A/N: I'm sorry for the distance between the updates... been kind of crazy lately. Thank you all for sticking by this. I really appreciate it. :) See the first chapter for the disclaimer. I hope you guys enjoy this one, and please review. :)

Chapter Thirty Nine

Frank was staring out the window as Garrett walked in. "Busy day today," he said.

"I'm aware of that," Frank replied, staring at the city below.

"We need to get moving for the press conference on the shooting in Battery Park. And, I know I don't have to tell you this, but they're going to be asking about Jamie."

"You're right. You don't have to tell me that."

Garrett, of course, was annoyed by the response, something Frank didn't even have to turn around to see.

"Commissioner?" "Commissioner?" "Commissioner?"

Frank shifted behind the podium. "Mary."

"Commissioner, what is the status of Officer Reagan?"

"Officer Reagan has been restored to full active duty," Garrett jumped in before Frank could utter his usual retort.

"Is he really ready to be back?" Nick asked.

"The doctors have declared him physically and mentally fit for duty."

"Yeah, but how much influence did the Commissioner have on the decision?" Jonah asked.

"The Commissioner does not get involved with doctors declaring officers fit for duty," Frank interjected. "The last thing this city needs is an officer being rushed back onto the street before he or she is truly ready. In those instances, mistakes can be made, leading people to get hurt, or worse. That goes not only for the officers of the department, but for the citizens of New York City. It doesn't do any good to have someone on duty that isn't ready to be there."

"I believe that's all we have time for right now," Garret said. "Thank you all for coming."

Garrett quickly ushered Frank away before he had the chance to snap at anyone.

Frank was sitting in the kitchen with a mug of coffee and a case file before him when Jamie made his way into the house the next morning. "Hey," he greeted his youngest.

"Hey Dad," Jamie replied lightly.

"Coffee's fresh if you want some."

"Thanks." Jamie poured a mug before sitting across from Frank.

The older man looked up at his youngest child, noting that his demeanor seemed much lighter than it had been in a few weeks. Jamie furrowed his brow slightly.

"There a reason you asked me to come over this morning?" he asked.

"You're going back on the beat today," Frank replied.

Jamie nodded slightly. "And you want to make sure I didn't con the doctors into passing me in?"

Frank didn't respond.

"I'm ready to be back out there," Jamie asserted.

Frank nodded.

"Besides, Renzulli already told me I'm riding with him for a few tours until he's convinced I didn't play the doctors."

Frank smiled lightly.

"I'll be fine, Dad," Jamie said seriously. "I'm ready."

Frank nodded again, taking a few moments to study his son. Jamie looked like he was taking good care of himself and sleeping well. And while pieces weren't completely back together, they were put together enough to be most of what Jamie used to be. Frank realized that his son may never be the same as he was before, and time would tell how Jamie would handle sticky situations he may find himself in, but Frank did know one thing.

Jamie was stronger than he ever had been.

He had survived. He had made it through. And though he wasn't complete yet, he was getting there. And the next step to making him whole was getting him back on the beat.

"I pass inspection?" Jamie asked over his coffee.

Frank looked at him. "You've been spending too much time with your brother."

Jamie just smirked.