And love

Chapter 85 The Key

BAY RIDGE – 2 DAYS LATER

Evening, sitting room

"Francis?"

"Yes, Pops?"

"Have you presented Danny with his option?"

"We have a meeting with him tomorrow."

"What's your take on his response?"

"I really don't have a good feeling. I'm afraid it's his last chance."

"The committee will vote to discharge him as disabled?"

"I'm almost certain of it."

"Will he know that?"

"No, I can't tell him what the committee MIGHT do, Pops. He knows their options."

"That part of our family is falling apart before our very eyes."

Frank has no words, he just sadly nods.

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ON THE ISLAND

EVENING – FAMILY ROOM

"Daddy, what do I do?" Cassie is worried about her friend Eli. The visit of sheriff Abdul and his eldest son Ibrahim really rattled her; and dad and mom also.

"Well, Cassie," Jamie starts. He and Eddie are trying their best to help her navigate this thorny issue and the pre-teen years. He and Eddie are nestled in a love seat. "I think you can remain friends, but be very careful how and where you interact."

"Jamie," Eddie enters the conversation. "Should we talk with the principal? It seems that he is spying and reporting to the sheriff."

"And say what?" Jamie wonders.

"MOM, NO! Please don't do that!" Cassie implores. "When he is pressed things just get worse. All the kids have seen it."

Her parents look at each other, "What else can we do, sweetie?"

"I think you have given me good advice. I'll talk with Eli and see what he thinks. I hate to lose a good friend over this, or cause him to be punished at home." She sheds a tear.

Eddie slips to the floor and embraces their daughter. "This sucks, dad and I agree. We love you Cass!"

"I love you too, mom and dad."

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Linda was in the kitchen during the above conversation, putting around; she couldn't help hearing most of it. The calm demeanor, the sincere effort to be of assistance to Cassie. But not wanting to make things worse.

She couldn't help but compare this with her family, with Danny and the boys. She and Jack acted their parts much like this; Sean vacillated in the middle. Sometimes with mom and Jack; sometimes with his dad. Then there is Danny – where is Danny, actually. Linda is afraid that Danny will sink into oblivion without her and the boys. But is that fair? How much can she take?

She looks over at the end of the counter; there are a few books standing up between 2 bookends. She goes over and looks at the titles. 2 cookbooks, a bakers guide to vegan baking, a New-KJV Bible. A Bible? She picks it up; she hadn't read the Bible in so long. She can't remember when. And confession? No priest in the NYC area would know her from Eve!

She goes to open it – it opens easily to 1 Corinthians 13. That sounds familiar. She reads a few verses. St. Paul is talking about love! (Charity in this version) This could be the key for her. She picks up the Bible and goes to the home office; she sits down at the desk and opens the Bible again. She finds a legal pad and pen, intending to take notes.

She reads verses 1-3; this is a little hard to digest. She lays the pen down and looks around at the bookcases. She spots The Clear Word. She brings it over to the desk. 'Ah, a paraphrase. Not a study Bible, but maybe better for my purposes. Let's see what Paul says about love.'

Love is patient & kind. 'Hm, sometimes.'

It doesn't envy or boast. 'Oh, oh.'

Nor is it puffed up with its own importance. 'Who is he talking about?'

Love is never rude, nor does it act disorderly. 'DAMN!' She claps a hand over her mouth, 'Sorry!'

Love is not interested in itself. 'Then who will?'

Love does not become angry – 'RIGHT!'

Nor keep a record of wrongs. 'Who will keep score if I don't?'

Love doesn't enjoy evil, but is always happy with the truth. 'Yeah, right!'

She skips a verse she doesn't like.

She reads – Love will not fail!

'I cannot do this!'

Of course you can't.

'Who said that?'

I did it for you.

Linda puts her elbows on the desk, places her head in her hands. She prays silently, 'Dear Lord Jesus, I need help.'

Danny and the boys need you. Wife and mother.

'I'm not strong enough.'

I AM!

'You mean-

I AM!

'Forgive me Lord. I have sinned.'

I know, I forgive you, because I am LOVE.

'Thank you!'

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02:30

Eddie felt mother nature's call and was up to the ensuite. Then she shuffled into the nursery to check on the boys; they both were sleeping soundly. On her way back to her bedroom, she noticed light from under the office door. She slowly opened the door. There at the desk was Linda; arms crossed, head resting on her arms, fast asleep.

'That cannot be comfortable, she will have one heck of a neck ache when she awakens. Eddie walks quietly to her, and standing behind places a gentle hand on each shoulder. Linda doesn't stir. Eddie starts to gently rub, massage. Linda raises her head.

"Eddie?" She mumbles.

"Yeah, we need to get you to bed, hon."

"I found the key, Eddie."

Eddie looks at the desk seeing the open Bible, the pen and legal pad with handwritten notes. A smile curls the corners of her lips. "Tell me about it tomorrow?"

"Yes, tomorrow."

"Up we go, I'll help you upstairs."

"I've got it."

"No, no, I'll help you." Eddie helps Linda stand and arm-in-arm guides her up the stairs. They slip into the girl's room and Eddie makes sure Linda is in the proper bed. She gives her sister-in-law a kiss on the head. "Tomorrow," Eddie whispers.

"Tomorrow," Linda mutters in return.

Eddie descends the stairs, shuffles back to bed. Jamie stirs slightly as she curls up next to him. "You 'k?" He mutters.

"All ok," she whispers. 'ALL OK'.

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In the city Danny Reagan tosses and turns. Sleep is hard to come by these days. He doesn't realize that a 2nd chance at life was about to be dropped in his lap – both professionally and personally. Will he grab those chances with both hands and hang on for dear life? Or will he let them slip through his fingers – like little streams of water? Precious, life-giving water. A lot will be riding on the next 48-72 hours. His family is hoping and praying. None more so than the boys trying to sleep just down the hall.

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TBC – last chance?