99 paced the floor of their apartment by the bar . . . back and forth, back and forth. Every so often she glanced at the clock and then at the front door. Where was he? She prayed he hadn't stopped at headquarters on his way home. He usually didn't, but seeing how the day had gone so far, she wouldn't have been surprised if he had. The door suddenly opened, making her jump. Max entered, dropped his suitcase and called out to her.

"99!!"

"Right here, Max."

Max bounded up the steps, grabbed her in a bear hug and kissed her. She hugged him tightly.

"Where are the twins?"

"They're spending the week with my Mom."

"Really?" he grinned. "All week? In Idaho or her apartment here?”

“Idaho.”

"What brought this on?"

She shrugged, “I told her the twins had been wanting to go to the farm again, so they flew out early this afternoon.” She said, looking at the floor.

“99 . . . “ he hesitated, something was very wrong. "I'm gonna change, be right back."

Max went upstairs and quickly changed. When he got back downstairs, 99 was sitting at the bar, two drinks in front of her.

"A celebration drink?" he asked hopefully, knowing it wasn‘t.

"I wish it was," she replied.

"99 . . . what's going on?" he asked, concerned.

She handed him one of the drinks.

"Drink this," she said.

"Okay . . . " he said, downing it, "It’s that bad?"

"Yes. Max . . . I love you."

"I love you too, 99. What‘s wrong?"

"I have something to tell you."

He frowned. 99's face was pale. He reached out, gently caressed her cheek, then put the hand on her shoulder and waited for her to speak.

"Max . . ." she took a deep breath. "Max, the Chief died this afternoon."

"What??!!" He felt his stomach drop.

"Larabee and I were in his office discussing some changes in the handbook with him. He looked pretty tired, so I suggested that we lay off and continue tomorrow. Suprisingly, he agreed. When we got up to leave, he collapsed." 99 was rambling, her words running over each other. "Larabee called for the Control doctor and an ambulance. I told him to lay still, help was on it's way. He took my hand and told me to tell you he loved you . . . that you were the son he never had. He said he loved both of us , that he had always been so proud of the way we handled our assignments . . . " She paused to take a breath. "Then he just . . . died." She threw her arms around Max, buried her head on his shoulder and wept. Max held her tightly, his mind racing.

"It was his heart, wasn't it?"

99 looked at him, tears were running down his cheeks.

"Yes,” she said, “but how . . . "

"About six months ago he told me he was having arrhythmia problems and his doctor had put him on some medication. I told him he better take it easy and he did slack off for a while . . . but pretty soon he was back at his same old routine."

"Why didn't you tell me, Max?"

"He didn't want you to worry, so he made me promise. He was also afraid if the powers that be found out, they’d make him retire,” Max said softly. He touched her face. “It’s been really hard for me . . . it made me feel like, well, like I was lying to you for the last six months. 99, I'm so sorry.”

"Oh, Max . . . it doesn't matter, you were just doing what he asked.” she said, grabbing a handful of tissues and wiping at their eyes.

“Max, remember, the Chief asked me to be executor of his will.”

“I remember . . . “

“Well . . . I’ve called a meeting of all the department heads tomorrow to discuss the funeral arrangements."

“Why?”

“Everyone thought so highly of him, I thought it would be nice if everyone had some input.”

“Oh . . .” He put an arm around her. “It must have been awful for you today, I wish I could have been here.”

“I know, but you were on a case.”

“I’m head of the agents section, so I have to be there tomorrow.”

“You’d be there anyway . . . I need you with me. Max?”

“Yes?”

“He left everything to us. Everything. Except for a $10,000 bond for my Mom and another in the same amount for Larabee.”

She picked up a large envelope and pulled out the will.

“You want to take a look?”

“No!”

“What’s the matter?”

“I don’t care about the money or anything else he left us.”

She studied him for a moment, a worried look on her face.

“I didn’t mean that the way it sounded, 99. He lowered his head. “I’m going to miss him . . . I loved him.”

“I loved him too. Max, I’m so tired, I’m going to bed.”

“You must be, I’m tired too. It’s gonna be a long day tomorrow.”

They walked about the apartment . . . an evening ritual of checking the doors and windows. After making sure everything was secure, they went upstairs.

99 took a fast shower. When she came out, Max was staring out the window. He turned as she entered the room and smiled at her.

“You look like you feel a bit better . . . think I’ll take one too.”

99 propped the pillows up on the bed, turned on the TV and flipped through the guide. She discovered “Key Largo” was coming on in a few minutes, so she stuck her head in the bathroom and told Max. They spent the next couple hours watching Bogie and Bacall. “Dracula” came on after “Key Largo“, and since they couldn’t sleep, they spent time mimicking the lines along with the actors. They finally shut the set off at 3:00 AM, exhausted, knowing that the rest of the day was going to be a very tough.

The constant arguments, name calling and shouting were driving 99 insane. She sat at the Chief’s desk, her chin cupped in the palm of her hand and watched as the department heads flailed away at each other.

“I should be chief!” Carlson charged.

“Why?” Larabee shouted back.

“Because I’m head of the Lab Section.”

“SO? What does that mean?” Larabee asked. “I’m head of the Document Section . . . and I’ve been the Chief‘s assistant for years.”

“HA! All you do is shuffle papers!”

Larabee stuck out his tongue at him.

“Well . . . I’m head of the Field Agents section and I think we need some fresh air in this organization.” 13 countered.

“Oh, this is ridiculous!” 99 said, throwing down her pen.

The only person not saying anything was Max. He sat in a chair by the desk, slowly spinning a quarter on the desktop. 99 looked over at him, surprised he wasn’t saying anything. She caught his eye. He gave her a wry smile and stood up.

“Here it comes,” 99 thought.

“SHUT UP!!” Max yelled, slamming his fist down on the desk, sending an empty ashtray flipping across the room.

Everyone fell silent.

“I’ll never take orders from an incompetent idiot like you, Smart,” Carlson said.

Max sighed, shook his head, “Carlson . . . you’re the idiot.”

“You’re calling me an idiot? That’s the pot calling the kettle black.”

“Listen, you moron, we’ve got a serious situation here and you’re on a power trip. Why don’t you stop yelling and arguing and talk decently? You’re upsetting everyone. Besides, there’s only one person qualified to take over for the Chief.”

“Who . . . You?” Carlson sneered.

“No . . . Larabee.”

“What?” Everyone said in unison.

“You heard me.”

“Why? He’s hardly “chief” material,” Carlson said sarcastically.

“Why? He’s hardly “chief” material,” Max mimicked. He turned to 99, “And he calls me an idiot.”

He turned back to Carlson, “Because, fool, Larabee’s been the Chief’s right hand man for years. He knows where everything is and what everything does. Do you?”

“No,” Carlson said reluctantly.

“Then shut up.”

Carlson glared at him. Max glared back. He looked over and saw that 13, surprisingly, was nodding in agreement. But Larabee, staring at the floor, said quietly, “Not me.”

The Hot Line rang. They all jumped, then stared at it as if it were about to explode. 99 reached over and answered.

“Control headquarters, 99 speaking.” There was a slight pause. “Yes, Mr. President. Let me put you on speaker. I have all the department heads here with me.”

The President’s voice came through the speaker, “I’ve picked a successor for Thaddeus. Agent 86, I want you to take over.”

Max’s jaw dropped.

“Me, sir? Don’t you think Larabee would be the better choice?”

“No. You have seniority.”

“Yes, sir.”

“The Vice-President will be attending the funeral. When you get the arrangements settled, will you get in touch with him?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Pick up the phone and shut off the speaker please.”

Max picked up the phone and listened for several long minutes, occasionally nodding.

“Okay. Yes, sir. I understand. Good-by, sir.” He hung up.

Carlson, furious, came toward the desk.

“The last thing we need is you as chief. Why you‘re still with this organization in the first place is a mystery to me, I would have fired you years ago.”

99, exhausted from too little sleep and the constant bickering, suddenly exploded, “Will you please shut up!” 99 snapped, rising from her chair. “The President has made his decision.”

“A wrong decision.” Carlson muttered.

99 was absolutely livid. “Carlson, I know you don’t like Max, you never have. Neither of us have ever really cared what you think . . . but if you don’t leave him alone, I’m personally going to throw your stupid butt out of here! We’re in a crisis and you’re playing silly, stupid, idiotic power games.”

Carlson, enraged, leaned towards her. 99 stood her ground and glared at him, even as he unexpectedly reached across the desk. Seemingly from out of nowhere Max grabbed him . . . and threw him nearly across the room. Carlson swore and took a step towards the desk . . . but stopped and backed off several steps in surprise when he saw the rage in Max’s face.

Max took several deep breaths to calm himself. He shook his head, went over to 99 and put his arms around her, pulling her close. They held each other tightly for a few minutes, saying nothing. He gave her a kiss on the cheek.

“Thanks, Sweetheart,” he whispered. “Okay, listen everybody. . . there will be a mandatory meeting of all Washington Control agents not on assignment at 10:00 Friday morning. Make sure the word gets out to your sections.”

“Who says I have to do anything you say?” Carlson muttered.

99 rolled her eyes. “Uhhh . . . the President? Of the United States? You want to call him to voice a few complaints?”

“I wasn’t talking to you!” Carlson said savagely, pointing his finger at 99.

Max took a step forward, but 99 grabbed his arm, stopping him.

“No, Love, let it go. We’ve got far too many things to think about and they don’t include Carlson’s ego.”

Max nodded in agreement. He pointed at Carlson and then to the door. “Out.” he said.

Carlson swore again, glared at both Max and 99 and left, muttering under his breath.

13 and Larabee had been watching, fascinated. They laughed nervously, but told Max he had their full support. The four talked for a few minutes, then 13 and Larabee left.

99 turned to Max.

“Oh, Max! I‘m so proud of you . . . you’re Chief of Control!”

“Save the congratulations, Sweetheart . . . we’ve got big problems.”

“What‘s wrong?”

“That meeting on Friday?”

“Yes.”

“99 . . . “ he rubbed his eyes. “99 . . . They’re shutting us down.”

“WHAT??!! Why?”

“The usual . . . no money.”

“We’ve been through that before.”

“Yeah? Well, apparently the Chief was well liked . . . and did a lot of talking. That’s the only reason we stayed in business as long as we did. They’re giving us two weeks to get everything together.”

“What are they going to do?”

“The CIA.”

“The CIA?”

“99,” he said, exasperated, “The CIA is taking over. The agents on those cases will become temporary CIA until the assignments are finished.”

“Wonderful, that’s just great.” 99 said furiously. “What about the rest of us?”

“Two weeks from Friday . . . Control no longer exists. We’re gonna be unemployed. I also have the authority to fire anyone who gives me any problems. 99 . . . I’m not springing this on anyone else until after the funeral.”

“What about Kaos?”

Max laughed, “They’re the CIA’s problem now. Maybe I should call Siegfried and give him the good news.”

“That’s not funny, Max.”

He put his hands on the desk and dropped his head. “Don’t you think I know it?“ Tears started running down his face. “99 . . . What are we gonna do???”

99 came up behind him, put her arms around his waist and hugged him.

“I don’t know, Max, I just don’t know . . . “

Max came to a stop outside the door of the funeral home. He stood there for a minute, frozen to the spot.

“I can’t move.” He was shaky and his face was pale.

99 gripped his arm tighter and said, “Come on, Max . . . it‘ll be all right.”

“Okay,” he said shakily. He cleared his throat. “Let’s go.”

They walked through the door and down a darkened hallway. 99, who had finally been forced to make all the arrangements herself, guided him to a room at the end of the hall. He stopped outside the doorway, again unable to move. 99 gave him a minute to compose himself by signing the book in the hall. She took his arm and squeezed it. He took a deep breath and they entered the room.

“I hate funerals,” he whispered. “They’re barbaric rituals. Why do we have to . . . “ his voice trailed off and he gestured toward the bier.

“I don’t know, Max, I agree with you. But this is what the Chief wanted it. No fuss . . . short and simple. Are you going to be all right?”

“Yeah . . . I just wish I could say a few words.”

“Don’t worry, you can.”

Max looked at her.

“Several people have told me implicitly they didn’t want me to say or do anything because I’ll “screw it up“.”

“What!?!? They can *%#%& themselves. . . I’m in charge of this.”

“Such language, Mrs. Smart.”

“Who cares? I’m sick of those arrogant morons. Especially Carlson. I swear, I’m going to throw him into the middle of the Woodrow Wilson Bridge during rush hour if he doesn’t shut his big, stupid mouth.”

Max smiled, “The CIA called me earlier, they want to hire him . . . to help them with his devices.”

“Pity the CIA.” She paused, “Wait . . . they know already???”

“Why wouldn’t they?”

Max put a finger to his lips and they fell silent as they reached the Chief. Max stood there for a moment, then reached into his pocket and pulled out a king from his Chess set.

“Chief,” he said, placing the piece in the Chief’s pocket, “this belongs to you. You’ve beaten me too many times for it ever to be used by anyone else.”

They stood there quietly for several more minutes. More people began to arrive, so Max and 99 retreated to seats in the front row. Max was about to say something to 99 when he noticed several men in sunglasses enter the room. He nudged her.

“There’s the Secret Service, the Vice-President’s here.”

The Vice-President and his entourage walked down the aisle, stopped at the coffin and then took seats in the front row across the aisle from Max and 99. He nodded to them, they nodded back.

The seats were pretty much filled when the minister took his place at the podium. He began with a bio of the Chief’s life (not giving out too much information) and went on to say how much he would be missed, what a great guy he was . . . Max was mildly amused, this guy didn’t even know the Chief. What little information he had he had gotten from 99. He gave her a quizzical look. She shrugged and mouthed, “What could I do? The Chief wanted a minister.”

“Is there anyone present who would like to say something?”

There was silence. Max took a deep breath, gave 99 a quick hug, stood up and walked toward the podium. He could hear the muffled whispers as he walked up the steps. He missed the top step, tripped and fell flat. He jumped up, brushed himself off and turned to the mourners. He caught 99’s eye and winked. 99 bit the inside of her mouth to keep from smiling . . . she knew he’d done it on purpose.

“I had to say goodbye to the Chief in one of the few ways I know how . . . he’d expect it. The Chief was not just a boss to me and 99 . . . he was a father . . . ” He ran his fingers through his hair. He was having trouble with his words . . . his eyes full of tears. “He was a good, decent man who . . . who . . .” his voice failed him and he stood silent for a moment. He looked at 99. Her eyes met his and, as always, she gave him the courage to continue. He cleared his throat, “ . . . who devoted his life to fighting the evil forces that threatened our nation’s security. He will never be far from my thoughts and will always have a place in my heart . . . and 99‘s. If you’re looking down on us, Chief, know this . . . we’re going to miss you. We-we . . .” he faltered as his voice failed him again. 99 started to get up, but he put up a hand and shook his head. “99 and I . . . we love you.” He wiped the tears from his face as he left the podium and returned to his seat. 99 put her arms around him and hugged him fiercely.

“That was wonderful, Max,” she whispered, giving him a kiss on the cheek.

The service soon ended and everyone made their way outside. Several limousines were lined up. The Vice-President gave his condolences to Max, 99 and several others before leaving with his troop of bodyguards. Max and 99 got into the back seat of the first limo. Max scrunched down in the seat, leaned back and closed his eyes. 99 leaned back with her head on his shoulder.

“You okay, 99?”

“No, I’m not. I’m tired.”

“We haven’t been getting much sleep.”

“Especially the other night, with you and your Dracula imitation.” 99 said, rubbing her eyes tiredly, but smiling.

Max opened an eye. “Was I that boring? If you didn’t like my imitation, you shouldn’t have come to my castle and entered my bedroom.”

“And just where was I supposed to go? It was late, the next castle was too far away, it was too dangerous to walk . . .”

“Yeah, those open manhole covers can be dangerous.”

99 smiled, “You hypnotized me . . . made me a helpless victim of your charms, Count Maxwell.”

Max took her hand and kissed it. The hearse pulled up and paused a moment while a driver got in Max and 99’s limo. The hearse pulled out of the parking lot with the other cars trailing along behind. Max and 99 sat silently holding hands on the short ride to the cemetery, occasionally looking at each other for support. When they arrived, Max jumped out and went to the hearse. He grabbed one end of the coffin, to the dismay of Carlson, who had the decency to say nothing. They carried the coffin to the grave site and held another simple service. When it ended, everyone headed back to their cars. Max lingered until 99 squeezed on his arm.

“Let’s go, Love. We don’t want to see this,” her face was wet with tears.

He looked at her for a moment, placed a hand on the coffin and bowed his head, saying a silent prayer. When he looked up, he was crying. 99 put her arms around him. They stayed that way for a few minutes, just holding each other, then walked back to the waiting car, which took them back to headquarters. They went to the Chief’s office, changed clothes and started the sad task of going through some of the Chief’s belongings. Max also started scribbling notes for the meeting on Friday, a meeting he was looking less and less forward to attending.

“99 . . . let’s quit. Now. Go to your Mom’s. We can spend the rest of the week with her and the twins.”

“Max . . . you know we can’t do that.”

“I know. But 99 . . . they’re going to blame me, they’re going to blame me . . . They’ll say I screwed up. You know it and I know it. And Carlson will be leading the charge.”

“I told you what I’d do to him.”

“99, you can’t do that . . . rush hours traffic‘s bad enough.”

“I know, but it’s so much fun to think about.”

“99 . . . I’m tired. Let’s just go home.”

“We should get some of this stuff ready for the CIA.”

“I don’t care if it’s ever ready. The CIA has millions of dollars to play with, let them pay their own people to do it.”

“Max . . .”

“I know, 99, I know. We’ll come back in the morning.”

“I’m going to take a couple of these boxes from the closet. Give me a hand?”

Max clapped.

“Ha-Ha.” 99 said, handing him one of the boxes.

They called 99’s Mom from the Chief’s office and talked to her and the twins, agreeing the government could pay for the call. Then they loaded the boxes into the back of the Sunbeam and headed home.

That evening, 99 started going through one of the boxes. Max sat in a nearby chair, watching TV and trying to act totally disinterested. But occasionally 99, who was watching him out of the corner of her eye, saw him glace over at her. She was becoming increasingly upset doing it herself, so she decided to get him to help.

“Hey, Max, come here. This whole box is full of pictures.“ 99 said, holding one up.

Max hesitated for a moment, then joined her on the sofa. They picked their way through pictures of various Control and Kaos agents, laughing as they recalled certain missions. Max picked up a picture of a beautiful blond in a very skimpy top and shorts.

“Hey, 99 . . . remember her?”

99 took the picture, she rolled her eyes and turned to Max.

“Yes, I remember . . . Doll Baby, wasn’t it?”

“Oh, y-e-a-h . . .” Max said, studying the picture.

“What did you ever see in her?”

“You’re kidding . . . 99, you have to admit she was gorgeous. Not my type, though.”

“Really? You put on a good act.”

Max sighed, “99 . . . I was trying to get information. And she did save our lives. What‘s the matter?”

99 shrugged, said nothing and continued digging through the box. Max studied her for a moment.

“99 . . .” he forced her to look at him. “Answer me.”

“What was wrong with me? Why did you . . . treat me like “one of the guys?”

“What was wrong with you? Nothing! One of the guys? Oh, Jeeze. 99 . . . I’m not the brightest person in the world, or the most graceful. I bungled assignment after assignment. You know, Carlson was right when he said he didn’t know why I was still a Control agent.” He got up and walked over to the fireplace. “But you . . . gosh . . . you’re a beautiful, intelligent woman. If I had told you how I felt about you, that I loved you, and you had laughed, it would have killed me.”

“You never told me that before . . . why did you think I’d laugh?

“I thought . . . well . . . I thought you felt sorry for me.”

“Felt sorry for you? Oh, Max, for Heavens sake!” 99 said, annoyed. “Tell me something . . . have you ever looked through our records?”

“A couple of times . . .”

“I mean really looked?”

“Well . . . “ he shrugged.

“I didn’t think so. I was yelled at. Fined. Put on suspension, on probation. And . . . laughed at.”

“Laughed at??”

“Yes . . . because I refused to let the Chief place all the blame on you when our assignments didn‘t go exactly the way they were supposed to. And they really laughed at me for turning down that lucrative promotion in New York City . . .” she slapped a hand over her mouth.

“What promotion?”

99 rolled her eyes and sighed, angry at herself for the slip, “They offered me the assistant Chief’s position in the New York City office,” she said softly.

“When was this?”

“In ‘66.”

“I remember that position . . . very prestigious, great salary. Why in the world didn’t you take it?”

“I didn’t want to leave you.”

“You mean to tell me you turned down a great job to stay partners with me? Why???”

99 rolled her eyes. “I love you!!!”

Max sat beside her and touched her face. Then he gave her a long hug.

His eyes picked out a familiar face attached to the outside of a folder in the box. He picked it up, frowning as he looked at the picture.

“99 . . . look at this one. ”

99 stared at the picture, then at Max. She rolled her eyes. “What?”

“If you loved me, why were you going to marry him?” Max questioned, waving the picture in front of her face..

“What do you want me to say?” she asked softly. “I thought you didn’t love me. I had to get away, start a new life, forget about you. Yes, he was handsome, but I never loved him. Max, I told you this and everything I knew about Victor, right after you uncovered his “alter ego.”

“Everything?” Max said, eyeballing her.

“Yes . . .” She stopped and stared at him, realizing his implication. “No, Max!!” she said, shaking her head, wide-eyed. “NEVER! Oh, this is ridiculous . . . no more stupid jealousy, from either of us.”

“Who’s jealous?” he asked innocently.

“Not me,” 99 said, just as innocently. “Max . . . What are we doing?”

“I don’t know . . . it’s silly . . . ”

“Yes . . . it is.”

99 put her arms around her, holding him tightly. He hugged her back, holding on just as tight.

“I love you.” He whispered in her ear.

“And I love you.” 99 said. “Come on . . . let’s put this stuff back in the box, tape it up and put it away. Know what? I think we’ve been holding our emotions in check. About our jobs, not the Chief. Any thoughts?”

“All I know is spying,” Max said. He held up an envelope with official government markings. “I got this today. It‘s from the State Department.”

“Really, Max? What does it say?”

“I haven’t the slightest idea, I’m afraid to look.”

“Go on, Max, open it.”

Max opened the letter, a strange look came over his face as he read it.

“The State Department is offering me a job.”

“What kind of job?”

“Protocol Officer.”

99 looked puzzled. “What does a Protocol Officer do, exactly?”

“It says . . .” he paused to read, “A protocol Officer stands in for government officials at public functions.”

“Sounds like fun,” 99 quipped.

“The pay is good.”

“What are they offering?”

“Uhhh . . . three times what I’m getting now. Three times?? Can you imagine?”

“Max, that’s wonderful. But if it’s not what you want and you don’t feel comfortable, don’t take it.”

“99, this isn’t up for debate. Pride doesn’t pay the bills. I have you and the twins to think about, I’m gonna have to take it. I’m not so much worried about me as . . . what are you going to do?”

99 took a deep breath, “I guess I’ll just stay home with the twins.”

“That’s a noble gesture, but they start kindergarten in the fall. What then? You‘ll go crazy sitting around here.”

She shrugged. “I don’t know . . . . I‘ll think of something. Oh, my God! I forgot!!!” She yelled. She jumped up and ran up the stairs to the bedroom . . .

“99?!?!? What’s wrong??? Forgot what?” Max had jumped nearly a mile when she yelled..

“I don’t believe I forgot!” she said, slapping herself in the head and grabbing a manila envelope. She shoved it at him. “Max . . . you have to read this will.”

“I told you before, I don’t want . . . “

“I know what you said . . . Read it!”

Max suspiciously opened the envelope, pulled out the will and began to read. His jaw dropped.

“99!!! $300,000? He left us $300,000? I had no idea he had that kinda money. Did you?”

“No.”

“But, you’re the executor . . . “

“Love, I didn’t know what was in the will until he died. I tried to get you to read it, Max, remember? Max? We’re inheriting a lot of money.”

Max stared at the piece of paper in total shock. The will stated that the bulk of the Chief’s estate be left to Mr. & Mrs. Maxwell Smart. The only other people mentioned were 99’s Mom, who was left a $10,000 bond and Larabee, who was left the same. They carefully put the document back in the envelope and Max put it in their safe. They sat on the couch in silence, contemplating this unbelievable turn of events.

“A house.”

“What?” 99 turned and looked at him.

“A house. Why don’t we use part of that money to buy a house, with a big back yard for the twins.”

“Leave this apartment? After all these years? There are so many memories here.” She looked around the room, misty eyed.

“I know, 99, this apartment has a lot of memories for me too. But we’re going to need a bigger place.”

99 nodded, “I know . . . “

Max draped an arm around her shoulder. “We don’t have to move . . . it was just an idea.”

She looked at him. “And it’s a good one . . . I’m just being silly.”

“No you’re not,” he paused. “I think I’ll walk to the corner and get a paper. You okay?”

99 waved him off, “I’m fine, Max.

“Walk with me.”

“Okay.”

Just as they opened the door, the phone rang. They both groaned. 99, being closest, picked it up.

“Hello? Oh . . . Carlson.” 99 mouthed silent curses and made silly faces at the phone as she listened. “Yeah, he’s right here . . . “ She handed the phone to Max, who was doubled over in laughter. He straightened up, shook his head and put a serious look on his face.

“Yes, Carlson, what’s up? Yes. Carlson, you know the meeting’s on Friday. At 10:00 AM, in the auditorium. No, I can’t tell you what it’s about. No. You’ll just have to wait. What?” Max looked at 99 and shook his head. He laughed and said, “Carlson, if you want to be Chief that badly, go ahead and call the President, be my guest. If he agrees, I’ll gladly turn over the reins over to you. No, I’m not kidding.” Max looked at 99. She winked at him and started making faces again. She walked about the room, imitating Carlson . . . a frown on her face, pointing her finger at Max and mouthing, “I won’t work for an idiot like you, Smart.”

Max, laughing, waved at her in a useless attempt to make her stop.

“What, Carlson,” He listened for a moment, the expression on his face changing. “Well, if you must know . . . 99’s doing a great imitation of you. What does she look like? She looks like a fool. No . . . she’s not the fool, you are. What . . . ? I don‘t live up to my name? Do you think you’re telling me something I don’t know?? I know what I am, Carlson.” 99 came up behind him and put her arms around him, hugging him tightly. “Carlson, this conversation is boring me so I’m hanging up. You want to talk to 99? Okay.” He handed her the phone. “Here ya go, Sweetheart . . .” Max grinned, handed her the phone and sat down on the couch to watch.

“Yes, Carlson . . . “ 99 sighed. “What?? Oh, you’ve got to be kidding! #*^% off!” She yelled, and slammed down the phone.

Max stared at her, wide-eyed. “99! What was that all about?”

99 sat down beside him and covered her face her hands. “Oh, you’ll never believe this one.” She burst out laughing and started rolling on the couch in hysterics.

“What . . . ?”

99 was so incoherent she could hardly speak. She finally managed to blurt out the words, in-between breaths. “He said, “Come on over to the lab and . . . I’ll show you some fascinating things you can do with test tubes,”” By this time she was laughing so hard, she had fallen off the couch and was laying on the floor, holding her stomach.

Max was less than amused. “I’ll kill him!” he raged.

“Max . . . ” She was still laughing . . . and gasping for breath.

“You think it’s funny??”

“Yes!!”

“Why, for Heaven’s sake?”

“Because it is!! Think about it!” She continued to laugh. “I’ve never heard anything so ridiculous in my life!!”

Max continued to watch her. He slowly cracked a smile and sat down on the floor beside her. By this time she had regained a measure of control. She threw her arms around him, holding him tightly.

“99, what Carlson said is not funny. I ought to go beat his face in.”

99 looked into his eyes, “Forget it, Max.“

He shook his head and got up. “No. I’ll talk to him about it tomorrow. It was totally uncalled for. You’re the love of my life and he’s not going to get away with talking to you like that. Not to mention it’s an unprofessional and totally inappropriate thing to say,” He paused. “Well . . . this has been a fun day. I wonder what else can happen?”

“Don’t ask, it could get worse,” Her eyes lit up, “Are you really gonna beat his face in?”

Max frowned, his eyes flashing.

“Come on, Max,” she said, pulling on his arm, “Let’s go for that walk.”

“Okay.”

After they walked to the corner and got the paper, they decided to go across the street to the bar and have a beer. They sat at a table near the back and after the bartender brought them two frosty mugs, they talked . . . mostly about the Chief.

“I don’t want this, 99.”

“What? The beer?”

“Any of it.”

“Any of it?”

“The Chief dead, being named Chief, Carlson, the meeting, Control closing . . . “ he stopped and rubbed his eyes. “I want it the way it was. 99? Would you be disappointed in me if I called the president and quit?”

“No, of course not. But tell me why. Don’t you want to be Chief?”

“I don’t know. No, that’s not true, I do know.”

She put a hand on his arm, looked into his eyes and said softly, “You’re scared.”

Max looked at her in amazement. “99, you know me too well. I don’t know what to do. I don’t want to be the one to tell everyone they’re unemployed.”

“You think they’re going to blame you?” She asked. She frowned. “It’s that idiot Carlson. Max, he’s been trying to get you fired . . .” For the second time, 99 slapped her hand over her mouth.

“Oh, that doesn’t surprise me,” Max sighed, taking a long drink. Then, nonchalantly, “Uhhh . . . how long has that been going on?”

“Years. He bugged the Chief to fire you on a monthly basis, almost. One time I was in the Chief’s bathroom when he came in. I kept quiet and listened as he ripped you up one side and down the other . . .”

“When was this?” Max interrupted.

“Not too long after we came back from San Jirman Island . . . Anyway, after listening for a bit, I came out and gave him a piece of my mind. The Chief was quite shocked, to say the least.”

Max grinned. “What happened?”

“I yelled at him, told him to leave you alone, and if he didn’t, he’d have to deal with me. Know what? He laughed at me. The Chief threw him out of his office.”

Max gave her a kiss. “Thanks for sticking up for me, 99.” He picked up his mug, “Let’s have another.”

“Lets get drunk.“

“Drunk? We haven’t done that in years.”

She smiled seductively, put an arm around him and whispered, “Let’s get drunk, go home and fool around.”

Max grinned back at her, motioned to the waiter and ordered a pitcher. They spent the better part of the next two hours drinking and talking. When they finally left they walked, rather unsteadily, back to the apartment. After locking the door Max turned to 99 and bowed.

“Ah, My Sweet, allow me to carry you . . . “ he said, scooping her into his arms and starting up the stairs. He made it up the few steps to the foyer with no problem. But halfway up the stairs to the bedroom, he tripped, sending them both sprawling. They stared at each other for a moment. Max rolled his eyes and said, “Oh, how gallant! Sorry about that, 99.”

She laughed, reached out and touched his face. “You know . . . I kinda like it here on the stairs.”

Max grinned and they both laughed as Max took her into his arms and kissed her . . .

Max stood off stage, reading his notes. 99 came up to him, holding a cup of coffee.

“Here’s your coffee, Love.”

“Thanks, 99. Is everyone here?” He asked, taking a sip.

“Almost.”

“Who’s missing?”

“Guess.”

Max groaned and flipped through his notes again.

“You got it where you want it?”

“I think so. I’m glad the President came through with this letter, it’ll make things a lot easier. Give me a hug for luck, Sweetheart . . . I’m gonna need it.”

99 put her arms around him and hugged him tightly. Max hugged her back, holding her as close a possible

“Well, isn’t this sweet?” Carlson said, coming up behind them.

99 glared at him and walked away with out a word. She seated herself in a chair near the podium.

“Have to have wifey-poo up there to support you, Chief of Control?” he said sarcastically.

“Yes I do,” Max said, nonchalantly. “And since we’ve already had a discussion about my wife, Professor Carlson, it would be wise of you to just take a seat and shut up.” He gave him a hard stare, turned and walked onto the stage. He situated himself behind the podium and tapped the microphone.

“Could I have your attention please?”

The room went silent.

Max cleared his throat, “As you all know, I was selected by the President to take over for the Chief. Now I know this wasn’t a popular choice . . .”

“Not by a long shot!” Carlson yelled.

“ . . . but it really doesn’t matter who’s chief at this point.” Max continued, ignoring Carlson’s outburst. He looked at 99 and she nodded at him to continue. “I have here a letter from the President, which I have been asked to read to you. “Agents of Control . . . First I want to say that the death of Thaddeus has been a tremendous blow to the government. He was a true patriot who loved his country and spent most of his life defending it. Because of this, it is with great regret that I must inform you that the budget can no longer support Control and it’s activities. At the end of this month, Control will cease to operate. All agents on assignment will become temporary CIA agents until their assignments are completed. Agents wishing to join the CIA will be accepted according to their rank within the Control organization. This does not apply, however, to the Lab section, which will automatically become part of the CIA. The scientists assigned to this branch will become CIA operatives, with no loss in pay, if they so desire. All agents will receive their normal pay until the end of the month. This decision was not made lightly and I would personally like to thank all the members of Control for their devotion to their country.” Signed: Richard Nixon, President of the United States.” Max stood for a moment . . . The room was completely quiet. “Ladies and gentlemen, 99 and I have worked with all of you at one time or another. I know most of you think I’m a fool . . . and that 99’s an even bigger one for marrying me. That’s fine . . . think what you want. I just want to say that you’re all good people . . . and it’s been an honor working with you.” Max left the stage and quickly walked down the hall to the Chief’s office. 99 hurried after him. They entered the office and, as the door slid shut behind them, Max locked it. He went to the sofa, sat down and covered his face with his hands. 99 sat down beside him, watching him with a worried look on her face.

“Max? You okay?”

Max shook his head. He held out his hands. “I can’t stop shaking, 99,” he said.

99 put her arms around him. “It’s okay, Max, you did fine.”

“Yeah . . . right . . .”

“Really, Max. You read the president’s letter and then proved you had more class than anyone in the room by complimenting them. Even “Carlson the Magnificent” kept his mouth shut.”

Max smiled, “Thanks, 99, what would I ever do without you?” He hugged her. “I guess we better get started. All this stuff has to be boxed up and we have to hit our office too. It has to go home or over to the CIA.”

“We need to call Mom and have her bring the twins back.”

“No.”

“No?”

“Nope . . . Call her, but tell her we’ll be there at the end of the month and that we‘re going to spend a week there ourselves. Think that‘ll be too much for her? It’ll give us time to get all this done. Then we can relax, probably really relax, for the first time in our lives. Good idea?”

“Sounds great to me. Mom will love having us around. We can help her out too. You know . . . milk the cows, collect eggs, shovel manure . . . “

“We’ve done that before, haven’t we, 99?”

She smiled, “Many times. I’m sure going to miss the Chief . . . and spying too, I guess.”

“Yeah . . . he was the only real father I ever had,” he paused. “You know, I think he’d want me to take that job, don’t you?” He nodded, “Yeah . . . I’m going to call the State Department and tell them I’ll take it. We can figure out what to do from there.”

“Hey, Max, who knows to what heights we may climb?? Maybe one day I’ll be . . . a member of Congress!“

Max looked at her and smiled, “You already have my vote . . . I love you, 99.”

“I love you too, Max . . . “

As they got up, they gave a last nostalgic look around the office they had worked out of for so many years. Not knowing, that in the not too distant future, Control would again play a major role in their lives . . . and the lives of their children . . .