10p rolled around and I was finally done with all the work that came in. I was so tired that I left I the bike in the garage, locked up and walked home. I didn't live that far from the garage, anyway.

On my way home, I felt my phone go off. I had it on vibrate while I was working. I pulled it out of my pocket and noticed who was calling me. I sighed and answered it.

"What do you want, Throttle?"

"I got the papers."

"Good, now sign them and send them back to me."

"I'm not signing them. Last time we had this problem, we worked it out. Why won't you do it again?"

"Tony made it painfully clear of who makes his meals and helps him with homework. Its not me. Its better this way…for all of us."

"Its not better for me. Its not better for the boys. Its sure as hell not better for you. You're working to get your mind off of what happened. That's not healthy."

"Neither is drinking. Tony told me. Carbine, too."

"Damn her. *sigh* The day I went back to Mars to break up with Carbine, I had gotten so drunk that I abused her. I'm not proud of that, either. I've changed since then."

"I know you have. *sigh* Look, I need this. I need you to sign the papers so I can start fresh."

"Maybe I don't wanna start fresh with someone else. Maybe I wanna continue my life with you. Please Michelle, let's work this out. I don't want the boys to resent you later down the road. Tyrone has been upset with his brother cause of how he spoke to you."

"Heh. He takes after you."

"And Tony takes after you. I did talk to him about he spoke to you. He wants to apologize to you tomorrow morning. They're both in bed right now. I knew you'd be up still."

"I had finished work about 15 mins. ago. I'm actually on my way home."

"Where's the bike?"

"At the garage. I wasn't taking chances riding home when I'm tired. I know she would have gotten me home safe, but its easier to walk home. I don't live far anyway."

"Have you checked your email?"

"No, why?"

"Nosedive got an email from the NHL commissioner and he needs to be in Chicago next month."

"What for?"

"Some awards thing. It said to make sure that his manager came with him."

"As in team manager?"

"Probably. Thought I'd hitch a ride with him."

"Why do you want this to work between us? The divorce papers should have been a clue."

"And I told you, I'm not signing them. I want more than 4 yrs. with you. I want the rest of our lives with you. I don't care how many fights we have down the road."

I growled. "Damn it, Throttle. You're too damn persistent. *sigh* Fine. We'll talk."

"Great! I'll see you next month."

"Until then, no drinking. Got it? I find out you've been drinking, you will sign the papers. Understand?"

"I understand. Thanks."

I ended the call and pulled my keys out of my pocket, I unlocked my door and walked inside. I was so glad to be back in my apt. It was quiet and I liked the silence.

After I took my shoes off, I went to my room to change into something comfortable then watch some TV while I eat. I was hungry. I hadn't taken the time to eat while I was working.

While I was eating and watching TV, my home phone rang. I knew that not many had it. I also had Caller ID. I didn't recognize the number, but answered it anyway.

"Hello?"

"Hey Michelle."

"Rimfire? How are you? How's your girlfriend?"

"She's my wife now. Before you ask, yes, uncle Modo knows."

"I wasn't gonna ask. Congrats to both of you."

"Thanks. I called Charley and she said you were here in Chicago. Is Throttle with you?"

"No, he's not. I've been trying to get him to sign the divorce papers so I can start over with my life."

"How long were you 2 together?"

"4 yrs. We have twin boys. Tony and Tyrone."

"You're going to let him raise them on his own?"

"Of course not. We'll have shared custody. I'll always love those boys. I'm currently pregnant with a 3rd baby. Not sure if I'm gonna keep it yet."

"We're looking to adopt."

"Can't have any of your own, huh?"

"That's kinda why I called. I'm shooting blanks for some reason and Christina wants to have a baby. I was kinda hoping to talk to Throttle about impregnating her."

"Even if he was here, I don't think he'd do it. He would see it as cheating."

"I understand. If you don't plan to keep your baby, we'd be happy to adopt it."

"I'll think about it, Rimfire. If you happen to have the day off tomorrow, I could use some help at the garage."

"I'll have to check my schedule. I was given the keys to the Hooters restaurant last week, so I have to see if I have the time."

"You telling me that you're now the manager there?"

"Yeah, I am. Elliot retired last week and gave me the keys."

"Big things happening in your life, Rimfire. Last I knew, you were a server."

"I was a shift manager, but now I run the whole restaurant."

"How's Christina?"

"She's doing good. She quit working at Hooters."

"Why?"

"She wants to do something more with her life besides being a waitress."

"I'm looking for help. What does she know about bikes and cars? Besides driving them, I mean?"

"Quite a bit, actually. Morgan allowed her to work on his bike and truck."

"Tell her to swing by the garage in the morning. 9a. I'll put her to work and see how she does."

"Great! Thanks! I am sorry for bothering you, though."

"Don't worry about it. Tell Christina I'll see her tomorrow morning at 9a."

"Will do, Michelle. Have a good night."

"You too, Rimfire." Then I hung up the phone. I went back to the sofa and finished watching my show and my dinner.
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%

The next morning, I woke up to my alarm going off at 7a. I got up, put my robe on and went out to have some decaf coffee before I take a shower.

While I was enjoying my coffee, someone knocked on my door. "Hmm, I'm not expecting anyone." I told myself. I got up and went to see who was knocking on my door.

I didn't recognize the person, so I asked what they wanted.

"Are you Michelle Thornboy?"

"Yeah. How may I help you?"

They showed me their badges. They were CPD.

I unlocked the door and opened it. I let them in, then closed the door.

"How may I help you officers?"

They showed me some footage and pictures of the garage being broke into.

I wasn't happy. I was pissed until I saw what they took. Throttle's bike.

"He is not going to be happy. He loved that bike."

"Who, ma'am?"

"My husband. That was his bike that was stolen." Then I handed the tablet back over to the officer. "Thank you. Now I have to call him and tell him that someone stole his bike. I don't get it. There was security cameras all over the place."

"That's what we're trying to figure out as well, ma'am. We'll keep you updated."

"Thank you." Then the officers nodded and left my place.

After I closed the door, I went to my bedroom to get my cell phone. I had to call Throttle and tell him that someone stole his bike.

As I walked into my room, my phone started ringing. 'Spooky.' I picked it up and noticed it wasn't Throttle calling, but my son, Tony. I answered it.

"Yes Anthony."

"Are you still upset about what I said, mom?"

"Yes, I am. I didn't want to be away from you boys, but when the military calls, I have to answer. I'm sorry I wasn't home enough, but that's how life is."

"And I'm sorry for what I said. I shouldn't have said what I said. It was wrong of me. Dad already chewed me out for my statement."

"Give me a few days to think about accepting your apology."

"I understand mom."

"Is your dad around? I need to tell him something."

"Yeah. He's sitting at the table having some coffee. I'll hand the phone over."

Tony handed over the phone to his dad. Throttle answered.

"Yeah babe."

"I have some bad news for you."

"You had a miscarriage?"

"No, I didn't. Your bike was stolen from the garage last night."

"What! How?"

"No clue. From what CPD showed me, someone knew how to bypass the alarm and unplug the cameras. They're going to keep me updated on their investigation."

"My mom bought that bike for me."

"I thought you told me your dad bought it for you."

"He donated a small amount, but my mom bought it. It was a graduation present."

"I am so sorry, Throttle. When I know more, you'll know more. Right now, I have to get ready for work and clean up what I can at the garage. Rimfire's wife is coming by the garage around 9a for a job."

"Rimfire is married now? Does Modo know?"

"Apparently, he does. We'll talk later."

"Ok. Be safe."

"I will." Then I hung up.

I went back to the kitchen to finish my coffee, then take a shower. I needed to open the garage and clean up the mess that might be there from the break in.
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%

Just as I opened the garage, someone came driving up. I turned around and recognized the truck. It was Fourby. I waved at him and he waved back.

"Hey Fourby. What brings you by here?"

"I heard about the break in. Are you ok?"

"Yeah. I wasn't here when it happened. It seems all they took was Throttle's bike. Nothing else according to the police."

"Maybe the person has seen the bike around and know what it's capable of."

"Unless Brie had someone come and take it. He's still here on Earth and in Detroit."

"What happened to Limburger?"

"The high chairman came and took him back to Plutark. He's been done here for a long time."

"Would you like to go to Detroit and find out if Throttle's bike is there?"

"Right now? I have to open the garage."

"You're pregnant. Do you think you should be doing anything strenuous that could hurt the baby?"

"You've been talking with Throttle, haven't you? He told you to keep an eye on me, didn't he?"

"Yes and yes. I told him that you probably know what you're doing and are very careful."

"I am very careful. I keep a loaded shotgun close by in case I get burgled."

"Guess you know what you're doing."

"Yep. You know what, I think I'll close down the garage for the day. Let's go see if Brie has Throttle's bike."