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Post by Pete Ashby on Jan 5, 2010 13:09:11 GMT -5
Pete sat in a rundown bar in one New Orleans less favorable districts, it was a great place to lay low and the people in here didn't ask too many questions, He didn't care too much that his car stood out the most against the beat up sedans and rusting Pontiac's. He was nursing a bad hangover from the night before when his old air force mates had rolled into town and descended on his small cabin in the woods, fearing his cache of weaponry would be fount he had taken them into town, bad mistake 2 of them got arrested for brawling in public, something about a chick they both knew, 4 of them were hospitalized with alcohol poisoning and one went AWOL, by the end of the night only 12 out of the 20 of them remained, still he had enjoyed it.
He drank his shot of whiskey in one go anything to stave of the massive headache that had taken up residency in his head, he overheard a few lads by the pool table boasting about how they had never lost a game of poker in their lives. He was about to go over and challenge them when he saw her enter the bar, she didn't look like the regular women that frequented the joint but there was something about her, he couldn't take his eyes of her, the lads could wait till later he decided.
Getting up out of his seat he proceeded to the bar area, whilst waiting he looked at her and smiled "Can I buy you a drink?" he asked.
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Post by Madison Sinclair on Jan 5, 2010 17:44:37 GMT -5
Why on earth she'd ever agreed to her seller's idea to meet in this part of town Madison didn't know. Edging through the door of a seedy little joint that looked to have less style than the biker bar out on the interstate, the petite red head pulled her jacket tighter around her and hoped that no one would pay her any mind. It was just her luck that there didn't seem to be any other women in the place and glances were cast at her even before she made it 5 feet in the door.
Cursing her own stupidity, Maddie headed for the bar and waited for the barkeep to notice her. Having been searching for information regarding a seal that Jessie was interested in, she'd agreed to meet a rare artifacts "dealer" earlier in the afternoon but he'd never shown and she'd finally given up and decided to head for home. Unfortunately, her car had decided to give up the ghost and she'd been forced to find someplace with a phone so that she could call a tow truck or at least a taxi to get her home. This had been the only place that looked like it had any life in it but now... now she was starting to get uneasy about even entering it.
No sooner than she thought that then a man with greasy hair and an even greasier manner slid up beside her and gave her a once over. Blinking a bit, Maddie meet his gaze for a bare second before looking down the bar towards the bartender.
"Whats a lady like you doing in a place like this?" her new companion drawled trying to draw her attention.
Supressing the urge to roll her eyes, the red head ignored him and then sighed in relief as the man behind the bar noticed her. As he headed her way, she felt the drunk reach to touch her hair and she whirled around to give him an arched look.
"I'm sorry... I'm only here to use the phone if they will let me. I'm not looking for any company. Please feel free to rejoin your friends.. I'm sure they have something better to occupy your time."
Hoping to assuage him with a smile, she gave him a bright one and then turned back to the bartender.
"Please, may I use your phone? My car broke down and I'm needing to get home before my grandfather misses me."
Never mind that she had no one waiting at the bookstore for her besides a couple of old ghosts. These people certainly didn't need to know that.
Just as she finished asking, she felt the man's hand on her hair again. Taking a deep breath to slow her rising temper, she turned a fierce look on him before slapping his hand away.
"Would you kindly keep your hands to yourself, sir?"
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Post by Pete Ashby on Jan 5, 2010 18:07:18 GMT -5
"Hey man, you heard the lady now back off" Pete said stepping in between the two, it was clear to him that she knew how to take care of herself, well she must do to enter a place like this on her own, Pete stared at the man harassing the young lady.
The man reached past him and he once again reached to touch the young lady, that was the final straw, Pete threw a punch at the man that connected with his jaw, the man went flying backward taking a half dozen empty glasses and a barstool with him, he hit his head on the way down and finally came to rest on the beer soaked floor. Pete was amazed it had been so simple normally bar fights almost always ended up with the police being called, he stared at the guy wondering if he had killed him, he began to kneel down to check on the guy, when he gave out a long snort, the man was just asleep.
Pete stood up again to face the young lady, "I'm sorry about that Ma'am guess some guys just don't know how to take a hint" The barman looked at Pete and he knew that look, he had outstayed his welcome and he wouldn't be getting another drink from this man, in these places the regulars look out for each other, Pete nodded at the young women "Ma'am" he finished and walked back to his table, cursing himself that he hadn't even introduced himself.
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Post by Madison Sinclair on Jan 6, 2010 14:15:56 GMT -5
One moment Maddie was staring at the idiot about to let into him and the next a tall, good looking gentleman stepped between them. Grateful that there seemed to be at least ONE gentleman in the place, she was about to try to diffuse the situation when it went from bad to worst. The drunk decided to ignore the man and made to reach for her. Before she could react, her rescuer threw a wicked punch that spiraled the idiot backwards and wrecked quiet a few things.
Staring in befuddlement, the petite young woman looked from the man to the bartender to her rescuer. The bartender was obviously pissed and that was enough to have her sliding off the stool and rushing after the dark haired gentleman.
"Um... excuse me, sir?" she said tentatively. "My name is Madison Sinclair.... I appreciate what you did back there but.. I was wondering if I might ask you for another favor? If your leaving, I don't really care to stay here... I was wondering if you might be able to give me a lift to someplace at least..... cleaner?"
Giving him a look with emerald eyes, she shrugged a bit ruefully. Moving closer, she cast a quick glance around and then whispered.
"My car... It broke down and my cell phone is dead... I just need to get somewhere that I might call a cab safely or something.... "
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Post by Pete Ashby on Jan 7, 2010 15:00:52 GMT -5
Pete reached the table then grabbed his bag from the seat opposite to where he had sat, he threw it over his shoulder and turned around to leave, he was surprised to see the woman following him, he allowed a smile to cross his face as he looked at her, she truly was beautiful.
"Um... excuse me, sir?" she said tentatively. "My name is Madison Sinclair.... I appreciate what you did back there but.. I was wondering if I might ask you for another favor? If your leaving, I don't really care to stay here... I was wondering if you might be able to give me a lift to someplace at least..... cleaner?"
He listened as she introduced herself and explained her situation "Pete Ashby" He introduced himself, "Sure thing Maddie, though I'm probably gonna just head to another bar, what brought you hear in the first place?" Pete inquired
"My car... It broke down and my cell phone is dead... I just need to get somewhere that I might call a cab safely or something.... "
Pete listened to what she had to say but it didn't register he was a amazed at how her Green eyes seemed to sparkle, realizing she had finished he snapped out of his thoughts, "I don't much about the technical aspects of cars but if you like I can take a look at it for you? or you can borrow my cell phone and maybe get a mechanic out there to take a look at it" Pete said as he walked with her outside and to his truck.
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Post by Madison Sinclair on Jan 8, 2010 10:26:52 GMT -5
"I don't much about the technical aspects of cars but if you like I can take a look at it for you? or you can borrow my cell phone and maybe get a mechanic out there to take a look at it"
Beaming her relief at his offering, Madison walked with him outside and then grinned as she saw what was evidently his truck. It was a bit out of place with all the rusted heaps of metal in the lot and she had noted it on her way in. However, at the time, she'd been intent on finding a phone and getting the hell out of dodge, so to speak.
"Actually, I think its finally kicked the bucket. Its the first car I ever owned and I just couldn't bring myself to get rid of it. Silly I know but it was my grandmothers and she gave it to me on my sixteenth birthday. It was old then but vintage and I loved it. Especially since she passed on that same year."
Realizing she was rambling, the petite redhead laughed a bit ruefully before looking up at him.
"I'm so sorry.. I didn't mean to pour out the whole story... I'm afraid I'm not quiet myself tonight and its been a bit of a ... bad day. Normally, I try to steer clear of this area but unfortunately.... I was suppose to meet with a man who had a manuscript a friend of mine was interested in and this was the only place he'd agree too."
Frowning as she spoke, Maddie shook her head.
"And then he doesn't even bother to show up. The least he could have done was call... My cell didn't go dead until an hour ago."
As they reached the vehicle, she seemed to shake herself back to the moment.
"Anyways, I'd appreciate any help you could give me. I think I will just have a tow called when I get home and have them check it out. Tomarrow, I will have to see about getting some different transportation. Tonight proved that I definitely am in need."
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Post by Pete Ashby on Jan 8, 2010 13:48:58 GMT -5
Pete smiled as he listened to Maddie telling him what had happened he fount himself getting lost on more than one occasion either in her beautiful features or her heavenly voice, he snapped himself back to reality as she finished talking, at least he had assumed she had finished, he walked around to the drivers side and opened the door.
getting in he leaned across the passenger seat and opened the door for her, to let herself in, he turned the ignition on and let the car just get warmed up, as he flicked the radio on "It's drivers choice, hope you don't mind a bit of classic rock" he said as the Sabbath began Iron Man.
Pete pulled the truck out of the parking lot and on to the main street, "If you want, I can drop you off back at your place, I hadn't got anything else planned," Pete offered "What type of Manuscripts was it your friend was after" Pete inquired hoping to keep the conversation,"
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Post by Madison Sinclair on Jan 9, 2010 10:41:34 GMT -5
When Pete climbed into the truck and then reached across to open the passenger door for her, Maddie grinned and pulled her small frame up inside the vehicle. Settling herself against the seat, she placed her purse in her lap and blew a strand of coppery hair out of her face.
OK, so normally... She wouldn't be climbing into trucks with strangers but he seemed fairly gentlemanly... Especially when compared to the idiots back there in the bar. Having grown up a Southern girl, she was used to respect but those fools obviously were of a different class. Her mother would have fainted dead away if she'd learned what her troublesome youngest had done and that thought only made Maddies smile widen. Her mother was such a prude at times.
When he mentioned the music, the young redhead cast him a grin and shook her head. Her green eyes sparkled impishly as she meet his gaze.
"That sounds fair... as long as you don't pop in opera music or something. I may have to draw the line there cause it puts me instantly to sleep."
Then, turning her attention to giving him directions, she watched the road and sighed with relief as they made their get away.
"I actually own the Odyssey bookstore in the French Quarter. I specialize in historic manuscripts along with books on folk lore, myths and legends. A friend of mine was asking about a book that went back to the time before Christ. Or at least talked about that period. I found one through another friend who deals in ancient treasures. I was suppose to meet the guy who had it this afternoon. .. but as I said... he never showed up."
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Post by Pete Ashby on Jan 9, 2010 13:48:13 GMT -5
Pete Smiled his mum used to like Opera and stuff like that but to him it was just a lot of unnecessary noise, he remembered when his mum had tried to make his dad go to the opera, and the amount of stuff he came up with not to go. "Opera, whats that then?" he asked
Pete listened to the directions and made a mental note of where to turn off, he continued to concentrate on the road as Maddie explained about the manuscript, "So are you some kind of treasure hunter then?" Pete inquired as he looked over to the passenger side mirror and turned into the lane ready for the turn off, "I only ask 'coz, I know a friend whose into similar things maybe they could help, but they mainly specializes in things like pagan rituals and stuff" Pete added
He Listened to the response and smiled, not only was she good looking but smart as well. It wasn't like he ever considered himself dumb or anything, and he'd done quite well in school, but she was in a different league when it came to this stuff. He continued to follow the road and noticed there was a car parked up on the opposite side of the road "Is she yours?" he asked nodding in the generalized direction
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Post by Madison Sinclair on Jan 12, 2010 11:17:59 GMT -5
Laughing at his question about being a treasure hunter, Maddie sent him a glance from underneath her auburn lashes. The corner of her mouth turned up and a dimple peeked out as she shook her head.
"Um... I'm afraid I'm just a book worm. I prefer to curl up in a cozy chair with a cup of hot chocolate and read as to crawling through creepy places and getting my butt kicked. Not that I wouldn't if it were absolutely neccessary but... Luckily, I'm in a position to avoid that. I inherited the Oddesey from a long lost relative but it suits me. I love history and anything that contains stories of the past. Actually, I have a PH.D in the subject so I'm able to help those who are in need of old manuscripts and translations of those sorts of things."
Casting another look at him, she continued.
"I have a couple friends like the one you described. One in particular name Jessie that can be quiet impatient. She's not going to like this set back.. I think she needed that book rather badly."
Turning her attention back to the road, she rubbed her hands up and down her arms and then nodded when he asked if the car on the side of the road was hers.
"Yes, she is. Poor thing... Its definitely had a full and long life. My grandmother got the bug when it was new."
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Post by Pete Ashby on Jan 13, 2010 16:07:52 GMT -5
Pete nodded in response to Maddie's confirmation, " Ready for some fun" Pete asked her, and without waiting for a response traveled slightly further down the freeway then turned into an illegal U-turn, mounting the island in the middle and causing at least two cars to swerve, and a fanfare of horns serenaded the other frustrated drivers reactions to his reckless driving style, he put his arm out of the window and saluted them with two fingers.
It didn't take them too long to arrive at the area Maddie had dumped her grandmothers car, and not a moment too soon either as he saw a pair of police cruisers zoom past with their flashing, "My drivin ain't that bad" he joked as he exited the truck.
As Maddie popped the trunk he instantly took a look at the engine, and was impressed by how well maintained it looked, she obviously treasured the car, noting it wasn't a simple problem like an oil change or out of gas Pete rolled up his sleeves to have a look a bit deeper in, but with the light beginning to fade he wouldn't be able to do anything himself, "You OK to drive this if I give you Tow back into town?" Pete asked wiping oil of his hands.
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Post by Madison Sinclair on Jan 17, 2010 12:22:50 GMT -5
Laughing a bit at her companions enthusiasm for the drive, Maddie arched a brow and grinned as he pulled his stunt. The sounds of tires squealing and horns blaring had her shaking her head good naturedly and then eyeing him.
"Wow.... Who taught you to drive?" she teased. "NEVER MIND! I don't think I want to know after that!"
As soon as they pulled up behind her car, she jumped from the vehicle to follow him over to the vintage bug. Popping the trunk, she waited anxiously as he looked at the motor and then sighed when she saw his expression.
"Aww... Not good, huh? Just what I figured. This old girl has lived a long life but all of us had to rest sometime."
Then, listening to his question about stearing the car back into the city, she frowned and then nodded hesitantly.
"Um... yeah... I should be able to do that."
As he hooked up the cables and such, she climbed into the drivers seat and soon they were on their way. Carefully watching his brake lights and turn signals, she was more than relieved when her shop came into view.
(Sorry for the wait, Pete. I've been a bit brain dead with Maddies muse! LOL)
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Post by Pete Ashby on Jan 21, 2010 16:05:18 GMT -5
(no probs, now it's my turn to apologize for the delay)
Pete hooked up the car to his truck and gave them a tug twice to ensure that they were gonna hold, they had fount themselves in a less then ideal situation, they were on a freeway with Maddie's broken down bug, the night was beginning to draw closer and he was still feeling slightly hung over, he gave them another tug and gave her a thumbs upside, then climbed into his truck and turned the ignition, he waited until there was a sizable gap before he pulled off.
Pete kept constantly checking the rear view to make sure nothing untoward happened to either Maddie or his truck, he suddenly became quite tired and he frantically searched the glove compartment for an energy drink, failing that he cranked up his radio and wound down his window. He signaled off at the turn off Maddie had instructed and then followed the directions to her shop.
Pulling up at the shop he jumped out of his truck and started to unhook the tow hooks "Enjoy the ride" he said smiling cheekily at Maddie as she got out of the bug, "Nice place" he said nodding at the shop . "listen I hope you don't think I'm being too forward but I haven't eaten all day and I wondered if you cared to join me for a bite to eat?" he asked
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Post by Madison Sinclair on Jan 22, 2010 18:29:49 GMT -5
Maddie was ever so thankful when they finally pulled up outside her shop. It had been a trying day and she was more than ready to slip into a comfy pair of lounge pants and rummage in the fridge for some good old fashioned comfort food. Her answer to stress was always to cook and then crash into the nearest broke in chair to watch movies she'd seen hundreds of times.
Tonight was one of those nights when she could feel that urge calling her.
Climbing out of the broken down bug, the petite redhead moved around so she could smile at Pete who was undoing her car from his truck. Her emerald eyes glinted impishly at his question about the ride and then glimmered when he asked about taking her out for a bite to eat. Tilting her head a bit, she gazed at him consideringly and then a bright smile spread across her face.
"How about I do you one better than that? How about... to repay the favor you did me.... you let me cook you dinner? I make excellent italian or I can even do up some steaks if you like....."
Glancing back at her bookstore, she motioned to the floor above.
"I actually live here too... I have an apartment above the shop but if you don't mind looking over the French Quarter while we eat.... I would love some company...."
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Post by Pete Ashby on Jan 25, 2010 10:41:13 GMT -5
Pete continued to unhook the cables and after he had unhooked the last one he threw it into the back of his truck then turned to face Maddie, he listened as she suggested a Home cooked meal, having served in the military for so long he hadn't even met anyone who knew how to cook beans on toast let alone the dishes she was suggesting "Ya know its been a while since I've had any proper home cooking, Okay sure, Chef's choice though okay" Pete replied smiling back at her.
He followed her gaze as she looked up at the building they had stopped in front of, It reminded him of an old bookshop his dad used to visit when he was younger "You live here?, well I guess there's no need to worry about security then, hey" he smiled at her "So how long have you owned this place?"
Pete looked back at the bookshop and looked at the small display of books that acted as window dressing "If we've got a bit of time before the meal, any chance of a quick guided tour?" he asked hoping it wasn't too cheeky.
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