Hello people of the Blue Bloods world. Over the past few months I got into Blue Bloods and it is now in my top 3 favorite shows. There's not a thing about it I don't like (except maybe some editing mistakes; curse my current art degree for catching them now) and it's been wonderful to follow.

I've had this idea for a while and I decided it was about time to share it with everyone else. This will be a multi-chapter fic, pretty long if people continue to read it. It's also a style that I usually write but haven't published until now. So hopefully it is good? Anyhow, I am doing my best to research how Police and detectives work, their vocabulary and stationing so forgive me if any information incorrect. Feel free to kindly point out what's wrong and help with the correct view so I'm not offending anyone!

Also the ages are changed as this will be an AU fic and some characters may seem off or a bit OOC due to age changes, since we are different as time goes on. I'm gonna try hard to stick to their original personalities because that's who we all feel in love with. Alright?

Anyhow I hope you all enjoy this new fic and let me know if it worth continuing. There will be some clarifying ends notes you may wanna read!

Disclaimer: I haven't owned Blue Bloods since the summer of '09. Back in those days I made sure there was plenty of angst to be handed to each character...and right. I didn't ever own Blue Bloods, nor do I now. So don't sue, please?

Enjoy!

Run

February 7, 2005

What is harder: Hiding or seeking? Is it harder to hide within the shadows and space you can find, never knowing what or who will catch you? Or is it harder to be the one searching, never knowing what may be hiding in the corners and within the darkness. Surely, it's trivial to search for someone. After all, how many Police cases have fallen sour due to the difficulty of finding a victim or perpetrator? Honestly, it cannot be that hard to hide, compared to searching.

Maybe, all that matters is who you're hiding from.

Maybe it's who that's searching that makes it difficult.

Except, hiding becomes easy after a while. With much practice and special circumstances, hiding is no longer an unbelievable outcome. Because, really, once you manage to hide out of sight and out of sound, you can disappear.

And never be seen or heard from again.

Why do we seek in hide-and-seek? It's like a game of cat and mouse, only one person can win in the end. And only then, do we desire to not be found. So, why should hiding become so difficulty outside of a simple game? Shouldn't it be easier with years of experience? Perpetrators, run and hide day after day from the Police. After all, isn't it just a game of cat and mouse?

A game between the NYPD and the perp.

A life hanging in the balance. Strange isn't it?

My name is Daniel Lockston. At least, that's what Mama and Pa call me. They've called me Daniel for three years now. I'm not supposed to remember anything before Mama or Pa. I don't really, remember anything else before them. They've all I've ever had, and there's nothing more I could need. Except maybe my other name.

Sometimes I hear someone calling me Danny, when I'm alone. It sounds like a quiet whisper, or even a burst of laughter in my ears. I like hearing Danny. Except, Mama doesn't like that nickname. She told me, more than once, that my name was Daniel. She asked if I didn't love her enough, that I couldn't learn to love the name she had given me. My own mother. Mama always cries when she asks me this and it hurts my head. It hurts in other parts, but I mostly remember how it hurts my head and my heart when she cries about my name. That's why I go by Daniel whenever she or Pa are around. It makes her happy and that is what I desire most.

Except, can I tell you a secret?

Sometimes, when Mama or Pa aren't around, I like to call myself Danny, and sometimes I can hear the whisper in my ears if I sit alone. But only when Mama isn't around. I don't want her to cry over my name.

Sometimes, my brother and sister call me Danny. I have two siblings. Erin, is my younger sister of a year at age nine. She's one of the smartest kids I know and one day she's going to be smarter than even Mama or Pa. I think Mama knows that too and she gets nervous whenever Erin talks about becoming someone who will save and help other people as she grows up, before we go to bed downstairs at night. Erin usually notices Mama's nervousness, but she still talks about what she will do when she grows up, unless Pa is around. Pa makes Erin nervous. Although, Joe is still there to make Erin or I feel better.

Especially when Mama and Pa aren't very great at making us feel better and comforted.

Joe is our sole hero; not Mama and not Pa. Joe always tucks us in bed at night and reads us stories from the olds books Erin found in the kitchen cupboards. He doesn't let us see the pages, but he lets us imagine what they look like as he reads them aloud. Joe is much older than Erin and I, at fourteen but he always makes us feel like we're the same age and doesn't belittle us like Pa does.

Joe doesn't sleep downstairs with Erin or I. Usually he goes up the creaky old steps – Pa keeps saying he needs to fix the fifth step – back to Mama or Pa and we don't hear any of them until, Joe wakes us up in the morning. Joe always tries to wake us up in the morning, before Mama and Pa. He says they like to sleep in and it's his job to make sure we're awake before them. Joe always lets us play outside after dark through the trees around the house. The trees line around the house for miles and miles, growing taller until they touch the clouds in the sky, where giants live (that's what Joe tells us). He even lets out go outside in the dark with an old candle lantern, when it snows in the winter so we can see the snow. Sometimes it is cold and Erin complains in her night gown when we walk against the cold snow on the ground, but Joe insists we stay out and enjoy the snow while it lasts.

There are even few nights where we walk and walk through the forest. Sometimes for hours and hours, but Joe keeps pushing us to play and feel the snow because we never know when the snow will stop coming. However, I always tell Joe we never have to worry about no snow. Every year we get snowfall in the trees from November through March. Still Joe insists. Until Mama finds us and takes us back to bed; she usually gets upset though and we don't see Joe for two or three days after those nights.

Can I tell you one more secret? If you promise not to tell anyone else. If you tell, then the deeper I fell.

Pa scares me sometimes. But he always makes time to play a game with Erin, Joe and I. Sometimes he only plays with Joe, or only with Erin and I. It's his favorite game and I have to play, since he loves playing so much. Erin always plays the games I love, so shouldn't I play Pa's game? Except, Pa's game is hard to win. Usually he wins, but there are times where Erin or I win and I think Pa can be a sore loser at times. He doesn't ever like to lose, especially not against some old kids.

Pa likes to play tag. Though, he calls it chase, and we can only play at night and in the trees without a lantern or even flashlights.

Erin doesn't like to play chase often. Especially not with Pa. When he catches her, I don't see her until the morning, since she goes to his room with Mama.

Life isn't always exciting or easy in our house in the woods. Sometimes Mama and Pa fight; sometimes they fight with Joe or Erin and I. There aren't any other houses nearby unless we drive far, meaning it's only Joe, Erin and I to play games and try to have fun. No other kids to play hide-and-seek with or tag. Mama says maybe one day they'll start building more houses and other people will live near us, but for now we should simply just enjoy the Peace and quiet.,

Today was just another day in the Lockston's household.

Joe hasn't been around for a couple of days, after he left into the trees with Pa and Mama. Erin and I sat around the living room, Erin with a small Teddy Bear I found beside a lamp two years ago, and I sat with some old wooden blocks, looking out the window every few minutes. Wondering, waiting. Where was Joe?

When they had finally returned home, opening the door with a loud bang, and with the sound of boots crunching against snow, it was dark out. There hadn't been any food left out on the tables or counter and Pa always told us to not go in the fridge without him or Mama. Although, all thoughts of food disappeared from my thoughts when I saw Mama holding something as she came through the doorway first. Pa followed in behind her with an old rusty ax in one hand and a pile of woods in the others.

Finally, behind the two was Joe, holding his own pile of wood and eyes downcast. He slipped in silently and headed straight for the fireplace without even a glance in our direction. Erin remained seated where she was, but I could see the curiosity that always lied within her, bright in her eyes. She stared at the bundle in Mama's arms and slowly put the bear down but she didn't move from the floor. Instead I stood up and ran over to Mama, to catch a better look at what was in her arms.

Pa scoffed darkly and snatched the back of my shirt's collar with the same hand that held our old axe, forcibly yanking me back away from Mama.

"Harold, it's alright." Mama laughed gently, but didn't make a move to help me away from Pa. She shifted the bundle and smiled down at me. "Daniel just wants to see his new little brother. Put the wood with Joe and set the axe down." Pa merely sneered down towards me, and I lowered my gaze to the floor as to not see the look of anger in his eyes. However, he let me go and headed into the other room with Joe. I blinked slowly, still staring at the floorboards.

There were a lot of holes where the floorboards had rotten, and scratches dug deep into the grains of the wood, for various reasons.

It wasn't until a few minutes of silence that Mama's words registered in my mind and my eyes widened. I snapped my head upwards in shock and my eyes immediately found Erin's rather than Mama's. She wore the same look of shock, akin to a look of horror. Swallowing thickly, I looked towards Mama to see the bundle in her arms and for the first time that night, I noticed how it moved slightly until a sliver of blanket was pushed away to reveal the small fuzzy head of a baby.

Unconsciously I stepped closer, only to be met with two beautifully, bright blue eye staring right back at me. The little bundle moved once more as the baby snuffled in his blankets, and his eyes looked away from mine to look around the room.

"Brother?"

Mama smiled with a laugh, ruffling my hair with her free hand. "Of course Daniel. This is your baby brother. Just like Erin is your little sister. He'll be part of the family now, so you'll have to watch over him when Mama or Pa can't. Can you do that for Mama, Daniel?" She asked firmly, eyes suddenly narrowing with the question. Unable to speak, I could only nod.

Oh Danny, mommy loves you so much.

"What's his name?" Erin squeaked, still not daring to get up. I looked back at her, wanting her to look at the little baby and hold this same protective feeling that was suddenly stirring inside of me. Maybe this was how Joe felt about Erin and me.

Mama grinned widely. "Jamison."

Meanwhile, in NYPD Headquarters

Frank Reagan, liked to think of himself as a Pioneer of sorts. A man quick to adapt to his surroundings, able to survive when time called for it. He'd like to imagine he was a quick thinker, easy to decide whether to choose between his heart or his head, especially when it came to solving cases as the Lead Detective 3rd Grade in the 15th Precinct.

His father, Henry Reagan (and the Chief of Police), liked to agree with Frank. Frank was a detective to be proud of, and where every office and Precinct wished to have him. He was only of few officers with the highest arrests, case closures and fewest cold cases on record, and who still acted with his head and his heart. Not one or the other.

However, even Frank Reagan wasn't perfected and his mistakes haunted him more so than the other officers.

"Reagan." Frank looked up from the set of case files sitting on his desk with drawn, weary eyes. Over the last few years his eyes lost the spark of Justice he once had and only looked more tired. Jonathon Royce, Franks lead partner and Commander of the Detective precinct. He'd been by Frank's side for many years, and knew of the pain and heartache the man had endured over the years, and yet he still put his life on the line every day to keep the people of New York, and all its glory, safe.

"Detective." Frank acknowledge, rubbing his temples.

"You're still going over those old kidnapping cases? They've been declared cold cases for a reason Frank, don't keep doing this to yourself." Jonathon sighed sadly. Frank huffed and covered his mouth with his hands, as the words of the cold cases read dauntingly at Frank. Mocking him. Calling him a coward for quitting.

"But three? We declare three cases Cold and find there's no connection between them?" Frank muttered bitterly. Jonathon sighed, preparing for another class famous quote or speech from the great Frank Reagan. "How can you ask me to give up on not one, but three Cold Cases? How can you ask me to do that to those children?"

"Frank," Jonathon interrupted before the other Detective could dig this hole any deeper. "You should know better than anyone else as a Detective here, that the first 12 hours or critical, and anything past the first 24 are worthless. More than likely those kids are dead Frank. It's been four years for the oldest, and two for the other two kids. Frank, I doubt they're still alive." His heart ached to tell Frank the truth, but as an officer of the law, it was his duty to declare the facts.
Not to declare what his partner wanted to hear.

"Then we let a kidnapper and murder loose!" Frank snarled. "You know this case is personal –"

"You think I don't know that Frank! I was with you when it happened!" Jonathon rebutted. "I know how personal this case is for you but it's time to face the facts!"

"I cannot let this murderer roam free!" Frank roared, pushing himself out of his seat. It slammed against the floor behind him, causing an eerie silence to fall over the room. The other detectives and officers suddenly stalled their conversations, noises and sounds to look up at the two leading detectives.

"I know you can't Frank." Jonathon sighed tiredly. "But as a NYPD detective it is your duty to help those you can right now. Which means you better start focusing on an Open Case right now, and put those Cold Cases away, Frank, or I'll have your shield." The older detective stared solemnly once more at his partner, before dropping a new pile of cases on Frank's desk, and leaving for his office.

Frank huffed and glanced around the room, where most of the other detectives and officers were quick to look away and resume their previous tasks. Slowly, he pulled his chair off the floor and sat down. He could feel the ache deep within his bones and the pain settle in his chest.

The young detective opened up the first few files of Open Cases on his desk, already deciding the best detective for the case. It wasn't until the very last file, did Frank finally assign himself a case. And Frank knew he would regret this case more than ever, knowing it would only haunt him again.

Lewis Case 41101789-05PI

Status: Open

Type: Child Abduction and Kidnapping

Frank knew he should have pushed the case onto another detective. He knew he shouldn't take on yet another kidnapping case. Not after the three other cases he had taken on were declared Cold. But yet, one look at the child's picture and Frank's mind wen to the other three children and only then did he know in his mind and heart, that he had to take on this case.

Victim's Name (Full): Jamison Henry Lewis

Age: 4 months; 1 day

Date of Birth: October 6, 2004

Date of Report: January 24, 2005 – Missing for over a period of 24 consecutive hours

Officers on site: Officer (Kevin) Arnolds and Officer (Amanda) Carpenter

Biological Parents: Kristen Torrez Lewis and Lance Henry Lewis

Status: Deceased.

Signed off by: Detective 1st Degree, Jonathon Royce

Frank closed his eyes, hands lingering on the remaining portions of the file. Another case of child abduction, only this time with a baby. And deceased parents. Meaning no one was looking for this boy except the NYPD.

As he looked through the file, Frank noticed similarities between this case and his previous cold cases. However, there were distinct differences for this case that would make it harder and more painful. Such as the fact that it appeared both parents were murdered from multiple stab wounds, from whoever committed the abduction and the fact that this was a child under a year.

Odds would be against Frank for this case.

But then again, the odds were almost always against Frank.

February 10, 2005

Erin and I stood against the cold, winter wind that night. The sky was dark, and the trees only blocked the moonlight and stars even further. I could barely make out Erin's body next to me, only because she was pressed right up against me to keep warm. I couldn't see the details in her face, like her eyes or mouth but I could feel the fear washing off her just as it was doing the same with me.

Joe was with Mama tonight and wouldn't be playing with us. But Jamie would.

You have to promise not to tell Mama or Pa about Jamison's nickname. Erin couldn't fully pronounce it, and Jamie suited our brother better. Don't tell them, or else we'll be in a mighty heap of trouble.

Jamie snuffled underneath the two layers of a blanket and a jacket; his little body pressed up against mine, while Erin's hand rested on his head. I knew she would warm up to him and love our little brother. She even felt protective of him just like I felt about Jamie and her.

Which was why Pa had yelled at her when she suggested Jamie was too little to play at night. Pa insisted it wouldn't be a family game without Jamie to play, and we had to show him the ropes since he was brand new to the world. If so, then where was Joe? Or Mama?

Oh Danny.

Pa stood behind the two of us, on top of a small hill. His breath was the only indication that he was there, as it came out in small puffs. Every now and again I caught sight of something shiny in his hands whenever it caught the candle lights of the house.

We stood waiting for the game to star; for Pa to give the okay to begin our little game of tag. Erin's hand was shaking as she pat Jamie's head, as if he were a dog. But our little brother seemed to enjoy the small touch and kept quiet as long as Erin's hand stayed there.

"Are you ready to play kids?" Dad's voice was like a knife in the silence of the night. Shivers involuntarily ran down my spine and Erin swallowed.

"Always Pa." Erin whispered shakily. More silence.

"Then run."

I still don't know if it is harder to hide or to seek. I guess it all really depends on who you're looking for, and who you're hiding from.

So, was it absolutely atrocious? Should I even bother to continue with it? Thoughts? Opinions? Likes? Dislike? Please leave a comment below as your reviews help me to improve and will determine the outcome of this story! Thanks

Now, for some clarifying end notes. I'm not going to spoil or give too much away but please note:

-I know by watching from the show and taking some detective-like guesses and clues, that Danny Reagan is actually older than Joe. However, for later purposes and plot points it made better sense for Joe to be the oldest. Danny's attitude and protective nature will still be the same, but this time he has an older brother to look over him.

-Danny, Joe, Erin and Jamie are all kids. No one is an adult like in the show. Joe is 14. Danny is 10. Erin is 9. And obviously Jamie is only 4 months. I tried to keep their age differences as similar as they appear in the show with Danny, Joe and Erin close in age and a big gap between Jamie and his siblings.

-There will be some OC's in this story as to make the cast larger and differentiated. However, I know OC's can be a pain and they will not be the major focus of my story. Except for Mama and Pa.

-The POV will always be in Danny's or in 3rd POV with Frank. Danny's POV is meant to sound young and appropriate to his age.

So hopefully, those notes are helpful and will keep you going with this story. Let me know what you guys think so far and thank you for taking the time to read this first chapter!

Until next time, Peaceout!