Quoted By:
You couldn’t give two shits about your dad… not even one shit, really, but as you prepare to walk out on him for what you hope is the last time in your short life, you pause mid-departure to deliver one last request:
Tell mom I say hi, you say as you struggle to keep your anger from seeping into your voice.
“She’ll see you at the funeral.” He replies, his solemn tone failing to betray whose funeral he’s referring to. “Now get the fuck outta’ my crime scene.”
A cordial goodbye as far as they go. Letting the two officers escorting you take the lead, you leave your father in the metal tomb he set up shop in as another party guest is led in by another pair of cops.
The journey through the coast guard cutter’s innards is cold enough to chill you to the bone–quiet, too. You’re halfway up a metal stairwell when one of your chaperones, a broad-shouldered man with a short head of immaculately-kept blonde hair, dares to break the silence.
“For what it’s worth, kid, you’re a goddamn superhero in our book.”
Yea, you blink in a listless tone, well thanks, man, it’s working out <span class="mu-i">swell</span> so far…
The cop pauses mid-stride, blocking your path as he turns to face you with a determined sigh.
“See this?” he asks as he gives his badge a pointed tap, the surname ‘<span class="mu-s">MARSH</span>’ emblazoned in gold and metal on the front, “Word is you went toe-to-toe with some kind of dog monsters… and when everyone was resting up, you charged off into the storm to save your friend. Takes balls.”
Oh yea, you ask with an ember of interest in your tone, and who told him that, exactly?
“My daughter <span class="mu-s">TERRA</span>,” he replies with a wry grin forming on his face. “Quiet, wears glasses, wants to be a vet? She was adamant that had you and the others not intervened, she and Ayla would be dog chow…”
Well, you shrug as the proud father holds out his hand for a shake, he saw what that move got you.
This time it’s his partner’s turn to scoff–a squat, hard-faced man with a perpetual scowl on his round face. “McKay’s a good cop, kid, but he’s a fucking prick. No offense.”
None taken, you snort. Giving Terra’s dad’s hand a hearty shake, you feel the burden your dad left you to carry lighten a bit. You’re, uh… you’re glad she’s okay.
“Me too.” Smiles Officer Marsh, “Anyways, that’s it… let’s, uh… let’s get you home, yea?”
Yea, you sigh, sounds good…
>CONTD.
