And love
Chapter 83 Tough Nut
It has been 1 week since Bart informed Linda that he and Kathy dropped in on Danny at the bar. Bart felt that he and Kathy had gotten through to Danny. However, Linda had received no communication from her troubled husband. She was beyond worried. She asked Jamie and Eddie to join her in their office, as she called home on the land line.
RING
On the 3rd ring Jack answered.
"Reagan residence, who is calling please?"
"Jack, it's mom. How are you and Sean?"
"Mom? Where are you? Are you ok?" Jack's voice sounds strained.
"Yes, didn't dad tell you?"
"What, no. He just said that you were taking a break. We asked for more information, he just said that you'd be back soon. What's going on, we miss you mom!"
Jamie and Eddie look at each other & at Linda; they shake their heads. Jamie motions to Linda, asking if he can talk. She nods yes.
"Jack, this is uncle Jamie. Your mother is with us. She came out here to stay for a while. She is ok, just needed a break from your dad. How is my brother doing?"
Silence.
"Ah . . . he is a mess honestly. Sean and I are worried."
"What's he doing Jack," Linda asks. Afraid of the answer.
"Not much really. He just lays around, drinks beer, watches TV, orders pizza for supper. Sean and I are sick of it, mom. Can we come out there, please?"
Linda starts weeping, Eddie pulls her down to the floor and hugs her; both ladies weeping now.
"Jack, have you tried to talk with your dad?" Jamie inquires again.
"Yes, uncle Jamie. He won't talk about anything."
"Is your dad doing any work?" Eddie squeaks out.
"No, aunt Eddie. Not since he got that big pay-day."
"Jack, honey, I don't think it's a good idea to leave him alone," Linda advises. "I will talk with uncle Jamie & aunt Eddie; I will call you in a day or two. I love you Jack, please pass my love on to Sean."
"I will, mom Love you too, stay saf, please."
"I will, honey."
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Jamie speaks up, "Linda, what do you think we can do for you and Danny?"
"I honestly don't know. I was hopeful that Bart & Kathy could get through to him. Apparently, it didn't work. He identifies so strongly with NYPD detective 1st grade – that when he lost that, he lost himself." She hangs her head, and leans into Eddie.
"Have you talked with Frank or Pops?" Eddie wonders. They probably have experience with cops going through things like this."
"Only what is said at Sunday dinner," Linda mutters. "And that's not a lot."
Jamie and Eddie nod, knowing what that's like.
"Linda, let's call dad and Pops. Ok?" Jamie muses.
Both Linda and Eddie nod in agreement.
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BAY RIDGE, BROOKLYN
Frank's cell rings. "Hello, Jamie? What's up?"
"Hi dad, Is Pops with you?"
"I am now, Jameson."
The 5 of them get everyone up to speed. Then:
"Actually, Danny was here last evening for supper with Pops and me. He looked terrible. He really needs you, Linda! If you can find a way to come home, Linda; that will really help him-
Linda jumps up, runs out of the office & upstairs – Eddie hot on her heels. They disappear into the girl's room.
"Jamie? What happened?" Pops heard the door slam.
"Linda ran upstairs – Eddie went after her. Linda's had all she can take, guys. She doesn't see Danny dong anything to help himself. We had a phone talk with Jack; he and Sean are fed up too. They want to come out here also."
"We called you two for advice from a PC perspective. We assume that you have dealt with this kind of thing before, correct?"
"Yes," they both say.
Frank continues on, "But it's hard when it is your own flesh and blood."
"Amen to that," Henry murmurs.
"What about talking to the Chief of Detectives?" Jamie suggests.
Frank and Pops look at each other.
"There have been some changes, Jamie." Then he says, "I think that's a reasonable thing to do, however. I'll have Baker set that up."
"Anything else needed from the old gents?" Henry tacks on.
"Nope! I'll update Linda and Eddie when they come back down," Jamie finishes.
"Ok, son. Love to all out there." Frank closes.
"To both of you, also!"
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1-PP, 14th FLOOR
Frank updates Abby Baker; she subsequently updates the new Chief of D's and her assistant. An appointment is set up for the next Wednesday.
1-PP, 12TH FLOOR, WEDNESDAY
Danny exits the elevator on the 12th floor; he shuffles to suite 1201. He enters and checks in with the receptionist. The petit redhead picks up her phone and announces him. She asks him to take a seat for a moment.
After 5" Lt. Gormley exits the main office. As he walks by, he notices Danny, and pauses. "Danny, long time no see man. How is the rehab coming along?"
"Having trouble qualifying as 1st grade," Danny mumbles. "I'm hoping for some grace here," He shakes hands and stays in his seat.
Syd throws a side eye to the receptionist, and exits.
After another 5" the outer office phone rings. The receptionist answers, talks softly and then advises Danny to enter the main office. He sees himself in, looks around with utter surprise, then stops in his tracks.
Standing behind the large oak desk is Maria Baez; to her right is Jacqui Curatola; the ladies were conversing softly. They pause expectantly.
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FLASHBACK – 2 WEEKS PREVIOUSLY
Detective Jacqui Curatola is Maria Baez' temporary partner. Maria maintains hope that Danny Reagan will resume full duties, and their partnership may resume. She has not heard any news in a while. In this case no news probably isn't good. They are returning from lunch when they both are summoned to 1-PP. They look at each other; "What the hell?" Maria voices, Jacqui just shrugs.
Abby Baker announces them; they enter, salute and take a seat.
Frank Reagan starts; "Detectives, I don't know if you heard. Sam Watson, the current Chief of Detectives had a severe strok4 this past week."
Maria & Jacqui nod in acknowledgement. They look at each other, puzzlement on their faces.
"I have had 2 meetings with a group of advisors. Following their advice . . . I am prepared to offer you, Maria, that position." He pauses for effect. He chuckles inwardly at the look he sees on Maria's face.
"And you Detective Curatola, I am prepared to offer an assistant position. To the Chief of Detectives." Again, he pauses.
"Commissioner . . . ah, this was never on my radar!"
"I know, and to me that is something in your favor. My advisors and I feel that you are eminently capable; and that your temperament, experience and common sense will serve you and the department well."
Frank then looks to Jacqui.
"Ah, I'm honored sir. But I think Maria should-
"There is no one I'd rather work with than you, Jacqui." The two detectives grin and fist bump.
"Excellent!" Frank picks up his phone and summons Garrett. When he arrives, Frank sets up a promotion ceremony for 2 days hence.
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Danny is frozen; "The customary greeting for a superior officer is?" – Maria pauses-
Jacqui turns to face Maria and salutes; she holds it until the salute is returned – then she resumes her previous posture.
"Your turn detective," Maria says with a slight smile.
Danny thinks quickly. Obviously, there have been some changes that he wasn't aware of. He snaps to attention and observes proper protocol. Maria motions to a chair, he takes a seat.
"Detective Reagan, I am the new Chief of Detectives, detective Curatola is my assistant."
Danny raises an eyebrow.
Jacqui addresses him; "How may we be of assistance, detective Reagan?" Jacqui keeps a straight face. He isn't so fortunate.
"I am having a hard time requalifying as detective 1st grade. I am hoping that this office can help me out." He barely avoids a smirk. This is tough.
Maria motions for Det. Curatola to be seated next to Danny. She rounds the desk and is seated.
"We have reviewed all your records detective," Maaria states. "Your hospitalization; physical therapy; we noted the absence of any reports from counseling. Why is that, detective?" She awaits a response.
"Well . . . I've always found it difficult to work constructively with a counselor." He smirks.
Jacqui steps in, "Do you realize that an absence of this length will require psychological clearance prior to reinstatement?"
"So, if I get that I am good to go?" He goads them – he knows he hasn't passed physical assessment.
"You know that's not the case." Maria frowns.
"Sorry," a sheepish look on his face. He comes to realize that he won't be able to bamboozle them now. They are in charge.
"We are here to help you, Danny. Are there other slots within NYPD where you could see yourself working," Maria asks.
"No, anywhere else would be a demotion!" He folds his arms across his chest. He looks smug.
The ladies know they have their work cut out for them.
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FLASHBACK #2
After the promotion ceremony, Frank spoke with Maria and Jacqui. The PC had asked them to make reclaiming Danny Reagan a priority.
He emphasized 1) He was not asking for special treatment; 2) they were to do for Danny what they would do for any NYPD officer; 3) he encouraged creativity; and 4) an experienced, excellent detective 1st grade is not a person to waste.
He wished them well, and requested periodic updates.
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1-PP
After a disappointing 1st meeting with Danny, Maria requested another meeting with the PC.
Once settled in Frank's office Maria starts.
"You encouraged us to be creative," she & Jacqui look at each other.
"I did," he nods.
Jacqui voices, "Well, we have. Sir!"
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TBC
A/N: What do you think the ladies are going to suggest?