Is It A Dream?

Best Partner

Linda smiled as the hot water cascaded over her sore, dirty body. She would have to thank Maria Baez in a big way for letting her and her husband stay over night. It was now Sunday morning, leaving Linda alone with Baez. Because she and Danny had to make the family believe nothing happened, Danny went to church by himself.
Linda loved the feeling of the warm water raining over her skin- it was a nice 'welcome back to reality' gift. She wondered how they would tell the family- Danny had just told her he had an idea. She agreed to whatever it was, just as long as her husband was near by.
Baez stood in front of the coffee machine, watching it percolate. She was glad that Linda was alive and seemingly doing well. The Latino has noticed a definite shift in her partner. Danny had been sadder, but more determined to catch the crooks, almost as if he was avenging his wife by taking every perp he could off the street. Baez walked over to the fridge, pulling out milk and whipped cream. She knew Linda liked her coffee fancy, after having a few lunches with the blonde and the nurse's face whenever she drank her husband's black coffee told the lady detective everything she needed to know.
"Thanks for doing this," Linda walked into the kitchen in jeans and a sweatshirt. "I can't believe you have a New Kids' sweatshirt!"
Baez laughed, "feel free to keep it. My sister gave it to me a while ago."
"Really? I can have it?"
"Yeah. I don't wear it."
"Thanks."
"You're welcome." Baez poured Linda a cup of coffee, sliding the sugar and whipped cream in her direction.
The blonde smiled, "so, uh... how has... how has Danny... uh, been?"
"Different. He usually hangs out at the precinct till the boss forces him to go home. Then he comes back, looking like he hadn't slept at all."
Linda frowned, "I didn't want any of this."
"Nobody would want this." Baez headed to the living area, Linda in tow. "But you're alive and sorta healthy, and Danny couldn't be happier. You should've heard him this morning before he headed out." Baez sighed and shook her head, making her hand talk.
Linda smiled a little, "I can't imagine what I put him through."
"He forgives you. Even though none of this was any way your fault."
"But it was. I changed shifts for him. So it was my fault."
"And he thinks it's his fault. Look, it's nobody's fault except the people who kidnapped you. And believe me, Danny's not gonna rest until their asses are in jail."
Linda smiled, "that's true... I don't like it when he does that."
"Does what?" The detective sipped her coffee.
"When he pours everything into a case. He stops thinking at one point, and that's when he does something stupid. Like getting shot or beaten or something not good." She stared into her coffee. "But I know you've got his back, and I thank you for that. I know this sounds silly, but...." she sighed, "but.... I feel... safer? I guess. Safer with you as his partner. The others were okay- except Jackie. I didn't like her at all. But you..." Linda looked at Baez. "I know you. You're the best partner he has ever had. You two have known each other longer than I've known Danny. I trust you with him." She shook her head, "Sorry. I'm rambling."
"It's okay. I'm glad you don't see me as a threat or whatever. We're all just good friends."
"Well... I'm more than a friend to Danny, but yes. We're good friends."