Jamie's Encore
Chapter 5 Moving on, or up
NYPD, 1PP
Sergeant Jameson Reagan stops at Detective Abigail Baker's desk. They salute each other, she smiles a sad smile.
"To see the commissioner, if I may."
"He is expecting you, go right in."
He enters, stops in front of the big desk and salutes. The salute is returned.
"At ease sergeant, be seated."
"Thank you, sir." He sits.
"Well, now that we've taken care of all that – what the hell were you thinking?"
"What I said at dinner, I will never get that kind of an opportunity here."
"Never is a long time, son. And Caitlin?"
"I'll admit; that made it a lot easier."
"And if she were staying at Julliard?"
"The planets did align, didn't they?"
Frank lets out a large sigh, and stares at his youngest son. "The family will miss you terribly, you know that, don't you?"
"And I will miss them. But this was the right thing, the right time."
"You sure?"
"Positive!"
Frank gets up, walks around his desk and motions for Jamie to stand up.
He stands and his dad envelopes his youngest in a bear hug. They part with misty eyes.
"I am going to miss you, son. I love you. We'll keep in touch, and now I have a reason for a west coast vacation! Pops can hardly wait."
"Same here, dad. I'll, we'll have room for you!"
Jamie steps back, they salute again and he departs. It may be a long time before he sees this office again.
8888888888888888888888
JULLIARD SCHOOL OF MUSIC
Olivia, Caitlin's long-time personal administrative assistant, has been moping around the office all day. She just heard that her boss was leaving for the west coast. The girl that she had lifted out of a pit of depression, put her back on her feet, and steered towards a successful application to Julliard – was leaving her behind! What a pickle.
"Olivia, my office, please." Caitlin was calling.
"Would you be willing to come to San Diego with me?" She heard her boss say.
Would she? Does the sun rise in the east? Does the Hudson River flow to the sea? Do the New York Yankees play baseball at Yankee stadium? Is La Guardia a crummy airport?
YES!
"Did I hear you right, boss?"
"Yes, would you? I get to choose one of my personal assistants. Would you mind being that one, please?"
"Yes, ma'am, I would be honored." Be still my beating heart!
"When do we leave? Shall I go home and pack?"
"Ah, no. We go after the conclusion of this term. But, I may need you to go a little early. Get things ready, you know."
"Like next week, maybe?"
"Maybe May 15. We'll talk in a week or so. Jamie will be out there; he starts April 15. I think you could stay in our place with him. While we find you a place, you know."
"Yes, I could do that." My god, I could do that. "Thank you, Caitlin!"
"Think nothing of it; I really appreciate you; you know."
Oh, I know, God I know!
8888888888888888888888
SAN DIEGO, FEBRUARY 14
Jamie and Caitlin are out for a long weekend. He is meeting with Captain Espinoza and Chief Wilson. They are doing some preliminary set-up of the MCD.
"I have accumulated some sample protocols, procedures and guide-lines for us to look over," Espinoza tells Jamie. "I don't think we will have time for much decision making this weekend; you can take them with you back to NYC. We can communicate about what we like, and don't like in the interim. And pull things together when you are out next. Does that sound like a plan?"
"Absolutely, sir! Sounds good. I am also going to look at some NYPD stuff too. I'll send you copies of what I think may be useful. If I may."
"Good. Now, have you gotten all the paperwork for your CA certification?"
"Yes, turned in this morning." Jamie nods.
"Excellent. Now, is there anything else you need today?"
The intercom buzzes. "Yes, Alice?"
"I have that list of names, sir"
"Good, bring them in." She does.
"Jameson, here is a list of possible officers for us to staff the division with. They have either applied or been recommended. Along with each name is a short dossier giving you some information about the person. Take the list with you; if we have time, we will discuss tomorrow. Is there anything else you need today?"
"I was wanting directions to the firing range. I'd like to see if I can qualify under your standards. Or do I need more practice time? Who can direct me there?"
"I'll do that myself, come with me."
"Thank you, sir."
8888888888888888888
Caitlin
She is getting a tour of the Rady Shell. The outdoor venue for symphony concerts. Rafael Perez is personally doing much of her orientation. He is a very friendly and personable Director of Music. She appreciates the personal attention, but it borders on too much. She will mention it to Jamie.
As they tour the stage area, he invites her to play the piano that is on stage. It is their concert grand. She obliges.
She sits on the bench and warms up. Rafael stands close behind her; when she moves certain ways her back brushes up against him. She stops and turns around. "Please stand back a little." She asks.
He apologizes, and moves slightly. Soon, she brushes against him again. She stops playing, gets up, "That's all, I got a good feel for the touch of this instrument. What's next on our tour?"
There were some students in the seats, studying and observing. Some seemed to notice what had happened.
They continued on their tour.
888888888888888888888
CONDO, CORONADO ISLAND
Jamie & Caitlin are staying in the condo that will be theirs. Jamie will be moving in in 2 months.
They have enjoyed a take-out Chinese supper, and are now cuddling on the couch.
"Jamie, how was your day?"
"Great! I really feel good about working with Captain Espinoza. He isn't overbearing-
"Lucky you!"
"What does that mean, babe?"
"My Music Director, while I was trying the concert grand on stage at the shell. He stood so close behind me that I brushed up against him when I moved a certain way. I stopped, and asked him to back up a little; he did. But so little that I kept brushing him. I stopped playing, saying that I had gotten a good feel for the instrument. It was weird, I was uncomfortable."
"Wow! That is not good. I can ask Captain Espinoza about him."
"Be careful, Jamie. I don't wat you to get in trouble, or get myself in a jam with my boss before we even start!"
"I'll be careful."
Caitlin starts a kissing barrage; Jamie soon joins in. It gets passionate and deep. Bodies are explored. Black lace exposed!
"Jamie, I think we should initiate our soon-to-be-home. Don't you?"
"Oh, but I'm not ready. I didn't-
"I've got us covered. We're good to go!"
"Damn, I love a prepared woman!"
"I love a hot and ready man!"
They move quickly to their new bedroom.
888888888888888888888
TBC