Chapter Six
Bill took the case file from Carlisle and walked silently out of Carlisle's office without regard for Tony.
This is the thanks I get for all my hard work all these years with the Department, he thought.
"Agent Maxwell? We just passed the testing room with the polygraph equipment," Tony commented.
"Huh? Oh, yeah, right, Villicana," Bill said, and kept on walking.
"Hey, Maxwell, where are we going!" Tony demanded.
Bill stopped and turned to face Tony directly. "Listen closely Villicana. I'm in charge. Whatever I say goes. When I say 'jump' your only question should be 'how high? Got it?"
Tony's eyes narrowed. "Listen Maxwell, I can understand that you still see me as the punk kid I was five years ago, but I've changed; grown up. You know, I really wasn't a bad kid, just someone who needed to find his way; once I did, it all made sense," Tony explained.
"Oh yeah, Villicana? Tell me about it," Bill said, doubtfully and folded his arm across his chest.
Tony smiled and placed a hand on Bill's shoulder. "I did some pretty goofy things back in high school. I tried to make my fortune racing for pink slips intending to resell the cars for profit. I became manager for my friends' band LA Freeway. The only reason I was their manager was because I didn't have the musical talent to actually be in the band. Unfortunately, I didn't have managing skills either and ended up quitting the band. The only job that even remotely worked for me was when I worked at night repossessing cars. I was good at it and it paid well, but the operation was shut down when the owner was arrested."
"So, you decided to change sides and join the good guys. I've heard that before," Bill said sarcastically.
"No, hear me out," Tony objected. "It wasn't just that," he explained. "In my senior class at Whitney High, Mr. Hinkley suggested to the class that the way we could make a difference and change the world would be by using our strengths; directing them in a productive way. He pointed out that many criminals would be very effective citizens if they used their talents and abilities for the common good. It made sense. I just didn't know what I should do, that is, until our class took that trip with you to the gold mine. Up close and personal, I saw how well you handled the whole situation with those crooks. It inspired me. I saw something of who you really were; beyond the gruff tough exterior, you had a heart for others. You had a determined dedication and fearlessness that made an impression on me. When I graduated and the school guidance counselor asked where I wanted to go from there, I knew and that's why I'm here."
Bill was impressed. He had touched someone's life, inspired him even. He hadn't thought much about the effect he had on anyone other than those he arrested. He knew those he saved appreciated it, but he always figured it was an appreciation for work done 'in the line of duty' because he never got personally involved with the victims after the cases were closed.
"Okay Villicana, I can relate. I appreciate your honesty and candor. You show promise for a decent FBI agent," Bill answered as he led Tony to his desk in the special agents' office.
Chapter Seven
Ralph sat at the luncheon table in the teacher's lounge eating his tuna fish sandwich. Glancing up at the clock on the wall he noticed it was 12:34, about the time Pam usually breaks for lunch. I think I'll give her a call to see how she is feeling, Ralph said to himself. He popped the last bit of tuna fish into his mouth and tossed the brown bag into the trash as he headed for the pay phone on the wall in the corner of the lounge.
The coins jingled loudly as he deposited the money into the slot on the phone. As he dialed the phone number of Pam's direct line he glanced around at the other teachers in the lounge. Two other teachers, Jack Hanson and Irene Johnson, were sitting at a table nearby discussing last night's PTA meeting. Apparently it didn't go well because Irene was complaining about the lack of parental support and involvement when it came to the parents participating in the student activities.
Ralph's attention shifted back to the phone when Pam's secretary picked up.
"I'm sorry Maggie, this is Ralph Hinkley. I am trying to reach Pam. I take it she stepped out to lunch already, huh?" he asked, politely.
"Yes, Mr. Hinkley, shall I have her return the call?" Maggie asked.
"No thanks. Please just let her know I called," Ralph answered, hanging up the phone.
"Ralph," Irene called, "We didn't see you at the PTA meeting last night. Didn't you get the memo?" she asked.
"Um, yes, that's right Irene," Ralph responded feeling guilty, "I was unable to attend. Pam's car broke down and I had to pick her up at the mechanic's. By the time we got home, it was after 10:00. I guess it's time to start looking for a new car," he said, moving closer to where they were seated.
"Well, you weren't the only one who missed the meeting," Irene said, shaking her head. "The number of parents attending our monthly meeting has been dropping steadily for years. It seems that parents are just too busy to be involved in their kid's lives. I think it is a shame that most parents do little more than provide food, clothing and shelter to their kids and leave the rest to us."
"I think you are being a little hard on the parents, Irene. After all, most families today have both parents working, divorce rates are up and there are more single parent homes and broken families than there used to be. More parents working to make ends meet often means no time to be home with the family, much less attend meetings," Ralph explained.
"That doesn't help the kids though does it?" Irene asked.
"Well, no, I suppose it doesn't," Ralph replied, "But that doesn't mean we shouldn't do whatever we can to help the parents out. After all, the parents are entrusting their children to us and every little bit we can do helps."
"Good to hear it, Ralph, not all the teachers feel that way. Shall I put you down for help supervising the freshman's Halloween Costume contest tomorrow night?" Irene asked, adding Ralph's name to the short list of volunteers in front of her.
"Um, sorry Irene, I won't be available tomorrow night. Taking the family to the California Stars World Series game," Ralph explained.
"Hmmm, maybe next time then," Irene grumbled, crossing Ralph's name off the list.
"Sure," Ralph replied, heading out the door of the teacher's lounge.
"Dad! Hey Dad!" Kevin shouted from down the hall as he came running toward Ralph.
"Hey Kev! What's up?" Ralph answered, glad to see his son. "By the way, Happy Birthday, son!" he said, warmly.
"Thanks, Dad," Kevin said, a little out of breath from his sprint down the hall. "That's just what I wanted to talk to you about."
"Oh yes, Kev. I have your present right here," Ralph said, reaching into his pocket for his wallet. "Happy Birthday!"
"Wow! Tickets to tomorrow night's World Series game!" Kevin exclaimed excitedly. "Thanks Dad!"
"I'll hang onto these for safe-keeping," Ralph commented, taking the tickets and slipping them back into his wallet."
"Okay," Kevin agreed. "Listen, Dad, I wanted to talk to you about tonight," Kevin began.
"I know," Ralph interrupted. "I spoke to your mom this morning. It's gonna be great to have you around this week."
"Sure, Dad," Kevin replied, impatiently. "I just wanted to let you know the guys are coming over tonight for a party."
"Oh, Kevin, I don't know if that's such a good idea," Ralph thought aloud. "Pam and I are supposed to go out and…"
"You don't have to be there to baby-sit or anything," Kevin begged. "It's just a few guys and it IS my birthday. We were supposed to have it at Mom's but since she's gone out of town…."
Ralph thought for a moment. "I guess I could cancel the dinner reservations…" he reasoned aloud.
"No, Dad, you don't have to do that. Go out with Pam and we'll be fine. We're just gonna watch TV, hang-out and stuff. Nothing bad's gonna happen, don't you trust me? I am fifteen now," Kevin pleaded.
"How many guys are we talking here?" Ralph asked, suspiciously.
"Only five of my best behaved friends, Dad. These are guys I've known since I was 7 years old. Okay?"
"Okay, but only because I don't want to cancel this reservation tonight with Pam," Ralph answered.
"Great! Thanks, Dad!" Kevin said, happily. "I'll see ya at home after school."
Ralph nodded, hoping it would be okay with Pam.
Chapter Eight
It was nearly noon-time before Pam was truly feeling herself again. Deep down she knew this was no flu and she also knew that there was only one way she could be sure of what was wrong and that was by seeing a doctor.
"I'll be out of the office for a bit, Maggie," Pam told her secretary as she passed her desk.
Maggie nodded and returned to her work.
Pam listened to the soothing instrumental music playing through the elevator's speakers as it slowly descended to the fifth floor.
The doctor's office was conveniently located across the hall from the elevator. Pam imagined that this was a convenience that influenced the doctor to set up his practice at this particular location.
The reception area was immaculately kept and tastefully decorated. Although there was plenty of seating available, no one was seated in the waiting room. Pam suspected this was due to the time of the day; most doctor offices did not receive patients between the hours of noon and one of the work week.
"I'm Pamela Hinkley, here to see Doctor Phillips," she told the receptionist at the front desk.
"Please fill out these papers and have a seat. The nurse will be right with you, Mrs. Hinkley," the receptionist replied.
Pam selected the seat closest to the window to sit in so she could enjoy the warmth of the sunshine streaming in as she filled in her address, phone number, medical history and insurance information. In no time at all she had completed the forms and returned them to the receptionist.
Pam returned to her seat and closed her eyes, enjoying the feel of the warm sun through the window. Wouldn't it be nice to be lying in a reclining chair at the beach about now? she thought. She couldn't remember the last time she and Ralph had taken a real vacation. That is, one that didn't include the red suit, Bill, the FBI, and capturing criminals.
It's not that she minded all those things; rather, it was more that she wanted some time without them. She felt there was something else that she needed. Instinctively she knew she'd never pin-point exactly what that was as long as she was occupied with all these other distractions.
"Mrs. Hinkley?" the nurse called, interrupting her thoughts.
Pam got up and followed the nurse into the first examination room on the left, where her weight, pulse and blood pressure were taken.
"The doctor will be with you shortly," the nurse said before exiting the room.
Pam sat silently thinking about what kinds of tests the doctor might order to figure out what was wrong with her.
Just then there was a knock at the door and Dr. Phillips entered the room.
"Mrs. Hinkley! How nice to see you again," Dr. Phillips said greeting Pam warmly.
"Good afternoon, Dr. Phillips," Pam responded.
Dr. Phillips sat down in the chair across from the examination table where Pam was seated. "Please, tell me the reason for your visit," he asked.
"Well, Dr. Phillips, I've been feeling very tired lately and I wake up with an upset stomach. I don't have a fever or any other cold or flu symptoms, but this seems to keep dragging on. My upset stomach could be food-related because the upset often passes later in the day. I can't seem to figure out the connection. Do you think this is a virus or some kind of food allergy?" Pam asked, afraid to admit that she suspected it might be something more.
Dr. Phillips smiled, "How long have you been feeling this way?" he asked.
Pam thought a moment, "About 3 weeks now," she answered.
"Do you ever vomit in the morning?" he asked, making notations on some papers in her file.
"Yes, actually; but not every morning."
"Have you been losing or gaining weight?" he asked, looking up from the papers.
"I hadn't actually gotten on the scale before today. According to that, I gained a few pounds," she answered.
"Mrs. Hinkley, is it possible that you are pregnant?" he asked, putting the folder down and moving closer.
"Well, I suppose it's possible, but Ralph and I have been married 3 years now and frankly doctor, I thought that it would have happened a long time ago if it were possible. Ralph and I sort of just accepted the fact that it wasn't going to happen for us."
"Would you mind taking a pregnancy test? We can know the results in just a matter of moments," Dr. Phillips said stepping over to the cabinet and retrieving a plastic container for her. "You can use the bathroom right over here," Dr. Phillips said, opening the door to the bathroom adjacent to the examination room. "I'll be back in a few moments," he said before disappearing behind the door.
As Pam slid off the examination table and into the bathroom, she considered what the doctor had said. Can I really be pregnant? she wondered. She smiled at the idea. "Won't Ralph be excited," she said aloud. Somehow, hearing the words out load made it sound more real. The fact was, she wasn't sure how Ralph would feel. They'd have to make some big changes in their lives because she knew she could never leave her child to be raised at a day care; but, could they manage on a single salary? She wasn't so sure.
She placed the plastic container on the counter in the examination room and climbed back onto the examination table. Waiting was murder. She knew she had to accept whatever the results were; but the more she thought about the possibility of her being pregnant, the more she wanted it to be true. She hoped she wasn't setting herself up for a big let down. It HAD to be true; after all it made perfect sense. In fact, come to think of it, she should have had her period already. She was late. She recalled thinking she was off schedule because of some stressful changes at work, but now that she thought about it, that might not be it at all.
"Mrs. Hinkley?" the nurse asked as she entered the room. "Dr. Phillips asked me to collect your sample to run the pregnancy test."
Pam nodded and pointed to the plastic container on the counter.
"He will be right in with the result," she said as she left the room.
Pam glanced at her watch. 12:34 it read. I'll have just enough time to grab a sandwich downstairs and be back in time for the partners meeting at 1:30, she decided.
Chapter Nine
Tony's stomach was beginning to growl. What time is it anyway, he wondered, looking at his watch. It read 12:34. Where did the morning go?
"Time flies when you're having fun, doesn't it?" Bill interrupted Tony's thoughts. "Ready to grab a burger? I know a great little diner across town.
"You mean the one where you pulled a gun on me?" Tony joked.
"Very funny, Villicana. You'll score some real brownie points with me that way," Bill stated flatly.
"Just kidding, Maxwell, can't you take a joke?"
"How's it coming on those addresses?" Bill asked, ignoring Tony's comment.
"I got a few confirmations, but some of the vandalism complaints are so old the people have moved away, died, or plain just don't want to be bothered. Why are we checking things like 'bent antennas' anyway?"
"Because it's on the list and if it's on the list, we check it. We go by the book. Period," Bill answered.
"But, 'bent antennas'? And this one, 'clothes line torn down'! Now there's a case for the FBI to crack! Let's bring that felon down! Get the SWAT team!" Tony exclaimed, sarcastically.
"Okay, Villicana, that's enough. I don't like this any more than you do," Bill ordered.
"Well, the contact at the Palmdale Hotel for a broken window is there. We can question him on the way to the diner, if you want," Tony suggested.
"Broken window, I wonder what is so special about a broken window," Bill commented.
"Let's find out," Tony said getting out of his chair.
"What else do you have?" Bill asked.
"There are three other locations in and near Palmdale," Tony replied, looking at his notes.
"Palmdale," Bill shuddered.
Chapter Ten
Kevin plopped down in the grassy area outside the school's lunch room joining five of his buddies.
"Hi guys, I just spoke to my dad and he says everything is cool. We're still on for tonight."
"Seven o'clock, right?" asked a boy named John with shoulder-length wavy blonde hair.
"I bought a new VHS movie we can watch. It's called, "It Came From Below," suggested Jim, John's twin brother.
"Kevin doesn't want to watch a Halloween movie on his birthday, Kingsman!" said a tall red haired boy named Joel.
"That's okay, I'm always up for a good chiller! I heard that one's a really good one," Kevin said, coming to the boy's defense.
"It won't matter anyway, Kevin's parents will never let us watch it!" complained Scott, a blonde-haired boy who resembled Kevin.
"That's not gonna be a problem, Pam and my dad are going out tonight. We'll have the place to our selves," Kevin answered.
Just then the school bell rang.
"Come on, guys! We're gonna be late for class!" Kevin called, as he scrambled to his feet.
"What's the rush?" Scott asked, "It's only Mrs. Johnson's Literature class. "Ugh! That class is soooo boring!"
"Yeah, you know it," agreed Joel, "How in the world do you keep your eyes open, Kevin?"
"Are you kidding? Kevin isn't in a rush for Literature, he's got his eyes on Tracy Thompson in the front row!" teased Jim, with a smirk on his face.
Kevin didn't say anything. He knew better than to deny or admit anything with these guys. He'd never hear the end of it. But he had to admit, Tracy did add a little something to the enjoyment of the class.