StatsGrandma
12-03-2006, 10:10 AM
CRUSH
Part 21
"Look at it this way. The wall can't be there. Otherwise you wouldn't be walking through it." -- Terry Pratchett, "Mort." Used without permission.
AUTHOR'S NOTES: I want to thank my readers for the suggestion about the Red Sox jersey. The police shooting is based on the NY shooting. The LAPD are at least as out of control as the NYPD. It could so happen here.
"Welcome back," Megan said sardonically to Don as he entered. "You don't realize it, but your day's been ruined already."
"Why should today be different from any other day?" Don said as his phone rang. It was Julianne, who wanted to see him immediately.
Don turned to Megan. "I see what you mean."
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"Heard the news this morning?" Julianne greeted Don.
"No, I haven't." Don had driven to work in silence; it had somehow felt appropriate in view of the occasion.
"Let me bring you up to speed, then. We've had a shooting in South Central."
"I thought that was a daily occurrence. What're we doing in on it, anyway?"
"Three guys leaving a bar, shot 51 times by LAPD, that's why we're in on it."
"These guys packing AK-47s or what?" Don had sympathy for any officer staring into the barrel of a gun.
"They weren't carrying at all. That's why we're in on it. Now go, clean up this mess."
"On it."
"How's your daughter, by the way?" Julianne asked tenderly. "I have something for her." She reached behind her desk and produced what to Don looked like a hat box.
"She's doing better. Got a friend staying with her today." Don peeked into the box and grinned. "Pink hat, eh?"
"All wonder women wear pink hats."
"Why aren't you wearing yours today?" Don asked Julianne.
She shook her head grimly. "Wonder Woman took the day off."
"Damn, I guess we have to solve crimes all on our own."
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"Okay, people, we've got priority on this one," Don announced to his team at an impromptu meeting held in his cube. "Three guys leaving a bar in South Central, 51 shots fired, suspects not carrying. Colby, Megan, you get to talk to the officers. David, you and I'll take the families of the shooting victims. Liz and Matt, you check the physical evidence."
"Second one just died," Megan pointed out. "Colby, let's go, we've got people to do and things to see."
"Ooh, my favorite part of the day, road trip with Mrs. Fleinhardt," Colby teased. He was expecting irritation from Megan; instead, she just beamed.
Liz Warner grinned at Don on her way out with Matt Slepak, an agent that had been on Julianne's team and was showing a lot of promise. He was green, but good. "Hey, good to be here," she said.
"Good to have you here," Don said, smiling. "Teach that boy right, y'hear?"
"Will do."
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Indigo was back on the job, cooing and fussing over Mara. "Such a big girl!" She turned to Charlie and gave him a suspicious look. "What've you been feeding her?"
"French toast dips and chili fries." Charlie had introduced Mara to chili fries; she had pounced on them with relish. She'd also made the most incredible mess of herself imaginable, and that was a stretch.
"Sorry, baby, we're back to fruits and vegetables," she told Mara, without a note of apology in her voice as she handed the little girl a sippy cup of apple juice. "So it's work time again for you guys."
"Classes actually start tomorrow. Today's a reception for the new director of cosmology, astronomy and mathematics."
"Fun fun fun. Do they serve booze at these things?"
"Not in the morning. Unfortunately."
"So you're going for a lameass continental breakfast and speeches? I'd have slept in," Indie snorted as she peeled an orange for Mara.
"It's the classic impress the boss tactic. Something you know nothing about."
"Are you saying I know nothing about butt kissing?" Indie's expression was one of mock horror.
"There's been no evidence to suggest that."
Amita lumbered into the kitchen. "I feel as big as a house," she grumbled.
Charlie begged to disagree. Dressed in a cranberry red sweater dress and black low heeled pumps, she looked dynamite, to his eyes.
"You look gorgeous."
"There's just something about being in front of people who have the power to determine your career course when you're sticking out to the next county," Amita said disconsolately.
"Hey, Amita, you're one of prettiest pregnant ladies I've ever seen, and let me tell you, I've got experience with ugly," Indigo assured her.
Amita smiled weakly. "Thanks. It's just irritating how often I hear that I'm not serious about my career because I've got two kids. It's starting to wear."
Charlie grinned fiendishly. "They're all just jealous because that's my child you're carrying."
Amita gave him a withering look. "That's right. Modesty is one of your strong points."
"And here I thought it was fertility," Indie said dryly as she placed Mara in her high chair with orange slices and Cheerios.
"Oh, that will end soon enough," Amita assured her. Her expression made Charlie wince.
Eager to change the subject, he said, "We'd better get going. My dad has a meeting in Glendale with some new clients today, and he's going to meet us at the reception."
"Hoping he can protect you from the Dragon Lady?" Amita teased.
It was Charlie's turn to glare at her.
As they walked out the door, Indie turned to Mara. "Just another day with the Fun Couple. At least they provide entertainment."
Mara giggled happily as she shoved the Cheerios that she didn't throw on the floor into her mouth.
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"Hey Amita," Charlie said to her as they were walking into campus. "I kind of wish you wouldn't keep bringing up the thing about my getting, er, snipped."
"I thought we agreed you would."
"I'm not comfortable with it."
"Charlie, two kids is enough. Really." Amita wasn't averse to more children per se, but she thought if she got into this position ever again, she could kiss any hopes of having a real career goodbye.
"What if we actually wanted more kids down the line? I mean, as in, we actually plan them?"
Amita's glance could have peeled paint. "You're joking, right?"
"No, I'm not. A planned kid could actually be a novelty."
"You're right about that, but I have enough novelty in my life right now, thank you."
"There you are," Alan said, coming up behind them. "Amita, you look lovely."
"Thank you." Amita accepted his compliment gracefully. No point in whining that she felt like a cow wrapped in red wool.
Charlie breathed a sigh of relief; the contraceptive discussion would at least be shelved for a while. "Hey Dad. Ready to meet the Dragon Lady?"
Alan shot his son a look of disapproval. "Charlie, she's your new boss. Show a little respect. Well, at least today."
"I'm not planning to be disrespectful," he protested.
"Uh-huh. We know about your planning skills," Alan harrumphed.
Amita sent Charlie a small, sideways look that said, gotcha.
Charlie sighed. It was going to be a long morning.
01123581321345589144233377610987
"Good morning," Mildred Finch said, passing through the assembled faculty as she inched her way to the podium. "Amita, I'm still waiting on your response, but I'm assuming you'll do the right thing, of course. I've already slotted you for the curriculum committee." She turned to Charlie. "And you, you'll be on the graduate recruitment committee."
"Dr. Finch, I really don't have time. By the way, this is my father, Alan."
Mildred gave Alan the once over and smiled. "A pleasure to meet you," she said, extending her hand, which Alan took.
"The pleasure is mine," he said warmly.
Mildred turned back to Charlie without releasing Alan's hand. "Oh, you'll have time. In fact, we're going to discuss that later on." She turned to Alan. "My public awaits, apparently. We'll talk afterwards."
"Definitely," Alan said.
Charlie gave Alan a sour expression. Alan shook his head. "She seems very pleasant."
"That's because you don't have to work for her."
Larry had remained very quiet.
Amita turned to Larry and asked, "Larry, are you all right?"
Larry acted as if he'd been jolted out of a sound sleep. "Oh...I'm fine, thank you. Alan, good to see you."
"Good morning, ladies and gentlemen," Mildred began launching into her presentation.
"She's sounding more like a warlord than a division head," Charlie muttered. Alan gave him a look that said, if you don't shut up, I'm going to swat you upside the head.
"I don't know. She's made me a really good offer," Amita said, her voice containing a note of doubt. "And it might be really good for me to work with someone with as much of a reputation as she has."
"I think you should take it," Charlie said, any misgivings he had about Dr. Finch momentarily pushed aside.
"I want to see what Harvard says first."
Once again, the well of discontent that was in Charlie's stomach began to churn again.
Then again, if Mildred Finch was determined to terrorize him, Boston might not be so bad...
No, he said to himself. I can't wear a Red Sox jersey.
01123581321345589144233377610987
"Larry's been awfully quiet today," Amita commented as she and Charlie fetched some pastry and juice for themselves.
"He gets that way sometimes," Charlie said, although he was digging through his memory banks to figure out when that time last was. "Maybe Megan knows what's going on."
"Your dad and Dr. Finch are looking awfully chummy," Amita observed.
"She's single, isn't she?" Charlie asked his wife.
"Yes. She apparently feels all female scientists should be as well."
"Oh Christ. My dad and...her? No way."
"Well, Charlie, she could be your stepmother...and your boss." Amita's tone was teasing. Charlie's expression was one of utter pain.
"And your mother in law," Charlie reminded her tartly.
Amita winced, hard. Gotcha, Charlie thought, not without satisfaction.
Part 21
"Look at it this way. The wall can't be there. Otherwise you wouldn't be walking through it." -- Terry Pratchett, "Mort." Used without permission.
AUTHOR'S NOTES: I want to thank my readers for the suggestion about the Red Sox jersey. The police shooting is based on the NY shooting. The LAPD are at least as out of control as the NYPD. It could so happen here.
"Welcome back," Megan said sardonically to Don as he entered. "You don't realize it, but your day's been ruined already."
"Why should today be different from any other day?" Don said as his phone rang. It was Julianne, who wanted to see him immediately.
Don turned to Megan. "I see what you mean."
01123581321345589144233377610987
"Heard the news this morning?" Julianne greeted Don.
"No, I haven't." Don had driven to work in silence; it had somehow felt appropriate in view of the occasion.
"Let me bring you up to speed, then. We've had a shooting in South Central."
"I thought that was a daily occurrence. What're we doing in on it, anyway?"
"Three guys leaving a bar, shot 51 times by LAPD, that's why we're in on it."
"These guys packing AK-47s or what?" Don had sympathy for any officer staring into the barrel of a gun.
"They weren't carrying at all. That's why we're in on it. Now go, clean up this mess."
"On it."
"How's your daughter, by the way?" Julianne asked tenderly. "I have something for her." She reached behind her desk and produced what to Don looked like a hat box.
"She's doing better. Got a friend staying with her today." Don peeked into the box and grinned. "Pink hat, eh?"
"All wonder women wear pink hats."
"Why aren't you wearing yours today?" Don asked Julianne.
She shook her head grimly. "Wonder Woman took the day off."
"Damn, I guess we have to solve crimes all on our own."
01123581321345589144233377610987
"Okay, people, we've got priority on this one," Don announced to his team at an impromptu meeting held in his cube. "Three guys leaving a bar in South Central, 51 shots fired, suspects not carrying. Colby, Megan, you get to talk to the officers. David, you and I'll take the families of the shooting victims. Liz and Matt, you check the physical evidence."
"Second one just died," Megan pointed out. "Colby, let's go, we've got people to do and things to see."
"Ooh, my favorite part of the day, road trip with Mrs. Fleinhardt," Colby teased. He was expecting irritation from Megan; instead, she just beamed.
Liz Warner grinned at Don on her way out with Matt Slepak, an agent that had been on Julianne's team and was showing a lot of promise. He was green, but good. "Hey, good to be here," she said.
"Good to have you here," Don said, smiling. "Teach that boy right, y'hear?"
"Will do."
01123581321345589144233377610987
Indigo was back on the job, cooing and fussing over Mara. "Such a big girl!" She turned to Charlie and gave him a suspicious look. "What've you been feeding her?"
"French toast dips and chili fries." Charlie had introduced Mara to chili fries; she had pounced on them with relish. She'd also made the most incredible mess of herself imaginable, and that was a stretch.
"Sorry, baby, we're back to fruits and vegetables," she told Mara, without a note of apology in her voice as she handed the little girl a sippy cup of apple juice. "So it's work time again for you guys."
"Classes actually start tomorrow. Today's a reception for the new director of cosmology, astronomy and mathematics."
"Fun fun fun. Do they serve booze at these things?"
"Not in the morning. Unfortunately."
"So you're going for a lameass continental breakfast and speeches? I'd have slept in," Indie snorted as she peeled an orange for Mara.
"It's the classic impress the boss tactic. Something you know nothing about."
"Are you saying I know nothing about butt kissing?" Indie's expression was one of mock horror.
"There's been no evidence to suggest that."
Amita lumbered into the kitchen. "I feel as big as a house," she grumbled.
Charlie begged to disagree. Dressed in a cranberry red sweater dress and black low heeled pumps, she looked dynamite, to his eyes.
"You look gorgeous."
"There's just something about being in front of people who have the power to determine your career course when you're sticking out to the next county," Amita said disconsolately.
"Hey, Amita, you're one of prettiest pregnant ladies I've ever seen, and let me tell you, I've got experience with ugly," Indigo assured her.
Amita smiled weakly. "Thanks. It's just irritating how often I hear that I'm not serious about my career because I've got two kids. It's starting to wear."
Charlie grinned fiendishly. "They're all just jealous because that's my child you're carrying."
Amita gave him a withering look. "That's right. Modesty is one of your strong points."
"And here I thought it was fertility," Indie said dryly as she placed Mara in her high chair with orange slices and Cheerios.
"Oh, that will end soon enough," Amita assured her. Her expression made Charlie wince.
Eager to change the subject, he said, "We'd better get going. My dad has a meeting in Glendale with some new clients today, and he's going to meet us at the reception."
"Hoping he can protect you from the Dragon Lady?" Amita teased.
It was Charlie's turn to glare at her.
As they walked out the door, Indie turned to Mara. "Just another day with the Fun Couple. At least they provide entertainment."
Mara giggled happily as she shoved the Cheerios that she didn't throw on the floor into her mouth.
01123581321345589144233377610987
"Hey Amita," Charlie said to her as they were walking into campus. "I kind of wish you wouldn't keep bringing up the thing about my getting, er, snipped."
"I thought we agreed you would."
"I'm not comfortable with it."
"Charlie, two kids is enough. Really." Amita wasn't averse to more children per se, but she thought if she got into this position ever again, she could kiss any hopes of having a real career goodbye.
"What if we actually wanted more kids down the line? I mean, as in, we actually plan them?"
Amita's glance could have peeled paint. "You're joking, right?"
"No, I'm not. A planned kid could actually be a novelty."
"You're right about that, but I have enough novelty in my life right now, thank you."
"There you are," Alan said, coming up behind them. "Amita, you look lovely."
"Thank you." Amita accepted his compliment gracefully. No point in whining that she felt like a cow wrapped in red wool.
Charlie breathed a sigh of relief; the contraceptive discussion would at least be shelved for a while. "Hey Dad. Ready to meet the Dragon Lady?"
Alan shot his son a look of disapproval. "Charlie, she's your new boss. Show a little respect. Well, at least today."
"I'm not planning to be disrespectful," he protested.
"Uh-huh. We know about your planning skills," Alan harrumphed.
Amita sent Charlie a small, sideways look that said, gotcha.
Charlie sighed. It was going to be a long morning.
01123581321345589144233377610987
"Good morning," Mildred Finch said, passing through the assembled faculty as she inched her way to the podium. "Amita, I'm still waiting on your response, but I'm assuming you'll do the right thing, of course. I've already slotted you for the curriculum committee." She turned to Charlie. "And you, you'll be on the graduate recruitment committee."
"Dr. Finch, I really don't have time. By the way, this is my father, Alan."
Mildred gave Alan the once over and smiled. "A pleasure to meet you," she said, extending her hand, which Alan took.
"The pleasure is mine," he said warmly.
Mildred turned back to Charlie without releasing Alan's hand. "Oh, you'll have time. In fact, we're going to discuss that later on." She turned to Alan. "My public awaits, apparently. We'll talk afterwards."
"Definitely," Alan said.
Charlie gave Alan a sour expression. Alan shook his head. "She seems very pleasant."
"That's because you don't have to work for her."
Larry had remained very quiet.
Amita turned to Larry and asked, "Larry, are you all right?"
Larry acted as if he'd been jolted out of a sound sleep. "Oh...I'm fine, thank you. Alan, good to see you."
"Good morning, ladies and gentlemen," Mildred began launching into her presentation.
"She's sounding more like a warlord than a division head," Charlie muttered. Alan gave him a look that said, if you don't shut up, I'm going to swat you upside the head.
"I don't know. She's made me a really good offer," Amita said, her voice containing a note of doubt. "And it might be really good for me to work with someone with as much of a reputation as she has."
"I think you should take it," Charlie said, any misgivings he had about Dr. Finch momentarily pushed aside.
"I want to see what Harvard says first."
Once again, the well of discontent that was in Charlie's stomach began to churn again.
Then again, if Mildred Finch was determined to terrorize him, Boston might not be so bad...
No, he said to himself. I can't wear a Red Sox jersey.
01123581321345589144233377610987
"Larry's been awfully quiet today," Amita commented as she and Charlie fetched some pastry and juice for themselves.
"He gets that way sometimes," Charlie said, although he was digging through his memory banks to figure out when that time last was. "Maybe Megan knows what's going on."
"Your dad and Dr. Finch are looking awfully chummy," Amita observed.
"She's single, isn't she?" Charlie asked his wife.
"Yes. She apparently feels all female scientists should be as well."
"Oh Christ. My dad and...her? No way."
"Well, Charlie, she could be your stepmother...and your boss." Amita's tone was teasing. Charlie's expression was one of utter pain.
"And your mother in law," Charlie reminded her tartly.
Amita winced, hard. Gotcha, Charlie thought, not without satisfaction.