Hi All,
This is another AU story that has been bouncing around in my head.
A Fresh Start
Chapter 1: Time for a Change
A month after Vinny's death
Frank sat at the kitchen table working on reports. He knew that his dad was out with friends, so he'd come home to enjoy a quiet house. He heard the car door and wondered which of his kids needed something. Jamie came into the room looking sad and nervous. "Hey Jamie, what are you doing here?"
"Is Grandpa home?"
"No, he's out with friends tonight. I think he's playing poker."
"So, he'll be out a while." Jamie laughed.
"Jamie what's going on?" Frank said and looked at his son concerned. Jamie hadn't been the same since Vinny's death, and he didn't expect him to be. The last week or so it seemed that Jamie had gone backwards, he had been getting better and was acting more like himself. Something happened and he hoped he was going to learn what it was now.
"Want a drink?" Jamie swallowed. He had already made up his mind, but he knew telling his dad would be hard.
"I was still working; will this be that kind of conversation?" Frank questioned growing more worried.
"Yes." Jamie said without hesitation knowing that this wasn't going to be easy.
"Okay, bring the bottle, let me get this buttoned up." Frank said and kept staring at his youngest worried.
Jamie went to the bar and took a couple of deep breaths. When he came back his dad had taken his jacket off and loosened his tie. All of his work had been put in his briefcase and set on the island. Once the drinks were poured it was time to stop the deafening silence.
"Okay, no more stalling. Tell me what's wrong." Frank insisted.
"I got a job offer last week." Jamie said and took a long drink. The look on his dad's face told him that this wasn't what he was expecting.
"Ok, this can't be the first job offer you've gotten." Frank wondered why he was telling him about this.
"No, it's not. It's just the first one that I'm considering."
Frank couldn't believe what he was hearing. His son was considering a job offer. He knew Jamie loved being in the NYPD. After Jamie explained why he became a cop they had a long conversation and although he was a good lawyer and excelled at it, it wasn't what he was meant to do in life, and now he was going back to it?
"It must be a really good offer, for you to consider leaving the NYPD. I know how much you love this job."
"It is. I've been in contact with the person the offer came from and have been thinking about it all week. I've pretty much decided to take it, but I wanted to talk to about it and hear your thoughts." Jamie said hoping that his dad understood his decision.
"Ok, so what's the job?" Frank was still trying to figure out where this was going, and how much did Vinny's death have to do with his son wanting to accept a new job.
"Detective with LAPD." Jamie said and just watched the multiple emotions wash over his face.
"LA as in Los Angeles?" Frank questioned. This was really unexpected.
"Yes, the chief has been trying to recruit me for the better part of the year, and he gave me an offer too good to turn down." That was what enticed Jamie the most. No one in the NYPD would come within a thousand feet of him because of his dad.
"Is this what you really want?" Frank was still trying to catch up. His son is going to move to California, three-thousand miles away from him and the rest of the family.
"It is. I've really thought about it this week. I know it won't be easy, but it wouldn't be worth the risk if it was easy."
"Ok, does this change have anything to do with Vinny?" Frank waited for the Reagan temper to show up.
Jamie took a few deep breaths. He knew that the family would think he was running. In the end it came down to bad timing.
"No, it doesn't, as I said before the chief has been in contact with me for the last year. The last offer was right before things heated up at Bitterman. It's actually what Vinny and I were talking about before we saw the purse snatcher. This has been on my mind since the first offer."
"Okay."
"Dad, honestly, I would probably already be in LA if it wasn't for Sydney. I had ten offers out there when I graduated. She was either staying in Boston or coming to New York. I came home because this is where she wanted to be, and it just made sense at the time to come home."
"I knew you had offers from firms in other places I didn't know it was that many. Was Sydney really your only reason for coming home?" Frank always knew his youngest had options and could do anything that he put his mind to.
"Yes and no, Joe had only been gone a month and it was good being around family. I think we all needed each other more then. Now I know that I'm ready for more. I've been walking a beat for three years; I know that I am capable of more."
"Have you already accepted?"
"No, I'm going to call Chief Arborghast tomorrow when I'm off tour, and I'm planning on telling the family on Sunday." Jamie felt better, his dad hadn't yelled.
"Thank you for talking to me first. When do you leave, and where will you stay when you get there?" Frank worried and was now trying to figure out if what he could do to help. A trip to California was looking good.
"Arborghast said to take my time, so I'm thinking a month. I'll probably be moving while you guys are on vacation. I'm moving in with Spencer, for now, but he said he has plenty of room and would be happy to be roommates for a while again."
"It'll be just like old times. I'm glad that you have something figured out."
"Dad, this is something that I need to do for myself. I know that I'm making the right choice, like when I became a cop. I'm gonna miss everyone a lot like I did when I went to Harvard, but I know that I can do this."
"I know you can. It's getting late, want to stay here tonight?"
"No, I've got an early tour and I can get to the 12th a lot faster from my place."
"Ok. Love you, Jamie."
"Love you too dad."
Jamie made his way home and had his first really good night of sleep since Arborghast brough him this latest offer. Frank tried to sleep, but after a couple hours he gave up. He was still up at two, when Henry walked in.
"Francis, what's the matter?" Henry was concerned his son usually got up early and something had to be really bad for him to still be up.
"Jamie's moving to California."
"What? Why? When?" Henry was shocked by the news. It came out of left field.
"He's going to be a detective for the LAPD."
"That explains why he hasn't confirmed the trip. How long has he known or been thinking about this?" Henry was trying to think back to how Jamie's been acting, but with Vinny's death he knew it would be hard to tell if something else was going on.
"He said that Arborghast started talking to him about joining the LAPD about a year ago. Not long after he accepted the position himself. He said that this last offer he got was too good to turn down. He's moving in with Spencer."
"Ok, well out of all your kids he's always been the one that's been able to keep things to himself. He seems to handle a lot of things by himself. I know Joe kept somethings to himself, but Erin and Danny broadcast everything. He'll make a good detective, and honestly, it's about time."
"When he came over tonight, I could tell he had something on his mind. He was acting like he did when we found out about the Blue Templar and Joe. I was worried that something else like that was happening and he might be in trouble again."
"At least he's not in trouble again."
"No, and I think he's doing better than we give him credit. I asked him if this was a reaction to Vinny's death, and that's when he told me that Arborghast has been after him for a while. He's thought this through a lot. Ya know pop I've always been proud of him. All of my kids have been through a lot with Mary and then Joe, but since Jamie is so much younger it's amazing how well he's processed everything. Danny and Erin were married, and they had their own support systems when Mary and Joe died. All Jamie had was me and I wasn't a lot of help then. Instead, he helped me."
"I think that we all think that because he's the youngest that he can't handle things. Mary tried to protect him from everything, so I think everyone in the family followed. The thing that I think we all missed is that we don't need to protect him."
"Yeah. Sometimes I think the grandchildren are given more freedom and understanding than he's given." Henry said knowing he was guilty too.
"Francis, out of all your kids Jamie is most levelheaded and he is a great cop. Remember I did two tours with him not long ago."
"I know. I just hate the thought of another empty seat at the table."
"So do I Francis, but he's an adult and despite what we want it is his life. All we can do is support him. When's he telling the rest of the family?"
"Sunday."
"I'm gonna make fried chicken and mac and cheese. He's gonna need all the support that he can get. I'll have some dessert set aside for him if he wants to head home early too." Henry knew that he needed to be strong for Francis and Jamie right now.
"I agree. Danny and Erin aren't going to take this well. Dinner will be interesting on Sunday." Francis said and finally headed up to bed.
Jamie's tour went well. In a way he was glad that Renzulli hadn't paired him up with a new partner, but he was wondering why too. He rode with Renzulli when he wanted a day out of the house and didn't have any paperwork that needed to be done. Today though he ended up on a foot post by himself which when he didn't have any calls just left him time to think, and call Arborghast and accept his offer. He finally did it. He took the leap and now it was time to move forward and try something new somewhere new where he wouldn't be lost in his family's long shadow.
When he got to Renzulli's office after his last collar was processed, he saw that his boss was getting ready to pack it in for the day.
"You got a minute boss?"
"Sure Reagan. You need to get that time off approved for the big Reagan family trip. I was at a scene last week and I heard Danny telling some of the guys about how his wife invited everyone." Renzulli laughed. Every cop in the city knew the Reagans and their legacy. All eyes were always on them. When he rode with Jamie, he was amazed at how much news coverage the kid got. That should have been a red flag to him about the undercover stuff the kid did when the news wasn't around anymore. Something to keep in mind for whoever he partnered him with.
"No." Jamie said just thinking about all the time he'd spent in the car with Renzulli. He may be his boss, but they were good friends first.
"You not goin' on that trip?" Renzulli questioned. Jamie was big into his big family. Maybe he needed to have him evaluated again. He thought he was doing better after Vinny.
"No, I'll be moving that week. I came in to give you this." Jamie handed over his notice. This was harder than he thought it would be. He thought the hardest thing this week would be talking to his dad, but that actually went well.
Renzulli accepted his resignation and read it and couldn't believe his eyes. This kid have lived NYPD since he was born and despite his Ivy League education that made many doubt his ability to be a good beat cop, he's proven everyone wrong.
"What the hell is this Reagan, you're quitting? Why?" Renzulli was mad, he had put a lot of blood sweat and tears into him. He hated losing all his hard work, he knew that this kid could go far in the job, and it had nothing to do with his last name.
"I got a job offer that I couldn't turn down. I'm moving to LA."
"What the hell after all my hard work your gonna go be a lawyer again!"
"No, I've been recruited by LAPD. I'm going to be working as a detective out there. I will be using my training every day."
"Isn't the old chief of OCCB the new LAPD Chief?"
"Arborghast, yeah, he is. His wife wanted to move out there to be closer to her family, so he retired here an accepted that job."
"Sounds like you found your rabbi. I wish you luck kid. You will be missed around here though."
"Missed by some. Others will be happy that I'm gone because they think I'm a snitch for 1PP."
"Kid, I hope in LA you can be a normal cop like the rest of us. I have no idea what it's like for you, but I imagine it can't be easy."
"It's not anything I can control, and I joined knowing I would catch heat because of my name."
"So now you gonna be a beach boy and start surfing." Renzulli laughed. He was losing a good officer, but he knew that he had a better chance for the career he deserved in LA. Every request he put in to get the kid promoted was always kicked down.
"I don't know. My plan now is to spend some time with some friends I've got out there and figure out how to do my new job."
"And hopefully get a girlfriend. Your young, smart, and successful, now it's time you found your own happiness outside of your family."
"I know. You know I've dated, but half the time they either love that I'm a cop or as soon as they find out I could be working as a lawyer they want to know why I'm not working as one. Dating in New York has sucked."
"I know. You better stay in touch with me when you head out west."
"I will. So, am I on foot post until I leave?"
"Yeah, or with me. Are you turning your badge in here or 1PP?"
"I want to turn it here, but I probably should do it at 1PP."
"Good idea Harvard."
The rest of the week went by quickly for Jamie. He spent his days either walking a foot post alone or in a car with Renzulli while he lectured him about learning his new surroundings and all the things he needed to do when he started his new job. His off time was spent packing and talking to Spencer about what he needed to bring and what he could sell. One of the last things he needed to talk to his dad about was the Chevelle, Spencer said he had a two-car garage for Jamie at the house. He learned that his room was actually a wing, and included three bedrooms, three bathrooms and his own staircase and living room. He was going to have more space than in his current apartment in Brooklyn Heights.
Frank asked Jamie to come to dinner early so they could spend some extra time together. Frank knew his time with his son was short. He would soon be on his way to LA, and he had no idea how often they would see each other. When Jamie got there, he looked exhausted.
"You look exhausted. What's going on?" Frank asked worried his son wasn't sleeping. He was still on patrol he needed to be alert.
"Work's been busy, and I'm packing up what I'm keeping and selling what I don't."
"Are you sleeping, okay?"
"Yeah, I'm sleeping great. There just aren't enough hours to sleep. I leave for California July 1st. I have a lot to do."
"When's your last day?"
"June 28th."
"So, you have a week before you leave. What if your grandfather and I come over a help a couple days so you can get some more sleep?"
"If you have time. I know that you guys need to get ready for your trip too."
"Yeah, but we are only packing for a week. It takes a lot less time. Let me know when you get off tour and we can meet you at home."
"I will. It's been busy, my tours have been running long."
"Yeah, I know I've been reading the reports. Do you want to take the Chevelle to LA?" Frank asked hoping the answer was yes. He didn't want that to be a reminder of two sons that were now gone.
"I do. I have a place to store and work on it there. Thank you, dad." Jamie was excited that his dad asked. He thought the answer would be no because he still thought of it as Joe's car, he didn't know that his dad thought of it as his now.
"Are you ready for dinner?"
"Should be fun right?"
"That's one way to put it." Frank said with a smile. Jamie was ready for whatever his siblings were going to throw at him.
Two hours later the house was full, and Henry was busy cooking away in the kitchen not letting Linda or Erin help. He didn't want them to know what he was cooking and why.
Jamie had all the kids in the backyard playing basketball. He always loved spending time with his nieces and nephews. This time with them was something he was going to miss a lot. Danny had his dad cornered and they were discussing his current case.
An hour later dinner was served, and everyone was ready to eat.
"Kid, I heard Renzulli has you walking foot patrol all next week, what did you do to get in his doghouse and is that why your vacation wasn't approved for next week?" Danny asked and laughed. He was trying to figure out what the golden boy did wrong.
"Yeah, I've been on a foot post. So, what. Every post is important." Jamie argued. Not ready to expel his news yet.
"Yeah, but kid, isn't it time you got a new partner?" Danny questioned and Linda put her hand on his arm. Jamie's partner was still a touchy subject.
"Renzulli, is putting Jamie where he needs him. That'll change when the need changes. You know how it goes Danny; orders are orders." Frank reminded his oldest. He was taking the lead from Jamie.
"Grandpa, did you cook today?" Sean asked happy about the fried chicken and mac and cheese.
"Yes." Henry said looking at his youngest grandson. He was going to miss him sitting next to him each week.
"Thanks grandpa." Jamie said knowing why his favorites were made. The next Sunday would be his last for a while.
"Of course, Jamie. You know how much these dinners mean to me, and what they meant to your grandma."
"I know, and I'm going to miss them." Jamie said without thinking.
"What do you mean miss them?" Erin didn't miss that little detail.
"There is no missing them, unless you are on duty, and I know Renzulli is smart enough to not assign you a weekly Sunday tour, what's going on?" Danny said looking from his dad to Jamie to his grandfather. They are knew something that he didn't.
Frank and Henry looked at Jamie knowing it was his news to give. Frank didn't think Jamie was quite ready yet, but it seemed he didn't have a choice.
Jamie swallowed knowing that it was now or never, and it wasn't going to be pleasant. "I'll be missing family dinners because July 1st, I'm moving to LA."
"You have got to be kidding me!" Danny yelled. His little brother was leaving them again. What the hell. "Why the hell are you moving to LA. Get a job at that swanky law firm with Spencer and finally decided being a cop could get you killed after getting shot?"
"Actually Daniel, I'll be working as a Detective for the LAPD. I know being a cop could get me killed. I learned that when Joe died, and while Vinny was dying in my arms. Like it or not I'm not a little kid anymore." Jamie was ready to leave at that point, but decided to stay and get this over with so that maybe they could move on before he moves.
Erin liked Danny's reason for Jamie's move. After Bitterman, the thought of her brother out on the streets while he was still healing from a gunshot wound to the vest was too real. For her, even though Jamie was fine after Bitterman, it was too close. The reality in Jamie's answer scared her more. At least if he was a cop in New York they would get to see each other, going to LA meant she would hardly get to see him and if something happened, they would never make it in time.
"Congratulations Jamie." Erin decided she would get mad and cry later. Jamie needed support that he wasn't getting from Danny.
"Thanks Erin."
"When do you leave Uncle Jamie?" Nikki asked hoping she could go and visit him. She loved her trip to California with her dad two years earlier. She was hoping she'd be able to go and visit.
"July 1st and I start working July 10th."
"Will that be enough time for you to get moved in?" Linda asked worried Jamie wasn't leaving himself enough time.
"Yeah, my friend Spencer is flying out and he's gonna drive my car out while I drive out the truck with my things. I've sold most of my furniture because I won't need it."
"Are you planning on living in your car too? What the hell Jamie. The only good part of this is that you'll be a detective, but you could be a detective in New York if you would just be patient." Danny sneered. This was a terrible idea.
"Nikki, can you take Jack and Sean into the kitchen?" Linda asked. She could see there wasn't going to be any calming Danny down.
"Yes, Aunt Linda. Let's go finish our dinner and then lets head upstairs and play video games." Nikki smiled. She knew no one would care right now.
After Nikki and the boys left Frank finally broke his silence.
"Daniel, your brother is an adult, who is capable of making his own choices. He won't be living in his car; he's moving in with Spencer."
"Oh great. It will be like when he was in college only now, they'll have money to spend."
"So, you are gonna be renting a room from Spencer while he travels all over the world. Does he realize that when he's home you're going to be working some pretty crazy hours?" Danny had settled down a bit. This news just came out of left field.
"Yes, and I'll basically have my own entry into the house so it shouldn't be a problem. He knows. He's been in town a few times for work and stayed with me. He knows that my hours won't be conventional."
"He's stayed in your little shoebox of an apartment why?" Linda asked.
"Spend more time together. He usually sets up something with all the Harvard Alum and he knows that I have to work so we plan it by my place, and it just makes it easy. It's just what's worked. Plus, my apartment is a lot bigger than the dorm or apartment we shared in Boston."
"Okay, I guess good luck." Danny finally gave up. "How long have you been looking for a new job?"
"I haven't been. This was a job offer that was too good to turn down."
"But your just a rookie. Who would want to offer you a job like this?"
Frank had wondered that too but had a conversation with Arborghast about what was going on, and why he fought so hard to get him to come to the LAPD. Arborghast reminded him that Jamie's been on the force for three years, and any other rookie that had done what Jamie did with the Sanfino's would already be a detective. Frank knew that to be true. His son had done some amazing things in his short time on the NYPD, but no one recognized it because of his last name. He'd found out that Renzulli had put in recommendations in for Jamie to be promoted and all had been shot down. He wanted to find out why. Had that not happened maybe his son would be staying.
"I'm not a rookie Danny, I just finished my third year. It doesn't matter anyway. I've already accepted the job, and I'm happy about the move."
"Fine little brother. I hope you can stay alive out there without me there to teach you anything." Danny said as he left the room.
"Jamie, he just worries and now you'll be so far away. If something happens, we won't be able to make it in time." Frank said voicing his own worries too.
"I know dad, but if something bad enough happens it won't matter if I'm here or in California. It didn't matter when Joe was killed. I get that he worries. I worry about both of you too. Those thoughts have crossed my mind since I decided to accept the job, but I have to live my life."
"I know son. I know."
Erin and Nikki, both gave Jamie big hugs before they made their way home promising to see him before he leaves for his big adventure out west. Linda apologized for Danny and the boys gave him tearful hugs. They were going to miss their fun young uncle who was always willing to play basketball or just run around the yard with them.
Jamie's last week in the NYPD flew by. He spent his time packing and saying good-bye to friends. Atwater, and a couple other cops asked to ride with Jamie before he left. They all knew that they were losing a great officer. Renzulli surprised Jamie with a farewell get together at a local bar. Spencer had already arrived and planned another night with their New York Harvard Alumni as a farewell. Jamie was excited and exhausted about the future.
"Jamie, I heard your car is already packed up at your dad's place, so you'll need a ride to 1PP right?"
"Yeah, now that the family knows most of them have spent more time at apartment then they ever have before. My apartment isn't made for that many people. It has been nice they've all been helping me pack, so I'm done. I turned in my keys last night."
"Your ride to 1PP is waiting outside. Kid I'm gonna miss you."
"Bye sarge, thanks for everything."
Jamie grabbed his bag and walked out to see Danny's jeep. Danny was the only family member he hadn't seen this week. He knew he would see him at his going away lunch the following day, but he didn't think it was going to be a great experience, so seeing Danny had him on edge.
"Hey kid. I know I'm probably not who you really want to see right now." Danny said with regret.
"I knew I was gonna see you tomorrow, but Linda said you've been busy with work, and I know you don't support my decision."
"Kid, that's not true. I do support you. I've always supported you. It's always been difficult between us because of our age difference. It's never been that I don't support you, I guess it's just that I haven't really ever understood your decisions."
Danny looked over at Jamie. He could tell that he didn't believe him, and honestly, he understood why he didn't. He's never been the supportive big brother; he's always been the one to give him a hard time for the life choices that he made.
"Ok, Danny. Ya know if your busy with a case I can always take the subway."
"No, I'm off for a few days. I'm sorry that I wasn't around to help you pack. Linda said you made it fun for the boys. They're gonna miss you."
"I was about their age when you and Joe were moving out of the house or into new apartments. I remember what it was like being able to help, but not being able to help. Are they the only ones that are gonna miss me?" Jamie questioned and figured that he wasn't going get a straight answer.
"I remember, you wanted to help out so bad, but some of the bigger stuff was bigger than you were, and other things mom just didn't want you to help with." Danny paused remembering, the entire family was there. Mom and Joe were still alive, and Jamie was so young. It was easier to remember Jamie at twelve, he didn't have to worry about him as much then.
"Yeah, I can't remember if mom was more worried about me getting hurt or breaking something." Jamie laughed.
"Kid, I worry about you. I have worried more since you took off the expensive suit and put on the uniform. The boys aren't the only ones in my house that's gonna miss you. The reason I reacted so badly when you told us is because I'm gonna miss you, and you're a detective now, and I won't be nearby to teach you everything I know. I don't want to lose another brother Jamie, and I'm worried that I won't be there to help you if you get put in a bad situation."
"Danny I'm a good cop, I'm careful. That isn't going to change because I'm living and working in LA."
"I know kid. I know that this is hard on me, so I know it's hard dad and grandpa. Just do me a favor, don't be a hero out there. Don't do the things I do. I don't want to bury another brother." Danny said and had to swallow the lump in his throat.
"Danny you're not the only one that's afraid to lose another sibling. You take a lot of chances out there. I need you; dad needs you, and your kids need you. Remember that when you're taking those chances."
"I know. I just go in. I have a feeling you're the same way and so was dad. Ya know that dad was involved in a big police action the week before you graduated high school, and that's one of the reasons why mom pushed you so hard into law. She always felt bad that dad wasn't around as much for you since he had climbed up the latter and at that point Joe and I were already on the force too, so where we had most of the family at events, a lot of the time you usually just had mom and Erin."
"Grandma and Grandpa were there too usually, and Danny I understood. I knew that dad had a job to do, and it was important. He was out there helping people. It was sad that he missed stuff, but I understood, just like Jack and Sean and Nikki all understand why we all miss stuff. I know that they have friends that their parents or someone from their family is involved in every aspect of their lives."
The last few minutes of the drive were silent while both brothers thought about the job and life. At this point Jamie just wanted to turn in his badge and be on his way to LA.
"Danny, it'll only take a few minutes I can do this myself." Jamie said as he made his way inside.
"Orders." Was all Danny had to say and Jamie knew that his dad arranged this probably for one last attempt to talk him out of it.
Once on the fourteenth-floor detective baker escorted them right into their dad's office.
"Hey dad, I got him before he could run." Danny joked.
"Ha ha, thanks Danny."
"Boys not right now." Frank said happy to see his boys joking around with each other.
"Sorry dad." Danny and Jamie said in unison.
"Okay, how was your last day, Jamie?" Frank asked. At one time he dreamed of this day, but in that dream, he was headed to the DA's office not anther PD across the country.
"Good, got a few more arrests. Not a bad day overall. Ended my career with NYPD the same as I began, riding with Renzulli."
"Did the guys at the 12th do anything for you?" Danny asked. He knew his kid brother had friends there.
"Yeah, earlier in the week. Renzulli had a going away at the bar, and there was food today."
"Jamie, I had Danny bring you up here because I know that you would've just quietly turned in your badge and vanished into the sunset, but we wanted to let you know that we are going to miss you, we are proud of you and just know that the NYPD is losing a good cop."
"And kid you've got a year to come back if you get bored out there."
The three men sat and talked for a while before Frank declared that it was time to head home. Danny was headed back to Staten Island. Jamie left his badge on his dad's desk before they made their way down to his detail. The following day was going to be long, tiring, and emotional.
Erin made all of Jamie's favorite foods for lunch, Henry cooked enough food for Jamie and Spencer to last a month for their journey to LA. Their forty-hour journey was set to begin once the lunch was over. Jamie and Spencer were both ready head out. Spencer was ready to head back to his house where he would have some time to himself. He and Jamie had been best friends for a long time but being surrounded by his big family was a little much for most people.
Jamie and Spencer spent seven years together at Harvard. Spencer was the second person he told that he was going to propose to Sydney. He told Joe first. Spencer understood why Jamie moved back home, but he missed their close friendship. He was looking forward to getting Jamie out there and dating again.
After lunch had been consumed, the tearful good-byes began. Erin had been holding back tears during the entire meal. She wasn't surprised. She always knew if any of the kids left New York it would be Jamie. She couldn't even build the courage to leave for college or law school, but Jamie made his way to Cambridge. It may have not been near as far as California, but she knew if the right opportunity arose that he would have been just fine staying there, that's how she knew Jamie was going to be just fine. It was everyone at home that was going to have a harder time.
Jamie promised to keep them updated on their journey to his new home and talk often. He said that he would miss family dinners on Sunday and running into Danny while on duty and Erin when he'd be testing.
The only constant in life is change, and Jamie was more than ready for this change.