Breaking The Rules

Written By: D’be-D’be


It started out as another hot sunny day in L.A. It was the sun steaming through the bedroom window that woke Officer Jim Reed out of a deep, peaceful sleep. As he slowly became aware of his surroundings he realized he was wrapped securely in the arms of his partner, Pete Malloy. As he snuggled closer, he smiled and said a thankful prayer that what happened between him and Pete wasn’t just a wonderful dream. It really happened! The two partners confessed their true feelings for each other last night and with Jim’s complete consent, Pete took his virginity. Although Pete was as gentle as he could be, and took measures to make sure Jim was fully prepared, it still hurt, but only for a few minutes then the pain gave way to pure pleasure and ecstasy. It was wonderful. Pete was the perfect lover and when both men had reached their climax, they fell asleep in each other’s arms and that’s where Jim found himself this morning. He lifted his head to read the alarm clock and noticed it was almost time to get up. He decided to wake Malloy up before the alarm could. He began to nibble on Malloy’s ear and then proceed to place wet kisses on his neck. He giggled to himself when he heard Malloy growl.

"If you give me a hickey you’ll have a hard time sitting in the squad car today."

"I’ll be gentle."

"Well, I won’t be!" Malloy began to laugh as he rolled unto his side and began to tickle his young partner who began laughing with glee. Malloy then leaned down and gave Jim a long, lingering kiss. He only stopped when the alarm began to beep.

"Mmmm, Pete, don’t stop. You kiss so good!"

"Gee thanks, Junior, but we better get up because we have roll call in an hour."

"Why don’t we call in sick and stay in bed all day?"

"Come on, Jimmy, get up and hit the shower."

"Why don’t we save time and shower together?"

"If I get you alone in the shower, we’ll be late for sure." Malloy pulled down the sheet and gave Reed a love tap on his bare butt. "Now into the shower with you and I’ll start breakfast."

The two men had both showered and had eaten breakfast in thirty minutes and after five minutes of cuddling and petting to help them make it through the day, they left for work.

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

As Reed was getting ready for roll call a fellow officer, Brian Rider, noticed a new sparkle in Reed’s eyes.

"Hey, Jim. Things must be better at home; you lost your blues look."

"Ya, life just got a lot better. I’m happier than I’ve been in years."

"You and Jean made up after your big fight then, eh?"

"Ya, after a long talk things are now on the right path."

"Great! Hey, let’s hurry or we’re going to be late for roll call."

Sgt. Macdonald had already started the day-watch briefing when Rider and Reed slipped into the room. Reed sat down next to Malloy, eyes down.

"Thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to attend roll call, fellows," MacDonald spoke out. Reed blushed deeply and mumbled an "I’m sorry, Sarge." Malloy slipped a note to Reed simply stating, ‘not as sorry as you’re going to be later’.

Reed’s stomach did a little flip at what exactly Malloy meant.

Things were quiet in the squad car and Reed knew Malloy was annoyed at him. After clearing the watch, Reed turned to Malloy, "Pete, I’m sorry for being late. Me and Brian were talking and time got away from me."

Malloy didn’t reply but kept staring straight ahead. Reed hated the silent treatment. He began to sulk as he crouched down in the seat. Malloy gave his partner a sideways glance and with a smirky grin, he told Reed, "Gee, you’re cute when you pout" and he reached over and squeezed Reed’s hand. Reed squeezed back and a huge smile came over his face. He knew all was forgiven, for now anyway.

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

The first half of the watch went by with just a few minor calls: a neighbor dispute, a disturbing the peace, and two highway infractions. When they got back into the car after handing out a speeding ticket to a young woman on her way to the beauty parlor, Malloy looked at his watch and noticed it was past lunch. "Jim, ask for a Code 7 and we’ll hit Duke’s for a chili burger."

They were granted a Code 7 and after they were waited on and drinking their coffee, Reed took a deep breath and took a chance to ask his partner what he meant by that note he passed him at roll call.

Malloy, deciding to tease his young partner, replied, "What note?"

Taking it out of his shirt pocket, Reed slipped it across the table to Malloy. "This note," Reed whispered.

"What do you think it means, partner?"

"I’m going ….I’m going to get punished right?"

"That’s right, Junior, you are!"

"What kind?"

"What kind do you think you deserve?"

Before he answered Malloy, Reed went over the list of rules in his head. He thought about his actions, and knew it fell under the heading of ‘being unprofessional’.

"Well, Pete, I guess it was very unprofessional of me to be late for roll call so maybe I could write lines."

"Sounds good to me…lines it is. But how many is up to me!"

"That sounds fair."

Reed began to relax and enjoy his food.

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

Finally their watch was over and, after the endless paperwork, the two officers headed home. They stopped at the market to pick up a couple of steaks and all the fixings. While Reed paid for the groceries, Malloy slipped next door to the stationery store and picked up some scribblers, lined paper, pens, and a leather-bound diary. He also purchased a couple of Jim’s favorite chocolate bars for a special treat. He then went next door to the health spa and picked up a bottle of edible chocolate massage oil.

After carrying in the groceries, Pete led Jim to the kitchen table and sat him down with a pen and five sheets of lined paper. "Okay, partner. I want you to write this down, ‘I will not be late for roll call again’ on every line on these five sheets. I want them neat and legible understand?"

"Yes, sir," Reed answered without argument.

While Reed did his lines, Malloy put the groceries away. He then commenced grilling the steak and sautéing the mushroom and onions. He also prepared a Caesar salad and put garlic bread in the oven to heat. All the various scents made Reed’s mouth water, but he still took his time doing the lines because he wanted them perfect in order to please Malloy.

When supper was almost ready, Malloy checked on Reed’s progress. He was pleased to see the young man was on the last page and his penmanship was clean and precise. When Reed finished he handed the sheets to Malloy for inspection.

"Very good, partner. Now let’s eat."

Malloy had set a real romantic table. Candles were burning and the wine was chilling. During supper they talked over their day while holding hands. Malloy suggested they have coffee and dessert in the den. Reed took Malloy’s hand and led the way. Snuggled up on the sofa, Malloy took out the chocolate he had purchased earlier. To see the pleasure in Reed’s eyes was well worth the extra cost of the imported candy.

"Oh Pete," Reed gushed like a little boy, " you didn’t have to do that, but I’m sure glad you did…I love you so much, Pete!"

"Ha ha….I love you too, Jimmy. Now let’s have a taste of that chocolate."

Reed began to break off a piece for Malloy. "No, Jimmy. Put it in your mouth and I’ll take a taste from there."

Reed blushed deeply but without hesitation popped a huge piece of dark delicious imported chocolate into his mouth and savored the melting sensation on his tongue. But in a second that savoring sensation became extra ordinary when he felt Malloy’s tongue slip between his lips and begin swirling around Reed’s in order to partake of the chocolate. The kiss led to petting, which led them to the bedroom.

"Jimmy, I know how you love chocolate. Well, partner, do I have a chocolate sensation for you. I want you to strip and lay down on your stomach on the bed and close those deep blue eyes of yours and relax."

Malloy took the bottle of massage oil and poured it into a dish, which was heated by a glowing chocolate scented candle. While waiting for the oil to heat, Malloy began giving Reed a gentle back rub.

"Mmmmmm, Pete, that feels so good. You have such magical fingers."

"Thanks, partner." Malloy then reached behind him and poured some of the heated oil on the palms of his hands and rubbed them together. He then proceeded to give Reed a slow and sensuous massage. He rubbed the oil into every nook and cranny. As he approached Reed’s buttocks, he spread the cheeks apart and poured some hot oil in between the crack. He slipped a finger in and gently pushed it in and out, until he heard Reed moan in ecstasy

"Are you ready to eat some more chocolate, partner?" Malloy asked.

"I sure am!"

Malloy turned Reed unto his back. Reed watched in anticipation, as Malloy poured some oil over his penis and approached his young partner. Reed bent down without hesitation and took Malloy in his mouth. For his part, Malloy took Reed’s organ in his hand and began to pump to match the same rhythm of Reed’s sucking motion. Reed was a real expert in the art of oral sex. His actions were causing Malloy’s eyes to roll back into his head and allow a loud groan to escape. Malloy gently pulled away from Reed and turned him over on his stomach once more.

"Get on all fours, Jimmy. I want to finish inside you."

Reed didn’t need any more encouragement. He assumed the position and once more felt Malloy’s fingers inside him, as his partner lubricated him with more oil. Seeing that Reed was prepared Malloy slowly entered him and began to make love to Reed like there was no tomorrow. He also replaced his hand on Reed’s penis and together they reached the most exuberant orgasm.

Falling asleep in each other’s arms, the two police officers were enveloped in love and the sweet scent of chocolate.

Malloy woke as the sun was coming up. He knew he didn’t have to get up this early, because he and Reed were starting their PM shifts today (3PM-11:30PM). He noticed Reed had managed to kick the covers off while still remaining in Malloy’s arms. Reached behind Reed, Malloy pulled the covers back in place and, after a small kiss on Reed’s forehead, felt back into a contented sleep.

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

Officer Ed Wells was just getting out of his car when he spotted Malloy and Reed entering the parking lot. Curious as to why the two men were traveling together, he waited until they approached the back entrance. He held the door open for them. Wells was the hot dog of the department, always bragging and showing off. He was a good cop and when you get down to it; that’s all that matters out there. His personality however, always seemed to grate on Malloy’s nerves.

"Hey, Reed," Wells asked, "you forget how to drive or something? You’ve been driving with Malloy a lot lately."

Reed was about to answer when Malloy interrupted, "If it’s any of your business Wells, which it isn’t, but I’ll tell you anyway, because you won’t leave us alone until you find out. Jim is living with me while Jean and the baby are away. Their house is under major repair, so Jean took advantage and went to visit relatives back east." Wells, satisfied with that answer, just shook his head and followed Reed and Malloy through the door.

During the pm-watch roll call, Sgt. MacDonald passed out the new hot sheets of stolen vehicles. He also let them know about a lone burglar by the name of Hall, who had a MO of robbing warehouses late at night.

"He’s done a lot of time for burglary in the past and he is a violent and dangerous person, so be careful and cautious if you’re called to a 211 at a warehouse location. Be alert and don’t take any foolish chances. If there are no questions, fall out for inspection."

They were on patrol for about a minute and Reed still hadn’t cleared them. "Hey, Reed!" Malloy shook his partner. "Clear us all ready!"

"Oh, sorry." Picking up the mike, Reed spoke into it, "One Adam-12 pm, watch clear!"

A sexy women’s voice replied, "Roger, Adam 12."

Malloy, sneaking a slide glance at Reed, asked him what was on his mind, as if he didn’t know. Malloy knew the confrontation with Wells this afternoon had shook Reed up.

"Ah, Pete…Maybe I should move back to my place."

"What’s the matter, Junior? You don’t like living with me?"

"I love living with you, Pete. You know that, but after awhile it’s going to be more than Wells who is going to start asking questions."

"Ya I know, partner. Look, let’s give it until our days off at the end of the week then, between the two of us, we can come up with something okay"

"That sounds good. Okay, Pete, I’ll let it drop for now."

‘Sure you will,’ Malloy thought to himself. Reed was never one to let something drop when he had it on his mind. He was about to tease Reed about that when a call came in, "One Adam-12, One Adam-12! See the woman, unknown trouble, 1683 Belmont Street, handle Code 2."

Malloy flicked on the lights but not the siren, as Reed acknowledge the call, "One Adam-12, Roger."

Malloy pulled the squad car to the curb as he spotted an elderly woman waving them down. The two officers got out, placing their hats on their heads and their batons in their belts.

It was plain to see the woman was quite worked up as she approached them, "Hurry up, young men. It’s Mr. Peterson. He’s not answering his door and I know something is wrong."

"What makes you think that, ma’am?" As senior partner it was Malloy’s place to enlist the woman into giving them the facts.

"Well, for the past two years we’ve had an standing date to take in dinner and a movie. I arrived here about twenty minutes ago and rang his bell but there was no answer and I know he should be home. That’s why, young man."

"Ma’am," Reed broke in. "May I have your name, please?"

"It’s Wallace…Martha Wallace…please hurry!"

Malloy instructed Reed to go to the back door while he approached the front door and began ringing the bell, then knocking on the door, all the while calling out for Mr. Peterson. Reed in the meantime was doing the same thing at the back entrance. Getting no reply, he decided to look through a back window, which he discovered gave him access to the bedroom. He spotted Peterson lying face up on the floor by the bed. He called out to Malloy for assistance. Malloy was at his side in seconds, with Mrs. Wallace right on his heels. When Malloy assessed the situation, he ordered Reed to break a small area of glass around the window lock in order to open it up. When the window was opened, Reed slipped in and opened the back door for Malloy.

Malloy went directly to the body and felt for a pulse. He found one; it was weak but it was there. "Call for an ambulance, partner!" he called to Reed as he commenced CPR. Mrs. Wallace dropped into the corner chair and observed Malloy with awe as the young officer tried to breathe life into her friend. After what seemed like hours, she heard the sound of the ambulance siren make its’ way to the back entrance. Only when the ambulance attendants entered the room, did Malloy stop.

Mrs. Wallace looked up at Reed who, after calling the ambulance, had reentered the room and was standing beside the chair. "Your partner is really something, isn’t he?"

With moist eyes and the sound of pride in his voice, he answered the woman, "He sure is, Ma’am. He’s really special."

Malloy, for his part, sat down on the edge of the bed to try and regain his breath. Mrs. Wallace approached him and threw her arms around his neck. "Oh, Officer Malloy!" She had taken notice of his nametag as she approached the bed. "You were wonderful, simply wonderful… you saved Walter’s life!" Reed chuckled to himself at Malloy’s discomfort. The woman was hugging his neck and kissing his cheeks, as she kept exclaiming, "Simply wonderful!"

Malloy managed to pry the grateful woman off him as he gave Reed a dirty look over her shoulder, for not coming to his rescue.

"Ma’am, why don’t you follow the ambulance to the hospital? I’m sure Mr. Peterson would be comforted to know you’re there waiting for him."

"Oh….yes, Officer. Thank you." And with a final hug, she hurried out the door.

Reed collapsed in laughter in the chair as he mimicked Mrs. Wallace, "Oh yes, young man, you’re simply wonderful…wonderful!"

"Keep it up, Junior, and I’ll really give you a real reason to collapse in a chair."

Reed wasn’t too afraid when he heard the teasing tone in Malloy’s voice.

He stopped laughing as Malloy helped him out of the chair, and as they left the room, Reed whispered, "I’m really proud of you, Pete, and I love you."

"Thanks, Junior. Now saving someone’s life is hard work so let’s see if we can get a Code 7."

They were granted a seven and, just as Malloy thought, Reed brought up their living arrangements again.

"I said we’d discuss it on our days off, so drop it!"

"But, Pete….."

"I’m warning you, Junior, to change the subject!" There was no teasing tone to Malloy’s voice this time, so Reed quickly changed the subject.

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

Back on watch they had a few traffic violations, one family dispute, and a couple of other minor incidents. It was almost the end of their shift when the call came in.

"One Adam 12, a 211 in progress at Simpson’s furniture warehouse….One Adam 36 will assist….handle Code 3."

Malloy turned the sirens on as Reed acknowledged the call.

"This is it, partner. Remember to do everything I say. If it’s that Hall man Mac warned us about, he’s armed and dangerous."

"Okay, let’s go and remember it’s going to be dark in there, so as we go in, stay low and let your eyes adjust. Whoever is in there will have the advantage."

"Do you think it’s the fellow Mac talked about during roll call?"

"Could be and if it is, that means he’s a professional and really dangerous, so be extra cautious."

Just as the door of the warehouse opened and the light was allowed to shine in, a shot rang out. Malloy and Reed hid themselves behind a stack of crates in the corner by the door. As another shot rang out, splintering the corner of one of the boxes, Malloy and Reed got a good look at where the culprit was hiding, by the flash of the muzzle blast.

"Okay, Jim, stay here! I’m going to make my way to the front by hugging the wall. You keep shooting to attract his attention and to keep him busy."

"Okay, Pete."

"Now, remember, don’t move from this spot or you’ll open yourself up as a target."

"I know… I know… I’ll stay put."

Malloy began his journey to the front of the building to get behind the suspect as Reed gave him cover fire. It seemed to take forever, but gradually Malloy was getting close to his target. Then he noticed something that made him stop in his tracks. His partner had made his way up the stairs and was crawling on the ceiling beams to make a drop on the suspect. He was a sitting duck if the suspect looked up and Malloy wasn’t in position yet to get a clear shot. Reed was slowly making his way across the narrow beams when he almost lost his balance. It caused some sawdust to fall from the ceiling, which made the suspect look up. Reed kept moving, but since he had no cover up there, the suspect had a great target. Malloy knew he had run out of time and options. He took a shot, hoping to get the man’s attention away from Reed. It worked. The man shot back and, although Malloy managed to duck behind another crate, the bullet still grazed his forehead. His need to protect Reed was greater than his own, so he stepped out from behind the box and took a flying leap, landing on the suspect and wrestled the gun away from him. By the time Reed made his way down, Malloy had the suspect cuffed, his rights read and was handing him over to the two other officers who had made their way in from the front exit.

Dusting himself off, Reed ran over to Malloy, "Hey, you got him, partner. Good work!"

All he got from Malloy was a cold stare.

"Hey, Pete, your forehead is bleeding. Are you all right?" Woods asked.

"Ya! The guy shot at me but I was lucky and almost manage to get out of the way."

"Where was your partner?"

"Oh, you mean Reed, the circus high wire act over there. He was crawling the beams."

"Damn it, Reed! That wasn’t too bright! You left your partner wide open!"

It became all to clear to Reed, just what a stupid mistake he had made. He knew he should have stayed put but felt he had to justify his actions to Woods and to his partner.

"I could see the suspect from where I was and I thought he was getting a jump on Pete, so I thought the best course of action was to come down on him from above."

Malloy wasn’t buying any of Reed story and, with a cold tone to his voice, told Reed to get to the car and report that they had the suspect in custody and that they were on the way to the station.

"Maybe we should go the hospital and get you looked after," Jim sheepishly stated.

"It’s only a scratch, I’ll be fine now. Move it!"

"But it must hurt?"

Noticing they were now alone, Malloy stated, "It doesn’t hurt as much as your butt is going to when we get home!"

Malloy pushed by Reed without another word, leaving Reed with his mouth open and his heart pounding. With eyes down, Reed followed his partner to the car.

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

Reed was taking an extra long time doing his paperwork and doing his best to stall the trip home to deal with the consequences of breaking the number one rule. He played his actions back in his mind and had come to the realization that Malloy and Woods were right. He should have stayed put. He was never one to sit by when Pete was in trouble, but he had to learn to trust Pete. After all Pete was the best cop there ever was, he knew what he was doing. Shaking his head and trying to swallow the lump in his throat, he tried to go back to his paperwork, but his mind kept going back to what was going to happen when they got home. Then it hit him and he knew what he was going to do. As soon as they got home he was going to admit to Malloy he was wrong. Malloy knew that it was very hard for Reed to admit he was wrong, so when he saw Reed was willing to admit it, he may forgo the punishment for breaking the number one rule and just give him lines again.

‘Ya, that’s it! I’ll be humble and apologetic and all will be forgiven.’ Feeling confident, he went back to his paperwork.

Reed had just finished, when Malloy came around the corner, "Let’s go home, partner."

‘At least he doesn’t sound angry anymore,’ thought Reed, ‘ and that’s a good thing.’

What Reed wasn’t aware of was that while he was wrapping up the paperwork, Malloy was with Mac, doing his best to calm down. Mac had a very positive effect on Malloy. He let him talk it all out and get all the feelings of anger and fear of what his partner did in that warehouse out of his system, so when he got home to administer the punishment (in which Mac was in full agreement, Reed deserved) it wouldn’t be carried out in anger. Reed had never been spanked as an adult so his first time should be done in love, not anger. It should be firm but not brutal. After talking with Mac, Malloy became calm and secure in what had to be done. After a thank-you pat on the back, Malloy went to find his partner to take him home. He knew Reed was stalling, but that was okay because Reed too, had to come to terms as to what was about to take place.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

As they entered the apartment, Malloy grabbed the mail off the floor, then while shuffling the envelopes, went into the kitchen to grab a cold drink and a couple of aspirins. Reed escaped to the den and turned on the TV. Malloy walked in ten minutes later and proceeded to shut the set off, then made his way to the easy chair in the corner.

"Jim, I want you to come over here." Reed followed Malloy’s instructions.

"Okay, now I want you to pull down your jeans and shorts and lay over my lap."

Reed went immediately into his apologetic mode, "Pete, I was so wrong at the warehouse. You were right I should have stayed in cover. Seeing you hurt has taught me a good lesson and I’ll never disobey you again!"

"Thank you for that, Jim, but I still want you to remove your jeans and shorts and get over my lap."

"But…..but…Pete…I said I was sorry and I admitted I was wrong."

"Yes you did, but it doesn’t alter the fact that you broke my number one rule. Now are you going to strip and assume the position or am I going to have to do it for you?"

Coming to the conclusion his plan had failed, Reed’s eyes began to fill with tears, but he still didn’t do as he was told.

"Very well, Junior, have it your way." Malloy pulled Reed closer and undid his belt, unbuttoned and slid down the zipper of Reed’s pants. He then, in one motion, slid the jeans and shorts down to Reed’s ankles. Leaving Reed with his shirt on, he took hold of his arm and pulled him down over his lap. Tears were falling in earnest as Reed felt the cool air on his bare butt and then the first slap on his left cheek. Malloy started off slowly going from one cheek to another, then getting a rhythm going, he increased the speed and firmness of his slaps until Reed’s bottom cheeks went from a pink to a deep red.

Loud sobs were coming from Reed as he begged his partner to stop, "OWWW…Pete….It hurts….OWWWW…I’m sorry…please stop!"

"Do you know why you’re being punished, Jimmy?"

"Yes sir, I broke the number one rule. I put our lives in danger. I’m sorry….Owww …Pete…isn’t 24 slaps enough?"

Malloy smiled to himself when he discovered Reed was counting each slap and, hearing the pain and sincerity in his young partner’s voice, he also came to the conclusion that for this first spanking 24 slaps were enough. He helped him up and was about to take him in his arms, when Reed kicked his pants and shorts off so he wouldn’t trip as he made his way to the sofa. He threw himself down on his side, his back to Malloy and cried his eyes out. Malloy went over to the sofa and placed his hand on Reed’s shoulder only to be shrugged off.

‘Fine,’ Malloy thought to himself. ‘Reed was a sulkier, so he will have to get over the punishment in his own time.’ Malloy went back to the easy chair, turning the TV on as he passed.

It took Reed about thirty minutes to come out of his sulking. He got off the sofa and made his way to Malloy, who looked up and saw that Reed’s eyes were red and the tears had dried on his cheeks. Pete reached out his arms, and Jim crawled upon his lap to snuggle up as close as he could. He nuzzled his head in the crook of Malloy’s neck and started to cry again.

"Do you still love me, Pete?"

"Oh, Jimmy. I never stopped loving you and I never will. That’s not what the spanking was about. You know that."

"I guess, but it will take me a while to get used to it."

"Well behave yourself in the future and you won’t have to get used to it."

Kissing Malloy on the neck, Reed nodded his understanding as he cuddled closer.

"Hey Jim, I don’t know about you but I’m getting a little hungry. What do you say about ordering a pizza?"

Knowing everything was forgiven and forgotten, Reed gave Malloy one final kiss, jumped off his lap, grabbed his jeans and slipped them on as he made his way to the phone.

"I’ll call Mario’s while you set the table, okay?"

Laughing at how fast Reed came out of his funk, Malloy grabbed a couple of napkins from the kitchen table. "Table’s set!" he laughed.

When the pizza arrived and both men were eating their pieces with earnest, Reed attempted to bring up their living arrangement again. This time Pete was receptive to discuss the topic.

"Jim, I think it’s time you let the fellows know that you and Jean have split up and are planning a divorce."

"I was thinking the same thing."

"Good! Then you can tell them that because of the expense of alimony and child support, you can’t afford your place so we decided to move in together."

"Hey, Pete, what a great idea! I would of never thought about that."

"Yes you would have," Malloy hesitated then added, "eventually."

Reed saw the sparkled in Malloy’s eyes and knew he was being teased, so he went along with the game, "are you calling me slow-minded?"

"Well, since you brought it up….."

"Ah Pete, you’re hurting my little feelings."

"Well, they can keep your butt company." Malloy grabbed Reed, flung him over his shoulder, and headed for the bedroom but was interrupted by the ringing of the doorbell. Keeping Reed over his shoulder, he answered the door to find his landlady, Mrs. O’Brien, standing there.

She was about to say ‘hello’ but became silent when she saw Malloy’s partner draped over his shoulder. "My, my, Peter, is your young partner injured or something?"

"No, Ma’am. He was being a bad boy so I was putting him to bed!"

Mrs. O’Brien chuckled as she made her way into the apartment, "Well, Peter, put him down and offer me a chair. I have something important to discuss with both of you."

Mrs. O’Brien was one of the only people Malloy allowed to call him Peter. After all she was like a mother to him. She made him cookies, made sure he got to work on time and that he got enough sleep. People called her a busy body, but Malloy knew better. Placing Reed back on his feet, he pulled out a kitchen chair and offered it to the elderly lady.

"What brings you visiting so late? It’s after midnight, you know," Reed asked.

"Well, as Peter can tell you, I’m a bit of a night-owl. I never go to bed until the wee hours of the morning," she answered. Smiling kindly at the young man.

"That’s right, Reed. I used to wonder if she ever slept." Turning to his late-night visitor, Malloy asked, "What can we do for you, Mrs. O’Brien?"

"Peter, as you know this is a bachelor apartment and for the last week or so, your young partner has been living here, and that is in strict violation of the tenant laws."

"I know, Mrs. O’Brien. I’m glad you came up here, cause it saved me a phone call. You see Jim and his wife are separated and he had no where to stay. Now that they know there’s no chance for reconciliation, they have decided to divorce. Since he can’t pay alimony, child support and all the rent on a place of his own, we were wondering if we could move into that recently vacant, two-bedroom apartment down the hall?"

"Oh, young man," Mrs. O’Brien turned to Reed, "I am so sorry, but you wouldn’t find a better place to live or anyone better to live with. Yes, Peter, that is a wonderful idea. When would you like to move?"

"Would the early part of next week be okay? We have time coming to us and I thought it would be a perfect time to move."

"Perfect…and I already have someone interested in this place, so everything worked out fine."

Making her way to the door and, with an Irish twinkle in her eyes, she once more turned to Reed, "Are you always a bad boy, young man?"

Blushing, Reed answered, "Not all the time, just once in awhile."

"Well I’m sure Peter will put you in your place when need be," she winked at Malloy.

Winking back, Malloy laughed as he opened the door for her,"You got that right, Mrs. O’Brien."

Closing the door he turned back to Reed. "Where were we? Oh yes, I was about to put you to bed!"

Laughing Reed ran toward the bedroom with Malloy in hot pursuit.

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

Patrolling down Murphy Street, Malloy turned to Reed and asked, "How are the guys taking your news about Jean?"

"Most of them sympathize and told me its’ part of the job. The others didn’t say to much one way or the other, so all in all I guess it went all right."

"Great! I heard you talking to Jean when I was in the shower this morning. What’s the latest with her?"

"We’re meeting with a lawyer next Monday to sign the divorce papers and work out the alimony, visitations with Jimmy and Child support."

"That was fast moving. How do you feel about it?"

"It’s fast because Jean and I are in agreement about everything and she also thinks us moving in together is a great thing. As a matter of fact, I’m happy everything is moving at a fast pace. It’s like a sense of freedom, that now I can move on with my life."

"Do you want me to go with you….to the meeting, I mean?"

"I’d love that, Pete, but I think it would be better if I went alone. Knowing you’ll be waiting for me at home will get me through it."

"You can count on that, partner. I’ll be waiting with arms wide open."

Reed just nodded then escaped into his own thoughts until the sound of the radio snapped him out of it.

"All units in the facility and One Adam-12…a jumper on the roof at 1163 Sunset Road, handle Code 2!"

"One Adam 12, roger!"

Lights flashing, but no siren to spook the jumper, Malloy made it to the site in record time. Adam 36 followed close behind. Malloy gave instructions for Adam 36 to wait down on the street for the fire department and ambulance while he and Reed would go up on the roof.

They discovered the jumper was a man in his mid 30’s. He was dressed in a business suit and was waving his brief case from side to side, yelling. "What’s the use, what’s the use?"

Getting as close as he could to the jumper, Malloy began to speak to him in a soft, reassuring voice, "Hey, friend. What’s so bad in your life that you feel you have to come up here and end it all?"

The man didn’t answer but kept looking straight ahead and mumbling, "What’s the use, what’s the use?"

"What’s your name mister? Can we start with that?"

"What’s your name, cop?"

At least Malloy had him talking. "It’s Pete…Pete Malloy. Now come on and tell me yours."

"Fine, if you insist. It’s Martin Thomson and you want to know why I’m up here? Well, Pete, let me tell you. My life is over! I lost my job nine months ago and couldn’t pay the bills. When they came and repossessed the furniture, my wife took my two kids and moved out and then the lights and telephone were cut off. Well I finally got a handle on a job in this building but when I got here it was already taken, so I decided what’s the use."

"Come on Martin, there’s always hope. I know life can be rough sometimes, but the trick is not to let it get to you and to just keep trying."

"What do you know about rough and lonely times? You’ve got it made."

"Let me tell you, Martin. I was a very lonely man for a long time and thought I would never find the right person to love or that I’d be loved back. That is until recently, when that special someone came into my life and for the first time I am truly in love. If I would have given up, I would have missed out on the most wonderful thing that has ever happened to me."

Thomson looked over at Malloy for the first time and gave him a sad smile, "You’ve got beautiful eyes, Pete. I hope that person that loves you, tells you that."

"Thank you, Martin. They have, so now why don’t you come down and let’s talk about your options and what I can do to help you find another job."

"You’re just saying that to get me off the roof."

"No, I mean it. I really want to help."

"Well thanks, Pete, but it’s too late for me. Thanks for taking the time out of your busy day to talk to me." and with that he jumped off the building. Malloy tried to grab him but he was still to far away. He closed his eyes for a second then looked down over the wall to see Martin Thomson sprawled on the sidewalk by the cops’ feet. He turned around and slid down the wall. Reed ran to his partner and laid his hand on Malloy’s shoulder. With a shaky voice Malloy ordered him to call Mac, and CI.

"I don’t want to leave you up here alone," Reed told him.

"I’m fine, Jim. Now you can help me by just doing what I ask, okay?"

Reed was about to put his arms around him when he heard footsteps approach. He looked up to see Mac MacDonald heading towards them. Behind him was Detective Berstein from Internal Affairs and Bill Hudson for Criminal investigations. Malloy knew it was going to be a long shift.

The rest of Malloy and Reed’s shift was going over and over the incident to make sure everything that could have been done, was done. Reed kept an eye on Malloy but this wasn’t his partner’s first jumper and he was handling himself with great composure. Finally it was over and after filling in a few forms, the two officers were told they could go home.

When they got to the car, Pete handed his car keys over to Reed. "Drive; will you, partner? I’m beat!"

"Sure, Pete. Whatever you want."

Malloy didn’t say too much on the way home. The radio was tuned in to their favorite station and they just listened to the soft love ballads.

When they got home, Reed unlocked the door and headed for the fridge. "Want a cold beer, Pete?"

"Ya, that would be great. Just pour mine in a mug while I go to change into my sweats."

It seemed to take Malloy a long time to change so Reed went to the bedroom door and was about to enter when he heard deep sobs coming from the other side of the door. He opened to see Malloy sitting on the edge of the bed with head in hands crying like a baby as he said to himself, "I should have done more….I should of done more."

Reed quickly went over to him and pulled him into his arms and began to rock him gently. "It’s okay, Pete. It’s not your fault. Thomson had his mind made up to jump even before we got there. Please don’t blame yourself."

Still crying Malloy whispered, "If I had gotten just a little closer to him…but I didn’t want to crowd him you know."

Rubbing his back and still rocking him slowly. Reed told his partner he understood. Malloy placed his arms around Reed’s waist and held on tightly and allowed the tears than he was holding in all day to come out. Reed didn’t say another word. He just held Malloy close and comforted him. When the sobs became less frequent, Reed lay down on the bed and pulled Malloy down with him. He continued to rock his partner back and forth and rub his back until he heard the soft even breaths that told him Malloy had cried himself to sleep.

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

When Malloy awoke he was disorientated for a moment. He was wrapped up in Reed’s arms and they were lying across the bed instead of being under the covers.

‘Why are we lying like this?’ Malloy started to ask himself when it occurred to him about how he had broken down in front of Reed, and how his partner had stepped up to the plate. ‘What a sweetie,’ Malloy whispered as he untangled himself from Reed and made his way into the bathroom. He was a little embarrassed about the incident but he realized Reed was up to the task of seeing him in weak moments as well as the strong ones and this would only make their relationship stronger.

As he turned on the water for a shower he realized that this was Sunday, which made it their last PM watch. They then had two days off and, since it fell at the end of the month, it would be a perfect time to move. He would have to give Mrs. O’Brien a call to set things up before they left for the station. He would also have to call Hertz to rent a truck and get the guys lined up. He was about to step into the shower when he heard a small tap on the door and then he saw the handsome face of his partner peek in.

"Hey, partner, what do you say about sharing that hot water?"

Malloy smiled that famous grin of his as he gestured Reed in. It was a marvelous and very satisfying shower for them both. After they were both dried off and dressed they made their way into the kitchen for breakfast. Malloy looked over his scrambled eggs at Reed.

"Hey Jim, about last night. Thanks for being there. I …I…" Malloy stammered.

"Forget it, Pete. Isn’t that what love and partnership is all about? Being there for each other in good times and bad?"

"Ya it is, but it’s not like me to break down like that."

"Admit it, Pete, you’re more sensitive that you let on. I spotted that the first time we rode together. You know I saw the pain in your eyes when you told me about your last partner and how it was eating you up inside that he had died. Crying like you did last night just reassures me that you can be as strong as you are because you do have a soft side and that’s why your so attuned and sensitive about my needs. I wouldn’t want it any other way. Now eat your eggs, partner, they’re getting cold."

Realizing the subject was closed, Malloy moved on to the topic at hand.

"Jim, I know you and Jean are meeting with the lawyer in the morning but after that, how would you like to move into our own place?"

Reed got up so he could sit on his partner’s lap. Snuggling up, he was silent for a moment. "Oh, Pete, that would be marvelous. Do you think you can set everything up in time?"

"Hey partner, you know me. We can be ready to roll as soon as you get back from the lawyers."

"Let’s do it! I love you, Pete!"

"I love you too, Junior. Now get off my lap so I can call Mrs. O’Brien to arrange for the key."

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Mrs. O’Brien agreed to give Pete the key tomorrow afternoon and, after Reed called Jean to make sure it was all right with her for the guys to come over tomorrow, they called Hertz to rent the truck.

Before roll call, Malloy arranged for a time with the guys who had volunteered to help. Everything was set. Their shift went by with not major incidents but by the time they arrived home they were both beat.

As they were getting ready for bed, Reed confessed to Malloy how nervous he was about the meeting tomorrow. Being the first time he’s seen Jean face to face since he moved out would be awkward and uncomfortable.

"What if I say something dumb…or not be able to say anything at all…the lawyer will think I’m a real loony."

"Come here, Junior," Malloy whispered softly taking his young partner into his arms. "Look, Jim, you’ll do just find and remember Jean is probably just as nervous as you are. Don’t worry about the lawyer. He’s a professional and I’m sure it’s not the first divorce case he’s handled. Just be yourself and let things happen as they happen. Okay?"

Snuggling up as close as he could to Malloy without lying on top of him, Reed mumbled his agreement, "I guess you’re right, Pete."

"Hey, partner, I’m always right; you know that."

"You sure are and I know the best ‘right’ you’ve ever been."

"Ya? What right is that?"

"When you decided not to quit the force and stay on as my partner!"

Malloy laughed as he lifted Reed’s face up so he could look into those big blue eyes that always melted his heart. "How right you are, partner, how right you are. Now try and get some sleep, it’s going to be a long hard day tomorrow."

"I’d fall asleep better if I could have a long, hard night tonight."

"My, my, my, junior, are you trying to bribe an Officer of the Law?"

"Yes, Officer, I believe I am. What is going to happen to me?"

"Well, roll over on your back and I’ll show you exactly what is going to happen to you."

"Aren’t you going to read me my rights?"

Just before Malloy kissed his partner he stated, "You have the right to remain silent." Then he leaned in and gave him a hard passionate kiss at the same time as he reached over to the bureau for the KY Jelly. Putting some on his middle finger, he spread Reed’s cheeks and prepared him for penetration.

They made love with great passion and then fell asleep in the comfort of each other’s arms.

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

The meeting at the lawyers went better that Reed expected. Malloy was right; Jean was nervous too and there was little conversation between them after the initial inquiries about the baby and such. Handing Reed a set of keys for the house, Jean told him she wouldn’t be there this afternoon when he moved his things out and Reed told her he understood. When he asked her where to leave the key when they were finished, she told him he may as well keep it because he may need it during his visitations with his son.

The negotiations didn’t take long. The amount for child care and alimony were worked out after a little give and take and also the times for visitations were coordinated with Reed’s days off. The whole business was done in less than two hours, and after a handshake for the lawyer and a hug for each other, they parted ways.

Malloy was waiting for Jim with open arms just as he had promised.

"How did it go?"

"You were right as per usual, Pete. Everything went fine!"

"You had doubts?" Malloy chucked, "I’m hurt."

"You’ll get over it."

Giving Reed a slap across his bottom he directed Reed to go change out of his suit while he prepared lunch. Reed was told the guys would be there in an hour. Malloy fixed a comfort lunch of tomato soup and grilled cheese sandwiches, exactly what Reed needed.

They had just finished and were putting the dishes in the sink when they heard a knock on the door and the familiar sound of Ed Wells’ voice, "Come on you two, time is a wasting!"

Grabbing their coats, the men followed Wells down into the street. Standing by the truck were Officers Woods, Bernstien, and Taylor as well as Sgt. MacDonald.

"Okay, everyone!" As per usual Wells started giving orders, "Malloy and Reed will take Woods and Mac in their car while Bernstien and Taylor can come with me in the truck, okay?"

Everyone said okay and they were off. There wasn’t much to move out of Reed’s house. All he wanted was a bed, his stereo, TV and a couple of chest of drawers. Since he had been living at Malloy’s for awhile now all his personal belongings were already at the apartment complex. The hard work was moving all of Malloy’s stuff from his apartment to the new one. Thank God it was just down the hall. The move went quite smoothly…only a few scrapped knuckles and a few frayed nerves, but all in all it went well. When the move was over, Mrs. O’Brien arrived with cold beers and sandwiches.

"Here you go, gentlemen. Peter wanted me to make sure you had a good meal before you got back on the road; just his little way of saying ‘thanks’."

The men ate like hungry bears that just come out of hibernation. In no time, all that was left were a few crumbs and crumpled beer cans.

When everyone had left Malloy led the way into ‘JIM’S ROOM’.

"Okay, partner, this is going to be the discipline room. You will be taken in here for any rule breaking that occurs, do you understand?"

Reed, with eyes cast down, nodded ‘yes’.

"You can also use it for alone time if you wish. We’ll set up your TV and stereo in here and at any time you need time alone, you can come in here. Sound okay to you?"

"Sounds good!"

"Great, now we’ll also move most of your clothes in here so when we have visitors it will be obvious to them we have our own space."

"Clever!"

"Naturally, and by the way, I’m going to buy you a desk so you can do your lines when needed and I think I’ll get you started on a journal regiment to help you sort out your feeling about things. Agreed?"

"Agreed!"

"Now let’s get the rest of the apartment settled and then we can go baptized our new bedroom."

Reed blushed when he realized exactly what Malloy meant by ‘baptize’. As they left the room and closed the door behind them, Reed looked over his shoulder then stated to Malloy, "I hope I don’t have to spend to much time in that room."

"It’s up to you, partner. You know the rules and the consequences of breaking them."

"I’ll try real hard to tow the line."

"I know you will, partner, I know you will." But as Malloy led Reed to master bedroom, knowing his partner the way he did, he had a feeling it wouldn’t be long before a visit to that room was eminent because no matter how he tried, Reed found it hard to follow any rules. But after time and with patience, Malloy was sure breaking the rules would come less and less frequent, or so he hoped.

The End