Becks 11 It All Works, Really

All characters in this series are 18 or older. Both people and places are fictional or fictionalized, so do not expect places to appear as they may here. This is a series set in my "Pix 'n Bits" storyverse, and thus has elements of science fiction and urban fantasy in it. While there are destinations, like much of my writing this is more about the journey. I hope you enjoy it.

We have a party and life goes on. Or begins?

Sarah says to just sleep a few hours and get up so that we both sleep tonight. I say sure and set the clock. We get up in the mid afternoon and shower, make love slowly and shower again then go down to the kitchen. I make coffee with the french press and Sarah says she knows I love her now. I just smile and think how lucky we are. We found each other in all the world and we hung on. Tight, so tight and so strong. I realize it is later than I think as mom came through the door. Hugs us both and says she is taking us to the harbor for supper, so come along.

She made reservations so even on a summer Friday we are seated quickly. Sarah asks what the occasion is as we are at Harry's. One of the places we tend to go when we are celebrating. Not the most expensive in town, it is still pleasant and has good food and great service. Mom says maybe just having both of her daughters home, or maybe because she heard about the train crash and knows last night was a hard one.

"Or maybe because I love you both so very much and am so happy for all of us!"

We both leaned in and kissed mom from opposite sides and then we all laughed. Just because we are a family and all of us are here once more. Mom asked if the night was as bad as she was guessing and Sarah took a second. And realizing mom is an engineer and a research scientist but before that she was and remains an MD, just said quietly "Probably, mom."

Mom took her hand then for a moment "I am so sorry, dear Sarah. But we get through, and cling to what we love and somehow we do survive." All with a look of support coupled with shared pain and understanding. As I say a lot, mom is wonderful. She is also why I want to fix everything and believe I can, too. Because this woman has told me I can my whole life and I love her so much. And I owe her even more, but she would say I don't, not a bit. I know better, that we never owe for love freely bestowed. And still do everything possible for those we love.

Some seem to get confused and believe love and life is a payment system. That you "pay back" or "pay forward" to get what you need from those around you. They make me sad, because I know in my heart they have never loved, and if they have been loved never saw it. I do favors for acquaintances and help out friends. But for the ones I call family I will always do anything I can and stretch myself to do even more.

Not because they ask for it or I owe it, not at all. Because love makes me want to give them my effort freely, no coin asked or needed. How cold and terrible a world without love must be, and so I almost cry for people like that if I meet them. And I do of course, life is full of people with their eyes wide shut. I would help them too if I could but you have to believe you have a problem before you can fix it. And most with this problem blame others or love itself, but never look deep inside for an answer. And oops! I realize mom and Sarah are looking at me to see if I am home!

I apologize for drifting off and they laugh. Mom says most of her best ideas have come from exactly that kind of drifting and Sarah says much the same. I share the Cliff notes version of where my mind had gone and they both smiled. Mom said she feels for them too, the ones who don't know love at all. Sarah says she does too and thinks many must have a mother like hers, or even worse. After all, the woman fed and clothed her, she just never gave her the smallest bit of herself.

I said that sounds worse than growing up in a foster home. Sarah asked why. Pretty sure mom knew, but I answered anyway.

"Because in a foster home, most kids in the system know it is a transaction. You do what they want or you go back in the system. So you find out if it's worth it and if they just want dishes done and so on, probably it is and might be better than a state dorm. On the other hand, if they want to have anal sex with you whether you want that or not, time to run like mad and get away."

Sarah made an "ugh!" face and I continued.

"I know! But in that system, kids accept that as a possibility, and also know this is a transactional relationship in most cases. Sure, some people foster because they love kids, but most do it for free labor and the monthly check. And then we have the broken ones, who should not have children but do anyway. People who don't love themselves so have no way to love another. And frequently have kids for mostly wrong reasons. Some believe a child will love them and make them happy. Probably not, unless you love that baby first. I think your mother is like that, looking for love and never knowing it comes from inside first. To be fair, there are worse parents out there."

Sarah smiled around the table "Yes, and I am looking at a very good one and another future great parent too! Hey, how did I manage to get an idea of what love is anyway?"

Mom smiled "Probably happened in third grade when the weird girl dragged you off to her house after school, dear." and chuckled.

I looked up "Hey mom! I resemble that remark!"

Sarah got up and hugged mom and then hugged me and said I probably had an ulterior motive and just wanted cheap medical care some day!

Mom laughed and said not likely as she recalls we had plans to steal a pirate ship and roam the seven seas on it. Sarah and I laughed our heads off.

"We were a real pair of goobers, weren't we mom?"

"I might say romantic with bold hearts and minds that even did catch up eventually too. Yes, dear Sarah you were both goobers and still are on occasion and I love you both for it so very much."

I said I love everyone at this table and Sarah said the people here are the ones who taught her what love even is so she has to love us right back. Mom said before we get too many PDA's, probably time to head home for ice cream, hugs and kisses. Sarah said she was getting fat so no ice cream for her. I started to talk and mom went right over me. "Sarah Greene, you are not fat at all! And you need to remember you are eating for more than one now, young lady! Do not make me get out my mommy hat!"

Sarah laughed and said OK, she will be a good daughter and eat her ice cream. Which made us all laugh enough that our server gave us an odd look as she handed mom the check. And I totally missed what mom had said. Mom just smiled and said "Daughters!" in an aggrieved tone and our server laughed too.

Normally we would turn right on exiting, walk around the corner and along the waterfront to get to our car. You can also use an alley that runs between Harry's and a building full of small shops just past it. But it's dark and walking along the harbor is both prettier and safer.

But as we went out mom turned left saying she wants to show us some pretty glassware in a shop window. We followed, because it's mom and why not. And as we passed the alley's mouth I heard the sound of flesh hitting flesh and looked. Yes, I would be the hero or the first death in any horror film. I head to the odd noise like a lemming. Mom and Sarah were still having fun and probably thought I was being apprehensive. Mom said "One Adam Twelve, I have reports of suspicious activity in a dark alley. Please check it out."

Sarah giggled "Yeah, book 'em Danno! Or just kick some butt!"

Yes, mom and Sarah both watch too much television and they both like police drama's. I said to stay right here and moved into the alley. Approaching the bend halfway down I could tell someone was being hit steadily. I also heard a man's voice telling someone this was their fault and all they had to do was behave, why was that so hard? Punctuated by wet sounding blows which made me hurry up. Turning the bend I saw a heavy set man, about 6' 1" and likely 220 or in that area. He held the arm of a much smaller woman and was slapping her. I called ahead "Let go of her and keep your hands down, this is your only warning, friend."

Turned his head, saw me and sneered asking what was I going to do, call the law on him? I smiled, probably not my prettiest one.

"No need, bud. I am the law!" Here in Salem that was true, I was a police captain. And wow, have I always wanted to say that! He snorted and raised his hand to slap the woman which really ticked me off. I had been going to grab his hand and make him stop but decided he was not hitting anyone with that hand any time soon. I took his legs out from under him with a rolling forward dive, thanks Lethal Ladies! The extra gymnastics tricks can help, yes they can!

I was on my feet very much first and oops, when I checked out the woman I "accidentally" stepped on his hand and wrist. About five times. Much like a Mexican hat dance! I told her she was safe now and she just cried. Thankfully mom and Sarah followed me down, saw that it was over and kept coming. Sarah looked at the guy and asked how bad his hand was.

"The one he was slapping this woman with when I got here? Probably broken, I sort of stepped on it when I got closer to help a distressed citizen."

And wow. Sarah spit on the alley floor next to him and said loudly she was sure an EMT can look after him at the police station! And turned to the woman right away. And maybe I have some of Bitsy's luck at times. Because as two policemen came down the alley telling me to put my hands and weapon down (sure I will, boys, come closer and help me out) I hear a voice form the other end moving closer. A loud and deep voice the cops recognize as fast as I do.

"Captain Becks? Is that you? Let's see what is going on in this nice alley, shall we?" Then he looked beyond me and gave his men a disgusted look as he saw one had a revolver out. Not aimed at me, but not at the sky either. Something I was about to fix but he did first.

He stood there like an angry bull, glowering. "Put that away boy, or I will ask Captain Becks to take it from you, which you will not enjoy one bit, I promise."

I grinned, but a grim one full of promises. "Hi Jack. Your boy will not like where I place it afterward either, I bet."

Jack smiled "Becks, as I recall, no one has ever liked what you did with a weapon in your hands. You, son, take this garbage to the station and wait for me to get there, unless Captain Becks gets there first. And never draw a weapon on this woman again, son. It'll be your last act as an officer."

And the dumbass had to show bravado. Testosterone really does not help!

"Why is that sir? Will I get fired for arresting your pet captain?"

Jack just looked at him for a few moments and about when I thought he might hit the man he laughed. A bucket of Ray rolled out and when he stopped he told him off.

"Son, use your head here. You see a gun on this woman anywhere? And do you see lard ass Billy Butler, not too long ago a star quarterback for our team and now lying on the alley floor? I bet he weighs close to double what Becks here carries. Fire you son? That depends on if you're still breathing after you draw down on this woman. If so, I might need to fire you for being too stupid to walk and chew gum, I believe. Now get your job done, because if I need to do it for you, why would I need you at all?"

With his partner tugging at him from the side he backed down and they got Butler on his feet and on his way to a cell. Jack turned and asked if we are all right. I said yes and we would have been fine, too but his man and his boy owe him a thank you. He laughed some more "And don't I know it! Still, probably easier to educate that boy than train a new idiot, I imagine. Now, what of this pretty lady? What can we do for her?"

I turned now and saw Sarah had taken care of her bruises and what looked like a bad sprain by the swelling and was speaking to her softly. I introduced myself and told her I not only represent the police here, I also work with and for the PEST foundation which operates shelters for abused women and children around the state. And I ask if she would like to go there and be safe."

She tells me her name is Gail and says she won't be safe anywhere, Billy said so. And he will come to get her.

Jack steps close "I try not to argue with a pretty woman, but the last man who believed he could hurt a lady while Captain Becks was watching is buried in the county cemetery, ma'am. If she says you will be safe, you can take that to the bank and stop worrying."

Her eyes widened and she looked form Jack to me and back. "Chief, if you say I can trust her, that's good enough for me" Then she turned to me. "Yes, Miss Captain Becks, I would like to go to your shelter if they will take me. I'll try not to be any trouble."

I just smiled "Gail, I hope your troubles are over with. You won't be any yourself I promise, and now you get a chance to have a life without a bad man in it. And we are all glad to make that happen for you."

Jack used his radio to have dispatch phone Mina and let her know we were coming and accompanied us. Took brief statements from all of us and said he will be in touch, but he can take care of Mr Butler. Before leaving he mentioned he heard about my bout at the Trooper's barracks and perhaps I can do the same here sometime soon?

I asked why he wanted me to, as I have sparring partners, Gunnar and Bitsy so I don't need more.

"I think it will help us both, Becks. Cool off some hotheads and maybe teach some that a woman officer is actually worth their respect. So yes, it would please me if you can make the time to help."

I smiled. May be a week or two, Jack but I will squeeze it in. "Besides, a gym with a lot of heavy bags close to home, not a bad thing."

Jack laughed "Just try to keep my boys being heavy bags, not body bags Becks!" And laughed all the way to his cruiser.

I turned to hear Sarah saying she would like to see the new clinic now, please so she can check on Gail's injuries better than she could in an alley. That got Sally and Mina both moving and soon we were all in the next building using the examining room for the first time. While Sarah worked, Sally acted as her nurse and helper and Mina came close and told me quietly that everything was ready for tomorrow, and noon was a good time.

Sarah didn't take long and after washing her up and adding a real dressing for the sprained wrist, said she appears to be fit, but to tell someone if she feels dizzy or has sharp pain where he struck her. Mina offered Sarah a tour, and Gail asked tentatively if she can tag along, because we make her feel safe. So we toured the building as a group. On seeing the ambulance I wasn't sure who liked her better, Sarah or mom! Mom ran her hand over the fender and the fins a few times, almost like she was stroking a cat. Or something.

Back in the main house, Mina showed Gail "her" room and she said she already felt safer now. Then asked when we would be back? I smiled and said I had already planned to come by tomorrow, so she will see me around noon. I gave her my number and told her Mina has it too so call me if she needs me. But it being Friday, Bill ought to spend at least the weekend in jail. That got a smile, a tiny one but still a good sign.

We all talked a little and I told Mina we will be back tomorrow and then paused. "If Sarah wants to come with me, since she has seen the clinic now."

Sarah grabbed my arm tightly and said she was not letting go, so if I came, she was coming too! Mina chuckled and said that seemed to be settled! We left, at last heading for our ice cream! Which we got, and a nice chat with mom and each other too. And mom asked Sarah if she had told me yet? I asked told me what and Sarah looked uncomfortable and tried to smile anyway. And climbed into my lap.

"I had a few hours free and went to see mom at her lab, babe. And we got me preggers!"

I was half stunned. Also full happy. "You two had time? When? How?"

Sarah said when I went to the Cape to have sex with strange women! "So, seemed like a good time to get pregnant!"

Mom smiled "So now she has baby Becks 1, 2 and 3 in her womb. Maybe not in the old fashioned way, but you two will be happy."

I looked at them "Three babies? Really?"

"Dear, you need redundancy in case of failure. And you can always abort or give them up for adoption."

Sarah stood up looking upset. Not angry but on the road there. "No, my baby Becks will not be aborted! And if they all make it, we can have baby Becks triplets! Three times the fun!"

I grinned and mom shook her head. "Three times the diapers too. And wait for the hormones when they get to be teenagers!" Then she laughed and said we were both insane and so is she, because she will be here to help as much as we let her.

Cue up a three woman hug in the living room! And we talked too with mom telling Sarah when she wants to see her and so on. After more hugs we went to bed. And talked about babies and what if they do all make it? Sarah was happy to find I was completely in with keeping all three if we were so lucky. At some point talking became lovemaking and then we went to sleep. I woke up smelling coffee and even before making it downstairs I smelled bacon too. I found mom in the kitchen making breakfast and got a hug.

Filled a mug to take up to Sarah and got to hand it to her instead as she floated in after me smiling.

"Mmm bacon! I missed this house so much!"

Mom smiled and said we missed her too and told her she was making blueberry pancakes. Sarah squealed with delight and told me to sit so she can park on my lap. Which amused mom no end. She kept sneaking glances and grinning as she cooked. Soon we were all eating together. And talking, mostly after swallowing but we had missed this, the three of us just being together. That was home for all of us and it was showing this morning on all our faces. As we cleaned up mom asked what the plan was for the day?

I smiled "Thought I might take a pretty woman for a motorcycle ride!"

"Oh dear! Won't that make Sarah upset?"

Which got Sarah laughing and she gave us both hugs. And told mom she was planning to enjoy riding with me as long as she can, especially with the great weather. Today was in the 70's already and mom had the windows open. We neatened up and then showered and took off. I rode us up 128 to Cape Ann and along out to Rockport. Where we got coffee and walked around the tourist shops by the harbor. Having fun looking around as well as being looked at by the tourists. Still not too many nudes walking around and today we were the only ones I saw. Everyone else saw too, and most seemed to like it.

One sour looking older man frowned and told us we are going to hell. Sarah smiled sweetly and said he seemed to have taken up permanent residence there and by choice too. He walked away muttering. Other than him the most we heard were brief remarks. "Wow, so beautiful!", "Am I dreaming? Don't wake me please!" and a very direct "Gorgeous, simply gorgeous" aimed right at our faces by the cutest little old lady. I bought Sarah a small bag of wintergreen creams dipped in dark chocolate that she loves almost as much as me, pretty sure.

She said not to buy so much chocolate that she gets fat and I grinned.

"No more than two or three pounds a week then, lover?" and we laughed as she smiled and ate another cream. Sarah mentioned lunch and I said let's head back to Salem before traffic gets heavy. Like with mom, we can talk on the bike which feels like magic. I remember Clarke's 3rd Law, and knowing I do not understand the technology so much as I just know it does work I smiled. For those who do not read him, here is his third law. "Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic." He had two more and is quite worth reading, by the way.