Breakable Finale
Captain Dan Ross of the Major Case Squad took care of the last of the paperwork and headed for home. He wanted to call Jennifer and apologize for leaving her so abruptly, but she had said she understood. He didn't see how, his ex never had.
He got home and saw that it was 10:00 pm. She'd be in bed by now. He checked his mail and opened an invitation. He was always receiving them and this looked no different than the rest of them.
It read:
You and a Guest are cordially invited to a Dinner
In honor of the fine work the NYPD and NYFD has done for
The City of New York
The Dinner will be held at 7:00 pm at the Towers Plaza.
Dress will be formal.
Please RSVP as soon as possible
He hated these formal dinners, but at least he was notified of it far enough in advance that he could come up with an excuse to get out of it.
He had no guest to take. Or did he? Was it possible that Jennifer would go with him? He really should go. He took a chance and picked up the phone. It rang four times before her sleepy voice picked it up. "Who is he and what did he do now?" she asked.
"He was calling to apologize again for standing you up." Dan said amused.
"Dan, hi. Sorry, I thought it was my daughter. She always calls after her dates and talks."
"That's alright. I shouldn't have called so late." He said amused.
"That's okay. Are you alright? You aren't hurt are you?"
"No, I'm fine. I'm actually embarrassed now. I should have waited to call you until the morning."
"I'm glad you called. You must have had a reason. It's nice to hear from you and that you're alright."
"I'd like to invite you to a dinner. It's a formal occasion, so feel free to say no, but it's for the Fire Department and the Police Department. I'd like to take you with me, if you'd like to go."
"When is it?"
"Saturday night at 7:00."
"Hmmm. I'll have to put my multitudes of admirers on hold for the night, but I think I can clear my schedule." She yawned. "Sorry."
He grinned. He knew perfectly well she didn't go out with any other admirers. "Don't worry about it. Shall I pick you up at 6:30?"
"Please. You are wearing a black tux, right?"
"Is there another color?" he teased back.
"Oh, honey, you have no idea."
He laughed. "Yes, it's black."
"I'll find a nice neon green camo'd something to match then." She said mischievously.
"Uh, probably not a good idea."
A full laugh came at him over the phone. "I'll dig out my best potato sack then. Thank you for asking me."
"I'll see you then."
"Come at 6:15, just in case you don't like what I get, okay?"
"Anything you choose will be great." He said.
"Please?" she asked sincerely.
"I'll be there with bells on."
"Jingle or cow?"
"Jingle or cow?"
"Think about it. Good night, Dan."
"Good night, Jennifer."
He hung up and he was on his way to the bedroom when it occurred to him what she had said. He laughed looking forward to Saturday night.
He scoured the city and came up with a surprise for Jennifer when he showed up at 6:15 on the dot. She answered the door. "Hello." She smiled at him. "You look handsome."
"Thank you, but no one's going to notice me for looking at you. You look beautiful."
"I told you, only my best potato sack for you. Come in, while I finish getting ready."
He followed her upstairs to her apartment. He noticed she was wearing moccasin slippers under her long ball gown. "I like the foot wear." He teased.
"My fuzzy pink slippers are in the laundry."
"So did your daughter call after I did?"
"No, she hasn't so I guess she found one she likes." She sat down on the sofa and kicked off her slippers, slipping on some silver sandals with slender heels that showed off her muscular legs to perfection. He wished she had on a shorter dress. He was a leg man. She bent over and buckled them on and he got a flash of cleavage.
He hastily looked away. She was up in a flash and grabbed her small handbag. "How is the weather outside?"
"It's nice now, but they said it might get cool later."
"I don't have anything to wear with this. I didn't think about it."
"I'll turn the heat on for you if you get cold. It'll only be from the building to the front, it's valet parking. You should be fine."
"If you say so." She checked her earrings and dropped her hands to smile at him. "I'm ready."
"You're missing something." He said.
A small frown creased her forehead. "I am? I thought I had everything."
He pulled a small box out of his pocket and handed it to her. "This is what you're missing."
"You didn't have to." She said pleased.
"I know. I wanted to."
She opened up the box and pulled the upper layer of cotton. Nestled in the box two pairs of earrings. One set with bells on them and one with cow bells on them. She grinned at him. "With bells on."
"I didn't want to wear them so I thought maybe you would."
She got tears in her eyes. "That is so incredibly thoughtful." She said.
"Don't cry. If you don't like them…." He said, concerned.
"I love them, really. I haven't had a present this nice since….Well, forever. Thank you, Dan."
She stepped forward and reached up to kiss his cheek. He turned so their lips met and he put his arms around her, careful not to crush her dress. He kissed her thoroughly noticing she kissed him back. He let her go before he gave up on the dinner altogether.
"Do you like to dance?" he asked.
"I'm very rusty." She sounded uncertain.
"We don't have to. I'm not sure there will be. I just thought I'd ask. Ready?"
"Ready."
He tucked her hand in the crook of his arm and led her to the door. He went down the stairs ahead of her incase she tripped and held the door for her both on the store and the car. She slipped into the seat and buckled the belt. She pulled the belt down.
He got in. "Is there something wrong with the belt?" he asked.
"I hate things around my neck. The belt cuts right across my neck and it makes me feel like I'm being choked. Since I have to wear the body finder, I just hold it this way."
"Body finder? The seatbelts save lives every day."
"And save cops from having to search for the bodies of the victims." She shot back. "It's nerves, Dan, don't pay any attention."
He reached over and touched her hand. "You'll do fine and you look beautiful. Besides you know all of my squad and Don Cragen. You'll be the hit of the place."
"Silver tongued devil." She squeezed his hand. "Drive, so we're not late."
"Yes, ma'am." He suited actions to words.
The hotel was pretty busy when they arrived. The valet took Dans keys while the doorman opened Jennifers door. Dan came around and offered her his arm again. She took it and he led her into the building.
The main room had been set up so that everyone could come in at one spot and Dan gave them his invitation. It wasn't necessary as the Police Commissioner was greeting everyone at the door. Dan shook hands with him and greeted his wife and introduced Jennifer. "So you're the woman I've been hearing so much about. It's a pleasure to finally meet you."
"Thank you. It's a pleasure to meet you, too."
"I need to ask you about how you managed to obtain the names of my officers without any kind of authorization."
"Mrs. Donato, you look lovely tonight." Jennifer said, not answering the man.
"Thank you, so do you." the woman said glancing at her husband.
"We need to find our seats." Dan said. "We're holding up the line."
"I'll talk to you later." The Commissioner said.
Dan steered her away from the line. "I think a good many people want to know how you did that." He told her.
"It was completely legal, I assure you."
"But you're not going to tell me?'
"If you can figure it out, I'll give you a treat."
"Dan, Jennifer, how are you?" a male voice called from behind them. It was Don Cragen.
Dan shook the hand of his friend. "Hi, Don. Good, how about you?"
"Jennifer, you look beautiful. You remember Alex Cabot. Dan, you might know her already."
"I know of her. Good evening, Ms. Cabot." Dan said politely.
"Captain Ross." The tall blond said. "Hello Jennifer? I can't find anything else like your business, on line or anywhere else."
"As far as I know, I'm the only one who has one like it other than the one I sold."
"Jennifer, I didn't know you would be here." A pleased female voice said. "Good evening, Captain." Alex Eames and Bobby Goren appeared in their circle.
"Hi, Alex. You look beautiful. Bobby, handsome as always." Jennifer said, warmly.
"You look nice yourself." Bobby said.
"Thank you."
Alex Cabots eyes were taking this all in. They were joined immediately by Mike and Carolyn then by Elliott and Olivia who all greeted Jennifer like a long time friend. She greeted them all and with smiles and comments. It was a sizeable group by the time they were all invited to take their seats. Dan took them to the their seats and made sure Jennifer got seated then took his seat.
As people walked by, a number of them greeted Jennifer by name with comments and smiles. She called them all by name. When the parade finally ended he leaned over and asked her. "How in the world do you remember so many people at one time?"
"Can I tell you later?" she asked.
"I want to know that." He grinned at her.
"You got it." She grinned back.
The Mayor of New York got up and made a speech, then so did the Police Commissioner and the District Attorney. Dinner was served while they all chatted about different things. Jennifer was a quiet attendee with a sparkling smile and she laughed as she followed the conversation. She made sure she kept her hands under the table occasionally touching Dans leg.
He put his hand on his leg and she touched it instead. He captured hers in his. She squeezed his hand and kept talking like nothing had changed, except that he kept losing track of the conversation. Luckily it was easy to pick it back up.
After dinner, there was dancing. Dan stood up and asked Jennifer to dance. She accepted with a smile and he led her out onto the floor. "Are you enjoying yourself?" he asked.
"I am. Everyone is so nice. But I'll tell you something. I think I have the handsomest date here."
"You are going to make my head swell." Dan said, rather nonplussed over the flattery.
"Shall I insult you to bring it back down to size?"
"No." he grinned.
After that dance she danced with Don Cragen, Mike Logan, several others and then Bobby invited. Dan was beginning to think he'd never get to dance with her again. She came to sit down and took a drink of her water, draining it. He poured her another and she sipped that.
Several men came by to dance, but she begged off. They went away without being offended. "I think you ought to get a job with the department." Alex said. "You seem to have a knack with people."
"I'm not bound by any rules of conduct, maybe that's the difference." Jennifer said mildly.
"So, are you planning on opening a second store?" Mike asked. "I hear you have quite a long waiting list to get in."
"No, no second location. I've had offers to sell out, but I'm not sure what I'm going to do."
Jennifer's body tensed up and Dan was concerned. He decided he was going to ask her about it later. "Dan, I don't believe I've met your companion." A womans voice over his shoulder said.
All of the men half rose to their feet. Dan stood all the way up and shook the hand of the woman who approached the table. "How are you? Captain Samantha Sackett, may I present Jennifer. Jennifer, Samantha Sackett of Major Case West."
Jennifer stood up and turned to the woman. "Captain Sackett, it's a pleasure to meet you."
"You are the woman who owns that business, I've heard about. Breakable, right?"
"Guilty as charged."
"I must say, I'm looking forward to your reaching our precinct. I understand it's quite a fun time."
Jennifer smiled, but she seemed reluctant. "Did I say something wrong?" Sackett asked.
"I, uh, wasn't going to say anything until later. I probably won't be coming to your precinct, Captain. I'm having some trouble with my location and it looks like I'm going to be forced out of my building and I'm not having any luck finding new headquarters. I have some more places I have to check out, but the rent is far higher than I can afford. I'm sorry."
"You should have said something." Dan scolded her mildly. "How long has this been going on?"
"I got a petition a couple of days ago from the neighbors asking my landlord to evict me. It seems the less law abiding of my neighbors are finding the parade of officials and officers is choking out their business. I'm the outsider so I'm the enemy. My landlord has given me an eviction notice."
"We'll get you a lawyer to fight this. It can't be legal." Alex said.
"The lease I had was conditional. That was the only way he'd rent to me. I've already checked with a lawyer. I'm out of there."
"We can find you somewhere else to set up." Mike said. "What you have is too valuable of a service to just close without warning."
"I think we might be able to find something in my area. We have had several businesses that left for one reason or another and I'd be glad to arrange extra patrols if you need the security." Captain Sackett said.
"I – I don't know what to say." Jennifer said overcome. "I – I'll have to give it some thought and…"
"I think we flustered her." Bobby said. "Jennifer, let us help you."
Don Cragen came over to see what was going on. "What's up?" he asked.
With many voices he found out. "This isn't going to happen." He declared. He gestured over to his table and Alex Cabot came over. Dan stood up and gave her his seat. He moved over to stand behind a flustered Jennifers chair. He put his hands on the back of it, not moving them when she leaned back.
Bobby noticed. His eyes went to his captains and he received the message loud and clear. As long as she would let them they were going to help her and keep her around. He gave his captain a minuscule nod. Message acknowledged. He got up and moved toward the front of the room, unnoticed.
"He can't just order you out, even if you have a lease like that. We could fight it, but you'd lose. What we can do is get him to give you a reasonable time to be out. I'll recommend someone to do it for you."
"I can't afford another attorney. Most of my savings has gone to that one. I'm not going to be able to make my utilities. I'll need to find a job while I'm looking for another place. I appreciate the offer…."
Elliott and Olivia had joined the group. "You told me you used to work at the police precinct. Is there something we can give you to do until you can get situated in another place? It seems like they're always short staffed in admin." Olivia suggested.
"Or records. I heard we lost another clerk." Elliott suggested.
"Can I have everyones attention, please." Bobbys voice was amplified over the microphone at the front of the room.
Alex Eames looked in surprise at her usually reticent partner. "Some of you know me, I'm Robert Goren of Major Case. Some of you have had the pleasure of receiving a free certificate to the new business called Breakable. I have and I appreciate the experience. Jennifer has given a lot of those out to members of our departments out of appreciation for what we do and now she needs our help. She is being forced out of her place of business, her home and her job. It's not fair and it's not right. She has been more than generous to us and we need to reciprocate.
Not only is she a great business owner, she is also the widow of a former officer. That makes her not only a valuable asset to our community, but a family member. We need to help this woman. Either contact myself, or Major Case if you can help. Anything would be appreciated. Thank you."
People started to gather around the table including the Police Commissioner. "I think I'm going to be able to find you a job in the department as long as you need it." He told Jennifer.
"Th-thank you, sir."
"But I still want to know…." He started.
"Understood, sir." Jennifer said quickly.
"I can find an office for you to work out of." Someone else said.
Various other offers were being bandied about. Jennifer was looking positively overwhelmed. She jumped to her feet. "Excuse me, please." She pushed her way out of the crowd and hurried for the outside. The crowd was momentarily stunned but they turned to the subject at hand.
Dan went after her. She was standing out in the yard breathing deeply. She glanced over at him when he showed up and looked down. "I'm sorry."
"It's alright. It was a bit overwhelming. It shows what an impact that you've made on us, that so many people were willing to help you."
"I just wanted to help and make my own way in the world. I never meant to look for charity."
"It wasn't charity, Jennifer. You know from experience that cynicism and the worst of human nature is what we deal with every day. It's an accepted part of our profession that we only see the seamy side of things. When we see something that makes that easier to take, especially one of our own who needs help, we tend to step up. It's a good thing. You don't have to be ashamed to need help. That's how we survive by helping each other."
"I'm an outsider, Dan."
"No, you haven't been since you first took one of the officers outside their anger. And you did it without making a huge production. I know for a fact that you've made my squad a little happier, more relaxed and more productive. I'm selfish, because I want it to continue."
"I agree." Another voice said. Don Cragen had come out and joined them. "Sorry, I didn't mean to eavesdrop."
"It's alright." Dan told him.
"Jennifer, we've come to a decision. We're going to provide you with an office and a job until you're on your feet and then we're going to work on getting you a contract with the NYPD to provide your service to us on a monthly basis. We believe in your business that much. Captain Sackett is asking that you come to her squad next, and the fire department is clamoring for more information. You've started a ball rolling that is going to take a life of it's own. You can step up and run with it if you want to."
Dan noticed she was holding her arms close to her side. It had turned cool outside. He took off his jacket and draped it over her shoulders. She smiled her thank you at him. "What do you think?" she asked him quietly.
"I'd like you to stay around, but the call is yours."
"Can we still have dinner once in a while?"
"We'll figure something out." He said with a chuckle.
"Then lets do it. Thank you. Thank you, too, Captain Cragen."
"It's Don and you're welcome. We'd better go back in before they get you franchised."
Jennifer, wearing Dan's jacket, walked back into the hotel between two captains of the NYPD to a roomful of friends and a future with the NYPD.
COMPLETE