And love
Chap 26 Safety net
1 PP FRANK REAGAN'S OFFICE
1 WEEK LATER
PC Frank Reagan sits behind his large oak desk, staring at his executive team. "Abby, what do we know about Cassandra O'Brian? I recall John talking like he had diplomatic immunity."
"Well, both the Ireland and N. Ireland state departments deny that."
"Is there any family who might claim Cassie?" Sid Gormley asks.
"Not on this side of the pond," Abby responds. "The family in Ireland who responded to our inquiry want nothing to do with any O'Brian family members. I think they are scared of the radical Sinn Fein connections. I'm getting no help from that side of the Atlantic."
"So, what about the State department here?" Garrett ponders.
"I'm trying to get someone to respond to me, no luck so far," Abby admits.
Frank drops his head, thinking. "I wonder . . . my dad has State connections. I will ask him tonight if he is willing to make a contact for us."
"That would be great!" Abby remarks. "How are the girls doling, by the way?"
"There were some issues at the start, but things have settled down." Frank tells his team. "Having Malina and Mary Rose to interact with is a god-send for Cassie."
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FLASHBACK – BREAKFAST
The girls dash into the kitchen. Eddie is busy at the stove cooking eggs and bacon. while Jamie sets the table.
"Can we help?" Mal asks.
"Yes," Eddie tells them. "Can someone make toast? And someone pour juice? And get butter and jam from the fridge? I believe Jamie will get coffee, right babe?"
"Yup, I got it," He responds.
When the eggs and bacon are ready, they bring all the food to the table and take their seats.
"Who would like to pray?" Jamie asks.
Mary Rose raises her hand 1st, so they all bow their heads as she offers the blessing. "Bless us, Oh Lord; and these Thy gifts that we are about to receive from Thy bounty; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. And thank you for sending Cassie to us, so we can keep her safe. Amen!"
Amens all around the table, and a tear trickles down Cassie's cheek.
Eddie asks if the discussion that needs to occur, can be tackled after they eat? All concur, so they eagerly dig in. As Jamie & Eddie watch Cassie put food away, they wonder about the quality & quantity of her meals. After all the food is consumed, the girls are assigned to clean up. Jamie and Eddie retire to the family room and wait for the girls to join them. When they are all together Jamie starts.
"Cassie, what questions do you have for Eddie and myself?"
Cassie is hesitant; "Go ahead," Mal encourages her. "You can ask our mom and dad anything."
"Ok," Cassie visibly relaxes. "The loud voices and that punch worry me. At home my dad would come home drunk; he would shout at my mom and me. He'd slap or punch mom. She would run to the secret room, and try to hide from him. But he would always find her and yell louder."
"The secret room is where Kara & Dylan were?" Jamie asks.
Cassie nods. "When I heard you talking to each other up there and in the car, I thought things would be different here!"
"They are different here!" Eeddie slips to the floor, and kneels in front of Cassie; she takes one of Cassie's hands in her own. "Yesterday, you heard me at my very worst, and I'm very sorry."
Jamie, Mal & Mary Rose all nod, agreeing with Eddie.
"What happened?" Cassie asks.
"Several things just overwhelmed me. My best friend had been unconscious for 2 years because of a head injury – she is a cop like Jamie. The day before, she had awakened. Then she and her husband were kidnapped. We found them at your place in Bridgeport; but her husband Dylan was unconscious from a beating. Then Dylan woke up at the hospital here and I came home to get some things and go right back to the hospital."
"What things were you looking for?" Mal asked.
"I don't even remember; I was not thinking straight. Then Jamie was trying to stop me from going back to the hospital! So, I was crazy, trying to get past him. I wouldn't listen to him. I'm so sorry you heard all that; it wasn't Eddie at her best."
Jamie slips to the floor and enfolds Eddie in his arms. "What could I have done to get through to you, sweetheart."
"I really don't think there is anything that would have worked. I was so far down that 1 track . . . I may well have caused you bodily harm!"
"That's what I thought. And I like all of my body!"
"So do I! And we may want more kids. After all we don't have a boy yet!" Eddie smirks.
"What does that mean?" Mary Rose whispers to her "sisters".
"Later," Mal whispers back.
"I know what that means," Mary Rose pouts.
"I guess I understand. From what everyone tells me, that wasn't typical behavior. Like it was in my home. So, can I stay with you guys?" Cassie asks, with moist eyes.
Jamie & Eddie look at each other; neither of them shows a STOP sign. Jamie gives their answer, "Yes you can. But there is a process going on that will determine if there are any relatives of yours who would like you to live with them. When that process is complete, we will see what a court decides."
"You mean a judge will tell me where I have to live?"
"Maybe. We are a long way from that. Let's just relax and not assume anything. Ok?"
"I'll try." Mal and Mary Rose move to give Cassie a massive group hug.
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ST. VIC'S HOSPITAL
Eddie has taken all 3 girls to visit Dylan and Kara. They walk into Dylan's room and Kara immediately steps to Cassie and gives her a bear hug.
"You gave me the phone! Thank you; you probably saved my husband's life. How can I ever repay you?
Cassie looks embarrassed, "No need, I was just doing the right thing. When is Dylan going to be ready to go home?"
"Probably in a couple of days." Kara turns to Eddie, "Good to see you, BFF!"
"You too, BFF! Is there anything we can do for you or Dylan?"
"Not right now. We might have some needs when he is discharged. I assume I can call or TXT?"
"Absolutely!" Eddie gives Kara & Dylan a hug, says good-bye, gathers her brood and is off.
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3-5 PRECINCT
Lt. Jameson Reagan's phone rings.
"Lieutenant Reagan."
"Jamie Reagan?"
"Yes, ma'am. Who is calling, please?"
"This is Debbie Fuller, ER-RN at Bellevue hospital. I have you as an emergency contact for officer Joe Hill. Is that correct?"
"Ah, yes, it is. What is the problem?"
"Officer Hill has sustained a GSW to the right upper chest. He is in critical condition; we need a consent for surgery. How soon can you be here?"
"20", can I consent over the phone?"
"Yes, but we sill need a signature ASAP. I'll put the doctor on, just a moment."
Jamie gives consent then rushes to the hospital. While driving he calls his dad, who already knew of the GSW; but not that Jamie was a contact for Joe. Frank will call
Eddie, and come to the hospital ASAP.
Once at Bellevue Jamie finds that Paula was not able to be contacted. He calls the hospital where she works and gets her on the phone. She is working swing in the ICU.
"This is Paula Hill. Who is this?"
"Jamie Reagan, Paula. I have bad news; Joe has been shot!"
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TBC
A/N: I know, Jamie has NO bedside manner! I should know better.