Chapter 26

The morning mist was starting to burn off, and I could almost see the ocean in the distance, however, the roar was a constant presence. When Walter asked me to stay for another day, I could see no reason to say no. Thien was so sweet and when I said I’d stay an extra day, the joy on her face made me happy I was able to do something to bring out her great smile. We had a great time and for a whole day I hardly gave any thought to the houseboat or Slim or Price and Hollis. I had a one-day vacation, and it was wonderful.

It was now Wednesday morning, and I was sitting on Walter’s front deck with my feet up reflecting on how well he had done for himself. I thought about his lovely home and his sweet wife when Thien brought me a cup of coffee. I beamed at her thoughtfulness. “May I sit?” she asked as she smiled down at me.

“Of course, and thanks for the coffee.”

Her smile warmed me as much as the cup of coffee. It was easy to see why Walter was so in love with this delightful woman. “May I speak freely?” Thien asked.

“You’re silly, you know you don’t have to ask.”

“I’ve thanked you in the past, for what you did for Walter; and for me as well. I really don’t think it’s an exaggeration to say you saved his life,” I started to speak, but she raised her hand, “Hush. Please let me finish. Yes, I know he saved you back in the jungle and you feel a sense of obligation. Nevertheless, what he did was part of what he viewed as his job, what you did was out of love and concern. You’re a good man, Mr. Preston, and that’s why I want to talk to you. I see the sorrow in your eyes. You need a person in your life. I feel you have somebody, but you’re afraid to let her become a larger part of your life. True?”

I thought of Sharon and the changing relationship we were now going through. I nodded my head affirmatively at Thien. She continued on, “Do you love her?” I nodded. “Then why are you afraid of her? Why don’t you let her more into your life?”

This was becoming a difficult conversation. “Thien, I’ve had two previous marriages.” I paused, “And they didn’t go well ... either time. You don’t know this, but I’m a selfish man, and I’ve become set in my ways over the years. I live my life the way I want to, and I don’t want to change. I don’t think a lot of women out there would put up with me.”

“Do you feel you’re more difficult to live with than Walter?”

I thought about her question. Walter had come a long way because of Thien, perhaps she was even more instrumental in saving his life than I’d been. I guess it was a toss-up. But could Sharon put up with me? Could Sharon accept me the way I am, or could I change enough to make things work for her?

It was a long time before I tried to give Thien an answer. “I don’t know if we could make it work. At her job, she’s usually the one in charge, and I don’t know if she can put that aside when we’re together. I’ve been alone for so long it would be difficult to share with her what I’m doing in my life. I know I care more for Sharon than any other woman I’ve known. However, I don’t know if I could change enough to make a marriage work with her.”

“The fact you’d even consider changing for her is a step in the right direction. In the past would you consider changing for a woman?” I looked down at the deck as I shook my head no. “Then there’s hope,” and she laughed.

Walter stepped out onto the deck and asked if I was ready to head back. I said yes, but before we left, I gave Thien a hug. With her arms still around me, she leaned back, “Please bring your friend here. I want to meet her.”

“I’ll ask her.”

Thien put a slender finger on my lips to silence me and repeated herself, “Please! Bring your friend here. Please?” I nodded and smiled down at her lovely face. “Promise?” I nodded my head again. She mouthed the words “Thank you,” and then responded by giving me a strong hug.

Walter and I headed off in the morning dew, returning to the parking place where I’d left my truck. Our pace back was a lot faster than when we’d hiked up to the cabin. In a way, I was now in a hurry. I had more information before I came over to visit Walter, and because of that, I now had many things to do. I was finally starting to get a handle on things. I just hoped the handle didn’t fall off too quickly.

I’ve been around Walter enough and I can read his moods. When we got to the parking place, I could sense something was troubling him. I knew there was no point in asking him, he’d bring it up when he was ready and not before. After I put my stuff in the truck and collared BJ, I said I needed to go, and even though I knew better, I asked him if there was a problem. As usual, Walter was quiet for a spell as he gathered his thoughts.

“Matt, I don’t have a good feeling about any of this. Over the past two days I’ve told you how I feel. You know I want you to drop this whole business, but I can see you aren’t going to listen to me.” Walter took a deep breath and slowly let it out. “I think ... no, let me change that, I’m positive Hollis is crazy. Bat shit crazy and extremely dangerous. If you doubt my words, look at what he did to Price.” I started to say something, Walter held up his hand. “I know it was all part of an agreement they had, but face it, you have to be a little crazy to blow away your lover, regardless of what the two of you had planned, or promised to each other.”

Walter looked up into the sky as he started to speak, “I’ll be the first to admit I had...” He stopped and looked at me as he chuckled, “Well, I still have some problems, but Matt, Hollis should not be walking around in society. Please be careful. I might not show it very well, but I consider you a good friend and I don’t have many.” Another long pause, and I could see Water was embarrassed by his revelation.

Finally, he continued, “In North Seattle there’s a strip club called Robbie’s,” I nodded to show him I knew about the club. “I know a woman who used to dance there, and she knew Hollis and Price back in the old days. Well, I was aware her mother knew the two of them, and I think might have as well. If she’s still dancing, look for a woman who’s half Vietnamese and half white. I think her name is Lan. Sorry I can’t remember her stripper name, but maybe she could tell you where to look for Hollis.”

Again, there was a long pause, as Walter continued gathering his thoughts. “For some reason, I think she prefers only dancing during the day. Anyway, please be careful.” Walter was now speaking to the ground. I knew he was nervous about his disclosure about his feelings. Other than some therapy Walter might have received back at the VA hospital, this was as close as he ever got to talking about his intimate feelings about the things that happened back in the jungle.

I was touched by his concern, and I smiled at him. “Thanks, and I’ll be very careful. I promise. You go back and look after Thien. You’re a very lucky man. I envy you.”