In Pursuit of Love: In Pursuit of Love

By Barbara Butterfield

Premise:

California State Patrol officer, Dan Morgan is looking for love in all the wrong places. Hes a hard-working, good-looking guy with overly protective parents, whos just ready to settle down, but just cant seem to find Ms. Right. He soon finds that date after date, with various determined females, is simply not an effective way of attaining his goal of a happy marriage and kids. Until one night, his routine patrol becomes anything but, as the woman of his dreams; complete with two kids, nutty folks and a violent extakes his sedate world and rocks it to the hilt.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Jan 14, 2014
• ISBN: 9781493161775

Barbara Butterfield

Ms. Butterfield is California born and raised, and currently resides in a suburb of Phoenix, Arizona…where she lives with her favorite feline friend: Baybee. Integrity, suspense, camaraderie, romance, and personal growth are all values that play a vital role in her novels. More importantly, the gospel and spiritual growth are also an aspect of life into which she delves. Ms. Butterfield has written for many years; her first novel having been penned at the age of fourteen. She also studied writing and journalism, becoming the Editor-In-Chief of the school’s newspaper. She is currently working on her 60th novel.

Book preview

Chapter 1

It had happened again. His sister had duped him into babysitting for her two kids, or maybe California State patrolman, Dan Morgan was just being a nice guy, and a good big brother.

At any rate, here he sat on a Friday night watching six-year-old Baylor, named after his fathers’ alma mater, play with a wide assortment of cars and trucks. Four-year-old Sarah colored… most of the time, in one of her coloring books, but it wasn’t unusual for him to find her coloring outside the lines… on the dining room walls.

Sarah! No-no! Dan exclaimed, though he really didn’t yell when he espied the youngster decorating the walls in the dining room… again. Sprinting across the living room, he raced around the lengthy, mahogany dining room table. Sarah, knowing that she was caught, hid the crayons behind her back and giggled so hard Dan thought her teeth might fall out.

Reaching the diminutive blonde who always seemed to be sporting rather bouncy ponytails, he swept her up into steel-hewed arms. Tickling her tummy, peals of laughter came from them both. It wasn’t until she started hiccupping that he knew she’d had enough, and he rolled her over his shoulder where she automatically put her legs about his neck. Sitting tall and proud, he supported her backside with one hand while he walked back out to the family room. Pausing at the gilt-edged mirror in the entryway, Dan stood in front of their reflections to lecture her.

What were you doing in there, young lady? He asked, turning a no-nonsense visage on the child that sat upon his shoulders.

Nothing, she innocently replied, and wide-eyed she slowly shook her head back and forth.

You were coloring on the walls, missy, Dan accused, gently.

I’m sorry, Sarah admitted, and since he knew she was telling the truth and that she was officially busted, she came clean. She always did.

Well, when someone is really and truly sorry, they don’t do the bad thing again, unless of course, you’re Harv Malone. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve busted his ass for speeding along that same stretch of Highway 101, he mused, slowly shaking his head.

Repeat offender huh, Uncle Dan? Baylor commented as the young boy strolled nonchalantly into the entryway. He had learned police lingo from hanging around with his uncle far too much.

Yep… the worst kind, Dan replied.

Then bust his ass good the next time, Sarah offered.

Saraaah, Baylor scolded, you know Daddy doesn’t want you to say that word.

What word? She asked, quizzically cocking her head to one side.

Ass.

Oh-oh! She exclaimed. I’m telling Daddy that you said it!

Can she do that Uncle Dan?! I was just answering the kids question?! Baylor argued in his own defense.

Don’t call me kid! Sarah countered hotly from atop her uncle’s shoulders.

That’s entrapment! I’m telling! Baylor shouted.

Entrapment… Bay, is what girls are best at, better get used to it right now.

Why?

Because… well, just get used to it.

Okay, Baylor shrugged. Sarah get down, you’ve been up there long enough, it’s my turn now.

No I haven’t, have I, Uncle Dan? Sarah asked, and bending low to her uncle’s head, she looked as if she was conveying a secret of vast importance to him.

Well… hey Sarah, do you have to go potty? Dan asked, expertly shifting gears.

Uhmm… she pondered, obviously thinking quite hard about his question. Yes!

Then I’d better put you down, huh?

Yep, better! The little girl nodded, causing those golden ponytails to bobble up and down about her head.

I’d say that’s a pretty good call, Uncle Dan, Baylor lent his two cents worth. Lifting her down to the floor, Dan sent his niece off down the hallway with a loving swat to her little bottom.

"Now is it my turn?"

It is, Dan winked.

Horsey?

Alright, Dan agreed as he got down on all fours, and the six-year-old scrambled aboard.

Giddy-up, cowboy! Baylor shouted exuberantly. Then kicking the horse in his sides to make him get moving, the young rider clung firmly to the collar of his uncle’s shirt, while Dan did his best equine imitation, ambling down the hall and into the family room.

Dan had to admit that he loved kids, especially these two. Though he would’ve enjoyed playing horsey much more with Becky Morrison tonight, had she not canceled their date. But, spending an occasional evening with his sister’s kids wasn’t a bad way to while away some time. They were what Dan considered the perfect age: young enough to control, but old enough to be semi-self proficient. They could feed themselves, and there were no diapers involved, what more could an uncle ask for?

As much as Dan enjoyed rough housing with Baylor, and swinging Sarah around in circles in the backyard, or pushing them both on the swing set, it was the quiet moments later in the evening that truly touched his heart. It was when the kids were fed, cleaned up and in their pajamas, and the house quieted down for the night that meant the most to him.

Sitting in the Bentwood rocking chair, Dan held Sarah on his lap as he read a bedtime story. Baylor lay on the couch watching his uncle’s every move, his arm slung protectively over a big yellow dump truck that had also been thoroughly washed while the boy was taking his evening bath.

Both children idolized their uncle. Sarah loved him because he was a big, strong, safe uncle, who always brought her a present. Whether the gift was big or small didn’t matter to her; but just the fact that he brought a surprise for her was all that mattered.

Baylor looked up to his uncle because Dan was a big man, well-muscled, wore an impressive uniform and carried a gun. From his earliest remembrances, Baylor had decided to become a policeman too one day. Dan’s sister: Savannah, frequently had to break up the loud arguments of the siblings, since quite often she witnessed Baylor forcing Sarah off the sidewalk when he thought she was pedaling her tricycle too fast. He always kept some paper and crayons in his back pocket, handy enough for writing tickets.

But now… as Dan read the story of Baxter Bunnies Adventures, the doting uncle surreptitiously watched as the boys eyes slowly went closed.

Noticing that Sarah was asleep too, Dan quietly put down the book, but as usual, he didn’t get right up to take the kids to their bedrooms. Instead, he liked to sit there for a few minutes, just holding the sleeping child in his arms, and rocking her. It was good for her, and it was good for him too. The security and tranquility that such times provided were immeasurable.

Dan knew that this was the kind of life he wanted one day… to be able to play with his own children. To laugh, talk, scold, hold and above all… love them. He knew well enough how to get the kids… he was just having one heckuva time finding the right woman.

There were enough available females in Southern California, but finding one that wanted to be a wife and mother was something else entirely. It seemed that most women he dated wanted to have kids one day, but they wanted their career first. Much to his growing frustration, it appeared that the women he met all seemed to have this prerequisite: that they had to have made it well up toward the top of the corporate ladder, and accumulate no small amount of material assets, before settling down to raise a family.

Dan didn’t want to marry a corporate executive; he wanted a wife and a mother for his children. A woman who felt that motherhood was a noble calling. For truly, is not the raising of one’s children to adulthood to be honest, moral, responsible adults the most important job? Indeed. But it could also be said that it’s also the most ignored, and least appreciated of noble callings. The pleasures are untold, and the rewards don’t come with annual reviews, but over a span of years. Like any good stew, raising children and being appreciated for all the time, energy and devotion to parenthood, takes time.

Where’s a good Proverbs 31 woman when you need her? Dan muttered to no one in particular at the moment. But in his heart he knew that his Lord and Savior: Jesus Christ was with him and as always, was listening. Oh, and Lord? Since you know my heart, this mystery female you have for me one day? It would be a real plus if she’s gorgeous, and has her heart and head screwed on straight with You. But if she could be pretty too, man… Lord, that would be pretty dang cool. I’m just sayin’, he finished his impromptu prayer with a good-natured smile.

So here he sat, rocking Sarah and watching Baylor, surrounded by the trappings of a nice, upper middle class home. There was a part of him that cherished these moments, while another part of him bristled at them, for it was something that he wanted for himself but so far had eluded him.

I know, Lord, Dan continued his whispered prayer, Your ways are not my ways, Your thoughts are not my thoughts. You know what You’re doing, and I trust You. But Lord, I sure wish You’d hurry it up with bringing this mystery woman into my life.

His weary mind then took him to his canceled date tonight, and thoughts of Becky Morrison danced into his mind. Becky, and that microscopic bikini of hers. Becky… the beach, and the bikini are what this night was supposed to have been comprised of. Instead, here he sat rocking Sarah, and wondering when it would happen for him.

Just then Sarah turned in his arms, snuggling deeper into the strength of his embrace. Automatically, her thumb found its way into her mouth. Grinning down at her, Dan’s fingers… also just as automatically gently pulled the tots hand away from her face. Mommy says no to that, he whispered.

The grandfather clock in the living room chimed the ten o’clock hour and Dan knew he had to get the kids into bed or Savannah would be all over his case when she and Bill got home, which could be at any moment now.

Holding the toddler close to his body, Dan rose to his feet and carried her to bed. Pulling back the blankets, he laid her down. Her sleep undisturbed, he removed her slippers, casually dropping them onto the floor next to the bed, and pulled the blanket and the pink princess bedspread up to her chin. When she fussed a little, he grabbed the bunny that sat at the bottom of the bed, and gave it to her. Instantly, her arms went about the stuffed animal, and she nestled down into her bed, going soundly to sleep. Making sure that the nightlight was glowing dimly on the dresser, Dan closed the door and headed back out to the family room to get Baylor. However, he found the boy in the hallway, still clutching his truck with one hand, and rubbing at sleepy eyes with the other.

Where’d you go? The young boy whispered.

I put Sarah to bed, buddy… I was coming back for you, Dan reassured the boy as he picked him up and carried him the rest of the way to his bedroom.

I can put myself to bed, Uncle Dan, Baylor explained, and even though he was tired, he put up a brave front as his uncle set him back down onto the carpeted hallway. Surely being six years old was far too old to have one’s uncle tucking him in.

Okay, get into bed then, Dan smiled, and he watched as the lad climbed up onto his bed, after first having pushed the truck into place beside his pillow. Then Baylor pulled his own blankets up, and lay down. He turned over once, just to check on the truck, to make sure it was just so. Satisfied that the prized, die-cast vehicle was safe, he turned back over and settled down to sleep.

Goodnight, Bay, Dan whispered as he leaned down to kiss the boys’ forehead, but stopped himself because he knew Baylor was having growing up issues. Hey Bay?

Yeah? The boy asked, looking up at his uncle.

Is being six too old for a kiss on the forehead? Dan asked, and Baylor had to think about that for a moment.

No, I think its okay, he finally admitted. Smiling, Dan leaned down, and brushing the boys hair aside he kissed him on the forehead.

G’night, Uncle Dan, he whispered.

G’night Bay, sleep tight.

I will, he nodded and closed his eyes as his uncle turned off the light and closed the door.

Uncle Dan?! Came Baylor’s shrill cry the moment the door latched. His hand still on the handle, Dan pushed the door open.

What is it, Bay?

I love you.

I love you too, buddy. G’night.

G’night, and with that the door was closed, and stayed closed.

Smiling to himself, Dan made his way back to the family room where he sat down, and for lack of something better to do, he picked up Baxter Bunnies Adventures and finished reading the story.

Chapter 2

Walking up to the modest three-bedroom, two-bath rancher, a style that was pretty standard in older Southern California neighborhoods, Dan knocked on the front door. Waiting a few moments for the summons to be answered, he found himself experiencing the same gut feeling of impending doom that he always used to get whenever he’d had to respond to a ‘domestic disturbance’ call. But, though he may have wished otherwise, this time he wasn’t armed as he opened the door and walked inside.

Hi Pops, Dan wearily greeted his father, Sam Morgan. Sitting in a well-used rocking chair, his bifocals riding low on the bridge of his nose, Sam grunted a welcome while only barely lifting his gaze over the top of the newspaper he was reading.

When’s dinner? Dan asked as he walked into the living room. As always, he was careful to avoid bumping into any number of prized figurines that seemed to fill the home to overflowing. If he had to see one more ceramic ballerina in this lifetime, it would be one too many.

Soon, his father replied, still reading the news and Dan just nodded. He was about to ask where his mother was, when he found out.

Dan? Danny! Adele Morgan nearly shrieked as she rushed from the kitchen. Sam! Why didn’t you tell me that our precious little boy was here?! She challenged her husband of forty years, and he just shrugged, barely moving his shoulders as he continued to read the paper.

Daniel! My little baby boy! How are you?! Adele bubbled as her arms went about her son’s waist. Bubbling… was what his mother did best, and in spite of the difference in their heights, she laid her head against the broad expanse of her sons well-muscled chest.

Mom, I just got here, Dan sought to reassure her. Drawing back from him, she looked up into his eyes. She had to, since he towered above the much smaller woman.

Sam, she said, glancing over at her husband, just look at the size of this boy! However did we get such a fine, big boy like this one?!

Well, Adele… Sam’s voice emanated from behind the newspaper, I told you not to have sex with that alien, back when you were abducted in ’75, and Dan just chuckled quietly at both of his parents, obviously enjoying an inside joke.

I told you, I didn’t have sex with that critter, they just examined me! How many times do I have to tell you!

What?! Dan gasped. Mom… what…

Son, just don’t even go there, the newspaper advised from across the living room.

Are you okay? Adele asked suddenly, just knowing that her son was withholding vital information about the condition of his health.

I’m fine Mom, Dan chuckled, trying to reassure his overly concerned mother. He had to laugh, it was better than to run screaming from the house.

Are you sure? You haven’t been shot, have you? Adele asked as her hands patted him down, apparently seeking out gunshot wounds that he was keeping secret from her.

No Mom, I’m fine, Dan replied, gently pushing her hands away from him.

Well, you never can tell, you know. There are so many bad people out there… you know, the kind that just like to shoot the Fuzz.

I know Mom, and that’s why I carry a gun.

Good man, Sam said, finally graduating to two-word responses.

Oh, hear that, Sam? Adele exclaimed, panicking as her hands flew to her cheeks. Dan, our little baby Danny, carries a gun! For protection!

If condoms don’t work, a gun will, Sam muttered, turning the page.

What?

Nothing Mom, Pops was just trying to be funny.

"Dan, your father has been trying for years, she joked, and then her hands flew to her cheeks again. Oh!"

What?! Dan questioned, wondering what she was over-reacting about now. But Sam didn’t flinch… he was used to his wife’s excitable behavior.

You’re not eating enough! She declared, putting a hand to his 6-pack abs, a hand that he just as quickly moved aside.

I’m eating just fine, Mom. I know how to cook.

"A TV dinner is not cooking!" She argued.

Mom, all a man needs in life is a microwave, and I have one so I’m good to go! Dan chuckled, obviously making an attempt at a joke.

All a man needs is a microwave?! Adele repeated her son’s words, shocked to hear her child put forth such a preposterous notion.

Bad move, bud, Sam grumbled from behind the newspaper.

We need to talk, his mother stated, and taking her son by the hand she towed him out to the kitchen. Glancing over his shoulder, Dan’s eyes made a silent plea for help from his father, who finally looked over the top of the newspaper, and slowly shook his head.

Now you sit right down there, Adele ordered, and pulling a chair out from the table, she pushed her son toward it. Reaching up, she placed her hands to his shoulders and bore down, forcing him to sit.

Mom, we don’t need to talk, Dan lamented.

If you think all a man needs in this life is a microwave, then we need to talk, his mother stated as she ferried plates and bowls of food to the table for dinner.

Mom, I was just making a joke.

It didn’t sound like it to me.

Well, it was, Dan reassured his mother as he watched her spoon several heaping ladles of mashed potatoes onto his plate. Mom, that’s enough, he said, and gazing down at the growing white mound, he put a staying hand to the spoon, which was… even now… enroute with more spuds.

A growing boy can never get enough potatoes, she advised and avoiding his hand, she managed to plop one last spoonful onto his plate.

Can I have some too, or is he getting them all, Sam asked as he moseyed on into the kitchen and sat down at the table.

Yes dear, you can have some, Adele kindly answered her husband, indeed too kindly.

Now Dan, when was the last time you had a nice date? She asked, turning on her son.

"Define… nice," Sam asked, and although his head was bent down as he perused the food on his plate, his eyes, peering over the top rim of his spectacles, looked playfully at his son. Dan caught his father’s expression and then turned his attention back to his mother. It was hard not to when Adele was in the room.

Mom, I had a date just last weekend.

How’d it go? Adele asked as if she were a world-renowned authority on relationships. Sitting down next to her son, she propped an elbow on the table, eyeing him as if he was something fuzzy growing in a Petri dish.

Mom, I think that’s private, don’t you?

Nope, Sam interjected as he slathered butter onto his potatoes.

I just want you to be happy, Adele said, lovingly patting her son on the cheek.

Mom, don’t do that, Dan said, pushing her hand away as if he was brushing away an irritating gnat.

So, it’s a crime now to want my son to be happy?! Adele exclaimed. So handcuff me! She said, and putting her wrists together, she held her arms out to her son.

Mom, don’t be ridiculous, Dan argued.

Too late, Sam said as he added liberal portions of salt and pepper to the potatoes on his plate.

And, so… how’s your sex life? Adele asked, and again the elbow rested on the table as she sat facing her son.

What?! Dan gasped. His mother had butted into his life many times over the years, but a question so blatantly offered regarding such a sensitive, and private aspect of life, was something even he hadn’t suspected would ever come from his doting mother.

Oh come now, Dan. A big, strong, strapping, handsome boy like you… you know the girls can’t resist you.

"Try talking to them sometime," Dan complained.

Truth be told…

Oh, here it comes now, Sam muttered, managing to talk around a mouthful of well-buttered spuds.

Dan, both your father and I…

Don’t drag me into this! Sam interrupted his wife, or at least he tried to.

"Your father . . . and I, know the facts of life, and we came to grips years ago with the fact that you were no longer virginal…"

Mommm… Dan growled, hoping that at least his tone of voice would warn her off.

It didn’t.

"There must be… there has to be… many, many, many girls running around out there with your wild oats inside of ’em."

Mom! Dan exclaimed, shocked by what his mother had just said.

Oh dear Lord, please take the woman’s life… before I do, Sam pleaded, casting a long-suffering gaze Heavenward. Shaking his head, he turned his attention back to the food on his plate.

Come on Dan, mama knows, Adele commiserated, trying to reassure her son.

"Mama doesn’t know jack!" Dan snapped, tossing his napkin down onto the table.

Well, don’t get angry at me! She shouted, sitting back in her chair, apparently trying to distance herself from her suddenly angered son.

If I don’t get angry at you, then who am I going to get angry at?!

All those women out there makin’ off with your oats? Sam commented, on purpose.

Sam! Shame on you! Adele scolded, and Dan was just thankful that her attention was riveted on his father this time.

What? You’re the only one here that can say the ‘O’ word?

Dan, now tell mama… Adele began, her hand gently patting her sons hand that is… before he could snatch it away from her grasp, how many women have you had? His mother asked, pointedly rejoining the argument.

Mom, that’s none of your business!

One? Three? Five hundred?

Mom! Dan gasped, his voice seeming to go up an octave or two. Pops! Do something about her!

Actually, I’d kind of like to know too, son, Sam said, suddenly siding with his nosy wife.

Pops! The strapping young police officer gasped, thinking that his one ally in life… his father, had suddenly gone over to the other side.

Son, according to your mother here, your Little Black Book is about the size of the Los Angeles yellow pages.

What?! Where would you get an idea like that?!

Sheila Johnson’s girl, Adele stated proudly, and sitting back in her chair she stalwartly folded her arms across the front of her.

Sheila… Johnson, Dan repeated the name. Wait, you mean Stephanie’s mom?!

The same, Adele nodded, pleased to know that her Intell was solid.

Mom, Stephanie doesn’t know squat about my black book!

"So you do have one?" His mother asked, apparently pleased with this new information.

Am I on trial here?! Dan pleaded, turning toward his father.

Son, just please answer the question as stated. The whole truth and nothing but the truth, his father grinned, and satisfied to know that her husband was on her side, Adele became even more determined.

Pops! You’re siding with her?! Dan exclaimed, pointing an accusing finger at his mother.

Of course I am! I have to sleep with her! His father shot back.

Mom, I date. Okay? There, nothing more needs to be said! Dan argued, picking his napkin up again and then dropping it… in a heap onto his lap.

Dan, his mother pleaded, wringing her hands, "you need a woman."

I think the boy knows that, Adele, Sam offered.

Yeah, I know, Dan replied, rolling his eyes.

See? Sam nodded, pleased with himself.

Just one woman to give you babies!

Mommm, Dan warned, but it had about the same effect on her that a butterfly net would have in trying to catch a stampeding rhino.

You need a woman to take into your bed, Dan. One woman that will put you up on a pedestal…

When’s she not in your bed that is, Sam interjected, chuckling.

Mom, really… I know what I need.

Dinner, right? Sam suggested.

Peace and quiet, Dan corrected his father with a roll of his eyes.

You need a woman!

So I’ll stop at Women-R-Us on the way home and pick one out, okay?! Dan shot back, rapidly growing tired of this impromptu inquisition.

Oh… so now you make with the jokes… like this isn’t serious? Well, let me just tell you what your problem is, young man!

Oh, here it comes now, Sam mumbled as he chased a small group of peas about his nearly empty plate.

Mom, I don’t need to hear what my problem is! Dan argued, rapidly losing his appetite.

And if I don’t tell you, who will?!

I don’t know! Dan nearly shouted in exasperation. Maybe the sales clerk at Women-R-Us?!

Another joke, his mother said, sadly shaking her head. Dan… your problem is that you have too much fun with your sister.

I beg… your… damn… pardon? Dan replied, leveling a blank expression on his high-strung mother.

Her, and those adorable children of hers. See? Even Savannah got married and had children!

"What’s that supposed to mean?!"

"She wasn’t afraid of sex, and women are supposed to be afraid of it. Makes me shudder just to think of it. Why any nice, young woman on her wedding night, you know… the first time she’s in bed with her young man, and he makes… advances . . . toward her, well it all just makes me shudder, I tell you," Adele lamented, adding an all-over body shiver for good measure.

Pops… Dan pleaded, to no avail.

Anyway, that just always bothered me about her, that our precious, innocent little Savannah took to marital relations with such ease, his mother queried as an aside.

Oh mom, that’s archaic thinking, Dan said, while trying to eat his meatloaf. Besides, your precious little Savannah wasn’t all that innocent.

"What’s that supposed to mean?!" His mother exclaimed, coming bolt upright in her chair.

Never mind, Dan replied, airily waving off her query.

Well… anyway, where was I? Oh yes… but you, a big, strong, strapping, healthy, young man… you have testosterone simply oozing out of every pore…

I thought that was sweat, Sam offered, and Dan put a hand to his forehead wiping away the dampness he found forming there.

Women… Dan, are attracted to you… listen to your mother and concentrate on what I’m saying… they want you Dan, they can’t help themselves, trust me… I’m a woman, I know.

Watch it son, I think she’s trying to hypnotize you again, Sam offered as he stuffed the last bite of a buttered biscuit into his mouth. Contentedly, he chewed the last of his meal despite the charged atmosphere in the quaintly decorated dining room.

She can do that?!

How do you think I ended up married to her?! Sam answered, using the back of his hand to wipe away a drip of melted butter.

Sam, dear… use your napkin, his wife admonished before rejoining the attack.

Mom, listen to me…

Fat chance, his father mumbled.

Really, I date very nice women…

Well, there’s your problem, son, Sam enthused. "You need to date some very not-nice women," he winked, and his wife turned a withering look on her husband. Shrinking back into his chair, Sam turned his attention back to his dinner, and picking up another roll, he used it like a dishrag to mop up the melted butter and potato residue from his plate.

Mom, really I date often, and I date nice girls.

Then pick one, she stated, sitting back in her chair as if the conversation was now closed.

What?

Pick one, propose, get married and start giving Daddy and I more grandbabies!

Mom, that’s not a good enough reason for having kids.

"What?! It’s the only reason to have children, Adele stated firmly. Grandparents without grandchildren… she sighed, is like a ship without a dock."

Well, Savannah’s got kids, Dan argued.

"But we haven’t had any grandbabies from… your . . . loins," she said, patting him on the knee with each word.

Adele, leave Dan’s loins out of this.

Thanks Pops.

Don’t thank me yet, we don’t know if it worked or not.

Dan, please… for me, for your poor father sitting here…

Nope. Didn’t, Sam commented, keeping his eyes focused on his dinner plate.

Find a woman, take her into your bed…

Defile her, Sam offered.

"Make love to her, Dan. Make pure, true, raw, passionate love to her, his mother emoted. You’re a big, strong, strapping, handsome, young man, make her happy, Dan, his mother ordered… winking at him, and he frowned. You know what I mean by… happy?"

Mom!

Son, you don’t happen to be carrying your gun with you, are you? His father asked.

No, but I wish I was! Dan snapped. "Yes, mom… I know what you mean by… happy," he replied tiredly, as if by rote.

Are you sure? She asked, casting a sidelong glance at her son. If not, I have a book… a nice, big, thick one… up in the attic, maybe you should read it.

No mom… I beg of you, Dan asked tiredly.

Begging won’t work, Sam offered.

Dan, your loins must be bursting…

Told you so, Sam winked.

Bursting with wild oats to make grandbabies for your father and I, his mother persisted, not being one easily turned from her chosen path.

Leave me out of this! Sam shouted.

Sam, you and I are locked in marital bliss together.

Oh sure, go and spoil my supper.

Biblically, morally, ethically… I cannot leave my mate out of this!

Woman! Show me in the Bible… Sam yelled, rising to the challenge.

Oh, it’s on now, Dan muttered under his breath.

. . . where it says that mothers should nag their son into having sex, and drag their husband into the argument for good measure! Sam shouted, and Adele started to get up from her chair. Where you going?

To get my Bible, of course, his wife replied, sounding as if her feelings had been hurt.

Adele, sit down.

But you said.

Later Adele… later, Sam sighed, waving his wife back into her chair.

Mom, when it happens, when I meet her… it’ll just happen, you know? I can’t force a girl to fall in love with me.

Or to take her to bed, that’s a crime, right? Sam winked.

But Dan, you have to be aware…

"I am aware," he replied, and closing his eyes, Dan wearily shook his head.

You never know when it’ll happen.

I know mom.

Why, the very next corner you turn, she could be there.

I know mom.

And if she is, will you know what to do?

I dearly hope so by now, mom.

Adele, the boys had enough of your haranguing, don’t you think? Sam said, coming to the defense of his son.

I’m just trying to help him.

He doesn’t need your help.

Right! He needs a woman!

Mom, thanks! Dan said, suddenly tossing his napkin onto the table again. Dinner was great! He offered with renewed enthusiasm as he pushed himself away from the table, the chair scraping noisily against the linoleum flooring.

You’re… done?! Adele asked as shocked eyes looked at his plate, still half full of uneaten food.

I’m stuffed mom, really, Dan said, patting at his stomach. For good measure, he managed a hearty belch too. I’ve got to be going!

So soon? But you just got here?! Adele complained, spreading her arms wide.

Mom, I’m subbing a shift for one of the guys, and I’ve really got to get going, he explained… albeit lied, casting a quick glance at his wristwatch.

Well, okay… Adele said thoughtfully, for clearly his action was taking all the wind from her sails. But, be careful, she added as her slippers-clad feet padded along in her sons wake.

I will be, mom, Dan said as he pulled open the front door.

Don’t let anyone shoot you! His mother added as he jogged down the walkway, making good on his unexpected get-away.

Don’t worry mom, I won’t. I always shoot first! Dan shouted over his shoulder as he got into his car and revved the engine to life.

Always? Adele questioned, perplexed by her sons choice of words, but she couldn’t ask him about it since, with tires squealing, Dan accelerated down the quiet street, quickly heading for the safety… and peacefulness, of his own home.

Chapter 3

It was Saturday night, and having been encouraged to date more, Dan was knocking at the door of fellow CSP officer Lynda Alvarez’ apartment at precisely seven o’clock, as planned.

Having Lynda say ‘yes’ to going out on a date had seemed like winning the lottery to Dan because there was just no other way to put it… Lynda was hot.

Smokin’ hot.

Every single man at headquarters, and a few of the married one’s too, wanted a chance at Lynda Alvarez. A patrol officer, she even got hit on by men that she pulled over in traffic as she wrote their citations.

She was five feet-six inches of female dynamo, and she exuded sensuality. Lithe and lean, to say that she was in shape could be taken in more than one way. Lynda was a former beauty queen that had always been enthralled by law enforcement. But she got asked out so often that only a very few, select offers were ever really accepted. So for Dan to be standing on her front doorstep was a real boost to his dating career.

Lynda opened the door, and the gleaming smile that lit up her beautiful face, clearly demonstrated that she was happy to see him.

Hi Lynda, Dan greeted her, smiling widely.

Hi Dan, come on in, she replied, just as cordially. After that, it was all downhill.

*     *     *

A couple hours later as a dazed Dan sat on the floor of his dates kitchen while paramedics treated him for a bloody and nearly broken nose, he figured he may want to be more selective in what women he asks out in the future.

Is he gonna to be okay? Lynda blandly asked as she casually strolled back into the kitchen. She was still wearing the light blue spandex sports bra and bicycle pants in which she’d been clad when she had first greeted him at the door, and she didn’t even seem to care that her clothing was spattered with her dates blood.

Getting a bottle of vegetarian health water, with celery and mango extracts, out of the refrigerator, she took a long pull at the cold beverage before she held out the bottle to Dan, offering to share it with him.

No thanks, he replied, eyeing the bottle of nasty tasting liquid that she’d insisted on him trying earlier in the evening. How can you drink that stuff? He asked, which considering the paramedics had gauze stuffed into both of his nostrils to help stem the flow of blood, sounded more like, ’ow can you drinkth that thuff?

"It’s good Dan, but even more important, it’s good for you," she lectured… again.

Bullthit, he scoffed as the paramedics tried to check his blood pressure.

Yeah well, whatever, she replied, airily brushing off his opinion. How is he? She asked the paramedics.

He’ll be fine, the senior partner replied. Mr. Morgan, I really don’t think your nose is broken, but you may want to follow up with your own physician.

All that moaning and groaning was just for a simple bloody nose?! Lynda gasped, laughing right out loud.

Well, it wasn’th moading and groading for any other reathon! Dan shot back, and his meaning was clear to everyone in the kitchen at the moment… that is, if they could understand him through his gauze-packed nasal passages.

Like you would’ve been any good in bed, oh pulllease Dan, don’t make me laugh, she mocked him, and while he shot her a glare of immense proportions, the paramedics warily glanced at each other, silently wondering what had really gone on in here this evening.

Well, thath’s a niceth thig to thay! Dan angrily retorted, and pulling away from the paramedic that was trying to treat him, he scrambled to his feet as if challenging her, the blood pressure cuff left dangling limply from his arm.

Don’t force me to make you eat dirt again, Dan-Boy, Lynda replied off-hand as she raised the bottle of health water to her lips again.

Thit! Woodth you thop drinking that crap! Dan railed against the arrogance of her perceived healthy mode of living. Then thinking that whatever he had to say might sound more manly, if not less humorous, if he removed the blood-soaked gauze from his nose, he purposefully tore the formerly white material from the injured appendage, arrogantly dropping the soaked, reddened pads onto the floor. Where do you buy that stuff anyway? From the Porta-Crapper people?!

That’s disgusting, she huffed at him.

No more disgusting than a woman who thinks she’s a guy!

How dare you talk to me like that! Lynda spat as she literally threw the opened bottle down, not caring if the thick brownish-green liquid spewed all over the floor or not.

Uh, folks? The paramedics cautioned, calmly trying to intervene in what was apparently an escalating confrontation.

Dan hooked an index finger over the front of her spandex pants and pulled outward, trying to glance down into her shorts.

What’re you doing?! Lynda exploded, instantly slapping his hand away and everyone in the room could hear the sound of the elastic waistband snapping back into place against the bared skin of her abdomen.

Just checking to see if you really are female or not!

Well I never! Lynda fumed, and she seemed quite close to breathing fire at the moment.

And you never will either! Dan charged, laughing out loud. Pulling the blood pressure cuff from his arm, the Velcro closure making a loud, tearing noise as he did so, Dan handed the item back to the paramedic as he sauntered out of the kitchen, heading toward the front door.

He was half way through the living room when he was hit from behind by an enraged Hispanic cyclone. Angered by his nonchalant attitude, for apparently her own arrogance was acceptable, she ran after Dan, launching herself at his unsuspecting backside when she deemed herself close enough.

The force of the assault sent her date sprawling headlong into the living room where he hit his chin on the carpeted floor, causing him to bite his lip.

When the paramedics, who had packed up in preparation for making a quick get-away, saw the new flow of blood, they audibly sighed and sat down on the couch to wait to treat the male victim again.

Turning over, Dan rolled her with him and now he was on top.

Get off of me! She shouted, struggling against not only his weight, but also muscles which far surpassed her own unique capabilities.

You are one crazy bitch, you know that?! Dan declared, getting right in her face.

She was no more afraid of Dan than she was afraid of anything else in this life, and with a renewed flow of adrenaline, her pretty face contorted in a grimace of effort as she flipped the much larger male off of her. Though just how beautiful she was at the moment could be a hot topic for debate.

The paramedics, both younger men, just relaxed back onto the couch, and making themselves comfortable, they watched the confrontation just as casually as if they were watching the fights on television.

Hey! Fight fair! Dan complained when she used a decidedly illegal wrestling move on him. That’s been your whole problem all evening!

What’s that?! Lynda gasped as he held her… face down upon the carpeting with one arm held behind her back.

I said I didn’t want to use handcuffs! Dan pointed out, not for the first time.

Yeah? So? She challenged, though her angry words were slightly muffled by the thick nap of the carpeting.

When someone says no, it means no, whether male or female!

Wimp! Lynda charged as she countered his move and flipped him over, where he rolled hard up against the wall.

You really need to see a doctor! Dan shouted as he rose up on all fours.

What for?!

A shot of estrogen, for craps sake! Dan shouted. Growling, she leapt across the room, springing on him and bearing him back down to the floor again. And anger management courses too! How’d you ever con them into putting you on patrol duty?! Sleep with someone in HR? Ow! Ow! Dan yelped out loud as she bit his shoulder, and the paramedics, who were obviously keeping score, marked her down for that.

So what’s wrong with using handcuffs? Lynda shrieked as she kept his arms pinned behind his back, laying on him in order to utilize all of her one hundred twenty-five pounds against him.

I use’em at work, and I don’t bring my work home with me! Dan panted into the carpeting.

Not even in the bedroom?

No! Not even in the bedroom! Crap, what part of ‘no’ don’t you understand?!

I just don’t get it!

And you never will, either! Ow! Ow! Dan yelped again, groaning as she twisted his wrist to an unnatural angle. Then, with one twist of his hips, he leveraged her off of him, sending her rolling up against the baseboard this time, where he jumped on her before she had a chance to recoup and come back to the attack.

So, you would’ve just raped me? He challenged, and now the paramedics, who had been becoming bored, had their attention piqued once again. Straddling her hips, Dan kept Lynda’s arms pinned above her head.

I could have convinced you! She rasped, panting from the exertion of the impromptu brawl.

No, I don’t think so, Dan replied, shaking his head thoughtfully.

No man can resist me!

Oh lady, Dan scoffed, and trust me, I use the term loosely, any man with the smallest…

Equipment? She sneered through pursed lips.

"The smallest amount of self-respect could resist you," Dan completed his comment.

Good for you, man! The younger paramedic suddenly shouted, pumping