Part 3
Rachel's eyes widened when she saw the white stretch limo parked in front of the church. “What in the world? Louisa, you didn't.”
“I did,” the young woman grinned, “but not by myself. We all chipped in so that your bachelorette party would have real class. If you think this is great, wait until you see the driver.”
The redhead's jaw dropped when a tall man with curly blond hair and muscles to spare climbed out of the seat and opened the rear door. “You must be the lucky bride-to-be,” he smiled. “If you ladies are ready, we should go. I wouldn't want you to miss the first act.”
“Definitely not,” giggled Dixie . “Hold on to your hat, Rachel. We have a very special evening planned for you.” She leaned back in her seat and accepted a glass of wine from a second young man. “Thank you, Marcus. Lorenzo, you know what to do.”
“Yes, ma'am,” answered Lorenzo, flashing his rather impressive dimples. He started the car and pulled away from the curb just as Chet and the rest of the men came out of the church. “And not a moment too soon.”
“Those turkeys better not follow us,” said Lara. “They might be a little uncomfortable, if you know what I mean.”
“They wouldn't see anything they haven't before,” laughed Joanne.
Twenty minutes later, the limousine stopped in front of the Chippendale's Night Club. Lorenzo and Marcus jumped out and held the door open, grinning slyly. “Enjoy yourselves, ladies. We'll see you inside.”
Louisa took her friend's arm and dragged her into the dimly lit club. “Our seats are down front,” she chuckled. “Waiter, a bottle of your best champagne! Mami , do you have that thing we were talking about?”
Maria nodded and produced a sequined crown. She fitted it over Rachel's head and smiled. “I dub thee Princess Potter, soon to be Mrs. Chester Beauregard Kelly.”
Lara raised her glass. “A toast to the beginning of your new life as the wife of a fireman!” she hollered. “May your marriage be long, happy, and fruitful!” The others seconded her words and drank.
The club darkened and the emcee appeared. “Good evening and welcome to Chippendales!” he shouted. “We have a very special show for you tonight. Ladies, may I present our very own Apollo!”
A chorus of wolf whistles and raucous cheers greeted the first dancer. The man was dressed in form-fitting, black satin pants with matching bowtie and cuffs. His oiled chest glistened as he gyrated across the stage. “Wiggle those buns, baby!” yelled a woman at the next table. She jumped up and waved a crumpled bill.
By the time the emcee returned to announce the grand finale two hours later, Rachel and her group were feeling the effects of three bottles of champagne and a wide assortment of mixed drinks. Louisa giggled foolishly as she spilled her fifth shot of Jack Daniels down the front of her blouse. Joanne swallowed the rest of her martini and let out a mighty belch. “'Scuse me,” she mumbled, wiping her lips with the back of her hand.
“What'd cha do, fart?” hiccupped Dixie , almost falling out of her chair. “Whoa, the room's tilting. I think I'm looped.”
“I'm not as think as you drunk I am,” slurred Lara, a silly smile on her face. She staggered to her feet and grabbed a passing waiter. He tried to pull away, yelping in surprise when Maria shot out a hand and pinched his butt. “Want some fries to go with that shake?” she snickered drunkenly.
“And now for the highlight of the evening! Rachel Potter, your friends set this up just for you! Put your hands together for Blazing Byron!”
The audience shrieked with delight when a man clad in canvas turn-outs and a helmet ran onto the stage to the strains of Light My Fire . He began his routine, stripping down to a pair of boxer shorts decorated with tiny fire engines while another man sprayed him with water. Joanne leaned across the table to whisper in Louisa's ear. “Am I nuts or does that guy look familiar?” she asked.
Louisa squinted towards the stage and gasped. “I think you're right, Jo,” she whispered back. “Excuse me; I want to check this out.” She collared the manager and pointed to the office. After a few minutes, she returned to the table, a wide grin on her face.
“What did you find out?” questioned Joanne.
“Tell you later,” replied the young woman with a sly wink. “All right, ladies. Time to go home and sober up.”
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
The Next Morning
Hank stumbled into the kitchen, his eyes bloodshot. “Good morning, Daddy!” chirped Emma, throwing her arms around his neck. “Yuck! You smell awful!”
“Probably because he took a dip in the amber lake,” said Louisa, looking up from her coffee. “Man, I feel like somebody's using my skull as a bongo drum.”
“Got a little drunk last night, huh?” grinned the Captain, rubbing his throbbing temples. “ Champagne or tequila?”
“Both,” groaned the young woman. “And Jack Daniels on top of that. I'll be fine once I have another pot of coffee and a bucket of aspirin. Thank God the wedding isn't until tonight.”
Matthew patted his mother's head in sympathy. “I made you some toast, Mama,” he said, handing her a plate. “Maybe you should go back to bed.”
“I wish I could,” answered Louisa. She winced when the telephone rang. “ Stanley 's Funeral Parlor. Hi, Johnny. No, I didn't forget. Are you okay to drive? Hot lances, huh? I know exactly how you feel. Okay, see you in a while.” She hung up and headed for the stairs. “If anyone needs me, I'll be in the bathroom installing a new brain.”
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
“Looks like I'm not the only one who swam in the Firewater Fountain last night,” chuckled Johnny as Louisa climbed into the Rover. “How many did you have?”
“I lost count somewhere between the champagne and the Jack Daniels,” she admitted with a grin. “What about you?”
“Half a dozen tequila shots and enough beer to fill an tanker,” smiled the paramedic. “You should have seen Chet! He was crawling around on the floor barking like a dog! Did Cap happen to mention the Holiday Inn?”
“No, he didn't,” the young woman replied. “What happened?”
“We're sitting at the bar and this chick comes up and starts flirting Brackett,” answered Gage, his eyes twinkling. “He's doing everything he can to ignore her, but she won't go away. Finally, he tells her in that no nonsense tone of his that he's married. I figured that would be the end of it, but she says for twenty dollars, she can make him forget his wife. Kel all but fell off his chair! Then Joe Early says once Kel's had his fun, he can write her a prescription for Bracketitis!”
Louisa burst out laughing, tears streaming down her face. “I would have loved to see that!” she howled.
“But that's just the tip of the iceberg!” snickered Johnny. “As soon as the house band took their break, Mrs. Kelly's boyfriend decides he wants to serenade everybody. He gets up and sings this really filthy song about a certain part of a woman's body. The bartender was so mad, I thought he was gonna bust a gut! Mike dragged Monty off the stage and everything was going fine until Marco asked the waitress if she wanted to pet his serpiente de amor. Before we knew what was going on, the manager threw us out.”
“No wonder,” she giggled, wiping her cheeks with a tissue. “It's not polite for a man to unleash his trouser snake in public.”
“You mean Marco was gonna…..” He gestured to his zipper, his eyes wide. “Oh man, that sure would have put a damper on the party!”
“Yeah, but there would have been fireworks when Mami found out! Hey, I thought we were going to the airport. You just passed the exit.”
“So I'll take the next one,” muttered Gage. He glanced at his watch and rolled his eyes. “We have plenty of time before their plane lands. Chill out, cousin.”
“Yes, Mother,” retorted Louisa. “Speaking of my dear, sweet mother, did I tell you that she got fresh with our waiter last night?”
“It must run in the family,” snorted the paramedic. He pulled out his wallet and removed a slip of paper. “Give this to Marco when you see him.”
The young woman took the scrap and raised an eyebrow. “Dear Latin Lover, you can show me your assets anytime. Call me soon,” she read. “Patty, 321-4975 . The waitress?” she asked with a smirk.
“None other,” replied Johnny. “I'd say your brother made quite an impression on her,” he laughed.
“It's the curse of the Lopez family,” joked Louisa. “We're irresistible to the opposite sex.”
“But you're forgetting one important fact,” he said. “Technically, you're a Gage, and a Lopez only by adoption.”
“True, but I'm also a Weber, and according to Constance , my father was quite the ladies man in his youth. And most of the time, you don't get past the second date,” she pointed out.
“I haven't found the right girl yet,” grumbled the paramedic. “If Chet can find a wife, I'm sure I can, too.”
“I know your soul mate is out there someplace,” answered Louisa softly. “As soon as you find her, I'm gonna throw you the biggest, splashiest wedding L.A. has ever seen.”
“I'll remember that promise,” smiled Gage. He pulled the Rover to the side of the road as three California State Police cruisers roared past, sirens blaring. The cars screeched to a stop in front of the terminal and the officers jumped out, guns drawn. “Wonder what all the excitement's about?” He parked and headed for the entrance. “Let's see what's going on.”
They were almost to the doors when an airport security guard blocked their path. “Sorry, folks,” he said. “No one is allowed in or out until the area has been secured. Please move away from the building.”
“Can you tell us what's happening, sir?” questioned the young woman. “We might be able to help. I'm a nurse and my friend here is a paramedic.”
The guard studied her for an instant, then called to a State Trooper standing nearby. “Hey, Munson!” he yelled. “Wait here, ma'am. Oh, what are your names?” He spoke with the uniformed officer for a few minutes, then waved Johnny and Louisa forward. “My Captain is on his way down,” he said. “I'd like to get some background while we're waiting. First, I'm Cal Munson and this rent-a-cop is Jerry Cohen,” he chuckled.
“Can the wisecracks, Sergeant,” barked a man with close-cut salt-and-pepper hair. “Mr. Gage, Mrs. Stanley, I'm Captain Donald Elliott. Follow me, please.” He turned and walked across the deserted lobby to a small office. “About fifteen minutes ago, Air Traffic Control received a rather ominous transmission from a pilot enroute to San Francisco .” Elliott switched on a small cassette player. “I think hearing it will give you a pretty good idea what we're facing.”
“LAX, this is Flight 149. I have a situation here. One of my passengers has entered the cockpit and is requesting that I change course and land at your location.”
“Acknowledged, Flight 149. What is your scheduled destination?”
“ San Francisco . Said passenger has made it clear that if I do not comply, he won't hesitate to detonate a device on this plane. Please advise.”
“Flight 149, switch course to LAX. How soon before you will arrive?”
“At current air speed, approximately 30 minutes, LAX.”
Gage jumped when a burst of gunfire erupted in the background. Captain Elliott turned the machine off and removed the tape. “The rest isn't worth listening to,” he muttered. “From what we can tell, the hijacker shot either the co-pilot or the navigator, then took one of the stews hostage. He's going to allow us to remove anyone who's injured before the plane takes off again.”
“But he doesn't want to see uniforms, right?” said Louisa, chewing on a fingernail. “And that's where we come in.”
“Precisely,” replied Elliott. “How do you know that, ma'am?”
“Call it past experience,” she answered. “I'll explain everything once this whole mess is over. I'd say we've got about ten minutes before that plane lands. Has the parameter been secured?”
The officer smiled. “If I didn't know better, I'd swear you were a cop. The building has been cleared of all non-essential personnel and my men have been ordered to stay out of sight. Here's what I want you and Mr. Gage to do.”
“I'll take over from here, Don. Are these the civilians that offered their assistance?” The newcomer's eyes widened in recognition. “I should have known I'd find you two up to your eyeballs in this fiasco,” he growled.
“Hello to you, too, Crockett,” the paramedic shot back. “We're just came here to pick up a friend, so don't get your knickers in a twist! It was her idea to give you boys a hand.”
“So I was told,” retorted the detective sourly. “Unfortunately, we don't have any other option.” He chuckled, his face softening. “It seems to me that you have a knack for being in the wrong place at the right time, Mrs. Stanley,” he teased. “Heard from Jack Kellogg recently?”
“I talked to him just last week,” replied Louisa with a cheeky grin. “He asked me if I had thrown that ‘hard-assed Detective Crock-Pot' out of any treatment rooms lately.”
“Very funny,” mumbled Crockett. “Let's focus on the crisis at hand, shall we? Our first priority is getting the crew and passengers off the plane safely. Once they're out of danger, we'll concentrate on the hijacker. See if you can get him to give himself up without a fight, but watch what you say. We have no idea what might set him off.”
“In other words, he's about as stable as a box of old dynamite?” questioned Johnny. “Wonderful. Before we enter the lion's den, there's something I'd like to do.” He took the young woman's arm and whispered in her ear. She nodded absently and followed him into the sunny main terminal. They bowed their heads and joined hands, chanting softly in Lakota. Crockett watched intently, shivering when a cloud obscured the sun, throwing an ominous shadow over the deserted building. “Okay, we're ready; let's do it.”
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Inside Flight 149
Max Greene sat in the cockpit, watching his co-pilot for any sign that he was still alive. The man lay where he had fallen after the hijacker's bullet had knocked him out of his seat. Blood oozed from the wound on his left thigh and formed a glistening red pool. “Damn it, he gonna die if he doesn't get to a hospital,” he thought angrily. “Where's that help Kennedy promised?” He sighed, flashing an apologetic smile when the hijacker turned to look at him, his eyes cold and menacing.
“Flight 149, this is LAX. Do you copy?”
The pilot jumped and grabbed the radio from the instrument panel. “Affirmative, LAX,” he said.
“149, help is on the way. Prepare to receive two boarders. Can you give us an update on your situation?”
“All passengers have been moved to the rear of the plane,” answered Michael. “Dirk is unconscious and bleeding from a single gunshot wound.” He paused when the hijacker spoke to him in a low voice. “Our friend will admit said boarders when he's sure they're not armed.”
“Acknowledged, 149. Good luck.”
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Johnny handed Louisa a bulging duffle bag and balanced a portable oxygen tank on his shoulder. “Elliott put everything but the kitchen sink in there. I sure hope we don't need to wash our hands,” he chuckled, trying to lighten the mood.
The young woman rolled her eyes, but didn't reply. She looked up when the plane's side door opened and a bearded man stepped into view. “Come up one at a time!” he called. “You first, lady.” He unzipped the bag and rummaged through it. “All right, buddy; your turn.” He slammed the door closed and pointed his gun towards the front of the plane. “Cockpit's that way. Try anything funny and I'll put a bullet in your brain.”
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Maria looked up when Marco burst through the front door. “Don't you ever knock?” she laughed.
“Obviously you haven't been watching the news!” exclaimed Lopez. “There's a hostage situation down at the airport and you'll never guess who's right in the middle of it!”
The Latino woman raised a curious eyebrow, her face paling when she remembered something her daughter had said the night before. “ Madre de Díos ,” she whispered. “”Your sister was supposed to meet the Delvecchios when their flight arrived this morning. No, she wouldn't……..would she?”
“According to the report I saw, a nurse from Rampart and a L.A. County paramedic offered their services,” answered Marco. “I called Lou right after and Cap told me that she and Johnny were on their way to the airport that very minute. I just put two and two together.”
“I'll kill that girl of mine if she gets shot,” grumbled Maria.
The Latino fireman smothered a laugh. “You might have to stand in line,” he snickered.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Inside Flight 149
Max looked up when the trio entered the cockpit. “About damn time you got here!” he snapped. “Well, don't just stand there! Do something before Dirk bleeds to death!”
Johnny and Louisa ignored him and carefully rolled the co-pilot onto his back. “Single gunshot to the mid-left thigh,” observed the paramedic. “Estimate blood loss at about 200 cc's. Looks like it missed the femoral artery. Lou, get his vitals while I bandage the wound.”
“Right,” replied the young woman crisply. She removed a stethoscope and BP cuff from the duffle and bent over the unconscious man. “Blood pressure is 80/42, pulse 130 and thready, respirations 18 and labored.”
“You want to go with Ringers or normal saline?” asked Gage. “The hemorrhaging is pretty much under control.”
“That's the least of our worries,” answered Louisa, her voice grim. “He's got a head injury. My guess is a subdural hematoma, judging by the pupillary responses.”
“Speak English, will you?” griped the hijacker. “I don't know what the Hell that means!”
“It means our friend here is bleeding into his brain,” she retorted sharply. “And if we don't get him to a hospital, there's a damn good chance he could die. Listen, what's your name? I'm Louisa and this is Johnny.”
The gunman stared at her for a minute, then sighed. “Amir,” he muttered. “He really might croak?”
“Maybe, it's hard to predict head injuries,” said Louisa. “Some patients recover without any lasting side effects, while others end up either dead or have permanent brain damage.”
“Or some just act like Chet Kelly,” chuckled Johnny. “We still haven't found a cure for him yet!”
The young woman's jaw dropped and she burst out laughing. “Don't hold your breath, pal,” she giggled. “Medical science will never develop a treatment for Phantomitis.”
Amir looked confused. “Who's this Chet guy?” he asked. “Is he a doctor?”
The paramedic snickered. “No, a fireman I work with,” he replied, his eyes twinkling. “He has this alter ego called the Phantom who plays stupid pranks, mostly on me.”
“I hate people like that,” grumbled Amir. “How do you even put up him?”
“We have our ways,” grinned Louisa. “Chet may be annoying, but he's basically a good person. It doesn't hurt that he's gullible, either.”
“Yeah, otherwise he never would have fell for that stunt you pulled,” said Gage. “Kelly loves cheesy horror movies, so Lou came up with this scheme to make it look like she had been turned into a vampire.”
“Are you serious?” guffawed Max. “This is one story I've got to hear!”
“Another time,” she replied. “The ball's in your court, Amir. Will you let us take Dirk to the hospital or do we sit back and watch him die?” When he hesitated, she added, “The police aren't going to wait forever. The guy in charge, Detective Crockett, isn't known for being patient. Sooner or later, he's going to get tired of waiting and send his boys in to put an end to this whole mess.”
The hijacker bit his lip and stared at the instrument panel without seeing it. “Do you have kids?” he asked suddenly, his voice husky.
The young woman blinked, surprised by the man's question. “Uh huh,” she murmured softly. “What does that have to do with why we're here?”
Amir continued as if she hadn't spoken. “I haven't seen my son in almost two years. When my wife and I split up, the judge gave her full custody, but I was allowed to see Adam on the weekends. Donna was pretty good about letting me spend time with him until she met Brad,” he growled. “After that, I was lucky if I saw Adam at all. I complained to my lawyer and he fixed it so that I had my son one week a month. We were getting along so well, I didn't object when Donna said she wanted to take Adam to visit her parents in Colorado for his birthday. When I called to talk to him, Donna's mother said she hadn't heard from her daughter in weeks.”
“In other words, it was just a cover for whatever Donna had planned,” whispered Louisa.
“Yeah,” muttered the hijacker bitterly. He glanced at Johnny and pointed to the door. “You can take him and leave, if she'll stay and talk to me for a while.”
The paramedic raised a skeptical eyebrow. “It's fine, Johnny. I'm not gonna leave you, Amir. We're in this together, right, buddy?” she grinned, patting his shoulder. “Don't stand there looking goofy, Cousin. Get lost. Oh, and tell Crockett to keep his shirt on. We'll come out when we're damn good and ready. Now make like an egg and beat it! Take the other passengers, too, if it's okay with my friend.”
“Sure, why not,” smiled Amir. “It's not every day I have a captive audience. Sorry, couldn't resist.”
Part 4
Detective Crockett's jaw dropped when he spotted Max and Johnny exit the plane, carrying the injured co-pilot over their shoulders. He trotted out to meet them, shaking his head incredulously as the rest of the passengers rushed past. “Wait a minute!” he shouted. “Where are Mrs. Stanley and the hijacker?”
“Having a rap session in the cockpit,” answered Gage. “She said to tell you that they would come out in a little while. Until then, keep your shirt on and relax.”
Crockett stared at him in disbelief. “You left her in there with that criminal?!?” he bellowed. “Are you out of your freaking mind ?!? What's stopping him from shooting her?”
Max rolled his eyes and pushed the officer backwards. “Don't get your knickers in a twist! He can't shoot her without a gun,” he retorted, handing over the weapon. “I slipped it into my pocket when no one was looking.”
Captain Elliott darted out of the office and gestured to a pair of ambulance attendants waiting near the door. “I contacted Rampart General and they have a surgeon standing by, Mr. Gage” he panted. “When I mentioned your name, the doctor I spoke to, Brackett I think, laughed and asked what you got yourself into this time. I take it he knows you?”
“Too well,” grinned the paramedic. A commotion from outside caught his attention. “What's all the excitement?”
“Some chucklehead alerted the media,” grumbled Crockett. “I think every two-bit station within a fifty-mile radius showed up. We had to call in extra manpower just to handle the crowd. That yahoo, Grant Saxon, thought he could get past security dressed as a jet mechanic. He tries that again, I'll personally drop a can of tear gas down his pants!”
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Inside the Plane
“After Donna moved in with her boyfriend, she decided it would be easier if I didn't pick Adam up at their apartment, since Brad and I couldn't stand each other,” Amir was saying. “We would meet in the park and hang out until she had to go to work. When it was my turn to spend time with my son, I went there like always, but Donna never showed up. That bitch double-crossed me!”
“She moved without telling you, didn't she?” asked Louisa.
“Yeah,” replied Amir. “How did you know?”
“I've seen it happen before,” she murmured sadly. “A man I work with went through the same thing. His ex-wife kidnapped their daughter and tried to leave the country. She would have gotten away with it, too, except that she forgot to renew her passport. Do you know where Donna and Brad are now?”
“The private detective I hired said they were living in Los Angeles , San Clemente , actually. I was on my way to confront them. I guess I got on the wrong plane.”
“Geez, you think?” quipped Louisa with a chuckle. “What about the gun?”
“I bought it from a dealer in Kansas City ,” said Amir. “I didn't even know the damn thing was loaded until it went off! I never meant to hurt anybody, honest! I just wanted to see my boy!” He covered his face and sobbed.
The young woman patted his shoulder. “I believe you,” she replied. “Wait, you have Donna's address, right? Give it to me; I have an idea.” She grinned and put on Max's abandoned headset. “LAX, this is Louisa Stanley. Let me talk to Captain Elliott. What do you mean, he left ? Where did he go? Then get the phone company to set up a relay. Of course to Rampart, you imbecile! Tell the operator to connect you with the ER. Don't worry about Crockett, just get off your ass and do what I told you. And make it snappy; I don't have all day.”
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Rampart General Hospital
“This waiting is driving me crazy!” Johnny complained to Dr. Morton. “I wish someone would call and tell what's going on back there! It been almost two hours!”
Morton was about to reply when the phone rang. “Rampart Emergency, Dr. Morton speaking.” His eyes widened when he heard the caller's voice.
“Mike, thank God!” said Louisa. “Is Captain Elliott there with you?”
“Louisa?!?” gasped the doctor. “Gage and I were just talking about you. Are you all right?”
“Just peachy,” she answered. “Stop asking questions and get Elliott on the phone now !”
“Of course; he's right here. Captain? Louisa Stanley wants to talk to you.”
Elliott took the receiver. “Mrs. Stanley, what's your situation?”
“It'll get a lot worse if you don't shut up and listen to me!” the young woman barked, loud enough for the others to hear. Johnny nudged Morton and smirked. “Yeah, she's fine,” he snickered. “Amir hijacked that plane because he was chasing after his ex-wife! She violated a court order when she moved to California . She's using the name Donna Kendall and her address is 1547 Capistrano Drive in San Clemente . I need you to pick her up and bring her and her son to the airport. When Amir sees that he's okay, he'll give himself up.”
“Let me get this straight,” replied the Captain. “You want me to take the word of a criminal and arrest some woman on suspicion of kidnapping? Where's your proof?”
“I have a report from a Gideon Chambers in my hand,” said Louisa. “He's a private detective based in Long Beach . He'll corroborate everything I just told you. By the way, how's the co-pilot?”
“I'll put Mr. Gage on and let him tell you,” answered the cop. “If you're wrong about this, ma'am…….”
“I know,” she interrupted. “You'll hold me personally responsible. Make it fast, sir. A very good friend of mine is getting married tonight and she'll be very upset if I'm not there.”
Elliott smiled and gave the paramedic the telephone. “ She's pretty bossy, isn't she?” he grinned. “Munson, let's go! We've got work to do!”
Johnny watched him leave then put the receiver to his ear. “Lou, what did you say? Elliott just ran out of here like the Devil was chasing him.”
His cousin laughed. “I'll explain everything later, I promise. Any word on the co-pilot yet?”
“He's out of surgery,” answered Gage, “and Dr. Early thinks he'll make a full recovery. We got him here in time, thanks to you, kiddo.”
“I had a little help, Junior,” she teased. “If it's not too much trouble, I'm gonna need a ride home, so get your keister out here toot sweet. Rachel will kill us both if we're late to her funeral, I mean, her wedding.”
“Yes, General ,” chuckled Gage. “You're a brat, but I love you anyway.”
“The feeling's mutual. See you soon, babe.”
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
San Clemente , California
“This is it,” said Gideon Chambers, the private detective, pointing to a modest white ranch-style dwelling. “How do you want to handle this, sir?”
Captain Elliott shuffled the paperwork he was holding, ignoring the man's question. He snatched the radio from the car's dash and keyed the mic. “Nugent, are you and Tully in position? Give me a report.”
“Affirmative,” replied Nugent. “The female suspect is in the kitchen. No sign of the husband or child.”
“All right, boys. I'm going in. Be ready in case she makes a run for it.” The Captain got out of the car and approached the entrance. The curtain hanging in the front window shifted, then fell back into place. The door opened and a willowy blond dressed in jeans and a tube top peered out. “Can I help you, Officer?” she asked, glancing over her shoulder nervously.
“Donna Marie Kendall?” he queried, comparing the woman's face with the photograph Chambers had given him.”
“Yes, that's me,” she answered.
“Captain Donald Elliott, California State Police. Put your hands behind your back, please. Donna Marie Kendall, you're under arrest for the kidnapping of Adam James Bespin, Junior. You have the right to remain silent. If you give up this right, anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to legal counsel. If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be provided for you. Do you understand these rights as I have read them to you?”
“Yeah, I understand,” muttered the woman. “How did you find me?”
“We'll discuss that down at the station,” replied Elliott. “Cuff her, Munson. Where's the boy, Mrs. Kendall?”
Before she could answer, a shout came from the back of the house, followed by the sound of shattering glass. “Hands on your head, buster!” ordered Nugent. “Captain, we caught the male suspect attempting to flee with the child! He's in custody!”
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Louisa and Amir jumped when a fist pounded on the plane's door. “Mrs. Stanley!” shouted a rough voice. “It's Crockett! Open up in there!”
“On one condition!” she hollered back. “You wait until I give you clearance! Is it a deal?!?”
“This isn't the time to negotiate!” yelled the officer.
“Fine, then stay outside!” called the young woman, winking at her companion. He grinned and shook his head in amusement. “Guess I should let him in or he'll huff, and he'll puff, and blow our house down!” She unlatched the door and swung it open. “Welcome to my lair,” she quipped.
“Cut the comedy or I'll put in a cell next to your pal,” grumbled Crockett. His eyes twinkled and a smile stretched his lips. “On second thought, I'll just let you face the press instead. That's punishment enough. You okay?”
“I was , until you said that,” answered Louisa. She glanced at her watch and groaned dramatically. “Man, I'm going to be cutting it real close! Is my chariot here?”
“Gage is waiting for you near the baggage claim with the Delvecchios,” replied the officer. “I heard you and your old band have something special planned for the reception. Care to give me a little hint?”
“Let's just say Chet Kelly is going to be very surprised,” she smirked. “See you later, Crockett. Don't forget to wear your dancing shoes. We're gonna rock the joint!”
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Hank stood in the doorway, hands on his hips. “About time you got back,” he called as his wife got out of Johnny's Rover and headed for the house at a dead run. “Since we're pressed for time, you can explain what you were thinking later. Maria will be here in ten minutes to pick you up. Everything is all packed,” he finished, handing her a garment bag.
“Thanks, honey. You're the best. I'll thank you later, in private ,” she promised. “Emma and Hannah!” she yelled. “Get the lead out, girls!”
Alberto pumped the Captain's hand. “Good to see you, Hank!” he exclaimed. “Don't be too hard on her. She was just trying to help that poor boy. You would have done the same thing.”
“”I refuse to answer on the grounds that it might incriminate me,” laughed Stanley . “ Sofia , make yourself at home. I'm sorry Amanda couldn't come.”
“She's is, too,” smiled Mrs. Delvecchio, “but her doctor didn't think it was safe for her to fly in her condition. Imagine; in another month, I'll be a grandmother!”
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Precious Blood Catholic Church, December 24th—Chet and Rachel's Wedding
Rachel stood in front of the mirror, studying her reflection critically. She adjusted her veil one last time and turned to smile at her wedding party. “You know, it's not proper to be prettier than the bride,” she teased.
“No worries there, Spunky,” answered Louisa with a broad grin. “Everyone will be so busy admiring your beauty that they won't even notice us! You'll be the center of attention.”
“I certainly hope so,” giggled the redhead. “After all, it is my wedding.”
“That explains the outfit,” deadpanned Louisa, drawing a general laugh. “But your ensemble is missing a few very important accessories, Miss Potter. Tradition dictates that a bride must have something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue. Your dress, shoes, and veil are new, so that leaves the other three.” She fastened a gleaming silver pendant around her friend's neck. “Rachel, this cross belonged to my father, Armando. He gave it to me when he and Mami welcomed me into their family. I would like you to have it because, even though we're not related by blood, I think of you as my sister. I have to warn you, though. That means you're part of the extended Lopez, Sutton, Stanley, Gage, and Delvecchio clan and we expect you to bring your new husband to all our family reunions!”
“Better not hold them all at the same time!” chuckled Dixie . “Your entire family would fill Dodger Stadium!” She reached out to hug the bride-to-be. “Now for something borrowed. I wore these earrings the day I married Kel. I hope you and Chet will be as happy as we are.”
“Hear, hear!” smiled Joanne. “I guess it's up to me to supply the something blue. I picked this up a couple weeks ago and added my own personal touch,” she said, holding up a lacy garter.
Rachel took the scrap of fabric, snickering when she read the embroidered message. “Spunky & the Phantom, December 24 th . May your marriage be filled with joy and laughter. Aww, that's so sweet, Jo.” She raised a questioning eyebrow when Louisa burst out laughing. “What's so funny?”
The young woman bit her lip, trying to contain her giggles. “Look at the birds,” she snorted.
The redhead looked down, not understanding why her friend was laughing. “They're…… pigeons !” she exclaimed, finally getting the joke. “Maybe we should arrange for Johnny to catch the garter,” she tittered.
“Are you ladies decent?” called McConikee from outside the door.
“No, but you can come in anyway!” joked Dixie . “Well, check out Mr. High Society! He looks like he stepped off the cover of GQ .”
“Who knew there was a fashion plate under those turn-outs?” teased Lara.
“Are you ready to put Kelly out of his misery, Rachel?” asked the Chief, squeezing her hands affectionately. “The poor lad's about to wear a hole in the carpet with all his pacing.”
“Let's do it,” she beamed, picking up her bouquet.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Chet nearly jumped out of his skin when Hank touched his shoulder. “Settle down, you twit,” grinned the Captain. “Nervous?”
“What was your first clue?” muttered the Irishman. “I feel like I'm gonna throw up. Is that normal?” he questioned, looking straight at Johnny.
“You're asking me ?” retorted Gage. “How should I know? I've never been married!”
“Your time will come soon enough, Junior,” smiled Roy . “When it does, I want a front-row seat so I can watch you sweat!”
“Me, too,” laughed Stoker. “Chet, do you think you're ready to spend the rest of your life with Rachel?”
“Of course I am,” answered Kelly. “In fifty years, we'll be watching our grandchildren grow up, God willing.”
“Then what are you worrying about?” challenged the engineer. “Listen, most groom has doubts; I know I did. Any guy who says he doesn't is lying through his teeth. If you and Rachel love each other enough, you can handle anything. Look at Lou and Cap. Their life together hasn't been all peaches and cream.”
“You got that right,” said Hank. “but all the bad times we've gone through just made our marriage that much stronger. All couples have their ups and downs, pal. The key is not to give up when things get rough.”
“And to choose your battles wisely,” added Desoto. “As stupid as it sounds, Joanne and I used to fight over how to hang the toilet paper.”
“Get out of town!” chuckled Marco. “Who won?”
“The senior paramedic turned red. “Neither of us,” he answered sheepishly. “It ended after I installed a second holder.”
“Amateur,” joked Mike. “One time, Lara and I got into an argument about whether or not we should rinse stuff before putting it in the dishwasher. By the time it was over, we didn't have any dishes to rinse because they were all broken.”
“What about you, Cap?” Chet asked. “Any good fight stories you'd like to share?”
“Yeah, he does and most of them involve food,” giggled Lopez, his eyes twinkling with amusement. “My sister's first dinner party stands out. Everything was going fine until he made a comment about the gravy.”
Stanley blushed and rolled his eyes. “I knew that would come back to haunt me someday,” he muttered. “How was I supposed to know she put giblets in it? I thought they were lumps and tried to offer some constructive criticism, but Lou took it the wrong way. She said if I didn't like her cooking, I could fix my own meals and then dumped the entire bowl over my head.”
Kelly and Gage looked at each with wide eyes and started to snicker. “All the best dressed husbands wear their wife's giblet gravy!” howled the Irishman. “Oh man, I needed that!” he smiled, wiping tears from his eyes.