When I hung up after talking to my sister, Susan, I thought perhaps I should look for a bigger place or a way to expand ours so we could have more big bedrooms. We could always use the baby's room for a regular bedroom for a while if we needed it. We might need even more, considering Deanne and using a bedroom for my sister and her husband and one for each kid.
When Sue came home with Mickey they were bosom buddies. Mickey asked me to fix her a scotch and water I so brought her one with water and me a Dewars on the rocks. Yummy stuff.
We sat out on the patio while I told Sue about my sister Susan and her husband and kids coming down a week from next Friday. Sue was excited. I told her I had offered us to fly up to Cincinnati to get them and she really got excited. She asked how far it was and said about six hundred miles. She said that it would be an easy flight up and back.
Mickey asked, "You two have a plane that can fly that fast, three hundred miles an hour?"
Sue smiled, "It was a success present to myself. It's a turbo prop meant for short take off and landings that has a big range and is very comfortable. If you want, plan on flying with us. It'll only be a couple of hours up and a couple of hours back. It's pretty quiet in the cabin and very comfortable."
Mickey said, "I might, I just might. Depends on the duty schedule. Dad won't change anything just for me. I have to swap on my own but most of the guys are good about swapping around."
Without a great pause Mickey continued, "You two are amazing. Dad talks about Steve as if he walks on water then I meet you, Sue, and Jesus, I'm sorry Steve, but I'm in love. You're wife makes me nuts for her. She's self-sufficient, she has her own successful growing business, she has you, she's pregnant and she has all these great friends. I'm just dazzled."
"You just haven't found the man for you yet Mickey. One of these days he'll come into your life and you'll be lost. It'll be all over. There's nothing like having that special person just for you. Until then, you just snuggle up to us and let us be your special friends. You'll enjoy us in there," Sue pointed toward the house, "as much as you like us out here."
Mickey shivered. "I know. Steve has made me wet all day and you've made me gush. Please, let's go to bed, I want to find out."
This sure wasn't the lady deputy that had ridden up to New Port Richey with me. Who would believe?
Sue and Mickey went inside while I cleaned up and shut down the patio. I locked up then went to bed. Deanne had already gone to bed after talking to her folks, happy with the anticipation of being able to stay at home a couple of nights a week.
I went into the bedroom and then into the bathroom to brush my teeth then took a quick shower without getting my hair wet. When I came out the lights in the bedroom were turned way down and I could see Sue and Mickey involved. There was room on the outside of Sue so I slid in next to her.
When the two of them took a breath, Sue turned to me and attacked my mouth. She kissed me and rolled onto me catching my arousal to enter her. She made it plain that she wanted to be made love to by me so I gladly did. When she was laying there gasping, she pulled Mickey to us and said, "Now make love to her the same way, make her scream, make her yours."
Mickey was easy to love. She was hesitant a few times, unused to a man, unused to a man loving her perhaps more intensely than some of her past women. Before she nearly passed out, she screamed, she cried and she had pleaded for more. As she reached her peak, Sue and I were both kissing her.
When we settle down to sleep, Mickey insisted I be in the middle. She wanted to feel me all night long but wanted Sue to be able to feel me too. I was still worked up as I didn't want to come inside her. Sue felt me still hard and realized what I had done. It took her mouth only a minute or two to drain me. I think Mickey was already asleep. Sue and I kissed lovingly and she snuggled to me and fell asleep.
I woke with a start. I felt both girls moving and it was enough to wake me. I listened to hear if there was a noise outside but there wasn't. I stretched back to look at the clock and it was clicking over from five fifty-nine to six.
Time to get up. I slid from between the two and walked naked into the kitchen to start coffee. A sleepy Deanne walked out of her room and up to me to get a hug. She took hold of my morning erection and said, "I wish there was more time, I could use this thing this morning." She gave me a kiss then went on to the bathroom.
Back in the bedroom the two girls were snuggled together so I kept the noise down and hurried through a shower and dressing to get ready for the day.
Out on the patio with a cup of coffee, Glenda showed up in her usual cheery mood. "So did your new toy stay the night or was it the long tall toy's night?"
"My goodness Glenda, Deanne has her own bedroom, but for your information Mickey did stay with Sue and me."
Glenda was smirking, "That lady of yours sure can bring 'em home. You brought this one but then Sue sure did convince her to stay."
Ruth and Tiny came through the door getting coffee from the big pot. Ruth commented, "Get some new pussy last night?"
"Jeez, will you guys let up. My goodness, Deanne has her own bedroom and Mickey was a house guest," I said shaking my head.
Ruth muttered under her breath, "My bet would be bed guest too."
Shawna dragging a sleepy Charlie came to the table and of course Shawna was first to talk, "Hey how was the new pussy, any good, would I like it?"
I decided to not protest or comment. Sue came to the door naked and said to me, "You sneaked off on me. I wasn't done with you for being so good to Mickey and me last night."
Oh shit.
Deanne came out the door giving Sue a kiss on the way by. Then another naked form came to the door and hugged Sue, "Damn a girl could get used to you two."
Glenda on one side and Shawna on the other punched me. Ruth said, "Punch him again for me."
Sue and Mickey disappeared then re-appeared in terrycloth robes. They both got coffee and sat down as Sandy, Mandy, Bob and Drew came. Hannah and Jim were walking over as Phil and Judy arrived with the box of breakfast sandwiches and donuts. Debbie and Hank finally showed up saying they would have like to sleep some more.
Mickey said, "My goodness, this place is busy in the morning."
As she got that out of her mouth Joan, Betty, Tom and Al showed up along with Tiny's folks, Charlie and Matty.
Charlie, the park manager, and Martin were talking about the completion of the boardwalk and pier they had been working on. They had worked on it making it accessible for disabled people. There were a lot of older folks in the park who needed it since they were wheel chair bound. Since we had built the ramp for Charlie, Martin had built four more ramps, making some extra money.
Tiny said that we should hear today about the potential closing with Ernie on the new property. The magnitude of the new adventure had most of us wondering if we could really do it. The only way to find out was to go ahead. Tiny said that he had already had several conversations with Ben about the zoning. Ben felt confident it would go through.
I asked Tiny if the architects would have the drawing ready yet and he said they should be ready by Tuesday. I told him that I wanted the presentation to include the two companies' history, the employment record, and the estimated increase in employment. I thought we should portray the upscale RV center and the hotel as well as the Restaurant across the street. If all the zoning could be accomplished we would build the Hotel and Restaurant quickly so the construction people and franchise people would have a place to stay and eat.
As soon as I said that Mickey said, "You mean you're not going to invite them to eat out here?"
"Smart ass," I said looking up at her.
"You feed everyone else it looks like, what's with a few more," she said.
Mandy said, "Wait till he has another of his company gatherings out here. You won't believe it. He gets over two hundred people here, complete with caterers, a big tent and two big bars. He has people parking cars plus people to drive the drunks home. Like I said, you won't believe it."
"Wow, I can't wait. I'll bet this place is a mad house," Mickey said wistfully. "I really like this and all the people that get together. It's the best feeling in the world to be a part of you guys."
Shawna said, "I'll bet you had the best feeling in the world last night honey. I'd bet on it."
Mickey colored red but smiled and said, "You know it."
That shut them up.
People began saying it was time to get going and the group began disappearing,. Betty, Joan and Hanna went inside the house to go to the office in there. Sue told Mickey to come take a look before they cleaned up to go do something today.
At work I had a conversation with Jeff about building a really big facility for the trucks. He would be in charge of the fiberglass people but would need to find and develop a manager to work with him at both places so he could continue to maintain quality while we ramped up productivity. He nodded and said, "I expected this the way you're growing. The nice thing is you trust me to build both of them. At first I thought you might do what a lot of big companies do and blow me off in favor of some college guy. But you're giving me an even bigger challenge. Tell you what Steve, I'll train the best damn fiberglass people you've ever seen for both operations. I'll find us the best people to lead both places and we'll all make some damn good ah, perfect, product."
I slapped him on the back and told him not to hold his breath as it could take a couple months before we even began building.
While I was over there I could see that the super lift group were really busy. Every work area had a lift torn down and there were about twenty lifts in the yard with two more sitting on trailers ready to be unloaded. I wondered if we should expand the group or let us just work from behind for a while.
Abe was happily checking on each project offering a suggestion here and there. His new assistant was busily working with production orders and checking the quality control items. The production assistant was on the phone, probably ordering parts.
The three race-day trucks were all being worked on. The doors were all open as were the sides, open to replenish everything. They were using sales records plus the basic inventory lists to make sure that the trucks would leave with the right new merchandise. Cases of the race day event T-shirts were being loaded. The T-shirts were really worth a smile. Every week the three trucks had T-shirts people just had to have. The body building area was working on two large boom bodies. These looked a little different and the guys told me the bodies were going through a constant evolution. Every time they could improve them they did. Tiny had told them they were still under budget so they kept thinking of more ways to make the trucks better.
The motor group was loud and raunchy this morning. It was a good thing they all had thick skins they way they ragged on each other. The gay guys were challenging the gay girls then the couples were challenging both gay groups. Andy and Mandy were now the most conservative of the group as they were nearly as settled down as the couples. Shawna just wandered through the shop helping each one as she went, making sure that quality was the most important product.
I walked through both sides of the admin area noting a training class in one area and a meeting being held in another. Wow, who were all these people? Ruth saw me and said, "Sue's plant people are using the meeting area to discuss how to integrate another line." She said that even with the new building there isn't enough room for all of the activities.
We would work on that for the new building we were planning for Sue. I was amazed that Sue's product was now demanding so much manufacturing space. I wondered if the success would continue.
Around noon Sue and Mickey came to get me to have lunch at the little Greek restaurant, then back home for a trip to the gym, then a visit to sun at the pool. Mickey said she was having the time of her life going with Sue through the big factory. She said she was amazed at how the people nearly idolized Sue.
When I got back to the shop Debbie said Ben wanted me to call him. When I called and was transferred to him he said, "I think it's a lock. Three of the five from the zoning board agree the land could be used for manufacturing, retail and the hotel. They have already signed off on spot zoning for the restaurant. If you can buy up any of the other land surrounding your big plot, we could use the same presentation to push it through.
I asked Ben who was the best real estate attorney in Tampa. He sputtered for a little then gave me the name of Abe Cohen. He said Abe knew every piece of land in Hillsborough County. I thanked Ben then looked up Abe Cohen in the yellow pages.
It took a little sweet-talking to get through to Mr. Cohen; he had a real guard dog for a secretary. When I finally got through, I told him who I was and that I was married to a Phillips heir. We had purchased acreage in north Hillsborough and wanted to purchase adjoining land if it were available. We talked for a while, and when he realized I wouldn't give up where the land was until we met first, he finally agreed to meet with me.
I called Ben and told him he was coming with me as a legal witness while I dealt with Mr. Cohen. I had the feeling Abe Cohen made his fortune by sucking after his clients and not necessarily helping them. The closer it came to time to go see the guy the more uncomfortable I became. So I called him and put him off for two weeks.
I went to the Hillsborough County court house records division. The tax rolls had every piece of land in the county described and parceled for tax purposes. I found out the owner, the appraised taxable amount as a guide, and the current state of the taxes. Right next to the land we were buying was a six hundred-acre parcel that was close to being sold for taxes. I wrote down all the pertinent information on that one and also on a very small parcel that was in front of it, between ours and the highway. This land was current in taxes but had had a lot of activity on it lately.
I found the phone number of the registered owner of the land that was going up for a tax sale and called. An old crackly voice answered and said that yes, she was the owner of the land, and that she still lived on it. I asked her if I could come to visit her. She was happy to have me come out. I called Sue and told her what I had found and she said she would come with me.
After picking up Sue, we found the old road that wound its way back to the little house on the back of the land. The property was listed in the name of Nelda Farmer. I drove my truck up close to her porch and walked with Sue to the door.
An ancient lady opened the door before we could step on the porch. "Are you the man that called me little while ago?"
"Yes Ma'am, I am. This is my wife Sue. Can we talk to you for a few minutes?"
"Sit down out here on the porch with me and we'll talk. There have been too many government men out here lately telling me I owed lots of money for taxes. They keep telling me I will have to move. Can you explain all this to me?" she asked.
Sue and I sat on some old chairs across from Nelda who sat in an old rocking chair.
"Nelda, you know that every year you have to pay taxes to the county for the land that you own. I noticed that your land used to be considered agricultural, and then it became large area residential, and that brought the land value way up. Did you use to have a lot of animals? A lot of livestock?"
Nelda sat up straight and said, "My Wilbur and I had many beef cows grazing out here. We had a milk cow and a bunch of goats. When Wilbur died, I couldn't take care of them anymore, so I sold them all, but I tell you I've been paying my taxes. I sent my money into the collector early. Now they're telling me it isn't enough and I'll lose the property. Is that true?"
Sue wanted to help. "Yes ma'am it's true. When you sold all your animals you were no longer a farmer. You became a resident only and not eligible for the farm exemption. Do you understand that?"
"I guess I do. Some other man tried to explain it, but he was such a foul mouthed man that I didn't want to listen to him. What can I do? I don't have anything else but this place. Where will I go?" Nelda was almost in tears.
Sue went to her and hugged her shoulders. "Where would you like to live if you didn't live here Nelda?"
"Oh that's easy. I'd live up the road in that fancy trailer park, or perhaps I'm old enough to live in the Hillsborough Senior Tower over on Bearrs."
Sue thought for a moment, "You can live at either place. Can you take care of yourself if you were to live out at the trailer park?"
Nelda stood up and said, "Come look at my house. I keep this up by myself. I keep myself clean and my house clean." She led Sue and me through the house. It was spotless. The furniture was old, the carpet was threadbare, but everything was clean and neat.
We went back out to the porch and Sue said, "Nelda, I want to help you by giving you a fair value for your land. I'll help you move into the trailer park so you live near Steve and me. We'll set up your bank account so no one can take advantage of you. We'll also make arrangements so you can go right into the Senior Tower if you want when the time comes. Would you do that?"
"But who will help me move? All of my memories are inside here."
Sue was near tears wanting to just hold the old lady. "See that truck out there, we'll put everything you want in there and carry you and all of your possessions to your new place. Would you like to see where Steve and I live over there?"
Nelda looked at me then Sue and said, "If you two really live over there, I'll sell you the land and get me a trailer over there whether you help me or not. I'm ready and I don't want some smart mouth man come to take me away."
Sue helped her get her purse and lock her doors. We drove to the trailer park and parked at our place. We took Nelda into the patio and had her sit while I put some water on for tea. Sue took Nelda on a tour of our house and the office area. Nelda even had to see our bedroom and looked in Sue's drawers to look at the bra sizes.
Back on the patio she said, "You two live here all right. I believed you but I wanted to see it for myself. I did. Where would I live, where would you want me to live?" Sue pointed to Ruth and Tiny's place and said, "Next door to that trailer. The people that are there right now are moving in the morning so that space will be open. You and I will go and pick out the exact trailer you want and get it put right there. You can come here every morning for coffee and some breakfast, then in the evening you can come for dinner. If you want a little drink of beer or other spirits, we have it right here. You will be forever welcome to join all of my friends. As a matter of fact, Nelda, I want you to be here for supper tonight so you can meet our friends."
"What are you going to do with all of my land?" She asked this more in curiosity than anything else.
Sue was very reassuring, "We will build a clothing factory, probably a plant where big trucks get rebuilt, and other businesses like that. We are probably going to have some park area too so people can take a walk, fish in the ponds and just enjoy the outdoors."
Nelda smiled and said as she relaxed in the big rocker, "A park would be nice where people can enjoy the land. I'd like that. Would you take me to the park after I move here?"
"Oh course we would, Nelda. Steve, me, or any one of the many new friends you'll have here."
Nelda had a sly look on her face, "I know how much the property is worth you know."
"Did you have it appraised?" Sue asked.
"No, the property tax man gave me a number. He said he could find me a buyer but I was going to lose the land if I didn't pay him."
I spoke up, "Nelda, let me call a real appraiser and get a number that you will know is a good one. We'll pay you that much and help you get settled in your new trailer. Would you like Sue or me to go with you to pick one out?"
"I want you to go with me. When you deal with property you need a man to do it. Mr. Steve, you come with me. Can we go now, I want to see what I can have." Nelda got up and was moving toward the door.
Sue said she would call Ben and get an appraiser out there immediately so we could get this done.
I helped Nelda into the truck and we started down the highway. When we came near the mobile home place that sold us our place Nelda said, "Don't pass it up. There it is, right there."
We stopped at the office and I helped Nelda out of the truck. The same guy that sold us our trailer came out and gave me a warm welcome, shaking my hand. I said that the lady with me wanted a one-bedroom trailer that would be easy to keep up. She said she wanted a big family room-living room combination joining the kitchen. She said she wanted to have room for a fish tank and perhaps have a cat for a pet.
The mobile home salesman thought for a moment then walked us to a fairly small mobile home. He said it might be the right size, but she needed to look at it.
When we entered it was hot but he said the unit had a good air conditioner for the hot summer. There was a nice kitchen at one end with a counter area that separated it from a large living room area. The side of the trailer had a sliding glass door like ours where the family room would be, but I didn't know what Nelda was looking for. We walked back to the bedroom where there was already a nice platform bed with a nice headboard. Across from the bed was an area for a TV, like our bedroom at home. There was a nice bathroom that was close to the door of the room. In the hallway there was a storage closet and on the side of the kitchen was another door for a small pantry.
Nelda walked through the place several times nodding her head then called me aside. "Make me a deal for this house and we'll get it moved. I'll let your wife help me get furniture while you move my stuff, okay?"
I took Nelda out and seated her in the truck. I started the truck and let the air cool her off. When I came back to the salesman he said, "Before you beat me to death, this is another unit you can steal from me. This place should sell for about fourteen but if you want it for that nice old lady, I'll give it to you for sixty-five, set up and with the pick of furniture in the warehouse. If you want to argue and dicker we still have to get back to that sixty-five number."
"If I paid you cash again is it still sixty-five?" I asked.
He thought for a little then finally said, "For five grand cash I'll give you delivery and setup; for sixty-five you can pick out furniture. Either way it's a good deal."
"I'll bring you the five grand back in about twenty minutes. I think the ladies will have more fun shopping the stores for furniture and decorations."
The man laughed, "You're learning, now that you're married. They do like to shop. What else can I sell you?"
"I could use some room on the big place you sold me. I seem to have a lot of people either visiting or rooming with us. Do you ever have a way to make an addition to a place like mine?"
You could see him calculating, "Funny you should ask. I have a shell that is about the same size as half your house. It's made to add on to another half. It's a shell so it can be designed anyway you want it. It's cheap too. Of course you have to build it out. Want to see it?"
"Hold that thought, let me get this deal taken care of first then I'll work on the addition," I said walking toward the truck.
As I got in Nelda asked, "Did you make a deal?"
"Yes ma'am, the trailer is yours. You and Sue and probably one of our neighbors have to go buy furniture though. Let me take you back to my house and let you rest up for a busy supper time this evening."
"Do you really have that many people come to your house every day?"
"Yes, ma'am, we do. But you'll see why we have such a long table out there."
At home we sat Nelda down and got her an iced tea. She sat there enjoying the air-conditioned breeze that blew over her. While I was talking to Sue Glenda walked in, poured herself a glass of iced tea and sat to talk to Nelda. We couldn't have planned it any better.
Sue said that an appraiser was on his way with a survey crew. He said it should be done by morning. She asked what I had found. I told her about the trailer and that I needed to go to the bank and get five grand cash out. Sue told me to wait a second and she went in and came back out with the cash. She said that it was from the vacation and she hadn't put it back in the safe deposit box yet. I told her to save some for furniture and decorations.
As I was getting ready to leave, Sue stopped me and asked, "What are you going to do with a thousand acres. That's a lot of land. Do you think you can fill it up with businesses? And there is the strip in front that you talked about."
"I don't know, Sue but we're helping out this lady, and we're going to do it for her over and above what we pay for the property."
Sue kissed me saying, "That's what I love about you. The money isn't important, it's what you can do with it to help someone."
Sue joined Glenda and Nelda as I left. I was paying the dealer for the trailer when Sue's Mustang came roaring into the dealership with Nelda, Glenda and Mickey riding with Sue. They wanted to look at Nelda's new place and take measurements for furniture.
The dealer said to me, "You know, I'm too soft hearted, let me take them back to the warehouse and see if they like any of the stuff I have. I'll give it to them. You've been a straight shooter with me on both of your deals."
I left and drove toward home, dialing Ben on my cell. I told Ben that I'd made a deal on the six hundred acres and should be able to close it quickly. He needed to do the title search, but it should be current as the tax collector was going to sell it off for taxes. He said he would take care of it right away. I told him I was glad I didn't confide with the other attorney about what we were doing. He said he had never trusted the guy but it wouldn't have been right for him to tell me that.
I left him with the idea that he needed to jump through hoops to try to talk the owner of the strip of land in front to sell it to us to complete the package.
I stretched out on the couch for a minute thinking, 'That was intense.'
A second later or an hour later whichever it was, Sue was kissing me saying I should wake up it was getting to be time for supper. Wow, what a nap.
I got up and washed my face to get the sleep out of my eyes. As soon as I went out to the patio, Mickey came to me and said, "You need to call Dad. He has some information for you."
I called the number I had for the Major and when he answered all I said was, "This is Steve."
"Paydirt, pal. We found a DNA match, plus we know where those tires were purchased and it was by the same person. I'm going to give you a choice. Do you want to handle this or do you want the department to finish it."
It didn't take me long to think about it, "If you guys will make it stick, I'd rather you do it than the vigilante way. They'll be disappointed but they won't get in trouble for taking care of it. Besides if the case is linked to more bad guys, you'll have a link. Just don't let the guy walk."
"Good answer, Steve. Now you're really looking out for your friends. The FDLE was willing to let you guys handle it, but you all could be charged if they decided to take action. I'll tell them to take the guy and anyone with him. I'll let you know." He hung up as quickly as he picked up.
I ate then told Sue that I needed to run over to see Bear. She nodded, knowing I was involved helping someone and wouldn't rest right until it was done.
When I approached the uniformed guy at the door, I gave him my name so he could check the list. He nodded, then let me in. Bear was by himself this evening watching TV. He looked comfortable and not too doped up.
"I have some good news and some explanations for you, Bear," I began while he looked at me to see where this was going. I told him about the trips I made out to the house and how I had used the local Sheriff's office and the FDLE to help find the bad guy.
"Now the part you're not going to like. They were going to give me the option of taking care of the problem myself or to let the community take care of it. The way I see it, that guy didn't act alone, and we wouldn't be in a position to take down an entire national club or perhaps even a local chapter without causing a stir and maybe losing some of our own. The FDLE wants to take the guy and all those around him down so they can work on them to get some solid information on the bullshit that's happening. I know it's like hiding behind someone's coat tails but I think this is the smart way to go. The shooter is done. He'll go up for life and I'm sure they'll throw him in a tank with some loving friends if you know what I mean. If he knows anything, the state and feds will get it out of him. I was promised by someone I trust that they would make it stick."
Bear didn't say anything for almost five minutes then he said, "I hate it when I have to agree with something I don't like. You made a good decision. You're right, we would probably lose a few guys because there is going to be hell to pay when the cops go down on them. The cops are going to have a battle that we would have had to fight. I want you to go explain to Hap what you told me in the same manner you just told me. Make sure you tell him that I agree with you on this. Call him first to make sure you can get in. He's locked down pretty tight. Do yourself a favor, you should be packing. These guys are not nice and you're too recognizable with that fancy painted- up truck. Get out of here go tell Hap. And thanks, you're a good leader to think of your men first.
When I went to the truck, I unlocked the little box behind the seat and pulled out my Glock, dropped the clip to check that it was full then stuck it between the seats for easy reach. Bear was right, if these guys were getting serious, no telling where they would try next.
When I drove down the street where the clubhouse was, there were two marked and two unmarked cars scattered along the street. I didn't notice but I bet there were more at the street entrance off Nebraska.
I pulled up to the gate and went to the gate. The gate guard listened to me then came back and opened the gate just wide enough for me to walk through. Once in they frisked me quickly then led me to Hap. He had a prospect go get me a beer then we sat down at a table alone with no one around.
Telling Hap everything I had done so far was easy. Telling him that I was going to let the cops do our dirty work was hard. When I told Hap that Bear agrees with my decision, Hap pulled the silent treatment on me a few minutes just like Bear.
"You and him are right. This is bigger than we want to get involved in. If we cancel the bad guy, they might want to cancel the club. These guys are acting big and are about to be busted by the feds the way they are acting. I'm sure you noticed the company out front. I think they are there more to protect us than anything else."
Hap hollered at one of the guys in the outdoor kitchen area. "Do you have that list I told you to make up? Make sure it's for at least seven days." He looked at the list then called his lady over.
"Take your property vest off and go with Steve to the store. Since it's a big order, his truck will be perfect. Here's the cash for what you need. Go by ABC and pick up thirty cases of beer. Just get Bud, no light. You probably should get some soda for those that can't drink or are on duty. Get like ten cases of Coke."
Hap turned to me, "Thanks for doing this for us. I don't think we should go out right now. Are you packing?"
"I'm okay, Hap. Let me get this stuff real quick and we'll be back." I looked at the list and figured, "I'll go to Albertson's for the groceries. If they have a good number on the beer I'll just get it there along with the soda. Less travel, less exposure."
Hap's lady and I left the compound and began driving over to the Albertson's that was on Waters and Dale Mabry. The time was critical as the other stores would be closing soon, but Albertson's was open till at least midnight.
We went straight to the meat department with two big carts to order the food we wanted. While the meat guy was filling the order, we split up and filled two more carts with big cans of vegetables and bags and boxes of noodles, rice and beans. We needed an entire basket just for the bread.
When we were up near the registers, I got the attention of a manager and asked him if he could get me one of his flats with thirty cases of canned Bud and ten cases of Coke. He didn't even flinch, he just began sending people in different directions. We began checking the groceries through two checkout registers to save time. I brought the truck so it was right at the door.
It was then that I noticed a plain white Ford sitting off to the side of the lot. That was good, someone was watching out for us. Several of the bag boys helped me load the truck while the order was paid for in cash. I'm sure the big sale was appreciated as the manager threw in six cakes from the bakery, saying they would be thrown away tonight anyway.
I watched closely as we left the lot to make sure the car was following us. He stayed way back from us, never getting real close. When I pulled up in front of the house, I let the girl out so she would have Hap open the other gate for me to back in. I pulled up then backed into the gate. The truck was immediately emptied. Hap waved at me and I left heading home. The car was back there again. I guess this was bigger than I wanted to know.
When I went into the park there was a marked car near the gate. There was an unmarked at the corner to where the house was and another snuggled up to Martin and Glenda's place.
The patio was pretty empty when I came around the corner. Shawna met me at the door and asked if she needed to get something. I told her I didn't know but thought the Sheriffs department was just being good watchdogs for us. If we were worth this much attention, I couldn't imagine what might be happening elsewhere.
Sue said that she had taken Nelda home, promising that someone would come for her in the morning.
We all had one last beer then I walked over to the car next to Martin's. I told the officer that I was going to shut off the light but would leave on the air and the small coffee pot with fresh coffee if he would rather watch from the patio. He thanked me and said he might rotate with other guys so they could have a break there for a while. I told him there was more coffee grounds in the cupboards under the bar as well as filters. There was plenty of coke and I would put some cold cuts in the bar fridge. They were all welcome and I thanked them for watching over us. He gave me a clue. "You must be pretty important. The Major, the FDLE and the Feds all want you taken care of. So far you've been an easy tail from what I've heard. Keep that up so we can watch out for you."
Inside I found out that when the cops began showing up, Sue immediately took Mickey home under protest. Mickey thought she would be a help, as she was a deputy. Sue told her that there were enough others around and didn't want her to be in danger. I told Sue she did good.
We lay in bed and I tried to mentally summarize everything that had happened and what I had done and what I had decided.
Sue noticed that I was distracted. When I told her about everything running around in my head, she said, "You did all this while trying to help old Nelda, trying to buy a bunch of land, putting a new shop together and keeping me happy? You sure are an ambitious guy. I like it. No time to worry about anything, just get it done. Like that comedian, 'Git'er done.'"
We kissed and loved like two people who really loved each other as much as we did. I couldn't help holding and kissing Sue's gently swelling belly that now held new life. We slept the sleep of the innocent. I think I reverted to the one eye open sleep but I was sleeping anyway.