Chapter 5
" Hello Kennedy. It's Linda Morrison here. How have you been?"
" Linda! I'm wonderful! Yourself?"
" Alright. I was just calling to see what was new with you. How is Jackie?"
" Oh, there's not much to happen between an old retired couple. Jackie is just fine. Luckily the Alzheimer's hasn't progressed much since last year. Still remembers me."
Mike had married many years ago as a firefighter, but divorced not even a year later. That's why his job could be taken much more seriously than most. There was no one to leave behind. A while after Linda had started dating again, there had been a brief attraction between the two. They went on one date, and had one kiss, but they mutually decided that it was better not to complicate things. Kennedy had been a father-figure to Jack, and it seemed wrong in more ways than one. After he retired 10 years ago, he met another divorcé and married her. Unfortunately, she had been diagnosed with the Alzheimer's disease last year.
"Well that's good to hear."
"What about yourself? I heard that Nicky was honoured last month for saving that family. Just like his father. And Katie, how are her and David and the kids?"
" It was so beautiful the ceremony for Nicky. It's amazing how fast he grew up. And Katie is still on maternity leave. 3 kids at 33. I am truly blessed with such a wonderful family. I also wanted to invite you to supper here one night. I was thinking of honouring Jack. It's almost been 25 years without him.'
" Of course I'd love to be there. Who else were you thinking of inviting?"
" Oh, just Katie and the kids. I'm hoping Nicky and Shari will also be able to come, but he has been so busy."
" I know what that's all about. I think it's a very nice idea."
" Is next Saturday alright for you?"
" Linda, all old retired couples like us ever do is play cards and watch TV. Of course it's alright. We'll be there."
" Thanks a lot."
Linda had been reflecting so much about Jack lately. She always had, but now she had especially remembered him, taking all the old memories out of their dusty closets in her mind. She had always thought about things like how Jack would have aged, if he would have already died by now, even if he had survived that last fire, if they would have had another child, or divorced. Now she was actually remembering Jack how he was, what he did. She didn't consider it mourning, but celebrating his life.
" Shari! It's Linda. How is everything?" greeted Linda on the phone.
" Uh, fine. Hello yourself. How are you?" replied an anxious Shari.
" I'm calling to see if you and Nicky were free for Saturday. I'm having a little get together in honour of Jack. I can't believe I've been without him for almost 25 years."
" I'm not sure right now, Nicky's at work so I'm not sure if we'll be able to make it, but most likely. It sounds great."
" Oh yes, and I'm really hoping you two and Danitra will be able to come. It feels like ages since I last saw you all. You should really visit more often."
" You know we'd love to, but Nicky is so committed to his work. And with both of our hectic hours, things can get pretty stressful," responded Shari, voice still flat and distracted.
" Yes, he sure is. Just like his father was. And I know what crazy hours you both work. All the more reason to visit, relax! Well, I should let you go. Call me when you know if you can come or not."
" Sure thing. Good night."
Shari was pacing the floor. There was a perfectly good reason Nicky was late. But two nights in a row. Nicky was going to get it tonight. Making her so paranoid. She picked up the crying Danitra.
" It's alright baby girl. Sssshhhhh. Everything is OK. Just go back to sleep," she cooed as the young child curled up in her arms and quieted.
Shari startled as the phone rang.
" Hello?"
" Mrs. Morrison? This is Chief Williams."