Cassandra was getting restless. She had been down for two days and was already chaffing to get out of bed. But, Leo was adamant with his and Seth's second visit that if he found out she had done so, he would remain on the premises until she recovered.
Cassandra good naturedly teased, "Now, Leo, how are you even going to know? You aren't telepathic, are you?" and she laughed. Leo was not amused, at least, that's the impression he gave her. But, try as he would to be serious, Cassandra saw right through the facade. "You can't fool me! There was a hint of a smile - I saw it!" and laughed again!
Leo just shook his head, amused by her banter. "I'm serious! Do not get out of that bed! Gabby is perfectly capable of assisting you! And, I'm serious about moving in here if you disobey!" he said before leaving.
Gabby was thrilled to take care of her friend. It had been a while since she had done any cooking, so with Seth to watch things, she walked over to a nearby market for supplies.
She had never been to a grocery store before, but with the cash she had in her pocket that Cassandra had given to her, Gabby was determined to spend it wisely. With some assistance from the manager, she was able to procure the ingredients that she needed, heading back to the shop in quick order.
While the meal was cooking, Gabby had Seth carry the small dinette table upstairs so that the two of them could eat comfortably in Cassandra's bedroom.
"What are you making, Gabby?" the woman asked, "It smells delicious!"
"It's a surprise, so you'll have to wait." Her friend replied.
When Gabby brought the meal upstairs to serve, she heard Cassandra exclaim, "Lasagna; my favorite!"
Gabby couldn't have been happier! She smiled appreciatively as her friend dug into her serving and seemed to enjoy what she was eating.
Seth sampled some of the pasta and he seemed to like it as well, which pleased him that Gabby was more than a decent cook! "Looks like I'm not going to starve after all once we get married!" he joked, taking another bite.
Gabby looked at him, not amused, "Oh, so you were concerned?"
Seth looked up slowly from his plate and saw the serious expression on her face, "Ah, well... not exactly, but since you've been living at the house … I've never seen you cook." He said between bites, chewing thoughtfully and wondering what he'd done now.
Cassandra smirked and tried to ignore the growing confrontation. But, she watched with great intent as she saw Gabby's color darken.
"Well, I've never seen you do dishes, either, so maybe you ought to start!" Gabby chided, just a little miffed..
Cassandra laughed, completely amused by Seth's look of surprise.
"You walked into that one, I think!" she teased him.
Later, while Seth washed up the dinner dishes, Gabby spent time that evening with Cassandra and talked about her career in theater.
"I just sort of fell into it, one would say!" Cassandra began. "I was looking for work after....well, after my job took a turn. I had taken vocal and dance lessons for years but never really considered using that talent for making a living. There was a casting-call that came out at the local theater for actors and I thought, 'why not?' and auditioned! I was surprised when they hired me on the spot! Just about took my breath away. And, that was the beginning!"
"When did you meet Serena?" Gabby asked.
"Oh, a few years later. She was hired to understudy for a play I was in and we hit it off! She's was quite young but became a good friend to me in New York! However, eventually her hectic schedule and my nomadic life style back, we ended up losing touch. It was quite surprising to see her that night at the concert!"
"What kind of nomadic lifestyle?" Gabby inquired.
"Oh, just moving around. I don't like to stay put for too long. I get too comfortable and lose my focus on life. Like staying in bed for two days! Gad, I need to get out of this bed! It's driving me nuts!" Cassandra grumbled.
"Well, Leo wants you to stay put, so...." Gabby reminded her friend.
"Is Seth done with the dishes, yet?" she asked.
Gabby went over to the doorway and looked down the stairwell, "How's it coming down there, Seth?" she asked.
"What'd you do? Use every pot and pan in the cupboard! Sheesh, there's a ton of stuff to clean, Gabs!" Seth complained loudly.
Gabby laughed and then turned back around, but Cassandra was not in her bed!! She looked around and then saw her over by the window. "Hey, you're supposed to stay put, remember?" Gabby said as she walked over to her.
"I miss my customers! And, I miss my neighbors, too. Leo won't know, Gabby; so just chill." She said.
Cassandra sat down on the seat the bay window provided. "I love to watch the people at night after the store is closed." she smiled, "Sometimes, couples will walk hand in hand down Lincoln and think they're alone. Fortunately, the only romantic interludes I've witnessed were an occasional kiss. But, it's so sweet!"
"We're you ever married?" Gabriella asked as she came around to where her friend sat and joined her on the window seat.
"Almost. I was sort of promised to someone a long time ago when I was just a girl. Younger than you, in fact! But, he ....turned out to be a creep, kind of like Jason, only a lot worse." Cassandra mused.
"Oh, I don't think you can get any worse than Jason!" Gabby laughed nervously.
Cassandra had a far away look. Then mused, "Yes...you can. I've seen it. I'm not trying to minimize Jason's actions, but he was nothing compared to the one I was suppose to marry. He was.....pure evil!" Cassandra sighed as if she had just moved a heavy weight off her mind.
"Hey! I thought my dad said you weren't supposed to be up out of bed!" Seth declared as he walked over to Cassandra, wiping his hands on a towel. He gently took her by the arm, but she resisted.
"Look, my headache is gone and my balance is back! I'm not one to lie in bed all day!" she complained.
"Still, you need to rest at least one more day!" and then Seth firmly took Cassandra up by the arm and led her reluctantly back to the bed. "If you get out one more time, I'll call my dad and send Gabby home!"
"My, my, what force! You know, I could drop you right where you stand!" she teased.
"Yeah, as if! I don't think so, Cassandra! Now, get into...." and the next thing Seth knew, he fell forward against the bed.
"Oops, did you trip?" Cassandra asked, concerned. "Here, let me help you up!" She reached out to assist him.
He waived his hand at her and grumbled, "Hey, I can get myself back up. How'd you do that anyway?"
"What? You tripped! That rug by the bed does it all the time to me!" she answered.
Seth looked down and saw the edge of the rug pulled up as if it had been stumbled over. "Ah, guess I did after all. Hmmmm...I never trip." he said, puzzled as he straightened himself back up to a stand.
"Guess there's a first time for everything, huh!" Cassandra observed casually. Then, she eased reluctantly back into bed. Seth adjusted the covers over her. As he walked back around the end of the bed to exit the room, she watched him thoughtfully.
"I'll be going back home now. Oh, and you've been invited over for Thanksgiving dinner! No buts!" he said, smiling.
"Okay....LEO!" Cassandra teased.
Seth chuckled all the way down the stairs.
*****
She was better by Monday morning, so Leo released her. "I may not sleep for the next week! I've had more than enough time lying down." Cassandra grumbled happily. "Thanks for your care, Leo!"
He bowed slightly and smiled, "My pleasure, Cassandra!" Leo gave her some of his dry herbal tea to continue his form of antibiotics. She was quite impressed with the selection of leaves and grasses he used. They talked about the different teas they employed for a variety of ailments. Gabby and Seth both decided that as far as one being more impressed by the other, it was a tie between Leo and Cassandra.
"Where did you learn about medicinal herbs?" Leo had asked her.
"Oh, from a variety of sources; Japan, for one." Cassandra had replied." And, you?"
"From my mentor and also while I've been living in Japan. Interesting." Leo answered, studying this friend of Gabby's. "Maybe one day we can compare notes and see if we could add to each other's arsenal." He suggested.
Cassandra replied, smiling, "That would be very beneficial, I think!"
After Leo had left, Gabby stayed behind for a while as Seth waited impatiently. He wanted to get her home. The professor was anxious to see her and had said as much to him the night before.
"Are you going to be alright?" Gabby asked her friend.
"Yes, I'm feeling much better! Though, my back aches a little from being in bed so much. I'll probably take a walk around town to stretch it out. " she said. Then, Cassandra asked, "Would you like to join me?"
Gabby looked back at Seth imploringly. He rolled his eyes and then nodded, "As long as I can come along!"
Gabby kissed him, "Of course! Just behave your self!" she teased.
"Hey, you're the one that's always making trouble!" he replied defensively. Gabby just laughed at him.
The streets were nearly deserted since it was still a couple hours before the shops opened up. The air was chilly, so the three had on coats for warmth. Seth had his arm around Gabby's waste, holding her close, with Cassandra on the other side of her. "You two look so cute!" she gushed. "Perfectly adorable!" and smiled at them.
Seth was a little uncomfortable with the sentiment and he blushed little. But Gabby giggled and she leaned her head onto his shoulder as they walked along.
It was a very quiet morning, the crispness of the air bringing back to Gabby the feeling of the holidays. She knew the weather would be different for her this Christmas and lamented, "I'll miss the snow this year! It was always so beautiful back in Connecticut! I loved to go ice-skating at this pond the professor took me to. It froze over each year. It wasn't very deep, but it was a clean pond; no rocks or water plants to worry about except by the edge. It was so much fun!"
"You ice skate, Gabs?" Seth asked her as they walked around the corner and headed west onto Ocean Avenue.
"Yes, I do. I brought my skates along, just in case. I dunno, maybe it was a wasted effort. I don't think I'll find too many frozen ponds here in California - at least, not here in Carmel!" and she laughed.
"Monterey has an ice rink; maybe we can go over there sometime before Thanksgiving!" Seth suggested.
"Oh, that would be wonderful. I would love to do that!" and she hugged him.
He gently pushed her away, saying, "Not in public, Gabby!" and smiled at her. He was more noticeable of that fact this time than when he kissed her on the beach so many weeks ago. He was also mindful of the fact that Cassandra was watching them.
Gabby brightened as she glanced over at Cassandra with a mischievous wink. She then turned back to Seth, planting a big kiss on his cheek. "Okay, I'll just kiss you then!" and giggled.
"GABBY! Quit it! "and he laughed back at her, hugging her tighter.
A few more people appeared on the street and shopkeepers arrived to open up their stores. Some saw Cassandra and waved at her in recognition. She acknowledged them and waved back, smiling.
"Looks like you're back on your feet, Cassie!" one older man said as they passed him. He was sweeping the walkway in front of his store.
"Yep, had the best care, too!" and she stroked Gabby's head.
"Glad for that! We've missed you at the Beaches! Will you be there for breakfast tomorrow?" he asked, stopping his work.
"I'll try." she replied.
"How about Thanksgiving? Me and my missus have an extra seat at our table if you want to join us." he invited.
"That's very sweet of you, but I've already had an offer!" she smiled and looked over at Seth.
Gabby became quiet as they continued on walking, which Seth noticed right away, "Are you okay, Gabs?"
"Yeah, just....thinking." she answered him. "Cassandra, what's the 'Beaches'?"
"It's really called Carmel Beach Cafe, but we call it the Beaches for short. Why?" she answered.
"Is there any place here in Carmel that's just called the Beaches?" the girl asked.
"Yes... that karaoke bar." Cassandra said. "Why do you ask?"
With her training now on hold due to her pregnancy and finally having that missing piece to pull the puzzle together, she was in a position to divulge what she knew about her father's assault. Gabriella then said something that made Seth stop in his tracks, "Seth, I think I know who beat up my dad!"
"Why didn't you tell us this before?!" Don tried to say calmly. He was angry with her, but considering her condition, he didn't want to upset her. They found that stress triggered her morning sickness, so everyone had tried to keep things stress-free for Gabriella.
She had just returned from Carmel after her walk with Cassandra. Her friend was curious about what she had said, but Seth explained it as nothing. Just a minor altercation his uncle had a while back. She seemed satisfied with his answer and dropped the subject.
However, on the way back to the house, Seth calmly chewed Gabby out about even mentioning it in Cassandra's presence. "Gabby, you need to remember who and what we are! We can't share things like that with people - even with your best friend! They ask questions that we can't answer!"
"I'm sorry, Seth, but I've been putting it off for so long and then when I heard Cassandra talk about that restaurant … it just came out!" Gabby apologized.
She was now standing in the gym before Don and his brothers, along with Devon and Seth. With exception to Seth being there, it brought back the memory of her first time before the counsel. It unnerved her initially, but she strengthened her resolve and replied to Don's question, "I'm sorry, but at the time I didn't have enough information. Besides, I was on restriction!" she explained.
"THAT could have been waived for this, all things considered!" Raph exclaimed, clearly not happy with his daughter, pregnant or otherwise.
She looked chagrined, but continued, "Anyway, when I saw that man at the karaoke bar and heard what he mumbled about my looking like someone he had beaten up, what you said," she looked at her father, " while you were still unconscious started to make sense. Caramel was not a candy but was really Carmel and 'beaches' meant that bar."
"Can you describe him to us?" Leo asked quietly. Gabby could detect an edge of irritation in his voice.
"Yes, but it would be better if I could see him and identify him that way." she answered cautiously.
"No. I don't want you going anywhere near that place!" Seth exclaimed. "Just tell us what he looks like!"
"There are a dozen people that look like him. What are you going to do, bring all of them in and the do a Q&A in the back of a room? No, either you take me to that bar this afternoon or I don't cooperate!" Gabby was taking a risk of getting all of them mad at her. However, she was counting on their desire to bring closure to this problem. She knew she was right; identifying him face to face was going to speed up the process of bringing the man and anyone else involved to justice.
There was a long moment of silence, but finally Don spoke, "Alright, but Seth and Devon will accompany you! I don't know how you're going to be able to move among them, though, and not take the risk of getting pushed onto that stage!"
"I won't get pushed. I'll walk on!!" she declared.
"WHAT? I don't think ....." Seth protested.
"THAT WAY....I'll have a better view. It would take too much time and may cause more attention if we wander around. If he's there, I'll let you know. If he's not, then I'll just sing one song and be done. I don't care if I get booed, all things considered about what was said regarding my last visit there." Gabby insisted. Her resolve was rock solid. "That's the only way this can be done expediently!" and she straightened up her posture.
Leo spoke next, "Gabby's right. We need to get this settled as soon as possible. Once we have the man identified, we can turn him over to the local law enforcement. As much as I would like to give that man a health dose of acupressure, the police need to be involved in this since they have Raph on record."
Mike then added, "One of us needs to be there, as well. Maybe Raph, so that this guy can react? Or...." looking over at his brother, "maybe two of us, just so that Raph doesn't jump the gun on this thing!" and he smiled a big toothy grin.
"Hey, I'm not going to go ballistic! For cry'n out loud, I couldn't pick him out even if he was the only guy standing! I still can't even remember how I even made it home!" Raph said defensively.
*****
Gabby was a little nervous and felt her insides start to quaver again. She was aware that no one outside the car would be able to see them, since the tint on the windows was pretty dark. They had parked as far from a street lamp as they could to take as much advantage of shadows as was possible. They waited in the Suburban for the crowd to gather at the karaoke bar. It was nearly seven in the evening, just about the right time for things to start getting busy. The music coming from the outdoor speakers was subdued, the new deejay keeping with the local noise ordinance restrictions.
Gabby remembered too well the last time she was here. Seth felt her hand tremble a little and gave her a reassuring squeeze, "You're going to be alright! This was your idea, you know!"
"I know." she replied softly.
Devon sat on the other side from Gabby. He squeezed her shoulder, "We'll be right there! Don't worry."
The three were sitting in the middle section of the Suburban, with Mike and Raph in front and Don and Leo in the very back. They waited silently, observing the people.
"Do you see him, yet, Gabs?" Leo asked.
"No, I don't. Sure would be convenient if he would walk on by, though!" she mused.
"Yep, sure would be." Don agreed. He really didn't want to have to discredit yet another deejay. But, if it came to that, he wouldn't hesitate. Hopefully, the holiday crowd hadn't started yet. Thanksgiving was still three days away; most of the crowd going in were locals and wouldn't have any need to bring cameras.
The crowd started getting a little thicker and that was Gabby's cue to join the throng. When a lull in the stream of people abated for a moment, Seth, Devon, and Gabby exited the car. They book ended her as they walked towards the bar. Raph and Leo followed a few paces behind.
Back in the suburban, Don move to the front seat next to Mike to watch the surrounding area. They would wait until it was certain that the man Gabby told them about was identified. Seth would return with Gabby to alert them.
As they strolled through a darker patch of shadows, Raph and Leo went stealth and split up, each taking an entrance to the bar. The two turtles waited outside, discretely taking advantage of the shadows provide there by the trees along the pathway. The lamplights gave off intermittent illumination and it was patchy at best.
Towards the side of the building and around the back where the ally was, it was dark - a perfect place for unsavory characters to do 'business'. Or, to hide the one who had arrived at the bar just before the turtles did!
Gabby made her way into the establishment. Most of the patrons were taller than she and her escorts, so they didn't cause too much of a stir initially. They waited out the current soloist as he tried to belt out a favorite country number. He was doing an admirable job, Gabby noted, but she wasn't too fond of country.
"Should I do this a canella, or with the music the deejay has?" Gabby asked. "I don't want him to get fired because of me!" she moaned softly.
"Gabby, we're just interested in getting the guy that beat Raph up!" Seth whispered. "Just do what you have to do!"
As the man finished, Gabby took a deep breath to steady her nerves and then walked up the steps to the stage.
"Hey, there's Kermit!!!" someone yelled.
Seth and Devon glowered, angry that anyone local would say, or even think, of such an insult. They looked quickly over to where they heard the comment, but for all the people, they couldn't discern who it came from. They looked back at Gabby, but she shrugged her shoulders slightly, telling them that she was at a loss who had said it, too.
"What's yer pl'ay'sure, sweetca'e'kes!" the deejay drawled in a thick Texas accent.
Gabby thought about it and then asked if he had Love Changes Everything.
"Sure 'nuff do. Don't mind a little Brightwell rit 'bout now. Hold on a min'it, gotta find 'er first." he assured her. After a moment, he shouted, "Found it!" and started up the machine.
Then, the music started and the intro began. Gabby peered out among the mass of people who were now crowding around the front of the stage. Some were heckling her as a phony and, though it hurt deeply, Gabby strengthened her resolve. She was going to find the man who hurt her father one way or another, even if it meant receiving ridicule from these people.
Then, her voice filled the room and even though many were convinced she was faking it, the crowd was hushed.
Gabby looked out at the different faces, trying to add her take on everyone as part of her song. She was determined to get completely through the number while at the same time looking for that man. There were so many people, though!
Just as the instrumental part of the song same around, she thought she saw him! About that time, the music died. Someone seemed to have pulled the plug on the karaoke machine! Was it that same man?
Seth swore under his breath, but when he saw the expression that Gabby gave him, he looked at her. She was telling him with her eyes she had found the man!
Not missing a beat for fear it would break the affect she was having on the crowd, Gabby continued singing, but a cappella. She saw the deejay work frantically to find out the reason for the music dying. She knew then that there would be no mistaking that she was truly singing. Everyone would know that she was indeed legitimate. It scared her when she realized the outdoor speakers would now feature only her voice! But she didn't have the option to stop.
Gabby could see the reaction from the crowd as they realized the truth. Sudden gasps of ahs and oohs were heard and then silence as they turned their attention to this humanoid reptile with the beautiful voice. She had to keep singing to keep their attention onto her - and not on the ninjas who were now making their way carefully over to the man Gabby had silently identified to Seth.
He had seen her eyes speak to him - "Pay attention", they told him. He followed her gaze - "Look over there to your left!" he sensed her saying as she turned her head. "See that man by the far side of the stage" was the next thought that came to him. Was he really 'hearing' her the way his father and uncles communicated with each other? He didn't like practicing that aspect of ninjitsu since it went against everything he believed possible based on his Christian belief. Yet the sense of what she was telling him was unmistakable! He saw the man and the look on the human's face was full of pure contempt and hate. Seth didn't have any problem reading it - or recognizing the person.
The man was Jason's step-father!
Cassandra good naturedly teased, "Now, Leo, how are you even going to know? You aren't telepathic, are you?" and she laughed. Leo was not amused, at least, that's the impression he gave her. But, try as he would to be serious, Cassandra saw right through the facade. "You can't fool me! There was a hint of a smile - I saw it!" and laughed again!
Leo just shook his head, amused by her banter. "I'm serious! Do not get out of that bed! Gabby is perfectly capable of assisting you! And, I'm serious about moving in here if you disobey!" he said before leaving.
Gabby was thrilled to take care of her friend. It had been a while since she had done any cooking, so with Seth to watch things, she walked over to a nearby market for supplies.
She had never been to a grocery store before, but with the cash she had in her pocket that Cassandra had given to her, Gabby was determined to spend it wisely. With some assistance from the manager, she was able to procure the ingredients that she needed, heading back to the shop in quick order.
While the meal was cooking, Gabby had Seth carry the small dinette table upstairs so that the two of them could eat comfortably in Cassandra's bedroom.
"What are you making, Gabby?" the woman asked, "It smells delicious!"
"It's a surprise, so you'll have to wait." Her friend replied.
When Gabby brought the meal upstairs to serve, she heard Cassandra exclaim, "Lasagna; my favorite!"
Gabby couldn't have been happier! She smiled appreciatively as her friend dug into her serving and seemed to enjoy what she was eating.
Seth sampled some of the pasta and he seemed to like it as well, which pleased him that Gabby was more than a decent cook! "Looks like I'm not going to starve after all once we get married!" he joked, taking another bite.
Gabby looked at him, not amused, "Oh, so you were concerned?"
Seth looked up slowly from his plate and saw the serious expression on her face, "Ah, well... not exactly, but since you've been living at the house … I've never seen you cook." He said between bites, chewing thoughtfully and wondering what he'd done now.
Cassandra smirked and tried to ignore the growing confrontation. But, she watched with great intent as she saw Gabby's color darken.
"Well, I've never seen you do dishes, either, so maybe you ought to start!" Gabby chided, just a little miffed..
Cassandra laughed, completely amused by Seth's look of surprise.
"You walked into that one, I think!" she teased him.
Later, while Seth washed up the dinner dishes, Gabby spent time that evening with Cassandra and talked about her career in theater.
"I just sort of fell into it, one would say!" Cassandra began. "I was looking for work after....well, after my job took a turn. I had taken vocal and dance lessons for years but never really considered using that talent for making a living. There was a casting-call that came out at the local theater for actors and I thought, 'why not?' and auditioned! I was surprised when they hired me on the spot! Just about took my breath away. And, that was the beginning!"
"When did you meet Serena?" Gabby asked.
"Oh, a few years later. She was hired to understudy for a play I was in and we hit it off! She's was quite young but became a good friend to me in New York! However, eventually her hectic schedule and my nomadic life style back, we ended up losing touch. It was quite surprising to see her that night at the concert!"
"What kind of nomadic lifestyle?" Gabby inquired.
"Oh, just moving around. I don't like to stay put for too long. I get too comfortable and lose my focus on life. Like staying in bed for two days! Gad, I need to get out of this bed! It's driving me nuts!" Cassandra grumbled.
"Well, Leo wants you to stay put, so...." Gabby reminded her friend.
"Is Seth done with the dishes, yet?" she asked.
Gabby went over to the doorway and looked down the stairwell, "How's it coming down there, Seth?" she asked.
"What'd you do? Use every pot and pan in the cupboard! Sheesh, there's a ton of stuff to clean, Gabs!" Seth complained loudly.
Gabby laughed and then turned back around, but Cassandra was not in her bed!! She looked around and then saw her over by the window. "Hey, you're supposed to stay put, remember?" Gabby said as she walked over to her.
"I miss my customers! And, I miss my neighbors, too. Leo won't know, Gabby; so just chill." She said.
Cassandra sat down on the seat the bay window provided. "I love to watch the people at night after the store is closed." she smiled, "Sometimes, couples will walk hand in hand down Lincoln and think they're alone. Fortunately, the only romantic interludes I've witnessed were an occasional kiss. But, it's so sweet!"
"We're you ever married?" Gabriella asked as she came around to where her friend sat and joined her on the window seat.
"Almost. I was sort of promised to someone a long time ago when I was just a girl. Younger than you, in fact! But, he ....turned out to be a creep, kind of like Jason, only a lot worse." Cassandra mused.
"Oh, I don't think you can get any worse than Jason!" Gabby laughed nervously.
Cassandra had a far away look. Then mused, "Yes...you can. I've seen it. I'm not trying to minimize Jason's actions, but he was nothing compared to the one I was suppose to marry. He was.....pure evil!" Cassandra sighed as if she had just moved a heavy weight off her mind.
"Hey! I thought my dad said you weren't supposed to be up out of bed!" Seth declared as he walked over to Cassandra, wiping his hands on a towel. He gently took her by the arm, but she resisted.
"Look, my headache is gone and my balance is back! I'm not one to lie in bed all day!" she complained.
"Still, you need to rest at least one more day!" and then Seth firmly took Cassandra up by the arm and led her reluctantly back to the bed. "If you get out one more time, I'll call my dad and send Gabby home!"
"My, my, what force! You know, I could drop you right where you stand!" she teased.
"Yeah, as if! I don't think so, Cassandra! Now, get into...." and the next thing Seth knew, he fell forward against the bed.
"Oops, did you trip?" Cassandra asked, concerned. "Here, let me help you up!" She reached out to assist him.
He waived his hand at her and grumbled, "Hey, I can get myself back up. How'd you do that anyway?"
"What? You tripped! That rug by the bed does it all the time to me!" she answered.
Seth looked down and saw the edge of the rug pulled up as if it had been stumbled over. "Ah, guess I did after all. Hmmmm...I never trip." he said, puzzled as he straightened himself back up to a stand.
"Guess there's a first time for everything, huh!" Cassandra observed casually. Then, she eased reluctantly back into bed. Seth adjusted the covers over her. As he walked back around the end of the bed to exit the room, she watched him thoughtfully.
"I'll be going back home now. Oh, and you've been invited over for Thanksgiving dinner! No buts!" he said, smiling.
"Okay....LEO!" Cassandra teased.
Seth chuckled all the way down the stairs.
*****
She was better by Monday morning, so Leo released her. "I may not sleep for the next week! I've had more than enough time lying down." Cassandra grumbled happily. "Thanks for your care, Leo!"
He bowed slightly and smiled, "My pleasure, Cassandra!" Leo gave her some of his dry herbal tea to continue his form of antibiotics. She was quite impressed with the selection of leaves and grasses he used. They talked about the different teas they employed for a variety of ailments. Gabby and Seth both decided that as far as one being more impressed by the other, it was a tie between Leo and Cassandra.
"Where did you learn about medicinal herbs?" Leo had asked her.
"Oh, from a variety of sources; Japan, for one." Cassandra had replied." And, you?"
"From my mentor and also while I've been living in Japan. Interesting." Leo answered, studying this friend of Gabby's. "Maybe one day we can compare notes and see if we could add to each other's arsenal." He suggested.
Cassandra replied, smiling, "That would be very beneficial, I think!"
After Leo had left, Gabby stayed behind for a while as Seth waited impatiently. He wanted to get her home. The professor was anxious to see her and had said as much to him the night before.
"Are you going to be alright?" Gabby asked her friend.
"Yes, I'm feeling much better! Though, my back aches a little from being in bed so much. I'll probably take a walk around town to stretch it out. " she said. Then, Cassandra asked, "Would you like to join me?"
Gabby looked back at Seth imploringly. He rolled his eyes and then nodded, "As long as I can come along!"
Gabby kissed him, "Of course! Just behave your self!" she teased.
"Hey, you're the one that's always making trouble!" he replied defensively. Gabby just laughed at him.
The streets were nearly deserted since it was still a couple hours before the shops opened up. The air was chilly, so the three had on coats for warmth. Seth had his arm around Gabby's waste, holding her close, with Cassandra on the other side of her. "You two look so cute!" she gushed. "Perfectly adorable!" and smiled at them.
Seth was a little uncomfortable with the sentiment and he blushed little. But Gabby giggled and she leaned her head onto his shoulder as they walked along.
It was a very quiet morning, the crispness of the air bringing back to Gabby the feeling of the holidays. She knew the weather would be different for her this Christmas and lamented, "I'll miss the snow this year! It was always so beautiful back in Connecticut! I loved to go ice-skating at this pond the professor took me to. It froze over each year. It wasn't very deep, but it was a clean pond; no rocks or water plants to worry about except by the edge. It was so much fun!"
"You ice skate, Gabs?" Seth asked her as they walked around the corner and headed west onto Ocean Avenue.
"Yes, I do. I brought my skates along, just in case. I dunno, maybe it was a wasted effort. I don't think I'll find too many frozen ponds here in California - at least, not here in Carmel!" and she laughed.
"Monterey has an ice rink; maybe we can go over there sometime before Thanksgiving!" Seth suggested.
"Oh, that would be wonderful. I would love to do that!" and she hugged him.
He gently pushed her away, saying, "Not in public, Gabby!" and smiled at her. He was more noticeable of that fact this time than when he kissed her on the beach so many weeks ago. He was also mindful of the fact that Cassandra was watching them.
Gabby brightened as she glanced over at Cassandra with a mischievous wink. She then turned back to Seth, planting a big kiss on his cheek. "Okay, I'll just kiss you then!" and giggled.
"GABBY! Quit it! "and he laughed back at her, hugging her tighter.
A few more people appeared on the street and shopkeepers arrived to open up their stores. Some saw Cassandra and waved at her in recognition. She acknowledged them and waved back, smiling.
"Looks like you're back on your feet, Cassie!" one older man said as they passed him. He was sweeping the walkway in front of his store.
"Yep, had the best care, too!" and she stroked Gabby's head.
"Glad for that! We've missed you at the Beaches! Will you be there for breakfast tomorrow?" he asked, stopping his work.
"I'll try." she replied.
"How about Thanksgiving? Me and my missus have an extra seat at our table if you want to join us." he invited.
"That's very sweet of you, but I've already had an offer!" she smiled and looked over at Seth.
Gabby became quiet as they continued on walking, which Seth noticed right away, "Are you okay, Gabs?"
"Yeah, just....thinking." she answered him. "Cassandra, what's the 'Beaches'?"
"It's really called Carmel Beach Cafe, but we call it the Beaches for short. Why?" she answered.
"Is there any place here in Carmel that's just called the Beaches?" the girl asked.
"Yes... that karaoke bar." Cassandra said. "Why do you ask?"
With her training now on hold due to her pregnancy and finally having that missing piece to pull the puzzle together, she was in a position to divulge what she knew about her father's assault. Gabriella then said something that made Seth stop in his tracks, "Seth, I think I know who beat up my dad!"
"Why didn't you tell us this before?!" Don tried to say calmly. He was angry with her, but considering her condition, he didn't want to upset her. They found that stress triggered her morning sickness, so everyone had tried to keep things stress-free for Gabriella.
She had just returned from Carmel after her walk with Cassandra. Her friend was curious about what she had said, but Seth explained it as nothing. Just a minor altercation his uncle had a while back. She seemed satisfied with his answer and dropped the subject.
However, on the way back to the house, Seth calmly chewed Gabby out about even mentioning it in Cassandra's presence. "Gabby, you need to remember who and what we are! We can't share things like that with people - even with your best friend! They ask questions that we can't answer!"
"I'm sorry, Seth, but I've been putting it off for so long and then when I heard Cassandra talk about that restaurant … it just came out!" Gabby apologized.
She was now standing in the gym before Don and his brothers, along with Devon and Seth. With exception to Seth being there, it brought back the memory of her first time before the counsel. It unnerved her initially, but she strengthened her resolve and replied to Don's question, "I'm sorry, but at the time I didn't have enough information. Besides, I was on restriction!" she explained.
"THAT could have been waived for this, all things considered!" Raph exclaimed, clearly not happy with his daughter, pregnant or otherwise.
She looked chagrined, but continued, "Anyway, when I saw that man at the karaoke bar and heard what he mumbled about my looking like someone he had beaten up, what you said," she looked at her father, " while you were still unconscious started to make sense. Caramel was not a candy but was really Carmel and 'beaches' meant that bar."
"Can you describe him to us?" Leo asked quietly. Gabby could detect an edge of irritation in his voice.
"Yes, but it would be better if I could see him and identify him that way." she answered cautiously.
"No. I don't want you going anywhere near that place!" Seth exclaimed. "Just tell us what he looks like!"
"There are a dozen people that look like him. What are you going to do, bring all of them in and the do a Q&A in the back of a room? No, either you take me to that bar this afternoon or I don't cooperate!" Gabby was taking a risk of getting all of them mad at her. However, she was counting on their desire to bring closure to this problem. She knew she was right; identifying him face to face was going to speed up the process of bringing the man and anyone else involved to justice.
There was a long moment of silence, but finally Don spoke, "Alright, but Seth and Devon will accompany you! I don't know how you're going to be able to move among them, though, and not take the risk of getting pushed onto that stage!"
"I won't get pushed. I'll walk on!!" she declared.
"WHAT? I don't think ....." Seth protested.
"THAT WAY....I'll have a better view. It would take too much time and may cause more attention if we wander around. If he's there, I'll let you know. If he's not, then I'll just sing one song and be done. I don't care if I get booed, all things considered about what was said regarding my last visit there." Gabby insisted. Her resolve was rock solid. "That's the only way this can be done expediently!" and she straightened up her posture.
Leo spoke next, "Gabby's right. We need to get this settled as soon as possible. Once we have the man identified, we can turn him over to the local law enforcement. As much as I would like to give that man a health dose of acupressure, the police need to be involved in this since they have Raph on record."
Mike then added, "One of us needs to be there, as well. Maybe Raph, so that this guy can react? Or...." looking over at his brother, "maybe two of us, just so that Raph doesn't jump the gun on this thing!" and he smiled a big toothy grin.
"Hey, I'm not going to go ballistic! For cry'n out loud, I couldn't pick him out even if he was the only guy standing! I still can't even remember how I even made it home!" Raph said defensively.
*****
Gabby was a little nervous and felt her insides start to quaver again. She was aware that no one outside the car would be able to see them, since the tint on the windows was pretty dark. They had parked as far from a street lamp as they could to take as much advantage of shadows as was possible. They waited in the Suburban for the crowd to gather at the karaoke bar. It was nearly seven in the evening, just about the right time for things to start getting busy. The music coming from the outdoor speakers was subdued, the new deejay keeping with the local noise ordinance restrictions.
Gabby remembered too well the last time she was here. Seth felt her hand tremble a little and gave her a reassuring squeeze, "You're going to be alright! This was your idea, you know!"
"I know." she replied softly.
Devon sat on the other side from Gabby. He squeezed her shoulder, "We'll be right there! Don't worry."
The three were sitting in the middle section of the Suburban, with Mike and Raph in front and Don and Leo in the very back. They waited silently, observing the people.
"Do you see him, yet, Gabs?" Leo asked.
"No, I don't. Sure would be convenient if he would walk on by, though!" she mused.
"Yep, sure would be." Don agreed. He really didn't want to have to discredit yet another deejay. But, if it came to that, he wouldn't hesitate. Hopefully, the holiday crowd hadn't started yet. Thanksgiving was still three days away; most of the crowd going in were locals and wouldn't have any need to bring cameras.
The crowd started getting a little thicker and that was Gabby's cue to join the throng. When a lull in the stream of people abated for a moment, Seth, Devon, and Gabby exited the car. They book ended her as they walked towards the bar. Raph and Leo followed a few paces behind.
Back in the suburban, Don move to the front seat next to Mike to watch the surrounding area. They would wait until it was certain that the man Gabby told them about was identified. Seth would return with Gabby to alert them.
As they strolled through a darker patch of shadows, Raph and Leo went stealth and split up, each taking an entrance to the bar. The two turtles waited outside, discretely taking advantage of the shadows provide there by the trees along the pathway. The lamplights gave off intermittent illumination and it was patchy at best.
Towards the side of the building and around the back where the ally was, it was dark - a perfect place for unsavory characters to do 'business'. Or, to hide the one who had arrived at the bar just before the turtles did!
Gabby made her way into the establishment. Most of the patrons were taller than she and her escorts, so they didn't cause too much of a stir initially. They waited out the current soloist as he tried to belt out a favorite country number. He was doing an admirable job, Gabby noted, but she wasn't too fond of country.
"Should I do this a canella, or with the music the deejay has?" Gabby asked. "I don't want him to get fired because of me!" she moaned softly.
"Gabby, we're just interested in getting the guy that beat Raph up!" Seth whispered. "Just do what you have to do!"
As the man finished, Gabby took a deep breath to steady her nerves and then walked up the steps to the stage.
"Hey, there's Kermit!!!" someone yelled.
Seth and Devon glowered, angry that anyone local would say, or even think, of such an insult. They looked quickly over to where they heard the comment, but for all the people, they couldn't discern who it came from. They looked back at Gabby, but she shrugged her shoulders slightly, telling them that she was at a loss who had said it, too.
"What's yer pl'ay'sure, sweetca'e'kes!" the deejay drawled in a thick Texas accent.
Gabby thought about it and then asked if he had Love Changes Everything.
"Sure 'nuff do. Don't mind a little Brightwell rit 'bout now. Hold on a min'it, gotta find 'er first." he assured her. After a moment, he shouted, "Found it!" and started up the machine.
Then, the music started and the intro began. Gabby peered out among the mass of people who were now crowding around the front of the stage. Some were heckling her as a phony and, though it hurt deeply, Gabby strengthened her resolve. She was going to find the man who hurt her father one way or another, even if it meant receiving ridicule from these people.
Then, her voice filled the room and even though many were convinced she was faking it, the crowd was hushed.
Gabby looked out at the different faces, trying to add her take on everyone as part of her song. She was determined to get completely through the number while at the same time looking for that man. There were so many people, though!
Just as the instrumental part of the song same around, she thought she saw him! About that time, the music died. Someone seemed to have pulled the plug on the karaoke machine! Was it that same man?
Seth swore under his breath, but when he saw the expression that Gabby gave him, he looked at her. She was telling him with her eyes she had found the man!
Not missing a beat for fear it would break the affect she was having on the crowd, Gabby continued singing, but a cappella. She saw the deejay work frantically to find out the reason for the music dying. She knew then that there would be no mistaking that she was truly singing. Everyone would know that she was indeed legitimate. It scared her when she realized the outdoor speakers would now feature only her voice! But she didn't have the option to stop.
Gabby could see the reaction from the crowd as they realized the truth. Sudden gasps of ahs and oohs were heard and then silence as they turned their attention to this humanoid reptile with the beautiful voice. She had to keep singing to keep their attention onto her - and not on the ninjas who were now making their way carefully over to the man Gabby had silently identified to Seth.
He had seen her eyes speak to him - "Pay attention", they told him. He followed her gaze - "Look over there to your left!" he sensed her saying as she turned her head. "See that man by the far side of the stage" was the next thought that came to him. Was he really 'hearing' her the way his father and uncles communicated with each other? He didn't like practicing that aspect of ninjitsu since it went against everything he believed possible based on his Christian belief. Yet the sense of what she was telling him was unmistakable! He saw the man and the look on the human's face was full of pure contempt and hate. Seth didn't have any problem reading it - or recognizing the person.
The man was Jason's step-father!
