Sorry everyone, I know it has been a long time. Of the 5 people in my home, 4 of us are essential workers and the 5th isn't old enough for a job yet. COVID has been crazy and life has been filled with 60 hour weeks and a lot of stress; not a very creative environment. Hoping to finally be settling in to the "new normal" at work and home.
The crowd erupted in applause as Mike and Meg walked into the reception. Meg was wearing her wedding gown again and Mike was back in his dress blues. Someone began clinking a glass with a spoon. It took only seconds for the majority of the other guests to join in. Mike gladly pulled Meg into a kiss.
"I hope they do that all night long," he whispered into her ear as they parted.
Meg smiled at him.
He took Meg's hand and led her into the crowd.
"Mike, Meg, this is my new business partner, Evonne," Marco placed his hand on Evonne's back as he made the introduction.
"It's nice to meet you," Meg said, reaching out to shake Evonne's hand.
'You look lovely," Evonne said.
"Thank you."
"You do, but personally I'm loving all our men in their dress uniforms," Ainsley smiled, looking at Johnny and then glancing around at the other men of Station 51.
"I do love a formal event," Beth agreed.
"Hey, Mike, Meg, I want you to meet Carol. She's my date," Chet said, grinning ear to ear.
Carol blushed at his words.
"Hi, Carol, it's good to see you're feeling better," Mike said, stretching out his hand.
"Thank you, and thank you so much for your help at the accident," Carol said, shaking Mike's hand. "Congratulations to both of you."
"Thanks," Mike said, slipping his arm around Meg's shoulders.
"Are you all packed to leave on your honeymoon tomorrow?" Joanne asked.
"Just about," Meg said.
"You guys are coming to the opening first though, right?" Marco asked.
"Wouldn't miss it, man," Marco assured him.
"Where are you going?" Evonne asked.
"No way," Mike interrupted as Meg went to answer. "We're not giving that away. We give a clue about even the direction we are heading and one of these guys will pull some type of prank."
"We would not," Chet protested, but a smile spread across his face.
"At least some of us wouldn't," Captain Stanley clarified.
"I'd be happy just to go somewhere were this arsonist can't find us," Meg said.
"Or Simon Salyer," Joanne said.
"That's the reporter that's been doing all of those horrible stories, right?" Carol asked.
"The one and only," Roy confirmed.
"Well, if it makes you feel any better those of us in the public think the guy is a complete jerk. It's obvious he's designing the stories to fit his agenda. It was the topic of water cooler gossip in my office before my accident and everyone thought he was a scam," Carol reassured them.
"Well, that's good to know," Marco said.
"We were worried the public might actually be buying his stories and lose confidence in the LA County Fire Department," Captain Stanley said.
"No way," Carol said emphatically. "You guys are way to helpful for anyone who has had any experience with you to buy that."
"And handsome," Evonne laughed, looking at the men.
"Agreed," Ainsley, Joanne and Beth said in unison, and then broke into laughter.
"Ladies and Gentleman, help me in welcoming our bride and groom onto the dance floor for their first dance," the DJ's voice over the microphone carried over the noise of the reception.
The group cheered as Mike grabbed Meg's hand and led her toward the dance floor.
E
A lone car drove through the dark night, slowly scanning the dilapidated houses that lined both sides of the street. A house just seemed redundant, humdrum, almost cliché.
The engine roared as the figure pressed down hard on the accelerator. No, none of this would work. A slow smile spread across his face as the perfect location came to mind. It would be about a 20-minute drive, but now was the perfect time to scout the location. He flipped on the blinker and turned right, a destination now in mind.
He slowed the car and pulled it behind a building that would allow him to keep the car out of sight from anyone who may be driving down the street, not that there was much traffic at 2:00 AM. He got out of the car and moved across the street keeping in the shadows.
He walked around the back of the building looking for options that would suit his purpose. It would definitely be an insult; did he want to add injury? He pondered that thought as he continued to look at the windows, doors, and even the parking lot of the building. How much attention did they pay to the building when they came in, he wondered? Probably very little, he guessed. But, it wouldn't hurt to delay a day or two and watch them as they arrived to work.
He stepped back to take in the building as a whole. He steepled his hands, placing his fingers under his chin as he nodded. Yes, yes, this was the perfect place. Now he just needed to decide how big did he want to make this?
As he moved back toward his car a second thought crossed his mind. Could he do both? He slid behind the wheel letting his brain swirl the second thought. Oh, it would be so spectacular, but could he pull them both off, or would it be too much? He couldn't get caught, not now, not when he had come this far.
He tried to push the little voice out of his head that warned him he should stop, that he was getting cocky and that was going to make him careless.
He looked back at the building as he pulled back onto the road heading home. No, he had to do this one last job, he couldn't not do it. But, after this, he'd stop he promised the little voice in his head. This would be his coo de ta. His grand finale so to speak.
E
"Hmmm," a sigh of pleasure escaped Johnny's lips as warms hands moved across his chest and down his abdomen.
His eyes fluttered briefly as they moved down to start messaging his legs, but not in the slow sensual way he would have liked. These movements were more like they were trying to get the blood flowing through his legs, quick movements that didn't hurt, but pulled him further out of sleep.
"Good morning, Sunshine," Ainsley said, her voice soft, but not the husky whisper he'd enjoyed last night.
"Mmm, why?" Johnny opened his eyes for just a second to see the time on his alarm clock.
"Marco and Evonne open the restaurant today. We want to get there early," Ainsley said, sliding her hands up his legs, over his torso and pulled his arm to straightened it out. She began to vigorously rub his arm.
"What are you doing?" Johnny asked, opening his eyes again.
"I read this in a magazine. It's supposed to be a pleasant way to help your spouse wake-up."
"I can think of more pleasant ways to help me wake up," Johnny said, pulling her down on top him and into a kiss.
Ainsley giggled and kissed him back. "I'd love to take you up on that offer; but we need to get ready to go."
"C'mon," Johnny gave her his best crooked grin.
Ainsley stood up off the bed, grabbed his arm and pulled. "Up! Chris and Jennifer are going to need the bathroom when I wake them up. Roy and Joanne are going to be here at 7:00 AM to head over to the restaurant."
Johnny swung his legs over the side of the bed, but didn't make any more movements to get out of bed.
"I'm gonna go get Grace up and change her diaper. You have ten minutes and then I'm sending in the kids," Ainsley threatened.
Johnny sighed, "I'll go get in the shower."
E
"Good morning," Joanne called out as she let herself into the Gage home, Roy following closely behind her.
"Hey buddy," Roy rubbed Chief's head as the shepherd came to greet them.
Joanne and Roy could hear the commotion of multiple bodies moving around in bedrooms as they moved further into the house.
"Need any help?" Joanne called out.
"No way, mom! We're ready!" Chris came flying out of Hunter's room, the little boy quickly following behind.
"Where's Aunt Ainsley?" Joanne asked.
"She's changing Grace. The top of her juice cup wasn't on all the way and she spilled juice all over herself and Uncle Johnny. It was funny," Chris said, running in circles around the living room while Hunter chased him and Chief chased them both.
"Okay, okay, settle down!" Roy said. "Let's take Chief outside and let him go potty," Roy suggested, trying to help ease some of the chaos in the house.
"I think that is a very good idea," Joanne said, moving toward Grace's room so she could help out. She walked in as Jennifer was picking up the wet shirt and dropping it into the hamper. Ainsley was just picking up Grace.
"Sorry, last minute wardrobe change," Ainsley said smiling.
"I heard, a juice catastrophe."
"Grape juice, no less."
Joanne groaned.
"Luckily Johnny took the brunt of it and none got on the carpet so I think as far as catastrophes go, it was minor; although I doubt I can save his shirt."
"What do you want me to do with this?" Johnny asked, holding out the paisley shirt with a big purple stain.
"Run cold water in the bathroom sink and just let it soak while we're gone. I'll see what I can do when we get back."
"Jennifer, go put your shoes on for me. We're gonna be leaving in just a minute. Roy took Chief and the boys outside," Joanne said, moving back toward the living room.
"Good idea," Johnny said. "They're full of energy today."
It was only a few more minutes before the Gage family was loaded up into the Rover and the DeSoto's were in Joanne's station wagon headed toward Marco's new restaurant.
E
"I think we should bring Larry in for questioning," Kate said, as she moved to dump her cold coffee in the sink.
"On what grounds?"
"Just to question him. He had way too many leads about the fires to not know who our arsonist is, or at least have some leads we could follow to find him."
"Larry's right, he hasn't technically broken any laws."
"Maybe not, but that doesn't mean we can't ask him a few questions."
"Only if he agrees to come down and answer questions," Eric said, moving over to his wife. "And I seriously doubt he's going to agree to do that."
"He was a cop," Kate said, her frustration in her voice.
"Who sold out his badge for a chance to be a reporter," Eric reminded her.
"It doesn't matter, a cop still has a certain, a certain…," Kate struggled to find the right words.
"Sense of duty? Sense of right and wrong?" Eric offered.
"Yes."
"I don't think Larry feels any of those things."
"Aaargh, why not!" Kate fumed.
"You're asking the wrong person, Kate. I feel those things. I know you feel those things; but would you have done anything Larry has done?"
"No," Kate quickly replied.
"And neither would I; but he didn't hesitate."
"I still think we should ask him to come downtown and talk."
"You can try. Tomorrow. Today, we're off the clock. We're gonna go to the restaurant opening, we are going to have an amazing breakfast and then we are going to drive along the coast until I find a secluded little spot to spread out a blanket and remind you that you love and desire your husband," Eric said, wrapping his arms around Kate's waist so he could pull her toward him and nibble her ear.
Kate sighed with pleasure, "That sounds like a great way to spend the day."
E
"Holy cow," Chet said as he and Carol pulled up to Marco's new resident. "Look at all these people."
"I think Marco and Evonne have a hit on their hands," Carol said, reaching for the door handle.
Chet hesitated looking at all the people sitting at the outside tables, leaning against their cars eating what looked like burritos. There was a long line waiting to be served. Chet frowned. If the restaurant was this successful Evonne was going to need Marco there every day. Not to mention how much money it would probably make them both. Marco wouldn't need to be a fireman anymore.
"Chet, are you coming?"
Chet looked at Carol who was waiting near the front of the car. "Oh, sorry," he opened the door and got out of the car.
"Everything okay?"
"Yeah, it's fine," Chet said, taking her hand and heading toward the line.
"Aren't those your friends?" Carol pointed to a group in the far corner at a large table.
Chet followed her finger to see Roy, Johnny and their families at the table. Johnny raised his hand when he saw Chet and then pointed toward the line. Chet leaned to the side and saw Captain Stanley and Beth several people in front of them. He looked back at Johnny and nodded. He looked toward the parking lot when Johnny pointing toward it. Mike's truck was just pulling up to a spot at the curb since the parking lot was full.
"Looks like the gang is all here," Chet said.
"Hey guys, no need to stand in line, just got sit down. I've got you covered," Marco said, as he passed Chet and Carol. "Will you grab Cap and Beth and let them know. I'll bring your food over in a few minutes."
"Sure thing," Chet moved up the line and told Captain Stanley and Beth to go ahead and have a seat. Then he and Carol waited for Mike and Meg. They were just getting ready to head toward the table when Mike saw Kate and Eric pull in.
"Kate, Eric, come join us," Mike called out as the couple exited their car.
"Man, look at this crowd!" Eric exclaimed looking around.
"Good thing we've got connections," Kate joked.
E
"I am so full I think I may bust," Joanne said, leaning back in her chair.
"I was full 20 bites ago, but it is so good – I can't stop," Kate laughed.
"Nummy," Grace said, reaching out her little hand toward Johnny's fork.
"Where does she put it?" Meg laughed as Johnny fed the little girl a fork full of potatoes.
"She's a growin' girl," Johnny said.
"What ya think?" Marco asked, stopping to sit with his pals.
The chorus of praise made Marco's smile even bigger.
"If this continues you're gonna be a very tired man Marco," Captain Stanley said.
"And a very rich one," Johnny said.
"I guess you won't need to work as a fireman anymore," Chet said.
"You know none of us work as firemen, Chet. You know that – we ARE firemen. This doesn't change that for me."
Chet smiled. "So, I'm stuck with you?"
"Guess so."
"Darn, when I was so close to being able to get a fun partner," Chet joked.
"What, like the Phantom?"
"There's only one Phantom," Chet said.
"Thank God," Roy, Johnny, Marco and Captain Stanley said in unison.