Dark as Daylight Ch. 08

"It's been a long time William; what can I do for you?"

"I need a small favor. I held up an FBI agent too long. She's on your flight 704 to Washington's Reagan airport. She is carrying secure information. She has to be on that flight. She will be leaving my house in 5 minutes, and she will be carrying her weapon. Make sure that airplane does not leave until she's on it. She is special agent Laura Burkart. She will be driving directly up to the aircraft."

"Homeland security will not allow that William."

"Do you want to lose another $1 million dollars on it, Jeff?"

"3 threes', against my ACEs and Kings, William? No I think I'll let it pass."

"I thought you might remember that hand."

"Remember it, I wanted to eat those cards."

"The aircraft does not leave without Miss Burkart on it."

"You got it William. Take care of yourself."

"If you need anything Jeff, you know who to call."

William hung up.

"Laura drive straight up to the security gate, show your credentials and they will bring you directly to your aircraft. You don't have to rush; it will be there when you are."

"Can I buy your phone? I won't call anyone; I just want to see who's on it."

"I hope you know a lot of first names."

"Goodbye Mister Zabo, and thank you again for your hospitality. Goodbye William, good luck with your new nose. Goodbye Gwen, when are you due?"

"14 weeks and 3 days, but who's counting?"

"Good luck with your dancing lessons Patrick. Your father is right. A man who can dance will sweep a woman off her feet."

"What happened to you, agent Burkart? Why don't you have a man in your life?"

"I never learned how to dance."

************************

They drove up to the secure entrance of LaGuardia Airport, where New York City police, FBI, and Homeland Security Agents swarmed over their vehicle. As soon as they saw Laura's credentials, a police car moved in front of her vehicle and began driving towards JetBlue flight 704.

Due to a delay in the boarding process, people were still getting on the aircraft so Laura look like any other person getting on. She moved to the left hand seat in the first class section to find no one was sitting in the first class seat next to her.

The stewardess came by and said, "Miss you're going to have to put your luggage under your seat for takeoff."

Laura showed her that it was handcuffed to her wrist.

The stewardess nodded and walked away.

******************

The flight was uneventful, and as they approached the terminal the captain said, "Would everyone please remain seated. Will the FBI agent in the rear of the aircraft please move forward, and meet your party?"

Emergency bells rang in Laura's head immediately. This was against Bureau policy. They were never to announce their presence on any mode of travel, unless there was an emergency. Did her escort have a problem? Why would she do this?

When a tall good-looking man approached the front of the aircraft she knew there was trouble. He had his hand close to his weapon, and his eyes were looking for any sign of movement. She looked at him, as everyone else was, and waited.

When the aircraft came to a complete stop, the man was jerked backwards, and out of position. Laura drew her weapon, and put 2 bullets into his chest.

The screaming that went on was enough to break your eardrums.

Laura darted out of her seat to the downed man. The stewardesses moved away from her.

"Do not open any doors. Call the police, Homeland security, and the FBI, now. Look for an injured woman in coach; she is my partner not him. Move dammit move."

The man was still breathing, but just barely. Laura screamed at him.

"Who put you up to this? Who set this up?"

"The German, he controls it."

"What's the Germans name? Don't die now you bastard; what's the Germans name?

Gasping he replied, "Switzerland, Germeinsfelt..." He coughed, spit up blood, and died.

Laura dropped her head and cursed. Then she did not follow procedure for the first time in her career. She opened her cell phone and called William Zabo.

"Mister Zabo, there was an attempt on my life in the aircraft. I took him down. He gave me this information before he passed away. The German controls it. Switzerland, Germeinsfelt. That's it, that's all he said."

"Are you supposed to be giving me this information agent Burkart?"

"No sir, but I have a feeling you'll be able to do more with it then we will."

"The German controls it, and Switzerland, Germeinsfelt means one of 3 people very wealthy and internationally known people are involved. The Germeinsfelt is a large German bank. I will forward their information to you 'Post Haste." Thank you Laura, I'll be in touch."

*******************

There was a pounding on the aircraft's front door. Laura looked through the view hole, verified it was the police. She told the flight attendant to open it.

She held out her credentials as the mob burst through.

"What the fuck happened Burkart?"

"He tried to take over for my cover. He did 2 things wrong. He announced his presence on board, and he's not a woman. Did anyone find an injured woman in coach?"

A flight attendant yelled, "Yes, she's back here."

"Someone check on her."

Riddell said, "I've got it."

In a low authoritative voice Laura said, "Someone give me a ride back to the office. This is hot stuff. I can't travel with it out in the open."

"We will do the paperwork later Burkart; come with us."

"Thanks John."

******************

34. The Right Way

"See mommy, I tell you."

"What did you tell me Teddy?"

"Newton kissing Elizabeth."

"Where?"

"By elevator, not hiding."

Delicious thought, "My goodness, that is not a peck on the cheek, or brush of their lips together. They are about to eat each other's faces off."

"Teddy go to the playroom now."

"I not want go playroom. I want talk to Newton."

"No, you go to the playroom; I have to talk to Newton and Elizabeth."

"You have all fun."

"When you start kissing like that, I'll talk to you the same way."

"Long time yet."

"Thank God for that."

"Be good mommy."

"That's why I am going to talk to them Teddy. Please go to the playroom now."

"Okay."

Delicious walked over to the 2 lovers and asked, "Would you two mind coming with me please?"

"Mom!"

"Not now Newton."

Delicious took Elizabeth, who was bright red, by the hand and walked them both to the auditorium. Once they were in this semiprivate area, she said, "I couldn't be happier for both of you. However, there is a time and place for public displays of affection, and in front of the elevators is not one of them."

"Mom, I just asked Elizabeth to marry me, and she said yes."

"OH, well in that case I guess I would have kissed her in the middle of the cafeteria, standing on the center table. Congratulations to you both. May I kiss the future bride?"

"Of course Mrs. Thyme."

"There will be none of that Elizabeth. You finally have a mother, and a family that will wrap its arms around you and cherish you forever.

I can't wait for you two to tell Jennifer. She will be happy beyond anything you will ever see in your lifetime.

Then, of course, you have to stand in front of my father, and tell him. If you want to talk about happy, he will probably blow circuits inside Callie."

"Hey mom, what about me? Aren't you going to congratulate me?"

"Why Newton; you were a foregone conclusion. The day you sat down with your father and me, and told us your intentions with Elizabeth; you were dead meat."

"You talked to your parents about me?"

"I had to. If you want to hear stories about a courtship made in hell, you have to hear about theirs."

"Gordon my love, if she hears one of those stories, you will never make it to the altar."

"Kill me now mom, those were some of our most fascinating conversations."

"Your father will discuss your death with you as soon as you see him."

"Will you tell me why Doctor Thyme had you run so often?"

"Newton prepare to die."

"They couldn't have been that bad mom. 'Its' going to take me a long time to get used to saying that word.'

Newton told me you always ran outside, and you were a virgin until you got married."

Delicious stood up and lunged for Newton's throat.

Newton vaulted over two rows of seats, as Delicious prepared to follow him.

She heard this little voice yell, "Good Mommy, be good mommy, or God angry with you."

She turned her head and saw Teddy standing at the corner of the auditorium, with her hands on her hips.

"I sent you to the playroom."

"I go to playroom. I say hello. I come here. I catch you doing bad mommy. I kiss Elizabeth now?"

"What did you do run to the playroom, and run back here?"

"Yes."

"How do you know about Elizabeth and Newton?"

"I here long time."

"You are not to be trusted Teddy."

"I tell you be good mommy. You not be good mommy. You not be trusted."

"Okay, we are even on this one. Go kiss Elizabeth; she is now your sister."

Teddy ran to Elizabeth, jumped into her arms, and gave her a big kiss.

"Can I feel head now?"

"Sure Teddy go ahead."

When she finished Teddy smiled. "Almost all better; one more thing to do. Happen soon. Big Captain have you do it."

"What is it, what do I have to do?"

"One thing before you get married. Make you all better."

Elizabeth smiled, but didn't know what this little cherub knew about her future. It would be a big surprise to both participants in the nuptials.

Delicious got on her communicator and asked, "Doctor Luck state your position?"

"Vertical."

"Very funny mom, but would you tell me where you are vertical?"

"I'm playing the baby's in my room."

"I'm coming over with Teddy, Newton and Elizabeth."

"Are you going to tell me they're engaged?"

"How did you know?"

"He asked her in front of the elevator. What is right above the elevators?"

"Cameras and OH Shoot."

"That good mommy."

"I wish you weren't here Teddy. I would have said what I wanted to say, and prayed later for forgiveness."

"Not good idea get God angry with you. Maybe She give you big pimples all over your face."

"I've never had a pimple in my entire life."

"You have big one now."

Delicious screamed, "Where?"

Teddy said, "Fool you."

Delicious bent down and tickled her precocious daughter.

"Mommy kill you soon."

"Mommy not kill Teddy over pimples."

"Maybe not, but I could make you eat oatmeal all the time."

"Teddy not like oatmeal anymore; like rice and lentils better."

"No more pimples."

"No oatmeal."

"Now where were we mom?"

"Security called Monty to see if it should be put out for public notice. Monty said no. She called me to tell me so I would be prepared. Come on over so I can see the kids."

"If dad wasn't dead I kill him for the way he designed this ship. He did everything perfectly."

"Your father wouldn't do it any other way, and you know it."

Teddy asked, "Mommy can I tell grandpa?"

"No Teddy, this is something very special. Elizabeth and Newton have to tell grandpa by themselves."

"Okay, I tell daddy."

"No Teddy, I'm going to let Newton look in his father's eyes and tell him personally. When your father gets up off the floor you can ask him if he's okay."

"Why daddy get up off the floor?"

"Long story, let's go to grandma now, I'll tell you story later."

"Daddy laugh when he get up?"

"Why don't we wait and see."

*********************

As soon as everyone was in Jennifer's room, and the kissing and hugging was completed, Jennifer picked up her son and placed him in Elizabeth's arms. Elizabeth smiled openly.

"Captain Franklin that is 14 pounds of diapers, feedings, distractions, and love. I tell you that now for one reason. I have no idea if you and my grandson have been intimate, and it is none of my business to know. However, the moment after you say I do, you have to make a choice. You will tell my nephew to start wearing condoms, or you will go on birth control immediately, if not sooner. If you want to start a family immediately, that's your choice. If you want to wait a while to become accustomed to married life, that is something else to think about. It is a discussion you should have with my nephew now, not later."

"Doctor Luck, I think I'm pregnant."

'Thud!' Newton's head hit the floor, followed by the remainder of his body.

Delicious said, "At least his father took it better. Leave him alone Teddy, he'll be fine."

"Water on face?"

"No that would be a waste of good water."

Jennifer asked, "Have you been discussing this?"

"We've been thinking about getting married, and have only been intimate twice. I miss my period 3 days ago, and I'm as regular as clockwork."

"Teddy pull on Newton's ears."

"Okay." She pulled on his ears, until they nearly touched the floor.

Newton yelled, "Stop that hurts."

Delicious yelled, "Get off your ass, and get down to the infirmary for a pregnancy test kit."

He jumped up, grabbed Elizabeth, and kissed her. "Is it true; we are going to have a baby?"

Elizabeth grinned. "It was a lucky shot. Go get me my test kit."

"Lucky my ass, I'm good."

"If you want to get married, you'd better move."

"Very good Elizabeth, keep him on his toes. Never let him believe he's in charge."

"It always looked like Doctor Luck was in charge."

"It didn't just look like Doctor Luck was in charge, he was."

"Mom you're never supposed to admit that in public."

"With the size of your father's weapon, I would admit it anywhere."

"Okay mom, I know I'm going to hate myself for ever for asking this question. Elizabeth you might want to leave the room."

"Why would I want to leave the room?"

"Since mom and dad were married, all mom has been saying was the size of my father's weapon. I have heard that statement over and over again. My husband ran away, and never mentioned it again after he accidentally saw it. I'm about to ask my mother what size my father was. My birthmother gave mention of it in her diary, and now I have to know. So it's up to you, you can stay and hear what my mom has to say, or you can step outside for a moment and wait until I go unconscious."

"Just the thought of a secret that big running around the family would drive me to distraction. I might as well hear it and get it over with."

"Okay mom, the floor is yours; how big was dad?"

"6 and 5/8 inches."

"Mom that's not big."

"Around."

"Around; dad was 6 and 5/8 inches around?"

"Yes, that was his measurement, when he was soft."

"Holy crap."

"Very close to bad word mommy."

"Oh my God, I forgot you were still here Teddy. I want you to go to the playroom and stay there, until I come to get you. Do you understand that little girl?"

"Yes mommy, I go to playroom, wait for you."

"Teddy, you did nothing wrong, and I'm not angry with you. This is something for adults only. I'll be with you soon okay?"

"Okay mommy, see you soon."

"That could've been a disaster."

Jennifer said, "I was looking straight at her, and I never thought about it."

"Okay let's finish this before Newton gets back. 6 and 5/8 inches around by how many inches long mother?"

"16 and 11/16 inches, when he was not erect. How many times did I tell you I could only take half of what he had? There were only 3 men in the entire world that saw your father erect. My Husband, Dycke Schneider, and William Zabo."

After her brain began working properly, and her voice returned, Elizabeth said, "I think it should be a prerequisite for all couples thinking about getting married to have a look at their future husbands' genitals. Faced with something like that on my wedding night, I would've run home to mother."

"I think most girls would agree with you. However, the day I got married Even pulled a fast one on me. During our wedding reception Even used a single edge razor blade to slit my wedding dress down the side seam. I didn't know he set up this ruse to get me alone in the bridal suite, while my dress was being repaired. While it was being done, he was doing me; 'Boy was he doing me'. I was never so thankful ahead Gordon first, and that my new husband knew how to use his tongue and fingers to get me ready for him, and the size of his weapon."

"Newton is very good that way too."

"Ladies are never supposed to tell tales out of school Elizabeth."

"Whoops, sorry about that."

"However, if you have any questions feel free to talk to Delicious or me anytime. At work you call me Captain Luck, in your free time you call me grandma."

The smile on Elizabeth's face would have lit up the entire spacecraft, without any help from the atomic engine."

"Where the hell is my son?"

"If Hannah is on duty, he's getting a lecture. Give her a call, or we will never see him again."

She did it in style. She keyed her transmitter and yelled, "Hannah let my son go."

Hannah replied, "Under age premarital sex is not allowed on board this vessel."

"Elizabeth is not under age. She was tutoring my son to prepare him for the life of a progressive young man, who is going to be an engineer. I know someone who was having extramarital intercourse, with an engineer 6 hours a night every night of the week, and everyone on board this vessel knew it. It got so bad they had to become man and wife. Now let my son go."

"You and I will discuss this when you have your next child Mrs. Thyme."

"We certainly will Doctor Miles, we certainly will."

"It's not official until after the surprise party."

"When is that surprise party again?"

"I'm not supposed to know, but it's Thursday night."

"I'll try to be there, but I may be at Lord and Taylor's shopping."

"If you can find a Lord and Taylor's in this neighborhood, I'll go with you."

"Send my son up hear now please."

"He should be arriving any second."

"Thank you Doctor Miles."

"Thank you Delicious."

***************

Newton burst into the room carrying the test kit.

Delicious asked, "Where did you go to get this kit, Polaris?"

"Very funny mom. I thought Teddy was going to take my ear off. When I asked for this test kit, Hannah nearly pulled them off. I got a lecture worse than I ever got at Sunday school. It was worse than I ever got from grandpa, when I fucked up an experiment."

"Where is Teddy when you need her?"

"You don't need Teddy to tell your son he has a foul mouth. Get your hand off your fiancé's ass Newton, it's not proper conduct."

"I have an answer for that grandma, but I like my head where it is."

"Good boy Newton."

"Elizabeth take the test kit; follow the instructions and bring it out here."

**************

Gray walked into the room calmly.

"I just talked with Monty, and you'll never guess what she told me."

Elizabeth walked out of the bathroom carrying the test strip. She was looking at the test strip, and was about to say something when she picked up her head and saw Gray standing there.

"Oh God."

"From the look on my son's fiancés face, and her little outburst, I think there's something else I just found out. Do you have something to say to us, Liz?"

"The test strip turned blue. The instructions said if it turned blue I'm pregnant. So I guess I'm pregnant."

"Would you like me to kill him for you now, because you didn't discuss having a family so soon?"

"No, we will discuss having a family tonight. If he doesn't want one, you can kill him in the morning."

"I want you, and anything else that comes along with you, Beth. How soon can we get married mom?"