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I’ve got a little song here

By: Tyson Wolf, Larrysgirl and Mickys411 Rated G


One summer day Mike was driving home from the store, and he decided to take a new road home, one he had never taken before. Unfortunately, he got a flat tire.

"Great" He thought, as got out to look at the Monkee Mobile. There was a very small building behind him and a man came out. He wasn't very tall, but he was slender. He was bald on top, with a little hair on the sides.
"Hi there! He said, “Car trouble?”
"Yeah,” said Mike, “I got a flat tire."
"That's too bad.” said the man, “But I think I can help."
"You can?" Asked Mike.
"Yeah, we can patch it up," Said the man. The man was now leading Mike to the back to get the things needed to fix the tire. "Hey,” said the man, “You don't happen to be a singer do you?"
"Well, actually I am.” answered Mike, “And I've got three friends who also sing."

"Do you write songs?" asked the man.
"Yes.” answered Mike.
"Would you like to do one of your songs here?” Asked the man, “I'm in the recording business."
"That would be great!" said Mike.
"Norton Maxwell's the name!" said the man.
"Oh, well, I'm Mike Nesmith. You'd really like to hear one of my songs?"
"I'd love to!” Said Norton. “If you sign up with me, you'll make millions!" "What about my friends?" asked Mike.
"Oh well, I'd kind of like to hear you by yourself first.” said Norton, “How about it?"
"Well, I'm working on a song right now," answered Mike.
"That's great!” Said Norton, “You come back here tomorrow and sing your song for me, ok?"
"Alright,” said Mike, “Hey, what about my car?"
"Oh yeah!” Said Norton, “I kinda forgot about that"
After they fixed the car, Mike noticed a bunch of tacks and nails on the road. "That must have been how I got that flat tire," said Mike.
"Yeah, must have been." said Norton.
Mike thanked Norton again and went home.

When Mike got home, the other Monkees asked him why he was gone so long.
"Did you meet a girl?, asked Davy, eager to know if he did. “Does she have any friends? Sisters?"
"No, I did not meet a girl," said Mike.
"Did you meet a man?" asked Micky, joking around.
"Actually, yes I did,” said Mike, “His name is Norton Maxwell, he's in the recording business and he wants to hear one of my songs!"
"That's great!” Said Peter, “Did you tell him about us?"
"Yeah I did," said Mike
"What did you say?" asked Peter.
"I told him I have three friends who sing.” said Mike, “Anyway, I'm goin' back to see him tomorrow, he wants to hear my song." With that, Mike went upstairs to finish his song.
"I've never heard of this Maxwell guy," said Micky.
"Nether have I." said Davy.
"Let's look him up in the phone book!" said Micky.
"Alright" said Davy as he went to get the phone book.
"Let's see M...M...M,” said Davy, “Ah here we go, 'Maxwell'. "
"See anything?" asked Micky.
"Albert, Brian, Dan, Umm...let's skip right down to 'N',” said Davy reading all the names under 'Maxwell'. “Nancy, Nellie, Nita..."
"Davy,” said Micky, “Those are girls’ names"
"Oh! Well, how did I do that?” said Davy, “Nope, no Norton"
"Maybe he's new here," said Peter.
"Could be new,” said Davy, “Could be a fake"
"Yeah Davy's right,” said Micky, “He could be a fake"
Just then Mike came down.
"Mike,” said Davy, “We don't want you to go to this Maxwell guy. We think he's a fake!"
"Yeah we didn't see him in the phone book,” said Micky, “And we've never heard of him either!"
"Oh, he's a fake huh?” Asked Mike, giving the three of them a funny look, “What do you think of him Peter?”
"I think he's just new here," Peter said.
"And I think you're right,” said Mike, “I'm goin' back to work on my song some more." He went back up again.

The very next day, Mike was back to see Mr. Maxwell. This time he had taken all of his money with him, knowing it would cost something to sign a contract. Micky and Davy had tried to talk him out of it, but he didn't listen to them.
He walked into the building.
"Hello?" He called out.
"Mike! You're back!" said Norton.
"Hi,” said Mike, “Yeah I'm here, and I got my money too." Just them a pretty girl came out of the back room. She looked about Mike's age and had dark brown hair grown down to her chin.
"Hi there!" She said.
"Oh, Mike, this is my daughter, Ann.” said Norton, “Ann, this is Mike Nes...uh...Nes..."
"Nesmith" said Mike.
"Thanks,” said Norton, “You got that song you were talking about?"
"What? Oh yeah! I do have it,” said Mike, “Its right here.”
"Well you know it's gonna cost you to rent a recording booth, don't you?" asked Norton. "Oh yes I know that. I know that," said Mike, getting out his money.
"200 bucks!" said Norton.
"$200?” Asked Mike, “Well I've got $300 here."
"Perfect!” Said Norton, “You've still got $100 left!"
Mike got into the recording booth and sat down in a little chair.
"Go for it!” Said Norton, “I've got the tape recorder on! By the way, what's the name of this song?"
"The Girl I knew Somewhere.” said Mike as he started to play his guitar and sing.
The whole time he was singing he was looking at Ann, Norton's daughter.
When he was done, he asked Norton what he thought.
"Great.” said Norton, “Just great."
"It was very good." said Ann.
"Thank you." said Mike, smiling at her.
"Now all you have to do is sign this contract.” said Norton, “That'll cost you $50."
"Alright." said Mike.
After Mike left, Ann asked Norton what he really thought of him.
"Nothing but a big sucker.” said Norton, “He actually fell for all this! And that voice! Terrible voice!"
Ann looked at the tape recorder. "This isn't even turned on." she said.
"Take a closer look.” said Norton, “There's no tape in there either."
Mike came home to the pad very happy. He finally had one of his songs recorded! Sure, it had cost him $250, most of his savings, but it was worth it. Mike found Micky, Peter and Davy sitting in the living room waiting for him, not looking happy at all.
"Hey guys!" Mike yelled, "I did it! I made a recording! Mr. Maxwell said I sounded great!"
"How much did it cost you, Mike?" Davy asked.
"Two hundred and fifty dollars." Mike replied.
"That's most of your savings!" Micky shouted.
"So?" Mike replied, "That's nothing compared to the millions I'll be making!"
"Did he sign you up?" Peter asked.
"Yeah, I got it right here!" Mike said, as he pulled the paper out of his pocket. He handed it to Davy, who quickly read it.
"I, the undersigned, agree to give Norton Maxwell 90% of all future earnings" Davy read slowly. "Did you read this before you signed it, Mike?"
"No, no I didn't...." Mike said slowly. "I was kinda excited..."
"It's not even typewritten." Micky said, "Just handwritten on stationary."
"I think you've been had, Mike." Peter told him.
"I have not been had!” Mike said to Peter, “I wish you guys would just give Mr. Maxwell a chance!"
"Chance, huh?” Said Micky, “Mike, you're the one who's taking a chance!"
"Hey Mike..." said Peter.
Before Peter could say anything Mike went back upstairs. "I was just going to wish him good luck" said Peter.
"Hey,” said Davy, “Why don't we go check out Mr. Maxwell's place, then we can see for ourselves if he's a fake?"
"Yeah Davy's right,” said Micky, “We've never even seen this place." With that, Davy called up to Mike to tell him they were going to the store.
"I went to the store yesterday." said Mike.
"Well, you forgot something." said Davy.
"Quick! Let's go before he asks us anything else!" said Micky.
Before they could leave Davy suddenly had an idea, and whispered it the Micky and Peter.
"Micky,” said Davy, “You have to dress up like a girl."
"What?!” said Micky, “A girl! Why?"
"I'll explain,” said Davy, “And Peteh, you dress up like a little boy."
"Alright." said Peter.
"And what are you going to be, Davy?" Micky asked.
"I'll dress up like a man.” said Davy, “Well, you know what I mean."
They did as Davy said and listened to his plan.

Once they arrived at Mr. Maxwell's "Recording Studio" they got out of the car and went inside.
"Hello?” Davy called out, “Is anyone at home?"
"I'm here.” said Mr. Maxwell, “What can I do for you?"
"We're Mr. Nesmith's family,” said Davy, “I'm his father, David"
"And I'm his mother, Micky."
"Micky's not a girl's name." said Mr. Maxwell.
"Oh, well, it's short for...Michelle." said Micky.
"Oh. And who are you?" asked Mr. Maxwell, looking at Peter, who was dressed like a little boy.
"I'm Mr. Nesmith's little brother." said Peter
"You call your brother 'Mr. Nesmith'?" asked Mr. Maxwell, looking confused.
"No,” said Peter, “I call him Mike."
"Anyway,” said Davy, “We came here to tell you that Mike will no longer be able to come here."
"He won't?” Asked Mr. Maxwell, “Why not? Besides, he signed a contract with me!"
"He won't be able to come because we're moving to Australia next week." said Micky, in a very girlie voice.
"Yes,” said Davy, “So that means you'll just have to give him all of his money back."
"And tear up the contract." Peter added.
"Why would he sign a contract if he's moving next week?" asked Mr. Maxwell.
"Well,” said Davy, “Because we haven't told him yet."
"So, sorry to cause you all of this trouble sir.” Said Micky, “But you will have to give him his money back."
"And while we're here we might as well just take the money and give it back to Mike." said Davy.
"Why doesn't he get it himself?" asked Mr. Maxwell.
"Because he's sick in bed.” answered Micky, “He just came down with something this morning."
"I'm not giving you goons anything!” Said Mr. Maxwell, “I don't think you're his real family! He doesn't look like any of you three! You're too short!” He said pointing at Davy. “And you!” He said looking at Micky. “You're...you're...well you're...and you,” he said, this time looking at Peter. “You're way too tall for a boy your age! Now get out! All of you, out!"
With that, they all ran out and got back into the car.
"Some great plan of yours," grumbled Micky as he, Davy and Peter left the office.
"I guess it didn't work out the way I planned it." said Davy.
"This seemed like a plan I would have come up with." said Peter.
As they left, a man whistled at Micky.
"Can we please go home?” Micky whispered in Davy's ear.
Micky, Peter and Davy went back inside the pad, just as Mike was coming down the hurricane stairs. He saw their costumes and stopped halfway down.
"What are you three doing dressed up like that?" He asked, "I thought you guys were going to the store?"
"Um, it was ladies day at the store, Mike." Micky said quickly, "Anything a woman bought was 20% off."
Mike didn't buy that for an instant.
"So, where's the groceries?" He asked as he slowly came down the rest of the stairs.
"Couldn't find anything else we needed." Peter replied.
"You three went over to Maxwell's recording studio didn't you?" Mike said, glaring at his friends. "To check him out, to see if he was on the level?"
Micky, Peter and Davy hung their heads.
"We don't want you to be cheated, Mike." Davy said, "There's something fishy about him."
"You three are just jealous that I got a contract and you didn't!" Mike said angrily.
"No, Mike..." Micky began but Mike cut him off.
"You don't want me on my own, to make something of myself!" He yelled. “I'm supposed to stay tied to this band!"
"You know that's not true!" Peter retorted, getting a little angry himself, "We only want what's best for you!"
"Let me decide that, if you don't mind." Mike retorted. "I have a right to choose my own path. In this case it just might be without you three."
With that, Mike stomped up the stairs and slammed the door to his bedroom. Peter started to cry.
"Why is he being so stubborn?" He sobbed.
"Mike thinks he's got a real chance for success and he won't let anything stop him from taking that chance." Davy said.
"Not even us." Micky added, handing Peter a tissue.
"We gotta find a way to prove Maxwell is a fake." Davy told the other two. "And I think I know how."
"How?" Micky and Pete asked.

That night, all dressed in black clothing, Micky, Peter and Davy came over to the side window of Maxwell's 'recording studio'. They looked around to see if the coast was clear.
"I hope nobody sees us." Micky whispered, "Now what are we supposed to be doing here?"
"We're going to sneak into the studio and see if it's real or not." Davy whispered back. "A real studio will have recording equipment and microphones and such, plus we'll see if Mike's demo is in there."
"Sounds cool." Micky replied, then looked at Peter. "Got our stuff?"
"Yep!" Peter said quietly, "Flashlights, rope and three ham on rye sandwiches."
"With mustard?" Micky asked.
"Yeah, didn't forget that." Peter smiled.
Davy just rolled his eyes and led the other two to the back of the building.
The three of them went inside the building, looking for clues to prove that Maxwell was really a fake.
"Hey Peter.” said Micky, “Why did you bring that rope? This is a one story building." "Oh,” said Peter, “Well, maybe we could catch Mr. Maxwell and tie him up!"
"Yeah but what if..." Micky started to say.
"Will you guys just forget about the rope?” said Davy, “We're supposed to be looking for clues!"
The three of them began to look around.
"I found something!" said Peter.
"What is it?" asked Micky.
"It's a tape recorder." said Peter.
"So?" said Micky.
"Well, maybe Mr. Maxwell recorded a bunch of secret stuff on here!" said Peter.
"There's no tape in there." said Davy.
"Hey, here's a recording booth!" said Micky, who had wandered off a bit. Davy looked around, and saw that this was the only recording booth.
"Here's a microphone." said Micky.
"Is it real?" asked Davy.
"I don't know.” said Micky, “I'll look at it and...Peter, will you please stop breathing so heavy?"
"Yes, Peteh, will you stop that?" said Davy.
"I'm not breathing heavy." said Peter.
"Well, if you're not doing it, and I'm not doing it, and Davy's not doing it, then who is doing it?" said Micky, sounding scared.
The three of them turned around to see a large German Shepherd standing there, not looking happy at all. The dog let out an angry bark.
"Run for your lives!!" Micky shouted, as they went running out of the building.
Peter, Micky and Davy ran as fast as they could from the king sized Canine that was chasing them through the building.
"Roll over! Sit! Beg! Play dead!" Micky shouted to the dog.
It was no use, the dog continued to chase them.
"Got anymore bright ideas?" Davy asked Micky.
"You think that dog knows how to do back flips?" Micky responded.
Just then, Peter reached into the bag, and pulled out one of the sandwiches.
"Fetch!" he shouted throwing the sandwich.
The dog chased after the sandwich.
"Good thinking there, Peter," said Micky.
"I hope that dog likes hot mustard," said Davy with a laugh.
The guys then headed out the door, when a bright light shown on them.
"What do you think you're doing here?" said a man in a gruff sounding voice.
"You know, I hate to say this, but I think we're in trouble," Davy whispered to his band mates.
"Who are you!?" the man wanted to know.
The lights soon came on, so now everybody could see one another.
"It's Mr. Maxwell!" said Peter.
"It's you two!" said Mr. Maxwell, recognizing Davy and Peter.
"Don't you remember us?" Peter asked.
"Yeah I remember you! You were that silly little kid!” said Mr. Maxwell, “And you're that short guy who said you were Mike's father! And you! You look like that weird woman!"
"Oh!” said Micky, “Well, that was my sister! Everyone always said we look exactly alike!"
"I know who you guys are!” said an angry Mr. Maxwell, “You must be Mike's band mates! What are you doing breaking in here at night!?"
"Well we..um...we" said Peter.
Mr. Maxwell started going through the bag they had brought with them. He pulled out the rope and took it with him to a room in the back.
He came back with a chair, then went back to get two more.
"Sit down!" he ordered. The three of them did as he told them.
"Musical chairs!" said Peter. Mr. Maxwell tied them up with the rope.
"Hey this isn't musical chairs!" said Peter.
"No kidding! said Mr. Maxwell, I'm tying you three up for tonight! And I'm calling the police in the morning!"
"The police!" said Micky.
"You can't call the police!” said Davy, “We're not doing anything wrong!"
"You broke in didn't you? said Mr. Maxwell, “Now you boys just stay like this overnight, and think about what you've done!"
Mr. Maxwell went into the back room again. This time he had found his German Shepherd. He led the dog over to the chairs and told him to keep an eye on the Monkees.
"Now boys, this is 'Duke',” said Mr. Maxwell, “He'll keep you company."
With that, Mr. Maxwell left. Duke just sat there, watching them.
"I wish Mike was here." said Peter.
Micky, Davy and Peter tried to break free from the chairs, but every time they moved, Duke would growl at them.
"Nice, Duke." Davy soothed. "Nice doggy."
"It's no use." Micky said, shaking his head. "Even if Duke wasn't guarding us, the ropes are too tight."
"We're gonna go to jail and Mike's gonna have his life's savings stolen." Peter said sadly.
Just then, there was a sound outside. It sounded like a cat.
"Meow, meow." Went the sound.
Duke's ears snapped up at the sound and he bounded out the door after the cat. A few seconds later a figure appeared in the doorway. It was none other than Mike.
"Mike!" Peter exclaimed, "Are we glad to see you!"
Mike didn't say anything as he walked over and stood in front of his friends. He folded his arms across his chest.
"When I left my room and found you three gone without even leaving a note, I realized you guys might be doing something dumb like this." Mike said. "I aughta leave you three for the cops."
"We were trying to get the goods on Maxwell, Mike." Micky said. "But he caught us."
"Yeah, we found his tape machine and it didn't even have a tape in it!" Peter added.
Mike looked dumbfounded.
"No tape?" He asked.
"Yeah, he was probably just pretending to record you so you'd give him your money."
Mike looked shocked as he realized he never heard a playback of himself singing.
"You gonna stand there like a statue, Mike, or are you going to untie us before Duke gets back?" Micky asked, glancing at the door.
Mike quickly went behind the three chairs and untied his friends. They quickly stood up and led Mike over to the recording studio. Mike looked at the tape recorder and didn't see a tape inside. In fact, the machine looked so old, Mike doubted it even worked.
"Oh my..." Mike breathed as he realized his friends had been right all along.
"We better get out of here before Duke or Maxwell comes around." Davy told the others.
Mike numbly nodded then he and the others quickly left the room.
As the four Monkees were leaving the building, Davy, Micky and Peter saw the look on Mike's face. He was more upset that he really was suckered and the guys were telling the truth the whole time.
"Hey, you ok there Mike?" asked Davy.
"Yeah, I'm fine.” he responded, “I guess you were right, and I just let this whole thing get to my head. I should had learned my lesson with that Bernard Class."
"At least we can stop this guy, before he tricks someone else," said Micky.
Peter patted Mike on the shoulder with a smile, Mike smiled back.
"Come on, let's get out of here before what's his face shows up." said Davy.
"What a minute, what about the police?" asked Micky.
"Forget tomorrow morning, I'm calling them as soon as we get to the nearest pay phone," said Mike.
"You would not do that," said a voice.
"Of course I would Peter," said Mike, turning to his friend.
"I didn't say anything, it must had been Micky doing one of his voices," said Peter.
"I didn't say a word," said Micky.
The Monkees turned to see Norton and his dog.
"Going somewhere, gentlemen?" asked Norton.
"We're going to call the police!" said Micky.
"And have you arrested!” said Peter, “Because you tricked Mike!"
"I don't think you boys are going anywhere." said Norton.
"Yes we are!” said Mike, “We're calling the police!"
"You're going back into the building until I call the police in the morning!” said Norton, “Get 'em Duke!"
Duke started barking, but luckily for the Monkees, Norton had the dog on a leash. Norton and Duke herded the Monkees back into the building and tied them up again, only this time he put them in a small room with no windows.
"Now you're going to stay here!” said Norton, “But this time you can't get out!"
Norton locked the door and left for home, but he left Duke there, outside the door.
Mike let out a deep sigh.
"At least we're all here together!" said Peter.
"Yeah, you're right about that good buddy." said Mike.
"How are we going to get out of here?” asked Micky, “There's no windows and Norton locked the door."
"I don't know." Mike said sadly.
"Maybe someone will come and get us!" said Peter.
"Who would come looking for us?" asked Davy.
"Well maybe a beautiful girl will rescue us!" said Peter.
"It's the other way around." said Davy.
"Norton has a daughter, Ann.” said Mike, “But I don't think she'd be any help"
After that no one really said anything.
The three of them could tell Mike wasn't in the mood to talk anyway.
Norton Maxwell opened the door of his house and turned on the lights. A few seconds later, his daughter Ann came into the living room, wearing a nightgown and robe.
"I'm glad you're home, Dad." Ann said, "You're usually never out this late."
Maxwell took off his coat. "Well, this afternoon, I was visited at the studio by three weird looking people asking about Nesmith's contract. I got suspicious and came back to the studio tonight and found it was Nesmith's buddies and they were snooping around."
"What happened then?" Ann asked.
"I tied them up and had Duke guard them, when I came back to check up on them, Nesmith had his buddies free and were trying to leave. I now got all four of them tied up at the studio inside a locked room with Duke outside the door."
"Why not just call the police?" Ann asked.
"I was tired." Maxwell answered, "I'll call them in the morning and have them arrested."
"But they'll tell the police you tricked Mike!" Ann exclaimed. "Then you'll be in jail too!" She frowned. "And so will I."
Maxwell looked at his daughter. "You're right, Ann. We both gotta leave town. Let's get some rest then pack up and leave in the morning."
Ann sat down on the living room couch. "I'm tired of running, Dad." She said, "I really like this town and the people. Besides, I think Mike's kinda cute. I saw him looking at me while he was making that fake recording."
"Ahh, he was just doing that to get on my good side, honey." Maxwell replied, waving his hand. "They'll be other suckers. Now go to bed." He started to walk to his room. Ann followed him with a sigh.
"Whatever you say Dad." Then a thought occurred to her.
"Hey Dad."
"Yes, Ann?"
"You're not going to just leave those guys and Duke, are you?"
Maxwell turned to look at her.
"No, we'll pick up Duke on our way out of town and as for those snoops....well, they won't have any evidence for the police if the studio burns down, will they?"
"No, I suppose not." Ann admitted, getting nervous.
"And if they were unlucky to be in that building when it burned, well that's too bad too." Maxwell smirked. "No witnesses."
Ann looked at her father in shock. "You can't mean that!" She exclaimed.
"We're looking at a long sentence for fraud if those boys talk, Ann!" Maxwell retorted.
"But murder..." Ann said in shock.
Maxwell put a hand on Ann's shoulder. "Now don’t fret Ann." He said softly, "Maybe they'll be gone by tomorrow, maybe not. But we will be on our way to Arizona. Now good night." He finished, kissing on the cheek.
Maxwell went into his bedroom and closed the door, leaving his daughter standing in the hall in total shock.

Back in the recording studio, the guys tried to get loose, but they were tied too tight. Finally giving up, they sat against the wall, defeated.
"Looks like we're going to jail." Micky said.
"Yeah, but so is Norton Maxwell and his daughter." Davy replied. "We'll tell the police what they did to Mike."
"Leave her out of this." Mike said sharply, the first words he'd spoken in several minutes.
"She's his accomplice, Mike." Peter said.
"I don't care." Mike retorted, "I can't believe she's involved in this too."
"I'm not, at least not any more." Said a voice from the door.
The Monkees turned to see Ann standing in the doorway, holding onto Duke's leash.
"Ann!" Mike said with great surprise. "What are you doing here?"
"I'm setting you boys free, that's what." Ann said as she came into the room and started untying Mike.
"I told you a beautiful girl would rescue us!" Peter said happily.
"Why are you helping us?" Micky asked.
"My father and I are planning on leaving town in the morning." Ann replied, then looked at the floor. "But he was also thinking of destroying all the evidence too."
"Burning this place down?" Davy asked, shocked.
Ann nodded, "And maybe the witnesses too."
The Monkees looked at each other in total shock.
"So go ahead, call the police, I don't care." Ann said as she untied the last Monkee.
Mike took Ann's hand. "Thanks for coming back for us, Ann." He said then looked at the others. "We gotta find a way to get Maxwell, but keep Ann out of this." He said. "I'm calling the police right now." said Mike.
The five of them walked over to a pay phone, and Mike called the police.
"Hello,” he said, “I'd like to report a fraud, you see there's this man, his name is Norton Maxwell and-" Before Mike could Finish, the policeman interrupted him.
"Norton Maxwell?” said the policeman, “We've been looking for him."
"You have?" asked Mike.
"Yeah, he tells people he's in the recording business and tricks him into giving them their money." said the policeman.
"That's what he did to me!" said Mike.
"So you know where he is?" asked the policeman.
"I'll give you the address" said Ann, as she told it to Mike and he told the policeman. "Alright, thanks,” said the policeman, “We'll go look for him"
"Mike.” said Ann, “He may be heading to Arizona."
"Oh yeah, he may be heading to Arizona!" Mike said.
"Ok, thanks again.” said the policeman, “Goodbye"
"Well, we've got that taken care of!” said Peter, “What do we do now?"
"We haven't got it completely taken care of,” said Mike, “But let's just get some rest now."
"What about Ann?" asked Micky.
"I can go find a hotel.” she said, “I'll be alright."
"We'll have no such thing!” said Mike, “You're coming home with us!"
"What about Duke?" asked Davy. Duke let out a low growl.
"No Duke.” said Ann, “Be good. These people are being very nice to us." Ann got down and gently petted Duke on his head.
"Wanna pet him?" she asked the Monkees.
The four if them looked at each other, somewhat nervous. Mike got down and talked to the dog.
"I'm sure you're not such a tough guy." he said.
"Sometimes he's not,” said Ann, “He can be an angel."
"Let's head on home" said Micky.
Once they got back to the pad, the Monkees fixed up a nice bed on the sofa for Ann. "Thank you so much boys." she said.
"No problem" said Mike, giving her a wink.
"Let's go to bed." said Micky, with a yawn. Everyone headed off for bed, even Duke, who was going to be sleeping in a chair.

The next morning, there was a call from the police.
"We caught Norton!" said the policeman.
"That's great!” said Mike, “Where did you find him?"
"About 5 miles outside of Los Angeles." the policeman said with a laugh.
"Was he going to Arizona?" asked Mike.
"Trying." said the policeman, who explained the whole thing.
Once Mike was done talking, everyone was dying to hear the whole story.
"Well,” said Mike, “He was trying to go to Arizona, but they found him and his car on the side of the road!"
"What happened?" asked Ann, sounding a little worried.
"He got a flat tire!" said Mike.
After that they all had a good laugh.
Once everything was taken care of, and Norton was in jail, they still had to figure out what to do with Ann.
"We love having you with us, said Mike, but I'm afraid there just isn't enough room for five people"
"That's alright Mike.” said Ann, “I understand. I know where I can go. You see, my aunt lives only a few miles from here, and I can go live with her. We're very close friends, she's only in her 30s."
"What about Duke?" asked Peter.
"I'll take him with me.” said Ann, “My aunt likes dogs, she has one of her own, a black lab."
The Monkees drove Ann to her aunt's house, the next day. They all said they goodbyes and met Ann's aunt, who was very nice.
"Goodbye Ann.” said Mike, “I'm gonna miss you"
"I'm going to miss you too, Mike.” said Ann, “But I don't live far away, so maybe we can see each other sometime!"
"I think that can be done" said Mike, giving her another wink.
With that, Mike gave Ann a kiss on the cheek and got back in the car where the others were waiting.

About a week later, the Monkees were out driving, when they got a flat tire. "Not again." said Mike, as he got out of the car to check out the tire.
There was a very small building behind them, and a short, round, happy looking man came out.
"Hello!” he called out, “Car trouble?"
Mike looked at his band mates. "Yeah, we got a flat tire" he said.
"Well, I think I can help you guys fix it,” said the man, “Follow me."
They fixed up the tire.
"Hey, you guys don't happen to be singers, do you?" asked the man.
"What, us singers!” said Mike, “No that's crazy talk! I can't carry a tune in a bucket"
"I can't sing." said Micky.
"I make a terrible sound." said Davy.
"They tell me I have no voice at all." said Peter.
"Well, thanks again for all of your help, but we've gotta be going now! Bye!" said Mike, as he quickly got in the car with his band mates and drove off.
"That's too bad they're not singers,” The man said to himself, “I was gonna ask 'em if they wanted for play for my party next week. And pay 'em too!"

The End

"The Prince and the paupers II"

By: Mickys411, Larrysgirl and Petey Rated G

It was a quiet day at the pad, in fact it had been a quiet couple of days.
Micky, Davy and Peter were doing some chores, while Mike went to have the Monkeemobile washed. The guys were just sitting on the couch channel surfing on the TV between a ballgame and a western picture, when Mike came through the door.
"Hey fellas, what's up?" he asked.
"Nothing much," said Davy.
"It's quiet," said Peter.
"If it gets too quiet I'll go crazy," said Micky.
"Well, I got the mail, maybe there something interesting," said Mike.
He and the other Monkee sat at the dining room/kitchen table to read the mail.
Mike sorted the mail.
"Bill, bill, junk, junk ,bill, junk, bill, junk," he said, looking at the envelopes.
He then noticed a shiny looking letter. Mike opened the bright letter seal and began to read the note that was inside the golden envelope. A smile appeared upon his face.
"Hey, it's from Prince Ludlow," he said.
"What does it say?” asked Peter.
Mike read the letter.
"Dear Monkees:
Hope all is well with you.
Me and Wendy are living quite happily.
She sends her love and wishes.
Anyway, I'm writing to invite you to a grand event.
The National History Museum in NY is going to be adding a wing, dedicated to my family.
There will be a several activities, including a ball.
I was wondering if maybe you are available to perform at all the events.
At the same time, I will be crowned to be king.
Don't worry about money, all expenses are paid, plus you will receive a generous payment.
Wendy will be there and she's looking forward to seeing you as well as I am."
The Monkees faces lit up.
"Did Ludlow say trip to NY?" asked Peter.
"Did he say performing for a generous payment?" asked Micky.
"Did he say Wendy will be there?" asked Davy.
"Take it easy shotgun, Ludlow say's she's expecting their first child in a few months,” said Mike.
He looked at the letter again and thought.
"I guess we could use an adventure," he replied.
Micky, Peter and Davy were quite happy to hear that.
The guys then made their arrangements for the trip.
About three days after receiving the letter, they were off to NY for the festivities.

The plane landed at JFK airport and the Monkees went to collect their luggage. Peter looked at the luggage carousel.
"Why would they put a kid's ride in the airport?" He asked.
"It's not for riding, Peter." Davy said, "It's where our luggage will come out for us to pick up."
"If our bags made it here with us." Micky said.
"If the carousel ever starts up." Mike added.
The Monkees and the other passengers waited and waited for the luggage carousel to start so they could collect their things and be off. Finally, the TV screen above the carousel showed their flight and a red light began to flash. With a groan, the luggage carousel started to turn and the luggage began to fall down the chute and onto the carousel. Everybody, including the Monkees, rushed over to grab their things and a commotion ensued.
"Excuse me, pardon me." Micky said as he tried to grab a bag, but a lady hit him on the head with her umbrella.
"That’s MY bag!" The lady yelled.
"Sorry." Micky said, rubbing his head.
"There's my bag!" Peter exclaimed, rushing over to the carousel, but there were too many people around it and he couldn't reach his stuff. Peter frantically ran around the carousel, trying to find an open spot so he could make his grab. Every time he found an opening, his bag had gone past.
Davy, being the smallest of the group simply crawled between the legs of the other passengers and snatched his luggage. Mike simply waited until the other passengers had collected their luggage and calmly grabbed his guitar case and bag and walked over to the other three.
"That wasn't too bad." Mike remarked.
The other three just shook their heads and walked away from the baggage claim area.
"How will we get to where we're staying?" Micky asked.
Just then, the guys noticed several men dressed in suits and carrying signs. One of them was dressed in an elegant red and gold suit and held up a sign that said 'MONKEES'.
"Hey, that sign has our name on it!" Peter said.
"That's probably Prince Ludlow's chauffer." Mike replied.
The Monkees walked over to him.
"Hi, we're the Monkees." Davy said.
"Oh, very good!" The chauffer said, "My name is Alf. I'm to take you over to Prince Ludlow's suite. This way, please."
The guys followed Alf out of the baggage claim area and over to where the limousines were parked. It turned out their limo was a long, elegant roadster painted purple.
"Wow, groovy car, man." Micky said whistling.
"Er, yes, thank you." Alf said as he helped load the guys' luggage into the back. The Monkees climbed inside the back while Alf went behind the wheel. The limo roared to life and soon the Monkees were on their way into New York City.

As the Monkees drove from the airport to their hotel, they couldn't believe their eyes on the big city.
Although LA was a large city with a lot of buildings and skyscrapers, the ones by them looked smaller compared to the ones they were seeing now.
"Isn't NY City known as the big apple?" asked Peter.
"That's right,” said Mike.
"I don't see any apples."
"Never mind Peter, just enjoy the scenery," said Micky, trying to take pictures out the limo window.
"I wonder how far we are from the hotel," said Davy.
And with that, the Monkees arrived at the Crystal Ball Hotel.
Alf stopped the limo, and got out of the car to get the guys luggage.
The Monkees then climbed out of the car, only to catch a glimpse of the large building that was the hotel they were staying at.
"Gentlemen, your luggage," said Alf.
"Thank you Alfie baby," said Mike.
Alf was a bit taken back by the comment.
"You don't have to help with our suitcases," said Peter.
"I wasn't going to," said Alf.
"Well, thank you for the ride Alfie man," said Davy.
"See ya Alfio," said Micky.
After the Monkees enter the hotel, Alf sighed and said, “Kids today."
As if the city impressed the guys, they were even more surprised by the look of the hotel.
The inside was all red carpeting, with crème' colored walls.
There was also a water fountain in the middle of the main floor, and crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling.
"Gosharooney, will you look at this place," said Micky.
"Yeah, what a groovy looking place," said Mike.
"You know, this place is so big you can get lost," said Davy.
"Which reminds me, where's Peter?"
The guys looked for their band mate only to find him checking out the fountain.
"See what I told you," said Davy.
"Whatcha doing Peter?" asked Mike.
"I was about to throw a coin in the fountain," said Peter.
"I don't think you can do it in a place like this Peter," said Micky.
"That would be correct gentlemen," said a voice.
The Monkee were so surprised by the voice, it cause the four of them the fall to the ground.
Unfortunately for Davy, he was on the bottom of the Monkee pile.
"Can you please get off of me?" he called from the bottom.
The guys got up to see where the voice came from.
"It turned out to be a man, who was older looking, standing at the front desk.
"Can I help you boys?" asked the man.
He really didn't want to help the monkees, due to their appearance with their long hair and funky clothes, but according to the hotel rules, "You always have to be courteous."
"Mike spoke up and said, "Hi sir, we're friends of Price Ludlow’s and he invited us to come here."
"He wants us to perform at his events,” said Peter, “I do have one question about the rooms. Can I have a bed by a window?"
"I don't think so," said the man.
"I can take a bed anyway then," said Peter.
"What I mean is, I don't believe you know his royal highness. And if you don't get out of this hotel, I call the police."
"That won't be necessary sir," called a voice.
The Monkees turned to see Prince Ludlow and Wendy.
"Vince, Please get a room for these gentlemen," said Ludlow.
"Yes, your highness," said the man at the front desk.
The guys thanked Vince then went to meet Ludlow and Wendy.
"Hey Ludlow, how's it going?" asked Mike as the two shook hands.
"And thanks for what you just did," said Peter.
"Yeah, that Vince didn't believe us at all," said Davy.
"Hey those are some groovy threads there," said Micky complementing Ludlow’s clothes, which consist of a red Nehru Jacket, black bellbottoms, and some love beads.
Wendy was wearing a paisley maternity dress.
"Thank you guys,” said Ludlow, “I can have the royal tailors make up a couple of these.”
"Really?" Micky asked. "That'd be groovy! New band outfits!" he grinned at the rest of the guys.
"Uh... so, when does everything start up?" Mike questioned. "I mean, when we have to be playing and all."
"This evening," Ludlow replied. "We'll have dinner in the grand hall, and then the celebrations can begin!"
"Please, sir," Vince called from the front desk. "I'm afraid we seem to be completely booked this afternoon. There's simply no room whatsoever."
At that moment, a large woman rushed through the hotel lobby, pulling a thin man by his ear.
"We're getting out of here RIGHT NOW! You hear me?" she scolded him. Coming through the gold encased glass doors, she stormed to the front desk. "We want out of this claptrap hotel immediately!" she roared.
"Yes, ma'am!" Vince feebly replied.
"Well, that seems like just the cancellation we needed," Ludlow told the Monkees. "If you'll just wait for housekeeping to get around to it, you should be settled in in about an hour."
"While they're waiting, Ludlow." Princess Wendy said to her husband, "Let's show them where they will be playing."
"Excellent idea, my dear." Ludlow smiled, "Come this way, my friends."
Ludlow and Wendy led the Monkees over to the Grand Hall. It was a huge place, with large crystal chandeliers hanging from the ceiling, gilt-framed mirrors on the red velvet walls and a large bandstand at the far end. Several hotel employees were busy setting up the tables.
"Wow, look at this place!" Davy exclaimed.
"We're really gonna play here, Ludlow?" Micky exclaimed.
"Yes, I'll see to it that your instruments are set up for you and that you guys have everything you need." Ludlow replied with a smile.
"Thanks so much, Ludlow." Peter said sincerely.
"It's the least I can do." Ludlow replied, "If it weren't for you four, I wouldn't be prince," He took Wendy's hand, "Nor would I have lovely Wendy for my wife."
The Monkees smiled at that. Just then, Vince came into the hall and told the Monkees their room was ready.
"Great!" Mike said happily, "I'm bushed."
"So am I." Micky said, stifling a yawn.
"Then we'll let you boys go." Wendy said warmly, "We'll see you this evening."
"And I'll have those clothes made up and brought to your room." Ludlow added.
"Thanks again, Ludlow, Wendy." Davy said.

The Monkees got the key from Vince and then took a glass elevator up to the tenth floor to their room. Their bags were sitting in the middle of the floor. It was a large suite with two bedrooms, each with a queen-size bed. The bathroom had marble tile and gold trim all over and the carpeting was a rich dark red. The guys were amazed at all the luxury.
"What a place." Micky whispered.
"Yeah, a guy could get used to this." Davy said, sitting down on one of the over-stuffed couches.
"You could've been used to this if you had continued to pretend to be Prince Ludlow." Peter said.
Davy just laughed and shook his head. "No, it wouldn't have been right, Peter." He stood up and went over to the window.
"Prince Ludlow is a great fellow." Mike said, taking off his jacket. "I'm glad we were able to help him keep his throne."
Micky took off his jacket as well, then let out a great big yawn. "Well, I'm gonna take a nap."
"Me too." Mike said, going into one of the bedrooms. "How about you two?" He said to Davy and Peter.
"We'll stay up for awhile," Davy said, "And enjoy the view."
"Suit yourselves." Mike said, "But we need to be rested up for all the activities coming up."
"We'll rest later, Mike." Peter said.
But as much as they enjoyed the wonderful views of the city, Peter and Davy were soon fast asleep on the couch.

Awhile later, the Monkees were awoke by a knock at the door.
Mike got up to answer it.
It was Wendy, she was wearing a sliver maternity gown for the ball.
"Hi Mike,” she said, “Do you mind if I come in?"
"Sure Wendy, come on in," said Mike, inviting her in the room.
"I'm here to tell you that the royal tailor will have your suits done in time for the ball," said Wendy.
"Groovy thanks," said Davy.
The guys noticed a sad look on Wendy's face.
"Are you ok, Wendy?" asked Peter.
"I'm fine, I'm just a bit nervous," Wendy answered.
"Nervous about what?" Micky asked.
"Maybe it's just me, and I know Count Myron is in jail, but something tells me that something doesn't seem right," Wendy responded.
"Don't worry Wendy,” said Mike, “I'm sure there's nothing to be scared about."
"We'll keep an eye on everything," said Davy.
A smile appeared on Wendy's face.
"Thanks you guys,” she said, “I better get going, so you guys can get ready. See you at the party."
Within minutes after leaving, the royal tailor came with the guys’ new matching suits, they looked exactly like what Prince Ludlow wore earlier.
The Monkees tried them on, the suits fit perfectly, and they were ready for the party.

The party was held in the hotel's ballroom, which was decorated beautifully for the big event. The guys met Ludlow, who was a something similar today, but it was a bit dresser. Wendy was standing next to him.
"I'm glad you guys are here," said Ludlow.
"Your instruments are set on the bandstand," said Wendy.
"Thanks." said Mike.
With that, the Monkees got up to the bandstand, and began to tune up. Everyone enjoyed the Monkees a lot, applauding them after every tune, and the guys enjoyed performing for the guests as well.

The Monkees took a short break to enjoy the event, and mingle with the crowd. However, they had much more luck playing for the people than talking to them.
"A funny thing happened to me on the way to bandstand," said Micky, telling a woman a joke.
"Sorry, I don't date comedians," said the woman walking away.
Mike was eating something at the buffet table and said, "Hey this is pretty good, what is this stuff?"
"Caviar, better known as fish eggs," said a man.
Mike spit the food out into a napkin.
Wendy noticed Davy, who looked quite down in the mouth.
"Is everything ok, Davy," she asked.
"You know Wendy, I don't think we're fitting in well," said Davy.
"Just be yourself," Wendy said.
"We had, and it's not working that well," said Davy.
Ludlow approached them and said, "Can I tell you something?"
"Sure."
"If it hadn't been for you and your friends, I wouldn't have had the confidence to talk to people and I wouldn’t have married my lovely wife here.”

Ludlow gave Wendy a kiss.
Just then, the lights went out. However, within seconds, they went back on.
"Wendy, are you ok?" asked Ludlow.
"I'm fine," said Wendy.
The Monkee went to the center of the room to meet.
"What the heck happened?" wondered Mike.
"I don't know," said Davy.
"Hey guys, I just noticed something," said Micky, looking around at the room, then to the guys.
"What's that?"
“Peter's missing!"

Meanwhile, outside the ballroom, Vince the hotel manager was carrying a bag over his shoulder.
"I got you now, Ludlow," he said with an evil laugh.
Vince quickly ran down the hall with his squirming bundle and went inside a door marked 'Laundry'. There he was met by Alf the chauffer.
"You got him?" Alf asked.
"Yep!" Vince said proudly, Putting the bag down. "Easy as pie!"
"Don't you mean cake?"
"I don't like cake, it's fattening." Vince said.
"Oh."
"C'mon, let's get to the car." Vince said quickly, hearing the commotion outside. The prince's abduction must be causing quite a stir right now. "We can escape in the confusion."
"I thought we were taking the car." Alf said, getting confused.
Vince just rolled his eyes and looked outside the door. The coast was clear for the moment. He went to pick up his bag.
"Help!" Yelled Peter inside the bag. "Let me out!"
"Be quiet, Ludlow." Vince snarled, "You're coming with us."
"Yeah, we got plans for you!" Alf snickered.
Vince picked up the bag with Peter inside and the two kidnappers left the laundry room.

Back at the party, Ludlow, Wendy and the Monkees were in search of Peter.
The five met in the lobby, all looked in despair.
"I checked the ballroom, no Peter," said Mike.
"He's not in the dining hall or the kitchen," said Davy.
"Nor back at the room," said Micky.
"Wait a minute," said Ludlow.
"What's the matter, dear?" asked Wendy.
She as well as the Monkees saw that Ludlow had a note in his hands.
"Where did you find that?" asked Mike.
"I found it on the floor, after the power failure." said Ludlow.
He then began to read the note.
"To whom it may concern:
If you want to see Ludlow again, you will surrender all of his family's valuable belongings that were intended for the museum."
"Poor Peter," said Wendy.
"Don't worry Wendy, we'll thing of something," said Ludlow, taking his wife's hand.

Meanwhile, on the other side of town, Alf and Vince pulled the limo into an alley way, got out of the car, opened the trunk, took the bag out, and they went into an abandoned building.
"Here we are Ludlow," said Vince, opening the bag.
When the bag was opened, Ludlow was not in there, but Peter was.
"Hey, where am I?" asked Peter.
"You idiot! that's not Ludlow, it's not even the guy who looks like the future king!" shouted Alf.
"If I'm not Ludlow, can I go now?" asked Peter.
"No!" replied Alf.
"Why?"
"Because then you'll squeal to the police." said Vince.
"I'll tell the police, but I won't squeal." said Peter.
Vince and Alf then closed the bag, with Peter inside.

Back at the hotel, Micky, Mike, Davy and Wendy were sitting around a table in the Prince and Princess's private suite. Ludlow was talking on the phone in another room. Everybody was still dressed in their fine clothes. The party had been cut short with the excuse that the Princess was not feeling well and the guests sent home. As the four of them waited for Ludlow, nobody said anything, as they were very worried about Peter. Ludlow hung up the phone and walked back into room with his wife and friends.
"Anything, Ludlow?" Mike asked.
"I'm afraid not, Mike." Ludlow replied, shaking his head, "The police are searching all over, but no sign of Peter."
The Prince sat down next to his wife and looked at the three Monkees.
"I just want to say how sorry I am for all this." Ludlow said sadly. "Because of me, Peter is in terrible danger."
"It's not your fault, Ludlow." Micky said, "But the kidnappers must know by now that they grabbed the wrong guy."
"So they might come back for you." Wendy said, looking at her husband and taking his hand.
"I have extra security around the hotel." Ludlow replied, "But what puzzles me is that I can't seem to find Vince the manager anywhere."
"Vince is gone?" Mike asked.
"Yes, he's gone as well," Ludlow replied. "And I wanted him to help with the investigation."
"Especially since he might've seen something." Micky added.
"Maybe the kidnappers grabbed him too." Davy said, then looked gravely at the others. "Or maybe he's one of the kidnappers."
Everyone around the table looked at each other in the heavy silence that followed. Ludlow shook his head.
"Vince comes from an old Peruvian family with close ties to my family." He said, "I've stayed at this hotel many times, and nothing has ever happened."
"You weren't donating valuables to the museum before." Mike said quietly.
"Casting blame won't get Peter back." Wendy said, "Like Micky said, the kidnappers must realize they don't have Ludlow and might try again."
"Maybe we can set a trap." Micky said.
"Good idea!" Davy replied, "And I'll be the bait."
"What!" Everyone exclaimed.
"I posed as you before, Ludlow." Davy said evenly. "If I pose as you again, maybe the kidnappers will grab me and take me to where Peter is."
"NO!" Ludlow shouted, standing up. "Absolutely not! You risked your life for me before, I will not have you do it again!"
Everyone was surprised by the conviction in Ludlow's voice. He had certainly come a long way from the shy prince they once knew.
"You'll be in danger, Davy." Wendy said, "They might even kill you if they discover the truth."
"I'll take that chance if it can save Peter." Davy responded. He looked over at Micky and Mike. They didn't look happy about this at all.
"We don't want to lose Peter and you, Davy." Mike said.
"There has to be another way." Micky added.
But Davy insisted his plan could work.
Davy put his plan into action.
"Ok, here's the plan,” he said, “I'll go down disguised as Ludlow, and bring them the "treasures".”
"That's it?" asked Micky.
"I'm not finished yet. I'll make a trade with the kidnappers by giving them the bag of items for Peter."
"You can't give them the treasures," said Mike.
"I'm not going to give them the real items.” said Davy, “Do you remember the junk shop and paint store we passed on the way to the hotel?"
"I get it, you're going to buy some items from the junk shop and paint it to make it look valuable," said Wendy.
"You got it," said Davy.
"I like your plan Davy, but maybe I can add something to it if you don't mind," said Ludlow.
He whispered his idea into Davy's ear.
"That's a groovy idea, but are you sure you what to do it?" asked Davy.
"It's the only way we can get Peter back."
"What was the idea?" asked Mike.
"Ludlow wants to come with me, and we can plan a bit of a double vision trick on the kidnappers," said Davy.
"Are you sure it would work?' asked Micky.
"It worked before.”
Wendy was quiet but spoke up, “It sounds dangerous but, it like you said, it may be the only way to get Peter back.”
Ludlow took Wendy’s hand and said, "Don't worry dear, I'll be alright."
"If you guys go, Mike and I will stay here with Wendy," said Micky.
"Thanks you two."
"Now let's get this plan into gear and save Peter," said Davy.

While Davy and Mike went to the junk and paint store to buy the 'treasures' they were going to give the kidnappers, Ludlow called the number on the ransom note.
Alf was standing by a payphone, waiting for the call. He wasn't sure if anybody would respond, since the prince was still safe, but was pleasantly surprised when the phone rang. He picked up the phone and put a cloth over the mouthpiece to disguise his voice.
"Hello?"
"Hello, is this the kidnappers?" Ludlow asked.
"Yes it is, Ludlow. You're a very lucky boy."
"You'll be lucky if you get less than 20 years for kidnapping my friend." Ludlow responded coldly.
"Spare me the threats, Princy." Alf retorted, "The ransom is the same. We want all the treasures you were going to donate to the museum."
"Very well." Ludlow replied, pretending to be downcast, "I will deliver them myself. Where do you want to meet?"
"There's an abandoned building at the corner of 120th street and Forest Avenue. Be there at dawn. Bring the treasures and come alone, or your friend won't be so lucky." Alf told the prince. With that, he hung up.
Ludlow hung up the phone on his end. "I'll come but I won't be alone." He said quietly.
Just then, Davy and Mike came back with boxes of junk and a can of gold paint.
"Here's the stuff." Davy said, "Did you contact the kidnappers?"
"Yes I did." Ludlow replied, "I'm to meet them in an abandoned building on the corner of 120th and Forest."
"We both will." Davy said, "But they won't know that."
Micky, Mike and Davy quickly got to work painting the junk. Soon the objects, mostly candelabras, bowls, plates and so forth, were covered in shiny gold paint. Then they let the objects dry.
"Beautiful. Just beautiful." Micky said, admiring his work.
"I'm sure Picasso would approve, but we gotta get going." Davy replied.
Ludlow and Wendy came back into the room. Wendy was back to wearing her maternity dress and Ludlow was wearing a blue Nehru jacket, black pants and boots.
"Everything ready, my friends?" Ludlow asked.
"The paint's almost dry." Mike replied.
"Very good." Ludlow said, "Davy, I had my tailor make up another outfit like this, it's in the next room."
"Thanks, Ludlow." Davy replied and went to change his clothes.
Davy came back a few minutes later, dressed exactly like Ludlow. Mike was putting the gold-painted junk in a sack.
Wendy brushed Davy's hair a little so it would lay like it did for her husband. It was now almost impossible to tell the two apart. Ludlow looked at Davy.
"Well Davy," Ludlow smiled, "Still remember how to play prince?"
"I do." Davy replied, picking up the sack.
"Better let me take that down to the car, Davy." Micky said, "The prince can't be seen carrying things."
"Quite right." Ludlow agreed, "I have a car waiting in the basement garage. Micky can come with me with the sack and I'll make sure people see me leave. Davy, you'll have to take the service elevator down to the garage. I have another car waiting for you."
"Great idea." Davy said, "We'll leave separately and meet about a block away from the building. Then we'll put our plan into action."
Wendy went over and kissed her husband, and then Davy.
"Please be careful, both of you."
"We will, my dear." Ludlow said with a smile. "Stay with Micky and Mike in the suite."
With that, Ludlow and Micky left the suite and went down into the garage. Micky put the sack into the back seat of Ludlow's car, and Ludlow drove off. Micky went back up to the suite. Davy, Mike and Wendy were waiting for him.
"Is Ludlow gone?" Davy asked.
"Yeah, he is." Micky said. He shook Davy's hand.
"Take care, ok?"
"I will Mick." Davy replied.
Mike put a hand on Davy's shoulder.
"I wish Micky and I could come with you, Davy."
"I do too." Davy replied, "But we can't risk Peter's life." He sighed, "See you later, fellas, Wendy."
"Bye, Davy." Wendy said.
Davy nodded and left the suite. He took the service elevator down to the garage and got into the luxury car waiting for him. As Davy pulled out onto the street, the first rays of dawn were beginning to show. He hoped he and Ludlow could pull off their plan.

Back at the abandoned building, Alf and Vince watched the street for any sign of the prince. Peter, who was now tied to a chair, glared at them.
"You won't get away with this." He told them.
"Gee, how original." Vince sneered as Alf chuckled. "Just like in the movies."
"What are we supposed to say in reply?" Alf said to Vince, "Oh yeah." He turned to Peter. "Of course we will...or its curtains for you!" The two kidnappers laughed as Peter gulped. He hoped help would come soon.

Davy and Ludlow walked down the street, keeping the bag close to them, so someone won’t take it thinking it was money instead of gold painted items from a junk shop.
"I hope we get there soon,” said Davy, “I'm worried about Peter.”
"Not to worry, Wendy gave me a map so we won't get lost," said Ludlow.
And sure enough, thanks to the map, they found the street with Vince waiting at the corner.
"Vince! what are you doing here?" said Ludlow who was surprised.
When Vince saw Ludlow and Davy, he was in complete shock.
"Theeeerrree'sss twoooo for you!" he said.
Just then, Alf appeared grabbing Peter by the arm.
"What's going on?” asked Alf, “Where's the treasure?”
When Alf saw Davy and Ludlow standing next to each other, he to couldn't believe their eyes.
"Two of them, there's two of them!" he screamed.
Davy and Ludlow were a bit shocked but happy to see that their plan was working better than they thought.
Alf pushed Peter at them and said, "Here's your friend!"
"What about the "treasure"?" asked Davy.
"Keep it!” cried Vince, “I'm out of here!"
Vince then ran down the street.
"Wait for me!" Alf shouted, following in pursuit.
"You ok, Peter?" Davy asked.
"I'm fine, a bit shaken up, but I'm fine." Peter answered back.
Davy and Ludlow were happy to see not only their plan worked, but Peter was ok.
Just then, a taxi pulled up. Mike and Micky jumped out.
"What are you guys doing here?" asked Davy.
"We came because we called the police, and we're leading them to the scene.” said Mike, “I see you guys got Peter back, but where's the kidnappers?"
"They took off," said Ludlow.
"I guess they couldn't handle seeing double,” laughed Ludlow, "Is Wendy still at the hotel?"
"That's the second reason we came,” said Micky. “Wendy went into labor, she's at the hospital right now."
Although Ludlow wanted to get to the hospital right away, they all waited for the police.
When the police came, Ludlow and Davy describe Alf and Vince.
"Oh Vince Bont, and Alf Sunders," said one of the policemen.
"You know about them?" asked Peter.
"We've been after those two for months, they're wanted for fraud and robbing the downtown jewelry store."
Ludlow told the police which way Alf and Vince took off, and the police headed in that direction.
"Come on, we gotta get to Wendy!" said Ludlow.
The five of the got into a taxi.
"What a minute, they took Wendy to the nearest hospital." said Mike.
"Which one?" asked Peter.
"Central Gardens," said Micky.
"Central Gardens Hospital," Ludlow said to the driver.
"Gotcha Mac," said the driver and he took off.

The taxi drove the Monkees and Ludlow directly to the hospital.
Ludlow was about to pay the driver, but the guys told him to go ahead, and they paid for the ride.
When the five entered the hospital, they were met by one of the royal guards.
"She's down the hall at Maternity Ward A-F, room 246," said the guard.
Ludlow thanked the guard and he, with the Monkees at his heels, took off.
They looked up and down the halls, and sure enough, they found the doorway to the maternity ward.
After wondering around for about 5 minutes or so, they found Wendy's room.
Ludlow knocked and a voice said, "Come in."
Ludlow walked in, with the Monkees still behind him.
Wendy was in bed, holding something in her arms.
She looked up and Ludlow and the Monkees, smiled and said, “Say hell-o to the new addition to the family."
Ludlow went to get a closer look at his new born child.
"Did you pick name?" he asked.
"Annabella Rose," said Wendy.
"She's beautiful."
Ludlow kissed his wife, then the baby.
The Monkees knew this was their cue to exit.
They congratulated Wendy and Ludlow and left.
The next day, they sent flowers and a stuffed bear for Wendy and the baby.

With the birth of Anabella Rose, some of the events were changed to a different date.
And a few days later came the big event, the items were donated to the museum.
Ludlow and Wendy became king and queen, making Annabella Rose a princess.
To top it all off, The Monkees not only performed at the event, but were made members of the royal court!


A few days later, the Monkees were back home at the pad.
The day the guys got home, they saw in the paper that Vince and Alf were caught, and are now spending 20-30 years in prison.
They came home with enough money to keep up with the rent for a while, and their medals from the royal court.
"You know, this was some adventure we had," said Davy, looking at his new medal.
"It sure was," said Mike, getting some glasses out of the cupboard.
"Yeah, I'm still surprised that Ludlow and Wendy made us members of the court," said Micky, admiring the pictures he took.
"And we have enough money to pay the rent," said Peter, getting a jug of root beer out of the fridge.
The guys poured some root beer into the glasses and raised the glasses up.
"I think we should make a toast to Ludlow," said Mike.
"Good idea,” said Micky, “After what he did for us, he deserves it."
"We should also toast Wendy," said Davy.
"And the new princess Annabella," said Peter.
"To Ludlow, Wendy and Annabella Rose!" the Monkees said all together as they made they clinked glasses.

The End