Jamie's Encore
Chapter 1
NYC
Caitlin McKenna had a hard time getting to sleep after she returned home from St. Patrick's cathedral on Christmas Eve. The dinner she had hosted for Jamie Reagan had gone beautifully. She had decorated the house nicely, the flower center piece he had sent her finished the table in splendor. The meal turned out perfect and her playing of Christmas carols on her grand piano topped off the night – in perfection. The only downside was, he had to leave to attend church with his family. And she went to her church . . . alone.
Their friendship (relationship?) was becoming close, and closer each time they were together. Was it time to do sleepovers? She wasn't ready to cross that next line; and he wasn't pushing. His respect for her was obvious and gratefully accepted. But, was he the one she could trust with the details of that night in Natchez? She is beginning to think so; she thinks that she must tell him of that, before she gets too much deeper into this. What a dilemma!
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BAY RIDGE
"Uncle Jamie, where was your girlfriend tonight?" Sean pipes up. The family has gathered for some light refreshments at grandpa Frank's after church.
"She was at her own church, buddy. She goes to St. Patrick's in Manhattan."
"Did you invite her," Pops asks.
"Yes, but she had commitments."
"What commitments?" Erin asks.
"She had to play for part of the service." Jamie fills in.
"Too bad," Frank says. "Are you going to exchange gifts?"
"We did after dinner at her place, tonight."
"What did she give you," Jack is nosey.
"This dressy watch," Jamie lifts his sleeve and shows his present, smiling.
"Oh, nice," the boys and Nicky exclaim.
The adults admire it also.
"What time are presents and dinner tomorrow," Jamie asks his dad.
"Well, breakfast at 8:30 or so, presents after. Pops, what time are you planning on dinner?"
"I was thinking 2:30. Is that ok with everyone?"
There are no objections.
"Are you going go be with us for the day, kid," Danny asks with a smirk. He's baiting his kid brother.
"I think so, why?" Jamie frowns. "Unless something better comes up."
"Just wondering." Danny grins. "What could be better than a day with family?"
Jamie frowns, but says no more.
Frank and Henry exchange worried glances.
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SAN DIEGO
Spencer Hays (Jamie's classmate and good friend from Harvard Law) is having dinner at the home of Rafael Payare – the Music Director of the San Diego symphony.
"Spencer, I am very grateful for the support your firm gives to the symphony." Rafael starts.
"We're glad to do it. You are doing a great job there!"
"Thanks. I'm wondering if you might be able to help me with a problem I have. I think it's far from your expertise, but you never know."
"Well, shoot. Maybe we can put our heads together and come up with a solution." Spencer grins.
"Well, I have a problem with our July 12 concert."
"Oh, really? What's the problem?"
"The concert is 'Beethoven by the Bay'. And the pianist who was scheduled to perform has backed out. Just last week."
"Wow. How could I help. I don't play the piano!" He and Rafael laugh.
"I know, but do you by chance have any pianist friends, or friends who know someone?"
Spencer thinks. "Holy shit. My buddy Jamie has a new girlfriend. He's told me a little about her . . . she is, ah, Caitlin, I think. Does that name ring a bell?"
"Caitlin McKenna by chance?" Rafael looks hopeful.
"Yes, that's it! You've heard of her?"
"Yes, she is fabulous. But she hasn't toured in a long time. I think she is at Julliard in NYC. Could you get me in touch with her, or your friend?"
"Sure, I'll call Jamie after the holidays."
"The sooner, the better!"
"Will do."
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SAN DIEGO PD
Chief Wilson's office
Stan Wilson (Chief SDPD) is meeting with 3 of his captain's, the mayor and vice mayor.
W: We're having trouble coming up with names for a LT. to head up our new MCD (major crimes division). Any bright ideas?
M: We need to get this thing going, chief! I'm up for election in November; I need it up and running, and showing results!
C1: This isn't election propaganda!
The mayor glares.
C2: We know that, Sam. But we really need it!
C3: I wonder?
W: What, spit it out!
C3: Well, there is a really bright sergeant in the NYPD. A Jamie Reagan.
W: The PC's son?
C3: Yeah. He should have been bumped up to detective 2 years ago, if it wasn't for his dad.
M: Favoritism threat?
W: Yeah, I've heard that his dad holds his boys back because of that. Is he good enough?
C3: Yes, from all I heard at that conference last year.
W: Who can make that call?
C1: You should sir. Start at the top!
W: Ok, I will.
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NYC 1PP
"Commissioner?" Baker on the intercom.
"Yes, Baker?"
"San Diego PD Chief Stan Wilson, on line 2."
"San Diego?"
"Yes sir."
"Put him through."
"Frank Reagan."
"Commissioner, nice to talk with you. I don't think we have ever met."
"Not that I can recall. What can I do for you?"
"Well, I am calling to request permission to talk with one of your officers about an open position we have."
"Oh, which officer?"
"Sergeant Jameson Reagan, sir."
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JULLIARD SCHOOL OF MUSIC
Olivia sticks her head into Caitlin's office. "A Rafael Payare is on line 1 for you."
"Who?"
"The music director of the San Diego Symphony!"
"Really?"
"Yes!" Olivia motions to the phone. Caitlin picks it up.
"Dr. McKenna here."
"Dr. Mckenna, I have a problem I hope you can help me with."
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JAMIE REAGAN'S APARTMENT
Jamie's cell rings. "Reagan here."
"Jameson Reagan?"
"Yes, who am I speaking with?"
"This is Chief Stan Wilson of the San Diego PD. We have a job opening I hope you will be interested in."
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TBC
A/N: I'm writing this sequel with some trepidation. The original story is so beautifully written that it is above my level of expertise – to this point. But it is such a great story, that I couldn't resist trying my hand.
Reviews and comments are always welcome and appreciated.