962 Words this chapter
Chapter Three, Just a Costume 2: Redressed
Becker was keeping the fake security guard company as Joe met with the police and brought them back to his office. Jess kept her distance, trying to distract herself by looking at costumes. She noticed that Becker was laughing and chatting with the policemen. Then he called her over.
"Hey, Jess, say hi to the officers," he said as she joined them. The men smiled at her.
She smiled back. They looked vaguely familiar.
They laughed at her puzzled expression. So did Becker.
"We've met, haven't we?" Jess finally asked.
Becker and the police laughed. "Yes, you have," said Becker. "Jess Parker, allow me to officially introduce you to Burt and Ernie." They nodded.
Jess smiled awkwardly. "I'm so sorry. I, uh, don't remember you."
They laughed. "It's alright, Miss Parker," said the one Becker indicated as Burt. "It's been nearly a year."
"And it was a traumatic experience," said Ernie. "So was the time we met before that."
"We've met twice?"
Becker nodded, chuckling. "That was the worst experience, one you've tried to forget."
Jess was confused. "I give up. Where did Becker and I meet you?"
"Oh, he wasn't with you the first time," said Ernie, rather stocky and shorter than tall, thin Burt.
"We didn't realize you were the young lady involved," said Burt. "The captain here pointed it out to us later."
"Did he," said Ernie. "I thought he was going to smack us."
Jess shook her head. "I'm so confused."
Becker laughed. "OK. We'll give. Jess, these two moonlight as security officers, real security officers," he said, glancing with disgust at Kenneth the imposter. "They were at the club."
Instantly Jess realized who they were. Two years ago, on Halloween night, Jess had nearly been attacked outside a popular club as she was getting into her car. She'd been saved by two of the club's security officers, apparently Burt and Ernie.
"Oh my gosh!" she cried. "You are!"
They laughed.
"I so owe you!"
"Maybe for the first time," said Burt. "Last year though, you handled that creep expertly."
"Thank you," said Becker.
"He was complementing me, Becker, not you."
"And who taught you those self-defense moves, Jess?"
She rolled her eyes. "You, of course."
"Like I said," said Becker, "Thanks for the complement."
Jess shook her head as the guys laughed.
"He did a good job," said Ernie. "You were brilliant. I didn't even mind getting a lecture from the club owner."
"What for?" asked Jess.
"For letting the club's patrons do our jobs," answered Burt.
"Oh. Sorry," said Jess.
"Not your fault," said Ernie. He smirked. "It's Becker's."
Becker laughed. "You boys be on your toes this year. I don't want my girlfriend butting heads with anyone this year."
"I did have a nasty headache after it," said Jess.
"No worries, we'll be alert," said Burt.
"Promise," agreed Ernie.
"Though we won't have to worry about that same creep," said Becker. "After he tried to get at you again last year, I made sure he stayed off the streets."
Jess chuckled. "I thought Lester did that."
"He helped," said Becker.
"Man, I don't know where you guys work, but, it must be high up," said Ernie. "How your boss managed to get that creep put away for so long astounds me."
"Me too," said Burt.
"Lester has skills," said Jess. "Mostly they involve shouting and kissing butts, but they come in handy."
Becker laughed and nodded.
"Your boss? That man scares me," said Joe. "He demanded that the costume he orders this year be one of a kind."
"What a diva," said Jess.
"You mean cry baby," said Becker.
"I was only too happy to do it," said Joe. "Maybe he'll finally forgive me for wearing the same costume as him last year."
Jess giggled.
"You know, Becker," said Burt. "If the clubs have that much trouble with creeps maybe you should moonlight too."
"No moonlighting!" cried Jess. "Why is everyone suggesting it? I don't have Becker alone enough as it is."
Becker chuckled. "No, you don't."
"Sorry," said Burt. "I wasn't thinking. If I had a girl like you, I wouldn't consider moonlighting either."
Jess blushed. "Thank you."
"What a kiss-up," said Ernie, making Burt laugh.
Jess giggled. "Honestly, I'm glad I got the chance to personally thank you."
The officers smiled and nodded. "Well, we should be getting this creep downtown," said Burt, shoving Kenneth to the door.
"See you guys later," said Ernie. "At the club at least."
Jess nodded. "It is a shame you'll be working Halloween."
Burt shook his head. "Someone needs to keep everyone safe."
"Though you have Becker now," said Ernie.
Jess blushed, nodded, and smiled at her boyfriend. "I do."
Becker smiled back. "I'll be keeping a close eye on you."
She smiled, leaned up and kissed him.
Burt and Ernie 'awed.' "See you later, Becker. Nice to meet you, Jess," said Burt. Ernie nodded.
"You too."
The police and Kenneth left.
Becker sighed. "Well, it's been a fun morning so far. Busy."
Jess rolled her eyes. "Your idea of fun is weird, sweetie," she said, piling up as many costumes as she could in her arms. "Now for some real fun. Come on, Becker, to the changing booths!"
"Yeah, mine is weird," he said, laughing as she skipped to the dressing room, humming with glee.
"Leave her alone," said Joe. "I need the money."
Becker shook his head and laughed. "You're so lucky she's cute."
"Don't I know it," said the shop owner.
End of Chapter Three