Chapter 4

Jamie felt numb. He missed Eddie, and knowing she was locked away in Rikers made him angry. Someone would pay for this; they just needed to figure out who.

Jamie continued running to vent his frustration. Although he had faith in the legal system, he felt let down by it regarding his wife. He stopped by the river and took a deep breath of fresh air. His side ached; he had been pushing himself hard for forty minutes. His cell phone beeped; he had received a new message. He continued to breathe in the air as he read the message from the Porsche dealership.

"What the hell?" He asked aloud, confused about the message he had received.

'A new key has been ordered. Please let me know where you want it sent. We can deliver it by 10:00 PM tomorrow. I need confirmation of your preferred delivery address. Please read the instant message.'

Jamie took a seat as he reread the instant message.

'What date was the last key ordered?' asked Jamie.

'On July 7, 2024, your wife ordered a replacement key to be delivered to her at the 12th precinct. The courier confirmed her identity using her driver's license and noted that she wore her NYPD uniform. I have a digital copy of the driver's license she presented.

'Can you send me a copy of the driver's license?'

Eddie's face stared back at him from his phone screen. "What the hell?" he asked, his gut in overdrive, screaming foul. This was good news; Eddie cared as much for her Porsche's keys as she did for her four-wheeled baby. He would have known if she had needed to order a replacement set.

Despite feeling numb, Jamie's instincts told him this was important. So, he sent a group text updating everyone on what he had just discovered. Tucking away his cell phone, Jamie pondered this new information, trying to figure out where it fits in the puzzle.

"Nope, nothing," he groaned.

BB

Eddie carefully followed the painted line. True to their warning, she had remained shackled all night after her snarky comment. The guard escorting her smirked as she oversaw the prisoner walking the line.

"Learnt your lesson, Reagan," laughed the guard.

"

"Yes, Ma'am," answered Eddie respectfully.

The guard grabbed Eddie and pulled her to a stop as they came across three inmates attacking a fellow inmate. Two guards stood watching the fight from the other side.

"Ma'am, why don't they stop this three against one?" she asked.

"Stop what, Reagan?" she laughed as she watched the one-sided fight. "Keep your mouth shut, Reagan. Remember, according to the governor, you'll spend a long time here." She warned, not taking her eyes off the beating.

'Oh crap, why do you do this to yourself, Reagan?' she scolded herself. Even though she was awaiting trial for first-degree murder, she couldn't stand by and watch this beating; the corrections officers wouldn't do anything.

This would be challenging. Shackled before she could talk out of it, she slammed into her distracted guard, causing the guard's head to hit the wall. Stunned, the guard slid to the floor. Shuffling as quickly as she could with her legs shackled, she used her elbow to crash into the first attacker's head. She dropped to the floor, dazed.

Continuing her attack, she headbutted the second assailant, causing her to fall to the floor, dazed. The third inmate redirected her attack toward the blonde and punched Eddie in the stomach. Taking full advantage, she yanked on the chains that secured her hands, pulling her down to the floor.

"You bitch!" yelled Officer Crane as the woman Eddie had just body-slammed into the wall retaliated with her baton. Her colleagues soon had Eddie restrained. "You will pay for that, Reagan,"

"Bring her to the infirmary and keep her quiet. Those do-gooders are here today. Back to your cells," she ordered and watched as they all shuffled away.

Unable to protect her head with her hands, Eddie had curled up as much as her shackles permitted. She had taken multiple blows to her back.

"Enough!" The chief guard raised her voice. "Abigail, visit the doctor now. You can play with her later." She signalled for the others to help their officer, but she still appeared slightly unsteady.

Using her boot, she rolled Eddie onto her back. "My name is Edna Ritch. I am the chief guard here at the Rose M. Singer Center. You belong to me, Reagan." Grabbing her chin, she raised Eddie's bloody head, examining the cut above her right eye. "You haven't been here for 24 hours, and you've pissed off the guards and convicts. You picked the wrong gang to mess with!"

The chief guard pulled Eddie to her feet, her chin firmly grasped. Her piercing eyes searched the blonde's gaze. "How did you cut your head?" she asked, menace dripping from her voice.

"I slipped, Ma'am. It's all my fault," she said, knowing she was at her mercy; she had to play the game.

Accepting her answer, the chief guard smiled. "Good, Reagan, you assaulted one of my guards. You will remain shackled all day and never interfere with the operation of my facility. Your name may be significant, but you are not respected here. According to my sources in the NYPD and the D.A.'s office, you are a murderer. Your stay with us is going to be permanent."

"Take her to get her head stitched," ordered the chief guard. "Ladies, no slip trips or falls." Edna Ritch. Warned

Nodding, they grabbed Eddie and forced her down the corridor. "Keep your eye on her; she could be trouble. For Christ's sake, try not to mark her anymore. You do remember who the Reagans are outside of the island," warned the approaching woman. "You have been paid well to ensure nothing happens to Eddie until I give you further instructions; that is non-negotiable." Scolded the newcomer.

Edna glared but held her tongue; her remark died in her throat. This woman frightened her.

"I think you should cancel her husband's visit this evening. I don't believe she deserves to see Jameson Reagan. After all, she assaulted one of your correctional officers. Her unprovoked attack was caught on camera," she smiled. "Even the Reagans can't refute that it is documented,"

"What about Officer Crane? I can't let that ride," Edna asked.

Erica smiled; the facilitator loved the power she held. It was intoxicating to fix people's problems. Her moral compass had never worked. If you paid her fee, she would help you resolve any issues in your life. "Oh yes, Abigail, she did mar her beautiful face. Make it a clean break," she replied. Giving her a little carrot and too many sticks was never good.

"Won't that raise red flags?" Cautioned Edna

Erica laughed, "Edna, this facility is listed among the bottom five correctional facilities in the entire U.S. It is rife with violence and allegations of mental and physical abuse of inmates. Sexual assaults-need I go on? Reagan is a former NYPD officer, and they terminated her this morning. I am sure you can be creative, Edna. I am sure Abigail, your wife, won't care about one thing. Make sure it is a clean break. One limb only remember what you have to lose, Edna!" Cautioned Erica.

BB

As Erin entered the dining room at Bay Ridge, the atmosphere was icy; her hand clasped with Jack's, and on her left ring finger sparkled her diamond engagement ring.

"Care to explain," asked Henry Reagan, pointing an accusatory finger between Jack and Erin.

Erin squeezed her fiancé's hand. "Long story short, I resigned from the D.A.'s office to help Jack defend Eddie. Thanks to Eddie's meddling, we have been back together for five months. We both decided to start over." She told her shocked family, "Where is Dad?" asked Erin, noticing he was missing.

"Sorry, I had to deal with the press and sign off on Eddie's termination from the NYPD," he answered, his voice barely above a whisper. Signing her termination paperwork had been difficult. He adored his daughter-in-law, but he had no choice; he had to adhere to the rules and regulations.

"Sorry, Son," Frank told his youngest

"I understand, Dad, that you had no option. I'm aware of the rules and regulations just like you are," Jamie said to his father.

"Jack Boyle," he answered.

"What! How did that happen?" gasped Jack as he listened. "I want a copy of that footage. I will visit my client this afternoon to ensure it is available," he warned as he ended the call.

Jack pocketed his cell and sighed. "Sorry, Jamie, your visitation has been cancelled tonight. Eddie assaulted a guard this morning. Her visitation rights have been revoked for one week. The guard needed twelve stitches." He explained

"Why would she attack a guard?" Maria asked

"There has to be more to it than they aren't telling us," Danny added.

Frank glanced at his father, their eyes meeting in silent communication. Both agreed not to acknowledge it verbally because they could see Jamie was struggling.

"Maria, Luis, please talk to the courier who delivered the spare keys to her at the 12th and see if you can find anything useful. I requested that TARU provide footage from all external camera feeds. For twelve days, various precincts have been working to keep anyone observing unaware of my current plans. I am concentrating on the locations they have access to within the NYPD. I know it's not much, but it's a start." Sighed Frank, hoping they could get something. He worried for Eddie's safety. As much power and influence as he had as the police commissioner of the most prominent police force in the US, he couldn't interfere without putting her in more danger.

"Jamie, have you got anything you want me to tell Eddie?" Erin asked her youngest brother

Jamie smiled at his sister. "Thanks, Erin. Tell her I love her," he said, wanting to convey that he had everything under control and that she would be back in his arms soon. Despite his confidence in his family, he couldn't shake the feeling that it wouldn't be easy.

Erin hugged her brother and whispered so only he could hear that showing weakness in the presence of others was not acceptable for the Reagan men. "Stay strong, Jamie. You will see her again soon. You have to have faith; family comes first. Remember, she is a Reagan, and we will do anything to get her back safely." She kissed his cheek and smiled.

Jamie thanked his sister with his eyes and a slight smile.

"Let's get going", Henry announced

BB

Jack and Erin waited for Eddie in the interview room. They had seen the footage of Eddie attacking correctional officer Abigail Crane. The alarming clip indicated that showing additional footage would alter the context of her attack. Erin had noticed the look in her sister-in-law's eyes that she had seen many times at the dinner table and, on occasion, on the street—her 'Punisher' look, as Jamie had called it when she saw blatant injustice is allowed to happen. Jack turned on the video camera as the door opened.

Two guards escorted a shackled Eddie into the room and proceeded to secure her to the bolts on the floor and table. "We will be outside the door. Press the alarm if you need us urgently," the guard told them, indicating the alarm button.

"Can you release her hands at least," Erin asked the guard.

They both shook their heads. "No, ma'am! An order from Chief Guard Edna Ritch is punishing Reagan here. She assaulted a fellow corrections officer who needed twelve stitches. There is no need for her to have her hands free while you are here. Let me know when you are finished," explained the guard as she walked out, not waiting for a reply; the disgust in her voice was evident.

"Oh, Eddie, are you okay?" asked a shocked Erin, seeing the blackened right eye with eight stitches above. "I am not here on behalf of the D.A.'s office; I am here to help Jack. I resigned yesterday to help defend you," Erin quickly added when she noticed Eddie hadn't made eye contact with either of them sitting across from her.

"Were you attacked, Eddie?" Jack asked as he carefully studied her face.

Eddie glanced upward for the first time and saw her sister-in-law. A deep sense of shame and humiliation washed over her as she realised she was bound to the table in her sister-in-law's presence. Forcing a smile onto her face, she said, "Thank you, Erin. I appreciate what you have done for me." She turned slightly to face Jack. "I slipped, Jack," she announced, knowing the guards were listening at the door. She raised her eyebrows and looked up, indicating she was being coerced to Erin.

Erin slightly inclined her head to indicate she understood. "You can tell us, Eddie; we can make sure it does not happen again," she continued.

"I slipped, Erin, honestly. There's no need to worry; I lost my head and stupidly attacked correctional officer Crane. I deserve this. Please tell Jamie I am sorry; I miss him. At least he can beat Pops at poker again," Eddie cringed. She hated being so submissive she needed to survive.

Having updated her on what little they could while the walls had ears, Jack glimpsed the worried look on Erin's face. "Eddie, ADA Patterson will arrive tomorrow afternoon. I will be here. I am unsure what she wants, but I can only presume she has another plea deal for you." Jack explained, then glanced across to Erin.

"Guys, just tell me," Eddie asked, her voice slightly raised in irritation.

Erin nodded. "Dad asked me to let you know he had to terminate your employment with the NYPD this morning. He had no choice, Eddie." Her heart broke as she watched her sister-in-law sag in her chair

The hits kept coming for her. Eddie felt sick. ' Terminate your employment.' It hit her hard. Her job was one-half of her whole; she felt like only half a person without it. She knew the commissioner had to follow his rules and regulations.

Tears filled her eyes as she blinked hard, trying to stop them from falling. "Tell Jamie I love him," tears fell as her emotions got the better of her.

Erin grasped her hand in silent support as she walked out.

BB

A subdued Erin walked into Bay Ridge and was shocked to see Eddie in such a state. Her usually bubbly sister-in-law was in disarray. Seeing what a day of incarceration had done to her made the former ADA worried about what a month would do to her.

"How was she?" Jamie asked his sister as soon as he saw her.

Smiling, she said, "She sends her love and misses you; grab a seat, Jamie. We can all review the video we recorded."

Jack showed all assembled the short clip of Eddie attacking correctional officer Abigail Crane.

"Where is the rest," Henry Reagan demanded " I am not having this something out of shot made her act,"

"We know that Pop, Eddie, has admitted to assaulting Correctional Officer Crane. She explained her injuries as a slip. She couldn't speak freely while corrections officers stood outside the door." Erin explained that her expression told me she was being coerced.

"Jamie, are you sure you want to watch this?" Jack asked

"Yeah, let's go, Jack," He replied

All eyes were on the screen as the video began; a collective gasp echoed when Eddie entered through the door. Jamie snarled as he watched his wife shackled to the floor and table. 'Bastards', he muttered.

"Stop, Jack! Pass me a pen and some paper, please." Sreatched Jamie, to everyone's surprise

Maria passed him a pen and paper while observing Jamie rewinding the video multiple times and furiously writing notes.

"Jamie?" Frank asked, curious about what his youngest had seen.

Ignoring his dad, Jamie continued scribbling as he watched. "Clever, Eddie. Clever," Jamie smiled as he read his notes.

" Mind sharing with the group?" Danny asked curiously

For the first time since Eddie was arrested, Jamie managed to smile. "A message from Ed,"

"What?" Asked a confused Erin

"Watch her eyes," Jamie told his sister.

Jack restarted the recording while everyone gathered around the screen. One by one, they noticed her blinking rate was different, both long and short. Henry was the first to react. He turned to face his grandson and glared once he realised he had fallen victim to their code. Eddie had surprisingly become more proficient at the bi-monthly Reagan family poker game. Eddie had taken the oldest Reagan to the cleaners a few times.

Maria chuckled once she realised what the Reagan family patriarch had put together. "Isn't that called cheating, little brother?" Laughed Maria.

A subtle smile crossed Jamie's face as he shrugged. "It's not cheating; it's a soulmate thing," he replied. "We created a blinking Morse code system for when we were undercover, allowing us to communicate without anyone else catching on," he answered.

"Tomato, Tomato," laughed Danny

"What did Eddie say?" Frank asked, bringing everyone back on track

I pushed the guard out of the way while she watched three prisoners beating down a fourth. Three other guards stood at the opposite end of the corridor watching. I had to act; I couldn't let it slide. The chief guard threatened me, hence my admission of guilt. I have to play this game, but I'm still determining how long my stay will be. My gut tells me to be on guard for something, but I'm unsure what.' It was her blinked message.

"Can't we get her moved?" Henry asked in concern

Jack and Erin both shook their heads in response to the question. "Not a chance, she admitted to assaulting a corrections officer. No judge would consider moving Eddie. It's her claim against theirs; the attack is documented. If we push back excessively, they might accuse her of assaulting Correctional Officer Crane. We must tread carefully and grasp the situation before causing any disruptions." Erin explained not happy with the situation at all

Jamie smiled at his sister, knowing she was correct. " What do we know about the corrections officers on her wing? Could we quietly investigate them to see if we can find any red flags?" He asked. Needing to do something to help.

"I can ask a friend to make discreet inquiries," Jack told Jamie.

To be continued