Chapter Two

“But Doc’s the one who called you guys.” Jon stated.

“We understand that Jon. But the less people who know about this the better.” A.J. said.

 Rick turned to Mary and asked if she had her gun? “ Yeah in my pocketbook.”

“Good. But put it on your person, Okay. They’re not just after Jon anymore.”  Rick told her concerned.

 “Yeah..no kidding. It looks like we definitely got whoever’s attention now.” She stated.

 “I think we should call the concert off for tonight” Town said.

 “NO! No way. I’m not letting anyone get to me like this.” Jon stated vehemently. “I’m not calling off the gig tonight!” They all just looked at each other, and then Town suggested that Rick and A.J. stay close to him and Mary until after the concert then have them stay at A.J.’s so none one knows where they were.

“I don’t think Doc will go for that? I mean…” Jon was trying to say.

 Rick cut him off, “Jon, he doesn’t have a choice. It’s either a live singer or a dead one. Which do you think he wants?” Rick asked sarcastically.

Jon looked at Rick pissed, “FINE!” Jon was getting under Rick’s skin. A.J. and Town had to break them up.

“Fine.. It’s settled “ Town said. Town took the dolls to see If they could get prints off of these dolls, which he sincerely doubted. The siblings took Jon back to the auditorium and told them not to mention the dolls. While on the way Jon had made up a list of names for the brothers to check out.

 “So I’m just to stand around and do what?..” Mary asked.

“Nothing!” both Rick and A.J. replied. Then A.J. elaborated “Just keep an eye on you and Jon. Okay? And let us know if anything else happens. Got IT!”

“Yeah, yeah.. sure.” she replied as Rick and A.J. left. She turned to Jon and asked? “Are you sure you’re ok? You look a little bit out of it?”

 “Um.. yeah. I just can’t believe this has gotten so out of control.” Jon said in disbelief.

“Well if it helps, my brothers are the best at what they do?” trying to calm him about the situation.  

“Great…” he said but still seemed out of it.

“Is there anything I can do?” she asked.

 “No, I’ll be ok. I just don’t want anybody hurt because of me.” He told her sincerely.

“Listen, it won’t be because of you, ok?! Whoever is doing this is CRAZY and you have to realize that. They’re sick.”

 “Yeah?!”

 “Look don’t you have to get ready for your performance?” she asked trying to change the subject.

 “Oh God! It’s getting late, you’re right. Let me get dressed and we’ll meet the guys backstage.” Jon hurried off to get dressed and when he came out, Mary just stood there, almost gawking at what he was wearing. He had on a short, ripped tank top and tight skin pants that looked like they were painted on him. Also very little makeup but enough that you can tell he had some on. Like eyeliner and his hair was teased up and a scarf wrapped around his head. She couldn’t believe that she actually thought he was real cute dress up like this.

Was she starting to like him? She felt bad what was happening to him, but was he finally rubbing off on her? She had to get that thought out of her head. She was here for one reason and one reason only and that was to protect him from this nut case. Not to get emotionally involved. But he was finally showing her another side of himself that she didn’t realize he had. And maybe to himself as well. “Well how do I look?” he asked.

 “Good I guess. I’m not sure what your suppose to wear in concert.” She said. He laughed and went to hug her but stopped when he felt something very large, cold under her jacket. “What the hell is that?” he asked.

“What?” she looked at him confused.

“That bulge under your jacket.”

 “Oh this? It’s my gun” she said calmly.

 “You’re what? GUN!” he asked her very surprised that she was packing.

 “Yeah. We have some nut job trying to kill you. How did you think I was going to protect you?” she asked him a little surprised that he was surprised that she was carrying a gun with her.

 “I really didn’t think about that. Do you know how to use that thing?” he asked hoping and a little turned on.

“Of course I do!  They wouldn’t have given it to me if I didn’t” she replied annoyed.

 “Ok Ok Let’s go!” Jon said grabbing her hand.  They headed out to the stage where the others were, just in time before they were supposed to go on stage.

“Kidd where the hell have you’ve been. We’re just about to go on? Or shouldn’t I ask?...” David yelled as Jon turned and gave him his famous stink eye look.

Jon looked at Mary “Ignore them, they don’t know what they’re saying.” trying to apologize for the crass remark. 

“Don’t worry about it. I DO have two older brothers. And believe me they act like they’re younger at times.” She trailed off as the band ran on stage and started to play.

 “Gotta go. We’ll talk after our set.” He gave her a quick kiss on the lips as he ran on stage like he owned it.

“Um..” was all she could say.

            He ran up and down that stage as if he was doing it for a thousand years. He owned it and the audience. She couldn’t take her eyes off of him. Oh God was she starting to have feelings for him!  “No, no…no, no. This can’t be happening. He’s not even my type! I like clean cut, six feet one, black short hair (bad boys) not long as a girls! With makeup, earrings, tight pants that had no imagination what so ever! Oh don’t even go there!” she was trying frantically to erase the images that kept coming into her head. They finished they’re set, only forty-five minutes, and ran backstage. They all were pumped up on how great the audience was and they knew they ROCKED!

 Richie yelled” Wow! That was the greatest crowd yet! Did you see those two chicks that were in the front row!”

 “Yeah they were hot!” Jon exclaimed back.

            “I thought they were going to fall out of their tops!” Richie huffed.

David yelled back “Now that would have been great!” but he quickly shut up as Mary walked in.

            “Well it got very quiet.” She said as she walked in. “You guys don’t have to… Ah um…stop talking on my account.” She winked at Jon.

 “Okay you guys chill. She’s cool.” Jon said. Then looking at Mary, “I need to take a shower and then we can get out of here.”

Doc replied “What about the after party? I need to introduce some people to you.”

“Can’t. Didn’t realize I was so tired.” Jon replied trying not to elaborate.

“Fine” then Doc looked over at Mary and tilted his head as to tell her that he needed to talk to her. They waited until the guys went to showers. “Is he OK? He’s acting kind of funny? He shouldn’t, the show went off great?”

 “No he’s fine. The only thing my brothers suggested that he stay at one of my brother’s house. That’s all.” She commented.

 “Oh, Okay. That would be safer.”

            “Rick and A.J. did request that not a lot of people know about this, OKAY?”

 “That’s fine. But I’ll have to explain to the others that he’s staying with you. Is that OKAY?”

 “I guess it will have to. You can ask A.J. or Rick for an update tomorrow. And let us know when you need us to come back here tomorrow.”

“Jon knows the itinerary. I’ll see the two of you tomorrow then. Take care of my boy.”

             “Will do.” She replied.                                                                                                      

            When he returned he seemed a lot more relaxed after his shower. A car was waiting for them to take them to the hotel. Jon picked up his duffel bag and they walked out to the car. As they got in, Mary told the driver that there was a change in plans as too where to drop them off. He looked at Jon and he nodded to let the driver know it was alright. She got a kick out of how he didn’t take her word for it and had to double check with Jon. She gave him the address again and within twenty-five minutes they arrived at her brothers A.J.’s house. As they walked in, Jon looked around and seemed impressed.

            “Wow this is nice.” Jon told her.

“Yeah. A.J.’s kind of a neat freak. So pleaseeee don’t make too much of a mess. Okay?” she said as she winked at him.

 “I’ll try not to.” he chuckled. All of a sudden a big dog came running from the upstairs and jumped on to Jon. Not really afraid of dogs but Marlowe  took him by surprised and he yelped pretty loud. “Oh CRAP! What the hell is that?!”

            “Hey don’t yell at him! Marlowe get down right now. You heard me! Jon’s ok.” She bent down to his level and started to scratch him on his back and then all of a sudden he fell to the ground and rolled on his back so he could get a belly rub. “Oh, Marlowe I don’t have time for this you big goof.”

             She loved Marlowe very much, even though he was Rick’s dog he belonged to the Simon family. Marlowe was a very big dog, a mutt really and came up to her waist but he was very lovable unless someone was out to hurt his family.  “And what were you doing upstairs? Oh God I hope you didn’t go into A.J.’s room.”

  “Why?” Jon asked.

 “Because he has a bad habit to eat A.J.’s things. I don’t know what it is about A.J. but Marlowe loves to get under his nerves.”

`           “Whose dog is he anyway?” Jon asked curious.

  “Rick’s. But he really does belong to the family. Don’t you boy.” Mary said while getting him a treat. “Don’t worry he won’t hurt you. As long as you behave?”  Mary said with a smirk. “Look I need to go up and change. You can change in the guest room. It’s right next to mine.” Mary said.

“You live with your brother?”

 “No I live at my Mom’s. A.J. let’s me have my own room here because I’m here more than I’m home. Plus Rick lives out in the boat. That’s his.” She explained to him.

“Wow. That’s nice.” He said.

 “Yeah.  Too bad it doesn’t float!” she laughed.

 “Really? Then why does he live in it if he can’t put it in the water?” he asked.

“Because it’s his own place even thou A.J. would love to get it out of here. And the two of them really couldn’t let’s say LIVE together even thou they do.. It’s complicated. Don’t ask.” Mary showed Jon to his room, then walked to hers and locked the door behind her. He heard the lock and chuckled to himself. Jon was looking at the very clean, tidy room with some family photos on the bureau. He picked up one that was a family photo, must have been years and years ago because Mary looked like she couldn’t be more than maybe ten as her brothers were already into adulthood. He did notice that she looked at lot like her mother. But one thing was off in this photo. No Father. He wondered what happened and really notice the age difference between the siblings. He changed out of his clothes and put a tee shirt on (New York Giants) and a pair of sweats. Mary was already downstairs when he descended the stairs. He got a kick out of what she was wearing, an Elvis tee shirt and Elvis lounge pants.

            “So I take it you like Elvis” he said surprising her a little.

            “Oh yeah I do. I adore him” she said as he startled her.

 “Have you ever been to Graceland?” he asked.

 “NO! But I am dying to. One of these days. Right now we’ve been really busy, but I’ll get there.” She stated.

 “Well you should go. It’s Great!” her eyes lit up and he really got a good look at the hazel blue eyes she has and when talking about something see loves, how they sparkled.

“You’ve, been there?” She asked anxiously?”

 “Yeah we went last year. Me and the band.” She had to sit down. Her legs started to get weak. He thought she looked real cute getting all flustered and excited.

“How, how was it? As beautiful as it is on T.V. and in pictures?”

“Actually the house is smaller than you would think.”

 “Really?” She asked as she sat there as if she was in another world.

“Yeah, but it was really cool to be in his home, you know.”

 “I take it that you’re a fan also?” she asked him.

“Well I thought I was until I saw you. And I bet those Elvis records are yours and not your brothers?” He inquired.

 “You would be right.” Saying to herself, ‘did he say me. A fan of me? Oh God he’s flirting Shit!’

 “Who’s Jazz albums?” he asked trying to make conversation.

 “Oh those are A.J.’s and the vintage rock albums are Rick’s. We have a real variety of music here. And a lot of great artists. Just be careful because if anything happens to any of them you’re dead MEAT! With my Elvis one’s especially.” She winked at him.

“Gotcha” as he winked back.

            “Can we move in this house or do we have to stay completely still?” he said sarcastically.

            Mary shook her head “Yes you can move just don’t break anything. I don’t want to get blamed on not being able to handle you.”

 “Handle me?”  he said with his hands on his hips and shaking his head not too pleased.

“Sorry poor choice of words.” She chuckled.

 “Well that’s better.” He said still a little bit ticked by that remark.  Mary looked at Marlowe and he seemed he’s had to go out. So she walked over to the sliding doors and let him out.

Jon thought this might be a good time to try and get to know her a little better. He walked over to her and took her hand in his. Mary was a little taken back by that. She looked at him in those deep blue eyes.  

“What’s this?” she asked confused but also guarded.

“Can we just talk?” as he walked her over to the couch. They sat down with Jon still holding her hand.

            “Ok? What’s up?” She asked.

 “I just want to say Thank you for all you and your brothers are doing. And that we… go over some things, you know…that we should know about each other. You know in case anyone should ask us.” Jon fumbled.

 “Like who?” Mary said already knowing the answer. She really wanted to see him squirm.

“Like have you lived here your whole life? How old are you? Month, date, year. What’s your sign? Favorite color, food, do you have a boyfriend?” he was inquiring mainly about the boyfriend but didn’t want to make it to obvious.

She replied, “That’s a really good idea. Doc got me caught up on you so I guess it’s only fair. Well let’s see I’ve lived in San Diego my whole life, I’m twenty-three, my birthday is July twenty-fourth nineteen sixty two. Oh which makes me a Leo?” she looked at him smiling.

“And?” he inquired.

“And what?” she asked trying so hard not to giggle as she knew what he wanted to know.

“You didn’t finish answering the questions.” He said as he felt he knew what she was playing at.

“Oh… my favorite color is purple and don’t laugh because it’s also Donny Osmond’s’ favorite color.  I like him too so NO TEASING! On food mostly Italian and seafood. There satisfied?” She said knowing very well she left out the boyfriend response. He sat there next to her a little uncomfortably which she loved.

            “Ahh you didn’t um answer the last question?” he said a little annoyed knowing full well she probably did it on purpose. She looked innocently at him trying not to laugh.

            “What was that?”  It took a few minutes but Jon caught on to what she was doing; she wanted to see him squirm on the last question.

            “You know damned well. Do you have a boyfriend?” Asking again very annoyed. 

            “Oh that! I thought that was obvious? No, no I don’t.” she said smiling innocently.

             “May I ask why?”

            “Just stuff.  My last boyfriend ran off in fear of his life. The setbacks of having two older brothers who act like they’re my father. Oh and a mother who just wants grandchildren but the old fashion way. And let’s not forget my adopted brother Town, who can run background checks faster than you can say ‘It was nice meeting you.”

             “Sorry” Jon chuckled.

            “That’s not funny” she said swiping him across the arm.

            “When I was upstairs I was looking at some old photos and noticed a few things.”

             “Yeah what was that?” she asked.

            “One: you’re really younger than your brothers and two: there wasn’t a Father in those pictures.”

            “Oh, That’s because my dad died before I was born. So I never knew him. He was an intelligent officer. I was the “little miracle” baby.  My parents thought the boys we’re going to be their only children but before dad went off on his last mission and… Well Surprise! Apparently he never knew about me.” she said solemnly.

“I’m sorry?” Jon said quietly.

            Shaking her head, “It’s okay. I’m fine with it. I’ve had twenty-three years to deal with it.”  It had gotten quiet for a few minutes when Mary chimed up “You know it’s getting late we really should get some sleep…” but before she could finish that sentence Jon took her head and slowly moved it to him and kissed her slowly for what seems like hours, but it was only a minute. He didn’t want to spook her. “Ohhh Okayyy. And that was for? Not that I’m complaining?” She said as her heart was beating as though it was going to go through her chest.  

“Because I’ve been wanting to do that…seriously now for the last hour.” 

 “Oh?”

“Can you say something other than OH?” he asked confused. He didn’t usually get this kind of reaction from girls or the ones he likes.

            Nervously she blurted out “I need to get Marlowe. He’s scratching at the door to come in.  And A.J. will be pissed if he leaves any marks.” She jumped up shaking her head nervously to let Marlowe inside as Jon watched her and trying very hard not to chuckle at her. He found it funny because all day she was showing this air of confidence.

            And now with just the two of them when he leaned into her to kiss her she got all jumbled.  Marlowe came in from outside and went right to his bed area. As Mary shut and locked the sliding doors she turned around and there was Jon right behind her. He startled her. “OH, I didn’t see you there.”

            “I think we can relax now that all the doors and alarms are set. So why don’t you come sit next to me. Okay?” he seemed very confident and escorted her back to the couch. All of a sudden she felt nervous to be with him alone. Her heart was beating so fast and hard now that she thought it would jump out of her chest. Could she be feeling something for him?  Oh God she was but she didn’t want him to notice, so she was trying to act real cool, but failing miserably. He looked into her hazel blue eyes and knew she was nervous. “Are you okay baby?” 

            Stumbling over her words “What. Don’t call me baby!” she answered annoyed.

             “Okay Sweetie, what’s wrong?” 

            Still annoyed “YOU!”

            “What did I do?” he asked innocently.

            “You kissed me! Without asking?!” she retorted.

            Jon smiled wryly “I didn’t think you minded. It’s not like you slapped me to stop me?” 

            “Well you took me by surprised.” She shot back.

            “Okay well now I’m telling you. I’m going to kiss you again. So if you intend to slap me at least wait to see if you like it.” Jon again reached up to her face and leaned in carefully. He gently brushed his lips against hers and not feeling any hesitation on her part, pressed in a littler harder. Slowly he parted her lips with his tongue and made his way in exploring her mouth as she did his. He then slowly put his arms around her and gently pushing her down on the couch. Her mind was racing, why in hell was he doing this? To get a rise out of her? Or did he actually like her. He couldn’t. He was being an ass to me all day. And being a Simon she just had to know. Just as he was about to bring one hand around and up her tee shirt she stopped him short.

            “Did I do something wrong?” he questioned.

            “No…no. I just don’t think it’s right. That’s all. I didn’t think you liked me?” she questioned him.

            “What the hell does that mean?” He really wasn’t sure now. He knew he was playing with her earlier in the day but didn’t realize himself that he was going to start to have feelings about her. She was being so kind, caring and thought maybe a friendship was starting.          

            “Nothing….”

             “No, I think it means something?”  Looking at her not realizing that he was having feelings for her.

            “Well … You were treating me like you didn’t like me. You were being an ASS! You know. If this is going to happen, I want it to be because it’s right. Not because you feel obligated to me or let’s say us being HORNY” she said trying very hard not to look at him from embarrassment.

            Oh God she was really blushing now and really being cute. He thought that was just the most adorable thing in the world. “Are you blushing?” he asked. Oh God! She was. She shot him a sharp look. He figured he better fix this fast or he was going to lose her. “Okay. Well I do feel something for you and it’s not HORNY. OK. Let’s just clear that up first. I really feel I am having feelings for you.  Seriously… and I do find you VERY Attractive. And I’m sorry if I gave you the idea I didn’t like you. And sorry for being an Ass. But unfortunately that’s my personality. But I was hoping you liked me the same way?” he said holding her hand gently and hoping he didn’t sound to corny. “Look I really like you and I kind of get the feeling you like me too?” Jon asked Mary.

            She shook her head despite of herself. Answering him “Well yeah?! I do.”

             “So what’s the problem then? Is it your brothers?” She shook her head again yes. Annoyed he said “Ok, am I going to have to drag this out of you?”

            “No. look right after you and Doc left my brothers made it VERY clear to me that this was a Job! Not a dating service, which means no Hanky Panky on either of our parts.” Jon could see that she was very nervous now. He moved in closer, this time his hand was on her shoulder.

            “Are you afraid of your brothers?” he asked her concerned.

             “Oh God NO! I’m just afraid…for you.” She told him.

             “Me! Why?” he said with a chuckle. 

            She scrunched her face “Because they are very protective of me, and they don’t see me as an adult. And I’m afraid that they may hurt you?”

             “You’re kidding, right?”  he asked a little nervously.                                 

              This time shaking her head no. “humph, No.”    

            “Oh good Lord! Okay. Well we’ll just have to deal with that when the time comes. OK?” Jon said as he pulled her in for another kiss. But Mary pulled back which frustrated him. “Now What?”

             “Are you kidding me?! And I don’t feel right. I’m just not comfortable, that’s all.”

             “Are you afraid they may walk in on us?” Again she shook her head yes. “Okay, if I suggest that we take this upstairs would you try and slap me?”

             “No I won’t slap you.” she said trying not to giggle. Looking at the stairs then back to her.

            “Then I take it we’re on the same page here, right. Because right now I really need to get this right.” He said looking down now at his crotch. She just smiled. Standing up, Mary took his hand and started to lead the way upstairs to her room. “Yeah, we’re on the same page.” He smiled as they headed upstairs.

             “Well if I’m going to die, I’m going to die happy!”  She lightly slapped him on his arm. “Hey you said you wouldn’t slap me.” He said laughing.