"Mrs. Crane, it is the ruling of this court that you retain none of the
Crane assets. It is also the ruling that you keep soul custody of your son
Ethan Martin Crane."
Theresa dropped into her chair, as Julian started making a fuss about the injustice of a penniless teenager retaining custody of the Crane heir.
She felt a hand on her shoulder. She looked back. It was Noah Bennett.
"Hey T."
"I can't go home. I can't hear Luis telling me he knew better a thousand times a day. I can't watch Miguel and Charity bill and coo like turtledoves. I'll throw up."
"Where's your son?"
"Mama has him." She said.
"Want to come home with me?"
"I think I'd like that." She nodded. She stood up. "I can't believe Alistair let him take away the money but not the Crane heir."
"Julian and Ivy do have daughters and at least one son." Noah pointed out. "Don't question good luck too much."
Theresa sighed as she let Noah guide her out of the courtroom. "Wait. You're taking me home? Don't you live with Sam and Grace?"
"No I got my own place."
"How'd you swing that?"
"Long story."
"Can't wait."
"Well, at first there just wasn't room at home. They finally came to their senses and renovated a space in the attic for Jess. SO I was all set to move in with Hank, but at the last minute he got a call for a job in Europe, so I got his apartment."
"Have you heard from him?" Theresa asked. She looked at him when he didn't answer. "Noah? Hey, where are you?"
"You've got company." He said nodding down the hall.
Theresa looked, winced, and turned away before she started going the other way. "I am not in the mood for him."
"I'll handle it. Hide out in the powder room for a minute or so."
"Thanks." Theresa darted into the ladies' room.
Ethan reached the door just as it closed.
"Ethan." Noah called. "I need to talk to you."
"What?"
"Where were you? You missed the verdict."
"I was negotiating a lease on a condo. Theresa needs somewhere to go."
"Don't worry about her. I've got her back."
"What?"
"She's moving in to Hank's old apartment."
"His old apartment?"
"He's moving to Spain in three days."
"Oh." Ethan said.
"But I'm sure she'll appreciate the gesture. Maybe you and Gwen can move into the condo."
Ethan rolled his eyes. "Thank you for your thoughtfulness, but I doubt that'll be happening anytime soon."
"Whatever. I'll be seeing you I guess."
"Yeah." Ethan's cell phone rang. He looked at the display of the caller, and excused himself. "I have to answer this, but will you tell Theresa I'll stop by later tonight?"
"Sure." Noah nodded as his half-brother walked away to take his phone call. He knocked lightly on the bathroom door and Theresa came out. "Let's go."
HR
"Thanks for the clothes." Theresa said as buttoned herself into an oversize denim shirt.
"They're Hank's. He missed them while he was packing."
"Well then next time you converse with him, thank him for me."
"I have to say the timing's convenient, but who picks up and leaves the country in three days without telling more than one person?"
"Criminals." Theresa said thoughtfully. "And secret agents."
"Don't let my dad hear you say that. He'll start doing background checks into Hank's associations. And I still say you watch to many old movies."
"Just Gone With The Wind." Theresa wrinkled her nose at him.
"We have to broaden your horizons."
"Uh To Catch A Thief is on tonight."
Noah shook his head. "You're not going to give up this criminal theory are you?"
"No. It's too much fun."
"I think I saw microwave popcorn in Hank's kitchen. You interested?"
"Yes and soda."
"He has beer and tap water. That's about it."
"It is definitely a bachelor's home."
"You make popcorn. I'll go get some soda and maybe a pizza."
"Sounds like a wonderful plan."
"It's one of my better ones." Noah admitted as he grabbed his jacket and headed out the door.
Theresa went into the kitchen and started to search for the popcorn. She frowned when it wasn't in the first three places she tried. Bennett men were mysteries all right. She tried the bottom shelves. Reaching back she felt something metal. She pulled it out and immediately dropped it, gasping.
"Oh my God." She scrambled backwards. What was Hank doing with a gun like that?
She carefully inched back over to it and picked it up. It was old, but well cared for. Maybe it was Hank's.
Of course, maybe it wasn't. Maybe it was just here. Nervous, Theresa picked it up with the intention of putting it back where it belonged.
That was until the door opened. "Theresa?"
Instinct took over. She turned around, gun pointing straight ahead. "Get out."
Ethan jumped back. "Christ Theresa, what are you doing with a gun?"
She put it down. "Have you ever heard of knocking?"
"I did."
"What about the bell?"
"It's the baby's nap time."
"He's with my mother."
"Give me the gun."
"What?" She laughed nervously.
"Theresa, I know the outcome of the trial wasn't what you hoped for, but you still have your son, that's what really matters. And I know losing the money will be tough, but you have family, and me. We won't let you starve, I swear."
Theresa started to laugh when she got Ethan's meaning. "Oh God." She finally got out. "You're unbelievable."
"What?"
"The gun is either Hank or Noah's. I accidentally found it when I was looking for popcorn. I was just about to put it back when you came bursting in. I am not having suicidal thoughts, so feel free to get real any time."
Ethan looked uncomfortable. "Sorry, but you have to admit you don't have the world's greatest track record when it comes to handling disaster stoically."
"Right. Look, Ethan was there something you wanted cause I'm really not in the mood to chat."
"I wanted to be there today."
"I know."
"Are you okay? Really."
"I'll be fine." Theresa said. "Look I had a movie night planned and Noah should be back soon so if you don't mind."
Hurt, Ethan gave her a wounded look. "Fine, I'll go. Please call me if you need anything."
"Sure." Theresa said. "Bye."
He turned to go, remembered something halfway to the door. "And give me the gun."
"It's Noah or Hank's. You're not getting it."
"Just let me see it."
"Why?"
"It's not that I don't trust you, but I want to check that that I'm not leaving you alone with a loaded gun after you lost several billion dollars."
"Correct me if I'm wrong but wouldn't I be well within my rights if I shot at you since technically you're trespassing? I mean I didn't invite you in and now you won't leave."
Ethan rolled his eyes. "I don't know why I even try to talk to you anymore."
"Oh lighten up." Theresa opened the chamber. "See? Not loaded. Don't know where the bullets are so I can't shoot myself or you."
He grinned. "Thank heaven for small favors. Enjoy your movie night, and call if you need anything at all."
"Bye." Theresa said as Ethan left. The door opened again a few seconds later. "Now what?"
Noah stood in the doorway.
He was carrying a pizza, with two movies on top and a bag hanging from his arm.
"Did I do something?" He asked.
"No. I thought you were Ethan. Again."
"Oh." Suddenly his eyes homed in on what Theresa was holding. "Where did you get that?"
"Back of a cabinet. I found it by accident. Which leads me to my question. Whose is it?"
"Hank's." Noah said.
"I was only joking about the criminal thing." Theresa mumbled.
Noah sighed. "I can explain, but you have to promise that Luis won't hear about it."
"Oh God. I don't like secrets all that much anymore but okay."
"Let's start with dinner. Did you find the popcorn?"
"No. I found that and then Ethan showed up and I pointed the gun at him cause I didn't hear him knock. He thought I was having suicidal thoughts and tried to take the gun."
Noah snorted. "You didn't shoot him, did you?"
"No, it's not loaded."
"You knew how to check?" Noah asked.
"My brother is Luis. He's a cop. He owns a gun. There came a time when I had to tell him I was pregnant by Julian Crane. Trust me, learning to make sure a gun wasn't loaded was important to my continued well being."
"Right." Noah nodded.
"So?"
"So?"
"Noah. What's going on?"
"Let's find plates."
"You're stalling."
"Am not."
"You're trying to think up a good lie."
"No, I'm finding diplomatic wording. There's a difference."
Theresa frowned at him and then went into the kitchen. She found plates, napkins, knives, forks, and glasses. She set down two of everything, opened the pizza box, pulled out two pieces each, set them on a plate, and then sat down.
She looked up at Noah. "Well?"
"As you know, the Bennett family goes way back in this town. We're fine upstanding citizens, constables and police officers and farmers and taxpayers. At least one branch of us. There's a consistent line of black sheep. Way back when, in the thirties, when the Cranes took the Bennett family farm for their tennis courts, my grandfather, Ben, moved into town with his family. His brother, Thomas, left town and went to New York."
"What on earth does that have to do with Hank's gun?"
"I'm getting there. Be patient."
Theresa nodded imperceptibly.
Noah sighed. "In New York there wasn't much work. It was the middle of the Great Depression. Apparently Thomas got mixed up with a couple shady characters. Eventually, he started bringing them in to the police after they committed crimes he could not allow them to go free for. And the police began to pay him. It was the beginning of his career as a bounty hunter. Now Thomas came back to Harmony when he was old, and he saw how Sam was a carbon copy of Ben. In Hank he saw himself. So Thomas taught Hank what he knew. Hank couldn't follow in his dad's footsteps, but he still felt the call to public service. That's where Hank goes when he disappears. He's famous in some circles for being able to trace the untraceable, and bring them back to face justice."
"Oh my God. Does your dad know?"
"I'm sure he suspects something but I don't think it's this."
"And Luis has no idea?"
"None."
"So why do you know?"
"Cause I'm next in line. Let's face it T. Ethan's the golden boy."
"Noah, that's not true. You're not the black sheep. Your mom and dad are so proud of you."
"But I'm not St. Sam."
"I thought you and your dad got along."
Noah sighed. "We do. It's just...he expects me to do what he's done. Well, what he taught us to think he'd done. Jess is handling this whole new sibling thing pretty well, but Kay and I are having problems. Kay of course, has more problems with David, but she and Mom have always conflicted. Never mind. He wants me to get married, join the police force, have kids and eat tomato soup cake. I'm not ready to eat tomato soup cake for the rest of my life."
Theresa giggled. "Don't let Grace hear you say that."
"What am I? Stupid?"
"Nah. So you're going into the other family business huh? What are you gonna tell your dad?"
"That I have another calling in life."
"He'll take that well I'm sure."
"Right." Noah rolled his eyes. "You gonna keep my secret?"
"Sure. There's something else I'm gonna do too."
"What's that?"
"Join you."
"Oh lord." Noah groaned. "I knew you were going to say that."
"So it's okay."
He sighed. "Theresa, this is not cops and robbers or pretend. This isn't glamorous. It's not a safe profession. You have a child. If you get hurt, or God forbid worse, what happens to him?" He cut off her protest. "Why do you think Hank never calls or writes while he's out of town? He can't afford to let some of his associates know he has a family. It's a dangerous liability."
"You make it sound like the mob."
"Some of Hank's biggest contracts have come from the mafia."
"Well ya know Mama's family isn't always on the up and up. I can always drop a family name or two if I get into trouble."
"That is not even remotely funny."
"Noah, relax."
He sighed. "I just want you to think about it. Please. And then if you still want to do it, we'll find some way."
"Noah there's nothing to think about. I need money."
"Then get a job."
"I'm trying. You keep telling me no."
"A normal one."
"Normal schmormal. That's boring."
He laughed. "Your pizza's getting cold."
"Noah, I'm serious. I want in."
"We'll get you some supplies tomorrow, but I want to talk to Hank tonight about bringing you in as a full partner."
"EEE!" Theresa launched herself into Noah's arms. "Thank you! You won't be sorry."
"Tell me that after Hank finishes chewing me out for letting his best friend's baby sister in on the family secret and agreeing to let her become one."
She hugged him even more tightly. "You are the best friend in the world." She rhapsodized.
"I can hear him now. 'You did what?'"
"Will you calm down? I'm sure he'll be fine with it."
HR
"You did what? Are you nuts?"
"Hank, she needs money. She's smart. She's brave. And the best part is she looks so innocent."
"She's smart but she doesn't think things through. She's brave because she's half crazy. And she looks innocent because she is innocent. I don't want to drag her into this."
"Well would it help if I told you she's a pretty good shot?"
"What?"
"I took her down to the firing range. She's not half bad."
Noah heard Hank's grimace. "I guess Luis taught her how to shoot."
"I guess. Listen, it's too late to back out and I think she might be pretty good at this."
"You had to make her full partner right away?"
"Well, I said I'd ask you."
"Tell her partner pending a trial period. If she doesn't get any of us shot or killed, she stays."
"You got it Hank. You're not gonna regret this."
"Yes I am. Right after Luis finds out I let his baby sister become a bounty hunter."
"We were thinking Luis doesn't have to know."
"I like that idea." Hank laughed a little.
"So how's the skip tracing going?"
"This guy is pretty good at covering his tracks. I'll get it though."
"You always do. See you soon."
"Hopefully. Hey. Start her off small."
"Collecting drunks?"
"And traffic tickets. Stuff like that. You let her go after something big before she's ready and the next skip she's gonna bring in is her brother after he shoots me and skips on his court date."
Noah laughed. "Take care of yourself please."
"Will do. Bye."
"Bye." Noah hung up.
"So?"
"How much did you hear?" Noah turned around.
"Your side."
"You start off small and on probation. If it works out you're a partner."
"How small? Cause Noah, I'm really broke."
"How broke?"
"I have credit card payments coming due for an Armani suit."
"Ouch. Let's go visit Viper."
"Who?"
"Vincent "Viper" O'Toole. He's a bail enforcement agent. He's got an office down on the docks."
"I've been down to the docks a thousand times. I've never seen a bail bond office."
"He doesn't advertise."
"This is so cool." Theresa said.
"Calm down, okay? You're a professional now. You can't act like a kid anymore."
Theresa made a face. "OK, ok, I'm cool now. What else?"
"No one and I mean no one can know. You can't tell anyone. Not your mom, not Luis, especially not Luis, and not Ethan."
"Yeah, I'm gonna go running to my ex-fiancé and tell him that I'm becoming a bounty hunter. I'm sure that would go over real well." Theresa rolled her eyes.
Noah sighed. "I know, I know, but this is serious."
"I won't tell anyone Noah. My lips are zipped on this particular fact." Theresa swore.
"OK, next order of business. We have to get you outfitted."
"Noah, I'm in enough debt for clothing."
"This is on Hank."
"Really?" Theresa wrinkled her nose in delight. "Cool."
"What did I say about being a professional?"
Theresa shot him a withering look. "I'm still a Girl." She said. "You've offered me a shopping spree with someone else's credit card."
"Well, I'm going with you cause you need more than clothing."
"Like what?"
"Well for starters a holster. And a gun."
"Nothing like Luis carries. He made me fire that like once a week a couple of summers ago. It hurt my hand."
"We'll find something." Noah said. "And you'll practice with it. No dodging out of that one."
"Swear." She smiled. "Let's go."
"Theresa, it's a little late." He told her gently. "Maybe for now you better go home and see your family. I guarantee you that Pilar is half- hysterical over where you are."
"Oh right. Okay. Tomorrow? Shopping?"
"Pick you up at eight okay?"
"Okay. Bye." Theresa left the apartment.
Theresa dropped into her chair, as Julian started making a fuss about the injustice of a penniless teenager retaining custody of the Crane heir.
She felt a hand on her shoulder. She looked back. It was Noah Bennett.
"Hey T."
"I can't go home. I can't hear Luis telling me he knew better a thousand times a day. I can't watch Miguel and Charity bill and coo like turtledoves. I'll throw up."
"Where's your son?"
"Mama has him." She said.
"Want to come home with me?"
"I think I'd like that." She nodded. She stood up. "I can't believe Alistair let him take away the money but not the Crane heir."
"Julian and Ivy do have daughters and at least one son." Noah pointed out. "Don't question good luck too much."
Theresa sighed as she let Noah guide her out of the courtroom. "Wait. You're taking me home? Don't you live with Sam and Grace?"
"No I got my own place."
"How'd you swing that?"
"Long story."
"Can't wait."
"Well, at first there just wasn't room at home. They finally came to their senses and renovated a space in the attic for Jess. SO I was all set to move in with Hank, but at the last minute he got a call for a job in Europe, so I got his apartment."
"Have you heard from him?" Theresa asked. She looked at him when he didn't answer. "Noah? Hey, where are you?"
"You've got company." He said nodding down the hall.
Theresa looked, winced, and turned away before she started going the other way. "I am not in the mood for him."
"I'll handle it. Hide out in the powder room for a minute or so."
"Thanks." Theresa darted into the ladies' room.
Ethan reached the door just as it closed.
"Ethan." Noah called. "I need to talk to you."
"What?"
"Where were you? You missed the verdict."
"I was negotiating a lease on a condo. Theresa needs somewhere to go."
"Don't worry about her. I've got her back."
"What?"
"She's moving in to Hank's old apartment."
"His old apartment?"
"He's moving to Spain in three days."
"Oh." Ethan said.
"But I'm sure she'll appreciate the gesture. Maybe you and Gwen can move into the condo."
Ethan rolled his eyes. "Thank you for your thoughtfulness, but I doubt that'll be happening anytime soon."
"Whatever. I'll be seeing you I guess."
"Yeah." Ethan's cell phone rang. He looked at the display of the caller, and excused himself. "I have to answer this, but will you tell Theresa I'll stop by later tonight?"
"Sure." Noah nodded as his half-brother walked away to take his phone call. He knocked lightly on the bathroom door and Theresa came out. "Let's go."
HR
"Thanks for the clothes." Theresa said as buttoned herself into an oversize denim shirt.
"They're Hank's. He missed them while he was packing."
"Well then next time you converse with him, thank him for me."
"I have to say the timing's convenient, but who picks up and leaves the country in three days without telling more than one person?"
"Criminals." Theresa said thoughtfully. "And secret agents."
"Don't let my dad hear you say that. He'll start doing background checks into Hank's associations. And I still say you watch to many old movies."
"Just Gone With The Wind." Theresa wrinkled her nose at him.
"We have to broaden your horizons."
"Uh To Catch A Thief is on tonight."
Noah shook his head. "You're not going to give up this criminal theory are you?"
"No. It's too much fun."
"I think I saw microwave popcorn in Hank's kitchen. You interested?"
"Yes and soda."
"He has beer and tap water. That's about it."
"It is definitely a bachelor's home."
"You make popcorn. I'll go get some soda and maybe a pizza."
"Sounds like a wonderful plan."
"It's one of my better ones." Noah admitted as he grabbed his jacket and headed out the door.
Theresa went into the kitchen and started to search for the popcorn. She frowned when it wasn't in the first three places she tried. Bennett men were mysteries all right. She tried the bottom shelves. Reaching back she felt something metal. She pulled it out and immediately dropped it, gasping.
"Oh my God." She scrambled backwards. What was Hank doing with a gun like that?
She carefully inched back over to it and picked it up. It was old, but well cared for. Maybe it was Hank's.
Of course, maybe it wasn't. Maybe it was just here. Nervous, Theresa picked it up with the intention of putting it back where it belonged.
That was until the door opened. "Theresa?"
Instinct took over. She turned around, gun pointing straight ahead. "Get out."
Ethan jumped back. "Christ Theresa, what are you doing with a gun?"
She put it down. "Have you ever heard of knocking?"
"I did."
"What about the bell?"
"It's the baby's nap time."
"He's with my mother."
"Give me the gun."
"What?" She laughed nervously.
"Theresa, I know the outcome of the trial wasn't what you hoped for, but you still have your son, that's what really matters. And I know losing the money will be tough, but you have family, and me. We won't let you starve, I swear."
Theresa started to laugh when she got Ethan's meaning. "Oh God." She finally got out. "You're unbelievable."
"What?"
"The gun is either Hank or Noah's. I accidentally found it when I was looking for popcorn. I was just about to put it back when you came bursting in. I am not having suicidal thoughts, so feel free to get real any time."
Ethan looked uncomfortable. "Sorry, but you have to admit you don't have the world's greatest track record when it comes to handling disaster stoically."
"Right. Look, Ethan was there something you wanted cause I'm really not in the mood to chat."
"I wanted to be there today."
"I know."
"Are you okay? Really."
"I'll be fine." Theresa said. "Look I had a movie night planned and Noah should be back soon so if you don't mind."
Hurt, Ethan gave her a wounded look. "Fine, I'll go. Please call me if you need anything."
"Sure." Theresa said. "Bye."
He turned to go, remembered something halfway to the door. "And give me the gun."
"It's Noah or Hank's. You're not getting it."
"Just let me see it."
"Why?"
"It's not that I don't trust you, but I want to check that that I'm not leaving you alone with a loaded gun after you lost several billion dollars."
"Correct me if I'm wrong but wouldn't I be well within my rights if I shot at you since technically you're trespassing? I mean I didn't invite you in and now you won't leave."
Ethan rolled his eyes. "I don't know why I even try to talk to you anymore."
"Oh lighten up." Theresa opened the chamber. "See? Not loaded. Don't know where the bullets are so I can't shoot myself or you."
He grinned. "Thank heaven for small favors. Enjoy your movie night, and call if you need anything at all."
"Bye." Theresa said as Ethan left. The door opened again a few seconds later. "Now what?"
Noah stood in the doorway.
He was carrying a pizza, with two movies on top and a bag hanging from his arm.
"Did I do something?" He asked.
"No. I thought you were Ethan. Again."
"Oh." Suddenly his eyes homed in on what Theresa was holding. "Where did you get that?"
"Back of a cabinet. I found it by accident. Which leads me to my question. Whose is it?"
"Hank's." Noah said.
"I was only joking about the criminal thing." Theresa mumbled.
Noah sighed. "I can explain, but you have to promise that Luis won't hear about it."
"Oh God. I don't like secrets all that much anymore but okay."
"Let's start with dinner. Did you find the popcorn?"
"No. I found that and then Ethan showed up and I pointed the gun at him cause I didn't hear him knock. He thought I was having suicidal thoughts and tried to take the gun."
Noah snorted. "You didn't shoot him, did you?"
"No, it's not loaded."
"You knew how to check?" Noah asked.
"My brother is Luis. He's a cop. He owns a gun. There came a time when I had to tell him I was pregnant by Julian Crane. Trust me, learning to make sure a gun wasn't loaded was important to my continued well being."
"Right." Noah nodded.
"So?"
"So?"
"Noah. What's going on?"
"Let's find plates."
"You're stalling."
"Am not."
"You're trying to think up a good lie."
"No, I'm finding diplomatic wording. There's a difference."
Theresa frowned at him and then went into the kitchen. She found plates, napkins, knives, forks, and glasses. She set down two of everything, opened the pizza box, pulled out two pieces each, set them on a plate, and then sat down.
She looked up at Noah. "Well?"
"As you know, the Bennett family goes way back in this town. We're fine upstanding citizens, constables and police officers and farmers and taxpayers. At least one branch of us. There's a consistent line of black sheep. Way back when, in the thirties, when the Cranes took the Bennett family farm for their tennis courts, my grandfather, Ben, moved into town with his family. His brother, Thomas, left town and went to New York."
"What on earth does that have to do with Hank's gun?"
"I'm getting there. Be patient."
Theresa nodded imperceptibly.
Noah sighed. "In New York there wasn't much work. It was the middle of the Great Depression. Apparently Thomas got mixed up with a couple shady characters. Eventually, he started bringing them in to the police after they committed crimes he could not allow them to go free for. And the police began to pay him. It was the beginning of his career as a bounty hunter. Now Thomas came back to Harmony when he was old, and he saw how Sam was a carbon copy of Ben. In Hank he saw himself. So Thomas taught Hank what he knew. Hank couldn't follow in his dad's footsteps, but he still felt the call to public service. That's where Hank goes when he disappears. He's famous in some circles for being able to trace the untraceable, and bring them back to face justice."
"Oh my God. Does your dad know?"
"I'm sure he suspects something but I don't think it's this."
"And Luis has no idea?"
"None."
"So why do you know?"
"Cause I'm next in line. Let's face it T. Ethan's the golden boy."
"Noah, that's not true. You're not the black sheep. Your mom and dad are so proud of you."
"But I'm not St. Sam."
"I thought you and your dad got along."
Noah sighed. "We do. It's just...he expects me to do what he's done. Well, what he taught us to think he'd done. Jess is handling this whole new sibling thing pretty well, but Kay and I are having problems. Kay of course, has more problems with David, but she and Mom have always conflicted. Never mind. He wants me to get married, join the police force, have kids and eat tomato soup cake. I'm not ready to eat tomato soup cake for the rest of my life."
Theresa giggled. "Don't let Grace hear you say that."
"What am I? Stupid?"
"Nah. So you're going into the other family business huh? What are you gonna tell your dad?"
"That I have another calling in life."
"He'll take that well I'm sure."
"Right." Noah rolled his eyes. "You gonna keep my secret?"
"Sure. There's something else I'm gonna do too."
"What's that?"
"Join you."
"Oh lord." Noah groaned. "I knew you were going to say that."
"So it's okay."
He sighed. "Theresa, this is not cops and robbers or pretend. This isn't glamorous. It's not a safe profession. You have a child. If you get hurt, or God forbid worse, what happens to him?" He cut off her protest. "Why do you think Hank never calls or writes while he's out of town? He can't afford to let some of his associates know he has a family. It's a dangerous liability."
"You make it sound like the mob."
"Some of Hank's biggest contracts have come from the mafia."
"Well ya know Mama's family isn't always on the up and up. I can always drop a family name or two if I get into trouble."
"That is not even remotely funny."
"Noah, relax."
He sighed. "I just want you to think about it. Please. And then if you still want to do it, we'll find some way."
"Noah there's nothing to think about. I need money."
"Then get a job."
"I'm trying. You keep telling me no."
"A normal one."
"Normal schmormal. That's boring."
He laughed. "Your pizza's getting cold."
"Noah, I'm serious. I want in."
"We'll get you some supplies tomorrow, but I want to talk to Hank tonight about bringing you in as a full partner."
"EEE!" Theresa launched herself into Noah's arms. "Thank you! You won't be sorry."
"Tell me that after Hank finishes chewing me out for letting his best friend's baby sister in on the family secret and agreeing to let her become one."
She hugged him even more tightly. "You are the best friend in the world." She rhapsodized.
"I can hear him now. 'You did what?'"
"Will you calm down? I'm sure he'll be fine with it."
HR
"You did what? Are you nuts?"
"Hank, she needs money. She's smart. She's brave. And the best part is she looks so innocent."
"She's smart but she doesn't think things through. She's brave because she's half crazy. And she looks innocent because she is innocent. I don't want to drag her into this."
"Well would it help if I told you she's a pretty good shot?"
"What?"
"I took her down to the firing range. She's not half bad."
Noah heard Hank's grimace. "I guess Luis taught her how to shoot."
"I guess. Listen, it's too late to back out and I think she might be pretty good at this."
"You had to make her full partner right away?"
"Well, I said I'd ask you."
"Tell her partner pending a trial period. If she doesn't get any of us shot or killed, she stays."
"You got it Hank. You're not gonna regret this."
"Yes I am. Right after Luis finds out I let his baby sister become a bounty hunter."
"We were thinking Luis doesn't have to know."
"I like that idea." Hank laughed a little.
"So how's the skip tracing going?"
"This guy is pretty good at covering his tracks. I'll get it though."
"You always do. See you soon."
"Hopefully. Hey. Start her off small."
"Collecting drunks?"
"And traffic tickets. Stuff like that. You let her go after something big before she's ready and the next skip she's gonna bring in is her brother after he shoots me and skips on his court date."
Noah laughed. "Take care of yourself please."
"Will do. Bye."
"Bye." Noah hung up.
"So?"
"How much did you hear?" Noah turned around.
"Your side."
"You start off small and on probation. If it works out you're a partner."
"How small? Cause Noah, I'm really broke."
"How broke?"
"I have credit card payments coming due for an Armani suit."
"Ouch. Let's go visit Viper."
"Who?"
"Vincent "Viper" O'Toole. He's a bail enforcement agent. He's got an office down on the docks."
"I've been down to the docks a thousand times. I've never seen a bail bond office."
"He doesn't advertise."
"This is so cool." Theresa said.
"Calm down, okay? You're a professional now. You can't act like a kid anymore."
Theresa made a face. "OK, ok, I'm cool now. What else?"
"No one and I mean no one can know. You can't tell anyone. Not your mom, not Luis, especially not Luis, and not Ethan."
"Yeah, I'm gonna go running to my ex-fiancé and tell him that I'm becoming a bounty hunter. I'm sure that would go over real well." Theresa rolled her eyes.
Noah sighed. "I know, I know, but this is serious."
"I won't tell anyone Noah. My lips are zipped on this particular fact." Theresa swore.
"OK, next order of business. We have to get you outfitted."
"Noah, I'm in enough debt for clothing."
"This is on Hank."
"Really?" Theresa wrinkled her nose in delight. "Cool."
"What did I say about being a professional?"
Theresa shot him a withering look. "I'm still a Girl." She said. "You've offered me a shopping spree with someone else's credit card."
"Well, I'm going with you cause you need more than clothing."
"Like what?"
"Well for starters a holster. And a gun."
"Nothing like Luis carries. He made me fire that like once a week a couple of summers ago. It hurt my hand."
"We'll find something." Noah said. "And you'll practice with it. No dodging out of that one."
"Swear." She smiled. "Let's go."
"Theresa, it's a little late." He told her gently. "Maybe for now you better go home and see your family. I guarantee you that Pilar is half- hysterical over where you are."
"Oh right. Okay. Tomorrow? Shopping?"
"Pick you up at eight okay?"
"Okay. Bye." Theresa left the apartment.
