Chapter Fourteen
-"Danny is coming over tonight, so I get him to have a poker night, and for sure you know they will talk about the baby. Melissa goes over to Danny. They had dinner, and he drank a beer. Melissa says I think it is awesome Steve is going to be a Dad so soon; first, he is getting married, and then a baby is on the way. I am not saying it didn't happen this way; I was just curious she got pregnant so soon. Do you think he knew when he asked her to marry him? I don't know, and I am staying out of his business. He is your best friend and brother; you don't want him to be a fool again, do you? Come on, the thought hasn't run through your mind.
-"Well, Lou and & I did have those thoughts and sort of wonder if the baby was even his for about a minute. I feel bad thinking that even for a minute because I know she would never lie on something that big. We were friends, and I know she is a great person, and without a doubt, they love one another. So no, I don't think she trick him or the reason he getting married. You should think that, either. Steve and Catherine have real love. So drop it Melissa. I was just asking but she was thinking maybe Lynn could do something edit with this because she did have the recording on to test it. Why don't the three of you have a poker night? It has been a long time since you had one. That is a great idea. I don't think Chin will come because he too whipped by Abby and laughed. Why don't you text them now to see when they can make it?
-"He texted Lou, hey man, I was thinking about having you and Steve over tomorrow for some beers and poker. Will you come? Yes, that sounds great. Renee is having a girl's night out tomorrow, so that would be perfect. I see if Steve can make it then. He texted Steve I know it's late notice, and it has been a minute since all three of us hung out. Can you come over tomorrow and play poker? Steve got the text and asked Cath whether she was okay if he went over to Danny after work. He hated to leave her alone that long being pregnant. Yeah, Steve, that's fine; you need to spend time with them; they are probably feeling neglected. I will just be napping and looking at baby stuff. Yeah, man, tomorrow is good, but I can't stay too late because I need to make sure Catherine is okay. She has been having a lot of morning & evening sickness and tried, and I need to make sure she gets up and eats. I understand and see you tomorrow.
-" We are all set, Melissa. Everyone will be here at 6. Melissa goes into the other room and calls Lynn; we are all set for tomorrow at 6. I come over before Danny gets home and put the recorder under the sofa. They won't see it or hear it. Then I come over after they leave and get it. Sounds good; this time, we get that bitch. Steve calls Catherine and lets her know he is on his way to Danny, but he won't stay too late. She said it was okay. Love you, love you too. Steve & Lou show up at the same time. This is great the three of us hanging out this, like old times.
-"Why didn't you ask Chin? You know, Chin doesn't like poker, and he so whips with Abby; they all laugh and drink some more beers. So Steve you excited about becoming a Dad? Yes, I am, I telling you Catherine coming back into my life, saying yes, and also the baby being an extra surprise, I couldn't ask for anything more. Did you two plan it? What do you mean Danno with his thousand-yard stare? Don't go all Super Seal on me. I just want to know if you planned it or if it was a nice surprise like Rachel's. Either way, we are happy for you. Sorry man, we didn't plan it, and in fact, Cath was on the shot, but unbeknownst to her, it was a defect recall before she left the STAN. Why can't you just say Afghanistan? Steve rolled his eyes at him. They were supposed to email her, but she never got it. Danny and Lou both said that unbelievable. Steve was about to go off on them. Not like that, you animal. I just meant leave it to the government not to pass on information that you need to know. Steve relaxed and laughed. He said thanks guys, but it time for me to check on my baby Mama and smirked. I never thought I would hear those words come out of your mouth, and all three laughed like buddies again.
-"Hi Melissa. Hey Daniel, how was your evening? It was actually good, like old times. We talked about how happy we were he was going to be a Daddy, changing dirty diapers and all. I am going to take a shower and see you shortly. He leaves, and she goes under the sofa and gets the recording. She texts Lynn. Phase 1 worked. I give it to you tomorrow so your friend can get to work on it. Thanks Melissa.
-"Melissa met Lynn and gave her the recording. She left immediately so her guy could get started on it, the sooner the better so she could get her Steve back. Lynn told him that she wanted Danny, and Lou to sound like they told Steve the baby might not be his. He needed to be sure. To make it seem like Steve agreed with them. She gave them the recording of Lou and Danny just talking and saying they were so happy for Steve and happy about the baby. The guy said he could make it say anything she wanted. She said that's good; I want him to say the only reason he is going to marry her is because of the baby. Can you make it like he is telling Lou and Danny he still has feelings for Lynn and misses her? He was happy with Lynn before Catherine came back. If there was no baby, he would still be her. He said let me get to work and come back tomorrow, and I have everything ready. He was a criminal and had no quorum on helping Lynn along with his high fat price. The next day he played it for her. You would think all of them said those words. She was sure this would seal the deal, and Catherine would leave. He gave the tape to her. She asked if he destroyed the original? He knew she was naïve and said yes. When she left he put the original in his safe because you never know when you need more money.
AN: Will Catherine believe the tape and leave Steve?