Part 2 Scene 8

The paperwork in front of her quickly turned invisible and Karen Simms was soon totally absorbed in her private thoughts. 'How am I going to make him understand? Every attempt to discuss this in the last three days has ended in an argument. How can there be any future for us if we can't even have a normal conversation?' A sudden knock on her door momentarily startled her. Angered by being caught daydreaming and her lack of concentration, she leafed through the stack before her and barked out a sharp reply. "Yes."

Karen looked up to see the door open slightly and the familiar face of the dark-haired ex-detective appear. "Got a minute, Captain?" he asked, his usual charming-but-slightly-crooked grin gracing his features.

Her anger mellowed enough to allow a slight smile and a civil response. "Of course, Detective. What can I do for you?"

He smiled in return as he entered the office and crossed to the chair in front of her desk. "It's not 'Detective' anymore," he gently reminded her as his expression turned serious.

Karen quickly averted any further protest. "It seems to me we've already had this conversation a time or two. Let's NOT have it again, 'Detective.'"

He found himself automatically responding with a meek, "Yes, ma'am--uh, Captain." A faint blush crept into his cheeks as he realized how easily he had slipped into the familiar role of reprimanded detective.

Karen couldn't help but smile at her former officer's discomfort before moving on to another subject. "Did you and Detective Dakota come up with anything new on the Yee murder?"

"Dakota and Jody are going back to talk to the elderly couple who run the antique shop across from the alley where the body was found. They should have some solid leads to work on when they get back." There was a definite air of confidence in the young priest's words.

"You seem very sure of this. Any particular reason?" she inquired, almost dreading the answer.

"I stopped by this morning for a chat before I came here. I've convinced the Chous to be more forthcoming about what they saw that night," he explained.

Her instincts combined with her experience as his captain told her there was more, but it was obvious that Peter wasn't going to offer the information. "And just how did you convince them to do that? A speech about helping keep their community safe? Or maybe the implied threat that they might be in danger from the killers?" she guessed.

The faint red on the young man's face turned scarlet. "Well, I did try those first," he offered. "But neither one seemed to make any impact, so I went with another tactic."

Karen nodded as a familiar knot began to form in the pit of her stomach. "I suspected as much. Exactly how much trouble is this 'tactic' you used going to cause us with the DA and the defense attorneys?"

Peter fought off the urge to rise and begin pacing. "Absolutely none. I just accepted a dinner invitation that I've been making excuses to decline for the past month or so."

The captain remained wary. "Why do I have the feeling there's more to this than you're telling me?" she demanded. The expressive face before her radiated guilt. Karen shot him a warning look, which her tone more than matched. "Peter Caine. . ."

The blush crept back into his cheeks and Peter shifted uneasily. "I promise, it won't affect the department or the case in any way. The Chous have a widowed daughter and a divorced granddaughter who moved here last month from San Francisco. It seems they consider a couple of eligible Shaolin priests to be prime candidates for their next husbands. But we're only going there for dinner--nothing else," he emphasized.

"I see. And what exactly was your father's reaction to being included in this...'dinner'?" Her raised eyebrow and skeptical look caused Peter to flinch.

"He...he doesn't exactly know about it yet," the former detective replied. The pinched expression had stayed on the young man's face while he answered. Peter didn't expect the captain to agree with his choice to involve his father without Caine's consent and braced himself for the anticipated reprimand.

"And when exactly do you plan to inform him of his upcoming dinner date?" She was almost successful in keeping her tone sharp, but the attempt to suppress a bemused smile was in vain.

Sensing her amusement and relieved that the anticipated lecture didn't appear to be imminent, Peter's pained expression quickly disappeared. "Three weeks from tomorrow," he answered matter-of-factly.

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Part 2 Scene 9

A frustrated Kermit pushed away from the computer keyboard and grabbed the empty coffee mug sitting on his desk. 'What the hell are you doing in there so long, Peter? Priest or not, you'd better not even think about interfering in my--our--relationship,' he mentally threatened. Roughly yanking open his office door, he proceeded to the coffeepot.

After directing a threatening glare toward the captain's office, he reached for the pot and filled his cup. 'You can come out of there any time now, Kid,' he projected as he lifted the cup to his lips. Carefully, he took a tentative sip and wrinkled his nose in distaste. "Ugh, Dakota strikes again," he announced as he headed back to his office, pausing for one final glare in the direction of Karen Simms' office.

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Part 2 Scene 10

The captain's expression turned quizzical at Peter's proclaimed timetable, but she remained silent.

The young priest shrugged as he provided the answer to her unspoken question. "He's out of town. Visiting the Dali Lama. A guy came to the loft last week looking for Pop and said he needed to deliver a personal message from an old friend. He refused to tell me any more than that, insisting he "must find and deliver his message only to Kwai Chang Caine." Pop wouldn't tell me what it was about either, just that he was leaving for a few weeks to visit his old friend, the Dali Lama. As usual, it was all very mysterious, " he complained.

"He's not getting into anything dangerous?" she asked, concern evident in her tone and features.

"No, I sense nothing like that from him at all. In fact, he seems to be having a very pleasant visit. Not the slightest sign of trouble and nothing that would call for such mystery. So the way I see it, this dinner thing should put us just about even," the ex-detective replied with a mischievous grin.

Karen Simms couldn't help but laugh at the antics of the younger Caine before issuing a warning. "You'd better be careful, Detective. Fathers don't take kindly to their sons meddling their social lives."

Peter smiled to himself. 'There's your opening, Pete. Now don't blow this.' He remained silent as he rose from the chair and walked behind it. Summoning his most charming manner, he inquired, "So how do captains feel about their former detectives doing it?"

A stern frown quickly appeared to help discourage him. "They do NOT tolerate it under any circumstances," she sharply rebuffed.

Undaunted, Peter pushed on. "I was really hoping you would agree to have lunch with someone I care a great deal about. This person has been rather lonely the last few weeks, but refuses to admit it. Besides, it would give you two a chance to really talk," he encouraged.

"I will not have you playing intermediary, Peter Caine. If Kermit Griffin wants to talk things over, he can start by coming in here asking me himself," she angrily demanded.

"Oh, I couldn't agree with you more," the former detective replied. "And even if I wanted to do it, Kermit would never allow me to intercede on his behalf."

A stunned Karen Simms realized that Peter was totally correct in his assessment. Her gaze narrowed as she attempted to ascertain his intentions. "So you are suggesting that I ask him to lunch," she clarified.

"Personally, I think that's a great idea. But Kermit's not the lunch date I had in mind," he explained. "Paul..."

Karen protested as soon as she heard the name. "No, Peter. I'm not going to listen to Paul Blaisdell explain the intricacies of being an ex-mercenary and their special need for understanding from the people they care about."

"Also not a bad idea, but Paul's not who I was talking about either." He regarded her with a questioning look and waited for her nod before continuing. "As I was saying, Paul has been putting in some pretty long hours at the agency these past few weeks and Carolyn's gone with Todd and the baby to visit Todd's parents. With Kelly away at school, Mom's been spending a lot of days alone. I was kind of hoping you would invite her to lunch at some quiet little restaurant. It would be really good for both of you. Good food, a glass of wine or two, a little girl-talk..." he let his voice trail off and waited anxiously for her reaction to his thinly veiled hint.

As the implication of his words sank in, the stern look she'd been wearing softened slightly. "All right, Detective. I'll call Annie and invite her to lunch. A little "girl talk," as you so eloquently put it, might just be in order."

"That's great! Thanks." Peter smiled broadly at the apparent victory and headed for the door, but stopped as Karen spoke again.

"Oh, Detective? The captain will tolerate her former detective's meddling this once, but he'd better not ever try it again. Clear?" she scolded.

After a wink and a crooked grin, Peter was out the door without another word. Karen shook her head in amusement and reached for the phone. "Yes, Detective, helping people is definitely what you do best," she announced with a hint of pride.

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Part 2 Scene 11

Peter paused for a deep breath once outside Karen Simms office. 'Find your center, Pete. You're gonna definitely need to be centered before tackling the next one,' he reminded himself. He'd been having difficulty maintaining his sense of calm from the minute he'd walked into the squad room to consult with James Dakota. The negative emotions being broadcast from the individuals in the two back offices had been battering his mental shields with the force and fury of a hurricane ever since his arrival. The storm inside the office he'd just exited had now calmed considerably, but the one through the door he was about to enter raged on.

Peter strode over to Kermit's door and knocked once before opening it, not bothering to wait for an invitation to enter. He had felt his friend's eyes on him ever since he'd stepped out of the Captain's office and knew that Kermit was expecting him. Ignoring the glare from behind the green sunglasses, he greeted his friend. "Hey, Kermit. How's the shoulder?" he inquired as he settled into the chair across from the desk.

The glare continued to burn from behind the glasses. "The shoulder's fine. A person with good manners usually waits to be invited in before entering. That way I can tell you to go to Hell if I don't want to see you. But since you're already here, you wanna explain to me what you and the captain were getting so chummy about in there for so long?" The accusation in his voice was unmistakable, but Peter ignored it.

"You've been waiting for me to come in here ever since I arrived and we both know it," he challenged. "I didn't see any point in waiting for an invitation when I knew I was expected. As for the Captain, I was just filling her in on the Yee investigation. Then we talked about Pop and his current trip, and then I suggested that she set up a lunch date." Peter flashed his friend the same mischievous grin that he'd used on Captain Simms.

"And who exactly is she supposed to be setting up this lunch date with?" the ex-mercenary growled, expecting to hear his own name as the answer.

"Mom," Peter calmly answered.

Kermit leapt to his feet, ignoring the pain in his shoulder from the effort. "What! You didn't. Tell me this is a sick joke and you didn't really suggest Karen invite Annie to lunch," he demanded, closing the open door in preparation for the coming war.

Peter flashed a cocky smile before answering. "Sorry, can't do that. Karen was picking up the phone as I was leaving her office."

Kermit advanced on the younger man with every intention of strangling him. "I told you to stay out of this, you interfering little..."

A knock on the door interrupted the impending assault and Kermit snapped at the intruder. "What?"

The door opened slowly to reveal a very startled looking Sergeant Broderick. "Kermit, there are some people here to see you. You'd better get out here to the front desk right away."

"So send them back here," he commanded. The detective's annoyance was evident, but didn't seem to register with the sergeant as Broderick glanced uncertainly toward the front desk.

"Sorry, Kermit. There's too many of them. And they specifically asked for you to come out front. There's a handful of foreigners and a whole gang of suits from the State Department."

'Shit. The King's gift. I should have known that he'd want to do a public presentation. Damn!' Kermit's glare never left the young priest in the chair, but he answered the sergeant nonetheless.

"Yeah, okay. Tell them I'll be right there." As Broderick went back to the front desk to deliver the message, Kermit made it clear to Peter that their conversation was far from over. "Make no mistake about it--we will finish this later," he growled. Flinging the door open the rest of the way, he stormed out to greet the waiting assembly.

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Part 2 Scene 12

He wasn't surprised to find King Bahskar Sahir being thoroughly charmed by one Captain Karen Simms upon arrival at the front desk. As he quickly scanned the area, Kermit was dismayed to find that nearly the entire squad had gathered to watch the anticipated spectacle. Only Jody and James Dakota were missing. 'Wonderful. Mary Margaret is here. This is going to be all over the entire department within five minutes of the King's departure.'

Though still seething on the inside, Kermit managed to appear calm and even cordial while formal greetings were exchanged. He retained the outwardly stoic mask, but inwardly he was cringing as the visiting ruler began to speak. "My country and my family will hold your name in the highest of regards for all time. We owe you such a great debt for saving the life of my son, the Crown Prince, that I fear we shall never be able to repay it. I have searched long and hard for the perfect token of my country's gratitude and finally, I have succeeded in determining the perfect gift. I humbly pray that you will treasure the joy and beauty of our gift as my country has for the past seventeen years."

'Oh-oh. This doesn't sound like he's talking about a herd of camels,' Kermit thought, a nervous knot forming in the pit of his stomach. He fought to remain calm as the King continued his speech.

"It is with deep pride that I present you with one of my country's most beloved and precious possessions--my daughter, the beautiful Princess Kalindi!" The King's face was radiant with pride as he reached for the dark-haired beauty's arm and led her to Kermit.

A stunned silence filled the station at the announcement of the gift. Kermit felt the room start to spin out of control, but recovered enough to begin a speech politely declining the King's gift. "I am very honored by your generosity, King Baskhar," Kermit began.

Before he could say more, Rykker's words of three days ago echoed in his mind. "You cannot under any circumstances refuse this gift...doing so will jeopardize relations... the plutonium will be at risk...State Department will take care of the legalities...our mission will have been for nothing..."

Even Kermit couldn't believe the words that came forth when he continued speaking. "Please forgive me, Your Majesty. I am truly overwhelmed by your generosity. Please accept my deepest gratitude for your most precious gift. I will treasure her, as you and your country have, and take care of her to the best of my ability." The jaw of every American in the room had dropped open by the time he finished speaking. Kermit, still in shock himself, didn't notice the deathly shade of white that his captain and lover now wore.

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Part 2 Scene 13

Farewells had been exchanged and arrangements made for Kalindi's belongings to be delivered to Kermit's apartment later that day. The last State Department official was barely out the door when the chief broke up the gathering. "What? Did crime stop in this city and no one told me? Let's get back to work and catch some criminals!"

The princess was startled by the chief's loud tirade and latched onto Kermit's injured arm. The detective managed to conceal the pain from her vice-like grip as he gave her a reassuring pat on the hand. "There's no need to be frightened. The chief is loud, but he's basically harmless." Not entirely convinced, a trembling Princess Kalindi eased her grip, but didn't release her hold.

Most of the officers quickly scurried off to their duties as soon as the chief barked out his order. The captain, along with Mary Margaret Skalany, TJ Kincaid, Blake, and Broderick remained by the front desk and waited for a personal introduction to the princess. Kermit, lost in a futile attempt to absorb the reality of the situation, was totally unaware of the awkward silence that had rapidly developed. Peter, sensing that his friend was still reeling from the shock, attempted to prod him into action. "Well Mr. Manners, it seems you still have a few to learn yourself," he chided. "Like the one that says a polite person should introduce his old friends to his new one."

The deliberate barb quickly succeeded. Kermit came out of his stupor to glare at the priest and introduced Kalindi to his fellow officers, as well as his former coworker. TJ, Blake, and Broderick immediately excused themselves and went back to their desks, not wanting to risk antagonizing Chief Strenlich.

Karen was the last to be introduced, and politely greeted the young woman before shifting her attention to the man whose arm the princess still held. Kermit nearly shivered at her ice-cold words. "I'd like see you in my office now, Detective Griffin," she commanded. "Alone," she curtly added as her eyes briefly touched on the young princess at Kermit's side. Without waiting for a response, the captain turned and headed for her office.

Sensing a golden opportunity to gain information, Mary Margaret was quick to volunteer her services. "Kermit, I'd be glad to keep Princess Kalindi company while you're in with the captain."

"Thanks, but we wouldn't want to be responsible for you getting in hot water with the Chief. And since someone here doesn't have a boss to answer to at the moment...," he replied, turning to Peter.

The priest stifled a smart retort at the sight of the pale and shaken young princess. Peter directed his most charming look at Kalindi and instead responded, "I would be most honored."

The princess' grip again tightened on Kermit's arm. Mary Margaret hid her disappointment and cheerily excused herself. "Well, then I'd better get back to work. I'll look forward to seeing you again soon, Your Highness."

Kermit turned to the young woman whose death grip had become quite painful. He gently pulled her hand away and explained, "I have to see my Captain in her office now. I want you to wait for me in my office until I'm finished. Don't worry; I won't be far away. My office is right by the Captain's. Peter here will keep you company until I'm through."

With a slight nod, the princess replied, "As you wish, Balin." Kermit inwardly flinched at her use of the dreaded nickname that the king had proclaimed as his. A mental picture flashed in his mind of Mary Margaret eagerly explaining to all who would listen that Kermit was known as "Balin" or "Mighty Warrior" in the tiny kingdom of Arun Gari. He'd have to deal with Peter later, knowing that the young priest would never stop until he discovered what the word meant. He'd also have to take precautions to make certain that no one else ever learned of it.

As the trio walked to the back of the squad room, Kermit firmly squeezed Peter's shoulder with his good hand. "Don't even think about it, kid. You touch, you die. Got it?" The low tone made the warning sound even more menacing and caused Peter to stop abruptly.

"Kermit, she's just a kid. You know me better than that," he admonished in an agitated whisper. "Or at least you should."

The menacing tone remained as the detective whispered his reply. "Of course, I do. I was talking about my computer." Without waiting for a response, he abruptly turned and headed for the office of Captain Karen Simms.

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