Nick sent the movie. Paul called ten minutes later.
“Oh my God in heaven,” Paul stated with solemn sounds. “That was an incredible blast. Bloody awesome is the only way to describe it. Homeland and the FBI task force has reached the scene with the usual stunned comments of disbelief at the arsenal you guys uncovered. I don’t know how many hundreds of lives you guys saved, but the pressure will be on DC after your video hits YouTube.”
“Ohio is a crucial voter state. I know we’re going to piss off a lot of people, but the facts can’t get swept away in the usual political doubletalk. I’ll call you when we get on the road to Pacific Grove. I’m hoping we can get home for an uneventful wedding that’s in the works.”
“I believe a low profile for the time being is an excellent plan, Nick. I’ll talk with you later.”
Nick relaxed in his seat. “Jean will be out of school soon. June’s right around the corner with weddings on tap. We must put our superhero capes away for the time being my friends. We’ve saved the heartland of America, executed a couple of Isis cells, and uncovered arsenals of weapons. We need to break for family time, and of course morning beach time with a bit of celebratory Irish elixir.”
“Amen to that, brother,” Gus said. “I overheard Jean talking to Sonny about playing sports. That will require coaches and helpers.”
“I can handle helping out in support of any sport,” Nick said. “How about you, John? Want to practice coaching kids for when you and Cala conceive a brood of Kabongs?”
“It would indeed be a very eerie pastime in between our other rather murderous calling. You will have to train Deke on how to be a team mascot.”
“He’ll do anything for a beer, so I doubt I’ll have much trouble. I wonder which sport is on tap for this time of year. I heard Jean talking to Rachel, and most sports end by this month rather than begin. I did hear her say something about coed summer camps with all the usual activities.”
“Dumped for the boyfriend, huh Muerto? You could volunteer to be a camp counselor,” Gus advised. “I’ll bet the kids would be thrilled to have their very own ‘Jason’ to run their summer camp.”
“I’ll have you know I’d be a great summer camp counselor,” Nick replied. “I remember quite a bit from my Delta Force days. I’ll get those kids into shape.”
“Forget I mentioned it.”
“What? Kids crave discipline. They love having parameters and guidelines. By the time their day is over, they’ll sleep like babies. Then the fun begins when I get to put on my hockey mask and patrol the grounds.”
Gus and John stayed silent, doing shunning gestures with their hands held close to the sides of their faces nearest Nick.
“You guys are no fun. I hope Jean asks me to try and get hired on for the camp,” Nick joked. “I’ll be a legend by summer’s end.”
“By the end of the first week, the parents will have formed a posse and burned you at the stake. Please don’t even joke about being a camp counselor. You’ll send Rachel into fits of angst wondering if you’re serious or not. She knows you’d do it just to tweak her.”
“Relax, Payaso. I’ll behave. It will be the simple pleasures in these last few weeks before school’s out: walking Deke and Jean to the school, going down to the beach with baby Quinn so I don’t have to listen to Rachel whine, and sip a couple of Irish coffees with whoever else wants to come.”
“After all this, I am thinking of joining the walk to school with you and Payaso.”
“Good idea, Kabong. With the walk already part of your daily routine, the lovely Cala will have to accept it.”
“Sorry, Muerto. Once I am with the lovely Cala in matrimony, I will blow you two off on mornings in a heartbeat.”
*
At the rented mansion in Seattle once again after making sure his bags were inside, Nick turned to shake hands with Clyde Bacall. “Thanks for everything, Clyde.”
“Anytime, Nick. With what you’re paying me, I’ll steal a jet to take you anywhere you want to go.”
“Not necessary, my friend. We have to keep your boss in power though. These next couple of weeks will be crucial. Give me a call if you notice anything I can help with. I need Paul in power at the Company.”
“He’s the best. I will call you if I see a problem fixable with murder and mayhem.”
Nick smiled. “I see you haven’t lost your edge.”
“Not hardly, but I know where the boundaries are, and one of them is never, ever crossing you or this dog.” Clyde gave the prancing Deke a roughing up.
“That is a good rule to live by. Keep me in mind seriously if you do notice anything I can help with.”