Another short one. Sorry. 872 words.
Chapter Four
Jess waited in the locker room for their return.
Connor walked in first. "Uh, Jess, this is the guys' room?"
"Yes, but no one was in here, so I waited to see…" she cut off as Becker walked in.
"Baby!" cried Jess, jumping into his arms. "Oh, your shirt's wet!"
"We were on a boat, Jess."
She giggled. "Right. Duh." She clung to him, happily.
Becker let her, but saw the smirks on Connor and Matt.
"Jess," he said, "not that I mind holding you in my arms, but, uh, maybe we should have a few boundaries."
"Like the men's locker room," offered Connor.
"Sorry," said Jess. "This was the first mission you were on since…"
"You snogged each other?" suggested Matt.
Becker turned red and stared menacingly at both men. Then to Jess, he said, "I think we should save moments like these for private."
"Amen," said Connor.
Jess nodded, sliding down. "I am sorry. I was worried."
Becker smiled. "I know. I'm sorry." He took her face in his and placed a strong, firm kiss on her lips.
"Ooh," groaned the other two.
"Oh, grow up," said Jess to them. She smiled at Becker. "I'll see you later."
Becker nodded, and opened the door. She left, blowing him kisses.
The room was eerily quiet.
"So…"
"Temple, stow it."
"Jess is a fine girl," said Matt.
"She is," said Connor.
Becker ignored them, going to his locker.
"Way too good for the likes of you," Matt said.
"Way too good," agreed Connor.
Becker kept still.
"So…how far has this…relationship gone?" asked Connor.
"None of your business."
"He speaks!" cried Matt.
"Becker…"
"Temple, Anderson, leave it. It's none of your business."
"You're right," said Connor. "Unless you hurt her then…"
"We'll be all over you," Matt said firmly.
"That's what I'd expect," said Becker. "I won't."
"Good, that's what we expect," said Matt. Connor nodded.
Becker pulled on a dry shirt, and shut the locker. "So, is this little chat over?"
"Yep."
"Good," he said, starting to leave.
That's when Lester strolled in, carrying a small box.
"Oh, you're back," he said, a little flustered.
"Yeah. It was easy. Like shooting fish…" started Connor.
"Ugh. Don't," said Becker.
Connor smiled, and finished his sentence, "in a barrel."
Matt laughed. Lester seemed occupied.
"You OK?" asked Matt.
"Uh, yes. Of course," he said, hurrying to his locker.
"What's in the box?" asked Connor.
"What box?" asked Lester. Then, seeing the three men stare at him, he said, "Oh, this box. It's nothing."
He threw the box into the locker. He smiled, unconvincingly.
"Was it a gift?" asked Becker.
"Huh? Oh, no. Well…"
All three of his subordinates shook their heads and chuckled sadly. "From Stella?" asked Matt.
"What? Where did you get that idea?"
They just stared.
"Fine. Yes, it was sent by Miss Blanch," he said, retrieving the box. "Nothing inappropriate or suggestive. In fact, they're damn fine cigars."
The others looked at them. Matt held one up. "Stella has good taste. In things."
Becker nodded. "Was there a note?"
"Yes, again nothing suggestive."
"Then why hide them?" asked Connor.
Lester sighed. "Gifts are a touchy subject. Especially when the sender is like Miss Blanch…"
"Blonde, built, and eager?"
"Indeed, Connor. Indeed."
Becker sighed. "Have you spoken to her?"
"No!"
Becker, Connor, and Matt laughed. "We understand, Lester," said Matt.
"We do," said Becker. "She sent me a St. Christopher's medallion."
"She did? What did you do?" asked Lester.
"Gave it back. Actually, I had Jess give it back to her."
"Oh, that's a brilliant idea. I'll have Miss Parker return it."
Becker smiled. "Jess isn't her favorite person now. I doubt Stella will take it."
"Hmm. I see," said Lester. He sighed. "Any volunteers?" he asked the other two men.
They both backed away, shaking their heads.
"Cowards," mumbled Lester. "How about Miss Maitland?"
"She threatened to feed Stella to a raptor."
"Abby is concise and to the point," Lester said, causing the others to laugh loudly. "How about Lady Merchant?"
"She's the only one who hasn't…been at odds with Stella," said Matt, "but…"
"What?"
Becker smirked. "She's curious about Matt's history with Stella."
"Oh. Do you have history?"
"A brief, unimportant fling which I regret."
"More each day," quipped Becker.
"Thanks, Mate," said Matt, frowning, "but yeah. I do."
"I take it this was before Lady Merchant walked through from the 1800s?" asked Lester.
"Yeah. I never would have even looked at Stella with Emily around."
"That's what you should tell Emily," said Connor.
Matt nodded. "You're right."
"Yes, go to the Lady at once, and set her straight about you and Miss Blanch," said Lester, giving Matt an encouraging pat on the shoulder. "And then ask her to return these." Lester shoved the box of cigars at him, and walked to the door.
"You're a sensitive man, Lester," said Matt.
"I know," he said, and left.
"He's left you to ask Emily to do his dirty work. Nice," said Becker. "At least I was man enough to beg Jess to do mine myself."
Matt laughed. "Oh well. Sooner I get this over with…Catch you lads later." Matt left, taking the cigars with him.
End of Chapter Four