by Haydn Jones
Richard Stark had driven the three-miles to his church to attend a meeting. He was feeling tired and had not slept well for days, worrying about his sister and her involvement in such evil undertakings. He had not mentioned it to Domaradzki, the elder father and he knew he was committing a sin by his actions. If it was the will of God that she must die, there was nothing he could do to alter it, but it would break his heart to lose her.
Entering the long room, Richard walked to the altar where Domaradzki was kneeling, deep in prayer. As he neared he bowed and made the sign of the cross before walking over to greet the other members that had recently arrived. The topic of conversation was of course the murder of Tom Hudson.
After finishing his prayers Domaradzki looked up and inhaled deeply before purposefully walking to the long table to address the members who by now were all seated. “It's with great sadness that I pray for Tom Hudson’s soul to be with God today. He was a man prepared to help our cause and bring down the evil-doers of this world. But, now he’s in a better place, sitting at the right hand of God; free from the evil that we, the Children of Jesus, are destined to eliminate from this earth. We will find other supporters of our cause, of that, I’m certain, but for now we must continue with our plan of action to stop M13.” Domaradzki continued. “You know, the rocket launcher will be taken to Houston on the agreed date. From a nearby hotel room we will hit the Ellington Building with three thermal rockets, wiping the evil-doers off the face of this earth. With this weapon, my brothers, we cast them into the fiery pit of eternal damnation.” Domaradzki’s voice was full of power and emotion and veins appeared on his forehead as his expression turned manic.
Richard Stark stared straight ahead as the Elder’s words conjured in his mind terrible visions of destruction and carnage.
"The launcher has arrived safely from Europe and will be checked out by Summa, the day after tomorrow." Summa nodded in agreement at the other members. His face donned a contented smile.
"For now though, it’s safe in a lockup in Beaumont, eighty-miles east of Houston."
A candleholder with two long blue candles was placed in the centre of the dining room table and the cutlery, wineglasses and napkins were laid out ready for the evening meal that Vicki was busily preparing. McPherson had taken a shower and the smell of roasted duck as he walked into the kitchen made his mouth water in anticipation of the feast to come.
"We could have gone out you know. You didn’t have to go to all this trouble."
"It’s no trouble. I enjoy cooking."
"Well, it certainly smells good."
"Go and get dressed you," said Vicki, smacking his bare bottom. "It’ll be ready soon."
"Okay, I can’t wait."
Vicki was a little nervous but tried to appear calm in front of Rob. She had rehearsed her words over and over in her mind, always trying to guess his reaction to them.
McPherson poured two glasses of white wine as they began their starters of garlic prawns, but Vicki was determined not to touch a drop until after their child had been born.
Throughout the meal they talked generalities and about the decision to start listening to M81, in Ursa Major, a constellation similar to our own, now that M13 had failed to produce results.
"You’re not drinking your wine my darling, are you okay?"
"Yes, I’m fine, it's just that I." Vicki hesitated.
"What?"
Vicki took a deep breath. "Rob, I’m having your baby." He looked at her in silence for a few moments, as if unable to comprehend her words, then his eyes began to fill with tears.
"Are you pleased?"
McPherson wiped the tears from his eyes and stood up. Looking into her eyes, he said, "This is the proudest day of my life." They held each other tightly and then Vicki burst into tears, unable to control her happiness.
"I can't believe it, I'm going to be a Dad."
“I was really scared to tell you Rob."
Rob looked at Vicki, in disbelief. “Scared… are you serious?"
"I know, I just wasn't sure how you'd react to the news. After all it is life changing stuff, isn't it."
“I'm ready to be a father, I can't wait."
Vicki kissed Rob and held him tight. "I love you so much you big lump."
"I love you too and soon you'll be a big lump as well."
"Oh don't say that. Do you mind if it’s a boy or a girl?"
Rob answered without hesitation. "So long as it looks like you I don't care what we have."
"If we have a boy I want it to look like you, you handsome fool.”
It was time for McPherson to meet Vicki’s family, so that they could announce the news, and that weekend they both flew to San Francisco. The following Monday would be a holiday in Texas, so it was an ideal time to visit. Vicki had arranged for her brother to pick them up from the airport because her father was not feeling too well.
The cool arrivals area was busy, the waiting crowds were shouting and waving to relatives and friends as they entered the building through the large sliding doors that led from baggage reclaim. Some impatient young lover ran forward and fell into her boyfriend’s arms, hugging and kissing him with an unashamed passion. McPherson looked at Vicki and smiled in amusement.
Waiting at the back of the crowd was Richard Stark, his square face was tanned and leathery from years spent on the sea, but his features were similar to Vicki’s and his hair color was identical. He was trying to smile and be normal but he found it difficult. Vicki noticed him and he gestured with his hand. Putting her bag down she ran towards him and threw her arms around him. Tentatively, he hugged her but his embarrassment showed; and McPherson noticed.
"It’s good to see you, Sis," he said, trying to sound upbeat.
“Richard, I’d like you to meet Rob McPherson."
"Hi Rob — Welcome to the Bay."
"Thanks, it’s really good to meet you Richard. Vicki has told me so much about you, I feel like I know you already." Richard forced a laugh as they shook hands.
"How’s Pops?"
"He’s okay, doctor’s keeping an eye on him though, it’s the angina again."
"Are they staying with you?"
"Yeah, thought it was for the best: for the time being anyway. He needs to rest, but knowing you’re coming over he’s been like a little kid on Christmas Eve. He’s just so excited, Sis."
Vicki smiled broadly and held Rob’s hand as they made their way to the parking lot and Richard’s awaiting Jeep.
On the journey to Richard’s home Vicki acted as a tour guide for Rob, pointing out the sights while Richard stayed fairly quite.
"That’s the new ‘Pacific Bell’ Stadium, Sis," said Richard, a little more relaxed now.
"Are they in yet?”
“Oh yeah, I went to a game last week."
"It’s the Giants’ new home." Vicki explained to Rob.
"I thought so." McPherson had spotted a massive baseball glove towering over the new stadium.
"I’m taking you around the coast road, as it’s your first time here,” said Richard, looking in his mirror at McPherson, sitting in the back. They made eye contact and McPherson acknowledged him with a nod and a wide smile.
"Coming up in front is the Bay Bridge, darling."
"Where does that go to?"
“East — Oakland way."
They were now driving along the Esplanade and McPherson could see the shore to his right and to his left the impressive buildings of the Downtown Financial Sector.
“It's very different to Houston, Vicki, There’s more variety in the architecture here."
"Yeah, the city is a great mix of modern and classical," responded Richard to McPherson’s comment. "We also have hills," He allowed himself a rare smile.
"That’s the Transamerica Pyramid to your left," Vicki said, pointing to the 853 feet, forty-eight story tapered building that resembled an enormous spearhead. Prominent amongst the more conventional structures, its dominance threatened only by the mighty Bank of Am
erica Building near by. "It’s the tallest building in the city."
"The views from the top are spectacular," added Richard.
"I can imagine.”
A little further on Richard pointed to a tall white tower, two hundred and ten feet high, and shaped at the top like the nozzle of a fire hose. It stood on top of a hill, as if it were a guard on duty. "That’s the ‘Coit Tower’ on top of Telegraph Hill. Paid for by an amazing woman called Lillie Hitchcock Coit. It’s a monument to her firemen buddies. I’ll tell you about her sometime if you’re interested. She’s part of the history of this place."
"She used to shave her head and smoke cigars," said Vicki smiling, remembering what her teacher had told her in fourth grade.
"Interesting lady. The views of the Bay must be good from up there, too."
"Not just the Bay but also the city and the Golden Gate Bridge of course. If you look to your right now you’ll see Alcatraz, the source of my income. That’s pier 39 on the right where I keep my boat. Everyday I take tourists out to the island and back again for just ten bucks. I tell them about the islands history and bring them back again. Sometimes it drives me insane. But, it’s a job and at least I work for myself."
McPherson tried to imagine doing the same thing every day. He thought about how soul destroying it must be. He knew it would drive him insane.
"These big cruisers are the Blue and Gold fleet and the Red and White Fleet. I’m a lot cheaper than them of course, so I get the scum balls."
Irritated by his comment, Vicki said, "Richard, don’t sound so bitter. You make a good living out of them and you should be grateful." Her comments were ignored.
Richard’s house was situated on Santiago Street between the beach and Sunset Boulevard. As they drove up the drive Vicki waved excitedly to the family members waiting at the front door. Firstly, McPherson was introduced to Pops, followed by Mary his wife, Susan and finally the two boys. Vicki’s father seemed the most excited, to the slight concern of Mary and the rest of the family. Everyone made McPherson feel very welcome but he noticed Richard’s attitude was a little cold towards him.
That evening, the family had gathered for a buffet and drinks.
"What’s the job like in Houston Rob?" enquired Richard, curiously.
"Oh it’s okay I suppose," he said, before sipping a glass of cool beer, that tasted real good. "I’m working on atmospheric pollution and Carbon Dioxide emissions."
Vicki picked up part of the conversation and smiled, whilst still listening to her mother’s story about their recent visit to Mexico City.
"Sounds interesting," said Richard.
“Yeah, sometimes it is. I work for the government though; consequently I don’t have the freedom you have."
“Freedom's not everything, Rob.”
McPherson smiled, out of politeness.
"At least you have your sanity."
"It’s not that bad surely?" responded McPherson.
"Sometimes, but what’s worse is that I don’t have anything else to turn to. I’m not skilled. When the brains were dished out I’m afraid Vicki got them all." McPherson could see his point but didn’t respond.
Vicki had decided the news would keep until tomorrow, and Rob was under strict instructions not to mention her pregnancy before it was officially announced after dinner the following evening, but sometimes it’s difficult to keep quiet about something so monumental and McPherson struggled not to say anything. At home he was constantly telling Vicki that he was going to be the best father in the world and his son was going to be someone to be real proud of, and she knew he was right.
During the evening Richard invited McPherson to join him the next day on a boat trip to see Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge.
"No tourists this trip, just family," he said sternly. "What about you sis, are you coming on the boat trip?"
"No thank you.” Vicki replied sharply, “I’m happy to sit and talk to the rest of the family. Presently the motion of a boat has no appeal to me."
McPherson awoke the following morning just after seven. His eyes were reluctant to open as he reached over to Vicki. Feeling only the bed sheets with his hand he remembered her comment the night before about going for a brisk, early morning walk, along the sea front. He wondered what time she awoke and whether she’d had trouble sleeping, thinking about the exciting news she was going to break to the family tonight. Looking out of the bedroom window he could see blue sky and quickly decided to run four or five miles before breakfast to clear his head of last night’s wine.
"Hi Rob, did you sleep well?" Susan asked, as he walked into the sunny kitchen in his running vest and shorts.
"Very well thanks, but then I always do," he responded smiling. "I think I’ll get some fresh sea air and run a few miles."
"I don’t blame you, it’s a great morning for running, there’s no mist on the bay today."
"What time did Vicki go out?"
"About forty-minutes ago. What do want for breakfast when you get back?"
"I really don’t mind."
"Steak eggs and mash with spinach?"
"Sounds good to me."
"Where are you going for a run?"
"Along Ocean Beach; make the most of it I say."
"Okay, breakfast at nine then."
“Yeah. That’s great.”
"Don’t forget, Richard’s taking you out on the boat later with the boys."
“Can’t wait, I’m really looking forward to seeing Alcatraz. I just hope I’m not sick."
"Sick, no, not today, it’s really calm out there."
"That’s good, I don’t have good sea legs."
Susan laughed. “Richard, neither."
McPherson could feel the warm morning sun on his face and the salty ocean air in his nostrils felt wonderful as he jogged along the sandy beach towards the north-east corner of the city, known as ‘Lands End.’ His mind was on tonight’s big event. Sometimes, he found it hard to believe he was going to be a father. Vicki would make him the proudest man on Earth. To him, she was a very special woman and he felt so lucky that she loved him as much as he loved her. Amanda was out of his system now. She was in the past and his deep wounds had been healed by the tender love Vicki had for him.
Sweat ran down his temples, as the first mile was reached. He was feeling good and quickened his pace, now that his muscles had warmed up.
"Susan this salad is mouth-watering.”
"Thank you, Vicki."
Vicki closed her eyes as she ate. "Mmmmm, I just adore crab meat."
"I know, so do I."
Vicki looked across the room at Rob, busy talking to the boys. Football no doubt, she thought. His face was glowing from the day out on the boat. She could tell the sea air was good for him, he looked so relaxed and at ease. Houston and Project M13 were far from his thoughts tonight.
After everyone had eaten a hearty meal Richard opened the double doors onto the terrace. Led by McPherson and the two excited children, everyone moved onto the terrace that looked eastward, towards the sea. The cool breeze coming off the Pacific Ocean caressed their faces. It was another beautiful sunset and the sky around the horizon was a deep orange, as the setting sun sank slowly, to be extinguished in the glistening sea.
Vicki looked at Rob and indicated that she was about to make the announcement. His heart beat quickened in anticipation. Standing up he moved to her side. She smiled at him and held his hand. As if expecting something, everyone became quiet.
Knowing the time was right Vicki spoke. "First, I want to thank you all for making Rob feel so welcome this weekend. It’s been really wonderful for the both of us." She paused and smiled at Rob. "I know that you all consider me as a career girl and up to now that’s been true. It’s funny though how circumstances can change your outlook on life. I feel, I’ve found someone in Rob, that I can spend the rest of my life with and that’s important because you see I’m having his child." Her mother’s reaction was one of sheer joy and she ran forward to hug her daugh
ter.
Her Father walked up to McPherson and shook his hand.
"You take bloody good care of her, young man, she’s very precious to me."
"I sure will, sir," he replied, in a proud voice.
McPherson cleared his throat and called everyone to attention again. Vicki looked a little surprised.
"I would also like to thank you all for the hospitality you’ve shown me, especially to Richard, for the fantastic boat trip today. And, I’m glad to say I managed to keep my breakfast down." There was laughter and he paused awhile. "As you now know, Vicki is having my baby and that means so much to me. I’m not getting any younger, and at this time in my life I’m ready to have a family and the responsibility of children, something I thought would never happen to me. I can’t wait to be a proud father." Susan wiped a tear from her eye.
He turned to Vicki and took her hand. "Vicki will be a great Mum, I know that, but I want her to be a great wife as well. Vicki, will you marry me?"
"Yes…yes of course I’ll marry you Rob." Throwing her arms around him they kissed, like lovers do. Loud applause filled the room and the two children quickly fled to their room in embarrassment. There was a real meaning to her life now and she cried with joy, swiftly followed by her mother and sister.
"Let the celebrations begin,” shouted Vicki’s father.
Richard felt a sickness in the pit of his stomach, and fought to control his emotions. He must smile; congratulate them; look like he’s pleased for them, hug his sister and say how happy he was for her.
Ten