The wolf stopped short about five feet from where we were standing.
Mallory laughed, “Don’t be alarmed, that’s Roger, at least that’s what my uncle called him. It’s okay, we’re perfectly safe.” Gomer woofed again as if in greeting, the wolf sat down on his haunches then laid down as if in submission.
“Well, I’ll be.” Dad appeared stunned. “That’s the other reason we came by was to warn whoever was here about the wolf.”
Mallory laughed again. Now Billy was watching her, trying to read behind the facade, he liked her laugh. The wolf got up and came closer, sniffed the air and paused as if expecting something.
Gomer woofed twice. Mallory reached into a can on the table by the door. She tossed a scrap of something where the wolf was standing, the wolf caught it. Dipped his head and then turned and calmly headed back around the cabin.
“Damn. Never saw a wolf that passive. Usually they’re not to be messed with. Aggressive by default.”
“That’s the reaction I suspect most people would have but Uncle showed me early on that Roger was different. If you get to know him it’s different, then you don’t need to be afraid.
To those who would take the time to understand, he would be considered more of a protector than a predator. But don’t be fooled if he doesn’t know you then he won’t trust you and you should be very cautious. I don’t understand completely but I have another level of trust with Roger, just like Uncle Ethan did.
Sorry about earlier, that man Duke has been trying to get the renovation work from me since I got here a month ago. He put me on the defensive from the get go. There was a certain sleaziness about him that just makes my skin crawl. Anyways, why don’t we go inside. Would you like some iced tea?”
Billy spoke first, “We’d love some.”
His dad gave him a sideways glance with a raised eyebrow. “Sure, sounds great.”
Mallory told them that she had inherited the property from her uncle as his only living direct relative. “I finished college last year, got my Bachelor’s in Construction Management and got a chance to work on a crew in Dorchester first thing. Then when I found out I had inherited Uncle Ethan’s old cabin and property I knew I had to come back here and make it mine. There’s lots of good memories and all kinds of possibilities.
So once I had finished my current assignment in Dorchester I took a leave of absence and came back… Home. Funny I’ve been here about six weeks but I already know it’s where I’m supposed to be. Weird, huh?”
“Not really.” replied Billy. “I get where you’re coming from.”
“I think I’m going to make a go of it here, maybe start my own business. I gotta believe people would like someone besides Duke to manage their projects. Such a bully and an ass…”
My dad spoke up, “I’ve never dealt with him, always done most of my own stuff, but Duke does have a reputation. I’ll bet some fresh perspectives would be welcome in the area.”
After over an hour of conversing about Ethan and Buddy, Mallory’s plans for the property and a little about Billy’s final semester, it was time to head on. “My how the time has flown by, Billy we should be getting back home. It was a pleasure meeting you Mallory.”
“I enjoyed myself as well, feel free to come by again.” Then looking directly at Billy, “I’d be interested in doing some climbing if you’d like some company. I’m probably not as experienced as you but I’m a great hiker and I learn fast.”
Billy looked back, “Yeah, I’d like that. There’s a place over near Gilberton that everyone in the climbing community has been talking about. It’s level 5.3 climbing and PG, but there’s supposed to be some astounding views. How’s that sound?”
“It sounds excellent. Just let me know when you’d like to go and I’m in.”
“It’s a date then.” Billy turned a little red, “I mean, I‘ll let you know when I get a date set up to climb.”
Mallory laughed, “Just call me when you’re ready.” She scribbled a phone number on a notepad and tore off the sheet. “Here’s my number.” And handed the sheet to Billy. “I’ll be waiting for your call.”
“Great!” Billy looked off the corner of the cabin towards the woods. He thought he saw the white wolf sitting relaxed but looking directly at him. Roger, she had called him. Strange name for a wolf he thought.. He blinked and the image was gone. There was something more to this whole wolf thing, something she hadn’t mentioned. “I’ll be in touch.”
Billy and his dad headed out the door towards the Bronco. As they settled in and Billy started the engine his dad gave him a light punch on the arm and gave a little wink. “She likes you.”
“Aw dad, you’re imagining things.”
“No Billy. In my profession I became pretty good at reading people. There was definitely chemistry between you two. If you don’t think so then you’re fooling yourself.”
Billy thought, “Was it that obvious? He was definitely attracted to her. And she was easy to talk to, it reminded him of talking with Joey. It was easy and natural, no BS or facades that had to be faked and maintained.”
“Billy?”
“Oh, sorry dad. I was just thinking.”
His dad smiled as Billy put it in gear and they headed back out towards the road.
Several times Billy thought he saw the white wolf running alongside them, his appearance showing every few feet through the bushes. He was going to ask his dad whether he saw it too then decided to let it go, probably his mind playing tricks.
His dad reached out and turned on the radio, “Fanfare for the Common Man” by Emerson, Lake and Palmer was in progress. “Ah, this one is a classic that never gets old.”
“You’re right dad. ELP is one of my favorite old bands.”
“Waddya mean old?” he chuckled.
They headed out to the highway both in their own thoughts…
As they approached the highway, Billy’s dad said, “How ‘bout sandwiches at The Galloping Goose? My treat.”
The Galloping Goose was a local pub that had the best grilled roast beef and black pastrami sandwiches in the area. A popular place well known by bikers. When open, there were always at least a half dozen motorcycles parked out front. It was Billy’s favorite pub. “Sounds great, but I got the beers.”
His dad responded, “Deal.”
Billy stayed on the main road passing underneath the highway for another mile then pulled onto Bull Horn Road. A rustic sign with a Large Goose wearing sunglasses, wings at its side in a running pose greeted them. An old chopper facing the same direction was supported on the top of the sign by a platform. Billy and his dad headed in through old saloon style doors. It had been a while, he and Joey used to come here quite frequently, especially after their local climbs. It hadn’t changed much, but one thing you couldn’t deny was the Goose had its own unique character.
They sat at a table next to the stage. Joey had really loved the music here on Friday nights, typically it was Southern rock style. Great memories and a certain sadness flooded Billy when the waitress came over to take their order. “Hey Billy. It’s been a while.”
“Hi Sally. Yeah ever since…”, his voice trailed off.
Billy’s dad piped up, “Hey, enough of that. We’re here to celebrate.”
“Right. Sorry dad. Sally we’ll have a pitcher of Rory’s draught, frosted mugs.” The owner made it himself and it was only available at the Goose.
“Coming right up. We have new menus but most of the selections are the same. Back in a jif.” She left two menus and headed back to the bar.
They sat looking at the menus. Billy was a bit retrospective when his dad spoke, “So what are you having? You going to try something new?”
“Nope. Sticking with the best. Black Python, with pickles.” The black python was Rory’s signature sandwich, black pastrami, lean roast beef grilled together with onions, jalapeno peppers, topped with cheddar and pepperjack cheese served on a grilled braided sub roll.
“Ha ha. Figured as much.”
Sally returned to the table with a pitcher. “You boys ready?”
“Yes, maam. Billy and I will have two Black Pythons both with pickles and a large side of spicy curly fries with Rory’s melted cheese.”
Sally laughed, “It’s good to see that some things don’t change.”
Pouring two mugs and sliding one to Billy, his dad raised his mug, “To Joey.”
Billy clinked his mug with his dad. “Thanks Dad. To Joey!”
The rest of the afternoon they sat and ate and talked about Joey. His dad started off, “I remember when the two of you first met…”
Mid way through their conversation his dad had signalled Sally and she brought over two rocks glasses. “Bulleit just the way you like it Ralph, two small cubes.”
“Remember Billy, bourbon is to be savored not tossed. Here’s to Joey, may he rest in peace.”
“Right. To Joey, the best friend ever. Rest in peace my friend.” With that, he took a small sip from the glass, swirled it around in his mouth, smacked his lips and let it slide down his throat, “Ahhhhhh.” At that moment he didn’t just feel the Kentucky hug from the bourbon but also he felt a great weight lifted from his shoulders and a peace he hadn’t felt in a long time. Looking briefly out the window he thought he saw the white wolf sitting and resting happily like a pet dog anticipating it’s owner giving it a treat, but when he blinked the image was gone.
His dad was talking, “Do you remember the time when you guys went to that concert over in Averton? You kept talking about it for weeks.”
“Yeah, that was a great night. Joey and I had the best time ever.” He took a small swallow of his bourbon.
Billy and his dad talked for several hours finishing their food and their drinks when Sally came back over with two mugs of coffee.
His dad picked up his coffee, “You know Billy, it’s not easy for a guy like me to say this. I guess sometimes I just have to get my nerve up and just do it. I love you. My life changed for the better the day you were born and I would do anything I can to help you.”
Billy could hear a little edge in his father’s voice and was touched deeply, “I love you too Dad. I don’t know how you knew but this afternoon was something I deeply needed.”
His dad just smiled back and sipped his coffee.
After they had finished their coffees and paid for their food and drink with a good tip for Sally on the table they headed for the door. His dad waved toward the bar, “See you later Sally. Give my regards to Rory.”
“You bet. Billy, it was great seeing you again. I hope you’ll come back soon.”
“I will. You can count on it.”
They were just pulling out onto the main road when an eighteen wheeler came barrelling over the hill, horns blaring. In the middle of the road making their turn Billy stepped on the gas to get out of the way of the oncoming truck and the Bronco stalled out…
What is to happen to Billy and his dad? Is this the end of the story? Come on back next week and find out…
Episode 8 – 5/31/21
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