This is the story of how Toni came by her newest charge....

by Donna and Toni

It was late in the afternoon when Toni managed to get off work for her daily trip to the coffee shop. When she arrived, she smiled at Katherine and took her usual seat. Two tables over, Henry Jones Sr. was hiding behind a newspaper. It seemed like every time Toni came to "The Captain's Lady", the elder Jones was there.

During a break, Kat came over to say hi as usual. They shared a hug and kiss, and as Kat sat down with a decaf coffee, Toni asked, "Is it my imagination, or is Henry becoming a permanent figure here?" They both giggled, but not too loud so as not to make the man feel self-conscious.

Kat grinned, "Aye, Toni! Connor has to escort him out the door every day come closing time."

The paper lowered and the bearded face of Henry Sr. smiled back at them. "I heard that, Lady Katherine!" His voice was filled with humor and his eyes twinkled with mischief.

Toni blushed slightly, but it didn't seem to bother Henry that he'd heard her comment. On the contrary; he seemed to be enjoying it, as he also smiled a hello to Toni which she returned. He went back to his paper as the two women returned to their conversation. "He seems like such a sweet man.....much like my dad was. He got involved in everyone's business, which he thoroughly enjoyed; and though they grumbled about it, it was all done with love, and a smile and wink. He was very much missed when he passed away." She had to look down a moment, to blink back tears that still rose whenever she spoke of her beloved father.

Katherine placed her hand on Toni's shoulder in silent support and understanding. She appeared to be thinking of something, and then her face broke out in a bright smile. "You know Indy and Henry are going to need someone to keep them out of trouble, don't you? Well, I know for a fact Indy has someone considering being his OIC. But Henry still needs someone...", she said, leaving the possibility open.

Toni smiled as she caught Kat's idea, and asked softly, "That would be wonderful! It would be almost like having my dad back. But do you think he would go for it? I would never want to force him into something he might not be happy with," looking hopefully at her in spite of herself.

"Well, let us ask him then," Katherine said conspiratorially. Then the two ladies got up and sat down at the table with Henry, one on each side.

He immediately put the paper down and grinned happily. "And to what do I owe this wondrous pleasure?"

Kat just smiled back. "Henry, we decided you need to be adopted by one of our ladies here in town to help you stay out of trouble. Interested?"

"Oh my," Henry Sr. said. "That would indeed be marvelous. So when do I get to meet this lovely lady?"

Taking her famous courage in hand, Toni smiled a bit nervously, "If you wouldn't mind, Henry, I would like to become your OIC. I believe you've already met one of my charges, Hugh Fitzcairn; the owner and operator of the Bistro in the mall?" There was no way she was going to talk about her *other* charge; she rarely did, unless it was to discuss what he'd done now.

"Ah, Miss Toni! It would be an honor and a privilege to be considered your *charge*," he said gallantly, taking her hand and squeezing it gently. "And it would give me immense pleasure in getting to know both you and Mr. Fitzcairn better." His bright smile seemed to light up the room.

She let out a small breath she'd been unconsciously holding, and smiled, "Thank you, Henry. And I'm sure Fitz-that's what everyone calls him-will be glad to hear the news also." Things were looking up; she now had two wonderful charges!