This story is intended for amusement purposes only. This story is not meant to infringe on the names of Remington Steele, Laura Holt or anything that would cause MTM productions or anybody else to sue me. This story is the property of Lisa Watson ã 2000.
Laura listened impatiently as the phone at Remington's apartment rang for the fifth time. She hung up after three additional rings and headed for her bedroom. Pulling a suitcase from the closet, she threw it on the bed. Mentally, Laura went through the contents of her closet to pack clothes suitable for the Caribbean. As she packed, she found herself looking repeatedly toward the telephone. Remington hadn't made the meeting with Abigail Petry; furthermore he hadn't made it to the office at all. She was baffled by his sudden absence, prompting her incessant need for answers. She went to her phone and dialed Remington's number again.
"Aren't you going to get that?" DeMarcus said with interest.
Remington looked toward the ringing telephone. "No, I'm not."
"You know it can't be anyone but Laura," Milo said, "She's persistent I'll give her that."
"To a fault," Remington said eyeing the still ringing telephone.
"Well if you won't answer it, I will," Monroe replied.
"I'm not here and you don't know when I'll return," Remington clarified.
Monroe looked at him sternly as he picked up the receiver.
"Well it's about time you answered! I was beginning to think you'd been kidnapped," Laura said.
"Hello Laura, it's Monroe. I'm sorry but Mick isn't here at the moment," Monroe said lightly.
"Well where is he? I've been trying to reach him since this morning," Laura said with irritation.
"He mentioned something about a case that needed his attention. Yes, I do remember him saying he'd be in rather late," Monroe tried to sound convincing.
"A case? Did he mention the Petry case? I don't mean to sound blunt Monroe, but if Mr. Steele going to be out until late, what are you doing at his apartment?" Laura questioned.
"Well you see, his mate Milo is flying in this evening and Mick asked me to be here to let him in. You know, see he gets settled in and all that," Monroe grimaced.
The man in question quirked an eyebrow, but refrained from comment.
"I see," Laura said quietly. "Well Monroe, if Mr. Steele happens to materialize any time soon, would you kindly tell him that I've gone on a case to the Cayman Islands and that if he is interested in joining me, Mildred has all the details," Laura said tightly.
"Will do Laura," Monroe said as he hung up.
"Laura wanted me to tell you, if you were interested, that she has gone to the Cayman Islands on a case. If you care to join her, Mildred has the details," Monroe said eyeing Remington with derision. "If you ask me Mick..." Monroe began.
"I didn't," Remington interrupted.
"You're a damned fool and I don't relish lying to Laura," Monroe finished.
"Clearly not the best move my friend," Milo interjected.
"For the record, I haven't figured out what I'm going to do yet ok? Given the circumstances, the last thing I need right now is to spend 9 hours leg to leg with Laura on a flight to the Cayman Islands so give over," Remington said curtly.
"Look I don't know about you two, but I know when to shup up and get out, so later," DeMarcus said as he bid them goodnight and left.
"I'm leaving Mick but for the record, I'd rethink throwing away years of progress with Laura if I were you," Monroe said solemnly. He patted his friend on the shoulder,retrieved his coat and let himself out.
Remington stared at the door a few moments before looking at Milo. "I suppose you think me a fool too eh?" he said tiredly.
"Xenos, you know me better than that my friend. I'd never call you a fool; a demented jackass yes, but never a fool," Milo chuckled. He stood up and put on his jacket, eyeing his friend a few moments before he spoke again. "A wise man once told me, that a life with love must have some thorns, but a life with no love will have no roses."
"A wise man eh? Anyone I know?" Remington smiled.
"No," Milo grinned and left.
Remington sat there for endless moments ponding Milo's words; finally he picked up the phone and dialed a number.
"Mildred, Steele here. I need a favor."