Eleven

Disclaimer: I do not own, nor did I create, any of the A-team characters (main or support) nor do I own, nor did I create, any of the episodes. That credit is due to Stephen J. Cannell and his associates. Any familiar catch phrases or settings also belong to the Cannell team.

Spoiler Alert: References characters, locations, plot, and revelations from episodes "The Bells of St. Mary's" and "A Small and Deadly WR" including but not limited to St. Mary's School, Angels Guardians, Sr. Catherine, Ed Maloney, Billy Rey King, Charlotte King, The Bells, Dave Luna, and Zeke Westerland.

Timothy, Miss Chambers, Coach Boggs, Sr. Ruth, Sr. Paulette, Mr. Scott, Brenda Westerman, and Wallace Westerman are my OCs as are any of the assorted students at St. Mary's.

Author's Notes: Thank you all for your interest and loyalty to this story. I thought I was done at Hannibal's "I love it when a plan comes together." But then I realized I really wanted to let everyone know how the auction went. LOL.

Summary: Celebrating at the Auction Gala.

Return to St. Mary's: A Case Close to Their Hearts: by LAGC

Chapter Eleven: Celebrations

Each member of the A-team looked extraordinarily dapper in their tuxedos. They were seated at the table of honor along side Sister Catherine and Lily. Lily was stunning in a burgundy one shoulder tea length evening gown. Timmy was there too because Sister said he earned a place for his willingness to protect the school. BA and Face had taken him to rent a tux that morning and the boy was enthralled by his first formal event.

"Sister I'm having such an awesome night. The guys at the house are going to be so jealous that I got to come tonight." Tim gushed sipping his Rob Roy and trying to look as stalwart as BA.

"I'm happy you're happy Timothy. You earned this but I trust you won't be gloating to your roommates." Sister Catherine replied.

"Yeah bragging ain't cool, Little brother." added BA

"I won't brag. But I will tell them all about tonight." Timmy said carefully. Everyone at the table chuckled indulgently.

"Lily would you care to dance? A lady looking as lovely as you should not spend all night hidden behind a table." invited Face adding his dazzling smile for good measure. Lily accepted and they joined other couples already dancing along to the ballad Charlotte was singing. Their table mates watched the pair and continued conversing.

"So Hannibal what is going to happen to Brenda and the others?" asked Sister.

"They are in jail awaiting their hearing. Between the evidence we collected, the footage from the cctv, and all our testimony they are all looking at long prison terms. Brenda really pumped her punishment by taking you hostage. I'm confident none of them will be a danger to you or the school ever again." Hannibal answered.

"And don't fret Sister C, we'll be with you anytime you have to be a witness or anything like that." Murdock promised. BA nodded his agreement.

"Ok enough of this unpleasantness. Let's focus on this lovely evening. The auction went very well we sold each item up for bid. And really you've done so much for us already you all didn't need to bid and win the Gold Record."

"It was our pleasure." Hannibal politely replied. "Besides it will look incredible in the office at A-team Security and prove that we've provided services to stars."

Face and Lily returned to the table just as the caterers were serving dessert. Everyone enjoyed the confection with coffees -of course BA and Tim had milk. Then they listened to Charlotte's performance. With everyone in such a celebratory mood, BA didn't even so much as sneer when Murdock began to sing and swoon along to the music. All too soon, Charlotte concluded the final song of her concert. The audience applauded and she began to take her bows. Her brother and co-host Billy walked on stage and took the mike.

'Ladies and Gentlemen can we have one more round of applause for this wonderful singer and gorgeous lady. My big sister Charlotte King."

The crowd enthusiastically complied. Then Billy continued,

'The final computations and tabulations are in. We are ready to announce the outcome of your generosity and commitment to Saint Mary's School. Sister Catherine, could you make your way on stage so we can present you the cash box."

Sister rose from the table. Face held her chair aside and offered his arm to gallantly escort her up the steps and to the microphone. Urged by a nervous grip on his elbow, Face remained at her side on the stage. Charlotte was now holding the ceremonial cash box which has been designed and decorated by the First Graders of the school. Billy referenced his notes once more and addressed Sister and the crowd,

"It is with great glee and humble appreciation that I share with you that our auction and gala raised 64,475 dollars!"

Applause erupted as Charlotte placed the vibrantly adorned cash box in Sister's trembling hands.

"Excuse the cliche but, Wait there's more!" announced Billy. The crowd quieted to an excited low hum.

"As you know I played football here for St. Mary's. That was my doorway to a college football scholarship and onto a professional career as a player and now a recruiter for the Hollywood Hurricanes. Well my team informed me this morning that it would be matching all funds raised tonight. So, Sister Catherine, it is my honor to inform you that the Hurricanes will be donating 65,000 dollars to the building fund. Therefore our school has raised 129,475 dollars to build a brand new athletic complex!"

The hall erupted into cheers and whistles. Sister was agog and truly grateful for Face's steadying arm which was now gently against her back. She stepped up to the microphone stand,

"Let me begin by thanking each and every person here tonight as well as our benefactors who donated tonight's auction items. Charlotte and Billy have done a marvelous job hosting tonight's festivities and Charlotte's performance was breath taking. Now Billy has simply floored me by announcing the patronage of his team. This fund raiser has exceeded all my hopes and dreams. Our students will reap the benefits for years and years. You have all been instruments of God tonight through which he has worked a miracle. Thank you from the bottom of my heart."

Face lead his guardian back to her seat. Charlotte seized the mike and said, 'Well this deserves some extra celebrating!" She signaled the musicians and launched into an encore rendition of "Right Straight into my Heart!" She even pulled a star struck Timothy up on stage to be her dance partner.

It had truly been a magical night for all.