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Remington Steele fidgeted impatiently and struggled to pay attention to the finer details of each case Laura was reviewing with him. Over the years he'd settled into his role as the renowned private investigator, but this was part of the job he'd never cultivated much interest in. To his way of thinking, once a case was solved, it was over, and never mind the reams of paper required to close it officially. Paperwork and legwork: two aspects of his life that grated on him annoyingly.
They were wrapping up their last few cases, just adding a notation here and an addendum there, in order to clear their schedules for the next few days. He had to admit, the anticipation of their upcoming vacation to Mammoth wasn't helping his attention span. He was looking forward eagerly to spending time on the slopes, as well as renewing his friendship with his old friend, Cass Winthrop.
He'd run into Cass last spring while accompanying Laura to an investigator's seminar in Boston. The two hadn't seen each other in years -- not since their troubled youths under the care and tutelage of Daniel Chalmers. While Remington had harbored a degree of antipathy towards the young man when they'd first met, he'd grown very fond of Cass. Besides Daniel, Cass ranked as one of the few people from Steele's earlier life he trusted. The prospect of getting to know Cass all these years later, when they'd both finally found their ways in life, intrigued him. They'd both come so far.
His attention returned as Laura picked up the last file from the pile. About to make a witty remark about things all well and ending well, he was interrupted when Mildred Krebs entered without knocking.
"Mildred?" Laura glanced up smiling. "Why aren't you in Mammoth?" She immediately stopped as she saw the expression on the woman's face. "What's wrong? Where's George?" Laura hopped off the desk corner she'd been sitting on to lead her friend to the couch.
Remington glanced past Mildred to see if anyone was following her. George Sheridan was a close friend and one-time employee. He and Mildred had almost immediately become inseparable, leading Steele and Laura to speculate that nuptials would soon be forthcoming. They were both excited to see Mildred find happiness at last. Concerned, Remington got up from behind his desk, pulling the chair closer to the two women.
"I thought you and George were already at Mammoth," Laura spoke.
"Oh, Miss Holt, something really awful's happened and I need yours and the Chief's help." A hint of panic quivered in the older woman's voice.
"Just take a breath," Laura calmed, "and tell us."
Remington added his encouragement. "Mildred, please, you know we'd do anything for you."
Mildred glanced at her boss, then Laura. "You kids have always been so good to me," she stated simply.
"You're family, you know that," Laura comforted. "Is it George?"
"How'd you know?" Mildred asked, surprised.
Remington smiled warmly. "It doesn't take a detective to figure that one out."
"Did you two break up?" Laura inquired kindly.
Mildred shook her head "Oh no, it's not that."
"Has he been hurt?" Remington sat up straighter.
"No." Mildred bit her lip nervously.
"Mildred we can't help you unless you tell us," Laura prodded with just a hint of exasperation. "Please."
"It's just so embarrassing for him." She looked at her friends for understanding. "That's why he didn't come with me."
Laura took Mildred's hand and patted it comfortingly. "Just tell us what's happened."
"He gambled away a whole bunch of money his friends gave him to invest," Mildred finally blurted out.
Steele's eyes went wide in realization. "The pension money?"
Mildred nodded miserably.
"How did that happen?" Laura asked, confused. "Where did George find a place to gamble that kind of money in Mammoth?"
"It wasn't Mammoth. It was Bishop," Mildred answered.
"Bishop!" Steele took a deep breath.
"Yeah," Mildred responded. Standing up, she started to pace. "We'd gone up to Mammoth early like we planned. We wanted to spend some time together."
Remington turned to follow Mildred's path. "So what happened?"
"We got real friendly with one of the local desk clerks at the Lodge and he told us about this place an hour away in Bishop."
"Let me guess," Remington interrupted. "George immediately won big."
"Right, Chief!" Mildred plopped back on the couch dejectedly.
Laura looked at her husband, beginning to understand what had happened. "So he got cocky and thought he could triple his friend's money."
"It looked so easy," Mildred sighed.
"But instead of winning, he started to lose," Remington continued the well-known story. "But he kept wagering bets until he lost it all, thinking he had to start winning again soon," he finished with an understanding nod.
"It's like you guys were there, how did you know?" Mildred asked.
Steele shook his head. "It's an old game," he explained.
"How could I be so stupid," Mildred wailed. "Gosh, I've seen you guys set up a sting before."
Laura put her arm around the distraught woman. "You were having a good time, you weren't looking for a con."
"But I shoulda known," she moaned. She looked at her two friends hopefully. "I know I'm asking a lot, but can you help?"
"I think we might be able to." Laura glanced to her husband for his expert opinion.
"Of course we'll help," Steele assured. His face took on a thoughtful expression. "How fortuitous Cass and Frankie will be joining us."
"Why is that?" Laura's eyes narrowed suspiciously.
"Cass has always been a whiz at games of chance, but he's even better with cards," Remington replied, already formulating a plan.
"I seem to remember the two of you ending up in jail," Laura commented pointedly, reminding him of their trip to Boston.
"Ah, yes the painting," Remington murmured uncomfortably.
Laura laughed, letting him off the hook. She came over and gave her husband a hug. "I think asking Cass for help is a good idea. The last time you tried to take someone in a card game, you were taken instead, if you remember?"
"Woman, you cut me to the quick," Remington replied with mock indignation. He relented and smiled. "But I'm glad you agree with me about Cass."
The Winthrops arrived in Los Angeles the next day, bringing with them their daughter Charlie. Fred and Maggie assured Cass and Frankie that one child more would be no problem. And Frankie's concerned that her daughter might not want to stay with strangers, disappeared the instant the girl met Brian Steele. Charlie immediately began to follow him everywhere, much to the young boy's disgust and his sister's delight. Katie Laura delighed in the that she felt it was a just revenge for all the times her younger brother had insisted on trailing her around.
Nick and Yvette Michaels were joining them as well, and it was the first time Yvette would be away from Cassidy longer than just a work day. But the couple knew their son's grandparents would take good care of him while they were gone. Expecting another child in April, this would be their last chance for a while to have some time together to themselves for a long time and they were eagerly anticipating it.
The vacationers took off the following morning, secure in the knowledge that their various offspring were in good hands. They had chosen to fly instead of doing the five hour drive. Nick had his pilot's license, as did Remington, and they borrowed Skip's small plane to make the trip to Nick and Yvette's townhouse up at Mammoth.
The Steeles had decided not to mention the possible job until they had checked out the illegal gaming operation for themselves. Yvette being a Assistant D.A. might come in handy since they planned to shut the place down, as well as retrieve George's money. Mildred had gone back up to Bishop with George and the two of them would meet up with Laura and Remington sometime the next day.
They arrived at the tiny mountain airport by mid-morning. The couples stowed their suitcases in the trunk of the rental car and they drove the short drive to the Michaels' vacation home, situated on a residential street above the small main town drag. It was conveniently close to the mountain trails and Mammoth Lodge, but far enough away to avoid much traffic or tourists. The design was very reminiscent of an alpine lodge.
Nick pulled into the driveway and his passengers eagerly alighted, grabbing their gear. The structure was multi-level with the kitchen, a small den and a bathroom circling the sunken living room. A huge fireplace took up one end of the room. The upstairs was comprised of three bedrooms and two more bathrooms. Yvette showed each couple to their rooms.
"This is really beautiful," Laura exclaimed, glancing around as she and Yvette joined the others downstairs.
"We adore it." She indicated the rooms behind them. "We both love to ski and it was just what we were looking for. Not that I'll be doing any skiing this trip," she indicated her swollen stomach, "but with the size of our families, everyone's used it at least once since we bought it."
Laura laughed. With both the Michaels clan and Nicky's side of the family, that was a lot of people.
"We should have stopped at a local grocery store for some provisions," Remington was pointing out.
"No need," Nick assured. He opened the refrigerator. "We keep it well stocked."
"You did this?" Cass asked, puzzled. "When?"
"My mom and Robert did," Nick answered. "Last group to use the place stocks it for the next." Nick explained. "So when we leave..."
"We do the same," Frankie finished, nodding her head appreciatively. "Very nice arrangement."
"Well then," Laura declared. "Who's for lunch and then an afternoon on the slopes?"
Laura and Remington left the next day at noon. They had skied all morning, and then borrowed the car to head into Bishop. Their friends had a full day planned at the lodge area. Laura made sure to arrange to pick them up later in the day.
It took almost 40 minutes to reach the hotel where Mildred and George had booked a room and Laura and Remington met the older couple there, then they left for the casino.
It was located in an elegant home only a few minutes out of Bishop. They entered through a private gate where guards checked each car to make sure they were not letting in anyone unsuitable -- Laura realized the local law enforcement was probably on the top of that list. The guards recognized George immediately and, once he'd vouched for his companions, they were waved through.
Nestled in a small canyon, the residence was still a half mile past the front gates. A multitude of vehicles lined the side of the road leading up to the mansion that sat in the shadow of a mountain. A valet greeted them politely and took the keys to park their car. George gestured for them to follow.
The house reminded Steele of any number of gambling establishments he had seen on the continent. It tended toward opulence, but not the garishness of a Vegas casino. The place was already full of activity, even so early in the day. They were met at the door by a gentleman who seemed to be acquainted with George.
"Mr. Jameson," George began. "I'd like you to meet some friends of mine."
"No need for an introduction," the man interrupted, grabbing Steele's hand and pumping it enthusiastically. "I certainly recognize the famous detective Remington Steele and his beautiful wife." He beamed. "Welcome to my casino, I'm Vince Jameson."
"A pleasure, Mr. Jameson," Steele answered, not at all happy to have been identified so easily. Oh, for the good old days, when no one even looked at him twice.
"And Mrs. Steele, you're even lovelier in person than the pictures I've seen," Jameson gushed, taking Laura's hand and kissing it.
Laura glanced at her husband and he couldn't tell which disgusted her more, the fact that Jameson knew who they were, or the fact that he was slobbering all over her hand.
In just barely an hour, Remington -- not surprisingly -- had already won a good deal of money. Vince Jameson had been more than willing to show Laura around and she'd taken the opportunity to explore as much of the mansion as she could. She hadn't been gone more than ten minutes when Remington was startled by the whisper of a familiar feminine voice.
"Paul, cherie, what a wonderful surprise."
Remington's jaw clenched and he groaned at the cloying voice. "Countess," he rumbled. "Do you think if I close my eyes you'll disappear and never come back again?"
"Don't be absurd, darling," the woman purred. "I know how much you'd miss me."
Steele reluctantly turned. The petite woman standing next to him was still quite attractive with her blue eyes and short blonde hair. The Countess of Graumont was an old acquaintance of his from many years past - one with the annoying habit of turning up at the most inopportune times. He needed to be rid of her before Laura returned. His wife and most of his old friends didn't mix well. And the Countess wasn't exactly a friend.
"No, Countess, I certainly have not missed you and I am rather amazed to find you languishing in such a provincial town. Not your usual style, eh?" Remington quirked an eyebrow at her in question.
"I occasionally like to rusticate," she answered sweetly.
"Ah, I see. You need to lay low for awhile. What is it this time? Stolen jewels, art or...?"
"...Another irate princess?" Laura interrupted from behind Remington, annoyance and irritation dripped in her voice.
"Well, well, if it isn't the little woman," The Countess pouted sourly. "And here I thought I was going to have you all to myself, darling."
Laura wrapped her hand around her husband's arm possessively. "Not today, dear, why don't you just run along and find someone else to haunt."
"If you insist." She turned on her heel and glided away. "But I'll be back," she promised sweetly.
Remington and Laura found a somewhat secluded table and ordered drinks.
"There are a number of men hanging around who don't look like they're here to play," Laura began, putting the woman from her mind and getting down to business.
"Video cameras?"
"Looks like every room the public's allowed in," she informed him.
Remington nodded in understanding. "Sounds like the set up we expected, doesn't it Miss Holt?"
"Definitely, Mr. Steele."
"How long do you want to stay around?" He checked his watch.
"Another hour?" she suggested.
"Even if it means having to see the Countess again, Laura?" Remington tried to hide his smile at her dismay.
Laura sighed in resignation. "'Fraid so. Do you think she'll be a problem?
Remington contemplated his wife's question for a minute. "I don't believe so. She seems to have her own agenda at the moment," Remington declared.
"And the owner already knows who we are."
"She won't know any of our friends, so we should be all right," Remington agreed. He stood, gallantly holding his arm out for his wife to join him.
In Yvette's present condition, she and Nick had spent the morning away from the slopes and stuck to the village. Cass and Frankie had tried their luck on the rougher courses then they all met for lunch at the lodge.
"Frankie?" Cass nudged his wife. "You still here."
"Sorry." Frankie shrugged. "I was just wondering where Laura and Remington are?".
Nick frowned. "I can't figure it? They were really looking forward to this trip." He shook his head. "I'm surprised they're not on the mountain with us."
"They're up to something," Cass stated positively.
"You've got a suspicious mind, dear," Frankie accused.
Cass raised his eyebrows. "I know Harry and I recognize the signs."
"What signs?" Yvette questioned.
Cass shrugged. "It's not something I can explain. Just take my word for it."
"Don't even bother, Yvette," Frankie cautioned her friend laughing. "Cass is in one of his secretive moods. He won't tell us anything 'til he's good and ready."
"I'll tell you guys one thing," Cass continued. "I bet we'll know by tonight."
After the meal, Nicky took off with Cass to do the slopes, while Frankie kept Yvette company at the lodge. Watching her husband leave, Frankie wondered if his prediction would come true. Life was never dull when you added one of Cass' old friends to your life.
After having spent the afternoon studying the layout of the casino, Laura and Remington knew it was time to bring their friends into the game. After dinner, the couples gathered in the living room with coffee and dessert. Steele cleared his throat to get his audiences' attention.
Cass shot his wife an "I-told-you-so" look.
Remington cleared his throat again, choosing to ignore Cass' knowing look. "A friend of ours has run into a bit of trouble," he began.
"There's a casino running crooked tables and a friend's been taken for quite a lot of money," Laura added.
Remington nodded. "We want to ask you all for help. Cass, you used to be a crack hand at cards. I'm hoping you're not too much out of practice."
Cass nodded his readiness.
"Good," Remington smiled. "The owner won't recognize you. Yvette, your connections at the DA's office should come in handy."
"We'd like you to assist in shutting down the place," Laura explained. "But not until after we get George's money back.
"Once the authorities are in the picture, the money becomes evidence," Nick pointed out, ever the lawyer.
"Exactly," Laura agreed.
"And since gambling's only legal on Indian lands," Yvette stated. "No one gets their money back."
"Technically, Yvette and I are still officers of the court," Nick advised solemnly, then looked at his wife with a twinkle in his eyes.
Yvette jabbed at Nick playfully, knowing the comment was aimed at her. "You can count us in, Remington. I'll be happy to arrange the arrival of the authorities at the right time. I've got a few contacts in this part of the state."
"I have a friend on the force we can trust," Nick advised.
"I wouldn't miss playing with you again for the world," Cass declared. He turned to his wife and took her hand. But only if you agree," he allowed.
Frankie squeezed his hand. "I'm in."
"One question though, my friend," Remington said. Aren't you an officer of the court too, Cass?"
"Not in the State of California." Cass beamed. "No conflict here."
"Great, that's settled, let's go onto the next phase," Laura suggested.
Remington smiled warmly at his companions. "We greatly appreciate the help, we don't want to let Mildred down."
He looked at Cass whose arms were draped securely around his wife. "Cass knows this scam well, but for those of you unfamiliar with this type of game, I'll give you a short run down."
Remington had decided the large nighttime crowd at the casino would make the optimal time to start to set up the game. It was agreed George and Mildred should keep a low profile and stay at the motel.
Nick and Yvette left in the early evening. Nick needed to sound out his friend in the police department to see if they knew of the illegal operations. As soon as they found out anything, she and Nick would call the others and let them know whether it was a go. Having some time to kill, Cass suggested Laura and Remington join him and Frankie for dinner at a local restaurant.
The dinner crowd at The Chart House was still thin and they were seated almost immediately, ordering cocktails while they talked over mundane matters. They had just been served when a slight vibration set the tables and dishes to rattling. Conversation ceased abruptly throughout the restaurant as the patrons and employees stopped what they were doing to see how long the earthquake would last.
"How do you guys live with that?" Cass asked, his East Coast nerves agitated in spite of himself.
"You actually get used to it," Remington told him, then grinned wryly. "But the first time, it was very unnerving."
"It doesn't frighten you?" Frankie asked, anxiously straightening her table setting.
"I didn't say that, Frankie," Remington chuckled.
"After Northridge we seriously wondered if Los Angeles. was the place to be," Laura added. "But you go on. The smaller ones make you nervous, but they're mostly a nuisance."
The talk returned to other matters as if the previous interruption hadn't reoccured. During dessert, the conversation turned to any possible problems that might arise that night.
"I'm only hoping we don't run into the Countess again," Laura declared. "I'm concerned she might wreck our plans."
"The Countess?" Cass lifted curious eyebrows.
"Let me guess," Frankie ventured, chuckling. "Someone from his 'mysterious' past."
Steele groaned.
Laura regarded her husband sympathetically. "I would have been much happier if she'd stayed in his past and so would Remington." Laura shook her head. "Whenever she shows up, she causes nothing but trouble."
"She makes Felicia seem tame by comparison," Remington explained.
"Felicia still shows up?" Cass asked, surprised. "I heard she'd settled down and married some Scotland Yard inspector."
Remington looked stunned. "Felicia married... to a policeman?"
"Yeah, buddy, can you believe it?"
As Remington and Cass started comparing notes on old friends, Frankie turned to Laura with laughter in her eyes, knowing once started, the two could be at it for awhile.
"I'd say we're out of the conversation," she stated.
"I'm afraid you're right," Laura agreed, "but I've got to admit it's kind of refreshing that my husband has such a good friend from those years besides his father."
"After not having seen Remington for so long, Cass was delighted to hook up with him again last year."
"Despite their little caper," Laura teased.
"At least they were returning the painting, not stealing it," Frankie reminded, laughing.
Laura chuckled. "I remember." She glanced fondly at the two men who were still deep in a conversation and gestured at Cass. "It's also wonderful that this particular old friend is male."
"You're thinking about the Countess?"
"I don't like her," Laura admitted, her mouth set grimly. "She's always trouble."
Frankie looked speculatively at her friend. "Cass has a woman from his past who's trouble, too."
"What's her name?" Laura asked.
"Cecile!"
Cass heard that last remark and turned his attention back to the women's conversation. "Cecile's quite a piece of work. I doubt anyone Harry could come up with could be as bad."
"I wouldn't count the Countess out yet," Remington nodded knowingly.
Steele's cell phone rang. Pulling it out of his jacket, he opened and answered it. He listened for a minute, then closed it up and put it away. He looked at the expectant faces around him. "It's a go!"
Leaving the restaurant, Remington and Laura dropped the Winthrops at the motel to pick up the car Mildred had rented for them. Already known at the casino, Remington and Laura didn't want to be seen with their friends.
Things were in full swing when they arrived around 9:00. Jameson latched onto them immediately.
It wasn't long before Steele observed Cass and Frankie's arrival. They were not met personally by the owner, and that suited Remington just fine. Cass would gain Jameson's attention soon enough. The Winthrops headed toward one of the roulette tables.
Remington heard Laura mutter something beside him.
"What was that?" he inquired softly.
"The Countess is headed this way," Laura warned.
Remington caught sight of the woman as she sailed towards them, but unexpectedly she veered off, stopping at the roulette table.
Cass look startled, and Frankie glared dangerously as the woman began an animated conversation with her husband.
"What's going on?" Laura whispered.
"I don't know," Remington breathed, "but I think we'd better find out before the Countess blows it for all of us."
When Remington and Laura approached, the Countess turned to Remington with glee.
"Paul, dear, I found another old friend, maybe I could introduce you two."
"This is just what we need," Laura murmured under her breath.
"Countess, I'm so glad to see you." Steele hooked the woman's arm with his and pulled her along with him as unobtrusively as possible.
Laura quietly signaled to Frankie and Cass to join them after a few minutes and then followed her husband and his old acquaintance. Laura remembered to paint a despondent look on her face as her husband walked off with another woman.
Remington maneuvered the Countess outside onto the terrace.
"Paul, darling, here I thought you didn't care," she purred.
Remington pushed the woman inside a small greenhouse. Laura followed them inside and closed the door.
"Any problems?" Remington asked.
"Not a one."
The Countess frowned in confusion. "What's going on?"
Before either of the detectives could answer, the door opened again and Cass and Frankie entered.
"I don't believe it," Frankie exclaimed angrily. "Cecile, what are you doing here?"
"You told Maggie you would be in Europe," Cass added sternly.
"Cecile! This is Cecile?" Remington asked incredulous.
"Why am I not surprised?" Laura sighed in frustration.
It took a few minutes, but explanations were given and exchanged. Cecile was not happy to find out that Cass and Frankie were on intimate terms with Laura and Remington.
"You are all up to something," Cecile accused.
"Whatever gave you that idea?" Cass folded his arms in front of him defensively.
"Because I know you, Cass, my sweet. You're a demon at the tables." Cecile turned and looked at Remington. "And you, Paul, when I knew you, you always had some scheme up your sleeve."
"I hate to disappoint you, Countess, but we're all here to have a little fun," Laura reassured her amicably.
Cecile regarded Laura speculatively. "Thank you, Laura. If I didn't know anything was going on before I do now."
"What makes you say that?" Frankie bluffed innocently.
"Mary Frances, dear, Laura despises me almost as much as you do. She's never been nice to me in all the years I've known her," Cecile huffed. "Neither have you, as a matter of fact."
Remington stepped in, stopping any fireworks. "Countess, look..."
"Try bribing her, Harry," Cass suggested curtly. "It's the only thing that works."
Remington almost decided to take his friend's advice, then remembered he'd tried that in the old days and it never lasted. There had to be something they could do. It took him only a minute to come up with a solution.
"I think we'll just have to take our chances that you'll not run to Jameson about us," he stated, suddenly.
His wife stared at him oddly, knowing he was up to something but not sure just what.
Cass caught on immediately to his friend's ploy. He knew Cecile better than anyone else present. "Harry's right, you won't tell Jameson anything. It might put a crimp in your plans. You have an agenda or you wouldn't be here."
"Hardly an agenda, darling. I'm just here for a little fun," the Countess mirrored Laura's earlier statement.
"Right," Frankie laughed in disbelief. "To this little podunk town, you came for amusement."
Cecile's face took on a look of uncertainty that lasted only a moment. She brightened, her facade back in place. "Well, this has been great fun talking to all of you, but I think I'll go back inside." She scurried out the door.
"See you later, Cecile." Cass waved sweetly, then turned to Remington. "Good guess, Harry," he congratulated.
"Not really, she's always up to something," Remington commented thoughtfully.
"We better get back inside ourselves," Laura pointed out.
"Cass still has a lot of money to win tonight," Frankie added.
Cass won handily as the night wore on. But that was the idea -- reel in the mark, make him think he can't lose, then take him for all he's worth. It would be a good night's work. Tomorrow night would be even better. By the third night they should be able to accomplish their task. Jameson needed to think that he was playing them and not the other way around. And by night number three, Jameson, if he held true to form, should start turning the tables on Cass -- or try to anyway.
They returned to the townhouse in the wee hours of the morning and headed straight to bed, too weary to think of much but sleep. The review of last night's activities would have to wait 'til later in the morning.
It was noon before the group gathered in the living room. Yvette and Nick had prepared a huge breakfast since they'd gotten to bed at a reasonable hour. After everyone had eaten, they compared notes on the night's events.
"How did it go, guys?" Nick inquired.
"The mark's on our line," Remington informed them.
"He thinks he's hooked me," Cass added.
"We just need to reel him in," Remington concluded.
Frankie sighed. "I'm still worried about what Cecile's up to."
"Me too." Laura stood to pace. "I don't think we can count the Countess out."
"Who are you talking about?" Yvette queried.
"Cecile is an old acquaintance of Cass and Remington's," Frankie stated distastefully.
"It was a long time ago," Remington explained.
"Let me guess," Nick laughed. "Back in the old days when you two first met?"
"I knew Cecile quite apart from when Harry knew her," Cass informed them in a voice that told them he'd rather not talk about the circumstances.
"What did you two find out?" Remington inquired, adroitly changing the subject.
"The locals know the place is around," Nick told them. "But they've never been able to find it. Apparently it moves before they can mount a raid."
"Sounds like someone's keeping Jameson informed on police movements," Frankie pointed out.
"That's what Melina thinks. I also mentioned I might have something for her in a few days."
"She's willing to wait?" Cass asked, surprised.
"Not a problem. She's a good friend and definitely wants this bust." Nicky grinned.
"What did Mildred find out about Jameson?" Laura asked.
"Not much," Yvette stated. "She's not even sure if Jameson's his name."
"Probably not," Laura agreed.
"The Countess might know more. Maybe we should ask her." Laura cringed at her own suggestion.
"I think you could be right, Laura. That's something you and I can take care of," Frankie suggested, then grinned slyly. "Cecile's easily manipulated."
The second night at the casino proceeded along the same lines as the first. But this time Yvette and Nick joined the party. They were introduced into the casino by the Winthrops.
Cass again won big at the tables and Nick and Yvette spent their time winning at blackjack. Frankie and Laura kept working the various rooms, hoping to spot Cecile. Frankie was the first to spy her as she came into the casino proper. Signaling to Laura, who was across the room, Frankie worked her way over to Cecile and said something to her that seemed to startled her. Frankie headed out in the direction of the greenhouse with Cecile. Laura unobtrusively followed them a few minutes later.
It was again almost noon before they gathered in the living room to prepare for third night's finale.
"Cecile wasn't very forthcoming in her information," Frankie informed them, but she did tell us Vince Jameson was an alias."
"Something we'd already figured out for ourselves," Laura added.
"Did she give you anything useful?" Cass inquired
"Not really. Seems she owes Jameson a favor and that's why she's here."
"And that he wasn't a man to cross," Frankie added succinctly.
"At least she gave you guys a warning," Nick pointed out.
"Or she just might be trying to scare us off from whatever she has planned for him," Remington advised the others.
"That's true," Cass confirmed. "Cecile is almost always up to some con or other. If she thinks we're intruding on her mark, she might try to scare us off."
"She did suggest Jameson's able to keep his operation open because he has some pretty high placed backing," Laura continued.
"She actually used those words?" Cass asked.
"Her exact words, Cass," Laura replied.
"That means whomever's been keeping him informed on what the police are up to is a lot more powerful than your friend on the force imagined, Nick," Remington speculated.
"When's your contact meeting us?" Yvette asked her husband.
"Around one," Nick said. "I told her we'd give her the location tonight."
"Can we trust her not to interfere until we're ready?" Cass inquired.
"We can trust her," Nick assured.
Remington looked at his watch. "She should be here any minute now."
Almost on cue, there was a knock on the door. Nick escorted his friend into the living room. "I liked you guys to meet Melina Ironhorse," Nick introduced.
"Ironhorse?" Laura looked puzzle. "Are you...?
"He's my cousin."
"Ah, now I see why Nicky said we could trust you," Remington added, pleased at this turn of events.
Remington watched the mark and gauged his demeanor. Jameson was becoming more and more irritated as it became apparent Cass was not losing as planned. Remington couldn't help but admire his friend. Few could beat him once he really got down to business, even when the game was crooked.
An hour or so later, Remington noticed Jameson again approaching Cass, who nodded agreement to something. Remington gave a grim smile. Jameson had taken the bait and Cass would most likely soon join a high stakes poker game.
Before Remington could make his move to try to get into the game, Jameson asked him to join. Remington was sure it was because if the world famous detective were playing, others would happily join in -- and lose.
Remington glanced over at his friend as Cass checked the pile of chips in front of him, then examined the hand he held.
"I'll raise you, five hundred." He tossed the chips into the middle of the growing pile on the table.
Remington studied the other men gathered at the table. They regarded Cass speculatively, trying to read into his new bet whether he really had a hand worth the raise.
Remington sat back slightly in silent relief, realizing they'd hooked the marks as easily as they'd been able to so many years ago. He'd been secretly wary about the whole situation. It had been so long since the two had pulled a scam like this.
Remington glanced around to see where his wife and their other friends were. Laura and Frankie sat casually at the bar, while Nick and Yvette were trying their luck at some card game he couldn't identify from his vantage point. The Countess leaned against the far wall, watching the poker game. She'd been hovering around all night, but hadn't blown their plans as she'd threatened. There was an oddness to her demeanor Remington couldn't quite understand, which only added to Remington's worry. She could still ruin the sting.
Remington frowned slightly. For just a moment, it appeared the Countess was talking to someone, but there was no one there. He put it from his mind. He must have imagined it.
An hour passed and the piles of chips in front of Cass grew ever larger. Between this game and the tables Cass had excelled at earlier, they would only need another hour or two to recover all of George's money, then they could close the place down.
Remington wasn't surprised at his friends talent. It had been watching the Cass in Monte Carlo that first night, so long ago, that had drawn Daniel to the young American.
Cass now had almost the whole table's chips piled in front of him and Jameson began to panic as he realized the amount of money he was about to lose. Remington smiled in silent satisfaction. It was always gratifying to flip the cards on someone who preyed on other peoples weaknesses.
Remington watched as Cass got up from the table.
"You're not finished, Mr. Winthrop?" Jameson blurted, trying unsuccessfully to cover his dismay.
"I've done quite well tonight. Think I'll quit while I'm ahead." Cass smiled graciously at Jameson. "I have to thank you, Mr. Jameson, I've definitely enjoyed myself."
With the help of some of Jameson's men, Cass collected his winnings. Remington glanced over to Yvette and Nick. Once Cass cashed in, the signal would be sent to Ironhorse and her officers.
Remington rose from the table and leisurely joined Laura at the bar. Frankie had already headed over to where Cass was collecting his winnings. They needed to get the money -- and themselves -- out before the authorities took the place.
As Cass and Frankie left, Remington noticed they had a shadow.
"Laura," he whispered. "The Countess is following Cass and Frankie."
"And there goes Jameson with a couple of his men." Laura stood. "I don't think he's going to let Cass go with all of his money."
They raced after their friends, confident that the Michaels could handle things in the casino. They found Jameson and his men surrounding their two friends, but the Countess was no were to be seen.
"Just give me the money, Mr. Winthrop, and we'll let you and your lady go."
Cass laughed good-naturedly. "Mr. Jameson, what a disappointment. I thought you were running a legitimate business."
"I'm not fooling around here," Jameson growled menacingly. "Give me my money or things could get rough." He motioned his men closer.
Cass looked over Jameson's shoulder. "Harry, he wants me to give the money back. What do you think?"
Instead of an answer, one of Jameson's men went down, hit from behind by Remington. Taking the cue, Cass decked Jameson while Frankie and Laura took care of the last man together.
"Nicely done, everyone," Remington complimented. "Nicely done."
They were soon in the car, leaving the scene before the authorities could confiscate the night's earnings.
"Cass, would you mind if we stop in Bishop tonight to give the money to Mildred, to set her mind at rest?" Remington asked.
"No problem, Harry."
"We couldn't have done this without you," Laura stated. "Thank you."
"Anytime," Frankie answered for both she and her husband.
"We had a great time. Besides, it's always good to know we've still got the touch." Cass grinned broadly, slamming the car into gear, squealing the tires loudly.
Nick and Yvette caught Melina Ironhorse's attention once the raid was under way. Both were fully aware their friends would be long gone. With the possibility Jameson would try to steal back the money from Cass, Nick and Yvette had been assigned to steer Melina towards the parking lot. When the police found their suspects, they were still out cold lying on the concrete where they'd been left.
Melina watched as her officers carted away the miscreants. She turned to the Michaels. "Off the record," she promised. "You are going to tell me what this was all about?"
The next day, their vacation would finally begin without interruption. Remington and Laura had done a lot of cross-country skiing over the years so Remington was out showing Cass some of the best parts of the back country. Frankie and Laura chose the slopes to spend their time, leaving the Michaels at the cabin.
Nick was enjoying himself. Of course, he always enjoyed himself on those rare times he was alone with his wife. They had just sat down on the couch with the fire roaring when there was a knock on the door.
Groaning, Nick muttered to himself as he got up to answer it.
Surprised to see the Countess -- or was it Cecile, he still hadn't gotten that straight from last night -- he noticed she looked rather upset. "What can I do for you?"
"I was looking for Mr. Steele and Mr. Winthrop. Can you tell me are they here?" she queried.
Nick shook his head, wondering why she was being so formal. From what he'd understood of the convoluted relationship, she knew both men well. "No, I'm afraid you've missed them."
"What's the problem, Nicky?" Yvette joined her husband at the door.
"The Countess is here, looking for Remington and Cass," Nick explained.
"They went skiing," Yvette reiterated.
"How long have they been gone?" A desperate tone entered her voice.
"A couple of hours?" Nick confirmed with a glance at his wife.
"At least."
The woman peered anxiously at her watch. "I need to find them, now!"
"Is there a problem?" Nick asked, concerned by her obvious anxiety.
Her eyes darted furtively to the driveway behind her. "Jameson's after your friends."
"How do you know that?" Nick's eyes grew wide in alarm. "We figured he'd be locked up now."
"He's out." The Countess shook her head unhappily. "And apparently he's a very vindictive man."
After a wonderful morning skiing, and a quick call home to check on the kids, Laura and Frankie found a table at the lodge, ordered warm drinks and lunch. They passed the time with stories of work and the odd cases they'd come upon when Cecile strode into the restaurant. She spied the two woman and sailed over.
Laura saw her first. "Frankie, big trouble at 8 O'Clock."
Frankie turned to where Laura directed and groaned. "And it's been such a wonderful day until now."
"I need to find Remington and Cass," Cecile demanded without preamble. "Do you know where they are?"
Laura and Frankie exchanged looks of annoyance. It amazed Frankie that Cecile never deviated from her set course of stealing another persons' husband whenever she got a chance.
"Look, I really need to know where your husbands are," the Countess reiterated.
Laura and Frankie nodded at each other again and said in unison. "Skiing."
Cecile rolled her eyes heavenward. "I know that, I've already checked the slopes."
"They went cross-country today," Laura finally stated.
"Oh boy," Cecile declared, running a hand through her hair. "Cross-country?" She looked out towards the mountain as if she could see them from there.
Frankie frowned at Laura questioningly, privately wondering if Cecile had gone over the edge, when she spotted Nick coming into the restaurant. "Laura, here comes Nicky, and Melina's with him."
Nick hurried over to their table, a grim expression on his face. "We think there might be trouble."
"What kind of trouble?" Laura sat up straighter, suddenly concerned.
"Jameson's been released from jail, despite the charges pending," Ironhorse explained.
"What?" Laura asked confused.
Frankie looked angry. "It's Sunday, how could he have gotten arraigned and bailed out already?"
"Melina believes Jameson's contact is a local judge," Nicky supplied.
"Great," Laura muttered.
Nick continued. "Cecile saw him early this morning and he threatened to get the men responsible for ruining his business and turning him into the cops."
"But how could he know where they are?" Frankie declared.
"He probably followed them," Melina suggested. "This is a small town. It wouldn't have been hard to find where Remington Steele was staying."
Frankie looked to Laura. "Any ideas where they might have gone?"
"I can find them," Laura announced, praying her detective skills were up to the challenge..
With backpacks of food and water, Remington and Cass had enjoyed the rigorous back country. Stopping several times at lookout points, they finally chose one to have lunch.
"I still can't believe you knew the Countess too," Remington declared, crouching on a boulder and looking out over the forested view of the valley floor below..
"I found out recently I've known her even longer than I originally thought," Cass confessed.
Remington frowned in confusion.
"She's the mother of my oldest daughter, Maggie."
"Remington looked puzzled. "I thought Charlie was your only child?"
"So did I -- until Cecile showed up one wonderful day," Cass stated sarcastically. "She announced Maggie was not a Cory but a Winthrop conceived during a one night stand we'd had together." Cass shook his head and grimaced. "Don't get me wrong, she's a great kid, but it's just that... I was always so careful, Harry."
"Except when you were drinking," Remington reminded quietly, handing another sandwich to Cass.
"You can't imagine what a shock it was. Suddenly, I was someone's father and I didn't even know what to say to her -- 'Hi, I've missed your whole childhood but here I am now...'"
"It's a touch spot," Remington commented.
When Cass didn't respond, Remington glanced over and caught the downcast expression on Cass' face. Remington tried to lighten the mood again. "Casanova always was an appropriate name for you, my friend. In the old days you even put old Daniel to shame the way you picked up women."
Cass frowned as Remington continued to chuckle. "I wouldn't be so quick to laugh, Harry. You weren't a monk, either. One day there could be a knock at your door," Cass taunted. "You could open it up to find your little family has grown in the blink of an eye."
Remington sobered immediately at Cass's statement. "That would definitely not be a part of my past Laura would want to explore." Remington's mind reeled at the possibility. "But I wouldn't want a child of mine growing up not knowing his father.
"I know, Harry," Cass sympathized. "It'd be hard to think a child of yours being as lost as you were."
Remington silently agreed. "How did Frankie take the news?" Remington asked.
"Cecile miscalculated, thinking this would break up our marriage, so she told Frankie before I could." Cass remembered the confession he'd made to his wife. "Frankie was very understanding and supportive," Cass reassured Remington, keeping to himself the fact that at first Frankie had taken it hard. He'd been terrified a such a strong connection to Cecile would destroy his marriage. "As I'm sure Laura would be too."
Remington gave a wry grin. "Laura would be understanding and supportive -- after she stopped yelling."
During the summer, the part of Mammoth they were in was full of hiking trails, spread all over the hundreds of lakes that dotted the area. But during the winter season, only cross-country skiers enjoyed the beauty of the Sierras surrounding them.
It was mid afternoon as the two men neared the end of the trail on the far side of Mammoth mountain. They were beginning to leave the small valley behind to start their final descent when a loud crack sounded through the small glen. Remington saw Cass go down and he hit the ground as another shot followed the first.
Carefully raising his head, Remington looked up the mountain side, trying to pinpoint the shooter's location.
"Cass, are you all right?" Remington hissed, trying not to alert the shooter to his exact position.
Cass groaned. "I've been hit."
"How bad? Can you move?"
"Don't think so."
Remington could hear the pain in his friend's voice. "Hold on, mate, I'm coming over to you."
"Be care... ful," Cass cautioned him breathlessly.
Remington, began crawling through the snow, working his way towards his friend as several more shots rang out, each seeming to get closer and closer. He dropped back down, as the bullets furrowed into the ground nearby, sending the snow flying into his face. He hoped he could reach Cass and pull him behind one of the trees only a few precious feet away.
He began to move again, every second expecting one of the bullets to find it's mark. He breathed a quick "thank you" as he reached Cass and examined the wound. The blood stained his jacket high on the left shoulder.
"Who's the shooter?" Cass asked, curious even in the midst of their dire circumstance.
"Haven't a clue. Who have you set off lately?" Remington began to feel a slight vibration through the ground. The rumblings grew louder, suddenly rocking the two men and the shaking the mountain violently.
"Damn! Avalanche!" Remington shouted, throwing himself over Cass to protect him. Remington's last coherent thought before the whiteness overtook them was that at least the gunman wouldn't make it off the mountain either.
The search group approached the trail Laura had indicated from the opposite end, hoping Cass and Remington would be near its completion.
Melina took the lead, with Laura, Frankie and Nick following behind her. Another three police officers brought up the rear. After an hour, they had yet to come across the two men.
"Could we have missed them?" Frankie asked concerned.
Laura stopped. "Or I was wrong and they're on another trail."
Frankie paused for a moment, concentrating. "My feeling is you're right, Laura. We're on the correct path."
"Shh, listen!" Nick directed. "Can you hear that?"
"Gunshots!" Melina cried. "Come on."
The group immediately started in the direction of the sound, but stopped as the earth rumbled.
"Earthquake?" Frankie asked, glancing around.
"No, avalanche," Melina corrected. "Probably triggered by the gunfire."
Coming out of the trail into the path, the searchers knew this was where the avalanche had erupted. As far as the eye could see were fallen trees, boulders and other debris dragged down the mountainside by the weight of tons of snow. It was a mess. The group looked in despair at the devastation, while Melina instructed one of her officers to put in a call to the Mammoth rescue unit. They would need help to find the missing men.
The first object spied was a backpack, shredded completely, as it rested in the snow.
"My God, how are we going to find them?" Laura groaned in anguish.
"I don't know." Frankie scanned the area in despair. "The trail would have been the place to start, but it's no longer there."
They soon unearthed Jameson out of the deep snow. Nick found him when the glint of his rifle barrel caught the sun. After his twisted body was partially uncovered, the group could see that he was already dead.
Melina squatted next to the man. "Looks like a broken neck," she concluded.
Nick searched up the side of the mountain. "He must have been shooting at Cass and Remington from that ridge up near the tree line."
"And got caught in an avalanche of his own making," Melina agreed grimly.
Frankie and Laura had been searching in another area. After a fifteen minute search they found a ski pole. It was Remington's.
Frankie stopped a moment from the frantic searching and reached out with her feelings, trying to locate Cass and Remington. It took her a few minutes to concentrate, her worry for her husband and her friend made her unable to focus on the problem. Then that shiver she recognized as her ESP kicked in, and she had a good idea where to start.
Within a half hour, they were joined by a ski patrol, who had been dropped off by a helicopter about a mile away. They brought oxygen and medical equipment and the rescue dogs. And still the search continued.
"Laura, over here," Frankie suddenly shouted. "We've got Remington."
Laura dropped the probe she'd been using and slogged her way through the deep snow. When she got there, one of the med techs was administering oxygen.
"He's alive," Frankie announced as Laura crouched down next to her husband. "But unconscious." Frankie advised, happy for her friend but still worried because they still hadn't found Cass yet.
"Don't worry, ma'am. His condition looks good," the med tech told her. "He's got some mild frostbite and he looks like he might have broken his leg... possible a concussion, but he'll make it."
"Remington, Remington can you hear me?" Laura called softly.
At the sound of her voice Remington's eyelids fluttered and he opened his eyes. He smiled wanly at his wife's face above him, then a look of panic came over him. "Where's Cass? He was shot."
"We're still looking," Frankie told Remington, fear gripping her heart after hearing Remington's revelation.
"He has to be there, I was on top of him," Remington insisted, trying to stand up to help.
Laura helped the paramedic stop her husband from moving. "You've got to lay back down," she advised. "They'll find him."
It didn't take them long. He was within a foot or two from where Remington had been found. The med tech immediately began oxygen on Cass as he checked for a pulse. "He's alive."
Frankie sighed in relief. "How bad?"
"It looks like the bullet hit him high on the left shoulder, possible broken clavicle. He's got some cuts and abrasions."
The med tech who had been administering the oxygen grinned. "I think he's coming around."
"Cass, Cass can you hear me?"
"Frankie...what?" Cass whispered, becoming aware of the faces circling him.
"You and Remington were being shot at, then you got caught in an avalanche. Do you remember?"
"Remington?" Cass looked around. "Where?"
"He's here, Cass," Laura said.
Cass slowly managed to turn towards the sound of her voice. Cass could see him a few feet away, Laura close by his side.
"We made it, mate," Remington reassured his friend. "They found me first."
"What happened to..." Cass tried to gesture up the mountain.
"He was killed in the avalanche," Frankie explained.
"Can't say I'm sorry," Remington muttered "And I broke my leg... again!" Remington added in consternation.
"You always do find a way to get out of the legwork."
"I do love to be consistent, Laura." Remington looked puzzled. "How did you know we were in trouble?"
"Cecile warned us Jameson was out and looking for revenge," Nick told him.
"So we came looking for you," Laura continued.
"Cecile? Eh?" Remington grimaced around the pain. "Will wonders never cease?"
"Odd, isn't it, that the Countess would come through for us."
"Maybe she isn't as bad as you guys thought," Nick offered.
He backed up slightly, amazed by the three frosty glares he received, and one audible groan from Cass.
* * *
Remington sat on the couch in the townhouse, his leg encased in a cast, propped up on a stool in front of him. Cass lay near him, his arm in a sling to immobilize his wounded shoulder. They had both spent a few days in the hospital in Bishop and been released with instructions of various do's and don'ts that they were supposed to follow.
Both had a drink in hand as they waited for the others to join them. The two men clinked glasses in salute, sipping the hot liquid.
"We were very lucky, mate," Remington commented, looking to his friend.
"Very lucky," Cass agreed.
"You two must have a guardian angel," Frankie announced. She and the Laura came into the living room carrying bowls of food.
"Frankie's right, you could've been killed."
Nick and Yvette followed the two women with more food, which they placed on the coffee table.
"It's amazing. Shot by a madman and then buried in an avalanche," Nick said. "And you guys made it out with only broken bones, and bruises."
" Cass, how did you end up with the all the bruises and cuts," Yvette wondered.
"Harry had to protect that pretty PR face of his, somehow," Cass jokingly remarked. "It's what he used me for."
"I shielded him with my body to save his life," Remington declared in mock indignation.
The whole group groaned in unison. Laura handed Remington a plate of food and joined him on the couch to eat. Frankie did the same for Cass, while Nick and Yvette sat on the floor on the opposite side of the table enjoying their late supper.
"I still can't believe we have Cecile to thank for saving your lives." Frankie grimaced. "She warned us that Jameson was out of jail and looking for the two of you.
Cass buried his head in his hands and groaned loudly. "She'll never let us live this down, you know."
"This will certainly give her even more of a reason to interfere in the future," Remington agreed.
"I don't see what the problem is, guys. She seems very nice and she did save your lives," Nick reasoned.
Nick ducked quickly as a swarm of pillows hurled towards him.
Laura walked into Remington's office and caught him chuckling at something on his computer screen.
"What's so funny Mr. Steele?" she asked, settling on her traditional corner of his desk.
"Laura, you're back." Remington jumped up to pull his wife in for a quick kiss. "How was the fashion show?"
"Great, Katie and I had a wonderful time," Laura announced.
He gallantly kissed her cheek. "And I'll bet you looked great up there on that runway."
Laura grimaced. She and her daughter had been wrangled into the annual mother/daughter fashion show at Katie Laura's school. Laura loved the time spent with her daughter, but having to strut up and down a fashion runway was not her forte and definitely not to her liking. "I don't know about that."
Steering the subject away, Laura inquired again. "What were you laughing about when I came in."
"I got an e-mail from Cass. Seems the Countess has surfaced again in Bay City."
"Really? It was barely a month ago when we were in Mammoth. I'll bet Frankie was thrilled." Laura shook her head in sympathy.
"So thrilled, that she and Cecile got in a huge fight. Cecile's been lying about Maggie being Cass's daughter and Frankie figured it out."
"Why am I not surprised," Laura announced. "That woman..."
"From what Cass said, Frankie and Cecile had a knock down, drag out fight."
"Frankie came out on top?" Laura asked, positive that Frankie would have no trouble taking down the Countess.
"Well, yes and no, actually. Cecile hauled off and tried to punch Frankie and she ducked and..." Remington started to laugh again.
"And...," Laura encouraged Remington to finish the story.
"And Cass was behind her. She knocked him right out," Remington explained.
"Is he all right?"
"Oh, yes."
"Poor Cass," Laura said in sympathy, but then she too, started to laugh.
Laura took on a thoughtful expression. "I feel really sorry for the girl -- Maggie?" she announced. "What a terrible thing for a mother to do to a child."
"Yes, it is, isn't it," Remington commented absently.
"What's the matter Mr. Steele, you have that look."
"What look is that my dear wife?"
"That look you always get when you think about your past, the part of it that didn't have 'flexible flyers' in it."
"It was something Cass mentioned to me when we were out skiing together, before all hell broke loose."
"What?"
"Cass explained about his past coming back to haunt him. And possibly ruining the future and everything he'd built with Frankie and Charlie."
"Let me guess. He suggested something like that could happen to you."
Remington nodded. "You really do excel in the math, Laura."
"And how would you feel about that?" Laura took his hands in hers.
"The real question is, how would you take it, Laura?" He gazed deeply into her eyes.
"Old girlfriends have never been a particular part of your past I've ever liked to dredge up." Laura shook her head.
"Taking into account some of the woman from my past who have already managed to mess up our lives, I can understand your reticence," Steele acknowledged ruefully.
"But," Laura continued her statement. "If that were to have happened, it would have happened long before I met you."
"And?"
"And I know you couldn't allow a child of yours not to know his Father. Nor would I allow that to happen," Laura assured, hopping off his desk to perch on his lap.
Remington looked down at his wife with love and appreciation, realizing again how lucky he had been when he had first stepped into the offices of Remington Steele. "Thank you, Laura."
"Anytime, Mr. Steele," Laura whispered as she moved in close and her lips found his in a slow and passionate kiss. "Anytime."