*
Nick sat on his balcony writing a scene in his new novel ‘Dark Interlude’ with his assassin Diego working to free the temptress/betrayer/black widow Fatima from a dangerous contact in the underworld of the European Union she sold out for money. Deke lie wrapped around the chair with his head resting on Nick’s foot. So into the Fatima scene, Nick barely glanced out at the ocean panorama outside the window. He took the time to stop for just that reason as he typed past the two thousand word mark for the day, leaving ‘Dark Interlude’ at an exciting spot to rejoin his plot the next morning. He sipped his Bushmill’s Whiskey, well aware of the next jaunt ahead after Paul checked into the basic information Phil’s files had provided. Paul now had real names and pictures to find the five men who crossed over from Canada using the passports provided by Salvatore.
Rachel peeked through the balcony doorway with Jean next to her. “It’s nearly nine. You won’t try to axe us like Jack Nicholson in ‘The Shining’ for interrupting your writing, will you? We brought snacks, and Quinn is sleeping.”
“Come on out. The writer in ‘The Shining’ had writer’s block. I don’t let myself get that particular malady so definitely no violence due to poor writing progress for me, my love.”
Rachel had wine and a soda in her hands while Jean carried a plate of pizza roll snacks. They arranged everything with the napkins brought along, taking seats opposite Nick.
“How do you not get writer’s block, Dad? I thought all writers went through fighting with the dreaded ‘block’.”
“I love pulp fiction, and that’s what I write. I write what I love. Some writers try to write to please what they figure Shakespeare or Hemingway would like. I write what pleases Nick McCarty. I guess I’m easily entertained. Have you talked with Sonny?”
“Yeah… he says his folks are a mess but they like the plan you explained for helping them. Sonny thinks you were close to killing them.”
Nick shrugged. “No comment. Phil is a tool. That Clarice is the one to watch. I warned Sonny to watch for anything she tries to talk Phil into. He’s probably their only chance to stay alive and out of prison.”
“What now?”
“I don’t know yet, Rach. Paul will let me know if any leads pan out to find the five border infiltrators. Until then, we wait and enjoy the wedding we have ahead. I think Paul will be in touch by morning. It remains to be seen if they’re spread all over the country, or all in one spot. I’m hoping for one spot. If they split to five different places, I doubt I’ll have time to stop what they plan on doing. I won’t give up, but I have to be realistic. Anyway, we’ll all go this time wherever we need to be so I can handle these guys. I’m betting the East Coast. Gus thinks it will be another Middle America attack.”
“Do you mean a book selling tour with benefits?”
“Sort of. I have to find the guys first. They’re dangerous as hell. Two of them are Albanian women, light skinned. Paul and I agree they’ll be used as cover. Besides, where ever we do go, the book tour is a great cover. I’m not leaving you and Jean at home with the Kader threat.”
Jean piped in with her own agenda. “Can we take Sonny along?”
“I don’t think that’s a very good idea, although I can’t think of a reason off hand. What do you think, Rach?”
“He already knows nearly as much about us as Jean. She didn’t tell him anything. He’s not the type you can hide things from. I guess today he got a taste of what it’s like being a part of this craziness.”
“Living with Phil and Clarice has equipped him with a distinctive set of skills. I think you can ask permission. If his folks say it’s okay, it will mean he gets indoctrinated into our movements. I trust him to keep it away from his folks, but it will be a different kind of relationship for him. At ten, you two should not be exposed to any of this. In any case you can ask him to come. It would be worth it if only to gauge Phil and Clarice’s reaction. What about the summer camp idea?”
“Are you really going to volunteer as a camp counselor or was that a joke?” Jean leaned toward Nick, with lowered head and furrowed brows.
“I’m probably not going to volunteer as a camp counselor. That was a joke. Is that what’s been preventing an energetic acceptance from you and Sonny?”
“Of course. Payaso made it sound like you already had your application in, and Uncle John didn’t contradict him,” Jean stated. “My only problem with you as a counselor is I won’t get to sneak Sonny into my cabin.”