DANIELLE

Harvey tapped his foot nervously. He was not looking forward to the next twelve hours. Before his parents even stepped one foot off the train, Harvey knew this day was going to end in anger, resentment and bitterness. The only hope he had that it wouldn't be a total disaster was his sister Danielle. Harvey smiled. Thinking about his little sister always made him smile. She had a way of turning everything wrong, right again.

Harvey leapt out of his chair and paced around the terminal. He glanced at his watch. Their train would be arriving soon. Harvey pulled nervously at his jacket and straightened his vest. Then he noticed the Grateful Dead armband on his sleeve. "Damn!" He had almost forgotten to take it off. Harvey tugged at the armband, cursing silently. It wouldn't budge. The last thing Harvey needed to do was to set his mother off on one of her tangents. The only topic Virginia Leek could not stand, and tried to avoid whenever possible, was discussion of her son's 'peculiarities'. Finally he was able to remove the offensive piece of cloth and hide it away.

Harvey dug into his coat pockets, rummaging around for his ringing cell phone. "Inspector Leek."

"Hey Harv…Evan. How's it going?"

Harvey dragged a weary hand across his brow. "I'm a wreck. And they haven't even arrived yet."

Evan chuckled. "Sorry bro."

"Yeah, I can tell, you're really concerned." Harvey took another look at the Arrivals Board. The non-stop sleeper train from Palm Springs was now in the station. "I envy you my friend. You get along with your family."

"No way Harv. You wouldn't be saying that if you were at our house over Thanksgiving. Insanity, beer and pumpkin pie. Makes for some great family moments."

"I'll trade ya." Frowning, Harvey again heard Evan chuckling at his friend's misfortune. "Look Evan, I have to go. See you at work in the morning."

"Good luck. Say hello to Dani for me, will ya? And tell her she still owes me a game of pool."

"Will do." Harvey grinned as he clicked off his phone. Danielle had developed a close friendship with his partner the last time she was in town, but he doubted anything would come of it. Besides, Harvey had a sneaking suspicion that his sister would eat Evan for breakfast if given the chance.

Dashing towards Gate 12, Harvey prayed that he hadn't missed their arrival. Sighing with relief when he didn't see them, Harvey waited patiently for his parents to come out. He noticed his mother right away and waved her over. Henry Leek's proud figure followed in his mother's wake.

Virginia took in his appearance, and then immediately dismissed it as being too over the top. Harvey's face dropped at the look of disapproval she gave him. He leaned over and gave his mother a light peck on the cheek. "Hello Mother. How was your trip?"

"Like any other trip, Harvey Dear. Uneventful. The veal was good."

"I thought it was a bit dry." Henry stuck out a hand towards Harvey. "How are you doing son?"

"Fine." Harvey shook his father's hand, and peered over their shoulders. "Where's Dani? Did Nathan come with you?"

Virginia perched herself carefully on the edge of a wooden bench. "No. Your brother is still in London. He won't be back until next week." She tugged off her travelling gloves. "Danielle is arranging for the luggage to be sent to the hotel."

"Hotel?" Harvey tried to keep his voice even and calm. He cleared his throat. "I thought you weren't staying overnight."

"Your Father has some business in San Francisco. We will be staying at the Mark Hopkins until Sunday."

"Sunday…great." Harvey painted a phony smile on his face. "Wonderful news."

"HARVEY!" Harvey spun around at the sound of his sister's voice. Danielle came barreling towards him at full speed. She flew into his arms, laughing gaily. His sister was Harvey's spitting image. She had bright blue eyes, an easy smile, and curly light-brown hair that cascaded down her back. They also shared a unique brother-sister bond when it came to clothing. She was wearing black jeans, a colourful multi-print silk shirt and snake skin boots. The entire outfit was topped off with a black beret, which she had adorned with an elegant diamond encrusted pin. Despite their similar tastes, however, Danielle somehow managed to stay in touch with modern fashion whereas her brother was rooted firmly in the 60's. Exactly how Harvey liked it, much to his mother's dismay.

"Dani! How you doing old girl? Still getting into trouble."

"Of course." Danielle punched Harvey playfully, egging him on.

Virginia cast a wary glance around the station. "Danielle. Really, you need not make such a spectacle of yourself."

"Chill out Mother." Tossing back her long mane of curls, Danielle looked down her nose at her mother. "Nobody here knows who you are. It's not likely The Club will toss you out on your ear because I'm making a scene."

Harvey ducked his head. He tried not to show how much he enjoyed Danielle's ability to 'handle' their mother. "Shall we go? My car's parked out front."

"You and Danielle go ahead. Your Father and I will get a taxi and meet you at the hotel." Having issued her edict for the day, Virginia glided away gracefully. His father followed a few paces behind. Danielle held two fingers together and tossed a saucy salute at her mother's departing back.

Laughing, Harvey propelled Danielle towards the exit. "C'mon brat. I need to get you out of here before you get into anymore trouble."

"Trouble? Me!? Harvey, I'm wounded…"

"Yeah, well…"

Placing both hands on her chest, Danielle looked up at her brother and batted her eyelids. "Fiddle-dee-dee, what ever is a poor girl to do without her big strong brother to take care of her?"

"You are so asking for it." Harvey placed his sister's hand in the crook of his arm as they made their way through the terminal. This day wasn't turning out so bad after all. Thanks to Danielle.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"No Mother, I will not give up my assignment with the SIU. I was lucky to get this chance, and I will not toss it away." Harvey yanked the linen napkin off his lap and tossed it on the table. The main course hadn't arrived yet and already his mother was at him about his job. "I like what I do. And I'm very good at it."

"But Harvey Dear, you could do so much more with your life if you just put your mind to it. You majored in Business, and have nothing to show for it."

"That's where you're wrong. I have a great job, co-workers and friends who think I'm worth a damn…"

"Son, watch your language." Henry skewered his appetizer.

Harvey sighed. "I'm sorry, but I am not a little kid anymore. You have to let me live my own life."

Virginia covered Harvey's hand with her own. "I just want what's best for you. Your sister agrees with us Harvey…"

"Don't bring me into this," Danielle snapped. "You are the one with the problem here Mother, not me."

Virginia lifted a perfectly sculpted eyebrow questioningly. "But, you said that Harvey was unhappy…"

"Dani?" Harvey couldn't believe that his sister would betray him to the enemy. That was exactly how he saw his parents…as the enemy. "Is this true? You think…"

"No!" Danielle shot back. "I never said anything like that. Harvey, I just said that you were having a rough time since Bonnie left, that's all."

Harvey blanched. The break-up of his marriage was hard enough. He certainly didn't need it to become fodder for the dinner table. "I see. Will you excuse me?" Harvey stood up.

Danielle had tears in her eyes. "Harv?"

"I just need some air." Harvey turned on his heel and escaped to the balcony. The cool ocean air hit his face. Breathing deeply, Harvey stared out at the skyline. He loved this city. Hearing a sound behind him, Harvey turned his head. "You didn't need to come out here. I'm fine."

Danielle placed a hand on Harvey's arm. "Harvey, don't be mad at me. Please…"

Harvey dropped his head and leaned onto the railing. "Why?"

"I was worried about you. And I didn't tell her, just so you know. Daddy and I were talking one night, and I confided to him how much Bonnie's betrayal hurt you. She was probably listening at the door…"

Harvey's shoulders shook slightly as he laughed at the thought. "Probably."

"Can you ever forgive me? I wouldn't be able to stand it if you were mad at me. I would just die!"

Harvey looked into his little sister's eyes. Danielle was only ten years younger than Harvey, but to him she would always be his 'little' sister. He smiled fondly at her. "Ah Baby Doll, I could never stay mad at you."

A huge grin spread across Danielle's face. "Darn right!"

Harvey shook his head. His sister certainly knew how to brighten his mood. "C'mon, let's get back inside before Mother sends out a search party." Harvey and Danielle wove their way through the restaurant. Halfway, Harvey paused and then quickly turned his head away. Once back at the table he pulled out his cell phone and dialed.

"Harvey Dear, not while we're eating. Surely whatever it is can wait until…"

"Hold on Mother…" Harvey held up his hand to cut her off. "Joe, it's Harvey. I'm over at the Mark Hopkins having dinner with my parents… Yeah, great. Look, you'll never guess who's got himself a job at the Top of the Mark restaurant. Our old friend Billy Saunders… Uh huh, my thoughts exactly. He's definitely up to something…At least three, maybe more. I need backup right away…Nothing so far. Looks like they're casing the joint. There's enough ice up here to sink the Titanic…Right." Harvey hung up his phone.

"Would you please tell us what is going on here." Virginia demanded. She was obviously quite upset at Harvey's phone call. "Who were you talking…?"

Harvey tucked his phone back into the vest of his dinner jacket. "Be quiet Mother. Just eat your fish. It's getting cold."

"But…"

Harvey sighed. "I recognized one of the wine stewards. He's been arrested several times for armed robbery…"

His mother's voice rose in panic. "Robbery…?"

"Shhh…Be quiet." Harvey sipped at his water. "And don't look around. Eat your dinner. Pretend nothing's wrong. Whatever you do, don't draw any attention to yourself."

Virginia started to stand. "I'm leaving."

Harvey lowered his voice and growled at his mother. "Sit Down!"

Virginia was shocked. Harvey never talked to her like that. Danielle grabbed her mother's arm and forced her slowly back into her seat. "Do as you're told Mother. This is serious."

"What are we going to do?" Virginia whispered.

"Nothing. I'm waiting for backup. There's nothing I can do 'til they get here." Harvey sank deeper into his chair. It wasn't likely that Saunders would recognize him, but Harvey didn't want to take any chances. He watched as Billy moved over to talk with two waiters near the bar. A fourth soon joined them. This was obviously something they had been planning for quite sometime.

Harvey and his family sat quietly as they tried to eat their dinner. His mother barely picked at her food. Danielle shifted nervously in her chair several times. Harvey put out a comforting hand and whispered in her ear. "Hey Sis, everything's going to be just fine. Don't worry."

"I-I know…" Danielle's lips curled up slightly. Harvey could see she was scared. Harvey scanned the room. The four men were now taking up positions at opposite ends of the restaurant. Harvey lifted himself out of his chair. Danielle's eyes widened. "Where are you going?"

"Just sit tight." Harvey's phone rang. "Joe…yes. Are you in position?" Harvey headed for the washrooms at the back of the restaurant. Billy was standing a few feet away. Harvey eyed the man carefully. "Good. I think they're getting ready to make their…"

Billy pulled a gun out from underneath his uniform. "Nobody move!" People screamed. All four gunmen were brandishing weapons.

"Shit!" Harvey ducked quickly behind a massive potted fern. He pulled his sidearm from its holster and waited. Billy and his crew were stripping the patrons of their purses, wallets, jewelry and watches. "C'mon, where are you guys?"

The elevator doors slid open. Joe and a bunch of cops spilled out into the restaurant. "SFPD!" Evan and several more of the city's finest poured through the kitchen doors. Billy Saunders and his men were taken off guard, but they would not lower their weapons.

"Back off Pig." Billy shouted at Joe. He grabbed a woman from a nearby table and wrapped his arm around her neck. Backing away from the elevator, he used her a human shield. "Stay where you are or I'll blow her head off!"

Harvey was in perfect position. Raising himself up off the floor, Harvey pointed his gun at Billy. "Don't do it Saunders. Let her go and you might be able to walk out of here."

Billy swiveled his head around in confusion. "Leek! Where'd the hell you come from?"

"Release her," Harvey ordered. "Now!"

Billy hesitated for a brief moment, but soon realized he was outnumbered. Loosening his grip on the woman's neck, Billy shoved her to the ground. Harvey placed himself between her and Billy. "And the gun. Put it down." Billy held up his hands in defeat as he plopped his gun on a nearby table. Harvey collected the weapon. "Turn around. Hands on the wall!"

"You son of a bitch! I'm going to get you for…"

Harvey kept his gun trained on Billy. "Not today, my friend." One of the other cops placed a set of handcuffs on their prisoner. Harvey holstered his gun. All three of Billy's cohorts were taken into custody. Joe, along with the help of several members of the SIU, escorted the four men into the elevators.

Harvey returned to his parent's table. His mother sat quietly. His father was standing behind her, not moving. "Mother, Dad…I have to leave."

"Leave?" Virginia's hands shook. "What if they…?"

"It's all over." Harvey sat down, looking at his mother calmly. "There's nothing to worry about. Thankfully no one got hurt."

Henry shifted restlessly on his feet. "Harvey?"

"Yeah Dad?"

"I'm very proud of you son." Henry cleared his throat. "You’re a very brave man."

"Um, thanks." Harvey stood and was about to shake his father's hand when Henry moved over to give him a hug. It was probably the first time his father had ever hugged him in public. Holding back tears, Harvey coughed as he backed out of his father's embrace. "You guys going to be ok?"

Henry patted Harvey on the back. "Certainly son. We'll be fine."

"Mother?"

Virginia smiled weakly. "Sure Harvey Dear. You go do whatever you need to, and we'll see you tomorrow. How about lunch?"

Harvey smiled. His mother was amazing sometimes. If all else fails, have lunch. "We'll see. I'll call you." Scanning the room, Harvey looked for his sister. He chuckled at what he saw. She was deep in conversation with Evan by the bar. Looking at the two of them, Harvey could tell that Evan didn't stand a chance. Danielle was an unstoppable force when she set her mind on something…or someone. "Alright you two, break it up."

Danielle batted her eyelashes. "What ever are you talking about? Your partner and I are just… catching up." Danielle brushed Evan's arm suggestively with her finger. "Isn't that right Evan?"

Blushing, Evan fiddled with the strap on his holster. "Yeah…just catching up. You know bro, just the usual conversational…stuff."

Harvey laughed. "C'mon Evan, we'd better get going. Joe will be waiting for us." Harvey pushed the elevator call button. He pointed a finger at Danielle. "And you…Behave!"

Danielle looked at Harvey innocently. "Moi?" Spinning on one foot, Danielle laughed. She then made her way across the room, but not before tossing a coy look over her shoulder at Evan.

The elevator arrived and Harvey stepped inside. He whistled at his friend. "Evan, you coming?"

"Right behind you Harv." Evan practically tripped over his feet getting into the elevator.

Harvey shook his head. "Man, you are pathetic."

The elevator carried them downwards. Evan and Harvey stared up at numbers displayed above their heads as the floors ticked by. When the elevator reached the ground floor, Evan tilted his head in Harvey's direction. "So…those are your parents, huh?"

Harvey bolted from the elevator. "Don't start with me Evan!"

Evan held up his hands. "What? They seem…nice."


THE END

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