Jamie's Encore

Chapter 29 Reconcile?

NYC

Linda and Erin are sharing lunch in Erin's office, within the suite of offices of the Manhattan District Attorney. Linda had picked up sandwiches at a favorite deli; a Reuben for herself and a turkey club for Erin.

"How was your trip to Hawaii, Erin?"

Linda had already gotten a report from Jack.

"The ceremony at the Punchbowl was inspiring; and Caitlin surely is an accomplished pianist. But . . ."

"But, what," Linda frowns.

"Well . . . I spoke with her and Jamie after the reception at their condo, and . . . ah . . . they are adamant not to share what her terrible event was. The one at age 20 that put her into a tailspin for a year."

"Does Jamie know?"

"Yes, he does."

"Is he concerned?"

"Apparently not. But something of that magnitude would be shared with the family if it occurred here."

"You mean the family would continue to dig until the details came out. Don't you?" Linda stared at Erin.

"Yes. That's how we have always operated." Erin stared right back.

"And Jamie seems determined to do things differently in his family. We've seen that coming for a while, haven't we?" Linda smiles.

"I guess." Erin sighs.

"Erin, is this family rift worth it? Jamie and Caitlin seem quite happy, and in agreement on this, right?"

"Yes, they are . . . the rift? I don't see Jamie bending."

"And are we here in NYC hurt by this lack of knowledge?"

Erin glares. "When did you get so smart?"

"I'm just very concerned about Danny . . . and Sean. Erin, if you could see your way to reconcile with Jamie and Caitlin, I think that could help my boys to do the same. Think about it, please?"

Erin takes another couple of bites of her sandwich, "I will, Lin."

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CORONADO CONDO

"Jamie, I got a call from your sister today."

They were eating dinner on the back balcony. They liked sitting out here so much that they purchased two side tables to place beside their double lounger. The climate & the relative lack of bugs was delightful. NYC seemed so far away!

They are trying an alcohol-free wine. So far it is meeting their approval. Jamie got Caitlin to taste an alcohol-free beer. She spit it out – he did too!

"Wasn't today a piano lessons day?"

"Yes, but I usually have 10 minutes, or so, between lessons. Anyway, she wants to reconcile with us."

"Really? Did she sound sincere?"

"Yes, she did."

They eat for a few minutes.

"So, what does this mean? Did she have any ideas as to what this means?"

"No, but I got another call from NYC." She grins.

"Your lucky day! Did you stop and buy a lottery ticket on your way home?"

"10 of them!"

He groans. "Caitlin!"

"Kidding. I got a call from Julliard; Professor Samuels."

"Ah, your buddy!" He winks.

She glares. "He is suggesting 2 Beethoven lectures with performance."

"Sincere?"

"I think so, can I go?"

"Well, I don't think you need permission from me."

"I know, but do you see any reason not to do this?"

"No, as long as it's a legit offer."

"Thanks. I'll have Olivia check it out."

"Good idea. What's for dessert?"

"Come with me!" They get up, she grasps his hand. and they head inside.

"Hey, this isn't the way to the kitchen!"

She just smiles.

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NYC – SUNDAY DINNER

Erin, Danny, Linda and Sean have gathered at Erin's apartment in Park Slope. With only 4 attendees, these dinners have been rather somber affairs. Often the conversation is dominated by lawyer vs. cop arguments. Linda and Sean eat and roll their eyes; thinking 'what's the use? Why are we still doing this? But then if they don't? What then?'

Sean notices that there are two extra places set.

"Is someone else coming today?" He asks.

Just then the door-bell chimes.

Sean goes to answer it. He peeks out and shouts, "It's Nicky!" He opens the door, and sees beside Nicky – Caitlin! "And aunt Caitlin!"

He welcomes them inside. Sean, Erin and Linda welcome both ladies with open arms, hugs and kisses on the cheek.

Danny stands back, not sure what to do. He finally greets them both with a sincere hug, Nicky a longer one.

"Damn, it's good to see you! Both of you," Danny finally admits.

They take their places; Caitlin offers the time-honored Reagan blessing and they start passing dishes.

"So, what brings you back to NYC, Caitlin?" Danny inquires.

"I am giving 2 lectures at Julliard; on Monday and Tuesday. On Beethoven and his music. So, I thought I'd bring Nicky with me; she wanted to see her NYC family after all."

"I jumped at the chance!" Nicky gushed.

"Nic, what are you going to do these two days?" Sean wonders.

"Well, I think it's take-your-daughter-to-work days, right mom?"

Erin chokes on her wine, "I doubt it. But we'll figure something out."

The table chuckles.

"Where are you staying, Caitlin?" Linda asks.

"The friend who let me stay in his house before, is still on international tour. So, I'm staying there. It's relatively close to Julliard. Walking distance in good weather."

The atmosphere was tense at times, but those present seemed to relax as time went on. There was no talk of Caitlin's secret. She was relieved; Linda wondered if much progress had been made.

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STATEN ISLAND

"Lin, did you know that Caitlin was coming today?" Danny huffed.

"Yes, is that a problem?"

"It was rather like an ambush!"

"Danny! She is your sister-in-law now, you know."

"I don't have to like her!"

"Daniel Reagan, are you going to carry this to your grave?"

"And if I do?"

"If you do, your chances of ever seeing your brother again are slim to none! And as thy say, 'slim just left the building', get it?"

"Bastard!" Danny muttered.

Sean cringed in the family room.

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MANHATTAN

Ladies lunch.

"Erin, Danny just isn't giving his negativity up! I don't know what to do." A couple of tears trickle down her cheeks.

Erin looks down at her food. She has lost her appetite. "Maybe it's time for some drastic action, Lin?"

"Do you have something in mind?"

"Would you like a San Diego vacation?"

"What! I can't afford that!"

"If you can finagle the time off, I think between the family members we can figure it out."

"Who?"

"Myself, Jamie, Caitlin, dad."

"Not Pops?"

"No, he's too close to Danny's thinking right now."

"I don't know."

"Lin, I think we need to take drastic action. Really shake things up."

Silence. Thinking.

"Ok, set it up."

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DRASTIC ACTION

It was a terrible day for the 54-Detective squad. Danny and Maria had been involved in 2 shoot-outs. They had wrecked their car, and ruined a suit of clothes each. Grumpy wouldn't be close to describing the mood.

Danny Reagan entered his house, slamming the door behind him. He stomped into the family room and sees Sean on the couch, head down.

"What's up kid? Where is your mom?"

Sean hands his dad an envelope. It has been opened. Danny looks at it; it's addressed to "My Family".

He takes out the letter and reads:

Daniel and Sean,

I just had to get away for a few days.

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TBC