Chapter 21

Author's Note 1: I would have updated sooner but my stupid typing program crashed and I lost half my chapter. Thank your lucky stars it got fixed and I was able to redo it. This is another crazy chapter. I hope you like it!!

Author's Note 2: Suzie babe, you haven't seen 'The Wizard Of Oz'??? It's a great movie. You've got to see it. Everybody else, thanks for the reviews!!! Keep them coming!!!

The next morning Katie woke up about 9, ate breakfast, packed, loaded the truck and then went to get Jack. He was still collapsed on the floor where she had left him the night before. She took a glass of water and dumped it on his head. Jack instantly sat up and sputtered.

-What's going on? What are you doing? What's…

-Easy, dad, easy. Just let me help you up and we'll get you to the truck.

She got him to his feet and Katie slowly guided him to the passengers' side. He got in and then looked at her in confusion.

-Uh, Katie, shouldn't I be driving?

-Um, no. You're hung over.

-But, you don't have a license.

-I'd rather drive without a license than have you drive without the full control of your faculties.

-Huh?

-Just buckle up.

He did so and they started off. Everything was going fine until suddenly they heard a siren behind them. Katie looked in the mirror and saw the red and blue flashing lights of a police car. They both groaned.

-Katie, are you speeding?

She shook her head as they pulled off to the side of the road.

-No, I was definitely going under the speed limit. Probably for the first time in my life too.

Katie rolled down her window as the cop approached the truck. He smiled at her.

-Don't worry miss, you're not in any trouble. This is just a random check being performed under the orders of the governor of Minnesota. I need to see your license and registration.

-Um…sure.

Katie looked over at Jack who handed her the registration from the glove compartment. She gave it to the cop and sighed.

-I'm afraid I don't have a license.

-What?!

-With me. I don't have my license with me. You see…I just got back from spending three years in Canada. My old U.S. license is expired and I obviously don't have my Canadian license with me, seeing as we're not in Canada. I wouldn't be driving at all but my dad here has had a little too much to drink and I didn't think it would be very safe to let him drive, seeing as he's inebriated and not in full control of his faculties.

-I see. Well, I'm afraid it's still illegal.

Katie sighed. Just then, the cop did a double take and looked back at the registration.

-You're Jack O'Neill?

Jack nodded groggily.

-You wouldn't by any chance be Jordan's son would you?

-Yup.

-Wow! How about that!! Jordan and I go way back. Name's Tom. I've known him since grade school. He was the best man in my wedding. Say, I didn't know you had a daughter.

-Um…yeah, well, she uh, lives with her mother in uh…Saskatoon and I uh, don't get to see her that often. Heck, who am I kidding? I haven't seen her since she was born.

Katie smiled. Her father was one of the best liars she knew. In fact, the only person she knew who was better at lying was Harry Maybourne. They knew when to throw in a shred of truth and when to throw in some hogwash.

Tom frowned.

-Gee, that's so sad.

-Yah. But, the good news is I just got custody so I can get to know my daughter now.

-That's great. I can't wait to tell Jordan.

-No! Uh…Why don't you let me tell him? I think I need to get to know her myself before he does.

Tom nodded.

-You're probably right. Well, I'll let you folks go just this once with a warning.

Katie and Jack both breathed a sigh of relief.

-Thank you.

-You're welcome. It's the least I can do for Jordan's family. Drive safely now.

Katie nodded.

-I will.

She rolled up her window and they headed for the airport.