Buck Wilmington frowned as he glanced at the gas gauge. He loved his big flashy red pickup truck. It took him anywhere he needed to go, off road or on the streets, hauled what he needed hauled and most definitely attracted the women's attention, but it wasn't the easiest thing on fuel.
Then again, he hadn't filled up in almost a week. He thought he'd had more in the tank than that, but the low fuel light was glowing brightly.
Hard pressed for time, the womanizer had hoped to stop at his townhouse for a quick shower and change of clothes before meeting Chris Larabee and his team mates for a breakfast slash debriefing.
Except for credit cards and his normal much needed 'paraphernalia' Buck knew his wallet was empty. He muttered under his breath as he one handedly dug in his pocket, only to withdraw a torn piece of paper with a phone number scribbled on it, a roll of breath mints, a crumpled one dollar bill and two dimes.
His jacket pocket contained a slightly smashed breakfast bar, a quarter and an empty Hershey's wrapper.
He knew this section of town, and his frown deepened. These were cash only gas stations. A few miles from the edge of Purgatorio, the business owners in this area dealt with many of the local poor residents, and immediately suspected any credit card to be stolen, if they even had credit/debit card capabilities.
Spying an ATM logo in a store window, he wheeled the truck into the parking lot. Unclipping the holstered weapon from the back of his belt, he carefully placed it in the glove compartment, locking the box.
Bouncing out, withdrawing his credit card, he bound across the lot and entered the store.
*******
Molly Malone ushered the little boy to the kitchen table. "Drink your juice and we'll stop at Mickie D's and get breakfast…" She was running late as usual and as much as she disliked fast food, this morning would have to be an exception. Damn! She really had to break down and buy a new alarm clock.
Andrew obediently downed the juice and she rinsed the glass, grabbed her purse and keys and hurried the little boy out the door and to her vehicle. Settling him in the car seat, she buckled him in and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek before closing the door.
Andrew was her five year nephew. Her widowed sister-in-law had had a job interview out of town and Molly had happily volunteered to baby sit the child.
Andy was an intelligent child, shy and quiet, with a wry sense of humor and she enjoyed spending time with him. The previous evening they had baked cookies and watched Shrek on tape….
She had wished her sister-in-law luck, knowing the job would mean more money and a better way of life for the mother and child, but couldn't help feeling a bit selfish because if Jill landed the job, the seventy mile move meant Molly wouldn't be able to visit them as often as she did now.
There were times when Molly sometimes longed for a child of her own. After all, she wasn't getting any younger, but with no particular man in her life, she realized it probably wasn't going to happen any time soon.
Andrew's company and week end 'baby hug fixes' sufficed to curb her maternal instincts at least for a while.
Now, driving downtown, Andrew's sing a long tape in her cassette player, she watched the child in her rearview mirror. Big brown eyes watched everything with the intense interest only children seemed to possess and brought a smile to her face.
Telling him to keep a look out for the Golden Arches, she wove through the early morning traffic.
Molly frowned as she suddenly realized she hadn't stopped at the bank the previous evening and she only had a couple bucks cash in her wallet.
Spotting an ATM sign in a convenience store window, she signaled and made a trip around the block. Finding a parking place in the small lot next to a huge bright red pickup, she hurriedly unfastened Andrew from his seat and with his tiny hand in hers, headed inside to use the machine.
Buck glanced up as the door opened and a young lady entered, holding a little boy by the hand. He smiled at both of them, feeling the woman was somehow familiar, but he couldn't place her. Of course, maybe she just had that kind of face…. He had never been accused of letting a pretty lady walk by without speaking. He fumbled with his credit card and waited for the screen to pull up.
As Molly glanced around she saw that other than the man at the ATM, the store was empty. The young clerk behind the counter popped her gum, and was staring unabashedly in appreciation of the man's good looks.
Molly stood to the side, patiently waiting for the man to finish his transaction. When he had smiled at her, she realized she had seen him before and chewing on her lip, suddenly remembered where.
Several weeks earlier they had both been in line at the DMV and he had struck up a conversation with her. He had been pleasant and friendly and she hadn't been able to stand quietly as he talked about the slowness of the line, and how there were so many better ways to spend such a beautiful day.
Although it wasn't in her nature to talk to strange men, unable to resist his charm, not feeling as if he were simply hitting on her, Molly had found herself talking to him, their conversation making the time in the long line pass more quickly.
They'd been called by the clerks and he had gone one way and she the other and as the saying goes, that had been that. Or so she thought. She smiled to herself. Fancy seeing him again….
"Crap!"
The sharply uttered word drew her attention back to the broad shouldered man and she frowned as he cleared the screen and punched in numbers again. She hadn't planned on spending the entire morning in line…. She could have done that at the bank.
Of course, seeing the handsome man again might be worth waiting in line.
He turned to give her an apologetic shrug, a small smile peeking out from under his thick moustache. "Sorry. It's not accepting my PIN."
"These machines are notorious for giving a person a hard time. I think they're designed by the same people who set up the DMV." Molly remarked dryly, clutching Andrew hand as he looked from the man to her.
"Are we going to McDonald's?" the child questioned in a loud whisper.
She knelt down beside him. "Sure, sweetie. We'll be going in just a minute."
The man heard her and gave her another dazzling smile. "Maybe the third time's the charm," he muttered, still punching numbers.
Molly sighed as she looked around when she heard the cow bell on the door jangle as someone else entered and she silently prayed they weren't there to use the ATM.
Before she could turn, she was shoved hard from behind.
Molly stumbled forward, dragging Andrew with her as she slammed into the tall man at the ATM. Gasping in outrage; she was aware the man grabbed her and steadied her as she clung to Andrew's hand.
"You!… move!" The intruder yelled, and she focused, seeing a balding man with a gun in his hand. He shoved the tall man away from the ATM, snatching the money the machine had finally decided to release.
At the shouted order, Buck spun, his hand automatically reaching for the gun which normally hung on his belt. He swore under his breath as he realized it was in the truck and reached out, catching the woman and child who were suddenly thrust in his direction, placing himself between them and the gun man
"Move!" The robber motioned them towards the store's interior and giving the woman a regretful look, Buck obeyed, as with a gentle hand to the small of her back, he lightly propelled her ahead of him.
The clerk was standing wide eyed behind the counter. "Henry!" she squealed, "What are you doing'?"
The wild eyed man swore, waving the gun about. "Whatdya think?! Now shut the hell up and don't move!" He motioned Buck towards the open door of the tiny store room beside the counter. "Take your woman and that brat and get in there!" he ordered.
Not wanting to endanger either of the two, Buck obeyed, motioning the woman ahead of him. As he followed her, the door shut solidly behind them and the lock clicked loudly.
The little boy half whimpered in the darkness of the windowless room and fumbling along the wall, Buck finally found the light switch. There was a flicker and the small room was lit with the overhead single bulb.
Looking around at the toilet paper and paper towels on the utility shelf, and the mop bucket and broom, he sighed.
Molly stared at the man, her eyes wide. This morning, most definitely, was not going the way she had planned. Seeing Andrew staring up at her with huge tear bright eyes, she quickly gathered the little boy into her arms, whispering reassurances.
"He okay?" The man questioned quietly, concern in his voice.
She nodded. "Just scared." Realizing she was trembling, she silently added, 'Like me.'
Listening for any sound from the other side of the door, Wilmington slowly turned the handle, swearing under his breath when the knob refused to turn.
"Excuse me?" He gave no sign of hearing her so Molly cleared her throat and spoke up a little louder, "Excuse me?"
Swinging around, focusing on her, the man stared at her with such intensity, she felt her knees tremble from more than fear. "I--I-- is there any way out?" she managed to question.
His dark eyes seemed to soften and he regretfully shook his head. "'Fraid not. At least not that I can see at the moment."
Andrew tugged on her hand, "Molly, I'm hungry. Can we go to Mickie D's soon?"
"As soon as possible, sweetie." She nodded. Molly was hungry too. She had planned on breakfast, not being cooped up here with this strange man.
He seemed to be appraising her with his eyes and she was stunned to realize she hoped he didn't find her lacking.
Molly knelt beside the child. "Well, we'll be out of here soon and we'll go get breakfast. Now, can you be a big boy and sit down over there?" She pointed to a clear place against the wall, as far from the door as possible. Andrew nodded and obediently sat.
"Why hasn't that clerk let us out?" She turned to the strange man, her voice low. "We are going to get out of here in time to make breakfast at McD's, aren't we?" Realizing how silly the question sounded, she motioned towards the little boy, "I promised him."
"I don't know, ma'am." Buck shrugged. "I wish I could give ya some sort of guarantee but---" The sound of a gunshot and shattering glass, had him pushing her to the floor as he shielded her and the boy with his body.
It was a long moment of silence before he sat back on his heels. Seeing the woman's white face and the tears resuming on the little boy's face, he gave them a weak grin. "Maybe we got lucky and he blew his..." Realizing the frightened little boy was hanging on every word, he changed the thought he'd been about to voice. "big toe off! Serve him right for playing with guns."
"Guns ain't toys," the child stated seriously.
"You're absolutely right. I hope your friends are as smart as you." Buck dug in his pocket and withdrew the honey and oat breakfast bar. Sensing the child had been taught not to take things from strangers, he offered it to the young woman. "It's not Mickie D's, but maybe this will fill up the hole and keep the little feller satisfied for a little bit."
She accepted it with a smile. Funny, even with his well defined body, the man didn't seem the health food type. "Thank you, Mister....?"
He smiled. "Name's Buck Wilmington, ma'am. And you are....?" he pressed.
"Molly Malone." She held out her hand, her cheeks growing warm as his big hand engulfed hers. "This is Andrew."
Buck grinned when the little boy reached out to shake his hand in a very grown up fashion before settling back down to hungrily attack the breakfast bar.
"Well, Miss Molly, I guess we'd better make the best of this mess." He moved away, carefully pushing aside the items on the shelves, checking for windows, another exit, anything to get them out.
Molly watched him for several moments, and then moved to sit down beside Andrew.
As Buck moved about the small space, his actions were on looking for a way out, but his thoughts kept returning to the young woman sitting on the floor. She had risen in his estimation when she hadn't begun screaming hysterically at their predicament. His opinion had raised several more notches when she had the little boy sit as far from the door as possible. Now, sitting quietly on the floor, comforting the child in a low voice, he couldn't help but stop and stare at her.
Molly Malone was tall and willowy, with short cropped mussed auburn hair, a sprinkle of freckles across her nose and twinkling green eyes. While their current situation was no laughing matter, he would bet the tiny lines at the corners of her eyes were the result of years of happy laughter.
Her voice was soft and musical, and she was dressed plainly in jeans, a T-shirt and vest. She didn't seem the least bit concerned at sitting on the floor and her attention was fully focused on the little boy, talking softly to him.
Pacing the small confined area, Buck glanced at his watch and softly swore, "Chris is gonna be pissed," he muttered under his breath.
"I'm sure she'll understand once you explain why you stood her up." Molly remarked offhandedly, She was stunned to realize the comment was actually the question 'Is Chris your girlfriend?'
She didn't think he was referring to his wife since he wore no ring, but while she never censored herself with friends, it wasn't in her nature to ask such a blatantly forward question of a total stranger.
He spun around, not realizing the young woman had pushed to her feet and had heard his remark. He shook his head. "No, no… she's a he…." Realizing how the young woman might take the comment he felt his face grow warm. He hadn't been so flustered around a female in some time.
"Chris is…" he found himself hesitating. He couldn't say oldest and dearest friend or that might come out wrong in her eyes and he really wanted something to be right for this woman, although for the life of him he couldn't understand why. "Chris-topher" he added the extra with a smile, "is my boss," he admitted. "And one of the best friends I've ever had."
It was Molly's turn to flush a bright pink, which contrasted with her bright hair. "Sorry. It's really none of my business."
Buck felt the corners of his moustache lift in a smile. "Well, considering the circumstances…" He trailed off, cocking his head to one side. "Hear that?"
She frowned, and then nodded. "Sirens."
"'Bout time Denver's finest got their asses outta the Krispy Kreme and come to our aid," Buck growled.
Molly gave him a searching look. It sounded as though he had experience with the law and wasn't that impressed with the local police force.
'Careful, Mo, he could be a criminal…' her inner voice warned. She gave him a searching look, and shook her head. He didn't seem to fit the criminal mold… as if she had experience with such people beyond the pages of a Sue Grafton novel.
She could hear the indistinct sounds of activity outside beyond the wall, but nothing that was recognizable beyond the continual growling of approaching sirens. She knew if there was a window, they could have seen the bright red and blue strobing of lights but…
"Is anyone expecting you?" Buck suddenly questioned. "Were you gonna meet someone at McDonald's?" It was a forlorn hope this woman didn't have a man sharing her life and her bed.
"Yeah, Chris is expecting me, but he'll just think I got tied up somewhere." He chuckled, picturing the Hoosier muttering about the fact that, unlike with Tanner and Standish, at least with Buck all he had to worry about was which husband was going to fill the womanizer's backside full of buckshot. Buck did his best to avoid becoming involved with married women but it wasn't always as easy as looking for a wedding ring.
"You do that often then… get tied up?" she teased with a boldness new to her. She had easily read his body language and knew it was women who often had him 'tied up', the phrase bringing to mind a mental image which flushed her cheeks a bright red.
Buck tugged at his ear. "Well, yeah." He hated to admit it because he could see her trail of thought. He had never felt so embarrassed by his overly active libido before, but something in this woman's face brought shame to his reluctant admission.
Molly gave a soft sigh and turned away, realizing she had strayed too far into this handsome man's personal territory. It was nothing to her, for once they were out of this mess, she would never see him again, but she felt a sudden surge of jealousy aimed at all those other women… After all, there was no denying he was a handsome man, with those twinkling dark eyes and that little boy smile peeking out from under his thick moustache. He was just tall enough and built just right to shelter a woman….
"Whoa!" She yelped aloud as she realized exactly where her thoughts were headed. What was wrong with her! Granted she hadn't been with a man in quite some time, but she was happily content in her life, but something about this man sent her thoughts racing off to places she had no business going.
Buck crossed the short distance and grasped her arm. "Are you all right?"
She swallowed hard at the frisson of electricity which emanated from his touch and pulled away.
"Yes," she pulled herself to her full height, still several inches well below his chin. "I just realized I forgot something."
"Important?" he questioned.
"No, not really. Just some place I really didn't plan on going to in the first place." She admitted, crossing the floor to sit back down beside Andrew who had quietly watched their exchange. She swallowed hard searching for a way to change the subject to something less personal. "Guess I'm gonna have to pay full price for that software after all."
"Pardon?"
"There's a little computer shop downtown. They were having a special sale this morning seven to nine." She explained. "They had a software program I've wanted, but I couldn't afford the full price and I was hoping to get down there and find it on sale."
The child cozied up against her and she wrapped her arms about him, holding him close. His gaze on Buck, watching the big man's every move, the child quietly watched as the man once again began to pace the small area in front of them.
Andrew tugged on Molly's vest. "Are we gonna die, Aunt Molly?" he questioned in a quavering little voice.
"No! Honey, whatever gave you that idea?"
"That man had a gun and there's policemen outside and they got guns…."
Buck moved to hunker down in front of the child. "Hey, there, partner, ain't no one gonna get hurt, least of all you or Miss Molly here. I won't let anyone hurt either of you."
The child smiled as Buck ruffled the little boy's tow head, and the man's expression softened, remembering tow headed Adam Larabee… He had loved that little boy as if he were his own, and he had mourned Adam's death as deeply as Chris.
Now, seeing this little boy, so much like Adam and frightened, he couldn't help but wonder what it would be like to have a son - or daughter - of his own.
"We'll be outta here soon," he promised, "and you can tell your Daddy and Mommy what a brave little boy you were."
The smile faded. Andrew's chin quivered and tears welled in his eyes. "Daddy's in heaven, ain't he, Aunt Molly?"
Buck gulped hard and wanted the floor to just swallow him on the spot as he gave the young woman an apologetic look. "Sorry…"
"It's okay." She smoothed down the little boy's hair as he laid his head in her lap. "His father was one of the heli-tacs killed on the mountain last year. That canyon wildfire that got out of hand… I'm sure you heard of it."
Buck nodded somberly. Everyone in Colorado knew of the firefighters who were flown in by chopper to the hot spots and rappelled down to fight the blaze. Hell, he had even flown a few of those fire fighting missions himself, relieving the weary over worked pilots.
"Your brother?" he asked her quietly.
She chewed her lip and looked away then nodded. "Yeah… my baby brother." There was a quaver in her voice, the loss still too soon, but she forced a sad smile. "He loved what he did…and it killed him. It was a stupid senseless loss…"
Buck's voice was soft. "He wouldn't want you to think that."
"How would you know?" she snapped back.
He understood all to well the anger which accompanied a loved one's death. "Because you said he loved his job. It takes a special person to do something so important despite the risks."
Molly knew he was right. Kevin had loved being a firefighter and had wanted to be one for as long as she could remember. Even when he was little, he had talked of nothing beyond being a fireman. She remembered his pride the day he'd left for his first shift as a rookie.
Her gaze softened as she stared at the big man, his words sinking in, "Thank you."
"Not necessary." Buck shook his head and pushed to his feet, moving back to the door and trying it for the fiftieth time. When it again failed to open, he moved to sit down with his back to the wall next to it.
*******
Time dragged. Her eyes closed, Molly's fingers soothingly stroked the little boy's silky hair as he huddled in her lap asleep, his tiny fist clutching her vest.
Knowing her legs were probably numb, Wilmington considered offering to hold the child for awhile, but feared waking the little boy. If the child was lucky, he'd nap through the rest of this nightmare.
Realizing that pacing the small room like a caged cougar was simply a waste of energy, Buck had sat listening to the muted noises on the other side of the wall, picturing everything that was happening, in his mind's eye.
He could see the cordoned off street, curious bystanders watching from a safe distance and where the police were positioned. Naturally, the officers took on the faces of his friends.
A smile tugged at his lips as he imagined Tanner on the roof across the street, Chris studying the street map for advantageous positions, Josiah patiently trying to convince the hopped up junkie to surrender and Nathan double checking his medical supplies in the event someone was injured. He could even picture JD bent over the lap top computer digging up all available information on the perp and Ezra standing beside his vehicle, ready for action but attempting to appear nonchalant…
"What do you think is going on out there?"
Molly's soft question gave him pause. Lost in thought, he wondered how long she'd been watching him. " Negotiations probably."
She frowned. "What do you mean?"
He shrugged, "Someone is trying to figure out exactly why ol' Henry is waving a gun around and why he locked three people in a closet. He's done it for a reason… to get attention, make demands, who knows." He stretched, trying to ease the kinks in his back, and began pacing the width of the room again. Four steps forward. Four steps back. "My personal opinion is he needed money for a fix and figured this was an easy target. He's obviously been in here before since the clerk called him by name."
"You've dealt with this sorta of thing before, haven't you?"
He shrugged again and gave her a wide smile. "Maybe I just watch a lot of TV."
She couldn't help smiling back. "I highly doubt that!" 'That isn't the body of a couch potato.' She was silent for a few minutes, focusing on Andrew, carefully situating her nephew so he lay on the floor, his head resting on her thigh. "You have to wonder what kinda of sick person would do this to innocent people…. Doesn't he know I-we-have lives and things we should be doing? What gives some sicko the right to do this to us? Why couldn't he settle for the money he took from the machine?" she demanded, bringing her bright eyes up to look at Buck who paused over her.
"I only withdrew fifty bucks. Dependin' on his habit, that wouldn't last him very long." The big womanizer's heart broke at the emotion in he saw in her eyes. It couldn't be easy on her.
While this wasn't exactly a normal situation, Wilmington was certain he was more used to dealing with crazies then this pretty red head. Then, again, he didn't really know anything about her. Actually, considering how well she was handling this whole absurd scenario, maybe she dealt with crazy people all day long.
"I guess we were just in the wrong place at the wrong time," he uttered quietly, watching her face, somehow sensing in his heart he had never been in so right a place before.
Molly took a deep shuddering breath and nodded, her face tinged with color at her emotional outburst. Her voice was steady as she nodded. "I guess you could say that…"
Realizing his pacing wasn't getting them anywhere, Buck again slid down the wall to sit on the floor across from Molly.
"The DMV!" He snapped his fingers, grinning widely as he pointed at her. "That's where I saw you before. You were in line at the DMV."
She nodded with a wistful sigh. "What I wouldn't give to be standing in that line right now."
"Can't say I blame ya." The narrow space caused his boots so brush her jean clad leg and he pulled away slightly, not wanting to crowd her.
She saw his move and smiled to herself. After they sat quiet for a few awkward moments, she finally cleared her throat slightly, "So, Mister Wilmington, what kind of work do you do…other than keeping hysterical hostage women from going completely over the edge?"
"I've seen hysterical and you're not even close... yet." He smiled again, the ends of his thick moustache turning up and his dark eyes twinkling with a hint of mischief.
"What do you think I do?" he half teased.
She appraised him, looking him over from the top of his thick hair to the soles of his worn boots. "I'd say sports jock or male model."
Buck laid his hand over his heart. "Ouch! I don't know whether I'm flattered you think I could fit either of those professions or if I'm wounded you would think I was so shallow." Surprisingly, it really did hurt to think she had pegged him as superficial.
Her green eyes twinkled brightly. "No? And by the way, not all jocks or models are empty headed idiots, concerned only with their looks."
"I take it you know a lot of athletes and models," Wilmington quizzed, suddenly wanting to know everything about this woman.
She simply smiled and perused him up and down again. "Perhaps you're some internet wizard or dot com owner."
His moustache lifted even higher, not failing to notice she'd easily evaded his question. "Nope, you're ice cold, although I know a couple of crack computer hackers, if that counts."
She waggled a finger at him. "Ahh, hackers…. Not your typical everyday term. You're a cop."
He shook his head. "Nope, ma'am, but you're getting warmer."
Buck didn't know how right he was as she focused on his face, enjoying his smile and the easy bantering. There was an ease about him which warmed more than her heart.
"I've got it! You're the Lone Ranger!"
He laughed out loud, the pleasing sound filling the small room and the corners of her lonely heart. "I thought I left Tonto at home. What gave me away?"
"Only a cowboy good guy would call a woman ma'am…" she admitted.
Buck hoped when this ordeal was over he would have the opportunity to personally introduce her to six more cowboy good guys. Of course, he'd have to warn her about calling Larabee a cowboy. "Okay, ma'am," he accented the word with an absolutely wicked little boy grin which sent a delightful shiver down Molly's spine, "tell me, what do you do… other than get locked in small rooms with strange men?"
She looked down, gently brushing at the hair on Andrew's head. "I work at being Auntie Molly. At least that was my job today… I guess I didn't do a very good job of keeping him safe, did I?" she whispered. "This is libel to traumatize him for life…"
Buck shook his head. "I don't think so. If he's as smart as his auntie, he'll do fine. He feels safe with you or he wouldn't be sleeping like that." His expression turned wistful as the memory of Adam Larabee asleep on Sarah's lap came to his mind. Funny how he had always loved children, but never had an urge to father any of his own.
When he stopped to think about it, which wasn't often, he told himself it was because subconsciously he knew if he stayed just 'Uncle' Buck', he wouldn't be tied down or restricted by a serious responsibility which would be around for at least eighteen long years.
Or in Adam's case, six very short years….
Yet, if he was going to be truthful, at least with himself, Wilmington knew the true reason he backed off was the fear of facing the devastating loss of his family, just as Chris had.
Earlier, when he was flying, he knew the risks and couldn't accept putting any family through the fact he might not come back from a mission. Now, although he wasn't off flying Tomcats in the Gulf, the assignments from the Judge could be just as deadly.
It would take a special woman to put up with that kind of lifestyle, but now…seeing this young woman, stroking the little boy's hair as he slept, caused a deep longing to well up in him…. for something solid and substantial in his life.
Yeah, he had always found it nice to play the bumblebee and flit from flower to flower, staying as long as he found something sweet he liked, but when sated, always flying on. Yet recently, it had hit him he wasn't getting any younger and more and more, he was seeing his friends settle down with their one special person.
He knew in their own ways they envied him his freedom, but he, in turn, equally coveted the singular love they'd discovered. Perhaps, if he ever found a woman, well, like this one -- pretty, sensible, intelligent, fun loving who loved children -- well….
"Do you think we'll be out of here soon?"
Molly's half heard words finally drew him out of his retrospect. "Sorry?"
"Do you think they'll get us out of here soon? I was supposed to call Andrew's mother…" She looked at her watch, "at seven. Do you think I'll be doing that?"
Buck glanced at his own watch, surprised to find it was two in the afternoon. "I don't know," he answered truthfully. "I would hope so, but these things can drag on forever..." He couldn't resist giving her a wink as he added. "At least that's how it works on all those TV shows."
If he had his way, he would have her and the child free of this place in just minutes. But then again, if he had his way, he felt he could stay here with her forever….
The door was suddenly thrown open and the gunman stormed into the room, grabbing Molly's arm and jerking her to her feet.
With a loud cry, Andrew tumbled from her lap and Buck made a grab for the child to keep him from cracking his head on the floor. By the time he turned back, rushing for the criminal, the man had dragged the young woman from the room and locked the door behind them.
After trying the door yet again, Buck turned his attention to the crying child who had wiggled out of his grasp and was standing in the middle of the floor, sobbing Molly's name.
Buck dropped down on one knee to be on the boy's level. "Hey, now, Andy, it'll be okay. Molly'll be right back…" He attempted to calm the child, and his own fears, torn with not knowing what was happening on the other side of the door. "She'll be back in a little bit and we'll get out of here and go to McDonald's. How about a Happy Meal? I bet I know ---"
The shattering sound of bullets being fired from the other side of the wall sent the child into uncontrollable wailing and Buck wrapped the boy in his arms, pressing him against his chest in a protective embrace, his own dark eyes wide with shock and disbelief.
As a deadly quiet once again settled on the other side of the wall, Wilmington rose, clutching the boy to him as he stared wildly at the door one thought racing through his mind: Surely that nut case hadn't…!! He couldn't bring himself to even think the thought. Frustration, anger and worry caused him to drive his large fist into the wall, which only served to set Andrew's wailing for his aunt to an entirely new high pitched level.
Swallowing hard, grimacing with the pain from his bloodied and bruised knuckles, Buck turned his attention back to the little boy, attempting to soothe the sobbing child.
"Hey, Pard, it's okay…. Molly's fine… She's fine…" Let her be fine… It was more a genuine prayer to Josiah's Gods the young woman be unharmed. "Maybe she'll bring us in some donuts and chocolate milk."
His calm tone finally breached through the child's screams of terror and the little boy fell silent, staring up into his face with an expression so hurt Buck's heart literally ached. "She's okay, son," he half whispered, "and you and me will make sure she is always safe… Okay?"
Intent on the child, he did not hear the door open behind him. "Hey, Buck, you and the little boy okay?"
Wilmington spun around. Mark Johnson stood in the opened doorway. Scooping the child into his arms, shouldering past the slender policeman without a word, Buck ran out into the store proper, his dark eyes searching for the young woman.
"Molly?!" He called out her name as Andrew called out for her as well.
"Buck," Johnson was on his heels. "She's okay."
The big man stopped in his tracks to face the police officer who nodded at his unasked question. "She's outside with the EMTs."
"Buck!" JD pushed through the officers filling the store, followed by Larabee, Standish and Tanner. "Buck, you all right?"
"I'm fine, kid." He thrust the little boy into the gambler's arms. "Ezra, this is Andy. Him and his Aunt Molly were locked in there with me."
The startled con man nodded his understanding. The child had been through enough. He didn't need to see his aunt being treated by emergency medical personnel.
Buck ruffled the little boy's hair. "Andy, these are some friends of mine. They're gonna take care of ya while I go get your aunt. Okay?" As the little boy nodded slowly, Buck hurried away through the crowd.
"Well, Master Andrew, you've had quite an adventure, but I'll just bet you're hungry," Ezra commented seeing the little boy's chin quiver as he watched Buck hurry away.
"M-m-me and Aunt Molly were 'sposed to go to McDonald's for breakfast." The child admitted, his dark eyes searching the crowd as Buck hurried out the door. "Where's Aunt Molly?"
"I believe she's talking to the policemen." Ezra offered quietly.
"Is she tellin' 'em about the bad man?"
Ezra nodded. "I do believe that's exactly what she's doing."
"Buck, too?"
"Buck, too." Seeing the grins on his team mates' faces as they inched toward the door, Ezra threw them a dirty look before setting the child on his feet and taking his hand. Snagging the back of Vin's belt, he halted the sharpshooter's progress. "Andy, this fine gentleman is Vin Tanner. He's an extra-ordinary tracker. The man can find anything and he's an expert on convenience store cuisine so I'm sure he'll be able to find something edible in what's left of this establishment. What say we let him scout us out some food for you and then we'll go see your aunt?"
Eyeing the long haired man, clinging trustingly to Ezra's hand, Andrew nodded.
*******
'Must be a slow news day.' Ignoring the reporters who rushed forward, pushing microphones in his direction, Wilmington scanned the immediate area outside the store. Police calmly went about doing their job, gathering evidence and questioning the hysterical clerk. One officer was listening to a long haired teenage boy whose hands moved in all directions as he talked animatedly.
Buck felt as if his rapidly beating heart would stop altogether as an ambulance, lights flashing and sirens wailing, pulled away from the curb.
"Molly!" Mark had said she was all right! He had said she was fine. She wouldn't have left Andy behind if she'd had a choice in the matter. "Awww, damn….!"
"She's over there, Buck."
At those four words, Buck spun on his heels, rushing forward in the direction Chris pointed out, weaving his way through the police vehicles toward the second ambulance parked on the street.
Behind him, Larabee grabbed JD's arm, stopping the youth from following his friend. For now, it would have to be enough for them to know that Buck was all right. They had all been through the mill, worried for their team mate, none more so than JD. The kid had been frantic after Mark Johnson had called Chris when Buck's vehicle had identified him as one of the possible hostages of an armed robbery in progress. But, Chris could tell, at this moment, his old friend had something more pressing on his mind….
"Could you please hurry? I need to see my nephew. He's just a little boy and he's probably scared to death."
Buck skidded to a stop, his heart beginning to beat again at the sight of the young woman seated on the back bumper of the emergency squad, trying to rush the paramedic who was carefully taping a bandage around her upper arm.
"Molly?"
She looked up, saw him and a moment's relief flooded into her bright eyes. "Buck!" She looked around frantically, jerking away from the paramedic and pushing to her feet, "Where's Andy? Is he all right?"
"He's fine.. Just scared. A friend of mine's watching him. I wanted to make sure..." He trailed off, turning to the medic. "She okay?"
The fresh faced young medic nodded. "She just got cut with some flying glass. She might have a small scar, but it's not serious. I don't think it needs stitches, but she really should have it checked." He got Molly's attention. "You keep that bandage clean and dry and see your regular doctor if you need pain pills."
"Aunt Molly!"
She spun and her face lit up and Buck turned his own grin widening. The child, seated on Tanner's shoulders, clutched a donut in each hand, and smears of chocolate encircled his mouth. Ezra reached up, removing Vin's passenger, tossing the child lightly into the air, causing a squeal of laughter before setting Andrew safely on the ground.
"Aunt Molly!" Andy threw himself into her arms. "You okay, Aunt Molly?" His worried gaze glanced at the white bandage, but excited, he blurted, " I was scared, but Buck said you'd be okay! He said me and him would keep you safe!" He waved his half eaten donut towards the men who stood beside Buck. "That's Ezra and Vin. They're Buck's friends. They got me some donuts and milk. I brought you one, too. Did that bad man really blow his big toe off?" Clinging to her, he held up the crumbled piece of pastry, chattering excitedly. His large eyes darted from the medic to the bandage on her arm, filling once more with fear. "Is he a doctor? Are you gonna have to go...?"
"I'm fine, baby." She quickly reassured him, giving Ezra and Vin a smile of thanks as they moved off to join Larabee. "I'm just fine." She nodded, happily kissing Andrew's tousled hair. The child clung to her, and she looked over his head at Buck who towered over both of them. "Well, Mister Wilmington, I guess I'll be making my call after all."
He shook himself enough to nod, reaching out to touch her arm, his dark gaze raking over her, looking for any other signs of damage to her person. Seeing none, he finally started breathing again. "I guess you will, Miss Molly."
"Hey, Buck, we need you to make a statement," Johnson called out, momentarily pulling his attention from the young woman.
"Yeah, I'll be right there, Mark." He raked his hand through his hair. "Look, maybe after you make that call, if you don't have plans, well, if you're up to it, would… Could I take you out for supper? You and Andrew. I mean, after all, I blew your breakfast plans," he finished lamely.
Molly started in surprise. It had been a while since she had dated, other than going out for drinks with friends, or to a movie with a casual acquaintance. She really didn't even know this man, but there was such sincerity in Buck's dark eyes.... Still, she hesitated.
She knew in her heart this was a man she could easily fall head over heels for and Molly wasn't certain she could deal with the hurt and the loss when he moved on to someone more his type.
Buck held his breath. He had never been so anxious about a woman accepting one of his offers before. But then, something - everything -about Molly Malone threw him for an absolute loop.
She finally smiled. "I'd like that, Buck." Her eyes twinkled brightly as she added, knowing a sure way to deter a man like this one, "Andrew just loves Chuck E. Cheese. He's a whiz at Skeeball."
Buck blinked, and cleared his throat and she was certain he was searching for a reason to retract his offer. She was aware no matter how much they liked children, no man wanted a little boy tagging along, especially on a first date.
Before she could let him off the hook, assuring him she understood, Buck grinned, his own eyes twinkling. "Chuckie's it is then. Is eight too late?" He winked at Andy. "I have ta warn, kiddo, I'm a Skeeball champ."
Molly's mouth suddenly went dry. She had fully expected him to bail out on his offer, but seeing him talking to Andrew like that, she couldn't help nodding and was rewarded with the brightest smile she had yet to see on the big man's face.
"Miss Malone, I'd appreciate it if you could stop by the station later to sign your statement." Mark, with an apology, snagged Buck's arm and drew him away.
"See you at eight," Buck mouthed, giving her another smile, their gazes locked until he was lost in the flowing crowd of blue uniforms.
*******
It was well after eleven when, bone tired, Molly climbed out of her car and, locking the doors, slowly made her way towards the renovated Victorian home which housed her apartment.
To her amazement, Wilmington's friends had come charging to the rescue earlier as, hugging Andy close to her, she had attempted to evade the reporters who had circled her, throwing questions her way so fast they seemed to blend into nothing more than a loud din of indistinct noise.
Surrounding her as if they were protecting the president himself, blocking the cameras' view, the men had ordered the press to back off as they escorted her and Andrew to her vehicle where the one called Ezra waited.
Keeping his back to the reporters, shielding the child from the prying eyes of the press, he had taken Andy from her and quickly buckled the little boy into the car seat as she settled behind the wheel. A bit unnerved by all the attention, she nonetheless managed to thank the men and assured them all she was steady enough to drive.
The long haired man, Vin, if she remembered Andrew’s ‘introduction’ correctly, had whispered they would try and give her a head start, but for her to keep an eye out just to make sure none of the reporters followed her. The press could be relentless if they smelled a story and after all, on any given day, a pretty woman and a cute little boy being held hostage was definitely a story.
Thanking the men again, Molly had left the parking lot. She had driven several miles out her way, finally treating her nephew to the promised Happy Meal, surprised to find her hands trembling as she carried the tray to the table. She nibbled half heartedly at her French fries, her insides turning to jelly as the aftermath of the day's events suddenly caught up with her.
Andy had chatted away, telling her about Ezra's magic tricks, Vin being able to find anything and how according to Ezra, Vin had built a house all by himself and maybe Buck would take them to see it.
In all the hubbub Molly had never gotten the chance to call her sister-in-law. She had arrived at home in time to hear the click of a disconnected call. She'd played back the tape to discover Jill calling from the airport. Having seen the report on T.V, afraid she'd be too upset to drive herself, a flight had been arranged for her on her company's private plane.
Hurrying, Molly had arrived at the airport just as the aircraft had touched down, reunited Andy with his mother and then driven the two to their small home on the outskirts of town. Nothing would do Jill, but Molly stay and tell her the entire story over coffee...Needing to talk to someone, Molly had complied.
Now, as she moved up the walk, both physically and mentally exhausted, she suddenly realized she hadn't thought to call Buck and cancel their 'date.'
Unable to imagine he'd really been serious about taking Molly and her nephew out for pizza, she'd been more than a little surprised to find the slip of paper, containing his name and cell phone number left on the passenger seat of her car.
Well, she realized, the least she could do was call him and apologize. She'd probably reach his voice mail as certainly a handsome man like him most likely had found a more than willing companion to spend the evening with.
Molly had very little doubt Buck Wilmington lacked for any female companionship. His little black book would probably rival Fonzie's.
She let a quiet chuckle slip out. Imagine that! Molly Malone, the spinster kindergarten school marm, had been asked out on a date by the likes of a man like Buck Wilmington!
Far from naive, she had encountered his type too many times in her life. Happy go lucky, fun loving, living in the moment and enjoying every minute of it, his type lived for the pure pleasure of the moment.
Unfortunately, his type didn't give a care for the future…. Or rarely thought of the broken hearted women they left in their wake.
Sighing with regret, Molly convinced herself she just didn't need that kind of heartache in her life. She had experienced it at a young age and now, just wanted to do her job and make her own life…. Maybe someday -- if she ever found the right man... A fun loving, gentle, caring man who loved children as much as she did and wanted a country home over run with 'rug rats.'...
She looked up and froze, spotting a large figure sitting on her apartment steps as she rounded the bushes lining the sidewalk. Her breath caught in her throat and she dug in her pocket for her can of pepper spray. A young woman in the building had been assaulted not a week earlier, and Molly castigated herself for coming home this late and parking so far from the door.
'Wasn't being held hostage by some wacked out junkie enough for one day? Do I have to be mugged and assaulted, too? Tell me who I pissed off and I'll gladly apologize.'
The brilliant stars filling the night sky seemed to twinkle brighter with quiet amusement at her silent lament.
She glanced about hoping to see someone else, but the quiet neighborhood street was empty. Steeling herself, she walked on, trying to control her shaking knees.
As she neared the steps, the figure rose to his feet, tall and broad shouldered and as he moved closer to her, the outside street light slatted across his face.
Molly let out a nervous little laugh as she recognized the mustached visage. "Mister Wilmington! You almost scared the life out of me!"
"Didn't meant to do that, ma'am," he admitted as she came up and stopped in front of him, his dark eyes searching her face. "Reckon you've had enough of a scare today."
"I'm so sorry, I didn't get a chance to call you earlier, but..." She broke off in mid sentence, frowning at his dark eyed scrutiny. "What ever are you doing here?"
Taking her elbow, he guided her to the steps, not failing to notice how tired she appeared as she sank down onto the cool concrete stoop. "I came looking for you," he admitted simply, taking a seat beside her.
"You haven't been waiting all this time, have you?" she questioned, appalled.
"I didn't mind. Gotta admit, I was a little worried. After all, most people don't make a habit of spending their Saturday locked in a closet while some lunatic holds the police at bay with a gun."
"I guess it could have been worse."
"Oh, really?" He seemed surprised by her nonchalant comment.
"I could have had Jeffery Dahmer for company… instead of the Lone Ranger." Molly laughed. "Less Tonto, of course."
The womanizer chuckled. "That's a unique way of lookin' at it."
It suddenly occurred to Molly she hadn't given this man her address. "How'd you find out where I lived?" she questioned, a touch of misgiving in her tone.
Buck flustered. "I...umm...I kinda took a quick look at Mark's notes when I was at the station signing my statement." He at least had the decency to look ashamed at the admission.
She laughed again. "Well, I'm sorry, but Andrew's mother came home when she saw the news and I went to the airport to get her and then took them home. I really meant to call, but..."
"It's all right, Molly. There’s no need to apologize. I really do understand." He was quick to reassure her.
"It was really nice of you to ask, Buck, but.... Well, I figured you were just being kind and you really didn't want to go out with me anyway and ---"
"I wouldn't have asked if I wasn't serious."
"I believe that, but... After all, Mr. Wilmington, I know I'm really not your type." Trailing off, surprised by his hurt expression, she ducked her head in embarrassment.
"And just what is my type??" he questioned softly, his dark eyes searching her face.
She flushed under his intense gaze, trying to ignore the wounded look on his handsome face. He'd worn that same sad eyed expression when he had thought she'd accused him of being shallow and superficial.
He stared at the sidewalk a moment, and then raised his eyes, his voice low. "Why wouldn't I be interested in a beautiful, sensitive, intelligent woman with a great sense of humor and a....really strange view of the world?"
"We were just two people thrown together under intense circumstances and that's all."
"Is it?" he countered, reaching out to brush the backs of his fingers against her cheek.
Molly swallowed hard and closed her eyes. "Y-y-yes…" she stuttered.
"Isn't it?" she whispered.
"Molly…"
She jerked to her feet and turned for the door, "It was nice meeting you, Buck, and if I'm ever held hostage again, I hope it's with someone as nice as you."
He caught her wrist, gently turning her to face him. He was on the lower step and they were standing face to face. "I'm really glad I met you, too."
Leaning forward, he brushed his lips against her forehead. "That's for being so brave…" Reaching up, he cupped her face in both his hands. "And this is just because…." His lips brushed tenderly against hers.
Molly swayed against the solid strength of his chest and felt her heart pounding in her ears. It had been a long time since anyone had kissed her and it had never ever been like this….
Buck brought his arms up to gently pull her closer, and felt a shiver race down his spine at how well she fit against him…like they were made for each other. And her lips… he had kissed a lot of women, but none of their kisses have ever given him the wonderful thrill and sense of delight he was finding in Miss Molly's gentle shy kiss. He slowly pulled away from her and she shifted without his support, opening her eyes.
"Now, ma'am, I think I promised you dinner." He held out his hand. "I know you're probably exhausted but will you at least let me buy you coffee?"
Molly hesitated, his wistfully spoken 'ma'am' tugging at her empty heart. Perhaps it was worth the risk. Promising herself she wouldn't be disappointed if nothing came of the new found friendship, she gave him a small nod and shy smile.
Slipping her hand in his huge one she took that first tentative step toward a possible relationship with the gentle giant of a man who was looking at her with such a joyous expression. After all, there was only one way to find out if she was his type.
Maybe she needed a fun loving cowboy in her life and maybe -- just maybe -- he needed a little school marm in his....
THE END