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Randall
RANDALL DROPPED THE garden hose and turned off the faucet as the Satin Stream Deluxe came rumbling down Spring Street and parked in front of him.
“Wow, you're riding in style, Chief,” Randall said eyeing the enormous R.V.
“Just a chauffeur for Patrina and the gang,” Dorsett said pointing to the cats perched in the window. He opened the door and climbed down to meet Randall on the sidewalk. They walked around the vehicle, admiring every one of the features. Dorsett pressed the button on the remote and a panel lifted on the side of the huge coach revealing a compact rental car stowed inside.
“Wow, are you serious?” Randall said holding the top of his head and laughing. “This thing is a beast! You could fit half of Keeferton in there.”
“Patty wouldn't let me get outside the city limits without first dropping off this gift for little Remy. We won't be in town for the birthday party at Moe's next week.”
“Thanks,” Randall said and took the gift bag. “I'll make sure Traci gets this. We appreciate it. You didn't have to do it.”
Dorsett took out a small box of raisins. “Healthy snacks courtesy of my wife.” He offered some to Randall, but he waved it off.
“I feel you on that, Chief. Traci found my stash of pork rinds and I wasn’t sure if I was going to live to tell the tale. I guess they’re just trying to keep us around, huh?”
“Yeah, go figure. How is she doing?”
“Traci? Not bad, considering everything that’s going on. The Forest Service inspector and the county Fire Marshall are still trying to determine if the fire was due to arson, accident, or negligence. Now we have to deal with all of the speculation on top of the damages. The surveillance recordings were all destroyed. The place is almost a ghost town right now. We just have to wait it out. It could have been a lot worse.”
“Thank God that no lives were lost.”
“Exactly. And everyone that needed it, got relocated to temporary shelter. It was sad to see all the destruction when we walked through it the next day. But honestly, I think the break from it is good for both of us. Everything is out of our control at the moment. We were forced to put everything on hold. We’ve got some tough decisions ahead, that's for sure.”
“Things have a way of working out.”
“I sure hope so,” Randall gave him a little smile. “Hey, why don’t you two stay a while and join us out back. We’re gonna roast some sweet corn on the grill and throw on a couple of steaks ...”
“No thanks, I better get the show on the road.” Dorsett started to get back in the vehicle, then turned back around and snapped his fingers. “Oh, yeah. There was one more thing,” he said with a sly smile. “Ray Winston dropped off a bankers box full of documents at the Attorney General's office. Well, it was his legal team, you know, but all the same.”
“Wait, the state Attorney General down at the capitol? What’s his name? Chris Kaplan, right? The new guy.”
“That’s the one.”
“Really? So, what's in the mysterious box? I may regret asking that. I should probably refrain from concerning myself with that guy right now.” He laughed.
“I can’t tell you specifically what’s in the box.” Dorsett dropped a handful of raisins in his mouth. “However, I can say that it’s enough evidence to take down Quantor Group. Money laundering. Illegal import/export companies. The list goes on. And, there was some mention about them targeting certain businesses in the area for extortion, including Wyman's Campground.”
“Wait. Are you ...” Randall drew closer and lowered his voice, “are you sure about all this?”
“Absolutely. The AG’s office reached out to us. They’re about to swoop in and start a probe. Winston was the last one I expected to flip.”
“Why would he do something like that? What's in it for him?”
“You'll have to ask him that. But last I heard he was currently in,” he checked his phone messages, “Madagascar.” He chuckled and put away his phone.
“That guy, son of a ...” Randall laughed. “Is he implicated in anything?”
“Not at first glance. Time will tell but I doubt it. He’s pretty smooth.”
“Yeah, I guess you’re right.”
“Dominoes are starting to fall. Mayor Thompson is involved. Gonna be messy around here for a while, but it’s long overdue. Look for an announcement coming out soon.” He checked his phone again, opened the news app and waved it in front of Randall. “Just wait for it.” He took a deep breath and slowly let it out. “Anyway, I'm about to start enjoying my retirement. And it’s right on time. There's going to be plenty to clean up. And, I don't mean the campgrounds.” He looked at Randall and smiled. “You should join the lodge, son.”
“You're right, I think it's time that I ...”
“And, consider coming back to the force. You'd make a good chief. They’re going to need someone with a strong hand and convictions to match. I can’t think of a better man to take over.”
“Now, that part ... I'm not so sure. Plus, you know Lieutenant Hayden is in line to be the next chief.”
“Wait for it.” Dorsett grinned and waved his phone at Randall again. Then he tapped him on the chest, smiled and boarded the R.V.
“Him too? Good God.” Randall shook his head and laughed. “Wow.” He waved as they motored off down Spring Street. “Safe travels, Chief!”
––––––––
TRACI WALKED DOWN THE back steps and joined Brad near the grill. He waved her away.
“I got this,” he said with his usual gruff voice. “Go sit yourself down and let me handle it.” He pointed the tongs toward a set of Adirondack chairs in a semi-circle around the firepit.
“Okay, you’re the boss.” She smiled and gathered up R.J. from the grass and sat down near the fire.
The day was settling into night with a soft breeze circling through the trees. She could see the outline of Mount Pierpoint in the distance and the security lamps glowing from the posts surrounding Hazelton House. She hugged her son tight and took a deep belly breath.
She longed to sit in the fields at Bent Willow, listening to the crickets and watching the cats chase field mice through the tall grasses. It was a place where she could be silent and alone, without expectations or worry, only the sensation of the earth under her fingernails and the rustling of the hawk wings overhead. R.J. snuggled under her chin and found that comfy spot. One day he would be too big to fit on her lap and she would wish for this day instead. The patio lights over the arbor flickered on like golden fireflies. She let out a sigh.
“You okay?” Brad said and took a seat next to her.
“Yeah,” she lied and gazed into the fire thinking about how quickly her life had turned. The same three men she had watched fighting off a fire that tried to destroy their lives had also built the beautiful fire pit that provided the warmth and comfort they now enjoyed. She sat in the coziness, listening to the crackling hardwood.
How had her life become this? She reflected back over the series of dreams and ideals that had shattered like glass and the wave of decisions that were forced upon her. The more she searched for answers the more she realized that she no longer knew the questions.
She looked into the face of her son sleeping peacefully against her breast. She slipped her finger into his palm and watched as he latched onto it. She lifted it to her lips and closed her eyes, grounded in that moment because everyone she needed was within her reach. And, for now, that was all she could hope for.
“A present from the chief.” Randall said and dropped the gift bag next to Traci’s feet. He took a seat near the fire and folded his hands behind his head. “They’re headed out west on vacation.”
“Aww, how nice. I’m sorry I missed seeing them off. How’s everything with him?” Traci said and tried to peek inside the bag.
“I’ll fill you in later.” Randall said and closed his eyes.
Brad lifted R.J. from Traci’s lap and waved her off when she protested, then took out a small box of graham crackers from his shirt pocket.
Milo joined them at the bonfire wearing his chef’s coat and toque. He was headed out for another catering event.
“Where's Jules?” Traci asked and pulled out the musical caterpillar from the gift bag.
“The smoke bothers her eyes. So, she's not coming tonight.”
“Oh, sorry. I didn't think about that. I'll miss her being with us. She offered to help me with R.J.'s birthday party. And, I wanted her to know how much I appreciate that.”
“I'll let her know. But, I'm glad she's not here right now. I wanted to talk to everybody tonight. It's kinda personal.”
“What's going on?” Brad asked.
Milo reached in his pocket and unfolded an envelope. He took a deep breath, started to speak, stopped, then tried again. “Actually, it was Jules that suggested it.”
“Suggested what?” Traci said. She reached for the drowsy toddler. “You ate all of Uncle Brad’s graham crackers. Ready for a bath?”
“Ah, let him be.” Brad pushed her hand away and wrapped his arm around R.J.
“You’re spoiling him.” She looked over her shoulder at Milo. “What did she suggest?”
“That I try to find my family. My bio family, I mean. So, I took this DNA test and they uploaded my results to some database and all that.”
“What? You never mentioned a DNA test.” Traci spun around. “Or any of this.”
“Yeah, I just wondered if maybe there could be a match out there with some people. Ms. McGee helped me find the company and showed me how to do it.”
“Ms. McGee? So, who else knew about this and didn’t tell me? Randall?”
“Let the man finish, Tracinda.” Randall said and walked over to check the grill. “He’s got to get those rib-eyes up in here before he leaves.”
“And Brad sent in his sample ...” Milo continued.
“Brad?” Traci spun around and stared at him.
“The kid's got a right to know.” Brad smirked. “I say he's a Wells. Definitely got the gonads.” He winked at his brother who was carrying a platter of steaks from the kitchen.
“Brad, man, shut up with that.” Randall chuckled and shook his head.
“Anyway, I got the results back. They're right here.”
“Well what does it say?” Traci walked over to him.
Milo folded the document and then unfolded it again.
“Calm down, angel. Let him tell us.”
“I can't be calm! How can you be so calm? Milo's been buying houses and ...”
“Just one,” Milo held up his finger and gave her that sweet baby-boy smile. “Just one house, so far.”
“And,” Traci continued, “the food truck and taking DNA tests. I'm mad at you for not telling me about all that, by the way. Don't think I've forgotten that part. And, a girlfriend. I like her, by the way. Anyway, c'mon, Milo! Show us! I can't wait to find out. And, no matter what it says or where they are, we’ll help you find your family.”
“I've already found them. They're right here.” Milo looked down at the document, tore it in half and dropped it into the bonfire.
Traci cupped her hands over her mouth, then wrapped her arms around him and hugged him with all her might. She cried and laughed and cried even harder. She looked up into his face, tried to speak, then buried her face in his neck.
“Well done,” Randall said. “No actually, I mean rare.” He slapped Milo on the back and pointed toward the grill. “And Brad takes his medium-rare, my guy.”
“I still say he's a Wells man.” Brad said, “No doubt in my mind. I don't care what that paper said. Big Remy got around. Or so they say.”
Randall gave Brad a side-eye and shook his head.
“I'm so happy. I don't know what to do.” Traci said wiping her tears.
“Then why are you crying?” Milo laughed.
“She cries when she's happy. The last time she acted like that, I found out she was pregnant with R.J.”
“Well ...” Traci shrugged and smiled sheepishly at Randall.
“Wait. No, you’re not ... are you?”
Traci tapped Randall's chest. “What do you think of the name, Trinity? We can call her TT for short.”
“A girl? Oh, good God ...” Randall stumbled backward and almost fell into the lap of his big brother who was laughing hysterically. Traci looked up through the trees into the star filled sky. She was so happy, she wanted to fly. And, deep inside her heart was soaring.
“Relax, babe. I was just kidding.” She walked over, wrapped her arms around him and smiled up into his face. “But, would it be so bad to have another baby? A girl?”
“No, it wouldn't be so bad. I mean, who needs sleep, right?” Randall picked up R.J. from his brother’s lap and laughed.
Security alerts sounded on everyone’s cellphones at once. A Dependable Flyers courier had arrived at the driveway and stopped by the porch. The young man dismounted the bicycle, leaned it against the post and walked around the side of the house where they had gathered.
“I have an urgent delivery for Tracinda Simmons Wells.
“I'll take it,” Randall said.
“I'm sorry, I have to give this directly to ...”
Randall approached the courier and placed his hand on the packet. The young man slowly let go of it and rushed away. Randall watched him until the neon green and red uniform was out of sight, then looked at the originator’s address on the packet. “It's from Winston.” He opened it.
“Probably the formal ending to our partnership,” Traci said, “with the non-negotiable terms. I’ve been waiting for the other shoe to drop for a month now. It’s been driving me crazy.” She walked over, took it from Randall and emptied the contents. It was a sealed box.
“It’s alright, angel. You’ve got this. Don’t be intimidated.” Randall placed his hand on her back.
“Hmm, it's a gift for R.J.” she said and rifled through the box. “And some documents.”
Randall snatched the ecru envelope with a red embossed seal addressed to “Prince Remy James Wells in celebration of your birthday.” Traci stared at the beautiful calligraphy as he held the notecard and read it out loud.
“Always protect the Queen.”
Traci pulled out the royal blue velvet bag and opened the cinched top, removed the small pale blue box and slowly lifted the lid. She recognized the sterling silver and crystal chess piece.
Randall took it from her and held it up in the light. “What’s this all about?”
Traci hurried and opened the manilla folder and gathered out all the pages. She read through them slowly, whispering the words under her breath, her face grew redder after each page. Randall shifted R.J. to his other arm and drew closer to Traci but she stepped away. After she reached the last page of the document, she flipped back to the first page and read it again.
“Tracinda, talk to us. Do we need a lawyer?”
“It’s the new plan for Wyman’s. Horse therapy, developmental disability and special needs counselors, and a sensory garden ...”
"Hey, those are my ..." Milo stepped away from the grill and listened as Traci listed sections from the documents.
Randall furrowed his brow. "What's happening?"
“Cost analysis and build-out sketches, surveyors documents, maps, signed contracts and work schedules,” Traci continued.
“What's going on?” Randall stepped closer and she moved away again.
Finally, Traci lowered the papers and looked at Randall. "Ray has funded the entire rebuild at Wyman's plus all of the new development for special needs residents and visitors.” She slapped her forehead. “And, I can tell you for sure, there's nothing like this in the tri-county area.” She spun around and faced Milo. “I don't know what to say. You thought of all this?”
“Yeah. I must have left my notebook at his place. I totally forgot about it.”
“You went to see Winston? What about? What were you doing there?” Randall said, he put R.J. on Brad’s lap.
“Babe, calm down ...” Traci said and waved him away as she walked over to Milo.
“I thought he was dissolving the partnership,” Randall said, his voice tense.
“He did,” Traci said. “If everyone accepts the terms then Wyman's can reopen and be the biggest family-friendly vacation destination in the region. Fully funded!”
“Okay, then what are the terms?” Randall folded his arms.
“He named his replacement because he said that I can’t do this without a partner.” She shrugged. “He’s right, you know.” Traci stepped over to Milo and pointed to a paragraph on the third page of the document. “Do you understand this?”
“Yes.”
“What do you say?”
“Howdy partner!” He wrapped his arms around Traci and lifted her in the air.
“Somebody talk to me,” Randall said, annoyed.
“Oh, what's the matter?” Traci teased.
“I don't know what's going on.” Randall tightened his lips and straightened his shoulders.
Traci giggled, “Oh really? How does it feel?” She walked up to him and patted his cheek. “Don't worry about it. I think we can handle everything from here. Right Milo?” She showed Randall the final section of the proposal.
“Alright, alright,” Randall placed his arms around her. “You two always made a good team. And, Brad can still keep an eye on you both. So, I’m good with this.” He nodded in agreement. “Besides, I think you still need to include me in some of your plans.” He chuckled and pulled her close. “You really want a baby girl?”
“I'm Team Trinity!” Brad howled and started laughing.
“Me, too!” Milo cheered.
“Well, I guess it's unanimous,” Randall said.
Traci leaned into his chest and caressed his face. In his eyes she saw the sparks of a million happy moments they had shared in this life together. In his kiss, she felt the promise of a million more.
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THE END