Dancing With Skeletons
A Seacht
"You know, most visitors come to Florida for the beaches, the clubs, hell, even Disneyworld," Jesse turned to his two companions, "but a decaying building that should have been demolished years ago, not so much."
They stood across the river from the old Miami Herald Building. It had been vacant for years as city planners and concerned citizen groups argued about its fate and the property's future. Without agreement and countless lawsuits, the place stood empty, a hulking reminder of the past.
Charlie peering through Sam's binoculars found what he was looking for. "There. That must be the spot where they made their exit." He passed them to Sam.
"Yeah. That's about right." Sam thought it was curious that this site made Charlie's Miami "To Do" list but he was happy to comply.
Charlie just stared for a while. "They could have really died here that day. I could have lost them all." Jesse and Sam caught each other's eyes, unsure on how to respond. Charlie gave it a final inspection and then turned toward the Charger, Sam and Jesse trailing behind. He slid behind the driver's seat, feeling a bit awkward on the wrong side of the car. He liked the feel of the vehicle, the power of the motor. He could easily see how Michael could have become quite attached to it and why his friends had preserved it.
Soon, they were on their way, Sam navigating. He was impressed by the youngster's confidence, not cowed by the traffic or the speed of the highways. Downtown slipped away as they neared their destination. A pall descended over the occupants of the vehicle in contrast to the deep green and bright flowers dotting the landscape.
"Turn left and park along the side of the road. We'll walk in from here." Sam gave his directions and then grew silent. All three were lost in their own thoughts. Both Sam and Jesse were frequent visitors here, unbeknownst to the other. Jesse often brought flowers, as he did today, in tribute to his surrogate mother. Sam would have liked to bring beer, sharing it with his friend as he so often did around her dining room table, but he refrained. Both men thought of Nate, a constant screw-up with a heart of gold, who together with ditzy Ruth had somehow produced this amazing young man.
He pointed toward the place where they were resting, Charlie leading the way. They were laid out all in a row, nearly the entire Westen family. This was the legacy Michael's involvement in the CIA had cost. A silver star on some wall little consolation for someone grieving for the people he would never know. A grandfather long dead that left scars on those closest to him. A father that he had no memories of, just a photo and some stories linking them together. A grandmother that he had slivers of memories about, a deep laugh, the scent of Nicorette gum, the warmth of a bedtime story. An empty grave- Michael Westen chiseled into the headstone. He felt a chill despite the Miami heat. A space meant for his da that would never be filled. The only one missing from this family plot was his mother, Ruth. Rehab had not worked for this tortured soul, the loss of her only son too great an agony. An overdose, accidental it was said, claimed her. She was laid to rest in Las Vegas where happiness had almost found her.
He dropped to his knees, crossed himself, and prayed silently. He thanked them for their sacrifice, he thanked them for his life, he thanked them for helping mold him into the man he was becoming, a man forever grateful to them all. He smiled as a sense of peace overcame him.
He wiped away a few tears and stood up slowly dusting off his knees. Soon he was flanked by Sam and Jesse. The tall man gently placed a bouquet of flowers on Madeline's grave, no words were necessary. The three stood as sentinels, the slight breeze rustling the leaves above them providing the only sounds about them.
Sam was the first to speak, "As much as miss Maddy, I sure don't miss her cooking. Chocolate cookies as hard as bricks. Salads with cigarette ash."
"Oh, man, you're complaining about the food, what about the air? That house was so thick with smoke you could cut it with a knife. It took my lungs two years to recover once I moved out." Jesse needed to add his own comment.
Both men continued to reminisce sharing stories and memories of the family that Charlie barely knew. The mood at the gravesite shifted from grief to celebration, giving flesh to the skeletons of Charlie's memories. There was soft laughter and warm thoughts but eventually it was time to say goodbye. Charlie made a final stop at each headstone, biding his family goodbye, a final word of thanks, and then turned away, his main quest complete.
Sam placed an arm around Charlie's shoulders as they headed toward the car. "Now, what else do you wanna see, you know, that doesn't involve babes or beer?"
"I have a few ideas." Charlie smiled. He took a final glance behind him before settling behind the wheel guiding the Charger homeward. Sam and Jesse provided guidance when they weren't arguing about the fastest route and how to avoid the traffic snarls of Miami and it's environs.
They hadn't gone very far when Jesse got a text. "Uh-oh."
"That Alina?" Sam asked.
"I gotta go. I forgot I had bath duty tonight." Jesse was furiously texting, responding to his better half.
"Bath duty?" Sam laughed heartily. "Oh, man, and you used to laugh at Mike and the potpourri."
Jesse was quick to set Sam right. "No! No! No! You will not rain on my bubble magic parade. You haven't lived until you've played mermaids and sea monsters." His smile indicated it was something he truly looked forward to.
Sam shook his head, "You really got to get yourself a boy! There's way too much estrogen in your house."
"I'll be sure to let Alina know you said that." He winked at Sam, and then spoke to Charlie. "We can pick this up tomorrow. Show you some of the other places you wanted to see. You two need to get a move on anyway. Aren't you having dinner with Elsa to welcome your 'nephew'?"
"Crap!" Sam checked his watch noting the time. Charlie found some open road and the Charger rapidly gained speed. Sam watched the speedometer hit eighty, initiating a warning to the driver. "Hey! You got a bit of a lead foot there, kid. Take it down a notch. Elsa wants us, you know, alive at the dinner. Who taught you to drive anyway?"
Jesse quickly pointed out the obvious, "You have to ask?"
"Fi!" All three spoke in unison. Laughter broke out in the car. Charlie was delighted that both men were willing to help him. He only needed one more day and he would have the answers he sought. He sighed contentedly. Everything was going according to plan! He could hardly wait for tomorrow!
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Across the ocean, night had already descended. They were wrapped in each other's arms, Michael softly gliding his fingers over her back, both contented in the warm afterglow. Fiona was beginning to drift off but Michael was awake, mulling over something in his head. He spoke softy, "You know, before Charlie left, he suggested that we should, uh, actually get married, go on a honeymoon."
Fiona's eyes popped open. "Did he now?" She shifted her body slightly without making eye contact. "And what did you say?"
"I told him we didn't want to rush into anything." Fiona turned her whole body toward him; a smile crossed her lips, which mirrored the one he wore.
"I suppose he's wanting to make an honest woman of me. Probably hates the idea of his saintly mother acting the harlot." Fiona was clearly enjoying this banter. Michael looked more serious. No quick reply came from him. She noted his expression and spoke from her heart. "Michael, if you think I need a document telling me what I already know, well, I don't. I don't need a piece of paper joining us together." She paused, resting her head on his bare chest. "After all, I have a 9 mm."
Michael relaxed slightly, "And a ring."
Fiona raised her left hand into view admiring the golden band she had worn for over fifteen years. "I do have a ring. Not an Asscher cut but it will definitely do." She smiled remembering the moment shortly after they arrived in Ireland when Michael surprised her with this unexpected gift. They were supposed to be a married couple; in many ways they were, but her barren ring finger told another tale, a glaring red flag to the world, to Charlie.
He had hesitantly presented it to her, "I thought you might like this. You know, for our cover." He had looked her lovingly, standing close, his smile warming her heart. Wordlessly, she held out her left hand, shaking ever so slightly. He slipped the band onto her ring finger, adding, "It will be nice being married to you, Mrs. O'Donovan."
"You, too, Mr. O'Donovan." Her heart nearly exploded with joy that day over this simple act with it's not so simple meaning. A bond forged long before had been sealed first with a ring and then with a kiss.
Fiona's thoughts turned back to the present as she considered Charlie's suggestion. "Honeymoon? Now that has possibilities." Michael grinned and pulled her closer. Sleep could wait a bit longer.
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"Now, remember, just try to say as little as possible. Keep stuffing food in your face and bow out early. Got it!" Sam gave Charlie some last minute advice before opening the door to the penthouse.
"Hey, Beautiful!" Elsa was lighting some candles, the finishing touches on the table set for dinner for three. Sam quickly went to his wife's side gently placing a kiss on her cheek. Elsa Axe was a formidable woman. A successful businesswoman operating a highly successful, upscale hotel on Miami Beach, she exuded power and confidence. Charlie was struck not only by her outward appearance, designer clothes, expensive jewelry, well maintained physique, but more importantly how she comported herself. Even more surprising, she had a genuine smile and a friendly manner that put him quickly at ease.
"Just in time. I'm so glad we could do this. I'm looking forward to getting to know you better, Chuck." Elsa moved toward Charlie, giving him a quick hug of greeting. "Shall we?" She pointed to the table laden with food, the aroma already causing his stomach to rumble with hunger.
Charlie took a deep breath, conscious to use his American accent, "Sorry to put you to any bother. This looks fantastic!" Elsa indicated that they all should sit. "Did you make all this?"
Elsa laughed heartily, "No, if I had made dinner you might have would up with grilled cheese and some canned soup. One of the perks of owning a hotel, you can call room service!"
Charlie caught Sam's eye who clearly wanted this meal to be over as soon as possible, but Elsa clearly had other ideas.
"So Charlie, tell me a little about yourself. Where in Michigan are you from?"
Charlie stopped mid chew, searching for something to say, eventually blurting out, "The mountains." It was the first thing that popped into his mind. He wasn't sure if it had mountains. In fact, he wasn't exactly sure where Michigan was located!
"On the upper peninsula then, it's beautiful there. You must spend a great deal of time on the beaches, as well." Elsa appeared to have some knowledge of the area.
Sam scowled but Charlie had a sense of relief. He did live on a peninsula where there were mountains and beaches. This was proving easier than he thought.
"And what do you do there, Chuck, do you have a job, go to school?" Elsa continued the questioning.
"I'm taking a gap year before I start university next fall." Charlie continued earring between questions, hoping to get his fill before Sam pushed him out the door.
"Which university?"
Sam laughingly jumped in, Charlie's mouth full of food, "Where do you think, baby, University of Michigan? Is there any other?" Lighthearted laughter filled the room but something about Sam's expression, how tense he seemed gave Elsa pause.
"So, how are you related- exactly? Nephew, you said?" Elsa directed the question to Sam, her eyes narrowing slightly.
Sam felt cornered. "Not really a blood relative. You know how you have buddies you're close to, how it feels like family? Well, Chuck here is the son of an old buddy from my military days." He hoped that would put her probing to rest.
"I see." Obviously, she did see something. Sam needed to get Charlie out of here before Elsa gleaned any more information. He kicked Charlie under the table who immediately took the not so subtle hint.
He gulped a last bite of food before starting to rise, "Dinner was grand but I'm completely wrecked. Jet lag." Charlie was hoping it would be an acceptable excuse but he notice Elsa turning toward Sam, an indefinable glare in her eyes. "T'anks again for a lovely meal but I'll be off." Charlie moved swiftly as goodbyes were murmured. He was anxious to get to the safety of his own room. As he moved swiftly down the hallway away from the scene, his path crossed with another, someone who was moving toward the penthouse.
Elsa's eyes never left Sam's. "T'anks? That boy's name is Chuck Finley as much as mine is!"
She paused waiting for an explanation, Sam growing increasingly uncomfortable under her gaze.
As their conversation became somewhat heated, neither noticed the door opening silently. Elsa's son, Evan, slipping in wordlessly, his presence not always wanted these days. He paused in the hallway waiting for their argument to conclude before announcing his unexpected arrival.
"Well, my guess is he is the son of your military buddy. He does live on a peninsula, just not in Michigan. And his name is Charles, he just doesn't go by the nickname Chuck." Sam said nothing, neither confirming nor denying her suspicions. "Really, Sam, Charlie Westen is actually alive and here in Miami?" Her eyes widened in surprise, incredulous that Sam would have kept it from her all these years.
"Charlie Westen." Evan remembered the name and the tragedy surrounding it. "Charlie Westen, alive, and in Miami." This type of information could prove useful. If his mother wasn't going to help him out of the jam he found himself in, maybe he could barter with someone who could. Things were looking up. He stood a little taller and walked into the room.
