Because you asked for it, here's Kim and Trent's wedding, but how 'bout one
last adventure? I swear this is the last chapter, honest. This is more
like an epilogue, seeing as how it's kinda long for a chapter (I think it
so). All right, let's get to it.
Unlucky Hand chapter eighteen: Second Round Wolfsong
Two days after the wedding Walker, Alex, Trivette, Erika, Trent, Kim and Carlos all spent the day moving the newly weds into their new apartment. They carried in the boxes from both's old apartments, placed them where they belong, kitchen in kitchen, and so on; and left the decorating to them.
Trent and Kim had already started making plans for their wedding. Kim had packed a few items that weren't all that necessary, and moved them to Trent's. She left the bed and living room sets as well as the kitchen supplies. They had agreed to stay at their separate places until after the wedding.
The day after moving Gage and Sydney's things, Thunder Investigations got a call from the manager of one of Dallas' biggest clubs. Kim was on the phone with him now. At two-fifteen he was to come in and talk with them. Seeing as how they hadn't been in the office for a while over Christmas, it needed cleaning, bad.
It was almost two-ten when they had finished taking down the decorations. Carlos had mentioned he hadn't realized they had put so much up. "Five minutes, guys." Trent informed the obvious.
"So what does this guy want?" Carlos asked.
"He said he would tell us when he got here." Kim answered. Then there was a knock on the door. Carlos got up and answered it. There stood a man in a pressed, white suit and a black shirt on. Two men, all in black, stood behind him. The trio was stunned. Quickly remembering his manners, Carlos asked the gentlemen in.
Trent, now standing with Kim, motioned for the men to have a seat on the couch. "Gentlemen, would you like some coffee?" he asked sitting on the edge of Kim's desk. She didn't normally like this, but let reprimanding him slide this time. The man in the white suit looked at the two in black, who shook their heads. "We're good." he finally answered. "However, I do require something of you." When he noticed he had their attention, he continued. "As I told the lady here on the phone, I own one of the biggest clubs in Dallas, the Lucky Hand Casino. The only thing we don't offer is valet parking. That's because we have a very large parking garage behind us." he explained. "Why I've come to you as you are probably wanting to know is, I have a problem."
"And what problem would that be, Mr..." Carlos stopped realizing they hadn't been given a name.
"Gavin. Jonathan Semis Gavin. Most people call me Se Gavin; but whatever. My problem is someone, not under my employment, has let word out that we, the Lucky Hand Casino, have valet parking."
"So lots of customers are having their cars stolen." Kim stated.
"Is it everyone or certain cars being taken?" Trent asked.
"Only the best cars, Mr. Malloy. A lot of our customers walk in or take shuttle, and some still prefer to park their own cars."
"How many have had their cars taken?" Carlos asked jotting down some notes.
"As of now, five. A blue '63 Corvette, a new 2003 Mustang GT black, a '93 Ferrari red, a green 2001 Monte Carlo, and a '76 silver Stingray Corvette. It's only been two nights."
"Two nights, five cars. Whomever it is, is fast." Trent stood there a minute. "They seem to like sports cars."
"You got that, too." Carlos noted.
"What if we sat up this person. Carlos, you could maybe drive your Viper over and Kim and I can take my 'Vette."
"That sounds like a plan, Mr. Malloy. Shall I expect you tonight?"
"Mr. Gavin, May we have a moment to discuss things privately?"
"Take your time. They only strike at night."
Trent, Kim and Carlos stepped into the private office, sitting down in the chairs and on the desk. "What do you guys think?" Trent asked.
"If we take this case, we will need to act fast." Kim said.
"But not too fast that we slip up." Carlos added.
"Let's say we take this case. How are we going to catch these thieves?"
"Your idea would work. Take the 'Vette and Viper as bait." Kim said.
"Let's tone that down a little. What if Mr. Gavin hires me as a valet. I go in there and ask questions because I'm the new guy."
"Hey, that could work. And Kim and I can use the 'Vette as bait." "But what if we lose your car, Trent? You love that car."
"We won't lose the car. I'll call Trivette and see if I can borrow a homing beacon."
"It's settled then. Now, let's go make a deal with Gavin." and Trent lead them out. "Congratulations, Mr. Gavin. You just hired yourself a PI team."
"Great. Now let's talk about your payment and what needs to happen."
**********************************************************************
"This is nice. The warm sun, the cool air. And you." Sydney turned over and looked at her husband. "You're so wonderful, Francis Gage. This place is beautiful."
"You're beautiful, Sydney Gage." He smiled back up at her from the hammock.
"I love the sound of that." she smiled. "I just wish this didn't have to end."
"It doesn't."
"What do you mean?"
"You didn't notice. We live on the top level of a large apartment building. In the contract, is said that we have use of the roof." He sat up. "I say when we get back, we invest in a hammock all our own."
"That's a great idea, Gage."
"Bound to happen." he smiled evilly down at her.
"Oh, you." she said pulling him close to kiss him. He laid back down, wrapping his arms around her. "I love you, Syd."
"I love you, Gage." and they went back to the comfortable silence announcing peace for the two young lovers.
*************************************************************************
"I just got off the phone with Trivette." Carlos announced. "He said I need to come down and sign it out and what not. So I'll be back."
"Hey, Carlos." Trent yelled. "Here." He tossed him the name tag. "Gavin's going to bring back a uniform from the casino."
"Alright." "Later, man." and Carlos was gone. "That guy."
"Yeah." Kim agreed. "He's hilarious. We'll need to get ready for tonight."
"Yeah. I'll drop you off at your place, then go home and change. I'll be back to pick you up at eight. Okay?"
"Okay. Carlos does know the time, right?"
"Right."
************************************************************************
Carlos had just walked into Company B headquarters. He noticed where Gage and Sydney set was empty, and covered in cards of those who couldn't make it to the wedding. He walked over towards Walker and Trivette.
"Hey, Carlos." Walker mouthed over the receiver.
"Carlos, hey man, how you doing?" Trivette greeted from behind the computer.
"I'm great. How are you?"
"Just fine." he turned around. "Okay, I need you to fill out these for me." He handed Carlos some files.
"Got a pen?" Carlos asked, laughing. Trivette handed him one. After filling out forms on why they needed a homing beacon, what they were doing with it, and finally signing it out.
"Alright, man, you're all set."
"Thanks, Trivette." Carlos shook his hand, and waved bye to Walker.
"Good luck, buddy." he yelled after the young man.
Carlos arrived back at Thunder Investigation moments after Jonathan Gavin had left the waiters outfit outside. Seeing no reason to go in, he headed home and then to work.
**************************************************************************** **
Trent had dropped Kim off like planned and was now getting out of the shower. Though this was case, he was happy still because he and Kim were going out. The only difference with tonight, they were getting paid to go out together. Finished dressing, he grabbed his keys to the 'Vette that now contained the homing beacon Carlos had dropped off, and he was gone.
Kim had just finished putting on her make-up and starting on her jewelry when the phone rang. "Hello."
"Yeah, Kim. How are you?" the voice asked.
"Sydney! It's great to hear from you. I'm fine. How are you guys?"
"We're fine. Missing everyone and all. We just wanted to check in and see how things are going. How's the wedding plans coming?"
"Great. I think we'll be ready when you et back."
"Gage wants to know how the groom's doing."
"He's good. We're getting ready to go out. He just came in." She looked towards the sound of her door open and shut. "Gage and Sydney." she mouthed.
"So, you guys are going on a date." Sydney teased.
"No, actually it's a case, but yeah, we still get to go out. Carlos will be there undercover. What was that Gage said?"
"Oh, something about a babysitter. Sounds like fun. Give Trent and Carlos out best. We miss you guys. Have fun!" and Sydney was gone.
"What was that all about?" Trent asked as he placed his hands aside Kim's face and kissed her gently.
"Gage and Syd just wanted to check in."
"They getting along alright?" he asked as she sat back down to her jewelry.
"Yeah, they're doing great. Finished." she informed.
"Beautiful." He smiled. "Shall we?" He lead her out.
***************************************************************************
Earlier that evening
Carlos walked into Mr. Gavin's office in his suit. Mr. Gavin discussed with him what he should do. He was to wait out front as a valet and when the others came, tell them he was new and didn't know the parking garage.
Several men, dressed in uniforms, now lined the front of the casino. As they walked up, the men spotted him. One turned to the others. "What's this guy doing? He's going to screw everything up."
"Just calm down. And kept quiet, he's coming over here."
"Hi, excuse me. I'm new here. My name is John Newport. I was told there would be someone to help out. I kinda don't know my way around."
"Okay, John, uh, my name is Max. How about you work down here. And, hey, if you need help, call me."
"Thanks." Carlos said walking to the corner pointed out to him. "Okay, guys," he said to Kim and Trent, who were just now leaving her place, "they're here." and he went on to describe them.
Trent and Kim pulled up along the sidewalk. He parked, and was greeted by one of the fake valets. "Good evening, sir. May I park your car for you?" the fake valet asked.
"Yes. Just let me help the lady out first." Trent said walking around the car, opening the door for Kim.
"Yes, sir."
"Take care of her, man." Trent said walking away with Kim.
"Yes, sir." the valet replied.
Trent and Kim walked into the casino, ignoring Carlos as planned. Carlos, also as planned, watched the man drive Trent's Corvette around back and followed on foot. He walked to the back of the building and seen two large semi trucks. He watched as they loaded the silver Stingray into one of the trucks. He headed back around to the front.
He got to his corner without any one noticing his leave. A young couple pulled up in a nice Lamborghini and handed him the hey. 'No wonder they can get away with this.' he thought. One of the valets came over to him and said, "Okay, take this around back and the guys wearing red hoods will show you where to go." Carlos did as told. He drove to where he had seen the trucks. A guy in a red hood met him and told him to take this car to truck two. Carlos did, and as he walked back around the front he stopped to call Trent. "Yeah, they're loading cars into semis...Yeah, they already took yours...It's safe...so far...I got to go...Yeah."
"Who you talkin' to, John?" a red hooded thug asked. "Max don't like people talking while at work."
"It was just my girlfriend, really..." Carlos tried to explain.
"So if I hit redial..." the man hit the button.
"Carlos?" came from the male voice at the end.
"Wrong." The man hung up the phone. "You're in big trouble."
"He should have answered." Trent said nervously. "Come on." He and Kim ran out the back door.
"There's the semi trucks." Kim pointed out. "Trent," she noted the large man coming at them, "kiss me."
"Yes, ma'am." and he did. But that didn't stop the big man.
"You two should not be out here."
"Sorry, we just wanted to be alone." Trent said, then quickly kicked the guy in the gut and then the head. He went down hard. Trent pushed Kim to the side as two more men came at him. "Go find Carlos!" he screamed.
She ran off and climbed into one of the semis. She found Trent's car, and in it Carlos, tied up and gagged. She quickly untied him. "Go help Trent. I'll call the police."
Carlos joined Trent in the fight, and soon all of the hooded men and fake valets, who had heard the fighting and had joined, lay in a heep as they awaited the coming sirens. Mr. Gavin came out and was surprised to see that the two men had defeated almost thirty men by themselves. As the police gathered the men into handcuffs, Kim patched up Carlos and Trent's bloody lips.
"Well, boys, m'lady, I owe you a great deal. I thank you for stopping this." and he handed them a check.
"It was no problem." Then Trent looked at the check. Fifty thousand dollars. "Mr. Gavin, this is...much more than we agreed." At that Carlos and Kim looked at the check, their jaws opening wide.
"Yes, but it's what I feel you deserve. And now...you can get your car and go home, or you can come in and enjoy the rest of the evening."
"Thanks," Carlos said, "but I'd rather jus' go home."
"Fine, but you folks are welcome back anytime." and he shook their hands and gave Kim a soft kiss on the back of her had, and was gone.
"Guess we didn't need the homing beacon after all." Trent laughed. "Actually," Kim laughed, "that's how I found Carlos. It was a hunch." The boys laughed.
"A very good hunch." Trent praised. "Shall we go home?"
"You guys still have planning to do, don't ya?" Carlos asked.
"Yeah. How about you come help us, buddy?" Kim asked.
"Just let me get my car."
"Oh, same here." and Trent climbed into the semi and drove his care out, them laughing at him. The three went back to Trent's, where they spent the rest of the evening discussing the future.
Two days later, Gage and Sydney walked into Company B holding hands and smiling. They received friendly smiles and hello's from co-workers as they went. When they reached their desks they noticed something different. Sydney's desk had been moved in front of Gage's. The two laughed and took their seats. On their desks they found cards and old newspapers. "Hey, Gage, honey, look at this." she took the paper around to his desk.
"'A fake valet scam was stopped last Tuesday by the private investigative office of Thunder Investigations.' Uh, appears our friends have been busy." They laughed. "It's good to be back."
That afternoon, the Gages met up with Carlos, Trent and Kim for lunch. They met at the local pizza place close to the station. The trio had beat them there. After being seated, Carlos, Kim and Trent discussed further the wedding ahead of them. About five minutes later Gage and Sydney walked in and over to the cornet table. They were greeted warmly.
"Sydney, Gage," Kim said hugging Sydney tightly. "Look at this tan! Did you have fun?" she asked hugging Gage. They guys had already shook hands. They all sat down and the waiter came to take their order.
After scarfing down three large pizzas and talking about the honeymoon, Trent and Kim informed them of the last of their wedding plans.
"Can you believe it's just a week away?" Gage asked, his arm entwined with Sydney's.
"I know. It's amazing." Kim's eyes were shining.
"This time next week, we'll be Mr. and Mrs. Malloy." and Trent's eyes matched hers. He leaned over and kissed her while the others sat there.
"Well, we had better get back. We've been gone long enough." The PI's laughed at this. After paying their tab, the group separated.
************************************************************************ Valentine's Day
The day of the wedding. Kim had woke up in her apartment for the last time. All but the furniture staying with the with the apartment had been moved out the day before. She had shown up at the church in her pjs. There, after showering, she had gotten into her dress with the help of Sydney, Alex, and Erika.
Trent had awoken that morning with a smile on his face and a skip in his step. 'This is the last time I'm going to wake up alone. I'm so glad.' he had thought while preparing breakfast. He had spent the last week moving the rest of Kim's things in. After a hardy breakfast, he left for the church.
It was almost time. Everyone was dressed and ready. Kim had received all of the traditional items, including the diamond earrings Alex and Sydney had both worn to their weddings. All the ladies, including Trent's mom, had wished her a happy day.
Everyone was in place. Trent, Carlos and Gage by the pastor and Sydney and Alex on the other side. Trent's mother, brothers and sister were on one side of the sanctuary while Kim's mom and family were on the other side. Walker, Trivette, and Erika were on the same side as Kim's family.
The music began and the doors opened. Kim, escorted by her father, made her way down the aisle, smiling all the way. When they reached the alter, Kim's father stood until he handed her over to Trent, who had earlier received the warning that if the young, ex-army ranger hurt his little girl in any way there 'd be Hades to pay. The pastor went on with the ceremony. When it came time for the 'I do's' and the rings, Kim was already tear filled. After placing the rings on each others hands, the pastor announced them husband wife. Naturally, Trent raised the veil and took Kim to himself. Both enjoying the moment. When they, broke he whispered a 'finally' in her ear causing her to laugh. Taking the bouquet in one hand and Trent's arm in the other, they walked down the aisle and out to the horse-drawn carriage.
After wedding pictures had all been taken, the bride and groom shortly followed everyone to the reception hall at the Lucky Hand Casino. Everyone beat them there of course having come by car and not my horses.
When the cake and wine and the bouquet and garter toss was finished, the Malloys waltzed onto the dance floor for the wedding dance. As they slowly swayed, Trent held her tightly, thinking all the while of what had lead them to this point. Everything from the interview for the job to the warehouse accident. All of it, good and bad, had lead to this moment in time. Trent thanked God right then and there for this gift he had given him in Kim.
"I love you, too." Kim said softly in his ear.
He pulled back and looked at her. "How'd you know what I was thinking?" he laughed.
"We're connected, me and you, heart and soul." She smiled up at him, tear streaks on her checks. Happy tears.
"Mind and body, me and you," he repeated smiling brightly. "From this moment on."
The End
Well, I hoped you all enjoyed that. I sure enjoyed writing it. I honestly know nothing about Kim's parents or how many sibs Trent has. And if the time between g and s's honeymoon is off, I wrote this like months after I wrote that part. Valentine's Day might have came later this year. Well, again, hope you enjoyed. I won't be writing anymore on this story, unless I get bored and write about the future years down the road, but I have a feeling I won't be getting bored for awhile. I'm working on at least four other storied as of right now. Pray my muses don't pack up and run out on me. Later, mon amis!!
Unlucky Hand chapter eighteen: Second Round Wolfsong
Two days after the wedding Walker, Alex, Trivette, Erika, Trent, Kim and Carlos all spent the day moving the newly weds into their new apartment. They carried in the boxes from both's old apartments, placed them where they belong, kitchen in kitchen, and so on; and left the decorating to them.
Trent and Kim had already started making plans for their wedding. Kim had packed a few items that weren't all that necessary, and moved them to Trent's. She left the bed and living room sets as well as the kitchen supplies. They had agreed to stay at their separate places until after the wedding.
The day after moving Gage and Sydney's things, Thunder Investigations got a call from the manager of one of Dallas' biggest clubs. Kim was on the phone with him now. At two-fifteen he was to come in and talk with them. Seeing as how they hadn't been in the office for a while over Christmas, it needed cleaning, bad.
It was almost two-ten when they had finished taking down the decorations. Carlos had mentioned he hadn't realized they had put so much up. "Five minutes, guys." Trent informed the obvious.
"So what does this guy want?" Carlos asked.
"He said he would tell us when he got here." Kim answered. Then there was a knock on the door. Carlos got up and answered it. There stood a man in a pressed, white suit and a black shirt on. Two men, all in black, stood behind him. The trio was stunned. Quickly remembering his manners, Carlos asked the gentlemen in.
Trent, now standing with Kim, motioned for the men to have a seat on the couch. "Gentlemen, would you like some coffee?" he asked sitting on the edge of Kim's desk. She didn't normally like this, but let reprimanding him slide this time. The man in the white suit looked at the two in black, who shook their heads. "We're good." he finally answered. "However, I do require something of you." When he noticed he had their attention, he continued. "As I told the lady here on the phone, I own one of the biggest clubs in Dallas, the Lucky Hand Casino. The only thing we don't offer is valet parking. That's because we have a very large parking garage behind us." he explained. "Why I've come to you as you are probably wanting to know is, I have a problem."
"And what problem would that be, Mr..." Carlos stopped realizing they hadn't been given a name.
"Gavin. Jonathan Semis Gavin. Most people call me Se Gavin; but whatever. My problem is someone, not under my employment, has let word out that we, the Lucky Hand Casino, have valet parking."
"So lots of customers are having their cars stolen." Kim stated.
"Is it everyone or certain cars being taken?" Trent asked.
"Only the best cars, Mr. Malloy. A lot of our customers walk in or take shuttle, and some still prefer to park their own cars."
"How many have had their cars taken?" Carlos asked jotting down some notes.
"As of now, five. A blue '63 Corvette, a new 2003 Mustang GT black, a '93 Ferrari red, a green 2001 Monte Carlo, and a '76 silver Stingray Corvette. It's only been two nights."
"Two nights, five cars. Whomever it is, is fast." Trent stood there a minute. "They seem to like sports cars."
"You got that, too." Carlos noted.
"What if we sat up this person. Carlos, you could maybe drive your Viper over and Kim and I can take my 'Vette."
"That sounds like a plan, Mr. Malloy. Shall I expect you tonight?"
"Mr. Gavin, May we have a moment to discuss things privately?"
"Take your time. They only strike at night."
Trent, Kim and Carlos stepped into the private office, sitting down in the chairs and on the desk. "What do you guys think?" Trent asked.
"If we take this case, we will need to act fast." Kim said.
"But not too fast that we slip up." Carlos added.
"Let's say we take this case. How are we going to catch these thieves?"
"Your idea would work. Take the 'Vette and Viper as bait." Kim said.
"Let's tone that down a little. What if Mr. Gavin hires me as a valet. I go in there and ask questions because I'm the new guy."
"Hey, that could work. And Kim and I can use the 'Vette as bait." "But what if we lose your car, Trent? You love that car."
"We won't lose the car. I'll call Trivette and see if I can borrow a homing beacon."
"It's settled then. Now, let's go make a deal with Gavin." and Trent lead them out. "Congratulations, Mr. Gavin. You just hired yourself a PI team."
"Great. Now let's talk about your payment and what needs to happen."
**********************************************************************
"This is nice. The warm sun, the cool air. And you." Sydney turned over and looked at her husband. "You're so wonderful, Francis Gage. This place is beautiful."
"You're beautiful, Sydney Gage." He smiled back up at her from the hammock.
"I love the sound of that." she smiled. "I just wish this didn't have to end."
"It doesn't."
"What do you mean?"
"You didn't notice. We live on the top level of a large apartment building. In the contract, is said that we have use of the roof." He sat up. "I say when we get back, we invest in a hammock all our own."
"That's a great idea, Gage."
"Bound to happen." he smiled evilly down at her.
"Oh, you." she said pulling him close to kiss him. He laid back down, wrapping his arms around her. "I love you, Syd."
"I love you, Gage." and they went back to the comfortable silence announcing peace for the two young lovers.
*************************************************************************
"I just got off the phone with Trivette." Carlos announced. "He said I need to come down and sign it out and what not. So I'll be back."
"Hey, Carlos." Trent yelled. "Here." He tossed him the name tag. "Gavin's going to bring back a uniform from the casino."
"Alright." "Later, man." and Carlos was gone. "That guy."
"Yeah." Kim agreed. "He's hilarious. We'll need to get ready for tonight."
"Yeah. I'll drop you off at your place, then go home and change. I'll be back to pick you up at eight. Okay?"
"Okay. Carlos does know the time, right?"
"Right."
************************************************************************
Carlos had just walked into Company B headquarters. He noticed where Gage and Sydney set was empty, and covered in cards of those who couldn't make it to the wedding. He walked over towards Walker and Trivette.
"Hey, Carlos." Walker mouthed over the receiver.
"Carlos, hey man, how you doing?" Trivette greeted from behind the computer.
"I'm great. How are you?"
"Just fine." he turned around. "Okay, I need you to fill out these for me." He handed Carlos some files.
"Got a pen?" Carlos asked, laughing. Trivette handed him one. After filling out forms on why they needed a homing beacon, what they were doing with it, and finally signing it out.
"Alright, man, you're all set."
"Thanks, Trivette." Carlos shook his hand, and waved bye to Walker.
"Good luck, buddy." he yelled after the young man.
Carlos arrived back at Thunder Investigation moments after Jonathan Gavin had left the waiters outfit outside. Seeing no reason to go in, he headed home and then to work.
**************************************************************************** **
Trent had dropped Kim off like planned and was now getting out of the shower. Though this was case, he was happy still because he and Kim were going out. The only difference with tonight, they were getting paid to go out together. Finished dressing, he grabbed his keys to the 'Vette that now contained the homing beacon Carlos had dropped off, and he was gone.
Kim had just finished putting on her make-up and starting on her jewelry when the phone rang. "Hello."
"Yeah, Kim. How are you?" the voice asked.
"Sydney! It's great to hear from you. I'm fine. How are you guys?"
"We're fine. Missing everyone and all. We just wanted to check in and see how things are going. How's the wedding plans coming?"
"Great. I think we'll be ready when you et back."
"Gage wants to know how the groom's doing."
"He's good. We're getting ready to go out. He just came in." She looked towards the sound of her door open and shut. "Gage and Sydney." she mouthed.
"So, you guys are going on a date." Sydney teased.
"No, actually it's a case, but yeah, we still get to go out. Carlos will be there undercover. What was that Gage said?"
"Oh, something about a babysitter. Sounds like fun. Give Trent and Carlos out best. We miss you guys. Have fun!" and Sydney was gone.
"What was that all about?" Trent asked as he placed his hands aside Kim's face and kissed her gently.
"Gage and Syd just wanted to check in."
"They getting along alright?" he asked as she sat back down to her jewelry.
"Yeah, they're doing great. Finished." she informed.
"Beautiful." He smiled. "Shall we?" He lead her out.
***************************************************************************
Earlier that evening
Carlos walked into Mr. Gavin's office in his suit. Mr. Gavin discussed with him what he should do. He was to wait out front as a valet and when the others came, tell them he was new and didn't know the parking garage.
Several men, dressed in uniforms, now lined the front of the casino. As they walked up, the men spotted him. One turned to the others. "What's this guy doing? He's going to screw everything up."
"Just calm down. And kept quiet, he's coming over here."
"Hi, excuse me. I'm new here. My name is John Newport. I was told there would be someone to help out. I kinda don't know my way around."
"Okay, John, uh, my name is Max. How about you work down here. And, hey, if you need help, call me."
"Thanks." Carlos said walking to the corner pointed out to him. "Okay, guys," he said to Kim and Trent, who were just now leaving her place, "they're here." and he went on to describe them.
Trent and Kim pulled up along the sidewalk. He parked, and was greeted by one of the fake valets. "Good evening, sir. May I park your car for you?" the fake valet asked.
"Yes. Just let me help the lady out first." Trent said walking around the car, opening the door for Kim.
"Yes, sir."
"Take care of her, man." Trent said walking away with Kim.
"Yes, sir." the valet replied.
Trent and Kim walked into the casino, ignoring Carlos as planned. Carlos, also as planned, watched the man drive Trent's Corvette around back and followed on foot. He walked to the back of the building and seen two large semi trucks. He watched as they loaded the silver Stingray into one of the trucks. He headed back around to the front.
He got to his corner without any one noticing his leave. A young couple pulled up in a nice Lamborghini and handed him the hey. 'No wonder they can get away with this.' he thought. One of the valets came over to him and said, "Okay, take this around back and the guys wearing red hoods will show you where to go." Carlos did as told. He drove to where he had seen the trucks. A guy in a red hood met him and told him to take this car to truck two. Carlos did, and as he walked back around the front he stopped to call Trent. "Yeah, they're loading cars into semis...Yeah, they already took yours...It's safe...so far...I got to go...Yeah."
"Who you talkin' to, John?" a red hooded thug asked. "Max don't like people talking while at work."
"It was just my girlfriend, really..." Carlos tried to explain.
"So if I hit redial..." the man hit the button.
"Carlos?" came from the male voice at the end.
"Wrong." The man hung up the phone. "You're in big trouble."
"He should have answered." Trent said nervously. "Come on." He and Kim ran out the back door.
"There's the semi trucks." Kim pointed out. "Trent," she noted the large man coming at them, "kiss me."
"Yes, ma'am." and he did. But that didn't stop the big man.
"You two should not be out here."
"Sorry, we just wanted to be alone." Trent said, then quickly kicked the guy in the gut and then the head. He went down hard. Trent pushed Kim to the side as two more men came at him. "Go find Carlos!" he screamed.
She ran off and climbed into one of the semis. She found Trent's car, and in it Carlos, tied up and gagged. She quickly untied him. "Go help Trent. I'll call the police."
Carlos joined Trent in the fight, and soon all of the hooded men and fake valets, who had heard the fighting and had joined, lay in a heep as they awaited the coming sirens. Mr. Gavin came out and was surprised to see that the two men had defeated almost thirty men by themselves. As the police gathered the men into handcuffs, Kim patched up Carlos and Trent's bloody lips.
"Well, boys, m'lady, I owe you a great deal. I thank you for stopping this." and he handed them a check.
"It was no problem." Then Trent looked at the check. Fifty thousand dollars. "Mr. Gavin, this is...much more than we agreed." At that Carlos and Kim looked at the check, their jaws opening wide.
"Yes, but it's what I feel you deserve. And now...you can get your car and go home, or you can come in and enjoy the rest of the evening."
"Thanks," Carlos said, "but I'd rather jus' go home."
"Fine, but you folks are welcome back anytime." and he shook their hands and gave Kim a soft kiss on the back of her had, and was gone.
"Guess we didn't need the homing beacon after all." Trent laughed. "Actually," Kim laughed, "that's how I found Carlos. It was a hunch." The boys laughed.
"A very good hunch." Trent praised. "Shall we go home?"
"You guys still have planning to do, don't ya?" Carlos asked.
"Yeah. How about you come help us, buddy?" Kim asked.
"Just let me get my car."
"Oh, same here." and Trent climbed into the semi and drove his care out, them laughing at him. The three went back to Trent's, where they spent the rest of the evening discussing the future.
Two days later, Gage and Sydney walked into Company B holding hands and smiling. They received friendly smiles and hello's from co-workers as they went. When they reached their desks they noticed something different. Sydney's desk had been moved in front of Gage's. The two laughed and took their seats. On their desks they found cards and old newspapers. "Hey, Gage, honey, look at this." she took the paper around to his desk.
"'A fake valet scam was stopped last Tuesday by the private investigative office of Thunder Investigations.' Uh, appears our friends have been busy." They laughed. "It's good to be back."
That afternoon, the Gages met up with Carlos, Trent and Kim for lunch. They met at the local pizza place close to the station. The trio had beat them there. After being seated, Carlos, Kim and Trent discussed further the wedding ahead of them. About five minutes later Gage and Sydney walked in and over to the cornet table. They were greeted warmly.
"Sydney, Gage," Kim said hugging Sydney tightly. "Look at this tan! Did you have fun?" she asked hugging Gage. They guys had already shook hands. They all sat down and the waiter came to take their order.
After scarfing down three large pizzas and talking about the honeymoon, Trent and Kim informed them of the last of their wedding plans.
"Can you believe it's just a week away?" Gage asked, his arm entwined with Sydney's.
"I know. It's amazing." Kim's eyes were shining.
"This time next week, we'll be Mr. and Mrs. Malloy." and Trent's eyes matched hers. He leaned over and kissed her while the others sat there.
"Well, we had better get back. We've been gone long enough." The PI's laughed at this. After paying their tab, the group separated.
************************************************************************ Valentine's Day
The day of the wedding. Kim had woke up in her apartment for the last time. All but the furniture staying with the with the apartment had been moved out the day before. She had shown up at the church in her pjs. There, after showering, she had gotten into her dress with the help of Sydney, Alex, and Erika.
Trent had awoken that morning with a smile on his face and a skip in his step. 'This is the last time I'm going to wake up alone. I'm so glad.' he had thought while preparing breakfast. He had spent the last week moving the rest of Kim's things in. After a hardy breakfast, he left for the church.
It was almost time. Everyone was dressed and ready. Kim had received all of the traditional items, including the diamond earrings Alex and Sydney had both worn to their weddings. All the ladies, including Trent's mom, had wished her a happy day.
Everyone was in place. Trent, Carlos and Gage by the pastor and Sydney and Alex on the other side. Trent's mother, brothers and sister were on one side of the sanctuary while Kim's mom and family were on the other side. Walker, Trivette, and Erika were on the same side as Kim's family.
The music began and the doors opened. Kim, escorted by her father, made her way down the aisle, smiling all the way. When they reached the alter, Kim's father stood until he handed her over to Trent, who had earlier received the warning that if the young, ex-army ranger hurt his little girl in any way there 'd be Hades to pay. The pastor went on with the ceremony. When it came time for the 'I do's' and the rings, Kim was already tear filled. After placing the rings on each others hands, the pastor announced them husband wife. Naturally, Trent raised the veil and took Kim to himself. Both enjoying the moment. When they, broke he whispered a 'finally' in her ear causing her to laugh. Taking the bouquet in one hand and Trent's arm in the other, they walked down the aisle and out to the horse-drawn carriage.
After wedding pictures had all been taken, the bride and groom shortly followed everyone to the reception hall at the Lucky Hand Casino. Everyone beat them there of course having come by car and not my horses.
When the cake and wine and the bouquet and garter toss was finished, the Malloys waltzed onto the dance floor for the wedding dance. As they slowly swayed, Trent held her tightly, thinking all the while of what had lead them to this point. Everything from the interview for the job to the warehouse accident. All of it, good and bad, had lead to this moment in time. Trent thanked God right then and there for this gift he had given him in Kim.
"I love you, too." Kim said softly in his ear.
He pulled back and looked at her. "How'd you know what I was thinking?" he laughed.
"We're connected, me and you, heart and soul." She smiled up at him, tear streaks on her checks. Happy tears.
"Mind and body, me and you," he repeated smiling brightly. "From this moment on."
The End
Well, I hoped you all enjoyed that. I sure enjoyed writing it. I honestly know nothing about Kim's parents or how many sibs Trent has. And if the time between g and s's honeymoon is off, I wrote this like months after I wrote that part. Valentine's Day might have came later this year. Well, again, hope you enjoyed. I won't be writing anymore on this story, unless I get bored and write about the future years down the road, but I have a feeling I won't be getting bored for awhile. I'm working on at least four other storied as of right now. Pray my muses don't pack up and run out on me. Later, mon amis!!