Nancy and Elizabeth peek through the front window as Tom and Abby kiss goodnight and try to control their giggling.
"Hey, move over, you're hogging the whole window," Joannie complains.
Still laughing, Nancy and Elizabeth move over and let their older sister have a peek.
"You'd think they could kiss on the front porch like the rest of us, so we wouldn't have to strain our eyes to see," Joannie whines.
"Yeah, really," Nancy comments.
"Can you see anything?" Tommy asks.
"Joannie, let Tommy see." Elizabeth says.
"Let him go to a different window," Joannie grumbles, but moves a little.
Tommy takes a peek. "All right, Dad!"
Nicholas comes down the stairs wiping his eyes and says "What's going on?"
"Nicholas, you're supposed to be in bed," Elizabeth lectures.
"Yes, you are Nicholas," Mary says as she comes out of the kitchen. "And just exactly is going on?"
"Shh," Nancy says, "now look out the window."
Mary walks over and looks out the window, "Oh my! You guys shouldn't be watching this." But Mary continues to look out the window.
"I went to find Dad but he isn't in bed," Nicholas says.
"Not yet, anyway," Joannie whispers to her sisters and Tommy.
Tommy laughs. Elizabeth giggles.
"What's so funny and where is Dad?"
"He's, um, busy, Nicky," Joannie says. "Now go on upstairs. If Dad catches you down here at this time of night, you'll get it. Elizabeth, why don't you take him back upstairs?"
"You take him upstairs," Elizabeth says as she moves in for another peek.
"You're younger," Joannie counters. "Come here, Mary, I'll make room for you," she says, not wanting to say anything for Nicholas to overhear.
Mary sighs, "Being the oldest, I guess I'll take him back upstairs. But save my place. Come on Nicholas, what did you want with Dad anyway?"
"I had a bad dream."
"Want to tell me about it?" she asks. ~Make it short though I want to get back downstairs.~
"I dreamt Dad went away too," Nicholas replies.
"Oh Nicholas, that was a terrible dream, but you know Dad's not going away," Mary tries to assure him.
"Then where is he?"
"He just went out for the evening. He'll be back soon. He'll be here when you get up in the morning," Mary replies.
"Where did he go?" Nicholas asks.
"Ahh, he went out with Mrs. Abbot, you know Tommy's tutor," Mary answers.
"Mrs. Abbot? But won't Mom be mad when she comes home?" Nicholas asks,
confused.
"No, Nicholas, Mom won't be mad. You can talk to Dad about it in the morning if you want to. Now go on to sleep," Mary tells him as she tucks him and gives him a kiss on the forehead.
"OK."
"Well, goodnight then," Mary says as she closes his door.
In the car:
"Mmm, Tom," Abby says, punctuating her words with kisses, "if I don't send you inside, I may have to kidnap you."
"So kidnap me," Tom pleads.
"Great headline. 'Newsman kidnapped'..." she stops herself before she can say 'by love-starved teacher' and instead ends " 'in full view of his children'."
Tom laughs. "Maybe I should go inside, and you probably need to be getting home, but I don't want this night to end," he says in a serious tone.
Abby kisses him a few more times. "Neither do I, but if I drove off with you now, your kids would never let you live it down." She goes back to kissing Tom. "You know, this is better than dancing."
"It sure is," Tom says as he goes back to kissing her.
"And you told your kids we weren't high school kids," Abby laughs between kisses.
"So I lied," Tom says between kisses.
In the living room: A few minutes later Joannie comments, "I wonder if they're planning to come up for air at some point."
"Like you ever come up for air after a date?" Elizabeth teases.
"Yeah really," Nancy comments.
"That's different. I don't have my whole family watching. Do I?" Joannie asks, suddenly not entirely certain.
"Joannie I have a confession to make, when I was younger I used to watch you and your dates," Nancy says and then makes a run for it to her bedroom.
Joannie starts to follow Nancy, then realizes this would mean giving up her spot at the window, so she decides to leave Nancy's thwaking for later.
In the car: Abby moves closer to Tom. "Sorry. The steering wheel's uncomfortable," she says, pausing for breath. She gives him some more kisses and then laughs. "This is ridiculous. Two grown people, and look where we are."
"We can always go inside and send the kids off to bed," Tom suggests.
"If you think they'd listen to you, I have a bridge you might want to buy," Abby says. "It's a good thing you're dropping me off on Wednesday." ~Or maybe a very dangerous thing.~
"Yeah, a very good thing. Well, I should probably go inside." He just winds up kissing her again.
"I guess you should," Abby says, but she doesn't move away from Tom; she takes his lapels in her hands and pulls him a little closer.
Tom doesn't protest this, he just continues to kiss Abby. Suddenly there's a knock at the window and a flashlight shines through the window.
Abby backs away from Tom and buries her head against the steering wheel. "I don't believe this," she moans.
"Neither do I. This is my own house," Tom grumbles.
"It's my car," Abby says, and leans her head out the window. "Good evening," she says into the flashlight glare.
The police officer gets a good look at them and sees they're not kids. "Sorry ma'am, sir, thought you were a couple of teenagers."
"Well, thank you for the compliment, Officer," Abby says.
Currently upstairs Nancy's peeking out her bedroom window and hiding from Joannie. "Oh no, the police." ~Hey isn't that the same one who busted me two years ago?~
"Whatcha watching Nancy?" Susan says, coming up behind Nancy. "Dad and Mrs. Abbot?"
Nancy smiles. "Yeah, acting like a couple of teenagers, but it's so romantic, too bad the police showed up."
Ouside: The officer smiles, nods, and apologizes for interrupting them. He then
leaves.
"I guess when the cops interrupt you it's time to call it a night," Abby sighs.
Tom sighs also. "Yeah unfortunately. Well I had a very good time. Thanks for taking me out."
"I'll see you Wednesday, then. Unless you decide to back out before then. Just don't say I didn't warn you."
They kiss good night and then Tom goes inside and Abby goes home. Tom enters the house and sees half his children sitting in the living room acting like they hadn't seen anything. "So did everything go ok tonight? No mishaps?" he asks his children.
Joannie considers telling Tom about Rick's visit, but decides that's Nancy's call. Besides, she wants to hear what her father has to say. "No mishaps," she reports. "So, how'd your date go?"
Nancy comes back downstairs figuring she's safe with her dad there. "Hi, Dad. How was your date?"
"My date was very wonderful," Tom tells her.
"So?" Joannie asks. Tom doesn't answer. "Where'd she take you?" Joannie asks another question, trying to pry information out of her father.
"Good night, girls," Tom says, wanting to keep his dates private. "Hey what's wrong with the curtain? It seems ruffled."
"It's not the only thing that seems a little ruffled around here," Joannie whispers to Elizabeth.
Elizabeth stifles back a laugh. Tom looks at them strangely and then heads upstairs.
Nancy glances at Joannie, who is giving her the evil eye. "Dad wait you're not going to bed yet are you?!"
"Yes I am. I am very tired. Good night," Tom says as he walks the rest of the stairs and then goes to his bedroom and shuts the door.
"Hey," Joannie calls out after her father, disappointed. "Sure, when we started dating, we had to report all the details to Mr. Inquisitor up there. And we didn't even get rousted by the cops, unlike someone," she complains to her siblings.
"Yeah I know," Nancy says, standing as far away from Joannie as possible.
"I'm not going to kill you, you know," Joannie tells Nancy.
Nancy relaxes. "You're not?"
"Well, I wouldn't turn your back on me, but I won't go so far as to kill you. Besides, I'm more interested in what Dad's doing than in what you used to do," Joannie admits.
"I wonder if they'll get married. They seemed to really be enjoying each
other in the car."
"Nancy!" Joannie squeals, pretending to be shocked at what Nancy's implying, but only pretending. "They'd have enjoyed each other a lot more if that cop hadn't come along."
Nancy laughs. "Yeah really."
"I think we may have to sit the two of them down and remind them of the Bradford family rules. Dad may have made them, but he seems to have forgotten them," Joannie snickers.
"Dad maybe, but why put Mrs. Abbot through that? She didn't help Dad make up
those rules," Nancy replies.
"Neither do our dates, but Dad makes them obey the rules," Joannie points out. "Besides, no one's got me walking down the aisle with my dates the way we have Dad paired off with Mrs. Abbot. If she's going to be our stepmother, we have to lay down the law early and often."
"I don't know, Joannie. What if we scare her off?"
"Then we'll just have to do it carefully. I mean, it's either that or brick up the windows so Nicholas doesn't see anything before Dad's got the chance to give him The Talk. Sheesh--I mean, she does have an apartment, they don't have to park right in front of the house..."
“I doubt they’ll do more than kissing,” Elizabeth chimes in.
After a few seconds of silence (possibly a world's record for her) Joannie says. "Ewww. Do you realize we're discussing *Dad's* sex life here?" she shudders.
"Scary, I know," Nancy says. "What's wrong with us, are we insane?"
"You? Yep, you're insane," Joannie teases. "The rest of us are just crazy."
"Oh that's real funny," Nancy replies. "But I think you're the insane one," she teases back.
"I'm not insane," Joannie says, "I just act that way."
Her sisters laugh.
After their date, Abby goes to sleep thinking of Tom and his kisses, but when she wakes in the dark, hours later, it is of Frank and his death that she's been dreaming.
Wednesday:
Tommy goes to his geometry class and waits for Mr. Phillips to hand back the scores from the math test he took yesterday. Mr. Phillips passes back the tests to everyone except him. "Mr. Phillips? I think you missed passing my test back."
"No, I didn't. Bradford, See me after class," Phillips replies
After class Tommy goes up to Mr. Phillips. "You wanted to see me?"
"I must say, Bradford, in all of my years of teaching I have never come across a student who has improved so much in one month than you. You got an A- on your test."
Tommy eyes light up. "That's great."
"However I am giving you an F on your test."
"An F?" Tommy says angrily. "You said I got an A-?"
"You did, but I am flunking you because you cheated somehow."
"Cheated?" Tommy asks shockingly "I did not cheat!"
"So you say." Phillips replies. "Normally I would inform a student's parents in this type of situation. But since I can't prove it I am going to let it slide, but be forewarned: I will be keeping my eye on you."
"But that's not fair! " Tommy says, nearly shouting.
"Would you rather I contact your father?" Mr. Phillips asks.
"No, Sir." Tommy replies. ~This is great, why even bother try doing your best?~
Tommy takes the test and waits for Elizabeth after school. "Hi," he says.
"Hi." She notices that he's upset. "What's wrong? Did you strike out with your
latest conquest or something?" she asks, referring to whichever girl Tommy likes this week.
Tommy tells Elizabeth about the math test.
"That twit!!" Elizabeth rages. "Tommy, he tried to do the same thing to Nancy when she was going here. He accused her of not doing her homework. And David had him also, and he tried to fail David. Tell Dad; he'll take care of it."
"I can't tell Dad; not yet anyway."
"Why not? Dad knows his history."
"I know but he can't help getting my grade changed. I will tell him, but first I thought I would go talk to Mrs. Abbot and see if she can help, and then I will go tell Dad tonight."
"Ok, but do you want me to beat your teacher up? Remember, I used to be good at beating up boys."
"Yeah I know. I have the scars to prove it," Tommy says, rubbing his jaw.
Elizabeth laughs. "Sorry about that."
"That's ok; I just wanted to let you know what happened and I am going to ride my bike over to Mrs. Abbot before I go home. If anyone asks I'll be back later."
"Ok, see you later at home then."
Later Tommy waits for Mrs. Abbot on the floor by her apartment door.
"Hi, Mrs. Abbot. Got a minute?"
"You know, now that I'm not your tutor anymore, maybe you should just call me Abby." She starts to check her watch; Tom's picking her up at 8:30, but if Tommy's come all the way over and waited for her, it has to be important. "Sure I have time for you. What's wrong?" she asks as she unlocks her door.
"Remember when you told me not to jump to conclusions?" Tommy asks.
"Every one of the million times," Abby answers. "Why?"
"It seems my geometry teacher needs to be taught the same lesson." Tommy tells her and explains the conversation between him and Phillips while handing her the test.
Abby looks it over. "How dare he?" She pulls out the phone book. "You know his first name? I'm going to call and give him such a piece of my mind..."
"Mrs. Abb...I mean Abby, it won't do any good; I am not the only Bradford he has done this to. He nearly flunked David and Nancy."
"Nearly. And I didn't teach them. It's not just your integrity he's questioning this time out. It's also my competence. And I don't plan to let him get away with either."
"His name is John Phillips."
Abby checks the phone book. "Three listings for a John Phillips, eight for a J. Phillips. Know where he lives?"
"Somewhere near J street."
Abby finds the appropriate listing and dials. "No answer," she tells Tommy. "I'll try a few more times, but I'm going out tonight. If I don't reach him before, I'll come down to school tomorrow. Is he teaching then, or will I find him cowering somewhere in fear?"
"He will be there; he is always there," Tommy says in frustration. "Now I have to break the news to Dad."
"If you want, I'll tell him tonight, and tell him exactly how I plan to make your teacher eat his words," Abby offers.
Tommy eyes light up. "Could you? I hate to spoil his evening."
~Maybe you hate to, but that's what my family's counting on.~ "No problem. And if anything will ruin his evening, it won't be a grade that will be changed tomorrow."
"Abby, are you sure you can convince him?"
"Don't worry about it. If he's angry at anyone after I explain it'll be your teacher. I still can't believe he'd do that!"
"Neither could I."
"Well, he isn't going to get away with it," Abby assures him. "You worked hard for that grade, and you'll get it. Promise."
"Thanks, well I should be going to let you get ready."
"Yeah, I guess so." Abby walks Tommy to the door. "Just, if you see me in school tomorrow, don't blow my 'cranky old bat' cover, OK?"
Tommy laughs and replies "You are never going to let me live that down are you?"
"Well, maybe once I grow into the title," Abby says. "But in the meantime--if I let you live it down, I wouldn't be a cranky bat, would I?"
Tommy grins and says, "Have fun tonight."
"Cranky bats are allowed to have fun?" Abby laughs as she sees Tommy out. ~Fun. Sure, fun. Your own execution's always fun, isn't it?~
After Tommy goes back home, Abby gets ready for her date, pulling out all the stops, not so much for the fundraiser, but to show off to Tom. ~At least he'll appreciate this, if nothing else about tonight,~ she thinks as she surveys herself in the mirror, from her bare shoulders to the hem of her fitted gown. She's ready with 15 minutes to spare, having no daughters to keep her fashionably late, and paces her living room, trying Tommy's teacher one more unsuccessful time while she waits for Tom.
Tom arrives a few minutes later all decked out in his best tux and then he rings the doorbell.
Abby takes a moment to check her makeup and to curse her parents one last time before opening the door. She looks Tom up and down. "Very nice," she drawls.
"Thank you ma'am." Tom checks her over. "Wow," is all he can manage while a smile spreads across his face. "You look even more beautiful than ever, if that's even possible."
Abby blushes slightly. "Thanks. Um--would you like a drink or something before we go?" she asks, letting him into the apartment and closing the door.
"I'd love one," Tom says.
"I've got wine and I have Chivas--name your poison."
"Chivas," Tom replies.
Abby tells Tom to have a seat. She pours their drinks and then sits down, handing Tom his glass.
Tom takes his glass and observes her more closely. "Abby, is everything ok?"
"Sure it is. Of course it is," she says, but it's painfully obvious Tom isn't buying it. She shrugs. ~I can't just come out and tell him that my parents don't think he's Our Kind and tonight's their way of showing their muscles, can I?~ "I wouldn't even know where to start. I'm just looking forward to tonight being over and done with."
"Abby you can tell me anything," Tom continues to pry.
Abby fusses with her fingernails for a while, then takes a large swallow of her drink, trying to stall. Finally she says, "It's just--well, this," she indicates the way she's dressed and the way he is, "it's not the way I live my life anymore. I don't think it's the
way you live yours, either. And I'm not sure I want to go back to that world, even for a night, or drag you into it."
"Well we can always stay home," Tom suggests.
"I wish," Abby says. "But then I'd have to spend the rest of my life hiding from my parents. And besides, I'm sure you'll know a lot of the politicians there from covering them, so maybe it won't be that bad. And then afterwards you can take me out for an arsenic nightcap."
Tom laughs. "I don't think an arsenic nightcap will be necessary, it won't be that bad."
"Easy for you to say." Abby gulps down the rest of her drink. "All right, then, lead me to the slaughter."
Tom laughs at her comment and tells her it won't be so bad and they soon leave in the Sedan. They arrive at the museum some time later. Again, like the previous date, there's someone there to take the car.
Tom hands the car to the valet and helps Abby out of the car. Any other night she wouldn't have waited, would have asserted her independence by the simple act of opening her own door, but tonight she has to slide back into the role of pampered princess. And if she plays the role just right, she hopes, she can walk the thin line
between losing Tom and displeasing her parents.
Tom holds her hand as they walk up the broad stone steps, while she gives the guard their names to be checked against the guest list, and while they line up to greet their hosts. Both Governors Brown are in the receiving line, and when it is Tom and Abby's turn to say hello, there are a few second's awkward silence, and Abby begins to introduce herself. The older man stops her.
"Sandra Sue Mitchell. It's been years, hasn't it, dear? How is old Harry, anyway?"
"Fine, sir," Abby says. "He sends regards."
"Well, you tell him to come up and visit you, and to come see me while he's at it."
"I will."
Brown turns to his son. "You remember Harry Mitchell, don't you, Jerry? This is his daughter, Sandra Sue, all grown up and looking fine."
Abby laughs. "And this is Tom Bradford," she says as introduction. "He writes a column in the Register."
"Sure, sure, I've read it," the old governor says.
~He said that like my column was an everyday nuisance.~ "Well what did you think about it?" Tom asks trying to keep his composure.
"It's good work. A little heavy on the opinion, but I suppose that's what a column is for," the old man says, then turns his attention back to Abby. "Sandra Sue, make sure you save a dance for me. I haven't danced with you since you were all knees and elbows."
"I remember that time," his son chimes in. "You threatened to shoot me if I stepped on your toes one more time," he reminds Abby. "If I ask for a dance tonight, you think you might let me live through the campaign?"
"We'll see about that," Abby laughs, Each of the men give her a quick hug and then she leads Tom away from the receiving line. "See what I mean?" she whispers to him. "I'm going to owe you so much for tonight I'll spend the rest of my life in debt."
"Abby it will be ok, I understand," Tom whispers to her.
"Thank you."
They make their way across the entrance hall, stopping every few yards as people who know Abby, either from her youth or because of her parents stop them, greet her, and treat Tom like a fashion accessory. Finally someone comes up whom he knows.
"Tom," Elliot Randolph says. "I didn't know you'd be here. I didn't even know you moved in these sorts of circles. I guess I'm just paying you too much," the publisher jokes.
Tom does his best fake laugh. "I'm here with my date, this is Abby Abbot. Abby, this is my publisher, Elliot Randolph."
Abby shakes Randolph's hand. "Nice to meet you," she says in her most Pasadena posh voice. "Tom's talked so much about you, but I won't hold that against you."
Randolph laughs at looks at Tom, uncertain.
Abby continues. "Are you a friend of Jerry's, too?" she asks.
"Um, no, no. Just a contributor."
"Aren't we all," Abby says. "I mean, of course I support Jerry, I've known him for ages. I remember going duck hunting at the governor's--Pat, of course, not Jerry--when I was little. Do you hunt, Mr. Randolph?"
"Um, sometimes."
"Tom, dear, maybe we ought to ask the governor if Mr. Randolph..."
"I didn't know you knew the governor--either of them--that well, Tom," Randolph interrupts, trying to get back on more familiar territory.
~Who is this woman and what has she done with my date~ Tom thinks in shock; he doesn't even hear Elliot.
When Abby sees that Tom is just standing there gape-mouthed, she answers for him. "I'm sure there's a lot you don't know about Tom, Mr. Randolph. Such a pity. Well, it was nice meeting you anyway," she shakes his hand and starts dragging her shell-shocked date away.
"Pompous jerk, your boss, isn't he?" she whispers when they're out of ear shot. "Deserves every trick in the book and then some."
"He's not as bad as some of the other people here," Tom whispers back.
"I hate to say I told you so," Abby stops and give a fake little wave in the direction of some blue-haired lady, "but I told you so."
"Yes you did, are you ready to leave yet?" Tom asks.
"I can't now," Abby says. "I promised them," she motions back to the receiving line, "dances. And I wanted to dance with you." Suddenly she grabs his hand and starts leading him toward the next room, where the orchestra is set up. "Like maybe right now. Over there," she nods her head to point, "it's Biff Stevenson, the Human Octopus. Please tell me this isn't real, that I'm just having a nightmare. It's like
the high school reunion from hell--well, except for you. What did they do, fly half of Southern California up here for this?" Abby sighs.
"And if I don't let anyone else dance with you?" Tom half kids.
"You'd have my eternal gratitude," Abby answers in the same manner. "So--shall we? It's certainly better music than at the Marimba Lounge."
Tom grins and leads her on to the dance floor, where Abby discovers that he's a good dancer after all.
When the orchestra breaks for the meal, Tom and Abby find their seats--at Biff the human octopus's table. "Don't let that man near me," Abby warns, "or your headline for tomorrow will be 'I dated an ax murderer'."
"I won't let that man anywhere near you and if he tries anything I'll kill him myself, ok?" Tom assures her.
Abby laughs. "You know, if I get any deeper in debt to you, I might as well just sign up as your slave for life."
Tom laughs. "Don't consider it debt."
"Oh? And what should I consider it?"
"Consider it me just wanting to do whatever I can to make you happy," Tom answers.
"Whatever you can?" Abby leans in close to whisper to him. "Now that sounds promising."
"And there's more where that came from," he whispers back.
"Mmm. Maybe we should go somewhere a little less public afterwards to discuss that," Abby suggests.
"Yes, maybe we should," he grins.
Abby's about to answer when one of the Browns comes over to claim his dance. Abby looks up, surprised--she's been so busy flirting with Tom she didn't even realize the orchestra had started playing. "Sooner I get this over with, the sooner we can leave," she whispers to Tom as she gets up.
When Abby's left the table, Biff slides into her seat. "So, who are you and what have you done to merit all those whispers from our delectable Sandra Sue?" he asks Tom.
"She's not your delectable Sandra Sue, she's my date," Tom tells him.
"Oh, dear, don't tell me she's still in that awkward rebellious stage," Biff says.
"Just what is that supposed to mean?" Tom asks.
"If you have to ask, you wouldn't understand," Biff says, and turns his attention to the dance floor. "She's grown up..." Biff makes a gesture to indicate a curvy figure, "rather well. Too bad she stuck herself in this backwater."
"Oh I don't know. It's better than spending her life hanging out with boring stiffs like you," Tom shoots back.
Biff looks at him, shocked. "Definitely still in her rebellious phase," he says, then gets up and heads towards the dance floor--and Abby.
Tom also gets up and makes it to Abby before Biff does and cuts in on the man she's dancing with. Biff makes a move to cut in and Tom looks at him and says, "No, you may not cut in."
Abby laughs at the look on Biff's face and whispers in Tom's ear, "Thank you. You know, I think that's the first time anyone's ever told Biff no--at least the first time a man has."
"Well he's never dealt with Tom Bradford before," Tom gloats. "And you're very welcome."
"Oh? Just how welcome am I? Because I've danced with everyone I had to and said hello to all the right people, and if the only man I actually *want* to dance with would rather do it somewhere else, I'm game."
Tom grins and goes to get their things and then they leave.
"So, are we going to have that discussion," Abby teases on their way to the car. "Oh, no--a discussion," she moans. "I forgot all about it. No wonder--who could think in there? Aside from you, I don't think anyone back there has had an original thought in a decade. Anyway, it's about Tommy."
"What about Tommy?" Tom inquires.
"I think he was afraid to tell you--can't imagine why, though, it certainly wasn't his fault. He aced his geometry test in school," Abby explains.
"Why would he be afraid to tell me that? Ok what's the rest of the story?" Tom asks.
"You catch on quick," Abby laughs. "Apparently his teacher couldn't believe Tommy had improved that much while I was teaching him, so he decided Tommy had cheated, and gave him an F. I'm going to the school tomorrow to talk with him. It's not just Tommy he's questioning, it's my skill as a teacher. Tommy and I worked really hard to get his grades up to that level, and I won't see some teacher who isn't willing to give Tommy any credit ruin the progress Tommy's made."
"You have to be kidding me. How dare he do that? What's his teacher's name?" Tom demands.
"Tom, let me take care of it, OK? I mean, aside from wanting to help Tommy out, this is professional. I'll take care of Tommy's teacher," she moves a little closer to Tom, "and you can take care of me."
Tom settles down and kisses her.
They wind up back at her place. Tom puts some romantic music on and then they dance there, unaware of anyone in the world besides each other.
~This could be very dangerous. But after tonight, I've earned a little fun, haven't I? And so has he~ Abby thinks as she dances a little closer yet.
While they're dancing each starts wanting more than dancing. They start kissing again and one thing leads to another and they almost wind up in her bed when Tom stops himself. She asks him what's wrong and he tells her that he has to get home and check on Nicholas and then he kisses her goodnight and leaves.
On the drive home. ~What's wrong with you, wanting to sleep with another woman so soon after Joan? You're a terrible man, Tom Bradford.~ Tom drives home with his mind in turmoil.
Abby, meanwhile, is berating herself for the whole stupid evening. ~First you have him do battle with the amazing world of Harry Mitchell and idiots like his boss and Biff. Then you come home and practically seduce him. If he doesn't think you're a stuck up snob just playing with him, he'll think you're some tramp. It was only
your third date, for crying out loud! Watch him cancel on you for Friday. Oh, what does it matter. It was fun while it lasted, and it was just for fun. Only no, it wasn't, or it might not have been, if we'd had more time.~
Thursday morning, everyone is gathered at the table, eating breakfast, reading, studying, arguing. Joannie has her head buried in the Register. "I don't believe this!"
"Believe what? What's going on?" Elizabeth asks.
"In the paper," Joannie says. "'Local glitterati and old-guard Democrats mixed and mingled at the kick off to Jerry Brown's re-election campaign at the Crocker last night.' And look--there's a picture of Dad, Mrs. Abbot, and the governor."
"Wow, you look great, Dad," Nancy says.
Tom just grumbles and thanks her.
"What? Let me see that." Nancy says.
Nicholas looks at the picture and runs out of the room.
Tommy replies, "What's his problem?"
"Who'd you have to pay off to get your picture in the paper, Dad?" Joannie teases.
"Joannie that's enough, please don't. The museum was awful."
"How could it have been awful? Pretty place, fancy food, nice date..." Joannie teases.
"Well Abby was wonderful, it's the other people," Tom says.
Mary picks up the paper and looks at the picture, "Nicholas is having problems with dad seeing Mrs. Abbot because of Mom. He still believes Mom is coming home someday," Mary says sadly and then looks over at her dad. "Dad, maybe you should talk to him."
Tom goes after Nicholas and finds him in his fort. He knocks on the door.
"Come in," Nicholas replies.
"What's wrong champ?" Tom asks as he sits down beside his son.
"Nothing," Nicholas says, not looking at his father.
"Then why did you run out of the house? And why do you look so sad?"
"When Mom comes home won't she be mad when she sees that picture of you and Mrs. Abbot in the paper?"
"Nicholas, we've discussed this. Mom can't come home. She would if she could, but she can't," Tom gently says to him.
"She wouldn't leave us alone," Nicholas says.
"Nicholas she didn't have a choice, and she hasn't left us completely. She'll always be in our hearts."
"I miss her." Nicholas starts to cry a bit.
Tom hugs him. "I know son I miss her too."
"Then why are you going out with Mrs. Abbot?"
"Because I like her a lot, son. You'll understand when you get older."
"But won't Mom be mad if you date anyone?" Nicholas asks.
"No Nicholas, I think she'll be happy that I found someone that makes me happy." ~At least I hope so.~
"Are you happy?" Nicholas asks.
"Well Nicholas, that's complicated. Yes I'm happy but sometimes I feel guilty."
"I do too, especially when I watch cartoons and I start to laugh," Nicholas says.
"It's ok to laugh, it gives you a break from the sadness," Tom assures him.
"Well, I better go to school," Nicholas says as he gets up.
"Do you want a ride?"
"No, Kenny P. is coming by and we are going to go together."
Tom is about to make one of his usual comments about Kenny but decides against it this time. "Ok, but Nicholas you can talk to me anytime about anything, please know that."
"OK," Nicholas replies and goes into the house for his books.
Tom leaves for work.
A little while later Kenny goes over to the Bradfords' house. As Nicholas opens the door Kenny whispers, "Come on outside, I want to ask you something." Once outside Kenny says, "Let's skip school and go somewhere."
"I don't know Kenny, what did you have in mind?" Nicholas asks.
"Let's skip school and go fishing," Kenny says.
"Not today Kenny, I have a math quiz. Maybe some other day."
"Okay, we'll do it another time then. Okay?" Kenny says.
At the college, Rick approaches Nancy on her way to class.
“What do you want, stalker?” she chides.
“Nancy, I really am sorry about that night,” he says.
“You almost hit me.”
“I lost control. It’ll never happen again. I was real worried when you walked home by yourself.”
“Oh yeah, you were so worried that you went home and slept like a baby. My dad told me how his phone conversation with you went. All you care about, Rick Allister, is yourself.”
“That’s not true.”
“Oh yes it is, and I don’t go out with self centered jerks.”
He grabs her and shoves her against the wall. “Look no one breaks up with me, get that through your head. I do the breaking up.”
“Rick let me go, you’re hurting me,” Nancy says, becoming scared.
“No I don’t think so. Not till you accept my apology and go out with me again,” Rick says.
“Let her go if you know what’s good for you!!” One of Susan’s jock male friends says and comes over.
Rick turns around, takes one look at the guy, and hightails it out of there.
~Ok let me get this straight, he runs off when a guy challenges him and he’s rough with women. What a wimp.~ Nancy ponders.
“Are you ok kid?” the guy asks.
“Yeah I’m ok, thanks for showing up.”
“Not a problem.”
“And please don’t tell Susan about this. She’ll only worry and try to take him on herself.”
“I won’t, but you ought to think about filing a complaint,” he says as they head for class.
Sometime Thursday morning, Donna walks into Tom's office looking harried. "Mr. Randolph--he's on his way down to see you," she warns. "His secretary wouldn't say why--just that he was *smiling.* Does this mean I'm going to have to break in a new boss?"
Tom frowns. "I hope not."
A few minutes later Elliot Randolph walks in. "Tom," he says, "great party last night, wasn't it?" He turns to Donna. "Bring us coffee, would you?"
Donna brings them some coffee and then leaves them alone.
"What do you need Elliot?" Tom asks.
"You never answered my question last night. I didn't realize you knew the governor. Political connections are always good for the paper."
"I don't know the governor. I was there as Abby's date."
"So she knows the governor? I did see her dancing with both of them, later on." Randolph narrows his eyes in thought, plotting how he can turn Tom's girlfriend to the paper's advantage.
"Elliot what are you thinking?" Tom asks suspiciously.
"I'm not thinking anything," Elliot answers.
"Well if you'll excuse me I have a column to work on."
"Of course." Elliot stands. "Look, why don't you come over for dinner sometime? I'll have my wife call your lady-friend to set it up. I'm sure I can get her number; after all, we did publish her name in the paper today."
"Let me talk to Abby first, ok?"
"Of course. But soon, all right? After all, it isn't every day that one of our columnists dates someone who's that chummy with the governor." Elliot leaves the room, not waiting for Tom's reply.
Tom makes a face at his retreating figure.
Donna hurries in as soon as Randolph leaves. "So?"
"We still have our jobs Donna, so don't worry," Tom says to her.
"That's good. Takes too long to break in a new boss. So--what did he want?"
"Donna, I'd rather not talk about it right now. I have a column to
work on."
"Aren't we grouchy today?' Donna mumbles. "What'd you do, wake up on the wrong side of the bed..." she stops, having remembered that Mr. Bradford's picture was in the paper that morning with some woman. ~Maybe you just didn't wake up in your own bed at all...~ "I'll just go ask Mr. Randolph's secretary what happened."
"Fine!!" Tom shouts. "If you must know, he wants to double date with Abby and I. But not a word to anybody please."
Donna starts laughing and barely manages to gasp out, "You on a date with Mr. Randolph and his wife?" When she can breath again she asks, "And who's Abby, anyway? She the woman in that picture? Her name was something else, wasn't it? You keeping secrets from me again, Mr. Bradford?"
"Abby is my girlfriend." Tom says. ~Wait she's more than just a girlfriend. Much more.~
"For your sake, I hope the society columnist got the names wrong and she's that woman in the picture, then."
"She is," Tom smiles. "And they got the name right."
"OK, Mr. Bradford, you're losing me," Donna says. "And that isn't easy to do. I didn't even know you were going out with someone, much less seriously enough that Mr. Randolph would want to meet her."
"Well now you know," Tom says. "Can I get back to my column now?"
"This is more important than your column!" Donna says, then sighs. "But I suppose if you must...I can always get the details from Joannie or Nancy."
"Leave Nancy and Joannie alone. They have their own lives to deal with."
"Well, then? You know, the only thing more certain than death and taxes is gossip, so tell me about her."
Tom groans and then as he's telling Donna all about Abby his frown turns into a grin. And he just keeps talking about her unable to stop himself.
Donna listens and starts grinning, too. ~Good to see him look happy. It's been too long. And just wait until I tell Thelma in Accounting about this...~
"And please don't tell Thelma in Accounting."
"Would I do that, Mr. Bradford?" Donna asks, trying to look innocent.
"Yes."
"But what's the fun of good news if you can't share it?' Donna whines. "And besides, you and this Abby have been the talk of the water cooler since this morning's edition came out. I'd just be correcting misperceptions."
Tom rolls his eyes heavenward and returns to his column.
As the last class files out of Mr. Phillips's classroom, Abby walks in. "Mr. Phillips?" she says to the man behind the desk. He nods. "I'm Mrs. Abbot, with the Traveling Tutor Program. I understand one of my students, a Tommy Bradford, is in your class, and that you had some questions about the quality of the work he'd done while
he was out of school?"
He sighs. "Mrs. Abbot, I don't think this is any of your concern."
"I was his teacher for those five weeks. If you're questioning his progress, it is very much my concern," Abby answers.
"I have been teaching over 20 years Mrs. Abbott and no student ever has improved as much as Tommy claims to have no matter *who* has been tutoring him."
"Then you've obviously not worked with any of my students, Mr. Phillips. I'd show you his work," Abby pulls several thick folders from her bag, "but somehow I don't think you'd be satisfied with that, either. I don't understand, though, on what you're basing your knowledge of his capabilities--he was hardly in school before he
broke his leg."
Phillips pulls out his folder and shows the few things he had on Tommy's grades before he broke his leg. "This is what I am basing it on, as you can see he was doing D work at best, no effort on his part at all."
"That's exactly it, Mr. Phillips. Tommy has the potential, and when he started school here, he wasn't using it." Abby pulls out a folder five times as thick as Phillips's. "As you can see," she pulls out some papers, "at the beginning, Tommy was doing barely passing work. Slowly, as he decided to apply himself, his work improved. Test it
for yourself, if you like--set up a test he can't cheat on and see what he can do. I think you'll be surprised."
"Normally I wouldn't do it, but after seeing your papers, I'll give Tommy a makeup test. Tell him to see me tomorrow after school and I will give me another chance."
"Thank you," Abby says as she gathers her papers. Once she gets into her car, she allows herself a loud, "yes!". She starts driving towards the Bradford house, then remembers the debacle of the night before. She was pushy enough; she won't chase after him now. Abby turns her car around and drives home.
Later after school in the Bradford kitchen. Nancy walks into the kitchen in a completely bad mood. Rick had been following her all day. She half expected him to be parked outside when she got home. ~This is like one of the bad stalker movies. Not to mention that they start horror movies like this sometimes. Maybe I should call the police.~ She glances at Tommy. ~Should I mention it to him? Elizabeth said that he didn't want a lot of people to know about what Phillips did. No I'll wait til he mentions it.~ "Hi Tommy," Nancy says.
"Hi Nancy, how was your day?"
"Not too good, how was your day?" she asks him.
"Mine either, I manage to get an A and a F on the same test." Tommy tells her.
"Yeah I heard. The school board should have fired that jerk after he tried to fail David unfairly. Is Dad taking care of it?"
"Not that I am aware of yet. I went over to Mrs. Abbot after school and she said she would take care of it. I thought with her being a teacher she might be able to fix it."
"Well I'm sure she will. Don't worry about it. You'll get your 'A' back."
"I hope so." Tommy says "So did Rick bother you again today?"
Nancy sighs in frustration. "Yes, he doesn't know when to give up."
"Well you know what I would do, but since you don't like violence, what are you going to do?"
"Well I'm not going to tell Dad, he's having too much fun with Abby. I've been thinking of going to the police but since a crime hasn't been committed there's probably not much they can do anyway."
"Well, be careful," Tommy warns her.
"I will be, don't worry," she assures him.
"You better be," Tommy says trying to sound authoritative.
Nancy smiles and hugs him. "You're so cute when you're trying to act like Dad."
"I am not cute."
"I'm sorry, handsome," Nancy says.
"That's better" Tommy says as he pretends to look at his profile through his spoon.
Nancy laughs and shakes her head, she soon finishes her drink and then goes upstairs.
When Abby gets home she dials the Bradfords and prays that Tom won't answer.
"Hello," Nicholas says.
"Hey, Nicholas. It's Mrs. Abbot--um, Abby. Is Tommy around?"
Nicholas isn't too pleased to hear her voice. "Just a minute," he says, kind of rudely.
"Tommy," he yells. "Telephone."
"I got it up here"
Tommy goes into his dad's bedroom. "Hello?"
"Hey, Tommy. It's Abby. I spoke to that Phillips. He wouldn't change the grade."
"Oh great. Why do I even try?" Tommy says.
"One of these days, Thomas Bradford Junior, I will come over there and bash you repeatedly on the head while you chant 'I will not jump to conclusions' until you get the idea."
"I am not jumping to conclusions, you told me he wasn't going to change my grade."
"No, he won't, but he'll give you a chance to change it. It isn't a perfect solution, but--he's willing to give you a retest that he'll set up so he's sure you haven't cheated. Do as well on that as on this and you'll be set for the whole year."
"A make up test? But I didn't do anything wrong," Tommy says.
"It's the best I could do, Tommy. Besides, if he reinstated this grade, he'd just do the same thing again next time. This is your chance to prove to him that he's wrong--he can't not believe it when he's set the rules and you still beat him at his own game," Abby explains.
Tommy sighs in defeat. "When do I retake the test?"
"Set it up with him tomorrow," Abby says. "By the way, is everything all right with Nicholas? He was really abrupt when he answered the phone."
"Nicholas?" Tommy asks "Well he did act strange this morning when he saw the picture of you and Dad in the papers."
"Want to start at the beginning? You're getting me confused. What picture? What paper? Wait--must be the Register. I know it wasn't the Bee, but all that I read in the Register is your father's column. So--there was a picture of your father and me in the paper?" Abby prompts.
"Yeah, you, Dad and the governor."
There is the vague muffled thump of Abby hitting her head against the wall. When she stops she ask, "And Nicholas saw this and didn't like it?"
"Well Mary told me the other night that Nicholas is still under the
assumption that Mom is going to come back."
~And so it begins. Eight children...~
"Mary mentioned it to Dad at breakfast this morning, but I don't know if he talked to him yet," Tommy says "Of all of us, I thought he was handling it the best. But I guess he is still in denial."
"I'm not sure a kid his age can really understand what's happened," Abby says. "It's hard enough for an adult, right?"
"Yeah, right," Tommy says.
"Well, um, look, you ought to go review your math so you can show that Mr. Phillips what you're capable of, right?" ~I really don't want to get into a discussion of what the kids think about Tom dating.~
"OK...uh, Abby? I know it didn't sound like it earlier, but thanks for your help," Tommy says.
"No problem."
"I'll call you when I get the results of my test," Tommy says.
"Well, I think I already know what the grade's going to be, but yeah, I'd like to hear official confirmation. Now go study," Abby chides.
"Yes *Mrs. Abbot*," Tommy says, kiddingly.
Abby laughs and hangs up the phone.
The next morning. Joannie, Susan, and Nancy arrive at school in the station wagon.
"Nancy do you need a ride home?" Joannie asks, knowing that her younger sister usually gets out of class before they do.
"Yes, I'll wait on one of the benches for you," she says.
"Ok, see ya later."
"Bye." They all go to class.
Later, after their classes, Joannie and Susan check the whole area and don't find Nancy anywhere. Joannie stops one of her classmates and asks if Nancy's still inside.
"No, she left an hour ago," he says. "Said something about meeting you two out here."
The guy then leaves and Joannie and Susan exchange a worried glance.
"Hey maybe she got another ride home," Joannie says. "Let's go."
Joannie and Susan go home and find Elizabeth in the kitchen.
"Hey Lizzie is Nancy home yet?" Joannie asks.
"No, I thought she was riding home with you two," she says.
<Insert any replies from Susan>
Mary walks in and sets her books down.
"Hey Mary, did you see Nancy on your way home?" Joannie asks, becoming
worried.
"No, I didn't. Why?" Mary asks.
"She said she was going to wait for us to get out of class for a ride home today and she wasn't there. We figured she caught another ride home and we didn't see her on the way home," Joannie tells her.
"Well, if she doesn't come in soon we can call some of her friends and see if they know where she is," Mary states.
"Yeah I suppose, you don't think Rick had anything to do with this do you?" Joannie ponders. "Naah she probably forgot and went somewhere else and will be
home anytime now."
"If he knows what's good for him he'll stay away from her. Let's give her thirty minutes to an hour and then we'll start calling her friends," Mary suggests.
"Ok," Joannie agrees. One hour and 23 minutes pass and Nancy still doesn't come home. They call all of her friends but some haven't seen her in days and others
not since school let out.
Mary hangs up the phone after she called the last one of Nancy's friends that she can think of with no luck. "Well, now it's time to worry. Any ideas?"
"Yes I say we start looking. I'll check mom's grave," Joannie says.
"I'll call David and get him looking too. Then I'll start out and look for her too," Mary says.
"Hey, I think Dad's home," Elizabeth says.
Tom pulls into the driveway with a big smile on his face. Tonight Abby was going to make it up to him. Two days before they had gone to an art museum to attend an event. Neither one of them had a good time there; however, Abby's behavior worried him. She was a completely different person around those people and Tom wanted the old Abby back, the fun one that he knew and although he hasn't told her yet, the Abby whom he loves.
He goes inside, puts his briefcase in the study, and then goes into the kitchen to get something to drink. He observes his four daughters. "What's wrong?" he asks. "You three look like your favorite department store has closed for good or something."
"Well, Dad, it seems that Nancy may be missing. She was supposed to meet Joannie and Susan after school, but she didn't show up. They didn't see her on the way home from school and now she hasn't come home and it's been over an hour. We're kind of worried about her," Mary says.
Tom's face clouds over. "That's not like her except for that one night when Rick left her stranded. Did you call her friends yet?" he asks frantically.
"Yeah we did, Dad, and no one has seen her since school let out today," Mary answers.
"Nancy said that Rick was giving her trouble a couple of days ago." Tommy replies.
"You don't suppose that Rick has something to do with Nancy missing?" Susan asks.
"Don't know," Tommy replies.
Tom grows angry. "I don't know, but he better not have."
A full scale search is started. Several hours later everyone is still searching with no luck. About an hour before Tom is supposed to have his date with Abby he dials her number.
"Hello?" Abby says. When Tom identifies himself, she braces herself, knowing that he is going to cancel on her, as she's known it since Wednesday night.
"Abby I hate to do this, but I have to cancel." Tom says. "Nancy's missing. No one has seen her since earlier today at school."
"Nancy's missing?" Abby repeats. "Have you called the hospitals? Tell me what I can do to help."
"Yes, and thankfully she's not there. Can you come over?" Tom asks.
"Of course. I'll be right over." Abby hangs up and grabs her bag. On the drive over she only occasionally allows herself to think, with relief, that she might not have messed everything up on Wednesday night.
When Abby gets there Tom hugs her. "Thanks for coming. I didn't want to search alone, you don't mind do you? And I'm sorry I left so fast Wednesday night. I can explain while we're looking," he says to her.
"Of course I don't mind," Abby tells him. "And there's no need to explain anything, really." ~I don't want to know. I'm almost certain I don't want to hear it.~
"Thank you. Daisy, Max's wife has agreed to stay and watch the phones in case Nancy calls." Tom says clearly very worried about his daughter. "Are you ready to go now?" he asks her.
"Of course. Why don't we take my car? That'll leave both your cars for other people to use."
Tom nods and then they get in Abby's car. They check all of the places that Nancy hangs out and even the cemetery. A couple of hours later they stop at a burger joint to take a break.
"No one has seen this Rick guy either since she disappeared today. If he's so much as laid a finger on her..." Tom says in a angry tone.
"Getting angry won't help Nancy," Abby says, trying to calm Tom down. "Someone at the college must know about this Rick, where he lives, where he hangs out. Even if he's as bad as you make him out to be, he must have friends--maybe they could tell you where you could find Rick, and then at least you'd know if he had anything to do with Nancy disappearing."
"Good idea, the college is next." Tom replies. "And I can't help but get angry at him. Did I tell you what he did to make Nancy break up with him?"
Abby shakes her head, so Tom tells her everything he knows about the situation.
"That's terrible. We definitely check the college next. But you're telling me that with all the years you've been reporting in this town you don't have a single cop who'd bend the rules for you?" Abby asks in disbelief.
Tom shakes his head. "None of them will do anything until she's been missing twenty four hours. They figure that Nancy and Rick made up and ran off together or something."
"That's ridiculous. No woman in her right mind would make up with a guy like that," Abby protests. "Look, Tom, I know you didn't particularly care for the crowd at the museum the other night, but maybe I could ask my parents if someone here owes them a favor and can lean on the police a little, you know?"
"No I didn't care for them, but I would do anything to find Nancy," Tom says.
"OK, you go talk to the college people and I'll find myself a phone booth."
They drive to the college and Abby drops Tom off at the administration building. She then goes to the Student Union, gets a handful of change, and calls her father's office.
Ten minutes later she meets up with Tom. "Dad wasn't sure how much help he could be, but he said he'd try. He'll leave me a message if he gets anything." Abby doesn't tell him about the five minute lecture her father gave her on her involvement with the Bradford family.
"Thank you Abby, and soon I'll thank your father," he replies. "I didn't have any luck. Rick doesn't go to school there he just went there to see Nancy sometimes."
"Some one has to know who this guy is," Abby says, frustrated. "You know, you're seriously disillusioning me. I thought reporters could find out anything. Watched too many of those Woodward and Bernstein-type movies, I guess."
"Abby you just gave me an idea." He kisses her. "Thank you very much. Are you up to a trip to the Register?"
"Um, sure," Abby answers. "I'm yours for as long as you need me."
They go to the Register and Tom talks to the guy at the printing press for awhile. The guy nods every now and then and one hour later brings some flyers to Tom's office with Nancy's picture and vital statistics on it.
"A copy will run on the front page tomorrow morning. Some of the guys are going to pass these flyers out and post them on telephone poles, in windshield wipers, you name it and we'll do it," He tells Tom.
Tom takes the flyers. "Thanks Mitch, I owe you one." He gazes at his missing daughter's picture and tears start to well in his eyes as extreme sadness hits him. ~Don't even think it; she's not dead. You would know if she was.~
"Hey, it'll be all right, Tom," Abby says, though she knows it may not be. "A girl as pretty as Nancy people remember. Someone must have seen her, and now they'll know to report it."
"I hope you're right, Abby. I don't know what I'd do if anything ever happened to one of my kids." The tears start falling.
Abby wraps her arms around him. "Shh. It'll be OK."
After Tom's all cried out: "You know I'm wasting precious time right now. I should be out there looking." He gazes into Abby's eyes. "I can't thank you enough for being here."
"There's nothing to thank me for," Abby says. "Let's stop by my place, check if my father got back to me, and then we'll look--where?"
Tom ponders and then a thought comes to him. "Cassie." Abby looks at him in confusion. "She was Nancy's best friend in high school. They kind of drifted apart after graduation but we haven't checked with her yet. Maybe she knows something."
"OK, then, let's go." When they get to Abby's apartment, she hesitates. ~Do I want to revisit the scene of the crime with him along?~ "Why don't you wait here--I'll be in and out, doesn't even pay to shut the engine."
"Ok," Tom nods and then Abby goes inside.
Abby runs in and quickly comes back out. "Nothing yet, but he's working on it. Takes time to get the wheels moving. OK, where's this Cassie live?'
Tom gives her directions and Abby drives them there.
Cassie opens the door when they knock. She sees Tom and a smile spreads on her face. "Mr. B., hey." She hugs him. "How have you been? Is Nancy with you?" she asks and then glances at Abby. "Hi," she says.
"No she's not with me. I was hoping you had seen her." Tom says. "This is Abby Abbot," Tom introduces them.
"Nice to meet you." Cassie shakes her hand.
"Hello," Abby says, not wanting to waste time on formalities.
"I saw her a couple of weeks ago at a party, but not since then, why?" she asks.
"Nancy's gone missing," Abby explains, "and we've looked everywhere we could think of. We were hoping you might have some ideas where she used to go, so we could look there, too."
Cassie's face clouds over with worry. "You're kidding right?"
"I wish we were," Tom says.
"Jason!! Get out here!!" Her boyfriend comes out and she tells him what's going on.
"Was it that Rick jerk?" he asks. "Oh, wait til I get a hold of him.
"That can wait," Cassie chides him. "Now think where did we all used to hang out when we were in high school. Help me here."
Jason lists off the old haunts. Unfortunately all of the places have already been checked.
Abby hands them a bunch of flyers to pass around and asks them to ask their other friends if they've seen Nancy, could think where she might be, or knew anything about Rick's whereabouts.
Both Cassie and Jason agree and then Tom and Abby leave.
"So what now, Tom?" Abby asks.
"We post these fliers up and bring some home for the kids post. Other than that, I don't know."
Abby tries to think of something else to do but can't. "We should probably pick up something for everyone to eat--they'll all be tired and hungry from searching, and I doubt anyone will have the energy to cook." ~Great. Real presumptuous of you. Who said you're staying to dinner? He probably wants to be alone with his kids right now.~
Tom nods. "Yeah, you're right, and you are staying for dinner, right?"
"I...I don't know if that's a good idea, Tom. Your kids need you right now," Abby says, trying to minimize the blow by dealing it herself.
"And I'll be there for them," Tom says.
"You don't need any distractions," Abby insists. "Look, I'll drop you off, I'll take some of those fliers and hand them out around my neighborhood and people I know, and you let me know what else I can do, OK?"
"Ok I will," Tom says.
They drive to the burger shop and pick up dinner for the Bradfords and then Abby drives Tom home.
In the Bradford driveway: "I'm going to make tonight up to you as soon as Nancy is safe at home. I promise," Tom tells her
"Really, Tom, it's all right. You don't have to say that--I understand, OK?" Abby throws her car into reverse, backs out of the driveway and speeds off down the street.
Tom stares after her for a few minutes wondering if he did something wrong and then goes inside. The girls are out searching still. Tommy and Nicholas are back from searching because Nicholas has to go to bed soon. Tom shows them the fliers. "Mitch down at the paper made them for me. We're going to post them around town. How are you guys doing? Do you need to talk?"
"Dad? Nancy's not going away like Mom, is she?" Nicholas asks.
"Oh, Nicholas, of course not. I promise," Tom assures him.
Nicholas walks up the stairs.
Tom goes after him to tuck him in.
"Night, Dad," Nicholas says. Tom goes back downstairs to Tommy.
"If Rick has her, I should have punch his lights out when I had the opportunity," Tommy says.
"When did you see Rick?" Tom asks. "And no you shouldn't have done that, he's bigger than you are and I don't like fighting."
"He was over here the other day hassling her, but David threw him out of the house."
"Why didn't she tell me?" Tom agonizes. "I would have taken care of him."
"I guess she didn't want to worry you," Tommy says
"Didn't want to worry me? That's what I'm here for. For you kids to talk to about any problem."
"I know, Dad, but I guess when you get a certain age...well you know."
"When you kids are 80 years old you can still come to me."
"With all the stuff going on today I forgot to tell you that I got another A- on the test Mr. Phillips made me retake."
Tom smiles and hugs his son. "I knew you could pull it off, I'm proud of you, Tommy."
"Actually I can't take full credit, Abby was the one who made it so I could to prove to Phillips I didn't cheat. I was going to tell her tonight, but she left before I had the chance."
Tom saddens again. "She went to go hand out fliers." He's trying to be strong for his children but is about to fail miserably. "I really wish I knew where your sister was."
"Dad, Nancy is going to be fine," Tommy says. "Isn't that what you just told Nicholas?"
"Yes it is." ~I just hope that she really will be.~ "I should start believing what I tell you kids, shouldn't I?"
"It wouldn't hurt," Tommy replies.
Tom smiles at his reply. "I'm going to go and put up some fliers. If Daisy's still here you can come with me if you want. Unless you're tired."
Sensing he wants the company-- "Sure, lets go," Tommy says.
Tommy smiles and they continue putting up flyers.
Daisy agrees to stay a little while longer to keep an eye on Nicholas and the telephone. While Tom and Tommy go out to put fliers up.
"Everything that has happened this past month can't be easy for you. I mean teenage boy has enough stuff to worry about without there being a crisis every week. Is there anything you need to talk about?" Tom asks his namesake.
"This whole year has been strange; but I guess it has been more so for you," Tommy replies. "Not only have you had to deal with it all; you have also had to deal with us too."
"Tommy don't worry, I like having to deal with all of you. I wouldn't trade that for anything."
The next day in Rick's hideout.
"My family is surely looking for me by now. I'll put in a good word for you if you let me out of here," Nancy lies.
"You're not going anywhere. If I can't be with you in this life we'll be together in the next," Rick says as he loads his gun.
~Oh geez he's a lunatic, how could I have ever gone out with him.~ "If I die and you live your problems will be just beginning, that is if you escape brain damage. You really need to think about this."
"I have thought about it." He smiles grimly, but the smile doesn't reach his eyes.
Nancy quickly grabs a vase in the room and brains him with it. She tries to grab for the gun but he grabs it before she does. She then makes a run for it. Rick fires at her but misses. He chases through the woods looking for her.
Meanwhile Nancy is desperately looking for a place to hide when she's grabbed from behind and pulled into a hiding place. She sighs in relief when she realizes who it is. "It's really good to see you, Mare," she whispers.
"It's good to see you too." She hugs her. "Are you ok?" She checks her over and notices that the area around her right eye is bruised and starting to blacken and that there's a day old cut near that on her forehead. ~I'm going to kill him.~.
At that moment Rick is blindsided by David's left hook. The gun falls to the ground and David confiscates it. "And just what were you going to do with this, you bastard? Mary, it's safe to come out now!!" David shouts.
Nancy and Mary come out of hiding. Mary socks Rick in the jaw. "If you ever come near her again."
"He was going to kill me and then himself," Nancy tells them.
David hugs her while keeping an eye and the gun on Rick. The police soon arrive, take statements, and then haul Rick off to Jail. David and Mary take Nancy to the hospital to get checked over.
"There's no concussion." Dr. Max tells them. "But she should still rest this weekend and stay home Monday. And I can recommend a good counselor."
"I don't need a counselor. I'm fine. Rick's the one who needs a counselor."
"Of course you don't," David says and gives Mary and Greg a look that says we'll talk to her about it later. "Let's get you home there are a lot of people who are worried about you."
They take Nancy home. Tom's the first one to see her. He hugs her tightly and then checks her over and boils over with rage when he sees the black eye and the bandage on her forehead. ~I'm going to kill him. Wait till I get a hold of that punk.~
"Dad, I'm ok," Nancy tries to assure him. They go inside.
Tommy and Nicholas run down the stairs and Tommy says "Boy, that's some shiner you have."
Nancy chuckles. "Well, I try," she jokes, trying to lighten the mood.
"Geez, Nance, I'm supposed to be the drama queen of the family," Joannie takes up the joking. "So how come you get all the drama?"
"Luck of the draw I guess," Nancy tells her.
"Well, stop playing that game, OK?" Joannie says. "It's got a lousy
make-up man."
Nancy laughs which makes her eye and head hurt. "Oww, Joannie, please stop making me laugh."
"Yeah, that's what they tell me in the Drama Department, too," Joannie pretends to grumble.
"Aww, poor Joannie," Nancy hugs her.
"You OK, Nancy?" Nicholas says.
"Yeah, big guy, I'm ok," she says.
"Correction, you'll be ok after you rest." David tells everyone what Dr. Maxwell
said.
Elizabeth comes in from searching and hugs Nancy. "Are you ok?"
"Yeah, honey, I'm ok."
"Nancy," Susan says as she hugs Nancy and joins the rest of the family "Where have you been? Are you alright? Do you want to talk about it?"
Nancy returns the hug. "Rick abducted me yesterday outside the school. I've been with him this whole time, and can we talk about it later? All I want to do now is get something to eat and then sleep."
"Whenever you want to talk just let me know. Now lets go get you some food," Susan replies.
Nancy smiles. "Let's."
After everything settles down they all eat breakfast. Afterwards Tom makes Nancy get some rest like Greg prescribed and calls Abby.
"Hi. You've reached Sandra Sue Abbot. I can't come to the phone right now, but if you leave your name and number at the beep, I'll get back to you as soon as I can."
Tom sighs in frustration and hangs up the phone. He tells Mary he's going out for a bit and then heads over to Abby's apartment and knocks on the door.
Abby puts down her book and heads towards the door. Screening her calls is one thing, but she won't cower in her own home. She opens the door--it's Tom. "Hi," she says, standing blocking the doorway. "Any news about Nancy?"
Tom smiles. "Yes she's at home sleeping and that Rick guy is in jail. I tried to call but I got the machine and I didn't want to tell you over the machine."
"That's great! Well, thanks for coming over to tell me. I'm sorry I didn't answer the phone, but I'm real busy studying, see, and, well, I just needed some quiet, you know?"
"Oh, so I guess you don't have time to talk then?" Tom asks. ~Yep she's mad about something.~
Abby hesitates, "Well, a little while, I guess. Why don't we go for a walk? I've been cooped up inside all day," she says, but really, she doesn't want to tempt fate by letting Tom into her apartment.
"Ok." Seconds later on the walk: "Abby, did I say something last night to upset you?"
"What?" Abby says, sounding genuinely surprised. "No, of course not. And even if you had--your daughter was missing. I wouldn't hold anything you'd have said last night against you."
Tom sighs in relief. "Good." ~Should I tell her now that I love her?~ Tom agonizes. "So, are you busy tonight?"
"Look, Tom, I've been thinking--I've been think about this a lot--and I'm just not sure, well, that this is such a good idea."
"That what is not such a good idea?" he asks.
"Us."
"Abby, how can you say that? Of course we are. What's wrong?" Tom says.
"Nothing's wrong," she lies. "It just--it's not right, either."
"I don't understand," Tom says. "I thought you were happy, too."
"Well," she searches for the words, shrugs when she doesn't find them. "You're a good man. But..."
"But what?"
Abby shakes her head, not quite willing or able to find the words. The closest she can come is to say, "But something's changed, hasn't it? And it's just, well, it's not... I just don't think it's going to work, that's all."
"But I..." ~No, don't say it, you'll make her feel bad; it will have the opposite effect of what you want it to have.~
"But what?" Abby asks.
Tom's about to lie but Abby's giving him that look that doesn't allow him to lie to her. "I love you."
Abby stops and turns toward him. "What?"
"I said I love you," Tom says again.
"I...you...Tom, may I ask you something?"
"Sure."
"Have you...Am I the first person you've really dated since Joan died?" Abby asks.
"Well uh, I dated a few women when Greg and Daisy separated." He tells her about what happened then. "But no one seriously."
"Look, Tom, you're lonely. I can understand that, I've been there. And you have eight kids, some of whom still need a mother around. But you shouldn't confuse that with love; you're not being fair to yourself if you do."
"Abby, I'm not confusing anything. I had my own doubts when this relationship first started, but I know they were only doubts and I know that I love you."
"But you can't," Abby protests. "Tom, we hardly know each other. And what you do know, well, a lot of it you don't like."
"Yeah but a lot of it I do like, and if I liked every single thing about you that would scare me. Perfect people scare the life out of me."
Abby laughs. "I'm certainly not perfect. But, then what..." She looks away, and when she looks back at Tom, her eyes are filled with hurt and unshed tears.
"What?" Tom asks gently.
"Wednesday night."
"Abby, I left because of me, not you. There's nothing I would have loved better than... But I was hit with a ton of guilt because of Joan. And I know now it'll be awhile before..."
Abby laughs. "That's what it was? I thought--well, never mind what I thought...Why didn't you say something? I would have understood."
"I don't know, I guess I was scared to, and I wanted to tell you last night, but it wasn't the right time, and so I'm telling you now."
"Do you have any idea what you put me through these past two days?"
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to do that," Tom says.
"I know, but you did, and I guess that's what I mean. I mean, if you're afraid to tell me things like that, and if you feel guilty about us, well, what kind of relationship can we have? I'm not sure you're ready for what you think you're ready for, and I can't compete with a ghost. No one could."
Tom sighs in frustration.
"I think I should be getting back now," Abby says. "I have a lot of studying to do."
Tom nods and walks back with her to the apartment. He doesn't say anything more the whole time.
At her door, she turns to Tom. "When you're ready, you know where to find me." She gives him a quick kiss on the cheek and slips into her apartment, closing the door between them.
Tom turns and walks away. He gets into his car and drives home. Only in the car does he let his tears fall.
In her apartment, Abby leans against the closed door and chews her thumbnail, trying to figure out why doing what she knew was the only right thing feels so wrong.