A/N Final chapters and an epilogue. :-) Thank you so much for following my story!
"Alright, people, pipe down!" Sergeant Renzulli called the assembly room back to order as he continued with the roll call. He stood at the podium in his uniform. A hint of a smile curled his mouth as he read the next item. "As you all know, today we say farewell to Detective Reagan as he joins the 6th Precinct." The room erupted with cat calls, whistles and clapping. Jamie stood with his back up against the far wall, wearing his new uniform—a dark gray suit and necktie, with his gold shield visibly clipped to his belt. He had an embarrased expression covering his face. Renzulli had to quiet the room again. "Detective Reagan, the men and women of the 12th, your department home for the past four and a half years, whish you all the best in your new assignment. You will always be a part of our ranks here."
Jamie quietly acknowledged the remark. "Thanks, boss." He glanced across the room at Eddie. She wore an enthusiastic smile and nodded her head at him, clearly happy for him.
Renzulli flipped to the last sheet of the roll call roster and looked in Eddie's direction. "Officer Janko, with Reagan's departure you and Wozniski will roll together until further notice." He flipped the roll call sheets closed on the clip board. "That is all, ladies and gentleman. Let's be safe out there today and do some good."
The room instantly became a hub of activity and filled with the sounds of chairs scraping against the floor and officers talking and moving out in to the hall. Eddie stopped to talk with Jamie. "So, Wozniski? I like him but it's an interesting choice. You have anything to do with my new partner assignment?"
He cocked his head. "He's the best, Eddie. He pulled me out of that firefight while holding off two perps and providing cover fire, and then was able to arrest both of them. And he was second in his class at the academy."
She let a knowing smile cover her face. "Second only because you were first. Am I right?" She loved teasing him and already missed it.
He shrugged and grinned. "Something like that. Just want to make sure you're still riding with the best, Janko." He smoothed a hand down his necktie and lowered his voice. "You think this tie looks ok?"
She could see the slight nervousness underneath his cool exterior. Sometimes he was charming without realizing it. "It looks great, Reagan. You look like a badass lawyer with a shield." She leaned toward him and whispered. "It's hot."
He huffed a laugh. "Well, first day and all. I want to make a good impression."
"You will." She discreetly patted his arm. "Have you met your new partner yet?"
He shook his head. "No, but I've got her name right here." He pulled out a piece of paper from his pocket and read the name out loud. "Meg Mathis."
"Huh…" She huffed sarcastically folding her arms over her chest. Eddie felt a jealous twinge in her gut. "Sounds like a super hero name," she mumbled under her breath. Their conversation was interrupted by Wozniski's voice as he leaned around the doorway. "Hey, Janko! You ready? Let's hit it." He was nice guy with a sharp disposition and easy smile. Eddie liked him already.
A part of Jamie felt possessive, like someone was trying to pick-up his wife. He bent toward Eddie. "Having new partners is something we're both going to have to get used to….partner." His eyes smiled at her.
She looked at him, a bittersweet expression in her eyes and voice. "I want to thank you, Reagan, for everything. When we met I was right out of the academy, and I'm a better cop because of you. It means a lot to me." She held her hand out toward him.
He could tell she was serious, so he took her hand and shook it gently but professionally. The end of one thing, and the beginning of another. "You were always right, Eddie. I did luck out with you. You're the best partner I've ever had. And I'm already envious of Woz."
She laughed. "If I find out that this Mathis person gets to drive the car, there's going to be hell to pay," she warned sarcastically, walking around him to catch up with Wozniski.
Jamie watched as Eddie and Woz walked down the hallway. He could hear their banter begin. "So, Woz," Eddie asked, "How do you feel about Philly cheese steak sandwiches?"
He looked down at the name on the slip of paper in his hand and pulled out his phone. He punched the numbers and held the device to his ear. "Hello, is this Detective Mathis? This is Jamie Reagan."
Henry held the dining table chair out for Eddie, which she sat down in gingerly. She and Jamie had been at his family's home for an hour already. It was her turn to make a good impression. She dressed in jeans with a pale blue crepe blouse, a jacket, jewelry and left her hair down. "Thank you, Commissioner," she said politely. She was seated next to Henry at the end of the table and across from Jamie who was still in the kitchen. She was currently on her own with Henry with the rest of the Reagan clan.
Danny's youngest, Sean, sat beside her. "Hey, Eddie?" His voice was sincere and inquisitive. "Did you know Uncle Jamie's fiancee, Sydney?"
Danny rolled his eyes and reached over and squeezed Sean's shoulder. "Hey, it's Officer Janko to you young man. And we don't ask our guests personal questions. So zip it." He looked at Eddie and mouthed 'Sorry'.
She laughed and didn't mind. It had been so long since she had been at a family dinner table she was grateful to be at the Reagan's, even if it did mean dining with both the current and former police commissioners. She loved their stories and how welcome they made her feel. She took a sip of water.
Sean's voice cropped up again. "Are you Uncle Jamie's date tonight?"
Both Linda and Danny spoke at the same time. "Sean!"
"What did I do? It's not ok to ask that?" He shrugged. "We ask it all the time at school."
Eddie liked the boy already and wanted to rescue him from his glaring parents. "It's ok Sean. No, I didn't know Sydney but I've seen her picture and she was very beautiful and knowing how nice Jamie is I'm sure she must have been very nice, too." She unfolded her napkin and set it on her lap. "And as for being Jamie's date, well, we've been partners for a long time and so you see…"
"Yes," Jamie announced appearing from the kitchen with a bottle of red wine. He caught Sean's eye as he poured wine in to Eddie's and Henry's glasses. "Yes, Sean, Officer Janko is my date. And I think we should give her a break from the Internal Affairs investigation." He looked at Eddie and suppressed a guilty smirk. He sat across from her and stretched his legs out, the tips of his shoes rubbing against hers.
Frank folded his hands for the prayer. He liked Eddie, remembering their conversation at the hospital, and that she had saved his son's life. He was glad Jamie invited her for dinner. "Alright, everyone. We're all here and the food's getting cold. Who would like to say grace?"
Before anyone could speak up, an impulsive spark went through Eddie and she found herself piping up, her voice hesitant. "Would...it be ok if I started?" The table looked at her. She felt flushed but couldn't help her desire to share what she was thankful for.
Frank nodded. "I think that would be very nice, Officer Janko. Thank you." His affinity for her was evident on his face and in his voice.
Eddie folded her hands under her chin. "Dear heavenly Father, thank you for the blessing of this family who have made me feel so welcome in their home." She took a breath. "And thank you for my part..." her voice hitched in her throat, "...thank you for Jamie and for keeping him safe and sound." Jamie glanced up at her from his clasped hands. She glanced back at him and continued. "I am grateful for both." She took another breath and clasped her hands so tight she thought her circulation would stop. "And thank you for the bounty we are about to receive and the roof over our heads."
The room was quiet for several seconds. As Jamie looked at Eddie he could see her wet eye lashes blink back her emotion, her lips curving up in to a smile. He stood up quietly and walked around the table, put a hand behind her chair and leaned down until their faces were an inch a part. He touched his lips to hers in a brief, innocent kiss. "Amen," he whispered affectionately.