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 2001.
Mildred Krebbs, soon to be P.I. had her head submersed in a mystery novel when the agency doors opened and an unanticipated visitor breezed in. The welcoming smile Mildred wore quickly vanished at seeing the man she immediately recognized, but hoped she'd never see again. When he was around, trouble never trailed far behind him.
"Well, if it isn't special agent Roselli. I thought you were somewhere on the other side of the world. They don't have espionage in Katmandu?" Mildred quipped, her tone less than civil.
Undaunted by Mildred's malevolence, Anthony Roselli smiled as if she'd just complimented him.
"I'm sure they do, Mildred, but I was called to L.A. on business. I thought I'd stop by to see Laura while I was here. So, she around?"
"Yes."
After a few seconds of deafening silence, Tony laughed leaning closer to Mildred. "Well can you tell her I'm here?"
"Sit down," Mildred said curtly before waving her hand toward the direction of the receptionist area sofa.
Tony sauntered over to the couch. "Still as pleasant as I remember you."
Mildred picked up the phone then hung it back up. Standing, she walked to Laura's office knocking twice in quick succession before entering. Spying the boss in Laura's office made her cringe. As was his habit, Remington lounged on the edge of Laura's desk with this legs and arms crossed in front of him. They were both laughing, oblivious to Mildred's approach. Mildred cleared her throat to get their attention. As if on cue, two pairs of eyes looked up fastening on the older woman.
"Sorry to bother you kids, but you have a visitor Miss Holt."
Hopping off the desk, Remington started toward his office. "I didn't think we had any clients scheduled for today. Give me a moment to retrieve my jacket and I'll..."
"We don't chief," Mildred interrupted. "This uh...appears to be a social call."
Noticing the annoyance in Mildred's voice, both Laura and Remington quirked an eyebrow.
"Tony Roselli is here to see you, Miss Holt. He's taking up space in the reception area."
"Tony Roselli? Here? To see me?" Laura repeated as if dazed.
"Nothing gets past you, eh Laura?" Remington said, dryly.
Laura scowled at Remington before smoothing her dress and hair. Stepping around both people, Laura sailed out the door. Mildred made to follow, but Remington held her back and shut the door in one flawless movement.
"Just what the bloody hell is the Cassanova of the spy world doing here?"
"Beats me, boss. I just looked up and there he was--darkening the door step. Said he was in L.A. on business and wanted to stop in to see Miss Holt. Like I believe that."
Remington glanced at the door, then back to Mildred. The unreadable expression quickly replaced it with a cool smile. Turning, he headed toward the connecting door. Mildred's voice stopped him.
"Hey, boss, what gives? Aren't you going to go out there and see what that no good bum wants?"
"In due time, Mildred. After all, he came to see Miss Holt. Quite frankly I think he should see her, don't you?" Remington winked before disappearing .
It took a Herculean effort, but Mildred finally closed her gaping jaw and headed back to her. Her boss may not give a fig what Tony Roselli was up to, but she did!
"I can't believe you're here in L.A. It's been what, two years?" Laura asked.
"Two years, 8 months, 4 days. Not that I'm counting," Tony replied.
Laura smiled, but Tony could see she was nervous. He cursed himself for the tenth time for showing up on her door step but, it couldn't be helped. He had to see her! Hearing his name repeated twice caused him to refocus on his surroundings. "Excuse me?"
"I said, you mentioned being here on business. How long are you staying?"
"Yes Antony, how long indeed?"
Mildred, Laura and Tony looked up to see Remington sauntering toward them. He appeared at ease, and as suave as ever. He'd donned his suit jacket and had apparently given himself the once over, since not a hair was out of place. Mildred could barely stifle a giggle. If his attempt was to make Tony's attire look rumpled in comparison, he was right on target. Laura also noticed his extremely fresh appearance and rolled her eyes.
"Mr. Steele, I was wondering when you'd show up. Still here I see?" Tony taunted, not bothering to extend his hand in greeting.
"Obviously. Where would you expect the head of the agency to be?" Remington inquired in a bored voice.
"Somewhere solving a crime, I suppose. That being your forte and all," Tony replied in a tone matching Remington's.
Remington smiled at the put down before walking over to stand inches from Laura's side. You were about to mention how long you'll be in town Antony?"
"Actually, I'm not sure," His gaze locked with Laura's.
For a reason Laura couldn't explain, his scrutiny made her antsy. When she smiled at him it was with genuine warmth. It surprised her, but she was glad to see him.
"Well, I'm sure you didn't come to see me, so I'll leave you to your purpose. Good day, Antony," Remington said as his gazed traveled over Tony before lingering a few seconds on Laura.
"Out for a while, chief?"
"Yes, Mildred, back shortly ok?" Remington winked at her then sailed out of the office.
Laura released the breath she'd been curiously holding. "That went well."
"Don't sweat it. I knew the English muffin wasn't about to welcome me with open arms. So how about lunch?" Tony said as he pulled Laura's hand in his.
"Sure. Just let me grab my purse," Laura replied striding quickly to her office.
When Laura returned, she informed Mildred that she'd be back sometime that afternoon, but wasn't sure when. Mildred gave her the eye which she pointedly ignored as Tony ushered her out the office.
Unable to stop herself, Mildred stared after the couple. After a few minutes, she shook her head then pulled out her novel. Holding on to her bookmark with one hand, Mildred flipped open the worn book with the other. The sigh she let out echoed around the room. "And just when you thought it was safe."