Some Other Place
Katiemarie
Chapter 21
The Team spent the day playing cards and relaxing. Patty stopped in around 5 with a huge tray of food.
"Hey guys you should try this we have a guest chef tonight."she said brightly
BA took the tray from her and put it on the kitchen counter. It was homemade lasagna , Cookies and garlic bread. Patty stood behind Murdock and kissed the top of his head. He could hear his tags jangle as she moved.
" Man Patty , I haven't had food like this since I was at my Mama's.I know its not hers but it's close."
" Glad you like it BA Mac says be at the bar at 7."
" We will any idea what is going on tonight what we are doing. How should we dress?" Face asked
" Its a party so what ever you want I guess"
Face brought a new suit on the way back from LA . His tailor had just finished it so he was happy.
Murdock was a little concerned cause with his shoulder and arm in a cast he couldn't wear a normal shirt .
" Face any idea about what I can wear cant get my t-shirts on."
" Yea Buddy I picked up an extra shirt it should fit over the cast. We can probably get a jacket over the cast if the shirt doesn't work."
" Cool"
Patty kissed Murdock on the cheek and headed back to the bar. The guys had a few hours to kill before they needed to be there. They all got cleaned up and Face helped Murdock get ready. He had brought a nice pair of Black pants and a light blue shirt for Murdock. He had a gray tailored suit with a Lavender tie for himself.
When Face tried to get a Black Suit jacket on Murdock he shook his head. "No MY Jacket"
"Come on Murdock it wont go with the rest. Can't you leave the bomber jacket home for a night. I don't even think it will fit over your cast."
" FACE Please I need it." Face knew it was a losing battle. He gently helped Murdock get his arm in the sleeve and pulled it over the cast somehow it fit.
"Thanks Face guy. Its weird I know but I don't feel like me with out it." Then he grabbed his ball cap and put it on.
Face shook his head and said " I don't know why I bother."
The guys walked around to the front of the bar and noticed there were no cars in the parking lot other than Macs, Pattys and a bus. The outside lights were off.
"This is weird Patty said 7 didn't she ,didn't she Face?"Hannibal looked around suspiciously
As they opened the doors they could see the room was full everybody had their backs to the door and Mac was standing holding a rope attached to a banner. Jane stood on the other side and Patty was standing to Macs left
Suddenly everyone in the bar turned and yelled Surprise as Mac unfurled the Banner
" Thank You A-TEAM"
In big letters the banner said. It had an American flag on one side and the Bar's name on the other.
The men looked at each other then at everyone standing in front of them holding up Champagne glasses.
"NO way" Murdock exclaimed
As they made their way in the bar people were yelling Hi and thank you and clapping the men on the back . Thankfully they didn't do that to Murdock and would just wave to him. Mac had filled them in on his shoulder so they were being careful not to hurt him.
As the crowd parted BA spotted a familiar figure holding a cake with tears in her eyes .
"MAMA" he shouted at he ran to his mother who had placed the cake on the nearest table . He scooped her up into his arms and hugged her close.
"SCOOTER" they both were laughing and crying at the same time.
"How did you get here?" BA asked wiping his eyes quickly
" Your friend Mac called me a few weeks ago and told me everything you boys did for him. At first I thought it was that sucka Decker, but then Amy called me and explained it was true. He told me he wanted to throw a party for you all and had a plane ticket with an open date waiting for me at the airport. So he told me it was today and I was on the plane in an hour. I got here last night. Mac and Jane let me stay with them and I cooked all day to keep myself busy. Did you like your Lasagna I know its one of your favorites "
"Yea MAMA" he still couldn't believe she was there.
" He said it wasn't as good as yours Mrs B." Murdock said with a sly grin towards BA
"Shut up Murdock , Shut up!" BA growled
"Now scooter be nice." She went and gave Murdock a light hug and said "Murdock your always so thin you need my cooking more than anyone. I will make sure you get some to take home. Are you OK Son. Mac said you broke your arm"
" Yes Ma'am I'm good." He kissed her cheek and backed away so the women could greet Face and Hannibal
As the other two men greeted Mrs B. Mac got on stage and took the mic
"If I can have everyone's attention. Hannibal , Face, BA, Murdock we all come here tonight to honor all you do. I know you recognize the people gathered here .They're all people you have saved over the years. You have put your lives and freedom on the line for each and everyone. I have heard some of the story's and I am sure as the night goes on we will hear more. But this is just a small representation of how many there are. To get them all we would need a stadium .I want to share my story, a few weeks ago these men wandered into this little bar and changed it forever. They didn't know me from Adam but with no hesitation they threw themselves into making it what it is now. With nothing but a nod and a wink they transformed our lives. Hannibal you said it's what you do and tried to make it seem like nothing. But you changed made me realize that there are heroes out there. On behalf of Jane and Patty and Myself I can never thank you all enough . SO to the A-Team!"
He lifted his glass as someone came up to Hannibal's side and handed him a glass.
" Thanks Patty," he turned to find the smiling face of Maggie Sullivan." Maggie your here did you know about this too?" Hannibal for once in his life didn't see this coming
" Yea Amy called me I got down here today. This is quite a big event .I wouldn't have missed it for the world."Maggie smiled warmly and wrapped her free hand around Hannibal's waist.
As everyone drank their champagne Mac got down from the stage and a band took the stage, they started the night with " Turn the Page " from Bob Segar.
Mac came back to Hannibal And Maggie, Face Amy who had popped in during the speech, Murdock and Patty and BA and his Mom.
"Mac this is to much I don't know what to say. I mean all these people how did you get them all here?"
" Amy did most of the logistics. She arranged for everyone to get here and set them all up in one hotel so we could get them here all at once. We didn't want a lot of cars in the driveway since we are closed tonight."
" Amy thank you for all your help."Mac said to the blushing reporter
" You did great kid. I am in shock .." Hannibal hugged Amy
" Wow the Great John Hannibal Smith at a loss for words."Maggie said with a laugh
" I don't ever remember a moment like this." Face said
"Well you guys deserve it."
" No I mean a speechless Hannibal." Face said with a grin
" Well guys I am gonna get back to my bar lots of thirsty people and Patty your off tonight. Spend the night with your man."Mac winked at the couple as he walked past.
The group moved to the table that was set up the a VIP sign . On the table was a large photo album.
Inside were picture of past people they had helped some with a smiling team some alone. Also there were stills of the men alone and together. Some of them in pose some of them in action. One of BA under the hood of a truck, one of Face pointing to a skyline, One of Hannibal with a cigar and afar off look and one of Murdock in the cockpit of a helicopter . On other pages were short letters from people they had worked for.
" I put this together when Mac started planning this. Danial had a lot of these photos I took when we were in Arizona . The team had helped save wild Mustangs a few months before and Amy had her camera the whole time. " The letters I actually receive quite often. I have been keeping them to give to you and tonight seemed like a perfect time." Amy said as the guys crowded around each other to look . The last page was a picture of everyone in attendance under the Marquee of the bar .
On the marquee it said "I LOVE IT WHEN A PLAN COMES TOGETHER"
"Oh Amy that's beautiful."Maggie said as she looked down at Hannibal .His eyes were misty he
shook his head.
"Amy I don't know what else to say but thank you. You do a lot for us and I know we have had some bumps over the years. You are and always be a member of the team." Hannibal raised his glass
"Yea Amy thanks a lot for getting my Mama here."BA told her as he lifted his glass
" Thanks Muchacha this is outstanding." Murdock squeezed her hand
"Yea Amy this is really nice." Face leaned over and gave her a quick kiss on the cheek
Then Daniel Running-bear popped up behind Amy and greeted the guys.
"Hey fellas, Hi Range rider referring to Murdock's alter ego for the job they did." Patty looked at Murdock and he waved it off
"Nah Daniel I'm just plain old Murdock tonight." he stood and shook Daniels hand with his good one.
"Mind if I steel Amy I want to get a dance." With that he whisked her off she turned her head and waved at her friends
" So they are still together huh ?" Face sighed
"Cheer up Lieutenant it's a party."
The guys were all smiles as they made their way around the room and chatted with everyone.
As the night wore on Murdock felt like he had shook so many hands that his arm was gonna fall off.
It was overwhelming for the whole team to be in the spotlight. So much of what they do requires them to be invisible .
BA and his mom sat at the table as people approached and thanked BA for all his help .Mama B was smiling and looking lovingly at her son. They got so little time together and tonight was a real eye opener for her. She knew her son helped people but meeting some of them really hit it home.
Hannibal and Maggie were dancing and Face had found Samantha Lawrence and was in conversation with her.
"Hey Murdock you there," Patty had been calling his name for a minute and he finally turned to looked at her
"Oh sorry babe was just taking it all in." He said a the took the glass she was holding
"What do you think of the band their good aren't they?"
"Yea they are!"
Before Murdock could say anything else he was called over to the bar by Hannibal's command "We need you for a minute Captain if its OK."
He had 4 shot glasses lined up and BA had left his seat and was also joining his friends
"Duty calls Patty." he smiled at Patty and joined the guys at the bar for a toast.
While Murdock joined them at the bar. She went up to the band and spoke quickly to the lead singer.
After their shot was done the band gathered on the stage and the singer said
" We have a special treat tonight one of the guest's of honer is going to join us on this next song. Murdock would you join us up here"
"WHAT?" Hannibal and BA and Face all said as they looked at the equally confused face of their pilot.
The bar started chanting Murdock's name as he stood there looking around in disbelief.
" I can't ..I don't, huh?" Patty came up and gently guided him to the stage
" For me?"she asked earnestly
"OK here goes nothing" He said as he straitened his hat and jacket.
The crowd clapped and hollered as he made his way to the Mic. He quickly told the band the song and said " I didn't know I was doing this tonight but this is a song for Patty ."
The band stated with a small piano part and Murdock took a deep breath and locked eyes with Patty,
"Everyday, it's getting closer, going faster than a roller coaster.
A love like yours would surely come my way.
Everyday, seems a little faster, all my friends, they say go on up and ask her.
A love like yours would surely come my way."
As he started to relax his voice got stronger. Hannibal and BA and Face were in awe.
They had heard him sing many times over the years but never with this emotion.
Maggie whispered in Hannibal's ear " He is really good " Smith nodded
As the song went on people started dancing. Patty stood directly in front of Murdock never breaking eye contact with him. He took a step down and let her hold his waist as they both swayed.
"Everyday it seems a little stronger, everyday it lasts a little longer"
Come what may, do you ever long for true love from me?
Everyday seems a little closer, going faster than a roller coaster.
A love like yours would surely come my way.
A love like yours would surely come my way, everyday."
" Everyday it seems a little stronger, everyday it lasts a little longer.
Come what may, do you ever long for true love from me? Like I long from you baby.
Everyday seems a little closer, going faster than a roller coaster.
A love like yours would surely come my way. "
As the final notes faded Patty threw her arms around Murdock's neck and kissed him.
Murdock handed the Mic back to the band and thanked them for allowing him to join .
"You did great man really good." the singer told him .
As Murdock and Patty made their way back to the bar Murdock couldn't believe what he just did. It's one thing to sing around his room or in the privacy of a cockpit. But this was a full room of friends .
He sat down at the bar and waited for his knees to stop shaking. More people were crowding out on the dance floor as the band played SHOUT by the Everly Brothers
"That was so great Murdock . Sorry about putting you on the spot like you have such a beautiful voice I wanted everyone to hear it." Patty told him kissing him again
Sometimes on the phone late at night Murdock would sing to her until she would fall asleep. It always gave her a warm feeling.
"Glad you liked it thanks for making me. I always wanted to sing with a band"
"Awe Murdock that was so Beautiful."Mrs B had made her way to where he was sitting and hugged him .
" Thanks Mrs B hey did you meet Patty its been so crazy here I don't remember if I introduced you."Murdock asked her
"Yes dear I met her yesterday when I got here but now that I know she is your Patty that BA had been telling me about. Come her young lady."Mrs B opened her arms
Mrs B hugged Patty close and whispered "He's a special man be good to him ya hear. Don't make me come back here." Patty hugged her back and said " I know and I will "
Mrs B made her way back to where son was sitting and squeezed his shoulder. BA put a large ringed hand over his mothers.
Patty, Murdock , Hannibal and Maggie made their way back to the VIP table. Face and Samantha had just come off the dance floor and they rejoined the table .
Mac approached the table with a tray full of drinks, "You guys having a good night" he asked
"Mac this is the best night I have ever had." Hannibal said and the others nodded in agreement.
"Well its just a small token of our gratitude I have heard some amazing stories tonight. These people are grateful for you guys, as we are."
" I should probably address the room and thank everyone . Well we all should."Hannibal said as he indicated for the rest to follow .
They walked to the stage in order of their rank as they usually did with out even thinking about it
Hannibal in the lead Face behind him and BA behind Face and Murdock in the back.
The lead singer nodded as Hannibal asked for the mic. The guys stood side by side in an attention pose behind their colonel.
" I just want to take this moment to thank each and everyone of you for being here tonight. Also to thank Mac and Jane and Amy Allen for putting this together. I am overwhelmed and honored . We don't do what we do for riches or fame. We do it because people like you are out there and need help. The three men behind me are some of the finest I know. We have been together for a over a decade, and I know I can be a task master and hard to handle at times. But you guys are always there and I thank you for that. Hannibal turned towards his team and spoke to each individual.
" Face for always being my second and all always being able to read my mind before I even know what I am thinking. You have turned into a fine man. Watching you grow up over these years fills me with pride." Face beamed as Hannibal spoke. The colonel wasn't big on praise usually a "Good job kid, or a Nice" was about the highest amount of praise he gave.
" BA for everything we put you through the trickery and the times we have knocked you out to put you on a plane against your will. You are an amazing man so intelligent and kind. People look at you and expect you to be gruff and short tempered . We use that to our advantage a lot. But we also know you as a caring and wonderful friend. Who always has a moment for a wayward child or a wayward commander. Mrs B" Hannibal turned to address the women standing at the table wiping her eyes. "You have raised an amazing man and I promise to keep him safe and make sure he makes it back to you as soon as I can." Mrs B nodded and blew both Hannibal and BA a kiss.
"Murdock , what can I say, you are one of the most talented people I have ever met. You can fly anything, you out of all the guys have so many layers that each day I feel we are meeting a new Murdock. But with all your antics one thing always remains constant your unwavering support of us. You are the most loyal friend I have ever had the honor to make. Your always up for some adventure and even times when we know you aren't you are still with us. You could have walked away from us when we went on the run. But there you are fighting the fight right with us. I know people call you crazy but we wouldn't have you any other way . I always rest well knowing you have our back." as Hannibal spoke to him Murdock nodded his head in thanks.
When he finished speaking he turned to his men and saluted them
Face took the mic from Hannibal as he stepped back in line with his men who were patting him on the back and thanking him.
"BA and Murdock have decided I will speak for them as well as myself. Thank you all for this outpouring of love. I grew up alone in an orphanage and these three men behind me are my family. My brothers , my fathers , my friends. The war taught us to be a unit but Hannibal you have taught us how to be a family. You and your plans and your zest for life have kept us alive all these years and we may disagree at times but one thing you can always count is we will follow you into the gates of hell and back . Thank you Mac and Jane for making us see that we do make a difference. And that we matter somewhere in the world. I know for a kid like me that is all I dreamed of growing up and I have found it. Thank you all again for being here."
He handed the mic back to the singer of the band and they made their way back to the table. People were clapping and hugging them as they made their way through the crowd.
"Very nice Face couldn't have said it better myself." Murdock hugged his friend
"Thanks Murdock "
The band began their last set and the team laughed and pointed at BA when the band started up with Yellow submarine . Hannibal Face and Murdock sang together and even BA joined in at the refrain the rest of the team laughed even harder .
Moondance started and BA jumped up and asked him mom to dance .
"I didn't know you danced Scooter."
"I do now and I can't pass up a dance with my best girl." She took his arm and he led her out on the floor. BA remembered all the steps Murdock had taught him. Murdock watched his friend with pride . Glad BA had asked him and was able to dance with his mom .
Hannibal and Face leaned across the table and said " BA dances?"
"Captain why do I think you had something to do with that?"
" I don't know interment memory loss yada yada." Murdock winked at them