Bill, glad that he was able to get in touch with Cara, made his way to the sandwich shop down the street. He knew that of anyone still in the area who was involved with the whole situation, it was Jane who he needed to speak to. Maybe she would be able to help. Getting out of his car in the parking lot, he walked into the restaurant. "Excuse me ma'am," he said to the hostess up front. "I'm looking for Jane, is she working today?"

"She's right here," said the hostess. "Jane! This guy wants to talk to you!" She shouted across the room in a rather unflattering voice.

"Coming!" called Jane, trotting up to the front. "Oh, Bill, it's you."

"Yeah, it's me," said Bill. "Listen Jane, I gotta tell you something."

"What's wrong?" asked Jane.

"Jeff came by my store earlier," said Bill. He was looking for Cara, he knew she ran off."

"Oh dear!" gasped Jane. "If he finds out I did it, he'll kill me too! Did you tell him anything?"

"No, not a word," said Bill. "Just keep your head low Jane, we don't want to run you out of town too."

"Do they back at the hotel know?" asked Jane.

"Yeah, I called the room and spoke to Cara," said Bill. "They're on the lookout, but I seriously doubt Jeff'll find the place anytime soon. We're the only two in town who know where they are."

"Good," said Jane. "I just hope they're gonna be safe."

"They will be," said Bill. "They're in good hands."

"They are," said Jane. "If Jeff comes in here asking me questions, I'm gonna give him a piece of my mind."

'That's the spirit," said Bill. He did admire Jane's outlook; sure, she was a backstabbing bitch at the start of all of this, but the fact that she grew up and out of it made Bill think that having someone like her on their side was a strength, and an important one at that.

"It's a battle on the home front," said Jane with a vengeance.

"That it is," said Bill, patting Jane on the back. "I'm gonna get on back to my shop now, but I just wanted to warn you that he's closing in on us. Be careful."

"I will," said Jane. "You too!"

Bill nodded and left. "Wait, aren't you gonna stay! Have some food!" whined the hostess in her nasally voice again.

"Leave him be," said Jane. "That was just some important business we had to discuss." For whatever reason, she was sad to see him go. Maybe she was just happy to know that she had someone else on her side back at home while the others were away.

Back at the hotel room, Cara was attempting to eat a Sugar Daddy candy while everyone else was just sort of watching. "You know, you guys could be practicing for your gig on Thursday instead of watching me try to eat candy," said Cara laboriously through toothfulls of taffy Sugar Daddy.

"But this is fun," said Mickey.

"How's it fun?" asked Cara right before she tried to take a bite off the candy but instead ended up stretching it about five or six inches outward like a taffy puller.

"That's why it's fun," said Mickey again.

"Oh, I give up," said Cara, tossing the Sugar Daddy into the trash. "Doesn't taste that good anyway."

"Maybe we should practice guys," said Mike. "I do not want to blow this job."

"Neither do we," said Peter. "If we're bad, Charles will be disappointed. He's such a good guy, I wouldn't want that to happen to him."

"Ah, Peter, you're such a big mush," said Davy. "Say Cara, something I've been meaning to ask you…why are you afraid of heights?"

"Well, when your idiot big brother hangs you over your balcony when you're three years old, it kind of scars you for life," said Cara.

"Yeah, I'd say," said Mike. "You have great luck with people."

"Tell me about it," said Cara.

"You have a brother?" asked Peter. "That reminds me…where have your parents been this whole time?"

Cara snorted. "Probably blazed off their asses," she said. "My parents were never there, are you kidding? How else do you think I was about to keep dating a guy like Jeff without him getting arrested at least once?"

"So…they were never around?" asked Peter.

"Barely," said Cara. "Not that I really care. They never cared, so why should I? I'm obviously capable of looking out for myself."

"That's crazy though," said Mike. "Your parents should've been around. What about your brother?"

"Eh, typical brother," said Cara. "Moved out now though, don't hear from him much anymore."

"So you never really had a family?" asked Peter.

"Not really," said Cara. "Abigail was the closest I had, but seeing her meant I had a big chance of seeing Jeff, so that was hard."

"It's true," said Abigail. "Sucked big time."

"Wow Cara, I had no clue how hard you had it!" said Davy. "Well, ever since I met Jeff I've had a better idea, but still. Crazy man, just crazy."

"Well, it's obviously gotten better," said Cara.

"Awwww," said Mickey. "Please, don't make me blush!"

Cara giggled. "You guys should practice," she said.

"Good idea," said Mike. "Let's get to it!" The boys set up and Cara and Abigail sat on the couch to watch and listen.

"Have I mentioned how much I love the music?" asked Abigail.

"Many times," said Cara. "But it's okay, I love it too." With that, Mickey started the downbeat, and serenaded the two girls with their music.

And then before they knew it, it was Thursday.

"Okay men, we're gonna rock this joint, ya hear? Rock it!" said Mike in his usual pre-show pep talk as they made their way down to the lobby for the show. "Hey look, it's Rick!"

"Oh fantastic, I'm so happy you all made it!" said Rick.

"So are we," said Mike. "So where do we set up?"

"Right over there in that corner," said Rick. The guys went over to where Rick pointed to set up. "There ya go son, perfect!" said Rick.

"So this is the place?" said a voice from behind Cara. She jumped and turned around, only to see Bill and Jane standing behind her.

"Oh wow guys!" exclaimed Cara. "What are you two doing here?"

"Peter called us," said Jane. "He said they were playing a gig today, so we decided to come by."

"That's great guys," said Cara. "Oh…has Jeff been bothering you at all?"

"Nope…" said Bill. "Not for a while. He said he'd be back and I believe him, so he's probably scheming something."

"Uhg, I hope not," said Cara. "Well, we're having fun for now. Come on!" Cara led Bill and Jane into the lobby and to the guys. "Look who came!" said Cara.

"Yeah, I called them," said Peter. "They may have told you that."

"Yeah, thanks for that," said Jane sweetly, but not as sweet as she used to. "I've been wanting to see you all play again in light of all this mess we've been in."

"Good call," said Davy. "Any more trouble at the shop Bill?"

"Nah, not yet at least," said Bill.

"Oh, well what do we have here?" asked Rick coming over. "A redhead, a blonde, and a brunette? Oooh, this could make for an interesting different type of show…"

The boys looked like they were ready to blow their tops when a voice behind them said, "Daddy, what have mother and I told you about this?" Everyone turned to see a tall young woman with long, straight dirty blonde hair parted in the middle of her head, framing her narrow face with prominent cheekbones evenly and slate grey eyes. She was dressed in a white shirt and a grey blazer and pencil skirt. She stood there with her hands on her hips and a disapproving look on her face. "Apologize to them Daddy!"

"Alright Alice…" said Rick. "Sorry ladies…" He walked off to work with the band.

"Sorry about that girls," said the girl who was Rick's daughter, Alice. "He's a little bit of a womanizer, that's why my mom left him. Who are you three?"

"I'm Cara," said Cara, "and these are Abigail and Jane." The other two girls waved meekly.

"I'm Alice," said Alice, shaking each girls' hand. "If you need anything you can come to me, I'm my Daddy's assistant."

"Who in the blue blazes is she?" breathed a smitten Mike.

"My daughter, Alice," said Rick.

"Oh, so someone who hits on chicks like that has a daughter," growled Peter. "They're daughters too you know."

"I said I was sorry," whined Rick. "My mind moves at a different pace from my mouth, it won't happen again I swear."

"Better not…" said Peter.

"God she's beautiful," said Mike, not taking his eyes off Alice.

"Well, talk to her," said Davy. "I've got one smitten Monkee to deal with, I think I can take on one more."

"Very funny," said Mike and Peter at the same time.

"Well, it's true!" said Davy, shrugging.

"Rick…do I have your permission to talk to your daughter?" asked Mike.

"Go right ahead," said Rick. "I'm sure I owe you something after that disgusting comment I made to your lady friends."

"Oh wow, thank you Mr. Backer!" exclaimed Mike as he bounded over to Alice.

"You know Rick…I'm not quite sure what you've unleashed on your daughter there," said Mickey.

"I'm sure it's not too bad," said Rick.

Mike walked over to the group of girls with some kind of confidence, straightening his collar and fixing his hair under his cap. Cara wondered what he was up to, but then she realized that there was a new girl in the group. She popped a little smile of anticipation as Mike walked to Alice. "So, you're Rick's daughter, is that right?"

"Yes," replied Alice, looking at Mike wondering who in the world he was. Cara, Abigail, and Jane were dissolved in silent giggles.

"What's your name?" stuttered Mike, rocking back and forth on his feet.

"Alice Backer," said Alice, thoroughly amused. "And you?"

"They call me Michael Nesmith," said Mike, taking his cap of in a sweeping motion. "And—well—you look like a very lovely young lady that doesn't have an interest in long-haired weirdoes like myself, so—"

"Wait," said Alice, stopping a nervous Mike in his tracks as he started to walk away. "I'm free tomorrow night if that's what you're after."

"Oh, wow, really?" said Mike, his voice going up and down in register like a twelve-year-old boy. "Wow Miss Backer, that sounds totally groovy, for real…seriously?"

"Yes, seriously," said Alice. "Meet me in the lobby at seven tomorrow night." She walked off to the front counter leaving Mike and the other girls and Bill stunned.

"Good job," said Cara.

"Thanks," said Mike. "This ladykiller's gotta tune his guitar now." He walked over to the stage with a new bounce in his step.

"Mike, get up here we're all ready!" said Davy.

"Move aside, ladykiller coming through," said Mike, putting his guitar on and getting in his place behind the mic. "Let's start this party!" Just like in the practice a couple days ago, there was a strong downbeat and the boys went into "She." Mickey's vocal was as strong as ever and the harmonies from everyone else thick and close. Cara, Abigail, and Jane danced, Bill sort of grooved off to the side, and Alice stood to the other side, listening and grinning every time Mike accidently caught her eye and borderline flipped out on stage. Crowds of people gathered around the stage in the lobby to hear the music, dance, and socialize.

When that song ended, Mike stepped up. "Hello there all you people, we're The Monkees, and boy do we have a great show lined up for you. Hit it!" Right away, the band went into "You Just May Be the One." Of course, Mike was using it as a tool to talk and flirt with Alice, who was giving Mike the eyes. Cara felt Peter's own eyes on her; she didn't need to look but did anyway, and she was right. Peter was gazing at her, and of course it made Cara feel terrible again to know that he wanted her so bad but it just couldn't happen. She looked over at Jane, whom she expected to be fawning over Peter, but instead she was in deep conversation with Bill. Cara wondered…nah, not Jane and Bill, no way! Cara went back to dancing with Abigail.

After many fantastic and fun songs, like "The Door into Summer," "Last Train to Clarksville," and "The Girl That I Knew Somewhere," and others, the show ended with Peter's silly little number, "Your Auntie Grizelda." Once that ended, the boys took a bow and shelved their instruments.

"Great show guys," said Cara as they came down to sit with everyone else.

"That was fantastic!" said Rick.

"I'd say," said Charles. "Sorry I was late boys, I came in on the second or third number. Great show men."

"Gee, thanks Charles," said Peter. "Thanks for getting this for us too, really!"

"Don't sweat it kiddo," said Charles. "You all deserved it. I'll see what I can do for you in the future."

"As well as I!" said Rick. "You guys are the next hip thing, I can see it! What did you think Alice dear?"

"A fine performance," said cultured and businesslike Alice. "You all really know your stuff."

"We know more than stuff Miss Backer," said Mike.

Alice laughed. "I've got to go now," she said. "Don't forget about our date tomorrow Michael." She walked off and Mike just could not take his eyes off her.

"Oh golly!" he blurted out. "She called it a date! I'm in the clear!"

"Not yet soldier," said Davy. "Just cool it and relax, you're not Peter over there."

"Hey!" said Peter.

"Well it's true," said Davy.

"Davy, let him be," said Cara. Cara and Peter met eyes; it was a very awkward time.

"Just seems everyone's meeting chicks but me man," said Mickey. "I better have something good lined up…"

"No doubt in my mind," said Davy. "Patience my dear; she will come."

"And then she'll get here," said Mike.

"Unnecessary," said Davy. "But pretty funny…"

"Hey Cara, let's check this out over here," said Jane, grabbing Cara by the arm and dragging her away from everyone.

"Geez, what was that for?" asked Cara. "You're not gonna try to shoot me again, are you?"

"No," said Jane. "I just…I'm confused."

"Bout what?" asked Cara.

"It's just…I've liked Peter for such a long time, and well I dunno it's weird," said Jane.

"What's weird?" asked Cara.

"I think I'm over it," said Cara.

"Good," sighed Cara. "I mean—ok, guess that's good."

Jane laughed. "I know you like him Cara, and he likes you, we've both known for a while," she said. "But I may like…someone else."

"Who?" asked Cara, thinking she may know the answer already.

"Bill," Jane muttered, blushing.

"Really, him?" asked Cara.

"It's stupid," said Jane.

"Not at all," said Cara. "I'm just glad you're off Peter."

"You would be," said Jane. Both girls looked at Bill chatting with the group of people over in the lobby.

"You know, he's a nice guy," said Cara. "I would know."

"Yeah," sighed Jane. "Very nice."

"Hey, girls, get back here!" called Peter. "Bill's telling us about when Jeff invaded his shop! This is good stuff!"

"Let's go," said Jane eagerly, dragging Cara again. Cara wondered if Peter knew Jane was finally over him…nah, she'd just let it happen, she may be a girl, but she was no gossip. She and Jane sat down to hear Bill's story, eager to know how he handled it and how in the world he was still alive. She and Peter accidentally touched feet and the two jumped and blushed, but gained composure; all of this tension was getting ridiculous. Jane looked at Bill dreamy-eyed as he spoke.

"Wait…Cara…is Jane…Bill?" whispered Peter.

Cara nodded grinning.

Peter gave a triumphant, quiet "Yes!" and Cara nudged him, this time on purpose. Well, one part of her life got easier today.