Old Home Week
Chapter 17Jeff stood at the gate waiting to greet his partner. It was supposed to be a week; that's what Stu had been told, at least. By the time it was all over it was closer to a month. Of course, the last several days were spent in Washington, and when Stu had called last night and given Jeff the flight number he sounded tired. Not physically tired, governmentally tired. The way anyone would be after spending time with the Feds. Jeff knew what it was like to be grilled endlessly by the government, and it was something he wouldn't wish on anyone, much less his partner.
It was the first time Jeff heard from Stu since he left for what he'd laughingly referred to as 'old home week.' From the sound of the voice on the phone, there'd been nothing to laugh about. Spencer knew he'd get a full explanation of everything that happened, but it probably wasn't going to be tonight. That was alright; there was no hurry. Stu was returning without any physical injuries, and that was the important part.
Thru the wrap-around windows in the airport, Jeff saw the plane land and breathed a sigh of relief. He didn't realize he'd miss his partner as much as he had until Stu had been gone several days . . . several days with no phone calls, no telegrams, no contact of any kind. He kept wanting to go over something with Bailey, but Bailey wasn't there. He wondered if Stu missed him the same way. He looked up and realized the passengers were departing the plane and it was only a couple minutes later that a familiar face appeared. No matter how tired Stu sounded on the phone, there was a big smile on his face. Jeff reciprocated.
Stu almost dropped his flight bag and hugged Jeff. Spencer had no idea how much he'd been missed and how lonely it had been with no contact between the two men. True, there had been Jean to talk to, and Tony to lean on, but neither of them was Jefferson Spencer. Stu had never been happier to land at LAX then he was right now.
"Good flight?" Jeff asked as he reached for Stu's bag.
"As good as could be expected after three days with the boys in Washington. How are things at the office?"
Jeff chuckled softly. "Oh, you know. Same as always."
"How's Kookie working out?" Stu was curious about how their 'trainee' was doing.
"He's been doing well. He really helped out in a couple tough spots. He's gonna be good someday, Stu. He's got all the right instincts and more patience than I ever thought he had. We didn't have anything really complicated to deal with, but he took his time and did everything right."
"That's good to hear. The way business has been going we're going to need him full-time someday. How's Suzanne?"
"What can I say? Beautiful as always."
Stu looked at his partner sideways. "Have you asked that girl out yet?"
"No."
"Think you better get that done before somebody else catches her eye."
"Yes, mother."
"I'm serious, Jefferson. You care about each other. What's the problem?"
Jeff just shrugged his shoulders and gave no verbal answer. They'd reached his car; Jeff threw Stu's bag in the back seat and got inside. Once Stu was situated on the passenger's side he told his partner, "I missed you, Jeff. You don't know how many times I wanted to talk to you; to run something past you or ask if you thought something was going to work. I don't ever want to be in that position again, when we can't talk something over." Jeff started the car and laughed.
"What's so funny?" Stu asked.
"I was gonna tell you the same things. Every time I wanted to discuss something with you, I'd pick up the phone and realize there was nowhere for me to call. It was not a good feeling."
"I had someone to work with over there, but it wasn't like working with you," Stu continued. "I guess we've gotten spoiled."
"Probably. But it sure makes things easier for both of us," Jeff concluded. "Do you want me to take you home?"
"Yes. No, let's go have a drink. And I could use some decent food."
"Dino's?" Jeff asked.
"Dino's," Stu replied.
Jeff smiled contentedly behind the wheel. It was good to have his partner back.
The End
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