Blind dates are a lot like money drops. Both parties through a series of negotiations ultimately agree on a mutually acceptable meeting time and place. Both parties want to feel in control of what could be a potentially volatile situation. Neither party wants to show its hand or display the slightest semblance of vulnerability. Neither party wants to accede power to the other; a level playing field keeps everyone on their best behavior. If even a tiny shift in the balance occurs, that’s when people can get hurt.

“Remind me why we’re here again,” Fiona sighed, sipping on a bright blue concoction of frozen liquid from the bar.

“Nate has a new girlfriend,” Michael replied, his eyes trained on the restaurant’s entrance. “Wants me to meet her.”

“You mean, to interrogate her? Make sure she’s not a part of the conspiracy that burned you and stranded you in Miami?”

“I didn’t say that.” Even though he might have been thinking it. Nate didn’t keep girlfriends for long. They either grew tired of his constant asking for money, or he grew tired of their hesitancy to lend said money. His relationships were short and sweet. But he insisted this time was different.

“Well, I’m happy for your brother,” Fiona beamed, repeatedly stabbing her straw into her drink. “Look on the bright side. If he’s distracted, he’s not pestering you or your mother.”

Michael offered her a slight nod in agreement. It had been blissfully quiet for the last few days.

“I think you guys are missing the point here,” Sam interjected, loudly licking his fingers after finishing off a shrimp cocktail. “You need to focus…on who’s buying the next round.”

Fiona glared across the table, her vision assaulted by the vibrant colors of Sam’s shirt. “Why did you invite him?”

“He had a falling-out with Veronica,” Michael whispered.

“The tranquilizers wore off?”

“Fi,” he said softly, with a cautionary look. She shrugged and went back to her drink with a smirk.

“So, this girl have a name?” Sam asked, taking a swig from his beer bottle.

“Nancy,” Michael replied. “She’s a dental hygienist or something tooth-related.”

“Don’t let her near your mother. She’ll be compelled to break out the whitener,” Fiona quipped.

“Ah, here he is,” Michael smiled with relief, standing up from the table as he recognized his younger brother walking through the door accompanied by a tall blonde in a flowy lavender dress.

Nate returned his smile as he approached their table. “Hey, guys. Sorry for the wait; traffic was a nightmare,” he said quickly. “So anyway, this is Fiona, Sam, and—“

“Michael?” the blonde woman exhaled, eyes wide as her posture froze.

“Natasha?” Michael remarked with the same mix of confusion and surprise.

Nate looked back and forth between them. “Uh, you two know each other?” he asked, as Fiona and Sam both turned their gaze on Michael.

Next writer, please. Just take the ball and run with it.

Natasha's smile suddenly disappeared, as she stared at Michael. Fiona looked puzzled while Sam chuckled. Nate looked more confused than usual.

Fiona broke the silence,  "Michael, do you care to explain how you became acquainted with the lovely Natasha?"

Michael replied, "I met Natasha during my basic training in the army. She worked in the commissary." Then addressing Natasha he added, "I thought you were..."  

Nate, possessively hooking his arm around Natasha's neck, interrupted, "Well, I guess there's no need for introductions. Let's all sat and order another round of drinks."

Natasha, looking relieved at the interruption, turned to Nate, "But Nate, darlin', we have that luncheon to get to." Then she added, "Also, I don't drink."

Nate again, looking surprised, smiled and said, "Of course. Sorry, we are running late. We'll hook up with you guys later tonight. How about dinner? On me of course."

Sam, exceedingly excited about a free meal, quirked, "Just tell me where, brother!" Fiona and Michael, with twin puzzled expressions were quiet.

Grabbing Nate by the arm, Natasha began pulling him away from the trio, while Nate shouted back, "Sorry, I'll call you later, Michael." 

Fiona, staring at Michael, asked, "What's going on?"

Michael, replied, staring at his tea, "I'm not sure. The Natasha I knew not only drank but she also had sticky fingers. She actually lost her job at the commissary because of her light fingers. Something is not right here."

Wow, NCTibby, that was a great start! The begining feels like Michael's voice giving us his wisdom about blind date (technically, is it a blind date?)

Anyway Natasha and Michael were old flame?

oh I like this thread. See what I can come up with.

I can't wait to read more of this. I love to write so if I see a good opportunity I may join in.

*picks self up off from floor*

WAIT A SECOND!!!! HOLD THE PHONE. Sorry, it took me a day to catch up with this (being distracted by the caption thread & all...you know how it goes).

How did I end up as NATE's girlfriend??@?!?!!!?

More importantly, what's my history with Michael!!??!?!??!?

Commissary??!??!?!!!

wheee! you guys are a hoot! This writing ROCKS!

(please don't let me end up with Nate at the end of the night! pppuuhh-leeeze!!! Um, remember all those crazy photo captions I made of Fi going after vestokes? forgotten. *smooches*)

This is another Natasha. The Nasty Natasha!! Remember you're the "Naughty Natasha". LOL!!!!

oooohhhh. okay. i see. *wink*
you must be talking about my evil twin sister, my doppleganger, Nasty-Nat, we call her.
That'll do, I guess. I still can't wait to see what happens next!

Hey. I like that name, Nasty Nat. Someone should use that in the next story thread. I guess that makes you Not Nat.

I was wondering how comes Natasha didn't jump in on this thread with four feet!?

yes, i'm a little slow sometimes... but with my four feet (LOL), I'd use two of 'em to be running in one direction towards Mikey and using the other two to run far away from Nate (no offense to Nate, of course! he just tends to get into trouble a wee bit much)

sooooo, scooting next to Natasha with the bowl of popcorn, tell us all about you and Michael (ya know like does he snore, talk in his sleep, have cold feet, lol).... nows the time to renew your "friendship"

No worries, y'all. I'm hoping for all the Gal Pals to make an appearance. But since Natasha wasn't at the chat, her name was the first one I pulled out of the hat. We're just gettin' started...

Oh, and in case anyone was wondering, I was setting this somewhere before the finale. I didn't have any thoughts about specific episodes, so if someone wants to throw in continuity details about the case they just finished or whatever, please feel free to do so.

On with the story....

oh I want to give you an idea on my character. This is going to be such fun.

Sure thing, DebraL. Feel free to send me a PM with any ideas and I'll try to work them in. Of course, I'll let someone else have a shot at the third part first if they want.

Michael pushed his chair decisively away from the table, removing his sunglasses from his jacket pocket and unfolding them.

"Where are you off to?" Sam queried, afraid that Michael (and his wallet) might leave before he could order another appetizer.

"I need to find out how Nate met up with Natasha," he explained. "Which means I need to talk to Mom." He felt an involuntary shiver despite the Miami heat. "Sam, I need you to talk to your old Army buddies up at Fort Benning. See if they kept track of a Natasha Peller after she was dishonorably discharged."

"I'll do what I can, Mikey. But..." he added hesitantly. "Didja ever think that maybe she and Nate are really...together?"

He tilted his head at Sam. "If her middle name weren't Marin, it would be 'ulterior motive'," he countered. "Trust me, she's up to something. And Nate's right in the middle of it. As usual."

He started for the door and found Fiona falling into step beside him. "Where are you going?" he asked.

"With you," she said matter-of-factly.

"I thought you had a bounty to bring in."

"Oh, he's not going anywhere," she replied with a nonchalant wave of her hand. "I disabled his car, and all the bookies are too far for him to walk to."

"Now when you say 'disabled', you mean--"

"In the non-exploding way, Michael," she sighed in disappointment.

"And here I thought you were getting to be predictable," he smiled down at her before sliding the sunglasses onto his face.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

"So what is it this time?" Madeline demanded, standing by the open front door as Michael and Fiona entered her house.

"Does there have to be a reason for a man to want to see his own mother?"

"If the man in question is you, then yes," she snapped. "Michael, the only times I see you lately are when you're in trouble or I'm in trouble because you're in trouble. So what is it? Some more of your government friends? It's going to cost me over a hundred dollars to have that chair reupholstered."

"Hardly worth it," he muttered.

"What did you say?"

"Nothing, nothing. Mom," he began, placing his hands together and gesturing toward her. "There's no problem. I just need your help with something."

Madeline sighed and took another drag off her cigarette. "Fine. Either of you want some lemonade?"

"I'd love some," Fiona beamed. She ignored Michael's glare and followed his mother into the kitchen. Michael exhaled a lungful of air in frustration and finally joined them at the counter.

"This new girl that Nate's seeing, have you met her?" Michael asked.

"Nancy? Of course," Madeline answered, retrieving some glasses from a cabinet. "She's very pretty, smart as a whip, and has good manners. She even said she could get me a discount on this new teeth-whitening treatment that her dentist uses." She let the cigarette dangle from her lips as she busied her hands with pouring the lemonade.

So she had Mom fooled as well. "Did Nate tell you how he met her?"

"It was a fundraiser, I think," Madeline replied after some thought. "A charity art auction or something like that. Nate was helping out a friend by being a server at the gallery."

"Do you remember the name of the gallery?"

"Stokes' Strokes, or something like that. I didn't really think it was Nate's sort of thing, but he said he wanted to do this friend a favor. And then he ended up meeting Nancy. He said their eyes met across the room, and it was just like magic."

"How romantic," Fiona chimed in, resting her chin on her hand and focusing on Michael.

He shrugged off her comment and went back to questioning. "And he's actually seen the dentist's office where she works? He's checked her license, her apartment lease, her car's tags--they're all legit?"

Madeline put one hand on her hip and the other on the kitchen counter. "Michael, what is your problem? I thought you would be happy for your brother. He's finally in a stable, positive relationship. She's helping him to get his life on track. So now I only have to lose sleep over one son at night," she declared.

He met her piercing gaze for a moment and then looked away. The relationship might be stable, but he was certain it was only meant to be positive for Natasha. He just didn't know how being with Nate could possibly benefit her. Seemed like he'd be paying a visit to the art gallery next. "You don't have to worry about me, Mom," he said.

"Yes, I do," she countered, going back to her chores and leaving Michael and Fiona alone in the kitchen.

"Fiona, I need to contact Barry. He should be able to get the 411 on this gallery."

"Ooh! Do I get to see the super-spy in action!" quirked Fiona.

"Sure, you'll be my partner on this. I'll need you to snoop around while I keep the gallery personnel busy. I figure, if I come off as a big time art collector, the entire staff will focus on me..."

"Leaving me lots of snoop time, my specialty" interrupted Fiona.

Michael slips his sunglasses on and heads out with Fiona following.


* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

"The Stokes Gallery is in Coral Gables. They specialize in retail and wholesale fine art sales to individual collectors and fashionable galleries throughout the country. The artists they represent are from all over the world," Barry explained.

"The owner is a sexy vixen, if I say so myself. You're in luck, since I'm dating her business partner." Barry grinned shyly then added, "I call her my FruityNut."

Michael sighed and took a quick look around the coffee house. He hoped Barry's close relationship with the gallery proprietors wouldn't pose a problem.

"That's sweet Barry," replied Michael. "So you think the gallery is legit?"

Barry removed his sunglasses and wiped them with his cocktail napkin. After replacing the sunglasses and ensuring they were on just right, he retorted, "I didn't say that. The owner is so crooked that if she swallowed a nail, she'd crap a corkscrew. They call her V. She's pretty quick, Mike. So, if I were you I'd be really careful."

Michael reached over and removed Barry's glasses, then stared Barry directly in the eyes. "Barry, if you tell your lady friend about this..."

"No way, Michael. I won't say a word. Just try not to damage my fruit." Barry grinned wolfishly, replaced his glasses, then sauntered away from Michael and the coffee bar.

Holy smokes! You guys are the best! Yay for more fun fanfic!!! And here I was just bemoaning the fact that Burn Notice has been off the air not even a month & it's seemingly forever until next summer... and then I come here & get all cheered right up!

NCTibby -- you SOOO have the language nailed for each character! I love this bit:
"Where are you off to?" Sam queried, afraid that Michael (and his wallet) might leave before he could order another appetizer.

vestokes --- you Vixen you!!!! best line: Barry grinned shyly then added, "I call her my FruityNut."

LMAO!!! i like where this is going...

We'll get to the Nasty Nat soon. LOL!!!

Aren't some of the gal pals in the gallary business?

Yeah, me and FruityNut.

I'm good at stalking... Michael anyway.

We haven't forgotten about you LuLu. All the gal pals will be in the story. 

aw gee, thanks, but I wasn't really aiming fo the PSYCHO gal pal though. Although I guess for Halloween I can go as Fi hunting down Michael. Wonder what the BN cast would go as?

And Barry's cheating on me with FruityNut?! Why I oughtta'....

Thanks for adding onto the story, V. And thanks for the compliment, Natasha; I always did want to be a TV writer. Maybe in my next life.

Barry grinned shyly then added, "I call her my FruityNut."

Fruitynut!!! love it! this is getting good. I can even hear the character voices, you are really good at this.

Holy cheese! ROTFLMAO So V and I are hot corrupt partners in a gallery? And I'm seeing Barry?

"Try not to damage my fruit!" LOL

Y'all are too funny!

I will hurt myself laughing if you ask him if he'd like to squeeze your fruit (wait that sounded inappropriate, but it wasnt meant to be). LOLOL

NCTibby you have a pm

Wow, these stories are better than a trashy novel. Ok, an online trashy novel based off a tv show rocks! You guys keep writin'.

hmm.. Could I be in the story? Pretty please?

By the way, this story rocks so far! I log on everyday hoping that there is another part added.

Hey, you guys can add to the story too. NCTibby and I aren't the only ones that can contribute. Of course xTrinityx will be included too.

I would love to help but everyone else is so much more poetic in putting words down than I am. My only gift is troubleshooting others lives and playing a shrink. I used to be much more articulate but not so much anymore. It depends. But I'll try. Still working on a real life caper myself. Shhhhhhhhhh.

Mmm... Wonder if that caper involves someone with the initials JD.

Hey, why not. If I can get to him and drag his cute little tushy East then a resounding YES! can't ya see the glow from my HALO! I"m an angel. with little red horns sticking out of the halo.

((Just a very quick addition before I head out early. Allergy season--blah.))

Sam's voice was echoing through the cavernous great room of the Coral Gables mansion as he talked on his cell phone. "Look, it's not like I'd ask ya' to come all the way to Florida for nothin'...yeah, yeah, I know some of my leads haven't panned out before. But this is different. I really think we're onto something...Oh, just a tiny bit of international art theft," he boasted proudly.

"And now that I have your attention, Agent Tibbs...Yeah, I know you lost her in Budapest. That's why you were the first Interpol agent I called...well, no, the FBI isn't really taking my calls right now, but that's beside the point...Trust me, I got my people workin' on this. Everything your team needs will be in place by the time you get here...You always said you liked the Art Deco buildings, huh? Why not mix business with pleasure?...Alright, I'll keep you posted. Let me know when you land in Miami. Take care."

"Another old girlfriend?" a woman asked, walking by him toward the foyer and wheeling a black suitcase behind her.

Sam hastily snapped the phone shut and followed her. "Debra! No, no, no. Old work colleague. I think she might be able to help us...er, help me with a surprise," he smiled widely.

"A surprise?" she asked incredulously, placing the suitcase by the door.

"Yeah, one that I was planning...for you, 'cause you're my honeybunny," he declared, placing his hands on her shoulders.

Debra looked down at his hands and then back up at him. "Nevermind, I don't wanna' know." She shrugged out of his grasp and headed back toward the bedroom to retrieve another bag.

"You're packing?" he asked.

"You're very observant," she retorted.

"But you just came back from Cleveland."

"I'm sorry, Sam. I was hoping we could spend some time together," she said, folding clothing as she spoke. "Especially since you finally wised up and dropped that blonde ditz, but we have a major customer in crisis right now. Networks are failing all over Atlanta as we speak. They need Super Programmer Girl," she concluded.

"Yeah, I guess."

She approached him, placing her arms around his neck. "I promise I will make it up to you when I get back. And look on the bright side--you have full reign of the house while I'm gone."

"Seriously?"

"Seriously. But remember, you break it, you buy it," she cautioned.

"I can live with that."

"I wish you would've at least let me drive you to the airport" Sam mutters, following Debra like a puppy as he carries her luggage out of the house to the waiting cab. "How long are you gonna be gone? "

"You have your "plans" and I don't know, I'll call you. Are you gonna feed the koi while I'm gone?"

"Koi?"

"The fish, in the pond, in the back yard?"

"Oh yea, sure"

Shaking her head "don't worry, I've already arranged for a service to come by and care for them"

As she reaches up to run her fingers through his hair, "and if you're a good boy, I'll bring you something from Atlanta"

"You will?"

"Yea, I will" giving him a goodbye kiss.

Returning her goodbye kiss "I'm gonna miss you, uhhhmmm, have you given any more thought about …"

"Sam, we'll talk about it when I get back, I promise. "

He watches the taxi drive away and then heads back inside determined to find out a "koi" is.

Whoa, Debra!!!! Thanks for jumping right on in!!! NCTibby did a good job of setting you up. Anyone else care to take a turn?

Thank you NCTibby for the intro into the story. I hope you are feeling better. I hate it when my allergies hit.

Will Sam figure out what a "koi" is or does? will he feed them or fish for them? Will Debra come back? Stay tuned, lol

Thanks for the intro into the station break, DebraL. LOL!!!

I'd love to add to this but I'm not quite sure I'd be able to do well enough. Usually if something really hits me I do well. Hopefully something will hit me..hard.

Agent Tibbs!!! you rock!!!

and Debra is Sam's honeybunny!!! LOL!!!!!!!!!

I can't wait to find out if Sam actually eats or feeds the koi!!!!!

Yeah, Sam and a koi pond is pretty much a recipe for disaster. I can see him serving up fried koi to his guests. And I'm feeling much better now; Benadryl is my friend. Thanks for the addition and the well wishes, Debra.

Feel free to jump in anytime, Trinity. There are no hard and fast rules. I didn't even have a plotline mapped out when I started; I'm just makin' this up as I go. So have fun, keep Binky and the Charger safe, and thanks to Matt Nix for letting us play with his characters. We have his permission, right? *shifty look*

I like your priorities, Agent Tibbs -- keeping Binky & the Charger safe!!! LOL

glad you're feeling better!

great story. Glad the Benadryl is working. AH, I use that and Zyrtec as well as anything that works. I think Sam could use some help from Mikey with the Koi pond since the alter ego supposedly has a green thumb why not add a few little fishies in there too.

See you in Miami, Agent Tibbs (waving)

hey, I know how many koi were in the pond when I left and there better be the same number when I get back. I should have taken pics to make sure they weren't replaced with substitutes, lol. '

Benadryl is wonderful. Unfortunately, it and Sudafed make me extremely drowsy. Yeah, just throw in something. Even if it's just a couple of lines.

Now I'm sick Must be something going around...

Man, with all you sicklings out there, What has Michael done to you. The Gal Pals need to be back in fighting form. Make a hot toddy and you'll feel better. In the meantime, think I'll drag Michael to NY for a weekend while all you guys are sick. It's nice here and warm.

Oh, really? Shall we tell Fi where to find you?

Eh, I'll be fine once we get some rain. The drought tends to exacerbate my already-annoying allergies. In the meantime, I'll enjoy my Benadryl-induced comas.

Sorry you're under the weather as well, Trin. Do you want Nate to come over with some chicken soup?