Collateral Damage

"I don't even remember my parents. I was just a baby when they lost their lives in a car accident." Jimmy revealed to the commissioner with a sad voice as the two men were having a cup of coffee in Jimmy's kitchen. The young man paused before he continued. " I was the only one who survived that crash."

Frank gave Jimmy an understanding look. He knew the heartbreak of losing someone dear. In fact, he knew it too well for he himself has lost his beloved wife and two sons.

"Must have been really hard for you," he told Jimmy. He had sympathy for this young man whose life was clearly not made of roses.

Jimmy lowered his head.

"I kind of miss them everyday, you know" he whispered. "It's strange, isn't it, to miss someone you even didn't know?"

Frank gave Jimmy a concerned look. He wasn't there as the strict, but fair police commissioner Francis Xavier Reagan, but as a husband and father Frank Reagan who could be a great listener.

"I mean, the Sanfinos have always took good care of me, and I have always been grateful for that," Jimmy continued, "but it's not the same as having your own mum and dad who would tuck you in and read you a fairytale for the night…" He wasn't really sure why he was telling this to the commissioner, but something about him made him feel that he understood how he felt.

"It would have been hard for anyone in your situation," the commissioner assured him. He couldn't help it, but to feel sorry for the young man who was sitting opposite to him.

"What did your parents do?" The commissioner dared to question.

"I don't really know." Jimmy shrugged his shoulders. "Uncle Phil doesn't really talk about them. He always says my mum was a beauty, and then he just changes the topic when in comes to my dad… I suspect he may have crush on my mum, but she chose my father instead..."

That caught Frank's attention.

"Do you have a photo of your parents?" He asked.

"I don't," Jimmy uttered sadly. "Uncle Phil says he doesn't have any. But who knows, maybe he just keeps them from me or he burn them all down." There was a bit of bitterness in his voice.

The commissioner looked surprised when he heard Jimmy's words.

"It's better not to ask certain questions with uncle Phil," Jimmy explained.

"Do you think he will be okay with you inviting me for a coffee?" Frank wondered. He really didn't want Jimmy to get into troubles.

"I doubt that." Jimmy shook his head. "After all, it was his idea I should accept your invitation to that lunch."

That surprised Frank a little and unconsciously made him raise his eyebrows a little. Jimmy could hardly miss that.

"What?" The young man asked. "You really think I didn't know you were both trying to use me to get better idea what the other one was up to?"

"Jimmy, I already apologized to you for that. It was not fair to you! And I'm truly sorry for that!"

"I mean, I get it. Uncle Phil is one of the most influential wise guys in the city. I understand you wanted to have your eyes and ears on him and vice versa. I just don't like the fact that I got caught in the middle. I didn't do anything wrong." Jimmy reminded to the commissioner. "I just don't want to be your collateral damage!"

AN:

Sorry guys, only a short chapter today. I will try to upload something soon. With the coronavirus outbreak I thoughtI will have lot of time to write, but I became a volunteer and I am making masks for our doctors, because there is a lack of medical and protective suplies in my coutnry. Also, I'm trying to figure out how to minimize financial impact of coronavirus on my company I was trying to build quite hard the last two years, meaning I almost didn't buy anything for myself and was saving everything to build my business, and now I might as well as be at square one again. But I'm trying to stay optimistic about it, I know I will be okay…. I want to tell you that my thoughts and prayers are with you. I know the times have been tough, but the last days have also shown enormous kindness and solidarity, and together we can beat this! So, let's get through this together as a community. And one idea to lift your spirit, dance to your favorite happy music every night. Today's tip Bailando Enrique Iglesias ft. Descemer Bueno, Gente De Zone. Write in the comments your favorite music to dance to. Love!