Chapter 14
 

Frank just looked at Rollie, totally unsure of what to say to the man.  He always had the feeling that there was more than friendship between the two FX experts but never had any proof.  Knowing that she was dead and knowing that the feelings weren’t admitted until just before she passed away caused Frank to count his blessings.  He made a mental note that when he got home, he would tell Sarah how much she and the girls meant to him.

"Rollie, I didn’t know.  I had no idea.  If you had said something, I could have…" he paused because there was nothing else for him to say.

"You could have what?  Made it easier?  I don’t think so, Frank.  I don’t think that anyone could have done that.  I seriously doubt that anyone could have made it any easier for me at that time." Rollie commented.

Frank just stared at his friend for a few moments before getting up and moving over to the coat rack.  "C’mon.  We are going to get something to eat." and he automatically out up his hand to stop Rollie’s protests, "I am *not* taking no for an answer, ok? So, let me phone Sarah and then we will hop on over to wherever it is that you want to go."

"Frank, you don’t have to do this you know.  I don’t want you to take any more time away from your family than necessary." The Australian protested even though he didn’t relish the thought of going home to the loft and knowing the photo was in the same building.  "I can handle this; maybe not right now, but I will eventually."  Forcing a smile that he didn’t feel, he continued, "Look, I didn’t mean to dump all over you tonight.  So, go home to your wife and children and I’ll call you tomorrow.  G’night."

"No.  There were many a night that you gave up personal time with Angie to help Leo, Mira, me and only God knows how many more.  Plus, Sarah wanted me to make sure that you were ok.  She and the girls miss you, Rol.  They are worried about you, too.  So, tonight it is the guy’s night out and then during the week, *you* get to tell Sarah why you can’t come over to the house for dinner."  Putting on his sport jacket to hide the NYPD issue holster and gun, Frank gave Rollie a smirk, sat back down and remarked to him, "I am sorry for you.  She is not that nice like me.  Sarah can be a royal witch and I am not kidding you."  Moving around the desk he picked up his paperwork that was on Mira’s desk and placed them in the proper pile, grabbed his keys and waited for Rollie by the door out of the detectives squad room.  "C’mon, Sarah only lets me stay out for a little while before she calls me and tells me to get my butt home."

Rollie Tyler slowly unraveled himself from the uncomfortable chair and made his way over to where Frank stood.  "Frank, thanks.  I, um…I just don’t know what to do at times."  Looking around the room, and seeming to be lost, Rollie let his friend take charge for the night.  It was the first time in both of their memories, that Rollie needed Frank more than Frank needed him.  Frank was more than happy to be able to repay the debt that he had been accruing since the day that Leo had introduced them all those years ago.