Alone
Chapter Eight: Recovery, Promotion, and New Responsibilities
Jamie and Eddie spent a month in Bay Ridge. Since someone from the family was always at the house, he was able to convince Eddie to go back to work. He was getting better day by day, but he wasn't improving as fast as he had hoped. He was well enough to be bored. He needed something to do, so he was hoping no one would fight if he and Eddie moved back to their place. He planned on getting in contact with the law firm in California and getting back to work for them, but he needed to be away from his father and grandfather who hovered. He was also planning on sitting for the Lieutenant's exam next month. There wasn't anything that said he couldn't sit for the exam even though he wasn't currently on active duty.
Eddie was happy that Jamie had taken the down time and focused on healing. Although, he didn't have much choice, when he wasn't in PT he was sleeping or eating. She could tell he was well enough that he was getting bored. She really was just happy that he survived. That first week in the hospital is one that she'll never forget.
Two weeks later after Jamie was moving around without any help and seemed to manage his daily needs on his own, Frank and Henry finally relented and said that they were okay with Jamie and Eddie moving back to their apartment.
Eddies was nervous her first day back at work when Jamie was home alone. So much so that she asked for desk duty, so she could get home quickly if he needed her. She was happy to see him sitting on the couch when she got home.
"So, you volunteered for desk duty today?" Jamie said hiding his sly smile.
"Yeah, I just wasn't feeling 100% today. What do you want for dinner?"
"Grandpa brought me lunch when he came in an RMP to pick me up from PT, and he had dinner for us too. All I have to do is heat it up for us." Jamie said proudly. He was happy to get back some of his independence. He was moving well now. He was just about back to normal. It would still be a while before he could go for a run, but he was happy that he could at least function being home alone.
"I can do it." Eddie said quickly. She still had the fear of losing him. "Just sit and relax. It looks like you've been doing some work. I don't want you to exhaust yourself out."
"Yes, I just finished a contract. Already sent it off, but I took a two-hour nap after I ate lunch with grandpa. I feel good Eddie. I promise, I wouldn't lie to you."
"Good. I was worried about you today." She said as she gave him a hug.
"I know, but I promise you I will not overdo it. I want to get back to work, and I know that pushing myself will not improve the speed at which that happens."
"Ok, let's eat and get you ready for bed."
"Ed, its early. How about we eat and talk for a while."
Once dinner was eaten and cleaned up, they made their way to the couch to relax for the remainder of the night. Eddie had spent so much of the day worrying about something going wrong that she couldn't stop thinking about it. The thought of Frank walking into the kitchen and the hours they spent waiting while Jamie was in surgery kept flashing through her head. At times she would notice him moving around, and while he was slower, he was starting to act and move more like the Jamie she fell in love with.
"Hey, earth to Eddie." Jamie said while waving his arms. He had been trying to get her attention for almost ten minutes.
"Jamie! Are you okay? Do you need something? Do you need to go back to the hospital?" Eddie listed off any question that came into her head and she was getting ready to jump off the couch and get Jamie anywhere he needed to be.
"Ed, I promise that I'm fine. I wanted to tell you the good news that I found out at PT today."
"Good news. What is it?"
"Andrea, my physical therapist, said that I can start driving again, and I have improved enough that I only need PT once a week, and if I pass all of my tests and keep doing my homework that I'll be done with PT in another month or two." Jamie smiled. Being able to drive meant that he could gain his independence and some freedom.
"Jamie, that is so wonderful! When's your next doctor's appointment?"
"Friday. I'm hoping to get approval for light activity and find out when I'll be able to start desk duty. I'm thinking my dad will have me watching the grass grow somewhere, but at least I'll be on duty."
"I know that you're ready, but just remember to take it slow and ask for help if you need it. We all worry about you." She said wiping tears, that had started earlier. She just couldn't control anymore.
"Hey, Ed, Ed, I promise that I won't do anything that I'm not ready for. I will ask for help if I need it. Listen I know that what happened was hard on everyone and I'm sorry. Neither one of us can't promise that anything like that won't happen again, but I will tell you that I do everything I can to make it home to you each night."
Eddie's crying hard now. He's saying all the right things, her mind just can't stop going to those negative places. "All I could think about that first week was that I was going to lose you. You had a chance to see your mom, and Joe, your grandma Betty, and your mom's parents, and Sydney again. I was worried that you would chose them over me."
Once Jamie saw how hard she was crying he took her in his arms and just let her talk and cry it out. When he heard her worry, he tipped her head, so she was looking right at her.
"Ed, I love you with everything I am. I won't lie, I love Sidney too, but she's my past and I know that she would want me to be happy and you make me happy."
"I love you, Jamie. Now let's get you to bed. You look tired." Eddie said needing a little time alone to get herself together and her head on straight.
Two weeks later Jamie was feeling much better, and he sat eight hours for the Lieutenant's exam. The exam was on a Saturday, and unless his dad studied the list no one in the family knew he took it but Eddie. He was in a good mood when Eddie picked him up, but tired. He hoped that he did pass, and his name wasn't too far down the list he was ready for a new challenge and hoped whatever his new assignment was it was less dangerous than where he is now. Even though the gang unit had been a good move for him, and he learned a great deal since he'd been there.
Two weeks after the test and his doctor let him begin desk duty. He was ready. Eddie and the family were nervous that he was going to push himself and either hurt himself more or have a major setback.
It was his first day back in his office and he was busy getting through everything when there was a knock on the door. He expected it to be Eddie. He knew that she was going to be checking on him all day. She had requested to stay in the house again. He was surprised to see his brother who had been surprisingly quiet since everything happened.
"Hey Danny, can I help you with a case?"
"No, you can get your ass home. It's too early, you need to be at home resting. You almost died."
"Calm down Danny. I know that I almost died again. I have a doctors written approval to be back at work."
"Jamie, kid, this time was too close. Even after your surgery, the doctor wasn't sure that you were going to make it. After Joe, I never wanted to see the look on dad's face again, and what about Eddie. Do you want to leave her alone. You know what that type of loss does to a person!"
"Danny, I'm sorry that I put you guys through that. It was never my intention to hurt or cause anyone pain."
"Then why are you here?"
"This is my job Danny, just like you have your job. I'm not trying to hurt anyone, including myself." Jamie hung his head.
Danny just watched Jamie for a minute. He had been around the hospital, and at the house, but once Jamie and Eddie moved back to their apartment, he had made himself scarce. He could see that Jamie was doing a lot better than he had been, and he came to ask him if he wanted to grab a bite to eat. He knew Eddie was working.
"Why did you do it?"
Jamie looked at his brother confused. "Do what?"
"Why did you jump in front of the other detective?"
"Danny, you would have done the same thing. I saw the guy and Detective Brand didn't. He has a wife and three kids at home. Don't lie, you know that you would've done the same thing. There isn't any way that you could knowingly stand and watch another cop get shot when you could've done something to stop it."
This angered Danny. He never thought that Jamie thought enough of himself. "Ok, you got me there, but what about your family. We've all seen cops die who have families. It's unfortunately something we know when we sign up. I just worry about you kid."
"I'm his Sergeant. Danny, it doesn't matter now. It's over. I'm hoping to be back to full duty in three weeks."
"So, you can go out and get yourself shot or killed."
"Is that what your goal every day?" Jamie said in a low angry voice.
"No. It seems to be yours."
"It's not Danny. I go to work each day with the same goals you do. To get the bad guys and to go home to my family at the end of each night."
"Whatever you say kid. Let me know if you need anything. I'm guessing since I saw your car outside that you are allowed to drive again."
"Yes."
Thankfully the remainder of his day was quiet. Eddie had come in and checked on him a few times. She was happy to see that he didn't seem to be pushing himself. The next few weeks went by in the same manor. Each doctor's appointment Jamie had he was given more freedom. Finally, another month later he was returned to full duty. Things between he and Eddie had gotten better. She could see how much he was improving. She had heard about Danny's visit to Jamie's office, and she understood his feelings, but felt bad for Jamie at the same time. Having been in the family for a while now she really understood how difficult Danny really could be and despite the fights he and Erin had, Danny really was the hardest on Jamie. It was like he would never see him as an adult.
With Jamie feeling like his normal self, he and Eddie were back to their bike rides on the weekends, and Jamie was back to running each day. He hadn't heard about his transfer, so he focused on being happy where he was. One thing was certain, he was happy with Eddie. He knew at one time in his life after Sydney died, he had decided he was going to be alone the rest of his life. This experience and his last undercover operation with the FBI made him realize how important Eddie was to him. He still met up with Sidney's dad when he was in the city for work. Her dad still wanted to know he was doing, and when Sid's youngest sister got married, Eddie and Jamie had been invited to the wedding. At first it was very awkward for Eddie, but everyone welcomed her, and Sid's dad was very thankful that she had come into Jamie's life. He knew that Jamie needed someone or something to bring him happiness again.
Frank's morning started off slowly. Gormley had dropped off the Lieutenant's exam results and pending new assignments for his review. Garrett had let him know that he needed to talk to him about the results too. Frank saw the name on the top of the list, and he understood why Garrett needed to see him. Jamie had scored 100% on the test. That put him in the position to get one of the positions at 1PP. That made Frank happy. His son would be safe in the building with him. His thoughts were broken by Garrett and Gormley.
"Did you see boss. Your son scored top again. You've got to be proud." Gormley said with a big smile.
"Yes, I did. Yet again I didn't know that he was taking it."
"Well, the press is going to have a field day with this." Garrett said worried about the fallout. He knew Jamie would never cheat, but most people don't see it that way.
"I know Garrett, we'll release his academic record again, if it even goes out in the press. We have to check with the FBI. They may still want him for UC assignments."
"I forgot about that. Would he do that now that he's married?" Garrett wondered.
"Well, Eddie's a cop she would understand better than most. Honestly, I don't know. My hope would be that he wouldn't, but I've been wrong about Jamie before. Things are a lot better, but the rift that I created when he told me he was quitting the law firm to attend the Academy is still somewhat present. He talks to me about some things, I think most things, but I have a feeling that he either doesn't tell me everything or holds back."
"What worries you more, Jamie taking on a dangerous assignment or that you've been wrong about the choices he's made?" Garrett asked curiously.
"Both. Up until Jamie joined the force, he was always the kid that talked to me about everything. He was always the kid that was happy to listen to any advice we had to give him. I know that he and Danny are talking about more things because I know that Jamie has been helping him. Although, I know Danny was upset with him when he's heard he went back to work. He thought it was too soon."
"He's your kid. He'll always love you."
"I know Garrett, let me make a call to the FBI, but I have a feeling that we'll be having a quiet ceremony in the office. The entire family will be in attendance. I'm not letting Jamie hid completely under the radar."
"Okay, I'll plan on that rout unless I hear otherwise."
Garrett left Frank to think.
Jamie had just received his results and called Eddie right away with the good news. He still didn't know where he was headed, but he knew that wherever it ended up being Eddie would most likely be happier with his new assignment.
That night he got home to find Eddie had made a celebratory dinner. She was happy that Jamie would be getting an immediate bump, she knew that despite the happy face that he was putting on he was ready for a change.
"Congratulations babe! I knew you would do it again." Eddie finished with a big hug before she went into the kitchen to finish dinner.
"Thanks, dinner smells great. Do I have fifteen minutes to shower and change?"
"Go, it'll be ready when you are."
Change was looking better every day. He knew that the work he was doing was making an impact, but it was hard spending most of his time in the housing projects. Some days were better than others, but if it was quieter than he would find himself thinking of Vinny and imagining where he would be today. The unit was running well, if he ended up leaving it should be an easy transition.
"So, are you excited? You scored number one. Word in the department is that the number one spot gets a position at 1PP."
"Yeah, but the fact that it's my name at the top could change things. Plus, I still have my work with the FBI. My dad and Garrett would rather I distance myself from 1PP."
"But you're the next Reagan that will be Commissioner. Your rise is gonna continue, and it can't stay hidden forever."
"It can as long as I'm doing undercover work. I think despite the progress we've made my dad would rather have me hidden so he doesn't need to think about the fact that I'm a cop."
"And now you're married to a cop."
"And I'm happy about that every day. I'm happy about the change too. I'll find out how my dad feels about it on Wednesday. He asked if I could come to the house during your shift."
"Well, let me know what happens. If you need an out text me and I'll figure something out." Eddie laughed.
"Thanks. How about I take you in on Wednesday and pick you up after my dad's and we head out for happy hour like old times."
"That sounds awesome as long as I get to pick the place. You'll end up picking a cop bar and I want good food."
"I got it. Don't worry. No cop bars. This dinner is wonderful. I never thought that the day would come you'd willing cook something without meat." Jamie smiled. He knew the fact that she did this was another way of showing her love for him.
"Wanna know something?" She said through shy eyes.
"Sure."
"I really like this meal. I don't miss the meat. Honestly, I'll eat these vegetarian enchiladas any day of the week." She smiled and then took the last one in the pan.
"I love it. Thank you."
They finished dinner and dessert. Eddie went to his favorite bakery and got his favorite chocolate cheesecake. It ended up being a great night. The next day would be a long day.
Jamie was happy to drop Eddie off and spend a little extra time with her before his shift and night with his dad and he hoped his grandfather. Frank was looking forward to the night he had no idea how nervous his son was about it.
"Hey Jamie, where's Eddie tonight?" His grandfather asked happily. He loved the spunky little blond who brought Jamie back to life.
"Working a double. I have to pick her up in a couple hours."
"That's too bad. I've heard that we have things to celebrate tonight."
"Yeah, maybe. I haven't talked to Dad since I found out." Jamie sighed. He wished he could be like his sister and brother. His dad had always backed their professional endeavors. He wished he had the same support.
"Well, you father's headed home now, so he should be home soon. He had hoped to beat you here."
"I spent half the day in my Captain's office going over everything for my unit and if I had any thoughts on a good replacement. I had a couple, but he can only ask, 1PP will have their own ideas, if one is even needed."
"What do you mean? You scored number one. From what I've heard its already known where you're going."
"Yeah, that may have been the case before my name topped the list. You know it can't look like favoritism."
Henry didn't get a chance to point out that Jamie's wrong on this point. Frank walked in the door at that moment.
"There he is. Our new Lt. Congratulations son, I'm so proud of you." Frank went and gave Jamie a hug once he had his briefcase.
"Hey dad. How was your day?" Jamie asked trying to not sound nervous.
"It was good. It got better once I saw the test results. What made you decide to take the test?"
"Both of my Captains encouraged me. They said that I was ready for that next step, and I talked to Eddie about it, and I decided it wouldn't hurt if I took it."
"Well, I'm glad that they did. I only have one question."
"What is it?" Jamie groaned and it made Frank think of Danny.
"Are you still working with the FBI?"
"Yes, the potential for more UC assignments still exists. I've told them that I won't be doing any long term assignments, and they were okay with that."
"Ok, we'll do a private ceremony in my office next Monday."
"Thanks dad."
The ceremony was great, and it had an added bonus. Eddie was promoted to Sergeant. She had decided to take the test since Jamie was studying so much for his. Eddie was ready to move up and now that she was a Reagan knew that her options would be limited. The entire family was there plus, Baker, Gormley and Garrett. Eddie and Erin were both so excited, they both hoped that this promotion would get Jamie out of harm's way. Frank and Henry had a great dinner planned with the entire family after the ceremony. The entire family was happy for the couple. Their promotions would mean both of them were going to be adapting to changes. It was good. Life was good.
Jamie and Eddie celebrated their promotions with a weekend away. They spent the time hiking, shopping, and enjoying their room. It was a great break. They both had new beginnings coming. Eddie was moving to the 5-4, they had a patrol Sergeant retire and were in need strong leadership, and Jamie was headed to the intel division at 1PP.
"Are you ready for Monday?" Jamie asked as they drove back to their apartment.
"Yeah, I think so. It's going to be different running role call instead of being a part of it." Eddie chuckled but was nervous about messing up. "How about you, are you ready for your first day at 1PP?"
"No."
"Why not, this is a great opportunity, and this is something that you are great at."
"Yeah, well, we'll see. I'm not looking forward to working with Danny. He's not going to like taking orders from his little brother who he thought never should've become a cop in the first place. When it comes to work it won't matter that we've been getting along better. He'll be back to seeing me as the little kid that followed him around the house trying to keep up with the big kids." Jamie worried.
"Danny will get used to it. Is that why we went away this weekend so you could avoid your brother?"
"No, we went away because I don't get to spend enough time with you. I love you."
"Ok."
The next morning, both Eddie and Jamie were nervous about their new roles. Jamie dropped Eddie off and told her good luck with Danny if she saw him and made his way to 1PP. With his dad being PC, he never thought that he would be working in this building at that same time.
Eddie's morning went great. Her Lt. had her working the desk today since patrol was fully staffed. A busy hour later she looked up and saw Danny bringing in a collar.
Danny was preoccupied and didn't see who the Sergeant was behind the desk. He knew that the changes were happening today, but he missed the part where anyone told him his sister-in-law was going to be working out of the 5-4.
"What are the charges detective?" Eddie asked, she could tell he hadn't seen her yet.
When Eddie spoke, he immediately looked up. Baez had already seen her and heard that a newly promoted Sergeant was starting today.
"Sergeant." Danny almost stumbled on the word. His brother and sister-in-law both outranked him now, and his sister-in-law would be running crime scenes and would have to obey orders from her, or risk being written up.
"Charges detective?" Eddie asked again. She saw the look on his face and wasn't going to give him a break just because he was her brother-in-law.
"Assault and robbery." Baez said, knowing her partner needed a minute.
It took everything Eddie had to not laugh at Danny's reaction. Dinner on Sunday was going to be fun if the week kept going this way.
Jamie had gotten in and was shown his office on the tenth floor. He met his new boss the Chief of intel and had been given a tour of the entire building and been walked through protocols for escalating things. He was one to ten officers who had been promoted starting at 1PP. A lunch with the commissioner was on their schedule. After the tour he had been given a list of ongoing operations that the NYPD was working with the FBI, and he had a meeting scheduled with the FBI later that week to work through some pain points to make working together better.
Garrett stood in front of the commissioner's conference room talking about how happy he was that they were all here and he looked forward to working with each of them.
"This lunch is meant to informal and a chance for each of you to meet the commissioner since you will all get a chance to work with him now." Garret said.
"The commissioner will be in, in a few minutes. I am always available if you need anything too, for everyone, but a few of you will be working on organizing operations with the precincts and I can help out where I can." Gormley said having gone through a couple of these transitions now and he knew that some of these guys would receive some push back.
Frank walked into the room and looked at all the new offers now assigned to 1PP. He was happy to see his son sitting in the corner although it looked like he was trying to hide.
"Welcome all. Baker will be bringing in the food shortly." Frank said and continued to walk around and talk to each person.
The food came in and it was typical sandwiches, chips, and a salad. Jamie had been quiet most of the time. He was ready to get to work. He always hated stuff like this. It was a long hour, and he sat and talked to a few of the guys, and as he was making his way back to his office, he was stopped by Detective Baker.
"Lt. the commissioner would like a minute with you in his office."
"Ok." Jamie said and made his way into his dad's office instead of heading into his like he wanted.
"Hey Jamie, are you okay? You were pretty quiet during lunch."
"Yeah, just had a lot going on in my head. I started reading through the ongoing operations with the FBI, and I was able to set up a meeting with SAC Castille and ASAC Valentine later in the week so I can get caught up on anything going on that we may not know about yet." Jamie was laser focused. He didn't want to screw up or disappoint anyone. He knew the fact that he was in this building that expectations were high.
"Jamie, you need to calm down a little. It's your first day."
"I know sir. I will. Thank you for lunch. Can I get back to work now?"
"Yes, I'll see you Sunday, if not before."
"Bye." Jamie said and walked back to his office.
Jamie kept reading through the files and made some notes. He noticed one of the largest operations Danny was involved in. He had a few months until it was set to go down, but he knew how quickly things changed. Unlike other times when Jamie had been promoted or transferred, he got to leave right on time and went to see how Eddie's first day at the 5-4 was.
They picked up dinner on the way home. Both of their days had been full and exhausting. Dinner was quiet both of them knowing that they each could have had some challenges.
"Did you see Danny today?"
"Yeah, he was in early this morning with a collar. I think he missed the conversation at dinner when I said I was headed to the 5-4. Baez got it though and kept things moving."
"So, it didn't go over so well. He'll be fine, don't worry. If you do have any problems just go to your Captain. I know he won't put up with Danny's BS and if he thinks you're gonna let him off because your related to him. He won't be playing that card with me either."
"I know. It won't stop him from trying. We just have to do our jobs and if he doesn't like it, he can go above our heads. As long as we are within protocol, we are golden." Jamie smiled. He knew things were going to heat up starting at Sunday dinner this week. He was kinda missing when he and his family weren't getting a long because he didn't have to go.
Jamie was convinced that his dad talked to Danny before dinner because everything went well. It helped that Eddie had spent the remainder of the week out with a rookie so she wasn't at the house where they could run into each other. Jamie had spent the remainder of his week in meetings, and he was beginning to feel like that was his new normal.
The only thing that made the position better for Jamie was that he was going to get to be on scene for as many of the take downs as he could. He wouldn't be stuck in the office all day yet.
The first two operations with the FBI went down without any issues. They had a week of planning meetings to determine the best courses of action for both the FBI agents and the NYPD officers. All involved down to the patrol officers were in meetings on what was to happen and where and why they were supposed to be there. Something Jamie thought was important since he was a rookie and most of the things he did as a rookie he had no idea what was going on and it made it hard for him to do his job effectively.
Jamie was feeling a little anxious about the next operation. Danny had gotten pulled into this operation when one of his recent cases tied into the ongoing case that the NYPD and FBI. The case originated with the FBI, but after some time and deliberation it was determined that the NYPD needed to be involved. ASAC Valentine had read Jamie in and they started discussing their plans for manpower and who all would need to be involved. Based on that meeting Jamie knew that the next few months would be busy. With large operations like this on the books he was now having monthly meetings with the commissioner, LT. Gormley, and any chiefs were needed. In the beginning it was intimidating for Jamie to be presenting his plans to all of these people who were more qualified than himself, but over time his confidence built and he was always open to listening to their thoughts and alternate ideas. It didn't take long when he would go from presenting to the NYPD brass to the FBI brass. The days he spent in meetings were always his longest. On those days he was jealous of Eddie running role call and being out on the streets. She was currently riding with a rookie, and she said it was bringing back good memories when they started riding together. She couldn't help but laugh at how nervous the rookie was when they found out their Sergeant was their first partner. She vividly remembered those feelings.
These were just the prepping meetings. The final meetings before everything was set to take place was the following week. Both Jamie and Maggie knew that the meetings with the detectives was going to be the hardest. Its why they chose to run it together.
"Are you ready for this Reagan?" Maggie asked knowing his hot-headed brother was going to be in attendance.
"As ready as I can be. I've really only seen him at family dinners lately since I've been working so much, but Eddie sees him daily since they're in the same house now. He's not happy that he's taking orders from either one of us." Jamie laughed.
"I can imagine. The first case I went home and worked as FBI was tough. My dad was a captain, and he knew we were heading up the operation, and he had to take his que from us. It was awkward, but we managed."
"At least I don't ever have that to worry about." Jamie laughed.
Surprisingly to Jamie, Danny kept his mouth shut during the meeting for the most part. He did have some ideas and clearly disagreed with his and the FBI's ideas of how to deal with some aspects of the operation. He ended the meeting saying that he would be submitting a proposal for consideration. Jamie was looking forward to reviewing the proposal because Danny did have over twenty years on the job and time in the military. He knew that if Danny decided to he could make a good boss, but the way he talked he was most likely going to retire at some point and go into the private sector so he could make some real money.
Sunday dinner wasn't as peaceful. Jamie and Eddie had been working all morning and they missed church because of it. Eddie's squad was going to be involved too, so she had a lot of planning to do. This was her first big operation that she was working on as a Sergeant, and her husband, brother-in-law, and father-in-law were all involved so no pressure. Jamie kept telling her that she knew what she was doing and that she was a great cop and boss, but that didn't take away the nerves.
"So hotshot, you got the op already to go?" Danny said with a sneer.
"We're working on it. Will you have your proposal ready tomorrow?" Jamie was staying civil and professional. No point in adding to the tension in the room. Henry was impressed.
"I'll have it to you tomorrow."
"I need it by ten. I have a meeting with the FBI team tomorrow afternoon."
"I have no idea how you can work with the damn feds after what happened with Joe. Hell, you've almost been killed twice because of them."
"Boys, I think that this is enough shop talk at dinner, and you need to keep it civil Danny." Henry said wanting to keep the peace and watching as his son watched both his boys.
"Ok, pop, we have another meeting about this next week anyway." Jamie said and grabbed Eddied hand for support.
"Pop, do you have any idea what it's like having to take orders from my little brother?" Danny shouted and the room went quiet.
"Daniel, keep it civil. Now is not the time." Frank said. The previous week he could see that something like this was coming. He was happy with his youngest that he wasn't giving into Danny's jibes.
"Dad, I'm just saying the golden boy and his lovely wife need a reality check. Lt. Reagan has his nice office at 1PP now and has already forgotten what it's like to be out on the streets, and Sgt. Reagan seems to be following in her husband's footsteps." Danny sneered not realizing the true reality that both Jamie and Eddie were still spending a substantial amount of time on the streets.
Jamie was not going to give in and let Danny start a fight. Jamie just got up and made his way outside to cool off. He knew Danny was dealing with a lot of changes in his life and he knew that he just needed to let off some steam.
Eddie just sat there and was looking around the table. She was and wasn't surprised that Danny had brought her into the fight. She was going to give Jamie ten minutes and then she was going to go and talk to him. While she was thinking Henry had come around the table and placed his hands on her shoulders in a show of support.
"Hey Jamie." Eddie said when she found him around the side of the house.
"Hey Ed. I'm sorry I left. I didn't want to say something that would either end up hurting Danny or that I'd later regret. I didn't mean to leave you hanging in there. He brought you into it too. I should have defended you." Jamie hung his head low and looked at his feet.
"It's okay Jamie. I understand why you left and honestly, I don't think any reward was worth the fight. I knew when I got assigned to the 5-4 things were going to be interesting." Eddie laughed.
"Thank you. Ready to head back in or do you just want to head home?"
"Actually, I'm ready to head home. I have a report to get to 1PP tomorrow morning, and I'm almost done with it, but I want to review it a final time. I've heard rumors that the Lt. reviewing it is a hard ass who knows what he's doing and expects the best from those he works with." Eddie smiled and gave him a big hug.
Fifteen minutes later they were in the Chevelle and on their way home. Frank thought it would be best. Dinner the following week should be better because the operation would be over, and they would all be moving forward.
Frank had Danny and the boys stay at the house for the night. He didn't want his son driving angry. Erin and Nikki had left not long after Jamie and Eddie. Nikki had a report that she wanted to finish for school later that week and Erin was working on an opening statement for a big case. Erin needed this case to be over before the operation took place later that week because her boss had already told her that he was bringing her in on it.
"Danny, come sit for a bit." Frank asked when he heard that Danny had gotten both boys to sleep.
"Hey dad, listen, I'm sorry about today. I just don't understand why all this planning and the FBI are needed to take down these guys. Two years ago, I would have been able to plan something and a week later we would have them."
"And no offense Danny, but then you would spend another couple days or a week getting enough hard admissible evidence for the DA's office to nail a conviction." Frank knew how his son worked. He was a good cop, but he needed to take a step back and look at things from all sides.
"True, but it's always worked in the past, and honestly, I think Erin and some of her ADA's are too concerned with the wrong stuff. The goal should be to get these guys behind bars and keep the people of the city safe."
"And that is their goal, but they have to have all the evidence, and make sure that all of the laws were followed so that nothing happens that would give the defense attorney's a leg to stand on so they can get their clients off easily."
"Okay. I'm sorry about today dad. I know that the kid and Eddie are just doing their jobs. I'm just happy that it's Eddie at the 5-4 and not the kid. She and I have already butted heads a few times and I'm not real proud of it."
"Listen Jamie and Eddie are both going through some growing pains. I know for a fact that Jamie has been dealing with some harsh criticisms since he took on this new position, and Eddie is learning what it's like to be a boss instead of one of the rank and file. I know that their promotions weren't easy on you, but you had to know that this was coming."
"I know dad, and I feel bad for the kid. It's hard enough being a cop with you being the PC, I can't imagine working in the same building. I'm honestly a little surprised that he hasn't jumped to the FBI. I know that they are trying hard to get him to join them."
"Danny trust me I know. He's close to the ASAC, and SAC of New York City, along with a couple of other agents. They've all been at 1PP throughout the last couple of weeks with all of the op preparations going on. His new position just puts him on their radar even more. He spends at least one day a week at 26 Fed."
"So, it's bad then. He might leave us?" Danny worried. He went from being pissed off at his little brother to worried he was going to get a job and not be around anymore.
"Eddie might help us with that, but at the rate she's going, and to get Jamie, they may offer her a position too. I honestly don't know. Jamie hasn't talked to me like he used to in years. He could already be considering the change or be waiting until this op is done and then put in his notice and be ready to move."
"I'll do a better job of treating him with respect and taking his orders during the op. I don't want to drive him away. At least if something else happens here we are all around him, but I'm afraid that he won't survive the next time. We've come so close to losing him before."
"Danny, unfortunately we learned with Joe that no matter what you do you can't do anything to prevent the tragedies. Jamie's a good cop."
"I know, I just worry, I think back to when I got there and it was Sidney that was killed and then when my stabbing victim was him, and then Bitterman. It's just easy to worry that the last time I talk to him might be the last time."
"I understand your worry. It's not like I don't have them too, but he's an adult, and doing what he loves just like you and I."
"Ok. I promise I'll be good during the op."
Frank felt better about his son's relationship. He knew that they loved each other, but there were times he wasn't sure that they liked each other. They had more in common than he thought either one of them realized. He just hoped that they both survived the op to fight another day.
Six long months in the making, but it was finally here. The op that so many man hours had already gone into. Jamie and Maggie were covering the front and heading up the op while OA and Danny were covering the back. Multiple other officers and agents were surrounding the building and ready to head in when word was given.
An hour later they had all those involved rounded up and headed to various police stations and FBI offices to be processed and questioned. Going in early meant that they were able to get to the guys while they were sleeping. No one was injured during the bust and many in the NYPD and FBI were impressed at how well everything went down.
As upsetting as this entire thing had been to Danny because he had to take orders from his little brother who's now a Lt., he understood why he was where he was. Jamie had rightly earned his place and although he missed pushing in and running the op because he felt that's where he belonged, he understood that things were changing and despite what he originally thought they may be changing for the better.
While Danny went back to his smaller cases Jamie moved onto the next large op that was already in the works. Danny had a new appreciation for what his grandfather, and dad delt with on a daily basis moving up the ranks. He figured out that while he had been thinking about taking the Sergeant's exam, being in command was not something he wanted. He'd leave that up to his little brother.
Danny was missing Linda even more while working the big op. It was operations like this when he missed having someone to talk to at home while he was working through things.
Eddie was happy that the op was over and that the next one didn't involve her squad. It was a big success, but it was exhausting, and she didn't know how Jamie was able to go from op to op. She was happy to get back to their regular routine. Having reported to him she knew that he was a good commanding officer, but now seeing the level he was at was great.
Life was good and it was just going to keep getting better.