One Argument Too Many- Meetings

Laura and Remington landed in San Francisco close to dinnertime, and after eating a light supper, checked in at a hotel near Fisherman's Wharf. Laura then asked the desk clerk about the most popular sights. He mentioned the Golden Gate Bridge, of course, and then said,"I recently had a gentleman inquire about Pier 39- said he was looking for work- said he lived over on Lombard Street. I gave him a map of the city, and some bus schedules we offer here at the hotel."

Laura looked at Remington, and then said to the clerk,"Could you describe the man, please? I'm looking for a family friend, and was told he may have come this way.." The clerk said thoughtfully,"Well, he was about your friend's height, sandy brown hair, gray at the temples.."

Laura pulled out a photo from her wallet of her parents, and showed it to him, saying,"Is this him,by chance?" The clerk nodded,"Yeah- oh, he's older of course now, but that could be him.."

Laura said, "Thank you.. let's go, Mr. Steele!" Remington shook his head as they got in the car, and Laura said,"What?" Remington said,"C'mon, Laura! What are you going to do when you see him? Run to him, and say,"Hi, Dad, remember me? He's been gone quite a while, and didn't you say that your efforts to find the man came up empty years ago? "

Laura sighed,"Look, unlike you, I may have found my past, and I'd like to have closure on it-that's why we're here! But, if you want to go home to L.A., then by all means, be my guest! This only concerns me, anyway- I'm sorry I got you involved in the first place!.."

Remington sighed. It concerned him greatly that she was willing to take a chance like this, despite the obvious chance that it could be a hoax, but he couldn't stand it if his partner's heart was broken once more! He nodded,"Lead on, Miss Holt.."

Laura kissed his cheek. "Thank you- I know it may be like looking for a needle in a haystack, but I've got to try.." They went to the pier that the clerk mentioned, and began asking questions, but no one there recognized the man in the photo. It was getting late, so Laura and Remington headed to the car, and left.

Out of the dock area, a man who fit the photo description came out, and yelled,"Pete?! Where are you?!" The other man, who Laura was last talking to, said,"Right over here.." He went to his friend,and said,"Thanks for not tellin' em where I was.." His friend, Pete said,"Rick, what's goin' on? She looked real sad.." Rick, AKA Richard Holt, said,"It's better this way.." Rick had a coughing fit, and looked at his hand- he was spitting up blood, and said,"Pete, where's that clinic you told me about?.."

TBC