Disclaimer: I don't claim to own the characters from the NBC/Universal show Adam-12. I appreciate the ability to borrow them for the chance to create a new story in the fan fiction world.
* I started this story more than a year ago. It is a continuation of the Pete and Jenny series. If you haven't read "Facing the Past", I would recommend reading it first. I hope Pete and Jenny fans will remember them ... since it's been a long break.
Chapter 1 - Leaving
Jenny Malloy zipped down the road with the soft-top down in her red CJ Jeep on a glorious sunny day in Los Angeles. She wore a baby blue tank top and denim shorts in the mid eighty-degree heat, and her ponytail swished from side-to-side in the gusty winds. Jenny was humming a John Denver tune as she drove to the next stop on her list of afternoon errands. Suddenly, she heard the blaring sound of a police siren coming up behind her.
Next, she caught a glimpse of lights in her rearview mirror. She promptly pulled over to the side of the road to let the unit pass. But as she slowed to a stop, she was surprised to see the squad car pulling in behind her. 'I don't think I was speeding.' Her stomach tightened as she considered having to tell her husband about getting a ticket.
Jenny looked down into her purse trying to find her pocketbook with her ID inside when she heard, "Ma'am, can I see your driver's license?"
'That voice was all too familiar!'
She glanced to her left and spied one very handsome Los Angeles Police Officer standing next to the driver's side door. Pete Malloy was sporting a very big grin as he stood there toying with his wife. After seeing the look on his face, Jenny gave a sassy response, "I wasn't speeding … was I?"
"Not at all. But you are a ROAD HAZARD!" He paused a second as she gave him a look of confusion. Pete then continued, "You caused distracted driving on my part."
She hopped out of the Jeep and lovingly smacked him on the shoulder for his teasing statement. The duo stepped around the vehicle to the curb to chat for a moment. Jenny stood with her back to the Jeep and Pete leaned against the roll bar. "Where are you off to, Beautiful?"
"I was headed to the department store to pick up a cooler for our trip."
"Did you need me to pick up anything on my way home from work?"
"No, I think I have it covered. So how is your day going so far?"
"Oh, it's been pretty uneventful up to this point," he stated with a smirk.
Jenny gazed at Pete standing there in his neat navy blue uniform adorned with his badge, shooting metal, and nametag. "You know I hardly get to see you in your uniform."
"Yeah." Pete noticed a wild look in her eyes. "What's the matter? Does the uniform make you nervous?"
"Uh, no." She reached up and tugged at his opened collar and then caressed down the front of his pressed shirt. "Actually, it's turning me on. You're quite the hunk, Officer Malloy!"
Pete's left eyebrow raised when hearing these words, then he gave his wife a quick once-over too. Her shapely outfit caught his attention as well, and he couldn't resist leaning in for a kiss that quickly became electrifying. She wrapped her arms around his waist pulling him close, which caused his equipment belt to press awkwardly against her.
After pulling back from the kiss, he uttered, "You make it really hard to go back to work, Mrs. Malloy."
Jenny licked her lips, and then with a coy expression stated, "Good! Don't be late tonight. Maybe you can just wear your uniform home, and we can continue where we left off."
"Oh, you ARE a naughty girl."
With innocent eyes she blinked. "Me?…. Oh yes, we need to finish packing for our trip. I can't believe we leave tomorrow."
"Have a good afternoon. I'll see you later tonight." Pete gave her a quick peck on the cheek then walked around to the driver's side of the squad.
Jenny tilted her head, and then waved to Pete and his interim partner. "Hi Jerry!"
Jerry responded in kind with a smile and wave. As Adam-12 pulled away, Woods voiced without thinking first, "Wow, she's hot."
"Watch it, Jerry. That's my wife you're talking about."
"Yeah, … ah … I'm sorry Pete." Jerry glanced out his passenger side window during the awkward silence that followed.
When another man took notice of his wife, Pete felt the pang of guilt for not getting Jenny's ring back sooner. 'Every man knows to look at the left-hand ring-finger for a wedding band, and this is the sign that she's taken.'
Days earlier Pete had finally confronted his father-in-law at the prison infirmary about her stolen ring. Before getting off duty, he had arranged a visit with Walker. Pete thought he had a good grip of his emotions, but George had a way of pushing all the right buttons to set Malloy off. Things started going south in the small visitation room with a table located strategically between the men. Their voices became loud and the guard heard them shouting at one another in the hallway. For the visit, Walker was handcuffed to his wheelchair and these bracelets prevented them from coming to blows. Their meeting ended suddenly when the guard thought it best to usher Pete out with the level of tension building. Despite Walker's lack of cooperation, Malloy came away with an idea of how to pursue finding the stolen ring. During the next couple of days Pete visited all the local pawnshops within five miles of Walker's last motel. As luck would have it, he recovered Jenny's wedding ring at one of them. With the pawn slip and ring in hand, he took the stolen item to the station. Pete had to jump through some hoops to get the ring released prior to the trial date, but the judge understood the situation. Knowing how important the ring was to her, Pete wanted to find the right moment to give it back to Jenny.
Walker's trial date was rescheduled to the end of the month, which afforded the Malloys the opportunity to get away for a few days. They wouldn't have even considered leaving town except that Jim was showing remarkable improvement with his knee, and was even surprising the doctor with his progress. Realizing they needed a break, Pete convinced Jenny, that a drive up the coast and a short visit with his parents near Seattle would do them both some good. She agreed and even suggested camping on the way there and back to save on money. They both were mindful about expenditures with saving for a down payment on a house.
The next morning after they packed up the car, Pete and Jenny drove over to the Reeds to drop off Sadie for the week. Jean and Jim had offered to watch her for the trip. Pete said to them, "You sure you don't mind taking care of her?"
Jim piped in, "We've always wanted a dog. This will be good practice for us."
As Jean took the bag of supplies from Jenny, she said, "Jimmy is so excited about having her here. Yesterday he picked out a new ball for her."
Jenny kneeled down next to her furry friend; then rubbed Sadie's ears and gave her a kiss. "Now you be good while we're gone." Sadie welcomed her owner's affection and returned a wet kiss then trailed after Jimmy into the backyard.
Jean could sense Jenny's hesitation about leaving behind her dog, and then to reassure her she said, "She'll be fine."
"I know she will."
Jean patted Jenny's shoulder. "Enjoy your trip." As the two ladies walked out to the Jeep, Jean whispered to Jenny, "Jim could really use something else to do. Sadie may be the perfect distraction from his rehab. Thank you!" Jenny smiled, knowing the value of a dog. The women hugged then said their quick goodbyes.
Pete shook Jim's hand. "Thanks again for watching her for us. We'll see you in a week."
Jim added, "Give our best to your folks."
"Will do."
Their journey north began.
The couple traveled out of the LA traffic chaos, made their way through Sacramento, and continued north toward the Oregon border. After twelve hours on the road they cruised into the tiny town of Hornbrook, just one hour south of the state line. With a population of less than a hundred, they hoped to find a place to get a bite for dinner before setting up a tent at a nearby campground. The Jeep was low on gas so Pete pulled into what appeared to be the only gas station in town. It looked to be a local diner as well. They spotted a simple blue-and-white sign above the windows with the name, "Maggie's Diner "in block lettering. Pete climbed out of the Jeep and was met by an elderly man wearing grease-covered bib overalls.
"Fill'er up?" The old man asked.
"That would be great."
Jenny got out then said to Pete, "I'll get us a table inside."
"Sounds good. I'll just be a couple minutes." Pete worked on snapping up all the flaps on the Jeep before the temperature dropped for the night.
As the tank filled, an older red Dually truck pulled up on the other side of the fuel pumps. The rumble of the loud diesel engine flooded the area. The elderly man asked after the engine shut off, "Do you boys need gas?"
"Yeah old man, we do." The driver got out and leaned back against the bed of the truck as he lit up a cigarette. The guy looked to be in his late twenties with an average height and build. He wore dingy blue jeans and a gray t-shirt with rolled-up sleeves. His dark brown hair was already thinning on top, but he made up for it with long shaggy sideburns. The passenger in the truck kept his head down while the tank was filled, but Pete got a glimpse of a blue Dodger ball cap on him.
Pete noticed a large white cooler strapped in the bed of the pickup against the cab window. What caught his eye was a streak of red liquid down the one side. He thought it looked a bit hinky and had to ask, "So what's in the cooler?"
The annoyed driver turned around to face Pete then took another drag from his cigarette before responding, "It's filled with fresh deer meat. What's it to you?"
It was a believable explanation, Malloy thought. He then stated, "Oh nothing. Just wondering if there were any good fishing spots near here. I thought you might fish with such a large ice box."
Without removing the smoke from his mouth, he sounded out, "Naw, I don't fish… I hunt."
The white-haired gas attendant rehung the nozzle then announced to Malloy, "That'll be $5.00. You can pay at the counter inside."
"OK. Thanks." Pete hopped in the Jeep and pulled it into a parking space next to the entrance. The unmanned register at the door looked to serve both the gas station and the diner. The restaurant had one long counter with six stools mounted to the floor. The front and side windows were lined with four-person booths. The place was quiet except for one person at the counter sipping coffee, and Jenny nestled into a side booth. She was studying the one-page plastic-coated menu in her hands when Pete walked up. "Do you see anything good?"
"I think the fried chicken and mashed potatoes sound tasty."
Pete slid across from her and took a look for himself. A couple minutes later, Peggy, a middle-aged waitress, came over to take their order. A nametag hung from her blouse, and her white apron showed a couple stains from earlier spills. She slung a damp dishtowel over her shoulder and pulled out a notepad from the apron's front pocket. "What'll you have?"
Pete first asked, "Do I need to pay you for the fuel first."
"No, Mister. I'll just add it to your tab." She then waited for their orders with her pencil ready.
Jenny went first and asked for the fried chicken plate then Pete chimed in with his choice. The impatient waitress scribbled a number one and a number three on her pad. "Do you want anything to drink?"
"Two coffees and some water, please," Jenny politely requested.
"OK." She disappeared behind the counter and hung up the order sheet for the cook to read. She returned to the table with the couple's waters and two coffee-filled mugs.
"Babe, I'm going to wash my hands. I'll be right back."
While Pete was in the washroom, the two guys from the red Dually truck walked in. The younger one with the blue Dodger ball cap noticed Jenny right away sitting alone in the booth. He instantly elbowed his brother. "Look at her." The older brother pressed out his cigarette butt in the ashtray next to the register.
"Yeah, I see her. She probably drove in with that nosy asshole in the jeep." Before he could say anything else, the younger brother wandered over to Jenny's table.
The lanky twenty-two year old leaned against the table and offered her an invitation. "Hey, Girl. Do you want to come party with me tonight?"
The young man's blue eyes seared through her, but his boyish facial hair made her scoff at his advance.
"Uh, no thanks. I'm married."
Her response didn't seem to deter him. He slid across from her and grabbed her left hand. "I don't see a ring!"
She pulled her hand away. "It was stolen. If you don't mind, that seat is taken."
"I don't mind one bit. So … where are you headed?"
"Uh, that's none of your business."
Just then, Pete returned to the table. He could see from the look on Jenny's face that she wasn't pleased with her visitor. In a less hospitable tone he stated, "Excuse me. You're in my seat!"
The kid raised his hands in reaction to Pete's pressure to leave. "OK! I'm going. I was just trying to be FRIENDLY." He climbed out of the booth and headed over to join his brother at the counter.
Pete watched him move away. When Pete finally sat, he asked Jenny, "Are you OK?"
"Oh yeah. He was just a pushy kid." Jenny instinctively rubbed over her bare left hand.
Before Pete could say anymore, the waitress arrived with two hot plates of food. A short time later, Peggy was back to pour some fresh coffee. She asked, "How is everything?"
Pete shared, "It's hitting the spot."
Jenny added, "It's good. Thank you." After topping off the coffee Peggy went back to the kitchen.
Pete pulled out the Rand McNally map of the area. "According to this, we are less than ten miles from the campground. We should finish up and get going. I don't want to be setting up the tent in the dark."
Jenny agreed. "I'm going to the restroom and I'll meet you at the car."
Pete took their tab over to the register and waited for Peggy to come ring up the fuel and food.
"Mister, can I get you anything else?"
"No." But then Pete had a thought. "Uh, Peggy, can I get my thermos filled with some more coffee?"
"Sure thing. I have another fresh pot ready." She asked, "Do you have a long drive ahead?"
"No, we're just headed to the local campground." After paying he waited there for Jenny. He felt better escorting her out after her brief encounter with the kid at their table earlier. Both guys seemed preoccupied with eating when she came out. The Malloys went to the jeep then Pete carried back in the thermos to be filled.
Heading east off Highway 5, the roads turned from pavement to gravel then to dirt. They traveled around the zigzag border of Iron Lake, which was anything but round. The ten miles took longer than Pete expected, but they finally arrived at the campground just before dusk. Creekside was a remote area surrounded by small hills and mature trees. They didn't see any other tents or cars as they drove in. "We may have this place all to ourselves tonight," Pete stated.
As Jenny glanced around and took in the view of the area she responded, "I'm really surprised how isolated it feels here. What a contrast from Los Angeles. Huh." It took just a minute to find a spot to set up camp. A single outhouse was located at the far end of the campground. There wasn't much else to speak of when it came to the place. Less than an hour later, the two had their tent up, and their sleeping bags unrolled. "All that's left to do is to start a fire." Jenny wandered over to the edge of the woods and collected some kindling while Pete searched for some larger logs to use. As the sky darkened, Pete quickly built a fire in the pit. Instead of using a tree stump to sit near the heat, Jenny laid out a heavy blanket to stretch out on. With a crystal-clear night, the temps dropped quickly. Feeling chilled, Jenny pulled out Pete's old gray police sweatshirt to put on. "I love this thing. It's so cozy."
"You look much better in it than I," he commented. He couldn't help but think she looked sexy in anything she wore. Then he thought, 'It's time.' Jenny went to the Jeep to get the thermos of coffee. She rummaged in the back and found an extra mug. She got situated on the blanket and was ready to open up the canister when she asked him, "Ready for a cup?"
After stoking up the flames, Pete settled in beside her. "Uh, not just yet." He took the thermos and mug from her hands then set them aside. "I have something for you."
Like a young child getting that one special birthday gift, she grinned and asked, "What is it?"
"I'm sorry. It's long overdue." Pete pulled out a very small envelope from his inside shirt pocket. Jenny just watched as he tore open the paper sleeve, tilted it, and the item dropped out into the palm of his hand.
She held her breath a moment. "Is that … my ring?" Her eyes tracked from the ring to his face. Tears began to swell up in her eyes.
"Yes! It's YOUR wedding ring." He carefully placed it on her finger. "It's back where it belongs."
She admired the ring on her finger as a tear dripped down her face.
"Hey, Lady." Pete reached over and wiped across her damp cheek with his thumb and gently lifted her chin in his hand. "Why the tears?"
She looked down. "I just thought … you might be regretting that we got married."
"What? What are you talking about?"
"It's just… you got more than you bargained for with … MY FATHER." She couldn't help but think about how dangerous he was. The man almost killed Pete at the courthouse.
"Let's not talk about him." Pete wanted to keep things positive.
"But…"
"No buts. I have no regrets. You're the best thing that has ever happened to me." He leaned in and gave her a sweet kiss.
Jenny was so relieved to hear these words. As she looked at the ring again on her finger she had to ask, "How did you find the ring?"
"Some detective work … is all." Pete didn't mention his visit with Walker at the jail. He wanted to avoid her learning of the clash there.
Trying to shake off her emotional state, Jenny turned playful instead. "Detective work, huh? And I thought I was married to a simple patrol officer." She gave him a coy smile and then said, "Oh yeah, and you never did come home in that nice pressed uniform." She glanced up at the gorgeous night sky filled with hundreds of stars.
Pete decided to play right into her fantasy. "I can always show you my badge … Ma'am."
His offer brought her eyes back to him and the flickering flames of the fire in front of them. The blaze cast a magical glow over them. Their eyes became locked on each other.
"That's not necessary, Officer Malloy." Suddenly the sparks between them were more heated then the actual bonfire. It began with a simple … soft … warm … kiss. Pete reached around Jenny, carefully pulled out the ponytail band, and then her hair fell loosely over her shoulders. He ran his hand slowly through the silky strands. The following kiss had him pressing harder against her and then things became steamer still. As he leaned into Jenny he laid her gently back down on the ground. Both of her hands held the sides of his face throughout the changing position. She effectively pulled him down on top of her with their lips still pressed together.
As the kiss ended, she peeked to see his dreamy green eyes looking back at her. Her body tingled with excitement, while his was fueled by pure desire. He managed to whisper, "I love you" before moving in for another impassioned kiss. With each pop and crackling noise from the fire, an article of clothing was either undone or stripped off entirely. Pete managed to pull part of the over-sized blanket on top of them before either got cold from the night air.
Their passion played out under the stars. Then after both became breathless, the two lovers relaxed. Pete rolled to one side to gaze at his beautiful wife when he noticed the fire fading. He started to crawl out from under the blanket when Jenny pulled him back in. "Hey, you can't leave. You're my heater."
"Yes, Ma'am!"
The two snuggled together for a bit more when the thought of some hot coffee coaxed them both to get up. They layered up and Pete got busy stoking the fire while Jenny found the thermos and poured a cup of black brew for each. Surprisingly, neither were affected by the caffeine at night.
With the fire raging again, Pete sat looking into the flames. He took a few sips before Jenny nestled up against his chest. After he propped his mug to the side, he carefully wrapped his arms around her. Both were mesmerized by the orange and red dancing blaze. He broke the brief silence and asked, "So, Beautiful, what are you thinking about?"
"I'm really glad we decided to make this trip to see your folks. It feels good to get away."
"Me too." Pete leaned down and kissed the tip of Jenny's ear.
Jenny became distracted with a particular thing on her mind. She sensed this was a good time to share it. "Umm …" She hummed then said, "Life is going to be different soon." Pete wondered if she was referring to her father being back in jail. Then he heard her say, "We better savor this quiet time."
"Uh, what are you talking about?" Pete gave Jenny a squeeze, then peeked over her shoulder wanting to see her face.
"Remember we talked about buying our first house?"
"Uh, yes."
"I think we need to get a home with at least two bedrooms." She turned around in his arms and smiled.
The practical side of Pete's brain was churning in one direction. "It will depend on the budget and what's available."
"Well, … we need one bedroom, … and … THE BABY will need one!"
Pete's jaw dropped open as the word BABY sank in. "Uh … are you … ?" He didn't get out another word when Jenny nodded her head.
"Yes. I'm pregnant." She loved seeing the pure delight in his eyes. It was a first to see him speechless. His next reaction was to kiss her. He then pulled back and took a deep breath.
He looked down at her tummy then he asked, "How long have you known?"
"I just found out yesterday at my doctor's appointment." At first I thought the stress from the past month just messed with my schedule, but with just over two months without it, I got suspicious.
"How far along?" He asked. Immediately, he was drawn to touch her belly.
"It's OK. I'm only nine weeks." She held his hand against her abdomen. Then she noticed a change in his demeanor.
His expression was one of concern. "I didn't hurt you, did I?"
Jenny caressed his cheek. "We're fine. Making love is perfectly safe." She could see his shoulders relaxed with that knowledge.
Pete ran his hand through her hair and looked into her eyes when he asked, "How are you feeling?"
"Actually really good. I remember my mom saying she didn't experience any morning sickness with me. I guess I might be just as fortunate."
"That's good." Pete couldn't stop smiling.
"I know it's early, but do you want to tell your folks about the baby while we're together?"
Pete thought for a second then said, "I guess if you're OK with it, I would like to."
"I'm sure they would love to hear you're going to be a daddy!"
Pete heard Jenny's last words, and it stirred up some overwhelming emotions in him. He didn't realize that becoming a father could have such an effect on him. He looked into her deep blue eyes and shared, "God, I love you!" Another impassioned kiss followed his declaration.
A variety of thoughts popped into his head then he shared them, "As soon as we get back to LA, I'll talk to the realtor about finding a house. I don't want you to worry about moving when the baby is due." In his head he started calculating when that time would be.
.