Hope ya'll didn't have to wait too long, let try and wrap this up soon... i hope :)
Enjoy Lovlies! These characters belong the to Mr. Warburton, I own nothing..
Chapter 16: Surprise, Surprise…
He rummaged through his property… looking, he honestly didn't know where he put it. After all these years he didn't think he'd need to ever wear it again.
"Ben…Ben!"
Lifting his head up, he hit it on a shelf, "Yes dear? I'm in the basement… give me a sec." He yelled rubbing his head
Leaving his search for later, he made his way up the stairs. Locking the door behind him, he went in search of his wife. Knowing she'd be either in the kitchen or the living room, he decided the kitchen would be his first venture.
Following the smell of breakfast, he'd been correct, "Yes Nance, you rang?" he smiled, walking over hugging his wife from behind.
She giggled, "Stop it my pet, I was just wondering what you were doing down in that dusty place… also can you wake the boys for brekkie?"
"Of course, kitten… Nancy, I… I have to put on the suit again…" Ben hesitated
Nancy stiffened, "Oh… Benjamin…no! You promised never again… you were in such a bad place back then. I beg you please don't do it to yourself… not after last time…" She pleaded
He sighed, "I know I promised dear, but… well it seems that trouble is coming our way… this might be the only way. I just want to make sure you and the boys are safe… I… I will not fall into my old ways. I'm over everything that has happened in the past… thanks to you Nance…"
He kissed the top of her head. "As you know, the suit and I are pretty much connected… it's a family trait… the suit may be off, but I still have most of the power coursing through my veins. Clearly, it's a part of who I am, but I won't let it 'BE' all that I am. Being 'Father' was… at times a euphoric rush, I was so powerful, confident, invincible! … Then other times, it weighed so heavily on my psyche, I felt weak, vulnerable, pathetic... All those underlying issues with my own father and brother… I… I..." He began to hyperventilate
"Ben… Ben stop! Breathe…" she turned around holding onto his head. "It's alright, you're alright… we've already gotten through this load of bollocks, and we'll get through this tryst as well. You are in control of your life… not him, not the suit… or anything else… you and only you." She soothes
"Yes… yes you are right. I'm stronger now than I was before. Thank you, Nance, I'm not sure what I'd do without you… you are the wind beneath my wings." He embraces her tightly
She laughed, "You'd be lost without me pet; I'll always be your light in your darkest days." She kissed his cheek, "Now go, get the boys before the food gets cold." She shooed him off
"Alright, alright… sheesh I'm going, I'm going." He chuckled
Leaving his modest kitchen, heading down a short hallway, he made his way up an old rickety stairwell of the two-story home. Turning, he headed for the room his young boys shared. Slowly opening the door, he came in, taking a seat on the nearest bunk.
Giving a gentle shake, "Hey… hey boys it's time to get up now. Ma has fixed some breakfast. You don't want it to get cold now do ya? Come on, up and at em boys."
"Aww pa… five more minutes… please?"
"Yeah… fife mo minutes… pweease…" They replied groggily
"Now boys, you know how pa is about laziness… come on get up or we aren't going fishing later this evening. Lazy boys don't get to have fun, with dear ol dad."
They hopped out of bed, stumbling around trying to find their clothes
Ben chuckled, "Boys… make sure you wash up and brush your teeth. Cleanliness is important, you must always be at your best, now make haste, ma awaits her delightful sons down in the dining room."
Watching his sons scurry around, put a smile on his face. It often reminded of his times with Monty… he missed his brother greatly, but never had the courage to reach out to him after all these years. He vowed soon enough, he'd make amends with his family once and for all. Going back downstairs, he couldn't help but wonder… who was daring enough to come looking for him after his extended hiatus.
'I doubt if it would be dear ol dad, who would come looking for me, Monty was always his favorite.…maybe one of the villainous adults finally tracked me down. Only Mr. Boss has the intellect to do something like that. I wonder… I wonder if my delightful children have come back to me!'
He sighed, 'No… I digress, they've been lost to the world for so long… There is no way… If they are alive, they deserve to be free from my influence, I have wronged them in so many ways…"
Shaking him out of his reprieve, his wife ushered him to wash his hands and sit down for the meal she had prepared. With the table set, he waited for the rest of his family to grace him with their presence. Slowly they all came in an sat around the table, as his wife led them in grace. He was very thankful for what he had now, he didn't want anything to ruin his current life. He'd kill anyone who'd mess with his family, this he vowed…
"…. What!" He exclaimed, almost letting go of the helm, which Abby caught before the aircraft could start to plummet
"Keep it down fool, do ya wanna wake everyone up!" she hissed
He sputtered, "Uh… no... it's... just I… I… Uh… yes?"
"Yes… as in ya tryin ta wake up da whole crew or…"
With a goofy grin on his face, "Yes!... oh my god Abby… Uh… no not to waking people up, but yes… I'll… I'll marry you!" He squeezed her tight
"Hey, uhm Abby don't mean to ruin da mood… but we have to fly dis thang befo we all crash Sugah."
"Oh! Right!" He let go retaking his seat, still ecstatic about what just happened
'I can't believe what just happened. Abigail Lincoln just freaking asked me to marry her… I mean that's just nuts! Well… granted I was going to ask her, but… fuck it! It doesn't really matter who asked whom. I'm getting married to the coolest, most awesome chick on this planet!'
"You know Abs… I… I had kinda plan on asking you myself… before all this stuff popped off. I was thinking about it… I'd say during spring break. Wally helped me come up with this elaborate plan and everything. Ha, ha… way to ruin my surprise by the way." He winked
"Oh boy hush… Abby sorta knew you were cookin somthin up. Abby just didn't know what, if it wasn't fo da girls, Abby woulda been clueless. Not dat Abby should have been so surprised, Abby just didn't know if you were thinkin bout dat is all." She blushed
He rubbed the back of his neck, "Huh… yeah it's been on my mind for some time. I think I finally admitted to myself, back in Mr. Peat's class, that I couldn't live without ya. Hell, I even got a ring!"
He fished around in his cargo pocket, throwing out random items, finally pulling out a small velvet box, handing it to her. Opening the box, there lay a small baguette cut ring, layered with sapphire and aquamarine gems along the sides encasing a small blue diamond, with silver trim. Underneath the band was the engraving of both their initials.
"Dang, Hoags… dis… dis is beautiful. You know Abby ain't one for jewelry, but dang, you done out did yourself Honey. "
"I wanted to do something that represented… you know… us. Trust me, I thought long and hard about how to put this together, nothing too flashy because you're not that type of person. Something modest, with a hint of blue… since it's our favorite color. Heck all three gemstone represent something about you; calm, intelligent, secure, and…beautiful... Man, I had to do a shit ton of research for this thing. But, hey it was worth it…seeing how much you dig it!" He beamed, proud of himself
"Abby really don't know what ta say…"
"Don't worry, you've already said some of the most important words anyone would die to hear. I'm just honored that you have chosen this goofball, over any other guy! I'll make sure that you never regret that decision, and I will be a man of my word. I, Hogarth Pennywhistle Gilligan Jr., will love you with all my heart, body, and soul." Raising his hand with mocked boy scout salute
He scoffed, "Once we graduate, we can take an extended leave of absence from the organization, I'm sure they won't miss us too much. I know we can pull a few strings to make it happen, plus I know the perfect place to go… Lizzie still owes me a few favors and I definitely plan on cashing those in now. We can vacation for maybe a couple months, heck maybe even a full year… I don't mind, as long as we are together and especially if it will make you happy."
"Now Abby don't know about a year Hun, we still have to make lives for ourselves. Life doesn't stop, just cus we want it to. What bout yo job aspects, are ya sho they gone wait fo ya to take dat much time off? Abby knows she doesn't work yet, but Abby thinks it'd be good to get a start on putting her degree to use Baby."
"Stop… you're worrying too much Abs, we will be fiiiinnne. Besides statistically most college graduates don't fine a job right after graduating university. We can be a part of that percentage willingly, as for me… the internship is guaranteed, and I don't even have to work in an office. It will be a lot of programming and modeling from home, all I have to do is give a status on whatever project they have me working on every month. However, I still have my backup plans that we've discussed before. Also, if I plan this just right, we won't have to pay too much for this little vacation… Like I said, Lizzie owes me… a lot…" He smirked
"Abby still ain't so sho… but what da heck, you know Abby trusts ya. So far you haven't steered Abby completely wrong."
"Hey! That was one time! How was I to know the controls were backwards!" Hoagie laughed
The couple continued to bask in their newfound status, enjoying the lighthearted mood of their long journey.
After a long 12 to 13-hour flight, the group landed the ELIMONATOR in a large open field, near a patch of trees, hoping to keep it away from prying eyes.
"Hoagie are you sure that this thing will be safe all the way out here? What if someone spots it and calls the law or something?" Nigel asked
"Don't worry man, it'll be fine… it's not like the locals have never seen a limo with a jet engine before. But if you're that worried about it…" Clicking the button on his key fob
"Boom, regular car parked out in the woods… muuuuch better." He stated sarcastically
Using a cloaking device, Hoagie transformed The ELIMONATOR into a modern European vehicle to avoid suspicion.
"Well, you never cease to amaze me Gilligan, I knew you were smart, but hot damn." Chad whistled
"Meh, I've just had a ton of free time tinkering with machines. Most ideas I come up with are half baked at most. Kinda like the time I came up with that booger paste, it worked great as an adhesive…. But probably not the best use of a bodily substance." He rubbed the back of his neck
Shaking his head "I don't even wanna know… so… where are we going from here Uno? You're the one with the tracking device, right? I don't even wanna know how many rules you are breaking right now."
"Precisely zero, I was authorized the use of this equipment, albeit, not for personal reasons, but heck this is a serious situation. The fate of the world is depending on the success of this mission."
"Whoa calm down, Mr. Dramatic… yes the circumstances are dire, but I wouldn't go that far. More like a pain in my ass, dealing with these powerhouses, but as of right now the world is safe." Chad stated
"Ladies, please let's get a move on… we don't have all day to bicker, okay? We don't know when the DCFDTL will realize that we are no longer in the country. Plus, if we do find Father, I'd like to go in with a level head and NOT be so hyped up." Rachel reasoned.
"As always, Abby agrees with Rach, nothin ever beats being cool, calm, and collected. Take it from the queen baby… Abby knows what's she talkin bout."
"Alright, alright… as long as Dickson buggers off, we can get started." He glared
"My watch is showing the signal is about five miles northwest from our current local. So, what we can do is split up into two teams and flank around, in case the area is guarded. How does that sound?"
"Fine by me baby, just let us know which direction you want us ta go and we'll let you know when we get there."
"Who is Chad going with?" Hoagie asked
"I'll go with the ol bean here… it is my job to keep him out of trouble. So, it won't be any different that any other mission we've been on together."
"Honestly, I'd have to agree with Dickson… we do make a great team, so I don't mind. Plus, more protection for Rachel."
"Oh, get a room… your bromance is worse than mine and Wally's!" Hoagie gagged
Elbowing him, Abby cuts in "Boy hush, leave them alone. Let's get our stuff and head out, it shouldn't take more than twenty minutes to make it to wherever we need ta go. Da longer we stand around talking, da mo time we wastin." Grabbing her pack, she pulled Hoagie along taking the left flank as, the trio took the right.
The trio walked in silence at a steady pace, heads on swivel watching for any kind of traps or bad guys…
Hesitantly Rachel spoke up "So…. Uh… did anyone else notice the new addition to Abigail's finger?" she questioned
"Oh, hell yeah! I thought it was just me!" Chad exclaimed
"Yes, I did gaze upon it myself this morn, but I didn't want to make the two uncomfortable about drawing attention to it. For Abby who doesn't wear my accessories, it does stand out a bit, but not in a flashy way."
"Ohhh, I want to know how it happen! Hoagie had such an elaborate reveal, I guess he just went for it!" Rachel swooned
Both men stopped and eyed their companion. Both had never seen her be very feminine, which startled them.
Clearing his throat and continuing, Nigel spoke "Who's to say the ol bean is the one who asked?" Nigel queried
"Right! Abby isn't one to follow social norms. I'm sure it was her who asked him. Sounds like the infamous Numbuh 5 to me."Chad reasoned
"Come on! Abby wasn't even aware until Kuki and I told her what might happen. Besides…." She trailed off
"Yeah… you're right, I could totally see Abby doing something like that. She definitely isn't one to be traditional, in any sense of the word. Well… let's get going, I know it can't be much further now." She stated
"Actually… I think I see it up ahead, just over that berm. That's odd… it just looks like a simple 'Little House on the Prairie' cottage. Nothing shouting Father's evil lair!" Chad sarcastically stated
"As always looks can be deceiving, you know that better than anyone Dickson. Let's take it easy, we don't need any surprises. Hell, for all we know Father is living a normal life away from the hectic city suburban life." Nigel pondered
"Hmm… I concur… nothing seems bizarre. No traps, not security, no…. nothing… this is pretty normal. Guys I think we may be the ones who are in the wrong here…" Rachel stated as the trio huddled in the woods surrounding the house.
"You think so?" Chad questioned
"Yeah, don't you think it's odd? Father isn't your run of the mill villains; he is the top dog. The one feared by all… yet he decides to live in a white picket fence type of house. The man lived in a mansion for crying out loud. This doesn't seem like something he would do… I suggest we alter this plan up a little… just to see what we are dealing with. How about… I go check out the place and if anything goes wrong, I'll give ya'll the signal to get me out. How does that sound?" Rachel suggested
"Are you out of your mind Rach…! This is my UNCLE we are dealing with…. Lord knows what… (muffled noises)" Chad covered Nigel's mouth
"Dammit, shut the hell up. It won't matter what we do if he catches us out here." He hissed.
Removing his hand "Now, Rachel that isn't a bad ideal, however you will not go alone. Both Nigel and you will go over pretending to be a lost couple in the area trying to find you way back to the main road. If Father does live there, we can find out what is up with him and if he is continuing his evil ways. If things so south, like Rach said, give a signal and we will be ready. Ill inform Abby and Hoags of the change, sound good?" Chad explained
Nigel grumbled, not being satisfied with the change of plan, but still happy Rachel wouldn't be alone "Fine! At least this way, Rachel will be safe."
"Chill, Nigel… I can still take care of myself. As much as it warms my heart that you are being overprotective, please knock it off. I know back in the day; I could always give you a run for your money." She smiled
Feeling sheepish, Nigel blushed agreeing to tone it down a notch.
"Alright, Abs and Hoagie are set and waiting for any signs of trouble. Don't be reckless you two, we don't know what to expect. Keep him in line, alright Rach?"
"Yeah, yeah… we will be fine Dad."She chuckled as he shook his head, moving into position behind a large birch tree.
Rachel and Nigel stumbled out of the woods, doing their best to impersonate two lost tourists wondering the countryside. Hand in hand they walked up to the cottage, ringing the doorbell. The two nervously waited near the entrance, hearing faint footstep coming toward the pair. Nigel reached behind his back, preparing to whip out his MUSKET, as Rachel squeezed his hand trying to calm herself down. Suddenly the door whips open… revealing a middle-aged woman, roughly the same height as Rachel with a short-bobbed chestnut hair, white apron with a blue plaid shirt and dark grey corduroy pants covered by knee high fishing boots.
"Hiya! What can I do you folks for? We don't get to many visitors in out neck of the woods." Nancy asked
"Uh… um…" Nigel stuttered, being surprised was an understatement
Rachel overcomes the shock and speaks up "Hi! My husband and I were having a romantic picnic out in the woods and seems to have gotten lost. Our vehicle won't start, and we got lost wondering through the woods. If you'd be so kind to help us out, that would be swell. Today is our first night on our honeymoon and its turning into a disaster!" Rachel sobbed
Nigel still at a loss for words, just rubbed his head, amazed at the act Rachel was putting on. He gave a nervous laugh and nodded as she spun a tale
"Oh, Honey now, calm down. Ol' Nancy will fix all your woes. How about you kids come have a seat in the kitchen. I'll fix ya some tea and we will sort out your troubles." She soothed
"Thank you, you are so kind ma'am. We thought we'd have to hoof it back to the city or be lost out there for days."
"Hush now, you're in good hands. The city isn't that far actually, all you have to do is follow the creek for about ten miles and you will reach a bridge going right into town. Now about your car, my husband will be back soon, he and the boys are down by the creek doing a bit of fishing." Nancy set down some biscuits as she finished prepping the tea
"You two turtledoves just got married? Well I'd like to congratulate you, but I have to ask why the UK, there are plenty of more romantic places around the world. You two are young, so many adventures are out there and sights to see. Unfortunately for us, we stayed here when we got hitched, money was tight, and Benny was going through a rough patch. We made it work though, one day he says we will go somewhere nice… maybe even the moon." She laughs
Nigel kept quiet, looking around for anything that would show that Father did in fact live in this house. Rachel kept the conversation going as he slowly swept the room with his eyes.
"You see ma'am…"
"Just call me Nance, or Nancy if ya like dear." She interrupted
"Okay, um Nance… we decided Britain would be a nice place to visit, Nile here hasn't been back since he was a baby and wanted to visit. I actually surprised him, he had no idea, we would be here." Rachel looked over to Nigel, putting on a loving expression, making sure to squeeze his hand and lean into him. He returned the smile, with a blush.
"Oh, I'm terribly sorry we didn't introduce ourselves. I'm McKenzie and this quiet loveable oaf is Nile. It's nice to meet you, and might I say you have such a wonderful home…"
"Why thank you, I do what I can with it. Not my idea place, but Benny wanted to be away from everyone else. It's remote, but comfortable and the boys like it so, that is all that matters. Like I said not too many visitors and we've been doing just fine on our own. Now where are…"
The loud whistle of the tea kettle intrudes, forcing Nancy to get up and fix tea for her guests.
Nigel whispers "No sign of my uncle, but I'm still get a reading that he is around here. I don't know if this place is just a front or what… But the signal is very strong in this vicinity."
"All we have to do is keep her talking and maybe we will be able to check out the rest of the house. Might be able to sneak off and find anything that could be related to him. But as of right now, there is no trace of the man." Rachel whispered
"Here we are!" Nancy sang, placing the teacups down, with a tray of sugar cubes
"Hope it is to your liking." She offers
"I'm sure it will be fine Nance…Nile was wondering, if…"
Before she could finish asking her question, the back door burst open. Two young boys rush in, each carrying a fishing pole along with a large trout fish. Clamoring to get their mother's attention.
"Ma, ma look what we caught! It's ginormous!"
"Yea, gi.. gino..gi… its rewwie rewwie big!"
Nancy laugh "Oh it's huge! Did you two catch this all by yourselves?"
"No, pa helped reel it in, ma. Pa is really strong."
"Alright, alright boys settle down. Ma doesn't need fish guts all over the kitchen. Go put that in the sink and wash up." Ben shouts, closing the door and locking it behind him
Carrying his fishing rod, tackle box, and a string of fish, he begins to maneuver around the kitchen.
"Ma… we caught a good amount tonight, might have fish for days. The boys didn't want to leave until…" Turning around toward the kitchen he noticed a couple sitting with his wife.
"Oh, where are my manners… Nance you didn't say we had guest over. Why hello there, I am Benedict, Benedict Uno…"
Well, Lovelies... Hope you liked it. Now im going to go start on the next chapter... until next time! Stay Young!