And love
Chapter 82 Funk busters
A/N: Let's give Danny Reagan a kick in the ass, shall we? Maybe I've been too hard on him, too long? Naw, not a chance! Here we go!
Jewish Deli, SOHO
Erin and Linda have found a table and are waiting for Eddie. They are having the promised lunch date to discuss what to do with and for Danny. They see a young couple come in the front door; the guy is in a wheelchair – he has prosthetic lower legs, left & right. A pretty redhead gal is assisting him with getting into the deli, by pushing him as he maneuvers.
As they pass by, following the hostess, he looks at Linda and breaks out into a grin. "Linda Reagan, is that you?"
Linda is startled, then recognizes him. "Bart Evans, really?" She jumps up and embraces him. He kisses her on the cheek, then motions to the redhead – "my wife, Kathy! 2 months," he whispers loudly. Linda and Kathy embrace briefly, then the hostess returns.
"I have a table for 6 in the back, if you want it?"
Linda thinks for a moment, looks at Bart & Kathy then nods "Yes, we'll take it." Erin and Linda grab their things and follow as Bart & Kathy trail he hostess. Eddie comes in, sees the parade and brings up the rear.
After a chair is removed, making room for Bart's wheelchair they all are seated. Linda does the introductions:
"This is Bart Evans and his 2-month bride Kathy; my sisters-in-law Erin and Eddie (motioning). Bart and I were very good friends in high school and our freshman & sophomore years of college. Until I met Danny Reagan, Erin's older brother."
"Ah, so that's the connection," Bart exclaims. "I was in Iraq with Danny. My 1st tour was his 2nd. Our platoons worked together. Really too bad about his platoon. Sh-
Kathy elbows him.
"Bad stuff happened over there," he looks down at his legs. Kathy gives him a hug.
"If you don't mind-
"No, Erin, that's ok. An IED got me – two months before EOT my 2nd tour."
"How long have you been back, you know?" Eddie asks, looking between Bart & Kathy.
"6 years," Kathy picks up the narrative. "We met at the hospital in Germany; I was an orthopedics nurse. I helped with his initial rehab there; then things continued to develop here." She looks to Bart, a huge smile on her face.
"Yeah, she couldn't resist my wit & charm!"
Kathy punches his shoulder, then kisses his cheek.
Linda, Erin and Eddielook at each other.
"Bart, Kathy, could you help me out?" Linda begins.
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JAMKO ESTATES – SUNDAY DINNER
Paula and Joe Hill were invited to dinner this week. Eddie and Mal had made lasagna. Given the compliments, it seems that this recipe, preparation and presentation are down pat; it can be checked off and slipped into the regular rotation. Next up – shepherd's pie. Mal had never heard of it. Her mother assures her daughter that it is a staple of Serbian family cooking.
After dessert & clean up the are relaxing in the FR.
The conversation inevitably turns to Danny and his family.
"Paula, do you see Linda from time to time at work?" Eddie opens with.
"Yes, we try to have supper, or at least coffee every day our shifts coincide."
"So, do you have any insight into the Danny situation?" Jamie inquires.
"Only that Linda is about ready to separate. It's really hard on her!" Paula looks down, Joe grasps his mother's hand in support.
Jamie and Eddie look at each other, a grimace on both faces. The girls can feel the sadness in the room.
"Dad, uncle Danny is your brother. Can you help him?" Mal wonders out loud.
"I've tried to think of what I could do sweetie. Nothing comes to mind."
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CHIME – FRONT DOOR
The family all raise their phones and look. Joe laughs out loud!
There is an audible gasp; several simultaneously exclaim "LINDA!"
Cassie and Mary Rose are first to their feet; they dash to the front door while the others stand and wait.
The door is flung open and Linda Reagan is engulfed in love and support. "Aunt Linda, we were just talking about you, come with us!" The girls proclaim. Linda's bags are left outside as the two girls take a hand and drag her to the FR. Once there, the greetings are once again delivered with added tears from Eddie and Paula.
Through tears Linda chokes out, "Can I stay a while, again?" She drops her head.
Jamie and Eddie look at each other, that is an easy question to answer. "Of course," Eddie declares. Linda releases a big sigh, she looks to Eddie, "Remember when we met Bart and Kathy?"
"Yes, and?"
"Well, they are going to try and get some face time with Danny. We hope that their story will break him out of his funk."
Eddie nods, "That's good. I think it's the best idea I've heard yet. Let's pray for success." Eddie leads the family to their knees; several offer short prayers.
Afterwards, Mal asks her aunt if she is hungry; Linda silently nods. The niece gets up, and with her older sister's help fixes a plate. Mal brings the plate, Cassie a mug of coffee, and serve their aunt. This loving service brings another round of tears. Linda eats in silence while the room is quiet. After she finishes, she remembers her suitcases. All she has to do is mention them and Jamie and Joe hustle to bring them inside. Jamie confirms that she will be sleeping upstairs with the girls, so he and Joe take them up to the girl's room. Linda chooses to sleep on Mal's lower trundle bed this time. Spreading the love!
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JERRY'S BAR AND GRILL – BROOKLYN
Jerry Jones was a high school friend of Danny Reagan. He had wanted to be a marine ever since he can remember. His buddy Danny had joined; he was turned down because of decreased hearing in one ear. After Danny's entire platoon was KIA (Except Danny), he rethought his life goals. He bought a fixer-upper bar with assistance from his dad and two uncles; he went to work for himself and his new wife Bev. He has done quite well! Danny frequently stops in; has a drink or two, a burger and FF, and catches up. Today seems to be one of those days. Until Danny opens his mouth.
"Jerry, I need a table in the back, a shot glass & a bottle of silver tequila, and NO company!" Danny slowly shuffles to the back, finds an empty booth and sits down – facing away from the front of the bar.
After a few minutes, Jerry appears with a small tray. On it is the requested glass and a short bottle of regular tequila. He sets the items down and steps back, waiting for the explosion.
Danny looks at the things Jerry delivered and looks up. Anger in his eyes.
"Sorry, best I could do," Jerry declares, staring hard at his friend.
"Next bottle?" Danny huffs.
"2 hours," Jerry asserts.
"SHIT! That's not gonna do me any good!" Danny's temper is flaring.
"Maybe that's not what you need, my friend." Jerry turns and heads back to the bar. He sends a TXT.
"GD-SOB!" Danny snorts. He quickly downs 2 shots in rapid succession. He sits back and pulls a letter out of his pocket. He reads it, again:
My dearest Danny,
I can't take it anymore. I love you dearly, but I need a break. I never ever thought that I would say that! I really didn't.
But MY Danny Reagan has disappeared. Where has he gone? Can you help me find him? Please?
I will be staying with Jamie and family. How long? I don't know. The length of my stay depends mostly on you. When MY Danny returns, so will I. Promise, XOXO.
I will answer your calls or texts – always.
Please keep in touch. 1-4-3, always and forever!
Your loving wife, Linda.
It is written and signed in her beautiful cursive; he's always adored her handwriting! Especially when she writes his name. It feels like a gentle, loving embrace! Still?
He lays the letter aside and downs 2 more shots. Will he make it to 2 hours? He doubts it. He sighs.
THEN
A wheelchair appears by the side of his booth. He looks up and is shocked.
"Bart . . . ah-
"Bart Evans, and my wife Kathy," the man motions to the pretty redhead pushing the chair.
"Danny Reagan," Danny extends his hand for a shake.
"I know, Kathy and I ran into Linda last week. Lunch at a Jewish deli in SOHO. We had a great time catching up; and I got to show off my new bride!" Bart's smile is a mile wide.
Danny notices the bilateral BK* prostheses. 'What does he have to be happy about? Well, the pretty wife. I wonder how long she'll stick around?'
"May we join you?" And before he can choke out a response, Kathy has set a sliding board onto the booth seat across from Danny. Bart quickly slides over, Kathy parks the chair near a coat rack and joins them, smiling sweetly.
"So, my 1st tour was your 2nd, right?" Bart starts.
Danny sullenly nods.
"Man, I was devastated when I heard about your buddies! I mean, how do you deal with something like that?"
"Damn tough, man," Danny whispers. He glances at the letter.
"You need support," Kathy interjects. "Like I'm giving you, babe." She intertwines their fingers.
"What if it becomes too much?" Danny huffs, looking again at the letter.
"Too much?" Kathy snorts. "I know what I'm in for! F. O. R. E. V. E. R.!" She smirks at both men. "I was part of Bart's rehab team in Germany, man!" She emphasizes each letter of FOREVER with a poke of her finger.
"What happened?" Danny whispered.
"IED," Bart holds his head in his clenched hands. After a moment he goes on. "We were on patrol in a hummer; corporal stopped because of a little girl squatting in the roadway. 5, maybe 6 y/o. She was crying. I went to get out – LT said no. I couldn't ignore her."
"GOD NO!" Danny snorted. "You don't do that!"
Kathy embraced Bart; he went on.
"I went over to her, crouched down and the next thing I know I'm at Bagram in excruciating pain."
Danny hangs his head, shaking it side to side.
Kathy steps in; "After action report said that she was hiding a small IED under her robe. It was remotely detonated. If it had been a large one, Bart would have been killed."
Danny moans, "Damn lucky SOB!"
Kathy goes on: "I was on the receiving team in Germany. And I begged to stay on his rehab team. After he came stateside, I lost contact. But he stayed in my memory. Then 2 years ago his name popped up on a report I was reviewing! I was ecstatic! I lobbied hard for a transfer, and got it."
Bart looks at her, "You never told me this, you sneak!" He lightly swats her arm, smiling.
"I just hoped things would develop organically. And they did!"
"Yup!" He is grinning now.
Danny asks, "The artificial legs. Why aren't you walking?"
"I had a little infection, had to undergo an I *. The site needs to heal properly and completely before I can bear weight."
Danny nods, and looks at Kathy. "So, you two took your time? Romantically, I mean?"
"Yes," she admits. "I was sure, after all I lobbied hard for that transfer. There was some risk, but we had gotten along so well in Germany. I was very hopeful." She looks to Bart and grins.
Bart responds, "Yeah, when I was in clinic and she strolled into my cubicle . . . I was blown away!"
"I will always remember the look on his face. He lit up the room! I knew then and there that my gamble would pay off. There was no need to rush it. And we didn't."
Bart summed up, "Yeah, now it feels so solid! Damn, the love and support she pours into our relationship daily . . . it just keeps me going!"
"And he returns it in spades. We really hope you and Linda have the same!"
Bart nods his head. "Yeah, I remember her well. She's a great gal. I'm sure she's doing the same for you, man. You are a lucky man – so am I." He raises Kathy's hand to his lips and gives it a kiss.
Kathy asks Danny, "Do you mind if we stay and have a bite to eat?"
"No, not at all," he waves to Jerry who brings over 3 menus.
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Now, Danny needs to respond!
TBC
BK = Below knee, AK would be above knee.
I = Incision and drainage.