Friendly Persuasions
by Sasquaw
The Ranger is making his way through
the crowded airport of L.A. International. He keeps shifting the bag back
and forth from one arm to the other, cradling it gently, and moving his 'carry
on' luggage gently across the floor with his boot. In his other hand he's
carrying a smaller bag, and it too is being 'favored'. The line is moving
slowly up to the security checkpoint.
The man behind the Ranger is impatient and complaining about the time spent
in checking the 'carry on' luggage, the woman beside him is equally impatient.
They swear underneath their breaths as it is taking forever for the
blonde headed woman several paces ahead of them, to get all of her luggage
checked. The Ranger is watching the woman, captivated by her striking figure.
He's obviously not the only man that is staring at her, as several male passengers
begin helping her to get her luggage on the conveyer belt. The woman knows
that she is the reason that everyone is getting impatient; she turns to the
line behind her.
"I'm so sorry--I was late getting to the
airport and everything---I'm sorry."
Walker sees the woman's face for the
first time and his heart skips a beat, he stares at her unbelievingly. Finally
the woman is given the clear signal and she moves on, Walker can't take his
eyes off of her. He watches her walk away, and his eyes follow every movement
of the beige two-piece suit, as she keeps pushing her blonde hair out of
her eyes. He feels someone pushing him and a gruff voice.
"Hey buddy--want to get your eyeballs back
in your head and move up---I'd like to catch my plane sometime in this
century."
Walker mumbles an apology
and puts his 'carry' on' on the conveyer belt, and then he hands the first
bag to the security guard.
"Please be careful with that one--it's
breakable."
The lady guard smiles as she watches
the bag go through the x-ray machine,
"Oh, what a beautiful music box."
"It's not a musical box," explains
Walker, "it's a carousel--a gift--for my daughter."
The guard looks at it again, "It's
beautiful--from what I can tell."
Walker smiles, "The
box is unopened if you would like to see it."
The guard
takes a quick look, and whispers,
"A gift?"
"Yes ma'am, for my little
girl. It's her first birthday tomorrow."
The guard smiles and puts
the box back into the bag and hands it to Walker,
"She's a very lucky little girl. Are you going to carry that on with
you? Aren't you afraid it will get broken?"
"No ma'am, I'm more afraid it will
get broken if I don't carry it on, it is okay if I carry it, right?"
"You will
probably be asked again to put it through a security check before you board
your flight--what about this other bag, are you carrying it on too?"
Walker nods and puts
the smaller bag inside his shirt, "Yes ma'am, and I know I'll have to
get it checked again."
The angry voice is getting louder, "Hey
buddy---you want to stop the chitter chatter---and move on?"
Walker glares back at
the man and then to the security guard,
"There's one in every crowd."
The guard nods as Walker throws the
'carry on' bag across his shoulder, and again cradles the gift for his daughter.
He makes a quick check to make sure the package inside his shirt is secure,
and then heads for the loading area.
Walker checks the schedule again, hoping
that the flight won't be as late as what is being posted. He takes a deep
sigh as he sees the sign changed again--a 45-minute delay. The Ranger looks
around for the coffee machine and heads for it.
The coffee is not near as hot as
he likes it, but he drinks it down quickly. He looks up to see the blonde
headed woman heading for the same machine, and again stares at her. He shakes
his head in disbelief as his eyes go up and down the woman's figure. She's
beautiful, and the way she carries herself, she must be a model with that
gorgeous frame. He sips the last of his coffee as he continues to watch her.
"Damn it, that was the last of
my change," the woman swears and then she starts looking around for
a change machine, she sees Walker looking back at her.
"Excuse me, but would you
have change for a dollar?"
Walker is jolted out of his reverie
as he starts stammering, and reaching into his pockets, "Uuuh, yeah----yeah,
I think I do," he finds exactly the amount of money that the woman needs,
and hands it to her, never taking his eyes off of her.
She smiles
back at him, and his heart is doing flip-flops--"Thank you--here's your
dollar."
Walker waves
the dollar, "Not necessary--glad---I could help."
The woman turns and goes to the machine,
she can still feel the man's eyes staring at her. The coffee comes out and
she again thanks the Ranger and walks away.
Walker exhales slowly, and feels
a queasiness in the pit of his stomach as he watches her walk away. The woman
stops and looks back at him, he can tell that the woman is becoming nervous
at the way he keeps staring. He shakes his head, forcing himself to think
of other thoughts as he walks to the window and watches the planes depart
and land. He feels the package inside his shirt and smiles, then he starts
to remember times that weren't so good.
The Ranger is lost in his thoughts as
he keeps watching the blonde, who is now pacing back and forth, talking on
her cell phone. She's definitely agitated at the person on the other end.
Other voices interrupt the Rangers' thoughts as he sees the same irate passenger
that was standing in line behind him, the man is still complaining. The man
is arguing with his lady friend as he continues getting closer to the blonde.
The blonde is now having a difficult
time in hearing as she puts her hand up over her right ear in an effort to
drown out the man's complaints. Finally she takes the phone from her ear
and confronts the man.
"Would you please keep it down,
I'm on the phone."
The man turns on the woman, "Ex-cuse
me, your highness-but the last time I looked, this was a free country and
I will talk as loud as I want."
His lady friend stares back at
the blonde and snorts, "That's telling her Lloyd----who does she think
she is?"
"Oh shut up Maude---and go
get me some coffee," the man barks.
The blonde walks as far away from
the man that she can get and keep in distance of her loading gate. She
goes back to talking and carrying on her part of the argument with the person
on the other end. Walker is watching the irate passenger as he continues
to hurl insults towards the blonde. The Ranger's temper is starting to rise
as the man again walks towards the blonde.
The man is pointing his finger
at the woman, "All of you damn celebrities are all alike, you think
you can have everything your way---well---you're wrong missy."
The blonde is looking
around for security as she sees the bearded cowboy walking towards the man
and confronting him. Words are exchanged and the passenger pushes the cowboy.
Walker backs up and then
he puts his hand up, "Back off mister--leave the woman alone."
The man stares at Walker in his western
attire, he does not see the Texas star inside of Walkers' shirt, he puts
his hands on his hips and challenges Walker.
"And, just who the hell
are you-some drugstore cowboy? Why don't you mind your own business?"
Walker meets the man's challenge, "If
you continue to bother that woman, you'll find out real quick who I am---I'll
kick your butt all over this airport!"
The man charges at Walker
screaming obscenities. The Ranger sidesteps and pushes the man to the floor,
causing him to slide across the floor, hitting a trashcan. The man gets up
and charges Walker again--Walker clotheslines him with a straight arm, the
man goes down hard. Walker stands over the man as security is rushing to
them.
Walker takes out his wallet and shows them his
identification and then pulls his jacket open so they see his badge. They
pull the man up off the floor, as he is fighting to get away from them. One
of the guards walks over to the blonde.
"No, I don't want to
press charges, I just want him to stay as far away from me as possible---and
I would like to finish my phone call--if that's okay?"
The guards talk to the irate passenger and
to Walker and then they walk away. The passenger goes to sit down as his
lady friend brings him coffee. The blonde goes back to her phone call but
she keeps looking back at Walker.
Walker returns to his
seat as the blonde hangs up her connection and walks towards him. He stands
up as she extends her hand.
"Thank you for taking care of that," she
smiles and her blue eyes light up her whole face.
Walker can feel himself getting weak
in the knees, his hands are all clammy as all he can do is nod his head and mumble, "You're
welcome."
The blonde is looking at the cowboy
as Walker continues to hold her hand, she laughs, "Can I have my hand
back now?"
"What? Yeah--I'm sorry--," the
Ranger jerks his hand back and rubs both of his hands on his jeans in
a nervous matter.
The blonde continues to smile,
as she looks the cowboy over, thinking what a marvelous body he has. She
looks into his eyes and sees kindness, yet confusion. For someone so rugged
looking, his hand was soft, and the trimline beard is very attractive to
her. Her blue eyes continue to look into his as she tilts her head and looks
up at him, the Ranger is becoming even more nervous.
"Thank you again," she
replies, "not too many people like to get involved in other people's
problems."
Walker tries to speak; he
has to clear his throat, "No problem, glad to help."
The couple continue to stare
at each other, Walker blurts it out--"Haven't I met you somewhere before?"
The woman sighs as she says to herself, ""Here
it comes, the old pick up line." She smiles softly, "No---we've
never met."
Walker stammers, "I didn't mean
that in the way it sounded--I meant---excuse me, but--you remind me of someone."
The blonde starts to reply, but
then the voice over the intercom announces that their flight is loading,
she puts her hand up, "I'm sorry, I have to go--that's my flight."
Walker nods, "Yeah, mine too--are
you flying to Dallas?"
The blonde is walking
away as Walker scrambles to retrieve his packages, then hustles to catch
up with her. She turns to him.
"My
flight stops in Dallas----and
"no" I will not have a drink with you---or anything else that you
are considering asking me."
Walker smiles, "I wasn't asking
you to have a drink with me, or anything else-I was just asking you
if your flight went to Dallas."
The woman stops and turns to the
cowboy, "Look---I appreciate what you did back there, I really do--but
I'm not interested in carrying on this conversation---alright?"
Walker stops as they approach the
loading gate and first class is being loaded first,
"Fine--have a nice flight."
The woman replies, "I plan to,
if everyone will just leave me alone."
Walker watches as the woman
walks down the loading gate, the rest of the passengers are starting to load
up behind Walker, and gentle shoving is felt. Finally they announce that
the rest of the passengers can load and Walker again tries to cradle his
packages.
The Ranger hears the complaining from
the passengers behind him as he is trying to keep the biggest bag from being
crushed, he holds it outright in front of him. Moving between the seats
is a pain as his 'carry on' keeps getting hung up on the backs of the passenger
seats, he curses underneath his breath as he is looking for his seat, it's
at the very end of 'coach' seating. As he's getting closer to his seating,
he sees the blonde trying to get her small bags into the locker overhead.
She finally succeeds and takes her seat near the window; the seat next to
her is empty.
The line behind Walker is
getting more impatient as someone shoves him, and the Ranger falls forward,
landing halfway in the empty seat. The package he was carrying is sent flying
and lands in the lap of the blonde. She looks up at the Ranger and shakes
her head, smiling softly.
"We meet again," she
says.
Walker is scrambling to upright himself and
get his legs out of the aisle, and sits down gruffly beside her. "I'm
sorry, I hope my package didn't hit you."
"No, it's fine---are
you--sitting in this section?"
Walker shakes his head, "Are you kidding,
I can't afford first class? I was knocked into this seat---mine is up there,
in the next aisle ---on the right---coach."
The woman looks around, "Why
is everyone in such a damn rush, their seats are designated, it's not like
someone is going to take theirs."
The Ranger sighs as he reaches for the package, "I'll
get to my seat as soon as everyone calms down, hopefully whoever is seated
next to you will be late."
As Walker reaches for his
package, music is heard. The woman looks at him and smiles, "Is that
coming from your package, what do you have in there?"
"It's a carousel, would you like to
see it?"
"No, I don't
think so, maybe you better find your seat."
Walker nods, "Yeah,
I can see that you're definitely busy and don't want to be bothered."
The woman is getting agitated, "Look,
I'm tired and I just had a big argument with my husband--I don't feel like
making small talk---now would you please find your seat---and take it?"
"Sorry, lady--and I meant it when
I said you reminded me of someone---I was not flirting with you--if that's
what you think."
"Don't you think I know
a 'pick up 'line when I hear it? You were obviously trying to come onto
me."
Now Walker is getting
angry, "You are one egotistical female---I will find my seat as soon
as everyone gets out of my way--will that be soon enough for you?"
The woman glares back
at him, "YES---and the sooner the better."
Walker is trying
to get his packages together and trying to stand up, as other passengers
in first class have suddenly decided to start move around, the Ranger swears.
The woman is doing a
slow burn, "Okay---I give up--who is it--that I'm suppose to remind
you of?"
Walker sits back in his seat,
and answers softly--"You remind me of my wife."
The woman smirks, "Oh
great--now this is a little different approach--I suppose next you're going
to tell me that your wife is deceased---and how you're mourning for her still----and---"
Walker is fighting to control his
temper as he stares into the woman's face--"No---my wife is very much
alive--and I happen to be very much in love with her--- now,
how does it feel to have egg on your face? Are you so wrapped up in yourself
that you can't even accept a compliment? And, believe me lady, being compared
to my wife is a compliment!"
The woman's mouth drops
open as she starts to steam, Walker is standing up and attempting to get
by the passengers in the aisle.
"Wait a minute," she
reaches up and grabs his arm,
"please----sit down till you can get back to your seat safely---I'm
sorry---I've just been under so much pressure---please accept my apology."
Walker sits back down and the woman's
face softens, her blue eyes look to him in embarrassment.
"I'm sorry for what I
said---without sounding egotistical---I do get a lot of those so called 'lines'---please
forgive me for sounding so vain."
Walker scratches the side of his
cheek, and stares deep into her blue eyes. "I really meant it when I
said that you remind me of my wife----here---I can prove it."
The Ranger is again shifting
packages around and trying to keep his luggage in between his feet. He starts
reaching for his wallet as again he hands the box back to the blonde. "I
have her picture---right here---see!”
The blonde stares at the picture, "Oh
my God, it's like looking into a mirror."
Walker smiles, "See, I told you--it's
amazing that two people can looks so much alike--are you sure you don't have
a twin sister?"
The woman laughs, "I'm sure! Why---is
your wife a twin?"
Walker smiles as he takes
the picture back and looks at the blonde in the picture,
"No, she's an only child."
The woman
looks at the picture again,
"Well---they say everyone in the world has a identical look a like---and
I just found mine!" The woman sees the picture of a little girl on the
opposite side of the woman's picture, "And this is your little girl?"
"Oh yes," beams
the Ranger, "the apple of my eye---this is my daughter--her name is
Angela."
"May I take a closer
look?"
"Sure, there
are other pictures---feel free to look."
Walker watches the look
on the woman's face as she touches the face of Angela and coos--"Look
at those eyes---she's just adorable."
"She has her Mothers' eyes---and
they're like yours--- a beautiful azure."
"How old is she?"
"She'll be a year
old tomorrow, that's why I'm so damn anxious to get home," Walker replies. "Do
you have any kids?"
"I have two little boys---Heeeyyyy,
I just thought of something--if I ever have a little girl---she'll look like
your Angela---no---wait---that didn't sound right---I meant------"
Walker grins, "It's
okay, I think we've both stumbled over our words a time or two. You said
you were stopping in Dallas---do you work there?"
The woman looks back to Walker
confused, "You really don't know who I am, do you?"
"No ma'am---are you a
model?"
The woman starts to reply when
an all too familiar voice fills the air, "Hey buddy--wanna to get out
of my seat?"
Both Walker and the woman
stare up at the irate passenger, the woman groans, "Oh no, please say
it isn't so, I'm sitting next to him?"
"Yeah,
well missy I'm not too overly happy about sitting next to you either--hey
buddy---move it."
Walker
stands up and gets in the man's face,
"I'm not 'your buddy' and if you call me that one more time, I will
put my fist to your mouth----you got that?"
The man swallows
hard as he rubs his hand across his neck, reliving the cowboy's arm clotheslining
him. His lady friend is staring back at the Ranger, grinning, and popping
her chewing gum.
"Don't let him talk
to you like that, Lloyd--it's bad enough we don't even get to sit together--------"
"Oh shut up, Maude---and
find your seat."
Walker is trying to get
out of the man's way as the man is flopping down into the seat next to the
blonde. The woman looks up to Walker, her eyes pleading. The Ranger bends
down to the man and whispers.
"And, another thing---leave
the lady alone----don't be bothering her, or I will rearrange your face."
The Ranger turns to the blonde
and smiles, "If he gives you any trouble, tell the stewardess to come
get me---it was nice talking to you."
The Ranger goes in search
of his seat, and takes his seat by the window and puts his packages in the
empty seat beside him. The other passenger on the aisle is an elderly woman;
she takes out her knitting and smiles warmly at the Ranger. The Ranger sighs,
as soon as the sign says that it's okay to unbuckle seatbelts he pushes his
seat back. He then gets the stewardess' attention.
"Miss, would you please keep
an eye on passenger 56 in the first class section, he's got a big mouth and
earlier he was harassing the passenger next to him."
"Yes sir, I will tell the stewardess
in that section, would you like some coffee now?"
"No, thank you---I'm
going to try and sleep--thank you."
The Rangers' dream
is uneasy as the voices continue to argue.
******************************
"You are being so stubborn---what
would it hurt for me to have some outside interests?"
"For the last time, Alex---I
don't you want you going back and forth to Houston on any damn cases, you
need to be home with our daughter."
"I am home, Walker--I'm
home more than you---don't you think I get tired of always being the one
that gives in and stays home with Angela?"
"You're her Mother--you're
suppose to be home with her! I have to work, Alex--my job sometimes take
me out of town for several days at a time, I don't have any choice but to
be away from her---and you."
"But, don't you see? Your job
takes you out of town, and you get to see other sights, other people---my
job keeps me inside a court room all day and sometimes the highlight of my
day is going to a jail cell or being called into the judge's chambers."
"You chose
the job, Alex--I didn't!
If you don't like your job, find another one."
"I am not throwing my
career out the window--I just want to be able to go to other places and get
out of this damn town for a day or two, is that so much to ask?"
"When it means leaving our
daughter with a sitter or dumping her into that damn day care all day--then
yes--it is too much to consider. Your place is with our daughter, not running
back and forth to Houston or any other damn place."
"Walker, you are being unreasonable-I
can take Angela with me-----“
"The
hell you are!! You're not dragging our daughter all over Texas---she has
to stay in that daycare all day now, because you have to be in court all
day. You're sure as hell not taking her to another one in a strange place
and dumping her."
"Would you please
stop referring that I am 'dumping' her? Walker, that was our agreement when
we talked of starting a family, that I would continue my career and the baby
would be in daycare, now you're saying that I'm abandoning her?"
He stops his packing
and stares back at his wife, usually she is the one that packs his bags. "Alex,
we have argued over this all we're going to, I'm tired of the arguing---if
you want to go down to Houston on these lectures about criminal cases--then
you go right ahead--but Angela stays here."
"And, who is going to
watch her? Are you willing to put off this trip to go after the Hannibal
Brothers to stay home and watch her?"
"You know I can't
do that--"
Alex's
bottom lip is trembling, "Oh---of course not---you never give up any
of your cases to stay home with her and let me do some outside traveling
in my work. I got news for you, Cordell John Walker--you are not the only
Ranger in Texas that can go after those murdering scumbags----let someone
else take the case---and you stay home and spend time with your daughter."
Walker slams the bag
down into the floor, "It's my job, Alex--and those murdering scumbags
killed 2 of our friends, have you forgotten that?"
"No, I
haven't forgotten--I have to see the widows of two of those killed Rangers---they
had five kids between them, and did you know that Sadie Carson lost her baby,
she miscarried?"
Walker stares back at her, "Sadie?
Little Sadie Carson was pregnant? She was just a kid herself. When they
were here a couple of weeks ago---nothing was said about her being pregnant.”
Alex takes a deep sign, "Well---she
didn't want her father to know, they were going to tell him that night-----and
then they got the news that Sam Carson and John Bennett were killed."
"They weren't killed,
Alex, they were massacred--the same way that the Hannibal Brothers killed
those two DPS troopers, and tried to rape those female motorists."
Alex bites her bottom
lip, "I know all that, but why do you have to be the one to go after
them? Angela will be having her first birthday in less than two weeks--if
you miss her special day, I will never forgive you, Walker! Your daughter
is more important than the Hannibal’s or any of your damn cases."
Walker takes a deep breath, "I
am not going to miss Angela's birthday--or our second anniversary--I promise
you."
"How can you promise that,
you're going thousands of miles away---up into Montana."
Walker starts to reply when he
hears his daughter whimpering in the nursery, both he and Alex go to console
her. Angela is pulling herself up to the side of the baby bed, and reaching
out her little arms.
Walker reaches over and picks her
up, kissing the side of her head. "Hey, my little angel, did you have
a bad dream--tell daddy about it and I'll chase it away."
The little girl starts to
giggle and slaps at Walker's beard, trying to grab it, Alex smiles as she
watches her two favorite people. She walks over to the little dresser drawer
and takes out her nightie.
"Now that she's awake,
you can help me give her, her bath."
Walker bounces the little girl up and down,
Angela screams with giggles, "Da da."
"Okay, my little angel, mommy
says it's time to take your bath--let's go get the bath water ready."
As Walker is filling
her little bathtub, Angela starts shaking her head and pointing to the bigger
tub and her little water toys. "You want the big tub?" Walker asks.
Angela starts nodding her head and reaching
out for Alex, "Mommy--wa-wa--."
Alex and Walker exchange glances, "Your
daughter is wanting the big tub---and--she wants us in that big tub
with her--do you think you could cancel your flight to accommodate her?"
As Alex takes her daughter, Walker goes to
the phone, canceling his flight for a later one. He follows Alex and Angela
into the master bathroom.
"What about Mr. Whale---is
he going to be in the tub with us?"
Alex laughs, "More
than likely, you know she likes to ride him and watch the water shoot out
of his spout--and honey---don't forget to get Mr. Walrus too."
The Ranger sighs
as he walks back to the nursery and picks up the two mammals in question, "We're
going to need a bigger bathtub hon-- with all of these toys----why does she
need all of these?"
Alex is testing the water as Angela
is trying to climb into the tub, "You were the one that bought all of
them, I seem to recall asking you the same question."
Walker gently tosses the mammals into
the water. Angela is bouncing up and down and trying to reach for them as
the water splashes into her face. The little girl giggles louder as she motions
for her daddy to pick her and put her in the tub.
Friendly Persuasions Part 2
Walker lifts
his daughter up and gently places her on the back of Mr. Whale and the little
girl giggles, her blue eyes sparkle.
"Dada, dada" she
splashes the water up at him.
The Ranger sighs as he looks around for his
wife, "Alex--where are you--our daughter is getting me all wet?
He hears a voice answer back, "Well----take
your clothes off and get in with her---I'll be back in a second---got to
get something."
Walker is trying to get his clothes
off and hold Angela upright on the mammal,
"Well---hurry up, before she topples headfirst into the water."
The Ranger finally slips into the tub and
scoots back, bringing the mammal closer to him, Angela is kicking the whales'
side and the water squirts at Walker. He laughs and splashes the water back
at her, causing her to giggle harder.
"You little varmint, you like
getting daddy all wet, don't you?"
Angela is now reaching for Mr. Walrus
and a couple of her other water toys. She picks up a small porpoise and throws
it at her daddy, giggling louder. He catches it and commences to tickle her
nose with it. Angela is starting to babble in her own little language, and
Walker just smiles back at her.
He reaches out and pushes
her damp hair back, reflecting on the day that she was born and the first
time he held her. He couldn't stop gushing, as he would look to Alex and
then back to the little bundle of pink that he was holding.
"She's so beautiful, hon---she
looks just like you."
Those words kept coming back
to the bearded Ranger as he watched his daughter giggle and ride her water
toys, she loves the water and he knows that it will take him and Alex forever
to get her out of the big tub. Usually, they try to stay in the tub till
she winds down, and gets so sleepy that she almost falls asleep atop one
of her toys.
A cheerful voice is heard, "I'm
back, anyone miss me?"
Walker looks up to see his wife holding a bottle of
brandy and two glasses, plus a bottle of juice for Angela. "Hey
sweetheart--you getting daddy all wet?"
The little girls smiles and starts reaching
for her juice as Walker pulls her closer to him, so Alex can get into the
tub. Alex turns and lays an object on the side of the tub as she smiles back
at her husband.
"I thought you might like one of your
cigars with your brandy."
Walker's brow arches, "What's
this? I thought we agreed that I wouldn't smoke around Angela--and definitely
not in the house."
Alex does a slight pout as she hands
the cigar and lighter to him, "Soooo---we bend the rules for tonight---enjoy
your cigar, honey--I have an ulterior motive."
"Really?"
Smiles the Ranger, "and what might that be?"
Alex smiles as she
pulls Angela back to her on Mr. Whale, the little girl is through with her
juice and now splashing Alex.
"I thought maybe that we could
come to a compromise about my trips to Houston---I know it's your last night
home for awhile and I don't want you to go off on this trip being upset with
me."
Walker takes a deep sigh as he lights the
cigar and exhales away from Alex and the baby. "I'm not upset with you,
hon---I just don't want you being away from home and from our daughter."
Alex bites her bottom lip and replies
softly, "But---I have to have my space too, Walker---how many times
do you go up into the badlands by yourself and I never say you can't---I
would never do that to you! I know how important that is to you for you to
have your space---why can't I have mine?"
"What is this 'space crap'? Are
you saying you want to have time away from Angela and me---for what? Are
you unhappy with our marriage---with me?"
"NO Walker---why
do you have to turn everything around and make it sound like that I'm bored----I
could ask you the same question when you go up to the badlands---or you having
to be the one that goes after these dangerous criminals! That takes you
away from home---from Angela and me-----are you bored with us?"
"Of course not!
You know better than that, I love our life together and I love you and Angela
more than life itself. And, furthermore I have only gone up into the badlands
one time since Angela was born, and you insisted that I go---you said
I was making you nervous being around the house 24-7."
"You were making
me nervous, honey---you were following me around every moment that you were
home-----"
"I was worried about you,
Alex, you said you weren't up to par yet--that your back was hurting---and
someone had to help take care of the baby---I'm sorry if I was stepping on
your toes."
Alex sighs as she turns Angela
around to face her daddy, she pushes the toy towards him, as the little girl
is squealing and kicking the sides of Mr. Whale. Walker catches her and gently
turns her back around and pushes her towards Alex as a friendly little game
of "push" is developing.
"I appreciated you helping me, honey--but
you were driving me crazy asking me every five minutes if I was okay----I
had to get you out of the house so I could get some rest---and I knew you
were chomping at the bit to have some time to yourself."
"And, I haven't been
back to the badlands since---have I?"
"No, you haven't---but
this trip up into Montana will be the third time that you've been away
from home since Angela was born----you get a break from your mundane job---I
don't! I have to have my space too, Walker---before----"
Walker takes a long draw off the cigar,
he squints his eyes and stares back at his wife, "Before what—Alex?"
Alex's blue eyes
look back to her husband, "Before--we end up suffocating each other
with our togetherness---look at us--how long have we been arguing about this
one subject?"
"Is that what you
think I'm doing---suffocating you? You just said that you were tired of
me being away from home and you and our daughter--and now you're saying that
I'm suffocating you?"
Alex gently pushes Angela
back to Walker, she then puts her hand up in defense--"This conversation
is going to end just like all of the others--with you getting your way--so
I'm not saying anything more."
Alex starts to rise out
of the tub, "When your daughter is through---would you please dry her
off and I will get her ready for bed--do you think you can do that?"
"Alex---come on---don't be this way----"
“What way,
Walker? I asked you to meet me halfway, and you refuse to do so--it's always
got to be your way---I never thought I would ever say that you were chauvinistic--but
you are definitely behaving that way now."
Alex steps out of the
tub and grabs her bathrobe, stomping back into the nursery. The Ranger swears
to himself as he reaches over and grounds out the cigar. Angela is staring
back at him, her blue eyes confused as she watches her mommy leave the bathtub.
A half hour later and Walker
is carrying a half asleep little blonde, blue-eyed girl into the nursery.
Alex takes her and lays her down on the bed and applies baby lotion and powder
all over her, she looks back to Walker and says nothing. He sighs and walks
back to the master bedroom, she can hear him throwing things around and drawers
being opened and closed. Alex walks over to the rocking chair and starts
rocking Angela and gently brushing her hair. Walker returns and looks to
Alex.
"Aren't you going to feed her before
putting her to bed?"
"Yes, I will feed
her---as soon as you tell me what you want for supper and I don't have to
play the guessing game about what you want to eat."
"I thought we were
going out to eat? That's what you said earlier, that's why you put Angela
down for her nap---now she's falling asleep."
Alex sighs, "I've
changed my mind about going out to eat---I don't think I would be very good
company."
Walker throws his arms up in the
air, "I give up!! Do you want me to go get fast food?"
"No, I don't want you
going out to get fast food--on your last night home--I will cook supper--do
you want lasagna, or meatloaf?"
"Whatever you feel
like cooking, hon---or I can go get something--I don't mind--if you don't
feel like cooking."
"Walker, come
get your daughter---and just give me a few minutes alone—okay?"
The Ranger quickly walks over to
the rocker and takes Angela, "Okay, hon--I'll take her downstairs--we'll
go the barn for a few minutes---and talk to Amigo."
Another half hour passes and Walker
and Angela are in the barn and they have discovered that the homeless tabby
that they took in the month before has given birth---to 6 kittens!!! Walker
is holding one up to his daughter; she's wants to touch it, but keeps bringing
her hand back.
"It's okay, my angel---it's
just a baby--he can't hurt you."
Angela has
finally touched the kitten, but the soft fur makes her squeal with laughter,
now she wants to touch the others. Walker sits her down gently as Angela
begins to reach for the others that are nursing, and the mama looks at her
cautiously. Walker reaches over and pets the mama.
"It's okay, little mama--we're
not going to hurt your babies--that's a promise."
"Oh my goodness--she had her babies!" A
voice exclaims.
Walker turns around to see
Alex standing there, she's all dressed up in a strapless sundress, with yellow
flowers on the dress and in her hair, she looks up at him.
"I'm in the mood for going out
to eat---if you still want to," she replies softly.
The Ranger smiles as he looks down to
Angela, "What about the rug rat?"
"She's fine
just the way she's dressed, we're waiting on you."
"I'll be ready in five minutes---be
right back," the Ranger turns towards the house, "what are you
in the mood for, Mexican or Italian?"
"It doesn't matter," Alex
replies, "just so it's food"! She sighs and looks down to her
daughter who has picked up one of the other kittens and trying to hold it
close. Alex looks to her daughter and sighs, "Angela, don't let anyone
ever tell you that marriage is 50-50---it doesn't work out that way---and
you will find out that the woman is usually the one to give in, especially
if she loves her man. It's more like 70-30."
The Walkers enjoy a pleasant but quiet
dinner at Jose's, conversation is strained as they each try to divert their
attention to Angela. The little girl is fighting to stay awake as she goes
back and forth to each of her parents, wanting to be held.
"I guess we best call it a night and
get the little rug rat home," sighs Walker.
The drive home
is even tenser as idle conversation is going back and forth between Walker
and Alex. As Alex gets Angela ready for bed, Walker goes out to close the
barn door and leave more instructions for Benji, the hired hand that
takes care of the ranch when he has to be away. He walks slowly into the
nursery and stands by his daughter's little bed, as Angela's eyes open halfway
as her lashes flutter back and forth. Walker smiles and reaches down to kiss
her eyelids.
"You got your Mothers' eyes, my angel---and
your eye lashes are like that of a butterfly with its wings fluttering. Butterfly
kisses for your daddy and dreams to build on---sleep tight, my angel---daddy
loves you."
The Ranger
walks slowly across the hall into the master bedroom, he stops and stares.
Alex is standing before him, candles burning in the background. He does a
double take as he takes in her beauty, she's wearing a plum colored silk
negligee, with slits up the side, revealing her long sexy legs. The Ranger
can do nothing but stare as he feels himself getting aroused and the room
getting warmer.
Alex smiles softly as she walks closer to
him, "I don't want you leaving, thinking I'm upset with you. Can we
stop arguing---for just tonight?"
Walker's eyes go up and
down his wife's body--each time that his eyes feast upon her body, it's always
like the first time. Each time that he takes her into his arms and they make
love, it's like that first time---on the rafting trip.
The Ranger swallows, "I don't
want to argue with you, hon---I just want you home---is that wrong?"
Alex
gently touches his lips with her finger, "I don't want to talk about
anything else tonight-----we will continue this conversation---when you get
home—agreed?"
Before
the Ranger can answer, her lips are upon his, her arms going around his neck.
His knees get weak, and his heart pounds faster as he sweeps her up into
his arms and carries her their bed. He whispers, "I love you, Alex."
*****************************************************
The Ranger is jolted awake by voices, he
looks up to see the blonde headed woman sitting down in the seat next to
him, gently picking up his packages, her eyes look back to him.
"I'm sorry--but do you mind if
I join you?"
Walker uprights his seat and starts rubbing
his eyes, "Of course not---are you okay, was that man bothering you?"
The blonde smiles, "He
wasn't bothering me, he just wouldn't shut up, he and his lady friend kept
conversing across the aisle. I don't think either of them knows how to talk
in a quiet voice."
The Ranger is still trying to get the sleep out
of his eyes, he motions for the stewardess,
"I've got to have some coffee, would you like some?"
"I would rather have hot tea,
with just a twist of lemon, no sugar."
Walker stares back at
the woman, she smiles. "You're staring again."
The stewardess takes their order, and
Walker shakes his head. "I know you're not going to believe this, but
that's how my wife drinks her tea--a 'twist of lemon--no sugar'."
The blonde laughs, "Another
thing we have in common, tell me--does she let you have your way all the
time--or is she hot tempered?"
The Ranger smiles, as he remembers
his dream just moments earlier. "I don't think I'd better comment on
that subject."
The old woman that is sitting
to the left of the blonde keeps looking at her curiously, "Have I seen
you on TV before?"
The blonde quickly looks to Walker and winks
at the old woman, "I've done a few commercials, that's probably where
you've seen me."
The old woman smiles, and
goes back to her knitting. Walker drinks his coffee slowly and then comments. "Are
you sure you want to sit in 'coach'--it gets a little crowded back here."
"Would
you rather I leave?"
"No--no--I don't mean that---it's
just that first class is so much more comfortable---so I've been told."
The woman stirs her tea gently and then sips it, "I'm
fine---I haven't always flown first class," she looks to the Ranger
and jokes, "I'm not above rubbing elbows with the peons."
Walker laughs, and then
he says slowly--"I'm not usually this open with someone I've just met--especially---a
beautiful woman--like yourself."
"Well, that makes two of us--I
usually don't talk to good-looking strangers, as you found out earlier when
I accused you of trying to 'pick me up'. I'm really sorry about that, I
hope you understand what I was thinking."
"I understand, all too well. My
wife is constantly getting hit on, and I don't mind admitting--it pisses
me off."
"And, I'm sure that you
get hit on by women that you see and meet in your travels--you're a very
handsome man---by the way---what did you say your name was?"
"Cordell Walker----and
you are?"
The woman hesitates, "Why
don't you just call me—April?"
Walker repeats the name, "April?----It
fits you, your name is like a spring month."
"Don't tell me, it's your wife's favorite
month."
"Nooo---May-- is my wife's favorite
month, because not only is it our daughter's birthday month, but our wedding
anniversary as well."
"Really?
How many years?"
Walker beams, "Our daughter
was born the day before our first anniversary, she will be one year old tomorrow, and
the next day is our second anniversary."
"Congratulations---"I've been
married almost 9 years--my boys are 8 and 5. Are you and your wife planning
to have a another baby?"
"Most definitely,
neither of us had siblings and that was the main thing we agreed on, to have
more than one! But, right now I'm content in spoiling Angela rotten---- and
my wife says I've got a good head start."
April smiles, "My husband
is wanting another baby, but I know that he has an ulterior motive---thinking
it will keep me home more."
"You told that lady that you acted
in commercials, I know I've seen you before, but I can't place you--wanna
give me a clue?"
"Do you watch soap operas,
Cordell?"
Walker shakes his head, "Hell no---don't
tell me that's what you've acted in---soap operas?"
April shrugs, "Well, some
people would refer to them as soap operas----nighttime---soap opera."
Walker is totally confused, "There's
no way that I could have seen you on a soap opera because I don't watch those
stupid shows, but I know I've seen you somewhere before."
"Maybe you've seen me on the
show, MATLOCK?"
"Matlock?
That's my wife's favorite show, yeah I've watched it, I liked it. But---that
show has been off the air for a long time---you were on that show?"
April smiles, "Yes,
several times--just bit parts though--that's where I'm going now--to Atlanta--to
film another episode."
"But---the show is in
reruns--and it's still being filmed?"
"Reunion--It's
going to be a reunion, with several old characters coming back to the show
with Ben, his daughters, and Conrad--remember him?"
"Yeah, the private detective," mumbles
Walker, "he reminds me of my partner, Trivette--always biting off more
than he can chew, ---and he's a vegetarian."
April smiles, "And, sweet old Ben--I
loved working on that show, he always reminded me of my Dad."
"That's odd, my wife
always said the same thing. Her Dad is a lawyer too, and she always
said that Ben Matlock was just like him, a cranky old man with a wit second
to none and a temper to back it up. My wife is a lawyer, and a damn good
one, I might add."
"Really? It's always
been a dream of mine to play the part of a lawyer. What do you think, Cordell? Would
I make a convincing lawyer?"
Walker is speechless
as he just stares at the woman, seeing Alex standing in court and arguing
her cases. April lowers her head and looks up at him, her blue eyes looking
deep into his eyes.
"Cordell---you're staring----again."
"Yes,"
he replies," you would make a very beautiful and convincing lawyer."
April becomes quiet then she
blurts it out, "Why are you men so damn stubborn?"
The old woman stops her knitting and
looks at April again, curiously.
Walker is taken back at the outburst, "Excuse
me---where did that come from?"
"I'm sorry---I was
just thinking of something that my husband said--right before I left home.
Ohhh--that man makes me so mad, he's always patronizing me--just for the
sake of not arguing with me! Just once, I wish he would tell me flat out
that I couldn’t do a certain thing---instead of always agreeing with me.
Does your wife do that to you?"
"Are you serious? Remember, my
wife is a lawyer, it's in her blood--to argue and believe me--she---she"
"She-what?"
Walker takes a deep sigh, "Before we got married,
I seldom ever won an argument with her--but now--she----she sort of---gives
in---a little more than--I do."
April nods her head,
"See there--it's true what they say."
"About what?"
"About marriages not being 50-50--the woman always
gives more than the man--they have to--to make the marriage work."
"Now, wait
a minute," argues Walker, "my wife is not the one to give in first
all the time--there's been many times that I have let her have the final
say so--- just"
"Just to keep peace in the family?" Asks
April.
Again Walker is speechless, "No---yes---I
mean--sometimes---but there are certain issues that I take a direct stand
on and that's having my wife home, and, and ----not running all over
the country."
"But---she has a
career too--just like I do, and sometimes my job takes me clear across the
states--I don't argue with Paul, when he has to go out of state on his jobs."
Walker shakes
his head, "Wait a minute, I'm confused--you just said you wanted your
husband to tell you that you can't do a certain thing, and now
you're upset because he is--am I missing something here?"
"You're just like
my husband, you don't understand how important it is that a woman has her
space too-----"
"APRIL, I knew
it--you're April Stevens!" The old woman shouts, causing everyone
on the plane to jump, including Walker and the woman called April. The old
woman stares back, shaking her finger at the blonde, "You hussy---how
could you do that to sweet Bobby--and to Pam?"
The blonde looks to Walker
and sighs, "Oh no, I was hoping she wouldn't recognize me."
Walker is staring back at April
as the stewardess is trying to calm the old lady. The old woman is still
shouting insults.
"You should be ashamed
of yourself---Bobby was so sweet---you lured him to your bed--he was still
mourning Pam!"
The stewardess is telling
the old woman to be quiet as she keeps looking at April and trying to apologize,
while trying to quiet the other passengers. Finally, the old woman is moved
to another seat---in April's seat--first class!
The plane is finally normal again and
April is feeling the stares of the other passengers, a few of them are pointing
at her and nodding their heads, April groans.
Walker feels like he's
stepped into a hornets' nest as he keeps looking at the blonde, "Wanna
tell me what that was all about---uhhh--never mind---sounds personal."
April orders a nice stiff drink, and drinks
it down quickly. "I guess I should explain".
"Never mind---your
personal life is your own---but---how does that woman know about you and
this guy---Bobby? And, who is Pam?"
April starts to laugh as she stares
back at the bearded ranger, "You were serious about not watching nighttime
soap operas, weren't you?"
"What are you talking about?"
April turns in her seat and looks straight
into Walker's eyes, "Pam, Bobby, oil?"
Walkers' brow arches, "I'm
sorry--I'm not following any of this--and if you're in a extra marital affair
with this guy, Bobby--that's not any of my business-----"
"One more clue, cowboy--the
man everyone loves to hate?--Oil baron from Big
"D"?"
Walker's face goes blank,
and April is laughing even harder as several of the passengers shout---J.R.
EWING!"
Walker exhales as he starts
to smile, "Now--I get it--"DALLAS"---you were on that show--I
knew I had seen you before."
Everyone is laughing
and clapping as April replies, "Now, I'm confused, you said you never
watched nighttime soaps?"
Walker is shaking his head in embarrassment, "I
might have caught it a couple of times--and everyone in the states--in the
world---has heard of J.R. Ewing--especially when he got shot."
April sighs, "Yeah, a lot
of people thought I shot him---and hoped I would be sent to prison for
what I did to sweet, sweet, Bobby. I got a lot of hate mail for portraying
that character-- I think I was riding high on the list of 10 most hated people
in Texas!"
Walker smiles, "Do you regret
playing the part?"
The woman pouts in a little girl manner, "No---but
someday I would like to play the part of a character that people love--not
hate.--Maybe the love interest of a leading character?"
"Anything in the
makings?"
"I'm not sure, I have
to return a call to a actor friend of mine, he's wanting to do a series and
has asked me to consider it---maybe you'll see me on your TV soon. Come to
think of it, you sort of resemble him."
Walker laughs, "The poor
guy! So long as it's not a soap opera-- got my vote."
The two remain quiet and the blonde
reaches for Walker's hand, she sighs softly.
"I think when I get to Dallas, I'm going to call my husband and tell
him that I'm taking the next flight back to L.A. I'm starting to see and
understand his way of thinking now---thanks to you."
Walker nods his head in agreement, he
squeezes her hand gently--"I think I'm understanding a few things too--how
important it is to let something breathe and not smother it. I think deep
inside that I was scared that someone would come on to my wife and that she
might be persuaded to act on those feelings. I love Alex and I know she loves
me--our marriage is too strong for anyone to come between us--our
trust in each other is what it's all about."
"I agree---I miss my
husband and my boys--my career is second--I'm not going to accept anymore
acting jobs that take me out of L.A."
The Ranger nods as he sees the "Buckle
Seatbelts" light comes on.
"Yep, and I'm going to start spending more time at home and let the
younger Rangers chase the bad guys. April, I know you're going to be in
a hurry when we land at DFW, but could I ask you just one last favor--would
you mind if I introduce you to my wife and daughter?"
April smiles as she reaches
up and kisses the rangers' cheek,
"It would be my honor--but right now I got to get back to my seat and
get my carry on luggage--I'll see you in the terminal."
*******************************
Walker is hurrying up the passenger
ramp, cradling the packages and looking around for a familiar sight. He sees
the blonde headed woman, his heart skips a beat, his hands are all clammy.
As he gets closer to her, he gets weak in the knees as the woman bends down
to a miniature version of herself. The woman is pointing towards him,
and the little girl sees him. She giggles and tries to walk to the bearded
man, holding her little arms out.
The Ranger drops his carry on bag and
shifts the packages to his left arm as he scoops the little girl up, kissing
her repeatedly The blonde walks up slowly towards them, and Walker reaches
out for her and kisses her long and tender.
"God, how I’ve missed you," he
whispers, "I've got so much to say to you---Alex--I've done some serious
thinking about your trips to Houston--and hon--if it's what you want--I promise
to------"
Alex is returning his
kiss, "Walker---I've been doing some thinking too-----"
Walker kisses her again and kisses
his daughter, "Hon, there's someone I want you to meet," he turns
around to look for April.
"Where is she? She said she would meet
me here?"
"Who? Honey--who are you looking
for?"
Friendly Persuasions – Part 3
The Ranger
is looking around and walking back and forth to the passenger ramp, Alex
is watching him curiously.
"Walker, who are you looking
for? What woman?"
"Her name is April--that's
not her real name--she's an actress--but we met on the plane and we talked,
she said she would meet me here."
Alex is being very uncomfortable as she holds
her daughter tighter. "You met some woman---on the plane--and the two
of you agreed to meet after the plane landed---Walker--what is going on?"
Walker puts his hands up,
"It's not what you're thinking, hon--wait a minute there's the stewardess
that was in first class--be right back."
Alex watches as her husband checks the
passenger list, and she has a very uneasy feeling in the pit of her stomach.
She watches as her husband walks back to her, shaking his head.
"Well? Where is
she?"
Walker looks at his wife confused, "She's
not listed on the passenger list---there is no April seated in seat 55--just
that clown and his wife."
"Clown? Walker, what
the heck are you talking about?"
Walker shakes his head as he takes one
last look around, "Never mind--let's go home--and I'll tell you all
about it."
Walker ranch:
Alex listens to her husband talk about the woman,
she stares back at him. "She looks like me?"
"Yes, she could be your twin, honey--she's
identical to you."
Alex doesn't know what
to think. Her thoughts go to the idea of having another woman attract her
husband, she's having mixed feelings.
Walker can see that his wife is
becoming uneasy, and he smiles to himself. "Alex, I'm telling you--the
woman was gorgeous, she's the most beautiful woman I've ever seen."
Alex's bottom lip is starting to quiver
as she forces herself to listen as her husband describes another woman.
Walker sighs, "She has
these beautiful eyes, that just look right through a man, causing him to
go weak in the knees. And, her body---would make a man go insane from wanting
to ravish it. And, those long sexy legs--and those lips---oh man---those
luscious lips--to invision those lips and what they could to a man's body-----"
Alex grabs a pillow from their
bed and smacks Walker square in the face with it!
"Cordell John Walker-- I am not
amused with any of this--hearing you describe another woman's anatomy and---and---"
Walker rushes Alex and
scoops her up in his arms,
"Honey---I'm describing you---- right down to the cute little mole at
the corner of your mouth." He kisses her deeply, as her arms go around
his neck, kissing him back.
She's half crying as she sputters, "Well,
what am I suppose to think, you meet this woman on the plane and from what
you said, you talked about personal things."
"Honey--she's a happily
married woman and I'm very much in love with my wife who I can't wait to
get between the sheets and make mad, passionate love to---Alex--I was attracted
to her, because she reminded me of you!! And, yes we talked about some private
things, she was having the same problems with her husband---and we both helped
each other to understand those problems from an opposite point of view. And,
I meant it hon--I'm going to meet you more than half way on those cases going
back and forth to Houston."
Alex takes her arms from around her husband's
neck, "Walker, I have a confession to make---please don't be upset with
me."
"What? Upset? About what?"
Alex bites her bottom lip, "I went
down to Houston, to sit in on the criminal cases presented by Kaufman, Le
Clair, and Terrell--I went down against your wishes--Walker--I thought it
was what I wanted. But, I was miserable the whole time I was there."
Walker backs away from his wife, and asks
slowly--"You went down there, even after I forbid it?"
Alex is now walking in circles, "Yes--I
thought you were being unreasonable and I wanted to prove you wrong---but
Walker---I'm the one that was wrong."
Walker shakes his head as
he reaches out and pulls his wife to him, "No, hon--you weren't wrong.
Don't you see? You were miserable because you were doing it behind my back----and
the next time you go down there will be with my support---all the way."
Alex is sobbing, "Are you
sure? Walker, I told them I wouldn't be back."
Walker takes his right
hand and gently strokes his wife's cheek,
"Well---you call them and tell them that you've changed your mind!!
I'm the one that was wrong by not letting you explore other assets in your
career. That's one of the things that April and I discussed, and I could
see things so much clearer, coming from a complete stranger. Alex--I've been
too damn stubborn to see your side---and I promise that I will support whatever
decision you make."
Alex is now confused, "I don't know
whether to be grateful to this ‘April’---or to be jealous of her---knowing
that you listened to her and not me."
"Alex, you certainly have no reason
to be jealous of April--or any other woman. I love you---only you. Now,
do you think--that---maybe one day out of the month would be enough time
away from me?" His brow arches in a question.
She nods her head and kisses him softly, "Yes----what
about this woman? Walker, you said she was an actress, but her name isn't
April---who is she?"
"I'm not sure what her name
is---she played on that show, "DALLAS"---I think her character's
name was April Stevens--you've watched the show, do you know who I'm talking
about?"
Alex's mouth drops open, "Yes,
I know who she is---she's the slut that slept with Bobby!"
Walker groans, "Oh, for Pete's
sake, not him again!"
Alex grimaces, "Oh, how I hate
that woman---how could she have done that to Bobby--- Bobby was like an Icon
to that show---he was---so---so-----"
"SWEET?"
asks Walker sarcastically. "From the few times I caught the show I thought
he was a real wimp---now I'm convinced he was a blind wimp."
Alex is fighting
the urge to laugh as she sees Walker's jealousy rising, "A blind wimp---why
do you say that?"
"I've seen the actress
that portrayed Pam, and in my opinion, the actress who played April had her
beat---hands down."
Alex begins to smile as she walks
back into her husband's arms, and begins unbuttoning his jeans, "Well,
he sure did look good in those tight fitting jeans---but honey--he has nothing
on you."
Walker is grinning, "So, do you know the name of the actress
who portrayed her?"
"Ooooh yes--I know
her name---Sheree J. Wilson!"
(Oh well, another time I've gone off on a tangent--hope
I didn't offend any true Pamela Ewing fans---SASQUAW--Sept
21st, 2003)