riptide_asylum (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
riptide_asylum) wrote2008-12-22 04:38 pm
riptide_asylum) wrote2008-12-22 04:38 pm
Entry tags:
"Mama's Boys - Part II" (Out of the Dark, 1987)
Title: Mama's Boys
Rating: NC17
Summary: A case takes an unexpected turn, and the boys help out an old friend...
Part One
Chapter 6
"Of course I own the Barefoot Contessa." Straightaway was indignant, hands on hips, glaring at the three detectives. "Who the hell says I don't?"
"No-one says you don't," Cody said soothingly. "It was just a - uh - question that came up during an investigation we're conducting."
"I'd prefer it if you didn't conduct investigations into my boat." The look on Straightaway's face was still decidedly frosty. "Or any of my business, come to that."
Nick glanced at his partners then stepped forward, laying a hand on the restaurant owner's arm. "Listen, man," he said quietly. "The investigation has nothing to do with your business, okay? What it is, we think that Mama Jo is in danger. We need to find her. Have you got anything - an address, the name of her aunt?"
Straightaway frowned, but in concentration not anger. "So, Nick. Mama Jo? That's terrible. Let me see, let me see. I had no address, no. Nothing."
"Nothing?" Cody sighed. "Well, thanks anyway." He made to leave, but Murray caught his arm.
"Hold on a minute. Straightaway, the contracts - when you bought the Barefoot Contessa - do you still have them?"
"Of course I do." Straightaway's frown deepened. "Why? You're saying, again, she is not mine?"
"No, not at all." Murray shook his head vehemently. "Who witnessed the contracts? Did Mama Jo's aunt witness them, by any chance?"
Ten minutes later, back on the Riptide, Murray triumphantly pointed at the screen. "Helen Susan Thames. 66 Flyger Lane, Torrance."
"Aunt Nellie," Nick and Cody said in unison, looking at each other then back at Murray.
"What are we waiting for?" Nick slapped his two partners on the back. "Come on, guys. Let's go see the old lady."
They had driven less than a mile when Nick nudged Cody's elbow and indicated the rear vision mirror. "Got company."
Cody nodded, looking at the dark van that had been following them since they left the pier. "I thought he seemed kinda friendly. Want me to lose him?"
"What is it, guys?" Murray sat forward. "What's happening?"
"We need some answers, man." Nick pressed his lips together. "Maybe this is a good way of getting some."
"Black's parking lot?" Cody pursed his lips.
Nick nodded. "Murray, stay down, okay?" He grabbed the two guns out of the glove compartment and checked them quickly.
"Guys?" Murray asked plaintively. "What's going on?"
"That van that's following us, Murray - "
"Don't look back!" Nick interrupted sharply, and Murray swung guiltily to face front.
Cody continued, "We're gonna try to get the driver of the van in the parking lot behind that old strip mall on Plymouth, Boz. When we get there, me and Nick will take out whoever's in the van. You stay down, like Nick said."
"Stay down?" Murray frowned. "Guys, I - "
"We need you in the car, Murray." Nick glanced at him, nodding seriously. "We don't know how many crooks are in that van, you know? If anything goes wrong, you're the backup."
"The backup, huh? Well sure, Nick. I can log in to the Roboz and sound an alarm at Police HQ. In fact, I'll set our location up now, so that I can just..." Murray stopped talking, pulling the orange box he used for communicating with the Roboz out of his pocket. He busied himself with its keypad.
Cody pulled the Jimmy off the main road and onto the cracked tarmac of the deserted lot, stopping in front of a boarded-up store. Nick pointed further down the line of abandoned buildings and raised his eyebrows. Cody nodded. "Stay down, Boz," he muttered, and he and Nick jumped out.
Murray obediently dropped low in the truck. In the rearvision mirror, he watched Nick and Cody hurry along the sidewalk until they came to the last storefront in the row. Cody slipped around the corner, and Nick moved towards the door just as the panel van drove into the lot and headed straight for the building Nick was in front of. The van slid to a halt and the two front doors burst open.
Nick swung around to face the two men who leapt out, brandishing guns. He assessed them in an instant as thugs for hire and stepped back against the wall, raising his hands. "Whoa, guys," he said, making his voice sound scared. "I don't want any trouble. Take anything you want..."
"Smart guy." The bigger of the two men spoke. He waved his gun nonchalantly.
'Loser,' Nick thought, taking in the shaved head, leather jacket and dirty jeans. 'No idea what to do with a damned gun. Taking it off him's gonna be my good deed for the day.'
"Where's the broad?" demanded the second thug, taking a threatening step forward. He ran a hand over his blond buzzcut, and Nick noticed sweat beads on his face.
'He'll crack.' Nick put on his best scared look. "Broad? What broad? A guy told me he had some information about an insurance case I'm working, wanted to meet me here. I don't know anything about any broad. Say... you're not Ted, are you?" He looked from one to the other, trying a tentative smile. 'Cody, that's your cue, man. Come on.'
"Who the fuck is Ted?" The smaller thug's voice was shrill and he looked nervously at his partner.
The punch in the ribs took Nick by surprise, and he staggered against the wall. 'Asshole,' Nick thought, eyeing his assailant. "Please..." he made himself beg. 'Cody, hurry up.'
"You know where the broad is." The big man spoke slowly, nodding. "And you're going to tell us, right? Unless you want to be shot so full of holes you'll leak like a sieve."
The two thugs moved closer to Nick, where he stood against the shop door. Murray grabbed the side of the Jimmy, ready to jump out. He froze as Cody suddenly appeared from behind the building, firing a shot into the air as he ran.
"Drop your guns!" Cody yelled. Nick leapt to the side and punched the smaller of the men, who fell to the ground, while Cody shoved the big thug up against the wall and frisked him. Murray clambered out of the truck and grabbed the coil of rope from the tray. He hurried towards his partners.
"Who's your boss?" Nick leaned down, grabbed the blond thug's lapels and got in his face. "Tell me now if you want to keep breathing!"
"Shut up, Snake," his colleague growled.
Cody slammed him against the wall. "You shut your mouth," he advised roughly.
Nick yanked the blond guy to his feet and pushed him against the wall, next to the man his partner held captive. "And you, start talking," Nick ordered, twisting his prisoner's arm behind his back.
"Don't!" Snake yelled. "I'll tell you everything!"
With a satisfied smile at Cody - Knew he'd crack - Nick stepped back and released the thug's arm. "Well, Snake," he said genially, "you do just that, and don't try anything, and maybe I won't shoot you, all right? Let's start with the name of your boss."
"Unsworth! B-Ben Unsworth!" cried the blond, looking fearfully over his shoulder.
"It is Unsworth," Cody said, frowning. He took the rope from Murray and started securing the bigger guy's arms.
"Maybe," Nick agreed. "What's this Unsworth look like, Snake? And what's he want with the broad you two were so interested in?"
"He's short," Snake babbled. "Fifty or something? Black hair but he's going bald. Kinda fat. And he told us you'd be going to visit some old broad. He wanted the address."
Cody looked from Nick to Murray. "Seems like Unsworth's our client's twin brother," he said slowly.
Nick nodded. "Something sure stinks here," he agreed. "Let's stash these losers and get moving, all right?"
It took only a few minutes to tie the men up and lock them in the rear of the panel van. "I'll send a message to Jo - that is, Lieutenant Parisi," Murray said, " and let her know we've got a delivery packaged up and ready for her." He giggled at his joke. Nick and Cody glanced at each other and grinned.
Nick rubbed his bruised ribs as they headed back to the Jimmy. "You okay?" Cody asked, glancing at him in concern.
"I'm good." Nick nodded. "That big bastard hits damned hard, is all."
"He hit you?" Cody moved closer to him, looking worried. "Are you sure you're okay?"
"Yeah." Nick rested a hand on Cody's arm and smiled at him. "Once we've found Mama Jo, I'll prove it to you, okay?"
"Okay." Cody grinned back, relieved. "I'll take you up on that, pal."
"Counting on it."
Chapter 7
66 Flyger Lane was one of a row, the impersonal beige block walls giving nothing away about the people inside. Cody parked the Jimmy at the curb, and the three detectives walked up the narrow concrete path to the front door. Nick rapped lightly on the doorframe.
They heard movement inside, and then the door opened to reveal a short elderly lady, her face framed by bouncy white curls. "Why, Nick!" she exclaimed.
"Hi, Aunt Nellie." Nick blushed a little and glanced over his shoulder at his partners. "You remember Cody? And Murray?"
"Well, of course I do. It's so nice of you boys to come and visit a little old lady. Come on inside!" Aunt Nellie beamed at them and stepped back, holding the door open.
Nick looked back at his partners again and nodded slightly at Cody's shrug and raised eyebrow. "Thanks, Aunt Nellie," he said, and led the way into the house.
The three men were brought up short in the narrow hallway by a familiar, commanding voice. "You boys are really something, aren't you? A woman lets you take her out for dinner once and you turn up on her doorstep expecting the next date."
"Mama Jo!" Cody pushed forward to stand next to Nick, looking at the small but formidable figure of the feisty charter boat captain. "We think there's trouble, ma'am!"
"Trouble for who?" Mama Jo ignored Cody's outstretched hand, crossing her arms across her chest. She turned her gaze to Nick. "It's been a while, boys. You're looking older."
"Hi, Mama Jo!" Murray said, looking over Cody's shoulder.
"And the Boz." Mama Jo chuckled. "Come on through, fellas. You're keeping poor Aunt Nellie standing around in the hallway. I'm surprised at your manners."
"But - " Cody started. He stopped speaking at Nick's headshake, and they followed Mama Jo through a door into a comfortable sitting room.
Murray ushered Aunt Nellie to a chair and sat down where Mama Jo indicated, on the sofa. Cody went to sit beside him and Mama Jo took the other armchair. "What trouble, boys?" she asked, looking at Cody and then Nick, standing by the window. "I guess you didn't track me down because you were after a second date, am I right?"
"Not entirely." Nick gave her his wide smile and got a glare in return. "Seriously, Mama Jo, there's something going down. Do you know a guy called Markham? Rob Markham?"
"Rob Markham?" Mama Jo nodded, her eyes flinty. "My no-good brother. What's he been stirring up?"
"He hired us to finb out about a guy called Unsworth," Cody said slowly. "He said - your ex-husband's brother?"
"Let me tell you one thing about my brother." Mama Jo jumped to her feet. "Anything comes outta that kid's mouth, you can guarantee it's twisted up so bad it's forgotten what the truth ever was. Hear me?"
"Yes, Mama Jo," Cody said and Murray nodded.
"We figured he was lying," Nick said, slapping his fist into his palm. "Thing is, we don't know what he's after. We can't find any trace of this Unsworth guy. Then someone tried to hire us anonymously to find you, and some thugs who said Unsworth was their boss tried beating on us when we wouldn't tell 'em where you were."
Aunt Nellie gasped and raised a hand to her mouth.
"Don't you worry, Aunt Nellie," Mama Jo said firmly. "You know what that lowlife's like. It's time to put a stop to his shenanigans once and for all, and these boys here are gonna make themselves useful." She turned from Nick to Cody and Murray. "Aren't you?"
"Yes, ma'am." All three spoke in unison, and Nick had to restrain the urge to salute.
'She'd make a damned good General,' Nick thought ruefully, three hours later, recalling the council of war around Aunt Nellie's oak coffee table. He pressed his shoulder against Cody's and whispered, "See anything?"
"Nope," Cody muttered. They were beside the hedge flanking one side of Rob Markham's luxurious home, hidden from the driveway by the foliage and the gathering dusk. Lieutenant Parisi and four of her men were inside the house, executing a search warrant, looking for evidence of murder. According to Mama Jo, Rob Markham had killed Ben Unsworth nearly four years ago, and had arranged the murder of her own husband, Eric Unsworth, after he'd been jailed for possession of narcotics.
"Markham should be back by now. Think he got tipped off?"
"How, Nick? No-one but us knows about this."
"Some kind of alarm system in the house, maybe?" Nick groaned. "You know, I bet that's it. Susan could've pretended to go to the bathroom or something and pressed an alarm."
"Hell, no-one thought of that." Cody frowned. "Think we should alert them?"
Nick grabbed his partner's arm. "No, man. I think we'd better warn Mama Jo, you know?"
Cody raced the Jimmy down Aunt Nellie's narrow street. Nick leapt out while the car was still moving, and was banging on the old lady's door as Cody sprinted up the path to his side. No-one answered. Nick glanced upwards and grabbed Cody's arm, and following his partner's gaze, Cody saw the window swinging open on its hinge on the second floor. "Better get in there, Nick," he muttered grimly.
Nick nodded, and charged the door with his shoulder. "Fuck!" The bruising from his earlier run-in with the thug complained at the sudden jolt, but the cracking noise from the door was good news. "Gimme a hand, pal."
Side by side, they slammed the door again and it burst open. Cody stumbled and Nick caught his arm, steadying him. They both froze, listening for a sound of movement in the small house. There was nothing, and Cody indicated the stairs, raising his eyebrows. Nick nodded, and they crept towards the narrow flight.
On the landing they froze again, alerted by a sound above their heads. "Please," they heard. It was Aunt Nellie speaking but the mellow tones from earlier in the day were missing and she sounded frail and weedy. "Robert, please, don't do this!"
"I'll do what I like, old woman." Their client's voice was rough and loud, a long way from the smooth speech they'd heard him use before. "You two bitches have caused me nothing but trouble, and now I've tracked you down again you're going to pay."
Nick grabbed Cody's arm and they hurried silently up the last flight of stairs. He peered around the corner, pressing himself against the wall, one hand on Cody's chest, keeping his partner behind him.
Rob Markham was standing in the middle of the room, glaring down at Aunt Nellie where she sat perched on the edge of a low armchair. She was wringing her hands and looking anxiously at Mama Jo, who was kneeling on the floor, leaning against the side of the bed. Blood ran down her face.
Pausing only to tap Cody's chest twice - stay put, and be ready to bail me out if this turns to shit - Nick launched himself into the room with an angry roar. He heard Aunt Nellie scream shrilly as he slammed bodily into Markham, and they both hit the floor. Nick grabbed for Markham's wrist, desperate to get control of the man's gun before it went off. He choked as Markham kneed him hard in the ribs; Nick pulled back, then threw a short, hard punch to his bicep. Markham cried out sharply, and Nick succeeded in getting hold of his wrist. The gun went spinning across the room.
Nick pushed himself to his knees, forcing Markham's arm high behind his back, ignoring his cry of pain.
Cody was bending over Mama Jo. "I already called an ambulance," he said, glancing at Nick.
"I don't need an ambulance," Mama Jo snapped, her voice a weak shadow of her usual growl.
"Sure you don't," Cody agreed, smiling at her. "But just this once, huh, can we do it my way? To make up for all those dates I missed out on with Tammy?"
Mama Jo managed a chuckle. "Cody Allen, don't you get cute with me," she muttered. "You won't date any girl on my crew while I'm still breathing, that's for sure."
"I can live with that." Cody nodded, and sighed with relief as a siren screeched outside.
Aunt Nellie jumped to her feet. "Oh! Is that the police? Oh, Cody, Nick - boys - it was awful - " She broke off and took a deep breath.
Cody saw her shoulders shaking. "How about you go to the top of the stairs and call out to the police and the medics?" he suggested gently, and the old lady nodded. She hurried to the door, looking relieved at knowing what to do. Cody helped Mama Jo to her feet. "Sit down," he suggested, and though she glared at him, she did sink to the edge of the bed.
Footsteps clattered on the stairs and the small room was suddenly full of paramedics, police and Lieutenant Parisi.
"Nick! Cody!" The blonde Lieutenant stepped around the uniformed officer who was pulling Markham to his feet. "You two are giving me a busy day today, that's for sure!"
"We sure are." Cody gave her his best smile.
Nick rolled his eyes. "Just doing a little street cleaning," he said slowly, and dropped a hand on his partner's shoulder.
"I'll see you at the Police Department shortly for your statements." The lieutenant nodded. "Murray will be meeting us there - he's, uh, setting up a computer search for me." She turned away, following her men and the prisoner down the stairs.
Nick looked after her. "Since when did Murray become Employee of the Month at King Harbor PD?" he asked slowly.
Cody shifted his weight, leaning into Nick. "Who knows? It'll come in handy next time he wants to get into the Police computer, though." He shrugged. "And it sounds like we got a long night ahead of us, buddy."
"Not the kind of long night I like, either." Nick groaned. "Come on, Cody. The sooner we get down there, the sooner it'll be over."
Chapter 8
Cody leaned back on the sofa and swigged his beer. It was lunchtime but they'd only been up an hour or two - there hadn't been much sleep for anyone the previous night. Once the ambulance had taken Mama Jo and Aunt Nellie to hospital, they'd spent what felt like half the night in the squad room, describing everything that happened to Lieutenant Parisi, and then doing it over again for an assortment of other officers.
Nick was sitting next to him, shirtless, and Cody gently touched a purpling patch on his ribs. "You weren't kidding when you said that bastard hit you hard," he said softly.
"I think that was Markham's knee." Nick shrugged a shoulder, but winced as Cody moved his hand.
"Sorry." Cody's fingers moved lightly over the sore place. "Nick, are you sure you're okay?"
"It's not as bad as it looks." Nick sighed and leaned into him.
Cody slid his arms around his partner. "Glad to hear it," he murmured, nuzzling Nick's cheekbone.
Nick turned towards him, putting his arms around Cody in turn. "You know, there's people out there who go years without getting beat up. Or shot at, come to think of it."
"I heard that, too." Cody nodded slowly. He brushed his lips over Nick's cheek. "Wish you were one of them?"
"Nope." Nick grinned. "I got no complaints, Cody." He turned his head and found Cody's mouth.
"I love you, buddy," Cody said softly as their lips parted. He rested his head on Nick's shoulder and stroked his back gently.
"Guys!" Murray bounded into the salon and stopped short. "Oh! Sorry - didn't mean to interrupt - "
"You're not interrupting, Murray," Nick said. Neither he nor Cody moved. "What's up?"
Murray dropped into the rattan chair. "I was just over at the Contessa. Mama Jo's arranged to buy the boat back from Straightaway! Now that Markham's safely behind bars and can't threaten the girls anymore, she can have her business back."
"That's great news." Cody lifted his head off Nick's shoulder, smiling, then sobered. "It's shocking to think that Markham was threatening to hurt the girls if Mama Jo wouldn't go along with his plan to transport cocaine on the Contessa. I bet that's one lead that the Lieutenant's gonna be pleased to have."
"She sure is, Cody." Murray nodded emphatically. "I know Mama Jo thought there wasn't enough evidence to take to the police, that's why she went into hiding - but Joanna had already been collecting evidence about a drug ring. As well as being a murderer and a dealer, it looks like Markham might hold a key piece of information."
"Oh, really?" Nick looked curious. "That's a lot of info for the lieutenant to share with you, Murray?"
"Oh - oh, well, we were talking while I helped her with the computer search. I was able to help her with a record - well, that part isn't important. Anyway, I - ah - I was helping, and we got talking." Murray nodded. "Oh! But I forgot to tell you the rest of the news! Mama Jo's being released from hospital tonight. Nothing serious - just sprains and bruising. Wow, it's going to be so boss having her back on the pier!"
"Sure will be, Boz," Cody agreed.
"I'm going to visit Arnie now, if you're looking for me, guys." Murray jumped up again. "He's gonna be so happy that Mama Jo's coming back. I want to tell him the news myself."
"Good idea, Murray." Already halfway out of the room, Murray sketched a wave without stopping. "He's in a hurry," Nick remarked to Cody.
"He was blushing," Cody mused. "He's got his date with that girl he met at Markham's party - what's her name? Kitty? - tonight, doesn't he?"
"You're right." Nick nodded. "Maybe we'd better go out for pizza," he joked.
Cody chuckled and rested his head back on Nick's shoulder. "Maybe we could ask Tammy and - what was that new girl's name? Angie? - for a last date before Mama Jo gets back."
"Now you're talking." Nick turned his head and found Cody's lips, kissing him slowly, tenderly. "Only thing is, Angie wants to get into my pants, you know? And I'm not that kind of boy."
"You're not?" Cody feigned surprise. "How is it I can get into your pants no trouble at all, then? Hmmm?"
"Is that what you think, man?" Nick smirked at him. "You saying I'm easy or something?"
"What I'm saying is," Cody punctuated his statement with a deep kiss, "that Murray's gone to Arnie's, where he always spends at least three hours. And after that he's going out for dinner. We, buddy, have the boat to ourselves."
"You're right!" Nick sat up straight, grinning. "Fifty bucks says you're easier than me."
"I'll take that bet." Cody grinned back, and got to his feet. "Let's go downstairs so I can get on with winning it."
Chapter 9
Mama Jo sat on the deck of the Contessa, leaning back in her chair, surveying Pier 56. It was good to be home, she reflected, now that that little bastard had got his comeuppance.
Her jaw still felt bruised where Rob had slugged her when she'd tried to get the gun away from him, and she figured her arm wouldn't let her wrestle with the mainsail for a good month. But that was what the crew was for, anyhow. Not just for looking pretty and shaking their pert little asses at anything in pants.
"Amber! Tammy!" she called, and the two blondes turned away from the rail and the tourists who were gazing up at them.
Tammy gave her a quick salute. "Sorry, Mama Jo," she called out, flicking her hair over her shoulder.
'A good girl.' Tammy was one of the oldest girls on the Contessa now, the only one remaining from the crew Mama Jo had left on board. She was a flirt and always had been, but she was a good sailor, a great hostess and a hard worker. 'And she loves the old tub.' Mama Jo nodded to herself. The Contessa was a fine old lady, and if you treated her with respect she'd see to it you had a damned good life. Mama Jo looked up, at the rigging silhouetted against the bright blue of the sky. 'If that's the last thing I see before I die, I'll die happy,' she vowed.
Tammy bounded back on deck, carrying a ledger. "Mama Jo, here's the booking register, just like you asked for!"
"Thank you, child." Mama Jo took it, nodding. Time she got a feel for the mess Straightaway had made of Barefoot Charters while she'd been away. The man ran a decent restaurant, and as men went she'd definitely known worse, but a sailor he wasn't. The Contessa would benefit from having her Captain back on deck.
She watched as Tammy headed back to the rail, looking out for more tourists no doubt. That girl was an incorrigible flirt. Mama Jo chuckled to herself, thinking back four years. Tammy and her crony Bambi had had their eyes on the Riptide. They'd figured Nick and Cody for a couple of tasty treats, theirs for the taking. She shook her head. Watching that play out had given her no end of amusement: Nick and Cody looking available, acting available, and wriggling off the hook at the end of every night. No-one was more in favor of her hands-off policy than those two, she knew that. 'Hands-off everyone except each other.' Mama Jo grinned. She'd seen the lie of the land the first week they'd arrived at slip 7, even though she'd never let on to them that she knew. And she'd made sure to leash any girls straying towards the Riptide, and bring 'em home by sundown. Least she could do to be neighborly.
She turned her gaze to the Riptide and smiled slightly. They were good guys, Nick, Cody and Murray - all of them. 'Guess I owe 'em,' she reflected comfortably. As she watched, Cody came out on deck, Nick close behind him. They saw her watching and saluted with bottles of beer, and she raised a hand in response. 'Good guys.'
Smiling, she turned to the ledger Tammy had brought and flicked through the entries for the coming week. They were booked solid for the coming week, and Mama Jo nodded to herself contentedly and closed her eyes. She couldn't wait to feel the Barefoot Contessa at sea. 'You couldn't take it from me, Robbie,' she thought.
"Mama Jo!" Startled, she opened her eyes and found all three Riptide boys standing on the pier, looking up at her.
"My, my." She grinned at them broadly. "If it ain't the Three Stooges."
They all three of them grinned up at her. Cody had his arm slung over Nick's shoulders, and a hand resting on Murray's back, Mama Jo noticed. That Murray, now - he'd been getting friendly with Amber. She dialled up her glare - a low-level one for a first offence - and said "Murray Bozinsky. Don't you give me a reason to come and talk to you about Amber, now will you?"
"No, Mama Jo!" Murray looked nervously at Nick and Cody, who were snickering. "I - ah - I was just being friendly!" he stammered.
"We'll keep him in line, Mama Jo." Nick grinned.
"I'll just bet you will," she replied, grinning back at him. "Fellas, I'm not good at the soppy stuff, but I want to thank you. That was one stinking mess I got myself in back there, and you did a mighty fine job of hauling my ass out of the shit."
"We were happy to help," Murray said seriously, nodding. "Delighted. In fact - "
"In fact, you're laying on the honey so I let you get a date with Amber," Mama Jo interrupted him. "Well, it ain't happening. That goes for all of you. Hands-off policy applies."
"We wouldn't dream of violating it, Mama Jo," Cody said solemnly, and Mama Jo's eyes twinkled.
'Not unless one of my lasses puts you on the spot.' She smirked. "As guys go," she said slowly, "you three nearly make the grade."
"I'm real glad to hear that, Mama Jo," Nick said, grinning widely. "And you know, I sure hope Aunt Nellie thinks that too. Because we've come over here to ask for that second date you were talking about." He looked from Cody to Murray, and back to Mama Jo. "We sure hope we've earned it."
Mama Jo couldn't help the grin that spread across her face. "Why, Nick, I'd be honored to accept on behalf of myself and Aunt Nellie!"
Murray broke into a happy smile. "Mama Jo, that's great! We're gonna have such a boss and bodacious time - "
"Now hold it right there, Murray," Mama Jo warned, putting on a stern expression. "Boss and bodacious is all very well for you young things. I hope none of you are gonna forget how to treat a lady?"
"You know we'd never do that, Mama Jo!" Cody said, grinning. "How about we just promise to show you a good time?"
"Now you're talking." Mama Jo laughed, looking at the three detectives grinning up at her. "I just hope you boys are gonna be able to keep up!"
Rating: NC17
Summary: A case takes an unexpected turn, and the boys help out an old friend...
Part One
Chapter 6
"Of course I own the Barefoot Contessa." Straightaway was indignant, hands on hips, glaring at the three detectives. "Who the hell says I don't?"
"No-one says you don't," Cody said soothingly. "It was just a - uh - question that came up during an investigation we're conducting."
"I'd prefer it if you didn't conduct investigations into my boat." The look on Straightaway's face was still decidedly frosty. "Or any of my business, come to that."
Nick glanced at his partners then stepped forward, laying a hand on the restaurant owner's arm. "Listen, man," he said quietly. "The investigation has nothing to do with your business, okay? What it is, we think that Mama Jo is in danger. We need to find her. Have you got anything - an address, the name of her aunt?"
Straightaway frowned, but in concentration not anger. "So, Nick. Mama Jo? That's terrible. Let me see, let me see. I had no address, no. Nothing."
"Nothing?" Cody sighed. "Well, thanks anyway." He made to leave, but Murray caught his arm.
"Hold on a minute. Straightaway, the contracts - when you bought the Barefoot Contessa - do you still have them?"
"Of course I do." Straightaway's frown deepened. "Why? You're saying, again, she is not mine?"
"No, not at all." Murray shook his head vehemently. "Who witnessed the contracts? Did Mama Jo's aunt witness them, by any chance?"
Ten minutes later, back on the Riptide, Murray triumphantly pointed at the screen. "Helen Susan Thames. 66 Flyger Lane, Torrance."
"Aunt Nellie," Nick and Cody said in unison, looking at each other then back at Murray.
"What are we waiting for?" Nick slapped his two partners on the back. "Come on, guys. Let's go see the old lady."
They had driven less than a mile when Nick nudged Cody's elbow and indicated the rear vision mirror. "Got company."
Cody nodded, looking at the dark van that had been following them since they left the pier. "I thought he seemed kinda friendly. Want me to lose him?"
"What is it, guys?" Murray sat forward. "What's happening?"
"We need some answers, man." Nick pressed his lips together. "Maybe this is a good way of getting some."
"Black's parking lot?" Cody pursed his lips.
Nick nodded. "Murray, stay down, okay?" He grabbed the two guns out of the glove compartment and checked them quickly.
"Guys?" Murray asked plaintively. "What's going on?"
"That van that's following us, Murray - "
"Don't look back!" Nick interrupted sharply, and Murray swung guiltily to face front.
Cody continued, "We're gonna try to get the driver of the van in the parking lot behind that old strip mall on Plymouth, Boz. When we get there, me and Nick will take out whoever's in the van. You stay down, like Nick said."
"Stay down?" Murray frowned. "Guys, I - "
"We need you in the car, Murray." Nick glanced at him, nodding seriously. "We don't know how many crooks are in that van, you know? If anything goes wrong, you're the backup."
"The backup, huh? Well sure, Nick. I can log in to the Roboz and sound an alarm at Police HQ. In fact, I'll set our location up now, so that I can just..." Murray stopped talking, pulling the orange box he used for communicating with the Roboz out of his pocket. He busied himself with its keypad.
Cody pulled the Jimmy off the main road and onto the cracked tarmac of the deserted lot, stopping in front of a boarded-up store. Nick pointed further down the line of abandoned buildings and raised his eyebrows. Cody nodded. "Stay down, Boz," he muttered, and he and Nick jumped out.
Murray obediently dropped low in the truck. In the rearvision mirror, he watched Nick and Cody hurry along the sidewalk until they came to the last storefront in the row. Cody slipped around the corner, and Nick moved towards the door just as the panel van drove into the lot and headed straight for the building Nick was in front of. The van slid to a halt and the two front doors burst open.
Nick swung around to face the two men who leapt out, brandishing guns. He assessed them in an instant as thugs for hire and stepped back against the wall, raising his hands. "Whoa, guys," he said, making his voice sound scared. "I don't want any trouble. Take anything you want..."
"Smart guy." The bigger of the two men spoke. He waved his gun nonchalantly.
'Loser,' Nick thought, taking in the shaved head, leather jacket and dirty jeans. 'No idea what to do with a damned gun. Taking it off him's gonna be my good deed for the day.'
"Where's the broad?" demanded the second thug, taking a threatening step forward. He ran a hand over his blond buzzcut, and Nick noticed sweat beads on his face.
'He'll crack.' Nick put on his best scared look. "Broad? What broad? A guy told me he had some information about an insurance case I'm working, wanted to meet me here. I don't know anything about any broad. Say... you're not Ted, are you?" He looked from one to the other, trying a tentative smile. 'Cody, that's your cue, man. Come on.'
"Who the fuck is Ted?" The smaller thug's voice was shrill and he looked nervously at his partner.
The punch in the ribs took Nick by surprise, and he staggered against the wall. 'Asshole,' Nick thought, eyeing his assailant. "Please..." he made himself beg. 'Cody, hurry up.'
"You know where the broad is." The big man spoke slowly, nodding. "And you're going to tell us, right? Unless you want to be shot so full of holes you'll leak like a sieve."
The two thugs moved closer to Nick, where he stood against the shop door. Murray grabbed the side of the Jimmy, ready to jump out. He froze as Cody suddenly appeared from behind the building, firing a shot into the air as he ran.
"Drop your guns!" Cody yelled. Nick leapt to the side and punched the smaller of the men, who fell to the ground, while Cody shoved the big thug up against the wall and frisked him. Murray clambered out of the truck and grabbed the coil of rope from the tray. He hurried towards his partners.
"Who's your boss?" Nick leaned down, grabbed the blond thug's lapels and got in his face. "Tell me now if you want to keep breathing!"
"Shut up, Snake," his colleague growled.
Cody slammed him against the wall. "You shut your mouth," he advised roughly.
Nick yanked the blond guy to his feet and pushed him against the wall, next to the man his partner held captive. "And you, start talking," Nick ordered, twisting his prisoner's arm behind his back.
"Don't!" Snake yelled. "I'll tell you everything!"
With a satisfied smile at Cody - Knew he'd crack - Nick stepped back and released the thug's arm. "Well, Snake," he said genially, "you do just that, and don't try anything, and maybe I won't shoot you, all right? Let's start with the name of your boss."
"Unsworth! B-Ben Unsworth!" cried the blond, looking fearfully over his shoulder.
"It is Unsworth," Cody said, frowning. He took the rope from Murray and started securing the bigger guy's arms.
"Maybe," Nick agreed. "What's this Unsworth look like, Snake? And what's he want with the broad you two were so interested in?"
"He's short," Snake babbled. "Fifty or something? Black hair but he's going bald. Kinda fat. And he told us you'd be going to visit some old broad. He wanted the address."
Cody looked from Nick to Murray. "Seems like Unsworth's our client's twin brother," he said slowly.
Nick nodded. "Something sure stinks here," he agreed. "Let's stash these losers and get moving, all right?"
It took only a few minutes to tie the men up and lock them in the rear of the panel van. "I'll send a message to Jo - that is, Lieutenant Parisi," Murray said, " and let her know we've got a delivery packaged up and ready for her." He giggled at his joke. Nick and Cody glanced at each other and grinned.
Nick rubbed his bruised ribs as they headed back to the Jimmy. "You okay?" Cody asked, glancing at him in concern.
"I'm good." Nick nodded. "That big bastard hits damned hard, is all."
"He hit you?" Cody moved closer to him, looking worried. "Are you sure you're okay?"
"Yeah." Nick rested a hand on Cody's arm and smiled at him. "Once we've found Mama Jo, I'll prove it to you, okay?"
"Okay." Cody grinned back, relieved. "I'll take you up on that, pal."
"Counting on it."
Chapter 7
66 Flyger Lane was one of a row, the impersonal beige block walls giving nothing away about the people inside. Cody parked the Jimmy at the curb, and the three detectives walked up the narrow concrete path to the front door. Nick rapped lightly on the doorframe.
They heard movement inside, and then the door opened to reveal a short elderly lady, her face framed by bouncy white curls. "Why, Nick!" she exclaimed.
"Hi, Aunt Nellie." Nick blushed a little and glanced over his shoulder at his partners. "You remember Cody? And Murray?"
"Well, of course I do. It's so nice of you boys to come and visit a little old lady. Come on inside!" Aunt Nellie beamed at them and stepped back, holding the door open.
Nick looked back at his partners again and nodded slightly at Cody's shrug and raised eyebrow. "Thanks, Aunt Nellie," he said, and led the way into the house.
The three men were brought up short in the narrow hallway by a familiar, commanding voice. "You boys are really something, aren't you? A woman lets you take her out for dinner once and you turn up on her doorstep expecting the next date."
"Mama Jo!" Cody pushed forward to stand next to Nick, looking at the small but formidable figure of the feisty charter boat captain. "We think there's trouble, ma'am!"
"Trouble for who?" Mama Jo ignored Cody's outstretched hand, crossing her arms across her chest. She turned her gaze to Nick. "It's been a while, boys. You're looking older."
"Hi, Mama Jo!" Murray said, looking over Cody's shoulder.
"And the Boz." Mama Jo chuckled. "Come on through, fellas. You're keeping poor Aunt Nellie standing around in the hallway. I'm surprised at your manners."
"But - " Cody started. He stopped speaking at Nick's headshake, and they followed Mama Jo through a door into a comfortable sitting room.
Murray ushered Aunt Nellie to a chair and sat down where Mama Jo indicated, on the sofa. Cody went to sit beside him and Mama Jo took the other armchair. "What trouble, boys?" she asked, looking at Cody and then Nick, standing by the window. "I guess you didn't track me down because you were after a second date, am I right?"
"Not entirely." Nick gave her his wide smile and got a glare in return. "Seriously, Mama Jo, there's something going down. Do you know a guy called Markham? Rob Markham?"
"Rob Markham?" Mama Jo nodded, her eyes flinty. "My no-good brother. What's he been stirring up?"
"He hired us to finb out about a guy called Unsworth," Cody said slowly. "He said - your ex-husband's brother?"
"Let me tell you one thing about my brother." Mama Jo jumped to her feet. "Anything comes outta that kid's mouth, you can guarantee it's twisted up so bad it's forgotten what the truth ever was. Hear me?"
"Yes, Mama Jo," Cody said and Murray nodded.
"We figured he was lying," Nick said, slapping his fist into his palm. "Thing is, we don't know what he's after. We can't find any trace of this Unsworth guy. Then someone tried to hire us anonymously to find you, and some thugs who said Unsworth was their boss tried beating on us when we wouldn't tell 'em where you were."
Aunt Nellie gasped and raised a hand to her mouth.
"Don't you worry, Aunt Nellie," Mama Jo said firmly. "You know what that lowlife's like. It's time to put a stop to his shenanigans once and for all, and these boys here are gonna make themselves useful." She turned from Nick to Cody and Murray. "Aren't you?"
"Yes, ma'am." All three spoke in unison, and Nick had to restrain the urge to salute.
'She'd make a damned good General,' Nick thought ruefully, three hours later, recalling the council of war around Aunt Nellie's oak coffee table. He pressed his shoulder against Cody's and whispered, "See anything?"
"Nope," Cody muttered. They were beside the hedge flanking one side of Rob Markham's luxurious home, hidden from the driveway by the foliage and the gathering dusk. Lieutenant Parisi and four of her men were inside the house, executing a search warrant, looking for evidence of murder. According to Mama Jo, Rob Markham had killed Ben Unsworth nearly four years ago, and had arranged the murder of her own husband, Eric Unsworth, after he'd been jailed for possession of narcotics.
"Markham should be back by now. Think he got tipped off?"
"How, Nick? No-one but us knows about this."
"Some kind of alarm system in the house, maybe?" Nick groaned. "You know, I bet that's it. Susan could've pretended to go to the bathroom or something and pressed an alarm."
"Hell, no-one thought of that." Cody frowned. "Think we should alert them?"
Nick grabbed his partner's arm. "No, man. I think we'd better warn Mama Jo, you know?"
Cody raced the Jimmy down Aunt Nellie's narrow street. Nick leapt out while the car was still moving, and was banging on the old lady's door as Cody sprinted up the path to his side. No-one answered. Nick glanced upwards and grabbed Cody's arm, and following his partner's gaze, Cody saw the window swinging open on its hinge on the second floor. "Better get in there, Nick," he muttered grimly.
Nick nodded, and charged the door with his shoulder. "Fuck!" The bruising from his earlier run-in with the thug complained at the sudden jolt, but the cracking noise from the door was good news. "Gimme a hand, pal."
Side by side, they slammed the door again and it burst open. Cody stumbled and Nick caught his arm, steadying him. They both froze, listening for a sound of movement in the small house. There was nothing, and Cody indicated the stairs, raising his eyebrows. Nick nodded, and they crept towards the narrow flight.
On the landing they froze again, alerted by a sound above their heads. "Please," they heard. It was Aunt Nellie speaking but the mellow tones from earlier in the day were missing and she sounded frail and weedy. "Robert, please, don't do this!"
"I'll do what I like, old woman." Their client's voice was rough and loud, a long way from the smooth speech they'd heard him use before. "You two bitches have caused me nothing but trouble, and now I've tracked you down again you're going to pay."
Nick grabbed Cody's arm and they hurried silently up the last flight of stairs. He peered around the corner, pressing himself against the wall, one hand on Cody's chest, keeping his partner behind him.
Rob Markham was standing in the middle of the room, glaring down at Aunt Nellie where she sat perched on the edge of a low armchair. She was wringing her hands and looking anxiously at Mama Jo, who was kneeling on the floor, leaning against the side of the bed. Blood ran down her face.
Pausing only to tap Cody's chest twice - stay put, and be ready to bail me out if this turns to shit - Nick launched himself into the room with an angry roar. He heard Aunt Nellie scream shrilly as he slammed bodily into Markham, and they both hit the floor. Nick grabbed for Markham's wrist, desperate to get control of the man's gun before it went off. He choked as Markham kneed him hard in the ribs; Nick pulled back, then threw a short, hard punch to his bicep. Markham cried out sharply, and Nick succeeded in getting hold of his wrist. The gun went spinning across the room.
Nick pushed himself to his knees, forcing Markham's arm high behind his back, ignoring his cry of pain.
Cody was bending over Mama Jo. "I already called an ambulance," he said, glancing at Nick.
"I don't need an ambulance," Mama Jo snapped, her voice a weak shadow of her usual growl.
"Sure you don't," Cody agreed, smiling at her. "But just this once, huh, can we do it my way? To make up for all those dates I missed out on with Tammy?"
Mama Jo managed a chuckle. "Cody Allen, don't you get cute with me," she muttered. "You won't date any girl on my crew while I'm still breathing, that's for sure."
"I can live with that." Cody nodded, and sighed with relief as a siren screeched outside.
Aunt Nellie jumped to her feet. "Oh! Is that the police? Oh, Cody, Nick - boys - it was awful - " She broke off and took a deep breath.
Cody saw her shoulders shaking. "How about you go to the top of the stairs and call out to the police and the medics?" he suggested gently, and the old lady nodded. She hurried to the door, looking relieved at knowing what to do. Cody helped Mama Jo to her feet. "Sit down," he suggested, and though she glared at him, she did sink to the edge of the bed.
Footsteps clattered on the stairs and the small room was suddenly full of paramedics, police and Lieutenant Parisi.
"Nick! Cody!" The blonde Lieutenant stepped around the uniformed officer who was pulling Markham to his feet. "You two are giving me a busy day today, that's for sure!"
"We sure are." Cody gave her his best smile.
Nick rolled his eyes. "Just doing a little street cleaning," he said slowly, and dropped a hand on his partner's shoulder.
"I'll see you at the Police Department shortly for your statements." The lieutenant nodded. "Murray will be meeting us there - he's, uh, setting up a computer search for me." She turned away, following her men and the prisoner down the stairs.
Nick looked after her. "Since when did Murray become Employee of the Month at King Harbor PD?" he asked slowly.
Cody shifted his weight, leaning into Nick. "Who knows? It'll come in handy next time he wants to get into the Police computer, though." He shrugged. "And it sounds like we got a long night ahead of us, buddy."
"Not the kind of long night I like, either." Nick groaned. "Come on, Cody. The sooner we get down there, the sooner it'll be over."
Chapter 8
Cody leaned back on the sofa and swigged his beer. It was lunchtime but they'd only been up an hour or two - there hadn't been much sleep for anyone the previous night. Once the ambulance had taken Mama Jo and Aunt Nellie to hospital, they'd spent what felt like half the night in the squad room, describing everything that happened to Lieutenant Parisi, and then doing it over again for an assortment of other officers.
Nick was sitting next to him, shirtless, and Cody gently touched a purpling patch on his ribs. "You weren't kidding when you said that bastard hit you hard," he said softly.
"I think that was Markham's knee." Nick shrugged a shoulder, but winced as Cody moved his hand.
"Sorry." Cody's fingers moved lightly over the sore place. "Nick, are you sure you're okay?"
"It's not as bad as it looks." Nick sighed and leaned into him.
Cody slid his arms around his partner. "Glad to hear it," he murmured, nuzzling Nick's cheekbone.
Nick turned towards him, putting his arms around Cody in turn. "You know, there's people out there who go years without getting beat up. Or shot at, come to think of it."
"I heard that, too." Cody nodded slowly. He brushed his lips over Nick's cheek. "Wish you were one of them?"
"Nope." Nick grinned. "I got no complaints, Cody." He turned his head and found Cody's mouth.
"I love you, buddy," Cody said softly as their lips parted. He rested his head on Nick's shoulder and stroked his back gently.
"Guys!" Murray bounded into the salon and stopped short. "Oh! Sorry - didn't mean to interrupt - "
"You're not interrupting, Murray," Nick said. Neither he nor Cody moved. "What's up?"
Murray dropped into the rattan chair. "I was just over at the Contessa. Mama Jo's arranged to buy the boat back from Straightaway! Now that Markham's safely behind bars and can't threaten the girls anymore, she can have her business back."
"That's great news." Cody lifted his head off Nick's shoulder, smiling, then sobered. "It's shocking to think that Markham was threatening to hurt the girls if Mama Jo wouldn't go along with his plan to transport cocaine on the Contessa. I bet that's one lead that the Lieutenant's gonna be pleased to have."
"She sure is, Cody." Murray nodded emphatically. "I know Mama Jo thought there wasn't enough evidence to take to the police, that's why she went into hiding - but Joanna had already been collecting evidence about a drug ring. As well as being a murderer and a dealer, it looks like Markham might hold a key piece of information."
"Oh, really?" Nick looked curious. "That's a lot of info for the lieutenant to share with you, Murray?"
"Oh - oh, well, we were talking while I helped her with the computer search. I was able to help her with a record - well, that part isn't important. Anyway, I - ah - I was helping, and we got talking." Murray nodded. "Oh! But I forgot to tell you the rest of the news! Mama Jo's being released from hospital tonight. Nothing serious - just sprains and bruising. Wow, it's going to be so boss having her back on the pier!"
"Sure will be, Boz," Cody agreed.
"I'm going to visit Arnie now, if you're looking for me, guys." Murray jumped up again. "He's gonna be so happy that Mama Jo's coming back. I want to tell him the news myself."
"Good idea, Murray." Already halfway out of the room, Murray sketched a wave without stopping. "He's in a hurry," Nick remarked to Cody.
"He was blushing," Cody mused. "He's got his date with that girl he met at Markham's party - what's her name? Kitty? - tonight, doesn't he?"
"You're right." Nick nodded. "Maybe we'd better go out for pizza," he joked.
Cody chuckled and rested his head back on Nick's shoulder. "Maybe we could ask Tammy and - what was that new girl's name? Angie? - for a last date before Mama Jo gets back."
"Now you're talking." Nick turned his head and found Cody's lips, kissing him slowly, tenderly. "Only thing is, Angie wants to get into my pants, you know? And I'm not that kind of boy."
"You're not?" Cody feigned surprise. "How is it I can get into your pants no trouble at all, then? Hmmm?"
"Is that what you think, man?" Nick smirked at him. "You saying I'm easy or something?"
"What I'm saying is," Cody punctuated his statement with a deep kiss, "that Murray's gone to Arnie's, where he always spends at least three hours. And after that he's going out for dinner. We, buddy, have the boat to ourselves."
"You're right!" Nick sat up straight, grinning. "Fifty bucks says you're easier than me."
"I'll take that bet." Cody grinned back, and got to his feet. "Let's go downstairs so I can get on with winning it."
Chapter 9
Mama Jo sat on the deck of the Contessa, leaning back in her chair, surveying Pier 56. It was good to be home, she reflected, now that that little bastard had got his comeuppance.
Her jaw still felt bruised where Rob had slugged her when she'd tried to get the gun away from him, and she figured her arm wouldn't let her wrestle with the mainsail for a good month. But that was what the crew was for, anyhow. Not just for looking pretty and shaking their pert little asses at anything in pants.
"Amber! Tammy!" she called, and the two blondes turned away from the rail and the tourists who were gazing up at them.
Tammy gave her a quick salute. "Sorry, Mama Jo," she called out, flicking her hair over her shoulder.
'A good girl.' Tammy was one of the oldest girls on the Contessa now, the only one remaining from the crew Mama Jo had left on board. She was a flirt and always had been, but she was a good sailor, a great hostess and a hard worker. 'And she loves the old tub.' Mama Jo nodded to herself. The Contessa was a fine old lady, and if you treated her with respect she'd see to it you had a damned good life. Mama Jo looked up, at the rigging silhouetted against the bright blue of the sky. 'If that's the last thing I see before I die, I'll die happy,' she vowed.
Tammy bounded back on deck, carrying a ledger. "Mama Jo, here's the booking register, just like you asked for!"
"Thank you, child." Mama Jo took it, nodding. Time she got a feel for the mess Straightaway had made of Barefoot Charters while she'd been away. The man ran a decent restaurant, and as men went she'd definitely known worse, but a sailor he wasn't. The Contessa would benefit from having her Captain back on deck.
She watched as Tammy headed back to the rail, looking out for more tourists no doubt. That girl was an incorrigible flirt. Mama Jo chuckled to herself, thinking back four years. Tammy and her crony Bambi had had their eyes on the Riptide. They'd figured Nick and Cody for a couple of tasty treats, theirs for the taking. She shook her head. Watching that play out had given her no end of amusement: Nick and Cody looking available, acting available, and wriggling off the hook at the end of every night. No-one was more in favor of her hands-off policy than those two, she knew that. 'Hands-off everyone except each other.' Mama Jo grinned. She'd seen the lie of the land the first week they'd arrived at slip 7, even though she'd never let on to them that she knew. And she'd made sure to leash any girls straying towards the Riptide, and bring 'em home by sundown. Least she could do to be neighborly.
She turned her gaze to the Riptide and smiled slightly. They were good guys, Nick, Cody and Murray - all of them. 'Guess I owe 'em,' she reflected comfortably. As she watched, Cody came out on deck, Nick close behind him. They saw her watching and saluted with bottles of beer, and she raised a hand in response. 'Good guys.'
Smiling, she turned to the ledger Tammy had brought and flicked through the entries for the coming week. They were booked solid for the coming week, and Mama Jo nodded to herself contentedly and closed her eyes. She couldn't wait to feel the Barefoot Contessa at sea. 'You couldn't take it from me, Robbie,' she thought.
"Mama Jo!" Startled, she opened her eyes and found all three Riptide boys standing on the pier, looking up at her.
"My, my." She grinned at them broadly. "If it ain't the Three Stooges."
They all three of them grinned up at her. Cody had his arm slung over Nick's shoulders, and a hand resting on Murray's back, Mama Jo noticed. That Murray, now - he'd been getting friendly with Amber. She dialled up her glare - a low-level one for a first offence - and said "Murray Bozinsky. Don't you give me a reason to come and talk to you about Amber, now will you?"
"No, Mama Jo!" Murray looked nervously at Nick and Cody, who were snickering. "I - ah - I was just being friendly!" he stammered.
"We'll keep him in line, Mama Jo." Nick grinned.
"I'll just bet you will," she replied, grinning back at him. "Fellas, I'm not good at the soppy stuff, but I want to thank you. That was one stinking mess I got myself in back there, and you did a mighty fine job of hauling my ass out of the shit."
"We were happy to help," Murray said seriously, nodding. "Delighted. In fact - "
"In fact, you're laying on the honey so I let you get a date with Amber," Mama Jo interrupted him. "Well, it ain't happening. That goes for all of you. Hands-off policy applies."
"We wouldn't dream of violating it, Mama Jo," Cody said solemnly, and Mama Jo's eyes twinkled.
'Not unless one of my lasses puts you on the spot.' She smirked. "As guys go," she said slowly, "you three nearly make the grade."
"I'm real glad to hear that, Mama Jo," Nick said, grinning widely. "And you know, I sure hope Aunt Nellie thinks that too. Because we've come over here to ask for that second date you were talking about." He looked from Cody to Murray, and back to Mama Jo. "We sure hope we've earned it."
Mama Jo couldn't help the grin that spread across her face. "Why, Nick, I'd be honored to accept on behalf of myself and Aunt Nellie!"
Murray broke into a happy smile. "Mama Jo, that's great! We're gonna have such a boss and bodacious time - "
"Now hold it right there, Murray," Mama Jo warned, putting on a stern expression. "Boss and bodacious is all very well for you young things. I hope none of you are gonna forget how to treat a lady?"
"You know we'd never do that, Mama Jo!" Cody said, grinning. "How about we just promise to show you a good time?"
"Now you're talking." Mama Jo laughed, looking at the three detectives grinning up at her. "I just hope you boys are gonna be able to keep up!"