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 1999.

Steele In The Darkness - Part I

    "I'm telling you Laura, we shouldn't take this case so close to the holiday.  Not that they've held much joy or real fascination for me growing up and all that."  Remington said as he and Mildred tried their best to hold the Christmas tree steady.

    "I'm with the boss on this one Miss Holt.  Can't we just tell this guy we're booked solid through the new year?"  Mildred said as she instructed Mr. Steele that his end was slipping.

    "My end isn't slipping,"   Remington grouched.  "You're over compensating Mildred.  For God's sake, it doesn't take directions to put a bloody tree into one of these infernal stands does it?  Whose idea was it to get this new fangled stand anyway I mean..."

    "Actually, Mr. Steele, your side is a bit crooked,"  Laura interrupted.  "Try coming more to the left."  Laura said as she backed away and scrutinized it like a fine painting.

    "Oh good heavens Laura."  Remington said in exasperation as he leaned in further and waited for her decision.

    "Perfect you two.  And yes, we DO need this case.  It's pretty cut and dry but there is a nice bonus in it for us if we solve it before Christmas."  Laura commented.  "And since when are the two of you not interested in bonuses?"  Laura asked curiously.

    Remington and Mildred exchanged glances but refrained from comment.  Laura bent down to snap the lock on the tree stand securing the tree in its place.  She stood up and stepped back to admire her handiwork.  Remington immediately let go of his end and walked around to stand behind Laura, adjusting his suit jacket as he did so.  Mildred followed suit and grinned as she observed their efforts.

    "Beautiful isn't it?  I tell you kids, this is my favorite time of the year.  I love all the decorating and ornament hanging."  Mildred gushed.

    "Oh?  What about the crowds in the stores that are pushing and shoving?  Or the maniacs driving around with christmas trees strapped to their cars and conveniently blocking their views and everyone behind them?  How about my all time favorite; the little tikes nipping at your heels in the toy stores like it's them you're buying gifts for?"

    Laura laughed as she recalled Remington's horror story at being attacked by a group of over zealous 9-year olds at the toy store.

    "If you will recall, Mr. Steele, I told you it wasn't a very good idea waiting until the last minute to shop for my neices and nephew. You insisted that it would perfectly safe and that I was overreacting remember?"  Laura smiled up at him.

    "How was I to know that there would be a pack of rabid kids waiting to reek havoc on an innocent shopper?"  he said indignantly.  "I mean really Laura, they were mutinous when I suggested they go chastise the stock clerk for not putting out enough of those...whatever those creatures were that were so popular last year."

    Mildred chuckled as she went to answer the ringing telephone.  "It's for you Miss Holt." 

Mildred handed Laura the phone and went to help Mr. Steele open the boxes of decorations.

    "Laura Holt speaking.  Oh hello Mr. Crosby...Yes, we have decided to take your case and Mr. Steele would like to schedule an appointment with you for next week if possible.  Really?  Oh that would be fine and we look forward to seeing you again." 

    "Well?  When are we meeting the elated Mr. Crosby?"  Remington asked as he manuvered his way to the christmas tree with a string of colored lights.

    "We'll meet him first thing Monday morning.  Mildred, would you mind putting Mr. Crosby in the appointment book for 9am?  I think we'll need about two hours to go over what is needed and to sign the contracts and everything.  Mr. Steele, does 9am work well for you?"  Laura asked innocently. 

    Remington seemed to ponder the question for a moment and then nodded as Mildred went over to the appointment book.  When Mildred was out of ear shot Remington walked up to Laura and whispered in her ear. 

    "That is unless you have other plans on Sunday night that happen to lead in to Monday morning?" 

    "There are always possibilities, eh Xenos?" Laura countered as she walked into Remington's office.

    Remington knew it was a silent summons and didn't hesitate to follow her.  He closed the door behind him, pulled Laura into his arms and spun her around so that she was up against the door.

    "Care to elaborate, Miss Holt?"  Remington asked as he leaned his full length up against Laura pinning her to the door.

    Laura grinned wickedly as she leaned in close to whisper in his ear.  "That depends on you Mr. Steele, but I would say us being occupied is a definite possibility." 

    Laura leaned in and placed a light kiss on Remington's lips.  Remington didn't hesitate to increase what had started out as a quick peck on Laura's behalf.  He knew she was in "tease mode" and he decided to let her know just how up for teasing he was.  His lips assaulted hers in a full out frontal attack, letting her know quickly just how aroused their banter had made him.  Laura's breath quickened and she began moving against him as her arms wrapped around his neck.

    Laura was the first to break the kiss but was far from being unaffected by it.   She pushed him away and smoothed her dress down before running a shaky hand through her hair.

    "If that's a prelude to what I'm in store for later, I can hardly wait to decorate the damned tree and be out of here." Laura smiled seductively as she opened his office door, walked out and shut it firmly behind her.

    Remington's blue eyes grew darker in intensity as he pondered Laura's parting words.  Oh yes, he would make sure that they would revisit this topic later, when they were out of the office and Mildred's earshot.

To be continued...