Briefing at Lunch

Chapter 2: Briefing at Lunch

“Hey, Dad!” Emily Hunter called from upstairs in her baby blue colored room. However, she never received a reply. “Ugh! Why is it so hard to get his attention?” Reluctantly moving from her comfort zone on her bed, Emily rushed her way down the stairs to see an elegantly dressed woman standing in front of her father, Murdoc. She had her long blond hair in a ponytail, which reached halfway past her shoulders and moved side to side as she moved, completely into her conversation with Murdoc. She wore a long dark red dress, with a black mink scarf draped around her neck hanging over her slender body. Her hazel eyes matched her soft pale skin complexion, with a smile that would make others warm to her easier. Emily was so entranced by the mysterious visitor that she didn’t hear her father calling her back to earth. “Hey, Emily! Wake up, girl.” Murdoc and the lady began to laugh, as the young teen blushed beet red. “Welcome back to the living, little Emily.” The woman knelt down in front of the speechless child. “H-Hey! Who are you!?” Murdoc ruffled his flabbergasted daughter’s hair. “This was the senior officer of the LAPD, Lona Tiana Beckly. She was a friend of your grand mother, Sonya. She would also give me jobs that her lazy subordinates couldn’t do them.” Lona huffed and playfully slapped his arm. “That’s not true! You were just a special case….” Emily, still stunned, walked over to her dad and wrapped her arms around his arm. “Dad? Who. Is. She?” And with each syllable she squeezed his arm as hard as possible. “Geez, Emily. She’s not an ex girlfriend or anything close to that. It’s like I said, she’s a family friend.” At that moment, Emily’s mother walked in with 3 bags of groceries. Seeing who was in the house, she dropped the groceries and rushed to the retired police chief. “LONA!!” Lona’s smile became wider, as she caught the wife of her friend and spun her around in a hug. “Now I see…. You're jealous, aren’t you Emily?” Lona said as she released her mother from the hug. Emily only rolled her eyes. “No, I’m not! I still don’t even know you, and you're acting too nice…” “She’s jealous.” Was the only response from her mother, who smiled at Emily. “Although I’m sure you love your daddy very much, he won't be able to do much of anything with only one arm.” Lona said as she crossed her arms in a mock anger manner. Emily just noticed how much pressure she was applying to her father’s left arm and quickly released her death grip. “Sorry dad.” Murdoc rubbed his sore arm but smirked at his child. “It seems as thought Alana has been teaching you quite well on how to gather strength, huh?” Emily laughed, taking a fighting stance. “You’ve got no idea how much I’ve improved!” Murdoc nodded, as he took her hand. “You can show me later. Perhaps at Terry’s tonight. But right now, your mother, Lona & I were going to do some catching up over some drinks. Care to join us?” Emily glared at Lona then back to Murdoc. “On one condition: I want to know how you two know each other.” “Well then, perhaps I can shed some light on that subject.” The Hunter front door opened to reveal Katherine and Terry Marmo, Murdoc’s sister and brother-in-law. Emily rushed over to her aunt and uncle. “HEY!! I didn’t know you two were coming over today. I have soooo much to tell you about what happened at school last week when uncle Terry come to pick me up…oh! And the cheerleader squad……” Terry laughed at his hyperactive niece. “Whoa, slow down there, young lady. One story at a time. What have you been feeding her to keep her sugar levels so high, Edgar?” Murdoc smirked at his long time friend. “Oh, the usual…a few spoonfuls of sugar…” “Ugh! Don’t even start, bro!” Karla huffed as she removed her black leather jacket and hung it on the coat rack by the front door. “Anyway, let me tell you about Lona Beckly. I’m sure your dad’s already explained that she's a friend of the family, right?” Emily nodded. “Yeah, but that’s all he said…” Terry shook his head. “Typical. Murdoc was always the shy one around women, so I still don’t understand how he ended up with such a bombshell of a wife…” Karla flicked his ear…or tried to, as Terry grabbed her hand before it reached its destination. “Not insulting anyone, mind you Karla. You should know that I know how you react to things. Back to Lona, as for as her job went, you could say she was a slave driver…” “I was NOT a slave driver!!” Lona said, exasperated on the assumptions made on her work life. “You would be correct in saying that I was extremely strict on the job, but laid back and quite normal when off the clock…But then again, with this group in front of me, I would be better in saying that I was more sane than the rest of you, hmm?” Murdoc sighed. "Is it possible we could stay on topic, please? Anyway, my sister and I visited the office she worked for frequently, and as I mentioned before, I would receive work from Mrs. Beckly. Strict as she may have been, Karla was the only one who could get her to loosen up while on the job. She's still a Lieutenant by rank and is called that by all of her former employees. But since I wasn’t really an officer of the LAPD, but the call-in guy that she brings in when the best in the beat can't solve a case, I was able to talk with her in-person without an appointment.” Lona's smile never left her face, as she looked to Emily. “Currently, I’m retired. I may be 51, yet still very youthful. I still come over every so often to chat with your mom and dad over tea or coffee. Well, did that help you out, Emily?” Emily, although felt more comfortable around Lona now, still had her doubts. But she knew where to get her answers: the attic! “Yes, that helps a little, but I need to finish some homework upstairs. I’m sorry for intruding.” Emily’s mother looked at her child. “We’re going out for a while to eat an’ chat. Did you want anything while we are out?” Emily smirked. “How about El Torito? The usual, ok?” Murdoc raised his eyebrows. “That’s kinda far, isn’t it? Sure you don’t want anything else?” Karla elbowed her brother’s side. “C’mon, bro. Let her have her burritos or whatever. We have reservations to make. Besides, it's not like you don’t have the gas or money.” Murdoc shrugged. “I know, but she normally…” Lona shoved her former worker out the door. “Less talking, more eating, ’kay?” Emily laughed as she closed and locked the door behind her family. And with that, Emily made her way up the stairs and to attic. Looking around the somewhat less murky attic, she found the case with her father’s journals. “Okay now, which book would have any information about Lona…XIIV, no…XVXI, not that one, either…XXX, I don’t think I even want to know……Ah-ha!! Journal Get!!" Emily sighed at the last expression that was said aloud. “I need to lay off the games a little more."

"Journal XXVI Entry 4

It's the next day, and I decided to call the LAPD office and get a hold of Lt. Beckly. I also realized that Karla had woken up to get ready for her job as a waitress/hostess at Chili's. Those of you who have a sister, older or younger, know about the bathroom brawls and how long women take." Emily sighed at his father’s notes. “Mommy hears that one, and you're on the couch for the night, Dad!” ******************************************************************************************************************************** "KARRLAAA! Hurry up in the bathroom, for Pete's sake!" Murdoc yelled at the bathroom door to his sister Karla, who on the other side was taking her time and drying her long hair. "You should’ve woken up earlier, big brother!" She taunted while tying her hair into a bun behind her head. "Don't 'big brother' me! If I would have know you worked early today, I'd have been up and outta here sooner. What is it you're really getting ready for in there? A beauty pageant? A date?" Karla opened the door to reveal her red polo top and a pair of black Dickies pants. "If I was going on a date, I'd dress better, and I most certainly would NOT tell YOU!" Murdoc opened his mouth to protest but noticed an open bathroom behind Karla. "We'll talk later..." was all he said as he rushed inside and closed the door. "So, what's the big rush for?" Karla asked while leaning on the hallway wall as she glossed her lips. "Remember the message that Lona left on Saturday? Well, I need to see what the case is all about."

"You need to find out if you two will be dating more often." Karla chimed in, wearing a huge grin. Murdoc opened the door and glared at his sister. "It is NOT a date! We're only going to discuss business. She isn't my type anyway..." Karla crossed her arms. "*sigh* You say the same thing with every girl you've come across for the past few years! What's wrong with Ms. Beckly?" Turning back into the bathroom, Murdoc grabbed his hair brush and moved to the living room. "That's just it, Karla. She's Ms. Beckly to you and a friend of the family to me. She's a parental figure and a senior advisor." Karla lightly pulled Murdoc's trimmed beard. "Excuses, excuses. That’s all I'm hearing. I have to get to work, so I'll get you two together some other time..." "Or not! Go on, I'll see you later." Murdoc said as Karla left the house. Murdoc sighed deeply. She's right, at least about being in a relationship... Murdoc thought as he connected his headset and began to call the office...but stopped. Maybe... He scrolled through his contacts and stopped on 'Lona Beckly'. I hope she's in the mood for Chili's... "Hello, this is Lona."

"Lona? Hey, there. It's Murdoc. I hope I didn't disturb you..." Murdoc said, his voice cracking from nervousness. Lona picked up on the tone of his voice. "...Karla playing matchmaker again?"

"...yeah. Listen, the reason I called was really about this case you mention on your message Saturday. We can talk about it over lunch."

"Sure. I can pay my way, of course. Where did you have in mind?" "Chili's. The one Karla works at. You do remember where it is, right?" Murdoc asked while getting in his car. "Of course. Most of the rookies like to go there to get away from the office...and me. But they don't know that I know about their little hideaway." Lona replied. Murdoc laughed. "And they won't find out, either. Not from me anyway..." Murdoc parked at a spot closest to the Chili's entrance, which luckily, wasn't crowded at this time. Walking inside, he pulled out a toothpick from his beige colored trench coat and stood in front of the Lobby podium to wait for service. "Hello, and welcome to Chili's...BROTHER!" said the surprised hostess, Karla Hunter. "WHAT are you DOING here?" she whispered harshly at her elder brother. "Well, if that's how you greet people here, maybe I should take my business elsewhere..." Karla smeared at Murdoc, who smirked with a raised eyebrow. "Don't you dare..." "Relax, sis. I wouldn't dare cause any problems here. By the way, I thought you were working the waitress gig today. What happened?"

"The one that was scheduled for today had an emergency, so I took over. So, here alone, or do you need a table for two?"

"Two, please." Murdoc said calmly. Looking around the restaurant, he found a spot where he felt comfortable. "Is that corner booth available?" Karla opened her mouth, but quickly closed it as she shook her head. "Sorry, bro. Those seats are reserved for couples only." Murdoc's eyes shot open. "Karla! You're still trying to set Lona and I up, aren't you?" Karla gasped in feint surprise. "No! Why, Murdoc! How dare you accuse me of such things?" Murdoc's shoulders slumped. "Oh, cut the crap, girl! Lona and I have no chance at a relationship. She's too old for me, and you know this! She used to baby-sit us, and that's when she first started the force. It wouldn't work!" Karla nodded, and smirked. "I know." was all she said. Murdoc looked at the expression on her face. "...She's behind me, huh?"

"Uh-huh." was the tough as nails voice of Lona Beckly, who stared at Murdoc as he slowly turned around and saw the senior officer of the LAPD. She wore a sleeveless light purple top with a pearl bead necklace around her pale white neck. Her black hair was flowing elegantly at elbow length, and she had a gold chained watch on her left wrist. Lona had on a darker purple dress that reached just above her ankles, and her short heels were the same color as the top with a gold buckle accessory around the middle of the shoe. "Eight years older than you doesn't make me old, Murdoc!" Murdoc felt like he’s was going to sink into the dark blue and red carpet...until a muffled chuckle made him glare at Karla. "Not!" Karla composed herself and resumes the role of hostess. "Yes, well, right this way..." When Karla sat the two in a corner booth by the window, she gave them each a menu. "Anything to drink while you're waiting?" She asked, pulling out her tab book and a small pencil. "Hmm... I'll have an iced tea, please. Non-sweetened." Murdoc said before taking a glance at his menu. "I will have my tea hot, please. Do you have any honey?" Lona asked the young waitress, who nodded. "Yes, ma'am. I'll bring it along with your drinks." And with a small bow to Lona, and blowing a raspberry to Murdoc, Karla walked back to the kitchen to place their drink orders. "Murdoc, I don't see how you really don't like sugar in your tea. It really does enhance the flavor." Lona said, her reddish brown eyes looking into his dark brown ones. "I've mentioned it before, Lona. It gives me headaches if it is over-sweetened. I just prefer to have my tea without sugar. Now, what's this case you've been saving for me?" Murdoc said setting down his menu to give his dining buddy his undivided attention. "...It's a missing person's case, Murdoc. Two female, one male. Each had a last known point, but our best forensics cannot find a clue as to how they vanished..." Lona said lost in thought. Murdoc looked and listened with concern. "Ms. Beckly..."

"You haven't called me that since you were 19, Murdoc. What's on your mind?” Lona slid her menu over to her left. "...Have you found anything out yet? About mom?"

"...No. I'm sorry, Murdoc, but there hasn’t been anything to go on since her disappearance over ten years ago. It's harsh, but..." "It's alright, Ms. Beckly. I need to here everything you find, even if it isn't anything..." Lona reached to her side and sat a portfolio of papers on the table and slid it over to Murdoc. "Actually, the cases that I want you to look at, they're very similar to the one you filed on your mother, Sonya." "How so?" Murdoc raised his eyebrows as Karla arrived with their drinks. "What does this have to do with mommy?" Murdoc glared at sis sister. "Calm yourself, young lady! There is no need for an outburst, especially on the job. Be professional." Lona combed her fingers through her hair. She loved Karla the same way she loved Murdoc. As family. And she hated to see her heartbroken face when she hears any bad news about her mother. But she still had to keep her game face on for Murdoc, as she still had more information to give. "The victims of the case all vanished without a trace. There was nothing saying that they would've committed suicide, nor any proof of any foul play. I'd mention more, but there are too many ears, you know..." Murdoc slowly nodded, as Karla only stood there. "...Take the case, bro."

"Excuse me, Karla?" Murdoc turned back to Karla. She sat the two drinks down on the table. "This is the closest lead you've got right now. Please, take the case!" Murdoc looked into his sister’s pleading hazel eyes and took a deep breath. "...I'll look them over, Lona. If you don't hear from me about them in a week, pick them up. Think you can hold off the F.B.I. for a while?" Lona gave him a soft smile. "For your help, I'll send them on a wild chase in Timbuktu! Now, young Karla, I believe we are ready to order now." Karla smile. "Sure, ma'am. What would you like?"

-- AFTER LUNCH --

"Wow, Lona! I didn't know you could put it away like THAT!" Murdoc smirked as he picked his teeth with a toothpick. Lona laughed. "Look who's talking, Mr. 'I'm gonna have two big burritos the size of the plate and the width of their arm'!" Murdoc joined in on the laughing as well. After staying to talk a little more, Murdoc reached into his wallet and left a tip on the table. Then as they walked over to the lobby, he pulled out his card. "Murdoc, I told you that I could pay for what I bought. You don't..."

"...Just think of this as a date, Lona. I'll get back with you about these." He said, waving the folders at Lona while walking to his car leaving her stunned before she smiled and walked outside to her own car. Meanwhile, Karla returned to the table to find an $80 tip waiting for her. "Hee. Glad you enjoyed yourselves, too, big bro." She placed the money in her apron and proceeded to clean the table, whistling the tune to "Legend of Zelda".