Malibu Nights—Part 3
By Nancy F. Thysell (the Nifty Lady)
This story follows immediately after Malibu Nights—Part 2.
###
Monday, 8:00 p.m.—Chris Martin’s apartment
Chris Martin closed the door behind Officer Gary Forester and bolted the lock. The forensic team had completed doing the fingerprinting and hopefully they would find a set of prints that would help them catch that man. Chris slowly turned around and walked through her apartment. She felt violated. Strangers had been in her apartment and the thought of it made her skin crawl. She thought that perhaps she should call her friend Vicki Thomas and have her come over and spend the night. She must have picked up the phone a half a dozen times over the next forty-five minutes but she just couldn’t make herself dial Vicki’s number. Instead, finally, she picked up the phone and dialed the hospital. She paced as she waited for Johnny to answer the line.
"Hello?" she heard his sleepy voice say.
"Oh! Did I wake you? I’m sorry," Chris apologized.
"Chris? No, uhmmm, that’s okay. I’m awake now." She heard him yawn.
"I guess I shouldn’t have called." She almost regretted calling.
"No. No. Don’t be silly. I told you call whenever...Is everything all right?" Johnny was fully awake now. He rubbed his eyes and sat up in the bed.
"Yeah. Everything’s okay. Well..." she answered haltingly.
"What is it, Chris?" he demanded.
"I don’t know, Johnny. The apartment feels funny."
"Are you okay?" The worry in Chris’ voice had him concerned.
"Well, yes, I’m okay. It just feels strange, you know. I mean all these people have been in my apartment. He was in my apartment."
"Hey, I know, sweetie. It’s okay. Don’t worry. It’ll be okay." Johnny kicked into his paramedic mode of soothing tones.
"I just wish I wasn’t alone tonight," Chris pouted.
"Can’t you call your friend who picked you up today?" Johnny suggested.
"I suppose. I guess I just wanted to hear your voice," she softly admitted.
Johnny smiled. "Well, I’m glad you called me."
"Me too. Well, I guess I’d better let you go back to sleep."
"No. Wait. What are you doing tomorrow? Are you going to work?"
"No. I’ve got to file a claim with my insurance company and see about getting a rental for the next couple of days. My boss told me to take off as much time as I needed but you know how it is. If you don’t work, you don’t get paid. I can’t afford to take off too much time."
"I hear ya. Well, listen. I should be getting out tomorrow. Why don’t we go have dinner together?"
Chris laughed. "You think that’s such a good idea?"
"Hey, how many times can we get held up?" Johnny joked.
"I don’t think I want to find out," Chris chuckled in response.
"Oh, are you turning me down?"
"Of course not. I’d love to have dinner with you. Are you sure Pam won’t mind?" she teased.
"Very funny. Pam’s leaving on an early morning flight."
"Oh, I see. So, I guess that means I’m your second choice," Chris chided.
"No!" Johnny responded a little more forcefully than he had meant to. Maybe dating two women at the same time wasn’t a good idea. "I want to see you tomorrow."
Chris hesitated a moment. She had to admit to herself that this was a totally new experience for her. Not just dating someone like Johnny but sharing him too. It seemed strange. She knew Johnny was waiting for an answer. "Okay. What time shall I expect you?"
"How about six?" Johnny suggested.
"Sounds good. I’ll see you then."
"Well, you better give me directions and your phone number."
"Oh, you think that might be helpful?" Chris joked.
"If you want dinner it is."
Chris laughed and gave Johnny the directions and her phone number.
"I’m looking forward to seeing you again," Johnny told her. Chris smiled.
"Me too, Johnny. You sleep well."
"Sweet dreams, honey. Nighty night," he whispered before he hung up the phone.
"Night," Chris whispered to the handset and quietly replaced it. Slowly she got up and readied herself for bed.
###
Tuesday, 3:00 a.m.—Chris’ bedroom
Chris rolled over and stared at the clock on the nightstand. Had it only been an hour since she last looked? She had been waking up almost exactly every hour on the hour. Three o’clock. Chris sighed heavily. No way she was going to get a decent night’s sleep at this rate. She stared at the phone. It was too late to call anyone. I’d call Johnny if I thought I could get through the switchboard to his room. Sighing again, Chris sat up and swung her legs over the side of the bed. She got up, grabbing her crutch and made her way to the kitchen and looked in the refrigerator. She knew everything that what was in there. It was just a futile hope that something new had appeared. She grabbed the carton of juice and poured herself a glass. The chilled juice set her teeth on edge as she drained the glass. She rinsed it out and placed it in the sink. Then she decided she might as well wash it. There! That killed two minutes. Now what? She looked around the room. I guess I could mop the floor. She moved over to the closet and looked inside. But instead of reaching for the mop, she grabbed a box of brownie mix as a broad smile crossed her face. Within minutes she had gathered all the ingredients and had the batch mixed, poured and in the oven.
She flipped on the TV but there wasn’t much on so she picked up a magazine to read while she waited for the brownies to bake. She was resting on the sofa and started to doze off when the timer rang, waking her up. The aroma of freshly baked brownies filled the air. She smiled to herself as she removed the pan and set it aside to cool. She stifled a yawn, turned off the stove and returned to bed. It was almost four thirty. She hoped that she might get a few winks before she had to get up and going.
###
Tuesday, 10:30 a.m.—Johnny’s Hospital Room
Roy DeSoto, dresses in his civvies, poked his head through the door.
"Hey, Junior! You ready to go?" he asked as he entered carrying a paper sack.
Johnny looked up from the bed and smiled. "I hope so. The doc hasn’t been by yet this morning. What ya got there?"
Roy looked down at the bag and tossed it over to his friend. "Some clothes and things. I stopped by your house. Your next door neighbor’s been looking after the horses for you. Said he’d take care of things until you’re back on your feet. Oh, and Chet helped me jockey the Rover back to your place. By the way, you owe me fifty bucks."
"What!?" Johnny stared disbelieving, his jaw dropping.
"Sorry but that’s what the impound cost." Roy hated telling Johnny that but there wasn’t anything else he could do. The impound lot also charged a fee per day for storage so he knew that Johnny couldn’t afford another day.
Johnny frowned. "Damn! I knew I shouldn’t have parked on the street."
"Well, you’re just lucky they let me have it. You have no idea the hassle they put me through before they’d release it. Oh yeah, you also got a parking ticket."
"Well, aren’t you just the bearer of good news!" Gage snapped sarcastically.
"Hey, don’t shoot the messenger!" Roy threw his hands up in defense, chuckling softly.
"I know. I know. It’s not your fault. Man, this sure turned into an expensive weekend. I sure didn’t need this!" Johnny moaned. Just then, Dr. Stevens sailed into the room.
"Good morning, Mr. Gage," the older, gray-haired man greeted, somewhat clinically.
"Hiya, doc. So, do I get to go home?" Johnny asked hopefully. Dr. Stevens looked at Johnny’s chart before peering over his half glasses at his patient. He shoved his free hand into the pocket of his white lab coat.
"Well, Mr. Gage. I see your temperature has returned to normal so I see no reason to keep you any longer. How is your ankle feeling?"
Johnny stared down at his foot ruefully. "It’s still a bit tender."
"Well, I want you to stay off it as much as possible for the next couple of days. Use the crutches. You know the drill. Rest. Ice it. Elevate it. Aspirin for pain. Heat once the swelling is down. Any questions?"
"No sir."
"Very well. I’ll sign your release papers. The nurse will let you know when they’ve been processed."
"Thanks doc." Dr. Stevens gave Roy a cursory nod as he left the room. Johnny opened the sack. Inside he found toiletries and a change of clothes. He rewarded his partner with a crooked grin. "Thanks, Pally."
"Don’t mention it. You really didn’t think I’d take you home to my wife looking like that, did you?"
Johnny ran his hand over his two-day growth of beard and smiled. "I dunno. I thought maybe I’d change my look."
"Do us a favor, Junior. Shave! Please!" Roy pleaded with a smile. Johnny made a face at his partner as he swung his long legs over the side of the bed. Carefully cradling the sack under his arm, he hobbled over to the bathroom. Roy entertained himself with the magazine he found on John’s nightstand as his friend showered and dressed for the day.
###
Tuesday, 12:30 p.m.—The DeSoto home
Roy pulled into his driveway and looked over at his disgruntled partner.
"Look, Johnny. You know the kids will want to see you and JoAnne’s expecting you to stay."
"I want to go home, Roy!" Johnny reiterated again. "I don’t need to be babied!"
Roy gave Johnny a look he usually reserved for his kids. "Well, you’re here now and you’ll just have to make the best of it. Okay?"
Johnny shot him a sullen look as he opened the door. He reached over the back of the seat and grabbed his crutches. "Okay. But I don’t have to like it!" He got to his feet and let the door slam.
Roy rolled his eyes as he got out and followed Johnny to the house. The door opened and JoAnne came out to greet them.
"Johnny! It’s so good to see you!" she exclaimed as she gave her friend a kiss on the cheek. She was a little worried over Johnny’s countenance as he brushed past her without a word. She turned to Roy with questions in her eyes. He gave his wife a quick kiss on the lips.
"Hi hon. He wants to go home," Roy explained quietly. JoAnne nodded with understanding as Roy wrapped his arm around her waist and they went inside the house.
Johnny had already settled himself in Roy’s recliner and had his feet elevated. He looked miserable.
"I’ll have lunch ready in a few minutes," JoAnne announced as she crossed the room to the kitchen.
"Jo?" Johnny called as she passed. "Sorry. I don’t mean to be such a grump."
"It’s all right, Johnny. Just don’t make a habit of it, okay?"
"Okay." He half smiled at her and then rubbed his stomach. "So what’s for lunch? I’m starved!"
"I guess some things never change," JoAnne quipped. "It’s homemade vegetable soup and grilled cheese sandwiches."
"And plenty of milk?" Johnny called after her as she entered the kitchen.
"Of course!" she responded from the other room. Roy settled on the couch and studied his partner for a moment, as he lay in the chair with his eyes closed.
"You need anything?" he finally asked. Johnny barely opened his eyes and looked over at his friend.
"I guess I should put some ice on my ankle," he decided.
"Sure thing. I’ll go fix a pack for you." Roy jumped up from the couch and headed for the kitchen. Before he could get out of the room, Johnny stopped him.
"Hey, Roy?"
"Yeah?"
Johnny cast his eyes down. "You were right."
"About what?"
"About me needing to be here. It’s just that I don’t want to be a bother. And I really do want to be in my own place. You know what I mean?" He glanced up with questioning eyes.
Roy smiled. "Yeah, Junior. I know exactly what you mean."
A few minutes later Roy placed the ice pack around Johnny’s ankle and JoAnne brought him a tray so he could eat lunch. They had barely cleared the lunch dishes when Johnny nodded off into a sound sleep.
###
Tuesday, 4:00 p.m.—The DeSoto home
Eight-year-old Jennifer DeSoto bounded through the front door from school.
"Uncle Johnny!" she squealed as she spied her favorite "uncle." She ran across the room and jumped into his lap as he awoke to her voice.
"Whoa, careful Jen!" Johnny admonished as he adjusted his partner’s daughter on his lap. She fiercely hugged his neck.
"I’m so glad you’re here!" she cried and planted a kiss on his cheek. Johnny laughed and tousled her hair.
"Me too. Where’s your brother?"
Jennifer made a face.
"I dunno. I think he has scouts today. Read me a story? Please. Pretty please!" the young girl begged.
Just then Roy came down the stairs.
"Now, Jennifer. The doctor told Johnny he had to get some rest," Roy informed her. Jennifer’s bottom lip protruded.
"But Daddy," she pouted.
"No, buts, young lady. You need to go change out of your school clothes," her father instructed. She sighed and leaned her head on Johnny’s shoulder and played with her hands, avoiding looking at her father.
"Do I have to?" the little girl whined.
"Jennifer," Roy warned. Johnny gave her a gentle push.
"Come on sweetie. Do as your dad says," Johnny urged. Another heavy sigh and she removed herself from Johnny’s lap, resigned to her fate.
"Okay," she conceded. She made sure that both men could see how distraught she was by the pronounced pout she wore and dejectedly crossed the room to the stairs.
"And take your school books with you," her father reminded her. She dramatically rolled her eyes, lifted her burden of two books, and heavily trudged up the stairs to her room. Roy shook his head and chuckled.
"You’d think I was sentencing her to solitary confinement."
"I think you have a budding actress."
Roy looked at his partner. "I think you may be right. So how are you feeling?"
"Better all the time. But it just occurred to me that I’m not going to be able to drive a stick for a while," Johnny answered with a wave at his ankle.
"Well, JoAnne or I can take you anywhere you need to go," Roy offered.
"I know but I don’t know if you want to chauffeur me on my date tonight."
Roy raised his eyebrows. "You have a date? Tonight?"
Johnny smiled sheepishly. "Yeah. Chris agreed to have dinner with me tonight."
"I see. Well, I guess something can be arranged. Why don’t we bring her over here? I know JoAnne would love to meet her," Roy suggested.
"I dunno. I’m still just getting to know her."
"Frankly, Johnny. I don’t think you should be out on that foot all that much. It’s still pretty swollen," Roy observed. Johnny looked at his ankle and back at his partner. Gee, I hate it when Roy’s right.
"Okay, you win. If it’s okay with JoAnne," Johnny conceded.
"It’s fine with me," JoAnne called from the kitchen.
Laughing, Johnny threw his hands up in defeat. No way he was going to fight both Roy and JoAnne.
###
Meanwhile, across town—
Chris pulled away from the car rental place in the small compact car her insurance allowed for. She wasn’t too pleased with the choice. The size of the car made getting in and out of the vehicle difficult for her but she reminded herself that it was only for a few days. At the stoplight she glanced over at her brand new crutch. At least that chore had been easy. The police had taken the one the robber had left in her apartment as evidence. That was okay with Chris. Somehow, she really didn’t want it back. She became impatient dealing with the traffic. She felt vulnerable away from her apartment. She made a quick stop at the market and picked up some groceries.
The deejay on the radio announce the time and it made Chris painfully aware that she had a little over an hour to get herself ready for her date. Nervously she drummed her fingers on the steering wheel.
"Come on. Come on," she urged the traffic around her. Fifteen minutes later she finally pulled into her apartment building’s parking lot. She drove around the building to her space and stopped cold. There in her parking space was her pickup truck. She stared for a moment unblinking and then she began to shake. She was startled by a strangled cry and it took a moment before she realized that she had made the noise.
After a moment, she recovered her composure and pulled the rental car into the visitor’s parking space. She sat nervously and surveyed the area around her apartment building. What if he’s still here? She swallowed hard, uncertain what to do. She wanted to run into the building and hide in her apartment. A wave of panic flowed over her and she began to shake again. She looked up to see Harry, Mrs. Randall’s handy man, crossing the parking lot. She shut off the engine and opened the car door.
"Harry!" she called sharply. The older man stopped and turned to see who had called. He smiled and waved when he spotted Chris.
"Hello Miss Martin. Didn’t recognize you in that car," he yelled back. "What can I do for ya?"
"Could do me a favor?" she asked nervously.
"If I can," he replied as he crossed over to Chris’ rental car. Chris was struggling to get out of the low seated vehicle. Harry hurried over and helped her to her feet when he saw how difficult it was for her.
"Anything else?" Harry asked as Chris gathered her things. Chris didn’t want to say too much about how scared she was so she opted for needing assistance with her things.
"Thank you, Harry. I really could use a hand getting this stuff into the apartment. Would you mind?" Chris pointed to the bags of groceries in the back seat. Harry’s face broke into a broad smile.
"Not at all, Miss Martin. Let me just get those for you." Harry opened the rear door and pulled out the bags. Balancing them awkwardly he closed the door and followed Chris to her apartment. Chris still felt nervous but safer with her escort. She fumbled with the locks but getting them to open was becoming easier. Harry followed her inside and took the grocery bags to the kitchen.
"Thanks Harry. I owe you one," Chris told him as he made his way back to the door.
"No problem, Miss Martin. Glad to be of service. You just let me know if there’s anything you need. Anything at all."
"I will Harry," Chris promised as she closed the door behind him and bolted the door. She leaned against the door and sucked in a deep breath. She felt as though all her energy had drained from her body. She knew she needed to call the police but at that moment all she wanted was a hot shower. She decided the police could wait. Hell, the whole world could wait! With that, Chris headed for the bathroom.
###
Tuesday, 6:00 P.M.—Outside Chris’ apartment building
Roy steered JoAnne’s station wagon into the parking lot at the address on the slip of paper Johnny held in his hand. Roy found it amusing how nervous his partner seemed. He was acting like he was going on his first date. They had run by his house to check on the horses and to pick up some things for his stay at the DeSoto’s. Then he had agonized over what to wear. Even now in blue jeans and a white western shirt with the sleeves rolled up, his casual look couldn’t make him feel relaxed. Roy parked the car in front of the building.
"You want me to go with you, Junior?" he asked half seriously.
Johnny threw Roy a disbelieving look then saw his partner’s smirk.
"Ha ha. Very funny. No, I think I can handle this." He got out, adjusted the crutches and headed into the building. He rode the elevator to the second floor and made his way to Chris’ apartment and rang the bell.
Johnny waited nervously on his crutches for Chris to answer the door. For the life of him, he couldn’t figure out why he felt so nervous. He was just about to push the bell a second time when he heard movement inside the apartment.
"Who is it?" he heard Chris ask.
"It’s Johnny!" he called back. He could hear Chris undoing the bolt and a second later the door opened wide and Chris threw her arms tightly around his waist.
"I’m so glad you’re here!" she half sobbed into his chest. Instinctively, Johnny closed his arms about her shoulders, trying not to unbalance himself from the crutches.
"Hey, now. What’s wrong? I’m here now. It’s okay," he spoke comfortingly.
Chris sniffled and eased herself out of Johnny’s embrace.
"Come in. Please," she whispered.
Johnny followed Chris into her apartment. The young woman seemed apprehensive.
"What is it Chris?" He demanded with growing concern.
Chris turned to look Johnny in the eyes. "My truck is back," she whispered.
"What? When?"
"It was there when I came back with the rental car."
"Have you called the police?"
Chris shook her head. "No. I couldn’t deal with it by myself."
"Well, I’m here now. Do you want me to call?"
"Would you?" Chris nearly collapsed into a nearby chair. Johnny moved to her side in concern.
"Are you all right?" Chris nodded. She felt an immense sense of relief. Johnny went over to the phone and pick up the handset.
"Uh, Chris. Roy’s waiting for us out front. Would you mind telling him to come in?" he asked as he began to dial. He didn’t see the color drain from Chris’ face. She really didn’t want to venture outside alone but decided she was being silly.
"Sure. I’ll go get him." She rose shakily to her feet and headed out the door, pausing to look back at Johnny. He flashed her a confident smile. She returned the smile, with equal confidence, she hoped. She heard Johnny talking to the police department as she made her way to the elevator.
Roy looked up when he saw the apartment building door open. He was surprised to see Chris exit by herself. He opened his door and got out of the car.
"Hi Chris," he called as he walked around the front of the vehicle. Chris smiled at the blonde man.
"Hi Roy. We need you to come up to the apartment. Johnny’s phoning the police," Chris started to explain.
"Police? Now what?" DeSoto asked with concern.
"Come on up and I’ll tell you all about it."
###
Tuesday, 8:00 p.m.—Chris’ apartment
"We’ll be there as soon as the officers say we can go," Roy said in the phone. As soon as Chris had filled him in on the return of her truck and Johnny had finished calling the police, Roy had phoned JoAnne and told her that they would be late for dinner. Now, almost two hours later, he had called her again to give her an update. The police had taped off the area around Chris’ pickup truck and had questioned each of them, even though none of them had anything to add.
Finally, around nine o’clock, the police had impounded Chris’ truck and finished their questions. Chris insisted on bringing the pan of brownies that she had baked earlier that morning as an apology to JoAnne. Roy, Johnny and Chris wearily made their way down to Roy’s car.
Johnny helped Chris into the back seat and then worked himself into the seat beside her. They both had to laugh at how ungraceful the two them were with their crutches and bad legs.
They had a quiet late dinner with the DeSoto’s. Chris and Jennifer had already been sent to bed before their arrival so it was only the adults for dinner. Chris was tired but found she enjoyed the company of Johnny’s friends. After dinner they retired to the living room. JoAnne served coffee with Chris’ brownies. JoAnne insisted that Johnny prop his foot up so they could ice it down again. He opted to put it up on the coffee table so he could sit next to Chris. They were enjoying a congenial conversation when Johnny realized that Chris had fallen asleep. He looked over at Roy and grinned, pointing to the sleeping girl.
JoAnne smiled as she stood up. "I’ll go turn down the bed in the guest room. Johnny, I guess you get the couch," she whispered. Roy stood up and went to gather Chris in his arms.
"Careful," Johnny cautioned as Roy lifted Chris up. Roy shot his partner a look of disdain. Chris shifted slightly as Roy carried her up the stairs but did not awaken. JoAnne helped her husband ease the young woman onto the bed. JoAnne had to smile at how tenderly her husband handled her. She could just imagine how Roy was on the job, taking care of his victims.
Roy returned downstairs with a blanket and pillow for Johnny and found him trying to get comfortable in the recliner.
"You think you rather sleep there than on the couch," Roy asked as he handed his friend the pillow. Johnny grabbed the pillow and stuck it behind his head.
"Well, at least I can keep my foot elevated this way," Johnny responded as he tried to get comfortable. "How’s Chris?"
"She never woke up. It was like putting Jennifer to bed," Roy chuckled. "She’s really sweet, John."
Johnny smiled. "Yeah, she is, isn’t she?"
"Night partner," Roy told his friend as he turned out the lights.
"Night Roy."
###
Wednesday, 8:00 a.m.—The DeSoto’s home
"Watch, Uncle Johnny! Watch!" Chris DeSoto insisted as tried to balance his cereal spoon on his nose.
"Christopher DeSoto!" his mother admonished as his "uncle" laughed. "You put that spoon down, right now and finish your cereal!"
"Yes ma’am," he obeyed dejectedly.
"More coffee, Johnny?" JoAnne asked as she put the finishing touches on the children’s lunches by including a couple of Chris Martin’s brownies.
"Thanks, just a little," he instructed as she poured the hot liquid in his cup. Jennifer bounced through the door and plopped down in the chair next to Johnny.
"Good morning, sweetie," Johnny greeted the youngest DeSoto.
"Morning, Uncle Johnny," Jennifer beamed up at her favorite uncle. He poured milk over her bowl of cereal. "Thank you," she said politely as she shoved her spoon into the bowl and then into her mouth. Milk dribbled down her chin. Johnny reached over and wiped it with a napkin. Jennifer giggled as she told him to stop.
Roy padded into the kitchen, wearing his bathrobe.
"Morning everybody," he greeted cheerfully. JoAnne met him with a quick kiss and a fresh cup of coffee. He said down at the breakfast table next to Christopher, tousling his son’s hair as he did.
"Hey sport."
"Oh, dad!" Chris complained, good-heartedly.
"Where’s Chris?" Roy asked Johnny. His son and daughter gave their father a questioning look, like, duh, wasn’t it obvious where Chris was? Roy noted the exchange. "I mean, Miss Martin. Isn’t she up yet?"
Jennifer giggled. Johnny turned to her and asked, "What's so funny?"
"She's got a boy' s name!"
"Well, Jen, that's just one of those names that's okay for a girl or a boy," Johnny explained. "Her real name is Crystal but her friends call her 'Chris' just like your brother' s name is Christopher and we call him 'Chris'. Understand?"
"I still think it's funny."
Roy chuckled into his coffee cup at the exasperated look on Johnny's face.
"Come on, kids. You're bus'll be here soon. Get a move on!" JoAnne ordered. The youngsters quickly finished their breakfasts, grabbed their lunches and books, and gave the adults all a quick hug and kiss good-bye. Quiet descended on the DeSoto household as the door slammed behind the two.
JoAnne placed a platter of scrambled eggs and bacon on the table. "Toast is coming. I'm going to go check on Chris."
"Thanks honey," Roy replied as he grabbed the platter and began serving himself. Johnny started to get up. "What'd ya need, Junior?"
"I was going to get the juice," Johnny responded.
"I'll get it. You stay off your foot," Roy ordered. He got up and crossed to the refrigerator and pulled out the pitcher of juice and brought it back to the table.
"Thanks, Pally!"
"Don't mention it," Roy told him as he reseated himself.
JoAnne returned a few minutes later.
"She's still sound asleep. I didn't want to wake her," JoAnne explained as she sat down. She frowned slightly at the meager portion left on the platter as she served herself. But considering that she was feeding both Roy and Johnny, she considered herself lucky that any food was left.
The conversation turned to what chores JoAnne had for Roy to do that day. Johnny started grinning as the list became longer and longer. Finally, JoAnne turned to Johnny. "And you--"
"Me? I can't do anything with this bum ankle," Johnny protested. JoAnne arched an eyebrow at him.
"Oh yeah? Well, I' ll have you know, John Roderick Gage--"
"Ut oh, the full name, you're in trouble now," Roy chortled. JoAnne glared at her husband briefly before turning back to Johnny. Roy finished his breakfast quietly.
"Ahem! As I was trying to say, I have lots of laundry to do today and you will be folding it for me!"
"Ah, JoAnne!" Johnny whined but the look she gave him silenced him from complaining. "Yes ma'am."
"Good. Now that that' s settled, we have dishes to do," JoAnne announced as she got up from the table and started clearing the table.
"We?" Roy asked.
"Yes, we. You wash. Johnny dries and I'll put them away. I'm going to go start the wash. I'll be back in a minute."
With that JoAnne was off to the laundry room. Roy took his dishes with him to sink and began to fill it with hot soapy water. He turned and looked at Johnny.
"And we thought Cap was tough," he quipped. Johnny shook his head and laughed in agreement as he got to his feet and made over to the sink.
"At least we don' t have a latrine to clean," Johnny concluded.
"Shhhh. Don' t give her any ideas," Roy warned with a laugh. Johnny chuckled in response and grabbed a dish towel. At least it wasn' t any worse than having KP at the station and they had the dishes done in no time at all.
Soon, Johnny was sitting in the recliner with his foot elevated. Roy had showered and changed and left to run errands. JoAnne was making up the bedrooms as Johnny waited for the first load of laundry to fold. Chris was still sleeping soundly.
It was almost eleven o' clock when JoAnne deposited another stack of laundry by Johnny's chair. He good-naturedly groaned at the sight. JoAnne gathered up the folded pieces and headed up the stairs.
"Jo?" Johnny called after her. She stopped and turned on the stairs.
"What Johnny?"
"You think you should wake Chris up? She's been asleep over twelve hours," he said with some concern.
"I'll check on her. You know, this just might have been the first good sleep she's had since Saturday."
"I think you're right," Johnny conceded. JoAnne disappeared up the stairs. When she returned a few minutes later she smiled at Johnny's questioning look.
"She's awake. She'll be down as soon as she showers and freshens up."
"Thanks Jo. I sure don't know what I'd do if it weren't for you and Roy," he told her.
"Oh, Johnny. You know you're like family to us. We wouldn't have it any other way."
"I know. I just want to be sure you know how much I appreciate you."
JoAnne stopped by the recliner and put her hand on Johnny' s shoulder. "Thank you, Johnny. We love you, too."
Johnny smiled bashfully and returned to folding the clothes in the basket. As JoAnne went about her chores, Johnny contemplated how much he wished he had everything that Roy and JoAnne did.
Fifteen minutes later, Chris made her way down the stairs. Her hair was damp from her shower and her face was devoid of makeup since she hadn't brought an overnight bag with her. Johnny was struck with how fresh and innocent she appeared and smiled charmingly at her.
"Morning sleepyhead," he greeted.
"Morning," she responded happily with a yawn. She crossed the room and bent over to give him a kiss. John held her to the kiss a moment longer and impulsively pulled her into his lap.
"Johnny!" Chris scolded, half heartedly.
"It's okay," he whispered conspiratorially. "We're almost alone."
Chris giggled. "It's the 'almost' that has me worried."
"Come here," he growled playfully and pulled her into a passionate kiss. Chris felt herself melt into his arms and lose herself. It was a passion that she had never known before and she had to admit she liked it.
###
Wednesday, 8:30 p.m.--Outside Chris' apartment
Chris leaned against the door jamb and gazed into Johnny's eyes.
"I really had a wonderful time. JoAnne and Roy are wonderful. I can't believe I slept like that though," Chris laughed. Johnny liked the sound of her laughter.
"So when are we getting together again," he asked. Chris glanced down at her feet and back into his liquid brown eyes.
"Well, I' m going back to work tomorrow. I may be too tired after work to do anything then. But there's always Friday night."
"Or all day Saturday," Johnny suggested with a grin.
"Well, why don' t you call me tomorrow after work and we' ll discuss it then?" Chris suggested with a returned smile.
"Sounds good to me. I' ll call you around six?"
"That would be wonderful. I look forward to it." Chris found herself toying with the buttons on Johnny's shirt. He chuckled and wrapped his arms around her.
"Me too, sweetie. Now you' d better go get a good night's sleep," Johnny admonished.
"Okay," Chris promised. Johnny' s lips found hers and he kissed her tenderly.
"G'night," he whispered when they finally came up for air.
"Night," she responded breathlessly. He gave her another lingering kiss.
"You' d better go before Roy comes looking for us," Chris giggled. Johnny sighed.
"Yeah, you' re probably right. I' ll talk to you tomorrow," Johnny promised and waited while Chris unlocked the door and entered her apartment. Then he waited until he heard Chris relock the bolt before he headed back down to Roy's car.
Chris leaned against the door and listened as Johnny' s footstep disappeared. She smiled dreamily and then she straightened up and flipped on the light switch. She frowned when the light failed to turn on.
"Damn," she swore softly. " I sure hope it's just the light bulb." Carefully she made her way across the darkened room to another lamp. Nothing happened when she tried to switch it on. Suddenly, a cold chill ran down her spine and she had the eerie feeling that she wasn't alone. Chris carefully made her way over to the telephone and quietly picked up the handset. Her heart was racing and she began to panic when she realized that there was no dial tone . She tried to listen intently for any indication of where the person might be as she began to make her way back to the door.
Nervously, Chris reached to undo the deadbolt when a hand reached out from the darkness and grabbed hers.
"I don' t think so, sweetheart," the man hissed into her ear. A small gasp escaped her lips and she trembled. She couldn't see him but she knew. She knew it was him.
###
END PART 3
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