The Riptide Chronicle
Part I
The story of our friendship is so long that we cannot squash into a single tale. That's why we decided to write a kind of chronicle, from the beginning, until today. You can read a few essential stories, from the point of view of the narrator.
You see it will never get boring because you know how different our characters are…like fire and water, heaven and earth and what the heck…like science and fist fight!
But each of us will have the chance to tell you the stories from his angle and believe me…we had a lot of fun while doing this! But as it ought to be there were some hot-bottom issues as well!
All that counts is what comes out at the end…this is a phrase, the politicians like to adopt at many occasions. So, I would say just give it a try and believe me, the result is exciting!
Nick Ryder
1. The Beginning
Nick:
Cody and I, we were grown together like Siamese twins in this awful war in Vietnam. I can't say it in another way…I mean, in a war with all its cruelty, contempt for mankind, you simply need something to cling to. Cody was my tower of strengths.
I don't know how it worked at all…two human beings can't be more different than we are!
Cody comes from a wealthy home. So to speak, he was born with a silver spoon in his mouth. Everything I had to fight and work hard for…it dropped into his lap.
I won't lie to you…when we both met, my first thought was: "Thanks a lot…just another Yuppie, whose butt I have to save out in the jungle!"
And believe me, there were more than enough of them in Nam! At that time it seemed to be very smart for people from the upper class to go to war for Glory and Country! I don't know.
But after our second service together, I had to revise my rash judgment. Cody was a real comrade. He was everything but a coward!
We had a real bad duty and I had to make a forced landing with my chopper because enemy fire had destroyed the fuel pump. Three of the soldiers on board lost their lives. Cody and I, we were out there in the deep, green, unbearable humid jungle – all alone- in the middle of the enemies – waiting for our troops to come to rescue us!
Luckily, Cody wasn't hurt bad…a few scratches and a mild concussion.
Believe me, I am not squeamish at all but I felt very shitty especially with a broken leg! But the pain was nothing compared with the torments of hell I went through because I felt responsible for the death of my comrades!
I don't know if I had made it without Cody until Colonel Johnson finally came and got us out!
Cody:
Before I'll go into detail, I want you to know that Cody Allen wouldn't have survived this war if Nick Ryder hadn't taken me under his wings!
I remember as if it was yesterday…I was a cherry boy in Nam and could present a few months of combat experience.
I was assigned to his unit and in the evening, we usually met in the officer's mess.
When I entered the smoke-filled room I became witness of a vocal dispute between Nick and a superior officer…wow, it was a hot-tempered affair!
You want to know my first feeling about Nick?
Uh, I thought what a hothead and a big mouth and that he certainly would not survive very long if he was fighting a kindred spirit to the finish.
The whole thing got out of hand and the result was a brute brawl. Suddenly there were persons involved who had nothing to do with the opponents and I'd say the hell war breaking free…must have been herd instinct or a kind of stress reduction.
I decided to pull my punches because I was new and I wasn't keen on getting into trouble!
A decision I really regret until today! As I learned later, Nick had defended a comrade who couldn't endure the stress and absolutely wasn't fit for use the next day. The poor soul had a kind of trauma and belonged to the sick bay…not to mission of war … no way!
But this stubborn Captain Nick has had this vocal discussion with, intended that the young soldier had to report for duty the next morning. Did it really have to come to that…the young man died that morning!
As soon as Nick and this Captain met that evening, Nick lunged at his superior like a Raging Bull and they were fighting again. This time without the contribution of the others because it was clear that it was a matter between Nick and the Captain.
When Nick had been through with his opponent, the superior had to be carried away.
Nick retracted into a quiet corner, a bottle of beer in his hand and there was nothing to be heard from his side for the rest of the evening.
Fortunately this incident had no consequences for him but for the first time something like admiration arose in me.
I was deeply impressed that a person was willing to risk everything…his reputation, his career, well even his life to help a person in need! That was new to me. I had always been much to occupied with myself…well, for a very, very long time my mother had made me think that I am the hub of the universe!
But Nam shook this faith to the very foundations.
Nick:
Okay, I don't want to deny it…I am a hothead sometimes, but some people like it. But I want be serious. As soon as something touches me deep inside and I think it is worth fighting for it, well then I am prepared to assume full risk. Regardless of the consequences!
This got me into trouble a lot of times…but you know, the leopard can't change its spots and unfairness is something I cannot bear…it just makes me angry!
Tommy Hansen could still be alive…he could be married and have children if this stubborn captain would have reacted like a human being…just once in his life!
Cody:
Our first mission together went off 'normal'…well, it means that we came back to the base in one piece and there were no losses to be moaned about.
I was thrilled by Nick's ability as a pilot. He was really the master of 'His Huey' and he had my full admiration.
The second mission we were unfortunately not so lucky…shot down, three comrades dead and Nick and me in the middle of enemy turf…it couldn't have been worse!
To top it all, Nick had broken a leg and even if he didn't want to admit it, he was almost incapable of acting.
But he was a stubborn as a pig at that time and you know he is until today and no matter how bad he was injured, he always pretended that it was only a scratch… you see, nothing has changed!
But his brain or should I call it his survival instinct and the will to save the ones who depend on him, worked like a watch mechanism and he told me what to do.
I didn't doubt his instructions not for a second even he is a few years younger.
I knew as long as I do what he told me, we will make it out of this mess…and we made it!
After our rescue, Nick had to take a forced break until his broken leg had healed. He was really pissed off.
I went to the Military Hospital to see him, to tell you the truth, I really missed him. I was able to smuggle a six pack of beer into his room…okay it was more than six cans and we really hit the bottle!
Uh, the nurse wasn't pleased at all.
Nick's biggest concern was the question, whoever would take care of me until he was back on duty…typical Ryder!
Since that day, we have a one-to-one relationship! There is something that binds us…it is stronger than everything I ever felt and I wish I could put it into words.
Nick:
After Cody and I were back from Nam we spent two full days in a cathouse in New York. We really stayed out late boozing nearly until unconsciousness! To be honest, I can't hardly remember this time…I must have had a kind of mental blackout.
The only thing I remember is the fact that I thought I'd die when I woke up at the third day! I felt incredible sick and that gave me a good scare! I mean, you survive Nam and back at home you kill yourself celebrating! Man, I don't know if all the returning soldiers reacted like we did but I am quite sure a lot of them would tell a similar story!
By the way I really hadn't known where to go after we had landed in New York.
My mother had passed away during my second year in Nam and my grandma had died a few months before I came back.
Okay, my uncle Eustache was still alive at that time but we had no contact. I had seen him for the last time at my Mom's funeral.
So it was very easy for me to accept Cody's proposal to extend our stop in New York.
Cody:
After all those years I still get a headache when I think about those two days…I guess I had an alcohol poisoning and I am sure, Nick had the same as well!
Believe me, the women in this establishment were…uh…top-notch! But Nick and I, we spent our time in bed…without the ladies! Not what you might think now…we were drinking, smoking, laughing and crying and we were talking a lot of nonsense! I admit we were both really over it!
My Mom was totally piqued because I didn't came home straight…she couldn't understand it.
But I wanted to stay together with Nick…he was…no he is like a brother to me and he was more important than my family!
He had taught my things which are essential in the real life. Things like loyalty, trust and friendship!
All I had learned at home…good manners, small talk and all those superficialities who nobody really needed had moved deep in the back of my awareness.
2. Our time at the Military Police
Nick:
After Cody and I were more or less 'clear 'in our heads after three days, we decided to stay together some longer.
It was okay for me. As I told you before, there was nobody waiting for me.
Cody had a family, a nest and it made me incredibly proud…no it made me happy as Larry that he wanted to spent his time with me.
I never spent a thought how his family felt about it.
Cody:
Wow, my Mom was startled and kind of angry, perhaps a little sad as well. She would have liked to present me as the hero who had fought for his country and who had made it back.
There were lots of occasions for her to do so…coffee parties, Bridge evenings and a lot more. She is a nice Lady, really but she tends to take all these unnecessary things for vital…sorry Mom that I have to say that! You know how much I love you!
After some back and forth, Nick and I decided to make an application at the Military Police.
We were both fit and sane and there was absolutely no reason not to take us. Besides Nick was highly decorated for his efforts in Nam and so we became members of the MP!
Nick:
Becoming MP's was a wet idea even it was born when we finally were sober again…but it wasn't a big deal.
We both needed a constant in our lives…see, when you come home after you had spent months or wore, years in an awful war everything has changed. Nothing is the same…not your friends, not the goddamned life! I know it sounds worn-out but it is the truth.
Without Cody on my side I would have never managed it…I'm sure I would have went to the dogs!
Being MP's simply meant to have a regular income, we were respected and off the streets! It's very simple, isn't it?
Cody:
Joining the MP was a kind of interim solution…well for me and Nick had problems as well especially at the beginning of our 'career'.
He isn't the type of man who likes to be commanded. In Nam, he had seen too many comrades die, because of stupid orders from bigoted officers.
But he all in all he put up a good show at the MP…except from two, three or perhaps four smaller bloopers and this time it was me who saved his butt more than once. But it wasn't a matter of survival…more a matter of discipline!
Nick:
Boy, oh boy! Without Cody I certainly would have spent most of the time in military prison! It's a good thing that he is so reluctant.
Most of the time I act much too impetuous and that brings me into the scrape, you know.
Luckily I'm wiser now and I think before I get going…well at least I try. I guess it was Cody's good influence…Thank you Buddy!
3. Even The Best Time Has To End
Nick:
Of course Cody and I had our struggles! Sometimes we really crashed into each other. But we were always able to fix it again.
There was only one exception and it was nearly the death of our friendship.
One fine day, Cody presented me the hard facts that he had quit the service at the MP! He told it to me casually, just about the way you tell a stranger who asked you what time it is…I know it is a lame compare but it felt like that.
Wow, for a moment I thought that I would lose the ground! I couldn't think straight. My second impulse was to knock him down…understandable, or not?
He tried to explain it to me…he said he needed a new perspective for his life and that the job as an MP had become boring and didn't satisfy his needs any longer.
I was royally pissed…
"What about me?" I asked him with the last amount of self-control.
"Uh Nick, you are really predestinated for this kind of work. You are a great MP…but please understand I can't do this any longer!"
"Well it comes really unexpected for me Pal…I need some time to get used to this! When do you leave?"
"I'm going to take the first plane tomorrow morning."
My breath caught…I hadn't thought that he would leave me so quick. He didn't even give me the time to grapple with the situation!
My emotions went haywire! I had a murder of a rage but I felt panic rising as well! I really didn't see how I should live without Cody!
But most of all I felt broken, deprived…I don't know but there are no words to describe my emotions properly.
Cody was the one who had given me back my trust into humans again and now he destroyed it in a few seconds without feeling a trace of guilt! I felt betrayed and used!
Cody:
My decision to quit the MP came very spontaneous, I know. But at a certain point I had enough only to work just for the money, no matter what job it was. I wanted to earn my living and have fun with the work I had to do.
The life of an MP is only 20% fun. The rest is fight and unquestioning obedience! Not enough for me to do it for the rest of my life!
Additionally a very guilty conscience had started to torture me a few weeks ago…I was ashamed because I hadn't seen my Mom since my return from Nam…so one thing led to another.
From a present-day perspective, I know that my behavior back then was beyond excuse.
Today I think that I fled…I fled from my memories, I fled from my life but most of all I fled from Nick Ryder!
I will never forget the look in his eyes…hurt, troubled…shattered deep inside his soul that was still recovering from the hell he had gone through!
After our conversation, Nick vanished without another word. I don't know where and how he spent that night.
The next morning he came back, out of nowhere.
He shook my hand and he appeared quite cool when he said: "I wish you the best Cody…I had a great time with you. Who knows, perhaps our path's cross again! Take care of you!"
Something was broken…the invisible bond between us was torn and deep inside I knew that it was my fault.
Until today, I have no explanation or excuse why I acted so cruel.
Perhaps I was afraid of Nick's presence…maybe I was scared on how much I depended on him. Oh yes ,I really depended on him- in many ways.
Probably I wanted to proof myself that I was able to live without him.
Years later he confessed that saying these few parting words had taken more strength than I could ever imagine.
Well they had caused a deep sadness deep inside me and my plans to return to the fold and start an entirely new life were destined to fail! I simply didn't understand it at that time!
Nick:
From one minute to the other, my whole life had changed radically! I don't know how I spent the rest of my service at the MP. Sure, I know what my job was and I did it…but I don't know how I could bear it without Cody…I missed him so much!
I didn't extend my contract even though they held out the prospect of career for me. The Army really didn't want to let me go and that's why I couldn't stand the temptation to join the Reserves.
To test the newest choppers three times a year for a few weeks isn't that bad, especially when you get good money for having fun and everybody who knows me will understand how much that means to me.
Flying is my life but I had to bury my biggest dream to have my own helicopter one fine day, when Cody had left me. By the way I had buried a lot more that day…my faith into friendship and sincerity and finally, I really succeeded in pretending that Cody Allen had never been a part of my life!
Cody:
My arrival at home was celebrated appropriately and I was handed around like a piece of cream cake!
My Mom pulled all her strings to lodge me in an office because I had told her right from the beginning that studying was out of the question!
But desk work was definitely not my thing and so none of her efforts were crowned with success because I packed all the jobs in…
At first I was amused how my Mom tried to hook me up with girls of good families and I played along because I didn't want to disappoint her and it distracted me from thinking.
But after a while it became more and more grotesque and after I had disclosed that I wasn't willing to marry and have children…well not in this phase of my life, she reacted very keen for her usual behavior. I think it was the first time we were fighting!
Well I had the whole night to think how my life should go on and finally I decided to move to California and live on a boat.
I know it sounds childish and immature…probably it was.
Well I inherited my love for the sea from my Grandpa and this wonderful human had left me a nice sum of money as well. And this money was waiting for me.
Well I was able to put my plans into operation and it didn't take long until I had found what I was searching for.
Suddenly I found myself in Harbor on a cabin cruiser called Riptide.
I tried a lot to earn my living, really…including a job as insurance agent. But I don't want to go into details…it's a bit embarrassing!
When I sat on deck of my boat in the evenings and watched the sun dipping into the ocean, Nick Ryder started to creep into my thoughts with increased regularity.
I had suppressed all the memories…the good ones and the bad ones – and the painful ones as well, because deep in my heart I knew that I had made a terrible mistake.
I was sure that Nick would never forgive me!
Nick:
When I finally arrived at my uncles house after 10 hours in an uncomfortable bus I had to realize that nobody was at home.
The door was closed and somehow everything seemed eerie…kind of dead.
I put down my possessions that were stuffed in a single Army duffle bag and went over to the house next door to ask where I could find my uncle.
The sad news hit me hard…Uncle Eugene had unexpectedly passed away only six days ago and he was already buried.
They had tried to reach me but they couldn't…The last time I had seen my uncle was years ago when we had carried my Mom to her grave!
No it was official! I was alone…nobody left I could tell 'family'!
The neighbors very nice, they asked me to come in and have a cup of coffee. But I wasn't in the mood. So they gave me the front door key and a letter from the local notary.
I decided to spent the night in a hotel nearby…I was not able to endure the melancholy of an empty house…the house I had spent the bigger part of my youth…with my Mom, Granny and uncle Eugene and all of them had simply died away!
The next day, the notary informed me that Eugene had left me the house and that an elderly couple was interested to buy it.
So I sold the house and as a consequence, the last connection to my roots!
With the proceeds of the house sale in my pocket…well it was a check…my old dream to buy a helicopter woke up again.
I started to search my wallet for a snippet I had inserted a few months ago. It was a notice of a junkyard in Pasadena where they sold dumped Army choppers! Not that I ever imagined to be able to buy a chopper…I just had kept this small piece of paper with the address for my peace of mind.
Well now things had changed from one minute to the other and even though the reason was very sad, I headed straightaway to Pasadena.
When I saw the Mimi for the first time I fell in love with her head over heels…the rest was just paper work!
Uh, Uncle Eugene I owe you a lot and when we see us again in another life, I'll pay you back for what you have done for me.
But I don't want to lie to you… right now I'm not in a hurry to meet you, uh! I think I'll wait a few years longer…sorry I hope you understand. Do you remember, when I was a dwarf, you taught me to tell the truth – always- so I think you can forgive me that I am that straight! Thank you Uncle Eugene!
Well the money I had was just enough to make the pink Lady capable of flying again and my decision was firm…I would enter into the aero freight traffic!
Chance Had Thrown Us Together Again
Cody:
I wasn't far away from sinking into deep depressions when an invitation jittered into the house…well on my boat.
The veterans of the unit I had served in invited me to a meeting nearby. At first I wanted throw this letter into the dustbin…but the more I thought about it, the more appealing was the idea of some positive distraction!
I didn't want to confess to myself that I wished to meet Nick there…I hoped for it but I was afraid of it as well. No wonder after my lousy performance!
But I gathered all my courage and accepted the invitation.
Nick:
Okay, I had never imagined that the aero freight traffic business could be so difficult! Obviously I had been a little too euphoric…nobody waited for me to come along and carry his goods...and damned, Mimi's exterior didn't really help to let the number of my charges jolt up to astronomical heights!
To make a long story short…Mimi's maintenance and upkeep engulfed the money faster than I was able to earn it.
I was not even able to afford a room! I worked and slept into the Mimi. It was a hard time but I didn't want to miss a single day!
The fact that the invitation for the reunion of the veterans reached me was a little wonder because if you have no room, you have no address.
But I had indicated the address of a Fast Food Restaurant nearby and my mail was delivered there.
Well this Fast Food Restaurant was my second home…after Mimi and grace to Stella the warmhearted waitress, I was allowed to take my daily shower and shave there…early in the morning before the big hurry.
Not that you think that Stella was my girlfriend or something like that! She was just a good friend…a very good, motherly friend.
It was her, who encouraged me to go to this reunion even though the thought to cross Cody's path there, caused me the feeling of panic!
But Stella went on and on to me…it had felt like at least ten hours… and finally I agreed.
Cody:
The day of the reunion was a strange one. I woke up at 5a.m. This is a time when I comfortably turn around and allow myself a little dose more of my beauty sleep!
But this day was not like the others when I simply lived for the moment.
A trip over the ocean with a load of tourists here… some water sky tour with the Ebbtide there…no matter what.
But I was kind of shaken that special day and when I finally entered the hotel where the reunion took place, my first thought was…ESCAPE!
It was incredibly loud and crowded there but the moment I entered the party hall I found myself with a bottle of beer in my hand and a talkative veteran at my side.
So I did what I could do best…a little small talk here, a few jokes there…but I was kind of absent-minded! Today I know it better…I was only looking for Nick and suddenly he stood here, only a few feet away from me…Oh Lord, I really didn't know whether to laugh or to cry!
Nick:
I had kept open all options until the last minute.
Do I go there or do I stay away…do I get terribly drunk or do I hatch a fight somewhere else!
Of course I went to the reunion…it was the first time I really realized how lucky I was! There were hundreds of veterans there…they all had made it home like me. But a lot of them were in a bad shape and I started to feel abashed for my ungratefulness!
My body was unscathed…why the hell did I made my life miserable myself?
And suddenly, I saw him …he stood there among all those people who had survived the hell like we both had but he seemed to be lost.
My heart was beating so fast that I thought it would jump out of my chest: "Cut and run!" My inner voice tried to convince me. Go away from these people, the painful memories but above all go away from Cody Allen! I really didn't know how to endure our reencounter!
But I stood there like paralyzed and didn't know what to do…luckily Cody took the initiative and made the first step.
He approached me and said barely audible: "Nick…it's so good to see you!" Well it sounds not very dramatic but these few words set free a wave of emotions and I embraced him so tight that I had to retain myself not to break his ribs in my joyfulness!
"Yes man…I am happy as well to see you again!" Was all I could manage!
"Let's go away from here!" Cody proposed. "Are you here with a car?"
"Uh, not really…I'm here with a helicopter!"
"You are joking…no you can't be serious!"
"I'm not joking…if you can find wheels we can go to the airfield and I will show her to you!"
"You will show me whom?"
"Well the Mimi…that's the name of my helicopter!"
"Okay then let's take my car and meet the Mimi…come on what are you waiting for Nick?"
At first, Cody was dumbfounded.
"What do you say?"
"Good Lord…Nick…I have never seen something ugly like that before…not in my entire life!"
Well that was Cody Allen! He never lied …even if it meant to be impolite!
"Thanks Cody. That really builds me up! But you know what? The exterior isn't important and overestimated too often…all that counts are the inner values! Believe me in this respect, Mimi is devastating!
"Uh Nick, please don't get me wrong but when I look at her, I can hardly imagine that she is able to make it more than ten feet over the ground!"
"Hey Cody, listen…I flew from Pasadena over here and I flew in the air! So, if you want to, we can make a short sightseeing flight!"
Thanks Nick…but no…I mean, I believe you…you don't have to proof it!"
"Aw Cody…you are afraid…that's incredible! How many times, you flew with me Cody?"
"Oh. We are not talking about your abilities here! I would entrust my life to your care at any time and you know that! It's more this pink monstrosity that scares me!"
"Cody you are really wrong about the Mimi! But if I have to prove otherwise, it's up to you to gather your courage and give it a try!"
"You are right Nick…but not now! By the way, where do you stay?"
"Uh…I sleep in the Mimi!"
"You sleep in your helicopter…okay for the time you are here right? That's okay."
"Cody, in Pasadena I sleep in the Mimi as well…I don't want to lie on you…but I work, live and sleep in the Mimi! At the moment I am not able to afford a flat. All of Mimi's cosmetic repairs and her upkeep cost a lot of money!"
"That's no surprise! Listen, I guess you come with me. I live on a boat…it is called Riptide.
"So your dream of an own boat really came true? That's great Cody…respect!" I was kind of surprised.
"Well like you made your dream of an own helicopter come true. Come on let's go we have a lot to talk about!"
Cody:
When I saw him standing there a very bad feeling came over me…what had I done to him and more important why?
Without really thinking I reached for him. It wasn't more than correct…after all it was me that had made a real dog's dinner of our unique friendship more than a year ago!
Our welcome was a little cool…only for a few seconds and suddenly it was there again…the feeling of closeness and trust…it was simply indescribable!
We cleared away and he proudly presented Mimi to me…Oh man, I was scared to death…ugly is not sufficient to describe her. But Nick loved her and as you all know, over the years I have learned to like her and appreciate her advantages. You know: Beauty is power a smile is its sword…I think Mimi has a great smile!
Nick was disarmingly upfront this evening…as usual. He didn't even try to deny that he was living from hand to mouth and I was really shocked that he had to live in his helicopter!
But you know Nick isn't pretentious as long as he is allowed to live his life.
But all this wasn't the reason why I asked him shortly later to join the detective business…not at all!
Well I needed at lot of persuasiveness but at the end it was worth the effort…even though it was hard sometimes and we had to fight some battles…I don't regret a single day and I would do it again…anytime!
By the way, Nick never spoke about our last evening at the MP…not a single word came over his lips and he never blamed me for it.
That is a character trait I really love…Nick isn't unforgiving - he can forgive.
Once he forgave you…the affair is off the cards and he will never mention it again…that's Nick!
Nick:
We talked until late at night…about the old times and comrades and about Cody's new job. He had just started his own business as a private eye!
I told him about my work as pilot flying goods around and that I had joined the Reserves.
Suddenly, Cody made me the suggestion to stay in King Harbor and become his partner.
He was really obsessed about this idea and he brought the big guns in to convince me. But to be honest…I wasn't keen at all…the main reason why I was so upstage was my fear. I was afraid that Cody could hurt me again just like the last time.
That was something I never wanted to experience again, believe me.
Better a few hundred miles away from him than getting used to have him at my side again…and then getting ditched again and falling into a huge hole…believe me the last hole I fell in was gigantic and it took me a long time to reach the light again!
So I asked for some respite and we came to the compromise that I would stay in King Harbor a few days longer.
Seriously I enjoyed being so close to him…I felt entirely happy.
I slept in a real bed in a small but comfortable cabin. I lived on solid food…not only junk food and coffee like before…we cooked together…all in all it was the paradise. But the best of all, I felt secure and finally at home!
5. The Start OF The PI Business
"Did you come to a decision Nick? Do you join the PI business?" Cody asked me two days later again.
"To be honest Cody…I cannot imagine it…I mean to spy out disloyal husbands doesn't sound promising to me! Who said if someone will hire us at all? I mean…I haven't the foggiest notion if there is a need at all!"
"Don't worry Nick…PI's are always required. We only have to make up a concept how we go on!"
"Uh, that easy…!"
"Come on, if the business doesn't work well, I can sail tourists out and you can make sightseeing flights with especially brave specimens! That will work in any case!"
Okay…he had hooked me now but I finally agreed after an unpleasant incident.
I was looking out for a suitable place in King Harbor to 'park' the Mimi. It shouldn't be too far away from the boat so that I had kind of surveillance…that was all very theoretical and just for the case that I would manage to make up my mind and join the PI business!
As I told you before I had inspected such a place nearby and was on my way back to the Riptide.
As soon as I was on board, I felt that something was wrong and when I entered the salon I became witness of a sturdy fight between Cody and a very furious stranger.
Cody didn't cut a fine figure and I had to intervene. The stranger and I exchanged a few unfriendly punches and at the end I threw him overboard!
"Is this your imagination of a successfully solved case Cody?"
"I don't know what is wrong with it Nick! His wife was my client and paid my fee. Nobody could have known that he would freak out like that!"
"Well Cody, how would you have reacted? Would you have sent flowers and a thank-you note to the person who had cooked your goose?"
"Probably not…but I like the idea!"
"Cody, seriously…if such an easy case ends up in a fighting like that…what will happen if you get into trouble with the real bad guys, uh?"
"Okay, it looks as if I could use a little help Pal!"
"That's exactly what I am thinking!"
Does it mean you'll stay and join the business?"
"Yeah… I guess so. But there is a condition attached to it!"
"Just name it Nick!"
"No sentimental stories…no divorce dramas no jealous husbands or wives and so on and so on! Nothing like that…do you think you could live with that?"
"You have my word of honor Nick…that is great, now we are partners…equal business partners!"
Nick:
That's how the whole thing started!