Chapter 119

The whole group in the waiting room quickly found their way to the nursery viewing window. There were so many people that they had to take turns to watch the babies. The nurses worked diligently on the babies while they cried. The nurse pricked the baby's heel getting a drop of blood on a strip. The little girl cried and tried to kick her foot.

"Hey! Hey! Don't do that! Little E doesn't like that!" Shouted Reid as he banged on the viewing window. "Stop that!" He continued in a loud voice so the nurse could hear him. "Hey! Hey!"

Frank touched his shoulder. "Reid, she needs to do that. They do that to every baby."

"I don't care! They need to stop! They're making her cry!" He stated with determination.

"Reid, you need to calm down. You're also making the babies cry because you are being loud."

"Pastor, they are hurting her!"

The nurse caught their attention when she cleared her throat after opening the door.

"Gentlemen, you need to keep it down. You are scaring the babies."

"Excuse me, ma'am. You are the one making Little E cry." Reid stated. Kyle and Franklin were nodding their head in agreement.

Johnathan stepped up. "Ma'am, why are you doing that? What purpose are you making Little E cry?" He stated with a very protective, yet respectful, attitude.

"We perform blood screenings on all newborn babies. There are some rare problems with babies such as can they absorb nutrients and varies hormone related illnesses. These don't show themselves at birth. The blood work will let us know if there were any problems that would require immediate treatment to prevent serious complications or disabilities that would develop later on."

"So, this is for their benefit?"

"Yes, young man. This little bit of crying could save their lives or improve their lives if we catch a problem early."

Johnathan, Reid, Kyle, and the other football players nodded their heads.

"I'm sorry, ma'am. I didn't know."

"That's fine. I understand. Thank you for asking and for loving these babies so much. How do you know the Thortons?"

"They are our mentors. We are their football boys." Reid stated with pride. "These are their babies. It's our duty to take care of them and to protect them."

"Well, I would say that you are all doing a great job. However, please do not get loud again, understand?"

"Yes ma'am." All of the boys stated at once.

Jack stood just inside of the door smiling at the young men.

Frank smiled. "Thank you nurse. We'll only stay here for a few more minutes."

"That's perfectly fine. They can stay as long as they want as long as they aren't too loud."

Jack slipped back to Elizabeth's room. When he opened the door, both moms were laying on either side of Elizabeth. He smiled at the love between those three ladies. He didn't want to interrupt them, but he couldn't keep his chuckle silent.

"Jack. How are my babies?"

"Our babies." He corrected her. "They are doing great. The nurses are doing their thing. They should be done in a few minutes then they will bring the babies back here."

He went on and told Elizabeth and their moms what the boys did and the discussion with the nurse.

"They did that?" Grace asked.

"They did. I thought they were going to barge into the nursery and take the babies away from the nurses because the babies were crying." He smiled.

"That's so sweet. I love those boys." Elizabeth smiled.

"Did they really call Elizabeth 'Little E'?" Grace stated.

"They did." Jack smiled. "Elizabeth, I know you are exhausted, but how would you feel if the boys came back quickly to see you. I believe they are a little nervous."

She didn't have to think too long for her answer. "Give me five minutes then bring them back. They can't stay long, but I would love to see them."

Jack walked to the nursery to where the whole group was still standing just watching the babies. The football boys weren't happy with the babies crying, but they understood this had to be done.

"Hey young men." Jack stated.

All the football boys turned their heads and walked toward Jack. They shook his hand and hugged him. Each one told him congratulations.

"If you all can keep quiet, would you like to go and see Mrs. Thorton?"

Every young man smiled at the thought. "We would love too." Johnanthan stated at everyone else nodded their heads.

Jack knocked on the door and poked his head in to see if Elizabeth was ready. When he saw her smile, he had his answer. Jack opened the door and the first of the boys walked it.

"Mrs. Thorton. Congratulations!" Johnanthan stated. He walked up to the bed and gave her a half hug and kissed her on the cheek. When Johnanthan stepped aside, the next young man stepped up and did the same thing. All twelve of her boys stepped into the room with the same gesture. While there were other football players present, these were her boys and the only football players who went back.

Wiping aways tears, Elizabeth began to speak. "Thank you all for coming tonight. I love each and every one of you." She stated making sure she looked at each of her boys. "I hear you are protecting my babies."

"Yes, ma'am. That's our job." Grinned Kyle.

"You are all doing a perfect job so far. Thank you."

All the boys gave her an embarrassed grin.

"Alright young men, Mrs. Thorton has had a long day, she needs her rest."

"Yes, sir."

"Before you go." Elizabeth began. "Come by tomorrow after three, and you can hold the babies. Just give us the night and the morning to get some rest."

All the boys let out a muffled cheer. She knew she has made their day.

"Alright young men. Please say your goodbyes and we will see you tomorrow after three."

Each player walked to Elizabeth again and kissed her cheek on their way out of the room. Johnathan was the last young man standing in line to hug her. He laid down in bed with Elziabeth and wrapped his arms around her.

"Mrs. Thorton." Johnathan whispered. "I'm glad you are doing well. I was worried about you."

Elizabeth rubbed his back. For Johnathan, Elizabeth was the only person in his life that thought he could do anything. She encouraged him and challenged him to do something with his life. He was always looked at as a lineman. Some big guy who could block someone else. That was all he was to so many people, but not to Elizabeth. To her, he was Johnathan who could do anything he wanted. He never had that before in his life. He loved her as a mom and thought of her that way.

"I'm fine young man. Now, I love you."

He reached up and kissed her on the cheek. "I love you too."

Finally, after a few moments, the football players all left. Grace and Charlette sensed that Jack and Elizabeth needed a moment to themselves.

When Charlette closed the door, Jack quickly made his way to Elizabeth. He knew she was exhausted. He wanted her to catch her breath for a few minutes before the babies are brought back to her. Jack sat on the edge of the bed and took her hand into his. They interlocked their fingers like they have done it their whole lives. They sat in silence for several minutes just enjoying each other's company.

Like she has for months, Elizabeth placed her hand on her belly as she leaned back on the bed.

"I can't believe the babies are here."

Jack sensed excitement in her voice that the babies are healthy, but he also sensed a little sadness on her facial expression that her tummy was already smaller.

"I know. Now you are going to have to share the babies with everyone else." He gave her a little grin.

"Yeah." She mentioned thoughtfully. "I don't know if I'm ready to do that." She grinned at her husband.

Jack leaned forward and gently kissed Elizabeth on the nose. "You did really great today."

She laughed. "I know my dream has us having another baby, but can we wait for that for a little while?"

"If your dream comes true, we should have about three years or so before you are pregnant again."

"Jack, today has been perfect." She stated as she ran her fingers over her new necklace.

"It has been. Today you gave me two of my three greatest blessings."

She leaned into his shoulder. They sat together for a few more minutes until a nurse came on the speaker informing the couple that they will be bringing the babies to them in a few minutes.

"I guess we are just going to have a busy night." She sighed.

"I think we will for the next eighteen years." He teased.

A smile came across her face. "I have always wanted to have your baby."

"I only wanted a baby with you."

"How in the world did we do all of this in less than a year?"

"Wow…it has been less than a year since I meet you." He counted back the months. "We have been married for about eight months and we knew each other for about a month before we were married.

"Are you happy with our choices and the path we are on?"

He looked at her completely confused. "What are you talking about?"

"With the speed of all of this?"

"Elizabeth, I need you to understand how blessed I feel right now. You are my wife. That in and of itself is a blessing of a lifetime." He squeezed her hand. "Now you have given me two healthy babies. How could I not be deliriously happy?"

"Yeah…me too. I just can't believe all of this. It's so wonderful."

The nurse poked her head into the room. "How are you?"

Elizabeth smiled. "I'm great. I think I'm ready for my babies to come."

"We'll have them here in a minute. But before they come, I would like to talk to you about breastfeeding. Is that something you would like to do?"

"I have read about it. I know it's harder with twins, but I do think I would like to try."

"Great. I'm the breastfeeding nurse. It's my job to help you learn to breast feed. I would like to talk with you before the babies come back. They will be ready to eat very soon."

The nurse spent about ten minutes talking to Elizabeth about the benefits and the hurdles of breastfeeding, especially with twins.

"The benefits are obvious, but there are also some hurdles. First, it is very time consuming with multiples. You will be home bound for the first few weeks. There is also the fact that only you can feed your babies. That means sleep is rare. You will need to take naps when the babies are napping. There is also a chance that your body will not make enough milk for both. That's not as common, but an issue at times."

After listening to the nurse, Elizabeth wanted to try. If her body just couldn't do it or it was just too difficult, she would go to formula. Jack smiled at his wife to give his opinion.

"Now, with that. Let's get your babies back here. While you are in the hospital, all you have to do is to push the button and ask for your babies. The nursery nurse will bring them back when ever you want. If you want to sleep, all you have to do is push the button and we will come and take them back to the nursery so you may rest."

"Does that work at my home?" Chuckled Jack.

"Not on your life." The nurse teased. "My suggestion is to take advantage of the nursery. You will need to sleep. We will bring them back when it's time for them to eat."

"Charlie, I'm no expert, but I do believe those babies were perfect."

Charlette smiled. "I agree."

"Who do they look like?" Asked Abagail.

"Little Elizabeth looks a lot like Elizabeth. She does have Jack's mouth and dimples. Little Jack looks like Jack, but he has Elizabeth's eyes." Charlette answered.

Abagail sighed. "Then they are perfect."

"I believe they are." Charlette stated thoughtfully remembering her grandbabies.

"So, pops…what do you think?"

"Pops?" Adam raised an irritated eyebrow.

Charlette giggled at his response. "Yes, Pops?"

"Charlette." He used her name to capture her undivided attention. "You better not teach our grandbabies to call me Pops!" He stated in a warning tone and shaking his finger at her.

Charlette and Abagail laughed at his response. Charlette loved that Adam said "our grandbabies".

Abagail walked into Elizabeth's hospital room and immediately placed her hand over her mouth. "Oh Elizabeth!" She gasped. "You all are absolutely beautiful!"

Elizabeth was sitting up in bed with both babies lying in bed with her. There were on each side of her just under her arms. They were swaddled in their blankets sleeping. The breast feeding wasn't perfect, but the babies did eat. Jack was sitting in a chair just to the side of Elizabeth's bed. He had his hand resting on Elizabeth's leg.

"Auntie Abagail." Elizabeth began until she noticed Abagail was crying. "What's wrong?"

"Auntie Abagail…" Abagail repeated. She loved the new name. She slowly walked over to her sister and kissed her on the forehead "You look like the picture perfect mother."

"Now I know you are lying, but thank you. Would you like to hold your niece and nephew?"

"I would love too."

Jack stood and offered his seat to Abagail. She sat down and Jack picked up Elizabeth first and laid her on Abigail's right arm. Then he picked up baby Jack and placed him in her left arm. Abagail was immediately in love.

Jack looked up from the scene and noticed that Elizabeth was looking at him. When their eyes met, they knew the answer to their question. They have discussed it over the last few weeks, but never came to a full agreement. Their look gave their answer to each other.

"Auntie Abagail." Elizabeth began as Jack walked over and took her hand. "Jack and I would like to ask you something."

"Sure, go ahead." Abagail stated without taking her eyes of the babies.

"We would like for you and Frank to be the babies' godparents."

At first there was no reaction from Abagail. She was lost in holding her precious nephew and niece. They had settled into her arm rather quickly and were comfortable.

"I don't think she heard you." Teased Jack.

"She heard me, she just wasn't listening."

Jack cleared his throat. This caught Abigail's attention.

"Jack, not too loud!" She exclaimed in a hushed voice. "The babies are sleeping." She looked at him a little disturbed. She didn't want the babies to be interrupted.

Jack and Elizabeth laughed at their sister.

"Auntie Abagail, Jack and I would like for you and Frank to be the babies' godparents. Would you do that?"

Abagail's eyes immediately watered. Tears flowed over her cheeks without hesitation.

"Elizabeth…Jack…" She tried to speak but couldn't get the words out. She finally nodded her head up and down.

A light knock on the door came just before the door opened. Frank leaned in and asked, "Mind if I came in?"

"Come in." Jack stated.

"Frank, we have something to ask you."

"Sure."

"Would you please be our babies godparent with your wife?" Jack asked.

"Me?" He asked stunned.

"Yes."

He nodded his head. "I would be honored, but only if I get to hold one of my godchildren?" He sassed.

Abagail cut her eyes toward her husband. She was not willing to let go of one of the babies.

The evening finally was calm and quiet. After Frank and Abagail left, James, Viola, Tom and Julie visited holding the babies. The babies were troopers but was growing very tired. Adam and William were holding he babies when the nurse came in and ran everyone out of the room except the parents. She instructed everyone that it was feeding time and Elizabeth needed to feed her babies. Both Elizabeth and Jack gave her a soft smile.

"I knew everyone was getting tired. I don't mind being the bad guy. If you need time away from everyone, please call the front desk and ask for a Pepsi. That is our code to clear the room out. We will figure something out to get the people to leave. They can't argue with us." The nurse laughed.

"Thank you." Both Jack and Elizabeth stated together.

Elizabeth tried to breastfeed her babies, but it was more difficult this time around. While they did eat a little, there just wasn't enough breast milk for both of them. The nurse brought in two bottles of formula. Jack feed his little girl and Elizabeth feed her little boy. Bottle feeding was really nice. It didn't take as long and Jack was able to help, which he loved. Elizabeth wanted to breastfeed and knew she would try again but was grateful knowing there was something else to fall back on if necessary.

Not long after the nurse left the room for the evening, Jack and the babies found their way into bed with Elizabeth. Somehow, they all fit on the bed. Jack laid on his side on the edge of the bed while Elizabeth laid on her side on the other side of the bed. The two little ones laid in the middle, between them. Jack's hand rested on top of Elizabeth's hand. Her hand was resting on the bottom of both of her babies. When Jack and Elizabeth weren't looking at the babies. They were looking deep into each other's eyes. The moment wasn't just magical, it was absolutely perfect. Their babies were healthy. For Jack, Elizabeth was healthy too. Neither one could think of anything that could be better than laying in the bed as a whole family.

"Elizabeth." Jack started to speak softly. "Thank you for everything you have done for me. You gave me two healthy, perfect babies. You are the woman of my dreams, and you are the perfect mother to my little ones."

"Jack. Thank you for my blessings. You gave me the best life. You are my soul mate and my love. The babies you have given me is perfect."

"Me and you." He smiled.

"Me and you."

While the night was a little busy, Jack and Elizabeth did get some sleep. The babies were up twice to feed. Elizabeth was grateful for the nurses. They were a godsent in helping. One feeding worked out very well and it was encouraging to Elizabeth. She was beginning to think she was getting a handle on the breastfeeding. That was until the second attempt. That one didn't go well, but the nurses and Jack was very encouraging.

When the knock on the door came, Jack was surprised because it was early. He walked to the door and slightly opening it. Elizabeth was catnapping and he didn't want to wake her. He knew she was exhausted and wanted her to sleep as much as possible. Jack peeked out the door and noticed Frank.

"Frank, you're early. What may I do for you?"

"Jack, do you have a moment?"

"Sure." Jack stated. He looked back at his family making sure they were sleeping. Then he stepped out of the hospital room. When he turned around from closing the door, he noticed his mother, Adam, Grace, William, and Abagail. Frank was also holding two brown bags and three gift bags.

Jack nodded at everyone but quickly turned his attention toward Frank.

Frank began. "Jack, I'm sorry to come so early, but I wanted to be here before your day gets too busy. I know the football boys are coming later today."

"Yeah. Sometime after three, I think."

"I have breakfast from Abagail for you and Elizabeth. Then I have a gift for Elizabeth and the babies."

"Thank you for all of that, but you didn't have to do that."

"Jack, it's ok. I always bring a gift for the baby and the mother when I visit."

"So, this is a pastor visit?"

"It is. I would like to do something. That's why I asked both sets of parents to be here along with Abagail, since she is the godmother."

Charlette and Grace smiled toward Abagail. They did not know she was the godmother, but they were grateful she was.

Jack nodded for Frank to continue.

"Jack, as your pastor, I would like to bless you and your family."

Jack's smile grew. "Pastor, that would be very much appreciated. Please give me a moment to make sure Elizabeth is ready."

"Take you time. We are in no hurry."

When Jack walked back into the room, Grace cleared her throat. "Frank is this something you always do?"

"It is. This is one of the best parts of my job."

"I don't think it's a job for you. I think it's your calling." Grace gave the compliment. She knew what Frank and Abagail meant for her kids.

"I agree." Stated Adam and Charlette.

Jack opened the door a few minutes later. "Come in."

Elizabeth was sitting up in bed with a baby in each arm. The babies were still sleeping. Everyone awed when both babies yawned at the same time and then snuggled back into their mother's embrace. Jack stepped beside Elizabeth and placed his arm on the bed above her head and placed his right arm on her shoulder. Adam and Charlette stood on one side of the bed and Grace and William was standing on the other side.

Frank began. "Jack and Elizabeth, Abagail made you your favorite breakfast this morning."

"Abagail, you didn't have to do that." Exclaimed Elizabeth.

"It was nothing. You two will need your energy to keep up with these two little ones."

Everyone let out a small laugh.

"I also have gifts for you three." Frank stated as he handed over the three bags and placed them on the bed beside Elizabeth.

Since she was holding the babies, Jack reached for the first bag and pulled out a beauty onesie. On the front of it was written, "Daddy's Princess." Elizabeth smiled when Jack turned the onesie around and noticed a crown was on the bottom.

"Frank, this is perfect." Jack smiled.

Jack placed the gift back into the bag and then reached for the blue bag. He pulled out a white onesie. On the front of it was written, "Momma's Boy." He turned it around and noticed a paw print on the bottom.

"Thank you, Frank. I love these." Smiled Elizabeth.

Jack placed the gift back into the bag and then opened the purple bag. He pulled out a big piece of Abagail's chocolate cake. It was her favorite.

"I usually bring a small container of ice cream, but I know how much you love my wife's chocolate cake. I thought you would like that more."

"I do." She gave her friend a smile.

"Wait, you bring my babies something and my wife something, but not the dad?" Asked a smiling Jack who tried to act offended.

"You get to take care of your family for the rest of your life."

Jack's smile grew. "The most perfect gift."

Frank reached into his pocket and pulled out a small glass container of anointing oil. "Jack and Elizabeth, in the bible Aaron was instructed to give a priestly blessing to the people of Israel. This is found in Numbers 6:22-27. With your permission, I would like to anoint each of you and pray this priestly blessing over your family."

Jack and Elizabeth nodded their heads. They wanted to speak, but the tears in their eyes wouldn't allow it. Jack tightened his hold on Elizabeth's shoulder with his left arm. He moved his right arm to the backs of his babies. He wanted to be touching his family. Elizabeth tightened her hold on the babies as they snuggled on her chest and buried their heads in her neck.

As Frank spoke, he opened the little container and put his finger over the opening and tilted the glass container until he had some anointing oil on his finger. He began with baby Elizabeth. He made a small cross on her forehead with the anointing oil. He repeated the entire process with baby Jack. Then with Elizabeth and finally ended with Jack.

After placing the anointing oil on their foreheads, Frank placed his hand on top of Jack's and Elizabeth's head. Frank closed his eyes as he began to speak.

"Then the Lord said to Moses, Tell Aaron and his sons to bless the people of Israel with this special blessing. May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace. Whenever Aaron and his sons bless the people of Israel in my name, I myself will bless them. Amen."

There wasn't a dry eye in the room. The words were very meaningful and moved each individual to tears. However, it just wasn't the words from Numbers that moved everyone. It was the love emanating from Frank. He spoke softly and clearly. His voice was full of love. This wasn't a job for him. It was his calling. His love was evident.

After Frank said 'Amen', the whole group repeated the word. Jack wouldn't release his hold on his family and Elizabeth wouldn't release her hold on her babies. Grace and William were holding hands as were Adam and Charlette. Abagail had her hand on her husband's shoulder as he prayed. When everyone opened their eyes, they noticed that Jack and Elizabeth still had their eyes closed. They were just in the moment and feeling very blessed with the blessings in their lives. Their cup was overflowing. Everyone remained silent just admiring their view of the young family in front of them.

Emma answers her office phone knowing who it was before she even picked it up.

"Good morning, Hope Valley Police Department."

"Good morning. I was hoping Chief Thornton was in this morning."

"Sir, I told you twice last night that Chief Thorton will not be in today because his wife just delivered her babies. The Chief will be taking a few days off to be with his family. You are the first person on his call back list."

"He should be in his office this morning. He wasn't the one who had the babies."

"Excuse me, sir." The disgust was very evident in her tone.

"Jack didn't have the babies. He should be in the office already."

Emma was at a loss for words. She didn't really know what to say. How could anyone really think that?

"Sir, he is taking a few days off to be with his family."

"Ma'am, I don't have time to talk with you. Please give me his cell phone number."

"I will do no such thing."

"I'm the FBI. I can get it."

"Then, get it! I am his personal assistant. You need to go through me."

"I don't think so." The man said arrogantly. "He is supposed to be working on a project. Is he done with it?"

"Sir, he told you he will get to it after his babies were born. You need to be patient."

Thompson interrupted her. "Just give me his number."

"No sir. I will not..." Before she was able to finish her statement, the man hung up the phone.

Emma huffed. She didn't want to call Jack. However, she had a feeling this man will cause some issues. She reluctantly called Jack.

Jack reached for his cell phone when it buzzed in his back pocket. He pulled it out and stared at the screen.

"It's Emma."

"Emma?" Asked Elizabeth. She was grateful he had his phone on silent.

"Yeah…"

"You need to answer it. She wouldn't be calling if it wasn't important."

"You're right. I'm going to step outside so I won't interrupt the babies. He leaned down and kissed his wife and then his babies.

Jack answered the phone as he stepped outside the hospital room. "Good morning, Emma. How are you?"

"I'm fine. I'm sorry to bother you Jack, but something has happened, and you need to be aware of it."

"What happened."

Before she was able to begin, Jack's phone buzzed.

"I'm sorry, Emma. I'm getting a call from the field office of the FBI in Fort Worth."

"Yes, that's why I'm calling."

"Did something happen?"

"Yes, Field Director Thompson is becoming difficult to deal with."

"Let me put the call on three way…hold on."

Jack pushed a couple of buttons and then answered the phone.

"Good morning, this is Chief Thorton."

"Finally!" The man stated. "I've been trying to get in touch with you since last night."

"Well, I have been busy. My assistant was reachable. She's on the call with us now."

"Well, you may need a new assistant."

"Excuse me?" Jack's anger was instantly growing. "Who are you?"

"Jack, I'm Jack Thompson, the FBI Field Director in Fort Worth."

"Yes, I remember you from the Zoom call this past Sunday."

"Yes. You stated you will work on the reports to share with us. Are you finished with them?"

"Excuse me? Did you really call me this morning asking me about reports when I told everyone it will be a while before I do them because of my wife's pregnancy."

"Jack, you need to understand the importance of those reports…"

Jack interrupted him before he could finish. "Director Thompson. The best thing you can do right now is to stop talking."

Emma smiled. She knew this guy crossed the line. Thompson gasped. "Jack…"

"Director Thompson. You need to listen to me. The most important thing in my life right now is laying in the hospital bed about twenty feet from me holding both of my babies. In which you have taken me away from this morning over something that has barely been started."

"Jack…"

"Director Thompson, you have crossed the line on several levels this morning. First and foremost, you do not call my personal cell phone because you are not happy with my assistant's response."

"I knew she would tell you something instead of what happened."

"Thompson." Jack's anger was coming through the phone now. "I haven't spoken to Emma about what happened. I haven't had time, but let's get a couple of things straight. First, you do not dictate anything to me. You are not my boss nor anyone of importance to me. I have told you and I will tell you again, you will get the reports when my wife and I am finished with them. Secondly…"

Thompson tried to interrupt him, but Jack didn't allow it.

"If you ever call my phone again with this attitude, that will be the last conversation you will ever have with me."

"Don't you know who I am?"

"I do and I don't care. You are coming to me…I am not going to you. I want nothing from you. You are wanting something from me."

"I can make or break your career."

"I don't think so. I have a pretty good career. I did it all without you. I'm pretty sure I will continue to feed my family without you. Now, if you ever, and I mean ever, talk to my assistant like I'm assuming you have this morning, I will never speak to you or share anything with you. Do you understand?"

Jack's statement was met by silence.

"Emma."

"Yes Chief."

FBI Field Director Jack Thompson is to never call me or you again. Would you please pass this phone conversation and your previous conversations with Director Thompson to the State's Investigator's Office and Superintendent Johnson. You have his personal cell phone. Please call him later this morning. I also need to speak to Regional Director, Stan Fields. His cell phone is on his card that is sitting on my desk. Please call him now and ask him to call me on my cell as soon as he has time to speak with me. Also, please let him know I wish to file a grievance against Thompson here."

"Yes sir."

"Emma, how many phone calls have you had with Thompson where he was confrontational with you?"

"Twice last night and once this morning."

"I would like to file four grievances against Thomspon. Three on your behalf and one for this phone call."

Thompson stood shocked. He never thought Jack would do this. "You know Regional Director Stan Fields?"

"Not personally, but I have spoken with him a couple of times."

"I have barely spoken to him."

"You don't track down an unknown criminal that has avoided all forms of law enforcement and not speak to someone of importance."

"Emma, I am getting off the phone to spend some time with my family. Please have Fields call me as soon as possible. Director Thomspon, if the FBI field office in Fort Worth ever needs to speak to me, anyone may call me except you. I will let you go now." Jack didn't give him an opportunity to speak before disconnecting the call with him.

"Thank you, Jack."

"Emma, just like you always have my back, I will always have your back. You take care of me and I take care of you."

"I appreciate it."

"Now, you have a job to do. Let's get this over with so I can enjoy my wife and babies."

Emma laughed when he used her statement against her. "Let's get busy, chief. We have a job to do."