Evening off

WHN to Meixel's „Pyramid Trail" (Crossover SOSF-Ironside, set spring 1970)

With her friendly permission and based upon her own idea!

And thank you, Jodm, for correcting the story. The mistakes are mine, since I probably put some back while going over it one last time…

After Mike Stone had repeated his question for the third time without getting an answer from Steve, he threw a worried look at his young partner. "What's the matter with you, Buddy-boy? Are you coming down with flu or something?"

This time Steve Keller heard him. He grinned from ear to ear. "More like 'or something'. I have date with Eve Whitfield."

The Lieutenant's face lit up. He could understand that Steve had been pleased with Ironside's beautiful associate while working with her undercover. "Now that explains everything. Go ahead, enjoy yourselves! You will want to leave early to dress up."

Steve was grateful for his boss' understanding. Obviously he hadn't forgotten how being young felt.

After taking a shower he stood in front of his cupboard, wondering what he should wear. Finally he decided upon a classical dark suit, a cream-colored shirt and his fanciest tie. He gave the good-looking guy in his mirror an approving nod and left cheerfully.

Eve Whitfield lived in an exquisitely furnished flat. Obviously she didn't have to pay it from a police officer's salary.

"Come in, I'll be ready in a minute!" she shouted, invisibly though.

Steve took two steps forward and his feet sank into a thick plush carpet. He wondered how long a minute would last for a millionaire's daughter. Yet no more than fifty seconds could have passed when a fairy-like apparition in a very elegant white dress with large sleeves of a purple-transparent, gleaming fabric approached.

"Shall we?" she asked, offering him her arm and smiling impishly.

Gallantly Steve complimented her and presented her with the violet lily he had brought along. It found its place at her dress, matching her colors perfectly.

Only for a second he doubted that his wallet would tolerate this evening. It was not important.

"Where to?" was her next question.

"What about 'Chez Florence'?

"'Chez Florence' it is!"

Afterwards Steve would not have been able to tell what he had eaten. It had been excellent, and the music was great as was to be expected. What he would never forget though were the looks the other guests had thrown at him and his date: looks of admiration, looks of acclaim and looks of envy, depending on the age and state of those who threw them.

When they had basked enough in the glow of veneration – well, Steve had basked in it, Eve was most probably used to being looked at that way – he asked her: "And now, my lady, what does your heart desire?"

"It's been a while since I have gone to the Lighthouse. What about it?"

"Exactly what I was thinking!"

When they left towards the famous discotheque they weren't aware that they were being followed by a black Ford sedan…