Paul Kirk - Devastation Point

“How’s it going over here since we last met, huh?” Ryan ignored the obvious reference to giving him a hard time.

“We’re getting by. You know.”

“Kev tells me you’ve done an excellent job of leading the men. They’ve taken a shine to you. Or, so he thinks.”

“Hmm.”

Impatient with the delay out on the main steps of the Caddyshack restaurant, Mark Harmon and his two primary bodyguards exited the front doors to stand, waiting.

“You going to let them in Brad? Or are you going to strip search them like that crew last week?”

Brad Greencastle laughed at the comment. Terry smiled at Andy. Ryan glanced to Greencastle, raising an eyebrow. Meanwhile, Kevin was distracted by the huge size of the two handpicked, stern men standing next to Mark Harmon. It was easy to see how strong and capable they were, weapons held ready for anything.

“Damn, Andy those are some big bastards,” whispered Kevin.

“Yep. That they are. And ex-special forces from the looks of ’em.”

“Mark, how are you?” Terry approached Mark Harmon with genuine affection. Mark took the opportunity to embrace Terry in a full hug, as if they were long, lost cousins.

“I’m good, Terry. Please, come on in and sit down. I got a good breakfast for you guys.”

“Oh, I see.”

“C’mon, have a seat. Andy. Ryan. Kevin. Good to see you all.” Mark exchanged greetings and handshakes at the doors while the bodyguards scanned the property grounds. As a group, they entered the small Caddyshack restaurant strategically situated near the main entrance of the Nemacolin Woodlands Resort. In fact, based on proximity to Route 40, the restaurant had become Mark Harmon’s main entry checkpoint onto his resort; and for the more informal business meetings held with the Fayette County community at large.

“Always a pleasure,” said Andy. The others nodded in agreement.

The restaurant was well maintained in its pre-Sickness style. The only deference to post apocalyptic times were the quarter inch metal plates hidden behind the drywall, sturdy metal entry doors, gated windows, and a fortified twenty by twenty foot armored decking built atop the roof that was patrolled by armed men. While lightly guarded compared to the newer Chateau Hotel and the older main hotel of the gorgeous property complex, the guards at the Caddyshack reassured visitors that safety was a main concern.

“Everyone have a seat, please.”

Easing further into the restaurant, the MacMillen clan settled into chairs at the roughly hewn wooden tables. Quickly, they were served a huge spread of eggs, bacon, sausage, waffles and pancakes by a team of waiters, all armed but hiding that fact well.

“Eat. C’mon everybody. That means you too, Pete and Jake.” Mark pointed to both men. “These are my personal bodyguards.” Both men ignored the request to sit and remained in place behind the seated Mark Harmon.

“Oh? I hadn’t noticed,” said Terry. She playfully ignored the obvious reference to the two huge men. Mark chuckled and glanced toward Brad. He felt the need to explain.

“Those two came here about two weeks ago. Traveled as a team since the bird flu hit. Greencastle assigned them to me then, didn’t you?”

“That’s right, sir. Only the best.”

“Airborne Rangers. Brad and I had ’em both checked out best we can.” Mark nodded to both Andy and Ryan, an obvious reference to learning a few things after the Spider fiasco. Neither Pete nor Jake moved or acknowledged the obvious compliments. They continued surveillance of the area outside the restaurant and, less obtrusively, the patrons at the table.

“Regrettably, it seems they only follow Brad’s orders,” suggested Mark, smiling.

“Yep. But they’re sworn to protect you, and only you, Mr. Harmon,” said Brad.

“And, as you can see, Brad refuses to call me Mark.”

“Makes sense, Mark,” said Andy, “Nowadays, you probably warrant a twenty-four hour personal guard that has some combat experience.”

Pete and Jake did glance at Andy after his comment. They had registered a fellow comrade in arms. Always cautious, Andy appreciated the tightening of security since their last visit. “You’re the man in charge over here, Mark. Brad’s here to keep it that way.”

“Hmm.” Mark Harmon relished the obvious compliment.

“Finally, someone who sees the sense of what I’m trying to do around here.”

“Ahh, Brad, pull down that tutu and take it easy,” said Ryan. He gave a mock salute to the huge bald-headed man, and then settled into devouring his pancakes. All ate well, exchanging pleasantries while small talk continued until their bellies were stuffed. In time, Terry relented first, pushing her plate away. The men were not that far behind.

“Wow, Mark. That was incredible.”

“Yeah, you outdid yourself,” added Andy.

“Thanks, Mark,” said Ryan.

“Yes, sir. Thank you,” said Kevin.

Mark beamed, waving the waiters to the kitchen with a final word of thanks.

“You’re welcome. All of you.”

Brad gave Ryan a telling lift of his eyebrow. Clearly, he wanted to know the purpose of this “official” visit request. Of the same mind, Mark Harmon decided to immediately explore the purpose of the visit. “Well, Terry, Andy, you guys asked for this formal meeting, so… what’s on your mind?”

Terry wiped her mouth gently with the white cloth napkin, smiling before answering. “Two things, at this point.”

“Yeah?”

“One is… you have a woman here, Aldonza and her boy.”

“I do.”

“I know she works your books, tracks your trades.”

“Yep.”

“I hear she’s pretty good at it, too.”

“Go on?” said Mark. Talk of his money always made him cautious.

“You’ve taken Aldonza under your wing and have grown quite fond of her and her boy Carlos.”

“Ahh, your point, Terry?”

“I meant like a father figure.”

“Again, your point in all this?”

“Okay, well in that regard, Kevin here wants to talk with you some about that… Kev?”

Kevin Kowalski stood from his end of the table, walking around to stand near Mark. Pete and Jake took hard notice of his movements, but did nothing other than move a step closer. Nervous, Kevin was intimidated by the easy power and charisma of Mark Harmon and knew how Connor Mac had loved this man. Gathering his reserve, he motioned for Mark to stand. Interested, Mark did so.

“What’s this?”

“Mr. Harmon, sir, I’d, uh… like your permission… to marry Aldonza. Take her and Carlos into our clan.”

Mark blinked and smiled as he caught up to the request. After a few seconds, he softly grasped Kevin’s shoulder. He glanced at the MacMillen group, before refocusing on Kevin. “Umm, Kevin, I don’t have authority over Aldonza and her boy. There’s no blood between me and her.”

“I know.”

“She can do what she wants—”

“I know that, sir. She knows that, too. It’s just that she respects you, like her father, and told me she wouldn’t do anything to make you unhappy.”

“Oh, I see.” Mark blushed deeply beneath his tanned face, clearing his throat a few times before answering. Touched by the request, he walked away a few steps, deep in thought. Kevin looked a bit lost; Terry decided to help Kevin along.

“So, Mark, we wanted to formally ask for Aldonza’s hand in marriage, isn’t that right, Kev?” suggested Terry.

“Umm, yeah, straight up. That’s right. I’d like to ask for Aldonza’s hand in marriage.”

Mark paced a few more steps forward beyond his bodyguards, rubbing his chin. With a furrowed brow, he seemed troubled by the request. Mark walked back to Kevin, holding out his hand. “I think she’s made a wise choice, Kevin.”