And love

Chap 43 Opportunity

A/N: I need to put down markers here. At the recent big birthday party, where the girls received smart phones, their ages now are: Cassie = 10 years, Mal = 7 years, Mary Rose = 4 years. Nice spread! Room at the bottom?

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Danny is working the phones at the 5-4, he hates it. His partner, Maria Baez, walks by chatting and laughing with her temporary partner. "Well, if it isn't the high and mighty Danno Reagan," Jacqui Curatola huffs. "Who put you behind a desk?"

"A drunk driver, smart mouth," he retorts.

Maria cringes.

Jacqui wishes she could take back the smart remark. "Sorry, Danny. I hope the family is ok."

"They are all good. You learning anything from Baez, partner," Danny snorts.

"Lots, I'm not sure I'll give her up."

"You wish, get outta here." He waves them off.

"Yes, sir," Both ladies salute and move on.

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2ND RIDING LESSON

Eddie is taking a break in the middle to meet 2 lawyers; George and Priscilla Adams. They are in their mid-fifties and have a rural practice in Middle Island. Deborah had told Eddie a little about them after the 1st riding lesson. Deborah served coffee, tea and warm whole wheat rolls. For toppings she provided butter, and honey or strawberry jam.

"Aren't these rolls a delight?" Priscilla gushed, looking to Eddie.

"They certainly are!" Eddie agreed. "Deborah sent some home with us after our last lesson. They didn't last a day."

"So Eddie, tell us a little about yourself," George tries to get the ladies back on track.

Eddie tells them about herself; her plan to be an NYPD officer, finishing the academy and starting with Jamie as her T/O; them recognizing each other as previous acquaintances and co-parents, then her switch to paralegal. She described her work environment with Gwen & Julie, then her family including Cassie's adoption.

George then described his practice with Priscilla. Their hopes to retire at 60, 8 years away.

Priscilla inputs, "We would probably work longer if we had a paralegal to cut close to zero the travel time to NYC. We have to go to the city for court only once every 2-3 months. It's the research or interview time that really adds up."

"Let me suggest this," George suggests. "If you are at all interested, Eddie, we could have you sign an NDA* and then give you a current case to look over and possibly work. It's a case that needs quite some research work, and maybe 1 interview, in NYC. What do you think?"

Eddie looks from George to Priscilla. "I would like to do that, yes."

Eddie signs, then gets a file from Priscilla. After they finish their snack, they part ways. Eddie places the file securely in the back of the Honda then walks to the arena to find Betsy.

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"Momma, we are almost done," Mary Rose shouts. "Betsy is over there, tied to the wall." Her youngest points.

"Yes, I see." Eddie walks over, unties Betsy and leads the mare away from the wall. Tim has seen this and comes over; he cups his hands to assist Eddie with mounting. After she is settled, Eddie starts doing laps. She starts with a walk; as she looks around, she sees all her family doing various gaits with their animal. Palmer, Carroll and Tim are circulating, keeping an eye on all the riders, especially the girls. Eddie does 1 lap walk, 1 lap trot and then 1 lap canter. Then time is up.

They walk back to the stall barn; the 'boys' show them how to take off the tack and put it away. Then how to rub down their animal so it cools off properly. Then to give it water and a light snack.

"Why can't I give Joseph more to eat?" Mary Rose asks.

"Because," Tim answers, "if you give him too much after he has exercised, his tummy will swell up and he will have a tummy ache all night."

"Oh, I wouldn't want that!" She exclaims as she softly rubs his neck. The youngster and Joseph are becoming good friends. Palmer notices and has an idea. He tucks it away for later.

As they are leaving Deborah gifts Eddie some more warm rolls. Eddie attempts to decline, to no avail.

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BEDTIME J/E

"Eddie, what about your meeting with the lawyers today?"

"It was good. Husband and wife team, about 52 years old. They plan to work 8 more years, maybe more. They want to relieve themselves of coming to NYC except for court appearances."

"So, research, maybe interviews?"

"Yup. I signed an NDA and they gave me a file to look over. If I'm really interested, I can start to work it."

"What is your interest level, babe?"

"Well, I just found something out last week. Our office is so busy that Gwen and Julie are thinking about adding a 2nd paralegal."

"Can you take on more work, sweetheart?"

"NO! With the 3 girls I am thinking of working less. Or doing more at home. And Julie told me that they have a candidate, but she wants full-time."

"So . . . if they hire her full-time, and you cut back . . . you would have time for George and Priscilla? Maybe?"

"Hmm . . . something to think about, Harvard."

"Should I start studying for another promotion?"

"What! You just made Lieutenant 2 years ago."

"I know. Captain's exam is in 12 months. And we really could use the added income."

"Oh, I know about the income part. But Captain? How high up the ladder do you want to climb, babe?"

"Well, I'm not sure. Maybe as high as PC, what do you think?"

"I think you'd be great! But Reagan PC-3? That's a mayor appointed position; you know. It really doesn't matter how smart, or how good you are."

"I know. Well, that's a long shot. Nite, 1-4-3!"

"Nite, 1-4-3!"

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BAY RIDGE – HISTORY

With Eddie's knowledge & permission, Jamie is making one last attempt to clear the air with his sister and brother. Gathered are Frank, Henry, Erin, Danny and Linda.

"Erin and Danny, can you tell me precisely what troubles you about me and Eddie."

Erin's list includes:

I liked Sydney. I felt you and her were a good match. I liked another lawyer at the table.

I just feel that Eddie must have tricked you into sex, and

I can never forgive her for hiding Malina from you and us for 2 plus years.

"Ok, before I answer those, Danny what's your list?"

"Pretty much the same. Why don't you answer those; then I'll see if there are more things."

"Ok, I'm good with that. Here goes:

Me & Sydney. We were good together; at first as study group partners, then dating. Right after Harvard graduation we became engaged. The relationship stayed good until my decision to become a cop. Then it started fraying at the edges. It steadily deteriorated through academy; then when I started patrol, it became very real for Syd. Joe's death had bothered her, but when I started on the streets, she couldn't take it. I tried reassuring her, it didn't work. When the London job came up, she saw an exit strategy; she took it. She and I would not have worked. It was only a matter of time.

Eddie & I. She did NOT trick me into sex, mor the other way around. Neither was it a rebound reaction for me. Absolutely not!

Hiding Malina. I believe dad has shared much of her reasoning; as much as she shared with him. I know a little more, but it is her story to tell. You say that you want to know more, yet you won't talk with her. I have forgiven her completely; and as is obvious I am completely in love with Eddie, and our 3 girls. And that love grows deeper day by day.

"Questions, Erin? Or Danny?"

"There must be more to the story, Jamie," Erin voices.

"The 1 piece of data that remains hidden, is where our intimate encounter took place. That is irrelevant and immaterial; and will remain our secret forever!"

"Can you give us a hint, kid" Danny huffs.

"Really? . . . Ok, NYC."

"Nice" Danny snorts.

"Anything substantive?" Jamie smirks.

"I guess I'm ok," Danny says with hanging head.

Erin speaks, "I just can't forgive her for hurting you and hiding Mal-

"And there it is," Jamie looks like he is about to cry as he slowly gets up, pulls his jacket off the back of the couch where he was sitting, slips it on and leaves the sunroom.

The family is stunned as they hear the back door open, then close. Shortly they hear the throaty roar of the Porsche as he drives off.

Frank turns to Erin, "Well Erin, I think your brother just made a decision as to who his core family is. Like it or not."

They all realize dad is probably correct.

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TBC

NDA = non-disclosure agreement.