A Second Season Story. I thought maybe I'd put off the mad scientist story I'm writing and offer something a little more warm and fuzzy for the holiday season. This story takes place just after my story Shanghaied: as Chip recovers from a serious injury, he and Monica decide to move the wedding up giving him a mere month to heal up in time to say “I do.” I hope the readers will enjoy a little lighter side this time around as Lee promised to make it to the wedding injury free... which may be his greatest challenge yet! Note: Third installment in a series; readers should be familiar with The Bunker and Shanghaied.
A Funny Happened on the Way to the Wedding
by Lynn
Monica Felton waited patiently at Seaview's above ground sub pen to greet her fiancé. She watched the deck become a flurry of activity as the overhead crane lowered a rather large open faced crate into the main cargo hold. A few minutes later Chief Sharkey guided the crate back up as Monica raised an excited hand to her mouth upon seeing just what the “cargo” was, as two officers rode the make-shift “elevator” up in style. She held back her excitement to see Chip standing in his khaki service dress, complete with his jacket and cap. The fading bruises were barely visible and she couldn't be more delighted to see him moving on his own steam, though still cautiously she noted. The other rider in the crate was none other than Captain Lee Crane, Chip's commanding officer and best friend, no doubt taking the elevator ride up to ensure a smooth ride for Chip, and guessing that his healing spleen required this unorthodox method of deboarding. If her guess was right, and she was sure it was, Captain Crane had arranged Chip's ride to avoid a horizontal lift flat on his back and strapped to a stretcher;* the two were practically brothers and more like family than anything. Her excitement etched up a notch as she watched her fiancé fire off a sharp salute to his commanding officer, cross the deck then salute the colors before taking the gangplank to meet her.
“Wow, you look great,” he said offering a polite kiss on the cheek, getting away with a small measure of “Public Display of Affection,” and intending to get the real kiss he wanted in the car.
“You do too. You're looking so much better than the last time I saw you,” Monica replied, careful not to trace a fading bruise from his face as she knew Chip always observed proper decorum while in uniform.
“Where would you like this Mr. Morton?” Rick Kowalski asked, crossing the gangplank with Chip's gear bag as the Exec wasn't cleared to lift anything yet.
“The silver one up ahead,” Chip pointed out, not balking at the rating's help as he didn't want anything to derail his recovery; he promised Monica he'd be fit for all the duties of a Groom and that was one promise he wasn't going to break!
Ski blew an airy whistle out at Monica's Mercedes 450 SL, everyone knew Miss Felton's family was rich and her fancy wheels proved it. He loaded the gear bag into the trunk then stepped back with a smile.
“Is that everything Mr. Morton?”
“That's fine, thanks Ski,” Chip added in what Kowalski noted was a particularly good mood.
“Have a nice evening,” Kowalski said with a salute and headed back for his own gear.
“Come on, let's get out of here,” Chip said with a hint of mischief as his blue eyes sparkled. He escorted Monica to the passenger side, closing the door for her before sliding into the driver's seat. He no more than shut the door behind him when he reached over, drawing Monica close and offering the kind of kiss he wanted to deliver on the dock.
“I've missed you,” he whispered in her ear.
“Me too,” she returned as Chip held her close taking in the fragrance of her hair and pondering how much he was looking forward to being completely whole and healthy again.
Chip figured he'd better get going before the crew got too much of a view of his “Welcome Home” and put the car in gear, a very happy camper content to be home in Santa Barbara with the love of his life.
* * * * *
Lee smiled as he watched Chip cross the gangplank greeting Monica with a refined peck on the cheek. He knew how much Chip was looking forward to seeing his fiancé again and subsequently how much self-control he was exhibiting on the dock. He withheld a chuckle then perused the deck noting Chief Sharkey had the detail under control then headed back through the Conning Tower vertical hatch. He descended the ladder with ease, his own injuries having healed well and fully recovered from the drug Guang used in his quest for revenge. At any rate the island was behind him, Guang and Koji had been apprehended thanks to Moana, and his best friend was getting married in two weeks.
Lee hopped to the deck, addressing Lt. O'Brien as he turned.
“How's it going Bobby?”
“Fine Sir. I'm starting on the first wave now,” he replied referring to the ratings waiting their turn to start shore leave.
“Carry on Mr. O'Brien,” Lee returned jovially patting his shoulder good naturedly then heading to the Nose to finish his log book and reports. He was always the last to leave the Boat unless circumstances beyond his control prevented it and rather enjoyed the quiet reflective moments before disembarking.
He was just finishing up when he heard the soft padding of oxford loafers descending the spiral staircase as Lee turned to greet Harry.
“Hello Admiral, everything batten down from your end?” he asked with an easy smile.
Harry nodded. “The lab is secure and I've got the notes in here,” he answered patting his briefcase as he placed it on the conference table before scanning the Control Room, nodding in approval.
“It looks like everything's squared away here.”
“Aye Sir. O'Brien did a great job filling in for Chip. Everyone's signed off the Boat and I was about to turn her over to the Security Watch.”
Lee stood and gathered the reports stacked neatly before him, sliding them into his soft leather case. He slid on his jacket and grabbed his service cap noticing Harry's tightly pursed lips.
“That's an awful lot of reports,” Harry noted with a raised eyebrow.
“Don't worry, I'm sharing the wealth with Bobby and the other junior officers until Chip returns.”
“Good,” Harry replied satisfied with the plan. “Are you dining alone tonight?”
“Guess so.”
“Miss Richardson...?”
“Miss Richardson fell in love and got married while we resupplied the dome.”
Harry raised an eyebrow. “We were only gone two weeks.”
“Touché,” Lee deadpanned then smiled, shrugging his shoulders in mock surrender.
“Well then Captain, I guess it's just a couple of bachelors for dinner. Steak or Italian?” Harry asked as the two headed for the ladder.
“McClintocks,” Lee decided.
“Steak it is,” Harry returned taking the ladder up with Lee following.
“Your car or mine?” Lee asked at the top of the ladder, adjusting his cap on his head.
“Let's live on the wild side,” Harry replied with a grin.
“My Cobra?” Lee replied waggling his eyebrows.
Harry shook his head mischievously. “No. My Spyder.”
Lee chuckled. Harry's 1966 Bizzarrini 5300 GT Strada didn't leave the garage very often and since the Italian company folded only five years after its founding, the values had skyrocketed making the sleek car a well-sought after classic.
“Then I better meet you there Sir. If you're going to take the Babe Magnet I'd better have my own wheels to get home.”
Harry squared his cap. “Coward,” he jested. “I'll be by in an hour.”
“Are you going to let me drive?” Lee asked with puppy dog hopeful eyes as they crossed the gang plank.
“You've already got the keys to the Flying Sub,” Harry deadpanned. “You want my Spyder too?”
Lee just smiled and winked as the two laughed heartily.
* * * * *
Two sets of eyes watched from a 1959 Mercury Station Wagon complete with fins and simulated wood paneling. They were positioned down the street from the Nelson Institute watching as a candy red convertible pulled out with a dark headed officer at the wheel.
“There he is,” one whispered to the other with satisfaction. They'd been staking out the Institute for weeks now waiting for the submarine to dock again. It hadn't been easy, but it looked like their patience was finally going to pay off.
“What do we do now?”
“We watch him. Watch his habits... where he goes and what he does. And when the time is right... we nab him.”
The two men laughed then pulled out behind the sports car, following Captain Crane home.
* * * * *
Harry pulled up to Lee's house, getting out and leaning against the hood of the street legal version of the Italian racing car. He was dressed casually for the popular steak house wearing tan slacks and a polo shirt, crossing his arms in front of him as he waited. Lee appeared from the front door, locking it behind him. The dark haired captain was also dressed casually, wearing navy blue slacks with a button up oxford and sunglasses resting on the top of his head. He took two steps and stopped to whistle at the Spyder, taking the time to walk around her in obvious awe. He three-sixtied the car ending back where he started, soaking in the fine lines of the Le Mans racing car as Harry tossed the keys his way. Lee caught them deftly and grinned, waggling his eyebrows and trotting to the driver's side before Harry changed his mind. He hopped in adjusting the seat back while quickly buckling in, then looked over at Harry and lowered his sunglasses with a huge smile. Lee pulled out of the driveway and put the car in gear, fully utilizing the 400 brake horsepower currently at his disposal.
* * * * *
A two-toned station wagon was sitting with its engines running waiting for Crane as a blue sports car pulled up. A distinguished looking auburn haired gentleman got out and leaned against the hood with his arms folded, apparently waiting as well.
“Who's that?”
“Nelson.”
“Why don't we grab him too?”
“Because you idiot, he's the one who's gonna put up the ransom for Crane.”
“Oh yeah.”
“Okay, this is it Horace,” Archie said putting the car in gear when he saw Crane get into the driver's side.
Crane pulled out and by the time Archie took his foot off the brake and moved it to the gas pedal the deep blue sports car was down the road and gone.
“Quick catch up with him!” Horace exclaimed.
“Are you crazy?” Archie replied with a frustrated sigh but took off anyway spending the rest of the night driving around town trying to spot the sports car and its occupants.
* * * * *
Lee had a few errands to attend to and a few days before he was officially back at work. Nevertheless, he showed up early in the office to get the ball rolling on Seaview's port maintenance before their next voyage, which was less than a month away. He planned on taking the resupply reports to Chip later in the afternoon as running Seaview produced a small mountain of paperwork and he just felt better having Chip's input.
It was already mid-morning and Lee figured he'd better head out before Harry caught him in the office on his day off. He left, dropping off folders to both his secretary and Angie Watson on the way out.
“I'll take care it, Lee,” Angie responded with a smile as he presented his reports and left by way of the stairs, bypassing the elevator.
He was dressed casually, wearing denim jeans and a long sleeve shirt with the sleeves rolled to the forearm as he hopped into his convertible. It was a beautiful California morning and a perfect day to drive around town with the top down. He had several stops to make after being away at sea for the last four weeks making his first stop the bank, after that it was the cleaners and finally the grocery store. He conducted his errands unaware that his every move was being shadowed by the twenty year old station wagon working hard to keep up in traffic.
* * * * *
“Oh my gosh Sara! Look who's coming!” An excited bank teller nearly squealed as the teller lines were currently empty.
“And I thought he looked good in his uniform,” Sara marveled, taking in his casual appearance as they viewed his arrival through the windows.
The bank had just opened and several customers were arriving as each teller grabbed a quick look in their compact mirrors under the teller windows.
“Who's going to take care of him?” Lauren asked.
“Let him choose,” Sara suggested as Sally just shrugged her shoulders.
Sensible Sally, that's what the other gals on the teller line called her. She wasn't unattractive but she didn't consider herself one of the “beautiful people” in life either. She watched as the handsome officer who frequented the branch stopped and opened the door for a few women behind him, allowing them to go ahead of him in line and smiled at the gentlemanly gesture. Both Sara and Lauren were the type of women that turned men's heads, so she had no expectations of anything more than enjoying the view.
The customers thanked the dark headed gentleman holding the door for them and walked to the roped teller line dispersing among two disappointed tellers. Both Sara and Lauren watched out of the corner of their eye as the gorgeous hunk took his business to the next available teller, Sensible Sally.
“Hi Sally,” Lee greeted, knowing most of the tellers by name.
“Good morning Captain Crane,” she replied cheerfully.
“Just Lee,” he returned with a smile as he took off his sunglasses and reached for his billfold.
“What can I do for you today?”
“Just a cash withdrawal,” he replied as she nodded, handing him the withdrawal slip.
Lee started filling it out as he spoke.
“Is that your dog?” he asked pleasantly, noticing the small framed snap shot as each teller had a small space for such decorations, helping the bank produce a home-town feel for its customers.
“Yes, that's Brandi; short for Bradford T Willingham of Yorkshire,” she replied with a gentle laugh.
“A full breed?”
Sally nodded and took his slip.
“English Springer Spaniels are quite the bird dogs. Does he retrieve?”
“Actually, all she does is bark at the birds in trees,” she returned with a slight chuckle. “You seem to like animals, do you have a pet?”
Lee nodded and smiled as she counted out the cash. “Too much time spent away from home,” he explained.
Their pleasant conversation was just about wrapped up but interrupted nonetheless as Lauren walked up, her hair poofed and perfect with her lip stick freshly applied.
“Sally, Mrs. Porter would like to see you when you're through,” she said only glancing at Sally and mostly gazing at Lee with her best 'ask for my number' look.
“Thank you Lauren, I'll be right there.”
“Have a nice day Sally... Lauren,” Lee said, greeting the new arrival to the window then turned to leave.
Sally's enjoyable conversation was cut short by the interruption and any hopes that Captain Crane had even noticed her were dashed, as her pleasant but size twelve figure was no match for Lauren's size six perfect bikini body.
Both women watched as Lee left with Sally withholding any audible sigh she wanted to give, then turned toward Lauren.
“What does Mrs. Porter need from me?” she asked curiously.
“Oh nothing, I just wanted a chance to talk to the submarine captain. I think he was interested, don't you?”
Sally smiled, what else could she do? Drop dead gorgeous always wins out over sensible shoes and pleasant countenance, she reasoned silently in full acceptance of the facts.
* * * * *
Chip was slightly overwhelmed at the amount of planning that Monica and her mother had accomplished in the short two weeks since leaving the island. They had already contacted the Morton clan and a guest list had been hastily gathered with the help of Angie's skills. Invitations were rushed to the printer leaving only two weeks for RSVP's, a breach in established nuptial etiquette but Monica didn't care. Her wedding gown had been selected and was currently in alterations along with the bridesmaid's dresses; like it or not Chip was getting the grand scale wedding of a rich socialite’s daughter. Though truth be told, he was enjoying seeing her face light up with each detail she managed to fit into place.
“Dad pulled some strings and we got the church lined up for the ceremony and the Country Club banquet hall for the reception,” she explained talking almost a mile a minute.
“Sounds like you've got everything under control,” he smiled back. “Listen, I hate to leave but I've got to check in with Jamie,” he replied.
“Do you want me to come with you?” she asked walking him to the large double door entry of her family estate home.
“No need. You've got enough to do here.” Chip leaned over and offered a kiss while caressing her cheek with his thumb. “See you later,” he promised and left realizing the wedding was coming none too soon. He knew she was special from the first day they met and it just somehow didn't seem right to move to a more intimate relationship before their marriage. He had waited this long and was still healing inside, but he was very much looking forward to the honeymoon. It was more than the obvious needs of a man; he longed to embrace her with the full intimacy of his love.
* * * * *
“How long do we have to keep watching the guy?” Horace asked with a yawn. “He gets up with the chickens almost every day and jogs on the beach, then heads to the Nelson Institute where we can't get to him, then it's either home or off to run errands,” he grumbled. It had been nearly a week and he was thoroughly bored with the whole thing.
“This weekend... we grab him this weekend, that way they won't be expecting him at the office before we can hide him and get the ransom note delivered.”
The two men exchanged devious grins as Horace reached for another donut and took a long sip from his Big Gulp.
* * * * *
Lee opted for a change in scenery today and decided to take his morning run in the park instead, taking in an easy five miles around the cross country track. He was conducting his warm down stretches when he noticed a woman tossing a frisbee to a liver and white springer spaniel. The frisbee over shot the dog as Lee reached up and caught it easily, then tossed it towards the running dog who jumped, catching it in mid-air.
“Hi Sally,” he said closing the distance to the bank teller, as Brandi brought the frisbee back for another throw.
“Well hello Captain Crane,” she returned in pleasant surprise.
Lee chuckled as he crouched down to pet the playful dog who dropped the frisbee at his feet.
“Just Lee,” he reminded her. “Hello Brandi,” he greeted the dog letting her lap his face in the expected greeting of dogs everywhere.
“She sure is a beauty. How old is she?”
“Two years and she still has a lot of puppy left in her.”
Lee picked up the frisbee and tossed it again for the pup.
“She likes you,” Sally noted innocently.
Lee returned the smile but then furled his forehead as Brandi took off barking in a run towards his car; the hair on the nape of her neck rising in sharp concern.
“Brandi!” Sally yelled as the two took off running, trying to retrieve the dog who suddenly disappeared into the nearby bushes.
“YEOW!”
They heard someone scream, but by the time Lee and Sally got to the bushes all they found was Brandi sitting on her haunches with her tongue hanging innocently out of her mouth and panting for the extra exercise she had received.
“What got into you Girl?” Sally asked as Lee bent down and picked something up from the ground.
“She's never been aggressive, I don't know what got into her,” Sally explained in near exasperation, attaching the leash.
Lee rolled a black stem cap around in his fingers and expelled a breath. “Maybe she was on to something,” he noted. “Come on, let's see if I'm right,” he said as Sally followed Lee with Brandi happily making a threesome.
Lee walked around his car then stopped and crouched down at his rear tire noting the missing stem cap.
“Looks like Brandi here saved me from a practical joke,” Lee deduced reaching into his glove box for a tire gauge. “It's a little low, but it'll make it to a service station just fine,” he reported. “Good Girl,” Lee said scratching the dog behind her ears.
“Do you think she bit someone?” Sally asked.
“Well if she did, she didn't draw blood,” Lee noted pulling Brandi's snout back to examine her teeth. “I'd say the hoodlum got what he deserved,” he finished with one last pet on the content dog's head.
Lee looked around, not seeing anything unusual but still noticeably uncomfortable.
“Would you mind if I walked you to your car Sally?” he asked.
“Do you think they're still around?”
“Probably not. Not with your little Protector here,” he said with a chuckle, referring to Brandi who was currently distracted by birds chirping in the trees. “But I'd feel better knowing you got to your car.”
“Sure, that's very kind of you,” she replied and walked back grateful that she had taken the time to put on makeup before coming to the park today.
They walked across the grass to the other parking lot as Lee spoke up.
“I don't mean to pry Sally, but do you live alone?”
“Just me and Brandi, but I have good neighbors. We look out for one another.”
“That makes me feel better,” he replied as they reached the car. Lee made sure her tires were all inflated and waved goodbye. As for Sally, well she left feeling like a damsel in distress being rescued by a knight in shining armor, even though it wasn't even her car that got messed with.
* * * * *
“It hurts, it hurts, it hurts!” Horace complained in loud cries.
“You idiot, there's not even any teeth marks,” Archie said in disgust. “Why didn't you finish the job?”
“That vicious beast was coming at me, I ran into the bushes and that's when it attacked me.”
“I'd hardly call it an attack. Stop whining will ya'.”
“You're not the one who'll be sitting on a pillow for the next week,” Horace complained as Archie rolled his eyes.
“We blew our chance today, we'll have to look for another opening,” Archie reasoned, clearly the 'brains' behind the caper. “For now we'll stake out his house and watch for him to come home.”
“Okay Archie. Can we stop at the Clown Drive-thru for lunch?” Horace asked, needing to be consoled after his 'injury'.
“Sure Horace,” Archie said, rolling his eyes and putting the car in gear while thinking through their next attempt to abduct Seaview's Captain.
* * * * *
“So how's the wedding plans coming?” Lee asked as he and Chip grabbed a quick lunch. Chip was still on medical leave but had stopped by the office to look over the requisites for the upcoming cruise. He needed everything on order as he and Monica were flying to Florida and taking a cruise for their honeymoon, subsequently he wouldn't have much time back at the office before Seaview sailed again.
Chip chuckled, considering his answer to Lee's simple question. “You know Lee, I thought I had a lot to juggle before setting sail, but you should see how much Monica and her Mom are dealing with to make this happen so fast.”
“Are you sorry you moved the wedding ahead?”
“Not a chance, I just had no clue what it took to arrange for a simple wedding and chow afterward,” he finished with a chuckle.
“I'd hardly call it 'simple' and don't let Monica hear you call your reception 'chow',” Lee wisely advised then chuckled along with him.
“So what am I supposed to do as Best Man?” Lee asked with a pleasant smile.
“Show up at the dress rehearsal Friday night, keep the ring for me, and oh yeah... you promised to be injury free,” he added with a smirk.
“Hey, I already took myself off ONI's call list so no surprises there, and it's not like I'm a klutz or anything,” Lee chided back.
The two laughed, enjoying the banter as Chip took another sip of his coffee.
“Hi Captain Crane. What a surprise!”
Lee looked up to see the two beautiful women who stopped by to say hello, apparently on their way out having already eaten.
“Oh, hello Lauren, Sara,” Lee replied with a pleasant countenance as both men rose. “This is my friend Chip,” he introduced politely. “This is Lauren and Sara, fantastic tellers from the bank.”
“Nice to meet you,” Chip replied, not affected by Sara's interested eyes or the fact that her belted waist showed off a killer body.
“Well have a nice day, we've got to get back to work.”
“Nice to see you,” Lee replied sitting back down as Chip smirked.
“So... you got a date for the wedding?”
“Do you take a date to a wedding?” Lee asked pulling his billfold out. “What time do you have to pick up the ring again?”
“You never forget details Lee, stop dodging the question.”
“I don't know, after Pamela... maybe I'll just come alone.”
“You do and you'll be dancing all night with my new teenage nieces,” Chip warned to Lee's roll of the eyes.
“Listen Chip, I'm in between lady friends right now.”
“Come on Buddy, you're telling me you lost your little black book?”
Lee glared at his best friend without saying a word.
“What about one of the fantastic bank tellers there?” he asked waggling his eyebrows; just because he wasn't affected by the women didn't mean he didn't notice.
“Fine, fine. I'll bring a date but do me a favor and don't try to set me up, will ya'.”
Chip chuckled, his good natured badgering not taken offensively by Lee as the two had known each other far too long to not know when one was trying to pull the other's leg.
“We better hurry if you plan on keeping the appointment with the jewelers,” Lee reminded Chip.
“See, you're already keeping me from blowing it... Best Man.”
Lee chuckled as they headed for the jewelers located in the same strip mall.
* * * * *
“Okay Horace, it's simple. His car is parked way out here to keep anyone from putting a dent in his doors, so all you have to do is whack him over the head and it's a done deal.”
“Whack him on the head,” Horace contemplated. “Won't that hurt him?”
“Nah, just knock him out a little bit. He'll be fine when he wakes up.”
Horace nodded as the two slouched in their station wagon trying not to look conspicuous.
* * * * *
Chip examined the workmanship after having the solitaire soldered to the band. He raised the ring in the air as the diamond glinted in the lights while Lee checked out some gold cufflinks in another display cabinet.
* * * * *
“What's taking him so long?” Horace asked impatiently.
“I don't know, let's go see if he's still in there,” Archie decided.
* * * * *
“Those are some nice cufflinks,” Chip noted as the Jeweler wrapped the box with a bow.
“Do you think your Dad will like them? I missed his birthday last month.”
Chip blew an airy whistle out. “What are you trying to do Buddy, show me up? I just got him a new wallet.”
“Don't worry you're still the fair haired child, besides what he wants from you is a grand baby.”
They stepped out chuckling lightly when their fun was abruptly interrupted by something pressed sharply in their backs.
“Step back here unless you want your brains blown out,” a dark voice warned.
Lee and Chip were pulled backwards into a narrow alley as three thugs blocked their only way out. The gun muzzles weren't guns at all but rather pipes, which the troublemakers slapped in their open palms in intimidation.
“That's a real nice rock you just bought your woman,” one said to Chip.
Chip nearly growled and started to move forward as Lee held him back with a hand to his elbow.
“Stand down Mr. Morton, I've got this,” he replied darkly taking a step forward.
“Lee...”
“Stand down Chip that's an order. I'm not going to have you show up at your wedding with bruises and bandages.... I've got this.”
“You got what soldier boy?” one demanded looking over Lee's uniform, though Chip was dressed in civvies.
Chip scoffed. “You guys sure you want to do this?” he asked in mock concern for their health.
“Why? Are his hands registered as lethal weapons or something?” another one asked as the other two thugs laughed with him.
“As a matter of fact... yes,” Lee replied taking off his service cap and jacket and giving them to Chip to hold for him.
“Last chance guys,” Chip warned shaking his head, “Walk away now and no one gets hurt.”
“Look guys, soldier boy here thinks he's some sort of Ninja!” the third said as he dropped his pipe and produced a rather large switchblade while another pulled out a dangerous set of nunchucks with the third retaining his pipe, ready to teach both men a lesson.
“Remember Lee you promised... no bruises,” Chip said casually, reminding Lee about the wedding less than a week away.
Lee stared down the punks, his eyes dark and dangerous as the three men lunged forward all at once. He took out the thug with a switchblade first, with a flying kick to his solar plexus then turned just in time to catch a swinging pipe ready to take his head off. He held the pipe tightly, drawing his attacker closer with a tug and issuing three short jabs to his face, producing a broken nose that bled profusely. The thug abandoned his pipe reaching for his face as Lee held both ends up just in time to deflect the nunchuck attack by the third thug.
“Come on you guys, get him!” the nunchucker urged, backing off when his first attack failed.
“He broke my nose!” one thug cried in a decidedly nasal voice, while the other thug rolled on the ground trying to catch his breath.
“Leave now,” Lee warned but the last thug bared his teeth, swinging his deadly oriental weapon in what was supposed to be an impressive attempt to intimidate his victim, but Lee recognized his efforts as mostly an unskillful waste of energy.
Lee's warning met deaf ears as the thug lunged forward while the nunchucks whizzed about in the air picking up momentum for its dangerous attack, the whole display however, came to an abrupt halt when Lee used the pipe to deflect the weapon. The nunchucks wrapped momentarily around the pipe as Lee used the opportunity to issue three jaw busting blows as the thug stepped back with each impact, losing his balance and falling flat on his back. The three thugs suddenly made the wisest decision of their wasteful lives and took off running out of the alley with their tails between their legs, as Chip stepped forward handing Lee his cap and service jacket.
“My hero,” he deadpanned.
“You'll be thanking me on your honeymoon,” Lee returned as they both knew Chip's recovery would have been set back to square one if his spleen had been injured again so soon.
Chip blew a breath and then smiled. “I'm thanking you now, Buddy. Come on Superman, let's get some ice on those knuckles before they swell up.”
* * * * *
Horace and Archie ran back to the station wagon and hopped in, breathing hard and slouching to hide with terror in their eyes.
“Did you see that?” Horace asked, realizing he just came within an inch of the same beating if he had tried to whack Crane over the head.
“Yeah I saw it. All it means is we have to surprise him, maybe do this more scientific like,” Archie replied, not willing to give up just yet.
“It better be a real good plan Arch, cause you ain't gonna get me to try to muscle him.”
“Quiet you idiot,” Archie said with a grin. “I think I've got another plan.”
* * * * *
“Payday,” Lauren sing-songed, winking at Sara as they watched Lee Crane approach the door in uniform, trying to make the bank before closing time.
Mrs. Porter was at the door ready to lock it but opened it for the handsome officer.
“Did I make it?” Lee asked with a smile.
“Just in time Commander,” she said, noting his silver oak leaves and being a former Air Force brat knowing exactly how to interpret his insignias. “We're still helping a few customers,” she added with a sweep of her hand to the teller line.
Lee headed to the line and waited his turn, catching a glimpse of Sally at the end of the teller line and smiling her direction, something Lauren and Sara didn't miss.
“I can help you here Captain Crane,” Lauren offered, pleased that her window opened up first.
“Hi Lauren,” he greeted with a smile as he passed over his check and deposit slip.
“Cash back?”
“Yes, two hundred dollars,” he indicated even though it was clearly written on his deposit slip.
He snuck another look over Sally's way thinking about the other day and wondering if she had any trouble after they parted. He finished the transaction and thanked Lauren politely then stepped away and waited for Sally's last customer to leave, approaching the window with a smile.
“Well hello Lee.”
“Hi Sally. I was just wondering if you had any trouble after our excitement in the park Saturday?”
Sally nodded in the negative. “No, thankfully everything was just fine,” she replied. “I still don't know what got into Brandi, she's never so much as growled at anyone before.”
“Dogs are good judges of characters. I'm sure someone was up to no good,” he replied. “I was just wondering... do you like Mexican food?”
Sally was somewhat in shock. It wasn't like she was ugly, in an honest evaluation of herself she'd have to classify herself as everyday pretty, not Hollywood beautiful as both Lauren and Sara could easily pass.
“Well yes... I do.”
“Great. I know it's short notice, but are you free for dinner tonight?”
Oh my gosh, the hunkiest guy I've ever met in my entire life just asked me for a date! Don't blow it Sally, she admonished herself.
“Sure, I'd love to have Mexican food with you.”
“Should I pick you up?”
Sally reached for the bank business card and wrote her address and phone number on the back.
“Great. How about seven?”
“I'll be ready.”
“See you then. I guess I better get going before your Branch Manager throws me out,” he said with a grin and left as a very patient Mrs. Porter locked the door behind him. Her pleasant smile reassured him he was a valued customer while stealthily checking out his backside as she was neither blind nor dead for heaven's sake!
Lee headed out the door unaware that inside the bank squeals of delight were being directed Sally's way, as both Lauren and Sara surrounded her with “Atta girls” followed by a million questions about what she was going to wear and just how she'd fix her hair.
* * * * *
Chip put the Camaro in park outside of the Felton home and sighed contently, it was Wednesday evening and he'd been waiting all week for the news he was going to give his fiancé. He rang the doorbell and waited impatiently, trying to wipe the smile off his face before he gave it all away.
“Hi Chip,” Monica greeted but was unprepared to be swept off her feet as he picked her up and swung her around.
“Chip what are you doing? Your injury!”
“Doc says I'm good. I'm off weight restriction and I'm one hundred percent ready to go back to work,” Chip took a long breath, then smiled and continued. “And one hundred percent ready for the honeymoon.”
Monica laughed, raising a finger to Chip's mouth, hushing him with a smile. “Wedding first,” she reminded him as he pulled her closer for a kiss that left her breathless.
“Oh Chip,” she breathed out and leaned in for seconds... only three more days to go!
* * * * *
Lee and Sally laughed, enjoying the casual evening and sitting for hours at their table. It seemed they had a lot in common and he was truly enjoying her down to earth approach to life. He thought she was very pretty and unpretentious, yet witty and intelligent. She didn't spend her time trying to impress him and he found their conversation interesting. She was truly refreshing, something he needed just now. He didn't come with any expectations of a relationship and just wanted to take it one step at a time, indeed he didn't live his life looking for the right woman, figuring that when he found her he would know.
Though he couldn't be more pleased for Chip and Monica, he wasn't ready to settle down in marriage as his career aboard Seaview was very demanding. He didn't think it was fair for a woman to have to play second fiddle to a submarine, and right now that was where his heart was. Still, he longed to enjoy the simple but profound pleasures in life; the company of a beautiful woman, a friend and confidant who knew his heart, a lover to share his passion... Hell, maybe he was looking for a wife.
* * * * *
“You know what this is?” Archie asked, waggling a bottle in front of Horace's face. Horace's blank expression answered the question so Archie continued.
“It's chloroform,” he said unscrewing the lid.
“Hey that smells sweet,” Horace said taking a deep breath in then blinking his eyes.
“You idiot! Don't breathe the stuff, it'll put you to sleep.”
“Oh. So how do we get Crane to breathe it?” Horace asked, remembering what happened to the three thugs in the alley.
“We wait for him to come home tonight then dump the bottle in his air conditioning unit. That way we won't have to nab him until he's out cold.”
“Hey Archie, I like that idea,” Horace said, tilting his head wondering just how Archie got to be so smart.
* * * * *
Lee dropped Sally off at her house and gave her a polite first date kiss on the cheek goodbye. They had a pleasant evening and he even solved his problem of needing a date for Chip's wedding. He still questioned whether taking a date to a wedding was a good idea, but Sally seemed to take it as an adventure. Lee shook his head in retrospection. What kind of guy takes a girl to a wedding where she doesn't know anyone with the expectation that her date will be gone half the time performing Best Man duties anyway? He offered to pick her up for the reception only, but she declined, saying she'd be just fine at the church. He figured he'd sit her on the Groom's side and hook her up with some of the Seaview wives, then he'd make it up to her with dancing and champagne at the reception.
Lee pulled into the garage and closed the door behind him with a push of the button. The automatic garage door openers had been around for a while, but were just now becoming popular with home owners. He paid a pretty penny for his, but definitely found it worth the investment.
He walked in, tossing his keys on the table next to the answering machine and noted nine messages; highly unusual. He pressed the play button getting a short but curt message:
“Commander, this is Johnson. Call me.”
Great, he thought sarcastically and listened to the other messages. Three were from family and friends, the other five were a repeat of the first. Lee sighed. Chip would kill him if he took a mission just two days before the wedding. He only hoped that Admiral Johnson was in a listening mood.
Lee dialed the number by heart, bypassing the switchboard and reaching the Communications Center where he would be connected to Admiral Johnson wherever his current location happened to be at the moment.
“Johnson here. I was about ready to call in the National Guard, Crane. Where have you been?”
“Out to dinner, Sir. I just got back this minute.”
“Commander,” Johnson continued, not wasting time on pleasantries, “We have credible Intel that you are the target for an imminent abduction.”
Lee's eyebrows tightened. “Who Sir?” he asked in frustration, it had only been a month since the last time he was kidnapped for crying out loud!
“The PR,” Johnson answered with little fanfare. “You're in the cross-hairs from the Premier himself. Apparently you were caught on video surveillance, he knows you were in the bunker,” Johnson added as Lee shook his head in frustration.**
“I have security en route. You are to lay low...”
“I'm sorry Sir, but my best friend is getting married in two days. I can't disappear...”
“I don't recall giving you a choice Commander,” Johnson fired back. “This isn't just about you, it's about your high level security ranking with an awful lot of secrets to ferret out and we both know the PR knows how to do it.”
“Have you contacted Admiral Nelson?” Lee asked in total resignation.
“I will do so after you are in protective custody. They should arrive within the next thirty minutes and you will go with them.”
“Aye Sir.”
“The recognition code is 'Thunder and lightning precedes the rain'.”
“Aye Sir.”
“Very well Commander. Johnson out.”
Lee blew out an audible breath and hung up the phone, he had no sooner returned the receiver to the cradle when the sound of broken glass was heard; the dart found its mark as Lee grunted, crumbling helplessly to the floor.
* * * * *
“Quiet... he's waking up,” Archie whispered to Horace.
Lee lay on the deck in the bottom of a cargo hold with his hands cuffed behind his back. He moaned as the drug began wearing off, leaving him no worse for the wear as his foggy mind began to clear. He pushed himself into a sitting position and addressed the two men in the cargo hold with him.
“Who are you and why am I here?” he demanded, his voice still a bit airy.
“Uh... I'm Archie and this here's Horace, and we don't know nothing about this.”
“You're the ones that have been following me for the last two weeks,” he stated leaning his head back until his dizziness cleared.
“You knew about us?”
“Your station wagon is a little hard to miss. I already ran your plates; your mother's car, no criminal records, no outstanding warrants. So why have you been tailing me?”
“Uh... you see... it's like this...” Archie started but Horace jumped in, interrupting the stuttering with a confession of his own.
“We were trying to nab you for ransom when these men in black showed up with machine guns...”
“You were trying to kidnap me... to extort money from whom? Admiral Nelson?” he said answering his own question while trying not to raise his voice and alert his real abductors he was awake. There was a good chance they weren't expecting his wakefulness yet as he seemed to have a knack for beating the drugs ahead of schedule.
“I don't know whether to rescue you two or throw you overboard myself,” he finished in frustration.
“We didn't mean any harm Captain Crane. We weren't even going to ask for much money...”
“This isn't the Apple Dumpling Gang,” Lee scolded. “Kidnapping is a crime, not to mention the worry and pain you would have put my friends and family through.” He stopped and took a breath in, frustrated because he not only had his own escape to deal with, but now the rescue of the two misfits in front of him. Now wasn't the time for emotions so he reeled in his anger and got down to business.
“How long have I been out?”
“About an hour,” Archie answered quickly, hoping to get off the captain's bad side soon.
“And what about the two of you? Why did they bring you?”
“They said something about security...”
Lee rolled his eyes, as it appeared the PR mistook them for his “bodyguards,” no doubt aware that ONI was on to them.
“Well gentlemen, your greed has gotten you into something more dangerous than you could have ever possibly imagined. These guys plays rough, I'll do what I can for you but if you want to get out of this alive you'd better do everything I tell you, exactly how I tell you.”
“Yes Sir, Captain Crane,” they agreed readily, exchanging worried glances and each one wishing they had listened to their mommy after all, as the cargo hold door opened over their heads.
* * * * *
“What!” Harry yelled into the phone. “You're telling me that you dispatched a security team from San Diego when I could have had Institute Security there in ten minutes!”
“It seemed prudent at the time,” Johnson returned evenly. “We had no idea the PR would move so quickly Harriman, we thought we had plenty of time.”
“Oh that's just grand Gerald. Lee Crane is in the hands of a man who knows he was sneaking around his private safe house!”
“I've got my ears to the ground Harriman, I'll be in touch when I have something to report,” Gerald replied cutting the unfruitful conversation short as both Admirals hung up without saying good bye.
Harry slammed the phone down, choosing some choice words for the head of ONI despite their friendship, then got up to get dressed. He headed for the kitchen to make some coffee needing a clear head to think; by the time the coffee finished brewing he had decided to give Gerald a chance to gather more information before ruining the biggest day in Chip's life. It was 0200, officially Friday morning, as he realized he couldn't keep the news from Chip for long. He would have to tell him before the wedding rehearsal, he decided dreading the conversation even now.
Harry stared out the window to the dark ocean in front of him and sighed. Where are you Lee?
* * * * *
Two men in black descended the stairs into the cargo hold training their weapons on their prisoners.
“Commander Crane, your presence is required top-side.”
He was pulled to a standing position while noticing that Horace and Archie weren't invited.
“What about my security?” Lee asked, hoping they weren't planning on getting rid of the superfluous cargo while he was gone.
“They will be unharmed.”
Lee was blindfolded and led upwards to what he now determined was a rather large yacht. By the size of the vessel and the fact that he'd been out for over an hour now, he figured he was already in international waters. Not good. He was escorted into a cabin and was aware of men practically encircling him when he felt both his blindfold and his handcuffs released. When his vision acclimated he saw a semi-circle of dangerous looking bodyguards all training their weapons on him while another man stood at the end of the open circle with his back towards Lee. He turned slowly as Lee's eyes tightened at the sight of the Premier of the People's Republic standing before him.
“Greetings Commander Crane.”
“Premier,” Lee acknowledged. “If I had known I was going to meet a head of state I would have dressed for it,” he noted; there was no love loss here especially after his brainwashing nearly two years ago.
The Premier nodded, ignoring Lee's last statement and walked towards his desk.
“I have something to show you, Commander.”
He pressed a button as the panels behind the desk parted revealing a large monitor. The Premier pressed another button as Lee watched himself on what were apparently hidden surveillance cameras as he infiltrated the Bunker, and subsequently the private Safe House of the Royal Family. To make matters worse, the Premier's wife and son were present at the time of his mission, all of which no one but Gamma knew as his attempt to start a world war had been foiled by Lee's timely report. Lee continued to watch, seeing himself pick up the photograph on the desk, replacing it and then finishing his reconnaissance. The final scenes were parts of the battle with the Ninja as their combat moved in and out of view of the hidden camera.
“You were in my home,” the Premier nearly snarled. “My wife and child were there,” he continued as Lee planned on going silent. The mission was top secret and it wasn't like the Premier would believe he saved the Safe House from a Bunker Buster Bomb that would have wiped out his family in seconds anyway.
The Premier pushed a button as the monitor went black and the panels closed back in place, then turned looking Lee directly in the eyes.
“We too have Intelligence Officers. We are aware of your mission and Dr. Gamma's lies. We are aware that your infiltration and report prevented a war between our countries.” The Premier paused, “You are too good at what you do Commander, but I am indebted to you this ONE time,” he stated sternly then breathed out slowly. “You saved my wife and child that day. I am here to offer your life as my gratitude and a warning to stay out of my country in the future. I assure you I will not be so lenient the next time you find yourself in my country uninvited,” he stated.
Lee didn't quite know what to say, but seeing that his life had just been spared he figured he'd better say something.
“Thank you Your Eminence. I will endeavor to be more careful in the future,” he replied cryptically, not promising anything he couldn't actually keep; something the Premier didn't miss but chose to ignore knowing that Lee was a soldier and couldn't speak for his superiors. Still, the warning had been duly noted and received.
“You are a sailor and well acquainted with the stars, therefore you will be both blindfolded and bound for your return. Do not attempt to ascertain any Intelligence and you will be home by morning,” the Premier warned as Lee nodded.
“Thank you Sir,” Lee replied, truly grateful to be alive and knowing full well that he had been given an uncharacteristic second chance from a man he had previously categorized as ruthless. Lee realized the assessment still stood, but that he had struck at the most tender part of the Premier's heart when he saved his family.
The blindfold was put back in place as Lee felt the cuffs reapplied, followed by the stinging end of a hypodermic needle. His knees buckled as he felt hands reach for him, but before he lost consciousness he heard a woman's voice spoken softly in her native tongue, informing her husband that she and her son were ready to leave. The soft clicks of her heels were the last thing he heard as he dove deep into a drug-induced sleep, unaware that a submarine had surfaced and the Royal Family had deboarded the yacht.
He woke again, this time in his own bed with Jamie shining a light in his eyes and Harry standing behind him.
“He's coming out of it,” Jamie said almost distantly to Lee's ears as he focused until the fogginess of the drug gave way to lucidness. He scanned his bedroom and sighed in relief to be back home.
“What day is it?” he asked airily, having been given a hefty dose of sleep juice.
“Friday, about 1100 hours,” Harry replied.
“I can still make the wedding,” Lee noted with a smile and closed his eyes as the drug reclaimed him for another hour.
* * * * *
Lee spent the rest of the afternoon in debriefings, his blood tests revealed nothing but a heavy sedative and the Premier had made his point to Washington by sending a video of Lee's incursion in the Bunker with the same message he'd given Lee.
“How did you keep Chip out of the loop on this one?” Lee asked, grateful that Harry hadn't disrupted Chip and Monica's excitement with his abduction.
“I would have been forced to tell him if we hadn't heard any news by morning,” Harry admitted. “I'm just glad everything turned out.”
“I'm grateful for the Premier's mercy this time around, but I can't say I feel good about the fact that the PR knows my home address and nabbed me so easily.”
“I agree. I've already talked to Gerald about that and I've got some ideas about beefing up your electronic security,” Harry added with determination.
“Thanks Admiral.”
“Now Lad, we have one more loose end to tie up before we put this aside and celebrate with Chip.”
“Archie and Horace,” Lee stated with a sigh.
The two self-confessed would-be kidnappers had been kept on ice having endured their own debriefings, offering very little useful information but collaborating Captain Crane's account. A plea bargain had been reached which included clemency for the crime of conspiring to kidnap a United States Naval Officer. The clemency wasn't without punishment however, as the two were offered two years probation on condition of their continued silence regarding the international incident and were required to wear tracking devices. In addition, Harry filed a restraining order requiring the men to stay clear of the Nelson Institute.
Lee looked over the Plea Bargain and raised an eyebrow.
“I doubt they would have ever been successful,” he noted.
“They conspired to commit a crime Lee, overlooking it would do them more harm than having them face up to it in this small way.”
As always, Harry was the voice of reason.
“You're right, of course Sir,” Lee conceded as the two men were filed in for the last condition of their Plea Bargain, an apology to Captain Crane.
Horace and Archie stood with their heads lowered and their eyes raised, looking like two guilty puppy dogs who had just chewed the couch cushions into millions of pieces while the owners were away.
“We're awful sorry Captain Crane. Me and Horace we talked it over and we ain't never gonna be against the law again,” Archie promised.
“I hope not, because the next time they'll throw the book at you and I'll personally make sure you can't run and hide,” Lee delivered darkly, making sure to scare the two misfits straight.
Both men gulped and nodded in agreement profusely before they were led away to make the details of their parole official.
The house emptied as Lee sunk into the sofa and rubbed his eyes.
“Are you up for this Lad?” Harry asked as it was almost time for the wedding rehearsal.
“I've got to be Admiral, I can't let Chip down.”
“Very well,” Harry replied. “But you're worn out, I'll drive,” the Admiral ordered, more than suggested.
Lee's countenance lightened as his eyebrows rose in hopefulness.
“The Spyder?”
Harry laughed. “Very well, Lad... the Spyder.”
Lee waggled his eyebrows and rushed upstairs, suddenly finding the energy to shower and change.
* * * * *
Lee made it through the rehearsal and the inevitable dinner afterward and was only too happy to head home to his bed. He had real security surrounding his home at least for a few days, courtesy of ONI and until Harry's extra devices were installed to upgrade his security system. By the looks of it, Harry was going all-out, everything short of infra-red laser detection beams.
He climbed his stairs weary, but content thinking he'd never seen Chip so happy, and that was saying a lot. Chip's command face was legendary, but that was work; he was generally a very fun-loving guy. They often laughed and joked but in all the years he'd known him, he had never seen his best friend as absolutely content as he was now. It was a good feeling to know that Monica was just as crazy about him, he was sure they were a good fit for one another.
He climbed into bed, too tired for anything else and had to laugh thinking how with everything he'd been through this week; an attempted mugging, an attempted kidnapping, and an abduction by a foreign power, he had still managed to go injury free... just like he promised.
Only one more day to go, he thought with a chuckle and drifted off to sleep.
* * * * *
Lee drove up to Sally's house in his Shelby Cobra. His stiff neck dress whites were impressive as Sally watched out the window, blowing a breath out. She only hoped she matched his elegance in what she chose to wear tonight. She knew both the wedding and reception were formal attire and purchased a dress for the occasion, feeling a bit like a school girl going to her first prom. She heard his knock on the door and took a deep breath in, expelling out all her insecurities; she intended to enjoy herself tonight and as far as she was concerned his promised dances were plenty consolation for the unorthodox date.
She opened the door with a smile for the white clad officer standing before her.
“Wow,” he said, smiling and taking in her turquoise dress that hugged her
bodice, bringing out her waistline and curving in all the right places.
He composed himself and tried again. “You look beautiful,” he said with a grin that she returned, pleased that he liked her selection and silently thanking the helpful department store clerk who guided her to a dress that would show off her curves in just the right way.
“You look very handsome yourself,” she offered with her own smile.
He helped her don her wrap as she held the clutch style cocktail purse, locking the door on the way out. Lee stopped upon hearing a dog howl in the backyard and raised an eyebrow.
“She knows we're going out without her,” Sally laughed back.
“Well, we'll just have to bring her home a doggie bag,” Lee quipped, while opening the car door for her.
“I put the top up till we get to the wedding, maybe afterward we'll pull it down for the ride home,” he suggested, always preferring the wind in his face but understanding the trouble his lady friends went through to style their hair.
“I came prepared,” Sally joined in, showing him the 'sensible' scarf tucked neatly into her purse and returning his grin.
* * * * *
“Calm down Chip,” Lee urged with a chuckle.
“Man that's a lot of people out there,” he said peeking through the side door. “What time is it anyway?”
“About five minutes since the last time you asked me what time it was,” Lee returned.
“Do you have the ring?” Chip asked for the seventh time.
“Right here in my pocket,” Lee said patting it to satisfy his nervous friend, barely keeping his chuckles inside. For all the dangerous situations Chip had lived through, all the life and death decisions he made possible as the Exec, all the times he had taken the helm when Lee was out of commission, he'd never seen Chip anything but the cool head and completely in control. It was actually quite humorous to see him fall apart like this.
The music started which was their cue to come out, as Chip took a deep breath in; by the time he exhaled he was cool, calm, collected and ready to get married.
“Come on Buddy, time to tie the knot,” Lee said with a brotherly pat to his back as the two took their positions in front of the church.
Admiral Nelson was conducting a section of the wedding, sharing the duties with Monica's pastor whose credentials made the wedding legal. Harry's dress whites were sharp as the three officers made quite the trio while the bridesmaids were escorted down the aisle. Monica's family had gone all out as all of Chip's sisters were bridesmaids as well. He caught a glimpse of his Mom and Dad sitting on the front row and winked, as his mother dabbed her wet eyes. Then the big moment came when Robert Ryan Felton walked the most beautiful woman he had ever seen in his life down the aisle. Monica's blond hair was coiffed elegantly on her head bearing her neck, while purposeful wistful strands of hair framed her face. Her dress sported a long train that followed five feet behind her as the flower girl spread red rose pedals ahead of her. Chip swallowed hard, feeling like the luckiest guy in the world as Harry started the ceremony by conducting the “giving of the bride”.
Lee watched in awe. This wasn't the first wedding he'd been in, but to watch his brother finally get hitched was a powerful moment for him. He didn't have any plans for marriage in the near future, but someday he hoped to find a gem like Monica.
* * * * *
“You may kiss your Bride,” the reverend declared as Chip wrapped his arms around her and held nothing back; the moment eliciting smiles, giggles and laughter from the guests as they finally parted, smiling at one another.
“Ladies and gentlemen, may I present Mr. and Mrs. Charles Phillip Morton, the Second.”
Even among socialites the applause was thunderous as all 500 guests displayed their delight. The Bride and Groom passed under the drawn cutlasses and it was off to the reception.
* * * * *
Sally cuddled against Lee's chest for the slow dance, content with the night. She enjoyed getting to know some of the crew's wives but she was still among strangers, still... this dance was worth it all.
“Thanks for coming with me,” Lee said softly, moving slowly with the music.
“Thanks for asking,” she replied. “I've enjoyed the evening,” she answered truthfully. “Why did you ask me? I mean, with Lauren and Sara...”
“Why wouldn't I?” he asked with narrowed eyebrows.
“Do you even know how devastatingly handsome you are?” she jested truthfully as Lee laughed in embarrassment.
“You look just beautiful and I'm very proud to have you on my arm tonight,” he said with a smile as Sally sighed in contentment having had her Cinderella dream night. She wasn't looking to snag Lee Crane, she got the feeling he wasn't easily snagged anyway. For now, she'd just enjoy the fun they were having and maybe even get a real kiss on the door step tonight.
* * * * *
Chip, Harry and Lee were standing off to the side as it was almost time for the couple to leave for their honeymoon.
“Thanks Admiral... not just for today but for everything,” Chip said with a hand extended.
“Chip, I always knew you'd be successful and having you as Seaview's Exec was one of the best decisions I ever made,” Harry replied in what was a sentimental moment not often spoken.
“Thank you Sir.”
Harry patted him on the shoulder and stepped away leaving Lee alone with Chip.
“Okay Buddy, remember the pointers I gave you?” Lee said with a devilish grin.
“I think I can handle my own honeymoon Lee.”
“Get your mind out of the gutter, Mister,” Lee quipped. “I was talking about the directions to the airport,” he said grinning from ear to ear and laughing that he had baited his best friend into that one.
“Thanks Lee, this day wouldn't have been the same without you by my side,” Chip offered throwing all foolishness aside and being unashamedly mushy.
“That's what brothers are for,” Lee returned as the two clasped hands.
“And when I get back I want to hear about what happened to you last night,” Chip said turning serious.
“How'd you find out?”
“I'm the Exec; I'm supposed to know things.”
“I'll tell you about it later. Right now you've got a beautiful bride waiting for you.”
Chip's serious expression morphed to a sunshine smile as he spotted her across the room and clasped Lee's shoulder one last time.
“See you in a couple of weeks, Buddy.”
* * * * *
Just as he promised the top came down on the Cobra as Lee tucked his cover beside him while Sally tied the scarf over her hair. A promised doggy bag for Brandi sat at her feet, as the two bolted out of the Country Club for a ride on the back roads with the top down and the wind blowing in their faces... and from the top of a hill overlooking the city lights of Santa Barbara, Sensible Sally got exactly the kind of kiss she was hoping for.
The End
A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Wedding
Notes and Credits:
* See my story, Shanghaied
**See my story, The Bunker
Chip and Monica's Time-line: Plausible Deniability, And a Child Shall Lead Them, Shanghaied, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Wedding. Note: The Bunker predates their first meeting as there are six months between it and Shanghaied.
Admiral Nelson's sports car - I decided that Harry needed a fast little car for times when he was feeling a bit on the wild side and found this street legal Italian race car. I figured anyone who designed the flying sub to fly at Mach 2 must like speed and the 1966 Spyder Si 5300 had just the right style to match the elegance of our favorite Admiral. ; ) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bizzarrini http://www.conceptcarz.com/view/photo/285111,13865/1968-Bizzarrini-5300-SI-Spyder_photo.aspx
Lee's story line – In my universe, Lee is happily living out his bachelorhood in Seasons 1 & 2 (though secretly scarred from being spurned by Carol Denning in the first season episode Turn Back the Clock), but begins to find himself longing for the woman who will embrace all of who he is; including the fact that he is a submarine captain who will be away at sea and the secret part of his life as an ONI Operative. The reader sees a transformation of his desires in small plot bunnies, beginning in Seasons 3 & 4 as he watches Chip and Monica's love blossom and grow. He dates a lot, enjoys the company of the women he meets and is not looking for a wife per se, figuring that when he meets the right one he'll know. Lee remains unmarried until my 5th Season Series where he meets an intriguing woman who snags his heart for good.
Author's Note: Okay, I admit it. I have a continuity issue calling Monica's father Ryan in one story and Robert in another. So what's a writer to do? Give him both names! So Monica's father became Robert Ryan Felton. I know someone out there noticed! ; )
Casting Note 1: Yes, Horace and Archie's characters are a bit familiar and if I were casting this story for production I would have chosen Tim Conway and Don Knotts to bring them to life, thus the reference to the Apple Dumpling Gang. PS - a family favorite in our house is the Return of the Apple Dumpling Gang. Warning: be sure to watch these with children present so you have an excuse to laugh at the silly slapstick comedy without embarrassment. ; )
Casting Note 2: Our very own Agent Catfish made a cameo in this story as Mrs. Porter, the bank branch manager. Her impressive performance caught the attention of the director who noted her name for future possible roles.
Finally: If you're in the mood for a real holiday tear jerker revisit my story And a Child Shall Lead Them (originally posted 12-17-14). Get out the hankies, grab a cup of hot chocolate and read how a mysterious little girl helps Lee find a missing Harry and Jamie. Best wishes for your holiday season. Lynn
Copyright 2015, All Rights Reserved
Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea and her main characters belong to Irwin Allen