I don't own any of the characters from Early Edition.  This fanfic is not assoicated any way with the show, it's cast, Fox Family, and Tri Star.

Summary:  Crocodile Dundee and his wife come to Chicago to visit some friends, and he ends up having to save Gary from the mob afer Gary saves someone from a hit, and gets kidnapped.

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Crocodile Dundee in Chicago
by Lori Anderson

Chapter 1

NIck Dundee and his wife, Linda, were flying to Chicago from Austrila to visit some friends of her.

"You're going to like my friends Nick.  I've told them all about you and how you saved me from that mobster in New York that one time.  They're really want to meet you," Linda told him smiling.

Nick sighed.  "It'd be easier if they would've came to where we live instead of us going there," he said.

"You just don't care for flying that much is all.  Once you see Chicago, you're going to love it."

"Maybe.  I'll wait and see how I like it when we get there."

He loved his wife very much, but she was right about the flying.  Nick didn't care for it much at all.

Meanwhile, in Chicago, the cat was outside Gary's door as usual with the paper.

Meow.  Thump.

Gary sighed and went to open the door.  "Sorry pal.  Toni's still allergric to you.  You can't come in," he said.

Picking up the paper, Gary shooed the cat away and shut the door before it could come in.

He went to the kitchen where Toni was pourning him a cup of coffee for his breakfast.

"Good morning sweetheart.  Here's your coffee.  You didn't let that cat in, did you?," she said.

Gary shook his head as he sat down in his chair at the table with his coffee and the paper.

"No.  I shooed it away and shut the door before it could sneak in.  Where's the kids?," he repleid.

"Watching television in the living room.  They've already ate."

Gary sipped his coffee and opened the paper to see if there was anyone that needed saving today.

"Here it is.  In the Metro Section as usual."

Toni sighed as she sat down in her chair across from him with her own cup of coffee.

"What's the story this time?"

"It says that Fredrick Smith was gunned down outside the Tropic Club by an unknown gunman at 10 a. m. He was just coming out of the club to go to his car when a sedan suddenly came into the parking lot, a window was rolled down, and four shots were fired from a gunman inside the car.  The police are calling it a professional hit, and have no suspects at this time."  Gary checked his watch.  "I've got three hours to get there to prevent it from happening."

"I don't like it.  Sounds too dangerous."

"I'm not crazy about it either honey, but it has to be done.  I promise I'll be careful."

"Eat your breakfast before it gets cold."

An hour later, Gary was getting ready to leave when his daughter came into the kitchen for some orange juice.

"Where are you going Daddy?," Rose asked him.

Gary knealt down and looked at his daughter.  "Daddy's got something he has to take care of sweetheart.  I'll be back in time to read to you.  You be good for Mommy while I"m gone, okay," he replied.

"Okay Daddy."

"That's a good girl Rose."  Gary kissed her on her check.  He stood up and kissed Toni goodbye.

"You be careful.  I want you back  here in safe and sound."

"I will.  Fix me something special for lunch okay."

Gary turned and walked towards the door.

He opened the door, went outside, and walked  towards the van parked in the driveway.

He got inside, fastened his seat belt, started the engine, and drove towards town.

At ten o clock, he pulled into the Tropic Club's parking lot, shut off the engine, and got out of the van.

Gary saw the sedan coming towards him and ran towards the door of the club.

"Quick!  Get down!  I'll explain later!," he told Mr. Smith as he pushed him down on the floor.

They both covered their heads as the bullets came flying through the glass window from the car outside.

The men inside the sedan cursed as they knew their target had been warned and drove away before the police arrived.

"Thanks mister!  How did you know those men were going to kill me?," Mr. Smith asked as they got up.

"It was just a feeling I had that you were in danger.  Are you alright?," Gary replied.

"You saved my life!  How can I thank you, Mr....."

"Hobson.  Gary Hobson.  Just seeing you alright is thanks enough."

The police arrived five minutes later, and Armstrong was with them.

"Hobson.  I might have known you'd be here," he said looking at Gary.

"Nice to see you too Armstrong," Gary replied.
 

Chapter 2

Here we go again, Gary thought to himself as he sat in the intergation room at the police station. "I already told you why I was there Armstrong.  I was at the right place at the right time," he said. Armstrong knew that Gary would say that and sighed knowing that he'd get nothing more than that. "Hobson, do you realize what you just did, and whom you just saved?," he asked.

"No.  All I know is that Mr. Smith was in trouble  is all."

"He is scheduled to testify against one of the biggest mob bosses in court in five days.  He was part of the gang until he discovered that things were getting too hot for him, and wanted out.  He called one of our agents and made a deal to testify against his former boss in exchange for a lighter sentence himself.  It was arranged, and we put in a safehouse under an assumed name.  Somehow, the mob found out, and send the men in the sedan to make sure our informant didn't testify.  You not only saved his life, but you also put yourself in danger. If these men find out it was you who saved Mr. Smith, they'll be after you."

Gary gulped.  The last thing he wanted was to get involved with the mob again since last time.

"Maybe they won't find out it was me."

"Don't hold your breath thinking that Hobson.  These men have their ways of finding out what they want, and until the trail is over, I'm going to put you in protective custody."

"No.  You tried that before.  I have my wife and kids to think about.  They need me home."

"Do they want you dead?  You might not be killed by these men, but they could do something with you."

Gary had the feeling that he knew what Armstrong was about to tell him.

"You don't mean torture me, do you?  I couldn't tell them anything anyway."

"Hobson, what I'm telling you is that you could be end as their hostage in case they need someone to use against the police if things go wrong."

"I appriecate what you're saying Armstrong, and I promise I'll be careful, but I don't want to be in protective custody.  Am I free to go now."

Armstrong nodded.  "Yeah.  You can go now.  Just remember what I told you."

"I will."  Gary left the police station, and went towards his bar glad that his questioning was over.

Meanwhile, Nick Dundee and his wife had arrived at the Chicago airport, and were waiting to get their luggage from the luggage turnstyle like the other passengers.

"Here comes our luggage now.  I'll get it," Nick said reaching for their suitcases on the belt.

"Here's a news flash:  The witness in the mob chieftan trail was saved from being shot to death by a man who happened to arrive just minutes before the hit men showed up in the club parking lot," the newsperson said.

Linda looked at her husband.  "Nick, I hope that man who saved that witness won't get himself killed," she said.

"I don't think the mob would pull anything like that now that they know what'll happen.  Let's go to our rental car."

They walked towards the rental car lot where their car would be ready for them to use while they were in Chicago.  Nick put the suitcases in the trunk as his wife got in the front seat of the car.

A minute later, he drove away from the airport and headed towards their hotel where they'll be staying.

"Maybe there'll be more about the news story we heard at the airport on the radio," Linda said.

"Turn it on love," Nick told her as he watched the road.

Linda turned on the radio, and sure enough, the news came on with more on the heroic rescue earlier.

"We've just learned that the man who saved the witness is Gary Hobson, the owner of McGinty's bar.  No one knows how he arrived at the right time and why," the newsperson said.

"I think we should pay this bar a visit," Dundee said finding the story interesting.

"Nick, this Gary Hobson may be in danger from the mob if they find it out if it was him."

Dundee knew what his wife had just said, and he remember the time he had to save her from danger.

"Looks like I might have a little fun while I'm here after all."

Back in town, Gary groaned when the newsperson mentioned his name and the bar in his report.

"Great!  That's all I need.  For those creeps to know who I am and where I work at," he said.

"You should've taken Armstrong's offer of being in police custody Gary," Marissa told him.

"I didn't want it Marissa.  As long as they don't know what I look like, I'm alright."

"What do you think Toni will say when she finds out?"

"I can tell you what I'll say," Toni Hobson replied as she came into the bar.

"Toni.  What are you doing here?  Where's the kids?"

"They're with a friend of mine right now.  I dropped them off the minute I heard your name mention on the news, and came here to talk to you.  Gary, we did this before, and we're going to do it again.  You're my husband, and as of now, you're in my protective custody.  You don't leave the house without me, and you don't do anything stupid.  I can still handcuff you to the bed
if I have to."

"That's an interesting picture," Chuck said trying to hide his smile.

"Watch it Fishman.  I don't like anyone trying to hurt my family."

"Chuck, why don't we go in the office for a minute?  I have something to tell you," Marissa said.

She and Chuck went into the office and left Gary and his wife alone to talk.

"Honey, I won't do anything crazy or stupid.  If you want to protect me like you did before, that's alright with me. I'd rather have you to do it anyway.  I'll be home early tonight."

"I'm holding you to that lover.  I'm going to get the twins and go back home.  I'll be expecting you at five."

"I'll be there.  Tell the kids I'll be home in time to play with them."

He kissed her on the check, and walked her to the door.

Toni kissed him good bye, said she'd be waiting for him at five, and then left.
 

Chapter 3

Nick Dundee drove from the airport straight to Mc Ginty's to meet Gary Hobson face to face. "He saved a witness from being killed by the people who had a hit man . That puts him in danger, and I know form exprience , what'll happen to him once the mob gets a hold of him," he told his wife. Linda nodded.  "Nick, what are you going to tell him when you see him where he works?," she asked.

"I don't know just yet.  I'll think of something when we get there."

"I can tell you're worried about what might happen to this Gary Hobson."

"We hardly know the bloke, but I intend to make sure that nothing happens to him."

Linda looked towards to the bar and saw a strange car parked outside the bar.  "Nick, look."

Dundee saw the car and the two men  and frowned.  "Time for a little surprise." he said.

He parked the rental car a little ways behind the other car, got out of his car, and walked over to the window of the sedan.  "If I were you mate, I'd leave and not come back.  It's not nice to stare at someone the way you're staring at the man who owns this place inside," Nick told the men leaning on the window smiling.

"Just who you think you are to be telling us that mister?," the driver asked rather nasty.

Nick narrowed his eyes, and took out his long sharp knife from his pocket that he always carried.

"Who am I?  I'm Nick Dundee, but everyone calls me Crocodile.  See this knife mate?  I'd hate to have use it on your tires, or use it on you.  Now, I'll tell you again, leave and don't come around this way again. "

To prove his point, Dundee flipped the knife up in the air, and caught it in his hands by the handle.

"Next time I throw it, I'll aim it at your tires.  Now, get out of here."

The men quickly drove away not wanting their tires slashed or facing Crocodile's anger.

Nick put his knife back in it's shealth as his wife came walking towards him from their car.

"I never saw a car pull away so fast like that one did before.  Nice going honey!," she told him.

Dundee watched until the sedan was safely far away from the bar before he could relax.

"I don't trust those two.  They'll be back. Let's go inside.  I'll buy you something to drink," he said.

He opened the door for Linda, and followed her inside afterwards.

Gary saw them from his office and came to greet them smiling.

"Hello.  I'm Gary Hobson.  What can I get for you ?," he said.

"I'll have a beer please," Linda replied smiling back.

"Make it  two.  I'm paying for them," Nick said sitting down at the bar.

"Two beers coming right up," Crumb said getting the beers for the two visitors.

Chuck was looking at Crocodile's knife.  "That sure is some knife you have there sir," he said.

"Where we're from, it comes in handy mate.  Name's Nick Dundee.  This is my wife Linda."

"Nice to meet you.  I'm Chuck Fishman.  The lady sitting on your left is Marissa Brown.  She's married to Emmit Brown.  Your bartender is Crumb, and you've already met Gary."

"Are you the Gary Hobson who's on the news?," Linda asked looking at Gary.

"Yeah.  That's me.  I ought to sue the station for mentioning my name and Mc Gintys," Gary replied.

Nick took a sip of his beer.  "I see you're married by the ring on your finger Gary."

Gary nodded.  "My wife name's Toni, and we have twins.  A boy, Jeff, and a girl, Rose.  Are those real crocodile teeth on your hat Nick?"

"Yeah.  That's how I got my nickname.  I wrestle with them at times where we come from."

"I heard about you from some friends of mine who live in Austrila.  You're a real legend there.  What are you doing here in Chicago?," Crumb said smiling at Dundee.

"We're here visiting my wife's friends.  We were on our way to our hotel when we decided to pay this place a visit.  Does Gary live upstairs in the loft?"

"I used to, but I have a house now.   I can show you it and introduce you to my wife and children if you want."

"That would be nice.  I'd love to meet them," Linda replied, and Nick agreed with her.

"Great!  I'm going home around five, so you can follow me there.  I'll call Toni and let her know that you're coming so she won't be upset when you arrive.  Excuse me please."
 

Chapter 4

At five oclock, Gary pulled into his driveway and Nick parked right behind him with the rental car. "This is where I live.  Come on inside.  Toni is looking forward to meeting you," he told them. He opened the door and called, "Honey, I'm home!  I've brought our guests with me too."

Toni came out of the kitchen wearing an apron to greet her husband and their guests. "You kept your promise I see.  Hello.  I'm Gary's wife, Toni," she said smiling at Nick and Linda. Nick removed his hat when he saw Toni.  "It 's nice to meet you Toni," he said shaking her hand.

"It's nice to meet you too Nick." Linda smiled as she shook Toni's hand.  "I'm glad to meet you Toni," she said.

"Same here Linda.  Please sit down.  Dinner will be ready very soon.  Would you like something to drink?"

"A beer would be nice," Nick said putting his hat back on.

"I know Gary will want one too.  Linda?"

"Ice tea will be fine Toni."

"Coming right up. "

Toni went back into the kitchen to get their drinks as they all sat down.

"Daddy!," Rose said coming toward Gary from her room.

Gary smiled when he saw his daughter coming towards him and held his arms open for her.

"How's my sweetheart tonight?  Daddy has some people he wants you to meet," he told her.

Gary lifted Rose into his lap and pointed at Nick and Linda sitting on the couch.

"Rose, this is Nick Dundee and his wife Linda.  Nick, Linda, this is my daughter, Rose."

"Hello Rose.  What a lovely name you have," Linda said smiling at Rose.

"Thank you."

"She has your eyes Gary.  I can see why you named her Rose for.  She looks like one," Nick said.

Toni came out of the kitchen with their drinks.  "Gary, you better have a talk with your son sometime tonight," she told her husband handing him his beer, and taking Rose off of his lap.

"Why?  Was he bad today?"

"You might say that.  I sent him to his room without television when we got home."

"Excuse me for a minute please.  I have to go see what mischief my son got himself into."

Gary got up and walked to his son's room where Jeff sat on his bed wiping his teary eyes.

"Okay.  What did you do that got your mother mad enough to send you in here without tv?," he asked.

"It wasn't my fault daddy.  Honest!  We were just playing at mom's friend's house, and someone said a bad word that they had heard one of the grown ups say.  I told this person that it wasn't nice, and he gave me a dirty look. He called me chicken because I wouldn't say it.  I said I was told not to say bad words like that, and then, I got called a sissy.  I said I wasn't a sissy, and that's when the kid tried to fight me.  I tried to get away from him, but he wouldn't leave me alone, so I pushed him a little.  I didn't hit him.  I just pushed him so he'd leave me alone.  He lied to the lady saying that I started the fight, and she believed him.  When she told mom, she said that I couldn't watch television when I got home, and I was to go straight to my room," Jeff replied.

Gary went over and sat down besides his son.  "I believe you.  You did the right thing by not fighting, but you shouldn't have pushed the other kid. Come out to the living room with me.  I've got some people who want to see you, and I'll explain this to your mother later."

Jeff sniffed and got up from his bed.

Both father and son went into the living room and Nick could tell that Jeff had been crying.

"You must be Jeff.  I say, you have a little of your father in you as well. Let Crocodile give you some advice mate.  Never let the other guy get the best of you.  If he tries to get you into trouble and lies when it doesn't go his way, then you speak up and make your stand.  Some blokes are like that," he said smiling.

"Are those real crocodile teeth on your hat mister?," Jeff asked .

"Yep.  That's how I got my nickname. "

Gary went into the kitchen to talk to his wife.  "He told me what happened at your friend's house.  Honey, did it  ever occur to you that the other boy might be lying because Jeff refused to fight and say bad words that he said? He called our son a sissy, and Jeff defended himself.  He shouldn't have pushed the other kid, but he shouldn't take the blame for something that he didn't do either."

Toni looked at him.  "You believe his side of it.  My friend doesn't lie to me, but you could be right about this.  I should've let Jeff explain his side instead of believing the lie of the other kid.  Alright.  Help me take some of this out to the table please," she said handing him the bowl of rolls that she had baked.

Gary carried it out to the table and saw that his children were sitting at Nick's feet listening to one of his stories he was telling them, and that Linda was finding it hard not to laugh.

"So, there I was fighting this crocodile in the river, and I couldn't get it to quit.  So, I held his mouth shut with one hand, and rubbed his stomach with the other one when we got on land, and he went to sleep," Nick said.

"Wow!  I bet you were scared for a while," Jeff said.

"Me?  Scared?  Nah!  Crocodile's don't scare me."

"Dinner's ready!," Toni said as she brought the rest of the dinner to the table from the kitchen.
 

Chapter 5

"That was a might fine meal Mrs. Hobson," Nick said wiping his mouth with his napkin. Toni smiled at him.  "Thank you Nick.  I'm glad you enjoyed it.  When Gary called and told me that you and Linda were coming for dinner, I knew I wanted to make something special for you," she replied. "You didn't have to go to all that trouble just for us."

"I agree with Nick.  Whatever you were going to have before we came would've fine with us," Linda said.

Toni got up and started to clear the table.  "No, please sit down.  You're guests here," she said seeing that Linda was going to get up and help her.

"That's alright.  I want to help."

The two women cleared the table as the two men went over to the living room to relax.

"Nice family you have Gary," Nick said as he watched Rose and Jeff playing on the rug.

Gary proudly smiled.  "Thank you Nick," he replied as he also watched his children playing.

"I'm going to be frank with you mate.  I chased away two men who were casing your place earlier today.  I had the feeling they were trying to figure out your movements for some reason."

"They were watching McGintys?  Why would they be watching my place for?"

"To know when you leave, how you leave, and what road you take going home. In other words, they were planning on how they were going to snatch you without anyone around."

Gary gulped.  Nick's words sent chills down his spine.  Armstrong's words came back to him. "If they find out that it was you who prevented their hit, they'll come after you," Paul had told him earlier.

"What would they want with me?  All I did was stop someone from being killed."

"You prevented a hit on a federal witness mate.  Someone that the mob doesn't want to testify against them."

"So you're saying that they might come after me, kidnap me, and take me to their mob boss all because I spolied their hit?  Nick, the mob doesn't even know what I look like."

"That's why those men were there.  So they could see what you looked like, and they would've succeeded,  if I hadn't told them to leave and not come back.  I've dealt with them before mate.  You don't mess with them."

"Am I putting my family in danger now?  I couldn't bear it if this could mean danger for them."

"They're safe so far, but the mob won't give up until they get who they want, and that'll be you."

Gary ran his hand through his hair thinking about what Nick had just told him. "What am I supposed to do?  Put myself in protective custody until the trail is over?  I don't want to leave my family by theirselves.  Maybe the mob will forget about me."

"They might, and they might not.  Why not send your family someplace safe until this is over?  If something does happen to you, then you won't have to worry about them."

"The kids and I are staying here with Gary.  I know what's going on Nick, and I intend to see him and my kids safe from any harm including mob threats," Toni told him having heard the last part of the conversation.

"Honey, he just wants me to make sure you and the twins aren't in any danger," Gary said.

"I appricate what he's doing, but I can send the kids to Marissa and Emmit to be safe if I have to."

Linda decided it was time she told them how Nick had saved her from the mob.

"Nick and I were in New York one year, and I was proscuting one of the mob gang in court over something.  Their boss found out about it, and I was kidnapped and taken to their hideout.  Nick found out, and came to my rescue.  Gary, these people are dangerous.  If they can kidnap me, they can do the same to you," she said.

"Let's not borrow trouble right now, and please drop the subject.  I don't want my children to know what we're talking about.  It might scare them."
 

Chapter 6

Gary stood outside his children's bedroom as Toni was putting them to bed and saying their prayers. Nick and Linda Dundee had left early wanting to get to their hotel before it was too late to check in. Nick's words still rang in Gary's ears about how the mob wouldn't quit until he was their prisoner.

"Daddy!," Rose called sitting up in her bed her arms on her covers.

Gary smiled and went into the bedroom and over to his daughter cute in her little pajamas.

"Ready for the sandman to come my pretty girl?," he asked sitting down on her bed.

"Uh huh.  I want a kiss good night and a hug before he comes Daddy."

"You got it."  Gary hugged his daughter, and gave her a kiss goodnight on her check.

"Night Daddy."

"Good night my sweet Rose.  Sleep tight.  I'll see you in the morning."

Toni kissed her daughter goodnight, covered her with the covers, and turned off her light.

She and Gary went over to Jeff's room to kiss him goodnight too.

Jeff was sitting in his bed in his Bears pajamas.

"You feel better now son?," Gary asked refering to the talk that he and his mother had earlier.

Jeff nodded.  "I'm tired from it all Daddy," he replied.

"Then, lay down and shut your eyes.  Dream you're throwning a touchdown in a big game."

"I will if you give me a good night hug Daddy."

"Sure.  Here it comes."

Gary knealt and gave his son a great big hug, and then, kissed him on the top of his head.

"Good night Jeff.  Sleep well.  See you in the morning."

Toni hugged her son goodnight, kissed him on top of his head, and covered him up with the covers.

She and Gary left his room together, and Toni shut off the light.

"They really are great kids," she said as they went into the living room.

"Look who their mother is.  They sure did like the stories that Nick told them tonight," Gary told her.

"Hold me Gary.  Just hold me please."

Gary could see that his wife was upset about something, and he held her in his arms.

"What's wrong?  You're trembling a little sweetheart."

"I'm begining to wish that you hadn't have saved the man today because of what Nick said."

"I didn't know that Mr. Smith was a witness when I saved him earlier.  Even if I did know, I couldn't let him be killed by a hitman.  You know that from your own police experience as well."

"Yeah I know.  I wish this trail was over with.  One tangle with the mob is enough."

"I promise you that I won't let them get me.  As long as they don't know what I look like, I'm safe."

"Mabye you should be put in protective custody until this is over."

Gary looked in her eyes.  "You know how I feel about that.  I told Armstrong that I didn't want it, and I still don't. Now, don't worry about it, and let's talk about something else.  Okay."

"Okay.  I just love you so much that I don't want anything to happen to you."

"Nothing will."

Meanwhile, inside their hotel room, Nick and Linda Dundee were watching the news and Nick frowned.

"I didn't tell Gary this, but I have a feeling that the mob might use him to make sure that the witness doesn't testify.  I've heard about it happening before, and I can't shake the feeling that it's going to happen to him," he told his wife as he took a sip of his water that he had poured from their pitcher on the table.

"Oh Nick.  Maybe you should've told him about it.  It could've made him want to have police protection for him and his family in case the mob does try something," Linda said.

"I didn't want to scare his children.  No.  If he does get kidnapped by the mob, then I will personally come to his rescue.  I've done it before, and I can do it again.  I can do things that the police can't, like go in and take out some of the men.    They had not better mess with me is all I can say."

Linda knew that her husband would do all he could if something happened to Gary and the police couldn't for fear that Gary might be harmed.  "I hope that it never happens Nick."

"So do I, but I know there's a chance it might, and I'm going to be ready for it when it does."
 

Chapter 7

Gary stood by the window in his Chicago Bears sweatpants and shirt looking out. Toni knew that something was distrubing her husband and went over to him in her nightgown.

"Honey, come to bed.  I know that what you heard tonight is what causing you to be so quiet. Please forget about it, and come to bed with me," she told him touching his shoulder with her hand.

Gary turned from the window and looked at his wife.  He knew that she was right of course. "Okay.  I'll come to bed.  I didn't mean to upset you," he said taking her hands in his.

They went back to their bed and got inside where they sunggled close together.

"You know I didn't tell the newsmedia my name and where I work.  Darn them! How they'd find out?" Toni turned to look at her husband and saw that this was what was upsetting him.

"Gary, they have their ways.  It's done.  They don't know what you look like and they don't know where you live. Please forget about the whole thing and try to sleep.  Dream of me okay. I'll be dreaming of you."

Gary laughed and put his arm around her underneath the covers.  "Why should I dream about you when I have you right here besides me?  You look beautiful in that gown."

Toni smiled glad that he had changed the subject.  "I know.  That's why I picked it out the other day when I went shopping.  I knew you'd like it.  I might find something for you in the mall next time."

"What's wrong with my sweatpants?  They keep me warm during the cold nights."

"That's why I'm here.  We're supposed to keep each other warm.  I'm getting you something to wear to bed that won't be sweatpants that I know you're going to like."

"Hmmm.  Just what did you have in mind sweetheart?"

"You"ll find out.  Let's go to sleep okay."

The next morning, at sixthirty, Gary heard the cat and paper outside the door again. Dressed in his robe, he went down, opened the door a crack, and carefully slid the paper out from under the cat.  Before the cat could dart inside, Gary closed the door again, and went back to the kitchen.

"Good morning sweetheart!  How do you want your coffee this morning?," Toni asked him.

"Black as usual.  The kids still sleeping?," he replied sittting down in his chair.

Toni nodded as she poured his coffee into his coffee mug, and went to give it to him.

"They're sound asleep still.  I'll get them up after I get breakfast ready . What's in the paper today?"

Gary opened the paper after seeing that nothing was on the front page. "Hmmm.  Nothing too much.  It doesn't look like there's anything I have to do today."

"Good.  Maybe you're getting a day off from it.  You can use it."

Gary sipped his coffee and nodded.  "I hope you're right.  I'll check it again to see."

He scanned the metro section again, and found one small item that needed his attention.

"Here's something:  "Neighbors Come to Blows Over Yard Ornament.  Mr. Jones and Mr. Turner were arrested for disturbing the peace over a disagreement about Mr. Jone's lady figurane in his yard.  The position of the lady bending over to water something made Mr. Turner think that she was exposing herself.  He didn't know that it was just a ornament that people sometime put in their yard."  I've got to stop them from fighting over it."

Toni smiled.  "I've seen those figures before in people's yard.  They're harmless.  What time does the paper say this happens?"

Gary checked his watch.  "It's happens at nine this morning."

"You've got time to eat breakfast and get there in time before they start fighting."

"Yeah.  This is going to be easy than the other saves I've done."
 

Chapter 8

Toni finished putting Gary's breakfast of eggs, bacon, and toast in front of him that she had made. "Your mother told me that you liked this for breakfast in case you're wondering how I knew.  Eat hardy. You're going to need it today.  I'm going to call the children to come to breakfast now," she told him. She went towards the children's room and called, "Rose!  Jeff!  Breakfast is ready!"

"Coming mama," Rose said as she climbed out of her little bed in her room. Five minutes later, she and Jeff still dressed in their sleepwear came into the kitchen for breakfast.

"Good morning children!  Did you sleep good last night?," Gary asked smiling at his children.

"Yes Daddy.," Rose replied coming over to him for him to lift her up for a hug.

Gary lifted his daughter onto his lap, and kissed her on her cheek.  "You look cute in those pajamas.  Go eat your cereal for Daddy.  Maybe later, I'll take you to the park."

He set her down, and she went over to her chair where her bowl of cereral was waitng.

"You'd better take Jeff with you to the park when you take Rose so he doesn't feel left out," Toni said.

Gary smiled at his son who smiled back as he got into his chair at the table.

"He knows I'd take him along too.  He asked me when we were going to the park, and I said I'd let him know."

"Daddy, I think Mr. Dundee is a nice man," Rose said putting her spoon into her bowl.

Gary sipped his coffee and nodded.  "Yes he is, and his name is Mick. Crocodile's just his nickname."

"I really his stories he told us last night Daddy," Jeff said before taking a bite of his cereal.

"I could see that you both were really interested in what he was telling you by the way you were paying attention.  Just don't take it too seriously."

Toni sat down to eat her breakfast and smiled.  "Good advice honey."

Gary finished his breakfast , drank the last of his coffee, and pushed his chair away from the table.

"Daddy's got an errand to do this morning, but I promise to be back in time to take you to the park if you still want to go," he told Rose and Jeff as he put his jacket on.

"Okay Daddy.  We'll wait for you," both of them said together.

"Good.  Mind Mommy, and be good.  I'll see you later."

He kissed Toni good bye and went towards the door to go out to his van parked in the driveway.

Meanwhile, Mick and his wife, were having breakfast in the hotel's coffee shop.

"There's something about Gary that bothers me.  I can't put my finger on it, but I know there's something about him that's got me curious," Mick said as he sipped his coffee.

"I don't know what it could be Mick.  He's just a normal guy with a lovely family who runs a bar," Linda told him.

"There's something that he's hiding.  Something that he doesn't want anyone to know about."

"Maybe you should ask him if there's something that's bothering him next time you see him."

Mick shook his head.  "No.  If he wants to tell me, that's up to him.  I'm not going to ask him."

Linda knew her husband well enough to understand what he meant.  "You certainly had his kids interested in your tales last night when we were at his house."

Mick smiled.  "I know.  They loved every minute of it, and so did I."

"Mick, do you think Gary could be in danger and not even know it?"

Dundee sighed.  "It's possible.  So far, nothing's happened, but there's always that chance it will.  I think I'll keep an eye on him just in case."

"You don't mean following him around town, do you.  Mick, that might make Gary think something's going on that he should know about.  Please don't be his shadow."

"Okay, but if I see someone try anything when I'm around, I'm going to step in, and make sure he doesn't get hurt or anything.  Let's eat our breakfast and talk about something else."
 

Chapter 9

Gary drove to where the paper said that the two neighbors lived, and arrived just at nine on the dot. "Hey guys!  Calm down.  It's just a yard ornament.  It's not a real lady," he told the two men.

Mr. Turner looked at the carboard woman by the bush bending down like she was working on something. "Now that I look at it, you're right mister.  I don't know why I was so upset over that stupid thing," he said.

Gary smiled.  "It happens Mr. Turner.  Do you realize you and Mr. Smith almost came to blows over this? What would your wives think if one little cardboard oranment caused two grown men to be arrested for distubing the peace?  You'd feel pretty silly I would say."

"How come you know our names, and we don't know yours?," Mr. Smith asked Gary looking at him.

"It's Hobson.  Gary Hobson."

"I know you.  You're the guy who owns McGintys.  I thought you looked familiar," Mr. Turner said.

Gary nodded.  "That's me.  Now, why don't you two shake hands and forgot this whole thing."

The two men smiled and shook hands.

Gary breathed a sigh of relief and went back to his van glad that he had prevented both men from being arrested and coming to blows.  He waved good bye to them, and drove towards his bar.

When he got there, Gary was surprized to Mick Dundee sitting at the bar talking with Marissa.

"Good morning Marissa.  Mick, what are you doing here?," he asked as he walked over to the bar.

"I just thought I'd come and see how you run the place mate.  My wife went to visit her friend that lives here, and said she was going to drop by on your wife later.  So, I gave her the car keys and walked here from the hotel. I was just telling your friend here how much Linda and I enjoyed ourselves last night," Mick replied.

"Glad to hear it Mick.  Could you please call me Gary? "

Mick nodded.  "No problem.  From now on, I'll call you Gary and you can call me Crocodile."

"How did you ever get that name Mick?," Marissa asked curious.

Dundee smiled.  "Someone gave it to me seeing me wrestile with a crocodile once, and that my hat has some crocodile teeth on it.  So, Gary, how's your morning going so far?"

Gary poured himself a cup of coffee from the coffepot on the bar before he answered.

"Just fine.  I promised to take my kids to the park later.  I just prevented a fight between two neighbors over a yard ornamnet a while ago.  How's your morning go Mick?"

"You say that two neighbors were going to fight over a yard ornament? Sounds interesting Gary," Marissa said sipping her coffee knowing that he had seen it in the paper.

"One neighbor had one of those cardboard people that you put in your yard for decoration.  It was a lady who was bending over doing something.  The guy's neighbor thought the lady was exposing herself, and I told him it was just a ornament and not a real lady.  They shook hands and forgot about it."

Mick was interested.  "Sounds like you had a lot of talking to do with these two Gary."

"Mick, if I hadn't gone there and made one of them see common sense, both of them would've been arrested for disturbing the peace with their fighting and yelling that would've come about."

Chuck came into the bar just then yawning.  "Morning Marissa.  Gar.  Hello Mr. Dundee," he said.

"Morning mate, and please call me Mick.  Why do you call Gary that name for?," Mick asked Chuck.

"Uh, it's a nickname he's had since he was a boy Mick.  Sorry I'm a little late.  Amber didn't sleep too well last night with all of the sickness she has with the baby she's carrying.  I was up and down with her for a while."

Gary smiled.  "Welcome to the joys of being a father pal.  I went through the same thing when Toni was carrying the twins, so I know what you're feeling.  How is Amber this morning?"

"She's a little better.  She's taking it easy, and going to see the doctor today."

Chuck poured himself a cup of coffee and took a sip to wake himself up.

"Gary was just telling us how he prevented two neighbors from fighting over a yard oranment," Marissa said.

"Oh really?  This I would love to hear."

Gary sighed.  He told Chuck the same thing he had told Mick and Marissa earlier.

"You did good Gar.  People fight over the silliest things sometimes."

"That's what Mr. Turner said.  He said he couldn't understand why he was upset about it for."
 

Chapter 10

Toni Hobson was finishing the breakfast dishes while her children were watching television in the living room. The doorbell rang, and she wondered who it could be as she wiped her hands on her towel .

"Be right there!," she called as she walked towards the door going past the living room.

"Who is it?," Toni asked as Gary had to do before opening the door just for safety sake.

"It's Linda Dundee.  May I come in?," Linda replied from outside where she was standing.

"Just a minute.  I'll open the door."  Toni opened the door, and Linda came inside.

"This is a surprize Linda.  Please sit down.  Would you like some coffee?," Toni said smiling at Linda.

"Yes.  Thank you," Linda replied and sat down on the sofa watching Rose and Jeff watching tv.

Toni went into the kitchen to pour Linda a cup of coffee wondering why she was here.

"Here you are," she told Linda coming out a minute later with her coffee mug, and handing it to her.

"Thank you Toni.  What show are your kids watching by the way?"

"I think it's some children show they always show at this time in the morning.  What brings you out this way?"

"I was visiting a friend of mine who happens to live not far from here, and since I was in the area, I thought I'd drop by.  I'm not interrupting anything am I?"

Toni smiled again and shook her head.  "No.  I was just finishing the dishes from breakfast.  Where's Mick?"

"He's at your husband's bar.  He handed me the rental car keys, told me to take the car, and he'd walk."

"Chicago's a big city for him to be walking around in."

Linda smiled and sipped her coffee.  "That doesn't stop Mick.  When we were in New York, he did the same thing much to the awe of some of the people there.  Toni, is there something about Gary that he's hiding from you? Something he doesn't want you to know about?"

Toni frowned.  "No.  Why ?"

"Mick seems to think that your husband is hiding some secret that he doesn't want people to know about. Please don't be mad.  It's just something he can feel about someone at times."

"Gary doesn't have any secrets.  There may be somethings that he doesn't want people to know about him because it's personal, but as far as something being real mysterious, no."

"Good.  You'd be surrpized at how times Mick gets asked about his name by people who don't know him. When he tells them why he's called that, they get this strange look on their faces and then they smile."

"Hmm.  I bet.  How did you two meet?"

Linda thought for a minute.  "It was when I was a reporter working for a newspaper.  My editor wanted me to do a story about Mick, and had me flown there to meet him.  He showed me around, and one thing lead to another.  We started seeing each other, and before long, he asked me to marry him.  I said yes, and we've been happily married ever since.  How did you and Gary meet?"

(Spolier Info: The Ice Taketh)

Toni thought for a minute.  "It was when I was still a detective in the police department.  I was working on a case about a jewel thief called the Ice Man.  My partner and I were undercover as man and wife.  My partner got caught in traffic, and I had to go on the boat by myself.  Gary showed up and he picked the name tag my partner was supposed to wear that evening.  To make a long story short, we ended up playing man and wife for the bust, and then, later on, we started seeing each other for real.  I feel in love him the first time I saw him. We got married and I had the twins later on," she finally replied.

"You two sure are a good couple and parents."

"Thanks.  Maybe you and Mick will parents someday."

"We're working on it."

Meanwhile, at McGinty's, Crumb was filling a customer's order at the bar, and Gary and Chuck were in the office talking about business and other things as well.

"I finally got my nephew straightened out Gar.  I told him to use his talent for something good, and not be like I was once.  You won't believe what he's doing now.  He's working as magazine photographer for one of those outdoor magazines you see on the newstand," Chuck told Gary.

"That's good Chuck.  You learned from your mistake, and you used it to make sure your nephew didn't go wrong.  Why don't you bring Amber over to the house sometime?," Gary said.

"Okay.  Make sure it's alright with Toni first."

"Chuck, what happened before is in the past.  She'll want to see how better Amber is doing ."
 

Chapter 11

"I tell you Gar,", Chuck said, "Jade is getting more beautiful everyday that she's pregnant."

Gary smiled.  "Toni was the same way when she was carrying the twins.  Of course, I always told her that she was beautiful so that she wouldn't get down on herself like most women do when they're with child," he told Chuck, and both of them smiled at that remark and sipped their coffee. "Yeah.  I guess we're both lucky men to have such beautiful wives."

"You can say that again Chuck.  I'm going to have to leave early today.  I promised the twins I'd take them to the park.  I don't want to break my promise, or I won't hear the end of it."

"That's one thing I can say about you Hobson; you never break a promise," Crumb said wiping off the counter.

"Thank you Crumb.  I wonder how our wives are getting along at my house Crocodile."

Crocodile smiled.  "They're probably talking about us and getting along real well Gary," he replied.

At that minute, Toni, Linda, and the twins came into the bar from outside.

"Daddy!," Rose cried running over to Gary with her arms held open wide.

"Rose!  What are you doing here?," Gary asked glad to see his daughter, but not at his bar.

"Mommy thought she'd bring us here for lunch today, and then, we can to the park like you promised."

Gary looked at Toni knowing that this was her idea somehow, and he bent down to pick Rose up.

"Your uncle Chuck's going to be a father very soon," he told her smiling.

"Really Uncle Chuck?," Rose asked Chuck.

"Yep.  That's right Rose.  Jade's expecting," Chuck replied smiling at her.

"You and Mommy go find a table, and I'll have someone come to take your orders."

Gary set Rose down, gave Jeff a smile, and watched as his family went to a table.

"April, could you go over and get their lunch orders please?," Gary asked the waitress.

"Sure Gary," April replied taking a notepad and going over to the table.

"That's a fine looking family you got there Hobson," Crumb told Gary as he looked at Toni and the twins.

"Yeah.  I'm a lucky and happy man Crumb. Maybe someday, you'll be just as happy."

"Sure.  When the right woman comes along."

Marissa went over to Gary from their office door after answering the phone.

"Gary, it's your mother.  She said to tell you it's important," she told Gary.

"Excuse me," Gary said, and went into his office to take the call from his mother.

"Hello Mom.  What's up?," he asked picking up the reciever.

"Your father and I are coming up to see you this weekend honey," Lois replied from her kitchen phone.

"You are?  Nothing's wrong I hope."

"No.  We just want to come up and see you and the twins.  Toni too."

"Sure.  Come on up.  I'll let Toni know.  How's Dad?"

"Your father's fine.  Just wishing he wasn't retired is all.  We'll see you this weekend."

"Okay.  Love you mom."

"I love you to Gary.  Bye."

"Bye Mom."  Gary smiled and hung up the phone.  He knew his dad didn't like to be retired.
 

Chapter 12

Gary had lunch with his family at the table and told Toni that his parents were coming for a visit that weekend. "As usual, my dad is complaining about being retired from his work.  I don't know how mom puts up with him when he gets like that," he said wiping something off of Rose's mouth with his napkin.

Toni smiled.  "You know he only does it because he feels like he has to have something to complain about honey.  I can get the guest room ready for them when they arrive.  It's been a while since they were here. The kids will love seeing their grandparents again," she told him sipping her coffee.

"Yeah.  I think they spoil each other.  My mother especailly."

"Daddy, are grandma and grandpa coming here this weekend?," Jeff asked his father.

"Yes son.  They're coming for a visit like I told your mother just now.  So you and Rose will get to see them and play with them while they're here."

"Oh goody!  I love grandma and grandpa!," Rose said excited.

Mick and Linda were eating their lunch at another table talking about her visit that morning.

"So what did you and Toni talk about while you were at her house?," Mick asked.

"Oh, we each told how we meet our husbands.  I told her how I met you, and she told me how she met Gary. Remind me to tell you about it later.  It was her idea to come here for lunch with the twins," Linda replied.

"I think I'll do that at the hotel tonight.  They sure do make a happy family over there."

"I second that.  I think maybe we should consider starting a family."

"I had a feeling that you would bring it sometime while we're here.  When we get back home, we might talk about when would be the right time to start a family."

After lunch, Gary told Chuck and Marissa that he and Toni were taking the twins to the park like he promised.

"Close up for me will you pal?," he asked Chuck.

"Sure Gar.  Just go and have a good time with your family at the park," Chuck replied.

"See you later Marissa.  Let's go kids.  "

They went out the door to Toni's car, and Gary and Toni got their kids safely buckled in their seats.

"I'll drive honey," Gary said holding out his hand for her car keys.

"No way lover.  This is my car, and I'll drive it.  You just get in on your side, and I'll get it on mine," Toni replied.

Gary smiled and got in the passenger side and Toni got in on the driver's side.

She drove away from the bar and headed towards the park.

Toni spotted another car following them and frowned.  "We've got company," she said.

"Huh?  You mean someone's following us?," Gary asked.

"Yep.  A tan sedan.  They just pulled in behind not too long ago."

Gary turned around in his seat and saw the sedan only a few feet behind them.

"Oh no.  That must be the car that Mick was telling me about earlier."

"I'm not having those goons following us all the way to the park, and everywhere else.  I'm going to put a stop to it right now.  I'm pulling over, and giving them a piece of my mind."

Toni pulled over to the side of the room and waited for the other car to do the same.

"Stay here.  I can handle this," she told Gary as she got out of the car.

Gary watched his wife walk towards the other car and lean on the driver's window.

"Listen mister, I'm only going to tell you this once.  I want you to turn this car around and get out of here. Leave my family and I alone.  I'm an ex-police woman and detective.  I can easily make a citizen's arrest if I want to.  My husband is off limits to you and whoever hired you to tail us.  I know a tail when I see it.  If I see you or this sedan again, I'll personally make a citizen's arrest and take you to the statiion.  Do you understand? Have I made myself clear?  Now, get out of here!," she told the driver narrowing her eyes.

The driver saw the look in her eyes, knew that she meant business, and turned his sedan around.

Toni made sure that they were gone before she went back to her car.

"What did you tell them to make them go back?," Gary asked after she had gotten back inside.

"Tell you later.  Right now, it's fun time at the park," she replied.

Gary leaned back in his seat and relaxed knowing that he wouldn't be followed anymore.

At the park, he and Toni put their children in the swings, and pushed them hearing their laughter.

"Rose certainly has your laugh honey.  She almosts sounds just like you," Gary told Toni.

"I know that Jeff has your laugh.  What a nice day we picked to come here." Toni replied.

"I know.  It's been a while since we've come here."

"We'll have to come here more often when we can."

"Daddy, why is that man taking pictures of you?," Rose asked Gary seeing a stranger with a camera.

"What man sweetie?," Gary asked her wondering who she was talking about.

"That man over there by his car.  He's got a camera and he's taking your picture."

Gary looked and saw that a man was taking pictures of him with a camera.

"Do you see him Toni?  I don't know where he came from, but he's taking pictures of me."

Toni stopped pushing Jeff for a minute.  "I see him.", she replied.

"Hey, there's Mr. Dundee.  He's taking the camera from the man Daddy," Jeff told Gary.

Mick was indeed taking the camera from the man as Linda looked on from the rental car.

"It's not nice to spy on people mate.  You've got two choices:  You can take the flim out of the camera and give it to me and  leave, or you can leave without it and tell whoever sent you here that Gary Hobson is no concern of his.  What's it going to be?," he told the stranger.

"That's my camera mister.  I have a right to take pictures if I want to," the man replied.

"Not of the Hobson family you don't.  Let's try this again:  chose one or two. Either way, you don't get the flim."

The man sighed.  "Alright.  I'll do one."

"Good choice.  Take the flim out and give it to me.  Then, you leave and tell your boss to leave Gary alone."

The man took out the flim, handed it to Crocodile, and went towards his car to leave.

Gary went over to Crocodile and watched the man drive away from the parking lot.

"Thanks Mick.  I've got a feeling that they won't give up that easily," he said.

"I know.  You're in danger until this thing is over I'm afraid mate," Dundee told him.

"How did you get here so fast?"

"We came in the rented car after you left the bar.  Linda wanted to see the park."
 

Chapter 13

Back at their house, Gary and Toni were watching the news with their children playing on the floor. "The mob trail is set to begin in just a few days from now.  The witness has been moved to another location, and the police will not comment on where he is for fear of the mob coming after him," the newsperson said. Gary sighed.  "I wish this whole thing was over.  It's making me nervous," he told Toni.

Toni nodded.  "I understand sweetheart.  You had no way of knowing that man you saved is a witness. I did some checking on my own with my laptop that I brought from the office while you were gone.  In the last few times they tried to bring the mob boss to trail, the witnesses either disappeared or had a change of heart at the last minute. This time, it looks like he'll finally be put behind bars for a long time," she said.

"Yeah.  If the mob doesn't get to the witness first."

"That's none of your concern right now.  Just forget about it, and let's enjoy the rest of the evening."

Gary smiled.  "You're right.  Let's drop the whole thing.  What are we having for dinner?"

"Pizza and ice cream for desert.  That's what the kids wanted and I said it was alright with me."

"Sounds good to me."

Meanwhile, inside his mansion, the mob boss was holding an emergency meeting with his men.

"The trail is going to take place in a couple of days now.  Since the hit was botched, I've come up with another plan to make sure the witness doesn't testify against me.  This Hobson that you said prevented the hit is going to be our ace in the hole so to speak.  We snatch him and hold him hostage.  We tell the cops that if they want him back alive, they tell their witness not to testify.    Louie, you and Gino will take the limo and get this guy. Wait until he's alone, and then you make the snatch.  Do it tomorrow.  Don't hurt him doing it.  If I see one scratch on him, or one hair out of place, the person who did it will wish he hadn't.  Understand?," Tobias Stone told his men as he sipped his glass of wine that he had poured.

"Sure boss.  Ya know, I kinda like the guy myself," Louie said.

"It's hard not to boss.  He's got the kind of face my mother would love," Gino agreed.

Tobias smiled.  "Maybe I'll like the guy when he's here as my guest.  Okay. You know your job.  Don't fail me you two.  This is too important."

"Don't worry boss.  We won't."

The next morning, Gary heard the cat again and the thump of the newspaper at his door.

"Coming.  I'm coming," he said wearing his slick black robe as he walked towards the door.

He opened the door, stepped out, and gently slid the paper from underneath the cat.

"Sorry pal.  You can't come it.  Go catch a mouse or something, huh," Gary told the cat and went inside.

He opened the paper to the metro section and saw the story that he knew was someone he had to save.

"Lady Hit By Bus As She Steps From The Curb.  At ten oclock, Mrs. Peterson was struck and killed by a bus when she stepped from the crub on Main Street.  She didn't see the bus coming until it was too late witnesses said. The bus driver was not ticketed in the incident.  The police said that the woman thought the coast was clear and didn't see the bus that came around
the corner after dropping off a passenger.", he read aloud.

"The poor woman!  You have to get there in time before she steps off the curb honey," Toni said.

Gary nodded.  "Yeah.  So far, that's the only thing in the paper today."

"After that save, you'll have a easy day, and you can relax."

Gary sipped his coffee and put the paper down so he could eat his breakfast.

"Are the kids coming down for breakfast?," he asked.

"Yes.  They're be down in a while."

"They sure did enjoy theirselves at the park yesterday."

Toni smiled as she fixed his eggs.  "I know they did.  It made them  tired too."

"They didn't complain when you told them it was time to go to bed last night which was surprizing."

Toni laughed.  "I was glad of that.  Sometimes, Jeff can be so stubborn when it's time for him to go to bed. Are you sure that he doesn't get that from you?"

"I'm not that stubborn honey.  He's a boy and boys do get that at times."

"Well, I think this is one phrase I'll be glad when he gets over."
 

Chapter 14

Around nine thrity, Gary arrived at the section of main street where the paper said the incidnet took place. He looked around for the woman and saw her coming out of the store carrying a whole lot of packages in her arms.  Gary knew that this would be the reason for her not being able to see the bus coming.

"Here, let me help you with those Mrs. Peterson," he said offering to help carry some of them for her.

"Oh thank you.  My car's parked across the street since  I couldn't find a spot close to the store," Mrs. Peterson told him handing him some of the packages that almost blocked her view now. Gary smiled and lead the way towards the curb.  "Wait a minute.  I'll see if the coast is clear." He looked both ways, and saw the bus coming towards them from the other direction they were going.

"There's a bus coming this way.  We'll wait until it's gone, and then go across to your car."

They watched and waited for the bus to pass by so they could cross the street safely.  When it was safe, Gary escorted Mrs. Peterson and her packages across the street to her car."There you are.  Safe and sound.  Next time, get here early enough so you can park close to the store on the same side of the street so you don't have to worry about crossing the street," he told her.
"Thank you so much for helping me.  What's your name?," Mrs. Peterson asked.

Gary smiled.  "Hobson.  Gary Hobson."

"Thank you Gary Hobson."

"You're welcome.  Have a nice day."

After saying goodbye, Gary walked back towards his bar and checked his paper to see if the story was still there.  He smiled in relief when he saw it had disappeared.  A terrible tragedy he had  just prevented.

The two hoods in the limo had seen the whole thing and both of them smiled.

"Okay.  He's walking this way.  It's time to get him.  Pull up close to him," Gino told the driver.

"Gotcha," the driver said, and carefully followed Gary waitng for the right time to pull up.

He saw the chance when Gary was turning the corner coming up, and that's when the driver made his move.

He pulled the limo up next to Gary and the back window came down.

"Excuse me .  Are you Gary Hobson?," Louie asked smiling at Gary.

"Yes.  How can I help you?," Gary replied.

"You can get in the back and don't try anything stupid," Louie told him showing him his weapon.

Gary gulped. The door was opened and he got inside.  He was being kidnapped.

"Okay driver.  Let's go back to base," Gino said.

"Yes sir," the dirver replied driving away from the curb.

"Where are you taking me?," Gary asked not really wanting to know.

"You'll find out soon enough.  Just relax and enjoy the ride Hobson," Gino replied smiling.

"What, what do you want with me?"

"Mr. Stone will tell you that himself when you see him.  We're just bringing you to him like he told us too."

"Stone?  You mean Tobias Stone, the mob boss?"

"Yep.  That's the one."

Gary shut his eyes and felt a sicking sension in his stomach just then.

Ten minutes later, they arrived at the estate and Gary looked at the guards posted outside by the gate.

The driver was waved on in by the guard, and the limo pulled up by the huge doors.

Two more men armed with guns came out and went over to the car.

"Okay Hobson.  You can get out now.  We're to take you to the boss," one of them told Gary.

Gary got out of the back seat and was taken inside by the his guards to see Tobias Stone.

"Here he is boss," Louie told Tobias who was sitting in his leather chair in the pallor.

Stone smiled when he saw Gary.  "So you're Gary Hobson.  You're quite a hero I hear.  Please sit down," he said motioning for Gary to sit down in a chair , and Gary sat down in the chair.

"Why am I here?," Gary asked as one of the men handed him a beer from the ice box.

"You're going to make sure that the cops witness doesn't testify against me in the trail."

Gary had a feeling that was the reason, but hearing it from this criminal didn't help matters.

"I won't tell the witness not to testify.  I won't help you in anyway."

"You're my ache in the hole as they say.  My insurance in case something goes wrong.  If the guy goes ahead and testify, you'll be moved to my yacht at the marina.  Now just enjoy your beer."
 

Chapter 15

Gary sipped his beer and wondered what Tobias would do next with him. Tobias was dialing a number on his phone and waited until the police operator came on. "This is Tobias Stone.  I'm only going to tell you this once:  I have Gary Hobson, and if you want him back safe, you'll tell your witness to forget about testifing against me next week.   He'll be alright as long as you don't send any cops here and tell you witness that if he changes his mind and doesn't testify, I'll release Hobson someplace where you can get him.  Don't try to trace this call either.  Good-bye," he said into the phone. He looked at Gary.  "You got anyone you want to call Hobson?," he asked.

Gary nodded.  "Yeah.  My friends at the bar," he replied trying not to be nervous.

"What's the number?  I'll dail it and you can talk to them.  Just tell them that you're alright, and not to call the cops.  Tell them where you are, and nothing more."

Gary nodded.  He gave Tobias McGinty's number and watched as the mobster dialed the number.

Tobias handed Gary the phone and Gary took it trying to keep his hand from shaking.

"Chuck, it's Gary," Gary said hearing Chuck's voice on the other end.

"Gar?  Where are you?," Chuck asked knowing something was wrong.

"Ive been kidnapped by the mob Chuck.  I'm alright, but don't call the police."

"What happened?  How did they get you?"

"Two of them came in a limo where I had just gotten done saving a lady from being hit by a bus, and pulled up to a corner that I had went around.  One of them asked me if I was Gary Hobson, and when I said, yes, they told me to get inside the limo.  You can guess the rest."

Chuck knew what his friend meant.  It had happened to him too.

"Okay Gar.  Do you want us to tell Toni what happened?"

"No.  I don't want to worry her and the kids.  If she finds out, she'll want to come here herself and get me out. I don't want her to be upset and have the kids see it and ask what's wrong."

"Okay Gar.  Thanks for telling me what happened.  You hang in there, okay?"

"Don't worry.  I'll be alright."

"We'll get you out of there somehow buddy.  Bye."

Chuck slowly hung up the phone trying not to let tears come to his eyes.

"The mob just kidnapped Gary.  That was him on the phone.  We can't call the cops, or they'll hurt him," he told the others, and Mick knew that it was up to him to rescue Gary from the mob like he did Linda.

"The only reason they kidnap Gary is to use him as a bargining tool.  In other words, they'll release him if the witness doesn't testify at the trail next week.  I had a feeling that would happen," Mick said.

"Knowing Gary, he wouldn't want the witness not to testify just because he's a prisoner of the mob. He'd want the witness to do the right thing," Marissa told Mick, and Emmit, her husband, nodded.

"That's right.  Gary would want the man to go ahead and testify at the trail," he agreed.

Linda saw the look in her husband's eyes, and knew what it meant.

"Mick, I know that look.  You don't have to be a hero this time," she told him knowing he'd do it anyway.

"I can get in there, find Gary, and get him out without any problems.  They won't be expecting Mick Dundee to come to the rescue which will give me the element of surprise."

"How are you going to save Gar when we don't even know where he's being held Mick?," Chuck asked.

Dundee smiled.  "Because I have a way of getting information that no one else does mate."

Linda smiled.  "That's right.  He can get information out of someone in a way that no one can."

"Gary's parents are coming this weekend.  Can you get him out of there before they get here Mick? I wouldn't want them to find out about this and have it ruin their visit," Marissa said.

"He'll be out of there before it  gets dark tonight.  I'm going to start by finding the guy who was taking his picture at the park the other day. Linda, go to Gary's house and keep his wife company.  Don't tell her what happened.  Just say that you decided to pay another visit.  I'll bring Gary there after I get him out of the mobster's place.  Don't worry.  I won't let anything happen to your friend."
 

Chapter 16

Mick Dundee spotted the man that been at the park the other day with camera inside a camera store. He causally went inside and walked over to the man who was paying the clerk behind the counter. "Hello mate," Mick said putting his hand on the man's shoulder, making the man turn around.

"Look mister, I did what you asked.  I haven't even bothered those people anymore.  What do you want from me now?  I haven't done anything wrong," the man protested wishing Mick wasn't there.

"Let's talk about this outside.  The clerk doesn't need to know what's going on."

They went outside and Mick took the man to the nearest alley where they could talk in private.

"I'm going to make this simple mate:  You tell me who hired you to take Gary Hobson's picture, and where he lives.  If you don't, I'm going to put you headfirst down in the dumpster over there.  Understand?"

The man could tell by the look in Mick's eyes that he meant every word he had said.

"The man's name is Jasper Stone.  He had a townhouse on the outskirts of town.  It's very well guarded."

"That doesn't matter to me.  Your boss just kidnapped my friend, and I'm going to get him back."

"That's why he wanted the pictures.  So he could know what Hobson looked like."

"Both of you are going to be very sorry that you even heard of Gary Hobson when I get done with him."

Mick took out his huge knife and showed it to the man, whose eyes went wide in awe.

"You're lucky I didn't have to use this on you mate.  How many guards are at the place?"

"Six.  Two outside and four inside.  I was only inside for a short time."

Crocodile smiled and pocketed his kinfe.  "Get out of here and tell no one that you talked to me."

The man nodded and quickly left the alley glad to get away from Mick.

Meanwhile, at Gary's house, Toni knew something was wrong by the way Linda was acting.

"Okay.  Tell me what's going on Linda.  Where's my husband?  I don't buy this business of your deciding to pay me another visit when you were earlier today.  I have a right to know if something happened to him.  I'm his wife," Toni told Linda sitting down on the couch besides her.

Linda sighed.  "Mick didn't want you to know, but you're right.  You do have the right to know. Gary's been kidnapped by the mob.  It happened a while ago.  Gary called the bar and told Chuck what happened.  Mick's out right now getting information to find out where Gary's being held so he can go there and get him out. He's fine right now," she said looking at Toni.

Toni could feel her anger rising.  How dare they kidnap her husband and the children's father!

"No wonder we were followed!  They were tracking his movements so they could snatch him.  The children mustn't know about their father being kidnapped. It'd just upset them.  Was there any ransom demand?"

"Not that we know of.  Gary did say that the police weren't to be called."

Toni reached for her phone and dialed the police station to talk Paul Armstrong.

"Paul, it's Toni.  I just found out that Gary's been kidnapped.  What's the ransom demand?," she asked.

"I figured you'd find out somehow.  Jasper Stone called not long ago and told us that he had Gary. He said that he'd release him if our witness changes his mind and doesn't testify against him next week. He also told us that if we tried to find him, that no one would ever see Gary again," Paul replied.

"I know Gary, and he wouldn't want his being held prisioner make the witness feel gulity about testifying."

"I know it too.  Our hands are tied in this.  We can't find the hideout and move in without Gary being hurt."

"You may not have to.  Someone else is already trying to find where Gary's being held."

"Really?  We don't want citizens taking the law into their hands."

"Paul, if this person can get my husband out of there safe and sound, that makes your job a lot easier. Maybe there's a way you can get the witness to testify without the mob knowing it."

"Are you talking about getting a taped disposition from the witness?"

"Exactly.  You've done it before."

Armstrong thought about it.  It sounded like a good idea to him, and could help save Gary's life.

"I'll do it!  I think our witness will agree it's a good idea too.  It'll protect him and the mob will never know that he talked to us until the trail begins next week which by that time, the witness will be out of harms way."

"Good thinking Paul.  Good luck.  Good bye."

Toni hung up the phone, and turned to Linda.  "What Jasper Stone doesn't know won't hurt Gary. It's standard procedure when a witness doesn't want to be seen at trail.  We bring him in and have him give a deposition of his statement on tape.  The tape is played for the jury at the trail," she told Linda.

Linda smiled.  "Mick rescuses Gary and the witness gives his deposition without the mob knowing he talked to the police.  I hope the witness will do it," she said.

"How can he not?  It not protects him, but gives the police and the DA what they need."
 

Chapter 17

Gary sat inside the palor of the mobster's house running his hand over his hair when he was nervous. There had to be some way out of the mess he was in.  He had to escape somehow, but how was the question that was bothering him at the monment.  He was too well guarded to ever get a chance to escape. "I'd like another beer if it 's okay," he said after finishing the first bottle he had been given.

Stone smiled.  "You heard the man Pete.  Get him another beer and bring me one too," he ordered.

"Sure boss.  Two beers coming right up.  The guy sure is nervous about something," Pete replied going towards the kitchen to get the beers out of the refrigator.

Stone turned to Gary.  "Is that a habit of yours?  Running your hand through your hair when you get nervous about something?  Relax Hobson.  As long as the cops do as I say, you've got nothing to be nervous about," he told Gary noticing what Gary had been doing too.

"Here's yours beers.  Ice cold from the refrigator," Pete said handing both men their beers.

"Thanks.  I really need this," Gary said taking a sip of his beer and trying to think.

Stone took a sip of his beer and relaxed in his chair.  "When I get the word that the witness has decided not to testify, you'll be driven to a place where you can call someone to come and get you.  Until then, you stay here."

"You really think holding me here is going make the witness change his mind about testifying against you? I'd tell him  to go ahead and don't worry about me."

"If he does Hobson, you're going to be put on my boat and taken somewhere else."

Gary sipped his beer wishing that he could escape or that someone would come and rescue him.

He checked his watch and saw it was almost two oclock.  He had been held prisoner for a couple of hours, and he didn't want to be where he was any longer than he wanted to be.

Meanwhile, at the police station, Armstrong and Mr. Smith was in one of the intergrations room with a video camera ready and a couple of officers standing by as witnesses.

"Okay Mr. Smith.  All you have to do is look at the camera and tell us everything about Jasper Stone that you know.  It's very important that you tell us everything.  Thank you agan for agreeing to do this," Paul told the witness pointing to the camera that one of the officers were holding.

"As long as it helps both you and Mr. Hobson, I'm happy to do it.  Okay. I'm ready," Mr. Smith said.

"Good.  This is a taped deposition of state witness Mr. Smith.  Go ahead Mr. Smith."

"Jasper Stone has a numbers racket somewhere in Chicago, and in Las Vegas too.  He's been skimming profits off the machines that his casino has, and has ordered various hits against his enemies.  He would take over another mobster's domain by having the man killed, and then assert himself as the new leader.  He doesn't include his profits from his casino.  He has rigged tables as well as rigged games too.  He's planning another takeover, and like the others, it'll be after the man who's the boss of it is killed by one of his men. He has his own private bookeeper who does whatever Stone tells him to.  If you get a look at his books, you'll find a lot of interesting things not written there that should be there," Mr. Smith told the camera man.

"Is all of this what you're saying the truth Mr. Smith?"

"Yes.  All of it's true.  That's why I decided to get out while I could."

"Thank you Mr. Smith.  You have just helped the police and the citizens of Chicago very much."

"You're welcome."

The camera shut off the tape and smiled.  "I got it all sir.  This'll really nail Stone to the wall," he said.

Armstrong smiled too.  "That's what we want.  Okay.  Take Mr. Smith back to his safehouse."

Meanwhile, Mick Dundee was following one of the mobster's man in the rental car, but making sure that the man didn't see him.  It was important for the element of surprise to be on his side.

"Aha!  This is the place alright.  First thing to do is to take care of the two guards outside," he said.

Mick got out of his car and went over to the fence.  He climbed up and over it very quietly.

Very quietly, Mick snuck up on the first guard, and tapped him on the shoulder.

When the man turned around, Mick gave him a punch to the jaw knocking the man out.

"You won't be needing this mate," he said tossing the man's gun into the bushes.

Taking his knife out of it's holster, Mick went towards the second man, and tapped the man on the shoulder.

"Make one sound mate, and I'll use this on the place where it hurts the most.  Understand?," he said.

The man nodded looking at the knife that Dundee had in his hand.

"Now, tell me how many men are inside the house, and where Gary Hobson is."

"He's in the palor.  There's four other men inside the house."

Dundee smiled.  "Very good mate.  Now, toss your weapon in the bushes over there."

The man obeyed, and Mick knocked him out with a punch .

He put his knife away, and went towards the door knowning that he had to take care of other guards.

Mick opened the door and went inside quietly closing the door behind him.

"Hey you!  Who are you and how did you get past the other two?," one of the other man demanded.

"Like this," Mick replied, and knocked the man out with a punch .

The noise of the man hitting the floor made the people in the palor turn to the door.

"Pete, go see what that noise was.  Gino, go with him," Stone told his men.

The two hoods went out to the hall and saw one of their men out cold on the floor.

"Who did this?," Pete asked drawing his gun out of the holster.

A whoosh sounded, and a kinfe knocked the gun out of Pete's hand.

Crocodile came out of his hding place, retrived his knife, and held it in his hand.

"No sound, or you'll feel this where you don't want it.  Toss your weapons over by the door.  Now," he told them.

The men obeyed, and Mick smiled.  "Time you two had a nap," he said, and bumped their heads together.

Still holding his knife in his hand, Dundee entered the pallor and saw Gary sitting in a chair.

"Mick!  How did you find me?," Gary asked surprised and glad to see his friend.

"Tell you later.  It's time you were leaving this place," Mick replied his eyes on the man watching Gary.

"I'm ready.  Been ready ever since I was brought here," Gary said getting up from his chair.

"You're staying right there!  Hold him there George!," Stone ordered Gary's guard.

"Touch him anywhere mate, and you'll be sorry.  Now, I don't want to use this knife, but if you don't let my friend go right now, I may have to. Choice is yours."

George decided to let Gary leave not wanting that big knife touching him anywhere.

Gary walked over to Mick glad that he was leaving ."Let's get out of here. This place is giving me the creeps."

"You go, and I'll cover you.  My car's outside."

Gary went towards the door without looking back at his captor once, and stepped outside to freedom.

Mick was right behind him, his knife back in it's holder in his jacket.

On the back to town, MIck answered Gary's question on how he had found out where Gary was at.

"The man who was taking your picture the other day at the park.  I saw him in a camera store, and had a interesting conversation with in an allley.  I gave him a choice.  He could either tell me who hired him and where you were being held at, or if he refused, I'd put him headfirst in a dumpster.  He took the first one," he said.

Gary laughed.  "I can just see you putting him in the dumpster that way. How did you get past the guards outside?  They were armed with guns," he said.

"I knocked them out with one punch to their jaw and tossed their weapons away in the bushes.  I also did the same thing with the two inside.  I'm taking you home where I know your wife is waiting for you."

"Does she know what happened to me?  I hope no one told her."

"I think by now she knows.  Linda's there with her. "

"I'll be glad to see Toni and my kids.  Thanks for coming to my rescue Mick."

"You're welcome Gary.  I've done it before."
 

Chapter 18

Mick pulled up in Gary's driveway in the rental car and shut off the engine. "You're home Gary.  Go in and embrace your wife and children," he told Gary smiling at him.

"How can I ever thank you enough for what you did Mick?," Gary asked grateful for being home.

"Just having you home safe is thanks enough for me mate.  Go inside your house."

Gary got out of the car and went towards the door, but before he could open it, the door was swung open.

"Gary!  Oh thank goodness!  You're safe!," Toni cried throwing her arms around her husband.

Gary just held his wife close and felt her trembling as she tried not to cry. "Honey, let's go inside.  I'm here and that's all  that counts," he told her gently.

Toni wipped her eyes and looked in his mud puddle eyes.  "I'm just so glad you're home."

She and Gary went inside their house and MIck followed right behind them to see Linda.

"Did you have any trouble getting him out of there Mick?," Linda asked her husband.

Mick smiled.  "Nope.  I did the same thing to get him out that I did to get you out safe," he replied.

"Hmmm.  I think I know what you did.  I hope you didn't have to use your knife on anyone."

"I almost did.  I threaten to use it where it counts if the goons didn't do as I said."

Linda smiled.  "I could just see the looks on their faces when they saw your knife."

"Tell her what you told the guy who was taking my picture that day what you'd do with him if he didn't tell you what you wanted to know in order to find out where I was being held Mick," Gary said.

"I told him that he had two choices, either he told me what I wanted to know, or I'd put him headfirst in an dumpster if he didn't.  He was smart enough to tell me what I wanted to know."

Toni handed her husband a bottle of beer out of their refrigator from their kitchen that she had went to get.

"Have you ever put anyone headfirst in a dumpster Mick?," she asked sitting down besides Gary.

"Almost Toni.  Some guy in New York was giving an old lady a rough time, and I happen on the scence. I told him to leave the woman alone, and he had the nerve to tell me that it wasn't my business.  He found out it wasn't nice to talk to me like that.  I gave him a quick punch to his jaw, picked him up, and dropped him inside a garbage can in the alley close by.  I warned him that if I ever caught him trying to harass anyone again, I'd personally put him headfirst in the nearest dumpster I could find."

Toni laughed.  "That I'd like to see."

The phone rang just then, and Toni answered it since she was closest to it.

"Hello.  Hobson residence," she said into the instrument.

'Toni, it's Paul Amstrong.  Just wanted to tell you that we got Mr. Smith's taped disposition all ready for the trail next week.  Tomorrow morning, he's leaving on the first flight out of Chicago to a undisclosed location that only we and the FBI know of.  He was glad to do it.  He wanted to help Hobson out of his predicitment," Armstrong told Toni sitting at his desk at the police station talking on his phone.

"That's great Paul.  Gary's safe and sound right here with me thanks to Mick Dundee."

"Hobson's there with you?  Good.  That'll make the witness feel ever better before he leaves.  Could you ask Mr. Dundee to tell us where Stone's place is at?  It's time he and his men were brought in on the kidnapping charge. "

Toni handed the phone to Mick and asked him to tell Armstrong where the townhouse was located.

"Sure.  Be glad to," Mick said always glad to help the police anyway he could.

He told Paul where the place was at, and even told him about the guards. "Good luck mate."

"Thanks Mr. Dundee.  You just helped us catch a very dangerous man," Paul said.

"You're welcome detective.  You can tell your witness that he doesn't have to worry about Gary's safety."

"We already got his statement on tape sir.  It was done a while ago here at the station."

Mick handed the phone back to Toni smiling.

"Good bye Paul.  Go get those thugs and put them being bars."

"Don't worry. We're on our way right now.  Good bye Toni."

Toni hung up the phone just as her children came inside the house from being at a friend's house earlier.

"Thanks for watching them for a while Mrs. Jones.  Were they any trouble?," she asked her friend.

"Goodness no Mrs. Hobson.  They were good children," Mrs. Jones replied smiling.

"Go say hello to your father children."

Rose and Jeff ran over to Gary who picked them up and put one on each knee.

"Is Mommy alright?  She looks like she's been crying Daddy," Rose asked.

"Mommy's fine Rose honey.  Did you behave yourselves at Mrs. Jones's house today?," he replied.

"Yes Daddy.  She even played a little ball with me," Jeff said smiling.

"That's my boy!  You're going to be a good ballplayer someday Jeff."

"I think we'd better leave now.  I still have to introduce Mick to my friend," Linda said.

"Thanks for stopping by Linda, and keeping me company," Toni told her.

"Good day everyone.  Let's go sweetheart," Mick said tipping his hat to Mrs. Jones as he passed her.

Linda and Mick went out to their rental car, got inside, and drove away from Gary's and Toni's house.

Mrs. Jones said her good byes, turned, and left the house herself knowing that Toni and Gary wanted to be alone with their children.

"Would you two like some milk and cookies?," Toni asked her children.

"Yes!  Please!," both of them replied together.

"Go wash your hands and sit down at the table.  I'll pour you some milk and give you each a cookie."

Gary set his children down, and watched them go towards the bathroom to wash their hands.

"You alright honey?  You were trembling a little earlier when I came home," he asked his wife.

Toni  nodded.  "Now that you're home safe and sound, I am.  Thank goodness I didn't have to tell our children what happened to you, and don't you tell them either.  How's your beer?"

"It tastes good.  Did you get the spare bedroom ready for my parent's when they arrive?"

"Yes.  I'd better get the milk and cookies ready for the kids.  Anything special you want for dinner?"

"Whatever you fix  is alright with me sweetheart."

Toni smiled and went into the ktichen to get the milk and cookies ready for their children.
 

Chapter 19

Toni had the radio on to Gary's favorite station which played jazz music to help him relax while she fixed dinner in the kitchen for them and the children.  Rose and Jeff were playing a game on the floor next to their dad. "Which one of you is winning?," Gary asked smiling at seeing his children playing together.

 "I am daddy!  I'm ahead of Jeff by three points," Rose replied smilng back at her father.

"You're just lucky sis.  I'm going to win the rest of the points," Jeff told his sister.

"Play nice you two.  Don't fight about who wins or who doesn't.  Just get along like you are, okay."

A news brief came on interupting the music for a few minutes.

"The police have just arrested the mob boss Jasper Stone and his men at Stone's townhouse an hour ago. The mobster is scheduled to go to trail over various charges against him, and kidnapping has been added to the list.  Detective Paul Armstrong commented that he is confident that with all the evidence and the witness's statement, that the mob boss and his men will be put away for a long time," the newsperson said.

Gary looked over at Toni who had just appeared in the living room doorway having heard the news come on.

The look of relief on her face told him that she was glad the whole thing was just about over.

"Are they behaving theirselves honey?," she asked looking at Gary refering to the children.

Gary nodded.  "Yes they are.  How's dinner coming sweetheart?," he replied.

"It'll be ready in a while.  I made your favorite tonight and your favorite desert too."

"Do we have to eat Pecan pie daddy?," Rose asked not liking the pecans in the pie.

"No.  That's Daddy's pie, and you two can have ice cream."

"Goody!  I hope it's chocolate.  That's my favorite."

"You can have it if you eat everything on your plate tonight.  That goes for you too Jeff," Toni told them.

"I will mom.  Was that man a bad man that was arrested  Daddy?," Jeff asked.

"Yes son.  He was a very bad man who hurt people and did bad things."

Toni turned and went back into the kitchen to finish preparing their dinner.

Gary watched his children play their game as the music came back on the radio.

"I didn't know you liked this kind of music Daddy," Jeff said waiting to take his turn.

Gary smiled.  "Daddy likes all kind of music Jeff.  It just depends on my mood at times what I listen to."
 

Chapter 20

The next day, Gary went to work at McGinty's  and told everyone what had happend the other day. "I would've called you and told you that  I was home and alright, but I thought I'd just spend the entire day and evening with my family and tell you here today," he told Chuck, Marissa and Emmit.

"We're so glad that you're alright and that awful man will soon be behind bars Gary.  We understand that you wanted to spend some tme with your family and your rescue.  How did Mick take care of the guards without getting hurt and without any weapons?," Marissa said sipping her coffee.

"I'll let Mick tell you himself.  He and Linda just arrived and are coming inside right now."

Mick and Linda entered the bar and came over to where Gary and the others were at.

"Good morning everyone!  Mick thought we should stop in and say good bye before we leave," Linda said.

"Oh.  You're going back  home today?  Have a safe trip," Chuck said smiling at them.

"Mick, why don't you tell Marissa how you took care of the guards when you came and got me out of there the other day?  She was just asking how you did it," Gary told Mick handing him a cup of coffee.

"Sure.  I knocked the first guard out with a punch, and showed my knife to the other one.  I told him to throw his weapon in the bushes, and when he did, I decked him too.  I took care of the others that way too.  The man who was watching Gary I gave a choice:  He could either step out of the way and let Gary go, or I'd use my knife on the place where it would hurt the most. The man wisely let Gary leave," Mick replied.

"He also threatened to put a man headfirst in a dumpster if the man didn't tell Mick where Gary was being held. I still laugh when I think of it.  We were so glad to hear that the mobster and his men are in jail, and that this whole thing is over for everyone. Our plane leaves in two hours.  We wanted to tell you it was nice meeting you, and that we'll remember our visit here when we get home."

"You take care now going home."

Mick finished his coffee and put the mug down on the counter to be washed. "Thanks for the coffee. We'll be going now.  Good bye everyone."

He and Linda walked out the door and got back inside their rental car to drive towards the airport.

"There goes two good people Gar," Chuck said smiling at his friend.

"You can say that again Chuck.  I'll never forgot them that's for sure.  I'm just glad that my parents weren't here when all of this happened.  I know my dad would try and save me if they heard about it.  Speaking of them, they're going to be here for a visit this weekend."

"They'll probably help with the paper again while they're here."

"Yeah.  It's okay.  There are times when I need their help."
 

Email the author: lori@maplecity.com
 

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