Emergency (Sue Thomas FBEye)

Chapter One

"I know we set aside that money for our anniversary next month, but—"

"No but," Jack said, wrapping his better half in his arms, something he never grew tired of doing after nearly eighteen years of marriage. "I've already planned that weekend."

"Amber is sixteen, Jack", his stubborn wife persisted. "She needs a good instructor."

"I'm perfectly capable of teaching our children the fine art of driving," and he captured her lips before she uttered another objection.

"I'm ready, dad," yelled his oldest child as she barged in the kitchen. "You..." She rolled her dark brown eyes at her parents. "I'll be in the car for when you're done doing... whatever."

Feeling Jack's chest rumble from laughter, Sue murmured into the kiss. "What's so funny?"

He reluctantly pulled away. "Amber's waiting for me. We'll be back before you know it."

Having first hand knowledge of her only daughter's driving skills, Sue shuddered at the prediction.

***

Shooting baskets in the driveway, Robbie gave his dad a dubious look when he headed for the passenger door.

"Dad, aren't you forgetting something?" he quipped.

"I have the keys," said Amber, jiggling them in front of her two brothers.

"Rob was talking about dad's gun to shoot the cars out of your way," teased Sam.

"You're so walking when I get my license," she threatened.

Jack shook his head. "Amber, in the car. Boys, the lawn needs mowing."

The start of the engine covered his sons' complaints.

"First, you need to adjust—"

"Mirrors. I know," she said with confidence. "Mom reminds me every time we go for a ride."

He watched her make the adjustment with pride. His little girl had turned into a beautiful young woman, a perfect image of her mother.

"Dad, buckle up."

He obeyed and gave her the signal to merge into the residential street. As soon as she stepped on the accelerator, his seatbelt choked him.

"Ooops." She blushed. "Sorry."

He forced a deep breath into his lung. "Just go easy on the gas pedal, honey... yah, that's it. Slow and steady."

He looked at the speedometer. Only 20 miles per hour? Why did it feel like fifty?

"I should go faster, shouldn't I?"

"No! No, twenty's good, and there's a... stoooooop."

He was grateful for the seatbelt bruising his chest. It prevented his head from adding a much bigger crack to the windshield.

"Mom says I need to work on my stop a little bit."

A little bit? Your mother is highly under-exaggerating, he thought, wondering if he should have been carrying his heart medication with him.

"Driving is so not—"

"Left!" he yelled as he reached for the steering wheel.

Their family car swayed in the empty opposite lane.

"Dad!" she shrieked, offended by his interference. "There could have been a car coming."

"Didn't you see the one parked in the street?"

She growled at him. "Course I did. I'm not blind. I had plenty of room."

Yah, about an inch before you scrapped the entire coat of paint on both cars, he almost shouted.

"It was closer than you think, honey. Just allow for more space next time, would you?"

She shrugged. "Mom doesn't touch my wheel."

"Honey, your mother—" He gasped and grabbed the door handle when she took a right turn without decelerating.

"Mom taught me how to stay in my line when I turn," she said, pleased with her accomplishment.

She obviously forgot to teach you how to slow down, he thought, his heart hammering in his chest.

"I'm sure the motorist we nearly missed appreciates," he muttered under his breath.

The image of the old gentleman waiting at the stop sign with his eyes popping out of his skull at the upcoming car would haunt Jack's nightmare for a while.

"Dad, do you think I have time to pass?"

Jack's eyes widened in panic at the sight of the yellow light turning red and his daughter driving right through it.

"Amber!"

"Why didn't you tell me I didn't have time?" she accused.

Relax, Jack, relax, he told himself. Deep breath. Your knuckles are turning white. Loosen your grip on the armrest. Don't say anything you'll regret.

"Honey, by the time you asked it was too late to stop. If you don't think you have time, then stop," he explained with all the patience he could muster.

"Are you mad?" she sniffled.

"No, I'm not mad, honey. You're learning," he said, softening his voice further.

"You think I'm a bad driver, don't you?"

"No. You're good... much better than I was the first time your grandfather took me out," he lied.

"Really?" she squealed in delight. "Thank you, dad!"

THREE MONTHS LATER

Sitting on the backseat with Jack, Sue squeezed his hand.

"Relax," she murmured in his ear, her lips softly brushing his lobe. "Amber improved a lot."

He wrapped his arm around his wife's shoulders, shivering in anticipation of the night they would be spending alone.

Those expensive driver lessons were worth every dollar, he acknowledged, even though it had meant canceling their weekend at the luxurious resort and postponing their anniversary. He wished he could have been able to afford both, but over the years they had been forced to make sacrifices, emergencies taking precedence, so Sue could stay home with their children.

"She looks very professional with her chauffeur hat," he praised loud enough for Amber to hear, and in the rearview mirror he caught the reflection of his smiling daughter.

'Here you are, Mr. and Mrs. Hudson,' she signed to her parents before exiting to open the door for them.

Sue gazed at the small rustic cabin and the shimmering blue lake. "This is so perfect, Jack."

"I'll be back in two days, I'll be careful and I won't fight with the boys," Amber recited. "Have fun!"

They waved at the retreating vehicle, before walking hand in hand to the small cabin. Sue gasped in surprise at the bouquet on the table.

Mom, Dad

Happy Belated Anniversary

Love

Samuel, Robert and Amber

FIN