A Fresh Start
Chapter Three: Christmas and a New Relationship
Jamie found that the best way to handle his hard days was for each day to start or end at the beach. Some days he would run or surf, and he even wound up in a sunrise yoga class being taught. He liked the yoga class and ended up attending it a couple times a week. He'd been in California for six months and time was flying by faster than he could imagine. Telling his dad, that he wouldn't be home for Christmas, was a hard conversation because he had been getting requests to come home for the holidays for months. His dad, brother, sister, and grandfather were all laying the guilt on strong. He felt bad that he wasn't going to make it home for Christmas, but he had to work. It wasn't the first Christmas that he had to work since becoming a cop, it was just the first one he wouldn't be able to make it home for dinner or presents.
The holidays were a great time of the year, but also a very stressful time of the year, and he and Andy had responded to several domestic disturbances within the last two weeks. He had to laugh because he ended up getting Christmas off because of an injury. Not anything that could have been predicted or wanted by himself or his family. The last domestic disturbance that he and Andy responded to was one of the worst that they had seen in a while. A young woman was packing to move back home to the Midwest, and one of her male roommates wasn't happy about the rent money that they were losing, so he shot up the apartment killing two of his roommates. He didn't want to go easily and shot through the walls hitting Jamie and his partner who were first to respond. Their backup made it five minutes later and were met with the same situation. Six officers had been injured. None of the injuries were fatal.
Jamie had been hit in the vest twice and was grazed by two other bullets. Andy had been hit in the shoulder and leg and was going to be on medical leave for at least two months.
Christmas morning, Jamie slept in and just wanted to relax, he was in some pain, but it wasn't anything he hadn't felt before, and the last time he was back on duty just days later. The harder part was talking to his family. Things had been bad enough that the event made national news. No names of those injured were given, but his CO had contacted his dad. The entire time he was in the emergency room he was getting texts and calls from everyone in the family. Renzulli and a few of his friends from the twelfth had messaged him too, hoping that he wasn't involved. He just sent back to everyone that he was okay, and they would talk later.
"Merry Christmas!" Jamie answered with a big smile when he answered the video call.
"Are you okay Uncle Jamie?" Nikki said worried, having seen the news the day before.
"Yes, I'm fine. Just a couple scratches."
Frank knew his son's injuries were worse than he said, but he knew that Jamie always wanted to protect the kids and family. Jamie had always chosen to carry the weight of his stress and worries on his own and not burden others with it. It was who he was, and Frank knew that he wouldn't be changing.
"We're glad that you're okay Uncle Jamie and we miss you." Jack and Sean said together as they had practiced.
"Thanks boys. What did you guys get for Christmas?"
"I got new video games and a hockey stick and mom, and dad made pancakes." Jack said excitedly.
"I got video games and a new Rangers jersey." Sean said because he couldn't be left out.
Erin sat in the back of the room with tears in her eyes. Not only was her little brother three-thousand miles away, but he was hurt too. She could tell by the reaction to Jamie's explanation of scratches that her dad knew the truth and he was hurt worse than he was saying. That was just how her youngest brother was, he never wanted to worry the family anymore than they already were.
"So, Harvard are all the palm trees decorated up all nice out there?" Danny joked trying to lighten the mood. He could see Erin crying in the back and knew that wouldn't help anyone or anything right now.
"Yep!" Jamie smiled happy with the levity. "There are a lot of boats decorated for Christmas too, and I went to a Christmas party on the beach last week. Santa was even there."
"That sounds so cool." Nikki said dreamily. She loved California and hoped to live there some day.
"Do you have any plans today, Jamie?" Henry asked concerned that his grandson would be alone all day.
"Lunch with Spencer's family, then I'm headed to the beach and then back home for cocktail party with Harvard alum. I was supposed to work today."
Henry went from worried he was going to be alone to worried that he was going to overdo it.
"That's a busy day son. Are you up for all that excitement after yesterday?" Frank worried now, knowing the extent of Jamie's injuries. He was Jamie's emergency contact and had been called by Jamie's CO and then Chief Arborghast to reassure him that Jamie was okay. Arborghast knew Jamie well enough that he knew Jamie never wanted anyone to worry.
"Yeah, I'll just be walking on the beach now, no swimming or running and I think I may just find a place on the pier to fish and if I get tired at the cocktail party I'll just head up to my room. I got it all under control. I promise I won't overdue it gramps."
"When are you back on duty?" Linda asked, figuring he should have the next two weeks off with his stitches. She and Danny had arrived early and got the full update on Jamie.
"January second is the earliest I've been told I can go back, but I'll no more after my check up."
The conversation continued until Jamie said that he had to go and get ready for lunch. Before the call ended Frank promised another call tomorrow to find out how Jamie really was.
Jamie was always appreciative of Spencer's parents, but never felt like he belonged. They were very wealthy and liked to flaunt their wealth. They thought everyone wanted what they had, and in the beginning, they were wary of him because of how modestly he grew up. They thought he might try to use Spencer for his obvious wealth but were surprised when Jamie always paid his own way even when it meant that he was working three jobs and going to school full time. He changed their minds, and the fact that Jamie always did the work and never asked for help, made them want to help him out in any way that they could. They learned from Spencer that they were better helping him anonymously because he knew Jamie didn't like to accept help or have any attention focused on himself.
Jamie was still sore and little tired, but Spencer was having a crew set up for the party and he just needed some time to himself. He and Andy had been hurt the worst out of all the officers, and for a few minutes he worried that he was going to lose another partner. Since Andy had been hit in the shoulder and leg, he'd passed out while they were waiting for EMS to arrive.
Jamie's life was about to change forever while he was lost in thought walking with his feet in the ocean as he walked along the beach. He kept flashing back the events of the day before and Bitterman months earlier. Both events were playing through his head like movies, and he was wondering what he could have done better at both during both calls.
Eddie Janko, a single mother to five-year-old Elisabeth (Betty) Janko were walking on the beach after an exciting day filled with family and presents. Eddie and Betty live in the guest house on her parent's property, so it's difficult to get away sometimes. Eddie did everything she could to make today a good day for Betty, but she was struggling with the events of the day before. Eddie works in dispatch for LAPD and had been working when the officers were injured. Since she was in dispatch, she hadn't met too many of the officers she worked with, she only knew their voices, but anytime one of their own was hurt it always had an impact on her. She always wished that she could do more for the officers that she worked with.
Christmas for Eddie also meant the constant ridicule for her career choice. Her mother, father and older brother were all lawyers, and all worked at the family law firm. Eddie never wanted to be a lawyer; law enforcement is where she wanted to be. It's where her heart was.
Eddie was walking down the beach watching Betty run ahead of her. Betty had been trying to get her mom to run and play with her, so she was running facing forward, backward, and sideways. Occasionally she would do a cartwheel or dance. She knew that her mom had a few hard days. She could always tell, and grandma, grandpa, and her Uncle Alex didn't help. She wanted to do anything that could make her mom smile or laugh.
Betty was running backwards when she ran straight into Jamie, who was lost in thought constantly reliving two of the worst calls in his career. He wasn't ready for the little whirlwind of energy that bumped into him and knocked him off his feet. It happened so quickly that he couldn't help but let out a laugh that mixed with Betty's giggles.
Eddie saw what happened and was mortified that her daughter would run someone down, she had taught her to be better aware of her surroundings. She heads straight to Jamie to help him up.
"Oh my gosh, I am so sorry. She wasn't looking where she was going, and she knows better than that." Eddie says while trying to help Jamie up, and glaring at her daughter.
"It's okay. I actually think I needed that today, but please give me a minute. I got injured at work yesterday and I'm still feeling it." Jamie said and he worked on finding a comfortable position on the sand.
"Then I am really sorry. Betty, please apologize to the nice man."
"I'm sorry. I was trying to make my mom smile or laugh she had a bad day yesterday too." Betty said looking between the two hoping she wasn't in more trouble.
"It's okay Betty, my name is Jamie, and I get it. We all have bad days sometimes more than one. It's nice that you are trying to cheer you mom up."
"Thank you, Mr. Jamie." Betty said happy that she wasn't in anymore trouble.
Eddie just watched in awe. A lot of people that she knew wouldn't have been that understanding when being run down by a five-year-old that often had energy levels that rivaled a tornado.
Eddie and Betty sat down next to Jamie, so he had company until he felt good enough to get up again.
"Mommy's sad because people at work got hurt at work yesterday. Do you work with my mommy?" Betty asked innocently like children do.
Jamie could tell that Eddie and Betty's clothes were very expensive, he didn't think that either one of them had ever been to a police station unless it was for a school fieldtrip.
Eddie could tell that Jamie wasn't from California, and she couldn't figure out what he did, but he didn't act like most of the cops she knew so she doubted he was a cop, she thought he might be a lawyer. She'd been surrounded by lawyers her entire life and she could usually tell when someone was a lawyer.
"Where are you from Jamie?" Eddie asked her curiosity getting the best of her.
"New York City, born and raised. I moved here six months ago. Have you lived in LA your entire life?" His curiosity wouldn't back down either. Common sense said that she had a kid, so she was probably off limits, but that didn't stop him.
"Wow, we just went to New York for the Thanksgiving Day parade. Have you ever been?" Betty asked excitedly bouncing up and down.
"Yes, we used to go all the time when I was little, and the last three years I always worked it."
"How did you work it?" Eddie was interested in his answer. Eddie was trying to envision him as an event planner.
"NYPD Patrol. Not all but many of the cops who work it are rookies. My partner loves working the parade. He got to shoot down a balloon once and I think he hopes that will happen again every year." Jamie laughed at Renzulli's excitement.
Eddie just looked at him with a puzzling look on her face. She usually could tell who was a cop and who wasn't. Plus, at one time or another she heard most of their voices on the radio.
"You're a cop?" She blurted out the way she sometimes just did.
"Yeah, LAPD detective."
"Were you hurt in the domestic yesterday?"
"Yes, and I'm half surprised my family hasn't been putting pressure on me to come home because of it, but that's what I signed up for and it could have been a lot worse."
"I work dispatch for LAPD." Eddie said again without thinking.
Jamie had to think for a minute. He spoken to a lot of the officers in dispatch. He thought back to all the voices he'd heard over the radio. When it came to him.
"Wait, are you Janko?"
"Yes. I was one of the ones who was trying to get backup and ambulances yesterday."
"Thank you for all you did. You saved our lives." Jamie said honestly.
"I was just doing my job. Who's your partner?" Eddie said and blushed. She thought she could have done better.
"Andy Grove."
"So, you're Detective Reagan?"
"Yes, and how long have you been in dispatch?" Jamie asked. The more he talked to Eddie the more he liked her.
Betty was just sitting between the adults, happy that her mom seemed happy for the first time in a while.
"Three and half years, I graduated the academy in 2010. It's been really great; I love my job." Eddie smiled. Most of the time she loved her job.
"I graduated the academy in 2010 too."
"You and mommy could have been schoolmates if you would have been here then." Betty smiled.
"Yeah, we would have. How did you family react to you becoming a cop?" Jamie asked and smiled.
"Not well. I went against them all and didn't join the family business. Today was fun for Betty, but for me it was a constant reminder that I disappointed them, and they spent the entire time we were making lunch suggesting law schools for me."
"I'm sorry. If you ever need to talk, I'm willing to listen. I understand about the family business aspect of your life. Most of my family is in law enforcement, and even my sister is an ADA."
"Oh, you really do understand. You never had a choice. Did you choose your career or was it just expected or were you forced out of a deep seeded loyalty to the family?" Eddie had a sour look on her face by the end, but he understood. He grew up around a lot of cop families and some people didn't want to join, but despite what they wanted. It was that way in law school too.
"I did have a choice, my mom never wanted me in law enforcement, but it really was my calling. I'm actually on my second career." He chuckled at that. Danny loved giving him a hard time about that.
"What did you do before you were a cop?" This had Eddie intrigued. He went against his family too.
"I was a lawyer at a Wall Street Law Firm. I hated every second of it. Working at a high-powered law firm isn't for me. Some of my friends give me a hard time and say that I don't like money or having a nice lifestyle."
"Where did you go to law school?"
"Harvard."
"Oh, my parents would've loved if I'd taken your path. My entire family are lawyers. When I said I wanted to be in law enforcement they scoffed, and thought I lost my mind."
"My mom wanted me to be a lawyer like my older sister. She said I had the intelligence, and it was only fair that her two youngest would be in a safer career." Jamie laughed at some of the memories he had with his mom while he did his homework at the dining table.
"How did she react when you changed gears?"
"She died right after I graduated undergrad, and I lost one of my older brothers to the job a month before I graduated law school."
"I'm so sorry. How many siblings do you have?"
"There was four of us. I'm the baby of the family and sometimes no one will let me forget that. I had hoped when the grandchildren arrived that would change, but it has yet to happen."
Eddie laughed. She was the baby too and knew how much it sucked being under the watchful eye of everyone in the family. She and Alex were only two years apart, but he played the overprotective big brother part well.
"I get that, my brother is two years older than I am. He constantly reminds me that he's older and should have a say in how I live my life."
"I wish I that there were only two years between us, Danny is twelve years older than me, Joe was ten years older, and Erin is eight years older. I always had my parents, grandparents, and three older siblings in my business and my grandfather, dad, and both brothers are or were all detectives. I joke that moving three-thousand miles was the only way that I could get any privacy." Jamie laughed, but at the same time felt that it was true.
"Wow, that I can believe. I can't imagine Alex being an adult while I was still in school."
"Mommy, can you ask him for his number so we can go home. I'm tired." Betty said with a smile. She knew her mom didn't date much because of her, and she liked Mr. Jamie.
"Elisabeth Marie Janko, that wasn't very nice."
"I'm sorry mommy, Mr. Jamie."
"It's okay Betty, I have to get home too. My roommate is having a party, and I guess I should go." Jamie laughed. He didn't want to go to the party anymore. He could've talked to Eddie all night.
Jamie had ridden his bike despite the fact that he knew he shouldn't, but he needed the freedom riding his bike gave him after the last couple of days. Eddie and Jamie had quickly exchanged numbers before Jamie made his way home.
Eddie and Betty made their way to her brand-new Porsche Cayenne that she had gotten for Christmas that morning. She loved it, but she knew that she was never gonna hear the end of it when she got to work the next day. He BMW had only been three years old.
The week between Christmas and the New Year went quickly for Eddie. She ended up pulling a couple doubles because some of her coworkers who traveled for the holiday had been stuck because of a snowstorm that went across the Midwest and into the east coast.
Jamie spent the beginning of the week proving that he was fine, and that he didn't need anyone to come out here to take care of him. His stitches were taken out on New Year's Eve.
Spencer was throwing another party and this time Jamie would have a guest in attendance. He had talked to Eddie a couple times during the week and asked her to come. She was happy for the invite. It got her out of a party at her parents' house. Her friend Haley didn't have any plans and she was going to stay with Betty.
"Hey Jamie, you're not going anywhere, right?" Spencer asked as he was heading out the door.
"No, but where are you going?"
"The owners of the firm are having a party and another associate just told me that it's mandatory, so I'm heading over there for an hour. I bet I get a couple others to come back with me."
"Okay. Eddie should be here soon anyway."
"And Dana and Sydney. Both of your exes, plus your new girlfriend. I gotta get back here ASAP." Spencer laughed and was on his way to a boring party he didn't want to attend, but knew he had no choice.
Sydney was at her apartment getting ready for she hoped would be the party that would restart the best relationship she'd ever had and was an idiot to flush down the toilet. She realized that about a week into her time in London, but it was too late. Jamie's favorite red dress hadn't been worn since the last event that they attended together, and it still fit perfectly. She was excited and nervous to head over to Spencer's.
Eddie was nervous, the last date she went on didn't go well. When the guy found out about Betty, he bolted faster than she could blink. She worried because Betty was five now and very intelligent, she understood that people didn't like her mom because of her, or that was what she thought. She was like Eddie too and wasn't shy. When Eddie's college boyfriend headed to the east coast and signed away his rights to Betty, Eddie knew that dating with a kid was going to be hard. She couldn't fathom doing the things that her mom was proposing like hide Betty until he was in love or trap a guy and get pregnant again. Eddie would rather it be just her and Betty like in the Gilmore Girls than do anything back handed just to get married. Finding Jamie had been like a miracle because Betty actually ran into him, and Jamie loved it. They had sat and talked for almost two hours on the beach that Christmas evening.
It was another Harvard alum party, and after missing a few Jamie was happy to be able to attend. When he and Spencer were celebrating Thanksgiving Jamie decided that this house was home now. He had been looking at apartments right by the station but decided to just stay where he was because it was working well. Spencer loved having someone home when he was traveling, and his neighbors loved having a cop so close.
"Hey, am I early?" Eddie asked as she walked through the door in a beautiful navy-blue dress with small silver accents.
Jamie was speechless. He was in grey dress paints with a light blue dress shirt. It was almost like they planned their attire.
"Reagan, you, okay?" Eddie giggled. She was worried that she didn't look okay. This was the first party she had been to since she graduated the academy that wasn't at her parents' house.
"You look amazing." Jamie finally got out. He could take his eyes off her.
"Thanks, you don't look so bad yourself."
"Nice place."
"Thanks. Spencer has lived here since graduation. I just borrow a garage and he's letting me use a couple rooms upstairs. What's Betty Boop up to tonight?"
Eddie's heart warmed every time Jamie asked about Betty. She had friends who she had known her entire life that didn't aske about Betty each time they talked. They had met for dinner one night during the week and Jamie focused as much attention on Betty that he did on Eddie. She's been worried that he wouldn't want her around.
"She's with Haley, and they're watching movies, eating popcorn, and sleeping in the living room tonight. Betty was so excited." Eddie said remembering many of her sleep overs as a kid.
"Sounds like a lot of fun. Before you leave, I have to run upstairs. I have something for her since she couldn't come to the party."
"You didn't have to do that but thank you."
Jamie was excited for Betty to get her New Year's gift. He had gotten her, her own walkie talkie so she could talk to someone like mommy did every day. He thought that they could have fun with them the next time they went to the beach.
Before Jamie could say anything else he was interrupted by the doorbell.
"Hey guys come on in." Jamie said to Sydney, Dana, and Mark.
"So, Jamie, I heard you were involved in that nasty domestic a couple of weeks ago." Mark said, curious. He was a defense attorney. He was looking forward to having the brainchild on the stand in front of him one day. Jamie had always done better than he had in school. Mark wanted to show him how a pro questioned a detective.
"What happened?" Sydney asked worried.
"Six cops were injured when a guy killed two of his roommates and shot and injured six officers." Eddie said still feeling sorry, but better about the situation overall. Every time she got herself down about the situation Jamie would bring her back up.
"Syd, it made national news. It was a big deal." Dana said worried for her friend.
While they were talking Spencer and a group of four others joined in the conversation.
"Jamie finally made in back in the news after a six-month hiatus." Edwin, another criminal defense attorney who had only been out in LA for a couple of months said. He thought Jamie was stupid for giving up a great career as a lawyer.
Jamie just rolled his eyes; he and Edwin had never been great friends. He lived for money any way that he could get it, and money although essential had never been a priority for Jamie. The one thing he did notice was that Syd had reacted and seemed to be upset about something.
"Anyone who knows Jamie, knows how much he hates being in the spotlight." Spencer said knowing Jamie avoided anything that put him front and center despite the fact that he was usually there because of how smart and generous he was. He had spent a majority of his life in and out of the spotlight because of his family, and that was never anything he wanted or looked for.
"Oh please, I lived in New York until a couple of months ago and hell for a while last year before he moved it was like he lived on the front page. Anyone would love that." Edwin said not believing a thing Spencer said.
"Edwin, you're wrong, Jamie hated every time he made the paper. When we were planning the wedding, he did everything he could to stay hidden in the corner. Being thrust into the national spotlight isn't something that he would ever want." Syd said knowing she was always more for the spotlight. That had been one of the reasons why she'd gone to London. Another reason she liked Jamie, he let her shine while he blended into the background.
Eddie was calmly observing everything. A few of Jamie's friends from his precinct were able to come. Eddie was happy that them were other cops there. She knew them, but not well. She was happy knowing she had others to talk to incase Jamie was busy.
"Are you okay, Jamie. Spencer told me that you've had the last two weeks off. I figure if the time off had been planned you would've gone home for Christmas." Mark said trying to get the conversation back on track.
"Yeah, I'm good. I took two to the vest and had two graze me. Stitches came out today and I'm finally back on duty day after tomorrow." Jamie smiled. All those around him got uncomfortable at the thought of being shot or being shot at.
"That's great. I'm glad that you're okay, but are you really ready to go back to work?" Sydney worried.
"I'm good Syd. This isn't the first time I've been shot. I've been bored while everyone else has been at work this week. It's not like I'm walking a beat anymore either. I sit at a desk at least half of my time now." Jamie laughed.
Eddie could see his confidence, and could tell he was okay, and from the conversations she'd had with him over the week, he was bored out of his mind.
"Spencer, now that you're back, I'm going to show Eddie around. Have a great time everyone." Jamie said and asked Eddie if she would like a drink and a tour. She'd said yes.
Sydney had no idea who Eddie was, but now she was concerned. Maybe Jamie had moved on. Everything she had heard he'd basically been single since she left. That had given her hope that he wasn't over her yet and meant that she'd still had a chance.
Jamie took Eddie on a tour of the house. They could hear the others but were enjoying themselves.
"Eddie, I'm sorry about all that out there." Jamie apologized.
"It's okay Jamie, they're your friends. They care about you."
"Not all of them. If anything, I went to school with all of them and we hang out every so often. A few of them are a great reminder why I didn't stay practicing law."
Eddie laughed. The thing that had intrigued her most out there was when the skinny brunette talked about when they had been planning their wedding. She thought that he was single, and he didn't wear a ring.
"What's wrong Eddie?" Something was wrong he just wasn't sure what.
"You're married?"
Jamie had a puzzled look on his face before the light bulb went off. Syd had said something about a wedding out there. He zoned out the more Edwin talked. The guy had it out from him from the minute law school started and he learned that Jamie had been high school valedictorian, graduated first in his class in both pre-law and psychology majors. He had no idea who Jamie really was because all he saw him as competition.
"No, why would you think that?"
"Sydney said that you two were planning a wedding." Ed said nervous of the truth. Honestly, she didn't like a lot of the people at the party. They reminded her of the life she never wanted.
Jamie laughed remembering the little bit of wedding planning that they actually tried. "We were engaged when we graduated law school, and she freaked out after a cop was killed on duty when she realized that I would be out there every day. It took me a few months, but I realized that it was for the best. We're still friends but won't ever be anything more."
Eddie let out a big sigh. She really liked Jamie and didn't want anything to get in the way of that.
"I'm sorry it didn't work out." Eddie didn't know what else to say.
"I'm not. I wasn't meant to be. Seeing her expression when she found out about the last incident just told me that she still wouldn't be able to handle it, and a cop is who I'm supposed to be. It doesn't matter if I walk a beat or a as a detective. Are you okay with my job?" Jamie was nervous about the answer because it wasn't just Eddie who could be affected if they got serious and something happened to him.
Sydney was around the corner from Jamie and Eddie, and she hadn't realized that Jamie had seen her reaction to him getting hurt. At this point she wasn't sure what she wanted to do. It seemed like Eddie didn't know what she was getting into either.
"Jamie, I took a job in dispatch because as single parent I couldn't take the risk of something happening to me and leaving Betty all alone in the world. I did spend six months on the street before my transfer came through. Jamie I'm not a detective so I may not understand all the risks you deal with everyday completely, but I do hear or take part in many of the calls, and you guys on the street are my heroes. I don't know that anyone is ever okay when their SO is in danger every day. I don't know that you can be, but I do understand what you do each day and I'm aware and prepared to take the risk." Eddie wanted to say love, but they had known each other a week and this was only technically their second date, their first date without Betty involved.
"I know what it's like to care about someone who puts their life on the line every day. My family has a long history in law enforcement, and I've never known what it's like to not wake up in the morning and not worry about someone you love doing a dangerous job. I watched my mom wake up each day and not know if that would be the day she became a single parent to four children, and then as she watched my brothers join the force. I made the decision to become a cop because it's all I ever really wanted to do. I do this job because I want to help people, and if I can make a difference in their lives or the lives of their families."
"I can't imagine that growing up with that worry, but I know that I have chosen that life for Betty. I'm willing to take a chance on us."
Jamie couldn't hide his smile. He was truly happy. He'd been on a few dates since his breakup, but none of them were like Eddie. Christmas hadn't been the best day, but meeting Eddie that night made it one of the best days he'd had in a while. He knew he would have to find a way to quietly thank Betty for running into him.
"Are you working tomorrow?"
"No, I go back the second, but then I'm on seven straight."
"How about the three of us head up to the mountains so Betty Boop can play in the snow, and then we can find a lodge and get some hot coco and end the day by a beach side taco shack?" Jamie asked. He'd already learned to bring up food with Eddie. If he thought through the meals, it helped his case.
Jamie smiled. Each day was a little better. Moving to California had been the best decision he'd ever made.
The party was great. He and Eddie ended up sitting outside enjoying the nice night with about ten other. Three of them were other cops that Jamie had invited. They all knew Eddie's voice and were happy to meet her. The group had a lot of fun. Jamie and Eddie had their first kiss at midnight. It was brief, but it was enough for each to know that this wasn't a fling or just casual dating. An hour later Eddie had to head home to join the sleep over, with the promise that she and Betty would pick him up in the morning. She had Betty's booster seat in her car, and Eddie wasn't even sure that it would fit in Jamie's mustang.
Most of the outside group had broken up and headed home, and Jamie was tired too. He still wasn't a hundred percent yet and was getting ready to say good night to those few still left at the party when Sydney came up to him. She hadn't had a good night. Her goal was to win him back and she couldn't do that if he had a girlfriend.
"Where are you going Jamie?" She asked as he walked away from Spencer, who agreed he needed to head to bed.
"I'm beat, it was a fun party, but I have to be up early tomorrow and I'm not feeling great right now." He just wanted to get to his room.
"Why so early though. It's only one-thirty. You don't have to work tomorrow."
Jamie was trying to be considerate of the relationship that they had at one time and her feelings. "I have plans tomorrow with my girlfriend, and I'm betting a family call."
"Would that be the women who took up most of your time tonight?" Sydney sneered, not realizing the venom in her voice.
"Yes, what does it matter to you Syd?"
"We were engaged. I think I know you pretty well. I know when you like someone, and did you know that she has a kid?" Syd said a tidbit she learned from eavesdropping and talking to one of the officers who knew Eddie.
"Yes, I do know, and what does that have to do with anything? Syd, none of this is your business. You had no trouble leaving me three and a half years ago. You didn't like me as a cop, you wanted me working in any area of the law, as long it's as an attorney. I didn't like who I was when I was an attorney. The only part I liked was the three months I worked on the innocence project. Beyond that I was miserable most of the time, and you knew that better than anyone else in my life."
Spencer was listening to all of this, and he knew it was true. Jamie tried to put on a brave face for Syd, for his family during those two years, but he wasn't happy. He could tell from three-thousand miles away, there wasn't anyway that Sydney didn't know he wasn't happy while living with him.
"Sydney, I think it's time that you went home. Jamie is exhausted and this is his home. He deserves respect. We are all adults can we please act like it?"
Sydney was shocked. She always thought Spencer was a goof-off. Yes, he was a good attorney, but he was always with a new girl, or flying off to somewhere either for work or fun. He was a playboy and never imagined him and boring, but brilliant saint Jameson could ever be best friends never mind roommates for seven years, and now again when they didn't have to be. She knew Spencer could afford this place by himself and Jamie had always been frugal, never wanting to spend money on anything he didn't absolutely need.
"I'm sorry Jamie. I was hoping that we could've had another chance. I didn't know that you had a girlfriend. I'm sorry Spencer." Sydney said and left. She knew to be invited back she could never act like that again. It was time to move on. Jamie obviously had. She had to grow up and be happy for him.
New Year's Day was amazing. Jamie was a little blindsided by Eddie's car but didn't say anything. They stopped for breakfast at a cute little café on the way to the mountains. The food was great. Once up in the mountains they found a great little place that they all could enjoy the snow. A few hours later they were hungry again, and Betty was getting tired so they decided to eat at the local lodge and then take the scenic ride down so Betty would take a nap and be ready to play at the beach before dinner and home for a bath because she would be with her Nanny the following day.
Jamie's first day back at work was great. He'd always hated being house mouse in New York, but as a detective he was running line-ups, helping with questioning and working through some research that was needed for another detective in his squad. He was exhausted once his day was done, but the day had gone by quickly. It didn't hurt that he only had a week before he would be back on full duty. The only thing that sucked was that his partner was on medical leave for at least another couple of months so he would be riding with someone else, but he was ready for anything.
The week had gone by quickly and he had impressed detective Anthony Mason, who he had been doing research for most of the week. Mason liked Jamie's different perspective. He found his law degree to be very valuable because he saw things and was able to figure out a legal way to bring in a guy that he'd been after for years, and Mason wasn't worried that the DA wasn't going to sign off on the arrest because Reagan had already gotten all the correct documents, and he knew that they were filled out correctly. It was something simple, but it was one of the obscure laws that were on the books, but few knew about it.
Jamie would be riding with Mason until Andy got back. He didn't know that the next few weeks would help determine what he wanted to work towards next.
Henry had talked to Jamie almost everyday that he was off because of his injury. He was worried that he was out there all alone and even offered to fly out if he could have someone pick him up from the airport. He had lived in New York his entire life and he couldn't fault his grandson for leaving, but it didn't mean that he didn't miss him and the fact that he was retired meant that he had the freedom to visit him easily. He knew that Francis supported Jamie, but he could tell how much he was struggling since Jamie had been injured and he hadn't been able to be at the hospital to know and see right away that he truly was okay. It had still only been eight months since Vinny died, and another close call for Jamie.
"What's wrong Francis?" Henry worried about the entire family, that was his job.
"Jamie's been shot for the second time in eight months and he's already back on the job, at full duty. He called last night when he finished his first full week back. He likes his temporary partner."
"That's good. When is Andy supposed to be back?"
"Jamie said he thinks in a couple months, unless something else pops up."
Henry could see the struggle his son was going through. He wanted to talk through it and ease the tension before Sunday dinner. Danny and Erin were both still upset despite the fact that their brother was clearly ok.
"Francis, Jamie is a good cop, and I'm sure a good detective. It's in the blood. He's smart and can look at a situation and see ways through it to de-escalate them quickly. I was on the street with him, remember I did a ride along. Your son has the instincts, and the passion. I wish you could see the way that he quickly dissects a situation and determines the best course of action. I honestly think it drove Vinny a little nuts because he knew Jamie was right each time. It drove me nuts during a couple of the calls because he knew and understood how to better interact with the public. He is the type of cop that we need on the streets."
"Mary made me promise that Jamie would never become a cop, and I had no problem with making that promise. I'd already lost Joe and Jamie could have easily joined him Christmas Eve. I haven't kept her kids safe." Frank couldn't look at his father.
"Francis, you had no more control over Jamie becoming a cop than I did you becoming one. We both understand the call to service. Mary may not have loved that Jamie joined the force, but you and I both know that all she really wanted was him to be happy, and any idiot could see that he was not happy as a lawyer. Yes, he was good at it, and I know that he would have gone far, I know that he wouldn't have enjoyed his life. She wanted nothing more than her children to be happy."
Frank just thought through all of what his dad said. He knew that Jamie wasn't happy at the law firm, but he was a proud dad, that was just focusing on his achievements, and not his happiness.
"I know that your right pop. I just can't get past that he's not here anymore. That missing chair at dinner hurts."
"Listen Francis, I'm planning a trip to visit him in the next few months. I know the reality of him getting time off isn't likely."
"Ok pop. I'd come with you if I could. I have a conference out there that I wasn't going to attend when the invitation was sent, but I think I'm going try and go now. Maybe we can plan ahead, and I'll stay a couple extra days and then we fly home together." Frank thought then they could spend some time together like they did when Jamie and Sydney broke up.
Henry was feeling slightly better about his son. Now to figure out his travel plans, and other than maybe Francis there he needed some alone time with his grandson to make sure he really was okay. The entire family learned how good of an actor he was during his undercover op. Francis and Danny had seen it firsthand, and it rocked both of them because the entire family knew that Jamie was incapable of lying.
Jamie and his partner had just arrived on a robbery call that had turned into a hostage situation. Jamie was trying to get a better viewpoint before additional help arrived, and he had an idea to try and help diffuse the situation. He could tell that the guy in the market was not in the best mindset, and he didn't know that the police had actually arrived. He ran back over to his partner because he didn't want to alert the perp to his presence.
"Mason, I got an idea."
"What Reagan? I called and got an update, and we can't get a hostage negotiator for at least an hour. There's something big going on downtown with the FBI."
"I want to go in. This guy has no idea that we're even here. If we move everything back and I'll call you and have my phone on speaker, so you know what's going on. Trust me this can work."
Mason had to think for a minute. This kid was a rookie detective. He hasn't even been a cop that long but looking at him he could see the confidence he had. He knew that they could get in trouble for this, but with no help coming for an hour something needed to be done or people were going to die.
"Ok, I want to be able to hear everything that's going on and I want a code word so backup can come in."
Jamie thought for a minute. He wanted it to be something that he could easily say without accidently saying something that could come up while he was trying to talk the guy down. "If I say 'Dad' bring in the backup."
It was LA, Jamie wore blue jeans with a dress shirt and sport coat each day. He always wore a t-shirt under the dress shirt so he could get casual very quick, and he had thrown a pair of tennis shoes in the unmarked car for a reason he couldn't remember now, so once he was changed and hid his gun where the guy wasn't going to see it he called Mason, muted Mason so no one could hear him.
Jamie walked into the market acting like he just needed to pick up a few things. The perp had everyone sitting on the floor while he walked around shopping with a cart.
"What's going on?" He asked having already seen the gun but acting clueless.
"Sit down with everyone one over there." The guy said pointing his gun at Jamie.
Jamie made his way to the floor by one of the customers who looked the most nervous. She was a young mother who reminded him a little of Eddie with a toddler and another child on the way.
The guy went on shopping while checking on the other customers and staff occasionally. To Jamie he seemed like he was working off a list. He was scared and when the perp was scared bad things happened.
Jamie showed the young women his badge and told her to quiet down. Her eyes filled with tears, but he saw a strong resolve take over and she was able to calm her son down.
"Hey, sir, can I help you?" Jamie asked to get his attention.
"No, I just need to get this food home to my family."
"Why bring the gun, we could all be getting what we need or better yet what if we leave while you get what you need?" Jamie asked hopeful that he would let the hostages go.
The guy stopped what he was doing and looked at Jamie who had moved away from the rest of the crowd so he would focus on him and not them.
"Who are you?"
"I'm just a guy trying to help. What if I stay, and you let these good people go?"
The guy hesitated and then looked at how fearful everyone was. He didn't want to hurt anyone he just needed food to feed his family.
"Ok, they can go, but you have to stay. The cops are probably outside."
"Ok, I promise I won't leave, but can I help some of them up and to leave. You can just keep shopping."
Jamie went and helped the young mother up, and an elderly couple, and a few other people and got them out and pointed them to the police who were still out of sight.
Once away from the market the young woman told everyone that he was a cop.
Once it was only the two of them in the store Jamie made his way closer. Obviously, something happened to make this guy lose it.
"I'm Jamie, what's your name?"
"Kevin, why do you care?"
"You brought a gun because you can't pay for your food?"
Mason was on pins and needles outside. He was still unsure about this entire strategy, but the kid had already gotten the hostage's out.
"Yes, I lost my job three months ago, and I haven't been able to find another one, and I just need the food to feed my family." Kevin said and started crying.
"What if I buy your groceries, and you give me your gun."
Kevin looked at him surprised. No one had really tried to help him, that's what got him here today.
"You would really help me?"
"Yes, all you need to do is give me the gun." Jamie smiled. He felt bad that he was going to arrest him and add to his problems, but he was going to make sure he got a good lawyer and that his family was fed.
Kevin gave him the gun, and Jamie secured it. A minute later he said he was a cop and arrested him. Later that night his family received all the food that they desperately needed with a note and a number saying please call when you need something, and the address for the local food bank.
The next morning Jamie had a request for a meeting with the Chief. He knew he went against protocol, and it didn't matter that the outcome had been peaceful. Eddie wasn't surprised that he had been called in to the chief after his antics the day before, but once she heard the entire story, she knew he did the right thing.
"Detective Reagan to see Chief Arborghast." Jamie said to the chief's assistant.
"Good job yesterday, Detective. He's ready for you."
Jamie said thank you and made his way into an office that reminded him eerily of his dad's.
"Detective Reagan, nice work yesterday." Arborghast said knowing what he was getting into when he brought Jamie on board.
"Thank you, sir." Jamie had no idea where this was going. He figured he would get into work this morning and be suspended for not following protocol.
"Jamie, I've talked to both of your partners, and I hear that you're dating an officer in dispatch. Everyone that I've talked to has said that you are doing a great job. Captain Rendon said that she loves having you in her command, but I want to know how you're handling living outside NYC." Arborghast wasn't willing to put time into him if he was ready to head back home because he missed his family.
"Officer Janko and I reported our relationship to our CO's right away sir."
"I know Jamie. With the exception of yesterday and a few other times that I know of on the NYPD you typically do not go against protocol." Arborghast had spoken to Renzulli in depth about Jamie before and after he started with LAPD. He knew that Renzulli was the only person that really knew what Jamie was like on the job after riding with him for two years.
"I love living in LA. I like the work that I'm doing, and while I miss my family, I don't have any desire to move back to New York. This is my home now."
"That's great to hear. So, I've been meaning to have you in, since you got here, but our schedules haven't worked out."
"Yes sir."
"I spoke to Mason yesterday, and he was impressed with how you handled the hostage situation. Everyone got out safe because of your actions yesterday. Now they did not follow protocol, but it's got me wondering if protocol needs to be changed. Currently you're halfway through your probation, and then once that's over I said that you could have some say in where you go, but after yesterday things have changed."
"How so?" Jamie asked afraid since he was on probation that he was going to get fired.
"I spoke with my deputy chiefs, and they all agree that your probation was done yesterday."
"Thank you, sir," Jamie said surprised that he was a full detective now.
"Emergency Services Division training starts next month. I think that you could excel there and learning those skills could open other doors for you. Are you interested?"
"I am, but isn't there a tryout and other requirements?"
"No, ESD is by invitation only, we don't have the tryouts like the NYPD does with ESU. I want you to take a couple days off to tell your family about the next step."
"I might take a couple days off, but my dad and grandpa will be out here week after next. I'll take the time then."
"Is your dad coming for the Chief's conference?"
"Yeah."
"It'll be nice to see him again." Arborghast wasn't so sure if Frank would be happy to see him or not since he recruited his son, and now his son was going into ESD.
"Thank you again for everything, sir."
With that Jamie had been dismissed and was headed to start cleaning up any open cases he had to prepare for another change. He had to tell Eddie too. That wasn't going to be easy. She understood the risks but being a part of ESD was another story. He knew that it would be hard, but he was ready for another challenge.
