Rating: T (Teen--language and adult situations)

Notes: Gabrielle, Eve and Xena are from “Xena Warrior Princess” which belongs to Studios USA and MCA. All other characters are mine. Please send comments to dante0220@yahoo.com .

Thanks to Prolific Peggy for suggesting this story for the series.


Introduction

Gabrielle, Bard Queen of the Amazons, writes….

It seems that we’ve hooked David and Angela on telling these earlier stories! Certainly they are very rich and informative as we get to witness the forging of their relationship over the first two years after Deirdre’s death.

In the month following the music playing episode, they had their respective challenges. Their superiors felt the need to “donate” them for dates to benefit “charity”. These outings would prove…interesting…for all concerned.

And that’s not counting the Child’s presence.

<sigh> Xena, don’t get any ideas for when Eve has her first such outing….



Chapter 1
[May 9, 1994—Riverside Inn, Plymouth, MA]

Traffic bustled by the lodging just off of the interstate on that midweek day. People rushed home to be with families, their dogs and other tasks. All in all, it seemed a typical rush hour.

About 150 yards off to their right, the Riverside Inn’s conference room contained a large representative group of southeastern Massachusetts’ leading educational bureaucrats. While many things had gone right for them, there was one pressing concern left: charity donations and the public eye. While they had given plenty for the two annual telethons, the Governor had fired back a challenge: come up with at least one more idea for funding purposes.

After the duly appointed toadie had delivered her talk on the subject and left, the administrators sat around, arguing about ideas for over an hour.

Finally, Angie’s boss, Dr. Moten, stuck his hand up. “If all else fails we could make our employees go on dates for charity.”

“Excuse me?” Fred Villers, the superintendent for Seekonk’s schools, shot in. “We’re talking about charity and you’re talking about a dating service?”

“It isn’t a dating service,” Moten disagreed. “We put our employees forward for an evening. People who want to go out with them bid on dates for charity. They’ll actually have fun.”

“And what about those people who don’t want to do it?” Ricardo Alvarez supposed. “Certainly you wouldn’t punish people who decline the opportunity.”

“Look, Alvarez, it’s just a night out not a death march. I know a few people who are perfect from my facility. And yes, Blackwell is one of them,” Moten shot back.

“Angela has a boyfriend. Speaking from personal knowledge, she won’t be comfortable with this whole thing.” Dr. A. glanced over across the room at Danny Tamiani. “And neither will David Dubois for that matter.”

“I agree with Dr. Moten. While I note your objection, Ricardo, they can deal with their issues for a night especially for charity,” Tamiani argued.

“I’m not comfortable with forcing people to do this, Ladies and Gentlemen. If they volunteer, then fine. If not, don’t push them,” Villers countered. “Still it has merit. Let’s all think about three people from each of our facilities who would be good for this project. You can all email me back those names by the end of the week so we can set up the database. Thank you, everyone.”

As they left, Dr. Alvarez shook his head, knowing that Tamiani and Moten were going to disregard the warnings. I hope this doesn’t blow up in their faces! He got in his car and drove back to Scituate as fast as he could.



****


[Scituate—Alvarez Home]

Even as Dr. Alvarez headed back, Dave stretched his right arm, letting all of the kinks ease out of it. With the university in finals mode, this session provided a rare break for him to unwind. He reached for the sky, letting the tendons and sinews relax from the stress. He flexed his fingers, feeling the breeze waft between them. Then he picked up a tennis ball and eyed the garage door.

He went through his pitching motion and delivered a sidearm slider.

The ball bounced off of the door, coming back to him on an angle.

He retrieved it and repeated these steps over and over again…granted with different pitches and at different speeds…but the process allowed him to relax still more.

“Where’s Charles?” a welcome voice inquired in surprise.

He chuckled, feeling the warm feeling rushing up and down his spine. “He’s working tonight.” He turned to find Angie standing there in her Sun Devils’ paraphernalia and waving her mitt at him. “I thought you were too, Princess.”

“I finished my reports. Betsy Edwards owes me a rotation. I figured you wouldn’t mind the company,” she explained as they hugged and kissed.

“Never mind a visit from my angel,” he cracked.

“That was the correct answer, Dave,” she informed him wryly. “Even if you’re dressed like Mild Kitty road kill.”

“So speaks Miss Scummy from Dante’s tenth level,” he countered with a playful grin. “Arm’s okay or are you going to bait me all day?”

“I’m fine. Feel like some long toss? I’d like to play catch if that’s okay?” she requested.

“Go deep,” he agreed. When she had reached the back end of the Alvarezes’ yard, he whipped a looping throw into the air in her direction.

She caught it a step to her right. “A little harder maybe?” She returned the throw with more mustard than his.

He let the sailing horsehide pop against the leather web on his hand. “Not bad. Harder, huh?” He threw a pea at her chest. “Take that!”

She caught it between the 1 and 0 on her football jersey. “The paw does have some gas in it.”

“And you didn’t drop it this time. I’m impressed,” he jabbed back.

“I heard that!”

“Eh?” he asked humorously.

“Argh!” she groused even if she knew he was teasing her. “Take that!” She threw it albeit too hard.

“Shit!” His eyes went wide as saucers. He took off on a dead run down the driveway, across the street and into the neighbors’ driveway across the street. He just managed to get his glove on it before it took out their car’s window. “Whew!” He shook his head while running back across. There he saw Dr. Alvarez shaking his head. “I saved the window, all right? Can’t let Angie be responsible for that.”

“I didn’t break anything, did I?” she worried.

“Fortunately for you, no, you didn’t. Thank Dave for that. Meantime, how about we have a glass of lemonade and talk for a minute?” the superintendent requested. “You haven’t done anything. I just thought you’d like a heads up before your bosses hatch their plans.”

The couple followed him into the house wondering what was going on now.



****

[Picnic Table—Backyard]

Just after the trio got their drinks and wiped off the wooden benches, the sun broke through the overcast. Accordingly they settled down to business.

“What’s going on, Dr. A?” Dave wondered.

“What did we do to get our bosses mad at us?” Angie supposed.

“You didn’t do anything,” Dr. Alvarez assured them. “I ran into Moten and Tamiani at the meeting I was just at.”

“This doesn’t have to do with the charity stuff, does it?” Dave queried while shaking his head. “Dean Tamiani’s been pounding us with that, trying to find ideas for our image.” He made air quotes around the last word. “I donated a hundred dollars to the Needy Kids Fund last month. Sorry I couldn’t do more but that’s all I can afford.”

“And I gave fifty this past week at my job,” she pointed out. “They have to know that Dave and I are struggling.”

Dr. Alvarez rubbed the back of his neck.

“Uh oh.” Dave winced. “When you do that, we’re up the creek, the paddle broke and the canoe’s sprung a leak. What are they thinking about?”

“They’re going to want you each to donate a night to charity.” He glanced at them.

“We could volunteer for a telethon. That would work, right?” she suggested.

“I wish you’d been there today, Angie. No, your boss had another idea. Basically, people will bid to go out with you for a night. The school department will want me to throw my hat in the ring too,” Dr. Alvarez informed them.

“They want us to what?” Dave asked in disbelief. “They want me to cheat on my girlfriend? Tamiani knows that Angie and I are dating! What the Hell is his problem?” He felt his scalp starting to go numb.

“Dave, calm down. Now,” Dr. Alvarez instructed gently yet firmly. The last thing that they needed was a Child episode in front of Angie at that point.

“I don’t blame him, sir,” she chimed in. “Dave, don’t take this the wrong way but I feel shy around you. I really don’t feel right about being with someone else. I trust you of course but I don’t like sharing you.”

Wonder what would happen if she knew about Deirdre? Dave hugged her shoulders. “You wouldn’t be sharing me. It would be just a dinner and that’s it.” He looked at the older man expectantly. “Right?”

“Actually….” Dr. Alvarez interjected.

“Actually what?” Dave asked.

“Actually, it’s more of being a companion for the evening,” Dr. Alvarez filled in the gaps. “Dinner’s just the start. Maybe a movie, play or something else.”

“I really don’t like this,” she noted, feeling her butterflies creeping up her spine. “My parents and Brother Tony won’t approve and I’d agree.”

“I don’t think you two are going to get a choice. Your names came up in that room,” Dr. Alvarez advised. “I know how you feel. Mrs. Alvarez isn’t going to be happy either. I love politicians.”

“Too bad they all aren’t cool like you,” Dave pointed out.

“Careful, Dave, sounds like you’re trying to butter me up, Amigo,” the older man jabbed playfully.

“What? You’ve been tolerant of me for over a decade now. Hey, I know what you are by now. Right?” Dave countered.

“Es verdad,” Dr. Alvarez agreed. “Bueno. Now I need some help getting the meat ready for dinner. Who’s game?”

The couple nodded, glad to assist in prepping the upcoming feast. Anything to get their minds off of what would be coming next…..




Chapter 2 [Four Days Later]
[Fall River Hospital]

Angie finished her clinical rotation and headed back to her station. As expected, her parents had really frowned on the whole ‘charity date’ thing emphasizing that she already had a boyfriend and that it wouldn’t be right to cheat on him. How do I tell Dr. Moten that though? She frowned, worrying about her job security at that point.

“Blackwell, need to speak to you,” Moten requested as she passed by his office.

“Yes, sir?” She bit her lip. Here we go! She stumbled nervously into the sanctum.

“Take a seat if you would. I was just thinking about you. Your clinicals are looking really great,” he informed her.

“Thank you, Dr. Moten,” she accepted. “I appreciate that.”

“A young lady of your talent could really benefit the hospital in a number of ways,” he continued. “Given your workload, I wanted to give you a fun assignment. How would you like a night out on the house?”

He is thinking that way. “I’m sure Dave would appreciate a paid dinner….”

“I wasn’t talking about a date with David. He’ll be busy on that night too,” Moten countered. “I’m assigning you to escort one of our donors for the evening.”

She grimaced. “Dr. Moten, I’m not comfortable with that. With all due respect, I have a boyfriend….”

“I’m not asking. I’m telling!”

She quaked, feeling herself crumbling. “But…why does it have to be a date? Can’t we man a phone bank or something?”

“Look, Blackwell, I’m not giving you a choice. Don’t worry; it’s not like it’s going to be an axe murderer or something,” he pointed out, leaving her no room for an argument.

Terrific! She got up hesitantly. “If that’s all, I need to go to my station.”

“Go on,” he dismissed her.

She bowed her head in defeat and resignation. She really hated the idea of escorting someone other than Dave. Besides she had a bad feeling about this whole thing overall…..



****


[SMU Library]

Meantime, the Reference Department cautiously tip-toed around Dave’s office knowing that he was seriously pissed off after Tamiani’s email draft notice about the evening escort date. During the previous three days, he had engaged in uncharacteristic woofing to his co-workers about it, trying to work off the steam.

He tapped his fingers against the desk, feeling really pissed off. He popped a super high dosage of his pills to stop a reaction. Doesn’t anyone care about people’s feelings? Why is it about the goddamn fucking bottom line? ALWAYS THE BOTTOM LINE?

“Uh, Dave?” Polly asked while knocking at the door.

“I’m not mad at you or anybody in the department, Polly. Come in,” he assured her tersely.

“Could’ve fooled me,” she indicated while sitting down in the guest chair. “It’s not going to be that bad.”

He snorted. “How about respecting people’s beliefs? Angie and I don’t feel right about this! Okay?”

“Sometimes we have to compromise….”

“NO WE DON’T!” He slammed his fist down on the desk. “I’m tempted to take this one to HR.”

“You want to get yourself fired for insubordination?”

“Funny, I see it as harassment,” he countered.

“Look, David, it’s not that big of a deal. You just take a lady out for a night. Pretend it’s Caroline or me, okay? Take her for dinner and maybe something afterwards. That’s it,” she assured him.

“I don’t go with people I don’t know. Newsflash, Polly, when that happens, it’s a recipe for a butt whipping where I’m concerned,” he insisted.

“Well you don’t have a choice.”

“Funny, I don’t see you doing it,” he groused.

“Ned and I are married.”

“Angie and I are committed. Now we’re heaping prejudice on top of this too? Tremendous!” he argued. “What is the difference? Why do all of the married people get off?”

While she wanted to tell him off, she could see his point. “You’re right.”

“I am? On what?” he wondered.

“You two shouldn’t be the only ones doing this.” She stuck her head into the hallway. “Hey, everybody! Front and center!”

“What’s going on, Polly?” Amber Ravens, the temp librarian, wondered while craning to see if Mount St. Dubois was going to erupt on her next.

“David’s feeling singled out by Tamiani’s dating thing. He just suggested that the married people should get involved too. Hey, if he and Angie have to deal with it why can’t the rest of us too?” Polly reported. “That’s it, right?”

“That’s about the size of it. But I feel this is a load of garbage.”

“I know how you feel, David,” Amber agreed. “As the only uncommitted person here, Tamiani drafted me too. I’m hoping it’s fun but I’d like to pick out my own date. I can imagine what it’s like for you.”

“I’ll be worrying about Angie the entire evening,” Dave told them.

The other librarians looked at each other and then at Polly. Realizing that it was wrong to single out Dave and Amber, they all voted to participate.

“I’ll let Tamiani know,” Ned concurred while rolling his eyes at his wife. Then he walked down the hall.

Not exactly the outcome I wanted but at least I’m not being singled out. This is *really* going to suck! Dave put his head down and tried to get more work done after that point. It wasn’t easy but he wanted to be productive.

Easier said than done……




Chapter 3 [That night—Angie’s Apartment]

Angie set the phone down with a heavy heart and slumped onto the couch. Her parents and she had just argued for the previous fifteen minutes. Gosh darn it! Can’t they understand that I don’t want to do this? Why does this stuff always happen to me? She hugged her teddy bear forlornly, dreading the next week’s ‘date’. I hope Dave’s more understanding. He probably got out of it. She heard a knock at the door and checked through the peek hole.

As the door opened, Dave smiled at her with a bouquet of daisies. “Hi. Funny thing happened on the way here.” He held up the bouquet. “They were looking for a ride over here. So I stopped and picked them up.”

“Fancy that,” she replied albeit sadly as she accepted them. “I appreciate these, Dave.”

“But?” He asked while stepping into the apartment and closing the door behind them. “Angie, what’s wrong?”

“Dr. Moten gave me the do it or else speech today.” Her eyes watered. “Dave, I’m sorry. I tried….”

He embraced her. “I know the feeling. At least he spoke to you in person. My Dean sent me an email. Love the contact, you know. I gave Polly the what for this afternoon. Then she, that new temp, Amber, and I created a monster.” He sighed. “Then we drafted everyone else in the department to do it too. Put up or shut up time.”

“That must really make you feel lousy. Bad enough to have to do this but to suck everyone else down too?” she supposed. “Oh, Dave. This is so unnecessary.”

“Yeah it is but that’s how the administrative baloney machine works, Princess. It’s all about glitz and the stupid bottom line. Maybe some day we’ll be in a position to change it,” he pointed out. “It’s kind of like Polly told me. Just pretend you’re with someone you like to be with. She told me to pretend it was Caroline. I think it stinks all right but Tamiani’s not going to listen.”

“I feel like I’m cheating….”

He picked her chin up and looked her firmly in the eye. “It’s only cheating if you went behind my back. You’re not. You hate the idea like I do. If anything, you’re doing the opposite.”

“I…am?” she stammered.

“You’re upset because we love each other. We’re loyal—as I said this afternoon, committed—to each other. We get through this stuff and then we go on.” He touched foreheads with her. “Remember that, Angie.”

Seeing the warmth in his eyes, she felt her heart lighten. “What I did I do to deserve you?”

“That question’s mine actually,” he told her. “You’re just you.” He hugged her tightly, feeling her breathing against his chest. “Just love me, okay?”

“Always, my Sweetums,” she agreed readily, feeling secure in his arms.

For a full minute, they stood there.

Then he set the bouquet in her glass vase and filled it with water. “I think it’s a good night for a movie.” He held up her favorite date movie. “In the mood?”

“Don’t change,” she cracked while pulling the comforter off of her bed and bringing it back to the couch. After he put the movie in the VCR, she urged, “Now let’s snuggle.”

“Yes, Dear,” he told her as they drew closer to each other and the movie started.




Chapter 4 [Wednesday—May 15, 1993]
[Angie’s Apartment]

After a busy day, Angie put on her best blouse and skirt. She checked her hair. Just remember what Dave told you. Do your best. End of the night, everything’s back to normal! She remembered Moten leading this tall arrogant man around the hospital that afternoon. Even though she was busy in the Clinic, she felt as if they were watching her in particular almost like she was a piece of meat rather than a doctor.

The clock beeped at her. 7:30.

She paced about the room, waiting for the knock at the door.

The clock beeped again. 7:45.

She shrugged and collapsed onto the sofa.

Finally at 8:05, a knock came from the door.

“Half an hour late and no phone call? Wonderful,” she groused while grabbing her jacket. She opened the door and stared in shock.

The arrogant man from that afternoon eyed her once again. “Hi. You’re Blackwell, right?”

“The name’s Angela but yes, that’s correct,” she indicated. “Weren’t you supposed to be here at 7:30?”

He snorted and arched an eyebrow incredulously. “I had things tying me up. Hey, from what Moten tells me, you’re lucky to have anyone at all.”

She counted to five, keeping her temper in check. “Let’s go, shall we?” She shut the lights off and shut the door behind them.



****


[Scituate—Rialto’s Fine Italian Foods—8:15 PM]

As with Angie, Dave felt out of sorts when his date didn’t show up right on time. After showing up fifteen minutes early, he sat at the bar, nursing a dark ale and watching the Red Sox game on the corner television. Still his mind kept spinning about Angie and hoping she would be okay. I hope she doesn’t end up with a real jerk.

“Hey, Dave!” Rick greeted while sitting down. “Thought you were supposed to be on some sort of charity date or something tonight?”

“So did I,” Dave remarked. “She was supposed to be here at 7:30.” He checked his watch to find that it was 8:40. “Terrific. Maybe I should call Tamiani and find out this woman’s number?” He finished his drink just as the maitre-de hustled over. “Any word?”

“Ah yes, Dr. Dubois. Ms. Smithers wanted to apologize. She can’t make it. Last minute business trip to Rampur. She sends her regrets,” the older man informed him.

“Rampur? Talk about a blow off,” Rick presumed.

“More like a parole.” Dave finished his drink and set it down on the bar. He left the payment and tip next to the empty glass. “I’m blowing this clam bake. Mind if I eat with you?”

“Actually, I’m with someone. Sorry, Dubie,” Rick apologized reluctantly. “Just wanted to check on you. See ya tomorrow, okay?”

“Sure. Thanks!” Dave expressed before heading toward the front door. While he did feel relieved, he also felt rejected too. Wish that wench could’ve called me earlier this afternoon! Ah, Dave, why do you care? You got off. No trouble with Angie. As he passed by the coat check, he saw Amber waiting in one of the seats forlornly. “Amber?”

“Dave, where’s your date?” she wondered while standing up.

“Ms. Smithers had a business engagement in Rampur or something. You?” he told her.

“Mr. Vickers double booked himself tonight so I got the short end of the stick,” she replied. “I guess I go shopping and do a hamburger.”

He sat down next to her and smiled. “Maybe not. Remember what you said about picking who you want to eat with?”

“Sure.”

“Well, it isn’t a date date. Maybe though, it wouldn’t be so bad to do dinner with a colleague as friends?” he supposed. “I hear the fettucini here is to die for.”

“And Tamiani’s footing the bill anyhow,” she agreed with a smile. “I know Angie will be relieved to hear you’re with a friend and no strings attached. Besides, I’ve been dying to get to know you if that’s okay.”

“Fine with me.” He turned to the maitre de. “Any tables left, Pierre?”

“As it turns out, I have the perfect table for a couple of friendly colleagues, sir. Follow me please,” the older man agreed while leading them back into the dining room.

At least for Dave and Amber, the night wouldn’t be so bad.

Still he worried about Angie. And it turned out to be with good reason…..




Chapter 5 [Toni’s, Downtown Fall River—Twenty minutes earlier]

After a rather painful drive over to the restaurant, Angie excused herself and headed for the powder room while Dwight Mathers—her date finally deigned to introduce himself—got them on the waiting list. You’d think an important person would know how to treat a lady! She fumed that they would be waiting for at least another half hour. Bad enough I have to be seen with him but people are looking.

“Dr. Blackwell?” the female maitre-de asked. “Ah, I thought it was you! You are not here with Signor Dubois tonight? Is everything all right?”

“I guess,” she informed the other woman. “Dave and I are okay. My boss has me on this date for charity. I really don’t like this guy either.”

“You mean Signor Mathers. Ah si. He is brusque. Be careful. He is a womanizer—that one,” the maitre de warned.

“Goodness!” Angie fretted while pushing her skirt down. “Thank you for the warning, Ma ‘am. I guess I’d better get out there.” They headed out to find her date waiting by the podium.

“There you are, Blackwell! I thought you ditched me and here the night’s still young,” Mathers supposed sarcastically.

I should ditch you, you rude creep! Angie shrugged. “You paid for a dinner. Let’s at least try to enjoy it, okay?’

“It’ll be the best night of your life,” he informed her. “I was rated the Most Eligible Bachelor in New England last year by the Journal, you know.”

The maitre-de exchanged looks with Angie behind his back. Both women recalled the magical dinner a month earlier with Dave and the Britonnic Quartet in the upstairs private dining room.

As far as the oncologist was concerned, Mathers could take his title and stuff it. There was one Most Eligible Bachelor in New England and she was dating him. Period. Hands down. “Really? Wow. Sounds like a big deal.”

“For a simple farm girl, I’m sure it is,” he retorted.

“Excuse me? And what’s wrong with being a farm girl?” she asked incredulously.

“Perhaps, Signor, you would like to get the drinks at the bar? I will show Dr. Blackwell to the table,” the maitre-de offered.

“A glass of wine would be great. You do white, Blackwell?” he supposed.

“Zinfindel please,” Angie requested. After the rude man had left, she flushed with indignant anger. “Ooh! That man!”

“I am sorry.” The older woman wished she could do something to alleviate the uncomfortable situation. “This way please.” She led Angie to the table—one in the middle of the room where she could keep the couple in clear sight at all times. “Here you are. Try to have a good meal.”

“Your husband’s cooking is divine, Signora. If anything, the company leaves a lot to be desired. Sorry if it seems otherwise,” Angie apologized.

“We know that, Doctor. Gratze,” the maitre-de agreed before heading back toward the podium.

“Ah!” Mathers noted while looking at the table. “I was hoping for something in the corner.”

“I like the center. Sorry,” Angie indicated. “This is where she sat us. It isn’t so bad.”

“Wish they’d turn down the air though,” he groused while shivering into his seat and setting her wine down in front of her. “First in the bathroom and now here.”

For the first time, she had to agree with him. What’s going on?


****


The cold wasn’t due to the air system however. In the room’s secluded corner, two red spots watched everything at the center table. A low snarl escaped an angry ‘mouth’.

It seemed the Child clearly took exception to how Big Brother’s girlfriend was being treated…..



****

[An hour—and two glasses of wine—later]

Mathers took a bite of his veal scaloppini and watched his date carefully. Granted, she was annoying and more feisty than Merton had let on. However, the dinner and wine lightened the mood.

That and the drug he slipped in her drinks.

She giggled in spite of herself. Whatever had happened earlier that night wasn’t important anymore. She felt giddy and clearly enjoyed the feeling. “Whoa!” She nearly dropped a forkful of food on her lap.

“Careful, Blackwell,” he advised, knowing that she was under the influence. Soon he’d add her to his string of conquests…or so he thought.

“Perhaps, Doctor, you’d like a glass of water and a breath of air?” the waiter supposed.

“We’d like some coffee instead,” Mathers insisted.

The waiter nodded and rushed over toward the podium. <”Sorry, Signora,”> he apologized in Italian.

<”No, Salvatore, this has gone long enough,”> she assured him. “Get their coffee. I’ll call Signor Dubois to see her home.” She flipped through her rolodex, feeling glad that she hadn’t yet cleaned it out. From the dinner on the previous month, she still had Dave’s home number which Richard Porjeunts had left in case of emergency.

“Hello?” Caroline answered.

“I need to speak with David Dubois. It is an emergency. I’m calling from Toni’s. Is he there?”

“He’s out right now. I can take a message. What’s going on?” Caroline asked.

“His companion, the doctor, is here with another man. He is getting rude if you get my drift? I worry for her. Can you get him please?”

“I’ll be there in twenty minutes. Can you delay them until I get there?” Caroline replied. Normally, her father would’ve dealt with the matter but he was occupied with his own ‘date’. Still there was no way she’d let anything happen to Angie. If something does happen, the Child will make mincemeat out of that creep! Dave doesn’t need the trouble.

“Of course. Please hurry.” The maitre-de hung up and walked over to the table. “The chef works on the dessert tray as we speak. Perhaps you’d like to try some on the house?”

The offer elicited a curious look from Mathers. “I’d rather get going.”

The older woman sighed. “Ah. He will be so disappointed if you do not try it. It will take but ten minutes. Savor your coffee. I’ll be right back.” She left and rounded the corner.

<”There is no dessert tray!”> Salvatore pointed out.

<”I know that. I am stalling. That poor girl doesn’t need what that creature is planning for her. Go along with it,”> she ordered.

The waiter nodded. <”I will make a fresh pot of coffee then.”>

<”Good. Do that,”> she concurred. <If Signor Mathers thinks he’ll deflower her tonight, he’ll have enough thought coming!>



Chapter 6 [Nineteen minutes later]

Caroline slammed on the brakes as she reached Toni’s. Pushing and exceeding the speed limit all of the way down I-95, she’d made it in record time. After pulling into a parking space, she exhaled in relief. “Okay, I’m here. Hope Angie’s okay!” She rushed into the restaurant and saw the vacant podium.

“Can I help you?” the maitre de asked.

“Yes. I’m Caroline Alvarez. We spoke about a certain doctor?” she introduced herself.

“Si. Thank you for coming. Right this way if you would. I’ve stalled him as long as I can. Signor Mathers is demanding the bill.” The maitre-de led Caroline over toward the table.

As they crossed the room, they heard a scream.

Angie rushed past them in tears, holding her skirt together.

“I knew you were simple, you stupid bitch!” Mathers bellowed drunkenly himself. Then, as if by his own accord, he floated in the air and writhed in horrible pain before hurling across the room and against the far wall.

“My God!” the maitre-de exclaimed as she and the other diners watched these events in horror.

Caroline frowned, knowing what the cause was. God has nothing to do with it. From the way it happened, she knew that the Child’s image self was there. Thus, a quick solution was needed before further mayhem ensued. “Call the police. I’m going to check on Angela.” She checked the ladies’ room, garment area, entry way, bar and finally outside.

She heard the sobbing from the parking lot. Heading out there, she found her friend leaning against the dumpster and crying her eyes out. “Angie?”

“Caroline! What…you doin’ here? Oh who cares?” Angie hugged her friend. “Thank ya. It was horrible! That creep touched me and he was trying to…oh God….” She choked up. “Where’s Dave?”

“He’s still out. I left him a message at home,” she assured her. “Trust me; he’ll be here soon in any event.”

“I hope…so. I need him,” Angie wished.

“I know. Meantime, feel up to talking with the police? The maitre-de is calling them,” Caroline noted.

“I guess. It’s embarrassing but some…one needs to stop that man,” Angie insisted before wobbling on her feet again. “What’d he…do to me?”

“Drugged you more than likely. Come on. I’m here with you,” Caroline explained as they went back inside.


****

[Seventeen minutes after that]

As Caroline had done shortly before, Bessie and Amber’s Nissan steamrolled the blacktop underneath their wheels between Scituate and Fall River, almost running a drag race between the two restaurants.

Dave jumped out of the car in a dead panic, rushing into Toni’s at full speed. For the previous half hour, he sensed the Child’s increased activity and felt the ‘storm surge’. I can’t lose it here in front of Angie and all of these people! She’s got to be all right!

“What’s going on? Dave!” Amber protested.

“No! Trust me!” he surveyed the lobby and found nobody out there. “So where?”

“Signor Dubois! Over here!” the maitre-de called.

<”Signora, where is she?”> he demanded anxiously.

<”She is speaking with the police right now,”> the older woman informed him. <”Your friend, Caroline, is there too.”>

“Gratze!” He walked briskly into the dining room. The crater on the far wall as well as the askew table in the room’s center told him all he needed to know. You had to do it.

[“Hey! He hurt Little Woman! Ah whupped ‘im!”] the Dark One protested.

He shook his head. “Caroline?”

“Pretty fast driving there, Dave,” Caroline admonished although she certainly understood why under the circumstances.

“How’s she doing?” he demanded.

“She’s shaken up and needs an exam but otherwise okay,” Caroline reported before adding in a whisper. “Thanks to the Big Bad Kid.”

[“Tha’s me!”]

He rolled his eyes. “Where’s the creep?”

“He’s at the station waiting for his lawyer,” Caroline continued. Noticing Amber hanging out in the lobby, she queried, “Is that your ‘charity date’?”

He looked in that direction. “Actually that’s one of my co-workers, Amber Ravens. Believe it or not; we both got stood up tonight.”

“Are you serious?” Caroline shook her head. “This has been the night from Hell.” She walked over to the other librarian. “Hi, Amber. I’m Caroline Alvarez.”

“You’re his ex’s older sister, right? Sorry, the others talk around the office,” Amber supposed as they shook hands.

“That’s right. It’s good to meet you though,” Caroline agreed.

“I’ll let you two get caught up,” he noted while seeing Angie get up from her interview with the detective. “Angie?”

Seeing him, Angie’s eyes watered with joy and relief. “Dave!” She ran across the room and nearly tackled him with her embrace.

“It’s okay. I’m here,” he assured her. “Are you all right?”

“I feel so stupid. That creep drugged me. He touched me and….” She cried into his chest.

Rather than say anything else, he held her silently yet reassuringly, letting his presence speak volumes for him.

“Sorry, I ruined…your night,” Angie apologized after about five minutes.

“You didn’t do anything. It’s okay. Besides, I got stood up. So did one of my co-workers. We figured it would be a safe friendly colleagues’ dinner. Hope you don’t mind,” he explained.

“Of course it’s all right,” she sniffled. “Thank you for being so considerate. Is that her?”

He walked her over to where Amber and Caroline talked. “Ladies, excuse us. Amber, this is my girlfriend, Angie Blackwell. Angie, Amber Ravens, the temporary librarian at SMU.”

“Hi. Sorry about the mess,” Angie apologized.

“It’s okay,” Amber indicated as they shook hands. “As long as you’re all right. It’s good to meet you at last.”

“Thank you for the kind words,” Angie expressed. “What a bust this night has been!”

“At least you’re okay, Angie. That’s a relief to me,” he told her.

“I know and I’m glad you’re here with me,” Angie concurred while hugging him again.

In his arms, he felt absolutely safe…and that was a fact.
 

Conclusion [Next Afternoon]
[SMU Library—3:15 PM]

While most people endured and perhaps even enjoyed their respective dates, Dave stuck it out with Angie for the entire night. After letting Caroline guide Amber back to Dartmouth and then relay the news onto her parents, he spent the night with Angie at the police station and her apartment as a comforting presence.

Despite his best efforts to defend himself, Mathers’ record of conquests and the attempted rape insured an indictment and rapid jail sentence. He wouldn’t be gracing any magazine covers for a long, long time.

As he hadn’t had much sleep, Dave yawned his way through the day. Fortunately, he didn’t have anything on the agenda so he tried to keep himself busy. He sipped on his iced tea moodily, feeling relieved that the Child had managed to jump in on the situation. I’m glad Angie’s okay. Hearing a knock at the door, he saw Dean Tamiani standing there. “Sir, what can I do for you?”

“I heard about last night. I can’t believe Amber and you got stood up. Then there’s Angela’s situation. Is she okay?” the Dean wondered.

“Thanks for the concern, Dr. Tamiani. Amber and I did okay. Hope you don’t mind but we had dinner and caught up on some things. As for Angie, she’s shaken up but she’ll make it. I can’t believe her boss would let a creep like that near her,” Dave informed him.

“He is a big donor, David.” The Dean frowned. “Money talks.”

“And what would’ve happened, sir, if Mathers did rape her?” Dave glared at his boss pointedly. “Did you consider that? Angie’s just getting her confidence together. That would’ve completely crushed her leaving me along with her parents to deal with the fallout.” He shuddered, closing his eyes and dealing with the deep spasm. “I’m…just glad it didn’t. Sorry.”

“No need to explain or apologize,” the Dean assured him.

“Can I respectfully make a suggestion? Perhaps if we do this again, you might do background checks on the potential dates before uncorking them on us?” Dave proposed.

“If we do it again, definitely. Again, I am sorry about Angela.” With that, Tamiani left the area.

“That was something. Tamiani never apologizes about anything,” Polly noted. “Amber told me all about your night. David, you have a way with these things, don’t you?”

He shrugged and finished his tea. “I do all right. Angie’s all the lady I’ll ever want. Meantime, the people who deserve the credit are Tonis’ staff members. They called home and delayed things until help could get there.” Even as he said it, he knew the Child had played a big role too. Wonder how much Angie would freak out if HE showed up? What’s going to happen when that eventually comes to pass? Not for the first time, he felt the deep dread.

“Well, I’ll let you work. Want me to cover your desk shift later? That way, you can sneak out and check on Angie,” she offered.

“I appreciate that. Get you back later this week,” he accepted while powering down his computer and zipping his backpack shut. “She needs that TLC like now. Take care.” With that, he headed out of the department.

“Is he okay?” Amber queried anxiously.

Polly shrugged. “Something’s definitely going on inside of him lately. I’d say it was Angie’s close call but it was happening before this. Hopefully the doctor can get it back under control.”

Amber nodded. While she still felt edgy around Dave, she marveled at how he was on the previous night. Their dinner conversation had intrigued her. And his concern for Angie blew her away. Some day, I’ll find a guy like that—without the issues of course! What is the BIG DEAL with them anyhow?


****


[Fall River Hospital—4:00 PM]

Angie slogged through the day, trying to balance police investigations, her colleagues’ surprising concern over the situation and her own work. In between bouts of nausea from the drugs and her nerves, she’d managed to do the latter.

While she’d hoped her boss would show up and say something, he didn’t.

“He can’t be bothered with a peon like me,” she sulked. Hearing a throat being cleared, she stared at Dave standing there with a mini vase full of daisies. “Dave? You didn’t!”

“I never want to hear you call yourself that again,” he lectured albeit gently. “Promise me that.”

She nodded. “I promise, my Sweetums. Shouldn’t you be at work?”

“Co-workers are covering us this afternoon, Princess,” he assured her. “Dr. Tamiani sends his regards as well. He asked how you were doing.”

“Wish Dr. Moten would do that. I embarrassed his golden boy last night,” she lamented.

“He embarrassed himself by attacking you. I’m glad you’re okay,” he declared while squeezing her hands in his own.

“I’m getting there. I appreciate the visit though,” she expressed with a warm smile.

“Like you have to twist my arm,” he cracked as they kissed again. “Meantime, you’re eating with us tonight, Doc.”

“Oh really? I guess that’s as good a cue as any,” she agreed while shutting the computer off and getting up. “Walk me out, sir?”

“Every day if I could, Princess. Every day,” he concurred while taking his hand in her own and leading her toward the door.