Somewhat of a Treat, Definitely a Trick – 15 Minute Challenge – Halloween

Time: 15 Minutes (plus editing time)

Word Count: 574

Charlie and Alan Eppes were herded into a large room that appeared to be the gymnasium of a school. There were the usual Halloween decorations – pumpkins, skeletons, ghosts and black cats on the walls, hanging from the ceiling and marching amongst the food at the large buffet.

There were a throng of costumed revelers, obviously waiting for them. Some were sitting at the tables, some were hovering ever so casually near the buffet lines and several were clustered around a throne in the center of the room.

Seated on the throne, resplendent in a toga and laurel wreath, was Special Agent Don Eppes. The elder of the Eppes brothers was overseeing the festivities with an air of grave dignity.

"Where are we?" Alan asked.

"Community Center," David answered. "Olivia offered to let us use it, since I've been so helpful with the anger management classes."

"Cool," Charlie said.

"Why are you doing this?" Alan asked Don.

Don held his hands up. "Not my plan, Pops," he denied.

"It was obvious that an intervention was in order," said Cleopatra/ Special Agent Liz Warner. She was standing at Don's right and taking in the party with sparkling eyes.

Millie Finch, who was dressed as Rosie the Riveter, nodded. "The Eppes family has been working far too long and over far too many weekends," she said.

"It's time you lighten up," Amita said from behind them. She passed them and they could see that she was now dressed as Sandra Dee… Poodle skirt and all.

Charlie crossed his arms over his chest and frowned at her.

Amita grinned at him. "You're not mad at me, are you? After I was so nice to you?" she asked.

"Um, I'm running around in my pajamas," Charlie said.

"It could be worse," Amita said. "Besides, we're all in costume." She kissed him on the cheek and Charlie visibly melted.

Alan grinned. "So, who are you all?" he asked, looking around.

People began to identify themselves. Colby was dressed in a Star Fleet uniform. Larry was dressed as a Jedi knight. Ray Galeski was Frankenstein's monster. Bill Waldie came as Einstein. Dr. Rachel Osaki came as Lucretia Borgia. Alan's partner, Stan Carter, came in a baseball uniform.

Lt. Gary Walker wore an ordinary business suit. "Hey, it's a costume for me," he responded when somebody protested.

"You realize that it's rather hypocritical of you to say that Charlie is working too hard," Alan said to Millie.

Millie smirked. "I know," she said. "But any excuse to party is a good one."

"Come on," Claudia said. "It's time for breakfast. I'm starving." She whirled her Supergirl's cape around her and gestured toward the buffet. "Shall we?"

Don cleared his throat pointedly.

"Oh, sorry," Claudia said. "I guess I'm usurping the King's prerogative."

Alan grinned at Don. "Do we need your gracious permission to dine?" he asked.

Don rolled his eyes. "No," he said. "Go ahead."

Everyone except Liz and the Eppes headed for the food.

"Would you like me to bring your breakfast over to you?" Liz asked.

"No," Don said. He leaned over and hissed something that was not meant to be overheard, but Alan and Charlie both had keen ears.

Alan and Charlie turned away to hide their smiles.

"So, that's what Amita meant when she said she was being nice to you," chuckled Alan.

Charlie laughed slightly. "At least I have more on than just a sheet," he agreed.

The End

Happy Halloween!