The Keith Caper (Part 5)
With her brood all back together again, Shirley began to feel better about their decision to bring Keith home. They were all gathered around the dining table, having eaten the Christmas dinner they had purchased from the hospital cafeteria: hamburgers and Pepsi's. At first she felt a little guilty about not cooking the turkey and trimmings like every other Christmas, but the kids didn't seem to mind. Besides, she told herself, this was no ordinary Christmas, that was for sure!
The kids were all talking at once, mostly about Keith's 'adventures', and the noise was at a crescendo until Reuben, sitting at the head of the table, rose and cleared his throat.
Curious, the kids quieted down, looking at him.
"You wanted to say something, Reuben?" Shirley asked.
"Either that, or he's choking on his third burger," Danny teased.
"Funny, kid. For your information, that was only my second one." Reuben made a face at him. "I just wanted to tell you what I came over to tell you this morning. The only thing is, what with the events of the day, I don't know if I should…"
His elbows on the table, Keith frowned up at him. "What is it, Reuben?"
"Well, you know they're dedicating the new Seaquarium over in San Robles tomorrow…"
"Oh, yes, I read that in the paper," Shirley nodded.
"Well, they want you to perform at the ceremony." Reuben said it quickly, flinching in anticipation of the backlash.
It was quiet around him and he opened one eye. All was still quiet as five pairs of eyes were riveted on Keith. Reuben's made it six.
Self-consciously, Keith sat back in his chair, shrugging. "Well, it's a little short notice, but…I guess we have no choice."
"I haven't signed the contract, yet. I've been busy." Reuben said pointedly.
Across the table from Keith, Shirley said to her son, "Think you can handle it, honey?"
"How many numbers?" he looked up at Reuben.
"Two. One after the ribbon cutting and one about an hour later. I may be able to wheedle them down to just one if necessary." Reuben's eyes scanned their faces.
Keith blew out a breath. "Okay, but let's do the two we need the least rehearsals for." He glanced around the table. "Vote."
One by one, the Partridges nodded and Keith smiled up at the manager. "Looks like we've got a gig."
Reuben grinned. "Great. I'll call Mike Reed, the PR rep."
Keith pushed back from the table. "I'll go set up for rehearsal."
Shirley eyed the rest of the gang. "Go help Keith, kids. I'll be out after I clean this mess up." She gathered the dishes as the kids filed out to the garage.
They took their assigned places, forming a half circle around Keith as he slipped into his guitar strap.
"Everything plugged in?" Keith looked around at the many cords strewn on the floor. "Let's hear you. Laurie."
She pressed a key on the piano-organ and it resonated through the small garage. Danny plucked his bass, and Keith strummed the guitar. Both instruments sounded loud and clear, and satisfied, Keith took his place on the stool in the middle of the room.
"What songs, Keith?" Laurie tossed her hair over her shoulder.
After a few seconds of thought, Keith asked, " How about 'Albuquerque' and 'One Night Stand'?"
The others agreed unanimously, and settled down to wait for Shirley. As was his habit, Keith re-tuned his guitar, while Danny used the top of his for a drum and Tracy twirled her tambourine. Laurie examined her fingernails, while Chris tried to balance a drumstick on his forefinger.
Finally entering, Shirley noticed she came in on the same scene every time she was the last to arrive, and she smiled comfortably, sitting at the piano. "Okay, let's go. What one are we doing first?"
"Albuquerque," Keith answered, sitting up straight. It was one thing to slouch when Mom wasn't in the room… "One, two," he counted and the music began like it had so many times before.
Keith's voice came out softly and the song was on its way, with the rest of them joining in when it was their turn. Shirley's eyes stayed on her eldest
throughout the number, watching for any little sign of atypical behavior, but to her elation, there was none, and the song drew to a close, the music fading.
"That was great," Keith nodded. "But I think I sounded a little rusty."
"And your point is…" Laurie kidded with him. Things were getting back to normal, and she loved it.
He only rolled his eyes, then fiddled around a little more with the guitar around his neck. "Danny, is my amp cord all the way in?"
Danny turned around, checking the connection about a foot above his head. "No, it's loose again."
Keith sighed. "No wonder." He directed it at Laurie, who wrinkled her nose playfully at him. He went to the huge amplifier behind them, pulling the cord out and inspecting it. "Oh, man," he muttered. "This connection needs to be replaced."
"Do you have another one?" Shirley got up, joining him.
"Yeah, but it'll take me at least half an hour to fix it." He turned to the rest, waving a hand. "Take five."
"Five sixes," Tracy piped up. "That makes a half an hour," she said proudly.
Shirley was impressed. "Very good, honey. Come on, let's let Keith work. Do you need some help?" she asked him.
"No, I think I've got it."
"That's what you said last time, then you blew a fuse," Danny reminded him.
"And I'm about to blow another one, but it has nothing to do with electricity," Keith groused, to Danny's delight.
The kids all scattered one by one as Keith pulled the stool over and began to work on his wiring.
Shirley took the opportunity to take a much needed shower, while Laurie planted herself on the couch with a book and Danny, Chris and Tracy engrossed themselves in the board game they'd received for Christmas. Reuben had gone home, and the house was eerily quiet, compared to the past forty-eight hours. Shirley came down the stairs in fresh clothes, her hair already dried, make up in place.
"Peace at last," she sighed happily, looking at her group, minus one, spread out in front of her in the living room.
Laurie looked up from her book. "You look refreshed."
"I feel it a million times over, believe me," Shirley smiled. "Has anyone looked in on Keith?"
Laurie sat forward. "Not lately we haven't."
A brief look of worry flashed across Shirley's face. "I'll see how he's coming along. She tried not to hurry too fast as she went through the kitchen out to the garage. Opening the door, she didn't even see him at first, then as she came further in, she was startled to see him sitting on the floor, his shoulders pressed back into the huge amplifier, his face white.
She went to him, bending beside him. "Keith! Are you all right?"
"I'm okay," he said quickly. "Just a little tired, that's all."
She did a quick check, feeling his forehead and lifting his chin so she could look in his eyes.
He tried to smile, but it didn't come off very easily. Shaking his head, he moved to get up. "This shot thing is a real bummer, you know? I should've had that connection fixed twenty minutes ago."
She helped him up and he leaned back against the amp, trying to get his land legs.
"Did you get it fixed?" Shirley held onto his arm.
"Oh, yeah." He indicated the cord. "After forty-five minutes." He looked angry. "Life's gonna be just great at this rate. "
"It will wear off sometime," Shirley watched as he pushed away from the machine, still a little shaky, but improving.
"Yeah, if it doesn't kill me first," he said sarcastically, reaching down for his guitar. Running his hand through his hair, he tried to ignore her sad look. "You wanta call the kids? We need to work on the second number." He took his place on the stool.
She came forward, kissing his temple. "Sure." Hesitantly, she moved out of the room as he flinched, his back to her.
The morning of the show, Shirley did a final check on the equipment the kids loaded into the huge wildly painted bus that was the Family's quirky "limo." As was the ritual, everyone had some hand in loading, whether it was speakers, instruments or costumes. It made for a speedy departure, having the six of them involved. Sometimes, like now, Reuben helped making it even more efficient. The only thing different today was Keith's participation. Per Shirley's instructions, the others were not to let him lift anything heavier than his guitar, no matter how much he protested. And that wasn't much, considering how tired and achy he was. He tried not to let on, but he was feeling extraordinarily down and out this morning. So, he put on his brave face and joined in, all the while wanting to just lay down and die.
Laurie entered the bus with the snare drum. "This is it," she announced, and Keith gratefully sank into a seat. It was a lot of work, getting ready for a gig, even if it was only 20 miles away in the next town.
"All right," Shirley stepped up to the driver's seat. "We're heading out, so if you need to use the restroom or whatever, you'd better do it, now."
Chris and Tracy exchanged glances, then both got up, taking off for the house as Shirley took her place behind the wheel. Then, Reuben followed them, almost sheepishly. The remaining Partridges couldn't help but laugh.
"Want me to drive, Mom?" Keith offered from a few rows behind her, hoping she wouldn't take him up on it.
"No, honey, I can do it. You just sit back and relax. I can see you're bushed."
He smiled, not arguing, as Laurie sat down across from him. "You…do have your medicine with you…?"
Keith nodded. "It's back there in my duffel bag." He slid over against the window, bringing his feet up onto the seat and lying back, closing his eyes. The warmth of the sun was soothing and he almost started to doze. Just the dull ache in his back kept him from completely nodding off.
Shirley watched him in the rearview mirror as she started the motor. Reuben and the kids came back out of the house and reboarded.
Danny moved up behind where Reuben sat down. "You really should have thought of that before you left home," he murmured, his freckled chin on the back of the seat.
"Be quiet or I'll tie you up on top of the bus."
Danny sat back, satisfied with his barbs and watched as the bus pulled away from the house. "How far is San Robles?" he asked.
Shirley hit the brakes. You'd better ask, she told herself. "About twenty miles, why?"
Danny shrugged. "Just wondering."
Laurie kicked his seat from behind as Shirley shook her head, continuing to maneuver the multi-colored monster down the street. She was becoming quite the expert at it, now, although she'd had to have Keith teach her how to drive a manual transmission. She had to admit that she wasn't the best student in the world, but he was very patient with her and she learned it in just a few days, mistakes and all. It had been his idea to paint the "Caution: Nervous Mother Driving" sign on the back of the bus, and she flashed back to those nerve-shattering lessons every time she saw it.
All was extremely quiet - a little too quiet - behind her, and she checked the mirror. Each of her passengers were taking little peeks at Keith, watching him like hawks and she knew that if he saw them doing it, he would be very uncomfortable. So, she broke the silence.
"Reuben, are we going to get a tour of the seaquarium?" she asked.
"If you want one, sure, I think we can arrange that. Uh, by the way, the press will be there."
"Great. Free publicity!" Danny said happily.
"Well, I dunno. See, these are those same people who came around while Keith was…gone. And after we brought him home the first time, remember?"
Shirley frowned. "You mean, all those reporters? But this is a local dedication."
Reuben sat forward. "Yes, but Keith isn't just "local." He's practically a National Monument, for Heaven's sake."
Laurie grinned, reaching over and nudging Keith's foot. "Right. I heard they were going to add his face to Mount Rushmore."
Keith opened one eye, glaring in her direction as Reuben went on.
"I just want you to be prepared," he said. "When I talked to Mike this morning, he said it was starting to look like a circus out there."
"Well, it shouldn't be too bad. I mean, how many people were in the yard that day? Thirty, forty?" Shirley kept her eyes on the road.
"Yeah, but it felt like hundreds. You didn't have to deal with them, Shirley. They're pretty pushy. Cameras and microphones, people talking all at once…it was scary." Reuben shuddered.
"We can take them," Laurie said, unmoved by his dramatics. "We'll just send Danny out first."
"Why me?" Danny sounded indignant whirling around to face her.
"Reuben just said it was a circus. And you're head clown."
"Ha, ha," Danny retorted.
Reuben sighed. "I just hope we don't have trouble…" He looked over at Keith, shaking his head. "I knew that face would get me in hot water some day," he muttered, and Shirley giggled.
The main parking lot of the seaquarium was filled with cars and Shirley glanced nervously behind her at Reuben as she guided the bus into the smaller lot south of the buildings. "Full house today," she noted aloud.
"Well, it was in the paper," Laurie said.
"Not your appearance. It was too late to get it to the newspaper," Reuben sat up in his seat. "Those people all can't be coming for -"
He was cut off by a cry from Shirley. "But they are! Look!"
Everyone came out of their seats to look out the windshield. There had to be 3,000 people waiting behind only a four-foot fence, with at least 75 reporters, armed with their cameras in front of the fence. And they were all waiting to see them.
"My gosh!" Laurie said, her blue eyes wide. "It's a mob!"
"Yeah, and that fence isn't going to hold them back," Danny observed.
Keith sank back down into his seat. They were there for him, that he knew. It was something he'd learn to accept. But this was a lot of people. And he wasn't feeling very well as it was.
Seeing the bus come to a stop, the reporters began the attack, running for them. Then the crowd burst forward, knocking down the fence and pouring out right behind. Shirley looked at the manager in terror as the bus was surrounded.
"What'll we do?"
"Stay calm, and for heaven's sake, don't open the doors or windows. Security should be here soon to get us out."
"Maybe we can sneak Keith out the emergency door in the back," Danny suggested.
"But we'd have to move all the equipment," Shirley said. "Besides, we're surrounded on all sides. Reuben's right. We should just stay here until they send the cavalry."
People were pounding on the bus and its doors, making them fear the glass would break. They heard their cries of, "Let's see Keith! Send Keith out! Come on out!" and it sent a chill down Laurie's spine. The bus was even beginning to rock, which terrified them all.
Keith sat up, clutching the seat in front of him. "They're gonna kill us!"
he cried, his eyes wide.
Then, up towards the buildings, Reuben saw several uniformed guards, who were waving them forward. "Shirley, they want us up closer to the building."
"But there are people in front of the bus!" she exclaimed, clutching the wheel. "I'll hurt someone!"
"No you won't, not if you go slowly," Reuben told her.
"Want me to do it, Mom?" Keith sat forward. Anything to get out of this.
"No!" Reuben almost snapped at him. "You stay hidden. If they see you, they will go nuts!"
Nodding, Keith huddled back down in the seat, trying his best to just disappear. This was incredible, he thought, but flattering. Euphoric, almost; but frightening.
Shirley put the bus in gear and began inching it forward as Reuben stood behind her, waving the people aside. It was working, but it was slow and tedious. Shirley felt her heart pounding as she nudged the bus along. Unfortunately, the people stayed with it, still hitting and shouting, but at least she could see salvation coming closer and closer.
She got to within thirty feet of the building and the guards began pushing their way toward them. They made a semi-circle in front of the doors and Reuben looked back at Keith. "Okay, Keith, you go with the guards. They'll protect you. The rest of us can make it in behind you."
"You think so, huh?" Danny stared down at the crowd underneath his window. It was mostly a sea of teenage girls, and they were screaming and crying. The whole thing gave Danny the willies.
Keith got up, moving tenuously toward the front. Stopping, he looked back at his family, who was watching him solemnly. "Okay," he swallowed. "Here goes."
"Good luck, honey," Shirley touched his hand. Then she closed her eyes and opened the door.
A loud scream came from the crowd and they seemed to surge forward as Keith stepped down, afraid to even look. One of the guards took his arm. "Hope you're a track star, buddy," he said, and the circle of uniforms closed in around him.
The screaming and pushing got worse as Keith was hustled toward the building. The guards had their hands full fending off the hands that reached in between them, trying to get a piece of Keith Partridge, but they got him to the door, yanking it open and pushing him inside, one of the men going with him.
Hurting, now, Keith stopped, swallowing and looking anxiously behind him.
"You okay, kid? They didn't get you, did they?" the guard asked, taking his elbow.
Keith shook his head, looking down for a quick inspection. Nothing was out of the ordinary; his clothes weren't even torn. But, boy, oh, boy was he hurting. He hoped Laurie would remember to get the duffel bag.
"The dressing room's right back here." The man was pulling him now, and Keith followed only because he had to.
He was shown a room around a corner about a mile away and he stumbled to the chairs there in front of the mirror. Wearily, he fell into one of them, feeling his back with one hand. Staring at his reflection, he was surprised to see how drawn and pale he really was. His hand instinctively went to his face and he stared at every little line in it. Suddenly he didn't look seventeen any more.
The door opened and the rest came in, all talking about the crowd's fervor and Keith glanced up, looking Laurie's way. She was empty-handed, and his heart sank. Dummy, he scolded himself. You should have grabbed it yourself.
"Wow, that was amazing!" Danny crowed. "Those girls meant business!"
"Yes, but you notice that once Keith got inside, most of them backed off," Laurie flopped into the chair next to her big brother.
"It was still…I dunno…thrilling," Danny put his hands on Keith's shoulders. "Didn't you think so, Keith?"
"Oh, sure, thrilling. All I saw were uniforms and hands." Keith answered, shifting in the chair.
Shirley squeezed his wrist. "Are you all right, sweetheart?"
"Yeah, except for one minor little thing. My painkillers are still on the bus," he frowned, balling up his fist and pressing hard into his back. It was aching more and more every minute.
"Oh, no!" Shirley moaned, looking at Reuben. "How are we going to get them?"
"Not to mention the rest of the equipment. We can't exactly do a show without instruments," Danny added.
"They're taking the bus around to the backstage area, where they'll unload everything. I'll go see if I can get your pills, Keith. Where would they be?" Reuben asked.
Fighting the urge to cry out, Keith looked up. "Blue duffel bag."
"Okay. Hang in there," Reuben told him, going out the door.
Danny began to rub Keith's back as Keith sat forward, letting him go for it. Laurie reached over, her palm crossing Keith's knee.
"Pretty bad, huh?" she asked softly.
His eyes closed tightly, Keith nodded, blowing out his breath in pain as Danny kept rubbing with both hands.
Laurie and Shirley exchanged glum looks. Shirley looked at the others. They were staring at Keith worriedly. "Why don't you kids go help Reuben? We need to get the costumes in, and Laurie's and my make-up bags." Putting her hand on Danny's head, she smiled down at him. "You, too, Danny."
Danny nodded, motioning to Chris and Tracy. They stepped into the hallway, and Shirley called after them: "Don't get lost!"
They called out something that sounded like, "We won't," and all was quiet. Shirley began rubbing Keith's back, bending down to look at his face. "Is this helping any?"
"Uh huh," he affirmed softly, both hands gripping the chair arms.
There was a knock on the door and Laurie got up to answer it. A tall, young man stood in the hallway, a microphone in his hand. Another man stood behind him with a large, handheld video camera and Laurie glanced back at Shirley, trying to keep the door closed.
"Can I help you?" she asked, trying to be polite.
"Jim Anderson, from Channel 3 News. I was wondering if I could get an interview with Keith."
"I'm sorry," Laurie shook her head. "Keith is…indisposed at the moment."
"Then how about your mother? Or you?" he persisted.
Shirley left Keith's side to join her daughter at the door. "Laurie, who is it?" she asked.
"Jim Anderson, Channel 3 news," the man repeated, trying to look beyond them into the room.
Shirley wished Reuben were there. He was better at handling these situations.
"He wants to interview Keith," Laurie told her. "But I told him he's indisposed."
"She's absolutely right. We're getting ready to go onstage, and -"
"He isn't even here, is he?" the reporter cut her off. Maybe they would be caught off guard and he could force his way in, he thought.
"Of course he is. You saw the crowd when he got off the bus." Shirley frowned.
"Yeah, sure. You celebrities are all the same. You try to throw us off track, use decoys…I know your game."
Shirley bristled at his insinuation. "Look, if you really want an interview, I suggest you try and arrange it with our manager. If you can find him!" she was about to slam the door in his face when she heard Reuben's voice.
"Shirley? What's going on?" he and the three kids came up behind the reporter. The boys had various garment bags with them and Tracy lugged the make-up cases.
"This…man wants an interview with Keith." Shirley was still burning.
Reuben shook his head. "Impossible."
Jim smiled. "I thought so."
"He doesn't believe Keith is here," Laurie said disapprovingly.
"Well, he's right, isn't he?" Reuben shrugged.
The reporter looked surprised, and Reuben continued.
"You see, Keith is already being interviewed, by the local newspaper. Sorry, pal, but you just didn't get here fast enough." He pushed the kids in past Laurie and Shirley, then made his way in himself, the blue duffel bag dangling from his hand.
"Could I arrange one?" the journalist knew when he was licked.
"Sure. How about next year?" Reuben asked.
"But it'll be old news by then."
"Aw," Reuben faked sympathy. "Better luck, next time." And with that, he shut the door and locked it.
"Reuben, that was brilliant!" Laurie praised him. "He was determined to get in here!"
"It was nothing," Reuben smiled, putting Keith's bag on the dressing table. "Sorry I took so long, kid."
"Thanks." Keith grabbed it, fishing hurriedly through it and bringing out a large vial of pills. Shaking one into his hand, he downed it without water as Laurie watched with concern, her hands gently rubbing his back as her mother and Danny had done.
Shirley took the costumes and hung them up. "How long before we go on?" she asked, unzipping the bags.
Looking at his watch, the manager said, "About an hour. I hope that pill kicks in by then. You can't even straighten up," he said to Keith.
"Tell me about it," Keith muttered.
"I'll make sure they have a stool for you to sit down on."
Shirley cringed. "Oh, Reuben, not a stool. That will bother his back. Can't you get something lower? Or something with a back on it?"
"I could sit on the edge of the stage. Provided there's a few feet between me and the audience," Keith said, still wincing with pain.
"Yeah, I think there's about six feet of leeway there. Besides, the stage is pretty high, and there's no way they can get to you."
"Don't underestimate them," Laurie piped up. "They were pretty excited."
"We can have the security guards stand in front of the stage just in case," Reuben squeezed Keith's shoulder. "Don't worry. You'll be just fine."
"I still can't believe it," Danny said, awestruck.
"What?" Keith glanced at him.
"My brother's a superstar! And I did it."
"How did you do it?" Laurie scoffed.
Danny's chest puffed out. "I let him get kidnapped!" he said proudly.
The family and Reuben reacted as Keith looked incredulous.
"It's a good thing I can't move right now, or you'd be dog food!" Keith hissed between his teeth.
Shirley and the others laughed as Danny kept preening.
Backstage was bustling, but no more so than usual. The instruments had already been set up, the sound had been checked with the curtain still down and the Partridges took their places one by one. Chris climbed onto his drum set, which sat about three feet above the others. A stagehand helped Tracy up onto a large box, while Shirley sat down behind her piano to what was to be Keith's right and Laurie stood at the organ to his left. Keith, on the other hand, was busy trying to walk off the little bit of pain the pill hadn't taken care of yet. He paced back and forth behind them, but he wasn't out of Shirley's sight. She watched him sadly as he walked with one hand to his back, trying to get his muscles to loosen up. Reuben stayed back there with him, watching with growing concern as Keith passed him, his young face contorted in pain.
"You're sure you don't want a stool, Keith?" the manager asked as Keith limped by for the third time.
"No, I'll be okay, if I keep moving. If it gets too bad I'll just sit on the edge." Keith smiled tiredly. It was hard to see Reuben so concerned about him like this. "Besides, it's just one song. I think I can make it."
Reuben nodded, unconvinced, as a man they'd been told was the emcee came up behind them.
"Are you ready for your introduction?" he asked Keith.
Taking a deep breath, Keith nodded. "Sure." He said it only half-heartedly.
The emcee walked to the front of the stage and through the curtain.
Reuben handed Keith his microphone, gripping his shoulder. "Go get 'em, tiger."
Keith looked Shirley's way. Catching her eye, he smiled as confidently as he could and waited for his cue.
"Ladies and gentlemen, the Partridge Family!"
An ever-increasing scream rose from the audience as the curtain parted and the music started. The intro ended and Keith stepped into view, singing with all he had.
The crowd became even more frenzied as he approached them, safe for the moment, five feet above and beyond their reach. Flashbulbs burst around him like fireworks and for a split second, Keith was blinded and dizzy, but he regained his senses and grinned down at them, his smooth voice floating out over their heads. If they heard it at all, that is, with all the pandemonium going on below him. It was enough to blow one's mind; all that adoration washing over him, lifting him up and making him forget his troubles, even if it was for only three and a half minutes.
Then, about two minutes into it, Keith saw him. The short-cropped hair; the mustache. The hatred in his eyes. The kidnapper. He stood near the front, looking completely out of place among the crazed teenyboppers and just the sight of him made Keith's stomach churn.
Shirley noticed Keith's demeanor change and, puzzled, she watched him as he slowly moved away from the stage's edge, the once enthusiastic smile fading with every step he took. It was so unlike Keith to show it onstage if he was sad, sick, or tired. He was the essence of showmanship once that curtain went up. Nothing mattered more than giving it his all, no matter how he was feeling.
When he ended the song perhaps three beats too early, Shirley really became concerned. Was he in pain? He managed a bow, and that told her that wasn't the problem. As he turned toward her she saw terror in his eyes and he tried to hurry past her, but she reached out, grabbing his arm.
"Keith, what's the matter?"
Keith swallowed, his eyes wide, his face white. "Mom, he's here!"
"Who's here?" Shirley put her hand on his shoulder, trying to calm him.
"What's going on?" The other kids and Reuben gathered around.
"I'm trying to find that out. Keith, tell me! Who's here?"
"Marty! The kidnapper!"
The others exchanged shocked glances.
"Are…are you sure? " Shirley asked.
"I'd know that face anywhere," Keith hugged his arms, shivering. "He was right out front, looking at me…"
"Where? Show me." Reuben pushed him forward.
They went to the curtain and parted it about six inches. Keith's eyes scanned the crowd, but the search yielded nothing. "He's gone!" Keith almost moaned.
"Maybe it was just someone who looked like him," Shirley offered.
"Yeah," Danny interjected. "You are pretty doped up with that painkiller."
Keith looked around him. "I know what I saw!" he snapped angrily. "He's on the loose, isn't he? And it's not exactly a secret that we're here." He swallowed hard. "He probably came to finish what he started." Looking at Shirley, he saw the uncertainty in her eyes. "You believe me, don't you, Mom?"
Still a tad unsure, Shirley didn't want to let him down. "Let's alert security, just in case." Shirley said to Reuben.
"Okay. Come on, Keith."
The two of them left and Laurie leaned back on the piano. "What do you think?"
"I'm hoping Danny's right, but you never know," Shirley answered.
"Well, if he is here, the security will catch him. He won't make it out of the place. Not unless he rides out with us on the bus," Danny joked.
The second performance was much tenser, from all ends. As Keith sang, he searched the audience for Marty, but came up empty-handed. He was beginning to think -and hope - that he had been seeing things after all. It occupied his mind so much that he nearly forgot the words to the song, but made it through without too much trouble. He finished to more of the same acclamation as the crowd cheered wildly, and Keith waved his thanks as the curtain closed. He turned to find the stagehands already taking some of the equipment away and, impressed with their efficiency, handed his microphone to one of them as he joined his family in the wings.
"Well, was he there again?" Danny prodded.
"No. Maybe security got him. I hope," Keith answered, leading them back to the dressing room. He wanted out of the costume, out of the building, and out of the city.
Reuben was waiting for them. "How'd it go? Any sign of the guy?"
"No. I was hoping they caught him." Keith undid the cuffs on his shirt.
"I have no idea." Reuben said. "I'll check, though, and let you all get dressed."
Shirley, Laurie and Tracy filed into the next room as Danny, Chris and Keith stayed put, each having their own little cubicle in which to change clothes. The two youngest finished first and, as was their custom, began to roughhouse, playing tag around the chairs. Keith would usually holler at them to knock it off, but it didn't come this time. In fact, Keith wasn't even coming out, yet. They knew just how long it took for him to get dressed, plus "fifteen minutes on his hair," Danny always kidded, but he seemed to take too long this time.
"Keith?" Danny popped a fist on the cubicle door.
The door finally opened and Keith stepped out - or dragged out - looking quite haggard. His open shirt hadn't been tucked in and he eased into a chair at the mirror. It looked as if he'd been interrupted from a long and peaceful sleep.
"Hey, you okay?" Danny asked.
"Sure. A little tired, is all." Keith answered, his fingers fumbling for the buttons on his shirt.
The girls entered from the next room. Seeing Keith's condition, Shirley took his head in her hands. "Reuben wants us to meet with the director of the seaquarium. You, my dear, will wait for us in the bus."
He smiled up at her. "Thanks, Mom."
She kissed his cheek. "Want me to get a security guard to take you there?"
"No," he sighed. "I think I can make it."
"We won't be too long." Shirley promised, hustling the others out of the room.
Keith waited a few minutes to regain his strength, then pushed himself up, tucked in his shirt and grabbed his duffel bag, heading for the bus.
The psychedelic monster was still backed into the stage, and it looked as if everything was already loaded. Keith was grateful for that. He couldn't lift so much as Tracy's tambourine right now. A few of the stagehands were still mulling around, and one of them called to him as he headed for the stairs that lead to the bus' doors.
"Hey, man, great show! You sure know how to wow the chicks!"
"Thanks," Keith grinned wearily, finding himself at the bus steps. It seemed a long way up, although it was only three steps, and Keith pulled himself inside, his body feeling heavier and heavier. He made it about halfway back and tossed the duffel bag down, nearly falling into a seat. Aching, now, he slumped down in the seat, pushing his head into the back of it. Exhausted, he closed his eyes.
Then, something cold and metal pressed against his throat, and his eyes flew open.
"Don't move, pretty boy." Marty's voice came from behind him.
Somehow, Keith wasn't surprised. Terrified, but not surprised. He didn't even dare swallow, for fear of his Adam's apple scraping the knife blade, as it stayed parallel to his skin.
"Miss me?" It was another evil hiss.
Keith didn't answer; he just began to pray silently.
Marty grabbed Keith's hair, pulling his head back. "Okay, get in the back of the bus."
"My family will be here in a minute." Keith tried to keep his voice steady.
"Good. I love crowds. Now, move." Marty yanked him into the aisle.
"What do you want from us? From me?" Keith wanted to know as he was shoved forward.
"My million bucks." Marty's answer was accompanied by another hard push on Keith's back.
Keith stumbled to the last seat. Looking down, he saw an open doctor's bag, and right on top was a syringe. He backed up against the equipment piled behind him, numb with fear. Shaking his head, he pleaded with his captor. "No! Please…I can't take any more of that!"
Marty reached down, picking up the needle in one hand while flashing the knife in the other. "Don't like this, huh? Well, I don't like being stiffed."
Unfortunately, Marty outweighed Keith by at least 75 pounds. He pushed him face first into the metal amplifier, twisted Keith's arm behind his back and jabbed the needle into it.
Clutching his arm, Keith sank to the floor, as there was a commotion in the front of the bus.
The Partridges and Reuben were returning from their excursion, Danny leading the way. The scene in front of him took a second to make sense, and he sprang forward. "Hey!" he yelled as everyone reacted to what they saw.
Marty pulled Keith to his knees by his collar, waving the knife. "Back off, or I kill him right here!"
Laurie turned to run, but Marty shouted. "Don't try it, honey, unless you want your brother dead on the floor, do you hear me? Now, everybody take a seat!"
Stunned, everyone just stared at them, and Marty barked again. "Do it!"
Slowly, they sat down, no one daring to take their eyes off either Marty or Keith. Laurie was weeping, Shirley was shaking, and the three youngest were terrified out of their minds. Only Reuben seemed calm, a trait that Shirley found bewildering, but comforting.
Marty yanked Keith all the way up, gripping his upper arm and moving down the aisle with him.
"Whatever it is you have planned, it won't work. Security's already been alerted," Reuben said.
"Really? Well, then I guess you'll all just have to come with me." Marty shoved Keith into a seat near the front. "Or, should I say, I'll have to go with you." He sat next to Keith, who was now sweating profusely, feeling the effects of the injections, both old and new.
"What do you mean?" Shirley asked.
"We're gonna drive out of here, right past everybody and you are gonna do everything I tell you to, or pretty boy here gets another shot."
"You're crazy," Danny cried from the seat behind them.
"Maybe, but right now, I'm in control. Now, who's gonna get this thing out of here?"
Shirley and Reuben looked at one another. Seeing that she really wasn't capable of doing much of anything at the moment, Reuben nodded. "I'll drive."
"Great." Marty nodded his head sharply. "Behind the wheel, then, now! The rest of you stay put!"
Reuben got up and took his place, checking Marty out in the rearview mirror. The knife was still in his hand as he got up, standing behind Reuben.
"No funny business, buddy. I wanna see both your hands on the wheel at all times." He sat down behind him, the knife in full view.
Reuben started the motor and eased it into gear. The bus lurched forward, grinding, and they started out of the parking lot.
Keith moaned, coughing, and Danny reached over the seat, taking his brother's shoulder.
"How is he, Danny?" Shirley asked.
"I'm not sure," Ready to cry, Danny swiped at his nose with his free hand. "But he doesn't look good."
Shirley went to move to Keith's side, but Marty held up the knife. "I said, stay put!"
Her face burned with anger. "Look, I don't know what you want, nor do I care. He's my son, and he needs me."
After thinking it over, he waved the knife. "Go ahead, but no funny business."
Shirley got up, going to Keith, who was breathing hard and extremely pale. "Keith? Are you in pain? Where's your bag?"
Keith moved his hand as if it weighed fifty pounds. "Back…back there."
He winced, trying to sit up. With Danny's help, they got him upright, and the youngster handed Shirley a handkerchief.
"Danny, do you see the duffel bag?" Shirley asked, dabbing at Keith's face with the cloth.
Scared to even leave his seat, Danny looked around. "No." He whispered, "Want me to look?"
Shirley glanced at Marty, who was glaring them down. "No, you'd better not."
Reuben slowed the bus at a crossroad, having made it out of the parking lot. "Which way?"
"Left, left," Marty ordered. "And keep going straight until I tell you to turn." He got up, going to Shirley, Keith and Danny. "Okay, what's going on back here?"
"Keith's painkillers are in a blue duffel bag, and we were just wondering where it was." Shirley explained. "Can my son look for it, please?"
"No!" Marty snapped, the knife glinting in his hand.
"But he's in pain, thanks to those shots you gave him!" Laurie lashed out.
He turned, glaring at her. "Isn't that too bad? Now, everybody separate, so you don't start planning something! You, too, Mom. Move!"
Sighing, Danny got up, going farther back. Laurie moved back a couple of seats, and Chris and Tracy split up, one on each side of the bus. With a longing look at Keith, Shirley took a seat just diagonally from him. At least she could still keep an eye on him.
"That's better." He turned to Reuben. "Go south at this stoplight."
Reuben looked into the mirror above him. "But that leads to the desert."
"That's right," Marty said as everyone exchanged nervous glances. He smiled. "Oh, don't worry, I'm gonna drop a couple of people off before we get there. There's about three people too many here, and I can only watch a few of you at a time."
Shirley sat forward. "And what happens then?"
Marty shrugged. "I haven't decided."
"Well, how do you expect to get your money, out there in the desert?" Laurie asked.
"Yeah, it's not like we have it on us," Danny said, rolling his eyes.
"I'll worry about that, okay?" Marty snapped. "Everybody just shut up!"
"Not real polite, is he?" Danny muttered, sitting back in his seat and folding his arms. He looked over at the empty seat across the aisle and, seeing the duffel bag there, he sat back up. Chris was in the seat just in front of the bag, and Danny slowly reached over, watching Marty closely as he did so. His fingers finally touched it and he ever-so-slowly pulled it toward him. "Psst!" he hissed at his little brother.
Chris turned as Danny let the bag drop to the floor almost in the aisle.
"Pass it up," Danny whispered, nodding toward it. "But be careful."
Chris nodded, slowly reaching a hand back until he had the bag in reach, then he tugged on it, pulling it up onto his lap.
Marty turned toward them and both boys froze, trying to look innocent, but the kidnapper wasn't fooled.
"What're you doing?" he demanded, walking toward them.
Danny closed his eyes, cringing, as Chris swallowed up at the man soon towering over him.
Marty grabbed the bag. "What's in here?"
"I told you, Keith's painkillers!" Shirley was on the edge of her seat, now.
Ignoring her, Marty unzipped the bag, looking inside. He brought out the pill bottle, looking at it as the Partridges watched anxiously.
"Please, we need to give him one," Laurie pleaded.
Then he laughed, shaking his head and slipping the bottle in his pocket. "We'll just see how everybody behaves, then maybe. Maybe." He threw the bag down as Keith moved in pain.
Marty walked back toward the front of the bus. "Okay, Mr. Manager, this is where you and the two little brats get off. Pull over."
"Where are we?" Reuben guided the bus to a curb. The intersection was void of traffic, people; not even a dog was in sight.
"That's your problem," Marty looked at Chris and Tracy. "Come on, kids. You're going with the big guy."
"No!" Shirley cried. "How can you just dump my babies in a strange town?!" She grabbed Tracy, pulling her to her.
"It's either that, or they get shots, too. Your choice, lady." Marty's face was like stone.
"I'll watch them, Shirley," Reuben said resignedly, putting the bus in park.
"That's the spirit. Now, hand me your wallet." Marty poked the knife at him.
"You're robbing me, too?" Reuben was incredulous. "How am I supposed to get these kids to a safe place?" He reached in his back pocket.
"Don't worry, I'll leave you something." Marty snatched the wallet, taking out the wad of cash, flipping through it and pocketing most of it. Stuffing a couple of bills back in, he shoved the wallet back at Reuben. "Have fun."
"Come on, kids," Reuben motioned them forward.
Tearfully, Shirley managed to give them each a hug and kiss as they passed her. Tracy looked back, starting to cry.
"Mommy…"
"Come on, Trace. Mr. Kincaid and I will take care of you," Chris took her hand. They moved past Marty as if they were walking the last mile, and Shirley couldn't help but cry as Reuben followed them, stepping down.
"Okay, Mom. You're the driver, now," Marty flashed the knife at her. "Come on, we don't have all day!"
Wiping her eyes, Shirley took her place behind the wheel, staring down at the threesome standing there so forlornly on the sidewalk. Marty reached over, closing the doors with the lever, the knife blade just inches from her.
"Drive!" he ordered, and almost angrily, she threw the bus into gear, pulling back out into the street.
Continued...
With her brood all back together again, Shirley began to feel better about their decision to bring Keith home. They were all gathered around the dining table, having eaten the Christmas dinner they had purchased from the hospital cafeteria: hamburgers and Pepsi's. At first she felt a little guilty about not cooking the turkey and trimmings like every other Christmas, but the kids didn't seem to mind. Besides, she told herself, this was no ordinary Christmas, that was for sure!
The kids were all talking at once, mostly about Keith's 'adventures', and the noise was at a crescendo until Reuben, sitting at the head of the table, rose and cleared his throat.
Curious, the kids quieted down, looking at him.
"You wanted to say something, Reuben?" Shirley asked.
"Either that, or he's choking on his third burger," Danny teased.
"Funny, kid. For your information, that was only my second one." Reuben made a face at him. "I just wanted to tell you what I came over to tell you this morning. The only thing is, what with the events of the day, I don't know if I should…"
His elbows on the table, Keith frowned up at him. "What is it, Reuben?"
"Well, you know they're dedicating the new Seaquarium over in San Robles tomorrow…"
"Oh, yes, I read that in the paper," Shirley nodded.
"Well, they want you to perform at the ceremony." Reuben said it quickly, flinching in anticipation of the backlash.
It was quiet around him and he opened one eye. All was still quiet as five pairs of eyes were riveted on Keith. Reuben's made it six.
Self-consciously, Keith sat back in his chair, shrugging. "Well, it's a little short notice, but…I guess we have no choice."
"I haven't signed the contract, yet. I've been busy." Reuben said pointedly.
Across the table from Keith, Shirley said to her son, "Think you can handle it, honey?"
"How many numbers?" he looked up at Reuben.
"Two. One after the ribbon cutting and one about an hour later. I may be able to wheedle them down to just one if necessary." Reuben's eyes scanned their faces.
Keith blew out a breath. "Okay, but let's do the two we need the least rehearsals for." He glanced around the table. "Vote."
One by one, the Partridges nodded and Keith smiled up at the manager. "Looks like we've got a gig."
Reuben grinned. "Great. I'll call Mike Reed, the PR rep."
Keith pushed back from the table. "I'll go set up for rehearsal."
Shirley eyed the rest of the gang. "Go help Keith, kids. I'll be out after I clean this mess up." She gathered the dishes as the kids filed out to the garage.
They took their assigned places, forming a half circle around Keith as he slipped into his guitar strap.
"Everything plugged in?" Keith looked around at the many cords strewn on the floor. "Let's hear you. Laurie."
She pressed a key on the piano-organ and it resonated through the small garage. Danny plucked his bass, and Keith strummed the guitar. Both instruments sounded loud and clear, and satisfied, Keith took his place on the stool in the middle of the room.
"What songs, Keith?" Laurie tossed her hair over her shoulder.
After a few seconds of thought, Keith asked, " How about 'Albuquerque' and 'One Night Stand'?"
The others agreed unanimously, and settled down to wait for Shirley. As was his habit, Keith re-tuned his guitar, while Danny used the top of his for a drum and Tracy twirled her tambourine. Laurie examined her fingernails, while Chris tried to balance a drumstick on his forefinger.
Finally entering, Shirley noticed she came in on the same scene every time she was the last to arrive, and she smiled comfortably, sitting at the piano. "Okay, let's go. What one are we doing first?"
"Albuquerque," Keith answered, sitting up straight. It was one thing to slouch when Mom wasn't in the room… "One, two," he counted and the music began like it had so many times before.
Keith's voice came out softly and the song was on its way, with the rest of them joining in when it was their turn. Shirley's eyes stayed on her eldest
throughout the number, watching for any little sign of atypical behavior, but to her elation, there was none, and the song drew to a close, the music fading.
"That was great," Keith nodded. "But I think I sounded a little rusty."
"And your point is…" Laurie kidded with him. Things were getting back to normal, and she loved it.
He only rolled his eyes, then fiddled around a little more with the guitar around his neck. "Danny, is my amp cord all the way in?"
Danny turned around, checking the connection about a foot above his head. "No, it's loose again."
Keith sighed. "No wonder." He directed it at Laurie, who wrinkled her nose playfully at him. He went to the huge amplifier behind them, pulling the cord out and inspecting it. "Oh, man," he muttered. "This connection needs to be replaced."
"Do you have another one?" Shirley got up, joining him.
"Yeah, but it'll take me at least half an hour to fix it." He turned to the rest, waving a hand. "Take five."
"Five sixes," Tracy piped up. "That makes a half an hour," she said proudly.
Shirley was impressed. "Very good, honey. Come on, let's let Keith work. Do you need some help?" she asked him.
"No, I think I've got it."
"That's what you said last time, then you blew a fuse," Danny reminded him.
"And I'm about to blow another one, but it has nothing to do with electricity," Keith groused, to Danny's delight.
The kids all scattered one by one as Keith pulled the stool over and began to work on his wiring.
Shirley took the opportunity to take a much needed shower, while Laurie planted herself on the couch with a book and Danny, Chris and Tracy engrossed themselves in the board game they'd received for Christmas. Reuben had gone home, and the house was eerily quiet, compared to the past forty-eight hours. Shirley came down the stairs in fresh clothes, her hair already dried, make up in place.
"Peace at last," she sighed happily, looking at her group, minus one, spread out in front of her in the living room.
Laurie looked up from her book. "You look refreshed."
"I feel it a million times over, believe me," Shirley smiled. "Has anyone looked in on Keith?"
Laurie sat forward. "Not lately we haven't."
A brief look of worry flashed across Shirley's face. "I'll see how he's coming along. She tried not to hurry too fast as she went through the kitchen out to the garage. Opening the door, she didn't even see him at first, then as she came further in, she was startled to see him sitting on the floor, his shoulders pressed back into the huge amplifier, his face white.
She went to him, bending beside him. "Keith! Are you all right?"
"I'm okay," he said quickly. "Just a little tired, that's all."
She did a quick check, feeling his forehead and lifting his chin so she could look in his eyes.
He tried to smile, but it didn't come off very easily. Shaking his head, he moved to get up. "This shot thing is a real bummer, you know? I should've had that connection fixed twenty minutes ago."
She helped him up and he leaned back against the amp, trying to get his land legs.
"Did you get it fixed?" Shirley held onto his arm.
"Oh, yeah." He indicated the cord. "After forty-five minutes." He looked angry. "Life's gonna be just great at this rate. "
"It will wear off sometime," Shirley watched as he pushed away from the machine, still a little shaky, but improving.
"Yeah, if it doesn't kill me first," he said sarcastically, reaching down for his guitar. Running his hand through his hair, he tried to ignore her sad look. "You wanta call the kids? We need to work on the second number." He took his place on the stool.
She came forward, kissing his temple. "Sure." Hesitantly, she moved out of the room as he flinched, his back to her.
The morning of the show, Shirley did a final check on the equipment the kids loaded into the huge wildly painted bus that was the Family's quirky "limo." As was the ritual, everyone had some hand in loading, whether it was speakers, instruments or costumes. It made for a speedy departure, having the six of them involved. Sometimes, like now, Reuben helped making it even more efficient. The only thing different today was Keith's participation. Per Shirley's instructions, the others were not to let him lift anything heavier than his guitar, no matter how much he protested. And that wasn't much, considering how tired and achy he was. He tried not to let on, but he was feeling extraordinarily down and out this morning. So, he put on his brave face and joined in, all the while wanting to just lay down and die.
Laurie entered the bus with the snare drum. "This is it," she announced, and Keith gratefully sank into a seat. It was a lot of work, getting ready for a gig, even if it was only 20 miles away in the next town.
"All right," Shirley stepped up to the driver's seat. "We're heading out, so if you need to use the restroom or whatever, you'd better do it, now."
Chris and Tracy exchanged glances, then both got up, taking off for the house as Shirley took her place behind the wheel. Then, Reuben followed them, almost sheepishly. The remaining Partridges couldn't help but laugh.
"Want me to drive, Mom?" Keith offered from a few rows behind her, hoping she wouldn't take him up on it.
"No, honey, I can do it. You just sit back and relax. I can see you're bushed."
He smiled, not arguing, as Laurie sat down across from him. "You…do have your medicine with you…?"
Keith nodded. "It's back there in my duffel bag." He slid over against the window, bringing his feet up onto the seat and lying back, closing his eyes. The warmth of the sun was soothing and he almost started to doze. Just the dull ache in his back kept him from completely nodding off.
Shirley watched him in the rearview mirror as she started the motor. Reuben and the kids came back out of the house and reboarded.
Danny moved up behind where Reuben sat down. "You really should have thought of that before you left home," he murmured, his freckled chin on the back of the seat.
"Be quiet or I'll tie you up on top of the bus."
Danny sat back, satisfied with his barbs and watched as the bus pulled away from the house. "How far is San Robles?" he asked.
Shirley hit the brakes. You'd better ask, she told herself. "About twenty miles, why?"
Danny shrugged. "Just wondering."
Laurie kicked his seat from behind as Shirley shook her head, continuing to maneuver the multi-colored monster down the street. She was becoming quite the expert at it, now, although she'd had to have Keith teach her how to drive a manual transmission. She had to admit that she wasn't the best student in the world, but he was very patient with her and she learned it in just a few days, mistakes and all. It had been his idea to paint the "Caution: Nervous Mother Driving" sign on the back of the bus, and she flashed back to those nerve-shattering lessons every time she saw it.
All was extremely quiet - a little too quiet - behind her, and she checked the mirror. Each of her passengers were taking little peeks at Keith, watching him like hawks and she knew that if he saw them doing it, he would be very uncomfortable. So, she broke the silence.
"Reuben, are we going to get a tour of the seaquarium?" she asked.
"If you want one, sure, I think we can arrange that. Uh, by the way, the press will be there."
"Great. Free publicity!" Danny said happily.
"Well, I dunno. See, these are those same people who came around while Keith was…gone. And after we brought him home the first time, remember?"
Shirley frowned. "You mean, all those reporters? But this is a local dedication."
Reuben sat forward. "Yes, but Keith isn't just "local." He's practically a National Monument, for Heaven's sake."
Laurie grinned, reaching over and nudging Keith's foot. "Right. I heard they were going to add his face to Mount Rushmore."
Keith opened one eye, glaring in her direction as Reuben went on.
"I just want you to be prepared," he said. "When I talked to Mike this morning, he said it was starting to look like a circus out there."
"Well, it shouldn't be too bad. I mean, how many people were in the yard that day? Thirty, forty?" Shirley kept her eyes on the road.
"Yeah, but it felt like hundreds. You didn't have to deal with them, Shirley. They're pretty pushy. Cameras and microphones, people talking all at once…it was scary." Reuben shuddered.
"We can take them," Laurie said, unmoved by his dramatics. "We'll just send Danny out first."
"Why me?" Danny sounded indignant whirling around to face her.
"Reuben just said it was a circus. And you're head clown."
"Ha, ha," Danny retorted.
Reuben sighed. "I just hope we don't have trouble…" He looked over at Keith, shaking his head. "I knew that face would get me in hot water some day," he muttered, and Shirley giggled.
The main parking lot of the seaquarium was filled with cars and Shirley glanced nervously behind her at Reuben as she guided the bus into the smaller lot south of the buildings. "Full house today," she noted aloud.
"Well, it was in the paper," Laurie said.
"Not your appearance. It was too late to get it to the newspaper," Reuben sat up in his seat. "Those people all can't be coming for -"
He was cut off by a cry from Shirley. "But they are! Look!"
Everyone came out of their seats to look out the windshield. There had to be 3,000 people waiting behind only a four-foot fence, with at least 75 reporters, armed with their cameras in front of the fence. And they were all waiting to see them.
"My gosh!" Laurie said, her blue eyes wide. "It's a mob!"
"Yeah, and that fence isn't going to hold them back," Danny observed.
Keith sank back down into his seat. They were there for him, that he knew. It was something he'd learn to accept. But this was a lot of people. And he wasn't feeling very well as it was.
Seeing the bus come to a stop, the reporters began the attack, running for them. Then the crowd burst forward, knocking down the fence and pouring out right behind. Shirley looked at the manager in terror as the bus was surrounded.
"What'll we do?"
"Stay calm, and for heaven's sake, don't open the doors or windows. Security should be here soon to get us out."
"Maybe we can sneak Keith out the emergency door in the back," Danny suggested.
"But we'd have to move all the equipment," Shirley said. "Besides, we're surrounded on all sides. Reuben's right. We should just stay here until they send the cavalry."
People were pounding on the bus and its doors, making them fear the glass would break. They heard their cries of, "Let's see Keith! Send Keith out! Come on out!" and it sent a chill down Laurie's spine. The bus was even beginning to rock, which terrified them all.
Keith sat up, clutching the seat in front of him. "They're gonna kill us!"
he cried, his eyes wide.
Then, up towards the buildings, Reuben saw several uniformed guards, who were waving them forward. "Shirley, they want us up closer to the building."
"But there are people in front of the bus!" she exclaimed, clutching the wheel. "I'll hurt someone!"
"No you won't, not if you go slowly," Reuben told her.
"Want me to do it, Mom?" Keith sat forward. Anything to get out of this.
"No!" Reuben almost snapped at him. "You stay hidden. If they see you, they will go nuts!"
Nodding, Keith huddled back down in the seat, trying his best to just disappear. This was incredible, he thought, but flattering. Euphoric, almost; but frightening.
Shirley put the bus in gear and began inching it forward as Reuben stood behind her, waving the people aside. It was working, but it was slow and tedious. Shirley felt her heart pounding as she nudged the bus along. Unfortunately, the people stayed with it, still hitting and shouting, but at least she could see salvation coming closer and closer.
She got to within thirty feet of the building and the guards began pushing their way toward them. They made a semi-circle in front of the doors and Reuben looked back at Keith. "Okay, Keith, you go with the guards. They'll protect you. The rest of us can make it in behind you."
"You think so, huh?" Danny stared down at the crowd underneath his window. It was mostly a sea of teenage girls, and they were screaming and crying. The whole thing gave Danny the willies.
Keith got up, moving tenuously toward the front. Stopping, he looked back at his family, who was watching him solemnly. "Okay," he swallowed. "Here goes."
"Good luck, honey," Shirley touched his hand. Then she closed her eyes and opened the door.
A loud scream came from the crowd and they seemed to surge forward as Keith stepped down, afraid to even look. One of the guards took his arm. "Hope you're a track star, buddy," he said, and the circle of uniforms closed in around him.
The screaming and pushing got worse as Keith was hustled toward the building. The guards had their hands full fending off the hands that reached in between them, trying to get a piece of Keith Partridge, but they got him to the door, yanking it open and pushing him inside, one of the men going with him.
Hurting, now, Keith stopped, swallowing and looking anxiously behind him.
"You okay, kid? They didn't get you, did they?" the guard asked, taking his elbow.
Keith shook his head, looking down for a quick inspection. Nothing was out of the ordinary; his clothes weren't even torn. But, boy, oh, boy was he hurting. He hoped Laurie would remember to get the duffel bag.
"The dressing room's right back here." The man was pulling him now, and Keith followed only because he had to.
He was shown a room around a corner about a mile away and he stumbled to the chairs there in front of the mirror. Wearily, he fell into one of them, feeling his back with one hand. Staring at his reflection, he was surprised to see how drawn and pale he really was. His hand instinctively went to his face and he stared at every little line in it. Suddenly he didn't look seventeen any more.
The door opened and the rest came in, all talking about the crowd's fervor and Keith glanced up, looking Laurie's way. She was empty-handed, and his heart sank. Dummy, he scolded himself. You should have grabbed it yourself.
"Wow, that was amazing!" Danny crowed. "Those girls meant business!"
"Yes, but you notice that once Keith got inside, most of them backed off," Laurie flopped into the chair next to her big brother.
"It was still…I dunno…thrilling," Danny put his hands on Keith's shoulders. "Didn't you think so, Keith?"
"Oh, sure, thrilling. All I saw were uniforms and hands." Keith answered, shifting in the chair.
Shirley squeezed his wrist. "Are you all right, sweetheart?"
"Yeah, except for one minor little thing. My painkillers are still on the bus," he frowned, balling up his fist and pressing hard into his back. It was aching more and more every minute.
"Oh, no!" Shirley moaned, looking at Reuben. "How are we going to get them?"
"Not to mention the rest of the equipment. We can't exactly do a show without instruments," Danny added.
"They're taking the bus around to the backstage area, where they'll unload everything. I'll go see if I can get your pills, Keith. Where would they be?" Reuben asked.
Fighting the urge to cry out, Keith looked up. "Blue duffel bag."
"Okay. Hang in there," Reuben told him, going out the door.
Danny began to rub Keith's back as Keith sat forward, letting him go for it. Laurie reached over, her palm crossing Keith's knee.
"Pretty bad, huh?" she asked softly.
His eyes closed tightly, Keith nodded, blowing out his breath in pain as Danny kept rubbing with both hands.
Laurie and Shirley exchanged glum looks. Shirley looked at the others. They were staring at Keith worriedly. "Why don't you kids go help Reuben? We need to get the costumes in, and Laurie's and my make-up bags." Putting her hand on Danny's head, she smiled down at him. "You, too, Danny."
Danny nodded, motioning to Chris and Tracy. They stepped into the hallway, and Shirley called after them: "Don't get lost!"
They called out something that sounded like, "We won't," and all was quiet. Shirley began rubbing Keith's back, bending down to look at his face. "Is this helping any?"
"Uh huh," he affirmed softly, both hands gripping the chair arms.
There was a knock on the door and Laurie got up to answer it. A tall, young man stood in the hallway, a microphone in his hand. Another man stood behind him with a large, handheld video camera and Laurie glanced back at Shirley, trying to keep the door closed.
"Can I help you?" she asked, trying to be polite.
"Jim Anderson, from Channel 3 News. I was wondering if I could get an interview with Keith."
"I'm sorry," Laurie shook her head. "Keith is…indisposed at the moment."
"Then how about your mother? Or you?" he persisted.
Shirley left Keith's side to join her daughter at the door. "Laurie, who is it?" she asked.
"Jim Anderson, Channel 3 news," the man repeated, trying to look beyond them into the room.
Shirley wished Reuben were there. He was better at handling these situations.
"He wants to interview Keith," Laurie told her. "But I told him he's indisposed."
"She's absolutely right. We're getting ready to go onstage, and -"
"He isn't even here, is he?" the reporter cut her off. Maybe they would be caught off guard and he could force his way in, he thought.
"Of course he is. You saw the crowd when he got off the bus." Shirley frowned.
"Yeah, sure. You celebrities are all the same. You try to throw us off track, use decoys…I know your game."
Shirley bristled at his insinuation. "Look, if you really want an interview, I suggest you try and arrange it with our manager. If you can find him!" she was about to slam the door in his face when she heard Reuben's voice.
"Shirley? What's going on?" he and the three kids came up behind the reporter. The boys had various garment bags with them and Tracy lugged the make-up cases.
"This…man wants an interview with Keith." Shirley was still burning.
Reuben shook his head. "Impossible."
Jim smiled. "I thought so."
"He doesn't believe Keith is here," Laurie said disapprovingly.
"Well, he's right, isn't he?" Reuben shrugged.
The reporter looked surprised, and Reuben continued.
"You see, Keith is already being interviewed, by the local newspaper. Sorry, pal, but you just didn't get here fast enough." He pushed the kids in past Laurie and Shirley, then made his way in himself, the blue duffel bag dangling from his hand.
"Could I arrange one?" the journalist knew when he was licked.
"Sure. How about next year?" Reuben asked.
"But it'll be old news by then."
"Aw," Reuben faked sympathy. "Better luck, next time." And with that, he shut the door and locked it.
"Reuben, that was brilliant!" Laurie praised him. "He was determined to get in here!"
"It was nothing," Reuben smiled, putting Keith's bag on the dressing table. "Sorry I took so long, kid."
"Thanks." Keith grabbed it, fishing hurriedly through it and bringing out a large vial of pills. Shaking one into his hand, he downed it without water as Laurie watched with concern, her hands gently rubbing his back as her mother and Danny had done.
Shirley took the costumes and hung them up. "How long before we go on?" she asked, unzipping the bags.
Looking at his watch, the manager said, "About an hour. I hope that pill kicks in by then. You can't even straighten up," he said to Keith.
"Tell me about it," Keith muttered.
"I'll make sure they have a stool for you to sit down on."
Shirley cringed. "Oh, Reuben, not a stool. That will bother his back. Can't you get something lower? Or something with a back on it?"
"I could sit on the edge of the stage. Provided there's a few feet between me and the audience," Keith said, still wincing with pain.
"Yeah, I think there's about six feet of leeway there. Besides, the stage is pretty high, and there's no way they can get to you."
"Don't underestimate them," Laurie piped up. "They were pretty excited."
"We can have the security guards stand in front of the stage just in case," Reuben squeezed Keith's shoulder. "Don't worry. You'll be just fine."
"I still can't believe it," Danny said, awestruck.
"What?" Keith glanced at him.
"My brother's a superstar! And I did it."
"How did you do it?" Laurie scoffed.
Danny's chest puffed out. "I let him get kidnapped!" he said proudly.
The family and Reuben reacted as Keith looked incredulous.
"It's a good thing I can't move right now, or you'd be dog food!" Keith hissed between his teeth.
Shirley and the others laughed as Danny kept preening.
Backstage was bustling, but no more so than usual. The instruments had already been set up, the sound had been checked with the curtain still down and the Partridges took their places one by one. Chris climbed onto his drum set, which sat about three feet above the others. A stagehand helped Tracy up onto a large box, while Shirley sat down behind her piano to what was to be Keith's right and Laurie stood at the organ to his left. Keith, on the other hand, was busy trying to walk off the little bit of pain the pill hadn't taken care of yet. He paced back and forth behind them, but he wasn't out of Shirley's sight. She watched him sadly as he walked with one hand to his back, trying to get his muscles to loosen up. Reuben stayed back there with him, watching with growing concern as Keith passed him, his young face contorted in pain.
"You're sure you don't want a stool, Keith?" the manager asked as Keith limped by for the third time.
"No, I'll be okay, if I keep moving. If it gets too bad I'll just sit on the edge." Keith smiled tiredly. It was hard to see Reuben so concerned about him like this. "Besides, it's just one song. I think I can make it."
Reuben nodded, unconvinced, as a man they'd been told was the emcee came up behind them.
"Are you ready for your introduction?" he asked Keith.
Taking a deep breath, Keith nodded. "Sure." He said it only half-heartedly.
The emcee walked to the front of the stage and through the curtain.
Reuben handed Keith his microphone, gripping his shoulder. "Go get 'em, tiger."
Keith looked Shirley's way. Catching her eye, he smiled as confidently as he could and waited for his cue.
"Ladies and gentlemen, the Partridge Family!"
An ever-increasing scream rose from the audience as the curtain parted and the music started. The intro ended and Keith stepped into view, singing with all he had.
The crowd became even more frenzied as he approached them, safe for the moment, five feet above and beyond their reach. Flashbulbs burst around him like fireworks and for a split second, Keith was blinded and dizzy, but he regained his senses and grinned down at them, his smooth voice floating out over their heads. If they heard it at all, that is, with all the pandemonium going on below him. It was enough to blow one's mind; all that adoration washing over him, lifting him up and making him forget his troubles, even if it was for only three and a half minutes.
Then, about two minutes into it, Keith saw him. The short-cropped hair; the mustache. The hatred in his eyes. The kidnapper. He stood near the front, looking completely out of place among the crazed teenyboppers and just the sight of him made Keith's stomach churn.
Shirley noticed Keith's demeanor change and, puzzled, she watched him as he slowly moved away from the stage's edge, the once enthusiastic smile fading with every step he took. It was so unlike Keith to show it onstage if he was sad, sick, or tired. He was the essence of showmanship once that curtain went up. Nothing mattered more than giving it his all, no matter how he was feeling.
When he ended the song perhaps three beats too early, Shirley really became concerned. Was he in pain? He managed a bow, and that told her that wasn't the problem. As he turned toward her she saw terror in his eyes and he tried to hurry past her, but she reached out, grabbing his arm.
"Keith, what's the matter?"
Keith swallowed, his eyes wide, his face white. "Mom, he's here!"
"Who's here?" Shirley put her hand on his shoulder, trying to calm him.
"What's going on?" The other kids and Reuben gathered around.
"I'm trying to find that out. Keith, tell me! Who's here?"
"Marty! The kidnapper!"
The others exchanged shocked glances.
"Are…are you sure? " Shirley asked.
"I'd know that face anywhere," Keith hugged his arms, shivering. "He was right out front, looking at me…"
"Where? Show me." Reuben pushed him forward.
They went to the curtain and parted it about six inches. Keith's eyes scanned the crowd, but the search yielded nothing. "He's gone!" Keith almost moaned.
"Maybe it was just someone who looked like him," Shirley offered.
"Yeah," Danny interjected. "You are pretty doped up with that painkiller."
Keith looked around him. "I know what I saw!" he snapped angrily. "He's on the loose, isn't he? And it's not exactly a secret that we're here." He swallowed hard. "He probably came to finish what he started." Looking at Shirley, he saw the uncertainty in her eyes. "You believe me, don't you, Mom?"
Still a tad unsure, Shirley didn't want to let him down. "Let's alert security, just in case." Shirley said to Reuben.
"Okay. Come on, Keith."
The two of them left and Laurie leaned back on the piano. "What do you think?"
"I'm hoping Danny's right, but you never know," Shirley answered.
"Well, if he is here, the security will catch him. He won't make it out of the place. Not unless he rides out with us on the bus," Danny joked.
The second performance was much tenser, from all ends. As Keith sang, he searched the audience for Marty, but came up empty-handed. He was beginning to think -and hope - that he had been seeing things after all. It occupied his mind so much that he nearly forgot the words to the song, but made it through without too much trouble. He finished to more of the same acclamation as the crowd cheered wildly, and Keith waved his thanks as the curtain closed. He turned to find the stagehands already taking some of the equipment away and, impressed with their efficiency, handed his microphone to one of them as he joined his family in the wings.
"Well, was he there again?" Danny prodded.
"No. Maybe security got him. I hope," Keith answered, leading them back to the dressing room. He wanted out of the costume, out of the building, and out of the city.
Reuben was waiting for them. "How'd it go? Any sign of the guy?"
"No. I was hoping they caught him." Keith undid the cuffs on his shirt.
"I have no idea." Reuben said. "I'll check, though, and let you all get dressed."
Shirley, Laurie and Tracy filed into the next room as Danny, Chris and Keith stayed put, each having their own little cubicle in which to change clothes. The two youngest finished first and, as was their custom, began to roughhouse, playing tag around the chairs. Keith would usually holler at them to knock it off, but it didn't come this time. In fact, Keith wasn't even coming out, yet. They knew just how long it took for him to get dressed, plus "fifteen minutes on his hair," Danny always kidded, but he seemed to take too long this time.
"Keith?" Danny popped a fist on the cubicle door.
The door finally opened and Keith stepped out - or dragged out - looking quite haggard. His open shirt hadn't been tucked in and he eased into a chair at the mirror. It looked as if he'd been interrupted from a long and peaceful sleep.
"Hey, you okay?" Danny asked.
"Sure. A little tired, is all." Keith answered, his fingers fumbling for the buttons on his shirt.
The girls entered from the next room. Seeing Keith's condition, Shirley took his head in her hands. "Reuben wants us to meet with the director of the seaquarium. You, my dear, will wait for us in the bus."
He smiled up at her. "Thanks, Mom."
She kissed his cheek. "Want me to get a security guard to take you there?"
"No," he sighed. "I think I can make it."
"We won't be too long." Shirley promised, hustling the others out of the room.
Keith waited a few minutes to regain his strength, then pushed himself up, tucked in his shirt and grabbed his duffel bag, heading for the bus.
The psychedelic monster was still backed into the stage, and it looked as if everything was already loaded. Keith was grateful for that. He couldn't lift so much as Tracy's tambourine right now. A few of the stagehands were still mulling around, and one of them called to him as he headed for the stairs that lead to the bus' doors.
"Hey, man, great show! You sure know how to wow the chicks!"
"Thanks," Keith grinned wearily, finding himself at the bus steps. It seemed a long way up, although it was only three steps, and Keith pulled himself inside, his body feeling heavier and heavier. He made it about halfway back and tossed the duffel bag down, nearly falling into a seat. Aching, now, he slumped down in the seat, pushing his head into the back of it. Exhausted, he closed his eyes.
Then, something cold and metal pressed against his throat, and his eyes flew open.
"Don't move, pretty boy." Marty's voice came from behind him.
Somehow, Keith wasn't surprised. Terrified, but not surprised. He didn't even dare swallow, for fear of his Adam's apple scraping the knife blade, as it stayed parallel to his skin.
"Miss me?" It was another evil hiss.
Keith didn't answer; he just began to pray silently.
Marty grabbed Keith's hair, pulling his head back. "Okay, get in the back of the bus."
"My family will be here in a minute." Keith tried to keep his voice steady.
"Good. I love crowds. Now, move." Marty yanked him into the aisle.
"What do you want from us? From me?" Keith wanted to know as he was shoved forward.
"My million bucks." Marty's answer was accompanied by another hard push on Keith's back.
Keith stumbled to the last seat. Looking down, he saw an open doctor's bag, and right on top was a syringe. He backed up against the equipment piled behind him, numb with fear. Shaking his head, he pleaded with his captor. "No! Please…I can't take any more of that!"
Marty reached down, picking up the needle in one hand while flashing the knife in the other. "Don't like this, huh? Well, I don't like being stiffed."
Unfortunately, Marty outweighed Keith by at least 75 pounds. He pushed him face first into the metal amplifier, twisted Keith's arm behind his back and jabbed the needle into it.
Clutching his arm, Keith sank to the floor, as there was a commotion in the front of the bus.
The Partridges and Reuben were returning from their excursion, Danny leading the way. The scene in front of him took a second to make sense, and he sprang forward. "Hey!" he yelled as everyone reacted to what they saw.
Marty pulled Keith to his knees by his collar, waving the knife. "Back off, or I kill him right here!"
Laurie turned to run, but Marty shouted. "Don't try it, honey, unless you want your brother dead on the floor, do you hear me? Now, everybody take a seat!"
Stunned, everyone just stared at them, and Marty barked again. "Do it!"
Slowly, they sat down, no one daring to take their eyes off either Marty or Keith. Laurie was weeping, Shirley was shaking, and the three youngest were terrified out of their minds. Only Reuben seemed calm, a trait that Shirley found bewildering, but comforting.
Marty yanked Keith all the way up, gripping his upper arm and moving down the aisle with him.
"Whatever it is you have planned, it won't work. Security's already been alerted," Reuben said.
"Really? Well, then I guess you'll all just have to come with me." Marty shoved Keith into a seat near the front. "Or, should I say, I'll have to go with you." He sat next to Keith, who was now sweating profusely, feeling the effects of the injections, both old and new.
"What do you mean?" Shirley asked.
"We're gonna drive out of here, right past everybody and you are gonna do everything I tell you to, or pretty boy here gets another shot."
"You're crazy," Danny cried from the seat behind them.
"Maybe, but right now, I'm in control. Now, who's gonna get this thing out of here?"
Shirley and Reuben looked at one another. Seeing that she really wasn't capable of doing much of anything at the moment, Reuben nodded. "I'll drive."
"Great." Marty nodded his head sharply. "Behind the wheel, then, now! The rest of you stay put!"
Reuben got up and took his place, checking Marty out in the rearview mirror. The knife was still in his hand as he got up, standing behind Reuben.
"No funny business, buddy. I wanna see both your hands on the wheel at all times." He sat down behind him, the knife in full view.
Reuben started the motor and eased it into gear. The bus lurched forward, grinding, and they started out of the parking lot.
Keith moaned, coughing, and Danny reached over the seat, taking his brother's shoulder.
"How is he, Danny?" Shirley asked.
"I'm not sure," Ready to cry, Danny swiped at his nose with his free hand. "But he doesn't look good."
Shirley went to move to Keith's side, but Marty held up the knife. "I said, stay put!"
Her face burned with anger. "Look, I don't know what you want, nor do I care. He's my son, and he needs me."
After thinking it over, he waved the knife. "Go ahead, but no funny business."
Shirley got up, going to Keith, who was breathing hard and extremely pale. "Keith? Are you in pain? Where's your bag?"
Keith moved his hand as if it weighed fifty pounds. "Back…back there."
He winced, trying to sit up. With Danny's help, they got him upright, and the youngster handed Shirley a handkerchief.
"Danny, do you see the duffel bag?" Shirley asked, dabbing at Keith's face with the cloth.
Scared to even leave his seat, Danny looked around. "No." He whispered, "Want me to look?"
Shirley glanced at Marty, who was glaring them down. "No, you'd better not."
Reuben slowed the bus at a crossroad, having made it out of the parking lot. "Which way?"
"Left, left," Marty ordered. "And keep going straight until I tell you to turn." He got up, going to Shirley, Keith and Danny. "Okay, what's going on back here?"
"Keith's painkillers are in a blue duffel bag, and we were just wondering where it was." Shirley explained. "Can my son look for it, please?"
"No!" Marty snapped, the knife glinting in his hand.
"But he's in pain, thanks to those shots you gave him!" Laurie lashed out.
He turned, glaring at her. "Isn't that too bad? Now, everybody separate, so you don't start planning something! You, too, Mom. Move!"
Sighing, Danny got up, going farther back. Laurie moved back a couple of seats, and Chris and Tracy split up, one on each side of the bus. With a longing look at Keith, Shirley took a seat just diagonally from him. At least she could still keep an eye on him.
"That's better." He turned to Reuben. "Go south at this stoplight."
Reuben looked into the mirror above him. "But that leads to the desert."
"That's right," Marty said as everyone exchanged nervous glances. He smiled. "Oh, don't worry, I'm gonna drop a couple of people off before we get there. There's about three people too many here, and I can only watch a few of you at a time."
Shirley sat forward. "And what happens then?"
Marty shrugged. "I haven't decided."
"Well, how do you expect to get your money, out there in the desert?" Laurie asked.
"Yeah, it's not like we have it on us," Danny said, rolling his eyes.
"I'll worry about that, okay?" Marty snapped. "Everybody just shut up!"
"Not real polite, is he?" Danny muttered, sitting back in his seat and folding his arms. He looked over at the empty seat across the aisle and, seeing the duffel bag there, he sat back up. Chris was in the seat just in front of the bag, and Danny slowly reached over, watching Marty closely as he did so. His fingers finally touched it and he ever-so-slowly pulled it toward him. "Psst!" he hissed at his little brother.
Chris turned as Danny let the bag drop to the floor almost in the aisle.
"Pass it up," Danny whispered, nodding toward it. "But be careful."
Chris nodded, slowly reaching a hand back until he had the bag in reach, then he tugged on it, pulling it up onto his lap.
Marty turned toward them and both boys froze, trying to look innocent, but the kidnapper wasn't fooled.
"What're you doing?" he demanded, walking toward them.
Danny closed his eyes, cringing, as Chris swallowed up at the man soon towering over him.
Marty grabbed the bag. "What's in here?"
"I told you, Keith's painkillers!" Shirley was on the edge of her seat, now.
Ignoring her, Marty unzipped the bag, looking inside. He brought out the pill bottle, looking at it as the Partridges watched anxiously.
"Please, we need to give him one," Laurie pleaded.
Then he laughed, shaking his head and slipping the bottle in his pocket. "We'll just see how everybody behaves, then maybe. Maybe." He threw the bag down as Keith moved in pain.
Marty walked back toward the front of the bus. "Okay, Mr. Manager, this is where you and the two little brats get off. Pull over."
"Where are we?" Reuben guided the bus to a curb. The intersection was void of traffic, people; not even a dog was in sight.
"That's your problem," Marty looked at Chris and Tracy. "Come on, kids. You're going with the big guy."
"No!" Shirley cried. "How can you just dump my babies in a strange town?!" She grabbed Tracy, pulling her to her.
"It's either that, or they get shots, too. Your choice, lady." Marty's face was like stone.
"I'll watch them, Shirley," Reuben said resignedly, putting the bus in park.
"That's the spirit. Now, hand me your wallet." Marty poked the knife at him.
"You're robbing me, too?" Reuben was incredulous. "How am I supposed to get these kids to a safe place?" He reached in his back pocket.
"Don't worry, I'll leave you something." Marty snatched the wallet, taking out the wad of cash, flipping through it and pocketing most of it. Stuffing a couple of bills back in, he shoved the wallet back at Reuben. "Have fun."
"Come on, kids," Reuben motioned them forward.
Tearfully, Shirley managed to give them each a hug and kiss as they passed her. Tracy looked back, starting to cry.
"Mommy…"
"Come on, Trace. Mr. Kincaid and I will take care of you," Chris took her hand. They moved past Marty as if they were walking the last mile, and Shirley couldn't help but cry as Reuben followed them, stepping down.
"Okay, Mom. You're the driver, now," Marty flashed the knife at her. "Come on, we don't have all day!"
Wiping her eyes, Shirley took her place behind the wheel, staring down at the threesome standing there so forlornly on the sidewalk. Marty reached over, closing the doors with the lever, the knife blade just inches from her.
"Drive!" he ordered, and almost angrily, she threw the bus into gear, pulling back out into the street.
Continued...