Jamie sulked as he walked through the front door. His day had been horrible and he just wanted to go to bed. But, it was Sunday and he had to go the his Dad's for Sunday dinner. Jamie slowly stripped off his coat, gloves, scarf, and hat. He slipped off his wet boots and then entered the kitchen.
"Need any help sis?" Erin was busy cooking away. She didn't even look up.
"No, I'm good." Jamie nodded, secretly happy that he wasn't needed. He walked past the dark dining room and into the living room. Danny, Frank, and Henry were busy watching a game. Jamie slowly eased himself into a chair, ignoring the throbbing pain throughout his body. He sat quietly and zoned out.
Erin yelled that dinner was ready and everyone jumped up and started towards the dining room. Frank stopped, when he noticed that Jamie wasn't moving.
"Jamie?" Jamie looked up at his dad slowly. His eyes seemed a little glazed over. "Everything ok?" Tears instantly sprung to Jamie's eyes and he shook his head. Frank sat down next to Jamie and placed a hand on his back. "What's eating you kid?" Jamie turned towards his father slowly.
"I-I couldn't save him." Tears rolled down Jamie's face. "He was just a kid. I should have ran fast." Jamie placed his head in his hands. "A mother is without her child because I wasn't fast enough. Frank pulled his son close and let his cry.
-earlier-
Jamie and Vinny were called to a shooting, the shooter was still at large. They arrived on scene with their guns in hand and ready to take down the suspect. Jamie spotted the suspect, he started running after him and yelling for him to put his hands in the air. Jamie watched as the suspect raised his gun and fired at many people. Only one civilian went down. Jamie pushed his legs to go faster. He tackled the suspect. They struggled for a minute, but Jamie got the upper hand. As Vinny cuffed the guy, Jamie went to the boys side. The kid was maybe 12 years old. He was gasping for air and blood flowed from his mouth. Tears sprang to Jamie's eyes as the kid took his last breath.
-present-
Frank held Jamie close.
"I wish I could tell you that it gets easier, but it doesn't. Every victim that you didn't save will stay in your mind. I can still remember every single person who died in front of me. That's what makes you such a good cop Jamie. Your love for the people." Jamie raised his eyes and met his father's.
"You always know what to say, to make me feel better." Jamie smiled sadly and then wiped the tears from his eyes. Together they stood and made their way to dinner.