Chapter 123
Jack and Elizabeth sat in the pediatrician's office waiting for their turn. The babies were sleeping. This were their one month checkup and shots were coming their way. Neither Jack nor Elizabeth was looking forward to this checkup. The babies were growing and seemed happy.
"Do they really have to have shots today?"
"Yes."
"I'm not happy about this. You know they are going to cry." Jack shook his head.
"I'm not happy either, but it has to be done."
"This seems like child abuse or something."
"You sound like the football boys."
"Yeah, I really thought they were going to take the babies away from the nurses in the nursery."
"When is your news conference?"
"Tomorrow just before New Year's Eve. It's not a news conference. I demanded a sit down with the reporter and Lee. Is there any way I could change your mind?"
Elizabeth laughed. "Not a chance. This is your job, not mine."
Jack huffed. "You played an important role in the whole process."
"Not happening."
Jack leaned in and bumped his shoulder against her shoulder. She reached for his hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. Both looked down and their babies and just admired them. No matter how long they looked at their babies, they just couldn't get enough of them. They looked up when their name was called. Jack sighed. He really wasn't looking forward to this.
…
Julie and Tom took a quick trip to the beach. Tom had planned on this for a few weeks to celebrate Julie's work on the semester. Since she was graduating early, they decided to celebrate that. She has been getting a little sick but nothing too bad. They enjoyed the sun and the beach each day. They just wanted to relax and enjoy each other as long as they could. They knew life was going to get busy.
Viola was working and dealing with the morning sickness just like Julie. They didn't know how far along they were, but assumed they were close in time frame. Viola will be taking over the new position completely in the new year. She was excited about the opportunity, but she was still considering James' thought about working with him in the construction company. She hasn't made up her mind. Some days she wanted to continue working at the bank and other days she wanted to work in the family business. Both had positives and negatives. She didn't want to ruin her marriage by working with her husband so close.
William had to go back to Hamilton to work. Grace was taking him to the airport when the babies were at the doctor's office. Willaim only told Grace about the walk with Adam after she confronted him. Grace wasn't mad with Adam nor even William. She was a little disappointed that William would say such things. For whatever reason, William drew his line in the sand and just wouldn't cross it. She was saddened by his actions.
For Elizabeth, she knew something happened. People were just acting weird. However, no one told her what happened. There was still a distance between her father and her family, and it saddened her because of it.
…
"Let's get these two beautiful babies out of their car seats." Smiled the nurse. "And if we can get them down to their diapers. We will get their weight and measurements."
Jack took care of his little daughter and Elizabeth worked on her son. Once they were finished, the nurse asked Elizabeth to place the baby on the scale. The nurse quickly took the weight and then the measurements. She checked the baby's length and head circumference. Then she checked the babies heart rate and oxygen levels. Once she was done with baby Jack, the nurse turned her attention to the dad and his daughter. She took the same measurements. Once everything was finished, she escorted them to their examination room. "The doctor will be in quickly."
"Thank you." Stated both Jack and Eliazbeth.
After a couple of minutes, the smiling doctor stepped into the room. "Alright Thortons, let's see what we have here." He stated as he closed the door. He looked at his chart and then at the couple holding the babies. "So, we have a Jack, Jack, Elizabeth, and Elizabeth." He shook his head. "At some point, you are going to have to tell me how that happened."
"Two stubborn people who wouldn't relent on what they wanted." Smiled Jack. Elizabeth nodded her head in agreement.
"Excellent." The doctor smiled. "Well, let's let the lady go first." He looked at baby Elizabeth's chart. "Her vitals look great. Heart rate is perfect, and her oxygen levels are great too. Her weight is right on target. How is breastfeeding and formula feeding going?"
"Really good. Not breastfeeding during the late evening and overnight helps me do it during the day."
"Dad, are you helping out at night with the bottle feeding?"
"I am."
"Great. You two are a perfect team. Beth looks healthy. Now, it's the gentleman's turn."
He looked over the chart quicky and smiled. "He is doing as well as his sister. Everything looks good. Now, let me ask you a couple of questions."
Jack and Elizabeth nodded their approval.
"Are the babies spending time on their tummies when they are awake?"
"Yes."
"Do the babies seem to settle when they hear your voices?"
"Yes, they do." Elizabeth answered with a smile.
"Perfect. Have you noticed that both babies move their legs and arms equally?"
Elziabeth thought about that for a moment. "Yes, they do. Jack is a little more aggressive with his movements, but Elizabeth moves more frequently."
"Great. Now, let's look at the umbilical cord and make sure their belly buttons are healing properly." The doctor was gentle while looking. "While we are here, let's make sure the circumcision is healing well."
Elizabeth opened baby Jack's diaper.
"Perfect."
"Well, as far as I can see, you two have very heathy babies. Keep doing what you are doing with feeding. It's working. At some point you may want to move to complete bottle feedings. That will be fine. You do what's best for you. The babies are doing great. I wouldn't change a thing." He paused for a moment. He knew the next statement was always the hardest for new parents. "Now, we give hepatitis B vaccines this visit." He paused to let the news sink in.
"Yeah." Jack stated.
"Ok, so let me tell you this. They will get one shot in their little thighs. It's quick and usually over before the baby cries. However, the baby will cry." The doctor smiled as Jack pulled baby Elizabeth a little closer to him. "It's for their benefit. You may want to give them a little baby's Tylenol in about four hours. That will help them later on tonight. About two to three minutes from the injection they will be normal. Now, are mom and dad ready?"
"No." Both parents stated.
"The nurse will be in and help me give the shots. We will do it at the same time and get it over with all at once."
On cue, the nurse stepped in with a tray. There were two syringes on the tray with two alcohol swaps and band aids. Jack took a deep breath when the nurse picked up the first syringe.
Not only did both babies cry, but mommy and daddy cried too. Once the band aid was placed on their little thighs, mom and dad turned the babies around and place them on their shoulder patting their backs. Neither mom nor dad could not see the pouty look on the baby's face they were holding but they could see it on the other baby's face. The bottom lip sticking out tore at their heart.
"That was horrible!" Exclaimed Jack and Elizabeth at the same time.
…
Instead of going straight home, they decided to stop by Adam's and Charlette's house. This will be there first time to their home for the babies. It was surprise visit.
Jack took his son out of his car seat and placed him on his shoulder. "Alright little man, this is grandma's and grandpa's house. I have a feeling you two will be here often. You and your sister will need to come up with their names, but that will be much later."
Elizabeth smiled as she heard Jack talk to his son. She was getting Beth out of her car seat. Before they headed up the sidewalk to the house, Charlette was already on the porch watching. She heard the car pull up and immediately grew excited about seeing her grandbabies.
"There are my little cuties." She exclaimed as she took baby Jack from his father's arms.
"Nice to see you to ma." Jack stated as his mother walked through the front door. Charlette didn't say anything to her kids. Jack and Elizabeth were still standing on the front porch.
"I guess it will hurt less if we just accept the fact that we are Jack's and Beth's taxi service. We are no longer Jack and Elizabeth. We are baby Jack's and Beth's mom and dad." Laughed Elizabeth.
Jack and Elizabeth walked into the house and saw Charlette cuddling baby Jack and talking to him.
"I bet your doctor appointment went really well today until the last part of it." She rubbed his back. "I'm sorry you had to go through that. That shot had to hurt, but it is for your benefit. It will keep you healthy and strong." Charlette leaned her head down and kiss the top of his head. "You were such a strong boy."
"Who is that woman?" Laughed Jack. "I remember when I went to the doctor and had to have a shot, I cried. Ma told me to toughen up. It was just a shot. If I wouldn't stop crying, she would give me something to cry over." He shook his head at the memory.
Elizabeth laughed. "I guess grandparents are completely different than parents."
"Yeah…grandparents are old people trying to get into heaven."
"Oh…hey you two. How are you?"
Jack laughed as he looked at his watch. "Five minutes."
"Five minutes?" Questioned Charlette.
"We've been here for five minutes before you realized we were here."
"Stop sassing, young man. How else would by grandbabies get here?"
Charlette walked up to Elizabeth and gave baby Beth a kiss. Then she leaned in and kissed Elizabeth on the cheek.
"How did my little girl do taking the shot?"
"They did better than the grownups." Laughed Elizbeth. "They are healthy and growing like they should. No problems. The doctor was pleased with their progress."
"Great. That's grandma's little babies."
"Old people trying to get into heaven." Jack leaned and whispered to Elizabeth shaking his head.
"Where's Adam?" Asked Elizabeth.
"He is in the workshop messing around."
"Would it be ok if I take Beth out to visit her grandpa?"
"Of course. Oh, he would love that. That would be a great surprise. He should have the heat on, so it won't be too cold for you two."
"I'll be right back."
…
Tom stood behind his wife holding her hair back as she was experiencing morning sickness.
"This makes no sense…it's not morning."
"I'm sorry, Julie." Tom's voice was full of concern.
"It's ok. Elizabeth said it a big price to pay but one she would pay everyday for her babies. This will pass soon."
"Jack shared with me some things he did for Elizabeth that helped with her sickness."
"Like what?"
"Some teas that helped. Crackers and other snacks that helped settle her stomach. We'll try until we find out something that works." He paused for a moment placing a wet washcloth on her neck. "He still has two very large jars of pickles."
Julie's shiver cut off his statement. "I hope I don't crave pickles!"
Tom laughed. "As many as Elizabeth ate, she hates them."
"She hated them growing up."
"How are you feeling?"
"Can you help me to bed?"
"Sure. Then I'll get some snacks and a tea."
"Sounds perfect."
…
Elizabeth walked into the workshop with a bundled up little girl.
"Well…" A surprised Adam spoke. "Look at this, two of my five favorite girls. What do I owe this surprise?"
Elizabeth smiled at her father-in-law. "We just finished our doctor's appointment and we wanted to visit. Beth wanted to see her grandpa."
"May I hold her?" His smile grew as Elizabeth took off the blanket.
"Of course."
Adam walked up and gave Elizabeth a kiss on the cheek and a brief hug before taking the baby. "Well, cutie." Adam stated as he kissed the top of Beth's head. "Welcome to grandpa's workshop. I hope to spend some time with you here. Maybe we can get into some mischief in here."
Elizabeth smiled at the love of Adam toward her daughter.
"Adam…I wanted to speak to you for a moment."
"Sure. What's on your mind?" He stated and then turned to face Elizabeth. When he saw her face, he knew instantly what she wanted to speak to him about. He was dreading this conversation.
"I think you know what I would like to talk about."
Adam nodded his head. "I believe so. Would you like a bottled water? I have some in the small fridge."
"Thanks."
They walked a little further in the workshop to where the small fridge was beside the workbench. Adam pulled out a wood stool and offered Elizabeth a seat. He then adjusted Beth in his arms and opened the fridge to get two waters. He handed one to Elizabeth and then took a seat himself.
They sat in silence for a moment. "I believe Beth is looking more like you. She has Jack's lips and dimples, but the rest is you."
Elizabeth smiled.
"I was hoping she would look like you. Jack would make an ugly woman."
Elziabeth laughed at his statement. "Maybe." She gathered her thoughts for a moment. "Adam, what happened on your walk with my father?"
Adam adjusted Beth's pacifier. "Well, he wanted my opinion on his relationship with Jack."
"You mean his non relationship with Jack."
"Yes. He wanted to know if I thought it was fixable."
Elizabeth nodded and then took a drink of her water. She waited for Adam to continue. He sat playing with Beth's hand.
"Adam, what are you leaving out?"
He sighed. "Elizabeth…" He drew out her name. "I'm not sure if it is fixable."
"With the way my father is acting, it's not fixable."
Adam nodded his head. He was never going to lie to Elizabeth, but he didn't want to share with her that he hit her father or the thought that William just didn't want to put the effort in to fix the relationship. William wanted a relationship with Elizabeth and the babies, but not Jack. This was a touchy subject.
Elizabeth waited until Adam looked up from Beth and made eye contact with her. She respected Adam greatly. "What is it that you're not telling me?"
"What?"
Elizabeth placed her hand on her hip. She tilted her head down a little and looked up at him. She squinted her eyes a little and in her best scary teacher voice. "Adam, what is it that you're not telling me?" She held the stare.
"Wow!" Adam adjusted himself on the stool. "Jack always says you look adorable when you do that, but that has to be the scariest thing I've seen."
"Adam…" She warned without a smile.
Before he knew what he was doing, Adam was spilling his guts about the conversation with her father. He felt the same way as he did in the fifth grade when he and his best friend, Jeremy, lit a match at gym as a dare.
"He wanted to know if it was fixable. I told him as long as he kept doing what he was doing, that it wouldn't be repaired. His attitude was nonchalant. I honestly don't think he is that interested. He says he is, but he doesn't act like it." He took a breath and then continued. "Then he stated that I wasn't your family."
"Wait, he said that?"
Adam shivered at her expression. "How in the world does Jack find this adorable?" He whispered looking at Beth. "Yes. That's when I…" He stopped abruptly.
"And…" She held her scary teacher pose.
"Elizabeth, it's not important. You and Jack are family. You have a beautiful family. Look at this princess, she is perfect. That little fella in the house being spoiled by Charlie is perfect."
"Adam." She doubled down on her facial expression. "What is it that you are not telling me?"
Adam leaned toward Beth. He spoke softly to the beautiful little girl. "I will be praying for you and your brother. You don't stand a chance against that look."
Elizabeth couldn't hide the smile, but she recovered quickly. "Adam…what happened?"
"When he told me that I wasn't family, I lost my cool and I punched him. I knocked him down. After a few seconds, I helped him up and told him that we would never tell our wives."
…
"What do you think they're talking about?"
"I'm not too sure, ma. I know she wanted to see Adam. I think it may have something to do with Adam's walk with Mr. Thatcher."
"Has your relationship gotten any better with him?"
"Not really." Jack walked into the kitchen to grab the diaper bag. He pulled out two bottles and some formula to prepare the bottles for the babies.
"You're not breastfeeding?"
"Not this time. We knew they had a doctor's appointment and wasn't sure how long that would take. Would you like to feed your grandson?"
Her smile answered his question.
…
Elizabeth took a moment to gather her thoughts. She couldn't believe this has gone so far. She noticed the loving nature of Adam as he held Beth. He was completely in love with her children. It was easy to see.
"I'm sorry Elizabeth. I haven't hit anyone is over three decades. I wasn't thinking. I didn't want to tell you because I didn't want to disappoint you and make you mad at me. I'm truly sorry."
Elizabeth thought about all the talks they have had. He answered all the questions he could about pregnancy with twins and what to expect when she delivered them. She knew Jack has spoke with Adam on several occasions with questions and seeking guidance. She heard all that Adam did during the emergency when she was in Hamilton. Adam took control and lead the family. She smiled at the memories of Charlette gushing over her husband and all the things he did for her. She noticed the loving way he was holding her daughter. He was completely lost in love. There would be nothing he wouldn't do for her children…or his family.
"You are family to me." She stated lovingly.
"I think so. I feel that way too."
"You have felt like family for some time now. Over the last few months, you have felt more like a father to me than my own father."
"I'm so very sorry you feel that way, but Elizabeth, I am so happy that you think of me as your family." Adam smiled at this precious woman. "I love you, Elizabeth. As far as I'm concerned, you are my daughter just like Jack is my son."
Elizabeth stood and leaned over to give Adam a kiss on his cheek. "It's fine, dad. Now, don't keep Beth out here too long, but show her around her future workshop and have fun."
"Dad…" Adam barely stated. He was shocked she would use that term after the talk they were having.
"Yes…dad." She emphasized the title. "I'm pulling the mommy card so not too long out here but have fun. Your granddaughter will need to eat in about twenty minutes." She gave him a huge smile as she stood and took her water and began walking back to the house.
…
"What are you working on?"
"Lee, you remember my meeting with Jack tomorrow."
"Oh, yes. I remember. Would you like to have lunch with me after your meeting?"
"I would love to have lunch with you."
"How are things going?" He nodded toward the page in front of her.
"Pretty good, I think. I hope he likes the ideas I have."
"I have no doubt. I shared what little I know, and he loved the idea. He wanted you to do this. He thought it would be beneficial."
"I found out that I will have Julie as a teacher's student assistant beginning next school term."
"Yes you mentioned that."
"I'm looking forward to it. I haven't really spent much time with her. I was closer to Elizabeth when we were kids. She a little younger than we were."
…
The next day Jack sat in his office waiting for Lee and the news reporter to show up. He was not looking forward to this interview. In his opinion, he had a thousand other, and better things, to do. At the top of that list was being with his family. He busied himself with the stack of folders Emma placed on his desk. Jack looked up when he heard his door open and Emma walking in.
"I see you are taking the open door policy to its full meaning."
Emma's smile grew. "No matter how grumpy you are, you're not getting out of this. Now, answer the questions and then it's all over."
Jack laughed. "I was hoping I could get out of it."
"Why do you hate this part so much?"
"They always try to make it out to be about me. It wasn't me. Everyone played a large role in this. Lee pieced a lot of this together. All the pieces of information you provided over that time came together to paint a pretty good picture. The six state troopers played their roles that night perfectly. We took down some serious criminals without firing a shot. Every one of those men went home safely to their families. It was a great night of work."
"All of that is true, except for one thing you are leaving out."
"And what might that be?" Emma saw the challenge in his eyes."
"You. Now, you have a job to do. The reporter will be here in fifteen minutes. They will set up in your office. Make sure you mention all that you have said, and the interview will go well. Once it's done, they have their story and will move on to the next story."
Jack huffed. He knew she was right. However, that didn't change the fact he didn't want to do this. "Fine. Send them in when they are here, and I'll excuse myself so they can get set up."
"Thanks, chief."
Jack shook his head. Jack loved his job as police chief, but this isn't an area he liked. He looked down when his cell phone buzzed.
E – We miss you today
There was a picture of his wife and two babies. Elizabeth was smiling still in her pajamas laying in bed with a baby on either side of her. Jack wasn't certain, but he thought the babies were trying to smile. His frown instantly grew into a large smile.
J – I miss you. You all look happy
E – We have had a good morning
J – That's great
E – The interview will go well
J – I hope so
E – I know you don't like this aspect of your job but you'll do well
J – Thank you
E – For doing such a great job today the babies and I have a surprise for you
J – Oh that sounds great. Any hints
E – Hurry home!
J – As fast as I can. I'll text when I leave. Should be around five or so
Jack's mood instantly improved, and his smile grew. He didn't know how she knew, but his precious wife always knew what to do to make him feel better.
Emma smiled when she walked into Jack's office. "Well, someone is better."
"Yeah."
"You must have spoken with Elizabeth."
His smile answered her question.
"The news reporter is here with her camera man."
"Perfect. Let them come back. I'll grab us a cup of coffee while you do that."
"Thank you."
…
Jack walked back into his office. The news reporter had moved three chairs beside Jack's desk sitting them side by side by side. The camera man was standing behind the camera about five feet in front of the chairs. Lee was standing in the corner talking with Emma. The news reporter smiled when he walked in.
"Good afternoon Chief Thorton. My name is Sarah Thomas and I'm with the local Fox news station."
Jack returned her smile with a smaller smile. "Good afternoon. This is my assistant Emma Walkins and our Detective Lee Coulter." Jack nodded at each person as he introduced them.
Sarah smiled at each of them. "Great to meet you officially. Chief, may we get started?"
"Sure. Where do you want me?"
"Beside me." She stated with a hint of flirting in her voice.
Jack quickly pulled back his hand from the handshake. He nodded toward the chairs and shot Lee and Emma a knowing look.
When the camera man nodded his head, Sarah began. "Good evening. I'm at the Hope Valley police station with Police Chief Jack Thorton and Detective Lee Coulter. Chief Thorton, let's begin with you."
She asked her questions and follow up questions for about twenty minutes. Most questions were toward Jack. Sarah did ask a few questions of Lee. Constantly during the interview, Jack kept bringing up everyone's input and the importance of their work. He praised Lee and Emma for their information they provided and the connections they found. He praised state troopers for their professionalism in arresting Jimmy and the three men. Jack wanted to make sure that everyone involved would receive credit for their hard work.
"Chief, as we wrap up this interview, let's talk about your personal life."
"Excuse me?"
"Chief, everyone is interested in you, and they want to know you better."
"Ok." He drew out the word. "First, the police station is involved with the local elementary school and high school with programs that helps the young people. We have literacy programs, drug awareness programs, and a young gentleman's club that helps the teen boys to become men. We have mentor programs for both young men and young ladies. Those volunteers are performing great works."
"That's great, Chief, but what about you?"
"There isn't too much to tell."
Sarah leaned in and placed her hand on Jack's arm. Jack quickly pulled his arm back.
"I am married, and I have twins that are about a month old."
"Oh…" A disappointed Sarah stated.
"Elizabeth is a great schoolteacher and the love of my life."
Sarah quickly ended the interview. Once the camera man nodded that he was no longer recording, Sarah leaned in again. "Jack, would you like to have a late lunch with me? We can discuss the interview in more detail and maybe expound on the stories."
"Sarah, that is a great offer, but I have another meeting following this and then I have a date with my family." Jack took a step back to create a bigger distance between them.
Emma smiled at Jack's defensive posture. "Chief, your next appointment will be here in five minutes. You wanted to call your wife before then."
"Thank you Emma."
"Sarah, please excuse me."
Jack stepped away and pulled out his phone.
"Hey Dimples. How are you?"
"I'm good. What are you doing?"
"I just finished breast feeding Beth and now Jack is eating."
Jack smiled at his wife. "You are such a great mother."
"Because I'm feeding them?" Asked Elizabeth.
"Not just that. It's the joy in your voice when you speak about our babies. Your love for them is very evident."
She smiled at his compliment. "How did the interview go?"
"It was ok. It lasted for about twenty minutes. There is something I need to tell you."
"Ok."
"May we facetime?"
Jack smiled when the facetime symbol almost instantly came on his screen. "There is my beautiful bride."
Elizabeth gave him a smile that melted him. He paused to give thanks for that precious woman and mother of his babies. He loves her completely.
"So, what's up?" Her smiled continued into the camera.
"The interviewer today was flirting with me. Her name was Sarah."
"Oh…" She smiled. She knew how bad he felt about it. While he was a very handsome man, he did not like the flirting from other women. He loved her and she knew it. She was the only woman in his eyes, and she did not questioned his loyalty. She did not take him for granted. He reminded her how much he loved her each and every day.
"Let me guess, this beautiful woman flirted with you and asked you out."
"Yeah."
"She flirted with you more than once."
She smiled when he dropped his head.
"Then she left disappointed because you turned her down."
Jack raised his head. He looked into her eyes and noticed the smile that was deep in her eyes. "She did."
"I love you, Jack."
"I love you, Elizabeth."
They finished their conversation while she finished feeding baby Jack. Jack smiled when his son let out a loud burb. "That's my boy." He smiled proudly.
"Don't encourage him." Warned Elizabeth.
They stayed on the phone until Rosemary arrived for her meeting. She reminded him before disconnecting the call. "Don't forget, we have a surprise for you when you come home."
"Forget…how can I forget that? I have been thinking about it all afternoon."
"Hurry home to us."
"As quickly as I can."
…
Rosemary bounced into Lee's office at her assigned time. Sarah and her camera man was still cleaning up in Jack's office, they decided to meet in Lee's office.
"Rosemary. How are you?"
"I'm good Chief. And you?"
"I'm good. Please, call me Jack." After taking a seat, Jack moved to a seat in front of Lee's desk. "Lee has told me a little about what you would like to talk about. Tell me about what you are thinking."
"Thank you for allowing me this time." She repositioned herself and collected her thoughts. "I wanted to do something to help with the spouses of first responders, especially cops."
"Lee mentioned that. What exactly are you thinking?"
"Spouses and significant others know the inherit dangers of their spouse's job. It's not possible for some professions, like cops, to share what they are facing. Their spouses need to have their head in the game before the job."
Jack nodded his head.
"With that said, I greatly appreciate the way you allowed the cops to immediately call or text their spouses. That was a great touch. I didn't have to wait forever to know that Lee was fine. I knew immediately."
"I know the other officers mentioned that too. They were grateful." Lee smiled.
"I'm not sure how feasible this is, but would it be possible to have someone designated to have within the police station for family members to call?"
"For what?" Jack asked.
"When things are hard for them. When the waiting is taking forever. When an operation should be done at midnight, but for whatever reason, it is taking much longer. That person can call the spouses to let them know about the delay and that their loved ones is fine."
Jack thought about it for a few minutes. "They wouldn't be able to share any information."
"They wouldn't have too. Just that everything is fine and it's just taking longer. Kind of the same line of thinking when you allowed the guys to call or text. There is no need for spouses to linger on the possible negative things if it isn't necessary. Just a call or simple text to let the spouses know things are going slower then normal but everything is good."
"That does make sense. I think we could do that."
"Also have a volunteer chaplain available or a psychiatrist. I think the biggest thing is communication and sense of family. In Lee's old precinct, there wasn't too much of a family atmosphere."
"That was something that drew me here." Lee stated.
"I can't make stations create a family atmosphere."
"That's true, Jack. However, when good officers leave those types of precincts to go to work for the precincts that are family oriented, they will eventually learn and have to catch up or only have bad cops."
"Good point."
"When the spouses feel like their voices are heard and they are cared for by the precinct, they will be much more supportive. You don't have to do everything they suggest, but if they feel like they are heard and do see some things done for them, they will move anything for their family member."
"Rosemary, write these things down and I will forward it up to my higher ups with my recommendation."
"Really?"
"Yes. I will also try my best to implement what I can here. I can't do everything, but I can do a few of them."
"Thank you, Jack."
"I may need you to go to bat for a few of these. Some will dismiss them completely. However, some will like some of them."
"I'll do what you need me to do."
"Thanks Rosemary. Now, I'm going to spend an hour in my office and head home." Jack stated as he turned his attention to Emma.
"I have some folders you need to look at. That should take you about an hour. I'll head out about an hour later." Emma stated then looked up to see Jack's expression. "Fine, I'll leave fifteen minutes after that.
…
Jack pulled up to his house. He admired the Christmas tree in the window and the lights hanging outside. He was never really a decorating guy since he usually wasn't home because of his job at the investigator's office. However, Elizabeth has pushed him to decorate. He knew he would have to do a better job at it in the future. He smiled when the front door opened and Elizabeth was holding both car carriers in her hands with three back packs on the front porch.
"Oh…this is going to be fun." He smiled as he got out of the truck. He melted when her smile grew at seeing him.