Jamie's Encore

Chapter 6 Getting Ready

San Diego International Airport

"You know why I'm going back to NYC, right?" Caitlin mumbles into Jamie's chest as he holds her close.

"Yes, but that doesn't mean I like it. Saying good-by is getting harder and harder!" He whispers into her hair.

"Jamie, it's really only SEE YOU LATER, right?"

"I suppose."

"I really need to get prepared for my next, and last, term at Julliard. I want to go out on a high note. Don't you want that for me? I know you do, babe."

"I do, absolutely. I will miss you though. I love you!"

"Love you too. I'll see you this weekend! I am going to prepare a special Saturday evening dinner – just one special guest. Guess who?"

"How many guesses do I get?"

"One!"

"Me?"

"You got it in one! What a smart man!"

"Break a leg, as they say." Jamie winks.

"If I hurt a leg, you may need to do some caressing, or massaging. You up for that?" She smirks.

"You better get on that plane or we're in trouble!" He groans.

She heads for the jet-way, pausing to give him a wiggly finger wave and a smile.

He turns and walks away, wiping his face with both hands. 'Damn that woman!'

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SDPD

Jamie has met with Captain Espinoza and now has some officers to interview for possible staff in the new MCD.

Officer Wells

J: Hello, I'm Lt. Reagan.

W: Randy Wells, SIR.

Jamie detects some disdain.

J: You've been with the SDPD how long, officer?

W: You've got my file, don't you?

Silence as they stare at each other.

Jamie looks at the file, he knows the answer. This is more a behavior question than fact finding. The officer is flunking.

Officer Brooks

J: Hi, I'm Lt. Reagan.

B: Daniel Books, sir. Glad to meet with you.

They shake hands, cordially., smiling.

J: Daniel, what interests you most about this position?

B: Well, the opportunity to move up; and have more of an impact on major crimes here in my home town.

J: San Diego native, yes?"

B: all 28 years.

J: Padres fan?

B: Some years. He chuckles. The good years!

J I see. Fair weather fan? But Daniel, the weather is always fair here. At least I'm counting on it!

B: It is. You are from NYC? Yankees or Mets?

Jamie leaps to his feet.

J: DON'T EVER SAY YANKEES IN MY PRESENCE!

Brooks Sits back, 'what the hell?'

Jamie strides around his desk and faces officer Brooks.

J: ATTENTION!

Officer Brooks stands, snaps to attention and salutes.

Jamie returns the salute.

"At ease, officer."

Officer Brooks relaxes.

J: "Officer Brooks, you're in! Congratulations."

They grin and shake hands.

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CAPTAIN'S OFFICE

"Well Lieutenant, how did it go?"

"I interviewed 11 candidates. 8 officers and 3 sergeants. I can recommend 1 sergeant and 4 officers. That will be 1 squad: 1 commander and 4 troops – as they say.

"Is that all? I was hoping for more." Espinoza frowns.

"I was too. When you look at their records, shooting scores, # of collars etc. they all are qualified. But when you add in their response to authority, emotional stability, motivation for advancement . . . these 5 are the ones I want working with and for us."

"Well, I have to agree. You've chosen the crème de la crem! By-the-way, you just passed your 1st test! Congratulations Lieutenant!"

"Thank you, sir. By-the-way, you just passed your 1st also."

Both men stood and stared at one another.

They simultaneously started laughing.

"It's a pleasure working with you, Captain!"

"And you, Lieutenant!"

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SDPD CHIEF WILSON'S OFFICE

"Well, what do you think of your Lieutenant, Captain?"

"He's a keeper, sir. I can't believe the NYPD let him get away."

"Well, Frank Reagan has a blind spot when it comes to his kids. He is scared to death of cries of nepotism. Their loss is our gain!"

"So, it is. He interviewed 11 candidates today."

"And?"

"He selected 5."

"5! What the hell! I saw that list; we reviewed it together."

"Yes, but I support his choices 100%."

"But, captain, we need 2 squads! That's only 1!"

"I know, I know. I am sure that in 6 months we will have another squad."

"Can you guarantee that? You know that the mayor is hot on my neck over this!"

"I know; yes, I guarantee it."

"Good. Dismissed."

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RUTH'S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE

Captain Espinoza is hosting Jamie for dinner.

"Jamie, I really like working with you. How did your father let you get away?"

"He has a real . . . thing about promoting his kids up the ranks. Even if they have earned it. Sorry to say."

"But your brother is a detective 1st grade?"

"Danny got on the detective ladder just before dad became PC. My timing wasn't as good."

"Well, that's good for us."

"I think Caitlin and I are really going to like it here."

"Caitlin, your girlfriend?"

"Yes."

"And more?" Captain winks.

"I hope . . . and soon!"

"I'll look for the announcement."

"You will be among the 1st to know."

"Good. Something else . . . I had a talk with the Chief earlier today. He's going to be pressing for a 2nd squad. The mayor is pressing him for results."

"I understand. I know that's where we need to be; but I want to maintain high quality. I know you do too."

"Yes, I do."

"I think that as we get going, and other officers see how we work, how you and I treat those under our command, the quality of our work – that more of the best will knock on our door. I'm sure of it, sir."

The two men stare at each other.

Espinoza smiles: "I agree, it's great to be working together. Welcome to San Diego, Jameson!"

"Thank you, sir!"

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SAN DIEGO – NYC

"Dr. McKenna, who's calling?"

"Wow, so formal!"

"Jamie! I didn't recognize the number?"

"Oh, sorry. The captain gave me a burner to use, I hadn't given you the number."

"Why a burner, babe?"

"He wants me to stay under the radar until I am officially on the job."

"Oh, ok. Well, you better make me your #1 contact!"

"Just a moment . . . done!"

"So, how is work going? Prep I mean?"

"Great. Captain Espinoza and I are working very well together. It feels like the best working relationship I've had since my first years at the NYPD with Renzulli."

"That's good. I am having a devil of a time deciding what to bring west and what not to."

"Our condo has a fair bit of room, you know."

"Yes, but I don't want to hog all the room!"

"I'll just toss any excess." Jamie grins.

"Over my . . . we shall talk!" She smirks. They can just see each other's expressions!

"We will. How is practice going?"

"Ugh . . . this concert prep is hard. I forgot how hard it is."

"You can do it. I have faith in you!"

"Thanks. I love you sweetie!" She giggles.

"Love you more!" He knows what's coming.

"Love you most! Gotcha!" She grins.

"For life-

Dial tone.

"Wait! What? Men!"

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TBC

A/N: Any suggestions for a first name for Captain Espinoza?