Run into Trouble

boat has been found. Supposedly there are ships patrolling the whole west coast, both Coast Guard and Navy.”
    “Or at least a couple of destroyers. Since we’re fighting in Vietnam, we’re spread a little thin.”
    “There was also talk that the military might occupy part of the coast. They’ve already sent a force of marines to Malibu, as you know. That’s in addition to the specialists combing the ruins of the houses for evidence as to what happened.”
    “The locals must love all the attention. They’re always fighting to keep people off their beaches, and now they’ve got soldiers to contend with. They’d better lock up their daughters.”
    “The reporter said the residents asked for the troops. They’re panicked and afraid that more shelling is going to occur. Or some sort of an invasion.”
    “Be careful what you wish for. Maybe the commies have a kayak navy out there ready to storm the coast of Malibu. My question is, why did my father show up?”
    Melody put on her most concerned voice. “He came to see if his little boy was all right.”
    Drake snorted. “If I believed that, you could sell me London Bridge.”
    “Too late. Lake Havasu already has it. That’s another thing you stole from us.”
    “If we ‘steal’ many more things from you, you’ll be rich enough to buy back the colonies. As you’ll recall, when he was able to fit me into his schedule yesterday, instead of talking to me, my father made time with you.”
    “And Grace. Who was thrilled out of her mind to meet a real admiral.”
    “The feeling was mutual. There must be a shortage of women in Bakersfield. Maybe things would have been better if my mother hadn’t died.”
    Melody nodded. “It’s hard to lose your spouse. Don’t you think he came to see his old military buddies?”
    Drake pondered that. “As far as I know, Admiral Anderson is the only one he knows from his years in the navy. I don’t think they’re that close. I’ve heard my father say derogatory things about him.”
    Melody took a drink of Gatorade while a semi rolled by; the noise from its powerful engine drowned out any attempt at conversation. Phil and Brian were running a few feet ahead of them. The wind stream that followed the truck blew the cap off Brian’s head. Drake considered ignoring it and making Brian come back and pick it up, but one thing his father had done was to train him in good manners. He reached down and grabbed the cap.
    Brian waited for Drake to catch up with him and took the cap from his outstretched hand. He thanked Drake who decided to ask him a question. “What’s your take on what happened? Do you think it’s dangerous for us to run on the coast?”
    Brian loped easily alongside them. He was one of the youngest runners and obviously in top condition. He and Phil were in second place overall.
    “Naw. Even if that happens again, the chances we’ll be there when it does are infinitesimal.”
    “Lightning can strike twice—”
    “Life is a risky business.” Brian smiled. “Do you want to live forever?”
    ***
    Casey had left for other climes sometime last night, according to Fred. Drake wanted to ask Casey about the meetings that had been held during the last two days. He was still trying to get a handle on what his father was up to. Why did he care? His father hadn’t cared much for him after he had strayed from the straight and narrow path carefully laid out for him. Why should he care what his father was doing?
    Drake decided to ask Fred his questions. He offered to buy him a beer at the local Oxnard pub. Drake used the word pub instead of bar because Oxnard sounded a lot like Oxford in England. Being around Melody brought back the English mannerisms he had learned. Fred drove them a few blocks to a bar that was practically deserted in the late afternoon heat. Drake purchased two draft beers and took them to a rough wooden table Fred had selected.
    He didn’t want Fred to know the extent of his estrangement from his father. That was none of his business. However, he could make a kind of joke out of it.
    “I was wondering why my father was here meeting with your directors. He doesn’t confide in me very much. You know how fathers are.”
    Fred smiled as he took a thirsty sip. “Actually, it wasn’t an official directors’ meeting since only four of the directors were present, including Casey. We’re always looking for opportunities to serve our country.”
    “You’re looking for ways to boost your