Disclaimer: This story is mine, but the characters do not belong to me. I make no money from this, but I did have a ton of fun writing it.

A/N: Based on a story concept by Boink at Moonlighting Strangers.

Friday, December 23, 1988
5:39 p.m.

Blue Moon was to be closed the week between Christmas and New Year's, and just about everyone had big plans to get away... as far away from detective work and "no work" as possible.

When the office holiday party began to fizzle out, one by one, the employees picked up their stuff and left. Not a soul stayed behind to help Maddie and David clean up the place, not even Agnes.

Normally, clean-up duty would not fall under their job descriptions, but on that Friday afternoon before Christmas, Maddie and David found themselves staying late to do just that. But the truth was, they really didn't mind sticking around to pick up the discarded paper plates and wrapping paper. In fact, neither of them was in any hurry to leave.

It had only been a few short hours since the two of them connected... both literally and figuratively. And the afterglow of the intimate moment they shared right there on David's desk put both of them in the brightest of holiday spirits. Even the last minute and unexpected arrival of Maddie's parents did nothing to dampen their festive moods, though it did put a kink in their holiday plans.

'Are you sure you can't come over for dinner with me and my parents tonight?' Maddie asked David as she got down on her hands and knees in order to reach under Jaime's desk to pick up a candy cane. 'We're getting take-out from Thai Delight.'

David looked down to admire the rear view, and though it was on the tip of his tongue, he refrained from making a lewd remark. This was definitely not the right time for that kind of talk. 'While that does sound delightful… no can do,' he replied. He held out his hand to help her up.

'But why not?' She pouted…trying to put her feminine wiles to good use on him.

'I told you, Maddie, I have stuff I have to do tonight.' He took the candy cane from her hand, opened it and began to suck on it. 'I have a feeling our office antics from earlier today may have put us on Santa's naughty list. If you think you're going to get anything other than coal in your stocking this year, I better skedaddle and get to the mall before it closes.'

'David, we agreed we weren't going to exchange gifts. And, even if you were going to get me a gift, you wouldn't get it at the mall. You hate the mall.'

'True.'

'So, what is it then? Do you feel uncomfortable being around my parents?'

'No, I adore your parents. I just can't come over tonight is all. But I will go out with all three of you tomorrow night for Christmas Eve. I promise. You won't miss me. I'll be the one with bells on.'

'Okay,' she said, deciding to back off. He could be shopping for a gift for her, and if he was, that was very sweet of him. 'Well, I think we did just about all the cleaning up that we can possibly do this afternoon. You ready to leave?'

'Yes, but... looky here... we forgot this one thing.' Out from behind his back, David pulled a small sprig of mistletoe, and held it above Maddie's head. She smiled at him and waited for him to kiss her.

He started with a light peck on her lips, but then when she wrapped her arms around his neck, he went in for a full-on passionate kiss, letting the mistletoe drop to the floor behind her. They didn't stop until they both needed to come up for air. 'Wow,' they both said, as Maddie wiped a trace of her lipstick from the side of his mouth with her thumb.

He held her close. 'Kissing under the mistletoe... definitely my favorite Christmas tradition.'

'I need to get going, David. I told my parents I'd be home by 6:30.'

David still had his arms wrapped around her waist. 'Okay, go.'

'I really wish you'd come with me.' She took his hands off her hips and turned to grab her purse off Agnes' desk.

'Go,' he said, giving her a playful smack on her bottom. 'Go visit with your parents.'

'I can't help but feel like you are up to something, David.'

'Maddie, would you just go already?' He looked at her earnestly.

'Okay,' she said, and after giving him a quick goodbye kiss on the lips, she left him standing there alone in the outer office.

After Maddie closed the door and started down the hallway, David counted to ten and then ran to his desk. He picked up the telephone and dialed Maddie's home number.

'Mr. Hayes, it's David.'

'Yes, yes... it was very nice seeing the both of you today, too.'

'Listen, I'm sorry to bother you, but I wanted to speak to you before Maddie gets home.'

'I know Maddie said you and Mrs. Hayes had planned to stay through New Year's Day.'

'Well, I was hoping you wouldn't mind if I planned something special for Maddie and I to do that night... New Year's Eve, I mean.'

'I'm not sure yet, maybe take her to Palm Springs or Vegas for the night.'

'No, no, no... no eloping, Mr. Hayes. I just want to surprise her... she won't be expecting this.'

'Thank you, Mr. Hayes, I appreciate it.'

'Okay, take care... have a good night.'

David sat at his desk and shook off his nerves. He felt relieved that conversation went well, though he did feel bad that Alex said he would bump up their return flight by a day and go back to Chicago on the morning of the 31st. Alex was fine with it; he rattled off something about being able to attend a neighbor's party that night. But the real question was, would Maddie be fine with it? David threw on his suit jacket and headed out to meet with the travel agent at the mall.

One hour later...

'You can't be serious! You gotta be able to do better than that! There's gotta be someplace with at least an ocean view!'

The agent sat there shaking her head, no.

'Okay, the ocean's over-rated anyway. How 'bout a view of the pool? Pools are nice… or a cabin up in the mountains… up in Big Bear? Women think cabins are romantic, right? There's gotta be somethin' else…'

David didn't mean to raise his voice to the young woman behind the desk in front of him. He just couldn't believe what she was saying. The only option he could afford was the "Ring in the New Year" package at the local Holiday Inn!? The one near the airport!?

'The woman on the phone told me that they have one room left at the Deluxe level. That includes accommodations for two in a spacious room with a king-size bed, two tickets to the New Year's Eve party being held in the main banquet room, a grand dinner buffet, dancing, open bar, live music and in addition to that, you will receive a complimentary bottle of chilled champagne. You get all that for only $200.'

Feeling deflated, David sat there shaking his head back and forth. He could not believe his luck. Here he was able to snag a last-minute reservation at Limoncello's, the hottest new restaurant in town, for a romantic Christmas Eve dinner for two, just to have to cancel those reservations hours later because Maddie's parents show up and want to take them out to dinner on that very same night. Then, when he thinks he has this great idea to sweep Maddie away to a special place to ring in the New Year, he gets stuck with the "grand buffet" at the Holiday Inn just around the corner.

'I guess I'll take it then,' he said, and he handed the woman his credit card. 'I just hope that the food is edible and the band can play.'

'It will be an enjoyable evening, Mr. Addison. I hear wonderful things about this party every year.'

He worried that this surprise would not meet Maddie's high standards, but at this point, beggars can't be choosers. And he was definitely a beggar.

As he went to leave, David spotted a small gift shop by the mall entrance. The store was about to close, so he ran in quickly to pick out a card for Maddie. He found one; it was a blank card with a cartoon-ish illustration of Santa Claus relaxing in a bubble bath on the day after Christmas. Sitting nearby was a small table with an old-fashioned telephone and a little sign that read, 'Santa's Hotline: Closed 'til next December'.

'Perfect,' he whispered, with a grin and a chuckle. Then he paid for the card and left.

When David got back to his apartment, he retreated to his bedroom where he stripped down to his undershirt and boxers. He then went to the kitchen, pulled the card he bought out of the bag and placed it on the kitchen counter. He rummaged through a junk drawer for a pen and finally found one. Inside the card he wrote:

Dear M,

All I asked Santa for this year was the chance to make you happy.
Meet me at the Holiday Inn on La Cienega at 7pm – New Year's Eve.

Love,
D

David tucked the card in the envelope and placed it on his refrigerator door with a magnet. He reached into his freezer for a few slices of leftover pizza, and tossed them on a pan, which he then slid into the oven. 'Dinner in ten minutes,' he mumbled to himself, 'Just enough time for a quick shower.'

He grabbed a beer out of the fridge with one hand, and pulled his undershirt off with the other. Walking towards the bathroom, he started to sing "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town"... the Springsteen version... of course.

"He's gonna find out whose naughty or nice,
Santa Claus is comin' to town"

One week later...

Friday, December 30, 1988
11:59 p.m.

David shuffled toward the main door of his apartment building, and pulled his key out of his pants pocket. He struggled a bit to get the key in the hole, but after a few tries, he was able to unlock the door. He turned his head to look back at the cab parked on the side of the street, and yelled to the man sitting in the back seat.

'I got it, Richie, you can go. It's been a fun coupla days, bro... you can go now... have a great New Year's, man...' David didn't quite slur his words, but anyone within earshot could tell he may have had one too many drinks that night. He let himself in and took his time making his way up the stairs to his apartment. Once inside, he tossed his duffel bag to the floor. Then he flopped down onto his bed and fell fast asleep. He was too drunk to notice the flashing red light on his answering machine.

Saturday, December 31, 1988
6:00 a.m. – Eighteen hours 'til midnight

At six o'clock in the morning… nature called. David hopped up, desperately needing to get to the bathroom to relieve himself. On his way back to the bed, half asleep and hungover, that's when he saw it... the flashing red light. He hit the button on the machine as he fell back onto the mattress.

'David?' the shaky voice on the answering machine said. It was a woman's voice that he did not immediately recognize. He sat back up and rubbed his face trying to wake up. 'This is Rita... Corley. You remember me, or at least I hope you do. I need to speak to you, David… please, as soon as you get this message. You mentioned that you're a private investigator, and I really need your help. Please, I wouldn't bother you if it wasn't urgent. My friend's life could be in danger.'

7:00 a.m. – Seventeen hours 'til midnight

The sun was just coming up as David made his way to Rita's condo. He didn't know the unit number, but having been there once before, he recalled exactly where he had parked Bert's car and the path they had taken to get to her place. He stood in front of the door at 12-B Coral Court and knew instinctively that this was the place.

He thought for a moment about what he was doing. This could turn out to be a huge can of worms he was opening. Part of him wanted to turn and run as fast as he could in the complete opposite direction. But Rita did say this was a life-or-death situation. If she hadn't said those words, he would've run. But there he stood at the door, and so he took a deep breath and knocked.

Rita answered. He was immediately struck by her beauty, as he had been that night at the bar, but she looked haggard and stressed. Her shimmering red sweater and tight black leggings did not match her current somber mood. 'Hi David, please come in.' She held her arm out, welcoming him.

He took a few steps forward, stopped and turned around to face her. 'How did you find me? I mean, I never told you my last name.'

Rita just stood there with her hands on her hips, and looked at him.

'Ahhh, I get it. I step into the bathroom to take a piss, and you go through my wallet. That about right?' He was tired and annoyed, and standing in this woman's apartment at seven o'clock in the morning on New Year's Eve was really the last place he wanted to be.

'I'm sorry, but I do like to know who I'm sleeping with.'

David just shook his head. 'So, what happened here? Why'd you call me?'

Rita walked past David, taking him by the arm. 'Let's sit, but can I first get you a cup of coffee, or something?'

'No, thanks. Just tell me what happened here.' David sat down on the couch. He flinched when he first saw what lie before him on the glass coffee table. 'Rita! Seriously!? Look at this shit! What went on here?'

On the table were several rolled up dollar bills, a couple of mirrors, razors, some empty plastic baggies and what looked like a line of white powdery residue... all the telltale signs that cocaine had been the obvious drug of choice here last night.

Rita sat down on a chair across from David. She sounded nervous as she began to speak. 'Well… last night my roommate, Genevieve, and I went out... to that bar where you and I met… the Metropolis. You remember the place, right?'

David raised his eyebrows and rolled his eyes. He wasn't the least bit surprised. 'Yeah, I know it well… the bar where the reckless types go.'

'What is that supposed to mean?' she asked, annoyed.

'Nothing. It means nothing.'

To Rita, it did mean nothing. But to David, the Metropolis would always be the place Maddie went looking for a stranger on the night she wanted to get laid. Plain and simple. He despised the place.

'Anyway, there were these two guys there... flirting with us, buying us drinks. They were a little younger, late-20's, maybe. They seemed like really nice guys.'

'So let me guess: you brought them back here.' He was being facetious.

Rita just nodded her head and went on. 'Yes, and for the first hour or so, everything was fine. We were drinking, but we were just having fun.' Rita tilted her head to the side and shrugged her shoulder. 'You know how this goes, David.' A knowing glance passed between them.

'Go on.' David only wanted to focus on the facts, not remember the past.

'Genevieve and I went into the kitchen to check on some hors d'oeuvres we were heating up in the oven, and when we returned, the guys had set up… well… this!' Rita pointed to the drug paraphernalia littered about on the table.

'And what did you do about… this?'

'What do you mean?'

'What I mean, Rita, is did all four of you partake in sniffing this shit or was it just the two men?'

'Well, we all did it… a little. But David, the thing is… I think one of the men slipped something into my drink because at some point I think I blacked out. When I woke, I was lying on the floor near the couch. The two men were gone, and so was Genevieve! I looked all through the condo… I looked for her outside. My car is here… her car is here. We all took a cab here, so I don't know… maybe they took her in a cab somewhere…'

'You know, Rita, you really should report her missing to the police.'

'I can't, David... not yet, anyway. I'm afraid they'll find out we were doing illegal drugs in here. I'm a nurse; I could lose my job! If we don't find her by this evening, I'll call the police... I promise. Just help me... this is what you do for a living, right? Look for clues? Maybe there's something here...'

Rita stood up and started searching... calmly at first, but then she started moving things around frantically. David, afraid she would touch something she shouldn't, moved quickly from the couch and went to her. When he touched her arm, she turned around and threw her arms around him, burying her face in the crook of his neck. He could tell she was crying, and for the first time since he arrived, he softened... his demeanor, his attitude, his stance.

'Shhh, hey, we'll find your friend,' he tried comforting her by rubbing her back for a moment. But then his professionalism, guilt, and awkwardness all took over, and he stepped back. 'Rita, we have to find a clue as to where they would take her. Can you remember anything the men talked about? Do you know their names? Where they live? Did they mention where they work... what they do for a living? Anything you can think of...'

'Well, they said their names were Eric and Sean, but I don't know if they told us the truth. We didn't talk much about them; we mostly talked about us and what we do for a living.'

David's interest was piqued. 'Can I ask what your friend does for a living?'

'She works at a small jewelry store at the mall. Why?'

'That's very interesting.'

'Why? You don't think...'

'Well, I know it's a few days after Christmas, but I would imagine the mall's still a pretty busy place. That jewelry store's gotta have some cash on hand, not to mention all that jewelry. If I'm a young guy in my 20's with a drug habit, I think my ears might perk up if the woman I'm with just said she works at a jewelry store.'

'My God, David, you might be on to something...'

'You said Genevieve's car is here, but what about her keys?'

Rita went to look in the kitchen drawer where they kept their keys. She pushed things from left to right, and suddenly slammed the drawer shut. 'Genevieve's keys are missing, David! What do we do?'

9:00 a.m. – Fifteen hours 'til midnight

Rita pulled into the mall parking lot, while David instructed her to park in a space near the truck loading dock. 'One thing I remember from my two-week stint workin' at Sam Goody when I was 16... those back corridors in malls sure come in handy whether you're lookin' to sneak a cigarette or slide past mall security.' David pointed to the open bay doors. 'The place isn't open yet, but we should be able to get in right over there.'

Once they made their way inside, they were stopped by a man wearing a dark grey janitor's uniform. 'Sorry folks, the mall doesn't open 'til 10 o'clock, and shoppers must use one of the main entrances.'

David turned his head and whispered to Rita, 'Watch this.'

'Yeah, uh, pardon me, sir,' David said effecting a slight New York accent, 'but, uh, my name is Johnny and I'm with Shoppers Realty, and this here is my client. She's interested in possibly renting that recently vacated retail space on the first floor. We, uh, were told someone from the mall office would be here this mornin' to meet us by the back door.'

'Oh, I'm sorry... okay, yes... there are some empty spaces. You can go right on in then. I believe the space you are lookin' for is all the way to the back and to the right.'

'Thank you,' David said, as he winked at Rita and gently nudged her to walk ahead of him.

'I'm impressed,' Rita commented, as they began to move down the long hallway. They didn't have far to go before finding the back door to the jewelry store. The door was shut, but it was not locked; a sure sign that the men might've been there.

David opened the door slowly and peeked inside. 'Looks like the coast is clear. No one's here.' They went in, but did not turn the lights on. 'I'll stay back here and look around. You go out onto the salesfloor... let me know if you see anything strange... just don't touch anything!'

David used a small flashlight he had in his coat pocket to see as he went through the back office. There was no doubt the two men had taken Genevieve here. The chair was tipped over and there were papers strewn about on the floor. There was a small cabinet in the corner that had one door left ajar. Inside was a safe that was also left open, and inside that, there was what looked to be the petty cash box. When David opened it, being careful not to touch it with his bare fingers, he found it was empty, but for a few roles of nickels and dimes.

'David,' Rita called out to him, 'I see where some jewelry is missing. A couple of display cases are completely empty, but nothing looks broken. You were right. They must've used her key.'

David slumped down on the floor, sitting with his back up against the office door and his arms resting on his knees. He thought for a moment about his night ahead with Maddie, and everything he needed to do to get ready. But right then, he was exhausted and wanted nothing more than to go home and sleep for a few hours. What was he doing here anyway?

Rita came over to sit down next to him. 'So, what are you thinking, David?'

'Your friend was definitely brought here by those two men, Rita, but where they went from here... I don't know that. You gotta report this to the police. They will have the resources to look for her that I just don't have. This is becoming more serious by the minute... more serious than, say, looking for someone's prize-winning poodle or old high school flame,' he reasoned. 'And more dangerous, too.'

Realizing he may be right, Rita looked at him. 'I'll go home. I'll clean up the place a little... just enough to get rid of the... well, you know. Then I'll call the police.'

'Good girl,' he said, as he stood up, helping her up, as well.

'So, I guess we need to get outta here before the manager shows up. I don't wanna get blamed for any of this,' she said. 'C'mon, we should go.' They left the same way they came in.

When they finally got outside, David told Rita he would not be going with her back to her place. 'I'll take a cab, but I've got some things I've gotta do here first. I hope you find your friend real soon. Good luck with everything.' Before she had a chance to say anything, he waved and turned to walk away.

It was an awkward moment for David. He thought Rita was a nice woman, and he genuinely felt bad about the predicament she was in. But she was not a paying client. And there was truly no place in his life for her. There couldn't be, not if he cared about his relationship with Maddie. And he did. More than anything in the world. And he couldn't wait to spend this New Year's Eve with her.

Without looking back, David made a bee line for the mall entrance. He had a tuxedo to pick up from the Men's Shop, a haircut to get from Barber Vincenzo, and something to eat that would tide him over 'til he could fill up at that grand buffet. A small smirk appeared on his face as he went through the revolving door. Tonight was going to be fun.

2:00 p.m. - Ten hours 'til midnight

When David got home, the first thing he did was make the call he'd been wanting to make all day.

'Hey pretty lady, what's doin'? You all ready for tonight?'

'My, don't you sound like you're in a chipper mood today?' She teased.

'Maddie! What's not to be chipper about? I've got tickets to the most happening New Year's Eve party this side of Interstate 5. My date is a smokin' hot world-famous former fashion model, and to top it all off, I just got a cool haircut and a nice, real close shave. No stubble for you tonight, babe. You can thank me later.'

'How was your visit with Richie? You two didn't get into any trouble, did you?'

'Us? Trouble?'

'No trips to the ER? No overnight stays in the town drunk tank?'

'No, no, nothing that fun. Nope, we just hung out… ate too much, drank too much. We went bowling with his new girlfriend.'

'Oh yeah? She nice?'

'Yeah, won't last though. I know my brother, and she's just the flavor of the month.'

'David,' she said sternly.

'How'd it go with your parents leaving this morning?'

'Uh, it went well… I just got home from dropping them off at the airport. You would not believe how crazy that place was! Everybody running around, long lines, lots of impatient people... one of whom was my father. But they made it. They're off to Chicago.'

'That's good. So, we're on for 7:00, right? I'll meet you there.'

'Yes, I will meet you in the lobby of the Holiday Inn on La Cienega at 7PM. And David,' Maddie said, in a flirty voice, 'I'm really looking forward to tonight.'

If only she could've seen how happy that made him. David had the biggest and brightest smile on his face. 'Me, too,' he said. 'I'll see you later.'

Once he hung up the phone, David suddenly felt like he really did need that nap. Forty winks should certainly do it, he thought. So, he went to lie down on his bed, first making sure to set his alarm clock to go off in just a few short hours.

5:00 p.m. - Seven hours 'til midnight

When David woke to the sound of his alarm clock beeping, he swore he must've been out before his head had even hit the pillow. He slept like a log... didn't move a single muscle the entire time. It might have been five o'clock in the afternoon, but to David, it felt like a brand-new day.

He stepped into the shower and couldn't help but think that if he played his cards right, the next shower he would take would be with Maddie. He definitely had sex on the brain, and the thought of lathering her up in bubbles while kissing her senseless... slowly navigating his way from her luscious lips down her long neck to those glorious tits of hers... just about made him want to burst.

He and Maddie hadn't done anything sexual since their little indiscretion on David's desk during the holiday party a week ago. The thought of the office employees carrying on just outside his door while Maddie was writhing in pleasure beneath him was such a turn-on for him. Such a turn-on. Out of manly frustration, he grabbed the cold-water knob and quickly turned it all the way to the left and with the ice-cold water pelting him, he hurried to get out of the shower.

He dried himself off and wrapped the towel low around his waist. He combed his hair back, slapped on some cologne, applied some deodorant, and perhaps most important of all, pulled on his special New Year's Eve boxers. Last but not least, he stepped into his tuxedo. He looked in the mirror and liked what he saw. '1989... ready or not... here I come.'

Then the phone rang. He let the answering machine pick it up.

'David, it's Rita, again. You're not going to believe what just happened! Is there any way you can quickly get over here? I think we may be close to finding Genevieve!'

David looked up to the heavens. 'Why, God? Why?' he mumbled, as he dropped his head in defeat. 1989 was just going to have to wait for David Addison.

6:00 p.m. - Six hours 'til midnight

'Okay, Rita, I'm here... now tell me exactly what happened.'

'After I met with the police, I went outside to sit on my patio. I thought I heard what sounded like a scuffle in the parking lot, and I heard a man's voice. I couldn't make out what he said, but he sounded angry. Next, I heard the sound a car makes, you know, when it races off really quickly... kinda like the tires screeching. I ran to the parking lot and Genevieve's car was gone!'

'And you call me!? Why didn't you call the police!? They were probably just around the corner!'

'I did call the police, David! They said they would send a patrol car out to look for the car. That was all they said! I felt like I was going to go crazy in here just waiting... so I called you.'

'Rita...' David didn't know what to say. He was so aggravated.

'I'm sorry,' said Rita, noticing his formal attire, 'I can see that you had plans for tonight.'

'Yes, I do... and I am not going to do anything to screw them up! The police are on it, Rita. Let them do their job. I'm going to leave now.'

He turned and walked out the door. That was it; he was done with this place. But while he could've taken a different path, his curiosity pulled him towards the parking lot where he knew Genevieve's car had been parked. What if there's a clue... something the cops didn't care to come look for.

He walked to the center of the parking lot. It was small... only enough spaces to accommodate each resident and a single guest. It was obvious which space Genevieve's car was in... he could see the skid marks on the ground. The stink of burned rubber still lingered in the air. He wondered if Genevieve was still with the guys when they stole her car. He dreaded the thought of what they might've done with her.

And that was when he saw it. The writing was sloppy, but there it was... plain as day. The letters - LAX - scribbled on the dirty window of the car parked next to where Genevieve's car had been. 'That's it,' he said to himself, 'that's where they're headed!'

David darted back to Rita's apartment, and anxiously rang the doorbell. When she opened the door, he demanded, 'Don't ask me questions... just get your keys! We're going to the airport right now! And I'm driving!' Rita did as he asked, and in a matter of minutes, they were racing down the freeway. And in another matter of minutes, they had a string of police cars racing after them.

David made no effort to pull over. He wanted the cops to follow him… straight to the airport, where they would be the ones to nab those two dipsticks who kidnapped Genevieve.

The airport was not far from Rita's condo, and before long they were pulling up to the parking attendant's window at the Los Angeles Airport.

David rolled down his window, and pleaded with the young man, 'Maybe you can help us. Listen, our two younger brothers have a flight to catch here in about an hour, and the idiots left their plane tickets sitting right on the dining room table when they left. So, sis and I drove down here to find them and give them their tickets. By any chance you see a…' David looked over at Rita.

'White Ford Fiesta!' she called out.

'… a white Ford Fiesta pass by here in the last half hour or so?'

'Yeah, I did actually. Parked over there in that area near the back.' The attendant was looking at David like he had two heads. 'Sir, are you aware that you have practically the entire Los Angeles police department behind you?'

'Yeah, uh… I'm sorry… did I forget to mention this was official police business?' And as he said those words, he stepped on the gas pedal and sped through the gate, speeding to the back of the lot.

Rita spotted the white car first and told David to pull up behind it just as the police cars surrounded them. David hopped out of the front seat and dashed over to Genevieve's car. He opened the door and saw that no one was inside so he pulled on the lever to unlock the trunk. As soon as the trunk popped open, everyone could see Genevieve's legs thrashing about. Rita got out of the car and ran to pull her friend up and out of the trunk. Her hands had been tied behind her back and her mouth covered with tape. Rita gently freed Genevieve from her bindings, and the two friends embraced, while a proud and relieved David stood by watching.

The cops ran over to the women and started asking questions, trying to make sense of everything that had just happened. David saw this as his window of opportunity to discreetly walk away. After all, it was approaching seven o'clock, and he had a place he needed to be... an important someone he needed to see.

Once he got about fifty feet away from the hustle and bustle of the crowded crime scene, he noticed what looked suspiciously like the two kidnappers… dressed in all black sweatshirts and dark jeans. They appeared to be sneaking away along the perimeter of the parking lot… going as quickly as they could. When one of the men turned around to take a furtive glance back at the chaos they'd just created, David gave chase.

He darted in between cars and finally caught up with the men near the entrance of the parking lot. They both took turns trying to punch David, but he was fast on his feet, and was able to dodge the blows. But then, there was a loud rumble overhead as a plane took off and David made the mistake of looking up. The two men each grabbed him by an arm and the back of his tuxedo, and tossed him off the side of the roadway and down an embankment. David rolled to the bottom of the hill, landing on his ass in a muddy ravine.

He looked at his wristwatch and saw that it was almost seven o'clock. 'Damn it!' he said with anger, as he wiped a handful of mud off his tux and threw it to the ground.

The cops nabbed the two young men as they tried to leave the parking lot, and they announced that everyone involved, and that included David... had to go down to the station for questioning. He had no choice; he had to go. What was he going to say to Maddie?

7:00 p.m. - Five hours 'til midnight

'What do you mean, I have to wait? Can't someone just take my statement so I can get the hell outta here? I gotta be somewhere!' David was beyond aggravated talking with the police detective.

'Look sir, we gotta talk to the two girls first. Then, we'll talk to you. Then, you can leave.'

David looked like he was going to blow his top. 'Is there some way I can make a call then?'

'Sure, go ahead... you can use the phone at the front desk... but keep it local.'

David walked over and flipped through the phone book 'til he found the number he needed. He picked up the handset and dialed. His eyes darted aimlessly around the room as he tried to figure out what he could possibly say to her.

A peppy young fella who sounded a little too excited to be working on New Year's Eve, answered the call. 'Thank you for calling the Holiday Inn! My name is Jules, how may I help you?'

'My name is David Addison and I have a reservation for tonight. I was supposed to meet a woman there at seven, but I'm running late. Is there any way you can tell me if she checked in yet under my name?'

'Lemme see... Addison, Addison, Addison,' the man mumbled. 'Um yes, it looks as though someone checked in under your name about thirty minutes ago.'

'Okay, put me through to the room, please.'

'Sure thing, here you go.'

The phone rang and rang, but no one picked up. David hung up and redialed the hotel again, getting the same young man on the phone.

'David Addison, again. You said your name is Jules, right? Jules, I need you to do me a favor. I need you to find that woman, and put her on the phone with me.'

'But Mr. Addison, I am not allowed to leave the desk area, and besides, your lady friend could be anywhere.'

'Listen Jules,' David raised his voice, then thought better of it, and so he pleaded, 'Listen Jules, I'm in a real bind here. I bought tickets for the New Year's Eve party, and I'm gonna be late. My date is probably in that party room right now waiting for me, and I need you to get her and put her on the phone. Can you help me out, Jules, and go find her for me?'

'Well... okay, the party is going on in the main banquet room which is right on this floor. Just tell me her name and what she looks like, and I'll see what I can do.'

'Thank you, Jules. I'll be sure to tell your boss you deserve Employee of the Month. Now, you're looking for the most beautiful, blue-eyed blonde in the room, tall, long legs, curves in all the right places. I don't know what she's wearing tonight, but whatever it is, I'm sure she could stop traffic. Her name is...'

'Maddie Hayes!'

'Yes, Maddie Hayes... hey, wait a minute, how'd you know her name?'

'You won't believe this Mr. Addison, but the woman you described just walked up to the counter and is standing in front of me as we speak. Ms. Maddie Hayes. You know, you could've just told me you were looking for the Blue Moon Shampoo Girl. Here you go.'

David just sat there on the edge of the desk and rolled his eyes.

'David, is everything okay? You were supposed to be here over a half hour ago.'

'Maddie, listen to me, I'm sorry I messed this up, but I'll be there as soon as I can.'

'But, where are you now?'

David cringed. 'I'm at the police station.'

'What!? Why!?'

'Someone I...' He was struggling for what to say. 'A past acquaintance of mine called me this morning and needed my help with a certain situation.'

'What kind of... certain situation?'

'Well...' David stalled for a moment, trying to find the right word. 'Let's just say it was a... perilous situation.'

'Perilous! What's going on David? You're being evasive, and what do you mean by a past acquaintance? Who are you talking about?'

'Maddie, please... I can't get into this right now. Everything is fine; there is nothing to worry about. I need you to trust me. I promise you. I will be there as soon as I can. Okay?'

She didn't answer, but he knew she was still on the line... probably angry as hell, but she was still hanging on. 'Honey... Maddie, please tell me you're okay?'

'I'm okay,' she said meekly, 'and I trust you.'

'And I love you. I shouldn't be too much longer. I'll be there as soon as I can... bye.'

David placed the phone back down in its cradle.

8:00 p.m. - Four hours 'til midnight

David sat on a hard wooden bench in the hallway of the police station. The lighting was poor, and the atmosphere was dreary and depressing. For the first time that night, he looked down at the tuxedo he was wearing, and realized how muddied and torn it was. Damn, that was going to cost him a pretty penny at the cleaners, he thought.

His eyes hurt and he had a terrible headache, and so he rested his head up against the wall behind him. Visions of Maddie, alone at the New Year's Eve party... drifted through his mind. He imagined her sitting there at the dinner table, poking at her cold food with her fork, while turning away the random men who ask her to dance. At least, he hoped she'd turn them away.

He was waiting for Rita and Genevieve to finish giving their statements. They had only been in the room for forty minutes, but it felt like hours. He thought they had to be wrapping things up soon. That's when he heard the door open and the two women walk out.

'Genevieve, you remember David, it was very nice of him to help me find you today,' said Rita, as she gave David a warm smile.

Genevieve, who was definitely the more assertive of the two women, did remember David, and wanted very much to show her appreciation for what he did. 'You know, David, it's New Year's Eve, and Rita and I would love for you to come party with us.' She wet her lips with the tip of her tongue, as she reached for his hand, letting her soft fingers dance lightly over his skin. 'You know, us two girls would really, really like to show you how much we appreciate what you did. Whaddya say, David? You, me, Rita... a bottle of wine... a dip in the hot tub and then…'

Not surprisingly, Rita was embarrassed at her friend's offer. 'Genevieve, c'mon, tonight's not the time for that.' She turned to look at David and shake his hand. 'Thank you, David, for everything. I'm really sorry; I know you had plans. I hope you can still salvage what's left of the evening. I really do.'

'Oh, I plan to, no doubt about that. Goodnight girls, stay safe.'

As the women walked away, the police detective opened his office door. 'Your turn, Addison. Let's make this quick. You're not the only one who's eager to get somewhere tonight.'

10:00 p.m. - Two hours 'til midnight

After numerous phone calls and other apparently more important interruptions, the police detective finally finished taking David's statement at around a quarter past ten. The bad guys were sent off to the city jail, Rita and Genevieve were hopefully safe at whatever pick-up joint they ended up at, and David was free to wash his hands of this mess and get back to his life.

So, he went to call a cab, but when he realized the Holiday Inn was only a few blocks from the station, he decided to walk. He thought he'd probably get there faster than if he had to wait for a cab on New Year's Eve. Plus, he knew that breathing in the cool night air might help him to clear his mind and figure out what he was going to say to Maddie when he finally saw her.

He thought about all of it... the whole day, and the one thing he knew he could not tell her was that he'd slept with Rita. Well, she'd probably assume he'd slept with this "past acquaintance" at some point in his life, but that wasn't really the issue. It wasn't the "what" he did, it was the "when". And he knew that it would break her heart if she knew he'd slept with Rita while she was in Chicago.

When he finally got to the hotel, he walked into a lobby that was bustling with New Year's revelers. The main banquet hall was right across from the front desk, and the music was loud and thumping. David hurried in to look for Maddie, though he had a nagging feeling that she wouldn't still be there. And after taking a quick look around the room, he walked back out to the lobby. He checked in at the front desk, and got the key to their room.

His heart was practically beating out of his chest on the elevator ride up to the tenth floor. He knew she'd be upset with him, but in that moment, he hoped more than anything that she hadn't gone home... that she would be in that room when he opened the door. As long as she was there, they could work this out.

The elevator doors opened and David hustled down the hallway to room 1014. He slid the key in the door and softly pushed it open.

The room was dark except for the light coming from the TV. The volume was turned down real low, but he could just make out the sound of one of those squeaky boy bands singing one of their pop songs on Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve.

Maddie was lying on the bed. It looked like she was sleeping, but to be certain, he crept around the side so he could see her face. He knew she was sound asleep when he saw that her mouth was slightly open. He'd caught her pretending a few times before, and sure enough, her lips had been sealed tight. He smiled. It warmed his heart... the way he really did know this woman inside and out, orchestra to balcony.

All he wanted to do was climb into bed with her, but he was filthy with mud and dirt and he was pretty sure he smelled awful, too. He had to take a quick shower first, so he went into the bathroom and shut the door.

11:00 p.m. - One hour 'til midnight

David stepped out of the shower and dried himself off. It felt good to be clean. He didn't have any of his toiletries with him, so he grabbed Maddie's toothpaste and brushed his teeth with his finger. Then he rubbed a little of her deodorant under his arms. 'Cool Waterlily scent, not bad, not bad,' he mumbled.

He debated whether or not he should get in the bed naked. He could see in the dim light that she was wearing what looked like lingerie. Probably best to put his boxers back on. She was most likely angry at him anyway, and she'd think it presumptuous of him to even think he was going to get lucky with her tonight. Nope, he decided to err on the side of caution, and cover up.

He crawled onto the bed and laid down on top of the covers. He was now wide awake, and figured he'd watch the TV until it made his eyes tired. Wondering if maybe she'd woken when he jostled the bed, he propped himself up on his pillow, and looked over at Maddie. When he whispered, 'Are you awake?', she didn't answer.

He sat there and looked all around the room. He noticed her dress that she'd neatly hung on the back of the bathroom door. It was strapless... and red. Damn, he could not recall ever seeing her in a red dress, and now tonight, she'd worn that dress just for him, and he missed it. He shook his head, finding it hard to believe how this night turned out. He really wanted this night to be so special for them... a night when they could put the difficulties and tragedies of the last year behind them, and start things anew. He hoped they could still do that, but she didn't make things easy for him, and he did have his doubts.

David could see Maddie start to stir in her sleep. He sat there and watched her for a while, willing her to wake up. At one point she rolled over onto her back, and threw one arm up over her head. He thought he saw her eyes flutter open just a little.

'Maddie, you awake?' he whispered. He didn't want to wake her, but if she really wasn't sleeping, he did want to talk.

'Yeah.'

He took her hand in his, and looked down at their intertwined fingers. He caressed her palm with his thumb while he spoke. 'I'm sorry I ruined things tonight. I'm gonna make it up to you. I had wanted to take you someplace real nice, but everything was booked, so all I could get was this silly party. I can do better.'

In a flash, she turned her head towards him. 'I was looking forward to this silly party!' she said angrily, but trying not to yell.

'I know. I'm sorry.' He was in no mood to argue.

'Do you know that I spent all afternoon getting ready for this party? I got myself here at exactly seven o'clock, and then, after a half hour of worrying that something terrible happened to you, you call to say... you're going to be here soon! Ha!' She was fuming. 'They serve dinner, but I don't eat because I'm waiting for you. Then, when I start to feel hungry, I can't eat... because my food is cold! Oh, but that's not the best part. The lead singer of the band wants everybody to get up and start dancing, and so, every dateless man in the room comes and asks me to dance. I was so embarrassed, David. I felt like such a fool. So, at nine o'clock I left the party, came up here, took off my beautiful, brand-new dress, and got into bed!'

Lying there next to her, David never felt like he'd been punched in the gut more than he did at that very moment. He had no words. He literally could not speak.

The room was silent, except for the faint sound coming from the TV.

Maddie suddenly sat up and turned on the small lamp that was next to the bed. 'And who is this past acquaintance you mentioned, and what did you mean by a "perilous" situation? What were you doing all day, David!?'

'Maddie, I don't want to talk about any of this tonight. I just don't. I told you there was nothing to worry about. I asked you to trust me. I'm still asking you to trust me. All I want is to just enjoy the rest of this night... the rest of this year... with you.'

That was it; he made his point. So, he relaxed back against the pillows and put his hands behind his head. He had nothing more to say, so he just looked at her. The next move was hers to make.

Maddie harrumphed a little, and gave him a slightly disapproving smirk, but then she turned off the light and snuggled up next to him. She softly ran her fingers back and forth over his chest.

They stayed like that... close and quiet... for several minutes.

'Maddie, how'd you like to go with me to that California Investigators Banquet and Ball that's coming up in a few days?'

'Why? I thought you hated going to that event.'

'Well, normally I do, but I uh... I got a peek at that sexy red dress that's hanging up on the bathroom door over there, and I think I'd really like a second chance to see you in that. You know, I kinda got a thing for my lady in red... dancing with me... cheek to cheek...'

'Yeah, we can go… if you want.'

'I want,' David said, as he moved his hand and placed it on the curve just above her hip. He slowly inched up her nightie and began to knead her warm bare skin with his fingers.

'Can you see what time it is, David? How many minutes 'til the New Year?'

'Yeah, oh wow, it's 11:55, we got five minutes, why?'

Maddie snuck her hand down the front of his boxers. She looked up into his green eyes, now filled with lusty desire, and teased... 'Five minutes, David... we have five minutes 'til the Happy New Year boxers drop...'

'Oh, you naughty thing, you,' he pulled her close so he could kiss her mouth. 'It's dark in here. How do you know about my New Year's Eve boxers?'

'David, I know you, and so,' she shrugged, 'I just knew...'

10 - 9 - 8 - 7 - 6 - 5 - 4 - 3 - 2 – 1

Happy New Year 1989

A/N: Thank you, Boink, for an amazing story concept and title. I really enjoyed writing this one, and I'm looking forward to writing the next one!