Author's Note: I just got a terrific review from a new member who asked for another chapter and an e-mail from a fan of the Squad who said she was addicted to this tale so here's a new "fix". I am also very grateful for the continued support of the faithful reviewers, Jen23, Freddo, Summer39, and Magic Swede65. There's a very fluffy scene here so enjoy.
ACCEPTANCE
Sunday, November 16, 1980, 7:45 PM PST
The day was winding down, the earlier activity making everyone tired. Julie was upstairs with Melissa in the bathroom bathing her and getting her ready for bed. Melissa was relaying to Julie all about the swing contests, two of which were won by her, and the activities of the week at the Henderson's. She was a regular chatterbox after being totally silent on the ride home, even when both Julie and Pete tried to converse with her. She was true to her word to Julie about not being rude to Pete, but she wasn't friendly toward him either, just polite. Julie decided to talk to Melissa about her attitude as she helped Melissa put her pajamas on in Melissa's bedroom.
"Melissa, I'm not happy with the way you're acting towards Pete. I told you, he's an old friend of mine and he and Linc were my family, they watched over me and were there for me whenever I needed them. And if it weren't for Pete, young lady, I could have been killed, he saved my life several times," she informed her daughter.
Melissa looked at Julie, shamefaced. "When did he do that, Mommy?" she wanted to know in a subdued voice.
Julie sighed and continued, "You know that I worked as a police officer before I met and married Daddy. Pete, Linc and I all worked together as police officers and that's when. He looked out for me while we were on the police force, all the time. And even when we weren't working, Pete and Linc and I were very, very close. So I want you to treat him like he's a part of our family because he is." She finished assisting in her daughter's nocturnal toilette and the explanation simultaneously.
"Okay Mommy," Melissa said meekly. She climbed into bed and Julie covered her up, tucking the covers all around her. She sat on the edge of the bed while Melissa settled herself.
"Are you going to say your prayers tonight?" Julie asked.
"Uh-huh. I will Mommy, you don't have to stay to see if I do," Melissa assured her. She closed her eyes and began to pray asking for God to bless her, her mother, her pony, her friends, her teachers, the Travises, and then she added, "And God bless Mommy's friend Pete, who kept her from dying when she was a police officer, Amen."
Julie smiled and leaned down to tenderly kiss her daughter's brow, "Thank you for that prayer. Good night, darling." She tiptoed out of Melissa's room, closing the door halfway...
Pete was kneeling down in front of the fireplace in the parlor, placing large pieces of wood into the flames that were beginning to grow in the fire he started. Satisfied, he replaced the screen, and got up to observe his handiwork.
As the flames licked at the seasoned wood, his mind wandered to two significant events of the day; his discussion with Matt Henderson and especially the reactions he was garnering from Melissa. He was ashamed to admit that he was more than a little put off by her reaction to him, even if it was the reaction of a precocious six-year-old...one who just lost her father and didn't want him replaced.
Pete had hoped that Julie's little girl would like him but so far, he was disappointed. Pete as usual was a gentleman, but it worried him that Melissa was so cool towards him. He didn't expect her to be affectionate but he was bothered by her consistent hostility. He was especially hurt when they got back to the ranch...when he opened the trunk of the car to take and carry Melissa's bags into the house and she grabbed them away from him, drawing a scolding from Julie. After that Melissa grudgingly handed one of the bags back, but clutched her backpack to her as she ran into the house.
Julie apologized profusely to Pete for Melissa's behavior and Pete just waved it off, but deep down inside, her iciness towards him was really beginning to get to him. But he understood she was being difficult due to the loss of her father, and in light of that, he was determined not to let her attitude affect him. Yet, he was still brooding about it when he heard footsteps descending on the stairs and Julie entered the parlor to walk toward him.
She tapped him lightly on the shoulder, "Hi. You started a fire, huh," she said.
Shaken out of his reverie Pete smiled, "Hi, honey...Yeah, there was a chill in here so I thought I'd start a fire to warm it up. Is Melissa all right?"
"Uh-huh...She's just finished saying her prayers and is probably fast asleep. I'm sorry about the way she's behaved towards you, Pete, I really am," Julie said with a look of penitence for her daughter.
Pete gazed at her with gentle understanding. "She's just reacting in a normal way to seeing someone else besides her daddy with you," he replied reasonably. "She's only six, it's natural for her to be wary of me."
Julie looked at him with grateful eyes. "Thank you for being so gracious about it. And thanks for going to service with me this morning. I was really glad you did. I hadn't gone since Dan died and it helped to have you there. It's helped to have you here, period," she added.
"I'm glad, angel. That's why I'm here, to help you anyway I could," Pete replied reaching to brush a stray strand of hair from her eyes.
He went and sat down on the sofa staring into the now roaring fire and Julie sat down next to him. Sitting there wordless, he began mulling over what Matt had said about David Slade and tried to add up everything he had gathered up to that to see if he was any closer to a solid bit of evidence but there still were pieces missing from the puzzle. He frowned thoughtfully, wondering what his next move should be.
She noticed his reticence and curious, asked, "Is there something wrong? You've been a bit quiet about what you and Matt talked about while you were in the garage. What's the big secret?" she wanted to know.
Pete looked at her blankly. "Huh?" He laughed shortly. "No big secret, Julie, just two guys talking cars. What did you girls talk about?" he asked, quickly changing the subject.
"You mostly. Your ears must've been burning. Debi was asking about you, and I told her we were friends for a long time. She's quite impressed by you, especially when I told her how you've been helping me to let go of my grief. She's as worried about me as you are, she practically told me the same thing you did," she informed him.
Pete nodded his approval, "You've got good people up here for friends, the Henderson's, the Travises. I wish that everyone was as good to you as they are." He frowned, thinking about David Slade.
Julie looked at him with curiosity, "Everyone here has been good to me, Pete. What are you getting at?" she wanted know.
Pete glanced at her quickly, then grinned. "Nothing, sweetheart, it's just me. I'm pretty narrow-minded when it comes to how people should treat you. I think they should all see you for the beautiful person you are and treat you accordingly."
Julie admonished, "You're thinking about David again, aren't you?"
Pete grunted with a nod as his grin faded.
"Relax, I can handle him, I've handled him for eight years and he hasn't gotten anywhere," Julie assured Pete, patting his arm. "And he isn't going to now either," she added determinedly.
"I hope so," Pete said with a touch of doubt in his voice.
"What makes you think differently? I put him in his place before and if he tries to step out of line, I'll do it again," she assured him.
Pete looked at her. "Uh-huh...considering how you dealt with him that one time, I wonder if he knows what he's up against. If I were him, I'd watch myself around you," he remarked with a bit of irony.
"Peter Cochrane, are you making fun of me?" Julie said with a slight pout.
His countenance became more serious and he squared his shoulders to face her, "Julie, I would never make fun of you in a matter like this. From what you and others have told me, this guy is consistently proving that he can't be trusted. He's acting very strangely and I don't like it, but if you are picking it up as well and are planning to confront him, all I'm saying is to be careful," he added with concern.
"What are you saying? Do you know something you're not telling me?" Julie demanded, getting alarmed.
Pete mentally chastised himself for scaring her. "Honey, I told you that when I know something for sure, I'll tell you. Right now I have a lot of information that points to a certain conclusion and nothing solid. And you know as well as I do from our years as undercover cops, that with nothing solid everything is pure speculation and circumstantial."
Julie gazed at him with mild consternation, "I would hope that when you do find something substantial, you won't hold back to protect me. I've my daughter to think about, you know," she reminded him. Julie then leaned over and looked directly, unflinchingly into Pete's eyes, "So tell, me please, Pete, what do you know?"
Pete sighed, "I know that you have both yourself and Melissa to think about, Julie. I'm thinking about the both of you now." He sighed again, "Okay, here it is. I'm convinced that your husband's death was not an accident."
Julie gasped, "Are you sure? What have you found out to make you think that?" she asked sharply with a touch of hysteria in her voice.
Pete said soothingly, "Calm down, honey. I said that there are just pieces now that point in that direction, nothing concrete as yet. I talked to a police lieutenant the other day and he told me to let him know if I find anything."
Alarmed, Julie got up from the sofa and clutching her shoulders as if she was shivering and stood near the fireplace, her back to Pete.
He cursed himself inwardly again for upsetting her as he got to his feet and went over to her, reaching for her, to comfort her. She turned and looked up into his eyes beseechingly.
"Everyone loved Dan, Pete. Who would want him dead?" she whispered brokenly.
Pete's own voice almost broke, "I don't know, angel, but I plan to find out," he said softly but determinedly. He cupped her face in his hands and could feel the warm wetness of her tears. "I promise you, I'll find him," he reassured her, putting his arms around her and holding her against his heart.
They stood there for a time and then Pete gently guided Julie to the sofa to sit down. With his arms still around her, he began caressing her rhythmically, soothingly, with great tenderness. Julie looked up into Pete's warm blue eyes as he gazed down into hers and she reached up to plant a kiss on his cheek, to thank him again for his fathomless compassion. She then found herself moving her mouth to his and as a log on the fire burst into flame, showering sparks up the chimney, the two on the sofa felt their own flames of passion burst forth. The kiss deepened as they allowed their feeling for each other to blossom fully, like a daffodil bulb feeling the first warm rays of the spring sun. Julie felt her heart pounding as she felt his mouth soft and firm simultaneously, probing and exploring. She closed her eyes as she surrendered completely to Pete's embrace.
Pete in return, was totally engrossed in Julie's soft submission. He felt her go limp in his arms, melding into him and causing his body to respond as he continued to run his hands around her, caressing her cheeks, her shoulders, her waist. He felt himself reach a level of physical excitement that he hadn't achieved since before his divorce. He became bolder, exploring Julie's body with a gentle urgency, yet sensing the need for restraint, he kept his touches loving and soothing. He savored the feel of her supple surrender as the kiss went on and he continued caressing her, their mutual ardor growing to a point of explosion. They both drew away from each other completely spent.
Julie pulled back to look into Pete's eyes, "Wow, I had almost forgotten how good at this you are," she whispered breathlessly. "You always were a terrific kisser."
"It's like riding a bike, I guess," he responded gently. "Honestly, honey, I haven't felt like this in a long time."
"Like what?" she wanted to know.
"Oh, like I can't get enough of you. To tell you the truth, I haven't really been with a woman since my divorce," he admitted. "I've gone on a few dates, but nothing serious."
Julie drew away from Pete to look at him with raised brows. "I find it hard to believe that you've been totally celibate since your divorce, Pete. It is the eighties now," she reminded him.
"I know. I'm no saint, believe me, but I really haven't been interested in going with anyone really since my divorce. I've kind of been uh, reluctant to trust any woman," Pete said with difficulty. He gazed at Julie steadily. "You remember the conversation we had in my Woody when we worked together down in L.A. over a year ago?
She nodded as he continued.
"When I told you about my marriage ending, that I made a wrong choice and you said that there is a girl out there and I haven't found her? I didn't want to talk about it, remember?"
Again Julie nodded.
"I changed the subject, because," he paused for effect, "you're the right choice, Julie, you always were. I was just too stupid and selfish at the time to see it. You saying that there's a girl out there was nonsense to me because you're the girl and you always have been." He got to his feet and ran his hand through his hair nervously.
Julie sat there in silent wonder, her eyes down. "Why didn't you say anything to me?" she asked softly.
Pete laughed ironically as he turned to face her, "Tell me, what good would that have done, huh? You were happily married at the time, and there was absolutely no way I was going to do anything to destroy that. So I went back to the family business, immersed myself in work during the week, and kept my mind occupied restoring that Charger at my beach house on the weekends."
She continued to be suspended, absorbing what he was saying as he finished...
"But make no mistake, sweetheart, I'm in love with you...still and always. I've loved you almost from the day I first laid eyes on you." He came back to the sofa and sat beside Julie, taking her hands in his and noticed her slightly dismayed expression on her downturned face.
Seeing her discomfort, he reassured her, "I didn't say all this to add any more burden to you or complicate your life any more than it already is, but I had to tell you how I feel...I just couldn't keep it to myself anymore."
Julie looked up into Pete's earnest expression and she saw a man who had laid his heart on the table, with no thought at all of himself, totally vulnerable and she was deeply moved. He had declared himself so vividly and honestly, she was at a loss as how to respond...
Now, so many things that she had wondered about when they all got together last year suddenly made perfect sense. Out of the three of them, Pete was the one who had enjoyed doing police work again and it was apparent that he was loath to see it end. He had insisted on pairing up with her to chase down leads. He had chastised her when she received a threatening phone call and neglected to call him. Then when Julie, drugged out on PCP, made that way by a deranged man bent on revenge had been ready to throw herself over a steep rocky cliff into the ocean, he snatched her back at the last second, once again saving her life. As they waited for an ambulance to arrive, Pete clung to Julie, holding her as if she were the most precious thing in the world to him.
At the end of the case, when she and Linc went back to their lives and families; Pete went back to his privileged and lonely life, and although he seemed okay with it at the time, his confession now proved that he was not. Now, here they were, she a new widow, and he divorced and not involved with anyone, showing up to help her and both with old feelings being reborn and acknowledged, it was feeling like much more than mere coincidence was taking place. Julie was confused as how to proceed as she continued to silently contemplate what Pete had just told her.
Picking up on her quiet, reflective mood and thinking that he had upset her, Pete said apologetically, "I'm sorry, angel, maybe I shouldn't have said what I said." He shook his head and added, "Perhaps my staying here with you wasn't such a good idea after all. Tomorrow, I'll pack up and take a room in town." He got up to leave but Julie laid a restraining hand on his arm.
"Oh, no, Pete, please don't leave. I'm just trying to digest everything you've told me. I guess, I'm admitting to myself that I've been feeling that way too, and to be feeling like that so soon after my husband's death makes me feel somewhat guilty," she admitted with her head down.
Pete reseated himself down on the sofa next to Julie. Taking her chin he gently lifted her head so he could gaze into her eyes, "I have no intention of putting any additional pressure on you or making you uptight in any way," he declared.
"I know," she said looking into his eyes. "But, I really do need you to be here. Now that Dan's gone, you're the person in this world that I trust most. I can't even count how many times you've literally saved my life. And, I do love you too, Pete, as I loved you before." She cast her eyes forward...ironically, they fell on her framed wedding photo, hanging on the opposite wall. "But you have to know that I loved Dan very much, I had intended to grow old with him. I had his baby and we had our life together. I can't just drop those feelings."
Pete looked at her and declared, "I wouldn't ever ask you to do that...he was your husband, of course you can't drop your feelings for him. Knowing you as I do, you'll always reserve a piece of your heart just for him." Then his tone gentled as he added, "When you're ready, though, I'll be here, 'cause there's nobody else for me. It's been you, it is you, and it always will be you."
She reached over and took his hand. "It may take a while for me...It could be a long wait. Are you sure you want to wait as long as it may take? And there's Melissa too, whatever decision I make will effect her. Are you willing to raise a child that isn't yours?" Julie asked.
He covered her hand holding his with the other. "I don't care how long it takes...this is it for me because I don't want anyone else; I want you, any way I can have you. As for Melissa, I consider it an honor to help you raise your daughter. Providing she warms up enough to me to let me get near her," Pete replied somewhat ruefully.
Julie smiled, "I've had a long talk with her. I'm sure she's going to be more open to you. I told her how many times you've saved my life. She seemed impressed by that, she even added you to her prayers before she went to sleep," she told him.
Pete appeared pleased, "Really? Well, maybe she'll get to a point of trusting me as soon as she knows that I'm not trying to replace her daddy. Which I would never do," he said with alacrity.
Julie looked at him and nodded, "I know you wouldn't, you're a person of great integrity. Besides, I told her that you're one of the family and for her to treat you as she would treat any other member of our family."
"Just the same, if you don't mind, I'm going to court your daughter. Or at least try to gain her trust and approval. That's very important to me, Julie, 'cause you're very, very important to me," Pete informed her.
Julie smiled and patted his arm, "I'm sure that once she gets to know you, she's going to adore you. She's a bright little girl and once she sees what I know, she'll come around, you'll see."
Monday, November 17, 1980, 7:15 AM PST
The sun was peaking through a bank of clouds behind the nearly bare trees in the eastern sky. A chilly autumn wind was blowing, causing the fallen leaves to dance along the ground in tiny pirouettes...
The Monday morning activities at the Bennett ranch were in full swing, with Julie getting Melissa up and dressed for school. She finished brushing and fixing Melissa's hair and sent her down for breakfast while she showered and dressed. Downstairs, in the cozy kitchen, Hannah had a breakfast of apple pancakes, sausages, milk and fresh squeezed orange juice waiting for Melissa to down then catch the school bus that would arrive promptly at eight. A lunch of a peanut butter and freshly put up apple preserve sandwich, some oatmeal cookies, and a thermos of milk was waiting on the counter near her backpack. Footsteps sounded on the staircase that led into the kitchen and Melissa entered, dressed in a teal green turtleneck sweater, a dark navy denim jumper, navy tights, and black shoes. She walked over to the table where her meal was set out for her.
"Good morning, Hannah," she greeted Hannah as she seated herself primly at the table.
"Good morning to you too, Miss Melissa," Hannah turned from the sink where she was washing some cranberries. She smiled warmly, "It's good to have you back home. Did you have fun at the Henderson's?"
"Uh-huh. Guess what, Hannah? I'm going to make a Christmas wreath for our door out of pinecones. Mrs. Henderson's going to help me make it at Honeybees," Melissa stated as she began to eat her pancakes. "Apple pancakes are my favorite," she piped up as she reached to drink her juice.
Hannah smiled, "Now, don't you think I know that? I made them for you to welcome you home. So just enjoy them, honey,"
"Okay. Mommy said she'd be down after her shower so don't make hers yet."
The sound of footsteps again sounded on the stairs. Pete stepped into the warm kitchen, dressed in a pair of jeans, a burgundy turtleneck sweater and his boots. He spotted Melissa quietly eating her breakfast in the alcove at the table and decided that he would start trying to reach out to her this very morning. He greeted Hannah cheerfully.
"Good morning, Hannah, how are you today?" he asked affably.
Hannah smiled warmly, "'Morning Mr. Pete. I'm fine, thanks. There's fresh coffee and I have apple pancakes I'm making. Would you like some?"
"Uh, maybe not yet, but in a little while, thanks," Pete answered as he passed Hannah and headed for the table. He stood in front of Melissa as she continued eating. "Good morning, Melissa," he said with a bright smile.
Melissa looked up from her plate and her lips were curved into a polite smile, "Good morning." She resumed eating.
So far so good Pete tried again, "Can I sit here with you?" he asked.
Melissa nodded in ascent. "Okay."
She took a sip of milk, watching Pete over the edge of her glass. Pete seated himself in the chair across from her. He smiled again at her.
"So, are you all set to go to school this morning?"
Melissa nodded, taking another bite of pancake. When she finished chewing and swallowed, she answered, "Uh-huh...The bus comes at eight o'clock. Mommy's going to walk with me to the road when she gets dressed."
Hannah brought over a mug of coffee for Pete. He smiled his thanks and took a sip, then asked Melissa, "Are you going to do anything special in school today?"
Melissa took one more bite of her pancakes. She drank the last of her milk and answered, "Today's library day. We go to the library to take out a book to read," she informed him.
"Really? I used to do that too. When I was in school I liked stories about ships and the sea. And cars," Pete stated.
Melissa said, "I like books about horses. I love to read about them. And I like to draw them, I drew my pony and Mommy hanged up the picture in my room. She even put it in a frame," she gushed with pride.
"Can I come and see it sometime?" Pete inquired hopefully. "I really want to."
Julie's voice sounded from the foyer, "Melissa! Sweetie, are you finished eating breakfast? The bus is going to come in ten minutes so you have to come now," she called.
Melissa got quickly to her feet, "I'm coming!" she answered.
She scampered over to the counter to pick up her backpack, lunch bag and thermos. Remembering that she didn't answer Pete's last question she turned and said over her shoulder, "I'll show you the picture later, when I come home, okay?"
Pete smiled, "Sure, honey, I'd like that. Have a good day."
Melissa smiled shyly, "Thank you. See ya. Bye Hannah." She waved at Hannah then ran down the hallway to meet Julie who had her jacket all ready to put on. They both headed out the front door.
Pete sat at the table, drinking his coffee, feeling as if he accomplished something. Even though his conversation with Melissa was short, she wasn't hostile towards him as she was yesterday at church, she was actually quite cordial. Maybe Julie's talk with her did change her mind. He mused as he could not help feeling pleased by her offer to show him her drawing and hoped that she was beginning to accept him and be open to his presence there at the ranch. He sat there, deep in thought for several minutes until Hannah came over to ask him about breakfast.
"Mr. Pete, are you ready for your breakfast? I can make you some pancakes now, if you want them," she offered, going over to the stove to make them.
Pete's mind was still on the positive encounter with Melissa, so he looked at Hannah blankly, "Huh? Hannah did you ask me something?" he asked.
Hannah smiled, "I asked you if you wanted me to make your pancakes now."
"Oh sure, if it's no trouble. Thanks," Pete said amiably.
There was the sound of the front door closing and footsteps approaching as Julie appeared from the hallway and entered the kitchen. She greeted Hannah, got a cup of coffee and walked over to the alcove where Pete was, sitting at the table. Her cheeks were pink from the brisk autumn breeze and the walk to and from the road outside, making her look wholesome and lovely. She sat in the chair across from Pete and he gave her a welcoming smile.
"Good morning, angel."
Julie smiled back, "Good morning to you too. You seem quite chipper this morning. Anything special happen to make you so happy?" she wanted to know with a twinkle in her eye.
Pete grinned. "I actually had a conversation with your daughter this morning. And I even got an invitation to see her artwork later," he added airily, with obvious pleasure.
Julie continued smiling, "I know, she told me as we were walking to the school bus. I think she's as excited as you are," she giggled.
Pete was slightly embarrassed. He protested weakly, "I'm not that excited, I'm just really glad that she's not seeing me as 'The Enemy' anymore. She's really something else, honey. I can see why you're so proud of her. I bet Dan had a special relationship with her," he said wistfully, with a bit of envy.
"Uh-huh. Melissa was most definitely 'Daddy's Girl.' He used to come in everyday after working on the ranch and spent special time with her since she was a tiny baby."
He nodded in understanding. "With that kind of bond between them, I completely get why she would resent me."
She nodded. ". I had her through natural childbirth so he was right there when she was born. He attended Lamaze classes with me till she made her appearance," Julie replied with a look of fond reminiscence.
"Lamaze?" Pete inquired.
"Yeah, that's the most popular method for natural childbirth. At the time I was pregnant with Melissa, it was the new method. Dan and I had talked about natural childbirth and when we asked the ob-gyn which way was best, he suggested Lamaze. We decided that was the way to go especially when he told us that Dan would be in the delivery room with me. He really was enthusiastic about the whole thing," Julie told him.
Pete responded with a touch of longing in his voice, "I'd like to do that someday if I ever get married again and am fortunate enough to have a baby. Be there and help my wife through labor and see my baby being born. If someday you and I ever got married, I'd love to have a baby with you that way," he said, looking meaningfully into her eyes.
Julie blushed adding to her already rosy cheeks. "I'd like that, too. If we ever decided to get married," she added shyly. They reached across the table to hold hands. Hannah came quietly up to them, afraid to interrupt, with a plate of pancakes.
"Excuse me, Miss Julie. Mr. Pete, here's your breakfast, sir," Hannah said placing the steaming plate in front of him. Pete thanked her politely, picked up his fork and began eating. Hannah looked in Julie's direction.
"Miss Julie can I get you a plate? It's apple pancakes for breakfast today," she announced.
"Okay, Hannah, but not as much as you gave Pete. I'd never be able to finish it," Julie replied. Hannah brought a plate of pancakes to Julie. She picked up her fork and commenced to eating, feeling hungry. They both ate in silence. Julie finished her plate and she watched Pete as he ate with a funny little smile. Pete looked up from his plate, raising his brows quizzically.
"What's so funny? Am I dropping food all over me or what?"
Julie shook her head, "No, I was just thinking that you haven't really changed at all."
"And what's that supposed to mean?"
Julie grinned, "That you can still put a meal away with the best of them. I remember when I used to feed you and Linc and I called you guys 'the last of the red-hot eaters' because I'd barely put the food on the table and it would disappear," she reminded him.
Pete swallowed his mouthful and took a drink from his coffee. He replied, "We were hungry growing boys, remember? In the beginning, Linc and I were your guinea pigs. Your cooking was experimental but it was better than eating out or having frozen TV dinners. But you became a pretty good cook and your cooking got better and better so it made sense to eat with you. And you loved trying new things on us, admit it," he pointed out.
"Uh-huh, I did. I really enjoyed cooking for you guys. Remember the month you both were suspended from the force without pay? I never told you but I loved having the two of you there for every meal," Julie admitted.
Pete raised his eyebrows, "I thought that you were glad to finally be rid of us at the end of that month. Admit it now, didn't we get on your nerves? We were constantly underfoot, there at your place bright and early every morning, back again at noon and at night. I was feeling like you were sick of us by that month's end."
"Well, I wasn't. I liked taking care of you guys. You needed me," Julie stated matter-of-factly.
Pete finished his coffee and wiped his mouth with a napkin. He reached across the table and squeezed her hand, "Yup, we did...And now you need us, that's why we want to be here for you," he said.
Julie nodded. She suddenly leaned toward him, "Would you do me a favor, then?"
"Sure, honey, just name it."
Julie took a deep breath and began, "Two weeks ago, Hannah packed Dan's personal belongings because I couldn't bring myself to do it. She had Hank and the boys bring the boxes down to the shed behind the bunkhouse. I thought that I could go through the boxes and take them to town to the Matt Henderson's soup kitchen and shelter where they could be used. But I don't want to do it alone. Would you go to the shed with me?" she pleaded in a soft voice.
"Of course, honey, consider it done. I'll be glad to. I'll even take them down to the shelter with you if you want me to," Pete offered, rising to his feet. "When do you want to do this?"
"The sooner the better. How about this morning, did you have any special plans?" Julie asked, rising herself.
"Uh-uh. I need to call Linc and make arrangements to go get him and Jason on Friday, and I need to call the office and touch base with Phil, but I can make both calls this afternoon. So I'm all yours," Pete said agreeably.
He reached for his jacket, which was hung on a hook by the back door. "Shall we go?" he added, holding his hand out to her.
Julie nodded and reached for her jacket, which she had hung on the back of her chair when she sat down. Pete, always the gentleman, took the jacket from her and held it out to help her into it. He then held open the back door for Julie to exit and followed her out...
Sitting at the desk in the stable office, David Slade was on the phone...
"Yeah...okay Artie."
On the other line from his plush office in Reno, Arturo Lanzi...former mob consiglieri and now wannabe developer Artie Lattimer was employing his art of intimidation in its highest form...
"Davy, Davy...I don't need another yes-man...I got plenty of 'em. What I need from you is results. You told me once Dan Bennett was taken care of, the path was clear for us to get the ranch. I saw the newspaper, it was proven an accident...You did a good job now you need to get his widow to sign it over to you."
David sighed and said curtly, "I've run into a little problem."
"What's the hold up?"
David scowled and replied, "She's been occupied...with an old friend who suddenly showed up."
Artie chuckled. "From the sounds of it, it ain't a lady friend."
"No, it's not...he's some guy she knew from L.A...and he's been nosy, asking Hank Travis a lot of questions...Hank let me know." David sneered, "Besides that the bastard never leaves her side."
"Sounds like you're losing your touch, Davy."
"I haven't lost a damn thing… I'll figure out a way to get her away from him."
There was a long pause. "This don't sound too good, Davy. Gino's not gonna like this...He wants that ranch. Forty acres of prime real estate, right between L.A. and 'Frisco is right where he wants to build."
"Yeah, I know."
"So who is this guy?" Artie demanded.
"Name's Cochrane...Pete Cochrane," David spat.
"Cochrane? I know that name."
"Well, you should...He used to work for the LAPD with Julie and some other joker Linc Hayes as undercover cops. Dan told me all about it."
"Oh yeah," Artie said reflectively. "Those are Greer's kids...Adam Greer. He was a real thorn in Gino's side let me tell you. Greer tried to nab him again two years ago but it didn't stick in court. About 10 years ago those kids were his secret weapon."
"Yeah...well Cochrane's not a cop any more. He inherited his daddy's big insurance company and millions when the old man croaked. Now he's nosing around acting like he's still a damn cop," David complained. "It's gettin' on my nerves."
"So what are you gonna do, Davy?"
"What do you think, Artie?"
"Good," Artie said in satisfaction. "Then I don't have to tell you… You owe us. Just like your daddy did."
"Don't worry...I'll deliver the goods," David assured him.
The line clicked dead.
Hanging up the receiver, David slid his chair back and leaned down way beneath the desk. He pulled out a concealed panel and rooted around then pulled out a ledger and stack of documents...including an insurance policy folder that held the liability policy covering the ranch. He removed the policy and reviewed the codicils...checking the policy terms for payout and then skimming the contents, smiled in satisfaction. He replaced the documents and re-secured the panel in place.
Standing up and stretching David idly glanced out to the dirt path heading to the equipment shed. Spotting Julie walking along with Pete and heading in that direction, he scowled and uttered a violent curse. Turning toward the file cabinet, he unlocked a middle drawer and pulled out a 357 Magnum revolver. Opening the chamber, he checked and spun it...then slammed it back in place. A nostalgic thought came to him, how Hank had taught him and Dan how to shoot, using a BB gun. He especially loved aiming at coons...stunning and scaring them from scrounging in the trash cans, sending them scurrying away in fear.
Sporting a nasty grin he decided it was time to scare the crap out of some coons. He shoved the gun in his belt and then left the office...
Julie and Pete made their way across the yard and past the barn down the dirt path that led past the exercise corral and to the storage shed. Pete noticed David Slade's black pickup truck, parked right by the rear door of the barn. He wondered what else David was skimming from the books in the stable office at that moment and the thought made him angry. But he put his emotions under control as he followed Julie while she led him around the bunkhouse and toward a shed that was about the size of a two-car garage.
She produced a key from her jacket pocket to unlock a padlock that held a chain that kept the duel doors closed securely. However, the key didn't spring the padlock. With a puzzled frown, Julie tried again while Pete watched.
"I don't understand it. The key usually works," she said trying again.
"Let me try, okay? Give me the key."
Pete came forward and put out his hand. Julie handed the key to him and he tried with the same results. He scanned the area and asked, "Do you have a lock cutter around?"
Julie shrugged and pointed to a smaller shed situated to the right of the main shed. Its door was partially open, "If we do it's in there," she directed.
Pete strode over to the shed and rooted around until he found what he wanted. He came over with what looked like a pair of hedge cutters with short blades made of tempered steel.
He went up to the doors and bade Julie, "Stand back."
Pete placed the blades around the sturdy metal ring on top of the lock. He then applied steady pressure, his muscles constricting with strain as he pushed the handles together to cut the lock. It took about forty-five seconds of pressure and strength until the lock was cut clean through. Pete grabbed the broken padlock pulled it off and tossed it and the chain on the ground. The twin doors pushed open and Pete and Julie stepped into the shed.
Julie pulled a string to turn a dangling fluorescent light on to illuminate the interior. It served only to shed light in the front portion of the shed. She and Pete gingerly made their way around some broken farm equipment, ladders, a cherry picker, riding lawn mowers, and a gasoline powered generator to the dark rear of the shed where four large heavy cardboard boxes were placed. Pete looked around, making mental notes of the contents of the shed.
"Well, here they are," Julie announced. She sighed heavily, kneeling down to open one of the boxes. "We may as well get started and get it over with." She began looking through the contents of the first box.
"What exactly are we doing? I mean, why go through these? Didn't Hannah already do that?" Pete inquired as he knelt beside Julie to assist.
"She did. I just want to make sure I get rid of any clothing that can't be used at the shelter," Julie replied as she dug through the first box.
Pete joined her, also pushing clothing about, asking her what to keep and what to discard. There was a pile outside the box growing as they continued in their task. Soon the first box was half empty and they proceeded to the next box. It was in there that Dan's winter clothes were packed so Julie began to go though the box, putting the articles she wanted to send in the first box and the clothes she wanted to throw out in the pile. Pete continued to assist her, patiently asking what she wanted done with what.
Julie stopped when she came to a large, new looking winter sweater, off white with a Navajo design in blues, reds, greens and browns. She lovingly stroked the garment and a tear formed at the corner of her eye. Ever observant, Pete immediately noticed her melancholia and reached his hand over comfortingly.
"What's wrong, sweetheart?" he asked kindly.
Julie looked up. She impatiently brushed the tears away. "Here I go again with the water works. It's nothing really," she smiled tremulously.
"It's not nothing if it's making you cry. So out with it," Pete said.
Julie held up the sweater, "It's this sweater. This was one of the presents I gave Dan last Christmas. He hardly wore it at all, he said it was too nice to wear to do work around the ranch." She held the sweater up to her nose and breathed deeply, "It still has his smell," she said with a faraway look.
"Do you want to keep it?" Pete wanted to know but Julie wasn't listening.
"We all went skiing at Lake Tahoe for New Year's Dan, Melissa, and me. Dan was teaching Melissa how to ski and they had a ball out in the snow. He wore this then, and we were nearly snowed in. We left to come home just before a huge blizzard hit the lodge," she rambled on, lost in memories. Pete reached and gently took the sweater from her hands and put it into a pile of Dan's personal belongings that Julie had decided to keep. He tapped her shoulder lightly, eyes filled with compassion.
Julie shook her head, "I'm sorry for going off like that. Maybe I'm not ready for this after all." She tried to push herself up but Pete put his hand on her arm to restrain her.
"Look, since we've started doing this, we might as well finish it. I'm here with you, honey, and I'll help you get it done. This is something else you have to do in order to go on, so let's finish doing it, okay?" Pete coaxed in a gentle tone.
"Okay. You're right, of course," Julie agreed reluctantly.
She leaned over to where Pete knelt and kissed his cheek to thank him. But Julie gasped and they both were startled into action, getting quickly to their feet as they heard the sharp click of a gun being cocked.
Instinctively, Pete pushed her behind him, making a shield of his body as they both looked to the doorway where a man's lean form was silhouetted against the bright daylight of the outside. The man stepped into the shed and the overhead light revealed him as David Slade standing there with a .357 Magnum revolver in his hand. He looked into the semi-darkness where Pete and Julie stood.
"All right hold it! Who's there?" David demanded, pointing the gun right at them.
"David? Put that gun down! It's me, Julie and Pete, for goodness sake!" Julie cried, stepping from behind Pete's muscular form.
"Julie? Is that you?"
David put the gun down, clicked the safety and peered into the dark corner of the shed where Julie and Pete stood. Julie stepped forward towards the light, nonplussed as Pete followed her, silently and now that he knew who the person was who frightened them, livid.
Julie too became annoyed when she recognized the man with the gun pointed at them.
"Of course it's me. Who else did you think it would be?" she demanded indignantly.
Putting on his best act, David said defensively, "Honestly, Julie, how was I supposed to know that it was you and Cochrane in here? I was getting something out of my truck and I saw the shed doors open so I came over to investigate. I saw the busted padlock in the grass and I thought someone was breaking in. I'm sorry I frightened you." He appearedhonestly contrite.
"It's okay. When did you get that thing?" Julie inquired as she pointed to the gun he still held in his hand.
David held the gun up without aiming it, "I just got a permit for this a few months ago, protection for when I'm working late in the stable office. Sometimes, there are vagrants that jump the freight train which runs about three miles down the road who come looking for a place to break into. I'm just making sure that nobody trespasses. Especially now, you and Melissa are all alone at the house, you need protection," he insisted.
Julie sniffed, "I never cared for guns, David, and I don't like that you have one but I can't tell you not to carry it. Just make sure that you don't leave it anyplace Melissa can find it. I don't want her any place near it."
She turned back to the boxes that she and Pete were going through, dismissing him. Pete threw a glare in David's direction and joined her at the boxes. David stuck his gun inside his belt and came over to see what the two were doing.
"Julie, what are you looking for? Maybe I can help," David offered.
Julie didn't look up, "It's okay, David, I'm going through these boxes of Dan's clothes to bring to the soup kitchen and shelter. Besides, Pete's here helping me. But thanks for offering," she said obliquely.
David stared at Pete through narrowed eyes, "Cochrane, I would've thought that this type of task would be beneath you Beverly Hills Jet Set millionaires to dirty your hands with. I mean that you'd probably leave a job like this for the servants to do," he stated sarcastically.
Pete felt his ire rise but remembering what Matt Henderson had said yesterday, he decided to take the high road and not give in to the way David was obviously baiting him. He grinned humorlessly and replied casually, "Sometimes, but in this case I've offered to help my close friend Julie with a job that she's having difficulty with, disposing of her deceased husband's clothes. I want to be able to give her comfort, moral support, muscle, or anything else she may need to do this. That's mainly why she asked me to stay at the house with her and asked me to help her out here, Slade, so why don't you just get lost? We don't need your help and I'm sure you have work to do in the office. As you see, we've got things out here covered." He waved his hand in dismissal and continued to sort through Dan's clothes with Julie.
David glared at Pete and opened his mouth to say something, but thought better and remained silent. He then ignored Pete and addressed Julie, "If you need anything, Julie, you can call down to the office for me. I'll be there till six." He turned and strode out of the shed.
Pete glanced at the door as David exited. Shaking his head, he resumed sorting through the box. Julie looked at Pete gratefully, "Thanks for not blowing your top. He was really asking for it," she declared.
"Uh-huh," Pete grunted. He sighed, "Yeah, well I wanted to be a better man then to give in to his high school locker room crack. Besides, with him packing that heavy duty rod, I didn't want to give him any reason to get trigger happy with you here," he reasoned.
Julie was incredulous. "Pete! You really think he'd have used that thing on you," she asked, eyes as big as saucers.
Pete laughed shortly, "I don't know for sure, angel, but I'll be damned if I was gonna give him a chance to try."
NEXT…...MYSTERIOUS DISAPPEARANCE