"Who?"

"My cousin Sammy. She had twins a few weeks ago so I try to visit as often as I can."

"When are you going?"

Alice looked at her watch. "In another twenty minutes or so," she replied.

"Fine with me. I'll set up the thing with Tony."

Alice nodded. "How long do you think that will take? Would you like to go to dinner tonight or should I make us something?"

"I don't know how long it'll take. But I'll take you out to dinner tonight." Joe said. "I know a little place in Chinatown."

She smiled and walked over to him. "Then I look forward to dinner."

(GIGGLE GIGGLE)

(Shall we cut to Chinatown?)

((Not just yet. Alice really does have to go visit her cousin.))

(Alright.)

"Well, I've got to get going." Joe said, pulling on his trench and fedora. "I'll see you later, Alice."

((To Chinatown))

Alice watched Joe leave and then grabbed her bag. She headed in the opposite direction that Joe had gone.

((To Holden Home))

((From Chinatown))

Alice walked into the detective agency right before it started to rain outside. Then she turned to look at Joe. "Well, that was exciting."

"About as exciting as shoveling manure." Joe replied. "Ow, Lord, I'm dying. Shot in the leg, beat up, falling through a floor, falling into a car from three stories up, crashing through the window of city hall - but best of all, starting a war with the Tongs? I'd say I've had a pretty swell day."

"Oh, and not to mention being bit by a poisonous snake."

"And I climbed down one building, ran through the streets, and then climbed up and down yet another building, plus the crazy car ride and crash. But we are both alive and I am entirely grateful for that. I meant it when I said that I didn't want to lose you again."

"Thank you. But you might, if the poison spreads quickly."

"When were you bit by a poisonous snake?" she asked. "Why didn't you say anything when we were at the hospital?"

"It's too embarrassing." Joe said. "But you're going to have to suck it out."

"I'm sure the doctors have seen it before." She sighed. "Fine, where were you bit?"

"Well," Joe said with a grin, "the snake bit my snake."

Alice just stared at him for a few moments. "Are you being completely serious? Because if you aren't then I..." She paused. "Joe, I've never...dealt with anything like that."

"Relax. I'm kidding." Joe said. "You won't have to, yet."

She did in fact relax. "I don't plan to until my wedding night."

"You mean you've never-"

She shook her head. "No," she answered simply. "Why would I?"

"Wow."

"What?"

"No, I beg your pardon. I simply don't see how it hasn't happened. My apologies."

• Forums are not to be used to post stories.
• All forum posts must be suitable for teens.
• The owner and moderators of this forum are solely responsible for the content posted within this area.
• All forum abuse must be reported to the moderators.