Michael and Carolyn parked a few blocks from the Peevey residence and walked, arriving just before 6:00. Martha welcomed them in.
"Hello, Mrs. Muir," said Ed. "And this must be Jonathan's friend, Michael."
"Mr. Peevey, sir." Michael shook Ed's hand.
"Might as well call me Ed. Since you're calling my wife Martha. So, you're friends with Jonathan?"
"Since he's not here, Ed, let's not embarrass him with stories."
"At least tell us how you two met."
Carolyn and Martha exchanged worried glances.
"Ed, every military unit in the world has two guys you want to know. The first is the guy who'll get you into trouble. Malicious, vicious, or just plain stupid, he'll lead you astray every time. The other is the guy who'll never steer you wrong." Michael gave him a mischievous grin. "I'll leave it to you to decide which I am."
"Jonathan always had a good head on his shoulders," said Martha. "Even as a little boy. Now, who's ready for dinner?"
The meal was enjoyable. Michael kept the conversation going, asking questions of Martha and Ed without seeming to be pumping them for information. Carolyn was impressed. Martha was thrilled that he clearly enjoyed dinner and dessert. Both desserts. Eventually, it was time for Carolyn and Michael to leave.
"Martha, thank you so much for dinner. We really should get together more often."
"Your cooking was all it was promised to be, Martha. And so was the baking," said Michael, who was holding a couple of care packages of leftovers.
"It's so nice to be feeding someone who appreciates my efforts in the kitchen, Michael."
Ed and Carolyn both protested. Michael gave Martha a hug. Then he and Carolyn left, heading for where Kitt was parked.
On the way, Carolyn said, "I hope Jonathan has met someone like you, Michael, to show him the ropes."
"I'm sure he has."
"How can you know that?"
"I had Kitt check his service record, just in case there was something special I should know about. And Jonathan has no demerits. So clearly he figured out which guy to listen to. Though honestly, Mrs. M, I wasn't surprised."
"Why not?"
"You did a good job of raising both your kids. Which couldn't have been easy, not on your own."
"How old were you when your father died, Michael?" Carolyn asked softly as Captain Gregg appeared beside them.
Michael gave a sad smile. "Not as young as Jonathan. But old enough that my mother still had her work cut out for her, raising me by herself. She never remarried, either."
They walked for another block, then Michael said very casually, "In a few minutes, Mrs. M, I'm going to ask you to laugh." He toggled his commlink without raising his wrist. "Kitt, where are you, pal?"
"I have been paralleling your route, two blocks to your left."
"Right. Other than the two guys who have been following us since we left the Peeveys' house, is anyone else around?"
Carolyn and Captain Gregg exchanged glances. Neither had been aware of their tail. Both were once more impressed with Michael's talents. And wished they had decided to introduce Michael and Kitt to the Captain before dinner rather than after they were back at Gull Cottage.
"Not that I can detect. However –"
"Yeah, I know. That doesn't mean they aren't out there. Okay, Mrs. M, now would be a good time to laugh. So those guys don't know we're on to them."
Carolyn almost missed her cue, he was so casual about it. But she laughed, though it sounded a bit strained to her. Michael just smiled down at her reassuringly, then he laughed, too.
"Okay, I'm going to hand you the leftovers to carry. Since I'll likely need my hands free shortly. We're going to turn left at the next side street. Then we walk the first block and run the second."
"But –"
"Nope. Walk a block and then run a block. No matter what, you get in the car. Ready, Kitt?"
"Of course, Michael. I am already in position. With my passenger side facing you. And Mrs. Muir."
Michael handed the leftovers to Carolyn. Then they turned down the side street. Carolyn finally heard footsteps behind them. After the first block, they began to run, and so did the footsteps behind them. Carolyn was in front, Michael behind her. About a half a block from where Kitt was waiting, Michael was jumped and went down.
"Get in the car, Mrs. M! Kitt, you know what to do."
Carolyn paused and looked back. Michael was back on his feet, facing two men. And he was preventing either of them from getting past him. She realized he would delay them as long as it took for her to get to safety. So she turned away and resumed running to Kitt. She reached the car just as Kitt opened the door for her. But rather than get in, she turned back to check on Michael.
Michael yelled, "Get in the car, Mrs. M!" at the same time Captain Gregg yelled, "Get in the blasted car, Madame!"
Carolyn did so and Kitt shut the door. Two more men showed up, joining in the fight. Michael went down a second time.
"Kitt! Get Mrs. M out of here! That's an order!"
As Kitt drove off, Carolyn saw Captain Gregg going to help Michael, who hadn't gotten back up this time.