Page 66 of Anchored to the Storm

“Fuck me, kid.” He smiled. “Of all the complaints I could think of, that is your only one?”

As long as she kept appearing in that pool? Yes, sir. “The walls may close in on me at times, but I’d live in here forever if that meant I could be by her side.” I teased, “I need a small, private island tucked away somewhere. Make that happen, Gramps?”

He rolled his eyes. “Sure, as soon as I’m done ordering skylights.” He faced me. “Listen, remember this is all part of a much bigger picture. Think of the myths and how we now know them to be true. After my son died, I still saw gifts.” He showed me his middle finger again. “Fuck the challenges. Let destiny prevail. Allow it. Keep giving yourself the space to grow. Learn who the two of you are together. Saleeni may not know English very well, nor be familiar with human items.” He gestured about. “But she is with a knowledge, or at least an understanding, that truly makes me the slow one. Have faith in her, yourself, and the process—the ride.”

Deep inhale…

There’s nothin’ slow about you, Gramps.

West Seven

Sebastian

He is life. . . for us. . .

A couple of days after Blue’s vigil, all of us Misfits were sprawled on the couch watching TV when Dale came running down the stairs. I sat up when I saw the horror on his face as he scanned all of us. Then he sighed so heavily he had to rest his hands on his knees. “You’re all safe.”

Huh?

A knock at the door had us all jumping out of our skin. Jesus! What is going on?

Dale raised his hands, telling us to stay put. “I got it.” He went to the front door and opened it. “How can I help you, officers?”

Officers?

“Hello. I’m Officer Monroe, and this is Officer Vasquez. Are you, by chance, Dale Weathers?”

His head tilted in concern. “I am.”

“Oh, good,” said Officer Monroe. “We’re looking into a robbery that happened at a recent vigil.”

I instantly walked backward toward the stairs. I wasn’t giving Blue back. The whole world could go fuck itself.

Creeping up the stairs, I heard Dale say, “That is most unfortunate, but what does it have to do with my household?”

“Well, there’s an item that’s been reported stolen. It’s a portrait of a deceased girl who once lived here, so we were hoping maybe some of the kids who still live here know something?”

Dale’s voice deepened. “Does Captain Ray know you are here questioning me about this?”

Oops! Dale is droppin’ names!

The female officer replied, “Uh, no, sir. We are simply investigating⁠—”

“Even though you are not detectives,” Dale interrupted.

Monroe tried, “Well, no, but Pastor⁠—”

“Is now running the department?” Dale waited.

Fuckin’ with the wrong house, assholes.

Officer Vasquez exhaled, sounding annoyed. “There is also urine on the pastor’s personal vehicle’s tires.”

Dale actually chuckled. “Do you think I’m the lord of stray dogs?”

“Sir,” said Officer Monroe. “You must admit it is a coincidence that you have four foster boys here, and we have four defaced tires.”

“Defaced?” His voice rose. “I bet if I did two seconds’ worth of research, I’d find out you two attend this ‘church’ you are investigating for. Hmm?” When they said nothing, Dale added, “I believe that means you are abusing your badges. Or maybe your Captain needs to be informed you’ve been promoted to detectives. I’m having lunch with him on Wednesday, so I could help you out there. Hmm?”