AND LOVE CHAP 137
BOOM!
ST BRIDGET GRADUATION
Josh (Jr. Pres) and Angela (Jt. VP) are waiting in the back of the gym for the seniors to get their act together. They are leading these jokers in, and ushering them out. The Sr class sponsors are just about to call SWAT!
"SENIORS!" Fr Abram stage whispers. "LINE UP NOW!"
They finally comply, and the principal signals the organist. The processional starts, and Cassie starts her video camera. She will capture video while Cheryl (back on the team after a stint of mono) gets hundreds of still shots. She will fill up 2 memory chips!
Just as Angela & Josh start, Cass blows him a kiss. He grins, shakes his head and mouths LATER! She grins right back, capturing it all.
Surprisingly, his parents are in the audience. He spotted them just as he and Angela lined up. His mom smiled; his dad gave him a middle finger, pointed to Angela then laughed.
Josh hopes Cass missed all that. She didn't – but didn't catch any video. Thank God! Josh positioned himself so Angie missed the scene.
The ceremony was beautiful – or boring. Depending on who you asked. Josh and Angela led a group of already celebrating numbskulls down the aisle and outside. After a quick embrace with Angie, Josh grasped Cassie's hand and they headed for his car. Cheryl had agreed to stay and snap stills of the receiving line. The principal didn't want video – good thing!
Josh peeled rubber, back to Cassie's house ON THE ISLAND.
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Neither Josh nor Cassie saw Josh's parents exit the parking lot close enough behind to tail the kids. Mr. Allen had experience tailing and evading tails; with his work on the island as a protector of drug shipments.
They were tailed until Josh turned into the Reagan's driveway. Then his dad drove one half block and parked the car on the side of the lane, and waited.
Soon a beautiful silver Porsche Boxster pulled into the drive; then a dark red Mercedes coupe; finally a forest green jaguar convertible. Mr. Allen was salivating excessively. His wife placed her hand on his knee, squeezed tightly, smiled and shook her head, "NO!" He could almost weep! A gorgeous automobile buffet, and the boss lady said NO! He went against her once; he still limps a little. What do they say? Patience us the better part of valor! Something like that. They sit and wait.
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Unbeknownst to Josh's parents – Jamie and Eddie had a state-of-the-art security system. It thoroughly covered the estate, all outbuildings, driveways and the lane in front of the property. Cars that drive by, then park, are tagged. The Allen's were tagged and photos were captured. Photos were sent to the DMV, local sheriff and NYPD for facial rec.
The phones of Jameson, Edit, Gregg & Jimmy all were pinged with an alert. Jamie, Eddie, Gregg and Nicky all went tactical* – with vests. They approached the car with caution. Once surrounded, Jamie tapped on the driver's side window.
Mr. Allen rolled the window down. "Yes, what do you want with us?"
Jamie brushed his jacket back, revealing his gold shield. "NYPD! State your business in this neighborhood!"
"We are looking for some friends, officer."
"Their names?"
"Ah . . . –
He turns, pleadingly to his wife, "Who were they dear?"
Jamie sees the man's pupils dilate, "ALERT!", he shouts!
All four level their weapons at the car's occupants.
"Hands where we can see them!"
They comply.
Jamie nods to Gregg, who is standing beside the passenger door. "Get out, ma'am. Hands in sight at all times!" Gregg instructs. She does; Nicky pats her down, removing a Glock and 2 knifes.
Jamie's phone pings – a TXT.
TARU: Woman, Grace Allen. Josh Allen's mother. Man, James Allen. Josh Allen's father.
"Well, well. What do we have here? I think we've found your friends. Gregg, here please. Search him thoroughly."
After Mr. Allen gets out, Gregg pats him down. He also removes a Glock and 2 knives.
"Nicky, is the lady clean?"
"Yes, sir!"
"Eddie, TXT Cassie, please. All kids to the upstairs bedroom. Lock down!" (It is a SAFE ROOM)
"These two, plus Cassie/Josh to FR with us."
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ON THE ISLAND, FAMILY ROOM
Jamie speaks. "Cassie, I believe you have met our guests previously?"
"Yes, dad."
"And how did that go?"
Cassie is used to her dad doing this.
"Definitely uncomfortable."
'How so?"
"The course, crude language. The inappropriate implications. Trying to place hands on me. It was very uncomfortable." She shivers remembering the home visit with Josh.
"I see. Can you believe that Josh came out of that home environment?"
"It's a miracle, I think." She pulls Josh to her side.
Jamie looks at Josh's parents. "You two were at graduation today, yes?"
They both nod. They have remained mute.
"What do you want with Josh, and or Cassie?"
"We want him to come home," his mother drops a tear.
"I want to recuperate here, mother. There is less stress, and more support here, with the Reagan's."
"How many of these fine-looking women have you screw-
(Eddie) "That's enough! I won't have that kind of ta-
"Oh yeah? I'd jump you first, shorty!"
Jamie jumps up to assault the coarse SOB-
Gregg wraps him up in a bear hug. "Josh, all of you – get these two the hell out of here!"
They do, and things settle down.
Mr. Allen drives them home, cursing all the way. Josh's mother seethes, plotting their next move. She just knew that her son was destined for pro football – and a large, lucrative NFL contract. She WAS NOT going to miss out on a piece of that. A very large piece. That Reagan girl was getting in the way. Damn her!
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SCHDOOL DAZE
Another school year was starting. Jamie and Eddie could hardly believe how their family was growing up – not out, thankfully! Their kids were now:
Cassie a HS junior
Mal in 8th grade.
Mary Rose in 5th grade.
Patrick & AJ kindergarten. This gave Eddie some kid-free time at home. Wow! The house was so quiet. She will adjust.
And let's not forget Josh! He was a semi-permanent big brother in the boys' room. He was a HS senior; destined for Rutgers University on a full-ride football scholarship.
'GRADUATION'
And Nicky. She had finished her paralegal training. She took her final exams at NYU, and earned a grade of A in all areas!
Annie's firm offered her part time employment – with the promise of first-refusal on full time when they had their paralegal needs sorted out.
She accepted, and would combine working with aunt Eddie and Annie. She needed to sort her career out, as well as her relationship with Jimmy. The personal side was stable, it was just a matter of speed. She desired a slightly slower pace; he was happy with that. For now.
ON THE ISLAND, KITCHEN
Jamie had the afternoon free. He and Eddie were enjoying a slow, quiet lunch.
"Can you believe this? Lunch, quiet, no kids. How long-
"Forever! I love them all, but God it's great to have them all out of the house for av while. Am I a terrible-
"NO, absolutely not!"
They eat in silence for a while.
"About that money from GG. I've done some thinking," Eddie starts.
"So have I. You first." He offers her the mic.
"OK. If we added 2 bedrooms and a full bath above the tack room – with bunks or trundle beds, that would give us lots of space for sleeping in the barn; sleepovers with friends, or guests."
He turns pensive. "I can visualize the sign:
Jamie and Eddie's Dude ranch
Guests welcome, on approval
Mary Rose – manager
She stares at him, "Get real."
"I am! Think about it-
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TBC
They all were CC certified; and Jamie had gotten them vests. Light tactical really.
Someone should be ecstatic!