Disclaimer: The characters are not mine, but it's fun to pull their
strings for awhile.
I got the title from a Michael Franks song.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Looking through my rose colored glasses, I'm assuming that everything works out for the best after the season finale. Maybe this summer I'll go in the other direction...hummmm.
Max has left for a little R&R. He temporarily closes the bar. A few weeks later a friend of the family comes to take over until he returns....
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Jordan stood outside the door to Pogue. She hadn't stepped foot inside the bar since her father handed her the key and said he was taking sometime off, to visit friends in the old country and to try and come to grips with the turns his life has taken in the last few weeks and maybe even the last 23 years. He called her to tell her that and old friend was going to step in and take care of the place for awhile. Tonight was the bar's reopening after two weeks of having its doors shut.
Jordan could see a multitude of familiar faces through the window. She fought the urge to look for her father's.
"Well darling, are we going in or not?" Nigel says making Jordan jump. "I'm dying to meet this wonderfully mysterious woman I've been hearing about all day."
Jordan chuckled; she had been making Jacqueline sound like the second coming. She came into Jordan's life one snowy Thanksgiving weekend. Her father had brought her home after he found her alone on the streets. A nine year old Jordan heard her parents talking about the adventurous blonde haired beauty. She had run away from her boyfriend and was living on the street. She said she was 24 but Jordan's mother didn't think she was a day over 18. Jordan didn't care; she was like having her own life size Barbie doll. That holiday season the happiest of young Jordan's life. Her mother was beaming, dotting over the young woman. Soon, the weekend turned into 6 week stay. After a failed New Year's Eve attempt to patch things up with her nameless boyfriend, Jacqueline announced it was time to leave. Max asked no questions and put her on the bus to New York City. Both Emily and Jordan were devastated. Fortunately, through the years Jack had kept in touch with post cards from around the world. The dreams that they all assumed had driven her away from her lover came true and she became an acclaimed singer.
"Jordan, I'm going to bloody pass out from thirst if you don't get going."
With a bow Jordan opens the door to usher Nigel inside. Jack had made Jordan promise to not visit her until she was settled in, both at her father's house and the pub. Jack said it was because after so many years since her last visit she didn't want Jordan to see her not at her best. But Jordan saw straight though it and realized it was the places she didn't want Jordan to see not looking perfect.
Feeling lighter than she has since the day she put her father on that plane Jordan looks around the room for the new proprietress. First she notices a new bartender; he looked a little too young. Then she notices the upright in the corner. Laughing she thinks 'Jack wouldnot leave home with out it.' She soon forgets all that as she spies the curvy blonde standing by the dartboard holding court with Woody and a half dozen of Boston PD's finest.
"What does one have to do to get a drink around this joint?" Jordan yells out.
"Jordan!" Jack says as she runs over to throw her arms around her. "Oh, baby it is so good to see you."
Jordan returns the hug. Yes, Dad had a good idea bringing Jack here. After one last hug Jack walks over to the bar.
"What will it be?"
"A couple beers" Jordan says as she and Nigel take a seat.
"And who's this tall drink of water?" Jack asks looking Nigel up and down.
"This is Nigel, we work together..."
"Nigel... you can call me Jack." she says as she sets two drafts in front of them.
"I'd be honored, my lady."
"Oh, and he has an accent too."
"Don't fall for her lines Nig. She's been known to toy with a man only to watch him squirm."
"Sounds like fun to me." he murmurs.
"Shh...Jordan you'll blow my cover."
Woody walks over to the bar "About time you showed up... 'Jordanbaby' " Jordan cringes as he says the horrible nickname Jack called her as a child.
Jordan looks up at Jack, "I deny anything this woman has said about me..."
"So, are you saying that you didn't...?" Woody couldn't say anymore because of Jordan's hand over his mouth.
"Now Detective Hoyt, you can never trust and old lady's ramblings." Jack laughed.
"Old my ass..." says the young bartender as he joins the conversation. The resemblance between the two was evident.
He wraps an arm around Jack as she says "You're such a good boy... Jordan, I don't know if you remember Michael..."
"This is Michael? My God, the last time we heard you were in grad school. How come your here tending bar instead of writing a thesis on evolutionary music or composing the next great symphony?"
"I can't let her out of my sight. The last time my mother lived in this city...she ended up with me!"
"Remember I'm your mother and I can slap this side of July." Jack mocks.
"Then what would you do with out me?" he says as he kisses her cheek.
"So, I'm guessing the piano's yours?" Nigel asks.
"Yes, the slave driver says I have to earn my keep and makes me play day and night."
"Oh, don't listen to him. He would only come with me if I promised him a smoky bar with a piano in the corner. He has this Count Basie complex."
"Mom..."he warns. A customer motions for another drink and Michael leaves to serve him. Jack watches him walk away with a look of mother's pride.
"He's my life, Jordan. Wait until you hear him play. The angels in heaven can't compare to his gift."
"Jordan tells me you toured with Maynard Ferguson. Did he learn to play then?" Nigel says.
"Yes, he loved music even as an infant, but our touring days were years ago. Michael was accepted in the School for Performing Arts. Colleges and conservatories were calling soon after that.
The bar door opens and more regulars arrive, including Lily and Bug. As they walk up to the bar Jordan makes introductions. The conversation turns to the weeks Jack spent in the Cavanaugh house.
"You made her play dress up?" Lily laughs.
"I was nine Lily."
"A precocious nine" Jack adds. "I had two sequin gowns I used for work; Jordan had snuck into my luggage and found them, along with my red lipstick. It was either play dress up with her or face the messy possibility she would do it herself anyway."
"Why does that not surprise me?" Woody looks at Jordan.
Grabbing Woody by the tie and standing Jordan says, "Hoyt, look the pool table is open. Let's play."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Garrett locks his office door behind himself. Jordan had invited him for drinks earlier. Max had found someone to manage the bar for him while he was away. The way Jordan felt about the place he hopes whoever this person was they could handle it. Before Max left he didn't seem to be making wise decisions. It had been a long shift and all he really wanted to do was to go home and get some sleep. But maybe it wouldn't hurt to just go and check it out...
When Garrett pulls up outside the bar he notices all the cars parked around. At least Max hadn't lost his clientele being closed for a few weeks. As he reaches for the door he hears the strains of a piano. Whoever it is, they played the Duke Ellington standard expertly. He didn't hear the voice accompanying the piano until he stepped inside. The voice sounded like one that has haunted his dreams for decades. He must be more tired than he thought. At this angle Garrett could not see the musicians, so he stood for a second, just to absorb the music. Through the years he would hear that voice, only to find out it didn't belong to the woman he wanted it to. Garrett braced himself with that thought tonight. He waited until the song ended and the applause to start before he walked into the taproom. Looking toward the bar we saw a group of his staff lounging against it with Jordan and Woody manning the taps. The crush of people prevented him from seeing the alcove where the music was coming from. Loosening his tie he walks up the bar.
"Jordan I can understand, but are you moonlighting now Detective?"
"Anything for a free drink Dr. Macy."
"Thanks handsome," Garrett hears 'that voice', that smoky deep voice, behind him "We're back now. Why don't you and Jordan find a couple seats and I'll bring a round over to you."
"Whatever you say, Jack." Woody says as he steps around the end of the bar as Garrett notices a handsome young man stepping in followed closely behind by a face from the past. Garrett felt short of breath. She must have recognized him at the same time because she stopped short and her eyes went wide. She whispered something in the young man's ear. The tall blonde man walked passed Garrett to the other end of the bar.
She slowly walks up to where Garrett sat and says "How does the line go... 'all the gin joints in all the world'..."
"Hello Jacqueline."
Jack couldn't reply before Jordan sits down next to Garrett. "Playing it fashionably late tonight Garrett. You missed the floor show."
"I caught the last part of it. A talented piano player you have there. He's a little young don't you think?" Garrett says looking at Jack.
"Not as young as you think. Besides, I like them young and trainable..."
Jordan cuts in "Have you met yet?...Garrett this is an old friend of the family Jack Bonner...Jack this is my boss Garrett Macy."
"Jack? That's new."
Jack sits a couple beers on the bar as Woody walks up behind Jordan. "Only for the last quarter of a century; I needed a little change...So you're working at the Medical Examiner's office now. Talk about a small world." Jack smiles over at Jordan.
"You two are acquainted?" Nigel says as he reaches for his drink.
"Yes, we go way back" Jack says nostalgically. "You still take you Scotch neat?"
"You remember."
As she pours the drink she says "There's not much I forgot. How's Maggie...that's her name right?"
"We're divorced"
"Too bad"
"You two sounded real good out there" Garrett says breaking eye contact to look at his drink.
"Thank you"
"So how do you two know each other?" Lily asks
"Dr. Macy and I were in the same band back before we knew better."
"That is wonderful. I've always wanted to meet someone who knew him back then." Lily says
"I haven't changed all that much Lily."
"You had a hell of a lot more hair back then." Jack chuckles.
"And you haven't changed a bit Jacqueline." Garrett says taking a sip of his drink.
"Come on Jack, dish...What was our fearless leader like?" Nigel asks.
A myriad of emotions cross Jack's face. She regroups and with a laugh and says "He could drink a sailor under the table, but would blush at the drop of a hat. He had an easy laugh and a quick temper. He also damn near flunked out of med-school trying to become the best drummer since Gene Crupa."
"Gene Crupa?" Woody asks.
Bug answers "He was a big band leader back in the '30's and '40's, he was known for his long hair ... and shall we say...excesses."
"Like I said he had more hair back then."
Garrett smiles at some long ago memory as he asks "Do you still take requests Jacqueline?"
Jack smiled as the same memory finds its way in to her thoughts. "No, I haven't found a drummer who could screw up the solo as bad as you did Garrett."
"Why do I think there's a story there?" Jordan comments. When neither looks like they'd answer. Jordan presses.
With a chuckle and a sigh, Jack was the first to fold "Well baby, it wasn't even a hard song to play. One of the club owners we worked for requested it every night just so he could watch Garrett fumble through it."
"The man was sadist..."
"Why Garrett is that a blush I see." Jordan looks into his face.
Standing up Garrett throws a fifty on the bar next to his barely touched drink. "It's just the lighting in here Jordan. I have work I need to catch up on." turning to his co workers he says "I'll see you all tomorrow." He turns to walk out and stops. Turning back he says "It was good to see you again, Jacqueline." He looked like he was going to say more but he turns and walks out.
"You too.... Garrett." Jack mumbles to herself as she watches him walk out the door.
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Garrett knew he should just go home. He sat in his office staring out the window anyway. Jacqueline is back in town and working with Jordan's father of all people. He stands and paws deep into his record collection. Finding the one he's looking for he carefully takes it out of the sleeve and examines it for dust collected from years of nonuse. Once the needle touched down on the vinyl he sits down, leans back and closes his eyes. The soulful song takes him away; too many years ago...
"The beat doesn't sound all that tricky, Garrett."
Jordan's voice makes him sit up with a start. "You need to stop sneaking up on me like that Jordan."
Jordan walks into the office and sits on the side of his desk. Reaching down she opens the drawer where he keeps his liquor.
"So, are you going to tell me what or who happened on that Thanksgiving, or am I going to have to get you drunk and beat it out of you?"
To be continued....
I got the title from a Michael Franks song.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Looking through my rose colored glasses, I'm assuming that everything works out for the best after the season finale. Maybe this summer I'll go in the other direction...hummmm.
Max has left for a little R&R. He temporarily closes the bar. A few weeks later a friend of the family comes to take over until he returns....
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Jordan stood outside the door to Pogue. She hadn't stepped foot inside the bar since her father handed her the key and said he was taking sometime off, to visit friends in the old country and to try and come to grips with the turns his life has taken in the last few weeks and maybe even the last 23 years. He called her to tell her that and old friend was going to step in and take care of the place for awhile. Tonight was the bar's reopening after two weeks of having its doors shut.
Jordan could see a multitude of familiar faces through the window. She fought the urge to look for her father's.
"Well darling, are we going in or not?" Nigel says making Jordan jump. "I'm dying to meet this wonderfully mysterious woman I've been hearing about all day."
Jordan chuckled; she had been making Jacqueline sound like the second coming. She came into Jordan's life one snowy Thanksgiving weekend. Her father had brought her home after he found her alone on the streets. A nine year old Jordan heard her parents talking about the adventurous blonde haired beauty. She had run away from her boyfriend and was living on the street. She said she was 24 but Jordan's mother didn't think she was a day over 18. Jordan didn't care; she was like having her own life size Barbie doll. That holiday season the happiest of young Jordan's life. Her mother was beaming, dotting over the young woman. Soon, the weekend turned into 6 week stay. After a failed New Year's Eve attempt to patch things up with her nameless boyfriend, Jacqueline announced it was time to leave. Max asked no questions and put her on the bus to New York City. Both Emily and Jordan were devastated. Fortunately, through the years Jack had kept in touch with post cards from around the world. The dreams that they all assumed had driven her away from her lover came true and she became an acclaimed singer.
"Jordan, I'm going to bloody pass out from thirst if you don't get going."
With a bow Jordan opens the door to usher Nigel inside. Jack had made Jordan promise to not visit her until she was settled in, both at her father's house and the pub. Jack said it was because after so many years since her last visit she didn't want Jordan to see her not at her best. But Jordan saw straight though it and realized it was the places she didn't want Jordan to see not looking perfect.
Feeling lighter than she has since the day she put her father on that plane Jordan looks around the room for the new proprietress. First she notices a new bartender; he looked a little too young. Then she notices the upright in the corner. Laughing she thinks 'Jack wouldnot leave home with out it.' She soon forgets all that as she spies the curvy blonde standing by the dartboard holding court with Woody and a half dozen of Boston PD's finest.
"What does one have to do to get a drink around this joint?" Jordan yells out.
"Jordan!" Jack says as she runs over to throw her arms around her. "Oh, baby it is so good to see you."
Jordan returns the hug. Yes, Dad had a good idea bringing Jack here. After one last hug Jack walks over to the bar.
"What will it be?"
"A couple beers" Jordan says as she and Nigel take a seat.
"And who's this tall drink of water?" Jack asks looking Nigel up and down.
"This is Nigel, we work together..."
"Nigel... you can call me Jack." she says as she sets two drafts in front of them.
"I'd be honored, my lady."
"Oh, and he has an accent too."
"Don't fall for her lines Nig. She's been known to toy with a man only to watch him squirm."
"Sounds like fun to me." he murmurs.
"Shh...Jordan you'll blow my cover."
Woody walks over to the bar "About time you showed up... 'Jordanbaby' " Jordan cringes as he says the horrible nickname Jack called her as a child.
Jordan looks up at Jack, "I deny anything this woman has said about me..."
"So, are you saying that you didn't...?" Woody couldn't say anymore because of Jordan's hand over his mouth.
"Now Detective Hoyt, you can never trust and old lady's ramblings." Jack laughed.
"Old my ass..." says the young bartender as he joins the conversation. The resemblance between the two was evident.
He wraps an arm around Jack as she says "You're such a good boy... Jordan, I don't know if you remember Michael..."
"This is Michael? My God, the last time we heard you were in grad school. How come your here tending bar instead of writing a thesis on evolutionary music or composing the next great symphony?"
"I can't let her out of my sight. The last time my mother lived in this city...she ended up with me!"
"Remember I'm your mother and I can slap this side of July." Jack mocks.
"Then what would you do with out me?" he says as he kisses her cheek.
"So, I'm guessing the piano's yours?" Nigel asks.
"Yes, the slave driver says I have to earn my keep and makes me play day and night."
"Oh, don't listen to him. He would only come with me if I promised him a smoky bar with a piano in the corner. He has this Count Basie complex."
"Mom..."he warns. A customer motions for another drink and Michael leaves to serve him. Jack watches him walk away with a look of mother's pride.
"He's my life, Jordan. Wait until you hear him play. The angels in heaven can't compare to his gift."
"Jordan tells me you toured with Maynard Ferguson. Did he learn to play then?" Nigel says.
"Yes, he loved music even as an infant, but our touring days were years ago. Michael was accepted in the School for Performing Arts. Colleges and conservatories were calling soon after that.
The bar door opens and more regulars arrive, including Lily and Bug. As they walk up to the bar Jordan makes introductions. The conversation turns to the weeks Jack spent in the Cavanaugh house.
"You made her play dress up?" Lily laughs.
"I was nine Lily."
"A precocious nine" Jack adds. "I had two sequin gowns I used for work; Jordan had snuck into my luggage and found them, along with my red lipstick. It was either play dress up with her or face the messy possibility she would do it herself anyway."
"Why does that not surprise me?" Woody looks at Jordan.
Grabbing Woody by the tie and standing Jordan says, "Hoyt, look the pool table is open. Let's play."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Garrett locks his office door behind himself. Jordan had invited him for drinks earlier. Max had found someone to manage the bar for him while he was away. The way Jordan felt about the place he hopes whoever this person was they could handle it. Before Max left he didn't seem to be making wise decisions. It had been a long shift and all he really wanted to do was to go home and get some sleep. But maybe it wouldn't hurt to just go and check it out...
When Garrett pulls up outside the bar he notices all the cars parked around. At least Max hadn't lost his clientele being closed for a few weeks. As he reaches for the door he hears the strains of a piano. Whoever it is, they played the Duke Ellington standard expertly. He didn't hear the voice accompanying the piano until he stepped inside. The voice sounded like one that has haunted his dreams for decades. He must be more tired than he thought. At this angle Garrett could not see the musicians, so he stood for a second, just to absorb the music. Through the years he would hear that voice, only to find out it didn't belong to the woman he wanted it to. Garrett braced himself with that thought tonight. He waited until the song ended and the applause to start before he walked into the taproom. Looking toward the bar we saw a group of his staff lounging against it with Jordan and Woody manning the taps. The crush of people prevented him from seeing the alcove where the music was coming from. Loosening his tie he walks up the bar.
"Jordan I can understand, but are you moonlighting now Detective?"
"Anything for a free drink Dr. Macy."
"Thanks handsome," Garrett hears 'that voice', that smoky deep voice, behind him "We're back now. Why don't you and Jordan find a couple seats and I'll bring a round over to you."
"Whatever you say, Jack." Woody says as he steps around the end of the bar as Garrett notices a handsome young man stepping in followed closely behind by a face from the past. Garrett felt short of breath. She must have recognized him at the same time because she stopped short and her eyes went wide. She whispered something in the young man's ear. The tall blonde man walked passed Garrett to the other end of the bar.
She slowly walks up to where Garrett sat and says "How does the line go... 'all the gin joints in all the world'..."
"Hello Jacqueline."
Jack couldn't reply before Jordan sits down next to Garrett. "Playing it fashionably late tonight Garrett. You missed the floor show."
"I caught the last part of it. A talented piano player you have there. He's a little young don't you think?" Garrett says looking at Jack.
"Not as young as you think. Besides, I like them young and trainable..."
Jordan cuts in "Have you met yet?...Garrett this is an old friend of the family Jack Bonner...Jack this is my boss Garrett Macy."
"Jack? That's new."
Jack sits a couple beers on the bar as Woody walks up behind Jordan. "Only for the last quarter of a century; I needed a little change...So you're working at the Medical Examiner's office now. Talk about a small world." Jack smiles over at Jordan.
"You two are acquainted?" Nigel says as he reaches for his drink.
"Yes, we go way back" Jack says nostalgically. "You still take you Scotch neat?"
"You remember."
As she pours the drink she says "There's not much I forgot. How's Maggie...that's her name right?"
"We're divorced"
"Too bad"
"You two sounded real good out there" Garrett says breaking eye contact to look at his drink.
"Thank you"
"So how do you two know each other?" Lily asks
"Dr. Macy and I were in the same band back before we knew better."
"That is wonderful. I've always wanted to meet someone who knew him back then." Lily says
"I haven't changed all that much Lily."
"You had a hell of a lot more hair back then." Jack chuckles.
"And you haven't changed a bit Jacqueline." Garrett says taking a sip of his drink.
"Come on Jack, dish...What was our fearless leader like?" Nigel asks.
A myriad of emotions cross Jack's face. She regroups and with a laugh and says "He could drink a sailor under the table, but would blush at the drop of a hat. He had an easy laugh and a quick temper. He also damn near flunked out of med-school trying to become the best drummer since Gene Crupa."
"Gene Crupa?" Woody asks.
Bug answers "He was a big band leader back in the '30's and '40's, he was known for his long hair ... and shall we say...excesses."
"Like I said he had more hair back then."
Garrett smiles at some long ago memory as he asks "Do you still take requests Jacqueline?"
Jack smiled as the same memory finds its way in to her thoughts. "No, I haven't found a drummer who could screw up the solo as bad as you did Garrett."
"Why do I think there's a story there?" Jordan comments. When neither looks like they'd answer. Jordan presses.
With a chuckle and a sigh, Jack was the first to fold "Well baby, it wasn't even a hard song to play. One of the club owners we worked for requested it every night just so he could watch Garrett fumble through it."
"The man was sadist..."
"Why Garrett is that a blush I see." Jordan looks into his face.
Standing up Garrett throws a fifty on the bar next to his barely touched drink. "It's just the lighting in here Jordan. I have work I need to catch up on." turning to his co workers he says "I'll see you all tomorrow." He turns to walk out and stops. Turning back he says "It was good to see you again, Jacqueline." He looked like he was going to say more but he turns and walks out.
"You too.... Garrett." Jack mumbles to herself as she watches him walk out the door.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Garrett knew he should just go home. He sat in his office staring out the window anyway. Jacqueline is back in town and working with Jordan's father of all people. He stands and paws deep into his record collection. Finding the one he's looking for he carefully takes it out of the sleeve and examines it for dust collected from years of nonuse. Once the needle touched down on the vinyl he sits down, leans back and closes his eyes. The soulful song takes him away; too many years ago...
"The beat doesn't sound all that tricky, Garrett."
Jordan's voice makes him sit up with a start. "You need to stop sneaking up on me like that Jordan."
Jordan walks into the office and sits on the side of his desk. Reaching down she opens the drawer where he keeps his liquor.
"So, are you going to tell me what or who happened on that Thanksgiving, or am I going to have to get you drunk and beat it out of you?"
To be continued....