“Out of The Mist”
Chapter 126 of ? …
Ollie:
As Arie was collecting Pam, I called Norma to see if Capt. Rob was dong well enough for the two of them to join us. I was surprised, and thrilled, when Capt. Rob answered the phone.
“Fish fry at The Loft? Oh, HELL, Yeah!”, he bellowed.
I could hear Norma in the background, “Are you sure, Dear? Are you feeling that well? Do you think that's a good idea at this point?”
He turned away from the phone to answer her, “Listen, Darlin', I'm feeling better than I have in a long time, and I'd really like to get out of this house, as long as you drive.”
“Well, in that case, I'm willing to give it a go! It'll be nice to talk to someone else besides you!”
“Ha! Did you hear that, Ollie?”, he chuckled. “We'll be there! Where did the fish come from?”
“I'll tell you that, and more, when you get here.”, I promised. “Don't rush. Take your time. Everyone will be thrilled to see you two!”
“Are they coming?”, Dave wondered, as he and Rafe were dancing around each other in the kitchen, scrambling up who knew what.
The Loft was smelling good already. I pitched in to grab place settings for the granite table and counter, to accommodate everyone.
“Where's the beers?”, Frank roared. “Ry, Babe! Get you sweet butt into this bustle, and make yourself useful!”
“Fuck you, “Big Guy”!”, Ryan chirped, heading for the fridge, dodging Dave and Rafe.
“Only if you get me drunk enough!”, Frank responded.
“That's never been the case before!”, Ry counter punched.
It wasn't long before the intercom chirped, and I buzzed in Arie and Pam through The Shed's pedestrian door. I'd told Capt. Rob he should call us as they were coming along Commerce Street, and I'd open the overhead so they could pull in, in front of the Jeep.
When Capt. Rob and Norma arrived, everyone seemed to go into overdrive with the hugs, and comments about how good Capt. Rob was looking. It was truly awesome to see him, out and about.
It was fundamentally touching when Arie hugged him, and held on for a while, with almost tears in his eyes. There was no doubt they were deep friends.
Pam winked at Norma and chortled, “Maybe it's time we should think about changing housemates! Those two can move in together, and you and I can share one of our houses.”
“I suppose that would cut down on at least half our problems!”, Norma laughed back.
Dinner was a major success! And, the fish tasted twice as good since we were the ones who had caught them. All of us, including Rafe, were regaling anyone within ear shot about how fantastic Tino had proven to be.
Norma shared that she had managed a charter for tomorrow afternoon. As excited as I was to get back to work, I was glad it wasn't for the morning. I made a quick call to let Tino know. He was happy, too.
Rafe was taking it light with the beer, since he had to drive back to Boston tonight. He said he couldn't wait until the rest of the week passed, and he could hurry back for “keeps”.
Arie waited until coffee was being served to let us know that Paddy had shown up today.
Things got really quiet.
“I don't want to be a downer here, but this is the second time that Paddy has come up here. That he seems to be centered on you, Ryan, has me concerned. I have a bad feeling about all this. I'm thinking he's more concerned about him, than you, Ry.”
Ryan was looking a bit “green”. “Yeah, he's my uncle and I love him, as I'm sure he loves me. However, I also know I can't fully trust him. I know him well enough that if he's feeling threatened, it doesn't matter who it is, including family. If he ever finds out, and I'm thinking he suspects, that I shared what I heard, he's going to be coming after me just like anyone else that might have breached his confidence. I'm really scared now, guys.”
Arie reached across the table to take Ryan's hand in his. “I want you to know that everyone here, and countless others that aren't, have your back! We will do everything in our power that we can to protect you, no matter what the threat might be, or who it is coming from. And, I can assure you that if your nefarious uncle decides to test us, he will be in for some very unpleasant surprises!”
Ryan was looking pale, and misty eyed. “I can't tell you how much that means to me, and how all of you are proving to be tremendous beyond my wildest expectations. However, you don't fully know my uncle. I wouldn't put anything past him!”
“That is for you, and us, to handle.”, Arie assured him, still holding his hand. “Relax, son. You're one of us, now.”
I saw Ryan's shoulders drop, as he smiled, and clenched Arie's hand back.
“I can't tell you how much that means to me.”, Ry stammered. “I'm not the guy I used to be when I first arrived here, and I can't put into words how miraculous that is. My LIFE is in your hands, and I'm completely comfortable with that.”
Pam rose to move behind Ryan, and smother him with a motherly hug.
I wonder is Arie will wait until the fish-fry is over before relating the news of Paddy. Otherwise there may be some indigestion. Thanks, Chaz.
