Tracy looked annoyed, but answered Jean’s question. “Maybe you’re right. I’ll file a police report tomorrow. It would mean calling Nick as a witness though.”
Nick called her bluff. “Absolutely. I’ll let you make the decision. Look… I’ll be honest with you. Everyone here at the table knows what you do for a living, even my daughter.”
“Huh?” Tracy couldn’t hide the stunned reaction to Nick’s statement. “How… I mean-”
“My Mom and I have been through a lot of bad things,” Jean interrupted. “We know you didn’t get thrown off a boat by accident. It doesn’t matter. We’re glad you’re okay.”
“I never thought I was that obvious,” Tracy said after taking a big gulp of wine.
“It’s a hardness and cunning in your eyes, honey,” Tina said. “Plus… you happen to be in a group that’s been around the block a few times. Jean’s seen death before. We understand if you don’t want to go the police route.”
“Thank you… I don’t.” Tracy toasted with her wine glass. “Thanks for saving my life, Nick.”
Nick acknowledged her thanks with his beer. “It was a joint effort. I think maybe a change of lifestyle might be a good idea for you.”
“I think maybe you’re right,” Tracy admitted with a sheepish grin that for a moment cast the impression of a twenty-two year old.
*
Their driver Jake Montrose, a six foot, three inch, gray haired ex-con with lean features, and a glowing outlook on life and his clients, opened the limousine door for Nick and his crew. “Thanks for this, Nick. It couldn’t have come at a better time. I’ve been a little slow lately.”
“The way Jean here killed zombies at the 7 D Experience, we’ll need to make the journey more often.” Nick helped Rachel, Jean, and Tina out, but shunned Gus. Jake retrieved their packages, and Nick’s equipment bag from the trunk. Nick handed Jake an envelope.
Jake hefted it. “This feels a little heavy, Nick.”
“You’re worth it. I’ll call you soon.” Nick shook hands with him, and Jake waved at the others before leaving.
“It was a smart decision to have Jake drive us all,” Rachel said. “That was a strange night on the town. Good in the end… but strange.”
“It’s black zombie hoodie morning tomorrow,” Jean announced. “Don’t forget Uncle Gus. We are going to be so cool.”
“I’ll be here in the uniform of the day. C’mon, Tina, let’s go. I have to wash my zombie hoodie. It’s contaminated with people who don’t listen about dressing warm vibes.”
Tina gasped, and went for Gus, but he spun and streaked for his car. “See ya’ tomorrow, Nick.”
“If he lives,” Tina called out as she lost the race to the car.
“I didn’t get to say my famous line,” Nick complained.
Almost in sync, Rachel and Jean repeated it for him. “I’m right every time, and no one listens. It’s my curse.”
“Exactly.”
“C’mon, Jean, it’s almost eleven on a school night. Get your teeth brushed, and get to bed. I don’t want you falling asleep in class.”
“Okay.” Jean followed her Mom inside with Nick close behind. Deke danced against them in his usual welcoming routine, complete with leaps and streaks back and forth.
“Calm down, Dekester,” Nick ordered.
Deke immediately sat down next to Nick while he hugged Jean. “You did super tonight, kid. This should be an entertaining walk tomorrow. I wish we could have gotten Deke one.”
“Thanks for helping that lady, Dad. She was nice, even though her job’s not too good.”
“It worked out. I’ll check tomorrow morning, and make sure the Shalimar leaves port. Goodnight Danger.”
Jean’s features took on a serious tone as she stepped away from Nick. “I want you to call me Jean from now on. I’ve grown out of the Danger Girl tag.”
“Jean it is,” Nick agreed solemnly, wondering what happened to Danger Girl while he wasn’t looking.
“Thanks. Goodnight, Dad. That was a blast. Goodnight, Mom. Don’t keep Dad up too late with your perverted appetites.”
The race to the stairwell was won by Jean the Assassin.
*
“Having a nightcap I see.” Rachel sat down next to Nick in her silk robe, drying her hair, while watching him type away on his laptop.
“Yep, and it’s good too.” Nick sipped from his double shot glass contentedly. “San Francisco drew our fog north. Since it’s clear down here tonight, I figured to sip one, write a Diego scene, and look at the clear sky over the ocean for a change. Did you get Jean back for that hateful remark before you took your shower?”
“No, but I will have my revenge. Hateful? You were laughing your ass off.”
“Don’t give it a thought. I like your perverted appetites.”
“Are you going to kill Tracy?”
Nick sipped his drink, realizing not for the first time, that Rachel knew his way of thinking better even than Gus. “I don’t know. It all depends on if she’s smart enough to stay under the radar. I don’t think she will, but maybe I’ll be wrong this time. She pulled something a little like you did on Tanus.”