This fanfic is about how Gary and Toni met and dated before they get
married and have the twins. There is a little danger when Gary gets
involved in another hostage situation during a save, and Toni comes to his
aid.
Standard Disclaimer Applies
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Toni Gets Her Man
by Lori Anderson
Chapter 1
Toni Bragetti sat at her desk inside the police station working on a report
on her computer sipping her coffee. Paul Armstrong was sitting across the
room at his desk going over a recent carjacking attempt report that he had
written. "Another carjacking ring successfully cracked thanks to Hobson and
Miguel's
brother," he said sipping his coffee.
Toni smiled. "I told you that Hobson was on your side Paul.
When are you going to realize that he was innocent in that Scallion homicide?
The minute I did, I felt something special inside towards Gary," she told
him.
"I've already told I'm begining to realize that. It's just going
to take a litttle while to come around."
Toni pushed herself away from her desk. "Well, don't take too long
Paul. I intend to marry Hobson someday."
She walked over towards the coffee pot to pour herself another cup of
coffee.
"Wait a minute Bragetti! You just started dating Hobson not too
long ago. It's a little early to be thinking of marriage."
Toni turned from the coffee pot to face her partner and friend.
"I said I was going to marry him someday, not real soon. Did I tell
you how to date Victoria? Please stay out of my lovelife."
"Okay. Take it easy. I was just stating how I felt about what
you said is all."
Toni walked back to her desk. "I know, and you're entitled to your
oppinon. I'm not ashamed to admit that I love Hobson."
******************************************************************
In Mc Ginty's, Gary and Marissa sat inside their office going over paperwork,
but Gary's mind was on Toni.
"Call her Gary. You know you want to. I'm sure she won't mind,"
Marissa told Gary sensing his mood.
Gary looked at his partner and friend. "You're doing it again.
I don't want to disturb her at work," he said.
"Gary, as your friend and Emmet's wife, I'm telling you that if you don't
call her now, it's going to drive you crazy until you do. So call her.
She can always tell you not to call her anymore at work."
Gary sighed and realized that she was right. He'd call Bragatti
at the station, and make a date for tonight.
"Okay. I'm going to call her right now, and ask her to go to the
movies with me tonight."
"Good. I'lll leave the office so you can do it in private."
************************************************************
At the station, Toni's phone rang, and she picked it up. "Police
station. Bragetti speaking," she said into it.
"Uh, it's Gary. Sorry to bother you at work, but would you go out
for pizza and a movie with me tonight?," Gary asked.
Toni smiled. "Sure. What time?"
"I'll pick you up at six at your place."
"I'll be ready. Wear something nice for me."
"I will. I love you."
"Same here. See you at six. Good bye."
Toni hung up her phone and looked to see Armstong watching her from his
desk shaking his head.
"Do I say anything when Victoria calls you here? I know she does,
so don't tell me that she doesn't," she said.
"I didn't say anything Toni," Paul replied.
"No, but I know what you were thinking. I told Gary if that he needed
to call me here to ask me out, that he could."
"Okay. Let's start a war over with it. So, you're going out
tonight with Hobson again?," he asked.
"Yes. He's picking me up at six at my place."
***************************************************
Gary smiled as he hung up the phone in the office. He had a date
with Toni again, and it made him feel good.
Marissa entered the office. "So, did you call her?," she asked sitting
back down at her desk.
Gary nodded. "Yep. I'm picking her up at six at her place
for pizza and a movie," he replied.
"Good. Did I ever tell you that I think you and Toni make a good
couple?"
"Yeah, you did. Lots of times. I don't mind though.
It's true."
"Do you think you'll marry her someday?"
"I know I will, and so does she."
Chapter 2
Gary stood in front of his mirror looking at himself in his suit and smiled.
"Not bad at all Hobson," he told himself. He checked his watch again.
A quater to six. Gary grabbed his jakcet, his keys, and left the loft
locking the door behind him. He was on his way to pick up Toni at her apartment
for their date, and he didn't want to be late.
Inisde her apartment, Toni Brigatti smiled at her reflection in the mirror.
She looked very lovely in her blue sweater and matching pants she had on.
Her earings also dazzled as well. "You are going to knock his socks
off tonight," she told herself. Toni reached for her purse and her jacket.
There was still a little chill in the air from the cold front that had passed
through earlier in the week, but a warming trend was going to take place
soon the weatherman predicited. She didn't pay much attention the to
the weather. All she cared about was that she was going to enjoy herself
tonight with Gary.
Gary pulled up at Toni's door right a six in his bronco jeep. He
hoped she liked romantic movies, because that was what they were going to
see. "Message in A Bottle" was playing at the BJ, and Gary thought
it sounded like the perfect movie to see. He smiled when he saw her door open,
and Toni stepped outside wearing her jacket. 'Your carrage awaits my lady,"
Gary said opening the passenger door for Toni to climb in at.
Toni laughed. "Thank you sir. I see you made it on time.
That's what I like about a man, that he keeps his word," she told him.
"Nice earings Toni."
"What movie are we seeing tonight?.
"Message in a Bottle. I heard it's really good."
"Sounds good to me. Let's eat first, and then go to the late showing.
Less crowded that way."
"Okay. "
He drove towards the downtown area where the pizza palor and the theatre
were smiling.
Chapter 3
The next day, Toni hummed as she entered the police station ready for
another day of work. Her date with Gary last night had been wonderful,
especailly the
kiss good night outside her door he had given her before he had left promising
to see her again soon.
"I see you're in a good mood today Bragatti. Must have had a terrific
evening last night," Jarowski said smiling.
Toni turned to the lietuentant. "I did, and it's none of your business
Jarowski. My personal life will not become office gossip or rumors
around here. Do I make myself clear?," she told him her voice serious.
"Sure Bragatti. Sure. No problem."
"Good. Get to work Jaworski."
The lieutenant turned and went to his work station having been put in
his place by Toni.
Toni entered the room and went to her desk. She had a busy schedule
today, and she intended to get started right away.
'Morning Bragatti," Paul Armstrong told her as he entered, and went to
his own desk.
"Morning Paul," Toni replied smiling at him.
"I heard about what you said to Jarowski a few minutes ago."
"I had to make it clear that I didn't want him to start any gossip or
rumors about me in here. He tends to be a little too nosy at times.
He was hinting in a certain direction, and I wasn't going there."
Armstrong sipped his coffee. "You did the right thing. They
all know what the rules are here: No discussion about anyone's personal
life outside this building is allowed unless permission is given. Anywway,
I've got some information about that case we've been working on you might
like to know
about."
"Another tip from our so-called informer? What did he say this time?"
"He said that something big was going to happen soon. He didn't
know what yet, but as soon as he finds out, he'll let us know."
Toni frowned. "I don't like the idea of having an informer calling
us to help us out Paul. I've never worked with one before, and I don't
need one now. You can consider his information if you want to, but as for
me, I'll handle it my way without it."
"Spoken like a true policewoman Bragatti. I'm not planning on acting
on his information anyway."
****************************************************************************
Gary was pouring himself a cup of coffee in the bar's kitchen when Chuck
entered the room heading for the coffee pot.
"Good morning Chuck," Gary said smiling at his friend and taking a sip
of his coffee.
"Morning Gar. How did your date go with Toni last night if I may
ask?," Chuck asked as he sipped his coffee.
"It went okay. How did your night go?"
Chuck groaned. "Last allnight poker party I'll ever attend.
I wanted to stay home and watch the X-files on television like I had planned,
but no. A friend
of mine calls me up and asks me to sit in for him at a poker party because
he's sick and can't make it. So, I put my tape in my VCR to record
the show to watch later, and go to the house where the poker party is.
I tell you Gar, I never wanted to leave that party so bad in my life when
nine o clock came around. I was really getting tired, and I'm not that
good of a poker player anyway. I finally left at midnight and was glad
to get home to rewind my
tape, and get to bed."
"Why didn't you tell your friend to ask someone else to take his place?"
"I did, but he said I was the only one he could think of to call at that
monment. Next time he calls, I'm letting my answering machine take
the message. "
"Good idea pal. I tell you this much, when I'm with Toni I feel
good inside. I think she may be the one I've been looking for all my life.
I know she feels the same about me. I'm in love with her Chuck."
Chuck smiled. "You know how long I've waited to hear you say that?
I thought you'd never date again after your divorce."
"Toni's entirely different from Marsha. She cares more about me
in ways than my ex-wife ever did."
"If you marry her pal, you're gonna have to get rid of that cat.
The lady's allergic to it."
Gary nodded and took another sip of his coffee. "I know she is.
I have to tell her about the paper too."
"What?! Gar, no! You could lose her if you tell her about
it."
"No I won't Chuck. She has a right to know about it. I'm not
keeping any secrets from her."
Chuck sighed and sipped his coffee again. "Well, good luck when
you tell her."
Gary sipped his coffee. "Yeah. I'll need it. Where's
Marissa?"
"She'll be here a little late she told me last night. Had some errands
to do before she comes to work."
"Oh. Okay."
Chapter 4
Marissa entered Mc Ginty's after Emmet dropped her off in his cab before
he went to his office to finish some paperwork. They had a nice long breakfast
at home, discussed plans for the evening, and then they had decided they
had to go to work. Upon hearing the familiar tap of her cane on the floor,
Gary and Chuck turned to see Marissa coming towards them.
"There she is! Good morning Marissa," Gary said smiling at her.
"Good morning Gary. Chuck. Sorry I'm a little late, but I
had some errands to do before I came here," Marissa replied.
"That's okay. Just as long as you're here now."
"Did you have fun on your dae with Toni last night?"
Gary nodded. "Yes. I'll tell you about it later. Right
now there's work to be done before the lunch crowd gets here."
Marissa went to hang up her coat and then moved to get herself a cup of
coffee from the coffee pot.
"Allow me," Chuck said reaching for the coffe pot and carefully pouring
some in a cup for Marissa. "There you are."
Marissa took the cup, took a sip, and smiled at Chuck. "Thank you
Chuck. You didn't have to do that."
"I know, but I didn't want you to accidently burn yourself with the coffee."
"I' haven't done it so far Chuck."
*******************************************
Bragatti and Armstrong sat in their chief's office after having been summoned
by him for something.
"These store robberies have got to stop! I have a feeling that it's
leading to something much bigger and we have to stop it before it happens.
I called you two in here to tell you that as of today we are no longer
going to be using the informant that's been calling here. I realize
that every police department has one at times, but right now, we don't need
one messing things up. I've told the others as well not to pay attention
to the informant anymore, and tell him we're not interested in what he has
to say," the chief told them as he took a sip of his coffee that he had brought
from home. He didn't care for the department's coffee.
"It 's very strange that the robbers are taking things that aren't too
expensive sir. I did a checklist of what was taken from each store,
and it's all collectable things. Like nicknacks and such," Toni said
speaking up.
"True Bragatti. Whoever's behind these robberies may be building
up for something much more valuable. I want you to do some research
and see what you can find out about those items that were taken. I
want everything that you can find. Paul, I want you to go to the owners
of the stores again, and have
them make a list of the items that were stolen and how much they were
worth. Find out if they're insured or not in case of theft. Talk to
some of the
other customers and see if they noticed anyone suspcious lurking around
the store before the robbery. The more information we have, the better
our
chances are of getting to the bottom of this."
Armstrong nodded. "I'll get it on right away sir," he promised.
"Good. That's all for now. Bragatti, please stay in for a
minute. I need to talk to you about something important."
"Yes sir."
Armstrong left the office and returned to his desk to get what he needed
to go back to the stores.
The chief turned to Toni. "I heard that you put Jarowski in his
place earlier," he said.
Toni nodded. "Yes sir. He made some remark about my evening
last night that I didn't like. I hope you don't think I was out of
line with what I told him.
I don't want my personal life after work to become a topic of conversation
around here."
"You weren't out of line. He's got to learn not to be so nosy about
people's lives after work. Good work Bragatti."
"Thank you sir. Is there anything else?"
"No."
Toni turned and left his office smiling. She was having a good day,
and would have a better evening with Gary later.
*********************************************
Inside their office, Gary was telling Marissa about the date he and Toni
had the other night. "So, after the movie was over, I drove her home,
walked her
to her door, and kissed her good night. I promised to take her out
again," he said.
"I knew I had done the right thing by telling you to call her. I'm
so happy to know that you're dating again." Marissa told him.
"Yeah. Toni's so much fun to be with, and we really get along great.
I think I have finally found my Mrs.Right."
"So do I Gary. Is marriage somewhere down the line then?"
Gary nodded. "Yep. She's going to be Mrs.Gary Hobson one of
these days."
"Let me know the day, and we'll be there."
"Sure."
Chuck entered the office just then. "You're not going to believe
this Gar, but I got a call from one of the men at the poker party last night.
They want me to come over next week and become a regular," he said.
"What did you tell him pal?"
Chuck smiled. "I told him thanks, but no thanks. I wasn't
interested in staying up half the night playing poker. I told him
to find someone else. He said he would."
"Good for you Chuck," Marissa said knowing how bad of a card player Chuck
was.
Chapter 5
Around lunchtime at the station, Toni had a visitor. She looked
up from her desk to see Gary standing there in his leather jacket. "What
a nice surprise! I didn't expcet you to come down here to see me,"
she said smiling at him as she stood up.
Gary smiled back. "I just thought I'd take you to lunch if that's
alright. We can make plans for tonight while we eat lunch, " he replied
hands in his
pockets and his mud-puddle eyes looking at hers.
"Of course it's alright with me. I'd love to have lunch with you
just as long as it's not in your bar."
Gary nodded. "Sounds fair enough."
"I'll just grab my purse and be right with you." Toni grabbed
her purse from the floor, put it over her shoulder, and walked towards Gary.
"Let's go handsome. I'm hungry after all the work I've been doing this
morning."
Gary took her arm and they walked towards the stairs together. They
went down to the main floor, and out the door.
Gary lead her to his bronco, helped her get in, and went around to the
front on the driver's side.
He got in, fastened his seat belt, started the engine, and drove away
from the station.
*************************************************************
Paul Armstrong was having lunch with his wife at their house. He
always had lunch at home. It was better than eating the lunch
at the cafertia in the
station, or getting something from the vending machines.
"How was your morning Victoria?," Paul asked taking a bite of his sandwhich.
Victoria smiled. "Busy. I didn't think I'd ever get my errands done."
she replied sipping her coffee.
"You should take it easy. The doctor doesn't want you to overdo
it you know."
"Oh Paul. I'm fine. I can't stay in the house everyday.
I need to go out and do something, otherwise, I'll get bored."
"Well, just make sure you relax when you can. I don't want you to
have a relapse."
Victoria sighed. One fainting spell, and already her husband wants
her to be a homebody.
"Alright, I'll make a deal with you. I'll be careful, if you'll
quit worrying about me so much."
"It's a deal."
"Good. I'm glad that's settled. Now, enjoy your lunch."
***********************************************************
The little cafe resturant not far from the station was where Toni and
Gary were having lunch in a booth.
"This place is so quaint. How did you ever find it?," Toni asked
sipping her coffee as they waited for their orders.
Gary smiled. "One of my customers told me about it. Said he
stops in there for lunch at times," he replied.
"Doesn't that worry you about having this as competition?"
"Nah. So, you had a busy morning, huh. Tell me about it,"
he said changing the subject.
"I can't. It's a on going investigation, and we're not allowed to
give any information out. I've told you that before."
"I forgot. Do you have any place special you'd like to go tonight?"
Toni thought for a moment. "Yeah. Your place. Not the
bar, but the loft where you live."
Gary was a little surprised. "Oh. Okay. We can order
pizza and I can rent some movies to watch."
Toni smiled. "We're not ordering out tonight. I'm going to
fix you supper."
"Even better. Here comes our lunch."
All discussion would wait until they were finished eating.
Chapter 6
That evening, Toni stood in the kitchen of Gary's loft fixing him a steak
dinner with all the trimmings as he sat in his chair sipping a beer watching
her. His mud- puddle eyes twinkled when he saw how well she could handle
his small kitchen space. "You're a pro in the kitchen I see Toni," he said
and took a sip of his beer.
"Didn't I tell you I'm a good cook when we first met? You'd better
get used to this lover. When we get married, I'm not letting you in
the kitchen except
to get something to drink. Now just relax, and let me do the cooking,"
Toni told him smiling.
"At least this time, you're not chasing after any jewel theif. You
sure scared me when I saw you on that edge that day."
"You were scared? As I recall, I could've been hurt very badly if
you hadn't come along. I never asked you then, but I will now, How
did you know I was in danger that day? "
"It was just a feeling I had."
"You're not telling me you're pysic, are you?"
"Nope. I'm not like those phonies."
"Good. I've had to bust a lot of them in my work at times.
Making phoney predictions that never came true."
Gary decided to change the subject. "There's a good movie on tonight
that I thought you'd like to see with me."
Toni nodded. "Whatever you decide is fine with me just as long as
we're together."
*****************************************************************************
**
Chuck sighed as he collapsed on his sofa in his apartment. Having
taken over the paper for Gary while he and Toni were having a date had seemed
like a good idea at the time, but that last save he had just finished made
him wish someone else had done it.
"Chasing after a runaway horse is not my idea of fun," he said as he put
his tired feet up.
The horse had bolted from his corral at the stable from something, and
Chuck had to prevent it from being hit by cars.
He had finally managed to grab the renis, and calm the poor horse down
just as the owner had arrived.
The owner had thanked Chuck for saving his horse from being killed by
traffic, and had taken his animal back home.
Chuck had rode a taxi home and went up to his apartment in the elevator.
"I think I need a beer," he said, and walked towards his kitchen where
his refrigator was.
He opened it, reached in, and took out a beer. Shuting the door,
Chuck used the bottle opener to open his bottle, and went back out in his
living room to relax on his sofa again. The X files was on, and Chuck
turned on his television to watch it. He never missed an eposide, even
if he had to tape it to watch it when he wasn't home at the time it came
on.
*********************************************************************
The dinner that Toni had prepared was delicious! Gary enjoyed every
bit of it, and smiled at her from across the table.
"You're a terrific cook Toni! Everything was good," he told her
as he sipped the last of his beer.
"Thank you. I can also bake pies. Any kind of pie you like,"
Toni said sipping her own beer.
"Really. I'll have to remember that."
"Just what kind of pie do you like Hobson?"
"My favorite is pecan, but I like other kinds too."
"Hmmm. Pecan Pie. You may get it sometime."
"Okay your turn. What kind of pie do you like?"
"Apple, Cherry, Strawberry, and Chocolate."
"You like chocolate pie, huh? You must really love chocolate."
"I'm not a chocolate freak, but I do like chocolate a lot."
Chapter 7
Gary brought two beers from the refrigator and put them on the coffee
table. He leaned back on his sofa and waited for Toni. She was finishing
up the popcorn they'd be eating for the movie in the kitchen. When
it was done, she put it in a bowl, put some butter on it, and carried it
over to the sofa where she sat it down on the cofffee table between the two
beers. She grabbed one of them, and took a sip sighing with pleasure.
She was having a great time being with Gary. "Okay. Let's watch the
movie sweetheart," Toni said leaning back against his arms with the popcorn
bowl on her lap.
Gary smiled and turned on the televeision. The movie was a love
story, and Toni smiled when she what the title was. "This is even better
than going to the theatre," he said grabbing a handful of popcorn and putting
it in his mouth.
Toni put some in her mouth and nodded her agreement. She took another
sip of her beer to wash it down before she spoke. "I agree with you there.
You can't be alone in a theatre unless you're in the balcony."
"I wonder how many people actually watch the movie from there."
He took another handful of popcorn.
"You'd be surprised good looking. " She got some more popcorn too.
*****************************************************************************
***
Chuck finished the rest of his beer as he watched the last of his show.
His feet were no longer tired and sore, and all of the tension had completely
eased out of him. Somehow, watching the X-files always made him feel
better no matter how the day had gone. Knowing the news was going to come
on next, Chuck flipped the channel to some sports thing to watch, and decided
to get another beer and something to snack on. He had preztels in the
cupboard, and he decided to get them out. The phone rang and he frowned.
Who could be calling me at this hour?, he thought to himself as he went to
answer it.
"Hello. Fishman's residence. Fishman speaking," Chuck said
into the instrument.
"Hello sir. I am selling-----------", and the phone went dead as
Chuck hung it up cutting the telelamarketer off.
"Why don't they quit calling me?," he growled. "I've told them I'm
not interested in what they're selling."
Sighing, Chuck took his snack, beer, and went back into his living room
to watch the sport chanel before going to bed.
Tomorrow, he'd call the phone company. and ask them if he could put a
block on his phone to keep telemarketers off.
*****************************************************************************
*********************
The next morning, Chuck was telling Marissa about the save last night
when Gary walked in. "I finally managed to get the horse calmed down
enough so when the owner got there, he could put it in the tralier to take
it back to the stable. I was never so tired in my life! My feet
were sore from all the
running I had to do to catch and stop the horse before it got hurt, and
when I got home, all I did was collapse on my couch for a while," he told
her sipping
his coffee.
Marissa smiled. "I bet you enjoyed it though," she said sipping
her coffee.
"Not as much as I did the X-files. Then, as I was getting something
to snack on, the phone rang, and it was one of those darn pesky telemarketers
wanting
to sell me something. I quickly hung up on him."
"That's how to handle them Chuck. Emmet tells them that they're
messing with a lawyer, and they can't hang up fast enough."
"Good morning Chuck. Marissa," Gary said smiling at his friends.
"Morning Gar. How was your evening last night? You've already
heard how mine was."
"It was good. Toni fixed dinner at my place, and later, we ate popcorn
and watched a movie."
Chuck smiled. "I'm glad Gar. You deserve some happiness after
you went through."
"I agree. You and Toni make a great couple," Marissa told Gary.
Gary poured himself a cup of coffee. He took a sip as he nodded
to what his friends had said.
"Yeah. I feel good and happy when I'm with Toni. Somehow,
I know she's the one I've been waiting for all my life."
"Does this mean we'll be reading about your engagement in the paper soon
pal?"
"If we put in the paper, Chuck. When I get her the ring, I'll let
you know."
Chapter 8
Toni arrived at the station ready for another's day work. The date
with Gary the other night had her dreaming all night. "Good morning Paul.
Any new information and leads yet on the case?," she asked Paul Armstrong
as she sat down at her desk.
Paul sipped his coffee and nodded. "Yeah. "All the store owners
said that the robbers all came in through the roof of their buildings from
the skylights. They came down on ropes, managed to get what they wanted
without tripping the alarms, and left the same way. It looks like we're
dealing with robbers who know something about mountain climbing," he replied.
"Hmmm. That could be something to check out. See if any stores around
here sell that kind of stuff."
"I'm already on it Bragatti. I called a sporting store and asked
them if they sell any climbing gear for climbling mountains."
"What did they say?"
"They said they did, and also gave me a name of another store that sells
it too. I've asked the clerk to see if he had any recent sales lately.
He's supposed to get back to me with the information."
"Great. Now we know how they got in and what they used."
"Once we know when the gear was sold, we'll have some idea of who the
robbers are."
*****************************************************************************
*******************
Gary had decided to call his parents and tell them about Toni. They'd
be glad that he was dating again and with someone that really cared for him.
Inside
his office, Gary dialed his parent's phone number in Hickory and waited
for someone to answer.
"Hello. Hobson residence. Lois speaking," Lois Hobson said
answering the ktichen phone.
"Hi Mom. It's me," Gary said.
"Gary! What a nice surprise. Is everything alright honey?
You're not in any trouble , are you?"
"No Mom. I've got some good news to tell you."
"I'm always ready to hear good news. Go ahead."
"Mom, I'm dating again, and she's a lot better than Marsha ever was."
"Oh Gary! I'm so glad. I knew it wouldn't be too long before
you started to date again. What's her name?"
"Toni Bragatti."
"What a nice name. What does she do?"
"She's a police detective Mom."
"A police detective? You have done better than Marsha. I'd
like to meet this new love of yours sometime."
"You and Dad could come up some weekend, and I'll introduce her to you."
"Sounds good. I'll tell your father, and let you know later when
we're coming."
"Okay. I'll tell Toni. I know you'll like her Mom."
"I like her already. I'll get back to you on when we're coming to
Chicago."
"Okay. Call me at home. Good- bye."
"Good-bye honey." Lois hung up the phone smiling. Her prayers
had been answered. Her son was dating and in love again.
*****************************************************************************
*******************************************
Back at the station, Armstrong got the call he was waiting for from the
store clerk. "You say that you sold the ropes and the other gear a
week ago to four
men who came in saying they were going mountain climbing. Thank
you. They didn't use it for that. Your information is very helpful,
Have a nice day,"
he said and hung up the phone. He turned to Bragatti. "The
gear was sold a week ago to four men who said they were going mountain climbing."
"A week ago, huh? That means they had it all planned out ahead of
time. I think it's time we set a trap for these robbers. Make
them make a mistake
somehow, and then, we can nail them," Toni told Paul sipping her own coffee
she had brought with her.
"Sounds like a good plan to me. Let's run it by the chief and see
what he thinks."
They went to the chief's office, and Toni told him about the plan.
"You see sir, since they're using ropes and harnesses to enter through the
building's
skylights, I thought about putting some kind of tracking device on whatever
they might be going for next. That way, we can follow them to where
their
hideout is, catch them with the goods, and bring them in," she said.
"Hmmm. Good thinking Bragatti. Paul, see if there's anything
going on at the museum. I have a feeling they might strike there sometime
since it has a
skylight," the chief told his dectectives agreeing to the plan.
"Yes sir. I found out from one of the sporting good stores clerks
that last week four men brough mountain climbing gear. They told the
clerk they were
going mountain climbing," Armstrong reported.
"Good work! Okay, get right on this."
Chapter 9
Bernie Hobson entered the kitchen having come from a good game of basketball
with his friends at the local YMCA in Hickory. "Boy am I hungry Lois!
That basketball game can make a guy hungry," he said as he reached for a
glass to pour himself a glass of water from the kitchen sink. He didn't
notice his wife sitting at their table watching him with a secret smile on
her face. He got his water, took a sip, and noticed the smile on Lois's face
for the first time since he had first came in. "Okay. I know the smile
on your face means something's up. Tell me why you're smiling like you're
top on of the world."
"Gary just called a while ago. Bernie, sit down. What I have
to tell you is going to make you want to drop that glass you're holding,
and I don't want to pick up a broken glass from the carpert," Lois replied
motioning for her husband to sit down.
Bernie sat down and put the glass of water on the table. "Okay.
Gary called while I was at the Y. What did he have to say?"
"He's dating again, and he's found someone a lot better than Marica."
"Sounds good so for. Go on."
"Her name is Toni Bragatti. She's a police detective there in Chicago."
"A police detective you say? He certainly did pick a good one this
time. So,when are we going to Chicago to meet her?"
Lois smiled. "Whenever you want to. I told him I'd let him
know when we're coming after telling you his news."
Bernie took another sip of his water. "We can go this weekend.
I want to meet this police detecive who has made our son happy again.
I like her already."
"I told Gary the same thing."
"Call him and tell him to expect us this weekend Lois."
"I will after he gets home from work."
**************************************************
Back in Chicago, Gary told Marissa about the phone call to his parents.
"I told Mom about Toni, and she sounded so happy over the phone. She's
going to
tell my Dad, and then let me know when they're coming here. They
want to meet her," he said.
Marissa smiled. "I told you that dating Toni would be good for you.
You'd better let her know when your parents are coming. I know that once
they see her, they'll like her Gary," she told him.
Gary took a sip of his coffee. "After I took her home last night
and kissed her good night, I promised to take her out again."
"That's good. Have you thought about where yet?"
Gary shook his head. "Nope. Something will come to me later."
"Why not take her on river cruise? You met on a cruise ship once."
"That wasn't planned Marissa. I was there to prevent the ship from
exploding from a gas leak, and she was there on an assignment for her department.
She did look like a knockout in that gown she had on that night, though."
Chuck came into the office then with the regular paper. "You're
in luck Gar. The cruise ship is having a couples specail this Friday night.
You could take Toni on it and make it a night to remember. Romantically
speaking of course," he told Gary.
Gary frowned at his friend. "Are you playing Cupid for some reason
Chuck"," he asked.
Chuck smiled. "No. It's just a suggestion."
"Do it Gary. A chance like this only comes once in a while," Marissa
said.
Gary sighed. "Okay. Okay. I'll take her on the
cruise Friday night. I'll call her and tell her about it."
"Good. Let's leave him alone to make the call Chuck."
**********************************************************************
Toni was pouring herself a cup of coffee at the station and returning
to her desk when her phone rang. She picked it up on the second ring.
"Police Station. Detective Bragetti," she said into the instrument.
"Hi. It's Gary," Gary told her from his office phone at the bar.
Toni smiled. "Hello handsome. To what do I owe the honor of
this call?"
"Remember I promised to take you out again? Well, I was thinking
of taking you on the lover's cruise this Friday night. How does that
sound? It's going to be nice evening for it according to the weather
station."
Toni took a sip of her coffee. "Lover's cruise huh? Sounds romantic.
Okay, it's a date."
"Great. I'll pick you up at six so we can get to the ship on time."
"I'll be ready."
"Good. Did I ever tell you how much I love you?"
"Yeah, lots of times, but I never get tired of it. I feel the same
about you too."
"I'll see you Friday night. Bye." Gary hung up his phone smiling.
Chapter 10
The date having been made, Gary turned his attention to something else
that he needed to do. How he hated to do paperwork! That was part of
the job he knew, but sometimes, he wished someone else, like Chuck, would
do it instead of him. Gary sighed, and reached for one of his invoices that
he needed to check. Seeing that everything was in order, Gary put in with
the other papers he had finished, and decided to get another cup of coffee
to help him get through the rest of the afternoon. Marissa and Chuck were
sitting at the bar drinking coffee and smiled when they saw Gary walking towards
them.
"Need to get some coffee before I tackle the rest of the paperwork before
calling it a day," Gary told them going towards the coffee pot, and pouring
himself another cup of coffee.
"Why don't you let me do some of it Gar? Make it easier on you,"
Chuck suggested sipping his coffee again.
"Oh no. Sorry pal. Last time you did the books, you nearly
got us bankrupted, put me in jail, and almost cost us some very expensive
beer. If it hadn't been for that FBI lady helping us out, we'd all be in
serious trouble." (Spolier: The Last Untouchable).
Chuck frowned. "Is this true Marissa?"
Marissa nodded. "Yes it's true. Your numbers almost cost Gary
his freedom Chuck. He had to make a deal with the FBI in order not
be arrested and put in
jail. I had to satify your creditors after you left," she replied.
"Guess I'm not good at bookkeeping like I thought I was. Sorrry
about that."
"Well, I'm glad it's over and done with. Now, if you'll excuse me,
I've got to finish some paperwork." Gary walked back towards the office
with his newly
filled coffee cup ready to finish some of the paperwork before going home
.
*****************************************************************************
**************
At the station, Toni was having an arguement over the phone with someone
about something. "I don't care if your information is good! We
are not going to
turn to informants to help us solve cases. We've done good without
your help, and we don't need it. Don't argue with me mister! I'm very
busy right now, and don't have the time to argue with you anymore.
Good bye!" She hung the phone and took a sip of her coffee to calm herself
before she went back to her work.
"That's the way to tell the informant whoever he is to get lost Bragatti,"
Armstrong said smiling at her.
"Where does these guys get off thinking that we need their so-called information
anyway? I tell you Paul, it really ticks me off."
"Yeah. It does me too. They think we must really need their
help in solving cases."
"Like heck we do. I almost told him that, but I didn't. Not
over the phone anyway. So, do we have any clues as to where our robbers
might strike next?"
Paul shook his head. "Not yet. I have a feeling they're waiting
for something really big before they strike."
"They're in for a surprise when they do."
"One that they don't suspect which is good. Gives us the element
of surprise."
"Don't count on me Friday night Paul. I've got a date with Gary."
"Okay. You just have fun."
"Don't I always?"
******************************************************
Gary sighed, yawned, and looked at his watch. It was getting close
to calling it a day. He could tell by the way his eyes were starting
to hurt from all the paperwork he had looked at. The bar was crowded
as usual which was good, but he didn't feel like staying any longer.
Yawning once more, Gary stood up from his desk, and walked out of the
office. "I'm calling it a day Marissa. My eyes are getting tired, and
I"m almost ready to fall asleep in my chair," he told her.
"Go ahead and get some rest Gary. Chuck and I can handle things
here. I'll see you in the morning," Marissa said.
"Thanks. Don't forget to close up for me Chuck."
"No problem Gar. Go on upstairs and relax," Chuck replied smiling.
Gary smiled back, said good night, and went to the stairway that lead
to his loft above the bar.
He climbed the stairs, unlocked the door, opened it, and went inside shutting
the door behind him.
Just as he was getting himself a beer from his refrigator, the phone rang.
"Hello," Gary said picking it up on the second ring.
"It's me honey," Lois told him from the kitchen phone in his parent's
house.
"Hi Mom. What's up?"
"I just told your father what you told me earlier, and he couldn't be
happier. We're coming this weekend to Chicago."
"Great. Just don't come on Friday night. Toni and I have a
date."
"That's good. We'll see you on Saturday then."
"Fine. I'll tell Toni."
"Love you son."
"I love you too Mom."
"Good bye," and Lois hung up her phone.
Gary smiled, and hung his phone. He sat down in his favorite chair,
put his feet up, and took a sip of his beer.
Chapter 11
Meow. Thump. Gary groaned, and shut off the alarm. As
usual, he had to get up and get that paper that was outside. Yawning, he
went to the door, opened it, reached down, and picked up the paper as the
cat went inside. "Stay off the furinture furball," he told the cat as he
closed the door, and went over to his table to read the paper. Gary put the
paper down, went to the refirgator, took out the carton of milk, poured some
in a bowl, and set it on the floor. "There you go. Don't make a mess."
As the cat started to drink the cat, he sat down and took a sip of his coffee.
Gary opened the paper and found something in the metro section right away.
"Hostages Taken In Bank Robbery Attempt. At ten oclock this morning,
two armed men walked inside the First National Bank wearing ski maks and
demanded the money from the tellers. One of the robbers threatened to
kill the hostages if anyone tried to get help or try anything," he read.
Gary took another sip of his coffee as he continued reading about the robbery.
The last time he had been in bank, (Spolier: Pilot Eposide), Gary had
prevented people from being killed by a unemployed man, but had been arrested
by the police. He hoped this time that nothing go wrong like the last
time, that is being arrested. He'd have time to get to the bank to stop the
robbery before he had to go to the bar.
*****************************************************************************
*************************
Toni Bragatti sat in her apartment drinking her coffee and reading her
morning paper. Something was bothering her about today for some reason,
but she couldn't figure out what it was. True, the case she and Armstrong
was working on was begining to come together more and more, but why did she
have the
feeling that someone she loved was going to be in danger? "Me and my imagination
again. I can't let it bother me today. Paul and I might be getting
closer to finding out whose behind these robberies, and I don't need anything
to distract me," she told herself and finished her coffee. She got up, walked
over to the sink, and washed her coffee cup. She put it in the drainer
to dry, and got ready to go to work. Gary had told her over the phone that
his parents were coming that weekend, and he wanted her to meet them. "I'll
meet his parents, and then, he can meet mine. I know they'll hit it
off," Toni said smiling as she went out the door. She was always careful
to lock her door when she left. Being a police detective had taught
her that and much more since she ahd joined the force after graduating from
the academy years ago.
*****************************************************************************
******************
Around ten, Gary arrrived at the First National Bank, and went inside.
He spotted a security guard and was about to tell him about the men who were
going to rob the bank, when the door flew open, and two men in ski masks
entered.
"Everyone down on the floor! Now! Nobody moves, and noone
gets hurt!," the first robber ordered the customers.
Gary and the others went down on the floor, and the second man went to
the teller window.
"Give me all of the money you have! Now!," he demanded waving his
gun at her.
The teller obeyed, and began to pile the money on the counter as the other
robber watched the customers with his weapon.
Unnoticed by both men, one of the other tellers had tirggered the silent
alarm that went to the police station.
Five minutes later, police cars soon had the building surrounded, and
officers were pointing their gun at the bank's doors.
The first robber saw the police outside and growled. "We've got
trouble! There's cops outside," he told the other man.
The second robber turned with the sack of money in one hand and his gun
in the other one.
"We've got a way out of this. All we need is a hostage. Pick
someone," he replied.
The first robber saw Gary, and motoined for him to stand up with his gun.
"You're going to get us out of here pal. Don't try anything," he
told Gary as he stuck the gun in Gary's side.
Gary nodded as he raised his hands. "No problem," he said.
"All of you stay where you are! If anyone of you move before we
get out the door, this guy's dead!," the second robber told the others.
He covered them
with his gun as the first one pushed Gary towards the door.
When Armstrong saw who the hostage was, he groaned. He knew if Toni
found out, she'd be upset.
"Let him go!," he commanded the robbers keeping his men from firing their
weapons.
"We will once we're out of here," replied the second robber.
As they inched close to their car, they heard a click behind them, and
then the second robber's gun was shot out of his hand.
"Drop your guns! Now, or I'll aim lower the next time!," Toni
ordered, standing there with her gun aimed at the men.
The robbers dropped their weapons, raised their hands, and the police
quickly moved in, and arrested them.
"You'll find a lot of interesting stuff in their trunk Paul," Toni said
tossing Armstrong the keys from the robbers' car.
"I'm sure I will. Good job Bragatti," Paul said going over to the
robbers' car.
Chapter 12
"Just what you were doing inside that bank anyway handsome? I'm
glad you're alright, but I want to know what you were doing in there in
the first place,"
Toni asked Gary as they walked towards her car away from the bank and
the choas going on.
Gary ran his hand over the back of his neck. Oh boy. What
am I going to say?, he thought to himself. I can't tell her about
the paper yet. "Uh, Toni. I was just passing by on my way to
work, and noticed something wa about to happen," he replied.
"So, you decided to go inside to try to warn the security guard about
the robbery attempt. Why doesn't that surprise me. Come on Hobson.
Give me something other than that to believe."
"It was just a hunch I had. You know how some people get hunches
about something, and they act on it. Well, that's what happened here.
Honest. I'm
sorry if I made you upset."
Toni sighed. "Okay. I believe you for now. Get to your
bar, and don't say anything to anyone about this."
"See you tonight?," Gary asked, his mud puddle eyes looking at hers.
Toni nodded. "Sure. Now, get out of here so I can do my job
without being distracted."
Gary gave her kiss on her check, and left the area heading towards the
bar.
Armstrong watched Gary go, and shook his head. "What do you see
in him Bragatti?," he asked.
"That's personal Paul. Did you find anything inside their truck?,"
Toni replied changing the subject.
"Yes. We found ropes and mountain climbing gear. Looks like
we've got our robbers."
Toni smiled. "The captain is going to be very pleased."
*****************************************************************************
**************
Gary entered his bar and greeted his friends. "Morning Marissa.
Chuck," he said smiling.
"Morning Gar," Chuck said sipping his cup of coffee.
"Good morning Gary," Marissa replied.
"I need a cup of coffee right now. I've got a date with Toni tonight."
Gary went over to the coffee pot to pour himself a cup of coffee.
"Does Toni know your parents are coming this weekend?," Marissa asked.
Gary nodded as he took a sip of his coffee. "I told her. She's
looking forward to meeting them. I know I'll have to meet hers too."
"You knew you would sooner or later Gary. I met Emment's parents,
and he met my mother and sister."
"Where is your husband anyway? I haven't seen him around lately."
"He's at law school. He had another mock trail class today.
Said he'd be by later to pick me up."
Chuck smiled. "Hard to believe that he's taking law classes," he
said.
"He wanted to help people Chuck, and this is the way he thought he could
do it."
*****************************************************************************
******************
Friday evening came, and Gary stood by the mirror in his loft adjusting
his tie. He had showered, shaved, and dressed in his best suit for
his date with
Toni. He even had a corsage to pin on her dress or whatever she
was wearing tonight.
"Looking good Hobson! Time to get going. We've got to get
to the dock in time to catch the boat," he said.
Gary grabbed his jacket, corsage, and left the loft. He went
down the stairs and towards the door..
He got in his jeep, and drove towards Toni's apartment. He went
up to the door and knocked.
"Come in! It's open," Toni called from inside as she was putting
her earrings on.
Gary opened the door and went inside her apartment. "I've got something
for you," he said.
Toni walked towards him carrying her sweater, and Gary's mouth almost
dropped when he saw what she was wearing.
"Wow! You look beautiful!," he said looking at the dress she was
wearing.
"Thank you. You look handsome in your suit," she told him smiling.
"I thought you might want to wear this tonight." Gary pinned the
corsage on her dress.
"It 's lovely! Shall we go?"
"Allow me." Gary held her sweater for her so she could put in on.
Then, he took her arm, and escorted her out to his jeep.
They were in for a night of romance that they would never forget.
The End
Email the author: lori@maplecity.com
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