Author's Note: This story is going a few more chapters than what I'd had planned. Blame it on the characters, who all want their say!
So glad that you all enjoyed the last chapter, with Danny's reaction! I was concerned about how it would be received, and your comments were very welcome. Thank you for your reviews.
KathDMD introduced me to Ciroc vodka, and it is great!
The Fall Out
By the time Danny made it back to his office, he was starting to realize how much trouble he was going to be in. At the time it had seemed the best way to deal the situation, because he'd had a sense of urgency to handle it right away. Danny, in that frame of mind, always thought confrontation was best. However, looking at it after the fact, he knew he'd done the wrong thing. Yet again!
Jackie was sitting at her desk, wondering why the other detectives in the squad room were looking at her, out of the corners of their eyes. She had a chill running up and down her spine, which always meant bad news. When Danny came into the office, with what almost looked like paw prints on the front of his shirt, her spine felt like it got twenty degrees colder.
Danny sat down at his desk, and tried to figure out his next move. He was debating calling his Dad when Jackie asked "What did you do?" Danny looked at her in horror, and said "What do you mean?" They were conversing in low tones, and Jackie said "Capt. Brynes has been called upstairs, and everyone else is looking at me like they know something I don't. And you have paw prints on your shirt!"
It now dawned on Danny that those two K-9 officers must have texted and emailed all their buddies the story. Their buddies would have told their buddies, and so on. As he thought that, he put his head in his hands, thinking he was totally screwed. 'All I wanted to do is protect Jamie' he thought, knowing that no one would understand. Danny reviewed his actions, and realized that he could lose his job. And his Brother was never going to talk to him again! All because of that red haired witch!
He told Jackie what he'd found out about Teddy, and how he'd gone to talk to her. When he said that, Jackie remembered the way he'd left the building earlier that afternoon. She knew that her partner didn't do calm rational discussions when he was wound up. She frowned, as she asked "Do I dare even ask what you said to Dr. Talbot?"
Just then Capt. Brynes came striding into the room, and saw Danny. He also saw how the other detectives pretended to be busy with computer work. "Reagan, should I bother with taking you into my office to suspend you, or just do it out here? After all, it is not like it is a fucking private matter!" The older man's voice had risen several octaves as he said it.
"Can you not just sit down with someone and have a normal conversation?" The Captain said, and then continued on in a patronizing tone of voice "But why would you want to do something sane and rational? I think you like talking to IA, I mean come on, you've done it enough times before!" Danny wanted to say something, but before he could he was told to turn in his gun and badge. As he headed home, he wondered how much whiskey was at the house.
Garrett Moore was heading into Frank Reagan's office, to tell him about the phone call he'd just had. Frank didn't even look up, just said "I told you I didn't want to be disturbed Garrett!" He was trying to get his presentation done, and it wasn't going well. Garrett snorted and said "Oh, you have bigger problems that your presentation. I just got off the phone with Tom Randolph!" He stopped, and waited for Frank to look up.
"Is there a problem with the mounted unit?" Frank asked slowly, wondering why Tom would be calling his office. Tom preferred to run his domain with no interference from One Police Plaza. Garrett got a satisfied look on his face as he said "He wanted to tell you what an idiot your son is!" Frank sighed, starting to be worried about who had done what to get the mounted unit's commander upset. "This is going to be painful, isn't it? Danny or Jamie?" Frank asked resignation in his voice.
Frank had briefed Garrett about Jamie and Teddy, in case they needed to do any damage control. Garrett had actually met Henry Talbot several times, and knew all about the case. He thought it rather interesting that Jamie had ended up dating the man's daughter. "It seems that Danny found out who Jamie's girl friend was, and about her Father."
He left it hanging out there, while Frank let his mind dwell on what had probably happened. None of the scenarios were good. Frank shook his head, and said "Tell me the whole story!" By the time Garrett was done, Frank was hoping that he could get to Jamie, before Jamie got to Danny!
Jamie was just leaving the 12th precinct, having finished his shift and changed his clothes. Some of the other guys were in a corner, talking about something, but Jamie didn't pay attention because he was in a hurry. He was surprised to see that his Dad was calling him, and answered, wondering if it was bad news. "Jamie, where are you?" His Dad asked, and he replied "I just finished my shift. I'm going over to Teddy's place; she wants to talk about something."
Frank heard that, and was glad that the story had not gotten to Jamie yet. He proceeded to tell his Son what had happened at the vet clinic. Frank finished off by telling Jamie to stay away from Danny, that he'd take care of it. As much as Jamie wanted to wring his Brother's neck, he was more concerned about Teddy. He knew how proud she was, and also very sensitive. Jamie was appalled at what his Brother had done to her. If Teddy hadn't needed him, he would have been at Danny's house by now, no matter what his Father said.
He made it over to her apartment in record time, having stopped to by her some flowers. He remembered his Dad buying flowers for his Mother when she was upset. Jamie hoped they would help Teddy feel better. He was silently wishing he could give her Danny's head on a platter though. Arriving at her apartment, he knocked at the door and waited.
Jamie heard a muffled 'who is it' and he told her. When the door opened he saw her standing there, her eyes red from crying. She had on some plaid shorts in peach and tan, along with a peach colored short sleeve shirt. Her hair was up in a French braid, and her skin looked like cream against the peach background. He put his arms around her, and she buried her head in his neck. Suddenly everything didn't seem so bad, his presence making her feel better. He smelled so good, and it felt so nice to have him hold her.
Teddy looked up at him, and saw how upset he was. She was touched that he cared so much, and felt bad for him. Danny was his Brother, and he was caught in the middle between her and him. "I brought you some flowers, honey! I wish they were my asshole of a Brother's head!" Jamie told her, giving her the bouquet. Teddy managed a small smile when she saw them, saying "Thank you, Jamie, they are so pretty! And good colors too!"
It was a mixed bunch of flowers, in yellows and purples, all he could find. "I wanted to get you red roses, but they were sold out!" He told her, as he watched her smell them. "These are perfect! They are LSU colors!" Teddy said, as she flashed her dimple. Jamie laughed, glad that she was happy. The smile left her face as she said "You heard what happened?"
Jamie saw her shoulders sag, and he pulled her close to him. He cupped her chin in his hand, and said "My Dad called and told me!" Teddy groaned, and buried her head in his shoulder saying "Everyone knows, don't they?" Jamie knew that pretending wouldn't change anything, and stroked her hair saying "My understanding is that Henri has been offered several steak dinners!" She looked up at him with a tentative smile, and he added "I would have paid good money to see him take Danny down!"
Teddy pulled back a bit, and said "Oh Jamie, I'm sorry all this happened!" He took her by the shoulders and said "You have no damn reason to be sorry at all! Danny was totally out of line in what he did!" He didn't like how she looked, and he pulled her close and started kissing her deeply and passionately! As the sensations of desire washed over her body, she realized that Jamie would choose her over his Brother.
"I think we need to talk, Jamie!" Teddy panted, when she broke off the kiss. Her body was aching, and it took every ounce of willpower not to fall back into his arms. Jamie said "I love you, you know that! My Dad will stand by us no matter what!" By now she was pretty sure that her Mother was up in heaven taking care of her! Teddy knew that she had to do what was right, for Jamie's sake!
Teddy smiled at Jamie and said "I was trying to mix a martini up, but having no luck! Could you help?" She indicated the kitchen, and he saw a shaker, olives, Cinzano vermouth, and Ciroc vodka. Jamie smiled and said "I thought you southern girls drowned your sorrows in bourbon! You have great taste in vodka!" She laughed and said "Bourbon is so cliché!" She flashed her dimple and said "I'm glad you like Ciroc vodka! However, I also have a bottle of Bushmills 1608!"
Jamie said "Wow, you do know how to make an Irishman smile!" That was the top of line for Irish whiskey. His Dad, along with his siblings, had all chipped in to get a bottle for Grandpa Henry's 75th birthday! Teddy said "That is what my Grandfather likes to drink!" She paused, and then said "He also likes a good cigar on Saturday night!" Jamie was busy with the drinks, but said "He and my Dad will adore each other!"
They laughed, and Jamie brought the drinks over to her "Wow, not only are you cute and smart, but you mix great drinks too!" Teddy told him, taking a drink of her martini! They were sitting on the sofa, and Jamie watched the sun set over the river, from the window. He looked over at her, and suddenly wanted her hair down. He could imagine the last rays of the sun catching the flame colored pieces.
He put his drink down, and started rubbing her shoulders. Teddy turned her back to him, enjoying the way his hands felt on her body. "Ok, so my Brother is a jerk and an asshole!" Jamie said, as he moved his hands from her shoulders, up to the nape of her neck. She lowered her chin, letting his fingers slide up the back of her head.
Jamie found the end of the braid, held in place by some hair pins. He pulled out the hair pins, and then found the tail end of the braid, and took the elastic off. At that point he saw her hair loosen, the flame colored pieces melting into the richer red ones. He slowly undid the braid, liking how she kept her head slightly bent.
Teddy was enjoying the way his fingers felt against her scalp. It was like he was making a point of touching her scalp every time he undid a piece of the braid. She forced herself to think about what was important. "Jamie, he is your Brother. I think he just wanted to protect you. He needs help!" Teddy thought about that look in Danny's eyes, and remembered some of the soldiers she'd seen arriving at the base in Germany, after a bad tour.
"Honey, you must really be an angel! You are concerned about my Brother's mental state, after his behavior?" Jamie was blown away that not only was Teddy still talking to him, but she was concerned about his family. Teddy tossed her hair, all loose now and said "I am in no position to pass judgment on anything, or anyone else! My Dad is sitting in federal prison!" Teddy went on to explain about how Danny had looked, and what she'd seen in Germany and Afghanistan.
Jamie said "So what should we do?" He could not believe how she was willing to stand by his family, and didn't expect him to cut his Brother off. Danny had embarrassed her on a level not to be imagined, but she was concerned about him, and his relationship with his Brother. Teddy took a large drink of her martini and said "I think we need to trust your Dad!"
"Well, I know better than to argue with an Irishwoman, so I'll go along with that! Shall we sit here drinking martinis, or go somewhere to eat?" Jamie smiled, secretly glad that he didn't need to go to Staten Island and wring his Brother's neck. "As if I'm going to show my face anywhere tonight!" Teddy said, with a happy smile, not caring if she was going to be the highlight of 'page six'!
She snuggled up next to him, nuzzling against his neck, which caused that deep, primal sensation for Jamie. He didn't understand his response to what she did, but he loved the way his body felt. They stayed like that for a bit, and then Teddy said in his ear "I think we need some food!" She straightened up, and thought for a minute.
"I have some gumbo in the freezer, but not enough for both of us. Hmm, I know, I also have chicken enchiladas! They will be yummy!" Teddy said with a smile. Jamie looked at her with awe, and said "You cook too?" She flashed her dimple at him and said "I'm from the south, and southern girls are brought up to look after their men!" Jamie liked how she said 'their men', and he decided then and there that he would marry her sooner, rather than later!
In the meantime, Frank made his way out to Staten Island. He and Garrett had spent the whole afternoon and early evening doing damage control. Luckily Garrett honestly liked Henry Talbot, and there were other officers who knew what good work the man had done in New Orleans. Jamie's work for the undercover unit stood him in good stead, and Teddy was worshiped by the K-9 units, as well as the mounted patrol. A dirty cop was never good, but their families should not have to suffer for it was the general opinion.
Linda opened the door for Frank, glad to see him. Danny had come home, barely said hello, and had taken a bottle of whiskey into the study. She still didn't know what had happened, but knew that it wasn't good. Now seeing her Father-in-law at the door, Linda's anxiety jumped several meters. They chatted for a bit, and he said hello to his Grandsons. Frank gave Linda some money to take the kids out for ice cream. She was glad to get away from Danny, being worried about what he might say or do.
Frank found Danny in the study, the bottle next to him, and an almost empty glass. Danny looked up as his Father walked in, and then looked away. He went to pour himself another drink, but Frank stopped him, saying. "I don't think you need anymore!" Danny had both fear and rage running through his body. He hated it when that happened, and the only thing that seemed to help was alcohol.
"Don't tell me, you're taking the red haired witch's side too? Her Father is a crook!" Danny snarled, thinking about her standing there, looking down on him on the floor. "Danny, you caused a very messy scene today! You physically and verbally assaulted a member of the department, and did so in front of other cops!" Frank said slowly, wanting to make his point.
"Is General Patton more concerned about his horses, than what is right?" As he thought about Capt. Randolph his fists tightened into balls. "Danny, she is a very kind woman, a good veterinarian, and someone your Brother loves. You had no right to do what you did to her! Why did you do it?" Frank asked, and then waited for a response.
Danny looked at his Father in disbelief, that he would even ask that! "Don't you know what her Father did? I was trying to protect Jamie! He doesn't know what he was getting into!" Frank sighed, thinking about all the trouble Danny's impulsive behavior had caused, starting with his school days. "What made you think that Jamie didn't know about Teddy's family?" Frank asked him in a matter of fact voice.
"He knows? He's known all this time? Jamie never said anything about it!" Danny was shocked, having not thought of this possibility. Frank shook his head and said "Teddy told Jamie, and Jamie discussed it with me. As to why you weren't brought into the conversation, I think the assumption was that it was Jamie's private business."
Frank watched as Danny thought about that, and then said "But she didn't tell us about it on Sunday! She lied about it!" He was still upset that Teddy had not been truthful with him and his family. "Danny, in what world do you think she would want to announce, the first time she meets you, that her Father is in prison. She didn't lie; she said he was retired from working for the city of New Orleans, which is true." Frank really wondered about his son's social skills at times.
"I understand your concern about the situation. However, didn't it occur to you to talk to Jamie first? Or maybe even Teddy, but in a calm, private discussion?" Frank looked at his son with worry as he asked it. Danny tried to explain how he'd gotten so upset when he'd found out about Teddy's family.
"Henry Talbot was a good police chief, until he made a bad mistake that cost him his job, and his reputation. He didn't get anyone killed, and was willing to resign quietly to avoid a scandal." Frank told Danny, hoping he was listening. Danny looked at his Father and said "There was nothing about that in the coverage I read!" His Dad sighed and said "My understanding is that the DA was up for re-election, and thought a trial would help him get re-elected. Didn't it occur to you that the coverage was exploitive?"
Danny realized that he'd gotten himself so worked up that he had not looked at the story objectively. He had believed everything he'd read, thinking the worse. His emotions and impulsiveness had gotten him in trouble again. Frank looked at his son and said "Danny, we've talked about this before, and you've blown me off. Not this time though, and I mean it; you need help!" Frank said in a serious tone.
Danny was realizing the enormity of what he'd done, and asked "Do I have a job?" Frank swallowed and said "You are suspended for the next three days, and a written reprimand will be placed in your file." He let that sink in, and then said "Teddy is not filing a formal complaint against you, and spoke to Captain Byrnes on your behalf. Because of her army training she's had experience with what you are dealing with."
"She did that? Really? Why?" Danny asked in amazement. "Teddy loves your Brother very much, and she is truly a good person. I'm also pretty sure that she'll be your sister-in-law, so I suggest you stop calling her the red haired witch." Frank told him, hoping he understood how lucky he was. "Danny, you need to make this right with her! I expect you to apologize, and eat a large dose of humble pie. You also need to talk to your Brother!" He added, and Danny said "I don't know if Jamie will ever speak to me again!" Frank got a rueful smile and said "Jamie is your Brother, and is also madly in love. He'll talk to you!"