The Last Sixty Days of October

By Mick Goode

Once there was a Marriage Pool formed by seven couples of childhood friends. Over the years, Ken Granger wound up helping his friends deal with life's roadblocks, even as he tried to move on from his wife's untimely death. Now, Ken is called in to fix the group after Matt's death. He swears it is the last time, for he needs to start living again. Can he drain the pool and start to have a life of his own? Will his friends all grow up, start acting like adults, and finally pay him back by letting him have a life? At least twenty-one futures hang in the balance...

• Language: English
• Publisher: Mick Goode
• Release date: May 15, 2014
• ISBN: 9781310220128

Mick Goode

The problem with auto biographies, from the view of a modest man, is what he deems unimportant becomes the single point everyone fixates. A quiet man growing up on the fringes of societal norms, Mick Goode has always tried to face life with the cards the Fates dealt; at this point he has fought them to a draw. A displaced middle-aged Cajun-mix who grew up thirty miles off both the Third coast and the Texas border, Mick now lives in Michigan, where he tries to bring sanity to uppity Yankees, herds drunks, and catch up the semmingly twenty-odd years he is behind the times.

Book preview

Chapter I

Monday, 10-54/87

Ken lit another smoke and cursed, again. First he caught a flat going through Wichita Falls, and then he found his spare was flat. He lost an hour at the tire store, but that wasn't a big deal. The big deal was the radiator blowing as he got into Amarillo. As late as it was, he had planned on a room. Finding a replacement, being the truck itself wasn’t stock, would be interesting. He passed a few radiator shops and junk yards as he limped into the motel. Ken checked in, and explained his situation to the night manager. The man assured Ken that he could keep the room as long as needed.

Settling in to his room, Ken called for a pizza from the ad on the phone. Being told it would be forty minutes, he took a shower to relax. As the water hit him between the shoulder blades, his mind drifted back to yesterday: The girl, the bar, the room, the cops. He’d been taking the bus, if that SOB hadn’t tried to make a break. Damn shame about Suzy, though. What a waste of a woman. She didn’t deserve to be killed even though she set him up to be robbed. One good thing about the entire fiasco: he didn’t have time to replay the nightmare in his head, thanks to her treatment. He could feel her hands on his back, her breath on his cheek, her voice in her ears... shaking his head, he finished the shower and dried off.

As he zipped his jeans up, there came a knock on the door. After paying the pizza guy, he locked himself in for the night. Down to three slices and half of the coke, he stopped, wiped his fingers on a towel, grabbed a notebook and pen, and sat back on the bed. Reaching for the phone, Ken dialed a number by memory. No one answered. Hanging the phone up, he stopped procrastinating and tried to make some order of what led him to here, right now.

Matt’s dead, Maria’s catatonic, the Reds fighting has escalated, Gwen and Tony aren't getting along at the moment, and Katie needs a break from the insanity that brewed up since my last visit. As for Jim and Candy, I've no idea what’s up. At this point, there actually is very little I could accomplish. Maria, I can help. Katie – put another check in the yes column. As for the other six, they might make it more difficult to take care of the primary concern: Maria Jeanette. She should be the main concern for all of them, but they can't see it. They are too close to be effective in this situation.

He sat back and rubbed his eyes. This wouldn't be an easy visit. Not that he judged the visits by how difficult they were. He had always loved visiting the gang; more so, since they moved west. The landscape is beautiful, and although it was a bit further than the where they had lived, they’re all in one place. It was like one big happy extended surrogate family. They had problems, but they helped the others work through any crap gotten into.

The main reason he didn't visit more often was he didn’t want to overstay his welcome. This started out as a grouping of couples; as a single, I don't fit in. Renée's dead, and we had no kids. Where the others moved on with their lives, I've regressed. I can think of several reasons why this might be a monumental mistake, yet there's only one that falls on the plus side of the ledger. I love them, and I will help them get through this.

This wasn't the first time Ken had come to help straighten things out. Two summers ago, he came out to help Kate and the others cope with Jerry's death. It was supposed to be a vacation, but it wound up being more. Now, he seemed to be pulled back into the dynamic that he skimmed, skated around, and been totally out of for a good nine years.

The light on the phone derailed that train of thought. The desk said he had a long distance call coming in, and to know if he wanted to take it. He told her to patch it through. Five seconds later, Katie's voice rang in his ears. I’m sorry I missed you. I was over trying to keep the peace at Mar Jen's place.

That’s okay. My truck broke down, and the earliest, It’ll be is tomorrow night before I get in.

I will have you set up at the Best Western on the way into town, and we can work out suitable arrangements from there.

Let's keep the when, where, and how of this visit quiet? At least from the kiddies?

Which kiddies are you talking about Ken? The under ten crowd, or the over thirty crowd?

Katie, the fewer of y'all that know where I am right now, and when I'll get there, the better the shock value for M J; that might bring her out of it a lot faster. The last thing I'll need is a whole lot of 'Hey, Kenny, before you go see...' and all that. You, I know, understand what needs to happen here. I want to let you know that this isn't the best time of the year for me to be traveling...

God, Kenny! I lost track of the days, and it didn't occur to me... I'm so sorry! I'll try to make it up to you.

Katie, there is one way to do so: just help me out as I need, and realize that I'm here firstly for M J, but I'm here for you too. Just make sure that M J does not do something that she won't live to outgrow, eh?

Sounds like a plan. I see you when you get here. Night, Kenny. He hung up the phone, placed it back on the nightstand, snagged another slice, and tried to think.

This isn't the way I wanted things to start. I should have been there a couple of weeks ago, but they had been too damned tied up in the moment to remember that Matt was my friend too. Ironic that he died during the championship race....

Shaking his head to stop that train wreck, Ken finished off the pizza, the two liter, and poured a drink. He knew that he had to try to keep the ones still alive, here. That wasn't going to be easy, with all the other bullshit going on.

This shit is getting old, really fast. Are they the reason I don’t have a life, or are they an excuse I use to avoid one? The few times I have tried, they’d come up with some emergency that they needed bailing out from. Damn it, I didn’t take them to raise, and they are big enough, old enough, and ugly enough to deal with life without me. They need to snap out of this and be the adult –if not for their sakes, for the sake of the kids involved. After this settles, Uncle Kenny is out of pocket. This is the last time….

Lighting a cigarette, he sighed. He knew he was going to have hell quitting again, but he would burn that bridge later; right now, he had to focus. He turned to a fresh page, scribbling furiously, trying to come up with the solution. Three fingers and half a pack later, he put everything aside, called the desk for a wake up, and turned the lights out. As he drifted off, he saw Renée, his dead bride, and Suzy from last night. He finally got to sleep, but both women haunted him….

Chapter II

Tuesday, 10-55/87

Tuesday morning, things seemed to go right for once. He found a shop that had a radiator that would fit. The mechanic was amazed at the modifications made on the old Ford truck. Ken shocked him even more, by saying he did it all in his back yard. They told him it would take most of the day, and they’d drop it off at the motel. The shop receptionist took him back to the motel while on her way to run errands. He made plans for that night, in case it would be the next day.

Walking down to the diner on the corner, he thought about what would happen when he got to Albuquerque. The main thing is to get Maria to get interested in something, anything? From what he had gleaned from the others, she would go off on mini mental vacations. He felt he knew some of what she was going through; how much, he wouldn't begin to guess. The waitress came with his burger, fries, and a refill. He thanked her, watching her sashay away to her station.

As he took a bite, he thought about his position in the communal flow of the group. He filled a strange slot: it called him to be a smart ass, a confessor-priest, judge, fixer of things gone wrong... he never was the jock, the BMOC, the rich pretty boy, the bad ass with a heart of gold, or the boy next door. He was always cast as either the smart ass kid brother, or the wise older brother who fixed things before mom and dad came home.

Another point: among themselves, the traditional relationship roles didn't apply. The whole group dynamic started as friends, and evolved into a 'marriage pool'. Even after they married, they still would play together. Being out of that sort of lifestyle for nine odd years now, was he willing to get back into that shit? If it took that to fix this, he wouldn't hold back and refuse. Sex and compassion is what got him through the first couple of years of his widowhood.

As the years went on and the direct contact between him and the group dwindled, it seemed that the visits turned into special occasions which would involve reverting back to the way they were. The main thing for him to do is whatever it took to bring Maria back.... the waitress disrupted his train of thought, bringing him a refill, and asked if he needed anything else. He shook his head; she said Come on back now, y'hear as she dropped the bill on the table.

Will do. He smiled, paid the tab and went back to the motel to wait. The shop called at 4:45 to tell him the truck was ready. He got down there as they were closing and picked it up. Going back to the motel, he talked to the manager, and got the money back for the room, less 20% holding fee. Throwing his stuff in, he fueled up, and made a call that was picked up by a machine. Stating he was on the way, and the time, he hung up and got out on I – 40, headed west.

~~~

Ken pulled in about 10:30. At first, the clerk started to give him some static; when the manager came over and everything was explained, he wound up with an upgraded suite. Stepping off the elevator, he found his rooms on the left, three doors down. Tossing the bags on the king sized bed, he stripped and headed for the shower.

Adjusting the water temperature, he stepped under the flow, letting the pulsating stream ease the aches and disappointments of the last two days down the drain. The phone started to ring, but he ignored it. If it was important they'd call back. Finally he shut the shower down, toweled his head, and started working the towel down when the phone demanded his attention again. Wrapping the towel around his waist, he crossed into the room, sat on the bed, picked up the offending appliance, and growled, It's your nickel, but at 11:30 PM, it best not be collect, damn it...

Well at least I got the right room, Katie chuckled. Kenny you made it!

You were expecting otherwise? Katie, how are y'all holding up? I'm sorry I missed the funeral, but sometimes shit happens...

That's the story of your life, darlin'. We're doing as well as could be expected. Are you decent? Can I come up for a bit?

Since when has that mattered? I could use a bit of company, and you sound like you need to lay some burdens down. I’m on the top floor, right off the elevator, third down on the left.

I’m on my way, my dear… she hung up in his ear.

Two minutes later, he shut the door, and opened his arms. She wrapped him in the mother of all hugs, and kissed him thoroughly. They came up for air, broke the hug and sat down at the table. Kate brought a brown bag special from Sonic, figuring that he had driven straight through. As they dug in, Ken proceeded to recount his trip, except for Suzy. There were some things they didn’t need to know about, just yet.

Kate listened to the tale, and thought back about the man who was telling it. They shared so much in common, yet for some reason she marveled at the way that he held himself together. The fact that she was only one he truly opened up to, not letting on how much what happened in '77 affected him, amazed her. He wasn't the only one who had lost a spouse, nor was he the first one to have the one they loved taken by a drunken driver. To lose an entire family in an instant – yet, other than to his counselor, said nothing to anyone. He would rather let himself be branded a loser, a failure, a bum, than let on how much he hurt He’d usually cover any admission of his true feelings with some self depreciating deflection, and then change the subject.

Kate truly loved the 'li'l bastard' as Renée lovingly called him. He helped her get herself focused, after Jerry died. Ken opened up to her, showing a little of the pain he felt. He showed her it was going to be alright. In a way, she helped him as he was helping her get things sorted.

The fact remained the two of them had more in common than would meet the eye of the casual observer. He was a short, quiet Cajun from a large family; she was the tall, stunning orphan. They shared more than the group, and lost spouses – they both knew about being alone in a crowd, of being overlooked, unless there was something wanted of them. The differences of gender and race excluded, they came from the same bolt of cloth.

They talked about what was going on with the group, how the kids were doing, and how she was doing. The conversation was typical Kenny: start off briefly about him, wind up mostly on you. She shook her head, placing her long cool fingers on his shoulder and chuckled. God I've missed you so much, boy... I don't know where we'd be... and a tear slid down her cheek, followed by another. By the third one, he wrapped her up in his arms, each comforting the other.

Chapter III

Wednesday, 10-56/87

The morning found them a tangle of skin and linen. They stirred as the sunlight streamed through the curtain. You do know that you still snore... Katie observed.

You do know that you're still beautiful in the morning. he countered.

I'm a mess! I don't know how you can lie with such a straight face. she blushed and coquettishly pulled a few strands of hair across her eyes like a veil.

I'm not lying. You've always looked better without war paint. he moved her hair and stole a kiss or three.

Especially dressed how we are at the moment... Katie tossed the blankets off, and pushed him onto his back.

Can't deny that, but even in your footsie jammies, you're still hot! he stated as his fingers started to walk up from her hip to her shoulder.

More so in the summer... she swatted his fingers, trying to gain traction on her rib cage. Kenny, I think it might be a good idea if we start thinking about getting dressed and out of here. I know you are expected, and I've got to rescue Gwen from my little hellions... Katie sighed as she pulled her pinned leg from under him.

Well, breakfast is included in the room, so they will just have to wait until after we get a bite without a mob scene. And since when have those three become hellions? I've always found them to be courteous, well behaved ankle biters... he chuckled as they went on an underwear hunt. Finding the aforementioned garments, they put them to their designed purpose after cleaning up, and brushing their teeth.

Truth be told, they aren't truly bad. It’s just that they started acting out during in the three months around the anniversary of Jerry's death, so I had to take them to therapy before the school insisted. They are calming down right nicely, and are down to once a month for a few more visits. Their doc says they'll be alright; they're responding beautifully. Their cousins have been a big help...

... and the gang has been a big help to you as well. You know, I was glad it was you that came to meet me last night. Gwen is probably still ticked at me for missing them last time. Candy and I never seemed to be as close after the wreck; we get along, but there's something not quite as smooth as before...hold on, let me... he stated, signaling Katie to turn. She complied, and he zipped her dress up, after planting a kiss between her shoulder blades. Where was I? Oh yeah, Di and I are on a down cycle at the moment, but maybe she might put that on the back burner, due to the current dilemma.

Kenny, I know she’s been wondering about you lately, and when you were going to show up to straighten things out. Direct quote: 'I've never been happier to hear about where or what he’s up to, as to hear he in transit. If anyone can pull Maria back to the land of the living, it’s him. I'll see him when he makes his grand entrance.' Does that sound like she's forgiven you? Now, on a different note, did you know your hair is thinning in the back?Katie asked him, with a little smile on her face.

I know, he said, a bit chagrined. ...it comes as honestly as your height does to you. What say we go get something to eat, and then blow this pop stand, Javalina? he asked with a grin, as he pulled his boots on.

She laughed. It had been a long time since anyone called her that, and it took her back to when they first met.

She and Gwen had been talking to Renée, Anna and Di about a project on Crete we got assigned to in World Geography. All of a sudden, this little sawed-off runt walked up to the table, bold as brass, came up behind Renée, leaned in over her head, kissed her and said ‘Tag, You’re it!' It surprised me even more when Renée grabbed his ears, kissed him back, and said 'No, you're it!' Renée must have shot down at least twenty guys a day, yet this shrimp just walked in, and she kissed him. Kissed him so long, in fact, that Di had to pinch their noses to get them to come up for air. Gwen looked at Kate and said, 'Sister mine, there's more here than meets the eye.' Kate shook her head at Gwen, as she shook his hand. He stated he was lousy with names, especially with girls he wasn't related to or sleeping with. He then dubbed her 'Javalina', and called Gwen, 'Tee Red'.

Though they shared no direct blood, since Gwen's folks adopted Kate as an infant, they were sisters. Gwen was a little smaller, and a true Celtic redhead, but they were known far and wide as the 'McGregor twins'. The names stuck and spread through the group as it expanded. That was 17 years ago, but it still brought a smile to her face to think of it.

Damn, I've missed that as much as I miss you. Okay, m'little bastard, and right after that, we'll see about checking you into the 'Inn of the Seven Couples'. Does that sound like a plan, or what?

What! he laughed as they walked out to the elevator.

~~~

As they pulled into Katie's driveway, Ken stopped wondering what was going to happen. ‘‘Que sera, sera’/that's all she wrote’ he thought. This house was getting a face lift the last he saw it. He had pulled the bags out, checked to see if he had everything, and then turned to look at the house. The new look floored him. For one raised in the piney woods, this mission style cãsa looked like a ranch's big house. He felt a bit like a range hand about to go have a talk with the big ranch owner. Ken felt his left hand automatically slip down to his hip to see that he was safely packing; shaking his head self consciously, he reached down for the bags, and headed towards Kate, who was standing in the kitchen doorway. She stood there, shaking her head and asked Why is it every guy that comes here does that thing with their hip? Can you riddle me that?

Who knows – maybe too many B western movies as a kid? That's about as close of an explanation as I could offer up that makes sense. It looks better than it did last time I was here, but the circumstances were a lot different back then.

There is a way to cure that, you know: move out here full-time. You need to carry on with your life, Kenny. It's been ten years now; what have you accomplished hiding out at your folks?

Well, I am alive and here for your critical analysis, darlin’; that’s more than a lot of people gave me even two years ago. Would you rather the alternative? he shot back.

Dear God, no! Katie exclaimed. Kenny, you've helped every one of us more than anyone could have imagined. I can't even think about what we would have done... Just then, a piercing shriek of 'Uncle Kenny' echoed through the quiet house as he was mobbed by Kate's three munchkins.

Yea! What did ya bring me?

Can I tell ya sumptin?

Can I have some gum? The questions came pouring out of the kids like someone opened a valve.

Will you let the man get settled in, before you mug him? Kate admonished her brood. They hugged and kissed him, waiting with the imperfect patience of preschoolers for what he had to have for them.

Katie, I do one have silly question for you... he started.

It’s up the stairs, on the right at the end of the hall. Your room is across the hall. Katie laughed.

Ken, led by the three youngsters, went to the room he was directed to. Beset by the kids, he was wrestled to the bed, and ganged up upon until he surrendered the little presents he bought for them. He remembered when Katie and Jerry asked him if he would have minded if they named their first daughter Renée; he told them that would be fine. Then they had two more in the next year, and named them Frank and Anna. Ken asked which one would be next; Jerry said that wasn't funny. Katie swore they wouldn’t name the next one Kenneth, so he could breathe easier. He retorted that wasn't funny. The others named their children variants of the group's names, or after their parents; Kate and Jerry named theirs after the members who had passed on.

He shook his head to clear the thoughts that were gathering, and sent the kids to play downstairs, so as to unpack in peace. Just as he picked the first bag up and set it on the bed, there was a knock on the door frame. Am I interrupting something important, Ken?

There would be a hurricane in the Gobi before you'd be an interruption, Gwen. he stated, as she came in and hugged him. Gwen squeezed him tight, running her hands up and down his back as if she thought he was a mirage. His last visit, she and Tony were on vacation. They took off two weeks after Jerry's funeral, at Katie's insistence. She told them that the trip was paid for, planned for months, they needed it, and Jerry would have wanted them to go. They lost themselves in Hawaii for a month. She found out when they got back that they missed Ken by one day. That hurt her more than she let on. Everyone knew that she wasn't happy about missing him. He had visited them before then, and it was like an uncle's visit: Nice, over too quickly, nothing too much fun. His last visit, from what she and Tony were told, seemed more like old times.

If there was one other guy she would have been happy with, it was Ken. He was the one she had truly wanted since before he married Renée. She had been after him, from nearly the first time she saw him, and never got over it. Any and every time they'd swap, she tried to rig it to get him. She had succeeded about 60% of the time, but she wished that it had been her that tripped him up.

When pressed on why, she truly couldn't put it into words, but it just felt right. He was cocksure, funny, and fun to be around. Then after the wreck, he was in such a need of reassurance, she wanted to take him and hold him safely forever. There wasn't more than ten days in seventeen years that she didn't think about him, one way or another; now he was here, but it wasn't for her. Before he showed up this time, she swore that he would be in her bed before he left again. Now he was here, the clock had started. She started to smile until she remembered the reasoning behind this visit. A tear fell, then another. She shuddered as a flood of tears soaked his shoulder. She managed to get out Why does it seem like everything is going to hell in a hand basket, Kenny?

Because you peeked, you shrewd genius you? Now that I'm here, the trip wasn't that bad; thanks for asking. he stroked her long curly copper hair and softly kissed her cheek. He thought back about what the two of them had been through over the years. How she helped in his being here now. How he ensured she and Tony getting together in the first place, as well as several other adventures came flooding forth in his head.

She moved her head to where their lips met in a sweet moment of hello and reassurance that things would be alright. They broke knowing this was not the time and place for them, but she sensed that it would be coming. He handed Gwen his hand kerchief, so she could regain her composure.

Kenny, I'm still a little miffed at you about the last visit, but am so happy to see you now. Are you gonna bring Mar-Jen back? Are things ever going to get to some level of normalcy around here soon, and for the $64,000.00 question: How long are you going to be here for, this time?

Well, I'll be here for as long as I'm needed, but when I'm needed elsewhere, then I'll be gone. he grinned.

That is NOT an answer, son! It sounds like you've been watching too much syndicated TV, instead of the new shows, Grasshopper!

Be that as it may, 'tis only the truth I spoke. Would you rather I lied to you bald faced: told you I was coming out here for good, get your hopes up and then slip away like a burglar with a full sack? If I had my druthers... Ken spat back.

Well, I want the truth, rather than sugar coated lies, Gwen allowed, but you still didn't answer whether or not you'd be here for the whole season, or –

Sister mine, that is a damned good question and one I'd like to know the answer to, myself.Katie brought in three mugs of coffee, laced with a touch of Bailey's Irish Cream to brighten any gloom that had befallen them.

The coffee gave Ken an excuse to delay and the time to think of an answer to their question. A warbling ring from across the hall provided a longer reprieve. Kate admonished him not to answer until she returned. Gwen held his face in her hands, locked her baby blue eyes onto his browns, and asked if he had the answers yet. I have lots of answers, but none for those specific questions.

Katie came back across the hall with her cordless phone in hand, listening and trying to respond; whoever was on the other end was not letting her string more than five words together at any one time. Yes... He is... seems to be okay... I don't know... trying to find out now... well, then... ask him yourself! she stated in a louder voice than should be used on the phone. With her hand covering the mouthpiece, she handed the phone towards Ken and mouthed the name 'Candy' to his raised eyebrow.

Well now, my platinum tressed lovely, what causes you to pester me on this bright October 56th? he asked the voice on the other end. The well cultured contra alto voice was up an octave with excitement as Candy responded.

Kenny! Your voice is the best thing I've heard in a long damned time. With the way things have been going these last few months, it is the one thing we most definitely needed to hear. Candy slowly calmed down to her normal tone of voice. So, what have you been up to, since I saw you last?

Who, me? I've been surviving, just putting one foot in front of the other, trying to keep heading in the right direction. Now, before we get too far carried away: How is our girl coping? I hear there have been a couple of bumps in the road? he asked, trying to get the conversation on the subject that brought him some 1100 odd miles from his home. The twins raised their eyebrows, and then rolled their eyes at his understatement.

You want the straight laced poison, and not sympathetic lies, correct? He said yes; she continued on with the tally. "Well, the truth of the matter is not too well She has taken to her room, or the study. She barely eats, or talks above a whisper. If you can get her to string more than three words together, it's just like she repeated her Salutatory address. She isn't taking care of herself. If it wasn't for all of us taking turns, she wouldn't have been bathed all month. She's dropped at least ten pounds since your last visit.

These kids haven't had a normal childhood for awhile now. Carrie has been trying to help, bless her heart, but she is only six. The boys know they got to be quiet because something’s wrong with momma. We have been helping out as best we can: making sure they are fed, the bills are paid, the household is cleaned, etc. I do know someone at the church called Child Protective Services and put a bug in their ear. I have managed to get a temporary stay on any action to remove the kids, but that is up after the first of the year. She has five weeks to snap out of this shit, or the courts will remove...

That's straight up, alright.Ken sighed. Now, what is it I can do, to help her out of this crisis?

Try to bring her back to the land of the living, Ken. Get her to snap out of this shit. Get her to care about something, anything, herself? If she does not snap out of this, she's going to lose everything within the next quarter. Anything you can do will help. What you did for Katie proves that you know what needs to be done. This started around the time the twins were born. She had a rough pregnancy, and I think it took more out of her than we imagined. She's been in a fog since then, and it thickened in the last couple of weeks...

So, I guess I'm a lighthouse now, eh? He chuckled and got a laugh from the other end.

God! We’ve missed you and your sense of humor, Ken! The guys are going to be thrilled to hear that you're here. Do you have any idea how long you're here for this time?

Just as long as I am; when I'm needed to be elsewhere, then I'm no longer here. The twins shot Ken a strange look.I cannot give a definite time table. That is beyond my ken. I trust that you do understand what is being stated here is not due to the fact that I saw too many episodes of 'Kung Fu', or memorized/modernized 'Casablanca to suit my needs."

I understand. Things are looking up now that you are here. When are you coming over, Kenny?

I thought I would pick up some things that they need and go over there. Do you have a list for me? He signaled for some paper. Kate handed him a tablet, and he wrote down what Candy told him. Hanging up, he turned to the girls. I've got our marching orders. T' Red, you must round up all the ankle biters and meet us at Maria's in about an hour and a half.

Yep, you got it. Gwen smirked. Now, what are you two going to be doing, while I'm on my 'rug rat round-up'?

Never you mind, sister mine. You still have your man; He's a spare, and there are now two spare females ahead of you. You need to cool your jets, space cadet.

Spare? Ken inquired, with mock incredulity.

Kenny, you know what I meant... Katie started to apologize.

I do, but I had to rub it in a little.

Laddie, ya never rubbed it a little. Gwen laughed.

Gwen, yours will be coming, but not right this minute. Now, Katie and I have to go hit the markets while you've got the kiddie detail. The main thing is that you get your part done, we’ll get our done and meet you at M J's for lunch.

Now you're talking, boy-o... Gwen stole a kiss, and headed out. Katie looked at Ken's raised eyebrow when Gwen caught second gear in her minivan.

She ordered it with a stick. Why it will take two of us to get the stuff? The list doesn't sound too complicated to me.

Well there are a few good reasons: I don't know the stores around here; I don't know what sort of cleaning supplies, household goods, etc, that she prefers, or if there anything they can't have, due to reactions. Also, the last time Gwen and I went shopping, we were cordially invited to scat. Remember the Winn Dixie, and what happened in the produce section?

I remember the tale, she sighed, point well taken. Now whose vehicle do we take?

Mine is parked behind yours, so we can just take that. he grinned, Only problem is you're over dressed for mine.

It's not as bad as what you limped up here in last time. By the way, the market is only five minutes away, this list isn't all that long, and it's only eight more blocks from there to Maria's. We’ve plenty of time to take care of my over dressed condition.

That Malibu was a bit ragged. Now, do we take the 'about half' for you to exercise your 'di–' her lips cut him off to stop wasting time.

~~~

Kate threw both towels on the bed, letting her long curly black hair lay damp and cool against her back. The children were with 'Auntie Gwennie', so it made no sense to keep them on. She wasn't one of those women, the ones so body shy that they had to stay covered all the time. Growing up with Gwen would have cured that, had she been. That girl would walk around nude 96 hours a day/28 days a week/1460 days a year, if she could get away with it. That trait rubbed off on Katie. The difference was that Kate would do so only when appropriate; Gwen did it for the shock value. Kate walked over to the bureau, reached into one of her lingerie drawers, and pulled out a pair of beige French cut bikinis. She stood there with her underwear dangling off two long, cool, delicate fingers, looking out the window while she considering this entire mess.

She knew what should happen in the best case scenario. She also could imagine the worst case. It was the mid ground that made this entire situation so damned exasperating. The worst part was not knowing which way the coin would land; the problem was that this coin has landed on its edge, and that's where 90% of life's fun came from.

That is the reason she took it upon herself to call Ken. Someone would have shot the idea down, had they known, but Katie knew that Ken would straighten this out. The other guys tried to help like he did, but they missed the big picture. It wasn’t just the little things; Ken also helped calm the emotional turmoil. M J, in a rare moment of lucidity, wondered where he was and begged for him to help her. Hell, it may even help him out in his situation.

Kate had thought about trying to get him to move in with her a couple of months back. She knew he and his damned code of ethics would have shot it down. As amoral a wretch as he could be at times, he was still a code bound man. One of his codes demanded a minimum of two years mourning before getting into a new relationship. Ken hadn't a problem helping a widow out with certain needs and desires, but he wouldn't get involved in the rest of it. Seeing that she was closing in on that mark, they could explore that possibility. Now wouldn't that piss Gwen off?

With a slight smile crossing her rich, full lips and a twinkle dancing in her eyes, she bent down and pulled her bikinis up, relishing the sensuous feel of the silk as it slid up her thighs. Looking up, she blushed and stammered H-h-h-how long have you been standing there?

Long enough to reassure myself that there must be a supreme being out there, somewhere. In case I haven't mentioned it lately, the years have been easy on you. he threw his towel on top of hers, on the bed.

Son, you don't have to lie like that! she laughed as she pulled on a pair of Levis. My body was a helluva lot better, seven years and three kids ago...

Point of rebuttal: You are not in position to effectively judge. A lot of women would have let themselves go after having three kids. They'd stress out, let the weight creep on, the muscle tone slip and slowly go to pot. You haven't; not only that, but you've also maintained your bearing, posture, spirit, your total elán. You might work a little harder at it, but you succeeded beautifully, darlin'.

I'm still 25 pounds heavier... she started, when he held up his hand.

That isn't what I said. I'm not going to deny that you aren't heavier than when we met. All I am saying is that with your frame, those pounds spread evenly, and did enhance your overall beauty, not congregated all in your butt or gut, weighing you down.

Katie's laughter was quick, honest, and as refreshing as a summer shower. Fair enough, though to tell the truth and shame the devil, Jane Fonda has been my best friend through it all. Now, do you still claim to be the best lady dresser in this hemisphere?

It's been a while, but I'm game if you are. he pulled up his jeans, and walked over to her. After getting her succulent breasts corralled and hooked up, he pulled on his tee shirt and shoes, as she did the same. Threading her mane through a ball cap, she turned ready to go. She stopped when she saw him standing there with two of his bags in his hands.

He looked at her pained expression and said Even though I am here for you too, Katie, I will need to concentrate my efforts on M J. For me to do that, I must be over there. I will tend to you, and will need you to help me out when things get to the point where a break is needed. I might be the lighthouse, but you will need to be my cliff. Will you do that for me, Javalina?

Yes! A tear ran down her cheek. I know that she is the reason, and will do whatever you need me to do to help... I just forgot for a second. He hugged her and wiped her eyes gently. She sighed, drew a deep breath, and kissed him. When they broke, she knocked off his cap, tousling his hair, grinning. Come on, let's go bring Mar Jen back to the land of the living, Ken.

~~~

The shopping went smooth. Katie took a buggy and went to get the household supplies while Ken took another and got the food stuffs. They met in the middle of the store and checked the other buggy to make sure that the list was adhered to. There were two discussions about the items gathered: one on aisle 25, about the brand and type of bread; the second, in the frozen foods, about the quantity and quality of the ice cream. He yielded quickly on the former, yet it took her a bit to concede on the second. Finally they went through the check out and to the truck. Katie hopped in the cab while he put the buggies in the pipes. Ken got in, fired the truck up and eased into traffic.

Katie told him Turn left at the 7-11.

No, Ken replied.

She looked at him as if he'd gone crazy. Turn at the 7-11, Kenny.

No, Katie.

We need to turn at the 7-11...

Noticing her reaction, he pulled up to the pumps and chuckled, I’m not pushing this big bastard a half a foot, if I don't have to. If you want to, be my guest.

She laughed, Have it your way. She went inside and told the clerk they were filling it up. He filled both tanks, checked the fluids, and washed the windshield. Hanging up the nozzle, Ken shut the hood and headed inside, where Katie told him they almost had a third Slurpee. He went around, grabbing corn chips, the local fish wrap, two Mountain Dews, a couple of jumbo hot dogs, and added it to the cartons and the stuff Kate had put on the counter. They wound up with three of the biggest Slurpees: two cherry, one coke.

He asked on the way to the truck how much farther they had to go. She told him It’s in the middle of the third block. Ken pulled to the edge of the parking lot and stopped. They ate the dogs, drank the dews, each lit a Kool, and then waited to pull out. Ya know, I got your number, boy! I just figured out why we spent so much time arguing in frozen foods. For your enlightenment: my nipples have finally thawed out.

That wasn't the reason, just a byproduct. I didn't think then, and still don't, that they needed that much ice cream in that house at one time. It could cause problems.

Oh, really, O'Riley? Care to enlighten a poor orphan girl on how you figured that out?

We can slowly increase the amount, but from what I've been led to believe about her eating habits, and knowing her sweet tooth, the amount you were talking would put her in the ER in sugar shock. he took another hit off his smoke and pulled out onto the street.

You do have a point, but that still doesn't convince me I'm wrong. she replied, the skeptical look on her face changing to bemusement.

Waiting at the stop sign on the traffic, he stated, Being I had them in my mouth less than half an hour beforehand, seeing them straining to pop through your shirt wasn't foremost on my mind. My memory isn't that bad, damn it! She laughed so hard, they had to go around the next block and come back. She pointed out the house, and they pulled in with her still laughing.

~~~

The TV was blaring in the family room, while Candy was cleaning the kitchen. 'Who Framed Roger Rabbit?' played on the set as Jim and Tony kept an eye on the five children there. She was glad that Ken finally got here, so everything could get back to normal. Several problems here need work, besides Maria. Until things get better, the normal in-house solutions won't work anymore; we need outside help to fix this. Kenny counts as both. He has been with us throughout every stage we've been through, yet he is far enough removed from what had been going on that he counts as an outside opinion.

She thought back on the time that the gals talked Renée into taking the group beyond basic friendship. The only way she and Maria got to attend was Kenny – he got the club to close early that night. She was pissed off at the time, but it turned out well in the end. She thought about the times he comforted her: the time he took her for that moonlight picnic on the beach when neither of them could sleep; the time he came sat up with her when she was sick and read to her though she was half delirious with fever. She loved his warped humor, the gentle way he touched her when they had their moments, and the way everything just seems to flow when he was around.

She also remembered when he went through that five year period between Frank and Anna's funerals and Jerry's. Candy tried to help him with his problem. How he told her it was okay, and she was not to worry about him. Damn it, someone needed to, for he sure wasn't. That he got past his mental block thrilled her, but she knew that the loss of his wife and unborn child still haunted him and figured that's the reason that he didn't visit often.

Then, there was also the fact that Sunday was their eleventh anniversary. Ken never drove on that date, so he must have held up somewhere. Katie said he just got there. The boy must be worn out. Ken’s walking into a hornet's nest of intrigue and subplots, without a can of wasp spray or a fly swatter. Someone will have to warn him about Gwen, bring him up to speed with everything that has been happening, and keep the focus on the idea that he needs to be out here..."

With those thoughts going through her head, she heard a strange vehicle pull up in the driveway. Figuring that it was someone looking for directions, she slipped out the kitchen to see who.

~~~

As Ken got out of the truck, Candy ran up and jumped into his arms. Their momentum knocked them back into the truck, causing the door to slam shut. As he got his footing, she whispered in his ear Kenny, I'm so glad to see you! I know she'll pull out of this now.

I will do what I can to pull her back, dear. I've missed y'all too, he said, as they eased the hug enough for their lips to meet in a proper hello. Candy was quick, brilliant, stunning, and had always drawn a crowd. To dismiss her for her looks wound up making a man look foolish, as many members of the local bar could ruefully attest.

Ken remembered how she tried to help him in the past; he loved her for the attempts, though they didn't always work. He also recalled that she had vocal hints that would tip him off. She sounded normal to anyone who would have overheard their conversation; but to him, she rang out like a siren that she had things he needed to know. Things that would either help clear the matter up, or muddy it if learned wrong.

Katie came around the back of the truck, with her arms full of bags, grumbling good-naturedly I need a hand, not a peep show... as she headed towards the house.

They broke their kiss, filled their hands and followed. They had set the bags on the table, when five sets of arms wrapped themselves around him, and a quieted squeal of 'Uncle Kenny' drew his eyes down. He dropped to one knee, hugged and kissed them in turn, and told them he needed some help to unload the truck. The girls told him to go ahead, and they'd get things settled here. He loaded them down with a couple items each, and sent them into the house, when he heard I thought I smelled a swamp rat.

Ken sniffed his shoulder and replied, Smells better that the mountain goat that I'm downwind of at the moment. as he slid out of the truck to shake Jim's hand. Jim shook it, pulling Ken into a hug. Just as they were slapping the other on the shoulder, another voice from the past assaulted his ears.

Who is the only low-lander stupid enough to brave the mountains in the dregs of fall? Tony asked, pulling Ken into a hug, just as Jim let him go.

I'm better prepared than the last time I was here, Ken pointed out.Where's your truck, Tony?

In the garage, right next to a little blue MG, where it belongs. How long do you plan on staying, this time? Tony asked, trying to feel him out as to what’s going on.

At least until after tomorrow's feast is over, and the games are done. After that, all bets are off. Ken replied. Now lads, fill your hands! We've a bit to haul before the hold's gutted. He loaded them down, as Maria’s kids came back out to help some more. He asked what type of Slurpee that they preferred. Carrie said brown; the twins said red. He passed out the drinks, telling them to share the drinks with their cousins.

They went in, as he grabbed his bags out of the cab. Another cry of 'Uncle Kenny', another mob scene as Gwen showed up with all the other kids. Amidst all the general bedlam, Shelley and Rita, Gwen and Tony's precocious twins, said in unison, You said you was gonna take us to the zoo! The chant spread like wildfire to the others.

You did at that, Ken. Looks like you're stuck; you gotta go through with it. Gwen chortled at Ken’s apparent discomfort.

If I do, I won't be doing it alone, G...he winked at her

Sounds like a chance to me... it'll be just like old times: You, me, a pack of wild animals...

Some of them in their natural environs. he smiled a wicked grin, sneaking a quick pinch as she backed up towards him. She didn't change her expression in front of the kids, but the way she stepped on his foot led him to believe that the kids would be unsupervised if that went down.

Hey you two, we need you in here, Katie yelled out the kitchen window. You kids go play in the backyard until lunch is ready. Ken and Gwen shooed the kids into the backyard, and slipped into the kitchen. Something had happened before they walked in. This felt wrong. There was a silence; no, he thought it more a lack of conversation. While the vibe in the house was in flux, the mood was bottoming out. Ken lit a cigarette. The clicking shut of his Zippo brought two pairs of eyes to bear on them. Both sets floated on a sea of tears, and the tide was washing over the beach.

Candy drew a cleansing breath. We got another problem, guys. Di is on her way to the hospital right now. Steve got shot answering a robbery call at a 7-11 –

God Damn, Wham Bam! When it rains... Gwen's color drained from her face as the news hit.

... we all get fucking wet! Ken finished her thought. Folks, something tells me that this is going to be one hell of a season. Firstly, it's obvious that whatever plans for tomorrow are scrapped until later. Next, we must to keep this away from the kids at all cost for as long as possible; then we've got to come up with a plan of attack for today... y'all with me so far? The gals nodded, and he continued. Here is the way it should go down: T’ Red – you and Tony gather the kid-lets together and get them to the zoo. C- find any that are missing, and join Gwen &Tony; Katie, you and Jim go to the hospital to pacify the gorgon and check up on Steve-o while I'll stay here resurrecting the dead.

You are just trying to get out of your promise to the girls. Gwen glared across the island at Ken.

Bullshit! I'll take them somewhere, I promise. At this point in time, however, the rules have changed drastically. I'm trying to arrange our personnel to this crisis, especially if things don't come out in the wash. If things go wrong, Di will need someone who has been there before. That has to be Kate, for M J isn't capable at this point in time. Jim has always had a good rapport with her, so they get that duty. M J needs the same thing, but her need is more immediate. I need to handle that one myself, for she hasn't been responding to whatever all y'all have been trying, correct? She nodded.

Ken continued, Between the Gwen's van and my truck, we have the capacity for the kids here. Tony can handle my truck, no problem. Candy: I noticed that Billy and Suzy weren't here in the crowd that Gwen brought in. You need to find them, and keep them out of the loop of hospitals, etc.

Candy passed him a glass of coke. Consider it done, dear.

I could use something a bit stronger, but that will have to wait. Damn, Kate – what are you burning on that stove?

Kate turned to the stove, and shut the burners off. Opening another can of chili, she poured it into a bowl, placed it and one of cheese sauce in the microwave, putting the pots in the sink under a running faucet. She turned and announced There'll be no kraut for the hot dogs today. A cheer erupted; Kate flipped them off.

I’ll take you up on your generous offer later. Ken deadpanned; the laughter cleared the air of what the exhaust fans didn't. He asked How much longer before we’ll be able to get this show on the road?

It will be in a couple of minutes, Ken. You can find her in the master study. Cross through the living room, turn left in the hall, and it's the last door on the right. Candy came around the counter. When are you going to head that direction?

Just as soon as I can get our plates, and a promise from each of you to carry this out the way it was planned. They came and promised they would, as Jim popped his head in, and the girls brought him up to speed on what was happening. Katie turned to Ken with two plates with two dogs, a big handful of Frito corn chips each and some cokes. Ken slipped down the hall as Gwen clued Tony into what was up while Jim and Candy started to get the kids arranged and fed.

~~~

Ken slipped in to the study, set the food on the credenza, and eased the door shut. Maria sat with her back to the door, staring out the window. The photo album that she used as a launching pad for her zoned out state lay on her lap. Her eyes were not focused on it or on anything in her back yard. He crossed over to the chair, placed his hand on her shoulder, and kissed her on the neck. She jumped and started to ask who it was, when he whispered Hey Mar-Jen, y'okay, luv?

Kenny! Oh my God! When? Where? How? Her face ran through shock, amazement, joy, loss, pain, back to shock again. The fact he came meant that the others understood that she needed something different. He represented the best chance of help that didn't involve all sorts of drugs, doctors, or the courts. Those options scared the crap out of her. Thoughts of having the children taken away scarred her the most. The children were her only tie to Matt that couldn’t be replaced. She had been so lost for so long that she needed help to find her way back. She realized that the past needs to be just that: visited, remembered, but left where it lay. The way things had gone was unacceptable.

The best option for that, ironically, was from a blast from the past. Now that Ken arrived, her emotions ran both excited and terrified. She was excited by the prospect of success, but terrified by failure even more. Shaking her head to clear those thoughts, she jumped out of the chair and wrapped him in a fierce hug.

He hugged back, rubbing her shoulders. He felt a tear against his cheek as her knees buckled. Easing her down, he followed her until they were both on their knees. She kissed him softly, and then the tears started in earnest. In a soft voice, barely above a whisper, she implored Why Matt? Why now? Why this? Oh God why? and put her head on his shoulder. He told her to let it out, and she followed his orders, murmuring Why Kenny? Why Matt? Why? and pounding his ribs for emphasis. Ken stroked her hair, rocking her while reaching in his pocket for his hand kerchief when his keys came out. Tony peeked in, and Ken lobbed him the keys, gave him a so-so wave in response to his raised eyebrow, and gave him a thumbs-up to his wave good bye. Hearing the cars drive off, he handed Maria his hanky and told her to blow.

She followed his instructions, which gave him time to scoot to the bath for a couple of towels. When he returned, MJ was looking around confused. She saw Ken, and her eyes lit up. "It is you! I was wondering when you were going to