"I think I might need a band-aid" Enrique said rubbing his eye.

"Don't even say it!" Di warned.

"You hit like a girl" Enrique teased.

"That's it! You're going down big guy!"

He grabbed her as the song changed into http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wtm8v6MryBk

and pulled her close his hands encircling her hips and moving her against him. He leaned into her and his mouth brushed her ear,

"How could you sneak out dancing without me?"

"Easily" She teased him. He spun her so that he was now behind her, close behind her.

"Your gonna pay for that later" He growled "Mmmm hmm, can't wait"

As Di and Q were heating up the floor. H and Gia were doing a pretty good job themselves. It was as if H just let go, he had his hands on the small of Gia's back and was cradling her body in his as they moved to the rhythm. Slowly his hands went south and Gia laughed. And he loved when she laughed, loved the lilting purity of it and the way her face lit up. He couldn't get enough of it.. of her. She was his drug of choice, no doubt about it.

"What are you thinking about?" G asked him.

"You" He replied "And what I plan on doing to you later."

YOW!! She thought about what he planned, and her cheeks turned a lovely shade of red. He smiled down at her..

"Yup" was all he said and then kissed her...

Wolves was having a good time, the girls took turns getting him to dance with them, it wasn't an obligation, they wanted him to be part of the night. The cockles of his heart were warmed by the fact that they wanted him to join in.

"What was that about?" He gets close to Deb and whispers as they hang on each other to dance.

"He wanted to show my his tattoo, but he couldn't show it here in the club, that we had to go somewhere private. Oh you know, some guys will say anything to - -"

Wolves holds up his hand to stop her. Message received loud and clear. But that doesn't mean he believes her.

He watches as they regroup and gravitate to a sparsely crowded section of dance floor as they let loose to

Wolves kept a closer watch on them until the rest of the guys showed up. He was glad someone them leaked their plans so he could arrange for them to be safe.
-
-

Gary was scanning the crowds; he momentarily lost sight of Deb. He craned his neck to try and get a better look over the crowd; she could blend in and disappear with the best of them, she didn't know he was there and he wanted to keep it that way, when he heard a deep European-accented feminine voice behind him "Can I buy you a drink?

"No thanks." he ignores her request while still looking.

"I insist, and I don't take no for an answer." The voice says as he feels an arm snake around his waist. Gary spins around ready to tell his unwanted visitor off when for a couple of seconds he locks eyes with Deb before she jumps him and plants a wet smacker on him.

"So you just let women in bars come onto you?" She asks as she runs her hand through his air.

"Just the ones who have been checked out." He grins and pulls her closer. "And you my dear." He kisses her. "Are lucky, you've been preapproved."

"So this is stress relief?" After resting and getting another round of drinks, Gary glances around at the club, catching site of Q rubbing his eye.

"Stress relief takes many forms." Deb answers seriously. "This is one of them. We push the envelope…think outside the border."

He shakes his head and laughs. "Honey, you girls have given a new meaning to pushing the envelope, its like this group should be known as 'Girls without borders.'"

"Droll, very droll, but you catch on quick" Deb answers quickly gulping down her drink as he continues his lecture. "I am not condoning this behavior, what you did was wrong, you don't know how much - - "

Deb puts her hand over his mouth. "I know. We're going to have this lecture when we get home. Let me enjoy myself for now." Then she leads him to the dance floor, they pass 23 who looked lonely, so she grabs his hand and drags him along with them.
-
-
"I'm hungry." Is heard as the club closes and they gather at the cars.

"There's got to be an 24-hour diner somewhere." Deb yawns.

"No." 23 puts his foot down, in a pile of something squishy and smelly. "We really need to get you back before you're discovered missing."

"No one will notice, we'll sneak back in and be in bed before breakfast." Di tells them as she holds her nose and Enrique.

"Besides it's not just us that sneaked out is it?" Gia raises an eyebrow and looks at H for an explanation. "You've got to tell us how you knew and you can tell us over breakfast."

"French toast, hash browns – scattered, smothered, topped—scrambled eggs, pancakes." Jen starts to entice them with the idea.

"We're buying." Came the girls final offer.

"You're on."

"And 23, wipe your shoes before you get in the car."

Loved it Deb! And 23 better lose the shoes or I'm not riding in the car with him!!!!!!!!!

Sinfully delicious middle-of-the-night breakfast out of the way, including a mini-food fight which got them kicked out of the diner by a posse of unhappy servers (Wolfie left a HUGE tip)...the group knew they should head back to the compound before Maddie got up and discovered them gone.

But, hey, the night was still young and their energy high. Wolfie had another idea....

"Let's go.....









Huh? Everyone said. Bowling???? Hmmmmm....


They went. They liked!!!

They liked the day-glo balls.


They liked the cosmic lights.


It was Star Wars night. Weird...but, okay.

Really weird. Enrique rolled gutter balls.

The guys thought they were cool bowlers.

The guys were wrong (read: drunk!).

The galpals rocked the lanes!!!


Galpals don't bowl normal.

Galpals bowl sexy.


Really sexy.


Woohoo... galpals beat the pants off guys!!!!



Next? Sunrise beach volleyball, of course!







Huh? Who said skinnydip???



Wolfie give good party!!!

What....I thought you were already famous for losing shoes


KA23

OMG!!!!!!! ROTFLMAO Jen!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That was just what we needed!!

Dang....Kusa misses all the GOOD STUFF!!!!


KA23

love bowling! that was so much fun!

From what I hear, you and Sam made it out to the beach in time for volleyball and swim... In fact, weren't you the first one in the water, Kus????

Heeeeeellllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllooooooooooooooooooooooooooo Skinni-Dipping!!!!!!!


You're right....Maybe it's Deb and Di who miss out on all the 'good stuff'






(Just got to make sure we keep our clothes well hidden in case you guys come back earlier than expected!!!!!!)


KA23

[JEN LMAO!!! that was great ....wooohoooo & kusa yes you were there....... ]

This crew really knew how to party..... they had moved on to beach volleyball!!! Even though it was late ...or actually early morning ....nobody seemed to care. They were having a blast and living it up.

G snuck off a moment in the middle of the volleyball game, and went up to the house. She knew Kus, was watching, and the whole thing was silly.....she should just join in already.

She came in through the kitchen and almost ran smack dab into Sam. She went over to Kusa sitting in a chair, she didnt even bother to pretend, she wasnt spying on them. "Girl, come on. Ashley's sleepin and Maddie will listen for here. Will you get up and join us?" She motioned with her arm, to no avail. "Uh, you can hold your anger at them for a couple of days? righhhhtt?" Kusa didnt budge. G determined, to get this girl to loosen up, walked over grabbed the cup of tea out of her hand, put it on the table, pulled her up out of the chair, got behind her and started pushing her out the door. Sam got in line right behind G, pushing too, then he started woohoo-ing like a choo-choo train. Kusa lost it laughing! "Oh my god I am surrounded by nuts!!!!" She turned around grabbing a magazine off the counter and whacked G on the top of the head. "I'm not mad you goof! I'm the one that told Wolfie to go down and watch after them!"

G smiled and bear hugged her "Cool!" Sam apparently in a rush to party, started training whistling again and pushed them both out the door. They got outside just in time to hear someone yelll "Skinny dipping!"

Sam didnt need any encouragement, he stripped his shirt off, grabbed Kusa and threw her over his shoulder....and ran into the ocean. Everybody else ran in after.....

They were all out there until the sun rose....

LOL, Gia...always knew Kusa was a wild one!!! Have you no shame, Kus??? No sense of propriety???

Apparently not with this group around!!!!!!


KA23

Geeez, I gotta cover this boy's a$$ AGAIN?!?!?!?!?!

When did this become Insanity Island?????


KA23

After hours of swimming, splashing, and making out, Sam follows Kusa out of the water. She quickly wraps up tight...

"Oh no you don't!!!!" he calls out, grabbing her towel as she tries to tie it tight...

"C'mon..it's freezing out here...."

"Freezing....Brandi...It's HAWAII!!!!!"

"You might wanna cover up too...the girls are watching..."

"Let'em look...my eyes are in only ONE direction..." he purrs...still trying to pull off the towel...

"And the guys...."

"The girls can watch them too..."

"Axe...you're impossible..."

"No...I'd say right now...I'm very....very....possible....." he snarls as she surrenders.... wrapping her arms around his neck, as he draws the towel off of her and proceeds to wrap it around the two of them, thus allowing some of her precious adorable (if somewhat unusual) modesty to remain...

"We should at least slide off into those bushes...no need to give them the complete show..." her pleading eyes whisper....He lifts her just off her feet, and stumbles over the sand to the far side of the property.....






All the rest of the group can witness are some waving leaves...and some very happy giggles....














Meanwhile....back on the veranda...Maddie looks over the scene with her binoculars....not believing her eyes....

"C'mon...." Virgil entreats, drawing the glasses away from her eyes "...they're having their fun...let's have some of our own...."

Her professional instincts tell her to stay put...they obviously don't have anywhere to hide any weaponry out there...and....and.....and.....



One look in Virgil's eyes....and other instincts took over......






KA23

"Woo -hoo Kusa!" Gia yells and H gives Sam the thumbs up, as he and Kusa go rushing by them.

Ric spots them and turns the radio station, and start blasting
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GVTN5o9Kgu8

Maddie looking through binoculars....ROFLMAO!!!!

No need to worry, Kusa...I'm hiding out in the bushes, too. I think it's just Wolfie in the water. Probably why Maddie looked for soooooooo long!!!


Gia...that is SO funny! Your choice of song...LOL

Hiding....or doing....something else......


KA23

Yeah, the doing something else works for me!!!

Oh yikes....just wanted you to know I'm NOT in THOSE bushes!!!!

A....while.....later....Sam and Kusa were still snuggling together...trying to tickle each other with the leaves that surrounded them....

"You know, maybe I should add these in to my next routine..."

"I thought you were done with 'the life'???" Sam teased...

Kusa, once again taking his words too seriously, wasn't sure if he was talking about her dancing...or 'other' life.....

"About that...."

"Hey, if you wanna go up on stage again...I'm good with that...I just want a front row seat next time...."

Kusa eyebrows shot up with surprise....ok, THAT'S what he's talking about...but nonetheless, the other issue still had to be addressed...

"I...I was talking about...."

"Brandi...I know....I know what you mean...and whatever you decide is fine with me....Hey, technically speaking, I'm already retired...but you know...I could never leave Mike in the lurch...I can't just leave until he's out of the woods..."

"We're not in the jungle Sam...that's on the other side of the island..."

"Now you're playing with MY words..."

"You'd better believe it...." She smiled..."Seriously...Maybe I was a bit hasty.... Maybe...sometime...soon, I hope...I may be able to put things back together with the girls...."

"I'd say you did a pretty good job of it so far...organizing this whole cha-bang..."

"They can't know about that...I just...."

"What...."

"I just wish they didn't think they had to hide so much from me...it seems the closer I try to get...the further they've got to run from...I don't know who anymore...Maddie...Me....?"

"They've got a wild streak....you knew that from the beginning....

"I know...and I know they're good agents...GREAT Agents!!!!...I just....they could get so much more done if...."

"If they become more like you...?"

"GED NO!!!!" She nearly screamed...A reaction Sam was Not expecting..."I wouldn't wish that on anyone..." That hit harder than she meant...and she knew it..."I don't mean my life with you...there have been good parts, watching Adam grow, having Ashley...marrying you...but as far as professionally, no, I'm NOT trying to turn them into me...I think this 'training' mission cinched that that will never happen...and maybe its for the best...But they do need to find a way to hone the skills they do have...They're great agents...but they can still be better...you...me...Mike...all of us can be better...We just...."

"We just need to take it step by step...little by little...They've already been thrown into the deep end of the pool...Jenna especially...And I think they've managed very well...Training is never a bad thing...but maybe next time...tell them first...."

"Trust me, I won't be pulling a stunt like THAT again...at least not for a verrrrrrrry loooooooooong time...." she smiled suspiciously...Sam just shook his head...and smiled...

"Speaking of a verry long....ummm...time......"

"Again????....you don't quit, do you...." she laughed....

"Do you?????" he growled...

"I guess not....." she smiled as she held him close, looking deep into his eyes as he came closer to her once more....






















KA23

The galpals knew for a fact they'd given Maddie and Kusa a lot of grief over the past few months. Putting their heads together, they tried to think of an out-of-the-ordinary adventure for Maddie and Virgil, Kusa and Sam, and Phi and Barry to go on. Since the group had been to so many luxury resorts recently, they figured that something a little more rustic might be just the thing. A place that would really put the spark in their saddle…the reins in their hands…and the giddy-up in their step.

"This is perfect!" Deb exclaimed as Jen and Di showed her the computer print-out. "Can we book it?"

"No problem," Jen told her. "This is slow season."

"If it's slow season, will there be anything for them to do?" Gia asked.

"Oh, yeah. They'll have TONS to do," Di assured them.

"And geez," said Trinity. "Look at the owner. How hot can a guy get? He looks like the Marlboro man."

"Let me see," said Gia. Her eyes glazed over. "Oh yeah, even Maddie will go ga-ga over this guy!"

"Yeah," said Jen. "If they don't have enough to keep them busy, Kusa, Maddie, and Phi can just sit and drool."

"Sounds good to me," Di said. "Okay, let's book this baby!"

"Speaking of babies, Jackie and Bill offered to trade off taking care of Ashley with me and H," Gia said.

"That's great," Deb told her. "That means you can spend some time with us, too."

The girls' eyes all lit up at the same time with the same realization. "While the mama cat is away, the kitties will play…." Di grinned.

"Shhhhhhhhh!!!!!" the others said.





Reservations were booked and the surprise was sprung. The galpals might have been expecting smiles, applause, and hugs…but what they got was unblinking, stunned eyes with slightly aghast expressions from both Maddie and Kusa.

"A dude ranch?" said Maddie after a few speechless moments.

"An Hawaiian dude ranch," said Jen. "On the big island. It's got beautiful landscapes as far as the eye can see!"

Maddie and Kusa gave each other a look. "It sounds very nice," Kusa told them, doubting every word as she spoke, "but WHY, girls?"

"We wanted to treat you both to something special," Deb told them. "We know we are difficult sometimes and you more than deserve a break."

"We wanted to find someplace unusual and fun. I mean, you can go to a five-star resort anytime, right? But a week under the moon and stars on the Big Island? Come on!" Di exclaimed, trying to ingest a little enthusiasm into the two women.

"Is there a spa?" Maddie asked. "I really need to get my nails done."

"Um, I don't think you'll need to be worrying about nails," Trinity told her. "Not until the end of the week, anyway."

"Well, what will we be doing?" Maddie wanted to know.

"It's a surprise," Jen said. "The owner will tell you all about it when you get there. Oh, by the way, did we show you his picture?" She held up the cowboy picture for them to see. Both Maddie and Kusa's eyes grew interested immediately, and Maddie even showed the slightest trace of a smile.




"He comes from three generations of Hawaiian cowboys," Di smiled enticingly.

"He looks like the Marlboro man," Maddie remarked, still eyeing the photo.

"Doesn't he!" Deb exclaimed.

"So basically we'll just be riding horses, relaxing, stuff like that?" Kusa asked.

"Definitely," Gia said, "and listen to what it says here…you stay in one-bedroom Cowboy Cottages, enjoy Polynesian barbeques, and sit outside at dusk enjoying a Mai Tai. No phones, no computers, no television. Just a sky full of stars at night. Doesn't that sound like the perfect getaway?"

Maddie and Kusa looked at each other again. The girls could tell they were starting to bend. Maddie, though, shook her head suddenly and said, "We can't possibly go off and leave all of you alone for a week! What if something were to happen?"

"Maddie!" Di exclaimed, "We've got 23, Michael, Fi, H, Q, Gary, Ric…what could possibly happen?"

"Not to mention Captain Wolf is always nearby," Gia offered. "And Bill and Jackie, of course."

Maddie sighed. "All right, girls, I guess we'll go. And we thank you for thinking of us this way. Not so sure I'm going to like horseback riding…it's been a long time. But, I guess I could use the time to catch up on some reading and crocheting."

"There you go, Maddie, sounds great!" Trinity responded.

"Are you good with it, Kusa?" Jen asked.

"Well, I do love to ride," Kusa told them. "Thank you, Gia, for offering to take care of Ashley. Jackie and Bill will be here, too, you know. Well, I'll go tell Phi about this. Sounds like something she would enjoy."

"Be ready at noon tomorrow," Di told them. "Your island hopper leaves at two!"

"This should be interesting," Maddie remarked, dubiously. "I hope you're right about the Mai Tai's, girls. I have the feeling we're going to need them!"




Kusa and Maddie left to inform their significant others, plus Phi and Barry. The girls stayed silent until the room was clear, and then burst into smiles.

"They're gonna love it!" Jen said when they were alone.

"Of course they will," Di agreed.

"You wanna repeat that agenda once more, Deb?" Gia asked.

"Sure," Deb said, pulling up the list. "Hmmm….let's see…the Roughrider's Getaway. Yep, here it is. Okay, the package includes cattle drive, cowhorse training, team penning and roping, fence repair, general ranch maintenance, cleaning stables, and bull riding. Think they'll enjoy?"

"They're gonna love it!" Jen said again. "They'll forget about all their troubles in no time!"

"Yeah, what could possibly go wrong on a working cattle ranch?" Deb asked.

"See baby girl, the girls do think of you." Sam squeezes her tight after they get back in their room. "They went to all this trouble to make up for the way things have been going. Maybe we all need a break every now and then."

"Yea." Kusa sniffles. "I know."

"Well enough with the tears. Let's get packing." As he makes his way through the drawers of clothing, he was looking forward to roughing it, living off the land and . "We won't need anything fancy. Just us and the horses and the stars."

Kusa nodded, she couldn't help thinking what would happen while they were gone.
-
-
"Maddy darlin' you need to start packing." Virgil lightly nudges the silent woman.

"I know." She answers without making any movement to start.

"You're not happy? Darlin' they put a lot of thought into this. They thought you'd like it."

"Oh I do, I just don't like the fact of no communications. What if something happens - - "

She is cut off as Virgil takes her face in his hands. "They would take care of it. They guys are more than capable of handling things."

Madeline raises his eyebrow at him. "Are they doing this out of guilt? That they're afraid of being punished for sneaking out the other night?"

"We sent the guys after them." Virg reminds her. "And they came back safe and sound. They can handle any emergency or request that comes up."

"It not the handling of things I'm worried about, will they be able to contain the girls for more than 24 hours." Madeline looks at him with serious concern on her face…then she smiles. "At least Michael and H promised to keep them busy with more training and keep them occupied as much as possible."
-
-
The next day the three couple are escorted by the crowd to the helo pad; Kusa has to give Ashley one more hug and kiss, then one more.

"Go." Jackie tells her as she pries the infant out of her hands. "We'll be fine."

"Take pictures of her..every day… don't forget." Kusa reminds her again as Sam drags her to the copter.

The group stand, wave and watch until the helo is out of sight, then a roar goes through the girls as the turn to run back to the house, time to let their hair down and - - - they are stopped in their tracks by Michael and H.

"Where do you think you're going?" H asks them.

"We need to go over the ground rules and the agenda for the week." Michael advises them as he takes control of the group. "We're going to be busy."

Jackie and Bill were standing behind the girls and were trying not to laugh out loud, they were going to be innocent bystanders and enjoy this little power struggle.

Arriving at the ranch in the late afternoon, Maddie and party were shown to their cottages and then treated immediately to those scrumptious Mai Tai's. As they sat on the front porch of Maddie and Virgil's cottage, the group was thinking this might not be such a bad experience afterall.

The ranch itself was beautiful, stretching as far as the eye could see and beyond, down to the sea.



They were soon introduced to their host, who welcomed them warmly. Tall, lean, muscular, with dark hollows in his cheekbones and a dashing handlebar moustache, the women's eyes lit up at the sheer electricity of his commanding presence. He was kind of like John Wayne, Gregory Peck, and Tom Selleck all rolled up into one. Virgil had to step forward to tap Maddie's hand so that she would finally release the owner's handshake. Maddie giggled and blushed, much to Kusa and Phi's surprise. Sam chuckled, while Virgil rolled his eyes.

After a western-style Polynesian barbeque dinner, the happy campers turned in for the night. Their host told them it would be an early call in the morning.




At precisely five a.m. a clanging bell sounded outside the cottages. Six sleepy heads woke with a start. Maddie sprang up in bed, eyes open wide. "What the..."

"It's reveille, Sweetheart," Virgil told her. "Time to saddle up!"

After several cups of strong Kona coffee and a hearty breakfast, the group made their way to the stable where their horses would be selected for them.

Kusa was more than surprised when Sam walked out in head-to-toe cowboy duds. "Whoa, cowboy!" she whistled. "You're burnin' up the dust as you walk!"

Sam gave her his sexiest smile and winked at her, eyebrows dancing...




She saddled up to him and traced a finger down his shirt all the way to his chaps. "I'd rather see you in JUST these," she said, pulling on the top of his chaps with a seductive smile.

"Oh, baby, we'd be talking some serious saddle burn," he laughed. "But darlin'," he continued. "Later...you and me...sheriff and saloon girl. Catch my drift?"

Kusa's eyes said it all. She pulled him down for a deep, warm, exhaustive kiss, visualizing it all in her mind...



Oh yeah, she thought, this was going to be one delicious week....

giggle, love it!

At least they're getting out of their room.

The group stand, wave and watch until the helo is out of sight, then a roar goes through the girls as the turn to run back to the house, time to let their hair down and - - - they are stopped in their tracks by Michael and H.

"Where do you think you're going?" H asks them.

"We need to go over the ground rules and the agenda for the week." Michael advises them as he takes control of the group. "We're going to be busy."
-
-

The girls stood there wide eyed, jaws hitting the ground. And their guys weren't doing anything to diffuse the situation. In fact they stood with Michael and H agreeing that they would be encouraging them the whole time.

Yea right, they probably had plans to go fishing and surfing.

Physical fitness tests? classroom instruction? monitored weight training? Where are they? Boot camp?

"Is Michael mad because we didn't invite him the other night?" Deb whispers to Gia.

Gia just glared at H who seemed to be enjoying his new power. Well she's gonna burst his bubble as soon as she gets him alone.

"I respect each of you and your privacy." Michael tells them in all seriousness. "And all I ask is that you work with us for the next couple of days then you'll have some free time. ok?"

After a day of riding techniques and cowhand practice to ready themselves for the next day's cattle drive, it was time for chores. All of them, even Sam, got off their horses at the end of the day barely able to walk. Phi laughed as she followed the bow-legged group into the barn, filming them on her video camcorder.

Each was assigned chores in seeing to the horses. For Maddie, it was her day to clean the stalls. "Holy cow!" she exclaimed. "I didn't sign on for this!"

Virgil laughed as he brought in the wheelbarrow and found her the pitchfork. "I'm headin' up to the hayloft for fresh hay," he told her. "Hang in there, Maddie."

Maddie donned the rubber boots suggested for the job and removed the feed tubs and water buckets from each of the stalls. She grumbled as she stepped in a fresh mound, wiping her foot off in a patch of clean hay. She tried to pitch the manure like she was shown, but it would always fall short before reaching the wheelbarrow. Frustrated and cursing a blue streak, she threw down the pitchfork and reached for the shovel. Okay, this worked better. She worked her way through all the stalls on one side and then back up the other.

"Mucking, my a$$!" she complained as she unloaded the last of the wheelbarrow loads into the manure pile.

"What was that, Madeline?" their host asked.

Maddie whirled around, eyes wide in surprise at the quiet approach of the handsome ranch owner. "Oh my!" she said, hand thrown to her chest in surprise. "You startled me!"

"My apologies," he told her in a gentlemanly manner. "Enjoy your day? Chores about done?"

"Oh yes, delightful day! And the things I'm learning!" she gushed charmingly.

"Good to hear it. Carry on," he said, heading toward the pasture.

Maddie sighed and headed back to the barn, tripping over the shovel as she did so. Virgil, just down from the hayloft, came to her rescue. He helped her check for soiled bedding and distribute the new bedding. They both pitched and fluffed an even layer of hay into each of the stalls. Finally done, they headed back to the cottages, the last to arrive.

Seeing Kusa relaxing on the porch with her Mai Tai, Maddie plunked down next to her and poured herself one. She downed the entire drink in seconds flat.

"Ah!" she said, when finished. She poured herself another, hiccupping in the process.

"Not going to shower first, Maddie?" Kusa asked, eyeing her friend's soiled shoes and pants.

"First things first," Maddie told her. "And the first thing I'm going to do when we get back is give those girls a piece of my frackin' mind!"

QUOTE

"Is Michael mad because we didn't invite him the other night?" Deb whispers to Gia.
Gia just glared at H who seemed to be enjoying his new power. Well she's gonna burst his bubble as soon as she gets him alone.

Gia had already promised Jackie and Bill, that she and H would take the first shift with Ashley. Well with this news, that H was planning on taking part of this training, and bothering the girls, Gia got to thinking……. Oh H was gonna be sorry, for sure. She went back in the house and found Jackie sitting at the table feeding Ashley breakfast.

"Hey beautiful!" Gia gushed, tickling Ashley's chin, who's face was so adorably covered in whipped bananas. "Hey Jackie, listen this is silly. You guys are always helping Kusa and Sam, and you and Bill have done everything for us, you guys should take off for the next couple of days too."

"Oh that's sweet. But no, no, we couldn't! Besides you'd be by yourself for two days with her, since it seems H will be busy with Michael?"

"Oh I can manage, not a problem. I'd be happy too." She giggled at Ashley's antics. She was tapping her spoon on the highchair making noises and cracking herself up. "Please Jack you have been so good to us. Go, really!!"

"You know, I really wanted to go to the Turtle Bay Resort while we were here. It is so beautiful there. Ok, ok! Oh this is great! I cant wait to tell Bill. It will be so great to see him put down his work for awhile and just relax!" Jackie jumped up, hugged G "Thanks girl!" She rushed off to go pack, just as the gang came in. The gals all had disgusted looks on their faces. Each grabbed some food, and grumbled through their way out of the kitchen. G quick tapped Deb's arm and motioned for her to stay a minute. The guys came in and went right to the boardroom to plan their excursions. They had sick determined looks on their faces. Like they were planning a torturing! No wonder the girls looked the way they did. G thought, man, some guys get a little power and they go hog wild!

"Uh, what's up G, and why do I feel like I should be whispering?" Deb said looking around to make sure nobody was coming back in.

"Listen, I got Jackie & Bill to leave, taking sometime to themselves. Wolf already told me, he's got to head out again, some lead came in. And I will keep H occupied. So all you really have to contend with is Michael. You guys can handle the others right?"

"Oh ya! I got Gary. Di and Jen will take care of the bosom buddies, I'm sure. So….. this training might not be that bad…..hmmm….ok. Thanks girl." Deb had a smile as she left the room.

"No problem!" Gia said waving a jar of applesauce at her.

Deb quick poked her head back in the kitchen, giggling, "Uh G, so what exactly did you mean by occupied? Hmm? Cause what are ya gonna do with Ashley during that?"

"Girl that's not what I meant! Get out of here, before I change my mind!!" She said laughing, throwing a bagel at her.
*******************
Gia sat on the bed, with Ashley. She was cooing and giggling, playing with some light up toys. G couldn't believe how big she was getting! Time seemed to be flying. G thought a moment about Kusa, she knew that women too well! And knew no matter how calm things were up there, she was sure Kusa was still worrying and missing her baby. So G grabbed her cell phone and a big piece of paper. She wrote across the paper "see mommy I'm fine!" She put it on the pillow next to her. She snapped a picture while Ashley was laughing and texted it to Kusa's work cell. Because she knew she had that with her. She always had that with her. She hoped she'd laugh a little, and definitely have some fun too!

The door opened and H came in, in a rush, "Hey G, and hey… Ash." He said smiling at the baby, like she was a mirage. G laughed, he really was awkward with kids, but in a cute way.

She knew the answer but asked anyway, "Um, what are you up to today?"

"Oh Mike's got this big day planned and I got to help him and-" G had walked over and circled her arms around him and was kissing him before he could finish. She hadnt thought of any good idea on how to distract him or stop him from helping Mike, so she was going for broke...

H looked at her a little confused, but he continued unfazed, he was determined …"I got to get some paperwork quick, Mike's waiting downstairs so I-" G didn't let him finish again! This time she took her time. Then she pulled back, and smiled up at him. But she knew this wasn't working. He knew what she was doing. He just stood there smirking at her, with her leaning on him.

So she stepped back and asked "Can you watch her for just one minute before you go, please? I got to change. I am gonna take her down to the beach. Jackie said she loves to play in the sand." G rushed into the bathroom before he could answer. He sat down on the bed next to the baby, and stared at her, uncomfortable. She just smiled up at him, shaking a toy in her hand.

G took forever in the bathroom, first, just stalling to come up with an idea, but then…. The girls had convinced her to buy this new bathing suit, on their last shopping trip, and she felt extremely self conscious in it. She normally had a terrible time getting in a swimsuit but this was….way more than her style! She stood there a moment…almost ready to change her mind. Even considering telling Deb she wouldn't be able to stop him. But then she heard H singing!

She opened the door a crack to see. He was now sitting in the chair, bouncing Ashley on his knee. She was looking up into his eyes smiling, and giggling, while he sang. Every time he sang the word heaven, she'd giggle a little more. It was the cutest site to see. G walked out of the bathroom forgetting all about keeping him busy, about the bathing suit, about any stress … she leaned down rapping her arms around his neck and kissed his cheek. She whispered in his ear "Can you spend the day with us, please?"

He leaned back and kissed her. He handed her the baby, rapped his arms around them both and danced them around the room, finishing the song. The baby just kept laughing. She had the cutest laugh, it was so adorable, it was making G laugh too. H just smiled down at them, then kissed the top of Ashley's head. He pulled his cell out of his pocket and called Mike and apologized, he then burst out laughing, and hung up. "It seems some of the other guys are a little busy now too." He went and changed into his bathing suit. G grabbed the beach bag with Ashley's stuff, and headed for the door, with H following, only to hear "Oh my god baby! Uh, was that suit part of your distracting me plan? Because ya should have started with that!" G just laughed, she took his cell out of his hand and texted Deb: ok all clear!

Michael rubs his hands in his hair and looks at his audience…or lack thereof.

Deb, and only Deb, was sitting there, dressed in baggy sweats and running shoes...not her usual shorts and tank top...and her hair pulled back...complete with sweat band. She was innocently blinking at him, while Fi and Gary were standing to the side smirking.

The other guys suddenly got distracted, so Deb was the proverbial scapegoat, she couldn't get Gary to budge. He was taking his job seriously. Michael apparently misjudged the girls, they got their way afterall. He was goign to have to have a talk with the guys. They had agreed not to fall for their ladies diversionary tactics. See how easy they fell?

But the week was still early, he would come out ahead.

"Well, we may as well get started." Michael starts to explain what they are going to be doing. They may have blindsighted him, but that didn't mean he wasn't gonna get the better of them. He would deal with the rest of them later.

Deb tried to hide the look of disappointment and surprise on her face. She was sure Michael would cave in and spend time with Fi instead of going through with his plans. So she would be free to hang out and relax.

"First is a timed 3-mile run, one of us will run with you and pace you, making sure you don't wander off, then…." Deb wasn't listening…she was throwing daggers at Gary…Fi took a step or two away… but she could clearly hear this.

Deb was furious because he said that Michael would call it off when he found out she was the only one that showed up. In fact, Gary had convinced her that's what was gonna happen, so she was already planning some things they could do...maybe a couples spa package she had read about. Why should Madeline, Kusa and Phi have all the fun?

Fi was sympathatic to Deb, she too had tried to entice Michael to cancel the whole thing, at least for the day, forget about work, start again tomorrow. Maddy had probably left orders of what she wanted done, but it could wait for a day or two. Once Michael had planned something, there was no changing the agenda. No wonder the girls would veer off course once in a while.

And maybe Deb was afraid of the repercussions if she didn't follow orders...she usually did, with a few alterations. and this time she couldn't even get Gary to bend...he was going to have to learn to be flexible to keep up with them.

Deb was certain that this treatment was payback for something or other the girls had done to the guys. Don't worry, she'll fix his...and the rest of there little red wagons.

"Warm up and see you outside in 15." Michael tells them as he and Gary walk out leaving Fi to be her warm up partner.

The next day, it was Kusa and Sam’s turn to handle the stables. Sam tried to let her sleep in, and handle this part himself, but being used to getting up to feed Ashley, Kus was up a short time after. Finding her husband gone when she awoke, her first thought was panic…but then realizing where they were and what he was probably up to, the worry subsided, and a quiet smile began…



She got quickly dressed, threw her hair up in a quick and messy bun, bolted to the kitchen for a quick cup of coffee and then out the door.



She found him in no time…making quick work of the stalls…the mucking was all but done, and he was already spreading the new bedding around before bringing the horses back in…She couldn’t help but admire the sight…The clothing he wore, denim and leather, fit perfectly together…The sun dashed over his face as he moved through the beams of sunlight that slowly sailed through the windows, dancing over his hair, making the streaks of gray gleam like polished silver…Quite a sight indeed…And if Mike could see him this hard at work…actual physical labor…he might never believe it was really Sam!!!



Kusa wasn’t all that surprised. Sam had been very much the experienced horseman. Well, at least NOW he was…He had managed to run in to her during one of her ‘disappearing acts’ in a horse farm in Southern England. He didn’t bust her cover (she wasn’t on the job, she just didn’t want to be ‘known’ for a while), but did managed to get himself hired on as well. She wasn’t sure if he was looking for some down time, or if Maddie had managed to get him sent up to keep an eye on her if he found her, but after a while, her concerns over his motives subsided, and she just began to enjoy his company. They kept it strictly friendly. She still considered him V’s man…But she couldn’t help her own feelings. All the same, it was fun watching him in action, especially when it didn’t happen to be of a covert nature. He started off pretty green, but she taught him everything she learned from the summers she spent on her father’s ranch in Montana. Some may have considered her a ‘mafia princess’, but she was determined not to be a rich little priss! She knew grooming, how to handle the stalls…even managed to shoe a horse or two herself…though that part wasn’t exactly her cup of tea, what with the balancing of the hoof, and the posture, swinging the hammer…and as many times as she was told, she couldn’t imagine that it really didn’t hurt the horse…Ok, so she’d let the guys handle that part…



She just stood there watching for a while…it was like a sweet journey back in time…There was something to be said for the painful joy of wanting a man you couldn’t have…she almost missed that….Almost…



“Well, are you just gonna stand there all day or are you gonna help me???” he asked with a playful gruff, throwing a pitchfork full of fresh hay in her direction…most of it missed her, but got close enough for her to grab a hefty handful and throw it back at him…



“Well if someone hadn’t called off the morning bell to wake me up, we could have been done already…”



“Well, if that’s the way you feel about it…” he put the pitchfork down, and with mischief in his eyes, charged her, knocking her into the haystack behind her…They tumbled around a while, kissing and laughing…with hay falling everywhere…



“Well, at least you didn’t throw me in the manure pile…” she teased.



“Nah…I figure we’re both full of it enough already….”



“Cahhh – Hemmmm!!!!” came a cough from another direction…their ‘host’ was standing over them just a few feet away, having watched the whole incident from the other side of the barn.



“Hey bossman,” Sam smiled…not worried a bit how they’d just been ‘caught’…this was their vacation after all…



“Hey, your barn door’s open…” Kusa advised…he immediately checked his zipper…Kusa laughed…pointing behind him at the huge doorway he must have just walked in from…”Gotcha!!!”



The host just shook his head…”Bill warned me about you four…I knew these next few days were going to get crazy…but…I guess I should have paid more attention when he said “expect the unexpected…””



“Wait a minute….That’s Gimmick Infringement!!!!” Kusa shouted with a laugh…hearing how Bill was now using her own words against her…



“Anyway, you two get this mess cleaned up, and get the horses ready…We’ll be riding the cattle drive this afternoon…” and with that he stepped away, leaving the two lovebirds on their own…



Kusa’s expression silently changed…

”What’s wrong, Baby-girl???” Sam asked



“That’s the one part of this trip I haven’t been looking forward too…”



“What the cattle drive…C’mon…I’ve seen you eat a hamburger before!!!”



“Well, this is going to sound ridiculous…especially coming from me, but do you remember the movie “City Slickers”…well, I came out of that thing a SWORN VEGAN!!!! There was only one problem….”



“What’s that?”



“Fudruckers was right next door to the theater…”



With that confession, Sam fell deep into the haypuff with laughter…



“C’mon!!! It’s not funny…” She insisted…Throwing more hay on top of him till he was nearly buried…He was so busy laughing, he didn’t try to fight back…”Anyway…yeah, the Vegan thing was kinda busted…but that’s when I realized, it wasn’t the Cattle being drivin to…well…their end…that really bothered me so…but that Norman, the little calf Crystal’s character had taken care of since birth, could have been one of them….Haven’t touched a bite of veal since that day…or lamb for that matter…”



“Is that what you’re worried about…that you’re going to run into ‘poor little Norman’….” He teased…Kusa just sulked…she was half laughing at the ridiculousness of the story…but it was still true…



“Listen, Bill and Jackie told me all about it…You went to see it with THEM remember…” her eyes opened as she finally realized that little tidbit…and Jackie did love telling Sam all the embarrassing stories about her she could remember…How could she have passed up on this doosie! “Bill’s already made the herdboss promise to save all the calves and bring them back to the ranch…They may not stay forever young, but they’re sure not going to die that way…” Kusa pout began to turn back into a smiling blush…she should have known better….With the whole team on this, no way they’d let this dream turn into her nightmare…”Better now…?”



“Much…” she smiled, leaning down into where he was still laying, smoothing the hair, and hay, out of his face, and kissing him gently…”We’d better get back to work….”



“What do you mean ‘back’…lazy-girl???” he mocked…She pushed him and started to try and get up without him…Let him lay there…she finish this up...But Sam would have none of that and pulled her right back down…and they began to roll in the hay once more….


KA23

LOL Kus...knew you both would be rolling in the hay before long!!!

Well, you'll be relieved to know the cattle drive is just a pasture to pasture thing...no end of the road for this herd. Might not be able to get it up until late tonight. Totally swamped with work today and going out tonight...SO...later, much later. More horsing around, though from you and Sam...hee hee.

That man....on a mighty steed....


Trust me...I'd follow that horse's a$$ anywhere!!!!!


KA23

Dude ranch, eh? Now, if the ranch was being run by Sam Elliot... I just might have to show up...

Hey, I know how to muck stalls, trumble bales of hay and straw (which I had to go home and do at lunch time), and feed horses without grumbling.

Carry on, galpals... This one is fun...

(Speaking of Sam Elliot: I once touched a horse that he touched -- horse was in a movie with Mr. Elliot... Hey, it was a big deal to ME.)

Have a great weekend. I have to go home and muck a stall and feed a horse...

Remind me to add that to the Itenerary when we get home, Galpals!!!!

We've got ya now, CA ya (gonna be) trapped like a RAT!!!!!


KA23

Oooo, Sam Elliot has a great big old handlebar moustache...nice!!!



CA, I seriously considered pm'ing you to see if I had the stall cleaning correct...having never done it in my life!!! Found a nifty set of directions on google. Hope it was accurate. LOL You'll have to let me know if Maddie collects that straggler bull correctly, coming up...

And hey, CA, you can jump right in anytime and write a piece with Maddie, Kusa, Sam on the dude ranch...would love to read it!!!

“Well, this is going to sound ridiculous…especially coming from me, but do you remember the movie “City Slickers”…well, I came out of that thing a SWORN VEGAN!!!! There was only one problem….”

I thought this was really interesting and funny. You guys probably didn't know I'm a vegetarian.

Trinity, we will have to write that in with your character! You know you've been getting in a lot of trouble with the rest of us galpals on the thread lately, right?? LOL And we've kept you really tight with Nate lately, too...

Oowww" Gary jumps out of Fi's reach before she boxes his head again. "What was that for?"

She moves a couple steps closer and slaps at his head again. "For not listening to Debra, you screwed it up for all of us."

Gary takes a look at Michael and Deb power walking several yards in front of them, cooling down from the timed run, Michael and Fi were running with her, pushing her along and they actually ran 5 miles. "But we were told - - "He pauses; he was still trying to figure this outfit out, then unsuccessfully tries to change the subject. "She made good time - -.

"Yea, but you know how plans can change." Fi grumbles at him, not ready to change the subject, and clearly blaming him for this debacle. "What were you thinking, that if she was the only one who showed up that Michael would forget about it?"

"Well yea, and besides she would'a got in trouble and - - ."

"And what?"

Gary just shakes his head and takes off to catch up with Deb and Michael.

-

-

"Now" Michael addresses the quartet in the weight room. He knows Deb is angry and isolated from the rest of the group, so she'll be pushing her limits to prove herself and take out her anger on the machines. He's gonna use that to his advantage. "We're going to be measuring your body strength, arms and legs." He taunts her. "Let's see if those workouts have amounted to anything."

Even Fi tried to talk Michael out of his revenge vendetta. "Why are you picking on her?"

"I'm not picking on her." He glares at her with serious, cold eyes. "She is being tested like all the other agents before..and after her. Is it my fault she was the only one who showed up? I'm not going to let them get away with this. Mom and Kusa have been too soft on them. Trust me the others will get their due."

"So what if she didn't show up?" Fi argues.

"It wouldn't have changed a thing." He calmly replies. "They need to learn to follow rules.
-
-
"I can't believe it." Jen paces after she hears that Deb was having to go solo in the days training all because Gary was following rules and wouldn't be mislead from orders.

"You can't really blame him." Ric justifies his friends actions. "He's a by the book kinda guy." He pulls Jen back over to him. "We need to keep a low profile; Michael looked like he was going to spit nails when he glanced this way and saw you peering out the window."
-
-
At the end of the day a very tired and sore Deb is finally dismissed from the training. She showers, changes and makes her way to the hot tub for a long relaxing soak. She doesn't want to talk to anyone…she just wants to be alone...and the girls are respecting her wishes.

Michael has called a meeting of the absentee men to discuss the failure to follow through with the days schedule and to outline tomorrow's agenda.

"Care for company?" Gary smiles as he slides in the water.

"Go away" She answers without opening her eyes or moving toward him. He felt the temperature of the water rise about 20 degrees. "Shouldn't you be sucking up to Westen?"

Ouch, that stung. "Come on Debs, don't be mad at me." He apologizes as he moves closer to try and make amends. "I was just following orders."

"Did you see the rest of the guys 'following orders?'" She snaps.

"No, but -- you think I wanted you to be the only one out there?" He pauses to catch his thoughts. Sh has the right to be angry at being the scapegoat, honestly he didn't know it was gonna turn out like that. Michael and H had talked to the guys, who had agreed to stand behind them during this training exercise..then they go and bail…well heck he was tricked as well. "Look on the bright side, tomorrow is just classroom training, the rest of the girls will be there."

There is a long period of silence between them before he starts to make more conversation, but is cut off before he can start.

"Look I just want to relax and be alone for awhile; I'll talk to you later."

He gets the hint and gets out the water and heads back to his room. Only to be grabbed and dragged into a room to face the wrath of Jen, Di, Trinity and Gia

You work with animals.....that's great!!!! ( Just Kidding!)

Glad/hope you really did like it....That actually is a true story (and I still won't touch veal or lamb to this day)...I hope nobody took it as an insult....I respect the beliefs...they're just not mine

KA23

After the LAST TRAINING MISSION????? SOFT????????? (Heck, Phi's training alone is hard enough....She's a quiet one, but I swear that girl must be an ex DRILL SARGENT!!!!! I'll have to check her file again )



Eh boi....he's in for it now


Glad I'm 'outta town' for that one!!!!!


KA23

Michael found Gia in the kitchen making a snack for Ashley. "Hey Ashley!" He smiled at her, then turned "Gia, " and nodded his head at her, with a stern look.

"Oh Michael come on! You can't seriously be mad at me that H didnt help you today!" She said actually a little surprised, he was.

"Well, I just figured he wouldn't ....he wouldn't-" he was stammering a little....

"Choose your words carefully there buddy!" G said knowing full well he was about to make fun of her.

He just gave a half smile, "I didnt think he'd turn away from the job, that's all."

"Uh, he didnt. We dont work for you remember?" She said poking him with a spatula playfully. "And all I did was ask him to help me with Ashley. He very kindly obliged"

"Pssshh yeah right!"

She ignored his sarcasm, "You want a sandwich? Or there's blueberry yogurt?" She said taking a yogurt out of the fridge, because she already knew the answer.

"Thanks. You are going to be there tomorrow right? You told Kusa you'd assist in the classroom training. And I do appreciate you guys helping us!" He said changing from stern to gracious.

"Ya I'll be there, and I'm telling the girls you twisted my arm! That I didnt have a choice!"

"Whatever ya gotta do G. This is for the benefit of everyone. It's book stuff -no stress. Promise!"

"Ok. Yep book stuff." G said, thinking how much she hated teaching. That's why she refused that position back in Miami, couldnt do it, especially teaching your friends. That's just gonna make it weird. But, this was gonna be the fastest classroom teaching she ever did! Then maybe she can get Fi to get him to relax! For once!

Michael seeing her face, "What are ya thinking G?"

"Oh... just wondering how Kusa and Sam are, and the rest of them. Wondering if the ranch is relaxing?"

"Cattle round-up…hmph!" Maddie griped as she gingerly rose out of bed at six a.m. the next morning. "I'd like to round up all five of those girls and kick their sorry butts from here to Miami." Her body ached from head to toe, especially her legs and rear end. She could barely walk.

Virgil chuckled as he watched her hobble to the bathroom. She turned and gave him a scathing look. "We are not going anywhere, Virgil, and I mean anywhere until I've had a hot, scalding shower."

"Have it your way, Maddie, but we're supposed to be saddled up in forty-five minutes. I'm heading over for some breakfast. Want me to bring you some?"

"Coffee. Lots of coffee!" She shuffled on into the bathroom and slammed the door. Virgil grinned and headed outside.



An hour later Sam, Kusa, Phi, Barry, Virgil, and Maddie were making their way by horseback across the south pasture. They were accompanied by their host and a group of fifteen paniolos, Hawaiian cowboys. The extremely skilled paniolos were a dying breed on the islands. With former ranchland being sold to developers for golf courses and resorts, plus the popular current use of ATV's in cattle drives, the life of the traditional Hawaiian cowboy had come on hard times.

Paniolos, through the years, were known not only for their wrangling and roping styles, but also for keeping alive the tradition of Hawaiian music and culture. Their songs, often sung to slack-key guitars (ki ho'alu) were full of beautiful bell tones and sentiments expressing the experiences of the cowboys. It was traditional for paniolos to have a night of music and feasting after a cattle drive and that's exactly what Sam, Maddie, and the group were looking forward to that evening. If she survived the day, Maddie thought to herself.



Walking out to her horse that morning with Kusa and Phi following behind, the two suddenly flanked her. Both had noticed some unusual lumpiness in Maddie's posterior region.

"Uh…Maddie…looks like you have some junk in the trunk you ordinarily don't have," Kusa whispered to her in a low voice so the men wouldn't hear. "What have you got stuck in there?"

Maddie felt her rear end with her hands. "Oh that. Yeah, well, I stuffed my jeans with the thickest feminine pads I could find to cushion myself on the saddle today. I've got about a dozen of them in there. Why? Are they lumpy?" She tried to peer over her shoulder to see.

"Well…bootylicious is certainly the word that comes to mind," Kusa said with a laugh.

"Think our host will notice?" Maddie asked.

"It would be hard not to," Kusa remarked amusedly, eyebrows raised.

Maddie sighed. "Dad gum it! Well, stay behind me, Kusa, until I've mounted my horse. But I'm telling you, when it comes down to a choice between comfort and vanity today, it's comfort all the way on this one!" She strode on toward her horse, her backside mish-mashing all over the place.

Kusa looked at Phi and they both giggled, biting their lips trying not to laugh out loud. Phi knew she shouldn't, but she raised her digital camera anyway and took a couple of choice shots, giving Kusa a wink.




Maddie mounted her horse, a beautiful brown Appaloosa with white spots named Snowflake. Snowflake was a honey of a horse with quite an affectionate nature, but known to have a little of the devil in her, too. "Can't believe we have to spend an entire day moving silly cows from the south forty to the north forty!" Maddie grumbled. "Can't they just load 'em all in a big truck and drive them there?"

Kusa laughed. "We'd be missing out on all the fun that way." Maddie snorted as an answer. Snowflake followed suit and snorted, too.

"How's that extra padding working for you, Maddie?" Phi asked.

Maddie squished around in the saddle for a moment, trying to get the pads to settle comfortably. "Think I'm good," she said. Kusa and Phi exchanged a grin and went to mount their own horses.



Once the group and paniolos were assembled in the south pasture, their host began delegating tasks for rounding up the cattle to move them to the north pasture. He teamed each of Maddie's group individually with one of the experienced cowboys, dispatching them to collect stragglers.

Maddie, much to her delight, found that their host had teamed her up with himself. Her eyes radiated pleasure and her smile was frozen ear-to-ear. Virgil nudged his horse up next to hers. "Easy there, Maddie, I might get my feelings hurt, you know."

Maddie looked at him innocently. "Oh Virgil, don't be silly. He's just an experienced horseman is all and I sure the hell don't know what I'm doing!"

"Uh-huh," Virgil answered, rolling his eyes as he watched her gazing toward their host like a lovesick schoolgirl. He sighed softly and turned his horse to join his paniolo partner.

After a few more directives given to his cowhands, the host turned his attention to Maddie. "Ready to roll, Madeline?" he asked in that ever-calm manner of his.

"Definitely," Maddie smiled at him, although not entirely visualizing what he meant by that. She turned her horse and followed him out across the grassy pasture. After several minutes of riding, they came upon a straggler bull, at least a thousand muscled pounds worth, munching grass near the property line. The host brought his horse to a halt and Maddie did likewise.

"Okay, Madeline, here's what we're going to do here. We'll close in, then turn our horses as we pass his flanks, and trap him in a V between us. If he charges, just turn your horse and run. Got it?" He looked at her through his wraparound sunglasses, then reached up to adjust his black cowboy hat.

Maddie's eyes grew big and her stomach rose to her throat. "Yep," she gulped. She eyed the bull in absolute fear. The bull eyed her back, glaring stubbornly, displaying a definite attitude problem. Sort of like her agents back at the compound, the thought struck her. Those girls weren't gonna know what hit them when she returned home.




The Marlboro man began riding slowly toward the bull. Maddie, with extreme trepidation, followed, her eyes on the bull's curved two-foot long horns, imagining one of those gutting her and playing toss. She heard herself squeak fearfully.

The closer they got, the firmer the bull held his stance. As they flanked him, the massive animal snorted. Maddie closed her eyes in fear, holding onto the reins for dear life. It gave another little snort. "Hup!" the owner called. The bull meekly moved forward to join the rest of the herd.

Maddie let out a huge gasp of relief. "That's it? It was that easy?" she asked excitedly, trying to catch her breath.

"Just that easy," the host replied. "Oh yeah…guess I better tell you, he's not really a bull. He was castrated several weeks ago. He's a steer." He grinned at her, then turned his horse and trotted off.

Maddie sat there stunned for a moment. "Well, I'll be d*mned," she said. Shaking her head, both confused and amused, she followed after him.


tbc

(credit where credit is due...the river scene in this is adapted from a story Deb found... )



Once all of the cattle were rounded up, the drive began. For the next two hours, the cows, cowboys, wannabe cowboys and not-wannabe cowgirl headed north. In a small valley area they came upon a river leading down to the sea. Maddie's group was instructed on taking their feet out of the stirrups to keep them dry, should the water rise above the belly of the horse. Maddie, at this point, was following Virgil as he crossed the river. Again, she felt like closing her eyes, afraid the horse would lose its footing and dump her in the water.



As they neared the halfway point of the river, Maddie did indeed find the need to remove her feet from the stirrups and hold them up. It definitely set her off balance and she slid a little to one side of the saddle. Holding on tightly to the saddle's horn, she uprighted herself. They were almost across when Virgil suddenly lost his hat. It dropped into the water, floating back toward Maddie's mare.

Maddie, unsure of how to handle the situation, but wanting to help, held onto the horn with one hand and reached for the hat with the other. As she extended her body to retrieve the hat, Snowflake reached around on Maddie's other side and pushed on her stirrup-less foot, knocking her off into the water. Maddie screamed as she fell, splashing for all she was worth.

The mare, continuing on to the riverbank, appeared to be laughing. So were the people flocked around. Sam nearly fell off his horse, doubled over the horn with laughter. The paniolos within viewing distance also had a good chuckle out of it, speaking Hawaiian amongst themselves.

Virgil and Sam dismounted quickly and came to Maddie's rescue. As she sludged out of the water being aided by the two men, she used a few choice words. Kusa dismounted, too, and came to her side. She helped Maddie back toward her prankster horse, physically turning the woman's backside toward the horse protectively.

"What the hell, Kusa? I can manage myself, you know," Maddie said crossly.

"You're sagging, Maddie. All those pads! They must have swelled with water. Your derriere looks level to your knees right now," Kusa said, her words coming out in a rush.

"Well for pity's sake!" Maddie exclaimed. She tried to look at her rear end, but gave up and began pulling wet pads from her jeans. The paniolos had moved on by this time, but Virgil and Sam remained, stunned, yet chuckling as they watched pad after pad being pulled from Maddie's backside. Sam's shoulders were moving up and down uncontrollably as he tried to keep the laughter in. Kusa stepped over and elbowed him in the ribs. It was just then that their host rode up.

"My apologies for that, Madeline. We're almost to our stopping point for lunch. I've radioed for someone to bring you a change of clothes. They should be here by the time we get to the chuckwagon." He looked at the soggy mess of pads on the ground, which Maddie had tried to kick behind her when she saw him approaching.

He got the picture immediately. "Saddle sore, Madeline?" he asked, matter-of-factly. "You should have said something. I'll radio back and ask them to bring a tush cushion." He smiled calmly, turned his horse, and left.

"A TUSH CUSHION?!!" Maddie exclaimed, red as a beet. Her humiliation for the day was now complete.

Finally letting loose, Sam threw back his head and howled with laughter.


tbc

Unlike Maddie's day, Kusa's was going very well. She loved being back on a horse again, but more than that, she loved watching Sam on one. She watched him constantly, noting over and over again the extremely fine figure he cut while riding.







As she helped collect strays and herded cows throughout the day, her mind kept coming back to that stud of a man she married. Last night…playing sheriff and very naughty saloon girl? Well. The stuff romance books were made of. Very erotic romance books. The heat was rising and it wasn't just the outside temperature. She fanned herself trying to get some air.

The multiple rolls in the hay? Ahhhh, sheer bliss. She tried to get her mind on other things. She wondered what Ashley was doing at this moment. What were the girls up to? And what the…??? Looking ahead, she managed to guide her horse aside just in time before it stepped in the huge patty the cow up ahead had just laid.

Okay, back to more pleasant thoughts. Sam in the saddle. Mmmm….delicious. Somehow, someway she was going to have to try to get him aside when they stopped for lunch to have a little round-up of their own. Patience, Brandi, she told herself…patience.





Lunchtime was a western affair, complete with baked beans, salads, meats, and desserts. Maddie's clothes had arrived and she went behind the port-a-potty to change before eating. Phi and Kusa stuck to salads, but the men were digging in full-hog to all the goodies.


Kusa kept eyeing the fact that Sam was eating an incredible amount of those baked beans. If she was going to get a halfway pleasant love-in-the-afternoon interlude, she had to put her foot down immediately. She leaned over and whispered something in his ear. Sam's eyebrows shot up and he grinned. He took one more deliberate swallow of the beans, winked at her as she shot him a warning look, and then set his plate down.

Kusa stood and gathered both of their plates, nodding her head toward the treeline to the east. As she placed the used dishes in the designated plastic tubs, Sam came up behind her and grabbed her around the waist, kissing her neck. She took his hand and they scooted behind the chuckwagon together, then headed for the trees. They found a comfortable place and settled down.

"We better make this quick, darlin'," Sam told her. "The trailboss said we take off promptly on the hour."

"Well, if you hadn't been stuffing your face so doggone much, we could have had the entire hour," Kusa told him. "I'll make it worth your while, though, cowboy," she said with a seductive smile.



After some kissing, hand-pawing, and clothes strewn here and there, they settled down to business. It was heaven. Well, almost. Everything was going full steam when suddenly, Kusa slapped Sam's arm. "Stop that!" she said. "Right now! Ewwww!!"

"Baby, I'm sorry…can't help myself," Sam chuckled. "You know what happens when I eat those things. Try to ignore it, okay?"

"I DON'T think so!" Kusa said indignantly. "Sam, you've ruined it!"

"Brandi…baby girl…aw, come on!"

They heard the sound of a man clearing his throat. Startled, both Sam and Kusa looked up to see their host standing at the edge of the treeline, his back turned discreetly. "Excuse me, folks, we're saddling up now," he said. He headed back toward the horses.

Kusa slapped Sam's arm again, grabbed her clothing and began redressing. Sam, not knowing whether to laugh or console, did a little of both.

"I'll make up for it tonight, Brandi, angel-honey, I promise," he said. "How 'bout we play town preacher and schoolmarm?" Still seething, Kusa slugged his arm a good one...

Yeah I know I had a blast getting caught up in the story when I came back. I read it for a few hours straight. Ya know, I think that vegetarian thing would fit too. I recall someone mentioning me having hippie parents!

Well, Trinity, girl, you're just gonna have to jump back in here!! If you think you wanna do it, posts can be as long or as short as you want...no rules. (Except for killing each other's boyfriends or significant others. LOL...long story behind that ) A lot of times we work off of what another one has posted and other times we pm and try to build a story together. We always work off of crazy ideas, like now. So, if you're interested you can either just add something, or pm one of us or all of us for getting a story together. Sometimes just a couple of us work together on one, sometimes it's all of us...anyway, would love to see you back!!

[Hey Trinity- from one hippie to another - jump on in!!! it's a bunch of crazy fun! emphasis on crazy ]


.....the next morning.........

"Come on let's get going…. " H was hurrying her down the hallway. He had to push her along all morning. She didn't want to … but she promised Michael. She got up a lot during the night, checking on Ashley. She actually was getting attached to the little sweetie, she was only half joking when she said to H, maybe they shouldn't leave her with Fi, for the day. But she did and now…

"Open the door and just go in babe. You'll do fine." H said shoving her forward to the boardroom. She opened the door and saw that the room was empty. She turned excitedly thinking Michael changed his mind after all. But he entered the room just behind H.

"H. G. Ok we set for today?" Michael said placing some documents on the table.

"Yep. Going to go over gun maintenance, steps to spot a tail, and as you asked crime scene analysis. Sir, yes Sir!" G said, with added sarcasm, and a little salute.

Michael just shook his head, and chuckled. He patted H's arm in condolence. H just smiled, "Ok. I'll see you later." He kissed her cheek, turned adding "Later Mike."

After H left, Michael turned to her "G why you so upset? The girls are your pals. You are helping them. They will see it that way. And if they get upset. I will just tell them I made you. Ok?"

"Well it's the truth. And Mike bro, I am with ya you know that, right? It's just ..this is weird, these are my gals who I goof around with.... Also I am not good with public speaking either, no matter who it is. I dont do this in my job, cause I dont like it... I" She realized she was being a jerk, "Sorry, I am just a little crabby this morning. I need coffee."

Michael laughed again at her, then gave her his sesame street instructional voice, "Ok. I know these are your friends. They are mine too and Kusa's, but we are helping them. And I know you dont work for us but we do appreciate this! Ok?" She just nodded now laughing at his sarcasm. "Ok, you get settled and I'll get some coffee. No problem." He went off to the kitchen.

Now, G felt bad. He was always so kind to her and H. He has been like family. She needed to be less negative with him, and more of a help. She could do this successfully right? Sure!

Slowly the girls came in the room, each one groggier then the next. Everybody was yapping away, about the last couple of days, and what they thought the gang at the ranch were up to. After they took seats, G stood up and cleared her throat, looking down at her papers she started "Ok gals um, should we begin?"

G looked up from the paper, to a sea of gaping stares. She felt her face getting red, "Um, you guys! What? Do I have something on my face? My shirt?" She said, innocently looking down. Everybody started talking at the same time…

"No goofball. Are you really gonna talk?"
"Mike isn't here, so can't we talk about something good?"
"Oooh ya I know the new guy!"
"I should have had breakfast!"
"How about 23!"
"How long you and H together?"
"You think this room is bugged?"
"Shopping! Let's all go!"
"No one will know we left!"

The door opened suddenly, with Michael holding a pot of coffee and a bunch of cups. "Ladies! How we doing? Just checking in! You are listening right? G you ok?"

"Yep. All good. Just went over some minor things. We were having a little debate. Getting into the serious stuff now. You don't have to stay! Really!" Michael just nodded ok, and headed back out.

G had a feeling he'd be back shortly, or was listening, "Ok um shall we try again? And ya know he's coming back in here right? Cause I don't think he trusts me either! But... let's make it quick and you can say I went over everything? Ok?" She turned back and the stares were now smiles. She reached in her case and pulled out her gun…

"Geez G! Really we'll listen!!! Honest!!!" Jen yelps, holding up her hands in a fake surrender and laughing.

G burst out laughing. "No, he wants me to discuss gun maintenance with you guys! Oh boy I don't know if coffee is gonna cut it!" The gals start laughing.

They all got down to business. Looking through the papers G gave them, and watching her strip the gun down. For a little while …it was going good…..….

"Heard you screwed up man." Enrique teases Gary the next morning. "You two make up yet? "

"Nope, she hasn't said one word to me since she kicked me out of the hot tub last night." Gary slumps into the beach chair. "Man how was I to know?"

"They play by their own rules, we let them think they are in charge and we are here to serve and protect." Ric tries to hide a smirk. "Heard the girls had a few words with you."

"Is nothing secret around here?" Gary laughs trying to hide his embarrassment. "Oh yeah, they made it pretty clear that I screwed up and made them look bad."

"Yep." Ric and Enrique had gotten the detailed run down how on what was said... and done to him. "So how are you gonna make it up to them? Warning you now, it may cost a lot to get them to forgive you."

"They can't be that bad." Gary argues. He hasn't seen them do anything out of line. They even arranged that trip for the three couples. "I'll take them out for ice cream, shopping...something safe." For some reason he didn't want to be in the water with them.

"You haven't forgot about our bet have you?" Ric stares at him seriously. "We've got a timeline."

"Nah, just waiting for Mrs. Weston to get back, want to show her I can handle them."

"Keep telling yourself that." Enrique slaps him on the back as they head to the beach for some bikini watching and body surfing, and thinking about upping the ante on the bet.

"Come on." Deb pleads. "Let's be serious. The faster we get through the faster we can be on our own."

Jen and Di look at her like she's got three heads. Did something happen during training yesterday to make her change her attitude? That is something they would have to talk about later.

"Please." Deb asks again. "The quicker we get through this, the quicker he'll release us."

Jen, Di and Trinity nod slowly and turn their attention to Gia.

"Ok." Gia breathes again. "Any questions?"

Deb raises her hand…or more like waves it madly. "Ooohh Ooooh"

"Yes?" She was half-afraid of what the question was gonna be.

"When can we take a break? I gotta go." Deb asks as she crosses her legs and squirms in her seat.

"Me too." came the echoes around the room.

"What do you mean?" Gia looks at her watch. "We've only been in here 10 minutes."

Michael pokes his head back in at that point. "Everything ok?

"Yes Michael." Gia smiles. "Everything is fine."

He was definitely listening to what was going on, he was probably parked outside the door to make sure they didn't try to escape. Maybe she should mention they are hungry and see what he brings.

"Ok, you have pencils and paper in front you, I want you to take notes. There may be a quiz." While Gia was looking through her paperwork, she feels something fly by her ear; she looks up and gets a paper airplane right in the eye.

"I'm sorry." Trinity pipes up. "I was aiming for Deb."

"You were way off." Deb giggles as she launches another airplane from her fingers.

"Dogfight." Jen and Di call as they aim their planes at each other.

"How did you make yours so aerodynamic?"

"Can we draw symbols on ours?"

"Anybody got any crayons? I wanna put flames on mine."

"I got a lighter, that'll give 'em real flames."

Each time Michael checked in on them, they were sitting quietly while Gia was demonstrating something or they were having a lively discussion on merits and demerits of a certain procedure.

After the third time he walked in, G texted H asking…begging…. him to keep an eye on Michael and let her know when he was on the way to check on them, when she got the text they straightened up quickly. Though she did warn them to keep the giggles quieter after the door was shut when he left.

The only allowances that were made to be excused for was for Deb and Jen’s counseling sessions, after they were through Michael walked them right back to training.

Michael finally allowed them to break for lunch. "Everyone will meet me at 1300 hours in the lounge. No stragglers, and guys I hold you responsible for getting the ladies there, on time and dressed in sweats and tennis shoes."

Michael still hadn't said a word about them being absent the day before…or for sneaking out to the club that one night. They were waiting for the hammer to fall, but looks like he was going to make them wonder and wait.

"Again?"

"Haven't we been through enough?"

"Is this gonna take long? I've got an appointment to get my nails done."


Fi stares them down until they quit complaining. "Now that I have your attention we'll continue with what I was saying." Her voice calm as patronizing as a grade schoolteacher toward her students, who were dressed in baggy sweats and tennis shoes for comfort.

"Today we are going to work on non verbal communications. If you are in a situation where you can't verbally communicate with your partner or asset, you need a way to get their attention, not make it noticeable to others or to let others figure out what you're doing or on a job where silence and lack of motion is critical."

"You need to be able to read each others minds." Michael adds. "Coordinate with each other what signals are used for what purpose. Each scenario one of you will be in charge, you will read the card with the "assignment" and then, using non verbal communication, direct the rest of the group to complete your mission."

"Got it?"

Trinity is up first. She reads the card and makes a face. Then starts to point and snap her fingers.

"Foul" Fi blows her whistle and calls out. "You can't make any noise."

There are some non-verbal signals that don't need interpretation along with some that you really had to wonder what they were trying to say.

Then there were some moments that looked like the exercise evolved into a women's wrestling match, involving head butts, head locks, leg sweeps, arm twists and hair pulling. The players were getting conflicting signals and weren't paying attention to the leader... each player thought they knew what was going on.

They weren't trying to hurt each other...just get their point across. The card holder..i.e. ops leader...was trying to get them all in line and make them follow her directions. Surprisingly they still hadn't uttered a word, some grunts and moans maybe, but not a word.

"Shouldn't we stop them?" H, who walked in to observe asks Fi, as she and Gia sit in chairs observing them.

"No, I want to see them work this out. I feel there's been some tension building and they need to let off some steam and work it out."

Fi catches the shocked look H gives her. "Oh alright, if someone draws blood I'll make them stop."

During breaks they were coming up with, and agreeing to, consistent signals. And by the second round they worked smoother. That is until Gia switched things up on them. Assigned tasks in random order, only no one knew what the other was supposed to be doing, they had to figure it out by non-verbal actions. Every five minutes or so she had them switch cards...soon they would all know the routine...but until then push came to shove and they started wrestling again.

Michael shows up just before the next semi-wrestling match started, and when a stray shoe went flying barely hit H, they stepped back and Michael shook his head. "This is what we have to look forward to."

"They're a lively bunch aren't they Fi?" H comments while standing behind his own personal human shield, consisting of Gia.

"Yes, but they're getting the hang of it." Fi smiles at her trainees.