Author's Note: Here's the next installment that has Linc finally in the story and it'll be old times when he arrives at the ranch. And Pete is putting the pieces together as the plot thickens. A huge thanks for the readers giving the story 220 hits so far and the faithful reviewers Magic Swede65 and Jen23.
PIECES TO A PUZZLE
Friday, November, 14, 1980, 10:45 AM PST
Friday morning at the Bennett ranch was usually payday. It had become another one of Hank's tasks to collect and distribute the paychecks to all of the employees at the ranch. At one time, the payroll had about two dozen hands to tend to the care, feeding, cleaning and training of the Bennett prime stock. And the Steve Bennett had the reputation in equestrian circles of breeding horses of exceptional bloodlines. But word had gotten around about the problems Steve had with his partner, Russell Slade selling off some of the stock and potential buyers had become scarce. At this time that stock has diminished from approximately forty two strong to eighteen horses, including about five breeding mares, two yearling fillies, three two year old colts, and three stallions, four geldings and Melissa's pony. And the work force was cut down to the Travis family, Charlie Duryea, John Baxter, and Willis Forman; three ranch hands whose jobs were to exercise the horses and assist with the difficult process of breeding for sale.
In the last few years, Dan had been totally committed to networking at equestrian competitions when he wasn't competing, to build up confidence in the ranch again. And slowly, due to Dan's hard work and scruples, the stellar reputation that the Bennett Horse Ranch had before was slowly coming back. Now, with Dan gone, the ranch's operation had to continue and although David Slade was in charge of handling the business part, as Dan's widow, Julie felt that is was up to her to take care of the payroll. So that was her main task this morning. After having eaten a light breakfast (under Hannah and Pete's relentless urging) Julie went into the study to calculate the hours from the previous week so she could make out the checks. Pete followed her into the study to see if she needed any help.
With a sigh, Julie sat down at the desk, opened the side drawer and drew out a large check ledger. She then took the sheet that Hank had brought to her on Tuesday, which had the hours each employee worked logged on. The ranch didn't use a time clock, instead each employee wrote in their times in the morning and out in the afternoon in a log. Hank would take the log on Mondays and copy the times on a sheet and since Dan's passing, brought the sheet to Julie so she could figure the checks for each individual. She began to do the tabulations of the work hours and then tax and other deductions on the calculator.
Pete took a seat across from her and inquired, "Is there anything you want me to help you with?"
Julie looked up briefly from her work and smiled, "Thanks, Pete, but I've been doing this for a month and I've got the hang of it. So there's no need for you to hang around and be bored for the next couple of hours. Why don't you go for a ride out on the bridle path?" she suggested.
"I'm not bored, honey, really. But if you don't need me, I'm going to head into town to run an errand. I should be back around lunch," Pete announced as he got up to leave. He reached by the desk to take his briefcase with him.
"Okay, see you then," she responded, still busy with the payroll.
Pete stepped into the foyer and opened the front door to head to his car. As he opened the car door and climbed behind the wheel, he noticed David Slade's black pickup truck creeping sedately up the drive past the house, presumably toward the stable office. Pete was glad to see that he wasn't tearing up the drive like he did the other day when he almost hit Julie. However...
Pete frowned, remembering what Julie had told him about Slade's advances and thought for a moment about putting off his trip into town, but then realized that he needed to talk to the authorities about the accident. Coming to a decision, he inserted the ignition key and started the engine, figuring that Julie would be able to take care of herself. Besides, he didn't plan on being gone long. He shifted the car into gear and pulled away.
When he got into town, Pete stopped the car and pulled over to consult the roadmap he had picked up when he first arrived on Tuesday. He looked up the police station, and then turned into traffic to head to the building. Once he parked the car, Pete took his briefcase and walked into the flat roofed off-white stucco building and approached the glass-enclosed reception area.
A young, uniformed police officer came over, slid the glass open and asked politely, "May I help you?"
Pete smiled. "I hope so," he said as he extracted a business card and handed it to the officer. "My name is Peter Cochrane and I represent H.C. Mutual Indemnity Co. in Beverly Hills. A client of mine put in a claim for the benefits on her husband's life insurance policy. May I speak to the investigator who handled the Daniel Bennett accident case, please?" he asked with an air of cool professionalism.
"Just a moment sir, and I'll get Lieutenant Rafferty for you. I believe he handled the investigation."
Taking the business card, he turned about smartly and disappeared behind the glass to go to a partitioned area where several officers were seated at desks, carrying out different duties. The young desk officer was speaking to a tall, muscular man in his thirties with wheat colored hair and piercing blue eyes. The man took the card, peered over in Pete's direction, nodded brusquely and strode over to the door on the left of the glass partition separating the waiting area from the desks. He came through the door and smiled at Pete while offering his hand.
"Mr. Cochrane, I'm Lieutenant Lou Rafferty, how can I help you," he inquired.
Pete shook the officer's hand, "I'm here to investigate the circumstances behind the Daniel Bennett accident. It's routine for our company when a claim is put in for a payoff to the beneficiary of a life insurance policy. Would it be possible to ask you some questions pertaining to the accident?" he asked.
"Sure, but didn't your company receive a copy of the death certificate from the coroner?"
"Yes, we did but there were a few areas that we would like more clarity on. Would you mind answering some questions?" Pete persisted.
Lieutenant Rafferty motioned with his hand, "Why don't you come back to my office? We'll be able to talk there. I'll try to answer whatever questions you have."
He opened the door leading to the back offices and waited for Pete to precede him through the door, then led him to an office that was glass enclosed. He gestured for Pete to enter and followed him, closing the door behind. He offered a chair to Pete and then sat himself down behind the cluttered desk. "Okay, Mr. Cochrane, what can I do for you?"
Pete asked, "Is it possible for me to see a copy of the Bennett accident report?"
Lieutenant Rafferty answered, "Yes, but don't you have the copy sent with your copy of the death certificate?"
"Yes, but I want to see the original. The copy I have has some areas that are illegible."
Lieutenant Rafferty stood up and turned over to a file cabinet. He rifled through the top drawer and withdrew a file and handed it to Pete. He opened the file and spent several minutes going over the report, then lifted up his briefcase onto his lap.
Pete opened his briefcase, withdrew the Bennett file and began, "Dan Bennett died as a result of complications of a cervical spine injury caused by a fall of approximately between 75 to 50 feet, is that correct?"
Lieutenant Rafferty nodded.
Pete went on, "And the equipment Dan Bennett used was in perfect repair? I mean the ladder and safety belt were in good shape?"
"As far as I was able to ascertain during my investigation, yes, Mr. Cochrane, it was. What exactly are you talking about?"
"Lieutenant Rafferty, when you investigated the accident, did you notice anything that could be construed as strange? I mean, did you see anything at the Bennett barn that could have pointed toward Mr. Bennett's death not being an accident?" he asked.
Lou Rafferty stared at Pete with suspicious eyes. He replied slowly, "Me and my colleague were quite thorough, Mr. Cochrane. We found no sign of anything that would suggest that Dan Bennett's death wasn't an accident," he finished. "Why do you ask?" he demanded.
"I would just like to know if there would be any reason that Dan Bennett's death would be deliberate. I know that the ranch was co-owned between Bennett and his business partner, David Slade," Pete reasoned.
Lou Rafferty's demeanor suddenly changed. "What are you driving at, Cochrane? Do you have reason to think that Dan's death wasn't an accident? And do you have evidence to back up your theory?" Lieutenant Rafferty inquired.
"I've done some checking at the ranch as part of my investigation. And according to Hank Travis, the trainer and head hand out there, the Bennett ranch is insured for $1.3 million, payable to the co-owner upon the death of the other co-owner. And Hank says that Slade's been acting like he's the boss, being very pushy," Pete told him.
"Uh-huh. I never did like that guy even though he was Dan's best friend. Acts like he's got a chip on his shoulder and he's dying for someone to knock it off. But that's hardly a reason for suspecting him of murdering Dan. Dan was his best friend. I know 'cause Dan and I played football together in high school and we were pretty good friends. He and Dave were real tight," Lou Rafferty stated with a thoughtful look.
Pete looked directly at Lieutenant Rafferty, "Lieutenant, are you aware of the difficulties the ranch had with ownership, first with Dan's father and his partner who happened to be David Slade's father?" he questioned.
Lou cocked an eyebrow. "I had heard about it." He leaned closer, as if pinning down a suspect. "What about you? You say you work for an insurance company. What does all that information have to do with a personal life insurance policy? You sound more like a cop," he stated.
"Well, to be honest, I used to be a cop. I worked undercover for the LAPD for five years," Pete admitted.
"Uh-huh. So you work for an insurance company now, doing investigations," Lou said.
"Actually, I own the company. I just came here to check on Bennett's widow. She's a close friend of mine."
"Ah yes, Julie. She's quite a lady. How's she doing?" Lou inquired.
"She's having a rough time. Which reminds me. Slade almost ran her down the other day," Pete informed him.
Lou became alert, "Are you sure?"
"Yeah. I pulled her out of the way before his hood hit her. But if I wasn't there, who knows what could have happened," Pete recounted. "Afterward, I put it all together with his contrary attitude and began investigating so I found out that there were circumstances that could connect Slade with a possible motive for murder."
Lou leaned back in his chair digesting all he had heard. He scrutinized Pete with his piercing blue gaze. "So you came up with all this by asking Hank Travis questions?"
"Yeah. Plus Slade's attitude seems strange. He's so defensive and with what you told me about your take on him it just seems to point at him being a suspect," Pete replied.
Lou gazed at Pete thoughtfully. "As a former cop you must know this is all circumstantial...you're drawing conclusions, Pete. Could I call you that?"
Pete grinned, "Sure."
Lou continued, "We need to gather some concrete evidence, something that could really nail him. I mean if he did anything that added to Dan falling and breaking his neck, I'll lock him up and throw away the key," he promised grimly.
"So what's our next move?" Pete inquired.
"Well, why don't you keep digging and keep me informed," Lou handed Pete a card with his office phone number. "If you find anything else, give me a call."
Pete nodded and got up to leave. He turned back and fixed Lou Rafferty with a smile."You played football, huh?" he asked "What position?"
Lou grinned. "Defensive back. I played the strong side with Dan. He was an outside linebacker."
Pete grinned back at him. "When I was playing, I always had to keep my eyes out for you guys. I was a halfback."
"No kidding? Well, let's see if we can team up and score one for Dan, huh?" Lou said. "Don't forget to call me. And Pete?"
"Yeah?"
"You're not a cop anymore so if there's anything you find that is conclusive, don't do anything on your own," Lou reminded him.
"Okay, I'll call you first. I won't do anything, I promise," Pete said over his shoulder as he headed down the hall.
As he headed toward his car, Pete was pondering over the meeting with Lou Rafferty. The pieces weren't any closer to coming together, but at least he felt like he had an ally. He was more determined than ever to find evidence that would convict Slade, especially after Lieutenant Rafferty's own experience with Slade's adversarial attitude. They both were guessing that he had something he was trying to hide. Pete got into the car, started the engine and pulled away to head back to the ranch.
1:30 PM
Julie had just finished making out the last paycheck for the ranch staff. She slid the check into an envelope and printed the last name on the front. Finished, she took the pile of envelopes and put an elastic band around them. She then picked up the phone and called down to the stable office to let Hank know he could pick up the checks.
The phone rang in the office twice before it was answered, "Bennett Horse Ranch, David Slade speaking."
Julie replied, "David, it's Julie. Is Hank there?"
"Hey Julie, how you doing?" David said in a pleased tone. "Hank's busy in the Far Corral, is there anything I can help you with?"
"No, it's just that this week's paychecks are ready. I was calling to let Hank know so he can pick them up. Just give him that message for me if you see him," she directed.
"He's really tied up now so I'll come up to get them. So everyone can get their checks on time," he said.
Julie was about to protest, but she decided against it, "Okay David, I'm in the study with the checks. You can come up now if you're free," she said a touch resignedly.
"Okay. I'll be right up," David hung up.
Julie sighed and mentally prepared herself for David's visit. She suddenly wondered where Pete was and when he would be back. She laughed nervously, realizing that she was slipping back into old patterns of looking to Pete for protection like she did when she first began to work for the force. His being here and acting like her protector like old times had also helped her to experience the sense of déjà vu. He never made it a secret that he always felt fiercely protective of her, always rescuing her, always shielding her and it secretly pleased her. She was younger then, and naïve in many ways.
But she wasn't that naïve, unsure girl who had run away from the hell that was her home and got in trouble with the police anymore. She was the widow of one of the most respected landowners in Salinas. The ranch once had an impeccable reputation and because of his hard work to regain that glory, Dan was held in high esteem, and as his wife, so was she. And now that Dan was gone, Julie was totally committed to carrying on Dan's legacy and his goal of bringing the ranch back to its former prestige.
Julie's reverie was interrupted by a knock on the half-opened door of the study. Startled out of her thoughts, she glanced up and saw David Slade standing there with an indolent grin on his handsome face. He was wearing tightly fitting jeans, and a royal blue sport shirt that was open to allow his well-furred chest to peek through. David knew that due to his physical attributes, all the women in the area, both single and married, found him quite fascinating. He was fully aware of his effect on women and seemed to revel in it. Julie wondered sarcastically if he undid his shirt buttons deliberately to shower that effect on her. She decided to act cool and professional.
"Hi Julie. You're looking fine as always. Lovelier than ever," he purred, his eyes on her appreciatively.
Julie ignored his hot gaze, "Thank you David." She handed him the stack of envelopes. "Here's the payroll. Kindly give it to Hank to distribute to the hands," she directed icily.
"Hey, why the deep freeze? Are you still mad about the other day? I said I was sorry and I meant it, Julie," David said in a conciliatory manner. He looked around curiously, "So where's your Beverly Hills bodyguard? I'm surprised that he's not here since it seems that wherever you go, he follows. Kind of like a faithful hound," he added snidely.
Julie's eyes narrowed slightly, "Pete's running an errand in town. Which reminds me. David, why did you tell him about the day I met Dan?" she questioned sharply.
David looked unconcerned. "I figured that he already knew. I mean since he is an old and close friend of yours, I thought you'd have told him," he replied lazily.
"It really wasn't your place to say anything to Pete. It was my decision and choice to tell him, not yours," Julie stated. "And there was a reason that I chose not to, but that also is none of your concern," she added acidly.
"Okay, well as Dan's best friend I was just acting in his place. He'd probably have thrown Cochrane out of here if he were here. I was just doing what he would've done," David declared defensively.
"And who, pray tell, appointed you to take Dan's place?" Julie questioned waspishly. "I didn't, and I don't want or need you to defend Dan's memory."
"Oh I get it...Cochrane's going to take Dan's place instead."
Julie took in a sharp breath.
David leaned closer. "Bingo...I guess I hit the mark, didn't I?"
Julie felt herself becoming enraged. She sent daggers at his triumphant smirk, itching to slap it off. However, a cooler part inside of her reasoned and told her that if she did show that he had gotten to her and reacted in that way, she couldn't take the chance that David might try the same thing he did the night that Dan was in Casper. And, if that happened and Pete came back there would be no stopping him from doing what he said he wanted to do... Murder David Slade.
Keeping her temper in check, she took another breath and replied, "Pete Cochrane is someone who is like my family, and as such, Dan would've welcomed him here. And if Dan were still alive, there would be no question of my loyalty and love because he trusted me. He may have been angry at one time towards Pete but Dan knew that I loved him without doubt so there would be no question as to whether or not Pete would be welcome here. Because he would be and he is," she finished definitely.
"Well I guess you put me in my place," David said laconically. The sound of the front door opening and closing caused him to turn his head and he announced dryly, "I guess we all know who that is," as Pete entered the study.
Both men eyed each other warily. David raised his hand in a sardonic salute as he headed out the study door.
Pete's eyes followed him with a glare as he left and then he looked at Julie, "So what was he doing here?" he asked her, curious.
Julie sighed, "I had called down to the stable office for Hank to pick up the paychecks. He was busy, so David offered to come and get them." She saw the question forming on Pete's lips and before he could ask it she answered, "No, he managed to behave himself, so you can relax."
Pete took a seat before the desk. "So why are you so uptight?" he questioned gazing intently at her.
Julie replied, "I asked him why he told you about me and Dan's first meeting."
"What did he say?" Pete wanted to know, leaning forward with interest.
"That he was standing up for Dan. As his best friend, he appointed himself to take Dan's place, but I straightened him out. I told him that I didn't ask him to take Dan's place and that you were my family and you're staying here was none of his concern," Julie sniffed.
Pete threw his head back and laughed, "Oh, I wish I could've been a fly on the wall to see his face when you lowered the boom. Man, I bet it was sweet," he added cheerfully.
Julie managed a reluctant smile, "I don't know how sweet it was but I do know that he has no doubt as to what his place is. And it's definitely not in Dan's place. As if he could take Dan's place," she stated with a hint of contempt. "He made me really angry."
Pete studied her intently. " I thought you told me he behaved himself… So what did he do or say to make you mad?"
Julie chided herself silently for saying anything. Knowing Pete's vast animosity towards David she knew that one word too many said would be tantamount to bringing a hornet's nest down on her head. He wouldn't need much more encouragement to go full throttle at David.
"I just didn't like his insinuation… I didn't ask him to be my watchdog, so I told him so in no uncertain terms." Changing the subject, she asked him, "So did you get the errand done?"
Pete leaned back in the chair, "Yeah well, not how I expected, but satisfactorily none the less," he said enigmatically.
Julie raised a dubious brow. "You're up to something… I can see the wheels turning."
"Who me? Nah."
She persisted,"So why won't you come clean and tell me where you went?"
He shrugged, continuing to be vague. "It wasn't important… I just went into town."
Her expression skeptical, she gave him an unwavering look. "Uh-huh."
Turning the tables on the conversation, Pete threw up his hands theatrically."Oh boy, talk about trust…What happened to being innocent before proven guilty?"
Giving up, Julie shrugged her shoulders. "Okay, you don't have to tell me if you don't want to," she said in a mildly hurt tone. She got up to leave and Pete quickly got to his feet to stop her.
"Look, honey, when there's actually something to tell you, I will," Pete promised. "For now, just trust me, okay?" he pleaded, his hands on her shoulders.
Julie nodded, gazing up at him, "If there's anyone I do trust, Pete, it's you."
Pete deftly changed the subject, "By the way, have you called Linc yet about Thanksgiving? I have to contact my pilot Captain Osborne to get a flight plan and clearance from O'Hare once everything's all set," he informed her.
Julie eyed him with dismay, "I forgot! What time does he get home from school?" she asked, hurrying back to the desk to pick up her address book for the phone number.
"Relax, sweetheart, he's probably not home from school yet," Pete reassured her. He consulted his watch, "It's about three thirty over there in Chicago, he'll be home in about an hour. Why don't we have some lunch and then you can call him?" he suggested.
"Okay. Let's go see what Hannah has out there," Julie took Pete's arm and they headed toward the kitchen...
After lunch, Julie and Pete went back into the study. Julie seated herself behind the desk and looked up Linc's phone number. She picked up the receiver and began dialing. As she waited for the line to be picked up, she glanced at Pete, who was sitting in a chair, casually leafing through a magazine, waiting. Finally someone answered.
"Yeah?" Linc's voice answered.
Julie smiled, "Guess who?"
Linc laughed delightedly, "Hey, Julie! How are ya, baby?" His voice became subdued, "Pete told me about what happened to Dan, I'm really sorry."
Julie's smile faded a bit, "Thanks, Linc," she replied.
"How's Melissa doing?"
"She's hanging in there. She's more worried about me than anything. She's over with some friends till Sunday."
Linc gently admonished her, "Why didn't you call me? I'd have come right out there, you know. You're family, just like Pete is."
"I know Linc, but I was a total mess after the accident. I didn't call Pete either and he read me the riot act about it. Are you going to do the same?" she inquired.
"No, of course not. But you do know that you can call me too if you're in trouble. I can hop on a plane and be there whenever you need me to," Linc said distinctly.
"Okay, okay. I will I promise. The reason I called is to ask you if you and Jason have any plans for Thanksgiving?" Julie requested.
Linc replied, "Not really. Why? What do you have in mind?"
"Why don't you and Jason come out here and have Thanksgiving with Melissa and me? Pete's going to be here too, he's here now as a matter of fact. We could have a reunion," Julie said hopefully.
"Pete had mentioned that."
"I know," Julie said looking at Pete with a Cheshire Cat smile. "He said the same thing to me. Shall we make our former colleague and present buddy happy?" she suggested impishly. Pete rolled his eyes and sighed, shaking his head pityingly.
"Okay," Linc replied pseudo reluctantly, "I guess so." He laughed, "All kidding aside, when I tell Jason, he's going to flip. He's never been out of Chicago since I adopted him. And when I tell him we're spending Thanksgiving at a horse ranch, there'll be no living with him. Okay, Julie, count us in!"
Julie grinned. "Terrific! When can we expect you?"
Linc said, "I'll talk to the principal. Then tell Pete I'll let him know what day and time. He's sending his jet out for us," he added airily.
"Oh, I was aware of that. Well, it pays to have friends in high places," Julie said, looking at Pete who was concentrating on his magazine, trying not to eavesdrop. "I'll let him know to expect your call. Bye, bye Linc."
"Okay, Julie, I'll be talking to you both soon. Bye," Linc said as he hung up.
Julie hung up the phone on its cradle. Pete tossed aside his magazine and said, "Well?"
She leaned forward on the desk, "He said he's going to talk to his principal and get back to us. He told me to tell you that as soon as he knows the day and time, he'll call you," she stated. "He also told me that you're sending your jet out for him and Jason. It looks like you had this all planned," she added somewhat laconically.
Pete was instantly alert, "Don't you want him to come?" he asked.
She sighed. "You know I do. It's just that I'm not the best company right now. It's the first holiday without Dan and it's going to be hard enough without having to entertain," Julie said peevishly.
Pete rose from his chair and came over to place his hands on the desk so he could look directly at her, "So, who says you have to entertain us, huh? Honey, we're not just ordinary friends, we're your family, and we want to be here at Thanksgiving for you and Melissa. We love you and we want to help you through this," he stated with conviction.
Julie lowered her eyes, "I know, I love you guys too, especially for this. I just am feeling helpless now and I don't like it. I've been trying to stand on my own two feet, and I feel like I've taken giant steps backward," she replied with disgust.
Pete reached over and lifted her chin to look directly into her eyes, "Sweetheart, everybody needs to reach out at times," he said reasonably. "I'm just glad that I'm here for you to reach out to. And Linc wants to help too. Didn't he say that you should have told him about the accident?" he asked gently.
"Uh-huh," Julie answered..
"Well, then don't you see that we both just want to help you through this? With the exception of the Travises, you and Melissa are all alone. Dan's folks are gone and your mom is your mom, unfortunately."
At those words a slight shadow crossed over Julie's face but she nodded.
He continued, his voice filled with emotion. "You need us, Julie, and we need to be here for you. Me especially, 'cause you mean everything to me. I want to help you feel joy again" .
"You're still such a good friend," Julie said with a catch in her voice. "I'm sorry to appear so ungrateful," she added shamefully. She got up and walked around the desk to where Pete was standing.
"Stop, okay? I understand...Linc and I are more than happy to help," Pete reassured her, brushing a stray strand of ash blonde hair from her eyes as he took her elbow and walked her out of the study.
Friday, November 14, 1980, 4:30 CST
Linc Hayes was sitting in his comfortable but austere Chicago apartment by the lake replacing the phone on its cradle. After talking to Julie, he immediately called his principal and asked for permission to leave early for Thanksgiving vacation. He mentioned to her the family tragedy (after all Julie was family) and she insisted that he take as much time as he needed. He told her his last day would be the Wednesday a week before Thanksgiving and that he'd probably be back to class the following Wednesday after the holiday.
Linc stretched his still lean body with a yawn and contemplated the plans for Thanksgiving. At the age of thirty-three, he was viewing his life and choices with much satisfaction. He was still single but he was content in that state, happy to have his son Jason as his family. He was feeling a sense of loss for Julie for he knew how truly happy she had been in her marriage. The loss of her husband must have been deeply devastating to her and her daughter and he was glad that Pete was with her. Linc smiled as he thought of Pete and Julie, his two closest friends and he was looking forward to seeing them again. He just wished it could have been under happier circumstances. Linc allowed his mind to drift back in time to when the three of them were almost joined at the hip, they were so close...
A gold Dodge Charger cruising the streets of L.A. The three of them, all sitting in the front seat, Pete driving, Julie in the middle and Linc riding shotgun. And the cases...uncovering drug deals...searching for a stolen car with a bomb attached...helping orphaned kids-finding missing Vietnam vets-the list goes on. Five years of cases that had them almost to the brink of death that had them in situations, which left them questioning the wisdom in doing the job they had been doing. Yet, at the same time they were so in tuned to each other that they almost knew each other's thoughts. They not only worked together, they played together, socializing with each other on a regular basis. They were indeed each other's family, closer than some blood relations.
Linc thought also about them coming together last year to assist Chief Greer. He and Julie both had made their lives successful and happy apart from the Squad but Pete had been showing himself to be the only member who was wishing for a return to the past. It was obvious in light of his failed marriage that he was still clinging to the good memories and was enjoying the temporary return to their former lives.
Linc also knew that Pete was still hung up on Julie, affirmed by his response to hearing of her loss. He seemed determined to do everything in his power to help her through...this trip for the approaching holiday was a part of that. At a time like this, with a death so close to the holidays, families need each other. And they all were family, no matter how different or removed from each other their individual lives were now.
The front door opened and Linc was jolted out of his musings. Jason came running in clutching his football, which he tossed carelessly on the floor as he headed toward the kitchen where the housekeeper, Mrs. Johnson was busy preparing the evening meal. But he was halted in his tracks by his father's stern voice.
"Jason Alexander Hayes, you put that ball away where it belongs!" Linc ordered, a frown on his handsome face. "You know better then to just leave it by the door."
"Yes sir," Jason said meekly. He went over to the door, retrieved the ball and brought it to his room, where he promptly deposited it in his closet. He then went directly to his father.
"I put it away, Dad. I'm sorry that I forgot, I was just hungry and I wanted to get a snack. I was gonna put it away after I ate anyway."
Linc insisted, "But you know the rules around here pal, no making extra work for Mrs. Johnson. You're not a little boy anymore and you have to obey rules."
"I know Dad, I won't forget," Jason said, his eyes cast down.
Linc reached over and embraced his son, following the pact they had made to never go to bed angry with each other. It was a pact they had made a long time ago, when Linc had won custody of Jason from the state, who had the then five-year-old Jason in one foster home after another. Jason's biological parents were drug addicts who had abused their son, leaving him alone and uncared for so they could feed their habit. The Chicago police on a report from a neighbor, forced into the parents' broken-down tenement apartment, found him, crying, weak, half-starved, and lying in his own excrement. Linc had found out about the boy from his girlfriend at the time, a social worker that had Jason as part of her caseload.
At the time, Linc had lived there for almost three years, having moved out to Chicago from L.A. to pursue a teaching career. One of the things he had always wanted to do was to work with the youth… Help to guide young minds and prepare them for the future. He got a scholarship to the University of Chicago and in two years, had his degree. He then accepted a teaching position at an inner-city junior high school.
The last thing he had expected was to take in a tiny abandoned waif, who had had enough hard knocks in his brief life to last the rest of it. But the then he saw the child; a beautiful cinnamon colored boy with inky curls. From the moment Linc set eyes on him, Jason had stolen his heart and with the support of his principal at school and his girlfriend, Linc went through the lengthy process of adopting Jason. It was difficult, because he was a single man but his exemplary record as a former police officer along with the recommendations from his teaching position, the Chicago Board of Education, and the social worker helped to convince the state adoption agency that Jason would be getting a good home.
The next thing that worked to his favor was finding Mrs.J. She was his next-door neighbor; a wonderfully loving and warm fiftysomething widow. Mrs. Johnson, who was hired as a housekeeper and loved Jason as if he were her own son. Since she and her late husband were childless, Jason filled a void in her life as well. Linc considered himself blessed to have Mrs. J as he called her because the relationship with the social worker had fizzled and with the exception of a few occasional dates, he had no steady woman in his life.
Jason broke from Linc's embrace and Linc looked into his son's almond eyes, "Hey son, how would you like to go out to California to spend Thanksgiving at a horse ranch?"
Jason blinked unbelievingly, "A horse ranch? Really?"
Linc snickered, "Yeah, really. We're invited to go out to Julie's ranch and spend Thanksgiving with her, her daughter Melissa and Uncle Pete."
"Uncle Pete? You mean Uncle Pete's gonna be there?" Jason adored Pete.
"Yeah and he's even going to come out in his jet and get us. So what do you think about that, huh?" Linc asked, watching his son's face burst into a pleased smile.
"Solid!" Jason shouted in glee, using Linc's favorite expression.
Linc threw his head back and laughed. Mrs. Johnson, hearing the commotion, came hurrying out to the living room.
"Mercy, is everything all right?" she asked worriedly.
Linc grinned widely, "Everything's fine, Mrs. J. We're just finalizing our plans for Thanksgiving. Seems we're going out to California for a family reunion."
Jason giggled happily as Mrs. Johnson turned and headed back to the kitchen, shaking her head.
NEXT...COMING TOGETHER