-This story is for Black Angus who has waited a very long time for It. . She's been so patient and I thank her for that.

This story involves the man I've given Pete for a best friend; Dr. Eric Martin who the PI met his first day at Princeton. They were roommates but also became fast and best friends keeping up with each other over the years.

You will find references to Eric in my story Redemption, the Christmas story Black Angus and I wrote together and a few more. In time he moves to Pete's town and works as a pediatrician.

This story takes place shortly after The Chinese Hangman, S1E6

I promise the second chapter will come quickly.

Oh by the way I don't own Peter Gunn or any of the lovely characters. But I do play with them.

The Unexpected Weekend

Oct 1958

PPPPPPPP

Eric Martin sat quietly through the speech the impressive surgery head from Johns Hopkins was giving and tried to look interested. This was the fourth such speech he'd listened to this week and although they were given by illustrious physicians from outstanding hospitals and experts in their fields they were still pretty much the same. Long, egotistical and boring.

He had been attending a week long conference in the City of Brotherly Love which had had very few bright moments and he hoped that no one would ask to see the notes he had assiduously been taking every day. They were actually sketches of what his office building would look like when he was able to go out on his own. For the last four years he'd been working at Manchester Pediatrics, a prominent physicians office in the heart of Baltimore and while he enjoyed most of his young patients it wasn't were he wanted to be for the rest of his life. And no, he wasn't sure where that was but someday he would. He'd know when he found it.

As he attempted to listen to the end of the speech, it suddenly hit the young doctor what he would do when this was over and he automatically started to wake up and feel better.

He hadn't seen his old friend Pete in over a year and time with Peter Gunn was always well spent. His former college mate wasn't all that far from here and since both of them were awful at letter writing and telephoning, stopping by for the weekend would be the key. He'd call him as soon as this meeting was over. But on second thought, maybe he'd just drop in. He doubted his friend would have plans, he usually had spent his Saturdays and Sundays reading or fishing, occasionally dating. Surely not too many people would need a detective on a weekend.

He turned to a fresh page in his notebook and started making a list of things he would need to bring. They were going to have a great time, he just knew it!

PPPPPPPP

Peter Gunn walked into Mother's closing the door behind him somehow managing to keep out the blast of cool air that had followed him down from the mechanic. The Desoto had been running a little rough and he figured now was as good as any for a tune up.

As empty as the club was at 2:00 in the afternoon, some would find it hard to believe how busy it would be in just a few short hours. The garage had promised his car by 4:30 and he was going to hold them to it. Edie had her voice lesson late today and he didn't want her taking a taxi from Bailey Street after 5:00.

"Hi Pete." A voice greeted him as he came in.

The PI walked over to the bar and looked down finding the bartender down on his knees counting the number of bottles on the bottom shelf of the cabinet.

"Hi, Barney. Didn't you just do inventory?"

"I only do what I'm told." The older man said, getting up slowly from his position on the floor. "Can I get you anything?"

"No, thank you Barney, I just came in to talk to Mother for a minute."

"She's in the storage room."

Pete headed down the hall, nodding hello to Emmett as he passed by the piano player. Emmett seemed to spend most of his time at the club but no one seemed to care. Pete knew he'd been dating the singer from The Purple Cow but apparently that hadn't lasted long.

He found the owner of the club standing on a stool counting napkins.

"Hello Mother."

"108." She nodded in his direction ."Don't let me forget that. I really don't want to have to count those all again. What can I do for you?"

"I just wanted to ask a favor."

"What kind of a favor? " she looked at him curiously.

"I was hoping that Edie could be off Friday and Saturday night. "

"This Friday and Saturday?"

He nodded, I know it's kind of short notice but I've got tickets for Billy Vaughn and Gale Storm on Friday and dinner reservations and thought it would be nice if we could spend some quality time."

"No phones? " she looked at him.

"No phones, no cases. Just Edie. "

"Have you asked her yet?" The woman asked.

"No, thought I should ask you first."

The woman smiled at him and touched his cheek with affection. "Have a good time."

Pete took a cigarette out of the pack in his top pocket and reached for his lighter. "108." He grinned and walked out into the hall.

PPPPP

During the dinner break Dr. Martin checked the phone book for the nearest rental car place, then took a taxi down near the airport.

The woman at the counter gave him a huge smile when he walked in and he returned it with the same.

He secured a 1958 red Cheverolet Impala for Friday night and put down a deposit and bought insurance. Browsing the shelves of the grocery store, he picked up MM's, popcorn, Fritos and a new cracker called Goldfish, that were in the shape of you guessed it--goldfish. A pack of cards for poker, three six packs of Budweiser and pound of 8:00 Coffee.

He dragged it all back to his hotel room and wondered what else he needed for a weekend with his best friend. Surely they'd go to Mother's and eat at that diner with the amazing cherry pie.

Pete often appeared no nonsense and sometimes stuffy but he really was a good guy and they had had many good times together. This was one of the best ideas he'd had in a long time.

PPPPPPPPPPPP

The PI had gone around the apartment twice to make sure everything was in place and dust free. He knew Edie probably wouldn't notice but this was the first time she'd be spending the weekend, and he wanted everything to be just right.

It seemed he'd been so busy lately it was like they were those ships. always passing each other. And those 16 days he'd been in Europe certainly hadn't helped the situation any. So he had made up his mind— they'd take a weekend and spend it together. The thought of falling asleep beside her and waking up to the same for three days was heavenly.

He ran down the list in his mind making sure everything was checked off. Fresh towels in the bathroom, clean sheets on the bed, those little thumbprint cookies she was so fond of, orange juice in the refrigerator, cat food and treats for the tabby kitten he knew she'd insist on bringing.

He had stocked the refrigerator with supplies, emptied a drawer in the bureau for her things and bought an extra toothbrush. Oh he loved the sight of it next to his. The kitchen was spotless as well as the bathroom and bedroom.

He had even cleaned under the couch cushions making him wonder how so much stuff had ended up there. Two 1 bills, .75 in change, two pen tops, a silver hoop earring, the top off a beer bottle and the tie clip he thought was gone forever.

The couch by the bar wasn't used near as often but he still found a pair of stockings, one of the rubber balls he'd gotten for Sherlock, two paperclips and a button he finally figured out was from the blouse his girl had been wearing the other night. Had that happened there?

The phone interrupted his memory and he picked it up grudgingly. Yes he was Peter Gunn, no he wasn't available for a job right now and yes he was sure. Was there someone else he could recommend? There were several detective agencies in town. 5,000? No, he was sorry. His weekend was already booked. Maybe next time. He hung up the phone quickly, looked at the clock and picked up his keys. He should make it to Mother's just in time to pick his girl up.

He had stopped by earlier to take her to supper, arriving just in time to hear her sing, enjoying a bouncy rendition of Deed I Do. "She had been wearing a strapless black dress with a black overlay, her hair brushing her shoulders in a way that made him wish that's were his hands were.

Mother had teased him while he had waited, "Well if it isn't the man who thinks he needs my girl singer more than I do. She had smiled. "You think I can depend on these guys to go two evenings by themselves?" she teased.

"You'll be just fine. " he had teased back, clapping louder than anyone. "I promise I'll bring her back Monday safe and sound. "

The club owner had affectionately squeezed his arm. "Have a good time. "

"That's my intention. "

PPPPPPP

Pete thanked the waiter as he put the wine bottle back in the ice bucket and turned to go.

"So." He said reaching for Edie's hand, hers laying safely inside his on top of the table. "Were you really surprised?"

"I was. It was a wonderful concert, thank you."

He beamed at her. "I remembered seeing a Gale Storm L.P. in that stack in your livingroom and so I was hoping that meant you liked her."

"I do and I enjoyed her and Billy Vaughn very much. Thank you."

They lingered over their dinner, shrimp scampi for Edie and chicken marsalla for Pete, sharing a creme brule for dessert with a cup of Columbian coffee.

Leslie, the owner of the eatery of the same name stopped by the table welcoming Mr. Gunn and the lovely Miss Hart making sure everything was to their satisfaction.

"Excellent as always." Pete assured him, Edie nodding in agreement. After he moved on to another table, Pete squeezed her hand. What do you think we head for home?"

She smiled wide and nodded. Home was such a nice word especially when it meant Peter Gunn.

Sherlock was waiting by the door, making it clear that it was just a little past his supper time.

"He's a faker." Edie said picking the half grown kitten up heading towards the kitchen. He hadn't seemed to mind the short trip from Edie's to Pete's apartment and had quickly made himself comfortable.

"Food's in the cabinet." Pete called out as he took off his suitcoat and placed it over the back of the couch. He was reaching for the tie when Edie came back into the room, shaking her head.

"Hands off there mister, that's mine." She playfully scolded as she reached up to tug on his tie. "It's one of my favorite parts. " He watched as her nimble fingers undid the knot in his Brooks Brother tie the look of concentration on her face making him grin. "What's so funny?"

"I love the way you do that. " he covered her hands with his own, pulling her close before laying a kiss on her lips.

"I'm pretty fond of how you do that. " she pulled the now unknotted tie on the floor. "Let's try it again. "

The kisses were slow and sweet but filled with passion. Her hands slid through the buttons of his shirt, creeping up under his tee shirt, her touch cool against his chest. "I can't believe I get you all to myself for the next two and a half days. " she looked up into his eyes, giving him a come hither grin.

"Do you have any idea what you'd like to do to me for those days?"

"I do have a few things in mind. "

Taking hands they headed to the bedroom, Edie giving out an "aww there so pretty. " at the vase of flowers sitting on the top of the dresser. "I thought they might give some atmosphere. " he kissed the side of her neck.

"The other side is feeling left out. "

"We can't have that. "

Her skin was soft and had its own unique flavor as his mouth ran over the curve of her neck, his tongue touching her lobe with a stroke that made them both shiver.

He shrugged out of his shirt, holding up his arms for her to pull the undershirt over his head. His belt was the next thing to go, both of them laughing as she fumbled with the zipper. He placed his hand on hers and together they managed to bring it down, his blue checked boxers straining with the prize inside.

It didn't take long for the rest of their clothing to hit the floor of the bedroom. He picked her up, giving her a full hungry kiss before laying her on the bed, his length covering her as her legs wrapped around his frame. The sound of the clock joined the rhythm of their hearts, their bodies moving together in a dance. Afterwards they lay there, their feet in twined, his hands holding her breasts, her head on his chest as they waited for their breathing to return to normal. He woke up a couple hours later to find her sleeping on his pillow, her body spooned into his like they were each a puzzle piece. This, he thought was going to be the best weekend.

PPPPPPPP

Eric had hoped to arrive in the town he liked to call Petesville around 10 or 11 Friday night but the last lecture had gone over and then there had been a reception afterward. Dr. Malcolm Grace of the Pediatric Hospital of Buffalo had been present and had wanted to talk to him about a position that was opening on the hospital's staff. As much as he wanted to head to Pete's, a staff position at such a renown facility was something he couldn't skip. It was an exuberant Eric that made his way to the rental car shortly after midnight excited that he had an official interview with Dr. Grace two weeks from tomorrow.

Knowing he'd never get to sleep he started down the turnpike singing along to the radio. He had the roads pretty much to himself which gave him time to think. It snowed a lot in Buffalo but having grown up in Connecticut it wasn't like he wasn't used to that. And as much as he wanted to open his own office a position at PHB would help him with the means and be great experience. As he crossed the state line, a truck stop stood on the right and he pulled into the brightly lit parking lot. He ordered a burger and French fries at the gril. The clock on the wall showed the hands at 2:00 and once again he thought about calling Pete. Even in college the man rarely went to bed before 4:00 but no he'd wait.

After paying for his meal, he walked around the shop picking up a couple postcards and a shot glass with the state motto on it for his nurse ,Ruth , who collected them. He overheard two truck drivers discussing an accident that had the next 20 miles tied up so he picked up some snacks along with his other things. It was 3:30 now so he should make it to Petesville by 6 at the latest. For a moment he wondered again if he should call but decided surprising him would be much better. What else could Pete have to do?

PPPPPP

It was 3:30 according to his bedside alarm when the PI woke up with the urgent need to pee. Sitting up, he felt around for his slippers but after a couple seconds of not finding them, he jumped up and ran into the bathroom. He came out a few minutes later noticing for the first time that Edie's side was empty. He pulled on a pair of boxers, grabbed his bathrobe and headed to the living room. "Honey?"

She was sitting on the couch, her hair laying like golden silk around her shoulders. She had pulled on her bathrobe but on her feet were his slippers. He had to shake his head in amusement about that. How had she stolen them without him noticing.

She was holding the kitten, his stripped paws on her shoulder, his eyes half closed. It was a beautiful picture. "He was having a bad dream. " she patted the cushion beside her. "But I think he's okay now. "

"How could you tell?" He touched the tabby's head. "And except for his food bowl running low , I don't know what he'd be afraid of. "

"Who knows what goes on in his kitty mind? But I got up about half an hour ago to use the bathroom and he was sitting on the ottoman crying his heart out. So we had a little cuddle time and I told him he was safe and happy. " she kissed his little fuzzy head.

"This is the first time he's spent the night." Pete reasoned. "Maybe we should get him a bed for when he's here. "

"You'd like that, wouldn't you?" Edie asked the feline in a sing song voice. "Daddy will get you your own little spot. " The cat nudged her hand before hopping off her lap heading for the window over the desk.

"Daddy indeed. " he teased her, leaning in for a kiss. "We'll do it soon, just not tomorrow. "

"Oh, she batted her eyes innocently. "Do we have plans?"

"You might say that. "

They shared several kisses, his hands straying to the belt of her bathrobe. "Pete." She closed her eyes at the touch of his hand. "Did I see thumbprint cookies in the kitchen earlier?"

"What a time to ask!" He grinned. "Would you like some thumbprint cookies?"

"With milk. " she kissed his nose.

He brought out the package along with two glasses of milk, the two of them sitting close as they ate their sweet treat.

"This is the life. " she sighed leaning her head on his shoulder. "Nowhere we have to be. No phone calls. " she gave him a nudge. "Only you and me, a kitchen and a bedroom. "

"Sounds close to heaven to me. " he agreed. A meow from the window reminded them they weren't quite alone.

"I hear you buddy. " Pete called out. "Don't worry, we won't forget you. " He chuckled. "You would have to get a cat with attitude. "

"You brought him to me." She stabbed her lover playfully.

Spotting her suitcase by the coffee table where it had been forgotten about, he told her he had a drawer emptied for her things if she'd like to make use of it.

"A drawer just for me?"

"Just for you. " he nodded. "And if you like the idea you could, well you could keep some of your things in it, um all the time. " He had picked the fountain pen off the end table and was nervously flipping it between his fingers. "If you'd like that. "

She reached for the pen, taking it out of his hands then placing hers in its place

"Pete. "

"Yes. "

"Pete, look at me please." He lifted his head up, his deep blue eyes looking straight into her own periwinkle ones. "I'd like that. "

"I'm glad. " It was a big step and one he hadn't meant to bring up now but it had slipped out.

He kissed her before helping her up, grabbing her suitcase as they walked into the bedroom. Together they put the things she had brought in the long dresser drawer, Pete giving a matched set of a bra and panties a double look. "Bad boy. " she grinned.

Afterwards he put the suitcase in the bedroom closet, showing her a spot for her coat and dress that was currently still laying on the floor. "Maybe we should pick that up. " he went to get it but she pulled him back. "Not just now. "

His bathrobe was disposed of first, hers joining it. Kisses were frenzied as he picked her up, her legs wrapping securely around his waist. With one finger he played in her belly button until she begged him to stop. He then carried her to the bed, where she helped him out of his boxers then pulled him down beside her. Skin touched, lips pressed against one another's, his hands moving down to her shoulders then cradling her breasts. She leaned back into the mattress, he following after her.

Her feet were still dangling off the side of the bed when he parted her legs gently, her body waiting impatiently for his. "Anytime now. " she could barely get the words out and he couldn't help but smile. "Now. " he whispered.

The front door shook as the sound of someone pounding on it reached into the apartment. "Hey Gunn open up! I know you're in there. I saw a car that looks just like you. Come on, it's cold out here! ".

"Eric? "