The Summer Strikes Back, Part 24

The Desert Nights Club and Dinner Theater on the second floor of the Desert Sun Palace Casino was the premiere night spot in Atlantic City in the early 80's. Here, the trappings of the Old West gave way to modern glitz and glamour, as lights flashed, paper mache palm trees and real potted plants waved in the air-conditioned breeze, and two glittering chandeliers lorded over a sweeping staircase that lead to the private second floor dining area. Those who wanted to see and be seen came to dance the night away after deciding their fortunes in the Twin Suns Lounge.

Jasper Hutt himself, the top crime lord in the East Coast himself, lorded over the activities that evening. His flashy gold lame Pierre Cardin tuxedo might have been more attractive if it wasn't straining around every single part of his body. Even his diamond and topaz rings looked like they'd pop off at any moment. The toupee had been carefully combed to look as real as it wasn't.

More interesting to the rich and famous seated around the main room was the delicate beauty on his arm. Leia sported a brick red gown that was awash in gold sequins. Gold metallic ruffles and copper tulle framed her white shoulders and a thigh-baring slit. Diamond and amethyst clips in the shape of massive flowers pinned back her velvet hair. The brief top was cut to show off her creamy bosom. Two gold bracelets twisted up her soft arms. Her neck was encased by a gold and diamond choker that more closely resembled a pet's collar. It wasn't hard to notice that, though the girl tried to smile, she wasn't happy to be there. She grimaced the moment Jasper or Babe looked away.

“Why so glum?” Juices from the Beef Wellington gushed down Jasper's cheek. “This is a party! We're having a good time here. Lighten up!” Fleshy fingers yanked her close to him, closing a vice grip on her arm. He put a goblet of blood-red wine to her lips. “Soon, you're gonna appreciate me, doll.”

Leia attempted to giggle as she pushed the wine away. “It's just...overwhelming, that's all.” It was all she could do to not gag when he shoved his fingers under the slit in her dress. “You know, I was wondering what happened to the girl who used to live in my room. The other dancers said she vanished.”

“Oola?” He shoved honey-glazed carrots into the endless hole. Most of the carrots ended up on his plate or the floor. “She wanted a dancin' career. Was gonna walk out on me if I didn't set her up on the stage.” Fat jaws pressed closer to her, tongue out for a drool-spattered smooch. “You might say she's...on display now. She's all set in stone.”

“Mr. Hutt?” Chip tripped over a chair, almost stumbling between Leia and Jasper. For once, Leia was happy to see him, even if his green and yellow plaid suit was at least ten years out of date. “Mr. Fortuna says the show's ready to start now.”

Jasper glared at him. “This ain't the time for it, asshole. Remind me to fire you in the mornin'.”

Chip blushed. “Certainly, sir.” He hurried off towards the kitchen, hoping to find Arturro.

The fat gangster shrugged and dropped Leia back in her chair. “Sorry, dolly. Duty calls.” He pinched her rear before Babe rolled him towards the stage. “We'll continue this later.”

As he fled, Chip thought he saw that awful Bobby Fett lounging against the wall near the entrance. When he looked again, he was gone.

~*~*~*~*~*~

Chip did find Arurro in the kitchen. The short boy in the cowboy waiter uniform was preparing a rolling cart covered in a white cloth. He'd just stashed something long underneath as his best friend barreled in. Arturro took one look at his suit and nearly fell over laughing.

“What?” The tall blond looked himself over as his friend chattered in his own language. “I do not look like a test pattern on the telly! I found this suit at a used clothing store just off the boardwalk and thought it looked rather dashing. Besides, it's cheaper than the designer stores at the Pier One, and we haven't the time to ask Mr. Callahan for a ride to the Shore Mall.”

Arturro's chattering took a slightly darker tone. “I agree. This place is dangerous. I'm fairly sure they're going to execute Luke, Hank, and Charles tonight, and if we're not careful, we'll be next!”

His friend shook his head, gesturing to under the cart. “You and Luke have plans? He knows what he's doing?” Chip rolled his eyes. “I wish I had your confidence.”

~*~*~*~*~*~

“I think my eyes are getting better,” Hank muttered as he, Luke, and Charlie were shoved out to the musician's stage. “Instead of a big dark blur, I see a big bright blur.”

“There's not that much to see.” Luke managed a shrug, despite his hands being tied. “It's a lot like the night clubs in Philadelphia.” Hank was surprised at the confidence in the young man's voice. “Just stick close to Charlie and Lance. Arturro and I have taken care of everything.”

“Oh,” Hank grumbled. “Great.” Luke had been annoyingly mysterious about his big plan when he was tossed in the storage room with them. All he'd say was it would work. Hank wasn't so sure. He'd seen the kid's “big plans” before, including the one where he ran off to Bespin Island and slunk away with a broken hand.

Chip managed to scurry over to the stage just as Babe Fortuna rolled his boss to the microphone. “Nice of you to join us, Goldie.” Jasper waved his hand at the microphone. “Translate this for the crowd. It's important, and half these idiots don't speak English.”

He nodded, trembling, as Jasper began. “I told ya yesterday I was a magician, folks. Yesterday, I made a statue come to life. Today, I'm gonna make some punks...er, people, disappear.” His flabby grin looked more like it belonged in a slasher flick. “I give you the warrior, the knight, and the giant!”

Charlie made a face as they were pushed onto the stage. “This is bloody embarrassing.” He and Hank had togas and wooden prop spears thrown over their own clothing. Hank's hair had been slicked back, and he wore the helmet again, this time without the powder. Charlie's beard and fuzzy hair had several rows of braids, but he was otherwise unadorned.

Luke had somehow managed to pull gray plastic kid's “armor” over his leather jacket and trousers. He carried a green plastic light up “sword” from the toy store in the lobby. The stage was bright with lights from a sequin-covered metal box. A black swing with glowing neon seats was raised over it. “Jasper,” Luke said as he stepped to the front of the stage, swinging his toy saber, “this is your last chance. Free us, or die.”

“I'm sure, kid.” Jasper's booming laughter could be heard, even over the gasps of the crowd. “And now, the Great Knight,” he sneered this part, “will swing high above the crowd, and into that little box on the stage.” One of the men pushed Luke over Jasper's lips, so he could hear him add in a harsh whisper “Or'll be a lot harder on your sister tonight than feelin' up her sweet little ass.”

Babe shoved Luke up to the stage. He grabbed hold of the trapeze as it lowered to the stage. Lance and Arturro had both told him about this that morning, before he went to the Oasis Bar and Grill. This was how Jasper eliminated his enemies and those who merely annoyed him...like Oola Kingston, his previous mistress.

Leia watched in breathless horror as the trapeze raised as high above their heads as it could, then slowly descended. It seemed to move so slowly! She felt as if she'd aged ten years in two minutes. Drums rolled from just off the stage. Arturro was serving drinks from a covered cart. He stopped by Leia and gently patted her hand, trying to give her a reassuring smile. Hers didn't really make it very far.

“I don't like this,” Charlie muttered to Hank. “They're lowerin' Luke into some bloody box on the stage. Jasper's up to somethin' nasty, he is.”

“When isn't he?” Hank clutched Charlie's arm. “I wish I could see this. Is Leia ok?” He squinted towards the white and gold blurs he presumed were the diners.

“Yeah, she's all right.” He could hear the disdain in his best friend's voice. “Looks like a beads factory retched over her dress. She ain't happy about this, that much I can tell.” He waved to her. She wiggled her fingers back at them, her eyes mostly on her brother as he vanished into the box.

Chip gasped. “Luke, no! You're standing on...” Babe Fortuna wrapped his arm around his waist and dragged him back, throwing a hand over his mouth.

Jasper glared at Chip briefly before continuing. “And now, I'm gonna make this fair Knight of the Ancient Kingdom disappear!” He waved his hand at the box. “Abracadabra, presto-change-o, and all that junk.” Two showgirls in gold beads and red plumes removed the sequined fabric covering the box...to reveal an empty glass shell, with an open trap door just visible on the floor. The trapeze moved upwards, also seemingly empty.

“You see what a great magician can do!” Jasper's booming voice filled the club as Leia stood in shock, her face even whiter than usual. “I have made that little punk...er, great knight, disappear! Where has he gone to? Who knows? Perhaps,” his lips turned up cruelly, “he'll turn up in someone's statue garden some soft evening.”

“You're wrong, Hutt!” A familiar voice called from over his head. “Here I am!”

Leia couldn't help laughing as her dear, silly brother hung on for dear life from the very top of the trapeze rope. “I'm no one's decoration!” He climbed back down the trapeze, even as Jasper boomed for his men to get that kid down from there! “You were going to kill me, the Warrior, and the Giant, and keep my sister the Princess for yourself! You're no wizard! You're only a troll!”

“All right, lad!” Charlie pumped his massive fist in the air. “That's the way you do it!” He rubbed Hank's shoulder. “And I thought you were crackers, mate! Lad has you beat!”

“I don't know what the hell is going on,” Hank added with a grin, “but if this is the kid's big plan, I think I kind of like it!”

“Ok,” Luke muttered to himself, trying to ignore the screams from below, “I'm up here. How the hell am I going to get down?” He closed his eyes as he moved to and fro. “I'm friggin' crazy,” he muttered, “but this is the only way.” Several women shrieked in horror as he let go of the trapeze, just managing to catch hold of the gold chandelier with the soft amber light fixtures.

Leia's eyes widened. “What the fuck does he think he's doing? He's going to get killed up there.” She started to stand, but Bobby Fett shoved her back into the chair, pinning her arms to her sides.

The chandelier now swung, Luke trying his hardest not to look down. Sweat poured down his tanned brow as the air flowed underneath him. He gave the light fixture one last swing...then soared through the darkness, his eyes firmly shut. “Is this what it's like to be in the circus?” he murmured. “It's almost like surfing the air...”

Dreams of catching clouds like waves ended with a sickening crash. When Luke opened his eyes, he was surrounded by the remains of what had once been a very expensive gourmet dinner.

“Luke, you were insane!” Lance was helping him to his feet. “What you did was totally, completely nuts!” His blinding smile lit up the dark dining hall. “You have to show me how you did that sometime.”

“Yeah.” Luke's knees felt like Jello. “I have no clue how I did that. I'm never doing it again.” Lance had to put an arm around him to keep him from collapsing.

“Aw, shit.” Three of Jasper's men thundered up the stairs, waving guns. “Here comes the jerk club.” He grabbed a slice of chocolate cheesecake dripping with rich fudge sauce from another table. “I hate to waste a good dessert, but I think you boys need the calories more than me!” He threw it at one of the men as Luke grabbed a basket of rolls and hurled it on the floor. The men stumbled around it, giving the two enough time to get to the dance floor.

“I called the cops and the FBI,” Lance explained as they hit the floor. “They should be here any minute.”

Luke's eyes widened. “The FBI? You know the FBI?”

Lance just shrugged. “Connections, kid.”

“Arturro!” Luke's short friend pushed the cart away, removing what looked like a green metal mop handle, it's mop part removed. He tossed it to Luke, who swung it over the head of the nearest gangster. “Thanks!”

Lance took the plate of seared salmon off someone's table and threw it at one of Jasper's uglier goons. “You look like you need some good fishing, man.”

Chip ducked behind him. “Save me, Mr. Callahan! They're going to hurt me!”

“Here.” Lance handed him a peach tart from the dessert tray. “I hope you have good aim.”

The dance floor broke into chaos the moment shots rang out and the food went flying. Leia kicked her assailant in the shin as hard as she could in gold beaded stiletto sandals. He let her go, jumping back into the next table. The moment he lost his gun, she swept it into her hand.

Charlie ran headlong into Babe Fortuna on the stage, trying to wrestle the gun from him. Hank stumbled over just in time to hear the sound of crashing glass and a high-pitched shriek. His flailing hands grabbed a furry brown blur just before it followed Fortuna through the trap door.

“It's ok, buddy.” Hank pulled him over to the stage. “I got ya.”

“Bloody shit!” Charlie grabbed Hank for a crunching hug. “I almost went over that damn thing!”

“You might just do it yet.” Jasper rolled onto the stage, gun in hand. “It's too bad about Fortuna,” he started, “'cause he was damn good at his job.” His smile was sickening. “I could always use a human-coyote statue with sharp teeth for the Twin Suns Lounge.”

Hank and Charlie put up their hands as Jasper waved them back towards the trap door. “What the shit are you talkin' about?” Hank complained loudly.

“What do you think is down there?” The slug looked very close to gleeful now. “I was going to give you three a nice little cement bath, then put you on display in the lobby. That's what happens when people displease the Hutt. I have a few guys who disagreed with me about a botched deal last month in the lobby of the Desert Sun Palace Casino in Vegas right now.”

“You sick bastard!” Hank wished he could see more than a red and gold blur in the direction of Leia's voice. Charlie, however, knew the hot rage in her eye and the angry purr of her throaty voice. The gun in her tiny hands didn't waver. “Is that what you meant when you said Oola was on display? Oh, she's set in stone, all right! She's a fucking statue! Were you going to do that to me, too? Do you do that to every woman who disagrees with you?”

“Actually, no.” Jasper toyed with his gun as Leia pushed him closer to the center of the stage, where the remains of the shattered glass box were strewn on the boards. “Usually, when I get bored with my dolls, I let them go with money and clothes and no one the wiser.” His chubby face twisted into a hideous leer. “Oola knew too much. Was gonna blab about certain aspects of my business to the world if I didn't get her on Broadway. I didn't have a choice. I hadda get rid of her.”

“I had fun doin' it though.” His leer turned on her French twist and livid dark eyes. “Me n' my boys had a great time with her. Shaved her head, carved up her face, fucked the hell out of her. She's dancing for the world now.”

“She's in the lobby.” A growl built up in Leia's throat. “She's the statue in the lobby. The one right when you come in. The one they put up yesterday.” The gun rose to Jasper's chest. “You fucking slimeball!”

Hank wasn't expecting Leia to pull the trigger. He wasn't sure if she was, either. The resulting explosion threw her off-balance momentarily, the bullet hitting Jasper in the shoulder.

The fat slug grabbed at his arm. “You little bitch!” He slowly oozed off the wheelchair, his gun raised directly at her. “That's it. You're goin' down, dolly! You and that brother of yours and the human ape and Solokowski!”

Hank and Charlie both leaped at him, but Leia got there first. She wrapped her hands around his neck as the duo struggled down the stage and over the glass. Jasper's thick tongue had just flopped out of his mouth when he flailed back, gasping in horror. Charlie grabbed Leia's arm as the fat gangster crashed through the floor of the stage, joining his head bodyguard in the vat of cement below them.

Leia turned in shock, grabbing hold of Hank. “I can't believe...how could he have done that...how did I do that?”

“You didn't give 'im anything he didn't deserve, hon.” Hank hugged her as hard as he could. Charlie rubbed her back.

Seconds after Jabba tumbled into the trap door, police officers and men in dark suits pushed their way past several fleeing party goers. “Officer Fletcher.” The tallest man held out his FBI badge. “We got word that Jasper Hutt was about to commit murder tonight. We've been after that guy for over a decade for everything from gangland killings to narcotics smuggling.”

Leia looked up, her eyes dull with shock. “Jasper's dead,” she hissed. “He's currently about two floors below us, smothering to death in a vat of cement. He fell through the floor in the stage and ended up in his own trap. His second-in-command Babe Fortuna is with him.”

As they talked to the copper, Charlie noticed something green and red heading for the door out of the corner of his eye. “Hank, it's Bobby Fett!” He pointed at the young man sprinting for the lobby. “That fuckin' arse is gettin' away!”

“Oh no, you don't!” Hank managed to follow the green blur back to the main hall. He lunged at him with his fists flying. “You think you're sneakin' off, pal?”

Fett smirked. “That was the idea.”

“You ain't goin' nowhere, Fett!” He ran straight into a furry navigator who was blocking the revolving door to the boardwalk. Charlie grabbed his arm. “You're gonna get arrested like a good li'l bounty hunter an' spend twenty to thirty years thinkin' on 'ow you've been a naughty lad.”

“I don't think so.” Fett elbowed Charlie enough to let him go. He ducked around two cops, pulling his gun on them.

“Face it, Fett!” Hank yelled from by the waterfall. “It's over. Your boss is dead. I'm going to state evidence to the FBI. It may get me a couple of years in the slammer, but it'll be worth it to take down dickwads like you.”

Fett's smirk was very nearly feral. “Hey Solokowski, that short girlfriend of yours has nice tits. Jasper made sure he showed them off to all his boys this morning. He likes to show off his chicks to his men.” Charlie was glad Hank couldn't see Fett's grin widen even more. “You think she'd go for me?”

Leia, Luke, and Lance ran in just in time to see Hank deck Bobby in the face as hard as he possibly could. The bounty hunter went flying into the waterfall, arms and legs flailing almost comically. The moment he hit the water, three cops fished him out.

“Good work, mate.” Charlie grabbed Hank's arm before he landed in the waterfall with Fett. “You got him right proper.”

“I...did? I hit him?” Hank squinted in Fett's direction as he shook out his hand. “I'm glad...” He moaned. “But damn it to hell, that guy has a hard head!”

Leia put an arm around his shoulder. “The cops have agreed to meet us in one of the rooms and get our statements, and the FBI needs to talk to us at the Desert Nights Club. They're going to get my clothes from the Royal Suite.” She shuddered, holding Hank tighter. “I never want to go in that room again as long as I live. What he did to Oola up there...”

“Yeah, I know, hon.” Hank hugged her hard as he could. “That guy was friggin' nuts. I don't even remember what happened in the couple of days between bein' drugged and endin' up as a livin' statue. Maybe it's for the better.”

Lance and Luke jogged up to them. Luke threw his leathery arms around both of them. “God sis, I'm just glad you're all right. I saw that goon holding your arms down there, and I just got so mad...”

“It's ok, kiddo.” Lance patted his shoulder. “Officer Fletcher thinks you're crazy, but it seems to have done the job. All of Jasper's remaining boys have been rounded up from the night club and either questioned there or hauled off to the nearest station. They're going to take a look at that statue and see if they can identity Oola's remains.”

Hank's eyes fell on the diamond collar around Leia's neck. “Hey, sweetheart, do you think they'd let us keep the jewelry and that outfit? It has to cost a bundle.”

“You can have it.” Leia fumbled with the choker. “I feel like a slave girl from Conan the Barbarian. You can have the dress, too, and the shoes.” She almost threw it into his open palm.

Hank grinned at Charlie and Lance. “How much do you boys think we could get for all this at the local pawn shops?”

“I could take them to Philadelphia tomorrow.” Lance's toothy grin was blinding. “I know people. The collar alone has to be worth five thousand.”

Luke nodded. “I know where you're going with this. It could be enough to pay off the cottages.”

“Maybe not,” Hank admitted, “but it could at least cover yours and Uncle Ben's hospital bills.” His eyes wouldn't meet hers. “Call it a gift, or at least an attempt to make up for all the shit Charlie and I put you through with Fett and the Hutt. If we hadn't made that botched drug run...”

“Shh.” Leia put a finger on his lips. “It's over now. Why don't we go meet the cops upstairs, then I'll change, and we'll get back to the Claridge? The moment we can, we'll sign out and take the Falcon back to Ocean View.”

“No, we have to take it back to Bespin Island.” Luke turned red under his new, shorter hair style. “Arturro and I left our car at the Cloud City Club. Lance called his friend Larry Botts and got him to keep it from being towed, but I'm going to need it. I have to talk to Yoda about the surfing contest.” He sighed. “And ask him and Uncle Ben a few personal questions.”

“Why don't we take the Falcon to Bespin and split up from there?” Leia took her brother's arm. “You, Arturro, and I will go to Dagobah Bay and talk to Yoda and Uncle Ben. The rest of you, take the Falcon home. We'll meet you there by tomorrow night.”

Hank nodded. “As much as I want to spend time with you, sweetheart, we need to get the Falcon ready for the Boat Pageant. It's in a few days.”

Leia gave him her most radiant smile. “Does this mean you're staying?”

Charlie exchanged looks with Hank and shrugged. “We ain't got no reason to leave now. Jasper and most of 'is people are under arrest or smothered to death in concrete. We could probably get off with a warnin' for statin' evidence. Besides, after this, they may let us leave the country for a few years. We were haulin' drugs.”

“Before we go back, there's one more thing I need to do.” Hank squinted in Lance's general direction. “I'm glad you helped get me out of this...but you did help Vader tattle to Fett.”

Lance saw Hank roll up his sleeve and started backing towards the waterfall. “I told you, I didn't have a choice!”

He wasn't quick enough to dodge Hank's flying fist. He went head over heels into the waterfall. Hank shook out his fist as he emerged, spitting out water. “Damn it, Hank, this is a new suit!”

“Damn to fucking hell, Callahan, your head is even harder than Fett's!” He squinted, hoping he put out his hand in Lance's general direction. “Even, buddy?”

Lance took his friend's hand. “Even, pal.”

Charlie looked around as he and Hank helped the dripping Lance out of the pool. “Hey, what happened to Chip and Arturro?”

“I don't know.” Lance brushed water off his good white dress shirt. “Last time I saw them, they were in the club.”

The sound of a familiar “Heeeelllp!” brought everyone back into the Desert Nights Club. Hank, Charlie, and Lance burst into laughter. Luke's jaw dropped open. Leia shut it gently, shaking her head.

“This is all your fault!” Chip and Arturro clutched the trapeze, which now hung over the stage, for dear life. Chip was going a mile a minute, scolding his best friend. Arturro let out a series of annoyed chattering in his own language. “I'm the one who wanted to hide from the gunshots? It was your idea to get on the trapeze and swing over the crowd! You know I hate heights!” Arturro's chattering got noisier. “I will not take my mouth and shove it! That isn't possible, anyway! Only a bloody nut like you would come up with an idea like this!”

Arturro rolled his eyes as the police went to lower the mechanism. “Jump? You're a blooming madman! Let the police officers save us!” Chip gulped and waved down to the others. “We'll be down momentarily! Please don't leave without us!”

Leia looked at her brother, who looked at the other three. They couldn't help themselves. All five finally burst into laughter.