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Disclaimer: The FX characters belong to Rysher Entertainment and Hallmark Television. This story was written for fun and I am making no profit.
Complete
Episode Spoilers: Post Red Storm
Content: Angst, Some mild language, Adult situations, Violence
Rating: R
Feedback is much appreciated. You can send comments and suggestions to me at dancing_kokopelli2003@yahoo.com

This story takes place after the events of Rollie's Christmas Wish

Angie slowly opened her eyes as she felt her husband's arms tighten around her waist. Rollie Tyler was spooned against his wife, while outside a new, fresh blanket of snow covered the city. The last few months...heck, most of the year, had been hectic for the duo what with work and the wedding, being kidnapped to Montreal, and their recent adventures on their latest movie for Tom Bradford, The Pendulum Swings, and also Rollie's recent mishap while working on a case for Leo just before Christmas when he ended up in a coma. Angie worried about her new husband. He still seemed somewhat quiet and withdrawn which was unusual for Rollie Tyler. He claimed he was fine but she often caught him looking at her when she was unaware and then quickly glancing away when he was caught. She wondered if he was still feeling effects from his coma of it had to do with his secret Christmas wish he had made on Christmas day. It was still a few days before New Year's and Angie just wanted some peace and quiet and safety for her and Rollie. Was that too much to ask or hope for? She hoped not.

"Mmm, this feels nice." Angie cooed, as Rollie nibbled on her ear. "Good morning, honey."

"Good morning, luv." Rollie gently bit Angie's earlobe. "Our first New Year's together as husband and wife."

Angie rolled over and faced her husband. She reached up and caressed his face. "Yeah, hopefully it will be less eventful than our first Christmas together. I just want a quiet New Year's eve with my new husband."

"Yeah, I know." Rollie sighed. "I know you're still worried about me, sweetie, but you don't need to be." He lay back down beside her, propped up on his elbow as he gazed down at his wife, his fingers from his free hand caressing her belly.

"Really?" Angie asked as she grabbed Rollie's hand with her own two hands and enveloping his hand within hers.

"Really." Rollie promised. "I'm fine. No headaches, no blackouts, no pain."

"But do you think Frank and Sarah would mind if we skipped their New Year's party?" Angie bit her lip. "I really just want to stay home and have a quiet evening with you."

"Your wish is my command," Rollie smiled. "I'll call Frank and let him know."

"Thank you." Angie smiled.

"No problemo. I think he kind of figured we might prefer a private celebration after the hectic Christmas we had." Rollie assured his wife.

Later that morning, while Angie had gone out to the gym for a workout, Rollie called the Gatti's to relay their regrets about not making it to their New Year's Eve party. Sarah answered the phone and assured Rollie that she and Frank understood.

"That's okay Rollie. Frank and I already figured you two wouldn't be making it." Sarah assured Rollie. "You looked so tired on Christmas day and Angie looked so worried. Are you feeling any better?"

"Actually, I'm feeling fine but I gotta admit it's nice having Angie play nursemaid a little bit."

"Uh oh, I hope you're not abusing that kindness." Sarah laughed.

"No, no worries. I'm not milking it that much, still Angie wants to spend a quiet holiday at home."

"I understand completely." Sarah assured Rollie. "It's nice of you to call though. The girls will be disappointed."

"Yeah, we'll miss seeing them too. Maybe we can all get together and go skating or something?" Rollie suggested.

"Skating? I thought you weren't very good?"

"I'm not," Rollie laughed. "But I'm not afraid to fall on my butt if it ensures a good time with my three favorite little people."

Sarah laughed. The Gatti girls always had a good time with Rollie and Angie, who liked to play games and horse around with them too. Sarah told Rollie she would forward the message onto Francis when he returned from work that night.

"I thought Frank was off during the holidays?" Rollie asked.

"He was supposed to be but he and Mira were working on a case and he got a call this morning that there was a break in the case or something. I'm not completely sure but he left just before you called." Sarah explained. "I expect he'll be gone most of the day. He usually is. And right before the holiday too," Sarah said, sounding disappointed.

"Well, maybe he'll be clear to enjoy the rest of the holiday." Rollie suggested.

"Maybe— oh, I've got to go, Kimmie just knocked over something." Sarah explained.

"Okay bye. Say hi to Francis." Rollie said goodbye and hung up.

Angie returned later and the two had a quiet dinner after they worked on some post-production shots for The Pendulum Swings. Rollie relayed his suggestion of joining up with the Gatti's for a skating party and Angie was all for it.

The next morning the couple lay snuggled up against each other after Angie had awakened Rollie and he accommodated her...hunger. It was barely 6:30 in the morning as they were just drifting off to sleep again after satisfying their urges, when they were startled by the phone ringing.

"Whoever that is— Leo most likely, tell him it's too damn early to be calling, Rollie." Angie grumpily instructed her husband as she punched her pillow down.

"Yes, dear." Rollie yawned. He, too, wasn't too eager for this early morning phone interruption and what it might mean. "Rollie Tyler— and Leo, if it's you it better be good, pal."

Angie couldn't hear the other end of the conversation but her attention was piqued when she heard Rollie exclaim "What?" and he sat up abruptly. Then she heard him promise "We'll be right there." Angie sat up and glared at Rollie just wondering what he had gotten them into so early in the morning. But when she saw his face she knew something was terribly wrong.

Rollie's face was ashen and he was visibly shaken. He rubbed his hands all over his face as he sat hunched over on the side of the bed.

"Rollie? What is it?" Angie asked as she came up beside Rollie, reaching out and caressing his back. Still he didn't answer. "Rollie?"

"Fra...nk...." Was all Rollie could squeak out.

"Rollie?" Angie demanded.

"Frank...he was sh...shot early this morning. He's...he's in surgery right now. Leo says it doesn't look good right now." Rollie finally explained, his emotions choking his words. "I said we'd go to the hospital. Sarah and the kids are there. Mira was also apparently wounded as well. Leo wasn't sure of her condition. He said the precinct is like a zoo right now with two of their own down and the suspects are still at large. "

"Oh my God," Angie cried, her hand covering her mouth. "Rollie!"

Rollie turned then and hugged his wife and they both broke down. Finally, Rollie pulled away and wiped the tears from Angie's eyes with his fingers. "I promised we'd go to the hospital."

"Okay." Angie whimpered, then steeled her shoulders. "You're right. Let's get ready."

Rollie and Angie Tyler arrived at the emergency area of the hospital 20 minutes after Leo's call. They then found out what floor Francis was being operated on and immediately went up. The hallway was full of worried relatives, orderlies, and now, concerned police officers from Midtown South. Rollie nodded to Captain Van Duren as he sat beside Sarah Gatti, no doubt offering her the brotherly support of the NYPD. Sarah held her youngest daughter Kimmie beside her while the older two children were being watched over some police friends of the family's.

Sarah looked up as she noticed Rollie and Angie talking to Van Duren and her tears sprang forth anew. Rollie took her in his arms and held her as Angie took Kimmie from her arms and sat down nearby. The little girl wanted to see her sisters, so Angie walked down the hallway with her. Rollie was still consoling Sarah when, a few seconds later, Detective Mira Sanchez exited one of the elevators and joined them. Her left arm was in a sling and her shirt was covered in blood. She looked drained but her eyes looked wild.

"How is Francis?" She asked, her voice rough as though it was scratchy. She grabbed at her throat and swallowed hard and uncomfortably. Rollie surmised that she probably hurt her throat by screaming for help, for assistance...for Frank's life.

"He's still in surgery," Sarah answered, somehow finding the voice. "How did this happen?" she demanded.

"The bust was planned according to procedure. Frank planned it with me but...somewhere along the line, we sprung a leak. We were ambushed. Frank and I were wearing out protective gear. The bullet got under Frank's vest." Mira paused, her eyes showing her torment. "I don't know what to say, Sarah. Frank was with me. The shots rang out and he pushed me down. He saved my life but I would gladly switch places with him right now." Mira broke down in sobs.

Captain Van Duren wrapped an arm around his detective's shoulders as she cried into her hands.

"I don't blame you," Sarah promised Mira. "I just wanted to know why." She took Mira's hands in her own.

"I've assigned Detective McCarthy to investigate the matter." Captain Van Duren informed Mira and Sarah. "Sanchez, if you're up to it I'm sure he could use your input." Mira nodded her agreement. Then, Van Duren took Sarah's hands in his own. "I assure you, we will find whoever ambushed my detectives and bring them to justice."

"Thank you Captain." Sarah said through tears. She sat down again, feeling tired and overwhelmed.

Rollie approached the Captain slowly. "Captain, if there's anything I can do—"

"I just may take you up on that, Tyler." Van Duren assured the FX artist before answering his cell phone. He turned his back on Tyler to take the phone call.

Rollie knelt in front of Sarah and Mira as they sat propped against the wall in the waiting area. "How are you, Mira?"

Mira looked down at Rollie with tired, bloodshot eyes. "It's just a scratch. The bullet went right through. I won't be playing tennis for awhile." she smirked.

"No, I wager not." Rollie agreed. He noticed Angie approaching out of the corner of his eye. He stood as she arrived with the three Gatti girls, who looked tired and cranky.

Angie held 3-year-old Kimmie in her arms as she sat down next to Sarah. The other two girls gathered near their Momma as Angie and Sarah talked in hushed tones. Even Rollie couldn't hear them. They talked for a few moments before Angie came up beside Rollie, still with Kimmie in her arms. "I've offered to take the girls to the loft so they can get some rest." Angie informed Rollie. "Sarah agrees that the hospital probably isn't the best place for them right now so I've offered to mind them for as long as she needs."

"I can't help you with them, Ange." Rollie replied, almost apologetically. "I've offered my help and the Captain says it might be needed."

Angie reached up and caressed Rollie's cheek. "I figured. I'm going to take the car though, and head home with the girls."

"Okay. Good." Rollie smiled, somewhat relieved for he had thought that Angie would be furious with him for offering his help. "I'll take a taxi."

Angie pulled his head down and kissed him. "Be careful. Call me when you have news."

"I will." Rollie promised. "I'll see you at home."

"Can you help me with the girls to the car?" Angie asked. "I have to get the car seat for Kimmie out and go to Sarah's house in Queen's to get some of their stuff."

"Sure," Rollie replied as he took Kimmie from Angie's arms. "Let's go."

Before leaving, Angie gave a squeeze of the hand to Mira in encouragement before heading back to the loft with the Gatti girls in tow.

The day, which had really only just begun, was dragging on. Francis was still in surgery. An update from one of the doctors informed them that the bullet trajectory had nicked an artery causing severe bleeding, which they were fighting to control. The good news was that the bullet had not hit any major organs. They were also working on removing the bullet and its fragments, which were lodged in his chest and neck. However, the doctor assured Sarah, removing the bullets and fragments shouldn't be a problem and he expected the surgery to be over soon.

Rollie returned from helping Angie with the kids in time to hear the end of the doctor's update. Sarah collapsed into Rollie arms. Mira sat down, looking more drained than ever.

She looked up, and Rollie looked over too, when she saw Captain Van Duren approaching with Leo McCarthy.

"Captain. Anything?" Mira asked, joined at her side by Sarah Gatti.

"Detective McCarthy may have a lead." The Captain's gaze turned towards Rollie. "Tyler, if your offer still stands—"

"Say no more. I'm there," Rollie assured the Captain.

"Good," Leo smiled. "It'll be like old times."

"Not so fast, McCarthy." The Captain now turned to Leo. "Tyler is a civilian. I don't want him anywhere near any police ops. He's to help with surveillance. That is all. Do you understand, Detective?"

"Yeah, sure, of course Captain." Leo smiled the McCarthy smile.

"I mean it, McCarthy," the Captain warned sternly. "We've already got an officer down and a city full of angry police officers just itching to bring someone in. All I want is for the right someone to be brought in for the assault on Detectives Sanchez and Gatti and I most certainly don't want a civilian, particularly this civilian...." He pointed at Rollie, "to be hurt on this operation. Do I make myself clear, McCarthy?"

"Crystal. Captain." Leo nodded his head, this time with no smirk.

"Now Tyler," The Captain returned his attention to Rollie. "Whatever happens out there I want you to steer clear of any operations—"

"Understood, Cap." Rollie nodded his head.

"Good, because if I hear that you did get in harm's way or interfere in any way not authorized by my department I will have no choice but to arrest you for interference and/or obstruction." Van Duren narrowed his eyes at Rollie. "Are we on the same page, Tyler?"

"I believe we're reading the same text," Rollie assured the Captain.

"Good. Now go get those guys," Captain Van Duren instructed them.

Angie didn't see or hear from Rollie for the rest of the day or the night for that matter. He only showed up at the loft the following night after she and the Gatti girls had gone to bed. In fact, he found them all clunked down together upstairs on his bed, all three Gatti girls and Angie. Angie was on Rollie's side of the bed with her arm around Kimmie's small body.

Rollie crept over as quietly as he could and sat down on the edge of the bed. He brushed the hair from Angie's eyes as softly as he could and, then, when that didn't work he nudged her arm slightly.

Angie's eyes squinted open, immediately checking on the girls before she noticed Rollie sitting beside her. "Rollie?" she whispered.

Rollie raised his finger to his lips. "Shh. I need your help." He whispered back.

Angie glanced back at the girls and, once assured that they were still sleeping, climbed out of bed. Grabbing her robe, she followed Rollie downstairs.

"What is it Rollie? Is it Frank?" Angie asked still whispering as she finally reached the landing.

"No. No, he's fine er...at least somewhat—"

"I know. Sarah told me he's in coma." Angie cut him off. "You were supposed to call," she reprimanded him.

Rollie led Angie over to her computer. "I know. I'm sorry but I've been kind of busy," he said, holding up a Jaz disk. "I was helping Leo on surveillance. And we may have found something but I need your expertise because the NYPD lab guys will take forever since it's a holiday and even then...."

"Gimme this!" Angie swiped the disc from Rollie's hands and booted up her computer. "What's on it?"

"It's the getaway car. Minutes after Mira and Francis were shot at, this car was seen burning rubber and then, the cops just lost them."

"Okay. Well, if you've got the getaway car ID'd why do you need me?" Angie asked, still somewhat sleepy.

"Because, sleepyhead," Rollie softly knocked on Angie's forehead. "Leo is authorizing you to hack into the traffic cameras around the city and trace the car's movements. He's also authorized you to hack into the DMV and find out who the car is registered to."

"Is he crazy? Does he know how long this could take!" Angie groaned.

"He has every faith in you, my darling." Rollie kissed his grumpy wife on the cheek. "We both do."

Angie's shoulder's slumped in resignation. "Fine. But if the girls get up...you take care of them." Angie turned to her computer and started typing away.

"How've they been?" Rollie asked, sitting down next to her as he studied her face.

"Kimmie doesn't know what's going on. She and Connie are too young, although Connie is picking up on vibes. But Lucy," Angie stopped typing and looked at Rollie. "She knows and she's scared, Rol. I've tried to reassure her but how can I?"

"I know, Angel." Rollie hugged Angie. "You're doing a great job." Rollie smiled and looked up towards the bedroom. "Everyone looks pretty cosy up there."

Angie offered a small smile. "Yeah. It's a good thing we have a king-size bed. This place isn't exactly kid friendly, Rol." She said as she glanced around the loft.

"Yeah, I guess you're right." He agreed, scratching his chin. "It's good to know now, right?" he said as his thoughts turned to the wonderful prospect of filling the loft with Ramirez-Tyler offspring.

Angie didn't answer. She just reached across and grabbed Rollie's face, pulling him to her as she kissed him softly. Finally, she let him go and pushed him away gently. "Now let me get to work."

"Yes boss." Rollie smiled. He headed towards the couch in the lounge and stretched his legs out. Within minutes, he was asleep.

Rollie didn't know how long he'd been asleep until Angie woke him up and told him it was 3:00 o'clock in the morning. It was now New Year's Eve day. Angie told him what he wanted to hear and he immediately called Leo. Leo arrived about 20 minutes later.

Angie showed him the series of events she had pieced together since the time of the shooting. They followed the car as it sped down Water Street, turning onto Jefferson, then onto Canal Street, then down East Broadway and up Clinton, they turned onto Grand, then up Cannon where they finally turned into parking garage underneath an apartment building. The car, Angie had determined, hadn't left the garage since. But the car owner, whose name Angie had procured through the DMV was Mikkos Constantine.

"Bingo!" Leo exclaimed loudly.

"Shh!" Angie said as she glanced upstairs, not wanting to wake the girls. "So, is he the guy Frank and Mira were busting?"

"The one and only." Leo confirmed.

"But what about the snitch? I thought Mira suspected a leak?" Angie asked.

"Taken care of," Rollie assured her. "After you left the hospital Leo and I went to sweep for bugs. As I suspected, the Captain's office was infested." Rollie put on his coat and scarf. Angie looked at him questioningly. "Can you squirt the hacked camera to the annex?"

"Sure but why?" Angie asked.

"Leo and I have to flush out the players. Leo is going back to the precinct to inform the Captain that we've found the hideout. If things go according to plan, the snitch will warn the suspects of the impending raid—"

"At which point I arrest the snitch," Leo broke in.

"Meanwhile, the suspect will try and hightail it outta there. I will be waiting in the van and with your hacked traffic cameras, I will be able to track them but the plan is for them to not even get that far. Leo's already ordered the place to be surrounded by plainclothes and uniformed police and SWAT." Rollie explained.

"Okay, but what if the snitch doesn't take the bait?" Angie asked.

"Then I beat it out of him," Leo replied to which Rollie shook his head. "What? Look, thanks to Mira and Frank's work, we already have an idea of who it is. If the snitch takes the bait, then fine. But my plan B involves getting a confession out of him any way I can." Leo's jaw tensed. "This...this dickwad set Mira and Frank up. He is not walking away from this."

For a moment, neither Rollie nor Angie said or did anything. Finally, Angie turned to Rollie and let out loud sigh. "Just stay out of trouble, okay?" Angie hugged Rollie, and then she turned to Leo. "The both of you."

"I'll keep him out of trouble," Rollie promised. He kissed Angie on the forehead before leaving with Leo.

Later that morning Angie received a phone call from Sarah Gatti. Sarah was crying on the phone as she told Angie that Francis had finally awoke from his coma. She asked if Angie could bring the kids by that afternoon to see their father. Angie promised she would, hoping that the happiness of seeing Francis finally awake and reunited with his family would take her worry off of what Rollie and Leo were doing.

Angie hung out at the hospital while the kids visited with their father. She wasn't sure if Sarah still needed her to watch them. Still, it was hard trying to keep herself distracted when all she was doing at the hospital was wait around. She was just returning from the cafeteria when she spotted Rollie, Leo, and Mira in the hallway outside of Francis's room.

"Rollie!" She cried out as she ran towards him. "It's over?" she asked.

"Yep. And Leo didn't have to beat the crap out of the snitch after all," Rollie winked at Leo, who rolled his eyes. "Mira tells us Frank is awake?"

"Yeah, this morning. Sarah and the kids are in there now. I only saw him briefly when I brought the kids in. He's still a little weak but Sarah says seeing those eyes of his open is the most wonderful thing in the world." Angie hugged Rollie. "I remember the feeling," she said, remembering only a few short days ago, Rollie had just awakened from his own coma.

The friends spent most of the afternoon in the waiting area at the hospital despite it being New Year's Eve. They all were hoping for a chance to see Francis for themselves before heading home, plus Angie still didn't know if Sarah would take her up on her offer to keep the kids another night.

Leo paced back and forth, back and forth between the coffee machine and the elevators. Mira sat with her legs resting on the coffee table, her arm still in a sling, and her head resting in her other hand. Angie's head rested on Rollie's shoulder as they sat ensconced on the couch in the waiting area, Angie's feet tucked under her and Rollie's arm around her shoulder. By now, even the Captain had joined them. His suit looking somewhat wrinkled as he stood against the wall. They all jumped when Sarah said they could come in and see Frank before they left for the night.

"Frank's going to be fine," She smiled as she walked with all of them towards her husband's room. "He's very tired...but he's going to be fine," She smiled through tears. "And he wants to wish you all a happy New Year before you leave."

They all walked into the room to see a somewhat alert Frank surrounded by his three girls. Lucy was standing beside the bed, while Connie and Kimmie were on the bed with Kimmie sitting in her daddy's arms.

"I guess I won't be getting out of here before twelve, so I wanted to wish my friends a happy New Year," Frank spoke, his voice sounding weak. "Sarah told me all of what each of you did. Thank you." He said, as he hugged Kimmie closer.

"Happy New Year, Francis!" They all replied in unison. Soon, they all started to leave so the wounded detective and his family could spend some time together. Sarah pulled Angie aside and thanked her for watching her girls. Then, she asked if she could impose once more and asked if the girls could stay one more night with her and Rollie.

"I know you and Rollie wanted to spend a quiet evening—"

"What? No, don't even think about it. Rollie and I would love to take the girls," Angie assured Sarah.

"Are you sure? I've already asked so much."

Angie glanced over at Rollie as he and Francis shared a laugh. "That's what friends do, Sarah. Rollie taught me that." She smiled.

Rollie came up behind Angie as she stood by the bedroom window watching the snow fall like gentle flakes to the ground. His arms snaked around Angie's waist and she leaned back against him.

"I know this isn't exactly how we planned to spend our first New Year's together as husband and wife—"

Angie's head lifted off Rollie's shoulder as they both turned to gaze upon the little bodies filling up their king-size bed. Angie returned her head to Rollie's shoulder. "Not exactly."

She smiled.

Rollie turned Angie in his arms. "How about this?" he reached over to the dressing table and picked two champagne glasses. He handed one to Angie. "Happy New Year, Angela."

Angie smiled. "Happy New Year, Roland."

They clinked their glasses and came together in a kiss when suddenly they heard giggles filling up the formerly quiet room. They turned to see all three girls sitting up in bed giggling at them.

Rollie smiled, hugged Angie tighter, and raised his glass to them. "And happy New Year to you too!"

Happy New Year fellow FX'ers!