I'm not sure why the chapters keep posting with formatting codes all through but if this fix the chap, I'm done for today. The story is finished but this is driving me nuts.

Chapter 4:

On Thursday night Jamie and Eddie grabbed dinner with Tuna and Abe after their shift. The premise was to make arrangements for meeting up first thing in the morning. But, the real motivation was Jamie wanted to be sure his people knew that they could come to him with any concerns they had about the op if they felt they weren't being heard. He'd be monitoring the scene from the surveillance van. Jamie wanted to be sure that all three of them knew he had their backs.

It was clear that both Eddie and Tuna were excited for the opportunity and didn't have any major insecurities about participating. Abe seemed a bit more reluctant. He seemed to treat the informal dinner together stiffly the way any young officer treats roll call. Both Jamie and Eddie sensed he was uncomfortable and tried to help him relax in their own way. Jamie began to wonder what type of impression Abe would make at the operational meeting tomorrow.

Jamie had no doubt that Abe would prove to be an asset to the group. He would notice nuances in people that could identify those who didn't act normally among the runners, gym goers and other early risers. Not to mention he would be able to keep up with a perpetrator who was reportedly very physically fit and a capable runner. Several victims had been stalked and attacked on challenging running trails in the park. It would be difficult for a perp to pursue these women without being a runner himself. Lately the perp had switched to less remote areas with a greater risk of being caught. Only someone confident he could make a quick getaway and blend in with the other morning fitness junkies would choose these locations. Abe was the right choice for the mission but only if he believed it himself.

Eddie excused herself to use the restroom before their meals were delivered just after Tuna had stepped away from the table to take a phone call. Jamie silently thanked his wife for what he was sure was just an excuse to leave them alone. Jamie wasted no time addressing Abe's nervousness.

"You know you were my first choice for providing undercover support to this op. My wife is a capable officer and I wanted to be sure other equally capable officers are watching her back."

"Thanks, Sarge. I appreciate it."

"Just want to be sure you are 100% on board. If you don't want to be part of this, there's no harm in backing out. We've still got time to get somebody else."

"No Sarge, I mean I'm just nervous to be in a room with all that brass. What if they want more experienced guys on this."

"You let me worry about how the 2-9 presents itself. I have no doubt that we will impress."

"As long as we keep Tuna from telling any of his stories," Abe joked.

By the time the meals were finished, everyone seemed considerably more at ease. After dinner, Jamie paid for the check, and the group agreed to meet at the Starbucks across from the 63rd precinct 30 minutes before they were scheduled to show up for the operational meeting.

When they arrived back home, Eddie was texting with her partner Rachel. The two had become fast friends in a way she had never bonded with Maya. Eddie, Rachel and Kara Walsh we're looking forward to spending that Friday evening taking a pottery class at a studio in Brooklyn. Wine, crafts and much needed girl time was on the menu and Eddie couldn't be more excited. Jamie could swear he saw her text the word "Frankie" in one exchange with her girls. Eddie quickly shut off her phone and turned her attention back to Jamie.

"So who is going on this artistic adventure with you tomorrow" Jamie asked.

"I already told you about Rachel and Kara. It looks like your old friend Annabelle wants to join us too. It's going to be a great night! Girls night adventures might be our new thing. We're considering opening it up to all the females in our squads. Maybe even open it up to the whole precinct eventually. I want to encourage our female officers to realize they can be girly girls once the uniform comes off at the end of their shift. It's tough navigating this male dominated job all day."

"I'm proud of you, babe. Not just because of this decoy operation but because you are an amazing cop. Our female officers are lucky to have you in their ranks. Speaking of friends, how is your friend, Frankie doing?"

"Frankie is doing great. We will catch up next week." Eddie responded without a hint of awkwardness but also without providing any additional details.

Jamie was exhausted and confused but he didn't want to seem jealous and mistrustful. He took his wife's hand and they headed to bed