Fran's Headache

Fran awoke from being knocked unconscious for the tenth time. What day is it? she wondered groggily.

She checked her watch-it was Saturday, November 7th. I've been held captive for months now, she thought, when is the world's greatest detective going to find me?

Ironside was conferring with his staff -they were floating ideas on how best to rescue Fran.

"She's tough," said Ed, "but not as tough as Eve. She would have escaped or subdued her captor, Chief. I know this might not be the right time to say this but maybe we should see if we can get her back."

"Ed!" yelled Ironside. "Now is not the time. We'll talk about it after we find Fran."

Fran heard someone opening the door-it must be Mortimer. It was. He came in with a sandwich and a drink.

"Here," he said and handed her the food. She ate it fast as she was starving. She opened the drink and he handed her a bottle.

"What's this?" she asked suspiciously.

"Aspirins," Mortimer said, "I figured you'd have a headache so..."

Fran swallowed two aspirins. "Why did you bring them to me? I mean I appreciate it but you're not planning to knock me out again, are you?"

"No, I'm not. I just didn't expect it to take this long for Ironside to find you."

"Yeah," said Fran. "If it was Eve I wonder if he would take so long."

Mortimer said, "I met Eve and she has nothing on you. I don't know why the Chief liked her so much."

Mortimer grew tired of the cat and mouse game -his next clue gave Ironside directions to find Fran.

"Chief, something's coming up on the computer," said Ed. "It's a map with an X and it says Fran is here."

Ironside went to the window and asked for a drink. Ed brought him one and said, "Chief, do you think it's a trap?"

The Chief said, "I don't know. Get Carl Reese and let's follow the map directions and rescue Fran."

Ed broke through the door where Fran was being held with Lt. Reese close behind.

Fran was there and so was Mortimer.

"What the hell!" said Reese, "Grab him, Ed".

"Don't hurt him, Ed. I've fallen in love with him," Fran said.

"Stockholm Syndrome," said Ed.

"No," said Ironside wheeling in from behind, "I think she had one too many bumps on the head. Get Fran to a hospital, Carl. Ed, take Mortimer in."

Ironside went back to the van and said, "Mark, call Eve and tell her there's an opening."