Sliding into Home (A Frank Adler AU x MLB)

DNA: Diane Nicole Adler

Frank paces in the hallway as the doctors do a check up on Abby. 

Diane. 

The name has haunted him since the last time he saw her. Eight years.  It had been eight years since he had seen his little sister. This is not how he wanted this to go. 

"Mr. Adler?"

Frank whipped around and looked at Cricket's doctor.  "Is she ok?"

"She's doing well.  Her injuries are healing but we would like to keep her for a few more days to make sure there is no additional swelling to the brain and that there is no internal bleeding from the blows to the torso.  Her scans are clear, so this is just a precaution." 

"Of course." Frank swallowed.  "She wants to bring our niece in. Would that be ok?"

"As long as she takes it easy, I see no problem.  But she needs to rest Mr. Adler." 

"She will.  I'll make sure after she speaks to the detectives. Thank you." Frank offered a weak smile. 

"Have faith, Mr. Adler. She is past the worst." The doctor patted his shoulder and walked away.  Frank took a breath before entering Abby's room. 

She was sitting up better now and smiled when she saw Frank.  "Hi baby." 

"Hi Cricket."  He leaned and kissed her forehead. "How are you feeling?"

"Sore and tired. Confused," she frowned. "I don't remember getting here." 

"One of the neighbors heard you screaming and called it in. I didn't find out until the morning because they couldn't get a hold of management." Frank smoothed her hair. "I should have gone with you. I knew something might happened. I should have protected you." His face broke a little. Abby reached up to cup his face. 

"This is not your fault, Frankie. Please don't blame yourself."  Abby sighed and massaged her temple. 

"Are you hurting?"

"A little," she admitted. 

"C'mon, lay back."  He helped her back to lay down. He took a seat next to her, took her hand and kissed her knuckles. "Cricket, I'm so sorry." 

"This is not your fault Frankie.  Please don't apologize." Abby sighed. "I know you are waiting to talk so I don't have to repeat myself but what are you thinking?"

"Diane. Mike. I'm just... confused, angry, scared. I'm worried about you, Mary, our family, just everything Cricket." Frank laid his head on her lap, and she ran her fingers through his hair. "What if I lost you? "

"You didn't baby.  I'm right here." Abby kept his that way for a few moments before the door opened and a knock came through. "Dr. Hernandez?" 

"Yes?"

"Hello, I'm Detective Stabler and my partner Detective Benson. We have taken over your case and have some questions for you.  May we?"

"Of course.  This is my husband, Frank Adler". Frank shook the detectives hands before sitting down again and taking Abby's hand. 

"It's nice to meet you. I wish it was under better circumstances," Detective Stabler said.  "Dr. Hernandez..." 

"Abby, please.  Call me Abby." 

"Of course, Abby. Can you tell me what happened when you went home?" 

"Well, I went from the stadium to my home that I was sharing with my ex, Michael Weiss. Umm," she looked at Frank. He nodded and she took a breath. "I was leaving him because Frank and I had reunited and had gotten married a couple of weeks ago. I thought he was still back east so I felt safe to collect my things so I could take them to Frank's."