| The Bluest Eyes In Frisco Chapter 6 |
| The next several nights passed without much activity in the club. Casey and the band had become rather popular with the bar patrons and even had a few groupies who had started hanging around after hours. This was an added bonus for drummer Brooks Hardin who, being single, was enjoying all the attention he received from the female admirers. Casey and Christine found this amusing but they too had a few admirers. Christine had been on two dates with a stockbroker who just happened to stop by CJ's on Saturday night. His name was Christopher or Chris to his friends and Christine was was totally smittened with him. Everyone joked about the fact that if they were to marry, they would have the same name. Casey had received several dinner invitations and one very inappropriate proposition but she declined all offers. Most of the men seemed to be nice but there just wasn't an interest in getting to know them. Casey watched as Christine and Chris sat at a table talking and seemed so into each other. She silently wished that she could meet someone like Chris. A man who would sweep her off of her feet. Someone who would take her breath away just by saying hello. She wondered if such a man truly existed and if so, where was he now. * It was Tuesday night and across town at the Special Investigations Unit of the SFPD, Inspector Harvey Leek was getting ready to call it a day. He had closed down his computer and was grabbing his jacket and beret when the phone rang. "Inspector Leek, SIU" he answered. On the line was one of his CI's, a man simply called Charlie. He had some information about a man named Mario Baptiste and was willing to part with the info for a small fee. Harv agreed to meet Charlie at the liquor store on Cole street in the Haight. At least it was near home and he wouldn't have to go out of his way. While driving over to meet Charlie, Harvey thought about the first time he had arrested Baptiste. Evan had taken $40,000 cash during a raid on the Baptiste headquarters. He had hoped that the gang would come after him but the plan backfired and it was Harvey who was targeted. The SIU officers had set up a meeting to return the money to Baptiste and succeeded in arresting most of the major members of the gang. That one mistake had cost Evan his job and shortly thereafter, he began the slow descent into drug and alcohol abuse. The thought of his former partner's downfall still haunted Inspector Leek. Harvey pulled into the parking lot of the liquior store and found Charlie standing near the pay phone. The word on the street was that Baptiste had hooked up with Ramone Bastille. Supposedly, they were combining their operations and had brought in a third party, who was said to be from Texas. Harvey gave Charlie the money but told him that he wanted the name of the third party asap. * As he was driving home, Harvey noticed the new club that had opened recently. He had heard from a friend that the house band was good and that he should check it out. "Well, it's not the Dead but listening to some music and having a beer does sound good". After pulling the PT Cruiser into the parking space, he took off his beret and ran his fingers through his hair. He was wearing a blue jean jacket over a Grateful Dead T-shirt so he shouldn't seem too out of place in a country/western bar. Harvey noticed the rustic and downhome feeling of the place as he sat down at the bar and ordered a beer while chatting with the bartender. Harvey: I've heard some nice things about this place from a friend. He told me that the band is really good. Chuck: They've developed quite a following in just a few nights. They call themselves the Enforcers. Harvey( looking thoughful): Wow... powerful name. When will they be on? Chuck: In about ten minutes. Hang around if you can. I think you'll find they're worth the wait. By the way, the name's Chuck Tanner and I own this place. Harvey(shaking hands with Chuck): Harvey Leek... nice to meet you. The audience began to cheer and applaud as the band came onstage. Casey took the microphone to greet them. Casey: "Welcome to CJ's everyone!! Let's get this party started!" The band launched into "Country Comes To Town" and Oscar was singing lead vocals. They always started the set with an uptempo song to get the people moving. This also allowed the cameras secured near the top of the stage lights to scan the crowd. Tonight, at a table in the back, two men were engaged in an intense conversation. It was apparent to Casey that the men were definitely not at the club to enjoy the music. Casey: "Harrow, check out table 21. The far back left corner near the restrooms." Harrow snapped a photo and ran it through the computer. The results were a positive ID of Hector Gonzales and a small time hood named Mario Baptiste. Grant reported this info back to Casey and told her that he would keep her informed. The band continued performing several more songs including a special request. Casey(talking to the crowd): Ya'll want to hear a sweet story? The gentleman at this front table has requested a special song for his lady. It seems that he proposed to her tonight but what I want to know is...did she accept? The crowd applauded as the man nodded yes and the lady held up her left hand to show the engagement ring. Casey: Now the way I understand it, he proposed to her here at the club. Now how romantic is that? (addresses the couple) Just the two of you and a few hundred close friends! Congratulations, we wish you the best. This song is for you. Harvey Leek was intently gazing at Casey while she sang. There was something about her that seemed so familiar but he was sure they had never met. Chuck had noticed Harvey's obvious interest in Casey and smiled. This guy seemed nice enough but Chuck decided against playing matchmaker. Casey was on an assignment and even though he had noticed that Harvey was wearing an SFPD badge, Chuck didn't want to take a chance on blowing her cover. After finishing the song, Casey returned the Microphone to its stand before addressing the crowd. Casey: "We'll be back in a while but until then enjoy the music on the jukebox and be sure to order something from the bar. We have to help pay CJ's bills you know." * The band members gathered backstage to contact Harrow and Grant concerning the suspects. They were able to determine that a major meeting was being set up but details about where and when were not revealed. Baptiste and Gonzales had left the club and were being followed by plainclothes detectives who would report to Captain Jameson with further details. This meant that the band could relax tonight until receiving further instructions. * Casey took a seat at the far end of the bar to talk with Chuck. She filled him in on the details and told him that they were waiting for further instructions. Chuck went about filling drink orders while Casey recorded the details of the night's events in the journal. She was concentrating on her writing and didn't look up when she heard someone speak to her. Harvey: That was a beautiful song that you sang. You have a lovely voice. Casey: Thank you....I appreciate the compliment. The other band members are much better than I am though. She looked up at the man who was sitting a few seats away and caught her breath. He had a pleasant smile and his head was slightly tilted to the left giving her a good view of the darkest blue eyes she had ever seen. When she realized that she was staring at him, she blushed. Harvey: I don't think you are giving yourself enough credit. You have a beautiful voice...Miss? Casey: Ree... Tanner. Uh... I'm Cassandra. Chuck Tanner gave her a surprised look as she winked at him. She couldn't believe that she had almost slipped and revealed her true name. Harvey(speaking softly): Cassandra...pretty name for a pretty lady. Casey couldn't believe that she was blushing again. Thank you. And your name would be? Harv: I'm Harvey. Can I buy you a drink? She ordered a club soda with lemon and they talked with Chuck for a while until Harvey's pager sounded. He checked the number and recognized Antwon's cell phone number. He frowned as he stood up from the bar stool. Harvey: Darn it, I have to run. I was hoping to stay for the second set. It was a pleasure to meet you, Cassandra. Casey(shaking his hand): The pleasure was all mine, Harvey. I have to get back to the stage so I'll walk with you to the door. She stood up and caught her heel on the hem of her pants. When she tripped, Harvey caught her and picked her up before sitting her down on the bar stool. Casey was so embarrassed but he was more concerned that she had hurt herself. Harvey: Are you alright? You didn't hurt your ankle, did you? Casey: No. I'm fine...just a klutz. Thanks for catching me. Harvey(smiling): Anytime! Casey smiled as she watched Harvey walk away and then noticed that Chuck was staring at her with a big smile on his face. Casey: What? Chuck: I think you kinda liked that guy. Casey: Oh, come on. Give me a break. I don't need a man in my life right now. As she was walking towards the stage, Casey couldn't help but giggle. Maybe wishes did come true. She had wished for a man who would sweep her off her feet and Harvey did...literally. * * * |
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