The Peake Sisters
Chapter 4: The AnnouncementThe next morning all the employees were gathered early at the Peake Motorcycle Shop for the 'big' announcement. Mercedes had arranged for a breakfast buffet and it almost resembled a big family party. The employees were speculating that Tom Peake would be announcing his retirement and turning the business over to his two daughters, Mercedes and Meredith.
Mercedes didn't eat much and moved nervously among the employees. She thought she knew her father's plans, and had made the decision to leave if that happened. She wasn't going to stay and watch the business her dad had worked so hard to build be ruined. Her little sister hadn't taken that news well the night before, trying to make her vow they would stick together 'no matter what'.
Half the anticipated news was announced, Tom Peake would be retiring soon, sometime within the next few months. More information would be forthcoming when all the legal details were finalized. He knew the rumors were thick and wanted to assure his employees the business was not closing and they still had their jobs.
Relief among the employees was evident, but they still didn't know the future of Peake Motor Sports and therefore didn't know the future of their jobs. They all would breathe easier if the old man turned the store over to his two daughters. After all, Mercedes was currently second in charge and ran everything when her father wasn't around. In addition, Meredith, with her graphic design talents, was pulling in detailing and customizing business for the shop from several states. Under their control, the business would continue and surely prosper.
The news the employees didn't want to hear was that his son, Michael Peake would be moved into the top position. Michael was an expert rider, and represented the store well at all the top motor cross events. He had several championship titles to his name and brought national attention to the name of Peake Motor Sports. But he lived the lifestyle of a spoiled rich kid, and some of the employees felt the business would suffer and possibly close under his leadership, or rather, lack of leadership.
The following Saturday was the typical California day; sunny and warm, a perfect day to take a long motorcycle ride. The store closed at noon on Saturdays and Mercedes and her father stood on the balcony overlooking the store and service department. The sisters were looking forward to spending the rest of the day with the two handsome detectives they had recently met. They had plans to ride down along the coast and then fix a quiet dinner in the evening.
Meredith looked up and saw her sister and father on the balcony. She had become worried about Mercedes ever since she made the decision to leave the cycle shop if Mike would be put in charge. Daddy just couldn't put Michael in charge, he just couldn't. How can he be so proud of that idiot? Don't worry sis, as long as we stick together, we'll be ok.
Mercedes watched her sister getting the bikes ready for their afternoon ride and wondered what the future held for them. She knew her father was going to put Michael in charge, and she knew she couldn't stay, wouldn't stay, when that happened. I just don't understand what you see in Michael. He shows you no respect and takes advantage of you. He's so self-absorbed and lives such an extravagant lifestyle. He's everything you taught Meredith and me not to be.
Mercedes' father spoke and brought her out of her thoughts, "I'd like for you and Meredith to come over next Sunday for dinner." He sighed heavily, "Theresa is home and staying with us again, her husband's left her and she's trying to figure out what to do with her life. She's going to start working here again so we'll need to find something for her to do."
Mercedes felt a chill run down her spine; she dreaded having to work with her stepsister on a daily basis. "Meredith mentioned that she ran into her and Mona last night. That's too bad, is that her third or fourth husband?"
"Mercedes…" he sighed.
"Sorry dad, I didn't mean it like that. It's just that we never see Theresa anymore."
"I know. And Mike is back from South Carolina. He came in reserve champion in the race," he beamed, "isn't he something?"
"Yes dad, he's something alright," Mercedes replied dryly, not even trying to conceal her lack of interest in her half-brother.
"Ok. Ok." He said shaking his head. "Anyway, I'd like everyone to be there next Sunday. I need to talk to everyone. I'd really like for ALL my kids to get along."
"All your kids?"
"Yes, all my kids. I'm going to put all my cards out on the table", her father sighed as he leaned on the balcony railing and folded his hands together as if in prayer.
"Sure dad, I'll tell Meredith." Mercedes looked over at her father, he seemed sad. Sorry dad, I know this is tough on you, but I can't muster any sympathy for you right now. I know more than you think I do.
He watched Starsky and Hutch walk into the store lobby and shouted down to them, "I'm sorry gentlemen, we're closed."
Mercedes put her hand on his upper arm, "That's ok dad, they're here to meet Meredith and me. We're riding down the coast this afternoon with them."
"Oh really? Then I need to meet these two gentlemen." He said over his shoulder and descended the stairs before Mercedes could stop him.
Their ride down the coast proved to be very relaxing. They would occasionally stop and Starsky would snap pictures, mostly of Mercedes and Meredith. They stopped for a light snack at a little restaurant built on a cliff overlooking the ocean. The partners were greatly enjoying the company of these two sisters.
The four had covered many miles by the time they returned to Peake Motor Sports. Meredith opened the garage doors and helped get the bikes parked inside, while Mercedes signed the bikes back into the shop.
Meredith stretched and looked at Starsky, "Ah man, I've got 'bike butt'! How are you two doing since you're not used to riding?"
Starsky grinned, "Ya, my butt feels a little numb."
Meredith walked over, put her arms around him and squeezed his butt, "Mmmm, want a butt massage?"
Starsky wrapped her in a big hug and returned the favor by massaging her butt, then leaned down and tried to give her a kiss, however, they both were laughing so hard the attempted kiss wasn't successful.
Mercedes looked at Hutch and rolled her eyes, "Come on kids, time to go", which just made Meredith and Starsky start another round of laughter. They locked up and went to Hutch's place to continue their plans of a quiet dinner and a walk along the beach.
Once at the beach, Starsky and Meredith quickly moved ahead and out of sight. Mercedes was strolling slowly, simply enjoying the company of the tall blonde, until she stopped and looked out across the ocean to the horizon, "There's something about the ocean, and the sound of the water that's so relaxing, so peaceful", then softly smiled up at Hutch.
"Yes, I often come here to walk and think," he moved behind her and wrapped his arms around her. She in turn leaned back into him and sighed contentedly. They stood there together, slightly rocking back and forth, just enjoying the peacefulness and each other until Hutch spoke again, "A penny for your thoughts."
Mercedes shivered and stepped away from Hutch rubbing her arms, "The age old dilemma I'm afraid, trying to figure out what to do with my life."
"Maybe we should head back if you're getting cold," Hutch offered as he removed his jacket and placed it around her shoulders.
"What about Meredith and David?" she asked peering down the shore but not seeing any sign of her sister and his friend.
"Starsk knows the way back to my apartment, besides; I wouldn't be surprised if we don't see them again tonight." Hutch responded, and then added with a quick wink, "If you know what I mean…"
She laughed softly, "Yes, I think I know what you mean."
As they walked slowly back along the beach, Mercedes told him more about herself, her family, the motorcycle shop, and her decision to leave if their brother Mike would be placed in the top position of their business. When they got back to Hutch's they discovered the Torino was gone.
Mercedes looked at him, "But how, they never came back by us?"
"My partner is good at going forward full force, they probably didn't realize how far they had actually gone until they were too tired, then grabbed a cab to get back here."
"And since we weren't back yet, decided to go home?"
"Or Starsky's place", Hutch smiled and stepped toward her.
"Ah…", Mercedes bowed her head and laughed, "then we're alone, Mr. Hutchinson…", and stepped into his embrace. Looking up into his crystal blue eyes, she cupped his face in her hands as he leaned down taking her mouth with a soft kiss. He deepened his kisses gradually and she closed her eyes allowing herself to be swept away by their building passion.