Title: The Guardian – Book II
Chapter 30 – The Dawn of a New Day (Epilogue)

"I certainly feel the back to school buzz in the air today," Jamie mentions as he, Danny and Erin enter the busy shopping center. Their day would be spent getting a few things for their new school years starting tomorrow, meeting their friends for lunch and then just hanging and enjoying some quality down time.

"Okay I'll take the black and…"

"You can't just take the black," Jamie interjects as Danny starts to protest. "Everyone is going to have a black knapsack."

"I'm going to the police academy. I can't show up with one that has…Bob the minion on it," Danny groans as he holds up a bright yellow backpack with a large smiling minion on it. Jamie can't help but snicker and then reach for a more amicable offering.

"Blue plaid?" Jamie asks weakly.

"You take the blue plaid and I'll take…ah give me the blue plaid!" Danny smirks as he snatches the knapsack from his brother's grasp.

"Okay so check one item off our list. So next it's…" his voice trails off as Danny steers him toward the men's section of the large department store. They had both resigned to use their current laptops for the upcoming year so were able to save a bit of money and use it for other things.

"I don't know…we need Linda here," Danny groans as he takes a picture of Jamie's shirt and jeans and then texts it to his fiancé. "Linda says…what else."

"Really?"

Just before Danny can answer both of them hear a small giggle and look over to see Linda approaching them.

"I heard there are two lost shoppers needing some help?"

"Yes!" Jamie exclaims as he gives her a friendly hug. "What's wrong with this shirt?"

"Danny picked it?"

"Hey, it's not that bad," Danny replies in sarcasm as she playfully glares at him.

The three of them head back into the sale area of the young men's section, picking out a few more items and trying them on before settling on something new for their first impression. It would be easier for Danny as during the day in the academy he would be given a uniform to wear. And since it was mandatory for him to wear it every day – with no exceptions, his new clothes would be for…casual wear.

"And this is for?"

"Date night," Linda retorts as Jamie looks at Danny with a grin and chuckles.

"Ok-ay," Danny shrugs as he puts it into the shopping cart. After they were done that, they reconnect with Erin and both boys watch Erin and Linda rummaging through a few sale bins in the women's section; the four of them happily chatting away and just bonding as siblings and friends.

After that they head into the busy mall area, Jack joining them about half hour later in the electronics store. They also meet up with Lucas in the same area and he and Jamie branch off and head into the video game section while the other four help Jack and the Linda pick out tablets for their new academic adventures.

The food court is next and there they join up with the rest of their clan, Demarcus and Keysha, Jackie and Ian, Anna and Tiffany; the four going into grade 12 sitting at one table and excitedly chattering away about going into their final year of high school and the others talking about the starting point to their new career paths.

As Danny listens he wishes he could just toss away his growing anxiety and embrace the new school year as the rest were doing. Of course they were nervous, but mostly about the upcoming workload and getting good grades. He had that plus contending with keeping respect and pride on the Reagan name. He tries to tell himself that it'll be okay and the buzz about his last name will die down after the first few days…maybe week. However, try as he might to convince himself it'll be okay – he can't. He knows it's going to be tougher on him than any other new NYPD cadet.

"Let's go see a movie," Jamie suggests as the lunch hour starts to unwind and the shopping had all been complete.

"Yes! Minions!" Lucas pipes up. All eyes turn to him and instantly the usually quiet Asian boy's face blushes and he shrugs. "It's everyone friendly."

"Did you by any chance by a minion backpack?" Danny retorts.

"No," Lucas protests as he pulls out the cover package for his new tablet. "I got one of these instead."

"Such a nerd," Tiffany groans.

"You like nerds!" Anna teases her friend, making the petite Spanish girl's face also blush.

A round of laughter erupts but all agree to just go and see the minion movie and bring the happy shopping day to a satisfying close.

XXXXXXXX

Each of them work one last shift at their respective jobs on Sunday and then confirm their working schedules for the first two months. After that it was back home to just relax and spend time together as a family.

"Come on! Over here! Danny!"

Danny passes the basketball to Jamie just as Erin rushes toward him, the two of them colliding and then laughing as Henry watches with delight. Frank's hands scoop Jamie up under the armpits, hoisting him into the air and helping him slam dunk the basketball.

"YAY! WE WIN!"

"Game's not over yet goober!" Danny shouts as he rushes toward him.

"Dad! Help me!" Jamie laughs as Frank's large frame stands between Jamie and Danny; Frank of course smiling as Danny approaches with his arms flailing. Danny tries to grab Jamie's sweater and yank him out from his hiding place, but he's instantly tackled by Erin who literally jumps on his back.

Danny can only laugh as Frank tosses his daughter the ball and he runs toward the net, Erin reaching into the air and dunks the ball…all of the cheering as it swooshes through the netting and then bounces onto the pavement.

The ball next bounces toward Henry, who happily scoops it up and then starts to bounce it.

"Careful pop," Frank playfully warns.

"What's that expression Francis? White men can jump?" Henry snickers as he dunks the ball into the net – once again earning a delighted round of applause.

The happy family plays a bit longer until it's time to call it a night – the anticipation of a very long and exciting day ahead beckoning all of them go get a good night's sleep.

That would happen – for most of them.

XXXXXXXX

"Danny? Are you sick?" Jamie asks quietly a few hours after they went to bed that Sunday night.

"I yeah…no," Danny answers with a huff as he stands up and then turns on the cold water. "Just…nerves are acting up…about tomorrow. I don't want to screw up and I know…I know when they call out the new cadet names, all that chatter will start up again," Danny whispers as he splashes cold water on his face and then looks at his brother with a weak frown. "And if the shock is over…I know there will be some die-hard Joe fans who might have their hate on…" he sighs as he looks at his brother with a weak frown. "You all set for tomorrow?"

"Yeah. Got my bag and all that but um…" Jamie pauses as he follows Danny back to his bedroom; both of them easing down onto the edge of Danny's bed. "But I'm still nervous about getting the scholarship that Henry worked so hard to get me eligible for."

"I guess tomorrow is going to be big for both of us," Danny states as Jamie's head lolls onto his shoulder. "I just don't want to let them down. Frank…he's done so much for us and I don't want to let them down. I'm worried. It should be okay in a few days when everyone else sees I'm just a regular guy like them."

"Yeah no pressure," Jamie whispers as Danny can't help but smile.

"Are you feeling okay?" Danny asks in concern.

"Jittery now," he confesses with a small smirk. "Can I sleep here tonight?"

"Course you can," Danny tells Jamie; watching his brother disappear for a few seconds to turn off the light in his room and then return to his room. It would be the only night the extra bit of reassurance was needed for both of them and would also signal that both were now entering a new chapter in their lives. But the brotherly bond between them was always going to be strong and it would only strengthen as the days would progress. The bond would be tested…maybe even slightly bent…but never broken.

The night was a bit restless for both as each of their minds was awake and thinking about the upcoming year and what it might mean for each of them; Danny of course thinking about after his graduation and then getting married to Linda and walking a brand new path with his own family. Of course he'd have to survive the incoming year first.

A few hours later, Danny's weary eyes open to see Jamie sleeping soundly beside him and can't help but smile. His arms fold under his head and he allows his mind to try to anticipate what it'll be like when his name is called out in just a few hours. Will he make some new friends? New enemies…some of both? He's very happy that Demarcus and Jackie will be there with him but he knows that it's going to be intense and he'll have the Reagan reputation to live up to and carry on.

"Hey…did you sleep…at all?" Jamie asks Danny in a sleepy tone as he looks up at his brother and then yawns.

"A little. You?"

"A little. I remembered that time in the apartment when our heat was cut and…and I can't believe it was almost a year ago. Last fall…it seems…almost unreal."

"Yeah that does seem a while ago," Danny agrees with a small huff. "I was so worried about how we'd pay for…well school and then just make ends meet and just…survive."

"The Reagan's have given us so much."

"I know…I don't even know how a thank you would even come close," Danny admits as Jamie looks up in wonder.

"We already made them a dinner," Jamie retorts, eliciting a small snicker from Danny. "Today's going to be a big day."

"Very big," Danny agrees.

"Wish mom was here. She'd be so proud of you."

"Proud of us both," Danny adds.

Danny can only smile under his brother's praise but feels his heart starting to ache for the fact that their beloved mother is missing such a huge milestone in his life. How would he even survive graduation…his wedding…or beyond?

"Danny?"

"Yeah…" he gently sniffles.

"Are you going to drive me…or will Frank? I know you don't want a ride to the academy to…well keep the talk down, but what about me? I don't mind…well not really."

"I uh…" Danny pauses.

"Danny?"

"You know for the last…well eleven years I've been with you every first day of school so…I just wanted to finish it out you know? So I'll drive you and then head to the academy. Is that okay?"

"Course it's okay," Jamie replies with a smile. As much as he wouldn't have minded either Frank or Henry driving him, in his heart he was hoping that Danny would be the one. And it would be. One last time. Their tradition as brothers. "I'm glad it's you," Jamie confesses with a whisper as Danny gives his shoulders a squeeze.

"Come on…let's get ready for the day. You take the shower first," Danny suggests.

"Okay."

Jamie slowly leaves the warm nest of covers and then disappears from Danny's view; entering his room to get a few things and then heading for the bathroom to shower.

Danny pushes himself upright and then looks at his phone. "A few more hours…" he whispers as his fingers curl tightly around his phone.

Jamie finishes in the shower and then heads into his bedroom to get dressed in his new clothes that Linda helped him pick out for the first day – dark jeans, white tee, dark blue plaid, button up shirt and his vintage leather jacket. Danny's first day outfit doesn't matter as much as they would be given a uniform to wear and that would be it for the rest of the term.

"There's my boys," Frank greets Danny and Jamie as they enter the kitchen about twenty minutes later, both dressed and ready to embrace the new day with open arms. "Coffee for anyone?"

"Too nervous," Danny replies as he reaches for a glass and then opens the fridge, looking for something without much caffeine. He settles for some orange juice but wonders if he should even attempt breakfast. In the end he just settles for a breakfast bar and hopes he'll keep that down.

"Why am I so nervous?" Erin mutters as she enters the kitchen. All male eyes turn and look at her in interest; Erin looking up in surprise. "What? I am! It's Columbia!"

A brief round of laughter follows as Henry soon enters and all of them take a seat at the table, eating what they feel they can for breakfast and talking about their exciting days ahead. It would be a new start for all of them. All.

"Grandpa…that's the third time you've checked your phone. Everything okay?" Jamie inquires as Henry looks up with a smile.

He had just read the text 'he showed up and early too,' and then looks up at his grandson with a smile. "Everything's fine."

XXXXXXXX

*earlier that morning*

He hadn't felt this nervous in a very long time. But its good nervousness…good and anxious nervousness. He didn't want to let anyone down, especially the man that had gone out of his way…really out of his way to help get him a new start. He looks at himself in the mirror and frowns; seeing only a failure staring back. But the confidence-infusing talk from the man at the top bolstered his wavering self-esteem enough to get him to scrounge up whatever money he could find, head down to the used clothing store and pick out a clean pair of jeans and shirt. He had borrowed a razor and even found an old lunch box that he put a few scraps into that he could find.

He arrives at the worksite a bit earlier than expected; wanting to see what he was getting himself into. For a few seconds he sees a few workers and then looks at the tools and starts to panic, telling himself that he was only going to fail. If you don't take the chance offered you might never get another…second chances are rare…especially good ones.

"Are you Alan Bate?"

Alan turns around with a small nod and racing heart. "Hi uh…yes yes Sir…Henry Reagan sent me."

"You're early, that's great. I'm Brent Mitchel, call me Brent. I have a bit of paperwork for you to fill out so please come with me to the office."

Henry had told him about the paperwork and the security check that would be run but assured him that his minor offenses wouldn't impede him getting or keeping the job at the construction site. And if he worked hard and proved himself, he might even ask the company to sponsor him for some additional training. It was almost overwhelming, but in a good way. His eyes want to well with gratitude and he knows in his heart, after the end of his first week, he's going to seek out Henry Reagan and thank him in the best way possible.

"Perfect, well…welcome aboard."

"Thank you. I won't let you down."

Both of them stand up and Brent extends his hand. Alan hesitates for a few seconds before taking it and then shaking it firmly. It was a new start; one he was going to gratefully embrace with both arms wide open!

XXXXXXXX

"I hope it goes well for the boys today," Erin tells her father as they stop outside the entrance to Columbia University. She didn't mind the ride from her father as it had been their tradition for the past…well as long as she had been in school – this year would be the last but the memories would never be forgotten. The ride had given them a chance to talk about her future goals, both professionally and personally. Frank didn't care much for Jack but Erin was in love and she said she could see them getting married and having a family together. Frank promised that no matter what, he'd always support her. And he would.

"Family comes first," was his motto. Always.

After he drops off his daughter he heads into the precinct to meet first with Senator Poole and then get down to business.

"Pop?" Frank looks up as his father approaches. "Should I be worried?"

"Not at all. Just had to drop off the final report on the Malvesky file before I head out to the academy for my welcoming speech," Henry replies with a smile, handing his son his report. "How are things here?"

"Tip top shape as always," Frank answers in truth as he looks over at his two top detectives, Spencer Rogers and Eric Chin, talking with officers Larry Abalos and Anthony Renzulli. "We have some good men here…"

"You trained them well," Henry tells Frank in truth before his expression turns serious. "You know…succession planning is a topic that we never seem to stay on long enough."

"The thought of you retiring…"

"I'm not getting any younger but I want to make sure I leave my legacy in this organization in good hands. Francis, I won't always be the man at the top helm forever. You have to start giving some thought about who you want to succeed you as your first Chief."

Frank's throat suddenly seizes as he looks at his father with a heavy frown. As much as he hates to think of his father having to step down because of age, he knows it's inevitable and it would be his responsibility to make sure leaves the day to day working operations of the NYPD in good hands.

"I'm not saying this person has to become your permanent shadow but maybe an operational meeting or two…a political call…a professional visit…union negotiations. Any ideas?"

Frank's eyes rest on the man he trusts most in his organization – Spencer Rogers and nods. "I have an idea."

"Thought as much," Henry nods his approval. "I also want to promote Larry Abalos to Sargent."

"Thought as much," Frank retorts as Henry slaps his son on the back.

"I have to get to class; we'll talk more about this during the week."

Frank watches his father leave and despite the rising panic from earlier knows that with a few good men already being groomed for positons of serious responsibility, the NYPD would be in good hands for many years to come.

"Spencer," Frank calls out as his top Detective nears him. "I'm meeting with Senator Poole in about half hour and want you there."

"Frank…political stuff? You know that's not my thing."

"I know," Frank casually replies. "But now it needs to be. Half hour."

Spencer watches Frank turn and head into his office and then looks at his partner and shrugs. "Guess it's a new day for all of us."

XXXXXXXX

"Suddenly I'm really nervous," Jamie admits as they near the high school parking lot.

"It's going to be fine," Danny replies, trying to soothe both their nerves. His mind trails back to the time when Jamie's first day of high school a few years back; the two of them standing side by side and wondering how they were going to make it. But they did – together. "Today we're off a bit early so I can pick you up but I doubt I'll be able to the rest of the week."

"I already have my bus pass handy," Jamie replies with a smirk. He gives his brother a firm and friendly smile before he gets out of the car and slowly heads toward the entrance in the chain-link fence. Jamie turns and waves, the two of them locking eyes for a few seconds before he turns and heads toward the high school. This last year would bring about not only some scholastic changes but also some new relationship ones. It was the start of a very busy new day.

Danny watches Jamie heading toward his friends and then slowly pulls away and heads for the NYPD Police Academy; his heart and mind starting to race as he nears the somewhat intimidating structure. He knows that Henry is coming to give the welcoming speech but had already told himself to limit contact during today so as to avoid any further gossip. Oh he knows there will be gossip as soon as his name is read out – but he could tell Henry in private later on, that was his right…that was his privilege.

He reaches the academy parking lot and stops the car, his mind and heart literally racing at top speed and he wonders if he'll even survive the walk from the parking lot into the building. If I don't my troubles are over…Danny's mind inwardly chides. But at the same time, he's excited about starting his new career path, especially with his friends at his side.

His mind thinks about the past year and how far he and Jamie had come as individuals, brothers and now members of a new family. They were loved, wanted, needed and cared for; their mother would be so happy and proud of their choices and their personal success. Jamie was loved and doing well and he knows when he does marry Linda and move out that he won't have to worry about leaving his beloved sibling as he was now…both of them were now Reagan's.

Frank…and his family had done so much for them and he does wonder if he'll ever…if they'd ever truly be able to repay that. 'Just respect the name and all that it stands for…that's payment enough,' Frank's words fill his mind. And now…as he looks at the somewhat daunting building before him he knows…this is just the start of the promise he made to Frank to always keep the Reagan name free of reproach and scandal. It would be a family legacy he would be…they'd both be proud to carry on.

'Time to get the future started.'

With that inner urging, Danny grabs his backpack, locks the car and takes a deep breath. He feels the sun warming his back, giving him a gentle nudge in the direction of his new future.

It was the dawn of a new day…of a new start for all of them.

THE END? … (for now)

A/N: Alas we have reached the end…at least the end of this segment in this series. Endings are always soooo bittersweet for us but once again I felt we have reached a few major milestones in this story saga and this was a good place to end it b/c they were all at the threshold of a new start (even a few of the OC's). I also put Erin into Columbia which is in NYC (Harvard is in Boston) for the sake of distance lol if I come back we'll see about the Harvard thing. (if it even matters). I know lots left and that's disappointing as this story was more about their lives and settling into their new roles than it was action and danger (but we also tried to toss some of that in there also). So I hope you all liked this as much as me and please do leave me a final review before you go (even you unappreciative lurkers) and let me know your thoughts and if you'd like another segment in this series a bit later on and thanks so much!