Bonita, Trixie, and Dixie were all bouncing on the bed trying to wake me up. I opened my eyes and saw Kathy standing in the doorway, smiling at me. "Aren't you the one? All the kids were asking about you as soon as they woke up this morning. Juanita says you and Steve are responsible for all the fish in the cooler this morning. How long did it take you to catch all those?"
"A lot less time than it did to clean them. There were hitting our lines as fast as we could put them in. That was the most unusual fishing I've ever done."
All three kids had piled on top of me to give me hugs for waking up nice in the morning. They were lying with their heads on my shoulders and chest when Kathy said, "Come on, kids, let's let Chuck get up and get dressed. Oh, Chuck, Beth took your dirty clothes and is washing them. You do get laundry service on board, among our other personal services." Kathy was laughing as she shooed the kids out and shut the door as they left.
I shaved and took a quick two-minute shower then dressed quickly. It was after nine, so I had been left to sleep late. Steve was just eating too, so I figured that he probably had just gotten up as well. Steve said, "We're going to try to tie up the three boats together so we can jump from boat to boat today. The bad winds are passing overhead; this little harbor is wonderfully protected. We'll tie the boats together like they do down off Key West. Folks down there are always getting a group of boats together for some great parties."
The kids wanted to begin their guitar lessons, so I asked Steve if he needed me to help tie up the boats. He told me to take care of the kids so they wouldn't be in the way.
We used the great lounge for all of us to get together. We practiced what we had done the day before, swapping the guitars to those that had to watch, then back. We began practicing the scales so they could get used to changing the fingering. I made up six quick sheets of music to "Mary had a little lamb." It was only the first verse and chorus, but it would give them something to play that they knew.
I laid it out for them and said, "You know the notes, so change your hand position with each note. Don't worry about the rhythm yet, just play each of the notes. As you keep playing them, I'll bet you'll recognize the tune. I have to use the computer for a few minutes, so get started playing each note, one at a time. All of you help each other if someone has trouble with their fingering."
I went to the computer and used my satellite phone at the same time. I called Wanda to see what was up.
"Hey, Wanda, how's it going?"
"Real good, Chuck. Dave is on his way to Alaska right now for some kind of problem they're having up in Juneau. I told him to take a sidekick, but he said he wouldn't need one. I'm not happy about that, but some of you guys are hard to talk to about stuff.""
I said, "I'll call John to see what's up and if I need to go help him. He can take the heat in the event something has to be done."
"Keep your phone nearby and I'll call if I hear you're needed."
She paused then, "Lisa went nuts last night buying a bunch of guitars and music to send up to you. You said a dozen and I think she bought two dozen. She bought close to four hundred dollars of music. She would only buy what she could get two dozen copies of. Isn't that strange?"
"Not really, Wanda. I am teaching kids, and she probably remembers when she was a kid in a guitar class. Everyone needed their own copy of the music. Sometimes you could share, but new players are too awkward to be sitting too close to another guitarist. But two dozen guitars, that might be overkill, considering there are quite a few around."
"Lisa told me to tell you to sell any extras that you had up there, as you'll get at least one and half times what you paid for them. She bought what she said were premium acoustic guitars and that you would love them. She even bought one for herself at the deal she got. I think they are Gibsons. I don't know whether that's a good name."
"Now I' m curious, Wanda. Gibson is a good guitar, but I'm not familiar with what they make now, especially in acoustics."
Wanda said, "Well, you'll see soon enough. She had them shipped out FedEx so they will probably be in Anchorage later today. Where are you now?"
"We're in a little protected cove south of Juneau. I have the coordinates and will send them to you in an e-mail, that is, if the weather lets me. The seas are rough enough that we came in instead of riding the waves. No sense in it if we don't have to."
"We all miss you, Chuck. Dennis had to get Lisa to show him how to form this morning, as he said he missed your dancing in the morning. You do keep all of us more fit as none of us want to exercise a lot without you around."
"Don't slack off, you all are in wonderful shape. It makes you look great and feel good too."
"I know, but it's not the same when you're not around. John likes me soft, but he's not as regular as you are. He seems to need a day or two off after an energetic night. I'm trying to be gentle with him, but he gets carried away too."
"You're too much, Wanda. Hopefully, I can get through this evening and talk to Brandy. I hope she's fine."
"Brandy is fine. Her and Tiani stay over most nights, and Frieda also stayed last night. The girls are real beasts when it comes to devouring each other. Frieda is saying she feels pregnant, but I think it's too early. She says her test kit came out blue, so she thinks it's a done deal. I guess you better get home before you're a dad."
"I'll be there soon enough. Probably faster than some of the D.C. people would want."
"Oh, yes, the Marshal's office human resource manager called to find out how serious all of your injuries were. I had to total up your wounds and cracked ribs for him. He said he was surprised you weren't filing for retirement since you would probably qualify."
"Just keep those people away from me. Ask me no questions and I'll tell you no lies. Tell them I'm on a trip with a qualified psychoanalyst. I'll even have her send in an evaluation. Sheena is a shrink. I remember Sheila mentioning it to me, but it didn't register till just now. That ought to satisfy the D.C. folks."
"Do that, Chuck, they will all feel better. Be honest with her though, as you don't want to carry around any bad feelings about your work or Bobby."
"I'll be honest; I don't have anything to hide. I don't feel guilty, I just feel bad that someone had to force me to use a gun. I feel bad over losing Bobby, but I don't think I had anything to do with it. I think she isn't over Danny, and she may not ever get over him. Hopefully this Rock guy will help her."
"Go back to having a good time, Chuck. Send me your coordinates real quick so I can send them to John."
We hung up and I went to get the coordinates and quickly sent them to Wanda, with a separate note to her thanking her for taking care of the office and the house.
Back in the main lounge, there was hope for the guitar players. The ones with the guitars knew what they were playing and were trying to put it together so it sounded right. Barb was concentrating with my Gibson as she changed fingering, going through the song with close to the right tempo.
I called for them to switch people so the other half could practice. While they were switching, I saw all of Dewey's kids come down the stairs and the kids from the Irish Bell with them. I waved them in and said, "Can you guys go get your guitars and I'll begin to teach you too."
There was a mad dash, as all of them took off to go get the guitars that Dewey and Michael had purchased. At least, all of those kids would already have a guitar. They soon would have two, as they would have one of the fancy guitars Lisa bought. I wondered what she could have bought, as from what I know; the cheapest Gibson acoustic is over five hundred bucks.
The kids were all having a great time, with the new ones learning to do the original three chord progression. They were learning the finger positions of the other chords when Kathy came in with my satellite phone. She said, "This thing has been going off in the office for a half hour. Answer it."
"Johnson."
"John here, and I need you. We need you. That is the Marshal Service needs you. Your man, Dave, went up to take care of what I thought was going to be a minor problem with a stubborn capture, and now he's been hit and the wanted guy is still on the run."
"Hey, hold a sec. Is Dave all right? What's his condition?"
"Yeah, he's going to be fine, but he has a new hole in his shoulder. I'm told he doesn't have any bone damage, but he's in the hospital. I forgot he's married to the ACE down in Tampa, and she's about to jump ship and fly up there."
"I'll call her. So what can I do?"
"You can get on the Coast Guard helicopter that's flying your way and go see Dave, then fucking do whatever is necessary to eliminate the problem. Hopefully, you can help the deputies out of Juneau get this guy. From what I understand, the guy has a small gang. That's why apprehending him is a problem."
I took a deep breath, "Okay, when will the helicopter get here and how do you know I'm where I can be picked up?"
"Wanda gave me the coordinates, and the Coast Guard has been doing pickups out in the water during the storm you're hiding from. They know the place where you are and should be there in about fifteen to twenty minutes."
"Geez, give a guy some warning. I'll try to get ready. I don't have a lot of clothes for up here."
"The Coast Guard will give you some insulated coveralls and boots. Make sure you put your vest on and be ready in the event you have to use your weapons."
"Thanks loads for the vacation, Boss. Did you tell the Coast Guard that I have to be brought back to the boat, regardless of where it is?"
"I did, and they said they could do it," John said. "I told the Station Chief that the man I'm sending does not do incident reports, so they have to claim all the activity and glory for themselves. They don't know it's you. They just know it's a D.C. troubleshooter. Just go fix the problem."
"Bye, John, and a, oh yeah, thanks."
I hung up and went to find an adult. The first person I could find was Beth. I asked Beth to watch the kids for me, and to encourage the kids from this boat to help the kids from the other boats, as I had to leave.
Missy was walking by and I asked her, "Can you find Steve and have him come to my room, I have to leave for a bit and I need to tell him."
I put on what heavy clothes I had, along with putting on my extra holster with the small Glock on my leg. I put on my regular holster and slid a magazine into my regular Glock and chambered a round. I checked the case with the AR15 to make sure the extra magazines were loaded, and that I had a total of five magazines for my sidearm. I put my vest on over my shirt and put one of my Deputy Marshal caps on. I put my satellite phone in my gun case, thinking I might need it to call to get back to the boat.
Steve came in just as I was getting ready to walk out the door. "What's up, Bro? What's happening?"
"The Service called me and there is a serious problem in Juneau. One of my men who came up from Tampa has been wounded and the subjects are still loose. D.C. asked me to help as the locals are not a large force. They already have a Coast Guard helicopter dispatched to pick me up and should be about here now. I'm coming back if you don't mind, as I do want to be a part of this trip. Can I, Steve?"
"You better come back. I'm having a lot of fun with you being along. From what I hear, you've become popular with the ladies and I know the kids are having a ball with the guitars."
"Thanks, Steve. Let's get topside so I can be in the open for the chopper to pick me up."
On the way up to the lounge, I received a kiss from Kathy who whispered, "Be careful." Beth, Missy, and Juanita all gave me a hug and kiss. In the upper lounge, Mercy hugged me tight and said, "Be safe." Sue hugged me and said, "Hurry back."
I explained to Steve that if the weather broke and they could proceed, to do so, as the Coast Guard had already been told they have to bring me back. I told him I would either call him or the Coast Guard would radio him.
We heard the thump, thump, thump of the big helicopter as it came toward us. I went out onto the bow and waved my aluminum case to get their attention.
The helicopter hovered about thirty feet above the boat and dropped a rescue sling. I stepped through it and wrapped an arm around it and waved. The hoist quickly brought me up to the doorway of the helicopter and a crewman pulled me inside. When I was out of the sling and the apparatus was brought back into the helicopter, I leaned out and waved at everyone on the three boats.
The helicopter dipped and turned north picking up speed as the crewman slid the door closed to keep out the cold Alaskan air. As soon as we cleared the tops of the surrounding hills, we were buffeted by the heavy winds of the storm that was still coming in.
A Coast Guard crewman asked what was up and I tried to explain what was going on, but I ended up having to show him my badge to get across to him that I was involved in law enforcement. He had a set of quilted, insulated coveralls in a very light colored camouflage, a pair of heavy insulated boots, and a hat. He said, "This is June, but with the weather coming in, the wind chill is going to be about ten and there's a good chance we'll get some snow out of this storm.
I put the coveralls on over my clothes, then put the boots on. The guy had a fit when I put the boot on my prosthesis. He couldn't understand how the service could have a guy with a fake leg doing what I did. I just said, "They're hard up for crazy people."
The big chopper landed in the parking lot of the Federal offices. The whole place was just a little larger than my house, but accommodated, the FBI, the Marshal Service, the ATF, and the DEA. They didn't have a regular Homeland Security office, but had the ATF and DEA answer for them. When I went into the office, I introduced myself and asked to be taken to see Dave.
One of the deputies drove me to the small hospital where I was ushered in to see my man without any hassles. Dave was sitting up in bed and immediately put his hand over his face when he saw me. "Damn, how did they find you?" He stuck his hand out to shake mine and said, "I'm embarrassed, I dropped my guard, I didn't do what I knew to do, and I let some idiot get the drop on me. I should have brought a sidekick, but didn't. I should have had a partner and didn't. I made everyone else have a partner, but I was too cocky. Now I'll have to listen to Sarah about this forever. Sorry, Chuck, I know you need to be out of the limelight."
"As long as you're all right, I'll be fine. Sarah will get over it, she's been shot before. She knows it's part of the job. Just tell her you'll be more careful from now on. I'm telling you though, from this point forward, find a guy you're comfortable with and always drag him along as a sidekick. You know the rules; you know how to do this stuff."
We chatted a few minutes, then I asked, "What do I need to know about this group and the subject. How many are there? Do we know where they still are? Do you have any suggestions?"
Dave said, "I think there are nine total. They are well armed with rifles and shotguns. I think they have sporterized AKs, as they sounded like it. They all have 45 automatics for sidearms. As you can see, they can and will shoot. Some of them may have had military training, as they were good at hiding and keeping out of the line of fire. We terminated three of them, as there was an even dozen when we went after them. I think you need to locate them again, and assign sharpshooters around them to pick targets and when you decide to go in for the capture to take out as many as possible, using the snipers before closing in. They are smart as they had a place we couldn't walk up on. They had a clear view in all directions and were prepared."
"Okay, that tells me we have to go in like an assault. We may have to soften them up a little after taking out some obvious ones, then go in under a cloud of gas. I hate gas, but if it has to be it has to be."
It was time to get going, so I said, "I'm gonna get them, Dave. You should be able to travel today so go home and recoup. You've got light duty for a while. You'll hear about what's happened here, but my name won't be on anything. I'm not here, if you know what I mean."
Back at the station the Chief told me they had located the suspects again. I asked the Chief if he would mind inviting the Bureau in on this one and he said, "If you can get them to come in, I'm for it."
I went into the Bureau office and was greeted coldly. I asked for the resident Agent and had to wait about ten minutes for him to come to his door and wave me in. I decided I didn't like messing with this so I asked, "What took you so long to see me. I didn't see anyone coming out of your office."
The man made the mistake, "I was busy reading the paper. What could some puke Deputy Marshal do for me anyway?"
I stepped up to his phone and called John. "John, I'm in the Bureau office talking to the slime ball resident Agent. Can you conference the Director in with us?"
"Sure, hang on, he loves this stuff. Put us on speakerphone."
When the Director's voice answered, identifying himself, the resident agent looked sick.
"What's up, John?"
John explained where I was and that I had a slime ball Resident Agent in Charge in front of me.
"Well if Chuck says he has a slime ball in front of him why doesn't he shoot the s.o.b. and be rid of the problem. Don't tell me about it, fire the slime ball and call the regional to bring a new man. Christ, why are we having this conversation."
John said, "I'll take care of it, Director, thank you."
We heard the phone disconnect, then John said, "The Director is not in a good mood today, so just can the guy and I'll call his regional. Were you going to do a joint adventure to clean this problem up?"
"I was, but they only have three men here, the Resident Agent and two other agents. Two more men will help, but I think we will need to do an assault. The other two branches may be able to help, but we may need even more."
"Chuck, get everyone you can and perhaps include the locals as well. Do what you can, and if you can't take them easily, call me, I'll send the strike force. Now get rid of your slime ball and get this job done."
I was sticking my hand out in a "gimme" fashion as I hung up the phone. The Agent said, "I'm not surrendering my ID and weapon to you. Who are you anyway?"
"I'm your worse nightmare. I'm here at the direction of the two men you just heard on the phone. I will ask you once more to give me your ID and weapon, and then I will place you under arrest."
My hand was on my Glock inside the coveralls as the man was looking at me confused. When I brought out the Glock and pointed it at him I thought he would pee in his pants. "Give me your ID and your service weapon. You can call your regional from home, not from here. As of this minute, you are no longer an agent, no more hesitation, give them to me."
The man cautiously slid his gun from his shoulder holster and put it on the desk. He pulled his badge and ID case and laid them next to the gun.
"Come around here and stand back from your desk and put your hands on the desk." He did that. "Step back, farther, farther, stay still, I'm going to frisk you."
I patted him down and found a backup in an ankle holster. I wouldn't have thought a law enforcement officer would have something like that until it was suggested to me.
"Hey, that's my personal weapon."
"You don't have the right to carry a weapon right now. You may have this back when you show this office a receipt for the purchase of the gun. Now stand and leave. You are not wanted here right now."
I walked the man to the door with the other two agents watching. When he was out the door, I turned to the agents, "Do either of you have a problem working with deputies from the Marshal's office?"
Both men shook their heads indicating no. "Good, now as a group, let's go see if the two guys from the ATF and the DEA will help with a bust.
Before we could leave, the phone rang. One of the agents answered it, then looked at the phone, "Are you Chuck Johnson?"
I nodded and he handed me the phone. "Johnson."
"Did you can my guy?" It was the Regional from Chicago that I had dealt with before.
"I did, but if you think he's salvageable, he will be calling you from home. You can bring him back, but you had best teach him to respect people from all branches of government law enforcement."
"Some of the guys do get cocky. I'll see what I have to do. You know I don't want to have to come all the way from Chicago to take care of this problem. I hate Alaska. I can't understand why it's mine instead of the Western region. I'll talk to the guy and let John know. I understand you're sort of incognito up there. I'm sorry about another situation with an agent. They just don't learn."
"See what you can do with the guy. I'm taking his two agents with me right now. My guys will help with their caseload when this is done if they have a caseload. There is nothing on their pending board, so they may not have anything to do."
"Take 'em, they could use the work."
The three of us locked the office and went to the other two offices. Both of the men there locked their offices and joined me in the Marshal's station where the Chief and five deputies were.
"Okay, we know where they are right now, do you have any pictures? Can you describe the lay of the land?"
The deputy that had tracked the men down showed some pictures of the building they suspects were in. It had a sign of the former tenant, "Jake's Auto Repair." The building was concrete block in the middle of a large parking lot. There used to be a fence on two sides of the building, but it had been torn down so the building was accessible from all four sides.
The deputy said, "The closest we can get is about fifty yards. There is good cover on three sides, but the back is over two hundred yards to the tree line. They appear to have men at four windows watching for movement, so if we were to do an assault, we could take out four then go in after those remaining. If we are correct, there would only be five left."
I said, "I'm not for anyone getting hurt on this gig, but after they give up, we'll need everyone to cuff and frisk whoever we have left. Say, you FBI guys, do you have any of those smoke rounds for a shotgun?"
One of agents said, "Yeah, we have smoke and tear gas in 12 gauge. The rounds are explosive so they go off when they hit. If they hit someone, that person is a goner."
"Okay, who is the best shot? I need four of you."
The Station Chief said, "I've got two guys that are good and I know Jim here from the ATF is a good shot."
When no one else stepped up, I said, "I'll do one. Which of you guys can do a long range shot?"
The ATF guy said, "I was a sniper in Special Forces. I can do it."
"Good, you'll be in the back. Let's everyone get our watches set together. We can still use our tactical radios to say go, but we need to know about when that's going to happen. Remember, we have to get into position without being seen, call in to a central command post, and then shoot on command."
I asked the Station Chief, "Do you have a protected vehicle?"
"We have a Suburban that's protected."
"Good, you will use that to get us in close or to ram the garage door. That ought to do it. We'll shoot the watchdogs, fire in at least six rounds of smoke, and take them as they come out. Remember, if they still have guns in their hands, they may shoot you. If they move that hand, shoot them, we will be yelling for them to lay down their arms."
Jim from ATF said, "We confiscated a couple of Russian RPG's a few weeks ago and haven't disposed of them, could we use those?"
"Super," I said, thinking big bang, "just what we need to blow out the doorway in front and at least one of the bay doors. Do you know how to fire them?"
The man smiled sheepishly, "There were four originally, but I fired a couple to see what they would do. I kind of figured firing them would be a way of disposing of them."
"Go get them and let's get this done. Everyone, make sure you have your vest on. Everyone should have at least two pair of cuffs. Go get what we need, rifles, watches, vests, and cuffs."
The Station Chief said, "You haven't been out of the military very long. You must have been one hell of a C.O."
I laughed, "I was a lowly team leader that was part of a larger force. I know how to organize what needs to be done, though."
I was surprised when everyone began showing up with the same type of coveralls I had. I asked the Station Chief, "How about you being our command center? Upon your command, the four of us will take out the watchdogs, followed by the smoke rounds from the other agents. Jim from ATF will come back around to fire the RPG's if we need them. When he fires them, we will approach the building in the Suburban and use it as a shield to ram the garage door that we hit with the RPG. We need to make sure someone goes with the ATF guy so he can stay there to make sure that no one escapes in that direction when Jim comes around to fire the RPG's.
The ten of us set out in three Suburbans. The ATF guy and one agent went around to find a position in the trees for the first shot. He would leave the agent with the rifle and come back around to fire the RPG if needed.
Our ten people should be enough as long as everyone stays covered.
I found a position that was concealed, but still gave me a good view and shot at the front window. I could see a guy looking out the window without the scope, so this would be an easy shot.
I made sure the Chief had the bull horn and was ready to give the command.
The ATF guy radioed, "I'm in position and have a target."
The other two deputies radioed they had their targets, so I keyed the radio and said that I had my target, even though I was next to the Chief, as the others would know that I also was set.
When the Chief said, "Go," I fired and watched the guy get hit and fall away from the door. Just as I figured, heavy firing began coming from the windows. The Station Chief began with the commands to come out unarmed, with hands on their heads. I picked up the shotgun, made sure the round was in there, and fired through the window.
Smoke was billowing out of the windows, but I still put the second round in the shotgun and fired it through the window.
The ATF guy came up to me with the two RPG's and said, "Which do you want first, the front door or the garage door?"
He was standing with the rocket grenade pointed at the building when a Hummer came crashing through the garage door.
"Shoot the Hummer, make it a direct hit."
Boom!
The RPG hit front windshield of the Hummer and exploded. The whole top of the Hummer blew off, but the truck kept coming until it hit a pole right in front of us and died. Everyone immediately surrounded the topless vehicle and instantly knew that there was no more danger from within. It looked like five men, but you really couldn't tell.
I said, "Let's check the building to make sure no one is left behind. One of the people hit first may still be alive."
No such luck. We checked the building and found four dead men and really nothing else. The Chief said, "I'll call the County now so they can send their coroner out to clean this up. From what I understand, you don't want to be included in any documentation on this, is that right?"
"You're right. I have to split anyway, so I can get back to where they picked me up. You did well today. All the men from the departments did well. I'll make sure the big bosses know how well this worked out. Make sure your incident reports state the suspects fired hundreds of rounds at you before you returned fire. No need to say anything about the RPG. It was effective, but probably should be forgotten. Be creative. Best of all is that we have no casualties."
"Thanks, Johnson, glad you came to help us get this done. You've only been here a few hours and this is done. Good work."
I called the number the Coast Guard gave me and gave them the coordinates that I was at, using the Chief's GPS unit. The Coast Guard said they should be here within twenty minutes and have me back on board the boat within an hour and a half.
Steve answered his sat phone on the first ring, "Steve here."
"I'll be on my way back in about twenty minutes and on board in less than an hour and a half. Are you still in the protected harbor?"
Steve said, "We are, and will be here through the night. If you hurry, you can have some crab. We pulled out so many we're about to throw a couple hundred back."
"Hey, save them. Put them in some kind of big bag or something and we'll send them back with the helicopter crew as a treat."
"Good idea, Chuck, we've got a bunch, so we'll make up a big sack. We'll figure out how to attach it to the sling."
"Thanks, Steve, I'll call when we get close."
I called Dave at the hospital and found out that he had left for the airport. That made me happy, so I called Wanda to tell her what was up.
"It's done and no rounds even came near me and no other casualties. Dave is on his way to the airport and I'm about ready to be picked up to go back to the boat."
"That's great, Chuck. I was concerned the way you have been being used for target practice lately. Were you able to bring in any of the suspects?"
"They all were terminated. Too much resistance, they didn't give us a chance, so they are not with us any longer."
"Well, that's good, glad you are safe with no new holes. Call me tomorrow and I'll tell you if you got out without being noticed. Enjoy your vacation."
I still had ten minutes till pickup, so I called John. "This has to be you on a sat phone, Johnson. Why are you spending Uncle Sam's money calling me?"
"Wanted to tell you the problem is taken care of. The joint forces from the ATF, DEA, FBI, and our Marshal Service were able to take the group, although there are no survivors. There were no casualties on our side and the case is closed."
"Had to do them all?"
"Too much resistance. They tried to make a run for it and the last five crashed and burned, it was pretty messy."
"That's good, you didn't shoot them all, how many did you do anyway?"
"I wasn't there, Sir, I'm on leave."
"Yeah, sure, I can't see you not doing a half dozen of a group that shot up one of your own. I'll read the incident reports, I'll bet they will be creative. Go away now. I don't need you anymore. Get lost but stay where I can pull your string. Fairbanks may need you next."
"Thanks for the sideshow, John, you always make my day. I hear the chopper, so I'll see you later."
I had my aluminum suitcase with my rifle broken down ready to get on the helicopter. I shook hands all around, assuring the FBI agents the Regional was taking care of the problem and they would probably have a leader later today.
The guys in the helicopter asked me, "Who blew up the Hummer?" It looks like someone crashed through that garage door on the building."
I just said there was some resistance, but the problem had been taken care of, and all the suspects were neutralized. I think they got the drift.
The one crewman said, "I guess you can keep the coveralls and boots. Here's the shoes you had when you came aboard."
"Hey," I said, "Can you let me down in that basket you have back there. If you do, I'll send up a big sack of King Crab. They were going to throw the extra back, but I made sure they kept them for you guys."
"How many do they have left over?"
"I don't know but it sounded more like a couple of hundred pounds."
"Really?" The crewman said, astonished.
I called Steve on the sat phone to advise him we were getting close. "How much crab do you have for these guys?"
"Probably a couple hundred pounds, is that too much?"
"Can you guys use a couple hundred pounds?"
The crewman grinned and said, "Damn right, the whole station will have a crab feast."
"They want the works, Steve, save a couple for me as I love those things too."
"Don't worry, Chuck, you'll be poppin' your pants buttons when you're done eating tonight. Say do they want some salmon, you and I did overdo it a little."
I asked the crewman if they could use a little salmon, probably twenty pounds or so. He smiled and nodded his head.
"Put the salmon in with the crab, Steve. These are hungry men. See you in a few minutes."
The crewmen began rigging the basket and had me sit in it as we came over the hills in the still heavy winds. Once we dropped down in the harbor area, we were out of the winds and the helicopter settled over the bow of the "Mercy Mercy."
They pushed me out and lowered me to the deck in the basket, where Steve helped me out and began putting big sacks of crab and salmon in the basket. I waved for them to pull it up and the basket went up and was pulled into the side of the helicopter. One of the crewmen waved at me as the helicopter turned and headed back.
Steve put his hands on both of my shoulders and looked at me, "Damn glad to have you back in one piece." He hugged me and said, "Let's get you out of your war get up and back to being a swabby on this tub."
I was warmly greeted by all as I went below to change. The kids were all standing at the door as I sat in a chair and began pulling my boots off. It was "Where did you go?" "What did you do?" "Did you have to have a gunfight again?" "How many bad guys were there?" "Did you get them all?" "Did you shoot anyone?"
I didn't tell the whole truth, but I told them I went to Juneau, hunted down the bad guys with a bunch of other law enforcement people, and captured all the bad guys. They were satisfied with that, so I left it. Kathy was standing in the door listening to me, and when the kids were all gone, she said, "I hope what you told them is what really happened. I like to think some things can be done without bloodshed."
I thought to myself, 'I wish it were so."
Back in jeans, a heavy shirt, and deck shoes, I went upstairs to the lounge. Mercy had a tall glass with ice and clear liquid in it, "Here Deputy, have a celebration drink."
"Who's on duty, and when does Steve go on duty? I shouldn't drink if I'm going to be on duty soon."
Steve said, "Not to worry. Michael's men are on watch tonight while we're in the harbor. We're just going to sit back, drink some, listen to you serenade us, and eat till we pop. Drink up, Mate. You have some catching up to do. I think the women are already all half in the bag. They've been drinking since they heard you were on your way back in one piece."
Mercy sat on my lap, while Missy came and sat along side me. Missy said, "We still have to have our talk. I see in you what I saw in Mercy when she was little. You have that same perceptiveness about people, but you haven't learned to look inside them yet. I want Mercy and me to teach you. You'll be able to help so many people by helping them make good decisions. You'll help people learn to love one another, and it might help you keep from getting hurt again. You can't see into the future, but you can feel what people are thinking and know when to duck."
"Okay, I'm convinced. You two can teach me, but right now, this tall glass needs to have a few sips taken from it."
Mercy tilted the glass into her mouth, took a big drink, and smiled. I was going to take a drink, but Missy took the glass and took a huge drink out it. There was only a big gulp left, so I drained the glass and said, "This glass isn't big enough for the three of us."
Sue pulled the glass from my hand and handed me a full one. She said, "Those two do that to Steve all the time. They would rather drink from someone else's glass rather than having their own."
Missy, the mom, hugged me from one side and Mercy hugged me from my lap. They both gave me a kiss and got up. Mercy sat in Steve's lap and was whispering in his ear. The two of them got up and went below as Sue sat in my lap. She said into my ear, "Why don't you put that glass in the fridge and let's take a short nap before supper. I think we could get away with that now."
Sue stood pulled me up and handed my glass to her mom, Beth, telling her to put it in the fridge for a while. We went below and headed down the passageway to my cabin and the master cabin. She was going to go into the master cabin, but opened my door and pulled me in. She said, "This time, this first time, I want to make love with you alone. I want to be the only one in your mind; that is, if Mercy and Missy will let me."
Sue kissed me and I, of course, nervously kissed her in return. She was at the buttons on my shirt before our lips ever parted from the first kiss. Sue said huskily, "Undo my pants, quick, I'm getting too hot to wait."
The way the two of us undressed so rapidly was almost comical. Clothes were flying, shoes went flying, I unstrapped my leg and let it fall to the floor, and I reached out and hugged a naked Sue to my naked body. We fell gently to the bed, where I picked her up and settled her in the middle where I could begin kissing all of her. I did, I kissed all of her, lots of times, enjoying her mammoth breasts and huge nipples. I'll bet all her babies enjoyed sucking on these beautiful mounds.
I could smell Sue's arousal and it drew me to her center like a magnet. If this was supposed to be a fishy smell, I was going to begin a pure fish diet. Sue was delicious. She was also responsive and as soon as she began coming, she began leaking. The force of the leak continued until she was trying to keep from screaming, juices were shooting from her. My face was a mess. Sue pulled me up by my ears and said, "You need to grow some hair so I can get a hold of you. I can't pull you up when I want you in me. Do it, put it in me."
When we were together, with me completely buried within Sue, we both paused to enjoy her clutching and squeezing. Ever so slowly, we began to perform the age old rhythm of love. I wasn't near ready to quit when Sue was clutching me so tightly that I couldn't move and she was gasping from coming so hard. Her insides milked a huge load from me, filling her to the brim.
We collapsed together, lying on our sides, still connected. I couldn't resist ducking my head and sucking one of Sue's gigantic nipples into my mouth. She groaned and I moaned. I became hard again, filling her, squishing my juices out from her. Sue moaned and I groaned as I felt as if I could come again in just seconds.
Sue pushed me onto my back and sat on me, moving up and down quickly, while forcing a nipple into my mouth. "I'm fucking you now. This one is mine, I'm going to come all over you, you fat-pricked lover. God, I have two of the best on board. I can just go from one to the other, enjoying long and fat all night long."
Sue's hips became a blur and about the time I felt her juices cascading down on me, I squirted her full of my juices again.
We lay there, with Sue on top of me, giving me soft sensual kisses. When she felt me begin to get hard again, she said, "No more of that stuff. We should clean up for supper. We're also going to have to change the bedding in here. You turned me on so much that I soaked everything. You came a lot too, both times. Thank you, Chuck, I wanted you. I wanted to feel how you made love to me. It was everything I could have wanted."
When she saw my concerned look, she said, "Don't worry, Steve is my man, my main lover. I would never be apart from him. You, however, I want to adopt and have you be another husband like Steve has extra women, wives. I think we would all like that. Steve thinks so highly of you, it's like you're brothers. Yep, I think you should become another husband. We need your youth."
I was dumbfounded. Sue Sharp was saying she wanted me to be a second husband to her, Mercy, Juanita, and Kathy. That's exciting, disturbing, and scary.
We did clean up, and Sue said to leave the bed and she would have someone fix it before or after supper. I went back up to the lounge, and was just sipping my drink, when Steve came up to the lounge with a smile on his face. He said, "Don't ya just love those naps?"
I smiled and he said, "My wife does make some interesting noises doesn't she. You two turned Mercy and I on so much that we had to have seconds. I'll bet she soaked you and the bed. She gets that way when she's making those noises. I love it."
Steve patted my hand and said, "Don't worry, Chuck, the ladies really like you and I like you too. I'm not going to bed with you, but they all will. Trust me when I say, they will figure out a great schedule for you. They still do that with me. I hope you enjoy being loved on, as all of the women on board just love to be loved.
We were sitting there enjoying our drinks when Barb came up and sat beside me. She said, "You didn't get a chance to give any piano lessons today. I think you need to give me a different kind of lesson tonight. Sue said it was my turn tonight to watch after you. I'll bet I have help keeping you company, but I have no idea who. Think you're up to it, big guy?"
I rolled my eyes, making Steve laugh. "They don't mince words, do they? Barb, go get Chuck's guitar and let him play a little before supper. A few Jimmy Buffet songs would be appropriate tonight."
About the time Barb came up with my guitar, Dewey, Sheila, Sheena, and the kids came in from their boat to join us. The kids rushed down the ladder to find the others, as Dewey got busy making drinks for him and the women he brought.
Kathy came up the stairs, or ladder, as they called them or it, whatever they were. I called them steep stairs. Kathy sat on one side of me and Barb on the other. It was strange to have mother and daughter sitting with me while some impure thoughts raced through my head.
I made a suggestion, "How about playing one of the CDs from the second concert or one from Pop's up in Atlanta when Lisa and I played a few weeks ago. We haven't watched any of the DVDs yet, either. There's some really good music in them."
Steve took the CD from the first concert we flew to and put it in. This one had me showing the other bassist the riff and I had first ran it through. Pretty soon the dissonant different instrument's noise turned into a group, synchronized with each, other playing a plain G blues tune that migrated through very metal jazzy blues. Parts of the extemporaneous music were genius, and parts were so-so, but it flowed continuously until someone from below deck hollered, "The food's ready."
Steve went out to call Michael and his family and came back in, following the folks from the Irish Bell.
The adults had to do a lot of cracking and stripping of crab meat for the kids, which made the meal take a lot longer. The good thing is that there is always a lot of chatting and laughter among everyone. Crab goes great with beer, and I think we made a dent in the supply of cold ones during supper. I was cracking another giant claw when I realized I was really full. I ate that one, but put my fork down after.
Juanita told the adults, "Strip all the rest of the crab meat now and put it this big bowl. I'll make some crab patties for breakfast. They are wonderful with black beans and rice."
Steve said, "Juanita says everything goes well with black beans and rice."
Kathy commented, "But it is so good, even for breakfast. It's a healthy meal, full of protein and that tastes good any time of day."
It took over a half hour of joint effort to clean all the meat from the uneaten crab, but you could see Juanita's big smile as she put the big covered bowl in the fridge.
The other men migrated to the upstairs lounge, but I heard some guitar playing, so I went into the big lounge to find the kids from the Irish Bell and Dewey's kids practicing what they were taught today. The other kids were watching the video that was made in Spain. They were fascinated by the music.
Up in the topside lounge, I was handed my guitar and asked to play by Barb and Kathy. Kathy said, "Play us some country songs. Do you know any?"
I began strumming and sang, "I'm sending you a big bouquet of roses" which was about the only real country song I knew the words for. I went below, dug out the big fake book and brought it up to the lounge. I gave Barb and Kathy the book and a container of sticky markers and told them to mark the ones they wanted to hear. Chanda joined them in selecting songs to play.
I ended up playing for over an hour while the girls sang the lyrics to the songs. Who would guess that an Irish lass would know so many U.S. country music tunes, but then music does have a universal appeal.
When some yawns began appearing, Steve said, "Looks like the storm has passed so we'll get back under way tomorrow. How about we go straight through to Anchorage? When we get to the narrows, I think the Irish Bell should lead the way. Dewey can go second and we'll bring up the rear. The Bell has better depth sounding than either of us, so we'll follow her in. We have a reservation at a commercial harbor anchorage since they don't have a yacht club like we are used to. We have commissioned a forty foot tour boat to take us back and forth to land, so we should be able to get back and forth easily."
Dewey asked, "How about riding with us for a couple of days? We're having a party for the smaller kids on our boat, so you can teach some guitar to the kids that are on board. You'll get to teach all of the kids from my family and the Bell. It should be fun."
I was kind of looking at Steve and he gave me a slight nod. I told Dewey that "It sounds like fun, Dewey. I'll bring my stuff over in the morning."
A little later, after I was washed, teeth brushed, and stretched out relaxing, a smaller figure came into the room. It was Mercy. She didn't get in bed, but came and gave me a hug and kiss. She said, "Two of the ladies from the Bell are going to be on board Dewey's boat to help with the kids. From what I heard, they might be in the market to help the bloodline expand a little. Don't be surprised if the two try to monopolize your time. They have both told me they are ready for another little one. They like your warrior spirit. I'm telling you this so you know you may be fathering some Irish kids." Mercy kissed me and got up to leave. Before she went out the door, she did say, "Mom and I have to have that long talk with you soon. We both think you have some hidden gifts that you need to develop."
I was thinking about that when a tall slim figure slipped into the room, made the motion of pulling a gown off, then slid into bed with me. A young version of Kathy wrapped herself around me and said, "I thought for a little that Mercy was going to hog you tonight. I think Mom was coming in, but I announced early that I was coming and it would be too freaky for us both to be with you."
Barb was very warm, hugging and kissing for a long time before we became more intimate with our touches, leading to some very good lovemaking. When we were still locked together, totally satisfied, Barb said, "When I get to the time when I want to get married, I want a man like you that will make love to me like that. Maybe you'll still be available." She gave me another smoldering kiss, and we dropped off to sleep.
Sometime during the night, Barb must have decided she wanted more, as she was sucking me to the point that I almost lost it. I pulled her up to me and began kissing her until our parts seemed to mesh together and we slowly drove to another magnificent mutual orgasm.
This time she kissed me and turned away from me and I spooned her back. I was thinking that although this was still a very young lady, it was amazing how sensual she was, and also amazing that she was so experienced. I went to sleep, thinking that I might still be around when she was another five years or so older.
Primary editing by Pepere
Proofing by Sagacious