-Chapter 2. Pete!

References are made to the episode The Chinese Hangman S1E6 Also to my story Redemption.

It was still dark when Eric reached the city limits of Petesville. The name had started as a joke but the more he thought about it he couldn't help but wonder if it wasn't appropriate. Peter Gunn had a reputation for being fair, honest, and someone you could count on to get the job done. Even in Baltimore where he had been living for the last three years, people knew the name of Peter Gunn. And he was proud to call him friend.

He would never forget the first day he'd met Peter Gunn. He'd started his college career at Harvard—the only acceptable place for a Martin to go , but knew after the first semester it wasn't were he wanted to be. His father, a prominent cardiac doctor in their hometown of Hartford had been adamant that he stay at Harvard pursuing a pre-med degree. With a good deal of influence on his mother's part, Dr. Martin finally agreed that his son could apply at Princeton for the following year but he wouldn't help him in any way. He was assigned to live at Nassau Hall, the oldest building on campus. It had been recently vacated by the U. S. Army who had used it for housing soldiers. Seven bunks had been deep against the walls, rules pertaining to army personnel still posted on the walls.

Five freshman were living in the room, two of them so serious he didn't think he ever saw them smile, another was clearly there for anything but studying, the other looked like he had no idea where he was. Just as he was ready to give up hope, a guy that he guessed was about his age came in with a suitcase and army issued duffel, a look of curiosity on his face. His suit was neither new or old, his hair growing out an army crew cut, his eyes holding a mixture of mischief and confidence. Eric had liked him instantly.

They became fast friends. Not only did they enjoy many of the same things but had similar thoughts on different subjects. Pete was a bit more sentimental and had a longer temper but when it blew the med student had found out it was a frightening thing.

He wasn't resentful of the relationship he found that Pete had with his father but became wistful at what such a thing would be like. He had liked Samuel Gunn very much when the cop had come to visit and saw a lot of father and son in each other making him wonder if he and his father had more in common then they thought.

They had lived in Nassau for two semesters, which was much nicer once the other guys had moved out, (Eric had merely played Taps at 5:30 every morning like the Army poster in the room instructed!), then moved to a smaller apartment in town for the remainder. It was cheaper and gave them more freedom. Eric had been surprised at himself that he studied as much as he had and actually enjoyed it. He had toyed with the idea of changing his major but realized he really wanted to study pediatrics. Working as a bartender at the local jazz club ahe'd sneak in his books, reading for classes between serving drinks. Pete was very wrapped up in his studies, trying to make up for lost time, but often the weekends were spent hiking the near by trails, camping on occassion, pool games at the bar in town, jazz concerts and usually girls.

He had dated two girls during his time at Princeton; Lila Jones and Mary Beth Sullivan, Pete- Abi Davis and Kristin Kellogg plus all the other women they had only taken out once or twice. And yes there had been overnight guests.

They had been good years, the two bonding in friendship along with Nick Costello, a local guy who also worked at the jazz club on occassion. Nick was actually the one that introduced the PI business to Pete (another job their friend had had) and it fit him like a glove. Hopefully he'd have some good stories to tell this time around.

Except for an all night drug store and a couple of diners, the streets were empty and dark. Having seen River Street at its height of an evening it was amusing to see it dark and shuttered. He passed the imposing brick building that sported Mother's vertical sign and he smiled. The club owner was really something he thought with affection. Pete was lucky to have made such an ally. But good fortune seemed to follow his friend.

It had been almost two years since he'd been here he thought-that New Year's Eve he could never forget. The last time he had seen Pete had been at Nick's new cabin up in New York state just a bit over a year ago. Who would ever have thought that Nick Costello would become a famous author and afford such a cabin.

He veered off of River on to Ellis Park Road, passing the church at 341, then the park the street was named for. The brick apartment houses stood at 351, Eric remembering the residents had parking in a side lot. He pulled the rental car into a spot up front marked visitor and turned off the engine. Grabbing his coat he stepped out into the chilly morning, noticing a sliver of pink starting to settle in the sky. Soon the sun would be up he thought, the little birds hopping out of their nests to greet it.

He walked the short distance over to the resident parking not seeing the 1955 Dodge Royal Lancer that Pete had been driving the last time he had seen him. Looking around he finally spotted a convertible Dodge DeSoto that held the earmarks of a car his friend would drive Taking a quick look in the window he saw the automobile had a car phone; something Pete had often talked about getting and a blanket carefully folded in the back seat that looked like the one he had bought when they were at Nick's.

He made his way up the front steps of the end building, the outer door unlocked. Once inside he saw the mail boxes in the small lobby, verifying which number was Pete's. He took a deep breath as he approached the correct door knocking at first but then deciding it would be more fun to get his attention.

"Come on Pete, open up!" His knock becoming forceful. "There's a car out there that looks just like you so I know you're here! It's cold out, let me in.

He heard the knob turn on the other side, wondering if his friend would hug him or hit him. The chain was sliding back and he found himself excited at seeing good old Peter Gunn. The door opened just enough so he could see the PI's face in the slit, a look on it he couldn't figure out. "Eric?" Pete's voice questioned in a way that clearly said it wasn't a question. "Eric? What are you doing here?"

PPPPPPPP

Dr. Martin paused for a moment trying to think of the best thing to say. " Aren't you happy to see me?"

The chain on the door went slack and the door was pulled open. His friend Pete was standing on the other side a bewildered look on his face. Eric couldn't help but grin. "Um, Pete did I catch you at a bad time? "

"You might say that. " the usually dapper Peter Gunn couldn't help but chuckle. He was standing barefoot, his green and yellow boxers inside out, his hair standing straight up on his head. Even after being hauled out of bed at 2:00 in the morning he had never looked like this!

He motioned for Eric to come in who closed the door behind him. They walked into the living room, where the physician slipped off his coat and laid it over the arm of the couch.

"It is good to see you. " Pete began "but um. "

"Pete?"

Eric had seen the pretty blonde just a split second before she had entered the room behind them, noticing a mixture of curiosity and was that irritation in her blue eyes? "Pete, what's going on?" Her gaze very intense.

Eric Martin never thought he'd ever see that look of panic forming on Peter Gunn's face. He had to stomp down the desire to laugh out loud as his friend swallowed nervously before holding his hand out.

"Honey, this is my friend Eric Martin. Eric—Edie Hart.

"Doctor Martin?" the woman asked looking him over carefully. So she knew who he was. Interesting. He had no idea who she was

"That's right. " Eric nodded. "It's nice to meet you Miss Hart. "

"You as well " she gave a tired smile.

The three grownups stood there for several minutes neither sure of the next move. Eric was trying very hard not to stare at Edie Hart her hand held securely inside Pete's. Her hair had been pushed back hastily into a messy ponytail, her blue robe ties were uneven and she had slippers at least two sizes too big on her feet.

She was the one that broke the silence saying she'd put some coffee on, heading towards the kitchen. "I'll be right back." Pete assured his friend, "you might as well sit down and make yourself comfortable.

Eric did just that looking around the livingroom. It looked pretty much the same since the last time he'd been there, was one of the figures on the mantel different? And he was pretty sure that was a new stero system.

He wasn't sure what he should do. He hadn't called his friend but he couldn't have imagined any reason why he would have needed too. Sure he knew that Pete had the occasional company for the evening, but the way she had stood there with her hand in his had seemed so different.

"Meow."

Eric didn't see anything but a distinct mew was coming from under his feet. Just as he reached down to investigate , the half grown tabby jumped up on his knee and gave him a curious look. Meow"

"Well hello there fella " he touched his finger to the kitten's head. "Do you live here?" He'd never thought of Pete as being a cat person. Sure he loved animals but he'd never seemed to be one for having one. He was always so busy.

"Mrew " the tabby sniffed his hand, then licked it tenatively before putting his paws on it starting to climb up the man.

"I see he likes you!" Pete sat down beside his friend, scratching the little guy's head. He had changed into khakis and a blue pull over sweater, his hair neatly combed, his feet bare.

"He seems too. Is he yours ?"

"No, he's Edie's but we couldn't leave him at her place all alone , 'could we'? The last two words being addressed to the cat. He held out his hands, the kitten jumping from one man to the other then settling on Pete's shoulder. "This is Sherlock, Sherlock, Eric.

A beep came from the kitchen, the smell of coffee filling the room, Eric's stomach rumbling in response.

"Hungry?" Pete teased happy to see that somethings never changed.

"You know me too well."

"Walk this way. " the PI laughed as he sat the cat on the sofa. "If we hurry we can beat Sherlock to the food.

The blonde was standing at the kitchen counter breaking eggs into a bowl. Eric hadn't noticed her coming through the living room but she had changed into a pair of tan slacks with a light yellow blouse, her hair pulled back into a neat ponytail.

She turned giving Pete a warm smile, before going back to her eggs.

"Scrambled eggs? " he asked her, his hands resting on her shoulders.

"Unless you want to make some omelettes. "

"If you get the cheese and ham out of the frig I'll do just that".

"As soon as I pour the coffee"

She knew her way around the kitchen Eric noticed as she took three mugs out of the cabinet above her. pouring a cup, giving the black coffee to Pete. She put sugar in the bottom of the second one before filling it with the rich liquid taking a sip before turning to Eric. "Dr. Martin?" She turned to face him. "How do you like your coffee?"

"Black is fine. " he told her. "And please call me Eric. "

"Eric. "She nodded. "We do have cream if you'd rather. "

He took the mug from her, telling her he would get it. The refrigerator was full of food, something that was very rare at Peter Gunn's house. Even when they were in college and poor they had hardly cooked. They both could but it hadn't been worth the hassle. He looked through the top shelf finding a bottle of red wine, one of tequila and a quart of buttermilk. 'Interesting choices ' he muttered to himself. He finally found a bottle of half and half adding it to his cup.

The omelettes were heavenly and he told Pete so as they ate.

"Thanks. I'm getting better at them. " Eric not missing the saucy look he gave Edie who failed miserably at looking angry. Pete grinned at her as his hand gave hers a quick squeeze.

"So how are things in Baltimore?" His friend asked getting up to refill everyone's coffee.

"Good. I've actually been nominated for physician of the year if you can believe that. And I've started working at the hospital one day a week. There's a rumor going around that Dr. Spivey is planning to retire next year and I might be offered his place. "

"So would that move you permanently to the hospital?" Pete laid a box of what looked like the largest doughnuts Eric had ever seen on the table before once more taking his seat. "Help yourself. " he indicated the pastry nabbing one himself.

"Yes it would and I'm not sure I want to do that. I'm not even sure I want to stay in Baltimore. I was in Philadelphia all last week for a lecture series. " he rolled his eyes. "Right before I left to come here I was approached about a very good job at Buffalo Pediatrics Hospital. I have an interview in two weeks. "

"Buffalo gets a lot of snow " Pete remarked.

"I've heard that. "

He picked a doughnut from the box taking a bite. "This is maybe the best doughnut I've ever had." Eric remarked taking another bite. "Are they from that Tunnel place?"

"Tunnel of Love Doughnut Shop, yes. And Its unfortunately in easy walking distance from here down on Birch Street. But since some people are addicted to the chocolate glazed ones. " the PI kissed Edie on the cheek. "You better grab one now. "

"He has no idea what he's talking about. " the woman addressed Eric. "He's the one that buys them all the time. "

Eric munched his doughnut thinking about what he had just seen. The two were so comfortable

with one another almost like they were one. He'd never seen Pete this relaxed and happy with any woman and yes there had been several. As he finished his doughnut and coffee, he knew he really needed to talk to Pete.

Edie started gathering the plates to talk to the sink, but Pete insisted that she go check on Sherlock and he and Eric would take care of it. "Make him earn his keep."

"You better make him wash Eric. " she told the physician, "or he'll just stand there and wave the dishes in the air until they dry. " He couldn't help but notice the look that passed between the two, like a message. He thought.

"She seems to have your number. " Eric grinned as he brought the cups over to the sink.

"That she does. " Pete nodded with a wide grin. "And you can wash if you want. "

Eric turned on the water, adding a generous amount of dish soap from the bottle of Joy standing on the edge of the sink watching the light make sparkles in the foam. They worked on the dishes in silence for several minutes, both of them starting to speak at the same time.

"Sorry. " Pete said drying one of the mugs. "Go ahead. "

Eric washed a plate with long, slow strokes, turning it over washing it twice more. "I'm sorry Pete. I had no idea. I'm not sure why but it never even occurred to me that you might have company." He handed the plate over, picking up another one.

"Well of course you wouldn't know. " Pete dried the dish, staring at the blue pattern around the rim. "We aren't the best at keeping in touch and I understand why you didn't call before you came. I probably wouldn't have called you either, surprise element and all. And I am really glad to see you, it's been awhile since we've had a chance to spend time together. But um Eric. "

"You don't have to tell me. A beautiful woman always comes first. And even from the short time I've been here I can definitely tell she's not the thanks ma'am and push them out the door variety. I have the feeling that it might be something serious. "

"From the first minute I laid eyes on her and it's only better six months on. " he smiled. "But it seems like lately we haven't had much time together. Too many nights she's asleep on the couch waiting for me, or I have to leave her here alone. Recently I had a case that took me across France and Spain for sixteen very long days and nights and it didn't help anything it involved a very pretty lady."

"Did you tell her that?"

"Of course I did. But I knew we needed some uninterrupted time together so I set up this weekend"

"Wow. " Eric plunged his hands into the water standing there in contemplation. "And I had to pick this one to surprise you I am sorry. "

"You didn't know. And I am very glad to see you. "

"So. " Eric said after a moment. "Are we saying I'm going to be getting a sister-in-law someday ?" Eric had often said that Pete was the brother he has never had, which didn't say much for the two he had.

"That's a very good possibility. " Pete grinned. "Someday. "

They finished up the dishes, Eric trying to process everything he had learned. "Well, next time I visit I'll be sure to call." He said as they headed to the living room. " Right now I think I'll find a hotel and let the two of you get back to um, whatever. " his grin infectious.

Edie was sitting on the couch, Sherlock asleep on her lap, both looking happy and content. "Got everything taken care of?" She gave them both a smile.

"All done. " Pete sat down beside her, Eric taking the sofa across the room.

"It's been very nice meeting you Edie. " he told her. "I'm sorry it wasn't under better circumstances. But thank you for breakfast and I'll leave feeling better that this lunk has someone to take care of him. "

"I try. "

"The Blake Hotel is just a few doors down. " Pete told him getting up. He took his coat out of the closest and handed it to him.

"Great I'll find a room and then see what trouble I can get into. "

""But you will join us for dinner tonight won't you?" Edie stood up, pushing the cat up on her shoulder. "8:00?"

Eric looked at Pete, who nodded.

"8:00!"