The Birthday Gift
Caine woke to the realization that this day was very special. He had not celebrated this day in over 15 years. His heart skipped a beat when he realized how much he would enjoy it. But first, there had to be some planning done. The first thing he needed to do was talk to a few friends, and he knew which ones. It was at this point that he wished he did have a telephone. It would be simple to call up the precinct and find out if he was there. But Caine muttled through and did a quick meditation, focusing on his son. He found him to be elsewhere for the time being. He was safe and he prayed to the Tao that he would remain so. Now for his plans
*****
"Peter isn't here. He's on a stakeout. He won't be back 'till later."
"I did not come to see Peter today. I came to see Kermit?"
"In his office, but knock before you go in."
Caine bowed to the sargent and went to Kermit's office. He knocked quietly.
"Come." Kermit was putting the finishing touches on a police report. "Caine! Good to see you. Where's your other half?"
"My other half? Ah! You must mean Peter. He is on stakeout?"
"For how long?" There was surprise in Kermit's voice. The case must be a humdinger if Peter was called to do that, thought Kermit
"I do not know."
"I just got back last night myself and I needed to finish a report. Captain Simms must be keeping him busy."
At the mention of her name, Karen Simms entered Kermit's office, concern on her face. Usually Caine came whenever there was trouble.
"Is everything all right?"
Caine bowed to Karen and said, "Yes, there is no need for concern but I would like your help in regards to Peter. And if we can include, Mary Margaret, TJ, Jody, Blake, and the Chief, I believe they can be of assistance in this matter. I will also be seeing the Ancient as well."
"What's up Caine?"
"I am planning a surprise, you might say."
"You mean it's . . ." Kermit started to say.
"Yes."
"You can count me in on this. Jody is out with Peter and I'll see about letting her know without trying to give anything away." The Captain said.
"When will my son be back?"
"He should report in about Noon. We'll send a couple of officers over to relieve them about then."
Caine thought about that for a moment. It was going to be hard to keep Peter from finding out.
"Is there any way we can keep him distracted until 8:00?"
"I think we can arrange that. What do you have in mind?"
"First, where are you planning this surprise?¿"
"Peter's apartment?" Caine said.
"How will you arrange that?"
"Do not concern yourself. I have a plan."
"I like the way he thinks." Kermit chimed in with a big smile. "Okay, Caine, what is you want us to do?"
Caine began to outline his plan in detail.
*****
Peter was exhausted. Jody had fallen asleep a couple of hours ago. They had been on stakeout for more then 16 hours without a break, taking turns watching the suspect's house across the street. Since they started, only the mailman had made a delivery and that was a small stack of envelopes. Peter was beginning to wonder if the suspect had gotten wind of their operation and skipped town. A phone rang somewhere and it took Peter a few minutes to realize it was the cellular phone on the desk.
"Caine here . . . Jody? She's asleep what can I do? . . . You're joking . . . No I guess your not. Okay. We'll be there after our relief comes. Who will it be? . . . Thompson and Mason? Yeah, their good men . . . No, there hasn't been any activity. The only person we've seen is the mailman. We did check it out but it looks like he was delivering a bunch of junk mail. Captain, can' t those files wait until morning? I need a shower and I could use some sleep . . . Yeah, I have some clothes I can change into at the precinct. And I can shower in the locker room . . . You sure he needs them by 8:00 tonight? Why can't Scalany do them or TJ? . . . He asked for me personally? I have no choice in this matter? . . . Okay. We'll see you later, captain."
"The captain wants us back at the precinct?" Jody said with a yawn.
"Yes, And get this. She wants me to work on the Carlson files personally. The request came from the DA himself. And he wants the files tonight."
"Oh boy, that's a big job."
"There's more. You're to report to the captain when we get back."
"Why me? You know as much as I do."
"Something about giving you more responsibility if your going to make Detective first grade."
"Just what I need right now. All I want to do is go home, take a shower, and sleep for a week."
"I know the feeling. But duty calls. Let's get this place cleaned up for the next shift."
*****
Caine arrived at the home of the Ancient.
"Kwai Chang, there is an air of excitement and joy about you, and it seems to be about Peter."
"Yes."
"Can it mean what I think it does?"
"You can read me so well."
"What will you do for a gift?"
"There were some personal items collected from the Temple. I believe there is one specific box I am looking for."
"Let us take a look."
The Ancient and Caine went down to the basement. There were many items that were stored there, including the fire cauldron used in performing the final step in becoming Shaolin. Caine looked around and searched in some of the crates. He soon found what he was looking for. Never in his life would he dream that he would be able to return this particular item to it's owner. Never would he forget that day when it's owner was believed lost.
|
****Flashback**** At the ruined Temple: Kwai Chang moved through the ruined halls and dormitories. After going to his son's burial site, he still had one more duty to perform. He did not know what he would find when he got there. He reached his son's room and discovered they were mostly intact. His rooms had been on an inner wall facing the courtyard as opposed to others that had not. Never again will he sit by his son's bedside and watch as he slept. There would be no more restless nights from nightmares or sickness, even nights just reading stories or simply talking about the future. Kwai Chang walked over to the bedside and sat. He brushed the rumpled sheets trying to feel his son's presence within the room but there was none. On a shelf were some things his son had collected. Never again will they feel their owner's touch. The pain of seeing them caused Kwai Chang to drop to the floor and weep bitter tears. And in so doing, Kwai Chang brushed up against a small tin box. He had not noticed it before. Kwai Chang picked it up and opened it. A small notepad laid inside along with another item. This needed preserving, he thought. These pages contained words that his own son had written. Maybe some day he would be able to read them when the pain of his loss had diminished. Caine took the tin and used it to collect the other items belonging to his son. These too held precious memories. And one day, they would tell their story. ***** End Flashback**** |
Kwai Chang returned from his memories. Bright tears shown on his face. These tears, however, were tears of joy. He had found his gift to his son.
*****
"Awe, come on! I must have worked on this for six hours. There's a dozen witnesses here and they all said something different. There's got to be a connection."
"Talking to yourself, Partner?"
"Oh, Hi, Scalany. This case is driving me up the wall. I can't find a connection here."
"Let me take a look." Scalany scrutinized the files. "You're right, except for one piece here. They all agreed the suspect had been wearing green coveralls with a yellow logo on the back."
"You're right. How could I have missed that."
"Simple, you've been asleep. I've been watching you. Twice you nodded off."
"Oh, man. I need to go home and get some sleep but the Captain won't let me leave until this case is completed or at least cracked."
"I'd say we found one small crack."
"You're right about that."
"Well, see you tomorrow, Partner."
"Where you going?"
"Oh, a friend invited me to a party."
"Lucky you, anyone I know?"
Scalany gave him a look that was as if to say, that was for her to know and for him to find out. Better not to say too much.
"Well, have fun."
After Scalany left, Peter noticed that the squad room was more quiet than usual. It seemed every where he looked, everyone had gone home, and the night shift was coming on duty, people heĞ didn't know very well. Peter looked up to see if anyone he knew was still there. No, it seemed everyone had gone home. Even Kermit's office was still dark. Where had Kermit gone anyway? Captain Simms was talking on the phone and looking in his direction. Well better get back to this case. The captain will have my head if I don't get it ready. Just then Captain Simms came from her office and noticed Peter still sitting at his desk.
"Did you find anything out?"
Peter proceeded to tell her about the only link he could find or that Scalany had found.
"Well, it's a start. Good work Detective. Why don't you finish it tomorrow."
"I thought the DA needed it tonight?"
"I just spoke with him. It seems he was called away on other matters."
"Oh man, I wasted almost seven hours on this when I could have been sleeping."
"Oh, don't be too upset. You found one link. How about I give you a ride home. With the way you're looking, you might get pulled over."
"Sure why not."
*****
The ride back to Peter's apartment was uneventful. In fact, Karen Simms was amused that Peter had fallen asleep. She peeked a glance at him and was reminded of her own son. There were times when he had been younger when they could get time together, he would fall asleep just like that. She hoped when they did arrive, she would not have to carry Peter up the stairs. Then Karen was brought out of her memories by her car phone.
"I'm on my way. He's here with me. Don't worry, he's asleep. I'll be there soon."
Karen pulled into the parking lot and gently woke Peter. "Come on big boy. Time to get you to bed."
Peter stumbled groggily from the car and headed for the entrance. Karen Simms caught his arm and tried to steady him.
"You don't have to come with me."
"I insist. Besides, I want to be sure my best detective gets his rest."
They were soon on the floor where Peter's apartment was. When they reached his door , Peter could barely find his keys. Karen took them in hand and was soon opening the door to his dark apartment. Click.
"SURPRISE!!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!"
"What!" Peter nearly jumped out of his skin. He had totally forgotten what day it was. Everyone from the precinct was there. Despite being tired, a large smile spread across his face. Suddenly there were other surprises, Annie and Paul were both there.
"Who . . . How . . ."
Peter was left speechless. Everyone turned aside and there standing behind them all was his father, eyes shining bright with love and pride. Peter was nearly overcome with emotion. His father had remembered. Suddenly the sound of a cork popping came from around the kitchen. Danny Double D was also there acting as bartender. Peter was ushered forward. On the dining room table was a large cake. It was decorated with the yin and yang symbol and on it said, "Happy Birthday to Our Favorite Shaolin Cop."
Peter had to laugh in spite of himself. Soon everyone was giving him gifts. Then his father came forward saving his gift for last. A look of wonder and surprise came over Peter. He knew his father had no money. Just having him there celebrating his birthday was a gift in itself. But his father handed him without a word a gift wrapped in saffron cloth. Peter carefully untied the black silk ribbon and soon understood the significance of this particular gift. His eyes grew wide as he recognized what it was.
"Pop. Where did you find this? I thought it was lost forever."
Kwai Chang gestured for his son to continue. Peter opened the tin box and nearly broke down in tears. Inside were his most treasured items when he was a kid. The stones he had collected from around the pond, the notepad where he wrote his most private dreams, and a treasured photo he thought long gone. Peter picked up the photo and turned toward his father.
"You gave me this once. I was crushed when I thought I lost it when the Temple was destroyed. It was all I had of Mom. Thank you."
Peter pulled his father into a fierce hug and tears that were held back finally broke through.
"I love you, Pop."
Peter broke the hug and faced his friends, his fatigue vanished. "Thank you all. This has been the best Birthday I will never forget." And with that, Peter got up and moved over to the dining room table. Who wants another piece of cake?"
End