Thanks to everyone who continues to read this. Also thanks to ancilla89, YaleAceBella12, Pharmergirl, xxxlirielxxx, Daisyangel, Sparklesfoxes, seleneplaysgames, Sullerrerahotchnissmortica2020, and Tot2006 for all your reviews on the last chapter. xxxlirielxxx I don't know how you did it but you reviewed twice for the same chapter, weird. Sparklesfoxes, as I said to the guest in chapter 78, I'm not sure it'll work out that she'll be in New York when Wilder is or that Wilder will go all the way to Florida for her. We'll have to wait and see though if it doesn't work out then I have another idea as to how to bridge that gap. Anyone think Anna's not going to follow in her dad's footsteps and become a cop?
Slight reference to 4x22.
As the days passed, Anna tried to stay out of her father's way and therefore kept herself from getting into a situation where she'd be angry with him. That worked clear up until two weeks before her high school graduation, or essentially, a week later. That Saturday night she came down to get some ice cream for a late night snack with Jack and Sean asleep and her mom working late shift. She closed the freezer door with the pint in her hand and her eyes landed on Danny standing by the counter. He had a spoon in his hand. She studied him for a moment then realized he was standing right in front of the drawer of the utensils. "Your mom says there's something you want to say to me?" Danny said.
"Not exactly," Anna said.
"Then?" Danny prodded.
"It's more of a request."
"I'm all ears."
Anna toyed with her pint of ice cream, gathering her courage. She put on her best poker face then her eyes met her father's. "I only graduate high school once. I know that you have to sit through four of these, but I only do it once and I would appreciate it if you were there. It's in two weeks. Two weeks from tomorrow. Two weeks after the NYPD academy graduation."
"I can do math, thank you."
Anna took a deep breath and slowly let it out. "Please. It would mean a lot to me. I know that being a first grade detective means that you're busy a lot and you do have to miss out, especially when that first grade detective is as good at his job as you are. I just hope that a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for your daughter would be more important than any case that may come up, but I can understand if it's not. Sometimes, things happen."
"I know. Anna, I want to be there. You have been through so much, done so much, this year and I'm proud of you. You have grown up so much in the past year that sometimes it's hard to face, but you will always be my daughter and I will always want to be there for your big days. I just can't make any promises. That doesn't mean I won't try."
"I understand. It's more than I hoped for at the very least." Danny watched her for another few moments then moved across the room and hugged her. Anna tensed up but leaned against him. When he pulled back, he offered the spoon. Anna smiled and took the spoon then headed up to her room.
Anna was less than surprised when Danny had the day off for the police academy graduation but caught a missing person's case when it was time for her to graduate. That morning at church Anna could tell that everyone was worried about Danny missing out but all Linda would say was that Danny had gotten called in on a missing person's case. After church it was time for graduation. Anna slipped back to where the rest of her class was getting ready and slipped on her white robe and then found Becky. She was talking to Beth. Both girls watched her approach and sighed in sync. "Your dad's not here, is he?" Becky asked.
"Missing person. First hours are always important." Anna shook her head.
"Well, happier thoughts. I saw Jim," Beth asked.
"Who invited him?" Anna asked.
"I thought you did," Beth said.
"We only got six tickets. I had to borrow three from Becky so my grandpas and uncle could come."
"I invited him. He was so kind to invite both of us last year, that I thought I'd pay him back," Derrek said, appearing behind her. Anna glanced over her shoulder and smirked. His blue robe stood out a bit more than their white ones did.
"Of course you did," Anna answered.
"We need to get ready," Becky said. Anna nodded and she and the girls got ready. The ceremony started and Anna kept an eye on the doors but never saw them open.
After the ceremony, Anna caught up with Jim who instantly wrapped her in a hug. "I am so proud of you. I knew you could do it. And to have your entire family there when you walked, I'm sure you loved that," Jim said.
"Entire? My dad wasn't there."
"Yeah, he was. He came in when Ted Pickering got his diploma and left shortly after you got back to your seat. I promise he was there, Anna. Did I ever tell you how sorry I am about fighting you about Todd?"
"You did. I have to go. The rest of my family wants to go out to dinner to celebrate. I'll see you Saturday for my party?"
"Wild horses couldn't keep me away, but first I want a picture," Jim told her. Anna stared at him then grinned. She threw her arms around his waist as he slung an arm over her shoulder and held his phone up. After two pictures, Jim let her go find her family. When she did, her mom instantly wrapped her in a hug.
"Thanks, Mom. Who's ready for lunch?" Anna asked.
They headed for the parking lot to their cars and Anna dropped back to Jamie. "I'm sorry your dad isn't here," he said.
"Jim said Dad was here for a few minutes, just long enough to watch me walk and I'm thankful for that."
"But you want him here."
"That selfish?"
"It's understandable."
"But it's still selfish."
"Anna!" Linda called. Anna looked to her mom who nodded to the car. Anna smiled at her uncle then got in her mom's car. Lunch was served in a local restaurant and went well with discussions about summer plans, until Frank turned to her.
"So have you made a decision?" he asked.
"For what?" Anna asked.
"College. Most kids have already decided by now, haven't they?"
"Oh, that. Yeah I decided. About two weeks ago."
"And?" Frank pressed.
Anna locked eyes with each person at the table for a few moments a piece, finally landing on her uncle Jamie who she watched for the longest time. He gave her an encouraging smile. She swallowed and nodded. "I know it's more than a thousand miles away, but New York's a little small right now so I've decided on Miami," Anna told them.
"Miami, Ohio?" Jack asked.
"No. University of Miami in Florida," Anna answered.
"And this has nothing to do with your father?" Linda asked.
"Not really any more. I've made my decision and I hope you respect it," Anna answered.
"Of course we do, Anna," Jamie said.
Nearly a week later, Anna finally saw her dad again. Anna had gotten her wish and her graduation party was being held in Owl Head Park in Brooklyn. She was sitting on a bench talking to Drew about his recent baseball season, since he was playing college ball, when the Latina detective she had seen with her dad walked up. Detective Baez, if she remembered correctly. This time she was dressed in jeans and a t-shirt as opposed to the suit Anna normally saw her in.
"Afternoon, Detective," Anna said.
"Anna," she answered.
"Can you tell me what the case was this week that made my father miss my graduation?" Anna asked.
"There was a missing four-year-old. We found him safe and sound, but it'll take some time for him to heal from it emotionally. We did have some time last Sunday to stop by and see you graduate. Your dad was really proud of you."
"That's what everyone keeps telling me." Anna looked down. "Everyone but my dad."
"Speaking of, where is he?" Baez asked.
"Over there." Anna pointed to the ongoing football game. "Not like I really need him hanging around all that much. I've got friends here."
"Oh, I see."
"It's okay, Detective, I understand he has things to do and we're not as close as we once were. So, you've been working with my dad for about a year; think you're cut out for it yet?" Anna asked.
"Best job I've had so far, even working with your dad. He's by far the most driven partner I've had."
"The most creative?"
"Not the way most cops know that phrase. He's a good cop and I'm learning a lot from him. I'm not saying most cops would, but I do and I appreciate everything he's taught me."
"That's good."
"Yeah, anyway, congratulations on graduating."
"Thank you." When Baez walked away, Anna turned back to Drew. "I totally didn't mean to shut you out there."
"Oh, you didn't. It was nice seeing other people see your dad the way some of us do."
"Thanks, Drew."
Shortly after that, lunch was called and Jim sat down next to her. "Heard you finally believe me about your dad being there," Jim said.
"Maybe, what difference does it make?" Anna studied him closely.
"Not much I guess," Jim backed off the topic. "I passed the EMT certification."
"That's great, what next?"
"I've applied and I just wait for it to go through."
"How long do you think that will take?"
"Six months to a year. Whenever a position opens up. No guarantees though."
"What are your parents saying?"
"Mom understands and she's super supportive; Dad not so much."
"Your brother and sister?"
"You know they're both firefighters. Jake is like my dad. My sister on the other hand, tries but my brother is hard on her. She says I'm going to get crapped on by everyone and she can't help out without making things worse for herself."
"Do you expect her to?"
"No. I don't want to make things bad for her."
"You know I would help if I could."
"I know and I appreciate it." Jim looked at her empty soda can. "Want more?" he asked.
"I'll walk with you," Anna said.
They made their way over to the cooler and pulled two sodas out. "Are you sure I can't convince you to go to school in New York?"
"I'm sure you could try but I've already told Miami yes. Look, New York isn't bad but it's ..." Anna trailed off unsure what to say.
"But it's what?" a voice asked.
Anna looked up from her soda can and smiled at the blonde detective. "Detective Baker. Uh ... New York has gotten a bit small for my liking but at the same time the family doesn't seem to be around as much. I just need distance to get some clarity on the situation. If I get it, I can always transfer back."
"I see," Baker answered.
"I promise, Detective Baker, I'm not abandoning New York or my family, I'm just getting some distance. Have you met my friend Jim? Jim Miller, this is Detective Abby Baker, she works ..."
"In the commissioner's office."
"Yeah, but she is a full blown detective like my dad. Detective, this is my best friend Jim Miller. I've known him since I was in the seventh grade."
"Pleasure," Jim said.
"Very nice to meet you," Detective Baker answered, shaking Jim's hand. However she was still watching Anna carefully.
"Do you have a pen and paper or your phone?" Anna asked. Baker unlocked her phone and handed it to Anna. Anna smiled and programed her contact info into Baker's phone then for good measure saw the detective was on Twitter so she pulled up her own page and hit the follow button. Then she handed the phone back to the detective. "There you have my number and email in your contacts and you're following me on Twitter so if you need anything or my family can't get ahold of me, you have it. I also called my phone from yours so I can call you if I need anything and my family isn't answering."
"Thank you," Detective Baker said.
"Of course. And just so you know, I also have the direct number to the commissioner's office, the one to your desk, and the one to Sergeant Gormley's office; I promise I will keep in touch. You know, I wasn't sure you'd show up."
"You really think your grandfather would be here without a police presence?"
"I was hoping but then I remembered that there are four cops in my immediate family plus some assorted cousins or second cousins, something. I just hope it wasn't mandatory for any of you to be here."
"Of course not. You've been like family for at least the last four years so we had to come out."
"Point taken. Even if you weren't here he wouldn't exactly be unprotected. Aside from the family, the local precinct has a RMP rolling past every 15 minutes or so. Watch over that way you'll see them." Anna motioned to the north end of the park where three minutes later a blue and white car drove past.
"I see." They said their goodbyes and Anna and Jim went back to the picnic table.
Anna's eyes trailed over the park to see Sergeant Gormley, DCPI Moore, and Jim Nuciforo talking to Henry, a blonde she wasn't sure she met talking to Jamie, Danny, and Baez, her mom talking to Derrek's mom, her brothers playing with their friends, and then her eyes landed on the man headed towards her. "You see that guy headed this way?" Anna asked Jim without taking her eyes of the man.
"Yeah, what about him?" Jim asked.
"He ever comes sniffing around you asking about me, my brothers, or my family; tell him to go to hell."
"Anna Reagan, your mama raised you better than that."
"It's what that man does to me. Excuse me; I have to go stop him before I make a scene I regret."
"Who is he?" Jim called after her. She kept walking, ignoring him. So Jim turned to Derrek. "You've known her for a while, who's that man?" Jim motioned to the approaching man.
"That's her mom's brother, Jimmy." Derrek shook his head. "The last time he showed up was her tenth birthday. We had it at that kids' pizza place, you know the one with that mascot and the stupid jingle, anyway he showed up and made a huge scene. She was in tears for hours. He's bad news."
Meanwhile across the park, Anna met Jimmy. "Uncle Jimmy."
"Anna? Wow, look at you. You're as pretty as your mama."
"Yes, I am. What brings you sniffing this way? If you brought trouble, I swear Uncle Jimmy ... there are at least eight cops in this park; about half family and more of them probably armed. You are not ruining my graduation party like you ruined my birthday party."
"No trouble this time, Anna, I promise. Can't I just come see my favorite niece and congratulate her on such an epic accomplishment?" Jimmy asked.
"You could but we all know Sofie is your favorite. However she's not here."
"Jimmy," Linda said from behind Anna. She gently rested a hand on her daughter's shoulder.
"Just like I said, you two could be sisters."
"I know you meant that as a compliment to my mom but it felt more like an insult."
"What brings you here, Jimmy?" Linda asked.
"Just wanted to say congrats. Oh, and there's this." Jimmy drew an envelope from his pocket. Anna saw her name handwritten on the front.
"Thank you," Anna said as he handed it over.
"Anna, give us a moment with your uncle," Danny said, stepping up.
"Sure," Anna answered. She turned to go back to her friends, when she saw another man heading for her. This one was more welcome. "Uncle Jack!" she called. She raced to him. He grinned and hugged her.
"How come I don't get a reaction like that?" Jimmy asked.
"Because of the trouble you brought to her 10th birthday," Linda answered.
"Sorry I'm a bit late," Jack said.
"It's fine. You're here now. Are you hungry? Grampa just made burgers and dogs. There's also a veggie option if you prefer that."
"I shouldn't impose," Jack told her.
"It's not an imposition if I want you here. Now come on, I invited you all the way out here, the least I can do is feed you."
"That's not necessary but okay." Anna turned and led Jack to the picnic tables and saw Jimmy still speaking to Linda and Danny. Anna shook it off and sat down. No one said anything to Jack except Nicky and she enthusiastically welcomed him.
"Anna, who's that?" Sean asked, nudging her arm and looking towards Jimmy.
"That's Mom's brother Jimmy, our uncle. He's busy a lot so he's not here often."
"He live in New York?" Jack asked his sister.
"I think so," Anna answered. Anna looked back toward Jimmy to see Sofie escorting him to his car.
"There's no need to fear, Sofie's here," she said as she sat down across from Anna, beside Sean.
"Hiya, Sofie," Anna said.
"Sofie," Sean said grinning.
"Hey, Sean. Jack," she hugged her youngest cousin then nodded to the other boy across the table.
"Everything okay?" Anna asked.
"Just fine. Sometimes, I think he needs a reminder that as much as we love him, we don't always like having him around and occasionally it's safer for everyone if he's not."
"He accepted that?"
"When I promised him we'd have lunch with him in a couple of days," Sofie said. Anna nodded but didn't look too certain. "It's just lunch, Anna, and I promise I'm not going to leave you alone with him."
"Thanks."
Anna never did meet the blonde that had been talking to Jamie, Danny, and Baez before her uncle showed up, but she talked to nearly everyone else at the party. When she and Sofie sat down with Jimmy for lunch a few days later, the first thing he did was apologize. After that short but meaningful apology they had lunch and talked about future plans though it was mostly focused on Sofie and her plans.
So what do you think of the family's reaction to Anna's plans?