"Well done," I shouted. "Very well done."
And that was very well that. Other than my wife's cold silence everything was just about perfect. We rolled merrily into the night and were well out of the city before we saw a police checkpoint ahead. I struggled into a dress, popped on the wig, then led all the assembled ladies in a sing-song of "Row, row, row your boat—"
The bus had barely rolled to a stop before we were told to move on. There was many a high-pitched shriek of joy and a flutter of waved handkerchiefs as we left.
It was almost midnight before the headlights lit up the sign:
BIDE-A-WEE RETIREMENT HOME FOR GENTEEL LADIES.
I jumped out and opened the gate, then closed it behind the bus.
"Inside, ladies," I called out. "Tea and cakes waiting — as well as a self-service bar."
This last drew shouts of hoarse pleasure as they streamed inside, dresses and wigs now cast aside. Angelina signaled me over and I hurried to her side.
"What do I say to him?"
"I thought you were angry with me?"
"That's long past. It's just. "
He stood aside from the others, saw us talking. Walked slowly over to join us.
"I must thank you both — for what you have done for all of us."
"It just worked out that way, Pepe," I said. "The truth is we set the whole thing up to spring you out of that place. The operation sort of, well, grew a bit after that."
"Then you still remember me, Angelina? I recognized you at once." He smiled warmly and his eyes grew damp.
"It was my idea," I said quickly, before things got out of hand. "I saw this item in the news and felt obligated to do something. For old times' sake at least. Since I was the one who arrested you for stealing the battleship."
"And I was the one who led you into a life of crime," Angelina said firmly. "We felt a certain — responsibility."
"Particularly since we have been happily married for years and have two fine sons. If you two had not been partners I would have never met the light of my life," I added to make sure all the ground rules were known. Pepe Nero nodded and knuckled his eye.
"I guess about all I can say is… thanks. So it all comes out even in the end. I think I was always suited for crime, Angelina. You just set my foot on the right road. Now I am going to have a really large drink."
"That is a really great idea," I agreed.
"A toast!" Burin called out. "Jim and Angelina — our saviors. Thanks for life!"
Cups and glasses were raised — as well as a hoarse cheer from all present. I put my arm around her waist and this time it was I who had the tear in my eye.