AND LOVE CHAP 123
House-sitting
ON THE SHORE
Friday morning and Nicky and Jimmy are relaxing in a double lounger on the patio. They had stayed here last night while Annie & Gregg were at the Plaza. House-sitting they called it, though there were no pets or plants to care for. G/A just felt better about it. Go figure.
"How is the new shop at Brooklyn going," Nick wonders.
"Just great! Though you should have been there that 1st day. Wow!" Jimmy exclaims. "GREGG KICKED ASS!"
FLASHBACK
Gregg Wells has called all the parts/service personnel to be on board at 07:00. This was unheard of. To compensate, he had Panera deliver coffee, bagels and pastries for the guys and gals. (Don't get used to it.)
"Welcome aboard, folks. I want to go over the rules (Grumbling, snickers, rolling eyes) with you."
Punctuality. I expect all of you to be on time at start-of-shift. Always. Exceptions only with prior approval by your supervisor.
Cleanliness. Your work area must be clean before you leave to go home. When that is accomplished, your shift is over – and not until. If your assigned work is completed early, and your area is clean, ask your supervisor if you may leave. When I come in at 07:00, your area must be clean enough that I can eat breakfast off the floor – if I choose to. Not kidding!"
Organization. Your tools at end-of-day must be clean and organized. Your shift is not ended until that is accomplished.
Camaraderie. I don't expect us all to be best friends. I do expect everyone to treat each other with respect, dignity and honor. No exceptions, always.
Open door. My door, and that of your supervisor is always open for questions, comments or suggestions. Do not let a problem sit and fester. Let's talk about it. Please.
After meeting: Davis, Brooks and Olsen – see me in my office after we conclude. Those 3 mechanics were given a) their dismissal notice, b) a 3-month severance check, and c) a letter only confirming past employment. They were replaced by 2 top notch mechanics from other shops. One of them a prior supervisor.
END FLASHBACK
"Wow, how did that go over, babe?" Nicky was amazed.
"After the initial grumbling and questions, they all loved it. Boss gave everyone a 5% raise, and assigned shift supervisors. They all knuckled down and went to work. I hear from Gary, the super there, that it feels like a new shop!"
"Shifts? What do you mean?"
"Just like at Huntington, they open at 07:00 Monday thru Saturday. Close at 19:30, every day. So, 2 shifts which overlap."
"Confusing, no?"
"Not after a little time sorting things out in your head. The late close allows working folks to access our services without taking time off from work."
"Nice, I get that. Sounds like Gregg is a good boss."
"The BEST!"
They get down to business – a diligent make out session.
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A/N: We skipped a year, birthday wise; the big party did happen. We just didn't notice. Too much going on. Now the kids are: Cassie 15, 10th grade; Malina 12, 7th grade; Mary Rose 9, 4th grade; Twin boys 4 y/o. It's time to plan the next big party. Note: It is 13 years from the Empire State building tryst, and the Jamie/Sydney split.
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WEDNESDSAY 7:00 PM
Jamie and Eddie are debating where to have the big party. They are talking with the kids in the FR.
"So, any ideas?" Eddie throws out there.
"Saddle Rock Ranch!" Mary Rose espouses, of course.
Groan, "No, not again," Mal opines.
"But sissy, the arena has all that room!" Mary Rose defends.
"We haven't had the party at grandpas in like forever," Cassie brings up.
"Correct," dad agrees.
"He won't be around forever," mom mentions.
More groans. They don't want to think about that – it reminds them of GG.
"We had it here last year," dad reminds them.
Jamie and Eddie look at each other. There seems not to be a consensus. Should they just decide? Yes!
"Grandpa's it is!" Mom and dad declare. "Let's call."
BAY RIDGE – FRANK'S PHONE 8:00 PM
"Hello, Jamie?" A slow, shaky voice.
"Yes, dad. We have a surprise for you! We would like to have our October mega birthday celebration at your place, this year! If that is, ok?"
Silence, for a minute. Is he thinking?
"Dad?"
More silence, then "Hello, who is this, please?" Jack's voice.
"Jack, it's Jamie. What happened?" He looks to Eddie, worried.
"Ah . . . it's Frank. He fell asleep. He does that a lot. These long days at 1-PP really take it out of him."
Jamie and Eddie look at each other, 'What the hell?' They mouth to each other.
"Is it his bedtime, Jack?"
"Yeah, I came down to help him with that. What can I do for you?"
"Ah . . . it was about the October birthday party for our kids. We can call-
"Were you suggesting to have it here?"
"We were, but we can call back."
"Yes, maybe tomorrow evening? Before 7:30?"
"Will do. Can you pass that idea on to Erin, please?'
"Will do. Talk tomorrow, bye."
"Bye, Jack." Call ended.
Jamie and Eddie look at each other, again.
"Jamie, how can he do his job?"
"I don't know, babe."
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NEXT MORNING 08:30
Jamie sends Baker a TXT:
JR: Abby, call when alone, please. About dad.
5" RING
"Jamie, it's Abby. I know why you're calling."
Jamie and Eddie relate the call of last evening. "Abby, truth please. Is my dad doing his job?"
Silence. Then, "Jamie, what do you want me to say?"
"The TRUTH!" Eddie is on speaker. "We are concerned. My father has an excellent record, and an unblemished reputation. Is he flushing it all down the toilet? And if so, for what? Please!" He is getting angry.
"Jamie, Frank won't listen to his team. We've been hinting to him for a while now-
"How long, Abby?" His voice is rising!
"2 months . . . maybe 3."
"What! You all owe him more than hints. I want you, Garrett and Sid to write up what you've seen – where he is falling down on the job! I will meet with you 07:00 Monday along with 2 captains. In Sid's office. I want to see that list-
"Jamie," he's gone.
'SHIT' Abby feels the heat.
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"Jamie, what can you do, babe?"
"Shine the light right in dad's face. I cannot let him throw his career away, Ed!"
"I agree. But can you leave the wrecking ball at home with me, please?"
"Not a bad idea, thanks."
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MONDAY 1-PP, SID GORMLEY'S OFFICE
Frank's exec team lead Jamie, captains Espinoza and Wells to the small conference room. Abby passes around the list the exec team had produced over the weekend. The guests read it, and blanch.
"How have things not blown up already?" Captain Wells sputters.
Jamie looks at him, then at the exec team. "Them," he points at Abby, Sid and Garret. "They have kept their hands on the rudder. Correct?" He looks from one to the other.
They slowly nod.
"Now what?" Captain Espinoza asks, almost whispering.
The captains and Jamie look to the team.
"We've been asking each other that for a while now," Garrett admits.
"No easy answer?' Jamie asks.
The 3 shake their heads, no.
The door to the room swings open, forcefully. "What the hell is going on in my office?" Frank Reagan barks out.
Espinoza speaks up, "Commissioner, please join us, sir. Have a seat."
Frank Reagan looks at each person in turn. He can tell from the look on their faces that it is not in his best interests, or anybody's for that matter, to brush this off. He sits.
"Commissioner, please read this," captain Wells speaks as he slides his copy of the list over to Frank.
Frank reads, and as he goes own the page his face reddens and bis hands tremble. He lays the page down.
"Dad-
"I am the commissioner, Jameson!"
"I know that . . . but in this moment, I am speaking as your son."
Silence, for several moments. Then,
"Dad, I cannot bear to watch you throw away a brilliant career. A reputation and legacy that means a lot to me and the family. And to you; and is the envy of many."
Frank Reagan drops his head. When he raises it, he looks around the table, stopping at his son. He appears tired, oh so tired. "What should I do, son?" A tear starts to trickle down his cheek, he swipes it away.
"Retire dad. Retire forthwith," Jamie reaches across the table, grasps his dad's hand and gently squeezes. With tears in his eyes he adds, "I love you dad. It's time to go home, go on to bigger and better things."
Several soft amens are heard. There are no dry eyes in the room.
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TBC
A/N: As Karen Carpenter so beautifully sang: "We've only just begun!"