The Nomad

By Robert P. Bell

Join Scott OGrady when he leaves home to start the adventure of a lifetime. See how this young man fairs when he is put into a world of men and is expected to act accordingly. See what happens when he starts to meet the family he never knew existed before this summer. Be with him when his wise cracks get him into a fight he never saw coming. Stay with him as he weaves his way through the summer becoming more the young man everyone is expecting him to become. Watch as he goes from a guy who couldnt get a date back home to a young man who is very popular with the opposite sex. Feel his pain while he learns the art of self-defense and finds out who his father was back in the sixties.

While this is going on join in all the excitement as Scott and his family start the resurrection of the legendary Nomad. See how from its resting place in the barn it starts its legend all over again. Listen to all the stories told by the men who lived them back in the sixties. Then go with almost the whole county to see a race that should have happened in 1968 but didnt and now 18 years later its on.

Then as the summer draws to and end see how much Scott has grown not only in size but maturity. Which makes his family wonder how hes going to fit in back home?

• Language: English
• Publisher: LifeRich Publishing
• Release date: Jul 6, 2016
• ISBN: 9781489708274

Robert P. Bell

While growing up in Southern California he learned to love the hot rod scene and became part of it. His first car was a 32 Ford three window with a 54 Oldsmobile engine, which he was forever working on. When he went into the Navy, he found some buddies of like mind and went to work on a 57 Chevy to cruise in when their ship was in port. After serving six years in the Navy and being married with one child, he became a police officer and along with his hot rods he also taught boxing through the Police Athletic League (PAL). Then the lore of Southern California called, he and his family headed west. Life was good and as his four children grew so did the desire to build fast cars and race them. As with all good things this too ended when two of his sons went to war, while they were gone things sort of stopped. Then his granddaughter suggested that he should write about all the things he'd done and seen. So, it began. He wrote about the things he knew best, life in the fast lane.

Book preview

Chapter One

I can’t believe how hot it is in this classroom. Thank God I only have today to get through before I’m out of school for the summer. The summer…. Wish I had a crystal ball to let me know what my mom has gotten me into. Doesn’t really seem fair that I had no say so in the whole decision process.

I think they forget that I am 16 and do have a brain that works well enough to have carried a 3.9 average through my entire sophomore year. Besides, who wants to go back to New York and spend the summer with my dad’s parents? Certainly not my dad; I heard him and Mom arguing about her agreeing to send me back for the summer. I guess it was only Grandma and Mom making the decision. That really made my old man hot under the collar and they didn’t talk for a day or so but Mom, as usual, won out. Maybe she’s right, it might be fun. They do live on a lake and there is always the car Grandma says I can have. Oh well, there goes the alarm. Lunch period, the best period of the day.

Man, I can feel the excitement in the quad area today. Looks like I’m going to have to wait in line. I don’t see any of my friends in the front of the line, where I can cut in. There’s Danny, too bad he can’t test as well as he can perform in sports.

Hey, Danny! How’s it going?

Not real good, Scott. My old man is really on me about going to summer school to take as many classes as I can to keep my eligibility up for next fall and football. They’re going to screw up my whole summer with this crap.

Gee, I’m sorry to hear that, Danny, sounds like the pits!

Yeah, not like you, huh. You lucky dog, you get to go all the way to New York. No parents, no school and what’s this about some kind of car? Is it really yours or do you just get to drive it while you’re back there?

Who told you about that?

What are you talking about, the whole damn school knows. Your sister, Mickey, has been bragging to everyone from the ninth grade up.

That’s just great; the mouth has opened for all to hear! Hey, listen, while you’re out here with all your friends, I’m going to be stuck on some lake with two old people I don’t even know!

Danny just looked at me and said with the quietest of voices, Scott, I’d change places with you in a heartbeat.

About this time, it was my turn to order lunch but for some reason I’d lost my appetite so I just grabbed a Coke and a ham and cheese sandwich and looked for a place to sit, preferably out of the sun.

Looks like you just lost your best friend, a female voice on my left sort of whispered.

Christ, I almost jumped out of my skin, not the coolest move to make when the most popular girl in my class and probably the whole school talks to you but at that moment I didn’t feel very cool, just in shock. Why was Amy even acknowledging my existence, let alone whispering to me?

Why don’t we find somewhere to sit, Amy said as she walked toward the junior class area and I followed without as much as a moment’s hesitation. Look, here’s a great place. We sat at one of the tree seats that were available but not without a few dirty looks saying, What do you think you’re doing here, geek?

The reason I want to talk to you is that I hear you are going to the Catskill Mountains for the summer, is that correct? I just stared at her until she snapped her fingers. What’s the matter, cat got your tongue?

Uh, no, where are the Cats Mountains?

They are in upstate New York and it’s the Catskill Mountains not Cats Mountains. What is wrong with you? You always seem to be running your mouth in history class with all the answers before anyone else has a chance. Now all you do is stare.

All I could think of was if you only knew what is going through this over-charged mind of mine, but with her smart-ass remark I did get it together. I responded by telling her, Yes, I am going to New York for the summer but haven’t got a clue as to where these mountains are.

Amy just sat there looking at me, eating her Jell-O and acting like it was the most important thing her brain could direct her mouth to do. I almost told her where she could go but before I could she said, I’m going to be back there for the summer also.

You’ve got to be kidding, why? Amy continued to chew her Jell-O - who chews Jell-O, for Pete’s sake? At the same time, as I wondered just what was behind that beautiful face, her boyfriend, Angel showed up, who made two of me.

Hey, Amy, what gives with you sitting over here with what’s his name and me cooling my ass on the other side of the quad?

Amy’s reply was, Oh what’s the big deal, and his name is Scott.

This I immediately knew I didn’t want her to say, he was already in a bad mood, but I had to give her credit, she calmed him down by letting him know that they were going to the beach together and she didn’t want him to get too sick of her.

The only comment Angel made was, You know that ain’t going to happen.

I felt an instant rush of well being as he turned and walked away. Wow, that was power and only a beautiful woman like her could pull it off.

Amy looked at me and laughed, You aren’t very brave, are you?

No, not when the guy weighs 250 pounds of solid muscle and enjoys breaking things such as arms, legs and so on. What did you want from me anyway? You said something about New York and that you’re going there, how does that concern me? Now I was really pissed.

Well, my mom and your mom were talking and thought it would be nice if we got in touch with each other over the summer.

Oh yeah, well, I really haven’t a clue as to where I’ll be staying or if I will even have wheels.

Amy’s comment was, Don’t worry about any of that, we will only be 12 miles from each other and I can probably borrow my uncle’s car to come and see you.

Great, now I could be the brunt of her wiseass remarks 3,000 miles away. I don’t think so, well, it seems that you know a lot more about what is going on than I do so why don’t we wait and see how it all works out. I knew as soon as I said it I was going to regret it.

Amy again just stared at me and then with a slight shrug said, I guess you’re right and got up to join her muscle-bound boyfriend.

There goes the bell, two more hours till I’m free from dear old Saint Anthony High School.

First one home, can’t wait to get in the pool and cool off. Hope Mom took the cover off so it isn’t like tub water! Great, it’s off and according to the note on the family bulletin board all my clothes are washed, folded and ready for me to pick the ones that I want to take. First things first, got to change into my trunks and cool off.

Hope David shows up with his girlfriend, Kathy. Man is she easy on the eyes, especially in that white bikini. I’ll leave a note on the front door for them to come around to the side gate.

Man, I have the house all to myself, which doesn’t happen very often with one big mouth sister and a very annoying younger brother, Sean, who just won’t shut up! Even under the threat of being drowned! Then there’s Terry, the quiet one, who must take after my father who doesn’t talk very much except when the fights are on, then he makes surprisingly intelligent comments, usually before the commentators. It has always amazed my friends and me about how much a bean counter (accountant) knows about the sport of boxing.

Now, when I think about it, I’m sort of the runt of the litter. I didn’t get my dad’s height and his good looks — my old man really got the looks — and I hear my friends’ moms talk about him. Maybe I got his smarts and Mom’s personality. Not to say my mom isn’t smart but my father is really high up in his job so Mom doesn’t have to work a regular job. As if raising the four of us isn’t a full time job!

And Mickey. That brings to mind what that big mouth told everyone at school! I hope that she gets home before Mom so I can give her what for and maybe drown her along with Sean.

Oh well, off to the pool. Maybe I’ll take the dogs in with me; on the other hand maybe I’ll kill them! Nobody has cleaned up the back yard, damn, nothing worse than stepping in a pile and tracking it into the pool. I wonder whose job it was supposed to be! I could check and give them a real hard time; no I’ll do it and just not say anything. What a great guy I’ve turned out to be. How can two dogs go so much? Mom shouldn’t feed them sooo much!

What do you know, I hear David and Kathy and I’m finished with my little chore. Damn, I’m good!

Hey dude, what’s happening, you ready to do some cannon balls off the roof or what?

Or what, David, my old man finds out and we will all pay dearly. Hi Kathy, you going swimming too?

Yes Scott, but I’m not wearing my bikini so take your mind out of the gutter. You won’t be getting all charged up today.

Sorry dude, couldn’t talk her into it, better at talking her out of it, ha ha ha.

You ass, you’re pushing your luck and it’s just about run out.

You tell him, Kathy, they’re both perverts and need to be put in their places.

Another country heard from, my big mouth sister. Hey, Mickey, I’ve got a bone to pick with you.

Oh yeah, what’s that?

You’ve got one big big mouth. Who told you to go running your mouth all over school about my trip to New York?

First of all, I thought you might get some play with the opposite sex, being a national traveler and all, but I guess that didn’t happen. Besides, who died and left you boss over what I can say and not say?

Damn, this isn’t my day. First Amy, then Kathy and now Mickey, what a day. I should tell you that even though Mickey is only 15 and my sister, if I was to pick the 2nd most popular female on campus, it’s her. All my friends try to hit on her through me and she just blows them off. Besides, she can’t even go out on anything that even looks like a date until she’s 16 by my mother’s rules and 18 by my father’s rules. Mickey and Dad have this great relationship. She talks and he listens till she is done and then usually says, it’s OK with me, run it by your mother. This translates to: she has a good chance of getting what she wants, but if Dad says no, it ends right then. You guessed it, that doesn’t happen very often!

I hope you know now that you’ve been such a jerk I’m not going to help you pick out your clothes to take with you and packing your suitcase is totally out of the question!

Thanks Mickey, I always knew I could not count on you.

Do you happen to know where the rest of the guys are?

Not off hand, but they will be here soon.

When is your flight tonight?

Mom said it was on the red eye, I think. Does anyone know what that means?

Beats me, said David, I’ve never flown.

Well, I’m not sure, Scott, but I think it means you take off after midnight and get in real early in the morning. But don’t quote me, look at your tickets.

I don’t know where they are. I think Mom has them somewhere.

Great, some fool already cleaned up the dog shit for me.

Watch your mouth, Sean, or you’ll get it filled with dish soap.

Oh yeah, you and what army?

Before the word army got past his lips Mickey was moving and Sean knew he was in for it if he didn’t out maneuver her because he certainly couldn’t out run Mickey.

You had better move, Sean, because Mom and Dad aren’t home and if I catch you you’re mine.

Man, your sister is a real witch with a capital B.

How would you like me to tell Mickey what you just said, David? Kathy gave us one of her great big smiles.

As I looked at David he had that perplexed look on his face that only meant that he’d rather Kathy kept her mouth shut. For some unknown reason, no one wanted to be on her bad side.

Well, are we going swimming or not? stated my sister, already dressed in her new bathing suit. As if planned, we all asked where Sean went. Still running, if he knows what’s good for him.

About this time came a voice from the other side of the fence, asking if there was still room in the pool. It was Roy who really had a big time crush on Mickey and, to make things worse, from my point of view, she knew it. All in all she was very cool about it and Roy wasn’t exactly unpopular, he just went to public school. So Mickey said it was full but if he didn’t mind a little body contact she supposed he could come in. With that said, I thought Roy would leap our 6’6" block wall in one bound.

Funny thing about swimming, after about an hour, hunger seems to set in and right on schedule, it did with us.

Also on cue, Mom appeared with a dumb question, Do any of you kids want to barbecue hot dogs and hamburgers and have some of my potato salad?

For the most part, this would be the last time this summer that I would be able to do these things with my friends and family because, sometime after midnight, I would be on a flight called the red eye to somewhere in New York state.

Dad’s later than usual; I wonder if he is trying to avoid seeing me before I leave for New York?

We all ate hamburgers and hot dogs, with a great salad Mom made, around 4:00 p.m. so no one was really all that hungry later on, but everyone seemed to be on edge.

After David and Kathy left with Roy, Mickey rescinded her statement of me being a jerk and began helping me select my clothes for the summer trip. At least with her helping I’ll have a fighting chance of being color coordinated. She even tells me what to wear with what and what looks best on my skinny body. Sometimes I wonder who should be the oldest. She always has her act together and me, I’m just part of the flow, oh well!

Mom came in and she and Mickey packed Dad’s three suit bag till they had to sit on it to get it closed. It was kind of funny but I think, at the moment, I realized I wasn’t going to see them laughing and making jokes about everything, from President Reagan’s last blunder to my ability to talk to the opposite sex, for a while. Even though it is embarrassing, because they really get down and dirty at my expense and love to see me turn every shade of red there is, I’m going to miss these two.

Before I could get too melancholy Sean stormed in my room yelling as loud as he could that Dad’s home and he has something for me and to get my butt out to the living room. I seriously doubt Dad said it that way, not his style, but we all went.

At first glance I really thought that my father looked sad but that all changed when Sean started running his mouth again and Dad gave him one of those looks. Mickey told him to shut up or he’d get what she promised him earlier this afternoon.

Dad just stood there and then said, You are going to one of the most beautiful places in this country, so I want you to take this new camera I picked up for you and take as many pictures as you can. It’s a Minolta 35MM and is supposed to be foolproof. No one said anything, not even Sean. I said thanks and he gave it to me with 20 rolls of film and told me it had a built-in flash so it automatically sensed the light and adjusted accordingly. He then asked Mom to come talk to him while he changed his clothes, which was their usual routine.

That was a nice thing for you to do, John.

You know, Barb, I’m still very much against this and still annoyed with you for twisting my arm into letting it happen.

Why, you act like you don’t want him or the other kids to know anything about your family. Do you hate your mother that much? Don’t give me the silent treatment, it won’t work, he is going.

You don’t understand, Barb, and I can’t tell you.

No, you mean you won’t and that hurts. You know everything about me and mine from the time I was a baby but I don’t know a thing about you beyond our college days. It’s not fair.

I’m sorry, Barb but I have a feeling that is all going to change with Scott going back there for the summer. As he headed for the bathroom Barb heard him whisper and I don’t know whether I can handle it.

What did you say, John?

Nothing, babe, it’s not important.

I finally got up enough courage to ask Mom when I was leaving and all she said was soon. Something was wrong between Mom and Dad and I was praying it wasn’t because of me.

Around 10:00 p.m. Dad came and said goodbye and to be good. Then he said in a whisper, anytime you want to come home you call me at this number and I’ll have you on the next plane home, OK, Sport?

Sure, Dad. As he headed for his room I could have sworn I saw tears in his eyes and he hadn’t called me Sport since the ninth grade. What the hell was going on with my parents and what was I going back to?

Right at 11:00 p.m. Mom said to those who were still up, let’s go. Mickey and Terry were the only ones there. Sean was worn out from running and a long swim before dinner and Dad was already asleep. It took us about 25 minutes to get to the United gate and park in terminal parking. I know I should be excited but this rift between Mom and Dad is really taking all the fun out of flying for the first time.

After we checked in and got to the right loading gate, we said our good-byes.

Terry said, in his quiet way, You’re going to come back to me, aren’t you?

I just looked at him and realized he was scared I was leaving him forever. I grabbed him, squeezed him real hard and told him I would be back before he got to buy his school clothes so don’t worry and that I loved him a whole bunch. Mom and I hugged and she gave me a big kiss and said be good and stay safe.

God bless you, Scott, I love you. Then she and Terry walked away leaving only Mickey and I to say goodbye.

Mickey, for the first time I can remember, said, I love you, big brother, and you had better come back to us so I can keep you on the straight and narrow.

All I could do was stand there shocked speechless by her statement but most of all from the tears streaming down my beautiful sister’s cheeks. I kind of stammered, You can count on it. You have to do something for me, make sure Mom and Dad are all right.

She said, Sure, but why would you say that?

I told her what Dad had said about calling him and that he’d put me on the next plane home.

All Mickey could say was, Wow, that is weird. Don’t worry, Scott, I’ll make sure they get their act together or else.

I’ve got to tell you, I really felt better and didn’t even ask what or else would entail. Just knowing the way Mickey was I knew I didn’t need to worry. Finally, we hugged and I got on the 747 to begin my journey to the Catskill Mountains of New York.

Chapter Two

Even though I was really tired I couldn’t sleep a wink. The realization that I was flying on a 747, the biggest plane in the skies, was just too much to allow my mind to shut down and let the sandman do his job. I just kept asking the stewardess in my section all about the stats I had heard about from my friends and from the articles that I had read over the years. I guess I was lucky to get a stewardess who knew a lot about the plane and didn’t mind telling me all about it whenever she had a minute. To tell the truth, I never realized just what these attendants do and how hard they work. Over the 5-hour flight I think she had all of 15 minutes to give me but they were quite informative. I even got to go up to first class and the cockpit to see what they looked like. Then I went up to the lounge where they had a bar, couches and easy chairs. What a plane this is. It’s amazing that it even gets off the ground.

As I took my seat the captain announced that we were 30 minutes out of Newark International Airport. This really surprised me that the time had passed so quickly. I hadn’t thought much about what I was going to say to my dad’s parents or even how I was going to find them. Mom never even addressed this situation. Man, this could be a real problem. I don’t even know what they look like. I’ve never even seen a picture of them. I wonder why my father didn’t have any pictures, or if he did, why he never showed them to any of us kids. What am I thinking about, they know what I look like, don’t they? Mom probably sent them a couple of pictures of me.

Would you look at this city, it’s so dirty and crowded. All the buildings are so drab and dark. I sure am glad I don’t live here, what a bummer that would be. I wonder where Mr. and Mrs. O’Grady will meet me. I hope it’s at the end of the ramp when I first get off because I’m really not sure where I’m supposed to go to get my suitcase. Oh well, like Mom says, it’s an adventure. I can’t believe how fast this enormous plane slows down once on the ground. Man oh man, am I ever nervous about what will happen when I meet my grandparents. Well, here we go; everyone is getting up and moving towards the door. I guess it’s now or never; one way or the other I have to get off the plane. Damn, why am I acting like this?

I can’t believe there are so many people in front of me. Some of them are downright rude, whatever. Bingo, there they are with a sign sticking up in the air with my name, Scott O’Grady, printed on it. Now, that is a neat idea, a really neat idea, wonder who thought it up? They don’t look so bad, kind of old but my old man is old so that makes them ancient. They keep looking for me; I guess Mom didn’t send a picture. Well, here goes nothing.

Hi, I’m Scott O’Grady! Whoa, what is going on here, they look like they just saw a ghost, now what do I do?

My grandmother was the first to get her wits about her and said, Well, hello there, Scott, did you have a good flight?

Before I could even answer, my grandfather asked me for my baggage checks. I gave them to him and he turned and started away saying over his shoulder, I’ll meet you at the car.

Grandmother and I just stood there and said nothing for a moment, and then she said something to the effect that I startled him.

The only thing I could think to say was, Did I make him mad?

No, Scott, you kind of look like someone from his past. He’ll be okay by the time we get to the car.

With that she headed in the same direction that my grandfather went. I started walking, sort of alongside her, but there were so many people that it was not always possible. She didn’t say another word and neither did I but I did a lot of thinking, none of it very favorable.

No wonder my dad told me all I had to do is call and he’d put me on the next plane home. As far as I’m concerned, they are both grumps.

They must have parked the car a mile away and Grandmother walks really fast for someone her age. I hope she knows where the car is, this place is huge.

What is this, a black Ford Crown Victoria four door but it looks different somehow. In fact, kind of cool with bright gold pin stripes and great looking wheels with wide tires.

Well, the grump has good taste in cars; it even has dual exhaust. Wonder if it is as fast as it looks? Well, here he comes, suitcase and all. He must be strong for his age; he’s not even using the wheels, just walking along like my dad does when he’s just carrying his briefcase.

Maureen, please open the trunk so I can put Scott’s luggage in. What have you got in here, your entire wardrobe?

I really didn’t know what to say I was so off balance mentally so I said nothing and just stood there.

What’s the matter, cat got your tongue? That was a joke.

Some joke. He’s one guy who shouldn’t even think of joking.

Well, let’s get the hell out here before we get rolled.

We climbed in the car, them in the front and me in the back behind Grandmother. I wonder if Grump knows how mean looking he is. No wonder my dad doesn’t have anything to do with him, the way he acts. This is really a nice car; even the interior is tricked out. No way, listen to that exhaust system growl. Sounds hot and fast. Hope that this is the car I get to drive while I’m back here.

As we took off, I noticed that the Grump kept looking at me through the rearview mirror with the strangest look, almost sad but much more like disbelief. Boy, is this turning into a great start for the summer.

As we drove, I got a good look at Newark, New Jersey and kept comparing it to Long Beach, California. I thought Long Beach was industrial, at least on the west side, but it didn’t even come close to this city. Open space just didn’t exist. At least on the parkway we were on. Nobody said anything for awhile which really made me nervous. Talk about dead silence, we had that in abundance till the Grump turned on the radio. Out of the many speakers came the Eagles singing Hotel California which my Dad and I really like. In fact, we all like the Eagles and someday I’ll get a chance to see them in concert if they ever get back together. Well, at least he listens to some of the music I like and grew up on.

By now the silence was really getting to my grandmother and she turned in her seat and asked me what I liked to eat.

Just then, the Grump said we would be stopping for breakfast. So, what kind of breakfast do you like?

I told them that I really liked breakfast so just about anything was okay with me.

So, Grandmother suggested we stop at the Red Apple Diner up on Route 17.

The Grump agreed and then, out of the blue, he asked me how my dad was doing. Was he still staying in shape, did he still check himself out every time he walked by a mirror?

Huh, my dad? Well, no, he’s in pretty good shape I guess for someone his age but he doesn’t check himself out in the mirror, at least I don’t think so.

Patrick, why would you ask Scott such a silly question?

Well, hells bells, you remember how he was before. You think he’s changed all that much?

All I could say was, He’s really kind of stuffy and all he does is work and come home and relax by reading or watching the news and sometimes a show with Mom.

Well, sounds like he finally grew up, Maureen. As we pulled into the parking lot of the diner I wondered what the Grump was talking about. I have to remember to ask Mom the first time I get to call.

So, this is what a diner is. Not much different from a regular restaurant back home only the shape outside is different. As we sat down I noticed my grandparents were really close and seemed to read each other’s minds. Now, I know that sounds weird but they finished each other’s sentences, which I think is really neat because Mom and Dad do the same thing.

While we ate they sat across from me and the Grump kept staring at me. So I worked up enough nerve to ask, Why do you keep staring at me that way?

He said, What way do you mean?

Not in a mean way but really direct and to the point. I said, I don’t know, sort of strange.

Before he could reply Grandmother jumped in and said, You remind Grandpa of someone he knew a long time ago.

Oh, was he a friend of yours, Grandfather?

What’s this Grandfather crap, you call me Grandpa and she’s Grandma until I tell you different, okay? I just nodded and he said As for him being a friend, yes, next to your Grandma, my best friend and we’ll leave it at that.

Now let’s order and get back on the road before it gets too late to introduce you to Kenny Westman.

Now my curiosity was piqued, so while we waited for our food I asked why it was so important that I meet with this man, Kenny Westman.

The Grump just looked at me and said, He’s the man you are going to work for this summer.

What did you say? Did I hear you right, I’m going to be working for this guy all summer, doing what?

He just laughed and said, You, my fine young man, are going to be delivering milk to all the tourists that come up from the city to get their families out of the heat for the summer. You’ll be the driver’s helper and will work from 4:30 a.m. till about 2 p.m. So I want you to meet him today so you can start tomorrow morning.

I was just about to tell him what he could do with his job when Grandma jumped in and said,

No way, he’ll get tomorrow to catch up on his sleep and start the following morning.

I couldn’t believe my ears, they had me all lined up to go to work for the summer. This just can’t be happening.

Before I could say anything that even resembled a response, our food arrived.

As we ate, the Grump looked at me and said, Maybe you can’t handle a real job. Bet you’ve never had to work for anything in your life? Well, if you live under my roof you will work and pay your own way. Your old man had to do it and he gave me the same look when I told him if he wanted it he had to work for it. Maybe you can’t cut it! You can always spend the summer helping your grandma water her garden and prune her fruit trees but you’ll only get room and board for that.

I just sat there and stared at my plate. How could this man be related to me or even my dad? Who does he think he is? He can’t tell me that I have to do this or anything else if I don’t want to.

I swear he must have been reading my mind because he said, You could always call your mama and tell her your mean old grandpa wants you to have a job for the summer and you can’t handle it and want to come home, please.

No way that is going to happen. I’ll do the damn work just to prove him wrong and at the end of the summer when I’m ready to leave I’ll tell him off and let him stew on that.

As I started to eat I said, No problem, sounds like something I’ve always wanted to do. See the sun come up five days a week.

The Grump sort of shifted himself and said, More like six, maybe even seven, depends on how busy Kenny gets.

I knew he was trying to bait me but I wasn’t about to take the hook. I said, My family goes to Mass every Sunday without fail. You know, the Catholic religion, and I don’t plan on not going this summer because of any job.

I continued to eat and Grandma said Patrick, I’ve just about had enough. Knock off the crap. He’ll go to Saint Pete’s just like ours did and you’ll make sure Kenny knows that or he’ll be hearing from me.

OK Maureen, I was just having a little fun with the boy, you know, to see what he’s made of. No reason to get yourself all worked up.

Oh, really, well, all you’ve done is antagonize my grandson to where he probably has a borderline hate for you and I won’t have it. Please, Scott, try and understand, we really have been looking forward to spending the summer with you. Your grandfather has a warped sense of reality and I want you to understand this and try and get along with each other.

What could I say, she said it all and I really bonded with her from that moment on. We finished breakfast with little to no talk and we were on our way to my home for the summer.

As we drove up to the house I was impressed. It was huge and had a circular driveway with the car garage on the right and it looked to be a four-car structure. There was a large barn-like building to the rear on the left. All I could think of was what a large house for only two people, but maybe they didn’t use it all or they had someone else living with them.

As I got out, I noticed that it was all wood, even the screening was in wood frames and the screen door was framed in wood. I didn’t see one piece of aluminum, quite a change from home. Oh well, this is all so different. I’ll just have to get adjusted and keep my mouth shut. He popped the trunk and then walked towards the front porch, which lead me to realize I was going to carry my own suitcase to wherever my room might be. I took the suitcase out of the trunk and dragged it up the stairs to the porch and in the front door huffing and puffing, wishing I could use the wheels but the stairs were a little much. I just stood there and took it all in; wow, what a house, dark shiny wood everywhere you looked. To my left was what must have been the living room with a huge television screen and a couple of good-sized couches along with three overstuffed chairs and one Barker lounge. To my right was an equally large dining room with a beautiful table and twelve chairs and a lot of other matching furniture that I couldn’t name but that looked great. There was a hallway that ran straight through to the back door. Along the left side of the hall was a staircase that went straight up to the second floor. When I saw the banister I immediately thought what a great way to come down fast and not get hurt because there was no knob at the bottom end. There was one at the top but it was nice and smooth at the bottom. I decided that before the summer was over I had to take at least one slide down that great banister.

Then from upstairs my grandma said, Up here Scott, do you need me to help you with your suitcase?

What gives, does everyone think I’m too weak to take care of myself? No I can handle it," and up that long steep staircase I went. She met me at the top and now I could use those damn wheels. We moved toward the front of the house and the bedroom that would be directly over the dining room but not nearly as big. This is some room! Everything was built into the walls, except for the bed and dressers. They stood on each wall with the bed in the middle.

I looked at my grandma and said, What a room, this is great! I can’t believe how much room I have. Thank you.

Oh you’re entirely welcome, Scott.

She went on to explain how to use the closet which was built into the wall so that it was flush. As we were unpacking I couldn’t believe how tired I started to get and by the time we were done all I wanted to do was lie down on that bed and go to sleep for a day or so.

Grandma must have read the look on my face and suggested I go and ask Grandpa if I could take a nap for a few hours. Whatever, I thought, so I started for the door and it dawned on me I had no idea where he was. Grandma, where is he?

She just laughed and said, He’s in his office downstairs. Down the stairs, turn toward the back of the house, follow the hallways to the last door on the left. Now, Scott, if the door is closed you should knock and wait for him to tell you to come in, okay, sweetheart?

Sure Grandma, not a problem and away I went to get the Grump’s permission to take a nap at 11:30 a.m. Is this weird or what?

I found the door and it was closed so I knocked and waited for him to say come in. All I heard was someone blowing their nose.

Then he said, come in and I entered but to my amazement it looked like he’d been crying. Yes Scott, what can I do for you?

Would it be all right for me to take a nap for a couple of hours? I’m really beat.

Sure, you go ahead and get some rest. We can go and talk to Kenny tonight or even tomorrow. Yeah, tomorrow will be fine. You go and try out that bed up there and when you get up let me know how it was, okay?

Didn’t have to say it twice, I was on my way for some zzzzz’s. Met Grandma halfway up the staircase and I told her what he had said and she just smiled.

I was about to leave but decided to ask her a question. Grandma, why would he be crying?

She took three steps up toward me and said, Your Grandfather is having his past revisited upon him and is having a very difficult time with it. He’ll be okay in a day or so but Scott, you are about to see things, hear stories and meet people that you don’t even know who will be, to coin a phrase from your father’s generation, completely blown away by you. Now go get some sleep and dream sweet dreams. I’ll wake you for dinner at about 5:30 p.m. Sleep tight.

So I did exactly that.

Are you all right, Patrick?

Yes Maureen, as well as can be expected under these circumstances. How are you doing? It wasn’t just me who saw our first born son come walking off that plane five hours ago.

Well, we both know that Scott isn’t our Butchy. We lost him 18 years ago in that damn war. You know what, Pat, I think while Scott is up there in Butchy’s room we should take a little ride out to Hillcrest Memorial Cemetery and look in on our first born. I think we should let him know that his brother’s son is sleeping in his bed and not only is it JC’s oldest but he is the spitting image of him when he was 16 years old. What do you think Pat, can we do that?

It’s only been 16 years since we went to pay our respects to our dead son. Why do you do this, Maureen? I can’t go there until we all go together as a family again. I know you’ve worked very hard in achieving what has happened so far with getting Barbara to agree to send Scott back for the summer, knowing full well that she had no idea just what a summer it was going to be for Scott. And now that we’ve seen him, I can’t even imagine the reception he is going to get. Hell, my heart almost stopped dead when he walked up to me and I know you felt the same.

"You’re right, and you are going to make sure he knows he can count on you, Patrick, so don’t be a hard ass when you are around him. He is not Butchy and won’t be able to take it the way our son did. He doesn’t know when you’re kidding and when you’re not. I want you to remember, compared to our brood, he’s fragile and has to be treated accordingly, okay?

Now, I have to make a phone call. What time is it out there, Pat, is it 9 a.m. or 3 p.m.?

It’s 9 a.m., Maureen. Are you sure you want to do this, they might tell us to send him back on the next plane.

In all fairness to Barbara, she has a right to know and I’d much rather it came from me than from Scott all in a dither about no one telling him about his uncle.

Hi Barbara! I didn’t wake you did I? Well, Scott arrived right on time and we got some breakfast and he is upstairs taking a much-needed nap. Barbara, while I have you on the phone, have you got a few minutes? I’d like to tell you some family history that after meeting Scott I feel you should know. Maybe it will help you understand just why John was so against Scott coming back for the summer. Okay, Barbara, here we go.

Hey sleepy head, it’s time to get up. Grandma has supper all ready and according to your mom, it’s your favorite, so let’s go before we make her mad. You awake?

All I could say was yes but I was really disoriented and for the first 20 seconds I didn’t even know where I was, let alone who was talking to me. As the cobwebs cleared, I remembered and was even a little shocked at the Grump’s pleasant attitude while he was talking to me. Maybe Grandma talked to him. Whatever, I’m starved. Wow, it’s 6 p.m. and I’m still tired. Well, a good meal will make me perk right up. I wonder how they know what my favorite meal is? They must have talked to Mom. Damn, I was supposed to call her when I got to the airport so she would know that I made it safely. Oh well, I hope that Grandma covered for me. Guess I’ll go and get something to eat. As I walked to the staircase I gave a moment’s thought to sliding down that great banister but decided against it. Don’t want to press my luck too far.

We all sat down and there sat a dish of lasagna, which is my favorite. All the plates were filled with adequate amounts of lasagna. As the Grump started to eat I asked him if he had already said grace before I got there he said no.

Do you want to say grace?

I said yes and said grace and we all dug in.

Chapter Three

The first thing I heard was the buzz of my alarm, then the whisper of my grandfather telling me to shut that thing off before it woke Grandma and to get dressed and come downstairs.

I said I’d be right there and after he left I looked at the clock and to my disbelief it said 6 a.m. I had to look twice to make sure I wasn’t wrong. Why do I have to be getting up so early? Isn’t it bad enough that I’ll be getting up at 4 a.m. the whole summer? Well, we’re going to have to talk about this that’s for sure. This time I had no interest in that banister except to hold onto it while I was rapidly descending the stairs. The kitchen was in the back of the house, on the right side, and it was rather large compared to the one at my house. But at that particular moment all I wanted was a good reason for getting up at this ungodly hour and who set my alarm anyway?

By the time I got there, the Grump was pouring coffee into two cups and all he said was do you take it with anything?

This sort of threw me off stride and I said, I don’t drink coffee. Then I said, Why did you get me up so early, this is probably the only day I’ll get to sleep in all summer.

He just laughed and said, I wanted to take you to breakfast so you can meet some of the locals. But mostly I want to talk to you and bring you up to speed on what might happen when some people first see you.

Now, that coupled with what Grandma said yesterday really piqued my interest.

Then he said, What do you drink for breakfast?

My turn to laugh, Not much, but if there is any orange juice I’d take that. He just turned and opened the frig and took out a large container of OJ and poured me a glass. Then told me to sit and drink it while he made some phone calls.

Man, this guy must have been a drill sergeant in the Marine corp. Seems to me that he just figures whatever he says will be done without any hesitation. Boy, would I like to see him and Mickey go at it for a day or so. I wonder who would come out on top. Probably the Grump because she would give in out of respect for her elders, but what a sight that would be.

You done yet? Time’s a wasting and we have some people to see before it gets too late.

As I gulped my OJ he was out the door and heading toward the garage. I caught up just as he was backing the Crown Victoria out of the garage.

After I got in and buckled up he said, We are going to go by and see Kenny so he can meet you and let you know who you will be working with.

As we drove down this narrow blacktop road, at a speed that made me just a little nervous, I watched the way he handled the car and it impressed me. We drove up to a fairly large parking lot with what looked like railroad cars set on foundations with loading docks in front of each. The only person I saw was a white-haired guy that had almost a red face sitting on a milk crate smoking a cigar.

That’s Kenny and you mind your manners when we get to talking, you hear me?

What did he think I was going to do, pick my nose?

I didn’t say anything and we got out of the car and started walking toward the loading dock and as Mr. Westman stood up the most surprised look came across his face. But with some effort he covered it with a smile. I wondered about that look. It reminded me of when someone sees a ghost.

The Grump introduced us and then started talking about my starting tomorrow morning and who I would be working with.

Mr. Westman said, I think I’ll put him with Maurice to start and see how that works out. Mainly because Maurice will take care of him and not screw him out of all the tips the way some of the others would.

But I thought you said he didn’t like new guys working with him?

Yeah, Pat, he doesn’t but I made it into a favor to me so he agreed. Then he looked at me and said, Look Scott, this driver is a no nonsense man and runs his route on a time table so you are going to really have to hustle to keep up, okay?

All I could say was yes sir and thank you for giving me a chance to work for you. They both grinned and started walking toward the big green house.

Then the Grump turned and said, Well, come on, you have to get your uniform for tomorrow.

Yes, Scott, I want you to meet my wife. She takes care of the uniforms plus she’s the one who will be giving you your pay envelope each week. By the way, I’m going to start you out at $5.00 per hour and we will pay on half-hour splits. Do you know what that means, Scott?

Not really.

Well, if you work any part of the first half-hour you get paid for the whole half-hour and if you work for, let’s say, 40 minutes then you get the full hour. You’ll get your own time card and will clock in every morning and out every afternoon. We try and keep it simple and easy around here, know what I mean?

Yes, I guess so. Do I clock in as soon as I get here?

Yes. By the time we reached the house I had figured out that I might really be able to make some money this summer. As we walked into the kitchen and I met Mrs. Westman, the same look came to her face and she stammered Butchy.

Then the Grump said, No, Irma, this is Scott, John’s oldest son from out in California.

Oh, I’m sorry, Scott, it’s just that you look like someone we used to know a long time ago. Now let’s get your uniform. So we went to the office and she fitted me with white shirts and white pants and told me to wear comfortable shoes or boots.

I told her all I had were tennis shoes. She told me to talk to my grandfather about what I should put on my feet.

By the time we got back to the kitchen, Mr. Westman was saying something about if I had been driving that damn Nomad he probably would have messed himself.

Then the conversation stopped and the Grump said, We had better be going. We took my uniforms and put them in the trunk and were back on the road by 7 a.m.

Hungry, Scott?

As a matter of fact, I’m starved.

He just laughed and said, I have the perfect place to rectify that ailment, it’s called the 17 Diner, you up for that?

Yep, I sure am but can I ask you a question?

Sure, go ahead!

Why does everyone look so shocked when they first see me and who is Butchy?

That’s two questions and I don’t think right this minute is the time to explain all that but I will by the end of the day. Okay?

I watched him pretty close while he drove and somehow knew something was bothering him by the way he was biting his bottom lip. So I asked him if something was on his mind. I must have caught him off guard because he said yes.

Scott, do you think you could call me Pop instead of Grandpa or whatever you call me under your breath?

I didn’t say anything for a few seconds, then said, Sure Pop, its short for Papa, isn’t it? He just nodded and stopped biting his lip.

We pulled into a fairly full parking lot with quite a few big rigs parked out on the perimeter and a few smaller pickups with trailers attached in the larger spaces. We took the first open spot that we saw and got out and headed for the front door of the restaurant.

As we walked in, Pop seemed to know most of the customers and waved or said hi as we passed each table.

Then, this guy comes out of nowhere and says, Damn if you aren’t the spitting image of him. If you had driven up in that damn red and white Nomad I probably would have had a stroke.

Without any fanfare Pop introduced me to the owner, manager, head dishwasher and good friend of the family, Jim Foster.

He looked me over and finally said, So you’re JC’s oldest boy, huh?

I said, Yes, if you mean John O’Grady, then that’s me.

Damn, Pat, have you told him anything about Butchy or JC?

All my grandfather could say was, He only got in yesterday and slept the whole afternoon then went to bed early after supper but I’ll get to it straight away. Maybe after we get something to eat, if you’re not too occupied asking a bunch of questions that I don’t feel like answering at the moment.

Man, you never change. Hey kid, your grandpa is one big grump. He’s lucky I’ve known him my whole life. What do you want, it’s Scott, isn’t it?

Yes, and I’d like French toast with a couple of eggs and a large milk.

What do you want, Pat, the usual?

Yes, and the toast on the burnt side. Come on Scott; let’s find us a place to sit. What about that booth over by the window?

After we got settled and he had his coffee poured that look came back and I knew he was going to tell me what he had been putting off since the first time we looked at each other.

"You know, Scott, I have four children, well, at least I did. My oldest was named after me, Patrick John O’Grady and we called him Butchy. Then came your dad, John Christopher O’Grady, but everyone called him JC for short. Right after JC came your Aunt Elizabeth Ann O’Grady, my only girl. We thought we were through but along came your uncle, Edward Thomas O’Grady, who from day one looked as Irish as Patty’s Pig.

All our children were born very close together and grew up in a rough and tumble environment from day one. They were all for one and one for all. Now don’t get me wrong, they had their battles between each other but they never let any outsiders take advantage of one of their family.

As I watched Pop, I could see that what he was telling me was really tearing his heart out. So when the food came, I suggested we eat and talk later because I was really hungry. He agreed and we dug in and were silent until Jim came over and slid in alongside me.

How you doing, Scott? What are you going to do for the summer?

I wiped my mouth and told him, I start work with Kenny Westman tomorrow morning at 4a.m.

He didn’t say anything, though I think he wanted to, but instead he said, Then maybe I’ll see you, we use Kenny sometimes. Hey Pat, whatever happened to the Nomad?

My grandfather didn’t even look up, all he