The night ran on as Huck sped down the road. He checked the speedometer several times. Finally he turned into his driveway, kicking up gravel as he went. Once he arrived at home, he parked his Truck and climbed out.

Huck grabbed his Ipod and tucked it into his pocket. He looked to the back and made sure that Kelly was getting out of the bed without problems. Once she was down he closed the truck door and they headed for the house.

They went up the car park area and didn't even notice the blue Ford Explorer parked there. It had been a long day for both of them and all they wanted to do was sleep.

Huck made sure his brand new fitted red cap, with a number 8 on it, was in place when he opened the door. Kelly was the first one through as she bounded upstairs to her room and private bathroom.

As per his nightly custom, Huck walked around down stairs and checked that everything was okay. He went room to room; closing windows and making sure lights were off. Ever since his dad started to work crazy hours Huck had pretty much became the man of the house. Once Bobbi-Lee first moved out, initially college, then Wilmington, and finally New York, now he had to run the whole household.

He came up to his Dad's Den. The light was on in there. No one went into that room. This was their dad's personal space, the one place that he could retreat to and be alone. It was the holy of the holies.

Huck slowly opened the door and looked in. He's only come into this room to get the talks, speak with his dad about minor stuff and check the windows. Now as he crossed into the room he saw someone sitting in a recliner.

"Why are you standing their gapping?" the man in the recliner asked.

"Huh what?" Huck murmured out.

The man in the recliner stood up and looked at the tall teenager in the door, "Get over here and give your old man a hug," he said.

"Dad, you're not working?" Huck said.

Mr. Burke shook his head. "No Huck, I swapped so I can see my kids," he said, "Now get over here, Huckleberry."

Huck ran over and hugged his dad. Ever since his mom had died his dad was hardly home. His work ethic and his dedication to his children's future had kept him away.

"I missed you," Huck said, as they broke their hug.

"Huck, you know you can always visit."

Huck nodded. "I know."

"So how was the fourth of July?"

Huck smiled, "It was interesting. They are going to be filming a movie around here."

Mr. Burke chuckled, "They film movies here all the time."

"Yeah, but how many are based on one of Coach Scott's Books?"

Mr. Burke nodded shockingly. "Wow, cool. How do you know this?"

"I met the star; Coach Scott invited him over to the picnic."

Mr. Burke nodded. "Sounds cool, now where is Kelly?" he asked.

Huck shook his head, "She's already in bed. She ran right upstairs. I was just making sure the house was closed up for the night."

Mr. Burke nodded. "Well Huck, you can go on to bed, I'll be up for a while and I'll finish closing up. Maybe tomorrow we can go fishing."

Huck nodded, "Sounds like a plan."

Huck walked out of the room and Mr. Burke walked over to his desk. He sat down and looked at the picture on it. He knew he was missing out on a lot with his kids, but he had too made sure they were taken care of. Since their mom had died he knew the grim specter of death also was stalking him and was very close.

Mr. Burke stood up and grabbed his black hat and set it on his grey streak red head, and head out to the back porch, and a beer.