'74

Chapter 25 ~ Homecoming

Elvis and the guys drove throughout the day making as few stops as possible to get to Memphis on time. Bathroom and gas stops made them all a little nervous. It was unlikely Elvis could be recognized, but they tried to avoid drawing any attention to themselves just to stay on the safe side. Elvis kept his head down and avoided as much contact with the people as possible.

Just an hour before midnight the van finally crossed the Arkansas/Tennessee state line. They were running a few minutes late, but Nick was dead set that they'd make it on time. Merging southbound headed towards Memphis, Elvis' excitement grew. It'd been months since the last time he'd spoken with any of his family and he couldn't wait to hold his little girl in his arms again. If Lisa's there, then Cilla'll probably be there too. He thought with disgust. And Red. He decided not to think about them tonight. The thought of his room and his own bed and silk pajamas was overwhelming enough. Man, I can't wait to get home.

By the time Nick turned down Elvis Presley Blvd. off of the main highway, it was a few minutes shy of 12 o'clock. "What'd I tell you, boys?" Nick applauded himself. "Right on time."

Elvis watched as all the familiar street signs and landmarks passed by outside of his window. Light snores from Lance filled the anxious silence.

"The gas station is up on the right," Nick announced. "Lance, you awake?"

No answer.

Elvis looked back to find Lance sprawled out on the seat. He reached behind and shook him awake. "We're pulling in." He turned back around in his seat to watch Nick pull up next to a black limousine parked on the side of the building.

"Don't move," Nick ordered as he jumped out of the van and walked around to the limo driver. Eternity passed (or so it felt like) before Nick finally turned around and strode back to the van opening the side door to switch over Elvis' only bag. The driver of the limo didn't get out, nor did he remove the eerily dark sunglasses that hid his eyes. Come to think of it, he hadn't even turned his head since they'd pulled up.

Lance was still wiping the sleep from his eyes in the back seat when Nick finished exchanging a few more short words with the limo driver. Why is this so quiet? Elvis wondered as he watched Nick turn heading towards him. Nick opened Elvis' door and motioned for him to follow him.

Elvis climbed out silently following Nick to to the limo.. He took quick look at the driver and the man in the passenger's seat and decided that neither of them looked familiar. Not my guys.

Nick pulled open the limo's door for Elvis to climb inside.

Elvis gave him a strange look. "Nick," He held out his hand. "Like I told Neil, it y'all ever need anythin' you know where you can find me."

Nick grinned and shook his hand. Elvis slid in the back seat of the limo as Nick shut the door.

The divider between passenger and driver was up inside the limo. Elvis wasn't complaining though. He was thankful for the few minutes he had to himself. It wasn't even a miles drive up the road to Graceland. Almost home! If he thought he'd been excited before, he was jumping at the seams now.

The sound of tires on pavement blurred the silence; from what he could tell they should be pulling up to the gates of Graceland any minute. He slid across the seat to get a better look out the window facing home and before he knew it, there it was. The ragged stone wall that surrounded his haven and kept fans at bay. Like always, there were a few people at the gates trying to get a look at his home up on the hill. As the limo signaled to turn into the drive, the fans scattered to make way for them to drive through. Elvis ducked his head to avoid the prying eyes. The limo came to a quick stop as the gates opened for them. Well they must have some sort of influence to just be let through like that. He thought to himself. I'll have to look into that in the morning.