The Parson’s Son: Prairie Preacher Series # 25

By PJ Hoge

Miklos Sarantakis had always been a decent sort, quite religious, and believed strongly in family. He felt that family was the most important thing on earth—the love of a good wife and children. If blessed to have that, he would do anything to protect and maintain it. When his dream life was endangered, he began to make compromises to maintain his family. Then the compromises of moral standards went too far. After paying the consequences, his dream was even more diminished. Now it seemed that even having a normal life might be out of his reach.

But the winter holidays, filled with families and love, renewed Mick’s desire. Would he ever have the life he craved? Or was it there, just in a different way than he had imagined?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Sep 27, 2018
• ISBN: 9781984555632

PJ Hoge

P J HOGE grew up in Washington state and North Dakota. After attending the University of Wisconsin-Madison, PJ worked as a Cytotechnologist for many years. PJ’s family farmed in central North Dakota until the mid-1980”s when they relocated to Nevada, where she still resides. PJ is the author of the Prairie Preacher series.

Book preview

Copyright © 2018 by PJ Hoge.

Library of Congress Control Number:    2018911490

ISBN:                  Hardcover                        978-1-9845-5561-8

                            Softcover                          978-1-9845-5562-5

                            eBook                               978-1-9845-5563-2

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, names, incidents, organizations, and dialogue in this novel are either the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

Rev. date: 09/26/2018

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Contents

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

30

31

32

33

34

35

36

37

38

39

40

41

42

43

Special very thanks to Mike H,

and the Thompsons

1

That December morning in 1972, Mick was working in the hangar in the central North Dakota rural town of Merton as he waited for the small plane. He was working on the linear actuator of the helicopter while waiting for his boss, who was also his best friend, Crandall, to arrive. Crandall was arriving in Merton after a trip to Abbott Island, for the memorial service of Moira. Moira was Mick’s cousin, but Mick had been there for the funeral. This was a three-month memorial for her, in accordance with her Greek Orthodox faith. Mick would have gone along, but Mick was waiting to hear from his attorney regarding visitation of his son, Ted.

Mick remembered back the nearly eighteen years when Crandall and Moira began their relationship. A few months after they had been introduced through Mick, Crandall and Moira became a couple and seemed meant for each other. She even understood Crandall’s independent ways. He always proclaimed that he didn’t want a family or a commitment. They eventually lived together on the Grand Caymans, where Crandall headquartered his charter flight service, Crandair. Crandall was not the domesticated kind and never settled down.

For his part, Mick had met Sophia Florian in Miami. She was a few years younger than he was and had the body of a glamour model. She was a ravishing brunette with sultry hazel eyes and a seductive charm. She knew the effect she had on men and was not shy about using it. He was completely smitten and could hardly think of anything else.

When Crandall and Moira moved to the Caymans, Crandall invited Mick to join him in the operation of the small private plane service. Mick did for a short time, but it was killing him to be away from Sophia. Within months, he moved back to Miami, to try to win her heart. He missed Moira and Crandall, but he was so blindly in love. He could barely keep from panting when he followed her around like a lost puppy. Crandall and Moira both tried to convince him that she was trouble, but he couldn’t believe it.

As for Sophia, his absence did not make her heart grow fonder. She enjoyed the bright lights, laughter, and music. Waiting for any man would never stand in her way of a party. The world was her oyster, and she had developed a great fondness for Oyster Rockefeller.

Sophia was very different from Mick. Back then, Miklos Sarantakis was a thirty-two year old, five-foot eleven, well-built, good-looking man. He had jet-black hair and dark, brown eyes with a tanned complexion. He turned many heads, but the only person he had eyes for was Sophia. He was unassuming and just one of the boys. Even though he was an airplane mechanic and piloted both planes and helicopters, he never thought he was hot stuff. He worked in a smaller airport. He would have been content, because he was in Miami most of the time, and that was where Sophia lived, if only she had given him her heart.

He was a quiet, loyal, responsible, principled man. He had a great sense of humor and was a lot of fun, no doubt, but he was not as wild as most of his co-workers. He seemed to know the line not to cross between fun and recklessness. He was also rather religious and attended church regularly, unlike most of the young, single men he worked with. Thus he earned his nickname, the Parson. He never expounded about religion or was judgmental, but lived by the principles his believed and his philosophy of minding his own business.

Sophia and her sister, Anastasia called Stassy, were very close and looked a lot alike, although Stassy had reddish blonde hair and her eyes were green. The two girls shared an apartment in Miami. Stassy was an outrageous flirt and in and out of more backseats than a Ford upholsterer. While she didn’t work at a job, she was always working an angle. She managed to get their kitchen stove repaired by being friendly with a repairman. She never paid a mechanic bill in her life and always ate well. When she dined out, nearly every night, she ordered a lot and took home doggy bags. Mick didn’t think that he ever saw any food at their apartment that wasn’t a fancy restaurant leftover. If you weren’t too fussy about who bit into it first, it was usually rather good.

While he didn’t appreciate Stassy’s behavior, it wasn’t his place to say anything. Besides, she was Sophia’s sister and that was important. Family was very important to Mick. Because he cherished his own family, he would never interfere with anyone else being close to theirs. Dealing with Stassy was just part of being with Sophia.

Maybe it was the fact that he was persistent or easy going, but eventually, Sophia agreed to marry him. He wanted an Orthodox wedding and hoped to have Crandall be his best man and have his family attend. However, Sophia didn’t believe in God or all that fuss. He made his first major concession, although he had already made millions of little ones. He settled for a justice of the peace, with Stassy and her beau du jour that Mick had only seen a couple times. He seemed like a decent sort, better than most of the men Stassy drug home. He didn’t know his real name was Norbert until he signed the marriage license as a witness. Stassy only called him Bertie. Bertie was a tall, gangly man with light blue eyes and wild, red hair, likely from his Scandinavian ancestry. They made a funny looking bunch, since Mick and Sophia were so much darker than Stassy and Bertie. Stassy moved into Bertie’s place at first. Bertie hung around for a while, but after he realized that Stassy was about as loyal as a mosquito in a blood bank, he couldn’t take it and left. Stassy only shrugged and found other playmates. She moved in with Sophia and Mick again.

Regardless of the fact that it wasn’t what Mick wanted, he did have his Sophia. His wonderful Sophia. Things were marvelous the first month or so. Sophia got a job at a local department store and seemed to take an interest in a real middle class life. Very soon, she became bored with it. Not enough fun, money, stuff, money, parties, or money. She didn’t like the idea of a budget or staying home on a weekend night. She missed her friends at the clubs she had frequented and the partying.

Before long, she was going out anyway. Mick found himself coming home and doing household chores. She left work and went directly to have a ‘few drinks with the girls’. He made supper, which she sometimes came home to eat. Things were pretty shaky, but crazy enough, at that time, it was Stassy who kept things in balance.

Stassy had discovered that she was pregnant. She had no idea who was the father, but thought it might be the carrot-haired Bertie. He had left and she didn’t even know where to find him. Apparently, she while she was busy having fun, he wanted to get serious, she shut down the romance. By the time she wanted to be serious, he was already gone.

As long as Mick was there, he could pay the rent, do repairs, and be the vending machine. She was the one who encouraged Sophia to be home enough to at least keep Mick from leaving. And Mick knew it. Why he didn’t just walk then he had never been able to figure out, but he stayed. She curtailed some of the running around and things did improve between Sophia and Mick. Before long, they had great news. They learned that they were expecting a baby. It would be about six weeks younger than Stassy’s child.

It was rather nice, because the girls were a great support for each other. Neither of them ran around much, nor could they drink, thanks to morning sickness. Their stomachs did not tolerate it. Mick didn’t care why or about the fact that he was supporting two women, he had his Sophia and they were expecting their first-born child. He was in seventh heaven.

Then he was called up, since he was in the Reserves. It was like a gut punch to Mick, but he knew it was a possibility when he signed the papers for the Reserves. His new family needed the money, so he took the chance he wouldn’t be called up, and lost. He had to leave his pregnant Sophia in their apartment with her pregnant sister. He sent his check home for them and they were comfortable. At least they had each other. He was glad for that, since they had no other family. He was disappointed he would not be there for his child’s birth.

Five and half months later, he heard in a letter from Sophia that Stassy had a baby boy, Wesley Norbert Florian. He was a strong, healthy blond baby with blue eyes. Mick was pleased for Stassy, and also excited that Sophia was so happy about it. Her interest in their own baby seemed to have increased after little Wesley’s birth.

Five weeks later, Theodore Robert Sarantakis was born. Sophia wrote that he looked like his daddy, with jet black hair and dark brown eyes. She was so proud of him and seemed to be happy. Her letters were filled with stories about the two boys, who shared a crib and playpen. The girls joked that their sons were like them. Stassy and her son were very fair, while Sophia and her son were dark. She sent him a color photograph of his son, which he kept in his wallet.

However, once the girls were no longer pregnant, they returned to the nightclub circuit. They took turns babysitting or hired the teenager down the hall. Mick received fewer and fewer letters. Within a couple months or so, there were none.

It seemed forever before he returned to Miami, completing his sixteen-month tour. Sophia met him at the airport, holding Teddy. He was a cute little guy, and of course, Mick thought the boy was a sweetheart. Sophia was less than welcoming. Mick decided maybe she was nervous, since he had been away. When they got to the apartment, she put Teddy down for his nap and broke the news to Mick.

She was in love. Not with him, but with a man she had met at one of the clubs. He was a manager in a department store chain and made a lot of money. She pointed out that Mick would never have that kind of money, so he didn’t need to bother. The new guy had it all, looks, personality, and money. Then she handed him the divorce papers and told him that he could stay at the apartment until he found another place. After all, she wasn’t heartless.

He was devastated. He went into the boys’ bedroom, kissed the back of his head, which was covered thick, dark hair and then patted his little son on the back. He turned around and left the apartment. After that, he only communicated with Sophia through attorneys.

He was decimated. Not knowing what to do, he moved to the Caymans to work with Crandall. He was only there a few months, and while he liked being with Moira and Crandall and loved the work, he missed Sophia and his son terribly. He was desperate to have a relationship with his son. When he saw an ad in the Miami paper for a mechanic-pilot, he called them.

Parawan Air had a couple main offices and one was in Miami. He discovered that the pay was top shelf and they had an opening in the Miami hub. However, he also knew that Parawan had a dubious reputation. The rumors flew that they trafficked drugs and arms, but so far, had never been convicted of anything concrete. Maybe it was all a jealous rumor.

That slowed Mick down, but he was so attracted to the money, almost three times what he was making with Crandall. He wouldn’t be flying that often, and mostly be in Miami. That was where his beloved Sophia was with his son. Maybe he would have a chance to renew their romance, or at the very least, see his little boy.

When he told Moira and Crandall he was leaving, they were dismayed. They both told him that he was knocking on trouble’s back door with that job and that likely Sophia wouldn’t stick with him anyway. But he wanted to be part of his son’s life, with or without Sophia, and he couldn’t do that unless he was in Miami. So, he moved to Miami and took the job at Parawan.

Mick shook his head when he thought of it. Even though it turned out to be a bad decision, he never regretted moving back for his son. If only things had turned out differently.

The phone rang and interrupted his thoughts. It was Crandall, calling from the airport in Rapid City, South Dakota.

We’ll be in about two. Crandall said, We’re going to eat and fuel up here. It’ll be so good to get to Merton again. How cold is it there?

Mick chuckled, You know that expression-colder than a well-digger’s ass? Well, it’s twice that cold! How did I ever let you talk me into this? I’ve never been this cold in my life.

Ah, you love it! Crandall laughed, It is just what you need.

According to you? Mick asked, I believe I’m more the warm weather species.

You are a species alright. So, what time is the Christmas program tonight?

I think seven. We’re going to milk early. So get up here, and grab your milk pail.

You didn’t tell Lorelei that we’d be back, did you?

Nope. Everyone is keeping as mum as possible. Mick chuckled, And that is not easy for Miss Clarissa. She is all worried that her head will burst open before tonight because she wants to tell so bad. Where did they find her?

I don’t know, but she is quite the Clarissa. Crandall said, Well, better get moving. See you in a few.

2

Mick put on his prescription safety glasses and went back to his work on the actuator. He was becoming involved in it when the phone rang again. It was his friend, Martha Anderson. She said, Hi Mick. Are you free for lunch?

Sure, but aren’t you at school?

Today is a short day. I forgot that we get out at noon today! I’d love to buy you lunch at the Hen House, if you can.

Name the time and I’ll be there! Mick chuckled.

Well, if you have the car, could pick me up at the school in ten minutes or so and we could go.

In front or the parking lot?

In front. I just have to gather my things. See you in a bit.

Mick had met Martha that fall through Crandall and his friends in North Dakota. She was an upbeat person, quiet with a great sense of humor, and very grounded. In her early forties, she had a nice figure and pleasant looks. Her hair was a very light brown and she had big ocean blue eyes. The best part was her smile. When she spoke to people with her soft voice, she made them feel like they were the most important person in the room. Mick was very taken with her and delighted that she seemed to like him, too. He wondered why he couldn’t have met her before he met Sophia. Then he shrugged, realizing that he had no doubt passed up many nice ladies while so enamored with Sophia. He had dated many women before he met Sophia and had quite a reputation as a ladies’ man. But once he met dear Sophia, he never looked at another woman. What an idiot.

He straightened up his work area and washed up. After closing the shop, he got into the car owned by Crandair. Mick made his way across the tiny town of Merton. It wasn’t so far that they couldn’t have easily walked, but the outdoor temperature of three below zero discouraged that.

Martha taught history at St. John’s Catholic school, and they were closing early to begin the Christmas vacation. Mick waited in the car the few minutes before the joyful students began to emerge from the school. Almost every student in all twelve grades was smiling and excited to be starting the two-week vacation.

When Mick saw Martha, he opened the passenger door. He took the pile of books she was carrying and put them in the backseat. He chuckled, I thought you had a vacation! How much work did you bring home anyway?

A bunch. The children have vacation, but the teachers have work to do. She smiled, as she got in. When he got in the driver’s side, she added, And after vacation, some of the kids have to hand in their Ancient History term papers. So I’ll be busy again!

Hm, why did you tell them to hand it in then? You give the assignments! He teased, So they would have to spend their vacation working, too?

She scrunched her face, Look Dude, you’re supposed to be on my side!

Oh, he laughed, I forgot. Since you’re buying lunch, I’ll be on your side.

Very considerate of you. She smiled, Had a busy morning?

I’m working on the actuator of the helicopter and waiting for Crandall to fly in. He called right before you and said they are in Rapid City. They are going to eat there before they come up.

Good, we have time then. Martha nodded, Did someone spill the beans? Or will it be a surprise to Lorelei that they are coming home?

No one told her that I know of, but the kids are having a time keeping it under their hats. Little Clarissa is about bananas. She isn’t good a keeping secrets.

She is sure a pistol, isn’t she?

As the couple entered the little café and sat in one of the wooden booths, Martha asked, as she put her reading glasses on to look at the menu, Have you heard any more from Mr. Wolf about seeing Teddy?

No. I’ll call him this afternoon if I don’t hear anything before then. He was trying to get a response from Sophia’s attorney. Even though they acknowledge I definitely have the right, I still haven’t even been able to talk to him. Seems the boy is very busy. He must belong to every organization ever created and goes to bed before seven every night! If he is awake, he isn’t home or critically ill. Mick frowned, I know she is trying to pull one over. What damage can a phone call do? May I borrow your glasses?

She handed them to him, She certainly seems selfish. My goodness, doesn’t she think that Teddy might want to speak to his father?

He looked at the menu and made his choice, before he handed the glasses back to her, Well maybe not. I last saw him when he was about eighteen months old. He doesn’t know me from a hole in the ground, and I doubt he’s ever heard anything good about me.

However, he is your son and maybe he is curious what you’re like.

Do you think I might be better off to let it go? I mean, when I tell him why I haven’t seen him, he may be less than impressed.

Mick, just tell him the truth. Then it is up to him.

True, but I can’t imagine how it’d feel to know your father was in prison. I was always proud of my dad.

Mick, you made a mistake, but it wasn’t like you were a criminal. I mean a bad guy. She grinned self-consciously, That isn’t what I meant. You know.

You mean not a violent offender? Mick grinned, You should’ve been a judge. I could have used you back then.

Mick, you explained what happened. Some of it was not your fault.

Yah, it really was. I knew I should never have hired on with Parawan. There was a reason they paid three times more than anyone else. Granted, I never knowingly flew contraband, but I wasn’t surprised that I did. When I worked other places, the thought never entered my mind. With those guys, it always did. I would check as best I could, but I knew it was a risk. I was so damned blinded by wanting to make enough money to impress Sophia, that’s all I could see.

Did she marry that department store manager? Did you get to see Teddy a lot in Miami then, or not?

No. She lived with him and they moved to Sarasota shortly after I came back to Miami. She had already split with him before I was arrested. That was part of the problem. I was so dumb I thought when she broke up with him, that I had a chance. I was amazingly stupid.

Why did she move to Sarasota? Did she have another boyfriend?

No, that time it was Stassy who had a sugar daddy. And Sophia’s fella was deciding to go back to his wife, so they moved to Sarasota for free rent. Mick thanked the waitress who brought their lunch. I never had any better luck seeing Teddy then than I do now. Only reason I knew where she was, because I sent the child support check to her address. When I would get off to go up, she’d have plans somewhere else. So, I only saw him one other time before I was arrested. It was about seven months later when I flew that run from Barbados to St. Augustine, Florida. I remember thinking when Luis offered me a bonus to make a couple undocumented stops that I’d have enough money to take time off and go stay in Sarasota. I had the notion if I bought Sophia a new car, she might consider taking me back. The bonus money was what I was going to use.

I don’t get how you got into so much trouble. I have heard of armed robbers that got shorter sentences.

Luis wanted me to stop at a tiny airstrip near the Glades in Florida to pick up this other pilot and drop him in northern Florida. He spoke no English and needed a lift. I knew only that his name was Jorge. I was told that he was an illegal and wanted to see his family. It was like a humanitarian thing. He was a friend of Parawan’s owners. I told myself it was no big deal. Honestly, I knew that he must be trouble because they were paying me a fat bonus to ‘give him a lift’. Everything went well until we landed outside Ocala, on a private airstrip of a thoroughbred horse farm. We no more than deplaned when we were surrounded by half the cops in Florida. Then it was all over but the shouting.

Martha listened and then nodded, I thought you were able to prove that you thought you were only flying mechanical parts and not drugs.

Yes, but the drugs were still there, and lots of them. Don’t forget, I did know I was picking up this Jorge. What I didn’t know was that he was wanted for possession, intent to sell, gun running, smuggling a controlled substance, and who knows what else! I hadn’t documented the stops or put it in my flight plan. Even if I thought he was only an illegal, I knew I was breaking the law. Here I was, flying the man around like a chauffeur. I was in it up to my eyeballs! Mick shrugged, Honestly, I was lucky I only got the sentence that I got. Working for Parawan was not to my credit.

Seems sixteen years is a long time, but anyway, Martha smiled and patted his hand, I’m still glad that it is the past. And if Teddy ever got to know you, he’d be proud of you. You’re a fine man.

You are a sweetheart, Mick smiled. I’m so glad I met you.

See? If everything hadn’t been how it was, we’d likely have never met.

Well, I’m pretty sure your life was much more respectable than mine.

Glad you think so, but you know; few live to be forty without scraping the bottom of the barrel a time or two.

I don’t believe you ever did any scraping. You’re too nice.

Now I think you should be the judge. Martha laughed softly, Sometime when it is more private, I’ll tell you the Tale of Martha.

Mick looked at her quizzically and smiled, I’m rather certain that your worst day wouldn’t hold a candle to me.

She raised an eyebrow and asked seriously, Is this a contest? And who wins?

I know, sorry. I am in a funk today. I’m not very good company. I have been thinking this business with Teddy to death and dredging up old memories best left in the trash heap.

I do that sometimes, too. I guess it is necessary to do it from time to time. You know, as a check to make sure we aren’t going down the same old path.

I hope that’s not the case. Mick straightened up and smiled at the pretty lady sitting across from him, And why I’m pouring sad sack all over this lunch is beyond me! I am very glad you called and I promise to not be a dreary dear anymore.

It’s quite alright. Martha patted his hand, So, have you got your Christmas shopping finished?

He grinned, Haven’t even started.

She wrinkled her eyebrow, You do realize that it is only a few days away, don’t you?

This is the twenty-second. I suppose you have yours all finished.

No. I still have some to do.

Oh. What do you say that we make a day of it tomorrow? I’ll pick you up and we can go to Bismarck or Minot and shop? Would that work?

Will you be free? What if Wolf calls?

Martha, I’m not going to sit here and wait for the phone to ring. I really doubt that I’ll get to talk to Ted before Christmas anyway. I’d rather spend the day with you.

She studied his face and then said, Truthfully?

Yes, certain of it. Besides, now I owe you a lunch. He teased with a grin, And you know that we rarely spend time when it is just the two of us. I think I’d like to do that.

She smiled, So would I. What time?

Can I call you after I talk to Crandall when he gets in?

Sure. Will you be at the Christmas program tonight at Trinity?

I can’t believe you asked! I live with Clarissa and CJ! My life wouldn’t be worth much if I didn’t attend. You know, we all have to applaud for CJ and go ooooh and aaaaah over Clarissa. That little monkey even made us practice it while we did chores. If it isn’t done with the proper flourish, we’ll hear about it the next morning at breakfast! Mick laughed, They’re quite the little kids!

Clarissa and Maddie Lynn are very good singers, but don’t tell me that CJ is going to play his accordion in the program!

No. He has a part, which is a secret. He and Charlie practiced together so no one else hears them. I often wonder what those two boys will ever be. If it is anything like their eight-year old selves, it will be something!

They are funny little guys. Clarence is only a year older and he is so responsible and quiet. I often wonder how that happened.

Easy. Clarence was made responsible for the four younger kids while his folks were off drinking. If something went awry, he got whipped. Apparently, worrying was Clarence’s job and procuring food was CJ’s job. You know that kid always has food with him, day or night?

Surely not at school or church?

You’d be wrong. He almost always has a sandwich, squashed flat in one of his pockets.

Sounds delicious. Martha smiled, Have you decided when you’re going to Des Moines to see your parents?

More or less. I’ll be going down between Christmas and New Years. They will have all the grandkids home and be busy over Christmas. I think that Mallory wants to come, too. You know, they are her family, too.

I always forget that. Is Crandall going?

I don’t know. He might, but depends on how busy we are. Mick said, What plans do you have—besides homework?

I guess just family events.

Do you have a lot of friends still in Lexington that you visit with?

Not really. Even though I lived there twenty years, I had few close friends. Those I don’t see anymore. I want to build new relationships.

That’s nice. If you get the wanderlust, would you consider a trip to Des Moines.

She looked at him with a bit of surprise, Are you inviting me to meet your family?

He seemed taken back, but thought and smiled, I guess I am. We aren’t much, but if you ever wondered how those crazy Greeks celebrate Christmas, you’d find out.

Why, I have tossed and turned wondering about that.

Yah, I’m sure, he laughed. Really, I’d like you to come, if you can. It would be fun.

Oh, I don’t know. It might be presumptuous. I mean, we hardly know each other.

If you feel uncomfortable, I get it. But I’d like you to meet my family. Think about it, okay? Martha… Mick took her hand and started to say something and then quit.

She smiled at him and he said, I’ll talk to you later, when it is more private, but you mean a lot to me. I hope you know that.

I do, and you mean a lot to me, too. We’ll talk tomorrow when we have more time.

Sounds great. Mick seemed relieved, So, how many do you have to shop for?

I have to get something for Little Bill and then Crandall. Do you have any ideas?

I can ask Clarence or CJ about Little Bill, but Crandall would be happy that anyone remembered him. He is easy.

You only think so because you’ve known him forever. I don’t know him that well.

He likes… well, he enjoys, err…

You have no idea, do you?

Not really. Not a clue.

I can see tomorrow will be an adventure.

3

The two had a good lunch and then Mick took her to her brother’s house where she lived. He helped her carry her pile of books in and gave her0 a kiss on the cheek before he left to go back to work. Thanks for inviting me to lunch today. That was very nice.

You’re welcome. I thought it was fun to celebrate the beginning of vacation with you. See you tonight?

Yes. I think that Nora invited you all to their place for cake and coffee after the program. Will you be there?

I will. You know Doug and Julie will be there.

I know, but it’s not the same as if I pick you up.

Well, if you borrow a car, give me a call. Otherwise, I’ll meet you there.

Mick unlocked the hangar and went back to work. He was deep in thought. He really liked Martha, more than anyone he had ever met. He hadn’t known her very long, maybe three or four months, but it had been nice. No drama, no competition, no jealousy-inducing flirtations. They were just good friends who were interested in each other. They enjoyed being together and seemed relaxed around each other.

Maybe it was their age. Neither one of them was a youngster and both were very down to earth. Mick was amazed that anyone so easy to be with could matter so much to him. He had been of the idea that if you were in love, you probably had heart palpitations at all times. Things had to be electrifying and enticing every moment, constantly filled with strong emotions and flashing fireworks. He always thought that to give that up would also mean to lose some of the excitement and zest of life.

Now that he knew Martha better, he realized that was not true. Having your feelings dashed about like some much driftwood on a rocky beach, may be exhilarating; but it was hardly a good feeling. Instead, with Martha, it was calm, tranquil, and comfortable. He simply liked being with her and felt better when she was there. They were just themselves, no pretense, or games. He loved it and hoped that she did as much as he did.

He hadn’t pushed the relationship with Martha and kept things uncomplicated. He had to admit that he wanted more, but didn’t feel that he should move for more yet. This time he wanted to use his head. He had no home or car of his own. He had only been out of prison less than a year. No, he was not in the position to make a major commitment, even though that was where his heart was leaning.

Why he sat there and invited her to meet his family astounded him! He did really want her to come along and to meet them. Even more, he wanted to show his family that he had met such a nice person. Realistically, it was likely too soon. Then again, they weren’t teenagers and didn’t have forever left anymore. He shook his head. He knew he wasn’t his own best advisor. His best friend, Crandall, was no better than he. He had to laugh aloud. He guessed if he wanted any good advice, he would have to ask Martha.

He wished he could get things sorted out with Teddy before long, because with that situation in the air, he spent a lot of his time rethinking those old feelings. Things that had led him down a bad path. He didn’t like reliving the turmoil with Sophia, but maybe it served to teach a good lesson. He knew he never wanted to get into something like that again. Ever.

Mick had been thinking that he needed to get some wheels of his own. Even though he always had a car to borrow, it felt a bit silly having to ask all the time. He had only taken his driver’s test a couple months ago! He decided he would ask Kevin the next time he saw him if he knew of an old used car he could buy. Then he would feel a bit more independent. Golly, fifty-years old and still having to ask to borrow the car! Pathetic.

He heard the phone and took off his prescription safety glasses before he answered. It was Mr. Wolf, his attorney. Hello Mick. I’m sorry to have put you off so long, but I did finally get word back from Mr. Brinkman. Yea gads. That is like trying to corner a hyperactive ant. Would you happen to be coming into town this afternoon or tomorrow?

Tomorrow.

Could you stop by my office? I’d like to talk to you in person about it.

Not good, huh?

No, but not insurmountable either. We need to discuss our options.

Okay, what time?

I have a free slot at ten or three-thirty. If those don’t work, I’ll try to shuffle stuff around to fit you in. We need to talk.

Ten will be fine. Should I worry?

Not really. We just need to decide on the path we want to pursue.

Okay. Ten. Thanks.

Mick sat back down at the workbench and put his glasses on. It wasn’t two minutes, before he took them off and dropped his head in his hands. He had a deep foreboding and felt very uneasy about this whole endeavor.

He wanted to see his son, or at least, talk to him. The last time he saw the boy was when he had driven up to Sarasota. Sophia didn’t expect him and was less than enthusiastic about him being there. She was expecting a gentleman guest and limited his time drastically. Ted was about a year and a half old. The little guy didn’t recognize Mick and cried when he picked him up. Sophia grabbed the child away from his arms and told him he to leave. Stassy wasn’t home but her little boy, whom they called Buddy, was there in the playpen with Teddy. Mick almost begged to stay for a bit, but Sophia started to screech obscenities at him. Then Buddy started to cry, too. So, he left. That was the last memory of his son. The boy was crying his heart out and the whole place was in an uproar.

When he talked to his attorney at the time, the man was going to get court ordered visitation set up for him. The first appointment was finally set up. However, he was in jail awaiting trial when the visitation date came and went.

When Mick was sentenced, he made an agreement with Sophia through their attorneys about Teddy. Mick would set it up from the trust from his grandfather’s inheritance so Sophia would receive a generous child support monthly all throughout his sentence. There would be funds set aside from that trust to pay for Ted’s college and continue his support payments until he was twenty-three, if he attended college.

They also agreed that Sophia would not bring Teddy to the prison to see his father, since neither thought that would be a good situation. However, she would