A Fresh Start Chapter 12
Adapting and Understanding
Since the Bitterman case, Jamie and his dad had been having weekly meetings to find ways that they could work together more effectively. All of the past issues that Frank had with the FBI were going away because the SAC for the area understood the needs of the city. Most people thought that Jamie was cowering to his dad, but in reality, Jamie was as strong and stubborn as his dad and was protecting the FBI in the same way his dad was protecting the NYPD.
Frank and Jamie were working on a joint program that would increase FBI and NYPD presence in the community. They wanted to show a united front like they did during the Bitterman case.
Jamie was headed to Washington DC with his Regional Director for his probationary review. He was nervous. This was the first time that someone in a wheelchair was placed in his position. He knew that everything he'd done over the last few months was under a microscope. He'd been an ASAC long enough to know that the SAC underwent more scrutiny to begin with.
"Jameson, we wanted to have this meeting to talk about your progress." FBI Director Parsons stated knowing that Jamie was nervous.
"Yes sir." Jamie said as he looked between his two bosses.
"We've been monitoring your progress in your new position." Regional Director Omar said.
"Jameson, you've dealt with some precarious situations both in our office and within the community. Unfortunately, you inherited some issues from your predecessor." Parsons knew whoever he placed in New York was going to have issues. Frank Reagan was a strong leader for the NYPD, but often clashed with the federal agencies.
"Yes sir."
"ASAC Michaels had some issues before, but things seemed to escalate when he didn't get the promotion. He made some bad decisions, and you were right that he needed to be let go." Omar stated and made a point to look at Parsons so he could confirm what he was saying.
"Yes sir, he was harassing his team and causing issues with the NYPD detectives when out at crime scenes. The problems just kept piling up." Jamie said knowing that they both knew why he had to fire the man. He'd heard he was trying to get hired back onto the NYPD in an elevated position.
"We think that he thought you wouldn't be able to fire him or that you wouldn't be around that long. He was focusing on the wrong things. You handled that very well." Parsons knew that it was hard for Jamie to come to them with these concerns because it involved his wife, and he didn't want it to appear that he was looking for revenge or giving anyone special treatment.
"I've spoken to the PC, many of his chiefs, and agents in command with DEA, Homeland Security, ATF and the Coast Guard, all have had nice things to say about how you handle things." Omar smiles, trying to alleviate Jamie's nerves.
"You've been able to repair our relationship with the NYPD, and we understand that has more to do with your understanding of the city than your family connection. This program that starts next week to enhance our community involvement will go a long way to helping people trust us and come to us for help when they need us." Parsons praises Jamie.
"Yes sir, I was trained on community policing when I went to the academy. I understand at the federal level it means something different, but it doesn't mean that we cannot engage the communities that we are working a majority of our cases in."
"Jameson, you've gone above and beyond what we expected you to do in this position and we understand that it's only been a little over six months since you were shot. Please take any time you need for your recovery. As you know we got approval for the program, and if it is successful, we would want you to roll it out to all of the FBI offices. We understand that you've rolled out a legal training program for the LAPD, and other PDs throughout the country so we know that this is something you are capable of doing."
"Yes sir. I can do that. Would I travel to all the offices or would the SAC's come in for a training?" Jamie was curious.
"We would have them come to a training in New York, and we would like to have you lead, but also have some of the NYPD there to echo what you're saying and their experiences."
"Ok. I can do that. How long is my next probationary period?" Jamie expected a year.
"As of this meeting, you're off probation. Your disability has not hurt your work at all, and we hope that you open doors for others. You've spent more time at crime scenes than many others in your position and you guide all of those on your teams, not just your agents. Good job SAC Reagan."
"Thank you, sirs."
Two things shocked Jamie, he was able to fly back to New York the same day because they wanted him to start putting together definitive dates for the program to start and that he'd only been on probation for three months. He'd expected a year because he knew with his disability concerns existed.
Arriving home, he surprised everyone. Betty and the kids were happy because they hadn't gotten to spend a lot of time with their dad lately. Jamie decided to take the kids out for dinner and leave Eddie, his dad, and grandfather some quiet time in the house.
"Did you guys have a good day at school?"
"Yeah, I can't believe I'm getting close to graduating high school." Betty said
"I had a history and calculus test today." Bella smiled.
"We did an experiment in science today, and I got to present my findings in the front of class because I scored one hundred percent." Frankie was proud. He'd been the only one to get a hundred percent.
"I had a good day too. Let's celebrate, everyone eat a good dinner and the three of you get to decide on dessert."
"Can we go somewhere else if we want something that they don't have?" Betty knew what Bella and Frankie wanted most and the diner didn't have it.
"Yes, as long as we are home early enough for all of you to get your homework done." Jamie smiled.
"But it's Friday, we got all weekend to do our homework. He knew that they all had a good amount of homework." Frankie pouted.
"Yes, it is, but if you get all or most of it done tonight, we might get to do some fun things this weekend." Jamie didn't want to tell them his plans before he told Eddie.
"Ok."
The kids happily ate their dinner and ordered dessert from the pizza place so they could get their homework finished. The thought of spending more time alone with their dad or both their parents was exciting after not seeing much of especially their dad for a while.
Once home the kids went to their rooms to grab their homework and went to the dining room table. Eddie didn't know what was happening. They had good kids, but this was extraordinary.
"So, how did you get them to come home and do their homework?" Eddie wanted to know his secret so she could use it.
"I promised to spend time together this weekend and we couldn't do that if they had homework. I said it was up to you if you wanted some quiet time or wanted to join us."
"I bet that they're excited. They haven't seen much of you since you started the new gig. They've dealt with a lot of changes this year. Being a teenager is hard enough without dealing with everything else."
"They're handling it well. I know it's not easy and they hear people talk too, what about you?" Jamie was concerned that he hadn't been paying enough attention to her again.
"Well, my boss getting fired was interesting and your first few weeks back were hard. It wasn't as much the chair as much as it was that we are married. Don't get me wrong the chair comes up, but you've done a lot to make it not matter."
"Ed, we've been together a long time now, you more than anyone else know that my work ethic hasn't changed, just the way that I have to do some things."
"I know, and it is hard to see you struggling sometimes, but the more time goes on the less you seem to be struggling and Linda says that soon all you'll need is your regular workouts. She won't need to be involved anymore."
"On that note. I have an idea." Jamie grinned.
"What?"
"Linda wouldn't let us pay her, so how about you and I send them away for a long weekend. We can afford it. I know my dad isn't ready for us to move out yet, and we both got pay raises when we came here."
"Let's do it!"
The remainder of the night is spent figuring out, based on conversations that Eddie and Jamie have had with Danny and Linda where the best place is to send them. This got them thinking about a vacation for their family. It had been a while, and even then, when they did decide on a vacation Jamie was worried that they wouldn't be able to do what the kids really wanted.
Saturday morning Bella wanted to go out for breakfast so she could get pancakes, and then all three kids wanted to go to their favorite bookstore. Once they all got new books, they went to a park nearby so they could read at Betty's request. They always kept a blanket in the car for days like this, and Frankie requested dinner from a hot dog stand. Jamie had already told his dad and grandpa that they wouldn't be home for dinner. It's late by the time that they get home, but the kids are all so happy. It was a simple day, and reminded Eddie and Jamie when the kids were younger.
Sunday they're told the only thing that they have to do is family dinner. Jamie and Eddie decided that Jamie and the kids were going to spend the morning playing basketball while she went to church with the family. The kids were waiting for Jamie to leave for the park. They all loved playing basketball, because it was something they did with their dad before his accident, and after. They make it home with just enough time to get ready for dinner.
Dinner starts with a bang, because Danny doesn't know any other way.
"So, Jamie, do you still have a job? I heard you spent a day in DC last week."
Frank isn't surprised at Danny's comment but isn't happy about the way he worded the question. Henry just shakes his head.
"Yes, Danny, I still have a job. I'm off probation. We've been celebrating all weekend!"
"We got to spend Saturday reading in the park with mom and dad!" Bella was so happy. She'd spent the entire day curled up in Jamie's lap on the blanket. It didn't matter how old she got, she almost lost more than once, and it was hard for her to be away from him too long.
Danny just shook his head. Only his kid brother would have kids that loved to read that much. His kids were teenagers, his life wasn't supposed to easy in that area of his life. He was dealing with Jack and Sean's drinking and skipping school. He and Linda's life wasn't near as easy.
"That sounds like it was a great day, sweetheart." Henry laughed.
"We got to spend all morning playing basketball too!" Betty said knowing that would frustrate her cousins.
"Why couldn't we play basketball this morning dad?" Sean asks immediately. They never got to miss church.
"Because church is important, and we didn't have anything to celebrate and you guys get to see me a lot more than Bella, Betty, and Frankie get to see Uncle Jamie." Danny said knowing that Jamie had been working some crazy hours lately. Even though they worked Bitterman together he had no idea how many more hours those above him put in putting all the information the detectives collected to build an ironclad case. He'd learned it was more complicated with more than one agency.
"So, when you work a big case, and we don't see you for days we can play basketball on Sunday?" Jack asked. It wouldn't be long before he left for college so he wanted those days if they could happen.
"Jack, Sean, we know we work a lot too, we'll talk about it." Linda said. She smiled at the fact that her teenage sons still wanted to spend time with them.
"Okay." The boys say in unison.
Nikki was sitting there knowing that she's lucky. Her mom worked a lot but compared to her uncles and grandfather it wasn't too bad. Plus, there was a lot she could bring home to do so they still got dinners together.
"Uncle Jamie how's basketball?" Nikki loved that he was doing something he loved.
"Good. We had our first game Wednesday night, and we won! It's a great group of people playing." Jamie smiled he loved being back on the court.
"People, it's not all guys?" Sean asked confused.
"Nope, it's men and women. It's a great league."
"Are all of the games on Wednesday's?" Frank and Henry both wanted to go, but Jamie hadn't shared much about the league.
"Yes, for the most part, if we make the playoffs the days may change."
Eddie watched her husband. She'd been at the game, but he didn't even want the kids there yet. He was still struggling with some things and after everything he's been through, she thinks it's okay.
"He played a good game. He's the newest person on the team too." Eddie said trying to get the family to give him a little more space.
"Jamie, we'd love to come to one of your games." Erin wanted to be more involved in her little brother's life. After so many years with him away and almost losing him during that time a couple of times she wanted to be a bigger part of his life.
"I'm still figuring things out; this was only my second game. Things are a little different than what I'm used to. We'll have games for the next three months." Jamie needed time.
"Okay, Jamie, let us know when you're ready and whoever you want will be there cheering you on." Frank said hoping he opened up to having more people sooner than later.
Monday was a big day for Jamie. He was launching his new program. Five precincts were getting an additional detective who was going to be partnered with an FBI agent. The objective was to get the FBI out into the community more, so people trusted them more, and by partnering with the NYPD they were going to help those detectives be a part of bigger cases. Each detective was hand-picked by their CO, and Jamie hand-picked each FBI agent from across the country.
There would be a team in each borough. They would report to two people, the CO of their detective squad and Jamie. Jamie was working with each of those COs and had explicit approval that he was supposed to get one-hundred percent cooperation if not 1PP would get involved and none of the precincts wanted that.
All members of this team were gathered in a big conference room at 26 Fed. Jamie could sense everyone's nerves. Only two of the agents were previously stationed in New York and one other was originally from New York but had been stationed in San Diego before accepting the new assignment. The other two were from Denver and Las Vegas. These five agents were all known for their community engagement, and each had a high solve rate and were ready to work on the harder cases that could come in. The five detectives were chosen for similar reasons.
The teams were, Agent Sara Owens and Detective Lance Montgomery, they would be at the 121st precinct on Staten Island. Agent Aaron Yin and Detective Jerry Rutkowski, they are at the 75th precinct in the Bronx. Agent OA Zidan and Detective Joe Hill, they will be out of the 54th precinct in Manhattan. Agent Lindsey Stillman and Detective Tyler Milton, they are at the 21st precinct in Queens. Agent Maya Veltroni and Detective Abigail Yin, they will be out of the 35th precinct out of Brooklyn. (Check the precincts in the Burroughs)
"Good morning, everyone, and welcome to twenty-six Fed if this is your first time. Each of you was specifically chosen for this project. I am Special Agent in Charge Jameson Reagan, I have been with the FBI for seven years, and I was previously a detective with LAPD, and I walked a beat in Manhattan as part of the NYPD. This project is important to both the NYPD and FBI. Each of you will have support from both twenty-six Fed and 1PP. Detectives if you get a pushback from your new COs, please come to me directly and I will work with 1PP on the issue. Today is about getting to know each other and understanding what the goals are." Jamie watched each person around the room.
"Sir, who will we be getting cases from primarily?" Owens asked.
"The CO at your precinct, but your cases will be decided by priority, and I will have knowledge of each case."
"Will we have access to a team at twenty-six Fed or will we be using NYPD resources?" Stillman asked. She loved her analysts and techs. They were dedicated to them and their cases they didn't have to share with thirty-five thousand other cops.
"Each team will have their own FBI analyst and tech, that will be stationed here at twenty-six Fed."
"Can we still use TARU?" Hill asked, knowing that they were very helpful too.
"It depends on what you're using them for and the case in general. It's not that we don't trust TARU, I personally know how good they are. It's that you are working on more sensitive cases and all of your cases will have a federal aspect to them. That is part of why you are all assigned to the specific precincts."
After a few more questions the group was split into the new partnerships and so they could meet their support teams. Jamie had assigned each partnership a team leader while they were in the office that day. The person they were assigned to would be able to help them all day.
Jamie rolled over to Agent Zidan and Detective Hill. "Hello gentlemen, since you'll be assigned here in Manhattan, you'll be at twenty-six Fed the most, so I decided to be your team lead today."
"Yes sir." OA said.
"Follow me and I'll take you to your analyst and tech." Jamie made his way through the conference room and into the elevator and pressed five. "If I remember correctly, you're from the Bronx, Agent Zidan, and you're from Queens Detective Hill."
"Yes, I am, please call me OA. Born and raised and it's nice to be back in New York."
"Yes sir, please call me Joe."
"Wonderful. Please call me Jamie. I'm from Brooklyn. You'll be at the 5-4 and assigned to the Major Case Squad. My oldest brother Danny is at the 5-4 and on the Major Case Squad. I'm sure that you'll run into him." Jamie couldn't resist bringing up his loud boisterous brother. He knew Danny was going to hate having the FBI in his squad.
"I've heard of Danny Reagan and some of his stunts." Joe said wondering if he would be surrounded by the Reagans now.
"He's a hell of a cop but does things his own way which is very different than how I do them."
"Are you related to the PC too?" OA didn't want to assume anything.
"Yes, he's, my father."
They arrived at the fifth floor, and it was time to introduce them to their team.
"Agent OA Zidan and Detective Joe Hill, this is your analyst, Eddie Reagan."
"Nice to meet both of you." Eddie said getting up and shaking their hands. "Full disclosure, I am married to SAC Reagan."
"Nice to meet you." Joe said.
"Wow, I thought most Reagans were NYPD." OA laughed.
"Well, I'm the black sheep of the family. I left the NYPD. Eddie was LAPD too. She's one of the best analysts that the FBI has. That's why she was chosen for this assignment."
"Nice to meet you, Eddie." Joe and OA say at the same time. Causing Eddie to laugh.
"Nice to meet both of you too."
"And I'm Allison Vallejo, your tech. Eddie and I have worked together on and off since we both joined the FBI. I'm new to this office, but I am a New Yorker." She smiled.
Jamie left the four to talk while he made his way into his office. He had some work he had to get through but was happy with the way that the day had progressed. He'd spent a majority of the day with the team, and they had lunch brought in. It was a good day, but he'd have Eddie give him her review on the way home too. He'd just finished up an email to his dad when Joe knocked on the door.
"Hey Joe, come in. How was your day?"
"It was great. This program could make some good changes in the community." Joe smiled.
"I hope so. I know how important community policing is to the NYPD, and since both organizations work closely, I hope we make a difference." This was important to Jamie. Working with the people in the community is part of what he loved and missed about walking a beat.
"Sir, I need a few minutes of your time, if you've got it, otherwise I'll make an appointment." Joe was nervous and looking all around Jamie's office.
"Sit down Joe. Can I get you anything?" Jamie was worried because of Joe's nervousness. He was a good detective; he'd read his file and he knew that he'd be good for the program.
"No, I'm okay. So, this is personal."
"Okay. If there is anything I can do to help let me know." Jamie was trying to think of what the best thing to say was.
Joe just started talking. He couldn't wait anymore. "I never got to meet my dad. He was killed several years ago. My mom never told me who he was up until this weekend."
"I'm so sorry. I can't imagine. Why did your mom tell you who your dad is last weekend?" Jamie was curious.
"Because she knew that I was going to meet you. You knew my dad."
Jamie was wracking his brain trying to figure out who his dad could be. "Who's your dad?"
"Joseph Reagan. I was named after him."
Jamie's speechless. Joe had a kid that no one ever told him about. Did his dad know? Did Joe know he had a kid? So many questions were swirling around in his brain. It was a little bit of a joke, but he was happy that he was sitting down for this information because it definitely would have knocked him off his feet.
"Your mom's Paula Hill?" Jamie had been running through who was in his brother's life twenty-five years earlier.
"Yes, you know her?"
"Your mom and dad got stuck babysitting me sometimes."
Joe gave Jamie a funny look. He really didn't know anything about the family other than Jamie's position, his grandfather being PC, and Danny's a detective.
"I'm ten years younger than your dad. Danny is the oldest, then your dad then Erin and all three watched me at one point or another. Danny and Erin got me back though because I've babysat their kids as often as I was able. It wasn't a big deal I love my niece and nephews, but it was the way that they would go about it."
"Ok, so I have cousins."
"What do you know about the family?" Jamie was curious. He knew that they should get tested to prove that they really were related. He would have that conversation with him later.
"Not much."
"You actually have six cousins. Erin's daughter is Nikki, Danny and Linda have Jack and Sean, and Eddie and I have Betty, Frankie, and Bella. Dad and Pop live together in Bay Ridge in my childhood home. Well right now my family is there too. Danny and Linda live in Staten Island, and Erin's in Brooklyn."
"What happened? I know you said you worked patrol for NYPD and was a detective for LAPD." Joe was curious. The Reagans were very private but lived in the spotlight.
"I was shot serving a warrant in Dallas. It's been almost a year, and I'm adapting so is the family. Some members easier than others. I won't let being in this chair stop me from achieving my goals."
"Wow. Umm… I'm guessing that you want to get tested against me to prove I am who I claim to be?" Joe asked wanting to get this part over with.
"I would like to before I speak to the family. How would you like to proceed?" Jamie knew that they could do the testing at the FBI, and everything would be kept confidential.
"Other than being tested I don't know what I want to do next, and I'm not even sure how that would go."
Jamie pulls two DNA que tips with the plastic protective end out of his desk drawer, and hands one to Joe and tells him to do the test, while he does himself.
"I'll take care of the test don't worry. Did you set up meetings with your team here?"
"Yes, we'll be at this office every two weeks to meet with the team unless a case brings us in sooner."
"Okay. I'll call you when the results come in, but honestly you remind me of Joe. Some of your mannerisms are the same his, and you look like him."
"Thank you. I wasn't sure how you were going to react."
"Joe was my best friend, but I had been in Boston for the last seven years. There was a lot that we didn't know about each other. A lot we missed about each other's lives, but that was also the time he encouraged me to follow my dreams even if it meant leaving New York."
"That must have been hard."
"It was. I hope you got my number, and we can talk through what happens next, okay?"
"Yeah, that sounds good. Thank you."
With that Joe left. He couldn't believe he'd done it. Now to decide what the next step was and knowing that he would run into another one of his uncles at the 5-4. He didn't know yet that Danny had volunteered to be the detective to show he and OA around the new station house. Danny had been learning a lot from Jamie about community relations and how to improve things and why it was important. He wished he'd learned it earlier and could have been one of the detectives paired with an FBI agent. He'd learned that Baez had made the short list and he almost lost another partner. He wasn't ready to lose Baez, she was the partner he'd been with the longest and they'd developed a strong partnership.
Jamie was shell shocked. He took the test down to the lab and asked that the results be given directly to him. Eddie had made her way home to have dinner with the kids. Eddie's parents had surprised Jamie with a car he could drive. There were days he still had the driver, but it depended on his schedule. He couldn't have been happier that he'd driven. Jamie hadn't realized how late it had gotten and before he knew it, it was dark out as he made his way to the cemetery.
"Joe, I met your son today. Did you know? I've only spent a few hours with him, but he seems great."
Jamie paused almost as if he was waiting for Joe to answer him.
"Ya know out of the four of us, I expected Danny to have a kid show up that he didn't know about. I met him today because he was picked for program that I'm running. He said he didn't know that you're his dad until last weekend. I guess the Reagan confined to a wheelchair is the least intimidating."
Jamie sighed. The day before that point had been great. He was excited about the impact on the city and if it went well the country.
"Joe, I won't let you down. If I can help him in anyway. I will."
At that point Jamie was just enjoying being in the cool night air. He'd moved on and was talking to his mom when his dad showed up.
"Eddie's worried, it's almost ten, Jamie." Frank could see that his son was tired and stressed.
"Sorry dad. Today went great overall. I think that the program is going to be a success."
"A lot of this is you. You got the budget approved, and we were able grow both of our forces. Plus, you really understand the importance of community policing when you're out on the street."
"Just doing my job. Nothing special."
Frank had been in his position long enough to understand that what Jamie did should have been done by the Reginal Director, not a new Special Agent in Charge. He knew Jamie wasn't being modest, he truly did see this as his job, and that's why Frank knew he was going to go far.
"What's got you upset?"
Jamie was tired and not even thinking about what he said next. "I met Joe's son today. He looks a lot like him and even has some of his mannerisms. He seemed familiar all day, and I had no idea why."
"Is he NYPD? How do you know he's not lying?" Frank was shocked.
"Yeah, he's a detective. I'll know as soon as I get the DNA test back. As soon as I know I'll let you know, but dad I told him that the next step was up to him. We can be a bit much to be around sometimes, and he's going to meet Danny tomorrow, but I don't think he'll be telling him anything."
"What's his name?"
"Joe Hill, but Dad, you can't contact him. We need to go at his pace." Jamie was regretting telling his dad.
"I won't say anything, Jamie." Frank was sure that his expression mirrored Jamie's.
"Thanks, dad. We should get home. We do have to work tomorrow, sorry you had to come out and find me."
"It's okay. We all have times that we need some space. We don't get that opportunity with all the people in the house."
"Dad, are you ready for us to move out?" Jamie and Eddie had been talking about where and what they would look for in their own place in New York.
"Jamie, your grandfather, and I have both admitted that, at times we miss how quiet the house used to be, but we wouldn't change a thing, we love having all of you with us." Frank watched Jamie's face for his reaction.
"That being said, do you want your house back?" Jamie wanted the truth. It didn't matter how much they wanted them here, they were staying in New York. It's not like if they left, they were leaving the state. Right now at least.
"No, are you guys ready to be out on your own again?"
"Dad, I appreciate that you've let us stay so long, but we need to find our own place eventually and let's be honest it might take a little time. It just depends on if we go into an apartment and finding an accessible one takes time or if we get a house and have to renovate to fit our needs."
"Think about it this way, when you and Eddie are working crazy hours, pop and I are always at the house and it's easy to get the kids from school. When you have to go to DC, Eddie doesn't have to worry because someone is usually at the house. I know last time we talked about this it came down to the fact that I wasn't ready for you to move out yet, and honestly that's still the case, but I do recognize that you're doing great, and you don't need someone with you all the time."
"Dad. I've always enjoyed my alone time. I think after having three kids I enjoy it more because it rarely happens. Although I think I got lucky, all three of my kids remind me of me as a teenager. Bella is finally to a point where she'll leave me alone because she knows that I'm okay."
"Yeah, it was hard for all of us. Early on it was hard for Linda to leave the house. I had to remind her that she had her own family, that we had things taken care of at the house."
"I know. Eddie and I are sending Linda and Danny away for a long weekend. They need some time to themselves, and it was the best way that we could think to repay her for all she did for me. Ya know she never let us pay her for anything." Jamie smiled. It was way past time the focus was off of him and onto anyone else.
It was almost midnight by the time they made it home and into bed. At this point Jamie and his family were still going to be at the family home in Bay Ridge for the foreseeable future. Jamie and Eddie had started looking at places and were trying to decide what would be best for their family, but hadn't been able to really figure anything out.
Joe and OA arrived at the 5-4 the next morning bright and early. They were looking forward to getting to know the area and the people.
"Hey Detective Hill and Agent Zidan?" Danny asked wishing he could be sure, but he didn't have the best track record of knowing the people who worked in the house with him. Getting to know his coworkers better was something he was working on.
"Yes." Joe and OA said at the same time, both wondering if this is their guide.
"My name is Danny Reagan; I've been a Detective with the NYPD for twenty-five years. I think you met my baby brother yesterday, and my dad's PC."
"Nice to meet you, Detective." Joe couldn't believe his luck, was he going to be surrounded by Reagan's now?
"I'm gonna show you guys to your desks so you can put your stuff down and then I'll show you around the house, and then we're gonna head out into the community and I'm gonna focus on some problem spots this morning and then lunch and after that we'll head back here, and we can all get down to work."
The tour goes by fast. The only thing that caused a bump was Lt. G yelling at Danny to get his paperwork done by end of tour or he's in trouble. Danny just laughed and continued the tour. The drive around the neighborhood went better. Danny loved to be out of the office.
They ended up at a cute little diner for lunch. It was actually one of Baez's favorite spots, but she was off for the day.
"Why did you guys want to be cops?" Danny looks back and forth between the two guys.
"I was in the military, and when the opportunity arose to continue my service, it made sense and probably the best choice I ever made, and now my family's happy that I'm home." OA remembered when he decided to join the FBI.
"I could never see myself as anything other than a cop, so after high school I went to John Jay and as soon as I could I took the test and went to the academy. My grandfather and uncles were or are all cops with the NYPD." Joe thought about how that spanned across both families now but didn't say anything about his dad.
"I'm the same. My entire family including my brainiac little brother couldn't stay away, although the way he's going he's going to be running the NYPD or FBI before long. He's following in my dad and gramps footsteps unlike me. I'm meant to be a detective until I'm ready to retire."
"Your sister's and ADA in Manhattan, isn't she?" OA asked thinking the family was involved in all areas of the criminal justice system.
"Yes, and my sister-in-law in an analyst with the FBI, she was dispatch with LAPD. My wife is a private nurse, and she does physical therapy, but she worked for St. Victors for many years."
"Eddie's our analyst. We met her yesterday." OA reiterated. He thought that Danny should've known that fact.
In some ways he was surprised that Danny and Jamie were brothers. He'd heard many stories about the oldest Reagan; however, he hadn't heard much about Jamie since he'd left the NYPD. Some thought that Jamie couldn't handle being in his brothers' shadows. Jamie had made a name for himself outside of his family.
"Jamie said that you have two boys." Joe wanted to change the topic. He could see OA getting a little upset. OA liked things a certain way, and they were all trained investigators. It wasn't hard to pay attention to the information in a packet.
"Yeah, Jack and Sean. They're great, Jack's in medical school now, and Sean's in college. Joe what made you want to take part in this program with the Feds?" Danny's curiosity was getting the better of him.
"I wanted to see law enforcement from another perspective. I decided to apply when I heard about Agent Reagan running the program. He's had a very impressive career." Joe smiled. He wondered if this would upset Jamie's older brother.
"Yeah, he has, and the kid never gives up, thank God. My younger brother Joe, and Jamie's older brother was killed in a situation very similar to how Jamie was injured, and we were all afraid that we were going to lose him." Danny was pulled into the memories of when he'd learned both of his brothers had been shot.
"I can't imagine. It's hard enough knowing you have friends that are out there every day, but family." OA was thankful that his family was safe.
"We all grew up with it, and my kids and Jamie's kids are now too. I think in the back of our minds once we knew he was okay we all hoped that he'd go back to practicing law, but the FBI surprised us all and promoted him. It was hard seeing him at a crime scene and not being able to tell him to leave to get to safety because he belonged there or in a few cases was running the scene."
"He's a really good at what he does. I was happy to be transferred to work in his office. He may be new at this role, but he's already done more in his position than some that have been in it for years." OA had a lot of friends at the New York office and had wanted to come home, but before Jamie got there, there were some issues, and he was happy that he didn't have to deal with them.
"That's what I've heard. What do your parents think about the path you guys have taken?" Danny always wondered. People thought that as a Reagan they were expected to become cops, but in reality, no one in the family every wanted Jamie to ever become a cop.
"Since I was military, I think that they were just happy that I was at least home. They worry but support me. The community I grew up in not as much they see it as betrayal." OA stated knowing he made the right choice.
"My mom is nervous, but supportive. My uncles are all for it, and I never met my dad." Now that Joe knew who his dad was and after listening to Jamie talk about him the day before made him sad.
On that sad comment Danny decided it was time to head back to the 5-4. He was hoping to catch a case so he could get out of paperwork. A thought occurred to him as they drove back that if a big case that came in and had any tie ins to the FBI, Hill and Zidan would get it and not himself and Baez. He might have to get better at doing paperwork.
A few days later the results were in, and it had been verified. Jamie and Joe were related. Jamie wanted to meet Joe for lunch or dinner rather than bring him back in the office so soon. The call went well, and they had plans to meet for dinner in Brooklyn Thursday night. He and his dad worked it out so that he and pop would take the kids for the night so Eddie could have some time to herself.
Thursday came quickly. Before he knew it he arrived at one of his favorite places when he lived in Brooklyn Heights. It gave him another chance to look at the area too. It wouldn't be a bad place for the kids to be.
"Hey Joe, just curious why Brooklyn, I thought you lived in Queens?"
"Well, now that I'm working in Manhattan it'll be a lot more convenient. I'm looking at places here in Brooklyn Heights. Rents not bad and it seems like a nice area."
"I know of a great building. I lived there for two years before moving to SoCal. I still know the landlord if you wanna take a look. No pressure." Jamie laughed.
"Thanks, give me the address, and I'll take a look. So, you said the results were in." Joe stated.
"Yes, like I said before I didn't have a lot of doubts, and my gut was right. I'm your uncle."
"Okay." Joe didn't really know what to say. It was one thing for his mom to tell him and he trusted her, but to have scientific evidence was another thing all together. One thing that he was happy about was the DNA was run through the FBI and not NYPD where his family had access to it.
"Joe, we all miss your dad, a lot. I'm not gonna lie, once the family knows about you, they are gonna want to get to know you. As we spoke about this last time, the next step is up to you and I promise I won't push, but I will be here to support you."
Joe just sat and moved the food around on his plate a little, so he didn't have to look at Jamie. After spending time with Danny this week, he was happy with the fact that he told Jamie rather than Danny. He wasn't sure he'd get this support from the older brother.
"I want to meet the rest of the family, but Danny told OA and I about Sunday dinners as he took us around the 5-4, I don't know if I'm ready for that yet."
Jamie was relieved that he wanted to be a part of the family or at least meet them.
"Would you be willing to meet, my dad, grandpa and my kids for dinner tomorrow?" Jamie was hopeful.
"Isn't that a little quick?"
"No, I'll cook. I can handle everything."
"Okay. Send me the address and let me know a time. Can I bring anything?"
"Just yourself, and don't worry. One thing though the rest of the family will find out on Sunday."
"I figured. Maybe after this dinner, you, Danny, Erin, and I can all meet up for lunch one day or something and then I can meet their families."
"Let's see how tomorrow goes, and hopefully we can do that next week. Just be prepared for Danny to confront you next week." Jamie warned knowing nothing would stop his overbearing brother. No matter what warning he or their dad gave him.
Jamie stopped on his way home and picked up everything he needed for his cheese and chicken enchiladas, homemade tomatillo salsa, and cilantro lime rice. The kids were going to be thrilled. Once the groceries were put away, he called everyone into the living room.
"Dad, what's up, I want to go play basketball with Max." Frankie whined.
"Is your homework done?"
"No, but almost."
"Family meeting, homework, and then you can meet Max at the park as long as it's not too late. Don't just rush through it either because you know bad grades equal more studying and less time with friends."
"Okay." Frankie said sadly. He thought he might be able to wiggle out some math homework.
"Told you." Betty said while sticking her tongue out at her little brother.
Frankie did the same back to her.
"Will you both stop. Dad has something to tell us." Bella the peacekeeper of Jamie's little family said pointedly.
"Everything okay Jamie?" Henry asked worried that his grandson and his family were going to leave them again.
"Yeah, we'll start in a few minutes when dad gets here. He said he just turned into the neighborhood."
Five minutes later Frank was home, put away his briefcase and was ready for this meeting.
"Sorry, I would have been home sooner, but I was stuck in a budget meeting. What's up Jamie?"
"Joe has a son." Jamie waited for everyone's reactions. Eddie and his kids all knew about his brother who was killed.
"What's his name?" Henry couldn't believe what he was hearing.
"His name's Joe Hill and he's a detective at the 5-4 and in the FBI/NYPD program I'm running."
"Joe's your nephew?" Eddie asks surprised. She's part of his team and spent a lot of time with him. She was a little surprised that Jamie didn't tell her.
"He's your nephew too. I'm sorry that I didn't let you know what was going on before."
"So, he's our cousin then too?" Betty askes.
"Yes."
"But he works with you so he's older." Frankie complains.
"Yes, he's twenty-six."
"You guys have to remember that your dad is a lot younger than his siblings. Danny, Joe, and Erin were all adults already while he was still in junior high and high school."
"We know, grandpa. It's just our friends' cousins are their ages, not working or off at college." Bella emphasizes.
"I know. Your dad, delt with a lot of stuff like that growing up too. Despite, growing up in the same house as Danny, Joe, and Erin, things were very different for him."
"When can we meet Joe?" Henry asked understanding the current situation, but ready to meet his newest great-grandchild.
"Tomorrow, that's why I stopped by the store on my way home. I invited him for dinner, so I'm cooking tomorrow. I'll be home early."
"I can help." Henry still worried about Jamie doing some everyday things. He knew Jamie was dealing with enough at work and his big family.
"Okay. I'll take the help." Jamie smiled knowing he probably wouldn't be able to get his grandpa to change his mind. Sometimes it was just easier to give in.
Frank just smiled and got the kids started on their homework.
The next day Jamie took a half day off. Eddie was planning on it but was called into help another team with a case since her team was a little slow. She was used to being pulled in to help.
Jamie got home and actually had some time to relax which hadn't really happened much since moving home. He was either in rehab, at the doctor, doing things with the family or working.
"Hey Jamie. What time is Joe coming over?" Henry asked a little worried about his grandson. Jamie had moved himself over to the sofa and was reading a book
"He'll be here at six. We have some time. I made the chicken last night." Jamie smiled. He knew the best way to do things by himself was to wait until most of the house went to bed.
"That's great. Jamie are you okay with all this?"
"Grandpa, he's so much like Joe. A little quiet, but I think that's been caused by the situation. I could see how animated he was when he was talking about work or other things."
"I can't wait to meet him, but still, how are you with everything?" Henry knew what he was doing. Typical, Jamie was diverting the conversation, so he didn't share the things that were bothering him.
"Grandpa, I know you worry about me, but I promise that I'm okay. I know when I was younger, I bottled a lot of things up, but I don't do that anymore. I've got Eddie, the kids, and I'm still going to group once a month. I know that I'm paralyzed from the waist down and that it'll never change. I think I've adapted pretty well. I apologize for my bad days; I know in the beginning things were not easy and I appreciate your help."
"You never wanted to worry any of us because you know we all worry about you. You've done things the rest of us only could've imagined. Now you're running the NY branch of the FBI, and before you know it you'll be the Regional Director."
"I don't know about that. I may have topped out. I'm not exactly the poster boy that they want for the FBI." Jamie laughed. Laughter really was the best medicine sometimes.
"I think you're wrong. Remember, I was at the top, and the way things have changed now, anything is possible. This program you're doing could change a lot and really improve the working relationship between the NYPD and the FBI. Having those viewpoints out on the street together could catch somethings that others may miss." Henry could see Jamie going all the way either to PC or Director of the FBI.
"It was something I noticed when I walked a beat here and while I was a Detective in LA. There was a major disconnect and things were missed both places. This was my solution to plug those holes. If it works great. If not, then I need to figure out something else." Jamie saw a problem and he was determined to fix it.
"Jamie, don't let your age, being in that chair, or anything else stand in the way of what you see as your future. You're an excellent agent, you were a brilliant lawyer, and everything I've heard you're a great boss. I know your dad, was unsure of what it was going to be like to have you in that position, but I know he's been very impressed by how you've handled things. He's been dealing with Erin more since she was promoted to Bureau Chief, and things have not gone well."
"Yeah, I know. We've talked about it. She and I will probably be butting heads soon since I've got guys out there who could be involved in cases that could go through her office." Jamie hung his head. That was one thing he wasn't looking forward to. He and the federal prosecutor got along very well.
Henry and Jamie had made their way into the kitchen and Jamie was now filling the corn tortilla shells while Henry heated the tomatillo salsa and white queso for the topping.
"Your father was worried that you and he were going to have more issues. The guy before you wanted to take over the NYPD."
"Yeah, I've heard a lot about who I took over from. I was worried about my interactions with Dad too as soon as I learned about my new position. I don't back down, I can't. I represent the FBI and have our interests to think about as Dad has the NYPD."
"Jamie, keep doing what you're doing. Your father and I are very proud of you. Now this food smells great. I hope Joe likes to eat food from all over. It's always interesting when you guys cook considering all the places you guys have lived." Henry laughed.
The kids loved coming home to find Jamie at home. Dinner was assembled and almost ready to go into the oven. Jamie decided to see if the kids could get their homework done before Joe arrived. He grabbed some paperwork and they all sat at the kitchen table to work until it was time to get dinner in the oven.
Joe was set to arrive in a few minutes when Danny showed up unexpectedly.
"What the hell Jamie!" Danny yelled in each room he entered in the house until he found him in the kitchen.
"What's going on Danny?" Jamie turned around so he could be face to face with him, frustrated that the just showed up. He sent Eddie a quick text to keep Joe in the living room with the kids when he arrived.
"Why the hell is your rookie detective and that agent getting this cartel case?" Danny was upset.
Frank was on the other side of the door listening. He knew that this was going to happen, but knew it needed to. Danny had to figure out what he wanted to do, stay where he was or do things to move forward.
"Listen closely, Daniel. That case has ties to an open FBI investigation, that I cannot give you details to. It doesn't make sense to read in someone new when I have an agent in the area with experience in the case, and he can get his new partner up to speed quickly, and his partner is already associated with the FBI and will be included in the briefings without anyone having to pull any strings. This is what the program was set up for."
"I am a senior detective; this case should be mine." Danny had heard what Jamie said but his ego, took a hit, so he needed to find a way onto the case.
"It would have been yours if you or your superior would have put you up to join the program. Another case will come along that will be perfect for your skill level."
Danny knew Jamie was right, but it still hurt that he was passed over for a big case. "I know, but before this program, it would have been mine and Baez. Dad could still overrule you." Danny smiled at that last thought.
At that point, Frank walked through the kitchen door.
"That won't be happening Detective Reagan. This case is a joint case with the FBI, and they need to be involved. Now you are welcome to join us for dinner, or go home to Linda and the boys, but neither myself nor Special Agent in Charge Reagan can say anymore on the topic."
"Yes sirs. I'll stay for dinner. Linda's working and the boys aren't coming home this weekend."
Jamie rolled his eyes. Tonight, was not going to go well since Danny was already hot.
Danny decided to help Jamie with dinner since he just invited himself to dinner. He figured his grandfather would've been cooking though.
In the living room Joe had just shown up.
"Hey Eddie."
"Hey Joe, come on in and meet everyone." Eddie took his coat and showed him over to the couch.
"I'm Henry, you can call me pop. I'm your great-grandfather. It's very nice to meet you."
"Nice to meet you sir."
"Just Henry or pop please. I'm retired and haven't been a sir, in a long time." Henry laughed.
"And these three are mine and Jamie's kids, our oldest, Elisabeth, but she goes by Betty, and Arabella, is our youngest, and she goes by Bella and our son Francis, but we call him Frankie. Frankie's the lucky middle child. Kids, this is detective Joe Hill."
"Hi Joe. It's nice to meet you." Frankie said knowing that he now had another cop to talk to and ask questions.
"You work with mom and dad?" Bella asked.
"Yeah, and your uncle Danny. So, I heard you guys have lived a lot of different places, do you have a favorite?"
"He's your uncle too." Betty corrected. "I loved living in Seattle, but Michigan was fun too. New York has been cool too."
"I liked Michigan, but it's cool here too." Frankie said still missing friends there.
"The only place I didn't like was Texas because it was too hot and there wasn't a beach or water close by. We go to LA to see our other grandparents each summer and usually for a week at Christmas, so we get to spend enough time there." Bella said helping Joe to understand more about them.
"Mom and Dad adopted Bella and I after Dad saved us. That's why we look different, but we're still Reagans." Frankie smiled, making sure Joe knew his dad was a hero.
"Really, what did he save you guys from?" Joe was curious.
"Jamie was the hostage negotiator, in a domestic situation and he saved the kids, and it wasn't long and they were a part of our family." Eddie told the story like it was yesterday.
Jamie rolled into the living room and asked everyone into the dining room so they could eat.
"Hey Joe." Danny said and threw a questioning look at his dad, while Joe threw the same look at Jamie.
"Hi Danny. Nice to see you again."
"Joe, Danny stopped by to discuss something with work, and invited himself to dinner." Frank said wanting to take the heat off Jamie.
"Oh." Joe wasn't used to the big family setting.
"Danny, we learned that Joe is family." Henry said with a glare that meant he better behave or there were going to be issues.
"Oh." Danny said almost afraid to say anything with the looks he was getting from around the table.
"Danny, he's Joe's son." Jamie was waiting for the explosion.
"Joe's son." Danny said to no one.
"Yes. No one knew until recently, Danny. The remainder of the family will learn about this Sunday."
"Will you be at dinner Sunday?" Danny turns and asks Joe.
"No, not this week."
"And we understand why." Henry reiterated that they understood how hard this was.
"Thank you."
The rest of dinner was nice, and the kids took the lead and were able to lighten up the atmosphere. Jamie had never been more thankful for his kids. This was hard on all of them.
Danny was in shocked over the news he'd learned and headed right to the cemetery after dinner. He needed some time to himself before he headed home.
Sunday was interesting. Erin was in her own state of shock. She could've never dreamed that Joe had a child, and one that he never got to meet. Linda was wonderful and supportive like Eddie and Nikki, Sean and Jack were all happy to have another cousin. They were all looking forward to meeting Joe, but Jamie asked that they let Joe come to them and not search him out. Give him space to adapt instead of overwhelming him. They reluctantly agreed.