Sunday dinners were a Reagan tradition beginning ages ago. Every early Sunday evening the house comes alive with the whole Reagan clan joining together around the ancient family table.

Ellie Ross loved coming with her boyfriend of three months, Jamie, the youngest of the four Reagan children. At first the family dinner was an overwhelming experience, but eventually she was welcomed into the family with open arms. And she looked forward to joining them each week. Probably more so than some of the actual Reagan family members.

The meal usually was exquisite. Jamie's grandfather, his sister and sister-in-law all were amazing cooks and everything they created tasted delicious. Well maybe except for Grandpa Henry's duck creation.

Tonight's meal was one of the best she had at the house. Roast beef with cheesy mashed potatoes and roasted green beans. She was in heaven.

Except tonight there was a heavy tension that threatened to ruin the pleasant evening. The tension between Jamie and his oldest big brother could be felt as they spoke only short responses when directed.

Finally the bottle popped between the two.

"So that's your opinion, Harvard boy?" Danny said pointing his fork across the table.

"Yea. That's what I think. Got a problem with it?" Jamie spat back.

Ellie shifted uncomfortably next to Jamie. She had never seen a throw down between Danny and Jamie. Everyone else had experienced the fireworks between brothers.

"Yea, I've got a problem with your inability to see the truth that's right in front of you, kid."

Jamie stewed for a moment before responding. "See that's your problem. You just can't believe someone might not be a dirty crook. It's either black or white with you."

Frank allowed the verbal ping pong match to bounce back and forth, but as Danny's shot a personal attack to his youngest, he decided to offer a subtle warning. "Boys. Maybe we pick this up later."

He took a look at his grandchildren watching the sparring match. He didn't want them following these examples. But both sons didn't hear the warning and continued to barrage each other with fiery words.

"When you get a little more time on the streets, Saint Jamie, you might actually see that a zebra can't change its stripes."

Blood boiled through Jamie. He hated when his brother called him names like Harvard boy and Saint Jamie. And he just couldn't catch a break when it comes to his lack of experience on the job. No matter how many years he walked the beats of New York, he would never have enough experiences in the eyes of his brother. And it irked Jamie in so many ways.

He was tired of hearing, so he pushed his chair back from the table. "You know what Danny, just do us all a favor and shut up for once."

"Jamie." Ellie spoke softly as he made his leave from the dining room.

"Oh little brother. Come back here. We're not done. Are we?" Danny taunted.

That earned him a squeeze of the thigh by his wife, "Danny stop." She admonished.

"Go to hell, Danny." Jamie spat back as he took a step towards the kitchen.

Frank did not appreciate that language coming from his youngest. "Jameson." His voice carried, but Jamie was beyond listening to any warning. He was hot with anger towards his brother.

Danny also did not appreciate his brother's words. "Screw you, Jamie."

Linda just shook her head. He was goating his brother and it wasn't going to end well. She felt Frank stiffen beside her. It was about to blow up.

"Fuck off!" Jamie shouted as he stormed out of the kitchen.

"JAMESON HENRY REAGAN!" Frank's booming voice shook the room and startled everyone around the table.

But Jamie didn't stop. The words were already out of his mouth and there was nothing he could do, so he stomped through the kitchen and pulled open the backdoor leading to the screened in back porch. The cool February air instantly brought the heat radiating from his body down. He ran his hair through his hair trying to calm himself.

Frank nailed his oldest son with a death glare, but Danny only stared at his plate. He knew Danny had a way to goat his little brother and Danny knew the line he had just crossed. With a heavy sigh, Frank pushed himself away from the table. The eyes of his son looked up and met his father's angry glare. His eyebrows lifted in warning and Danny nodded in understanding.

Frank followed his youngest's footsteps and found Jamie pacing the short distance of the back porch. He watched as Jamie waged an internal battle attempting to cool himself off. "Jameson Henry Reagan." Frank repeated but with a much softer intonation.

Jamie slowly stopped and turned to see the monstrous presence of his father loomed.