TO THE MOON AND BACK
PART 3
"You're sweet as a honey bee
But like a honey bee stings
You've gone and left my heart in pain
All you left is our favorite song
The one we danced to all night long
It used to bring sweet memories
Of a tender love that used to be.
Now it's the same old song
But with a different meaning
Since you've been gone
It's the same old song
But with a different meaning
Since you've been gone."
David Addison emerged singing from the steam filled bathroom, a towel casually draped around his midsection. He glanced casually in the mirror and addressed his image –"Addison – attention! Shoulders back! Chest out! Stomach in –I said in, soldier!" He had to admit – it took a little more towel to cover the essentials these days. And his hair – the only thing that could help there was a hat.
He had to laugh at himself – posing in front of the mirror like a model. No time for vanity – he needed to keep his mind on the model at hand – Maddie! He had less than 2 hours to decide how he was going to handle this meeting. How like him to depend on the plan of the minute. He'd always been fast on his feet, but this time it wasn't going to be so easy. Perhaps because he wasn't exactly sure why he was here himself.
After 11 years, wasn't this a ridiculous situation?? Holding his head, he rewound the tape inside to 1989………………………….
He had been so hopeful…in spite of all their difficulties, he had been sure that he and Maddie were going to make it down the same path. Sure, the order was wrong, but baby equals marriage was OK with him.
Then all of a sudden, the baby was gone. So – fate had kicked the crap out of him before – he could handle it…or could he???
From out of nowhere, there had reappeared the David Addison of yesteryear – immature, undependable, unsupportive, unable to deal with his emotions – or Maddie's. You could use all your fingers and toes to total up the flaws.
And the big number one, count it on the middle finger mistake was Annie!!
But even after that was over, cancelled due to lack of interest, even then he couldn't wise up – they couldn't wise up.
He had behaved like a spoiled five year old, stalking out and letting Maddie sell the agency. And no strings – no contact involved, just a substantial check that made the hard times a little easier to stomach.
He couldn't seem to work – couldn't follow anybody's rules. He went through a series of jobs at several other detective agencies with disastrous results. So mostly, he had stayed at home. Sleeping all day…watching TV and drinking all night. He had become a melancholy drunk – no longer the Limbo King – life of the party. He had started making late night phone calls to Maddie – just to hear her voice, just for the company until, suddenly – she was gone again!
He decided he was done with women, too damned much trouble. He would be the newly appointed head of the He-Man Woman Hater's club. He was also done with working – at least while he had money to burn!! He decided to explore relocation to Mexico – he had always had fun times there!
Then came the post card from China – this time, Maddie had not been satisfied to move mere hundreds of miles away – she had gone across oceans, deserts, and large mountain ranges to separate herself from him. And the message…………..she had to "get on with her life", and the final blow, "FONDLY, Maddie" Fondly was for old maid aunts and kissing cousins – not for them. It was really over with a capital O.
In spite of the fact that almost a year had passed, in his heart of hearts he had never truly given up on them being together. But this was the final curtain – no encores!!
He was at his lowest point with nothing to grab on to the day the knock had come on his door. As he struggled off the couch, he tripped on the steps, flew into the door, and landed in a heap on the floor. He hollered, "Come in", and gazed up expectantly.
The tall slender man who entered the door looked vaguely familiar. David rubbed his eyes, and said, "I know you".
At the same time the gentleman spoke, "Mr. Addison, what are you doing down there? Are you okay?"
David: I'm practicing my imitations. I've gotten this snake in the grass thing down pretty good, don't you think?
Gentleman: Mr. Addison, I'm not sure you remember me. I'm Tim Donnegan, detective Donnegan of LAPD.
David: Of course I remember you. You and your guys singlehandedly destroyed an LA mansion. Listen, should I move all the knickknacks out of reach before we continue?
Donnegan: Mr. Addison, are you aware that you've been reported as a missing person? Your friends, Agnes and Bert Viola have been trying to reach you for weeks now. They're very worried.
David: Hey, well I just thought my answering machine had gotten a strobe light –you know –FLASH….FLASH….FLASH.
Donnegan: Mr. Addison, is there something I can do for you? Someone I can call?
David: Hey man, you're looking at me in my BVDs. Call me Dave!
No, you can't call anybody…do anything. I just need to be left alone.
Donnegan: Nope, that is exactly what you DO NOT need. I am a cop – I order you to get up from there, get a shower, and you and I will go get something to eat. When did you last have something to eat?
David: Depends. Are we counting pretzel goldfish and beer nuts?
Donnegan: Shower, shave, change, and we'll continue this discussion on the basic food groups.
David: Sure, I could use a meal. You're paying, right?
An hour later, they were seated in a diner, David ravenously scarfing down bacon and eggs as Donnegan watched him carefully.
David: Wow this must be some sight. Man eats – news at 11!!
Donnegan: Well, it's a sight better than watching you stew in your own juices back at your apartment.
David: Yeah, but what's the big deal here. Why are you so interested?
Donnegan: I know about you.
David: You KNOW about me?
Donnegan: I got a good feeling about you when I was guarding Miss Hayes – Maddie. Then I got to know you even better through her.
David: (Belligerently) What do you mean by that?
Donnegan: After my professional obligation with Maddie was over, we saw each other personally for a while.
David: (amazed) You did?
Donnegan: Don't get your back up!! It wasn't for long and it never became a romantic involvement. In fact, we spent a lot of time talking about you.
David: Me??
Donnegan: Yeah, it was around the time that you sold the agency. Maddie was concerned about what you were going to do – a concern, I might add, that seems well founded, considering what you look like right now. She has a great deal of respect for you…as a detective and a person.
David: Yeah, well neither of you need to worry about me.
Donnegan: I'm not worried – in fact, I want you to do me a favor.
David: And that would be??
Donnegan: I've just been promoted to Lieutenant of the Detective Headquarters Division.
David: Congratulations! I'll drink to that!!
Donnegan: I think right now, you'd drink to just about anything.
David: There's another idea!
Donnegan: Dave, I'd like to have you work for me.
David: As what?
Donnegan: As a police detective, eventually.
David: Eventually – not my favorite word.
Donnegan: I'll be straight with you. The only way you could become a detective is to go through the Academy, and serve as a police officer for 11 months.
David: Whoa…wait just a minute. A flatfoot – me – what a laugh!! I don't even like doughnuts! Not only that, I'd be Grampa flatfoot – aren't I a little old for the little blue uniform?
Donnegan: How old are you, Grampa?
David: Thirty three.
Donnegan: That's just perfect. That gives you six months to get your act together, and get yourself in shape, and you'll still meet the age requirement.
David: Donnegan, I think you've lost all your marbles.
Donnegan: Tell me what you really think.
David: I've had six different jobs since I left Blue Moon. Each one lasted less than a week. What makes you think this is right for me??
Donnegan: Cause it makes sense, Dave. You need to get your act together. I'm offering you the opportunity. You invest a year and a half for the Academy and on the street. Then, I take you into Detective headquarters as a detective trainee, and eventually a full fledged detective.
David: There goes that eventually again.
Donnegan: Addison, I like your energy, your instincts. You're a good private investigator. You can take those skills and help me pull together a great department, help me train some younger guys with instincts like yours.
David: And you're willing to take a chance on me, knowing what you know, seeing what you see?
Donnegan: Especially…………you're a guy looking for the right door to go through. Why don't you let me hold it open for you?
David: I can't even think right now…….My head hurts like a mother, and I'm still not sure you're on the level.
Donnegan grinned, "Well, I can see that I'm partially responsible for that headache. But only partially responsible." He tossed a business card on to the table. "There's my number. Take all the time you need, then call me when you're ready. I know you're gonna see it my way."
David groaned, "Yeah, right".
Donnegan took the check, and started away from the table. He looked back, and remarked," Hey Dave, don't take this the wrong way. But this is the type of a decision you should make completely straight."
David grinned, "Do I look crooked?" He raised his hand in a sharp salute. "Don't worry Lieutenant, I will consider the consequences of my decision very seriously."
Donnegan responded to the salute by returning it…"I'll tell you, Dave, you'll like how that feels. Talk to you soon".
That had been 10 years ago, and he had been a police detective for 8 years now. Once he had made the decision, he had vowed to put all of his efforts into making this work. Sure he had been the oldest guy in the Academy, and had taken his share of crap from the younger guys. But his experience in detective work had made him teacher's pet, and soon the younger guys had begun to look to him for leadership and advice. But to his surprise, they had taught him much also. He learned that discipline and rules did not have to remove his spirit……that he could still be Dave and be a responsible person.
Donnegan had kept his word, and had brought him into Detective Headquarters as soon as he had completed his initial requirements. He was soon involved in cases as exciting as those he was used to when he was at Blue Moon. But no silly chases, no endless banter, no Maddie. In fact, no Maddie…………or any reasonable facsimile anywhere in his life. No, he hadn't been a monk, but no woman had gotten the opportunity to tie his guts in knots again. So he coped seriously with his professional life, and played in his personal life………..almost the exact opposite of the way his life had been with Maddie.
And that was the way he wanted it.
Until the day two months ago when his life had come crashing down around him. It was a routine call. A body had been found in an alley in North Hollywood. David had been next up on the wheel. He had taken the pertinent information, and together with Bill Maguire, a veteran detective, had driven in his unmarked car to the address. The site was being overseen by two uniforms, obviously not very interested in the whole scene. David approached them, and was given cursory information……the coroner's office had not yet arrived and the body was lying in the middle of the alley. While Maguire continued to question the officers, David proceeded down the alley towards the body. All at once, he had a sensation that he was in trouble and turning towards a dumpster against the wall, he caught sight of the glint of silver from the barrel of a gun. He felt the bullet slam into his right chest, and his life went into slow motion. The last thing he remembered was hitting the sidewalk, and the feeling of something warm and wet oozing down his side
The first sensation had been like fighting to the top of a deep pool of water. And the first person he saw, sitting next to the bed, was his brother Richie with his head in his hands. David groaned, and Richie snapped to attention, staring carefully into his brother's eyes.
"Yo, bro," David whispered, "I must be dyin'. Isn't tonight your regular poker game??".
Richie's face visibly relaxed, " Not quite. You've been laying here for three days. Now aren't you sorry that you didn't wear that bullet proof vest I got you for your birthday?"
David tried to laugh, but was caught short by the sharp pain in his chest. Richie vaulted for the door, shouting loudly, "Doctor, nurse, orderly, somebody get in here!"
A kind looking grey haired man in a white coat entered the room, and walked swiftly to David's side. He looked directly into David's eyes and spoke slowly. "Mr. Addison, please don't speak", he said. I'm Doctor Frasier. You are aware of where you are?"
David nodded his head. "You were hit once in the chest with a small caliber bullet. Luckily, your instincts must have warned you to turn in the last seconds. The bullet missed your heart by just inches. You're a very lucky man, Mr. Addison".
David nodded again. "I'd like you to try and rest. The best thing for you to do is to take it easy for a while. Your brother here will explain more to you the next time you wake up. For right now, just know that you're going to be just fine if you do as I ask."
David closed his eyes wearily, and immediately fell into another sound sleep.
The recuperation period lasted forever. After a week, David had had enough of hospital beds and lousy food to last a lifetime. Dr. Frasier assured him that at the end of the second week, if he continued with his therapy, he should be ready to go home.
He had been sitting up in the bed watching the Stooges when Richie came to pick him up.
David: Hey man, did you bring me a hoagie??
Richie: Oh God, he's delirious again. You're not in Philly, bro.
David: I bet I'm not in Kansas anymore either. And what do you mean by delirious AGAIN?
Richie's face grew serious. He seemed to weigh his words carefully as he studied David's face.
David: (anxiously) Hey man, what's wrong? Are you keeping something from me?
Richie: You got that right. And I'm still not sure if I'd be doing the right thing if I told you.
David: Hey, you can't pull that on me. I can still take you with one hand tied behind my back. Now give!!!
Richie: Dave, I sat next to you for 3 solid days, not sure whether you were gonna pull through or not
David: And I appreciate that, man.
Richie: Don't interrupt me till I'm finished. I watched you and listened to you……….I bet you didn't know you talked in your sleep……..a lot! And the person you talked to was Maddie.
David: Not a chance! I haven't seen the lady, thought about her for about 10 years.
Richie: Keep talkin' Dave. Maybe you'll even convince yourself that you haven't thought about her every single day in those last ten years.
David: Butt out.
Richie: If I had wanted to butt in, I would have gotten in touch with her, and she'd be sitting here right now.
David: Boy, I never realized you were such a dreamer. You know the story…….ten years ago………….in the middle of the night………going, going, gone.
Richie: And what did you do about it? You tried to lay down and die. But I gotta give you credit, you pulled it all together. You made yourself a new life…….and you've never gotten close to any woman since. You think there's a reason for that??
David: (gritting his teeth) I said, butt out!!
Richie: I'm probably not saying this right. But I sat there praying you wouldn't die, and thinking about missed opportunities. Like you and Maddie. Maybe you're telling me the truth. Maybe there is nothing there. But you've got unresolved issues with her. And even after ten years, you can't get past them. I think you need to see her.
David: I'm gonna call a psychiatrist to check your head. Even if I knew where she was, I couldn't go barging into her life after 10 years.
Richie: Dave, I'm gonna tell you, we share a lot more than our brotherly good looks. I've got a feeling, an instinct that this could be right for you. Isn't it worth at least thinking about? I'm telling you deep inside me, I'm sure you're still in love with the blonde.
David: Deep inside of you…….that's your guts. And you've got a lot of them… pressuring me like this. I repeat for the third time, butt out. Now go see if you can track down that doctor so I can get the hell out of here.
Paperwork completed, they left the hospital, and rode in silence to David's apartment. Ignoring Richie's help, David marched into the lobby of the apartment building. "I can take it from here", he snarled at his brother. Richie grinned, "Hey Dave……….be as mad at me as you'd like. But, I love you man. You know I only want the best for you."
David stopped, and whirled to face Richie. "You're a jerk," he answered. "But I love you too. I promise I'll think about it.. How's that?"
"Hah…..I knew it!" Richie shouted. "Am I the man, or am I the man?"
"Get lost," said David with a smile. "Eat dirt and die." He waited by the doorway and waved as his brother rode off.
In the six weeks between then and now, he had thought about little else. He had simmered and stewed, had a hundred different arguments with himself over the reasons why seeing Maddie again was not a good idea. But for every negative he came up with a positive, and started to realize that he desperately wanted to see her again. She had taken possession of his heart from almost the moment he had met her. No matter how long he had fought it, both when they were together, and since they had been apart, she was the reason for almost everything he had done. He had pulled his life together, and she was the last piece of the puzzle. Richie was right – David owed it to himself – and Maddie –to resolve their issues. Whether they ended up together or apart……..it was time!!!
He didn't wish to know too much…just the facts. He got her personal and business addresses, and when Doctor Frasier gave him the green light, he packed his bags and headed off to the city by the bay.
David shook his head as if to clear it, and glanced at his wristwatch………..8:30…..time to go. He'd play it by ear. They'd have dinner, talk about old times, talk about what happened to them in between, and try to pretend that this wasn't one of the most important meetings of their lives.
He took a glance in the mirror, raised an imaginary drink, and toasted his image…."Here's to getting things done."
With a final glance in the mirror, he sauntered out the door, ready to begin the rest of his life.