Episode33

Possible Change Of Heart
Episode 33

Part 1

**
"It's all going down tomarrow, my friend." Julian's laugh had an evil tone. Marco knew Vincent would be pleased. "Both Leek and Bridges are going to court tomarrow with Rachel. When the court goes into recess, Vincent can see Rachel and those two will step outside, and bang."

"Sounds like you've got everything under control." Marco was happy Julian was finally on the ball. "You do understand that if you get caught, not only will you have robbery charges but also murder?"

"I won't get caught." Julian had a fool proof plan, if anything went down --- he'd be in a position to blame Vincent.

"Remember, you started everything on your own. You started the robberies." Marco hoped Julian wasn't fool enough to point fingers at Vincent for the charges he'd face, they'd both have to pay dearly.

"I did the robberies to get out of the mess Vincent left me in. He screwed me, I got the money and he ran. I did my time and now it's time for him to pay." Julian had no idea why he let himself get caught up with Vincent again, surely it wasn't in his best interests. Julian did the time for a scam Vincent weasled his way out of at the last minute, he wanted justice.

"Just make sure they're dead, if Rachel's having his kid --- the judge might look more kindly upon giving him parole, he can't be free with those two around."

"Right." Julian hung up the phone, wondering what the chances were that Rachel really could be pregnant with his kid. Julian made that story up, hoping Vincent would give him a cash advance on the job, it worked.

**
Harvey looked at Rachel still busily working away behind her desk. He checked the clock, it was already quarter till six. "Aren't we going to dinner with Lili?"

"Actually, no." Rachel just called the airport to make sure Jerry's flight was on time. Hopefully, Harvey wouldn't get stuck in hideous traffic.

"Why not?" Harvey wondered if something happened that he didn't know about, he hadn't seen Rachel since they left the house that morning.

"Because you've got exactly twenty-five minutes to get to the airport and pickup your son." Rachel smiled, Harvey was definitely surprised.

"What?" A smile quickly began to form on Harvey's face. "How did you...?" Harvey instantly wondered how she convinced Anna to let Jerry come.

"Go pick up Jerry, I'll see you back at my house." Rachel's plan was working out perfectly, as long as Bill got Lili to her on time, everything would be fine.

Harvey leaned across her desk for a quick kiss, "you never cease to amaze me, Mrs. Leek." Harvey couldn't believe that Rachel would go to the trouble of arranging a visit from Jerry with Anna. He knew Rachel and Anna weren't on the best of terms, but Jerry's visit was a pleasant compromise.

**
"Rachel, you've got another letter." Nash tossed it on her desk as she was getting ready to go.

"You're kidding?" Vincent Cardell couldn't have been further from Rachel's mind, all she could think about was Harvey and Boston.

"If it's about what the warden heard, you're not going to like it." Nash had been surprised with the gossip, and wondered how something like that got out. He had his own idea, but none of them had anything to do with Vincent Cardell.

"Nash, what did the warden hear?" Rachel was intrigued, wanting to know how she became the topic of jailhouse discussion.

"Rache, is there something you forgot to tell me about you and Vincent?" Nash wanted to assure himself the rumours weren't true.

"What are you talking about?" Rachel had no idea what Nash could be referring to. It couldn't be good.

"You're not carrying his kid are you?" Nash had to be blunt, there was no other way.

"Nash!" Rachel couldn't believe he'd ask that.

"Hey, you better tell him that --- not me." Nash assumed if she was, it definitely didn't belong to Vincent Cardell. Nash smiled, "crabbiness is a symptom of..."

"I'd suggest shutting up if you value your... nevermind, I'll read this at home." Rachel grabbed the letter and shoved it into her bag before she stormed out of the SIU. "That's beyond disgusting."

**
"Am I going to stay with Mom tonight?" Lili wanted to spend as much time as she could with Rachel before she left. She knew Rachel would join them shortly, but she was making up for the time they lost.

"You're going to see her for a while, I think she's got some dinner plans with Harvey and his son." Bill was happy to see Lili bonding so well with Harvey. He knew Rachel was making every effort to make the best possible living situation for Lili.

"He has a son?" Lili vaguely remembered Rachel bringing it up, she didn't know he'd be coming to town.

"Yes, I think his name is Jerry. He's a little younger than you." Rachel conferred with Bill before she called Anna, wanting to make sure the visit was okay with him.

"Does he live with Harvey?" Lili had only been to Harvey's once, and Jerry never came with Harvey to Rachel's house. Maybe Jerry lived with his mother.

"Not that I know of, I think he lives in Seattle." Bill didn't know if they'd get custody of Jerry later on, Rachel had been vague about Harvey's situation. He'd have to ask her about her own son once they were in Boston.

"Do you know if Mom has any other kids?" Lili never asked Rachel herself, but she had been kind of curious. She guessed Rachel would've said something, but several of her friends either lived with their mom or dad, not both.

Bill shook his head, not knowing how much Rachel wanted her to know about RJ, or if she even wanted her to know RJ existed. "I'm not sure, you'd have to ask your mother." Bill checked the time, "I should probably get you over there before Rachel thinks I forgot."

**
"I've never seen children so enthralled with cooking." Harvey smiled as he watched Jerry sliding the noodles around the large casserole dish. Rachel had promised Jerry they'd make lasagna the next time he was in town.

"Less work for me." Rachel laughed, if anything letting Jerry and Lili into the kitchen would increase her work load ten fold. She didn't mind.

"I've never seen a kitchen so messy either." Harvey never would've considered letting the kids lose in the kitchen. Playdough and paints were one thing, but this was dinner.

"You get to clean it." Harvey's eyes widened at her suggestion, "you don't have any plans for the evening."

"That's what you think." Harvey blushed when she pinched his sides, and kissed him passionately. They moved towards the dining room, "okay, hands off... we'll have an audience."

"Right. I should probably check the lasagna." Rachel didn't mind letting the kids be creative in the kitchen, but food was a serious subject. At the rate they were going, dinner wouldn't be ready for the next week.

"You've got it already made?" Harvey was surprised, wondering when she got time to do these things.

"Do you really want to wait for theirs?" Rachel grinned, it was going to be a great night.

**
"Here's everything for your flight." Bill handed her the envelope with her ticket inside, "also included is your card with the address for the driver."

"As in limo?" Rachel intended to take a cab from the airport to her apartment, but obviously Bill had another idea.

"Yes, I hope you don't mind." Bill wanted to make sure everything was perfect, he knew she was giving up a lot to be with her daughter. Even if they weren't together, he wanted to see her happy.

"Did you want to come in for awhile?" Rachel realized they were still standing in her doorway, she had yet to invite him in. She didn't think Harvey or Jerry would object to Bill's visit.

"Lili and I probably should get going, we've got an early morning tomarrow." Bill wanted to stay and discuss matters with her, but that could wait until they were alone. She deserved her time with Harvey and his son as well.

"I'll get her for you." Rachel walked upstairs to the guestroom, finding Lili and Jerry both entranced by whatever story Harvey was telling them. he really was wonderful with kids. She waited for a minute outside the door, knowing Bill was probably anxious to leave, she interrupted. "Lili, your dad's here."

"I've gotta go, Harvey." Lili slid off the bed and walked towards Rachel, "can we finish the story when I come home?"

"Of course." Harvey got up and gave Jerry a light kiss on the head, "I'll be back."

"Bye, Jerry!'' Lili was sure she'd see him again with Harvey. She took Rachel's hand and followed her downstairs. "Can Jerry be here too when I come?"

Harvey turned to Rachel and smiled, "if we're lucky." He saw Bill standing in the doorway, already dreading the next two days.

"Ready to go, Lili?" Bill knew they had an early flight the next morning, despite not wanting to end Lili's time with Rachel and Harvey.

''Okay.'' Lili released her mother's hand, ''I'll see you soon, Mom." Rachel crouched to her level and hugged her, knowing the wait wouldn't be long to see her again.

Harvey picked her up and hugged her, "I'll see you when you get back." Seeing Harvey and Rachel with Lili made Bill realize he made the right decision after all. Everything would be okay.

Bill took Lili outside and Rachel shut the door behind them, "that wasn't so bad."

Harvey thought to himself, that was just part one. Part two would be the hardest part for him. "I'm going to tuck Jerry in, will you be up soon?"

"Yeah." Rachel kissed him before he headed back upstairs, she went to go start her letter. Harvey needed to know everything she couldn't come out and say.

**
Harvey woke up early the next morning to find Rachel already gone from the bed. She was standing before her closet, indecisively pacing from end to end. "Problems?"

Harvey smiled when she looked back at him, "how do you dress to send a man to prison for life?"

"This isn't a feature in Cosmo?" Harvey pulled the pillow over his face a minute, then glanced back at her, "please tell me you didn't just ask me what you should wear."

"But I did." Rachel walked back over to the bed and removed the pillow from his hands. "Your opinion matters."

"If we went with my opinion, you wouldn't get dressed and we wouldn't leave bed all day." Harvey flashed a guilty grin, "but, that's just my opinion."

"I like your opinion." Rachel slipped into bed next to him, thankful Jerry was still asleep. "You think they'd notice if I wasn't there?"

Harvey wrapped his arms around her, "not as much as I would." One kiss quickly led to a more heated bedroom scene. Rachel thought of something, she couldn't resist the tease for Harvey. All of a sudden, Rachel pulled away. "What's wrong?"

"I just remembered, I can't do this." Harvey watched curiously as a smile slowly formed on Rachel's face, she fought to keep from laughing.

"What?" Harvey had no idea where that came from, he had no idea what making love before court had to do with her other plans. She had no restrictions any other time.

"I can't do this, at least not with you." Rachel tried her hardest not to crack, she turned away from Harvey to avoid the distraction.

"Who's your other option?" Harvey wondered what had gotten into her, she definitely had something up her sleeve.

"I'm pregnant with Vincent Cardell's baby and it wouldn't be right." She tried to keep herself from overreacting and put on a much more serious face when she turned to face him.

"WHAT?" Harvey looked at her in complete disbelief, not sure if he had heard her right or if she had gone completely mad. Harvey thought he knew everything that went on between Rachel and Vincent, maybe he was wrong. "You can't be serious."

"I couldn't be more serious." She paused a moment, trying to maintain her composure. "I found out yesterday but with Jerry here and Lili leaving, I didn't get a chance to tell you."

"So you tell me now?" Harvey got up from the bed, it felt as if the room were spinning around him. "I thought you two never..."

"I know but..." Rachel didn't know how far she could take the joke without Harvey getting too upset. "Things happen."

"I guess they do." Harvey couldn't believe what he was hearing, it just didn't make sense. Rachel hated the man and was going to court to ensure he won't get probation, yet she was having his kid? "So what are you going to do?"

"I'm going to have the baby, that's one of the reasons I've decided to go to Boston." Rachel was trying to make the situation as plausible as she could without doing too much damage.

Harvey looked at Rachel, completely bewildered. "I really don't know what to say." Harvey thought about it for a moment, "you know I don't mind having a step child, especially if it was yours, but this is a bit much. Am I wrong?"

"No, no... you're completely right." Rachel could see that Harvey honestly believed her, and he was genuinely concerned with the outcome.

"What about court?" Harvey couldn't imagine what she'd say in front of the judge or Vincent.

"I'll say whatever I have to, to make sure he stays locked up." Rachel knew it was time to give in before the situation got any more serious.

"What about Nash, does he know?" Harvey reasoned this might be how Rachel got a transfer to Boston so easily. There was no way she could stay in San Francisco if Vincent was released.

This was her chance, Harvey said just the right word. Rachel grinned mischeviously, "Nash was the one who told me."

"What? Nash told you that you were pregnant?" Harvey was completely confused and wanted a truthful explanation. He picked up his shirt from the floor and put it on, searching for his shoes.

"And Julian Montevideo told Vincent's thug Marco, who told Vincent and he hopes the news will help his chances for parole." Rachel could see Harvey didn't pick up on her clue.

"I need to go home and think." Harvey gathered the rest of his clothes and stopped as he opened the door, "how could this have happened? I just don't understand this."

Rachel stood against the door and smiled, "do you really have to ask how it happens?"

"This isn't the time to be funny, Rache." Harvey tried to open the door, but Rachel blocked him.

"Trust me, if it were true - I wouldn't be laughing." The look on Harvey's face was priceless. "You know me better than that."

"I can't believe... Rachel..." Rachel darted across the room, "get over here. I want an explanation." Harvey went after her, cornering her at the bed. She grinned victoriously as he loomed over her. "Explain."

"I've got a better idea, how about a demonstration instead...since you did ask how it could happen?" Rachel pulled Harvey in for a lengthy investigative kiss, "I've got time to be thorough."

"I'm tempted to refuse, I nearly believed you." Harvey was only half-serious about refusing, as long as she was only joking about being pregnant. He sat at the end of the bed and pretended to pout.

Rachel kneeled behind him and reached her arm around Harvey's chest to unbutton his shirt. "It's your call, I'd just like to remind you this might be your last chance for days, weeks...maybe even months."

"You make a good point."

**
"So what's the real reason behind Vincent?" Harvey's curiousity was getting the better of him. Rachel sidetracked him earlier, but she couldn't get out of explaining now. Harvey's hand comfortably rested upon her leg as they drove to the courthouse.

"Are we back to that again?" Rachel grinned and put the car into gear, "you didn't like my demonstration?"

"Oh I did, but now I want to hear why Vincent would think you were pregnant with his kid." Harvey wasn't angry about her prank, now that he knew there was no truth behind it.

"Montevideo told him, he probably wanted something for the information." Rachel really had no idea how she got dragged between Vincent and Montevideo. "I guess their last partnership was a failure and Julian paid the price."

"Maybe Julian will be there today, so we can lock him up next to his pal." Harvey didn't know how true his words were.

**
"The prosecution would like to bring forth our fifth and final witness, Inspector Rachel McCabe." Ira waited for Rachel to approach the stand before he continued, Vincent's eyes followed her closely. "Inspector McCabe works for the Special Investigations Unit of the San Francisco Police Department and was the unit's undercover liasion for the case."

Rachel sat at the bench, directly in front of Vincent. He looked her coldly in the eye. It suddenly hit him. "She's a damn cop!" Vincent was seething, the woman he loved and who was carrying his child was a cop.

Judge Harper looked towards Vincent and his lawyer, "Mr. Summers, will you please control your client. Counsel, you may begin."

"Inspector McCabe, how long did you work on the Vincent Cardell case?" Ira knew all the questions to ask, she'd offer a more pertinent testimony than Nash or Harvey.

"About a month." Rachel knew the time precisely, what a way to spend her birthday.

"Are you sure?" Ira wanted everything exact. This case would give him a big chunk of change upon completion.

"Yes, I was undercover thorought mid April until mid May." Being undercover at least deprived them of embarassing her at work. "I spent my thirty-first birthday undercover, which was April 27th." Harvey missed her birthday, he quickly committed the date to memory.

"What a way to celebrate." Ira glanced at his notes, "your job, while undercover was to seduce Vincent Cardell into trusting you, am I right?"

"Yes, to get him to talk. He has a known habit of womanizing and it seemed to be the easiest way." Rachel knew the case had been anything but easy. "We were willing to do whatever was necessary to get him to confess."

"Especially you, you were willing to sleep with him. Am I right?" Ira knew that was a touchy question and hoped the judge wouldn't object.

"I was willing to do what was necessary to do my job." Rachel was just waiting for the pregnancy rumour to come out.

Vincent couldn't take it anymore, "tell them Rachel, tell the court." Vincent stood up and looked around, "she took advantage of my trust and made me love her. Don't believe what she's saying, Rachel is having my child. Bridges and Leek put her up to this."

Rachel felt everyone's eyes on her. The judge turned to her, "is this true, Inspector?"

"Your honor, for the record, I've never had sex with this man. Vincent Cardell was so heavily inebriated each night, he can't give a truthful account of what went on. The occurence of sexual activity was implied but never happened." Rachel winked at Harvey. "I couldn't have gotten pregnant by him any other way."

Vincent looked at her, in shock. He didn't know what to do. Everything he believed was a lie. Ira was pleased with her response, "Rachel, let's talk about violence and what events led up to Vincent's confession..."

**
"Why would he ever think she was pregnant with his kid?" Harvey chuckled as he walked outside of the courthouse with Nash during recess.

"I was wondering what you'd have to say about that." Nash knew Harvey would definitely have his doubts about Vincent's claim. "He didn't look to thrilled when he found out Rachel Ballanco was Inspector Rachel McCabe, and that there was no child to speak of."

"No doubt that was a shock." Harvey assumed there was no chance for Vincent to get off on parole or temporary insanity after Rachel's testimony.

"Marco, this is Julian. I've got them.'' Julian carefully hid himself alongside the planters, trying to stay out of the spectators view.

"The boss man ain't happy, get 'em dead." Marco had heard every word of Rachel's testimony and knew Vincent was livid. Julian had lied, as did Rachel. There'd be hell to pay.

Julian locked them in with his scope, he had perfect aim. All he needed was the right moment to fire. Rachel stepped outside the courthouse for some air. She saw Nash with Harvey, "Nash, wait..."

"There's the lucky lady herself." Nash turned around to see Rachel and caught glimpse of Julian just as they were approaching the stairs. Julian fired. "GET DOWN!" Nash dove to the right and missed the stairs, Julian fired again. Harvey went down them... crashing with a loud thud on the landing. Harvey grabbed his chest and winced in pain when he tried to move. "Ronnie, Antwon... GO!"

Antwon went running after Julian immediately and Ronnie wasn't far behind. "I said drop your weapon." Julian continued to run through the busy traffic. "Ronnie, you go right --- I'll take left."

Rachel ran over to Harvey, "Harvey, honey..." She didn't want him to move, out of fear of something being broken or further damage elsewhere. Nash walked over slowly, a little disoriented from the fall.

"I'll call an ambulence." Nash was relieved Harvey wasn't shot, he wasn't sure since all he saw was Harvey hitting the ground.

**
"Rache, this is useless. I'm not going to the hospital." Harvey saw no point in going. The last thing he wanted to hear was more bad news. They were still standing outside of the courthouse, waiting for Nash to sat they could go.

"Like hell you aren't." Rachel could tell he was in a lot of pain. She saw him go down and she didn't want to take any chances with something else going wrong. "If you don't go today, I'll cancel my flight until you do."

Nash walked up to them, "Montevideo is in custody and Vincent's back in his cell. I'll wrap things up here if you two want to head home."

"I'm going to take him to the ER, make sure everything is okay." Up till now, Rachel hadn't been to worried by the doctor's warnings for Harvey. She knew after today, everything could be worse.

"You don't look so great, Harve." Nash knew Rachel was just being safe, and Harvey would certainly argue going in.

"I'm fine. I don't need to go to the hospital." Harvey didn't want to waste the time he had with Rachel and Jerry. It wasn't worth it.

"Take him in, I'll stop by later on." Nash knew Rachel would get him to go sooner or later, he hoped everything would be okay.

**
"Mrs. Leek still around?" Dr. Bradley checked inside Harvey's divided section of the room before entering. He didn't see Rachel, but wasn't sure if she was in the bathroom or had left the room.

"No, she went for a cup off coffee." Harvey told Rachel to go get some coffee before she fell asleep. She was practically running on empty. He knew Rachel would probably call to check on Jerry as well, Inger was watching him.

"So we can talk." The nurse pulled the curtain to completely close off the room. Dr. Bradley looked at Harvey's charts and shook his head, "you need to take better care of yourself, Harvey."

"That's not exactly easy with my line of work." Harvey chuckled, being an investigator was anything but health friendly.

"You gave me quite a scare when you came in, had me worried." Dr. Bradley knew Harvey would be a lot better off without the stress and hassles that came with the SIU.

Harvey smiled, "I really had no idea someone had a hit on me. I swear." Vincent's attack came as a surprise, Harvey didn't plan on dodging bullets outside of the courthouse.

"Can I make a recommendation?" Dr. Bradley was going to give Harvey his advice whether he wanted to hear it or not.

"I'm not going to stop you." Harvey knew the doctor would tell him to make cutbacks somewhere. He loved his work, but he had to consider that it could jeopardize his health further.

"I know you really enjoy your job, but I also know you value your wife and family. Do yourself a favor, no more using your body as a human shield." Dr. Bradley consulted the charts again, not wanting to jump to any conclusions. "Give yourself another shock like that and there's no telling what could happen."

Harvey strained to see the door, checking for Rachel. "Am I any worse?"

"Your job isn't helping any, but you're doing okay... for now. Let me say this, if you feel any type of pain later on --- you be sure to get in here. I don't care if your wife has to drag you kicking and screaming... The x-rays didn't show anything new, but give it a few days to be certain."

"Speak of the devil." Harvey's eyes lit up as Rachel entered the room, happy she hadn't come in seconds before. She walked over to the bed, handing him his steaming coffee.

"Make sure your husband behaves, Rachel." Dr. Bradley lightly patted her on the shoulder and turned to leave. Just before he got to the door, he thought of something. "Maybe you should cutback on the ice cream too, Harvey." Dr. Bradley knew a better diet might help Harvey a little, but he didn't know if Harvey follow it on his own. Rachel would demand a change.

"Ouch." Rachel grinned, she only supported his Ben and Jerry's habit. She playfully jabbed Harvey's stomach, "guess were going to have to work on that, aren't we?" Rachel said it as a joke, but she knew they'd have to take things more seriously from now on.

"Yeah, yeah, yeah." Harvey pulled her in for a kiss, he knew his plans for the evening were shot between Jerry and the hospital visit. Dr. Bradley walked by the room, seeing that Harvey was still there. "This coming from someone who claimed to be having the mafia ringleader's child?"

"Harvey Leek, do you really want to stay here or didn't I sign you out five minutes ago?" Dr. Bradley looked in and smiled, "go home, Harvey. I don't want to see you back here anytime soon."

Rachel checked her watch, and noticed it was well past the time of their dinner reservations. "I'm going to go pick up Jerry, do you mind if I stop by Mandara's for carry-out?"

"That would be fine." Harvey knew that Mandara's wasn't always his dinner of choice, but due to the inconvenience of the day, he was willing to settle. "I'll meet you at home?"

Rachel smiled, "which home?" They still hadn't decided on a definitive living arrangement, "yours or mine?"

"Yours I'd assume." Harvey knew she probably had some last minute packing and things to do. Jerry wouldn't mind staying there, he'd get to see Doc.

**
Nash knocked before entering Harvey's room, "everything okay?" He was happy Harvey decided to let the doctors check him out.

"Yeah, I'm getting ready to go." Harvey wanted to get home to Rachel and Jerry, hoping to salvage what he could of he evening. He and Nash had a very close call that afternoon and were lucky to be alive.

"Listen, I know you're not exactly thrilled about her leaving... but if there's any way that I can help you out, don't hesitate to ask." Nash knew Harvey was miserable, but he'd make it through.

"Thanks." Harvey appreciated Nash's kindness, especially with Nash's own past with Rachel.

"Except for transfers, that I won't give and I won't create a case to bring her back." Nash was hopeful she'd be back soon, he'd miss her almost as much as Harvey would.

"I'd never dream of asking." Harvey chuckled, he considered a transfer himself earlier on but knew Rachel would be back soon enough.

**
"Do you need any help?" Harvey didn't want to help her pack, he didn't want her to leave. He felt useless sitting around doing nothing. After dinner, he went outside with Jerry. Now he wanted to talk.

"I think I've got everything just about finished." Rachel didn't like him watching her pack, it made the task even harder to finish.

"So tell me, how did you bribe Anna?" Harvey smiled, Rachel really must have made one hell of an offer.

"What's important is that your son is here, with you --- not how I got him here." Rachel didn't want to tell Harvey about Anna owing money, but he had a right to know she had been on the streets again.

Harvey could sense her hesitation, he knew money had to have been involved. He didn't want Rachel to have to buy his, or even their time with his son. It wasn't her responsibility to pay Anna's debts. "How much do I owe you, for the flight and all?"

"You don't owe me anything, Harvey. I wanted to do this for you." Rachel didn't expect Harvey to pay her back, she knew he deserved the time with his son.

If she wouldn't name a price, he at least wanted to know what Anna had done. "Who does she owe?"

"She mentioned rent and owing some guy." Rachel really didn't want to get into this, but she saw it couldn't be avoided.

"She always owes some guy something." Harvey was sick and tired of her games, taking advantage of him and Rachel and using Jerry.

"I personally don't care if she works it off one way or another, I just didn't want her doing that with Jerry around." Rachel didn't care what happened to Anna, it was Jerry she worried about.

"Believe me, I know." Harvey wished there was a more feasible way to keep Jerry with him, Anna just wouldn't comply.

"I know I'll sound like a hypocrite, but some mothers really don't deserve their children." Rachel knew she didn't have much room to talk, and she'd be the first to admit it. Rachel made every effort to give her kids a better life.

**

                                                                     Part 2

**
"Told you that was a threat." Joe smiled, thankful Nash and Harvey were alright after the scene at the courthouse.

"Well, I'll be damned --- Joe Dominguez was right for a change." Nash chuckled, knowing Joe would relish in the moment.

"Vincent certainly got a shock, didn't he?" Joe couldn't believe Vincent's reaction when he found out who Rachel really was, "tell me that wasn't beautiful?"

"I guess he won't be getting off on temporary insanity after all." Nash knew it would be several years before Vincen't had another chance at parole.

"How did he hear Rachel was having his kid anyways?" Joe laughed, that was one rumour he hadn't started or passed.

"Word gets around to the wrong people, and information is misconstrued." Nash looked at Joe, he loved him like a brother but there was no way Nash would ever tell the truth. They'd kill him.

**
Harvey collapsed weakly onto the couch, "you know, this wasn't exactly what I had in mind for our last evening together." Harvey planned on having a nice quiet dinner and spending the night alone with her. He loved Jerry being there, but he didn't exactly include his son or nearly dying that afternoon in his agenda.

"I'm happy just being with you now." Rachel tossed the pillows off the couch and sat next to Harvey, "and getting to spend time with you and your son." Harvey moved closer towards Rachel, not wanting the distance to seperate them before she even left.

"How did I get so lucky, to find someone like you? According to Joe, I'm not your type." Harvey smiled, maybe Joe was wrong yet again. In all honesty, Harvey didn't imagine himself to be Rachel's type either when he first met her.

"I think Joe has another thought coming," Rachel kissed him lightly on the lips, "and that I'm the lucky one. Guys like you are hard to find." She kissed him again, this time much more aggressively. Rachel assumed things wouldn't get much further and she didn't mind, Harvey's health was far more important to her.

"You think you were easy to come by?" Harvey chuckled, he never expected their relationship would get this far. He spent a long time doubting he'd ever find someone like her, then there she was --- a few desks away. "I had to get in line."

"You should've made your interest known, I would've omitted the competition." Rachel would've done anything for Harvey. Her relationship with Nash was okay, but John should've been forgotten. All that mattered was being with Harvey when all was said and done.

"You were too busy teasing me with every chance you got. One day you were free, by the next you were taken." Harvey had to admit, Rachel was well worth the effort.

"Me?" Rachel looked at him and grinned, guilty as ever. Rachel leaned over him, gently twirling his hair between her fingers. "Is that a complaint, Mr. Leek?"

"Decide for yourself." Harvey brushed her hair back behind her ear and kissed her, ignoring the pain that ripped through his chest as he pulled her in closer to him. The pain would have to wait, for now.

**
"What are you still doing up?" Nash walked in to find Nick awake and reading the day's newspaper on the couch.

"Why, waiting up for you." Nick folded his paper and set it on the coffee table. "Your mother and I told you to be in by 10:30, Nash."

"Nick, I'm a grown man --- what are you talking about?" Nash sat down in the chair next to the couch, "Nick?"

"I don't want to hear any of your mouth. Your mother and I made rules and we expect you to follow them." Nick shook his head, "I'd think you'd have learned from Bobby's mistakes."

"Nick, I'm not in high school anymore. I'm over fifty years old." Nash wondered what had gotten into Nick, it must be another one of his spells.

"Kat called, your mother took the message. I told you not to run around with those young girls. They ain't gonna bring you nothing but trouble." Nick looked around, the room was different than he remembered it.

"I'm sorry, Nick, it won't happen again." Nash knew he'd have to call the doctor if things didn't improve. Kat Bauer, he hadn't thought of her in ages.

**
Harvey winced in pain as he sat up on the couch, his chest felt tight and sore. He tried not to make a sound, not wanting to wake Rachel. He turned to find she wasn't there with him, it was well after three. He must have dozed off sometime after they made love but before she got up. Harvey walked slowly from the couch and up the stairs, towards Rachel's room. He checked inside and she wasn't there, he went to the guest room.

Harvey opened the door to find his son slowly drifting back to sleep in Rachel's arms. He waited a moment and watched Rachel with him, realizing he made the perfect choice. He smiled as he sat on the corner of the bed, "I would've gotten up."

"I didn't want to wake you." When Rachel heard Jerry as she was coming back downstairs, Harvey was sound asleep. She knew he had a long day and needed the rest.

"It was weird to wake up without you there, that wasn't supposed to happen yet." Harvey knew that her leaving was imminent, but he wanted to put it off as long as he could.

"I had to finish packing, among other things." Rachel forced herself to smile, she was already beginning to regret her decision about leaving.

Harvey grinned, "I thought we took care of other things earlier?" He felt miserable, but he didn't want to miss the last chance he'd have to be with Rachel for quite awhile.

"We did." Rachel grinned mischeviously and leaned over Jerry to give Harvey a kiss. Harvey's advances took her by surprise, she didn't want to rush or make him feel any obligation.

"I can take over with him, if you have more to do?" Harvey could tell Jerry was almost asleep, lost somewhere between playtime and dreamland. He loved watching Rachel with him, Harvey couldn't wait till they had children of their own.

"I don't mind at all. You need your rest, tomarrow he's all yours." Rachel honestly didn't want to finish packing. She didn't want to leave.

**
"I got cereal with berries, Dad." Jerry grinned widely at Harvey as he walked into the kitchen, allowing the milk to drip out of his mouth.

"I can see that." He walked over and lightly kissed his son on the head. "Where's Rachel?" Harvey hadn't seen her upstairs or in the kitchen, he thought she might be out with the dog.

"Doing something." Rachel told Jerry what she had to do, but he couldn't remember the exact message.

"Oh." Harvey was just as in the dark as he was moments before. "Is she at home?" He thought she might have run to the store for a last minute essential or two.

"I'm not so sure." Jerry grinned, further spilling his cereal bowl on the table. Just as Harvey went to the counter for paper towel, Rachel came in and stood quietly behind him. "There she is."

"Where?" Harvey hadn't heard her come in, having no idea she was standing directly behind him.

"Good morning, sleepy head." As quickly as Harvey turned around, Rachel kissed him hard on the lips. She intended on bringing him breakfast in bed, but he unfortunateky was already up.

"Good morning to you, too." Harvey inspected the bags Rachel had entered with, she had already been to the market. "What's this?"

"Breakfast, now go back to bed." Rachel playfully started shoving him out of the kitchen.

"I should be doing this for you." Rachel had thought of everything for him, hoping to make their good-bye a little easier to handle. Harvey wanted to plan something wonderful for her first trip home.

"Next time." Rachel kissed him again, successfully leading Harvey out of the kitchen. She turned to Jerry with a smile, "I thought you were going to keep him out?"

"I tried." Jerry sheepishly grinned, allowing the cereal and milk to dribble from his mouth onto the table.

**
"I could get use to this." Harvey was impressed, he got his breakfast in bed after all. The house was awfully quiet, and he hadn't heard Jerry for quite a while. "What did you do with Jerry anyways?"

"I sold him to the neighbors next door, their son is off at college and they're a little lonely." Rachel had really set Jerry up with a new video in the guest room down the hall. A little bribery worked wonders to buy her some extra time with Harvey.

"Did you get a good price?" Harvey knew she probably thought of someway to keep him occupied for a little while. He didn't mind the time alone with Rachel.

"Nah, I had to pay them to keep him busy." Harvey moved the tray to kiss her, wrapping his arms around her and holding her tighter. "Is this a hint?"

"As subtle as they come." Harvey laid Rachel back onto the pillows next to him and kissed her, "you don't mind?"

"I've got to meet Nash at the SIU by 10:30." Rachel knew that might dampen the mood, but hopefully not kill it all together. They had to talk about the final arrangements for her transfer.

"I can eat later, we've got time." Harvey moved the tray off the bed and looked back towards Rachel, not wanting to waste a minute. He felt a bit better than the evening before, but still not one hundred percent. He eagerly kissed his way from her mouth to her shoulders.

Rachel could hear a faint knocking on the door, "Daddy?" Jerry impatiently waited outside, he wanted his dad to see his new Curious George video that Rachel bought him.

Harvey looked at Rachel and she smiled, "maybe not."

**
"Is Mom coming today?" Lili knew Rachel was supposed to be coming soon, she just wasn't sure when.

"Yes, she'll be here about eight or so this evening." Bill wanted her to fly out with them originally, but he knew she would want some time with Harvey before she left.

"Then what?" Lili didn't know what the arrangement would be, if Rachel was going to stay with them or get a place of her own.

"Then she'll come see you and go to her apartment." Bill had arranged a lease for Rachel with a friend of his, he hoped she wouldn't mind the set up.

"Will she work here?" Lili wasn't sure if she'd see her Mom more often or not with them being in Boston as opposed to San Francisco.

"She's going to work with the police here, like she does at home." Bill was happy Rachel was able to find a comprable job in Boston. He worried that might effect her decision.

"Oh. What about Harvey?" Lili was worried about Harvey, wondering what he would do without Rachel around.

"He's staying in San Francisco, I'm sure he'll come to visit." Bill was hoping to get to know Harvey better, he still felt bad for ignoring how serious things were between him and Rachel.

**
"You look lively this morning." Nash smiled, he knew she wasn't ready to leave.

"Long night." Rachel didn't want to explain, she didn't want to think about leaving San Francisco.

"I'd assume so." Nash didn't want to ask how things were with Harvey, the look on her face said enough. "I spoke with the chief in Boston, everything looks good for the transfer. Whenever you're ready to comeback, we'll be waiting."

"Thank you, Nash. I really appreciate everything you've done." Rachel knew Nash had gone to great lengths to secure her a job in Boston and keep her job with the SIU. He really had become a true friend, despite their failed romance.

"So when do you leave?" Nash knew her flight was sometime that day, but wasn't sure how much time she had to finish getting ready.

"My flight's at two." Rachel had tried just about every excuse she could as a reason not to go, but she knew what she had to do.

"I'd tell you good luck, but I don't think you'll need it." Nash knew the department in Boston would like her as much as the SIU did.

"I always do." Rachel smiled, she'd definitely miss Nash. She wouldn't miss him as much as Harvey, but he made an undoubted impact upon her life.

**
"Hey, sexy." Kat waited, she knew Louis would be happy she did a little more digging. She hoped he wouldn't mind the early call.

"Kat, to what do I owe this honor?" Louis hadn't expected her to call after he gave her Bill's check, her work was finished.

"I did some more digging on Inspector McCabe, if you're interested." Kat tapped her sources, and she came up with another lead.

"She's leaving this afternoon for Boston, not that it makes a difference. But what do you have?" Louis knew the information Kat found wouldn't change Bill's mind about Rachel, he made his final decision. He knew the information wouldn't be bad.

"A little more on her son, he's two and lives in the Midwest." Kat knew the matter of another child would be important to someone like Bill, who was aiming for the best interest of his child.

"Interesting, anything else?" Louis wondered what type of relationship Rachel had with her son, thinking it might not be too good since she never saw him.

"She hasn't spoken with her mother for the past five and a half years or so." Kat's investigation led her to see that Rachel's mother was also from the Boston area. "Turns out Claire McCabe resides in Boston herself."

"Really, so should I tell Bill there might be a small war?" Louis chuckled, he imagined Rachel as the type to hold a grudge.

"The kid might change things, you never know." Kat didn't know why they weren't on speaking terms, she couldn't find that much out.

"We could hope." Louis paused a moment, "so what are you up to these days, besides doing my dirty work?"

"Considering a location change for my job, Sacramento isn't doing me justice." Kat wanted to get back to the city she loved. With her ex-husband out of the area, the idea became feasible.

"Coming back to the city? Look out San Francisco." Louis laughed, the town would have nothing to lose with her working for the SFPD.

"You'd love having me there and you know it." Kat wouldn't mind hooking up with Louis when she got back, but she also knew where she could find someone else.

**
"We could've done something else, we didn't have to come here." The idea for a picnic on the beach had been Jerry's. Harvey had a restaurant in mind, but Rachel immediately agreed with Jerry. Harvey felt they should be doing what she wanted, since Rachel was the one leaving.

"I like this, Harvey." Rachel leaned in to kiss him, "I told you, I love being with you and your son --- no matter where we are or what we do."

"It's funny, I never would've imagined you like this." Harvey was still amazed by the many different sides he saw of Rachel, particularly the one she had around the kids.

"Like what?" Rachel wasn't sure she followed what he was saying.

"Like how you are, with him and Lili." Harvey never expected someone like Rachel to be so passionate about kids. She seemed so driven in other aspects of life, he thought her maternal instincts would probably go ignored.

"I like kids, what can I say?" Rachel knew she'd kept a good front for years by staying single and childless, no one ever knew about RJ or Lili. With Ben, they wanted to wait until they were married for children and they wanted several. With Harvey, she knew it could've happened before they were married or after and he would be just as happy.

"What do you think about when you get back?" Harvey wanted to make some definite plans for the future, something he could look forward to.

"What about when I get back?" Rachel wasn't sure what he was referring to, or what plans he was trying to make.

"About us having some kids of our own?" Harvey hadn't brought up the topic in a while, and he knew neither one of them had thought about it recently due to Lili and Bill being around. He didn't think Rachel would mind.

"I like that idea a lot," Rachel eyed Jerry chasing Doc in the sand and pulled Harvey in closer, "but if we did it sooner --- it would give me a reason to come home."

"You're not making this any easier." Harvey smiled, realizing the compromising postion they were in, but he kissed her passionately instead of moving. "Besides, aren't you pregnant with the mobster's child?"

"Ugh. He should be so lucky." Rachel grinned mischeviously as she tried to memorize each and every line of Harvey's face, gently running her finger across his cheek. "Think about it, I'll plan accordingly."

"Rachie, Rachie come here!" Jerry glanced back at Rachel and Harvey, then turned to find Doc again in the water.

Harvey smiled and rolled his eyes at his son's call, "you've been summoned." Rachel pulled herself away from Harvey and focused on Jerry, trying to see what he wanted.

"I'll be back." Rachel kissed Harvey and got up to walk towards Jerry along the shore.

"Rachie, Doc went swimming." Jerry pointed to the labrador at least 50 yards or so out in the ocean, who seemed to swimming quickly back towards the shore --- headed straight for them.

**
"Cassidy, I wasn't expecting you." Nash hadn't anticipated any visitors, but he needed to talk her anyways.

"I thought I'd stop by and see Grandpa." Cassidy hadn't seen her grandfather in several days, she hoped he was feeling alright.

"He's out right now, but he'll be back." Cassidy looked around the house, thinking maybe he had a woman there. "Do you have a minute to talk?"

"I guess." Cassidy assumed since he wanted to talk, he must've been alone.

"Take a seat." Nash motioned over towards the couch, "I'd like to talk to you about work."

"Did Rachel leave today?" Cassidy thought her career outlook might be a bit brighter with Rachel gone for a while.

"She's supposed to, her flight's not until two." Nash knew problems were slowly developping between the two, mainly due to conflicts of interest and authority.

"So what's up?" Cassidy wondered if Rachel had said anything to her dad before she left or not.

"I was wondering when you're planning to come back on active duty, I mean --- filing and phones can get a little boring." Nash knew Cassidy chose that herself, but he felt she could learn more out in the field.

"Maybe I should have a different partner, I mean... whether she's here or not." Cassidy didn't like Rachel's authoritative role, she wanted to work with someone a little less experienced.

"Rachel's a good partner, she knows what she's doing.'' Nash was sorry to see her go, even if her absence was only temporary, Cassidy would miss out by not having her around.

"Maybe I don't want a partner that you've slept with." Cassidy never let that bother her until recently, until Rachel's interest in Harvey became more apparent.

"Is that what this is about?" Nash knew his actions would have some effect, he didn't know his relationship would come back to haunt him with Cassidy.

"She doesn't know what I'm going through, things are different for her. Rachel's your friend, not mine." Rachel and Cassidy hadn't been overwhelmingly friendly towards eachother over the course of their partnership.

"Have you tried to be her friend?" Nash knew Cassidy and Rachel could both be stubborn, but this was more likely on his daughter than Rachel.

"Maybe I'm not in the right line of work, I mean --- maybe I shouldn't work with my father." Cassidy considered maybe he was the problem, at least while she was at Bayside with Rachel she knew nothing was going on.

"Where is all this coming from, Cassidy?" Nash hadn't seen this coming, he didn't expect an ambush.

**
Rachel walked down the hallway from the living room and opened the door on the far left. The forbidden room, she convinced Harvey it was merely storage and Jerry and Lili that it was a haunted closet. Rachel had been working on her renovation project ever since things had become serious with Harvey, and she wanted him to move in. Rachel walked in and turned on the light, it was just about finished. All the room needed was Harvey's approval.

Rachel walked through the room, it was a definite change from the master bedroom she claimed as her own upstairs. The room had been decorated to Harvey's tastes and liking, a bit more comfortable for him. Walking across the room, she opened the door. What was intended as an office was now a shrine for the Greatful Dead. Finding the memoribilia wasn't easy, but it was worth the effort. She looked for relics of one show in particular, the one show they had in common. Somehow, Rachel and Harvey had been at the same show --- she found out when she checked out his collection of ticket stubs. It was her first and only show, in San Diego during the summer of 1992.

Rachel tried to find something from each of the shows he went to. She knew the room wouldn't be the same as his own, there was definitely room for more - but she wanted him to feel like her house was more like home. He actually picked out most of the furniture for the Dead room and memorilbia himself, when they were in Carmel and he pointed a few things out that caught his eye. The bedroom furniture came from a weekend trip to Monterrey, when they stayed at a local bed and breakfast and the owner just happened to be selling off the antique furniture.

Everything was ready, and Harvey would be back soon. "I hope you like it, Harvey." Rachel took out an envelope from the dresser drawer addressed to Harvey, and laid it on the bed before walking out of the room.

**
"Daddy, I want to stay here." Jerry didn't want to go back with Anna when his visit was over, he enjoyed his time with his father and Rachel. Harvey was driving him to Joe's so he could take Rachel to the airport.

"With me?" Harvey wasn't used to this, part of Jerry always wanted to be with Anna. Harvey thought the addition of Rachel might of had something to do with the situation, but he wasn't sure.

"And Rachie." Jerry had become closely attached to his father's friend, hoping she'd be around for a while. She was different from Anna, he always came first --- no matter what. Rachel was more like his dad.

"How come?" Harvey didn't understand Jerry's change of mind, wanting to stay in San Francisco and not see his mother. Harvey was happy to know his son wanted to be with him, but questionned the reasonning. Harvey turned to look at him while they stopped at the light.

"You... and Rachie like me bester." Jerry had been put on hold a lot recently with his mother, he wasn't used to the attention Rachel and Harvey lavished upon him.

Jerry's response left Harvey baffled, wondering what went on between his son and Anna. He'd have to talk to her after Rachel left. Harvey considered asking for custody before, once he was married would've been the opportune time. When Rachel got back, he'd make his move and talk to a lawyer. "I'll have to talk to Mommy."

"Lili can play too." Jerry had taken quickly to Rachel's daughter, he enjoyed having a playmate close to his own age.

Harvey didn't know what to say, about Rachel, Lili or Anna. Rachel and Lili would be out of his life for a while, and Anna was a problem that would never go away.

**
"Rachel's leaving today, you think she'll actually go?" Joe flopped down onto the couch next to Inger. He was already predicting that Rachel would never make it onto the plane. Joe knew how much her daughter meant to her, but he was also beginning to see how involved she was with Harvey.

"I just don't know, Joe. We know what it's like to be away from the one you love." Distance was something Joe and Inger had become all to familiar with over the years, due to her annual pilgrimages with Ulla.

"You think they can last?" Joe never pictured someone like Rachel with Harvey, he hadn't pictured her a mother either. Rachel was definitely turning out to be different from his expectations.

"Rachel and Harvey?" Inger hadn't easily pictured the two together, but there was something about the relationship that worked. Joe nodded his head, "of course, why wouldn't they?"

"They just seem so different. I mean, she was one of Nash's girls." Joe knew Nash still wasn't completely over her, and seeing her with Harvey was something he had to learn to accept.

"So that means she can't be with him?" Inger didn't understand Joe's reasoning, just because Rachel was with Nash didn't mean she shouldn't have a chance with Harvey.

"Maybe you're right, aren't opposites supposed to attract?" Joe looked at Inger, wondering where Lucia was... maybe they had the house to themselves.

"You know, Joe, I love you... but you weren't exactly the man of my dreams when I first saw you." Inger smiled, Joe was definitely not what she or Ulla anticipated her marrying.

"Oh no?" Joe pretended to pout and moved further down the couch, "so who was?"

"But we are so happy now, I've forgotten all other men." Inger grinned and kissed Joe, as his eyes widened and his imagination ran wild.

**
Harvey paced around the airport terminal as Rachel argued with the attendant behind the counter. He knew she was trying to procrastinate; Rachel would take a bump, argue with a steward, anything to get out of leaving. Harvey wasn't going to let her, he wanted her to go. He glanced up at the sign, the alternating colored lights revealing the flight number and destination that were identical to the information on her ticket. Harvey watched as she walked towards him, defeated. Rachel forced herself to smile, coming within an arms reach of Harvey, and kissed him.

"Maybe I'll come out and see you, if I get too lonely here in San Francisco." Harvey would undoubtedly be lonely with her gone. Even though Jerry was there for another few days, it wouldn't be the same without Rachel.

"I know you would, but it doesn't make getting on that plane any easier." Rachel knew Harvey had gone to the greatest extents to prove that nothing would change between them while she was away. She had to believe that in order to make their relationship last.

"I never said this was going to be easy." Harvey took her into his arms, realizing he might not be able to let her go. He took advantage of the moment and kissed her, not caring who saw them.

"I'll come home when I can.'' Bill offered to fly Rachel home wheneve she wanted, but she didn't want to take advantage of his kindness.

"That means I'll see you at least once a month, maybe I can handle that." Harvey smiled, trying to reassure himself that the distance wouldn't be a problem. "I just won't let you out of my sight."

Rachel grinned, that was a consequence she had no problem accepting. She already was planning her first trip back, she'd take Harvey to Carmel and show him the house. "That I can live with."

"Flight 417 to Boston is now boarding, first class passengers and those traveling with children or need assistance, please proceed to the gate." Harvey watched as the crowd slowly made their way towards the gate, knowing Rachel's departure was soon to follow.

"Shouldn't you board?" Harvey wasn't trying to get rid of her, but he didn't want her to lose her seat either. Harvey grinned, trying to lighten the mood. "Let me guess, you've been watching your movies again and you want one of those sappy airport good-byes?"

Rachel smiled, already on the verge of tears. "That's exactly what I want." Harvey was all to happy to oblige and gave the onlookers a show. After another lengthy kiss, Harvey broke the embrace long enough to dig into his coat pocket and retrieve an envelope.

Harvey glanced at the envelope, considering it's contents once again. He poured his heart and soul into that letter, hopeful that Rachel would understand his every word. Harvey slipped the letter into Rachel's bag while she wasn't looking, if she read it now --- she might not ever make that flight. He chuckled when a man at the next terminal pointed towards him and Rachel, "haven't they ever seen a husband tell his wife good-bye?"

"Flight 417 to Boston now boarding all rows, this is your final call." The woman behind the counter glanced at Rachel, she was one of the few lingering passengers.

"That's your call." Harvey looked down at Rachel and smiled, already beginning to count the days until he'd see her again. "I'll walk you up." Harvey knew it would be far too hard to part ways any sooner, he'd planned to watch the plane take off. He draped his arm loosely around her waist as they walked slowly towards the gate. "Oh, and I am going to think about your suggestion." Harvey smiled, not wanting to let her go.

Rachel looked up at Harvey, the man she had so quickly and easily fell in love with. The idea of leaving suddenly hit her, she was willingly walking away from the best thing that ever happened to her. Rachel knew she couldn't do it, she couldn't get on that plane. She tried to keep herself from crying, a break down certainly wouldn't help the situation. Rachel had so much to lose on either side. "I can't do it, Harvey, I can't go."

**

Sarah