FRANKIE STONE : DETECTIVE LARGE!

chapter 4

This can't wait...Or patience is not a virtue in my opinion.

Attention passengers please put your tray tables in their upright and locked positions. And fasten your seatbelts. The plane will be landing shortly in New York City.

A stewardess announced over the speaker.

Frankie laughed silently. " What are you so amused about?" Bianca enquired curiously.

" Nothing it's just , my sister would probably be grabbing hold of something right about now." Frankie answered with another snicker.

" You're wicked. "

" Well, I guess you'll just have to punish me when we get home. " Frankie stated with devilish smirk. Raising her eyebrows the cute way she always did. When there was something naughty on her mind.

" Yeah, you just keep hopin' for that. I'm going to see my little girl first. And we have conversation to finish having. Or I might just have a headache for a very long time. " Bianca informed her lover. Forming her own evil grin.

" That's not fair. " Protested the detective.

" Oh, isn't it. I want a chance to be heard the only way to do that. Is to with hold your favorite thing from you. Until you at least listen to me. "

" What do you want me to say Bianca. That I want kids, that was never part of my plans. " Frankie stated to her wife.

"But you're so good with Miranda how can you not want..."

" Because I accepted Miranda as part of the package. I'm not usually good with kids. I do good just to keep up with her. What could I possibly know about bringing up a baby? Even if I was open to the idea which I'm not. Erica would birth little baby kittens. I can hear her now." Frankie argued her point.

" I think mom would be ecstatic to have another grandchild running around in the back yard." Bianca replied not willing to give up so soon.

" Yes, Another one doesn't she have like two from Kendall and one on the way from Josh and Babe, you see how she's taking that news. The poor thing better look and act just like her or she'll say it's some rug rat dust mite welfare kid from the trailer park like Babe was. It's gonna have to grow up under that kind of scrutiny. " Frankie furthered her argument as she exited the plane into the gate terminal.

" Well, mom has her reasons for not liking Babe. " Frankie rolled her eyes at that statement.

" Such as? Name a good one. "

" Well she and I got our babies mixed up. The peramedic gave Babe her baby and stole mine. For six months I thought Miranda was dead. I was so upset I had some mental lapse and ended up taking Babe and Jr.'s baby from the hospital. Babe knew the whole time what had happened. " Bianca explained.

" Well that is a pretty good reason. But the second our baby picks up something it shouldn't. I can hear Erica now she must take after your side of the family Frankie. " She stated turning her nose up in mocking of LaKane herself.

Which gained a small laugh from Bianca. " Is that the best argument you have against it?"

" Why am I losing?" Frankie shot back with a smile.

" Oh, you tanked while the plane was landing. I got an answer for everything you've said so far. Parenting classes, books on tape, family therapy for my mother. "

" Is that with or without the free labotomy?" Frankie said cutely trying to stay in her wifes good graces. " Look I admit you make a good case, can you atleast let me think about it and tell you my answer later. After we've murdered our first kid. "

" I suppose I did spring it on you, so yes. " Bianca let her tough act go and unfolded her arms.

" That's my girl. I love you. " Frankie said giving her wife a kiss on the cheek. Then picking up their luggage.

At the hospital.

Frankie and Bianca walked into Miranda's room. With a balloon in each hand.

" Oh, no grandma called you guys. I'm sorry I ruined your honeymoon." Miranda said hanging her head.

" That's fine here's a balloon attached is a coupon. Entitling you to one free grounding from your mom and I both. " Frankie stated placing her hands on her slender hips.

" We're very dissapointed in you Miranda Elizabeth Montgomery. What in the world were thinking running off on your bike in the middle of the night. To see some stupid concert you could have been killed by that semi."

" Of all things for Justine Bieber! I mean he sings like a woman. He kinda looks like one too." Frankie added.

The women were putting up a united front.

" His name is Justin and I wanted to see his show. I won those stupid tickets. "

" Eight years old is much too young to be going to concerts alone. Young lady. " Bianca informed her daughter. " The reason Frankie and I didn't want you to go is because we got you tickets. To the premier of his movie in New York. We were going to suprise you when we got back. But I guess I'll see if anyone else's parents wants them. Because you can't be trusted. "

" What you're mother said. I'm in complete agreance. " Frankie added with folded arms.

A small tap on the door to Miranda's room. " What!" The women yelled at the same time.

Bianca opened the door to see Jr and little Adam with flowers in their hands.

" I came to see Miranda is that okay?" Adam asked.

" Yeah, you can come in but he stays out. " Frankie said firmly.

" Bianca are you seriously married to this woman. She was trouble when we were kids and more trouble now. " Jr commented.

" Yeah, trouble for you. How's the eye since the last time I slugged you? I'm thinking you need a refresher. " Frankie stated becoming more hostile by the moment. " Kid I like you but your dad is a pain in my side. "

" I know everyone says that. "

" Come on Frankie let's leave the kids alone to visit. " Bianca coaxed.

Although not as well as she'd thought. " You're right I can't this anymore. Not back a whole hour and you wanna know if we should have another kid. Even though I tell you no repeatedly. Then if that's not bad enough I gotta come eye to eye with this creature. I'm outta here for awhile. I need to clear my head. " Frankie stated throwing her leather jacket back on and storming out the door.

" Wow, she's touchy. "

" Shut up Jr." Bianca replied folding her arms.

" Apparently she's rubbing off on you in more ways than one. " Jr snapped back.

" Why don't you go sit down somewhere near your rock I'm sure it must miss you. In fact do us all a favor and crawl under it again. "

Said a voice all too familiar to Bianca it was her mother.

" How touching mommy still fighting our battles for us is she?" Jr antagonized.

He felt a tap on his shoulder and turned only to be knocked back. " You leave my wife alone, you're an ass we all know it so just do us all a favor back the hell off right now. "

" You can't do this to me I'll report you. You're an officer of the law I'll have your badge." The rick man threatened.

" Hey, Jack I'm off duty technically I'm still on leave can he seize my badge?" Frankie asked.

" No, not technically especially considering what we've all witnessed. " Jack replied a wise smirk on his face.

" I have a makeup artist on my show does wonders to create bruising. I don't think assault on an officer would be too far fetched do you Jack?" Erica asked her husband.

" No not at all dear. " Jack answered.

" You're all crazy I'm going to the car tell little Adam to meet me out there. When he's done slumming it. " Jr smirked.

" Alright that's it. " FRankie hauled and punched him right in the nose. " Do not insult my daughter like that again. " She pulled him over to Bianca. " Now apologize to Bianca for that remark. "

" In hell. Uh!" Jr was now punched in stomach and bent over Frankie had ahold of him by the collar of jacket. " Alright, alright I'm sorry. "

Jr limped out of the hospital.

Frankie looked accomplished. " I feel a little bit better now. That terrible smell has left the building. " She said slapping her hands together as if removing excess dirt. " Now if you'll excuse me I'm going to go pick up the dog from the vet. Since your mom here doesn't do animals. I'm sorry for earlier. "

" I know just go on and vent I'll be home in a little while. " Bianca replied.

" What was all that about?" Erica asked her daughter once Frankie was clear from earshot.

" Oh, nothing just a discussion we were having it got a little heated and Frankie walked out of the situation before she got to mad. "

" What on earth could make someone that mad after a honeymoon to an exotic place." Erica pondered.

" Mom, I'm begging to stop right now. " Bianca warned her mother. " You forget we only spent two days there. Not a whole week like we thought we were going to. So how is she doing? We were a little too busy ripping her for sneaking out in the first place. "

" She's good, she can go home today Josh said. Just to watch her for nausea and dizziness. " Erica told her daughter.

" Great. I have some things I have to go get ready then. I'll be back to pick her up in an hour or so. " Bianca told her mother and left the hospital herself.

" So is your dad always so mean?" Miranda asked Adam.

" Not always but allot. So are you in a lot of trouble with your moms?"

" I'm grounded and I know they haven't even started to lecture me. Plus they got me tickets to see JB's movie but now I'm not allowed to go. Condition of the whole being grounded. I didn't get you into trouble did I?"

" No, my dad didn't even notice I was gone. He was too busy with his new girlfriend. I just waited til the next day and pretended I got a text that you were in the hospital. So he let me come see you. Do you like the flowers?" Adam asked.

" Yes They're very pretty. Thank you. "

" Well I better go before dad gets in more trouble. See you at school. "

" Bye Adam."

Frankie was driving around town in her Mustang. Pondering everything and petting the dog. " What do you think boy can you handle another little one tugging on your ears and tail?" The dog barked in answer. Frankie scratched his ears with her free hand and steered with the other.

" Yeah, I guess it would be fun. Why can't people be as good at listening as dogs are? I bet you're excited to be gettin' out early. " The dog kissed her hand. " Well, don't get too excited your girl is all bandaged up in the hospital. Because she could listen to simple instruction. Oh, God two of'em running around making trouble I must be insane to even be considering this. the things we do for pretty dogs huh Teddy?"

" Well pretty dogs in your case a pretty girl in mine. Let's make a stop shall we? Yeah you don't mind. I'm talking to a dog I have gone off the deep end. "

Frankie stopped off at a boutique in midtown.

Bianca arrived back her new house with an armfull of groceries to restock the fridge. Plus a couple of movies for Miranda to watch when she got home.

Frankie's car pulled up almost exactly the same time she was fumbling for her housekey with the arm full of groceries.

" Here my dear let me take those. " Frankie said cheerfully Bianca looked at her wife and shoved the large paper bag at her chest. "Okay I deserve that."

" Your damn right you do leaving me there to explain your little temper tantrum. To everyone including my mother."

" Look I'm sorry I can't handle all that thrown at me at one time. "

" Welcome to reality Frankie everybody gets more than they think they can handle sometimes. It doesn't mean you can just walk out then come back when it's convienant for you. You have to stick it out. " Bianca lectured.

" I know and I want to make up for my immature outburst okay. I got you something on the way home from the vet. Do you wanna see it?" Frankie asked like an eager child.

" Sure what is it?" Bianca replied tiredly.

" You'll see just close your eyes and wait here. I'll be right back. " Frankie could be heard dashing out the front door once more. Grabbing two sacks from the car and re-entering the house. Bianca was starting to become amused. But when she heard her wifes careful footsteps back into the kitchen she let her smile fade.

" Okay well I lied I stopped at two places but they were right next to each other. I got you something and me something. Frankie took Bianca's present out first and then hers. " Alright open'em. "

Bianca looked down and her eyes went wide at what lay before her. A baby blanket with little dogs all over it. Then she looked at the thing that Frankie had bought for herself.

A guide to parenting for adults that were abused as children.

Bianca ran around the counter and jumped into her wifes arms with joy. Kissing her all over her face. Settling on her lips she kissed Frankie with so much passion. " You mean it?"

" Yeah, I mean it. I really am sorry about before I let my temper get the better of me. But that's not going to happen again. Because starting monday I'm going to therapy. "

" With who?"

" Someone called Liz Estrada she sounds like a bit of a hippy to me but what do I know. Greenley gave me her number. I need to sort out my temper and learn how to deal with stuff before I turn into my parents. For us and for the baby. "

" Frankie I love you. I'm so proud of you. "

" Well, don't get too proud just yet. I haven't met her there could end up being a hostage situation if she wants to talk about feelings too much. I'm gonna go feed the dog. " Frankie said with a bag of Beneful in her hand.

" Okay, " Bianca was still too overjoyed at the thought of having another baby. To think about anything else she wrapped the blanket up in her arms. Picturing for a moment her cozy little family and smiling.

Frankie went to the hospital to pick up Miranda. Josh was waiting with discharge papers in hand. " So am I really grounded or do I get time off for good behavior in this punishment?" Asked the girl with innocent eyes.

" Don't give me that look, I perfected that look ten years ago. Besides those sorts of thing are up to your mother and I. Not just me we'll have to see how the good behavior goes first. Cause two days in a hospital bed. Doesn't really count for an eight year old. " Frankie answered her new daughter.

" That's it you're free to go. " Josh told his niece.

" Don't let him fool you kiddo nothing is free. Especially hospital stays around here. Bianca wanted me to make sure you had the insurance numbers you need for this?"

"I think so they should be on file. You'll be getting a courtesy call if we don't. " Josh replied. "Oh, here before I forget this is a script for a mild pain killer. And theres one for anti-biotics she has an inner ear infection as well. You know the drill any problems..."

" Bring her back. I got it thanks Josh. " Frankie said and followed the nurse pushing Miranda out the door and to the car.

" You heard him I had temporary nisanity because of my ear infection. I have to see that movie. Please Frankie please?" Pleaded the eight year old.

" First off it's insanity and you're not a criminal on death row. So that plea doesn't count for you. Second lalalalalala I can't hear you. " Frankie told the child in a sarcastic manor. She loved her step-daughter but she was getting on the detectives nerves.

On the ride home however she became worse.

" Can I have an ice cream Frankie?" The little girl asked sweetly at first.

" No. "

" Why you always buy me ice cream. " Miranda insisted.

" Because little runaways don't get ice cream. I buy ice cream for A students and well behaved children. Of which you are neither this time your report card came in mail while we were gone. two B minuses and three C's. "

" Oh. " Miranda replied then became silent.

" Can I ask you a question and I want you to tell me the honest to goodness truth. What is going on with you kid? This isn't like you, you're better behaved than this."

"I can't tell you. "

" Of course you can, it's just you and me in the car. I won't tell anyone I promise. " Frankie vowed to her daughter.

" Well I'm afraid. You and mommy are married now and Sara my friend at school said that when her mommy got married. That they had a new baby and they don't love her anymore. I just don't want you guys to stop loving me. Does that make me selfish Frankie?" The young girl asked with tears running down her cheeks.

Frankie pulled the Mustang over undid her seatbelt reached across the seats and gave her stepdaughter a bear hug. " There is nothing in this world your mom or I could love more than you understand. Even if we at some point decided to have a baby we would love you both the same. So no more of that your friend is clearly insane okay. " The cop told her little girl.

"Okay, I'm sorry if I was pain in your butt. " Miranda apologized sincerely this time.

" It's cool. Just give your mom and I a breather before you become a teenager huh?" Frankie half joked.

"If I have to. I suppose I can do it. " The child agreed.

The only thing Frankie could think was that she needed a stiff drink. Like the ones she used to mix as a partying, careless teenager.

She left dropped Miranda off at their house with Bianca. Then left once more with the promise of returning soon with Miranda's meds in towe. However once on the road again and alone. Frankies first stop was the liquor store then the docks. Where she could have a couple of shots in peace.

As luck would have it though Erica was enjoying her evening walk around the pier. Without Jack by her side he had to work late on some trial.

She spotted a familiar face but couldn't understand why there was a bottle in her hands. " I thought Frankie didn't drink?" This made Erica curious and sympathetic. If her daughters wife was falling off of the wagon. Maybe she could help end it before it became a serious problem.

" You're not doing what I think you're doing ?" Erica asked from behind the detective.

Frankie turned around and let out a grumbled curse. " Oh , it's you I should've known it looks like hells frozen over and I'm gettin' sent all the demons. " Frankie stated knocking back another sip from her paper bag covered bottle. " What's it look like I'm doing Erica!"

" It looks to me like you're doing your best to ruin your life. Let me help." The socialite offered sincerely.

"Why do you wanna help me? Have you gone blind Erica it's me Frankie Stone the one who's never perfect enough for your precious little daughter. But joke's on you cause you see this?" Frankie held up her wedding ring finger. " That means you were wrong. I don't need help anyway I can handle having a drink or two without being helped. "

"Maybe but I wonder why it is then that you chose to come all the way out to the fishermans wharf. To throw back your drinks instead of sharing them with my daughter?" Erica phrased carefully.

"Because I don't, I don't want her to see me like this okay." Frankie answered kicking a leaf with her shoe.

"I know when I started drinking again there was always a sudden pressure or stress. I was afraid to vent it to anyone so I chugged down a bottle to feel better. Is that what's happening Frankie is there something the matter?"

Frankie sighed then glanced at her mother in law. "I don't know why I'm telling you any of this. But here it goes. Bianca and I were at the airport trying to get a flight back here. When she started rambling about how Miranda was getting bigger all the time. Then out of nowhere she hits me with the b word. "

" B word?" Erica questioned the detective gave her a knowing look. " Oh, you mean baby. So then what happened? "

"Anyway I convinced her to wait for me to give her an answer until. We got to see how Miranda was. Then we got into this fight and I exploded then things got worse when Jr showed up at the hospital. He was bringing his kid to see Miranda. I caught in on him insulting Bianca. I lost it totally."

Erica was almost gleaming at that thought because she too hated Jr and everything the Chandlers stood for. Even though she was married to his dad twice. " Then what did you do?"

Frankie smiled awnrily. " I didn't do anything to him. That he didn't have coming that is. I punched him in the gut and broke his nose. The usual." She answered taking another sip of her liquid courage.

"Well for that I can't say anything because he needs that to be done to him. However -"

" I'm not finished then I said yes to her about the baby. But when I went to pick up Miranda she told me the reason her grades tanked with her attitude. It was because she was afraid Bianca and I would have another baby and she wouldn't be loved anymore. Erica I know how that feels I can't put her through that. What if I turn out like one of my parents and end up hitting and cursing the people I love the most. " Frankie admitted swallowing hard and sliding to the ground.

" My father was horrible to me Frankie he even arranged for his best friend to rape me as a girl. I know what it's like to have that feeling in you all the time. I just did this am I turning into him complex. It's hard to get past until one day you look in the mirror and your kids. Then you realize you're not them at all. You are who you want to be in this world my dear. Now why don't you give me that bottle and I'll drive you home. " Erica offered.

" I can drive Erica." Frankie replied peeling down the paper bag. " It's Redbull I went to the liquor store but I didn't go in I went across the street to the one stop. Bianca banned me from caffeine shots since I came home from the hospital one night after shifts. I was bouncing off the walls I'd had five of these bad boys. The can was just too cold for my hand. " She laughed taking another sip.

Erica smiled with relief and accomplishment that maybe she could give Frankie one more piece of advice. " Just one more thing before I leave you, Every kid is jealous when their mother gets married. I love my granddaughter but she is still just a normal child. Perhaps telling Bianca how you really feel about all of these things would help you. Afterall you just got married it would be a shame to have a divorce record set quicker than mine. " She joked.

" That's true. " The cop admitted. Erica took her keys out of her pocket and turned to leave. " Erica, Thanks for everything. I'm sorry for snapping your head off earlier. "

" It's alright dear and you are very welcome. Now get home to my daughter and start talking. I want her pregnant by spring if you decide yes. "

Frankie took one last sip of her coffee injected beverage then tossed it into a nearby trash barrel. Started her car up and went home.

An' I wish that I...

Could see how you are now...

Turn it up give it all you want

Livin' with things that you forgot

throw them all away

Never die the sun will rise

The ocean tide will save it all for another day

Sweet..temptations start

End Chapter 4 song sample above is Sweet Temptations by Five Times August