Chapter 179

Sunday, October 31, 2004

1830 EST

Chegwidden house

McLean, Virginia

Three days later everything was ready. The food was prepared and set out and the drinks were to be taken care of by Tom and AJ. Krista went inside the girl's room to help AJ get them ready. He still had no idea what his costume looked like. "AJ, did I tell you I invited Pete to the party?"

"The hell you did! Get on the phone right now and uninvite him! That man is not coming into my home," AJ ground out between his teeth trying not to upset the girls.

"Darling, I was just teasing! Pete's moved out of the store he rented from me and is now living across town. If I see him now he crosses the street to avoid me," laughed Krista. "You and Tom scared the poor man to death."

"He deserved everything we gave him. If he knows what's good for him he'll continue to cross the street when he sees you or Krystal," he replied, laying Rose down and looking at Krista. "Okay, they're ready, where's my costume?"

"You'll find it in the bedroom laying on the bed. Albert, believe me when I say it's perfect for you. Wear it and be proud," she laid Lilac down and reached up to kiss him.

Going into the kitchen to check on the food one more time, she heard a strange noise coming from their bedroom. Stomping into the room AJ's face flushed, "Who the hell are you kidding? I'm not putting on this monkey suit! It's hanging open in the front and has pants that look like they were shrunk in the dryer!"

"Now, dear, it's a costume from the movie 'The King and I'. You are the King! He was a very handsome man, just like you are, and I thought about that the whole time I spent sewing the costume. Please, Albert, wear it for me; it really is a perfect costume for you. You're a man fit to be a King. My King anyway, please," she pouted so prettily that AJ didn't have the heart to turn her down. Damn! He'd look like a jackass in this in front of all his staff and the SECNAV was coming tonight, too! He'd never live this down.

Tom and Krystal arrived early because Krystal was going to dress there. Tom and AJ took one look at each other and started laughing. Finally sobering up, they glanced around and leaned toward each other and said at the same time, "She made me do it."

Krystal having heard them as she headed into the house grinned and asked, "Henpecked already, boss?"

Seeing he look in his eyes she headed rapidly to the bedroom where she knew she'd find Kris. "Man, it's dangerous out there!"

Shortly thereafter the guests began to arrive. Stationed at the door, AJ answered a knock and let a leather-clad Catwoman in his home. "Well, ma'am, did you bring the Batman with you?"

She hissed at him in response and then added, "No, Sir, he's busy saving Gothlem City from the Riddler," laughed Mac. "Where are the two little beauties?"

"They'll be out soon. Krista gave orders that no one was to see them till after the surprise that she and Krystal have planned. Just help yourself to the food and check out Magnum PI over there in the corner sulking." AJ pointed to Tom.

"Sir, you're the King, your orders should bring forth the princess's."

"Not in this Kingdom, Mac. The Queen rules the roost, just don't tell her I said so, I've already been accused of being henpecked once tonight."

AJ opened the door next to a cowboy in a tight pair of jean and flannel shirt with a cowboy hat on. "Howdy, partner, just came in from the back forty and thought I come by to get a cold one to cool my parched throat. I heard that there was two mighty fine fillies to be found here tonight," winked Harm.

"Rabb, have you been drinking? You give me your keys and I'll have someone drive you home," AJ frowned, looking him over and leaning in to see if he smelled alcohol.

"Sir, it was only a joke really. Just trying to get in the theme of the party. Cool outfit you have on. Who are you? Hop Sing the cook on Bonanza?" Harm smiled waving at Catwoman.

"Rabb, get out of my face for a while and give me a breather. Grab a cold one, that should keep you out of trouble for awhile," sighed AJ, watching Harm swagger away, thankful the man wasn't wearing six shooters.

To be continued…