im a bad person! RL got in the way then the season end and all these fabulous stories came flooding in!
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CHAPTER 8
Life never runs smoothly. Life always has a way of throwing curve balls when you want fast ones. And with life comes death. First Grandma Betty, then Mary, then Joe. Too many too soon too close. It shouldn't have to take moments like this to make life changes but it does.
"So kid. How's the classes going?" asked Danny as he joined the family dinner table one Sunday afternoon.
"Great! I aced the law section and the physical stuff is nothing i can't handle thanks to you and Joe!" beamed Jamie, excitedly. His eyes brimming with confidence, something he han't felt in years.
"Yeah? When d'you get to the gun practice?" asked Danny as he sat beside his little brother.
"This week. I'm a little rusty. It's been a while since dad took me down to the range with him," smiled Jamie.
"Well, you were busy with study, son. But anytime you want to go, let me know." Offered Frank.
"Won't that mess up your schedule? I mean you're the PC now. It's not like you have a lot of time spare in your day," replied Jamie.
"I can always make time. If you feel you need the practice it can be arranged. Just don't tell the PC,_" smiled Frank.
"Or Sydney!" muttered Danny as he looked at his brother. The mood dipped somewhat after that comment.
"Danny" scolded Linda as he glared at her husband.
"It's ok, Linda. There's no use pretending, Sydney doesn't like the idea of me being a cop but we're adjusting. And i don't want to worry her before she's ready..." shrugged Jamie.
"Jamie, how can she ever be ready? One minute you're a Harvard Grad next you're a police cadet," sighed Erin as she passed the potatoes.
"Erin. I get that you're mad at me too but it's my choice. It's where i want to be, please understand this...Toni did," he added quietly. Everyone went silent. Jamie hadn't mentioned Toni since their falling out the first Thanksgiving holiday he came home from Harvard...With Sydney.
"Soooo, Erin. How's that new boss of yours, Rossilini?" asked Henry, breaking up the unease in the air.
"He's a little too full of himself but he's happy with my work and as long as i can keep up my track record without his interference than we'll get on just fine!" smiled Erin.
"How's Nicki doing?" asked Linda.
"She's with her dad this weekend. She's still angry with me over the divorce. I think she blames me for all that's happened," sighed Erin.
"She'll be ok sweetie, just give her time," smiled Frank, sadly. Talk was soon fun and laughter as Sean let rip of the loudest burp anyone had heard.
"Definitely your son, Danny!" laughed Erin.
Three days later Jamie, Danny and Frank were in the shooting range of 1PP to give the youngest his refresher course on handling a gun.
"So which way to i point this thing again?" he mocked.
"Haha!" smirked Danny as he took off his jacket and rolled his sleeves up for action.
"Danny, please. I'd like to think you boys can't do any damage in here," groaned frank as he did the same as his oldest.
"How can we possibly do that in here?" smiled Danny.
"You're Reagans!" announced a voice behind them. The two young Reagans turned to the voice.
"Sergeant Renzulli," smiled Frank as he shook his hand.
"Sir. You asked to see me?" replied Renzulli.
"You remember my boys? Danny and this is Jamie," said Frank as he made the introductions.
"Jamie. Long time. I'm sorry to hear about Joe. What can i do for you commissioner?" replied Renzulli, staying professional.
"I wanted to introduce you to Police Cadet Reagan as you've been designated his TO upon graduation. I thought you'd like to assist in a little extra tuition session we were having this evening," offered Frank.
"Sir? I'd proud that you would consider me for this post but wouldn't it be better for someone..." stammered Renzulli.
Danny and Jamie had taken a step aside to let the Sergeant talk with their father in some privacy.
"Tony, you served as Joe's TO. You taught him well and i would like you to teach that knowledge and skill to Jamie when he comes on after graduation. I trust you Tony. You gave my Joe the best start to his career in the NYPD, therefore i want the same for Jamie." Insisted Frank.
"It would be my pleasure Sir. I have to say that, er, my Toni is waiting for me outside. And she and Jamie haven't spoken in a few years. Maybe i can do this extra tuition another time?" shrugged Renzulli.
"Can she still shoot?" asked Frank, seriously.
"Yeees Sir?" replied Renzulli.
"Go bring her in! Let's get this sorted before he qualifies and has to sit with her a dinner with you and Marie!" suggested Frank. Renzulli nodded, took a step back and saluted his superior.
"What was that about?" asked Danny.
"Nothing. C'mon then Jamie, let's see what'cha got!" smiled Frank as he stood behind his youngest as he prepared to fire.
While Danny and Frank taught Jamie the finer points of working with firearms in the NYPD, Renzulli brought his daughter into the range and set her up in the booth next to Jamie. Jamie had been concentrating so much that he never actually noticed her arrival.
"I think you should have another go at the target," said Danny as he lined up the target paper.
Jamie lined up, took a deep breath and discharged his weapon, secured it and then stood back while Danny pulled in his card.
"Not bad, Harvard! Not bad at all, kid!" smiled Danny. Suddenly there was a burst of gunfire from the booth next door.
"You missed!" coughed Renzulli as the target was bought forward. An arm stretched out and pulled done the paper target and moved from view. Danny and Jamie came out of their booth and were faced with Toni Renzulli grinning at her target result.
"Nice, er, grouping!" spluttered Danny.
"Thanks. And i didn't miss!" grinned Toni as she handed her target sheet to Jamie.
He grinned and looked back at her, "Who told her to go for the head?"
"Exactly! Welcome home, Harvard," she smiled and walked from the range.
"You ever shoot like that in the exam and i'll disown you," said Danny as he looked down at the target sheet again and winced.
"Never get on her bad side again, son" suggested Frank.
"Like i haven't learnt that the hard way!" he smiled as he held Toni's warning in his hand. He was forgiven...This time.
