The family had a wonderful holiday together and rang in the New Year at an all-ages party thrown by their neighbor.
Days passed. The weather turned. Winter turned into spring which, in turn, slowly gave way to summer...
CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED-SIX
Friday, July 23...
John briskly walked by the bar on his way to the kitchen. Red was busy mixing drinks as he looked up and gave John a knowing smile.
Opening night at the Sufficient Grounds Tavern was an overwhelming success. John and Red spent the whole winter planning for, preparing for and publicizing the opening of their new restaurant. Red had insisted on working the bar opening night as he explained that an experienced bartender is very important when opening a new establishment. You need to build a relationship with your clientele and that first day, that first impression, is very important.
Julie and the children were seated at a corner table, eating. Captain Johnson and his wife, Sarah, were present also. John walked over to the captain's table and said, "Welcome Sarah. Captain."
"Hello, John. Congratulations. I think this endeavor is just what you need. Good luck, son."
"Thank you, sir," John said. "You are welcome anytime. I am putting through a round on the house for you," John said as he walked away and motioned to Red to produce another round for the Captain's table. A few minutes later Mr. And Mrs. Nash walked in and were seated. John went over to say hello. "Hi, Jim. Claire."
"Hello John," Claire said.
"Hello. May I have a word alone with you?" Mr. Nash asked. "Sure. Follow me, sir." John led him into his office and shut the
door behind them. "What can I do for you, Jim?" John asked.
"John, I just wanted to thank you. I know what happened and I know it was you that did it."
"Sir, I don’t know what..." John started to say but Mr. Nash put his hand up and a small smile came over his lips. "John, I know. I know the type of man you are and I know you had to do it. For you. For Todd. For Jackie. For my unborn grandson. For my wife and I. For all the innocent people that lunatic would never be able to affect now that he is gone. I thank you. I know it will never bring my daughter or grandson back but knowing that murderer is no longer breathing air, the air that Claire and I breathe, makes it just a bit more bearable. I know there are some who would think it barbaric that I feel this way but so be it. It is the truth. It also wasn't their daughter. The pain and hatred in my heart are eased just a bit knowing he is dead." Jim then stuck out his hand and John shook it. "You are welcome," was the last thing that John said as Jim then smiled, turned and walked out of John's office, back to his wife and their dinner. John sat back in his chair as a jumble of thoughts and emotions shot through him. He then got up and returned to his new job, his new life.
CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED-SEVEN
It was a warm, grey, overcast Northern Washington morning as John peered out over Puget Sound. Thoughts of Todd and Jacqueline filled his mind. He missed his friends. He wondered if they were happily together, for eternity, or if they were just gone. Gone forever. He thought about life's progressions and how one chapter ending can open up limitless opportunities and experiences in the next. He missed detective work but he found the restaurant business to be an exciting challenge in its own right. Simba was with him, sitting by his side, enjoying a bit of quiet, peaceful time.
Was John Corbin right or wrong? Good or evil? Hero or villain? The answers to those questions are different for everyone, but a thin line separates them all. In just the right situation, would we all react in a way that would surprise ourselves? Pushed to the limit, would we all
make decisions that would strain the boundaries of our moral code and our laws? Do we really know who we are as we live comfortably in our big houses, in our cul de sacs, with our 2.5 children? Or, are we fluid, flexible enough to adjust and react differently to any situation?
John got up, turned and started to walk back to his truck, with Simba by his side. High above, in the Washington sky, rays of sun started to shine through as the cloud cover started to break up. John paused for a moment, felt the warm rays on his face and reached down to pet Simba. It was going to be a warm, sunny, brilliant day...
About the Author
David Boiani is a dedicated father to a wonderful seventeen-year-old daughter, member of The Association of Rhode Island Authors and guitarist in an originals alternative rock band called The Whole Façade.
David’s love of reading ignited his desire to write fiction. Dark Musings is his second book. His debut novel, A Thin Line, is in its second year of publication and can be found on Amazon in book and Kindle form.
Also from this Author
Dark Musings
These stories are unconnected, but they all include a similar trait: Fear. They are all based on aspects of life that are haunting yet very real. Experiencing these stories will induce a terror that will stay with you long after the final page is turned...
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FAITH
Excerpt~
I lay there, silent, just staring at the text on the last page. I re-read the final paragraph and tears came. I must admit a small bit of anger rose in me and I apologized to myself, Avery and God. I placed the story on the nightstand and tried to sleep.
None came.
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