I couldn't repair your brakes, so I made your horn louder. - Anonymous
"I don't know, Hannibal. What if something comes up while I'm gone?"
"I'll either stall the client or call you."
"I wish I didn't have to go, but Mama's gonna need me when she gets out of the hospital."
"I know, BA, I know. I won't take any job unless it's something we absolutely won't need you for, okay?"
BA didn't believe him, but went to Chicago anyway.
*****
"I told him this was a bad idea. Didn't I tell him this was a bad idea?"
"Yes, Face, you told him this was a bad idea. But he'll get us out of here. He always does."
"It would be nice if he weren't the reason he had to get us out these things."
Before any further complaints could be lodged, a rather loud "POOF" was heard, followed by the sight of a rather large fireball through the barred window. Seconds later, Hannibal was unlocking the cell door, pushing the unconscious guard in after his men ran out.
Seated in Hannibal's old Impala on a cutback a mile or so away, they watched Decker's forces race to the bad guys' lair, fully expecting to catch the team. Grinning, the colonel spoke happily, "Piece of cake, right, guys?"
Ignoring Face rolled eyes, Murdock leaned over the seat back. "How'd you blow that truck, Colonel? The dynamite's back at the warehouse with the van, and I know you can't wire stuff like BA."
"Went old school, Murdock. The old cigarette in the matchbook trick. Tucked it in the middle of the engine compartment - gave me plenty of time to get back to you guys while those slimeballs ran around like chickens with their heads cut off."
Pulling out on the now vacant road, Hannibal glanced at them. "Let's not mention that to BA, okay?"
*****
"Hey, Hannibal, how's everything going? Any problems?"
"Uh, no, BA, we're doing just fine. Had a couple small jobs, nothing we couldn't handle. How's your mom?"
"She came through surgery okay. She's got another day in the hospital, then she's gotta stay off her feet for a few days."
"Well, you just relax and don't worry about us, okay?"
"Yeah. Hey, I didn't get a chance before I left, but you wanna check the fluids and belts on the van? Oh, especially the antifreeze. I know that was getting low. No big deal since you're not driving it. You're not driving it, are you?"
"No, BA, we're not driving it, but I'll check it anyway."
BA hung up, belatedly wondering if he should've even mentioned it.
*****
Face looked up curiously as Hannibal and Murdock came into the office.
"I was just trying to help."
"I know that, Murdock. But BA's already under quite a bit of stress, and we don't want to add to that, do we?"
"But I feel so bad, Hannibal. And apologies are good for the soul, right?"
Deep sigh. "This one would be bad for your health. Now, I've already called Georgie and he's coming over with the tow truck this afternoon. By the time BA gets back, everything will be taken care of." Hannibal looked sternly at the pilot. "There is no need to say anything to BA."
"But - "
"No need, Captain. Is that understood?"
Unhappily, Murdock nodded and wandered off.
"Problem, Hannibal?"
"Well, I thought locking the van so Murdock couldn't get at the engine forestalled any... assistance. Unfortunately, Murdock found other means."
Face quirked an eyebrow. "And...?"
"And we now have to pay to have the antifreeze flushed out of the gas tank..."
*****
BA shuffled in his seat, trying to get comfortable. He hated buses. He wished he could've just taken his van. Damn Decker. Too many close calls this last month, and Hannibal said his van was too conspicuous. Like that ever mattered. But Hannibal had been right.
He wasn't even supposed to be heading back to LA yet, but he'd gotten that feeling, the one they all seemed to have, telling them it was time to move. Even his mama seemed to know. Said she'd be fine, Karen would look after her now. So he'd left, two days ahead of schedule, taken the bus.
Buses.
Constantly changing his ticket, hitting every little wide spot in the road, zig-zagging his way west, finally headed to his last stop in God knows where California.
He just hoped Face would be on time to pick him up.
*****
Face frowned. He was not happy.
'Your Vette's too flashy, Face. Take my car, Face. Yes, the AC works just fine, Face.'
And of course, the AC didn't work at all.
He was parked on a small hill, a mile or so from his destination. He had a perfect view, since there wasn't a tree or a rock between him and the gas station where the bus would supposedly be stopping. And he was even less happy now, having spotted two olive green sedans hidden from view of said gas station.
He picked up his binoculars, checking the cars more closely. Empty. No doubt the occupants were strategically placed to pounce when the bus arrived. But they were parked rather close to each other...
He grinned.
He had plenty of time before BA was due. He drove at speed, not wanting to draw attention, even knowing all eyes would be looking in the other direction. Ten minutes later, he was parked a few yards from his quarry, and just as hidden from view. He thought for a few moments, then stepped out, tire iron in hand. It didn't take long to create a channel in the dirt under both cars and continuing on for a few more feet. Another few moments under the cars produced a very satisfactory stream of gas running through the channel.
He tossed the flare as he roared past, squealing onto the main (and only) street, barely past the gas station when the explosion came.
Thirty minutes later, Face had successfully waylaid the bus, removed one very confused sergeant, and waved happily at Decker as they raced back through the little burg, heading for LA.
"Welcome back, BA!"
FINI