And Love
Chapter 1 Family moments
A/N: Continuing on from "Hope" by this author. This is the 3rd in a trilogy – started with "Faith" by 'trueloveexists99'.
EDDIE'S APARTMENT
3 weeks later
"Jamie?" Eddie whispers to her boyfriend, lying next to her in bed. He officially (to them) moved in last week. Prior to that they had done occasional sleepovers – mostly at her place. Well, all at her place so as not to confuse Malina (their daughter). That was the logic anyway. It seemed to be working.
2 weeks ago, Jamie had noticed some empty drawers in Eddie's dresser, and her clothes pushed over in the closet to leave some empty space. Being an observant police officer, he took note and advantage.
Eddie had patted him on the cheek and said "Good boy", he smiled and gave her a soft kiss.
"Hmpf."
"You asleep?"
"Not now."
"Good, we need to talk."
"Now?" He grouses.
"No time like the present, buster."
"We could be sleeping." He huffs out.
"I'm not sleepy."
"Obviously. So, what's on your mind, shorty?"
"Ouch," he caught an elbow in the ribs.
"That did not hurt! It was a love tap!" 'Why did I say that?'
"Anyway," she restarts. "We better fess up to sarge and get new partners, don't you think?"
"Yeah . . . when?" Jamie is getting annoyed.
"Monday. You want to talk with him? Or shall I?"
Silence.
"Jamie?" She whispers softer still.
More silence.
'I guess I lost him. To be continued at breakfast.'
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BREAKFAST
"Good talk last night." Eddie starts, as she is scrambling some eggs. "Mal, can you grab the shredded cheese from the fridge for mommy, please?"
"Yes, mommy."
"Thank you, sweetie."
"Welcome."
"I prepared a little speech for sarge."
Jamie looks up from where he is managing the toaster and coffee maker. "Sarge, why?"
"What we talked about last night. Remember?" She turns to face him.
"Ah, no." He hasn't a clue what she is talking about.
"Do you talk in your sleep, Jamie?"
"It's been known to happen. Why?"
"Well, last night we talked about fessing up to sarge."
"We did?"
"Yes, Monday. We didn't decide who was going to tell him though. Any thoughts, now that you're awake?"
"Why don't you talk with him, since you have it all figured out." The toast pops up, he reaches for the butter.
"Ok, I will. I'll let you know what sarge and I decide Save that extra crispy piece for me, please."
He goes on buttering the toast, shaking his head. 'This isn't going to be as easy as I thought.'
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MONDAY MORNING 12TH PRECINCT
"Sarge, may I have a moment?"
"Officer Janko, sure. Come in and close the door."
Eddie enters and takes a seat. "Sarge, Jam . . . er officer Reagan and I have a daughter, I don't know if you knew."
"I had heard rumors; I was hoping one of you would tell me officially. Is that what this is?"
"Yes, sir. And he moved in with us a week ago. So, we need new partners; and I need a new TO. Unless, that is, you could by chance keep us together. I think we are making a good-
"Do I have 3 heads, Janko?"
"No sir."
"Good, your eyesight is good today . . . I, ah, the both of you come talk with me after tour."
"We riding together?"
"One more tour, then we talk. Dismissed."
"Yes sir!" Eddie stands, salutes and leaves the office.
ROLL CALL, WHISPERS
"We riding together?" J
"One more tour." E
"Then?" J
"Talk with sarge." E
"And?" J
"I brough up riding together?" E
Jamie chokes on something.
Eddie claps his back as he bends over.
"Everything ok back there, Reagan?"
"Yeah, he's ok. Just swallowed his gum," Eddie explains.
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AFTER TOUR
"Officers Reagan, Janko, come in and have a seat."
Sarge motions to Jamie to close the door.
Sarge sits down behind his desk, elbows on the desk, hands clasped, chin resting on his hands. He stares intently at his young officers.
"The conversation I had this morning with one of you NEVER OCCURRED."
The two officers look at each other, then back at sarge.
He holds up his hands, asking for silence. They comply.
"I have a transfer coming in 3 weeks. From the 40th in the Bronx. They have 2 strong cliques up there, he got crosswise with both, and asked for a transfer. I reviewed his jacket; he has had good success as a TO. He is reportedly similar to Reagan here; just, fair, even tempered. I think he can carry on very well with Janko's training. So, for 3 weeks you will stay together in the car. BUT you must keep any and all personal stuff tightly under wraps and out of the work place! Either the station or on patrol. Understand?" He slaps the desk once.
"Yes, sir!" They both declare.
"Sarge, after 3 weeks. Will I be transferred?" Jamie asks.
"I don't plan on it. Do not make me regret this!"
"We won't, sir!"
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AFTER PIZZA AT HOME
"Daddy, may I go play in my room?"
Jamie looks at Eddie; she shrugs, telling him to decide.
"Sure sweetie, keep your door open, please."
"I will, thank you." Mal gives Jamie and Eddie a kiss on the cheek and runs off.
"I am really impressed with the politeness you instilled in Malina, Eddie. It speaks volumes about how good a mother you are. I . . . ah, - you have done a great job."
"Thank you, I love you too!" She blushes.
"I didn't say . . . ah-
"You say it with your eyes, and your actions every day Jamie. Even when we have a disagreement you don't lash out at me like every other guy I've known has done. I feel so fortunate, thank you!"
She reaches over and pulls him into a deep kiss.
"OUCH!" Mal starts to wail.
They hop up and rush to her room.
"What happened, baby." Eddie crouches to wrap her daughter in a hug.
"I stepped on a Lego!"
"I'll be right back," Jamie rushes off. He returns with a cool, moist cloth. "Let me see your foot sweetie."
There is a red spot but no broken skin or bleeding. "Let me hold this cloth on it, it will be all better soon." While she lays on her mother's lap, daddy holds the cool cloth to the sole of her foot. She stops crying and soon is dozing off. Jamie and Eddie smile at one another. Another family moment!
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TBC