A Chance for a Better Life
Chapter Seventeen
Two weeks after vacation Jamie was called into meeting with the Field Intelligence Sergeant from the 5-4. To say Jamie was surprised was an understatement. Danny worked out of the major crimes unit at the 5-4 and he knew the cases he could be working on would be complicated. There was a doubt that he'd be able to transfer to the 5-4 at all because of Danny in the first place.
"Officer Reagan?"
"Yes."
"I'm FIS Carlson, nice to meet you. I've heard good things."
"Nice to meet you too, sir."
"I know you've spent some time with OCCB, but have you ever thought about joining intelligence?"
"Yes." Jamie didn't hesitate at all. He understood the good work that could be done.
"What interests you about Intelligence?"
"Getting to know and understand another side of law enforcement, and I like knowing that I'd be helping the people of the city in a different way."
"Your brother is very loud and spends a fair amount of time in the news. In intelligence we work in the background. That's not to say that we don't get the big arrests because we do, but they don't make the news. Will you be okay with that? We don't get a lot of praise."
"My brother may be loud, but you will find that we are very different. I like undercover work and I'm more than okay staying out of the spotlight. I'm here to make a difference in someone's life who might not have had a chance had we not gotten involved."
"Sounds great. Thanks for taking the time out of your tour to talk to me. I know that you're a TO now, so I'll let you get back to your rookie."
"Thank you, sir."
Jamie felt good about the interview, but thought his chances were slim because he didn't think his father would approve the transfer. He had some concerns about working in the same house with Danny but knew they wouldn't have a lot of contact.
Later that night Frank arrived home to the smell of his dad's Irish stew.
"Hey Francis, did you have a good day?"
"It wasn't too bad pop, how was yours?"
"Good. Have you heard anything about Jamie's interview today?"
"Yeah." Frank wasn't sure he was ready to talk about it yet, and knew he wasn't with anyone except his dad.
"How did it go? Has he talked to you yet?"
"No, he hasn't his tour got extended today. He's still working, and I honestly don't think I'll hear from him today."
"Why?"
"I think he wants to join intelligence but doesn't think I want him too."
"He told you he got the interview."
"Yeah, but he knew I'd find out anyway. None of my kids really have any privacy in their professional lives." Frank wished he could read Jamie's mind sometimes. "He just doesn't talk to me as much as Danny and Erin do, and he's alone. I worry that he doesn't trust me enough."
In that moment Jamie walked through the back door. Henry smiled when he saw him, but he looked tired.
"I do trust you, but it seems like everyone always knows everything in this family. Sometimes I just want my life to be my life. If I failed, this interview the last person I want to know is Danny. He'll just start back on how he doesn't believe I belong in the NYPD."
"He doesn't believe that he just worries. He doesn't want to lose another brother."
Jamie rolled his eyes. He didn't care if his dad said anything. He was an adult. "He's not the only one who has a brother who's a cop. Does he think that he's the only one that worries because he's the oldest?"
"I can't tell you that. Now how did the intelligence interview go?"
"I think it went well."
"Does intel interest you?" Henry was generally curious or if he was just doing this to do something different.
"Yes, actually more than OCCB does, and I have an interview with them tomorrow. If I had to pick, I want the intel position."
"Why are those the only two areas you're thinking of?"
"Because they are the options available to me right now, and I like the idea of helping people and behind the scenes."
"Both of those areas are more dangerous than patrol or the detective unit."
"I love patrol and if I don't get either of the positions then I'm happy where I am. I'll stay until they give the Sergeant's test."
"What if someone puts you up for detective?" Henry thought anything was possible. Afterall nothing stopped Francis' rise through the ranks when he was PC.
"I've helped out on a couple cases with detectives, and each time it was a case that I was first on the scene. I regret that I wasn't able to get there faster and stop the crime from happening or stop the murder from happening."
"Jamie, we all wish that we could stop the bad things from happening, but that's not realistic." Henry stated knowing that Jamie understood but would always remember his mother.
"I know it isn't realistic. I've known that my entire life, it doesn't mean that I can't try. Through intel or OCCB I can do it another way. We all know the homeless and others in the community are afraid of cops. It doesn't matter if it's the shield or the uniform. Either way it's scary. If I can help and not be in uniform and not have my shield that's great."
"Ya know you were okay with me when I walked into the soup kitchen and then my coat moved, and you saw my shield and you got really upset. It took a while, but you started talking."
"You were patient and understood my fear. You could tell I was homeless, and you knew I was probably afraid. Mom helped a lot too. She kept me calm in ways that no one else could."
"In addition to all that you were a little kid, and fortunately not something we see as much of."
"Thank god for that." Henry said quietly. "Are you hungry?"
"Yeah, I was gonna stop and eat on the way, but the train stalled."
"Jamie, I'll heat something up for you."
"Thanks grandpa. I appreciate it."
Henry went to heat Jamie up some leftovers for dinner.
"Jamie, have you thought about getting a car?"
"I have, I just haven't had time, and I'm not sure what I want to get." Just the thought of his first car made him sad because he remembered the day that his mom and dad gave it to him. He'd thought about repairing it, but when he went over it with a friend who's a mechanic, he was told it wouldn't be a good idea, and it would be very expensive.
"Jamie, I want you to have the Chevelle."
"Dad, what will Danny and Erin think?" Jamie was shocked. That car was Joe's and his dads.
"Danny still has his first car in his garage, and Erin sold her first car. Neither one of them have ever expressed any interest in the car, but you have."
"Are you sure?"
"Jamie, I want you to have the car, and I know Joe would too. Then you won't have to deal with the train anymore."
"Thanks dad. I love you."
"I love you too, now go and eat."
Henry made Jamie enough food for two meals and had gotten another meal together for him to take home. Jamie always laughed that despite being the kid who could take care of himself from a young age, because he was the youngest everyone was always trying to take care of him.
Jamie had cleaned Joe's car and changed the oil several times since his death. He'd driven it a few times at his dad's request. He couldn't believe that the Chevelle was his.
When Jamie walked into OCCB he wasn't as nervous as he was for his intel interview. He'd worked with OCCB for six months and spent a substantial amount of time with all of the people at the 7-6. Plus, there was the added bonus of the fact that he wouldn't run into his brother unless he was assigned to a case.
The next two weeks are the slowest weeks of Jamie's life. His new partner has had some issues and he's not progressing as he should. He's already had a meeting with Renzulli and the next would involve the captain too. He was beginning to wonder if the issues with Max were really with himself. Renzulli tried reassuring him, that it was Max. He'd ridden with him a couple days and had the same experiences. Jamie was afraid that Max was going to get someone killed.
"So, Reagan, when do we get a longer break?"
"Max, what are you talking about?" It was getting harder and harder for Jamie to hide his frustration.
"What's the point of being partnered with the PC's kid if we don't get any perks."
"Max, what the hell do you expect?"
"I don't know, a long enough break to actually drink our coffee and check our email. But we keep getting radio calls disturbing us."
"That's our job. Why'd you become a cop, Max?"
"I want to be a hero. Save some poor little rich girl."
Jamie just stared at him for a moment. He knew a lot of cops who were heroes, his dad, grandpa, and brothers included, but the true heroes he knew didn't call themselves heroes. Vinny was a hero. All he could think was how the hell did he partnered with him.
Jamie's long day wouldn't end. He was called into his Captain's office to discuss his rookie, or that was his initial thought.
"Officer Reagan, I know that you've had another long day with officer Davidson, and you'll be happy to know that starting Monday he will no longer be your problem."
"Thank you, sir. Today was rough."
"He will be riding with Renzulli on Monday until the final decision is made. Now, onto you. Jameson, you've done a great job with him. You are an excellent training officer who I'm going to hate to lose."
"Sir?"
"Monday will be your first day at the 5-4. You have been transferred to the intel division. I wish you the best of luck. Rest up this weekend."
"Yes sir. I'll clean out my locker and thank you for everything."
"Don't forget us. You'll be missed around here."
"I won't be far."
An hour later and Jamie had the last three years of his life packed up and set into the trunk of his Chevelle. He was still coming down from the shock that he'd been picked to join intel. Part of his happiness came from never having to ride with Max again.
It was Jamie's week to cook Sunday dinner, and he was making a roast chicken with mashed potatoes, carrots, corn, stuffing, and gravy. Because of how long it was going to take to cook the chicken he was going to the early mass, and then back to the house to begin cooking.
By the time everyone arrived home from church they could smell all of the food and they were all getting hungry. It wasn't long before they'd said grace and the lively family conversation had already started.
"Harvard, I heard that you've been transferred out of the 12th. What happened?" If you didn't know Danny, you wouldn't know that he was worried.
"I've been transferred to intel."
"Congratulations Jamie!" Erin knew his little brother would do well there. Then she thought again and knew that he would do good anywhere.
"Thanks Erin. I start Monday."
"What house?" Danny wondered if Jamie was going to be working in another Burrough.
"The 5-4." Jamie answered waiting for Danny's reaction.
"That's great, kid."
To say that everyone at the table was shocked at Danny's response would be an understatement.
"Thanks Danny."
Jamie didn't know but his dad had planned a celebration for him. He had a feeling that Jamie thought he'd prevent this transfer from happening. He never wanted to hinder his kid's careers.
"Francis and I got Jamie's favorite dessert today to celebrate Jamie's transfer. Jamie's the first Reagan to be in the intel division. This is a great step forward."
"Thanks grandpa."
After dessert Jamie spent time with his nieces and nephews. He needed the time with them before he started his new job the next day.
"Uncle Jamie, is your new job dangerous?" Nikki worried like her mom.
"Yes, but I'll be careful."
"You'll be at the 5-4 with daddy. Can we have lunch or dinner with you and daddy when we come?"
"As long as I'm working the same tour, and it's okay with your dad."
"Uncle Jamie, does this mean that you can't talk about work anymore?" Sean loved his uncle's stories.
"Yes, and I think that will make your mom really happy."
"No! That means that you'll just be helping us with homework when you come over." Jack wined.
"Not totally. We'll still play basketball and other things. Now we'll all stay safe from getting yelled at by your mom." Jamie laughed.
"We're happy for you Uncle Jamie." Nikki hugged him.
"Time to go boys!" Linda yelled.
Monday Jamie spent most of his day getting set up on his new team. It was weird being at the 5-4 for more than a quick conversation with Danny about Sunday dinner. Despite Danny's positive reaction Jamie was relieved that he didn't run into him.
Jamie like his new team. It was a small team, and he was one of four patrol officers, and there were four detectives, and his FIS. They worked multiple precincts, so he knew that he was going to busy and working some long days. With the new position he was asked to stop volunteering with Homeless Avengers. He needed to keep himself under the radar.
He and Dana hadn't spent much time together unless they were volunteering together, and that hadn't been very often because she was spending most of her time on the west coast.
Beyond family the only person he wanted to talk to was Eddie.
"I'm gonna miss you, Jamie. I won't get to see you work or at HA anymore."
"I'll miss you too, but we can still hang out. I took a new job; I'm not moving across the country." Jamie laughed.
"Okay, how was your first day?"
"Long, getting acquainted with all of the processes and I have a lot to figure out."
"You'll get it. You're gonna be a great intelligence officer."
"Thanks."
"Saturday is the annual, 5K to support kids fighting cancer. I would've asked you sooner, but you haven't been around much. Would you like to join my team?" Eddie blushed. He knew the impact her brother's death had on her.
"I can't. My family has their own team. We walk each year."
"You do. That's great. My mom started the walk a few years after my brother died."
"I know and my dad is the MC this year."
Jamie's first week at the 5-4 was interesting. He'd run into Danny twice literally. The second time Jamie landed on the floor because of how quickly Danny was running through the house. Jamie went down hard, but he was okay. The first couple cases that he got to work on were what he was told were the more basic variety for his division, but they were complex compared to what he saw on the street.
Saturday morning the entire family were dressed in blue shirts with photos of him with a big banner under his smile that said survivor. Jamie's shirt just said survivor. He drew the line at wearing a pic of himself. He'd forgotten about his shirt when he saw Eddie, who had on a similar shirt, but hers had a picture of her brother.
"Hey Eddie. Great turnout this year." Jamie smiled. He knew how much this event and cause meant to her.
She saw his shirt before she could reply, and just looked at him with wide eyes.
"What Eddie? Are you okay?"
"Jamie, how come you never told me?"
Before he could answer her mom came up behind her. "Eddie, is this the friend, that you've been telling me so much about?" She reached her hand out to Jamie. "Lena Janko, nice to meet you."
"Jamie Reagan, nice to meet you. I want to say a huge thank you for doing this each year. It means a lot to me and my family." Jamie smiled.
"Are you a survivor?" Lena was curious and it was easier to ask then check registration.
"Yes, I was diagnosed when I was eleven. I was lucky, my sister-in-law works in the kid's oncology ward too."
Lena was crying. She loved seeing survivors. That was why she was doing all of this.
"I'm sorry if I said something wrong."
"No, Jamie. They're happy tears. Meeting survivors like you is why we do this. You give us hope, and a reason to keep doing what we've been doing. Thank you, Jamie." Lena gave Jamie a hug and headed up to the stage.
"Words can't describe how happy I am that all of you are here in support to find a cure and remember those we've lost and celebrate those who've survived. We are honored to have Commissioner Reagan to the stage."
The crowd clapped and cheered.
"Few people know how much this cause truly means to me and my family. My youngest son is a survivor. I will always remember the day we got his diagnosis. Fear gripped our hearts. We were so afraid that we were going to lose him, and we came close a couple times. The day we were told that his cancer was in remission we weren't as happy as we thought we'd be because we lived in fear that it would come back. My poor son still deals with how overprotective we are, but I am thankful that he's still here so we can love and annoy him. He's here today and has been every year. He's only missed one, the year he started law school and I found out later that he suffered a relapse. Celebrate and appreciate your loved ones."
"Thank you, commissioner. I've met your son, he's friends with my daughter, and he's an amazing young man. Let's get this race going."
The countdown was done, and the runners were off with those who chose to walk following behind. Jamie was the only one running in the family. They all understood why he ran, and no one said anything against him. The funny thing was that he ran the 5K in under thirty minutes, and when he finished, he would run the route, find the family, and walk with them. He understood the importance of finishing the race with family too.
Lena spends the entire race at the finish line and loudly celebrates each person who completes the race.
"Jamie, finishing once wasn't enough?" Lena laughs.
"Nope, I didn't win the fight alone, so I run the 5K and then meet up with my family. Without them I wouldn't be here today."
"That's sweet of you. Eddie's already finished; you should be able to find her around here somewhere."
"Thanks, Lena."
Ten minutes later the family was headed back to Bay Ridge and Jamie said he'd be along soon. They always ended the afternoon with a BBQ in the back yard.
"Hey, Ed. Did you have a good day?"
"Yeah. It's always a good day, but it can be challenging too. Why didn't you tell me, you know how important this cause is to me."
"I know, and I know it's because of your brother."
"Now it's because of my brother and my best friend. You'll tell me if you don't feel well or call me if you need something."
"Eddie, I promise I will, but please don't waste your energy worrying about me. I've been cancer free for a long time. I was lucky, my brother Joe was my bone marrow doner. He's keeping me safe."
"I already worry. It's not like you have a safe job or anything." Eddie laughed nervously.
"I know. Listen I gotta head back to the house. We do a BBQ after the walk each year."
"My mom and I go back to her house and order pizza and watch home movies like we used to do with my brother."
"If you or your mom need anything let me know."
"Thanks Jamie."
"See ya later Ed."
Back at the house Erin was going through her normal emotions about this subject.
"Dad, when did Jamie relapse?" Erin hadn't learned about that fact until Frank said it out loud today. To say she was upset was an understatement.
"His first year of Law School, and no he didn't tell me. He had to disclose it to the department when he joined."
"Why didn't he tell us?" Linda worried.
"Because it happened the autumn after Mary died. I wasn't in the best place, and he knew how hard it'd be on me to find out he was sick again. He was protecting me. I bet Joe knew and Spencer and their friends took care of him."
"Joe didn't know until I was home doing my interviews and I was waiting for my medical clearance for the academy. We all lost mom; I didn't want to add unnecessary worry." Jamie said walking into the room.
"But we could've helped." Erin argued.
"I was in Boston and you guys would've wanted me to come home. I needed to push through it and start law school off with a bang."
"But…" Linda tried.
"But nothing. I'm here and I'm fine. I ran five miles and walked another two with you guys today. Today is supposed to be a celebration, and not focusing on the past. You guys are always harping on me to not focus on the past."
"Ok. Let's get this party started." Henry yelled. He didn't want any fighting today.
"Kid, why didn't you invite Eddie?" Danny could tell that Jamie liked her.
"Because they have their own tradition that they do on the day of the race."
"When are you gonna bring her to family dinner, Jameson?"
"What? Why would I?"
"You're seeing her, aren't you?" Henry questioned.
"No, we're just friends, and I'm fairly certain that she's upset with me."
"Why?" Linda wondered how anyone other than Danny could ever be upset with Jamie. He was one of the nicest people she'd ever met.
"I never told her I had cancer. Losing her brother had a big impact on her life and that walk is a big deal for them."
"It's not like it's something that you talk about. It was a long time ago, and like you said we are always telling you to keep your past in the past. She'll get over it baby brother."
"I don't know. We're meeting each other this week for drinks."
"Jamie, when are you gonna ask her out?" Danny wanted the same happiness he had for his baby brother.
"No pressure." Frank reassured. He could see it too, but it wasn't the family's decision.
The rest of the afternoon is spent playing basketball and eating hot dogs, hamburgers, and grilled vegetables. Jamie would never admit it to anyone in the family, but this day is one of his favorite days of the year. He just wished his mom and Joe were still here. They could be celebrating more than just his survival.
"Good morning, Sergeant."
"Morning Reagan. We have a new case, and you're perfect for it. Meet me in my office in ten minutes."
"Yes sir."
Jamie liked a lot of guys on patrol at the 5-4 and found he was making friends fairly easily.
"Sir, is it just me or are we waiting on someone?"
"Just you, and if you approve the remainder of the meeting will be completed at 1PP."
"Yes sir."
"Reagan, I've read your entire file, and I want you to know that you were chosen for this mission because of your skills and not entirely because of your past."
"Sir." This had the wheels turning inside his head.
"There are three homeless people that have been killed in various parks in the area, but from what we've been able to tell they murders have been planned and we think it's a gang initiation, but we haven't been able to obtain any more quality information because we're having a hard time cultivating information. This is where you come in."
"Do you want me to go undercover?"
"Yes, and it might last for a while because we know the murders have caused more movement than normal. Will you accept the assignment?"
"Yes. Will I be under full time or is there a timeframe that would be best for me to be under?"
"Until we can get some solid information we'll need you under full time, but we will discuss this further later."
"Yes sir. What time are we meeting at 1PP, and am I patrolling until then?"
"Be there at two, and I have some paperwork for you to work on this morning."
"Yes sir." Sometimes he really hated his legal background. He did more paperwork than any other cop he knew.
Intelligence had their own area in the precinct on the second floor in the back corner of the building, their FIS Carlson, had his office and then they each had their own desk that was situated around his office. They were tucked away so they could get quiet in what was usually a very noisy environment.
Jamie's desk was right outside his FIS' door. His new partner, Alison Vasquez sat across from him. The other partners sat in a similar arrangement throughout the room.
Jamie thought the paperwork was going to be boring but found it anything but. It was the file on his new identity, and the OP he was about to start working on. He was lost in thought and never heard anyone walk up behind him.
"Ya know kid, I can't believe that you worked under cover. I thought your head was gonna hit the ceiling after I touched your shoulder." Danny said sarcastically.
"Sorry Danny, I was concentrating on something. Can I help you with something?"
"I heard you were still in the building, I thought we could go out to lunch."
"Sure, can we either stay close or take separate cars, I have to go to 1PP after lunch."
"Let's walk to a pizza place down the street. Stop by my desk around noon?" Danny was going to try and not cause any issues with his brother in the same house as he was. He wasn't sure which one would lose if problems did occur.
"Sounds great."
"Oh, and I'm buying to celebrate your new job."
"Thanks Danny." Jamie smiled. Maybe working with his brother wouldn't be too bad.
The next couple hours Jamie was working hard to hide his anger. He hated that the homeless were dying for no reason at all when he knew those who had been killed could've gotten help. The file was giving him ideas of other ways that society could help the homeless.
Jamie was thankful for the break and a good lunch. He didn't know if he'd be going under that night or not.
"Thanks for lunch today."
"Yeah, get whatever you want." Danny stared at him for a moment. "You were really deep in thought earlier.
"Got my first big case. Just trying to wrap my head around it before my meeting today."
"I know you can't talk about it, but is everything gonna be, okay?"
"Yeah, just brought back some unpleasant memories. I'm good though."
"Do you like your new job?" Danny was worried that this was going to be the new normal for Jamie.
"Yeah, it's really interesting."
"Interesting already. You've been there less than a week. What's so interesting?"
"Just the work and looking at law enforcement through a different lens."
"You sound like dad. Will you quit it." Danny shook his head and laughed.
"What?" Jamie, put his head down. He wondered if he and Danny would ever make it through a day without issue. "You're more like dad then I am."
"No, I'm not. Trust me. I'm more like pop. Do me a favor, will you be careful."
"Of course. Why wouldn't I be careful?"
"I don't know, you want to be a hero or something stupid like that."
"You mean like you are?" Jamie wasn't hiding his frustration or fear about his brothers actions.
"I've been a cop since you were a kid it's different."
"No, it's not. Danger is danger and we are both out there facing it on the streets. Like it or not dad worries about both of us."
"Stupid, smart, kid." Danny says quietly. "You're right, but that doesn't mean that I don't worry too."
"Same here. We both lost Joe."
"Okay. Just be careful. Now, what do you have to do at 1PP?"
"All of our briefings are at 1PP."
He actually had fun with Danny at lunch and that gave him hope.
The next few days Jamie's spending ample time researching the possible gangs that could be responsible. Their goal is that he's out on the streets by the end of the week. At this point there's been one murder a week.
Friday morning Jamie started his assignment. He started by creating his new home with blankets and boxes he could find.
"Hey Andrew (Jamie), did you find food last night?" Eric, a guy in his late twenties' askes in concern for the new guy in the area.
"I'm doing okay."
"Listen, watch yourself. It's dangerous out here, but there are some nice people too."
"Eric, thanks, but this isn't my first time. I'll survive."
"That's the goal isn't it."
An older women who reminded Jamie of one of the nice people who took care of him in the warehouse all those years ago ran up to him. "Andy (Jamie), Eric, did you hear? Linc was killed last night. Manny just told me. Linc was sleeping on the corner." Myrna cried.
"Well, the corner will be a safe place to sleep for a few days at least." Eric said sadly.
"Did ya know that Linc was getting ready to get outta here, he got accepted to a vocational program." Myrna explained.
"We'll be safe if we stick together, right?" Andy (Jamie) said in a voice full of fear. He had already been able to fit in, after only a week.
What scared him is that up until today, all of the murders were on a Monday. This was the second murder of the week. He wondered why they were upping their game.
"We can try, but they try and get us alone." Myrna said.
"Have they tried to get you?" Eric questioned concerned that they would be going after an older women.
"They started talking to me the other day. Then the nice guy that brings us coffee or food sometimes came over and they walked away."
"Can you point them out to me next time you see them? So, I know who to stay away from." Andy (Jamie) asked.
"Yeah, we all can. You need to watch for the nice guy that brings coffee too though. I think he's a cop, but he never does anything besides drink a cup of coffee with us or eat if he comes at lunch or dinner."
"Why watch out for him?" Andy (Jamie) wondered.
"He's a cop. Isn't that enough." Eric said incredulously.
"Why don't we tell him about the guys?" Myrna asked.
"We can't trust him." Eric emphasized.
"Okay."
Two weeks later four more people had been killed and they'd broken off of their pattern. They were now hitting places that they'd hit before making everyone on the street more paranoid and afraid to sleep at night. At this point after six weeks, eight people had been killed. There wasn't a rhyme or reason as to how they choose their next victim. Jamie had been able to convince Myrna, Eric and two others to go to a local shelter. Those staying in shelters seemed to be immune to the violence.
It was getting colder out, and he'd figured out who was doing the killing, but he didn't have enough evidence to call in an arrest yet. He needed them to come after him. He'd made new friends, but he hadn't gotten very much sleep.
A week later he and his new group of friends were sitting in the park trying to figure out how to get food later when he heard a familiar voice.
"Good afternoon, everyone. I brought some food if you guys want to eat lunch with me." Danny said. He started eating a meal or having a cup of coffee with the homeless a few years after Jamie came into their lives.
To say Jamie was shocked was an understatement. He always thought the fact that he was homeless when he met them was one of the things that Danny hated the most about him. Jamie noticed a few things. He couldn't see Danny's shield anywhere because he knew that it'd scare them. He was nice and got down on the ground with them. Jamie just hoped that he didn't recognize him. He'd lost a lot of weight, and his hair was darker.
"I brought lasagna because it's already starting to get cold out." Danny passed each person their own meal.
"Thank you." They all said at the same time.
"This is really good." Allen, a guy in his mid-fifties replied.
"This will keep me warm tonight." Beth a women in her late thirties said while looking at everyone.
"I can take you guys to a shelter if you'd like." Danny wanted to help. He didn't want to see any more people die because they were living on the street. Two more people were murdered the previous day. The total was now up to fourteen. Danny was thankful every day that his mom met Jamie and brought him home to safety until he looked into his eyes and knew what Jamie's first assignment was. Fear gripped his heart, but he knew that he had to trust him to do his job.
"No, I don't like shelters." Andy (Jamie) told him as he ate lasagna from one of his favorite restaurants.
Danny handed each one of them a blank card with his number on it and his first name only on it. "If any of you ever need help call this number."
"Thanks, but I'm good. This is the life that's chosen me." Andy (Jamie) said with a slight smile knowing Danny would understand.
Danny knew that to be true, but it made walking away hard. He wanted to stay and protect his baby brother. He didn't understand that this mess would be over sooner than anyone thought.
Those who were working to get the homeless off the streets had been talking to Jamie the last few nights and he'd made his reluctance obvious. He could tell the night before that they hadn't like the way he was pushing back.