Home

Chapter 4

Rating: PG-13

Don't own a one of 'em!  They just borrow my head for their playground.  A LOT!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It didn't take long for our gang to reach the dark woods.  Rather than warnings on signs, there were names.  Names that caused Max to tremble.  Cahill. . .  Malden. . .  Jeffers. . .

"Uh, Jordan?  Maybe this isn't the best idea."

"Oh come on, Dad.  Maybe that's how you're finally going to get the courage to tell me the truth.  Being confronted with your past."

"Yes, well. . .  We'll talk about that later."

"Is that a promise?"

"Count on it, sweetheart.  I think I've done enough damage."  Max gave Jordan a hug.

"Uh guys?  I don't want to interrupt this tender moment, but. . .  Look!"  Woody was pointing at the horizon.  "What's that?"

"I'm gonna take a wild guess and say it's a winged-monkey," Jordan and Peter said in unison.

"Jinx!"  Peter shouted in triumph.

"Oh please.  That is SO kindergarten." Jordan rolled her eyes ~ she felt like she was doing a lot more of that in this ASC, but what could she do.

"But wait. . ."  Bug looked pensive.  "If we're all accounted for. . .  There's only one person left to cast, and you don't think. . ."

"Hello Garret."  Jordan turned as the winged-monkey landed.  "Nice outfit."

"Jordan, come here."  Garret was whispering and signaling frantically.  Jordan shrugged her shoulders and moved closer to him. 

"What?"

"What the hell is this about?  Didn't I help you out and give you time?"

"Yes.  You did.  But Garret, I don't have a lot of control in this ASC."

"Oh, I beg to differ.  Every single one of them has a reason for being who they are."

"Except me!"  Bug barked to get their attention.

"Well, yeah Bug.  You are a mystery.  But still. . ."

"Jordan, come on.  You know I'm on your side here,"  Garret whispered, looking furtively around.

"Ok.  I'll try to trust you."

"Good.  Now, lean in closer.  Anything could be bugged.  And she can twist any little tiny scrap of. . ."

"Ok, ok.  Come on.  What is it?"

"I've got to take you to her castle.  But I've got a plan.  When she leaves you alone, I'll give you a password and nod my head in the direction of a secret door that will lead you to her chambers.  The gavel is on the bedside table."

"But there's not a trap door in the movie."

"You're going to get technical now?"

"Right.  But what about them?"

"I'll show them a hiding place under the window of your room.  They'll wait there.  I'll find a way to get her into the room she's locked you in and I'll help you take care of her.  Then we'll jump out of the window into their arms and run back to Morgue and see the Computer Wizard."

"Ok.  If you're sure. . ."

"I'm sure.  Now make this look convincing."  Garret released her and Jordan fell to the ground.

"No!  Get away from me!"  She beat at Garret with her hands and feet.

"You're coming with me."  He turned and looked at Woody.  "Hey, Tin Man!  Follow me.  I'll show you where to go."  Then a little louder, he said, "You know how things are with budget cuts. Not enough money for more than one Monkey.  We'll have to walk."

They proceeded up the bloodstained path until they were in the shadow of the courthouse.  Garret nodded his head over to a small clearing underneath a tower.  "Hide there in the bushes.  It shouldn't be too long."

He ushered Jordan into the courthouse and took her up to the room Renee had already designated for her captivity.

"Well, well.  Guess we see who's in charge now don't we." Renee sneered at Jordan.

Not trusting herself to not say something that could harm her career even more, Jordan kept her mouth shut.

"Well, for once you're silent.  I'm impressed.  Now.  I have to at least give the impression of some leniency, so you've got until the sand runs out in this hourglass before I'll carry out your sentence.  I'll be back soon."  She cackled as she turned the large hourglass over.  Looking at Garret, she said, "Come on.  You're with me."

"Tick tock."  Garret looked at Jordan and jerked his head ever so slightly to the bookshelf in the corner of the room. 

As soon as the door slammed shut, Jordan ran over to the bookshelf and pushed it out of the way, revealing a door.  She opened it and found herself standing in Renee's bedroom.  Garret had said the gavel was on the bedside table.

Quickly, Jordan moved over towards the bed.  There is was.  My God, what did she do, sleep with the dang thing?  Jordan grabbed it, shoved it in the bag she had slung over her shoulder, and quickly went into the room Renee had left her in, making sure to slide the bookcase back in place.

As she finished that, she heard Garret's voice calling for Renee.  "I think something's wrong.  I just heard her fall down.  We need to get in there now!"

Jordan heard Renee muttering, but nevertheless there were footsteps in the hallway.  The door opened and Renee came in, only to find herself covered in dust.  Somehow Garret had rigged a bucket filled with ashes from the fireplace over the door and made a trap for Renee.

Renee coughed, trying to clear the dust from her mouth.  Angrily she whirled at Garret.  "You incompetent fool!  I told you to dust earlier.  Get me a glass of water.  Now!"

Garret winked at Jordan and scampered off to get the requested water.  Apparently Renee had forgotten the one weakness of the Wicked Witch of the West/Courthouse.  It was all Jordan could do to keep a straight face.

"What are you laughing at?  You're the one who's about to die."

"Really?"

"Yes. Just as soon as I. . .  Good.  There you are.  Bring me that water now."

Garret shrugged his shoulders and looked at the 32 ounce cup he had retrieved, hoping it was enough. . .  He started towards Renee, but as soon as he got just out of arm's reach, he tripped, sending the water flying into her face.

"Why you. . .  What's happening?"

"You're melting you. . ."

"Jordan, come on.  Let's get out of here."  Garret steered Jordan towards the window and yelled for the guys to get ready.  They jumped out and managed to not damage themselves too much.  Thankfully there were plenty of thick shrubs around to help break their falls.

The group took off towards the City of Morgue to deliver the gavel.  It seemed like no time before they were back in front of Nigel's door.

"Hey dude!  We got it.  Here it is!!" Jordan produced the gavel from her bag and tossed it onto the desk.

"Well done.  You melted her, I assume?"

"Yeah.  Garret helped."  Garret stepped out from behind the crowd.

"Oh my sweet Lord Garret.  What is up with. . .?"

"Nigel, if you want a job, don't go there."

"Yes sir."

"Ok.  So now what?"  Jordan looked at Nigel.

"Well, in terms of Peter. . .Scarecrow here.  I think we've learned that he really does have some intelligence.  So I think he can return to his normal state."

"Yes!"  Peter pumped his fist as he popped out of Jordan's ASC in a puff of smoke.

"As for Garret. . ."

"Garret, why don't you just go home. Thanks for your help."  Jordan bent and kissed Garret's head.  Realizing Bug needed to go home as well, she shoved him in Garret's direction.  "Here, take him with you."

"Alright.  I'll see you soon, I hope."  Garret put his arm around Bug and in a puff, they vanished as well.

"Now. . .  I think I'll leave the three of you alone."  Nigel moved towards the door that would deliver him from this ASC.

"But wait!  What about Dad's courage?  And Woody's unprotected heart?  And this stupid ASC?"

"Oh, yes.  Well, I think I've seen some changes in Max as you went on your quest.  Yes, yes. The Wicked D.A. wasn't the only one with surveillance cameras.  I think he's beginning to realize what he needs to do.  Max, why don't you come with me."

Max moved over towards Nigel.

"As for Woodrow, there are things that need to be said between the two of you.  Alone.  We'll see you later."  Nigel and Max exited the door and a puff of smoke came under the door, leaving Woody and Jordan standing there looking at each other.

"Well, have you learned anything?"  Jordan asked Woody.

"Only that I still love you and don't want to lose you."

"Woody!  I. . ."

"It's ok, Jordan, you don't have to say anything."  Woody moved closer to Jordan and reached out to stroke her hair.  "Just know that I'm here. . .  Just know that I'm here. . ."  The scene went dark.

"What?"  Jordan tried to open her eyes.  What was going on?  She felt someone stroking her hair, but God her head hurt.  Finally she got her eyes to open and she tried to look around.

"There you are.  Thank God."  Woody leaned into her face, his eyes sparkling to match the smile on his face. Yet concern was written there as well.  "Jordan?  Baby, say something.  Are you ok?"

"Woody?  Where am I?  What happened?"

"It's ok babe.  You're in the ER.  Remember the drink Malden gave you?"

"Oh. . .yeah.  Damn my head hurts."

"I'm not surprised."

"You stayed with me the whole time?"

"Yeah. Ever since Max and I found you in your apartment."

"Oh my God. . .what about James?  What hap-. . ."

"Shh.  Don't worry about that now.  Just get better.  I'll be right here."

"Oh Woody.  I'm sorry I've been so mean to you.  I never meant to hurt. . ."

"Jordan, hush.  It's ok."

"Where's Dad?"  Jordan looked around the small room.

"I'm right here, baby.  I just had to take care of some things."  Max stepped back into the room and went to Jordan's side, pulling her into a tight hug.

"Oh Dad.  It's ok.  I know you did the best you knew how.  You don't have to be afraid to tell me anything."

"Is she ok?"  Max looked at Woody questioningly.

"I think so.  The doctors said she would be at any rate.  But she is. . ."

"Hey there kiddo.  How're you feeling?"  Garret stepped into the room followed by Nigel, Bug, Peter and Lily.

"Garret!  You're not. . .  I mean, you're here and not with her.  And Peter.  I'm sorry I thought you were dumb.  And Nigel.  I'm so sorry we only think of you as doing computers.  And Lily, I'm sorry I got mad at you.  I know you were only trying to do what you thought was right.  And Bug.  Bug, you can sing anytime you want to."

"Um, Max?  Is she. . .?"  Garret tried unsuccessfully to hide his concern.

"I'm fine.  I'm. . .I'm spinning, but I'm fine.  I'm back. I'm in Boston.  And you're all my friends and family.  And I love you all."  Jordan looked around at her friends and her father.  She pushed herself into a sitting position and grabbed Woody's hand, pulling him to her side. 

"And Woody. . .Woody, you always wear your heart on your sleeve.  I want you to know something."  She looked around the room.  "And I want all of you to know it too."

"What's that Jordan?"  Woody was genuinely curious, but at the same time a little scared.

"I love you." Jordan grinned at him.  "Come here."

As the room erupted in cheers, she pulled his face towards hers and kissed him full on the mouth.

Hearing the cheers, the doctor made his way into the room.  "Well, well.  Looks like our patient is awake.  Here are your clothes.  Guess all I need to do now is sign this and you can get out of here.  And try to remember not to take drinks from strangers ~ or corrupt police officers ~ again young lady."

"Yes sir!  Don't worry.  I'm not in the mood for another trip through that altered state of consciousness any time soon."  Jordan moved to get off the bed.

"But wait. . .  Altered state of consciousness?" Woody put a hand on Jordan's shoulder.  "Did you mean. . ."

"Guess you'll have to wait and see, farm boy!"  Jordan winked at him playfully.  Her wild ride might be over for now, but Woody's was just beginning.

Finito!  :0)