Jinny_Extead
08-18-2001, 11:33 PM
The Death of a Family
By Esperanza
Casey Exstead and his partner Katie were on the trail of a crazy driver. They had been following for a couple of minutes, and they knew he was going to reach the police barricade in a few seconds. The car they were following suddenly swerved off the road, and a tall man got out of his car, and started running. Casey pulled up behind him, and he and Katie started following him. Casey was a faster runner, and pulled out ahead of Katie, and he was gaining on the man. The man suddenly stopped, he turned and shot at Casey, then turned the gun on himself and fired. Katie froze when she saw Casey lying on the ground. She grabbed her radio, “OFFICER DOWN!!” She yelled, “I’M IN FRONT OF A TOYOTA STORE IN SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO. REPEAT OFFICER DOWN!! ” Within a few minutes an ambulance and police arrived. The man they were chasing was determined to be dead, but Casey was still breathing. They carefully lifted him into the ambulance and drove away.
Jinny was in the middle of the weekly Inspectors meeting when an officer came in and handed Captain McCafferty a note. Kate quickly read it, then glanced up at Jinny. “Exstead, come here for a second.” Jinny stood up and Kate walked over to a corner. “Jin, Casey was just shot… he’s down at St. Francis hospital now.” Jinny paled and put her hand to her head, “Captain, please let me take the day off. Casey is all the real family I have, and I can’t afford to lose him.” Kate nodded her head and Jinny quickly left the meeting. By now the other officers were looking at Kate questionably. “One of our officers was shot about 15 minutes ago, and is in critical condition.” Kate answered their unanswered question.
“What officer?” CD asked.
“Casey Exstead” The room was silent. Everyone knew Jinny and Casey were very close,
Jinny quickly drove to St. Francis Hospital, and parked her car. She walked into the ICU and saw John Jr. pacing, and her father staring blankly into the wall. “John, how is he?” Jinny asked.
“Not good Jin… the bullet did a lot of damage.” He answered.
Jinny sat down in the nearest chair and put her head in her hands. This can’t be happening, she thought. She felt herself begin to cry, but she couldn’t help it. Casey was her best friend growing up, the only one she felt she could totally trust. Jinny felt a hand on her back, and turned to see John, sitting next to her.
“Don’t worry Jin… Casey is a fighter, he can pull through this.” John said to his sister.
‘But what if he doesn’t? I don’t know what I’d do if he dies.” John was silent. He hated to see his sister like this. Even thought his brother was different, he still loved him, but he sometimes felt jealous of the bond Jinny and Casey shared.
A doctor walked over to them, “Are you here for Casey Exstead?”
“Yes,” John Jr. replied.
“We did all we could do, now it’s up to him. All three of you can go in, but he is still unconscious from all the painkillers. Room 12 A.” The doctor walked away, and Jinny and John Jr. stood up.
“Are you coming dad?” Jinny asked her father.
“Yeah,” he replied as he also stood and followed his kids down the hall. Jinny slowly opened the door to room 12 A and stepped inside. Casey looked so weak, not like he normally did. Jinny sat down in the seat next to him and grabbed his hand.
“Hey Casey,” she said as she grabbed his hand, “you can’t leave me Casey… I don’t know how I could go on. You remember at my…my intervention, when you said how scared you were that I was going to kill myself, and then you’d want to die to… well believe me, the feeling is mutual, please Casey.” Jinny could feel herself falling apart, and stood up, “I need to get some coffee,” She said glancing at her dad, and brother. Jinny walked down into the cafeteria, and got the largest cup of coffee they sold, then walked back into the ICU waiting area. She sat down, and just shut her eyes. She couldn’t handle being in the same room as her brother… it brought back memories of her mother…
“Jinny?” a voice from behind her said. Jinny turned around, and saw Katie standing behind her.
“Hey Katie.”
“How’s Casey?” she asked.
“The doctors did all they could do for him, it really up to Casey now.”
“Oh… do you mind if I sit by you?”
“Please, I don’t think I want to be alone.”
Katie slowly sat down. “So Katie, you and Casey have been partners since you got out of the academy right?” Jinny asked
“Yeah, I hope he knows how much he meant to me as a friend, I wish I had told him, thank you… just once, for always listening to me.”
“I know what you mean. Casey was always there for me… I love him so much, I just hope he knows.”
“Don’t worry Jinny… he knows. He used to love to tell me all the complicated cases you solved... he was really proud.”
Jinny looked at Katie. And smiled, “I remember when we were young, John used to always liked to pick on Casey. And once, I was in the kitchen and he punched Casey, and I was so mad, I really gave John a beating… and he rarely hit Casey again.” “Jinny…” John Jr. said coming out of the hallway. He had tears in his eyes, and Jinny knew something was wrong. “Casey just died.”
Jinny put her head down and cried. The world around her was falling apart, and she didn’t know what to do. John Sr. walked towards his daughter, “Jinny Girl,” he said, “think about Casey. He wouldn’t want you to cry so hard over his death, he would want you to remember the good times.”
Jinny looked up at her dad, fury in her eyes, “How would you know what he would want? You were never there for him I was… he actually did at one time come to you first, but he gave up on you. I’m the only one Casey could count on in this family, and he was the only one I could talk to.” Jinny grabbed her coat from the chair, and stormed out of the ICU, sobbing, for her lost brother, and friend.
Jinny pulled into Anchorside, she knew she shouldn’t be here drinking, but she needed to forget. She sat down at the bar, and looked at the bartender, it was one she knew, Sean.
“Are you okay Jinny?” Sean asked as he cleaned the tabletop in front of her.
“Yeah... just give me a shot of something strong, and keep them coming.” Sean returned momentarily with three shots of a light brown liquid. Jinny glanced at it, and not really caring what it was, downed it, then drank the other two. Jinny knew she was crying, but she didn’t seem to care, as she asked Sean for three more, of whatever she had just had
About the same time Jinny was drinking everything away, Captain McCafferty was making an announcement in the felony division of the SFPD.
“Attention everyone, it is my sad duty to report, that officer Casey Exstead passed away a few hours ago. Please keep the Exstead family in your thoughts and prayers, and especially look out for Jinny… she’ll be taking it a lot harder then the rest of her family.” Magda looked down at her desk, she couldn’t even imagine what Jinny was feeling… it was like she had just lost her entire family all at once. Magda picked up her phone, and dialed.
“Exstead.” The voice answered. The words were slow and slurred.
“Jin… where are you?” Magda asked.
“Um… Anchorside.” Jinny replied.
“Stay there okay Jin.”
“Okay…” Jinny had just hung up and Magda quickly walked into Captain McCafferty’s office.
“Captain, Jinny is at Anchorside drunk. Can I go get her and bring her to her apartment?” Magda asked quickly.
“Of course, and try and keep her from drinking more. I knew she was going to drink.”
“Captain, if your brother, and best friend just died, I think you’d want to forget to.” Magda said as she walked out of her office.
Magda walked into Anchorside and immediately spotted Jinny. “Come on Jin, let’s go home.”
“One more?” Jinny asked.
‘No Jin, come on.” Magda grabbed Jinny’s arm and helped her leave Anchorside. Magda drove to Jinny’s apartment and help her inside. Jinny laid down on the couch and fell asleep. Magda slowly walked around and picked up the garbage and empty bottles, and finally sat in a chair to read a magazine. A while later, Jinny groaned and sat up, her hand on her head. She saw Magda sitting in a chair.
“Thanks Mag.” Jinny said standing up.
“For what Jin?”
‘I would have kept drinking until I passed out.”
Magda set the magazine down, “I’m sorry about Casey.”
“Me too,” Jinny said as she grabbed a glass of water.
“I’ve got to go, Gabriel is expecting me. Please don’t drink anymore tonight.”
“I won’t” Jinny replied.
“Should I tell the Captain your not coming in tomorrow?”
“No, I’ll be there. If I say here I’ll just drink.”
“Okay, bye Jin.” Magda quietly closed the door behind her and Jinny grabbed a blanket and fell asleep on the couch.
There was an eerie silence as Jinny entered the Division…no one was quite sure what to say. “Jinny,” Kate said looking up, “I figured you’d take some time off.”
“No…it’s better if I’m busy.” Jinny slowly sat down at her desk.
“Jinny, I’m really sorry about Casey, he was a great guy.” CD said as she passed Jinny’s desk. Jinny didn’t answer just nodded her head.
“Jin… we have to call more of the lovely citizens of San Francisco, to return their property.” Magda said
“Great…” Jinny’s last sentence was cut off when she saw John come through the doors.
“Jinny, why did you turn your cell phone off? Dad’s been worried sick after you blew up at him.” John was yelling, and people were staring at them.
“John, don’t yell.” Jinny told her brother.
“ I’ll yell if I damn well want to. Casey is dead Jin, there’s nothing you can do.”
Jinny just looked at her brother, “I’m glad you care John.” She turned around left the division. A moment later John sighed and left also. Jinny came back a few minutes later. “You okay?” Angela asked, “Your brother seemed mad.”
Jinny sort of laughed, “John is always mad, and I’m his favorite target.”
“I thought older brothers were supposed to protect their younger siblings.” CD said smiling, “I know my brother did.”
“Well… in high school, he used to tell my boyfriends he’d get his gun out if they did anything to me. But then a few weeks ago he gave Casey 13 stitches, and me a couple of bruised ribs so…” Jinny shook her head, “my family is messed up.” The inspectors all got back to work, not quite sure how to answer Jinny.
“It is always hardest when someone so young dies in the line of duty. Casey Joseph Exstead, was a dedicated officer and friend… he will be missed dearly.” Police Chief (whatever her name was) sadly addressed the crowd “Today, we will remember Casey’s life, so that he may live on in our hearts, for years to come.” She sat down, and Katie slowly stood up, and walked to the microphone.
“They partnered my up with Casey right out of the Academy. He would always listen to me when I had a problem or something… and he never seemed to mind when I would dump my problems on him. It was a normal day when we went chasing after Mr. Smith… normal until he pulled out the gun and fired anyway. It’s odd because me and Casey had been talking about death just a few days ago. And he told me, if anything every happened to him, that I should watch out for his sister. That’s it… nothing about a funeral, or making sure he was in the paper… nothing having to do with himself. His only thoughts on his death, were for his sister Jinny… who was and will always be his best friend.” While Katie had been talking she had been fighting back tears, but she couldn’t take it anymore, and started sobbing uncontrollably. Kate gently pulled her away from the microphone.
Jinny stared ahead. She couldn’t think… she couldn’t feel… she was in too much pain. She could fell the tears as they slowly dripped down her cheeks, but she didn’t try and stop them. The funeral soon ended, and the crowd left to head to a small gathering to remember Casey. Jinny waited until the crowd had left before standing up from her spot in the corner. She had decided not to sit by her friends or family…. She needed to be alone, so she chose a secluded spot in the corner to sit during the funeral. Jinny made her way towards the coffin. “Hi Casey… I’m so sorry I wasn’t the best sister in the world. I really tried to be good, but you know… Casey your absolutely right when you said that if I died, you’d want to die too, because that’s how I feel, I don’t want to keep going Casey… its just too painful.” Jinny slowly backed away from the coffin… “Bye Casey, remember that I’ll love you, forever… and I’ll see you and mom again… soon.” Jinny slowly left the room, and headed towards the gathering.
Everyone stopped talking when the saw Jinny enter the room. Her eyes were red, and she had this look on her face, like the world as we know it… is over. “Hey Jinny girl,” her father said walking towards her, “I was afraid you wouldn’t make it… why weren’t you at the funeral.” He asked gently.
“I was there… I just sat in the corner, away from everyone else.” Jinny replied as she turned away from her father. John Exstead Sr. wasn’t sure what to say to his daughter… he knew her and Casey were close, but the look on her face scared him.
“Jinny… what’s wrong?” he asked his daughter.
“What’s wrong… WHAT”S WRONG!! Dad, my brother…my best friend…my family is gone. “ Jinny said looking at her dad. She knew she had hurt her father by her words, but she didn’t really care. Jinny turned to look at the others in the room, who were intently watching Jinny. “Come on guys… there got to be something better to do then listen to me talk.” Most of the people in the crowd took a hint, and started talking again, but some didn’t.
“Jinny, dad was just trying to help.” John Jr. said as her father walked away.
“I know…” Jinny answered, “I just… never mind.”
“Jin… you know your not the only one hurting here, even though it may not seem like it… I loved Casey too.” John Jr. said staring at her sister.
“I know that John, but tell me something… does anyone else in here have no one else to turn to… did anyone else just lose the ONLY person that would love them, even though they weren’t perfect?” Jinny asked as she raised her voice to John.
“Jinny… you have me and Dad… your friends.” John said matching Jinny’s voice.
“No, you John… you never loved me, remember growing up, and how your favorite activity was making fun of your… and I quote, ugly, worthless sister, who will never be anybody… and dad who loved me so much he decided to come to my 15th birthday party drunk… and my friends, unfortunately I’ve hurt everyone who once were my friends so I don’t think they’ll come to the rescue.” Jinny yelled as more tears came. John just stared at her and as Jinny turned to leave, she saw Magda and the Captain watching her.
Jinny got in her car and just started to drive, she wasn’t sure where she wanted to go, and she just drove. An hour later, Jinny pulled into a beautiful cemetery overlooking the San Francisco Bay. She carefully parked her car and walked over to a beautiful stature of a white angel. “Hi mom,” Jinny said as she put her arm on the angels’ wing, “I suppose you already know this, but Casey died. Why…Why does everyone that I care about have to die before their time. I don’t understand why the world hates me so much to take away my mom when I was only 14,and my brother and best friend when I need him most… but that doesn’t really matter does it? Because I’m going to see you and Casey…very soon.” Jinny slowly sat down on the bench next to her mother’s gave and pulled out her gun. She stared at it for a minute before carefully raising it to her head
“Wait a second,” a voice from behind her called. Jinny turned around to stare into the face of a man she didn’t know. He had short, curly blonde hair, and deep blue eyes.
“Who are you?” Jinny said as she lowered the gun.
“My name is Nathan Black, and I saw you as I drove past… why were you going to kill yourself?”
“Simple… to be with my family. Besides no one seems to care about me here.”
“You must have someone who cares, maybe a husband or boyfriend.”
“Nope, I’m single.” Jinny replied.
“Really… I would have thought someone as pretty as you would have a boyfriend.”
Jinny blushed, “No… I live a very screwed up life.”
“Well… since your probably never going to see me again, why don’t you tell me about your problems, maybe I can help.” Nathan suggested sitting next to Jinny.
“Okay… well this is my mom’s grave. She died when I was only 14, she committed suicide. I remember coming home from school that day to find her dead in the bathroom… that’s when my problems began. I stared drinking… because whenever I was drunk, I didn’t feel the pain and guilt my mom left me with. Soon after I started sleeping around with every guy I could find. The only person who cared about me, and never gave up on me was my brother Casey. A few days ago, Casey was shot and killed… so you see, I have nothing, so I’m just ending it now.”
“Well… I’m not going to make you keep going… but tell me something, do you have any other family members?”
“Yeah, my dad and older brother John.” Jinny answered.
“Think about how they’ll feel if they lose you, after they already lost two other family members… do you want to do that to them?”
Jinny thought for a moment, “No… even though we don’t get along, they don’t deserve that… Thank you.”
Nathan smiled, “Can I take you out to dinner or something?”
“Sure.” Jinny carefully put her gun away, and stood up, and walked with Nathan back to their cars.
“So, I suppose since I’m eating dinner with you, I should at least know your name.” Nathan said as they sat down at a table at Anchorside.
“Oh, I forgot, Jinny Exstead.”
“Well, it’s nice to meet you Jinny.”
“No, It’s nice to meet you, you saved me from making the biggest mistake of my life.”
“I couldn’t let someone so gorgeous just throw their life away.”
Jinny smiled and looked down, “So Nathan tell me about yourself, after all you sure do know a lot about me.”
“Well I’m a art teacher at Golden Gate High School, I have a younger brother Josh.”
Jinny smiled, “I went to Golden Gate High…. Not the most pleasant experience.”
Nathan laughed, “High School isn’t usually a pleasant experience.”
“Hey Jin, can I get either of you too a drink? You want your regular Jinny?” A waitress said as she arrived at their table.
“Actually No, can just get some coffee.” Jinny replied, “I’m going to cut back on the drinks.” Jinny replied.
“Coffee sounds good for me too.” Nathan said looking at Jinny. “Are you going to quit?” Nathan asked when the waitress left.
“Yeah… Casey really wanted me to.” Jinny answered.
“Good for you. So Jinny, where do you work?”
“I’m an Inspector for the SFPD.”
“Oh… that explains the gun. You know I’ve never met an Inspector before.”
“Well, were just like everybody else.” Jinny said laughing. But her smile quickly faded when she saw who walked through the doors.
“What’s wrong?” Nathan asked.
“The guy who just walked in, with the leather jacket… that’s my older brother John.” Nathan looked at John, at the same time John saw Jinny.
“Jinny… why did you leave the reception like that?”
“John, I needed to get away, and think.” Jinny replied.
“Don’t you mean you had to leave to meet this guy in a bar?” John asked his sister.
“No John… I actually left to shoot myself in the head, but his guy here, Nathan, talked me out of it.” Jinny said quietly.
“What…kill yourself, but Jin…why?”
“I was confused… and hurting. But I’m okay now.”
“God Jin, please don’t ever kill yourself. I’ve lost a mother and a brother… I don’t want to lose my only sister. Who I might add, is a beautiful, talented, not worthless person I am proud to call my sister.” John said, “Well enough of this sappy brother sister stuff, I need a drink. Want something?”
“No John, but thanks.” Jinny replied. John just nodded and headed towards the bar. Jinny glanced over at Nathan who was smiling, “You were so right… how can I ever repay you?” She asked.
“Simple… go out with me again, tomorrow maybe.” Nathan asked hopefully.
“I would love to,” Jinny replied smiling. “I should probably go, so here’s my number, both at work, and my cell phone, so call me about tomorrow.” Jinny said as she handed him a card. “Bye.”
As Jinny walked away she only had one thought on her mind, “I’ve never met such a great guy before, I’m really lucky.”
As he watched Jinny leave the restaurant he only had one thing running through his head, “I’ve never met such a great girl before, I’m really lucky.”
THE END
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Esperanza :)
By Esperanza
Casey Exstead and his partner Katie were on the trail of a crazy driver. They had been following for a couple of minutes, and they knew he was going to reach the police barricade in a few seconds. The car they were following suddenly swerved off the road, and a tall man got out of his car, and started running. Casey pulled up behind him, and he and Katie started following him. Casey was a faster runner, and pulled out ahead of Katie, and he was gaining on the man. The man suddenly stopped, he turned and shot at Casey, then turned the gun on himself and fired. Katie froze when she saw Casey lying on the ground. She grabbed her radio, “OFFICER DOWN!!” She yelled, “I’M IN FRONT OF A TOYOTA STORE IN SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO. REPEAT OFFICER DOWN!! ” Within a few minutes an ambulance and police arrived. The man they were chasing was determined to be dead, but Casey was still breathing. They carefully lifted him into the ambulance and drove away.
Jinny was in the middle of the weekly Inspectors meeting when an officer came in and handed Captain McCafferty a note. Kate quickly read it, then glanced up at Jinny. “Exstead, come here for a second.” Jinny stood up and Kate walked over to a corner. “Jin, Casey was just shot… he’s down at St. Francis hospital now.” Jinny paled and put her hand to her head, “Captain, please let me take the day off. Casey is all the real family I have, and I can’t afford to lose him.” Kate nodded her head and Jinny quickly left the meeting. By now the other officers were looking at Kate questionably. “One of our officers was shot about 15 minutes ago, and is in critical condition.” Kate answered their unanswered question.
“What officer?” CD asked.
“Casey Exstead” The room was silent. Everyone knew Jinny and Casey were very close,
Jinny quickly drove to St. Francis Hospital, and parked her car. She walked into the ICU and saw John Jr. pacing, and her father staring blankly into the wall. “John, how is he?” Jinny asked.
“Not good Jin… the bullet did a lot of damage.” He answered.
Jinny sat down in the nearest chair and put her head in her hands. This can’t be happening, she thought. She felt herself begin to cry, but she couldn’t help it. Casey was her best friend growing up, the only one she felt she could totally trust. Jinny felt a hand on her back, and turned to see John, sitting next to her.
“Don’t worry Jin… Casey is a fighter, he can pull through this.” John said to his sister.
‘But what if he doesn’t? I don’t know what I’d do if he dies.” John was silent. He hated to see his sister like this. Even thought his brother was different, he still loved him, but he sometimes felt jealous of the bond Jinny and Casey shared.
A doctor walked over to them, “Are you here for Casey Exstead?”
“Yes,” John Jr. replied.
“We did all we could do, now it’s up to him. All three of you can go in, but he is still unconscious from all the painkillers. Room 12 A.” The doctor walked away, and Jinny and John Jr. stood up.
“Are you coming dad?” Jinny asked her father.
“Yeah,” he replied as he also stood and followed his kids down the hall. Jinny slowly opened the door to room 12 A and stepped inside. Casey looked so weak, not like he normally did. Jinny sat down in the seat next to him and grabbed his hand.
“Hey Casey,” she said as she grabbed his hand, “you can’t leave me Casey… I don’t know how I could go on. You remember at my…my intervention, when you said how scared you were that I was going to kill myself, and then you’d want to die to… well believe me, the feeling is mutual, please Casey.” Jinny could feel herself falling apart, and stood up, “I need to get some coffee,” She said glancing at her dad, and brother. Jinny walked down into the cafeteria, and got the largest cup of coffee they sold, then walked back into the ICU waiting area. She sat down, and just shut her eyes. She couldn’t handle being in the same room as her brother… it brought back memories of her mother…
“Jinny?” a voice from behind her said. Jinny turned around, and saw Katie standing behind her.
“Hey Katie.”
“How’s Casey?” she asked.
“The doctors did all they could do for him, it really up to Casey now.”
“Oh… do you mind if I sit by you?”
“Please, I don’t think I want to be alone.”
Katie slowly sat down. “So Katie, you and Casey have been partners since you got out of the academy right?” Jinny asked
“Yeah, I hope he knows how much he meant to me as a friend, I wish I had told him, thank you… just once, for always listening to me.”
“I know what you mean. Casey was always there for me… I love him so much, I just hope he knows.”
“Don’t worry Jinny… he knows. He used to love to tell me all the complicated cases you solved... he was really proud.”
Jinny looked at Katie. And smiled, “I remember when we were young, John used to always liked to pick on Casey. And once, I was in the kitchen and he punched Casey, and I was so mad, I really gave John a beating… and he rarely hit Casey again.” “Jinny…” John Jr. said coming out of the hallway. He had tears in his eyes, and Jinny knew something was wrong. “Casey just died.”
Jinny put her head down and cried. The world around her was falling apart, and she didn’t know what to do. John Sr. walked towards his daughter, “Jinny Girl,” he said, “think about Casey. He wouldn’t want you to cry so hard over his death, he would want you to remember the good times.”
Jinny looked up at her dad, fury in her eyes, “How would you know what he would want? You were never there for him I was… he actually did at one time come to you first, but he gave up on you. I’m the only one Casey could count on in this family, and he was the only one I could talk to.” Jinny grabbed her coat from the chair, and stormed out of the ICU, sobbing, for her lost brother, and friend.
Jinny pulled into Anchorside, she knew she shouldn’t be here drinking, but she needed to forget. She sat down at the bar, and looked at the bartender, it was one she knew, Sean.
“Are you okay Jinny?” Sean asked as he cleaned the tabletop in front of her.
“Yeah... just give me a shot of something strong, and keep them coming.” Sean returned momentarily with three shots of a light brown liquid. Jinny glanced at it, and not really caring what it was, downed it, then drank the other two. Jinny knew she was crying, but she didn’t seem to care, as she asked Sean for three more, of whatever she had just had
About the same time Jinny was drinking everything away, Captain McCafferty was making an announcement in the felony division of the SFPD.
“Attention everyone, it is my sad duty to report, that officer Casey Exstead passed away a few hours ago. Please keep the Exstead family in your thoughts and prayers, and especially look out for Jinny… she’ll be taking it a lot harder then the rest of her family.” Magda looked down at her desk, she couldn’t even imagine what Jinny was feeling… it was like she had just lost her entire family all at once. Magda picked up her phone, and dialed.
“Exstead.” The voice answered. The words were slow and slurred.
“Jin… where are you?” Magda asked.
“Um… Anchorside.” Jinny replied.
“Stay there okay Jin.”
“Okay…” Jinny had just hung up and Magda quickly walked into Captain McCafferty’s office.
“Captain, Jinny is at Anchorside drunk. Can I go get her and bring her to her apartment?” Magda asked quickly.
“Of course, and try and keep her from drinking more. I knew she was going to drink.”
“Captain, if your brother, and best friend just died, I think you’d want to forget to.” Magda said as she walked out of her office.
Magda walked into Anchorside and immediately spotted Jinny. “Come on Jin, let’s go home.”
“One more?” Jinny asked.
‘No Jin, come on.” Magda grabbed Jinny’s arm and helped her leave Anchorside. Magda drove to Jinny’s apartment and help her inside. Jinny laid down on the couch and fell asleep. Magda slowly walked around and picked up the garbage and empty bottles, and finally sat in a chair to read a magazine. A while later, Jinny groaned and sat up, her hand on her head. She saw Magda sitting in a chair.
“Thanks Mag.” Jinny said standing up.
“For what Jin?”
‘I would have kept drinking until I passed out.”
Magda set the magazine down, “I’m sorry about Casey.”
“Me too,” Jinny said as she grabbed a glass of water.
“I’ve got to go, Gabriel is expecting me. Please don’t drink anymore tonight.”
“I won’t” Jinny replied.
“Should I tell the Captain your not coming in tomorrow?”
“No, I’ll be there. If I say here I’ll just drink.”
“Okay, bye Jin.” Magda quietly closed the door behind her and Jinny grabbed a blanket and fell asleep on the couch.
There was an eerie silence as Jinny entered the Division…no one was quite sure what to say. “Jinny,” Kate said looking up, “I figured you’d take some time off.”
“No…it’s better if I’m busy.” Jinny slowly sat down at her desk.
“Jinny, I’m really sorry about Casey, he was a great guy.” CD said as she passed Jinny’s desk. Jinny didn’t answer just nodded her head.
“Jin… we have to call more of the lovely citizens of San Francisco, to return their property.” Magda said
“Great…” Jinny’s last sentence was cut off when she saw John come through the doors.
“Jinny, why did you turn your cell phone off? Dad’s been worried sick after you blew up at him.” John was yelling, and people were staring at them.
“John, don’t yell.” Jinny told her brother.
“ I’ll yell if I damn well want to. Casey is dead Jin, there’s nothing you can do.”
Jinny just looked at her brother, “I’m glad you care John.” She turned around left the division. A moment later John sighed and left also. Jinny came back a few minutes later. “You okay?” Angela asked, “Your brother seemed mad.”
Jinny sort of laughed, “John is always mad, and I’m his favorite target.”
“I thought older brothers were supposed to protect their younger siblings.” CD said smiling, “I know my brother did.”
“Well… in high school, he used to tell my boyfriends he’d get his gun out if they did anything to me. But then a few weeks ago he gave Casey 13 stitches, and me a couple of bruised ribs so…” Jinny shook her head, “my family is messed up.” The inspectors all got back to work, not quite sure how to answer Jinny.
“It is always hardest when someone so young dies in the line of duty. Casey Joseph Exstead, was a dedicated officer and friend… he will be missed dearly.” Police Chief (whatever her name was) sadly addressed the crowd “Today, we will remember Casey’s life, so that he may live on in our hearts, for years to come.” She sat down, and Katie slowly stood up, and walked to the microphone.
“They partnered my up with Casey right out of the Academy. He would always listen to me when I had a problem or something… and he never seemed to mind when I would dump my problems on him. It was a normal day when we went chasing after Mr. Smith… normal until he pulled out the gun and fired anyway. It’s odd because me and Casey had been talking about death just a few days ago. And he told me, if anything every happened to him, that I should watch out for his sister. That’s it… nothing about a funeral, or making sure he was in the paper… nothing having to do with himself. His only thoughts on his death, were for his sister Jinny… who was and will always be his best friend.” While Katie had been talking she had been fighting back tears, but she couldn’t take it anymore, and started sobbing uncontrollably. Kate gently pulled her away from the microphone.
Jinny stared ahead. She couldn’t think… she couldn’t feel… she was in too much pain. She could fell the tears as they slowly dripped down her cheeks, but she didn’t try and stop them. The funeral soon ended, and the crowd left to head to a small gathering to remember Casey. Jinny waited until the crowd had left before standing up from her spot in the corner. She had decided not to sit by her friends or family…. She needed to be alone, so she chose a secluded spot in the corner to sit during the funeral. Jinny made her way towards the coffin. “Hi Casey… I’m so sorry I wasn’t the best sister in the world. I really tried to be good, but you know… Casey your absolutely right when you said that if I died, you’d want to die too, because that’s how I feel, I don’t want to keep going Casey… its just too painful.” Jinny slowly backed away from the coffin… “Bye Casey, remember that I’ll love you, forever… and I’ll see you and mom again… soon.” Jinny slowly left the room, and headed towards the gathering.
Everyone stopped talking when the saw Jinny enter the room. Her eyes were red, and she had this look on her face, like the world as we know it… is over. “Hey Jinny girl,” her father said walking towards her, “I was afraid you wouldn’t make it… why weren’t you at the funeral.” He asked gently.
“I was there… I just sat in the corner, away from everyone else.” Jinny replied as she turned away from her father. John Exstead Sr. wasn’t sure what to say to his daughter… he knew her and Casey were close, but the look on her face scared him.
“Jinny… what’s wrong?” he asked his daughter.
“What’s wrong… WHAT”S WRONG!! Dad, my brother…my best friend…my family is gone. “ Jinny said looking at her dad. She knew she had hurt her father by her words, but she didn’t really care. Jinny turned to look at the others in the room, who were intently watching Jinny. “Come on guys… there got to be something better to do then listen to me talk.” Most of the people in the crowd took a hint, and started talking again, but some didn’t.
“Jinny, dad was just trying to help.” John Jr. said as her father walked away.
“I know…” Jinny answered, “I just… never mind.”
“Jin… you know your not the only one hurting here, even though it may not seem like it… I loved Casey too.” John Jr. said staring at her sister.
“I know that John, but tell me something… does anyone else in here have no one else to turn to… did anyone else just lose the ONLY person that would love them, even though they weren’t perfect?” Jinny asked as she raised her voice to John.
“Jinny… you have me and Dad… your friends.” John said matching Jinny’s voice.
“No, you John… you never loved me, remember growing up, and how your favorite activity was making fun of your… and I quote, ugly, worthless sister, who will never be anybody… and dad who loved me so much he decided to come to my 15th birthday party drunk… and my friends, unfortunately I’ve hurt everyone who once were my friends so I don’t think they’ll come to the rescue.” Jinny yelled as more tears came. John just stared at her and as Jinny turned to leave, she saw Magda and the Captain watching her.
Jinny got in her car and just started to drive, she wasn’t sure where she wanted to go, and she just drove. An hour later, Jinny pulled into a beautiful cemetery overlooking the San Francisco Bay. She carefully parked her car and walked over to a beautiful stature of a white angel. “Hi mom,” Jinny said as she put her arm on the angels’ wing, “I suppose you already know this, but Casey died. Why…Why does everyone that I care about have to die before their time. I don’t understand why the world hates me so much to take away my mom when I was only 14,and my brother and best friend when I need him most… but that doesn’t really matter does it? Because I’m going to see you and Casey…very soon.” Jinny slowly sat down on the bench next to her mother’s gave and pulled out her gun. She stared at it for a minute before carefully raising it to her head
“Wait a second,” a voice from behind her called. Jinny turned around to stare into the face of a man she didn’t know. He had short, curly blonde hair, and deep blue eyes.
“Who are you?” Jinny said as she lowered the gun.
“My name is Nathan Black, and I saw you as I drove past… why were you going to kill yourself?”
“Simple… to be with my family. Besides no one seems to care about me here.”
“You must have someone who cares, maybe a husband or boyfriend.”
“Nope, I’m single.” Jinny replied.
“Really… I would have thought someone as pretty as you would have a boyfriend.”
Jinny blushed, “No… I live a very screwed up life.”
“Well… since your probably never going to see me again, why don’t you tell me about your problems, maybe I can help.” Nathan suggested sitting next to Jinny.
“Okay… well this is my mom’s grave. She died when I was only 14, she committed suicide. I remember coming home from school that day to find her dead in the bathroom… that’s when my problems began. I stared drinking… because whenever I was drunk, I didn’t feel the pain and guilt my mom left me with. Soon after I started sleeping around with every guy I could find. The only person who cared about me, and never gave up on me was my brother Casey. A few days ago, Casey was shot and killed… so you see, I have nothing, so I’m just ending it now.”
“Well… I’m not going to make you keep going… but tell me something, do you have any other family members?”
“Yeah, my dad and older brother John.” Jinny answered.
“Think about how they’ll feel if they lose you, after they already lost two other family members… do you want to do that to them?”
Jinny thought for a moment, “No… even though we don’t get along, they don’t deserve that… Thank you.”
Nathan smiled, “Can I take you out to dinner or something?”
“Sure.” Jinny carefully put her gun away, and stood up, and walked with Nathan back to their cars.
“So, I suppose since I’m eating dinner with you, I should at least know your name.” Nathan said as they sat down at a table at Anchorside.
“Oh, I forgot, Jinny Exstead.”
“Well, it’s nice to meet you Jinny.”
“No, It’s nice to meet you, you saved me from making the biggest mistake of my life.”
“I couldn’t let someone so gorgeous just throw their life away.”
Jinny smiled and looked down, “So Nathan tell me about yourself, after all you sure do know a lot about me.”
“Well I’m a art teacher at Golden Gate High School, I have a younger brother Josh.”
Jinny smiled, “I went to Golden Gate High…. Not the most pleasant experience.”
Nathan laughed, “High School isn’t usually a pleasant experience.”
“Hey Jin, can I get either of you too a drink? You want your regular Jinny?” A waitress said as she arrived at their table.
“Actually No, can just get some coffee.” Jinny replied, “I’m going to cut back on the drinks.” Jinny replied.
“Coffee sounds good for me too.” Nathan said looking at Jinny. “Are you going to quit?” Nathan asked when the waitress left.
“Yeah… Casey really wanted me to.” Jinny answered.
“Good for you. So Jinny, where do you work?”
“I’m an Inspector for the SFPD.”
“Oh… that explains the gun. You know I’ve never met an Inspector before.”
“Well, were just like everybody else.” Jinny said laughing. But her smile quickly faded when she saw who walked through the doors.
“What’s wrong?” Nathan asked.
“The guy who just walked in, with the leather jacket… that’s my older brother John.” Nathan looked at John, at the same time John saw Jinny.
“Jinny… why did you leave the reception like that?”
“John, I needed to get away, and think.” Jinny replied.
“Don’t you mean you had to leave to meet this guy in a bar?” John asked his sister.
“No John… I actually left to shoot myself in the head, but his guy here, Nathan, talked me out of it.” Jinny said quietly.
“What…kill yourself, but Jin…why?”
“I was confused… and hurting. But I’m okay now.”
“God Jin, please don’t ever kill yourself. I’ve lost a mother and a brother… I don’t want to lose my only sister. Who I might add, is a beautiful, talented, not worthless person I am proud to call my sister.” John said, “Well enough of this sappy brother sister stuff, I need a drink. Want something?”
“No John, but thanks.” Jinny replied. John just nodded and headed towards the bar. Jinny glanced over at Nathan who was smiling, “You were so right… how can I ever repay you?” She asked.
“Simple… go out with me again, tomorrow maybe.” Nathan asked hopefully.
“I would love to,” Jinny replied smiling. “I should probably go, so here’s my number, both at work, and my cell phone, so call me about tomorrow.” Jinny said as she handed him a card. “Bye.”
As Jinny walked away she only had one thought on her mind, “I’ve never met such a great guy before, I’m really lucky.”
As he watched Jinny leave the restaurant he only had one thing running through his head, “I’ve never met such a great girl before, I’m really lucky.”
THE END
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Esperanza :)