33- New Beginnings…. chapter thirty-three

Walter halted on the steps seeing the bikes roll up to the open bay doors then continued, looking to Lynn, he raised his eyebrows. "Guess I can find out why Gene keeps sending me the monthly thank you message."

Dave went out to greet Gene as he shut down the Road King kicked out the stand, leaned it over and took off his helmet. "Hey you crazy Jarhead, long ride?"

Gene dismounted and grabbed Dave's forearm. "Nah. We left yesterday and invaded a friends place thirty miles outside LA and just cruised in from there. Think my friends neighbors are still recovering from the vapors seeing twenty bikes roll through the neighborhood yes, all the daughters were quickly cloistered behind locked doors- they will really dirty their drawers when we pop back in on the way back to 'Zona." Gene laughed, "and I have NO idea why LA's finest has the need to escort a pack of good, law abiding, tax paying, employed engineers, scientists, and designers everywhere we go."

Dave laughed, "I'll go talk to them…. have to admit, you are one scary looking bastard so they are probably pretty puckered right now. Quite the motley crew with you- know them all, right?"

"Gods Dave, think I would jeopardize Richard, Zoe or O'Brien? Yes, everyone is on one crew or another…. except the crazy chick on the knuck, so best keep an eye on that one…. just not too damned close or you will answer to me." Gene laughed poking Dave in the ribs with an elbow. "Also, didn't spot anyone on the slow roll down the street, so your crew is doing well."

"Jack's inside, couple others around, nice YOU didn't spot anyone, let me know if you do as you saunter around. I'll go jaw with the cops…. you just always gotta' bring an entourage, crazy redhead."

Gene entered the garage. "Hey Richard! Zoe, lookin good little girl. Walter, Lynn nice to see you again. Where is the chow?" Lynn pointed to the tables set up by the kitchen. "Come on everyone- plenty of chow just waiting to get eaten. Hey Joe, Annie, nice seeing you- when you gonna' get smart and get out of LA and come to 'Zona like sensible people? Sue, lookin good, hey Steve- amazing how quiet parties are until the 'Zonies show up, huh? "

All the riders entered en mas with a lot of calling to the LA bunch they knew to grab plates and fill them up. "Hey O'Brien, not been so long," Happy said passing Walter and Lynn on her way to the food, then halted to back up to look at Walter and Lynn again. "Married? You two are married?" She shook her head, "surprising, but nice to see you finally wised up O'Brien. Congrats," then headed in to grab some chow.

With a plate of BBQ and fixins' Gene walked over to Walter and Lynn. "Hey, Walter, big brained genius, you figure it out yet?"

"Think I just did," Lynn said chuckling. "Wow, you sure have yourself a handful, Gene." Lynn then sauntered over to the crowd around the table and talk to Sue and the others.

Gene laughed looking at Walter, "check out the big brain- totally lost. Ha, ha, ha, some genius! You might want to join me over here and let me explain a few things to you Walter." Gene sat down on the steps from the loft, picked up a BBQ chicken leg from his plate and started eating.

Walter joined him, "OK, so what am I missing?"

"The thank you, LA goofball messages… never thought on it?"

"I kept replying WHY the thanks but you never wrote back. Figured you had it set up on some automatic schedule and, being a ginger just drifted mentally," Walter said, "so what am I missing?"

"You directed me to Happy- THAT fixed my engine fluctuation problem, made a cleaner fuel distribution system, and she is one little hotty you did NOT prepare me for." Gene said with a big smile. "Couple months back she was at one of the local riders watering hole…. that's a 'bar' if you need a translation, when some little hat wearing pipsqueak driving a rust-bucket with Nevada tags and a stick figure Barbie in tow came in and started some crap. One of my buddies that was there called me knowing Quinn was working with me so I rode on over with a couple other buddies. Yes, I am a former Marine so ALWAYS come to the defense of the little ladies in distress. Anyway, we walked in, scoped out the scene and I very nicely, and I mean VERY nicely and politely asked why the hat wearing pipsqueak was ragging on my mechanic. I just do not understand why people get so weird when I ask a simple question…. I mean there are a lot of six foot two former Marines all over the place- just because three of them were with me at the time- what can I say? The little smart mouthed hat wearing guy grabbed his skinny mamma and bailed…. with alacrity." He took a couple bites of the chicken then continued. "That little hotty Happy got all bent and actually hit me…. so I picked her up and plopped her on her knuck, fired up the Road King and told her to keep up. She did, mostly, have to admit she can ride. I pulled into a motel out in the hinterland around three in the morning, told her she was welcome to join me and she did." Gene leaned over, poked Walter and with a big grin said, "I made Happy very happy that night and many mornings, afternoons, evenings and nights since then. And guess what- she isn't on birth control- seems she has been wanting to get in a family way for some time, and now thinks she might be- doctor check in another week. We be livin' in sin until her divorce is final then =poof= instant family. She is jazzed, and being quite the hotty, I am constantly walking around with a big cheesy smile….. if you get what I mean."

Walter looked at Gene in shock. "You….. you and Happy. You and Happy are going to get married? You ARE one crazy ginger. Gods, you and Happy. THAT is going to produce one strange kid if she really is pregnant."

"Well, you said when she gets into a stable situation she may not be such a 'difficult personality to work with' and boy were you right. Keep that little bombshell occupied- one way or another and she is flat out a pleasure to be around- keeps me at home and she has up-graded two procedures already. So thank you- I am one happy man and she is one happy, Happy." Gene looked at Walter. "See the wedding band- you and Lynn made it official? Wanting kids? I always did, but never found anyone that could handle a big ginger like me…. until Happy, that is. And she is hot for kids… who knows, we may end up with a whole platoon in short order….. it completely slipped my mind to tell her twins run in my family." And he continued eating.

Walter leaned back putting elbows on the step behind him. "Gods, all I can say is you are welcome. And if you can keep Happy happy, I am happy for you. Both of you. She has been wanting a family of her own since I met her…. and has had a lot of disappointment." Walter shook his head, "I must say you really surprised me. Knew you rode bikes but never pictured you a knuckle dragging type followed around by cops."

"Gotta' keep up appearances on the job, Walter. Even in Arizona the business types have to be catered to. Business is business and I like the job…. and paycheck, and let's face it gotta' grow up and get responsible sooner or later, right? Have to admit, Richard is an unusual businessman, but he does appreciate those that get the job done…. and I do keep the engine test facility humming and profitable."

Richard came and joined them. "Move up a couple steps, Walter so I can sit down. Have a good ride over, Gene? Looks like half the engineers and designers of first shift are with you. Who is minding the store?"

"Have the maintenance crew going through facilities. Can't run when they are up-grading, dialing in tolerances, and ensuring specs. Ask Walter, here, gotta' get precise data, right Walter? Can't do that on out of spec facilities, and we will be back on site Monday bright and early. Everybody will be at peak efficiency after a good head clearing ride. When you going to give up the foo-foo Italian race cars, Richard and REALLY learn to go fast on two wheels?"

Richard laughed, "it is enough when I get on the road course with the Ferrari at the track- you see Dave, Jack and the rest. I get on a motorcycle they would have heart failure. Besides, don't think Zoe would like me on a bike."

"Yeah, nice seeing Dave….. and Jack. Told you Jack was something- good man, and sure likes the gadgets….. keep him away from explosives….. like a kid with new toys on Christmas morning."

"I got your report on the changes in procedures Quinn suggested. She working out on contract OK I take it?" Richard asked Gene.

Gene gave Richard a big grin, "yeah, she is going to be quite a good addition to the 'Zona facility. Like Walter said, she get into a stable situation she won't remain a 'hard to work with personality', and I am slowly…. shall we say, working her into stability…. for the good of the enterprise, Richard." Gene laughed, "the sacrifices I make for your business, Richard, hope you appreciate what I do for the enterprise." Gene got up to head back to the table of food, "you also cater the very best, good stuff so a second helping is needed."

Richard watched Gene saunter to the food table then looked at Walter. "Is it just me or is Gene getting more strange? Too much wind through his head from the long ride? Have to admit, he handles the engine test facility excellently, certainly took care of issues the place had since he came on board. And his people do anything for him, don't have near the turnover I had to deal with before he took over, either, but off work, he sure is something else…. "

Walter snickered, "you hired a ginger, strangeness comes in that package naturally. Remember, I come from Ireland so am well acquainted with crazy redheads…. mix in American, and his last name smacks of Teutonic… yeah, you were walking into strange in that hybridization. Sometimes the American melting pot makes for unexplainable results."

"Seriously, Walter, the remodel is quite nice- how is married life? Lynn- don't think I have seen her so…. lighthearted and happy since I met and recruited her at MIT. She was one dour, serious, driven young lady back then and bringing her to LA worked wonders, but she was still personally isolated even when in public. Hard to explain, but you sure have done wonders and it is great to see."

Walter looked at Richard, "we kinda' healed each other." He rose, "going to get some chow, how about you? And thank you for this- actually glad I didn't happen to find an emergency security issue and duck out like Dave thought I would." He chuckled, "think I may be getting a handle on this socializing… in small increments. Let's eat, dare say the Arizona swarm of locusts will clean everything out just like they do pizza."

Richard and Walter rose to head to the crowd at the food tables when Richard put an arm out to stop Walter. "My god, Walter, look at that!" Richard said quietly in shock.

"What?"

"Quinn has a handful of Gene's butt! God's what is going on in this world? I'm not old enough for this." Richard laughed then continued to the food table. "I gotta' get more parties like this going. Sure opens my eyes to my employees."

As the food disappeared, again groups were formed. Some of the riders talked while reclined on their bikes in front of the open bay doors, other Zonies were giving some of the LA crowd instruction on country line dance moves. Walter noticed Lynn had disappeared so he went in search to find her and Happy in the rear of the bay where Lynn's Corvair was parked, engine lid open and both peering inside. Lynn was talking of the carb set up she had while Happy suggested a different configuration. Smiling, Walter leaned against the wall to observe unnoticed by either woman. He admired Lynn's blonde hair contrasting with Happy's mass of wild black hair. While standing there, Gene quietly joined him. "Quite the pair we have, hmmm?"

Walter's smile widened, "Lynn and her old Corvairs- Happy with her old Harley." He turned to Gene, "She tell you of the girl that was living in the bubble also building an old knucklehead engine? Took over two years but my search program finally located a bone marrow donor that came over from India. The procedure took and she is outside the bubble, for almost seven months, now. Doing well but being monitored constantly for the time being."

"Yeah, Happy is still in contact and once she is doing well, we plan to visit her, maybe have her and her dad come tour the facilities," Gene said. "You guys did some pretty incredible things together, and I appreciate your being open to Happy being around. She was pretty nervous about coming over here."

"Happy should have known better- I did refer you to her. Have to admit, I did hesitate before sending that message, but I can't see her wasting her potential. Hope that doctor visit gives her the good news she wants….. still going to be some strange kid between you two."

"How about you and Lynn? Discussed the prospect of off-spring? I understand not everyone wants kids, was just wondering."

Walter smiled, "we do but Lynn was on birth control for a long time- off now, but, while her health is monitored monthly, no pregnancy as yet. In time, hopefully."

"HEY, WALTER, WHERE ARE YOU?!" Richard yelled. "Ah, there you are, Zoe and I are taking off. I still have to answer some financial stuff from the Germans- they drive me crazy. Really like the remodel, the leftovers the caterers said are packed up and in the fridge. The guys with the music are having a good time with the line dancers- guess they do it different in Arizona than out here so they are learning some new steps. Gene, you be here tomorrow?"

"No, in a while we be heading out to my buddy's place outside LA for the night- will be scaring his neighbors again. Then ride back tomorrow…. probably escorted by CHP to the state line and back to work come Monday. Good weekend ride."

"You all ride safe. Good night Walter, Lynn, Happy." Collecting Zoe from the dance line they got in the yellow Ferrari and left.

Dave was the next to show up. "Thanks for the security station, Walter. Jack sure liked it. He took two breaks and sauntered around and it still took him a while to figure out where the cameras were located- helped to know the angles of the views. He's quite impressed with your work." He turned to Gene, "the local cops may escort you and your motley crew to the city limits then the CHP to the state line. You all be careful on the road. You never spotted anyone? Means they did good so a bit of a bonus. All are off now with Richard until he gets home. Been a long Saturday. Walter- have a good night, see you Wednesday." Dave turned and left, gathering his laptop and Jack on his way out.

Walter and Lynn went into the common area hearing laughter where the line dancing was going on. Slowly, everyone said good night, see you at work, nice place and ride careful to the Arizona contingent until only the riders were left. The three musicians packed their equipment in their van and said good night.

Gene said good night to Walter and Lynn as did Happy. Gene yelled "Let's crank 'em up and head on out, people. LA's finest be waiting to see us off." Gene then leaned on the doorway while the old iron riders including Happy started kicking. When they finally all got lit off, he hit the electric start button on the Road King and he and Happy led the way up the street to head on out of LA, picking up three LAPD squad cars as they went.

Once the bikes were out of sight and hearing, Walter closed the bay doors, the front door, set security and went to his desk to power up the desktop unit and check the cellar security- nothing was disturbed so he turned to Lynn. "Did you enjoy your evening?"

"Yeah." She looked at Walter, "Gene and Happy. That's a surprise, huh? Had a good talk with Happy- she actually knows a few things about Corvairs… I was seriously lacking in formation on old Harley engines, though. Guess I will have to do some research- think it is flatheads, knuckleheads, panheads, shovelheads, then she went off on a tangent on Evo's and I think that was when my eyes glazed over. I will stick to cars."

Walter chuckled, "Don't know about you, but I am tired. These social occasions wear me out so I am more than ready to kick back and relax with you. Sound good?" Walter held his arm out for Lynn to join him and they headed up the stairs to the bed with blue sheets that match Lynn's eyes. They went into the large shower with two heads- one for Lynn to use her floral soaps and shampoo while Walter stuck to soap. They dried each other off with a fair amount of touching and kissing, combed each other's hair then went to bed, Walter turning on the small bedside table lamp. Getting in under the covers, Lynn laid her head on Walter's shoulder. "Hmmmm, you are always so toasty warm," Lynn said quietly. Walter kissed her forehead, "and you are always so soft and smooth."

Walter propped up on an elbow, arm across Lynn's stomach, "Something troubles you?"

"Talking with Happy- she thinks she is pregnant. Just a couple months she and Gene are together and she is pregnant."

"Gene told me. She THINKS she is pregnant- won't know until a doctor appointment this coming week." Walter said knowing where the conversation was going. "You have to understand, Happy has been trying to get pregnant for years, been off birth control for years and is just now POSSIBLY pregnant."

"What if something is wrong with me, Walter. Barren. Useless, childless."

"Lynn, as any doctor will tell you, mental state contributes, being off birth control after so many years- it takes a while for the natural cycles to re-establish." He chuckled, "we have only been at this for a short time. When Happy and Toby were trying with no luck, they went and had BOTH checked out to find Toby was the one with the issue. Obviously neither Gene nor Happy have an issue so pregnancy resulted- possibly- they do not know for sure as yet- she may just be in a phase of wishful thinking." Walter leaned over to kiss her, putting his hand along her cheek. "And you say I go off a cliff anytime you want to discuss something. Your next doctor appointment have them run all the tests necessary. If all is well, I will make an appointment for a thorough check on MY ability to get you pregnant. I have never been checked for viability, so the issue may be mine."

Walter hugged Lynn and moved so she was laying on his chest and kissed her deep and passionate enough to get her breath quickening. He reached down to pull her leg over his hip so she could feel his readiness, kissed her neck and whispered to her, "Lynn, let's continue to practice, I want you….."