Happy Easter for those who celebrate. Here's a new chapter. I don't know how many I have left for this story. I am still working on it, and I know where I want it to go. I just need to figure out how to get there. I appreciate everyone's support and helpful feedback.
A Fresh Start Chapter 14
Things Are Not Always What They Seem
Traveling was exhausting. Jamie hadn't slept much the night before. His brain wouldn't stop coming up with all the negative scenarios that may happen, and everything his dad had said. On top of that he was worried about Eddie, the kids and his grandfather traveling to their own safe house, and his dad, Danny, and Erin staying in the city. He hated that the decisions he'd made a long time ago were affecting his entire family. He knew Linda and the boys were used to this, but this time it wasn't their dad's past haunting them. It was his past. His dad's detail had grown because of the situation, Erin now had her own detail as did Danny and Danny was confined to desk duty until further notice. To say he wasn't happy was an understatement. Linda and the boys were away on a school trip for the week and additional arraignments would be made for them as needed. Nikki was currently visiting her dad in California. Plans had been made to protect the entire family. Jamie's guilt over placing the family in this position was palpable.
When the pilot announced that they were landing at LAX, Jamie was happy that he was one step closer ending this situation for all involved. At this point he wasn't worried about how it was resolved as long as his family was safe.
Meanwhile Eddie, Henry and the kids were getting settled in a small town in Northwest Iowa called Sioux Center. They had arrived the previous evening after the sun had gone down. There wasn't much around other than corn fields and cows. Most people in town were already tucked away in their own homes, and they were not really noticed as they were getting comfortable in the house. Eddie knew that would change the following day when their neighbors realized that the once empty house was occupied.
"Ok, who knows how long we'll be here so let's make the most of it." Eddie smiled and tried not to think about what her husband may be doing, and if he was okay.
"Mom, is dad going to be, okay?" Betty was worried that here dad wasn't going to survive this time. She had been nervous since they'd been told they were being moved to a safe house.
"Honey, you know every day is an unknown, but you should know by now he's going to do everything he can to get us home ASAP and come home to us. Ya know we're planning a big family trip before we move you to Cambridge this fall."
"That's cool." Bella said. "Where are we gonna go?" She loved traveling.
"Well, we are thinking about a few places, but we haven't decided yet."
"Mom, we aren't little kids anymore. Don't we get a say?" Frankie asked.
"Okay, pick one place you all want to go. Then you can say that you've given your input." Eddie smiled. Their moods seemed to be improving.
"I need some time to think about it." Betty said, but Eddie could see her mood improving.
"I want to go to Colorado and go hiking." Bella said thinking of her dream vacation.
"What about dad, Bella?" Frank asked knowing that their dad wouldn't get to be with them when they were hiking.
Bella's face instantly went sad. She was remembering when they were little, and they lived in LA or in Seattle and they would go hiking as often as they could. She loved being with her dad in nature. "I'm sorry, I forgot. I don't want to go to Colorado anymore."
"Hey, we can still go to Colorado. There are other things to do and see there besides hiking." Eddied put a supportive arm around Bella.
"I don't want to go anymore."
"Think about where else you might want to go."
"I want to go to Toronto." Betty said.
"I want to go to Florida." Frankie said thinking of beaches and clear water.
"Oh, I bet Toronto would be cool, and maybe we could stop in Michigan on the way." Bella was back to smiling.
"Where do you and dad want to go mom? Frankie asked seeing his mom really smile since this whole thing started.
"I'm gonna be happy to just go on a vacation. Your dad's been going to Washington every month and now with him going to LA, I just want to go somewhere as a family."
"That's sweet mom, but where do you really want to go?" Bella asked seriously knowing what her mom was doing.
"I want to go to Santa Fe and spend sometime in the art museums."
"What about Dad?" Bella wondered.
"I think Dad would be happy to go anywhere as a family." Eddie knew that was true.
"Again, that's cool Mom, but what does Dad want to do?" Frankie was a lot like his dad, and Eddie had seen a lot of that since this crazy ordeal started.
"Your Dad told me before he left that he wants to go to Amsterdam. He went to Europe in college and it's an experience he wouldn't trade, but wished he'd been able to go with his family, so he wants that for you guys."
"Good morning." Henry said after leaving the family some time to themselves.
"Morning pop. Can I get you anything?" Eddie knew traveling was getting harder for him and although she knew he came to support them, she knew she needed to take care of him.
"Coffee, but I can make it. Have we decided what we're gonna do today?"
"I thought we couldn't leave the house." Bella stated.
"That's not true. We just need to be aware of our surroundings, but school does not stop just because you guys are here. Your dad worked it out with the school and got all of your work ahead of time."
"Can we get our schoolwork done and then go out to eat or order in?" Frankie noticed the basics in the kitchen.
"Yes. Remember I'll be giving your grandpa updates that are going to get relayed to your dad too, so work hard on your schoolwork."
"We won't let dad down. Don't worry mom." Betty smiled and left with her siblings to begin their work.
"I know. Love you guys."
"You got some pretty amazing kids there. I can't imagine how well Danny and Erin would have handled a situation like this at their age." Henry said proudly.
"What about Joe and Jamie?"
"Joe was very levelheaded like your kids and would have taken charge in helping keep everyone calm. Jamie is the same as Joe and has been since he was born. He actually was in a similar situation to this. I think he spent the entire week reading if I'm honest. He was ten at the time."
"I can see that." Eddie laughed.
Back in California Jamie was on his way to visit with his friend LAPD Chief Arborghast.
"Thanks for coming Jamie. Let's get this resolved quickly." Arborghast said trying to not look at the chair. It was hard for him to see Jamie this way.
"I agree. How did you find out about the hit?" Jamie asked used to people's reactions by now and focusing on the reason why he'd had to fly to LA.
"Your name came up in an interrogation. Apparently when you were at the warehouse they were in a transition and moving the leadership to Mr. Cortez. They gave up the hit as leverage."
"Ok, did they give any other important information that I can use when I go in?"
"Jamie, please don't take this wrong, but are you sure you're capable of going in?" Arborghast was worried in ways he couldn't have imagined before now.
"Yes, I'm armed. I won't be running away from anyone, but I am still capable of going in and handling this situation. Honestly if it's handled the same way as last time, it all came down to luck."
"That's true, but things have changed. Jamie it's hard for me not to be worried. You're meeting the leader of gang that spans the US and Mexico that almost killed you in the past. Your family must be a nervous wreck."
"I don't know that anyone is particularly happy about this, but they understand. Chief this isn't the first time that I've done something like this."
"I know, but the first time since…"
"No, it's not. Something like this is something I do as needed. I wouldn't ask anyone who reports to me to do anything that I wouldn't do myself. Chief, I'm still the same rough around the edges stubborn beat cop that you recruited. My disability doesn't change who I am."
"Okay, so you are meeting up with Alvarado Cortez in the warehouse that was built in the same location as the one that was demolished in the explosion. The meeting is planned for noon tomorrow. I've worked with my teams to do a thorough reckon on the area. I'm going to have three teams stationed in and around the area. I'm not going to tell you any specifics."
"Plausible deniability, sounds good. I know the FBI is going to have a team out there too."
"Good. I'm glad that they have your back. Ya know I wasn't happy when they recruited you, but I understand and I'm happy to see that you're still advancing. You'll be running that agency one day."
Jamie laughed. "I don't know about that. My dad's said something similar, but they took a chance putting me in this position. I think I'm as high as I'm gonna get."
"You're running a national program with interagency cooperation. We've sent some of our own detectives to the training and they were very impressed. Then again, they also went through your effective arrest training. Jamie don't count yourself out, you have a lot to give. You make a big difference."
"I have enough to worry about without thinking about another promotion that would most likely move my family again, and now I have to worry about my dad and grandpa because we are still living with them. They don't want us to move out."
"Oh. I bet that they would hate to be stuck in that big house alone again."
"That's an understatement. Thanks for the information, Chief. I have a few meetings at the FBI office. I don't know how long I'll be here, but I'd love to get together again if possible."
"That sounds great. Good luck, Jamie. If you need anything, please call."
"I will." Jamie smiled. His career had taken off and done things that he never thought possible.
Jamie's next few hours are spent at the LA FBI office going over game plans and strategy for the next day. The Director of the office was not happy about this happening at all. He did not want the top Special Agent in Charge in all of the FBI to be killed in his city on his watch. He had some experience with his father too and that was just adding to the pressure that he was under.
Back in Iowa the kids had buckled down and had gotten two days of school completed their first day. None of them wanted to let their dad down. Henry was surprised at how quiet it was, and that nothing nefarious was happening.
"Ya know Eddie those kids are Jamie's through and through. Frank couldn't leave Danny, Joe, and Erin alone for five minutes, forget four hours. Since Jamie was so much younger than his siblings, he ended up alone a lot and really enjoyed it. Before he moved, I would watch him at Sunday dinner and although he was always adamant that he would never miss because it's family dinner, sometimes it seemed that he was only there because it's mandatory."
"You mean he didn't want to be at family dinner or around people?" Eddie worried.
"Around people. At that point he'd been alone for two years and although I believe he loved Sydney. I really think he was happier alone until he met you."
"I was afraid of what you guys would think of me when Jamie told you I had a five-year-old. I'd had all bad experiences when it came to dating. The more Jamie told me about his family the more I thought you guys wouldn't approve and I'd lose him."
Henry smiled. "It didn't matter what we thought. What mattered was that he loved you both and that's what we cared about. Danny and Erin gave him a hard time, but we had conversations with them reminding them that he was an adult and needed to do the right thing for his life."
"Do you think he's okay?" Eddie worried.
"Yeah. The meeting isn't until tomorrow. I bet he's been in nothing but meetings today. I know the LAPD and the FBI have his back. Try not to worry too much sweetheart."
"That's a lot harder than it seems, but don't worry I've got my brave face on for the kids."
"And I bet they have their brave face on for you." Henry chuckled a little knowing that was true.
The following day found everyone nervous. Since the kids had achieved so much the day before the adults opted to explore their temporary home for a bit to let everyone get out of the small house.
Jamie woke up and made his way down to the beach. The beach had many memories for him and his family. It is after all how he found his family. He was reminiscing and wishing that he could run on the beach like he used to but knew that wasn't any option today regardless because of his meeting. His hope was that once the meeting was completed that he would be able to either go directly home and see his family or meet them somewhere. He didn't want them to have to worry about him and what might happen.
When Jamie arrived at the warehouse, he remembered what it was like the day of the call and what it felt like knowing he saved that family. His dad had always been worried that Jamie didn't understand that you cannot save everyone. That he had to have the perfect outcome each time, Jamie would never lie and say that he didn't hope for the positive outcome each time, but her understood reality and that it was impossible to have that positive outcome every time.
Once inside Jamie knew that this wasn't going to be what he expected. The warehouse was nice and not abandoned. He guessed that the gang was using the company that owned the warehouse as a front for some of their illegal dealings. Jamie was met by a member of the gang and escorted into one of the offices and then the man left. Jamie could tell that planning on both sides had been very well thought out.
"Detective Reagan or I guess it's Agent Reagan now." Sneered Alvarado Cortez as he walked into the room.
"Actually, it's Special Agent in Charge. Now why am I here?" Jamie said right to the point.
"You're here for several reasons. The biggest getting the hit taken off your head, but many others that I doubt you'll expect."
"Okay. I want one guarantee."
"And that is?"
"That my entire family is safe." Jamie stated without any room for argument.
"Your family is safe. We only ever wanted anything to do with you."
"Thank you."
"Reagan, coming here voided the hit. Now, I need to ask you a favor."
"What's the favor."
"I need help taking down the gang. My real name is Anthony Valdez and I work for the DEA."
"Do you know if the gang is listening to this meeting?"
"No, the room has been checked multiple times. I told anyone listening in that they will be executed. They know it's the truth."
"Many of them understand and know that I'm not joking around."
"Why me?"
"Because you spent time deep under and you've taken down an organization of this size and larger before. If there is a cop in the country that can do it, I know it's you. You've done things no one expected after your accident."
"Okay. How are you gonna get me the evidence that you've collected?"
"I'm gonna be in New York in a few weeks to meet with some of the higher ups in the gang. I need you to work with your NYPD counter parts and keep them away. If something happens my cover will be blown."
"We need to wait a few months. I need time to plan everything. The NYPD can't be silent when you come it'll be suspicious. They just arrested five of your guys."
"Can I trust you to handle it in a way that doesn't hurt us?"
"Yes. I'll handle it."
An hour later Jamie left the warehouse. He felt good about the future. He knew that the hit was real, but knowing the leader was a UC gave him some piece of mind and new challenge. He knew if he were in Anthony's position that he would want someone to step up and do what they needed to do to get him home safe.
"Hey dad." Jamie called his dad as soon as he was back to the hotel room.
"Jamie, are you okay?"
"I'm great dad. It's over. I'm safe and I'll be headed home in the next couple days. I need your help with something though."
"What can I do?"
"I know that there's an effort to take the gang members down, but last I knew we didn't have a clear plan yet."
"That's true. Something happened. What do you need me to do?"
"We need to postpone. We can take the entire gang down if we wait."
"Okay. I'll get it working. Can pop, Eddie, and the kids come home?"
"Yes. The danger is over."
Jamie spends the next couple days meeting with the FBI, DEA, ATF, and LAPD. The operation was taking shape. He just wanted to get Anthony home to his family safe.
Before his trip ended with a great dinner with Spencer and Dana. He missed the years he and his family spent with them.
"Jamie, you guys gotta come out here and spend some time with us. Get out of your dad's house for a while." Spencer missed his friend, and roommate.
"We miss you guys. The house is so quiet."
"You guys could have kids of your own or adopt." Jamie laughed. Spencer and Dana enjoyed their lives. They worked and traveled and did what they wanted when they wanted.
"We know, but we love yours. Although they aren't little anymore. From what I've heard all of your kids are little nerds like you. How does that happen?"
"I have no clue. I expected at least one of them to be a little more like Danny. For a while I thought that was going to be Frankie, but he was just acting out because I wasn't around enough." Jamie sighed. He felt like he failed.
"Hey, we all came from homes where our parents worked all the time, and we all turned out great." Dana laughed.
"Yeah, I'm just like my dad."
"You really are Jamie. You're gonna be the director of the FBI or the next NYPD Commissioner. Who knows maybe both."
"I think you're drunk Spencer."
"We both know that you've always too modest. You're good right?"
"Yeah. I go home tomorrow after breakfast with the Chief and then life goes back to normal."
Since the threat had been taken care of Spencer and Dana wouldn't let him stay in the hotel another night. They wanted their friend at their home.
Jamie's up early the next more for breakfast with Chief Arborghast. This meal is much more pleasant than the one a few days earlier. They talk and reminisce over everything from Jamie's time with OCCB to his time with the LAPD. Arborghast like many others had been able to see Jamie for who he is and not some guy in a wheelchair.
The best part of the day was when Jamie arrived home for dinner. It didn't matter that it wasn't a Sunday, the entire family was there to welcome him home. They had food from his favorite Chinese restaurant and talked for hours. Danny and Linda were there so long they ended up staying in the guest room.
The next morning everyone was hungry and happy they had the day off.
"Okay, bro, you can quit doing things that scare us and gives us a security detail. It's not easy doing detective work with one." Danny laughed.
"Hey, you should know better than anyone that you can't control what others from your past do. I got it taken care of. You're back to annoying Baez by yourself."
The entire family laughed at Danny's expense, and he made a sour face.
"Who do you annoy dad?" Bella asked.
"Considering how many people report to me, plenty. They just don't tell me about it. However, your mom probably knows."
"Oh, I bet it's more than that. Your dad is so by the book people can't speak until they look up the right answer." Danny threw out a sore spot.
"Danny, you have no idea what it's like to work with your brother. It's been a while since you've done it, and you might be surprised when you do it again." Eddie knew Danny was wrong. "Actually, people love working with and for him. They know that they can trust him to get rid of the bad apples. That goes a long way with people. Whether you're in the office or on the street trusting the person that you're with is important and helps you close cases faster and more accurately. In addition, you brother always has a great rapport with the community. I've seen that everywhere we've lived."
"I'll believe when I see it. He annoyed the hell out of a lotta cops in the NYPD when he was a rookie."
"Danny that was a long time ago. A lot's changed." Linda was ready to slap Danny. She'd thought that they'd worked through their issues several times.
"Yeah, but I've known by brother my entire life. He'll never change."
Jamie had enough. He left the room. Frankie followed him. He felt bad for his dad, and knew his uncle could be an idiot sometimes.
"Dad, Uncle Danny is an idiot sometimes. He hasn't worked with you for a long time. Grandpa knows what kind of a cop you are." Frankie said following his dad.
"I know Frankie. It's very frustrating that your Uncle Danny is unable to treat me like an adult. After all we are moving your sister into college in the fall."
"I know. It's gonna be weird without her. It hasn't been just me and Bella since you adopted us."
"Yeah. Best thing we ever did. I don't know what I would do without you guys. Next year you'll be off to college, and the next year Bella will be."
"Are you gonna get transferred before Bella or I go to college?" Frankie didn't want to leave his friends and family. He loved New York and wanted to stay here.
"I hope not, but we really don't know what's gonna happen. I wish I could tell you something different."
"Couldn't grandpa hire you and mom? I mean you do the same thing on a federal level that he does on a city level right?"
"You'll learn that being a Reagan and being NYPD when you're dad or grandpa is the PC means it doesn't matter how good you are, you're at the level you're at."
"Is that why you left all those years ago?"
"Part of it. No one was interested in moving me up in any capacity, and I'd just lost my partner in an ambush. I needed some space to figure things out."
"All the times we moved around did you wish we were moving back here?"
"Here or LA again. I wanted you guys to grow up with family like your mom and I did."
"We did. You and mom have always instilled how important family is. We've always spent part of the summer in New York and LA. I love our family."
"Have you been getting you college applications in?"
"Yeah. I wrote three essays while we were away."
"Where to?"
"Columbia, Harvard, and Stanford. All three my councilor recommended."
"If you end up at Harvard, you and Betty may end up having some of the same classes. Are you gonna be okay with that? Is Betty okay with that?" Jamie wondered how that would really go. They loved each other, but college was where he figured out, he needed some space.
"Yes, and Bella might be there with us a year later. Although she's thinking medical school, not law school."
"Your mom and I want you to do what makes you happy. Both of our parents tried to steer us in the direction they thought we should go in. They supported us, but there were times we both wondered if we disappointed them."
Frank had been listening at the door. He loved listening to his kids talk to their kids, but that last sentence Jamie said cut him to the quick. He'd never shied away from telling Jamie he didn't love his career choice, and now he was regretting those conversations.
"You never disappointed us. You make me worry a lot. I wish you had some more fear. I've always supported you, no matter what you've done. It didn't matter what you were doing, and you've had a full career already. Not many can say that they made a career change in their twenties." Frank laughed at the end.
"Grandpa will you be disappointed if I don't join the NYPD?"
"No, I want you to do what you want, it's your life, not mine. What do you want to do?"
"I really admire what my mom does. I like that she looks at things from another perspective, but I like what my dad did as an agent too. I know I can't start there, but it will be something in the law enforcement arena."
"As long as it makes you happy. Why don't you join the others. I think your sisters are starting lunch, and I don't know if your aunt and uncle are going to leave until after dinner tomorrow."
"Okay. Love you dad. I'm happy that you're home safe." Frankie gave his dad another hug and went back in the kitchen to help with lunch.
"Jamie, can you tell me what happened? You called two hours after the meeting and said everything was good, but nothing else except to pull back on a few existing cases."
"I set up a meeting with Baker for Monday, but basically the hit was a way to draw me back to California. I can't talk about the delicate details, but there is a UC, and we need to get him out. He has all the information to take down the gang in its entirety. This hit will save a lot of lives."
"Why did the UC come to you?" Frank was always happy to take down a gang like this, but it's dangerous.
"Because I've worked to take down a multistate organization before and he'd heard that he can trust me. He said he didn't think that I would've kept moving up if it was a one-time thing. Now I can't let him down." Jamie hug his head hoping that he would be able to keep his promise to the UC and keep him safe.
"When do you head to DC?"
"Middle of next week. We need a cool down period and I need a couple days to get caught up. Joe sent me a message and said he has a big case he wants to talk to me about. I need to meet with him and OA over the next couple of days."
"At least you get a couple days to spend with family and relax. If you need anything from me let me know."
"I've already set up that meeting with Baker Monday that I told you about and I'll be scheduling a meeting with you and others when I get back from DC. I don't think I'm gonna have the same support that I did for the last case."
"What do you mean?"
"I've moved up since the last case. I'm gonna be expected to step up and play a bigger role this time around."
"Yeah. You will play a bigger role this time around. As long as the higher ups are happy, you'll be set to move up again."
"Dad, I need to talk to Eddie, but if I do end up moving, I'm gonna see if Eddie and the kids want to stay here until Frankie and Bella graduate. Then I can come home on weekends, but I still believe that I'm as high as I'm gonna go."
"They can, but I don't know that Eddie would let you leave."
"That's a discussion we need to have, but I know Frankie and Bella don't want to move again."
"That was something I thought about when I was contemplating staying in the marines. I knew it would have an impact on my family someday."
"I wouldn't change the places we lived or the experiences my family has gotten to be a part of because of that, but they're getting ready to start their own lives and I want them to start from a home base where they feel comfortable like we all did."
"That's a good plan. Talk to your wife. I'll set your brother straight again, as a matter of fact I think it's time they went home to their own house." Frank laughed. He loved his older kids, but they could be overbearing.
Jamie laughed. His dad and grandpa had all started calling the house theirs and along with Eddie and Jamie. Jamie and Eddie had paid for all the modifications to accommodate Jamie's chair. His dad didn't want to take the money, but Jamie hadn't given him a choice when he'd found out about his promotion.
He imagined Eddie and himself living and working in New York and taking care of his dad after his grandpa died. He just didn't know how his brother and sister felt about that since they were both older. He just didn't know if that would happen. He loved working for the FBI, but it meant stability wasn't something he could count on. Jamie decided he would think about the future later. Right now, he needed to focus on other things.
The next week and half were crazy. Jamie needed up spending three nights at the office. OA and Joe stumbled upon something but needed some time to cultivate more information and build a stronger case. Jamie knew that FBI resources were going to stretched thin over the coming months, so he instructed them to run it through the NYPD, but to make it clear that the FBI was involved, and all of the information may need to be transported to the FBI to finish the case. This case would be Jamie's other main focus when he was home.
He'd told Joe and OA that he'd be available a few times a day if they had any major updates for him or if they needed anything from him. Now he needed to focus on spending the next week in DC. At least the meets were planned the same week as his committee meeting.
"Good morning, Dad. You're up early." It was a little after three in the morning. Jamie's flight was at six.
"I have a flight to catch."
"You're going to DC too."
"Good job Agent Reagan."
"Arborghast is gonna be there too. Your boss will not be, and I'm going to bring up that fact that since you've taken over New York I haven't heard from him at all."
"Dad, it's fine. He does his job and I do mine." Jamie rolled his eyes.
"You do his job, and don't get any recognition for it."
"How do you know? I get a lot of recognition. I hate all of it. I just want to do my job and help as many people as I can. That's why I became a cop, to help people. Not to climb a latter."
"I know you do. You are a young rising star; you do realize that we are seen in the same realm. Jamie you've done all this on your own. When you left it wasn't easy on any of us, but the more I see what you've accomplished the more I know you made the right choice."
"Dad. Let's just go. The bat mobile is here."
"Get some sleep on the plane Jamie. You got home late last night."
"I will, but I have an early meeting when I get to DC."
Two hours later they were landing in DC and Jamie was on his phone handling issues back in New York and checking over his schedule.
Frank noticed he'd gone too far. Jamie hadn't said much since their conversation earlier. Jamie was pulling away, and he knew if he went too far the only person who'd be able to pull him out would be Eddie. Frank was thankful for Eddie every day since she and Betty had entered his life.
DC was busy for both Reagans. Frank got to see Jamie in action in a couple of the larger meetings with the big brass and he was impressed. Jamie may have thought he was as far up as he was gonna go, but Frank knew that was wrong. He'd break his own rules and bring him back into the NYPD if that was the case. Jamie would be PC and could go up from there. He knew his son had the potential to be the director of the FBI at some point in his life.
Frank had a meeting with the Director of the FBI. This wasn't uncommon, he did run the largest police force in the country, and with that came some issues with federal agencies. Later he had a meeting with the Director of Homeland Security.
"Commissioner are there issues in New York?"
"Things are okay, but I never to see the Regional Director. Your Special Agent in Charge seems to be taking charge of a lot of things that the Regional Director used to do. I worry that there isn't adequate coverage if something were to happen, and the SAC needed assistance."
"Yes, I'm aware. My Special Agent in Charge seems to be doing both jobs and we are aware of the issues that have arisen because of it."
"What issues? The New York FBI is being run better than it has in years because the person that's doing it listens and sees the issues that are there. New York is complex and very difficult city to police in."
"The issues are I can't have one of my best people doing double work, and now he's going to run a major operation that covers the entire country and he'll be working with HSI and Interpol adding an international aspect to the case. If he keeps growing the way he has, when I retire in a few years I'm going to recommend him for my job. At that point if he's accepted, he'll be the youngest person ever in my position."
Frank was shocked and happy. He knew Jamie was making an impact but didn't know that it was as high reaching as it was. Now he wondered if Jamie had any idea. He was spending a lot of time in DC. It would be like his youngest to discount himself and claim he's only doing his job. Danny was the one to always take the compliments and want the accolades. It's not that he didn't deserve what he got, but he made it known when he did get them, and so did everyone else in his life.
"I agree. He works some very long hours. There are nights he doesn't get home until after midnight. You're risking burnout."
"I know, and it's going to be resolved soon, it's unfair to ask so much of him. Rest assured Commissioner the issues that are going on in New York, won't be happening for long."
"Good, because there have been a lot of good things happening between the NYPD and FBI and it has nothing to do with my relationship with your Special Agent in Charge. The city is a better place because of him." Frank realized that he'd gone sentimental.
"I know. He doesn't back down, and he's dealt with more crap than any of his predecessors. I'm guessing that Jamie's dealt with that problem most of his career."
"That would be correct. No one took him seriously when he became a cop, but he never complained. He never would complain. He made an impression, when he was NYPD and that's on he ended up as a Detective with the LAPD."
"No, he seems to just take the challenges head on. Which is why he's needed here in DC. Frank, you know in our positions, it can be hard to separate work and family. I can imagine it's a lot harder for you."
"Yes, it can, and between all three of my sons being NYPD and my daughter working for the DA's office. It's been interesting with Jamie as the SAC. He interacts with me, and his older brother has to take orders from him. I'll tell you that doesn't go over well. Jamie and I both knew it would be a problem, but again Jamie's just handled it."
"I can't imagine. My older brother's a chef. Neither one of us would be able to take order from each other." The Parsons laughed.
"A chef. My daughter-in-law is a nurse that's about as far out of the family business as we get. Jamie and Eddie's relationship is interesting. They've worked together their entire relationship in one way or another. I don't know how they do it. My wife would've killed me if she knew what I was like at work." Frank laughed.
"My wife was FBI for years. We worked several cases together. It takes a certain kind of person, and they have kids. I honestly don't know how they do it all."
"I don't either, but they manage it all well."
"Well, we have another meeting that your son is running, and we shouldn't be late."
"Thank you for your time, Director."
The next meeting was about the timeline and involved everyone in every agency and each country involved. This was going to be one of the biggest busts that the country has ever seen. If they got the amount of drugs off the street that was suspected, they were going save a lot of lives and put a lot of people in prison. Frank had no idea when and how many people were involved to have acquired all of this information this quickly. This was just the first meeting. There would be others as the operation came together. Frank and his operation lead were part of the meeting, but Frank wasn't focusing on the op. He was focusing on his son, and how he'd grown into a strong leader who instilled a trust in people he hadn't even met, and that trust was going to change the world if everything went even close to plan. He was a very proud father, and he knew that Mary may not have liked how he got to DC she would be proud of the work he was doing. Thankfully his operations lead was paying attention and taking a lot of notes. He would need him to debrief him when the meeting was over.
The meeting lasted over two hours. The amount of information that Jamie had amassed in such a short time was amazing, he knew had good people who reported to him, but there were aspects of the information that he knew his son was the one that had researched or used his own contacts to acquire. Once the meeting was done Jamie was answering questions, he had a line of people at that podium. As far as Frank knew they were supposed to be done for the day. It had been a long day with back-to-back meetings. They had gotten a short break for lunch, but Jamie had sat and worked on his laptop during their entire break.
"Jamie, are you ready to head back to the hotel?"
"Sorry, can't. I have my monthly committee meeting in about fifteen minutes upstairs."
"How long will that take?" It was already after two, and they'd both had a long day.
"Two hours. From three to five, and then we have a second meeting at ten tomorrow morning."
"Will you be available for dinner?"
"I should be. I have to check in at home, but other than that I should be done for the day." Jamie smiled. He knew his dad had planned on some down time while he was here, and it was something his dad normally did when he traveled. He knew it was hard for his dad to get any down time when he was home.
"Okay. Come to my room unless you're too tired when you get back to the hotel."
"Okay. I should be back at the hotel by five-thirty, six at the latest unless there's an emergancy."
Frank does something he rarely gets to do. Just takes a nice quiet walk. He still has his detail with him, but they are his friends now too. They've had an easy trip so far. He's had them rotate out so they could see the sights or relax.
An hour after Frank got back to his room, he heard a knock on the door.
"Hey dad. You busy?"
"I was just sitting on my balcony reading a book. Come on in." Frank smiled, and he was relieved that Jamie was done for the day.
"Dad, I'm waiting on a call. I need an update from one of my teams, and I don't know if you've talked to pop or not, but Eddie has to work late so he's on his own with the kids for a while." Jamie laughed unsure of who to worry about more in that situation. His grandfather was known to cause trouble.
"Yeah, he called me. He's excited. Apparently, he thinks you and your wife are boring." Frank laughed.
"Oh, I know. He told me he couldn't believe that my kids actually wanted to do their homework when they were in Iowa. He thinks I scare them or something. I don't. Somehow despite the fact that none of them have an ounce of my DNA in them they are all weirdly like me."
"It doesn't matter how they got to you. They are your kids. Do you and Eddie wish you had more?"
"We've talked a little about adopting again, but then we think back to how much we work. We both know that our kids suffered for that, and we know it would be the same or worse as time goes on."
"You still did it and raised three amazing kids."
"Dad, Eddie did most of the hard work. I've been there when I could, and she was there alone for Betty from the beginning and Frankie, and Bella had their parents before they were lost."
"You and Eddie are a team, like your mother and I were. I know she's happy you've been there to support her and the kids. You've done more than you think." Frank said and gave Jamie a minute to let those thoughts sink in. "Unless you're at my office for a meeting, we don't really get a lot of time where it's just the two of us."
"No, we don't." Jamie laughed.
"Frankie leaves for college next year and Bella the year after that. I'm going to have three kids in college. Where did the time go?"
"I know, I miss when you and your brothers and sister were still kids. You'll have three kids in college. Nikki's working her way up at the non-profit, Jack's working at King's and Sean's working as an analyst with the NYPD. Just wait a couple more years and he's gonna be knocking on your door."
"He's been asking Eddie questions for years. I'm waiting to see an application come across my desk, and from what I know from his boss he's very good at what he does."
"That doesn't surprise me. He's worked hard to get where he is. I know he hated walking into 1PP for work that first day. It's never been lost on me that I cast a large shadow."
"That doesn't matter. He's there and he's making a name for himself. Honestly Danny probably causes more issues for him than you."
"Of course, people are going to compare them, they're father and son Danny's caused problems for you too. I know you were compared to him for years."
"Yeah, but we're different people. We can't change who we are and the people comparing us don't really know either of us. I hear people saying things about him because I've surpassed him. He's doing what he loves. I'm doing what I'm supposed to."
"Yes, you both are. Are you hungry?"
"Yes. I know a great Indian place that's within walking distance. Does that work for you?"
"Sounds great."
Ten minutes later they're seated in an amazing smelling Indian restaurant.
"This place smells great."
"I always stay at this hotel, and I found this place a while ago. Eddie and I love the food here. Every time we're in DC together we eat here at least once."
"Other than your committee meeting what else have you got going on tomorrow?"
"I have a meeting with the Director after the committee meeting, and then we have another Op meeting after lunch. That should be the last meeting for this trip."
"It's three hours long. We should get through a lot of information. Do you know when the next round of meetings is going to happen?"
"The next meetings are in a month unless something happens. I have people monitoring the situation and that's their only job until this op is over. Assignments for the next meeting will be handed out in this meeting, and there's time for questions. The only other thing that may arise is that I might have to go out to LA again."
"As long as you're home for Betty's graduation and when she moves into Harvard."
"Oh, I plan on it. If I have to fly home just for the day of her graduation. I'm not going to miss any of their graduations. You never missed any of mine."
"It took some planning to get to all of yours. I missed enough birthdays and other events. Hell, I didn't even get to teach you to drive."
"No offense dad, but considering what happened, I'm happy that Joe taught me. I wouldn't trade our time together for anything." Jamie always thought of Joe when he was driving because of that. If only he could still drive the Chevelle.
"I didn't think about it like that. Joe would be so proud of everything that you've done, although I'm sure there are a few times he would've wanted to beat you over the head."
"I know he would've been worried at times, but he would know that I was following my heart."
"You two always did have the best relationship. He understood you in a way none of us have until Eddie. Eddie's been able to break through your wall."
"There are times she wishes that she hasn't. I've been able to connect with her in a way that her family doesn't understand. They could've never imagined anyone choosing law enforcement over being a lawyer."
"Until you came along. You gotta admit it's not a bad thing to fall back on."
"Nope. After the accident I was happy that I'd had that detour early in life. There wasn't any doubt in my mind that I'd be able to take care of my family."
"I heard the kids talking about a family trip. What are your plans for that?"
"We're looking at some options. I hate that I limit the options. If Eddie and the kids went without me, they could do what they really wanted."
"What's that?"
"When we lived in Seattle we always went hiking. We always talked about hiking Colorado, but a few months before our trip was planned, I was shot. Now I can't go."
"I'm sorry son. What are the options right now?" Frank hated every part of that grief that Jamie was feeling.
"We're still thinking Colorado but focusing on Denver and visiting some of the small towns. We're also thinking about Zion or Yellowstone. We've decided most of what we do, we'll be spending a lot of time outside and spending some time in museums or on the educational walks in the local parks."
"The kids will be happy with any place as long as you're there."
"Yeah, but they're teenagers, and before you say it, I know that they'd rather go somewhere that isn't their first choice then not have me around anymore. I know that firsthand."
"Betty's graduation has got you thinking about your mom?"
"Yeah. She's missed so much. She never got to see me graduate law school or the academy. She never got to see me get married or meet my kids." Jamie was trying to not think about all the bad things that she's missed like Joe's death, and any of the things that have happened to himself over the years.
"She would've loved Eddie and the kids. She'd be so happy with your family and the life you've created. Let's face it she'd hate the reason you moved home, but she'd love that you're at home."
"And I know you and pop love it too. Eddie and talked last week. We have no plans of moving out unless you guys want us out."
"Good. I did not want to have that conversation again. Your grandfather is still loving having all of you with us."
"Okay. Are you ready to head back to the hotel?" Jamie was getting tired, and he had some work to complete before a full day of meetings before they left the following day.
"Yeah. You want to come back to my room, or do you just want to go to bed. You look beat."
"I'm gonna head to my room, I've got stuff to prepare for my meetings tomorrow. I'm in meetings all day and I have one last meeting Friday morning before we leave."
"Okay. I'll see you in the op meeting tomorrow. You good for dinner tomorrow?"
"Yeah, it might have to be later. I'm in meetings until seven."
With that they made it back to the hotel and Jamie immediately started working. Frank checked in with the dream team and called his dad. They talk for a while about Frank's trip, and Henry's night with the grandkids. Henry had a great time with the kids. They'd gone out for dinner and watched a movie when they returned home.
The next day Frank only sees Jamie in two meetings before dinner. He doesn't get to talk to him at either meeting because he's whisked away to another meeting immediately after. Frank hopes that he was able to get lunch but he's thought of ordering a big dinner in so Jamie can relax a bit.
It's close to eight by the time Jamie arrives back at the hotel.
"Hey dad, have you eaten yet?" Jamie askes as he his dad opens the door.
"No, I was waiting on you. You look exhausted."
"I am. Do you mind a quiet night? Otherwise, I'm gonna order some room service and make it an early night."
"I thought the same thing. Except I can have my detail go out and grab us something if there's something you want."
"Can you get me a Cesar salad? I'd like to get comfortable."
"I'll get it for you. Take your time."
"Thanks dad."
Fifteen minutes later Jamie was back dressed in basketball shorts and a t-shirt. He'd been in suit since early that morning. Other than being exhausted, he'd accomplished a lot that day. They had a full plan for the big op, and the meetings for the next month were planned with travel for all involved. He had a meeting with the Director the morning before he left and after that he could focus on the ops at home with his own team.
"I thought I'd get to see you more today. They had you running." Frank was watching Jamie carefully.
"Today was crazy. I only talked to Eddie for about ten minutes, and it was all work related."
"Everything okay?"
"Yeah, she just had an update on a case that we're working on. I'll get the full update tomorrow when I get back to the office."
"Our lives never seem to slow down."
"And we wouldn't have it any other way." Jamie laughed. That was how he'd been raised and raised his kids.
"Ready to go home tomorrow?" Frank was. Traveling wasn't something he did a lot of, but when he did it was usually only a day or two, three at the most.
"Yes. Are you going home or right into 1PP?"
"Yeah, I have a meeting with the chiefs, and then I have to take care of some things I was unable to do while I was here. What about you?"
"I have a meeting as soon as I can get to the office. It will be a late night tomorrow. For both Eddie and I."
A half hour later the food arrives. Jamie hadn't realized how hungry he was. His dad had gotten a burger and fries, and an extra order of fries for Jamie. They ate and talked for the next hour before Jamie excused himself to go back to his room to get packed up and ready for his last meeting of the trip. The only meeting of the trip he had no idea what was going to be discussed.
The next morning Jamie grabbed his bags and saw his dad in the lobby on his way to the FBI office.
"Morning Commissioner."
"Good morning, Jamie. Are you ready for your meeting?"
"As ready as I can be when I don't know the subject."
"You'll be fine. Why don't you leave your bag with me and then you won't have to worry about it. I'll pick you up after your meeting."
"Okay. I should be done by ten-thirty."
Jamie noticed that one of his dad's detail was taking him to his meeting instead of the driver he'd had most of the trip. He could tell his dad was worried but didn't understand why. He was fine. This was just another trip to DC for him. His dad didn't understand that this was what his trips to DC were like.
"Director Parsons." Jamie was shocked that he was the only person in the room. His boss was not in attendance.
"Special Agent in Charge Reagan, please come in. Would you like some coffee?"
"Please." Jamie said and he watched the Director of the FBI pour him coffee from a coffee bar behind his desk.
"Thank you, sir."
"Jamie, I'm sure you're curious why you're here."
"Yes sir."
"You have been doing an exceptional job. You've made big changes in New York and that's not easy. As of this morning you are now the new Regional Director New York. Your former boss has been transferred to Nebraska. You will be reporting directly to me."
"Thank you, sir."
"Your former partner Agent Bell has been promoted and she'll be the new SAC. I know you two work well together."
"Yes, we do. She taught me well."
"There will be more travel involved. You'll be spending more time in the smaller regional offices outside of the city, in addition to some additional time here in DC."
"Okay. How much more time in DC?"
"Another couple days in addition to the week a month your spending now. In that week you'll have some additional meetings. You will also have your own office and will be staying in an apartment instead of a hotel room. It's a two bedroom in case any of your family's able to come with you. Each month may be different, but you'll always have a sufficient warning unless you're called here for an emergancy."
"Thank you, sir."
"Any questions?"
"No, sir. Thank you." Jamie couldn't believe he'd been promoted again.
"Jamie, this is all effective immediately. Maggie will be in New York when you return."
He knew his dad was sitting outside waiting for him. His meeting had finished early, and he was hoping that they could get an earlier flight. He was ready to go home.
"Want to go and get some breakfast before our flight?" Frank was still relaxing while he could. In a few hours he had to be back at the office, and it would probably be a late night for him too.
"I was hoping we could get to the airport and see if we can get on an earlier flight."
"Did something happen in your meeting?" Frank was worried. He didn't have any idea what the meeting was at was about, was in, but now that he was back at the car, he was worried that it hadn't ended well. It didn't make sense to him, because he knew Jamie was doing so well in his job.
"Yeah. I got promoted. I'm not the regional director of the New York tristate area."
"Congratulations! We need to celebrate. Aren't you happy about it?" Frank was happy that Jamie was getting recognized for all of his hard work.
"Thanks dad. I guess I'm happy. I'm going to miss the time out in the field. Not that I got a lot of it, but it was still an option." Jamie laughed. "Danny will be happy; I'll be full administration now. Only going out when requested or really necessary."
"You're not ready for that yet." Frank understood. He hadn't been ready when the opportunity arose for him to be PC.
"If I could still walk, I'd still be ASAC and be out on the streets every day."
"Jamie, you, and I both know that isn't true. You'd be in the same place you are. You've made a big difference and that has nothing to do with your ability to walk or your inability to walk. I think your law degree has had a big impact."
"But that's where I want to be. As much as everyone felt like I ran away after Vinny died what I really miss is patrol. I got to interact with the public and really felt like I made a difference. Now I got everyone telling me I make a difference, but if I decide to go out on the street everyone freaks out or I have to have a
detail. I always carry and no one knows who I am anyway." Jamie was frustrated. He missed something he knew he could never have again, but knew that he had to come to terms with where he was now.
"You know that's not true. You just miss life before. That I understand really well. I've had that life for several years now. You do get used to it, and you really need to because you can only go up from here." Frank smiled.
"Well, the next step takes me to DC, and I'm not ready to live there full time yet. I need Eddie to have the ability to have a position there too. Her career shouldn't suffer because I've been a unicorn and been able to climb the ranks." Jamie laughed at his last sentence.
"So far, your career hasn't put a dent in hers. She's running the analytics department at 26 fed right. Is she interested in teaching?"
"Yeah, we've talked about that option. I want the next step she takes to be one that she really wants. We will cross that bridge when we come to it."
"Yes, we will. Now let's focus on your promotion. We need to celebrate." Frank smiled. He knew Jamie wouldn't want to celebrate but the rest of the family would.
As Jamie made his way on the plane all he could think about was that his life had changed again without warning and he was once again going to have to figure out a new job.