Sooooooo...everyone ready to face the Purple Flower Gang!
Davy: No! Not with me face in this condition! :p
Valerie: I'm ready.
Micky: No. Not with his face in that condition. ;-)
Peter: Don't worry, Davy! We'll take care of you! :D
Lauren: Good grief. *rolls her eyes*
Mike: Well, I've got some things I gotta do, so yeah, I'm ready.
(Morning at the Pad, a few days after the incident at the warehouse. The scene actually looks much like the beginning of "Peter's Peacock," with Emma feeding pancakes to the hungry masses, only there's no screeching blue-green bird and everyone is dressed. Lauren and Micky come in the door as Mike settles down at the table with his coffee and paper.)
Micky: I told you I smelled food, babe!
(Davy still looks a bit battered, but everyone else is fine.)
Lauren: *small grin* So you did ten times, Mick.
Mike: Ain't hard. Em makes great pancakes.
Peter: Can I have some more?
Emma: (Sighs; mutters) When did I turn into my mother? I half expect to hear someone barking "Hey, darlink, more over here!" or "Moooomm, she stole my milk!" (To Mike) Thanks, honey. (Shakes her head and brings Peter two more pancakes) Here you go, Pete. I'm glad you appreciate them. :)
Micky: I appreciate them, too!
Mike: (Reads the paper and makes a face as Lauren and Micky join the group at the table) Oh, man, those creeps are still around. "Purple Flower Gang Still At Large"
Lauren: Wonderful. :-P
Mike: Shoulda known the police wouldn't find them...
(Emma brings more plates of pancakes over for Lauren and Micky, then joins the others at the table with a plate herself.)
Emma: Eat hearty, gang. There's lots of Bisquick!
Mike: (Grins) Oh, so that's your secret! ;)
Emma: Actually, I prefer Aunt Jemima, but the Acme was out the last time I was there. :p
Lauren: *takes a bite* Hey, I've tried making pancakes with Bisquick, and they never come out this good. *quirks an eyebrow*
Micky: *grins* You don't want to see her pancakes!
*Lauren elbows Micky in the gut.*
Davy: (Grins) At least she can tell the difference between Bisquick and regular old bakin' flour! (Looks at Mike) I seem to remember someone makin' pancakes that were so thin, they could be used as mirrors.
Mike: (Blushes) Yeah, well, the damn flour and Bisquick containers weren't labeled. They look alike.
Emma: (Swallows a bite of pancake) So, after this morning's rehersal, what's on everyone's agenda.
Peter: I have a date with Valerie.
Mike: I got some shoppin' to do in town, and I'm gonna need Mick to go with me.
Micky: *nods* Sure, Mike!
Mike: It's guy stuff, nothin' girls would understand.
Lauren: Oh, really? *winks*
Emma: (Sighs) Looking for more parts for the MonkeeMobile?
Mike: Uh, yeah, somethin' like that. (Forks another bite of pancake quickly in his mouth)
Lauren: I didn't really have anything planned. *shrugs*
Emma: Maybe we could go on the beach together, Lauren.
Lauren: *nods* That sounds good to me.
Davy: (Grins dreamily) I 'ave a date with a girl this afternoon. Real pretty. I met 'er at the gig at the Cassandra the other night.
Emma: (Groans) Not the big, busty blonde?
Davy: Now, Em, just because she's got yella 'air and 'er chest is biggah than yours don't mean she's a bimbo. Delilah's a nice girl, and real smart. She's a model for small-time cosmetics companies in LA and Southern California.
Emma: (Glares) Davy, do you want me to sit on you? You know I could do it.
Lauren: She will, too. *grins* ;-)
Emma: (Grins at Micky, who's downing pancakes at a phenomenal rate) Looks like someone missed my cooking! (Gives Micky the last of the pancakes)
Micky: Thanks, Em!
Lauren: *sighs* And, yes, he did down a big bowlful of cereal before we came over here.
Emma: Which means, this is the last you're getting. ;)
Micky: *makes a face* Awe!
Mike: (To Davy) Dave, ain't you still recoverin' from bein' beaten black and blue the other day?
Davy: Mike, it's just one litt'l date! 'Ow could it 'urt?
Mike: Um, Davy, those Purple Flower assholes are still after us. :p
Davy: Now, come on, Mike, she's a girl. 'Ow could she be a ganstah?
Emma: Ever heard of "gang molls," Davy?
Davy: Nice girl like that wouldn't be involved with rottahs like those!
Peter: Uh-huh. That's what you said about the hillbilly.
Mike: And the Middle-Eastern princess.
Emma: And the Princess of Harmonica.
Davy: That's different! I saved the Princess from a fate worse than death, and Collette and Ellie May came to me, not the othah way around!
Micky: Davy, what we're trying to get through your thick skull is be careful.
Davy: I will, Mick. My face 'as been worked ovah enough. (Points at his cheek) Can't damage this million-dollar mug any more than those goons already 'ave. ;)
Mike: Yeah, well, that million-dollar mug won't be worth two cents if you get into trouble with another girl.
Peter: (As Emma collects up the breakfast dishes) Hey, guys, why don't we start practice?
Mike: Good idea, Pete. We've got a gig comin' up at the Vincent Van Go-Go soon.
(Emma finishes off the dishes as the boys head to the bandstand and get behind their instruments, tuning them up. Lauren settles on the psychiatrist's couch.)
Davy: (Grins) Any requests from the audience? ;)
Emma: Lauren, you pick. I'm still finishing up in here.
Lauren: Okay. How about "Words"?
(Cut to the video, which is just the guys playing and Lauren watching. All four are happily swept away in the music. Lauren, from the couch, and Emma, emerging from the kitchen, clap for the guys as the song ends. All four bow.)
Emma: I love hearing you guys play. It's amazing. You're all such different people, but when you play, you just...meld. I don't know how to describe it.
Mike: (Smiles) Sometimes, I don't either, Em.
Peter: It's our good auras. They're all very bright and sunny now.
Micky: *shrugs* Why describe it. It's Monkee music! *taps out a riff*
Emma: (Sighs) Vanessa Russell was right. You all are crazy and wonderful! :D :) ;)
Mike: Yeah, that kid kinda got us in trouble, but she ended up ok.
Peter: I'm just glad she passed her test.
Micky: I'm glad her dad really hadn't sent security after us. ;-)
Mike: Yeah, man, and he didn't lose his country club membership, either.
Davy: She was a really groovy girl. I still see her from time to time. She's datin' anothah fella, but she still talks about me and the party and 'ow it was the best one she evah 'ad. :D
Micky: Probably because it was the only party that didn't have a polka band playing!
Peter: (Laughs) Wonder how long it took that Swedish band to figure out they weren't at war with Norway? The Scandinavian countries are among the most peaceful in the world! ;)
Mike: (Grins) Well, it got rid of them, didn't it? ;)
Micky: That was brilliant, Mike. ;-)
Emma: I agree. Jill told me that. Great improv there, Mike. ;)
Mike: (Blushes) Aw, if it works...
Peter: (Looks at his watch) I've got to go. I'm meeting Valerie downtown for lunch, then we're going to her dad's place to work on our piano duet.
Mike: And Micky and I have a bit of (clears his throat) shopping to do.
*Micky shrugs and nods.*
Davy: (Nods) My date's in a few hours. I'm takin' the jeep.
Peter: Valerie's picking me up.
Mike: Which leaves us free to take the MonkeeMobile. Unless you ladies...
Emma: (Shakes her head) No, I'm not going anywhere. I thought Lauren and I could have a chat on the beach.
Lauren: Go ahead.
Mike: (Nods and puts down Black Beauty) Right. We'll have a second rehearsal before dinner. Everyone meet back here at 4PM.
Peter: (Salutes and takes off the bass) Will do, Chief! ;)
Mike: (Shakes his finger, but he's grinning) Keep calling me that, Pete, and I may get to likin' it. ;)
Micky: *rolls his eyes and leaves his sticks on one tomtom* Where'd you get that from, anyway, Big Peter?
Peter: The "chief" business? "Get Smart." ;)
Micky: Well, I had to ask. *grins*
Emma: Good taste, Pete. That's one of my favorite shows. ;)
Lauren: Mine, too. ;-)
Mike: Kinda think it's groovy myself. That Don Adams...man, Pete, they call you a dummy. Maxwell Smart has you beat by a mile and a half. ;)
Peter: From you, Michael, I'll take that as a compliment. ;)
Davy: (Starts for the stairwell) Anyone need the bathroom? I've got to go get ready for me date.
Lauren: In other words, it won't be free for a few hours. ;-)
Davy: (As the others laugh) 'Ey, now, I don't spend that much time in there...
Mike: Davy, when you get ready for a date, it can take days. ;)
Emma: See, Mick? Davy's cheap-shot-able too. ;)
Micky: True. I feel better now. *grins*
Davy: (Shakes his head and grins at Micky) They got no appreciation for us 'andsome blokes, Mick. ;) (Goes in the bathroom)
Micky: *buffs his fingernails on his shirt* He does have a point.
Peter: I'm gonna see if Valerie's ready. (Takes the phone and dials.) Hi, Valerie, it's me, Peter. Uh-huh... (a dreamy expression falls on his face)
Mike: He's so in love with that girl, it's scarin' me. ;)
Micky: As long as he doesn't turn into Davy, I'm okay with it. ;-)
Mike: Naw, Pete doesn't have the ego. (Gently places Black Beauty in her case) You ready to head out, Mick?
Micky: Ready and rarin'! *steps out from behind the drumkit*
Mike: We'll see you girls in about an hour or two. It shouldn't take us long. (They head out. Emma sighs and shakes her head)
Emma: (Smiling) What have I gotten myself into? (Takes Lauren's hand) What have we both gotten ourselves into?
Lauren: I already know. *winks*
Emma: Are you up for a walk? (Rubs her tummy) Do you know if it's a boy or a girl yet?
Lauren: *laughs* That tickles! No, I don't know yet. Actually, I don't know if I want to know beforehand...
Emma: It'll help with buying clothes and things.
Lauren: That's true.
Emma: (Yells to the boys) HEY, GUYS, WE'RE GOING TO THE BEACH! (Peter just nods, still dreamy-eyed)
Davy: (Faint, from the bathroom) See you latah, ladies!
*Lauren sticks a finger in her ear.*
Emma: Oops, sorry, should have warned ya. When you're the oldest of four, you have to have noisy equipment just to be heard over the crowd. ;)
Lauren: It's okay, but if you're looking for your voice, it's still bouncing around in there. ;-)
(Emma giggles - she understands the Bowery Boys reference - as the two head out to the beach. Lauren is understandably nervous, after the events of a few days before. Emma is lost in her thoughts.)
Emma: Lauren...do you think I did the right thing?
Lauren: About you and Mike? Yeah. Why?
Emma: I don't know. Neither of us have much money, we're so incompatable on so many things, Mike doesn't have a steady job, we fight like cats and dogs... (She sighs) Just worried, I guess.
Lauren: You love each other. I can tell. I've heard both of you say it. *smiles* Don't worry about it.
Emma: This is just new to me, I guess. (Sighs, kicking at the sand with her sandaled toe) How did you and Micky do it?
Lauren: I guess with me and Micky, it's more like we're best friends than anything. *shrugs*
Emma: All I ever wanted was a companion, really, someone to talk to. (Sighs) And I love talking to Mike. He's so deep, but cryptic, sometimes. I don't always understand everything he says, but I like hearing it. (Sighs) And he's not afraid to give me my space. You know, for all his desire for fame and fortune, he's really such a private person. I think he really cares about the fortune part more. He's been poor all his life, even more than we are now. (Doesn't notice the shadows falling over their paths as they walk) I just...I've never been married before. I've never shared a man's bed. The last time I shared a bed with anyone, my sister Rose and I got stuck sleeping together in a bunch of log cabins on a trip to Yellowstone National Park. (Makes a face) She hogs the blanket. :p
Lauren: *chuckles* The good outweighs the bad. That's what matters.
Emma: Mike's been married. He knows what he's doing. I don't.
Lauren: So? Micky and I didn't have a clue, and we did alright. ;-)
Emma: (Smiles) That's true. You guys seem as happy as can be. (Looks up at the sound of footfalls) What's that?
Lauren: What's what?
Emma: I hear someone coming up behind us. (Puts her hand on Lauren's shoulder and says, softly) Lauren, let's go back.
Lauren: *nods; softly* I think we'd better.
(The girls turn around to face...Micky and Mike.)
Mike Look-a-Like: Hi, girls.
Emma: (Warily) Hello.
Lauren: Hi...
Emma: There's something wrong here.
*Lauren nods.*
Micky Look-a-Like: Wanna come back up to the house with me?
Mike Look-a-Like: We've got somethin' for you girls to see.
Emma: (Gulps) N...no, I don't think so.
Lauren: I thought guys were going shopping. You went that quick?
Mike Look-a-Like: Uh, yeah, we did.
Lauren: *crosses her arms* Really?
Mike Look-a-Like: (Growls and grabs Lauren's arm) What are ya' askin' me that for, girl? Of course we did!
Lauren: Hey?!
Micky Look-a-Like: Hey, man, cut that out! (Yanks the Mike's hand off of Lauren's arm and starts rubbing where he grabbed) You ok, honey?
Lauren: Y...yeah.
Emma: That's it. I know something's wrong!
Lauren: Majorly wrong.
Emma: You're not the guys!
Mike Look-a-Like: Well, looky here, George, she guessed it. Smart chick. (Grins evily) Cute, too.
Emma: If either of you touch Lauren like that again, I'll scream!
Lauren: I'll scream for the heckuvit!
Micky Look-a-Like: Not if you don't want your friends back at the house to die.
Lauren: *blinks* What?
Emma: Oh god...Pete...Davy...
Micky Look-a-Like: (As more men surround them) We ain't done anything to them yet, but if you girls get ideas, we could rough them up harder than Rob did on your runty friend the other day.
Lauren: *gulps* Em... *looks at the increasing group warily*
Emma: (Puts up her fists) Get away from her! God help me, if you hurt them or her...
Rob: (Grabs Emma's arms) God, she's a feisty chick, ain't she? I kinda like that.
Emma: You are not my Mike! (Kicks him as hard as she can and takes off down the beach, but Rob and some of their goons catch up with her. One lackey yanks her arm behind her back. She squawks, but Rob hits her over the head with a piece of wood. She falls unconcious on the sand.)
Lauren: EMMA!
(Two more men run up to them at that point, out of breath.)
Thug 1: The beach house where the kids live is empty. The blond dimwit and the British kid are gone.
*Lauren breathes out a sigh.*
George: Damn it! (Nods at Emma) Dump her in the beach house and give it a working-over. She'll serve as a warning to the others. (Grins at Rob) Speaking of warnings...
Rob: Yeah, the other two went after Dolenz and the Texan.
*Lauren's eyes widen.*
George: Good. Let them have all the fun they want.
Lauren: *swallows; softly* No...
George: (Takes Lauren in his arms) Don't worry, sweetie, you're coming to a nice, quiet little place a friend of mine rented. It's somewhere no one would suspect a gangster to be. Nothing will happen to you or your baby. (Glares at Rob, who glares back) And I mean that.
Lauren: *tries to push away* No!
George: Rob, take her back to the car. (Glares) But be gentle with her. If you make her lose the baby...
Rob: Fine, George. (Mutters as he takes Lauren's arm) Don't know what you see in this chick, anyway, it's causin' us nothin' but trouble...
*Lauren blows a razz at him, despite her fearful look.*
(Rob slaps her hard; she gasps and holds a hand to her cheek. George grabs Rob by his hair and punches him in the side.)
George: I told you not to hurt her!
Rob: (Finally pulls him off) Man, George, don't blow a gasket!
George: I can see you're not fit to handle a lady. (Takes Lauren's arm) I'll escort this fair beauty myself. ;)
(Rob glares daggers at both.)
*Lauren whimpers.*
(We fade from the beach as George leads Lauren off the beach, followed by Rob and the other men, and into downtown Malibu Beach. Micky and Mike pull up to a parking space in a lot, then get out and start walking down the street, looking in storefronts.)
Mike: (Sighs) You're probably wonderin' why I asked you to come shoppin' with me, Mick. Well, I...I...I need to find Em an engagement ring.
Micky: Hey, alright, Mike! *claps him on the shoulder* Goin' for old fashioned, huh? *grins*
Mike: (Nods, blushing) Yeah. Em likes it that way. She wants a weddin', honeymoon, bridal shower, the whole works. For a girl who claims to be a rebel, she can be damn traditional sometimes. :)
Micky: *beaming* Oh, man, that's wonderful!
Mike: (Sticks his hands in his pockets) It's just...Phyllis and I kinda had a quickie weddin', just her family and Aunt Kate and a couple of my cousins. We didn't have time for showers or rings or anythin' fancy like that, and our honeymoon was two weeks at a cheap hotel in downtown Dallas. (Shakes his head) Micky, not only do I not know anything about buyin' engagement rings, but (sighs) I don't have that kind of money, and I can't pawn Black Beauty again.
Micky: I wouldn't want you to, man. Listen, I'm sure we can find you a decent looking ring within what little budget you have. We just have to look around. *nudges Mike* Worked for me. ;-)
Mike: (Little smile) Yeah. It did. (Looks in a window filled with jewelry) And we're gonna have to get weddin' rings, too. And then there's the weddin'. We haven't set an actual date yet. She says her family's still recoverin' from her nephew's birth, and I don't know how Mom's gonna react. (Nods at the window) Em says she likes gold. Silver does somethin' funny to her skin. (Looks in the window) How do girls get into this stuff?
Micky: *shrugs* Don't know. Lauren ain't too keen on jewelry. *pauses; grins* Bet you didn't notice she wears both rings on a chain around her neck instead of on a finger.
Mike: Yeah, Em says she isn't, either, but she still wants the rings. Said her folks got married pretty quick because her mom already had kids and she wanted to be more traditional. (Points at one ring in the window) Hey, Mick, look at that one! (Indicates a little gold ring with a small gold heart surrounding a little diamond chip) That one's nice, and since the stone's little, it can't be too expensive.
Micky: Hey, yeah, let's go in and check it out!
(The two enter the store, a large, red-painted building. An older woman with a long, gray-blonde ponytail, spectacles, and a friendly, weathered face stands behind the counter, polishing pendants.)
Mike: Hello, ma'am?
Woman: (Warm smile) Hello, gentlemen! How can I help you?
Mike: I'm looking for a ring for my fiancee, and I liked that little one on the window. The one with the diamond chip.
Woman: Well, first of all, congratulations on your engagement, young man! Second (goes to the window and unlocks and removes the display with the diamond chip ring) this is a very good ring. It's genuine 24-carat gold, and that diamond chip is real.
Mike: How much?
Woman: I think I can let it go for about...(thoughtful)...$79.95.
Mike: (Smiles and leans on the counter) How about we make it $69.95?
Woman: (Grins) How about we stop smudging up my just-cleaned counter and trying to lower the price? (Gazes into Mike's dark, soulful eyes and sighs) Oh, all right, how about $75.95, plus you come here when you need to get wedding rings? ;)
Mike: (Turns to Micky) Whaddya think, Mick?
Micky: *nods* Go for it!
Mike: (nods) Ok, ma'am, you got yourself a deal. (Pulls out his wallet as the shopkeeper goes to her register. Cut to the outside of the store, where we see Mike coming out with a bag in his hand with Micky next to him. Mike pulls out the velvet box with the ring in it and shows it to Micky. The chip gints and glitters, catching the early afternoon light.) Man, it's so pretty. (Smiles) Pretty and sweet, sophisticated and yet simple. That's my Em. :)
Micky: *whistles* Man, that is a beaut!
Mike: I can't wait to see the look on her face when I spring this on her. I hope she likes it...
Micky: I'm sure she'll love it!
Mike: Come on. Let's go home. I've got to give this to her. (Hears a voice from an alley the boys are passing on their way back to the MonkeeMobile) Hey, what's that? Sounds like someone's in trouble...
Micky: Let's take a look, maybe we can help.
(Both boys duck into the alleyway between two skyscrapers. A group of large men are apparently surrounding and beating up a smaller man.)
Mike: Hey! (Runs into the group and pulls the nearest man) Man, dude, I wouldn't do that...(gasps when he realizes the man he holds looks familiar)...Pete?
Peter Look-a-Like: (Grins) Hey, Tom, it worked! (Socks Mike as hard as he can as the other men get up from their positions...revealing a very short young man who greatly resembles Davy)
Micky: Oh, crap!
(Mike hits the ground, dropping the bag with the ring. Tom takes the bag, smirking.)
Micky: *angry* Give that back!
Tom: Fancy seeing you fellas again. (One of the thugs grabs Micky from behind; the other pulls a groggy Mike to his feet) Well, what brings you gentlemen to this ungodly place? (Peers in the bag and brings out the box with the ring) Ooooh, what a pretty bauble! I didn't think fifth-rate musicians had the money for such trinkets.
Micky: *frowns* Third-rate!
Mike: (Struggles) Give that back! It cost all of my money from our last gig!
Tom: (Frowns) A 'eart? Surely, a man wouldn't...(grins)...oh, the Texan 'as a girlfriend!
Mike: Yeah, well, maybe I do, and I'd actually like to give her that ring, so if you'll just...
Tom: No, I won't just, Texan. (Sticks the velvet box in his pocket) I think I'll keep this trinket of yours. I've got a numbah of lady friends who's litt'l fingahs would look quite nice in that diamond chip.
Mike: (Roars) No, damn you! Let me have it!
Tom: Oh, we're gonna let you 'ave it. The Boss and Rob did want to be 'ere to see this, but they 'ad pressin' business cross town, so 'al and I get the 'onors.
Hal: (Beams) Tom, who do I get to hurt first?
Tom: Since you've been such a good litt'l boy, 'al, (nods at Micky) why don't you start with the curly-'aired one who looks like the Boss?
*Micky's eyes widen.*
(Mike's growling and fighting like a real wolf, kicking and roaring at the top of his lungs. One thug grabs his legs, the other clamps his hand over his mouth.)
Hal: Sure! (Kicks Micky hard in the crotch, then lets fly with a series of punches into Micky's gut. He hits Micky in the face) Hey, this is fun!
(Mike's still growling and cursing under his captor's huge, ham-like hand.)
*Micky groans and does the only thing he can...spit in Hal's face.*
Hal: (Grabs Micky's chin and growls) Now, come on, that's not nice.
Micky: *winces* Tough.
(Mike finally bites the hand of the thug who holds him. The thug drops him and yowls, which causes the other man to drop him, too. Mike takes off, sprinting for the other side of the alley.)
Mike: Micky, I'll come back for ya! I swear! (Rushes out as fast as he can)
Tom: Get 'im! 'E'll squeal to the cops! (Several thugs take off after him.)
Hal: (Makes a face) Now, why did your friend have to go and do that? I wanted to have fun with him, too!
Micky: Sorry to spoil your fun. *growls*
Tom: You ain't spoiled all the fun. We've still got you. You and me double are the ones who witnessed the killin'. You two are the ones the Boss really wants out.
Hal: And he likes the little girl with the brownish-red hair!
Micky: *eyes widen* Lauren...
Tom: (Makes a face) That's gonna get us in trouble. I wish the Boss 'adn't fallen for that bird.
Hal: (Grins) I think it's kind of sweet. :D :x
Tom: (Slaps Hal) Who does the thinkin' 'round 'ere, 'al?
Hal: (Sighs) Not me.
Tom: But you've got other things to do. (Nods at the horrified, battered Micky)
*Micky gulps.*
Hal: That's right! I got the muscle! (Grabs Micky's cheeks and beams in his face) Wanna see my muscle, not-Boss? (Slams Micky hard across the cheeks and the forehead)
(The thug lets Micky go; the boy's breathing is ragged, and his left cheek is now bleeding. Hal drags him to his feet.)
Hal: Come on, I'm not done having fun yet! (Kicks Micky's ankles - he collapses)
(The sounds of sirens and deep voices can be heard down the street as Micky finally makes his way to his knees. Hal looks up in horror, Tom in annoyance.)
Thug: Cheese it, Tommy! The fuzz!
Thug 2: What we gonna do with the kid? (Points at the battered Micky)
Tom: I'd like to kill 'im, but there ain't time, and the cops will get suspicious. (Points at a dumpster on the side of the alley) Stick him in there. Ain't nobody gonna check that place for hours.
Hal: Ain't that obvious, Tommy?
Tom: You got any bettah ideas, Hal?
Hal: (Looks at his feet) Well, no, but...
Thug: (Runs to the group) They're coming!
Tom: Quit stallin', guys! Just leave 'im there and go! (Two men pick up Micky by his arms and legs and swings him into the dumpster, then take off. Hal runs, Tom saunters.)
(All is quiet for a few moments before Mike dashes into the alley with a big group of policemen, followed by Sergant Nielson.)
Mike: And this is where...(frowns) hey, where did they go?
Sergant Nielson: Are you sure you saw the Purple Flower Gang here?
Mike: Well, not all of them, but the British guy and the blond were right here, with a bunch more thugs! They stole the ring I bought for my fiancee, too. Cost me almost every cent I had on me.
Sergant Nielson: If your friend is here, we'll find him. (Nods at the policemen) Boys, spread out and search the perimeter! If any of you find so much as a toenail from Dolenz, get back to me immediately!
Mike: (Sadly) This is all my fault. I should have stayed with Mick.
Sergant Nielson: And risk them beating you, too...or worse? No, you did the right thing by coming to get help.
(There's a soft groan from the dumpster as two police officers lean over it.)
Policeman 1: Hey there, what's that? (Looks in) Oh, my...
Policeman 2: (Eyes widen as he joins his fellow officer) Holy shit! Sergant, I think we found the kid, but they gave him a major workin' over!
Sergant: Is he alive?
Policeman 1: (Nods) Yeah, his heart's beatin', but someone kicked the hell out of him. He looks like Steve Reeve's punching bag.
Mike: Get him out of there!
Sergant: Well, you heard the kid! We've got to get him medical attention!
(The two officers gingerly pull Micky out of the dumpster. His face is a montage of bruises with the gash on his cheek bleeding lightly. His chest is also bruised.)
Mike: MICK! OH MY GOD! (Runs to his friend) Micky, are you ok? Can you hear me? Man, Lauren's gonna kill me for lettin' you get like this, not to mention Em...
Micky: *groans* Mi-ike?
Mike: Micky, what happened? I brought the cops, Mick. You can speak freely. They won't let anyone else hurt you.
Micky: *coughs* Hal...beat the 'ell... *groans*
Mike: (Take's Micky's hand) Pete's double?
Micky: Y-yeah. Mike...the girls...
Mike: The girls? Micky, what's wrong? (Sighs) Other than the obvious.
Micky: *coughs* Left 'em...at the pad. George... *winces*
Mike: (Eyes widen - he realizes what Micky's saying) Oh, man, we left them unprotected. Em can't take care of Lauren alone. I don't care what she thinks. (Growls) That must have been the Boss's "pressin' business." He and Rob went after the girls and the other guys. :o :(
(Another police officer comes running in at that point. He hurries up to his boss.)
Policeman 3: Boss, we got a call from 1334 Beechwood. Apparently, there's been another kidnapping, and some kid's hurt...
Mike: (Roars) NO!
Sergant Nielson: (Looks at the horrified, battered pair) I'll send some men over to check it out. Dolenz's got to go to the hospital.
Mike: (Takes Micky's hand stubbornly) Mick ain't goin' to no hospital, Sergant. He'll heal better at home.
Sergant Nielson: (Puts his hand on Mike's shoulder) Sorry, son, but he's beat up pretty bad. The Purple Flower Gang really did a number on him.
Mike: Mick? You ok enough to go home?
Sergant Nielson: I don't think...
Micky: *coughs* Jus' wanna sleep...
Mike: (Helps Micky to his feet) You could do that just as well at home.
*Micky groans.*
Sergant Nielson: (Sighs) I'll let him go home, but I want a doctor to check him for broken bones first. (Gives Mike a pointed look) If anything's even sprained, he's going to LA General as quickly as possible.
Mike: (Sighs and turns to Micky) Mick, does anything feel broken?
Micky: Jus' sore... *winces*
(A medical team arrives as Mike and Micky start to the entrance to the alley. Micky lets a doctor, a youngish man, check on him.)
Doctor: He's ok, officer. No broken bones. His ribs are a bit bruised, but I taped them up, so that should be fine. The cut on his cheek isn't deep and won't require stiches. He'll just be majorly sore for a few days.
Mike: (Puts his arms around Micky) That's it, boy. We're takin' you home. (Nods at Sergant Nielson) If you have anything else you need from us, you can reach us there.
Sergant Nielson: We're going to need to get statements from both of you...
Mike: You can do it at home. (Drapes his arms around his battered friend and leads him to the MonkeeMobile. As he helps Micky in the passenger's side) Mick, did Hal and Tom say anything else about their boss's "business?"
Micky: No...jus' said...George likes Lauren...
Mike: (Tight smile) Kinda noticed that a couple nights ago, but it don't help us now. (Quietly) I should have never left you. I should have never left the Pad.
Micky: Mike...do'n...
Mike: If I hadn't wanted to get that ring...and now I don't even have it. Micky, this is scary. This ain't some fantasy world or the West, and it's not Em's or Lauren's homes.
Micky: *shifts, winces* Mike, stop it. I know.
Mike: (Quietly) I should have been more damn careful. And because I wasn't, you got hurt.
Micky: Should listen to Pete...real and fantasy... *lopsided smirk*
(Pulls up by the Pad. There's cop cars parked on the curb.)
Mike: (Growls softly) The bastards grabbed someone and hurt someone. That's what that cop said.
(Mike helps Micky out of the MonkeeMobile, then into the Pad, making their way around several cops. Peter and Valerie sit worriedly in the living room, Emma between them. She's pale and scared. Her eyes are bloodshot, and it's obvious she's been crying. Peter is rubbing her back. Valerie holds her hand.)
Emma: (Still sobbing a bit) This is my fault...should have taken better care of her. (Clenches her fists) God, I'm such an idiot!
Peter: (Smiles) Now, come on, Em, I'm supposed to be the dummy, not you. ;)
Emma: (Smiles shakily at the blond) You're not a dummy, Pete. You had enough sense not to let some two-bit hoodlums walk off with your best friend.
Mike: (Growls as he joins them on the psychiatrist's couch, Micky behind him. Valerie stands and gasps as Micky sits where she was. Peter moves and lets Mike have his space) Em, what's wrong? Are you ok? What happened? Where's Davy and Lauren?
Emma: Ohhh, Miiikkkkee! (Bursts into tears again) I...I...George...Rob hit me...took Lauren...haven't seen Davy...all my fault...
Valerie: We found her on the psychiatrist's couch in the Pad. The Pad was a wreck, Emma had a lump on her head the size of a goose egg, and Lauren was gone.
Peter: Apparently, your doubles jumped them on their beach walk, knocked her out, and took Lauren. Davy's still on his date. We've been trying to get a hold of him, but they've left the restaurant they were at and her phone is unlisted.
Mike: (Takes Emma in his arms) God, darlin', no. Shh, now, don't cry. (She sobs as hard as she can into his shirt and tie) You're gonna go into hysterics if you go on like that.
Peter: (Gasps as Micky almost falls over; he catches him) Micky, what happened to you?
Valerie: (Eyes widen) They didn't...get the drop on you guys, too?
Peter: (Tears well in his eyes) Oh, Micky, are you ok? If they've really damaged you...
Micky: Nothin' major. Jus' beat the shit outta me. *winces*
Valerie: Not to sound cliched or nasty, Micky, but you look like something the cat dragged in.
Micky: *lopsided grin* Thanks.
Sergant Nielson: (Turns to the unhappy group on the couch) From what I've gathered, the other members of the Purple Flower Gang have left their mark here, too. We've got men looking for your friend now. We're also trying to get a hold of Jones. We'll come back and get a statement from Mr. Dolenz and Miss Redmer when they're both in better condition.
Mike: (Sarcastic) Gee, Sergant, you're a peach.
Sergant Nielson: (Glares at Mike) Don't start, Nesmith. I'm doing what I can. There's insanity going on in LA - I've got men covering that, too, don't forget.
Mike: If you were doing your jobs, Lauren wouldn't be missing, and Em and Micky wouldn't have gotten hurt.
Peter: (Puts his hand on Mike's shoulder as Emma gulps another sob) Peace, Michael. He's only human. He can't be everywhere at once.
Sergant Nielson: My boys are searching the beach now for any signs of the Purple Flower Gang or Mrs. Dolenz. If she's there, we'll find her.
Emma: (Bursts out) But that was hours ago! (Sobs; Mike's still holding her) Oh, Mike, I couldn't protect her. I should have protected her.
Mike: Darlin', you were probably outgunned. One girl against a big group of gangsters don't exactly strike me as a fair fight.
Emma: And the baby...oh, Mike, the baby...if she or the baby are hurt...
Mike: Come on, Em. Remember a couple nights ago. Micky's double has a crush on her. He won't hurt her. He made it a point to the other guys not to hurt her.
Emma: (Gulps) Micky? (Really looks at him for the first time) G...god, those bastards! They hurt you!
Micky: *lopsided grin* I did'n fair any better 'an you.
Emma: Either that, or you've been practicing the moves you see on all those Chinese martial arts movies on yourself again. ;)
Mike: And Em (holds her hand, threading his long fingers through hers) I bought you a ring, but Hal and Tom stole it from us. Tom said he took it for his "lady friends." (Rubs her hand) It was so pretty, too. It would have looked gorgeous on you. (Kisses her fingers. She sniffles and smiles a little)
Emma: Oh, well, Mike. (Shrugs) It's the thought that counts. A ring can be replaced. People can't.
Mike: Yeah (softly), but I spent all the money I had on that ring. I really wanted to surprise you.
Emma: (Leans against him, still holding his hand) Just hold me, Mike. That's all I want right now.
(The cops are clearing out. Sergant Nielson stops in front of the kids on his way out.)
Sergant Nielson: Dolenz, are you sure you don't want to go to the hospital?
Micky: Yeah. I wanna be here.
Peter: (Puts his arms gently around Micky) We all do.
Valerie: I'll stay the night if I have to.
Peter: We've got to wait for Davy to come home.
Sergant Nielson: (Puts his hands on Micky's shoulder) Don't worry, boy. We'll let you know the moment my men find them, and I know they will. (Squeezes Micky's shoulder gently and heads out)
Peter: Well, what do we do now?
Mike: (Hugs Em) We've got to find them. I know they've got Lauren, and they've probably got Davy by now, too.
Emma: (Shakes her head) We can't go running after them this time, Mike. Mick's in no condition for scaling walls (rubs her head where she was hit), and I don't think I am, either.
Mike: Any ideas from the floor?
Peter: Want me to check it? (Valerie swats him playfully on the head.)
Micky: *quietly* Knew he'd do that.
Mike: (Grins) Let me rephrase. Any ideas from the humans sitting on the floor? ;)
Emma: Mick?
Mike: Other than sore, Mick, how do you feel now?
Micky: Mad. *closes his eyes* Helpless...
Mike: Me, too. (Growls; Emma moves away from him, startled) I'm sorry, darlin'. The Wolf in me is itchin' to get out. There's got to be something we can do.
Peter: What if they go after Micky again to finish the job?
Mike: (Shakes his head) Not now. From here on in, we're sticking together. All of us. We all know about the murder and the counterfeiting ring.
Peter: Yeah, but those guys look like us! We don't know who's who or what's what!
Emma: (Makes a face) Mike's double is a violent brute. He's the one who smacked me, and he was gonna hurt Lauren before George stopped him.
Mike: Pete's double was the one who beat up on Mick. Seemed to think it was all a game.
Peter: Oh, man, he hurt Mick? My other me hurt Mick?
Micky: That's why I could'n fight back. I jus' could'n imagine hittin' you...you know what I mean...
Peter: (Nods) Yeah, I do. My double couldn't shoot you last night, either, at first. He thought you were his boss.
Micky: George is full of himself. Always smirkin'.
Mike: And Davy's double's a charmin' little smoothie. He's the one who took the ring.
Peter: Oh, this is scary! It's like we're them, and they're us!
Mike: (Thoughtful) Hey, what if...what if we were them, and they were us?
Emma: (Frowns, sniffling) What do you mean?
Micky: *groans* Mike, I've already got a headache.
Mike: I mean, they've lured us twice by playin' us. I think payback's fair game.
Peter: And all's fair in love and war, Michael, but what do you mean?
Mike: We're gonna dress as the Purple Flower Gang again, find out where they're hangin' out, and get the drop on them again.
Valerie: After everything that's happened...are you sure that's a good idea?
Emma: And what about Valerie and me? (Indicates them with her hands)
Mike: Wanna be our molls? ;)
Emma: (Grins between her tears) Can I wear a feather boa? ;)
Mike: We've got to give Micky and Em a few hours to recover, though.
Micky: *small grin* Thank you.
Emma: Gee, thanks, honey. ;) :p
Peter: Just remember what happened last time, Mike. I don't want the cops to mistake us for them again.
Mike: (Shakes his head) Maybe we can wear some kind of bracelet or somethin' that will identify us to the cops.
Emma: Or we can tell the cops what we're doing and work with them. We'll get the info they need to shut down the counterfeiting ring, and we'll get Lauren back.
Mike: I don't know...
Peter: Em's right. It'll make everyone happy. They'll get the Purple Flower Gang, and we'll get Lauren and your ring.
Mike: How 'bout the rest of you? Mick, you wanna bring the police in?
Valerie: I could get my father to rent convincingly gangster-ish suits and dresses for all of us.
Micky: Yeah. Think we better. We could prob'ly use the back up.
Emma: Mike, as much as you and I hate to admit it, we're really in this one over our heads...and the townspeople and servants aren't around to ride to the rescue this time. :p
Mike: (Sighs) You do have a point. We don't need the neighborhood gettin' involved in this. Most of these old folks ain't as hardy as Granny or Grandfather Sebastian, and we don't have hordes of little maids and gardeners runnin' around.
(Mike reluctantly gets up and picks up the phone.)
Emma: (Quietly) Mick, you'd better stay here tonight. You can sleep in Mike's room - he never moved your bed out.
Micky: Thanks, Em. *frowns* I do'n wanna be over there alone anyway.
Mike: Kept it just in case of company. (Winks at Emma, who blushes)
Emma: Mike, you know my feelings on that subject...
Mike: Well, a guy can hope. ;)
Emma: Keep hopin'. ;) :p
Micky: Oh, man. *makes a face*
Mike: (Looks at the gang as he talks to the police) Sergant Nielson isn't thrilled, but he'll let us do it tomorrow. He wants Micky and Em to rest as much as possible.
Peter: As early as we can!
Valerie: I'll call my father and tell him to rent the costumes and have someone bring them over as soon as they can.
Mike: (Puts the phone back on the receiver) Sergant Nielson's gonna meet us at the Wharf Bar and Grill on Cliff Street, near the docks. He says he's gonna keep track of us by some kind of walkie-talkie system attached to our clothes.
(Peter and Valerie get on either side of the dejected Micky and put their arms around him.)
Peter: Hey, Mick, why don't we play something for you? Something nice and quiet, to make your headache go away?
(Valerie sits at the piano, and Peter picks up his bass.)
Micky: *small smile* Thanks, guys.
Emma: (Winces at her own headache) I could use a bit of a musical tonic myself, Peter. (Smiles softly) How about "Don't Call On Me?"
(Mike joins the trio, and we see the group play the song while the camera lingers on the various expressions - Micky's dejected, Emma's sad, Mike's worried, Valerie and Peter concerned. Mike puts his hand on Micky's shoulder when the song ends.)
Mike: You gonna be ok, Mick? You've gone though a bad couple of days.
Emma: (Puts her hand on his other shoulder) This is a terrible ordeal for you, Mick.
Micky: *quietly* I dunno, guys. I can't stop thinkin'...if somethin's happened to her...
Peter: I don't think the Boss will hurt her, Micky. He likes her!
Micky: Not like that. *frowns*
Mike: He does, but I don't know how much longer he can control the other three, especially Rob.
Emma: I don't think he'd hurt the baby, either.
Micky: I know. George said he likes 'er. What if he likes 'er too much?
Peter: What do you mean?
Mike: I know what he means. (Frowns) I think he more worships her than anything else, Mick. Kinda like you. ;)
Micky: But even I was pushin' her...
Emma: She held out until you were married, didn't she? ;)
Mike: Wasn't easy, but she did it. ;)
Micky: I know she can, but...what if... *closes his eyes*
Peter: Don't concentrate on the "What-Ifs," Mick.
Mike: (Grins faintly) Yeah, I do that enough for all of us.
Micky: I can't do much else. My brain's on auto pilot, and this's what it's comin' up with.
Emma: You need rest. (Winces and touches her head again) So do I. So do we all. We'll hit the sack, then call the cops and get ready to go.
Valerie: I'll call Dad to send the word to the costume shops. (Goes to the phone)
Mike: The rest of us will go to bed. (Sighs) Come on, Mick. I'll be on the other bed, listening to you snore.
Peter: And I'll be downstairs, and Valerie and Em will be in the basement. We're all going to protect each other from now on.
Emma: No more running off, and no more going off alone. (Gently kisses Mike's cheek) And that includes you, dear.
Mike: (Shakes his head) Not after what happened this afternoon, Em. I'm stayin' where I'm needed.
Emma: (Under her breath) You say that...until things go wrong and you can't handle it...
Peter: (Sighs) Come on, guys. We need our rest. (Hugs Valerie as she calls her father; she swats him away playfully) Ooooh, you're almost nicer than my teddy bear! :D :x
Valerie: (Laughs) Peter, I can't call and hug at the same time. :)
Peter: (Hugs Micky) You need a hug, Micky. Your aura is really dark and shaky. You're scared to death.
Micky: Yeah. *shaky grin* Thank you, Peter.
Emma: (Smiles) And as for Davy, we'll leave him a note when he comes in. I'm sure he's ok. He just lost track of time. You know how he is when he's with a girl.
Mike: Yeah, we're lucky if we see him for hours on some of his dates! ;)
Emma: He was really going on and on about that girl this morning, too.
Peter: Yeah, I'll bet they're watching TV shows at her house and necking even as we speak!
Mike: (Grins and waggles a finger at Peter) Now, Pete, how does a good boy like you know about necking? ;)
(Peter and Valerie just exchange looks and turn beet red.)
Micky: He isn't so innocent anymore. *small grin*
Emma: (Grins) Oh, so that's why Valerie's been wearing turtlenecks in the middle of August in California. ;)
Valerie: Um, I think I'll go downstairs. (Retreats to Emma's room in the basement.)
Peter: (Blushes harder) Um, I think I'll just go to bed now. I need my bear. (runs in his room).
Mike: (Shakes his head with a small smile) Poor boy's still learnin'. Soon, he'll be as good as ol' Mick and Papa Wolf. ;)
Emma: My, what a big ego you have. ;)
Mike: (Grins and nuzzles her neck) The better to eat you with, my Em.
Emma: (Swats him) Mike, cut that out! You tickle!
*Micky rolls his eyes.*
Emma: Your sideburns are worse than whiskers!
(Mike growls playfully. She finally ducks out of his embrace.)
Emma: Hold that thought for our honeymoon night, Baby. Right now, I'm gonna rest this poor, aching head of mine. (Heads down to the basement)
Mike: (Sighs) Oh, man... (goes to Mick and sits next to him) You're right, Mick. Waitin' is torture. :p
Micky: *small grin* See?
Mike: How did we all get the old-fashioned types? ;)
Micky: *shrugs* Do'n know. Does'n matter. *sighs*
Mike: Yeah, they're all great girls. Maybe Dave will finally find himself an old-fashioned chick someday, too. Might do him some good. Keep him from runnin' around so much.
Micky: We'll see 'bout that.
Mike: (Gets up; stretches) Well, I'm 'bout ready for some shut-eye. You comin' up?
Micky: Yeah. *looks up the stairs* Do'n think I wanna attempt those by m'self.
Mike: Don't worry, Micky, I'll help you. (Puts his arms around his friend) We all will. (Leads Micky slowly up the spiral staircase)