Chapter Six: Dinnertime

MacGyver had spotted the diner on the way to the police station, and five minutes later was pulling into the parking lot.

"Table for four, please," he requested as the hostess came forward to meet him. "What is it, Lucie?" he added as she tugged on his hand.

"I need el baƱo," she whispered urgently.

MacGyver grinned half ruefully at the hostess. "On second thought, hold that table for a moment; looks like we need a trip to the restroom first."

"Right that way," she pointed with an answering smile.

"Thanks."

MacGyver glanced at the two doors at the end of the hallway. "All right, girls; ladies that way."

"I don't wanna go by myself," Lucie whimpered, pressing against his leg.

"Baby, I can't come in the girls' room, an' you're a little too big to bring in with me. I'll be right in the men's room washing up, and then waiting right here for you, I promise."

"Come on, Lucie," Mari said, reaching for her hand.

"That's right; you three stick together and you'll be fine. And if you need me, just scream, an' I'll hear ya." He pushed the door open for them, and Lucie half reluctantly allowed Mari to lead her inside.

oOo

MacGyver was leaning against the wall waiting when the girls came out of the ladies' room. "All set?" he asked, holding out his hand to Lucie as she darted to his side.

"Uh-huh," Mari answered, following with Juli as he led them back to the front podium.

"I think we're ready for that table now, ma'am."

"Right this way," she told him with a smile. Leading them to a booth by the window, she set four menus on the table.

MacGyver ushered Lucie and her teddy into the booth first, sitting beside her as Mari and Juli sat across from them.

MacGyver read the menu for Lucie, Juli insisting she could do it herself. But soon she was whispering to ask Mari what things were, and Mari rolled her eyes at MacGyver before patiently answering.

MacGyver let the girls order whatever they wanted, and soon they were enjoying their meal.

oOo

"Coffee, Higgins?" the young hostess asked with a smile as the police officer entered the diner.

"Not today, Jess, thanks. Is there a man here with three little girls?"

Jess glanced toward the half hidden booth, only now thinking to be suspicious of a white American with three obviously Hispanic girls. "Over there," she indicated, pointing with her chin. "Why; he done something wrong?"

Officer Higgins fixed her with a stern gaze. "That, Jessalynn, is none of your concern."

Jess pouted as he turned to walk toward the booth, then picked up a damp cloth and with unashamed curiosity moved to wipe down a nearby table. *

"Mr MacGyver?"

"Yes, sir," he responded instantly.

"We have the suspects at the station; we just need you and the girls to come identify them." He glanced at the half-eaten plates of pie and ice cream on the table. "But there's no hurry, if you want to finish your dessert first."

MacGyver gave him a teasing salute. "You got it. We'll be down in about half an hour."

Jess quickly bent over the table as the officer turned to leave, scrubbing hard at a spot that was already clean and thinking excitedly of what her friends would say when she told them. Imagine, someone who could identify a criminal, right there in the diner! It was next best to getting to see an arrest herself, and she fell to daydreaming about what the suspects might have done, and how the man and girls had been involved.

Next chapter coming next week! (Unless the library closes again. Due to a recent change on the Fanfiction website, I may not be able to post from my phone, as I did over the spring and summer.)

* Illustration for this scene can be found at www . deviantart . com [slash] femalechauvinist [slash] art [slash] Eavesdropping-866996036

I proofread all my stories at least once before posting, but if you see any mistakes I might have missed, please let me know!

Please note that I have only minimal internet access, and may not have time to respond to all reviews/messages. (But they are much appreciated, even if you're reading this story long after I originally post it!) If you have questions regarding my MacGyver alternate history, check my profile first to see if they're answered there. Thanks for your understanding! Barbie