Police Woman

[Kimcankom]

The local bar and grill is called "Teddies", a large off the road lounge that gets crowded each weekend as people come to blow off steam and relax each weekend.

A group of friends have come to meet, the focal point of their discussion to be a mutual girlfriend who has turnred into a major problem for all who know her.

We focus our camera's a few hours before the friends begin to arrive, on a discussion between a barmaid and a stranger, that will ultimately change the lives of all that become involved.

THE CAST: In order of appearance and relation


Rick, a stranger stopping for a brief rest............Black Bart

Rita, Teddies barmaid.........................................Maid of Marvels

Greg, the beleagured boyfriend.........................Kimcankom

Miranda, the police woman.................................wildandnasty

Terri, Miranda's partner ......................................Sienna

The cast is suggested order of appearance, and in no way reflects any other meaning. If you wish to add a character please PM myself or go the the OOC thread entitled the same.

The story begins...............

 

[Maid of Marvels]

Wednesday afternoon was always quiet at Teddies...

http://www.Bibracte.dreamwater.org/ATWAS/PhoebeRita.jpgRita Smithfield busied herself behind the bar, topping off the bottles and stocking up for the evening rush. The jukebox was blasting "Hotel California" in the background. Yup. She was going to open her own place in San Francisco one of these days. It was one of the things that kept her going on a bad day.

"Smitty", as most of the regulars called her, was sort of a fixture at Teddies. She'd been working here for a while now... since her split with Van. She knew everyone and everything and if you were looking for something, she knew just where to get it.

"Hey. Anyone around?"

Smitty looked up to see the silhouette of a dude standing in the doorway. His features were indiscernable in the dimly lit bar against the cruel glare of the midday sun.

"Yeah. Over here," she called out with a smoky chuckle. "Take a load off and I'll get you a drink. Whatcha havin'?"

 

[BLACK BART]

Rick

http://www.Bibracte.dreamwater.org/ATWAS/Rick2.gif


The bike had a mesemizing effect, almost putting me to sleep and I realized I needed a rest. The sign on the large building announced it was "Teddies Bar and Grill" as I pulled off the two lane highway and killed the engine.

Pushing thru the doors, the sign perched in the glass announcing OPEN, I called out to the gloomy interior.Over the words of Glenn Frey crooning out his haunting words I caught another voice give her husky welcome. Pulling my glasses off my face I hung them on my vest pocket as my eyes adjusted and I walked towards the vacant bar.

"The sign says Bar and Grill...Any chance of a menu with my Seagram Seven?" I questioned the smiling face.

"Comin right up" Came the cheerful reply "You just passin through?"

"Just finished a job up north" I replied, noticing her graceful movements as she finished stacking the last of the glasses and turned towards the mirrored background, snatching a dog eared menu.

Pulling a card from my inner pocket, I slid it to her as way of an introduction, watching her eyebrow rise as she read the words printed on it.

"Give me Teddie's Special Burger and a beer to wash it down" I told her, watching the unasked question in her eyes.

Smart, I thought to myself, She wants to ask what a guy like me is doing in these parts but will keep her mouth shut if told.

"I need a room for the night, are there any decent motels around that can give me a bed without taking my right arm in trade?"

Her brown eyes smiled this time, as did her full lips and she replied."Tourist season is over, Rick, and the couple up the road will rent you a clean room and give you breakfast reasonably. Tell them Rita sent ya, and you'll have no problems"

Connected too, I realized, She probably knows everything about everyone and never lets on...

Smiling, I cocked my head and spoke to her "I know you've heard this a million times, but what's a girl like you doing in a place like this?" And in truth I meant it, she had a good figure, built on a tall frame, her 5 foot and 9 inches well proportioned. Mid to late 20's I judged, her youthful face betrayed by her wizened eyes.

"It's a living and most days I'm my own boss" She retorted, not unkindly as she handed me my drink. "I could ask you the same"

The question was a good one, but unanswerable and I ducked it. "What's so special about Teddie's burgers anyways,besides the Chef?"

Another chuckle came in reply, her eyes meeting and studying mine before she turned and called out the order...

 

[Kimcankom]

Greg

God was I pissed! She had done it again! We had a date for this evening, reservations at the bed and breakfast, the works, and Miranda calls as I walking out the door.

She HAS to take another shift, she tells me, the force NEEDS her! And then to top it off she berates me for not understanding!

Christ! Who does she think she is! Or how dumb does she think I am! This is the third time in eight days this has happened, and I'm fed up!

I rescheduled my entire week around this one, thinking for sure the third time is the charm, and she does it again.

You would think after three years of dating, with a business of my own and if I say so myself, a body that is still as good as the days of college football, SHE might pay a little attention to me.

Instead she gives me an attitude that I'm not dedicated enough. Dedicated? To what? Her? I should get a medal for this relationship, most guys would have bailed years ago.

Well since I am out, I made a phone call myself and will head over to Teddies and see a couple of friends, and maybe get an idea what to do with Miranda.

 

[wildandnasty]

Miranda

Pulling the car over I parked it behind the large billboard effectively blocking out my black and white cruiser. Shaking my head I recalled the last minutes with my spineless boyfriend. Why he couldn't understand what was necessary to get ahead was beyond me. Sometimes I wondered why I even put up with him. Still his good looks and solid body did suit a purpose when I needed. For a second I thought back to the way it used to be, before my appointment as the first female police officer, and the nights we used to spend in his cheap apartment.

But that will all change when I become detective and I no longer need Greg and his money I reflected. Then on to bigger fish and a better location I mused.

Stabbing the accelerator I pulled back onto the road, tripping the squad cars lights. My first arrest for the night and another star for my jacket.

Stepping out of the car I grinned, this was truly the part I enjoyed, humiliating the perp and handing him a ticket he would choke on paying!

 

[Sienna]

Terri

It was one of those humid nights, the kind that made you very thirsty every minute. Summer was over but it was lingering on into the fall. Miranda and I agreed to get a few cans of soda and as it was officially our break, some pre-packed sandwiches from the 24- 7 general store. And maybe a few things I needed myself while I was there.

I left her in the car and walked up the street heading to the store and checking the empty shop doorways on my way. After waiting behind a crowd of teenagers giving some verbal grief to the shop assistant in their harmless little way, I was served, then I heard the siren sounding outside in the distance. Miranda had obviously sprung into action.

"Kids. They always give me loads." the assistant was telling me, packing everything I ordered into a bag, slowly. I waved the money at him, trying to push him into being quicker. "You should see what they did to the asian guy down the street a couple of nights ago...."

"Sir, please. I have to go, I think my partner needs assistance."

"Sorry officer. You know you should call in more often."

I smiled politely, grabbed the change with my goods and rushed out into the street. Miranda had pulled someone and she was talking to them. Most likely another ticket.

Miranda. I was still a rooky and owed everything I knew about patroling to her by being with her on duty. Pity that the only area we seem to cover is notorious for its ladies of the night and of course rowdy teenage gangs.

 

[Maid of Marvels]

I paused to look at the stranger in the mirror...

http://www.Bibracte.dreamwater.org/ATWAS/PhoebeRita.jpgas I grabbed a menu for him. Tall and rugged, he had the look of the road on him. I couldn't help wondering where he had come from and where he was going. He wasn't just the average biker... there was something more to him. A lot more.

Turning back, I handed him the menu and he slid me a business card:

PROGRAMMING CONSULTANT & SPECIALIST

Richard Daniels
1 (888) 555-0898

I arched an eyebrow at what I read, but he was already asking for a Teddie's Special and a brew with a quick segue into the availablility of local lodgings. I couldn't help chuckling when that old familiar song began.

"I know you've heard this a million times, but what's a girl like you doing in a place like this?"

There was something about him though. Maybe it was his blue gray eyes and the way they seemed to bore right through me, compelling me to answer without my usual brand of sarcasm. Oh, no. This wouldn't do. This wouldn't do at all.

"What's so special about Teddie's burgers anyways, besides the Chef?"

"I'd say it's the 'delivery' that makes them extra special," I said with a grin. "You're pretty good at changing the subject, Richard Daniels. You know, I was reading an article in this morning's paper about some Kenshaw, California kid who was returned to his family after a cult abduction. You wouldn't happen to be THAT Richard Daniels now, would you?"

Rick gave me a crooked grin. "Looks like my burger's done," he said as Cookie called out for me to pick it up at the window. "Any chance you could join a guy while he eats his lunch?"

I set his plate in front of him and came out from behind the bar with a hot cup of coffee. Sliding onto the stool next to him, I couldn't help asking, "So.. what's a guy like you doing in a place like this?"

 

[AmenRa]

can I play too?

Hmmm, well, I know a thing or two about policing....and a little about romance and that sort....can I play?

 

[BLACK BART]

OOC: AmenRa, Although I am sure you are welcome, the writer who started this thread (and our host) asked specifically for all to contact him via PM (the private method option) or using the OOC thread he created for this purpose...The idea being to keep the story line here, and discussion elsewhere...


http://www.bibracte.dreamwater.org/ATWAS/Rick2.gif

IC: "What's a guy like you...." Her words echoed thru my mind as I turned and our eyes met.

How did a person respond to those words, I thought , as I felt myself being drawn into the depths of those dark brown pools?

" Did I tell her I was on the way from a family whose lives were nearly destroyed by the loss of their daughter, and upon finding her again realized they were facing only the start of the nightmare? Or did I confess as to how night after night I faced the same empty room, knowing few knew I was alive and even less cared? Slowly I felt myself being pulled deeper and deeper into her eyes, and questioned myself, Is this the one time? "

With a lurch I pulled back, my natural barriers reasserting themselves as I smiled and replied. "Just passing thru from one end of the road to the other"

Seeing the soft smile that had spread gently across her face fade at my canned response I immediately regretted my decision but consoled myself it was for the best.

"Maybe they would rent the room for a week" I thought out loud, telling myself I needed the rest. But in truth a part of me just wanted to be near someone who knew I was alive and cared...

Cursing myself silently, I had just violated my primary rule, giving into a emotion I refused to recognize.

"You're right" I complimented her "The service DOES make the burger taste even better"

 

[Kimcankom]

Greg

I head for Teddie's where I'm supposed to be meeting Terri and Rita, still peeved at what Miranda has just done. The beer will taste good tonight I promise myself, maybe , just maybe I can get her out of my system and act like a real man.


OOC: Sorry for the short post, just trying to set things up for the rest...

 

[wildandnasty]

Miranda

Finishing with the "perp" I hopped in the squad car whistling.
It felt soooo good to humiliate him, in front of his wife no less, and to listen to his pathetic excuses. Having a baby indeed!
Returning to the general store I pulled over to retreive my rookie partner. Listening to her pathetic whining about the troubles the store owner had experienced I rolled my eyes and told her.

"Next time tell him, If he doesn't like the kind of customers his store attracts, move!"

After all, what did these people expect? I berated her "For us to hold their hands all day long?"
"Hey, you don't have to pull a double shift with me." I told her, trying to act as concerned as possible.(If I got rid of her for the evening, I didn't have to share the credit for the evenings arrests)
"After all, Didn't you say something about meeting friends at Teddies?" I smiled as sweetly as possible "Let me swing past your apartment and drop you off, and if you see that lousy boyfriend of mine, tell him I need to talk to him"

Spinning the car around and stabbing the pedal I sped off to Terri's apartment, thinking if I got rid of her I could make it back in time to catch the drunks as they made their way home for dinner.
God, I loved busting the tipsy ones, and if theytried to resist arrest I could use my stick on them!

 

[Sienna]

Terri

Miranda dropped me off at my apartment, and then took off like a bat out of hell, with my groceries too. Not even the end of our shift and I was dismissed from my duties.

Miranda was OK most times. But I was begining to worry about her mood swings and of course her attitude problems with the "clients".

I resigned to the fact that she was under some kind of pressure and I wondered how poor Greg was dealing with it domestically.
I showered and thought more about her. Maybe I should go down to "Teddies" and see him.

I liked Greg. He was a good guy and handsom too. If Miranda wasn't going to be there for him, then maybe we could talk things over.

I put on my best dress, and made myself up so different to the way I normally dressed. This time I was determined to show them the feminine me, instead of the casual tom boy off duty cop.
Besides, you never know who I might meet.

I called a cab, felt good about myself and headed to "Teddies".

 

[Kimcankom]

Greg

"Hey Smitty, the Usual please and make it a double!" I greeted the buxom barmaid as I walked thru the door. Seating myself a couple of stools away from the leather clad biker seated at the bar.

"My names Greg Devries" I offered, my hand extended to him. "That's quite a bike you have out there, a softtail right?"

For the first time I noticed Smitty was on the wrong side of the bar, a cup of coffee in her hand."Hmmm, there must be more to this biker than he looks" I wondered "Lets find out."

As he took my hand I grasped it firmly, steadily increasing my grip. "Rick, Rick Daniels and Yes, its a softtail, one I restored a few years ago." Came his reply, his eyes steady on mine as he returned the handshake.

Slowly I pumped his arm up and down, my bare forearm bulging as I smiled at him, confident I could make him wince. (They didnt call me the "Bomb" in college football for nothing, I had the longest consistent pass record for three years!)

To my surprise his face remained smooth and confident as he returned the grasp, and suddenly his arm stopped moving with mine. Smitty's back was turned as she grabbed the bottle of Bacardi from the counter and I pulled out all the stops, my arm cording like a snake as I poured on the power.

 

[BLACK BART]

Rick

http://www.bibracte.dreamwater.org/ATWAS/Rick2.gif The meal finished, I was ready to hear the barmaid's story, indeed she had piqued my interest and despite my golden rule I was drawn to her.

"Smitty" the mans voice called out as the door was thrown open and the figure strode over to the bar...

"Oh brother, here it comes" I thought to myself as Rita moved to get his drink.

"Greg Devries" He said as I accepted his hand and told him my name...

Sure enough, here it comes. I thought as he squeezed my hand

The pressure was bearable as I watched Rita mix his drink, her eyes in the mirror watching us. Keeping my face impassive I returned the pressure and stopped the up and down motions he was implementing....Suddenly he doubled the pressure, his face turning red as his arm corded at the effort. Again with an effort I returned the grasp and kept my face bland.


With a grunt Greg broke the handshake, and Rita turned and set his glass on the polished bar top.

"Do you want that here, or down your shirt?" She quipped, looking at Greg with a raised eyebrow and smiling.

Laughing I slapped him on the shoulder and turned to Rita, telling her "Put that on my bill, Smitty, I'll pay for the first one for my pal here!"

Looking at Greg I saw no resentment in his face as he massaged his arm, only wonderment and breathed a sigh of releif...Maybe, just maybe I could rest up in this small town and NOT get into the middle of someone elses trouble, I hoped.....

 

[Sienna]

Terri

I paid the cabbie his fare and noticed the bike parked outside of "Teddies". I gave it a quick once over checking what little I knew about them........it was a real cool mean machine.

Greg was at the bar with Smitty when I walked in....my heels were killing me already, but atleast I made the effort. "Hi Smitty, hows things?" I asked. Greg and the stranger turned around and looked at me.

"Well look at you!" Greg remarked. "Dressed up like a Barbie doll."

"I'm fine Terri, welcome." Smitty replied with her usual happy greeting. "You look really nice this evening." I thanked her and slipped onto a stool next to Greg and ordered a Bacardi whilst it was still on the bar.

Greg looked me over, his eyes settling on what little cleavage I had. "So, where is the love of my life tonight?" he asked.

"Still working the shift." I replied, shooting a glance at the stranger to which Smitty announced as Rick Daniels. He was absolutely gorgeous....and I gave him a smile in return.

"Rick, this is Terri....our friendly neighbourhood cop."

"Yeah, one of a set of two would you believe." Greg remarked.

 

[Kimcankom]

Greg

"Terri, Before I get too shit faced, I'd like to talk to you about something serious?" I asked the well dressed lady. It wasn't often you saw her dressed up but it was worth the wait I thought.

Rubbing my arm I glanced at Rick and nodded "This man here was good enough to remind me I'm no longer the star player" I confessed, smiling ruefully "But no hard feelings, ok?, I just want to wash my troubles away tonight.

"Smitty, If you still have the recipe, How about some of those famous pitchers of yours?" I asked Rita "How about we grab a table in the Mantle Room and you can join us back there?"

Standing and putting my hand on Rick's shoulder I bent close to his ear and thanked him "Thanks for not making me look like an idiot, I usually behave better"

Looking at the sweet figure of a lady I picked up her drink and offered to carry it for her.

"I really need to talk to you, if you don't mind Terri?" I implored her, looking at her impish face.

 

[Maid of Marvels]

Rita but you can call me "Smitty" for long...

http://www.Bibracte.dreamwater.org/ATWAS/PhoebeRita.jpgWatching Greg and Rick 'arm wrestling' is a true show of machismo if I ever saw one I think, rolling my eyes. I set Greg's drink down on the bar, looking from one man to the other. "How come dumb stuff seems so smart while you're doing it?"

Greg gives me one of those 'looks' of his and Rick just grins a crooked grin. Before either of them can attempt a retort, Terri comes breezing in all dolled up. She looks great and I compliment her, looking down selfconsciously at my plain white sweater and jeans. Maybe I should start dressing up? Maybe. One of these days. Nah. I chuckle aloud to myself, thinking I'd fall off a pair of heels and break an ankle if I wore them to work.

After pouring out a Baccardi for Terri, I introduce her to Rick. I give her a surreptitious thumbs up as I see her giving him the once over. Yeah. He's a good looking dude all right. Catching his eye, I give him a wink and lay a few quarters on the bar.

"Do me a flavor, will you? Feed the jukebox over there for me? Just pick out whatever you like," I say, thinking that you can tell a lot about someone from the music they listen to. I turn to make a pitcher of Sex on the Beach... (Jersey style) to bring into the Mantle Room where Terri and Greg have gone. To discuss Miranda, I presume.

The jukebox comes alive and I come around the bar with the pitcher. "Join us?" actually meaning 'join ME'. Gods, what has come over me? You are just not right, girl. Wake up for crying out loud.

 

[BLACK BART]

Rick

http://www.bibracte.dreamwater.org/ATWAS/Rick2.gif

Obviously, the three had something to discuss, judging by Greg's repeated pleas and the concerned looks on both of the girls faces.

"I'll just get those songs, won't be a minute" I tell the receding figure of Rita, her backside swaying enticingly as she headed for the back of the building.

Turning I walked over to the ancient looking juke box, and with a pleased exclamation realized it was as old as it looked. "I haven't heard these for years" I muttered, adding several dollars worth of change to the box as well as what Rita had given me. "I hope they don't get sick of these guys, I never have" I chuckled as I began pushing the buttons and listening to the crooning voices. The voice of a man I had once met in Steel's Tavern in Toronto came out to meet me, bringing back memeories of 1965...

"In the Early Morning Rain" He sang to me, his comforting words pulling me backwards in time, to a time of innocence and no concerns...

 

[Sienna]

Terri

Smitty placed the pitcher on the table and smiled at me. Gawd! She had the most sexiest smile I had ever seen and it made me feel so squishy. My sexuality was still my own business and I had told no one that I tended to swing both ways. I grabbed her arm gently: "Don't go. I think you should hear what I have to say about Miranda."

That old style music from the jukebox filled the air. I was more into the eighties music. Greg poured out the drinks and looked at me.

"I think Miranda has a problem..... she is becoming so....so..weird."

"Weird?" Greg retorted. "I noticed a few things but not weird."

"No, I'm serious. Her behaviour. " I continued. Rick walked into the room and stole away Smitty's attention. I wasn't sure if I should talk in front of the stranger about what I was going to say.

Rick picked up his glass of Sex On The Beach and asked Smitty if she wanted to dance. She smiled at him, took away his drink and led him away.

"Ok, tell me." Greg said. "What is it about Miranda?" I watched the two of them dancing which distracted my attention on account of they looked so good together.

"I think she maybe under stress or something. She's become so aggressive and so wrapped up in her work. She dismissed me from my duties early this evening. If they find out that is both of us out of a job."

"OK, I noticed a few things like that, but that is Miranda."

"No. Its something else too."

 

[Maid of Marvels]

Rita

http://www.Bibracte.dreamwater.org/ATWAS/PhoebeRita.jpgI wanted to hear what Terri had to say about Miranda. She had gone sour lately, become haughty and arrogant. Her words stung and she was relentless in her superior and deprecating use of them. In short, Miranda was a bitch. No, she was worse than a bitch. I wasn't sure that there was a word in any dictionary that could properly describe her.

Before Terri can begin to give us her take on what is going on with Miranda, I feel Rick standing beside me, reaching for his drink. Leaning in close, he asks me to dance. His breath, warm against my skin sends shivers up and down my spine and I take his glass, placing it on the table before leading him out onto the main floor.

Gordon Lightfoot is playing. Easy to dance to, though it had been ages for me. Oddly, I don't feel the least bit nervous as Rick folds me in his arms and takes me swirling around the floor.

 

[Kimcankom]

Greg

Smitty and the biker dancing, well good for her! She had held back too long in my book, many a man would gladly have taken home any given day, or night for that matter!

And another suprise! Terri out of uniform, She was a knockout!


"Terri" I began as she paused in her descriptions of Miranda's erratic behavior. " I don't like what Miranda has become either, nor do I care for what I act like around her anymore"

Thinking back to the confrontation we had a few short hours ago I shook my head and wished out loud.

"I just want the old Miranda back, because I can't stay with the new version any longer"

Looking at Terri's figure and how the dress accented her curves it hit me again of how many things I was wrong about!

"Hey Look" I began "All those rottrn comments I made earlier weren't aimed at you, I just thought being her partner and all you were on her side"

Picking up my glass I filled it to the rim then did the same for hers. "Heres to a new beginning" I toasted "New friends, New Hopes and New Love"

Taking a long draught I finished the tall glass and finished my thoughts "I wish there was a way we could show Miranda what she has become, before she destroys herself and us with her"

 

[BLACK BART]

Rick

How many rules have I broken NOW? I chagrined myself...The woman in my arms was nothing short of intoxicating to me, one whose eyes said to me the same things I felt deep down...

"NO, Don't trust her and don't allow your feelings to surface as you had in the past, remember the outcome!" I screamed to myself. But another part said simply "Ignore that, or die a lonely man"

Rita moved in my arms as Lightfoot crooned out "Ribbon of Darkness", matching each motion of mine in perfect harmony, her body pressed gently against mine. Lost in the combined sensations of her perfume, her touch and the music I began to spin her gently around and around to the mournful words.

For long seconds after the music had ended I held her, unaware of anything except her flushed cheeks and those eyes drawing me in again. The eyes closed and her head leaned back, offering me her lips for the taking, if I chose...

"Kiss Her, Fool" Screamed my heart "Take what you want the most!"

Leaning forward I neared the sweet prize, the sensation of her lips already in my mind as it rebuffed me..."NO, What if turns out like the last?"

Pulling back at the sudden flashback I sigh deeply, and slowly break our embrace thanking her..."Rita, Thank You for the dance" I spoke slowly, unsure of myself still "It has been a very long time since I have had a partner, too long, perhaps"

Turning towards the couple at the table and seeing them deep in an animated conversation I said sadly "I need to return you to your friends, and be on my way, myself..."

Her hurt face tore into my soul as we walked back to the table and I picked my jacket up. "It was a pleasure to meet you" I told Greg and Terri as I pulled it on "I only wish it was a different time and I could have gotten to know you better" I finished, my eyes on Rita's, cursing myself as she nooded and then averted her face.

Turning I walked out of the room and through the barroom, pushing the doors open to the outdoors....

 

[Kimcankom]

Greg

Terri's description of Miranda and my troubles with her as well began to fall together. "It's as if she's possessed" Terri said sadly "Her need to prove herself has blinded her to the costs she will pay and her desire to be promoted has corrupted her to pay them."

Nodding in agreement I had little to add to her statement, in form of comment or solution.

"I will be telling her I want to end it" I sad sadly and reaching for the half empty pitcher. "I can't handle her anymore, she won't listen to reason and I can't force her"


Watching Smitty and Rick slow dancing even after the music had finished I managed a small smile. The smile quickly turning to a frown as Smitty's content expression turned to one of pain. The unheard words Rick had spoken shook her I could plainly see as they both came back to our table.

Rick's words of farewell were suprising considering the short time he was at Teddie's, and Smitty's actions were less than her normally spunky self as well.

Looking at the two ladies now seated at the table I wondered aloud again about Miranda as I watched the receding form of Rick.

"If only we had a magic potion we could give her, that would return her to normal?"

"Perhaps not magic, BUT a much more reliable way!!!" Came Smitty's astonishing reply as she suddenly stood, spilling the pitcher of "Sex on the Beach".

"Where are you going, Smitty?" I called out to her as she strode for the doorway.

 

[Maid of Marvels]

"Smitty" aka Rita for short?

http://www.Bibracte.dreamwater.org/ATWAS/PhoebeRita.jpg"Where you going, Smitty?" Greg called after me as I ran for the door.

"Be right back!" I called over my shoulder. "Stick around." Maybe I could catch Rick before he took off.

As I stepped out into the parking lot, he was just circling to head down the road. "Rick!" I shouted over the rumbling of his bike. "Hold up! Don't go!" He couldn't possibly hear me, I thought as I ran toward him.

He lifted his foot from the ground, there was a break in traffic coming up. Please let him hear me. I lunged for his arm as he began to take off and landed flat on my face. "Shit!" I buried my face in my arms for a moment as I heard the motorcycle retreating down the road.

I didn't know whether I should hop in my car and chase him down. Cripes! Well, maybe he would go to the Wishing Well to rent that room after all. I could always phone.

It wasn't all that important. This was a long shot anyhow. But if he helped that kid from Kenshaw maybe he could help Greg with Miranda. It might take a while, I thought. Miranda would probably be a lot harder to handle than some teenager.

That was why I wanted Rick to stick around, right? I mean Miranda used to be a pretty nice person. Shrugging my shoulders and wiping some of the dirt and gravel off my clothes I headed back toward the bar. I'd tell Greg and Terri what I knew. Besides, I think his card had his number on it.

Feeling imminently more chipper, I had just opened the door when I heard the sound of a bike approaching. My heart lurched. Was it him? I was afraid to look.

Get over yourself, Rita Smithfield. He's just another guy and you have your own set of rules about fraternizing with the clientele. NOT happening! I chuckled to myself and stepped back into the dimly lit main room of the bar.

All the same, I couldn't help wishing it was him coming back. Miranda really did need help and deep down I knew he was the guy who could do it.

 

[Sienna]

Terri

Smitty ran out after the stranger and I was curious and wanted to follow, but Greg pulled me back.

"Ay, sit down." he said, sending me that smile I loved to see. "I meant what I said. I'm going to tell her its over. After what you said about her, the way she was acting at work, I think she is turning into another person, a stranger to us all."

I took his hand and gave it a squeeze for reassurance. "Oh Greg, I'm so sorry. I know how much you two loved each other."

"I think she needs to be brought to her senses Terri."

"Yes. Before she even drags me down too." I replied. "I can't ignore this. She is becoming corrupt. Giving way to those gangs on our patch doesn't help much. The people in those stores need our help and instead she's busting petty traffic violators. She even breaks the laws she is over enforcing." I thought for a while and then remembered something..."she even took off with my french loaves."

"What?"

"Oh nothing.....just thinking aloud." I leaned over and gave him a gentle kiss on his forehead....I looked at him, deep into those sad eyes of his, so wanting to make him happy. I know he liked me as much I adored him and we slowly moved our lips closer when Smitty returned, brushing herself down.