts spinning. He wished badly that Nash would come to rescue him
soon.
Behind him, he felt Kam Hu getting something. When he felt something ice cold at his neck, he realized it
was gun. He was going to execute him in front of the camera.
“Nash, please...� Harvey whispered. But inside his head, he pictured the scene after Bridges
would be there too late. He would be laying down with a bullet in his head and be dead. Nash would
have to tell Abby and Anna that he was gone.
Harvey swallowed hard, trying to keep down the tears of fear. He wouldn’t give Hu that
satisfaction. He wouldn’t cry, he wouldn’t beg. If he had to die, then he’d do it with pride...
He felt Hu pulling back the hammer of the gun. One more second and everything would be over. Harvey
Leek would stop to exist.
He draw one last deep breath and held on to the pictures of Jerry and Abby. And then, he waited.
* * *
No-one inside that old abandoned building noticed several vehicles approaching. Several black and
white police cars, a black SWAT truck and a yellow Plymouth Barracuda stopped in an appropriate
distance to make a silent approach.
When everybody was in position, Captain Bridges silently counted to three and gave a ‘Go’ over
the radio.
From every side of the building, SIU officers and SWAT team members entered by force.
Inside, Hu and his men were totally taken off guard, so that some of them instantly followed the order to
put their guns down.
As soon as Nash spotted Kam Hu, he pointed his gun at the Hawaiian man. But he had regained his
confidence already. The rifle of his own gun still touched the neck of Inspector Leek.
“I’d recommend you put your gun down, Captain, for the sake of your man here...�
Nash’s face hardened. He looked towards his colleague and felt a knot in his stomach. Harvey was
kneeling down, his hand handcuffed behind his back.
“You’re okay, bubba?�
“Do whatever’s necessary, boss,� Leek replied without looking up. With Hu’s gun still
aimed at him, he was afraid to move even an inch. And he didn’t want his superior to see the fright
in his eyes.
“I’d say we have a drawn here, Hu! I won’t take my gun down and I know you won’t
either.�
Hu smiled knowingly.
“But I’m the one with the ace up my sleeve...�
Before Bridges could reply to that, a gunshot was heard.
Instantly, everyone was quiet. The officers were afraid that Hu had done it. That he had pulled the
trigger and that Harvey Leek was dead.
But then, as if in slow motion, Kam Hu moved forward. As soon as Harvey didn’t feel the rifle
anymore, he hurried away to get out of Hu’s range.
When finally he dared to take a look, Leek discovered Kam Hu laying down on the floor, the gun still in
his hand, a big red stain of blood forming upon his back.
Harvey’s eyes moved up and he saw Bryn Carson standing in the background, her own weapon
still aimed where Hu had been standing moments ago.
Then, Joe Dominguez blocked his view.
“You’re okay?� he asked, unlocking the handcuffs.
“Joseph, I’ve seldom been so happy to see you!� Harvey replied, rubbing his wrists.
* * *
Abigail Williams was doing the dishes when she heard the sound of a door being opened. She dried her
hands and hurried towards the front door.
“Harvey!� she exclaimed happily and smiled. But her smile faded as soon as she caught a glimpse
of the man’s face. He looked awful.
“Oh my...are you okay?� Abby asked, wanting to tenderly touch his face.
But Harvey didn’t say anything and moved past her. He went straight into his so-called ‘Dead
Room’ and closed the door, leaving a wondering woman behind.
Her first instinct was to follow him into his sanctuary, but Abby knew Harvey well enough not to do that.
If he went in there, it usually meant he needed to be alone. And she respected that. But her feelings told
her she needed to know what had happened, so the woman decided to call Nash Bridges.
After she had hung up on Bridges, Abigail had tears in her eyes. Nash had told her everything from the
store-house and had asked her to keep an eye on Leek.
The young woman blinked a few times to pull herself together again. Harvey had been there for her all
the time. Now it was her turn to give something of that caring back.
Standing in front of the Dead Room door, she still wasn’t sure if to go inside or not. Finally, she
sighed and knocked. Several moments passed without an answer, so Abby carefully opened the door.
Her heart missed a beat when she discovered Harvey sitting on the floor in the far corner of his refuge,
his back leant against the wall. His hands rested in his lap and he starred into nowhere.
Slowly, Abby closed the distance between her and him and knelt down beside him, letting her hand rest
on his.
It wasn’t until then that he turned his head to face the woman.
“You talked to Nash, huh?� he asked with a weary voice.
Abby nodded.
“I know I probably shouldn’t have done it, but I needed to know...�
“I thought I was going to die tonight,� Harvey whispered, turning his head to focus the distant
spot again.
Abby tenderly stroke over his curled hair.
“I wish I could say I can rely or I know what you’re going through, but I can’t...I’m
sorry...�
She took one of his hands and squeezed it slightly.
“All I can do now is to be there for you. And if you wanna talk...I’m a good listener.�
There were minutes of silence after her offer.
“I’ll better leave you alone a little longer,� Abby finally said and wanted to stand up again,
but Harvey held her back.
“Please...don’t...,� was all he whispered, before he couldn’t keep his feelings inside any
longer. He tried to hold his tears back, but it was getting harder by the minute. Harvey felt the need to
let it all out, but he couldn’t.
Abigail sat down beside him, putting her arms around him and drawing him close to her.
“It’s okay...� she whispered in his ear. “You can let it out...I’m here...�
That was the trigger. Harvey let his bottled up feelings flow like the tears running down his cheeks.
“All I could think about was you and Jerry...,� he managed to say.
The woman didn’t know what to say, so she just tightened the embrace and tried to hold her own
tears back as good as she could.
* * *
Bryn Carson stood at the railing out on the fantail, lost in thoughts. She missed the ferry, the former SIU
headquarters. So much had changed over the years. She had changed. Now she finally was free again.
She didn’t need to cover her every move anymore. She needn’t to be careful what she said and
how. Bryn could be herself again.
But…who was she?
After two years of being with a criminal, living with him, sleeping with him – how could she know she
was still a cop? Today, the man she pretended to love for the last 24 month almost killed one of her best
friends. Today, she had killed her pretended lover. But, did she really just pretend those feelings? Was
she that cold? She had to kill Hu in order to save Harvey. The shot was justified, but Bryn had to face a
MCD hearing anyway. She knew Nash would defend her, he always did. But Management Control,
formerly known as Inner Affairs, looked at things differently. She had sent hat many times in the past. In
her other life, a life that stopped the minute she had accepted this undercover assignment. The Bryn
Carson as everybody used to know her had stopped to exist. And she didn’t know if she would
ever be ‘the old’ Bryn again.
“Hey…�
Bryn jerked back at the unexpected voice behind her. It was Nash Bridges.
“Sorry, didn’t mean to…�
Bryn lifted a hand.
“It’s okay. I’m just still a little shaky…Old habits, you know.�
Nash smiled sympathetically.
“I called your parents and explained some things to them. They are eager to see you again…�
Bryn turned away from her former superior.
“Yes, I can imagine that…I missed them. I missed a lot of people, including you guys here…�
“So, are you coming back then?�
The woman remained silent, thinking thoroughly about her next move. She had to do this.
Bryn reached into her hand bag and got out her gun and badge, handing them over to Nash.
“What’s this about?� he asked puzzled, although he already knew what it meant. He wanted
her to say it, to realize it might not be the right decision.
“I’m leaving police service,� Bryn simply said.
“I can’t go on as if nothing happened, as if those 2 years were just a bad dream…�
Nash still held her stuff in his hands.
“You might want to think about it. After what happened today…�
“I’m positive, Nash!�
“You might be now, but keep yourself options! You might feel different in a few days!�
Bryn looked at him, her face seriously.
“No, Nash. I won’t come back! You have to accept that! I mainly came here to say good-bye.
I left without a word once, I won’t do that again.�
Hearing those words, Nash accepted her decision. He had no other choice. It was her wish. Bryn
Carson would leave the SIU, for good.
* * *
The minute Leek spotted Joe entering the barge, he hurried towards him.
“Did you find Evan?� he asked worried.
Joe could tell Harvey still cared deeply for his ex-partner, no matter how strongly he denied it.
“Yes, I found him,� Dominguez replied unsure whether to tell Leek everything.
“And? Is he okay? He didn’t do anything stupid, did he?�
“Well, he didn’t have the chance…�
Leek looked at him, puzzled.
“Now what’s that supposed to mean?� he asked, knowing he was holding something back.
“Come on, Joseph, tell me!� he almost ordered.
Joe sighed.
“Evan tried to kill himself…with the gun he stole from your place…�
He looked up to Harvey, who’s face went pale.
“Is he…�
“No, no! Don’t worry! I talked him out of it.�
Leek closed his eyes and sighed relieved.
“Joe, you’re the best man! I don’t know if I can ever make that up to you again…�
Joe managed a smile.
“Hey, Evan may have pissed us all off, but you’re not the only one still caring for him…�
* * *
Nash found his colleague sitting on the floor in a quiet corner of the SIU barge. He had his eyes closed
and startled when Bridges approached him.
“Here you are, Harv. We were looking for you...Bryn wants to say good-bye.�
Leek just lifted his head to look at his superior, but he remained silent.
“So, mind telling me what’s bothering you?� Nash asked, sitting down on the floor beside
Leek.
Harvey didn’t respond at first, but then he took a deep breath.
“I can still feel the touch of the cold metal on my neck, Nash...I wake up at night in cold sweat
because I dream about what might have happened...I’ve never been more afraid in my entire life...â
€�
Leek laughed out sarcastically.
“And as if that wasn’t enough, I lost my son and my once best friend tried to kill himself with the
gun I bought from him…and I hadn’t been there for him…�
He turned his head to face his friend.
“I thought I can handle all this, boss, but I can’t...Everything is falling apart, and I can’t do
anything about it…�
Nash let his hand rest on Leek’s shoulder. He knew how hard it was for his friend to admit that.
“What you have been through the last couple of days wasn’t easy. I’ve seen cops who did a
lot worse than you, bubba. And they weren’t almost executed.�
He thought for a moment.
“I know a good Counselor, if you feel like talking to a professional...�
Harvey lowered his head.
“Guess that would be a good idea...Thanks, Nashman!�
“Hey, that’s what friends are there for, right?�
Without waiting for an answer for that rhetorical question, he got up.
“Go home, Harv. Try to get your mind off what happened. Spend some time with Abby – sheâ
€™s really worried about you!â€�
Harvey got up as well.
“Yeah, I know. She’s trying to help, but I’m afraid this time she can’t help me...�
“Go and see the Counselor!�
Leek managed a weak smile.
“Is that an order?� he asked mockingly.
“No, Harv, it’s just a piece of advice from a friend...�
* * *
Harvey startled when the door bell rang. On his way to open it he wondered who the visitor might be,
but he wasn’t at all prepared to the person facing him after he had opened the door. It was Anna
Paxton. On her arm she held their son Jerry. Beside her was a bag.
“I’ll get him Sunday evening,� she simply said, handing the child over to her ex-boyfriend.
Leek looked puzzled from Anna to Jerry and back.
“I...I don’t understand...why...?�
His mind seemed paralyzed by the fact that Anna had obviously changed her mind about custody.
“Bunch of friends you have!� Anna said bluntly and turned to walk away.
“Thanks,� Harvey finally managed to find his voice again.
Anna Paxton whirled around.
“Don’t thank me! And I’m not doing it for you, but for my son! Jerry needs his father...�
Then she simply walked away.
Harvey kept standing in the doorway for several more moments until he realized that he got his son back.
“Hey, Scooter,� he smiled at Jerry.
“Wanna go inside?�
The boy’s face started glowing.
“Missed Daddy...� he said, throwing his small arms around Leek.
“I missed you too, my son,� Harvey returned and swallowed down some tears.
Then Harvey Leek happily brought his son inside.
* * *
When the woman opened the door, there was a man in a colorful vest and a red beret standing in the
doorway.
“Inspector Leek, I presume? I’m Dr. Michelle Lopez.�
She signed him to get in.
“Nash told me you were coming...�
END
his head sink down and jerked when he felt Abigail’s touch on his arm. “Shouldn’t you be in
bed?� he asked with a blaming voice.
“I miss them, too..,� she returned, avoiding to answer the previous question.
Harvey drew a painful smile and turned to her. “Let’s get you back to bed,� he sighed, glad
for the opportunity to change topic.
It hurt inside to think where his son may be or what might happen to him. He put an arm around Abigailâ
€™s waist and gently forced her back to the bedroom. She sat down with a moan when her side ached
from the movement. Leek had been right: Getting up hadn’t been a very good idea. She felt dizzy
and her stomach was sick. She really needed to lay down right now.
Harvey carefully helped her slide back under the comforter. Abigail sighed as the nausea ebbed away.
She closed her eyes and laid still for a moment. Then she felt Harvey striking over her short hair. His
touch felt good, calming and comforting her.
“I really was afraid you’d be angry with me...,� she whispered and opened her eyes again.
“I am, actually,� Harvey returned.
She lowered her gaze to avoid his bright blue eyes. “For letting yourself almost getting killed,� he
added and caressed her cheek.
But Abigail still didn’t look up. “I wanted to protect Luka and Jerry...it’s what you depend
on me to do...protecting my own life hadn’t been a top priority then...�
Leek knew how the woman felt. He would have done the same. “I know,� he whispered. “I
know.� He gave her a peck on the cheek and stroke her hair until she finally fell asleep.
* * *
When Captain Nash Bridges entered the SIU barge and went over to his desk, he was surprised to see
the computer and monitor running over at Inspector Leek’s desk.
“Hey, Robertson,â€� he stopped a female uniformed officer passing by. “Is Inspector Leek in?â
€�
She nodded. “Yes, Sir, he came in about two hours ago. Miss Williams was with him,� she
explained.
“You wouldn’t know where I can find him, would you?� Nash continued, giving her one of
his boyish smiled.
“I’d try it at the coffee machine upstairs, Cap. Seems to be one of his best friends at the moment.
�
“Thanks!�
Officer Robertson smiled and hurried off, while Captain Bridges made his way up to the first story of the
ship. He instantly recognized his co-worker at the coffee machine. Leek wasn’t wearing anything
colorful today, just a plain blue jeans shirt.
“Mind telling me what you’re doing here, bubba?� Nash asked light-heartedly, but startled
when he caught an eye on Leek’s face. He looked tired. There was no sign of life anymore whether
in his blue eyes or his face.
Harvey met the gaze of his superior and friend for a second, then he turned to grab his mug to take a
swallow of the hot liquid. “We...I was going nuts at home. Abby didn’t want to stay behind
alone, so she joined me,� Harvey explained.
“And I have every incoming call to my place re-directed to my cell phone,� he quickly added
even before Bridges could phrase a sentence. Leek wanted to return to his desk, but Nash wasn’t
finished yet. He looked down at Harvey’s trembling hands holding the mug and tried to smiled
encouragingly.
“When was the last time you slept?�
His colleague shook his head as if he wanted to wipe away the question. “Don’t even ask, boss...
�
“How are you and Abby holding together?� his superior continued, friendly placing a hand on his
shoulder.
“Lousy...� Harvey looked up to meet Nash’s eyes. “I really don’t know what I’d
do if...�
The Inspector shook his head again to get rid of the frightening thought.
“Don’t go down that road, Harv!� Nash interrupted. He wanted to say something more,
something to comfort his friend, but nothing came to his mind. He would have the same thoughts if
Cassidy was missing.
They both stood there in an eerie silence for a moment, then Harvey Leek finally turned to return to his
desk and continue the work he was trying to do.
He suddenly desperately needed to sit down. His legs and hands felt shaky. He felt cold and warm at
the same time. Harvey didn’t want Nash to see the shape he was in, because his superior would
send him home right away.
Harvey recognized Abigail approaching and tried to focus his vision onto her, but his eyes kept leaping
around his surroundings. Then suddenly, the ground began to move and he stumbled. He probably
would have fallen, but he felt two pair of hands grabbing him, lowering his body carefully to the ground.
“Harvey?� he heard the voice of his superior. It sounded muffled. He closed his eyes and drew
some deep breaths. “I’m okay,� he finally whispered with a trembling voice.
“What’s wrong, Harv?� Abigail asked, gently wiping away the cold sweat from his forehead.
“I’m okay,� he repeated, trying to get up again.
Bridges and Williams grabbed his arms and pulled him to his feet. By now, a little crowd had gathered
around them. Uniformed officers and plain clothed inspectors were concerned and wanted to know
what was going on.
“Joe, get a medic up here!� Nash addressed his partner among them.
“You got it!� Dominguez replied, already on his way downstairs.
“That’s really not necessary!� Leek said determined. He didn’t like to draw any attention
onto himself, especially not now. He had to be strong.
Nash and Abigail guided him to the interrogation table where he gratefully sat down. “The hell it is,
Harv!� Abby said, her face reading anger and concern at the same time.
“If you won’t take care of yourself, we will!� Nash added.
Harvey sighed. He knew his friends were worrying about him. He hated to admit that they were right.
He still felt dizzy and weak. Abby sat down beside him, caressing his hand. Together, they waited for
the paramedics to arrive.
“His BP is a little low, but other than that, he’s fine,� the male paramedic stated after taking
Leek’s blood pressure and pulse. “Probably just hypoglycemia. When was the last time youâ
€™ve eaten?â€� he asked, addressing the Inspector in front of him.
He sighed. “I don’t know...day before last?� Harvey couldn’t look up. He felt so stupid
and embarrassed.
“Then I’ll say you get a meal and rest. And cut down on the coffee...� The man got up,
packed his medical instruments into his bag and stood up, smiling. “You’ll be fine, don’t
worry. Just take it easy the next couple of hours,� he said, then left him.
Bridges and Dominguez fell into pace beside him. “So, just weakness, huh?� Nash asked.
“Yeah,� he nodded. “But it’s nothing serious. A little sleep and a good meal and he’ll
be up chasing the bad guys again in no time.�
Abigail looked blaming at Harvey. “Why didn’t you say something? Not even to me?�
He met her gaze. “You already have so many things on your mind...Besides, ten minutes ago I felt
fine.�
“Harv,� she started as if she was talking to a toddler. “You haven’t slept in two days, you
haven’t eaten in two days...who are you trying to fool?�
Harvey’s hand went over his face and stopped to cover his eyes. “I’m afraid,� he
suddenly whispered.
Abigail felt her guts twisting. She brought her hand up and drew his away from his face. There were
tears in his eyes. “Me too,� she whispered, holding his hand. “Me too.�
* * *
Harvey was at his desk again. His arms were folded on the table, his head resting on them. Abigail could
tell by the steady ups and downs of his chest that he was asleep. She smiled. She hadn’t managed
to get him to sleep during the last two days. The young woman was surprised how someone could
actually sleep with all the noise around the SIU, but it seemed as if Harvey needed just that. She took
her jacket and gently placed it over Leek’s shoulders and back.
When the woman lifted her head again, she noticed Nash Bridges approaching. He smiled at her. When
he saw his co-worker sleeping at his desk, he wanted to go over and wake him to send him home. But
Abigail held him back.
“No, he’s finally asleep!� she said. “Let’s leave it that way.�
Nash smiled back to her again. “Okay...� He offered her a seat beside his desk.
“How are you holding together?�
A shadow went over the woman’s face. “Okay...I guess.�
“And Harv?�
She shook her head slightly. Should she tell him? Nash was his superior and friend and Abby knew how
much Harvey liked to keep his feelings to himself. But had she the right to tell Nash?
“You better ask that question to him,� she answered diplomatically.
“Last time I did, he collapsed...,� Nash pointed out.
“That’s a way to avoid answers, too.� Abigail managed a smile. It had been a good idea to
come here after all. Even if there wasn’t much she could actually do, at least she had people around
her, friends who were caring. And like Harvey, Abigail welcomed any chance to get her mind off what
might happen to Luka and Jerry.
“Oh, by the way: I talked to your med school teacher...,� Nash ripped her out of her thoughts.
She lowered her head. Classes hadn’t been on her thoughts for the past few days. She would miss
a lot, maybe even get kicked out of class.
“Mr. Doyle said you should take all the time you need. When you’ll get back, he will arrange for
some extra classes for you to get back to the level.� Nash smiled at the woman when she looked up
again, a puzzled expression on her face.
“Wow,� she said. “That’s nice...thanks!�
Nash gave her his ‘don’t give up’ smile. “Now, get the sleeping beauty there and get
home. We’ll keep you posted!�
Abby got up and gave Bridges a hug. Then she went over to Leek’s desk and woke him gently.
* * *
Nick Bridges heard the elevator coming up and knew it was his son. He still was angry with him and
already knew how this was going to end. But this time, Nick wasn’t the one to give in. So he
concentrated on the text passage he was just reading and decided to ignore him.
“Hey, Nick,� Nash said when he saw his father on the couch, lost in a book about first aid.
“I’m not going to talk to you,!� Nick stated with anger in his voice.
“But I would like to talk to you...� Nash smiled and held his hands out, palms up.
“Peace offering?�
Nick closed the book and got up.
“No,� he simply said and hurried into his room, slamming the door shut.
Nash sighed and followed his old man, stopping in front of the door.
“Nick can’t we talk about this like grown-ups?� he asked, a little amused about the childish
reaction from his father.
“You want to talk to me, but you send Joe over here instead of coming yourself. So, who’s the
grown-up here?� he heard the muffled voice of Nick’s through the door.
“Point taken,� Nash sighed.
“I apologize okay? Now come outta here and let’s talk!�
The door was opened and Nick showed himself again.
“I know what it is about, son. You don’t like what I’m doing, as usual.�
“That’s not true, Nick. I just think about the consequences. What if you forget something like
that you are baby-sitting...�
Bridges looked at his son, not quite believing what he just heard.
“My memory’s not that bad, son! Just because I sometimes forget things doesn’t mean I
can’t do this! Besides, Ingrid knows about it and she said it’s just fine.�
Nash shook his head, puzzled.
“Who’s Ingrid?�
Nick smiled when he thought about her.
“She’s our teacher down at the civic center. She’s doing the class.�
He faced his son.
“Look, all I want is to have a purpose, you know. I’m in here all day, just hanging around and Iâ
€™m sick of it. I want to get outside again, son. And I can make some money with it, as well.â€�
Nash sighed. His father had convinced him, again.
“Okay, you won, Nick. Let’s give this baby-sitting thing a try...�
* * *
Nash Bridges and Joe Dominguez were enjoying their coffee by the ‘Cuda. From their roost they
could see across the San Francisco Bay out to Alcatraz. They were waiting for an DEA agent named
Jonathan Schwartz. Nash had called him to get more information about Hu and his organization. He had
some, but insisted on meeting in private instead of coming down to the SIU. If someone would find out
he was the one leaking confidential information, he would loose his job.
Slowly, Nash and Joe heard a car approaching. A white Saturn.
“That’s him,� Bridges said and tossed the rest of his drink away.
The car stopped beside the ‘Cuda and Schwartz got out.
“So, what you wanna know?� he asked without wasting time with chit-chats.
“Hu’s planning something. I wanna know what. For a start…�
Schwartz nervously looked around to make sure they weren’t being watched or overheard.
“He wants to take over the Hawaiian drug business. The man on the top, Myamoto, is close to the
end. He won’t be there much longer,� he explained.
“So why does Hu need all the money for?� Joe asked.
“He wants to pay out Myamoto’s sons, so he can take over.
“Son of a bitch!� Nash cursed, but smiled simultaneously.
“I knew he was greedy, but that’s really something.�
The DEA agent still watched his surrounding very carefully.
“Hu is behind the kidnapping of two kids very close to me – does Hu have any estate where he
might hide them?� Nash went one asking.
Schwartz drew his dark eye-brows together and thought for a moment.
“There’s this old ware-house near the wharves, it’s condemned. Word on the street is thatâ
€™s his new hide-out.â€�
He got out his notebook and a pencil, wrote down an address and tore the paper out to hand it to Nash.
“But you didn’t get this information from me, got it?�
Nash smiled brightly.
“Bubba, we don’t have the slightest idea who you are…�
* * *
“Okay, thanks boss!�
Inspector Leek let the receiver fall back on the cradle.
“What is it?� Abigail asked anxiously from across the room, sitting on the couch. She had noticed
a change of his attitude during the call.
“Have they found them? Are they okay?�
She watched him turn and tried to read his face, but it was blank.
Finally, he cleared his throat.
“Nash said they have found an old building which is rented by one of Hu’s real estate agents.
Chances are good that’s their hide-out,� he quoted what his superior had just told him.
“....if they’re still alive,� he added in thoughts and felt his heart drop instantly.
Abigail almost jumped to her feet and grabbed her shoes, but winced when her rib reminded her
painfully that it was broken.
“What are you doing?!�
Harvey hurried over to the woman and tried to get the shoes from her.
“I’m coming with you,� she stated and moaned again when he pushed her back to the sofa.
“No, you’re not!� he ordered.
“I’m going there and I’ll call the minute I hear something, I promise!�
When Abigail tried to get up again and push him away, he tightened his grip on her.
“You stay here, for crying out loud! It’s safer for you. It might get dangerous and I don’t
want you around the line of fire! Are we clear?�
Abigail relaxed when she had a look at his determined face. She knew Harvey wouldn’t go for a
discussion over this, so the young woman sighed and nodded.
“Yes, Sir!� she teased him and saluted to ease the tension of the situation.
Harvey smiled slightly.
“That’s a girl. I’ll call you!�
He gave her a kiss on the forehead. Then he grabbed his gun, cell phone, badge and holster and left not
a minute later, leaving behind a worried woman.
* * *
Abigail Williams hadn’t been able to stay at Leek’s place any longer. The silence had been
killing her inside. So she had decided to have a word with Evan Cortez.
Cautiously, the woman climbed the stairs. Some kids crossed her way, laughing and enjoying
themselves. It gave Abby a sting in the heart, but she pulled herself together and continued her way up.
She knew Evan was living with a young woman called Terry, a prostitute he was trying to get off the
streets. He had to move out of his own place as he couldn’t pay the rent anymore.
Abigail stopped in front of the door with number 205 on it and hesitated. What was she going to do?
What would she say?
“Let’s wait and see,� she told herself and knocked.
The young woman waited a few moments, but nothing moved inside. But as she wasn’t a person to
give up quickly, she carefully turned the door knob and pushed the door open.
“Evan?� she asked aloud and almost jumped at the sound of her own voice. Then her gaze fell on
the sleeping man, laying on his stomach on the bed, only wearing boxer shorts and a T-shirt.
Abigail shook her head in disbelief. How could Evan have sunk so low? At which point had they lost
him? These thoughts made her angry, although she didn’t want to get angry at all.
“Hey!� she said a little louder and shook Evan’s shoulder.
“Wake up!�
“Li’me alone,� a sleepy voice said.
“Evan, come on, get up!�
He managed to lift his head and glance at the woman.
“Abby...go away...�
The last thing he needed right now was company. He felt lousy, a whole army regiment marching
through his head. The booze he had last night now demanded its prize.
“No I won’t go away! So get up!� She slapped him on the back.
“We have to talk!�
Evan moaned and struggled to get into a sitting position.
Abby shook her head again. He looked terrible, not at all like the man she asked to be the godfather of
her son. He wasn’t shaved and his once so neat hair was standing off his head in several directions.
“I don’t wanna talk,� Evan mumbled, still fairly awake.
“Well, okay, then listen, man! I won’t leave before we had a little conversation...�
Evan made himself comfortable, elbows on his knees, face buried in his hands. He felt so pathetic and
sick, but the sooner he would get this conversation over with, the sooner he could go back to sleep.
“What ya want?� he sighed, running his tongue over his lips. His mouth felt as if a furry little
animal had camped in it during the night.
“I wanna know what the hell is wrong with you?!?� There was anger in the woman’s voice.
“What do you mean?� Evan asked as innocently as he could.
“Don’t kid me, man! I’m really not in the mood...�
She stood on front of him, her hands stemmed at her hips.
“I mean you screwing up big time at the moment...the booze, the pills...Hurting those few friends still
caring about you...�
„Don’t talk to me like this! You don’t know what I’ve been through!“ Evan almost
yelled at the young woman.
She shot a glance back at him.
„Is that what you think Evan? Do you think being raped is fun? Looking into the eyes of your own
child and being remembered of the worst time in your life isn’t what I’d call fun, man. And do
you think being dumped by your wife on Christmas eve is fun?“
She shook her head.
„If that’s what you think, I’ll tell you what: watching your closest friend destroying himself is
no fun either.“
Now she was really getting mad.
„How dare you?“ she shot back at him.
Evan shook his head.
„Okay, who sent you?“
Abby looked at him, puzzled.
„What is that supposed to mean?“
Cortez stood up, stepping in front of the woman.
„Did Harvey sent you to tell me all that? Or Nash?“
Abigail’s eyes narrowed.
„Hate to disappoint you, man, but they really don’t care anymore what you’re up to. But
maybe I did pick the wrong person to be the godfather of my child, because caring about you is quite
self-destructive at the moment!“
And before she could stop herself, she went on.
„You just go ahead and self-pity yourself with that Terry girl. I just hope she will help you, because as
far as we are concerned, you’re on your own now!“
The she turned away and left Evan alone, standing in the middle of the room.
Climbing down the stairs, Abigail’s step fastened. She was almost running by the time she made it
out of the building. Williams hurried over to her car, got in, closed the door and took a deep breath. She
hadn’t want to loose her temper with Evan, but he had known very well to push the right buttons.
Abby let her hands rest on the stirring wheel and fought down the tears of anger and disappointment.
„I’m sorry,“ she mumbled, lit the ignition and joined the traffic again.
* * *
He was the only person on the sidewalk. It had been pouring all night and still was. The man stuffed his
hands deep into the pockets of his pants. He was already soaking wet from wandering around in the
rain, but he didn’t care.
Evan Cortez had lost it all.
His job, his friends, his dignity.
He had betrayed everyone he cared for. He had let Harvey down and put him in danger.
He had hurt Cassidy by interfering with another woman before their wedding. That had cost him the love
of his life.
Evan lifted his head towards the crying sky to let the raindrop fall onto his face, so nobody would notice
his tears.
When he lowered his head again, he had made a decision.
There was still one person who cared about him. And he would do everything to get Terry off the
streets.
* * *
Before any of the men in that room could react, uniformed and plain clothed officers swept the room.
“SFPD!�
“Get down!�
“Drop your weapons!�
The police men took the men’s guns and handcuffed them in less than five minutes.
Nash and Joe were the first ones to discover the children.
“Harvey!� Nash called out as he saw them laying on a mattress in the far corner of the room.
The Inspector hurried to join them and followed the direction they were looking in.
“Jerry! Luka!� he exclaimed, quickly closing the distance between him and them.
“Jerry...,� Harvey said again, softer. He took the blindfold off his son’s eyes and caressed his
cheek.
The boy was half awake and half asleep from the sedating. His father felt a lump coming up his throat
and his heart missed several beats out of joy.
Harvey just knelt in front of the mattress, watching his son. He took one of Jerry’s small hands and
stroke it tenderly. Then he reached over to Luka, who was fairly awake either, and caressed his cheek
softly. He seemed to be okay as well.
“Someone call Abby and tell her we found them!� he ordered and smiled when Nash told him he
had already taken care of that.
“I’ve sent a patrol car over to bring her here.�
Leek took his son into his arms and felt the tension from the past few days fell off him. And he felt tears
running down his cheek, but he didn’t care to cover them this time.
Suddenly, a second door opened. Nobody had seen that door before. Leek looked up as a man
wanted to enter. He had red hair and a faint skin color. When the man spotted the inspector with the
kids, he cursed and turned around.
“SFPD, freeze!� Leek ordered, but the man wouldn’t listen. For a short moment, Harvey
had to think about whether to leave the children alone, but a look towards them told him they were
sleeping again. So inspector Leek drew his gun and went after the red-haired man. But not without
calling for back-up.
He was fast, Harvey had to grant him that. The police inspector had a hard time not to loose the man he
was chasing. But fate was on the good side again: A fence crossed the man’s way and prevented
him from getting away. He tried to climb over it, but Leek arrived in time and roughly pulled him away.
“I said ‘freeze’, man!� he said, taking a step back. He raised his gun and aimed at the man.
It seemed as if Leek’s reason had taken a hike.
“You know these kids you kidnapped...they’re my son and godson. Do you have any idea how
it feels not to know whether your child is alive or not?! Can you imagine the feeling in your guts when
you think about all these ‘ifs’?�
Slowly, the man raised his hands, the palms facing Harvey. He feared what that inspector was about to
do.
“Please...it wasn’t my idea...I just followed orders...� he begged.
Leek laughed sarcastically.
“Good little soldier, ain’t we?�
He thought about what to do next. Nash once had shot the man who had killed their colleague and
friend Michelle Chan. Where was the difference? Nash would understand.
“Get down...,� Harvey ordered with a dangerously quiet voice.
“Don’t!� he suddenly heard a well known voice behind him. It was Nash Bridges.
“Don’t do this, Harvey...He’s not worth it!�
“He almost killed my son...� Leek whispered, not moving the gun a single inch. Nash knew how
his co-worker felt. If anything like this would happen to his own daughter Cassidy, he would probably
think about shooting the man responsible as well.
“He’s not the one who’s responsible, you know that. It’s Hu you want, not one of his
metal-heads.� With these words, Nash stepped between the man and Leek.
“Jerry’s fine and so’s Luka. If you kill him, you throw your career, your life away...�
Bridges stretched his hand out towards Leek’s gun.
“It’s just not worth it...�
Harvey faced Nash and blinked a few times, as if he was awakening from trance. Then he looked down
and sighed. Nash was right, as he always was. Killing that man wouldn’t change what had
happened. And it would only make things worse.
Once again, Harvey looked up. Then he handed his gun over to his superior. Nash smiled and gave him
a pat on the shoulder.
“Now go and take care of your son, bubba...�
* * *
The paramedics had taken the children into the ambulance to examine them. Inspector Leek leant
against his car, arms folded, waiting for them to finish their job, when he noticed a black and white
patrol car approaching the crime scene.
The car stopped a few yards away and Abigail Williams got out. She instantly spotted Leek and hurried
over to him.
“Where are they? Are they okay?�
So many questions were running through her head. But instead of answering her, Harvey just closed his
arms around her.
“Medics are checking on them. They seem to be okay...�
A sob of relieve escaped her throat before she could stop it. She felt Harvey drawing her yet a little
closer and relaxed. They didn’t notice Nash Bridges standing a few yard away. He smiled. It was
nice to see that Leek and Williams got along so well. After what happened to Evan Cortez the last few
months, it was good that his colleague had finally found someone so close to him again.
Abigail and Harvey gave up their embrace when they realized that one of the paramedics was heading
towards them. From behind, they saw Nash approaching as well.
“The kids are fine. Just a little tired, specially the older one. And hungry...,� she explained and
received two bright smiles in return.
“Whoever sedated them knew exactly what he was doing.�
Abby could almost see the switches turned in Leek’s and Bridges’ heads. It was now back to
cop mode.
“You think that a doctor was present?� Leek asked.
“I don’t know if it was a doc, but it was someone who knows his way around in pediatrics and
narcotics. Too much sedative and the boy could be dead now!�
Nash looked at Harvey, who’s face went ashen.
“Thanks, bubba,� he dismissed the medic and turned to the couple.
“You get your kids now and go home! And Harvey...�
He lifted his head to meet his superior’s eyes.
“Don’t think about what might have been. Just be glad that Jerry’s fine, okay?�
* * *
“ I heard Anna’s back?� Nash asked. He had called Harvey to make sure he had made it
home all right.
“Yeah, I’m on my way to her now...Can’t wait to tell her what happened...� There was
sarcasm in his voice.
“Good luck, man! How’s Abby?�
“She’s at my place, sleeping. She deserved it...�
“Make sure to catch some rest yourself, Harvey! I don’t wanna see you around the SIU
tomorrow, got it?�
Harvey smiled.
“I’m okay, boss, really.�
And before his superior could say something else, he quickly added:
“But I’ll do as I am ordered. See ya!�
Anna opened the door just wearing her bathrobe and a towel.
“Hey, Anna,� Leek greeted her, smiling slightly. She was just as beautiful as ever and he felt
somewhere deep inside that he still loved her.
“Harvey!�
She looked around.
“Where’s Jerry?�
“In the car. He’s sleeping.�
He turned towards his car again.
“I’ll put him to bed.�
“You want a coffee, beer or something?� Anna asked after Jerry was safely sleeping in his own
bed.
“No thanks, Anna. But I have to tell you something...�
The way he said that made the woman worry instantly.
“This isn’t good, is it?�
Harvey sighed. He didn’t want to tell her in the first place, but she better learned it from him than
from anybody else.
“You better sit down...�
She did as she was asked and looked at Harvey anxiously.
He drew another deep breath making up his mind where to start.
“Jerry had been kidnapped,� he simply said.
“What?!?� Anna exclaimed, jumping to her feet.
Harvey stepped closer to her.
“Don’t worry, he’s fine! They sedated him – he slept most of the time...�
She wasn’t believing what she was hearing.
“How could you let that happen?� she attacked him.
“How could they get past you?�
“Here it comes,� Harvey thought, but he tried to stay calm.
“Where were you?� Anna snapped, but answered the question herself.
“Why do I ask anyway...You were working, weren’t you?�
She crossed her arms across her chest and looked at him blaming.
Harvey lowered his head.
“I didn’t tell you this so you can blame me, cause I do that myself enough already! I just told you
so you would know and be a little more careful with Jerry...�
“I want you to leave, Harvey!�
She had made a decision.
“And don’t come anywhere near Jerry again!�
Harvey turned his head.
“Come again?� he asked dumbfounded.
“I don’t want you to come near my son again! I can’t take the risk anymore!�
“He’s my son as well, Anna, remember?� Harvey tried hard to control his anger, but the
threat of his former girlfriend didn’t help much.
“You wanna take Jerry away from me, is that it?!�
Anna sighed defensively.
“I never asked you to be his father...And yes, I’m going to keep him away from you! It’s
safer for him...�
He turned away from the woman he once loved to gather himself again.
“Don’t do this, Anna. Please...don’t take my boy away from me...�
But she pretended not to hear what he had sad and pointed to the front door.
“I want you to leave now, Harvey. And don’t come back!�
* * *
Joe Dominguez was sitting at his desk, typing at his computer. From time to time he glanced over to
Inspector Leek. He seemed to be distracted somehow, nervous, restless. When Harvey stared at his
monitor image for several minutes, Joe sighed and decided to check on his co-worker.
“Hey, Harvey.�
Leek jerked back. He had totally been lost in thoughts.
“Hey, Joseph...�
“You’re okay, man? You seem...I don’t know...edgy today.�
Harvey managed a smile, although it wasn’t very convincing.
“I’m okay. Just didn’t catch enough sleep last night, that’s all.�
Joe looked at him for a second, then he shrugged his shoulders and went back to work.
Harvey sighed. He had no idea what he had been reading on his screen for the last minutes. He just
couldn’t concentrate. All the man could think of was Jerry.
“Inspector Leek?�
Harvey startled when he heard a female voice beside him.
“Yes?�
“This is for you.�
She gave him a folded piece of paper.
“Could you sign this, please?�
Puzzled, Harvey looked from her face to the clipboard she was holding. After he had signed, she gave
him a smile and left. He let his eyes follow that woman a short moment longer, then he looked down to
face the paper.
Harvey unfolded it and let his eyes flow over the words.
“I don’t believe this...she’s doing it...� he sighed and let his hand sink down.
His eyes darted back and forth as he thought what to do next. After a short while, Harvey threw the
paper down in his desk, picked up the phone and dialed a well-known number.
“Yes?�
Harvey remained silent for a moment.
“Anna...it’s me.�
He felt her mood dropping instantly.
“Harvey, why are you calling me?�
“Do you really wanna do this?� he asked instead of answering her question. And he feared what
the answer would be.
“You don’t give me much of a choice! I didn’t leave my son with you so you can leave him
with some woman you felt sorry for...�
“Leave Abby out of this, Anna! If you wanna play the game, deal me in, but this is between you and
me! And Jerry is my son as well!�
Leek tried to control his anger, but his ex-girlfriend knew very well how to trigger him.
“What kind of father lets his son almost getting killed?� Anna snapped back.
Harvey wanted to say something about what kind of mother works as a stripper, but he didn’t want
to go that low, so he took a deep breath instead.
“If you wanna play dirty, I tell you something: Two can play that game!�
He almost threw the handle back on it’s cradle. It took him a little to realize that everybody on the
barge was looking at him. It was quiet.
Suddenly, Harvey felt uncomfortable. It was becoming hard to draw a breath and it felt as if the walls
were closing in.
“I’m gonna get some air,� he mumbled to no-one in particular and hurried outside.
* * *
“Hey Abby! And how’s my special friend?�
Nash went over to the woman and her son, smiling brightly.
“Hey, guys! Luka’s fine, thanks to you. I came to check on Harv...�
She turned to Leek’s desk and found it empty.
“Where is he?�
Joe cleared his throat.
“He went outside.�
He stepped closer to her.
“Listen, maybe you could talk to him? He seems to be a little off today...�
“No problem. Can you take Luka meanwhile?�
She looked expectantly at the SIU men. Nash stretched out his arms to the little boy.
“Sure, we’ll have an eye on him. You take care of Harvey...�
The woman handed her son over to Bridges and gave Luka a peck.
“You be a good boy, okay?�
She smiled, stroke her son’s hair and went off.
Abigail discovered Harvey Leek at the far end of the fantail. His elbows rested on the railing. He was
starring out onto the sea.
The woman approached him, carrying a cup of coffee.
“Hey, my big man...�
She touched him slightly at his back. He turned to face her.
“Hey...�
“Brought you something,� she smiled and handed the cup to him.
The Inspector took it gratefully, instantly taking a swallow of the hot fluid.
“Thanks, “ Harvey said, returning his gaze out to the water again.
“So...mind telling me what’s on your mind lately?� Abby asked, letting her hand rest on
Leek’s shoulder.
“You talked to Joe, huh?� Harvey returned without facing her.
“That’s what I love about you, Harv, you’re a brilliant detective!� she joked, but quickly
became serious again.
“Actually, Joe talked to me. He’s worried about you...we all are. So, what happened?�
Harvey fought a battle within his mind, whether to tell her or not. It was his problem and he had to deal
with it himself. But it would be good to actually talk about it. He sighed heavily and faced the woman.
“Anna happened...�
When he saw her puzzled expression, he went on.
“She threatens to take Jerry away from me...� As soon as the words had left his mouth, he felt his
guts twisting and a lump came up. He swallowed hard to bottle up his emotions.
“She said I would endanger his life...irony is that it’s true...�
“No, Harv! Don’t say that! You love Jerry and I’m sure you’d never do anything to put
him in danger!� Abby interrupted him.
“But this job is dangerous, Abby! You saw what happened ‘cause of my job...� He turned
away again.
“Harvey, you love your job. I can’t imagine you doing anything else apart from being a cop. We
met because you’re a cop...�
Abigail groped for his hand and forced him gently to face her again.
“You have to fight, man! Don’t let her win...don’t let her control you!�
Harvey closed his eyes and smiled painfully. Then he took a deep breath and sighed.
“Maybe I should quit the service...�
* * *
“I have a job for ‘Bridges and Dominguez’,� Abby said. After what Harvey had told her,
she had made a decision. She wouldn’t watch Leek chewing himself up like that any longer.
Nash looked up from the file he was just going through.
“What job?� he asked curiously.
“Can we talk in a little more private space?�
Bridges shrugged his shoulders.
“Sure, let’s take a walk.�
When Abigail was sure nobody was close enough to hear what she was going to tell, she stopped.
“I talked to Harv...Anna wants to go for full custody and take Jerry away from him.�
“Son of a bitch...� Nash cursed.
“Yeah, that’s what I thought, too. Harvey seriously considers leaving.�
“The SIU?�
“No, the police force...I can’t let him do this, you know? It would destroy him. He loves what
he does...�
Nash went over his face with one hand.
“I don’t believe this...So, what do you want us to do?�
Abigail looked down. She hated what she was about to do, but she had no other choice to help Harvey.
“I heard stories about Paxton...She was a prostitute?�
Nash laughed sarcastically.
“Well, she called it Exotic Dance, but I guess it comes down to the same thing.�
Bridges dawned what the young woman wanted him and Joe to do.
“You want to destroy her credibility, right?� He smiled brightly.
“And then you want to blackmail her?�
Abigail sighed.
“Blackmailing is such a nasty word...but yes, that’s what I wanna do. For Harvey’s sake...If
she really takes Jerry away from him, I don’t know what he would do. And that’s what I’m
afraid of...�
Nash drew the woman closer and embraced her.
“Don’t worry, we’ll take care of that. You keep an eye on Harvey, all right? He needs you.â
€�
He faced her again and cocked an eye.
“Actually, you’re the only one he would listen to...Beside Jerry, you’re the person he cares
about the most.�
* * *
“Where are we going?� Joe Dominguez asked curiously. His partner had just asked to join him,
but hadn’t said where they were heading.
“Defending a friend,� Nash answered cryptically.
But Joe knew him long enough to see through it.
“You wanna talk to this Anna, right?�
Nash smiled slightly.
“Got me there, bubba. It’s about time we do something about this. Abby can’t do all the
work by herself.�
“And what exactly are we gonna do about it? What’s your plan, man?�
“I’ll let you know as soon as I figured one out…�
As Anna Paxton has prior convictions as a prostitute, Bridges had looked up her address in the files.
The sun was already setting, painting the sky with various shades of red. While Nash was stopping the â
€˜Cuda at a red traffic light, Joe allowed himself to enjoy the beauty of that moment. Suddenly, his eyes
fell on a scene further down the street on the right. A black and white patrol car was parked there. Two
uniformed officers had arrested two women. Joe’s eyes widened when he recognized one of them.
“Nashman, look who’s over there!�
Bridges followed the direction and grinned.
“Looks like we can save some time here..�
The woman was Anna Paxton.
Officer Ohlsen saw a yellow Plymouth Barracuda approaching and instantly knew who was
approaching.
“Captain Bridges, Inspector Dominguez,� he greeted as soon as they got out of the car.
“Barry, right?�
The question was purely rhetorical Joe knew. Nash had a photographic memory and seldom forgot
anything.
“What you got here?�
“These two beauties were about to get into a pimp’s car. Probable prostitution,� Ohlsen
explained.
Joe looked at Nash to read his face, but it was professionally blank.
“Mind if we take over?� Bridges asked instead, already forming a plan.
The officers looked at each other. It would mean less paper work, so they agreed.
“They’re all yours, Captain!� Ohlsen said, taking off the handcuffs off the two very quiet
women.
“Thanks bubba! The SIU owes you!�
When the patrol car was gone, Nash turned to face the unknown woman.
“What’s your name?�
“Destiny Winters,� she replied shyly.
The Inspectors could tell she hadn’t been in this business for very long.
“Okay, Destiny. This is your lucky day. Off you go and stay away from any trouble, understood?�
All she could do was to nod as an answer. She was dumbfounded by that offer. The young woman took
her purse and hurried away on high heels.
Joe and Nash turned to face Anna Paxton.
“You’re not off the hook, sister! We need to talk!�
“You’re in trouble up to your beautiful eye-balls, lady!�
To avoid being seen by Inspector Leek back at the barge, Nash had stopped the ‘Cuda in some
distance to it. Anna Paxton was still handcuffed in the back of the car.
“If I remember correctly, this will be your third conviction,� Joe began.
“Three strikes, you’re out!� Nash added, a small satisfied smile playing around his lips.
“What do you want?� Paxton asked.
She knew she had lost. They were right. With a third conviction for the same crime she would be
considered a habitual criminal and go to jail. That meant she would loose custody for her son. Bridges
had her.
“Well, maybe we can arrange something…� Joe started, guessing his partner’s plan.
“Say, we would let you go this time…�
Anna knew exactly what they were up to.
“And you’ll get?� she asked.
“Oh, we get nothing, sister! Jerry will get something…�
Paxton’s face hardened.
“I won’t leave my son with Harvey again!�
Nash and Joe smiled brightly.
“Oh, I guess you will, Anna. It’s either that or you’ll loose Jerry forever. And what kind of
mother would choose that option?� Nash stated.
“You don’t want juvenile service to take your son away from you, do you?� Joe added,
waiting for an answer. When it didn’t come, he repeated it.
“Do you?�
Anna shook her head.
“Of course I don’t wanna loose my son!�
She sighed. They won.
“All right…Harvey can see Jerry again.�
“Oh, no sister. That ain’t good enough! Jerry will stay with Harvey for the weekend – they
have some time to make up!�
A weak nod.
“Okay…�
Nash faced Joe and laughed.
“See, it was that simple.�
The he reached over and released the handcuffs.
“Is there anywhere we can drop you off, Miss Paxton?�
* * *
Abigail Williams checked her watch again. Harvey was late tonight. Not that it was unusual, as Leek
often did over-time. But he had promised her to be at her place at 8 p.m. on the dot. They wanted to
have dinner together and spend a quiet evening after everything what had happened during the last
couple of days. The young woman checked the meat pie in her oven again and sighed. If Harvey
wouldn’t show up soon, the pies would be charcoal.
Abigail thought for a moment and decided to call the guys at the SIU. She dialed the familiar number
and waited impatiently.
After the fourth ring, the phone at the other side was picked up.
“Captain Bridges, SIU.�
“Nash?� Abby said a little surprised. She had expected to hear Leek’s voice at the other end.
“It’s Abby. Is Harv still there?�
“No, he left over an hour ago to be with you in time. He ain’t there yet?â€� Now it was Nashâ
€™s turn to be surprised.
“No...� Abigail felt a stitch in her stomach. Instantly she started worrying.
“Do you think something happened to him?� she asked with a trembling voice.
“Give him some time, maybe he stopped by somewhere to get you something…�
“Okay…� she sighed and hung up. Thinking for a moment, she formed a plan. Instead of waiting
here, she would pay Anna Paxton a visit…
* * *
The door bell rang. When Anna opened the door, there was a young woman standing in front of her.
“Miss Paxton? I’m Abigail Williams, a friend of Harvey’s. Could I talk to you for a second,
please?�
She smiled friendly.
“What about?� Anna asked, without any intention to ask her in.
“About Jerry, Ma’am. Can I come in?�
Abigail looked expectantly at the blonde woman. She sighed and opened the door a little bit more.
“So, you’re dating him?� Anna asked and Abigail sensed a good dose of hostility in that
question.
“No, we’re just friends. He’s the godfather of my son,� she explained.
Anna nodded slightly.
“So what’s this all about?� she repeated, offering a seat to the woman.
“First of all, let me tell you that Harvey doesn’t know about me being here.� Abigail took a
deep breath.
“He’s considering leaving police services...�
Was that a little smile flashing on Paxton’s face or was she dreaming? When Abigail looked closer,
the smile was gone, so she continued.
“Harvey loves Jerry very much...�
“Then why was he kidnapped in the first place? Where was he? Leaving Jerry with a babysitter
again, yes?�
Abigail bit her lower lip to fight down her feelings. She really didn’t like that woman much. And they
only met a couple of minutes ago.
“I was with Jerry...�
“Then why...?�
Williams’ hand shot up to stop her.
“I’m not here to discuss these particular circumstances with you! Point is: Harvey almost threw
his own life and career away. He was very close to killing the man who was responsible for the
kidnapping. I thought you might like to know this fact before you decide to take Jerry away from him for
good. It would kill Harvey and you probably know that, don’t you?�
Without waiting for an answer, she stood up and wanted to leave, but Anna Paxton hadn’t finished
yet.
“Jerry needs a father who is with him. Harvey might love him, but he obviously can’t take of my
son.�
“Oh, and you can?� Abby thought, but kept it for herself.
“I would put my son’s life in Harvey’s hands anytime. Maybe you’d like to think about
that.�
Abigail turned again.
“Goodbye, Miss Paxton!�
* * *
“Get up!� he heard a male voice hiss.
His eyes were blindfolded and his hands tied behind his back, so it wasn’t easy to do as he was
told. The man seemed to loose his patience with Inspector Leek, so he and another man pulled him up
roughly.
How much time had passed since he got here, Harvey didn’t know. But he knew who was behind
this: Kam Hu.
An hand pushed him forward and ripped Leek out of his thoughts.
“Go!� he ordered and grabbed him hard on his arm.
After a few moments of silent walk, the small group stopped.
“Inspector Leek,� a third voice greeted. This time it was a familiar one.
“Hu,� Harvey plainly said.
“Very good.� He heard someone applauding.
The blindfold was removed from his eyes. Leek had to blink a few times to get used to the light again.
He glanced around and spotted four men beside Hu and a video camera.
“Your captain Bridges is very determined, isn’t he?� Hu asked suddenly.
Leek looked at him and nodded.
“He has an aversion to scum like you trying to take over his city, yes.�
The Hawaiian man smiled diabolically.
“Well, let’s see if he feels the same way after he watched this little tape we’re going to send
him.�
He pointed at Leek.
“And you are the main attraction on it!�
Kam Hu drew a gun and ordered two of his men to hold the inspector down.
“Start the camera!�
Harvey’s thoughts were running inside his head. He feared what Hu was up to, but he didn’t
see how he could prevent that.
“You’ll shoot a cop, you’re dead, Hu!� he started a desperate attempt to gain some
more time.
“Cause if you kill me, you’ll have every cop in this city on your tail and they will hunt you down!
And it would be a big pleasure for my captain to personally take you out!�
Kam Hu smiled unimpressed.
“For someone who’s going to die, you have a pretty big mouth, Leek!�
A little smile smirked around Harvey’s lips.
“If I’m going to die anyway, what do I have to loose then?�
“I see you have some kind of humor, Inspector. Let’s find out if Bridges’s ready to learn...â
€�
Hu pointed the gun at Leek.
“Get down on your knees!� he ordered.
When the inspector didn’t move, the two men grabbed him and forced him down. Harvey started to
struggle to get free, but he didn’t have much of a chance. The two guys holding him were too strong.
Harvey felt panic coming up now. He didn’t want to die, not that way. A picture of Jerry came into
his mind. He couldn’t leave him alone. And Abby, she needed him as well.
He tried one last time to struggle free, but it had the same result as before – none.
“Where’s your big mouth now, Leek?� Hu asked, his voice filled with sarcasm.
Harvey remained silent, his thoughts spinning. He wished badly that Nash would come to rescue him
soon.
Behind him, he felt Kam Hu getting something. When he felt something ice cold at his neck, he realized it
was gun. He was going to execute him in front of the camera.
“Nash, please...� Harvey whispered. But inside his head, he pictured the scene after Bridges
would be there too late. He would be laying down with a bullet in his head and be dead. Nash would
have to tell Abby and Anna that he was gone.
Harvey swallowed hard, trying to keep down the tears of fear. He wouldn’t give Hu that
satisfaction. He wouldn’t cry, he wouldn’t beg. If he had to die, then he’d do it with pride...
He felt Hu pulling back the hammer of the gun. One more second and everything would be over. Harvey
Leek would stop to exist.
He draw one last deep breath and held on to the pictures of Jerry and Abby. And then, he waited.
* * *
No-one inside that old abandoned building noticed several vehicles approaching. Several black and
white police cars, a black SWAT truck and a yellow Plymouth Barracuda stopped in an appropriate
distance to make a silent approach.
When everybody was in position, Captain Bridges silently counted to three and gave a ‘Go’ over
the radio.
From every side of the building, SIU officers and SWAT team members entered by force.
Inside, Hu and his men were totally taken off guard, so that some of them instantly followed the order to
put their guns down.
As soon as Nash spotted Kam Hu, he pointed his gun at the Hawaiian man. But he had regained his
confidence already. The rifle of his own gun still touched the neck of Inspector Leek.
“I’d recommend you put your gun down, Captain, for the sake of your man here...�
Nash’s face hardened. He looked towards his colleague and felt a knot in his stomach. Harvey was
kneeling down, his hand handcuffed behind his back.
“You’re okay, bubba?�
“Do whatever’s necessary, boss,� Leek replied without looking up. With Hu’s gun still
aimed at him, he was afraid to move even an inch. And he didn’t want his superior to see the fright
in his eyes.
“I’d say we have a drawn here, Hu! I won’t take my gun down and I know you won’t
either.�
Hu smiled knowingly.
“But I’m the one with the ace up my sleeve...�
Before Bridges could reply to that, a gunshot was heard.
Instantly, everyone was quiet. The officers were afraid that Hu had done it. That he had pulled the
trigger and that Harvey Leek was dead.
But then, as if in slow motion, Kam Hu moved forward. As soon as Harvey didn’t feel the rifle
anymore, he hurried away to get out of Hu’s range.
When finally he dared to take a look, Leek discovered Kam Hu laying down on the floor, the gun still in
his hand, a big red stain of blood forming upon his back.
Harvey’s eyes moved up and he saw Bryn Carson standing in the background, her own weapon
still aimed where Hu had been standing moments ago.
Then, Joe Dominguez blocked his view.
“You’re okay?� he asked, unlocking the handcuffs.
“Joseph, I’ve seldom been so happy to see you!� Harvey replied, rubbing his wrists.
* * *
Abigail Williams was doing the dishes when she heard the sound of a door being opened. She dried her
hands and hurried towards the front door.
“Harvey!� she exclaimed happily and smiled. But her smile faded as soon as she caught a glimpse
of the man’s face. He looked awful.
“Oh my...are you okay?� Abby asked, wanting to tenderly touch his face.
But Harvey didn’t say anything and moved past her. He went straight into his so-called ‘Dead
Room’ and closed the door, leaving a wondering woman behind.
Her first instinct was to follow him into his sanctuary, but Abby knew Harvey well enough not to do that.
If he went in there, it usually meant he needed to be alone. And she respected that. But her feelings told
her she needed to know what had happened, so the woman decided to call Nash Bridges.
After she had hung up on Bridges, Abigail had tears in her eyes. Nash had told her everything from the
store-house and had asked her to keep an eye on Leek.
The young woman blinked a few times to pull herself together again. Harvey had been there for her all
the time. Now it was her turn to give something of that caring back.
Standing in front of the Dead Room door, she still wasn’t sure if to go inside or not. Finally, she
sighed and knocked. Several moments passed without an answer, so Abby carefully opened the door.
Her heart missed a beat when she discovered Harvey sitting on the floor in the far corner of his refuge,
his back leant against the wall. His hands rested in his lap and he starred into nowhere.
Slowly, Abby closed the distance between her and him and knelt down beside him, letting her hand rest
on his.
It wasn’t until then that he turned his head to face the woman.
“You talked to Nash, huh?� he asked with a weary voice.
Abby nodded.
“I know I probably shouldn’t have done it, but I needed to know...�
“I thought I was going to die tonight,� Harvey whispered, turning his head to focus the distant
spot again.
Abby tenderly stroke over his curled hair.
“I wish I could say I can rely or I know what you’re going through, but I can’t...I’m
sorry...�
She took one of his hands and squeezed it slightly.
“All I can do now is to be there for you. And if you wanna talk...I’m a good listener.�
There were minutes of silence after her offer.
“I’ll better leave you alone a little longer,� Abby finally said and wanted to stand up again,
but Harvey held her back.
“Please...don’t...,� was all he whispered, before he couldn’t keep his feelings inside any
longer. He tried to hold his tears back, but it was getting harder by the minute. Harvey felt the need to
let it all out, but he couldn’t.
Abigail sat down beside him, putting her arms around him and drawing him close to her.
“It’s okay...� she whispered in his ear. “You can let it out...I’m here...�
That was the trigger. Harvey let his bottled up feelings flow like the tears running down his cheeks.
“All I could think about was you and Jerry...,� he managed to say.
The woman didn’t know what to say, so she just tightened the embrace and tried to hold her own
tears back as good as she could.
* * *
Bryn Carson stood at the railing out on the fantail, lost in thoughts. She missed the ferry, the former SIU
headquarters. So much had changed over the years. She had changed. Now she finally was free again.
She didn’t need to cover her every move anymore. She needn’t to be careful what she said and
how. Bryn could be herself again.
But…who was she?
After two years of being with a criminal, living with him, sleeping with him – how could she know she
was still a cop? Today, the man she pretended to love for the last 24 month almost killed one of her best
friends. Today, she had killed her pretended lover. But, did she really just pretend those feelings? Was
she that cold? She had to kill Hu in order to save Harvey. The shot was justified, but Bryn had to face a
MCD hearing anyway. She knew Nash would defend her, he always did. But Management Control,
formerly known as Inner Affairs, looked at things differently. She had sent hat many times in the past. In
her other life, a life that stopped the minute she had accepted this undercover assignment. The Bryn
Carson as everybody used to know her had stopped to exist. And she didn’t know if she would
ever be ‘the old’ Bryn again.
“Hey…�
Bryn jerked back at the unexpected voice behind her. It was Nash Bridges.
“Sorry, didn’t mean to…�
Bryn lifted a hand.
“It’s okay. I’m just still a little shaky…Old habits, you know.�
Nash smiled sympathetically.
“I called your parents and explained some things to them. They are eager to see you again…�
Bryn turned away from her former superior.
“Yes, I can imagine that…I missed them. I missed a lot of people, including you guys here…�
“So, are you coming back then?�
The woman remained silent, thinking thoroughly about her next move. She had to do this.
Bryn reached into her hand bag and got out her gun and badge, handing them over to Nash.
“What’s this about?� he asked puzzled, although he already knew what it meant. He wanted
her to say it, to realize it might not be the right decision.
“I’m leaving police service,� Bryn simply said.
“I can’t go on as if nothing happened, as if those 2 years were just a bad dream…�
Nash still held her stuff in his hands.
“You might want to think about it. After what happened today…�
“I’m positive, Nash!�
“You might be now, but keep yourself options! You might feel different in a few days!�
Bryn looked at him, her face seriously.
“No, Nash. I won’t come back! You have to accept that! I mainly came here to say good-bye.
I left without a word once, I won’t do that again.�
Hearing those words, Nash accepted her decision. He had no other choice. It was her wish. Bryn
Carson would leave the SIU, for good.
* * *
The minute Leek spotted Joe entering the barge, he hurried towards him.
“Did you find Evan?� he asked worried.
Joe could tell Harvey still cared deeply for his ex-partner, no matter how strongly he denied it.
“Yes, I found him,� Dominguez replied unsure whether to tell Leek everything.
“And? Is he okay? He didn’t do anything stupid, did he?�
“Well, he didn’t have the chance…�
Leek looked at him, puzzled.
“Now what’s that supposed to mean?� he asked, knowing he was holding something back.
“Come on, Joseph, tell me!� he almost ordered.
Joe sighed.
“Evan tried to kill himself…with the gun he stole from your place…�
He looked up to Harvey, who’s face went pale.
“Is he…�
“No, no! Don’t worry! I talked him out of it.�
Leek closed his eyes and sighed relieved.
“Joe, you’re the best man! I don’t know if I can ever make that up to you again…�
Joe managed a smile.
“Hey, Evan may have pissed us all off, but you’re not the only one still caring for him…�
* * *
Nash found his colleague sitting on the floor in a quiet corner of the SIU barge. He had his eyes closed
and startled when Bridges approached him.
“Here you are, Harv. We were looking for you...Bryn wants to say good-bye.�
Leek just lifted his head to look at his superior, but he remained silent.
“So, mind telling me what’s bothering you?� Nash asked, sitting down on the floor beside
Leek.
Harvey didn’t respond at first, but then he took a deep breath.
“I can still feel the touch of the cold metal on my neck, Nash...I wake up at night in cold sweat
because I dream about what might have happened...I’ve never been more afraid in my entire life...â
€�
Leek laughed out sarcastically.
“And as if that wasn’t enough, I lost my son and my once best friend tried to kill himself with the
gun I bought from him…and I hadn’t been there for him…�
He turned his head to face his friend.
“I thought I can handle all this, boss, but I can’t...Everything is falling apart, and I can’t do
anything about it…�
Nash let his hand rest on Leek’s shoulder. He knew how hard it was for his friend to admit that.
“What you have been through the last couple of days wasn’t easy. I’ve seen cops who did a
lot worse than you, bubba. And they weren’t almost executed.�
He thought for a moment.
“I know a good Counselor, if you feel like talking to a professional...�
Harvey lowered his head.
“Guess that would be a good idea...Thanks, Nashman!�
“Hey, that’s what friends are there for, right?�
Without waiting for an answer for that rhetorical question, he got up.
“Go home, Harv. Try to get your mind off what happened. Spend some time with Abby – sheâ
€™s really worried about you!â€�
Harvey got up as well.
“Yeah, I know. She’s trying to help, but I’m afraid this time she can’t help me...�
“Go and see the Counselor!�
Leek managed a weak smile.
“Is that an order?� he asked mockingly.
“No, Harv, it’s just a piece of advice from a friend...�
* * *
Harvey startled when the door bell rang. On his way to open it he wondered who the visitor might be,
but he wasn’t at all prepared to the person facing him after he had opened the door. It was Anna
Paxton. On her arm she held their son Jerry. Beside her was a bag.
“I’ll get him Sunday evening,� she simply said, handing the child over to her ex-boyfriend.
Leek looked puzzled from Anna to Jerry and back.
“I...I don’t understand...why...?�
His mind seemed paralyzed by the fact that Anna had obviously changed her mind about custody.
“Bunch of friends you have!� Anna said bluntly and turned to walk away.
“Thanks,� Harvey finally managed to find his voice again.
Anna Paxton whirled around.
“Don’t thank me! And I’m not doing it for you, but for my son! Jerry needs his father...�
Then she simply walked away.
Harvey kept standing in the doorway for several more moments until he realized that he got his son back.
“Hey, Scooter,� he smiled at Jerry.
“Wanna go inside?�
The boy’s face started glowing.
“Missed Daddy...� he said, throwing his small arms around Leek.
“I missed you too, my son,� Harvey returned and swallowed down some tears.
Then Harvey Leek happily brought his son inside.
* * *
When the woman opened the door, there was a man in a colorful vest and a red beret standing in the
doorway.
“Inspector Leek, I presume? I’m Dr. Michelle Lopez.�
She signed him to get in.
“Nash told me you were coming...�
END
