CALLEN _IRELAND _THE O'BRIAN FARM
" Walter dear you have a visitor ." Shouted Louise through the barn door .
" Ok i will be out in a minute ." Walter appeared from the barn and was shocked at what he saw .
" Paige , Ralph what are you doing here ? No don't answer that ,i do not need any more of your platitudes or empathy , all the work you did to get my E.Q. up as caused me so much trouble . Your actions broke my heart something i am not prepared to suffer again . So please take YOUR SON and leave this farm and go back to NORMALS ,who will probably use , abuse and leave you again .Because you certainly seem to have decided geniuses are a pain and not worth your time . But just before you leave i would like to introduce to someone ."
Walter walked back into the barn and a few seconds later reappeared with a petite woman, who's blond hair was cut in a pixie style , and dressed completely in beige clothing .
" Florence this is Paige and her son Ralph . Paige , Ralph this is Florence . She has an I.Q. that is at least equivalent to Toby's , which means i can have interesting conversations , not inane ones about what to eat or play silly parlor games . Now we can work on equations and being a chemist carry out interesting experiments , Oh and one more important fact i left out , once my divorce is finalized she will be my bride ."
Paige collapsed to her knees and let out a scream .
"NOooooooooooooo ."
Paige felt herself shaking and her eyes shot open and was surprised to see Happy , shaking her shoulders .
" Hey Waitress you seem to be having a bad dream , you were shouting out load . " Replied Happy
" I certainly was it was terrible " Paige replied as she was beginning to calm down . The stewardess came up from the back of the plane were she had been resting .
" Is everything alright , i heard a scream ." Asked the stewardess .
" i am sorry i disturbed you it was just a bad dream ." Replied Paige .
" Can i get you something to drink or eat ?" Questioned the stewardess .
" Can you get her a small brandy ?" asked Happy .
" No problem ." With that the stewardess made her way to the bar to fetch the brandy . Once Paige had received the brandy she drank it in one go . She began to calm down and was able to describe the dream to Happy .
"I do not think that will happen Paige , the lump is still in love with you and i am sure no one else in the world will be able to get him emotionally involved with them . " Said Happy trying her best to sound sincere and comforting , both emotions Happy was unable to comprehend .
" I'm not so sure the way he told me i hated him , that was full of spite and aggression . God i hope we can pull this off and i can get a chance to explain how i really feel about him . There is one thing i do know for certain , i can certainly prove Walter is wrong about one of his theories that he is incorrect ." Said Paige .
Happy looked at her with a blank expression on her face . " You what ? "
" Oh sorry Happy , during my first year with Scorpion , shortly after Drew appeared on the scene , i had a dream , i was in bed and someone was in the shower , i assumed it was Drew , but Walter appeared out of the bathroom . I asked him why he was there and he told me i had invited him When i arrived at the garage i asked Toby about the dream , no names and no real details . Walter overheard us and immediately went to an explanation as how the brain creates a way to forget bad dreams . I queried with him what if you remember it , and his answer was , it means you enjoyed it . Well i remembered the one i just had in all it's detail , but i did not enjoy it ."
Happy just nodded her head and accepted what Paige had just said .
After about a hour both Paige and Happy were both settled and gradually sleep over came both of them . Around 7am. L.A . time the stewardess gently woke both of them and asked if they would like coffee and toast before they landed , in about a hour's time . Both agreed , the stewardess left them to prepare their food . Ten minutes later she returned with a food trolley , with a coffee pot . cups, crème and sugar . along with the toast was a selection of jelly , fresh fruit and yogurts . Happy's mouth opened in surprise , but managed a glib remark to Paige . " Well next time i ask Toby for coffee and toast , he had better come up with something similar . "
By the time they landed both Happy and Paige had both eaten their fill . The stewardess had removed the trolley just before the pilot had put the seat belt sign on . Once the plane had landed and shut down , the pilot appeared in the cabin .
" Good Morning ladies . My name is Rupert Jones , i hope you have had a pleasant trip . The time here in Washington is 11.00am. . A car will pick you up for your appointment at 3.00pm. .You are welcome to stay on board until then and make use of all the facilitates available . The stewardess will remain on board to ensure you are kept supplied with drinks and snacks . Or if you like you can go out and have a walk around the airport as long as you are back here by 3.00pm. ."
" Thank you Captain we will stay on board so we can go over the information we need to use at our meeting ." Replied Paige .
" My pleasure ladies i hope you have a good day and an even better meeting ." With that he gave them a quick salute and left the plane .
The O'Brian's farm Callen Ireland
In the past week or so , Walter had been home , things between him and his parents had altered drastically . Louise was mothering him , bringing food and drink all the time , ensuring his washing was done and reminding him , although he did not need to be , to change his clothes each day . It was at times to much for him but he was willing to put up with it , because it meant she had accepted him for who he his and not an argumentative , know it all teenager . For the first few days Sean had still treated him much the same as before he left for America , but once Walter began to tell him of some of the cases and work he and Scorpion had been involved in and the results they achieved . His whole attitude had changed and now that Walter was helping around the farm and giving Sean ideas to improve the running of the farm , which for once in his life he was listening to and in many cases implementing them . The one thing that Sean did insisist on was that Walter under no circumstances could not , now or ever tell Louise anything about his work . Because he was certain that she would lock Walter in his room and never let him out again . Walter had a good laugh about this but agreed it would be a bad idea to tell her about his cases . Not long after Sean's opinion changed towards Walter , Walter's two school bullies , Thomas and Conner turned up at the farm and immediately began to bully Walter , this time seen by Sean , who came over and gave them both a piece of his mind , then put them both straight on just what sort of things Walter had been doing while in America . Although it took a bit of time Thomas and Conner realized that Walter was not just a BIG BRAIN but also a man of courage . All four men shook hands at the end of the conversation , no longer enemies , but maybe not really friends .
Washington D.C. Ronald Regan Airport
As the clock struck three , a limousine pulled up at the door of the plane . The stewardess notified Paige and Happy who made their way to the door of the plane . Once they were comfortable and strapped in their seats the driver began the journey to the hotel were Paul Lane was staying . They arrived at the Ritz Carlton , Pentagon City at 3.30pm. traffic had been heavy . The driver gave Paige a card with his mobile number on and requested they phone him when they were ready to return to tne airport . Once they entered the hotel they made their way to the reception desk , they spoke to one of the staff and advised them that they had an appointment with Paul Lane at 4.00pm. The receptionist phoned his room to advise him they were here .
" Mr Lane apologizes he his running a little late , but asks if you would like a drink or refreshments to go to the bar and put it on his bill . He will phone down when he his ready and one of us will come and find you ."
Paige and Happy thanked her but decided to just wait on one of the reception area's sofas .
Back At The Garage
Toby was stomping around the garage in a bad mood and taking his temper out on Sly , who was doing his best to work on the coding job they had won the previous day .
"What right as Paige got to say i could not go with them to meet Paul Lane , you would think she owned the company , Walter left it to all of us so we all should be allowed to get involved in a case . " Shouted Toby as he carried on pacing around the garage ,
" He did not leave the company to us , he left the deeds to the garage NOT the company . Anyway what Paige is doing is more of a personal crusade , not a Scorpion case , she wants Walter and Ralph back in her life , and is prepared to move heaven and earth to achieve it . Leaving you here is probably one of the best decisions she has made since we first met her ." Said a now very annoyed Sly .
"SHUT UP you don't know what you are talking about . Anyway if it is a personal crusade why has she taken Happy with her ." Said an angry Toby .
" Because Happy is a big part of the problem , she married Walter to enable him to stay in the States . Now she wants to marry you , God knows why . So Walter although hurting as done the one thing he could do to help two of his oldest friends and all you can do is behave like a spoilt child , because you think you might be missing out on some free goodies ." Replied Sly .
" I am going out ." Shouted Toby as he reached the garage door .
The Ritz Carlton
At 4.15pm. one of the reception staff approached Paige and Happy and advised them Mr Lane would see them now . He was waiting for them in the penthouse suite . They took the penthouse elevator , as they exited the the elevator Paul was there to meet them .
" Good afternoon Miss Dineen , Miss Quin , i trust i have not kept you waiting to long ."
" Of course not it is most kind of you to give up some of your time to speak to us and please call us Paige and Happy ."
" Ok Paige and Happy please come into my room ."
They both followed Paul into the sitting room of his penthouse suite , of a size that put Paige's condo living room to shame . The one wall was a panoramic window with a view over the city .
" Please take a seat ." Said Paul pointing to a very plush sofa situated in the center of the room . once they were both seated, Paul sat in an armchair facing the sofa .'
" Before we start can i arrange for drinks or snacks for you ."
Paige answered for the both of them by refusing the offer .
" Once again thank you for finding time to speak to us , to save a little time i think i should he give a quick explanation as why we are here . I want to get Walter American citizenship ." Paige explained .
"Well that should be easy , Walter as been in America for a long time he can surely apply as normal . " Answered Paul .
"Not exactly , you see Walter does not possess a green card to work in America . He came over on a Da Vinci visa when Cabe bought him over from Ireland , when that was running out , he had broken all contact with Cabe . So in order to remain in the States he married Happy . He was then able to stay as a spouse ." Paige told Paul .
Paul had a very confused expression on his face , but before he could speak Paige said .
" Please let Happy explain this part of the story , she knows more about it than anyone else ."
Happy looked at Paige with what seemed fear in her eyes , giving a lecture how to strip an engine , or instructions on how to turn a paintball gun into a more effective weapon , she was good at it , but talking to normal's was way out of her comfort zone . She did manage to face Paul and after a slightly false start began to explain to Paul what had happened . Paul however stopped her before she had said three words .
" I am sorry to stop you , but would you mind if i recorded these conversations so my P.A. can transcribe them so i have a record to refer to if i can actually help you , because i have a feeling this may be a complicated case . I would also like to ask Paige , just how do you think i will be able to help Walter ."
"Well we want you to speak to the President ."
Paul sat up straight at that comment .
" You want me to speak to the President ! How do you think that will do any good ?"
Paige still sat on the sofa showing complete calmness and simply said .
"Yes. "
Paul was looking even more confused and was now looking at both Paige and Happy as if they were two aliens just landed from outer space . Paige had noticed the change in Paul and began to realize he must be thinking they had gone mad .
"Please Mr Lane , let me explain . We need Walter back in America . working with Scorpion again . Sylvester has been researching ways to get him citizenship and he has found a little used statute called Immigration and Control Act , it was passed and last used in 1983 by the President at that time Ronald Regan . The President has to put a case forward to a special committee who can agree to give citizenship to a person . "
"So you want me to put a case to the President so he would convene a special committee ." Asked Paul .
"Yes ." Said Paige with the cutest of smiles she could muster .
" Ok let me start the recorder and then you present me your case and then i will make my mind up as if i can help or not , does that seem fair ?" Suggested Paul .
" That is more than fair , that is all we ask and we will abide to whatever decision you come to . " Replied Paige again with the same sort of smile on her face . Paul started his recorder , Paige looked over to Happy and nodded her head at her , Happy then began to speak .
" I first met Walter over six years ago , i was taking part in a welding competition as i was leaving Walter was waiting for me at the door . He wanted to talk to me about joining a young company he had just formed , that went under the name of Scorpion . After a bit of persuasion i agreed . He was the only person i had met who was capable of understanding me . After a few weeks of working with him he became my best friend , but if the truth was told , he was the only friend i had . After a couple of months he confided in me that the visa he had been bought over to America on was due to run out the following month . Which meant he would have to leave the States or stay as an illegal . It was actually my decision to ask him to marry me so he could stay on a spouses visa . We went to Vegas and got married in one of the many churches there . At the end of the service the padre told Walter to kiss the bride , it was the most awkward moment of both our lives , it was the first and last piece of physical connection we ever had . It was a pure marriage of convenience , a sham . However if we stayed married for a minimum of eight years , Walter could obtain a green card automatically . However i am now in love with Toby ,and also something i have not told anyone yet i think i am pregnant . So i need a divorce from Walter . Walter has agreed and moved back to Ireland and signed the divorce papers ." Happy finished with a sigh and a small smile .
Paige began to speak before Paul had a chance to ask any questions .
" This is what is causing us the problem , effectively Walter is now a felon as it was a sham marriage . But America needs Walter , Scorpion needs him , my son ,Ralph, needs him but most of all i need him . I know that sounds selfish but he rescued me from a life of poverty , he gave me my son back after a large number of doctors had written him off , all of the opinion that he would be better off in a mental institution . Walter realized he was a genius in fact he has an I.Q. higher than Walter's . "
" Well i can understand how you feel , but that would not really be an argument . " Said Paul with a sad voice .
" Oh that is just an idea of what has caused the problem . I have here a glowing reference from Mr. Richard Elia who you probably already know from your time as Governor of California . Plus a list of a selection of jobs Scorpion have carried and the number of lives they have saved . Most of the reasons the jobs were completed due to Walters ability to think out of the box and run calculations and probabilities not to mention his bravery . Some of the jobs that have been completed cannot be mentioned , as to do as it would mean we would be breaking the secrets act , which we all have signed ." As Paige spoke she passed a file across to Paul .
"Would you mind summarizing a few cases for me now , then once you have gone i will go over all the list and the reference and see if i can make a case to put to the President ." Asked Paul .
" Certainly but to put the cases that Walter was involved into perspective i would like to tell you about the first real case we had ,once Walter had left , was a total failure and a young boy died as a result . A boy who was Ralph's ,my son, best friend ." Paige told him as a tear ran down her cheek as she remembered she had actually lost both now .
"That is so sad , but what difference could Walter have made ?" Queried Paul .
"The boy died in a grain silo , if Walter had been there i am sure he would have found a way to go into the grain silo and rescue him . " Replied Paige .
" Would none of the others have done that ?" Asked Paul .
" No other member of the team would have been brave enough ." A sad Paige replied .
" Did Walter never see danger ?"
"No he always said he calculated the risk and worked a percentage of success , then generally ignore it and did it anyway . Which is why we had so much success . The first case , the one i met Walter for the first time , was to help LAX . A computer glich had knocked out the computer , and the tower could not contact to 56 planes that were circling or approaching LAX . The military were waiting instructions to bring them down with gunfire or rockets . Walter worked out a plan to copy a computer on a plane that had not been corrupted ,but to get it he drove a car at 200mph. down the runway , with me standing on the front seat reaching up for a computer cable being passed down from a plane that was about ten feet above my head . All 56 planes were saved . The second case was you and your daughter , I do not need to explain that one to you . Do I ?" Paul shook his head .
" He saved a small boy from a sink hole on the beach. I was taking Ralph to the museum on a school trip . When someone over rode the computer that controlled the train . Walter jumped on the train that was actually travelling at 90mph and again saved all the passengers and most of the rolling stock . I can keep going on but all the details are in that file but if you need more information just ring me ." Paige breathed out a sigh as she finished speaking .
" Well Paige ,Happy , Walter would certainly be a big asset to America ,but i do think it could be big uphill slope to convince the President to convene a special committee , before even trying to get them to pass the request . Leave me all the paperwork and i will try and make a convincing argument , i sort of do have a stake in this as i owe so much to Walter and the team . I will try and sort it all out over the next few days and then try and make an appointment with the President . I will call you as soon as i know which way it goes ," Promised Paul .
" Thank you again for listening to us . Oh i never asked how is your little girl doing ?" Said Paige .
"She is doing just fine thank you for asking ." With that Paul walked Paige and Happy to the elevator , at the elevator they all said their goodbyes
Once they were back in reception , Paige pulled her phone out to contact the limo driver .
" Oh damn , i forgot to take my phone off plane mode , i hope i have not missed any important calls . As she changed the setting from plane mode , ten missed calls from Drew showed up on the screen .
" Oh my god RALPH !" She almost screamed but still managed a loud voice that caused Happy to stop walking .
"What's up ? You look like you have received bad news . " Asked a concerned Happy .
" I've got ten missed calls from Drew , it must mean something is wrong with Ralph ." Paige managed to say as tears began running down her cheeks .
" Calm down , lets go and sit on the sofa , you can pull yourself together and then phone Drew back ." Happy was saying as she gently guided Paige over to the sofa they had been sitting on a hour ago . A few minutes later feeling a little calmer she phoned Drew .
" Drew what is going on?"
Drew " Calm down Paige , but why have you not been answering your phone ?"
Paige " It was set on plane mode , i have been in Washington all day . Is Ralph ill , hurt , please tell me . I know he hates me at the moment but he is still MY SON . "
Drew " I cannot answer that question . Last night i told him he would have to go back home to you , i have a six month contract to coach a minor league baseball team in Texas . When i told him he was silent for a moment , then said OK as if everything was fine . When i went to wake him up this morning , his bed had not been slept in and there was a note on the pillow , which simply said , SEE YA . " I have been phoning you at least once a hour ,because to be honest i do not know what to do . "
Paige " He did exactly the same to me when he came to you ,except the note he left me was a lot more hurtful . Leave it to me , i think i know how his mind works and i have a good idea were he might be heading but i need to make some calls . I will ring you as soon as i have any information , but please ring me if he contacts you . "
Drew " Of course i will , good luck ."
Paige was now in Scorpion work mode . First she contacted the limo driver to pick them up , explaining to Happy they could work better in the plane , than a hotel lobby .
The limo dropped them back at the plane 30 minutes later , by which time Paige had a plan of action , in her head . First she phoned Sly.
" Sly , Ralph is on the run again , he left Drew's between about 10pm . and 7am. this morning Portland time . I have a feeling his intended destination is Ireland . Can you track him down it might be better to start from JFK Airport New York , as Portland do not have a direct flight . I know you are in touch with Walter's parents at least once a week , could you contact them first and ask if they could get Walter to phone me tell them it is about Ralph . Other wise he may decide he does not want to speak to me . "
" Ok Paige , i will also put a search in from Portland as a backup ." Answered Sly .
" Thank you Sly , can you let me know as soon as you have any information , Bye . "
The next phone call was to Richard , one she was not much looking forward too as she was going to ask another favor . She was put through to Richard by his secretary .
" Hello Paige , was your meeting a success . "
Paige " It went better than i hoped , Paul as agreed to go through all the information to see if he can make a case to put before the President . Which is really all i could ask for . However when we came out of the meeting i was about to call the limo driver up , when i realized my phone was still on plane mode , once i switched it on i saw ten missed calls from Drew . Ralph as gone on the run again and i am almost certain he will try and get to Walter in Ireland . So i want to know if we can keep your plane on the ground until Sly can try and work some computer magic and try and track him down ."
Richard " Of course Paige , take as long as you like , but i will need to speak to the pilot so he can clear it with the airport . His he there now ? "
Paige " Hang on and i will go and check ." Paige made her way to the cockpit but it was empty . She made her way back to the rear of the plane and found him there drinking coffee and chatting to the stewardess.
"Excuse me captain i have Richard on the phone and he would like to have a word with you ." The Captain took the phone from Paige and listened to what Richard had to say and with a quick "Yes sir " he handed the phone back to Paige .
" Hello Richard ok thank you i will let you know how we get on . " She turned to face the Captain ."
" Thank you so much , i know you were hoping to leave for L.A. soon , but my son is so important to me ."
" I completly understand , and it is no trouble at all . My co-pilot is not due back for thirty minutes , so once he gets back i will go and talk to the airport authorities about stopping until you are ready to leave ." He gave Paige a quick salute and left to go back to the cockpit .
" Would you and your friend like some refreshments , unfortunately we do not carry any really substantial food on board has we only have basic cooking facilities . If you would like a meal i can esaily arrange to bring one on board ." Said the stewardess .
" That is most kind , but at the moment i think coffee and maybe some cookies would be nice . " Replied Paige ."
Paige returned to her seat , Happy was sitting just waiting for her to return . Thirty minutes later Paige's phone rang , on checking the caller I.D. it came up as unknown number .
" Hello ."
"Paige ?"
"Walter?"
Walter " Paige what is so important you had Sly video call my parents . Is Ralph ill or in trouble again ?"
Paige " I am sorry but it was the only way i could think off to get in touch with you , as you made it quite clear you wanted nothing more to do with me . Ralph is on the run and i think he might be able to make his way to you . "
Walter " Why would he be on the run , he loves you . "
Paige " At the moment is hatered for me could not be measured . Talking of hate , i never could ,would or will ever hate you . At the moment however all that is not relevant . About a week ago , a friend of Ralph's , went missing and it involved a group of mercenaries . Scorpion tried to find him , we traced him but so did the mercenaries , on top of a grain silo , the bad guy had got there first and pushed him in , neither Toby or Sly could help him or as Ralph called them Tin man and The Lion . The rescue became a retrieval . The Same night Cabe gave Ralph your computer and phone . Ralph played your voice mail , after hearing it he stormed off to his bedroom saying he did not want any thing to eat . Next morning when i went to wake him up i found an unslept bed and a note saying a lot of hurtful things and saying he was going to stay with Drew and blocked out all the teams including mine , phone numbers . Last night Drew told him he had to come back to me , as he was leaving for a six month contract in Texas . This morning Drew entered a similar bedroom . "
Walter " But why do you think he would be heading here ."
Paige " Because he looks upon you as his DAD . Sly is trying to trace Ralph's progress , but he has only been working on them a short time . I will call you , if you will allow me to , once we know the full story . But if he slips through and makes it to you , please let me know . Then could you manage to look after your Son for a few weeks , as at the moment i know he will not stay with me . Hopefully in a few weeks i will have some good news that may change his mind ."
Walter " Of course i will and i am sure mom and dad will spoil him rotten . Take my phone number 05253741234 . One last thing before you go , it was good to hear your voice again . "
Paige " It is really good to hear your voice again as well , i think i hear a little bit of an Irish lilt . Goodbye for now . "