Chapter Five

Jaime was first. Oscar and Steve had agreed that her part would be one of complete innocence, and she stuck admirably to the plan. She faced Hansen, Parr and Renshaw with seemingly wide-eyed honesty and an almost eerie sense of calm.

The Senator spoke first. "When did you learn about the APB, Miss Sommers?"

"Mrs. Goldman," she corrected. "I found out that the NSB was looking for me when Steve found us at the airport, two days ago."

"Why did you leave the country," Hansen queried, "and whose idea was it?"

"Well..." Jaime said slowly, "we were just about to start down the aisle when I heard Steve outside, asking someone if they'd seen us. I told Oscar, and he pulled me out the side entrance - fast. He thought Steve would try and stop the wedding and when I got a little...um...upset, Oscar suggested we go someplace more out of the way - you know, private - get married there and then fly right back."

Parr scowled. "So rather than San Francisco or Sacramento, you chose...Greece."

"Oscar found a villa where we could spend the night. it was perfect!" she finished with true honeymooner's enthusiasm. "We were gonna get married and fly back the next morning. Except..."

"Except what?" Hansen prompted.

"Steve was only a few hours behind us. We took a side trip to the other end of the island, hoping to lose him and for a little while, we thought we had. We decided to fly to Athens - put a little more distance between us and Steve - have the wedding there and then come home - but Steve stopped us at the airport. I couldn't believe it when I heard about the APB! And then, once we were on the plane, I found out that Mr. Parr had somehow turned me into a bank robber! We came right back and finally had the wedding yesterday morning. Today, we decided to cut the honeymoon short so Steve wouldn't have to take the heat when he was only trying to help."

Minutes later, Jaime was allowed to join Steve in the larger office across the hall, where they were both locked in to wait while Oscar was being questioned.

"What're you doing here?" Steve asked softly.

We knew what they'd probably do to you, and we had to come back and end this!"

"Jaime...I'm so sorry you missed out on your honeymoon."

"We'll still have one," she assured him. "Anyway, the wedding night was delicious."

- - - - - -

Oscar's version of events meshed perfectly with the others', but while Steve had been cocky and Jaime exuded innocence, Oscar was furious - and it was no act.

"Parr, you had my wife falsely declared a bank robber! What if some cop or even a private citizen had decided to be a hero...and shot her?"

"We needed to bring her in as quickly as possible," Parr hedged defensively.

"So you could put her away!" Oscar thundered. "She didn't do a damn thing wrong!" Oscar turned to glare at Hansen. "That idiot's actions were what caused Steve to set out to try and warn us - he caused this entire incident! His irresponsibility could've cost Jaime her life! Give me one reason why I shouldn't go to the Secretary - or to the President if necessary - and have your agency disbanded!"

"Oscar, you have my most sincere apology," Hansen offered in the most humble voice anyone had ever heard him use. "Bill, clear your things from your office - immediately. I want you out of the building within the hour!"

Senator Renshaw rose to his feet. "Under the circumstances, Oscar, I'd like to offer your wife a full and unconditional retirement - at full salary of course. And Bill, when you've finished here, you will be brought to my office. This isn't over for you."

- - - - - -

As the three co-conspirators stepped outside into sunshine and freedom, their hearts swelled with the knowledge that their goals had finally been realized. Except one - and Steve was about to take care of that.

"Steak and lobster for three tonight!" Jaime exclaimed, beaming. "Steve, we owe you...everything!"

Steve shook his head. "Maybe in a week or two. I believe you both have a honeymoon to get back to."

Oscar grinned and shook his Best Man's hand. "We'll see you in a week, Pal. Plan on it."

Steve watched and waved as his friends drove out of sight, then hummed cheerfully to himself as he got into his car.

Mission accomplished.

END