A Chance for a Better Life

Chapter Thirteen

Jamie had been undercover for a week. Sunday instead of eating dinner with his family, he was at Noble's new restaurant celebrating his return from rehab. The party lasted long into the night. When they returned to the recently closed bar to meet up with Richie and some of Nobles henchmen, Jamie had to work hard to hide his nerves. He knew this guy had sold Noble bad drugs, but as far as Jamie was concerned if you took drugs that was a risk.

Jamie hadn't wanted to date anyone until he met Noble's sister Bianca, but he knew that wasn't an option and wouldn't think about going down that road. He was already tired, but that wasn't surprising he was working as a dishwasher at one restaurant, and he was studying the Sanfino/Cavazzari family. Things his birth father had told him about the family were running through his head too. Jamie knew going in that he was going to be careful to not be pulled into the evil of the organized crime world. His birth father after all was a hit man for the Irish mob. He could only imagine how much his dad loved his life now that he was in prison in Oregon.

The next day Jamie had to work a twelve-hour day at the restaurant. He'd told Noble about his job and had made it seem like he couldn't get any other work because of his questionable past.

His UC cover was interesting. He was under as Ryan Williams. Ryan grew up in the system when he lost both of his parents at the age of seven. He was a success story because not only did he go to college, but he was able to get into a small law school. That's when he started getting into trouble because law school was expensive, and he had to pay for it, so he found ways to pay for it. He somehow managed to not lose his license, but he was unable to get another job at a law firm.

"Hey man, you look exhausted." Noble handed Jamie a beer.

"I am, I started at four this morning for the breakfast rush, and just finished. I need to find another job too."

"Why don't you come work for me. You saw the restaurant when you were there for dinner. I know you're capable of more than just washing dishes. It'll still be long hours."

"Ok."

"Great. We don't do breakfast, so you'll have some longer nights, but you won't start before nine at the earliest. When you came to dinner you took the train. My family has an apartment close by that you could stay in until you're able to get a place of your own."

"That would be great. I'm staying in one of those pay by the week hotels. It's all I can afford."

Noble had been pulled into the back when Uncle Philly was asking Jamie about his family, and he didn't really know that much about him.

"Can't your family help at all?"

"No, I don't have any family. I grew up in the system. I've basically been on my own since I was seven."

"Ryan, I think you just found your family." Noble smiled. Ryan was the perfect type of recruit that he'd been told to look for, and the kid had saved his life, so his family already liked him.

"Thanks, Noble. When do you want me to start?"

"I'll come and help you move tomorrow. You can start Wednesday. The apartment is a block and a half from the restaurant."

"Great. Thank you."

The next day Jamie woke up early and packed his suit, and the few things he had to his name. He was focused on his UC, but the reality of the situation was hitting closer to home than he thought it would. He could see how easy it was for someone like him who wouldn't have had anyone to get pulled into a life of crime. Noble was giving him a family. He was curious what that actually meant, and knew he'd find out. He wondered if that was why Mason started living this life.

The apartment was beautiful. It had two bedrooms, a recently upgraded kitchen, and it was nicer than his own apartment in Brooklyn Heights. It had only been a little over a week and he missed his apartment, and his family. He knew his dad was worried and didn't want him to take on this assignment, but he couldn't turn down an assignment that could save people like his mom. He couldn't do anything to save his own mother, but he could help take these guys down. He signed up to save lives.

"Hey Ryan, you're early." Noble said, he was sitting and going over the books. There wasn't much there because they've only been open such a short time. It made him wonder what else was being done at the restaurant.

"Yeah, worked out this morning. It was nice doing it before work instead of after a twelve-hour shift."

Noble laughed. Ryan was interesting to him. "Ready to get to work?"

"Yeah."

"Have you ever done anything besides wash dishes in a kitchen before?"

"I've worked as a line cook a couple times, but I don't have any actual culinary training."

"Most of the guys in the back don't. Let's go and meet the chef and see how things go back there today. I'd have you in the front of the house, but I need to get you a uniform. I think you'd be a good host."

"Sorry, the only suit I have is the one I wore the night of the dinner. The rest of my clothes are like this. I usually just wear this or have overalls on."

"Don't worry Ryan. We'll get you taken care of. How did you afford to drink at the bar the couple nights we met?" Noble was curious.

"I knew one of the guys that worked there before they closed. Every couple months he'd get me in. Usually we'd hang out, but he was busy."

"I do the same thing for some friends that I have that are down on their luck. My uncle owns a club not far from here, and if I can make this place profitable in a year or less, I'm gonna open a second location."

"That's cool. Owning a restaurant, is that what you always wanted to do?"

"Yeah. I went to culinary school after high school. I love cooking and figuring out flavors, but I have some family obligations that I have to take care of."

"Oh." Jamie had some ideas about what those obligations were, but he was looking forward to hearing it from Nobel himself.

"Hey Matt, this is Ryan. He's an extra line cook today, he's done it a little, but I would start him on something easy. Tomorrow he'll probably be at the front of the house."

"Great, thanks Noble. How long do I have him for tonight?"

"Minimum eight, but if he can stay longer, and you got stuff for him to do, keep him."

"Ok. Ryan have you ever worked in a kitchen before?" Matt was sizing up the new guy.

"Yeah, a couple times. Most recently I've been washing dishes. I get it if that's all you want me to do. I'll do everything I just need to work."

"I get it. I've been there myself. Let's start you on prep and see how you do."

"Thanks." Ryan (Jamie) said looking around the back of the house.

Jamie was thankful for working in the soup kitchen most of his life. He never realized that experience would help him so much as a cop.

It had only been a little over a week and Frank was doing everything he could to not be worried sick over Jamie and what he was doing in that moment. Henry could see the worry and after losing Joe he understood, but he knew that they needed to trust and have faith in Jamie.

"Francis, you need to relax. There isn't anything that you can do."

"I can pull him out. I could've said no, but this is our best chance to get these guys." Frank was having a hard time balancing his life. As the PC he knew how important Jamie's current assignment is. As his father he was scared to death he was going to get the call that his son was dead.

"And it's the mob. Jamie wants them off the street more than any of us."

"Yes, he does, and because of that I don't know if his heads on straight."

"Francis, you're beginning to sound like Danny. Don't listen to him. Jamie's a smart and capable officer and I know that OCCB wouldn't have used him if they weren't sure he could handle it."

"You're right."

Family dinner the first two weeks without Jamie was tense. Danny and Erin had some rough idea what was going on, but Frank decided to listen to his father and have faith in him.

Linda and Danny end up leaving dinner right after dessert because Jack forgot that he had some homework to finish, and it was something that Jamie would have been helpful with. Danny was worried about and missed his little brother.

Three months into Jamie's assignment and so far, Noble had kept his word. Everything that he had promised had happened. He was living in a nice apartment. He had a good job. He was working mainly as a host, but he'd pick up any job if someone needed help. He'd wait tables, he did dishes, he worked as a line cook, and he started going to Sanfino family functions.

"Hey Ryan, my uncle told me that you have a law degree?" Noble questioned his friend curious why he wasn't working a higher profile job.

"Yeah, hasn't done me a lotta good though."

"Why do you say that?"

"I don't know why I got it all its done is cause me trouble. It's one reason why I'm broke. Loans are expensive."

"I'm betting knowing the law means you know how to circumvent it?"

"For the most part. I've been caught a couple times, but I was a stupid kid then. Nothing bad enough to stop the state of New York from letting me pass the bar." Ryan (Jamie) laughed.

"That's good. Would you be willing to help me and couple friends out after your shift tonight?"

Ryan (Jamie) had to think this through for a minute. If it involved anything illegal, he'd have to report it to his handler. Being around the mob was one thing, participating was another. "Yes." He didn't have a choice. He needed to get some good evidence to put these guys away.

"Great. Just stay after shift, and we'll head out. Don't worry I'll drop you at your apartment when we're done."

"Thank you."

"Ya know, I've talked to Uncle Philly, and you're a really hard worker and you're smart. Would you be willing to pay rent? If so, you can just stay in that apartment and start saving for a car. Once you get a car, you can do some bigger jobs for us."

"Yeah, I'll pay rent. I should've been paying something since I moved in. I'm sorry. I can pay back rent for the last two months."

"Let me talk to Phil. I'll let you know in a day or two."

It was a long shift since it was Friday night. The restaurant was very busy. The only upside to that was that his handler came in, and Jamie was able to update him with a quick note. He was advancing. He'd have more information for him with his next check in the following week. His handler was another UC officer who'd been with OCCB for years. They would run together some days and others he'd come into the restaurant. Noble knew and liked him too but wasn't interested in bringing him into the family fold.

"Ryan, I got permission from Uncle Philly to bring you into this. You are not allowed to talk about anything that you see tonight, although it shouldn't be much. The more you prove that we can trust you the more you'll get to see. Got it?"

"Got it. What do you want me to do?"

"We got a white van that we need you to drive and watch out if there's anyone around."

"Where are we going?" The wheels were starting to spin in Ryan's (Jamie's) head.

"A little restaurant in East New York."

"Ok, is there an alley?"

Noble was looking for him over carefully. If it was anyone else, he'd be curious, but he'd learned that when Ryan (Jamie) was taking on a new position he asked a lot of question and usually had some good ideas.

"Yes, but we're gonna pull up front. Easier access in and out."

"Are deliveries done in the back?"

"Yeah, early in the morning not long after we leave."

"Ok, so we're taking a delivery van, but we're gonna be out front where there might be cameras. The city adds more cameras every day."

"You know this because?"

"I've been homeless on and off the last few years. It's easy to see when they're installed. If they catch you or any of us on the right one, it'll make it easier for the cops or feds to catch us."

"You're gonna make a good lookout, and don't worry. No one's gonna die tonight."

"Ok, so back alleys. You'll let me drive and take the lead."

"Yeah, and as long as we stay away from cops you might move up fast."

"Got it."

The errand they have to run goes off without any issues. It turns out that Noble was planting some bugs. The restaurant is owned by someone in another family, and there have been some rising issues and they suspect someone jumped because the information that they have is getting too close. The family is being very careful. Jamie knows he can't plant any bugs right now, but he's hoping once they figure out who jumped sides that he'll be able get some of the things he needs to do in place.

The next few weeks are tense and filled with odd little errands to random locations at all times of the day or night. Noble decides to take him on all of the errands and brings him in earlier when they are planning them because had they followed Noble's plan that first night, they'd all be in jail.

Jamie's handler was doing a good job. As Jamie suspected he was giving his dad direct updates, but there wasn't anything that he could do about that. He was surprised that his dad would break protocol, but he could guess as to a myriad of reasons why. The only one getting updates should be OCCB and then they should update as needed. The best news was that they'd caught the guy who jumped families and he wasn't a made man. Noble had been the one to take care of him. Jamie thought that Noble would struggle with it because it was Johnny Tesla, someone who he'd grown up with and his sister Bianca dated.

"Commissioner, Detective Miller is here to see you."

"Let him in Abby. Thank you. Delay my schedule until we're done."

Detective Miller walks in with an unsure look on his face. Frank doesn't know what to think.

"Sir, they caught the man who defected. Noble Sanfino shot him last night. We don't know what they did with the body and neither does Jamie. He was told that he doesn't have a high enough clearance to know those things."

"Is he okay?"

"He watched someone he's spending a lot of time with shoot someone without even taking a pause and Noble and Tesla were close. They grew up together."

"You said that since Jamie's been involved that he's gotten a lot better, there have been a lot fewer mistakes and their "errands" as Noble calls them are better planned."

"That's all your son by the way. Noble is not known for thinking things through. Without Jamie, I don't know that Noble would have much upward momentum."

"Detective I don't know if that's a compliment."

"It is sir. Your son is very intelligent. If he chooses, he could have a very promising career in UC work or intelligence."

"Or flip sides." Frank joked.

"No, sir. Your son does everything by the book and has realized how many psychopaths there are in the mob. He documents everything and gives it to me. He hasn't had to step over the line. Your son is very good for a rookie, and I mean no disrespect for that. We get guys who've been on the job for five years that couldn't do what he's doing now."

"Thank you, detective."

Frank couldn't get the image of Jamie seeing a mob hit out of his mind. He worried the impact it would have on him since Mason was a mob hit man. As cops they knew that they may have to kill someone someday and every life was important, but killing to save lives was different than being a hitman for the mob. This was one of the many reasons that Frank didn't want Jamie to be a cop.

Jamie was having some of the same thoughts. One downside to living in a mob family-owned apartment was that Jamie knew he couldn't ever meet his handler there and discuss anything important there, so when he needed to pull himself out of being Ryan and just be Jamie he ran. When he ran, he could hear his mom's voice when he was little telling him he could do anything. He hoped he'd made her proud because he took this assignment for her. Now he knew Mary Reagan would hate where he was, but hoped she'd understand that he was using all the things that she'd taught him in life.

After the hit was done Ryan (Jamie) was involved in all of Noble's errands. Noble had no idea, but Ryan (Jamie) was documenting everything that happened, so he could be arrested for everything later. The more he got to know Noble the less he liked him. Most of the time he was a nice guy that most people found fun to be around. The remainder of the time he was a psychopath who killed without feeling and stole without caring who he hurt. The funny thing of it all was Noble was doing everything he could to make sure that he had a comfortable life. Nothing about this life made sense.

"Noble, what's on tonight?"

"Tonight, we have a card game with some of the guys. Uncle Philly's impressed with you. He wants to talk to you about a new job." Noble smiled. He knew the kid couldn't be a hit man. He'd seen his reaction to his hits, but he knew he wasn't a snitch.

The card game went long into the night. Ryan (Jamie) learned that he was taking a big step up in the family. Uncle Philly was adding him to the legal team. He was to report to his new office a small law firm in Brooklyn on Monday. He was going to take on a small case with one of their guys that got caught a week before. It was a drug deal. Something that was very profitable for the Sanfinos.

One upside to Ryan's (Jamie) new job was that he couldn't go along with Noble on his errands any longer. They couldn't risk him getting caught and give the courts any reason to question any case he's worked on. That alone lifted Jamie's spirts.

Monday was a long day. Jamie had his first day at the firm downtown, and then went and bought a used car from his friend. Detective Miller had gotten him the perfect car for the UC work. They even met at a small car lot where he picked it up. It wasn't Noble's Porsche, but in a lotta ways that made him happy, he'd feared for his life more than once while Noble was driving.

Frank learned of Jamie's status change and was happy for the first time since Jamie went under. OCCB had certain things that Jamie needed to get before he could get out, and he knew Jamie would come through for them. OCCB was working with the DA on the case Jamie was working so Jamie would win and gain good favor. They knew the guy he was defending was a low-level thug and would either commit worse crimes or get killed if he continues to get caught. It wasn't ideal, but it was gangster justice. What mattered most to Frank was for his son to come home safe.

Jamie wondered when he went back on patrol if Vinny would be his partner again. He didn't think that he'd get promoted to detective since he was transferred to more or less be retrained. He'd had a few issues.

He wouldn't know for a while if Vinny would still be his partner because he was excelling in his new role as a mob lawyer. He was just happy he had yet to step into a Manhattan courtroom where he could easily run into his brother and sister or any of his friends from the 12th.

He was working for Angelo Gallo and had no idea that he had close ties to his father. Angelo didn't realize that Ryan (Jamie) was one of his best friends' kids. By the time Jamie came along Angelo was already getting more involved with the mob, and Mary didn't want that type of influence around her kids but mostly around Jamie. She knew Jamie hated the idea of being anywhere around the type of life that Mason choose.

Angelo liked Ryan (Jamie), Ryan was a good lawyer and had helped two of his senior attorney's win cases that Angelo didn't think that they had a prayer in winning. Ryan could talk and had a way with people that was helpful when you are trying to sway a jury. Winning those two cases cemented Ryan's place in the legal team.

Ryan (Jamie) was lead attorney on the next case. It wasn't a big case, but that was okay. One of the lower-level thugs had been caught selling drugs for extra cash. Jamie knew he had to get him off but knew once he was free that a hit was going to get put on him because you can't bring the heat to the family.

The case was easy for Ryan (Jamie) to win. The prosecutor had underestimated him because he looked at his track record and found that he hadn't worked that many cases recently. They didn't even pull the cop in who had arrested the defendant because they thought that they had the case with no contest. They were wrong and the Brooklyn DA was investigating what went wrong. When he determined that the mob was honest, and that the DA's office made the mistakes, he wasn't happy and changes were going to come to the office. The DA wasn't the only party that was upset. 1PP wasn't happy either, they were hoping this low-level thug would be another way to gain another way into the organization because some people didn't have confidence in Jamie. They didn't realize that he'd already gained more information than they could imagine.

The next few weeks went by quickly. Ryan (Jamie) had been spending most of his time at the law firm. He hadn't seen Noble in two weeks, but he'd heard that's because he'd moved up in the organization too. From what he'd heard he wasn't the only one that was busy. He knew if Noble started getting high or stopped thinking things through, he knew that issues were gonna start to arise and he didn't know if Noble was smart enough to understand that being family didn't mean that they wouldn't kill him if the need arose.

Angelo and Frank met every few months for dinner.

"Frankie, your late." Angelo smiled. He was in a good mood, Ryan (Jamie), had just won another case.

"Ang, I know."

"Rough day, okay and I think you know why."

"I do, and it's all my new lawyer. He's gonna take my place someday."

"Who is this person?"

"Ryan Williams, he's brilliant. He knows the streets and man can he talk. The juries love him. I'm thinking about making him a partner in the couple years."

"What about everyone that's been there before him. He's only been with you a few months, right?"

"Yeah, but he's a natural. Ya know how it is, when you find that cop, or find that cop that finds his niche, you have him run with it right?"

"True Ang, so how's life beyond work?"

"Good, work keeps me busy, but I'm planning a trip to the Caribbean in a couple months."

"That sounds nice. Should be a fun trip."

"Yeah. Now how are the kids?"

"Good, busy. Danny and Erin are both busy with their kids and all Jamie does is work."

"Ya know, I heard about Jamie's graduation from Harvard. I wanted to contact him, but I knew he wouldn't come within ten miles of me."

"Why do you say that?"

"Well, he doesn't know me for one. Mary never wanted him anywhere around me. She was always more protective of him, than your actual kids. I never understood that."

"Ang, you don't have kids. He was ours the moment he asked for help that day. There was always something special about him. I can't explain it, and neither could Mary. Jamie and Joe were brothers from the very beginning. Erin wanted to protect him, and Danny wasn't the most receptive at first, but came around and is very protective of him in his own way."

"Ok, ok, I get it. We've had this conversation a lot over the years. He's your son, your baby."

"Yeah, and we've almost lost him a few times. Mary was protective of him before I ever met him. She'd seen him in the soup kitchen and her heart was broken for him and I can't imagine what would've happened if we would've lost him to anything other than his mother. Even then I know she would've been worried that something would happen to him. After he got sick, even he knew his chances at surviving were better with us."

"I forgot about that. He's a strong kid. Is he liking the NYPD?"

"Yes, and he's good too."

"Like there would be any doubt. That kid can do anything from what I've heard."

"Yeah."

They continued their conversation and focused on their own youth and the trouble they would get into together.

Ryan (Jamie) had been able to get into he boiler room that he'd found out Noble was now running and was able to obtain a vital piece of evidence under the guise that he needed it for legal reasons. Noble was happy to help and never had a thought that Ryan (Jamie) was anything but his friend or that he'd do anything besides help. That was the first big piece of evidence that he obtained. The next piece was from the families Thanksgiving dinner at Noble's restaurant. He was able to get a copy of Noble's books proving he was cleaning money for the family and the third and final piece he obtained before he got out a week before Christmas was able to go home.

After 2 long days going over everything with Arborghast, Jamie was finally able to go home. Arborghast was impressed with his work and asked that he stay available for other UC work.

"Jamie, we don't have many guys that could've done what you've done. I'd like to retire "Ryan Williams" for now, but he could be useful in the future. After all of this are you interested?"

"Yes. I'll go under as Ryan again and make a point to stay away from the press. Can I go back to the 12th?"

"Yes. I can have you transferred back as soon as you're ready but know we may have to bring you in to review the evidence at times."

"I'm ready to go back on Monday."

"Are you sure? I can keep you here."

"No, I miss patrol."

"Thanks for all of your hard work. I'm gonna let intelligence know about you too. Your talents will be valuable there too."

"Sir."

Jamie spent his first Saturday not undercover cleaning his apartment, going for a run and visiting his family at the cemetery. It was what he needed, and he was looking forward to sitting with his family at church again. He'd gone while he was undercover but came late and stood in the back and left before mass was over. He didn't know if his dad knew he was done with his UC assignment or not.

He was the first one at church on Sunday afternoon. He knew it'd be busy because it was a week before Christmas. He just hoped that no one would say anything about his appearance until after church.

"Jamie! I'm so happy to see you son. I didn't know if you'd be here or just at dinner." Frank gave Jamie a quick hug.

"I wouldn't miss church, and it's been good sleeping in my own bed."

Five minutes later the entire family had arrived, and they made their way to their reserved seats.

For Jamie it was nice being surrounded by his family again. Knowing that most of them live in Brooklyn and could end up in the crossfire it helps him come to terms with some of the things that he's seen while he was undercover.

Back at the house Jamie's the last to arrive because he decides to stay after church. He lights candles for all of his family that isn't here. He thought that he'd gotten enough time alone the day before, but now he was questioning showing up for dinner.

He decided to walk back to the house from church. He needed more time alone.

"Uncle Jamie!" Sean screamed and ran up and gave him a hug. He'd missed his uncle while he was gone. He didn't understand why his uncle had to go away for work when his dad never did.

"Hey Sean, how are you?"

"I'm good. I'm happy you're home. Dad's been in a bad mood a lot since you left. Can you play with me and Jack before dinner?"

Jamie shook his head. He loved his brother, but hearing stuff like that made it hard for Jamie to be understanding. "Okay, what do you want to play?"

"Basketball."

"Why don't you and Jack get some board games out, and we will play some basketball after dinner. So, we still look nice for dinner."

"But what if mom says its too cold to play outside then?" Sean whined.

"Then we will do something else. Now go get Jack, and I'll meet you in the sunroom."

In the kitchen Danny was trying to sneak some food because he was always hungry and he did not have any patience, Erin and Linda were finishing cooking, and Frank and Henry were discussing the events of the week at the table. Henry was upset with how the mayor was treating his son, but not really that surprised.

"Hey." Jamie greeted.

"Kid, you remembered dinner. I figured you forgot about us now that you're a hot shot UC officer."

"Daniel, be civil, we need to be happy that your brother is here." Henry scolded, and then thought, and be happy he made it home safe.

"Thanks pop. I'm happy to be back."

"Your done with that non-sense now, right?" Erin's fear clearly showing.

"That case is done, but Arborghast asked if I'd be willing to be open to other assignments and I said yes. He said that I did a good job."

"So, risking your life once wasn't enough! Jamie, isn't being a cop enough?" Erin's stressful week was coming out and usually she would fight with Danny and take a calmer approach with Jamie.

"Erin, there's no guarantee that they'll ever pull me in again. Now, I'm going to play with the kids until dinner."

Frank was upset with his older kids. He more than they understood why everyone was so protective of Jamie, but they needed to back off and let him live his life.

Jamie was playing board games with Jack, Sean and Nikki and they were all happy to have their Uncle Jamie back safe. Frank loved hearing all of the youngest family members laughing. Jamie was good with the grandkids and Frank knew that the grandkids opened up more to Jamie than himself or their parents.

An hour later dinner was ready, and the food smelled so good.

"Jamie, we are all happy to have you back." Frank smiled.

"Yeah kid. None of us have done anything like that and we were scared. I'm sorry."

The room went quiet. Danny didn't apologize.

"Thanks Danny."