TC Operation Dumb Luck

"Michael!" Alex hissed at his brother over the interrogation table. "Why didn't you tell me?"

"Relax, Jeb, relax."

Alex Smith, sergeant on the vice squad and brother to a mafia gang member. I am dead, he thought as he rubbed his temples. "But you should have told me!"

****

"Jeb, Jeb, listen." Michael's voice quieted his little brother instantly. He pointedly ignored the fact that they were being monitored. He'd be able to get anything he told his brother thrown out of court. He knew it. "Jeb." Alex finally focused on him completely. "I know you're upset, but hear me out. I'm good at this. I make a decent living and I could help you out with school. We used to both figure this stuff out. You love gambling."

"In Atlantic City. Mike it's illegal in New York. And why did you change your name?"

"They think Michael Smith is an alias."

Alex rubbed his temples.

"I've got Tylenol in my jacket if you need it, kiddo."

"I don't think that would go over too well with my boss. You've been running numbers. Dear Lord help us. Where's your lawyer? Or are they going to just let you twist?"

Michael shook his head. "Someone will come."

"Fine. I'll pray for you , you stupid seventh cousin of a hamster!"

"That would mean you're its cousin too."

"I put up with you don't I?"

Alex left the room. Michael couldn't help but laugh at his retreating back. Nobody could lay a silent guilt trip as well as Alex.

****

"Why were you talking to my suspect?" Detective Brann asked. He looked down at the blond officer, Smith he thought the man's name was.

"He's my brother, the idiot. I've got to find him a lawyer because his so-called friends will leave him to hang. Idiot needs all the help he can get."

"Is he guilty?"

The young man snorted. "I'm the one who should be getting into trouble. I'm younger."

"Is he guilty?"

"Ask his lawyer when he or she gets here. I just have to find someone who can at least get him a deal. Then, I can have him beaten in prison."

Brann felt his lips twitch. "You sound sure he's guilty."

"He's stupid. In this sort of situation, that's worse. It's politics. They only busted up the race because it's an election year and they want to prove they're. . . yes, is this Catherine Propst? My name is Alex Smith. My brother's been arrested. For running numbers. Yes, ma'am. No, ma'am. Thank you. 8077 Precinct House. I'm not sure if he's under Michael Smith or Michael Lorenzo." Alex hung up. "I'm going to be broke this pay period." He sighed. "Now, is there something I can do for you?"

Brann looked down at the younger man. He looked to be all of seventeen, at the most, with sweet blue eyes and tousled blond hair. "How long have you known your brother was involved in illegal activities?"

"He told me he was a risk analyst for a private company. His degree is in statistics." The young man sighed again.

"Why are you in vice?"

"Because I’m good at it. Listen, can you give me a call if this lady doesn't take the case? I'll check my voice mail while I’m out." Alex handed Brann a phone number.

"Where are you headed?"

"Out. Is it cold?"

"Very."

"Damn. Thanks." The younger officer grabbed his gym bag and headed for the door.

"Maybe you should take your coat?"

"Not where I'm headed."

"Smith! There you are." Alex froze, a smile on his face.

"Hi, Cap."

Brann moved closer, trying to look like he was going for coffee.

"You aren't dressed yet? What's wrong?"

"My brother's in lock-up."

'I'll look into it. Get going. We're on a time-table."

Alex rolled his eyes. "Cap, they don't show on a time-table. Billy'll work it in. It'll be more natural. I'll change my make-up a bit. Make it look like I'm hiding a bruise or two."

"Chop. Chop. Go."

Alex hurried out of the room.

****

Alex ran into his partner's body. Billy Liebowitz turned. He was not a happy man. "You're half an hour late!"

"Sorry, Billy."

From the stressed tension of his shoulders and the wide rabbit-scared eyes, Billy knew Alex was in character already. His thin tee, torn jeans, and army jacket would be hardly any protection against the cold. "Listen, Alley-Cat, if we don't net a fish tonight, it's over." Billy had learned from experience to fall into character himself when talking to Alex.

Alex bit his glossed lip. "Why?"

"It's too cold out there for you. I don't want you to get sick, Baby."

Alex's eyes dropped.

"Get in the car."

Alex settled in the passenger seat of the car.

"You have your recorders?"

"Yes, Billy." It could've come out like a petulant child, but it just came out solemnly. Billy gave Alex's leg a squeeze. Alex gave him a quick smile. He fingered the simple gold cross around his neck. "Billy, what sort of man are you looking to listen to?"

Billy glanced at his partner. He couldn't tell if Alex was in character or not. "Rich and powerful. It's election time. I want to know where my politicians are."

"I'll do my best."

"Do better than last night." Billy stopped the car. "Get out there. Bring me a winning fish tonight."

****

Alley-cat sauntered into the alley that led to his usual lamp-post. The wind cut through his clothes. He shivered, trying not to hold himself. I don't think I can take much more of this.

****

Billy heard the sub-vocalized thought loud and clear. The leather "choker" that Alex wore had the finest sub-vocal microphone money could buy. The Powers That Be had decided that if they could just analyze Alex's behaviors and thoughts they could train other officers to be as effective. Alex had a perfect track record. He'd never even been considered a cop by most of his busts.

Billy had found the flaw in their thinking. Alex truly became his character. No fancy method acting lessons. He was just able to completely live his character. Still, it was fascinating to hear the running commentary Alex's mind came up with.

****

Nicky Bartalone sized up the shivering young man. The blond screamed victim as loudly as he did slumming. In other words, the boy was perfect for what he wanted. He strode up to him.

"Hey," the boy said with a smile.

Nicky nodded.

"Looking for company?"

"Maybe. You need to warm up?"

"That would be nice."

"If I had you, you wouldn't be out in this weather."

"Oh? What would I be doing?"

"Come with me and find out."

"Sorry, honey."

"How much for an hour?"

"A hundred."

"Done." Nicky handed the bill to the young man. "My car's over here."

"I can't go too far."

"Don't worry. What's your name?"

"People call me 'Alley-Cat' around here."

"But that's not what I asked."

****

"Don't tell him your name. Please Alex, remember you're a cop!" Billy yelled at the recorder. Unfortunately it was only a one-way system.

"Alex," his partner said shyly. "You?" The second recorder flipped on as Alex activated it.

"Nicky." A car door clicked shut and the engine turned over. "The heat should kick on in a minute."

Nice caddy. Black's such a power color, Alley-Cat thought. Billy blessed the choker again. New York plates. Ooh, the special SPCA ones. Wonder how many strings he had to pull to get 'Nicky' on the plate.

"There we go. Isn't that better? Now, you can tell me your real name."

"I. . . I told you, it's Alex."

"Does Mickey know you're a whore?"

"You know my brother? Oh. God, please, you can't let him know. He'll go crazy."

"Vincent, it's okay. I promise. Actually, I was wondering how we'd find you. Mickey never gave us contact information for you. Why were you out there? Mickey not helping you with school anymore?"

"Not exactly."

"Why were you out there like a ten dollar whore?"

"M-my boyfriend gets a kick out of it."

"You're gay?"

****

Alex huddled near the door. "Bi," he said quietly. "Mickey doesn't know. It'd break Mom's heart!" Please don't let him hurt me. God, I'll start spending more time on ministry. I promise. I'll get more kids off the street. Anything you ask of me, Lord, just let him keep that gun in its holster.

"Relax, little brother. Though I did hope for company. How much does Billy look for on a night?"

"Five hundred. And he doesn't like me to come home without it."

"Here. That's two thousand."

"Nicky, I. . ." Alex trailed off counting the twenty dollar bills. "You've got a good forger or you've got far too much money."

"Too much money and no pretty boys to spend it on."

Alex laughed. He tucked the cash away. "So what do you want, Nicky? Light banter? Heavy philosophy? Dancing?"

"What does two thousand get me?"

"Anything short of murder and maiming, honey."

"Silence, Alley-Cat. What you see and hear you keep quiet. Don't worry. I'll even give you something to share with your boy."

"I think I might be able to manage that."

"Just out of curiosity, how much would get me a murder?"

Alex studied Nicky's profile, detailing the olive tint of his skin and the slick black hair he'd thought was just a movie cliché. Nicky looked like Martin Scorsese and Andy Garcia's love-child. "I don't do murder for anyone, Nicky."

"We'll see."

Nicky squeezed Alex's thigh. The young man smiled at him. "How good's your concentration on the road?"

The mobster laughed. "Not that good, Baby. Not that good."

****

Alex stormed through the building, heading directly to the holding cells. "Michael Smith is back up in interrogation." The desk sergeant looked Alex up and down. "Did they loosen the uniform requirements?"

"Excuse me, I have to go strangle my brother."

The sergeant laughed. "Called you in on your day off? Tough luck, Smith."

Alex dashed up the stairs to the interrogation rooms. He knocked politely on the door. Detective Brann raised his brows at the younger man. "Sgt. Smith, what can I do for you?"

"Just letting you know that you're about to have company on your case. A lot of company. It seems my favorite idiot has decided to make our lives a living Hell." Alex gave the detective his sweetest Alley-Cat smile.

"Sgt. Smith? I'm Catherine Propst." The lawyer was tall, thin, gorgeous, and dressed to the nines.

"An absolute pleasure, ma'am." Alex shook her hand. He turned it to look at her ring. "Is that a garnet or a ruby?"

"Carnelian."

"That's unusual. I love the color of it."

"Thank you. I understand you called me in against your brother's wishes."

"I did. I don't trust any lawyer he'd call."

Michael cleared his throat and Alex released her hand, feeling like a naughty school-boy. "Hi, Mike."

"Jeb." Michael studied him. "What exactly do you do on your time off and does Suzanne know?"

"Suzanne and I broke our engagement three weeks ago. We're just roommates. My comings and goings are none her concern or yours, Zeeb."

"You're wearing Nicky's jacket. His wife gave him that."

"And he gave it to me," Alex snapped. "I was cold." He pulled the leather coat more tightly around himself. His fingers were still cold from waiting for Billy to pick him up.

Billy and Captain Bartlett joined the fray a few minutes later, the DA in tow. He did not look happy. "I have a deal here for you, Mr. Smith. I suggest you and your attorney look it over while we wait outside."

"Come on, Alex, We've got work to do." Alex sighed and followed his partner out. He paused at the door.

"Ms Propst? Please take good care of him."

"Don't worry. I've made prosecutors cry and corporate lawyers beg for mercy."

Alex smiled. "That's why I called." He shut the door behind himself.

****

Alex pulled his feet up onto the chair and rested his forehead on them. "Billy, is the sub-recorder off?" he asked.

"No."

"Damn. Can we turn it off? I don’t' want to risk losing it. Paying for the lawyer's bad enough."

"No. It runs constantly, remember? Digital data-stream."

"I refuse to be held accountable for my thoughts when I've been up for thirty-six hours. I'll fall on the spear if I need to."

Captain Bartlett sighed. "Alex, was you recorder on the entire time?"

"Yes, sir."

"How far did you go?" Billy asked quietly as their captain shifted uncomfortably. Billy's voice was harsh. "I couldn't tell."

"As far as he wanted. Enough that I'd have something good to tell you." Alex smiled. "He doesn't like Billy the architect much. Thinks you're the reason I quit law school."

"Sergeant, how far did you go?" the DA asked. "As graphically as you need to say it."

Alex looked up to meet the DA's eyes. "He came twice and I'd have plenty to tell my lover. He's very vocal and appreciates my talent. Besides, he wants me to do a trial week running the stats like Mickey did. Only problem is that I need to get my hands on the laptop that we didn't take as evidence."

"Twice," Billy snarled.

"Two thousand is a very good night you know."

Captain Bartlett sighed. "I've told you before, say the word and Billy will get you out."

"Sir, this is a lot bigger than a few politicians fishing for under-aged sex. This could bring down an entire family. Let me worry about my soul. Besides, I said he came twice, not me. It's not like it took much. His wife must not be very interesting."

Billy's hands fisted convulsively and Alex cocked his head to the side. "Why didn't you even fucking think it?"

"Because it under control. He wasn't going to hurt me."

"You don't know that and you certainly didn't believe that at first. I was ready to ram into that car."

"Men like Nicky have a mind-set that puts family above everything. I'm family to one of his men. He wants to take care of me. I was as safe as if I'd gotten into the car with my brother!" Alex stood up, using his height to achieve whatever impact he could. He realized that the clothes and the glitter in his hair probably didn't have the right effect. "We'll discuss this later, after I change and get the eye-shadow off. If you'll excuse me, oh my lord and master?"

Billy put his hands up. "Not my call, Lex."

"Cap?"

"Go change. Get some coffee. Then get your ass back into this room because we are far from done for the day."

"I don't know, sir, seems I might need more than one cup of coffee then. Would you like one as well?"

"No, thanks, Smith."

Alex looked at the DA. "You, sir?"

"No, Sergeant."

"Detective?"

"I'll get the coffee. Cream and sugar?"

"Black as bitter and nasty as it can get. I'll be back in about half and hour." He stroked the leather jacket. "I have to give the coat up to evidence don’t I?"

"Keep it with your stuff. Nicky will wonder where it is if you aren't wearing it," the captain told him. "Go. But, Alex, keep the recorder on."

"Yes, sir."

****

Alex leaned against the shower wall. The water was barely warm, but he'd managed to get all of the gel out of his hair and the make-up off of his face. He just didn't want to go back upstairs. He dried off and went back to his locker. He turned the gym bag inside out, showing the NYPD on the side. He shoved all of his "kit" into the bag. His jeans were loose black and his NYPD shirt was grey. He put on a baseball cap and hung his sunglasses at his neck. He fingered the sub-vocal recorder, then put it in his back pocket.

He jumped when Billy spun him around. "Don't ever fucking do that to me again, Alex."

"Do what?"

"Get in a care with a mobster and cross the line! You had no escape route!"

"Billy, he's no different than any of the other tricks they have me pick up. Once I'm isolated, I'm a target."

"Alex."

"It's a means to an end, Billy. It's an important end. This could be big. You know everything he told me. You heard all of it. All he asked is that I don't say anything. He's trying to help me out."

"There are lines that shouldn't be crossed."

"I already told him I don't kill and I don't hurt people. I don't know why you're pissed. I'm doing my job."

"Tell me what you did."

"Why? Jealous?" Alex glared at his partner.

"You don't get it do you? We never asked you to actually be a prostitute. Alex, this could get you killed."

"So could my gang-ministry. I'm a skinny white boy who spends most of his time in ghettos and barrios. I signed on for the dangers, Billy. I'm not some fucking teen you need to protect."

"You are my partner!" Billy hissed. "It was stupid and reckless! I heard you flirting in his car. There was no wiggle room in that situation!"

"Hand-jobs aren't an issue. What do you think I did?"

"That's just it. I don't know and you won't tell me. You were busy worrying about getting your recorder out of your army coat and into the leather."

"It doesn't matter! It wasn't dangerous. If we can ride it through we've got one of our biggest cases ever. I've never been tagged, Billy. I'm not going to blow my record now." Alex took a breath. "I need you to back me. I can't do it alone. Don't be mad at me."

"We're going to set some rules you and I. You hear me? There are things you cannot do."

"Billy."

"Don't."

Alex felt his lips tighten. He looked down at his slightly shorter partner. Billy's brown eyes were full of anger and concern. His thin lips were in a deep frown. There was tension in his frame. Alex closed his eyes. "I'm going to follow my conscience."

"We'll talk about it after we find out what we're going to be doing."

Alex fastened the recorder around his neck. He picked up his bag. "Let's beard the lion."

****

Captain Bartlett looked at the officers in front of him. Alex was frowning, which was why Bartlett's stomach was feeling iffy. Alex was the most even-tempered person on his squad. Billy looked ready to beat his partner. His hands were fisted, but he was looking studiously at his feet. "Let me just confirm what you're telling me," Alex said, voice soft and sweet as usual. "You don't want me to pursue the opportunity that my brother's big mouth has thrown into our laps, despite the fact that I've already put my reputation on the line for it. And you also understand that if we attempt to continue our current operation, there will be interference from Bartalone."

"Yes."

"Furthermore, if I attempt in any way to sustain a continuing relationship with Bartalone, you will force me onto administrative leave, my return dependent upon the completion of not only twelve weeks of counseling, but the utter abasement of myself at the feet of IA and the DA's office."

"Yes."

"And notwithstanding any protestations or evidence to the contrary Billy and I will be subject to the equal punishments regardless of culpability."

"Yes."

Alex nodded slowly. "I'm going home now, sir, since my shift has been over more than ten hours and I'm due back in four. If the DA decides to prosecute rather than renegotiating with Michael, please, don't bother to call. Billy, we'll have that discussion tomorrow?"

Billy gave Alex a tight smile. "Sure. You okay to drive?"

"I'll manage."

"Go on. We all need some sleep. Take a few hours tomorrow," Bartlett told the officer. Alex simply nodded.

****

"What do you mean, you told them to lay off?" the Chief nearly screamed. "The Bartalone family has been running drugs, numbers, prostitution and more since the twenties. They have ties with the Russians, Columbians, Triads and Tang. They launder money, import hookers and destroy lives. There are hints that they own senators and police officers. I want them to go down and go down hard. If that means letting an officer seduce and sweet-talk his way in, what does it matter?"

"His brother was just arrested. I won't sacrifice Alex on the alter of IA."

"If you need to. You will." The chief's voice was firm.

Captain Bartlett's nostrils flared. "Yes, sir."

****

"Lex, what's wrong?" Suzanne asked as she laid a soothing hand on her ex's head.

"Life. I'm too tired to sleep."

She sat down next to him. She stroked his hair. "I would've come to pick you up."

Alex sighed. "Sue, you said it's over. I don't want to keep acting like it isn't."

"Lex, you're an idiot."

"So I've been told on a regular basis. Billy's ready to knock me around for reasons of his own. The cap threatened to put me no leave. My brother's in lock-up. Some brat keyed my car and I don't feel like paying for it. And now to top it all off, I can't manage to force myself into the bedroom."

"Come on, Alex. I'll tuck you in."

"You're moving out aren't you?"

Suzanne froze. "Next week. I've got a new place."

"Great. Wonderful. Would you be kind enough to shoot me?"

"No, babe. You need to sleep." She pulled him up and to his room.

"I'm going to starve to death," he mumbled into his pillow.

Suzanne laughed. "Sleep well." She shut the door behind her and escaped to her own room. She was almost finished packing, though how Alex had guessed was a mystery. She'd left the things in the main room untouched. She peeled the blueprint of their dream-house off the wall and rolled it up. Three years of being engaged, plans, dreams, and memories were in this apartment. She'd been the envy of her classmates. But everything she loved about Alex was also the reason she had to leave. He wanted to get married. Suzanne shut the document tube. She just wanted the benefits, not the ring. It had taken two years of sexual frustration and fights to realize it.

"I'm sorry, Alex," she whispered.

****

"Alex, I'm sorry I yelled at you," Billy said handing his partner a cup of coffee. "It's just so frustrating not being able to talk to you when you're out."

"I know." Alex looked into the coffee. "Thanks."

"Smith, Liebowitz, in my office."

"The master calls," Smith muttered.

"Behave."

"I always behave. You just don't like it." Alex settled in his favorite chair at the captain's gesture.

"You remember everything I told you yesterday?"

"Yes, sir."

"Forget it. You're on."

Alex was speechless. He blinked rapidly. "Sir?" he managed finally.

"What's the op, sir?" Billy asked.

"You're going after Bartalone. Bring him down as far as you can. We want as much as you can get on him. You've got a year."

"A year, sir?" Alex cocked his head to the side. "And the deal?"

"Your brother will get minimum time as long as he turns over all the information on his network to you."

"Thank you. May I see him?"

"He's in lock-up. Get what you need, then get out there. You've still got an op to finish up."

"Yes, sir." Alex and Billy left the office. Alex looked into his coffee. "What did you put in this?"

"I don't know, but I think I got some in mine too. Did he just say what I heard?"

"Yeah. We're on."

"We're on. I'll get the equipment. You talk to your brother. Then change. You look like a SWAT team refugee."

"They like me down there. Protective camouflage."

Brann was leaning against the wall that lead to the holding cells. "Sergeant."

"Detective."

"How did you manage it? Sweet-talk the chief?"

"I didn't talk to anyone. They told me it was off."

"If you fuck this up, you'll have to deal with me. This was my bust."

"It still is, sir. You're the detective in charge, right?"

"It's out of my hands. Your case."

Alex stared at the older man. He shook his head. "That can't be right. Cap always puts a detective at the head of big cases." He checked his watch. "I say you've got about ten minutes of freedom left."

"Really?" Brann wasn't impressed.

Alex nodded. "That's how long it'll take Cap to get over eating crow and re-evaluating the information he has. Then, he'll call you in."

"And you know this how?"

"Experience. Cap's got this idea that I'm twelve, you see. Can't trust the scatterbrain with anything that's not actual acting. Billy will tell you. I need a leash. Excuse me. I need to steal some evidence." Alex grinned at the startled detective as he pushed by him and into the stairwell.

****

"Hey, Alley-cat. Thought you weren't going to make it."

"Hi, Snake. You found a new place yet?"

"Nope." The teenager shrugged. "It's okay. I'll find something."

"You've still got my card."

"Yep. Nice coat."

"Yeah." Alex grinned. "Present from someone."

"I've got to get a better class of friends."

"Told you. Crossroads is your best bet. They won't even make you call home. I swear. Did you get through that book?"

"It was tough. Check out the power car."

Alex looked at the car. Bingo. Hello, Nicky, he thought. "Nice. Wouldn't mind having something smaller for myself though. A hybrid or something."

"Alley-Cat, you're a freak." Snake smirked at him. "That's why we like you. Looks like you've got an admirer."

Alex looked over his shoulder coyly at the approaching man. "I don't think he's very happy." He shrugged. "Let's see what he wants."

"I thought I told you to get off the streets." Nicky put a gentle hand on the younger man's shoulder. "I gave you my number. You were supposed to call me as soon as he dropped you off."

Alex shrugged. "It's not that big of a deal. I'm sort of used to it." Snake shook his head and wandered off. Alex looked after him, worried. "At least I don't have to sleep rough or do half the things the others do. It's just a game, Nicky."

"Vinnie, it's abuse."

Alex looked down. "What can I do for you tonight, honey?"

"At least you're wearing a better coat now. Come on, let's talk."

"I've got the laptop," Alex said as he followed Nicky to the car.

"Good. Now, you've got to dump the asshole."

"Nicky, don't worry."

"Vinnie, listen to me. I can set you up in a nice place, fix up your car, phone. Just 'til you're back on your own two feet. I don't want you out again. It's too cold and it's too dangerous. Leave it to the pros, kiddo." Nicky ruffled Alex's hair. He hadn't put much gel in it today. "You're too sweet for the predators that roam this area. Let's go to my apartment and we'll look over what Mike was working on."

****

Patrick Brann shook his head at Billy. "Bartlett's right. Your partner's insane. Nicky Bartalone's been implicated in ten murders. He's treating him like. . . I don't know."

"Like a lover," Billy supplied. "Or maybe an older brother. He feels completely safe with him."

"And this recorder is where?" Brann asked tapping the digital sub-vocal recorder.

"In his choker. He mooched it off of the SWAT captain and got a leather-worker he knows to modify it. We've got a constant digital recording of his thoughts." Billy shrugged. "They upgraded the mike and recording system once they figured out that it worked. And that they could study how he thinks, to teach other freaks of nature like him to go under as well. I like it because I can follow him more easily. He keeps a running commentary for me." He quieted to listen.

"I even got a few disks. They were in a drop drawer."

"With the laptop?"

"No. Mikey's not that stupid. It was in a bus locker."

"Where was the key?"

"Under the mattress. I don't know how they missed it, but all the better for us. So, where are you taking me for dinner?"

"Like last night, hmmm?"

Alex giggled.

"And we're sure he's straight?" Brann asked, brows raised. "I've had girlfriends who flirt less."

Billy snorted. "I've met his ex. He's devoted to her. Beyond that, he doesn't say, and I don't want to know. All I know is that there are thugs who'd die for him and murderers who make sure he's eating properly when he goes to visit them."

"He visits people he's put away?"

"Whenever he can. He takes them a Bible and cigarettes and talks to them. He supported a gang-banger's kid once until he found a foster family for her."

"He's not real."

Billy laughed. He changed gears and turned onto a short-cut. "Alex is too real. You'll understand if you keep working with him."

****

Alex leaned into Nicky's embrace as they looked over files and discussed game plans. "So who's going to be doing all of this stuff?" he asked. He felt the brandy settle warmly in his stomach. Nicky laughed.

"You, sweetheart."

Alex sat up and stared at the man next to him. His brain stuttered to a stunned stop. "Me?"

Nicky chucked him under the chin. "You. You're the one Michael would've chosen. You're sweet. You're intelligent. You know your odds cold. They'll love you. Besides, it'll give me an excuse to bankroll you for awhile."

Alex felt his cheeks heat. "I'm not that broke. Honestly. I'll even start looking for a place, if you're that concerned about Billy. But you don't have to. . ." Nicky kissed him. It was a gentle, calming kiss with brandy overlaying his flavor. Alex cataloged the sensation.

"Hush, Alley-Cat. Consider it part of my ASPCA dues. They have an opening across the hall. I could have you moved in an evening."

"Nicky, I couldn't. Billy needs me."

"Vinnie."

Alex heard the warning in the name and shut up. He toyed with the seam of his jeans. "You said stats, not management. I don't think I can do this," he said quietly. "Billy's not that bad, Nicky. He looks out for me."

"He puts you on street-corners. Or is that your thing?"

Alex bit his lip. He wanted to lie and say that yes, it was, but Nicky was so earnest about wanting to help. "No, not mine." He looked down at the sofa, gathering his thoughts. "It's just, I love seeing him happy. I've made friends, or at least been part of something that I'd never be able to reach otherwise. I've managed to get two teens off the street and back home and I've been able to preach without preaching. I can really reach people when I'm out. And being able to make Billy smile is a part of that."

"Why did you quit law school?"

"I wasn't in law school. That's what Mike wanted me to be taking. I was studying criminal justice, not pre-law."

"Prison social worker?" Nicky asked in amusement. "Prison chaplain?"

Alex shrugged. "Why not? Is there something wrong with wanting to help people, not just bilk them for their money?"

"So you send our compulsive gamblers to GA and still take their bets when they come back." Nicky brushed Alex's hair from out of his face. He touched the strangely stiff leather necklace. "Why do you wear this?"

Alex touched the choker. "A friend made it for me."

Nicky seemed to sense the sadness in the statement. "Who?" He traced Alex's cheek.

"His name was Saul. He did the most beautiful embossed leathers. He died a few months ago."

"How?"

"Heroin overdose. He'd been out of rehab for six months and I thought he was fine, but it was there and he took it." Alex shrugged. "He was a good guy."

"Vinnie, if I put a gun to your head and pulled the trigger right now, you'd say to St. Peter 'It's okay. He was just trying to help.'" Nicky shook his head. "God you're sweet."

Alex shrugged again. What could he say to that?

****

Billy paced back and forth in front of Alex and Patrick. "And suddenly I'm an abusive partner? When did that happen?"

"When he found me on a street-corner fulfilling my 'lover's' fantasy with what looked like bruises. Will you relax?"

"Relax? How the hell am I supposed to get you out when he's intent on saving you from me?"

"I'll tell him you're not *that* Billy. Besides, you don't look like a rich architect." Alex sipped his coffee. Billy glared down at him. "You look like a dealer."

"Alex," Billy ground out, "tell me you aren't considering moving into the apartment he offered you."

The blond looked up at him with the widest and most innocent blue eyes in the world. "Well, since Suz is moving out at the end of the week, I will need a new place. And it would be cheaper to put my stuff in storage while Nicky takes care of me. Do you think the cap will go for it?"

Patrick snorted. Billy glanced at him. "What?"

"I think the captain would tell you to let him fuck you into next week if it got the case solved. The chief's got a hard-on for the guy."

Alex blanched. "That was not an image I needed, thank you. Seriously, Billy, don't worry. Nicky won't do anything too outrageous. He thinks I need some coddling."

"Listen very carefully to me, I don't like this development. I don't like the idea of you being in an apartment I can't rig up."

"So be someone else. Just a friend. He's not going to ask. If I introduce you as Peter, then that's who you'd be. Just someone to help me move in."

Billy frowned. Alex was thinking and any time that happened Billy was the one who caught Hell for it. Why the fuck did I have to be saddled with a baby-faced partner without the sense God gave a horse? If he didn't derail the train now, Alex would talk him into it. Shit, Alex was leaving the building as he spoke, voice softening into the sweet Alley-Cat tones that had snagged them two UN translators and two police officers among the rest of the johns.

"And just think, I'd be able to save up and go back to school after it's all over. That would make it worth it right there. And now that I don't even have to worry about Suz, I should be moving to a smaller place."

"You'd be moving to a larger place. You don't even own enough furniture to fill that apartment."

"I'm sure that's not a problem." Alex smiled.

"I want to get in. I need to rig the place."

"You're both talking as if this is a done deal. I'm still the detective heading this case. I think it's too dangerous for you to be that close to Bartalone."

"It's just his City place. He has a house in the suburbs. And a wife with two children and a dog. He won't be there all the time. Or even most of the time." Alex turned his eyes on Brann. Billy watched in fascination as another perfectly reasonable man turned to jelly-for-brains as Alex talked. "He'd probably just get me settled in and help me get started. Maybe a week in his presence. Then he'd have to go home or his wife would castrate him. I think I can even get him to back off on the sex angle if that's what's disturbing you. He's already suggested it. He doesn't want to have the relationship to have that dimension so quickly. He'd be just as happy to chase me for awhile."

"Alex," Billy nearly growled. "Why are you so sure about this?"

"Because he thinks that I'm a stray." Alex drank a deep gulp of coffee before continuing. "He's going to provide food and shelter in return for companionship."

"Companionship," Brann repeated. "He's a powerful man in the Bartalone family. And you think all he wants in companionship? You're deluded."

"Very likely. Trust me, detective, people I can handle. It's just regulations and laws that mess me up."

There was a knock on the door. Billy answered it. "Hi, Suz."

"Hi, Billy. Is Lex available?"

"Sure."

****

Suzanne Michaels stared at the man in front of her. "Who are *you* and what have you done with Alex." He blinked at her with Alex's pretty blue eyes.

"Huh?"

She looked him up and down. "Is that what happened to my lip gloss?"

"You stole it out of the bag. It wasn't yours. What's up, Suz?"

"I came to drop off my keys. There's no guarantee I'll see you any time this week. I moved my things out today."

Alex didn't move, staring at the keys on the silver cat key-ring he'd given her. Eventually, he took them from her hand. She slid the engagement ring off of her finger and put it into his hand. She folded his fingers over it. "Goodbye, I guess," he whispered. Her heart broke a little more at that. Alex was probably the best friend she'd ever had.

"I'll call."

He nodded. He put the keys in his pocket. His eyes were shining. "Suz?" he asked as she turned away.

"Yes?"

"Wait." He turned her to face him. He slid the ring onto her hand. "Giving back a gift is rude, you know. I'm going to miss you, Suz. I'll always love you."

"I know," she whispered, the intensity of her own emotion scared her. "But I can't be who you need."

"I don't know who that is." He brushed her cheek with his thumb, then kissed her gently on the lips. "Be careful."

"You too." She turned and left, not daring to look behind her.

***

Alex stood still, not even hearing the every-day chaos around him. He watched Suzanne walk away, her silk pantsuit swishing as she moved. He went back to the room. "I'll see you in an hour. I need to run."

Billy and Patrick stared at him.

****

"How many miles?" Billy asked, passing his partner a bottle of water. Alex looked much calmer now. He also looked a lot more like a cop now that he was out of "costume."

"Three. I was just hitting my stride too. I need to run a good fifteen today or I'll be miserable."

"Fifteen miles?" Brann asked, looking between the partners.

"I'm a marathoner," Alex explained. "I get antsy when I'm stuck in one place. What does cap think about the apartment?"

"You're an absolute miracle worker, but he wants surveillance. Camera, radio, tape. Everything."

"I haven't seen it yet to evaluate what sort of equipment we'll need. I've got to pack, I guess."

"Alex? What's wrong? You're out of it."

"Suz tried to give back her ring today." Alex shrugged. "I told her to keep it."

"And?"

"She handed me her keys. She's moved out. Three years gone in a few minutes."

"Sorry, man. You going to be able to focus?"

"There's nothing else for me to focus on now, is there?" Alex snapped.

"Relax."

Alex scowled. Billy bit back his smile. Alex always looked like a petulant teenager when he got pissed. "Don't laugh at me."

"You're just so cute when you're angry."

"May wild chipmunks take up residence in your pants and nibble you to death." Alex turned his back on Billy. "Patrick, what sort of budget do we have? Do I have to mooch off of Nicky some more?"

"Mooch off how? He's not going to pay for surveillance equipment." Brann shook his head. "You can't be so transparent."

Alex rolled his eyes heavenward. "Patience, Lord, that's all I ask. Grant your servant patience."

"You're a melodramatic bastard," Billy stated.

"Did you hear something, Detective?"

Brann laughed. "Somehow, I don't think anything I say will deter you from mooching."

"Very true, sir, very true." Alex settled back in his chair. "Time for me to go home and pack. Let me make a phone call or two."

****

"Alley-cat, you need more furniture." Nicky looked around the apartment. There was an old thrift-store quality couch in the center of the spacious living room, with a handmade afghan on the back. A workstation with a basic computer and printer set-up was on one wall. Several boxes of books were scattered around - acting as tables while Alex poured the wine, then looked for the box of plastic silverware to eat the Chinese take-out with.

"I've got a couch and a bed and a desk. I'll be fine."

"I'm taking you shopping. I won't let you live like this. The apartment is nice, you need nice things to go in it."

"Nicky, it'll be fine."

"Don't argue with me. It's rude to give back presents. I won't even start on our wardrobe. We need to at least get you a good suit."

"You don't listen to me, do you? I'm doing ministry. I don't need clothes like that. I don't have to do face-to-face meetings. . . do I?"

"You do. And you need to be presentable. This is non-negotiable."

Vinnie bit his lip. He had a handful of paper-towels in one hand, plastic forks in the other. He set them on the counter. "Nicky, you don't need to do this. I'll be fine. I swear."

"Vinnie."

The young man flinched.

"Let's see. I'll try to use your terms. Cultivate gratitude."

Vinnie blushed. "I'll try. It's just so different for me. I've never had someone spoil me before."

"I'll spoil you rotten."

"Now, Nicky, what will your wife say?"

"He's precious."

Vinnie laughed at that.

"Let's eat. Then we'll shop."

"I get the final say on clothes."

"No."

"Why not?"

"Because you'll buy by price and I won't allow it."

"I won't let you buy me something I won't wear."

"I can accept that."

"Good." They sat on the floor to eat. Nicky found himself relaxing more and more. Vinnie was vibrant, funny and quite simply - nice. There weren't many nice people left in Nicky's world. He hated to break business into the conversation, but it had to be done.

"Did Mickey teach you to shoot?"

"I can shoot. Why?"

"Because, sweetheart, you're going to need to carry a weapon. It's not going to be safe if you don't."

"I don't kill."

"Vinnie, this is not a game. There will be people who will try to kill you."

"And this is safer than hooking how?"

"Because you'll have the best protection money can buy. We'll get security for your front door and windows. I'll get you a gun and ammo which you will carry. I'll get you a cell-phone, Blackberry, whatever the fuck is necessary. You can run this shop from a laptop. I want you mobile. If I call and tell you to bolt, I want you to be able to bolt. That old computer has got to go."

"Why not ask me what I think I need first?"

"Tell me while we're out, sweetheart. Get your coat. I'll clean up."

"Nicky?"

"Yes?"

"Call me Alex when we're out okay? It took me a lot of work to set up the name."

"Nope. You're Vinnie when you're with me."

Vinnie sighed. "You are going to be trouble."

"Is that a bad thing?"

"No," the blond grinned brightly, "I love trouble."

****

Alex tugged on Nicky's arm. "Come on, in here. They always have great deals."

"Deals are what make you look like a homeless teenager. You need real clothes."

Alex looked forlornly at the tee-shirt shop. Some of his favorite sweatshirts were from there. Nicky had a grip on his arm though, so he had to keep up. The bodyguard trailing them smirked at him. Alex crossed his eyes at the man, getting an actual smile from him for half a second. "Ah, here we go, Brooks Brothers."

"No, oh no. I can't. Nicky, come on."

The salesman swooped in. "Mr. Bartalone, welcome back. How can I help you today?"

"I need to get my young friend here a suit. I think charcoal would be the best for him. And he'll need shirts and ties. Two suits, one in navy as well."

"If you'll follow me, sir, I'll measure you for your suit."

Alex followed mentally ticking off all of the hardware he was carrying and deciding that none of it should phase the salesmen. He couldn't let Nicky see the holster at his ankle. Nicky went browsing through the shop.

"And why do you need a suit?"

"Because he's decided I need one."

"Interviews?"

"Business. Yes." Alex didn't let himself be drawn out any more. Nicky was bringing back shirts. "Get that putrid pink away from me. Blue is a good color for me."

"Pink will match your cheeks."

"Nicky, may you be swallowed by a fruit fly."

"I'm guessing that translates to, wear the pink yourself, freak?"

"Exactly."

"Blue, green maybe."

"How about white?"

"White might be possible."

Alex tried on everything that was brought to him. He'd tucked his holster away inside his coat sleeve so he didn't panic when they pinned up the hems on the two suit pants and coats. He changed while Nicky paid. He blanched when he saw the total. "Nicky, I'm telling you, you don't have to do this."

"Vinnie, shut up. Accept gracefully."

Alex sighed. There was mooching and then there was mooching. The man had spent nearly two thousand dollars in one stop and they weren't even close to finished with shopping. He looked out at the street. It was starting to snow. I hope Snake has a place to crash tonight.

"Come on, kiddo, they're going to ship it home."

"Where else are we going?"

"Rockport, Express, Banana Republic. That should take care of the clothing issues. We'll go equipment shopping tomorrow. Then, furniture shopping the next day."

"Three days of me whining, just so you realize that."

"That's okay. You're cute when you get on a rant."

****

Alex leaned back on his new bed and looked around the bedroom. Nicky hadn't listened to his protestations, so the room was filled with warm, deep-colored woods and red and black fabrics. There were West African figurines and South American masks on the shelves. His stomach twisted into knots as he mentally tallied the cost of the room. He closed his eyes. His job was to get into Nicky's business and pass it on, not criticize the man for his spending habits, but the numbers were adding up so quickly.

He stroked the headboard with a guilty thrill. He'd never see this much money again. The wood was soft, buttery, worn by years of use. This room was full of dreams. This was closer to who he was than any character had ever become. Vinnie's history was Alex's minus one little fact.

Zeeb, may the Lord give you as much trouble as you've given me, he thought. He slid down until he was laying atop the Thai silk spread. This is why cops go bad, Billy. We need a safe phone so I can call you. Goodnight, partner.

****

Billy nodded. He had to get his partner in for a full recording session of everything he'd received as Vinnie. "Sleep well, Alex," he murmured. He handed the headphones to Patrick. "All yours, Pat. Enjoy his nightmares."

"Why doesn't he just take the collar off?"

"Because if something happens, we have no other way of knowing. I haven't been able to set up the video and sound in the apartment."

"You're installing? Why not one of the tech crew?"

"I was tech crew until Alex dragged me into Vice with him. He wanted someone he trusted at his back. There was an incident. I guess it was part hazing and part laziness, but he was dropped into the middle of an operation as bait. They left him without back-up in a gang of thugs that wanted nothing more than to poke a skinny, white-boy tourist."

"How'd he get out?"

"He speaks Spanish. Even better, he speaks it like a native Columbian. He convinced them that he was the son-in-law of a Colombian drug lord long enough for him to get into a good position. He beat the shit out of them and called 911."

"An entire gang?"

"He's good. I'm going to turn in. Call me if something goes wild."

"Right." Brann looked oddly shell-shocked. Billy just left him to monitoring.

****

"Maybe I shouldn't worry about you quite so much," Nicky stated.

Alex sprang to his feet from the handstand. "Don't sneak up on me! Don't you ever knock?"

Nicky laughed. "Do I really need to?"

"Depends on how jealous you get."

"Cheating on me already?" the gangster teased, pulling Alex close. "What was that?"

"Something I learned in Africa. Just street-fighting with some acrobatics." Alex shrugged. "Learned it as a kid. Then, I learned more of it in Brazil."

"But have you used it?"

"Once or twice."

"We're going to get you a gun. Well, another one." Alex felt the blood run to his cheeks. "Don't worry, sweetheart, I understand why you didn't tell me. You don’t' know me as well as I know you." Alex looked up through is lashes. "I know your brother. He told me you were the most dangerous preacher he knew. You aren't Catholic?"

"Baptist. Don't ask. I have no clue if or when the family converted."

Nicky kissed Alex's forehead. "Go get dressed."

Alex pouted.

"You look great this way, but too distracting. Like I said, we're getting you a gun."

Alex evaluated Nicky's outfit and picked something equivalent.

"And, Vinnie? If you keep wearing that collar, I'm getting a leash."

The cop laughed. "Some habits are harder than others to break."

****

Nicky watched with interest as Vinnie debated gun qualities with Mario. "You aren't listening. My wrist doesn’t' like big guns. There's no reason for me to carry a caliber like that."

"You'll need protection."

"I won't use it. It won't fit my wardrobe." Vinnie grinned over his shoulder at Nicky.

"That's what tailors are for," Mario replied. "You need the biggest you can handle."

"But why?"

"Because you're connected now. On top of it all, you're Nicky's pet."

Vinnie rolled his eyes. "There was life before Nicky and there will be life after him."

"Only if you don't get killed." Mario glared down his nose at the young man. Nicky laughed.

"Vinnie," he interrupted, ruffling his lover's hair, "listen to Mario or I’m going to get you a bodyguard and you won't like that any better than a gun."

"You wouldn't." Vinnie turned into Nicky's touch. He was beginning to sulk.

"You know I would. Be good."

****

"Billy, I'm going insane," Alex told his partner. He stretched. "You should see the place now. And I'm carrying unregistered."

"You're doing great. See what sort of business he'll get you into."

"No way. I've got the numbers. Anything more is too much. But I'll worm some confidences out of him. I need to get the apartment wired. He's starting to talk about leashes. There's a fine line between fashion statement and lifestyle choice."

Billy's teeth flashed in a smile. "I don't know. I think it suits you."

"Bitch."

"So do you have a listing for me?"

"Yeah." Alex fished the disc out of his coat pocket. "This should be everything that he's gotten for me. I've already gotten him to schedule some upgrades in security. You want to come in after them right?"

"I can tap their feeds," Billy said as he slipped the disc in and opened the spreadsheet. He scanned to the bottom line. "Fuck me."

"You're not my type. And that's not counting the apartment. Think they'll let me keep the wardrobe?"

"Maybe. In three days?"

"I stopped protesting when we passed fifty-thousand. I think I was in shock. But the bed feels so good."

"It should for ten thousand!"

"Carved Tibetan mural on the headboard that was smuggled out when the Chinese tried to destroy all of them. It's exquisite. And it's like touching satin."

"Ceremonial Ibo mask?"

"I'll be honest, I just wanted it. It was the first thing I asked for so he didn't even blink."

"I'm thinking you want more than a year for this op."

"I'll just get spoiled. Did you know he has two billion in the bank? Relatively speaking."

"Why relative?"

"Half of it's in Swiss accounts and most of the rest is in cash."

"You've seen it?"

"And touched it. He's showing off for me."

"He's testing you," Brann broke in from the doorway. "He wants to know how much you're going to steal from him."

"Probably. He's showing off, that's definitely true."

"You look different."

"No eye shadow. Besides, Nicky threatened to burn all of my favorite tee-shirts." Billy snickered. Alex smacked the back of his partner's head. "It's not funny.! He even tried to burn the one with Jimmy Smitts' autograph."

"You have an NYPD shirt in your closet!" Patrick gaped.

"It's and NYPD Blue shirt," Alex replied. He rolled his eyes. "What else do you need from me?"

"Details. Shipments. Anything you can get. And addresses. You have the pen-scanner, right, babe?" Billy said rearranging his files on the digital recorder.

"Yeah. That thing creeps me out. I'll get whatever I can. He's going to put video in the living room I think."

"It's like living in a fishbowl isn't it? How do you stand it?" Brann asked.

"I have no illusions of privacy. Billy, how soon can we get you in to wire?"

"After he gets the security upgraded. Go home, Alex, you're tired."

"Nicky's going home today. Thank God. I need to do some grocery shopping."

****

"So who is she?" Isabelle Bartalone asked as Nicky sat down to watch TV with her.

"She?"

She glared at him, feeling her jaw clench. "Don't play games, Nicky."

"He. Not she. His name is Vinnie Lorenzo, but he goes by Alex Smith. He was being used, so I moved him in across the hall from me. He needed someplace he could be safe."

"Mickey's little brother?"

"Yes."

Isabelle sighed. She settled against her husband's side. "Is he cute?"

"Adorable."

"Are you fucking him?"

Nicky sighed. "Not yet. His ex was whoring him out."

"Soft touch for a gangster."

"You'll have to meet him. He's just nice to be around."

"Do you want to fuck him?"

"Izzy."

"Don't 'Izzy' me. Just answer the question."

"I don't know. We had some fun the first night, but that was to keep his ex from beating him. Now, I just don't know."

"He must be something special."

"He is."

****

Nicky watched as Vinnie put the gun back under the pillow and snuggled into the bedding. He smiled. "Come on, sweetheart, time to get up. There's a lot of people for you to meet." Nicky stroked the fine, blond hair from Vinnie's eyes.

"Race day?"

"Yeah."

"Why am I doing this?"

"Because you'd rather run numbers than sleep with an architect. And because you feel guilty about me spending money on you."

"Manipulative, aren't you?"

"Incredibly. I've even picked out a suit for you."

"I don't do well when I'm micro-managed."

"So show me you can do the job."

Vinnie looked up at with one pretty, blue eye. "Fine. I'll get dressed. Shoo."

Nicky leaned over and kissed the young man's temple.

****

Alex's life quickly settled into a routine. He continued his gang-ministry in the mornings and managed Nicky's numbers network in the afternoon. He was on his way back to his apartment when the first attack occurred. He avoided the knife easily and left his assailant on the ground. He called for help. He leaned against the wall.

"Reverend, you okay?" The young black man took of his cap as he approached.

"I’m fine, Lamar. Aren't you out of territory?"

"Got a job at the pizza place. This m. . . guy trouble?"

"I've got him. Get to work. Thanks, Lamar. Good job?"

"It pays. Not as well as crime, but mama sleeps better."

"Good."

"This your place?"

"Sort of. Someone else pays the rent."

"The same someone who upgraded you to leather?" Lamar smirked. Alex blushed.

"Yeah."

"Watch your back, Reverend. Folks like that ain't as good as you."

"Thanks, Lamar. You'll want to hop. I hear sirens."

Lamar waved as he left.

****

Lamar Jenkins pulled out his phone. "Yo, Marcus. Reverend's in trouble."

"What trouble?"

"He's living in Bartalone's building. You know Beef's fag Snake, right? Well, Snake said the reverend was working the streets with him. Bartalone's the only guy he's even seen the reverend with twice. You know anyone who can watch over him?"

Lamar listened to the beep of Marcus' PDA. "Yeah. I got a guy. Bartalone's? In the City?"

"Yeah."

"I'll take care of it. You sure about this pizza thing?"

"Free food, man. Besides, Rev's right. I ain't never done it before."

"Long as you don't fuck up your crew."

"It's cool, man. Gotta go. Peace."

"Peace, man." Marcus hung up. Lamar looked over at the steps again. There was a black and white there now.

****

"Why didn't you call me, Vinnie?" Nicky demanded.

"Because your name is Nicky?"

"Don't be a brat."

"It's not a big deal. The cops have him now."

"Vinnie," Nicky cupped Alex's chin, "you can't just call the cops anymore."

"But it wasn't any risk for me or you. He had a knife. That's all."

Nicky was breathing calmly, probably to keep the temper that reddened his cheeks in check. Alex couldn't understand why his actions had pissed the older man off though. It wasn't as if he'd told the cops anything of consequence. Nicky kissed him gently. "Let me spell it out for you, Sweetheart. You are a bookie. You are an illegal bookie. Cops are bad. They're nosy. You don not want cops around. Is that clear enough?"

"I've never had trouble with the cops. I deal with them all the time to get kids off the street."

"Vinnie. No cops on my property. Capice?"

"Okay. I hear you. I think you're paranoid."

"Baby, someone tried to kill you today. It's common sense, not paranoia." Nicky kissed him again, this time more calm. "You're such an idiot. What am I going to do with you?"

Alex blinked. He had several answers to that, but none of them were appropriate."

"Nick? I can protect myself. You know that."

"Call me. No cops."

"Relax, honey," Alex soothed. He let Nicky pull him into his lap. "You're over-reacting."

"Vinnie, just agree. I'm not dropping this. No more cops."

"But. . ."

Nicky put a finger over Alex's lips. "No cops."

"Fine. Have it your way. I won't call the cops near the building."

The gangster's dark eyes narrowed. "No wiggle room. No cops."

Alex closed his eyes. "No cops." That you know of, he added silently.

"Look me in the eyes and say it, Baby."

Alex looked into Nicky's chocolate eyes. "No cops."

Nicky kissed him. "Good."

Alex straddled his legs. "Your wife's going to hate me. Or worse, you. You're never in town on Tuesdays."

"Relax. Izzy knows there was trouble. She thinks it was your ex behind it. We know better. A man like that would do his own dirty-work."

"Billy's not that bad."

"Any idiot who'd put you on the street is that bad. Did you quit school for him?"

"No. I got my degree. There's just such a gap between what they teach and reality that it seems useless."

Nicky stroked Alex's cheek softly with his thumb. "You belong in a different world, Vinnie. I wish I could make the world you see come alive."

"Then try. Get out of the business. No drugs. No killing."

"I'm not leaving the company. It's about family. It's important."

"It's about money. Your family is trying to kill you."

"It's just business, nothing personal. Now, don't worry."

"If you say what I can almost hear out of your clichéd mouth, I will laugh in your face. You sound like a bad gangster film sometimes."

Nicky laughed. "Where did you think they got the dialog?"

"Imagination?"

"You have no idea, do you, baby?" The gangster pulled Alex into a long, languorous kiss. His fingers stroked gently down Alex's throat. "So much nicer without the collar."

"I don't know. I'd gotten used to the feel of it."

"I like you better without, sweetheart." Nicky kissed him a little more insistently. "I'm going to make love to you soon, Vinnie," he murmured.

"Nicky, I. . . I've never." Alex stopped, felling his cheeks burning.

"Never?" Nicky blinked. "Don't worry, baby. Don't worry. you'll be fine. I'll be gentle."

"That's not. . . I don't . . " Alex sighed, words dying from lack of cohesion. He' known it was coming. After Suzanne's pressure, how could he not expect a man who though he was a whore not to want sex. He chewed at his lip. Billy was going to kill him. "Not today. I have to wrap my head around it."

"Of course not, Baby." Nicky's fingers stroked down Alex's back in soothing rhythm. "I didn't mean to upset you, sweetheart. I'm not going to push you into anything you don't want. But I reserve the right to make you want it."

"I think I can handle that." Alex wrapped his arms around Nicky's neck. "I'm going to make you work for it."

"Good."

****

Billy stalked around the room. "That the fuck were you thinking, Alex?"

Alex leaned against the wall of the surveillance apartment. "Was Brann here for it?"

"Alex! Pay attention. There are certain lines that don't need to be crossed." Billy snapped his fingers in front of Alex's face. His partner rolled his eyes.

"I didn't sleep with him!"

"You considered it. He thinks you will."

"He thinks I'm a prostitute, Billy. How can I say 'no' without any wiggle room? He's got a solid maybe. He'll spend a few months courting me. Maybe he'll forget it or give us something too big to wait on. I've been flirting with UN translators and you haven't blinked. What is suddenly so different?"

Alex had his arms crossed over his chest. He didn't look petulant today, he looked dangerous. Billy paced for a few minutes trying to find the worlds. "There is a fine line between being a flirt and screwing someone. I'm worried about you, Lex," he added quietly. "You're playing a dangerous game and I can't be there. Hell, I can't even hear your thoughts because you don't wear your mike. A guy tried to knife you the other day!"

Alex's posture softened. "Is that what this is about, partner?" He shook his head. "He should have used a gun. Knives are messy and unreliable."

"You can't even wear a vest."

Alex laughed. "Give Nicky two more days and I'll have one without any cost to the department. I think he would saddle me with a body-guard if he didn't think I'd pitch a fit or sulk or something."

"You're already too involved. Cap had the right idea when he ordered you off."

"Billy." Alex stepped forward.

"No, don't. You're so wrapped up in Vinnie that Alex is missing."

'"'I know what I’m doing. I just need you to back my play to the limit."

"This isn't some 2-bit bastard you're nailing."

"Exactly. This isn't like I’m giving up anything for a penny-ante dealer. He's a huge fish. We need good bait and I'm it. But I can't be out without knowing you're there."

"I've got your back, Lex. I always will. But let me worry about you. If we can't argue , no one will recognize us."

"True." Alex smiled faintly. "He wants to kill you. Or well, the man he thinks of as Billy."

"Why?"

"Nicky's a soft-touch about abuse. I can't figure out why."

"Maybe he thinks of you as an alley-cat," Billy said, his mouth quirking up on one side. He could picture Alex as a friendly stray easily enough. "Besides, he treats you like a bimbo. Must be the hair."

"If you pat me on the top of the head I'll smack you."

Billy couldn't help but reach over and muss the neatly fashioned hair.

"Sheep-loving twit." Alex's lips were twitching.

"Be nice."

"I'm always nice. That's the problem. I've got to get going. Want to run with me?"

"No. I'm sane." Billy sighed. "This isn't over. I don't want you to compromise yourself for the sake of an op. Please, Lex, consider it carefully."

"Don't worry, Billy. I'll give it due consideration before I make my final decision. For right now, just back me."

Alex held out his hand. Billy took a deep breath, the released it. "I trust you, Lex. I'll back you. Just don't piss off the commissioner or we're both up a creek." He took the offered hand. They shook firmly.

****

Alex smiled sweetly at the woman in the hall near Nicky's door. "Hi, waiting for Nicky?""

"No, waiting for you, I think. Let's see. Pretty blue eyes, tousled blond hair, gorgeous pouty lips and a sweet disposition. You must be Vinnie."

"And you are?" Alex evaluated the woman. Waves of black hair his sister Sara would have killed for, bright red lips, olive completion, green eyes, and a Sophia Loren body. If she wasn't married into the family, Alex would have to correct that oversight for whichever family member she wanted him to. He had a couple of statues that would do the trick of slamming sense into someone.

"Isabella Bartalone. I came to make sure you don't starve to death. Nicky never remembers to tell me what sort of money you need to fill your larder."

Alex felt his smile turn fixed. "You're Izzy? What the hell is he thinking not spending more time with you?" He blinked. "Well, you can look in the larder all you like, but I can't cook, so I'd stock it with frozen burritos and things like that." He opened the door to his apartment. It was scary how quickly he'd come to think of it as his. He gestured her in first. "Can I take your wrap?"

She handed it too him. He hung it up next to his own jacket. She studied him as he moved. "So, where did he find you again?"

"I'd rather not say. Can I get you something to drink? Water? Coffee? Wine?"

"So you can manage liquids? That's good to know. I'd hate for you to wither away. Nicky'd hate it if his little alley-cat got sick."

"Please tell me he doesn't call me that." Alex said as he moved to the kitchen. He needed scotch.

"One for me as well. Lovely place. Must be your choices. Thank you." She settled on the couch. "So, come and tell me what you like to eat. I'll make sure you get private lessons on how to cook it." She smiled. "I'll even provide some of them." She patted his knee. "Now don't be frightened. I always look after Nicky's pets until they can go back out into the wild. He told me all about that bastard you were dating."

"Billy's not that bad. Nicky's just got a stubborn streak. How did he meet you?"

"We went to high school together. Has he shown you pictures of our babies yet? And I'll need to look around and make sure you have everything you need. Nicky forgets to provide some things. You know, shampoo, all that sort of thing. I just need to put you into the budget. I'll have it all delivered. Don't worry, sweetie, they know me around here." She patted his knee again.

****

Izzy didn't let her glee show. The poor boy was totally off-balance around her. Nicky was right, he was adorable. She sipped the scotch and chattered about the kids and soccer practice. He relaxed a little bit, smiling, nodding, adding just enough encouragement to keep her talking. He was precious. "Come along, Vinnie, we need to make sure you have everything you need."

"I have more than I need. You've been more than generous. Honestly, I don't need anything else, Izzy."

"Don't be silly." She opened the cupboards and laughed. "There really isn't anything in here."

"I eat out. Or at the missions with my flock. I don't need anything."

Izzy looked down her nose at him. "This won't do at all. You need to be able to feed yourself in the winter. I'm going to get you the basics and teach you to cook." She held a finger to her lips. "I don't want to hear anything but, 'yes, Izzy.'"

He batted his lashes at her. "I'm not some broken-winged bird that needs hand-feeding. I was doing fine before Nicky got it into his head that I needed saving."

"Nicky wanted you to take over the numbers where your brother left off," she stated. He blinked. "I know everything about the business. I run his budgets. You're doing a very good job. There's less turn-over in your network too. I'm thinking you had something to do with that." She pinched his cheek. "Now, do you like pasta? It's easy. It's not particularly messy."

"I do. Izzy, please, I don't have a clue when it comes to the kitchen. I don't know a pot from a pan. Mama always cooked with one pan. She said I didn't need to learn how." Vinnie looked at her desperately. "I don't have the brain-cells to spare."

Izzy rolled her eyes. "I'll go ahead and stock the kitchen so Nicky can cook for you." She stroked his cheek. "Let's take a look around the place to see what else he forgot to get for you."

"Please, ma'am, I don't need anything." She pinned him with a harsh look and he seemed to shrink. "Okay, okay. Where do you want to start, milady?"

She considered. "We'll start in the bedroom. Come along."

****

Alex felt his cheeks redden as she picked through the closet. "Nicky must have chosen most of this."

"He threatened to burn my tees if I didn't agree."

"The colors are all wrong for you. You need soft tones, greens, something gentle. This red has got to go."

"That's my favorite piece."

"It's all wrong for you. I can't allow you to look bad."

Alex pouted. She seemed to be weakening. He raised a shoulder in a half-shrug.

"You really like this?"

Alex nodded.

She shook her head. "Then you must wear it with beige underneath, capice? You'll look like you've got pneumonia otherwise."

Alex nodded.

She studied him. "I'm just warning you, I'm not as easy to play as Nicky is. I'm not going to let you have your way if you sulk." She wagged a finger at him. "But feel free to soak Nicky for food. He's taken with you. Have you slept with him?"

Her bluntness shocked him for a moment. "No."

She blinked. "Damn. Usually his pets cave more quickly. Must be love. Now, onto the drawers."

"I think I'm perfectly capable of handling my own unmentionables."

She looked him up and down. "We need to go shopping. Get your coat. I'll drive."

****

Vinnie collapsed across the couch as Izzy buzzed around the kitchen. She put away the supplies. She looked over at the young man with a fond smile. Nicky's taste rarely matched hers, but this little cat of his was perfect. He'd asked meekly for frozen pizza while they were in the grocery store and she'd relented. Now, after three grocery stores and two housewares stores, he'd disavowed any knowledge of what was in the bags he was carrying.

"Don't fall asleep over that."

"Why not?"

"Because Nicky's going to buy us dinner."

"He is?"

"Yes."

"But I'm supposed to be meeting someone tonight. I told you that."

"Vinnie, hush. I know exactly who you're going to meet tonight. Dinner won't make a difference to anyone but us. No napping."

"Wench."

****

"Hi, Nicky," Alex said from his position on the couch. He didn't bother to open his eyes. He heard Izzy greet Nicky with a kiss.

"Come on, kiddo. Time to change into something more appropriate."

"I'll pick it out. You make reservations for three," Izzy ordered. "Wake up."

"I wasn't asleep." Alex sat up. "You told me this was informal."

"There's informal, then there's informal. Sneakers won't work."

"Why won't you tell me who I'm meeting?" Alex begged, looking up at the couple.

"Where's the fun in that?" Izzy laughed.

"Let's make a deal. You both pretend that I can dress myself for one night and I won't make any mention of your over-spending habits or over-protective instincts for a week."

"I have last say on what you wear tonight," Nicky stated.

Alex rolled his eyes. "Fine." He sauntered into the bedroom and perused his wardrobe. He chose a soft-blue tee-shirt, then put a blue button down on over top of it. He fastened on the leather collar with his mike, then put a similarly tooled belt through the loops on his jeans. He studied his reflection, then added a bracelet of African beads to one wrist. He slid on black loafers. Please let them approve, he prayed. He took a breath and released it. He went to the main room.

Izzy stared at him. "Wow."

He smiled at her. "Is that an okay?"

She nodded. Nicky steppe forward, then kissed Alex soundly. Alex squeaked in surprised protest. His eyes fluttered closed. He rested a hand on Nicky's neck. Nicky broke away, leaving the younger man breathless. "Um. Well. Nicky! You're wife's over there. Shouldn't you be kissing her?"

"Don't worry. He's just trying to make me jealous. Shall we go to dinner now?" Izzy took Alex's arm.

"Oh, we all know how well that would work. He's mine, Izzy. I saw him first. Get your own boy-toy."

"You really should figure out if you two are married or not and leave me out of it," Alex stated with a frown. "I refuse to be used by either of you."

Izzy put a finger over his lips. "Hush. Let's be friends. Civilized. I don't want to have to hate you."

Alex closed his eyes. "Friends?"

"Friends," she confirmed. "That means gossip, shopping, all of that you know."

"I know." He grinned suddenly. "You can give me tips on how you manipulate him so well."

Nicky shook his head. "Time to nip this in the bud, I think. You two cannot be friends."

****

Nicky stroked Vinnie's hair absently as he looked over the numbers on the laptop. Vinnie was sprawled across the couch, his head in Nicky's lap so he could see what Nicky was looking at. "What's that?" he asked suddenly.

"What?"

"What's that for? I can't make heads or tails of it. I usually can figure out number sequences, but that's just gibberish. Is it encoded?"

Nicky laughed. "Yes, it's encoded. I'll let you play around with it later. Now, hush, I need to finish this."

Vinnie sighed. He didn't move though, and Nicky took that as a good sign. His lover was looking a little worn. They'd have to have a chat about spending too much time on his ministry. The profits were still good from the gambling network, but the boy was working far too hard. When Nicky finally looked away from the screen and down at his lap, Vinnie was asleep. He looked like an angel and the gangster shook his head. He let him sleep.

****

"Alex, you aren't listening to me," Billy said quietly. Alex looked up sharply from the report he was reading.

"What was that?"

"We need to set guidelines. Brann's not here so there's no interference. Between us, when do I hit the alarm and get you out? He's going to get mean one of these days. We both know it."

Alex's lips pinched down into a frown. Billy was glad to see him thinking. Everyone thought that Alex was the active one. God, if only they knew. The man's lack of self-regard was going to put Billy in an early grave. "I don't know. He'll probably start smacking me around, just to see how far he can go, but only after he gets me in bed. Hopefully, the op will be over before that."

"Still, I want an answer."

"If he's seriously threatening to kill me, I guess." Alex shrugged.

"Black eye?"

Alex just snorted. Billy had to give him that one.

"Broken arm?"

"I've had one before. It's not an issue."

"It is an issue. I don't want to see you hurt."

"Billy."

"No, Alex, if he breaks bones it's too dangerous."

"If he breaks my arm, he breaks it. I'm willing to deal with it."

"Alex!"

"If you already had a line in sight, why did you bother to ask?"

"Because I thought you should be in on the discussion."

"Don't blow it over a broken arm, Billy," Alex said, eyes turning cold for an instant. "If he's not threatening my life, it's not an issue."

"What about rape? Is that an issue?"

"No."

Billy stared at him. "Why not?"

"Because sex is not the issue."

"I said rape."

"Any sort of sex with him is in a hazy area already. Don't worry about it. Only if he threatens my life."

"Someday, I swear, you will actually think about yourself before the operation."

Alex shrugged. "Did you get the discs?"

"Yes. They're decoding them now."

"Good."

"Alex, this isn't going to disappear. If you're in danger, you need to get out."

The blond rolled his eyes, then checked his watch. "I've got to go. I'm meeting Izzy and the godfather for lunch. Is the other mike working?"

"Perfectly. I wish you could convince her to just let you dress yourself for these meetings."

"She's getting better. The collar just makes her giggle. Think you could fashion up something similar into a bead necklace"

"That single bead thing that Suzy gave you for your birthday last year?"

"That's what I was thinking."

"Not a sub-vocal, but something like your pocket transmitter."

"I'll just have to work on her harder. If she gets to like it, Nicky will too."

"You're manipulative, Lex, you know that right?"

"That's how I got you as a partner." He smiled. Billy couldn't help but laugh. "Stay safe."

"Watch your back, partner."

"That's why I've got you," Alex called back over his shoulder as he left.

Billy sighed and re-ordered the report pages. He glared at the silent digital recorder. It crackled to life. "We'll see if I can keep her from criticizing my wardrobe for an entire afternoon." Billy laughed.

****

"Mr. Smith?" the bland voice on the other end of the phone asked.

"Yes?"

"You're listed as the next-of-kin for Michael Smith."

"Yes. Is he sick?"

"I'm sorry, sir. He's dead. You need to make final arrangements for transfer of his body within 24-hours or we'll bury him in our graveyard."

"I'll make arrangements. I have the number."

"Goodbye, sir."

Alex called back to verify that the call was real, then called his father.

"Hello?"

"Papa? It's Alex."

"Hello, Jeb. It's been awhile. How can I help you?"

"Zeeb's dead."

"How?"

"They didn’t' say. I need to make arrangements, but I don't know how."

"Give me the contact number. I'll make arrangements for the blessing for him and any other unfortunates."

"Yes, sir."

"Take care, Jeb."

"Is Mama there?"

"No, she's ill again."

"Is she back in hospital so soon?"

"Yes. Keep her in your prayers."

"I will, sir."

The phone clicked softly. Alex put it down. He sat down on the couch and pulled his knees up to his chest. He didn’t move when the door opened or when Nicky sat down next to him. "I came as soon as I heard. The Sanchez cartel is making moves on us."

"I don't care if it was a Martian. I just want it to be a mistake."

"Come here, Baby."

Alex curled into the offered embrace. "I don't want to believe it."

"It's okay, Vinnie. You can cry on me."

Alex sobbed quietly on Nicky's chest. The older man stroked his hair and whispered soft words of comfort and bloody revenge. "He wouldn't want revenge." Alex pulled back a bit to look into the gangster's face.

"This is war. If we don't respond, we'll be destroyed. They're ruthless."

"I saw the takeover of Bogotá. That's why I say no."

"Vinnie, this isn't a decision you get to make. Sorry, baby. It's done."

Alex closed his eyes. He'd worked a sting against the Sanchez cartel as a sadistic killed known as Carson. He'd never been as glad to be rid of a persona as Carson. He was so sadistic that he'd even frightened cartel men who'd ordered the death of hundreds. Billy had put three bullets in his chest during the bust. Alex shivered as Nicky pulled him closer.

"We've got our own guys. They'll take down the fucker who did this. Nobody messes with what's mine. Remember that, Vinnie. And remember you're mine too," he added gently.

"If anything happens to me, I don't want you to avenge me, Nicky. It goes against everything I believe." Alex's voice was soft, but firm. "Please promise me that."

"No, I can't."

"Why not?"

"I won't show weakness. You are my weak point. I will not let your squeamishness affect what happens after you die." Alex closed his eyes and snuggled back into his lover's embrace. He didn't want to deal with it anymore. No arguments. No balancing acts. Just a warm body to hold him and a soft shirt to soak up his tears. "It'll be fine, Vinnie, I promise you."

****

"Cap! Cap!" Billy called down the hall, hurrying to catch up. Bartlett slowed.

"What is it?"

"Lex's brother is dead."

"Details."

"Bartalone says it's Sanchez. Rumor says it was Bartalone himself. He wants to start a war."

"And Alex?"

"Alex is miserable. Izzy's driving him up to the prison. His father's going to bless the body then let him be buried on site."

"Why aren't you there?"

"Because Bartalone is a jealous bastard who thinks I used to beat up on Lex. I'm not giving him any vague justification for cutting Lex off anymore than he already is."

"Come to my office and explain that to me." Bartlett turned around and headed back to the office that he'd just abandoned for the night. He shut the door behind his office. He perched on the edge of the desk. Billy sat down in his favorite chair. "Cut off how?"

"He doesn't like Alex to wear his collar, so I can't get sub-vocals from him. He doesn't like Alex talking to people he doesn't know. He's been trying to get him to cut down on the hours he spends on his ministry. You know he visits inmates, tries to get run-aways off the street. All that shit? Nicky's pitched a fit about how Lex looks tired and should cut down. They had a screaming fight about it and I think Nicky was inches from smacking him. Lex ran thirty miles that day. He was dead tired by the time he got back, but Nicky'd calmed down a bit. Alex agreed to cut back an hour a day."

"Get him in to see me. I can tell the commissioner to fuck himself if I have to. I'll get him out, just give me a sign."

"He's still fine with it. He's just a little wary."

"Of pissing off Bartalone?"

"Yeah. He talks to me when he's alone. He sweeps every day for bugs that aren't mine. Remind me to buy SWAT a round one of these days. If I didn't have that mike on him I'd never know Lex was wound as tight as he is. Even if I do need a translator sometimes. He wants to work on another case at the same time. Like we usually do, but we can't."

"And you can't talk back."

"Only through chat and that's not secure. And we meet when he goes running. He's still thinking about going all the way with Bartalone."

"What?"

"I've told him just to high-sign me and we'll get him out, but he won't give me a firm yes or no."

"What's his argument for it?"

"He won't say anything except he'll make the decision when it comes up."

"I'll talk to him. Is someone with him all day today?"

"Probably. If not Izzy, Nicky, or his father."

"Brann watching over him?"

"He's on the monitors. Cap, I've got a bad feeling about this. Lex is going to get hurt."

"Why do you think that?"

"He's willing to accept a broken arm as part of the op."

"I'll talk to him. Get him in to see me."

"It might be better if you come to the apartment. Nicky's been threatening to get him a body-guard. This might give him the perfect excuse."

"I'll keep that in mind. Go home, get some rest. Look at it fresh in the morning."

"Right. Thank you, sir. He might listen to you."

"We're talking about Alex Smith, right?"

Billy laughed.

****

"So that's your father."

"Yes."

"He's the one who changed your name to Smith."

Vinnie shrugged and Izzy shook her head. She'd pay good money to know what family the Lorenzos had defected from. Moving to Africa seemed extreme, but she'd known some assholes who'd hound a reformed member to the death. Vinnie was too accepting of their world not to have seen it somewhere. She'd get him to break on of these days. She reached over to brush away a tear. "Come on, sweetie, let's go home. I'll make you some coffee."

"You can just drop me off."

"No." He didn't argue with her. She knew then that he was much more upset than his father had been allowed to see. He sat down in the car with very little of his usual grace. He seemed to curl in on himself a bit more than he had before. "Talk to me, Vin," she said turning off the radio and leaving the lot.

"He was my best friend. He put me through school. Kept me sane in all the mad places father took me. I could tell him anything. He kept me together when mama first got sick. He never told me what to do. What am I supposed to do now?"

"Oh, honey." Izzy didn't have any idea how to comfort him.

"I'm tired of it. First, Mama's illness. Now Mike's gone. Papa and I don't talk. He's too wrapped up in taking care of Mama."

"You've got me."

"There's something wrong about that, but thanks."

"You mean just because you're trying to steal my husband? Don't be silly. I mean it, Vinnie, if you need to talk, even if it's about Nick, you can call me."

"And you wouldn't tell him? I find that hard to believe."

"I promise. Not a word. Unless you're cheating on him."

Vinnie laughed a little. "If I wanted to commit suicide, I'd do it myself."

"Promise me you'll call."

"I promise."

She gave his hand a squeeze. "Good, now I can introduce you to the kids."

"As what? The family pet?"

Izzy laughed.

****

"Hi, Cap. It's been awhile." Alex smiled. He settled down in a chair, hands folded neatly in his lap. "Is Billy out?"

"Yes. They're both off for a few hours."

Alex shifted. "Sir?"

"I wanted to talk to you. This is a lot longer than you've even been out on an assignment. How's it going?"

The young man shrugged, seemingly careless. Bartlett could almost hear Billy's frustration ringing in his ears. "Well, Nicky pampers me like crazy and I'm showing a good profit on his gambling franchise so he's happy with me. His children know I'm 'Daddy's boyfriend' and call me 'uncle.' His wife's trying to be my best friend. I've passed on a significant amount of data to Billy and the comp geeks. I wrote up an org chart of the family. Now, we're just waiting for the good word. The DA's supposed to tell us when it's good enough. Rumor has it that the Feebs have infiltrated and maybe the DEA or SHIELD. Do you want me out?"

"Only if you need to be. Commissioner Kelly wants to stick it to the whole family."

"If he's so keen on it, I'm sure Nicky would love to screw him."

Bartlett blinked.

Alex merely watched, as attentive and innocent as ever.

"You're so sweet that I forget sometimes."

"I did survive the academy, sir. Billy told you that I haven't decided how far to go?"

"Good guess." Bartlett leaned forward, resting his arms on his knees. "Alex, you have to understand that I would never ask you to sleep with a target."

"It's not you, sir, it's the commissioner." Alex crossed his arms over his chest. "Can you tell me honestly that he doesn't want me to do everything I can to get further into Bartalone's life?"

Bartlett took a breath, then released it in a sigh. "No, I can't. But I still don't want you doing anything to compromise your morals just for a case."

Alex rolled his eyes. He leaned back. "Even I know that it's not your decision anymore, sir. Commissioner Kelly's got a hard-on and he's waving it around. Hopefully, he'll see reason and pull the plug before it gets more decentralized and thereby impossible to shut down. The family is like a hydra. If you cut off one head another shows up. It needs to be collapsed onto itself somehow. I'm just worried about innocents getting caught in the cross-fire."

"Like you."

Alex blinked. "No, like Nicky's children. To them, we'll be the bad guys for taking away Daddy. And there are other people who don't know they're involved. There are the ID's that have been hacked and hijacked, there's front companies with real employees who don't know that their paychecks come from mob-money. Hell, there are plenty of people that could get hurt in any bust. It's probably just Vinnie's perspective on the whole thing."

"Alex, are you safe?'

"As I usually am. Nicky's over-protective. He wants me to have a body-guard."

Bartlett's brows rose.

"I'm not kidding. He's already bought me a bullet-proof vest and a gun. He's a step away from watching over me himself."

"And how did you get out of that?'

"I asked him how he liked running. That killed the conversation. He hates jogging."

The captain laughed. "Most people can't run as long as you can."

Alex shrugged.

"If you're certain that you aren't in danger, we'll keep going."

The young man cocked his head to the side. "No arguments about sex? You're progressive, sir. Billy and I always have a fight about it."

"It's your decision. And there's no way we're prosecuting anything that will make it look like entrapment. The DA will hopefully tap-dance around it and it can only hurt the defense to bring it up. The jury would fall for you."

"What do you mean?"

"Bat your eyes and imply that you were in a personal relationship with him, suddenly it'll be no different than a girl-friend testifying about her gang-banger's drug habit. If anything the jury will listen more closely because you have something serious to lose."

"I don't love him. Don't listen to Billy about that. He's a dangerous man and I should keep my distance. But I think that's a mistake. He's never going to tell me things if I push him away. To be honest, I'd be more scared to distance myself. Right now, I always know his moods and movements. It just feels so strange to be working when I feel like I'm not doing anything. It's such a passive assignment."

"Billy thinks you work too hard."

"So does Nicky. They're both wrong."

Bartlett let the answer stand. "Just be careful."

"Always, sir."

*****

Vinnie was curled up next to Nicky with a glass of sweet red wine in his hands. They were talking about something innocuous like politics when Nicky thought, I love him. How did I miss that? Vinnie's eyes were lit up with energy and his voice was smooth like good scotch. He was the sort of person Nicky kept as a friend. Izzy was lively and sharp, with glittering eyes and passionate words. She was spicy and warm. Vinnie was passionate, but sweet and soft. Izzy drew out Nicky's lust. Vinnie made him tender.

He reached out and traced the line of Vinnie's jaw. The young man tilted into the touch. "You haven't heard a word in ten minutes, have you?" Vinnie's tone was full of affection and amusement.

"You were discussing the power of religion to affect policy."

Vinnie laughed. "Good recovery, honey."

"I'd rather kiss you than argue with you."

That stopped whatever tangent the younger man was heading down. "Oh."

Nicky kissed him gently, savoring the flavor and feel of him. Vinnie's hand came up to rest hesitantly on Nicky's shoulder, as light as a bird.

****

"Oh, fuck," Billy said softly, watching the living room feed as Alex's voice changed in pitch, signaling the shift to sub-vocal recording. "Please don't give me a running commentary on this. Just tell me to you want to get out of there."

But his partner had never been that logical. The commentary did, however, turn into a muddle of languages. Alex has the unfortunate tendency to think in Afrikaans. According to himself at least. Billy didn't speak it and he refused to get a translator in every time Alex decided to curse. He didn't need to hear this. He was watching it.

****

Alex felt his pulse against the leather collar he'd started wearing again, despite Nicky's dislike. Nicky's lips were warm and soft. It was strange to feel the brush of calloused fingers along his cheek. Nicky hadn't touched him that way in recent memory. Nicky took the wine glass and set it on the table. Alex blinked feeling fuzzy and pleasantly giddy. Nicky pulled the younger man closer and kissed him again, this time much more deeply.

"Nicky? What just happened?" Alex asked, not moving out of the embrace.

"I realized that I love you."

"You didn't know?"

"You did?"

"Of course you love me. You want to protect me and coddle me and keep me close. We don't even talk sometimes, but you hate going home. You don't mind me being with Izzy. You trust me not to take advantage of you. Besides, your father says I'm the first boy you've brought home to meet him."

"I've taken other boyfriends to meet him. He just didn't like them. Now, hush a minute."

Alex quieted obediently. Don't freak on me, Billy. It'll be okay, he thought. Nicky kissed him then, gently, sweetly, deeply and Alex let himself be carried away by it.

"I want to make love to you, Vinnie."

Alex looked into Nicky's eyes, judging his sincerity. "Are you sure?"

"Yes, I'm sure. I've been sure for months. Let me show you, baby. Let me show you what it's like. Let me make you soar."

"I'll be boring to you afterward. It's the hunt you've been enjoying."

"Don't bullshit me, baby. if I didn't want this badly enough to make my teeth ache, I wouldn't have said anything. You're a tease, Vinnie, and I don't think you know it. You look at me with such beautiful eyes that I want to watch them instead of the sky."

"I didn't know you were a romantic."

"Of course I am." Nicky smiled. "It's okay, we'll take it slow."

Alex pulled at his ear, playing with the earring that wasn't there anymore. It was a habit he'd thought he'd long-since lost. "I'm sorry. It's just. . .'

"Sh. It's okay. Don't think. Just feel.'

"That's the worst advice ever given."

Nicky kissed him. "Shut up, Vinnie. Don't be scared," he added more gently.

"If I told you to stop, would you?" Alex whispered.

"Yes."

"Liar."

Nicky kissed him again.

****

"Say 'no', Lex. Please, for my sanity, say 'no,'" Billy begged. He watched in mute horror as Alex brushed the hair away from Nicky's eyes.

"Billy don't intervene. It's a calculated risk. Take a deep breath and trust me."

"Fucking recorder. I don't want to hear your justifications, Lex. I want your fucking safe word. Fuck!" Billy hid his face in his hands.

"He won't hurt me, partner. Please, trust me." Then, Alex was too busy remembering to breath to say anything else. The electronic bugs gave Billy all too clear of a soundtrack. He didn't dare look at the screen.

"Bartalone, you be quick," he murmured.

****

Nicky unbuckled the leather choker and tossed it on the table. He stroked Vinnie's neck and was shocked when the young man started to giggle. "Not the neck, you bastard."

Nicky laughed. "So you wear it because. . ."

"I'm really ticklish right there." Vinnie was sulking, but his eyes were glittering.

The gangster ran a thumb over the soft lips. "Come on, baby."

"Come where?" The pout turned into a shy smile.

"To the bedroom. I'll be gentle don't worry."

"Show me."

Nicky kissed his lover gently. They'd cuddled, played and teased each other endlessly, but even now he could feel Vinnie trembling under his hands.

****

Alex tried to calm his heart-rate and racing thoughts. He spared a thought for his partner who was likely tearing his hair out. He'd made the final decision when Nicky had asked him once again. He had to give the man credit. He'd been satisfied with cuddling and caressing and company for six months. It was time. But his hands were still cold and his heart was fluttering in his chest.

****

Nicky led his lover to the bedroom. it was such a little thing, but Vinnie had never looked quite as young to him as in that moment. He pulled the young man into a hug and held him for a long moment. Vinnie calmed a bit at the close contact. Nicky rubbed Vinnie's back absently. He was reminded that Vinnie was incredibly toned and warm. He wanted to feel actual skin under the tee-shirt. He tugged it free and slipped a hand underneath. Vinnie squeaked a bit. He looked Nicky in the eye.

"Tell me you aren't going to dump me."

"Oh, baby. I want to make love with you, not fuck you. This isn't some fling. It feels like you've always been here. I don't want to go anywhere else. I promise this isn't the end. It's the beginning."

"And how many other people have you given that speech to?"

"Only one and you've met her."

"Izzy?"

"Yes."

"And you're fine with cheating on her."

"She's still around." Nicky grinned in amusement. "Now get this shirt off. I want to see you."

"Why?"

Nicky blinked. "Because you're gorgeous."

Vinnie turned bright red at that. He pulled off his shirt and Nicky stroked gently down his side, wondering at the scars he rarely got to see. Blood flowed wherever he touched the pale skin.

"I don't know what I'm doing, Nick. I don't know where to start."

"It's no different than being with a woman."

"Um. That isn't very helpful."

Nicky froze. "I thought you were bi."

"I am."

****

Alex couldn't help the satisfied amusement that welled up. he couldn't be the only virgin in the world. Not with AIDS and Legacy and all the other nasties out there. But Bartalone was not catching the clues he'd given out. He watched comprehension fill the dark eyes.

"Wow." Nicky seemed stunned. Then, he smiled and it was like a star going supernova. "Thank you. Don't be worried, just explore. Touch. Feel. Experience. The first time things will be a little over-whelming. It gets easier with practice. And, honey, I am planning a lot of practice."

Alex touched the older man's chest hesitantly. He could feel Nicky's heart pumping in his chest. It was strange. He thought nothing of sitting on Nicky's lap, or playing with his hair, but just stopping to felt the pulse of his heart was more intimate than any of that. Nicky held still, letting Alex explore without pressure.

****

Billy knew his jaw was hanging open, but he couldn't help it. His partner was a virgin? After living with Suzanne for over a year? As in never has sex with a woman he'd been engaged to for almost two years? He knew Alex wasn't lying. Alex never lied if he didn't need to. There was a sick, hard ball forming in Billy's stomach.

"Alex, don't do this. It's not worth it," he murmured.

"What's going on?" Brann asked as he returned with dinner and coffee. "Smith getting into trouble?"

"You could say that. Let's say Bartalone isn't going to question whether Lex likes him or not. I cannot believe that Cap didn't tell him not to do this."

Brann looked at the monitor. "Holy shit. He's really going to sleep with him?"

"Yeah. I need more coffee."

"Here. Aren't we going to shut it down?"

"DA says push on and Kelley wants us, to keep going. They can't see what this is doing to him."

"He can stop it with a word, why doesn't he?"

"Because he doesn't want to piss off the comish. This is so fucked up."

"It's his choice."

"No, it isn't really. He's got the DA saying go for it. The fucker's saying 'I want Bartalone's head on a stick no matter what it costs.' And he's got the Cap saying just call it when you're in danger. Lex has no clue what danger means. And Bartalone's pledged his undying love."

"It's Alex's decision. He's an adult."

"He's sheltered. He doesn't know how to deal with things."

"He pulled off the Sanchez operation."

Billy froze. "You've been checking up on us?"

"I wanted to know who I was dealing with. You two are considered the best team in Vice. Why haven't you moved up?"

"There's no positions available together and in Vice. I can't watch this." Billy turned to face Brann.

****

Nicky was quiet as Vinnie worked up the courage to open his shirt. Vinnie slowly, carefully opened the buttons down the front of the white oxford shirt. Nicky didn't hurry him, just watched the flicker of emotions on the young man's face. There was curiosity, fear and courage there. The gentle fingers were cold against his skin. Then, the white shirt was open and Vinnie's fingers were exploring the panes of the chest in front of him. He brushed over Nicky's nipples and they hardened.

****

This part of the process Alex understood. There was a very fine line between playing around and sex. He'd skated along that edge for years. He was a master at heavy petting and teasing. He'd decided to go all the way this time though, and his thoughts layered up on themselves trying to justify it to God, the jury, IA, and Billy. The root of the problem was just that he wanted to do it. He wanted to bring Nicky to him and bask in that attention. He wanted to hold him and keep him and give him a few good memories before this little dream-world came crashing down around them.

Alex blinked rapidly, cursing the tears, shoving them down and away. Happiness was always fleeting. He could hear his father shouting at him from somewhere deep in his mind, telling him this was sick and shameful. But at the moment the voice was being out-shouted by his own will. He'd deal with the consequences in the morning. He leaned forward and pressed a soft kiss to Nicky's mouth. "Make me stop thinking," he whispered. He ran his hand down Nicky's side to rest on his waist.

Nicky took him at his word and took control of the proceedings. He kissed Alex thoroughly, exploring his mouth, while his hand stroked down his back. The gangster's fingers ran around the edge of Alex's jeans. Alex put one arm around Nicky's throat and explored his body with interest. He traced the edge of what had to be a knife wound on Nicky's shoulder. He kissed it gently when Nicky freed his mouth. By then his hand was tracing the edge of Nicky's pants, wanting to open them and continue his explorations without clothes for once.

"You're too good for me, baby," Nicky murmured. "First I'm going to see you come for me, then, I'm going to show you all sorts of interesting things you can do after that."

"If all you want is to watch, then why the production?"

"I was wrong you're not an angel, you're an imp."

"I beg to differ, Nicky, no matter which side of Heaven I'm on, I'm still an angel." Alex felt a small smirk slide onto his face. "I thought you didn't want to argue with me?"

"Shut up, Vinnie."

"Yes, Nicky," he answered sweetly. Nicky tickled him, then took a step forward, guiding the younger man to the bed. The bed caught Alex behind the back of his knees and he sat down a little more quickly than he'd planned. He stroked Nicky's abs with his thumbs. Then, he opened his fly to get good look at him. The older man shook his head. He stroked through the short blond hair on top of Alex's head.

*****

Vinnie was an odd mixture of hesitant and eager. His hands seemed to be working independently from his brain. Nicky considered that a sign that he was working on instinct and was glad to see it. It wasn't an act. Vinnie had actually never made love to another man. It explained so much. Billy must have been an idiot. I will never let you out of my sight, Vinnie, he promised silently. I will never let you go. He bent to taste the bare collar bone. Vinnie shivered. The blue eyes closed as Nicky kissed over the perfectly rounded shoulder and the knife scars there. He said a small prayer, thanking God for protecting this innocent from the violence that had obviously touched him more than once.

****

Alex shivered as Nicky traced the scars on his arm. He could still feel the metal slicing through his body. The car had exploded across the street, but it had still seared him with its heat and cut him with flying glass. He'd said the funeral for what remained of the bodies. There had been two children in the back seat of it. He forced his eyes open to look at Nicky, to focus completely on the present sensations. No one had ever cared enough to ask him about the scars that he wore as the battle-medals they were. Nicky had obviously come to his own conclusions and wasn't asking him anything.

"Relax, Vin, I'll be gentle. Tell me if you get scared, okay, baby?"

Alex nodded.

*****

Nicky moved as quickly as he dared. He felt his own cock hardening in response to the rising blood on his lover's skin. God, he was beautiful, eyes wide, watching, body welcoming the heat of his touch. He stripped off Vinnie's jeans and briefs, leaving them in a heap next to the bed. His own pants swiftly followed. He stepped forward and felt the heat of the younger man all along his body.

Vinnie arched into his touch. His pretty blue eyes closed and his arms encircled Nicky's neck. Strong arms and firm muscles were what Nicky wanted in his male lovers. Too often though, what he got was a passive little simp of a thing just looking for a hand-out. Maybe that was why he'd actually fallen for Vinnie. Vinnie wasn't afraid to argue with him. His muscles were useful not for show. He was strong under all of his sweetness and the gangster had to admire that. He kissed the younger man again. "Before we get too far, baby, did Izzy. . ."

"In the drawer. She brought it up before you did." There was an ironic smile to accompany the comment, but Nicky barely glanced at it. Izzy had always taken an interest in his pets. She wanted to stay safe. Ah, there they were, his favorite condoms and lube. He thought Vinnie would appreciate the scented slick. Vinnie was watching him, half-propped on his elbows. "She also gave me an instruction manual for handling you, but I didn't bother to read it. Maybe I should have."

"Instruction manual?" Nicky blinked, finally realizing that it probably was a little strange for his wife to be so involved in his affairs. He shook his head. "No, she'd just lie."

"I think she likes me better than the last boy you had. And I think I should take exception to her calling me your boy. I'm not that young. And I don't know why she keeps thinking I'm not legal."

"You look like you're sixteen."

Vinnie rolled his eyes. "I'm not."

"Hush, Vin. It's okay."

The bookie subsided into silence. There was a tension in him that hadn't been before. "I don't know if I can handle this," he said quietly. "I've never really, not anything beyond, well, mutual masturbation sometimes."

Nicky stroked the soft cheek. "I promise. It will be okay, baby. Can you trust me that far?"

"Yes."

"Then it'll be okay." Nicky kissed him trying to convey all of his passion and desire in the firmness of it. Vinnie responded with enthusiasm. Nicky looked down at him with a hunger that surprised himself. "I want to devour you. I want to take everything you'll give me. I want to make you a part of me. I will never let you go. Never." Vinnie shivered, blue eyes dilated, lips parted to pant in a breath.

****

Alex stared up at the older man, eyes not completely focused on his face. There was fire running through his body and it felt like a benediction when Nicky's lips touched his once more. He closed his eyes. The little voice in his head surrendered to the moment and there was nothing to do but touch and taste and feel. Nicky was talking to him, but he barely understood the words. They were just a flow of wine and he was drunk on the intensity of them.

His hands stroked over the tangled hair of Nicky's chest, finding his nipples and toying with them. They stiffened into hard pebbles and Alex wondered idly if a woman's would feel as firm. He'd never gotten this far with Suzanne because he'd never wanted to face the temptation. Somehow he didn't think they would be. His fingers trailed up the warm body in front of him, feeling hard muscle, to settle on his shoulders. He tangled his fingers finally in Nicky's hair.

The kisses left him panting and hard. Nicky didn't seem to be pressed for time. "Don't torture me, Nick."

Nicky smirked at him. He kissed him again, pushing back a little until Alex found himself flat on the bed with no idea how he'd gotten there. He lay back dazed.

****

Billy couldn't turn off the external speakers, but he didn't have to watch the unfolding seduction. He kept his back to the monitor. "What did you find out about us in your little investigation then?" he asked Brann. "What makes you say we're the best?"

"You've got the Sanchez operation. You've gotten kudos from IA for cleaning up an internal drug ring. SWAT seems to think that your partner's one of them. The only people I hear any bad-mouthing from is other Vice members. They say you two are the best, but that you're out of control. They think you need to pull back more. I'm beginning to understand why." Brann looked over Billy's shoulder at the monitor. "Is this really a first?"

"Yes," Billy snapped. "He's never pushed it this far. Never. He's gotten far into groups. He knows every damned gang. He's got contacts in every family. I'm actually shocked that they put us on this case. Cap wanted us off for valid reasons. One of them being that we're actually in the middle of two operations. He's pushing into a white supremacy movement. That was actually going well. We'd set up his background for their checks and he was planning on milking the South Africa thing for all it was worth. He's actually pissed about not being able to run the op." Billy shook his head. "This op is so intense though that I can't see it. You know what sort of comp time we're getting for it. But we've got other tech crews to watch him. He doesn't. That's why I'm willing to put up with so much of his shit. I've done it for an hour or two, but 24-7? I'd be insane."

Brann snorted. "You both are insane. If he were my full-time partner I'd have to kill him. Why doesn't he like me anyway?"

"What makes you think he doesn't like you?"

"He's a total asshole to me."

Billy rolled his eyes. "He's just trying to get you riled up a little bit. He likes to argue and you're someone he hasn't fought with before. Lex believes that you get to know a man best by what he's willing to fight for."

"That explains him, but what about you?"

"I like you."

"But why are you here?"

"I'm his partner?"

"Don't be an asshole."

"Sorry. He's rubbed off on me. He does dumb blond well. I'm a techie. I'm supposed to be on the computer crimes task force. Lex and I were in the academy together. I testified on his behalf when he beat up the shit who was trying to rape him. Got that bastard out of the force. He attracts trouble and I'm consistently there for him."

"You're not answering my question."

"I'm here because this is where I want to be. I follow orders. And when they told me I was transferred to Vice, I didn't question it."

"Should you have?"

"Probably. I know that Alex got me there, I just don't know how. You'll have to ask him."

"As if he'd tell me. But you still haven't answered my question. Why haven't you looked outside of Vice? You've got a great record. I think he's holding you back. Your career. . ."

"I don't care about advancing. That's not the point. Besides, I've got enough responsibility. I have to manage him." Billy jerked a thumb over his shoulder at the monitors.

Brann let the subject drop finally. "So pizza or Chinese tonight?"

****

Nicky prepared his lover carefully. Vinnie's body was tight. The small ring of muscle gave slowly under the pressure until he'd managed to get three fingers in. Vinnie was making small protesting noises, but his body was still moving towards Nicky not away. He guessed at the mixed words. It certainly sounded like Vinnie wanted him to move faster. He gave the young man's cock a comforting stroke, but didn't change his pace.

Vinnie whined deep in his throat. His head arched back exposing his throat. Nicky smirked down at him. The blue eyes were slitted in an attempt to remain focused on the gangster's face. His lashes closed as his breathing became rougher. Nicky held his pace, adding more lube and making sure he kept Vinnie on the edge of sensation. The young man was flushed. He was speaking a muddle of languages, but the tone of voice was quite clear and demanding. Nicky prepared himself, then pressed for entrance. Vinnie whined deep in his throat and squirmed. Nicky wasn't quite sure what he wanted, so he stroked the solid abs to gentle him. Vinnie's fingers clenched the bed-spread as he surrendered.

*****

It seemed that all there was in the world was pressure and heat and the cacophony of voices in his head. Alex could hear them, distinct memories, and unusual combinations. His father's voice was drowned out by Cas' laughter asserting that it was about damned time that he enjoyed himself and Madre Dios what took so long. There were other voices in there, Snake and the other boys he'd listened to as they told their stories. He could hear Snake most clearly though. Remember Reverend when it comes down to it, if God didn't want us to enjoy it, why did he make it feel so good? Just relax and have some faith. Then, Nicky brushed Alex's prostate and all of the voices dissolved into a chime of musical precision that drowned out everything that wasn't pure pleasure.

Minutes, years, centuries later it was over and they were wrapped together, sticky, hot, and smelling of sex and heat and almonds. Alex couldn't keep his eyes open. He just breathed in the scent of Nicky's neck, memorizing it, knowing even when he was blissed that this would end and all they'd have were the memories of this night.

****

Nicky cleaned up his lover and snuggled him into the bedclothes. He settled down next to him, wrapping the younger man in his arms with a smirk of self-satisfaction. He'd kill anyone stupid enough to try to take this man away from him. He stroked Alex's back possessively. He fell asleep with his face buried in Alex's hair.

****

Vinnie whimpered low in his throat. He turned restlessly on the bed. "Cas?" he whispered into the pillows, hands reaching. "Where are you?" he murmured in Spanish. Nicky woke to the sound. He didn't understand the words. He'd never bothered to learn more than a greeting in Spanish. Vinnie sounded scared though. He caught his lover in a tight hug and the bookie relaxed, snuggling in closely.

Nicky watched the younger man sleep for a long time. He traced the scars lightly. Then, he slipped out of the bedroom with his clothes. He needed to get home.

****

Alex woke, confused. He never slept in the nude. It just wasn't done. He sat up and felt a deep ache. Memories slammed into him. He closed his eyes. He sighed. Billy was going to kill him. Well, he would if Alex bothered to show up at their usual meeting. The blond smiled. He'd never backed down when he knew he was right, so he'd have to figure out what his own hang-ups were before he went to the surveillance apartment. He stretched and made his way to the bathroom. He fingered the small gold cross he always wore. He looked up and smiled.

****

Brann crossed his arms and looked down his nose at the young officers. They were squared off across a table, just glaring at one another. They'd ignored him for twenty minutes already, but hadn't said a word. He cleared his throat and they jumped. "What?" Billy asked.

"Aren't you even going to talk?" Brann asked.

"It would be useless. We've both got the argument memorized. He's pissed because I went through with it. I say it's my decision. The commissioner says do whatever we have to. And the Captain says call it if I'm danger. I'm not in danger. This was necessary. And it was my decision. Argument closed."

"It was not necessary. If the DA would get off of his ass we'd be arresting this twisted son-of-a-bitch. You know he's a killer. He's admitted it! And he's a psychopath. He's going to hurt you sooner rather than later. You said it yourself. The hunt is over. He's got you. You aren't fascinating any more."

"Billy, you have your own ideas on lines. I've told you mine. I refuse to argue about it. What's done is done and there's no undoing it. I'm not going to pack up my bags and leave in the middle of a complex case because you're uncomfortable!"

"You're too involved."

"I was too involved before the case started. Now my brother is dead and I don't have a fiancée to worry about. Think about it, Bill, I'm just in the right place and there's not even a gold-fish inconvenienced by it. Just go with the flow. I'll get out when you tell me that he's being arrested."

Brann sighed. "Let me talk to Smith for a minute."

Billy frowned. He went to the next room, closing the door firmly behind himself.

Alex looked at Brann. He didn't speak. He folded his hands in front of him and waited for the detective to speak. "I understand why you did it," Brann said finally. "And I will never judge you for doing it. But I can't understand how you did it. Last I heard you were straight."

"I'm bi. Well, at least theoretically." Alex's cheeks turned red. "I've never really cared what equipment the person has. It's just not something Americans discuss. To be honest, most people don't talk about it. But it does make my life easier. I don't have to worry when I find someone attractive."

"But you're not out?"

"I'm not an idiot. Too many idiots have tried to get me killed just because I didn't grow up in NYC." Alex shrugged. "I'm not going to open myself up to abuse. I get enough teasing because I look like a teenager. They already have me as bait for pedophiles. I don't need to be bait for anything else. This is a unique situation. And God willing, the DA will let us move in and bring them down before the Feds come in and screw everything up." Smith was quiet for a long moment. "Can I trust you, or are you just a supervisor now?"

"I've got your back. I think you've got more guts than sense, but I won't let you get hurt on my watch."

"Thanks." Alex sighed. "I better try to bury the hatchet with Billy. Why is it you never get into fights with people you don't care about?"

Brann just shook his head

****

"Hey, Baby," Nicky said as he came in to the apartment. Vinnie waved at him, but was buried in a database and on the phone. He was talking in rapid-fire Spanish. Nicky's brows rose. He didn't particularly like that development, but it could just be a way of bringing in more business. The family had always steered clear of using Spanish dealers because of the possibility of infiltration by one of the cartels. Nicky frowned. Vinnie hung up.

"Hi, Nicky. What's up?"

"Who was that?"

"A gang-banger who wants odds on the next fight at the Garden." Vinnie finished typing in a few numbers and saved. "In for five thousand."

"Sight unseen?"

"EFT."

Nicky blinked. "This is why I hire computer people."

Vinnie grinned at him. "So, what's for dinner?"

"Am I cooking?"

"I don't know. Either you're cooking, or we're ordering because I can't cook edible food."

"I thought Izzy was teaching you to cook."

"She's been trying, but it looks like I'm hopeless."

"Hopeless? I think you need better motivation."

"Oh? And what sort of motivation might that be?" Vinnie looked up through his lashes. Nicky didn't resist. He leaned down and kissed him firmly on the mouth. The phone rang startling both of them. "If that's a telemarketer tell them I'm not here?"

"I'm not answering it. Let it go to the machine."

"You are so bossy."

Nicky smirked. "Comes with the job. Now, get into the kitchen. I'm going to teach you to make something edible."

Vinnie shook his head. "Oh, don't bother. Please."

Nicky moved the laptop aside. He pulled the young man to his feet. Vinnie pulled against the grip on his arms. Nicky's fingers tightened. There was a hint of fear in those pretty blue eyes. "Hush. I won't hurt you, Baby. That's not my style."

"Promise?"

Nicky considered for a long moment. "No, Vin, I can't promise. If you do something against the organization, I'll punish you. No question. If you're a good boy, there's no problem."

"You have a different definition of good that I do." The young man's eyes dropped.

"Do as you're told. Keep my profits up. Don't turn on us."

"I keep secrets well. Let go, Nicky, please."

"Not until you look me in the eye." It took a moment, but the pretty blue eyes met his again. There were tears in them. Nicky kissed him gently on the forehead. He brushed away a stray hair. "I'm sorry, Baby, I didn't think. I know Billy hurt you. I won't do that. Trust me, Vincent."

"Let go of my arm, Nicky," Vinnie said softly. There was no real command in the young man's voice. But he was trying and the gangster respected that. He wanted his little stray to develop into the leader he could see in him. He released his grip. He stroked the soft cheek with his thumb and lifted his chin to kiss his mouth. Vinnie let him kiss him, but didn't respond.

"I'm sorry, Vinnie," he whispered softly. "Come with me, baby, we'll make some pasta and you can tell me about expanding into the Spanish market."

Vinnie relaxed. They spent the night in a cheerful discussion of business and food.

*****

"Hi, Mama," Alex said into the phone. His hands kept working at the letter he was typing up, even as he turned his attention to his mother. "How are you?"

"I'm fine, ma petite." Alex noted the endearment and knew he was in for trouble.

"And how are my sweet sisters?"

"They are trouble as always," she replied. "But they have asked why they haven't heard from you in almost six months."

"I don't have anything to tell them, Mama."

"Alexander Jebediah," she threatened lightly.

"I'll call them, Mama."

"They're your responsibility now, ma petite. Now that we have lost Michael someone needs to watch over them."

"Papa will watch them as always. I'm the baby remember?"

"Don't whine. It's unbecoming. Your father has been talking about a trip to LA. Will you come?"

"I have responsibilities here, Mama. I can't just fly out to LA. I'll be with you in spirit. I have enough trouble keeping the gangs here straight without throwing in another town."

"You're still doing your gang ministry though?"

"Always, Mama. I've hammered out accords with most of the gangs. If I get someone into a regular job and a regular life, they won't jeopardize it. Not unless they turn informer. Then, it can get ugly."

"How is your heart, petite?"

"I'm fine, Mama. I've come to terms with her leaving. It was for the best. We weren't in it for the same reasons. I'm sorry to disappoint you, but you won't be having any more grandchildren right now."

"I hear rumors. They say you've fallen in with a bad crowd. With the crowd that got Zebadiah killed."

"They are rumors, Mama. And they should be taken only as rumors." Alex closed his eyes against the tears. He hated lying to her, even if it were only a lie of mis-direction. She was quiet on the other end.

"I shouldn't have asked. I know you can't talk about work," she said finally. He could hear the hurt in her words and it cut through him. Every day he spent playing at being Vinnie was another day farther from his family. Maybe his father was right to say that his faith was faltering. "I'll talk to you next week, ma petite."

"I love you, mama. Goodbye."

"You are in my prayers." She hung up the phone. Alex put the mobile phone away in his pocket. He closed down his programs and went to sit on the couch. He opened his Bible and began to read. The familiar words calmed him. Am I doing the right thing? he asked in the silence of his own mind. Is lying to get the truth right? His eyes closed and he dove into the thoughts that he normally faced while running. He didn't doubt his abilities. He was good enough to fool anyone he wanted. It was the deeper question. Was he just after vengeance for Cas' death or was this where he was meant to be? It took a heartbeat for the answer to come back. God would not have given me my ability if he didn't mean me to use it for good. Contented he opened his eyes and went back to work.

****

"Is there any word yet, Bill? I'm getting frustrated."

Billy looked at his partner. He was dressed for gang ministry work. That meant jeans with white sneakers, a white tee, and a white shirt that hung open as a jacket. His surplus army coat hung over the back of the chair. His cross seemed slightly tarnished, though that was likely because he never took the damned thing off. He sighed. The hope in the blue eyes faded. "Just keep up the good work."

"The good work. Don't we have enough evidence?"

"The DA wants more."

"What focus?"

"Drugs."

"I've given him the shipping schedules and an org-chart. What more does he need to start building cases?"

"I don't know. But the FBI has been sniffing around trying to find out if we have anyone good enough to be inside the family. Cap told them to fuck off."

"Don't they have someone inside?"

"I thought they did, but maybe they just want fresh blood. I don't know. No one volunteered your name. No one volunteered anything to those pricks. They just breezed in and started asking questions without even talking to Cap first. That's what pissed him off the most. He wants to see you again."

"I keep coming here, don't I? So, any idea when this is over?"

"Sorry, buddy."

Alex sighed. He leaned back. "I'm just getting bored I guess. It's like I've been married against my will. It's not like I can date. Not that I did much of that, but it's more the principle of the thing."

Billy snorted. "I hear that. I spend most of my time watching you get laid."

"Nicky's on a tight schedule. Wednesdays and Fridays with me. Every other night with Izzy or she'll cut off his balls. It seems like enough for him."

"He gets laid every night. Besides, he's getting up there. The equipment doesn't work the same way."

Alex laughed out loud. "Seems fully functional. Izzy hasn't mentioned anything and I'm the first one she'd ask, I'm sure. I've met a lot of people in the family, but they all seem to think of me as Nicky's boyfriend and nothing more. No one seems to connect me with the gaming side of things, which is amusing. If I'd known they'd tell that much to a significant other, I'd have seduced my way in earlier." He ran a hand through his hair. "How's tricks for you?"

"Well, let's see, I get to follow you all over the place with my fancy listening equipment. I get to edit a bloopers reel for when this is all over. I've got transcripts of conversations that mostly deaden the nerves. It's to the point where I'm taking dictation from your apartment. And when you're sitting there, doing whatever you do on that damned laptop, I work on getting the tapes typed up."

"You know, I think I'd be lying if I said I wished I could help with that. I don't miss the paperwork. My reports are being filed regularly aren't they?"

"Of course. I take good care of you. You up for dinner?"

"I could eat. And I never refuse if someone else is buying."

"Are you planning on running tonight?"

"No." Alex was quiet for a moment. "I've had this weird feeling that I'm being watched while I'm doing my ministry. I don't know if it's something I should be worried about, or if one of the gangs in the area just decided to keep an eye on me. Maybe Nicky hired a guard for me. If so, he's going to think I'm cheating on him with you. I think you've just become a charity case in that even." Alex winked. "You'll be an agoraphobic or something. You were saying something about dinner though right?"

"Right. Brann should be here in a minute."

"I miss being able to work on more than one case."

"I hear that, Lex. Believe me."

"I always do."

****

Time passed fairly quickly. Alex was reading the newest imported papers. He had friends in all of the countries he'd lived in that sent him papers to keep up to date with the world he'd left behind. He sent letters too, hundreds of them some months, depending on what was going on in the world. He corresponded regularly in a multitude of languages that made other people's heads spin. Nicky opened the front door and Alex looked up with a smile.

The smile faded as he took in the older man's grim visage. "What's wrong, Nicky?" he asked softly. He put his paper onto the coffee table and went to his lover's side.

"We had a mole in the family," he said quietly. "She was a fucking Fed bitch who'd be passing on our financial secrets."

"Anyone I know?" Automatically, Alex started reviewing his own behaviors. The family would be on alert now.

"Sylvia Burton. She did accounting for the shell companies. She was new a few months ago. I think you met her at the garden party. Not pretty, but she seemed competent. And I trusted Louie to be able to judge his own business dealings." Nicky shook his head. "She's done a lot of damage to the organization in a short time. There are clear ties to all of our front businesses. Stupid bitch was using our own computer to send blind copies of emails to the FBI directly."

"So what are you going to do with her?"

Nicky patted Vinnie's cheek. "It's already done. I put the gun to the back of her head myself. Her brains splattered beautifully on the tarp. We'll be dropping to body in the river tonight. Now, get me some wine."

"You killed her?"

"What did you think we'd do? Smack her on the back of the hand?" Nicky's voice was harsh. Alex winced away from it.

"You murdered her."

"I exterminated an infected rat that's all. Vinnie, cops are *not* our friends. They will not be nice to us. They will not make excuses. People's lives depend on our secrecy. She had to die. She deserved it."

"People do not deserve to die!" Alex couldn't help it. He'd argued against capital punishment in the middle of a police station. It hadn't gotten him anywhere, but he couldn't let it go. "She wasn't physically threatening anyone. She wasn't violent."

"She was a threat. She was eliminated. Deal with it. Have you ordered dinner?"

"No, I will not deal with it, Nicky. You murdered someone."

"I've killed over a dozen people in my life. You've known that. Even Mickey killed."

Alex shook his head. "I can't believe that. Mickey wouldn't kill."

"He did. Even you would under the right circumstances. Spies know what they're in for."

"I don't care if she was selling state secrets! You don't get to kill people and get away with it. It's wrong. That's the bottom line." Alex couldn't help but yell. Why couldn't the man at least try to see things from his perspective?

"I can. I will. I will do anything necessary to protect my family."

"You weren't protecting your family. You were protecting your money!"

Nick's hands fisted. "The family must be kept secret. That little cunt believed that we all deserved to die. She spat it in my face. Said that she wished we would all just curl up and die. I would have killed her more quickly, but she was so self-righteous. We beat it out of her in the end though."

"So not only did you murder her, you tortured her. What sort of man are you?"

"One who knows how to do what needs to be done. We need to send a message to those pigs not to fuck with us."

"They're only doing their job, Nicky. What you do, what I do, it's all illegal for a reason. Murder, extortion, prostitution, gambling, drugs, money-laundering, the list goes on and on. It needs to stop somewhere. You could stop it. Why won't you?"

"There is always some else to take up the slack! If we don't fight and win our territory every day those chinks or the spics will take over and drive us into ruin. They won't stop until we're dead. I won't let that happen. And I won't let some stupid cunt who thinks her accounting degree makes her Elliot Fucking Ness interfere in my business. She knew what she was in for. All those pigs make the choice. It's just business."

"Murder is not business. And money does not justify it!"

"I was exterminating a mole that was eating my crops. Nothing more nothing less. You're going to have to come to terms with it. One of these days you're going to have to get rid of some slacker in your network."

"I won't murder someone because they aren't doing the job. I'll find some other way to do it."

"Pigs are vermin."

"Cops are human beings. She had a family. Someone will mourn her."

Nicky snorted.

Alex threw his hands up. "I don't know why I try. Go back to your apartment, Nicky. I'll get something for you." Alex's voice was flat. He didn't want to deal with Nicky's attentions when he could see blood on the man's hands. "I'll pray for you. Then, I'll set up a successor. I'll find someone reliable to take over. Someone from the current network. Then, I'll pack up some clothes and get out of your hair. At least the place is already decorated."

****

Nicky didn't recognize that he was in the hallway until the door shut behind him. His brain processed all of Vinnie's muttered comments. Fury ran through his body. He slammed back into the apartment. The door slammed shut behind him. He caught Vinnie by his arm and threw the phone away from him. The young man hadn't finished dialing yet, so it was safe enough to toss it onto the couch. The blue eyes stared at him in shock.

"You do not order me around. And you will not leave. You do not give this up until you have my permission. You will not leave me. I won't let you," Nicky spoke quietly. "You are mine."

Vinnie tried to pull away. Nicky's fingers tightened. The first two blows across Vinnie's face startled the gangster as much as the young man. Then, something broke and Nicky couldn't stop himself. He landed several very solid blows to the smaller man's torso. He let Vinnie fall to the floor, blood dripping from his nose and mouth. He kicked him once in the back. His lover curled up on himself. Nicky looked down at him. Then, he poured himself a drink from the bar. "Where is your other phone?"

Vinnie shivered. "On the desk," he said breathlessly. Nicky picked up both phones and set them on the counter inside the kitchen. He placed the laptop there as well. He pulled the land-line phone out of the wall. After he put the phone with the growing collection, he squatted down next to his lover.

"I will not let you leave me, Vinnie," he said quietly. "I'll kill you first. Do you understand?"

Vinnie nodded jerkily, tears running down his face. His cheek was starting to swell. Nicky stroked his hair away from his eyes. "Nick," the soft voice was firm, "if you ever hit me again you better knock me out, because this is the only time I'll turn the other cheek."

Bartalone stared into the red-rimmed blue eyes. They were hard sapphires. He smirked. "I'll put you to bed, Vincent." He scooped his lover up and placed him onto the soft bedding. He kissed the young man's forehead. He leaned down to whisper directly into Vinnie's ear. "If you betray the family, if you cheat on me, or if you try to leave, I will kill you. I will put my gun to your head and pull the trigger. I don't give up my property."

"Slavery is illegal in this country, Nicky." Vinnie's voice shook.

"Do you understand me?"

"Yes," he finally answered. "I understand you."

"Good. Rest for awhile, Baby. I'll get dinner."

****

Billy was five seconds away from calling the whole deal as he saw Alex fall. But there was no threat to his life yet. And damn it all, they'd just gotten a complete confession. The DA would have to let them close it down now. His partner would kill him. Besides, it was safer not to blow Alex's cover. Nicky had already killed one person, Billy'd be damned if he'd let him kill another. "I'm still watching, Lex. I've got the speed-dial set," he whispered to the screen. Alex grasped his cross and closed his eyes. His lips moved in a silent prayer. Billy found himself praying as well. His prayer was a lot simpler though: "God, don't let him get killed."

****

Stupid, Jeb, stupid, Alex berated himself. You knew he was dangerous, but you let your guard down. He's not in love with you, he's in love with Vinnie not you. You can't talk to him like that! He's not Cas. He doesn't give a damn if you live through it or if your morals are being bent. Breathing felt like fire in his lungs. There was a painful ache in his back from the kick to his kidneys. He tried to open his eyes, but one was swollen shut already. He wiped the blood from his nose with the back of his hand. He tried to sit up, but the pain in his chest made him gag.

Nicky came back. He had an icepack for Alex's swollen jaw. "Dank."

"Open your eyes for me."

"Waarom?"

"In English, Babe."

"Sorry." Alex forced one eye open. Nicky frowned. "The other one won't open." The gangster stroked the unbruised cheek.

"That's okay. Keep the ice on your face and it won't swell as badly. I'll come get you for dinner."

"I'm not hungry, Nick."

Nicky shook his head. "Let's get you more comfortable."

"I'm fine."

"Bullshit." Nicky was surprisingly gentle. There were no pain drugs on offer, so it still hurt like Hell to take off his tee-shirt. Alex caught Nicky's hand before he could unfasten his jeans.

"Nicky."

"Hush, Baby. You'll sleep better."

"I won't be sleeping at all until I'm sure that my eyes aren't doing weird things. Go have dinner. Go back home."

"Shut up, Vinnie."

"Why should I?"

Nicky sighed. "You can't goad me that easily, sweetheart."

Alex was quiet. He let Nicky help him strip off his jeans and get under the covers. "I'm not tired, Nicky," he said softly. Nicky smirked. Alex couldn't help it. He swiped at him. "You are a letch." The gangster laughed. It was a bright sound and Alex hated him for it. "Sadist," he muttered.

"Hush, Vin." The doorbell rang and Nicky went to get it.

****

It took three days before Nicky was willing to leave Vinnie alone. The young man accompanied him everywhere for those three days. It was a cook's tour of the organization. The young man had learned his lessons about protesting activities within the organization, but he did try to subvert some of the people they met to his way of thinking. His face was swollen, but Nicky was amazed that the make-up he'd been ordered to get covered the bruising so well. He was forcefully reminded that Vinnie had experience at hiding bruises. There was a tight thread of guilt associated with that, but it had to be done.

"I don't want to know this much, Nicky," Vinnie said quietly. "I don't want to know everyone and everything you do. I don't want to be a part of every piece of this organization. I just want to go back to my little piece of it."

Nicky laughed. "Baby, everyone knows that I want you to take over if anything happens to me."

"I think I should have my head examined. It must be a concussion. I thought you said you wanted me to take over?"

"I did."

Vinnie stared at him. The swelling had faded, but without the makeup the bruising was incredible. "You are completely insane."

"You're the best candidate for the position. I know you won't try to kill me for it. I've seen you transform Mickey's network into something that rivals a Vegas mega-casino without any deaths. I think you're perfect. You learn quickly." Nicky shrugged. "And there's no cop in the world who'd believe you're capable of it."

"Thanks," Vinnie said, rolling his eyes. "You are so full of shit, Nick. And no, you may not hug me. My ribs still hurt."

"See. Like I said, you're perfect."

***

Alex looked at his partner. "He said what?"

"He said, that in light of the fact that Nicky wants you in charge, they want to give it a month so there's no connection to this."

"Will you cover for me if I shoot him? That miserable son of a bitch." Alex was cradling his ribs.

"How many did he break?"

"I didn't bother going to the hospital to find out. The clinic thinks it was five or so. I'll live."

"I almost called it. Christ, Lex, he threatened to kill you."

"I know."

"Why didn't you give me the sign?"

"Because at the time, I was more worried about not pissing him off. We learned more after the fucking beating than before." Alex sighed. "I was pretty sure you'd call it without my sign anyway."

"I almost did, but he didn't cross the line we set."

"You set."

"We set."

Alex's lips tightened. "Fine. Do you have aspirin around here?"

"Sure. Hold on. Tylenol okay?"

"It'll do fine. I was worried about punctures and all, but I'd be dead already. Izzy's pissed at him."

"Why?" Billy dug through his drawer for the pills. "I thought everyone assumed it was another attack. Why haven't you been brining those to our attention?"

"Attacks? What attacks? Since the asshole with the knife there hasn't been anyone. Am I being followed?"

"Not that I've noticed. And I have checked. There's even a third person on watch with us now."

"Who?"

"Jameson."

"Oh good. She's a nice girl."

"She's thinks you're just too cute when you're cuddling with Nicky." Billy smirked over his shoulder at his partner. It served the man right for scaring him so badly. "I think she wants copies of the tapes."

Alex blushed bright red. "Did you sneak a camera into the bedroom that I don't know about?"

"Two words, kitchen island."

Alex blinked. "Oh, God, I was too drunk that night. Tell me you didn't let her get copies. Tell me that there isn't an underground market of our evidence tapes."

Billy considered. "I could get good money for that, but no. There's nothing running around the bullpen. We're on double hush and no one is willing to compromise you. Well, they'd like to see you fail once, but they aren't going to jeopardize our case. They know you get violent."

"I'm a modified pacifist."

"With SWAT connections. Here." He tossed over the pills. Alex dry-swallowed them. "So should I tell Cap to up the pressure to shut down the operation?"

"Bill, I'll do whatever you say right now. I don't think I'm objective."

"Do you think he's going to hurt you again?"

Alex waved away the concern. "That's not what worries me. I worry that I'm getting too far into the organization. I know these people now and some of them are assholes and some of them aren't. I eat dinner with the Godfather on Sundays because he likes discussing religion with me. I go shopping with Nicky's wife. His children think of me as family. I'm their guardian if Nicky dies! He even set it up under my quote unquote alias of Alex Smith so I can hide them if I need to. It's been a year!"

"Next month makes it a year. We'll be shut down by then. There's no way the commissioner will be able to drag it out any more."

"What if he does? Jesus, Billy, what if he wants to watch us fall too? What if this is just some bizarre personal crusade for him? He wants to stick it to the Bartalone family. He doesn't care if people get killed. Nicky owns a senator. He's got fingers in so many dirty little pies that it's a wonder that he fell for the fucking goodie-two-shoes Vinnie and not some hard-nosed punk. And what possible reason could he have for trying to give me the business?"

Billy settled heavily in the other chair at the table. "For all the reasons he cited. You're smart. You aren't after power. And you wouldn't be a suspect. Christ, even if some cop had figured out that Vinnie was in charge of gambling, he'd assume that it was more of a figure-head deal. You get along with his wife. His kids like you. His father likes you. Why wouldn't he? He knows you'll turn it over to his son as soon as you think he's ready for it."

"Absolute power corrupts absolutely."

"Those who least want power are the ones who should be given it," Billy countered sharply. "Alex, the reasons you don't want to rise in the force are the very reasons you should. The reasons Vinnie doesn't want the company are the reasons he should have it. I think it's the smartest idea Nicky's ever had. You'll spin off the legitimate businesses and hold them in trust for his children. You'll keep his supply chains neat and thoroughly vett anyone you want to bring in by pulling your harmless preacher routine to talk to them. You're the first one who'll spot a cop. Hell you probably didn't even notice that you shied away from the fed at the garden party. You just didn't like her and stuck closer to Nicky after you met her."

"Don't lay that at my door right now, Billy," Alex said softly. "He gave me all the graphic details of what he did to her and what he'd do to any cop that infiltrated his organization. It was so hard not to blow Marshall's cover when I met with him yesterday."

"Marshall's in the company?"

"Running drugs as a mid-level pusher. He's been doing it for awhile now. I thought you knew? He knew me as Reverend Smith. He raised a brow when I was introduced as Vinnie."

"He forgot seeing you at the station every day?"

"How often am I on day shift?"

Billy nodded. "Do you have to get back?"

"I should, but I just don't want to. Nicky's going home tonight to see his wife so that she doesn't castrate him." Alex looked at the monitors. "Who's that?"

Billy looked over at the screen. "Nicky's security force. They check to make sure your doors and windows are secure every day. They don't sweep for bugs, but they make sure that there's nothing harmful in the place. They test your drinks for drugs or poisons. They test the water. They do a general sweep for anything that could hurt you." He shrugged. "I kept thinking that you would walk in on them, but they know your routine."

"Nicky never mentioned them."

"They check his apartment too. I've never seen them open a piece of mail or touch a computer. They just look for physical danger."

"That's creepy. You're sure I'm not being followed?"

"Do you think that you are?"

"Yes."

Billy blinked. There was no hesitation in the word. There was no pause to think about the answer. "Why?"

"I don't know. I just do. It's a gut reaction. There's even someone watching me run. That's why I don't go to the station at all now." Alex sighed. He pressed a hand to his ribs. "It's not my imagination or my paranoia. Someone's watching me, but I don't know how. I never see them. They never approach me. They don't interfere in anything I do. They just watch and it's beginning to really freak me out."

"Are you taking your pills?"

"Pills?"

"For the paranoia," Billy said.

Alex threw the Tylenol at him. "Bastard."

"You love me anyway."

"Why else would I put up with you?"

"No one else will work with you."

Alex laughed. "Don't make me laugh!"

Billy smirked. "My secret weapon against you getting into a mope. I'll check on the area around the apartment again to see if I can find out who might be watching you. I'm sure it's probably one of Nicky's hirelings, but we'll find out."

"Good. I better get home. I've got letters to write."

"Lex, you know you can tell me anything right?"

"I know. How many secrets do you think I can keep in fish-bowl land?"

"A lot more than you need to," Billy answered his partner softly. Alex looked at him for a long moment.

"I've been having nightmares again, haven't I?"

"Yeah."

"What have I been saying?"

"You keep calling for someone named Cas. Another sibling?"

Alex paled. He shook his head. "Not something I'm willing to talk about," he said finally. "I just can't."

"Seal of confessional sort of thing?"

"Hehn?"

"Preacher-parishioner confidentiality?"

"Something like that."

"When you're ready, I can keep secrets too."

"I know you've got my back. Thanks. I better get going. I've got rounds to do and I can't exactly jog between them."

"Alex, if you think you're in danger, I'll call it and tell the commissioner to fuck himself."

The young man shook his head. "No, I'll be fine. I'll abide by your decision though. I may be too close to this thing."

Billy felt bile in his throat. If Alex was being submissive to him, Bartalone must really have sent him for a loop. "Be careful, Lex. Don't give him any excuse to hurt you."

"Don't worry, Bill. This time I'll hit back." The usually bright smile was brittle. "It's getting heavy in here. I'm going to work. See you next week."

****

"Shit, Reverend, what happened to you?" Jamal asked.

"Got into a fight."

"I don't think I want to see the other guy," he joked. The reverend gave him a half-shrug and a half-smile. "Tell me you hit back?"

"Not this time. I always turn the other cheek unless my life is on the line. God is no stranger to violence and neither am I. Tell me, Jamal, what have you been up to? How is your daughter?"

"She's goin' to school. Her mama isn't happy with me, but I've got a job at the car-shop. I can fix 'em better than most of those tech-school assholes. She's getting used to me havin' steady work."

"And you're paying on your debts?"

"Yes, sir."

"Good."

"Can you talk to my parole officer?"

"Of course. Just give me the name and number."

Jamal handed over a copy of the information. "Reverend, you sure you're okay. Word is you're hooked up with a nasty backer."

Alex looked down. "I can't change them if I don't meet with them," he said finally. He looked up. "I know it doesn't look good, but it was the only way I could think of to go corporate." He shrugged. "Bartalone's not that bad. I think I'm starting to make some sense to him."

"Bartalone? Shit, Reverend, you aim high." There was wonder in the young man's voice. "And you're stupid enough to keep coming onto the streets?"

"You're my flock. It doesn't matter to me how much money flows around me. Whether I have to make do with a few dollars here and there, or I've got Nicky's budget financing me, I'm still going to come down here. This is where I belong. Who needs my help more? There's no way to say, but I will do everything in my power to help as many as possible. Don't ever doubt your importance. We are all equal in the eyes of God. We all sin. We all are forgiven. We all have to opportunity to live by his Will and revel in his Grace."

Jamal thought about that for a long moment. Alex sat with him, quiet, waiting for him to process everything. "So this is you atoning for sins? I can't buy that. Unless you killed someone?"

Alex shook his head. "This is my calling. This is the world I've seen from my youngest age. I've preached on the streets since I turned ten. No matter what else changes in my life, I will work here on the streets."

"Even if you have to turn to prostitution for your money?"

"No one who's ever picked me up picks up another prostitute." Alex smirked. "Somehow getting a lecture sours them on the idea."

Jamal laughed until there were tears in his eyes. "Oh that's too much, Reverend. You are one in a million. Have you converted Bartalone?"

The reverend's face went flat, his eyes chilled. "I'm trying, but it gets harder every day. I've got the run of his household and access to his children. Maybe I won't be able to save him, but I will save as many of the innocents from his family as possible."

"That's a nice dream."

Alex laughed a little, cradling his ribs. "Isn't it? Keep up the good work, Jamal. You're doing a good thing for your family and for yourself. Just keep it clean and let me know if there's anything I can do to help."

Jamal gave him a salute. Alex gathered up his Bible and notebook. "Oh, Rev, if there is something going on, could you get word to the cops without anyone knowing where from?"

"Of course."

Jamal nodded. "Thought you might."

Alex smiled. Some secrets weren't quite as tightly held as his department might want. He left Jamal and went on to his next appointment.

****

"Nicky, I really think you should reconsider," Vinnie said softly. "I don't have the temperament to take over your position."

The gangster laughed as he tucked his lover close. "You remember everyone you meet. You can retain more information in your brain than I can imagine. You can establish relations with the Spics if you decide to. And I know that you'll make sure my family is taken care of. Besides, Izzy likes you."

"You're insane, Nick. That's got to be the explanation. I'm barely holding on now."

Nicky kissed Vinnie's temple. "Shut up, Baby, it's a done deal. F. . ."

"What have I told you about that word?" Vinnie interrupted.

"I sound like a film gangster," Nicky repeated dutifully. "You hate it."

"I have a strong antipathy for it. Okay, if I can't change your mind on it, walk me through this fucking drug thing again. I don't like drugs you know. I think they're morally corrupting and incredibly tempting for those with weak wills."

"Vin."

"I know. I know. Don't bash the product, just sell it."

****

Jameson stared at the screen. "Holy fucking shit, he's just given him everything," she murmured mostly to herself. Brann looked up from his paper. They were all practically living in the apartment now. Something big was going to come down soon and Captain Bartlett wanted to make sure there was no way Alex would get caught in the middle of it. "He's practically handing over the reins. Do you think he knows something is happening?"

"Could be. He could have a mole in the department."

"We're the only ones who know what's going down today. Unless it's coming from the DA's office," she added. Her eyes never moved from the screen. "Do we have the timeline yet?"

"It's coming. They're trying to take a whole column from pushers up, but we know that's not going to happen. Nicky's being arrested on murder charges. They're using the information that the Fed passed them. It's not our scene anymore. We just have to keep Lex safe."

"Must be Hell for him to live like that. He's totally exposed."

"He's the best at what he does. I don't think I could take it, but he seems to have adjusted. How did more Vice officers end up on this case? It's not exactly drugs or prostitution," Brann asked. Billy would avoid the question as deftly as Alex had, but Jameson was new. Brann wanted to know what the current gossip in the department was.

She shrugged, red hair cascading down her back as it was dislodged from her shoulders. "From what I heard, it was just dumb luck. But officially all three of us are on loan to Organized Crime. In other words, your crew." She grinned over her shoulder at him. "They do it to us a lot. Our folks are the best at undercover, so anyone who needs a good insider naturally comes to us. We're also the best at surveillance. I just wish we knew who was following Smith."

"Following? I wasn't aware that anyone was following him." Brann was instantly alert. "Why wasn't I told?"

"There's no proof. Just Alex with a feeling of being watched. But he's got good instincts. I think he is being watched, but by another player in the game. Maybe one of the gangs he works with or something like that. He's got a guardian angel besides us."

"I'm not comfortable with that."

"Too late now. How are we going to get him out when they take Nicky? They've been attached at the hip during the day lately."

"They're going to take Nicky when he's alone. The Feds want a part of it. They think that Vinnie's just an innocent so they don't want him in the middle of things."

Jameson turned in surprise. "Do they now."

"And they don't want the media to turn this into a gay-bashing incident."

Brann watched in amazement as Jameson started to laugh until tears ran down her cheeks. "Lex isn't gay. So what if he's playing boyfriend. They don't know that he's a cop, right?" She wiped at her tears, still giggling. "They don't want to hurt him because he's just too damned nice! He has the Feebies fooled. Oh that's one for the record books."

"He's sleeping with Nicky."

"So?"

"He's gay."

"He's bi. I know his ex. But seriously, Lex isn't gay. This is a job, nothing more, nothing less. I'd do the same thing in his place. There's no crook that believes a cop will actually put themselves across the line like this, but," she shrugged. "It was the right choice given the information he was working with. The sad part is, I know married couples who have a worse relationship than these two, even counting the lie that's between them."

"You're right, that is sad."

****

Alex snuggled under the comforter, literally hiding his head under the pillow. There were numbers and supply routes running around his head like speed-freaks. He just wanted some peace from them. Nicky seemed to be serious about him taking over, but Alex just couldn't figure out why. He could, however, see some great areas for improvement and ways to make the family a little more legitimate for Nicky's son. The changes shouldn't affect the illegal parts at all. Oh, God, what am I thinking? I'm not going to be here much longer. I can't do this much longer or I won't be me anymore.

The sound of his phone playing the Imperial March from Star Wars woke him out of a dead sleep. That was Nicky's ring. "Hello?"

"Vinnie. Jackrabbit. NOW!"

Alex didn't think. He threw on some clothes and his sneakers. He shoved his address-book and Bible into the black dance bag he always kept packed. He grabbed his bag, his "mobile office," his black windbreaker and SWAT cap from under the bed and went out the back window. He was down the fire-escape and out of the area before the knock on his door came ordering him to "Open up, FBI."

He approached the surveillance apartment warily. He didn't see Billy's car or Brann's or even Jameson's anywhere near the place. He used his key and entered the stripped rooms. He turned around numbly. The operation was done. He closed the door and slid down to sit on the floor. He fell asleep with his head supported by his knees. Captain Bartlett found him there in the morning.

****

Bartlett studied his young officer. He looked a little thinner than the captain remembered. There was deadly tension in his body. Alex stared up at him with sleepy blue eyes over the top of his gun. "Hi, Cap." Smith put away the gun. "So what's going down?"

"I figured you were here when the FBI said they couldn't find you."

"So do they know I'm a cop or am I still just thought of as Nicky's lover?"

"There are a few who know, but only the highest levels. They've heard the rumors. They want you to keep going and take over."

"What!"

"You heard me." Bartlett smiled almost paternally. "You have a decision. If you want to continue and take over the Bartalone operation, you'll transfer to Westchester PD and no one there will know why except for the Chief of Police. You'll still be working for me. You'll make reports every week. With luck we'll take down more than just the Bartalones."

"But the FBI will still be after me as Nicky's lover."

Bartlett nodded. "No one will know. This is a big sacrifice. It'll be a lifetime. They're talking at least five years."

"Five years?" Alex stared. "Let me talk to Bill and. . ."

"No, this is your decision. Billy will move back to tech. He'll still monitor whatever communications you set up, but no one will know he's still your partner. They're going to guess, no doubt. That's what we pay them for, but this is your decision. It's your life, not anyone else's."

"And if I choose not to?"

"Nicky will be told that you've been arrested and that if he cooperates we'll reduce your sentence."

"He won't believe that there's enough evidence against me for any charges to stick."

"We'll paint a picture of you in prison. He won't like it. Logic has nothing to do with love."

"He'll probably just ask that we be put in the same cell," Alex stated. He rubbed at his forehead. "How soon do you have to know?"

"I can give you an hour, now that we know where you are. The FBI was going to take you in. How did you get out?"

"Nicky called me and told me to run. I did. I didn't even think it was the operation until I got here and there was nothing left. Threw me for a nasty loop. It was like finding out when you get to the other side of the rope that you've been on the high-wire without a net."

"I'm sorry about that, but Billy wanted to be sure he was at the bust to make sure no one got it into their head to hurt you. He was laughing when the FBI came out with nothing. No evidence and no Vinnie."

"I'm too good for that."

"I'll talk to you in an hour. You have my phone number. Just call and tell me yes or no and we'll go from there."

"Details, it's all about details."

"Yes."

"The family will expect me to run to them. Izzy at least. I should call her."

"After we know which way you're going."

"There's no question, sir. You knew what I'd say as soon as you thought up this little scam. The possibility of taking down more than one family is too big for me to pass up. I don't have anything to loose. I don't even have a couch. It's all in that apartment."

Bartlett froze. "Everything?"

"Everything. I didn't have that much stuff. I keep all my letters in a private storage area, always have, but furniture, clothing? All I have is with me here, or in my locker. I could sneak back in and get more clothes, but if you really want me to do this, I'll call Izzy or get some cash from one of the ops. Or, I can call from Westchester. When would I be transferring?"

"Within the week. Do you have somewhere you can crash that the Bartalone's don't know?"

Alex considered. "I can find a place," he said finally, voice soft. "If she's not too pissed at me, that is."

"Your ex?"

The young man nodded. "Maybe I should take that hour, sir."

"Yes, you should. If you don't call me, I'll call you."

Bartlett shut the door quietly behind himself. He felt like an asshole. Alex was only 22. How could he ask him to do this? Then again, how could Nicky Bartalone ask him to take over the family?

****

Alex put his head back down on his knees. Please, Lord, I need a direct answer today. I don't have much time to decide and I can't do this alone. Should I do this? I can commute in to the city to preach, but is it your will that I should take over the family? He tried to quiet his mind, to listen for an answer. There was so much confusion swirling around in his mind that it was hard to think through anything. He wished with bone-deep yearning that Cas was there. That way, he could just close his eyes, pray and not worry about the money on his head, or the FBI that wanted his alias. "All things happen for a purpose," he whispered to the empty room. "There's nothing to hold me here anymore." He stayed there, resting quietly until the phone rang.

****

Two weeks later, Alex stood in front of the Westchester police station. "This place has a Vice squad?" he muttered. "To do what? Bust high school drug dealers?" He took a deep breath. It was time to go in and start his new-old life. He went through the front doors. "Excuse me," he said to the sergeant at the front desk. "I'm looking for Captain Clarke?"

FINIS