by Tom Heaven
“Don’t be silly. You are just as good looking. Here, you can change in this guest room.”
Bonnie started undressing and continued talking as she walked through the door.
“I haven’t been swimming in the ocean for ages, this will be a treat for me today.”
Annika felt uncomfortable standing in the doorway while Bonnie got naked but didn’t know how to leave without interrupting. She just turned around and faced the hallway.
Bonny said, “Do you and Dan swim in the bay very often?”
“Not that much. It always seems that when we have a day off, the water is too rough. The surfers love it but it’s not ideal for swimming when the waves get high. We are lucky to have a day when the ocean is as calm as it is today.”
Annika thought her bikini was skimpy, but she was awed when Bonnie turned around. Her thong was so small that you wouldn’t know she had anything on but a well filled out bikini top.
Fortunately, the surfers hadn’t bothered to come to the beach today due to the lack of waves, and it was still early. There were only a few pairs of eyes ogling them as they found a place to put down a blanket and soak up some sun before going in the water.
Bonnie produced a bottle of sun screen and said, “Roll over and let me put some of this on your back so you don’t burn that beautiful skin.”
When she finished applying it to Annika’s back, she started on the backs of her legs, moving slowly in gentle circles. She started at the ankles and progressed upwards. Annika began to get a little nervous when the massage went above her knees. She said, “Hey that water’s not going to get any wetter, let’s hit it,” got up, and ran toward the ocean.
Bonnie jumped up and ran after her.
While they were playing in the calm water, Bonnie often, “accidentally” brushed against Annika’s breasts and upper thighs.
After their swim, they laid down, prone, on their towels, facing each other. Annika said, “you know Bonnie, when you first arrived at Central Division, I was afraid that you might make a play for Dan.”
“Don’t get me wrong, Annika, Dan is a good-looking man and a really nice guy, but you never have to worry about that.”
While talking, Bonnie got up on her elbows with her head above Annika’s. She suddenly leaned down and kissed her.
Annika jumped up and said “What the hell B!
“Oh, Jesus Annika, I am so sorry. I thought you knew I was gay. Isn’t that why you invited me to go swimming while Dan and Benji are out.”
“No, it never dawned on me that you might be so inclined. I don’t have a problem with it, just so you know that I am not.”
“Okay, can we just forget the whole thing, and pretend it never happened?”
“I don’t think so. It’ll be a long time before I forget that another woman kissed me! However, I will not let it get back to your team.”
“Don’t worry about it. I should probably ‘come out’ to them anyway, since we’re getting to be a close family at work.”
Annika and Bonnie didn’t say much to each other after that, mostly small talk. Several male observers however, were staring intently at them hoping for an encore performance. When they finally got tired of the stares, the women went inside.
Chapter 68
Dan and Benji spent the day checking out restaurant listings in the San Diego area. Most were too small as they were currently sandwich joints or coffee shops. They were surprised when they found one that looked like a perfect prospect the first day.
It was currently a local fare restaurant that served hamburgers and country style breakfasts. From the outside, it looked like it was big enough and was in an excellent location. After a quick, but thorough, inspection of the interior, Benji told Dan that it looked like it had the makings of a restaurant that could make his dreams come true.
The current owner wanted to retire and move to Florida with his family. Based on his real estate investment experience, Dan offered him a fair price plus a little incentive “bump.” The owner accepted immediately.
Dan asked Benji. “Have you thought about what kind of cuisine you will specialize in yet?”
“Not for sure yet. I am thinking of some sort of European and, or, Mediterranean, but I will have to do some research to see what kind of fare would go over best in this area.”
“Well just let me know what you need as far as a start-up team. If I don’t already have them on my payroll, I will add them.”
“I don’t know how I will ever thank you for doing all this for me Dan.”
‘Don’t worry about it. You saved my life by helping me quit the addicting medications after my injury and have been a tremendous support to me and now to Annika and me. This is only a small pay back for all you have done.”
Annika could see that Dan was very excited when she met him at the door that evening.
“Babe you should see this place we’re going to buy for Benji. It is a 2,180 square foot building, located in a major up-scale shopping center. It can seat 80 customers inside and another 20 in an outdoor patio. It is currently a casual dining, home cooking, place and already has most of the equipment Benji will need.”
“Where is Benji?”
“I called my lawyer and he, Benji and the realtor are meeting to work out the details. I was able to offer the asking price because it was a fair one. Of course, we will have a pre-escrow building inspection to be sure that there are no major flaws, but we’ll do whatever remodeling Benji would like prior to opening.
Since our chef is busy, what do you say we go somewhere cozy for dinner, just the two of us?”
“That sounds like a brilliant idea. I’ll race you to the car!”
***
By the time they reached the restaurant, Dan’s excitement about Benji’s future career as a chef had not waned a bit.
After they had ordered their meals, Dan wanted to drink a toast to the day’s achievement. He was about to order two martinis, but Annika said, “Please just make mine water.
“Are you sure?”
“Yes, I’m just not in the mood for anything strong tonight.”
Dan ordered a martini and a water.
When the drinks arrived, Dan said, “Here is to the success of Benji’s new endeavor.”
They raised their glasses and drank to the toast.
After they put their glasses down, Annika said, “You remember we agreed that I should do something with Bonnie to get to know her better?”
“Yeah, you two were going to go swimming today.”
“That’s right, but I had no idea just how much better I would get to know her.”
“What do you mean?”
“Well, I found out why she hasn’t been pursuing you.”
“Why?”
“Well, the main problem is you aren’t built right.”
“I’m not built… No don’t tell me! She is gay?”
“Yep. I had my suspicions when she was putting sunscreen on me. Then, while we were swimming, my breasts and thighs kept getting in her way. The clincher was when she kissed me while we were laying on the beach after our swim.”
“Wow! What a surprise. Now I know why Jerry said they made good partners, because he never hit on her. I suppose she asked you to keep this quiet.”
“No. As a matter of fact, she said she was going to ‘out’ herself to the team, just to get it out of the way.”
“Wow. That’s brave of her. I guess the guys in the department will be doing a lot of hushed talking on Monday.”
“Yes, and you should correct them for any homophobic comments or behaviors.”
“I would, but believe me, Bonnie can take care of herself. I think the whole situation will resolve itself in a few days. Meanwhile, there is something I want to talk to you about.”
“Great, I have something else I want to tell you too.”
“Well then, you go first.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes, ladies first.”
“Okay, I bought us a present.”
Annika handed a book to Dan.
Dan read the title out loud. “How to parent without Guilt.” His eyes opened with anticipation. “Does this mean…”
“Yes. We had better start learning how to be the best possible parents quickly because the pee test was positive, and I have confirmed it with my doctor. He thinks I am about four weeks pregnant.”
Dan got up from the table and kneeled next to Annika’s chair.
He pulled a small box from his jacket pocket and said, “You have no idea how perfect your timing is. I have been waiting for the right moment to give you this and ask you to marry me.”
Annika’s eyes were brimming over with tears of happiness as she said, “Yes Dan, oh yes!”
The ring was large but elegant.
The couple hugged and kissed, and their happiness was infectious as other couples in the restaurant smiled and applauded, remembering what that experience had been like for them.
At that moment, thoughts of cop killers and assassins couldn’t be further from the minds of Dan and his new fiancé.
Chapter 69
The fields below the aircraft were turning from green to a light shade of brown as The Assassin looked out of the window of the B737. After a one-hour layover in Detroit, he was finally on his way to San Diego to rid himself of that major nuisance, Dan Carter, and his so-called family of cohorts.
“That idiot Carter thinks he can outsmart me. I know exactly how he set me up. He figured out that my informant was feeding me information about his activities and gave him false information to relay to me. I’ll deal with that traitor later, after I finish Carter and that woman.
Right now, I have to figure out a way to deal with the two of them. I want them both to suffer before their useless lives end. Better yet, I need to figure out a way for them to hurt each other before they die. That means my rifle is out. It’ll have to be up close and personal. I need to see the pain in their faces as they cause each other’s agony.”
Chapter 70
The three members of the Carter household had much to celebrate. An engagement, a new restaurant and a new life. They wanted to share the excitement and happiness with their friends. Dan and Annika agreed with Benji’s suggestion that a casual dinner would be the ideal venue to make their announcements.
During the coffee congregation’s meeting on Monday morning at the precinct, Dan extended the invitation to all the uniformed officers, detectives, the chief and their significant others. When he was pushed for the reason for the dinner, he just said it was to reduce the level of stress everyone was experiencing.
Bonnie used the pre-brief gathering to share the news about her sexuality. There wasn’t much surprise among the guys, but Dan thought he saw a look of disappointment on Jerry’s face.
“Oh well, by the time he is over Karen, someone new will come a long.”
As the week progressed, everyone in the department maintained an elevated level of security. Constantly looking over their shoulders and scanning elevated potential sniper positions. By Saturday, everyone was ready for Dan’s stress reduction dinner.
Chapter 71
Eddy was happy to welcome Dan back to the gym. He was also glad to see that Annika and Frank would be joining them for workouts. The gym owner was mentally working out a physical training program for a pregnant lady and an overweight ex-surfer, in his head while giving the newcomers a tour.
Dan could take care of his own workout, but Eddy would have to go easy on Annika while putting a little pressure on Frank. All three participants were committed to their exercise programs and showed up every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday as agreed.
It was no coincidence that on those afternoons there was a dramatic increase of cruiser patrols in the street in front of the gym and the four surrounding blocks. There was also a bodyguard, hired by Dan, scanning all potential sniper positions in the elevated locations in front of the gym.
Chapter 72
On the day of the “Relaxation Dinner,” Dan, Annika and Benji were all excited and in good spirits in spite of the persistent threats from The Assassin and a cop killer.
Although a large crowd was anticipated, Benji insisted on preparing the meal. He thought comfort food would help relax everyone. He made a huge cauldron of chili, using chopped tenderloin steak in place of ground beef. He baked enormous loaves of corn bread, and a large pot of beans. Numerous ears of corn on the cob were also steamed for the meal. All of these items were on a side table where guests could help themselves. He also placed bowls of shredded cheese, chopped onions, bacon bits, sour cream and various kinds of salsa around the dining table within reach of everyone.
All three hosts met the guests as they arrived. Everyone remarked about how wonderful the food smelled as they walked through the door. All the guests were immediately pointed in the direction of the bar where a variety of beers and wines were available.
Most of the attendees brought their spouse or significant other. Frank and Jerry were both stag, but Bonnie brought a very attractive date whom she introduced as Kathy.
The banter of friends greeting one another started out quiet and short, but as the evening progressed, the conversations increased in both volume and length. When laughter finally exceeded the serious tone of the crowd, Dan realized it was time to make the announcements. He stood up and tapped his beer bottle with a spoon.
“May I have everyone’s attention please?”
The various clusters of conversation came to an abrupt halt, some in mid-sentence.
“Welcome all. You can’t imagine how much it warms my heart to look out over this group of friends and family. Especially at a time when our entire department is in jeopardy.
I believe that one of the best ways to alleviate the anxiety such a threat can cause, is to gather with friends, and share in some joyful news. To that end, tonight I have three happy announcements to make.
The first concerns my good friend, Benji. I believe that most of you know Benji and the fact that he essentially saved my life after I was shot by The Assassin. Now that I am no longer confined to a wheel chair, his role as my caretaker is no longer required.
Someone in the crowd yelled, “So, what are we gonna’ do with him? Craig’s List doesn’t include used caretakers and he’s too big to fit in the trash can!”
“Exactly,” replied Dan above the outburst of laughter. “But since we have absorbed him into our family, we have discovered that he has the talents of a professional chef. To put those talents to good use, we have purchased a restaurant where he can showcase his culinary expertise.”
After the congratulatory applause died down, Dan asked Benji if he had thought of a name for his new establishment.
“I have,” Benji said. “In honor of what you and the folks gathered here, do for San Diego every day, the restaurant will be called ‘Le Gendarme’, and I would like to extend an invitation for everyone here tonight to visit when you can, and try a free meal on Dan and I.”
The volume of applause suddenly became much louder.
When it died down enough for him to be heard, Dan said, “But wait… I have another happy announcement. After much deliberation and a great deal of practice, Annika and I have decided to get married.”
This time the applause was accompanied by laughter and yells of “Congratulations.”
Once again, Dan waited for the crowd to become quiet before saying, “But wait…I have another happy announcement. To get a head start on our married life, Annika is pregnant.”
This time there was a pause while everyone absorbed the news. When the congratulations began, the response threatened to break every window in the house. The combination of surprise and happiness was heartwarming for Dan,
Annika, and Benji.
When his announcements were finished, and the room reverted to casual conversations, his guests all found an opportunity to come up to the trio and offer their individual congratulations.
When it was Bonnie’s turn, she introduced her friend as Kathy Jenkins.
Annika asked, “Have you and Bonnie been together long, Kathy?”
“No, we just met, but she has been a tremendous support for me since I have been recently widowed. I have always been bi-sexual so when my husband was killed, Bonnie opened her heart to comfort me and we have been together for the past month.
Dan asked, “Would you be comfortable with telling us how he was killed?”
“No, I appreciate your concern, but I don’t want to bring down the mood your happy news has created. Bonnie can fill you in when you’re all back at work.
The party broke up slowly with one or two couples leaving at a time. Some of the guests didn’t seem to want to leave the warm glow which continued to fill the house from Dan’s announcements. Eventually, however, the final guests did leave Dan, Annika and Benji by themselves.
Dan said, “great party Benji. I think it went a long way toward relieving some of the tension everyone was feeling.”
Annika said, “I agree I don’t think I have ever seen your team so relaxed.”
“Yeah,” Benji added. “It’s a wonder what a little alcohol and camaraderie can do for the nerves.”
After Annika had gone upstairs to change, Dan said, “Benji, there is something I need to ask you. Will you be my best man for our wedding?”
“Hell yes, boss. I thought you’d never ask!”
Dan rolled up his sleeves and said, “Thanks, Ben. Now let’s get this mess cleaned up.
Chapter 73
Annika had an appointment with an OB/GYN doctor the next day. Dan went with her so that he could support her as much as possible during her entire pregnancy.
