What Should We Do?

"I'm free!" Lana shouted as Bridget, Finn, and his two cousins descended the stage stairs.

"We gotta check on Mom and Dad!" Lacey exclaimed, vaulting to her feet.

"No more jail; no more warden," Lana declared, shooting a cocky glare at her cousin as she moved more slowly than her sister to stand up in her tighter dress.

Cormac broke off his flirting with Skye. As he turned around to face his cousins, he noticed that Teresa, Bianca, Izzy, and Cadence had already vanished from the punishment table. He also caught Lana's cocky glare.

"You're not free. You're just out on bail," Cormac stated, earning a stuck-out tongue from the redhead. Then, with Lana scrambling away, he yelled a final threat. "I can and will lock you up again. Count on it!"

"Not much of a threat," Skye remarked.

"Huh?"

"I'm just saying that I bet Lana is the kind of girl who likes being tied up," Skye commented, smirking.

"Ugh! You're probably right."

"Well, this night has sucked," Whitney proclaimed grumpily. That earned a sympathetic pat on the back from Chastity, who had changed seats to sit next to Whitney. "So, it's time to have fun! Wanna dance, Sage?"

"Later, for sure. But I want to see my friends first," Sage replied, scanning the ballroom for her closest friends.

"Now, hold on a moment," Willow said, causing Whitney to pause and roll her eyes. "There will be no fast dancing for you tonight. You need to take it easy. I want you to take breaks and sit down every fifteen minutes. No chasing boys either. Perhaps a few slow dances will be alright, but I don't want--Whitney, are you listening to me?"

Rather than reply, the blonde teenager held the sides of her head while staring at her plate. Recognizing that his daughter's behavior would lead to a blowup with her mother, Harvey joined the conversation.

"Your mother is right, pumpkin. Take it slow and conserve your energy. If you blow through your stamina too fast, you'll end up napping on a table within a couple of hours."

"Yes, enjoy yourself while staying aware of your health. You've had quite a scare--" Graham began to add before he got cut off.

"She's had a scare?! What about us?" Frida shrieked, her eyes glistening. "My heart has never beat faster than the other day. You WILL take it slow, or I will personally find Bridget, Dr. Mayfield, or any other doctor to shut down your night. Got that?"

"Yes, Frida," Whitney replied with a sigh.

While Willow scowled over her daughter only listening to the family's chef, Harvey and Graham shared an amused grin. Without saying a word, the two brothers marveled at how much Frida sounded like her grandmother these days. Kind and friendly, their grandparents' housekeeper could give a solid tongue-lashing when they got too rowdy, which was often the case with Harvey.

"Yes, your health should always come first," Willow stated, attempting to regain her standing as the woman to listen to. "Remember that."

"I always make sure that I cum first," Whitney muttered.

It wasn't soft enough as Sage coughed up a bit of water. Worried that Willow might have heard, Sage decided that now was as good a time as any to find her friends.

"I think it would be best if we convene a meeting upstairs in my suite," Dalton suggested.

"Good idea. The latest developments call for one. Let me notify a few people," Graham replied, picking up his phone.

"Maybe a different suite would be a better idea," Harvey said before Graham could start sending messages. "Clive getting upgraded to a bigger suite without Dalton's knowledge appears even more suspicious. So it might be best not to hold a meeting for his defense in the same hotel owner's penthouse."

"Ours aren't any better, are they?' Graham questioned.

"I have an idea," Harvey responded, typing a message.

"Can I go now?" Whitney whined impatiently. "I want to check on Lacey."

"I think I'll join you," Willow remarked, scaring Whitney.

"No, that's--I have Chastity to watch me!"

"Not yet," a new voice stated. "I need to borrow Chastity for a little bit."

The table turned to see Bridget stop next to Whitney and Chastity's chairs. Immediately, Frida pounced from her seat to give the doctor another thankful hug for helping Whitney. Not having crossed paths this evening until now, the Pierces exchanged holiday greetings with Bridget while Willow's scowl deepened.

"Is everything alright? Do you need her help with Sean?" Harvey inquired, raising his daughter's alarm.

"Is Sean okay?!"

"He's fine. Don't worry," Bridget reassured, noting the speed and strength of the teen's concerns. "This is about what we discussed earlier in your suite." Then, turning toward the honey blonde receptionist, she asked," Did you add up your receipts?"

"Kitty whiskers," Chastity groaned, grabbing her small purse. "I have them here...somewhere."

Dalton and Harvey shared a knowing look.

"How much did you spend now, Chastity, and on what?" Harvey asked, sounding exasperated.

"She bought up all the local stock of Webster Whelan's books for the CSS," Bridget revealed. "Multiple boxes of them."

"I told Chastity that you'd pay her back for them--" Whitney told her father, who swiftly agreed.

"Of course."

"And I told Whitney that it's not necessary. I'll reimburse her for the cost," Bridget stated. Harvey, Graham, Dalton, and Imogen all disagreed at once, prompting Bridget to insist she would cover it. "This is for Cassie, and Webb is a family friend. Besides, I love Chastity's idea of handing them out to the small number of kids here tonight. I even thought that Webb could personally sign them for each child. I'm sure that he won't mind."

"That's a wonderful idea," Imogen commented before hesitating. "I'm sorry that I haven't been around to help, Bridget. We've, uh, had some family things to deal with. Although we don't have children's books at our company, I'll gladly use any of our contacts to see what other children's authors might be willing to donate to Cassandra's Story Society."

"Actually, I might have a solution that works better. We might not get very many donations, but if we can work out a discount rate, I'll gladly cover the cost of any books, including more of Mr. Whelan's. With Imogen's work in publishing, I think this would be a nice part of our family's legacy," Dalton offered.

After thanking him for the offer, Bridget noticed how the Pierces and Diamonds appeared uncomfortable with some aspect of what Dalton said. Partly wondering if they disliked the offer despite their enthusiastic responses, she told herself to ask Harvey or Graham about it later.

"Well, as I said, I'm going to borrow Chastity for a bit. I'd like her to meet a few people involved in the CSS," Bridget explained.

"Have fun, Chas," Whitney said. Then, standing up, she walked over to meet Ramsey, who had been heading her way. "Let's go check on Lace."

"That changes everything," Hillary Swift told her brother. "I can't stay out of the district attorney scandal if there is a competitive race. I need to check outside with Levi and call Dad."

"Do you want me to do anything?' Hearst questioned, sounding uneasy about the prospect. He'd never embraced the journalism side of the Daily Flyer, preferring to stay firmly on the business end.

"No, no, Levi and I should be able to handle the new developments. If not, then Dad can get over here."

"I hope these races don't get too nasty. Somebody always blames us for reporting the details, and we lose advertisers and subscribers," Hearst replied with a deep, worried sigh.

"You're kidding me? This is when it gets fun," Hillary replied, flashing a grin at her younger brother. That grin vanished when she turned around to find Ramsey and her friends gone. "Where did she go? We just went over that she needs to watch Reed."

"I don't need a babysitter!" her nephew screeched. Then, deciding to follow his cousin's lead, he hurried away from the table.

Samson O'Dell looked put out for being abandoned. Glancing at his best friend's family, Sammy took off running in the opposite direction.

"It's fine," Nancy said, attempting to calm her husband and sister-in-law down. "We don't need her to keep an eye on Reed for a couple of hours. Let Ramsey have a little fun."

"It's what she finds fun that worries me."

Hillary's concerns played out almost exactly as she feared. Near the exit to the restrooms, her daughter held a quick huddle with The Buzzy Bee staff.

"I don't care what my mom said; it's even more imperative that we get to the bottom of this attack on Mr. Stratton. That means we pause our other plans for the moment. We have leads to follow with Mr. Rusk and Mr. Laffont, revealing their intentions."

"Right. But don't forget about The Stinging Truth. How is it connected, and who is funding it?" Daisy reminded.

"Absolutely," Ramsey agreed. "And I think it's time to see if Odette can help us from the tech side for that. Also, you heard the message that my mom got from Levi. They're going to formally announce their candidacies outside the hotel shortly. So I want us out there monitoring it. However, I need to check on Lacey first."

"We completely understand," Daisy stated, speaking for herself, Dex, and Norah. "I want to identify and study their campaign staff, and I assume they'll be inside the warm lobby until the last second."

"Good idea. Maybe we should have Norah and Dex stand at the ends of the driveway to watch what's happening. Or we can send Dex out to the parking garage for a quick reconnaissance," Ramsey said, going through possible options.

"Actually, I thought Dex should stay in the ballroom. We could use a pair of eyes in here, and he could finally finish his interview with Zoey Gibble. It needs to happen tonight, Dex," Daisy warned her younger brother.

"Perhaps Dex can keep an eye on Austin as well. Your investigation into him could work in tandem with monitoring his father's mayoral campaign," Norah suggested, causing Dexter to groan.

"How much stuff do I have to do?' he asked in exasperation.

"Oh, do you want us to call Geoff and beg him to come down? We're all performing two or three jobs tonight," Daisy reminded sternly.

"Fine. I'll watch Austin and interview Zoey."

"And no roping in Seth to help," Daisy ordered.

"Okay, I'm off to check on Lacey. When I'm finished, I'll head outside to join Norah," Ramsey said.

"Your mom would be so proud of you. I know I am," Cecilia said between sobs as she hugged her grandson. Eventually, after breaking the hug, CeCe studied Finn's face with concern. "You know you can talk to us about anything, right? If the stress or memories...come talk to me."

"She's damn right. We know you have your friends and all of Cass's friends to go to, but we're here for you," her husband said, joining in. "Don't play tough guy and hold it in. You've always made wise choices...except for that one."

"Don't you get started on that again," CeCe scolded, wagging her finger.

"I'm just saying that boy should've never messed up a good thing that he had with her."

Sensing the opportunity, Finn escaped from his grandfather's ongoing complaints about Lana breaking up with him. Yet, he found himself going through several rounds of hugs and crying with his Uncle Sander, Aunt Cherry, Aunt Sybil, and Polly.

"And you two were adorable up there!" CeCe gushed, scooping Sanna and Serinda into her arms. "Just wonderful."

"Great job, kiddo!" Teddy Day praised, coming up behind Finn. Squeezing the young man's shoulders, he glanced over at his companion. "Geez, Nate, I think your buddy has way too much tension."

"What should we do about it?" Nate replied with a questioning smirk.

Barney noted the fake tenor of his voice. That raised his suspicions swiftly.

"I think we need to loosen Finn up with a stiff drink," Teddy declared. "He's had a rough time lately."

"I don't think that's appropriate, Ted," Sander responded.

"Dammit, Sandy, stop being a stick in the mud for once. I mean, even as a kid, you were way too uptight."

"I'm not uptight. I just don't want Finn dealing with stress the same way that Fred does."

"Finny is not his father. You know that. Besides, it's New Year's Eve!" Teddy proclaimed.

Grimacing, Sander looked around for support, but found it only from his wife, Cherry.

"I think it's a bad idea. Finn--"

"I think it's a great idea," CeCe declared, interrupting her son. "Oh, don't give me that look, Sandy. No one here is driving tonight."

"Thanks, Mrs. Bank. C'mon, kiddo, it's time for shots," Teddy announced, causing Sander to throw his hands up at his mother.

"Let's go, Barn," Nate ordered, kicking Barney's chair.

"Hold on a second," CeCe called, sharing brief eye contact with her husband.

"Finally, you get some sense--" Sander started before his mother cut him off again.

"Take Sandy with you. He needs to mellow out a little."

"Mother!"

"And get your mom a drink. You know what I like," CeCe ordered her son. "Also, bring Cherry back a glass of wine."

Sanna and Serinda giggled as their grandmother shot down their mom and dad's objections. That increased when their grandfather speculated that a more relaxed Finn might fix things with Lana.

"Oh, my! I love your bravery, Ramsey. That retro dress is fabulous."

"That's saying something," Whitney mumbled while Ramsey shared cheek kisses with the older woman.

"And you look like I expected tonight," the kindly grandmother remarked, her gaze taking in the high leg slit and how the dress clung to her bosom. "Breaking hearts again, dear?"

"Don't you know it, Grandma McCracken," Whitney replied.

"It's wonderful to see you, girls, again. Retirement opens up many travel options, but I miss home sometimes."

"And Lacey misses you," Ramsey told her friend's grandmother.

"I also hear that she's missing her manners, too," the redhead (dyed) clucked. "I expect it from Lana or Cadence, but Lacey is my good granddaughter. You know, I blame that Rusk boy for it. People don't see his true colors."

"Oh, we do, Grandma McK, we do," Whitney stated.

Ramsey frowned as she had thought the opposite until recent events.

"Unfortunately, I think Lacey will be with her parents for a little longer. Such a distressing situation," the older woman remarked, frowning. "How about you girls go run along and have a good time? I'll send my granddaughter your way once she's done."

"We can wait," Whitney countered, but Rachel's mother had a way of convincing people to do what she wanted.

Walking away, Whitney assumed that Ramsey would follow her to the cheerleader table. When she sensed her co-BFF's hesitancy, the cheerleader captain called her on it.

"I have to go help Norah with our story. But I guess that I could wait until--"

"Always with the damn newspaper articles. Can't you let go of that crap for one night? You're going to have fun my way if it--"

"We're going to investigate the attacks on Mr. Stratton."

"What?! Why the fuck didn't you say that in the first place?" Whitney demanded, throwing her hands out to her sides. "Are you going to take down Austin's dad? Do you want Rory to help? Oh! Do you want some of the Babybees to tail somebody? I can free up a few from Sean duty."

"NO! I mean, no thank you. My two sophomores are more than necessary," Ramsey insisted. She didn't want any cheerleaders near her work, especially Whitney's minions. "And Sean could use the help."

"It's not a big deal. I plan on passing Sean off to some older girls. You know, the ones that can do adult stuff with him," Whitney teased, winking.

"Um, okay. Well, I need to go find Norah," Ramsey responded, looking queasy at what Whitney implied. "Let me know when Lacey is free or if she needs anything."

"Clearing her dad's name is probably at the top of her wishlist," Whitney commented. "Kicking Austin to the curb should be up there, too."

"Wait, your father hasn't been on a date since last winter? What about the women I set him up with last summer?" Beverly questioned.

"Uh, they got canceled," Harley revealed.

"Canceled?! He told me he went on those two dates!" Bev exclaimed. "Oh, he's going to hear it from me. Where is your father?"

Sean groaned at Aunt Bev's behavior. He felt sorry for Harley and the grilling that his aunt put her through. While a couple of years apart, Beverly and Hayden Peel had been part of the same social circle in high school. Believing that Bridget had grossly overexaggerated Gemma Harlow's personality and faults, Bev had wholeheartedly supported Hayden's relationship with the ex-Sugarbee captain. However, once her younger sister's predictions came true, Bev felt obligated to fix her past mistake. Since his divorce, Hayden had fended off Bev's matchmaking attempts.

Usually, Kizzy would bail out her best friend during these moments. However, the other half of The Beal & Peel Team currently enjoyed her questioning from Sean's grandmother. Pepper wanted to know all sorts of things about the Babybees currently watching over her grandson and the varsity cheerleaders. As a former trauma nurse, Pepper surprised Sean with how she reacted when she found out the girls had classified themselves as his candy-stripers. Even Seamus seemed shocked by how hard his wife laughed upon learning that tidbit.

"Now you say you have an older sister in Sean's grade? And she's a cheerleader in a long-distance relationship?"

"That's correct, Mrs. Fallon. Katie's in so much denial about what Palmer does at college. Lupita — she's a former cheer captain — has been keeping an eye on him for the squad at Frontier A&M University. She regularly sends updates, but my sister won't believe anything unless there is hard evidence."

"Yes, that happens often. My husband could write a whole book on the number of spouses that, despite hiring him, live in denial until they see the pictures," Pepper recounted.

"Mom says that Katie's stubbornness comes from a fear of turning into her. That's just dumb, as Mom is the one who cheated on our dad," Kizzy revealed.

"Oh, well, I guess that's possible."

"Not really. Mom discovered that Uncle Bruce, Dad's brother, had a bigger package, so she decided to exchange brothers. So you can see how Katie's situation isn't even close to the same."

"Oh, my..."

"Sorry if I shocked you, Mrs. Fallon."

"No, no, I've heard far worse and crazier things," Pepper admitted. "How about if you introduce me to your sister later?"

"Cool. Katie could use an upgrade in Sean," Kizzy said, beaming at the thought.

Groaning, Sean turned his head to whisper to Peyton.

"Get me out of here."

"And piss off Grandma? No way. Besides, I'm about to run off and check on Lana," his older sister said with an apologetic look.

"Please, Pey, please!" Sean whined.

"Look, I'll do the best I can," Peyton replied, pulling out her phone. After typing a few quick words, she added, "It might not be much better, but it will get you and your caretakers away from Grandma and Bev."

"What? Who did--"

"Don't worry, Seanie. Your favorite aunt rides to the rescue," Brandy announced halfway to their table.

"Sean is not leaving this table until you return my daughter," Bev declared.

"Jesus, Bev, tone down the rhetoric. Mom, tell her that your grandchildren are not hostages to be exchanged," Brandy ordered, but didn't wait for a response. Then, tapping the two Babybees on the shoulders, she told them to get up. "I have questions about your intentions for my favorite nephew. Oops, no offense, Gino."

Bev attempted to argue further, but Seamus came to Brandy's defense and told Sean to flee while he had the chance. Garrison ensured Sean could escape by pushing his wheelchair halfway toward Brandy's table.

"C'mon, Seanie, with all this feminine attention, I'd better give you a refresher course on the birds and the bees," Brandy announced cheerily, causing Kizzy to giggle and Harley to blush.

"Oh, gawd, no," Sean moaned. "Mom already did that a few years back, and it was humiliating."

"Really? That's kinda late. She gave me mine when I barely hit puberty. They continued on an almost annual basis. Oh, but those later ones were often warnings," Brandy recounted before a mischievous grin appeared on her face. "Let's compare notes!"

Note: As you can tell this chapter turned into a transition one. Hadn't expected to need one, but after going through my notes, it felt necessary. The good news is that it sets up multiple chapters. So that busywork is out of the way.