A Chance for a Better Life
Chapter Fifteen
Jamie and Eddie had started meeting for drinks after work a night or two a week. Frank and Henry had noticed because Jamie wasn't coming around as much. Henry was hoping he had a girlfriend and that they'd be adding another chair at Sunday dinner soon. Frank was hoping for the same, but he'd been happy that Jamie was hanging out with some people his own age. He liked Vinny and thought he was good for his quiet youngest son. He was happy to hear that Danny was spending more time with his brother too.
It was a hard day in the car with Vinny, not because of the calls that they'd gotten, but because it had finally worked out that Eddie and Vinny were going to meet. It didn't matter how many times Jamie told him that they were only friends, Vinny was unable to give up.
"Jamie, that hot dog story that Renzulli tells is hilarious." Vinny laughed.
"I was a rookie. We all have stories like that early on."
"You're still a rookie. You're in what your second year on the job?"
"Yeah, but I'm starting my third soon."
"Just wait until you've got another couple years under your belt like I do. Then you'll have more stories to tell unless you spend more time undercover. Where's your girlfriend?"
"She's not my girlfriend. She's just a friend."
"So does that make Dana your girlfriend then?"
"Another friend. I know it's a foreign concept to you, but a guy and girl can just be friends."
"Come on Jamie."
"Vin, just drop it. She'll be here soon."
Ten minutes later Eddie walked in.
"Hey Jamie, sorry, it was one of those days." Eddie frowned. She liked Jamie, she wasn't sure if it was just as friend or more yet.
"We get it, don't worry. Ed, this is my partner Vinny. Vinny this is my volunteer partner, Eddie."
"Nice to meet you. Is he as hard to work with when he's volunteering as he is on the when he's working?"
"Nice to meet you too, Vinny."
"Thanks Vin. What would you like to drink Ed?"
"Beer's fine."
"Jamie's told me that you're a social worker."
"Yeah, and one of my kids died today from his injuries."
"What happened?"
"Domestic dispute a couple weeks ago. Basically, his dad killed him. I admit my family is far from perfect, but I'll never understand how anyone could physically hurt their own kid. This kid was thrown against a wall." Eddie's anger and frustration was coming out.
"I saw a lot of that growing up in Bitterman."
"You grew up at the Bitter End? That's where this kid was living when his dad beat him so badly."
"Yeah, I spent eighteen years there before I was able to move myself and my family out. We all made it out alive and unhindered by the Los Lordes."
"Why'd you become a cop?" Eddie needed to hear a success story.
Jamie was just sitting and listening to the conversation. He was the kid that was thrown into the wall. He was lucky.
"Because I saw friends die, and other lose everything because of choices made by the people who should protect them, don't. I was lucky. My family lived there because it was our situation. No one in my family was in a gang and we all just wanted to be able to move out. My mom worked hard."
"Maybe both of you could come and talk to some of the kids. They need to see people who've survived and are successful."
"Yeah. I'll do it, Jamie?"
"Are you sure you want me? I spent most of my youth in Bayridge. Most people don't think I have any memories of my life before I was adopted."
"Most normal people, but these kids have more in common with you than normal people. They understand that you don't just forget those struggles. You've never really told me about your life before you were adopted besides the fact that you were homeless and that's why you volunteer. Why are you a cop besides what people think is the obvious?"
"I think Vinny and I were the responding officers on your kid that died. We responded to several domestics in the last couple of weeks. I spent my first five years at Bitterman, and my mom did everything she could to keep me safe, but my dad was that guy that beat his kid and her. Times were different, and my dad kept getting out. I learned after I was adopted that Frank was the detective who'd worked my case before. He knew how dangerous my dad was. He kept me safe. I became a cop because I wanted to save kids like me. I want to help as many people as I can."
Eddie couldn't stop the tears from forming. She was thankful that Jamie was one of the lucky kids.
"I want to help as many people as I can too, but you guys are amazing. I'm the little rich girl from the suburbs. My struggles have been my dad is in prison for a Ponzi scheme and my older brother died of cancer when I was little."
"We all struggle and we're all here. I'm sorry about you're brother. Cancer sucks. I lost my mom to cancer when I was in college."
"Okay, this is supposed to be fun. Enough. Now, I hear you're responsible for making my partner actually act his own age." Vinny laughed and hit Jamie on the back.
"Well, that's not an easy job. I think he's an old soul." Eddie joined in the laughter.
Jamie just sat and blushed. He hated having any attention on him. The night continued on with Eddie and Vinny ganging up on Jamie. Overall, it was a fun night for all. Something that they all needed. They needed a break from the stress of life. By the end of the night, they were all laughing so hard they were almost crying.
It ended up being their last night out for a while. Jamie and Vinny were working doubles after watching a young woman and her son committed suicide because they felt trapped. Danny caught the case. Jamie understood why he caught the case, but worried about the impact of so many family members involved in the projects.
Danny had told Jamie and Vinny to lean on each other. That's exactly what they did. They were working second tour.
"Oh Jamie, you look so tired. Get in here and eat breakfast." Vinny's mom, Rosa hugged Jamie as he entered the house. She was in full momma mode, and she knew Jamie's mom was no longer here, so she felt it was her job to take care of him too.
"Thanks, Rosa. Our tour ended late last night. Did I beat Vinny here?"
"No, he's sleeping on the couch. He knew you're never late, and he didn't feel like going home."
"Okay."
"Jamie!" Mirabella, Vinny's youngest sister screamed and then stopped when she really looked at him. "Are you okay? Momma, we should have Jamie move in too."
"Mira, that was rude. I'm sorry, Jamie. Mira, please go wake up your brother."
"Don't worry Rosa. Two weeks of doubles are rough for anyone. You guys are the only people besides my family and co-workers that I've seen since this thing started."
"You all need to take care of yourselves. You can't keep anyone safe including yourselves if your too tired and we all want you guys safe."
"Ma, Jamie hears enough of this from his family. Can we please just have a nice breakfast?"
"Yes, sorry, you know your momma worries."
"I know. Don't worry we are careful out there and we have each other's back."
"Rosa, things are tough now, but don't worry they'll get better. We are gonna get Los Lordes and give the people at Bitterman a safe place to live again."
"I know Jamie, and I'm so thankful that we were able to get into this house, it's just hard knowing that you guys are going up against them. I did everything I could to keep all my kids safe from them when we were stuck there. Now Vinny's back, and I can't do anything to keep him safe."
"I'll do my best to keep him safe."
Rosa cooked a big breakfast for her boys. She was happy to see them eating and laughing even though they were tired. She had a relaxing morning planned for them before they went in for their double.
"Jamie, I got room if you'd rather come here than going home to an empty apartment."
"Thanks, Rosa. I'm good. My family keeps checking on me, and I know they'd freak out if I wasn't home."
Rosa gave Jamie another big hug. It was the fourth or fifth one since he'd arrived. Vinny's mom, his grandpa, and Eddie had been checking on them the most.
"You made my mom's day by comin' to breakfast. Thanks."
"It was a nice break. I've only seen my family at dinner, and I've met my grandpa for a meal a couple times."
"My sister has a crush on you." Vinny laughed.
"Oh, to be sixteen again. It won't be long, and she'll be away at college with a lot of guys around." Jamie laughed.
"Thanks, now I have that to think about. I hope none of those guys are like me. They all need to be like you. Will you help her get into Harvard?"
"Shut up." Jamie loved seeing Vinny squirm. The fact that he had two sisters was some special kind of karma considering what a flirt he was.
"Come on, you have a sister. You know what it's like."
"Yeah, and she was married and had a kid before I was out of high school. Plus, with the age difference she kinda tried to treat me like I was her kid, and she's doing it now."
"Ok, good point."
"Any chance we'll make it an entire tour without going to Bitterman?"
The look that Jamie gave Vinny instantly had him laughing. "No, and did you see we're working a day shift Saturday and Sunday."
"How's that gonna go over with the PC? Will you get a rip for not being at dinner?"
"I'm on duty. That's the one out. It's not the first dinner I've missed because of work either."
It was only Wednesday, and they'd already felt like they'd worked their week. Vinny had Friday off because he had asked for it off months earlier, but this was a week that Jamie didn't get a day off.
Friday night at the end of his tour he'd heard about Danny's run in with Santana. He was happy that he hadn't been hurt, but the threat was taken as it was against the entire NYPD. Each patrol that was sent to Bitterman was told to be extra careful, and there were certain areas where additional backup was required.
Saturday, Jamie, and Vinny spent their day at Washington Square Park. It wasn't a quiet day; they had several calls, and their tour ran late. Jamie was supposed to meet Erin for dinner, but it was too late by the time he finished the paperwork for his final arrest of the day. All he wanted to do was go home and sleep for several hours before going for a long bike ride, but he knew he wouldn't get that for a few more days.
Erin was disappointed, she knew that Jamie wasn't going to be at dinner the next day. With everything going on at Bitterman, she'd never wished more that he'd stayed in law and was working for one of the DA's offices or still in Boston.
Nikki pointed out the next day at dinner that it was odd that the quietest person was missing and all of a sudden dinner was very quiet. She couldn't say for sure that dinner would be louder if Jamie were in attendance, but she thought that might be the case.
Dinner stayed quiet, and everyone kept checking on Frank. They could see his worry. The Los Lordes had reinforced their threat that they were coming after the NYPD and the next threat went a step further saying he would feel the impact within his own family. He hadn't shared the last part with the family yet, and he was planning on letting Danny know after dinner because he thought he was the obvious target. Because Jamie's past undercover work and possible undercover work in the future his picture wasn't up on the website, and he was kept out of the media. His hope was that the gang didn't know about Jamie.
Dessert was interrupted by Frank's cell phone ringing. Normally he wouldn't pick up but had no choice when he saw it was Garrett.
"Frank, we have two officers down at Bitterman." Garrett didn't want to say the next sentence. He knew it would rip his friend and boss apart.
"Who?"
"Cruz and Reagan."
"What's their status?" Franks hands were shaking, he couldn't hide his fear from his family.
"Frank, Vinny was dead in Jamie's arms when backup arrived. Jamie took too shots, one to his chest, and one to his side. He's not likely, but I've been told he's on his way into surgery as we speak. They're both at St. Victors, and I've sent two cars to the house, they should be there soon."
"He's gonna be okay though?"
"As far as I know. Frank tell the family. Support each other." Garrett hung up. Sometimes he really hated his job.
"Dad, what's wrong?" Erin could see the fear in her dad's eyes and had heard parts of the conversation.
"Two officers were shot at Bitterman."
"No!" Danny yelled. This was not going to happen again. Losing one brother was enough. He couldn't have failed his dad twice.
"Grandpa, is Uncle Jamie gonna be, okay?" Nikki had tears rolling down her face. Memories of her Uncle Joe's funeral still fresh in her mind.
"Yes, that's what I've been told, but his partner didn't make it. We are gonna have to be there when he wants to talk. We have to be strong for him."
"We will be." Linda said knowing this incident was going to hit Danny hard. Jamie had to be okay.
An hour later they were all at the hospital and in the correct waiting room. There had been some confusion when they got to the hospital. Finally, Garrett found them and took them to the right place. It was only fifteen minutes later when a doctor came out to tell them that Jamie was going to be okay. He would be sore for a while and would be out of work for at least a month.
Eddie had heard about the shooting on the news. She was afraid that it was Jamie and Vinny. She knew they were working and understood how bad things had gotten at the Bitterman Complex. She'd tried calling him and when she didn't get an answer, she decided to go to the hospital herself. She knew if he was hurt that she probably wouldn't get to see him, but she had to know that Jamie and Vinny were okay.
Vinny's family had just arrived at the hospital. Frank hated seeing the fear in Rosa's face, because he understood what she was feeling. He'd lost one son on the job and almost lost another.
"Ms. Cruz, I'm so sorry for your loss."
"Thank you, Commissioner. How is Jamie?"
"He's gonna be okay, it's just gonna take some time."
"I know it's early, but I want to wait and hold the memorial when Jamie can be in attendance." Rosa knew she had to be strong. She could break down at home.
"I appreciate that, and I know he will too. We should be able to see him soon, but the doctor said he won't wake up until tomorrow." Frank was shocked at how well Vinny's mom was holding things together.
"I'll be back tomorrow."
"Ms. Cruz, please let me know if you or your family need anything, and please call me Frank."
"Thank you. I will and know that my son loved working with your son. He's the only partner that he had on the job that he let us meet."
Frank didn't know that Jamie had met Vinny's family. It wasn't a big deal; it was just a surprise.
"Jamie was over for breakfast earlier this week and we know he did everything he could to save Vinny."
"Your son was a very brave cop, and I appreciate his service."
At that moment Rosa was whisked away to handle some paperwork and then went home so she could cry and start preparing for her son's memorial.
Eddie had sat in the waiting room just watching everything. She knew a few of the cops from calls that involved her cases, but they had been short conversations. She'd had the most integration with Sergeant Renzulli, but she could see he was busy taking care of the men and women under his command.
"Hi, are you here for Officer Reagan or Office Cruz?" Danny had noticed Eddie talking to a couple of the cops from the 12th, but she wasn't in uniform, so he wasn't sure who she was.
"Both." Eddie said through her tears. She couldn't believe Vinny had died, and from what she'd heard it had been a close call for Jamie too.
"How do you know them?" Danny was confused, and that didn't happen often, but it had been a long day.
"I volunteer with Jamie, and the three of us would hang out and talk about our days after work. I'm just a friend."
"I don't think I've seen you at the soup kitchen before?"
"I volunteer with Homeless Avengers."
"Oh right. I forgot the kid did that too. I'm sorry, I'm his brother Danny."
"I'm Eddie. I'm sorry if this is inappropriate, but I saw the doctor come out, can you at least tell me if he's gonna be, okay?"
"So far, we think he's gonna be okay, but the doctor didn't say when he can have visitors."
Eddie had to hold back more tears, but this time they were happy tears. Her best friend was going to be okay.
"If there's anything your family needs, please let me know. I can go and get food or coffee. Hospital food and coffee both suck."
"We appreciate the offer, but we're good now. It's getting later you should probably go home."
At that moment her work phone started ringing. "Excuse me."
Work had intervened. The violence at Bitterman had led to more violence, one of her younger cases was on his way into the ER. She had to make her way down there to assess his condition.
"I'm sorry Detective Reagan, I have to go." She handed him her card. "I'll still be in the hospital, and please let me know if you or your family needs something."
"I will thank you Eddie."
Danny couldn't help but smile when he walked back over to the family.
"What, who was she?"
"A friend of Jamie's. She came to make sure that he was okay."
"A friend? Where is she going?" Erin was curious too. Did her little brother finally get a girlfriend.
"She's a social worker, and just got a call. She asked if we needed anything and said that I can call her if we change our mind."
"Can I have the card. I'll call the girl and keep her updated." Henry's thoughts were mirroring Erin's.
It was two hours later when Jamie had been moved into his room. Frank was the only one allowed to see him until morning. Frank was surprised to see Jamie awake. He'd been told he would sleep until the morning at least.
"Hey dad." Jamie's voice was weak, but he knew his dad could hear him.
"Jamie, I'm so happy you're okay."
"I'm fine dad, but Vinny's not. I couldn't save him. I need to talk to Rosa." Jamie said and tried to get up.
Frank gently put his hands on Jamie's shoulders knowing that his upper chest was bruised when he was hit by the first shot. "Stop, you aren't going anywhere. You need to rest. I spoke with Rosa earlier."
"When can I get out of here?"
"Jamie, you took two shots. You just had surgery. You'll be here at least a day or two maybe more, and when you get out, you'll be staying with us until the doctor approves you to drive and live alone."
"Dad, I'll be fine. This is nothing compared to other times I've been in the hospital. I bet you have a million things to do, and I doubt grandpa will leave tonight. We gotta find who killed Vinny. We gotta help the people at Bitterman."
"We will. You just focus on getting better."
Jamie's hospital stay is short, but neither Frank nor Henry give him a choice. He's brought back to Bayridge until the doctor signs off on light duty. Danny's been busy working the case but hadn't gotten far. No one will talk to him, and he didn't have any luck finding Nona's boyfriend at their funeral.
Vinny's memorial is hard for the entire family because they know that it could have easily been Jamie's memorial they were attending. Jamie's with the 12th and Vinny's family so they can't really tell how he's doing.
"Are you ready to head back to the house Jamie, I know pop made a good dinner for us." Frank was worried, Jamie wasn't showing a lot of emotion. All he wanted to do was get back to work.
"I've been invited back to the Cruz's, and then I'm gonna head home because I go back on tour tomorrow. I'll see everyone on Sunday." Jamie couldn't wait to get out of there he needed some space and knew he'd get it after the wake.
"Ok son. Do you need a ride?"
"Renzulli was invited too, and he said he'd take me home and even pick me up in the morning, so I don't have to take the train."
"Okay. Let us know if you need anything."
Frank explained the change of events to the family, and they were on their way. He understood and was proud of his son but was worried about him. He'd had a partner die in his arms. He knew that pain. Fortunately, that's a pain Danny has yet to endure.
There were so many people at the wake that Jamie was a little overwhelmed. He knew that Vinny had made an impact in all of these people's lives, and he couldn't save his.
"Hey Jamie, are you okay?" Eddie looked him over carefully.
"Eddie, hey. It's been a terrible week."
"It has." Jamie didn't have any more words.
"Jamie, thank you for coming. Are you doing, okay? Should you really be out of the hospital already?" Rosa worried.
"I'm fine, Rosa. I wouldn't be out if the doctors or my dad thought that I shouldn't be. How are you and Mirabella doing?"
"It's rough, but we're doing okay. Everyone in the NYPD has been great. Your dad's been by to visit a couple times." Rosa hugged Jamie and didn't want to let go.
"If you need anything at any time, please let me know."
"Jamie, take care of yourself." Rosa was pulled away to talk to someone else.
Renzulli had been watching Jamie as he made his way around the room. He wasn't planning on staying long, but he needed to support Vinny's family in any way he could.
"Hey kid, are you okay? I can leave in another hour."
"I'm okay and I can always take the train if I get tired."
"I can take you Jamie, if you want." Eddie interjected.
"Jamie, I know Vinny's mom would rather you came back later without all of these people here. You look tired kid, go home and rest."
"Ok, please tell Rosa to call me if you can."
"I will kid."
"Ed, are you sure that you don't mind?"
"Let's get you home."
It wasn't long before they got to Jamie's apartment.
"Jamie, are you sure that you don't want me to get you something to eat?"
"Yeah, I'm gonna sleep for a while then I'll get something to eat. I go back to work tomorrow."
"But what if something happens? Have you even gotten your stitches out yet?"
"No, that's tomorrow morning."
"Do you need a ride to your appointment?"
"No, I'll be good, and don't worry after things settle down, I'm gonna get a car." Jamie laughed.
"Jamie, you're exhausted you need to take care of yourself. I know your family wants you safe. Why don't I get us some food, just relax."
"Thanks Eddie, and yes my family wants me at the house in Bayridge."
"Your family is intense, but your dad gave a really nice eulogy today."
Jamie laughed. "They are, but they are all good people too."
"I met your brother at the hospital. I'm so happy that you're okay."
"Thanks, Ed. Wanna stick around for a bit?"
"Yes."
The family wasn't the only ones worried. Jamie was worried about his dad; he was on his way to the Bitterman complex community center with the mayor. He and Eddie were eating and talking about Vinny when the show they had on in the background was interrupted because of a shooting at the Bitterman Community center.
"Jamie! That's Hector. He couldn't do that on his own."
"I agree. You should be getting a call soon because they shouldn't talk to him without you there."
"Yeah."
Hours later they still hadn't heard anything other than Mayor Poole was in surgery and that his dad was okay. Danny was back to work trying to gain any information, and Jamie had been told to stay home. Frank and Danny were afraid that Los Lordes would come after him a second time.
Jamie spent the night on the couch because Eddie ended up staying the night and taking him to his appointment.
"Your dad wouldn't let them do anything to Hector because of the circumstances?"
"No, that's not how my dad operates. He wants to get Los Lordes and not give the DA any reason to not put these guys away for the rest of their lives."
"Good, but I still haven't been called. Do you think he's alright or do you think that they have at least called in his court appointed attorney?"
"Listen I have to go into work, and I'll try and see if I can get over to Bitterman and see Hector. I'll call you later with an update if I can."
"Let me take you to the 12th and then call when you get off, and I'll pick you up."
"I appreciate it Ed, but I'm good. Renzulli or someone will give me a ride thank you for everything last night."
"Jamie, your my best friend. I don't know what I would do without you. I'm sorry about Vinny, but I'm glad that you're still here."
Ten minutes later Jamie was back at the 12th and was happy to find out that he'd be walking a beat because they need all the manpower on the street. Jamie was under strict orders to call in and ask for help and to not engage unless necessary. He was one of many officers on foot patrol at Bitterman.
Being back at Bitterman, had Jamie thinking about everything that had happened there. He couldn't believe that he'd buried his partner because he'd been killed here. He knew life wasn't supposed to be fair and it wasn't, but everything that happened was tearing him up inside. He didn't have time to focus on himself.
The next day Jamie was called to central holding where Hector was because he kept saying his name along with Vinny's, and the detectives couldn't get him to say anything else.
"Detectives." Jamie said curtly. Why wasn't Hector's court appointed attorney or his social worker with him?
"He keeps asking for you. Can you get him to talk?" Detective Jones sneered.
"Where's his social worker and court appointed attorney?" Jamie sneered right back. He hated that they were taking advantage of Hector because he had special needs.
"He hasn't asked for anyone." Jones laughed. The mayor was shot no one was going to make him follow protocol.
"He doesn't know he's supposed to. He thinks that this is all a game. DON'T YOU UNDERSTAND THAT!" Jamie screamed. He knew how sensitive this case was and that he couldn't take any risks doing anything wrong that would get the case thrown out.
Jamie had to walk outside. He knows his reaction although correct it wasn't professional, and he doesn't want to be the cause or reason that they weren't able to put Los Lordes behind bars.
"Erin."
"Jamie, are you okay?" Erin didn't like the way that Jamie's voice sounded. She didn't care that this call was going to make her late for a meeting.
"I really wish everyone would stop asking me that. No, I'm not okay, and I'm calling and asking for some help."
"What can I do?"
"Will you go with me to 1PP to talk to dad tonight. It's about the Mayor's shooting, and I don't think that he'll talk to me alone."
"Oh Jamie. Of course, I will. Don't worry we'll get these guys."
Jamie spent the next two hours with Hector because Eddie couldn't get away from another issue that had arisen at Bitterman. He would always fight for the underdog, for the person that no one thinks has a chance in life. He saw the video, he knew that Hector had pulled the trigger, so he knew there would be some consequences, but what mattered the most was that his punishment was appropriate for him.
Jamie decided that he was going to go back to central holding after he talked to his dad. He knew if he was there the chances of the detectives doing something to Hector while he were less.
"Dad, Jamie has something that he'd like to say." Erin said as she walked in ahead of her younger brother.
"And he had to lawyer up to do it." Frank's frustration was obvious.
"No, he just asked for my help and support."
"Dad, I know you're dealing with a lot right now, but I felt it was important that you had this information." Jamie could see the frustration in his dad's face, but he wasn't going to back down.
"Ok, son. Spit it out. I am very busy."
"Hector Santiago is being tuned up either by the detectives or they are looking the other way while his guards do it, and his rights are not being met."
"How did you come across this information?"
Erin just stood and watched. She didn't want to intrude, but she wanted to make sure Jamie knew she supported him. She was impressed that he was willing to speak up against the senior detectives that had the case. The fact that Jamie was willing to stand up for what's right made her love him even more.
"Hector knows me from my patrols at Bitterman and the detectives scared him, and he started asking for me and Vinny."
"Were you able to get him to calm down?"
"Yes, and when I got there, I noticed that his social worker wasn't there, and neither was his court appointed attorney."
"Could they have been there and were just taking a break?"
"No, I know his social worker and she was at Bitterman, she'd just received a new case, and they never gave him a chance for an attorney."
"I've heard he has some issues. Did he just not ask for either because he thinks he can handle it himself?"
"No, dad. Someone told him that this was a game. He doesn't understand that what happened was real. He doesn't know that his social worker is supposed to be with him or that he should have an attorney. He has no idea what's happening, but he's a good person who will help."
"Do you think that you can get him to talk?"
"Yes."
"Thank you, Jamie."
Jamie's success became widely known to those working on the case. He was able to get descriptions of everyone involved and the descriptions were backed up by the news footage. In addition, one of the guys who was arrested gave up the name of the guy who was on the roof and who had shot him and killed Vinny, and that Santana planned the entire thing.