The night before our Catalina visit, I could not sleep. My mind trying to organize information that will ensure everyone’s safety and not result in someone dying. I made a small fire in the fireplace and sat with Pete who was making a mess chewing on a piece of firewood. I closed my eyes for one second and opened them. William was on one knee adjusting the wood in the fireplace.

  Keeping score of death is not healthy. William said without speaking.

  It is not you. It is fate. Fate Greg, not you. He said. I just grunted reluctantly.

  What intel do you have on them? I asked William after a long pause.

  Not much more than you have. William said sitting next to Pete inspecting his paw.

  I’ll take the ‘not much more information’. I said.

  I do not think they have hostile intent, as you put it. An alliance with your group… Wait. I said as I interrupted William. My group? I questioned the title.

  You are the representative, whether you like it or not, Jillian, Helen, Scotty, all the dogs… you are Alpha. William said.

  What about Mom and Sam? I asked sarcastically. William laughed.

  As much as I would like to have taken the credit for that one… well, let’s just say you are… acquaintances. William said smiling.

  Go on, the alliance. I asked.

  Just like you, I would wager they are soft on some resources, they are probably interested in whether you can assist or have access to these resources. Since you know about their ‘livestock’, this immediately put you to an advantage. What would you have thought if the response was negative? That they were not interested in the radio or your friendship? William said standing up.

  That they do not want to share, or that they have limited resources and did not want us to know that they are vulnerable. We could take over their island, especially with the wolf pack. We left them no option other than to accept our ‘offer’. I said realizing the situation from their perspective.

  “That was NOT my intent!” I said out loud.

  “What exactly IS your intent?” William said out loud and vanished.

  “Good morning!” Jillian said cheerfully as she handed me a cup of coffee and sitting next to me on the couch.

  “Thank you. Don’t you look nice!” I said to Jillian in reference to her clothing choices, hair style and just a little makeup.

  “Thank you!” She said kissing my cheek. I looked down and noticed her top buttons on her shirt were undone, showing more cleavage than usual. I just chuckled. “Sending a message to Rebecca, are we?” I said as I sipped my coffee.

  “No.” Came an immediate response. “I just want to make a good impression.” Jillian said looking away. I gently touched her face and made her look at me. “You are always impressive.” I said and kissed her.

  The next twelve minutes was an exhaustive performance by Jillian that was to make sure I do not forget, mixed with nervous energy and her strong sex drive. Her insecurity is rare, charming and totally unnecessary. Our bond is more important to me than she can ever imagine.

  Jillian was putting together the final ingredients for her legendary salsa as I entered the kitchen after a shower and shave.

  “You’re going to wear that outfit, again?” Jillian said rolling her eyes.

  “Men do not wear outfits; they wear clothes. These are new shorts and this is my favorite Hawaiian shirt. You gave this one to me.” I said approaching her from behind and squeezing her breasts and kissing her neck as her hands held a large onion and knife.

  The dogs started barking and ran toward the backyard. Mom and Sam appeared snooping around. Sam was getting big and was eager to play with Ginger and Pete. I went outside with some scraps from Jillian’s salsa as she closed the door behind me. Mom and Sam came over to see me and what was in my hands. I placed the scraps on the ground and Mom and Sam nibbled on a few items. I inspected Sam’s paw as he held it out for me as he munched away.

  “That healed nicely!” I said checking the flexibility of his leg. “What a good boy!” I said as Jillian came out with a large bucket of water. Mom got up and hurried over to Jillian who placed the bucket on the ground and stepped back. Mom sniffed the water bucket and started sniffing Jillian who was not very comfortable.

  I sat with Sam who parked himself in front of the water bucket and drank as I gently stroked his back and removed some burrs from his side. Ginger and Pete sniffed Mom and Sam as they took turns drinking. “I’ll get some more water.” Jillian said as she entered the house.

  I spoke to Mom and Sam. I know you can smell Helen, Scotty and the wolf pack. I just hope that the day you meet up with them, you know we are all friends and rely on one another for survival. They are very important to us. However, there are also dangerous people and animals. Please be careful. We want to see you and Sam grow up. Ginger and Pete gave a couple of barks and Sam gave chase across the backyard. Jillian was recording with her camera after she had placed a bucket of fresh water on the ground.

  “You were talking to them, weren’t you?” Jillian asked quietly.

  “I always talk to Ginger and Pete.” I said.

  “No, Mom and Sam. They both turned and looked at you at the same time, that was really weird.” Jillian said as she watched the playback on her camera.

  “Wow. Watch this and tell me you were not communicating with them.” Jillian said bringing me the camera and Mom taking interest in the fresh bucket of water.

  “Coincidental.” I said watching the short video in a loop. Judging by the timeline, it was when I mentioned ‘danger’ that caused the reaction. Since I did not say anything, Jillian was not aware of the dialog.

  “Can you read my mind?” Jillian asked quietly looking directly at me.

  “Sometimes.” I said putting down the camera and walking up to her. I held both of her hands and returned the gaze.

  “You forgot about this morning already?” I said as Jillian smiled, blushed then kissed me.

  Mom was laying on her back while Ginger and Pete were playfully barking and wrestling as Sam was sitting upright, just staring at Jillian and I with a blank expression. Jillian and I exchanged sideways glances as Sam blinked and ran over to join in the playtime with Mom and the dogs.

  “Is it me, or was that…” Jillian started to say as I finished her thought. “Really weird. Yes!” We both started laughing.

  “Hello? Come in K-9s.” Helen’s voice over the radio.

  “Good morning!” I said into the radio.

  “Hi Sweetie!” Helen said cheerfully.

  “Is Dr. J there? We need to talk.” Helen asked.

  “She’s right here, but she is, a little busy, right now.” I said in a sexy sly tone.

  “OH! I see… Ahh..” Helen stammered.

  “Oh stop! He’s just kidding, that was an hour and a half ago!” Jillian said grabbing the transmitter.

  “An hour and a half. Damn. I bet he does some special exercises or something.” Scotty said in the background as Jillian and Helen finalized the plans for our Catalina visit and Scotty gave us an update on Rosie and the pups.

  “Everyone is doing fine and we’ll see you in about an hour.” Helen said as Jillian and I secured the house to prevent Mom and Sam from helping themselves. Jillian and I packed enough gear, food and water for three days. We left two buckets of water, dog food and cookies for Mom and Sam as we headed off to the marina.

  Helen and Scotty waved to us as we parked and unloaded gear. Ginger and Pete cried, sniffed and kissed them like it has been months. Scotty and I wore the same clothes we always wear but Helen and Jillian seem to ‘take it up a notch’ as Scotty put it. We all double checked the lists and headed toward Catalina Island. Judging by the weather we may be a little early.

  We arrived very early at Avalon Bay. The welcoming committee all assembled with three golf carts and friendly smiles. Helen and Scotty tossed the lines to Paul and Reese who expertly secured them.

  “We knew you would be early. Made some good time with these winds.” Paul said.

  “Permission to disembark. Is that the correct terminology?” I asked.

  “I honestly don’t know! Permission granted!” Paul said with authority stretching out his hand to assist Jillian as Scotty repeated: ‘Permission to disembark”.

  “Permission granted!” Reese said loudly with a smile and saluting as he assisted Helen.

  “Welcome to Santa Catalina Island!” Paul said as he shook my hand. Reese appeared, momentarily blocking the sun and holding out his huge hand.

  “I want to apologize for being rude, but as you can see security is very important to me, sorry, us. Security is important to all of us.” Reese said with genuine concern. I shook his catcher’s mitt sized hand and accepted his apology as he performed the same speech for all of us.

  “I would like to take this opportunity to introduce some additional residents of Catalina; Elaine and Sammy.” Paul said as we stood to officially meet the two additional residents. Sammy was about five or six years old, male, dark complexion. Elaine was being held by Susan, newborn, female, light complexion. Both appeared healthy. Jillian and Helen naturally gravitated toward Susan and Elaine as Scotty and I greeted Sammy.

  “I have a friend named Sam as well, I’ll show you some pictures later, okay?” I said. Jillian and Helen broke away from Susan and Elaine to meet Sammy.

  “Do you like baseball?” Sammy immediately asked Jillian.

  “Why yes, I do. I used to play softball!” Jillian said all smiles.

  “Do you like baseball?” Sammy asked Helen.

  “I have never played baseball. Would you be able to teach me?” Helen asked. Sammy smiled and turned to Paul. “Dad, we have enough to play a real game!” Sammy whispered loudly.

  “What position do you play?” Scotty asked Sammy.

  “First base. That’s where the action is.” Sammy said with serious conviction.

  Ginger and Pete seemed to be avoiding Sammy but were very interested. They have never seen a young boy before and were confused and excited with all the interaction. I got down on one knee in front of Sammy.

  “Ginger. Pete. Come.” I said out loud. They both assembled behind me darting back and forth with noses and tails fully active. Sammy was eager to pet them.

  “Ginger. Sit.” I said and she sat facing me with one eye on Sammy and tail whipping.

  “Sammy. Hold out your hand, like this.” I said to Sammy as I slowly held out my hand, palm side down. Sammy quickly stuck out his hand making Ginger jump a little.

  “Do you have any dogs here on the island?” I asked looking toward Paul.

  “No dogs.” Paul responded.

  “Sammy. Listen carefully. Mister Greg is going to teach you, okay?” Paul said in a paternal tone.

  “Sammy. There are two types of dogs; friendly and unfriendly. Can you tell me which type these two are?” I asked Sammy.

  “Friendly!” He said with a smile.

  “How do you know that?” I asked.

  “Cuz they are smiling and their tail is going whish whish whish!” Sammy said using his arm as a tail.”

  “Would you be able to tell an unfriendly dog?” I asked. Sammy thought about it for a moment.

  “He would be mean.” Sammy said looking toward Paul for confirmation. Paul did not say anything.

  “Dogs do not like sudden movements, it scares them. What do you think a dog would do if it is scared?” I asked. Sammy furrowed his brow as he thought about it.

  “Runaway?” Sammy asked.

  “Maybe, but if a dog is afraid and does NOT run away, what then do you think they will do?” I asked.

  “Bite.” Sammy said quietly looking at me as Jillian recorded with her camera.

  “That’s right. ALL dogs bite, remember that.” I said looking directly back at him.

  “Now. Slowly, hold out your hand. No sudden movements. Dogs don’t like that.” I repeated as Sammy slowly held out his hand.

  “Sammy. This is Ginger. Say hello to Ginger.” I instructed.

  “Hello Ginger.” Sammy said.

  “Okay.” I said to Ginger as she was anxious to investigate as she approached his hand and started to sniff.

  “His nose is cold and wet!” Sammy said with a big smile as Ginger smelled his hand, arm, pants, shoes and started licking his face. Sammy giggled with joy but did not move with his hand still out in front of him.

  “Okay Ginger. Stop. Come.” Ginger stopped and sat next to me excited and ready for play.

  “Ginger is a girl, and this is Pete.” I said to Sammy. “With a big funny head!” Sammy said as everyone laughed.

  “Pete is a boy. He is Ginger’s brother. Do you want to meet Pete?” I asked.

  “Meet Pete! Yes please.” Sammy said excited.

  “Okay, remember how you met Ginger? Do the same for Pete.” I said.

  “Slowly.” Paul added, knowing full well of Pete’s potential. Sammy shook his head and slowly held out his hand.

  “Hello Pete.” Sammy said quietly.

  “Okay.” I said to Pete as he sniffed Sammy all over and licked his face with tail wagging. Sammy giggled out loud as Pete and Ginger smothered him with kisses to the point he lost his balance and fell to the ground in total child jubilation and laughter that brings tears of joy to every parent.

  “Ginger. Pete. Come.” I said as they refrained from their affection toward Sammy as he got up and wiped the dog slobber off his face with the sleeve of his baseball shirt.

  “Were going to need a hand unloading, we have all sorts of goodies!” Helen said as we headed back on board.

  “I’m smelling all kinds of good stuff!” Paul said looking in the boxes as he placed them in the golf cart.

  “This is my favorite!” Rebecca commented carrying a box full of wine bottles.

  “Reese wants to know why Jillian is taking so many pictures.” Paul said to me.

  “Why doesn’t he just ask her?” I said as Jillian turned toward Reese and started taking pictures of him.

  “Why are you taking so many pictures?” Reese asked Jillian calmly.

  “I’m’ trying to get a good one of YOU!” Jillian said to Reese as Susan and Rebecca laughed and he eventually and reluctantly smiled. Jillian paused and put down her camera.

  “What’s wrong with your teeth?” Jillian asked approaching Reese who stepped away.

  “He’s been having, dental issues.” Rebecca said.

  “My teeth are fine.” Reese said, protesting. Jillian backed away from Reese.

  “Dentistry is one of my specialties.” Jillian said walking away from Reese.

  “Dad? Why is Ginger and Pete wearing jackets?” Sammy asked Paul as we got in the golf carts.

  “I don’t think they’re jackets. They look like backpacks for dogs.” Paul said.

  “That’s right. They have all kinds of tools, a radio, first aid kit. All kinds of useful stuff.” Scotty said.

  “I wanna sit with Ginger and Pete!” Sammy said out loud to Paul running up to a blue golf cart.

  “I’ll take Sammy, Jillian, Greg and the dogs. Rebecca, please take Susan, Elaine, Helen and Scotty. Reese will drive with all your stuff. Is that okay?” Paul asked me.

  “It’s all our stuff.” I said. Paul smiled and nodded his head as we left the marina.

  Jillian wanted to sit in the back of the golf cart so she could record specific landmarks, road signs and plot them on a map of Catalina Island she has been studying for the last four days. As we turned corners Sammy would hold on to Ginger and Pete who sat on either side of him enjoying being constantly petted as he said: “Hang on Ginger! Hang on Pete!”

  “Your roads are in great condition.” I commented.

  “I know you have a lot of questions, but I think it would be best if all of us are present in order to not make anyone feel left out.” Paul said and I agreed. We drove north for about ten or fifteen minutes to Hamilton Cove. A beautiful villa with a great view. Everything was decorated very festive and a large grill was gently smoking on the patio. All of us smelled it immediately.

  “Mesquite.” Scotty said smiling as Jillian closed her eyes in inhaled through her nose. Helen’s eyes were wide open as she took in the beautiful aroma.

  “We would like to officially welcome you to Santa Catalina Island, with the hopes of a lasting and prosperous relationship. In accordance with thousands of years of tradition, we look forward to sharing with you a feast. We would like to present to you the best we have to offer.” Paul said as he placed the paper he was reading in his pocket and approached the grill and lifted the lid. As the smoke dissipated, we looked in awe as we watched the biggest chicken, I have ever seen slowly rotating. Scotty approached it first followed by Helen, Jillian then me.

  “That’s no chicken! That’s a turkey!” Scotty said amazed. Helen, Jillian and Scotty rejoiced as I stood in silence. They all came over to me to share in the celebration. All I could say was “Fuck me. Just… Fuck me.”

  “Greg, what’s wrong?” Jillian asked. I looked up and saw Rebecca’s hand raise up with a sexy smile.

  “Nothing. Nothing. That looks just fabulous, I can’t believe it, thank you.” I said as I held out my hand and shook Paul’s as we all thanked our hosts individually. As I hugged Rebecca she whispered in my ear “Anytime.”

  “We have about 30 minutes.” Reese said as he was the official grill master quickly closing the lid, checking the temperature and adding 2 pieces of wood to the fire box.

  “We cannot wait to see what you brought!” Susan said to Jillian and Helen as they retreated to the kitchen and we unloaded the golf carts. “Salsa! Sprouts, garlic, asparagus, onions, flatbread, peaches, pears, and what’s this? Oh! Pickles. Four jars. Is this all for us?” Susan asked as Scotty grabbed a jar of pickles and a bottle of Bourbon.

  Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

  “If you all would accompany me to the patio and please bring nine glasses.” Scotty said out loud for everyone to hear.

  “I would like you all to share in a tradition, started the day I met Jillian, Greg, Ginger and Pete. I know I have mentioned this before.” Scotty said looking at Jillian, Helen and I, then turning his attention to the others. “Where’s Sammy?” Scotty asked looking around.

  “Sammy? Come here please.” Paul said to Sammy as he was tossing tennis balls for Ginger and Pete.

  “DAD!” Sammy protested.

  “It was about a year and a half, after. Dark days, very dark days. I was sitting in my kitchen looking out the window at the, nothing. My three-fifty-seven lying next to a cup of coffee on the kitchen table. I was deciding which one I should pick up. I made my decision. It was at that exact moment in time an R/V drove by my house. These four. Right here. I caught up with them at ‘Carltons’, a local farm store. I invited them over and Greg did something that even he doesn’t know how important it was. I know it probably doesn’t mean the same to all of you, but for some reason it just struck a chord with me. Anyway, I brought out a jar of pickles and a bottle of Bourbon, just like we have here.” Scotty opened the bottle of Bourbon and poured out a little in each of the nine glasses.

  “We toasted and drank.” Scotty said holding up his glass as everyone reached for a glass and Paul transferred a little from Sammy’s glass, but not all.

  “Cheers!” Scotty said and we all drank.

  “YUK! It burns!” Sammy said.

  “Sammy! Shh.” Paul said.

  “Then we shared some pickles. Greg finished off his Bourbon then poured some pickle juice in his glass and drank it down.” “Eww!” Someone said as Scotty continued. “Up until then I was the only one, I knew of, that voluntarily drinks pickle brine. Just think of the odds.” Scotty said as he poured pickle brine in each of the nine glasses as Paul started to crack a smile. Susan and Rebecca where very apprehensive, looking in the glass of cloudy pickle brine with small chunks of garlic and a hint of bourbon.

  “Cheers!” Scotty said and we all drank.

  Paul said “Ahhh!” Reese was next with “That’s damn good!” Susan said “Yummy “in polite sarcasm. “Oh my GOD!” Rebecca said covering her mouth with her hand. Sammy asked Paul if he could have more.

  “Well, it’s unanimous! Men are officially morons!” Rebecca said. Scotty poured another round for the men.

  “Moron’s we may be, but for some reason you still want to sleep with us! CHEERS to being morons!” Paul said out loud.

  “Dad? What’s a moron?” Inquired Sammy.

  The women congregated in the kitchen preparing the appetizers and talking in a fast pace while sampling everything. Paul, Scotty and I sat at the huge patio table as Reese walked back and forth from the table to the grill.

  “Turkeys huh. I am thinking they are not native to this island.” Scotty said asking the question on my mind as well.

  “Reese, please tell your Turkey story.” Paul asked pouring more Bourbon and the ladies all bringing the assortment of appetizers to the table. Reese was obviously not used to addressing a large crowd, and was visibly uncomfortable.

  “It was near Palmdale; I was driving along and a couple of turkeys crossed the road in front of me. I followed them and found their nest; it had some eggs. I showed them to Paul and we brought them here. Only one hatched, so we went back and collected all the turkeys and brought them here.” Reese concluded.

  “That was the most boring story I have ever heard.” Rebecca said pouring wine for all the ladies. Reese gave Rebecca a disapproving look, grunted, and walked back to the grill.

  “So, Greg. What did you do in your previous life?” Paul asked me.

  “Which one?” I said quietly, not really thinking. At that moment I heard a laugh; Williams laugh. I stood up and looked around.

  “What’s up?” Paul asked.

  “Where’s the dogs?” I asked, knowing full well where they were.

  “Where do you think? Under the table, probably near Scotty!” Helen said as I sat back down.

  “I am really not comfortable talking about my life prior to the horror we all had to endure. MY life; all of our lives were given a chance, just then Scotty asked; ‘What exactly are the odds?’ My life before, and now my life after, are two completely different people. I look at Sammy and see joy, wonder and curiosity, I look at Elaine and I see the innocence, and how precious she is; then the image is replaced, and all I can see is the day my children were born and the next image is me putting them in the ground next to my wife. Manufacturing, upper management.” I said not sure how detailed of a response Paul was expecting.

  “Have any of those skills been beneficial?” Paul asked.

  “Hmmm. Planning; short term and long term, organization, assessing risk and opportunities, I guess. I kind of wish I had done more electrical and mechanical. You?” I asked Paul.

  “Accountant.” Paul said, almost disappointed.

  “We want to hear how all of you met and ended up here.” Helen said as Rebecca poured more wine in her glass.

  “I was on vacation in Cabo with friends.” Paul started. “After about two days I went to collect some food and water and I heard a baby crying. Really creepy, sorry Sammy but it was. The quiet wind and a baby crying. Sammy was in this medical facility, not looking too good. I had no idea what to do. I got some of the powdered baby formula and a small pack of diapers and got a R/V, a real nice one. Once he was healthy, after about a week, we made our way north. I knew I had to get out of Mexico. Limited resources and water. I made it to San Diego and ran into Susan on the Five. We agreed to all travel in the R/V. We found a nice place in Anaheim. We stayed there for about a year.” Paul said as Susan added: “All he talked about was Catalina!” Paul continued.

  “We went up to San Francisco and that’s where I picked out a boat. I’m originally from Boston and was familiar with sailing smaller crafts on inland lakes but this was very different. That’s where Rebecca found us, at the marina.” Paul said.

  “I lived in San Fran all my life and watched this boat bash into everything on its way out and bash into everything else on its way in.” Rebecca said very animated.

  “I sank three boats! Two with one hit!” Paul said proudly. I raised my hand and said “Three, one took two days to sink. That counts. Right?” Scotty just held up two fingers.

  “I finally could not take it anymore and drove down to the marina and introduced myself.” Rebecca said.

  “We met Reese about what… two and a half years ago? We were in Los Angeles, shopping for solar panels, inverters, wiring and heard a loud explosion, we followed the smoke to somewhere near Beverly Hills and found a…” Paul said as I interrupted. “Yellow Lotus?”

  “How did you know!?” Paul asked astonished. “What was left of it anyway.” Paul said.

  “Jillian and I ran into that guy stealing from our truck.” I said.

  “You told him how many times about the static. We got pictures and a whole story about that guy!” Jillian said rolling her eyes.

  “Anyway, that’s where we ran into Reese.” Paul concluded.

  “I heard the explosion and investigated.” Reese said not adding anything more and walked over to the grill. I sensed he was withholding some key information he did not want to share.

  “What are the odds!” Scotty said quietly.

  “Who’s hungry?” Reese said pulling the skewer from the turkey and placing it on a cutting board. Reese knew his way around a turkey, he expertly cut and filled a tray with every ounce the turkey had to offer.

  “Today, Thanksgiving has officially been moved, from November to… what month is it anyway?” Paul asked. Scotty and I shrugged our shoulders and turned to Jillian and Helen for the answer. Susan said September.

  I selected a few small pieces of dark meat that drew a curious look from Paul. Jillian was holding back her laughter. Everyone complimented Reese on his culinary expertise. I had not eaten turkey in about nine years. I must admit, it was very different from what I can remember.

  “I take it you are not a turkey fan?” Paul asked me.

  “Growing up I dreaded Thanksgiving, the smell that permeated the house was just torture to me. I was forced to eat some of it and it was just awful. I put it in the same category as Liver. I thought that once I have my own house, I will never have to eat turkey again.” I said as I took a few more bites.

  “How long did that last?” Helen asked.

  “About seven years, till I got married, then I was responsible for cutting up two of them every Thanksgiving. I must say, this is very very tasty! Thank you.” I said as I really enjoyed eating the turkey.

  Ginger and Pete had a new best friend as Sammy was feeding them under the table as Paul and Susan just watched and smiled.

  Everyone was in good spirits as we cleared the table and the ladies separated the leftovers in individual containers with names for us to take home. Sammy continued to whisper to Paul and drew a response of “we’ll see”. Sammy’s growing frustration and not getting the answer he wanted, he moved to Susan. Scotty and I outlined the operational details of the radio with Paul, Reese, Rebecca and Susan.

  “Where did you find these?” Paul finally asked. Scotty and I exchanged looks that made Paul uncomfortable.

  “We found them in an underground military bunker.” I said convincing Paul that I reluctantly disclosed some secret information that until now, could be shared.

  “Let’s all go for a ride.” Paul said that brought curious looks from Rebecca and Reese as Susan was changing Elaine inside the house.

  We all walked through the house and into the garage. I noticed shelves and racks full of baseball hats, mitts, baseballs and a collection of bats, all expertly labeled and organized. Sammy watched me as I selected a mitt and a bat and thought he was going to explode. Jillian jumped right in and selected a mitt and a bright red aluminum bat.

  “It matches your fingers!” Sammy said excitedly. Helen and Scotty watched Sammy as he described each mitt and bat and Helen asked him to pick out something for her.

  “Since you are our guests, we can take a tour of the island or play baseball, your choice.” Paul said with a smile. Scotty bent down on one knee and whispered to Sammy.

  “PLAYBALL!” Sammy yelled at the top of his voice.

  “We’re going to need team names. Sammy, come up with some team names.” Paul said as he collected the necessary items for a game.

  “The baseball diamond is near the golf course.” Paul said. After a quick stop at the Pro shop for hats, we arrived at the Baseball field.

  “Elaine and I will keep score.” Susan said as Paul and Reese erected a portable canopy and chairs for some shade. Sammy came up with a bunch of names for our team and we selected ‘Malibu K-9s’, they were the ‘Catalina Lightening’.

  A softball was too big for Sammy’s hand so we used a little league hard ball. It is regulation sized but soft. The game proceeded in usual fashion with the exception of Reese who insisted on crushing the ball that resulted in Ginger or Pete chasing after it and returning it to Sammy every time. Whenever Sammy hit the ball, we made sure he got on base by ‘accidentally’ causing an error.

  It was the bottom of the ninth inning and we were running low on water and Sammy was getting a little tired. It was our last chance, the score was Catalina Lightening 10, Malibu K-9s 7. Bases loaded, two outs and I was up. The pitch was perfect, for some reason I swung big and connected with the ball. It launched off my bat and directly at Sammy’s head. He put his head down and his glove up as it snapped into the center of his mitt. The catch astounded even him as he had to look into his mitt. His face was nothing but a smile as he ran to Paul to show him that he caught it. “GAME OVER! GAME OVER! WE WIN! WE WIN!” Sammy yelled jumping up and down as Susan recorded the event. I apologized to Susan and Paul for endangering Sammy and I felt just awful.

  “I knew I gave you too good of a pitch when I let it go! Don’t give it a second thought, it’s all part of the game.” Paul said as we packed up and headed back to the villa. I apologized to Sammy and complimented him on his outstanding catch.

  “You know, we are going to need proper uniforms for our next game.” I said loudly to Jillian so Sammy could hear us. “I was thinking pink, with some pretty flowers.” Jillian said to me as I agreed and turned to Sammy to see his reaction.

  “Ours are gonna be white, with blue stripes and lightning bolts all over, and the caps are gonna have a lightning bolt…” Sammy continued, describing every detail of his team’s appearance not even acknowledging that we were joking about the pink with flowers.

  We did a couple of radio checks and Jillian showed Sammy our other friend ‘Sam’ and his mom. “When were these taken?” Rebecca asked. “You guys have a pool!?” Sammy asked with his mouth hanging open.

  “These were taken yesterday and yes; we have a pool. We would like to invite everyone over in two or three weeks for a Hawaiian pool party!” Jillian said as everyone smiled and accepted our offer.

  We packed up and headed toward the marina for departure. “At the risk of sounding paranoid, we may want to keep communication vague and neutral, these are military issue and you never know who might be listening.” Scotty said as Paul agreed. We all said our final goodbyes as Rebecca whispered to me; “I can’t wait to see you in a bathing suit.” I responded “I don’t own a bathing suit.” With a wink.

  We noticed at least three seaworthy boats in the marina. One about the size of Scotty’s and mine and one a little smaller named ‘Becca’ San Francisco, California.” Jillian made sure to get a couple of pictures of each one.

  “I had a fun day!” Jillian said securing her camera.

  “The dogs are going to sleep well tonight!” I said as they stood with noses in the air. “You looked very natural holding Elaine.” I said to Jillian.

  “She is just so beautiful and she smells so good!” Jillian said smiling.

  “Ahh! That new baby smell!” I said immediately remembering how each of my children smelled and of course it brings tears to my eyes. I just smiled at Jillian as tears rolled out of my eyes. Jillian came over and just held on to me as we all sailed north with the hopes of docking before sunset.

  Scotty and I secured the boat and Jillian and I invited them over for discussions and conversation. We were all exhausted, a huge meal, sun, exercise and being on constant alert for an unknown problem was tiresome. Ginger and Pete walked to the golf cart and laid down on the seats.

  “Lightening come in. Lightening.” Scotty said over the radio.

  “Lightening here. Safe travels?” Came Paul’s voice.

  “Yes. Thank you and a couple of Yellow tail!” Jillian said.

  “Please extend our thanks to the troops, and we all look forward to seeing you at the Luau!” I said.

  “Mahalo!” Said Paul. “Mahalo?” Jillian questioned. “Hawaiian for thank you, gratitude.” I whispered in her ear.

  “I just hope my grass skirt and coconut bra still fits.” I said.

  “I was not aware of the dress code. We will need to go shopping.” Paul said in a similar comical tone.

  “The image of ‘Man Mountain’ in a grass skirt and coconut bra will be hard to forget!” Rebecca said in reference to Reese.

  “Not gonna happen.” Reese said in the background. Paul was laughing as he said “Lightening out.”

  “Why is Reese so serious and abrasive?” Helen asked on our way back to the house.

  “He wants to be in charge, more so, he wants respect, unfortunately he lacks the skill set needed for both. He just wants people to respect him because of his size, like I’m sure it used to be.” I said.

  “If they've only known him for two and a half years, I wonder how many people he has encountered that did not consider him a threat?” Scotty asked.

  “I’m guessing three; Paul, Susan and Rebecca. Jillian said.

  “I bet ‘shit for brains’ was putting gas in the Lotus, Reese shows up and he gets scared, pulls his gun and fires at Reese and KABOOM.” Jillian said as we pulled into the driveway. We unpacked and all sat reviewing the pictures and video Jillian took at the Villa.

  “Did you see that?” Helen said.

  “What?” we all asked. “Play it back.” Helen requested of a video clip of just before the turkey was served.

  “That overgrown shrub.” Helen said getting up and pointing to the area on the flat screen T.V.

  “Right… there! Did you see it!” Helen said as we watched a branch from the shrub move unnaturally, like someone was holding it back and it snapped back into position.

  “That is weird.” Scotty said. “Maybe one of the dogs…” I started to say as both of them appeared on the opposite side of the screen, nowhere near the bush as everyone was taking their seats at the table.

  “Winds are not that strong.” Scotty said watching the video in a loop. We continued watching the pictures and video and Helen said: “Okay, Okay! Just stop it. Tell me Rebecca was not checking you out!” Helen said to me. Jillian turned to me with one eyebrow raised, waiting for an answer. I got up and said “I’m going to make some coffee.”

  “Are you admitting or denying the fact she has the hots for you!” Helen said demanding an answer through a chuckle.

  “Yes, I know. She is also aware that you and Jillian are aware. For some reason, whatever it is, she may be looking to drive a wedge between us or her companions. Sex is a female tool. The go-to tool that yields results. For men, it is recreation, stress relief, ego-boosting, lust. But on rare occasions; it is for love. The one thing that I have learned is never, never betray the love of a good woman.” I said looking directly at Jillian and went into the kitchen to make coffee.

  Jillian ran up to me and wrapped her arms around me and burst into an uncontrollable crying fit. She used every bit of her strength to hug me and her legs eventually gave way and I had to hold her up. I was amazed at her strength; I actually heard my back crack in a couple of places. Helen and Scotty joined us in the kitchen.

  “That was the most beautiful thing I have ever heard.” Helen said gently sobbing.

  “I can honestly say, I have never been able to describe that feeling, but somehow you did.” Scotty said.

  “I knew Tom was a mistake! And I have felt so guilty ever since!” Jillian said in an emotional release.

  “Who the hell is Tom?” Scotty whispered to Helen.

  “The Army guy, in Canada! Don’t you pay attention?” Helen said in a hush tone to Scotty. He just shrugged his shoulders.

  “There is no need to feel guilty, I was twenty years old once, I told you that.” I said. After a long pause I added, “don’t forget about the ‘Taylor Swift clause.” Jillian started laughing.

  “Taylor Swift? Really? Too skinny.” Helen said shaking her head in disapproval. Scotty seemed to agree with my choice though.

  “Skinny, fat, short, tall, big boobs, small boobs, black, white, purple, green, orange. A hard dick does not discriminate. Add a little alcohol and the threshold increases.” I said pouring coffee.

  Scotty and I discussed showing Paul the vehicles in the underground bunker and the fuel they use. “We really should go back and salvage what we can.” Scotty said.

  “We don’t need a reason to go shopping!” Helen said looking at Jillian who agreed.

  “Tomorrow then, we can go to your house and check on Rosie’s family.” Jillian said as the dogs started barking and exited the pool as Mom and Sam walked into the backyard.

  “Holy SHIT!” Followed immediately by “Aww!” Helen said in reference to Sam.

  “That’s a big bear.” Scotty said as the dogs greeted Mom and Sam as Jillian got up to get buckets of water and a box of dog cookies.

  “Just sit and try to relax. Let them approach.” I said as I got up and greeted Mom and Sam.

  “Sam. You’re getting so big!” I said as I scratched his backside. Mom let out a roar as I checked Sam’s paw and the dogs sniffed and kissed both of them.

  “That healed up nicely.” I said to Sam, inspecting his leg and paw. Mom and Sam started smelling the air and were making their way toward Helen and Scotty.

  “Here we go.” Scotty said quietly taking in a deep breath and trying to be relaxed. I put myself between Helen, Scotty and Mom.

  These are friends. They are important to us. We are all stronger together. I did not speak these words as Mom shifted her gaze from me to Scotty, who was closer.

  “It’s a pleasure meeting you.” Scotty said in a soft tone to Mom who sniffed him all over and knocked his hat off his head to smell his hair as I knelt petting Sam, Ginger and Pete.

  Mom focused in on the front pocket of his shirt and tore it off as a small cigar fell to the ground. Mom found the cigar on the ground. Scotty sat holding back his laughter with this shirt pocket torn off as Mom looked relaxed chewing on the cigar and she made her way toward Helen.

  “Sorry sweetie, I don’t’ have any cigars.” Helen said softly as Mom sniffed her shoes and made her way to her head as Mom started licking her hair leaving fragments of Scotty’s cigar combined with saliva that matted her hair. Helen sat giggling as Mom appeared to really enjoy the taste of her hair as Jillian, Scotty and I laughed at her predicament.

  Jillian put down her camera and approached with the bucket of water and a box of dog cookies. Mom and Sam quickly made their way toward Jillian. “Sit.” Jillian said to the attentive group as she held a dog cookie. Ginger and Pete were already sitting with anticipation as Jillian gave them each a cookie. Sam was also sitting and received a cookie. Mom let out a loud roar and Jillian repeated the ‘sit’ command as Mom just helped herself to the water bucket. Mom drank half the water and was sniffing for a dog cookie.

  “Sit.” Jillian said but Mom ignored her and dumped the box over and helped herself. Mom ate most of the dog cookies as Sam and the dogs waited patiently. Mom made her way to the pool and started swimming. Sam, Ginger and Pete made short work of the remaining cookies and joined Mom in the pool.

  “Tobacco and Bear spit is not one of my better looks.” Helen said as she took off her clothes and slowly entered the pool in her bra and panties.

  “It’s a party!” Jillian said as she stripped down to her bra and panties and headed into the pool.

  “Sorry about your shirt.” I said to Scotty as I was undressing. “I’m not worried about the shirt, but you owe me a cigar.” Scotty said.

  The next morning, we all went back to the bunker across the street from the Sofa-King and selected three vehicles: the station wagon, a four-wheel drive pick-up truck and an unknown very generic looking black sedan with no manufacturer identification other than the number 4001 stamped in the door jamb. They all started right up. The engines sounded like the hum of a washing machine when idling. When you accelerated it seemed to make no noise at all. Just a small light on the dash that read: ‘On’.

  “I’ll take the station wagon.” Scotty said. I took the ‘4001’ and Helen took the pick-up and Jillian navigated with the dogs in the Suburban.

  “I’m only half full. We all need to know how to refuel these.” I said. We located the light blue storage tank that was only a few blocks away. A special adapter was needed that was easily found just inside a small building next to the storage tank. The fittings only worked one way and it sounded like it was under a little pressure when I engaged it into the port on the 4001. It sounded like opening a can of soda. No smell, no leaking. I heard a click and the adapter dis-engaged slightly.

  “Idiot proof!” Scotty said inspecting the adapter and reading the fuel gauge as ‘full’ and tossing it in the back seat.

  We stopped at a truck repair shop as Scotty selected some specialty tools and merchandise that filled up the pick-up and the station wagon. Helen and Jillian shopped while Scotty and I hooked up a large utility trailer to the pick-up and loaded it up with building materials and three large generators we took from a construction site.

  “You want me to drive the Pick-up?” Scotty asked Helen as they loaded up my car with an assortment of paper goods, clothing, and random gifts and wrapping paper.

  “No, it’s like pulling a horse trailer, no problem.” Helen said cheerfully closing the door.

  We arrived at Helen and Scotty’s house and were immediately greeted by Becky and Jeff. We made our way to Rosie’s den who came out to greet us all. After a full one-minute canine ass sniffing wagon train, Rosie, Becky and Jeff focused on Helen and Scotty. They both sat on the ground and let them smell. No doubt picking up on Mom and Sam as Jillian and I took off Ginger and Pete’s backpacks. After recording all the smells, Rosie brought out her pups. They were getting bigger every day.

  “Where is the other pup?” Helen asked. Rosie sat with her four pups happy and content that we were all together.

  “Where’s the other female?!” Helen said as her eyes teared up.

  “Oh no.” Helen said as she started to cry and immediately embracing Scotty. All the dogs approached Helen and Scotty and were aware of their emotional state as Scotty looked over Helen’s shoulder and said: “You were right.” As a tear rolled out of one of his eyes as they closed.

  We shared the turkey feast leftovers with all the dogs as they busied themselves by licking out the plastic containers. We unloaded the gear and spent the afternoon recording the engine extraction (I guess it could be called) from the station wagon. Scotty’s mechanical expertise and a series of “I’ll be damned” and “Wow” and a legal pad of notes and drawings was impressive. His explanations and level of details seemed to be more for him to assess than for me to understand. I absorbed what I could and assisted when requested and not asking any questions that would break his concentration. Helen, Jillian and the pack showed up at the garage with some cold citrus juice.

  “Thank you! Why does it taste like the boner juice, only better?” I asked looking at Helen and Jillian with suspicion as Scotty was half way through his glass and just shrugged his shoulders and drank the rest down.

  “We need to get going, temperature is dropping a little and the pressure is changing. We need to be home if it rains.” Jillian said. I looked up into the sky and the clouds seem to be active.

  “You be careful!” I said to Scotty. The system is pressurized. If you loosen the wrong bolt…” I started to say as Scotty had a thought. “Pressure. Negative pressure. Positive pressure…!” Scotty said quietly turning to his notes and concentrating.

  “Bye Scotty! Good luck!” Jillian said as Helen rolled her eyes and gave us both a hug.

  “So long. Sorry ‘bout that.” Scotty said apologizing for being rude. Helen gave us a bunch of fresh produce in boxes and a garbage bag full of not so fresh produce for Mom and Sam.

  “I put some of my hair in it so they know it’s from me!” Helen said.

  “That is so thoughtful!” Jillian said followed by and creepy.” Scotty added.

  “After a big climb or any time after you accelerate let me know if you hear a ‘pop’.” Scotty asked me from outside the 4001.

  “Ok.” I said as I turned on the radio on the passenger seat as Jillian and the dogs in the Suburban started down the gravel driveway as we headed back to Malibu. Sure enough, the smallest perceptible ‘pop’ could be heard as I drove with the windows up.

  “Pack o’ wolves, come in.” I said into the radio.

  “Report?” Scotty said with anticipation.

  “Plastic or fiber. Definitely not metallic. During climbs and descents. Sounds like around three thousand RPM.” I said.

  “Ok. Thanks. Wolf pack out.” Scotty said.

  I heard a couple of clicks from the radio which was not usual. The Catalina folks probably heard the transmission I thought. As we approached the intersection, I honked my horn and Jillian stopped.

  “While were here let’s investigate the gas station explosion and what’s left of the yellow Lotus.” I said to Jillian as she rolled down her window.

  “Reese was a little light on the details; besides, I want to get some crazy expensive gag gifts for our party and the weather doesn’t look that bad now.” Jillian said. We made our way back to the once exclusive neighborhood and the gas station. Only a few animal tracks were present on the mud-covered streets.

  “It looks like the gas tank exploded on the Lotus.” I said to Jillian surveying the area and the remaining evidence near the covered storage unit. Neither of us said it out loud, but we were looking for any remaining evidence of Mister Charity. We both came to the conclusion that we might be lucky to find a shoe judging by the level of destruction.

  “Look at this.” Jillian said holding up a bullet riddled yellow door panel.

  “Automatic gun fire.” I said counting the perforations.

  “Look how close the holes are.” I said.

  “Spray and pray?” Jillian said as she continued taking pictures of the scene. We walked around the perimeter of the explosion looking for brass cartridges, or any other evidence. Time and the elements seem to have taken their toll.

  “I want to find jewelry boxes from these stores.” Jillian said pointing to all the stores within the vicinity of the explosion.

  “What are you up to?” I asked Jillian.

  “Helen and I are planning a gift exchange game for the Luau…” Jillian said as I interrupted; “Reese already admitted he was here.” I said.

  “Let’s just call it, female intuition.” Jillian said. We found a couple of jewelry boxes and some nice pieces and we headed back to Malibu as the sky was starting to cloud up again with a good promise of rain.