DISCLAIMER

Belongs to Disney. I only own the plot. Reference to "A Night To Remember".

Hours later, Tyler, Val, and Hank walked back into the station.

"We really could've used Jamie," Tyler stated bitterly.

"Yeah, I wonder why he wasn't there. I hope he's okay," Val commented.

"You ask me, he just decided to play hooky again, just like on Halloween," Tyler continued.

"Hey, come on, man. That's not fair," Hank objected.

"You're saying Jamie didn't even show?" Brooke Lanier asked.

"Exactly," Tyler confirmed.

"But why?" Brooke wondered. The twelve-year old was the squad's organizer and took care of most, if not all, of the inventory.

"That's what I'd like to know," a voice announced. They turned around to see Alex. "He knows this kind of behavior is unacceptable and that I won't tolerate it," he continued.

"There has to be a good reason," Val insisted.

"If there is, I'd sure like to know what," Tyler stated.

"As soon as you guys finish up your reports, you can go," Alex told them.

"Thanks, they chorused, and then set out to work on their tasks. Meanwhile, Jamie was in the process of getting Emily into her pajamas and ready for bed when he heard a knock on the door.

"Hold on, Em," Jamie said. He walked to the front door. "Who is it?" he asked.

"Me," came the reply. Jamie opened the door to reveal Cal.

"Hey. I was just about to put Em to bed, but she's been dying to see you," he told the officer.

"Well, I'd hate to keep her waiting," the man grinned, stepping through the threshold. The two walked toward the bedroom.

"Em, you got a visitor!" Jamie called. When Emily saw the man she gave a light bounce on the bed.

"Cal!" she exclaimed happily.

"Hey, kid, how you doin'?" the man questioned.

"I'm good. I miss you," Emily answered.

"Yeah, I know. I'm sorry, kid. Work's been a bear," Cal told. He then kissed the top of her head and bid her goodnight. Emily snuggled into the blankets and Jamie tucked her in.

"Jamie, can I talk to you?" Cal requested.

"Sure," Jamie agreed. He walked to the doorway, turned out the light, and then followed Cal into the living room.

"What's going on?" Jamie wondered.

"Jamie, your evaluation's been changed to next week," Cal told him.

"What? It was supposed to be at the end of the month," Jamie reminded him.

"I know, but the courts decided that next week would be more beneficial," Cal answered.

"To who?" Jamie scoffed.

"I know you know how important this is," Cal stated.

"Cal, I had to skip a call today because I had just gotten home and I didn't want to leave Emily so soon again. I don't want that messing anything up," Jamie said.

"I'll see what I can do," Cal stated. Then, "I'm sorry to spring this on you. If I could do something, I would, but--" he started to apologize.

"It's okay," Jamie interrupted.

"I gotta go. I'll see you later, all right?" Cal questioned. Jamie nodded, and the officer left the abode. Jamie went to the door and locked it. Then, he leaned against it and raked his hair with his fingers. What was he going to do? There was no way he could be ready to a social worker's satisfaction by next week. He sighed and slumped his shoulders.