Option #6


A recipe for disaster -- that’s what this was turning out to be. With a yelp of pain he dropped the pan of burnt cookies and dived for the faucet, sighing in relief as the cold cascade of water cooled the burn streak across his fingertips. Even his oven mitts weren’t cooperating, he thought, eyeing the gaping hole in one of them.

His latest baking spree had turned into a weekend long marathon, dotted with one disaster after another. In his estimation, sugar should not look exactly like salt. Accidents were bound to happen and he was sure he wasn't the first person to put a cup of salt into a batch of cookies. And who knew there were so many kinds of sugar anyway? Demerra, yellow, dark brown, fine, confectioner’s, cane…They looked different, felt different and definitely yielded different results when added to a batch of cookie dough. And since when did roll out cookies mean flattening out with a rolling pin, not rolling the dough into a ball? Or why hadn’t his mother warned him that baking soda and baking powder were not interchangeable? And that eggs came in different sizes but recipes didn’t specify which size was called for?

Head spinning, he muttered his exasperation in unflattering terms as he turned off the tap and set about cleaning the kitchen…again. He’d done little else the past two days and he was no closer to finding the perfect recipe, and the contest was this week! Cursing the collective bad luck of the ‘bullpen boys’ as Lucy had dubbed them he took out some of his frustration on the hapless charred remains of what were supposed to be his grandmother’s never-fail hermit cookies. He’d likely have to become a hermit after this fiasco was all over.

“Eleanor Rippendorf!” Her name rolled off his tongue like the vilest of oaths and he took great delight in upending the cookie tray into the garbage. If only Eleanor could be dismissed that easily.

She had cornered thier ususpecting group at a restaurant, just as she had in previous years, catching them unawares as they wolfed down a hasty lunch without the girls for protection. Sue and Lucy had gone to Charlie’s on some errand and Tara had been at an ill-timed dental appointment, which left the men of the team vulnerable to the attack.

Eleanor had swooped in, a chilling combination of coos and trills as she launched into her latest charity project. A celebrity bake off.

“That’s great, Eleanor, but we’re not celebrities,” he had pointed out with a false sense of relief.

“You are to me, fellas,” she’d said as she batted her eyelashes and pursed her lips. He’d known a moment of blind panic when he thought she was going to lean over and kiss him but D had deftly distracted her by lamenting his unavailability due to his married status.

“This time it doesn’t matter, handsome. We’re looking for the best cooks DC has to offer from all walks of life. I’ll put you in our Community Service Worker division. All we need from you is a plate of your very own home baked cookies and the recipe, written out in your own manly script. Our discerning judges…of which I am one…(twitter)…will provide the necessary tastebuds…(she rolled her tongue and poked it out the side of her mouth along with a suggestive wink)…We’ll decide who gets into the semi-finals. The finals take place on the Fourth of July when you’ll head up a hand-picked team to bake your cookies in our outdoor ovens and the public will decide who our top twelve winners will be. They win a page in our…Hunk of the Month calendar…photo and recipe included. All proceeds go to the children’s hospital…How can you say no to that?”

A hearty round of nays had echoed through the restaurant and that was that until the call came from upstairs. In the interest of improving public relations it was deemed beneficial for certain agents to volunteer their services to a charitable cause…

He’d been baking each weekend ever since and had yet to find an edible recipe and now time was running out.

Leaning against the counter, he sighed. How can I get out of this mess? Large hands unwittingly spread flour through his unruly hair. Rolling steel blue eyes heavenward, he mumbled a prayer. “I need some help!” Content that an answer would come, he went about cleaning his kitchen once more.

***

Yes, but who will help him?

Yep. That's the one.



Now that you know you made my day....how 'bout more of the story???? PLEASE!!!!

Blue eyes? Myles???

i'm guessing it's myles, can't wait for more

cath

***

Mildred Abernathy was bored. Her son was overseas and the Ladies’ Auxilary meeting wasn’t for another week. Dexa was in Florida, visiting her daughter. Lexie was in California, getting a tan. And her best friend, Aggie, was at a conference in Denver.

The genteel woman wandered restlessly around her kitchen, pulling open doors and drawers, waiting for inspiration to strike. Pans, racks, bowls...I could bake something...the boys always like my cookies. She reached for a bowl and began throwing ingredients together. Soon, the kitchen was filled with the smell of peanut butter goodness.

Chiming sounded not minutes later, as the oven declared the cookies done. Like clockwork, the door bell rang as well. Mildred smiled. Somehow, Alvin always knew when she was baking. “Door’s open, dear!”

The radio-jockey came trotting down the hallway. “You know me too well, Mrs. A.”

She patted his cheek, accepting his hug. “And you have never missed a batch, except when deployed. Have one?”

His grin revealed the little boy still residing in the grown man. With utmost care, he took the hot cookie and inhaled its luscious scent. “Nobody makes cookies like you, Mrs. A.”

Mildred smiled. “Maybe you’d like to take some of these back to HQ. I know the boys would like some. Make sure Bobby gets his share.”

Alvin choked on his bite. “Hawk didn’t tell you?” His brown eyes went wide at her frown.

“Tell me what?”

“Manning had to go back to his Fed unit.”

The older lady sighed. “No, Clayton didn’t tell me. When did this happen?”

“Just a few weeks ago. Trip made such a good recovery, we didn’t have time to think of a good way to keep him re-assigned.” He wiped his hand on his pants before leaning against the counter. “I sorta miss the big guy being around. He and Wreck kept us entertained.”

“I’m sure those two were a pair,” replied Mildred. She paused in her thought, mind beginning to form a plan. “I know where he lives in DC. Would Lance be available to drive me?”

“He’s out right now. I can take you.”

“Good boy.” She pinched his cheek. “Let me get my coat.”

***

bobby is in for a surprise

cath

This is me partying before school's out because a little cherub told me that you had started posting a new story. You've made my day.... I'm guessing Mister Steel Blue Eyes isn't one of our team members...he's one of your guys, isn't he?

kav

Okay so you posted while I posted and it is Bobby with the steely blue eyes who is in a conundrum! And Mrs. Abernathy is back!!!!!!!! I'm so excited I could just you!

kav

You've got them all here!!! (in name, anyway!). I mean, when I read "Trip," I got excited. When I read "Wreck," I got even more excited....and of course, right from the start, Mrs. A.........well, what can I say but Hot Diggidy Dog!!!

Now.....refresh my memory. Do I know Alvin?

Who cares? It's gonna be a GREAT story!

Jill

Great start...looking forward to more!

That was one busy cherub as it flew over here to tell me as well!

Such a treat as we have yet another canceled baseball game and yet I'm still so very entertained.

Glad you haven't had to build your own Ark! (Or if you have you're wireless service is great).

I thought Mrs. A sounded familiar.... she's the lady who helped Bobby with a challenge of some sort, right? A challenge that involved Bobby dressing up as a woman? Anyway, this sounds like a great start! Can't wait to read more! (hint, wink, nudge)

Oh yes..............and that was quite the scene!!!! Can't wait to see those two reunite!!!!!

Jill

I'm very interested in seeing where this is going to go

More please!

Oh, I remember Mrs. A very well!! And Trip and Wreck!! I can't wait, Trece!!!

Joy

Mrs A is so sweet !

Yes, Mrs. Abernathy just had to make a return appearance. Knowing her and the "boys" she loves so much, it will be a ride...

***

Bobby was up to his elbows in suds. Some of the burnt cookies just didn’t want to come off of his non-stick pans. With a growl, he renewed his efforts to scrub the charcoal-like remnants into oblivion. The door buzzer sounded, breaking his concentration.

Grabbing the only dry towel left in the kitchen, he stomped to the peephole. A split second later, the door was open and he greeted his guests with a dazzling grin. “Mi’lady!” Long arms wrapped the genteel woman in a massive hug, giving her a slight twirl.

“Oh, Robert, you charmer, put me down ” She flushed a beautiful pink as she patted his dimpled cheek. “I just found out about your transfer and wanted to bring you some home-baked cookies.”

Alvin stepped forward, not minding that he’d been over-looked. Being picked up and whirled about by the tall Aussie wasn’t high on his list of things to do. “We saved you a few, Crash.”

Bobby shook the man’s hand. “Good to see you, Breaker.” He swiped the box from his friend and lifted the lid. Inhaling, he gave a soft moan. “Do they taste as good as they smell?”

“Better,” replied Alvin.

Mildred watched the men divvy up the cookies and practically swallow them whole. “Boys, did your mothers teach you to do that?” Her good-natured smile belied the scold.

“No, but the guys in the unit did.” Bobby wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. “I wish I knew your secret. I could use a recipe like this to get out of a spot of trouble at work.”

“You never quit, do ya, Crash? Wha’d ya do now?” Breaker made his way to the kitchen, searching for milk. A folded paper landed on the counter next to him as he poured a glass. “What’s this?”

“Read it and see.”

Taking a seat, the radio-jockey perused the flyer, glancing at his friend time-to-time. “I don’t see the big deal.”

“Mate, this Eleanor Rippendorf is harder to avoid than Beach on a PT tear. I swear, she’s like a female piranha with legs.” Bobby’s look of utter befuddlement had both his guests chuckling.

“Surely, Robert, you can come up with something to present?”

His only response was to gesture at the mostly clean kitchen, then point to the full trash can.

“I see.” Mildred pursed her lips, a plan forming. “Well, dear boy, I think help has arrived.”

***

So could I have some cookies too?

I won't twirl Breaker or Mrs. A, in fact I will just sit quietly in my corner, content to eat my cookies and watch this play out.

Very vivid description

I think it describes her quite accurately!!!

Jill

Ha! Ha! If his name was Alvina it would be!

Loved the description of Eleanor, and perfect the way Bobby militarized (is that a word) the whole bake off situation. But now he as a commander in chief who can help him...and Mrs. A can fight the boredoms. Though it sounds like Bobby's going to have to go out and buy a few more cookie sheets first.

kav

I soo agree!!! Perfect description on her!!!!

***

“First off, let me take inventory of what you have left,” Mildred spoke as she opened and closed Bobby’s cabinet doors with the practice of one who had open and closed many a door. Her ‘hmmming’ and ‘oooommming’ had both men watching closely. They could see where Hawk got his tactical thinking skills.

She came to sit at the table, pen and pad in hand. “Here’s what we do. I’ll gather what’s left and organize. You two go to the grocery and get everything on this list.” Jotting down a few items, Mildred handed it to Bobby.

He couldn’t hide his look of surprise. “That’s all I need to get?” he sputtered, waving a hand at the haphazard pile of recipe books.

“Yes, Robert. My recipe is quite simple and works when you have the right reason for it to.” She shooed them away, busying herself with the kitchen.

Alvin led the way to the car, Bobby close behind. The grocery was near-by, relatively speaking, and the pair found everything on the list. There was one small argument over what kind of molasses they should choose, but they wound up buying both kinds.

Hefting the bags out to the car, the tall Aussie poked his friend. “How’d you end up with the Mrs.?”

“I always know when she bakes. It’s like Spidey-cookie radar sense.” Alvin popped the gum he was chewing. “Mrs. A is a character. She’s like a mom to most of the guys.” They plopped the bags in the trunk and made the return trip.

Bobby opened his apartment door to the smell of cinnamon cloves. “Smells like Christmas, mate,” he grinned.

“Do come in, dear boys, and bring the ingredients, please.” Mildred was standing in a clean kitchen, bowls and measures laid out with Army precision. “And now, you need to wash your hands before we get started.”

When Breaker protested, he received a stern stare. “Alvin Kibbey, you wash your hands right now, or no cookies for you!”

“Yes, ma’am,” he replied meekly.

“But mi’lady, I’m supposed to bake them myself.” Bobby tried not to look concerned.

Mildred laughed. “Pish-tosh. We can do a few practice runs and send them to the base with Alvin. Then you can take yours to work. I know you’ll get the hang of this double quick.”

***

A/N: I need some help, peeps. Could a few of you familiar with Eleanor's character please PM with some personality and physical characteristics, as well as the actress' name so I can pin this chica down to a T? I have something special in mind for the lady pirahna....BWAHAHAHAHAHAHa!

Trece I was reading and a brief ray of sunshine came thru the window. It is gone now but I hope it made it to your neck of the woods as well!

Maybe I should bake cookies since its rainy...

Gotta love a guy with spidey-cookie radar! He'll find himself a wife with that!

Jill

Trece did the wireless internet on the Ark fail?

Female piranah with legs.... Perfect discription.

Poor Bobby. I he's not the only one who got suckered into it. I mean, D and Myles and Jack did too, right?

I'm glad Bobby's getting some help with his baking.

Thoroughly enjoying this so far...
Need to go and get aquainted with the new characters... but I'm supposed to be writing/editing the next bit of mine... ahhh, reading's more fun!
*eclipsse sidles off to the other side of the site*

me too...I'll do some research and see what I can find for you Tracebo:)

Do your children possess the same sixth sense?

kav

Mrs. A to the rescue!! Bobby certainly has Eleanor down to a T!!!

Joy

Sorry for the delay. I had to find a picture of Eleanor and get some description. Which, a big thanks to Janet for the info. Awesome!

And because it's the Fourth of July, DOUBLE POST!!"

***

Alvin walked into the Common Room carrying a large box.

“You’ve got cookies ” cried Lance. The burly driver bounced on his toes. “Guys, Breaker’s got the goods ”

Immediately, a crowd gathered around. Alvin grinned as he opened the box. “Yep, Mrs. A and Crash send their regards to all of you.”

Hands reached for the homemade goodness and soon, sounds of delight were heard.

“Man, this tastes like Momma usta make.”

“I think I’m in love.”

“Ain’ you gon’ take m’last cookie, mon frere...I beat you.”

Top walked in as Wreck dove in for his third helping. “Um, Sarge, you want one?” He held out the round wonder.

Conrad Hauser laughed at the sailor. “Thanks, but no. Roadblock might never forgive me if I get my goods from the black market.”

“Oh, I don’t know, Top. You can one or two, as long as you stop,” grinned the big gunner. As resident chef, he had followed the smell to the Room. “And if you share, I’ll let you have two pair.”

“So, what’s the deal with the goods, Breaker?” Trip tossed the remnant of his cookie in the air, catching it in his mouth and falling backwards out of his chair with a thud. “Owwww...”

“Easy, man. We just got you back on plan. You tryin’ to be dyin’?” Block helped ease the demolitions expert upright.

“Yeah, Break, what’s the scoop?” Wreck lounged against the back of one of the couches, munching away.

“Seems like Crash got wrangled into a charity event by some man-eater. He had to bake his own cookies for the initial taste test. Mrs. A happened to arrive on scene with yours truly and we got him squared away.”

Block snorted. “I’ve seen you in the kitchen. And someone usually needs stitchin’.”

“Hey, I helped keep things clean. Mrs. A is tougher than Hawk when it comes to cooking.” Alvin absently rubbed his elbow, drawing Top’s attention.

“And that?” The sergeant smirked at his radio man.

“Burned myself on the oven door, okay? Geez, I bring you gifts and you torture me. Fine. See if I spill on the major details of the cookie eating contest...” He dusted his hands of the whole room.

Wreck went to his knees. “Aw, come on, B. You know we still love you, man.”

The radio-jockey stopped at the door. “Actually, guys, I swore to Mrs. A not to tell you anything more than what I’ve told you.” His voice dropped to a stage whisper. “She’s got a plan cooking and wants to get the tactical layout done before recruiting her helpers.” He slipped into the hallway, a chorus of “Oooooos” following him out the door.

***

As to Spidey-cookie radar sense, my kids have candy-soda-chip sense. Kinda scary when they all come running to the kitchen when someone opens a can of soda...

***

“Hello? Dexie? Good. I know you are on the board of the Children’s Hospital Fund-raising committee. Hon, I need a favor. I need to be one of the supervisors for the Cookie Bake-Off. No, not a judge. I can’t be impartial. Why? Remember Robert? He’s slated to enter. Yes, I know. I just want to be on hand to keep reign on some of the judges. Alice Rippendorf’s daughter is one. Yes, THAT daughter. I know! Some one has to protect those poor boys. You will? Thank you so much, dear. I know. I’ll talk to you later. Bye.”

“This is Mrs. Abernathy. Please connect me to Sgt. Hauser’s office. Thank you. Hello, Conrad? This is Mildred Abernathy. Yes, I’m fine, dear. Did you get any cookies? You did? Wonderful. Listen, dear, I might need a favor. Oh, don’t say that, dear. You know I’ll take you up on it. Well, this might qualify. Can I borrow Lance and Wayne on the Fourth for a charity event? Poor Robert is in this cookie bake-off contest. I know he’s going to go to the finals and I need some extra protection for him on that day. Now, dear, I can’t tell you my reasons. Need to know and all that, right? I knew you’d see it my way. Of course. All of the unit is invited for the fun. Yes, I’ll send you the details as they come along. Yes, dear. I will. Good-bye.”

***

This might be taking 'to serve and protect' way out of proportion, but Eleanor's no ordinary woman. They'll need all the protection they can get!

So true!

Oh, this is gonna be fun!!! Glad the info helped, and like you said, Trece, Mrs. A. ROCKS!!!

Let the games begin!

I love that Mrs. A couldn't be objective so she couldn't judge! Looking forward to the contest.

How very very true!

I love that Mrs. A knows exactly who Eleanor is and what needs to be done!!!

Joy

Oh, wow, I'm loving how this is shaping up! Can't wait to see what happens next!

Well, Trece, I guess you can just stand on your back porch and pop open a soda can and all your kids will come running! Beats hollering all their names over and over again! I can't wait to see what Mrs. A has up her sleeve. Too funny!

kav

Let the games begin!!!

Oops.....baking....

Whatever. With Mrs. A at the helm, it's gonna be great!!!

Jill

Yah, those big strong super special agents need all the protection they can get, because Quantico obviously lacked training when it came to fending off Eleanor

***

Bobby Manning sat in D’s office, guarding his cookies. Several times, agents from every level had tried to waylay him, causing him to be late to his meeting with his one-time supervisor. Even now, Dimtrius had his eyes fixed on the box in the Aussie’s lap. “Oh, not you, too!”

D grinned slyly. “I know better than to ask for one of those, but could I have the recipe? Donna loves peanut butter cookies...”

“No problem, mate.” He pulled a copy from his jacket pocket. “Just hide it before the Ripper comes.”

A golden band flashed in the light. “She can’t touch me, brother.”

Bobby considered sticking out his tongue, then thought better of it. “You know if Myles’ group came up with anything good?”

“Yeah, Thompkin emailed me earlier. Seems our favorite Einstein with a spatula arrived with cinnamon-cherry snickerdoodles or something like that.”

Burying his head in his hands, the Aussie mumbled, “I don’t really want to win.”

“Don’t worry. The Feds are boasting at least two other teams for entries. There’s a good statistical chance you won’t make it past the first round.” D leaned back in his chair, waiting for the reaction.

Right on cue, Bobby straightened. “I don’t want to lose, either.”

“That’s the spirit.” He rose and crossed to the door. “Now, get those delivered before someone commits a crime to get one.”

“Yes, sir!” Tossing off a smart salute, Special Agent Manning marched off to face his doom.

***

This cracks me up. In all his wildest dreams did Bobby ever think that all that Quantico training prepared him for this kind of covort operation? Guarding cookies!

kav

What exactly do you want then Bobby?

He made peanut butter cookies? With molasses in them? Can I have this recipe? Maybe Eleanor is allergic to peanut butter! That might be bad though she might require first aid, an epi pen and mouth to mouth - EWWW!

Also the cinnamon cherry snickerdoodles sound good. I think I will go bake something since its too hot to garden.

Sorry to tell you that, Bobby, but in this case, you cannot have it both ways