AND LOVE CHAP 125
Moving up?
ON THE ISLAND
Jamie and Eddie decided to include the entire family in the discussion about dad & the PC job.
Eddie starts, "Daddy has been offered the job grandpa Frank now has, kids."
"What does that mean?" Malina asks, puzzled.
"I ill try and explain it so you kids can understand," Jamie says. "It means:
I will be the boss of all the New York city cops,
I will have higher pay,
"How much?" Cassie asks.
"About $2,000 more per month."
"That's a lot!" Mal says.
"Yes, it is. There is more,
My increased responsibilities mean more stress on me, and
More hours at work, and
I will no longer be a cop, and
I will keep my job as long as the mayor likes me and how well I am doing my job.
"Less time at home, daddy?" Patrick questions.
"Yes, son," Jamie draws his boys close.
The FR is very quiet.
Finally, Mary Rose sniffles, "I don't like that, daddy!"
Silence.
Eddie speaks up, "If you want daddy to do this, raise your hand."
No hands raise.
"Eddie, this isn't a democracy."
"We both decided to include everybody, Jamie."
He nods slowly. "Yeah, we did."
"And we all will be affected."
"Yes, we will."
A group hug ensues, sniffles and more are heard and felt.
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BEDTIME, MBR
"Jamie, what's eating you?"
"I can't do this, love. I really can't."
"And if you turn it down? This is probably your 1 and only chance, babe."
"Probably, but not certainly."
"But you cannot count on another chance. Can you?"
"No, I cannot." He admits.
"Wait – there is one more thing to consider, love."
"What is that?" He's puzzled.
"Safety. You wouldn't be on the streets, exposed to the riff raff of NYC. And worse. And you'd have a protective detail wherever you go."
"Except in bed, with you," he smirks.
Eddie punches him. "I am your protective detail, sport!"
"Yup! But you want to know what I dislike the most?"
"I know – time away from me and the kids."
"You got it in one! My smart, beautiful wife!"
She leans over, covers him and starts a kissing barrage. And more.
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Someone will recognize this!
UPSTAIRS, GIRLS' ROOM
02:30
Cassie, Mal, Nicky and Mary Rose are sleeping peacefully. Nicky is in Cassie's lower trundle tonight. She moves about every 2 weeks – she hasn't decided which bed, which spot she likes best.
Jamie and Eddie are counting the days until she doesn't come 'home'. She and Jimmy are getting tight. She has talked it over with them in a general sort of way. She knows that she doesn't need their permission; but she really trusts their opinion, thoughts and experience. They have not shared the Empire State building tryst. NOT WITH ANYONE!
Jamie and Eddie had a monitor in the upstairs bedroom for a couple of weeks at the beginning. Those days are long gone.
SUDDENLY
"No, no, home Joseph! Faster, faster. We're almost there. Lower the bridge, PLEASE! Lower the stupid draw bridge, we are coming home! No, no!"
"Mary Rose, wake up, wake up!" Cassie is speaking softly and gently shaking her sister's shoulders. Mary Rose stills and opens her eyes.
"Cass? Where are we sissy?" She looks around, dazed.
"At home in our bedroom. What were you dreaming about?" She envelops her young sister in her arms; Mal and Nicky have joined them on the floor. Mary Rose begins to talk.
THE NIGHTMARE
"Joseph was pulling us in the cart; we were on a ride on the trails – you know. I was sitting on the seat, holding the reins. AJ was sitting beside me. You, Cassie, were in the back with Eli. Holding each other and talking. We had just turned around to come home when a rider on a horse began to follow us. It was terrible!
Her sisters are holding her tight.
"The rider was very angry; his face was red and he showed his fangs! His black cape billowed behind him, and on his head was this stupid red/white checkered head thing.
"A kufiyah!"
"I guess. Anyway, when I could see his face, it was . . . that deputy guy!"
"IBRAHIM?! Cassie gags on the name.
"Yes, the guy who really wanted you, Cass. Anyway, we suddenly were in the dessert, and our home was a castle. Like with a moat and everything. I shouted for someone to lower the drawbridge – or else we were trapped! As the drawbridge was slowly being lowered, I couldn't believe this! The rider reached out his hand – but it was a giant claw! And he grabbed Eli around the neck and dragged him from your arms, Cass. You screamed NO, NO!
"He turned and galloped off – and then you were shaking me. Oh Cassie, I'm so sorry. Joseph and I couldn't save Eli for you."
The girls are a blubbering mess on the floor. Jamie and Eddie come dashing in, "What happened?"
"Mary Rose had a nightmare," Nicky explains. "Perhaps she can relate it to you at breakfast?" Mary Rose nods.
"Are you ok, sweetie." Dad asks.
"Yes, daddy. Let's get back to bed."
"Would you like to sleep with me?" Nicky asks.
Mary Rose thinks for a moment, "Is that ok?"
"Yes, come on." The two snuggle in Nick's bed, and soon are fast asleep.
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ANNIE'S CELL PHONE – RING
"Annie here, Eddie?"
"Yes, how are things ON THE SHORE?"
"Great, just great! And with you?"
"Great, too!" The girls giggle.
"So, what can I do for you? About training?"
"No, a family matter. Do you have time to talk?"
"Yes, I was just reviewing some files. Nothings urgent. Shoot."
Eddie takes the time to explain Cassie/Eli; Ibrahim; the family returning to Iraq; Mary Rose's nightmare and a little more.
"Wow, complicated!"
"Yeah. So, I thought that you said you have some State Department connections. Correct?"
"Yes, several of us in the office do. Would that help in some way?"
"Well, this is probably a long shot – but might you hear some news about the family?"
"Well, I will ask my partners."
"Thanks Annie. Are preparations for the birthday party on track?"
"Yes, the place looks great. You're gonna love it!"
"I'm sure we will. Thanks!"
"You bet. Gregg and I are really looking forward to hosting the party."
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BIRTHDAY PARTY
The last Saturday in October was the day. While it was sunny and 70 degrees, the Atlantic was not amenable to kayak activities. While this was disappointing, the backyard doings nicely made up for it.
The Reagan family had elected to have a lite supper; cake, ice cream and presents at Bay Ridge from 6:00 PM and on. Jamie and Eddie with kids, Nicky & Jimmy were attending both parties.
The main area was a sport court that could be configured for volleyball, badminton X 2, croquet, bocce or lawn bowling simultaneously. This could be changed in a matter of minutes.
Off to the side was a grassy area for lawn darts or ring toss. This area had a 4" RED border; as a warning to spectators not to enter the playing "field". The danger of injury is what has led some jurisdictions to ban lawn darts. I.e. California, as Jamie teased Marty!
Gregg took Marty under his wing, his arm across his shoulders and oriented him to the different activities and equipment. He is holding a lawn dart.
"Marty, buddy, as a surfer dude you may be confused. This is a lawn dart. Jamie over there holds a badminton racket in one hand and a shuttlecock in the other. Jimmy over there holds a croquet mallet and colored ball. Annie over there holds a volleyball. Eddie over there holds a bocce ball in one hand, and a lawn bowling pin in her other hand. Kensi over there, you know Kensi I'm sure, is looking on as confused as you are. If you don't know what to do next, just ask me. As your ever gracious host I will be more than happy to assist you. Clear?"
By now everyone else is ROTLL (rolling on the lawn laughing)!
THE GAMES BEGAN.
After 2 hours of games a buffet was set up by Beverly's Catering. David and Mal were assisting, and having a glorious time.
After eating, including cake, ice cream and the happy birthday song, the adults rested on various lawn chairs. Jimmy and Nicky were elected to supervise the kids (Cassie is starting to dislike that designation) in bocce and lawn bowling.
About 3 PM AJ & Patrick were taken to A/G's home and laid down for a nap. Those headed to Bay Fidge would be leaving at 4:00 PM.
BAY RIDGE
"Grandpa, we are here!" The kids loudly announce as they swarm into the family home. Ambushing him with hugs and kisses. They are glad to be there, Frank is thrilled every time he gets to see his family growing up. TOO FAST!
They quickly are seated around the dining room table; Cassie offers the blessing and they eat. After cake they retire to the LR. Presents are understated, talk inconsequential. Something seems to have cast a pall over the room.
Frank's soon retirement? Maybe.
Talk picks up.
Jamie had asked about Danny's training duties. He assured everyone that all is going well. He thinks Maria and Jacqui are doing a decent job.
Erin is considering running for Manhattan DA. Everyone cheers!
Nicky and Jimmy are solid. Sex yet? NONE OF YOUR DAMN BUSINESS!
Cassie is working on a wedding album and DVD for Annie and Gregg.
Mary Rose gushes over Joseph and Maddie; and AJ's help with chores.
Jamie won't answer questions about a possible PC appointment. He just shrugs. Nobody is happy about that. They think he should do it. ALL EXCEPT HIS KIDS!
Eddie is over busy, happy and fulfilled.
Jack and Erin are still married.
Jimmy is very quiet, hiding behind Nick.
8:30 PM the party mercifully breaks up.
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IN THE CAR
"Jamie, what was wrong there?"
"I'm not sure, Ed. Maybe no Pops, and dad retiring. Waiting for the next shoe to drop?"
Jamie continues, "It's sad for me. Our life has really shifted to Long Island. And that's really sucked the life out of the old family home."
"I get that. But what do we do, babe? Our life, our kids, our animals, my job etc. ALL ON THE ISLAND!"
"Maybe attend Sunday dines more often?" He wonders.
"Once a week, twice a month? Will that really help? Ah . . . then there are Joe and Paula."
"Are they attending Sunday dinners with anyone?" He questions.
"No idea." Eddie looks out the passenger window.
"That's bad. Really bad." Jamie mutters.
"Yup." He drives on.
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JIMMY'S CAR
"Nick, what was that?"
"What was what, J?"
"The atmosphere there. It was . . . I don't know . . . somber, macabre, suffocating, dea-
"Don't say that, please!"
"Sorry, sweetie. I just didn't know how to interact!"
"You did great."
"What! I just sat there!" He is confused.
"That's what I mean. You did great."
"Ok, I guess." Jimmy drives on.
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During their good-bye embrace ON THE SHORE, Annie whispered in Eddie's ear, "I have news from Iraq. Talk tomorrow."
"Cassie too?"
Annie shakes her head, no.
Eddie frowns.
They part.
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TBC