Florine Atner                                                                                                  November 10, 1999

Disclaimer:  The characters of Simon and Simon do not belong to me.  This is for entertainment purposes only.

 

            OUR FAVORITE VAMPIRE Part Four

 

            Day turned into evening as the sun began to go down.  Just as the last of rays of the sun disappeared, Marty began to wake up.  His heart began to beat faster and his breathing became stronger.  When his heart and breathing were normal, his eyes opened.  He got up and stretched, getting the kinks out of his body.  That's when he noticed that he had rested in his clothes. He sighed and thought to himself, "I can't let AJ and Rick's mother see me this way!  I have to make a good impression. I want her to like me.  I better take a bath and change clothes!  But I don't have much time, so it's gonna have to be a quick one."

            He went into the bathroom, turned on the water to fill the bathtub, got undressed, waited until the tub was half full and got in.  He started washing himself and in fifteen minutes, he was done.  He got out, dried himself off, went to one of the silver cases and pulled out a black jumpsuit with gold trim. It was made of silk and thelam, a fabric made on Vulcan and it was his favorite.  It was just the thing to make a good impression.  He got dressed and quickly put a comb through his hair.

            Marty came down as AJ was putting the finishing touches on the meal. 

            "Good evening gentlemen!" said Marty cheerfully.

            "Hi Marty!" said AJ back cheerfully, even though he felt like Ben Hur was having a chariot race in his stomach.  "It's almost time."

            By this time, Marlowe had come back in and greeted everyone, including Jamie.  He liked Jamie.  It was love at first sight.  Jamie couldn't understand it, but accepted it with good graces.  But when Marlowe saw Marty for the first time, he was confused. He looked human, but somehow he was different. Dangerous in some way. He went over to Marty to make sure he wasn't mistaken. No, he wasn't. There was something different about his human  That's when Marlowe decided that this human was dangerous.  Marlowe growled at Marty.  A low growl at first, but then it got louder and louder until it downright threatening.  He also snarled at him, showing his teeth.  Rick reacted to Marlowe's growling by yelling, "Marlowe, stop that!  He's a friend.  No Marlowe, cut it out!"

            Marlowe stopped growling and looked at Rick.  "Why are you telling me to stop?" Marlowe seemed to say.   Marty began to stare at Marlowe, then kneeled down to his level and began to pet him. 

            "See Marlowe, he's friendly.  Nothing to be afraid of," said Rick.

            Marlowe discovered he could hear Marty's thoughts

            "Hello Marlowe.  Don't be afraid of me . . .  I'm a friend.  A brother almost."  Marty said.  Then he growled.  Marlowe growled back and soon they became good friends.

            "I think the crisis is over," said Marty as he got up from the floor.  "But I think you should keep Marlowe away from Mr. Gorman.  From what I gathered, he doesn't like Marlowe."

            "How in the world did you know that?" asked an incredulous Rick.

            "Marlowe told me."

            "He told you?"

            "Yes. I understand dogs, bats, wolves and other creatures."

            "Wow!  That incredible.   But  I guess you're right.  I should lock him up when I'm not home.  But he hates to be locked up. Besides, he doesn't do it to other people's lawns, just Gorman's.  I think he knows that Gorman doesn't like me.  I guess that's why he does it." 

            "You're right. He knows that Gorman hates you, that's why he does it.  Tell you what, I'll talk to Marlowe about it.  Okay?"

            "Sure Marty!  Thanks!"

            "No problem Rick. Just part of the service.  But why doesn't Gorman  like you?"

            "I really don't know.  I guess I'm just a little off the wall for him,"  answered Rick.

            "Off the wall?" questioned Marty, not sure of the meaning.

            Yeah, you know, a little different . . . marching to a different drummer."

            "Ah, then I don't think he'll like me.  I'm a free spirit. I don't follow the rules."

            "Really?  Well, I knew there was a reason why I liked you.  I'm got that Saurian Brandy you talked about.  Wanna have some?"

            "Later Rick. So, how do I look, guys?" said Marty, as he showed off his jumpsuit.

            "Fine!" they both said. 

            "So, what's for dinner?" he asked.

            "Well, we have, Duck l' Orange and steamed zucchini, squash, and carrots.  For dessert, we are going to have Cherries Jubilee.  I'm recreating the first meal Mom and Dad ever had together.  It has a lot of nice memories. I hope it gets her in the right mood to tell her about you guys!"

            Marty smiled and then said, "Well, I think you're about to find out.  I sense an older female mortal coming over the bridge.  And as they say, 'Its show time!'  C'mon Jamie, let's go out on the deck and wait.  How long do you think it will take, my brothers?"

            "Oh, about an hour and a half, more or less," remarked AJ

            "Okay, see you then!"  Marty and Jamie walked out to the deck and Marty closed the sliding door just as the bell clanged in the front.  AJ went over to the door and opened it.  Cecilia was standing there in a silverily blue jumpsuit.

            "Hi darlings!" she remarked brightly.

            "Hi Mom!" said AJ, trying very hard to hide his nervousness.

            "Hey Mom!  Glad you could make it!" declared Rick, who was not nervous at all.  He had faith that it was a great plan and that it would work.  He went over to her and kissed her on the cheek, then escorted her over to the table which had been beautifully set.  AJ looked surprised to see how the table had been set.  Jamie had folded the napkins origami style and had created a crane, a cricket and a butterfly. 

            "Oh honey!" remarked Cecilia in awe, "It's absolutely gorgeous!  I didn't know you knew Origami!"

            "I don't.  A friend did it for me.  Anyway, why don't we sit and I'll start dinner.  Rick, will you open and pour the wine while I serve dinner." 

            "Sure AJ"  Rick went over to the wine cooler and took the wine out and opened it to let the wine breathe.  He then walked over to the kitchen as AJ was about to pick up the salad bowl.

            "Hey AJ," whispered Rick.  "Jamie sure did a great job on the table!  I watched him do it.  You should have seen him!  He was folding them like it was goin' out of style!"

            "Well, you could have least told me what he was doing!!"

            "Hey, you were grumpy with me, so I thought you should sweat a little."

            AJ just gave his brother a withering look and then put on a smile so as not to show he was angry at Rick.  He wanted nothing to spoil the evening.  He came over to the table with the salad bowl, put it on the table, and then sat.  Cecilia took some of the salad, poured a small amount of low-fat dressing and started eating.  Rick also took some of the salad, but instead took some  high calorie Ranch dressing.

            AJ shook his head, shrugged to his mother and start on his salad.

            "Honey," said Cecilia between mouthfuls. "When you called his morning, I was very surprised."

            "Like I told you, I hated the cabin and I really wasn't in the mood to fish.  Besides, Mr. Barnett is just one client, we'll have others"

            "I know that, but Rick was so angry at him for what he said."

            "True Mom,  I was.  But I'm not angry anymore.  I stopped being angry as soon as I got into the truck and started driving.  I guess that's all I needed.  Anyway, let's change the subject.  I think the wine is ready to drink.  Mom, wine for you?"

            "Yes dear, please!"

            Rick took the bottle and poured the wine until it almost filled the glass.

            "Darling, not so much!"

            "But Mom, I thought you liked wine!"

            "I do, but a little at a time!"

            "But Mom, it's your favorite!  Isn't this the wine you had at Luchows' with Dad?" remarked Rick, who was trying to invoke old memories.

            "Yes, it is!  It was all so romantic,"  said Cecilia dreamily.

            "And Mom, AJ even made the same dish that you and Dad had!

            "Honey, you did?"

            "Yes Mom, I hope you like it."

            "I'm sure I will!  I have such good sons!"

            Cecilia drank the wine and soon drained the glass.  Rick quickly filled the glass.  AJ looked disapprovingly at his brother, then got up and quickly walked over to the counter, picked up the platter fill of duck and brought it over to the table.  He then brought the vegetables over. Cecilia served herself and took a healthy portion of the duck and vegetables.  She began to eat, drinking the wine with it.  By the end of the second course, Cecilia had become tipsy.  She was now nice and mellow.  Rick looked over to his brother and gave him an 'I think it's time to tell her' look.

            AJ tried to start, but he didn't know where to start.  Finally he said,  "Ah, Mom, there's something Rick wants to tell you."

            Cecilia turned to her oldest and said, "What is it dear?"

            Rick gave his brother a sharp look and then said, "Actually, it's AJ who wants to tell you, but doesn't know how!"

            "Are you two in trouble?  Is that why you made this dinner?"

            "Oh no Mom, it's nothing like that!" said AJ.  "It's just what we have to say is so unusual, that's it hard for me to start."

            "Well, try dear."

            "Okay, here it goes.  Mom, do you believe in UFOs?"

            "What dear?"

            "Do you believe in UFOs?"

            "Well dear, there many unexplained things in the world such as, why are you asking me this silly question?"

            "The reason why Rick and I are asking you this question is. . . .  Well you see, we had a really close encounter with one at Lake Topango!"

            "Really dear?  That's nice."

            "It is?" replied AJ incredulously.

            "Of course dear.  And when did this encounter occur?"

            "The first day we were there.  Just after my leg fell through the step."

            "You know dear, this is one of Rick's more imaginative jokes and I love it, but honey, there are no such things as UFOs."

            "But Mom, it's true.  Honest!  And this is no joke!  I'll prove it to you!"

             AJ got up from the chair, walked over to the deck, slid the door open and gestured for Marty to come in. Marty walked in and in his most charming manner said, "Good Evening Mrs. Simon, it's such a pleasure to finally meet you!  Your sons said that you were a lovely looking lady and they were not lying!  I'm Marty Cunningham, captain of the starship 'Kindred'."

            He bowed at her and then smiled.

            Cecilia smiled back at the extremely handsome young man and said, "Well, at least he doesn't look like ET."

            "And Mom, that's not all!"  announced AJ quickly.  "Marty is a.. a.  Mom, do you believe in vampires?"

            "Vampires?  Honey, I thought we were talking about aliens."

            "We are.  Marty is a vampire that comes from an alternate Earth."

            Cecilia turned from her youngest son and said to her oldest, "Rick dear, I salute you!  How you got your brother and your extremely handsome friend to pull this off is remarkable, but I think you should stop now!"

            "But Mrs. Simon, It is true!  I am what they say I am and I can prove it!  See that mirror over there?  Go and look into it.  See if you can see me.  Okay?"

            Cecilia looked skeptically at Marty, but decided to humor him.   She got up, walked over to the mirror and looked into it.  She saw the reflections of the living room couch and her two sons, but she didn't see Marty's.  Slowly she turned around to see if Marty had moved.  He hadn't.  He was still near the door.  She turned back around again and looked once more into the mirror.  Again, she didn't see Marty's reflection.  Her eyes widened as she realized there was something very different about this man.  Cecilia made one last effort to make sense of it.

            "It could be a trick mirror!" she said.

            Marty sighed and hung his head.  "Okay, since you're still not convinced I'm real, I'm going to do one of more impressive tricks.  I'm going to turn myself into a large white wolf."  Suddenly, his body began to contort and change as he turned into a large fluffy white wolf.  Cecilia's eyes grew even larger and then she took one step back.

            "Mom, don't be afraid, he won't hurt you.  See!" said Rick as he bent down to pet Marty.  Then AJ walked over and gave Marty his hand.  Marty responded by licking it. He then trotted over to Cecilia and sat in front of her.  She looked down at him and  slowly bent over and began to pet him.  Marty's tail began to wag. Then he laid down and turned over, asking for his tummy to be scratched. She began scratching his stomach and then started laughing when Marty began doing 'dog' tricks.  He rolled over, gave his paw, begged for food, and even played dead.

            She continued laughing and then she said, "Okay, okay, you've convinced me that you are not human.  But a space vampire?"

            He changed back to human form and sat on the couch next to her.  "No, Cecilia, I'm not a space vampire, but a vampire who "works" in space.  I was born human, but became a vampire when I was twenty-eight.  I am not dead, but a life form the same as you.  I have lived for centuries.  I'm also a private investigator like your sons and I have a partner, who is neither mortal nor vampire.  He is what is called an android, an artificial being and his name is Jamie.  Would you like to meet him?"

            "Yes, of course!" answered Cecilia.

            Marty walked over to the door and opened it.  "Wait Marty!" said AJ " Maybe we should . . . "  But it was too late, Jamie came into the room.  Cecilia took one look at him cried, "Oh my God!" and promptly fainted.

 

            Cecilia awoke up to hear voices murmuring all around her.  She could hear her name being called, "Mrs. Simon . . . Cecilia?" and she could hear her sons also calling to her, "Mom . . .  Mom??"   She opened her eyes and saw her youngest bending over her with a glass.

            "Here Mom, this should help!" he said to her.

            "Oh AJ, I just had the wildest dream.  I dreamed that you and your brother had found a spaceship with an alien vampire and an android that looked like your father!  What a silly . . . !"

            But she stopped talking when she saw Marty also bending over her with a concerned look.

            "Cecilia  . . . Mrs.  Simon . . .   Are you okay?  I got worried when you passed out.  Jamie didn't understand why you did.  I had to explain it to him."

            "Oh, Mrs.  Simon, I did not wish you any distress!  Martin explained and . . . "

            Cecilia turned her head in the direction the voice came from and saw Jamie sitting in a chair next to the couch.  She gasped and then reached out to touch his face.  Jamie did not move.  She continued to touch his face and then she said in awe, "My God, you look so much like Jack, it's uncanny!  She then said quietly, "Jamie, who built you?"

            "Prof. Anthony Cunningham, Martin's father.  He is my creator.  He built me 13.6 years ago."

            "Jamie, did Prof. Cunningham base this face on anyone in particular?"

            "I can answer that one," replied Marty.  "On no one particular person.  He just used his imagination.  It was as simple as that!" As he said it, he shrugged his shoulders.

            "Amazing, simply amazing!" answered Cecilia.   "Tell me Marty, how long have you two been partners?"

            "Oh for about twelve years or so."

            "Twelve point six years to be exact," corrected Jamie."

            "Right.  We became partners after Jamie decided he didn't want to go into Star Fleet.  That's our exploration service."

            'What do you plan to do here on Earth?"

            "Oh, AJ and Rick have asked us if we would like to go into business with them.  We said yes.  Our first case as a team is the Barnett case.  I'm going to use my powers to find out how people can be stealing from his business and not be detected."

            Marty paused for a moment and took out a cigarette and a holder.  He put the cigarette into the holder and then put it in his mouth.  He began staring at it and then it suddenly burst into flames.  Cecilia gasped as it burst into flames.      

            "Oh Auntie, I'm sorry!  I didn't mean to scare you!  This is how I light my cigarettes."

            "That's quite all right dear. But next time, please tell me when you're going to do it!"

            "Yes Ma'am.  And I hope you didn't mind me calling you Auntie.  I have to get use to saying it."

            "Of course not.  And I guess I'm going to have to get use to the idea of you calling me aunt.   I just hope nobody from the family comes visiting.  It could prove to be awkward."

            Marty laughed and then said, "Anyway, tomorrow I'm going to the store to check it out.  I'm going under the disguise of a salesman.  Jamie, I will need an ID card from a company, any will do."

            "That's a good idea, but, we have all the ID cards you need," remarked AJ, who then went over to his desk and pulled out a card.  "How about going as a dress salesman?"

            "Sounds good.  Now all I need is just the right suit.  Tomorrow morning Rick, could you take Jamie to my ship? He can replicate a suit for me in my size. One of yours or AJ's should do."

            "Replicate?" asked AJ

            "I mean duplicate it.  We can duplicated anything we need. In fact AJ, you can go with them and Jamie can show you.'

            "Well, okay then and I have just the suit for you. Conservative . . . "

            "No, No . . .  Something flashy . . .  I must look sleezy."

            "Oh okay . . .  I'll show you the one I've got in mind then."  AJ went upstairs and in a few moments he came down with a bright yellow and green checkered suit.  It was so loud that Marty jokingly put on his dark glasses.

            "Yep, that's loud all right!  Looks like something my Uncle Arthur would wear.  It's perfect!  Thanks AJ."

            You're welcome," answered the blonde. "I would take you Barnett's, but we have other business to attend to when we get back from your ship.  Mom, could you take him?"

            "Of course I'll take him.  It'll give us a chance to get to know each other better.  I have so much I want to ask."

            "The same here.  There is so much I want to ask you as well."

            "Good!  What time would you like me to pick you up, dear?"

            "Oh, around 12 p.m.  You can drop me off in front.  Come back in two hours.  Okay?"

            "At noon?  I thought vampires couldn't be out in the daytime!"

            "Normally, we can't.  But I can be cause of my special belt.  It acts like a force field.  Inside, it's nighttime, dark.  But outside, around me, it's normal daylight.  As long as I wear it, I can go anywhere I want during the day."  

            "That is amazing!  Who invented it?  You?"

            "No, my dad invented it.  He wanted me to have a normal life.  He didn't want me to miss out on all the things I enjoyed doing during the day. Now, you better go home and rest, because tomorrow, we have a lot of territory to cover!"

            "I'll be here.  Well, it's been an interesting evening.  I never thought that I'd be having a conversation with a vampire and an android.  But here I am, having one"

            They all laughed at Cecilia's remark and she started to get off the chair.  However, she was having problems doing it.

            "Oh dear, I guess that wine is finally going to my head.  Will somebody escort me to the door and then drive me home?"

            "Aunt Cecilia," said Marty, using the British pronunciation of 'aunt'.  "Maybe you should stay here instead.  AJ and Rick were also drinking and I don't think it's a good idea for them to drive you.  I would take you, but I haven't driven in centuries and I don't have a driver's license.  I don't want to take a chance."

            "Well, Marty dear, I can understand that.  I guess I could sleep in the guest room, but where will you stay?"

            Don't worry, Auntie, I'll be busy all night hunting.  Go and rest.  Tomorrow, Jamie will give you a pill which will cure your hangover.  He's a licenced Med. Tech., so he can dispense it."

            "Jamie's a doctor?  That's great!"  remarked Rick. 

            "No Rick. Only a medical. technician.  But he can help you with minor bumps, cuts and bruises.  But for the more serious stuff you'll still have to go to a doctor or hospital.  Well, it's time for me to go hunting.  See you in the morning Aunt Cecilia."  He walked over to Cece and kissed her lightly on the cheek.  He then said,   "Auntie, I hope you don't mind that I kissed you."

            "No, I don't mind at all."  Cece then kissed Marty back on the cheek.

            Cecilia started to walk to the stairs but had a hard time getting there.  AJ went over to his mother, took her arm and escorted her up the stairs.

            After a few minutes, he came back down.  "Well, she's getting ready for bed.  All in all it was pretty successful night.  And she took it rather well."

            "See... I told you not to worry," announced Rick.  "I told you everything was gonna be okay!  Was I right or what?" He then gave his brother an 'I told you so' look.

            "Yeah, you were right.  Just don't rub it in like you have a habit of doing."

            "Now AJ, would I do that?"

            "In a second!"

            "Yeah, you're right!"  All three men laughed and then AJ started clearing the dinner dishes.

            "Well, I'd love to stick around and help you, but my dinner awaits, whoever they may be.  I'll see you in several hours.  Sleep well my brothers."

            "Yeah, good hunting Marty!" replied Rick.

            Marty grinned at Rick's good wishes, waved at the two mortals and vanished. 

            "AJ, why don't you leave that for tomorrow?" said his brother.  "We can clean it up then.  I'm bushed and I know you're certainly are!"

            "W-e-l-l, I guess I can leave this for tomorrow.  Well, goodnight Rick, Jamie," said the young detective.  He walked up the stairs and in a few moments, the mortal and the android heard a door closing.

            "Hey Jamie, you wanna watch some T.V. with me?"

            "No thank you, Rick.  I'm going into the hall closet and shut down for the night to reserve my batteries.  Tomorrow, I must recharge them.  When we come back from Mr. Cooders, I will spend the rest of the day in the sun.  Until then, I must shut down.  Goodnight Rick Simon."

            "Goodnight Jamie," said mustached detective.  "Ah well, I guess I'll go to bed too!"  Rick said to himself.  He  took off his hat, got undressed,and laid down.  In ten minutes he was fast asleep.

 

            The sun's rays came through the window and hit AJ's back as he slept.  He felt its warmth and turned around, enjoying it.   He could also hear a male voice calling to him from what seemed a distance.  "AJ, AJ, wake up!  I have breakfast for you!" said the voice.  It didn't sound like Rick's.  It had a definite English accent.  AJ. opened his eyes and saw Marty standing there with a breakfast tray.  The vampire grinned at him and then said quite cheerfully, "Good Morning! How are you feeling??"

            "I'm fine. How are you?"

            "I'm happy. I'm happy because everything went well last night.  Your mum is still sleeping.  It's only 8:00.  Would you like breakfast?"

            "Sure, why not?  What's for breakfast?  Did Rick make that?"

            "No, he's still asleep, I made it.  We have a Spanish omelette, home fried potatoes and coffee! "

            "I didn't know you could cook!"

            "Well, I like to cook for my friends.  I can't eat the food, but I enjoy watching them eat."

            A.J. picked up the fork, cut a piece of the omelette and tasted it.  It was delicious!

            "Hey, this is good!'  AJ started eating the breakfast in earnest.

            "Well, I'll be back in a little while.  Jamie and I are cleaning up from last night.'

            A.J. gave a surprised look and then said, "Hey, you didn't have to do that!  Rick and I were going do it!"

            "Hey, we don't mind.  Besides, Jamie is actually doing most of the work.  He told me to go away.  I'm terrible at cleaning.  It's not that I'm lazy, it's just that certain machines and I don't get along.  Like vacuum cleaners, washing machines and dishwashers.  The best I can do is dust.  That I'm good at!"

            The blonde mortal laughed at Marty's description of his ineptness at household appliances.

  .         "You better finish breakfast so Jamie can put the dishes in the dishwasher."

            "Okay Marty and thanks."

            "Hey, no problem.  I just wanted to do something to thank you for everything."

            "We were glad to do it.  Just think, when I have children, I can tell them that a vampire served me breakfast in bed. "

            "Ha, Ha, ha!  See you in a little while!"

            Marty walked out of the bedroom as A.J. was finishing his breakfast.  He went down the stars to see that Rick was still sleeping.  As Marty was about to wake the sleeping beauty, Cecilia came down.  Actually, she crept down. 

            "Ohhh, do I have a terrible headache!  She sat and then said to Marty, "Did I hear you right last night?   Do you have a cure for hangovers?"

            "Yes I do. Jamie, give her the pills!" ordered Marty.

            "Of course Martin!"  Jamie went over to a little black bag and took out a small vial.  He opened it and shook out two little white pills.  "Here take these!  Your headache should be gone within two minutes."

            Cecilia took the two little white pills and then closed her eyes.  When she opened  them two minutes later, the headache was gone. 

            "Oh my!  It worked, it really worked!" she exclaimed excitingly.  "You should patent these, you'd make a fortune!"

            Marty just smiled and said, "Auntie, we'll talk about that later.  Right now I'm just interested in finding out who's trying to screw your sons!"

            "Right.  Well, I'll go back up and get dressed.  It shouldn't take me more than thirty minutes.  Okay?"

            Cecilia walked up those stairs a lot faster now.  She passed her youngest as he went the other way.

            "Hey Mom, are you okay?  I'd thought you'd have a hangover this morning!"

            "I did, until Jamie gave me some of his wonder pills.  They really do work!" 

            AJ. kissed his mother and then continued down while she walked up.  He went over to where Rick was sleeping and said, sarcastically, " Well, I see sleeping beauty is still asleep.  I think it's time for him to wake up.  He has some expense reports to do at the office.  He promised he'd do them today.  C'mon Rick, time to wake up!  Rick, Rick!"

But Rick just turned around and went right off again. AJ. shook him harder, but Rick still didn't budge.  Finally, he shook his head in frustration.

            "I give up!  I just can't get him out of bed!"

            Well, no wonder, you're doing it all wrong!" said the vampire.  "I'll show you how we do it back home!"  Marty walked over to the couch, picked up one end of it and dumped Rick onto the floor.

            "Hey, what the  . . . !"  yelled Rick as he woke up startled.  He turned around and saw Marty holding one end of the couch.  "Hey Marty, what's the big idea!?"

            "AJ tried to get you up the regular way, but failed. I thought I'd try the direct approach.  It worked didn't it?"

            "Yeah, yeah.  Okay you got me up.  Now what?"

            "Now you get dressed, have breakfast and then we are going to get Marty's suit, drop it off here and then go to the office so you can do those expense reports you promised to finish!" replied AJ to his brother's rhetorical question.  "Remember???

            "Oh yeah, right . . .  Okay, just give me a few minutes and I'll be ready.

            "Okay.  And Marty, you can put the couch down now."

            Oh, right," said Marty.  

            He put down the couch just as Cecilia came down. She was still dressed in the same clothes she wore last night.  "Rick honey, what in the world are you doing on the floor?"

            "Getting up," her son said back at her.  He got up, grumbled something, took his clothes which had been thrown on one of the chairs and went upstairs to shower and change.

            "Mom, as soon as Rick gets dressed, we'll go to Marty's ship, duplicate my clothes and then get you a change of clothes.  When we get back, you can take Marty to the store.  We should be gone for about . . . "

            "One and a half hours' AJ," finished Jamie. 

            "Ah yes.  And while we're gone, you and Marty can get more acquainted."

            In about a half an hour, Rick was dress and downstairs.  They went out the back door and Marty and Cecilia was left alone.

            "Now Marty, tell me about you and your family."

            Well, my father's name is Tony and my mum's name is Jeannie.  I have two sisters, Diana, who's my twin. And Selena, who's ten years old."  And so, Marty began to tell Cece all about his family and his life back home.

 

            When AJ, Rick, and Jamie came back, Marty and Cecilia were deep in conversation.  They had just come in as Cece was laughing at some story Marty had just told.

            "Mom, it looks like you're having a great time," remarked AJ.

            "Yes, I am.  Marty is very funny!  You should hear some of his stories!  They are  hilarious.  Oh you must tell them about the run in you had with those . . . what were they called again?"

            "Klingons. Perhaps after this case is finished.  I see you got the suit.  I'll put  it on while Auntie is changing her clothes and then we can be on our way."  Marty took the suit from AJ and he and Cecilia went upstairs to change.  In a few minutes they came down. Marty was now dressed in the suit.  He also had a briefcase that he had borrowed from AJ.  He looked perfectly obnoxious.  And Cecilia had changed into a white blouse and a pink skirt that stopped just above her knees.  She was carrying a white handbag. 

            "Well, how do I look?" Marty asked.

            "You look great!" Rick answered.  "Just sleazy enough.  And Mom, you look great too!  And Mom, when you're finished, bring Marty to our office.  Okay?"

            "I will dear.  Now, we better leave.  Oh Marty, I've decided to come in with you.  I have to get some things anyway."

            "Fine, but not at the same time . . .  Give it a least five minutes. Okay?"

            Cecilia nodded, then she took his arm, walked out the door and they were on their way.

           

            Cecilia drove her car to downtown San Diego.  Marty by then had put on his sunglasses.  He sat next to her smoking a cigarette, deeply in thought.

            "Marty dear, what are you thinking about?"

            "I was thinking about the case.  I'm trying to figure out how many ways a mortal could get into a building without attracting attention.  And there aren't many ways of doing it."

            "Well, I'm sure you and my sons will figure it out"

            "Oh, and when I'm finished with Barnett, I want to go to the Department of Buildings.  I want to do some quick research.  It shouldn't take me long.  About an hour or two.  I want to take a look at the blueprints of the building."

            "What do you hope to find there?"

            "Answers luv, answers."

 

            When they got there, Cece parked the car and as Marty got out, he said,   "Remember, five minutes."  Cecilia nodded her head as he started walking toward the building.  The first thing he noticed was that it was an old building.  He quickly checked the cornerstone.  It said, 1925.   As he came by the door, he saw the doors automatically open as two people came out. 

            "Oh shoot!" he thought, "An automatic door!  I'm going to have to wait until someone comes in or out."

            By this time, Cecilia had parked her car and was walking toward the entrance.  She stopped in front of Marty, and whispered, "Marty, why haven't you gone in yet?"

            "Automatic doors.  I don't register with the sensors that opens them.  I have to wait for someone to walk in or out for it to open.  I think you should go first, then I'ill walk behind you."

            "Right Marty!"  Cecilia walked through the door and Marty quickly followed, but not too close.  When he was inside, he smiled at Cecilia and then went on his way to Barnett's office.  He stopped at a young lady.  She was pretty and about twenty-two years' old

            "Excuse me Miss, but can you tell me where is Mr. Barnett's office?"  He spoke with a perfect mid-western accent.  Not bit of British could be heard in the voice.

            She turned and when she saw the very handsome man standing there, she was awstruck.  She couldn't take her eyes off him.

            "Pardon me Miss, but do you know the way to Mr. Barnett's office?"  He repeated.  When she still didn't answer, Marty shook his head.  "Why do mortal women always react to me this way when I don't want them to?" He sighed and then snapped fingers, trying to get her attention.

            "Oh yes... what?" said the startled woman.

            "I said, do you know the way to Barnett's office??"

            "Who?"

            "Barnett....your boss?"

            "Oh right...him. Go down the middle aisle, turn left.  It's the third door to the right.  By the way, my name is LInda. Here is my address."  She took a slip of paper, wrote an address, then stuffed it his jacket pocket.  "I get off at nine." Then she gave him a wink. He smiled back and walked to Barnett's office.  As he walked, he studied the layout and the doors that salespeople walked in and out of.  That's when he noticed the door with several locks and a sign on it.  It said, in big bold letters, 'NO ADMITTANCE EXCEPT FOR MANAGEMENT'.  He wondered why the door had several locks and why only managers were allowed in.  It peaked his interest immensely.  He decided to question AJ and Rick when he returned.  He came to Barnett's office door and walked in.  At the front desk was a middled aged lady.  She was typing at a typewriter and seemed quite effecient.  She looked up and saw the hideously dressed man.  She also noticed how handsome he was.

            "May I help you?" she asked.

            "It's not how you can me, but how I can help you!"  Marty said,.  "My name is Willie Boyen and I am salesman for a dress manufacturer.  I have some samples that will knock your boss's eyes out. Can I see him?"

            "One moment, Mr. Boyen."  She picked up the phone and spoke into it.  "There is a gentleman here to see you sir.  A Mr. Boyen."  She looked at the card.  "Amanda Designs.  Yes sir."  She hung up and then said, "Mr. Barnett will see you now.  Please come this way.  She got up and Marty followed her to an office right behind her desk.  She opened the door and Marty walked in.  A man about sixty years old sat behind the desk.  He was balding and was slightly overweight.  He had a blue suit on with a red tie.  And he was smoking a cigar that smelled even worse than Rick's.  Marty's senstive nose wrinkled up at the smell, but he quickly hide his distain of the smell.

            "Hi, I'm Willie Boyen and have I got dresses for you!  They are knockoffs of designer dresses."  Marty opened his briefcase and took out of sketches of dresses that   Jamie had spent the night before copying from one of Cecilia's fashion magazines. He had a Halston, a Glora Vanderbilt and a design by Celeste Dunn, a dress designer that AJ and Rick had once done a job for. "Here they are! Aren't they knockouts.  And they are lots cheaper than the orginals.  You can sell them 50% cheaper and make mucho bucks." As he showed the sketches, he began to read the man's mind.  He sensed that Barnett had a crooked streak in him.  And that he was very greedy.  "Well, what do you think of them.  Great huh?  And there are more where these came from!"

            "Yeah, they are nice... Funny though... never heard of Amanda Designs..."

            "Well, we are a small, but thriving company.  We can have these dresses and more ready for you in a matter of days...."

            "Look, tell you what... give me a few days to think it over.  If I decide to go with you, I'll call you.  How's that?"

            "Sounds good to me.  You have my number.  You might get an answering machine because I'm out a lot, but don't worry, I'll definitely get back to you!"

            "Fine... in a few days then.  Goodbye, Mr. Boyen".

            Good afternoon Mr. Barnett."  Marty shook hands with Barnett and felt as if he stuck his finger in a light socket. Barnett was definitely not at a man to be trusted.  Marty walked out of the office and Barnett's secretary stopped him.  She stuck a paper in his jacket pocket.

            "Here's my number.  I get off at six."  She smiled at him and quickly went back to her desk.  He sighed and walked out and then to front door.  He waited until a man in a pair of shorts went out and then followed him.  He walked up the block and then waited for Cecilia.  A few minutes later, Cecilia came out.  She checked to see if Marty had come out yet and saw him down the block.  She waved for him to come over and then pointed to her left.  He nodded and then followed her to the car.

            "Well Marty, did it go well?"

            "Yes, it did.  I think I even made a sale.  Barnett's got a crooked streak a mile long.  I'm surprised that AJ and Rick didn't pick up on it.  But Barnett's good at hiding it.  I sensed that.  Also, there is a room that is interesting."

            "What's so interesting about a room?"

            "I'll tell you later.  Right now, I want to go to the Buildings Department and then to your sons' office."

            "Of course dear."  Cecilia started up her car and they were off.

 

            AJ and Rick sat in their office, trying to figure out Rick's expense report.  A pile of his receipts for the month of July lay on AJ's desk.  AJ picked up one of the receipts, looked at it and remarked, "What the heck is this?? $250 for a sixty pairs of fishnet stockings???"

            "Oh that!" answered Rick.  "That was to thank Lola and the girls from 'The Dew Drop Inn' for helping us with the McClory smuggling case.  Heck, if it wasn't for them, we would never have broken it!"

            "Rick, that's all well and good, but I doubt if the IRS is going to accept it as a legit business expense!"

            "Sure they will!  They accepted the forty yo-yos last year, didn't they????"

            "Well, we were lucky!  That doesn't mean we'll be lucky again!!"

            "Ah AJ, don't worry!  They'll accept it!  Trust me!"

            AJ just shook his head and wrote down the iffy business expense.  He hoped that the IRS agent would be understanding, or at least the jail cell wouldn't be too bad.   As they went through the pile of weird expenses, Marty came in.

            "Hi guys, how's it going?  And where is Jamie?"

            "It's going fine!" said Rick "And Jamie's in the file room, filing.  He wanted help out. Where's Mom?"

            "She dropped me off and went home," replied Marty as he sat.  He took out his cigarette holder, put a cigarette in, and then lit it by staring at it.  The Simon brothers watched in fascination as the flame burst out and then died down.

            "So how did your salesman scam go?"  asked AJ

            "I think we've got a customer.  Or at least I sensed it.  Barnett has a dishonest streak to him.  I think he would really buy knockoffs and sell them as the real thing!  He's also very greedy.  And I checked out the place.  By the way, when you were there, you did notice a heavily locked room with a large sign saying . . . "

            "'No Admittance Except for Management?'" interrupted A.J.

            "Ah, then you do know about it!"  said Marty.

            "Yeah, we asked about it, but Barnett said that was not our concern and not to bother with it, but of course, we were curious.  We tried to get in by picking the locks, but they proved to be formidable.  We finally gave up.  But that room has bugged us ever since.  It bothers you too?"

            "Yes, it does," answered Marty.  "Something is not right... Why only management  and no one else???  What is in that room that he would need so many locks? What is he hiding??"

            "I don't know, but are you up to a black bag job?" asked Rick.

            "Ah, a black bag job," said the vampire.  "One of my favorite things!  I love doing them!  Of course I'm up to it!  But let me do the breaking and entering.  I will open the door from the inside.  Just as I went under the door of Buzzsaw's, so shall I do it at the store."

            Just then, Jamie came in. "Ah, I thought I heard your voice Martin!"  Did your surveillance go well?"

            "Yes, it went well, but we prefer to call it a selling trip.  We were just discussing our next move.  By the way, do we still have the RCR?"

            "Yes, of course!  Are you planning to use it soon?"

            "Yes, tonight in fact."

            "Then I shall get it for you." 

            What is an RCR?" asked Rick

            "An RCR is a device which scrambles and causes a temporary disruption of any electrical current, AJ.  We use it in black bag jobs," answered Jamie

            "Right, and I also have a special tool that can open any lock in existence.  What proved hard for you will be easy when you use this tool.  It's this!"  Marty took out what looked like an ordinary lockpickers tool.

            "It's just a lockpickers tool," remarked Rick as he looked at it.

            "True, it may look ordinary, but it's not!  With this lockpick, even your mother could open it!  It can change its shape to conform to any lock. It will open it no matter what kind of lock it is.  From the most sophisticated to the most primitive.  And, I also have a tool for time and safe locks.  I will show you that one later. So what time tonight do you want to go?"

            "Well,' said AJ., "The store is opened until 9:00, let's get there around 11:00.  Oh, but what about the guard??"

            Marty smiled at AJ, showing his fangs.  "Don't worry about him.  I'll take care of him.  I'll will put him to sleep. When we leave, I will awaken him.  He will cause us no problems."

            "And then we can tell Town what we found out," replied Rick.

            "Town!" yelled AJ as he jumped up from his chair. "We're supposed to meet with him so Marty can give his statement!  He looked at his watch and then said, "And it's already five!  He's gonna have a cow if we don't show up!"

            "AJ., don't so get excited, we'll go now," said Rick."

            "And it won't take me long to make a statement.  We'll be finished in plenty of time.  We'll pick up Jamie on the way back home."

            They took Jamie to the ship and then they were on their way to see Town.

 

            When the guys arrived, the police station was jumping.  There were people talking, yelling and just general bedlam.  It was a typical day at Town's station.  Nixon and four other cops were in the middle of booking a three hundred and twenty-five pound man, when suddenly he got loose and started running for the door.  But he didn't go far, for as he passed the guys, Marty stuck out his foot and the man tripped, crashing on the floor.  The whole building shook when he landed.  Twelve cops then ran over to him, handcuffed him and tried to get him up.  When Town heard the commotion, he got up from his chair and walked out of his office.  He arrived just to see Marty stick out his foot and the heavy set suspect fall.  He quickly ran over to Nixon and yelled, "What the hell is going on Nixon!"

            Nixon answered, quite embarrassed, "Sorry Sir, but the suspect busted loose as we were booking him.  He started running for the door, but never got there because AJ and Rick's cousin, Marty tripped him.

            Town answered Nixon "Yeah, I saw the whole thing.  He then turned, looked at the Simons and Marty and continued, "Who by the way is late!  Where the hell have you three been?  You said, you'd be here!"

            "And we kept our promise!" remarked Rick.

            "Six hours late???"

            "Well, we had some things to do, but he's ready to make a statement, aren't you Marty?" asked Rick.

            "Oh, yes, I'm ready.  So when do we start?"

            "Right now," answered Town, as he let them into his office.  Marty sat on the couch, while Rick and AJ took the two seats in from of Town's desk.  Town then picked up the phone, dialed a number and the said, "Frank come in, I have Mr. Cunningham here and he's ready to make a statement." 

            A few minutes later, a man about 40 years old came in.  He sat next to Marty and greeted him.  Marty greeted him back.  He took out his steno machine and waited for him to start.  Marty began to tell how he caught the two kids.  Of course, he didn't tell the real story, but a concocted story filled with half-truths. He knew that the kids were still under his control and could easily be influenced by him telepathically.  He would tell them what to say and they would say it.  When he had finished his made up story, Frank got up, said his goodbyes and left. 

            Marty then got up, stretched and said, "Well, Lt., Brown, do you need me for anything else?"  He smiled at him and then without anybody knowing, he gave Town the stare.  Not a deep one like he gave the Sheriff or the kids, but a nice easy one, just to make sure that Town would be friendly toward him. Town was soon under Marty's influence.  Town smiled back at him and said,  "No, I think that's all we need for now.  Ah, sorry about yelling at you and the Simons.  I guess I've just been working too hard!"

            "That was quite all right.  You had a right to yell.  You're probably under a lot of pressure.  I guess I should have called.  Anyway, I'm glad you're not mad anymore.  Perhaps, we can all have dinner or lunch together soon when I get really settled in!  I heard so much about you from my cousins that I'd like to get to know you better." 

             Marty gave him his hand, Town shook it and Marty then put his hand on the pile of files in front of him.  He looked at the pile and then softly said,  "Why don't you sit?"

            Town sat and Marty again said softly, "Town, now close your eyes and relax."

            Town closed his eyes and Marty asked, "Town, you will forget about the file from Canda, do you understand?"

            "Yes," replied the cop. 

            "Good, you will now count to a hundred backwards and when you awake, you will feel great!  You will feel as if there is nothing you can't do or achieve.  Now Town start counting backwards."

            Town began to count, "One hundred, ninety-nine, ninety-eight . . . "

            "C'mon guys, I think it's time for us to leave.  We have to go shopping for cues!" 

            Marty turned around and walked out.  But Rick instead walked over to Town and poked him.  Town didn't say a thing, he just kept counting.

            "Town?  Town!" called Rick.  But Town didn't answer.  "Ah AJ, I think we better leave.  Town is not exactly himself right now.  C'mon!" 

            The Simons quickly walked out of there and met Marty by the Power Wagon.  A.J. walked over to him and asked, quite annoyed, "What just happened in there? Why did you give Town that stare of yours?  He's our friend!"

            "Relax, AJ., I know he is!  I sensed that he was suspicious of me and I was right; I took this from his desk!"

            Marty pulled a file from inside his jacket and showed it to them.  Inside were inquiries to and from Canada. 

            "He was checking on me.  I had to protect myself!  But I only gave a very light stare, hardly anything . . .  but just enough to make him forget.  I promise I will remove it when I feel it's safe.  I had to protect myself, Jamie and both of you!  You could have gotten into terrible trouble because of us.  I'm sorry if I upset you, AJ., but I had to do it. 

            A.J. looked at the file again and shook his head.  "Marty, I think we should have been straight with Town.  He's our best friend and can be trusted.  If we had explained . . . "

            "I know.   But the time not right yet.  Later, when he knows me better, then we will tell him.  But not now, it's too soon.  I still have so much to learn about this world."  Marty sighed and said, "So, do you will want to do the job tonight, or should we postpone it?"

            A.J. looked at his brother and knew that Marty was right.  Town could have messed up everything.  He didn't want Marty in some lab having experiments done on him, but he also didn't want Town under Marty's influence either.  "Yeah, we'll, do it tonight.  Rick will  drop you off at my house and you can get ready.  I have something to take care of so, I'll be there a little later, I should be back by nine-thirty, the latest.  Okay?"

            "Sure AJ.  And  Rick can pick up Jamie and the RCR," replied Marty.

            "Yeah, sounds good to me," replied AJ.  He walked over to the Camaro as Rick followed him and got in.  Rick leaned on the door.

            "Where are you goin' AJ?"

            "To Mom's.  I have to talk to her.  Get her advice.  This whole vampire thing is getting to me. I need to know what to do!"

            "You're not planning to deep six him, are you?"

            "I don't know.  Everything is so confusing.  And he makes me nervous!"  

            "A,J you've got no reason to fear him.  He's an okay guy. He has a family and everything.  He a lot like you!  He cares about people.  If he really wanted to hurt Town, he would have!  He was just protecting us!  Think about it before you do something you may regret later!"

            "Okay Rick, I'll think about it, but I'm still going to talk to Mom."

            "Good, listen to her advice.  She's never steered us wrong yet!"

            "I will Rick, believe me, I will.  Well, see you later!"  AJ started his car and drove away.  Rick walked back to Marty, who was already in the Power Wagon, got in , started the truck and drove off.