The Summer Strikes Back, Part 22

Leia was feeling more than a little dizzy. The room they dragged her to couldn't have been frillier if it had been decorated by Strawberry Shortcake. Everything was snow-white and pale pink and trimmed with ruffles, lace, flowers, and frills. The crescent-shaped couches and overstuffed chairs were the softest velvet she'd ever felt; the frilly sheets on the bed and the canopy surrounding it were real silk. The chairs and vanity in the powder room and the head and front boards on the bed were all trimmed with gold leaf and dripping with flouncy ruffles. Five pink crystal chandeliers the size of hers and Luke's entire cottage sparkled on the ceilings. Six crystal vases overflowed with white and pink roses, pink gardenia, and sweet pea.

Three maids in red and gold uniforms were assigned to bathe her, dress her, and put her to bed. She would have preferred bathing herself, but she was too tired to argue. Besides, she suspected they were under Jasper's specific orders. They were to watch over her and pamper her, or they'd lose their jobs...or worse. One of them stayed by her side at all times.

The bathroom alone was massive, three times the size of Uncle Owen and Aunt Bertha's. The sunken tub was more like a small pool. Everything was gold-veined pink marble and white and pink Italian furniture. She finally managed to relax a bit, allowing the maid to sponge her body and scrub her long hair. Attempts to engage the maid in conversation proved futile. Evidently, Jasper didn't want his new toy to be interacting with the help.

The maid wrapped her in a thick, soft towel, then draped her in a filmy white lace robe and pale daffodil heeled mules trimmed with more feathers than on her showgirl costume. A yellow satin nightgown, awash in frills and bows and so low-cut as to barely cover her bosom, had been laid on the bed. The maid slipped it over her head and removed her mules as another rolled her wet locks into loose curlers.

Babe Fortuna appeared with two waiters, who pushed a silver tray on a brass rolling cart, just as they were tucking her into bed. “Compliments of my boss, Miss.” He placed the tray by her side. “Some chamomile tea and muffins from the coffee shop downstairs to help you sleep.”

“Well,” Leia began, “I am a little hungry.” She pulled the blanket over her body to cover the barely-decent pajamas.

“Try the tea.” Babe's smile reminded her entirely too much of a happy shark. “It was made specially for you by the head of the coffee shop. We all want you to be comfortable here.”

She gathered the dainty yellow and gold-patterned China cup in her hand and sipped it. “It...it's quite good,” she admitted. “I taste the chamomile, but...something else...something fruity...” She drank it faster. “Something metallic...”

“Have some more.” He refilled her cup. “You'll figure it out.”

“Yes.” The second cup of tea disappeared down her lips, but her eyes were drooping. She hadn't finished nibbling on half a muffin before she let out an enormous yawn. “I'm so sleepy,” she mumbled. “Wasn't this tired before...maybe it was the adrenaline...”

“Yes, that's it.” The maids gently lowered her back under the covers, pulling the silk duvet up to her chin. “Why don't you get a good night's sleep? You'll feel much better in the morning.”

“Sleep...that's it...” Her last words before she dropped into a dreamless slumber were “Oh Hank...”

Babe narrowed his eyes. “Damn it. She's got a thing for Solokowski. Boss isn't going to like that. He'll have his work cut out with this one.” He turned to the maids. “She's not to leave this suite unless accompanied by me, Mr. Hutt, or one of our men. Make sure she wants for nothing. Give her clothes, books, anything she asks for. Send breakfast up at 10 AM on the dot. Boss wants to show her off to the afternoon crowd at the Oasis Beach Bar and Grill tomorrow.”

He turned to the waiters. “Make sure that little drug concoction is in her tea at breakfast tomorrow morning. She's a smart one. I don't want her figuring out what the Boss has in mind for her. Not as heavy this time. Just enough to make her compliant.”

He stormed off without waiting for nods from the maids or waiters. “Wish the boss wouldn't drool over every bitch he sees,” Fortuna grumbled to himself as he waited for the elevator. “This one's smart, smarter n' Oona. She's gonna be trouble.”

~*~*~*~*~

Only a single shaft of moonlight greeted Hank as he was tossed into the small room. He felt around, trying to figure out where he was. Crates, boxes, a rack of costumes, a chair with one squeaky wheel, another missing a leg. Must have been a storage room.

His knee made contact with wood...an old gaming table? Ouch! The sharp sides nearly cut him open. He felt around his arms and legs. Nothing broken, and they'd at least given him his clothes back after they'd tossed him in the nearest shower and washed the powder off.

Memories of the last few days were hazy at best. He knew they'd hauled him out of the tank after Fett pulled into a back alley with the food delivers. Jasper's boys dragged him to one of the smaller rooms, where they'd proceeded to strip him naked in front of Fett, at least five or six goons, and the Hutt himself. Jasper laughed like a booming foghorn when he fed him those little pills, saying he'd finally found a way to keep him out of trouble...

And he recalled nothing else until he collapsed in the moonlight and Leia kissed him. Leia. What were they doing to her? His stomach lurched just thinking of Jasper's flabby fingers leaving marks all over her. He'd heard that “the Hutt's” sexual appetites ran anywhere from quickies to kinky. His girl was too good for that. She was smarter and tougher than Jasper's right pinky.

His girl... His stomach rebelled again, and his head swam. Long fingers clutched the back of the three-legged chair. It was still hard to believe that someone like her, so intelligent and elegant, could want a guy like him. He had to get back to her and tell her. Tell her something more than “I know.”

“Mate?” A tall furry visage nearly blotted out the one barred window. “Mate, is that you?”

“Charlie?” Hank managed to stumble over to the dark shape. “Charlie, my eyes are still blurry. Did you bring my spare glasses?”

“Sorry, mate. They're in the Wheel House at the Falcon. Didn't know you needed 'em.” Arms as heavy as bowling balls nearly crushed his chest. “I'm so happy you're all right! I've had bloody nightmares about what that blighter Jasper coulda done to ya!”

“I can't see real well, pal. My other glasses broke.” Charlie helped him onto a threadbare old velvet lounge seat. “What's goin' on? Where's the others?”

“Lance passed himself off as a gambler. Not too hard for that toff.” The big Brit grinned. “Arturro n' Chip are a waiter an' Jasper's new translator. They're gonna go get Luke tomorrow. He's got some big ideas for this rescue, he does.”

“Luke?” Hank snorted. “Luke's crazy! Kid can barely take care of himself, much less rescue anybody.”

Charlie shook his head. “He ain't a tyke, Hank. He's come along right proper in the world. Calls himself a real Jedi Knight now.”

“A Jedi Knight? The surfing group?” His friend rolled his eyes. “I'm out of it for a few days, an' people start getting delusions of grandeur!”

Charlie didn't like how ashen Hank's face was, even in the moonlight. “Are you all right, mate? You look like death warmed over, you do.”

“Yes...no...” Hank's groan was loud enough to stir every dust molecule in the entire room. “Charlie...I don't feel so good...” His friend sighed and held him as he unleashed the contents of his stomach, hopefully including those pills, onto the concrete floor.

~*~*~*~*~*~

“Ugh.” Bright, hazy sunlight greeted Leia as she managed to crack open her throbbing eyelids. “Where am I?”

“The Royal Suite, Senorita.” This maid was small and squat, and she had a rather heavy Spanish accent. Probably Mexican, Leia decided. She'd flung open the sheer white curtains, revealing a panoramic view of the beachfront and boardwalk. “Mr. Hutt wants you prepared arrival. He's bringing breakfast and the day's schedule.”

Leia rubbed at her head. “I just want aspirin. There was something about that tea last night. I have the worst headache.”

“Well, you were brought here rather suddenly, Senorita.” The maid pulled the covers back. “We'll get you aspirin. There should be some in bathroom. Then, we'll attend to making you presentable.”

“Oh, no need.” She shook her head, which just made it hurt more. “I can get it myself.”

“For one thing, you don't know which cabinet it's in.” The woman had already started towards the bathroom. “For another, it is job to do this. Mr. Hutt wants your every need to be attended to.”

“So I'm not allowed to have any privacy?” Leia made a face as she came back with a small paper cup and two white pills.

“We'll be out of your way as soon as Mr. Hutt is here.” The maid gathered her mules in her hands. “For now,” she bent down to slip the shoes onto Leia's dainty feet, “let's get you into your underthings and do your hair and makeup. Mr. Hutt does like a lady to dress like a woman.”

No matter how much she protested that she could do it herself, the women who came in and out of her suites kept ignoring her. A lady in a pink off-the-shoulder blouse and tight white trousers claimed she'd been sent to do her hair and makeup, per Mr. Hutt's specifications. Leia's curls were set around her shoulders, framing her face, then held in place by more hairspray than she'd ever used in her life.

The dressing room and walk-in closet two of the maids lead her to seemed to go on forever. There were rows and rows of flowery high-heeled shoes, hangers laden with brief, lacy dresses and silky scarves, shelves and shelves of chunky sweaters, tight jeans, and ruffled blouses. She turned as red as ripe Jersey tomatoes when she saw the strapless lace teddy one of the women pulled out of the closet.

“I am not wearing that!” Leia pulled the sheer robe further around her body. “Are you crazy?”

“Mr. Hutt likes his ladies wear these.” The maid shrugged. “He says it turns him on.”

“I'd rather he be turned off. Besides, it's too long for me. I'd be swimming in fabric.” Leia dug into the closet, emerging with a peach bra and matching panties. They were both still lacier than she preferred, but it was better than the teddy. While the underwear was a bit loose, the bra fit well enough.

The maid had just finished closing the metal hooks in the back when she heard the door open. Babe Fortuna pushed Jasper Hutt into the dressing room, backed by three of his men, all in dark suits and glasses. Bobby Fett came in behind them, still wearing his green and red Members Only jacket. Jasper made a face. “I told you to get her into the one-piece!”

Leia grabbed the robe and yanked it over her arms. “Look, I don't want to be here. I don't know what you boys are thinking, but I just because I was dancing in the show downstairs doesn't mean I'm going to give you a free performance up here!”

Babe rolled his eyes. “I told you she was stubborn, Boss.”

“Of course you're not givin' free performances. You're only performing for me now.” Jasper rolled into the closet. Babe and one of the other men somehow helped him to his feet. “These rags will have to do for now. Tomorrow, we'll go to New York and buy you a whole new wardrobe. Nothing but the best for my cute little doll.”

Leia wished she could run somewhere, anywhere. “What are you talking about?”

Jasper and Babe were already thumbing through day dresses. “I like dressing my dolls. It amuses me, and they look the way I want them to.”

“Forget it!” She wished those damn mules weren't heels. Her feet tottered in them when she tried to flee. “I'm capable of dressing myself!”

“Yeah, I saw what you were wearing last night.” Jasper tossed her two tropical-print sundresses. “Here. Try these on where I can see you.”

It was the most embarrassing hour of Leia's entire life. Was this how Luke felt when she'd occasionally dressed him in her clothes when they were younger? Even she didn't let her friends watch! The men saw every move she made, ogling her shapely thighs and rear and her round bosom. It seemed to take hours for Jasper to choose a dress. Babe held her, making sure she turned slowly, so Jasper could pour over every inch of her. He put every dress on her himself, grasping and stroking her chest and rear and kissing her back and shoulders. His kisses were revolting, wet and sloppy. It was all she could to not retch at his touch.

“There!” He pulled back, leaning on Babe. “That one! That's perfect. Little long, little big in the chest, but it won't show so much when I pile the jewels on.”

Leia didn't like what she saw in the mirror. The bright pink dress with the yellow and purple rose print had a strapless sweetheart neckline that was cut to show off as much as her bosom as was possible. The full skirt and wide belt just brought out her baby roundness. The scratchy pink lace petticoat reminded her entirely too much of the ones she wore on Sunday mornings as a small child under her church dresses. The colors were too flashy and only made her look pale.

The dress had been made for someone far taller and bustier. She had to adjust the top to get it to sit right. The skirt, which should have fallen to her thighs, came to just above her knees. Jasper pulled the belt as hard as he could, lifting her breasts even more and making it a tad difficult to breathe. Her arms were laden with gold and diamond bangle bracelets.

“Jasper,” she gasped, “it's lovely, but...”

“No buts. It's perfect.” Babe shoved her onto a pink velvet lounge chair by the white vanity as Jasper brought out a pair of pink strap open-toed heels trimmed with bows. He took his time doing the straps, stopping to rub his fat fingers up and down her thighs and over her feet. “Oh yeah. Just perfect.”

“One more thing. Babe, bring me the box.” Babe handed him a velvet box with “Watto's Jewels” written in gold script on the top. “Had ol' Watto open early this morning just so I could get you this.” The fleshy fingers produced a gold and diamond choker. A diamond pendant the size of an egg hung down in the center like a dog tag. In fact, it looked more like a fancy dog collar than a necklace. “There. Now the world will know you're my property. I own that cute little hide of yours.”

“No!” Leia fumbled with the collar. “That's it. I don't want this. I'm not made out of plastic and vinyl. I'm a living, breathing human being!”

She gasped louder as Jasper dug his fingers into her wrist and yanked her arm around her back. “Don't play games, dolly. Remember, I still have Solokowski and Bachman in the basement.” He smirked as he tugged hard at her shellacked curls. “I suppose you heard what happened to my last mistress. We had a..misunderstanding...and she conveniently disappeared. I don't think you'll want that to happen to you or your friends.”

He pushed her at Babe, who dragged her over to the sitting room. A breakfast for three had been set out by a flurry of waiters. Leia recognized Arturro among them. He nodded at her, but she shook her head.

Jasper filled her plate with fruit, bacon, and scrambled eggs. “Eat hearty, dolly. We're going to go to the women's stores at the Pier One and buy you a dress and shoes for the party I'm giving tonight. I got some important folks visitin' from down south and I thought this would be the perfect way to introduce you to my people.”

“Jasper,” Leia started, “I told you, I'm not interested in you that way.”

“You will be.” He poured an opaque brown liquid into a crystal goblet. “Have some iced tea. We have a cook from North Carolina who knows how to slow-brew it the Southern way. It's amazing.”

“No tha...” She smiled a little. “I'll take that, thank you.” As she lifted it to her lips, she quickly handed it to Arturro, who dumped it into a near-by potted plant. Though the other men drank it, too, she wasn't taking any chances after last night. “Excuse me, gentlemen. I...left something in the bedroom.”

There had to be stationary in there somewhere! Searching the bedstand turned up nothing. Nor did the small desk by the window. She finally discovered a rose-print, scented writing pad and an expensive silver fountain pen at a little desk near the lounger. Her delicate fingers hastily scribbled a message, then tucked it into the pocket in her dress.

“Sorry about that.” She made her way back into the room, hoping her smile looked genuine. “I couldn't find what I was looking for.”

“Took forever, dolly.” Jasper sprayed eggs and bacon all over his gray pinstripe suit. “I was about ready to send my boys in after you.”

“That's all right. I know my own way.” She managed to nudge Arturro without the men seeing and pass him the note. He peeked at it and shoved it into his coat while the men were concentrating on their meals.

“We're done here, waiters.” Jasper waved them away, spewing bits of potato. “You can come back for it in about an hour, after we've gone to the mall.”

Leia watched helplessly as Arturro and the other waiter waiters wheeled the tray out. She wanted nothing more than to hide under the cart like in the movies and go with them.

~*~*~*~*~*~

“What?!” Luke looked up from the note Arturro handed him. “They did what to Leia?” He'd been trying on his new clothes at their room in the Claridge and going over the plan when they burst in, babbling on at the same time in two different languages. It took Luke five minutes to calm them down.

Chip nodded as Arturro chattered. “Jasper intends to keep her as his paramour and prize. He dressed her like his own Sindy doll and drugged her into sleep last night. Arturro says she's wise to that trick. She got rid of the tea he offered her and managed to pen that note.”

Luke read it over again. “She says Jasper's meeting with some of his people at the Oasis Bar and Grill across from the Desert Sun Palace at lunch this afternoon.” The boy's smile widened. “Shouldn't be too hard to crash the party. I always wondered what one of those fancy tea luncheons looked like.”

“I'll help you.” Chip produced a piece of thick paper stock the size of a business card. “Mr. Hutt gave me two of these and told me to invite a friend to lunch. Arturro and Mr. Callahan will already be working.” He handed Luke the paper. “No one will question this invitation, even if you are wearing leather.”

“Thanks.” He leaned over, plucking a black jacket from the turquoise and white quilt on the bed. “So, how does this look?”

Chip helped him into it. “You look...almost oddly elegant, in those tight trousers and the t-shirt. Rather like James Dean. Where did you get that 'Jedi Knights' patch on the back?”

“Lance knows someone on the boardwalk who does custom airbrushing for t-shirts and jackets. He was able to get the guy to do my jacket yesterday.” Luke frowned as he admired himself in the mirror. “Did you hear anything about Hank and Charlie?”

“Only that they were taken away.” Chip fussed over his collar with his good hand, trying to get it to sit right. “I don't think they'll do anything to them right now. They're leverage to force Leia to cooperate.”

“That's it.” Luke finally brushed Chip off. “Tell Lance I'll be at the Oasis Bar and Grill for lunch. I'm going in.”

The Summer Strikes Back, Part 23

The Oasis Bar and Grill was one of the top beach bars in Atlantic City. Palm trees made from fabric and paper mache waved gracefully over real tropical plants imported from Hawaii and the Virgin Islands. Two long gleaming cherry wood bars were covered by authentic-looking tiki hut roofs. While the Oasis was mainly popular with some of the more well-heeled beach goers, its location on the other side of the Desert Sun Palace Casino also made it a watering hole for rich and powerful businessmen and mobsters from New York and Philadelphia looking to unwind and make a few new connections.

Luke barely paid attention to the women in pastel sundresses and scanty bikinis who tried to flirt with him, or the CEOs in linen suits who raised their eyebrows at his heavy leather jacket. He stopped right at the small tiki hut where people paid their cover charge. “I'm here to see Jasper Hutt,” he told the bored-looking man sitting at the front door.

“Jasper Hutt is busy.” The man didn't even look up from his copy of Playboy.

“I will speak to Jasper Hutt.” The boy laid the invitation and a ten dollar bill on the counter in front of him. “I want to make a bargain with him.”

“Bargain, huh?” Luke just smiled a bit as he slipped the cash into his pocket. “Sure, kid. You can try, but I don't think it'll do no good.” He pointed towards a table in the back corner, near the entrance to the beach. “He's over there, with his people and his new broad.”

Luke spied Leia immediately. She looked surprisingly serene, given she was wearing more makeup than the entire cast of the Broadway version of La Cage Aux Folles. The brilliant pink dress and wide-brimmed yellow straw hat with the daisy-yellow bow made her look like the china doll he'd seen in the gift shop in the lobby of the Claridge. He nodded at her. She wrinkled her nose at him, revealing how she really felt about all this.

Babe waylaid him as he wound through the crowd. “I was told you want to speak to Jasper Hutt. Whatever you have to say to him, you can say to me. He's busy with a business deal right now and can't be disturbed.”

Another flash of green was pressed into Babe's palm. “I must speak to Jasper. It's a matter of of some importance.”

The bald headed man regarded the bill for a second before finally tucking it into his jacket. “All right, then. Boss is this way. But he'll only give you a moment of his time. The Hutt is a very busy man.”

Luke wasn't sure he was even a man. It looked more like a slug in a pale blue striped linen suit stuffing bacon-wrapped scallops in his mouth. Every other morsel dripped down the bib on his pale yellow Pierre Cardin shirt. The coarse, dark tuft of hair on his head was combed in such a way for people to avoid noticing his rather obvious toupee. Piggy eyes peered over a glass of red wine as Babe gently shook his shoulder. “Hey boss, kid here wants to speak to ya. Something about a bargain.”

Leia couldn't believe how mature and calm her goofy brother looked. Despite the sweat under the leather jacket, he was barely ruffled. She had no idea where he got the all-black ensemble – black trousers, shoes, leather jacket, cotton shirt. A black fingerless glove hid the cast on his right hand.

For her part, she was trying hard to be demure and silly and not slap Jasper's hand every time his fingers slid up to her panties. She wanted him to believe she'd fallen for his earlier ruse and was under the influence of the drugs in the tea. Shopping with him this morning had been enough of a nightmare. Nothing was good enough. He bellowed at every shop clerk in the entire mall, tossing aside dozens of dresses, shoes, purses, stockings, and hair accessories. At least there wasn't enough room in the stores for anyone besides Jasper and Babe to watch her try on gowns.

“Mr. Hutt.” Luke took the nearest chair, pushing himself between the slug and his sister. “It's...interesting...to meet you.” He shook the slug's lumpy hand. It was cold and greasy, like shaking a block of lard. “My name is Luke Walker. I was told you once knew my older brother Adam and Miss Ahsoka Tano. Miss Tano mentioned to me that they once helped you with a...little difficulty...with your toddler son, and you in turn sponsored several local surfing tournaments.”

Jasper's bloated lips managed a smirk. “You think I care now? They broke up years ago. I was killin' off little punks like you when your Knights meant something.”

“I want to make a deal with you.” Luke pulled up the chair closer to Jasper, close enough to smell the fish and cigar smoke on his breath. “Release Captain Solokowski, Ms. Walker, and Mr. Bachman, and we'll let you in on the profits when we take down Empire Industries. I've heard you're no fonder of them than we are. According to The Press of Atlantic City, they've been muscling in on your turf.”

Jasper gave a booming laugh and snapped his fingers. A hulking man in a suit that was almost as dark as Luke's clothes materialized at his side, as if by magic. “Hey Hugo, get rid of Blondie for me. Don't pulverize him completely. We're in public. Just show him who's boss.”

The moment Hugo lifted Luke off his feet, he kicked the man in the knee. The giant bodyguard went down, dropping Luke onto the neighboring table. “Uh, sorry!” The two men and lady who were eating crab legs gasped as the young man got to his feet. “Didn't mean to make a mess!”

Leia's eyes widened as the goon stumbled after the kid who kicked him. “Luke,” she screamed, “watch out! Here he comes!” She stood to help him, but Babe grabbed her by the shoulders and held her to the chair.

“Thanks, sis!” Her brother managed to dive away just in time, letting the man run right past him. He finally tumbled head over heels into the bar, taking four surfer's drinks with him.

Luke managed to leap over a wall and onto the beach as three more men in dark suits hurried after him. He grabbed a raft from a rack of navy canvas rentals and swung it at one man, knocking him over. Another man ran right into it as Luke turned around. The third toppled to the sand after Luke hit him in the crotch. He threw it at his head, then tried to make his way to the boardwalk. It was slow going around thousands of blankets, towels, chairs, and umbrellas. The hot sand kept getting in his new black loafers, and he really wished Leia hadn't borrowed his old sneakers.

The boardwalk was in sight when he ran head-long into what he at first thought was a wall. Wait. This wall wore a navy shirt soaked in martinis and beer and had a chest with more hair than on Charlie's head. Shoes stained with brandy dug into a towel ringed with sunblock and the novelization of Return of the Jedi. Hands the size of t-bone steaks reached for Luke's arms.

Luke managed to duck under him long enough to grab the ends of the towel. Before Hugo even realized what was going on, he yanked the towel out from under his feet, sending him into the sand with a thump that caused two near-by sandcastles to collapse. While two mothers hit the big man with their beach bags, the boy made his way to the boardwalk.

Three more men in dark suits greeted him the moment he got up the ramp. “What, do you guys multiply or something?” He grabbed an empty rolling wicker chair sitting nearby and shoved it at one man, cutting him off. The second one fell over him after he bent over to pick up the keys to his room at the Claridge, stumbling into the women's bathroom.

He should have been paying attention to the third. The man took a swing at his chin. All Luke saw for a few minutes was stars as he smacked hard into the wood planks.

Two big arms reached over and yanked him to his unsteady feet. Through the dull ache on his chin, he could vaguely see the crowd of tourists and beach bums who had gathered around when the commotion started. The man with the baby-faced pink bald head and narrowed reddish-brown eyes thrust Luke's hands behind him, binding them with a scarf grabbed from one of the cheap souvenir stores.

Jasper rolled up, Leia tottering behind him on pink heels. She giggled and nibbled on Jasper's ear to hide how terrified she was. “I'd have you tossed into the hoosegow for makin' a scene, but my new toy here says you're her twin brother. Even though you don't look nothin' alike.” The slug's idea of a grin spread across his lips. “I might be able to have some fun with you an' Solokowski tonight at the party. We could use a sensational new act, somethin' even bigger n' that livin' statue routine.”

Luke gave him a frosty glare he'd gotten off of Leia. “You should have bargained, Hutt.”

Jasper smirked. Babe pushed Leia into his lap, letting his boss stroke her mostly bare chest. “I'm sure, Blondie. I'll see you tonight.”

Leia was barely able to exchange frustrated looks with her brother before he was pushed along to the back entrance of the Desert Sun Palace. “This is the last mistake you'll ever make!” he called over his shoulder.

“I'm sure, Blondie.” Jasper threw his arms around Leia, holding her tightly to him. “Come on, dolly. You've had a busy day. Time to rest and dress you for the party tonight.”

As Babe wheeled them into the lobby, a familiar face in white shorts and a pale blue Ralph Lauren polo shirt winked at her. She managed to give Lance a tiny smile back before he pulled his straw fedora over his eyes and made his way towards the kitchens. He was going to have to tell Chip and Arturro what was going on so they could revise their plans and get a hold of the cops, and maybe even the FBI. This was big stuff...too big for them to go it alone.

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.