Out of The Mist

[DonQuixote]

OK, then.

Why do I think the 2nd Shot was from someone other than the officer shaking down Frank?

Like, maybe Arie - because the cop was dirty?

Just my very hopeful guess.

 

[Rickrock]

No! I don't know what to think. Maybe he works for Paddy and he connected the car to our guys?

 

[Craiger]

Goodness! I have missed much these last few days. Frank's folly has turned into disaster. Hopefully Don's suggestion rings true. We may have to put a leash on all our guys to make sure they don't continue to do unsafe things again. On pins and needles right about now.......

Craiger

 

[Kyanimal]

“Out of The Mist”

Chapter 151 of ? …



Arie:

Being able to live in one of the most beautiful New England towns was just one of the many perks of marrying Pam. Having an amazing mother-in-law, and being able to barrow her Bentley, was another.

However, in my chosen line of work, there often came times that I had to pay for all that.

This day had proven to be one of those times, and though the digital clock was reading 1:13am into the next day, my phone waking me was telling me this round hadn't ended yet.

There was no way I could ignore it, in dire hopes of being able to continue snuggling up to my darling wife. And, given the time, it must be something important, or it damned well better be!

It was extremely rare that my job would wake me at such an inconsiderate hour.

I reluctantly rolled away from my dreams, trying to get to the yammering device before it might disturb Pam. Of course, that never worked. As I rolled away from her, she arose from our bed, groggily muttering, “I'll start some coffee, Hon.”

Yeah! I was an extremely lucky guy!

“Hello? Who is this? What's up?”, I tried to angrily yell. It came out more like a croaking whisper.

It was my buddy Ben, the Police Chief of Sequonsit, Mass., a few towns over. He was talking so fast I had some trouble understanding him.

“Who? What? Where? How is he?”. My brain was stumbling over itself, trying to comprehend what Ben was telling me. Then it sank in. One of his guys had shot Frank!

“I'll be there in 30!”, I exploded, nearly loosing the phone as I jumped out of bed.

I quickly pulled on some sweats, remembering to grab my wallet, and keys. Pam shoved a thermos mug into my hand, as I briefly kissed her on my way to my car. I flicked on it's flashing lights, but not the siren, as I sped to the Sequonsit General Hospital.

I turned those lights off pretty soon. They were too much of a distraction. The night breeze was out of the southwest, and pleasantly warm. That meant Harbour Home was shrouded in a thick Atlantic fog.

It wasn't until I was further inland that I could turn my police lights back on, warning possible traffic of my speed, even though there was no traffic to speak of. Those lights were not on my roof, but rather secluded behind my windshield, and back window, synchronized with the car's front, and back lights, that reflectively strobed off the swirling mist.

I had engaged my Bluetooth, to reestablish contact with Ben. On my way I learned that Frank had been in surgery. They had successfully extracted the bullet from his left hip. Luckily, it hadn't struck bone, or his femoral artery. I still wasn't sure why Frank had been shot in the first place, or why he was in Sequonsit.

I also learned that Ben had called me because Frank had a card in his wallet, listing who to call in case of an emergency, and I was first on that list. Dan was second. I found that interesting.

Ben hadn't called Dan, since he reached me first. I was thankful for that. I needed to find out exactly what was going on before anyone else was alerted.

Ben met me just inside the sliding doors to the emergency entrance. We hugged, instead of merely shaking hands. We knew each other that well.

“Give me the whole picture, Buddy.”, I demanded.

Ben nodded me toward the empty waiting room chairs.

I learned his officer was in his late twenties, with only three years on the force. He was responding to a call about a possible neighborhood prowler, from a little old lady who was out walking her dog.

He discharged his weapon when he felt Frank was about to turn on him. Luckily, he was aiming down.

His second shot was an accident, as he was lowering his weapon, finger still on the trigger, suddenly realizing what he had just done, resulting in his blowing out the Jeep's left front tire.

I was trying to picture it all in my mind.

Generally white neighborhood, black Jeep cruising around, in the depths of night, driven by an imposing Black guy …

I concluded that Frank had been shot for driving while Black. Damn it!

I didn't share that with Ben, though. It was up to his investigation to determine that, or not.

Now, the question was why was Frank here, and what did he think he was up to?

Ben led me to Frank's room, guarded by one of his other officers. Frank was still sedated, and appearing restful.

It was decided that all of us would remain there until Frank woke up, and could start talking.

I thought of calling Dan, but nixed that idea. The nurses' station wall clock was creeping up on 3am.

 

[DonQuixote]

Thank God it was only the one shot.

That young 'un is gonna get a serious ass chewing.

Methinks Frank is, too.

 

[Craiger]

What a relief! What after Rafe being worked over and now Frank down our group is slowly diminishing. Fortunately no fatalities other than one of Paddy's goons. I think Don is correct in that Arie will dress Frank down once he is in better condition. How lucky for Frank that he had Arie's name on the notify list. There must be some particular reason for that...another mystery. Thanks, Chaz.

Craiger

 

[Kulindahr]

Whoa.

I've actually been in the situation of getting pulled over because they were looking for someone -- my vehicle vaguely matched the description they had.

Happily, they radioed in a learned they wanted a Chevy, while I had a Ford.

More happily, I didn't get shot.

 

[Kyanimal]

“Out of The Mist”

Chapter 152 of ? …



Dave:

Though the alarm was not a screeching, beeping, buzzing, or any other annoying sound, the gentle cawing of graceful, soaring, sea gulls, as the skylight silently slid open, came far too soon, at 3am!

My beautiful blond, olive skinned, naked, warm, sexy, sweet smelling, lightly snoring, Ollie had to be at the docks at 4am to get “Catch” ready for her 5am charter. As much as I loved the sea, I definitely preferred a land-based shoppe that didn't have to open before 10am!

My “snagging” Ollie, out of the mist, on that fateful night, changed my life in more ways than I could count. This new schedule was only a minor inconvenience, considering how much Ollie had truly rocked my world. And, I'm not even talking about all that had led us into the current confrontation with Paddy, and his ilk.

I increased the tension of my arm over his firm, smooth, chest, hugging him closer to me, nibbled his neck, then whispered in his ear, “Time to get moving, Babe.”, following that with a light slap to his sweet bubble butt.

“Oomph!”, he muttered, rolling into a full frontal crush, firmly enveloping, and kissing me. “Do I gotta?”

“If “Catch” isn't out there, the fish won't have anything to jump into.”, I grinned.

“Good point!”, he acquiesced, then reluctantly rolled out of bed, and padded off toward our bathroom.

My sight may have still been a bit blurry, but I loved the vision of his taught backside languidly striding away from me. He lithely moved with the natural grace of a cat. The term “liquid muscularity” was an understatement.

That wasn't the case with me, as I stumbled for the kitchen, to scramble up a hearty breakfast for my fisherman. It was expected that Frank had the door to the guest room closed.

I was a bit surprised that the smell of freshly brewing coffee, and the wafting aroma of sizzling bacon, didn't seduce Frank to join us. Then again, it was so fucking early when I reluctantly sent Ollie down the “Singing Stairs”, with a hug, and kisses, to keep him warm out on the waves.

I'd shucked my robe, and crawled into Ollie's side of our bed. I imagined I could still feel his warmth, and buried my nose in his pillow to catch his lingering scent. I'd reset the alarm for 8am, because I was feeling tired, and lazy.

What awoke me wasn't the alarm, and I was struggling to make sense of what was disturbing me. The headboard clock was glowing 6:11am. What the Fuck?

I realized it was my phone. Damn thing didn't have a snooze button! I thought of ignoring it, letting it go to voice mail, but who the Hell would be calling at this time of the morning?

Shouldn't be Ollie, or that could mean something bad. Why else would he call? We'd just said, “Goodbye”, a few hours ago.

The caller I.D. announced it was Dan. I had to answer it!



Ollie:

When I'd made my way to “Catch”, Tino was already aboard, and even had the coffee brewing. He was amazing! I had to admit that if it wasn't for my Awesome Dave, and Tino being a straight, even married, dude, I would have been pursuing him Big Time!

“Good morning, Captain!”, he beamed.

“Oh, God! Just fuck me!”, I thought, before I managed to gain my composure. Tino was a true friend, someone to be cherished, and not simply ravaged on the spot, if ever. (Damn it!)

Our three charter dudes showed up just before 5am. They were eager to get out on the ocean, and I was confident that Tino, and I, would make them happy with a successful outing.

Norma always ran a background check on those seeking to hire us. I knew these guys were from Boston, as opposed to general tourists. That they had traveled here for a charter, which were plentiful out of the city, did raise some curiosity. However, Norma had cleared them.

They were in their 40's. Supposedly college buds. Rather animated, and very friendly, cracking jokes, many personal, which Tino and I didn't always get, not knowing them, but still joined in the laughter.

This looked like it could be a really fun day.

I took my place on the fly bridge. Tino went about casting us off. I backed “Catch” out of her slip, then spun her on her props.

One of the dudes shouted up, “Impressive move, Captain!”

I was grinning from ear to ear, as I synched “Catch's” throbbing engines, slowly urging us forward to breech the breakwater, then pound some waves.

Watch out, fishies!

 

[Rickrock]

I must be paranoid. I keep wondering if the three passengers are some of Paddy's goons. Hopefully they aren't.

 

[DonQuixote]

Dave's getting the 4-1-1 from Dan

Meanwhile, I don't care if they passed the background check, I'm a bit suspicious of the charter.

 

[Craiger]

I'm surprised that Arie hadn't called Dave or Ollie. He probably left that up to Dan. I fear something is brewing with this particular charter also. Normally we wouldn't hear too much about a charter, but suspicions are high and with the Rafe and Frank situation it may be time to worry.

Craiger

 

[Kulindahr]

Hope the Coast Guard is close by.....


Actually I hope we're just having our chain pulled.

 

[possum]

awesome story dude
love it
cannot waait for more please please
lets hope the charter is just that, a nice sweet fish catching charter. (would lov to hear more about that )
Lets also hope that Frank is ok, and what about the jeep.

Robbie (A wee Kiwi Friend)

 

[Kyanimal]

“Out of The Mist”

Chapter 153 of ? …



Arie:

A groggy Frank, laying on his right side, explained to Ben that he'd driven over to visit a friend, but after driving past his house, a few times, decided not to disturb his family at that time of night, and was heading back home when he was stopped, and shot.

Ben seemed to accept that. I knew that Frank was hiding something, and was bullshitting! I had to grant him some admirable credit. Though he was not quite out of sedation, and in some pain, he still managed to keep his wits about him, and spin a believable story.

I was quietly thinking, “That's my boy!”

Ben asked Frank if he would like to press charges against his officer, and after looking at me, Frank said he would decline, at the moment. (Which actually surprised me, and I think, Ben, too.)

“Look, 'Son'”, Ben continued, “I realize you are not quite 100% right now, and I'm glad that Arie is here to witness what I'm going to say. If, at any time, you decide to change your mind, just let Arie, or me, know. In the meantime, I've launched a full investigation into what happened, my officer is under house arrest, and should it be warranted that charges should be brought, even if you don't wish to, my prosecutor might. Would you be willing to testify if that's the case?”

Frank looked toward me again, then nodded, “Yes”.

“Good, then!”, Ben declared. “I will not tolerate anything unacceptable going on in my town, or police force. There will be no charges against you, and I'm remanding you to Arie's custody. In addition, I offer you my personal apology, and guarantee your complete safety whenever you might be in my jurisdiction. That you are Arie's friend, means that you are mine, too. And, I will get to the bottom of this, no pun intended.”

With that, Ben shook Frank's hand, then mine, and with a pat on my back, went about his way.

“You crazy son of bitch!”, I yelled at Frank, as soon as the room's door had closed behind Ben. “What the fuck did you think you were doing? Going after Jimmy Harrison by yourself? And, don't give me that dazed look! I know better, “Boy”! And, you know damned well I'm using that term because Dan, and I, consider you as our own son! And, be assured, that if you actually were mine, I'd be tanning your hide a darker shade than it is! Are you listening to me?!”

Frank just smiled, and muttered, “I love you too, 'Daddy'”!

“Fuck you!”, I declared. “And, I don't mean that in any nice ways, you idiot! You're lucky that Ryan is at the ranch, and not wanting to plow you're sorry shot ass! Which I just didn't say! Do you realize how lucky you are that it was only your butt that got shot? What the fuck were you thinking? You're smarter than that!”

Frank hooded his eyes with cupped palms, and bowed his head, in a motion of contrition, then quietly started laughing.

I couldn't help but join him for the moment, even though the current situation wasn't funny, yet still was in its own ways.

“I need to call Dan. They want to keep you for observation through today. We'll make arrangements to pick you, and the Jeep, up later. I have no idea what you're going to have to face from Dan, and the guys. Expect a lot of ribbing, and tons of jokes. However, don't you ever loose sight of how serious this truly is!”

“Yes, 'Daddy'”, Frank demurred.

“Fuck you!”, I grinned, grabbed his hand, kissed his forehead, then had to get back to Harbor Home, my own jurisdiction, and caring obligation.

I was pleased to see that Ben had one of his guys posted just outside Frank's door. I patted his shoulder, and smiled, as I passed him, on my way back to my unmarked car.

Geesh! I didn't need this, on top of everything else!

As I was driving back home, it suddenly dawned on me that Frank's room was likely under surveillance, and Ben may have been watching a live feed of our conversation. I hoped I hadn't divulged more information than I should have …


Dan:

Arie's was a wake up call, literally.

Frank had been shot in the ass, and my Jeep impounded with a flat tire!

With Ryan at Pete and Mark's ranch, that left me, Tim, and Dave to run the shoppe. Of course, we could cover that.
However, later, with the shoppe still open, I'd have to rely on Dave, and Ollie, to retrieve Frank, and the Jeep. That would leave just Tim, and Me, working “overtime”. But, being a “Family Business”, we'd just have to suck it up, and do it.

As Tammy was brewing coffee, I called Dave.


Dave:

“Are you shitting me?”, I implored, as what Dan was telling me sank into my brain.

I scurried along the hall, holding the phone, to throw open the guest room door to an empty bed, where I was expecting Frank to be. Fuck!

I debated calling Ollie to let him know of the recent fiasco.

Then I calmed down, figuring he'd find out soon enough when he got back home.

I didn't want to cloud his working day, out on the waves, and into the mist.

 

[Craiger]

Oooooo, that's ominous...."...and into the mist." Maybe is isn't so bad if Ben had been monitoring the room. Arie can explain and it will bring one more law enforcement jurisdiction into the fold. The problem is retrieving Frank and the Jeep while being observed by Paddy's goons. All this excitement has me wiggling in my seat... Thanks, Chaz.

Craiger

 

[Rickrock]

I didn't catch that "into the mist" until you pointed it out. I'm still worried about Ollie.

 

[DonQuixote]

Craiger,
We picked up on the same phrasing to focus on - into the mist ...

Chaz,
You have become a helluva storyteller of the written genre kind. (I suspect your BS ability to get your arse out of trouble with the Reverend and Mrs. Reverend all those years ago was fine tuned many times in many ways...)

I'd have loved to be a fly on the wall - but your story telling is so vivid we almost don't need to be.

 

[Kyanimal]

“Out of The Mist”

Chapter 154 of ? …



Ben:

I watched, and listened to, the feed from Frank's hospital room, for the third, maybe fourth, time, sitting at my office desk. I had to make a call …

“Good morning, Ben! What's up?”, my call was answered.

I explained what had happened over night …

“So, you're telling me I was being cased, and Frank is still alive?”

“Yes, Mr. Harrison. I thought I had taught my guy to shoot better than that. But, he's young, and apparently got flustered.”

“You say it was Mrs. Cravitz that called the prowler suspicion in?'

“Yes, Sir! She was out walking her dog.”

“It's almost a pity that Frank didn't run her over.”

“Ha! I hear you on that!”

“Well … We'll have to deal with what we have now, in addition to Arie showing up.”

“That was a surprise for me too, sir! You don't want to mess with Arie Tobin! Trust me on that one! But, I'm pretty sure I can handle him.”

“I'm already quite aware of that, thank you. But, the current situation is what we have. Though it didn't play out definitively, I do appreciate your handling this, such as it's become.”

“Thank you!”

“Check your bank account tomorrow, Ben.”

“Of course. And, once again, thank you, Jimmy!”



Tino:

Ollie gave all of us a thrill as he pushed “Catch's” throttles to the max, once past the breakwater.

It was a “Good Thing” that I'd explained to our clients the main rule of, “One hand for the boat, and one for You.”

However, the way all three handled themselves, as we were pounding some amazing swells, I got the impression they knew full well what they were doing. This wasn't their first rodeo.

As Ollie was powering down, once we'd reached our “special” fishing spot, and gliding into an unexpected off shore fog bank, I was getting ready to set the down riggers, and instruct the guys about the rotation of who would step up to take the upcoming strikes.

I think it was “Chuck”, who moved his jacket aside, just enough for me to see the gun tucked into his waist band.

“Relax!”, he declared. “We've already caught what we're after, namely you, and, especially Ollie. Follow my instructions, and everything will be all right.”


Ollie:

I wasn't expecting the fog. I should have known better, and paid more attention to the doppler images. I admitted there was SO much more I needed to learn. A temperature inversion, this far off the coast, wasn't really all that odd. This was The Atlantic after all.

I was busy setting “Catch's” proximity detectors, having already established her automated course, through GPS way points. To be honest, my being up here on the fly bridge was more for show. “Catch” 'knew' what she was doing.

I didn't think much of Tino's call to join him, and our guests, in the stern cockpit.

As I slid my hands on the rails, keeping my feet off the steps, I swooped down, kind of showing off, to a confusing tableau.

Tino had his hands on his head. Our guests were arraigned behind him. WTF?!

 

[DonQuixote]

So, our suspicions about their fishing trip were well founded.
And we have a bad cop or police agency.

Effing Great.

You've got us by the short hairs in suspense - but you knew that.

More, please, sir, my we please have some more?

 

[Craiger]

One possible saving grace in this unsavory situation is that Arie was smart enough to realize that Ben might be aware of all that was said in Frank's room. It's Ben that should be worried now. Arie's too quick and observant, even to old "friends."

But...hang on... now Ollie and Tino need some miraculous intervention to get out of this sticky mess. Maybe, for once, the mist will play a positive role and give them the upper hand.

Excitement abounds and as Don says, "More, please, sir, may we please have some more?"

Craiger