Out of The Mist

[DonQuixote]

We don't know the name of the one who died - but we can be pretty sure Paddy didn't get caught in the trap.

You are keeping us on our toes, Chaz!

 

[Rickrock]

Wow, can't stop following this story.

 

[Kulindahr]

I'd rather they'd all been shot: folks who would do what Paddy has them doing don't belong in the gene pool, and if Paddy's goons start getting sent off to the higher Judge maybe slimeballs would start thinking there are better jobs to be had.

 

[DonQuixote]

Getting records is important, too, though - we want to get to guys who have been sold back.

 

[Kyanimal]

You can't learn anything from dead dudes.

Gary and Cat were also caught up in Paddy's ventures, but I wouldn't consider them "goons".

As far as getting anyone back, well, the last batch was retrieved, before being shipped out.

The rest? Well ... that's going to have to wait for later ...

No judgements on the comments (which I love, and encourage), guys. Just sayin' ...

And, Please, keep 'em coming! Let me know what you're thinkin'!

 

[DonQuixote]

See how ensconced in the story and your abilities to get the CIA involved are?

 

[Kulindahr]

Getting records is important, too, though - we want to get to guys who have been sold back.

True enough.

But that's a different story (sequel!).

 

[Kulindahr]

You can't learn anything from dead dudes.

Gary and Cat were also caught up in Paddy's ventures, but I wouldn't consider them "goons".

As far as getting anyone back, well, the last batch was retrieved, before being shipped out.

The rest? Well ... that's going to have to wait for later ...

No judgements on the comments (which I love, and encourage), guys. Just sayin' ...

And, Please, keep 'em coming! Let me know what you're thinkin'!

I'm thinkin' I'd like a full-screen version in full color of your avatar pic.

 

[Kyanimal]

CIA? Let's not forget about "Misha".

The FBI, and Coast Guard, under the Homeland Security umbrella, are already very much involved, too. Though the FBI is supposedly "only" domestic, they also have international interests.

And, then, there is Arie, with his Mossad friends.

Right now, we're still on a local level. Paddy has NO idea what he's dealing with!

 

[Kyanimal]

I'm thinkin' I'd like a full-screen version in full color of your avatar pic.

Me, too!

Unfortunately, I've never found one, not for lack of trying, for years.

 

[DonQuixote]

I haven't forgotten - I was thinking of Misha - and legal jurisdictions -

Kuli,
I don't care if it IS a sequel, we still need to get the information from Paddy and company.

Bamboo shoots under the fingernails.

Chain him up and have everyone take a turn at him...
(Did I say that?!)

 

[Kulindahr]

I haven't forgotten - I was thinking of Misha - and legal jurisdictions -

Kuli,
I don't care if it IS a sequel, we still need to get the information from Paddy and company.

Bamboo shoots under the fingernails.

Chain him up and have everyone take a turn at him...
(Did I say that?!)

1. Strip him
2. Tie him down
3. Coat him with tuna
4. Turn loose two dozen starving cats

 

[DonQuixote]

Wow, you're even tougher than I am!

 

[Kulindahr]

meow​

 

[Kyanimal]

“Out of The Mist”

Chapter 145 of ? …



Ollie:

Pete and Mark's “retirement” farm, B&B, put postcards to shame. It was a smaller version of my family's horse ranch, but far more picturesque.

The tree lined lane, leading to a circular drive in front of the house, was maybe a quarter mile long. It emerged into a glen, among gently sloping hills. The “Norman Rockwell” barn was bright red, with white shutters and accents. The two story house was white, with red shutters, and trim. There was even a meandering creek leading to a good sized pond. I was snapping so many pictures with my phone.

They were more than ready for us. After hugs for everyone, including Cat, who they'd just met, Rafe was wheeled into the surprisingly “open concept” modern interior masked by their home's historic exterior. Though being confined to his hospital style bed, Rafe could be included with all the rest of his “entourage”.

Yeah! It had only been about 45min ago that we'd been chowing down on McD's comestibles, but Pete and Mark also had a full buffet of New England yummies prepared, along with chilled beers, and other delicious beverages.

It looked like all of us were going to be gaining a few pounds.

The day's stories were told, and then it was time for Gary, and Cat, to take center stage.

Arie's reaction was similar to what Dan's had been. In his case, though, he abruptly left, taking the Bentley for a ride. We didn't know when, or if, he might return.

“Give him some time. I know I needed some.”, Dan advised.

Pete, Mark, and even Rafe, were full of questions that were met, and answered. Everything considered, it was agreed that this was the best place for Rafe, with a P.A. (Pete), and an L.P.N. (Cat), on hand to care for him. Plus, it was an ideal place for Ryan to hang out (hide), too. None of us knew what might be coming next.

To say that we were startled by the single, no doubt, gun shot, very loud, and close to the house, would be an understatement. All of us froze in position!

Mark, and Dan, were the first to move toward the front door. Maybe not the best decision, but the rest of us, except Rafe, followed.

Arie was in a wide stance over two figures, splayed face down, on the drive. Shortly after we emerged, Pete and Mark's foreman, with a couple farm hands, came around from the bunkhouse, behind the main house.

Arie, with his Colt 45 pointing up in the air, was suddenly presented with several rifles, and shotguns, aimed at him.

“Whoa!”, he loudly protested. “I”m one of the Good Guys!”

Pete and Mark hand motioned their dudes to lower their arms.

“Arie! What the Hell?”, Dan shouted.

“On my way back down the drive, I noticed a flash of metal in the trees, and pulled to a stop to investigate. It was these two's car, pulled off the drive, and they were skulking about the house. That shot was to get their attention, and yours, too.”, Arie proclaimed. “It would be nice if y'all could show them the barn, while the Sheriff, or whomever, is called to come out for a visit.”

It didn't take long for the intruders to be frog marched to a horse stall, and bound ankles to wrists, behind their backs, under the constant stare of gaping gun barrels.

It was a gloaming dusk that saw those of us who weren't staying extend our “Good Bye's”, hugging everyone we could, including some of the farm hands, thanking our hosts, and getting ready to resume the illusion that our lives were progressing as would be normally expected.

We had concluded that it would be for the best if everything in Harbour Home appeared as it generally should, come tomorrow.

Frank, in spite of trying to remain stalwart, was having trouble leaving Ryan. Dan wrapped his arm around his shoulders, and said, “You can ride with us, Son”, meaning in the Bentley, with him and Arie.

Arie piped up, “Um … Maybe you two should drive the van back. I'd like Gary to ride with me. We have a lot to talk about.”

Gary obviously cringed, but lowered his head in agreement. Cat looked concerned. They hugged, and extended their fingers, to the last possible touch, as they hesitantly departed.

SO … It was me and Dave in the Jeep. Dan and Frank in the van. And, Arie and Gary in the Bentley, as the sun was setting over New England, and Night was softly creeping over us from the surging Atlantic Ocean.

 

[Autolycus]

I'm intrigued by the possible fate of the guys hog tied in the stable - guess I'll have to be patient. Not for too long I hope

 

[Kulindahr]

Um, "gloaming dusk" is redundant -- those are two nouns that mean the same thing!




So were they followed? Or did Paddy already have the farm under watch? Either way... is it now a safe hideout???

 

[Kyanimal]

Um, "gloaming dusk" is redundant -- those are two nouns that mean the same thing!

"Gloaming" is meant as an adjective.



“Out of The Mist”

Chapter 146 of ? …


“How the hell am I supposed to know where they went? I've been right here riding with you!”

“Well then, call 'em!”

“What the fuck do you think I've been trying to do? They aren't answering. Pull over for the ambulance!”

“He's in the other lane, coming at us. I don't need to pull over.”

“The hell you don't! We're in a bumfuck, backwoods, burg, and we don't need getting stopped by the local pig! Now, pull over, you idiot!”

“Yes, Mom! Answer your phone, maybe it's them.”

“I think it's Harrison.”

“Fuck! Answer it anyway. He'll only make it worse if we try avoiding him.”

“Hello? ... Yes, sir! ... No, sir! … We're in some backwater called Pennupskat, New Hampshire. … Right now we don't know. … We've lost 'em for the moment, but we're scouting out this hole to see if they've stopped somewhere. … We don't know where our guys are, either. … Some old geezers in a Bentley were straddling the line and holding up traffic. … There wasn't anything we could do! … Of course we'll keep looking! … They aren't answering. … That's just an ambulance going the other way. … Yes! We'll find them! … Yes, sir! … As soon as we find them! … “

“He just hung up, and he's pissed!”

“Shit! We can't blow this!”

“Don't you fucking think I know that? Hey! Go around the block, and hit the McDonald's drive through.”

“We don't have time for that, Dipshit!”

“No! Seriously! I think I saw something! Just fucking do it! We can use some grub, anyway.”

“Well, I'll be damned. There's that fucking Bentley with the van and Jeep! Ollie, Dave, Dan, and is that fucking Ryan? Shit! Good spot! Now, what the fuck do you want to order?”

“We can sit in the Walmart parking lot across the street, and keep an eye on them while we chow.”

“Do you see our dudes anywhere? Are they answering? Any word?”

“Nope! Nothing! But, we can't loose our main prey! Hey! I said Large fries! This is a medium!”

“Oh, just shut the fuck up, and chew! We'll have to move when they do.”



Ryan:

After the sheriff had picked up Arie's catch, and everyone else had left to go back to Harbour Home, Pete, Mark, Cat, and I, were sitting around the table, with Rafe “lounging” next to us.

Cat had given Rafe a choice between pain meds, or beer. He chose the brew.

“You realize that's going to mean the urine pitcher, since you're not yet able to get out of bed.”

“I think I can handle that, as long as you turn your back.”, Rafe assured her, with a devilish grin.

“Don't be getting sassy with me, young man! I've seen it all by now!”, she smirked.

“Maybe so.”, Rafe slyly returned. “But, not Me, yet!”

“O.K., y'all.”, Pete spoke up. “Rather than isolating him, I think we will leave Rafe right here, and I'll show you two your accommodations.”

It was then I told them I'd be happy with, and would prefer, the couch. Since what had happened to Rafe was mainly my fault, there was no way I was letting him out of my sight. I was sticking with him, no matter what, even if that meant dealing with bed pans, and such.

Cat, and Pete, sort of exchanged a smirk, and wink.

Yeah! They both probably knew more about those things than I did. However, I was going to learn, come “Hell” or “High Water”! (No pun intended.) I owed Rafe at least that much, and a lot more!

“Well! In that case … “, Mark spoke up. “Let me show you your room, Cat, and I'll get some sheets, and blankets, for you, Ry.”

As we were settling in for the night, I knew that Mark and Pete's guys were out there somewhere, in the woods, with their guns, and I took comfort in that, though they probably weren't all that comfortable.



Gary:

The interior of the Bentley was more impressive than my living room, and even smelled better! I loved leather!

That didn't unease my trepidation of riding with Arie, after all we had exposed.

He glanced at me. “Relax, Buddy. I'm not going to arrest you, at least not just yet. I'm still mulling everything over. If we work it all out just right, we might be able to nail Paddy, one way or another. And, I don't want to screw that up with technicalities. I think we can all work together for a bigger cause.”

“Don't relax too much, though. We both know there will have to be some sort of justice realized eventually. Let me just say that all of us need yours, and Cat's, co-operation right now. When this is resolved, then we'll have to talk.”

“Thank you for that!”, I demurred.

“Look.”, he added. “I've known you for years, and consider you a friend. I can only imagine what you, and Cat, must have been going through. I wish you had confided in me earlier, but things went they way they did, and we can't change that. We have to move on from where we are now.”

It wasn't my wisest move, but I had to know. I asked what he was thinking about Hunter.

He kind of snorted, while gliding us through sleepy Pennupskat, behind the van and Jeep.

“Yes. He is a very sensitive one. Not only was he an excellent officer, he was also a great guy that I held in my heart as a son. We both knew him since the day he was born. And, though I know that what you did wasn't personal, it still hurts. And, I think you agree with me. I think I know how much it must have pained you to have to do what you did to him. And, I can even understand why you felt you had to do that. However, that doesn't lessen the pain. And, I can also fathom that it's likely more hurtful for you.”

“I do regret him the most.”, I quietly admitted.

“If it will help, as it's helping me, know that there are more interests, and more happening, than I can tell you right now. There is still hope of finding him. And, I can't say more than that, right now.”

One of the phones, that I hadn't noticed were in the console bin, began ringing.

“Don't answer that.”, Arie directed. “It's one of the ones I took from those two goons.”

 

[Craiger]

Wow! Hopefully the goons weren't able to relay any information about Pete and Mark's place. Also, that Pete's men will be diligent in their protective services. I'm glad Arie and Gary are talking. I have a feeling Gary can play a much larger part in the plans. Nice to hear the Arie still has hope for Hunter. Great couple of chapters, Chaz. May not be back until after Christmas so, my friend, have a wonderful holiday.

Craiger

 

[DonQuixote]

Chaz,
You've been working overtime on the story - giving us a couple of intriguing chapters before Christmas!

So many loose ends to tie up - including that dirty so and so Paddy.