tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15271512929628445572024-03-17T20:59:30.189-06:00Edward Kendrick's WorldEdward Kendrick's WorldEdward Kendrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15069960986925545672noreply@blogger.comBlogger2618125truetag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1527151292962844557.post-46261022719523133622024-03-17T07:46:00.000-06:002024-03-17T07:46:02.996-06:0076 – This Gift, This Curse<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjcydfs8lh_6H_qQOpedHNysubTjLt4_51St0QT3zvYZEwT9zh9NDVtCTORon9k6o8nS5V2W-h15xDLeG5ES8h89SwSLGilnZGihljzVVu-Gwanv9GZpSwf48U1skesXVjeIQoNdcDBMnFZvMtcbGSpgElCdL2s1wMAPQPb07aicTgBlMx7o7r6yWK2ENM/s576/This%20Gift.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="387" data-original-width="576" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjcydfs8lh_6H_qQOpedHNysubTjLt4_51St0QT3zvYZEwT9zh9NDVtCTORon9k6o8nS5V2W-h15xDLeG5ES8h89SwSLGilnZGihljzVVu-Gwanv9GZpSwf48U1skesXVjeIQoNdcDBMnFZvMtcbGSpgElCdL2s1wMAPQPb07aicTgBlMx7o7r6yWK2ENM/s320/This%20Gift.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">There was a bit of a pause when the waitress came
over to take Kevin's and Mick's orders. Then Sue asked, "How's Will
doing?"</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Fine it seems. He's home and in bed," Mick
told her, smirking.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Thank goodness." Then she obviously caught
on to why he was smirking. "Not alone?"</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Nope. With Kevin's mom—or so we're
presuming."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Kevin muttered, "It had <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">better</i> be her."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Mick hugged Kevin. "We both know it is, even if
we didn't actually see her."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"So are they…?" Sue looked questioningly at
Kevin.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Honestly, I don't know. They're speaking to
each other…"</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"And doing other things with each other,"
Mick pointed out.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Yeah, that too, so maybe… yeah."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Sue smiled at him. "I hope so. Will is good
people and now that he has you, and her too, he'll have a family."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"He deserves one," Mick said softly.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Everyone does," Sue said adamantly.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Mick nodded. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">And
everyone has one, but me.</i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">He knew his thought must have shown on his face, at
least to Kevin, when Kevin turned to him and said very quietly, "You have
us. You know that."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"I do." Mick smiled, albeit a bit sadly.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Hey you two, no secrets," Sue said,
breaking into their brief conversation.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Nope, no secrets," Mick replied, forcing a
grin. "He was just reminding me that we have some place to go as soon as
we've eaten."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Oh? Do tell. Where?"</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"That, my dear sister, is none of your business,"
Charlie put in.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"But I'm nosy."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Brian snorted. "Boy is she. I knew that even
before I asked her out the first time. She knows more about me than my folks
do, I think."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Yeah, well, I mean, come on. If I'm going to
date you…" Her voice petered out and she shook her head. "That wasn't
fair to you."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Of course it was, because that way you know I'm
not Archer."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"You better not be anything like him or you'll
have me to deal with," Charlie muttered.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Us," Kevin added.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Brian laughed. "Okay, okay, I get the picture.
Remember, I'm the good guy here."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Yeah, we know. We were just teasing,"
Charlie told him. "Mostly."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Got it. Now, since I think our food is
arriving, shall we eat?"</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"That's why we ordered it," Sue replied,
giving him a fast hug. "So, let's eat and talk about… anything that
doesn't have to do with the bastard… or school."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">* * * *</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Brian's good people, I think," Mick said,
as he and Kevin walked back to the apartment building.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"He seems to be, but then I'm sure Archer came
across as a nice guy at first."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Cynic," Mick told him.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Realist," Kevin replied.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Well, realistically she's got Charlie vetting
Brian and after what happened…"</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Can we not talk about that, please," Kevin
broke in. "I've had it up to here"—he touched his forehead—"with…
with everything."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Hey, what brought that on," Mick asked
softly, a worried frown on his face.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"I'm just over it." There was a slight
tremor in Kevin's voice.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Mick nodded, taking his hand. "Then it's past
history, as far as I'm concerned."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Thank you." Kevin gripped Mick's hand
tightly as they continued walking.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">A moment later, Mick stopped, looking compassionately
at Kevin.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Flashbacks?"</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Kevin nodded, shuddering. "Mostly at night, when
I'm trying to get to sleep. I feel him grabbing me, hitting me. I see him
attacking Dad… Will."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"I knew who you meant," Mick said with a
smile.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Yeah, figured you did." Kevin gave him a
small smile in return.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"I'm no expert," Mick told him, "but I
think that's pretty normal."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Doesn't make it any less scary."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Of course not." Mick eased his hand free
from Kevin's grip, so he could hug him tightly. "It will pass,
though."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"I know but still." Kevin took a deep
breath. "Could you… stay with me tonight? Maybe then it won't
happen."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"If that's what it takes, I'm more than
willing," Mick replied seriously. But he couldn't help feeling elated. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">He just needs company. Still… maybe. No,
this is not the time to take advantage of the situation. </i>With that thought
in mind, he pulled away, taking Kevin's hand as they started walking again.</span></p>
</div><p></p>Edward Kendrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15069960986925545672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1527151292962844557.post-82947115213903621852024-03-15T08:15:00.001-06:002024-03-15T08:15:58.755-06:0075 – This Gift, This Curse<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglD1ZNUCQNRKDEagsE3GutgJfMIoo2d1s_J6cE7Fs7jkf0IE3Wko8L9TDQtsPso0phqlS2U3_MzfLTbS7j4151jWMfKu7PsVTUUctOL8nKZAqEX0PzoqMP0fVbjouQSQETGz-9Ji4VdIhSojOKSIspnBRurlntNgQsJb8xHqmNbvkv_knRtHbWeyjWjAL8/s576/This%20Gift.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="387" data-original-width="576" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglD1ZNUCQNRKDEagsE3GutgJfMIoo2d1s_J6cE7Fs7jkf0IE3Wko8L9TDQtsPso0phqlS2U3_MzfLTbS7j4151jWMfKu7PsVTUUctOL8nKZAqEX0PzoqMP0fVbjouQSQETGz-9Ji4VdIhSojOKSIspnBRurlntNgQsJb8xHqmNbvkv_knRtHbWeyjWjAL8/s320/This%20Gift.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Mick walked into the apartment with Kevin right
behind him, turned quickly and pushed Kevin back into the hallway, closing the
door behind them.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"What are you doing?" Kevin asked in
surprise.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"I think, I may be wrong, but from the sound of
it, your father has company."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"It better be Mom," Kevin muttered.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Who else?" Mick replied. "As far as I
know—and I've been hanging around with him for quite a while—she's the only
woman he knows...well, besides the woman at the bank and that sure wasn't
anything."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"So now what? We go out and grab some
dinner?"</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Sure." It really wasn't what Mick wanted
to do, but he also wasn't about to put Kevin in the position of moving on to
the next level in their relationship until Kevin was ready. And it seemed he
still wasn't, since he'd suggested going out instead of heading to his apartment
so they could be alone together, with no possibility of being disturbed by
inquisitive parents.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">They debated where to go as they rode back down in
the elevator, finally deciding on a place just off campus.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">When they walked in, someone called out, "Hey,
you two." Sue was sitting at a table a few yards away, waving at them.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"There's no escape," Mick muttered, when
they joined her and Charlie—and a young man he didn't recognize.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Kevin did, however, saying as he sat down,
"Mick, this is Brian. He's in the same history class as the rest of
us."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Mick nodded, pulling up a chair from the next table
and squeezing in between Kevin and Charlie.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Brian put his arm over the back of Sue's chair in a
somewhat proprietary way, so Mick did the same, only his arm went around
Kevin's shoulders.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Charlie laughed. "You don't have to worry about
them, Brian. They're, umm"—he looked at Kevin—"a couple?"</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"More or less, yeah."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"More or less?" Sue chuckled. "I'd say
a lot more than less."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"I get the picture," Brian said.
"Sorry I reacted that way but after all Sue went through with that Archer
bastard… well, I'm feeling just a bit protective."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Kevin cocked an eyebrow. "How long have you and
Sue been more than just friends?"</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Brian looked at Sue. "A day?"</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"One day, three hours, and twenty"—she
looked at her watch—"six minutes. Give or take."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Mick burst out laughing. "So this is your second
date?"</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Yep, and if we could convince Charlie he didn't
have to tag along…" She shot a look at her twin.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Charlie held up his hands. "You did invite me,
for the eating portion. After that, you're on your own."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Thank God," she said dramatically.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Brian shook his head, looking at Kevin. "You
know them better than me. Are they always like this?"</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Yeah, pretty much, but you'll get used to it.
And weekends will be better because Mr. Lothario there always has a hot
date."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Whew," Brian replied, wiping his forehead
in mock relief.</span></p>
Edward Kendrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15069960986925545672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1527151292962844557.post-71342370371754673482024-03-13T07:55:00.000-06:002024-03-13T07:55:16.758-06:0074 – This Gift, This Curse<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6NGhpDv_pDZaIKkJYzoT63w7HWgw05DYiGB7ympojkI8F6EyuAdFZLRU81JteBGxaQTobhZfLLK8J8bAX3UwqLJPbIYZa2K77RDUTDoYn0SPIwenYbLtjaih0lq2WJsZq0Zm-RpOZigIQ_EJiRVSVnJ8WlTrZ9KKxiV4c418p95gR3KKea8rfstXrkqcn/s576/This%20Gift.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="387" data-original-width="576" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6NGhpDv_pDZaIKkJYzoT63w7HWgw05DYiGB7ympojkI8F6EyuAdFZLRU81JteBGxaQTobhZfLLK8J8bAX3UwqLJPbIYZa2K77RDUTDoYn0SPIwenYbLtjaih0lq2WJsZq0Zm-RpOZigIQ_EJiRVSVnJ8WlTrZ9KKxiV4c418p95gR3KKea8rfstXrkqcn/s320/This%20Gift.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Three days later, Will was back in the apartment he
and Mick were sharing—and chafing at the bit.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"If you don't stop hovering," he growled.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Mira rolled her eyes. "I'm not hovering. I'm
just making certain you're all right."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"I'm fine, damn it! Go… fix supper or
something."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">She grinned and saluted. "Steak or fish?"</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Both?" he asked hopefully.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Glutton. But then you always were."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"I beg to differ. I was very… ungluttonish, if
that's a word. At least when it came to eating." He held out his hands to
her and when she took them he pulled her into his lap. "When it came to
you, however, I could never get enough."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">She snuggled against him, smiling. "I remember.
We were so in love then. Nothing mattered but the two of us."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"And now?"</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Well," she stroked his cheek. "We're
a bit older, a bit wiser…"</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"A bit more shopworn, in my case."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Not shopworn, just"—she looked at him,
seeing the new lines in his face, the thinness that accented his
cheekbones—"experienced in ways I'll never be and probably can never
really understand. But you're the same man I fell in love with all those years
ago." She brushed a kiss over his lips.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">He returned it, deepening it, pouring all the
emotions he thought he'd buried long ago into the kiss.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"I do love you," he murmured when they
broke apart.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Are you certain?"</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"More than you could ever believe."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Her face lit up with happiness and a bit of mischief
as well. "In that case, Mr. William Reynolds, will you do the honorable
thing, which somehow we didn't do, lo those many years ago, and make an honest
woman out of me?"</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Will stared at her, his mouth dropping open. She put
a finger under his chin to close it, waiting for his reply.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"If you're certain."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">She nodded. "I was certain when you asked me,
way back when. I'm just as certain now. Marry me?"</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"On one condition."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Uh-oh."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"You move back here. I don't think a
long-distance marriage is such a good idea. Besides which, Kevin's going to be
in school for four more years, give or take, and, well…"</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Mira grinned. "I think your Captain Newsome is
going to have two new cops on his force. That is, if he wants me."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"I'll tell him it's a package deal—both of us or
neither of us."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Good." She nodded her head sharply.
"So, if you're up to it, we'll go talk to him tomorrow?"</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Yes. But tonight, I'm going to show you what
else I'm up to." Sliding his arms under her, he stood, smiling when she
wrapped her arms around his neck. "And maybe, if we're lucky, Kevin might
have a new brother or sister soon."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Bite your tongue, mister."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"How about I bite your lip instead," he
murmured, nipping it. Then he kissed her deeply while carrying her to his
bedroom.</span></p>
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<![endif]--><p><br /></p>Edward Kendrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15069960986925545672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1527151292962844557.post-29232790506215909982024-03-11T08:24:00.002-06:002024-03-11T08:24:44.038-06:0073 – This Gift, This Curse<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw9VN89j5OXq86LZb6YxuswNsCXaIpvRHTmtTWlCuw97C9Oh78CoX-kFSjiRPHQIuQmMGhD_R29na9NOflC98vJw4MSrY4fipQy1DV0vxaH_Iqndpki7Q8Dzk7LisMDsopGg0sSs0eFidFxJYuihZS8rt55gkkHh82zFYm7I23LaR5tkZG03FQ8RZo6bcJ/s576/This%20Gift.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="387" data-original-width="576" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw9VN89j5OXq86LZb6YxuswNsCXaIpvRHTmtTWlCuw97C9Oh78CoX-kFSjiRPHQIuQmMGhD_R29na9NOflC98vJw4MSrY4fipQy1DV0vxaH_Iqndpki7Q8Dzk7LisMDsopGg0sSs0eFidFxJYuihZS8rt55gkkHh82zFYm7I23LaR5tkZG03FQ8RZo6bcJ/s320/This%20Gift.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Half an hour later, Kevin was saying adamantly,
"You are not going back to living the way you were."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Oh really?" Will replied, cocking an
eyebrow.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Yeah, really."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Will chuckled. "You are definitely your mother's
son."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"And yours," Kevin stated.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"He's got a point," Mick put in. He was
standing behind Kevin, since there was only one chair, with his hands on
Kevin's shoulders.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Did I ask you?" Will said, smiling
slightly.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Nope, but I'm telling you anyway. You want me
off the streets? Well it's time to put your money where your mouth is, or
whatever that saying is. I get off, you get off."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Exactly," Kevin agreed, looking up at
Mick.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Well…" Will let the word hang there.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"I mean it," Kevin said. "I want a
father I can find when I need him, without having to troll the city's alleys
looking for him."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"You really do mean that, don't you?"</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Yes," Kevin replied. "I've lived
eighteen years thinking you were either dead, like Mom said, or had deserted
us. Now I know you're alive. I want you in my life. Is that so
surprising?"</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"To me? Yes, it is. I'm not what you think I am.
I'm not father material."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Bull</i>,"
Mick spat out, before Kevin could reply.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"That seems to be the word of the day,"
Will said with a small laugh. "First Mira, then you. Care to try for a
trifecta, Kevin?"</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Kevin chuckled. "I'll pass, but he's right. Look
how you took care of him." He smiled wryly. "I think maybe I'm jealous?"</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"I would have done the same for you, if I'd
known you existed," Will replied quietly. "Or I hope I would
have."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Well now you do." Kevin clasped Will's
hand tightly. "Please, for me, stop living on the streets. You're worth
much more than that. I know it."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"I'd have to find a job," Will replied
pensively.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Talk to that captain. Umm, Newsome?" Mick
said.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Will nodded slowly. "Perhaps. I guess it's worth
a try. He did say…" He shook his head.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"That he wanted you back?" Kevin asked
hopefully.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"He implied that, yes. Or at least that it was
time for me to do something with my life again."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"See! So we're not the only ones who think
that."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Nope." Will smiled at him. "You,
Mick, the captain, your mother. It looks like I'm outnumbered."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Well, if Mom thinks you should then you've got
no choice in the matter."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"No, Kevin. If <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">you</i> think I should, that's what will make the difference. And I get
that you do, so… when I get out of here, I think maybe I'll go pay a visit to
the captain."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Yes!" Kevin pumped his fist in the air.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Will laughed. "No guarantees he'll go for
it."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"He'd better," Mick growled.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Will looked at him, then at Kevin. "One
question. As the father of record, have you two done anything more than… well,
you know." He suddenly felt embarrassed about asking but wanted to find
out exactly how far things had progressed between them.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Kevin actually blushed, stuttering out, "Umm…
Not yet."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"When have we had the chance?" Mick added,
squeezing Kevin's shoulder. "The only times we've been alone together he
was either studying for that exam, or so tense and worried about what had
happened to you that, well…" He spread his hands. "You get the
picture."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"But you're planning on it at some point?"</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Kevin looked up at Mick for a long moment before replying.
"Maybe. Probably."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Then I want you to understand one thing. You
use protection."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Mick burst out laughing. "Now that was a true
'father' statement."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"I'm serious," Will grumbled.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Kevin smiled. "I know… Dad."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Will felt his world settle into place with that one
word.</span></p>
Edward Kendrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15069960986925545672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1527151292962844557.post-62898482024918329862024-03-09T07:10:00.000-07:002024-03-09T07:10:40.723-07:0072 – This Gift, This Curse<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLZBFvFQzxh3fdb6x7qzsWv29TJH8SopfSQiHI_cWUkVHNIFB98hqWDgxMZDs4W4RhPTfy5lpJDE9nzm3zHY-wIf7lfDb5ENTlirl5Waqmqn7FfuXKwIGCTB1uzB3-qGykWzSLFMw6UXqbNUJdQ7k7lBQdu_pxesUb5QH0EJvzkhACAXMKtXXoezfgqbAl/s576/This%20Gift.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="387" data-original-width="576" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLZBFvFQzxh3fdb6x7qzsWv29TJH8SopfSQiHI_cWUkVHNIFB98hqWDgxMZDs4W4RhPTfy5lpJDE9nzm3zHY-wIf7lfDb5ENTlirl5Waqmqn7FfuXKwIGCTB1uzB3-qGykWzSLFMw6UXqbNUJdQ7k7lBQdu_pxesUb5QH0EJvzkhACAXMKtXXoezfgqbAl/s320/This%20Gift.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Will knew what she meant and replied, "You did
what you thought was best. And maybe… no, definitely it was. There's no way you
could have explained that his father was a drunken sot who ran away from his
problems instead of facing them."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"But you're not like that," she protested
vehemently.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"I was, at the end." He took her hand, glad
when she didn't resist. "I know the beat cops saw me. I'm pretty damned
sure they told you. So as far as you knew, before you packed up and moved
away, that's exactly what I was."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">She shook her head. "I should have had more
faith in you. I should have tried harder to find you—to tell you I was
sorry."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"You can't find someone who doesn't want to be
found. You should know that." He chuckled softly. "Given that I was
an undercover detective, I was an expert at hiding when I had to. Drunk or
sober, that was ingrained in me."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Mira nodded slowly. "I suppose it was. But
why…?" She paused, frowning. "Why, when you sobered up, did you
continue to live on the streets?"</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Will shrugged. "Why not? My life… the life I'd
led before, was over, as far as I was concerned. As I once told Mick, the
street life isn't a bad life and there's a certain freedom to it, to not having
to be responsible to anyone but yourself."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Yet you made yourself responsible for
him."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"More like he kept tagging along until I decided
it was easier to let him hang out with me than otherwise."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Uh-huh. And make him study and go for his GED,
so he could get off the streets. Will, if he can do that, so can you. You've
got a son who needs his father."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"He's got a wonderful mother. He doesn't really
need me."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Yes," she said very softly, "he does.
We both do."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">He looked at her in disbelief. "You're saying,
after all that happened, you actually want me around?"</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">She nodded. "There hasn't been a day since you
disappeared that I haven't thought about you. I loved you, you know that."
She took a deep breath. "I still do."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Then you need to get your head examined."
He almost smiled, adding, "Mine already has been, so now it's your
turn." He sobered quickly, trying to take in what she was saying.
"Look at me, Mira. I'm nothing. A bum. Sure, for a few days I became
someone else, to keep Kevin safe, but now…" He shrugged.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Excuse my French, but <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">bullshit</i>. You're the man you always were. A man who cares about
people. So for a while you've been… out of the loop, so to speak, but even so,
you were still you. You helped Mick. He says you've helped other people;
especially the ones who you saw were going to be harmed if you didn't step in.
It's time for you to come out of your self-imposed hiding and take responsibly
for who you really are—a good cop, a good man, a father, and the man I happen
to still love."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Maybe," he said softly.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"No damned 'maybe' about it. You're going to do
it. Got that?"</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">He laughed, unbelievable happiness filling him.
"You always were bossy."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Yep. That's why I became a cop," she
replied with a grin. Then she moved close enough to kiss him. "So… deal
with it."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">He cupped her face in his hands and kissed her back. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I will.</i> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Not that I've got much choice I suspect, knowing her. And damn it, this
feels right. So right.</i></span></p>
Edward Kendrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15069960986925545672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1527151292962844557.post-40880280793394977412024-03-07T07:52:00.000-07:002024-03-07T07:52:15.435-07:0071 – This Gift, This Curse<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKuNYRM2uupS4uCnxad6eQBbe_2n7rfnwklHuSKBWIlWIf0YqyK_nzXRcz1-OFsCvvAh0iTnvivttSSN8cXk4eMqsB8oXPpAXNfcTN2LJgPXHJ08yw4Pu8n-rMwrUM9cXGBRgVVZGVoJbrq0kEMhE1ojLcj_BUgkLpPFsuO55XspDERzvMq16GWJXGcIHa/s576/This%20Gift.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="387" data-original-width="576" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKuNYRM2uupS4uCnxad6eQBbe_2n7rfnwklHuSKBWIlWIf0YqyK_nzXRcz1-OFsCvvAh0iTnvivttSSN8cXk4eMqsB8oXPpAXNfcTN2LJgPXHJ08yw4Pu8n-rMwrUM9cXGBRgVVZGVoJbrq0kEMhE1ojLcj_BUgkLpPFsuO55XspDERzvMq16GWJXGcIHa/s320/This%20Gift.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">A few hours later Will was transferred from the ICU
to a private room.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"With luck and no complications," his
doctor told him, "we can release you within the next twenty-four
hours."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Will hoped it would happen. He didn't do well with
hospitals and enforced inaction. Kevin had visited him in the ICU two more
times before the transfer. They hadn't really talked much. Will suspected, with
a bit of amusement, that Kevin was following orders not to upset him, so what
conversations they had had revolved around Kevin's classes and Sue and Charlie.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">His first visitor, once he was in his new room, was
Mira. Apparently she had no qualms about telling him how she felt about what
had happened, now that he was off the 'don't upset him' regime.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">First, of course, she thanked him for saving Kevin,
again. Then she lit into him.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"How could you have been so stupid? Going in
there unarmed, not calling for backup, trying to take on a man half your age
with… with nothing but your bare hands?"</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Will cocked an eyebrow. "I was armed. I was just
too damned out of practice to think about it at the time. Too damned worried
about what was happening in there. As for backup? Hate to point this out, but I
wasn't there on 'official' business."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Exactly! You should have let Captain Newsome
know what you were planning and gotten his help. Damn it, Will, you could have
been killed if that… that bastard had a weapon. Both you and Kev could have
been. What the hell were you thinking, using a bunch of kids instead of,
instead of…?"</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"I wanted to keep Kev safe and they volunteered
to be part of it." He shrugged. "Was I stupid? Maybe. But it
worked."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Yeah, I can see how well it worked." She
looked him over, shaking her head. Then a tear trickled down her cheek. She
wiped it away, only to have it followed by another—and another.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Will reached out to wipe those away too, saying
softly, "I'm not worth crying over."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">She sniffled, trying to regain her composure.
"Who says I'm crying? Which I'm not."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Just allergic to hospital rooms?" he asked
with a small smile.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Just…" She sighed deeply. "When the
police called me to tell me what happened, all I could think of was you might
die before I could get here. That scared the hell out of me."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Hey now. I've lived this long, I'm not about to
die from a blow to the head. I'm"—he chuckled—"too hard-headed."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"That's what I told Kev," she said,
sniffling again.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"And mother is always right."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">She smiled weakly. "Not always. Sometimes
mothers make big mistakes, like keeping things from their children."</span></p>
<p><br /></p>Edward Kendrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15069960986925545672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1527151292962844557.post-34993410256400269372024-03-05T08:01:00.000-07:002024-03-05T08:01:44.513-07:0070 – This Gift, This Curse<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzyLGWLgxyyC5aogSH3BbAahD36Kmwa8aOwq1tiNKc4kZE_4wgT3FVWU4zRgY2RUC4rjZEV4D_A1Kf8-40Ae-fTqoVsjgSQ0tdCvWAp2ZpnQUT4K35GA8aIN3Hvzj9KiDdZzgN2kGiAr6xdmKKdf7ESv6QwBImzJSeAdVuqZiUFITqd-1rCX0-yQawLhfk/s576/This%20Gift.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="387" data-original-width="576" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzyLGWLgxyyC5aogSH3BbAahD36Kmwa8aOwq1tiNKc4kZE_4wgT3FVWU4zRgY2RUC4rjZEV4D_A1Kf8-40Ae-fTqoVsjgSQ0tdCvWAp2ZpnQUT4K35GA8aIN3Hvzj9KiDdZzgN2kGiAr6xdmKKdf7ESv6QwBImzJSeAdVuqZiUFITqd-1rCX0-yQawLhfk/s320/This%20Gift.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p>
</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Will heard the door open then Kevin saying quietly,
"Will? Dad?"</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">He opened his eyes, looking at the young man who was
his son, feeling his heart swell with pride, even as he wondered if Kevin
really accepted that he was his father. "I'm awake."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Good." Kevin came over, sitting in the
chair by the bed. "How are you feeling?"</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"At the moment, fine."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"You're not nauseous or headachy or… or
anything?"</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Will chuckled. "Been talking to the
nurses?"</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Kevin shook his head. "I just… know that can
happen."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Well, so far it hasn't."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Good."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Is your mother here?"</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Yes, but she's not allowed to see you until
they move you. Mick's here too."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"He's a good kid."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Yeah." Kevin smiled widely. "Real
good—and not a kid."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"He is from my perspective. You both are."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Kevin nodded, reaching hesitantly to grip Will's
hand. "You really are all right?"</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"So they say, but they're not ready to spring me
yet. Not until they're certain."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"It scared the hell out of me when I saw all the
blood."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Head wounds do that."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Yeah, I know." Kevin paused, looking at
Will. "They weren't going to let me see you."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Then Mick revealed all?"</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Yeah. That was a bit of a shock." Kevin
gripped Will's hand tighter. "I wish… I wish I'd known earlier.
Before."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Will close his eyes against Kevin's words. "I
suppose I should have told you. I just didn't know how. Or if you'd believe me.
Or if you'd turn and run, once you found out."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"So you had to go and get yourself hurt so
there'd be a reason for Mick to tell me."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Will opened his eyes and saw a tiny grin on Kevin's
face. "Yeah, I figured that was the best way," he retorted.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Well, tell you what. Next time, just bite the
bullet and spit it out. It saves wear and tear on your head—and my
nerves."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">The nurse came into the room at that moment, telling
Kevin his time was up.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">For a long moment Kevin and Will looked at each
other. Then Kevin leaned in, planting a fast kiss on Will's forehead.
"I'll be back, so don't go anywhere," he said with a small smile.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Not planning on it quite yet."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Good."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Will watched him leave and smiled. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">And now—maybe not planning on it ever.</i></span></p>
Edward Kendrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15069960986925545672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1527151292962844557.post-55920115815199448222024-03-01T07:40:00.000-07:002024-03-01T07:40:24.126-07:0069 – This Gift, This Curse<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaXhFSyR5H74GBoWOXe6Y5EyiHRMOXviwRka9jmRmmpk-lnJ8ro6FIHiOVCO_w5p4KW2X3mJH_3a2K25WZC17u_UAPLS73T-D12OckYCYR3VL2vArN2QCbj27df72pyU-kkXeMGwjXrx4K700X44Dc3YGhad38v9iT6XmjvLLmusMVgq5E8huLkwj0KjcH/s576/This%20Gift.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="387" data-original-width="576" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaXhFSyR5H74GBoWOXe6Y5EyiHRMOXviwRka9jmRmmpk-lnJ8ro6FIHiOVCO_w5p4KW2X3mJH_3a2K25WZC17u_UAPLS73T-D12OckYCYR3VL2vArN2QCbj27df72pyU-kkXeMGwjXrx4K700X44Dc3YGhad38v9iT6XmjvLLmusMVgq5E8huLkwj0KjcH/s320/This%20Gift.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p>
</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Kevin, Mira, and Mick returned to the hospital when
they'd finished eating. The same nurse as before told Kevin he still had to
wait half an hour before he could see Will again.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"He's awake still, and seems to be doing
well," she said. "He'll probably be moved out of the ICU within the
next twelve hours, barring any complications. However, until then"—she
looked seriously at Kevin—"you're to do nothing to upset him. I meant it
when I told you he needs peace and quiet."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Kevin was tempted to say he had planned on going into
the room beating a drum and screaming, but thought better of it. He doubted
she'd see the humor in that. So he just nodded then started pacing the waiting
room, looking at the clock every five minutes.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Step two three, step two three, glide,"
Mick said, watching him.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Shush. I'm nervous and scared and…"</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"I know," Mick replied, moving in front of
him. Ignoring the other people in the waiting room—and there were several—he
wrapped his arms around Kevin. "Just take deep breaths and… breathe."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"I'm trying to." Kevin sighed then smiled
at him. "Thank you."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Just doing my duty. Keeping someone I really
like from blowing up or…or melting down. Take your pick."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Both?"</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Yeah, probably." Mick released his hold on
Kevin, taking his hand instead. "Better?"</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Yes. No. I liked being held but…" He
looked around.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Too public, I get that, but I don't think
anyone's really paying attention. They're all in the same boat we are, worried
about someone in there." When Kevin sobered, Mick said, "I shouldn't
have pointed that out, I guess."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"It's okay. It's true." Kevin looked at the
clock again.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Three minutes," Mick told him, squeezing
his hand.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">As if she'd overheard him, the nurse appeared,
telling Kevin he could go in to see Will.</span></p>
<p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Edward Kendrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15069960986925545672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1527151292962844557.post-4754482836778590232024-02-28T08:01:00.000-07:002024-02-28T08:01:42.528-07:0068 – This Gift, This Curse<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFtQd1Xp91jt7GU8q1LZGso4IJchRpcVCYpuc1IkIvysbaw336k4MlhxJm-FRGqf2IQ-g-CJhAdnghjIQ9cHNWa8zDwte3yMOwM72RftVJtwDIJ86g_tCpQ5bIIENyb6AMOhfcsHC8H2BsDTr9pDrwQg0RryHL2Gcv5f48JXkm5wu1gtvvDJ_926tbLmeE/s576/This%20Gift.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="387" data-original-width="576" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFtQd1Xp91jt7GU8q1LZGso4IJchRpcVCYpuc1IkIvysbaw336k4MlhxJm-FRGqf2IQ-g-CJhAdnghjIQ9cHNWa8zDwte3yMOwM72RftVJtwDIJ86g_tCpQ5bIIENyb6AMOhfcsHC8H2BsDTr9pDrwQg0RryHL2Gcv5f48JXkm5wu1gtvvDJ_926tbLmeE/s320/This%20Gift.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p>
</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"He started drinking," Mira said, answering
Kevin's question. "I found out that much. Not where he was doing it, but
that he was. Beat cops would see him, occasionally. But they never followed up
on it. After all, he wasn't their concern since he wasn't a police officer any
more. Or I guess that's how they looked at it. By the time I found out what he
was doing, he had totally vanished."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Kevin tilted his head at this new revelation from his
mother. "Will's really a cop? I mean, that's what he said, when he told me
about his plan for keeping me safe. But then he also said Mick was in the
police academy."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Mira chuckled. "That was a bit of a
stretch."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Hey now, I could be, if I was older." Mick
chuckled. "And if I wanted to be a cop… and if I get my GED… and…"
His shook his head. "Way off topic."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"A bit," Mira replied with a smile.
"But nonetheless." She returned her attention to Kevin. "Yes,
your father was a cop—and a damned good one."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Like you."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">She patted his hand. "Thank you for that. I wish
I was half as good as he was."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Could he be one again, if he wanted to?"</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"I bet he could," Mick said. "There
was this officer, the one who talked to you when you were in the hospital, Kev.
He said, umm, something like it was an honor to meet him. And that was just
recently and…"</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"First off, Will would have to want to return to
it," Mira pointed out. "And I'm not sure he does."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Me neither," Mick admitted.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Kevin sighed. "This is… sad. He's <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">my</i> father and even Mick knows more about
him than I do."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Mira smiled at Kevin. "You'll learn, once you
get to know the real him."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"If he lets me," Kevin replied, his mouth
tightening. "I mean, he never told me, in all the time since I met
him."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"I'd say he was afraid, Kev. He's spent the last
eighteen years living a life he's certain you wouldn't approve of. And that was
after he vanished from my life. He probably sees himself as someone far from
the image you've drawn of what your father would have been like."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Yeah, well, he's wrong. I mean… okay, so I
didn't have a picture of a street person"—he glanced at Mick, who gave him
a thumbs-up—"but the man I've come to know is… is just the way I imagined
my father might have been as a person, if that makes sense."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"It does," Mira told him quietly.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"So he shouldn't be afraid of my knowing he's my
father. Because I do now, and I want him in my life."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"That, Kevin, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">you're</i> going to have to tell him, and convince him you mean
it."</span></p>
Edward Kendrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15069960986925545672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1527151292962844557.post-29107838423463660852024-02-26T07:57:00.000-07:002024-02-26T07:57:15.400-07:0067 – This Gift, This Curse<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZwXA41KlRfxlAXu1iHTyg0w7w496ifxjEEpAhbyw8666lHyC3U6-owE9bc05JlC-gW5F1wsGRyv_m3qHDBrsAUNllalYlUHFGBZJanfm-K-wrW5gfGTC3U0h31dHucaECi5wJVjllZVZaQk4KvBhqOOBRwHcjLtKRj6Qxlo-TRx0J4N6P2VB73zfVTPTG/s576/This%20Gift.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="387" data-original-width="576" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZwXA41KlRfxlAXu1iHTyg0w7w496ifxjEEpAhbyw8666lHyC3U6-owE9bc05JlC-gW5F1wsGRyv_m3qHDBrsAUNllalYlUHFGBZJanfm-K-wrW5gfGTC3U0h31dHucaECi5wJVjllZVZaQk4KvBhqOOBRwHcjLtKRj6Qxlo-TRx0J4N6P2VB73zfVTPTG/s320/This%20Gift.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Mira glanced at Mick, who was nodding. "I take
it you know the story and didn't tell Kev."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"It's not my story to tell," Mick said.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Kev shook his head. "I know he saw it, Mick
admitted that much, but nothing more."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"He did, and he tried to keep it from happening,
but he was too late." Mira looked down at her hands, clasped in her lap,
and said softly, "I blamed him for that."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"And so he left," Kevin said. He tried to
keep the anger out of his voice because on some level he could understand why.
"Where did he go? Some other city?"</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"No, I was the one who moved. Once I'd calmed
down and realized he wasn't to blame, I thought about trying to find him, to
apologize, and tell him he was going to be a father. And then I'd have left the
decision up to him whether he wanted to come back to me. But… I just couldn't.
I couldn't bear the thought he might reject me. And, honestly, I couldn't bear
living here where it all began."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Then how, where…?" Kevin's eyes narrowed
as he looked at Mick. "He wasn't some cop who took you under his wing, was
he? He was living on the streets too."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Mick nodded. "He saved me when some punks tried
to attack me and, well, I sort of tagged along after him until he finally gave
up and let me be with him."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Curious, Kevin asked, "Did he have a vision
about that?"</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Yes, although I didn't figure it out until a
few days ago. I had no idea about what he could do until the night he saw your
attack."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"He rarely, if ever, talked about it," Mira
told them. "He always had some excuse why he happened to be in the right
place at the right time to help someone."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"He should have seen what was going to happen to
him and… and avoided it," Kevin said.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Mira smiled a little. "His is the only future he
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">can't </i>see. He was shot, six months or
so before Danny died. I got really pissed at him because I felt the way you do,
that he should have seen it happen and done something different. He said that
seeing his own future never happened."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Probably because if it did, he'd always be
running scared," Mick put in.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Possibly, yes. Or it's just not part of his
gift."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"He calls it a curse," Mick told them.
"A gift—and a curse."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"I suspect, if I were him, I'd think the same
thing," Mira said softly.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"So when Uncle Danny died, Will just decided to
give it all up and go live like a bum."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Hey now," Mick protested. "He might
have been living on the streets, but he wasn't a bum, any more than I am."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"I'm sorry." Kevin took Mick's hand.
"I didn't mean that the way it came out."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Yeah, I know. I shouldn't be so touchy."</span></p>
<p><br /></p>Edward Kendrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15069960986925545672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1527151292962844557.post-16690730778321429922024-02-24T08:04:00.001-07:002024-02-24T08:04:10.816-07:00'Of Another World Box Set' is out today!<p style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;">Of Another World Box Set</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFzOhUOQfSI_7AucZrylQg1_-DHmpwQkEWMd_L28Gp8gMie7r9boIFovuM2psn9LF_Zj544Xobn5GJUONjc3r2IzHxLBRJ5O6sZjMr-ngn6EGg3-pqOWWiZlaWEgE-hbac3LhlujB4F-_oZfhU0eNDuO1rfzqe1M4fByVQdv6omX6tM34egyTDsbFXd7hyphenhyphen/s840/ofanotherworldboxset%2096%20pt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="840" data-original-width="560" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFzOhUOQfSI_7AucZrylQg1_-DHmpwQkEWMd_L28Gp8gMie7r9boIFovuM2psn9LF_Zj544Xobn5GJUONjc3r2IzHxLBRJ5O6sZjMr-ngn6EGg3-pqOWWiZlaWEgE-hbac3LhlujB4F-_oZfhU0eNDuO1rfzqe1M4fByVQdv6omX6tM34egyTDsbFXd7hyphenhyphen/s320/ofanotherworldboxset%2096%20pt.jpg" width="213" /></a></span></div><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><a href="https://www.jms-books.com/edward-kendrick-c-224_229/of-another-world-box-set-p-5015.html">https://www.jms-books.com/edward-kendrick-c-224_229/of-another-world-box-set-p-5015.html</a></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Another-World-Box-Set-ebook/dp/B0CVTHDVQ7/">https://www.amazon.com/Another-World-Box-Set-ebook/dp/B0CVTHDVQ7/</a></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p><p><b>GENRE:</b> Gay Fantasy Spicy Romance Box Set<br />
<b>LENGTH:</b> 102,105 words<br />
<b>RATING:</b> <img alt="flame rating 4" class="texttop" src="https://www.jms-books.com/images/4-flame.jpg" /><br /><br />
Three interconnected fantasy tales of danger and romance by best-selling MM author Edward Kendrick. Contains the stories:<br /><br /><strong>Of Another World</strong>:
Castaways Tony and Daniel learn they are far from home from elf Brion
who says only King Cerdic can send them back. Tony and Cerdic are drawn
to each even though Tony refuses to believe the island's shifters are
guilty of the crimes that sent them to Stronghold. He offers to prove it
by going there undercover. Will Tony survive so he and Cerdic can act
on their feelings? Only time will tell.<br /><br /><strong>Of the New World</strong>:
Tony and Cerdic wed, and life settles down until a new problem arises.
Bandits are robbing wealthy lords. Tony and mage Leofric come up with a
plan to stop them, with Cerdic's consent; despite the fact they think
Tony may be the true target. In the process, Tony learns why Leofric has
given up on love. Can Tony change that? It depends on whether they
survive their confrontation with the bandits.<br /><br /><strong>Of a Harsh Winter</strong>:
Qildor, a shunned crossbreed, is resigned to his lonely existence. Then
a harsh winter sends him to warn the King that something is very wrong.
Mage Pilore believes him and what he learns as they look for the cause
leads him to believe an evil wizard is responsible. As they seek him,
Pilore and Qildor form a bond, but will they get the chance to take it
beyond that when they locate the wizard?<br /><br /><b>EXCERPT FROM "Of Another World"</b><br /></p><ul>From
the way the sun slanted through the windows, Tony knew it was a bit
after noon when Lord Randel returned. He stood in the doorway, looking
between the brothers, and then beckoned. "If you'll come with me, I'll
take you to King Cerdic. He's awaiting you in the Audience Chamber."<br /><br />Leaving
the library, they (entered the Great Hall), turned right and crossed to
the door behind the King's table. Lord Randel opened it, stepping back
to let them enter first.<br /><br />As soon as they had, Tony sucked in a
breath. Seated across from them on an ornately carved, high-backed
armchair set on a two-step dais was one of the handsomest men he'd ever
seen. He had long blond hair that fell well past his shoulders, deep
blue eyes, high cheekbones, and a sensuous mouth. He was dressed in a
black vest trimmed with silver embroidery, over a long, brown tunic with
inset gold panels on the upper sleeves and a matching peplum at the
waist. Black pants and knee-high boots trimmed with silver completed the
ensemble.<br /><br /><i>::Easy, Tony. Remember he's a king and an elf. Way
out of your league on all counts even if he did happen to be gay, which
is doubtful, I think.::</i><br /><br />::I can dream, can't I?::<br /><br /><i>::As long as that's all you do.::</i><br /><br />Lord Randel's "Your Highness, allow me to introduce Tony and Daniel Nichols," brought Tony back to earth.<br /><br />* * * *<br /><br />Cerdic
looked at the pair of dark-haired men standing before him, his gaze
homing in on the younger one. He was dressed in obviously borrowed
clothing which was understandable from what he'd been told. They did
little to hide his muscular build and the sense of power he radiated,
even while in the position of supplicant. To add to his allure, he had
dark eyebrows over deep, almost black eyes, and a pair of lips that
begged to be kissed.<br /><br />Reining in his libido -- as he knew the man,
the shifter, was unattainable, as well he should be all things
considered -- Cerdic gave a minimal bow of his head to acknowledge their
presence.<br /><br />"I understand you are begging for my help to return
you to your own world." Cerdic smiled to himself when Tony, the younger
shifter, bristled at his words.<br /><br />"We're not begging," Tony said
tightly, obviously ignoring his brother when he laid a firm hand on his
shoulder. "We are asking, as strangers who are not responsible for our
presence here, that you send us back. We understand you're the only one
who can do so."<br /><br />"I am, but why should I?"<br /><br />Tony took a step
forward. "Because you're not stupid, I hope. You must know that our
presence has upset more than a few of your subjects."<br /><br />From the
expression on the elder brother's face, Cerdic felt certain he was upset
with Tony's defiant reply, and was undoubtedly letting him know using
mind-speak -- words the younger shifter obviously ignored as he waited
for Cerdic's answer.<br /><br />Cerdic tapped a finger on the arm of his
chair. "I could send you to join your compatriots in Stronghold. You do
know what that is."<br /><br />"The place in the mountains where you've imprisoned shifters, treating them as enemies of the state."<br /><br />"Because they are," Cerdic replied angrily.<br /><br />"On what grounds?"<br /><br />"That is not you business or your concern."<br /><br />Tony shook his head. "As I shifter myself, I believe it is. They are my brethren, if not by birth than by species."<br /><br />Cerdic
looked past Tony at the Seneschal. "Lord Randel, please leave us and
take Daniel Nichols with you. I wish to speak with this hothead alone."<br /><br />"Your Majesty," Lord Randel protested at the same time Daniel growled angrily.<br /><br />"Do it! If Daniel gives you any trouble, call the guards."<br /><br />With
a bow that didn't hide his smile, Lord Randel put his hand on Daniel's
arm. "If you'll come with me, quietly please. Don't worry about your
brother. King Cerdic hasn't killed anyone in at least two months ...
that I know of."<br /><br />Cerdic bit back a grin at his seneschal's words
as he watched him and an obviously pissed off and very reluctant Daniel
exit the chamber.<br /><br />When they were gone, Cerdic stepped down to sit
on the top step of the dais, beckoning for Tony to join him. When Tony
didn't move, Cerdic chuckled. "Or stand there. It makes no nevermind to
me. We can still discuss your concerns either way. It just seems you'd
be more comfortable sitting."</ul><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
Edward Kendrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15069960986925545672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1527151292962844557.post-44683184382918299082024-02-24T07:50:00.002-07:002024-02-24T07:50:50.023-07:0066 – This Gift, This Curse<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz6tpWRPKLcCSCXOG3m-sz62LnfGQgAALS2yjc4NkZkTVM5LR2cx7pSGXdPQJVafy4VezLjTufohrI5G6fpBb99YdSCyhTm1bxMznDEoi3wN11KrYHmfAlSHuM6mLfMAsVKAVcygdeZzaVymxgf7Aq9iZXPULwiXo7jNUKuRB4BHjHTLWWDNVlQ86l2lOz/s576/This%20Gift.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="387" data-original-width="576" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz6tpWRPKLcCSCXOG3m-sz62LnfGQgAALS2yjc4NkZkTVM5LR2cx7pSGXdPQJVafy4VezLjTufohrI5G6fpBb99YdSCyhTm1bxMznDEoi3wN11KrYHmfAlSHuM6mLfMAsVKAVcygdeZzaVymxgf7Aq9iZXPULwiXo7jNUKuRB4BHjHTLWWDNVlQ86l2lOz/s320/This%20Gift.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Kevin sat in the chair beside the bed. "You
could have told me," he whispered, gently resting his hand on Will's arm.
"I don't care why you disappeared. When you came back, you could have told
me who you were."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Mick has a big mouth." The words Will
spoke were barely discernible.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Kevin barely suppressed a shout of relief when he
heard them. "You're alive."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Will opened his eyes momentarily.
"Probably."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">The nurse was there seconds later, shooing Kevin from
the room, telling him to go wait with his mother.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"He spoke to me," Kevin said elatedly, as
soon as he was back in the waiting room. He hugged Mira and then Mick, telling
him, "He said you have a big mouth."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Mick grinned happily. Mira smiled, but cautioned,
"That doesn't mean he's out of the woods by any stretch of the
imagination."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"I know," Kevin replied, his mood
deflating. "But at least he remembered Mick and me. I think."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">The nurse came into the room to let them know the
doctor was with Will.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"It will be two hours before you're allowed back
in to see your father," she told Kevin. "You can wait here if you
want."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Kevin nodded, looking at the others. "If I stay
here, I'll pace a hole in the floor."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Then I suggest we go get something to
eat," Mira replied. "It's almost morning and I, for one, haven't
eaten since the police called me hours ago."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">The nurse suggested, with a small chuckle, that they
go somewhere other than the hospital's cafeteria. Taking her advice, the three
of them went in search of the nearest restaurant.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">When they found a small diner not too far from
hospital, Mick asked if Kevin and Mira would rather he went home so they could
have some private time together. Both of them said no. Mira added, giving him a
quick hug, "You can keep Kev from killing me." One look at Kevin's
face confirmed that in some part of his mind that was an option.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">They took a booth at the back of the room, ordered
their meals and coffee. Then there was a long, pregnant pause.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Why didn't you tell me?" Kevin said,
breaking it.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Because I truly thought it was better for you
to think he was dead rather than that he'd deserted me…us."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"But you knew he wasn't."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Mira nodded.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Why? Why did he leave? Or don't you know?"</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Guilt."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Because Uncle Danny was killed?"</span></p>
Edward Kendrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15069960986925545672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1527151292962844557.post-73368837786345716092024-02-22T07:58:00.000-07:002024-02-22T07:58:32.440-07:0065 – This Gift, This Curse<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgItmpR-PBzw2OcZ6qzU9W2B1FTsL4SKQQnZvh_UfYfyYZBoUA8KmDwGZlzn7J1vbEPcFVSolfxUVh4Vi3WVmwm890lYa2Wt7lPMlGBlYh2Ah-k67pIklYhYFoFfmBaArijctwIopg9Nhs89OX6MP1ofXuNq4HQt1gWYWDEp05vZyLypw1aEyQeO8FD8rTN/s576/This%20Gift.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="387" data-original-width="576" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgItmpR-PBzw2OcZ6qzU9W2B1FTsL4SKQQnZvh_UfYfyYZBoUA8KmDwGZlzn7J1vbEPcFVSolfxUVh4Vi3WVmwm890lYa2Wt7lPMlGBlYh2Ah-k67pIklYhYFoFfmBaArijctwIopg9Nhs89OX6MP1ofXuNq4HQt1gWYWDEp05vZyLypw1aEyQeO8FD8rTN/s320/This%20Gift.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">When Kevin, Mira, and Mick got off the elevator, they
were met in the waiting room by a nurse and had to go through the whole routine
again.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Why did the police call you?" was the
nurse's first question to Mira.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Probably because Will had my name in his wallet
telling them to, in case of emergency," Mira replied tartly.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"But you're not his wife."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"No. Look, long story short, which I know you
need to know, I was engaged to Mr. Reynolds when something happened and he
disappeared. I was also pregnant with Kevin, though he didn't know that. Kevin
is his son, and therefore his only next of kin. Okay?" Mira stared hard at
the nurse.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">The nurse nodded, held up one hand to let them know
to wait, and went into the ICU unit. Kevin could see her consulting with
another nurse. They both turned to look at him before continuing their talk.
Finally the first nurse returned.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Under the circumstances, we've decided to
believe you, Ms Parker. Since Mr. Reynolds is not able to sign the HIPPA form
to release his medical information, Mr. Parker will have to do so in his stead.
Then we can let him see his father."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">She left, returning with the form which Kevin duly
read, signed, and handed back to her. Only then did she tell them Will's condition.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"He received a severe concussion from the blow
to his head. So far, he has not regained consciousness. There was a severe
laceration to the back of his head, which has been closed, and his skull was
fractured." When Kevin let out a small gasp, she quickly said, "A
fractured skull does not necessarily mean there was any traumatic injury to the
brain."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"But in my father's case?" Kevin asked
hesitantly.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"He's been given a CT and no intracranial
bleeding or other damage was found. I should warn you, this does not preclude
the fact that something could show up in the future. At the moment, he is
resting comfortably, although as I said, he hasn't regained consciousness
yet."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Which is not a good thing," Mira said.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Let's just say the sooner he awakens, the
sooner the doctor can do tests to see if there's any memory impairment,
muscular weakness, and so forth."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Can I see him now?" Kevin asked.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Yes, but only you, and only for ten minutes.
And that will hold true even after he regains consciousness, until the doctor
says he can be moved from the unit. He has to remain calm."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">With that said the nurse unlocked the door to the
unit and took Kevin inside. He followed her to Will's room, realizing it was
glass-enclosed.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Is that so you can keep a good eye on
him," he asked the nurse, as they entered the room. She nodded.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">He walked over to the bed and looked down at Will. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">No, not 'Will', but my father</i>. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">He looks peaceful but is that a good thing?</i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">There
were tubes and wires and things he didn't want to think about radiating from
Will's body. He knew they were just there to monitor his father, but it still
frightened him.</span><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Edward Kendrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15069960986925545672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1527151292962844557.post-88675846959658838092024-02-20T08:26:00.000-07:002024-02-20T08:26:56.255-07:0064 – This Gift, This Curse<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1XoK2bxCPEiSgP-J7f9YrKeyRmOFqsx2GFKjD2FK-Wz4Q4h6xjfXlv8LDa2v88q_EvYKdwxpWvWC3HlVzvXMcMfjtF3ARJT1TBq4mxYJq8_zUlcyG_fyAgbgPovM-tY8-1KtcEtPnzjQaF89qzKGfqv_M-y651HpylOpetUcTkeXSwTaNzhyphenhyphenhCYoHnPhq/s576/This%20Gift.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="387" data-original-width="576" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1XoK2bxCPEiSgP-J7f9YrKeyRmOFqsx2GFKjD2FK-Wz4Q4h6xjfXlv8LDa2v88q_EvYKdwxpWvWC3HlVzvXMcMfjtF3ARJT1TBq4mxYJq8_zUlcyG_fyAgbgPovM-tY8-1KtcEtPnzjQaF89qzKGfqv_M-y651HpylOpetUcTkeXSwTaNzhyphenhyphenhCYoHnPhq/s320/This%20Gift.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Kevin did fall asleep, despite thinking he wouldn't.
The last thing he remembered before he did was Mick covering him with a blanket
then giving him a swift, gentle kiss.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">He woke to the sound of his phone ringing. Blearily
he dug it out of his pocket to check the time and answer it. It was one in the
morning and the caller was his mother, saying she'd just arrived and was about
to head to the hospital.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">As soon as she'd hung up, Kevin started to call
Charlie, changed his mind, and called for a taxi instead.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Mick appeared in the living room at that point,
asking what was going on.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Mom's here and I'm going to meet her at the
hospital."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Good. Give me a minute to get dressed. I'm
coming with you."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Kevin saw that Mick was only wearing a pair of
sweatpants. Despite everything that was going on, he suddenly realized Mick was
well-built in a lean and quite sexy way. He stared at Mick a beat too long
before tamping down on that thought. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Now
is not the time</i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Okay," he replied aloud. "But hurry.
The cab should be here soon."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Mick must have seen something in Kevin's face because
he grinned a bit as he turned and went back to his room.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Twenty minutes later, Kevin was pacing the living
room, muttering "When is the cab going to get here?"</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"It's closing time for the bars, so they're
probably busy," Mick replied.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Yeah but…" Kevin's words were interrupted
when his phone rang. "Finally," he said, after he answered it.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">The ride to the hospital was silent as the two young
men thought about what they might find out when they got there. As soon as they
were out of the cab, they hurried into the hospital lobby.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Kevin's mother was standing at the front desk,
talking to the attendant. She smiled when Kevin joined her, giving him a hug,
then turned back to the man. "Don't you understand, Mr. Reynolds doesn't
have any family? I'm probably the closest person who might qualify since we
were…" Mira stopped talking suddenly, glancing at Kevin, obviously
uncertain what to say since he was standing right there.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"I'm family," Kevin said to the man.
"I'm his son."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Mira looked at Kevin in shock. "How…? Did he
tell you?"</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"No, Mom. But Mick did. At least someone… Hell,
never mind. Now's not the time." Returning his attention to the man at the
desk, he said, "My mother can vouch for the fact that I'm Mr. Reynolds
son."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"She just said Mr. Reynolds doesn't have any
family. Why should I suddenly believe differently?"</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Mira sighed, taking her ID from her purse to hand to
him. "I'm a police officer for one, so if I tell you, Will, Mr. Reynolds,
is Kevin's father, you'd better take my word for it. There are reasons, which
I'm not about to go into, why I didn't know Kevin knew. Be that as it may, he
is his son. Now, will you please tell us where to find him?"</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">The man checked her ID, and then Kevin's, after he
asked to see it. Finally he picked up the phone to notify the ICU that they
would be coming up.</span></p>
<p><br /></p>Edward Kendrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15069960986925545672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1527151292962844557.post-4393520445808116382024-02-18T07:58:00.000-07:002024-02-18T07:58:42.950-07:0063 – This Gift, This Curse<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEREF_iT3Uw8IEqM6a4DdSmTTnOnUQ0fzoTXXanhkDAXD3_KWdcmfXIlCip3hN6eyTHgu_SrtHy8Fx8ge6t4nS7cE0xwGkiJSUzViz0JzaQ3MD0f561m8dmcZjfnocDjVJkJRAXEoQmY6cq7t2_d_znxyP8oBpY7z9vTxS6l4VwJNn90LzYGjTiwMLZ9-Q/s576/This%20Gift.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="387" data-original-width="576" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEREF_iT3Uw8IEqM6a4DdSmTTnOnUQ0fzoTXXanhkDAXD3_KWdcmfXIlCip3hN6eyTHgu_SrtHy8Fx8ge6t4nS7cE0xwGkiJSUzViz0JzaQ3MD0f561m8dmcZjfnocDjVJkJRAXEoQmY6cq7t2_d_znxyP8oBpY7z9vTxS6l4VwJNn90LzYGjTiwMLZ9-Q/s320/This%20Gift.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">With no other choice at the moment, everyone headed
home. Charlie made Kevin promise that the moment he heard from his mother, he'd
call so Charlie could pick him up to take him back to the hospital.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">When they got up to their floor, Mick insisted Kevin
come to his apartment rather than going to his own.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"The last thing you need right now is to be
alone."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Kevin agreed. He didn't want to be by himself. Even
with Mick there he knew he probably wouldn't sleep. He did, however, lie down
on the sofa at Mick's insistence. When Mick sat down beside him, Kevin looked
at him and sighed deeply.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Is anything real?"</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Mick smiled, stroking Kevin's arm. "I am."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"I didn't mean it that way."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"I know. Yeah, a lot of what you thought you
knew about me, about Will, turned out to be wrong and it's our fault. But we
did it… said it, so we could protect you."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Kevin nodded. "I know that, but…"</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"If I'd told you the truth about me at the
beginning, would you have trusted me to help keep you safe?"</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"I don't know. Maybe." Kevin tried to
smile. "Hell, the way you've lived, you probably know more about how to do
that than most people."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Mick chuckled. "Good point, but still…" He
shrugged.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"What I really don't understand is why Will
didn't tell me."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"He has his reasons."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Do they have to do with my uncle?"</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"What makes you think that?"</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Well, from what Mom said, my father died—or at
this point I guess disappeared—about the same time Uncle Danny was killed. Oh
God," he whispered, "he didn't have something to do with that, did
he?"</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"No, not the way you seem to be thinking."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Kevin frowned, staring off into space for a moment.
"He saw it, didn't he? Just like he saw what was going to happen to
me."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Mick nodded. "But like I said…"</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"It's not your story to tell. I understand. You
know what? He damned well better live because I want to hear it. From him. I
want to know why he deserted me and Mom."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"You will."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"God, I hope you're right," he whispered,
echoing his words to his mother.</span></p>
<p><br /></p>Edward Kendrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15069960986925545672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1527151292962844557.post-5054818976454821902024-02-16T08:26:00.000-07:002024-02-16T08:26:28.542-07:0062 – This Gift, This Curse<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHAXBjVHFYwbnNr6RAFQ8isdN4pz3R3uOfPwVGJt6HsNzdoc-d7qUzeYrilXxWvpMSGBJHabpjIRCEhrJIAAVOcRJ6ldUBZd8CFeMahqTTlfAU-U65cu5TnTxZ8X2_utTPkC13Yu-y961kqDCqARlbHW9Bz6RNo2BruWzvh4lWgtS0S20OvJQYOLHf5A_h/s576/This%20Gift.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="387" data-original-width="576" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHAXBjVHFYwbnNr6RAFQ8isdN4pz3R3uOfPwVGJt6HsNzdoc-d7qUzeYrilXxWvpMSGBJHabpjIRCEhrJIAAVOcRJ6ldUBZd8CFeMahqTTlfAU-U65cu5TnTxZ8X2_utTPkC13Yu-y961kqDCqARlbHW9Bz6RNo2BruWzvh4lWgtS0S20OvJQYOLHf5A_h/s320/This%20Gift.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Mick took a deep breath. "I have something I need
to tell you. Something I promised Will I wouldn't. But right now I think… no, I
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">know</i> I have to break that promise.
Remember…? Never mind, of course you don't. The day after Archer attacked you
the first time, there was a story about it in the newspaper. When I showed it
to Will, I thought he was going to have a heart attack."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Why?" Kevin asked, feeling genuinely
puzzled.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"He saw your name and"—Mick took a deep
breath—"Kev, you're his son."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Kevin shook his head in disbelief. "No
way!"</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Yeah, you are. At least that's what he
said."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Uh-uh. If I was, Mom would have told me."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Even if he asked her not to?"</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Yeah, she still would have. Damn it, Mick.
He's…" Kevin shook his head again, trying to take in what Mick was telling
him. "My father's dead."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Mick took Kevin's hands in his. "Is he? Remember
what you told me, that you'd tried to find out if he was and there was nothing
even though he supposedly was killed in the line of duty."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Yeah, but…" Kevin pulled one hand free,
rubbing his eyes with it. "If he is alive… I mean, if what he told you <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">is</i> true and he's my father, then why
didn't he get in contact with Mom? With me? Why didn't she find him and let him
know? She's a cop too. She could have done that."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"I could probably tell you why, but it's not <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">my</i> story to tell."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"If what he said is true, then I <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">can</i> see him," Kevin said, jumping
to his feet.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"You'd have to prove it. Especially since you've
already told that nurse you weren't family."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"How the hell do I do <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">that</i>?"</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"You can't, but your mom can."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"I can't wait that long. What if he dies? What
if… if there's something wrong with his mind and he doesn't… he doesn't
remember that I <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">am</i> his son?"</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Mick grabbed his hand, urging him to sit again.
Reluctantly, Kevin did. When Mick wrapped his arm around him, he sank into the
caring embrace, resting his head on Mick's shoulder.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"He has to live. More now than ever, he just <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">has</i> to."</span></p>
<p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Edward Kendrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15069960986925545672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1527151292962844557.post-19435835714944625532024-02-14T08:09:00.000-07:002024-02-14T08:09:44.601-07:0061 – This Gift, This Curse<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizFWD-Ph_BfVMHS6Vyeq0R-rzrAAkVyLUTgND8-9K7F1Q-W3Bezd7R5DnAgwqzMBwktGsNAqcmCs4bvXNXLypwchoBagxCOgP1OwPZgFPTP-rbF5HTZWnThxoOP0j91jIG-DExXPSPi7pz4jHqdq3wNjvcKNgZo2FoR9b6ja6YsRUx4Vf5_EwJBWfOaJBQ/s576/This%20Gift.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="387" data-original-width="576" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizFWD-Ph_BfVMHS6Vyeq0R-rzrAAkVyLUTgND8-9K7F1Q-W3Bezd7R5DnAgwqzMBwktGsNAqcmCs4bvXNXLypwchoBagxCOgP1OwPZgFPTP-rbF5HTZWnThxoOP0j91jIG-DExXPSPi7pz4jHqdq3wNjvcKNgZo2FoR9b6ja6YsRUx4Vf5_EwJBWfOaJBQ/s320/This%20Gift.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">The minute they got back to the apartment building,
Kevin was on the phone, calling his mother. He knew she'd want to know what
happened. As soon as he began to tell her, she said the police had found her
name in Will's wallet and had already called her, and she was about to leave
for the airport. "As soon as I arrive, I'll call you and then I'll take a
cab to the hospital." She paused before adding, "He's going to be all
right, Kev."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"You don't know that," he replied angrily.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"I do. He's hard-headed, in all ways. He'll
survive. I promise."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"God I hope you're right," he whispered.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">As soon as he was finished talking with her, he
changed clothes and joined the others in Will's apartment. Then they took off
for the hospital.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">When they entered the ER waiting room, they went straight
to the desk. Kevin asked if they could see Will, telling the nurse he'd been
brought in with a head injury.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Will who?" she replied.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Kevin frowned, turning to the others. "I don't
even know his last name."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Reynolds," Mick told him. "William
Reynolds."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Kevin relayed the information to the nurse. Her next
question was, "And you are?"</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Kevin Parker."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Family?"</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"No, ma'am."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Then I'm sorry but I can't release any
information on him."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"But…"</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">She just shook her head. "Family only."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Can you at least tell me if he's alive,"
he asked.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">She must have seen something in his face or heard the
desperation in his words because she left for a moment then came back to tell
him that, so far, Will was alive, and he'd been transferred to the ICU.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"It's not fair," Kevin growled, as he and
the others headed to the exit. "He could die because of me and I can't
even… they won't even let me in to… to tell him I'm sorry."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">As soon as they were outside, Mick gripped Kevin's
arm, leading him to one of the benches along the wall. Then he asked Sue and
Charlie if they would mind waiting for them in the car. After a moment's
hesitation, they nodded and walked away.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"What's going on?" Kevin asked.</span></p>
Edward Kendrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15069960986925545672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1527151292962844557.post-69617025110388743052024-02-12T07:43:00.000-07:002024-02-12T07:43:29.837-07:0060 – This Gift, This Curse<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYlBmhp1rCLn536WYDFP8kE5gkwwZ18xZ7h_f0EUNoSaEKwb23G8HeGNszfj1j7H1fbzPIg7URkjW4itWYHvn7t26WCaLdu5AONpvBlF04N-f-IFAJcfBeR0Q0sOvDUyo69qMP9cXD6vJ3G8e1TLQXxzL0hZi0FnyCwxWlWb5Jv4jg8JQDBFF5k4OSbaSb/s576/This%20Gift.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="387" data-original-width="576" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYlBmhp1rCLn536WYDFP8kE5gkwwZ18xZ7h_f0EUNoSaEKwb23G8HeGNszfj1j7H1fbzPIg7URkjW4itWYHvn7t26WCaLdu5AONpvBlF04N-f-IFAJcfBeR0Q0sOvDUyo69qMP9cXD6vJ3G8e1TLQXxzL0hZi0FnyCwxWlWb5Jv4jg8JQDBFF5k4OSbaSb/s320/This%20Gift.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">The sound of sirens and then the screech of tires
announced the arrival of the police. Three officers came through the front door
of the theater, guns drawn. The man who'd been on the phone pointed to the
restroom. The officers entered cautiously. Kevin heard one of them say,
"Don't move. Put your hands behind your heads."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">With Sue right beside him, Kevin entered the room. He
saw Mick and Charlie doing as they'd been told. A third man lay at their feet.
It was obvious he wasn't going to be moving any time soon. A few feet away,
Will was sprawled on the floor, blood pooling under his head, an officer
kneeling beside him.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Is he…?" Kevin asked, looking fearfully
down at his friend.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">The officer looked up and shook his head. "He's
got a pulse. Weak, but it's there."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">The sound of racing feet came from the hallway and
then two EMTs appeared. One of them paused just long enough to ascertain that
Archer was alive, if unconscious, then joined his partner beside Will, telling
Kevin and the officer to give them room to work.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Kevin backed away, turned, and saw one of the
officers cuffing Mick. "He's not the one who did this," Kevin said.
"It was him." He pointed down at Archer. "He was attacking me
and Will tried to stop him and…" He began shaking as the full reality of
what had happened finally hit home.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">The officer nodded, releasing Mick, and then Charlie,
who was already cuffed. Mick moved swiftly to wrap his arm around Kevin,
asking, "Are you all right?"</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"I'm going to be sore, but"—he looked back
at Will—"but Will…"</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">By then, the EMTs had Will intubated, in a cervical
collar, and boarded, preparatory to putting him on a stretcher to take him out
to the ambulance.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Will he… will he live," Mick asked, as he
watched them.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"I can't say," the EMT replied. "He's
alive for the moment."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Where are you taking him?"</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"City General," was the terse reply, as
they wheeled Will out of the room.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">A second team of EMTs appeared. One of them
immediately began checking Archer while the second one examined Kevin. He told
Kevin he seemed to be all right but that he should see his doctor just in case.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Archer was another story. Apparently Charlie and Mick
hadn't hesitated to take out their anger on him as they tried to keep him from
escaping before the police got there. He was still unconscious, but, as one EMT
said, "In no worse condition than he would have been in a street brawl."
He was transported to the waiting ambulance, one of the officers going with
him.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Is he under arrest?" Kevin asked.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"He will be, once he wakes up," the
remaining office said. Then he had each of them make their statements about
what had happened. By the time the three young men were finished, the officer
was shaking his head. "A real piece of work," he muttered. He looked
at Kevin. "Given what he did to you last time, if it was him—which I don't
doubt—I'd say you're damned lucky your friend intervened."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Kevin grimaced. "Define 'luck'. I might be okay,
but Will isn't, damn it."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">The officer nodded. "All right, you're all free
to go. I'd suggest you go home and clean up a bit first before going to the
hospital. They're not going to know anything about his condition for quite a
while, I suspect. And since you're not family, they probably won't let you see
him anyway until he's moved out of the ICU."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"If he survives," Mick said angrily.
"And if he doesn't…"</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"You will let the law take care of Archer
Mitchel. Understood?" the officer told him sternly.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Yes, sir," Mick muttered. "Let's get
out of here," he said to the others. "Charlie…"</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Yeah, I'll drive you home," Charlie
replied. "And then to the hospital."</span></p>
<p><br /></p>Edward Kendrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15069960986925545672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1527151292962844557.post-55290271417043993052024-02-10T07:54:00.000-07:002024-02-10T07:54:10.375-07:0059 – This Gift, This Curse<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkr52btqFa-otFnrpgIpcBpa0Q7Y4mHli7-f6mVxafvEku-DJP1CRqU89seJsJ45c63vH8yXylU3yRT9Kw0HHzlZoL-sdfrspYDc66Dd54msl9Rzsgnll1f5tJhW2JinGpoFCr97mw-teR1zqNUv8GQobQ-D9B2zeC5tzV4ilS5zNC7HmfUZ_Mt4fIzWsg/s576/This%20Gift.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="387" data-original-width="576" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkr52btqFa-otFnrpgIpcBpa0Q7Y4mHli7-f6mVxafvEku-DJP1CRqU89seJsJ45c63vH8yXylU3yRT9Kw0HHzlZoL-sdfrspYDc66Dd54msl9Rzsgnll1f5tJhW2JinGpoFCr97mw-teR1zqNUv8GQobQ-D9B2zeC5tzV4ilS5zNC7HmfUZ_Mt4fIzWsg/s320/This%20Gift.jpg" width="320" /></a> <br /></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">With twenty minutes yet to go in the movie, Kevin
whispered to Sue, "I'll be right back."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"I'm coming with you," Mick murmured,
overhearing Kevin.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Sue chuckled softly. "That's a girl thing, Mick.
Guys don't go to the restrooms together."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Yeah, well, I'm not letting him go off on his
own, all things considered."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"How dangerous can it be? I won't be the only
one in there I'm sure," Kevin told them as he stood and eased his way past
Mick to the aisle.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">When Mick started to get up as well, Kevin put a hand
on his shoulder, saying barely above a whisper, "You have to keep an eye
on her, just in case."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Sighing, Mick nodded in agreement.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">As he made his way up the aisle, Kevin felt as if he
was being watched. He quickly looked around, then saw Charlie sitting on the
aisle three rows from the exit and relaxed. He knew Will was somewhere too,
although he didn't see him.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">When he got outside in the lobby, he saw the restroom
signs at the end of the hall between the two downstairs theaters and walked
quickly toward the men's room. He started to push the door open then turned
quickly, feeling watched again. Will was standing at the end of the hallway.
Kevin gave a slight nod and opened the door, stepping inside, suddenly
realizing that the lights were off.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Before he could back out, someone grabbed him,
pushing him up against the wall beside the door. He heard the lock snick into
place and then a man growled, low and angrily, "I told you, she's
mine."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Two things happened at the same moment. He heard a
loud bang on the door and a fist slammed into his gut. As he doubled over,
gasping for breath, he was hit again. He fell to his knees, trying to roll
away.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">The door burst open. Kevin heard Will say, "Back
away. Now!"</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Fuck you!"</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Kevin looked up just in time to see the man he knew
had to be Archer, barrel, shoulder first, into Will. Will was thrown backwards.
His head hit the edge of the sink with a terrifying crack.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Kevin scrambled into the hall on all fours, shouting
for help. Three men were already racing down the hall, one with a phone to his
ear. The other two, Mick and Charlie, paused just long enough to be certain
Kevin was alive before entering the restroom. Kevin heard shouts, and the sound
of fists hitting flesh.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Suddenly Mick was at the door, calling to the third
man, "Tell them we need an ambulance, fast!"</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">By then a few more people had arrived. Two more men
went into the restroom while a third knelt down beside Kevin, asking if he was
all right.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Kevin nodded, and with the man's help, managed to
stand. Seconds later, Sue was beside him, her arm around his waist as she asked
what had happened. He explained as best he could.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"I think… I think Will's hurt. Bad."</span></p>
Edward Kendrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15069960986925545672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1527151292962844557.post-38258955552005691822024-02-08T09:01:00.000-07:002024-02-08T09:01:39.135-07:0058 – This Gift, This Curse<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMJi1Mf13eYV4ygSL7_U1FMb4AUulSf4HEpsqyc_TVpqqoZg3-eNzsHi0X_42h80gI9cstXF6tm33K1o5hnzTzOnd7PTImSSPjWgtJdw_nkE1iHweD_zqRmPRLCmVR-DOgv9ADpOIhacAJsksF-TbcmhAqOM9Qb3cn3actLUSIJc6GCYYWXydhyphenhyphenMwP4Zwu/s576/This%20Gift.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="387" data-original-width="576" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMJi1Mf13eYV4ygSL7_U1FMb4AUulSf4HEpsqyc_TVpqqoZg3-eNzsHi0X_42h80gI9cstXF6tm33K1o5hnzTzOnd7PTImSSPjWgtJdw_nkE1iHweD_zqRmPRLCmVR-DOgv9ADpOIhacAJsksF-TbcmhAqOM9Qb3cn3actLUSIJc6GCYYWXydhyphenhyphenMwP4Zwu/s320/This%20Gift.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">As he left the building, Will carefully checked the
people on the street and the cars parked at the curb. There was no Mustang, but
he knew that didn't mean anything. Archer would have to be a fool to be driving
such a distinctive car anywhere in the neighborhood. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Or an egomaniac</i>. If he was stalking Sue, and Will had no doubts
about that now, he had probably seen Mick hanging around the coffee shop with
her and the others. If he saw Mick watching when he drove away… <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Yes he just might be egotistical enough
drive around the neighborhood in it from what Charlie and Sue had said. Or not,
since the car's not anywhere around.</i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Feeling certain that Archer was not watching the
building, Will continued walking and then after two blocks turned off onto a
side street. He positioned himself in the doorway of a small near-new shop,
where he could see the building and the trio when they came out. They were
laughing, apparently at something Mick had said, as they came toward him. Kevin
had one arm around Sue's waist while Mick walked casually on Kevin's other
side.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">The trio continued on past Will, stopping a couple
blocks beyond him to look at a display in a clothing shop window. Will casually
followed, watching everyone else on the street. He really didn't expect Archer
to try anything in such a public venue but he was taking no chances, which was
why the gun Captain Newsome had given him was now at the small of his back.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">When they arrived at the theater, the trio bought
their tickets and went inside. For the time being, Will positioned himself at a
table in the patio in front of a small Greek restaurant across the street. When
a waiter came to take his order, he told him he was waiting for someone and
just ordered coffee.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">If everything went according to plan, Charlie was
already inside. Will waited, watching for Archer. He almost missed him when the
waiter came back with his coffee. When he looked back at the theater, Archer
was just going inside.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Will dropped a couple of bills on the table and
hurried across the street, purchased a ticket, and entered the dimly lit lobby.
Archer was nowhere in sight, but Charlie was. He gave a quick jerk of his head
toward the right-hand door leading to one of the three small theaters. Will
nodded and slipped inside, taking a seat at the back by the exit where he could
see Kevin and his friends—as well as Archer who was seated several rows behind
them, against the far wall.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">The lights dimmed a few minutes later and the movie
began.</span></p>
<p><br /></p>Edward Kendrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15069960986925545672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1527151292962844557.post-34330992543303479172024-02-06T07:58:00.000-07:002024-02-06T07:58:00.932-07:0057 – This Gift, This Curse<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_18gAukoWvo_ci1knGjFmBNLKyYDJ2xYUA-VdLf7oLUZDC635pq9HANTjsZhpOWVE1AUn_TGtffs_EnIxfN_v3aRqsIEDRrlp49tfgUAkvld6VGbbN3-OoqEc6LMXdrZ1S15rJiDjGu_AEt0QZtlyZ3l7N7SJ8tNoLgLEBEURBYA_ooOOqA57wohi8sXy/s576/This%20Gift.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="387" data-original-width="576" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_18gAukoWvo_ci1knGjFmBNLKyYDJ2xYUA-VdLf7oLUZDC635pq9HANTjsZhpOWVE1AUn_TGtffs_EnIxfN_v3aRqsIEDRrlp49tfgUAkvld6VGbbN3-OoqEc6LMXdrZ1S15rJiDjGu_AEt0QZtlyZ3l7N7SJ8tNoLgLEBEURBYA_ooOOqA57wohi8sXy/s320/This%20Gift.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Everyone ready?" Will asked.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">It was Friday night and he, the three young men, and
Sue were seated in his apartment. As they'd planned, Charlie had come straight
there after his last class. Kevin and Sue had stopped by the coffee house, as
usual. They'd stayed long enough to make things appear the same as always. Then
they'd headed to the apartment building, with Will following, keeping well out
of sight. He hadn't seen anyone who looked like Archer along the way, but he
knew that didn't mean anything. He'd also, right after he'd gotten the
description of Archer's car, had Newsome run a check to see how many were in
the city, and if one was registered to an Archer Mitchel. The results had been
disappointing so far. There were several red Mustang Shelby GTs, but none were
registered to their suspect.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">For the last two days, while they were at the coffee
house, Kevin and Sue had talked about their movie plans, while Charlie had made
it clear he had a date with a 'cute young lady from his science class'. Mick
had hovered on the edge of the conversations, only agreeing to come with Kevin
and Sue when they made it clear they didn't want him to feel left out.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"As ready as I'll ever be," Kevin replied,
trying to look more relaxed than he felt.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Mick patted his leg and said, "Everything's
going to work out just fine.'</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Yeah, it will," Charlie agreed.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Kevin almost smiled as he looked at Sue's twin. He'd
arrived at the apartment early, and now his hair was colored a dark brown and
slicked straight back, very different from his usual casual style. He wore
dark-framed glasses, a button-down shirt, and baggy jeans. Kevin would have had
to look twice to know it was him if he saw him anywhere else.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Okay then, let's do it," Will told them.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">As planned, Charlie left first the same way he came,
by the back door to the building. From there he'd drive to the art house movie
theater, using one of his roommates' cars.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Will left next. The theater they were going to was
only ten blocks from the apartment building so he was walking. Sue, Kevin, and
Mick would do the same ten minutes later.</span></p>
<p><br /></p>Edward Kendrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15069960986925545672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1527151292962844557.post-81891714007511220512024-02-04T09:10:00.002-07:002024-02-04T09:10:59.582-07:0056 – This Gift, This Curse<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDovp-S-jH28NY3VTZG8Ss-af7flzIHeiRo-NRhxh8cqGPVc__HxUlbro8DUvCN2LgER-bn9Eh67b5ce98JhH5FqVEbB4JiTvfQ0__YB2Jrvz5h_MItb1jKMWvwWStB21INyLAfdpuTZqI6cIy3raA42AoVK5t2jt7fvEc21HvsooCx2argFzu5ymi1oYk/s576/This%20Gift.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="387" data-original-width="576" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDovp-S-jH28NY3VTZG8Ss-af7flzIHeiRo-NRhxh8cqGPVc__HxUlbro8DUvCN2LgER-bn9Eh67b5ce98JhH5FqVEbB4JiTvfQ0__YB2Jrvz5h_MItb1jKMWvwWStB21INyLAfdpuTZqI6cIy3raA42AoVK5t2jt7fvEc21HvsooCx2argFzu5ymi1oYk/s320/This%20Gift.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"I don't suppose you've had another one of your
visions, so we know what to look out for, have you?" Mick asked Will a few
minutes later.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"I'm afraid not." Will smiled wryly.
"It's not like I can call them up at will, unfortunately."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Figured as much."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"So now what?" Kevin asked after dropping
his pack by the door and going to sit at one end of the sofa.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"You study," Will said quite seriously.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"We study," Kevin replied, looking at Mick.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"That's just our cover," Will pointed out.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Mick bit the corner of his lip and shook his head.
"I… umm… sort of told him I'm not a police trainee." Hurriedly he
added, as if he was afraid Will would start yelling, "I told him how you
found me and sort of started looking out for me when you weren't working
undercover."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Ah, I see." Will felt somewhat relieved
Mick had at least not told him the real story of why they were together.
"And what prompted this?"</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"I thought he had a right to know, since we're
maybe starting to get to be more than friends and… well… you know."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"I suppose that's understandable." Will
smiled a bit maliciously. "In that case, get on your laptop and get to
work. I expect you to be ready to take the GED test as soon as this is over and
done with."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Will," Mick whined.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"I'll help you," Kevin told him. "So
get your stuff and let's see what's what."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Damn, I'm outnumbered," Mick muttered, as
he got his laptop off the desk and sat down beside Kevin.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Will sat in the armchair across from them, smiling a
bit as he watched their two dark-haired heads bent together while they worked.
Then he picked up the book he'd been reading, and found he couldn't
concentrate.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">If things
had been different… If I'd done what I should have when I finally sobered up…
Gone back. Tried to make amends for running out on Mira—on both of them. But I
didn't know.</span></i><span style="font-family: Arial;"> "And whose fault
was that?" he muttered.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Whose fault was what?" Mick asked,
obviously having heard him.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Sorry," Will replied, "I was talking
to a character in the story."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Mick shook his head and went back to what he'd been
doing, asking Kevin something about a math problem.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">He's a good
kid and looks just like Mira. Which is a good thing, all things considered. </span></i><span style="font-family: Arial;">Will smiled wryly. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">It would be hard to explain why he took after a 'family friend'. I
wonder what she told him about me? Am I supposed to be dead? Probably. That's
easier to explain, and to accept, than 'your father ran out on us'.</i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">He picked up the book again and tried to concentrate
on it. Then he thought about Mick's question from earlier.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Will</span></i><span style="font-family: Arial;"> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I have a
vision about what's going to happen? Or does the fact that I don't mean things
will end without any violence? God I hope so! Let us catch Archer before he
gets another chance to hurt someone.</i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Scrubbing his hand over his eyes, he once again tried
to get into what he was reading. And this time he succeeded.</span></p>
<p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p>Edward Kendrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15069960986925545672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1527151292962844557.post-18667738993767166802024-02-03T08:35:00.000-07:002024-02-03T08:35:14.147-07:00'Quint and Clay Box Set' is out today!<p style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;">Quint and Clay Box Set</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvOjVU_8NbvtOUJFO12Gjz5PzycV5oR-mxgXYFZ93WCzg9AqpUsXMW65-VIEXZLjD5-1BtkwTbjWym0-3Y0Flg-VDVS9L1Nl6yK2GaYJ-F9Al1QeoHEb4JWglWMqIwu1q25SBdQmfgWJX-GeYeuf9AnnqbXJCi4RkX_m2vHY0tmVzxS44ZPGr4d2M7W0q3/s840/quintandclayboxset%2096pt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="840" data-original-width="560" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvOjVU_8NbvtOUJFO12Gjz5PzycV5oR-mxgXYFZ93WCzg9AqpUsXMW65-VIEXZLjD5-1BtkwTbjWym0-3Y0Flg-VDVS9L1Nl6yK2GaYJ-F9Al1QeoHEb4JWglWMqIwu1q25SBdQmfgWJX-GeYeuf9AnnqbXJCi4RkX_m2vHY0tmVzxS44ZPGr4d2M7W0q3/s320/quintandclayboxset%2096pt.jpg" width="213" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.jms-books.com/edward-kendrick-c-224_229/quint-and-clay-art-crimes-box-set-p-5001.html">https://www.jms-books.com/edward-kendrick-c-224_229/quint-and-clay-art-crimes-box-set-p-5001.html</a></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p><p>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Quint-Clay-Art-Crimes-Box-ebook/dp/B0CT32SYXQ/">https://www.amazon.com/Quint-Clay-Art-Crimes-Box-ebook/dp/B0CT32SYXQ/</a></span></p><p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"> </span></p><p><b>GENRE:</b> Gay Mystery Spicy Romance Box Set<br />
<b>LENGTH:</b> 149,431 words<br />
<b>RATING:</b> <img alt="flame rating 4" class="texttop" src="https://www.jms-books.com/images/4-flame.jpg" /><br /><br />
This M/M romance box set by best-selling author Edward Kendrick includes
five interconnected stories of crimes in the art world. Contains the
stories:<br /><br /><strong>The Element Case</strong>: Can Clay, an artist,
and Quint, a homicide detective, determine who is murdering the subjects
of Clay's Element paintings? As they search for the killer, they're
attracted to each other, but it can't become more if the killer
eliminates Clay.<br /><br /><strong>It Takes an Artist</strong>: When Trev
is framed for murder, he needs the help of his new friend Doctor Zack
Kendall and Detective Hawk to catch the villains. Can Trev and Zack's
mutual attraction survive attempts to take them out of the picture ...
permanently?<br /><br /><strong>It Takes a Forger</strong>: Despite their
instant antipathy, Lou Hernandez and Rory Kinley must work together to
stop an art forger. They eventually learn to trust each other, but will
their growing attachment survive what's to come -- or be destroyed in
the process?<br /><br /><strong>It Takes an Archaeologist</strong>: Much
against his better judgment, Gideon has agreed to help archaeologist
Cole Newell find the looters of a dig Cole worked. In the process, Cole
forces Gideon to face what happened in his past that made him unwilling
to have any kind of personal life. When he does, will Gideon finally be
able to find love again?<br /><br /><strong>It Takes a Photographer</strong>:
While taking photos of Clay and Quint and their newly adopted son,
Olivia captures what appears to be a murder. Is it really what it seems?
Lou and Quint decide to investigate, with the help of Rory and Gideon
Monahan.<br /><br /><b>EXCERPT FROM "The Element Case"</b><br /></p><ul>"Clay,"
Amanda said as soon as he answered the phone a week after the gallery
show, "there's a police detective here who says he needs to talk with
you. Should I give him your address?"<br /><br />Frowning, Clay asked, "Did he say what it was about?"<br /><br />"No, and I did ask."<br /><br />"Tell him I'll be there in ... fifteen minutes, give or take."<br /><br />"All right."<br /><br />As
soon as they'd hung up, Clay took the brushes he was using over to the
sink to clean them, glad as always that he worked in acrylics and didn't
have to soak them in paint thinner or turpentine first. When he was
finished, he changed into a clean shirt and took off for the gallery.<br /><br />"Mr. Richardson," Detective Quint Hawk said the moment Clay walked through the doors. "I don't know if you remember me."<br /><br />"I do. You were investigating the murder of the boy in <i>Element of Woe</i>. Did you find his killer?"<br /><br />"Unfortunately, not so far. And there have been two more since then."<br /><br />"Oh?"<br /><br />"One of the victims was that young man." Quint pointed to <i>Element of Delight.</i><br /><br />"What the hell? Are you certain? And how did you find out about the painting in the first place?"<br /><br />"There was an article in the Arts section of the paper about your most recent show. They used a photo of it in the story."<br /><br />Clay shook his head. "You're certain it's the same person?"<br /><br />Quint took an envelope from his jacket pocket, opened it and handed Clay a photo. "It's a morgue shot of the victim's face."<br /><br />Clay
looked at it. It was obvious the young man was dead, but he had no
doubt it was the same one he'd seen -- and sketched -- two months
earlier. "I don't understand. How? Why?"<br /><br />"That's what I'd like to know," Quint replied grimly.<br /><br />"Surely you don't think I had anything to do with their deaths."<br /><br />Instead
of answering Clay, Quint took another envelope from his pocket, removed
a photo, and handed it to him. "Do you recognize this guy?"<br /><br />Clay
barely nodded, beckoning for the detective to follow him into the
storage room behind the gallery. Going to one wall, Clay shuffled
through the canvases stored in the racks, finally pulling one out. It
was the same size at the other two Element ones, a foot-and-a-half by
two foot.<br /><br />"What do you call this one?" Quint asked, studying the painting.<br /><br />"<i>Element of Frustration</i>."
Clay contemplated it for a moment. "I debated whether this one was
sellable or not. Amanda said it was and hung it for a few days. Then she
took it and a couple of other ones down to make room for paintings by
one of the other artists we handle." He shrugged. "So maybe I was right
and it's not."<br /><br />"It looks good to me. Or," Quint amended, "or it would if it weren't for the fact that the subject is a murder victim."<br /><br />"And after seeing this, you're sure I'm the killer," Clay said sardonically, torn between anger and dread.<br /><br />"Let's
say you're not at the top of the list but you're not off it either.
Unless you're a psychopath, I don't see you hanging their pictures in
the gallery and putting them up for sale if you were the killer. You
might be a total ass at times, but I doubt you're crazy."<br /><br />Clay managed to smile. "Some people might dispute that."<br /><br />Quint chuckled before asking, "Do you remember where the guy in that picture was when you drew him?"<br /><br />Clay
studied the face. "Somewhere downtown. That's where I find a lot of my
subjects -- there or in clubs. The variety of people is better. I can
check my sketches when I get home to see if I wrote it down. Often as
not, if I really like a particular subject, I make a note on the sketch,
in case I want to find them again."<br /><br />"I can see why you focus on the downtown area, because there's more types of people, but in clubs?"<br /><br />"How often have you gone to a club and really looked at the people there?"<br /><br />Quint shrugged. "I think the last time I was at one was when I met you the first time."<br /><br />"Okay.
Next time you go, study the faces and the bodies. You get everything
from 'Please give me a chance.' to 'I can have anyone I want because I'm
tall, dark, and handsome.' Tall, short, overweight, thin ... Well, you
get the picture. All in one spot. It's the same downtown -- business
people, tourists, the homeless. The teens hanging out because they have
nothing better to do with their time than spend it with friends who are
just as bored as they are."<br /><br />"True, I suppose. Another question.
How much time is there between when you do your sketches and when the
finished painting is hung here in the gallery?"</ul><p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">
</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></p>Edward Kendrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15069960986925545672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1527151292962844557.post-74280010063718728062024-02-02T07:58:00.000-07:002024-02-02T07:58:10.339-07:0055 – This Gift, This Curse<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYDbAMWmhzgvpf5bI-9q1m_gNd-2noEVv-9zq36ar2CRFPOIJ32Mt6zgt2WNnOs4PJ9grWg1LeqJ3n9lFPrPkNUcEWPhByfVpxRgQa8r0JMEuq7zglQ16wD-P5cB0uUN_eQqbQ1j3Ew-3tls-2gmKweooM8JWOptP6Pok7DAxeW15KrxADoupZBX1Id_HR/s576/This%20Gift.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="387" data-original-width="576" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYDbAMWmhzgvpf5bI-9q1m_gNd-2noEVv-9zq36ar2CRFPOIJ32Mt6zgt2WNnOs4PJ9grWg1LeqJ3n9lFPrPkNUcEWPhByfVpxRgQa8r0JMEuq7zglQ16wD-P5cB0uUN_eQqbQ1j3Ew-3tls-2gmKweooM8JWOptP6Pok7DAxeW15KrxADoupZBX1Id_HR/s320/This%20Gift.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Did you get a license plate number?" Will
asked Mick.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Just one letter, an 'A'. He was moving too
fast. But his car's sort of distinctive, a red Mustang, probably this year's.
Double white stripes over the top and down the hood."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"A Shelby GT," Charlie put in, obviously
listening to Mick's end of the conversation.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"I heard him." There was a long silence, as
if Will was thinking, before he said, "This could work in our favor but I
want you to get Kevin back here now. He's not to come back by himself."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"As if I'd let him. That's why I'm here, in case
you forgot."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">There was a low chuckle then Will said, "I haven't.
But be doubly careful, and make certain Charlie knows he's to stay with
Sue."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"I will. Anything else?"</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Not for now."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">After hanging up, Mick relayed Will's message to
Charlie.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"No way is she getting out of my sight,"
Charlie said emphatically. "In fact, she's going to be staying at my
place. There's three of us there so she should be safe enough."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Good. You okay with that, Sue?" When she
nodded, Mick turned to Kevin. "We're supposed to head back, so grab your
coffee and your pack and let's get moving."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Kevin did, after saying goodbye to his friends. When
he and Mick got outside he commented, "You do that very well."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"What?"</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Giving orders. I'd almost believe you were a
cop—or one in training, if I didn't know better now."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Mick chuckled. "Guess I've been hanging around
Will too long." He wanted to take Kevin's hand, and almost did until he
realized that just because Archer had taken off like a bat out of hell didn't
mean he hadn't come back and was watching them. Holding hands would sort of blow
the Kevin-Sue pseudo-relationship out of the water.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">As they walked back to the apartment building, Mick
kept an eye open for Archer. He had the feeling Kevin was too, from the way he
kept glancing around.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"I feel creepy," Kevin said at one point.
"Like I'm in the crosshairs of a gun."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Damn, let's hope not."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"I know. I don't think he'd go that far, would
he?"</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Not…really," Mick replied slowly. But he
stepped up his pace and together they rapidly walked the rest of the way back,
sighing in relief when they were safely inside the building. </span></p>
Edward Kendrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15069960986925545672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1527151292962844557.post-23686915381983166192024-01-31T08:05:00.000-07:002024-01-31T08:05:18.627-07:0054 – This Gift, This Curse <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK5OG2Qybw11Jt4_D_zdrFjdqxkFfBoTrkuZVQ2upSJxMMQBpgNF90cR1X1Ia5ensT-nDYMtQWebhmSR3HUXmoxMzAdIRiuNohHkJcF761ie_D5ypG0OGVNhiwEcUyngaTWFuHoOf23XZtJTWuf_ArAvuto0oZy6z8gTOh70eGImKZC64eYV0ZZS_GNeam/s576/This%20Gift.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="387" data-original-width="576" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK5OG2Qybw11Jt4_D_zdrFjdqxkFfBoTrkuZVQ2upSJxMMQBpgNF90cR1X1Ia5ensT-nDYMtQWebhmSR3HUXmoxMzAdIRiuNohHkJcF761ie_D5ypG0OGVNhiwEcUyngaTWFuHoOf23XZtJTWuf_ArAvuto0oZy6z8gTOh70eGImKZC64eYV0ZZS_GNeam/s320/This%20Gift.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">The exam came and went, much to the relief of all
concerned.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">When Kevin dropped into the chair at their usual
table in the coffee house, he said, "That wasn't quite as bad as I
expected."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Or quite as easy as I'd hoped," Charlie
countered.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Geesh, you babies." Sue shook her head.
"It was a piece of cake."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Uh-huh…not," Charlie muttered. Then
turning to Kevin he asked, "Where's Mick?"</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"No clue." Kevin glanced around, hoping to
see Mick coming through the door just because he wanted him to.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Will's probably got him running errands or
something," Sue said, patting Kevin's arm. She smiled at him. "So,
are you two…?" She let the question dangle.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Kevin shrugged shyly. "We're…testing the waters
maybe?"</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"That's a start. First you dip a toe in, then
you jump in, and then…"</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"You drown," Charlie broke in, chuckling.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Charlie. Honestly you have no romance in your
soul, I swear," Sue muttered. "Don't listen to him, Kev. He's a
philistine." She squeezed Kevin's hand. "You'll swim together into
the future."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">* * * *</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Mick came into the coffee house at that moment.
Looking around, he spotted the twins and Kevin at their table and wondered why
Sue was holding hands with Kevin. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Probably
commiserating with him about the exam.</i> He headed to the counter to get
coffee before joining them. As he did, his gaze landed on a man hurriedly leaving.
A tall, blond man who didn't look at all happy.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Shit!</span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Mick spun around, going after him. He got to the
sidewalk just in time to see the man climb into a Mustang and peel out of his
parking spot, barely avoiding an oncoming car.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Going back inside, Mick decided to forego his coffee
for now so he could tell Kevin and the others what he'd seen. Coming to the
table, he took the last chair.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"I was wondering if you were going to show
up," Kevin said.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Yeah, late, but here, and a good thing I <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">was</i> late. I think…in fact, I'm real sure
I saw Archer."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Sue sucked in a breath of dismay. "Here?"</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Yeah, and he left real fast. If I had to guess,
he saw you and Kev holding hands." Mick cocked an eyebrow as he said that.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Oh hell," Kevin said. "We weren't
holding hands. Well, not really. She was just telling me that…"</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"That he probably passed the exam with flying
colors." She looked across at Mick. "Why do you think it was
him?"</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Tall, blond, muscular, and not a happy camper.
He got into his car and tore off without caring if anyone was in his way."
Taking out his phone, he relayed the same information to Will when he answered.</span></p>
Edward Kendrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15069960986925545672noreply@blogger.com0