As expected Nick was ambushed by his partner and bombarded with questions concerning Magdalena’s condition when he returned to the precinct the next night.

“Are you sure she’s okay, Nick? I mean she was leaning pretty heavily on that Nightcrawler guy.”

“Magdalena is just fine, Schanke. Natalie said it’s nothing that won’t go away in nine months.” Nick said with a grin.

“Nine months? What…”

Schanke suddenly grew mute as he recalled the significance of that number of months.

“Nick, are you serious?”

“Give me a reason to joke about it and no the baby is not mine.” Nick growled.

“Geez did I ask if it was? Though I have to say it would be better you than that Nightcrawler guy. Man, oh, man the world has become a sad place if a fine lady like Magdalena is shacking up with that morbid old creep.” Schanke replied.

“Give my stepmother some credit.” Nick mumbled.

“Stepmother? Holy…”

“Gentlemen! Are you still working for me?” Captain Cohen hollered.

“Yes, Captain.” both men mumbled before tackling their ever growing mound of paperwork.

Later that night…

“How did it go?”

“Schanke bought it hook, line, and sinker.”

“Bon. There is no reason why you should have to conceal your relationship to the baby. Our life is enough of a masquerade as it is.”