Jamie's Encore
Chapter 21 Retirement
NYPD – 1PP
NYPD Commissioner Frank Reagan sits in his large leather chair. His elbows on his massive oak desk, his chin in his hands. His innermost circle of advisors sits before him, waiting for him to speak. He straightens up, leans back a little and looks each of the 3 right in the eyes. He begins:
"As you all know, my son Jameson is now working for the San Diego PD. He is a Lieutenant, commanding their new Major Case Division. I am very proud of his achievement."
"You should be" is expressed by all 3 in front of him.
"As you might expect, part of our family being so far apart has caused some angst. It has also caused me to think seriously of my future."
He pauses, the 3 look anxiously at each other.
"What I am about to say must not leave the 4 of us, or this room. Understood?"
All nod indicating understanding and agreement. They know what's coming. They don't like it.
"I am 90% of the way to deciding to retire and move to the San Diego area. I am starting to investigate how to do that, what that would require and the best timing."
None are surprised, not at all.
"I can't say this is a surprise. And I will miss you terribly," Detective Abby Baker says, tearfully.
"Ditto to that," Lt. Gormley offers.
"Amen," DCPI Garrett whispers.
"While my personal process goes on, we will have some big decisions here. First and foremost is whom to recommend to the mayor to take my place. I will rely heavily on your input for that name or names. Now back to work!"
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CORONADO CONDO
Jamie's cell rings. "Hello dad, what's up?"
"Is Caitlin with you? Put her on speaker please."
"I'm here, hi dad!"
"Hello sweetheart. I have some news for you two."
"Good I hope," Jamie voices.
"I think so. I am 95% of the way toward deciding to retire and move out your way."
Jamie and Caitlin look at each other, mouths open in shock. They had hoped, but not expected.
"Really?"
"Yes, really. I have a request of you; if I do this, Pops has told me that he will do the same. So, can you do a little looking for a 3-bed apartment or condo there on Coronado Island. We would like to be somewhat near to you. Unless you don't want us too close, cramping your style you know."
The kids look at each other. Jamie cocks his head, asking silently for her thoughts. She nods the OK.
"Yes, we would be happy to have you near to us. Just so you're not under foot every day, if you know what I mean."
"I do know. And please keep this under your hat, we'd like to tell the family ourselves."
"Understood; what about Jack & Nicky?"
"We will tell them, please?"
"Got it."
Caitlin speaks up, "I have a piano student whose mom is a realtor here in Coronado. May I tell her the situation and have her look?"
"Yes, you have my contact info. You may give it to her."
"I will, thanks. Bye, we love you and Pops."
"Bye, we love both of you."
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BAY RIDGE – SATURDAY
"Francis, are we ready for the big announcement tomorrow?" Pops asks.
"Yes, except for one thing."
"What's that?"
"Either Danny or Erin, probably both, are going to ask about this house." Francis declares.
"I knew there was a detail we overlooked." Henry grimaces.
"A big detail." Frank nods.
"Right, so what about it?" Henry wonders.
"Well, it is in my name, though I have always considered it ours. What do you think we should do with it?" Frank posits.
"Well, legally and financially it is yours, Francis. It should 'go' the way of your will. I have my own estate that will be disbursed according to my will." Henry clarifies. "And the NYC kids?"
"Well, I don't see Erin rattling around in it. And Danny and Erin-
"They will kill each other!" Pops huffs.
"Probably. And I don't see Jamie and Caitlin moving back to NYC. But he may have some good advice, being a lawyer and all. Let's call him."
CALL TO SD
"Hi dad, good to hear from you. What's up?"
"Pops and I are going to announce the big news at dinner tomorrow."
"Really? You have decided for sure?" He gets Caitlin on speaker.
"Hi guys, I'm on speaker now."
"Hi sweetheart. Did you hear the news?" Pops asks.
"You are moving our way, right?" She grins!
"Yes!" Pops exclaims.
"Terrific, what can we do to help?"
"We wanted to ask Jamie something."
"Shoot."
"What about this house?"
"Oh, yeah. The family home. Wow!" Jamie expresses.
"Exactly," Frank mutters.
"Well, the cleanest would be to sell it and divide the proceeds as you see fit." Jamie suggests. "Either in your Last Will & Testament when you pass on, or sooner if you wish."
"Jamie! That is your family home, a treasure!" Caitlin explodes.
"I know, but who will, or can live there." He asks.
"Exactly. Pops and I don't see either Erin or Danny living here without myself or Pops," Frank inputs.
"And you don't want to leave the two of them there. They will kill each other!" Jamie chuckles. "I don't think even Linda could prevent that!"
"Our thoughts exactly." Henry admits.
"I think Jamie's idea is best," Frank sums up.
"I agree," Pops concludes.
"Blame it on me!" Jamie volunteers.
"We will." Frank smirks.
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BAY RIDGE – SUNDAY DINNER
"Now that we are all seated, please fasten your seatbelts." Frank cautions.
"Damn it, I knew it! I told you, Erin!" Danny explodes.
Erin looks down at her plate, a tear trickles down her cheek.
Frank and Pops look at each other. They give the 'what are you gonna do' look.
"You might have been expecting this, so we'll not delay it. I am retiring at the end of the year, and Pops and I are moving to San Diego." Frank confirms their fears.
"SHIT! The Jamie Reagan avalanche rolls on!" Danny growls. "What else can he and his little lady do to destroy this family! Huh?"
Linda lays a hand on her husband's arm; he shrugs it off.
Sean sits there, shell shocked. "I don't believe it," he whispers.
"Francis and I have talked at length about what to do with this house," Henry adds.
"The family home!" Erin exclaims.
"We conclude that the cleanest solution is to sell the house. And divide the proceeds according to the formulas described in my Last Will & Testament." Frank says.
Silence.
"Any distribution now? Help with education, for instance?" Linda asks.
"I will look at that," Frank promises.
"I will also," Pops expresses.
Silence descends.
Dinner is eaten.
Dessert is consumed.
Dishes are washed, none broken.
Everyone retreats to their home.
The gents share 1 finger of single malt.
Good-night.
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Ouch!
TBC