Chapter 11

Looking back, some would say we led somewhat of a sheltered life. Mom and dad were always vigilant of the things we did and the people we hung out with, mostly because of what dad saw on the job. And then when you disappeared, well, they watched us like hawks that first year after. I guess I can't blame them for that.

As a little kid, I'd eavesdrop on dad and gramps sharing war stories, but they were never more than that - crazy stories of bad things that happened to others far away from the mostly tranquil streets of Bay Ridge. That little bubble burst again one day when I was 8 and dad took me and Danny down to the tombs to see exactly what happened to people who made the wrong choices, they paid for their mistakes by being locked up in those dark and terrifying cells and dad assured us no one would be coming down to bail us out if we ever ended up down there; we'd have to clean up our own messes. Come to think of it, I'm still not sure how I ended up getting dragged down there with Danny. I think Danny might have messed up somehow and dad was going for a preemptive strike with me while he was at it. I was too traumatized afterwards to pester Danny about it, which is a shame because he was equally shell shocked and his defenses were totally down. Note to self: ask D about that next time I see him.

Anyway, except for everything that happened with you, we were pretty lucky to grow up like we did and we didn't take for granted the fact that we had two parents who loved each other and loved us just as fiercely, who put a roof over our heads and provided everything we needed - not wanted- so that we would grow up to be independent, responsible and decent adults. They taught us how to love and respect others, instilled in us values that we can someday pass on to our own kids.

I think about that every time something on the job bums me out, especially with the cases where there isn't much I can do to help. Danny and I are grateful we're not policing the more violent New York of the 70s and 80s, but even today we still see things that have us sending a prayer of thanks for everything we had growing up.

Renzulli stared out through the car window, mesmerized by the deserted and darkened passing city block. It was making him wish he was at home in his warm bed next to his beautiful wife. Renzulli let out a sigh of longing as he reached for the coffee that sat cooling in the cup holder when a sudden movement in a parked car caught his attention. "Hey, Reagan. Wait up a minute," he ordered.

Jamie brought the RMP to a quick stop and turned to his TO. "What's up, sarge?"

"I don't know," Renzulli answered as he turned in his seat to glance at the four-door hatchback parked a few spots behind them. "Just go back to that light-colored compact back there...thought I saw someone inside," he instructed.

Jamie followed orders and placed the car in reverse while Renzulli reached for the lights, but he still wondered what made his partner suspicious. "So?"

"So why would they slouch down in their seat when we passed by?" Renzulli replied as Jamie brought the RMP to a stop just behind the suspicious vehicle.

"Good point," Jamie said as he put the car in park and followed his partner out to investigate.

"I'll take the driver's side, Reagan. You take the back," Renzulli said while pulling the flashlight from his utility belt.

"Got it, sarge," Jamie replied as he went to the rear passenger side door and pointed his flashlight inside. Jamie and Renzulli's eyes met across the roof of the beat up vehicle after they both had a quick look inside.

"Ma'am, please lower the window," Renzulli ordered the woman in the driver's seat as she sat up. "License and registration, please. May I ask what you're doing here?" he asked, shining the flashlight into the interior of the car which eerily casted shadows on the small, still child huddled under a blanket in the back seat.

The brunette reached into the purse on the passenger's seat as she fought to contain the panic on her face. "Nothing, officer. We were just getting ready to leave," she claimed.

"Where you headed?" Renzulli asked skeptically. There was no way she was planning to drive anywhere when it appeared that she'd been napping from the jacket bunched up on her lap which he suspected she had been using as a pillow.

Jamie ran his beam of light along the rear windows of hatchback; the trunk was packed to the gills with clothing and small personal belongings. He then scanned the backseat, being careful not to flash the light in the little boy's face, but he hadn't been careful enough as a sweep across the book bag and toys scattered on the floorboards soon had the child stirring awake. The frightened expression on the child's face had Jamie's stomach clenching at the realization of what they'd come across.

"Oh...uh," the woman stammered as she handed over the requested items from her wallet. "Uh...to Queens, to a friend's house," she claimed.

Renzulli glanced between the driver's license and the woman before raising a single brow to let her know exactly what he thought of her answer. "At 1 o'clock in the morning with your kid in the back? He looks pretty well settled back there too."

"Mommy?" the little boy called out as he rubbed the sleep from his eyes, clearly frightened by the floating beams of bright, white light.

"It's alright, baby. Just got back to sleep," the mother soothed as she reached back for her son, cupping his cheek gently with her right hand.

Renzulli was determined to get to the bottom of this, but preferred to have a conversation out of earshot of the little boy. "Step out of the vehicle please, ma'am," he said.

"Officer, is this really necessary? We were just going - "

"You're a half mile from the address on your license," Renzulli interrupted while reading the name on the ID, "Stacey Greene."

"Please, officer. We haven't done anything," the brunette pleaded as she glanced back at her son again who was now sitting up and looking between the officer outside his door and the one ordering his mother out of the car with wide, blue eyes.

"Then we'll just talk outside and confirm that," Renzulli said, stepping back when she hit the locks on the doors and stepped out of the car. The senior officer nodded at his boot across the roof of the car as he closed the door behind her.

That was all Jamie needed to do his part as he reached for the rear door and hunched down infront of the lone, young occupant in the backseat. "Hey, buddy. What's your name?" he asked, his friendly tone matching the expression on his face.

The child peered through the window to confirm his mother was still nearby before staring at the silver badge on Jamie's uniform. "Mason," he whispered eventually.

"Mason...that's a great name," Jamie smiled. "You doing okay, Mason?"

"Yeah," he answered right away.

"What school do you go to?"

"PS 51," Mason offered as he nervously picked at the red blanket in his lap.

"That's not too far from here," Jamie commented as he noted the superhero pajama top that Mason seemed to have outgrown. "What grade are you in?"

"Second," he answered as he made eye contact with the nice police officer.

"So that makes you about seven, right?" Jamie guessed.

"Eight," Mason corrected, clearly insulted by the guesstimate.

"Oh, my bad," Jamie apologized as he fought to stifle a smile at the little boy's expression. "Do you like school?"

"It's okay," Mason shrugged with another quick glance at his mother.

"Bet you can't wait for summer," Jamie said.

"I guess," he responded vaguely, more interested by whatever was going on outside.

Jamie moved on to more probing questions, hoping he would continue to answer them. "Everything okay with you and your mom, Mason?"

Mason looked down at the soft fleece bunched in his hands.

Jamie had hit a nerve based on the little boy's stiff posture. "Have you guys been sleeping in the car?" he asked directly, but maintained a soft, understanding tone to calm the boy down. "It's okay to tell me, bud. We're not going to hurt you," he promised. "It's our job to help you if we can."

Mason looked over to where his mother was still talking to the older officer before he gave Jamie a long, hard look to determine if he could trust him. Luckily for Jamie, Mason decided he probably could. "Mom says no one can know or she'll get in trouble. I don't want her to get in trouble," he whispered even though he was well out of his mother's earshot.

Jamie nodded, understanding very well about having to keep your mouth shut to spare your mother any trouble. But he sensed that Mason didn't have to keep secrets for the same reasons he had to. "Is she a good mom, Mason?"

"Yes," he nodded without any hesitation, quicker than Jamie would have ever been able to spew out an answer like that without the guilt that came from telling such a lie.

"The best?" Jamie questioned playfully. Mason nodded emphatically as his face lit up, assuring Jamie he was not lying. "Did you have plenty to eat tonight before you went to sleep?" he asked.

"Yeah. We had grilled cheese sandwiches and fries. Those are my favorite!" Mason shared.

Jamie laughed at the enthusiasm of that response, it reminded him of Sean whenever he swooned over Sunday dinner. "I love grilled cheese sandwiches too and you mentioning them makes me want one right now. I might have to have one for breakfast."

"That's not breakfast!" Mason argued.

"Hmm, you're right...lunch then," he conceded. "Alright, buddy, you stay here, I'm going to go talk to your mom and my partner," he advised the little boy, deciding he could make a pretty accurate guess about what was happening here. Jamie closed the door and joined Renzulli and Mason's mother.

"You can't sleep in your car, especially with your kid. There are shelters - "

"I can't go there," Stacey argued.

"Why?" Renzulli asked. "That's what they're there for."

Stacey looked between the two cops when the younger one joined them. "Officers, please. I don't want any trouble...," she begged as her eyes began to grow wet.

"You're afraid of someone calling CPS," Jamie stated.

Stacey wiped at her eyes as she nodded, ashamed by her situation.

"We're not calling Child Protective Services," Jamie said, earning himself a frown from his partner. "Mason appears well taken care of," he explained to Renzulli before turning to the woman, "but it looks like he's outgrowing his PJs."

"He's growing like a weed. Feels like every time I turn around, he's sprouted another inch," Stacey replied.

"Kids do that. But they also need a roof over their head," Renzulli remarked with a stern look aimed at his partner.

"I'm trying. My old landlord increased my rent, neither my roommate nor I could afford it. And it was hard finding a place on my income alone. I went down to the housing commission and applied for housing but I'm still waiting for it to come through...it's taking longer than I thought and when I had to leave the apartment, we stayed with different friends, but they have families of their own and it isn't always good for them. Sometimes we stay in cheap motels for a night here or there when we have no other place to go, but I couldn't swing it tonight. This is the first time this has ever happened, I swear," Stacey pleaded her case, hoping they'd take pity on her and let her move on without reporting her.

"What about Mason's father?" Jamie questioned.

"He's not around, never has been," Stacey confessed.

"Alright, well if you update your situation with the housing commission, let them know you're homeless with a child, it will bring you to the top of the list," Jamie suggested.

"I was afraid," Stacey said.

"Of getting reported," Jamie finished.

"Yes," she confirmed.

Renzulli knew what he should do but he had a feeling his partner might have other ideas. Instead of confirming his suspicions in front of the woman, he decided to pull Jamie aside first. "Alright. Give us a minute. You stay right there."

"Can I check on my son?"

"Yeah, open the door but stay outside," Renzulli instructed her as he stepped over to the RMP.

"What are you thinking, sarge?" Jamie asked first.

"I was just about to ask you the same thing, but since you asked...first, she can't stay on the street with her kid in the backseat and if she's got no where to go with him, it's not something we can ignore."

"We can't report her to child services. They may take Mason from her until she gets into housing," Jamie countered as he tried to discourage Renzulli from making that call.

"Maybe that's for the best. You of of all people should get that," Renzulli pointed out

"I do. But even when CPS got called in on Sherry, nothing ever happened. She had a roof over my head and fooled everyone about everything else. She doesn't seem like that type, sarge, and we could do more damage than good by calling CPS in," Jamie argued. "Trust me."

Renzulli hated when the damn kid was right, if it really was a one time thing, CPS could step in and cause the woman and child more headache than it was worth. But if they didn't and she was fooling them, Renzulli would hate himself for not stepping in and so would Jamie. But in the end, he decided to trust his partner's gut and his belief that there was some good in all people. "So what do you propose we do?"

"Aren't you friends with the guy that runs the 46th street shelter?" Jamie asked, relieved that he'd managed to convince him to hear him out.

"Yeah."

"Maybe we can take them over there, get them a couple of beds," he suggested.

Renzulli looked to the car where Stacey was speaking softly to her son, voicing his concern before they made any moves. "That might solve her problem for a night, but she needs to get into permanent housing. Chances are she'll find herself with no place to go again if she's just bouncing from place to place. And the next set of cops that find her might no be as forgiving."

"I know that, sarge. But let's get them a place to stay for the night at least," Jamie said while thinking of the calls he could make on his own to help get a more permanent roof over Mason's head.

"Alright, alright," Renzulli yielded but pointed a finger at his partner as he issued a warning. "But if we find her out on the street again, I'm calling CPS myself."

"Fine," Jamie agreed.

"Let me call Freddie at the shelter and make sure he's got room." Even as Renzulli was dialing the number to the shelter, he got the distinct feeling that there was another reason why Jamie was so determined to help the pair.

"Thanks, sarge," Jamie said with a smile of thanks as he turned back to speak to Stacey about their accommodations for the night and make some recommendations of his own to make sure Renzulli didn't find them out here again.

Linda looked around her kitchen checking items off her dinner 'to do' list - the water was on its way to a boil for the pasta, the bolognese sauce was simmering on the stove and the garlic bread was ready for the oven. With everything done until the rest of the family got home, she decided a nice cup of coffee was deserved and was just watching the single-cup brewer fill her favorite mug when a knock sounded at the door. "Right on time, like always," she smiled to herself as she headed toward the door to greet her brother-in-law. "Hey, Jamie! Come on in!"

"Hey, Linda," Jamie replied with a quick peck on her cheek as he spotted two brown boxes stacked next to the front door. "Is this the stuff?"

"That's all of it," Linda confirmed as she closed the door behind him. "I didn't realize there was so much until you asked about it."

"Thanks again for letting me come grab it," Jamie said.

"No problem, Jamie. Sean out grew most of the clothes a while ago, his growth is just off the charts. I forgot I had it and never got around to donating it. What's it for anyway? Is there a drive at the precinct or something?" she questioned.

"No, not a drive," Jamie said as he slipped his hands into his pockets. "Renzulli and I came across this homeless family, a mom and her son, sleeping in their car. Mason, he just turned eight, and looked like he'd outgrown his clothes and money is tight for them."

Linda's expression softened as he described the unfortunate situation. "That's a tough place to be in. I can't imagine not having anywhere to go with your own child to take care of, but it's a good thing you're doing, Jamie, every little bit helps. If I come across anything else that they can use, I'll let you know," she said. Linda walked back to the kitchen when the scent of coffee reminded her that she had a fresh cup waiting for her. She signaled Jamie to follow her. "Do you want to stay for dinner? Danny should be home with the boys in half an hour," she offered as she brought the steaming mug to her lips for a sip.

Jamie's brow furrowed as he quickly contemplated how to get out of this one. Normally he'd say yes to a home-cooked meal, especially one that smelled so good already, but he preferred to avoid anymore conflicts with his older brother. "Uh...nah, I can't. I want to try and get this stuff back to Mason and his mom tonight." That part was at least true.

Linda easily picked up on the real qualm as the two brothers had been butting heads lately; she'd definitely heard some rumblings from her husband as of late. She loved Danny dearly and knew how fiercely he loved his siblings too, but his desire to make his bothers bullet-proof because of their occupations had a tendency to rub them the wrong way. "Then how about a quick cup of coffee with your favorite sister-in-law?" she suggested with a coy smile.

"You're my only sister-in-law," Jamie chuckled.

"Even better, I don't have anyone trying to take my title!"

Jamie smiled, but he seemed hesitant to even do that.

"Oh, come on. I just made myself a cup and we hardly ever get to talk. Your more talkative siblings usually take over the dinner conversation on Sundays," she said.

"You got that right," he sighed and gave in at the expression she was giving him. "Alright. Just a quick cup."

"Great!" Linda exclaimed and got another cup brewing for him. "So how's work?" she asked as another mug began to fill.

"It's good," Jamie shrugged.

Linda decided she'd at least try to help smoothe things over between the brothers. "You know that seeing you with Danny now reminds me a lot of when Joe went on the force," she commented as she handed over his coffee. "Danny wanted to teach him everything he had learned on the job already and he wants to teach you everything he knows too," Linda added as she led him to the dining room table.

"Yeah, he's made that pretty clear," Jamie said as he took a seat at the end of the table, hoping that he was able to adequately hide his feelings on that subject matter. He didn't think Danny would take too kindly to him venting to his own wife.

But Linda was on to him. She'd never discussed it directly with Jamie, but she could only assume that adjusting to life as a member of this family when he was raised so differently was difficult. He always had to fend for himself with very limited to no support from others, so someone else constantly telling you how to do things differently and better, according to their own opinion, might come off more like criticism than helpful advice from a concerned family member, especially with Danny's personality. "Listen, Jamie, I know Danny can be a little rough around the edges sometimes - "

Jamie bit his tongue, literally, this was his brother's wife after all.

"Okay, too much sometimes," she corrected with a smirk at the restraint he was displaying, "but he means well. Your brother's got a big heart and it's how he shows he cares."

Jamie was getting uncomfortable, he felt like letting the floodgates open but he didn't want to put Linda in the middle of it. "I should probably get going, I got a test tomorrow," he said without thinking as he was desperate for any legitimate reason to get out of the house with donated clothing that brought him here.

"Test?" Linda frowned in confusion. "Renzulli giving you pop quizzes in the car now or something?" she quipped.

Jamie's eyes widened at his slip of the tongue. "Oh, I didn't mean test...I don't know what I was thinking. Just got a lot to do," he babbled as he tried getting himself out from under Linda's narrowed gaze.

"Jameson Reagan...what are you up to?" she inquired.

"Nothing," he squeaked with a shake of his head.

"You're a terrible liar," she commented as she was struck by a thought. "Huh..."

"What?" Jamie asked, fearing he wasn't getting out of here without telling the truth or before Danny got back with the boys.

"Interesting...you Reagan brothers all share the same tell when you panic over getting caught in a lie - your voices all go back up to your pre-puberty pitch," she stated, having been on receiving end of the very same reaction from Danny and having witnessed the same with Joe.

"That's not," Jamie began before pausing to clear his throat and ensure his tone was calm and even, "that's not true."

"Come on! What gives?!" she demanded.

"You're not going to let it go, are you?" Jamie worried.

"Nope. Might even have to ask Danny if something's up with you," she threatened.

Jamie's eyes widened in alarm. The last thing he needed was Danny on his back because he thought he was in trouble. "You wouldn't!"

"No. I wouldn't," Linda said. "Well, actually I would if my gut was telling me you were in some kind of trouble, but I'm not getting that vibe. You're just keeping some kind of secret."

"Maybe," Jamie hedged.

"Spill!"

"Alright! Jeez...but you gotta swear, Linda Reagan, on a stack of bibles that you won't tell anyone!" Jamie ordered. "Not even dad knows!"

Linda frowned at that and almost began to worry he was in some sort of trouble. "Really? Not even Frank?"

"Swear it!" Jamie repeated.

"I swear!" Linda said as she held up her right hand, but she refused to search the house for a stack of bibles.

Jamie looked her in the eye for a moment before letting out a breath and sharing his secret. "I went back to school."

Linda's brow creased as her lips stretched into a small smile, relieved that it wasn't anything bad but confused as to why it was a secret. "For real?"

"Yes," he nodded.

"That's great! Where and for what?" Linda asked excitedly as she went back to sipping her coffee.

Jamie re-took his seat and palmed his own cooling mug. "Masters in forensic health counseling at John Jay."

"Awww...that's Joe's alma mater. And forensic health counseling? How'd you decide on that?" she asked curiously as she waited to get all of the details.

Jamie shrugged and stared down at the dark liquid in his cup. "Like Danny says, I like all of the psychology crap."

Linda reached out to gently squeeze his wrist. "Don't listen to your brother about that. That psychology crap, like he calls it, is important for what you do. You come across people when they're usually at the lowest point in their lives. Knowing how to deal with them is important to make sure everyone involved can get out of those situations safely."

"I think so too," Jamie said as he looked up at her.

"Are you thinking of leaving the force when you get your degree?"

"I could, couldn't I? Work as a counselor somewhere..."

"You'd be excellent at that, Jamie," she smiled. Jamie had the patience and the heart to do a lot of good as a counselor.

"Maybe," he said. "And even though I don't see myself making detective while dad's at 1PP, leaving the force hasn't crossed my mind once. This has been an interest of mine and it would be nice if I could do something within the department with what I'm learning...but that's a long way off. This is just my first semester."

"And I'm sure you will someday," Linda said. She had no doubts that Jamie would go far no matter what he did. "Good for you, but why don't you want anyone to know?"

Jamie sighed and rolled his eyes. "'Cause Danny is Danny and Erin would try to convince me to get a law degree instead. And dad? He'd want to jump in and pay for it. Things are just easier when I do them on my own," he explained.

Linda nodded, but she understood the real reason. "It's what you're used to."

Jamie shrugged.

"I promise I won't tell anyone, but don't sell everyone short. They'd all respect your choices and be proud of whatever you do. I am already," she said with a pat of his hand.

"Thanks, Linda," Jamie smiled.

"You're welcome. Now how about you reconsider my offer for dinner?" she asked, hoping he'd stay to share a meal with them.

"I really do have an exam tomorrow," he replied.

"Alright, I believe you, but you better not bring home anything less than an A," she said in the tone she normally reserved for the boys and their studies.

"I'll do my best," Jamie chuckled.