24
Here it is, the last chapter to this story. Sorry for the late post, but I hope you all enjoy it!
Eddie stood by herself in the aviation hangar among the other guests that arrived early with their respective graduate. She surveyed the neat rows of chairs arranged in the middle of the cavernous space; Jamie was right, the ceremony would be way smaller than the academy's graduation. However, the department made up for what the ceremony lacked in size by showing off the impressive 'toys' ESU and the other specialty units based out of Floyd Bennett Field used every day: a pair of polished NYPD helicopters sandwiched the ceremony area while an array of imposing departmental vehicles - ranging from ESU REP trucks to armored vehicles and the massive heavy rescue trucks - served as a backdrop for the stage.
Eddie glanced at her watch, noting the time left before the program got started. She bounced from one foot to the other as she waited for the inevitable: meeting the Reagan Family on her own. Jamie had departed just as soon as they arrived, needing to gather with his fellow graduates to prepare. He was worried about abandoning her, but he had no choice. It was an oversight on his part for waiting until today to have them meet and hers for delaying the event as much as she could. His father had welcomed a sooner meeting, but insisted it would be today if that was when she was most comfortable. He was unwilling to delay it past graduation. We're going to bump into each other anyway, he said.
Eddie assured Jamie that she would be alright, not wanting him to worry about something else today. I'll be just fine, Reagan...I'm a big girl, she insisted before kissing him goodbye for the time being.
Of course she would be, right? She could handle herself just fine. She was a cop, she faced scary people everyday. They couldn't be that bad...bring them on!...it will be great!, she hyped herself up.
She was doing as well as could be expected, until she saw them. That put an end to her nervous dance and fidgeting as she froze where she stood.
Led by the imposing form of the PC dressed in his customary three-piece suit, the family traveled in a proud, but equally intimidating, pack. The Commissioner was stopped every so often along his way to the hangar to greet members of the department. Eddie wondered if there was a dark, hidden corner she could slink into as she counted the members of the group quickly. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8….and a partridge in a pear tree...yup, they're all here. Yay.
They were making their way straight to her as the Commissioner's eyes (and everyone else's) locked with hers. Eddie plastered a bright, friendly smile on her face and tried to relax despite the stranglehold she had on her purse.
"Officer Janko," Frank Reagan greeted her with a broad smile while offering his hand.
"Commissioner. It's good to see you again," she said while giving his hand a firm shake.
"You as well, especially under these happy circumstances," Frank replied. He could see she was nervous and doing her damndest to hide it. Expecting that this might happen, he had a secret weapon lined up to help put her at ease until Jamie returned. Frank would keep his promise and make sure this first encounter with the family went smoothly.
From the patriarch to the littlest nephew, Eddie was introduced to the family by the Commissioner. Hellos and inquisitive smiles greeted her back.
Eddie's stomach was still doing flips, but she remembered her manners. "It's really great meeting you all. Jamie talks about you all the time."
"He talks about you too," Danny replied casually with a devious little smirk as he recalled his first encounter with the new couple.
The knowing grin caught her off guard and her eyes widened. "What was that?" she asked, praying that their infamous Saturday night stumble had never been the topic of conversation at the dinner table.
"Daniel," Henry admonished sternly, recognizing his oldest grandson's mischievous side. He'd been given his assignment by his son and he too would follow through in helping keep Danny in line, especially while Jamie was off taking care of business. Erin wouldn't be any trouble for now, she was too busy fretting over her little brother's career choice once again now that it was official.
Henry stepped up and extended his arm out to Eddie. "Come, my dear. I've run these dog and pony shows a time or two. Let's go get a good spot so we can see our boy in all of his glory."
Eddie gave him a genuine smile, the elderly man's fatherly disposition had a calming effect on her. She took hold of his arm and let him escort her out of the hangar.
"I've heard a lot of wonderful things about you and I've been looking forward to finally meeting you, young lady," the old man carried on.
Frank smirked. He could tend to his duties and trust his father to look out for the family, especially this newest member.
Frank stood at the podium and took in the faces of each and every graduate, his proud eyes remaining on one for a moment longer than the rest as he began to speak...
"Today I have the distinct honor and privilege to present the newest graduates from the Emergency Services Unit's Strategic Training School: forty-four graduates in total consisting of thirty-one members of the NYPD and thirteen officers from various other branches of law enforcement."
Guests had been herded to a viewing area between two hangars with an open field in the distance. There was a buzz of excitement, everyone was eager to catch a glimpse of their loved ones taking part in the exercises. Henry Reagan had steered Eddie and the rest of the clan to a prime viewing spot, front and center for all of the action. He continued to chat up the petite blonde, keeping the conversation light and focused on her first year on patrol with Jamie.
"Anybody know what Jamie's going to be doing?" Linda asked. Her eyes searched the two teams of newly minted ESU officers setting up in the staging area. One was dressed in their standard uniforms complete with blue safety helmets. They were busy checking the various pieces of equipment around the vehicle they would be using to perform an extraction. The other was in full tactical gear, dressed in black from head to toe, with heavy duty vests and tac belts. It didn't escape Linda's attention how Erin focused on the second group and the automatic weapons slung around their shoulders, searching for her baby brother amongst them. The mother-hen in her was back out in full force.
"I can't find him," Nicki shrugged as she finished searching for her Uncle Jamie.
Frank split his attention between his family and the Deputy Chief of ESU who was going on about this year's class, but he didn't bother to let them in on Jamie's assignment yet. They'd soon see how Jamie was contributing and he didn't want to spoil the surprise.
"You just gotta keep your eyes peeled. He'll be out there," Henry chuckled. He also knew about Jamie's role.
"Did Jamie tell you anything, Eddie?" Erin asked when she failed to locate her brother. Little did she know she was directing the question to the wrong person.
Eddie's ponytail swung from side to side as she shook her head. She also wondered about the same thing, it seemed like the whole class was out there getting ready.
"Uh, no, he didn't. I didn't even think to ask, to be honest." She had been too preoccupied with other things, namely, meeting all of them.
"That's a lot of stuff," Sean commented as the teams finished setting up.
"I can't wait to see what they do with it all," Jack chimed in, still mesmerized by his uncle's new unit.
Danny rolled his eyes at his oldest's love for all things Jamie and ESU. He should be the only hero in his kids' eyes, but if Jack was going to look up to anybody else, he couldn't think of a better role model than his kid brother.
"That's 'cause they're gonna show us exactly how they'll be equipped out on a real job," Danny explained. "Everything you see out there, they have available to them to use any time, anywhere."
"When's it gonna start?" Jack asked, his tone making it clear that he was tired of waiting. He couldn't seem to stand still either as he bounced around from foot to foot, much like his uncle's new girlfriend had been doing earlier.
"Any minute now," Frank advised them.
As soon as the words left Frank's lips, the show got started.
"The NYPD Emergency Services Unit's Strategic Training School provides the longest specialized law enforcement training in the country. It is because of that training that ESU sets the standard for law enforcement agencies across the world. It is the one by which all others model their own special tactical units."
"I still don't see him," Erin fretted as she watched the officers move the jaws of life away from the overturned vehicle.
"He's not with the extraction team, that much we know," Linda said.
"Woah! Look how easy they're taking off the roof of that car!" Sean exclaimed. This was the first time they all showed up to an ESU graduation. He was usually bored at the academy graduations they went to, but this one had a lot more action.
"Cool! I wanna do that one day!" Jack declared, thinking of all the things that could be taken apart with the powerful tool.
"We definitely lost him to the family business," Linda sighed as she watched the demonstration.
Danny smiled in response, bringing his arm around his wife's shoulders as he kissed the side of her head. It was a foregone conclusion in his mind that one or both of their sons would be cops one day, but that didn't mean their mother didn't pray for a different - and safer - career choice for the boys.
"It is pretty cool how easily they work together, like one, two, three and poof! They're getting it done in no time," Nicki marveled at their efficiency as the team secured their 'victim' to a board in order to get him out of the crumpled car.
"I've seen them get called out dozens of times already, and it's always impressive to see them work," Eddie commented while eagerly awaiting Jamie's appearance.
"That's what they train for. In a real emergency, it's life or death and there's no time to stand around and decide what to do next. They know what they're going to do before they arrive at a scene," Henry explained. Even as an old retired cop, he still appreciated everything the special divisions of the department did on a daily basis.
"There is very little in a day that can't be anticipated," Frank stated as he watched the unit proudly.
"Yeah, I guess it is something," Erin agreed. There was no way she could argue how vital ESU was to the department and she would never fault her brother for wanting to be a part of it.
"You are claiming your place among a legendary team of first responders. ESU is unmatched when it comes to saving lives and providing assistance to the public and critical support to your fellow police officers."
"I give up. I didn't find him," Nicky declared as the officers prepared for the hostage rescue portion of the demo.
Just as the words left her mouth, the crowd turned in unison to the sound of the approaching trio of helicopters. The choppers flew directly over them on their way to the open field behind the hangars. The Reagan boys were the first to ooh and aww as the air swirled around them.
"Look!"
Jack pointed to the sky excitedly. "Ooh, here come the 'copters! They're so cool!"
"This kid thinks everything is cool today," Danny shouted to be heard over the roar of the aircrafts.
"That they are," Frank smiled at his grandsons' delight.
"It never ceases to amaze me how those things fly," Henry said while following their path.
Sean frowned when he spotted the guys sitting in the open doorways of the helicopters and thought that would be a pretty fun place to sit for a ride. "Why are those guys sitting along the edge?" He was smart enough to know police officers didn't do things just for fun.
Erin brushed her fingers through her hair, attempting to smooth out her tresses after the fly over. Her eyes narrowed as Jamie's absence and her nephew's question got her worrying again. "Hey, you don't think-"
Frank knew exactly what she was thinking and made sure they were all paying close attention. "Just keep your eyes on the 'copter on the left".
"Jamie?" Eddie asked as she zeroed in on the right one. She should have known! Jamie had picked up several hobbies since he began this journey, all using his new skills. He was now an enthusiast for indoor climbing thanks to Kevin McCoy and his own love for the sport and recently talked about getting outdoors to do some true rock climbing with his friend, once training was over, of course. He even claimed to be a damn good rappeller. Better you than me, Eddie told him.
Jamie also talked about planning a trip down to the Florida Keys together to explore the seas and enjoy a few pina coladas on the beach, but only if she packed a few bikinis for him. Eddie was game for some fun in the sun, but her own exploration of the deep depths of the ocean was limited to her secret copy of The Little Mermaid.
"Just watch," Frank instructed them all.
"Woah, they're climbing out!" Jack belted out as thick, dark ropes dropped from each helicopter and the officers positioned themselves on the skids.
"How high is that?" a wide-eyed Erin panicked. Her baby brother was going to put her into an early grave if raising a teenage daughter didn't beat him to it. She would be happier not knowing about anything he was doing on the job.
"A lot higher than I'd wanna be," Henry muttered. His stomach clenched at seeing Jamie like this for the first time, but he had full confidence in his training.
"The training is intense and it is rigorous and it does not end today, but you have all excelled through that training and will continue to do so, proving yourselves worthy of this elite unit and proving your dedication to serving this city."
Jamie Reagan sat on the floor of the helicopter, his feet hanging over the side as the speed of the rotor increased. Gone were the nerves he had awoken to and which sat steadily in his belly all morning as he and Eddie got ready. Once they arrived at ESU headquarters, it was as if a switch had been flipped. He was where he was supposed to be, doing what he was meant to do, excited to prove to his family that he made the right decision.
Jamie tugged on a belt, making sure he was securely tethered to the helicopter for the ride. An excited flutter in his belly signaled their departure and he sat back, silently running through each step of the exercise.
They departed from the north side of the old airport and flew the length of the longest runway. Jamie still remembered the first time his feet pounded against the old, cracked concrete. He flashed back to that day, when he was one amongst a group of hopefuls praying he'd make it here one day. Now look at him!
In no time, they circled the south end of the airport and over the bay on their approach to the Aviation Unit's hangars, where they flew low over the crowd. Jamie allowed himself a small smile, knowing his family and Eddie were among them. It was brief, because he was focused on his instructor, awaiting the silent commands that would cue the start of the exercise, just as soon as the helicopters got in position.
He went through a final check, from his helmet, vest and harness to the weapon strapped to his thigh. Jamie turned and nodded at the instructor as he unhooked his belt from the copter and worked the ropes through his harness. With the anchor point connection secure, it was time. The hand signal was given and Jamie dropped his deployment bag out and away from the helicopter. Unphased, he moved out onto the skid.
With the all clear, Jamie braced himself for the jump. Just as he'd trained countless times, he pivoted 180 degrees, mindful that his feet were shoulder-width apart, knees were locked and his body bent at the waist toward the helicopter. With his brake hand on the small of his back, Jamie waited for the "Go" command.
With a thumbs, he was off. Jamie pushed away from the skid gear without fear and without hesitation, allowing the rope to pass through his brake hand and his guide hand. The descent was steady and smooth and thrilling every single time. Before he knew it, Jamie began the braking process, slowing until his feet hit the ground. Clearing the rope, Jamie pulled his weapon from his thigh holster and joined the rest of the tac team to finish the exercise.
"You will transition from peace officer to emergency services officer or as we so affectionately call you, E-Man and E-woman," Frank declared with a pointed look at their lone, proud female graduate.
Jamie moved through the cluster of families and graduates spread out across the staging area after the exercises where they would have a short time to visit before changing for the ceremony.
It took him no time to find his father and the rest of the family by default. A corner of his mouth curled upward when his father eyed him back and announced his arrival.
"Hey! There he is!"
A collective greeting welcomed him back, but Jamie had his sights set on Eddie, silently checking to see if she was any worse for wear from her first encounter with his family.
Jamie was relieved to find her beaming back proudly at him with no signs of any trouble. He came to a stop next to her, his arm automatically sliding across her shoulders as she wrapped hers around his waist.
"Hey," he said softly, thankful again that she was here for him.
"You looked good out there, Reagan," Eddie said.
"Thanks," replied with a gentle squeeze.
"Eddie's right. Good job out there, son."
"Thanks, dad."
Erin was equally proud, but the mother in her made her reservations about his assignment clear. She attempted to look stern for the fright his stunt gave hershel couldn't help the, but the proud smile that crept across her lips. Her brother looked happy, both in his professional and personal life, and she couldn't want anything less for him. "You could have warned us you'd be jumping out of a helicopter!" she chided lightly.
"And spoil the fun?" Jamie laughed back. He was ready for that kind of response from Erin, she would never change and he loved her for it.
"How the heck did you end up getting stuck with that job?" the other mother in the group asked.
"Stuck? We were all fighting over it!" Those six spots were highly coveted and Jamie wasn't the only one wanting to show off to family members who'd never seen their officers operate in that manner.
"Oh, great," Erin sighed with an exaggerated eye roll.
"Don't knock it until you try it," Jamie teased.
"I won't be, thank you," Erin assured him.
Jack was still buzzing with energy from the demonstration, his wide eyes fully taking in the uniform and equipment - his uncle still worked everything he'd rappelled in. "That was so cool, Uncle Jamie! Mom-"
"Don't even think about it!" Linda warned her oldest, little daredevil. Every time he heard about, and now saw, his uncle's newest exploits, she saw trouble coming.
"You don't even know what I was going to say," Jack whined.
"Oh, we know," Danny laughed while tousling the boy's hair. He turned to his brother and took in his get up as well. Despite seeing Jamie go through every step of training, knowing all he'd encounter is ESU and spending months with the kid at the gun range, he still couldn't get over seeing him outfitted in all of this tactical gear, looking almost like he had back in his military days. The weapons strapped to his thighs gave him an extra dose of bad-ass that just left Danny shaking his head...he still couldn't believe this was his Harvard-educated, pain-in-the-ass baby brother.
Danny smirked at the sight; Jamie had morphed before their eyes. "You're not such a rugrat anymore. You looked good out there, kid," he declared, reaching over to pound on the body armor strapped to Jamie's chest. It was the best way he knew how to let his brother know he was proud of him also.
"Yet he still calls him 'kid,'" Henry chuckled.
"That's never gonna change," Frank smirked.
"Thanks, Dan," Jamie said. Coming from him, that meant a lot.
Most cannot face the challenges of policing this city, but you've proven that you are not most people, not only by becoming a police officer, but because now, you are ESU."
Today had been a whirlwind of emotions, but he'd managed to keep them in check so dar. Now, he sat in the middle of the Aviation hangar in his dress blues, having his father preside over another graduation as his family and girlfriend filled the row behind him. He sat up straight among the other survivors of STS, taking in each and every one of the Commissioner's words as he remembered walking into this very same hangar over eight months ago, with a belly full of nerves and a head filled with doubt over his role with the department.
He was so far removed from that time, that he still wondered how he got here.
"You came from a group of 300 applicants, down to a class of 100 and now you are 44. You set out one goal, pushed yourselves beyond your limits and you succeeded. Your job is to save lives. That is ESU's legacy and now it is your legacy. Congratulations, be proud and be safe everyday that you wear the uniform."
It wasn't an easy journey: he doubted his abilities, worked harder than he ever had in his life, did things he never dreamt of doing, learned skills he never thought he could. Getting through each task gave him the strength to get through the next day. He gave it everything he had. And why? In the beginning it was partly to run from his mistakes and get around career roadblocks. In the end, it was to be part of even something bigger: a member of the Emergency Services Unit.
An E-Man.