Waiting at the edge of the tavern's parking lot, John watched the Chrysler Sebring draw closer, his smile showing more in his blue-green eyes than on his face. But when Tina put her hand out the window, waving at him, he grinned broadly, taking a few steps forward as the car slowed to turn into the parking lot.
Easing the car into a parking space a few feet away from where John waited, Tina anxiously shifted the car into park, then shut off the engine. Before she could open the door, however, John beat her to it. "Welcome back, darlin'," he whispered in a husky voice as he bent down, not even waiting for her to step out of the car before he leaned in and kissed her.
It was a hot, passionate kiss, his mouth laying claim to hers as his hand moved to the back of her head, pressing her hard against him. Tina's eyes were glazed over by the time they separated. "Oh, my...! It's good to *be* back!" She pushed the hair out of his eyes. "I missed you so much, John. You have no idea how lonely I've been without you."
"I've missed you too. It's not the same here when you're not around; it seems so empty," he said quietly, gazing warmly into her eyes. He kissed her cheek, perching on the edge of the seat beside her. "It's so good to see you again, darlin'." He smiled warmly as he slipped his arm around her shoulders.
She glanced to her right, looking through the passenger's side window at the group. "What's going on? I got email from Laura yesterday saying to come back right away -- all she said was that she'd told Max about Sid, and that now he's not speaking to her... What happened, John?"
John sighed heavily, looking down at the ground. "All hell's broken loose around here in the last 24 hours. If that's all she told you, I think I'd better fill you in on the details, because it's complicated, and I doubt she's gonna want to talk about *all* of it." John gave Tina a short, very condensed version of what had happened, starting with when he had found Sid hitting on Laura again after she had arrived back at Crowe's Tavern. Tina listened in stunned disbelief, shaking her head when John described what Sid had done the previous night.
Then he told her about the events of that morning, finishing the story with, ".... So I gave up talking to Max, and came out here. We're still tryin' to cheer Laura up, and she's putting on a brave face, but I think she really needs to talk to you, Tina."
"I'm sure she does -- we've known each other a long time and shared a lot.... But I'm not sure how much good I can do in *this* situation, especially if Max won't even listen to you." She shook her head again. "Sid... that little shit. I think Bud had the right idea that night at the beach. We should've drown the rat when we had the chance."
"Oh, he's been in rare form lately, all right." He let out an explosive sigh, raising his voice slightly. "I could just wring his neck too -- he does *not* realize the damage he can do with just a few words."
"Oh, I think he knows *exactly* what he's doing," Tina fumed. "He just doesn't *care* about how other people feel. Probably because he has no feelings himself."
"I wouldn't be so sure about that," John said. "Sid *does* have emotions -- they're just buried so deep he doesn't know what to do with them. But they're there -- that's what's driving him to act so strange lately.... But I'm just grateful he's actually sticking to his word and leaving Laura and Max alone. No one's seen him at all this morning."
"I'm sure it's just a matter of time before he tries to confront Max." She shuddered. "It makes me cringe just to think about it. I know Max can take care of himself, but I certainly don't want to see him -- or Laura -- get hurt further in the process."
"No one wants that, darlin'." He paused, gazing into her eyes as he gently pushed her hair off her forehead. "You know what I'd like to do right now...? Take you upstairs and give you a proper 'welcome back'..." He smiled as her face flushed slightly; her innocent shyness, even after all the passionate nights they had spent together, was very endearing to him, and one of the things he loved about her. "But," he sighed. "I think you ought to go over there and talk to Laura now -- she needs you.... Not that I don't," he joked, "but right now, I think you'd better see her.... I - I'm afraid she might be thinkin' of leaving the CrowesNest for good."
Her eyes widened. "Oh, no, John...! She wouldn't do *that*!"
"I wouldn't be so sure. You didn't see the look on her face when Sid made his little announcement last night."
"*That* bad?" John nodded. "I have to go talk to her, John."
"I know... But just one more minute, okay?" He smiled, leaning forward to kiss her again. His tongue slipped past her open lips, seeking her warmth. They both moaned quietly as his tongue danced with hers.
John was the first to pull back, sighing wistfully as he caressed her face. "I think we better quit while we're ahead. Otherwise, we're gonna end up in the back seat together," he said, his warm aquamarine eyes dancing mischievously.
Tina laughed, blushing a little. "Now there's a thought." They chuckled together, then she said, "Really, John; I have to go over there."
John nodded reluctantly as he stood up. Extending a hand to Tina, he helped her climb out of the car. She stretched slowly, arching her back as she tried to work the kinks out of her muscles, stiff from sitting for hours behind the wheel. John drew a hissing breath between his teeth as he watched her. "Darlin', don't do that..." he whispered, eyes darkening with desire. "Or we really are gonna end up in the back seat..."
She blushed as she glanced over the top of the car at the waiting crowd, then her eyes dropped to the growing bulge in the front of his pants. "Down, Sheriff," she giggled as she reached forward and buttoned the bottom three buttons on his open blue plaid flannel shirt, the shirt-tail hanging down to cover the 'evidence'. She kissed him quickly on the cheek, then walked around the car, heading towards Laura and the rest of the group. John shoved his hands into the back pockets of his jeans and followed a moment later.
Jeff was the first to notice Tina as she walked towards the group. "Hey, Tina!" He walked over and greeted her with a big bear hug. "Welcome back! How was your trip?"
"Long and tiring..." She hugged him back, then stepped away slightly as John joined them. "But I'm glad I'm here." She watched as the others wandered towards her. "How's Rick?"
He tossed his head as his long brown hair fell into his eyes. "Fine, thanks." She noticed he smiled warmly, obviously pleased that everyone seemed to be accepting he and Rick as a couple.
"Hey, Tina!" Sy said as she came up to her, hugging her too. It was a group hug all around as they all said their hellos to her. All but Bud, who remained on the bench, his leg propped up on a box.
Laura was last, and the two held each other tightly for a long minute. "I came as soon as I could," Tina said.
"Thank you *so* much. I knew I could count on you," she smiled. Then her smile faded as she looked over at the tavern. "Last night was a nightmare. I knew he was going to be upset, but I never thought he'd throw me out like that." She sighed heavily. "I need your help, girlfriend."
"Well, that's what I'm here for. Why don't we go up to the hotel and have a nice quiet talk there?" Tina suggested.
"Sounds great to me."
Tina glanced at John. "Do you mind if he comes with?"
"Not at all... Not unless *he* minds. He's probably sick of seeing my face by now," Laura joked.
"Not at all, Laura," John said sincerely.
"Let's go then. I'd really like to change clothes after that long drive." It was then that she noticed Bud sitting on the bench, his pants leg rolled up above the brace on his knee. "Bud...!? What happened to you?" Tina asked worriedly, hurrying over to him.
He stood up, with only a little difficulty, she noticed. "It's nothin'; just twisted my knee a bit." He turned a disapproving eye on John. "I fell on the ice; no thanks to the Sheriff here."
Tina turned to her companion in confusion. "John...?"
"Bud, I said I was sorry -- it was an accident!"
Stef turned and smiled at them both. "Hey, John -- I thought that was Bud's line!"
Tina looked at them both, wondering why Bud was blushing slightly and why John, Laura, Stef and the rest of the group were all laughing. She turned to John. "What did I miss? Bud fell on the ice? Were you skating?"
John nodded, and Laura answered, "Yea, John and Bud were sweet enough to try to cheer me up by going skating with me. John was trying to teach me -- and Bud -- how to ice skate. Then Michelle and the others came by too and joined us." She looked at Michelle and winked. "Then John practiced for a while, but one of the pucks got away from him and almost hit Trisha. Bud pulled her out of the way, but he fell and hurt his knee."
"I think you left out a few of the more interesting details, Laura," Sy said. "Like Officer Friendly here getting up close and personal with Trisha and Stef." She grinned as Bud flushed a deeper shade of pink.
Laura looked at Bud, shrugging. "Hey, I tried to give you a break, Bud."
Tina shook her head slightly, confused. "What?" She looked at Bud.
"Thanks, Laura." Bud put his hand over his face, rubbing his brow, sighing. "Just forget it, Tina. I'm not even going to bother trying to explain anymore -- they've all had enough laughs at my expense for one day," he grumbled, then threw himself back down onto the bench in disgust.
Stef bit her lip, trying desperately to contain the laughter that threatened to erupt as she watched the cop's face pale slightly as he tried to stop the look of abject pain from spreading across his handsome features. Apparently, in trying to nurse his injured knee, he had forgotten his very sore tailbone.
"Uh, no, Bud... I think there was one more left," Sy said, hiding her face behind her hand, trying desperately not to laugh too. That set off Stef, who lost it.
"Sorry, Bud," she gasped as tears rolled down her cheeks. "I know it's not funny... but... but the look on your face..." She dissolved into a fit of giggles. Cort, Jeff, Colin and Michelle were soon doubled over too. John seemed to be losing the battle as well.
Laura and Trisha, however, tsked at them all, going over to Bud. "It's not funny, guys," Laura chastised them. "I can sympathize, Bud," she told him, rubbing her own bruised tailbone.
Trisha sat down beside him. "Don't pay any attention to them," she said, taking his arm.
Bud swallowed hard, and finally breathed again, his macho pride refusing to let him acknowledge the fact that slamming his sore butt down onto the bench had been painful as hell. He managed a smile at Trisha, gingerly standing up again. "Thanks, doll," he said, his voice slightly strained. He turned to Laura. "You too; thanks." Then he glared at the others. "But the rest of you can go to hell." He turned back to Trisha, leading her towards the tavern. "Come on, hon; I still owe you that drink."
As the hysterical laughter calmed, Tina just looked more confused. "What the heck was *that* all about...???"
John came over and put his arm around her. "I'll explain on the way up." He gestured to Laura, who followed the two as they set off up the gentle hill towards the hotel. The others followed Trisha and Bud into the tavern.
As they passed her car, Tina stopped. "Oh, John, could you help me with my bags? They're in the trunk."
"Sure thing, darlin'," he said, leaning down to kiss her cheek before taking the keys and retrieving two suitcases from the trunk.
"Thanks," Tina smiled, standing on tiptoes to peck him on the cheek when he returned. "So what's this I hear about you practicing? And I missed it?"
"Well, I'll be happy to give you a private demonstration sometime," John smiled back as he carried the suitcases, trailing after Laura and Tina. Tina just grinned in response....
".... So he didn't even look at me; he told Cort that *he* could tell me the details about Argento, and then he just walked away and went into the bar..." Laura took a sip of her iced tea and sighed, looking across the sofa at Tina, who was listening patiently to her story. John sat in the high-backed, overstuffed chair next to Tina. "It was so surreal... I couldn't believe he wouldn't even talk to me." She took a deep breath, keeping the tears at bay. "He is so angry and so hurt -- I don't know if he'll ever get over this."
Tina sighed. "I know it seems bad right now... but I'm sure that Max will see the light -- just give him a little time. He cares about you, Laura -- and deep down, he knows you really care about him too. And I'm sure he knows too that Sid doesn't mean anything to you...." She shook her head. "Sid... that... that asshole! I'm going to make sure he sees the business end of my baton again the next time I see him!"
"There are a whole lot of people who are in line ahead of you on that, darlin'," John said.
"I don't know what I'm going to do when I see Sid again," Laura said. She fidgeted with her hands. "You know, they say that each of has a special connection with one character in particular. When I came here, I was sure it was Max... But -- but now I'm no so positive.... I mean, Tina, when you first came, it was Max who drew you here, but then you and John found each other." She paused as the two smiled at one another, both blushing slightly. "Maybe... maybe Sid's the one I have the connection with here..."
"What?" Tina nearly jumped out of her chair. "What would make you say THAT!?"
"Well, it seems like every time I turn around, there he is. Every time I arrive here, it's like he's waiting for me... Like he knows when I come and go..." She hid her face in her hands. "Hell, I don't know what to think anymore. This whole situation is just too insane for words."
"I wouldn't put much stock in all that," John offered. "Sid usually has nothing better to do than hang around and harass the gals -- it's his entertainment. You're not the first person he's been obnoxious to, and you won't be the last... Although I admit he's gone way overboard this time, but that's just because of Max. This isn't about you, Laura -- there's no 'connection' with Sid. It's between Sid and Max -- you just got caught in the middle."
"No, I let myself get caught in the middle, and I made things worse." She brushed her hair out of her face, looking over at John. "You talked to him today, didn't you...? Right before Tina showed up..." John nodded. "I thought so. I haven't asked, because I figured if you had *good* news, you would have told me already..." John glanced away for a moment, and she took a deep breath. "How bad was it?"
John sighed. "It wasn't actually bad... It just wasn't all that good." He watched as her face fell slightly. "Colin was right -- it was too soon to talk to him. He needed more time to cool down. I don't think he really heard much of what I said... Especially after I told him that Sid made sure *everybody* knows about the whole situation."
Laura nodded, wincing. "That's exactly what Max *didn't* want to happen. I can only imagine what Sid'll say to him when they do finally see each other..." She looked out the open window, sighing. After a moment, she turned back to them. "Thanks, John. I appreciate you trying to help."
"I wish I could have done more."
"You've done *too* much, John; I'm sorry I've dragged you into the middle of this."
"It's no problem, really." He grinned softly. "After all, I am the unofficial peacekeeper and referee around here."
Laura turned back to Tina, pointing at John. "This guy deserves a medal. He's stuck with me practically from the minute I got back yesterday -- sort of like the big brother I never had. I don't know how I would have survived the last 24 hours without him."
John beamed, blushing furiously, as Tina smiled, patting the sheriff's hand. "He's the best, isn't he?"
"Yep... Well, *almost* the best. No offense, John, but Max is top of the line as far as I'm concerned," Laura said. "Even under the circumstances."
"Yes, he is very special. They're all very special," Tina said, and both women sighed. John blushed again, rolling his eyes a bit. Tina laughed, then turned to Laura, "I guess we can recess the RC appreciation society for a little while... So what's this I hear about you thinking about leaving the CrowesNest?"
"... I don't want to... but it seems like it might be best..." she said softly, hanging her head.
Tina shook her head. "Uh-uh. Don't even think about it. You're not leaving this room until I'm sure you've changed your mind about *that*..."
After a half-hour of talking and joking, Laura was feeling much better. "Anybody need something else to drink?" she said as she got up, heading to the small refrigerator for another bottle of iced tea.
Tina shook her head, and John said, "I'm fine thanks."
Laura pulled the ice-cube tray out of the tiny freezer, filling her glass back up with ice, and poured the bottle's contents into her glass. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw John take Tina's hand, bringing it to his lips as they stared at one another. Realizing that the two hadn't seen one another for a while, and that they were probably anxious to be alone, she decided it was long overdue that John was 'rewarded' for his patience and support over the last 24 hours.
Not wanting to embarrass them, however, she started to wander back to the sofa, stifling an exaggerated yawn. "You know, I really appreciate you guys cheering me up, and helping me see things a little more clearly... but I'm kinda tired. I'm gonna take a nap for a bit; I didn't get a whole lot of sleep last night." She stifled a smile at the surprised - and rather lusty - gleam in John's eyes as he glanced at Tina.
"You sure? You gonna be ok?", he said, obviously trying not to sound too over-anxious to be leaving.
She did smile now. "Yes, John; I'm okay. Your 'babysitting' duties are over. I'll be fine." She walked over and hugged Tina. "Thanks so much; talking to you really helped a lot. I swear, I'm not going to do anything stupid like run off again."
"I'm glad to hear it... I just wish I could do more," Tina said, hugging her back. "Should I try to talk to Max later too?"
Laura shook her head. "No. I think it's best to leave him alone from now on; otherwise he'll think everyone's ganging up on him, and he'll be even more pissed at me for putting people up to it."
John had walked over to the phone. "Just let me take care of one last thing..." He picked up the receiver and hit the "0" key. "Peaches? Hi, it's John. Listen, I'm up here in Laura's room. Are any of the guys in the lobby with you by any chance......? He is? Can you put him on the phone.........? Hey, Jeff, hang on; I'm putting' ya on speaker...." He hit the speakerphone button, and put the receiver down. "I'm up in Laura's room with her and Tina."
"Afternoon, ladies," came Jeffrey Wigand's even voice. Laura and Tina greeted him in return. "What can I do for you, John?"
"I've been keeping an eye out for Sid and making sure he doesn't bother Laura, but I'm going to be... busy for a while," he said as he winked at Tina. She blushed in reply. "So can you hang out there for a while, and make sure Sid doesn't try to sneak upstairs? I'd appreciate it if you could."
"No problem. I'm here helping Peaches with the new software Bugdog... er, Kelly put in. Looks like we'll be a while, so I'll run interference if Sid dares show his face." Wigand snorted. "Personally, I think Kelly *should* try to reprogram him as a Teletubby. The man's a menace." [See Author's note 1 below]
"I'd love to be in on that myself, Jeff!" Laura said, laughing.
Jeffrey chuckled warmly. "I'm sure you would."
"Is Wendy down there with you?" Laura asked.
"No. She had to leave early this morning." The disappointment in Wigand's voice was almost palpable. "She had to get back for her classes." He sighed heavily. "I don't see too much of her anymore; she's so busy now."
"Jeff, I know she'd love to spend more time with you," Laura said sympathetically. "All of us girls would love to spend more time in the CrowesNest, but we're all so busy with things back home."
"I understand; I really do... It's just that -- that the days are too damn long when she's not around," Jeff admitted.
"Tell me about it," John muttered under his breath. Tina squeezed his hand, and the couple smiled tenderly at one another.
There was a long pause, then Wigand cleared his throat. "Anything else, John?"
"Nope, that's it. Thanks, pal."
"Anytime." There was a click as he hung up the phone.
"Poor Jeff," Laura said, shaking her head. "Thanks, John; I may just wander down there later and sit with them. Maybe he can give me some advice about handling office politics... Although he may not be the best person to ask advice from regarding that," she joked.
"It's worth a try." He moved to Tina's side, slipping an arm around her waist. "If you'll excuse us then, I'm gonna take this little lady across the hall now and help her... relax," he grinned as Tina blushed.
Laura came to his side, standing on tiptoe to peck him on the cheek. "Thanks again, John -- I owe you big time."
"No you don't." John blushed, then walked to the door with Tina. "Take it easy; if you need anything else -- "
"I'll call someone else," Laura finished for him, grinning. "Now get out of here you two... I'm sure you're dying to be alone."
"Well, now that you mention it..." Tina said as she opened the door. "Bye, Laura; I'll talk to you later."
Perched on a barstool, Michelle laughed along with the others clustered around the bar as Andy was telling jokes. She glanced sideways to her left at Maximus, trying not to be too obvious that she was watching him. He joined in the laughter too, but she could tell it was a bit half-heartedly, the sadness evident in his normally bright aquamarine eyes. As he sipped on his drink, she couldn't help but wonder how much he'd already had -- it wasn't like Maximus to drink this much so early in the day. But then, he didn't often have as bad a night as he'd had last night.
Since they'd returned from the ice rink, several others had joined the group in the bar. Besides herself and Maximus, there were Colin, Cort, Bud, Trisha, Stef, Sy, Andy, Jeff, Lachlan, Liz, Ilaria and Zack. They were all milling around the bar, doing their best to lift Maximus' spirits without being too obvious about it.
But Michelle couldn't help but sense that Maximus knew exactly what they were doing. He seemed a bit uncomfortable about the whole thing, as he had always been a very private man, and having everyone know about his 'situation' was undoubtedly making him uneasy. It was becoming obvious that he wanted to leave and be alone... Yet he stayed, and she wondered why.
She glanced over at Bud. The cop scowled at her, but then Trisha elbowed him in the side with a disapproving look, and Bud managed a half-smile in her direction before turning to Trisha to try to smooth things over with her.
Chuckling to herself, Michelle turned toward Cort who sat on her right, glancing up into the large mirror behind the bar for a moment.
And discovered, to her horror, that Sid -- who stood out like a sore thumb in his green suit -- was standing on the second floor landing, watching the people below, particularly Maximus, with a predatory smile on his face. A check of her watch confirmed that it was just after 12:00 noon.
She leaned slowly toward Cort, discreetly elbowing him, then pointing towards the mirror. He glanced up, the smile on his face fading as he caught sight of Sid too. He lowered his eyes, taking a casual sip of his drink, and said quietly, "I'll take care of it." He eased away from the bar a moment later and came around Maximus, going over to Bud. He whispered in the cop's ear, then the two headed towards the stairs.
But Sid wasn't about to be silenced. "Don't bother trying to stuff me in a closet again, White," he announced loudly for all to hear as he strode to the top of the stairs, folding his arms across his chest. "I'm *not* leaving."
The room went quiet instantly, eyes darting back and forth between Maximus and Sid. Maximus' smile faded, and his back stiffened. He set down his drink and turned slowly towards Sid, who had started down the stairs.
"How was the ride this morning... General?" As usual, Sid spat out Maximus' title, managing to make it sound like a vile insult.
Michelle glanced worriedly at the Spaniard. "Max..." she whispered, extending a hand towards him.
But Maximus brushed it away, sliding off the barstool and standing to face Sid, glaring coolly at him. "I've been waiting for you, Sid -- I was beginning to wonder when you'd crawl out of your hole... What amazes me is that it's taken you this long to gloat over what you think is some kind of victory."
The two squared off about six feet from one another. Bud and Cort, who had now been joined by Colin, stood slightly off to the side. "You want us to help you 'take care' of him?" Bud asked Maximus.
Maximus shook his head. "This is my business, gentlemen." He glanced at Bud, raising one eyebrow slightly. "Private business."
Bud nodded in understanding. He backed away, limping only slightly, his eyes scanning over the group. "You heard the man," he said, gesturing towards the front door. They all looked at each other, then began to move quietly towards the door, giving Sid a wide berth. A voice whispered from the back, "But I want to see this..." Bud threw him an angry glare, and Andy quieted, especially after Sy elbowed him in the ribs.
"What's the matter, Gladiator?" Sid taunted. "Don't want any witnesses? Afraid people might learn the truth about you?"
"This is between you and I. They need not be involved."
"Oh, but I think they should. We're all friends here, aren't we?" Sid moved towards the door with them. "And if you don't want them here, well, I'll just have to tell them all about it myself, won't I?"
"Can't you do anything without an audience? Is your ego that fragile?"
Sid's eyes narrowed dangerously for a moment, an angry gleam in his eyes as he turned back towards Maximus. Then the honeyed smile reappeared once more. "Ego? I would think yours is big enough to fill this room," he sneered. "I will win the crowd; I will give them something they've never seen before," Sid said, imitating Maximus' voice almost perfectly. "If that isn't ego, I don't know what is."
"It's not ego if you actually do it," Sy said.
Maximus glanced briefly in her direction, giving her a small, appreciative smile before turning back to Sid. "I fail to see what that has to do with anything."
"I don't doubt it," Sid smirked. "I suppose it's difficult for a 'hero' like yourself to comprehend that I could do exactly what I said I would -- take your little lady away from you." Sid giggled. "The truth hurts, doesn't it, General? I've stolen your girlfriend right out from under you..." Sid cackled with glee. "And now she's 'under' me!"
Maximus didn't even flinch, obviously prepared to deal with Sid's gloating.
But Bud White wasn't. "SID!" he bellowed. "Shut the fuck up! Don't you dare say another word about Laura!"
"Bud," Maximus said, raising a hand. "Please, this is my business, not yours."
"Sorry, Max; you're wrong. It *is* my business. It's all of our businesses," he said as he gestured towards the group, "when cyber-boy here starts trashing you or anyone else in the CrowesNest. Especially one of the ladies," he growled, advancing on Sid, his bad knee forgotten.
The rest of the men moved forward, forming a semi-circle behind Bud. "If you can't keep that big mouth of yours shut, Sid," Colin said, "You're going to have to answer to *all* of us for it."
"Us too," Stef said, as she and the other women moved in behind the men. "We're not going to listen to your bullshit either."
Sid looked mildly disconcerted, glancing warily at the group. Discretion should have told him to be more cautious, but he was enjoying himself entirely too much to keep quiet. "I have won, general -- whether you want to admit it or not." He grinned. "She came to me *so* willingly, you know. It's too bad you weren't there to see it. It would have been... enlightening." Sid ran his tongue over his lips mockingly. "She -- "
Sid could not complete the sentence, as the breath was knocked out of him when Bud, Cort and Colin shoved him up against the wall. "Damn it, don't you ever listen!?" Bud raged.
"Let him go," came the low voice from behind them. Bud, his fist raised, stopped and looked over his shoulder at Maximus. "Let him go, Bud," the Spaniard repeated slowly, glancing at Colin and Cort.
Colin looked like he wanted to bash Sid too, but backed off under Maximus' imposing stare. "Come on..." he said, pulling on Bud's shoulder.
Bud looked at Maximus, then took a deep breath and let go of Sid's lapels.
Maximus looked at the three as he said, "Take them out of here..." as he gestured towards the group and the door. "Now." His tone was final, with a slightly upraised eyebrow for emphasis. Bud retreated, taking Colin and Cort with him, and herded the group out the door.
Sid and Maximus resumed their staring match, and as she was leaving, Liz said, "Just remember one thing, boys -- take it outside if you start fighting. I don't want the place busted up."
Maximus nodded to her as he watched them all leave. When the door had shut, Sid's mocking voice taunted him again, "So it's just you and me, Gladiator... Mano y mano." Sid grinned. "Whad'ya gonna do?" Max didn't answer. "Maybe we ought to compare notes about a certain someone that we both know rather intimately. Our time together that morning was rather brief, but oh so satisfying," Sid gloated. He grinned again as Maximus' eyes narrowed briefly, nostrils flaring.
He paused, arms folded across his chest, glaring at Sid before responding, "I know what you're trying to do."
Sid continued to smirk. "And what might that be?"
"Become Commodus." The name hung in the air between them. Sid managed to hide his surprise, but not entirely. "You're two of a kind; both the same sniveling cowards, vile creatures who have no concept of decency or honor and who cannot stand the sight of it in anyone else. You try to destroy what you can't understand -- but like him, instead of facing me directly, you go after those dearest to me behind my back." He cocked his head, smiling without humor. "They were right in 'Virtuosity' -- you aren't capable of an original idea. All you can do is offer a pale imitation of Commodus' madness."
After a long pause, Sid answered with feigned ignorance, "I don't know what you're talking about."
Maximus snorted, shaking his head. "As I thought -- you can't even admit the truth... Men like you should not be allowed to walk free." He uncrossed his arms, dropping them to his sides. "You used *her* to get to me -- you didn't give a damn about her feelings, did you?" Anger showed clearly in his blue-green eyes. "She was staying here for the first time, and you knew damn well how vulnerable the ladies can be until they settle in. So you went after her, told her what she wanted to hear, just to get her into bed so you could throw it back in *my* face."
Sid threw his head back and laughed. "Is *that* what she told you? And you *bought* it?" Sid giggled as he continued, "Oh, my dear Maximus, you don't know how wrong you are. I didn't force the poor woman into anything -- she came to me willingly and freely; hell, she practically begged me to fuck her." Maximus flinched slightly, almost imperceptibly, but Sid noticed it of course, and his smile widened. "If you like, I can enlighten you with all the intimate details."
"I already know all I need to about what happened. And any further details from you will only serve as further proof of what a low and disgusting creature you are. For a man to discuss such things about a woman he's been with is unconscionable."
"And your point is?" The self-absorbed smirk continued unabated. "She didn't seem to mind getting 'low and disgusting' with me. And I'm sure she won't mind doing it again."
Maximus breathed heavily, his control beginning to slip. "I'm warning you --
Stay away from Laura."
"Ooo," Sid sneered, "Getting territorial, aren't we...? I'll do whatever I damn well please. She's fair game. Especially since you tossed her out on her ass last night -- what business is it of yours what she and I do now?"
Maximus took a step closer, fists clenching. "I said -- Stay away from her," he said in a low growl.
"If you can't keep her in line, that's not my problem," Sid said. "Since you're through with her, I'm staking my claim, general. She's *my* girlfriend now." He saw the confused look in Maximus' eyes. "Oh, she didn't tell you? That morning in the cellar wasn't just a one-time thing. She's *mine* now, and you can't have her back." A giggled erupted from him.
Maximus clenched his jaw, fighting back an angry retort. "Leave her out of this. If you have a problem, you take it up with me. Stand up to me like a man -- assuming you're even capable of it."
Sid's face darkened with anger, his eyes narrowing to icy blue slits. "You wanna fight?" He took off his suit jacket, tossing it on a chair nearby. He loosened his tie and stepped closer. "You got it," he said as he unbuttoned his cuffs and rolled up his sleeves. "Take a swing at me." He raised his fists in front of him like a boxer. "I know you're dying to."
Maximus clenched his teeth so hard that the veins stood out in his neck. "I'm not going to fight you."
"Why not? Could it be that all that gladiator hype is nothing but a lot of bullshit?" Sid looked him up and down. "You're nothing special, but me,"
Sid grinned proudly, "I'm not human. No bones to break. You can empty the chamber of White's .38 and it won't even slow me down."
Maximus took a deep breath, briefly closing his eyes as he relaxed the hands that had balled into fists. "I'm not playing anymore," he said simply, stepping back a few paces. "And I'm leaving."
As he turned towards the door, Sid followed. "Bullshit. You wanna pop me one, don't you?" he taunted. "Come on, Max; go for it." Maximus just glared, then turned around and walked towards the door. "How dare you show your back to me?" Sid snarled, in a chilling imitation of Commodus' voice, and Maximus shivered for a moment.
And kept walking towards the door.
Sid, with a bellow of rage and frustration, charged him. Max whirled, dropping into a defensive crouch, and was pushed back into the doors as Sid plowed into him. They grappled with one another as the doors swung open and out, and they tumbled outside into the bright sunlight, rolling down the stairs together.
Michelle paced in front of the group outside as they milled around. "So what are we supposed to do -- just stand here while they're probably trying to kill each other in there...?"
"Yea," Bud said from his spot on the picnic bench, his bad leg stretched out in front of him. "Just leave 'em be, 'Chelle. Let 'em work it out themselves."
"... 'Work' it out? You mean beat it out of each other."
"If that's what it takes," Bud said matter-of-factly.
Michelle rolled her eyes. "Men," she huffed. "Can't you solve things in a way that doesn't involve pounding on each other?"
"Not when you're dealing with someone like Sid," Colin said as he came up to her, slipping an arm around her waist. "You can't reason with a bloke like that... Don't worry, luv; if there's anyone that can take care of themselves, it's Max."
"I know that; it's not his body I'm worried about...." She glanced towards the door, staring. "Its Sid's big mouth. God only knows what horrible things he's saying about what happened... and about Laura..." She shook her head. "I could just kill him."
"That's why Max made us go outside," Lachlan said. "He doesn't want anyone to hear what Sid says about her." He turned a concerned gaze on the tavern doors too.
"I wish John was still here -- he'd be more level-headed about it."
"Leave John out of it -- he's put up with too much of this shit already." Cort glanced up at the hotel, smiling slightly. "He's probably the only one having a good time right now. Him and Tina... I figure she ought to be done talkin' to Laura by now, and the two of 'em are sharin' some... 'quality time'."
"Yea," Michelle said. "John's certainly missed her. It looked like they were ready to make out in the back seat of the car when she got here." She grinned.
"Speaking of quality time, 'Chelle..." Colin said as he pulled her close, whispering in her ear.
She blushed, giggling softly. "Later, hon," she whispered back, kissing him on the cheek. Colin's arms circled her waist, holding her close, a little more possessively than usual, and she couldn't help but wonder if he was more disturbed by Maximus and Laura's difficulties than he was letting on.
She laid her head against his broad chest, running her hand across his back reassuringly. She had begun to notice that all the guys had seemed a bit edgy lately, obviously troubled by Maximus' problems. She sighed quietly as Colin gently kissed the top of her head, and she closed her eyes as she listened to the quiet peacefulness of the birds chirping and the wind rustling the leaves of the trees...
The calm did not last long, as the front doors of the tavern flew open, slamming into the iron railings along the short flight of steps. Out tumbled Maximus and Sid, locked together in mortal combat as they came crashing down the steps, rolling off the last step with painful grunts, continuing down to the pathway and rolling onto the grass beyond. Fists were flying in a blur on both sides, and Michelle, like the others, froze for a moment as they watched the melee.
Bud was the first to move, swearing colorfully as he jumped off the picnic bench, hurrying towards them. "Bloody hell," Colin muttered, then pulled away from Michelle, moving to join Bud and the other men. But they all stopped a few feet away from the two, watching as they continued to trade blows.
Blue nano-goo oozed from Sid's nose as Maximus hit him in the face, snarling, "Stay away from her!"
"Like hell," Sid hissed back, hitting the gladiator in the ribs several times in quick succession. Maximus grunted painfully and rolled, pinning Sid beneath him, hands reaching for his throat.
"What the hell are you all standing there for!?" Stef said to the men. "For god's sake, break them up before they kill each other!!"
The men looked at each other, then moved in to pull the two apart. It took the combined strength of all seven to separate them. Bud had Maximus around the neck, pulling him up and away, aided by Colin, Andy and Zack. Blood from the cut on Maximus' chin stained Bud's crisp white shirt. "Easy, pal, easy! He's not worth it!"
Sid struggled against Lachlan, Jeff and Cort, grinning maniacally as blue nano-goo ran down his face and neck. "Hey, Maximus!" he taunted. "How's the wife and kid...?" He paused for effect. "Still -- " He never finished the sentence, as Lachlan punched him in the face at the same time that a collective gasp went up from the group. The girls' jaws dropped, and several put their hands over their mouths as they all looked at Maximus. Shock and horror turned quickly to pure rage, and Maximus tore away from the four who held him, barreling into Sid and knocking him out of Lachlan's grasp, throwing him to the ground. Sid's head hit *hard* against the inlaid-stone walkway, and he went as limp as a rag doll, knocked out cold. [See Author's Note 2 below]
But Maximus sat on his chest, hands locked around his throat as he tried to squeeze the life out of Sid. "Fuck," Bud muttered, wrapping an arm around Maximus' neck again as the others moved in also to pull Maximus off Sid before he killed him. But Maximus yanked on Bud's arm, pulling the cop across his shoulder and over, and Bud flipped over and landed on his back in a painful heap in front of Maximus. He wheezed, the breath knocked out of him, and it took all six of the other men to drag Maximus off Sid and to a safe distance 20 feet away.
Trisha knelt beside Bud, helping him struggle into a sitting position. Stef joined her in helping him to his feet. Bud watched Maximus, who was finally coming back to his senses as he drew great heaving breaths, slowly calming down enough to quit struggling against his brothers.
Cort, who held Maximus' right arm in an iron grip, said, "We're not gonna let you kill him, Max, even if does deserve it... If we let you go, you gonna calm down?"
Max stared at Sid, panting, as he slumped back slightly against the others. He nodded slowly, and they released him. Maximus turned and walked away, wiping his forehead with the sleeve of his tunic. He winced when he ran his hand through his hair, his fingers coming away tipped with blood from the small cut near the hairline.
The girls approached him hesitantly. "Max...?" Michelle said quietly as she touched his arm. He looked at her with a blank stare. "Come inside and let us take care of that." His lip was still bleeding too, starting to swell slightly. He nodded after a long pause, and let the girls lead him back into the tavern. They passed Sid without a word, and the men trailed behind them into the bar, leaving the cyber-psycho on the ground, still out cold, with a small pool of nano-goo around his head. Bud, with Trisha and Stef, lagged behind, limping badly now.
Nobody said a word as they all filed into the bar. Maximus sat down on the same stool as before, picking up the nearly full glass of whiskey in front of him and downing it in one long swallow.
Sy looked at him, saying quietly, "I'll go get the first aid kit, hon, and I'll be right back." She turned to Andy who had taken up his station behind the bar again along with Liz. "Get some ice -- lots of ice." She looked around at the rest of the Boyz, several of whom looked like they had taken a few shots from Maximus or Sid. "We're gonna need it."
Andy hurried into the backroom, while Sy headed for the storeroom. Cort reached over the bar and picked up a half-empty bottle of whiskey, pouring Maximus another drink. The Spaniard picked it up and drained it immediately. He closed his eyes, wincing as the alcohol stung the open cut on his lip, then slowly opened his eyes again, blinking quickly. The blank stare faded, and he looked around, finally focusing on the people around him, relaxing a little. The tension in the room dissipated slightly.
Maximus had turned, looking at Bud with a remorseful gaze. The cop was sitting in a chair at the table by the door, his leg propped up on a chair opposite while Trisha sat beside him. "Bud... I - I'm sorry. I didn't intend to hurt you."
Bud shook his head. "No offense taken. My mistake anyway. I shoulda known better than to try and grab you from behind." He managed a soft chuckle. "I'm lucky you didn't have any weapons on you, or I'd be in a lot worse shape than this right now."
Maximus managed a small smile in return before he turned back to his glass, which was now full again, thanks to Liz. He stared down into it, sighing heavily.
Ilaria, who had been standing nearby, stepped closer and gently laid her hand on his arm. "It'll be okay, Max," she said quietly, not knowing what else to say, but feeling as though she had to say something. Max turned towards her, giving her a grateful look before he picked up the glass and took a drink, slowly this time.
Andy reappeared from the back room with a large stainless steel bowl full of ice cubes. Michelle emptied some of them into a smaller, empty popcorn bowl nearby, then pushed the big bowl towards Maximus' hand. "You need to ice that down," she said, pointing to his right hand. It was already beginning to swell, and the skin over the knuckles had split and begun to bleed. He held up his hand, flexing it slightly, wincing. With a resigned sigh, he slid his hand into the ice, wincing again for a moment before relaxing when the cold seeped into his flesh and numbed the pain.
Sy returned at that moment, carrying the first aid kit. She came up on Maximus' left side, easing onto the barstool beside him. "Turn this way, hon, and let me take a look..."
Colin and Lachlan stood together near the door, watching as Sy dampened a clean cloth, raising it to the Spaniard's face to clean the blood off his chin and forehead. Colin clasped Lachlan's shoulder, saying, "Good shot, mate. If he'd finished that sentence..." He shook his head. "I don't even want to think about it."
"I just wish I'd been able to stop him before Max realized what he was about to say..." Lachlan snorted. "Bloody bastard. I can't believe he'd actually say something like that."
"When he said it to Parker in the movie, Sid thought it was *funny*, remember?" Colin glanced towards the door. "What do we do with him? Leave him out there?"
"Maybe we ought to pull out the software module for a while. Give things a chance to calm down." He sighed heavily. "John's gonna have a fit when he hears this."
"I'm sure he will... But no one's gonna tell him yet. Tina's been gone a while; they need to be alone, mate."
"That they do," Lachlan said, grinning softly as he glanced out the narrow windows at the front of the Tavern, catching a glimpse of the Hotel up the hill. "Lucky, lucky, lucky..."
John had barely closed the door to Laura's room behind them when Tina felt his arms encircle her waist, pulling her close. "Oh, darlin'," he whispered, his lips brushing her ear. She turned in his arms, her own arms reaching up to loop around his neck as their mouths found each other. He pulled her to him tightly, pressing his lips against hers in a smoldering kiss, bending her back slightly as he molded himself against her. His hands dropped to her rear, squeezing lightly before one dropped lower, hitching up her skirt so he could run his hand over her thigh.
"John," she managed to say between kisses, but he didn't seem to hear her.
"John," she repeated, more insistently, and this time he grunted, "huh?"
"We're in the middle of the hallway," she said, pushing him back slightly. He wouldn't let go however, turning with her and moving towards her door.
"Key," he muttered, and she fumbled in her pocket for it. She tried to open the door, but he took the key, breaking away from her momentarily to struggle impatiently with the lock. He swore under his breath when it wouldn't open instantly, then breathed a sigh of relief when it clicked and the door swung open. He pulled Tina inside with him, swinging it shut with his foot. He turned the lock with one hand, the other still wrapped around her, and he began to lead her towards the bedroom. "I need you, darlin'. Now." He broke off the kiss to unbutton his flannel shirt, stripping it off and letting it fall to the floor.
"Now...?" she whispered as his hands went back to her body, starting to remove her clothes.
"NOW." His voice was husky and full of desire as he slowly led her towards the bed. They left a trail of discarded clothing from the front door to the bed, and when John pulled her down onto the mattress with him, they were both naked.
"Darlin'," he whispered as he enveloped her in his arms, wrapping his large, strong body around her shorter frame. He kissed her passionately, tongue eagerly parting her lips and seeking out the warmth of her mouth. As he rubbed his body against hers, she could feel his arousal as his hard cock poked against her belly. His mouth left hers as he slid down her body, until it had found the swell of her breast, taking it in his mouth, sucking greedily. One hand teased the other breast while the other hand swept across her hips to part her thighs, stroking her intimately. She moaned, whispering his name as she trembled with desire and anticipation.
"You do want this, don't you?" he asked, pausing as he pleasured her breast. His answer was a long, throaty moan from her.
"Oh god yes, John. I want you so much. I haven't been able to think of much of anything else *but* this since the last time we were together." He slid back up her body to kiss her lips, and when she ground her hips against his, it was his turn to moan.
He shifted, pulling her leg over his hip and slowly entered her warm, slick channel. They both groaned with the sheer pleasure of it, kissing hungrily as he sank deeper into her body. Panting, he rocked with her, thrusting in and out easily as she arched into him. He buried his face against her neck, humming deep in his chest as she gave herself to him.
He smiled at her soft noises and whimpers as their body's rhythms began to match each other's, and she rocked with him now. He thought briefly of slowing things down and making it last longer, but his body had a mind of it's own. His intensity rose quickly, and soon he had grabbed her buttocks, pushing her against him as he thrust hard and fast. His hand slipped between them to reach her clit, stroking it in rhythm to his thrusts and soon she came for him, spasming around his manhood, driving him wild with lust. He thrust harder now, nearing his own peak, and soon he joined her, coming with a low growl...
They lay together quietly afterwards, gazing into each other's eyes, kissing softly. "Welcome back," he whispered as he gently caressed her back. "I've missed you..."
"I've missed you too, John," she whispered back, pushing his long auburn hair out of his eyes. "I know I've been gone for a while... But, John... I can't help but wonder... Is there something going on that I don't know about...? You don't seem... yourself, love."
John sighed, ducking his head, laying his forehead against hers. "Can't fool you, can I?"
"No, so don't even try," she joked. When he didn't respond, her grin faded. "What is it?"
"Darlin'... I didn't tell Laura this... But yesterday and today, I wasn't just worried about her and Max... I was worried about us..." He swallowed hard. "Scared that something might come between us... That you'd stop coming here too for some reason..." he admitted.
"Oh, John!" She pulled him close, hugging him tightly. "No... Whatever happens between Laura and Max, it's got nothing to do with US..." She kissed him tenderly. "Don't you ever worry about that; finding the CrowesNest -- and you -- has been the most wonderful thing in my life. I can't imagine not coming here.... you mean so much to me, John," she said reassuringly.
He gazed lovingly into her eyes. "You mean the world to me too, darlin'." He kissed her passionately, but when their lips parted, his eyes lowered, and he whispered hesitantly, "I - I know you mean that now, but -- "
"Shhhh," Tina said, putting a finger over his lips. "No 'buts', Sheriff. You're the most wonderful man I've ever met. I'm not likely to forget you anytime soon." John started to open his mouth to say something, but she leaned in and kissed him, silencing him. When they separated after a long minute, Tina whispered, "Let me show you just how much I love you..." Her body moved sensuously against his, and they melted into each other's arms once again....
[Author's Note 1: See Bugdog's story 'Bugdog Checks In']
[Author's Note 2: For those who haven't seen Virtuosity, or don't remember the line, at one point Sid taunts Parker Barnes with the line, "Hey, Parker! How's the wife and kid? Still dead, huh?" ]
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