Out of The Mist

[Rickrock]

Oh-oh, who woke Paddy? Good chapter, waiting for more. Thanks

 

[DonQuixote]

Well, Rafe and Ollie certainly had a *good* day out on Catch!

And, I was thinking the same thing as Rick - who had Paddy's undivided attention?
The clients, who are ticked off about their missed shipment of boyz?

 

[Craiger]

Goodness! Even Paddy isn't as safe as he would like. I have a feeling I know who it is, but rather than be embarrassed by being wrong, I will wait for the lights to be turned on. I hope Rafe's transition is smooth and nothing dastardly happens in the mean time... Thanks, Chaz.

Craiger

 

[Kyanimal]

“Out of The Mist”

Chapter 114 of ? …

Rafe:
After the hospital, Ollie took me to Mrs. Neumann's mansion on the top of the hill. I was amazed at the building, overlooking the entire town. I'd never been to a place like it. I was so nervous about being there that I was literally shaking in my shoes. Ollie noticed, and wrapped his arm around me as we entered the impressive doors, granting me a solid foundation, while gently urging me to relax, and trust his lead.

Damn! He smelled so good, and felt so sexy. He tightened his grip on me as I slightly stumbled over the threshold. He probably felt how tentative I was, but he was the real reason I'd temporarily lost my footing. My mind was swimming.

Mrs. Neumann was the grandmother I never knew. Norma's greeting had been tremendous, but this awesome lady was truly something else. I felt as though she adopted me immediately. Mere words fail describing her.

When Ollie explained I had agreed to become a member of “the crew”, Mrs. Neumann seemed more thrilled than I had been accepting the incredible chance offered me.

Ollie eventually showed me his room, and Mrs. Neumann said it was mine if I should ever wish to move in. I'd have to think about that. I knew I couldn't assume sleeping with Ollie and Dave all the time. Those two deserved their space. And, now, perhaps I had found my own for my move to Harbour Home. “Home” indeed.


Dave:
I didn't have to ask how the day had gone when I saw the smiles on Ollie's and Rafe's faces, as they entered the shoppe, arm in arm. If I didn't love them both, I might have been a bit jealous. Instead, that sight brought a huge grin to my face.

As “my boys” were out on the waves, business had been surprisingly hectic. All of us had been kept scurrying to keep up with the customers, nearly selling out of everything on the floor.

Though I knew Ollie and Rafe might be hoping for a rest, after hugs, I had to ask if they would mind changing into their linens, and pitching in to help us out. They enthusiastically agreed.

I paired Ollie with Ryan to restock the counters and shelves, and sent Rafe off to Spartan Pizza to retrieve dinner. Surprisingly, he got back quicker than Ryan had on his first “run”. HA!

We practically had to force the doors closed at 10pm. Dan and Tim had stayed around, too. All of us were completely drained. Dan and Tim phoned their wives, explaining they were going to stay over tonight, instead of driving home. They said they would share “The Cabin”, to leave the rest of us to “The Loft”, with winks and smiles.

It was the first time I'd ever seen that happen, father and son sharing a bed, instead of one taking the couch in the break room, or upstairs in the den. Hmmm … I was probably thinking too much. All of us were beyond tired.

Frank and Ryan retired to “their” room, and I ended up naked in “my” room between Ollie and Rafe. They both still smelled of the salty sea air, snuggling over me.

In “normal” circumstances we would likely begin some playing. However, it wasn't long before we were nodding off, comforted in the warmth of nude male skin to skin, bodies gently surging, wrapped around each other, taking deep breaths, delving the depths of dreams, regaining our strength, through the sultry darkness of the night.


Paddy:
As instructed, I turned on the kitchen light. Glancing over my shoulder I looked down upon a short Asian guy, holding my own gun in my back. We both blinked in the sudden brightness. He motioned for me to sit down at the table. For some reason, I was more amused than fearful.

“I apologize for this sudden intrusion.”, he said. “I know who you are, and I suspect you've heard of me. By the way, I believe this is yours.”

He set the gun down, on the table, within reach of either of us.

“I do not need this, and I'm hoping you won't think that you do, either, sir.”, he smiled.

His English was impeccable. He sounded like a “High” Brit. He was obviously a very educated dude. I found myself being curious about where he had been schooled. I held no doubts that his life's story would be nothing short of fascinating. He had my full attention.

Though I realized he could kill me at any given moment, I found myself enthralled with, even admiring, him. The very fact that he was in here, past my security guys, without raising any alarms, and had gained, then surrendered, my own gun, and was calmly studying, judging what my next move might be, told me he was quite incredible, and not someone to turn one's back upon.

“Would you happen to be Ting?”, I ventured.

“That I am.”, he grinned. “You have heard of me after all.”

I smiled, and nodded, cocking my head. “From what little I know, you've had an interesting few days. And, I can't wait to hear about all of it. In the mean time, are you hungry? Can I offer you whatever I might be able to conjure up?”

“Thank you! That would, indeed, be greatly appreciated. Feel free to move about however you may wish.”

Checking the fridge, I found some of Mary's stuffed cabbage rolls, that I popped in the microwave. While those were spinning, I popped open a couple Guinness Stouts, one for him, one for me.

Over the next hour, or so, Ting filled me in on all of the recent events, where “Dog Star”, and her crew, was, plus what had happened to my cargo, alive and otherwise. It wasn't good news.

After our fourth beer …

“I can't thank you enough for dropping by tonight, and filling me in. You've just earned a big bonus, and a promotion. What would you like to do next? All you need to do is tell me, and it's yours. Do you need a place to stay? My home is yours.”

He told me he would like to get back to work, on the sea. I told him that “North Star” was due in a few days. If he wished, he could join her crew, as an officer.

He expressed he was grateful for that opportunity, but turned down my offer to stay here, saying he had access to other accommodations, and that he didn't want to be a burden, in any sense. Besides, his being here might be difficult to explain to everyone else around.

I had to agree with that.

As almost an aside, he asked if human cargo would still be a part of operations. I asked if that bothered him. He assured me it didn't. He was simply being curious.

I told him with the current state of affairs, with awareness on “the other side” being heightened, that aspect would be closed down for quite a while.

With a handshake, and shallow bow from Ting, he was gone as silently as he'd arrived.

I grabbed another Guinness to sit at the kitchen table, running my hands through my hair, pondering what had just happened, and what I'd learned. Sean was getting a call whenever I woke up, because I was certainly going back to bed.

I could use more guys like Ting.


Had anyone been watching, which they weren't at 3am, they might have noticed a little Asian guy pulling open the side door of a windowless, gray, Chevy cargo van, and entering it's surprisingly lush interior, a few blocks away from Paddy Lafferty's house.

The van's lights came on as it pulled away from the curb, quietly gliding off through the early morning's velvet darkness. The only conspicuous aspect about it, if noticed, were it's diplomatic license plates.

Even with little to no traffic, Boston's streets are a difficult maze to navigate. However, it wasn't all that long before the van was pulling through the back gates of the Chinese consulate.

 

[Craiger]

My instincts led me in the right direction. Only Ting could be so quiet and cunning to bypass Paddy's security. I hesitate to think what Paddy would do knowing Ting's connection to the Chinese consulate. One might wonder if that is good news or bad. At least we know the human cargo has ceased for now. There still is fear for Ryan however.

Speaking of Ryan and all the boys, they must be bushed to forego any hanky-panky... It's good to know Mrs. Neumann's acceptance of Rafe is strong and that he will be living in Ollie's old room. I wonder if she would accept me as a guest as well. I could use some excitement in my life.........

Thanks Chaz.

Craiger

 

[DonQuixote]

Chaz,
You are definitely keeping it interesting on all levels!

 

[Kyanimal]

“Out of The Mist”

Chapter 115 of ? …

Ollie:
Sunday morning began later than I had hoped, though I wasn't complaining.

Everyone was so bushed from the previous day/night. Dan and Tim went off to “The Cabin”, and the rest of us, in “The Loft”, split up with Frank and Ryan in their room, and Rafe bunking between Dave and I, all of us naked, of course.

Nothing “crazy” happened, though. Dave and I were very content to be touching each other over Rafe's nude body. And, though he might have been thinking about “making waves”, it didn't take Rafe all that long to drift into peaceful slumber in the warmth of our mutual embrace.

I, myself, had succumbed to dream land, with Rafe's masculine scent filling my nostrils, my hand grasping Dave's shoulder, as he was similarly holding onto me.

When I did wake up, I was entangled with Rafe. I was not surprised that Dave was already absent, likely in the kitchen.

Though Rafe still had his eyes closed, he was lightly moaning, and moving his body so our morning wood was rubbing together, creating friction, that could lead to some sparks.

“Hoss” was salivating, and raring to GO! But, looking at the clock, and acknowledging my urge to pee, I decided this wasn't the time for “Bigger” things.

Besides, I was also feeling a bit guilty with all I'd done with Rafe already, without Dave involved.

I made a conscious effort to regain my perspective, in spite of the HOT bundle of testosterone seducing me in his dream state.

I rolled out of my side of the bed, leaving Rafe to slowly hump the mattress, while grabbing a pillow to hug. I was certain he was still asleep.

I followed a fully boned “Hoss” to the bathroom. It took a lot of effort to get him pointed down at the toilet bowl, and let loose a golden stream, as opposed to white ropes of “cream”.

I was able to take care of things in the shower. I was half expecting Rafe to join me. He didn't.

That gorgeous boy was still snoozing when I, wrapped in a long robe, smacked his bare bubble butt, and told him it was time to get moving.

He rolled over, stretched, rubbed his eyes, then smiled at me.

“Was I just spanked?”, he devilishly grinned.

“You will be, if you don't get out of bed.”, I smiled.

“Is that a promise?”, he coaxed.

“As much as I'd love to, it's time to get moving, do what you have to, and put something on even if it's only a robe. I'm sure Dave has breakfast going, and don't forget that Dan and Tim are still here.”

“Aye, aye, Captain”, he smartly saluted, mimicking my own dimple fireworks expression.

Insolent little morsel that he was, I fired back with my own dimples, and told him to respect those of us who had adopted him, and hit the floor with his long, slender, feet.

He just smiled wider, slipped out of bed, and waved his beautiful hard dick at me.

I simply shook my head, and wondered down the hall to join Dave, to help fill coffee mugs, and set the granite table for seven.

Frank and Ryan emerged moments before Dan and Tim rang the “Singing Stairs”. They were fully dressed, with all the rest of us in robes. Didn't matter.

Dave was serving his signature “Eggs Benicek”, in honor of Rafe's joining us, or maybe because all of us truly loved them,and he relished that.

I explained that Rafe had done extremely well handling “Catch”. And, today, I'd like to train him some more.

My plan was that the rest of the guys would pose as a Charter Group, so I could introduce Rafe to what he'd actually have to be doing.

Rafe was looking a bit tentative. The rest of the gang eagerly agreed, including Dan and Tim, who both phoned home, explaining their further delay. I wasn't sure their wives were all that thrilled.

It turned out, near the end of the day, they were more than supportive than expected. Probably because we'd kept their guys out of their hair, giving them a “free” day, without having to watch after, and care for, their big pets! HA!

The guys agreed to give Rafe and me enough time to get “Catch” ready for a cruise. I figured they could follow us within half an hour, or more if they needed. No rush.

Rafe and I were arm-in-arm on our way to the pier. There wasn't that much traffic on Commerce Street, pedestrian, or otherwise. It was a gorgeous, clear sky, day. And, being a Sunday, it seemed the rest of Harbour Home had taken the opportunity to sleep in a bit, too.

We did get a “cat call” from a passing Volvo, with two guys inside. Both of us made a point of grabbing each others' asses, for another “Whoot!”.

The thought crossed my mind that I liked feeling the taut muscles of Rafe's firm butt, move under my hand, while he was walking, perhaps too much.

I wasn't complaining about feeling him grab my ass, either.

However, in my heart, I was wishing I was walking with Dave instead. And, to my mind, that made this all right.

As much as I liked Rafe, I loved Dave! And, I loved Dave even more, knowing he'd be all over Rafe, too! Does that make any sense?

I felt that Rafe “got it”, and was wallowing in his current situation. Thinking about it, what gay guy wouldn't?

We arrived at “Catch” with our hands in each others' back pockets. We didn't have time to get “messy”, though.

I had Rafe turn on “Catch's” bilge pumps, and engine compartment blowers. I ran him through a check of her systems. I showed him what was expected to have everything stocked, and ready to go, from the galley to the bait lockers.

We were fully fueled, but needed to head over to the live bait dock. I gave Rafe the helm, while I played cast off dude, a change in roles.

I was impressed how he handled “Catch”, backing her out of the slip, pivoting her on her props, just like I'd shown him, then moving her at one eighth through the harbor, expertly sidling up to the bait station. The boy had a natural touch.

We were fully stocked, and back at the slip, just as our “charter” arrived. Excellent timing, for which I was proud of, building my confidence in Rafe all that much more.

The guys must have been consulting before they came to meet us. It was odd that they were acting like they didn't know us. It took Rafe, and I, a moment to adjust to what we were being presented, but soon fell into the perfect act being played out for us.

Once I realized what they were doing, I was impressed with the full presentation they were willing to go to on this training mission. These guys were Awesome, and we haven't even broken out the beers, yet.

I took back my position as Captain, controlling “Catch”, and told Rafe he was now the Host, without giving him specifics, waiting to see what he would do, handling our “charter”.

At first, he was unsure what to do next, then paused, got his thoughts together, and drawing on what he knew about “Catch”, and his previous experiences, he was soon smiling, graciously giving the guys a full tour, as I guided us out, through the breakwater, and into the gentle swells of the Atlantic Ocean.

This was going to be an interesting day, to say the least.

Rafe had a lot more to learn, and I was sure the guys were going to teach him, far better than I could, on my own.

“Catch” was carrying a roster of passengers that I loved, and I think she knew that, too.

Gary:
For so many years, it was quite normal for me to wake up to an empty bed. This morning was different, though.

The last few days had lead me to expect Cathy to be snuggling next to me. I was temporarily confused that she wasn't beside me.

Had all of what I'd experienced recently only been a dream?

As I became aware of the smells of freshly brewing coffee, and sizzling bacon, wafting up from the kitchen below, I comforted myself with a huge smile, swung out of bed, planted my bare feet on the hardwood floor, and eagerly went through my bathroom duties, before heading down the stairs to my brightened, new, life.

 

[sheep]

Hope to read this, buddy, when I finish writing mine.

 

[DonQuixote]

Chaz,
A maiden training tour with the strangest of charter *guests*,lol.

An, at least for the non, Gary seems pretty happy, too.

What next lies in store, we ask with some trepidation.

More, sir, may we please have some more?

 

[Craiger]

The happiness of our guys is comforting and I hope they enjoy it. The scary thing though, is this the calm before the storm? Gary is in the same relaxed mood as well and for his sake, I hope it lasts. Perhaps Paddie should join in on the same carefree time, however with his Irish temper, that would be impossible... I'm bracing myself for the beginning of Armageddon. Thanks Chaz.

Craiger

 

[Kyanimal]

“Out of The Mist”

Chapter 116 of ? …


Ollie:

I was thrilled that Dan and Tim were aboard. They'd been out with Capt. Rob many times, and were accomplished fishermen. I also knew they were aware of the need to get Rafe up to speed as soon as possible. Both took over the teaching part, showing Rafe, Dave, Ryan, and Frank, how to bait the hooks, and set the down riggers.

From my position up top, I also heard Dan and Tim explaining the rules of rotation, that as they watched the rods, Rafe would be the first to take the reel on a strike, then Frank, Ryan, and Dave, not including themselves.

I was eager to see what would happen if something bit, and if the novices could actually get a fish aboard.

So, Rafe was buckled into a belt, with a pommel to hold the base of a rod. There were some snickers about it laying against him, just above his dick, and some sly comments about what else it could be used for.

Our straight guys, Dan and Tim, simply took it all in stride, with smiles, sluffing it off to silly gay humor. They were roaring with laughter when Dave and Frank were kidding Rafe about possibly having to be strapped into one of “Catch's”, seat belt equipped, swiveling stern chairs, and what they might do with him tied down, swinging something much bigger than he was used to having to control, with two hands, instead of just one.

“Catch's” GPS was telling me we were approaching one of our luckier way points. As I throttled down to trolling speed, I got some flack about that, from below, coming from Tim, of all people.

“Hey, Ollie! I've heard you're really good at trolling!”

“What?!”, I yelled back.

“You certainly managed to snag Dave!”, Tim hollered back, grinning from ear to ear.

“You have that backward, Bro! It was Dave who grabbed me out of the mist!”, I smiled back down at him, dimples flared, thumbs up!

Dave simply bowed, as though accepting an award.

“And, an excellent catch it was!”, Dan surprisingly added. Then turning, to grab one of the poles, “Here, Rafe! You're up!”

Rafe looked look like a deer caught in headlights, as he reached to take the rod Dan was holding out to him, to try to reel in his first fish.

“Bring it in, and don't let up!”, Dan instructed, as Rafe managed to get the pole's handle snugged into the belt's pommel, and began reeling in.

Looking over my shoulder from the fly bridge, I was impressed with Rafe's stance. He had both feet set a bit wider than shoulder span, and leaning back from his hips, grasping the handle in his left hand, while spinning the reel in with his right.

I knew he hadn't been ocean fishing before, but thought he must have watched some shows, or something. At one point he pulled the rod straight up, possibly to set the hook, then lowered it again.

It was at that moment of slack, that whatever had taken the bait, took the opportunity to slip away with it. Rafe reeled in an empty line, dropping his head with a frown. Dan put his arm around him.

“Not bad for a first try, Son.”, Dan assured him. “However, the trick is to never let up, always keeping tension on the line. I know you were likely all pumped up, your muscles straining, right up to the point of your bite swimming off. And, that's O.K. There are a lot more fish out there.”

“Chalk that up to gaining experience, and take a well deserved break. Maybe even grab a beer. I'm sure you know where they are. In fact, grab one for everyone.”

Rafe turned into Dave for a full hug. “Thank You!”, he beamed.

As Rafe moved to go below, Tim yelled, grabbing a bowed pole, “Frank! This one is for you!”

Frank looked stunned, freezing in place. He hadn't put a belt on, but eagerly reached to take the rod, with a confident, almost wicked, smile on his face.

After a great show of effort, Frank ended up with the same result as Rafe.

I was quietly snickering as I turned back to “Catch's” screens. I was hoping that Ryan and Dave might do better. This could be a long day.

On Doppler, I noticed what looked like a small squall heading our way out of the North East. Peering out over the horizon I could see some gray in the sky, and what looked like light rainfall beneath, a gentle curtain of downward mist.

I wasn't too concerned, as I notified the guys below that we might be getting a little wet in a few minutes.

As I pivoted back to the console, all of the hairs on my body stood up, then, WHAM!
“Catch's” screens went blank!


Sean:

It had been a typical Sunday at Paddy's place. Mary and Bridgette had put together the usual, scrumptious, lunch/dinner. Kids, and grand kids, were running about.

Paddy and I had retired to his den. He was filling me in on his nocturnal visit from Ting, and all that he had learned. He was wanting to know how we could get his boat back, if ever.

There was a knock at the door before Liam tentatively entered.

“I'm sorry to interrupt, but there are two guys at the front door who I think you should see.”

“Who are they?”, Paddy thundered.

“I'm not entirely sure, but I think you should talk to them, boss.”, Liam practically bowed.

“If that's your judgment, which I trust, show them in.”

Their dark (cheap) suites, and narrow black ties, marked them as “Government” right off the bat. I was immediately on edge.

They introduced themselves as Grant and Floyd, without producing credentials of any kind, while still letting us know they held some “weight”.

“To what do I owe this honor?”, Paddy beamed, with one of his impressive Irish grins, which should have put them on warning, while he was pumping their hands.

The next hour, or so, was one of the most surprising, interesting, conversations I'd ever been privy to.

It started off with them addressing me, after shaking Paddy's hand. “We're glad that you're here, too, Counselor.”

Their bottom line was near earth shattering! I thought I'd covered our tracks better than that! And, I could sense the heat radiating from Paddy that they knew all that they did. I was feeling like toast!

They began with “Dog Star's” interception, what was found, and that they knew who actually owned, and was controlling her. They pointed out that U.S. Marshals were poised to arrest us if we didn't agree to their proposals.

If we would agree to certain conditions, we were free to go about our lives.

Not only did they know about “Dog Star”, they were also aware of her three sisters, and could find them very useful. If we complied, “Dog Star's” crew would be released to continue running her, but under their guide lines, the cargo of their choice, and to whom it was to be delivered. People, however, were off the manifests.

We would be paid with our freedom, if we would grant our silence, while using our contacts to operate in questionable ports, delivering what they desired to other parties, while still being able to accommodate current clients, to continue our “cover”.

What we might be able to earn, without the human trafficking aspect, would be ours to keep. What they wanted delivered would be on us, though.

Noticing the redness in his neck, and face, I could tell Paddy was fuming, struggling to control himself. And, he was looking at me.

“Given your presentation, and all that's entailed, I consider it's in our best interests to comply.”, I demurred. Paddy remained silent, steaming.

“Gentlemen, we have a deal! May I show you out?”, I continued.

I realized how many laws had been broken in the last hour. However, given the circumstances, I felt I was behaving in the best interests of myself, Paddy, and our family.

I figured I could deal with Paddy later.

When the CIA was so evidently, yet unspoken, involved, what choice did we really have?

Complicated situations often make for strange bedfellows.

I breathed a sigh of relief, knowing how much worse all of this might have worked out.

Paddy was another matter, though.

 

[Craiger]

Oh dear! The storm has hit, not only for Sean and Paddy, but Ollie and "Catch." Is the CIA causing "Catch" to go dark? Me thinks this is the beginning of some extreme trouble for our boys. Keep the intrigue going, Chaz......

Craiger

 

[DonQuixote]

Chaz,
I've been trying to get through all of the other threads so I could devote undivided attention to this chapter - and what a chapter it is too.

Why do I think that *little* storm ain't?

And as for Paddy and company - I sense a BP of 400/250 - thar he blows!

 

[Rickrock]

Looks like all heck is to break out, again. As interesting as the conversation with Paddy, I am more worried about Ollie and company. It is a good thing that they hadn't given the boat over to Rafe to operate it alone yet.

 

[Kyanimal]

“Out of The Mist”

Chapter 117 of ? …

Sean:

Sitting in my usual deep leather chair, before Paddy's desk, my elbows on the tufted armrests, fingers steepled under my chin, I was quietly watching the entertaining show playing out before me.

If his graying ginger mop was replaced with blond, the ranting guy before me would resemble someone we've seen plastered all over the news, as a presidential candidate.

He was jumping up and down, face flushed to a brilliant red, fists pounding his desk.

Thankfully, Mary had managed to tame him from throwing things, and breaking stuff.

“Those FUCKING, pale assed, spooks just stole my God Damned BOATS!”, he bellowed!

“No, they didn't.”, I quietly responded.

“WHAT?”, he boomed, menacingly learning toward me.

I pounced, rising to my full height, knuckles planted on his desk.

“Sit the FUCK Down, you big, ignorant, oaf, and take a breath, before you burst a blood vessel, or something!”, I exploded!

The abrupt change in my demeanor was enough to shock him into complying. Instead of punching my lights out, his knees buckled, and he crumpled into his chair, hands over his face, then meekly looked back up at me, his eyes almost tearing.

“What the hell just happened?”, he quietly mewed, reaching for his tin of “Gary's Tummy Tamers”.

“They didn't steal your boats as much as hire them.”, I tried to explain.

“Bullshit!”, he exclaimed, firing up again.

“No! Seriously! Listen to me!”, I ordered.

He leaned back in his swivel chair, clasping his fists together on the desk, staring at me, challenging.

Had I not been through similar situations with him before, I likely would have backed off, concerned for my own safety. He was that intimidating when he got riled up. Thankfully, I knew better. I had learned through years of experience.

“You're being an idiot, and weren't listening to what they really said.”

“Clue me in, counselor.”, he challenged, with a threatening grimace.

“You still own, and control, your private ships. However, when they wish, you'll be running certain missions, for free, at their discretion.”

“No one gets a free ride!”, he was getting riled again.

“Do you love this country?”

“Of course I do.”, Paddy affirmed.

“Then think of this as a patriotic contribution.”, I consoled him.

“Well … when you put it that way.”

Maybe I shouldn't have, but I continued, “Do you realize they could have pulled both of us out of here, in chains, if they chose to?”

“Huh?”, he was looking perplexed.

“They caught us with contraband, the greatest of which was human cargo, and yet we've been offered a “Get Out Of Jail Free” card! Do you not realize that?”

“I was just exporting queers!”, which to him seemed a justification.

“Are you out of your mind? They're PEOPLE!”, I exclaimed.

“And, very profitable ones, too! At least until now they were.”, he scowled.

“Holy Mary, Mother of God! Are you serious? Are you hearing what you're saying?”

“Are you afraid I'd ship out Ryan, too?”

“What the Fuck are you talking about?”, I thundered!

“Well … I went up to visit my nephew, your son, and I'm convinced he's hanging out with a bunch of fags in “that” place! He seems to be very happy being there, too! And, since I know it was his buddies that tracked down “Dog Star”, I'm also thinking Ryan was helping them! He might be our “leak”, and that doesn't please me, at all!”

That got my attention, and concern!

“What the fuck are you rambling on about?”, I responded. “It sounds like you're just making stuff up, and I don't like your tone! Do you have any idea what you're implying here? You're talking about “blood”, Bro. And, I'd suggest you consider that very carefully!”

“Now it's time for you to calm down!”, Paddy exploded, looking me in the eyes, staring me down.

I tried to remain composed under that stern gaze. He was becoming steadily serious, too soon, and that was unhinging me. I had to stay as calm as I could. I didn't like where this was possibly heading.

In spite of his off the cuff bluster, Paddy was one sharp dude, and a powerful one at that.

I had thought I'd gained the upper hand, then suddenly found myself in a head lock!

And, a dangerous one, at that!


Ollie:

“Catch” had been struck dead in the water. All systems down. No power at all.

Luckily, there was no wind, and the swelling sea remained gentle. We were being rocked instead of tossed. Looking out at the horizon, I could see the squall approaching, slanting strains of misty rain, lazily draping down from that bit of gray sky.

We were still in full sun, though. I knew that wouldn't last long.

I grabbed the gangway rails, and slid down to the stern, my feet not touching one of the steps.

The guys were milling about, somewhat stunned.

“Everyone O.K.?”, I yelled.

“What the Fuck was that?”, Dan wondered.

“We were just struck by lightning!”, I explained.

“Under clear skies?”, Tim responded.

“See that gray to the North East? It's not quite a storm, but it does have some built up electricity, and it's headed our way. We were just hit by some of it's static, being the only target nearby.”, I answered. “Are you guys all right? Where's Rafe?”

Capt. Rob had told me about having been hit by lightning while he was flying. Given that, during “Catch's” construction, he'd made sure she was fully insulated, and had a grounding plate installed in her keel, exactly for what had just happened.

She had been designed with breakers that would trip, protecting her equipment, and passengers.

Though we'd been “shocked” with the surprising “WHAM!”, none of us had actually been shocked, and “Catch” had shut down as she was designed to do. All I had to do was reset her electrical panel, which was under the lower helm.

I wanted to show Rafe how to do that, but he wasn't in sight.

“Listen, guys. Let's get the down riggers pulled in, and stowed away. And, though I don't want to scare you, I think it would be a good idea to break out, and put on, the life jackets, just in case that squall might decided to ramp up. Simply as a precaution. It's better to be safe than sorry.

Where's Rafe?”

 

[Craiger]

Where is Rafe???? In this dangerous situation we can't afford to lose anyone. It doesn't seem like him to be absent at a time like this. And now Paddy and Sean are questioning "blood." Ryan is truly in danger now.

Great cliffhanger, Chaz....

Craiger

 

[DonQuixote]

Craiger has done a great job summarizing your great cliffhanger, Chaz.

 

[Rickrock]

Now I am worried about Ryan and Rafe. Where is Rafe, how is he? The rest of the guys are in some danger also. Now there are two story lines I am waiting on to continue.

 

[Kyanimal]

“Out of The Mist”

Chapter 118 of ? …

Ollie:

I'd made it to the lower helm, opening the panels to “Catch's” breakers.

The guys had lifted the cushions from the port lounge seats, and were putting on their life vests.

Suddenly, I heard laughter from over my shoulder.

Huh?

Rafe had emerged from the cabin, dangling seven beer bottles, by their necks, from between his fingers. His short cropped raven hair was standing on end, from the top, and sides, of his head, making him look like a black dandelion, or a brown “Edward Scissorhands”.

I couldn't help but break out into laughter, too.

“What?”, Rafe wondered!

“If only there was a mirror you could look into!”, Dave smirked.

“I'll take one of those.”, Ryan stated, reaching forward, and being rewarded with a blue spark arcing from Rafe's hand to his.

“What the fuck?!”

The rest of us were doubled in two, laughing uncontrollably!

“I've always been charged up by you, Rafe! That was quite a spark, though!”, Ryan blurted, taking his beer.

“Shocking you are, Rafe!”, Dave enthused.

“What the Hell just happened?”, Rafe wondered.

“You tell us.”, I inquired.

Rafe continued handing out beers, with no further arcs.

“Well”, he said, “I was below, opening these beers, and thought I caught a little flash, from the microwave, out of the corner of my eye. It was so brief that I wasn't sure I'd seen it at all. What happened?”

“We were just struck by lightning, and I'm relieved you're O.K. I'm also happy that you've brought beers! Give me one, and let me show you how to restore power.”

I flicked the main breaker, reestablishing the connection from the batteries to the engines. I had my fingers, toes, and several other bits, crossed as I pushed the “Start” buttons, holding my breath.

“Catch” immediately sprang back to life, engines thrumming. I went through the sequence, that Capt. Rob had taught me, to bring the other systems back on line.

“Catch's” screens lit up, in turn.

“Fuck!”, There was a red spot showing up on the doppler's upper corner. I expanded the range. “Fuck!”

We were feeling the beginning drizzle from the squall creeping over us. The weeping clouds had gradually masked out the sun.

“Let's put the canvass up!”, I ordered.

The guys sprang into action, with Dan and Tim knowing more about what I'd just said.

They expertly instructed Dave, Fred, and Ryan what to do.

Rafe was intently observing. Not moving with his admitted limited knowledge, staying out of the way. His interest in learning, before action, impressed upon me that Rafe was a fantastic choice for the job that he'd kind of been, sort of, coerced into taking on.

I caught a flash of lightning, out of the corner of my eye. I started counting, 1 one thousand, 2 one thousand …

Every 5 seconds, before the sound of thunder, meant a mile from the flash. We'd already been hit by a freak strike. I'd only counted to three before the rumbling sound arrived.

The wave motion was picking up.

“Hang on!”, I shouted, bringing “Catch's” bow around, pointing her for “Home”, and jamming both throttles to Full.

“Catch” responded like the “Water Greyhound” she was built to be. Everyone staggered a bit as her bow raised as she sprinted forward.

I slammed her tabs down to force her bow into the waves.

To my satisfaction, Rafe was intently watching every move I made.

With her stern canvass up, and engines at max, “Catch” was sprinting for safe harbor, away from the open, unpredictable, Atlantic. We had so many miles to go. I hoped we had the necessary time to make it “Home” safe.

What I saw popping up on the radar had me in doubt. This was going to be close!

Luckily, the increasingly roiling waves were “following”, actually helping to push us toward the enfolding hold of the “Harbour Home's” breakwater.

I was thinking we were going to be O.K.

Then I glanced at the screens again.

There was as low pressure center, following the Gulf Stream, coming at us from the south.

We were still miles out.

Where had all this come from? Why had I not seen it before now?

Then, again, this was the Atlantic, and she was quickly changing moods.

BOOM! Beyond all odds we were stuck again!

“Catch” went dead, and began to wallow to the north, taking the increasing waves broadside, rolling.

I scrambled to reset the breakers.

I missed on my first attempt, as “Catch” was suddenly rocked to port.

FUCK!!

None of us were laughing anymore, grabbing whatever we could to keep from falling!

I was desperately pushing buttons, urging “Catch” to start!


Brad:

I was back in the interrogation room, sitting across the table from “Misha”, Michael.

Anywhere else might have broken his cover. You never knew who might be watching, and possibly talking. We had to keep everything “formal”.

However, I knew there wasn't anyone behind the one sided mirror, and the microphones, and cameras, were turned off.

“It seems you're going back to sea, Buddy!”

“Hmmm?”

I filled him in on what had been worked out. He would still be one of “Dog Star's” helmsmen, but Dmitri would be instructed who was really in charge, when necessary.

“And you expect Dmitri to go along, and keep his mouth shut?”

“Paddy will make it so.”, I assured him.

“Are we trusting these criminals with too much?”

“We've made sure they don't have other options.”

“Don't be too confident in that.”, he frowned.

 

[DonQuixote]

Get that durned boat back on line and book it, boys!

Damn, Chaz, you are keeping all our short hairs in van de graaff generator style - talk about tingly feelings!