Author's Note: The music and words of Jackson are not mine. They belong to Billy Edd Wheeler and Jerry Leiber. The most famous recording belongs to Johnny and June Carter Cash, the best vocal duo in Country Music.

Chapter 12

Heidi finished singing and walked to the bar. She received hugs from two gentlemen. One, Ethan noticed was the one who had been hanging around her apartment. He assumed he was her new boyfriend. The other was a tall and skinny guy with great biceps. Ethan recognized him as one who sang Karaoke a lot. The new boyfriend slid off of his stool and offered it to her. She took a seat and ordered a beer from Hermann.

Four other singers took their turn. Ethan watched them, hardly paying attention. He stole glances at Heidi, who was chatting up both of the same guys that she had joined after she had gotten off stage. Just as he tried to turn his head, she caught his eye. She gave him a small smile and set her beer on the bar. He shook his head, knowing he had been busted. He gave her a wave.

"Lieutenant Tommy Welch," Otis called from behind his microphone.

The tall guy with the biceps set his beer on the bar. He patted Heidi's shoulder and made his way to the Karaoke area. He talked to Otis for a few seconds, then picked up the mic.

"Dr. Heidi Miller, I need your help with this song."

Heidi turned around and looked at him. She gave him an odd look.

"Don't just sit there. Come help me sing."

She looked at the other guy who seemed to be encouraging her. She slid off of her stool and joined Tommy on stage.

"What the hell?" she asked him.

"It's a duet. I need someone to sing the girl part," he explained as he handed her a microphone.

"But we've not rehearsed," she protested.

"It's all good. You like Country. It's one of the best Country songs ever written."

He turned her head toward the monitor. Otis had just finished loading the song.

"You know the song?"

She nodded.

"Ok then. No problem."

"You two ready?" Otis asked.

"Yep."

Otis pushed a button and the music started. Their voices combined and they started to sing.

We got married in a fever, hotter than a pepper sprout,

We've been talkin' 'bout Jackson, ever since the fire went out.

I'm goin' to Jackson, I'm gonna mess around,

Yeah, I'm goin' to Jackson,

Look out Jackson town.

Heidi looked at him as she started the next verse. He was looking at her. She took a deep breath.

Well, go on down to Jackson; go ahead and wreck your health.

Go play your hand you big-talkin' man, make a big fool of yourself,

You're goin' to Jackson; go comb your hair!

Honey, I'm gonna snowball Jackson.

See if I care…

He laughed as she turned away. He grabbed her wrist and turned her around so she was facing him. He picked up the next verse.

When I breeze into that city, people gonna stoop and bow. (Hah!)

All them women gonna make me, teach 'em what they don't know how,

I'm goin' to Jackson, you turn-a loose-a my coat.

'Cos I'm goin' to Jackson.

"Goodbye," that's all she wrote.

Heidi took another breath. She was starting to relax. Their voices blended well. She was glad he had picked the song. It was one she had always loved, so she didn't need to look at the monitor. She could concentrate on him and singing. She pointed her mic at him as she sang.

But they'll laugh at you in Jackson, and I'll be dancin' on a Pony Keg.

They'll lead you 'round town like a scalded hound,

With your tail tucked between your legs,

You're goin' to Jackson, you big-talkin' man.

And I'll be waitin' in Jackson, behind my Jaypan Fan,

He reached out and took her free hand with hers as they sang the final verse together.

Well now, we got married in a fever, hotter than a pepper Sprout,

We've been talkin' 'bout Jackson, ever since the fire went out.

I'm goin' to Jackson, and that's a fact.

Yeah, we're goin' to Jackson, ain't never comin' back…

Otis turned off the machine. She looked at him. He looked at her.

"Good job."

"Thanks. You too."