Chapter Eight
Kitt sailed smoothly into the parking lot of The Getaway. Preliminary scans showed that this was an extensive building complex complete with all the indoor and outdoor recreational facilities anyone could dream up. This place was the ultimate vacation resort.
Even though most folks had already arrived, there was still plenty of available parking. Kitt followed Cleon's Vega all the way from the Last Stand Inn to The Getaway, without any problems. Unfortunately, he lost visual contact of the Vega in a small crowd of cars entering the parking lot. Using his sensors, Kitt detected Cleon's Vega parked in a spot near the picnic area of the resort.
Kitt slowly made his way through the maze of cars and people. He selected a parking spot near Michael and the Vega. Waiting patiently in his spot, he listened in on Michael and Cleon's conversation.
"You know Cleon," Michael said. "You are a very photogenic person. What do you say we have Jake hang this up at the station?"
"Gimme that!" Cleon demanded as he grabbed the photo out of Michael's hand.
Michael laughed and stepped out of the car. It felt good to stretch his legs again.
"Hey Cleon!" a male voice beckoned.
"Be right there!" Cleon yelled back.
Michael turned to see who was calling Cleon. He couldn't be sure, but thought it looked like Jake Blakely.
"Go ahead Cleon," Michael said, "I'll be right there, just want to stretch my legs a bit."
"Don't be long," Cleon warned, as he walked off toward the picnic area and disappeared into a crowd of people.
Michael looked around hoping to spot Kitt. Not finding him, Michael spoke into his com-link watch, "Kitt, where are you?"
"I'm right here Michael," Kitt answered flashing his headlights.
Michael saw Kitt immediately. He opened the driver's side door and hopped right into the driver's seat.
"How ya doing 'ol buddy? What did you get?" he asked Kitt.
"In addition to Cleon's Vega, there were three other cars with solar panels that passed under the same black light: a Volkswagen Bug, a Plymouth Duster and a Dodge Ram. None of the occupants of the car were affected by the black light. In fact Michael, neither were you or Cleon. It is very puzzling," Kitt reported.
"I don't understand, Kitt," Michael said, confused. "You say that I was affected earlier. You said that I was hurt and knocked unconscious. Perhaps this black light is not generating power at the same intensity as the other."
"No Michael, my sensors indicate that the power generated by both black lights is identical in every way. You should have the same reaction to both lights," Kitt replied.
"That doesn't make sense," argued Michael. "I'm missing something. What in the world can it be?" he asked.
"Michael," Kitt said slowly. "I have a confession to make."
Michael looked surprised. "A confession? You?" he asked.
"Yes Michael," Kitt answered, "you see, I was very concerned about your reaction to that black light so I called Devon and April."
"You what?" asked Michael, in disbelief.
"I called Devon and April," Kitt repeated. "I didn't know what else to do. You didn't believe me and your health was at risk. I had no other choice."
Michael nodded. "I understand 'ol buddy. What did they say?"
"That's just it, Michael," Kitt answered. "Nothing. They didn't have any answers. I sent them all the information I had: the detailed analysis of the black light as well its effect on your body. They said they would call after they studied the data I sent them."
"I see," said Michael thoughtfully. "Maybe it's time to give Devon a call. Patch me through please, Kitt."
In an instant, Devon's image appeared on the small monitor of Kitt's dashboard.
"Hello Michael," Devon said warmly. "How are you feeling?"
"I'm fine Devon," Michael replied. "Kitt says he sent you information on the black light here. Have you come up with anything yet?"
"Just a minute, Michael," Devon answered. "Let me get April in here."
After a few moments, April's image appeared on the screen beside Devon.
"Hi Michael," she said warmly. "How are you feeling?"
"I'm fine thanks, April," he answered quickly. "What have you come up with on that information on that black light?" he asked anxiously.
"Well, Michael," April began. "You're dealing with the latest breakthrough in alternative power. It's incredible really. I spoke with a friend who works with the research department at Kontec labs. They are considered 'the experts of the experts' in energy research. From what my friend said, this could prove to be the safest, most efficient and least expensive power source in the world. These black lights could potentially be used to power everything from cars to houses to space crafts, naval ships and who knows what else. The possibilities are endless!"
"That's incredible April," said Michael. "So then, what happened to me has nothing to do with the black lights?"
"I didn't say that Michael," April answered. "Yes, my analysis of the data on the radiation rays produced by this type of black light show extremely low levels of UV rays and under normal circumstances there would be no reaction to any exposure; but the reaction you had was indeed caused by that black light."
"Wait a minute!" interrupted Michael. "Are you saying that the black lights will only affect me?"
"Not under normal circumstances," April replied. "Only when you are driving Kitt," she explained.
"Me?" Kitt asked. "Why pick on me?" he said, offended.
"It seems that when these UV rays travel through Kitt's windshield they are altered by Kitt's protective coating. The formula used to cover Kitt's shell and windows contain molecules that interact with the UV rays in such a way as to make them deadly. Your eyes are the most vulnerable because they are designed to receive light, including in this case, black light. I believe your brain reacted to the black light by inducing an immediate state of unconsciousness. Longer exposure could cause blindness or worse."
"So, I can't drive Kitt in this town?" Michael asked.
"I don't recommend it, Michael," replied April.
"This problem isn't confined to that town, Michael," remarked Devon. "I understand that these black lights are being tested in other cities across the United States. If this source of power becomes accepted nationally, you won't be safe anywhere."
"So what are we going to do?" Michael asked. "Remove Kitt's protective coating?"
"We can't have you driving around unprotected, Michael," Devon replied.
"I believe I can prepare a formula to cover Kitt's protective coating that will neutralize its effects on the black lights UV rays. What it amounts to is, Kitt would get another coat of paint," April suggested.
"You don't have to completely strip and repaint Kitt, do you?" Michael asked suspiciously.
"No, it is only a matter of coating the windows," answered April. "But, we should paint all of Kitt's windows."
"How long will that take?" Michael asked.
"I have to prepare and test the formula first," explained April. "Then we'd need time to apply it. After that, you and Kitt will be back on the road."
"What do I do in the mean time?" Michael wondered aloud.
"Funny you should ask," Devon commented with a smile. "We're on our way to you in the mobile unit," Devon said. "I'll brief you when we get there."
"Uh-oh," Michael said, wondering what Devon had in store for him. "I don't think I'm going to like this."
"Me either," agreed Kitt.
"Don't drive Kitt anywhere," warned April. "Where are you now, so we can meet you there?" she asked.
"I'm at a large vacation resort called The Getaway," Michael answered. "It's on the main road right off the interstate. Take the exit for Jake's Pit Stop Gas 'n Go, stay on the road until you see it. You can't miss it."
"Okay Michael, we'll see you when we get there," said April.
"Okay, thanks," Michael said pressing the button to disconnect.
The image on the screen disappeared and the screen went black.
"I guess that's that, huh Kitt?" Michael said sadly.
"I'm sorry," Kitt said. "It's all my fault. I am supposed to protect you not harm you."
"It's not your fault, 'ol pal" said Michael. "Devon and April will be here and everything will be back to normal again soon."
"I hope so," answered Kitt. "So much for vacation."
"Sorry Kitt," Michael apologized. "Don't worry, we'll figure something out."
"Okay Michael, I believe you."
"Thanks Kitt," Michael replied.
Michael glanced out the window and noticed the crowds of people at the picnic area. The parking lot was fairly full of cars; Michael wondered where all these people came from.
"Listen, 'ol buddy," Michael said, "I gotta catch up with Cleon, Jake and Dora. They'll be looking for me. I'll be back soon. Buzz me if Devon and April get here before I get back. Okay?" he asked.
"Sure, Michael," Kitt answered.
Michael stepped out of the car and casually walked over to the picnic area. There were quite a few people here for this grand-opening barbecue, he thought.
As Michael walked through the picnic area crowds, he looked around for any sign of Jake, Dora or Cleon. Although the picnic grounds were vast, the people milling around the tables and chairs made it difficult for Michael to navigate easily. At one point he nearly tripped over a small five year old little boy wearing a red 'Power Rangers' tee-shirt.
"Excuse me, young fella," Michael said to the young boy.
The boy looked up, with surprise, to see who was addressing him.
Michael knelt down to the boy's eye level and realized that the boy had been in the process of retrieving several miniature plastic action figures he had dropped.
"Let me help you," Michael offered, as he picked up a small blue plastic swordsman.
The boy remained silent and still for a moment, not sure if Michael were going to return the toy to him.
Michael smiled and handed the toy to the young boy.
As Michael stood up, the boy's expression changed to one of amazement.
"Wow! You're tall!" the boy exclaimed.
Michael smiled. "Yes, I am," he answered laughing and looking around for the boy's parents.
"How tall are you?" the boy asked in fascination.
"I am 6 feet 4 inches" Michael answered, wondering where this boy's parents could be.
"Where are your parents?" Michael asked, getting concerned.
"Oh, they're right over there!" the young boy said as he pointed to a picnic table occupied by several adults. "They're sitting with Gamber," he said matter-of-factly obviously referring to his grandmother.
Michael spotted the boy's family seated at a table nearby.
"What's your name?" Michael asked, as he led the boy over to his parents and Gamber.
"My name is Brian," the boy said smiling.
"Well, Brian, my name is Michael," Michael said. "It's nice to meet you."
"Brian, honey come here," called Brian's mother.
"Mom, this is Michael. He is 6 feet 4 inches tall," Brian announced to his mother.
Michael smiled, somewhat embarrassed at this unusual introduction.
"Nice to meet you Michael," Brian's mother said cheerfully. "My name is Holly."
"The pleasure is mine," Michael responded. "Your son is quite a little fella there," he added.
"Yes, he is," Brian's mother said. She smiled knowingly.
"Excuse me," interrupted the gentleman that was sitting beside Holly.
"This is Michael, Brian's new friend," Holly said to her husband.
"Brian has talent for making new friends," Holly's husband commented. "I'm John, Brian's father," John said leaning forward offering his hand to Michael.
Michael nodded and shook John's hand.
"Sorry to interrupt," he said turning to Holly. "Listen Hol, I thought I'd take Brian over to the table to get him something to eat."
"Okay, thanks Johnny," Holly replied.
Brian took John's hand as they walked off through the crowds in the direction of the banquet tables.
Just then, a loud voice came booming out of The Getaway's sound system. It was the voice of The Getaway's manager Tony Marino, a fifty-something, short, stocky man with thinning dark hair and glasses. "Excuse me," he called. "Excuse me? May I have your attention please? Everyone? May I have your attention please?" he repeated.
The crowd quieted down to allow Tony to speak.
"Hello everyone, I'm Tony Marino, The Getaway's manager. First of all, I'd like to welcome you all to The Getaway, California's premier resort. Thank you for coming to our Grand Opening barbecue. Please feel free to explore our many recreational facilities. Our desire is for you to get acquainted with the fine facilities our resort has to offer. All of our facilities are open and available to both guests and local visitors this week. For those of you who are not presently registered with us, we would like to invite you to stay with us for an evening 'on us', that is to say, free of charge."
At this point, Tony paused for a moment to retrieve a thin booklet resting on the table beside him. He held up the colorful booklet and continued, "For your convenience, we have prepared a detailed brochure of the entire facility. For example, available to you are the use of indoor and outdoor pools, tennis courts, racquet ball courts, basketball courts, weight rooms, sauna, outdoor archery, billiard room and water sports. For the kids we have a 'hands on' science room, arts and crafts activity center, and a new game room complete the latest computer technology in holographic games. We are happy to have this opportunity for you to get to know us. We sincerely hope you enjoy your visit with us. There's plenty of food too, so be sure to help yourselves to our banquet tables. If there is anything we can do to help make your visit with us more enjoyable, please ask anyone on our staff. Thanks for your attention, folks. Relax and enjoy! Oh yes, don't miss the fireworks display we'll be having later this evening! It is sure to be a spectacular show."
"This sure is an amazing place," Michael commented to Holly.
"Yes, my mom heard about it through her time-share group," Holly replied.
Just then John and Brian returned from the banquet table. Brian was carrying a plate full of colored jello with assorted pieces of fruit.
"Look Mom! Striped jello!" Brian said, with enthusiasm. He held his plate up to where Holly could see.
"Oh how pretty, Brian!" she said, warmly.
"See Michael?" Brian said, showing him as well.
"Brian wanted to start with dessert," John said laughing. "Patty and Kelly are still up there, they should be back in a few."
"That's okay," Holly replied, contentedly.
"Patty and Kelly are our two teen-aged daughters," John said to Michael; pointing to two lovely, dark-haired girls now approaching the table with their plates of food.
Michael smiled. How nice it would be to have a family like this, he thought to himself.
Just then, Michael felt someone slap him on his back.
"Michael! where have you been?!" Jake said, affably. "You're missing all the fun!
They had a pie eating contest and a three-legged race." Jake sounded like a kid at a circus. "We've been waiting on horse-shoes for you. Dora says they got an archery field set up here too. Cleon wants to know if you've still got that hawk-eye you had as a kid. He thinks he can beat ya! I don't know though, you look pretty slick to me, kid!" said Jake giving him the 'once over'.
"Say, did you see that new car Cleon's got?" Jake continued speaking, without waiting for a response from Michael. "I don't know about these new fangled gadgets they're puttin' on cars these days. Why don't they just leave well enough alone, I ask you? It's getting so that you need a computer degree to drive your car to the local market!"
Michael wondered what Jake would think if he had a ride with Kitt.
"Oh, am I interrupting?" Jake said, suddenly realizing that Michael had been talking with someone else.
"Jake, I'd like you to meet Holly and John, their three children Brian, Kelly and Patty, Gamber and ...." Michael paused realizing he didn't know the name of the other adults seated at the table.
"This is Val, my sister Gayle and her husband John," said Holly coming to Michael's rescue.
"Well, pleased to meet you!" Jake said enthusiastically. "I'm Jake Blakely. My wife, Dora is seated over there near the horse-shoe toss with our friend Cleon. Perhaps you all would enjoy a friendly game of horse-shoes with us later?" he offered.
Brian's eyes lit up at the mention of horses. "Horses? Real horses?" he asked excitedly.
"Not exactly," Michael answered, silently wondering if maybe this place didn't also have horses.
"I gotta be getting back to Dora now," Jake said as he began to step away from the crowd at the table.
"Me too," said Michael, waving slightly. "It was nice meeting you."
Brian smiled at Michael, so Michael gave him the 'thumbs up' sign.
Michael followed Jake to a picnic table near the horse-shoe pits. Dora was busy pitching horse-shoes with 2 other women, so Michael sat down at the table with Jake and Cleon to watch.
It was Dora's turn on the platform, she gently tossed her first shoe and it smoothly landed around the stake. The other two ladies clapped their hands enthusiastically. "A ringer!" one announced, "Go for two, Dora!" she cried.
"Dora is pretty good at horseshoes, isn't she?" Michael commented.
"Yes, she's on a league registered with the National Horseshoe Pitchers Association," Jake answered proudly. "She's got award patches too. Last year she earned 'High Game' and 'High Average' patches. I told her she should display them at the diner, but she's too modest. Instead, she keeps her patches stored at the bottom of our bedroom closet in a shoe-box. Shoe- box! Very appropriate, don't you think?" Jake began to laugh at his own joke. He laughed so hard that he nearly began to choke. Michael quickly poured Jake a cup of apple juice from the glass pitcher on the table. Cleon reached over and patted Jake on the back trying to calm Jake and help him recover from this coughing fit.
Jake, finally catching his breath, wiped his teary eyes and took a long, slow sip of apple juice. "Ahhh," he said, feeling in control again.
"Anyone else, hungry?" Michael asked. He hadn't eaten anything since his luncheon meal at Dora's diner and the delicious smelling aromas coming from the banquet tables were beginning to get to him.
"I am!" answered Cleon. "Let's grab something to eat!" he said, quickly hopping to his feet.
"I see they got some tasty looking barbecued spare ribs," Jake said pointing to a plump-looking man at the next table who was hungrily devouring a plateful of mouth-watering barbecued spare ribs.
"Let's go," said Michael, grinning.
The three men hurried to the banquet table and quickly returned to their table with their plates piled high with an assortment of barbecued meats and side dishes.
"Say Cleon," Michael said after a few mouthfuls of barbecued chicken. "We gonna throw some horseshoes when we're done eating?" Michael asked, pointing to the horseshoe courts.
"Horseshoes?" Cleon asked in surprise. "Did Jake put you up to this?" Cleon asked eyeing Michael closely.
Jake remained silent and pretended to be totally absorbed in devouring his ear of corn.
Michael glanced at Jake and then back at Cleon. "Why do you ask, Cleon?" Michael asked curiously. He realized he was missing something.
Jake refused to comment. Smiling, he chuckled quietly to himself.
Cleon turned to Michael to explain. "Jake is just razzing me. Last year at the horseshoe pitching contest at the County Fair, Jake and Dora pitched against me and Lena. Lena is the girl I'm seeing."
"She's mighty pretty, Michael," interrupted Jake. "And smart too, she works at Kontec. Is that how you got that cool Vega, Cleon?" Jake asked, ribbing Cleon good-naturedly.
Cleon shook his head at Jake. "Like I was saying," Cleon said insistently, glaring at Jake. "We were playing horseshoes and every time I pitched the shoes, the shoes would hit the stakes and rebound away. I never scored any points!"
Michael glanced at Jake and then turned his attention back to Cleon, wondering what this was all about.
"Now, Michael," Cleon explained. "You may not be aware of this, but I grew up tossing horseshoes since I was strong enough to lift one. I can ring a horseshoe around a stake with my eyes closed, but that day, every pitch was off. Oddly enough, every pitch that Lena threw ringed the stake."
Michael frowned, "Jake tampered with the horseshoes and stakes, I take it," Michael suggested.
"You bet he did!" exclaimed Jake, "He planted magnetized stakes on the court, then he secretly placed magnets on the toe calks and heel calks of some of the shoes. The heel calks are in the hooks of the shoes and the toe calk is in the top center of the 'hump' of the shoe. When it was my turn Jake handed me two shoes with magnets that the magnetized stakes repelled, but when Lena was up, he handed her the shoes that were attracted to the magnetized stakes. He secretly switched the shoes. I was going nuts until Dora finally made Jake confess."
Jake burst out laughing again.
Michael smiled and tried not to laugh, sensing Cleon's embarrassment.
"Sounds like a college prank to me," Michael said, trying to comfort Cleon.
"What did Lena do?" asked Michael.
"Lena thought I had arranged the whole thing with Jake to make her look good. You see, she had never pitched shoes before and was afraid of looking foolish," Cleon explained. "Women can be sorta sensitive about that kind of stuff, ya know."
"So Jake did you a favor then, right?" asked Michael.
"Yes and no," replied Cleon. "Lena played well, and had a great time. She hadn't expected us to win the contest, but we could have won the contest if Jake hadn't tampered with my horseshoes!"
Michael snickered.
"After that, I swore to Jake that I'd never play horseshoes with him again," Cleon added waving his index finger in Michael's face. "If you want to take your chances playing horseshoes with him, go right ahead, but don't say I didn't warn you!"