AND LOVE CHAP 126
Sorrow and thanks
ON THE ISLAND
Sunday morning Eddie sends Annie a TXT:
ER: 10:30-11:30 will B good call times
AD: K
10:45 Eddie is in the home office with the door closed. Jamie has agreed to run interference and keep everyone out of the office, and area. Ed will fill him in later.
RING
Eddie picks up her cell, not on speaker. "Eddie here."
"Hi, it's Annie. My dad's contact came thru for me. Unfortunately, it's bad news."
"How bad?"
"Word is that all 3 men of the Abdul family participated in a commando raid into Iran. There were no survivors."
"Confirmed? Positively?" Eddie starts to shed tears.
"Yes, as positive as can be, I'm afraid. I'm sorry, Eddie."
"Thanks Annie. I was afraid of something like this. That's terrible. Eli was, as Cassie described him, a gentle soul. Not a warrior. I wonder if he had a choice in the matter?"
"We may never know. If we hear more, I will definitely tell you. Are you going to tell Cassie?"
"Yes, I can't keep this from her. The family will love and support her."
"I know you will. You and Jamie have a wonderful family. You are great parents. That's another thing I was never cut out for."
"Another thing?"
"Cops wife, #1!"
"Ah, I get it." Eddie nods, unseen of course.
"You going in for Sunday dinner?"
"I don't think so. The atmosphere was really strange at the evening B-day party."
"Oh . . . I bet Henry is missed."
"Yeah, and Frank's impending retirement. It just felt off. Jamie and I talked about it. We're not sure what to do."
"Maybe Gregg and I should come to dinner? Shake 'em up a little?" Both gals laugh!
"Wow, ah . . . I'll let you know if we think that'll work. Wowser!"
"At your service, my lady!"
Giggles.
"Bye Ed."
"Bye Annie."
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TXT
ER: J, office please
JR: 5
ER: K
Jamie enters, closes the door and flops on the floor next to his wife.
"What knowest thou?"
"Bad news. all the men of the Abdul family participated in a commando raid into Iran. There were no survivors."
"Wow! Why would Eli do that?"
"He had no choice, I am sure. Otherwise, he wouldn't go."
"Annie told you?"
"Yes, some in her office have State connections."
"Damn. Cassie?"
"I haven't told her yet. How soon should we-
"Right away. I couldn't bear to keep this a secret. She would be so disappointed in us."
"Yes, I agree. I'll TXT her."
Cassie skips in and stops. She can read her parents faces. She starts to cry. Eddie motions for her daughter to sit. Cassie collapses on the floor, surrounded by Jamie and Eddie.
"We found out some bad news, baby," Eddie starts.
"Eli?" Cass chokes out.
"Yes," Jamie begins. "Annie got some information from the US State department, at our request. All the men of the Abdul family participated in a commando raid into Iran. There were no survivors."
"We're so sorry, sweetheart," Jamie and Eddie hold her tighter. They cry and whisper words of comfort for a long time.
Finally, AJ comes in. "Sissy sad, sad," he speaks softly. "I cry too." He curls up beside his big sister, grasping her arm.
"Thank you, AJ," Cassie sniffles.
"Love you, sissy," her little brother whispers.
"Love you too!"
'AJ is very empathetic.' Eddie thinks.
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NYC Mayor Gibson's office – 1 week later
"Lieutenant Reagan, it's nice to finally meet you."
"Mayor, I'm honored also." Jameson squirms a little in the overstuffed chair. This is his 1st meeting with a sitting mayor.
"Jameson, or do you prefer Jamie?"
"Either will do, sir."
"Oh, drop the sir here. Mayor or Ed, please."
"Mayor works, if that's ok?"
"Certainly. Well, we need to do a little business, eh?"
"Mayor, I have decided not to accept the PC position."
"Straight to it, I see. Do I have any chance of changing your mind. The task force I asked to give me a recommendation was firm in recommending you, Jamie."
"I am honored, I really am. What significantly tipped the scales was my family. I have a wife and 5 children; we live out on Long Island. I've watched my father be PC. The hours away from family. The stress of budget battles – and union battles. I just can't subject my family to that."
"Sounds firm?"
"It is."
"Well, I'll be perfectly honest with you, Jameson. I am going to go on to #2, but I am going to keep your recommendation in my top drawer. Something tells me that we will have this conversation again." The mayor smirks.
"Always willing to talk, mayor," Jamie smiles.
They shake hands, and Jamie departs.
The mayor's top 2 advisors slip into the room. "Keep an eye on that young man, boys. He's good, got a decent head on his shoulders, and his creds are impeccable. Having him on the team would be a good thing. A very good thing."
"Keep an eye? Any means available?"
"Yes."
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THANKSGIVING
Jamie and Eddie have lobbied hard to include Joe and Paula Hill in Thanksgiving dinner at Bay Ridge. They had to lobby both sides of the table. They finally succeeded.
Mal, Eddie, Linda and Paula jointly coordinated the dinner. The time was negotiated around football, of course.
Mal and the turkey arrived Wednesday noon. It was a large fresh bird, so no thawing. Mal had Henry's recipe for a special spice rub; and for his special basting solution. She had never roasted a turkey with him; but they had talked the process thru. Tears came to her eyes a few times during the process. The bird went into the oven at 7:00 AM sharp, Thursday. By 11:00 the aroma in the house was almost irresistible. Mal kept busy in the kitchen, guarding her bird.
By 12:00 most of the family had arrived; some puttering around in the kitchen, some watching TV in the sunroom; some visiting in the living room. Henry's absence was very obvious to all.
"Mal, have you ever roasted a turkey before?" Paula asked.
"No, but I have Pops' recipes and he and I had talked the process through."
"Recipes?"
"Yes; a spice rub, and a basting solution. Oh, and giblet gravy. I've never had good luck with gravy."
"I could help with that step, if that is ok." Paula suggested.
"That would be great, thanks! Ah . . . aunt Paula?"
"I love auntie, thanks!" They share a hug; Mal shows Paula Pops' recipe.
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DINNER
By 2:45 the ladies are loading the table. The bird comes last, and is placed in front of grandpa Frank along with the carving tools.
Frank calls for a volunteer to say grace, Nicky raises her hand. Her grandfather nods, and she begins.
"We thank you, O Lord, for these thy gifts of which we are about to partake. We seek your comforting hand as we mourn those we have lost. Bless us O Lord as we move forward into the days, weeks and months ahead. Especially as we celebrate your birth during the upcoming Christmas season. Amen!"
Amen was chorused around the table. Jimmy reached under the table and gave Nicky's thigh a supportive squeeze. She gave him a sideways smile.
After enough carving was done to get everyone started, and sides were passed, the traditional thanks began.
Jimmy: Thank you so much for including me at this holiday table! I have never seen a celebration such as this! Happy thanksgiving everyone!
Linda: I am so thankful that my Danny is once more working at the job he loves! We thankyou all for your love and support!
Paula: Thank you for including Joe and myself at this table. We may be a branch too far (no, no sir, nope are heard), but thank you from the bottom of our hearts! AMEN, from Joe.
Jack: Many thanks for accepting me back into the fold. This family table is, usually, the most welcoming place on earth! (Danny threw a balled-up napkin)
Cassie: Jesus, please be with Eli's mommy as she grieves. Help her find comfort and safety. AMEN again around the table.
AND MORE HEARTFELT THANKS
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ON THE ISLAND – FRIDAY MORNING
RING – FRONT DOOR
Several family members look at their phones. They see a disheveled middle-aged lady. Ragged, torn dress; light cotton coat; well-worn shoes; scarf on her head covering stringy light brown hair. She looks like she has been crying, her head hanging low. Beside her are 2 well-worn suitcases.
"I'll get it," Eddie proclaims. She opens the door a little, "What do you want, ma'am?"
The lady raises her head, "Is Cassandra here, please?"
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TBC