Chapter 19

"Wow, Chet. A Jag? You do that and you'll be in for some lovin'." he said. Chet smiled. Tony parked and they got out. The walked on to the Jaguar lot. There were hundreds of beautiful cars. Chet and Tony were wide eyed with desire. Tony looked about, somewhat overwhelmed.

"Any idea on the model, Chet? All of them look incredible." he said. Chet half shrugged.

"I am somewhat intrigued by the XJR series. Four door practicality, but still beautiful lines. And that is also a supercharged model." Tony nodded. He then spied a man coming at them from the corner of his eye.

"Look out Chet. Vulture at 8 o'clock." Chet spied the man in a suit coming at them. Soon, a slightly balding man of about 45 was upon them.

"Hello there, Gerald Upton. Senior sales staff here at Bayport Jaguar. I certainly hope I can help you gentlemen." he said with an open gesture. Chet cleared his throat.

"Hello. Chet Morton. This is Tony Prito. We were interested in seeing your available XJRs." Mr. Upton beamed.

"But of course. Please come this way." He ushered them halfway across the lot. He gestured to a line of 6 cars.

"The only bad thing about the XJRs," he started, "is that we only have six to choose from. They are the very high end and not many are in the market for them. Subsequently, don't stock dozens of them like say the X-type or S-type. But we have six here. One black, two green, two red and one silver. All the equipment is about the same. Though the black one does have chrome wheels and was ordered with a custom audio system. That system adds seven thousand to the tag. But the customer who ordered it had his financing fall through. We can make a great deal on that one just to move it." Chet sauntered over to the black model. It was a sharp looking car with a high gloss coat on it and chrome premium wheels. The windows were slightly tinted. Chet peered through the window and noted the interior was also black. He looked at the window sticker. This car had every conceivable option, and several Chet couldn't even imagine. Bottom line sticker price was $91,789.00. Chet glanced at Tony, who shook his head.

"That's over a hundred grand after the tax. You can do better than that." The salesman had apparently heard Tony's comment.

"Well, yes we can do better than that. That is just the suggested retail." Chet looked to the other XJRs and came back.

"Looks like this one has an extra twelve grand in gingerbread on it. The other models are stickering at around seventy-nine. If I were going to offer something on those cars it would be about seventy even." Chet smirked and gave the salesman a sideways glance. "Which is what I will also offer you for this black one." The man smiled.

"Well, there are a lot of extras on it that make up that extra twelve thousand. I can't really write those off." Chet rolled his eyes.

"Look, Mr. Upton. The car sells itself by reputation, warranty, etc. So, I will do this..." he said taking out a checkbook he wrote a check for $70,000 even to Bayport Jaguar. "You take my very good check in to your office and talk with your business manager or whatever the boss is called here. Tell them that is the only check I brought with me today. I can of course go get another check. But if I am going to go all the way back home for another check, I will be on the other side of town. You know, the side where the BMW dealership is..." Mr. Upton held a hand up and smiled.

"Just give me a very quick moment, Mr. Morton, sir. I won't be long. Please come into the showroom and have a cup of coffee." he said rushing back towards the building. Tony chuckled to Chet as they walked towards the office.

"Pretty slick, Chet. Now, if they just take the bait." he said. Chet smiled.

"These guys are all the same. If that really was a custom order then it is probably eating a hole in their pocket by just sitting in stock. It's an extra unit they didn't count on having to sit on. Not to mention if it truly was a custom order, they already have at least five or ten grand of some schmuck's non-refundable deposit on it." Tony nodded as he hadn't considered this.

Sure enough, just as they entered the showroom Mr. Upton returned to them. He smiled.

"The manager realizes the situation of things and has chosen to accept your offer. Please have a seat at my desk so we may expedite the paperwork." Chet and Tony smiled. They were escorted to Mr. Upton's office and he went to work on the paperwork. He looked up.

"Alright, Mr. Morton, is this vehicle to be titled in your name?" Chet shook his head.

"My soon to be wife actually. Her name is Callie Shaw. And the address is 311 Bayview Avenue..." Soon Mr. Upton had all the information he needed. He looked up.

"If I can't authenticate the check, I will have to retain the actual title until it clears." Chet nodded,

"Of course." he said. Mr. Upton rose.

"This should just take a moment. I will be right with you." he said and walked into another office. Chet smiled.

"Reckon it will get authenticated, Tony?" he asked with a chuckle. Tony smiled and nodded.

"I'd guess it's a safe assumption. He said. Chet slapped his forehead.

"It wasn't even necessary. I forgot I have a damn letter of credit good for a million in my pocket." Tony grinned and shook his head.

"My bank is pretty stingy with those. They usually want my dad to sign and me put up real estate as collateral. All kinds of good stuff." Chet shook his head. A few minutes later Mr. Upton came back in.

"All is fine, Mr. Morton. Your check was authenticated and you may have your title now." he said sitting back down to finish the paperwork.

"I had the car brought around and of course will make sure it is in tip top shape." Chet nodded.

"I appreciate it." Mr. Upton smiled.

"Not at all. Now then, we are all set. Let's go look it over, shall we?" he motioned for them to follow him out to the front of the dealership. Sure enough the black XJR was sitting there waiting. Mr. Upton took great length and effort to explain every option the car had. Chet and Tony waited patiently while this was being done. It was standard procedure for new car dealers to do this when they released a new car. After fifteen more minutes Mr. Upton concluded his instruction and demonstrations. He smiled and handed Chet two sets of keys. The shook hands.

"Mr. Morton, it has been a pleasure. I hope your soon to be wife enjoys it very much." Chet smiled taking the keys.

"Oh, I am sure she will. Thank you very much. It has been a pleasure." Chet looked to Tony. Let's drive out to the house now. Follow me. It's at 311 Bayview Avenue. Tony nodded. Chet took a seat in the new Jaguar. He pulled out the key and turned the motor over. The high-power motor roared with a throaty growl. Chet revved the motor and it screamed like a chained cat. Chet smiled with satisfaction and pulled the car out of the dealer's lot. The car was quite receptive to the gas pedal. Chet, with Tony following, made his way to an outer road that led to Bayview Avenue. He waited at a stop sign. Upon the light turning green Chet hit the gas. The car launched forward with a pure desire to please its driver. He smiled looking in his rearview as Tony was having a problem keeping up. Chet slowed down. Soon he turned onto Bayview and went north. Ten minutes later he was pulling into the home where he would soon share residency with his wife, sister and good friend. He pulled up before the garage. Tony pulled in beside him. Chet got out and looked over Tony as he emerged.

"Gee Chet, let a guy catch up to you! That thing cooks, and I bet you weren't even pushing it." Chet smiled.

"That thing is a dream to drive, man!" I better open the garage and stash it." He said opening the door to one of the three bays. He then got back in to the car and backed in it. He jumped out and lowered the door. Tony smiled.

"She will love it, man!" He said looking about the place. He whistled.

"Wow, Chet, this is quite the pad. What is it? About six thousand square foot?" Chet shrugged.

"The listing says about four, but I think it's significantly more. Especially if you include the basement. There's a lot of space here. C'mon, let's go in. I have a key." Tony nodded and followed Chet. They walked up before the main door and he started inserting keys until he found the right one. Tony gave a laugh,

"See all the trouble it is to have ten doors to the outside!" he joked. Chet smiled leading the way in. Tony took in the house with great interest.

"Damn!" he said commenting on the extensive wood trim and floors. "If you only gave three hundred for this place I am telling you right now there is no way you could build it for five times that! This intricate woodwork is amazing. And it all appears to be oak and walnut. Maybe even some rosewood. High dollar stuff, pal." Chet smiled knowing his friend gave an obvious positive endorsement to his purchase.

"What about the roof? It had a real estate disclaimer." Chet said. Tony smiled.

"They have to do that if it has even a tiny spot of wear that could indicate more, but often doesn't. It's just playing the safe side for full and legal disclosure. I will be happy to look at it, but from what I saw before I came in it looked it decent shape. But of course, I can't tell much till I am up there. It has some high-grade wood shingling on part of it. I notice that the part that looks kind of like an addition or an overhang has a metal roof on it. That may be where any trouble exists." Chet smiled.

"Whatever it takes, man. You are the boss as far as any construction or repair concerns." he said knowing Tony was one of the finest building and home restorers in the area. Chet wondered into the kitchen. He picked up the wall phone. Sure enough it worked. Chet smiled.

"Mom and Dad must have had the service turned on. Good. Not that I know the number, but I can still call the ladies." He picked up the phone and dialed the number to Iola's car phone. A moment later he was connected to his sister.

"Hey, Iola. How goes the day? Anything exciting going on? Oh really. Are they green with envy? Hahah. Oh, you are mean. Say, were ya coming around your new house anytime soon? Oh. Good. Tony and I are here checking things out. Yes. Oh, good. Sure, we will be here. An hour? That works. We will see you then." He hung up.

"About an hour and they will be over." Chet said. Tony smiled.

"What do we do for an hour, look over this castle?" Chet nodded.

"I haven't seen most of the house myself." he admitted. Tony laughed.

"You were just inspired to buy this house, huh?" Chet grinned and held out his hand.

"Iola wanted it. She showed it to Callie and I before we even knew we'd get any money. She was pining over it something fierce. So, when the money was bestowed on us, it just seemed natural. Plus, the hundred grand off helped." Tony laughed then shrugged.

"Can't blame ya. I mean she's your sister so that obviously impacts the situation. But if I had Iola as my other half, I would certainly be compelled to build her a house that she wanted. She is just desirable, man. No offence. I wasn't trying to make her sound cheap or anything..." Chet gave a chuckle.

"Trust me Tony, she can be a little hellcat. She stayed over at my place last night, and I swear she was just trying to be a tease to me even though I'm her brother. Course, I think she was just trying to push my buttons...as sisters sometimes do." Tony looked up.

"How was she trying to be a tease?" he asked. Chet cleared his throat.

"Well, she pushed herself into sleeping in my bed. Then she tries to wear just her undergarments. I made her put a shirt on." Tony rolled his eyes.

"Tough spot, Chet. Have a nearly nude babe sleeping next to you and you can't do anything cause she's your sister." Chet rolled his eyes at his friend.

"Good lord, man. She's my sister. She may be quite desirable as a woman. But I sure don't think of her like that. Nah, Iola was just being a sister trying to get her brother in a snit. But it should be interesting when we all live here." Tony gave a chuckle.

"She can be mean to you for sure. Of course, I wouldn't mind a little of that meanness." Chet shrugged with a laugh.

"Well, I doubt she'd do it to just any male. She knows that type of activity would get her in trouble. I'm her brother. She knows it's safe to prance around like that in front of me. She just wanted to give me a hard time. If she did that in front of you or some other guy, that could send a real mixed message." Tony nodded.

"Very true. Though some women are like that. Your sister is not one of them. She is pretty conservative by most standards." Chet nodded agreement.

"Yep. I notice she didn't get a piercing, much less a tattoo, like Callie. Though Callie of course is no less of moral resolve than Iola. I just think she was under Frank's thumb for too long." Tony nodded.

"Frank is a swell guy, but I really think for the last year he didn't treat Callie the way she deserved to be treated." Chet sighed with a slight gesture.

"Comfortable old shoe. I guess was his fault in regard to Callie. A rut was hit, and instead of trying to improve the relationship Frank ultimately chose to go shopping for a new model."

"So he got himself a new Tiffany" Tony quipped. Chet smiled,

"But he'd better watch out. That Tiffany comes with overdone, aftermarket bumpers that the owner prides herself on. To say nothing of the maintenance cost." Tony chuckled heartily.

"Haha. Quite the analogy there, Chet. You hit the nail on the head I am sure. Though, maintenance costs can be high here too though. That wasn't a tricycle you just bought." Chet pursed his lips and looked thoughtful for a moment, then smiled.

"Well, there's a big difference, I think. Tiffany, would have expected it. I mean if she knew I could afford it, there would undoubtedly be a clear expectation for it... among other things. She is a sweet girl, but she is very material. That was one of the things that kind of bugged me about her. But Callie... She is driving the same car that she had when she was in high school. She will not expect this. And if she was expecting to hopefully get a new car, I can promise you she would never have the vanity to want a Jaguar or other exotic car. Tiffany is already on her forth car. And what's scary is that daddy aint rich. Tiffany has had two brand new cars in as many years. He had to take a bath on one of them." Tony nodded soberly.

"Nothing like having a material girl daughter. You can bet he had to pay for those implants." Chet raised an eyebrow.

"You can also bet he didn't know he was. She manipulated a situation to get the cash no doubt. He seemed like a straight and standup guy. And most straight guys don't buy their very young daughters breast implants." Tony gave a chuckle in spite of the subject that was less than humorous.

"Poor guy." he said. Chet smiled.

"Ah, but soon our good friend Frank is going to find the dark side of Tiffany. And Frank is way too conservative to fall to Tiffany's sometimes insane materialism."

"Think it will be doomed then?" Tony asked. Chet nodded.

"Yep. Frank has a brain. That's one strike against Tiffany already. Not that she doesn't have a brain. But Frank occasionally needs to have an adult conversation with his lady. I just think the ultimate lack of compatibility will do them in. Callie being one with a higher education was able to keep up with him. I mean Callie isn't a world traveled woman by any means. But she does have some college under her belt as well as being through some FBI training, thanks to Mr. Hardy. That was no summer camp as I recall." Tony looked thoughtful.

"Oh, I remember that. We trained right with the other agents. In fact, we were invited back to enter into the program full time. But of course, we were there mainly to keep on top of criminal methods and understanding our adversaries. I am not sure I'd want to go into federal law enforcement full time. But yes, Callie has a lot on Tiffany in those regards. Especially in light of the fact that she did got back into their program the following year. Though it irritated me when we first brought the girls into the hollow how Frank whined that they were such a liability. I mean sure they aren't as trained as say you, Frank or Joe. But I'd hate to run into either of those ladies in a pissed off mood." Chet gave a chuckle at this.

"Indeed, you are correct. Tiffany is scared to death of guns. Acts like they are gonna bite her. She was always wanting me to put my gun in the safe when she was around." Tony grinned.

"Well, she's Frank's baby now. And I hope he has fun." Chet nodded knowing this was true.

"I hope she doesn't come around. After all she isn't even up to speed on my awareness of her relationship with Frank. Much less aware I am engaged to Callie, and have assets." Tony gave a laugh at this.

"Wait till she finds out. I can see it now... 'Oh, Chet, I didn't really mean to do Frank. It was just impulse'..." He said is a falsetto tone. Chest bust out.

"You never know. But if she has any delusions about us, she will be set straight on matters." Chet said firmly. Tony nodded.

"I have no doubts that you will correct matters to perfection, my friend. You seem to have things well in hand." Chet smiled firmly.

"Well, hopefully. Tiffany will have to get over it if she thinks she is going to flip flop around. Not going to have that going on in my life." Chet seemed to have a firm stance on this subject. Tony grinned at his pal.

"Gee, your all in, Chet. Within a week's time you recover millions in stolen jewels. Get paid millions for the return, and a great ring to boot. And to beat everything else you have a beautiful and smart woman who is going to marry you. I can't think of a better week. Though I am curious if any of the parental figures have looked down at the plans, considering how fast the actual romance occurred?" Chet shrugged and gave a plain smile.

"No one has made issue of it, oddly. Mom and dad are cool with it. I think mom wants a grandchild pretty bad though and I am sure my dad sees it as a responsible act. Callie's parents were cool with it. Her dad I think would have had bigger issue if she had chosen to marry Frank. He basically said as much under his breath. I think they see overall that the two of us have been great friends for years. And we know such things about each other that only such a long relationship can provide. After all, most good relationships start as persons being friends." Tony nodded.

"Sure enough. It's good no one is giving you trouble about it." Chet shrugged.

"I think the timing of things just worked well. Perhaps they may have had reservations had the security that this money provided not been there. But with that and our obvious affections... I suppose they are just playing the game of where there's no trouble it may just work out. After all, people tend to over analyze things to death these days. No wonder relationships get screwed up. We don't pay attention to instinct anymore. We go by a checklist that is jaded with a touch of cynicism and apprehension that things will inevitably go wrong." Chet grunted and smiled to himself. "Let's face it, Tony. Oprah, in her quest to be a billionaire and household name, has caused enormous damage. If you live life according to Oprah, a relationship should last four minutes before you have to go see Dr. Phil to maintain or correct it!" At this Tony nodded profusely.

"God, don't start on that guy. What a pain in the ass. I can't believe people watch him. And your right... Those shows, and the millions who watch them are all suckered into the theory that if your relationship is floundering in the slightest you need to dissect it under a microscope and find issues. We used to rely on common sense. What a crock our society has become. Oversensitivity abound. Political correctness at every turn! This whole culture is going to Hell in a hand basket." He leaned against the kitchen counter and gazed out the window thoughtfully. "And what is funny is that our grandparents and previous generations had marriages that lasted over fifty years in many cases. Now a days if you live life by modern standards. You know, those that are supposed to be so much more improved and better, a marriage lasts under ten years on average." Chet nodded.

"No doubt about that..." They were interrupted by the sound of car doors slamming. Within moments Iola and Callie strolled in. Iola smiled significantly to her brother. Callie came in wearing a short denim skirt and light blue crop top. She wrapped her arms around Chet and kissed him.

"I missed you, sweetie." she purred with a smile. Chet smiled.

"The feeling was mutual. My bed was pretty cold last night." Iola rolled her eyes.

"Gee, bro. I thought you were turning pretty red last night." Iola quipped with a laugh. Chet coughed abruptly and smiled at his sister.

"Surprised you weren't cold, sis." he cracked. Callie smiled at the good-natured banter and looked to Tony.

"How are you feeling today, Tony? Shoulder ok?" she asked with concern. Tony nodded.

"Yep, feeling good. Though I was forced to take a little time off of managing the company. Per doctors and mother's orders." he smiled. Callie smiled.

"Well, one could hardly argue with that combination. So, did Chet bring you out to look the house over?" Tony smiled.

"Yeah, Chet wanted me to look the place over. You all got a great deal in my opinion. There is a lot of premium woods in this house. The workmanship is first rate. Superb overall." Tony said admiringly. Callie looked about.

"Yes, I love the paneling and the wood floors. They are just great. I can't wait until we start decorating."

"A nursery perhaps?" Iola said with a perk. Callie sighed.

"I wouldn't be opposed to such a thing one day... But I suppose we had better be married first. Plan and think things out. Don't you think, darling?" Chet looked up with a smile.

"Of course. I guess we need to talk about that little subject." he said smiling. Callie cleared her throat and brightened her eyes.

"Yeah, guess we better." she said with a feeling of happiness. She had hoped their engagement wouldn't be a long one. And perhaps it seemed Chet felt the same way.

"Shall we take a drive and talk about it?" Chet said slyly. Callie nodded.

"Alright. Iola, I am thinking you can show Tony about and look the house over structurally?" Iola nodded. Callie smiled

"Cool. Uhm, I guess we will have to use your car though." Chet cleared his throat.

"That won't be necessary Cal. I brought your car here. It's in the garage." Callie looked up in surprise.

"Well that was nice of you, hun." Chet smiled modestly.

"Wasn't anything. Just an obvious notion. Oh, but I left the keys in the car. It's in the left bay, sweetness. Go pull it out while I make a phone call." he said. Callie smiled.

"Ok, sweetie." she said walking out the door. Chet smiled to his sister and Tony and started counting down.

"Ten,,, nine,, eight,, seven,, six,,, five,, four,, three,, two..." Chet never got to one as a huge scream was heard from the general area of the garage. Iola looked at her brother.

"Did you give her a heart attack?" she asked with a smile. "I swear, if there's a chauffeur driven Rolls Royce out there I will not be happy." She said as she and the others rushed out to see Callie standing in front of the open garage door holding her trembling hands together in front of her face. Iola rushed ahead of Chet and Tony. Curiosity, obviously getting the best of her. She too let out a scream. Callie turned to Chet.

"Oh my God.. Oh my God! Chet. Is that the car your bought for me? I mean is it really for me?" she asked in tears. Looking back at the car still shaking. Chet smiled and nodded.

"Well, I didn't want you to drive that old car anymore..." Iola looked at Chet with wide eyes.

"Chet, that is a Jaguar. A very beautiful Jaguar, I might add." She gave her brother a smile then turned to Callie.

"You lucky girl." she said. Callie edged closer to it. She looked at the side window sticker. She screamed again.

"Chet! Sweetie, you didn't have to buy me a $92,000 car! Really you didn't." Iola looked to him stunned,.

"$92,000?! Chet, are you nuts?" Tony stepped up with a smile.

"Now, in Chet's defense I must point out that he talked the guy down to a mere seventy thousand. Now that isn't bad." Callie looked beside herself. She began to get teary eyed again.

"I don't deserve this, hun." she started, "I haven't done anything to deserve it. Why are you so good to me?" She wondered aloud. Chet smiled and looked into her eyes.

"Because you make me happy. And I love you more than anything. Your happiness is all I want." He took her in his arms. Iola smiled to them, then looked at the car.

"What are the chances I can get Joe to buy me one?" she asked allowed. Tony grinned.

"Just flutter those sweet little eyes in front of him, purse those lips... how could he resist?" Iola smiled to him.

"Well, Tony, if Joe and I ever break up I will come calling." She said with a wink. Tony rolled his eyes with a grin.

Chet smiled to Callie and opened the car door for her. She took a deep breath and slipped in the driver's seat. Chet closed the door and walked to the passenger side door.

"See ya guys later." he waved and got in. Callie looked over to him and shook her head and smiled.

"This is too cool, Chet. I am going to be so spoiled." she said turning the key. The motor growled into life. Callie perked with a squeal.

"Wow." she smiled.

"Little more kick than the Buick, huh?" Callie nodded and flashed a teenage grin.

"Oh yeah! Oh my!" she said barely touching the gas as the car launched forward. Chet placed a hand on her knee.

"Easy baby. This car can easily do over two hundred miles per hour. So, you can imagine it doesn't take much to get it going." Callie nodded in amazement.

"Will take some getting used to, but I think I will manage." She smiled to him again and leaned over and kissed him.

"Thank you, baby. Just wait till later and I will show you how much." Chet raised an eyebrow,

"Well, that certainly inspires one to do nice things for you." Callie smiled and sighed.

"Just being here together with you is enough. You really don't have to buy me nice things. I have been given so much already." Chet smiled.

"Well, I know, but you really needed a car. I assure you that I have no intention of spending a hundred grand on you a day. I just wanted to make you feel special. It means everything that you are happy." Callie again shed tears. They headed south through town and drove over to Chet's office downtown. Callie smiled.

"Nice and quiet here, huh?" Chet nodded. They got out and walked upstairs. They entered the agency office. Chet took a seat at his desk. Callie walked over and sat next to him. She held out her hand. He took it. Smiling calmly.

"So, Cal. Do you want to be married anytime soon?" he said with a gleam in his eye. Callie looked to him, then down at the ring.

"All I ever wanted in life was to be happy. Have a husband who treated me nice and with respect. And a child. I mean who wouldn't want that. I thought some time back I had that possibility with Frank. But things change. I didn't intend for it to change. But he changed. Who knows, maybe I did too. Who can say? It just wasn't meant to be. But with you. We have also known each other for a long time. In a way I feel I almost know you better because I have seen the real you all along. It feels so natural. So very right. So yes, I want to marry you as soon as possible." She said softly. He looked into her soft blue eyes. They embraced, kissing passionately. He kissed her neck softly. Callie moaned louder and made her way onto Chet's desk. Chet took a deep breath while Callie, a mischievous look in her eye, put a leg on either side of his chair arms. He sat back in the chair.

"Ahem, gee Cal, what's on your mind?" he said. She smiled wickedly. She reached down and hiked up her skirt. She looked down at him.

"Do you need more direction sweets?" she said smiling. Chet smiled and raised his eyebrows. Apparently not.