Jamie's Encore
Chapter 12 Nervous
DINNER AT THE CONDO
After Jamie, Caitlin and Olivia sit down to eat, Caitlin and Olivia pause and stare at Jamie.
"What's going on, babe?" Caitlin asks, a tear in her eye.
Jamie has been thinking about this all day. What to say to the woman he loves more than life itself. He can't say nothing. What will it do to her concert prep? This is her debut in her new job, new co-workers, new city & audience. What a dilemma!
He pulls out the paper and holds it in his hand.
"This was under our door this morning. I took it to work and had it examined for clues."
He handed it to Caitlin; she held it so Olivia could see it. Both their faces blanched. With a shaking voice she asked, "What did you find?"
"We have a name. The NCIS-OSP team in Los Angeles is in charge of finding that person. That is the Naval Criminal Investigative Service – Office of Special Projects. They are involved at our request. Their A-team was heavily involved in the wedding at Oceanside where my team provided security against protestors. And agent Kensi Blye is the lady who I personally protected from an attack."
"The Kensi who I'm trying to get tickets for?"
"The very same."
"What else?"
"Officer Brooks of my team is in charge of a protective detail to be with you to and from work. I would advise you and Olivia to travel together until we get this sorted out."
"And when I need to go other places? The Rady Shell, grocery shopping, others?"
"I will arrange for a meeting tomorrow with officer Brooks to discuss all that. I will call you, and probably transport the two of you myself. I'm sorry about this, sweetheart! I really am."
He gets up, walks around the table and gives both ladies a hug. He gives his love a kiss on the cheek then sits back down.
"I have a major concern that hasn't been mentioned. What will this do to your concert prep? Your nerves? What can I do to help, love?"
Caitlin doesn't answer for a few moments. Then she gets up, moves to her piano and sits down on the bench.
"Her nerve settling thing," Olivia whispers to Jamie.
He and Olivia get up and together sit on a love seat.
Caitlin begins to play: a medley of Great Hymns of the Church. The same as she played for prelude music at St. Angelus in Bay Ridge.
Jamie closes his eyes; he puts an arm across the back of the little couch they are on, caressing Olivia's shoulders. They listen in a meditative mode as she quietly plays, softly.
Jamie prays silently; for Caitlin, for Olivia, for himself. His lover has been through so much, she did not need this. He prayed for strength, for courage, for peace, for wisdom to help Caitlin navigate this challenge.
When she is done, she sits there quietly.
Olivia goes to the table, taking the food and preparing to heat it up.
Jamie moves to behind Caitlin; he stands, leaning lightly against her back. He rests his hands softly on her shoulders, massaging her tense muscles. He whispers, "I love you so much! I will do anything I can, to take this burden from you. I think it's time to take Jesus at His word . . . cast your burden upon Me . . . I will give you rest!"
Caitlin stands, turns around and embraces Jamie. She hugs him tight as she whispers, "I love you, so much. Thank you for all you do for me." She slowly turns and steps over to the table.
Jamie joins her and Olivia brings over the heated-up dinner. Olivia says a renewed blessing and they slowly start to eat.
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AFTER DINNER
Caitlin and Olivia sit on the balcony watching the twilight fade and the city lights gradually overpower the darkness. They talk softly as night comes on. Olivia has been a long-time friend, and the younger woman really appreciates her at times like this.
Jamie is inside on a conference call with Officer Brooks and Captain Espinoza. They iron out the details of Caitlin's protection. Jamie will be responsible for accompanying the ladies to work in the morning; after that Brooks team will take over. Captain Espinoza will be on point to check with Hetty daily. Everyone is understanding and comfortable.
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NCIS-OSP Ops Center
The next day, Hetty is being briefed by her team.
"Eric and Nell, what do we have?"
"We have found that the perp has a grandmother in the same condo complex as Caitlin and Jamie."
"Does the perp live with her?"
"We don't think so, but we are not certain." Nell posits.
"Mr. Callen?"
"Well, do we have authorization to operate in that area?"
"On this matter, yes." Hetty assures him.
"Ok, Kensi and Deeks. Do you want to go-
"Hell yes!" Kensi interrupts. She grabs Marty's wrist and they are off.
"That is what you were going to ask, wasn't it Mr. Callen?" Hetty wonders out loud.
"Of course."
"Carry on folks. Keep Kensi and Marty in the loop, Eric."
"Of course, Hetty."
Kensi calls Jamie to let him know that she and Marty are headed his way. He promises to tell them of any happenings while they are traveling. She promises to keep him in the loop on anything they find. Everyone is up to speed.
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PHONE CALL
Jamie takes an extended lunch break and comes to Caitlin at the symphony HQ they call Frank.
"Detective Baker, how may I help you?"
"Abigail, this is Jamie and Caitlin."
"Jamie! Are you wanting to speak to your dad?"
"Good guess! Is he available?"
"He will be, for you. Just a moment."
Pause.
"Jamie, so good to hear from you! And Caitlin my dear, I assume my son is treating you well?"
"Like a princess!"
"Good to hear. Now, what can I do for you?"
"We are wondering if you and Pops are wanting to come out for the July 12 symphony concert? You had expressed interest in that." Caitlin asks.
"Yes, we had. Well, he and I haven't spoken about that for a while. Can I call him and get back to you?"
"Sure. But dad, I'm on lunch break and have 40 minutes. Otherwise, it will need to be this evening."
"Let me call him right away. I'll call you right back."
"Ok."
12 minutes later.
"Jamie here."
"Jamie and Caitlin. Yes, we would like to come out for the concert; and we are thinking Nicky and Jack may want to come also. Can we talk this evening about details?"
"Surely. One of us will be sure to be home after 6 PM our time; 10 PM your time. It's going to be a little tricky getting used to the time difference, for phone calls. Adding 2 kids may be a problem. Please don't commit to bringing them along until we say it's ok."
"Yes, it will take some getting used to. We will make it work though. We will tell Nicky and Jack it's not definite that they can come; but we need to assess their interest. We will talk with you this evening."
"Talk with you then."
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LATER THAT EVENING
"Jamie here."
"Hi, it's dad. Well, the kids can't get away this time. They are excited about coming some time. So, it's a go for myself and Pops, if we have tickets."
"We'll make it work. These ticket requests are going to be interesting! A new wrinkle I've never dealt with. It will be great to see you. We'll talk soon about details. Bye dad."
"Bye, son."
TBC