Jamie's Encore

Chapter 30 Linda's Vacation

Jamie, Caitlin, Jack and Frank have discussed Linda's vacation with her. Frank and Pops have a guest room, but she chose not to stay with them. Jack volunteered to sleep on the air mattress in the home office (or on the balcony) so his mom could have his guest room. He was excited to have his mom with them for a few days.

Caitlin and Jack met his mom at the airport. After enthusiastic greetings they maneuvered to baggage claim.

"Mom, I've missed you so much!" Jack hugged her tightly.

"Jack, me too! I wasn't prepared for being apart!" Mom is tearful.

They collect Linda's 3 suit cases, and Jack drives them to the condo. As they walk in, they see Jamie hard at work in the kitchen.

"Hi babe, how is dinner coming along?" Caitlin smirks.

"Under control," he confidently voices. "But dad called, Pops is balking over the wine thing, again."

"Did you tell him about the non-alcoholic wine we have?"

"Yes, he scoffed. I'm not sure if he will come."

Caitlin frowns.

"Is this still an issue?" Linda asks.

"Yes, I'm afraid so," Jamie mutters.

"We hoped that the non-alcoholic wine would be an acceptable compromise, but no." Caitlin explains. "Frank is ok, Pops not yet. We'll see if he comes."

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THE LETTER

Danny reads:

Daniel and Sean,

I just had to get away for a few days. The rift in the previously stable Reagan family is wreaking havoc on my heart. I just can't take it, and I am not alone. I love you both dearly, I hope you know that.

Please carefully consider your stance on the issues – as you see them. Evaluate the importance of tradition in our lives. There are more ways to share information than the traditional Reagan way. Can't we be flexible? Can't we allow Jamie and Caitlin to do things in their family as they choose?

I will call in 7 days or so and see where things stand.

Your loving wife & mother,

Linda Reagan

Danny flopped onto the couch by Sean and leaned back. "Son-of-a-bitch!"

"Dad, who are you swearing at? Mom?"

"Never, Sean."

"Who then?"

"Myself! Your mother is the kindest, most loving woman I've ever met. I guess I need to re-think the situation, Sean. If I'm acting in a way that even your mother can't tolerate, then perhaps I'm part of the problem. What do you think?"

"Will you be mad at me, dad?"

"No. Promise!"

"I think that uncle Jamie and aunt Caitlin should be able to run their family as they please. And they should be able to share, or not share, their family stuff as they see fit. I know that I would like that option for my family when the time comes."

Silence.

"When did you get so smart, kid?"

"I don't know. But reading that letter, and hearing it again when you read it, caused me to think. Hard. Maybe mom is right, dad?"

"She is. So, what do we do, huh?"

Silence.

"Call Caitlin and apologize?" Danny grimaces.

"Or go to San Diego and apologize in person?" Sean suggests.

"Road trip?" Danny raises his eyebrows. "I'm gonna call Lieutenant Carter!"

Only Erin, Maria Baez and Lieutenant Carter know the purpose of Danny Reagan taking 2 weeks' vacation. The first vacation he has taken in years.

And the most important one!

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BETWEEN LITTLE ROCK AND SANTA FE

"Has Jack TXT you and said where mom is staying?" Danny asks Sean. Sean & Jack have been texting without Jack knowing that the road trip is underway.

"Yeah, she is in Jamie's guest room, and he is in the home office."

"The home office at Jamie's?"

"Yup."

"How do you think we should handle this?"

Sean is confused; his dad has never asked his advice this much.

"What do you mean?" Sean is puzzled.

"What? Danny asks.

"You almost never ask my advice!"

Silence . . . again.

"Well, that's another thing that needs to change, son!"

"Let's stop at Grandpa's first."

"Hm . . . good idea."

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CORONADO ISLAND

Danny & Sean stop by Frank and Pops' condo. Frank has a key Jamie has given him to his condo; so, dad lets Danny & Sean in for a surprise. Then Frank goes home.

Caitlin has had a rough day; she comes home early – at 3:30. She walks up to her front door and hears noise coming from inside. She tries the door knob; it is not locked. She slowly opens it a crack and peeks; she sees the back of a strange man. She closes the door and hustles down 1 flight of steps.

She softly knocks on 205; "Mrs. Wilson", she announces when her downstairs neighbor opens the door. "May I come in, please?"

She enters and calls Jamie's office. "This is Susan, Lieutenant Reagan is busy."

"Susan, this is Caitlin, his wife. I need to talk to my husband; we have an intruder in our home! Please!"

She gets Jamie on the phone; he sends SWAT and he follows. SWAT finds the door unlocked. They breach and have Danny and Sean cuffed when Jamie arrives; after a struggle. Which under ordinary circumstances would constitute resisting arrest.

Jamie looks at the 'perps' carefully. "Well, well, what do we have here?"

"Don't be an ass, Jamie! Tell them who we are!" Danny shouts.

Jamie smirks. "Sergeant, did these two identify themselves?"

"They claim to be NYPD, at least the old man did."

"Any NYPD I/D?"

"No, sir. None."

"Kid, get us outta these cuffs or I'll-

"You will what, punk? You are threatening a Lieutenant of the SDPD!" The SWAT leader shouts.

"Any names, Sergeant?" Jamie calmly asks.

"Yes, sir. A Daniel Reagan and a Sean Reagan. Any relation, sir?"

"Yeah, my brother and nephew."

"I see. What shall we do with them, sir?" The sergeant is catching on. He turns his head and winks at Jamie.

"Sergeant, do we have an empty holding cell?"

"Yes, sir. We do."

"What the f—k!" Danny is outraged.

"Take them in, place them in that empty cell. Let's show these New Yorkers some California hospitality, sergeant."

"Yes, sir. Will do, sir."

"Dismissed!"

"You son-

"What were you going to say?" The SWAT leader gets right up into Danny's face.

"Nothing, sir!" Danny shuts up and goes peacefully to the SWAT van. Muttering all the way.

Jamie TXT Caitlin:

J: coast clear

C: THX B rt there

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2 HOURS LATER – HOLDING CELL

"Gentlemen, I am captain Espinoza. What seems to be the problem?"

"I am Detective 1st grade, NYPD."

"Can you prove that, sir?"

"Ask my kid brother-

"Your what, sir?" Espinoza raises an eyebrow.

"My, ah, younger brother Jamie, sir."

"You mean Jameson Reagan? The fine Lieutenant who works under me?"

"Ah, yes. He can vouch for me, sir."

"Then why are you here? I hear that you were trespassing in his home."

"We were let in, sir."

"By whom, may I ask?"

"My father. Frank Reagan; NYPD PC."

"Really. Well, I'll just call the NYPD. Be back shortly."

"No, wait, he's not there!"

Espinoza is gone.

SHIT!

30 minutes later. Frank Reagan appears. "I guess this wasn't such a good idea, eh Daniel?"

"Dad, get us outta here, please?"

Chief Wilson appears, then Lieutenant Jameson Reagan.

"Commissioner Reagan, a pleasure to meet you." Chief Wilson greets Frank. "Will you vouch for these 2?"

"I will, and the pleasure is mine, sir."

They shake hands, and Wilson motions for the 'prisoners' to be released.

They walk out of the precinct and pause.

"Was that necessary, kid?" Danny snorts.

"My wife reported an intruder; I will never take chances with her, never! So, yes, it was necessary!"

"But you saw it was me and Sean!" He huffs.

"Well, at that point it became a lesson for my nephew. Did you learn something today, Sean?"

"Yes." Sean whispers.

"Good. Now I think the ladies should have dinner ready about now. You all are welcome to our condo. Linda and Jack are waiting."

"I think we'll go to dads. Tell Lin and Jack to join us there."

"I will let them know." Jamie frowns.

"Uncle Jamie, may I come with you?" Sean asks.

"Sure, if it's ok with your dad."

Sean looks to Danny, who nods ok.

Frank and Danny depart.

Sean and Jamie depart.

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CORONADO CONDO J&C

"Lin & Jack, Danny is at dads; he apparently didn't want to eat here. He said to tell you to come there."

Sean walks in and embraces his mom and brother. "I missed you guys!"

"Good to see you, bro!" Jack is almost in tears.

"I would rather eat here. What about you boys?" Linda inquires.

"Here, with uncle Jamie and aunt Caitlin!" Both boys exclaim.

"Ok, guys. Please set the table!" Caitlin commands, laughing.

They do.

Thy eat; talking and laughing all the while.

Linda wonders how much progress she has made with Danny.

Jamie & Caitlin wonder the same.

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TBC