Chapter 30: Charlie's
Saturday evening rolled around quickly, and found Murdock pacing in the dining room, looking at his watch.
"Nancy, come on," Murdock called up the stairs, "We're gonna be late!"
Nancy came downstairs, "I'm ready . . . I think."
Murdock smiled at her - he wasn't used to seeing her so nervous. And the closer time to leave had gotten, the more nervous she had become, "Let's go, Short Cake - We're gonna be late as it is."
She looked down at her clothes, "Do I look OK?" she asked uncertainly, "I feel like a beached whale, but the maternity stuff is all that fits now. Trix helped me find something that seemed to hide the belly some . . . more of a killer whale size instead of a blue whale . . . It's OK isn't it?"
He pulled her into his arms, "I think you look beautiful!" he said ardently.
Nancy had her hands against his chest, and smiled up at him, "You're just infatuated," she accused teasingly.
"If you didn't want my opinion, why did you ask?"
Nancy broke out of his arms, and started towards the door, picking up her guitar on the way, "We're gonna be late."
Murdock followed with a scowl, "I just said that . . ."
They arrived at Charlie's a little after 7. Nancy's eyes grew round at the site of an overflowing parking lot. Charlie had obviously attracted quite a crowd. Murdock had to practically drag her inside. They entered through the back door, and went to Charlie's office.
Jazz and Terra were already there, Jazz had come early to set up the speakers and sound equipment and her keyboard/synthesizer. She looked at Nancy with a huge smile, "Quite a crowd, huh?" she was obviously thrilled.
Murdock looked at his wife uncertainly, "I was surprised at how full the lot was. Folks are parkin' on the street."
Nancy pursed her lips, and she could hear the dull roar coming from the main bar area, "Is it crowded?" she asked apprehensively.
Jazz nodded, but added judiciously, "You know a lot of the people out there. Joe said you've worked with one or the other of them over the years . . ." if she had thought this was going to help set Nancy's mind at ease, she was mistaken.
Nancy went out the door, and down the hall, with Murdock close on her heels. She peeked out into the bar and gasped. Charlie had set up a makeshift stage just to the right of the entrance to the back hallway. Tables crowded up to the front of the stage, and there were so many people crowded up against the bar that it would have been difficult to move through the room. Nancy recognized a great many of the people in the room, mostly from her dealings with the local police.
Pulling her head back into the hall, she leaned against the wall. Looking at Murdock, she shook her head, "Joe was right - half the force is here," she said miserably, "This was a big mistake. Those people are going to eat me alive."
Murdock put his hands on her shoulders, "They're here because you're their friend and they want to support you. You're panicking over nothing."
Nancy looked at him disbelievingly, "Nothing? Those people are vicious. You've never worked with them. They tease, and harass, and . . ."
Murdock interrupted her, "They wouldn't do that if they didn't like you Nancy. Geez, I feel like I'm talking to a kid. You can do this, and you will do this. You promised Jazz. You can see how excited she is. You'll be fine - just . . . get a grip," he gave her a little shake to emphasize his point.
Nancy took a deep breath, "OK, you're right . . ."
Murdock looked out in the room, and raised a hand in greeting to someone out of Nancy's line of site. He looked back down at her, "Look, Joe and Trixie, Face and Amy, Maggie and Hannibal, BA and Char, your Dad and I - we'll be sitting right down front. They've already got a couple tables saved. Just focus on us and pretend you're on the back deck singin', nothing unusual."
Nancy nodded, "I can do this," she didn't sound convinced, but she stood and headed back down the hall to Charlie's office.
Jasmine took in Nancy pallor when she entered and walked over, putting an arm around her shoulders, "It'll be great, Nan - you just need to get over that initial stage fright," she said soothingly.
Nancy nodded, and Jazz continued, "I have to admit, I'm kinda jealous - most of those folks are here to see you, not me," she sighed dejectedly.
Terra walked over and put an arm around her mother's waist, "That may be, but your two biggest fans will be in the audience!" she said encouragingly.
Nancy shrugged out of Jazz's embrace, and walked over to open her guitar case, "I'll be fine," she said, sounding like she was trying to convince herself, more than anyone else in the room.
Jazz chuckled, "You know, I've watched you stand up to a maniac with a gun, and here you are, scared to sing in front of a room full of friendly people," she said incredulously, "You are one strange lady."
Murdock was nodding in agreement, "I've said the same thing," he said, "she has no problem taking down some armed nutcase, but she's terrified of singing in front of a bunch of friends. Makes no sense."
Nancy turned and looked at her husband, "Shouldn't you go sit down?" she said irritably.
Murdock looked at her appraisingly, "Only if you promise you aren't gonna run away," he said sternly.
She gave him an impatient glare, "I'm not going anywhere."
Murdock turned to Terra, "I think I'd better get outta here, Muchacha," he said hastily, "Before I end up sleepin' on the couch."
He stepped behind Nancy and put his hands on her shoulders, "Good luck, Short Cake," he said, leaning down and kissing her cheek.
Nancy smiled and turned towards him and they kissed lingeringly. Nancy finally gave him a push towards the door, "Go on, get outta here. We've gotta get ready."
Terra laughed, and gave her mother a kiss on the cheek, "Break a leg, Mom!"
She turned and ran to Nancy, putting an arm around her shoulders and giving her a kiss on the cheek as well, "Good luck, Nan, and thanks for everything. Guess I didn't realize how hard this was gonna be for you. But I really, really, really appreciate it!"
Nancy looked at her affectionately, "Anytime, kiddo," she said. As Murdock and Terra headed down the hall, Nancy turned, "She's a terrific kid, Jazz," she said, "I wouldn't have done this for many people."
Jazz smiled in agreement, "I know, I'm a lucky lady to have a kid like that. And a friend like you," she added sincerely.
Charlie clapped his hands together in anticipation as he walked in at that moment, causing them both to jump, "Well, ladies, I think we're fashionably late enough. The natives are getting restless. Are you ready to go?"
Jasmine looked at Nancy askently, "I'm ready if you are . . ."
Nancy started towards the door in answer, "Let's get this over with," she said determinedly.
Charlie stepped up to the microphone and turned it on, "Good evening, folks," he said enthusiastically, "It's nice to see such an enthusiastic crowd here tonight!"
Someone called from the back of the room, "You just see dollar signs, Charlie!"
Charlie grinned tolerantly, "Being a business man, I can't argue, but I do think you will all be very please with the entertainment I've managed to line up for the evening."
He turned and motioned Nancy and Jazz up to the stage, "Tonight, we will be regaled with the dulcet music of Jasmine Walker and Nancy Murdock. I've gotten to hear them practice a couple times, and I'm sure you'll be pleased."
Again, from the back of the room, someone called, "Charlie, did ya frisk Nan and make sure she didn't come on stage armed and dangerous""
Charlie turned and looked at Nancy in consideration. Her face had reddened slightly at the comment, but she was grinning good-naturedly. Charlie's face broke into a broad grin as he turned back to the mike and offered teasingly, "Anyone that thinks they can frisk her without getting their arm broke is welcome to try!"
"Not with her husband sittin' in the front row!" Came the reply, to ripples of laughter.
Murdock glanced back, then turned to Joe, who was sitting on his right, "Who was that?" he asked quietly.
Joe shook his head smiling, "You're better off not knowing, HM," he said knowingly, "They're just teasing - you don't have anything to worry about." Murdock didn't look convinced and glanced towards the back of the room again, before settling down in his seat. Nancy caught his eye, and he saw the amused look on her face - she knew who was cat calling and seemed unperturbed by it. In fact, the exchange seemed to be helping her relax.
Charlie waved his arms, "Alright, let's get on with the show. Please put your hands together for Jazz and Nan!"
Nancy stepped up to the mike, as the smattering of applause died down. She glanced over at Jazz, then looked out at the crowd with a tentative smile, "Well, Jazz knew I was nervous about this whole thing, so we spent some time discussing what the first song should be, " she strummed a few chords, "Then Jazz introduced me to Mary Chapin-Carpenter, and the choice was pretty obvious. Those of you who know me, know that I have never been one to play it safe, and that's what this song is all about – taking chances."
Jazz set up the tempo and they began playing:
I took a walk in the rain one
day on the wrong side of the tracks
I stood on the rails till I saw that train
Just to see how my heart would react
Now some people say that you shouldn't tempt fate
And for them I would not disagree
But I never learned nothing from playing it safe
I say fate should not tempt me
I take my chances, I don't mind working without a net
I take my chances, I take my chances every chance I get
I sat alone in the dark one night, tuning in by remote
I found a preacher who spoke of the light but there was brimstone in his throat
He'd show me the way according to him in return for my personal check
I flipped my channel back to CNN and I lit another cigarette
I take my chances, forgiveness doesn't come with a debt
I take my chances, I take my chances every chance I get
I've crossed lines of words and wire and both have cut me deep
I've been frozen out and I've been on fire and the tears are mine to weep
Now I can cry until I laugh and laugh until I cry
So cut the deck right in half, I'll play from either side
I take my chances, I pay my dollar and I place my bet
I take my chances, I take my chances every chance I get
I take my chances, I don't cling to remorse or regret
I take my chances, I take my chances every chance I get
I take my chances
I take my chances
The applause was enthusiastic, and served to put both Nancy and Jazz at ease. They performed for the next hour. At the end of their show, Nancy stepped back to the mike after another round of applause, "Alright, well I don't know about Jazz, but it's gettin' to be a bit past my bedtime," she said to scattered laughter, "The last song we're gonna do is called Home, and was co-written by David Byrne. It's a special song to me, one that about three years ago I really learned the meaning of – this is for you, HM."
She looked down at Murdock with an affectionate smile, as they began the song:
Home
It's where I want to be
Pick me up and turn me on
I feel numb - born with a weak heart
I guess I must be having fun
The less we say about it the better
Let's make it up as we go along
Feet on the ground
Head in the clouds
I'm OK, I know nothing's wrong.
Hi ho got plenty of time
Hi ho you got light in your eyes
And you're standing here beside me
Out of the passage of time
Never for money
Always for love
Cover up and say goodnight . . . say goodnight
Home
It's where I want to be
But I guess I'm already there
I come home - -you lifted up your wings
I guess this must be the place
Because I can't tell one from another
Did I find you, or you find me?
There was a time before we were born
If someone asks, this where I'll be.
Hi ho We drift in and out
Hi ho sing into my mouth
Out of all those kinds of people
You got a face with a view
I'm just an animal looking for a home
Share the same space for a minute or two
Will you love me until my heart stops
Will you love me until I'm dead
You got eyes that light up, eyes of the truth
Cover up the blank spots
Hit me on the head.
Say goodnight . . . say goodnight.
Say goodnight.
The applause was loud and long, and Nancy and Jasmine both smiled and thanked the audience. Charlie came up to the front and held up a hand for quiet, "I did want to thank Jazz and Nan for coming tonight," more applause, "I also wanted to announce that we were able to collect $500 at the door tonight, and that money will be donated, in its entirety," he looked at Nancy pointedly, "to the Langley Community Center."
Charlie motioned for Charlotte to come up to the stage, and made a small ceremony out of handing her a check for the money. Char stepped up to the mike, "I'd just like to thank everyone for being so generous. I'd also like to thank Jazz and Nan, for sharing their talents with us tonight. Finally, I encourage everyone to donate some time to the youth of our community - they are our future, and any investment in them will pay us several-fold in rewards. Thanks, again!"
The applause lasted for some time, and ended with several people chanting for an encore. Nancy and Jazz stepped back on stage, and Jazz spoke into the mike, "I think we could probably oblige with an encore, does anyone have any requests?"
"Set the Prairie on Fire," was shouted loud and clear at the back of the room. Nancy looked decidedly uncomfortable with the suggestion, and Murdock had sat up straight, and was shaking his head 'no.'
Face, sitting on Murdock's left, turned to his friend, "What's that? I don't ever remember hearing Nan sing that song . . ."
Murdock looked at Face, "And if I have anything to say about it, you won't," he said adamantly.
Joe leaned over and looked at Face, "You ever get a chance, check out Shawn Colvin's Fat City album."
Trixie knew the song herself, and looked at Murdock with an amused smile, "It's just a song, HM," she said, "What can it hurt if Nan sings it?"
Meanwhile, Nancy stepped to the mike, "Any other suggestions? My husband doesn't look overly enamored of that one . . ."
There was some rumbling from the bar area, then a familiar voice shouted, "I've got another hundred dollar donation for the LCC if you sing Prairie."
Nancy looked out over the crowd, "Brett, that's a very generous offer, but . . ."
"It's not all my money," Brett said smiling, and turned as someone behind him talked to him, "Hey I'm up to $150 - how about it Nan. It's for a good cause. Convince her, Char."
Charlotte had been watching with interest, and couldn't resist the urge to tease Murdock - besides, it was for a good cause. She stepped back up on stage, and looked at Nancy beseechingly, "Brett's got a point, Nan, it is for a good cause," she turned to Jazz for support, "What do you think, Jazz?"
Jazz grinned, "It's OK with me . . ."
Nancy looked down at her husband, who shook his head 'no' once again. She laid her hand across the top of the guitar and looked down at the ground considering the offer. After a few seconds, she stepped to the mike once again, "Alright, but only if Charlie throws in another 50 bucks to make it an even $200," she capitulated with a smile.
At the cash register, Charlie waved a $50 bill, "You're gonna keep makin' me pay for this, aren't you Nan?" he called good-naturedly.
Murdock had slumped in his chair, and was sulking. He had wanted Nancy to sing, but he wasn't so sure about this. Charlie turned the house lights down, and Nancy shook her head self-consciously. Jazz played the opening chords, and Nancy started the guitar line, and sang:
Full, full moon and
That same sad nature
I wanna cover every inch of you
Like ink on paper
Like the blind parade of souls
Consumed by religion
I can't wait 'til I get you
In that defenseless position
When we set the prairie on fire
Oh we go down to the water
Naked and slow
You and me
And the heart of desire
We set the prairie on fire
How hard will the wind blow
How far will it go
When this feeling burns down
To one solitary color
The velocity of longing
Melting into each other
It's a song our fingers play
All at once and together
You can bet we never learned it
But we've known it forever
Oh I dreamed that we were flying
Carried up from the ashes
Black silhouettes of velvet
Against the crimson of passion
We can almost hear the echoes
From the smoldering meadow
It's the rapture of the angels
And the rage of the devil
When we set the prairie on fire
Oh we go down to the water
Naked and slow
You and me
And the heart of desire
We set the prairie on fire
How hard will the wind blow
How far will it go
In the cool dusk of horses
through the rusted wires of sleep
With our arms around midnight
We're headed for release
We go riding in the wind
We go riding in the dark
Go riding, riding, oh oh oh
When we set the prairie on fire
Oh we go down to the water
Naked and slow
You and me
And the heart of desire
We set the prairie on fire
How hard will the wind blow
How far will it go
How far will it go
How far will it go
Face turned to his best friend, who was still sulking, hunched down in his chair, "No wonder we never heard that one," he said quietly, a mischievous look on his face, "I'm feeling the urge to head home to bed right about now," he looked at Amy suggestively.
Amy just shook her head, "Six weeks, remember?"
Face grimaced, "No, I had forgotten . . ." he admitted regretfully.
Murdock sighed, "That's exactly why I didn't want her to sing it . . ."
The trailing music had ended, and the crowd was applauding, with several whistles and shouts. Jasmine and Nancy were saying their goodnights, once again and leaving the stage.
Joe clapped Murdock on the back, with a broad grin, and said, "Just think, HM, you're the one that gets to go home with her tonight. The rest of these poor saps just get to fantasize about it."
Trixie jabbed Joe in the ribs, "You better not be fantasizing about my best friend . . ." she said menacingly.
Joe winced, "I didn't mean me," he corrected hastily, "or any of the other guys that are already married . . ."
"I'd prefer to know that there aren't any single guys fantasizing about my wife either," Murdock said ruefully.
Joe chuckled, "What ya don't know won't hurt ya, HM."
Murdock stood up, and watched briefly as the crowd started to dissipate. Nancy came walking out of the back hall and over to their table. Murdock put an arm around her and they kissed tenderly. She smiled up at him, "So, how did we do?"
He smiled back, "It was a great show . . ."
Nancy looked at him, and said innocently, "I thought it went pretty well, especially Prairie."
Char jumped in, "Prairie was definitely a hit, with the LCC receiving another $200 to boot. Not bad for one itty bitty little song!"
Murdock smiled in surrender, "It is a great song," he agreed, then leaning down, he said in his wife's ear, "I wouldn't mind an encore performance . . . Tonight . . . With a lot less people around!"
Jazz, Terra and Blanche came walking through the crowd, with Charlie following close behind.
Jazz was smiling radiantly, "That went really well, Nan," she said happily.
"Yes it did, indeed," Charlie said triumphantly, "I can't wait until next week. This could be a very lucrative little deal. Well worth even the extra 50 bucks it took to get you to finish with Prairie. That'll be a regular favorite, I'm sure."
Nancy held out a hand to Charlie, "Alright, where's the other $150 for the Center?" she asked pointedly.
Charlie smiled, "Well, I told Brett to bring it over - he'll be over once the crowd thins some," Charlie caught the dark look that crossed Murdock's face and decided to fan the flames a bit, "He was taking bets back there like a casino craps table pro - he really wanted Nan to sing that song!"
Char smiled, "Well, it was very generous of everyone," she said sincerely, then patted Murdock's arm, "Including you, HM. It takes a lot of self-confidence to let your wife sing a song like that in front of a bunch of people."
Murdock sighed, "Or a lack of brains," he said uncertainly.
Nancy looked at him in mock severity, "Don't you trust me?"
Murdock raised his eyebrows, "I didn't say that . . ."
"No, but you implied it," Nancy pressed.
"I implied that I don't trust the men around here," Murdock said quietly, "especially that one," and he indicated Brett Katt, who was pushing through the crowd towards them at that moment.
Brett grinned as he walked up to Charlotte and handed her the money, "Here you go - did Charlie bring you his share?"
Char took the money, smiling, "Yep, I'm gonna need a police escort to get this money to the bank."
Joe laughed, "Half the force is here, only an idiot would try anything tonight!"
Brett clapped a brooding Murdock on the shoulder with a smile, "Thanks for being a sport, fly boy," then he leaned down and gave Nancy a kiss on the cheek, "Great show, Nan - looking forward to more," with a final wave, he headed out the back hall.
Jazz looked after him, then turned to Nancy, "So, he's single, huh?"
Nancy grinned, "Yep, would you like to be introduced?" she asked raising an eyebrow.
Jazz smiled, "I wouldn't mind," she said.
Murdock agreed, his expression somber "Neither would I. Maybe if he had a woman of his own, he'd stop hitting on my wife."
Nancy laughed, "Honestly, hun, I'm almost 5 months pregnant with twins – I don't think that's much of a turn-on. Brett's harmless, I think he just likes to get you spun up."
Murdock looked at her, thinking that she was pretty clueless about her attractiveness. His expression was still serious, "If he ever kisses you in front of me again, I'm gonna tear off his lips. We'll see who's spun up then."
Nancy stood on her tiptoes and kissed his cheek, "Did I ever tell you how cute you are when you're jealous?" she asked playfully.
He looked down at her, his expression softening. Finally he grinned self-deprecatingly, "Guess I did kinda over-react . . ."
Joe nodded, "And just for future reference, HM," he offered conspiratorially, "If you're gonna tear a cops lips off, I'd make sure there weren't other cops standing around to see."
It was late when they finally got home and went to bed. Nancy was laying on the bed watching the belly acrobatics when Murdock came in from the bathroom. He came over and sat on the bed, laying a hand on her rolling belly, "Boy the kids are active tonight," he said appreciatively.
Nancy laughed, "No kidding, feels like I got a couple of wrestling bear cubs in there!"
He smiled at her affectionately, "It was a lot of fun tonight," he said tentatively, "and you really seemed to enjoy yourself."
Nancy smiled thoughtfully, "I did," she agreed, "it was a lot of fun. Not just tonight, but all of it. I've enjoyed playing with Jazz - it's neat to have someone to bounce things off of. And playing for the crowds," Nancy shrugged, "It's quite an adrenalin rush."
She looked at her husband coyly, "So, do you still want that encore of Prairie?"
Murdock turned the light off, and slipped under the sheet, pulling her tightly against him, "Naw, let's just go straight to the finale."